The Mystery House by Eva Pohler Cover Reveal

The Mystery House

by Eva Pohler

Release Date: December 14th, 2015

The Mystery Book Collection

Ellen and her two best friends share a mid-life crisis by hatching a plan to flip a Greek revival in the nearby historic district. Although Ellen isn't one to believe in ghosts, she comes face to face with something in the attic she cannot explain. Her ghost-enthusiast friends convince her that they must help the spirit find closure, and as they dig deeper into the past, they uncover a shocking history that someone in the neighborhood doesn't want exposed.

The Mystery Book Collection

A series of stand-alone psychological thrillers.

Want a FREE copy of The Mystery Box?

Get it here.

Meet the author:

Eva Pohler

Eva Pohler teaches writing and literature at a university in San Antonio, where she lives with her husband Eva Author Pic 1and three kids. She’s the author of several novels for teens based on Greek mythology, including her bestselling six-book Gatekeeper’s Saga and three-book Vampires of Athens Series. She’s also the author of spine-chilling psychological suspense, including her Mystery Book Collection and The Purgatorium Series. The first is for mature audiences and consists of two books that are already out–The Mystery Box and The Mystery Tomb–and two others soon to be released–The Mystery House and The Mystery Daughter. Her other suspense series, The Purgatorium, is a trilogy for both the young and mature reader. Her books have been described as “thrilling” and “addictive.” A Kirkus reviewer said of The Gatekeeper’s Sons that it was “sure to thrill Hunger Games fans.”

A reader herself, Eva writes in multiple genres, but all of her stories blur the line between reality and fantasy, truth and delusion, and draw from Eva’s personal philosophy that a reader must be lured and abducted into complete captivity in order to enjoy the reading experience.

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The Case of the Invisible Dog by Diane Stingley (4.5 stars)

About The Case of the Invisible Dog

Published by : Alibi (May 19, 2015)
Pages: 385

In the start of a charmingly imaginative cozy series sure to delight fans of Carolyn Hart and Diane Mott Davidson, Diane Stingley introduces a blundering detective who believes herself to be the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Sherlock Holmes.

After failing to launch her career as a Hollywood actress, Tammy Norman returns home to North Carolina, desperate for a regular paycheck and a new lease on life. So she accepts a position assisting Shirley Homes, an exceptionally odd personage who styles herself after her celebrated “ancestor”–right down to the ridiculous hat. Tammy isn’t sure how long she can go on indulging the delusional Shirley (who honestly believes Sherlock Holmes was a real person!), but with the prospect of unemployment looming, she decides to give it a shot.

Tammy’s impression of her eccentric boss does not improve when their first case involves midnight romps through strangers’ yards in pursuit of a phantom dog—that only their client can hear. But when the case takes a sudden and sinister turn, Tammy has to admit that Shirley Homes might actually be on to something. . . .

 

Purchase Links 

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Review

Tammy Norman is determined to find a job and to get her life back on track. In desperation, she answers a strange want ad promising a great salary. The ad leads her to Shirley Homes and a great adventure... the case of the invisible dog.

This is such a fun, original story that I hesitate to say much more in the way of a synopsis. Shirley Homes is eccentric and at times bizarre. She believes she is a descendant of Sherlock Holmes. Yes, the fictional character. Except she doesn't believe he's fictional. And Tammy, at first thinking the woman delusional and determined to run, slowly gets pulled into the mystery of her new employer and their strange case.

Charming and witty only begin to describe just how entertaining this book is. At first, I wondered where in the world it would go. A descendant of Sherlock Holmes and a case involving an invisible dog. What? But the story kept pulling me along, reeling me into caring about these characters as well as being caught up in what turned out to be quite the mystery.

I look forward to future Shirley Homes novels, and I hope to find out more about Tammy Norman. Actually, I'm hoping she finds a guy who gets her. But before that, I hope she and Shirley find a way to each accept their uniqueness and embrace a life less ordinary. 

