Catching Heat Book Review

Cold Case Justice Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart's parents, she's desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind - the governor's wife - behind bars.  When she joins a newly formed task fore and teams u with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student.  Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where California's first lady, Alyssa Rollins, grew up, Abby decided to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.

     Luke is eager to help Abby close the books on a case they both have personal stakes in.  But as she uncovers long-held secrets, Abby stumbles into an explosive situation, and Luke fears that her obsession may prove deadly.

SUMMARY:  Catching Heat picks up where the second book, Burning Proof, leaves off.  There are two cold cases Abby's team is working on plus the side case of her parents' murder.  Between all the different suspects, locations, and details of each case, sometimes I got lost as to what belongs to which case.  Throw in all the details from the two previous books that are repeated referred to in regards to previous cases and the Triple Seven murders, sometimes it was hard to keep track of everything. That said, this book kept my attention along the whole roller coaster ride until the very end.  The ending was a surprise and fit the story line perfectly. 

     Abby's obsession with solving her parents' murder mirrored one of her cold cases.  I like how in solving the case, she finally realizes the problem she is having letting go and does what she can to stop.  The twists and turns of all three cases will keep you on your toes. You may even need a cheat sheet to keep track of everything. 

     All in all, this is a great book and the perfect ending to the series.  I really enjoyed this book and series and look forward to reading more by Janice Cantore.

This book was provided by Tyndale House for review without any compensation.

Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired.  Her twenty-two year of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories.  She has penned eight novels: the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, Critical Pursuit, Drawing Fire, and Burning Proof.  Catching Heat is the third book in the Cold Case Justice series.

The Raven Book Review

Coffey & Hill Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  As part of his street performance, a deception specialist who goes by the name The Raven picks his audience's pockets while they watch.  It's harmless fun - until he decided to keep the wallet of a prominent politician, hoping for a few extra bucks.  When he finds compromising photos of the councilman and his "personal assistants," The Raven hatches a plan to blackmail the man.  However, he quickly finds himself in over his heard with the Ukrainian Mafia and mired in a life threatening plot code named "Nevermore."
     Private investigators Trudi Coffey and Samuel Hill must scramble to sort out the clues to rescue The Raven from a wild card bent on revenge.

REVIEW:  This story kept me on my toes, trying to keep everyone straight and remember details about each character.  At times, it moves at a slow pace then will quickly escalate then slow back down.  There were times when scenes seemed to drag.  But, the author kept me trying to figure out if "Nevermore" was real or just a rumor that had been started.  The details involved in the story that leads up the the finale were many and, at times, hard for me to keep straight, but oh so worth it.  The twists, turns and switches kept me from guessing how everything would play out.  The ending fit everything so well.
     The only draw back was innuendos to events that occurred in the first book in the series, Annabel Lee.  It was confusing to me trying to understand the references made and how they impacted this novel since I had not read it.  Sometimes they were about characters and relationships pertinent to The Raven and others that were not as important.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at PopFam.com, as well as a bestselling and award winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide.  When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe scared him silly.  Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote.  A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full time.  He is the author of Annabel Lee. 

Deadly Encounter Book Review

FBI Task Force Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  Is it mere coincidence, or part of a carefully orchestrated plan?

     Airport ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport.  What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery.  Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable to taking down a 747.

     Though FBI Specialist Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses.  Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy.  But when her gruesome discovery is only the first thing in a string of incidents that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted.  As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.

REVIEW:  This story kept me on my toes.  Trying to figure out how all the parts fit together to form an answer to the many problems was thought provoking and stimulating.  There were a few times I had to reread sections to remember what had happened, who was involved and why.  It was fascinating reading all the different ways the antagonist(s) plotted and schemed to get the results they wanted.
     Stacy's love for Whitt, her neglected and abused neighbor, was admirable.  She did what she could to show him not all adults were horrible people. I also like how she pursued trying to become his foster mom, and hopefully mom, and encouraged him to not let the past dictate his future.
     This was a marvelous story that kept me turning pages right to the end.

