Category Archives: MurderMysteries

“Ava”, by Ashley Barron (Book One in the Priya Series)

Posted on April 19, 2014 | 2 comments

Ava by Ashley Barron

 

Ava is in Washington DC it’s warm and humid when she’s planning for a big event at a museum.  The museum her ex-lover owns which brings back the memories of the breakup. She’s also dealing with a call that says her main assistant who she relies on heavily, Adair MacLean, is missing.

From beginning to end this book is mysterious and Ashley Barron does a great job blending the old romance Ava’s character had with Kader and the mystery of Adair’s disappearance.

The story entitled “Ava” takes us on an adventure of intrigue and danger with many actors.  The Priya club (formed by college friends) adds depth to the tale.

I enjoyed Ashley Barron’s writing style and hope to soon be able to read Bonner’s story.

I bought my copy of the book from Amazon’s Kindle for iPad click on the link below:

 

 

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Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Ashley Barron, BookReviews, Books, Event Planner, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Priya Series, Professional Woman, Romantic Suspense

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“The English Daughter” by Lindsay Townsend

Posted on April 13, 2014 | 4 comments

The English Daughter Cover Image from an Internet Google search on the phrase: The English Daughter, by Lindsay Townsend

“The English Daughter,” by Lindsay Townsend is a beautifully written romantic suspense novel showing the same mastery of the genre as Phyllis A. Whitney in her novel “Hunter’s Green”.

How do I explain the significance of this style of writing?  Scenes so well crafted I can see the characters in my mind’s eye.  Flowing movement of the players in quiet desperation to escape an evil force that is not fully identified until the very end.

“The English Daughter,” is about life and death with a tender romance that heals Val’s self-image.  The love scenes are tasteful and allow for imagination – they are not the focus of the tale.  The mystery of Val’s dreams and the unknown killer is the purpose of the telling.

First, I traveled to Corfu in Val’s dream – vivid and dark, where she witnesses a crime she could not have seen.  Then I arrive in the beautiful Corfu – a place I’ve never been but feel as though I’ve been there through the brilliant depictions designed by Lindsay.

Beautiful landscapes, towns and intense sunlight is the backdrop where the crime was committed.  Lindsay also uses Val’s vocation of piano restorer in the narrative. She weaves the intricacies of restoring wood to its original unblemished state into the healing of her cast.

Why do I recommend this book to all that enjoy romantic suspense? The account of Val’s life and travels in the here and now and in her dreams brings fulfillment to me as a reader. All of Lindsay Townsend’s work has had this impact on me. Her writing is a reminder to me of why I love reading books. Examing her work now takes me back to the stories I read as a teenager finding ideas of stories I’d like to explore from my Grandma Effie’s book of the month club. When yarns were written to engage the reader and take them on an adventure of discovery. “The English Daughter,” is a story that appeals to all generations and all genders. I hope you take the time to look up this book and take a trip to Corfu.

I enjoyed the audiobook production of this story as well. The narrator, Michelle Ford, does an excellent job of telling the account. Her voice is very melodic keeping me absorbed in the descriptive tale as I listen to it over and over.

I bought the audiobook from the following source:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/english-daughter-unabridged/id547504841

Kindle e-book is available at the link below

Learn of other points of purchase at Lindsay Townsend’s blog:

http://www.lindsaytownsend.net/2008/04/english-daughter.html

4 Comments

Posted in Amazon, Amazon (Kindle), Amazon (UK), Amazon UK (Kindle), Audiobooks, BookReviews, e-book, Hope, Inspire, iTunes, Kindle, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Romance, Romantic Suspense

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“Hidden Away” by Maya Banks KGI Series Novel

Posted on March 30, 2014 | 2 comments

Hidden Away by Maya Banks Kindle e-book on Amazon

Garrett Kelly is sent on a mission to capture Marcus Lattimer – a man that had cost the lives of the very men sent in to save him years earlier. Its personal with Garrett – a point of honor to see Marcus pay for his treasonous acts. So when Resnick wants Garret to stake out Sarah Daniels, a pawn that will bring Lattimer out of hiding, he’s eager to take the assignment.

Here are some quotes from the beginning of Maya Banks’ “Hidden Away”:

“‘I’m so sorry, Marcus. It should have been me who killed him,’ she [Sarah Daniels] whispered.”….

“‘So where do I come in?’ Garrett asked.”….

“‘Yeah. He’ll [Marcus Lattimer] show. Sarah’s too important to him. She’s the only … thing he seems to care about in the world….'” [from Resnick]

Garrett senses a connection with Sarah from the beginning. He knows she’s been badly hurt but is torn. He must stay true to the mission – catch Marcus Lattimer.

Will his reasons for deception be enough to convince Sarah he had honorable intentions?

Harry Berkley delivers again with an emotionally charged reading of Hidden Away. The characters take on a new vivid life as I listen. Really first rate rendition.

