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Saturday, August 5, 2017


Knot What You Think (A Quilting Mystery)
by Mary Marks

The author really knows how to write a story that will keep the reader glued to the book. You will not want to put this story down until the end and what an ending it is.
~Babs Book Bistro
I love the characters in Mary Marks’s quilting mystery series.
~Laura’s Interests 
These characters sweep their way into your heart and don’t let go.
~My Reading Journeys

Knot What You Think (A Quilting Mystery) 
COZY MYSTERY
5th in Series
Kensington (July 25, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496701824
E-Book ASIN: B01M8OZL19
The newest member of Martha’s close-knit quilting circle has an eye for couture. But when the designer’s fingerprints are found blanketing a crime scene, Martha must prove that he didn’t have a hand in homicide! 

Martha Rose is alarmed by the discovery of Dolleen Doyle’s dead body, especially when evidence suggests a fellow quilter committed the crime.  Set on clearing her pal, Martha searches for answers—but with ties to a convicted fraudster’s stolen millions and a secret office room, the victim’s past raises even more questions. As Martha inches towards the culprit, she learns that wrapping the case up—and living to baste another square—will be trickier than she ever imagined . . .
About the Author
Born and raised in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Mary Marks earned a B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA and an M.A. in Public Administration from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. In 2004 she enrolled in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Her first novel, Forget Me Knot, was a finalist in a national writing competition in 2011. She is currently a reviewer of cozy mysteries for The New York Journal of Books at www.nyjournalofbooks.com.
Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N   Google Play  kobo



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What a wonderful story filled with facts that kept my attention. I appreciated the history  behind Passover and the different foods that are eaten during this holiday. The Jewish faith play a big part in Martha's life and I loved her family. As Martha and her friends are ready for a day of quilting , Jazz rushes in with astounding news.  One of his esteemed clients is not answering her phone or door. I loved Jazz instantly and thought his job of designing dog outfits to be amusing. I know people love to dress their dogs up in outlandish costumes and Jazz is the perfect person to design them. He is talented and loved by many. But oh my the poor little things have to wear attires that are so over the top I had to laugh. The great news is Jazz well known and has a very prestigious client list.

I will get to the chase and just say one of Jazz's clients is found dead and yes you guessed  it, he is a person of interest. Martha is having none of that and starts her own "investigation."  She is very smart and her eye for details is a very good quality when turning detective . My favorite character has to be Crusher. He is a man to be reckon with. He works with the ATF and with his looks and build, he could put fear in anyone. Why can't Martha just give in and marry him already? Could it be that she still has feelings for a certain detective who cheated on her?

As suspects go, there were the vast array of finger pointing going on. I loved the mystery and secrets that the dead woman held close to her. Now the question arises , what secrets was she keeping that got her killed? I know some will figure out the killer but I was a bit taken back when it was revealed. I was so sure of who it was , only to be surprised by a twist  in the story. I loved the suspense the author built up.

If you are a quilter or one who loves quilts, then you are in for a treat while reading this book. The author gives great detail in how to make one. The description is so vivid I could see them sewing  as the group talked about the murder. One last thing I have to mention. Will Martha ever decide who to marry? My money is on a certain tall dark and handsome ATF guy. I can't wait for the next book to find out what Martha is up to.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Blogging Tour. The review is my own opinion.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
August 1 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
August 2 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 2 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 3 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 4 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 5 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 6 – Mystery Playground – INTERVIEW
August 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 8 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
August 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 10 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 10 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
August 11 – My Funny View of Life – REVIEW
August 11 – Teresa Trent Author Site – SPOTLIGHT
August 12 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT
August 13 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
August 14 – Valerie’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
August 14 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
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SHADOW GIRL
by Gerry Schmitt

I enjoyed the characters a lot. Max and Afton seem to play off of each other well as far as figuring things out.
~Valerie’s Musings
This is one of those books where the bad men are really bad, and everyone in the case is hiding something to have a money profit…
~Varietats
Afton was a likable character for me. She seemed in tune with some of the other characters. She is good at her job.
~A. Holland Reads
Shadow Girl by Gerry Schmitt is one of the most gripping and chilling books I’ve read this year.
~Back Porchervations
The mystery and suspense aspect of this book was great. This was a definite page turner.
~Bookworm Cafe

