Blog Archives
Calypso Blue: A Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean Mystery
Calypso Blue is a murder mystery set on the lush and vividly imagined Caribbean island of St. Pierre. The story follows Len Buonfiglio, a former New York bartender turned island bar owner, who is reluctantly drawn into a local web of secrets, violence, and intrigue after the suspicious death of Lord Ram, a beloved calypso legend. As the island buzzes with rumors and buried histories start to surface, Len navigates local culture, his own past, and a cast of unforgettable characters to piece together the truth. All the while, the book pulses with the rhythm of soca, rum punch, and the heady, sometimes seedy charm of island life.
The writing is slick, confident, and casually poetic in spots, with Silverman painting scenes that feel both intimate and expansive. What stood out to me most was the deep emotional undercurrent. Len isn’t your average amateur sleuth. He’s haunted, tired, and trying hard not to admit how much he cares. I found myself rooting for him even when he seemed too worn out to root for himself. And the dialogue is sharp, funny, and soaked in local flavor. It felt real, not forced. The island, with all its beauty and bite, practically becomes a character in itself.
I didn’t always feel the plot moved as swiftly as I wanted, especially when the book leans into Len’s reflections or side conversations. But even then, there’s a richness to the detours, whether it’s a discussion about calypso lyrics or a strange bottle of vermouth left on a doorstep, the atmosphere always pulls you back in. It’s a story that trusts its characters and its setting to carry the weight, and mostly, they do.
Calypso Blue is an intriguing whodunit. It’s a meditation on regret, redemption, and the thin line between paradise and ruin. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries with heart, vivid settings, and characters that stay with you after the last page. Perfect for fans of Caribbean noir, or anyone who wants to feel the heat of an island mystery without leaving their chair. It’s not a beach read, it’s a beach experience.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0F2S5TPW8
Switch
Lisa Towles’ Switch is a breakneck techno-thriller that dives headfirst into the world of private investigations, buried family secrets, and high-stakes covert operations. At the center is Marissa Ellwyn—a sharp, seasoned former CIA operative turned private investigator—who’s recovering from a hit-and-run attack that lands her in the middle of an investigation laced with mystery, betrayal, and emotional landmines. As she navigates through the murky entanglements of a multi-million-dollar heist, her missing mother, a mysterious John Doe, and a midnight visit from a coroner, the layers of plot unravel in a satisfying tangle of danger and introspection.
I found the writing electrifying and, at times, deeply poignant. Towles excels at keeping the tension high without sacrificing emotional depth. Her dialogue crackles. It’s smart, biting, and authentic, and the first-person narrative gives us raw access to Marissa’s inner world. The pacing is intense. Scenes leap from intimate reflections to explosive action, and it works because Marissa is such a magnetic narrator. That said, the rapid switches in location and the density of subplots made me double back more than once. But honestly, I didn’t mind. The richness of detail, particularly in how Marissa analyzes people and situations, kept me anchored even when the plot went labyrinthine.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional honesty behind all the spy games and shootouts. Marissa’s relationship with her elusive and emotionally detached father resonated with me because it felt real and messy. The themes of abandonment, trust, and resilience ground the story in something human. And the dog, Trevor, was a total scene-stealer. I would’ve liked a touch more clarity around some of the secondary characters, who sometimes blurred together in the thick of the action. Still, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. I appreciated how the book never spoon-fed answers; it trusted me to keep up, and that felt refreshing.
Switch is for readers who crave a smart and emotionally charged thriller with an awesome female lead and just enough espionage spice to keep things edgy. If you love Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni, or early Patricia Cornwell, you’ll devour this. It’s not a beach read—it’s a bunker-down, turn-off-your-phone, and hang-on-tight read. And I loved it.
Pages: 372
A Charm Without a Chain
Set against the serene backdrop of a small lake town in Colorado during the year 1974, A Charm Without a Chain, by Carolyn Summer Quinn, is a compelling narrative that introduces us to Monty Farraday, an English and Theater teacher. The tranquility of the setting is disrupted when Monty and his daughter, Jessica, who is on the cusp of starting her freshman year at the local high school, stumble upon a shocking scene. They find the school principal, Reginald Brandenburg, lifelessly sprawled in his office, a victim of a gruesome shooting. This harrowing discovery sets the stage for a riveting mystery that unravels in the corridors of the school and the streets of Lake Covington.
Quinn skillfully weaves a tale that engages readers with its intricate plot and a host of characters ranging from Monty’s colleagues, who exhibit a blend of suspicious and amiable traits, to the local police, his family, and students. The small town, ordinarily unaccustomed to such scandal, becomes a hotbed of speculation and intrigue, where everyone is potentially culpable.