A perfect summer read.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Diane Stingley 

Diane Stingley is the author of Dress You Up in My Love and I’m With Cupid. She was also a columnist for The Charlotte Observer and received e-mails from around the country in response to her columns. She currently resides in North Carolina and is hard at work on the next Shirley Homes mystery.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on The Case of the Invisible Dog blog tour page.

Threshold by GM Ford (4 stars)

About Threshold

Paperback: 254 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (April 21, 2015)

Acclaimed for his best-selling books featuring P.I. Leo Waterman, Ford introduces readers to a new, yet equally unorthodox hero in THRESHOLD: embattled Detective Sergeant Mickey Dolan. 

Still smarting from the very public breakup of his marriage and facing conduct complaints for use of excessive force, Dolan is at the end of his rope – and possibly at the end of his career – when he catches a case that just might turn things around: the disappearance of the wife and daughters of a powerful city councilman. Assisted by a remarkable young woman who may know the terrible truth about the missing family, Dolan soon finds he must choose between helping his career and protecting innocent lives. 

A suspenseful police thriller about a not-so-good cop given the opportunity to do the right – and most difficult – thing, THRESHOLD is a new chapter for G.M. Ford that is sure to satisfy fans of his Waterman and Frank Corso stories and new readers alike.

Purchase Links 

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Review

Detective Sergeant Mickey Dolan is already on thin ice when he find himself at the center of a case that will only make his life tougher. A powerful city councilman's family is missing, and he wants them found. Unfortunately, they don't want to be found.

In addition, there's Grace, a woman with a special gift, who's also tied to the investigation. She has her own burdens to bear.

I'll admit... in the beginning, I needed a notebook to keep up with all the elements of this story. At first, Mickey's story seemed completely separate from Grace's story. Her character, and her gift, are what drew me in. Thankfully, about one-third of the way through, the rest of the storyline picked up and started to come together. By the end, I understood and appreciated the arc.

Since this story was presented as a mystery and suspense thriller, I was confused by the real story... an emotional saga about doing what's right when faced with moral issues. Yet, that's the very thing that made me like the story. If you are looking for an intriguing who-done-it, look elsewhere. However, if you appreciate a thought-provoking story about when to stand up for what you believe in, then you'll enjoy Threshold.

Note: If my review seems vague, it's meant to be. Since the author chose to leave out many elements of the story from the blurb, it seemed only right to not divulge those storylines in my review.

Rating: 4 stars

About G. M. Ford 

G.M. Ford broke onto the mystery scene with Who in Hell is Wanda Fuca?, a gin-soaked tome featuring Seattle private investigator Leo Waterman. The six-book Leo Waterman series was nominated for several awards, including the Shamus, the Anthony, and the Lefty. In 2001, Ford launched a new series featuring disgraced reporter Frank Corso and his goth assistant, Meg Dougherty. In 2011, after a twelve-year hiatus, he decided to write a new Leo Waterman novel, Thicker Than Water, which Thomas & Mercer promptly bought. His eighth Leo Waterman book, Chump Change, followed in 2014. Ford lives and works in Seattle, and is married to the beautiful and talented mystery author Skye Kathleen Moody.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. 

Please visit other stops on the Threshold blog tour page.

In Flames by Richard Hilary Weber (3.5 stars)

About In Flames

Pages: 188
Published by : Alibi

In Richard H. Weber’s passionate new thriller, a smoldering mystery ignites on a tropical island as lust, murder, and politics collide.

San Iñigo is a jewel of the Caribbean, a playground paradise for the foreign elite, a hell for unfortunate locals. For recent Princeton grad Dan Shedrick, San Iñigo promises the fulfillment of too many desires.