This book was provided by Tyndale House for review without compensation.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author whose novels have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, and Carol Award contests.  When she's not writing, DiAnn is buy teaching and doing research through the FBI Citizens Academy.  She and her husband live in Houston, Texas.  Visit her online at www.diannmills.com. 

If I Run Book Review

SUMMARY:  Casey knows the truth.  But it won't set her free.

     Casey Cox's DNA is all over the crime scene.  There's no use talking to police; they've failed her abysmally before.  She has to flee before she's arrested . . . or worse.  The truth doesn't matter anymore. 

     But what is the truth?  That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey,  PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him.  Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up.  Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer,  But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective?  If she isn't guilty, why did she run?

     Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices:  the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero.  And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

REVIEW:  In the United States in regards to crimes, we are presumed innocent until proven guilty.  At least, that is the way it is SUPPOSED to work.  Unfortunately, more often than not, we are considered guilty UNLESS we are proven innocent. And, if someone powerful has it out for us, we may never find that release.  This is the case for Casey.  She is thought to have killed her best friend.  All the evidence is looking that way but it is not the truth.
     I really liked this story.  It is written in the first person from the perspective of  two different people - Casey, the accused murderer, and Dylan, the PI hired to find her.  Each has their own struggles and personal demons to overcome and you see the difficulties they face.  Casey's story reminds me of the movie The Fugitive, where the kind doctor is convicted of murdering his wife while he claims a one-armed man did.  As he goes along trying to prove his innocence and the other man's identity, he helps people in trouble along the way.  As Casey tries to hide from the authorities trying to arrest her (or even kill her), she helps a family who has a loved one disappear.  Plus, the longer Dylan searches for her and researches the evidence in the case, he is convinced more and more of Casey's innocence.
     If you like a good suspense story that will have you trying to figure out how the story will work out, you need to read this one.  Now, it is part of a series and Casey's story is not done.  I can't wait to see how everything works out and how Casey will finally find her freedom. 

This book was provided by Fiction Guild and Zondervan 

for review without compensation.

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author.  She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as the Moonlighters, Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, SunCoast Chronicles, and Restoration series.  Visit her online at www.terriblackstock.com, on Facebook: tblackstock, and on Twitter: @terriblackstock. 

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder Book Review

Herringford & Watts Mysteries Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  Beneath the facade of a wealthy aristocrat may beat the black heart of a killer . . .

     In 1910 Toronto, most bachelor girls are perfecting their domestic skills and finding husbands.

     But Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts have never been ordinary.  As the two detectives launch their business, the deaths of young Irish women lead them deep into the mire of the city's underbelly.

     While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest.  Merinda could well become Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever - if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

REVIEW:  Not very many books are written about the early 20th century, especially before The Great War.  I find this time period fascinating because women's roles are starting to branch out from just housewives and shop workers to students of higher learning, reporters, lawyers, doctors and in other areas.  Merinda and Jem take advantage of these opportunities and start to make a name for themselves as detectives.  They try to avoid the Morality Squad, a group of men selected by the mayor to uphold women's traditional roles, making sure they are not out after dark and that their skirts aren't too short, and making life difficult for women.
     The mystery solving was interesting but sometimes I got lost because the story would jump around and I sometimes had difficulty remembering what the original objective was.  Even though the novel was about Merinda and Jem, the main focus was Jem and her potential love interest Ray.  It would have been nice to have both girls as the focus instead of just one.  But, looking at the write up for next book coming out, I noticed Merinda will be the one in the limelight. 
     Merinda's zest for life and her one track mind to find the murder was captivating.  She didn't let anything or anyone stop her from achieving her goal.  Dressing up in men's clothes so she and Jem could investigate places normally off-limits to women of their stature was just par for the course to her.  I like how Jem tried to keep Merinda out of trouble with the Morality Squad and just in general.  They both had a heart for women and tried to give them a voice, even if it was just find something that was lost.
    This was an okay book but I do look forward to reading the others to see how their lives play out.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Harvest House Publishers

for review without compensation. 

Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile.  When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries.  Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.

