Book Review: Off the Air by Christina Estes

 

When Jolene Garcia hears there's been a death at a local radio station, she and her cameraman rush to the location. As she attempts to ascertain who has died, the competition arrives. Jolene does her best to try and get an exclusive, but it just isn't happening. Soon the police reveal that the dead man is indeed controversial talk show host Larry Lemmon. It also comes out that he died under somewhat suspicious circumstances. And while Jolene was the last person to interview him, she still wants and needs an exclusive, preferrably with information on who the killer might be. She works her way through a suspect list she got from one of her sources. Will she be able to find out who the killer is before her recklessness brings her too much danger?

This is Christina Estes debut novel that won the Tony Hillerman Prize. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Jolene is the most well developed character in the book. There were definitely times where I didn't like her or her choices. Overall, she is okay and very ambitious. I wanted to know what would happen with her.

There is a lot of information given as to how a television news program is put together. I skipped over bits of it, but it's interesting in general. It shows how much pressure Jolene was under to produce newsworthy material that would be unique to their station.

The plot moves forward at a decent rate. The end had a nice twist to it. One of the subplots wasn't resolved, unless I missed something. I can see it continuing in another novel about Jolene.

If you enjoy mysteries with an amateur sleuth that also give background into a profession, this could be the book for you. It's generally well written and interesting.

Off the Air  by Christina Estes was released March 26th, 2024 from Minotaur Books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Book Review: Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest

 

From the publisher: 

Meet Leda Foley: devoted friend, struggling travel agent, and inconsistent psychic. When Leda, sole proprietor of Foley's Flights of Fancy, impulsively re-books Seattle PD detective Grady Merritt’s flight, her life changes in ways she couldn’t have predicted.

After watching his original plane blow up from the safety of the airport, Grady realizes that Leda’s special abilities could help him with a cold case he just can’t crack.

Despite her scattershot premonitions, she agrees for a secret reason: her fiancé’s murder remains unsolved. Leda’s psychic abilities couldn’t help the case several years before, but she’s been honing her skills and drawing a crowd at her favorite bar’s open-mic nights, where she performs Klairvoyant Karaoke—singing whatever song comes to mind when she holds people’s personal effects. Now joined by a rag-tag group of bar patrons and pals alike, Leda and Grady set out to catch a killer—and learn how the two cases that haunt them have more in common than they ever suspected.

My Thoughts: 

I like the characters in the book, especially Leda and Grady. I like that they have a platonic working relationship. Leda also has good chemistry with her BFF Niki. The two women share a good sense of humor and nice banter. 

I also like that while Leda gets psychic clues, she isn't handed all the answers on a plate. She and Grady have to figure out what things mean. The Klairvoyant Karaoke is a cute way to show off her abilities.

The investigation moves along nicely. It follows a natural progression. There is an action sequence at one point that's nicely done.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. If you like your mysteries with a touch of the paranormal, it's worth reading. It's a good first book in a new series.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: At a gala party thrown by her parents, Evelyn Hardcastle will be killed--again. She's been murdered hundreds of times, and each day, Aiden Bishop is too late to save her. Doomed to repeat the same day over and over, Aiden's only escape is to solve Evelyn Hardcastle's murder and conquer the shadows of an enemy he struggles to even comprehend--but nothing and no one is quite what they seem.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton is like the old tv program Quantum Leap mixed with the movie Groundhog Day and an Agatha Christie novel. The author does mention Quantum Leap and Agatha Christie as influences at the end of the book.

For me, the book started out great, then slowed down for a while before picking up again. I had a really hard time during the slow part. In fact, I put it aside for a little while. But, once it picked up it really took off.

I thought the author did a great job with characterization. Aiden Bishop was jumping from body to body with a total of 8 possible hosts while trying repeatedly to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. The author managed to stay true to Aiden while dealing with the influences each host exerted on him - a growing influence with each jump.

Anna was another major character who was consistent in each of his jumps. She was interesting in that it was hard to determine if she was an ally or enemy. And while Aiden had one set of rules determining much of his efforts, Anna had a slightly different set. I would have liked to know Anna's rules sooner. The footman and the plague doctor are consistent like Anna but seem more aware of what's going on.