Dan hires on at a powerful American firm as a junior architect, but still finds time for tennis, booze, a reckless affair with the sexy wife of a resort owner—even a bit of reconnaissance for the U.S. cultural attaché. But soon he discovers that nothing on San Iñigo is without consequence. When a much-loved local radio personality is found on a beach with his head blown off, Dan’s lover becomes a suspect. And not long after his foray into espionage, he’s dragged away on a brutal journey into the heart of darkness.

Buffeted by aggression, depraved ritual, and personal betrayal, Dan discovers fierce truths about San Iñigo . . . and himself. In the island’s forbidding mountain jungle, his life goes up in flames—a deadly inferno that will forever change him, if he survives at all.

Purchase Links

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Review

While in paradise, the beautiful San Inigo, Dan Shedrick finds temptation and opportunity. Unfortunately, he also stumbles upon a murder which exposes some shady dealings. Drawn in by a seductive woman, he soon finds himself captive deep in the forest. Will he be the next victim?

Most of us think of the beauty of the Caribbean as a getaway. For Dan, the toxic beauty of the island, and a sexy woman, become his downfall. Corruption is around every corner, and he seems pulled in by all of it. Murder is only the tip of the iceberg. 

What I thought would be an interesting murder mystery, turned into a commentary on political strife and corruption. Ultimately, Dan wasn't just facing an intense police department threatening to name him a suspect or collaborator; he ended up caught in a much more dangerous political storm. Most of it comes at the hand of a manipulative woman. Still, there's redemption.

The storyline and intrigue pulled me in early on, and the characters were complex and memorable. However, somewhere in the middle, I felt lost thanks to the switch from who-done-it to political thriller. By the end, I reconnected. I just wish the transition would have been smoother.

That being said, the author created an intense thrill ride with palpable moments. I can honestly say there wasn't a moment where I was bored or disinterested, just slightly confused. Overall, a captivating read.

Rating: 3.5 stars

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About the Author

Richard Hilary Weber, a native of Brooklyn and a Columbia University graduate, has taught at the universities of Stockholm and Copenhagen, and has been a scriptwriter for French and Swedish filmmakers. He lives in Provence, France.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the In Flames blog tour page.

All That Glitters by Michael Murphy (4.5 stars)

About All That Glitters

On Sale: January 06, 2015
Pages: 266
Published by : Alibi

In Michael Murphy’s rollicking new Jake & Laura mystery, the hard-boiled writer and the aspiring movie star head for sun-drenched Los Angeles, where a cold-blooded murderer lurks behind the scenes. 

Just arrived from New York, Broadway actress Laura Wilson is slated to star in Hollywood’s newest screwball comedy. At her side, of course, is Jake Donovan, under pressure to write his next mystery novel. But peace and quiet are not to be had when an all-too-real murder plot intrudes: After a glitzy party, the son of a studio honcho is discovered dead from a gunshot wound. And since Jake exchanged words with the hothead just hours before his death, the bestselling author becomes the LAPD’s prime suspect. 

In 1930s Tinseltown, anything goes. Proving his innocence won’t be easy in a town where sex, seduction, and naked power run rampant. With gossip columnist Louella Parsons dead-set on publicizing the charges against him, Jake has no choice but to do what everyone else does in the City of Angels: act like someone else. Blackie Doyle, the tough-talking, fist-swinging, womanizing hero from Jake’s novels wouldn’t pull any punches until he exposed the real killer—nor will Jake, to keep the role of a lifetime from being his last.

 

Purchase Links

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Review

Laura Wilson is headed to Hollywood with a contract in hand; tagging along is her almost-fiance (he's asked several times, and she swears she will eventually accept) Jake Donovan, a mystery writer and former detective.

Not long after attending their first Hollywood soiree, a murder occurs and Jake quickly finds himself the top suspect. Then, it's time to put back on his gumshoe hat and figure out who did it before their careers are both destroyed.

There's so much to love about this book: excellent characters; a fun, fast-paced story; twists and turns; romance; and old Hollywood glamour. More than all of that, it's simply charming. It beckoned to the days of Dick Tracy. 