The Newsmakers Book Review

SUMMARY:  TV reporter Erica Sparks has become a superstar overnight.  Is it due to her hard work and talent, or is she at the center of a spiraling conspiracy?
     Erica Sparks is a beautiful and ambitious reporter who has just landed her dream job at Global News Network in New York.  And while it was hard to leave Jenny, her cherished eight-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband, Erica is determined to succeed in the cutthroat world of big-time broadcasting.  She can only hope her troubled past won't come back to sabotage her dreams.
     Although the wounds from her divorce are still fresh, Erica can't deny the chemistry between her and her new producer, the handsome and empathic Greg Underwood.  But a relationship is the last thing she wants right now.
     On her very first assignment, Erica inadvertently witnesses - and films - a horrific tragedy, scooping all the other networks.  Mere weeks later, another tragedy strikes - again, right in front of Erica and her cameras.
     Her career skyrockets overnight, but Erica is troubled.  Deeply.  This can't just be coincidence.  But what is it?
     Erica will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.  But she has to make sure disaster - and her troubled past - don't catch up with her first.

REVIEW:  Erica is a character to admire.  She struggles to fit in but doesn't let it define her, like she did in college.  She admits her mistakes and tries to learn from them, even those that severely damaged her marriage and her relationship with her daughter.  Erica doesn't let her past define her but uses it to keep on the right path.  She doesn't back down from what she knows is the right thing to do.
     The story kept my attention as I tried to figure out who was behind the tragic events and why.  I like how Erica did not back down from the threats coming from the higher-ups and kept pursing leads trying to figure out who was behind everything.  This was an engaging book full of drama and intrigue and seemed to come right off today's newscasts.

This book was provided by Fiction Guild and Thomas Nelson Publishers 

for review without compensation.

Lis Wiehl is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels.  She is a Harvard Law School graduate and has serves as a federal prosecutor i the state of Washington and as a tenured faculty member at The University of Washington School of Law.  She is currently a popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel.  Find her on Twitter at @LisWiehl; Facebook at Facebook.com/LisWiehl and at liswiehlbooks.com.

Sebastian Stuart has published four novels under his own name, including The Hour Between, winner of the Ferro-Grumley Award and an NPR Season's Readings selection; The Mentor, a psychological thriller published in the U.S. and Great Britain; and To the Manor Dead, a mystery set in the Hudson Valley.  He co-wrote (with Dr. Judy Goldstein) the novel 24-Karat Kids, a national bestseller published in eight languages; and ghostwrote the novel Charm! by Kendall Hart, a New York Times bestseller.  As senior editor of e-book publisher New Word City, Stuart has written over two dozen original non-fiction e-books.

Burning Proof Book Review

Cold Case Justice Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  After months of investigating the brutal homicide of a young girl, Detective Abby Hart finally has the evidence she needs.  But when the arrest goes terribly wrong, Abby beings to doubt her future as a police officer.  As she wrestles with conflicting emotions, old questions about the fire that took her parents' lives come back to haunt her.

     "There is proof."  PI Luke Murphy can't stop thinking about what Abby's former partner, Asa Foster, mumbled just before he died.  When Luke uncovers a clue to the murder of Abby's parents and his own uncle, he's reluctant to tell Abby, despite his growing feelings for the beautiful detective.

     A decade-old abduction case brings Luke and Abby together, but will his secret tear them apart?

 

REVIEW:  Author Janice Cantore knows how to grab her reader's attention, keep it until the end, and leave them wanting more.  The whole time I was reading, I kept trying to guess what would happen ahead, who the culprits would be, how everything tied together and what the resolution would be.  

     The story of the ten-year-old abduction cold case is an excellent addition to Abby's parents' murder.  I like how even though they were completely separate crimes, the circumstances surrounding the closure of the abduction incident tied perfectly into the other case.  I also love how the author has her characters realize their dependence on God.  Abby has been through her share of troubles and has tried to keep God at the center of her life.  After an arrest goes horribly wrong, she realizes her foundation has slipped and she needs to refocus her life on God and not the world around her.

     You will need to read the first book in this series, Drawing Fire, before this one as Burning Proof does draw heavily from it. 

     If you like suspense novels, check out Jancie Cantore's novels and this book.  I'm looking forward to reading the next one in this series.

