Trust the Terrier by D.L. Mitchell (#1 – Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery)

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Trust the Terrier by D.L. Mitchell

 Published: December 28, 2023 by Black Rose Writing

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I needed a light, cozy series to read, and who can’t fall in love with the little guy on the cover!

 

Trust the Terrier by D.L. Mitchell  is the first in the  Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Black Rose Writing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Information:
Dr. Emily Benton is the new owner of Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital in Florida, and has hired her long-time friend Anthony Torres to help manage it.  She moved back to the area when her mom got sick, and is now living in the cottage on the beach since her mom passed away.  Her brother Duncan is a deputy sheriff, and lives in the next town.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Emily is delivering some medicine for Mrs. Klein’s terrier Elvis, when she discovers the woman’s body.   She calls her brother, and ends up taking Elvis home until the woman’s daughter can come.

A day later, Emily’s walk on the beach with Elvis is interrupted by an intruder in Mrs. Klein’s house.  The death is now deemed suspicious, and Detective Mike Lane will get more involved.

Emily gets further involved in all the drama when Elvis takes an instant dislike to a delivery driver who also delivered groceries to his previous owner.  Emily is keeping in touch with Mrs. Klein’s daughter Sarah who lives in California.  They both want to find out what truly happened to the poor lady who was such an animal lover.

 

My Opinions:
First, you must know that I do not read books about animals.  I don’t watch tv shows about animals.  As a kid, I hated that The Littlest Hobo had no home….and I was always worried that Lassie would get hurt.  Don’t get me started on Old Yeller.  I have had many dogs over the years (2 aging shih-tzu’s right now), and it kills me when they are not well.  All this being said, I can’t believe I even started this book!  However, I figured that a vet would not write a cozy mystery where her main character get’s hurt.

Anyway, it turned out to be a very fast and easy read.  I didn’t even mind the romance angle.  Although it was way too predictable, it was still good.  My biggest complaint was Emily, whose constant interference in the police investigation was highly annoying.

Anyway, not bad for a debut cozy mystery.

Read:  March, 2024

 

 

D.L. Mitchell

 

About The Author:  DL Mitchell is an American author, and practicing small-animal veterinarian in Atlanta Georgia. She has a husband, daughter, and a menagerie of pets.*** Photo Taken From Twitter

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6376706293

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Cinderwich by Cherie Priest

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Cinderwich by Cherie Priest

 Publishing:  May 14, 2024 by Apex Book Company

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: This is a new author for me, and the premise of this book looked interesting.

 

Cinderwich by Cherie Priest  is a fantasy/horror novel.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Apex Book Company and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Dr. Judith Kane has never gotten over the loss of her girlfriend/lover, Ellen Thrush.  She has searched for her for decades.  Judith is friends with Ellen’s niece, who goes by the name Kate (although she was named for her Aunt Ellen).

When Judith sees an article about a town called Cinderwich, where an unknown woman was found many years ago in a tree, Judith asks Kate to join her on the hunt.  Apparently, now and then, graffiti is written around the town asking the question “Who put Ellen in the blackgum tree?”  Could this be “their” Ellen?

But getting answers is not so easy, as the people in Cinderwich aren’t keen on visitors.  However, the girls who found the body so many years ago, agree to talk to Judith and Kate.

Kate feels something is off, and she thinks she is seeing a ghost.  The deeper they look, they start realizing that this is not an ordinary town.

 

My Opinions:
This was a fairly fast and enjoyable read.  A little spooky, a little mystery, and a little more supernatural. Other than one scene near the end, there was no real horror.  But that’s okay.  Everything worked well.

I loved the characters.  They were all a little quirky, and I loved the banter between Judith and Kate.

I’m not sure if I missed it, but I don’t think the freemason plot line was fully explained, and I’m not sure what happened to Meredith.   However, the actual plot…finding out if the Ellen in the tree was “their” Ellen was answered, so that’s all that really matters.  The only other problem I had was the really abrupt ending!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.  A very “atmospheric” read.  I’ll be looking for more by this author!