As a woman, I loved the strong female characters, especially since the novel is set at a time when women were still in the shadows. Laura is feisty, yet loving. However, my favorite female character was Annabelle, a hard--but wounded--police woman. 

It's been a long time since I said a book was charming, but it's the perfect word for this one. I loved the real characters mentioned (e.g., Al Capone, Myrna Loy, Cary Grant), and that Hollywood was essentially another character.

If you love a good mystery with old-fashioned charm and a quick wit, not to mention clever twists and turns, then All That Glitters is a sure bet.


Rating: 4.5 stars

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About Michael Murphy 

Michael Murphy is a full-time writer and part-time urban chicken rancher. He lives in Arizona with his wife of more than forty years and the four children they adopted this past year. He’s active in several local writers’ groups and conducts novel-writing workshops at bookstores and libraries.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the All That Glitters blog tour page.

13 Hollywood Apes by Gil Reavill (4 stars)

About 13 Hollywood Apes

Pages: 310
Published by : Alibi

In a savvy, stylish thriller debut perfect for anyone who loves the crime novels of Michael Connelly or Nevada Barr, Gil Reavill unravels a chilling tale of murder and mayhem among humans and their closest evolutionary relatives—a primate family that may just be too close for comfort.

As a wildfire rages outside the Odalon Animal Sanctuary in the rugged Santa Monica foothills, the retired Hollywood movie chimpanzees housed there are shot and left for dead. When Malibu detective Layla Remington reaches the grisly scene the next morning, she’s deeply disturbed—and even more confused. The victims are not human, so the attack cannot be classified as homicide. Yet someone clearly wanted these animals dead, and executed them with ruthless efficiency. Miraculously, there is one survivor: a juvenile male named Angle.

But as Layla reaches the veterinarian’s office where Angle is recovering, a man with rock-star good looks and a laid-back Southern California attitude swoops in and removes him. And just like that, an unusual case turns truly bizarre. Soon reports surface of ferocious attacks against Odalon employees . . . with Angle as the prime suspect. As a wave of senseless violence reaches its apex, Layla chases a mystery man and his chimp—but everything comes back to that terrible night at the sanctuary.
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Purchase Links

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Review

Who doesn't love a good mystery/thriller? 13 Hollywood Apes takes the classic format for this genre and rethinks it with chimpanzees as the victims and suspects. 

This isn't a cuddly animal story; it is gritty and heartbreaking. Animals all too often are abused or used by sadistic humans to carry out crimes, yet our society has very few protections in place for the true victim--the animal. If an animal kills someone, we euthanize it. It's procedure. 

Layla Remington must work through the evidence and help redefine how society views the treatment of animals. She quickly finds herself connecting with Angle, the lone ape survivor of a brutal scene where several chimpanzees are murdered.

Even Layla jumps to some conclusions at first. As she becomes closer to Angle and uncovers details about the crime, she fights an uphill battle. Most everyone around her seems determined to take the easy way out on this case; after all, in their minds, it's just a bunch of animals.

At first, Layla seems like one-dimensional, overly strong and brash. Through her involvement with Angle and her father, we begin to see depth. My biggest disappointment was the lack of romance for her--not because it's required in a gritty suspense thriller, but because it's hinted at and never really materializes. Sometimes, Layla seemed completely alone, and I wished for a partner (other than her father, although his character was awesome) who shed more light on her and connected with her struggles.

Overall, I recommend 13 Hollywood Apes to readers who love this genre and are looking for a new twist on it. Although there's plenty of intrigue and suspense, what makes this book memorable are the questions it raises and the emotions it taps.

Rating: 4 stars

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About Gil Reavill

Gil Reavill is a journalist, screenwriter, and playwright. Widely featured in magazines, Reavill is the author of Mafia Summit: J. Edgar Hoover, the Kennedy Brothers, and the Meeting That Unmasked the Mob, as well as Aftermath, Inc.: Cleaning Up After CSI Goes Home and the screenplay that became the 2006 film Dirty, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. He lives in New York with his wife, Jean Zimmerman, and their daughter.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the 13 Hollywood Apes blog tour page.

