Blog Archives
Robin’s Way
Robin’s Way offers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative centered on 28-year-old Reverend Robin Topham. As a female clergy member in contemporary UK society, Robin faces a maze of challenges that push her to the limits of her faith and personal values. With courage and determination, she defies scrutiny from those who question her evolving sexuality while dedicating herself to the perilous mission of helping women trapped in human trafficking. Robin’s unwavering resolve drives her to risk her own safety time and again, fiercely protecting and rescuing those in need. At the same time, she navigates the internal struggles of maintaining celibacy and virtue, adding a deeply human layer to her complex character.
Kate Robins and Artemis Taylor have penned an eye-opening story. It sheds light on the double standards imposed on women and the unique struggles faced by queer individuals, especially when intersected with religious expectations. The authors don’t shy away from hard truths, providing a critical lens on the societal norms that still challenge gender and sexual identity today.
The writing is exceptional and gripped me from the first page. The narrative dives deep into Robin’s world, blending action with introspection. I initially anticipated the book would delve more extensively into the harrowing stories of the women Robin is dedicated to saving from human trafficking. While these themes are present, they often take a backseat to Robin’s journey of self-discovery and sexual identity. The focus on this exploration is both meaningful and essential but, at times, I think it felt overemphasized. I felt the intensity of these discussions overshadowed other aspects of the story, though that could come down to personal preference.
The characters are brilliantly crafted. Robin Topham stands out as an intelligent, perceptive, and fiercely determined protagonist. Her resilience and willingness to confront her inner turmoil make her both admirable and relatable. The supporting cast adds vibrancy to the narrative with each character uniquely contributing to Robin’s world and her ongoing struggles.
The novel ends with an excellent setup for future books, and I’m already eager to follow Robin’s continuing journey. The groundwork for further installments is laid beautifully, and I’m curious to see the challenges she will face next and the strength she will draw upon. Robin’s Way is a thought-provoking and well-crafted story that leaves readers invested in Robin’s path and eager for more.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0DJ1R17HM
A Hush at Midnight
In A Hush at Midnight, Marlene M. Bell crafts a fast-paced and suspenseful murder mystery that plunges celebrity chef Laura Harris into a nightmare. Accused of the brutal murder of her confidant and mentor, Hattie Stenburg, Laura finds her life spiraling out of control. The headlines splash her name and the accusation everywhere, and the question haunts us: how could someone like Laura, admired and celebrated for her culinary genius, end up at the center of such a dark scandal? As everything around her unravels, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Laura Harris is a powerhouse of resilience. Her journey through false accusations and the fight to clear her name is inspiring. Despite the crushing weight of public scrutiny, she pushes forward, showing incredible strength and determination. I found myself rooting for her at every turn. Laura emerges from her ordeal not just stronger but transformed, and it is impossible not to admire her grit. She quickly became my favorite character, a testament to Bell’s skill in crafting a compelling and relatable heroine. The plot had me hooked from the very start. Every twist and revelation pulled me deeper, refusing to let go. I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages, desperate to piece together the mystery. Bell’s narrative keeps the suspense high and the action relentless, making the book nearly impossible to put down. As I read, the story’s rhythm kept me constantly engaged. The way the tension built and unfolded made for an utterly consuming reading experience. But it’s not just the plot that stands out. Bell’s writing style is another highlight. She writes with a vivid and immersive quality that brings every scene to life. Her descriptions are rich and detailed, making the atmosphere almost tangible. As someone who deeply appreciates the craft of writing, I was impressed by her ability to paint such a vivid picture with words. Her prose pulls you right into Laura’s world, and it’s clear that Bell has a gift for creating a setting that feels as real as the characters.
