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The Stanton Falls Mysteries – Dead Reckoning
Dead Reckoning follows a tight-knit group of Stanton Falls detectives and their families as they head out on what should have been a relaxing Mediterranean cruise. Instead, the trip unravels into a tangled mess of missing passengers, eerie shipboard mysteries, emotional tension, and danger that creeps up on them when they least expect it. The story shifts between calm family moments, unsettling turns, and sharp revelations. It keeps the focus on relationships and teamwork while pushing the characters into situations that test them in new ways.
While reading, I kept feeling this warm mix of comfort and suspense. The writing leans heavily into character bonds, and I liked that a lot. There is a genuine sense of history between them, and the quieter scenes made the high-stress moments hit harder. At times, the dialogue felt a little straightforward, but the emotional weight underneath kept me hooked. I appreciated how the author balanced cozy slice-of-life beats with creeping dread. It created this enjoyable tension that made me want to keep turning pages.
Some ideas in the book surprised me in a good way. The ship’s strange happenings, the shifting cabin numbers, the subtle horror beneath the surface, all of it gave the mystery a fresh vibe. I loved that the story didn’t try to outsmart the reader with cheap tricks. It felt honest. There were moments when the pacing slowed, and I caught myself wishing for quicker movement, but the payoff eventually landed with enough emotional punch to make up for it. By the end, I felt oddly proud of the characters for what they’d pushed through.
I’d recommend Dead Reckoning to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a touch of creepiness and a whole lot of heart. It’s great for anyone who wants a story that mixes friendships, family, and danger in a setting that feels fun at first and unsettling once things start going wrong. If you like mysteries that make you care about the people as much as the puzzle, this book will be right up your alley.
Pages: 187
The Stanton Falls Mysteries – Undercurrents of Betrayal
In Undercurrents of Betrayal, the third and final novel of the Stanton Falls Mystery trilogy, Susan Reed-Flores delivers a fitting conclusion filled with intrigue, long-buried secrets, and the battle between good and evil. As the skilled law enforcement officers of Stanton Falls return, their mission is clear: uncover the sinister forces that have haunted the town’s history. The discovery of skeletal remains during the reconstruction of Stanton Falls Mansion sets off a chain of events that leads Chief Ross and his detectives on a gripping investigation. As the story unfolds, the team discovers that the remains belong to Evelyn Stanton, a woman who has been dead for nearly 50 years, with evidence pointing to murder. Detective Reed, despite being temporarily handicapped, uncovers a hidden basement in the mansion. This find links Evelyn’s murder to her love life and a powerful secret group known as the Guardian, whose influence over Stanton Falls runs deep. The town’s history, rife with murder, greed, and secrets, forms the backbone of this intense mystery.
It’s bittersweet to see the Stanton Falls trilogy come to an end, but Undercurrents of Betrayal does not disappoint. Reed-Flores expertly ties together the complex history of the town with the present-day investigation, revealing long-held truths that have shaped the town and its residents. The novel offers a deep dive into the mystery behind Stanton Falls, with historical events and the shadowy Guardian group creating an intriguing backdrop for the investigation. As always, Chief Ross, Detective Scalari, and Detective Reed are a compelling team. Their unwavering dedication to Stanton Falls’ safety, along with the support of their close-knit relationships, adds heart to the suspense. Reed-Flores creates characters who feel real, each with their strengths and vulnerabilities, making the reader invested not only in solving the mystery but also in the personal journeys of these officers.
The final installment emphasizes the importance of family and friendship, which grounds the high-stakes drama in emotional depth. While the plot is engaging and the characters well-drawn, I feel the tone can be somewhat inconsistent, occasionally shifting between formal and natural styles in a way that can be a little distracting. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. The story’s intrigue, pacing, and character-driven narrative make it a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
I highly recommend Undercurrents of Betrayal to fans of mystery thrillers, particularly those who appreciate richly layered plots with strong character development. It’s a thrilling end to a series that has consistently delivered suspense, emotion, and gripping storytelling.
Pages: 168 | ASIN: B0DNGQ14C4
A Close-Knit Community Reacts
The Stanton Falls Mysteries is a short story collection centered around two police detectives who tackle three murder investigations in a small town in Connecticut. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came from my fascination with small-town dynamics and the complexities of crime solving. I wanted to explore how a close-knit community reacts when faced with unexpected mysteries and two detectives navigate through these challenges while maintaining the town’s tranquility.
What was your approach to writing the interactions and the developing connections between your characters?
My approach was to create authentic and relatable characters. I focused on their individual backstories and personalities, which influenced their interactions with each other. The connections between the characters were built gradually, reflecting their shared experiences in law enforcement and mutual respect as they solved mysteries together.
What is the hardest part about writing a mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
The hardest part is giving just enough balance between revealing clues and maintaining the suspense. It’s important to give some answers, but not enough because you’ll solve the mystery too soon.
Can readers expect to see more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! I am currently working on book Two and book Three of The Stanton Falls Mysteries Trilogy. Book Two is called Promotion to Peril and the third and final book in the trilogy is called Undercurrents of Betrayal. I’m hoping to have both books released by the end of 2024! I’m also currently working on a new book that combines the elements of romance and science fiction. I’m also exploring the idea of self-publishing and am in the process of setting up my own self-publishing company. It has been quite a learning curve, but a wonderful experience!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Detective Dan Ross lives in picturesque Stanton Falls, Connecticut. Dedicated to his job, he lives a lonely existence until a twist of fate, a random murder, he meets the love of his life, Charlotte Wayward. Along with rookie Detective Anthony Scalari, the two of them work together to solve three complex murders in their sleepy town. With each murder, both men build a bond, as does Anthony’s fiancé, Elizabeth, with Charlotte. With a new family, Dan learns how blessed he is, as Anthony learns to balance a family life.
The Stanton Falls Mysteries
In The Stanton Falls Mysteries, by Susan Reed-Flores, readers are treated to three captivating short stories: “Murder at the Museum,” “Murder at the Marina,” and “Murder at the Lakehouse.” Set in the picturesque town of Stanton Falls, Connecticut, these tales revolve around two dedicated local police detectives who find themselves at the heart of intriguing murder investigations. Each story is approximately 40 pages long, making them perfect for a quick and satisfying read.
In “Murder at the Museum,” Detective Dan Ross takes center stage as he investigates the murder of Jack Crawford, an employee at the town’s art museum. The list of suspects includes the museum board members and Crawford’s former lover and executive assistant, Charlotte Wayward. The second story, “Murder at the Marina,” shifts the focus to Detective Ross’ partner, Detective Anthony Scalari. Here, Scalari delves into the mysterious death of Joseph Camden, an Assistant VP at an insurance company. This installment also enriches the narrative with callbacks and further character development for Detective Ross and Charlotte. The third story, “Murder at the Lakehouse,” masterfully intertwines elements from the first two tales. Both detectives join forces to unravel the murder of an unidentified man near Detective Ross’ lake house, bringing together threads from their previous cases.
Susan Reed-Flores employs a formal writing style that, despite the grim subject matter, maintains a wholesome tone throughout the book. The detectives are portrayed not only as skilled professionals but also as individuals with supportive personal lives, adding depth to their characters. The seamless blending of the stories creates a cohesive and engaging reading experience. These stories are an excellent recommendation for fans of classic “whodunit” mysteries, those who prefer their crime stories on the lighter side, and anyone seeking a quick and enjoyable read.
The Stanton Falls Mysteries provides a delightful escape into a world of intrigue and well-drawn characters, leaving readers eager to see if personal conflicts might arise for Detectives Ross and Scalari in future installments.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B0BC3RS4MW
LITERARY TITAN 