Sleeper Cell by Chris Culver (#7 Ash Rashid)

Sleeper Cell by Chris Culver

 Published: March 2018 

 

Previous Book in the Series: #6 – No Room for Good Men

Sleeper Cell by Chris Culver is the 7th in the Ash Rashid mystery series.

First, let me thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Series Background:
Ashraf Rashid is a lieutenant in the Indianapolis Major Case Squad. He has a wife and two children. His Muslim faith is often brought into the story-lines, as is his battle with the bottle. He tries very hard to do what is right, but often finds himself in precarious situations. He works closely with the FBI.

My Synopsis:
Ash is working with the FBI to find out why one of their agents was murdered, and why that agent seemed to have been so involved with Ash’s brother-in-law Nassir. Nassir and Ash’s sister are separated, mainly due to the group of men that Nassir is working with. The group is building a “summer camp” for Muslim children, but there seems to be more to this camp than meets the eye. Why had the dead undercover agent infiltrated their group?

Meanwhile, the FBI has been monitoring a lot of chatter about a terrorist group planning something in the area. The Indy500 is fast approaching, and it would be the perfect place for an act of terror. The more Ash investigates, the more roads lead back to Nassir. So what will Ash do if one of his own family members is a terrorist?

My Opinions:
Chris Culver never disappoints. I am really enjoying this series. I think Ash is a wonderful character, and particularly like the way he interacts with his family. This book, instead of shying away from the Muslim terrorist issue, brings it out front and center. It doesn’t justify the radicalization of young Muslims, but it does show us some of the reasons they are swayed. It also shows us how a whole group of people can be victimized by the bad actions of a precious few. I find the whole subject rather interesting, and very sad.

The plot and pace of this book were really good, and tension continues to build throughout the story. The writing, as always, was smooth.

Loved the book, and look forward to more!

Read: June 2018

Favorite Quotes from Sleeper Cell:

“I love you, too, sweetheart. Try not to get shot.”
“I wish you didn’t have to say that so often,” I said.”

“My wife’s coffee was the exact opposite of her character. Hannah was kind and sweet; it made my day just to see her. Her coffee was as black as death and seemed to suck the joy out of every room in which it found itself.”

 

About the Author:   Chris Culver is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Rashid series of mysteries.  After graduate school, Chris taught courses in ethics and comparative religion at a small liberal arts university in southern Arkansas.  While there and when he really should have been grading exams, he wrote The Abbey, which spent sixteen weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list and introduced the world to Detective Ash Rashid.

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11 Missed Calls by Elisabeth Carpenter

11 Missed Calls by Elisabeth Carpenter

Publishing: July 26, 2018 by Avon Books

 

11 Missed Calls by Elizabeth Carpenter is a mystery novel.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books UK, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Synopsis:
First there was Debbie, married to Peter, who she thinks is cheating with her best friend Monica. Nathan, Monica’s husband, seems to be in love with Debbie. Rather convoluted. But Debbie has other concerns. She is suffering from postpartum depression, and although everyone seems to think something is wrong, no real diagnosis is made. She is trying to cope with her six-year old Robert, and her new-born Anna, but she is not handling anything well. She feels everyone would be better off without her. When she disappears, Peter remarries – Monica.

Debbie’s father never gives up on finding his daughter.

Thirty years later. Anna has never known her birth mother, and although Monica has been a wonderful mother, she has always wanted to know more about Debbie, and will not let it go. She sees Debbie everywhere, to the point of stalking those that seem to meet the criteria. When the bookshop gets a new volunteer named Ellen, Anna’s first thought is that it might really be her mother. And so her obsession continues. Anna and her husband Jack have a daughter named Sophie. Anna thinks Jack is cheating on her.

When an email, supposedly sent by Debbie, appears in Monica’s inbox, lives will change. Anna hires a private eye. She is going to find out once and for all what happened to her mother.

My Opinions:
I really enjoyed Carpenter’s first novel (99 Red Balloons), and was really looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, I had a real problem getting into this book. I just couldn’t get into the characters. The chapters alternated between Debbie and Anna, and I was often confused as to who was who, and since I didn’t really like any of the characters, it made it harder.