Duke City Hit by Max Austin (4.5 stars) & Giveaway

About Duke City Hit

On Sale: December 16, 2014
Pages: 150
Published by : Alibi

Max Austin takes readers back to Albuquerque for another action-packed thrill ride in Duke City Hit, as an elite assassin takes aim at—well, everyone.

According to Vic Walters, the secret to happiness is low overhead and few demands. Living rent-free in a modest bachelor pad behind his boss’s house, he has no debts, no entanglements, and no expensive relationships. He works just a few days a month, but his bank accounts keep growing.

Vic is a high-priced hitman with a legendary record of success. That is, until someone starts eliminating his marks before he can get to them . . . until his manager puts him in the middle of a vicious drug-cartel feud . . . and until a young man walks into his life with a big .45 and a startling revelation.

For Vic Walters, it’s time to step out of the shadows. Which means it’s killing time in Duke City.

 

Purchase Links 

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Review

Vic Walters lives life as he wants to and doesn't feel the need to apologize for it. After all, he only answers to himself. As a hit man, it's easier that way. Then, a couple of his hits get weird--someone else seems to be interested in his marks. Suddenly, a young man comes into Vic's life and changes everything.

I love a good thriller as much as the next person, but what really connects me with a read are memorable characters. This book scores on both accounts. Vic Walters appealed to me on many levels. He's tough, sexy, and confident. But then we get to see a whole new side of him, a depth not usually afforded a hit man character, when he gains something in his life he never thought he wanted.

Plus, there's action and suspense. For a few pages, I was worried we'd go from a thriller to a book about relationships, but the author strikes a great balance. So, if you love twists and turns with action, it's there. However, if you like character-driven pieces, you'll also be satisfied.

I highly recommend Duke City Hit. It's a quick read with surprising depth. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: 4.5 stars

If you'd like to see my review of Duke City Split, the first book in this series, you can find it here.

Giveaway

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About Max Austin

Max Austin is the pseudonym of writer Steve Brewer. He lives in Duke City (Albuquerque), New Mexico.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy. 

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the Duke City Hit blog tour page.

A Magnificent Crime by Kim Foster (4.5 stars)

About A Magnificent Crime

Everyone has a talent. Some are just more legal than others.

Cat Montgomery is a natural-born thief with a special gift for stealth—or at least she thought so. Years ago, she stole from the diamond-hoarding businessman Albert Faulkner III. Now he wants revenge, and he forces Cat to plan a heist of the infamous Hope Diamond while it’s on loan to the Louvre in Paris. If she fails the mission, he'll wreak bloody havoc on her loved ones. But the stakes are raised even higher when Cat discovers that stealing the Hope is not only an impossible task, it's a cursed one. . .

Meanwhile, Cat's boyfriend, FBI agent Jack Barlow, is tracking a fierce criminal known as the Gargoyle, running into Interpol and resistance among his agency. As he follows the trail to Paris, where Cat is, their missions entwine in ways neither of them would have suspected. . .

A Magnificent Crime (Agency of Burglary & Theft #2) is scheduled for publication on June 5, 2014, by Kensington Books. It will initially be available as an ebook, and later as a trade paperback. It’s the second in a series called The Agency of Burglary & Theft. The first book in the series is titled A Beautiful Heist.

Review

Cat Montgomery is a thief; she embraces her lifestyle and leaves guilt and judgement at the door. Lately, however, she's suffering from panic attacks. Not the best reaction in the thick of thieving.

To make matters which, she's facing her biggest challenge yet as she's being blackmailed to do a dangerous job. The penalty for refusing is an age-old punishment for stealing. 

