Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

Under the Ashes: Murder and Morels by Charles Cutter is a clever and suspense-filled thriller with the good-looking but sometimes off-kilter Burr Lafayette as the lead character. Burr is an excellent lawyer but likes his Labatt beer a little too much and sometimes gets his wires crossed by mixing business with pleasure–to the utter dismay of his two loyal and supportive associates; Eve, his legal assistant, and Jacob, co-owner of their law firm, Lafayette and Wertheim. However, they have full confidence in his ability to find justice. The firm’s new client, Mrs. Molly Fagan, recently widowed wife of radio station owner Nick Fagan, hired them for what should be an open-and-shut case and is anything but. What follows a rollercoaster ride of lust, revenge, power, and Burr at his finest.

Under the Ashes: Murder and Morels was entertaining from beginning to end. The dialogue was crazy and witty; there was never a dull moment. The pace kept me on my toes, and the plot was well thought-out; just when I was sure I knew the culprit, Cutter found a new angle, and I was back to square one. The way Cutter constructed each character was great, unique, and relatable, and Zeke the Lab was adorable. Burr is good at what he does, and Cutter easily draws out the character, making him likable even with his unorthodox ways. I recommend Under the Ashes to those who love mystery thrillers, bizarre protagonists, and courtroom dramas.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Empty Kayak by Jodé Millman is a mystery with a difference. Olivia and Kyle are kayaking along the Hudson River when a storm rolls in out of nowhere. While Olivia finds her way back to shore, her fiancé, Kyle, doesn’t. Detective Ebony Jones arrives at the river to help them, but discovering who the missing man is sends shockwaves through her. He’s her best friend’s ex-boyfriend, and Jessie and Kyle share a daughter. Ebony must investigate the mystery of what happened to Kyle; while Jessie seeks justice, neither woman is prepared for what they will face. Lies, betrayal, and earth-shattering secrets will drive a wedge between everyone involved, but Ebony and Jessie need to uncover the truth, no matter what. Will they learn what happened to Kyle? Will the truth tear them apart? And where does Olivia fit into everything?

The Empty Kayak by Jodé Millman is a wonderfully tense mystery with a strong focus on relationships and careers destroying lives. Although it is a police procedural novel, it is more about the personal and emotional aspects. It is part of a series, but I found it easy to read as a standalone novel. Although the characters are well-developed, reading the first two books in the series will provide an even better understanding of the two main protagonists, Ebony and Jessie. It has a unique storyline, and the tension builds with every page, reeling you in to discover the truth behind Kyle’s disappearance. The suspense draws you deeper into this gripping tale; you won’t put it down until you’re done. Of course, then you’ll want to read the rest of the series to get to know these fantastic characters better.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Perfect Brother by Chris Patchell is a murder mystery with a twist. The story follows Indira Saraf who was used to living in the shadow of her perfect brother, but she loved him too much to resent him. Coming from a traditional Indian family where boys were always better than girls, Indira knew that her job as a software engineer would never match up against college professor Amar Saraf. However, the perfect image of Amar was shattered when he was arrested for the murder of Mallory Riggins, his student and his lover. But Indira believed Amar was innocent and was simply being framed. She used her skills to look into the murder and hunt for any clue that could prove to be Amar’s salvation. But could Indira do it all before she became a victim herself?

I sympathized with Indira a lot. I understood why she fought so hard to gain her parents' praise and tried to compete with her brother without resenting him. Coming from a subcontinent household myself, where the male child always is the priority, I could understand her dilemma. But she loved Amar and that showed in how hard she worked to clear his name. Chris Patchell did wonders with this story. I would not have guessed who was behind the murders for the life of me. Realizing the identity of the killer was a guessing game, but I had no idea who it was until the climax. The details were fantastic and vivid, the dialogues were realistic, and the characters were wonderfully human! It doesn’t get better than this!

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Blood on the Bayou by Douglas J. Wood is a thriller of note. New Orleans’ French Quarter is plagued by a serial killer. The Bayou Slasher slits the victim’s throat, carves 3 X’s on the forehead, puts a wooden cross in their hand, and normally leaves no evidence at the scene. The police find DNA at the latest one and arrest the man they believe to be the killer. All the signs point to someone steeped in Voodoo. This is when Agent DiMeglio from the FBI contacts them to inform them they have the wrong man. As one of the best profilers, he uses his skills to uncover the motives for the murders and also discover who the true killer is.