Maya Banks tackles the tough topics in this story with grace and dignity. She gives the women in her stories difficult roles that they are well able to handle. I enjoy reading about strong women taking on tasks that have been given to men for far too long.

Maya also gives her male characters compassion and the ability to show their emotions. Garrett is powerful yet vulnerable which makes me admire him all the more.

“Hidden Away” is full of drama, mystery and romance. A great addition to the KGI Series. Hope you get a chance to read the book and/or listen to the audiobook. Happy reading.

I got my copy from One Click Digital provided by Hennepin County Library. It is also available via these links:

e-book:

audiobook:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/hidden-away-unabridged/id544976257

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Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, Hennepin County Library, HennepinCountyLibrary, Hostage/Kidnap, KGI Novel, KGI Series, MayaBanks, MurderMysteries, Mystery, OneClickDigital, Romance

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“The Darkest Hour” by Maya Banks

Posted on March 29, 2014 | 2 comments

AmazonImageofTheDarkestHourbyMayaBanks
Ethan Kelly believed his wife had been killed a year earlier.  He’s broken by the loss due to his sense of guilt over how they had last parted and subsequent awakening to how much he loved and needed her in his life.  Then suddenly he receives an envelope with information that contains a photo of a woman that looks very much like his late wife.  Could it really be Rachel and if so, how will they find her?

Here’s some quotes from Maya Banks’ “The Darkest Hour” from the opening chapter:

“The FedEx package lay to the side,….”

“He dragged out a stack of papers….”

“It was a photo of a woman, obviously a prisoner in some … jungle camp.  If Ethan had to guess, he’d place odds on South America or maybe Asia….”

“The woman looked remarkably like Rachel.  His wife, Rachel who was dead.”

Ethan believes the woman in the photo is his wife so the KGI team are called together to go on a rescue mission to get Rachel back.  It will be a fight like none they’ve ever done in the past.  Ethan is in a hurry so they go in with limited help but they all believe that the woman, could it really be Rachel, has limited time.

The narrator of the audiobook, Harry Berkley, does an excellent job bringing out the depth of emotions that Ethan is experiencing. Listening, you feel like you’re in the jungle fighting for your life. Very well written and produced on the audiobook side.

Maya Banks really gets to the root of the consequences of drug abuse and the many layers that go into making a marriage.  No matter your age or gender this book is written for anyone living the human experience.

I must stress the writing in this book was superb, so much emotional depth was given to the characters I feel like I’d know them if they walked up on the street.  Keep on writing, Maya Banks you have a gift for storytelling few ever master.

I listened to the One Click Digital audiobook from my local library, Hennepin County Library.  Thank you @HCLIB for having the greatest selection of audio and e books of comparable libraries of your size. Keep on doing what you do.

You may also get this title on kindle at this link:

Or Audiobook at this link:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/darkest-hour-kelly-group-international/id573395305

2 Comments

Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, Hennepin County Library, Hostage/Kidnap, KGI Novel, KGI Series, MayaBanks, MurderMysteries, Mystery, OneClickDigital

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Book Reviews – Melissa Style

Posted on March 28, 2014 | 2 comments

Hi Everyone,

Hope where you are the weather is getting milder, frozen North is still frozen but we have hope – around 40 today so all things are possible.

This is a note on my philosophy on book reviews.  I’m not doing my reviews for money or any sort of compensation – such as free books or other give a ways.

I’m doing my reviews because a librarian once told me to read only what you like when its for entertainment. So I read for enjoyment and hope you’ll be able to pick out books you’ll like based on my reviews.

Since I’m doing this as a way to share my likes you won’t see critical reviews on this site.  Sometimes I wonder why, with our finite time on earth, some feel it necessary to be critical.  You’ll accomplish much more by promoting and supporting authors you like and you’ll feel better when you’re sharing positive energy.

I do the same with any reviews on Amazon or iTunes where my user name is MissMed51.  In those cases it will cover reviews not only on books, but movies, TV or equipment I may need to buy.

This is my soap box talk for tonight – won’t promise never to do another post like this one but will if needed.  A good rule of thumb is this, if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.  Don’t know who said that but have been hearing it in one form or another all my life and whenever I follow the advice my life goes very smoothly.

Also, one should always remember, each of us has a bias where anything is concerned.  Know the books you enjoy reading and review those. There are many styles – find one that makes you say, yes, this is something I like.

Authors are making their living based on book sales – your opinion matters – make the most of it.  My wish is to help out a few authors while sharing my joy in having shared an imaginary world with them for the length of the book.  Hope you find something in what I write that helps you find your favorite book type that will lead to your next arm chair trip into the jungles of South America or the Carpathian Mountains in Europe. Take some time to travel.

2 Comments

Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, HennepinCountyLibrary, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, Hope, Hostage/Kidnap, Inspire, MurderMysteries, Mystery, Romance

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Why I Recommend “Delusion in Death” In Death, Book 35 by J.D. Robb Book & Audiobook?