For even more complication, her boyfriend (Jack) is an FBI agent. They've agreed to look the other way about each other's lives, but how long can it last?

I love it when a book two exceeds my expectations. Although I enjoyed A Beautiful Heist, book one, this book was better both in character-building and intrigue. Twists and turns are inevitable with crime and mystery, but there are so many layers to this story--several thieves wanting in on the action, blackmail, lives hanging in the balance. Everything is heightened because the target is the Hope Diamond, on loan to the Louvre. This isn't small-time crime, and the adventure is intricately woven together. (Of course I can't give details and ruin the fun, but it's quite the roller coaster ride. Trust me.)

Also, there's something captivating about Cat. She's unapologetic for her choice of career, but she has job struggles just like everyone else. It's refreshing to read about a criminal who's not the bad guy. The author does an excellent job of making Cat likable and flawed, especially with Cat struggling to figure out why she's panicking when she didn't before. Plus, Jack is not a clear-cut good guy. Their heat is unmistakable, but they can only dig so deep--trust will always be a factor. 

I can't wait to read more installments in this series and hope there will be more. There's so much amazing material to further explore with Cat's personal struggles and her relationship uncertainty (there might be more than one love interest, just saying), even if she never stole again. Can love be enough? Oooh, I am looking forward to finding out. 

If you are a reader who enjoys an entertaining--but multi-dimensional--thrill ride, look no further. A real coup.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I also enjoyed the first book in the series, A Beautiful Heist. My review can be found here. 

About the Author

Kim Foster is the author of the Agency of Burglary & Theft Series, a series of novels about a professional female jewel thief. Kim has a typical background for someone who writes thrillers about thieves and spies and criminals: she has a degree in medicine and is a practising family doctor. (Don’t worry, it doesn’t make much sense to her friends and family, either.)

She’s addicted to yoga, loves to travel, and has a clinical weakness for dark chocolate with sea salt. Online, you can find her blogging about her left-brain, right-brain mash-up on www.kimfoster.com. Kim lives with her husband and their two young sons in Victoria, BC, where she's hard at work on her next book. And drinking a ridiculous amount of coffee.

To learn more about Kim and her work, please visit her website, kimfosterwrites.com, follow her on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

The Garden Plot by Marty Wingate (4 stars) -- Review & Giveaway

About The Garden Plot

Publisher: Alibi (May 6, 2014)
Sold by: Random House LLC 

In an entirely appealing mystery debut, Marty Wingate introduces readers to a curious Texas ex-pat whose English gardening expertise on occasion leads her to unearth murderous goings-on.

Pru Parke always dreamed of living in England. And after the Dallas native follows an impulse and moves to London, she can’t imagine ever leaving—though she has yet to find a plum position as a head gardener. Now, as the sublet on her flat nears its end, the threat of forced departure looms. Determined to stay in her beloved adopted country, Pru takes small, private gardening jobs throughout the city.

On one such gig in Chelsea, she makes an extraordinary find. Digging in the soil of a potting shed, Pru uncovers an ancient Roman mosaic. But enthusiasm over her discovery is soon dampened when, two days later, she finds in the same spot a man’s bludgeoned corpse. As the London police swarm her worksite, ever inquisitive Pru can’t quite manage to distance herself from the investigation—much to the dismay of stern Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse. It seems that, much as he tries, even handsome DCI Pearse can’t keep Pru safe from a brutal killer who thinks she’s already dug up too much.

Advance praise for The Garden Plot

 “Marty Wingate plants clever clues with a dash of romantic spice to satisfy any hungry mystery reader.”—Mary Daheim, bestselling author of The Alpine Yeoman

“Classy, clever and utterly charming . . . Brew a pot of tea and settle in with this immensely enjoyable mystery.”—Rosemary Harris, author of Pushing Up Daisies and The Bitches of Brooklyn

Purchase Links

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Review

Pru has always dreamed of living in England; she's given herself one year to make her dreams come true--get hired as a gardener for an estate--or go back home to Texas. Although she gets odd jobs here and there, the job she needs to make it a go remains elusive.

