Not That I Could Tell

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An entertaining and exciting thriller is brought to you by the wonderful Jessica Strawser.

Yellow Springs is a small town that rarely has anything happen in it, therefore when the mother of two twin kids goes missing – it get’s the full unwanted attention. And in the center of it all is Kristen’s husband – Paul. While police are looking into the disappearance, neighborhood kid does little investigation herself, bringing even more attention to the neighborhood that it’s residents.

The book is filled with many twists. The main part of the book is Kristen’s disappearance, however, the reader gets to know the neighbors behind their closed doors. As weeks go by and the case gets cold, they seem to move on too… until they make a few risque decisions…

Great writing, intriguing story, and wonderful characters make this book a quick read.

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Island of the Mad

Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was a pleasure to be introduced to Mary Russell. This is my first book of the series and I’ve enjoyed the fun detective.

The story begins with the disappearance of Lady Vivian Beaconsfield, an aunt of Mary’s close friend, Ronnie. After looking into Lady Vivian’s history, Mary uncovers a secret that her friend’s aunt has been hiding for most of her adult life. And the last piece of information gives Mary an approximate whereabouts of Lady Vivian. Not wasting any time, Russell is off to Italy, and to her (and my) big surprise she is being joined by her husband.

While in Venice, the Russells make new but dangerous acquaintances. They both make intriguing discoveries. Even though the couple has different goals to achieve while they are in Italy, they work together, help each other to actualize their purpose there and bring peace to Beaconsfield family.

The disappearance of Lady Vivian’s was the main part of the book and I absolutely enjoyed it. The story has a great twist. And Mary Russell’s character was witty, sassy and fun. The only thing that really disappointed me was Holmes. As a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, I was taken aback by this new polished version of his character.

Thank you, GoodReads and Laurie R. King for this wonderful book.

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Hiding

Hiding by Jenny Morton Potts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Surprising and gripping thriller “Hiding” kept me entertained during the past couple of days.

Jenny Morton Potts takes us thru Keller and Rebecca’s stories. Keller Baye, a smart but angry young man, makes a promise to his father, to get a revenge on the people that changed his life forever. Rebecca Brown is a funny but angry young woman, who was moved to Scottland after the death of her parents. Years later, she learns that all she knew of her life is a lie.

The two people meet during Rebecca’s open mic performance, and their relationship picks up with an incredible speed. But the secret that was hidden for almost two decades is about to reveal itself.

I enjoyed the plot twist of the book. Keller’s character touched my heart. During the read, I kept thinking, if it was not for his father’s fatal mistake and his aunt’s cruelty, would he end up the way he did. Also, the ending of the book left so many unanswered questions. I wonder if this means that the sequel of the book is already in the works.

Thank you, Jenny Morton Potts and Partner’s in Crime Tours for this great book.

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The Dark Angel

The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Dark Angel is a first Ruth Galloway book that came across my reading list. I was afraid that I might miss something from previous novels, however, an author gave a short introduction to each character in the book, which was extremely helpful.

The story begins with an archaeologist Angelo Morelli who contacts and invites his old friend/fling and colleague Ruth Galloway to Italy and requests her help with ancient remains that he stumbled upon. Ruth takes this opportunity as a long needed getaway and in a short time together with her best friend and their two kids the gals are waving goodbye to England.

Once in Italy, Ruth is eager to work with her old colleague again. However, during her stay in picturesque little town, strange things begin to happen. A rude warning is written on the wall of the grand house they are staying in, strange shootings in the middle of the night, a skull of dead animal on their doorsteps and last but not least a murder of a local priest.

Ruth’s vacation turns up to be quite entertaining one. Instead of taking sunbaths and enjoying her time on an exquisite Italian beach, she does a little “digging” on her own and uncovers a dark secret that took place during WWII.

I did enjoy the story. The last 50 pages of the book were full of excitement. I am definitely a new fan of Ruth Galloway and will look into her earlier novels. I didn’t care much about DCI Nelson and his family’s storyline, that was too much telenovela drama for me.

Thank you GoodReads Giveaway, an amazing Elly Griffiths, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publisher for sending me a copy of this amazing book.

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Paris Ever After

Paris Ever After by K.S.R. Burns

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hello, my name is Alina and I am a Francophile. Long story short – when I came upon this book on NetGalley I requested it (just like any other books about Paris) and was extremely happy when I got approved for ARC. And on a beautiful and warm spring morning I made myself a hot café crème and while munching on delicious french macaroon I started to read this lovely novel.

The story begins on a day of Amy’s thirtieth birthday. That’s also the day when Amy’s life as she knows it starts to fall apart. First, she accidentally finds her estranged husband in a local hotel. The same husband who fathered a child she has been carrying for the last five month since the two had an argument that resulted in Amy’s move to Paris. Second, her dear friend and landlord Margaret’s long-lost daughter, Sophie, shows up at the door. That should not be a surprise. This is her home, after all. The surprise is that Sophie disappeared two years prior and was assumed to be dead. Now, the prodigal daughter wants Amy out of the mother’s heart and home. Third, she feels extremely covetous about Manu, who became her dear friend and employer since her move to the city of lights. Also, Manu is Sophie’s ex-lover who remained close friends with Margaret after Sophie’s disappearance two years ago. Phew, I think I’ve covered everything here.

In five days Amy’s Parisian uneventful life goes from calm and steady to shattered… yet again. Every turn and decision she makes follows by dreadful discoveries. However, Paris is a magical place, and Amy is about to be reminded of it… yet again…

Paris Ever After is fantastic and quick read, perfect for relaxing and quiet evenings at home with a glass of rose and cheese, you have to do it French style or not do it at all. Amy’s happy ending warmed my heart and reminded me that no matter how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better… in Paris.

First of all, a huge thank you to a marvelous author, Karen Burns, a.k.a K.S.R.Burns for writing this remarkable novel. And thank you NetGalley and Velvet Morning Press for an ARC of this book.

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Lies She Told

Lies She Told by Cate Holahan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dear Cate Holahan, thank you for this sensational thriller. I’ve read so many mystery/suspense books, that I eventually developed that fiction detective sense and ability to predict the ending. During the second part of the book I figured out the twist, but the author still found the way to surprise me at the end.

The beginning was a bit confusing as the chapters jumped between Liza and Beth characters. Eventually, I got used to the switch and got lured into the mysterious world of lies created by once upon a time bestselling author Liza Cole. Pressured by her editor, Liza tries to write her next major romance thriller. Besides work deadline, she is also struggling to get pregnant. It was hard enough to get her husband, David, on board of baby train, but now that his best friend and law firm partner Nick Landau is missing, it became impossible to get a free minute of his time.

Liza takes this time to focus on her novel about a new mom, Beth, who discovers her husband’s infidelity. Furious Beth kills her husband’s mistress and tosses her body into Hudson. She almost get’s away with murder… but her husband learns the truth.

Back in the reality land, Nick’s body is found and David is a suspect. But that’s not all, Liza discovers her husband’s dirty little secret… and he – her’s…

Lies She Told is a quick read. Why? Because it’s absolutely impossible to put in down. I could not decide if I should get a cup of coffee and stay up all night and finish this book, or get a glass of wine to overcome my impatience. This MUST read psychological thriller will make you flip thru the pages so fast, it may catch fire.

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