Overall, the plot showed promise, but it was just sad. Depression is sad, and that is a big portion of the book. It’s also about love, and secrets. About 60% through, I finally got involved. That’s a long way to read without anything really happening. However, somewhere around there, I got into the story and although I won’t say it was great, it had a relatively happy ending. But overall, it was still sad.

So, this book was just not for me. That’s not saying it wasn’t well written, because it was. And the premise was great. It just left me drained, and not in a good way. I am sure others will love it….just not me. It, does, however, earn its 3 star rating on the writing alone.

 

Read: June, 2018

 

Favorite Quotes from 11 Missed Calls:

‘You should get a microwave,’ I say. ‘They’re like magic.”….”your mother can’t even program the video. Let’s not let her loose on radiation.”

“‘ She sells sea shells on the sea shore,’ says Nathan. ‘ The shells she sells are surely sea shells, so if she sells sea shells on the sea shore, I’m sure she sells seashore shells.’” (On an aside, I only knew the first line, so I was impressed…Kat)

 

About the Author: Elisabeth (Libby) Carpenter is a British author who lives in Lancashire with her family.  She won a Northern Writers New Fiction Award (2016) and was longlisted for Yeovil Literary Prize (2015 & 2016) and MsLexia Women’s Novel award (2015).  99 Red Balloons was her first “published” novel.  

 

Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl (#1 Gareth Gravel)

Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl

 Publishing: July 16, 2018 by Bloodhound Books

 

Portraits of the Dead by John Nicholl is the first in the DI Gareth Gravel Series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bloodhound Books, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Note that this book was originally published in August 2016.

Series Background:
DI Gareth Gravel (Grav) has been with the West Wales Police force for over 20 years. Grav has recently lost his wife Heather to cancer, and his some of his bad habits are resurfacing. He has a rather gruff manner, smokes cigars, loves his sugar, and has really good investigative skills. He figures he could probably be a DCI, but he doesn’t always play well with others, and politics are not his forte. His partner is DS Clive Rankin.

My Synopsis:
When a prominent member of society reports her daughter missing, Grav figures the 19-year old probably just took a break from university. He is skeptical, but as his superiors want him taking lead on this case, he will follow their orders. He asks Rankin to assist, and sends him out to gather some information. But when five bodies of other young girls, with remarkably similar appearances to Emma, turn up, Grav knows he has to work fast. There is a serial killer on the loose, and Emma is next on the list.

But everyone underestimates Emma. She is being held in a small, sound-proofed room, and trying to appease the sadistic killer who insists he be called Master, tries to feed her body parts, and drugs her when he wants access to the room…and to her. But Emma is determined to stay alive. She will say and do anything she has to while she tries to hatch a plan.

Not everyone is going to survive.

My Opinions:
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I always am when I find an author that is new to me, with a series on the go, and the first book so appealing!

The characters are deep enough that you feel a connection, which makes their actions and emotions more captivating. You are drawn into the story very quickly, and hesitate to put it down in case you miss something. It had the right amount of creepiness and gore, without going over the top. Nicholl is a talented author, and this book was action-packed and fast-paced. A perfect mystery with a few twists. Loved it!

I will definitely be exploring other novels by this author.

 

Read: July 2018

Favorite Quote from Portraits of the Dead:

“Life passes so very quickly. Make the most of it whilst you can, that’s my advice. We all end up as a memory.’”

 

About the Author:  John Nicholl is a Welsh author, an ex-police officer, child protection social worker,  and lecturer.  He is happily married, with three adult children and one grandchild. 

One Little Lie by Sam Carrington

One Little Lie by Sam Carrington

 Publishing: July 23, 2018 by Avon Books

 

One Little Lie by Sam Carrington is a psychological thriller. Although this book has the same characters as Carrington’s last book (Bad Sister), this is a stand-alone novel. I checked with the author, and she does not consider these books to be parts of a series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Avon Books UK, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Background:
Connie Summers is a psychologist who has started her own practice after working in a prison setting for many years. After a bad assessment of an in-mate which led to him committing another horrific crime, it was time for Connie to get out. She shares her home with DI Lindsay Wade, a police officer who stood by her during the above-mentioned crime. Lindsay’s partner, DS Charlie Mack is also front and center.