Then, one day, she happens upon a dead body, and she can't help but get involved. Christopher, the Detective Chief Inspector assigned to the case, is intrigued by her. With each new detail, she gets closer to the truth and they get closer to each other. Will she get herself in too deep?

I love the way this book was set up. It wasn't just about a murder mystery; it was about a woman fighting for what she believes in. Pru gets multiple rejections, but she doesn't take the easy way out (a job waiting for her in Texas). Her tenacity is further exposed when she gets involved in the murder investigation. Even when her safety is threatened, she pushes for answers. 

In addition to a captivating mystery, there's a sweet romance between Pru and Christopher; an element which tied it all together for me. Although I found the story slow to start, it quickly picked up speed. 

I highly recommend The Garden Plot to mystery fans, especially ones who appreciate a strong main character and some romance. 

Rating: 4 stars

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About Marty Wingate

Marty Wingate is a regular contributor to Country Gardens as well as other magazines. She also leads gardening tours throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and North America. The Garden Plot is her first novel. More Potting Shed mysteries are planned.

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on The Garden Plot blog tour page.

Duke City Split by Max Austin (4 stars) -- Review & Giveaway

About Duke City Split

Publisher: Alibi (April 8, 2014)
Sold by: Random House LLC

A cool, calm, and collected bank robber—with two kids at home—heads a fascinating cast of characters in Duke City Split, the first in a trilogy of white-knuckle thrillers from Max Austin.

Bud Knox isn’t your average bank robber. He’s happiest fixing a nice lunch for his wife on her lunch break or watching his two young daughters play soccer. He leaves the boldness and brawn to his partner, Mick Wyman. In the past fourteen years, they’ve hit nearly thirty banks all over the West—everywhere but “Duke City,” their hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

So when Mick calls him about the perfect job, Bud is less than convinced, because the target is on their own turf. But with the potential to haul in millions, Bud simply can’t say no. If they do this job right, Bud may never have to work again.

As it turns out, the heist is the easy part. Holding onto the money while evading everyone from the FBI to the Mafia to the low-life criminals who want a cut will be the hardest thing Bud Knox has ever done—and it might just cost him his life.

Purchase Links

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Review

Sometimes the perfect job is the very one you should walk away from; a lesson Mick and Bud quickly learn when a too-good-to-be-true robbery has dangerous implications. Pulling off the heist goes off without a hitch, but enjoying the money proves a challenge.  

And they aren't just trying to evade the cops or the FBI investigation, because many people end up wanting to be cut in on the action. Mick and Bud face more trouble than simply figuring out a way to start enjoying their money. They are in a fight for their lives.

Exciting from start to finish, this story is non-stop action. Bud, in particular, is a character you are rooting for regardless of the fact that he's a thief. He has kids and a wife, and they need the money. I definitely related most to his character. Mick comes across as the more traditional criminal, but he looks out for Bud--very big brother. 

With every turn of the page, a new person was after Bud and Mick. Bad guys, good guys, and everything in between. It's a well-written, high intensity read.

Why, you might ask, did I give it 4 stars? Up until the last page, this was a 4.5-5 star read. But endings matter, and this one simply left too much hanging. I didn't need some wrap-it-all-up happy ending--that wouldn't have been realistic--but I need an ending. Instead, I felt like I was missing chapters. I understand the idea of a cliffhanger (since this is the first of a trilogy), but this felt rushed and too abrupt.

However, please consider, I felt passionate--like hopping mad--about the ending. That shows just how much I was enjoying the book. So give Duke City Split a chance, and let's hope book two comes out soon and makes up for this one's ending.

Rating: 4 stars

About Max Austin 

Max Austin is the pseudonym of writer Steve Brewer. He lives in New Mexico.

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Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Please visit other stops on the Duke City Split blog tour page.