Book Review: THE SPIRIT WOMAN OF LOCKLEER MOUNTAIN by Elaine Faber

SYNOPSIS

There are sightings of a woman and a mountain lion near Lockleer Mountain, seen at moments of crisis. Is she the legendary Native American’s Spirit Woman, sent to protect the community? Nate is convinced his sister, missing for three months, and surely suffering from amnesia, is the elusive woman. He fears she will not survive the coming winter months, living wild in the wood with a mountain lion. 

While Deputy Nate Darling pursues a relationship with Lou Shoemaker, he and Sheriff Peabody pursue a drug dealer, selling to the youth at the Native American reservation. Things are even more complicated by civil unrest regarding the government’s secret plans to build a mysterious facility, a big box store, and a housing tract close to Lockleer Mountain, threatening the livelihood of the local merchants. 

Is there any hope that the Spirit Woman, real or imaginary, can bring harmony to the troubled community? Will Nate be able to apprehend the drug dealer, locate his missing sister, maintain his budding romance, and guarantee the financial future of Lockleer Mountain?

REVIEW

The community of Lockleer Mountain, where Lou and Nate and others live, has been unsettled for several months, after a car accident left Nate's twin, Suzanna, missing. Despite the odds, Nate holds on to the belief that she's alive. The community is near a reservation and stories of the Spirit Woman and her lion have been shared and retold time and time again. Only now multiple people believe they have seen the lion in a fog followed by a flash of green, possibly the Spirit Woman. In most cases, the sighting results in stopping something bad from happening. Then there's the owl Lou nursed back to health and the superstition that seeing an owl is a bad omen. 

The Spirit Woman, the owl, and the lion not withstanding, someone is leaving Suzanna's best friend, Judy, gifts on her farm and Suzanna is still missing. There's indications of drugs in the high school and a possible new military installation coming to ruin their close knit community as well. All the different pieces make for an interesting read and Faber pulls them altogether in the end. The pace is steady with several subplots and the presence of the lion, Spirit Woman, and the owl adding a novel dimension. An enjoyable read for lazy afternoons.

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- Spotlight : DOUBLE OR MUFFIN A Merry Muffin Mystery by Victoria Hamilton

 

Synopsis

In the new Merry Muffin Mystery, baker Merry Wynter must solve a disturbing crime among opera singers before the culprit decides it’s curtains for her . . .

When a reality TV show for aspiring opera singers descends on Wynter Castle, Merry’s got her hands full catering to the endless demands of the distinguished judges and ambitious contestants. Then mysterious rumors about the cast and crew begin to surface, suggesting that some of their performances may be filled with false notes. When a dogged reporter with an eye for scandal who’s been covering the competition is attacked and left for dead, Merry’s determined to discover who orchestrated the heinous deed.

Her long list of suspects is filled with eccentric personalities, including a promiscuous tenor known for making unwanted overtures, a pampered young prodigy and her meddlesome mother, and a quiet up-and-comer whose shadowy uncle may have ties to the underworld. As the musical contest and Merry’s investigation near their finale, she’ll have to act fast to keep a conniving contestant from plotting out her final act . . .

About Victoria Hamilton 

Victoria Hamilton is the bestselling author of several mystery series including the national bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She does, indeed, collect vintage kitchenware and bake muffins. She drinks tea and coffee on writing days, and wine other times. It doesn’t do to confuse days. She crochets (a little), paints (a little) and reads (a lot). A solitary being, she can be coaxed out of her writing cave for brownies and cat videos. 

She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.

If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the series The Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.

No, really, it’s not!

You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at: 

Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!) 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictoriaHamilton 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysteryauthorvictoriahamilton/ Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/victoriahamilton Goodreads Author Profile: Victoria Hamilton 

Purchase Links 

Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Google Play 

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Book Review: FIERCE SHADOWS : Shadows Landing Book 4 by Kathleen Brooks

A little change of pace here with a romantic suspense... 

