Bottled Memories by David Ritter

 

Bottled Memories by David Ritter

Self-Published in July 2020

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  The author approached me, and although I am not a big poetry fan, I must admit that having an ex-husband who was a friend of Bill’s, did sway me to reading this book.

 

Bottled Memories by David Ritter is a book of poetry dedicated to the road to recovery of an alcoholic.

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

 

My Synopsis and Opinions:

The book is sub-titled “A Journey through Addiction and Early Recovery”.  Although I am not a real poetry fan, this was an easy, if somewhat heartbreaking read.  It is a very short book.

The poems are a progression of the disease.  The beginning poems are very dark, as the disease takes hold, and gradually the poems lighten as the writer finds God, and a purpose in life.  By the end, the poetry is more inspirational and up-lifting in nature.

The poems use a very simple rhyming scheme, but that seems to fit the story.  Combined, they tell a very honest story of one man’s journey through addiction.  I can only rejoice that he has made it this far, and pray that his recovery continues!

Thank you for trusting me with your story David, and I pray that you will continue to walk the walk!  Good Luck David Ritter!

 

Read: March, 2021

 

 

About The Author:  David Ritter is an American author, living in Michigan. He has four children, three grandchildren, and one grand-dog. Check out this author’s website at https://rittersrhymeandreason.org/

*** Photo Credit – taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3881377028

 

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.

 

 

 

Save Her Child by C.J. Lyons (#3 – Jericho and Wright)

 

Save Her Child by C.J. Lyons

Publishing: April 19, 2021 by Bookouture

 

 

Previous Book in the Series: #2 – The Drowned Woman

 

Reason I Chose to Read this Book:  It’s the third in the series that I’m already reading.  

 

Save Her Child by C.J. Lyons is the 3rd in the Jericho & Wright Crime 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. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Information:  (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)

DS Luka Jericho has been in the Violent Crimes Unit in Pennsylvania for over 10 years, and fought to remain on the streets.  He doesn’t want a desk job. His team consists of  Ray Acevedo, Scott Kricheck and newcomer Naomi Harper (who has a rather abrasive personality).  He is now caring for his nephew Nate as well as his elderly father.  Dr. Leah Wright is the new  head of the Crisis Intervention Center, working closely with the police.  Her husband recently died, and she is looking after her daughter Emily with the help of her estranged mother Ruby.  

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Naomi Harper has just made detective, and her first case is the murder of an 18-year old prostitute named Lily Nolan.

Luka is investigating the death of wealthy 43-year old Spencer Standish.

Leah has both kids at the county fair when she spies a woman who is about to deliver a baby.  Leah delivers the little boy,  but the woman seems terrified someone will steal her child, and refuses to provide anything but a first name.   She and her child disappear from the hospital the next day. Leah is determined to find them.

As the investigations continue,  Naomi, Luka and Leah find themselves needing assistance from the others to work through these cases. 

 Naomi will have to confront her past.

Meanwhile, both Luka and Leah are navigating the new responsibilities of single parenthood. 

 

My Opinions:   

I am enjoying this series, as they are fast and entertaining reads.

The plot was good, and although the foreshadowing easily lead to my early identification of the perpetrators, the story behind everything worked well.  I must admit to being surprised at the identity of Lily’s killer.

The characters are good.  I really like both Leah and Luka.  I still do not like Ruby or the kids.  However, now that we know a little more about Naomi’s background,  she has definitely grown on me.  

Will definitely be reading the next in the series.

 

Read:  April, 2021

 

About The Author: C.J. Lyons is an American author, with over 40 books to her credit. Formerly a pediatric physician, she has written a number of medical suspense books and series.  Check out her website at: https://cjlyons.net/

  *** Photo taken from Author’s website  

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3880938926

 

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.

 

Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan (#1 Harvey and Birch)

 

 

Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan

Publishing: April 15, 2021 by Joffe Books

 

Reasons I chose to Read this Book:  I was given a widget by the publisher, it’s the first in a series, and it looked interesting.