The narrative stands out for its clear delineation of characters and scenarios, which Quinn achieves without overwhelming the reader. The storyline is replete with unexpected twists that keep the pages turning. Quinn’s mastery in setting the scene – the picturesque town in the 70s, coupled with the relatable dynamics of Monty’s family life – enriches the reading experience. Quinn’s storytelling echoes the essence of classic mystery novels, filled with meticulously plotted possibilities, questions, and suspects.
Monty Farraday emerges as a memorable protagonist, whose past aspiration of becoming a detective adds a layer of depth to his character. His investigation into the crime hints at the potential for more stories in what could easily evolve into a series.
A Charm Without a Chain is a book that will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of thriller and mystery genres, especially those who appreciate a modern take on traditional ‘whodunit’ narratives. Quinn’s novel is not just a mystery; it’s a journey into the depths of a small community shaken by an unprecedented event, as seen through the eyes of a compelling protagonist.
Pages: 251 | ASIN: B0CM5YR8TV
The Shady Oaks Division
In L.M. Coppa’s captivating novel, The Shady Oaks Division, we are introduced to Jill, an intriguing protagonist grappling with the unforeseen trials of early retirement. However, this is not your conventional tale of a retiree finding new hobbies or traveling the world; Jill, at the tender age of 45, is departing from a highly unusual career – that of a trained assassin.
From the outset, Coppa expertly ensnares readers into Jill’s unique existence, which is far from ordinary even in her supposed tranquil retirement. Imagine what you might do in the wee hours of a sleepless night; Jill opts for an unconventional choice, tiptoeing into her neighbours’ house to listen to the rhythmic symphony of their snores and subtly adjust their family photographs.
A defining strength of the novel is the decision to center around an inherently flawed protagonist. With Jill, Coppa gifts us an idiosyncratic character who showcases a somewhat dismissive approach to safety and displays a rebellious streak often associated with adolescence. This compelling blend of traits can make her challenging to admire, yet irresistibly fascinating to follow.
The narrative employs a clever, seamless oscillation between present happenings and past events. Coppa skillfully illuminates the traumatic history that shaped Jill, providing just the right measure of detail to instigate understanding without veering into the territory of the gratuitous. However, the novel could benefit from some restraint in the depiction of mundane events.
Coppa’s portrayal of dialogue shines for its authenticity and effective contribution to plot progression. Overall, the book maintains an enticing pace, perfectly balancing action and intrigue to hold the reader captive until an unpredicted conclusion. The Shady Oaks Division, in essence, is an invigorating amalgam of drama, suspense, and an unconventional romance, distinguished by a protagonist whose very flaws make her all the more compelling.
Pages: 369 | ASIN: B0C6FPDMBD
Christmas in Cave Creek: A Lucy Vaughn Mystery
Christmas in Cave Creek: A Lucy Vaughn Mystery, Book Two, penned by the adept Carolyn Fenzl, elegantly unfolds the intriguing tale of our protagonist, Lucy Vaughn. Embarking on a journey from Sacramento to her erstwhile abode, Cave Creek, to celebrate the festive season with her mother, Lucy is accompanied by her boyfriend, Thorne Martin. The plot thickens as Lucy and Thorne, having just reached Cave Creek, meet with an accident that proves to be a pivotal plot point. Miraculously unharmed, they grapple with the haunting uncertainty of what they had collided with. Could it be an unidentified creature dwelling in the quaint town of Cave Creek? With elements of mystery, romance, camaraderie, and familial ties elegantly woven into the narrative, prepare to embark on an enthralling journey of suspense and intrigue.
Lucy Vaughn, as the central character, is a delightful blend of strength and sweetness. Her endearing affinity for sweepstakes, coupled with the deep-seated love she harbors for her mother, boyfriend, and friends, enriches her character. The supporting characters are meticulously crafted, compelling you to eagerly turn each page. Thorne, Lucy’s charismatic companion, adds to the appeal. The pace of the narrative is adeptly managed, sustaining momentum throughout. The world-building is intriguingly executed, making for a captivating read. Cave Creek, the backdrop of the story, is described with such rich detail that it effortlessly transports you to the charming small town. The central mystery— identifying the entity that struck Lucy’s car— is well-constructed, keeping readers engrossed as they follow Lucy and Thorne’s investigative endeavors.
While it is challenging to critique such an impeccably woven narrative, the story could potentially benefit from the inclusion of a few more unexpected twists. This minor suggestion aside, the book stands as a near-flawless piece of writing.
Carolyn Fenzl’s storytelling prowess shines through in this riveting mystery novel, providing an immersive experience that effectively staves off monotony. I am enthusiastically looking forward to delving into the next installment in the series and eagerly anticipate more enthralling tales from this talented author!
