Category Archives: Contemporary

May 21, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan

Title: The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

For fans of the compulsive psychological suspense of Ruth Ware and Tana French, a mother daughter story—one running from a horrible truth, and the other fighting to reveal it—that twists and turns in shocking ways, from the internationally bestselling author of The Scholar and The Ruin.

First Rule: Make them like you.

Second Rule: Make them need you.

Third Rule: Make them pay.

They think I’m a young, idealistic law student, that I’m passionate about reforming a corrupt and brutal system.

They think I’m working hard to impress them.

They think I’m here to save an innocent man on death row.

They’re wrong. I’m going to bury him.

Review:

The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan is a captivating mystery.

Law student Hannah Rokeby is willing to go to great lengths to become part of a Virginia college’s Innocence Project. Once she is accepted, she is willing to take extreme measures to be assigned to work on the death row case of Michael Dandridge. Which leads to an intriguing question: exactly why does Hannah so desperately want to work on this particular case?

Hannah has long taken care of her alcoholic mother Laura who is quite fragile without her daughter by her side. Hannah is smart and offers a bit of a different viewpoint than the other students she is working with on the Dandridge case. She is also willing to take risks that put not only herself, but others, in danger. They uncover shocking information but will they learn enough details in time for an upcoming motion trial?

The Murder Rule is an engrossing mystery that moves at a fast pace. Hannah is an interesting character who believes she is doing the right thing, but can anything justify the actions she is taking? The secondary cast of characters is well-drawn and appealing. Diary entries written in the past alternate with the chapters in the present and prove to be quite fascinating. The storyline is completely enthralling and Dervla McTiernan brings this suspenseful mystery to a twist-filled conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dervla McTiernan, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, The Murder Rule, William Morrow

May 20, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: A Kind of Hush by JoDee Neathery

Title: A Kind of Hush by JoDee Neathery
Publisher: Imagery Lit
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 340 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

A Kind of Hush examines how life is seldom a tidy affair, exploring whether there is a gray area between right and wrong. Matt and Summer Mackie with children Willa and Gabe are enjoying a June outing at nearby Zoar Valley Gorge, an area showcasing waterfalls, forests, shale cliffs, and a whitewater creek running through the ravine, when tragedy strikes. One parent survives along with their teenage daughter and seven-year-old son found hiding in the nearby woods. Was this a tragic accident or something more heinous, and if so, whodunnit and whydunit?

Set in Buffalo, New York, and in the Big Bend area of Texas, the heart of the novel centers on how survivors deal with the circumstances and subsequent revelations surrounding the incident. But as each one begins to piece together the events of that day, a mantle of ambiguity—a kind of hush—hangs between them like a live grenade without its pin.

Review:

A Kind of Hush by JoDee Neathery is a family-centric novel about grief and healing.

The Mackie family has already experienced one tragedy when a hiking trip results in the death of a parent. The remaining family members try to navigate their way through mourning their loss while trying to understand the cause of the accident. While oldest daughter Willa is defiant and angry, her brother Gabe finds healthy ways to cope with his pain. Their grandparents and aunt assist them during this terrible time and the death of their loved one is a reminder of how fragile life can be.

The local sheriff’s office believes they know who might be responsible but their suspect proves to be quite slippery. This person leads them on quite the chase as he manages to elude them at every turn.  He also manages to convince people along the way that he is quite harmless but some of them can see past his helpful, innocent façade.

A Kind of Hush is a unique family drama with interesting characters. The storyline is intriguing but the pacing is occasionally slow because of overly detailed passages. The overall tone is lighter than expected and some aspects of the story are more realistic than others. JoDee Neathery brings the various settings and characters vibrantly to life and readers will be satisfied with the novel’s conclusion.

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Filed under A Kind of Hush, Contemporary, Fiction, Imagery Lit, JoDee Neathery, Rated C+, Review

May 19, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett

Title: Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 341 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this “tense, twisting mystery” (Megan Miranda), no one bats an eye when a Black reality TV star is found dead—except her estranged half-sister, whose refusal to believe the official story leads her on a dangerous search for the truth.

“I found out my sister was back in New York from Instagram. I found out she’d died from the New York Daily News.”

When the body of disgraced reality TV star Desiree Pierce is found on a playground in the Bronx the morning after her 25th birthday party, the police and the media are quick to declare her death an overdose. It’s a tragedy, certainly, but not a crime.