This book was provided by Tyndale House for review without compensation.

 

Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired.  Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories.  She is the author of the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, Critical Pursuit and the Cold Case Justice series.Visit her website at www.janicecantore.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JaniceCantore.

Miracle Drug Book Review

SUMMARY:  Overcoming these odds would take more than a miracle drug - it would take a miracle.
     The infection wasn't supposed to happen, but it did.  The treatment was supposed to take care of it, but it didn't.  Dr. Josh Pearson believes an experimental drug not yet approved by the FDA may be the antidote.  But there's only one dose available for two patients:  the former president of the United States . . . and Josh's girlfriend.
     With the nation's eyes on him, Josh must pull off a miracle to save a man who holds a good deal of power and the woman who holds his heart.

REVIEW:  The summary of this book really intrigued me and the book lives up to most of the hype.  Trying to figure out who was behind the attack on David Madison, the former president, and Rachel Moore, the nurse who was accompanying him on a scouting trip in South America, was difficult.  About the time I thought I had narrowed down the suspects, new information would come out that threw a wrench in my thinking.  The attempts on Madison's life seemed to get lost in the other parts of the story at times, though. 
      It was interesting and eye-opening to read about experimental and new drugs and how the CDC operates in regards to these medicines.  It got me to wondering if there are any new medicines that have been developed that aren't being examined more thoroughly due to limited funds or limited usages.
     I liked the way the author weaved faith in throughout the novel and how prayer was very beneficial to all the characters.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press 

for review without compensation.

Richard L. Mabry, M.D., is a retired physician who writes "medical suspense with heart."  His novels have won multiple awards.  He and his wife life in northern Texas.  You can follow Richard online at RMabry.com, as well as on Twitter (@RichardMabry) and on Facebook at RMabryBooks.

The Methuselah Project Book Review

 

SUMMARY:  During World War II, German scientists started many experiments.  One never ended.

     Shot down over Nazi Germany in 1943, Roger Greene becomes both a prisoner and an unwilling guinea pig in a bizarre experiment.  Seventy years later, Roger still appears as youthful as the day he crash-landed - and he's still a prisoner.  Nearly insane from his long captivity, Roger finds his only hope in an old Bible.

     Not until our present time does Roger finally escape from the secret society running the Methuselah Project.  When he does, the modern world has become a fast-paced, perplexing place.  his only option is to accept the help of Katherine Mueller - crack shot, go-getter, and attractive to boot.  Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story?  And can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

REVIEW:  If you like the Marvel's Captain America movies and character, you will like this book.  Like Steve Rogers, Roger Green is as youthful as he was in 1943.  But, instead of volunteering for the experiment and being "asleep" for 70 years, Roger was kept prisoner by a Nazi scientist and his co-workers while they studied him. 
     This was a very interesting book.  The way the author handled the passage of seventy years was thought out and thought provoking.  It was intriguing how Roger found comfort and solace in reading the Bible, something he did not do before his capture.  I was a little jealous of the library he had, all the knowledge he gained from reading and how he retained everything he read.  I was impressed at how quickly he adapted to modern culture, even though it seems a little far-fetched at times.  There were a few places that his lack of modern-day knowledge and his interaction with people made me laugh.
     Katherine Mueller is determined to follow in her uncle and parents' footsteps and join the Heritage Organization.  Little does she know, this organization is not what she thinks it is and risks everything to help Roger.  I like how she sticks by Roger, helps him uncover his past, and provides great insight on everything Roger needs.
     This was a wonderful book.  I really enjoyed reading it and love how it is open-ended to allow for future additions to this marvelous story.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Kregel Publications 

for review without compensation.

Rick Barry is the author of Gunner's Run, another World War II novel, Kiriath's Quest, and over 200 articles and fiction stories.  In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting ministries at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe.  He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times.  Rick lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Visit him at facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry or on Twitter (@WriterRickBarry). 