There were surprises and red herrings and twists to the plot. The 8 host characters were varied and not all nice. It was interesting to see how Aiden made each host's traits work for him. The ultimate ending was a surprise to me if a bit deus ex machina. It was still a satisfying ending.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's mostly well-plotted except for that pesky slow part. Characterization is great. And it's an original blend of mystery and science fiction. I would recommend it for lovers of both mystery and science fiction.



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Book Review: Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Suzette Cripps lives in a spare bedroom in the home Val Dennison shares with her grandfather Don Meyer. One morning when she is out running, Suzette is killed in a hit and run. The more Val finds out about her, the more convinced she becomes that her death was no accident.

The author builds suspense nicely. There are plenty of suspects between Suzette's writing group and her work. A few red herrings are added in expertly to muddy the waters. And the author does a good job connecting Val's investigations into Suzette's death with the grandfather's investigations into ghosts and possible thefts.

The plot moves along nicely. The author makes good use of the Halloween theme including things like a costume contest and a haunted house. There is also a hint of romance for both Val and her grandfather.

This is the sixth book in the series, but I felt it was easy to jump right in. There were enough references to previous books to explain and help flesh out the characters. This can be read as a standalone, but it might intrigue you enough to further explore the series.

I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars. It's a well-plotted cozy. I didn't figure out who the killer was before the reveal. I enjoyed how the Halloween theme was incorporated into the story. And for those who enjoy cooking, there are some yummy sounding 5 ingredient recipes included.

Crypt Suzette by Maya Corrigan was published August 27th, 2019 by Kensington.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This has not affected my opinions.



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Review: Haunted Nights edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton

Haunted Nights is a perfect October read. It's a collection of Halloween themed horror short stories edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton. From a haunted house to wandering Jack to the far-flung future of Halloween, there is enough variety to suit anyone. Lisa Morton, a well-known expert on Halloween, writes the enjoyable and informative introduction to the book.

Of the 16 short stories included in the collection, I really liked all but about 2 of them. I think as far as anthologies go, that's a pretty good success rate. My favorites were about the wandering Jack with the fiery turnip. Yes, there was more than one about Jack, but they were nothing alike. I also enjoyed the uniqueness of "The Seventeen Year Itch" by Garth Nix.

I liked that in addition to Halloween, some of the stories also dwelt on what was termed the time when the veil between the worlds thins, The Day of the Dead, All Souls' Day, and Devil's Night. The variety really made the collection a joy to read.

If you enjoy your horror with a taste of Halloween and other related themes, then this is a good book for you. The quality of the writing is there. The chills are present. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Review: Finding My Badass Self by Sherry Stanfa-Stanley

This book is about 52 weeks, 52 new experiences at the age of 52 - otherwise known as The 52/52 project. All of the adventures are outside of Sherry Stanfa-Stanley's comfort zone. Some of them more so than others, but all providing a somewhat different experience and perspective on life. All designed to get her out of the rut or "crater" as she puts it, that she found herself in in her 50s as a divorced empty-nester. And she wondered, would this be "opening the door to an exciting new life or opening Pandora's Box. Turns out the two are not mutually exclusive."

She begins with belly dancing which leads to more adventures such as an audition for "Survivor", eating chocolate covered bugs, going to a nude beach with her mother in tow, getting a drastic haircut, going without electronics for a week, singing with a band, and so much more.

I admire her courage as she faces the challenges she has chosen for herself. And the smarts she shows when she backs down from one challenge. It's a wiser decision than going through with it.

The book is designed with each experience making up a short chapter. She shares her mistakes and her successes humbly and with humor. The one thing that remains consistent is that she is a winner for trying all of these things whether she is successful at them or not.

I give the book overall a 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The challenges are interesting as are her take on them. And there is humor to the tales she tells.

You can find out more about The 52/52 project on her Facebook page for it here. And she also blogs at her website.

Finding My Badass Self by Sherry Stanfa-Stanley was published August 15, 2017 by She Writes Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Review: Send in the Clowns by Julie Mulhern

Going to a haunted house venue isn't exactly Ellison Russell's idea of fun, Still, she is drawn there when her daughter doesn't come home on time. And being in the 1970s, neither had a cell phone.