But Desiree’s half-sister Lena Scott knows that can’t be the case. A graduate student at Columbia, Lena has spent the past decade forging her own path far from the spotlight, but some facts about Desiree just couldn’t have changed since their childhood. And Desiree would never travel above 125th Street. So why is no one listening to her?

Despite the bitter truth that the two haven’t spoken in two years, torn apart by Desiree’s partying and by their father, Mel, a wealthy and influential hip-hop mogul, Lena becomes determined to find justice for her sister, even if it means untangling her family’s darkest secrets—or ending up dead herself.

Review:

Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett is a compelling murder mystery.

Lena Scott has been estranged from her half-sister Desiree Pierce for the last two years. When Desiree turns up dead close to her home, Lena has plenty of regrets but she is also certain her sister was murdered. With the police putting out minimal effort, she begins searching for answer on her own. Lena jumps right into Desiree’s messy life in hopes of finding her sister’s killer.

Lena is smart, independent and tenacious as refuses to back off during the police investigation. She is sometimes a little too stubborn but she will do anything, including talking to their absentee father, Mel Pierce, to find out the truth. Lena is frustrated by her lack of progress so she reluctantly allows her sister’s friend, Erin Ambrose, to assist her.

Like a Sister is a suspenseful mystery with a cast of diverse characters. Lena is realistically drawn character who is flawed yet immensely appealing. The secondary cast of characters is interesting and rather memorable. The storyline is engrossing and moves at a brisk pace. With shocking twists and jaw-dropping turns, Kellye Garrett brings this captivating mystery to a stunning conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Kellye Garrett, Like a Sister, Mystery, Rated B+, Review

May 16, 2022 · 12:02 am

Review: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle

Title: What Remains True by Nancy Naigle
Publisher: WaterBrook
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 332 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An uplifting novel about three months that may change three lives—and lead to love—from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle

Working at a little shop on Main Street in a small town is exactly the break that executive Merry Anna Foster needs following her divorce. She’s made a bet with her ex-husband that she can live on the amount of money she’s giving him in alimony. If she can do it, then Kevin will have to stop complaining and leave her alone. But after three months of this new life, will she even want to leave Antler Creek?

Adam Locklear, bull rider and owner of the local feedstore, is having the best year of his rodeo career. He’s also a bit distracted by the pretty new neighbor living in his old bunkhouse. But Adam has no time for matters of the heart. He’s got his future all mapped out, and that future doesn’t involve a woman just yet. It doesn’t involve parenting a little girl either. However, Carly Fowler still suddenly leaves five-year-old Zan—the daughter Adam didn’t know he had—in his care.

Is it possible that the future holds a life even better than what Merry Anna and Adam had each dreamed of? One that includes both tenderness and even love—not just for each other but for Zan too.

Review:

What Remains True by Nancy Naigle is a sweet, wholesome romance with a lovely undercurrent of faith.

Merry Anna Foster is post-divorce and unexpectedly finding herself loving the small town she impulsively settled in after a brief stop. She is making wonderful friendships and finding personal satisfaction with her retail sales position in a local business. Merry Anna is not looking for romance but she is discovering love has a way of finding her despite her initial lack of interest.

Adam Locklear is a bull rider who is having the best season of his career. He is single-mindedly focused on winning the gold buckle at the looming championship finals. Not wanting any distractions, Adam is avoiding personal entanglements. He is very surprised by his inability to stop thinking about Merry Anna. Misunderstandings plague the couple when their friendship gradually turns to romance.

What Remains True is a sparkling romance with an idyllic setting. Merry Anna and Adam are vibrant characters whose personal baggage threatens to derail their burgeoning relationship. Both characters undergo realistic growth as their feelings for one another deepen. The secondary cast of characters is absolutely delightful. The storyline is engaging and moves at an even pace. Despite late in the story conflict,  Nancy Naigle brings this captivating novel to a heartfelt conclusion.

+

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Filed under Contemporary, Nancy Naigle, Rated B+, Review, WaterBrook, What Remains True, Women's Fiction

· 12:01 am

Review: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Title: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Bellinger Sisters Series Book Two
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

In the follow-up to It Happened One Summer, Tessa Bailey delivers another deliciously fun rom-com about a former player who accidentally falls for his best friend while trying to help her land a different man…

King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Everyone knows he’s a guaranteed good time—in bed and out—and that’s exactly how he prefers it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger. She’s immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his… personality? And wants to be friends? Bizarre. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is.