 

Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan is the first in the new crime series starring Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books (in particular Nina Kicul 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.

 

Series Information:

DS Asha Harvey, along with DC Aaron Birch handle crime in Belfast, Ireland.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Even though Nic hated nightclubs, she went out because she had promised a friend.  Colm said he would go if she did. When she wakes up, she is naked, gagged, and her hands bound behind her.  Her body is covered in knife wounds.  Colm is across the room, and in worse shape than she is.  When the man returned on the sixth day, and started in on Colm again, Nic broke free and ran.

DS Asha Harvey and DC Aaron Birch locate the cabin where Nic was held, but Colm is nowhere to be found.  Actually, other than the copious amounts of blood, the entire place was cleared out.

DI Ram has come to Belfast to assist in the case.  He has been following this particular perpetrator for some time.  This is not the first “Slasher” case there has been, and Nic may not be the last.  When someone close to her is taken, Nic is willing to do almost anything to end this nightmare.

 

My Opinions:   

For a debut novel, this was simply amazing, and definitely made me want to read more of this series.

The writing was really good.  Occasionally the descriptions were a little lengthy, like the scene where Nic was in the fields looking for her sister, and again when Aaron and Nic were at the boat, both which caused me to skim a bit.  But otherwise, things moved very quickly, and everything was so entertaining, that I only deducted 1/2 star for that.

The characters were great.  I love Asha and Aaron.  I was surprised, and pleased, that a victim would play such a large role in the solving of the crime, and in the book.  This is rarely done, so it was a pleasant occurrence, and it worked!

As I said, the plot and twists were fabulous.  I had guessed the perpetrator early on, but that really didn’t matter.  The ending was a shock, and totally appropriate!

It even had a glossary of terms for “US readers”….which I didn’t really think was necessary.

This was just an amazing, entertaining read, and a great start to a new series.  It grabbed me from the start and still had me at the end.  The suspense and action was non-stop.  Definitely one of those “unputdownable” novels.  Rarely do I find one in a debut novel.  I have found myself a new author to follow!  I can’t wait for the next one.

 

Read: April, 2021

 

Favorite Quotes from Knife Edge

“… the killer was on her, pinning her face down into the semi-liquid faeces swimming around down there. He tried to push her face into it, and she pushed back, the terror of drowning in liquid shit giving her the strength to resist.”

 

About The Author:  Kerry Buchanan is a retired veterinary surgeon, who lives in Northern Ireland.  When she isn’t writing, Kerry performs her work at literary events and participates in literary panels, and works with new writers. She is disabled, and passionate about sailing and attempting to outwit the slugs in her vegetable patch. Generally the slugs win. Check out this author’s website at https://kerrybuchanan.com/

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3933167458

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.

 

 

An Eye for An Eye by Carol Wyer (#1 Kate Young)

 

An Eye for an Eye by Carol Wyer

Published: February 1, 2021 by Thomas and Mercer

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  Carol Wyer has quickly become a favorite author of mine.  And this is the start of a brand new series!

 

An Eye for an Eye by Carol Wyer is the first in the Detective Kate Young series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, 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)

DI Kate Young returns to work after seeing the aftermath of a massive shooting on a train, but she isn’t sure she is ready to work.  She’s still on meds, still having panic attacks,  and still having nightmares.  But she’s also the forces best detective, and her bosses want her back, even though they consider her “fragile”.

When DCI William Case tells her that  Superintendent John Dickson has specifically asked for her to return to take lead on a new homicide case, Kate agrees, even though she thinks it is odd, since Dickson is the one that insisted she take three months leave.  Apparently the victim,  millionaire Alex Corby has been a friend to Dickson since childhood.  Corby was tortured, and an eye removed.

Kate selects DS Morgan Meredith and DS Emma Donaldson to work with her. Both are over-achievers.  But as her investigation continues, her suspicions mount that she is somehow being used, and that she isn’t being told everything.  She is also starting to question her own judgement and decisions…as are others.