Posted on March 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

What do you look for in a good mystery?

First thing I want is a complex crime that takes some time solving. I want a strong detective that thinks through their search in a way I can share. The criminal(s) needs to have some moves that keep police guessing.

These key elements are in every J.D. Robb story. “Delusion in Death” is no exception.

The crime is particularly nasty because friends are viciously killing friends, no apparent reason is on scene, and they are dying in very large numbers.  The time of the murders is also ironic – during Happy Hour.

Eve – a strong, smart female Lieutenant of Detectives at NYPSD – knows there’s more going on than just a bad day.  She starts her investigation with her usual style – all business. Her methodical search gives me a look into the criminal mind and the motives that drive them.

“Delusion in Death” brings out the best in Eve helping her learn more about how she thinks so I, as the reader, find insight into my own thoughts.  Always more than just the main story in J.D. Robb books.  When I study the story I acquire knowledge about human nature, what it takes to keep sanity on a job, and maintain a happy, healthy home life in a stressful career.

Give “Delusion in Death” a look – you won’t be disappointed.

Why try the audiobook? Because Susan Ericksen is the narrator of the series!  She creates characters I recognize from tone and inflection alone.  Emotions come out as the story unfolds.  Better than any old time radio drama by far.

The number one reason to try the audio J.D. Robb writes dialog that’s real (doesn’t describe every conversation with said, or asked, for examples – the text flows together without identifying every nuance of the speech).  You’ll never find yourself keying in on and counting phrases like “he said” or “she said” instead of what the book is about.

Where I buy J.D. Robb is at the following links:

Audiobook:

http://www.audiobookstanddl.com/51FA9AEE-1110-4CCE-AEDD-204FCE8C8D55/10/119/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=75779298-4189-4E72-8A3C-5505161828D1

My Favorite for Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb books, audiobooks and movies:

http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=X35DELUSIONmm

Book and Kindle:

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Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, BrillianceAudio, JDRBookReviews, JDRobb, MurderMysteries, Romance

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Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe to Host Nora Roberts Book Signing

Posted on March 15, 2014 | 2 comments

Link for event details and ordering website is https://TTPBooks.com

When:  Sat., March 22 from 12-2pm EST

Who:  Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb will be signing her work, along with fellow authors Mary Behre, Addison Fox, Cat Johnson, Erika Robuck & Tracy Anne Warren.

Books I bought through the excellent virtual signing option are:

SHADOW SPELL by Nora Roberts book 2 of the Series: The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy 2 (loved book one – looking forward to book 2).

THE ACCCIDENTAL MISTRESS by Tracy Anne Warren,

SPIRITED by Mary Behre, HE’S THE ONE anthology, with stories by Cat Johnson, Linda Lael Miller, Jill Shalvis,Luck Monroe and Kate Angell,

THE REEF by Nora Roberts (Special Offer),

CHANGE OF HEART by Nora Roberts (Special Offer),

THE MACKADE BROTHERS DEVIN & SHANE by Nora Roberts (Special Offer). 

I’ve been getting books from Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe since last July, safe and secure on the website and in person.  Check them out.

2 Comments

Posted in Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Historical Romance, HistoricalRomance, JDRobb, MurderMysteries, NoraRoberts, Romance, Uncategorized

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Recommend JD Robb’s Concealed In Death

Posted on February 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

I just finished listening to JD Robb’s Concealed In Death audiobook. Every book in the In Death series gets just a little better than the last. This one is no exception and very special in how Eve finds and handles the murderer.

What stays the same is how Susan Ericksen presents each character. Each one unique and easily discerned as I listened. JD Robb’s dialog is always flowing and adaptable to reading but Susan’s ability to give each character their own sound makes identifying them easy.

Brilliance Audio produces an excellent show that reminds me of the best of old time radio programs. Find downloads for purchase at http://www.audiobookstanddl.com.

I was also surprised to find the audiobook on iTunes which made my listening totally portable with great sound quality on my iPad. Here’s the link to buy https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/concealed-in-death-in-death/id804987806.

I’m a fan of the In Death Series and have all of the audiobooks that were made by Brilliance Audio. I do a marathon listening session every year, (since 2008) or so and always find something new to appreciate in the recordings.

What a gift – excellent writing and narration thanks to JD Robb – (Nora Roberts) and Susan Ericksen for their beautiful work on this series. I hope the books continue for a very long time.

To learn more about JD Robb books and her fans check out http://fallintothestory.com and https://www.facebook.com/jdrobbauthor. JD Robb also does book signings – see http://ttpbooks.com – Turn the Page Bookstore for scheduled events – signed copies are available virtually for those unable to attend in person in Boonsboro, Maryland.

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Posted in Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, BrillianceAudio, JDRBookReviews, JDRobb, MurderMysteries, SusanEricksen

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