Category Archives: Rated C

January 28, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier

Title: If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

When her favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, an adrift young woman sets out to investigate and plunges headfirst into the wild backcountry of Northern California and her own dangerous obsession.

Sera loves true crime podcasts. They give her a sense of control in a world where women just like her disappear daily. She’s sure they are preparing her for something. So when Rachel, her favorite podcast host, goes missing, Sera knows it’s time to act. Rachel has always taught her to trust her instincts.

Sera follows the clues hidden in the episodes to an isolated ranch outside Rachel’s small hometown to begin her search. She’s convinced her investigation will make Rachel so proud. But the more Sera digs into this unfamiliar world, the more off things start to feel. Because Rachel is not the first woman to vanish from the ranch, and she won’t be the last…

Rachel did try to warn her.

Review:

If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier is an atmospheric mystery.

When her favorite true crime podcaster Rachel Bard goes dark, Sera Fleece decides to go looking for her.  Rachel has dropped enough clues about where she lives that Sera knows exactly where to go. The isolated guest ranch is run down and Rachel’s parents, Addy and Emmett are a bit… eccentric. Horse wrangler Jed Combs is friendly but Sera senses he is not telling her everything. Rachel’s brother Homer is a well-liked preacher and his wife Clementine is quite friendly. The nearest town is mostly deserted, but the people Sera meets immediately warn her to leave.  Should Sera heed their warnings? Or should she continue her search for Rachel?

Sera is divorced with few friends. She cannot seem to keep a job and she is obsessed with Rachel’s podcast. When Rachel abruptly stops broadcasting her podcast, Sera impulsively decides to put her investigative skills to use to try to find her.  Finding little information, Sera considers leaving,  but with nothing to go back to, she remains at the guest ranch.

Sera first accepts Jed’s explanation that his wife Grace returned to West Texas.  She soon discovers Jed is not exactly reliable and Addy absolutely detests him. But Sera turns to him for assistance as she searches for clues to Rachel’s disappearance.  Does he know more than he is telling her? And did Grace really return to Texas?

If I Disappear is an intriguing mystery with a unique premise.  The characters are eclectic but not very well developed.  The storyline is  interesting but a little repetitive. Sera is a likable character but her obsession with Rachel is a bit off-putting. The ranch springs vibrantly to life and its remote location adds tension to the unfolding story. With unexpected twists,  Eliza Jane Brazier brings this suspenseful mystery to a frustratingly ambiguous conclusion.

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Filed under Berkley, Contemporary, Eliza Jane Brazier, If I Disappear, Mystery, Rated C, Review, Suspense

November 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Night of the Fire by Kjell Eriksson

Title: The Night of the Fire by Kjell Eriksson
Ann Lindell Mysteries Book Eight
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Swedish police inspector Ann Lindell finally returns in internationally bestselling and award-winning Kjell Eriksson’s newest novel.

Police inspector Ann Lindell has left the Uppsala police and is living a quiet life, producing local cheese in a small town in Uppland. But life in the country is not as idyllic as it seems. On New Year’s Eve someone sets fire to the former village school which is now a home for asylum seekers, and three people are killed. Ann Lindell’s investigative instincts come back to life and soon she takes on the case. She is contacted by a person who has been involved in a previous investigation and who wants to warn her. His message is short and clear: Many will die. A few weeks later a bomb explodes in a suburb of Stockholm.

Kjell Eriksson wrote seven highly acclaimed novels about Ann Lindell, beginning with award-winner The Princess of Burundi, and now, after ten years, he returns to the Uppsala region and his sympathetic police inspector. The Night of the Fire is the first of two new volumes featuring Ann Lindell.

Review:

The Night of the Fire by Kjell Eriksson is a puzzling mystery with a topical storyline.

Ann Lindell has left the police force and settled into a quiet life in the country.  However, an arsonist sets fire to an unused school where refugees are staying.  Ann believes some of her village neighbors might know more than they are saying.  Despite her curiosity, she tries to leave the investigating to the police. But when someone from her past reaches out to her, Ann receives information that she has no choice but to reveal to her former co-workers.  Then when another fire ends in tragedy, Ann tries to balance her new life with her finely honed investigative instincts.

Ann’s move to a much quieter life and new career have proved to be beneficial. She is drinking much less and enjoying a smoother relationship with her teenage son Erik. The only real disappointment stems from her platonic relationship with Edvard. She remains hopeful their romance might resume, but her expectations are beginning to plummet.