 

My Opinions:   

WOW.  Okay, that was an amazing read.  Now, I was suspicious of a few people right from word go, and the story proved me right.  The twists were not surprises to me.  However, none of that detracted from the book.

The book sucked me in from the first chapter and held my attention to the last page.

Wyer’s writing skills bring such depth to the characters,  and such strength to the plot.

I like how Wyer entwined the story of the train catastrophe into Kate’s crime investigation. It gave a good indication of where her mind was, and moved the story in the right direction.  It eventually showed the reason for her mental anguish, which I had guessed early on.

There is some fore-shadowing as to Kate’s direction in subsequent books, so I can’t wait to see where the next one takes us.

Read: February, 2021

 

About the Author:  Carol Wyer is a British author who has taught English and French.  She started out writing childrens books, moved on to humor, and now is writing crime thrillers.  She has a best-selling series starring DI Robyn Carter, and another one centered around Detective Natalie Ward. Check out her website at www. https://www.carolwyer.co.uk

*** Photo Credit – taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3818107098

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Hush Little Girl by Lisa Regan (#11 – Josie Quinn)

 

Hush Little Girl  by Lisa Regan 

Publishing: April 14, 2021 by Bookouture

 

 

Reason I Chose to Read this Book: It’s the next in the series.

 Previous Book in the Series:  #10 – Breathe Your Last

 

Hush Little Girl by Lisa Regan is the 11th 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. All opinions are my own.

 

Series Background:  (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)

Once Acting Chief of Police, Josie Quinn is now doing what she is best suited for. She’s back to being a detective and happy. Her team consists of Detective Noah Fraley (who she is dating), Detective Gretchen Palmer, and Detective Finn Mettner.  Their boss is Chief Bob Chitwood.  She is learning to love her new-found family,  including news reporter Trinity Payne,  as well as her brother Patrick, but it is keeping her busy. 

 

My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

On their wedding day, the body of a young girl is found on the church steps, and Josie and Noah decide she is more important than their nuptials.  Their families are not impressed.

But Josie had met 12-year old Holly when her mother had helped Josie after a car accident.  Josie goes to notify the mother herself, and finds her body in the kitchen.  The hunt is on for the other daughter, 8-year old Emily, who is eventually found in a safe room.  Why did the family have a safe room, and what was burned in the greenhouse?  There doesn’t seem to be any paperwork or pictures of the family anywhere.  Who was this family who lived off the grid, who had no friends or social activities outside the house?

Trying to get answers from Emily is difficult.  She has OCD, and was trained to keep secrets from an early age.

 

My Opinions:

I think this may have been the best in the series so far.

The plot was good, and really well-thought out.  The topics of both OCD and anger issues in children were really interesting..  It was fast-paced and had plenty of action.

On the character side, I still don’t like Sawyer, but I’m wondering if things will change now.  I have gotten used to Trinity.   Yes, Josie has suffered a devastating loss, but she is a strong character and will bounce back.  Noah and her team always have her back.  I don’t usually enjoy reading about children in my murder mysteries, but I loved the children that were in this book, as all of them were flawed, but all of them lovable.

On the perpetrator side….I did NOT guess correctly!  WTG Lisa Regan!

As always, please read these books in order.

Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.

 

Read: April, 2021

 

About The Author: Lisa Regan is a suspense novelist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University.   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.  Check out her website at: https://lisaregan.com/

*** Photo Taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3938224982

 

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.

 

 

Coffin Cove – Jackie Elliott (#1 Coffin Cove Mysteries)

 

Coffin Cove – Jackie Elliott 

Publishing: April 8, 2021 by Joffe Books

 

Reasons I chose to Read this Book: Well, the author is from the UK, but she’s been living in Canada for 15 years, so…..she’s one of ours now!  That, and it’s the first in a new series.