 

Read:  May, 2024

 

Favorite Quotes from Cinderwich:

“Who put Ellen in the blackgum tree?”

 

Cherie Priest

About The Author: Cherie Priest is an American author.  She lives in Seattle with her husband and a number of her pets.   *** Photo Taken From GoodReads

 

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6497065835

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

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The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

 Publishing:  May 7, 2024 by Simon & Schuster

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I was sent a widget from the publisher, and the premise looked good.  Apparently she’s not a new author, but she is to me!

 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean is mystery/thriller about a missing teenager and the detective who never gives up on finding her.

First, let me thank Edelweiss, the publisher Simon & Schuster (and in particular Danielle Prielipp for sending me a widget), and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Detective Chelsey Calhoun was adopted as a child.  As a Japanese woman in a male-dominated police department in the state of Washington, she fights for every scrap she can get.  When Chelsey was 14, her best friend and older sister Lydia was murdered.  Chelsey became a cop so that she could protect other young women.

When she gets the call that Ellie Black, a girl who disappeared over two years ago is found, Chelsey rushes to the hospital to see her.  Chelsey has never given up on her, staying in touch with Ellie’s mom and dad.  But Ellie has changed, and she is definitely hiding something.  She refuses to co-operate with the investigation into her disappearance.

Chesley, with the few details Ellie has let slip, discovers a link to other missing girls.

Meanwhile, Chesley and her husband Noah are having issues.

 

My Opinions:
WOW.  This book had me hooked from the start, and held me til the end…and I will probably be thinking about it for a long time to come.

In one way, the book is about feminism, and how hard it can be for a woman in a man’s world, about how some men will simply take what they want.  In another way, the book is about family, and how hard we will fight to protect those we love.  It is about grief, abuse, violence, obsession, trying to let go, and it’s about love.

The characters were really well written.  It is told from multiple points of view, enabling the reader to understand what the characters were feeling at any given moment. The plot was carefully structured to build suspense, and the twists were really good.  This was a very gripping and  emotional read.

 Absolutely recommend this one!

 

Read:  May, 2024

 

Emiko JeanAbout The Author:  Emiko Jean is of Japanese heritage, and  currently living in Washington with her husband and two children (twins).  She has written both YA and adult novels.  *** Photo Taken From GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6493021405

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know. 

 

 

 

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita (#2 – Cara Kennedy)

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Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita

 Published:  February 13, 2024

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  Well, the first in the series was good, but not great.  I am expecting more from this one, because both the setting and the protagonist are a little different.

 

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita is the second in a detective series set in Alaska.

 

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Berkley Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy has been on medical leave for failing the psych evaluation, while grieving the loss of her husband Aaron and six-year old son Dylan, after the camping trip that was meant to renew their relationship went awry.  Their bones were not found for nine months.  Originally, Cara had thought it was an accident, but has recently found that things are pointing toward murder.  She found pictures of her family on a thugs camera while in Point Mettier, a small Alaskan town which can only be accessed by a tunnel.  Almost all of the 205 residents of the town live in a single high-rise building.  That’s where she met Police Officer JB Barkowski

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Cara is about to exhume the bodies of her husband and son, looking for clues that they may have been murdered.  A picture of them has been found on the phone of a criminal.  Another picture on that same phone turned out to be the son of Ellie,  a resident of the condo in Point Mettier.  Further investigation shows that there seem to be a number of dead or missing people in these photos.

Meanwhile, we learn a little about Mia, a woman who grew up in a small women-run community called Unity.  Mia has changed her name and moved around a lot,  She knew Cara’s husband.

Cara and others will put their lives on the line to find out what is going on.

 

My Opinions:
I had problems with this one. 

I continue to like the characters of Point Mettier.  They are well thought-out, had depth, and are really interesting.  A really intriguing group, with very diverse backgrounds, and a lot of secrets.