Marlene M. Bell proves herself to be an exceptional novelist. Her storytelling captivates, her characters resonate, and her writing elevates the entire book. I highly recommend A Hush at Midnight to anyone searching for a gripping, well-written mystery. If you’re a fan of thrilling plots and strong, enduring protagonists, this novel will not disappoint. Bell has crafted a story that stays with you long after the final page.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0DFWW9GWF
The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill: A Small Town Cozy Mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill by S.A. Reeves. Set in the charming town of Belper, UK, the story revolves around Gemma Curtis, the owner of a cozy bookstore called The Bookworm, and her witty shop assistant turned sleuthing partner, Mavis Rawlings. Together, they’re brainstorming ways to revitalize their business, and a book signing with local author Dominic Westerly seems like the perfect idea—until Dominic unexpectedly dies upon arriving at the shop. What starts as a promotional event quickly turns into a mystery, with Gemma and Mavis attending Dominic’s funeral and finding themselves drawn deeper into the secrets of his life and untimely death.
While I found the core mystery compelling, there were times when the sheer number of subplots and characters felt overwhelming. Alongside Gemma and Mavis’s sleuthing, there are multiple storylines involving characters like El Amir and Elena, Annie and Ramone, and Sarah and Hans. The abundance of secondary characters made it challenging to keep track of everything, and at times, I felt lost in the complexity of their intertwined lives. However, I did appreciate the depth of Elena’s character, particularly her strength and independence as she navigated her personal journey. The romance in the book also added an interesting dynamic, especially the relationship between El Amir and Elena, whose love story brought a heartwarming element to the mystery. El Amir’s willingness to risk his life for Elena gave the story a touch of drama that I enjoyed, and seeing love triumph in the end was satisfying.
The ending of A Bitter Pill wraps up many of the key storylines neatly, yet it leaves just enough intrigue to suggest there could be more mysteries to come. Overall, while the multiple threads made the story occasionally hard to follow, I loved how everything came together in the end, and the book delivered a satisfying conclusion that left room for future adventures. For fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of romance, this one is worth the read.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0D9W3VBGG
Rapid Death
Rapid Death by Julie Titterington centers on the investigation into the deaths of Jessica and Megan Kinneman. A detective named Joe and Jane, a doctor and businesswoman, team up to investigate if the deaths are accidental or if there is a murder on the loose. Jessica and Megan’s bodies were recovered from the river on different days, with each having a different cause of death: one was strangled, and the other drowned. Initially, the drowning was ruled an accident, but further investigation revealed both girls were murdered. During the course of the investigation, two more deaths occur with no arrests made because three of the perpetrators are dead, and one is protected by a powerful individual.
Set in Desert Pines, Rapid Death is the second installment in this compelling, cozy mystery novel series. The author takes readers deep into the theme of emotional control. The plot uncovers that most deaths in the story are driven by anger. Megan, a thief in debt, is not killed by the mobster she stole from or the business owners she owed money to; instead, her killer is provoked by her unapologetic attitude and perceived lack of remorse. Similarly, Jessica’s killer is driven by feelings of betrayal and anger. Both perpetrators allow their emotions to dictate their actions, leading them to murder instead of rationally addressing the situation. Titterington skillfully explores the destructive power of unchecked emotions. However, there are moments in the narrative where the “show, don’t tell” technique could have been better utilized to allow readers a deeper connection to the character’s motives. This is a minor drawback to the well-organized and executed plot surrounding the mystery.
Rapid Death by Julie Titterington is a gripping mystery that keeps readers engaged with its intricate plot and exploration of emotional turmoil. Titterington’s storytelling prowess is evident, and the character-building is well done. This cozy mystery novel is a captivating and engaging read for mystery enthusiasts.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0CD7J42BH
There’s No Cure for Impossible
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s There’s No Cure for Impossible presents a captivating tale centered around Selena Lawrence, a news industry professional grappling with the fallout of her past relationships. The story kicks off with Selena discovering that her former boyfriend-loving, drama-prone friend Mila is embroiled in scandalous headlines. Anticipating a plea for help from Mila, Selena tries to distance herself from the impending chaos. However, her attempts to stay away are futile, as she finds herself increasingly entangled in Mila’s web of complications. The pressing question becomes whether Selena can break free from Mila’s toxic influence before it’s too late.