It's even less her idea of fun when a clown stumbles forward and dies on her, literally. Who killed Brooks Harney? And why? Will she find  out before she becomes the next victim of the killer clown?

This is book 4 in The Country Club Murders series. It's the first one that I've read, though. Early on in the book, Ellison is found musing, "I'm not sure what it says about me that I have a homicide detective's home number memorized..." My guess would be that she has found bodies before and that this will probably not be the last one she finds as well.

Ellison has a good sense of humor that is evident in her thoughts and conversations with other characters in the mystery. She feels that Mr. Coffee and her father are the only two men who haven't let her down. And still, she finds herself in a little bit of a love triangle. At one point her date is hauled off for questioning in the case by the Detective Anarchy Jones. Both men would like to see her stay out of the mess, but she keeps getting drawn back in.

Romance is more of a subplot to the murder. Ellison's best friend is also dating someone new. And there is a further subplot of someone stealing and selling antiques.

It might sound like there is a lot going on. Honestly, though, it's really the right amount. The author pulls it all together seamlessly. I really enjoyed the book and all of its parts. I especially enjoyed Ellison's sense of humor and independence.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. The mystery is well written and well paced. You can guess along with the rest of them who did it before the revealing. There is just the right amount of romance and subplot. And Ellison has a good relationship with her daughter that reminds me a little of the relationship Claire Malloy has with her daughter in the Joan Hess books. This novel can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, even though it is the fourth book in the series. I did go out and buy the first book when I finished this one. Send in the Clowns became available October 25, 2016 from Henery Press.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Unraveled by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #15)

After the incidents in Bitter Bite (Elemental Assassin #14), Finn finds out that he has inherited a wild west theme park complete with a luxury hotel. He talks Bria, Owen, and Gin into accompanying him to check it out.Considering her last vacation was a little disastrous, Gin is skeptical about going, but gives in. She has her own motives for the trip: finding out more about her mother and the Circle -  a group that is supposed to secretly control all the illegal goings-on in Ashland.

It's not long before they find out that there is more to the park than meets the eye. Hugh Tucker, a member of the Circle, is there and has henchmen in key positions around the park. One thing leads to another and the bullets and knives start to fly.

Jennifer Estep mixes things up a bit this time around in a couple of ways. The setting is outside the usual Ashland. The supporting characters are a slightly different group. And there is an interesting dwarf named Ira who has been working in the park for a long time. Also, the bad guys are relatively new and different as Gin looks into the mysterious Circle. I think the Circle will continue as her nemesis into the next book and maybe beyond.

I liked that Gin remembers more about her mother and her past in this book. And the cast of characters worked well together - both the white hats (Gin and her friends) and the black hats (Hugh and his henchmen).

It was fast paced as all the other books in the series that I've read have been. And Estep makes you want to know what will happen next. I ended up reading it in just 3 days which is pretty quick for me.

If you like urban fantasy with plenty of action, then you will like this series. There is also a little romance, but it is not overwhelming. And there is character development. You could probably read it on its own, but you will enjoy it more if you've read a couple of the earlier books especially, perhaps, Bitter Bite. I give Unraveled 4 out of 5 stars.

Unraveled by Jennifer Estep is due out August 30, 2016 from Pocket Books. An excerpt can be read on the author's website.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Lie by C.L. Taylor

Jane's life is something of a lie. She is genuine in what she feels and thinks, but not who she really is. Of course if you were worried about being in the public eye, you might change your name and where you lived as well.

Five years earlier, Emma and her friends had taken a trip to Nepal to help Al get her mind off of her recent breakup among other reasons. Someone among them really had ulterior motives. Motives that don't become clear for a while.

Things don't really go as planned. At first that's okay, but things get weirder and weirder. There are secrets and lies both in the past and the present. Some of these are deadly.

We find out early on that while 4 of them go to Nepal, only 2 return. It takes a while for the events to unfold to this point. The book alternates between the present Jane Hughes life and 5 years ago - the lives of Emma, Leeanne, Al, and Daisy.

Becoming aware of what happened in the past ratchets up the tension in the present. Who besides Al knew what happened back then? Who else was alive to tell the tale? Why won't they leave Jane alone? In fact, they really seem to have it in for her.