Drawing Fire Book Review

Cold Case Justice

Book One

SUMMARY:  With a possible serial killer stalking elderly women in Long Beach, California, homicide detective Abby Hart's best lead is Luke Murphy, an irritating private investigator who saw a suspect flee the scene of the latest homicide.  But as she works with the handsome PI to unravel the serial killer case, she must also confront the spark between them.  When Abby discovers that the most recent victim is related to the governor, she's anxious to talk to him about a cold case that's personal to her, one Luke is interested in as well.

     As she learns more about the restaurant fire that took her parents' lives years ago, Abby discovers why Luke is so invested in finding the ones responsible.  With everyone else telling her to walk away from this case, Abby and Luke search for evidence buried beneath years of deceit . . . and soon realize that someone will do anything to make sure this case remains cold.

REVIEW:  Janice Cantore's latest novel is wonderful.  She really knows how to grab the reader's attention at the beginning of her books and hold it to the end.  I found myself wanting to continue reading when I didn't need to, trying to figure out what would happen next. 
     Abby works hard at her job, but finds that solving the mystery surrounding her parents' death is slowing taking over.  Luke, who is also interested in getting answers, works hard to find missing children and teens.  Working together causes friction in their personal and professional lives, but they get answers to some of their questions.

     I can't wait for the next book to come out and see how the rest of the story goes.

This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review without compensation.

Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired.  Her twenty-two years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories.  She has penned six novels: the Pacific Coast Justice series, Visible Threat, Critical Pursuit, and Drawing Fire, the first book in the Cold Case justice series.

Wilderness Rising Book Review

A Church Builder Novel

SUMMARY: It began as a search for the truth about her best friend’s death. Now Bethany Barclay is caught in the ultimate struggle to keep faith alive.
     The Wilderness, an ancient cabal bent on destroying Christianity, has murdered Bethany’s best friend, framed her for acts of terrorism, and captured the brilliant teen hacker she vowed to protect. To ransom the girl, Bethany must traverse England and Europe to find the Pilate Stone—a mysterious first-century artifact that might not even exist.
     She’s not the only one who wants the stone. The Garden, a powerful group of intellectuals sworn to save the Church and help Bethany, is willing to betray her to achieve their higher goals. And a mysterious third faction lurks in the shadows, waiting for her to stumble.
     Alone and on the run in this international landscape of double and triple agents, Bethany’s quest becomes an ever more complex and dangerous contest against players who don’t play fair.
     In this riveting sequel to The Church Builder, many of A. L. Shield’s cunning characters are ruthlessly devoted to preserving a world where faith is possible. Others aim to brutally, and finally, undermine belief.
     Including Bethany’s.

REVIEW:  My daughter and I have been anxiously waiting for this book since we finished the first one.  Now, you DEFINITELY need to read the first book, The Church Builder, before reading this one or you will not be able to follow along.  Even though I had read it, it had been a while so I had trouble trying to remember what happened previously, how it was relevant to this story and who all was involved how.  After a few chapters, everything started falling back into place.
    The author does an excellent job keeping you guessing and sitting on the edge of your seat, quickly turning the pages to see what happens next.  This book is like a classic spy/whodunit-type novel, with all the twists, turns and not knowing who to trust. Quite a few questions from the previous publication were answered and things started falling into place.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Bethany is one character I won't easily forget.

This book was provided by Zondervan and Booklook Bloggers for review without compensation.

A.L. Shields  is a pseudonym for Stephen L. Carter, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale, where he has taught for thirty years. He is also the author of seven acclaimed works of nonfiction and five best-selling novels. His first novel, The Emperor of Ocean Park (2002), spent eleven weeks on the New York Times best seller list.

Double Cross Book Review

An FBI:Houston Novel

Book Two

SUMMARY:  She put him in prison.  Now he's their only lead in a deadly new case.

     FBI Agent Laurel Evertson's investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to a felon she arrested on her last undercover assignment.  That case has haunted her since, and though she's vowed to forget Morton Wilmington - and what she sacrificed to put him away - he is now her best lead.

     Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammers' next targets, , and he'll do anything to protect his family, including force inter-agency cooperation.  But he's quickly drawn to Laurel's zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.

