Accidental Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber

 Accidental Murder

Book Summary

From nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber comes a riveting new suspense!

When Kayla Macintyre discovers her twin sister Ashley brutally murdered, grief quickly gives way to terror—because Kayla was the real target. A case of mistaken identity fools the police into thinking she’s the one who died, and Kayla seizes the chance to disappear into her sister’s glamorous life as a supermodel. It’s a dangerous gamble for a tech-savvy, adrenaline-chasing computer repair specialist with zero fashion sense.

But the lie buys her time—and a shot at the truth.

As her clients and friends begin turning up dead, Kayla suspects the killer’s motive lies buried in the digital trails she’s been hired to clean. To stay alive, she must dive into the shadows of her clients’ secrets, unravel a conspiracy, and stay one step ahead of a killer who’s finally realized he missed his mark.

Time is running out. The next mistake could be fatal.

My Thoughts

Accidental Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber is an intriguing tale.  The story is well written with a peppy pace.  The mystery is well plotted. Kayla must stay vigilant if she wants to discover the truth and stay ahead of person trying to kill her (I bet Kayla wishes she had paid more attention to fashion—fake it till you make it). There is danger, nefarious activities, a missing friend, secrets, a conspiracy, cyber talk, and more.  I enjoyed the mystery (I love solving them).  There are hints that will lead to the guilty party (if you pay close attention).  Accidental Murder is a stimulating story that had me up until the wee hours, so I could see how the story concluded.  

Accidental Murder is available from Amazon*.  Daryl Wood Gerber has Murder by the Millions coming out on October 28.  It is the second book in A Literary Dining Mysteries. You can find the Daryl Wood Gerber's other novels here. Thank you for stopping by today.  

I'm sorry that I had to cut things short last week. I am finally starting to feel a little better.  It turns out that I was having an allergic reaction to cobalt.  I had been given a shot of B12 by my rheumatologist, and I had started taking B12 to help boost my energy levels.  When itching and a rash developed on all my limbs, I did a little research into B12.  I learned that it contains cobalt which I am allergic to along with other metals.  I wish that it had stated on the bottle that it contained cobalt.  Instead of boosting my energy level, it created a fibromyalgia flare up.  The itching and rash are finally starting to subside (thank heavens).  Please return tomorrow when I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Exposing Lethal Secrets by Deena Alexander.  Don't forget that Amazon Prime Days start today.  There are some great deals (a great time for me to complete my Christmas shopping).  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Murder, She Wrote: A Body in Boston by Jessica Fletcher with Terrie Farley Moran

 Murder, She Wrote: A Body in Boston

Book Summary

Jessica Fletcher has dinner with her old pal Harry McGraw and gets pulled into a puzzling murder case.

Invited to deliver a lecture at the Boston Public Library, Jessica Fletcher excitedly makes plans to see local friends. Naturally that includes dinner at Gilhooley’s with PI Harry McGraw. Harry excitedly talks about his latest client, the CEO of Cure All Pharmaceuticals, who’s received anonymous blackmail demands and wants Harry to identify the culprit. Cookie, Gilhooley’s longtime bartender, also has something he wants to tell Jessica: he asked Harry to investigate his daughter Aileen’s boyfriend, who Cookie thinks is too slick by half, but now Harry is too wrapped up in this new case. While Jessica wonders how best to approach Aileen, the young woman stumbles into Gilhooley’s covered in blood. She just discovered her boyfriend’s corpse -- and quickly becomes the chief suspect in his murder!

Boston Public Library

My Thoughts

Murder, She Wrote:  A Body in Boston by Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran is a charming story.  I enjoyed watching Murder, She Wrote when it was first released (I was a kid), and this story stays true to the show.  It was great to catch up with some of the characters.  Jessica is heading to Boston along with Seth, which means a visit to Gilhooley’s and catching up with Harry McGraw (and trouble will soon follow).  I like that Jessica is just as Angela Lansbury portrayed her.  The whodunit involves Cookie’s daughter which naturally draws in Jessica, Harry, and Seth.  They each have a skill which will be needed to solve this mystery.  I like that Jessica used some of her book contacts in Boston to help to help in solving the crime.  The vivid descriptions of the places Jessica visited and saw in Boston allowed me to envision them.  I especially enjoyed the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.  The story had a feel-good ending.  Murder, She Wrote:  A Body in Boston would be a delightful story to read with a cup of tea (and some cookies) on a rainy afternoon.  