Douglas J. Wood has created an amazing pot of Cajun cuisine of his own with just the correct amount of information in Blood on the Bayou. I was intrigued from the very first bite. The assortment of characters was a perfect blend, and the dialogue was just informative enough to keep me speculating as to who the real killer was for the entire time. With each glorious bite, I found myself wanting more. I would gladly recommend this book to more mature readers due to the violent content of this story. The psychological aspect is also interesting, especially with the ever-present curiosity concerning the serial killer’s mindset. This book will have you guessing over and over in different directions. When you reach the end, you will be guessing even more.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Within the span of about 24 hours, Dan Wilcox finds that his mother has been murdered, his long-lost father is dead, and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead has had a fatal heart attack. It is the last of those three that finally makes him cry. And so begins Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died by Paul Sanders. The book weaves between the events of Dan's childhood that led to his separation from his sister and mother, his father's abandonment, and his meaningful relationship with his brother Mark. Dan's youth is fraught with abuse, neglect, and outright contempt from those whose love is of the utmost importance. All of this is hinged on the fact that his mother's murder looks a lot like it was done by him. Dan has no recollection of what transpired. While on the run, Dan seeks answers, and the backstory of his life and that of his family unfurls itself, painting a picture of a troubled man who finds professional redemption but still grapples with the ghosts of the past, who is in the biggest trouble of his life once again.

"The Grateful Dead tune playing right now? It's called, Mama Tried. Want me to turn it up?" There is a scene where Dan's mother nearly kills his sister Louise in a violent rage that is absolutely heartbreaking, and as a reader, I had this uncomfortable moment where I was convinced that Mom deserved to have a knife thrust into her horrible neck. This is when you know a novel is an excellently crafted piece of literature as the ability to justify a violent death is no easy feat, but Paul Sanders gets the job done in Victim or the Crime. Based on the title, I expected going in that the events would be replayed in their entirety within a courtroom setting and through the primary point of view of a juror. I understand now the significance of the title but readers should note, to the book's extreme benefit, that this isn't the case (no pun intended). The point of view is largely omniscient when Dan's childhood is depicted, wherein scenes like the one mentioned occur in detail and Dan is then called from upstairs. These are the retellings that have the feeling of being for a juror's benefit, but from Dan's perspective, we do experience his search for answers, which happens alongside his therapist Diana who becomes a fugitive with him. Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead are never too far off in the background, and this murder mystery is one of the most beautifully twisted works I've read this year. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite

The fourth novel in the Myrtle Beach Mystery series, Death on the Causeway moves forward with the life of Clark Thomas, a widower, author, bookstore owner, and solver of murder mysteries. Clark gets pulled into solving a mystery when he stops to help out an attractive young girl stranded far from Louisiana. Shelly had been abandoned at a coffee shop on the 501 in Conway by her boyfriend, Brian. The two were food bloggers who had traveled the country reviewing various restaurants, making their final stop in Myrtle Beach before returning to Louisiana and a life together in the corporate world. Following a series of leads, Clark and Shelly do their best to track down Brian, hoping to find the answers to why he left her behind, but there is a lot more to the story than Clark could have imagined when he stopped to help the stranded girl. Once again, Clark puts his life in danger and has another murder to solve as he unravels several combined mysteries.

Caleb Wygal hits another out-of-the-park novel with Death on the Causeway. Whether new to the series or stepping in for the first time, you’ll be hooked. Clark’s troubled vulnerability and kindness drew me in immediately. I wanted him to have answers to his wife’s death and yearned for him to hook up with Gina Gomez, a steadfast heroine throughout the series. Even Shelly’s innocence had me hoping she’d get the answers she sought, which plays right into the sinister plot of a murder mystery that will keep you guessing from start to finish. Captivating, intriguing, and brilliantly laid out, Death on the Causeway is teeming with the intensity that mystery readers thrive on.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Islamorada Murders is the tenth novel in the Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian Crime Mystery series by Owen Parr. Investigators Joey and Marcy Mancuso were on a well-deserved vacation at Islamorada, Florida Keys, when something strange transpired. A weirdly dressed man came up to them and asked them to do something baffling - he wanted Joey and Marcy to investigate his murder. This strange yet intriguing case was enough to lure them in. However, things became terrifying when people went missing or were found murdered. The turning point occurred when bodies started appearing. Their stranger was considered the prime suspect. What were Joey and Marcy going to do without their team? Getting help from the local police and detectives was all very well, but was this case too complicated for the detective duo?

I love this series! Owen Parr makes that sure each of the novels in the series is entertaining and stands out. The Islamorada Murders are intriguing from the very first chapter. From the moment the stranger was introduced in his suspicious clothing, I knew he was either bad news or the man of the hour. I loved the cohesive yet very persuasive way Marcy and Joey handled this case. They were out of their element, but they worked well as a team. I loved the pace and the dialogues, and Joey’s dry sense of humor was the highlight of the series for me. The mystery behind the murders was fantastic and handled remarkably well. I was invested and didn’t want to stop. The banter between Tico and Jote was hilarious yet their teamwork was outstanding. Once again, a job well done!