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Dare Reigns is Charleston’s newest undercover ATF agent. Dare and his bosses believe a nearby resort is responsible for several deaths from tainted alcohol. As a favor to his friend, Marcy Davies, Dare agrees to a blind date with her grand-niece who lives in the area. What he didn’t tell her was having a date night at the resort would be the perfect cover for him to begin his investigation. 

Harper Faulkner’s heart had hardened long ago and her love was now reserved for the bar she owned and ran in the small town of Shadows Landing. This is why she knew the blind date her great-aunt had talked her into would go down in flames. Only the flames she felt weren’t from the disastrous date but from the date himself. 

When tragedy strikes during the date, Dare and Harper work side by side to save lives. Harper quickly earns Dare’s admiration and something much more dangerous . . . his interest. As Dare and Harper dig deeper into the deaths at the resort, they find it’s not only the resort guests in danger. The investigation leads them straight to Shadows Landing. But can Dare risk Harper’s life and his heart as they work to save the lives of thousands of unsuspecting potential victims?

Review

Although you can appreciate Dare's situation without the background, Marcy Davies, cousin to the folks in Shadows Landing, has set out to match make for her unsuspecting great nieces and nephews...  Dare reluctantly agrees to the blind date as it gives him an excuse (cover) for his investigation at the resort believed to be responsible for tainted drinks and deaths.

The date is all he could ask for, including a new victim and the chemistry between Harper and him. The investigation leads him straight to Harper's bar in Shadows Landing and her being in danger doesn't sit well with him. Little does he know the townspeople and their loyalty.

I will admit I'm a little biased here. I'm a fan of this series and the Forever Bluegrass series and like the crossover of characters occasionally between the two series. That said, this can be read as a stand alone. All the action and suspense is contained in this story. There is tension and conflict as the strong-willed Harper goes head to head (and heart to heart) with the ATF agent. The small town of Shadows Landing is close-knit with its own gator catcher. Between the action scenes, there is romance and humor, especially at Dare's expense as he underestimates the people of the town. There are adult scenes, so if those offend, this book isn't for you. If you like romance and suspense with a bit of humor, you better watch out. You may fall in love with this series, too. 

AMAZON

RELEASE DAY: TEMPTATION, TROUBLE & MURDER - A Stacie Maroni Mystery Book 6 by Christa Nardi

Synopsis

Caffeine à la corpse, anyone? 

The last thing Stacie Maroni expected to find in the break room was a dead guy. And even worse, a dead guy with her name, phone number, and office location in his pocket. If that’s not bad enough, a fellow member of the foundation she spearheads seems to be missing in action. 

Although these events don’t seem to be linked, Stacie is in the thick of things and sleuthing for her life. At least the two mysteries distract her from the attention of, and her attraction to, the handsome detective. 

New Release pricing of 99 cents. Get it now for mystery, suspense, and romance. 

You can watch the trailer HERE. Purchase HERE.

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New Release Spotlight: MURDER ON MORRISON ( A Rose McLaren Mystery) by Liza Miles

Today, I'm spotlighting a debut novel in a new series by Liza Miles. I haven't read it yet, but I enjoyed my visit to Edinburgh so I'm excited about the setting already. I also like muffins and biscuits. And mystery.

Synopsis

The historic town of Edinburgh appears to be the perfect location for Rose McLaren to set up shop, creating delectable muffins and biscuits. 

But three years later, a death that seemed like an accident brings Rose face to face with a darker and more sinister side of the city. 

Despite several formidable warnings to stay out of things, finding a dead man on her bed is the final straw and Rose reconnects with an old ally from the other side of the fence. 

In her debut as a sleuth, Rose learns that murder, close friends and past enemies all have a role to play in the mystery which she is determined to unravel and solve.

This is the first in the Rose McLaren Mystery series. And the first is always the best place to start a series.

AMAZON

It's a busy month for new releases - you can find some other ones HERE 

Book Review : POODLE VERSUS THE VIGILANTE (Cottage Country Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by Anne Shillolo

Synopsis (from Amazon)

Rocco. He’s got a nose for the news… but can he sniff out a killer? 