Shadow Girl (An Afton Tangler Thriller)

Suspense/Thriller
2nd in Series
Release Date – August 1, 2017
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425281789
Kindle ASIN: B01MXHV6CL
The brutal murder of a business tycoon leaves Afton Tangler and the Twin Cities reeling, but that’s just the beginning of a gruesome crime spree…
Leland Odin made his fortune launching a home shopping network, but his millions can’t save his life. On the list for a transplant, the ailing businessman sees all hope lost when the helicopter carrying his donor heart is shot out of the sky.
Now with two pilots dead and dozens injured, Afton Tangler, family liaison officer for the Minneapolis Police Department, is drawn into the case. As she and her partner investigate family members and business associates, whoever wants Leland dead strikes again—and succeeds—in a brazen hospital room attack.
The supposedly squeaky clean millionaire has crossed the wrong person—and she’s not finished exacting her revenge. The case explodes into an international conspiracy of unbridled greed and violence. And as Afton gets closer to unearthing the mastermind behind it, she gets closer to becoming collateral damage…

About The Author

Gerry Schmitt is the author of the Afton Tangler Thrillers, and, writing under the pseudonym Laura Childs, the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty-five novels, the Tea ShopScrapbooking, and Cackleberry ClubMysteries. She is the former CEO of her own marketing firm, has won TV and radio awards, and produced two reality TV shows. She and her professor husband enjoy collecting art, travel, and their two Shar-Pei dogs.
Author Links –Webpage – Facebook 
Purchase Links
Amazon   B&N  BAM








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What a spine tingling edge of your seat book this is. I remember reading Little Girl Gone from this author. She introduced readers to Afton and Max. I was so impressed with that book, I couldn't wait for the next one. Can I just say Wow! It's been awhile since I sat and read a book that terrified me with precision action that intrigued  me so much it was impossible to put the book down. I know people say that all the time , but this reader literally couldn't pry her eyes from the book. It is one intense high stakes maximum adrenaline rush.

 There are moments of violence but I found it to be done with a hint for readers to use their imagination. Simply put, the book is not a cozy mystery, but a well written thriller that grabs you as you gasp at the scene unfolding before you. Afton is still trying to make detective, but her boss isn't convinced she is ready. She is once again teamed up with Max as they pursue a secret team that thrives on pain, violence and a heart pounding ride that takes us into the underbelly of crime in a foreign country that traces back to Minneapolis.  The people are ruthless and the author does great justice in giving readers a peek into what greed will do to others.

Afton is one tough person and proves herself several times when danger ascends upon her. I would want her as a partner any day. She is very smart and has a keen sense of looming danger. I have been trying to decide if I read a book that could be a Mission Impossible Movie or a new series on tv called The Afton Tangler files. It is that good folks. We may know half way through the book who the bad guys are, but the brilliance of the writing makes us question why it happened and how deep does it penetrate foreign lands and come full circle to the U. S.  I know one thing, money can't buy love and it can't guarantee health. This is one author to keep your eyes on. There is definitely more coming from this exceptional author that will bring her name to the forefront when looking for an outstanding thriller.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escape Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

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Tour Participants:

July 31 - Valerie's Musings - REVIEW, INTERVIEW
July 31 - Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 - Varietats2010 - REVIEW
August 2 – Mystery Playground – GUEST POST
August 2 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW
August 3 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
August 4 – Bookworm Cafe -  REVIEW
August 5 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
August 5 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 6 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
August 7 – The Editing Pen – GUEST POST
August 7 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – REVIEW
August 8 – My Reading Journey - REVIEW
August 9 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 10 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
August 11 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW
August 12 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
August 12 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
August 13 – I Read What You Write - REVIEW

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Wednesday, August 2, 2017


The CAPTIVATING LADY CHARLOTTE by CAROLYN MILLER

I didn't use to read Regency books but I have  found that they are enchanting , graceful and full of history. This book has all those qualities and then some. I love reading about royalty and the time period the book is set in. Charlotte is a wonderful character full of life and easily captivated the hearts of many . As she walk by with grace, I can hear hearts pounding with anticipation. She is a catch, but who will steal her heart?  Charlotte's parents have high standards for their daughter's suitor. I can just imagine the men of high caliber dressed in their best attire trying to catch a glimpse from Charlotte.

