Book Review: WHISKEY LULLABY An Addison Holmes Mystery by Liliana Hart

 Synopsis

Addison Holmes has her hands full. Marriage changes a woman, and pregnancy hormones are no joke. But despite her promise to retire from dangerous P.I. work, she has no choice but to take this case.

Twenty years ago, her father and his partner cracked the case of their careers. But it was all a set up. They sent the wrong men to prison, and now it's time for the real culprits to tie up loose ends. Her father is dead, but his partner, who happens to be her mom's new husband, is very much alive. At least for the time being.

Discovering the truth is no easy task, but saving her father's legacy and her step-father's life is her top priority. Because family means everything.

Review

Addison is supposed to be getting married, with not such fond memories of the last time she was supposed to get married. Her BFF, Rosemarie, and FBI agent Matt Savage, aren't helping. And then there's Aunt Scarlett. The characters are likable and the twists and turns are punctuated with laugh out loud moments. I have to admit I was (am) a bit suspicious when it comes to Savage and his agenda. He needs to find someone else. This is a fun series. Although this is part of a series, the mystery is a stand alone, though many characters are old friends from previous books. Always best to start a series at the beginning. Read the others in the series? You'll enjoy this one. 

AMAZON

Blog Tour & Review: DERAILED A Kelly Pruett Mystery by Mary Keliikoa

Synopsis


A dying wish. A secret world.
Can this grieving investigator stay on the right track?

PI Kelly Pruett is determined to make it on her own. And juggling clients at her late father’s detective agency, a controlling ex, and caring for a deaf daughter was never going to be easy. She takes it as a good sign when a letter left by her dad ties into an unsolved case of a young woman struck by a train.

Hunting down the one person who can prove the mysterious death was not just a drunken accident, Kelly discovers this witness is in no condition to talk. And the closer she gets to the truth the longer her list of sleazy suspects with murderous motives grows. Each clue exposes another layer of the victim's steamy double life.

Can Kelly pinpoint the murderer, or is she on the fast track to disaster?
If you like intricate family dynamics, secrets, including plot twists and turns, then this story is for you. DERAILED is the first book in the Kelly Pruett Mystery series.

Review

Kelly always emulated her father and his PI work, trained to be a PI, and then he died leaving her the business and a letter that ties into a recent death and a request that she help the mother, should she ever need help. Kelly's PI work has been limited and hadn't included dealing with a possible murder. She takes the case, pursues information, and finds out about some things she probably didn't want to know.  

It's not a straightforward mystery, and it's complicated by Kelly's ex, her next door neighbor/ex-mother-in-law, her six year old Mitz, her dog, and a policeman named Kyle. There is tension and twists to the story as she uncovers lies and omitted information, not all related to the woman's death. The combined tensions keep the story moving and readers will be engaged. I'll be looking for the next in the series. 

Readers beware, the story is more suspense than cozy, and there are sexual references some might find offensive.

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 The Author

Mary Keliikoa spent the first 18 years of her adult life working around lawyers. Combining her love of all things legal and books, she creates a twisting mystery where justice prevails. She has had a short story published in Woman’s World and is the author of the PI Kelly Pruett Mystery Series.

At home in Washington, she enjoys spending time with her family and her writing companions/fur-kids. When not at home, you can find Mary on a beach on the Big Island where she and her husband recharge. But even under the palm trees and blazing sun she’s plotting her next murder—novel that is.

Author Links

Website: www.marykeliikoa.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Keliikoa/e/B084Y7752
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mary.Keliikoa.Author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mary_keliikoa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mary.Keliikoa.Author/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-keliikoa
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20038534.Mary_Keliikoa

Purchase Links 

Bookshop - B&N - Amazon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

July 21 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW
July 21 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW
July 22 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 22 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
July 23 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
July 23 – The Book Decoder – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
July 24 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
July 25 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW
July 26 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
July 27 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
July 28 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
July 29 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog - CHARACTER INTERVIEW
July 29 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
July 30 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
July 31 - eBook addicts – REVIEW
August 1 - That's What She's Reading – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 2 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – I'm All About Books - SPOTLIGHT

Book Review: DINNER AND A MURDER A Nikki Hunter Mystery #3 by Nancy Skopin

Synopsis

Dinner & A Murder is the third book in a mystery series featuring Nicoli "Nikki" Hunter, a Private Investigator specializing in covert bar and restaurant surveillance.

After surviving two attempts on her life, Nikki decides to do something normal for a change and attend her high school reunion. While there she becomes reacquainted with an old flame, Paul Marks, who is now an air traffic control supervisor. Nikki agrees to have lunch with Paul the following day, and over lunch she becomes convinced that something is terribly wrong. After a few beers and a little persuading, Paul confides that three controllers reporting to him have died in the last two months, under suspicious circumstances.