Synopsis:
Connie is called back to the prison to do a few evaluations since they are short-staffed. She reluctantly agrees, and finds herself in a difficult situation when she is assessing the son of a woman who is presently her own patient – Alice.

Alice’s son, Kyle, is in prison for murder, and she tells Connie that she has now lost her husband. She is having problems coping. However, she has started a support group for people who have troubled children, in hopes for redemption. She feels so much guilt for her son’s troubles. She would do anything to correct the problem. Even tell a little lie….one that blossoms out of control.

Deborah’s son, Sean, was murdered by Kyle. Deborah and her husband area having issues as well. Deborah, who thinks she has moved on, still has so much anger. She would do anything to have her son back…or to have someone else suffer as she is suffering.

Then there is Angela….another mother with a troubled child.

Meanwhile, a girl is missing, and her father, Bill, joins Alice’s support group.

My Opinions:
Told from the perspectives of Connie, Alice, Deborah, and Tom, and then Angela….the story gets a little confusing. It took a while to get into the characters, and remember who was who. I often had to stop and really think – I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing. Then there were the twists. WOW! I am starting to like Connie – even though she makes some stupid decisions, and her taste in men suck.

Overall, the book took you on a rollercoaster ride, and you had to pay attention, but if you could, it was really good.

Again, although Sam Carrington insists these are stand-alone novels, and I agree that you don’t have to read her last book to enjoy this one….I would.

Read: June, 2018

 

Favorite Quotes from One Little Lie:

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

 

About the Author:  Sam Carrington lives in Devon England with her husband and three children.   Following the completion of a psychology degree she went to work for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator.  Her experiences within this field inspired her writing.  

 

Hope to Die by James Patterson (#22 Alex Cross)

Hope to Die by James Patterson

 Published: November 2014

 

Previous Book in the Series: #21 – Cross My Heart

Hope to Die by James Patterson is the 22nd in the Alex Cross series.

Series Background:
Alex Cross is a former FBI agent, and now a Detective working in Washington DC. He is also a psychologist. He gets involved in most high-profile cases. His family, which are usually an integral part of the books, include: Nana Mama (his 90-something Grandmother who raised him); Damon (his eldest son, away at College); Jannie (his daughter, in high school); Ali (his youngest son (just starting school); Bree (his second wife, we don’t count Christine, who was his fiancé and Ali’s mother), John Samson (his best friend since they were 10, and a fellow police officer), and Ava, a young street person who they wanted to adopt. Alex is very involved with his family, and when not working, he is active with them, or volunteering at St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen.

My Synopsis:
This book continues where the last left off. Alex is losing it. Nana Mama, Bree, and his three children have been kidnapped, and he has been given photos showing they were executed. But the pictures may have been doctored, so with a few close allies, Alex is going to keep his hopes up, and try to find the madman that is haunting his every step. When the kidnapper, Thierry Mulch (aka Marcus Sunday), contacts Alex with a proposition, Alex is staggered. Unless Alex does as he says, the lifeless bodies of his beloved will start turning up. But is he willing to sacrifice everything, including his morals, and ultimately his mind, to get his family back?

Alex will put on many miles, and get unexpected help, along his way to track down this psychopath, in hopes that he can save at least some of the ones he holds dear.

My Opinions:
Okay, I was really annoyed with the author when he ended the last book with such a cliff-hanger, especially since I thought that book had been one of the best in this very long series. So I took a longer-than normal break between books, and much to my chagrin, I really enjoyed this book.

This book was written by the “old” James Patterson. It was amazing. The plot was great, the action non-stop, the suspense building nicely. The author really nailed the misery that Alex Cross was feeling, the anxiety, the fear. The reader felt everything he did. I don’t know whether it was because James Patterson wrote this one on his own (instead of having co-authors for previous books in the series), but this book was great.