Meanwhile, Ann’s former partner Sammy Nisson is heading the investigation into the second fire. He is still adjusting to his new partner Bodin who does not reveal much of what he is thinking. Sammy is also having trouble in his longtime marriage as his wife continues to distance herself from him. Sammy misses working with Ann and she provides interesting insight into the village and its residents.

While the mystery surrounding the fires is interesting, the beginning of the novel is a somewhat disjointed and difficult to follow.  Fortunately, the narrative soon begins to flow much smoother. The two story arcs are interesting but the overall storyline seems a little busy with numerous secondary characters.  The pacing is a little slow until well after the halfway point.

The Night of the Fire is a perplexing mystery with an all too relevant storyline. Ann is in a much better place in her life and she tries not to interfere too much in Sammy’s investigation. Sammy is bit miserable as he witnesses Ann’s newfound contentment as he contemplates his future. His investigation moves somewhat sluggishly as he talks to witnesses and revisits the crime scenes. With unexpected twists,  Kjell Eriksson brings this multi-layered mystery to a satisfying conclusion. The final chapter is intriguing and will leave readers eager to read the next installment in the Ann Lindell Mysteries series.

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Filed under Ann Lindell Series, Contemporary, Minotaur Books, Mystery, Rated C, Review, The Night of the Fire

October 14, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett

Title:v Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett
Misfits of Mayfair Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In a “splendid Regency-set debut” for fans of bestselling authors Sarah MacLean, Lenora Bell, and Kerrigan Byrne, the rogue who once ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation is now the only one who can save her (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review).

For exactly one season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth played the biddable female the ton expected — and all it got her was society’s mockery and derision. Now she’s determined to be in charge of her own future. So when an unwanted suitor tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else. Even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry.

Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness. Pretending to be in love with the woman he’s never forgotten is easy. What isn’t easy is convincing her to give him a second chance.

Review:

The first installment in the Misfits of Mayfair series, Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett is a debut historical romance that is sweet and steamy.

Years earlier, Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth’s first season ended in embarrassment and humiliation at the hands of the newly titled Viscount Amesbury aka Ethan Ridley.  After retreating to her family home, tragic circumstances force Lottie manage the family estate as her father sinks into a prolonged grief.  Now with their estate running smoothly, her father is now emerging from mourning and he decides she will marry James Montague, the son of one his friends. Lottie has no interest in marrying Mr. Montague so she strikes a deal with her father to marry a man of her own choosing.

On her way to London to stay with her godmother Lady Agatha Dalrymple, a carriage accident strands her and her maid Lucia Darling at the same inn as Ethan. Lottie tries to stay out of the Ethan’s way since he is the man who besmirched her reputation and broke her heart all those years ago. But as circumstances continually force them into sharing each other’s company, Lottie realizes that Ethan has changed but will she forgive him?

Lottie is smart and knows her own mind. Although she is not exactly thrilled over her father’s ultimatum, she plans to select a husband that will allow her to maintain her independence.  Lottie does not want a love match; she instead is searching for a biddable man who will not object to her living in the countryside and managing her own estate.  She remains drawn to Ethan but even if she wanted to marry him, her father would never approve their match.

Ethan has matured and grown comfortable with his responsibilities of managing his estate. He is perfectly content to remain in the country and limit his time in London.  However, he is in need of a manager for his latest business venture.  So Ethan and his good friend  Lord Carlyle aka Cal are traveling to London when he crosses paths with Lottie. Genuinely remorseful, he issues a sincere and heartfelt apology for his behavior years earlier.  Despite his attraction to Lottie, Ethan knows there is no chance of a future with her. But once they are both in London, he finds it difficult to stay away from her.

Despite warnings from Darling, Agatha and Ethan, Lottie agrees to spend time in Mr. Montague’s company. Unfortunately she discovers the hard way that her friends were right about him but Lottie proves able to take care of herself. Afterwards, she and Ethan enter into a fake romance to keep her safe. As a vindictive war is waged against her, Lottie and Ethan hope the gossip will soon die down. As they grow closer, their friendship takes an unexpected turn but will Lottie let go of her marriage plans and turn her fake engagement into a real one?