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Murder, She Wrote:  A Body in Boston is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other Murder, She Wrote novels here.  Thank you for joining me today. Due to a health issue, I am taking tomorrow off (and I hope I feel better for the party on the Fourth of July).  I will return on Tuesday, July 8 with Accidental Murder by Daryl Wood Gerber.  I hope that you have a fun and safe Fourth of July.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford

 Framed in Amish Country

Book Summary

To prove her innocence

she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.

A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

My Thoughts

Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford captured my attention from the very first page.  I liked the main characters, Elijah and Paige.  The characters are developed, and I found myself cheering them on (I wanted them to survive).  I loved Gunner, Paige’s dog, who is protective of her, and Elijah’s dogs.  I enjoyed the suspense, action, and mystery.  I could feel the danger and the characters’ emotions.  With Paige and Elijah being near each other and in peril, it arouses old feelings.  Of course, there is still the problem of one being Amish and the other an Englisher. I delight in a good second chance romance. Faith is nicely woven throughout the story.  Forgiveness and grace are two of the themes.  I finished Framed in Amish Country with a smile on my face.  Framed in Amish Country is a captivating tale with a tricked attorney, a dead friend, battling bullets, guard dogs, Amish friends, a cruel criminal, and a second chance romance. 

Framed in Amish Country is available from Amazon* as well as other major retailers.  You can find Mary Alford's other books here.  Mary Alford has Shattered Amish Identity coming out October 28 (you can preorder it now).  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Wednesday, July 2 with Murder, She Wrote:  A Body in Boston by Jessica Fletcher with Terrie Farley Moran. Other books that came out today are Hunting for a Husband by Mindy Steele, Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink, Wyoming Wilderness Survival by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, and Wayward Girls by Susan Wiggs (I will feature on July 3). I recommend all four books.  I am off to hunt for rocking chairs for our new screened porch.  My mother wants them to be red and she would like them to have Ohio State cushions (I have a feeling that I will need to get those made).  I hope that you have a joyful day (we need more happiness in our lives).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Following the Clues by Dana Mentink

Following the Clues

About the Book

Book: Following the Clues (Security Hounds Investigations Book Four)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 27, 2024

A search-and-rescue mission reveals a lethal secret.

After K-9 handler Kara Wolfe witnesses her childhood friend Beau O’Connor survive a targeted hit-and-run, she’s shocked to learn his mother’s missing. And Beau, who can no longer recognize familiar faces after an earlier attack, can’t shake the feeling these terrifying incidents are somehow connected. With the tracking skills of her blind bloodhound, Kara will help Beau locate his mother—but someone will do anything to sabotage their search. With the culprit on their trail, can they uncover a sinister plot…before their rescue mission turns into a fight for survival?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

Fresh Water Fishery

More from Dana

The only thing more fun that writing about bloodhounds, is adding in some colorful new canine characters who aren’t quite your standard tracking champions. In this book, you’ll get to know Phil who was introduced at the end of book #3. He’s a livestock protector who steps in as a guide for Millie the bloodhound when her vision becomes impaired. Phil takes his job VERY seriously. He flat out refuses to wear a vest, or play with toys, and he doesn’t particularly like people, but he will lay his life down to protect Millie and Kara Wolfe. It was so much fun having this unlikely hero rise to the challenge as Kara and her ex-boyfriend must root out a saboteur on the local fish hatchery property. The secret they unearth will shock you, I hope! Please enjoy the adventure with Millie, Phil, and the rest of the Wolfe pack!

