Fatal Charm: A new suspense novel by Blair McDowell

Welcome!  There are some new books out today that I wanted to share with you. March of Crime by Jess Lourey, Fatal Charm by Blair McDowell, A Christmas Peril by J.A. Hennrikus, House. Tree. Person by Catriona McPherson, and The Last Weekend by Laura DiSilvervio are the new releases.  I hope you find something new to read that you will love!

Fatal Charm is the latest novel by Blair McDowell.  Caitlin Abernathy is a jeweler in San Francisco, California.  She is on her way to an important appointment when she is accosted by two men.  They steal her jewelry case with her samples.  Caitlin is surprised when police come to her studio.  She is told that her boyfriend, Allen Thompson is dead.  Who would want to hurt an accountant?  Caitlin is in her store when Dr. Colin Stryker arrives.  He needs a gift for his mother and Caitlin’s assistant, Aristotle Jones recommended her store.   Colin is instantly taken with Caitlin.  Caitlin is pulling out some lapis to show Colin when she discovers an item hidden in the drawer.  It turns out to be a 2-inch gold and jeweled dragon.  Colin, a visiting history professor at UC Berkley, offers to research the gem for her.  A week later Colin returns with information that the little dragon once belonged to Marie Antoinette.  Colin and Caitlin are returning to her shop when the alarm goes off.  They return to find Aristotle tied up and the shop trashed.  Someone knows about the bejeweled dragon and they are determined to get it.  Further research shows that the gem was stolen from the Louvre.  Aristotle, Caitlin and Colin set out to return the item to the museum, but it will not be an easy task.  The thieves have a long reach and are willing to do whatever it takes.  Will this threesome be able to accomplish their task or will the dragon disappear once again?

Fatal Charm sweeps readers from San Francisco to France.  Fatal Charm is well-written and engaging.  The book had a fast pace which makes it easy to read and enjoy.  Blair McDowell is an illustrative writer which allows readers to visualize the scenes in their head.  This brings the characters and story to life for me.  I thought the mystery was complex and intriguing (which you know I love).  I enjoyed the many twists and turns.  I felt the romance between Caitlin and Colin tied in beautifully with the mystery.  The mystery and romance went hand-in-hand.  Fatal Charm has a sweet ending that wraps up all the storylines beautifully.  I have read all of Blair McDowell’s books and, for me, Fatal Charm tops the charts.  I look forward to reading Ms. McDowell’s future works.  Blair McDowell has also written Romantic Road, Sonata, and Where the Lemons Bloom.

I hope that each of you have a fantastic Friday.  I will be reviewing A Tale of Two Kitties by Sofie Kelly next time.  Take care, stay dry and safe (we are in for a wild ride with Hurricane Irma), and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader