Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Blog Tour: THE LAST SIN by KL Murphy

The Last Sin

by KL Murphy

on Tour March 13 - April 14, 2017

Synopsis:


Detective Mike Cancini has seen some dark days, but his skills are put to the test when a priest is discovered, brutally murdered in a run-down church in Washington, D.C. The man who discovered the body is none other than Cancini's longtime friend and confidant, Father Joe Rossi. The murdered priest, Father Matthew Holland, was adored by the congregation, and it seems clear that this was a crime of opportunity in a deteriorating neighborhood. However, Cancini soon learns some shocking details from the church secretary, and begins to suspect that Father Holland was not as saintly as he may have appeared. This new information leads to a trail of bribes and decades of corruption polluting the church. Cancini must confront his own struggles with his faith and uncover the truth of the conspiracy before more people are killed.

Review:

In this latest Detective Mike Cancini mystery, Father Holland returns to his roots with dreams of improving the lives of those in his old neighborhood.  His to-do list catalogs the improvements he will make to the church from repairs to the stain glass to landscaping, only he's murdered. He gets an anonymous tip to "follow the money" and does just that. A key character and potential source of information is Cancini's friend and father-figure, Father Rossi. Bound by the sanctity of the confessional, Rossi isn't talking. Unfortunately, someone thinks he knows something and he becomes the next target - Cancini takes that personally. 

This was a compelling read - I had a hard time putting it down. The pace was steady and the twists and turns kept coming.  Detective Mike Cancini is complex and in this story he deals with jealousy of Rossi's relationship with Holland, his feelings for his father, his avoidance of romantic commitment, and his ambivalence toward religion since his mother's death. The multiple subplots create distraction and, while the resolution makes sense, it is not easily predictable. If you like suspense, you will not be disappointed, but don't plan on reading it a little at at time - it's addicting. This is my first in the series, but won't be my last.  THE LAST SIN can easily be read as a standalone.  


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review  This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Book Details:
Genre: Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural
Published by: Witness Impulse
Publication Date: March 2014
Number of Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780062491633
Series: Detective Cancini Mysteries #3

Read an excerpt:

CHAPTER 1

Sunday, February 21st: The Day Of
The smell of incense lingered in the air, temporarily masking the odor of rotting wood. Father Matthew Holland inhaled. The bitter scent stung his nose. Three years had passed since he’d taken over the church and nothing had changed. Even with the increased attendance and community outreach, the church offerings remained meager. Without offerings—without money—the parish church would die.
The priest sat down on the front pew, his robes gathered around his feet. His gaze shifted to the empty pulpit. Two large and colorful plants graced the altar, but they weren’t enough to hide the worn carpet or faded paintings, nor could the soft candlelight make him forget the plywood that covered the cracked stained glass. There was so much to do, so much need. He sighed and looked to the cross over the altar. Not for the first time, he asked for forgiveness, for understanding. There would be money now—he’d made sure of that—but at what cost? He’d done it for the church. His pulse quickened and his stomach clenched. Bending forward, he forced himself to take one deep breath after another until the moment passed.
He loosened his cleric collar and yawned. The evening’s mass had been long and difficult. The drunks in the back of the church had refused to leave, in spite of the old deacons' best efforts.
“S'our right to be here,” the man with the long, stringy hair had said. His words slurred, he’d leaned forward as though he might topple straight into the next pew. “Worshipin’ God,” he'd said, although it had sounded like something else judging by the gasps from the congregation. The drunk had pointed a dirty hand toward the altar. “Here to see Father Holland. Tol' us to come anytime.”
The drunk had swayed again, and his companion had reached out with a strong arm to catch him. Father Holland’s mouth had gone dry at the sight of the tattoo on the man’s forearm—a black dagger plunged into a white skull. Three drops of blood extended in a single line from the tip of the dagger to the man’s wrist. He knew that tattoo, knew what it meant.
The awkward moment had passed although not before Father Holland caught the disdain on the faces of the ladies in the choir. Still, none of the parishioners had said a word, all looking to him instead. He’d hidden his trembling hands in the folds of the heavy cassock and swallowed. “St. William is open to everyone, our members and our guests. However, since we are about to have communion, I would ask that everyone who is not singing remain quiet. Guests may come forward for a blessing, of course.” He'd been careful to keep his voice steady. Thank the Lord it had been enough. The man with the oily hair had quieted down and then stumbled out during the Eucharist. His friend with the tattoo had stayed a moment longer, then followed.
Silence filled the sanctuary now. Father Holland rubbed his hands together and shivered. He could still feel the cold eyes of the tattooed man and the curious glances from the congregation. The man’s presence at the evening mass had been no accident and no drunken whim. The message had been clear.
After the church had emptied, he’d walked to the corner market and made the call. He’d done the best he could. Money changed everything. It always did. He opened his hand and stared at the crumpled paper with the phone number. He was not a stupid man. Nothing came without a price. He murmured a prayer until his shoulders relaxed and the drumbeat of his heart slowed.
His stomach growled, the gurgling loud and rumbly, and he realized it had been hours since he’d eaten. Breaking the quiet, a sound came from the back of the church, a click and a swish as the heavy outer door swung open. He stood and smoothed his cassock. Dinner would have to wait. He strained to see, but the vestibule was dark. “Who's there?” he asked.
The door clanged shut and heavy steps sounded on the dingy marble floor. Father Holland replaced his collar and ran his fingers through his hair. There was only silence. The hair on the back of his neck prickled. “Is somebody there?” he asked again.
A figure shrouded in black stepped out of the dark.
Father Holland stiffened. “Why are you here?”
From the shadows, the eyes of the visitor glittered in the candlelight. “I’m a sinner, Father.”
Father Holland’s shoulders slumped. “We are all sinners in God's eyes.”
***
Excerpt from The Last Sin by KL Murphy. Copyright © 2017 by Witness Impulse. Reproduced with permission from Witness Impulse. All rights reserved.
 