However, I definitely struggled with the writing.  It seemed very dis-jointed between Ellie’s story, Mia’s story, and Cara’s story.  Yes, it all came together, but it just wasn’t smooth.   As well,  the book was overly detailed, and really dragged.   Nothing really happened in the first half, and I came close to giving up.  Thankfully, the second half was much better — it sort of evened things out.    The plot was very predictable, and I had already guessed much from reading the first book.  However, the identity of one of the criminals was a real surprise…and I loved that.

Anyway, I know some are going to absolutely love this book so take a chance, and I recommend that you read the first one before jumping in to this one, only so that you understand that Cara has a relationship with Point Mettier.

Read:  March, 2024

 

 

 

Iris YamashitaAbout The Author: Iris Yamashita is an American author, raised in Hawaii, but who also lived in Guam, California, and Japan. She studied engineering at U.C. San Diego and U.C. Berkeley and also spent a year at the University of Tokyo studying virtual reality. She started writing screenplays, and wrote the script Letters From Iwo Jima for Clint Eastwood which won awards.   *** Photo Taken From Twitter

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6146931673

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Midnight Showing by Megan Shepherd (#2-Malice Compendium)

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Midnight Showing by Megan Shepherd

Publishing:  October 3, 2023 by Hyperion Avenue

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  This is the second book I’ve read by this author, the first being Malice House…and now I find out that this is a series.  Not impressed, but since I absolutely loved Malice House….this was a no brainer.  That all being said, this one slipped through the cracks, and I fear I will be left behind.

 

Midnight Showing  by Megan Shepherd is a horror novel, and the second in the Malice Compendium series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Hyperion Avenue (for granting my wish – sorry I’m late in my review)  and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Haven Marbury, an artist, inherited her father’s estate (Malice House). Haven found a bizarre hand-written manuscript entitled Bedtime Stories for Monsters in her father’s house, and decides to publish it herself, with her own illustrations.  But she finds that she is bringing those monsters to life.  Her father’s pictures also came to life.  Haven is proof of that.  She also found Kylie, her half-sister, and Rafe, the handsome man from next door (who her father called The Harbinger –herald of dark times, in the Bedtime Stories book. He, too, is a monster.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Haven and her sister Kylie  are trying to find family, hoping for answers about the curse.  Everything Haven draws, and everything that Kylie writes, seem to be coming to life.  Although Malice House burned to the ground, there are plenty of monsters roaming the area, most of which are from the book.   Her biggest fear is Uncle Arnold, who, with a few whispered words, can make you do anything he wants.

While they are trying to hide, they ask for help from Haven’s friend Rob, the film-maker who she has done work for in the past.  They stay with Rob and his fiancé Tyler,  while still searching for family ties.  Rob is rather strange, but knows people everywhere — in particular Hollywood, and dark films.  They soon find some ties to Sigil, an old horror film company, who, urban legend has it, has their characters coming to life.

Haven is still getting to know her sister.  She has found out that Kylie is into astrology, crystals, and aliens. She’s also a wannabe author.  But they have both agreed not to write or draw.

Rafe, (the Harbinger in her dad’s book), is everything Haven could ever want in a man.  On the downside, he’s a monster.  But Haven is not having a whole lot of luck staying away from him

Together, they find more of the Acosta family, and they find more monsters.

 

My Opinions:
Well, I had wished for a sequel, and here it is.  However, I struggled to get into this one, because it has been a long time since I read the first (entirely my fault).   This is definitely a book that demands you read the first  before attempting this one.

I really didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first.  It seemed to drag….until it didn’t.  The author writes well, but the implementation was a little off.  I didn’t particularly like that each chapter started with parts of the old Hollywood horror films that contained the monsters.  The chapters kept going back and forth between all of them, and it was just a little confusing, and frustrating.

I love Haven, but have had problems with Kylie right from the start.  Rafe is a good side-kick, and I like the addition of Miracle.  The monsters….well, they were well-written.

