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Hooker Avenue by Jodé Millman

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Hooker Avenue by Jodé Millman was a great read.  This is the second book in the “Queen City Crimes” series, and this is the first one I have read.  I wasn’t confused at all as I was reading this book, but I would recommend reading them in order if the first book interests you.  The author did a great job of giving you just what you need to know in this book without spending a ton of time giving you details that you don’t need to understand this book.  This book had just the right amount of suspense that kept me guessing but not so much that I got stressed out.  There is a fine line between having too much tension and not having enough, and this author did a great job of giving just enough to keep me reading.  I also loved that the author let crimes that happen in our world inspire this series because it makes the book more believable than other books I have read.  I can’t write enough praise for this book.  I enjoyed it so much that I can’t think of anything I would change.  This is one of those books I know I will go back and read the first book because I liked this book that much.  I also will be reading any other books in this series that the author releases because I love the characters.  If you are looking for a new series to read this summer, I would recommend this series to you.

About The Book

Genre: Thriller
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: April 19, 2022
Number of Pages: 360
ISBN: 9781685120825
Series: Queen City Crimes, #2

Being a Good Samaritan is hazardous.

Single mom and attorney Jessie Martin learns that lesson the hard way.

During a violent spring thunderstorm, Jessie discovers an unconscious woman lying in a roadside ditch and dials 911 for help. Little does she know her compassion will propel her on a collision course with her estranged best friend, Detective Ebony Jones…and one of the most shocking mysteries in the Hudson Valley.

The badly beaten victim, Lissie Sexton, is a prostitute who claims she’s escaped from the clutches of a killer. She’s also a client of Jessie’s new boss, and former nemesis, Jeremy Kaplan, and fearing for Lissie’s life, he’s hidden her away from everyone.

Ebony is investigating a series of cold cases, and the missing women’s profiles bear a striking resemblance to Lissie’s. She’s willing to stake her career on the hooker being the key to solving the serial crimes. However, Jessie is the major obstacle to her investigation- she won’t give up Lissie’s location.

Jessie’s in a bind. She wants to help Ebony, but she can’t compromise her client, her boss, or her legal ethics. To catch the killer, can Jessie and Ebony put aside their past? Can they persuade Lissie to identify her assailant to prevent future attacks?

Praise for Hooker Avenue:

“Dark, dangerous and deviously suspenseful, Hooker Avenue kept me turning pages late into the night. I adored the fascinating cast of characters and the rich Hudson Valley setting. A truly terrific book!”– Alison Gaylin, USA Today Bestselling, and Edgar Award-winning author of THE COLLECTIVE

“So many skeletons are banging on the closet doors to be set free, in this heady mix of sizzle, punch, and danger. And, even more intriguing, it’s all based on a true crime.”–Steve Berry, International and New York Times bestselling author of THE KAISER’S WEB

 

About The Author

Jodé Millman is the multi-award winning author of THE MIDNIGHT CALL, and the best-selling SEATS: NEW YORK Theatre guidebooks. Her latest thriller, HOOKER AVENUE, is now available. She’s an attorney, a reviewer for Booktrib.com, the host/producer of the Backstage with the Bardavon podcast, and creator of The Writer’s Law School. Jodé lives with her family in the Hudson Valley, where she is at work on her next novel in her “Queen City Crime” series- novels inspired by true crimes in the valley she calls home.

Discover more about Jodé and her work at:
http://www.jodemillman.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @JodeMillmanAuthor
Instagram – @jodewrites
Twitter – @worldseats
Facebook – @JodeSusanMillmanAuthor

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A Message in Poison by BJ Magnani

 

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

A Message in Poison by BJ Magnani was a good book.  This is the third book in the series and the first one I have read.  I wasn’t lost as I was reading this book, so you don’t have to read all of the books if you don’t want to, but if the series interests you, I would start from the first book and read them in order. I did enjoy this book, but it isn’t a series that I want to read all of the books.  I think I feel that way because there are politics in the story, and I am not the biggest fan of books like this.  I enjoyed the authors writing and the characters in this story.  The author did a great job of giving you the right amount of background info, so you understand what is going on but not so much that you get bored.  This book had a unique plot because, as I have said, this isn’t usually a genre read, and I enjoyed reading something different. I loved that this book had quite a bit of suspense because it kept me reading. After all, I had to know what would happen and how it ended.  I say I didn’t see the ending coming, and I loved that.  If you are looking for something different to read this summer, I would give this series a shot because I am sure you will enjoy it.