The book moves along swiftly. There is more going on in the past than in the present. It becomes quite the page turner as the book progresses. I found that it was really hard to put down.

Jane isn't initially as fleshed out as I would have liked, but you come to care what would happen to her early on between her bonds to the animals at the sanctuary and the bonds she has with her boyfriend Will and his daughter Chloe.

The book manages the jump between the present and five years ago really well as it alternates. If you like suspense fiction, then this would be a good choice for you. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 because it really did keep me turning the pages to see what would happen next.

The Lie was released in June 2016 by Sourcebooks Landmark.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham

The serial killer known as the Archangel Killer is on the loose on a cruise ship after his latest murder in New Orleans. Will our heroes find out who it is before the next victim is found?

This is number 18 in the Krewe of Hunters series. The Archangel Killer is so named because of the way that he displays his victims in churches with saintly medallions at their throats. Jackson Crow, head of the Krewe of Hunters, has been assigned the case after having the ghost of one of the victims appear to him. Jude McCoy, a local agent in New Orleans, is assigned to work with Jackson. He doesn't know that they both are capable of seeing and interacting with the dead.

After following what they think might be the killer on board the cruise ship Destiny, Jude has an occasion to meet Alexi Cromwell who works the ship's piano bar as the entertainment. The more they interact, the more their attraction grows and the clearer it becomes to Jude that they are both seeing ghosts to his surprise, and not just the victim's ghost.

The race is on though. They are expecting at least 3 more murders because there are 3 more medallions in the set that the killer has been using to mark his victims. Can Jackson and Jude keep people safe while searching for the killer and without causing a panic?

So, we have here a book with a strong mystery and a secondary romance. They work well together and I had my doubts as to how well it would work on a limited location like a cruise ship. I liked that the characters come to accept seeing the ghosts as unquestionable rather easily. So many books end up giving a lot of space to the denial of their abilities as part of the plot. The pace of the mystery  is good. It gradually increases until it's solved. I found myself reading fast trying to find out who the murderer was and being somewhat surprised at the identity. There were some good red herrings in the pool of suspects.

Overall I give this book 4 stars out of 5. Both the mystery and the romance were handled well. It's a good addition to the Krewe of Hunters series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Spider's Trap by Jennifer Estep

Gin Blanco, aka The Spider, is at it again. As Ashland's new queen of the underworld, she is still having to fend off attackers, but something is different about this one. Something feels very familiar to her about the particular style of the attack and the rune that the killer leaves behind. This goes back into her past when her mentor Fletcher was still alive. This will be one of her most dangerous opponents yet. 

Synopsis from Goodreads.com:
One important lesson I’ve learned in the assassination business is that to be the best you have to roll with the punches. Now that I’m queen of Ashland’s underworld—by default, not by choice—a lot more punches are being thrown my way. But I suppose that’s the price of victory for taking down some of the underworld’s top dogs. Good thing I have my Ice and Stone magic to help me survive my volatile new position. Just when I think things are finally settling down, someone tries to murder me during a hush-hush underworld meeting. But the real surprise is how strangely familiar my shadowy assailant seems to be.

My job is to maintain order among killers, crooks, and thieves, and soon I’m embroiled in a bloody game where the ability to keep secrets could be the greatest superpower of all. My enemies have all sharpened their knives and laid their traps, waiting for me to fall. But this Spider weaves her own webs of death.

What happens when your main weapons are silverstone knives and you have to go up against a metal elemental? Gin will find out. And why is she making milkshakes for someone she normally wouldn't do that for. What is right on the tip of her memory? And will she remember it and recognize it in time to keep from getting killed or losing any of her loved ones?

I really enjoyed the book. I didn't like the cover. The model's head seems to be swiveling like an owl's.

Gin and her friends and family were their usual selves. Gin really does seem to enjoy cooking for people, but is uncomfortable in her role as the head of Ashland's underworld. In fact in the opening of the book she is supposed to be mediating a meeting between 3 of the head criminals. She is getting rather exasperated with the 2 men. The third, a woman, doesn't seem to be bothering her as much. 