Basically this is a continuation of nightmares coming to life, but this time it’s not just Haven’s.  It is also a book about family.  I think one of the underlying themes is the fact that “art”, whether written or drawn, can have a huge impact on people.

Although I was a little disappointed, and had some problems with this book (the length, the drag, the style) ….I’m still looking forward to the next one.  — I’m hoping the 3rd one will be back to the 5 stars I gave the first.

 

Read: May, 2024

 

Favorite Quotes from Midnight Showing:

“Don’t Draw” …. “Don’t Write”

“We knew that our family curse required two things: first, that someone with Acosta blood create a written story, and second, that the same person or another family member give the story physical form through artwork.”

 

Megan ShepherdAbout The Author: Megan Shepherd is an American best-selling author, who grew up in her family’s independent book store in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She was interested in foreign languages, joined the Peace Corps, and ended up in a small village in Senegal, where she found her interest in telling stories. She has also worked for a book publisher, an environmental nonprofit, a raft guide, a nanny, and a park Montana.    She lives in North Carolina with her husband, children, beehives, chickens, cats, a dog, and “according to her website”, a couple of ghosts.    *** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5656222205

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Dogboy v Catfish by Luke Gracias

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Dogboy v Catfish by Luke Gracias

 Publishing:  May 20, 2023 (Self-published)

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  The author approached me because I have read and reviewed his two previous novels.  They were both very long and drawn out. This looks very different from his other work, so I said yes!  However, I still kept setting it aside, and then it got lost for a while.  Oops.

 

Dogboy v Catfish by Luke Gracias is a psychological thriller about a missing husband.

First, let me thank NetGalley, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Lindsay “Dogboy” Kramer is a successful businessman and dog whisperer.

Katherine “Catfish” Fisher, mother to Emma, meets him when renting a storefront to hold her fashionable boutique, selling high end clothing and accessories.  They marry, living in Melbourne Australia, but two years later, Kathy is seeing a lawyer to dissolve her marriage, stating he is cheating on her.  She wants to file precisely 18 months after the marriage, thereby ensuring her daughter will receive a healthy child support payment until she is 18. Her lawyer, Freya Keogh feels like something is off.  She knew Lindsay from university, and feels that Katherine may be a gold-digger.

When Lindsay goes missing from his hotel room in Sydney, the police start investigating.

Katherine quickly realizes that she should stop the separation proceedings, as that would make her look guilty of something.

Freya meets up with Lindsay’s friend Michael, who is also a lawyer, and they start comparing notes.

The police investigation expands, and soon they are looking into a counterfeit operation, drugs  and money laundering, all involving designer goods.  Catfish is starting to look like a suspect.  But is Dogboy alive or dead?

 

My Opinions:
Well, I enjoyed this book much more than I had anticipated.  It moved much faster than the first two books I have read by this author.  However, he still writes really detailed scenario’s, and if you aren’t aware of how Import and Export Customs work, or the world of counterfeiting, you are about to find out more than you really need (or want) to know. It got a little heavy.

On a publishing note, I hated the font (which I couldn’t seem to change), and then realized I hated the font in his previous two books as well.  Sorry, that’s not relevant to the story.

The book covered many topics everything from suicide to murder, love to criminal activity.  But it also involved greed and revenge.

The characters were well thought out, and had some depth.  I loved Dogfish and hated Catfish (who was very shallow, very greedy, and just too self-centered), just as the author wanted.  I did not think Catfish got all she deserved, and did not feel her change near the end was believable.  I liked the determination of the police.

Overall, it was okay.   The plot was good, but I didn’t feel there were any surprises or twists….so it lacked something.  Oh, and I loved the cover (and the eventual explanation).

 

Read: April, 2024

 

 

Luke Thank you

 

About The Author:    Luke Gracias is an Indian author.  He is an environmental specialist who has been working part time in the film industry since 2006. He is an avid photographer. *** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

 

Check him out: 

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

My Monday Reviews for May, 2024

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My Monday Reviews for May, 2024

Well, spring is really here now….May is the month where my flowers show off, and they have already started!