Any Rogue Will Do is a charming historical romance with likable characters. The storyline is interesting but a little repetitive and the pacing is slow. Ethan and Lottie are a wonderful couple who share some very hot love scenes. With a late in the story conflict and predictable plot twist, Bethany Bennett brings this cute romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion.

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Filed under Any Rogue Will Do, Bethany Bennett, Forever, Historical, Misfits of Mayfair Series, Rated C, Review, Romance

September 30, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: Tell Me My Name by Erin Ruddy

Title: Tell Me My Name by Erin Ruddy
Publisher: Dundurn
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense, Mystery
Length: 344 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A roller-coaster domestic thriller for fans of Ruth Ware and Shari Lapena featuring a rustic cottage retreat, a suspicious new neighbour, a violent kidnapping, and a wife who learns her husband isn’t telling her the whole truth.

Ellie and Neil Patterson are eager to enjoy some quality time at their new cottage. It’s the first time in ten years they’ve been alone … or are they?

When a friendly encounter leads to their violent kidnapping, they awaken to a living nightmare. Insisting he is Ellie’s soulmate, the stranger gives her three chances to say his name. If she guesses wrong, it’s Neil who will suffer the consequences. This propels Ellie into a desperate trip down memory lane to dredge up the dubious men of her past.

Only after discovering the man’s true identity and sacrificing her own safety to save Neil does Ellie finally learn the truth — that everything she thinks she knows about her husband and their decade-long love story is a lie.

Review:

Tell Me My Name is a chilling mystery debut by Erin Ruddy.

Ellie Patterson and husband Neil are enjoying their newly purchased vacation home. Their two children  have been dropped at summer camp and they are hoping to reconnect during their time alone.  But their idyllic retreat is shattered when a clearly disturbed stranger kidnaps Ellie and insists she call him by his name or Neil will suffer the consequences. With only three chances to save Neil’s life, will Ellie figure out who the identity of the man menacing them?

Erin is their children’s main caregiver and she is also responsible for household chores. She never imagined her dreamed of career would take a backseat to her marriage. After years of exhaustion and dissatisfaction,  Erin hopes the time alone will set their marriage back on track but right before she is kidnapped, she makes a stunning discovery.

Erin has no idea who is holding her captive, and despite what she just learned, she is determined to save Neil.  Rapidly sifting through memories from her past, she is uncomfortable with a few choices. Erin also relives a painful time from childhood which forever altered her family. With only three chances to get correctly identify her kidnapper, Erin is under intense pressure to figure out who this man is.

While the premise of Tell Me My Name is unique, none of the characters are likable and they are rather one dimensional.  The dialogue is melodramatic and the overall story is a overly dramatic. The antagonist is clearly disturbed and has never recovered from his abusive childhood.  The main detective, Flora Fitzgerald, is a bit of an odd duck and she comes across as inept. Neil is an annoying character who interferes in the investigation and puts himself and his brother-in-law in unnecessary danger. An unexpected plot twist late in the novel is quite shocking and completely unpredictable.  Erin Ruddy brings this domestic mystery to a realistic conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Dundurn, Erin Ruddy, Rated C, Review, Suspense, Tell Me My Name

August 23, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Final Cut by S.J. Watson

Title: Final Cut by S.J. Watson
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 360 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

A gripping new psychological thriller from S.J. Watson, the New York Times bestselling author of Before I Go to Sleep, in which a documentary filmmaker travels to a sleepy fishing village to shoot her new film and encounters a dark mystery surrounding the disappearance of a local girl.

They tried to hide the truth. But the camera never lies…

Blackwood Bay. An ordinary place, home to ordinary people.

It used to be a buzzing seaside destination. But now, ravaged by the effects of dwindling tourism and economic downturn, it’s a ghost town—and the perfect place for film-maker Alex to shoot her new documentary. But the community is deeply suspicious of her intentions. After all, nothing exciting ever happens in Blackwood Bay—or does it?

Review:

Final Cut by S.J. Watson is an atmospheric mystery.

Documentary film maker Alex Young returns to the place she thought she had left behind. With few memories of the time leading up to her moving to London,  she hopes this latest project gets her career back on track. Although the Blackwood Bay residents are providing clips of everyday life, Alex instead focuses on the girls who have gone missing from the village. Ten years ago, Daisy supposedly jumped to her death, but Alex doubts she is dead. Her friend Sadie also disappeared around the same time. Three years ago,  fourteen year old Zoe Pearson also vanished without a trace.