Nikki insists on looking into the deaths and, with the help of her former mentor, Sam Pettigrew, soon discovers that Paul himself is the target of a ruthless assassin. So much for normal. In an effort to save Paul, Nikki must, once again, put her own life on the line.

Review

A compelling read, Nikki gets involved in what looks like a serial killer of Air Traffic Controllers when an old classmate asks for help. It may be coincidence, but then an attempt is made on Paul's life. This is fast moving with some POV of the killer mixed in with Nikki's own conflicts over commitment, her high school best friend's unhappy marriage and her quirky mentor, Sam Pettigrew. In  her between, Nicki is working covert bar and restaurant surveillance, eating and drinking in multiple places - what a job! 

Nikki is an unpretentious and likable character dealing with her own issues, including quitting smoking. This is the third in the series, but my first and it easily can be read as a stand-alone. That said, you still might want to start at the beginning of the series and keep going. Beware: This is not a cozy - adult language and some may find this offensive.

The Nikki Hunter Mystery Series

Murder on the Menu (#1)

Murder Over Cocktails (#2)

Dinner and a Murder (#3)

Murder a la Carte (#4)

Murder Served Hot (#5)

A Side Order of Murder (#6)

Murder Alfresco (#7)

Murder Served Cold (#8)

Murder Served Al Dente (#9)

Book Review: THE FRONT RANGE BUTCHER: A Jarvis Mann Private Detective HardBoiled Mystery Novel (Jarvis Mann Detective Book 7) BY R Weir

Synopsis

Twenty-two years ago, the slayings began…
A new body nearly every month—front page news for all to read.
Gruesome in nature, the victims nearly all female
The killer terrorizing the residents of Colorado’s biggest cities.
Until one day the murders stopped…
No one knew who he was, his motive for slaughtering them…
…and why the itch to kill suddenly ended.

Now, more than two decades later, the urge has resurfaced.
Carved remains of loved ones left to be found, lives of families ruined…
…the slayings echoing an all too familiar case from a past once forgotten
Has the killer resurfaced again?
How many more will brutally suffer the same horrendous fate?

Hired to find the serial killer, private detective Jarvis Mann digs deep
Fighting FBI resistance, with life threatening danger lurking around every corner
His cunning leads to a man he must match wits with…
…a man the FBI can’t touch!
Cold and calculated, intelligent and coy, the man, wheelchair bound…
…holds the answers and the secrets.
For he is the only one who could be the evil manifestation of…
…The Front Range Butcher.

PI Jarvis Mann is back in his most dangerous case yet!!Enjoy every twist and turn of this page turning psychological thriller

Review

Jarvis Mann is asked, by none other than the father of the woman he wronged, to investigate a serial killer who terrorized the area 20 years ago and appears to some how have come out of hiding. He's killing again, in the same gruesome fashion. Jarvis also is working on a few other loose ends and trying to figure out life with a new lady friend. He keeps getting closer and just as it seems the answer is around the corner, there's another detour or obstacle or twist. In his usual persistent but sarcastic fashion, Jarvis follows it through, very afraid for the next, very personal victim.

This is the 7th in the Jarvis Mann series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Readers beware - this IS a hardboiled mystery, with graphic descriptions and adult content. If you like thrillers, a fast pace, and twists to a story, you'll like this latest adventure of Jarvis Mann.

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.

AMAZON

Blog Tour and Review: MURDER GONE MISSING A Southern California Mystery by Lida Sideris

Synopsis

Newly minted lawyer Corrie Locke has taken a vow of abstinence. From PI work, that is. Until her best friend Michael finds his bully of a boss stabbed in the back after confronting him earlier that day. Michael panics, accidentally tampering with the crime scene…which could lead the cops to Michael instead of the real culprit. He turns to Corrie to track down the killer. She doesn’t need much coaxing. Her late great PI dad taught her the ropes…and left her his cache of illegal weaponry.

They return to the scene of the crime, but the body’s missing. Racing against time, Corrie dredges a prestigious Los Angeles college in pursuit of clues. All she finds are false leads. Armed with attitude and romantic feelings toward Michael, Corrie dives into a school of suspects to find the slippery fugitive. Will she clear Michael’s name before he’s arrested for murder?

Review

Corrie has her hands full fighting her attraction to Michael while trying to help him stay out of jail.  She's using all the skills her father taught her as a PI.  And then there's their friend, James and some other interesting characters. Corrie's determined to find the body and the murderer only her PI skills aren't quite polished. Her interactions with the cleaning crew and her belief the body is hidden in the trunk add a few early laughs. In all, this is a fun mystery with some silliness and some nostalgia as Corrie reflects on her father.  

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.