REVIEW:  DiAnn Mills' second FBI: Houston novel is a page turner.  Trying to figure out who the scammers' are before they con someone else or kill their target kept my head spinning.  Having the time and day stamp on each chapter to help when the storylines overlapped was very beneficial in seeing how everything worked together. While I thought I had some of the characters pegged and the ending already figured out, I was totally wrong.  The ending caught me by surprise but tied everything up neatly.
     Probably my all-time favorite character was Abby, Daniel's grandmother.  A tragedy from her teenage years, along with the encouragement of her husband and his family, helped Abby become a strong, adventurous woman who had no regrets in life.  Her reliance on God, and her S&W :-), make her very admirable.
     While this book is the second in the series, it is a completely stand alone novel.  This is one I would gladly recommend to anyone who likes a book that keeps them guessing.

This book was provided by Tyndale House for review without compensation.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author whose novels have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, and Carol Awards contests.  When she's not writing, DiAnn is busy teaching and doing research through the FBI Citizens Academy.  She and her husband live in Houston, Texas.  Visit her online at www.diannmills.com.

Hidden in the Stars Book Review

Quilts of Love

SUMMARY:  Could a quilt hold the secret to a serial killer?

     Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept help from her estranged grandmother.  Once an Olympic hopeful, Sophia's future is now uncertain, and her inability to share her eyewitness account frustrates police detectives looking for answers.  What were the criminals after?  Why did they attack Sophia and her mother?

     Detective Julian Frazier is determined to solve the case.  Distracted by the pull Sophia has on his heart and his own questions about why God could allow this senseless violence, Julian doesn't realize that an important clue could be right in front of him.  As he gets closer to solving the case, Julian wonders of his efforts will be enough to save Sophia.  Or will the murderer be back to silence her forever?

REVIEW:  I really liked everything about this book.  My heart went out to Sophia as she realizes her dreams of becoming an Olympian are over and that her mother lied to her about her past and her grandmother.  The idea of crime victim being unable to speak is original.  I loved how the author used it and how she uses a lip-reader to help both the police and victim.  The centerpiece of the quilt was a little disturbing to me when you understand its role and how it furthers the investigation but quite ingenious.  This is a great story that captured my attention from the very beginning and held it to the end.  This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Abingdon Press for review without compensation.

 

Robin Caroll is an award-winning author of more than twenty novels and writes to entertain.  Her books have been recognized by several award contests, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, and more.  She gives back to the writing community by serving as Executive Director for ACFW.  Find out more online at RobinCaroll.com.

Firewall Book Review

FBI: Houston

SUMMARY:  In a matter of minutes, Taryn Young's happily ever after turns into her waking nightmare.

     After a whirlwind romance, software developer Taryn Young is en route to a dream honeymoon when a bomb decimates the airport terminal, killing dozens.  Injured, she awakens in the hospital to discover her husband is missing, and they're both considered prime suspects in the attack.  Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn't who he appears to be.

     Agent Grayson Hall's first priority is to catch those responsible for the bombing.  Despite the evidence pointing to Taryn's guilt, Grayson's gut tells him she's innocent ... and in danger.  With a possible mole in the FBI office, Grayson and Taryn fight to stay ahead of her pursuers, especially when they learn what the bombers are really after:  Taryn's latest high-security software project.  In the wrong hands, it could leave the US vulnerable to massive attacks.

     With national security on the line, Taryn and Grayson must unravel the plot and find the architect before their firewall is breached.

SUMMARY:  This book was a sit on the edge of you seat, not able to put it down, reading until it is the middle of the night kind of book.  The book moves at a fast pace, happening within the space of five days.  Sometimes it is a little difficult to keep up with all different characters involved and their role in the story along with the aspects of the software project and what hackers are trying to accomplish but that wasn't a big problem.  Probably one of my favorite things about this book was the relationship (or lack of) between Taryn and Grayson.  I found it refreshing to see how Grayson did not try to pursue a relationship with Taryn even though he was attracted to her.  He gave her time to heal from her ordeal. 

     I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

This book was provided by Tyndale House for review without compensation.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author whose novels have won Christy Awards and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, and Carol Award contests.  When she's not writing, DiAnn is busy teaching and doing research through the FBI Citizens Academy.  She and her husband live in Houston, Texas.  Visit her online at www.diannmills.com.