I did find the man that Charlotte wanted to marry to be quite  intriguing.  What are you to do when your heart says one thing, but your parents say another?  Charlotte finds herself learning that love is something deeper than just looks. . It's how you feel when you see them,  and how you want to be with them all the time and you love them unconditionally. I thought at times that Charlotte had a bit of growing up to do . The author did touch on that and I loved how she slowly showed Charlotte mature into an eloquent young woman. I must admit that there were times where I wasn't sure what was going on. I kinda got lost in all the shuffling of characters and their roles. Overall the book is a nice read and the characters are interesting. I know I will be looking for the next book in this series. The author has piqued my interest in this family and I have to read more about them.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publishing Blog Tours. The review is my own opinion.

A Game of Deceit
by K. A. Davis

In this book, you are thrown for loops and turns that make you breathless, and eager to know who did it.
~Bibliophile Reviews

Genre: Suspense
Date of Release: August 1, 2017
Number in Series: Stand-alone
Publisher: Cinnamon & Sugar Press
Number of page: 287
Synopsis:
A father’s disappearance never solved, a mother’s secret taken to the grave, a daughter deceived…
Kathryn Landry thinks her life is just about perfect. She is the owner of a successful interior designer business in Newport Beach, California, and she has an attentive, supportive husband. But her world comes crashing down when her husband, Neil Landry, vanishes without a trace… in a situation almost identical to the disappearance of her father twenty years before.
With her father’s disappearance still a mystery, Kathryn is skeptical that the detective assigned to her case will be able to find her husband. Determined to uncover the truth, Kathryn is plunged into a world of politics, high-priced call girls and wealth. As she begins to search for her husband, a decades-old secret her mother took to the grave threatens to destroy all she holds dear. Caught up in a web of betrayals and deceit, and not knowing who to trust, Kathryn must find a way to survive as she discovers the past has a way of repeating itself.
Does the book contain: only mild language and no graphic sex
About The Author
Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband, near wildfire country. During the Portola Hills fire in October 2007, she had to evacuate her two young granddaughters, one of whom has Rett Syndrome, as a wall of one hundred foot flames crept towards their home. Thankfully, due to the brave efforts of firefighters, their neighborhood was spared and no loss of life or property occurred. She was able to use that experience to write a harrowing scene in A Game of Deceit.
She writes the Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder blog and has had several children’s articles published in Cricket, Nature Friend, Skipping Stones, and the Seed of Truth magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Author Links
Webpage – http://kimdavisauthor.com/
Purchase Links 
Amazon  B&N

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There is a new author in town that can send shivers down your spine with intrigue , secrets and characters that explode off the pages. I am very impressed with the crisp details that the author uses to give readers a glimpse into betrayal that is unexpected. As I started the book I was immediately drawn into a game that bordered on the edges of good vs evil. The book is so good I can't believe the author is introducing herself to the book world only now. The caliber of intrigue pushes the envelope with characters that bring you to conclusions only to find out you were wrong all along.

Kathryn is a very determined woman who I felt an instant connection to. Her past is not filled  with all happy memories and the hurt and pain is still there. It is a pain so deep that she still remembers the details like they were yesterday. Is it possible for history to repeat itself? For Kathryn it seems the nightmare has started again when her husband disappears. I could feel her wavering as the past was catching up to the present. Is it possible to have your father disappear and now relive the same thing with your husband?

Kathryn's world is about to explode as she calls in the police to investigate her husband's whereabouts. This is where readers will follow a trail of secrets and betrayal that can lead to suspicion from several characters. I loved how the author was able to put doubt in readers minds as two men step up to help Kathryn out. Can they be trusted? I can't give anything away because readers need to read for themselves how dark a person can go to hide the truth. I will say that the ending was shocking and and left me wanting more books from the author. Ms. Davis you have knocked this out of the park. Welcome to the world of mystery writing with  high octane suspense that leaves readers guessing till the end. I look forward to more books from you.

I received a copy of this book from Great Escape Booktours. The review is my own opinion.



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Tour Participants
July 31 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW
July 31 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – Must Read Faster – CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 1 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY   
August 2 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 4 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
August 5 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 6 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT
August 7 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
August 7 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW
August 8 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
August 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
August 11 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY 
August 12 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 13 – Varietats – REVIEW
August 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
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