 

Okay, back to books.  Mondays in May have a few different authors, and for some reason, mostly American.  Also, mostly books within a series (one a cozy mystery which is a relatively new genre for me).  Not sure how I ended up having Monday’s showcase so similar.  I usually try for a little more diversity.  Oh well, it is what it is.

 

As always,  you’ll have to check out my reviews throughout the month to determine whether or not I liked them, and how much….or how little  (You may be surprised).  But remember, these are my opinions only, and yours may be different!

 

Just a reminder that my blog has many more reviews, and if you’d like a recommendation, feel free to ask! Remember, #keepreading and #staysafe.

 

Here’s hoping your next read is 5 stars…but always Keep Reading!!!

 

…📖📖📖…

 

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita (Published February 2024)

The 2nd in the Detective Cara Miller series, set in Alaska, has Cara and friends looking into mysterious deaths, including Cara’s husband and son.

Iris Yamashita is an American author.

 

 

…📖📖📖…

 

Trust the Terrier by D.L. Mitchell (Published December, 2023)

The 1st in the Coral Shores Veterinary Cozy Mystery series has the new vet finding her neighbours body, and rescuing her dog Elvis.

D.L. Mitchell is an American author…and a vet!

 

…📖📖📖…

 

Every Move You Make by C.L. Taylor (Published March 2024)

Five people, all with stalkers, form a support group. When one of them is murdered, the rest fear their own stalker will go too far.

C.L. Taylor is a British author.

 

…📖📖📖…

 

The Murder Club by Sam Baron (Published April, 2024)

The 2nd in the FBI Agent Susan Parker series has the team investigating the death of a wealthy businessman who was part of a group of other professionals tracking a serial killer.

Sam Baron is an American author.

 

…📖📖📖…

 

 

 

The above are just a small sampling of what I will/have read in the month.  If something appeals to you, please check out the full review on my blog, where you will find many other books, perhaps something that will peak your interest.

 

I’d appreciate your comments…..Have you read any of  these?  Is there a book you would recommend that I read?

 

 

 

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller

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The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller

 Publishing:  February 6, 2024 by Simon & Schuster

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: It looks like this may be her debut novel, so I’m interested.  But now I wonder if this may become a series….and I really don’t need another series to start!

 

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller  is a mystery novel.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Simon & Schuster and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When Freya Lockwood was 12 years old, she lost her parents in a fire, and went to live with her Aunt Carole in a quaint English village.  From her aunt’s close friend Arthur Crockleford, she learned about antiques, and developed her passion.  Arthur’s side business of finding stolen artifacts and returning them to their real owners may have caught up with him.

It’s been 20 years since Freya has been back in town, but when her estranged mentor dies, she is called back by her Aunt Carole.  It was due to Arthur’s betrayal that Freya could no longer work in the antique business, but in his death, he is trying to correct things.  But Freya may have to put her life on the line to follow his clues.  Once again, Freya is on the hunt, this time with her Aunt Carole by her side.

 

My Opinions:
I fear that this is the start of another series, and I’m not sure I want another one.  However, the premise of an antique hunter as the protagonist is definitely unique.

However, I’m not sure I like the characters.  Freya is finding her strengths again, after 20 years of being a doormouse, so she may grow on me.  Carole is too into herself, and must always be the center of attention.  I would have loved Arthur.

The plot was quite good, but there was so much repetition as they tried to work things out, that it got boring.  As well, the overall pacing fell short, and it lacked excitement.  The actual perpetrator seemed obvious (to me, anyway).  I did, however, learn quite a bit about the world of antiques – the shadier side.  The author does know her subject matter, and was able to explain things quite well.

Overall, this one just missed the mark for me, and at this point I am unsure whether I would read a second in this series. 