About the Author

Lida Sideris is an author, lawyer and all around book enthusiast. She was one of two national recipients of the Helen McCloy Mystery Writers of America scholarship for her first novel, MURDER AND OTHER UNNATURAL DISASTERS. MURDER GONE MISSING is the second book in the Corrie Locke series. Like her heroine, Lida worked as an entertainment attorney in a movie studio. Unlike her heroine, she keeps her distance from homicides. To learn more about Lida, please visit her website: www.LidaSideris.com
Author Links

WEBSITE: http://www.lidasideris.com/

BLOG: http://www.lidasideris.com/blog/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/lidasideris

TWITTER: @lidasideris

GoodReads

Purchase Links

AMAZON B&N

Book Review: BLOOD BROTHERS by R Weir

Synopsis:

Still recovering from his last case, which brought painful injuries and heartache, Jarvis picks himself up to help family out of a dire situation. A call from his sister-in-law leads him back to where he grew up. Big brother, Flynn, has dug himself a hole he can't climb out of, one filled with lies and deceit. Jarvis lends a hand, and is soon caught between Feds and gangsters, leading to peril for all involved.

With sharp tongue, nerves of steel, and fierce determination, Jarvis comes to his brother’s reluctant assistance. But can Jarvis save him from the depths to which he has fallen without getting them all killed? Coming to terms with his life growing up, and how he became who he is, Jarvis faces his past, present and future, and confronts an evil worse than anything he’s encountered before, one that may leave Jarvis, and all those he holds dear, dead. 

Review:

In this 4th installment of the Jarvis Mann series, Weir doesn't disappoint. Jarvis is personally involved and conflicted as he tries to ferret out the trouble his brother is in. He hasn't returned to his hometown in years and his memories are not of the happy kind, except for the girl who got away. When his brother is killed, it gets more personal. He calls in favors, but at what risk?

The story moves along at a good pace, the characters are well-developed. If you like a good mystery reminiscent of PI classics, you'll enjoy the latest addition to this series. Although necessary for the story, there is some sexual content and violence that may be offensive to same. Both Jarvis and his brother have some problems with infidelity. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Weir provides the necessary background from the previous book. On the other hand, reading this one first will spoil some of the fun from the first three. I've read all four and just want to know when to expect #5.

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.

Books in the Jarvis Mann Series:

THE CASE OF THE MISSING BUBBLEGUM CARD

TWICE AS FATAL

TRACKING A SHADOW

Links:
AMAZON
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Blog Tour: LOWCOUNTRY BONEYARD (A Liz Talbot Mystery Book 3) by Susan M. Boyer

Synopsis

Where is Kent Heyward? The twenty-three-year-old heiress from one of Charleston’s oldest families vanished a month ago. When her father hires private investigator Liz Talbot, Liz suspects the most difficult part of her job will be convincing the patriarch his daughter tired of his overbearing nature and left town. That’s what the Charleston Police Department believes.

But behind the garden walls South of Broad, family secrets pop up like weeds in the azaleas. The neighbors recollect violent arguments between Kent and her parents. Eccentric twin uncles and a gaggle of cousins covet the family fortune. And the lingering spirit of a Civil-War-era debutante may know something if Colleen, Liz’s dead best friend, can get her to talk.

Liz juggles her case, the partner she’s in love with, and the family she adores. But the closer she gets to what has become of Kent, the closer Liz dances to her own grave.

Review

Liz Talbot is called in a month after Kent goes missing. The police have decided that Kent is not missing, but rather left of her own accord. As Liz asks questions and uncovers some family secrets, Liz isn't so sure. Colleen, a ghost is also prompting her along the way. Liz has to be sure to have her ear buds in so if she responds to Colleen and someone hears her, the assumption will be she is talking to a real person not crazy. Amidst the mystery is the relationship between Liz and Nate, neither of which wants to leave their roots, and in Liz's case, Colleen. Despite personal issues, Nate helps with the case and the whodunit is wrapped up nicely. In case the reader missed a clue along the way, Liz and Nate debrief at the end.

This is the third in the series, following LOWCOUNTRY BOIL and LOWCOUNTRY BOMBSHELL. For the story of Kent and the relationship between Nate and Liz, this LOWCOUNTRY BONEYARD can easily be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first two but I gathered from the descriptions and reviews, that Colleen's history and her draw for Liz are set out in these first two books. That said, you might want to start at the beginning with this series.

About This Author

Susan M. Boyer is the author of the USA TODAY bestselling Liz Talbot mystery series. Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, won the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and garnered several other award nominations. Susan loves beaches, Southern food, and small towns where everyone knows everyone, and everyone has crazy relatives. You’ll find all of the above in her novels.

Susan lives in Greenville, SC, with her husband and an inordinate number of houseplants.

Author Links:
http://www.susanmboyerbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Susanmboyerbooks

https://twitter.com/susanmboyer

https://www.pinterest.com/susanmboyer/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5895680.Susan_M_Boyer

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N Kobo Google Play