I’m now looking forward to more Alex Cross!

Read: June 2018

Favorite Quotes from Hope to Die:

“Haven’t I told you again and again that the construction of a monster begins with the destruction of a man?”

“IN SITUATIONS WHERE THE sane flee from danger, law enforcement officers sprint to engage it.”

“You can’t bargain with God, Alex. You can state your good intentions, you can imagine the life you want, but you can’t negotiate with Him. He holds all the cards.”

 

About the Author:  James Patterson is one of the bestselling writers of all time, with more than 350 million books sold worldwide.  His lifelong passion for books and reading led him to launch a website, ReadKiddoRead.com, which helps parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians find the very best children’s books for their kids.  Each year, The Patterson Family Foundation awards scholarships to students at over 20 different colleges and universities around the country

Her Mother’s Grave by Lisa Regan (#3 Josie Quinn)

 Her Mother’s Grave by Lisa Regan

 Publishing: July 19, 2018 by Bookouture

 

Previous Book in the Series: #2 – The Girl with No Name

Her Mother’s Grave by Lisa Regan is the 3rd in the Detective Josie Quinn series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Series Background:
Josie Quinn was made a rather reluctant Chief of Police in Denton, Pennsylvania after solving a large case which resulted in the kidnapping, torture and deaths of many young girls in the area. Some of the perpetrators were on the police force, including her ex, Ray, who died during the take-down. Josie took his death hard. She has been re-building the police force, and re-building her life.

My Synopsis:
When the bones of a young woman are found in the woods beyond the trailer park where Josie grew up, it soon becomes evident that this case will become personal. They discover that the girl was a teenager when she died (about 30 years ago), had been in foster care, and was named Belinda Rose. Josie finds it too coincidental that her abusive mother, who she hasn’t seen since she was 14, was also named Belinda Rose.

Meanwhile, Josie is being targeted with malicious pranks, and she feels the perpetrators may be friends of the local drug dealer that she has arrested. On the other hand, she does have other enemies.

Her relationship with Detective Fraley is heating up, although she is desperate to stop it.

Josie’s past comes back to haunt her throughout the book. Will she have to track down her mother to find the truth? A lot of secrets and lies will be uncovered that will change Josie’s life forever.

My Opinions:
I am really beginning to enjoy this series. This was a really good book, and the best in the series thus far!

Alternating between Josie’s childhood, and the current case, the story sheds light on what has made Josie into the strong woman she is today. Her struggles with an abusive mother only made her more determined, and the love of her grandmother gave her strength and compassion. The story of her childhood was told very well.

Although there had been foreshadowing in previous books about Trinity, I am glad the author found a way to bring her fully into Josie’s life. It’s a great storyline.

Regan’s writing is crisp, and clear, and her plots always precise with at least one or two twists. This was a really fast read, because I didn’t want to put it down! Can’t wait for the next.

 

Read: June 2018

 

About the Author: Lisa Regan is a suspense novelist with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree.   Her website says she has worn many hats, including: author, paralegal, former martial arts instructor, former certified nursing assistant, former bookstore manager. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter.

 

The Silent Sister by Shalini Boland

The Silent Sister by Shalini Boland

 Publishing: July 16, 2018 by Bookouture

 

The Silent Sister by Shalini Boland is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Synopsis:
Lizzy Beresford lives in a small cottage in a quiet town with her boyfriend. When she receives a strange note from an unknown source, she freaks a little. When she gets more, she gets the police involved. While the notes aren’t actually threatening, she knows she is being watched.

As her paranoia increases, Lizzy starts to doubt everyone around her. Could one of her “friends” be responsible? Joe Lawrence, Lizzy’s over-protective boyfriend borders on being a control freak. Leon Whittaker, who had a run-in with Joe a little while ago, still wants a chance with Lizzy. Pippa, her best friend, may be stealing from their employer. Pippa’s brother seems shy, but is he? Her boss, George, relies on Lizzy, and rents her the cottage, but does he have a key? Her neighbours are a little “out-there”. Then there is her sister Emma. Lizzy and Emma do not speak to one another, not since Emma tried to take Lizzy’s boyfriend. But did she?