Scraps of Evidence Book Review

Quilts of Love

Every Quilt Has A Story

SUMMARY:  Could a quilt really hold the secrets of a serial killer?

     Tess struggles to balance her career as a police detective and caring for her Aunt Susan.  Her partner, Logan, wants to help but find it hard to believe the brisk professional officer he works with during the day has a softer side - and a love of quilts.  It's a love Tess shares with Aunt Susan, who cherishes a particular quilt she made when she was younger.

     When some of Susan's cryptic comments about the quilt and its origins spark Tess's curiosity, the detective in her leads Tess to unravel the story behind this heirloom.  As she discovers the origins of the quilt, Tess unexpectedly uncovers clues that may lead her to a serial killer . . . a killer who is quite willing to kill again to keep his secrets hidden.

REVIEW:   After reading the summary of the book, I was intrigued with the idea of a quilt holding the secrets of a serial killer.  The author did not disappoint.  She kept me guessing as to who the killer was, how the quilt was involved and how everything was going to turn out.  Now, while I figured out early on who the killer was, this story did not disappoint.  I liked the twists and turns the story took and how even the most remote item or insignificant event linked up to something bigger.  I also like how she wrapped everything up, even laughing at some of her methods.  It would be delightful to see Tess and Logan turn up in a few more novels of this sort.  This was a good book and look forward to reading more stories from this author. 

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group for review without compensation.

Barbara Cameron is the author of more than 35 fiction and nonfiction books and three nationally televised movies and is the winner of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.  She currently resides in Edgewater, Florida.  Find out more about Barbara at BarbaraCameron.com and AmishLiving.com.

Frame 232 Book Review

A Jason Hammond Novel

SUMMARY:  The time had come, she decided, to rid herself of this burden, to take the steps necessary to put the matter to rest once and for all.  And the first step, she knew - against every instinct and desire - was to watch that film.

     During the reading of her mother's will, Sheila Baker discovers that she has inherited everything her parents ever possessed, including their secrets.  A mysterious safe-deposit box key leads her to the answers to one of history's greatest conspiracies:  Who killed John F. Kennedy?  Not only does she have the missing film, revealing her mother as the infamous Babushka Lady, but she has proof that there was more than one shooter.

     On the run from people who would stop at nothing to keep secrets buried, Sheila turns to billionaire sleuth Jason Hammond for help.  Having lost his own family in a tragic plane crash, Jason knows a thing or two about running from the past.  With a target on their backs and time running out, can Jason finally uncover the truth behind the crime that shook a generation - or will he and Sheila become its final victims?

REVIEW:  This was a great book!!  The story kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to turn the page to see what else happened.  Even though I am vaguely familiar with the Kennedy Assassination, I was able to follow the details without any trouble.  There were plenty of twist and turns and wondering of Shelia and Jason would make it all the way through to the end.  The ending is full of surprises.  Something I found refreshing was how Jason and Sheila kept their relationship chase and did not form a romantic relationship in the few weeks they were together.  Most authors would have had them making a long-term commitment by the end of the book but Wil Mara went a different route.  I can see them developing a relationship in future books but nothing permanent was decided here.  This is an awesome book that should be checked out.

This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review without compensation.

Wil Mara has been writing books for the last twenty-five years.  He began with non-fiction for school libraries, moved into children's fiction by ghostwriting five of the popular Boxcar Children Mysteries, then into adult fiction with his 2005 disaster thriller, Wave, which won the New Jersey Notable Book Award.  His next disaster novel, The Gemini Virus, was released in October 2012 to rave reviews from critics and public alike.  Wil also spent twenty years as an editor, working for Harcourt Brace, Prentice Hall, and other publishers.  For more information, visit Wil at www.wilmara.com.