My Thoughts

Following the Clues by Dana Mentink is an intriguing tale.  I enjoyed getting to know Kara and Beau.  I felt for Beau who has prosopagnosia (also known as face blindness). I cannot imagine not being able to recognize your spouse, children, or your parents. I love Kara’s dogs.  I like how Phill and Millie work as a team (sweet Millie can track, but she cannot see).  I loved all the action that kept things lively.  You did not know what was going to happen next.  The mystery could have been more challenging.  I’m glad we got to catch up with the other members of the Security Hounds Investigations (aka Kara’s family).  Following the Clues is the fourth book in the Security Hounds Investigations series.  While Following the Clues can be read as a standalone, I believe it is best to read the series in order (get to know the characters, the dogs, and what Security Hounds does).  I am looking forward to Chase’s (and Tank’s) story.  Following the Clues is a bustling book with a missing mom, a friend with face blindness, paintball pot shots, a dangerous search, sliding rocks, a protective pooch, and sniffing out the solution.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!

Following the Clues is available from Amazon*. The next novel in the Security Hounds Investigations series is Scent of Sabotage which will be out December 30. You can find Dana Mentink's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, July 1 with Framed in Amish Country by Mary Alford.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for an extra entry before you depart.  Good Luck! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 24

Bizwings Book Blog, June 25

Carla’s Book Crush, June 25

Bigreadersite, June 26

The Avid Reader, June 26

Vicky Sluiter, June 27

Texas Book-aholic, June 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28

Devoted To Hope, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Betti Mace, June 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30

Labor Not in Vain, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Stories By Gina, July 2 (Author Interview)

EmpowerMoms, July 2

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Because I said So – adventures in parenting, July 3

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, July 4

Lily’s Corner, July 5

Blossoms and Blessings, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7

Lights in a Dark World, July 7

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

 An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder

Book Summary

New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon makes her hardcover debut with an irresistible new meta-mystery series about an amateur sleuth who doesn’t just solve crimes, she writes about how to do it . . .

TIP #1: WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU COUNTS AS WORK EXPERIENCE

Meg Gates could use a guidebook for life. Indeed, she’s faced some challenges. She dropped out of college to work for a tech startup that failed—and her fiancé just took her bridesmaid to Italy on what was supposed to be Meg’s honeymoon.

Now, at twenty-six, Meg has taken the ferry ride of shame from Seattle back to Bainbridge Island to live with her family. At least she has her rescue cocker spaniel, Watson, by her side. But it’s Meg who could use a rescue—and she’s hoping it will come in the form of a part-time gig doing research for a bestselling mystery writer.

Bainbridge Island Ferry

TIP #2: WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW – OR WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW

That’s when the lightbulb goes on: Meg will write her own guidebook—a manual on criminal investigation. But before she can impress her new boss with her pet project, the author’s manager is found dead on the rocks beneath the author’s Gothic mansion.

Now it’s time to put her guide to the test, as Meg sets out to clear her employer of suspicion and solve the crime. But there’s one important caveat she’ll have to add to her guide—

TIP #3: BEWARE OF UNKNOWN DANGERS

Bainbridge Island Downtown

My Thoughts

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon Is the first A Bainbridge Island Mystery.  The story is easy to read, but I found the pacing to be leisurely (needed a little more pep). Eliminating repetitive details would have helped.  I like Meg as well as her family, friends, and dog (such a cutie).  The characters need more fleshing out, so they have more personality like Watson, Meg’s dog.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Bainbridge Island (a great place to live in the spring, summer, and fall).  

Hobbit home on Bainbridge Island

The mystery was uncomplicated and a cinch to solve.  I wish the whodunit had been more complex and at the forefront of the story.  It took a backseat to Meg’s two jobs, walking Watson, eating (fish and chips as well as Chinese food were two favorites), and spending time with friends and family.  While Meg says she is not ready for another romantic relationship, she certainly thinks about it a lot.  An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder is a nice story, but I want it to be less women’s fiction and more cozy mystery (emphasis on mystery).  An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder has a ferry journey, beautiful Bainbridge Island, a murdered literary agent, unique assignments, old friends, an inkling of an idea, and delectable mac & cheese.

Beautiful view while shopping on Bainbridge Island

An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder is available from Amazon.  The next A Tourist Trap Mystery is a Merry Murder Season and it will be out on November 4. You can find Lynn Cahoon's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Thursday, June 26, I am stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for Following the Clues by Dana Mentink. It is the fourth book in the Security Hounds Investigations series.  I hope that you have cheery day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

 Echoes of Darkness

Book Summary

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…  

My Thoughts

Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner is a dark, suspenseful story.  The author’s vivid descriptions transported me to Kenorapeake Falls, Ontario.  Copycat crimes have the community up in arms and a mayor determined to get answers.  The main characters are complex and developed, but they still have still have room to grow.  Oaklynn and Caleb have secrets that they would prefer to remain buried, but you know that they will not (they never do).  I like the sections from the killer’s point of view. They enhanced the story. 