Quinn excels in creating detailed and unique characters, each with their own compelling narrative. Selena, the protagonist, is vividly portrayed, eliciting empathy from the reader as she navigates her dilemma. The portrayal of Mila, a magnet for drama, adds layers of tension, while the dynamic news crew injects further intrigue and excitement into the plot. The novel’s tone strikes a perfect balance between upbeat and suspenseful, maintaining a pace that keeps readers fully engaged. Quinn’s storytelling shines through in memorable scenes—from Selena’s desperate hideout in a hotel to the riveting moments when the news crew uncovers her connection to Mila. The book is packed with drama and surprises, culminating in a shocking conclusion that defies expectations.
There’s No Cure for Impossible is a thoroughly enjoyable read, with no shortage of excitement or twists. Quinn’s adept character development and gripping narrative make this novel a standout. I eagerly anticipate more works from this talented author.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0D8KJJRMB
Not Going to Jail
Framed for Murder follows a cat burglar framed for murder who seeks help from an old acquaintance now running a B&B in a small mountain town. What inspired the setup of your story?
Two weird coincidences, actually. Poppy started out as a nameless character in the first book of the series, “The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder”. My editor said she’d like to see her in the next book and it was already in my head to do it, so it seemed like kismet.
Real life inspired the opening scene. My friend and I were staying at a nice hotel along the coast six or seven floors up, but the drop to the ground was a lot further because the resort was built on a hillside. In the middle of the night, a stranger parkoured across our balcony and just kept going. It was so bizarre I knew I had to use it in a book!
Mel and Poppy are old adversaries from Mel’s previous life as a police officer. What inspired the characters and their relationship?
I’ve always loved stories where enemies have to work together toward a goal and find out they’re not so different after all. From “Toy Story” to “Terminator 2” to “Pirates of the Caribbean” or “Good Omens”, it’s always such a fun dynamic when the two become friends. (Jack Sparrow and Crowley are part of the inspiration behind Poppy.) Or in the case of Les Mis (semi-spoiler alert if you’ve never seen Les Mis) finding common ground drives one of them to take drastic measures. For a while, Mel isn’t sure which way it’s going to go for her!
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
One of the joys of being a mystery writer is that when real people piss you off, you get to kill them and not go to jail—LOL! So I knew who the victims were and how they were going to die before I started writing. I typically outline the story in broad strokes before I start, but it usually ends up taking on a life of its own about halfway through.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
It’s still a work in progress, but I believe Mel is going to drag Deputy Gregg Marks off the mountain down to her old turf in LA. They need to follow up on some clues to help Jackson out of a bind. Since Jackson and Gregg are rivals, I’m clearly obsessed with exploring enemies begrudgingly helping each other out!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The situation gets complicated, however, when the ruggedly handsome Deputy Sheriff Gregg Marks flirts with Mel, bringing him dangerously close to the criminal she’s hiding. And just when her friendship with café owner Jackson Thibodeaux blossoms into something more, he’s offered the opportunity of a lifetime in New Orleans. Should she encourage him to go, or ask him to stay? Who knew romance could be just as hard to solve as murder?
Framed for Murder
Framed for Murder by Marla A. White offers a charming blend of cozy mystery and light romance reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. The story centers around Mel O’Rourke, a former police officer who now operates a bed and breakfast in the picturesque mountain town of Pine Cove. Despite a previous murder incident at her establishment, Mel finds her new life settling into a comfortable rhythm—until Poppy Phillips, a notorious cat burglar, arrives seeking refuge from a botched burglary. This complicates matters, especially with a local deputy sheriff who has romantic designs on Mel and could threaten Poppy’s safety.