 

Coffin Cove by Jackie Elliott is the first in the series of the same name.  It is a mystery novel.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books (in particular Nina Kicul), 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)

Andi Silvers, a disgraced journalist, finds herself in Coffin Cove, a small logging and fishing town on Vancouver Island.  After screwing up a story, and  being dumped by her married co-worker, she had no choice but to leave.  She is doing a lot of drinking and moping in her spare time, and she knows she has to shape up, or she won’t even have a job at the small-town Gazette.

When two sea lions turn up on the shore, both shot, local fisherman are blamed.  But when a body turns up, also shot, definitive answers are needed.

Andi is looking into the story,  and she wonders if this actually ties into another death from 20 years ago that was never solved.  There seems to be a lot going on in this small town.

 

My Opinions:   

I have to admit to struggling with this one. I’m not really into logging or fishing, so Coffin Cove may not be my type of series.  They say location is everything, and apparently it is in books as well.

That being said, it was a really good mystery, twisting in a lot of different directions. The writing was fine, as were the characters.   Yes, I figured out what was going on fairly early, but not everything, so that was good.  What I did figure out didn’t detract from the story.

Overall, a good read.

Read: April, 2021

 

About The Author: Originally from the UK, Jackie Elliott has lived in Vancouver Island, Canada, for over fifteen years. She is an avid gardener and loves living on the water.  She has also written under the pseudonym JM Sharpe.  Check out this author’s website at https://www.jackieelliottwrites.com/

*** Photo Credit – taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3922821298

 

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.

 

 

 

American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 by Peter Vronsky

American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 by Peter Vronsky

Publishing: February 9, 2021 by Berkley Publishing

 

Reason(s) I Chose to Read this Book:  True crime has always been a fascinating topic for me, and I am familiar with most of the killers who were active during this time frame.

Just a Note: If you are at all squeamish, this book is not for you.  Vronsky is quite graphic.

American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 by Peter Vronsky is a true-crime book.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Berkley Publishing Group, 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 and Opinions:

Well, a book whose Prologue is the arrest of Jeffrey Dahmer grabs your attention fast.

The  Introduction talks about the “Golden Age of Serial Murderers”, where these serial killers between 1950 and 2000 actually became “celebrities”.  The book focuses on male sexual serial killers during this period, hoping to account for the unprecedented surge during that time, as well as the reason for the recent decline in these murderers.

Vronsky then goes on to discuss early serial killers from the 1800’s to 1950, world-wide, most of whom I had never heard of, and there were many of them, although Albert Fish is rather well-known, and a few others ring bells.  I sometimes got bogged down by dates, and the first segments were about killers prior to 1950….which was not why I wanted to read the book.

Vronsky does, however, finally get to the years I was interested in, and there is definitely a lot of information on the serial killers from 1950-2000.  It’s just that you have to wade through all of it if you are just interested in one killer.

The information the author provides is very disjointed.  For example, there is not a separate chapter on Ed Gein, or Dennis Rader (the BTK killer), or Arthur Shawcross (The Genesee River Killer).  Instead Vronsky related the information by years (usually decades), so that we learned about their parents, their childhoods, their formative years.  We learned what was happening with all of them during that time.  Then it went on to the next decade, and we learn what was happening with those same killers during this time frame.  For example, Edmund Kemper’s story starts in chapter 3 (although he is mentioned earlier in the book), continues in Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7, but there is much information on other killers in between, that it is hard to keep track of Kemper.

So, basically, you can’t look up a particular killer and expect all the information on him to be in one chapter.  His information will be grouped together with others, over many chapters.

However, a number of the biggies are here.  These included Ed Gein (who preferred the skin of his victims, which he made into belts, and vests), Dennis Rader (the BTK killer), Arthur Shawcross (The Genesee River Killer), Edmund Kemper, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, as well as some lesser knowns.  Some have quite extensive information, others very little.

So, overall, this book is an in-depth look at serial killers.  It delves into the “hows and the whys” of the killers, as well as to the “hows and whys” they were caught.  It looks at military records, psychiatric notes,  FBI Profiling and interviews.  It has a lot of information.  Bottom line, it was good, but I just didn’t like the way it was presented.