As she observes the teenage girls in town, Alex has the uneasy feeling something is not quite right.  She zeroes in on Ellie and Zoe’s friend Sophie in hopes of them will confide in her. When another girl goes missing, Alex joins the search but fears the worst.  Will investigating this newest disappearance help Alex regain her missing memories? And is she prepared for what she might recall?

Alex tries to keep her attention on her current project but it is her past she is most interested in.  She asks probing questions but she is often frustrated by the lack of straight answers. The townspeople are more interested in protecting themselves and no one is really interested in raking up the past. Alex is intent on hiding her identity but are the changes in her appearance enough to  prevent anyone from recognizing her?

Final Cut is an intriguing mystery with an interesting premise. Unfortunately the story moves at a snail’s pace and becomes bogged down as Alex fails to unearth any new information. The cast of characters is a extensive and it is difficult keeping up with who is who.  Alex is a sympathetic lead protagonist but is her narration reliable? With a couple of unexpected plot twists, S.J. Watson brings this suspenseful mystery to very dramatic conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Final Cut, Harper, Mystery, Rated C, Review, SJ Watson, Suspense

July 27, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Bad Sister by Kevin O’Brien

Title: The Bad Sister by Kevin O’Brien
Family Secrets Series Book Two
Publisher: Pinnacle Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 438 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

TOO CLOSE
The site of the old campus bungalow where two girls were brutally slain is now a flower patch covered with chrysanthemums. It’s been fifty years since the Immaculate Conception Murders. Three more students and a teacher were killed in a sickening spree that many have forgotten. But there is one person who knows every twisted detail. . . .

TO SEE
Hannah O’Rourke and her volatile half-sister, Eden, have little in common except a parent. Yet they’ve ended up at the same small college outside Chicago, sharing a bungalow with another girl. Hannah isn’t thrilled—nor can she shake the feeling that she’s being watched. And her journalism professor, Ellie Goodwin, keeps delving into Hannah and Eden’s newsworthy past. . . .

THE DANGER
When Hannah and Eden’s arrival coincides with a spate of mysterious deaths, Ellie knows it’s more than a fluke. A copycat is recreating those long-ago murders. Neither the police nor the school will accept the horrific truth. And the more Ellie discovers, the more she’s convinced that she won’t live to be believed. . . .

Review:

The Bad Sister by Kevin O’Brien is a perplexing mystery.  Although this newest release is the second novel in the Family Secrets series, it can be read as a standalone.

Hannah O’Rourke’s excitement over rooming with Rachel Bonner is tempered by the inclusion of her half-sister Eden.  The college they are attending has an infamous past due to serial killings that took place in fifty years ago.  Eden finds the college’s history fascinating whereas Hannah is always looking over her shoulder.  

Despite living in a new city, Hannah and Eden’s relationship is still edgy and complex. Eden remains independent and goes her own way while Hannah becomes fast friends with Rachel. Before long Eden is off on one of her jaunts but Hannah worries there is more to her disappearance than appears. Confiding in her journalism Professor Ellie Goodwin, Hannah’s fears for her half-sister’s safety appear to be well-founded.  What, if anything, does Eden’s disappearance have to do with recent deaths that are eerily similar to the long ago serial killings?

Hannah, Eden and Rachel’s activities are pretty much what one would expect from young college women. Eden is a loner who does her own thing without giving much thought to anyone who cares for her. Hannah is immature and easily swayed by other people’s opinions. Rachel is the poor little rich girl who might just have an agenda of her own.  Hannah grows uneasy when she learns unexpected information so she walks a fine line as events begin to spiral out of control.

Ellie’s spectacular career culminated with a possible movie deal that unfortunately fell through at the last minute. Having given up her newspaper career, she is mostly satisfied with her new career. But helping Hannah unearth the truth about Eden’s disappearance reminds her how much she enjoyed digging into a story. As she uncovers shocking information, will Hannah convince local authorities to take her suspicions seriously?

The Bad Sister is an engaging mystery with a convoluted storyline. The characters are not very well developed and the pacing is slow. With predictable plot twists and undefined motives, Kevin O’Brien brings the mystery to a satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Family Secrets Series, Kevin O'Brien, Mystery, Pinnacle Books, Rated C, Review, The Bad Sister