As the threats start to escalate, her only choice will be to confront Emma.

My Opinions:
Well, at first I wasn’t really enjoying the writing. Even with short chapters, it sort of dragged. The characters seemed a little shallow, and I didn’t really find myself liking too many of them, including Lizzy.

Then the plot took over, and every concern I had disappeared. This was more than a book about stalking. This was a book about family. It ended up to be a very pleasant, fast read, with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. I love trying to figure out who the bad guy is….and this time, although I had an inkling, I couldn’t figure out the motive. That was good, so I loved the ending. Then, the epilogue had another twist (although I didn’t like it). Boland keeps you guessing!

Looking forward to more from this author.

 

Read: June, 2018

 

Favorite Quote from The Silent Sister:

“Poor you. Should you even be in work? I mean, no offence, but you look like an extra from a horror movie.”

 

About the Author:  Shalini Boland writes suspense thrillers and dark adventures.  She lives in England with her husband, two children and dog.   Before writing novels, Shalini was signed to Universal Music as a singer/songwriter. 

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

 Publishing: July 17, 2018 by St. Martin’s Press

 

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is being touted as a mystery/thriller.   I would classify this as a psychological thriller/horror novel.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher St. Martin’s Press, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Synopsis:
Although Suzette’s childhood may not have been perfect, when she met Alex, things changed. They were perfect together, and built a perfect life. Into their perfect life, came their daughter Hanna.

Hanna is loved by her parents, and they have tried their best to make sure she has a healthy and safe home. Unfortunately, as she went from baby, to toddler, and now to school-age, Hanna has never spoken. She was seen by many doctors, all finding that there was nothing physically wrong with the little girl. For a number of reasons, school has never worked, so Suzette has been home-schooling their very bright daughter. Unfortunately, the last couple of years have been rough. Hanna seems to have taken a dislike to her mother, and behind her father’s back, she has made Suzette’s life a living hell, and Suzette knows she has to get Hanna into a school and to see a psychologist asap. Alex, who is being manipulated by his little girl, doesn’t quite see the rush….but then he doesn’t have to live in fear. Hanna likes her Daddy.

Things are escalating in this household.  Hanna has started talking, but only to Suzette, and what she has to say is not the chatter of a 7-year old. A wedge is being driven between Suzette and Alex, and Hanna is wielding the hammer (quite literally). She has no intention of letting her mother survive. Her Daddy will be hers alone.

My Opinions:
Personally, I’m not sure why they are saying this is a mystery/thriller. In my opinion this is a horror novel….and it was good. The story is told from both Suzette’s and Hanna’s perspectives, which takes the reader deep into their thoughts, and those thoughts are scary! The struggles between the mother and daughter, and even the mother and father, seemed right for the story line (although God Help Us, hopefully nowhere in reality). This little girl would be any mother’s worst nightmare. Can we say Child Psychopath?

It was a really fast read, because I didn’t really want to put it down! This one may not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This is the author’s debut novel, which I am having a hard time believing. The writing is crisp, the plot, though disturbing, is great, and the characters believable, and the suspense doesn’t really stop. I think Zoje Stage will go far!

Read: June 2018

Favorite Quote from Baby Teeth:

“It was hard to pour endless love into someone who wouldn’t love you back. No one could do it forever.”

 

 About the Author:  Zoje Stage (pronouced ZOH-yuh) lives in Pittsburgh PA.  Baby Teeth is her first novel.  According to her website,  she previously was a screenwriter, and wrote/produced/directed a number of “zero-budget” films.

Off The Grid by Alex Kava

Off the Grid by Alex Kava

 Published: May 2016

 

Off the Grid by Alex Kava is an anthology of short stories in the FBI Agent Maggie O’Dell series. Note that these short stories have been included in other collections, but never as a whole. Some appear to be out-takes from her existing novels.