About The Book

Genre: Medical Mystery / Thriller
Published by: Encircle Publications
Publication Date: April 20th 2022
Number of Pages: 278
ISBN: 1645993256 (ISBN13: 9781645993254)
Series: A Dr. Lily Robinson Novel, The Art of Secret Poisoning Part 3

Sparks fly as Dr. Lily Robinson-the brilliant academic pathologist and covert assassin for the U.S. Government-investigates two seemingly unrelated deaths alongside her lover, Agent Jean Paul Marchand, and D.C. Medical Examiner Dr. Logan Pelletier.

A U.S. Senator and the president of a developing nation are found dead in their beds. As governments thousands of miles apart react to the fallout and begin their investigations, no one claims responsibility, and no motives are clear. Yet, the cause of death implies a link between the two—one that only a mind versed in poisons and politics can decipher. With her personal relationships teetering on the brink and her loved ones facing foreign threats, Lily must unravel the mystery and uncover a plot more calculating than anyone could imagine—but it may be too late.

A Message in Poison, the third part of the Art of Secret Poisoning trilogy (The Queen of All Poisons and The Power of Poison), continues with twists and turns as Dr. Lily Robinson travels the globe, stares down death, and finds herself at “another crossroad, another choice between life real or imagined…”

The fast-paced action juxtaposes nicely with the personal dilemmas Lily faces as she uncovers a new plot that forces her to reconsider her talents and place in the world.
~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

About The Author

BJ Magnani (Barbarajean Magnani, PhD, MD, FCAP) is the author of the Dr. Lily Robinson novels: The Queen of All Poisons (Encircle Publications, 2019), The Power of Poison (Encircle Publications, 2021), and A Message In Poison (Encircle Publications, 2022.) Lily Robinson and the Art of Secret Poisoning (nVision Publishing, 2011) is the original collection of short stories featuring the brilliant, yet deadly, doctor. Dr. Magnani is internationally recognized for her expertise in clinical chemistry and toxicology, has been named a “Top Doctor” in Boston magazine, and was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Laboratory Medicine Professionals in the World by The Pathologist. She is Professor of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (and Professor of Medicine) at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and the former Chair of both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Toxicology Committee and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Tufts Medical Center.

Follow BJ Magnani on:
http://www.BJMagnani.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @bjmagnani
Twitter – @bjmagnani
Facebook – @bjmagnaniauthor

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Exit Strategy by Linda L Richards

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Exit Strategy by Linda L Richards was a book that I wasn’t sure I was going to like, but I ended up loving the book.  I did receive a digital copy of this book, but I also bought a copy of the audiobook because I wanted to listen to this story as I was working.  I enjoyed the audiobook’s narrator, and if I ever saw that she narrated another audiobook I was interested in, I would listen to it.  I enjoyed this book because even though it is in a genre that I love, I don’t usually listen to this type of story.  I spent a good chunk of the book trying to figure out what would happen next because the author did a great job of keeping me guessing.  This is the second book in the series.  I didn’t read the first book, but the author included enough of the back story that I wasn’t lost.  If I didn’t know that there was a book before this one, I wouldn’t have been confused at all.  I think I will go back and check out the first book because I enjoyed this one so much.  She did a great job of making me feel as if I knew the characters.  I felt like they were real people, not just book characters.  If you are fans of the suspense genre, I would pick up this book.

About The Book

Genre: Thriller
Published by: Oceanview Publishing
Publication Date: May 17th 2022
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 1608094227 (ISBN13: 9781608094226)

A shattered life. A killer for hire. Can she stop?