Read: January, 2021

 

Favorite Quotes from American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000 :

“Current Definition of Serial Killer: “… which defined serial murder as “the unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s) in separate events” for any reason, including “anger, thrill, financial gain, and attention seeking.””

 

About The Author: PETER VRONSKY (1956 – )  is a Canadian author, filmmaker, artist and historian. He holds a PhD in criminal justice history and espionage in international relations from the University of Toronto, and has written a series of different serial killer books. He lives in both Toronto and Venice Italy.  Check out his website: https://www.petervronsky.org/cv/

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:   https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3516564588

 

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.

 

 

 

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon

Publishing: April 6, 2021 by Simon & Schuster

 

 

Reason I chose to Read this Book:  She is a popular author, but I have not yet read anything she has written….This one looked good, so I thought I’d jump in.  (Hey, I can swim!)

 

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon is a supernatural thriller.

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)

Jax and her sister Lexie were so close as they grew up, even though her sister was often a bully.  But when their grandmother dies and leaves her home (Sparrow Crest) to Lexie,  Jax’s jealousy prevents her from sharing in her sisters good fortune.  They have not been in touch for over a year.

When her sister starts calling again, Jax ignores the calls.  Lexie’s mental health issues are horrendous when she doesn’t take her meds, and Jax is sick of rushing to her rescue. But when she gets a call from her aunt, telling her that Lexie has drowned in the pool they grew up playing in, Jax returns to Sparrow Crest.

Jax is determined to understand what happened.  She wants to uncover the history of her family and the property that have been kept secret from her all these years.  But then, Lexie was looking into the same thing.

The pool has always had a reputation.  People came from far and wide to swim in it’s dark waters and to drink from it’s murky depths.  For it is widely known that the pool can heal.  It is also known that what the pool gives, the pool takes.  And now it appears it has taken Lexie.

 

My Opinions:   

OMG….this was an edge-of-your-seat page turner!  I absolutely loved it.

This was a ghost story that will make me think twice every time I step into the murky waters of an unknown body of water.  That “pool” came to life for me.  It was a creepy spot, and the author made sure you knew it!  She nailed the atmosphere all around that place!

The story is told in the both the present (Jax’s story in 2019), and the past (Ethel’s story showing how the house came to be, in 1929).  Both stories were equally compelling.

I loved the characters, both past and present, although I wasn’t overly fond of Lexie or Ted.  But that really didn’t matter…they fit the story perfectly.

The writing was excellent.  It was a really fast read….there was no putting this one down!  I have a couple of other books by this author, and they have just moved up my TBR pile.

Definitely recommend this one…grab it if you are in the mood to be freaked out a little.

For a more complete review of this book and others (including author information and a favorite quotation or two from this book), please visit my blog: https://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

Read: April, 2021

 

Favorite Quotes from The Drowning Kind:

“For everyone out there who has the good sense to be a little afraid ­when swimming in deep, dark water. You tell yourself there’s nothing down there, but there is. There always is.”

“There’s nothing in that water but what we bring with us.”

“The pool gives and the pool takes.”

 

About The Author: Jennifer McMahon is an American author of suspense novels.  She lives in Vermont with her partner and daughter , in an old Victorian that some neighbors call The Addams Family house.Check out this author’s website at https://jennifer-mcmahon.com/

*** Photo Credit – taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3686179840

 

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.

 

 

 

My Monday Reviews for April, 2021….and Covid

 

My Monday Reviews for April,  2021….and Covid

More vaccines arrive every day!  There is an end in sight, and as long as people continue to wear their masks and take precautions (and get the shot when offered),  there is hope.  There is always hope.  Enough said!

So, I am definitely showcasing a mixed bag of books below.  This month, I have included a book of poetry, which is definitely not my norm.  However, I’ve also included a book of true crime, and two mystery installment (one of them a brand new series by a favorite author).

Of course you’ll have to check out my blog to see if I enjoyed them or not…. My blog has many more reviews, and if you’d like a recommendation, feel free to ask!