A brief synopsis of each:

Goodnight Sweet Mother…… Maggie and her Mom take an ill-advised road trip together. Liked this one.

A Breath of Hot Air…… Maggie is investigating a strange find in Florida during a Hurricaine. But she gets side-tracked when a body is found in another hotel room. This was okay.

Cold Metal Night….Nick Morrelli gets involved with a serial killer targeting the homeless. Maggie to the rescue. Pretty good.

Electric Blue….Maggie’s boss has sent Maggie and Tully into a storm in the Gulf of Mexico to find a Senator’s missing family. Maggie has to get back on the dreaded helicopter. This was good.

After Dark…….The only short that isn’t a Maggie O’Dell story. A woman tries to escape for some much needed peace and quiet in a remote cabin in the woods. Her quiet is about to be disrupted. I think this was the best of the bunch!

There is also a preview to Kava’s Creed series at the end. 

My Opinions: 
Well, this was a really fast read, and if you are an Alex Kava fan (as I am), they are a nice refresher, but I didn’t feel it lived up to her normal standards.

Read: June 2018

 

About the Author:  Alex Kava  (June 1960 –  ) is the NY Times best-selling author of this Maggie O’Dell Series.  She  has also written a new Ryder Creed series, as well as stand-alone novels.  Before devoting her time to writing, she held a variety of jobs, mostly in marketing and advertising.  She started her own graphic design company, designing food packages and logos for various national companies.   Kava currently divides her time between Omaha, Nebraska and Pensacola, Florida.  She has a pack of Westies (or more likely, they have her.)

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo (#7 Harry Hole)

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

 Originally Published: 2007

 

Previous Book in the Series: #6 – The Redeemer

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is the 7th in the Norwegian Inspector Harry Hole Series.

Background:
Harry Hole is a superb detective, who seldom follows the rules. He is also a recovering alcoholic who doesn’t always follow those rules either. He is responsible for shutting down a big gun smuggling ring, with one of the main players being a fellow police officer, who is now dead. This has had some repercussions in both his work, and unfortunately in his love life, since his girlfriend’s son had been kidnapped to dissuade Harry from pursuing his inquiry. Although her son is safe, Rakel seems to be moving on…Harry, not so much. He has also recently lost a few beloved co-workers, who he is still mourning.

My Synopsis:
With his usual dogged determination, Harry investigates the case of missing women in Oslo. He fears that there has been a serial killer out there for years, taking women on the first snowfall each winter, and leaving behind a snowman. Most of his colleagues are familiar with Hole’s fascination with serial killers, and dismiss his claim. However, he is allowed a few weeks to look into matters. Harry will have to deal with a new team member who is a little over-anxious, and an old member who is a little obnoxious. He doesn’t really care, as long as he can solve the crime, since bodies are now piling up…..and he starts losing suspects as fast as he finds them.

Harry is also dealing with his feelings for Rakel, and hers for him….and her new boyfriend, who unfortunately seems to be able to help Harry with his current case.

My Opinions:
I think this was the best in the series – thus far. It was a really easy read (maybe I’m just getting used to the Scandinavian place/people names). I really enjoyed the banter between Rakel and Harry, and in particular, his on-going relationship with her son Oleg. The plot was good, with enough twists to keep things really interesting.

It was a fast read, and worth it !

p.s. Haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’ll have to find it.

Read: June 2018

Favorite Quotes from The Snowman:

“Rakel had once said that he wished he’d been born with an extra middle finger that was permanently sticking up.”

“The more aged I become, the more I tend to the view that evil is evil, mental illness or no. We’re all more or less disposed to evil actions, but our disposition cannot exonerate us. For heaven’s sake, we’re all sick with personality disorders. And it’s our actions which define how sick we are. “

 

About the Author:  Jo Nesbo (1960 – ) (pronounced “you nesbaugh”)  is a Norwegian author.   When is dreams of being a soccer star were dashed by an injury, he entered the military, then he entered the world of finance, then formed several bands.  Then he started writing.  He has never stopped.  Apparently he still rock climbs