Despite all the darkness in the story, there are moments of light.  It is that age old tale of the dark against the light (good versus evil).  We need to put our faith in God if we are to snuff out the evil within ourselves.  In the story, they must combat the evil threatening their community. I quickly identified the culprit, but my mother attributes it to my extensive reading of mysteries.  I enjoyed the tension, twists, thrills, and secrets.  I wish that the pacing had been a tad peppier.  Being thrust into danger has a way of bringing people closer.  There is chemistry between Oaklynn and Caleb, and romance begins to bloom despite the dark crimes.  Echoes of Darkness is a tense tale with copycat killings, a dark cult, shocking secrets, a determined mayor, finding faith, and catching a killer. 

Echoes of Darkness is available from Amazon as well as other major retailers.  Darlene Turner has Danger in the Wilderness coming out on August 26.  It is the first book in the National Park Protectors series.    You can find Darlene L. Turner's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am going to share my thoughts on An Amateur Sleuth's Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon.  It is the first A Bainbridge Island Mystery.  I hope that you have a enjoyable day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Skeletons, Secrets, and Speakeasies by Fran Heap

Skeletons, Secrets, and Speakeasies

Book Summary

Some legacies are lost to time. Others are waiting to be found.

Tammy Rumbelow never imagined her fresh start in small-town Michigan would lead her into decades-old mysteries. But beneath the cozy book readings and bakery scents, Willowcroft hides the tangled roots of betrayal, buried truths, and a heist that was never meant to be uncovered.

With the help of her cat and a mismatched team of amateur sleuths—including a bookseller and genealogist, a tech-savvy teen, a sharp-eyed retiree, and a former sheriff—Tammy stumbles upon a hidden past woven through dusty tunnels, long-lost letters, and the fading whispers of women history tried to forget.

Together, they’ll piece together a mystery that spans generations—one that may rewrite everything the town thought it knew.

My Thoughts

Skeletons, Secrets, and Speakeasies by Fran Heap is the second A Willowcroft Cozy Mystery.  I have not read Murder, Mystery, & Mothers (nor the prequel Bears, Berries, & Beginnings) and I felt like I was missing vital information. I had trouble with the multiple points of view.  I found it jarring as it bounced between the group of amateur sleuths and the main character.  In addition, there was diverting internal dialogue. The characters lacked development. I especially felt that Tammy, as the main character, should have fleshed out more.  I thought it was amusing that Tammy’s cat was the most realistic and developed character.  The mystery was interesting. 

I cannot resist a whodunit that involves secret tunnels.  I enjoyed the genealogical and historical aspects.  Each member of the sleuthing group contributed to the investigation.  I wish the pacing, though, had been peppier. There was more talking than action.  There were times when I wondered if the mystery would ever get resolved.  The story has good elements, but it needed more fine tuning.  Skeletons, Secrets, and Speakeasies is a leisurely story about missing money, a network of tunnels, secret entrances, a murder board, a canny cat, an anxious teen, and a humorous radio broadcast.  

 

Skeletons, Secrets, and Speakeasies is available from Amazon.  The first A Willowcroft Cozy Mystery is Murder, Mystery, and Mothers. Bears, Berries, and Beginnings is the prequel to A Willowcroft Cozy Mystery series.  If you follow Fran Heap on Amazon, they will email you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for popping by today.  I will return on Tuesday, June 24 with Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner.  If you enjoy stories with suspense, secrets, twists, and more, then you will enjoy the engaging Echoes of Darkness.  

This is the cat house that I purchased.  It is a little bland.

I am off to put together a cat house for the outdoor cats that visit me.  I want them to have a safe space to eat and sleep.  They are scared of the new screened porch (they will not go near the cat door), so I am hoping the cat house will be a good solution. I am going to add some cute details (any ideas for a mini doormat) and color.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.