A 50-something local newspaper publisher and a pampered prince of a poodle stumble upon a shocking crime in a cottage-country small town. Who killed the mayor? It’s up to Zora Flynn and her nasty small poodle Rocco to sort out a distinctive cast of characters in the town of Williamsport and find the murderer. 

Meet Zora. She’s one of a kind, flavored with a dash of Agatha Raisin and a splash of Stephanie Plum, and her exploits and foibles will have you laughing out loud before the end of Chapter 1. Her small dog, Rocco, wears a bright blue collar studded with yellow crowns. With his regal personality, he amuses Zora with his snide comments and princely demands. Despite this, he is a poodle of action. And Zora’s secret weapon. 

Surrounded by rocky cliffs, pristine lakes and picture-perfect scenery, Williamsport is a charming town in cottage country. But now the murder of the mayor casts a shadow. Police chief Arni Korhonen looks like he stepped from the pages of GQ but he’s being forced to consider Zora as a suspect. Can Zora and her reporters Brady and Olivia track down the real killer before the noose tightens around Zora, jeopardizing her business and their livelihood? 

Poodle Versus The Assassin is the highly entertaining first book in an ongoing series starring Zora and Rocco. (It probably goes without saying, but the Poodle Versus… Series is good, clean fun, except for the occasional suspicious death. No graphic violence, sex or swearing.)

Review

This was a fun read, but then, I'm a sucker for dogs, especially poodles. Zora (and Rocco) discover the body of the neighbor, Louise Carling, who is very active in encouraging green behavior. It's odd, not only because she's dead, but the trash that's been left on her door step. The "vigilante" has been leaving reminders (including dog poop) at the person's home or office who was responsible. There are two major controversies in this small town and the victim was heavily involved in both. Zora, rather than being arrested, is intent on finding the killer and the vigilante.

This is a light read, with humorous events, most involving Zora, and various twists and turns as she follows leads. There are a lot of suspects and the outcome of the new landfill is a touchy subject for all involved. Fans of light cozies will enjoy Zora and Rocco as they search out the killer. This is the first of eight Cottage Country Cozy Mysteries and only 99cents at this posting.

AMAZON

Book Review: KNIT ONE, MURDER TWO A Knitorious Murder Mystery Book1 by Reagan Davis

Synopsis

Knitting Can Be Murder! 

I’m not a cop. I’m a soon-to-be-ex-wife, and former full-time mom who works part-time at the local yarn store. The biggest mystery I’ve ever solved is finding a missing knitting needle tucked behind my ear after spending all morning looking for it. 

Someone in Harmony Lake is trying to stitch me up for murder. 

In a small town where everyone has a secret they want to keep hidden, no one is talking to the out-of-town cop who’s been brought in to solve the case. So, armed with everything I’ve learned from watching murder mysteries on TV, and a little help from my friends, it’s up to me to find the real killer and clear my name. 

Can I knit the clues together and expose the killer before they unravel and kill again? 

I hope so, because knitting needles aren't allowed in prison, and I look horrible in orange. 

This ebook includes a link to a free knitting pattern. Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.

Review

Meg and Adam continued to live together but are married in name only. The plan is that as soon as their daughter leaves for college, the divorce will occur and they will go their separate ways. Meg works at the local yarn star with Connie, who is both her boss and her friend. Only things get complicated and both Meg and Adam may be suspects when Paul is killed. 

Like many small towns, the dynamics of the townspeople and relationships factor into the story. After her argument with Paul and one of her knitting needles at the scene, Meg is sure she's being framed. She starts asking questions and discovers some things she's not fully prepared for. 

If you like cozy mysteries complete with some quirky and likable characters, you'll enjoy this first in the series. In addition to the murder mystery, there is a bit of humor and the possibility of romance as Meg gets on with the next phase of her life. Besides, there a free knitting patterns!

This is the first of eight in the Knitorious series and it lends a hint to where the series is going, but the mystery is fully contained in this book. I've added the next few to my TBR list.

AMAZON