The Church Builder Book Review

SUMMARY:  One group focused on destroying all religion.  One group struggling to preserve the church.  One woman searching for the truth.
     For two months, small-town lawyer Bethany Barclay has been mourning the hit-and-run death of her enigmatic best friend, Annabelle Seaver.  Then the son of her wealthiest client is found murdered in her kitchen.  When Bethany herself becomes the leading suspect, she must flee both the authorities and a mysteriously killer.
     But there is more at stake than she knows.
     Bethany is caught in the web of a shadowy organization determined to destroy Christianity.  The final outcome rests on her ability to piece together the last three months of her best friend's life.

REVIEW:  This is a book that will keep you turning pages and sitting on the edge of your seat all the way to the end.  At times, trying to keep straight all the different characters and their roles was difficult for me.  I do not read many suspense novels so when shadowy characters are introduced and not fully explained to keep the intensity going, I had some problem keeping everyone straight.  But I was able to follow the story pretty easily and keep up.  The story was intriguing and unique.  As I read, I could see the novel being played out in movie form.  While the drama was not brought to a close at the end of the book, I can't wait for the next book to be released to finish Bethany's search for answers.
     If you are a fan of suspense novels, this is a book you will want to check out.

This book was provided by Booksneeze, Harper-Collins and Zondervan for review without compensation.

A.L. Shields is a pseudonym for Stephen L. Carter, the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law at Yale, where he has taught for almost thirty years.  He is the author of seven acclaimed works on nonfiction, and five best-selling novels, including The Emperor of Ocean Park, which spent eleven weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Dark Road Home Book Review

Edge of Freedom Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  The nightmares of her past have found Ana Kavanagh an ocean away.

     Ana Kavanagh's memories of Ireland are mostly of fire and pain.  As a girl she survived a blaze that left her an orphan, left her scarred, and left her angry at God.  Now in New York, Ana finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who's struggling with his own anger.  His twin sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with his enemy.

     Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan hopes to rejoin the Fenians, an organization pushing for change back in Ireland, by securing information against Rourke, the man his sister married.  Ana, Cara's friend, may be his best source, and despite the attraction he feels, Eoghan determines to use the girl's sweet nature to his advantage.

     Adding to the danger is a specter from Eoghan's own past, one whose thirst for vengeance knows no bounds.   Eoghan must choose which road to follow - bitterness or forgiveness - and where to finally place his trust.

REVIEW:  This book picks up where No Safe Harbor leaves off.  Cara is married to Rourke and is still looking for her brother, Eoghan.  Ana, Cara's friend from the boardinghouse, discovers him at a local church when she goes to help feed the poor and homeless women staying in the church's shelter and tries to help Cara and Eoghan reconnect.
     Ana carries scars on her body from a house fire she survived as a young child.  I love how even though she was afraid of fire, she was quick to rush in to help Ellen, a young girl staying in the shelter, when a heavy pot of boiling water falls on her and burns her.  Ana often steps out of her comfort zone to help the people around her, especially when it comes to helping in the church and Eoghan.  In doing so, she finds God never left her and was with her as she recovered from her burns and made a new life for herself in America.  She also realizes outward beauty does not matter as much as the beauty that lies in our hearts.
     The underlying story of the Fenians and their quest for freedom from England's rule plays a crucial role in this book.  Eoghan will do almost anything to get back into this group then realizes it is not what he truly wants.  Cara's uncle Brion has major dealings with the Celt, the mysterious leader of the Fenians, and uses his standing in Ireland to find the whereabouts of Cara.  If you are not familiar with the struggle of Ireland and England then this book will be confusing at times.
     This is the second book in the Edge of Freedom series.   You will need to read the first book No Safe Harbor to understand the whole story and histories of Eoghan, Ana, Cara, and Rourke and the struggles they face.  This is a good book and I look forward to reading more in this set.

This book was provided by Bethany House for review without compensation.

Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor, Book One in the EDGE OF FREEDOM series.  Her work has also been featured on Novel Journey, the Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Pulse.  Elizabeth's debut novel, Where the Truth Lies (coauthored with Janelle Mowery), earned her the IWA Writer of the Year Award.  Her first historical novel, Love Finds You in Calico, California, was given four stars from Romantic Times.  And her poplar literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership.  Along with her husband and two grown children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas.  To learn more, visit www.ElizabethLudwig.net.