Remember, #keepreading and #staysafe…oh and please #wearamask.

 

American Serial Killers by Peter Vronsky (Published February, 2021)

A look at the “golden years” of serial killers — from 1950 to 2000.  Included are both the well-known such as Kemper and Dahmer, as well as lesser-known killers.

Peter Vronsky is a Canadian author.

 

 

An Eye for An Eye by Carol Wyer (Published February, 2021)

First in a new police procedural starting Detective Kate Young.  Kate is back from stress leave, and may not yet be ready.  She’s not the only one with doubts.

Carol Wyer is a British author.

 

 

Bottled Memories by David Ritter

A book of poems documenting the recovery of an alcoholic.

David Ritter is an American author.

 

 

 

The Broken Ones by Carla Kovach (Published March 2021)

The 8th in the Detective Gina Harte series has the team racing against the clock when one of their own is taken.

Carla Kovach is a British 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.

 

 

Shadow Sands by Robert Bryndza (#2 – Kate Marshall)

 

Shadow Sands by Robert Bryndza

Publishing: November 3, 2020 by Thomas & Mercer

 

Reason(s) I Chose to Read this Book:  Robert Bryndza is one of my favorite authors, and this is only the second in his new series, and I’m annoyed that I am already behind.

 

 Previous Book in the Series: #1 – Nine Elms

 Shadow Sands by Robert Bryndza is the 2nd in the Kate Marshall series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Thomas & Mercer, 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)

Kate Marshall lost her career, reputation, friends, and almost her life when, as a plain-clothes detective, she unmasked the Nine Elms Serial Killer, her boss and lover.   Pregnant with his child, Kate suffered. She turned to alcohol, and almost lost her son, but her parents stepped in to become Jake’s legal guardian when he was six.  She is now sober, and back in his life.  She is lecturing in criminology at a small university, and occasionally doing some PI work, with help from her teaching assistant Tristan Harper.

 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Kate and her son Jake are scuba diving in the Shadow Sands reservoir before Jake returns to her parents home after a wonderful summer.  When they find the body of a teenager floating about 20 meters down, the police say it was an accident.  Kate is not too sure.

The boy’s mother asks for Kate’s assistance to prove the real cause of her son’s death.  He was a swimming champion, and the thought of him drowning is ridiculous.

As the investigation continues, Kate and Tristan find that this goes much deeper than one dead boy.

Meanwhile, Jake is becoming a young man, with decisions of his own.

 

My Opinions:  

I am enjoying this new series,  although I do admit that Bryndza’s Erika Foster series remains my favorite.

Okay, back to this book.  I was actually annoyed when Bryndza brought Peter back into the story (apparently other fans wanted this).  Writing about a woman who has a horrendous past that constantly rears its ugly face is so common place now, and I was hoping that Bryndza was going to be above that in this book.  I was wrong.  It wouldn’t surprise me if she made regular trips to see Peter to help with her cases.  I won’t be impressed.  A strong woman wouldn’t need to go back to her ex for assistance.

As well, Simon’s mother just sort of disappeared from the book once she hired Kate.  There was no follow-up, and I felt like there should have been something, even a couple of paragraphs.

On the good side, I really like Kate and Tristan.  I liked how Tristan is being fleshed-out.  The plot was really interesting, and the pace was fast.  The story was told through a number of perspectives, one being the current victim of the kidnapper.  That was quite interesting, and very well done.  As always, Bryndza brings his writing skills to the book, and it is an easy read.

Looking forward to more of Kate Marshall.

Read:  February, 2021

 

About The Author:  Robert Bryndza (1979 – ) is the British author of the best-selling Erika Foster series as well as a romantic comedy series.  His books have sold over 3 million copies and have been translated into 28 languages.  He has lived in the US and Canada, but currently lives in Slovakia with his husband Ján.  Check out his website at www.robertbryndza.com

 *** Photo taken from GoodReads

 

I have also reviewed this book on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3823630857

 

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.