Now, Hannah’s in town for work, crashing in Fox’s spare bedroom. She knows he’s a notorious ladies’ man, but they’re definitely just friends. In fact, she’s nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague and Fox is just the person to help with her lackluster love life. Armed with a few tips from Westport’s resident Casanova, Hannah sets out to catch her coworker’s eye… yet the more time she spends with Fox, the more she wants him instead. As the line between friendship and flirtation begins to blur, Hannah can’t deny she loves everything about Fox, but she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost.

Living with his best friend should have been easy. Except now she’s walking around in a towel, sleeping right across the hall, and Fox is fantasizing about waking up next to her for the rest of his life and… and… man overboard! He’s fallen for her, hook, line, and sinker. Helping her flirt with another guy is pure torture, but maybe if Fox can tackle his inner demons and show Hannah he’s all in, she’ll choose him instead?

Review:

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey is a charming friends to lovers romance. Although this novel is the second installment in the Bellinger Sisters series, it can be read as a standalone.

Hannah Bellinger lives with her wealthy family and works in L.A. as a production assistant. She has a long-term crush on co-worker and has her sights on moving to music production. After helping her sister Piper renovate the family bar in Westport, WA, Hannah has maintained a fun, music-filled texting relationship with fisherman, Fox Thornton. When the current project she is working on moves to Westport, Hannah and Fox discover there is more to their friendship but will they act on their simmering attraction?

Fox has a reputation as someone who likes to have a good time. He has also done everything he can to live up to his love ‘em and leave ‘em reputation. Fox’s friend and owner of the fishing boat he works on would like to give him more responsibility, but he fears his lifestyle will impact his ability to lead the crew.

Piper stays with Fox while in town which provides them to learn more about one another. Piper is surprisingly protective of Fox during some encounters with the townspeople. She also gathers her courage to assert herself more at work but whether or not this will alter her career path is up in the air. Meanwhile, Fox struggles to with low self-worth as he contemplates a future with Piper and possible opportunities at work.

Hook, Line, and Sinker is a marvelous slow-burn romance. Hannah and Fox are appealing characters with relatable flaws. The banter between the various characters is laugh out loud funny. The storyline is well-developed but a little slow paced at times. Although the conflict is somewhat predictable, this does not lessen the overall enjoyment of the story. Tessa Bailey brings this endearing romance to a completely satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under Avon, Bellinger Sisters Series Book Two, Contemporary, Hook Line and Sinker, Rated B, Review, Romance, Tessa Bailey

May 13, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: The Summer We Forgot by Caroline George

Title: The Summer We Forgot by Caroline George
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Caroline George once again transports readers with lush, evocative prose, leading them to ask the question: what happens when we can’t even trust ourselves?

Some memories are better left forgotten.

Darby and Morgan haven’t spoken for two years, and their friend group has splintered. But when the body of their former science teacher is found in the marsh where they attended camp that summer, they realize they have more questions than answers . . . and even fewer memories.

No one remembers–or no one is talking.

The group of reunited friends suspects that a murderer is stalking the coastal highway 30A, and they are desperate to recover their memories as quickly as possible . . . before their history they can’t remember repeats itself.

Everyone has a secret.

As tensions rise and time runs out, Darby and Morgan begin to wonder if they can believe one another . . . or if they can even trust themselves.

Review:

The Summer We Forgot by Caroline George is an intriguing young adult mystery.

Darby and Morgan’s friendship ended two summers ago when their science teacher, Dr. Richard Herowitz, disappeared. Their rift also altered their group friendship in the aftermath of their curious summer counselor job at Camp Choctawhatchee.  When Herowitz’s body is discovered, the group of friends realize none of them have many memories of what happened at the camp. As they work together to uncover the truth about Herowitz’s death, will they also repair their friendships?

The Summer We Forgot is a fast-paced young adult mystery that is very engrossing. The perspectives alternate between Morgan and Darby’s points of view. The addition of police interviews adds interesting details about the teens and their recollections of what happened at Camp Choctawhatchee. With themes of forgiveness and parental expectations, Caroline George brings this clever mystery to a twist-filled conclusion.

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Filed under Caroline George, Contemporary, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Summer We Forgot, Thomas Nelson Publishing