White’s novel is a delightful foray into the cozy mystery genre, echoing the quaint and engaging qualities of Agatha Christie’s work. The narrative is well-paced, maintaining a balance that is neither too intricate to follow leisurely nor too simplistic to solve prematurely. This equilibrium ensures a pleasurable reading experience that is engaging without being taxing. The real allure of Framed for Murder lies in its characters. Mel O’Rourke, with her law enforcement background, serves as a stabilizing voice of reason amid the colorful cast of secondary characters. Her grounded presence contrasts effectively with the vibrant and sassy contributions of figures like Grandma O’Rourke and Poppy Phillips. The latter’s flair and mystery are so compelling that they could easily be the focus of a spin-off, exploring her adventures and backstory in greater depth.
Marla A. White’s Framed for Murder is an enjoyable read, perfect for those looking to unwind with a book that combines mystery, charm, and a touch of romance. Whether you’re cozying up at home or basking in the summer sun, this novel is a wonderful companion.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0D18C415T
Lifelong Love of Mysteries and Thrillers
Float the Boat follows a former aid worker who finds himself amid a global scandal after he finds his former colleague murdered and is accused of being an infamous serial killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Memories of days gone by inspired me.
In Float the Boat, half the story and the first of a series of murders take place in a former Vietnamese refugee camp in Indonesia. During the 80s, I worked in such a camp on Galang Island, Indonesia. We ran an educational program for refugees bound for the States and taught our students survival English, cultural orientation, and pre-employment skills, all to facilitate smooth assimilation into the US. Life in the remote island camp, located only a few miles from the Equator, was extremely stressful, with long work hours, a harsh environment, and the ever-present swirl of corruption and geopolitics. The maps I created bring some of this reality home to the reader. Of course, since the book opens in Washington, DC, some six weeks after Harvey Weinstein’s exposure, headlines from those days and after provided more raw material.
In summary, then, real life minus the tedious parts inspired me, and then I added in a dash or two of the extreme!
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In real life, nobody is wholly good or bad. I modeled my characters on real people and placed them in realistic situations and conflicts. Nick Harmon, my protagonist, is a prototypical Everyman not without warts and quirks who finds himself in dire straits. Once before, he went all-in to save his life and now, confronted by dilemma after dilemma, he’s prepared to risk it to pursue the truth and save his skin. Adnan Sulaiman, my antagonist, is one bad cookie but has positive aspects, like personal magnetism, that rocketed him to fame and fortune. Even my serial killer has a soft side. Once I placed the characters in the arena, I let the famous quote from either Edmund Burke or John Stuart Mill, that “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing,” drive the plot.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I’d like to mention three experiences. First, a lifelong love of mysteries and thrillers determined my genre. Next, I’ve spent almost a quarter of my life living in Indonesia, Japan, and Korea, and that experience fuels the stories I want to create. Last, I came to writing late in life. This is my third career, following one in the NGO world and another in strategic purchasing, and I see the wisdom in Mark Twain’s quote “Write what you know.”
Is there a second book planned?
Yes, and thank you for teeing that up for me! Nick Harmon will return in a stand-alone Mystery-Thriller sequel. A new client has a unique need, and he gets entangled in another thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns and murder, and set in Ohio and Japan. The release target is Summer 2025, and I’ll make an update on my website later this coming spring.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
Adnan Sulaiman’s latest deal will make real estate history. But the Indonesian billionaire now stands accused of murder. Not by DC police, by a dead woman he never met and a cabal of media loudmouths. The bad news goes global fast. One partner bails, others waiver, and protesters mass at headquarters. He’s in the fight of his life and won’t back down.
Detective Steve Caine designates Nick the key suspect and Sulaiman a longshot. But is either man the elusive serial killer? Troubling inconsistencies mount, and unanswered questions dog him. Then a reporter breaks news about crucial evidence. One murderer or two? And if the Surf Club Killer’s in town, when will he carve another wave?