The plot was action packed with several attempts on people's lives as the book progresses. I don't think that's really a spoiler since this is a book about an assassin. I like the character Silvio who seems to be acting as her assistant and occasionally conscience prompting her to do things.

It's a good addition to the Elemental Assassin series as number 13. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. It's interesting and enjoyable to watch Gin settling into her new role in the underworld and fighting a blast from the past.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Quickie Review: Nightwise by R.S. Belcher

I just finished reading the 3 chapter excerpt of Nightwise by R.S. Belcher. Laytham Ballard is some strong character. And the setting does not fail on the gritty and seedy part of the synopsis at all.

The main character in the book, Laytham Ballard, reminded me of John Constantine on the television show, "Constantine," but more ruthless. This was a man who wouldn't hesitate to use innocent others if it was the only way out of  a situation. He proved that at least twice in the course of the 3 chapter sample.

In spite of his ruthlessness, I still liked the main character. I found his circle of friends interesting. And I appreciated that he didn't think it was fair to pull someone into "The Life" by association.

I read the 3 chapter preview of Nightwise quickly. It was action packed and interesting. I look forward to reading the rest of the book. I gave the 3 chapters 4 stars for interesting content and characters and fast paced action.

Disclaimer: I received an excerpt from this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

The synopsis from Goodreads.com:
The acclaimed author of The Six-Gun Tarot and The Shotgun Arcana launches a gritty new urban fantasy series set in today’s seedy occult underworld

In the more shadowy corners of the world, frequented by angels and demons and everything in-between, Laytham Ballard is a legend. It’s said he raised the dead at the age of ten, stole the Philosopher’s Stone in Vegas back in 1999, and survived the bloodsucking kiss of the Mosquito Queen. Wise in the hidden ways of the night, he’s also a cynical bastard who stopped thinking of himself as the good guy a long time ago.

Now a promise to a dying friend has Ballard on the trail of an escaped Serbian war criminal with friends in both high and low places—and a sinister history of blood sacrifices. Ballard is hell-bent on making Dusan Slorzack pay for his numerous atrocities, but Slorzack seems to have literally dropped off the face of the Earth, beyond the reach of his enemies, the Illuminati, and maybe even the Devil himself. To find Slorzack, Ballard must follow a winding, treacherous path that stretches from Wall Street and Washington, D.C. to backwoods hollows and truckstops, while risking what’s left of his very soul .

Review: Disturbed Earth by E.E. Richardson

Published April 7, 2015 by Abaddon

Detective Chief Inspector Pierce's first day back to work after an injury sustained in the line of duty (in book one in the series, Under the Skin) promises to be a hectic one. The hectic one becomes a hectic few days as there are more calls into the Ritual Crime Unit: there are skulls covered in runes discovered buried in a field, a string of recent magical artifact thefts, a lantern in magical forensics is warning that something big is going to happen within the next few days, and there are druids camping out in the parking  lot demonstrating against the fact that someone has bought the site they normally worship at for the winter solstice. 

Things that go bump in the night are no stranger to DCI Pierce as much as she might wish otherwise. She has almost a whole new department of inexperienced people after the craziness of their previous case involving skin walkers. Her new second in command is pushy and wants to do things his way. He hires a necromancer to investigate the first of the skulls that are found. And things start to go sideways. Her boss seems to be concerned solely as what kind of publicity the department will receive based on the personnel's actions.

The department is spread thin as they try to investigate all of these things. They get some backup from the local police. Will they figure out what's going on in time to prevent something catastrophic from  happening?

Positives: DCI Pierce is not a young chick. She is experienced both in the way of magical things in her department, as much as she can be, and in office politics which she has to play like it or not. When she calls on an expert, she chooses another older woman who is an expert and professor in the field. The novel is told from DCI Pierce's point of view. The story is fast paced. It takes place over just a few days before the Winter Solstice. The mystery is a good one. It kept me guessing. It can be read as a standalone novel, which I did. 

Negative: DCI Pierce is the only character who is really fully developed. Some of the others could use a little flesh on their bones. They're not zombies, just a little less developed. And while the novel can be read as a standalone, it might be enjoyed more if you had read the first book in the series.

Overall, I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.