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

The Itch of Murder by Christa Nardi is a fast-moving murder mystery that is solved by ordinary everyday people. It captures the reader's attention from the opening chapter right to the last one, which leaves the reader wanting more stories about the Di Sante family. It is written in such a way that will make the reader look forward to the next book as the twist in the tale at the end is very interesting and unusual. The characters lead the reader through the story with the ease of people very familiar with the world of solving murders. The main characters are Chloe and Izzie Di Sante and they are surrounded by friends and family, and victims – Chance Corcoran, Henry Jacobs, Kathleen Lucci, Evan Wheeling, Heather, Patrick Channin, Ryan, and many more. They are all part of this fast-moving story.

The author, Christa Nardi, makes good use of her characters and sets the pace of the story, allowing them to guide the reader through the many twists and turns and unexpected happenings in the most normal manner as if it is part of everyday life. Each character has their place in the story and is used to their fullest extent which makes the reader wonder about their lives as well. I found The Itch of Murder: An Izzie Di Sante Mystery to be a very light but delightful read and really enjoyed it. It is a book well worth reading. Thank you for an interesting and unexpected story, Christa; a very good read.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker is the first installment of a planned paranormal romance trilogy set in the times of King Arthur, the fabled High King of England. Issylte is the only heir to the throne of Ireland and at fourteen is just realizing her future role as the Emerald Queen when her father, the king, chooses to remarry in an attempt to ally with the King of Scotland. His new bride, the evil Morag, is determined to rid herself of her problematic stepdaughter, kill the king, and claim the Irish throne as her own. Issylte narrowly escapes the queen’s plot and discovers her latent magical powers, living deep in the Irish forests with a fairy witch who teaches her how to develop her newfound prowess as a healer and a seer. Tristan of Lyoness was the heir to his family’s throne in the Scilly Isles when he witnesses his entire family’s murder by marauding Vikings. Placed with his Uncle Marke, the King of Cornwall, Tristan grows up to be one of the most feared knights of the realm and is proclaimed Marke’s champion and heir. Sent to train with and ultimately join King Arthur as one of the fabled Knights of the Round Table, Tristan meets and befriends Sir Lancelot, Arthur’s premiere knight and champion. Tristan and Issylte embark on separate adventures, little knowing that fate and the Goddess will one day bring them together to rescue their respective kingdoms from the evil Queen Morag, her Viking cohorts, and dark, magical dwarves.

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is everything I would expect a novel of Arthurian times to be and more. Author Jennifer Ivy Walker has skillfully taken the world that we generally know through stories of King Arthur and concocted an exciting and wonderfully twisting world of chivalry, romance, battles, and magic. The two distinct and separate strands of the story wind their way beautifully to their obvious conclusion on the island of Avalon where the stage is perfectly set for the next iteration of this fascinating and compelling story. I particularly appreciated the author’s skill in blending the magic and the paranormal with the everyday existence of mere mortals. The battle scenes are realistic and bloody as one would expect in any knight’s tale but the romance and the passion of the characters are developed superbly and will have readers turning pages relentlessly to discover the next thrilling chapter of this story. The story is beautifully set up for the next stage of the journey and one is also left with the feeling that we have not heard the last of some of the characters that are left behind. Camelot, this period of history in Britain, tales of druidic magic, and the “little people” of the forest are shrouded in mysticism and fable, yet this author manages to combine all of these aspects in a thoroughly readable novel that seems plausible and believable. This is a real credit to her and I salute her for this first installment. I will be waiting greedily for the next iteration of this adventure and the further exploits of the characters I have grown to admire and love. I can highly recommend this book as one of the best stories I have read this year.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Heart of War by Lisa Beth Darling is the first book in the mythological dark erotica Of War series. Accused of a dreadful crime, Ares, the formidable War God of Greek lore, lives in solitary confinement on an isolated island, guarded by humans and attended by female servants. His life is disrupted when a mystical fey woman, Magdalena MacLeod, appears mysteriously on his island. With no recollection of how she arrived, she captivates Ares who renames her Alena. Her presence intrigues him further when he discovers her chastity belt engraved with the insignia of Cernunnos, the Celtic God of Forest and Death. An unexpected deal takes shape: Alena's maidenhead for Ares' protection. As this bond grows, Ares confronts the choice between his estranged divine family, his self-worth, and his newfound attachment to Alena, all while the Olympians and Cernunnos are closing in.

In The Heart of War, Lisa Beth Darling delivers no-holds-barred erotica laden with extreme violence, attributed to a horrific curse, that carries out with the hope of an eventual romance. Ares is an absolute brute with a private harem full of women who are obsessed with him, and the resilient Alena, and they are the ultimate unlikely pair. Their chemistry unfolds and through alternating points of view, Darling develops a diverse cast that includes Ares' Olympian family. The trigger warnings for sexual violence against women and children, and incest, are the standard fare for books of the genre. Darling isn't writing to please everyone, just genre lovers who will find this story ticks all the boxes. I genuinely appreciated the detailed backstory provided, given that this is not intended to be a one-hit-wonder. We have time for real evolution of character and Darling very effectively sets the stage for a promising series.