 

Read: February, 2024

 

ImageAbout The Author:  C.L. Miller (Cara) is a British author, who is taking time out to write. She originally worked for her mother on researching antiques.  *** Photo Taken From Twitter

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6330263124

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

Messages from the Dead by Darcy Coates (#2.5 – Gravekeeper)

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Messages from the Dead by Darcy Coates 

Publishing:  March, 2022

 

Previous Book in the Series: #2 – The Ravenous Dead

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  I am really enjoying this paranormal series.  The books are an entertaining, fast read.  I was sent this story from the author a couple of years ago, but it slipped through the cracks….

 

Messages from the Dead by Darcy Coates is a paranormal mystery, and a short story in the Gravekeeper series. 

First, let me thank the author, for sending me a copy of her short story.  Apologies that it slipped through the cracks for 2 years.

 

Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Keira knows little about her past, but she has discovered she has a talent.  She can talk to ghosts — and if she discovers why they are still on this plane, she is determined to help them move on.  She has new friends…Adage who is a clergyman,  Zoe who is a conspiracy  theory nut, and Mason, who is supposed to be studying to become a doctor.  She has recently been hired by Adage to be the new groundskeeper at Blighty Graveyard.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Keira returns to the Old Mill, where a fire had taken place many years ago.  Although abandoned, there are still many spirits inside that have not yet been able to move on.

There, she meets Adela, who died of smoke inhalation, but longs for news of her daughter, who she feels she has abandoned.  Keira will try to help her.

 

My Opinions:
This can be read as a stand-alone short story, but without knowing Keira’s background, I think the average reader would be lost.

This story dealt with a mother’s loss and fear for her daughter, and in that way, it was a little sad.   But it was still a feel-good story, and the characters continue to enthrall me.

Even though this was just a short story, it had all the elements of a great book.  A quick and entertaining addition to the series!

Read: April, 2024  

 

 

About The Author: Darcy Coates is an Australian  bestselling author of many horror and suspense novels. She has written over a dozen books.

*** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

Check her out:

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6458464968

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  Either way, I’d love to know.

 

 

 

She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

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She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

 Publishing:  April 2, 2024 by Harlequin Trade Publishing – Park Row

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book: I read a number of this author’s books, and found them quite good….usually 4 stars.

 

She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica  is a psychological thriller about a nurse who gets overly involved in the life of a coma patient.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing – Park Row and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Meghan Michaels is a single mom to a 16-year old daughter, Sienna.  She is also an ICU nurse.  She’s a busy woman, who tries to keep her work separate from her home life.

One day, a new patient arrives.  Caitlin is in a coma, after having jumped off a bridge, and landing twenty feet below.    This woman really haunts Meghan, as her sister Bethany died that same way. When a witness to the fall comes forward, it appears that Caitlin may have been pushed.

Meghan finds herself questioning the actions of the family, and wondering who the unexpected visitor to Caitlin’s bedside was.

Meanwhile, Meghan re-connects with a friend from high school who is going through a difficult divorce.  She is also very worried about a string of assaults in her neighbourhood.

 

My Opinions:
This book moved way too slowly.  As well, I didn’t really like Meghan.  She was much too nosy, all while “caring”.  I didn’t buy it.  Actually, I didn’t really like any of the characters.

This book is about lies and secrets, obsession and abuse.  The premise was so good, but I just didn’t like the directions it went.  That, and the repetitiveness — in particular the prologue later becomes an entire chapter.  And a lot of the medical details were explained a number of times (ie the insulin procedure).

However, around the 70% mark, there was a good twist…which was the saving grace for this book.  It would have been better if it hadn’t come so late in the book.

 Anyway, this one just didn’t hit home for me, although I won’t give up on this author.

Read:  April, 2024

 

 

Mary KubicaAbout The Author: Mary Kubica is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many  novels. She is a former high school history teacher, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in History and American Literature. Mary lives outside of Chicago with her husband and two children. :  *** Photo Taken From GoodReads

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I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6453485722

 

Have you read it?  Do you plan to?  Tell me your thoughts…do you agree or disagree with my assessment?  These are only my opinions – and it would be a boring world if we all thought the same.  Either way, I’d love to know.