Her assignments were always to kill someone. That’s what a hitman—or hitwoman—is paid to do, and that is what she does. Then comes a surprise assignment—keep someone alive!

She is hired to protect Virginia Martin, the stunning and brilliant chief technology officer of a hot startup with an innovation that will change the world. This new job catches her at a time in her life when she’s hanging on by a thread. Despair and hopelessness—now more intense than she’d felt after the tragic loss of her family—led her to abruptly launch this career. But over time, the life of a hired killer is decimating her spirit and she keeps thinking of ending her life.

She’s confused about the “why” of her new assignment but she addresses her mission as she always does, with skill and stealth, determined to keep this young CTO alive in the midst of the twinned worlds of innovation and high finance.

Some people have to die as she discharges her responsibly to protect this superstar woman amid the crumbling worlds of money and future technical wonders.

The spirit of an assassin—and her nameless dog—permeates this struggle to help a young woman as powerful forces build to deny her.

Fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Dexter will love Exit Strategy.

About The Author

Linda L. Richards is a journalist, photographer and the author of 15 books, including three series of novels featuring strong female protagonists. She is the former publisher of Self-Counsel Press and the founder and publisher of January Magazine. Linda’s 2021 novel, ENDINGS, was recently optioned by a major studio for series production.

Catch Up With Linda L. Richards:
LindaLRichards.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @linda1841
Instagram – @lindalrichards
Twitter – @lindalrichards
Facebook – @lindalrichardsauthor
TikTok – @lindalrichards

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Distorted Perception by Trish Arrowsmith

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Distorted Perception by Trish Arrowsmith left me feeling sad.  I want to say that I enjoyed this book, but that sounds wrong because of what this book is about.  I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone if you have dealt with domestic violence or are triggered by violence.  The author did a great job of making me feel like I was there with the characters, and I understand why the characters did what they did.  This book left me broken-hearted for people who deal with this in the real world.  Even though this book deals with heavy topics, I enjoyed the authors writing.  I wish we would have found out what happened with Maxwell after the book ended.  This book gave all sorts of emotions that I wasn’t expecting.  There were times when I had to put the down because some parts of the book were very intense.  I don’t know who I would recommend this book to because I wouldn’t want to risk triggering someone. 

About The Book

Genre: Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Drama
Published by: Trish Arrowsmith Author
Publication Date: February 24, 2022
Number of Pages: 276
ISBN: 9781736755952

At twenty-six years of age, Kathleen has almost everything she needs: a fulfilling teaching career, a new car, and a recently purchased home. She dedicates her free time to her students, supporting them in a manner she never had growing up. Her days are filled with love and hope, but her nights are empty without a family to call her own. While spectating the first home baseball game of the season, she meets a man that she believes will change her evenings in the best possible way. With no children of his own, he committed his free time to bringing his young nephew to watch the game, hoping to encourage him to play. Kathleen is immediately drawn to him and sees him as a true family man.

Maxwell is handsome, successful, and charming. When he proposes marriage shortly after they begin dating, Kathleen is eager to accept as the desire to start her own family consumes her. Within months of their marriage, Maxwell’s sweet, doting personality gives way to a more sinister, controlling side. Kathleen quickly realizes that while she was looking for a partner, Maxwell was looking for someone who existed solely to fulfill his needs.

When he suggests a move to the country, Kathleen is hesitant to leave her job but believes the change of atmosphere will be an opportunity to bring them closer together. She soon realizes the isolation of the countryside only serves to enhance his power over her. It doesn’t take long for her to learn the devastating truth of who her husband really is, and she finds herself left with two choices: She can try to escape and hope he doesn’t find her, or she can stay and fight the battle in which all odds are against her.

About The Author

Trish recently moved across the country where she found her forever home, enjoying the desert sunshine and wildlife all year long. She was born and raised in a small town in northern Connecticut. Growing up, she was always fascinated by unsolved mysteries and true crime as well as the psychological elements behind them. As an avid reader, her go to books are thrillers, suspense, and true crime.