Author Bio:

K.L. MURPHY was born in Key West, Florida, the eldest of four children in a military family. She has worked as a freelance writer for several regional publications in Virginia, and is the author of A Guilty Mind and Stay of Execution. She lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, four children, and two very large, very hairy dogs.

To learn more about the Detective Cancini Mystery series or future projects, visit her Website , Twitter , & Facebook  pages.


Don't Miss Your Chance to WIN:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for KL Murphy and Witness Impulse. There will be 3 winners of one (1) code for a BlueFire eBook copy of The Last Sin by KL Murphy. The giveaway begins on March 13th and runs through April 16th, 2017.

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Blog Tour/Review: BEGINNERS LUCK by


Camel Press (November 1, 2016)
Paperback: 232 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1603813815
ASIN: B01MAXTV1R

Synopsis



As eldest son, Eoin O’Brien is expected to take over the management of his family pub, the Lion O’Brien in the Bronx. Despite his da’s disapproval, he has achieved his dream of becoming a police detective. He also longs to have a family, but his wife Vivian left him three years ago to pursue her own dreams of working in an art gallery.

Now Vivian is back from California. When the gallery where she works is robbed and vandalized, their paths cross again. It turns out the attack on the gallery was personal. After Vivian is almost run down by a car, it is clear that she herself is the target, though she can’t think of anyone who would wish her harm. Eoin and Vivian circle each other warily, each feeling the pull of the past and their still powerful attraction. But there will be no easy reconciliation. First she find a way back into the O’Brien family’s good graces. Eoin, in turn, sees that he is partly to blame for her flight. Like his father, he is too quick to anger, too domineering. He must learn to give the independent Vivian her space. But above all, he has sworn to protect her. And if he gives her too much space, she may end up dead.

Says Corinne, “My first time in a New York Irish pub, I was struck by the strong feeling of family and tradition. And so the idea of the O’Briens was born. I could picture this big Irish family pouring drinks and sharing stories, all with an adorable brogue. They seemed so real I had to make them come to life.”


Review:

Eoin is living his dream, much to his father's dismay, and ready to move on from his heartbreak, but his first case involves his not yet ex-wife, Viv. The burglary and vandalism seems over the top and Eoin is committed to protect Viv at all costs - it's his job, his duty, and he's still in love with her. Even after three years, Viv has to be careful not to fall into his Irish charm - to keep true to her determination to sever the marriage. 

This is a romantic suspense with the Irish Pub as the back drop for the Eoin's family. There are subplots, including Eoin's petite partner, the featured artist, and Viv's friend and roommate, that keep the story interesting.
And of course, who is after Viv remains a mystery until the end. If you enjoy romantic suspense with a bit of heat and Irish brogue, you'll enjoy BEGINNER'S LUCK and may just have found a new series. The language and descriptions are best suited for an adult audience.


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
About Corinne Scott:

Corinne Scott was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents were teachers, so of course she grew up to be a teacher as well, proving that the apple does not fall too far from the tree. Corinne has a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s from the University of North Texas. She is passionate about books, which led her to her current occupation as a librarian and author. For more information and links to social media, click here.

Website – http://www.authorcorinnescott.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/coryscott333

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AuthorCoriScott

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/coriscott333/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorcorinnescott/

GoodReads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13818891.Corinne_Scott

Purchase Links 

Monday, March 6, 2017

Blog Tour Book Review: A FINE YEAR FOR MURDER by Lauren Carr



Synopsis:

After months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.

When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family living near a winery owned by distant relatives she was visiting and suppressed the memory.

Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Add on Goodreads

Book Trailer:





Review

Jessica and Murphy are the major characters in this mystery. Jessica has suppressed memories from when she was 10 that trigger nightmares whenever there is a brutal murder of a young woman. It is serendipitous that Dallas has been asked by a small town sheriff to consider the cold case of a brutally murdered family more than a decade ago in her job as investigative reporter. As Dallas shares this new project, Jessica's nightmares escalate and all three prepare to investigate and make the nightmares cease with the identification of the murder or murderers.

The tale is well-told and there are twists and turns, including the older woman with long white hair who may or may not be a ghost - except Jessica, Murphy, and Dallas don't believe in ghosts. Add to that the assistance of Nigel and Tristan from a distance, computer hacking, southern small town politics, and more than a bit of corruption, and the story moves along a quick pace. I have to say at least one of the outcomes was unexpected. Although Archie convinces Mac Faraday to take a back seat and let Murphy take the lead, this is every bit as good as others in the series. It will be interesting to see all the ways the series progresses with Murphy, Jessica, Dallas, and David (not to mention Gnarly, Spencer/Candi and the other dogs) and the virtual friends Nigel has established.  

I should (again) note that I am a fan of this series. Although the series is extensive, A FINE YEAR FOR A MURDER can easily be read as a stand-alone.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way. 

Author's Bio:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook