Category Archives: Mulholland Books

March 26, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: The Goodbye Coast by Joe Ide

Title: The Goodbye Coast by Joe Ide
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 351 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Raymond Chandler’s iconic detective, Philip Marlowe, gets a dramatic and colorful reinvention at the hands of award-winning novelist Joe Ide

The seductive and relentless figure of Raymond Chandler’s detective, Philip Marlowe, is vividly re-imagined in present-day Los Angeles. Here is a city of scheming Malibu actresses, ruthless gang members, virulent inequality, and washed-out police. Acclaimed and award-winning novelist Joe Ide imagines a Marlowe very much of our time: he’s a quiet, lonely, and remarkably capable and confident private detective, though he lives beneath the shadow of his father, a once-decorated LAPD homicide detective, famous throughout the city, who’s given in to drink after the death of Marlowe’s mother.

Marlowe, against his better judgement, accepts two missing person cases, the first a daughter of a faded, tyrannical Hollywood starlet, and the second, a British child stolen from his mother by his father. At the center of COAST is Marlowe’s troubled and confounding relationship with his father, a son who despises yet respects his dad, and a dad who’s unable to hide his bitter disappointment with his grown boy. Together, they will realize that one of their clients may be responsible for murder of her own husband, a washed-up director in debt to Albanian and Russian gangsters, and that the client’s trouble-making daughter may not be what she seems.

Steeped in the richly detailed ethnic neighborhoods of modern LA, Ide’s COAST is a bold recreation that is viciously funny, ingeniously plotted, and surprisingly tender.

Review:

The Goodbye Coast by Joe Ide is a clever mystery which features a re-imagined Philip Marlowe set in modern day Los Angeles.

Private Detective Philip Marlowe reluctantly takes has-been actress Kendra James’ case. Although her husband Terry’s murder is still unsolved, Kendra wants Marlowe to find her runaway stepdaughter, Cody.  The seventeen-year-old young woman is surprisingly easy to locate and Marlowe convinces his alcoholic father, Emmet to temporarily take her in.

Marlowe then takes on a second case when he agrees to help British professor Ren Stewart locate her young son Jeremy. Her son’s father failed to bring him back to her after a custodial visit. Ren knows he is somewhere close by and she urges Marlowe to follow every lead they find. Marlowe is intrigued by Ren and sometimes goes against his better instincts while investigating her case.

The Goodbye Coast is a multi-layered detective mystery that is quite atmospheric. Marlowe is a solitary figure with a complex relationship with his father. Emmet is still grieving the loss of his beloved wife and his future with the police department is in jeopardy due to his drinking. The storyline is a bit convoluted and pits Marlowe against dangerous Armenian and Russian criminals. Despite occasionally uneven pacing, Joe Ide brings this engaging mystery to an action-filled conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Joe Ide, Mulholland Books, Mystery, Rated B, The Goodbye Coast

December 27, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: The Pledge by Kathleen Kent

Title: The Pledge by Kathleen Kent
Detective Betty Series Book Three
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this “instantly cinematic and completely compelling” thriller (Hank Phillippi Ryan), Detective Betty has only two weeks to take down her deadliest rival—this time for good.

“The terrific adrenaline punch you’d expect for the grand finale of Kathleen Kent’s Edgar-nominated trilogy.” —Julia Heaberlin

Things are looking up for Detective Betty Rhyzyk. She’s settled into a happy marriage and been promoted to Sergeant in the Dallas Police Department. But when a hostage stand-off puts her on the phone with legendary cartel leader The Knife, things take a turn. The Knife has heard a rival is making a play for the streets of Dallas—none other than Evangeline Roy. The matriarch of a ruthless cult, Evangeline also happens to hold a personal vendetta against Betty. So who better to draw Evangeline out of hiding? Betty’s got two weeks to catch her. Or else.

With Betty’s young charge Mary Grace already missing—having left her seven-month-old baby behind in Betty’s care—and the drug dealers of Dallas donning strange red wigs and delivering cryptic messages, Betty’s in a race for answers. With the clock ticking down, it will take everything she’s got to finally put an end to Evangeline’s reign of terror, and to keep her beloved Dallas—and her own family—safe at last.

Review:

The Pledge by Kathleen Kent is an action-packed mystery. This third installment in the Detective Betty series can easily be read as a standalone.

Detective Sergeant Betty Rhyzyk is a little unsettled that she and her wife, Dr. Jackie Nesbitt, are taking care of missing teenager Mary Grace’s seven-month-old daughter Elizabeth. She hires private detective team Peg Bartles and Rocky Bentner to try to locate Mary Grace. Betty’s attention is then focused on finding her nemesis, cult leader and drug dealer Evangeline Roy, within the two-week time-frame designated by Sineloa drug enforcer El Cuchillo. Evangeline is back in Texas and her drug business is encroaching on the Sineloan cartel’s territory. Betty has experienced near deadly encounters with both and she takes El Cuchillo’s threats seriously. Aided by her team and her partner Detective Seth “Riot” Dutton, Betty is in a race against time to locate Evangeline before she harms any of her loved ones.

Betty is a tough woman who works tirelessly to locate Evangeline Roy. She is also very worried about Mary Grace who inexplicably disappeared with no warning. Betty is uneasy about the thought of parenthood but she will do anything to protect Elizabeth. While she and the rest of the detectives working with her are in the midst of tracking down Evangeline, Mary Grace’s stepfather demands to know where Mary Grace and her baby are. Betty is not intimidated by the wealthy and well-connected property developer and she has no intention of giving in to his demands.

The Pledge is a riveting mystery with plenty of edge of the seat scenes. Betty is fearless in her pursuit of Evangeline but her adversary proves to be elusive. Jackie is patient with Betty but she definitely feels the strain of worry over Mary Grace’s whereabouts and her wife’s latest investigation. Although Seth always has Betty’s back, he is not always on board with some of her decisions. With Betty’s two-week deadline coming to a close, Kathleen Kent brings this suspense-laden mystery to a spine-tingling conclusion. Old and new fans do not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to the Detective Betty series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Detective Betty Series, Kathleen Kent, Mulholland Books, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, The Pledge

September 28, 2021 · 12:03 am

Review: The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens

Title: The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Legal Thriller
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A woman finds herself in a race not only for justice but for her life in this “riveting, hold-your-breath” new mystery from the bestselling author of The Life We Bury (Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Wife).

Lila Nash is on the verge of landing her dream job—working as a prosecutor under the Hennepin County Attorney—and has settled into a happy life with her boyfriend, Joe Talbert. But when a woman is pulled from the Mississippi River, barely alive, things in the office take a personal turn.

The police believe the woman’s assailant is local photographer Gavin Spenser, but the case quickly flounders as the evidence wears thin. It seems Gavin saw this investigation coming—and no one can imagine how carefully he has prepared.

The more determined Lila is to put Gavin behind bars, the more elusive justice becomes. Battling a vindictive new boss and haunted by the ghosts of her own unspeakable attack, which she’s kept a dark secret for eight long years, Lila knows the clock is ticking down. In a race against an evil mastermind, it will take everything Lila’s got to outsmart a killer—and to escape the dark hold of her own past.

Review:

The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens is a riveting legal thriller.

Lila Nash is working with the Hennepin County Attorney as a law clerk while awaiting the results of her bar exam.  After her vindictive boss reassigns her to clerk for Andrea “Andi” Fitch, they are assigned to prosecute the assault and attempted murder of hairstylist Sadie Vauk. Detective Niki Vang and her partner Matty Lopez are also on the case much to accused attacker Gavin Spencer’s dismay.  While he believes he will outsmart the prosecution, Niki suspects Gavin is responsible for the deaths of three other women. Will Lila, Andi and Niki find the evidence they need to convict Gavin? Or will the suspected serial killer be set free to kill again?

Lila’s teenage years were tumultuous and culminated with a horrific attack that continues to haunt her. And yet Lila pulled her life together and now she is on the verge of achieving her dream career. She is also in a happy relationship with rising newspaper reporter Joe Talbert but she is content for them to continue living together. Lila has kept parts of her past from Joe so when she is forced to confront it, she decides to go it alone since he is working an on important assignment. But will her unanticipated reactions and a malicious boss end her chance in seeing justice done for Sadie and Gavin’s other victims?

Gavin is certain he has a foolproof plan to avoid prosecution for his crimes. He also has what he considers infallible fail safes in place to help ensure he will not be convicted of his heinous attacks and murders. With everything falling into place as planned, will Gavin’s arrogance be his downfall?

The Stolen Hours is a fast-paced and engrossing legal thriller with a clever, addictive storyline. Lilia has a keen legal mind with an uncanny ability to accurately predict shortfalls and ingeniously find what seem to impossible solutions. Andi and Niki are strong, smart women who stand out in their chosen professions. Gavin is a vile and reprehensible predator who is no match for Lila once she knows exactly who and what she is up against. With a breathtaking twist, Allen Eskens brings this brilliant thriller to a dramatic conclusion.

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Filed under Allen Eskens, Contemporary, Legal Thriller, Mulholland Books, Rated B+, Review, The Stolen Hours

September 9, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Last Guests by J.P. Pomare

Title: The Last Guests by J.P. Pomare
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Thriller
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A wife finds herself racing for answers when the decision to rent out her family vacation home takes a deadly turn in this “twisty thriller” perfect for fans of Megan Miranda (Megan Goldin, author of The Escape Room).

Ever have the feeling you’re being watched?

Newlyweds Lina and Cain don’t make it out to their property on gorgeous Lake Tarawera as often as they’d like, so when Cain suggests they rent the house out to vacationers, Lina reluctantly agrees. While the home has been in her family for generations, they could use the extra money. And at first, Lina is amazed at how quickly guests line up, and at how much they’re willing to pay.

But both Lina and Cain have been keeping secrets, secrets that won’t be put off by fresh paint or a new alarm system. And someone has been watching them—their mundane tasks, their intimate moments. When a visit takes a deadly turn, Lina realizes someone out there knows something they shouldn’t…and that welcoming strangers into your home is playing a dangerous game.

Review:

The Last Guests by J.P. Pomare is a suspenseful domestic thriller with a unique plot.

Lina Phillips and her husband Cain have weathered their fair share of storms throughout their relationship. Lina is a paramedic who is supporting the family since Cain’s personal trainer business has yet to turn a profit. Cain is a former New Zealand SAS veteran who was injured in his last deployment to Afghanistan. He continues to suffer from physical problems from his injuries and he also battles nightmares related to his final deployment. Lina and Cain are finally at a good place in their marriage which is why a decision she makes is inexplicable. Now keeping a huge secret from her husband, she has no one to turn to when she begins receiving vaguely threatening text messages. Feeling guilty, Lina gives in to Cain’s to rent her family home in Lake Tarawera on WeStay. All goes well with their first sets of guests, but Lina cannot shake her suspicions that something is off with one of the couples who recently stayed in the house.

Lina has nothing but happy memories of the lakeside home where she lived with her grandparents. They provided her with a wonderful childhood that was only marred by infrequent but memorable visits from her mother. Lina’s world was completely upended when they passed away just a few years apart. Her chance meeting with Cain turned her life around and her love for him has never waned. Lina worries he will revert to hold habits, but they have a “no secrets” agreement. Which is why she feels so guilty and scared he will uncover hers.  As events continue to spiral out of control, Lina cannot help but wonder what Cain might be hiding from her.

The Last Guests is a menacing domestic thriller that is very fast-paced. Lina and Cain are well-developed characters who are secretive yet mostly appealing. Auckland and Lake Tarawera are beautiful locales that spring vividly to life. The storyline is absolutely fascinating and takes unanticipated twists and turns.  With a final, shocking revelation, J.P. Pomare brings this devious domestic thriller to a jaw-dropping conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Contest, Domestic Thriller, JP Pomare, Mulholland Books, Mystery, Rated B+, Review, The Last Guests

September 6, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Getaway by Zoje Stage

Title: Getaway by Zoje Stage
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Thriller, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

n this terrifying novel from the bestselling “master of the psychological thriller” and author of Baby Teeth (Entertainment Weekly), three friends set off on a hike into the Grand Canyon—only to discover it’s not so easy to leave the world behind.

It was supposed to be the perfect week away . . . 

Imogen and Beck, two sisters who couldn’t be more different, have been friends with Tilda since high school. Once inseparable, over two decades the women have grown apart. But after Imogen survives a traumatic attack, Beck suggests they all reunite to hike deep into the Grand Canyon’s backcountry. A week away, secluded in nature . . . surely it’s just what they need.

But as the terrain grows tougher, tensions from their shared past bubble up. And when supplies begin to disappear, it becomes clear secrets aren’t the only thing they’re being stalked by. As friendship and survival collide with an unspeakable evil, Getaway becomes another riveting thriller from a growing master of suspense and a “literary horror writer on the rise” (BookPage).

Review:

Getaway by Zoje Stage is a thrilling adventure set in the Grand Canyon.

Thirty-four-year-old author Imogen Blum has recently experienced a traumatic experience. In the aftermath, she is suffering from anxiety and she is unable to concentrate on writing. Her older sister Beck lives in Flagstaff and she suggests a hike into the Grand Canyon with their childhood friend Tilda Jimenez would be the prefect distraction. Although reluctant, Imogen’s fond memories of hiking with her family and sister persuade her to agree. While Imogen remains uncertain she is making the right decision, the three women soon set off on their weeklong hiking trip.

Initially, Imogen’s worries follow her on the trip. She also brings her resentment toward Tilda for something that happened when they were in college. However, the fresh air and physical activity soon begin working their magic on her. That is until someone steals some of their food. Stealing from fellow hikers is virtually unheard of, but they push aside their uneasiness. Then Imogen makes an even more troubling discovery. Unfortunately, Beck convinces her it is nothing to worry about so they do not mention it to Tilda.  Imogen is not as relaxed their second night of camping and she has a valid reason to worry. But Beck’s explanation soothes her fears. The next day is fraught as Beck brings the issues between Tilda and Imogen into the open. She has high expectations the two friends will work through their differences.

Their arrival back at their camp sets the stage for the series of events they endure over the next few days. Their nerves are stretched to the limit and tempers flare as they are soon in a fight for their very survival. Their individual strengths and weaknesses guide their decision-making (for better or worse) as they try to save themselves from what could be a horrible fate.

Getaway is a fast-paced and engrossing thriller. The characters are well-developed with realistic life experiences. Vibrant descriptions bring the Grand Canyon vividly to life and highlight how the elements factor into the on-going struggle Imogen, Beck and Tilda are facing. With breathtaking twists and chilling turns, Zoje Stage brings this suspense-laden novel to an unexpected but completely satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Getaway, Mulholland Books, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, Thriller, Zoje Stage

July 28, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Retreat by Elisabeth de Mariaffi

Title: The Retreat by Elisabeth de Mariaffi
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

She came looking for inspiration. Instead, disaster strikes.

Maeve Martin arrives at the High Water Center for the Arts, a gorgeous lodge nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, determined to do one thing: begin her own dance company. A retired performer and mother of two, time is running out for her to find her feet again after the collapse of her disastrous—and violent—marriage. And at first, there’s a thrill to being on her own for the first time in years. Isolated in the snowy beauty of the retreat, Maeve can forget the ghost of her past for an hour, for a day.

But when an avalanche strikes, Maeve finds herself trapped with six other guests. They’ve lost all power, phone service, heat, and the road back to town. At first, there’s a sense of camaraderie—the fire is warm, the freezer well-stocked. But as the days pass and the storm rages on outside, tensions start to run high. Help is coming, so they just have to hold on, right?

Then the first guest meets an unspeakable death. Followed by another. Soon Maeve must admit how little she knows about these strangers . . . and how useless a locked door is if the darkness is already inside.

Review:

The Retreat by Elisabeth de Mariaffi is a tension-filled mystery with a fantastically creepy setting,

Ballet dancer Maeve Martin is thrilled with the opportunity to stay at the High Water Center for the Arts. She does have a few reservations about the isolated location but she shrugs them off soon after her arrival. She gets off on the wrong foot with Sadie Kwon who is Director Karolina Rhys’ assistant. Maeve is excited about her quick friendship with filmmaker Anna Barthelmy. She is flattered by the attention of artist Sim Nielssen and a little leery of facilities’ manager Dan Darling.  Journalist Director Justin Doyle is always ready for fun but he enjoys stirring up trouble. Maeve is finally hitting her stride in the dance studio when an avalanche then winter storms trap her and the others at the isolated lodge.  The death of one of their group convinces Dan it is time to attempt to hike to the nearest village for assistance. Will help arrive before another life is lost?

Maeve is a former up and coming ballet dancer who is now a mother of two young children. Having finally escaped her former controlling, abusive husband, she would like to start her own dance company.  She is planning to use her time at High Water to get back in the groove of dancing again. Maeve mostly keeps to herself, but she feels pressured to spend time with the other guests at the lodge. She really enjoys Anna but the undercurrents between the various people make her uncomfortable. Maeve is also experiencing frightening nightmares that she struggles to understand. When the storm knocks out the electricity and phone service,  Maeve does not if she can trust any of the people she is stranded with at High Water.

The Retreat is an atmospheric mystery with interesting yet underdeveloped characters. Maeve finds it difficult to quiet the negative inner voice of her former husband as she resumes dancing. She also discovers she does not trust her judgment as she gets to know the strangers she is staying with. The other guests already know one another and it is difficult for her to understand the strained relationships between them. The storyline is fast-paced and Elisabeth de Mariaffi turns up the suspense as this intriguing mystery comes to a bit of an unsatisfying conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Elisabeth de Mariaffi, Mulholland Books, Mystery, Rated C+, Review, Suspense, The Retreat