Pages: 258 | ASIN: B0B6KH3D5V
Cloudy with a Chance of Answers
Cloudy with a Chance of Answers by Carolyn Summer Quinn is a mystery thriller and the second one in her “unsolved crimes against children” series. Bethany Barrows finds herself in the town of New Jersey in the early stages of Covid-19 when her uncle Ryan passes away and she has to settle his estate. In Bethany’s half-hearted search through her uncle’s belongings, she discovers that her detective uncle dedicated his entire life to finding his daughter Ashley’s abductor. Bethany gets “cloudy with a chance of answers” when she finds a very clear lead. Will she finally solve the mystery her uncle couldn’t solve before his death? To unravel Ashley Barrows’ abduction mystery from 1988, is Bethany willing to sacrifice her own life?
Cloudy with a Chance of Answers is a riveting piece of storytelling. The book is set in March of 2020, right when coronavirus was spreading globally and Quinn’s ability to recreate that environment is applause-worthy. Her attention to detail was spectacular and I felt as though I was transported back into that time. As the story forges ahead and Bethany comes across all types of hints, readers will find themselves trying to solve the mystery as well. This book is a true page-turner and it radiated nail-biting suspense.
Bethany’s character was as realistic as it gets and her naturally curious personality was a great character trait. Her devotion to her cousin’s closed abduction case and her need to solve it was amazing to read about. The sheer possibility of getting the long-anticipated answers not only compelled Bethany but readers as well.
Unlike most thriller novels, Quinn’s writing style takes on a conversational tone which made this book a fast read. I found it very hard to put this book down and I can’t wait for the next one in this series. As for the story, it was near perfect, at no point did I feel like it was being stretched out, and then as the mystery unfolded itself, I too got cloudy with a chance of answers.
Pages: 283 | ASIN: B0BGJNQSHR
Salt Island
Marissa Ellwyn has spent the better part of the last two years wondering where her father might be. His secretive lifestyle and cryptic postcards have shaped her into the woman she is today–one incredibly determined woman. When she plans a secretive getaway of her own with her sights set on finally discovering her father’s whereabouts, she can’t possibly imagine what awaits her. Will she find her father in paradise? Or will he continue to outwit everyone, including his own daughter? Marissa’s journey to discover his truths is really just beginning.
Salt Island, the second book in the E&A Investigations Series by Lisa Towles, follows private detective Marissa Ellwyn as she sets out to find her missing father. For two years, she has received periodic postcards from him, and enough is enough–she has to know the wheres, whys, and hows of his disappearance. Towles does a phenomenal job of setting up Marissa’s adventure and integrating elements and characters from Book 1. Readers will quickly feel caught up and while this is a second installment, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. The introduction of an additional storyline centered around her detective business gives this incredible novel an added layer of mystery and suspense.
Towles’s books are consistently thrilling. It is difficult to find well-written mysteries or thrillers that combine an engaging storyline with excellent character development, but Towles manages to do just that in one neat package. The rapport shown between Marissa and her partner Derek is unmatched. I love reading their interactions and watching them try to outthink one another. It’s a relatable match and one that is both fitting for the plot and believable as a pairing.
Towles is a master when it comes to parallel storylines. Following two simultaneously evolving storylines can be tricky and, if they are not well-thought-out and well-written, readers can quickly lose interest and trust in the author’s ability to pull it all together. I have to say, I was curious from the beginning and truly wondered how Towles would follow the targeting of Jack Darcy and his company while at the same time keeping readers engaged in the plot point focused on her missing father. She does it, however, and does it with ease.
The E&A Investigations Series by Lisa Towles, are always winning choices when it comes to selecting mysteries. Readers will find the quick pace and snappy dialogue in Salt Island refreshing. Above all else, Marissa Ellwyn is a character who jumps off the pages and into readers’ hearts. Her earnest search for truth will grab readers and make them instant fans of Towles’s work.
After The First Two Murders Happen
The Final Comeuppance follows an author who has put the abuse she suffered at a private school behind her, until the headmaster winds up dead, and she needs to help find the killer. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Amanda has done a stellar job of attempting to move on from the hideous school she once attended, but can’t fully do that simply because she never knew the full story of all that was happening there. After the first two murders happen, her cousin the cop finds evidence they were connected to the now-defunct school then asks for her assistance with the case, and she finally has an opportunity to not only help him but to get a more complete picture of all that happened. In a way this case isn’t just about the murders. It’s Amanda’s own mystery, too. It’s what really propels her to help.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the theme of how childhood trauma can impact the rest of a child’s life, especially when it leaves unanswered questions. Even after Amanda has transferred away from the wretched private school where she was treated abominably, the bad memories go right along with her. She doesn’t know the motivations of the sick adults who ran the place and is left with endless speculations of why she was targeted by these terrible people. She only really knows half of her own story at the beginning.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I work on more than one book at a time, so I’m thrilled to report that the next one is already available. It’s another mystery, and it’s a cold case about a child from a rather wacky family who goes missing in a Jersey Shore town in 1988. It opens in March 2020, and the last remaining family member, Bethany, still doesn’t know whodunit. It’s called CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF ANSWERS. I had a wonderful time writing it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 