Catch Up With Trish Arrowsmith:
http://www.TrishArrowsmithAuthor.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @trisharrowsmith
Instagram – @trisharrowsmithauthor
Twitter – @author_trish
Facebook – @TrishArrowsmithAuthor

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Hush Hush by Gabriel Valjan

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Hush Hush by Gabriel Valjan was an exciting book to read. This is the third book in the” Shane Cleary Mystery.”  This was the first book that I have read in this series, and I didn’t feel lost as I was reading this book.  You don’t have to read all of the books if they don’t interest you.  I have read one other book by this author, but it wasn’t in this series. This book had the perfect amount of suspense right from the start. I enjoyed this book more than the other one that I read, and I think that is because I had a hard time staying interested in the other one.  I enjoyed this book so much that I will probably go back and read the first two books in the series.   I was a big fan of Shane right from the start.  The author made me feel like I was there with the characters, and I loved that.  I enjoy the setting of this book as well.  I enjoyed the fast pace of this book because it kept me on the edge of my seat right from the start.  If you are looking for a new suspense book to read this summer, I would recommend this book to you.

About The Book

Genre: Mystery
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 11th 2022
Number of Pages: 230
ISBN: 9781685120436
Series: Shane Cleary Mystery, #3

Shane Cleary is living a comfortable life. He has money. He has a girl.

But a visit from a friend shakes up his status quo. Chess may be the metaphor, but the case is one that lifts the lid on problems nobody in Boston wants to talk about.

Murder. Race. Class. It’s all Hush Hush.

Neither the crime nor the verdict is simple, and yet it is Black and White.

Shane will need more than a suit of armor if he wants to play knight. Can Justice be found? And at what cost?

About The Author

Gabriel Valjan is the author of the Roma Series, The Company Files, and the Shane Cleary Mysteries. He has been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Silver Falchion Awards, and received the 2021 Macavity Award for Best Short Story. Gabriel is a member of the Historical Novel Society, ITW, MWA, and Sisters in Crime. He lives in Boston.

Catch Up With Gabriel:
GabrielValjan.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @gvaljan
Instagram – @gabrielvaljan
Twitter – @GValjan
Facebook

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Not Your Child by Lis Angus

 

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

Not Your Child by Lis Angus was a great book to read.  I was sad when I finished reading because I wasn‘t ready to say goodbye to these characters.  The author did a great job of keeping me guessing as I was reading.  Just when I thought that I had it all figured out, I  would find out that I was wrong, and I would have to start all over again trying to figure out what was going on.   This book has a lot of suspense in it. If you aren’t a fan of books like that, I wouldn’t recommend this book.  This is one of those books that kept me up super late more than once.  I love when that happens until the following day when I have to get up super early for work.  I loved just about everything about this book.  The author did a great job of making me feel like I was there with the characters.  The author did a great job of telling the story through different characters.  Sometimes it gets confusing as to who is talking, but that didn’t happen in this book.  She had just the right amount of details in this book, and I didn’t get bogged down in details.  If you are looking for a suspense book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I would recommend this book to you.

About The Book

Genre: Suspense
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: April 18, 2022
Number of Pages: 308
ISBN: 978-1-5092-4118-7

When Ottawa psychologist and single mother Susan Koss discovers that a strange man has been following her twelve-year-old daughter Maddy, she fears he’s a predator. But it’s worse than that. The man, Daniel Kazan, believes Maddy is his granddaughter, abducted as a baby, and he’s obsessed with getting her back.

Susan insists on a DNA test to disprove Daniel’s claim, but the result is one she can’t understand or explain: it says she’s not Maddy’s mother.

Then Maddy vanishes. Susan’s convinced Daniel has taken her, but he has an alibi, and two searches of his house turn up nothing. The hunt is on—police are on full mobilization, and Susan fears the worst.

About The Author

Lis Angus is a Canadian suspense writer. Early in her career, she worked with children and families in crisis; later she worked as a policy advisor, business writer and editor while raising two daughters. She now lives south of Ottawa with her husband.

Catch Up With Lis:
LisAngus.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @lisangusauthor
Instagram – lisangus459
Twitter – @lisangus1
Facebook – @lisangusauthor

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