reecaspieces

Overview

Delia Pitts expertly writes about family, race, class, and grief in her mysteries. Vandy Myrick captured audiences’ and critics’ hearts in Trouble in Queenstown. She returns in Death of an Ex, where Vandy tries to piece together what brought her ex-husband’s life to an end.

Queenstown, New Jersey, feels big when you need help and tiny when you want privacy. For Vandy Myrick, that’s both a blessing and a curse. Now that Vandy’s back in “Q-Town,” her services as her hometown’s only Black woman private investigator have earned her more celebrity—or notoriety—than she figured.

Keeping busy with work helps Vandy deal with the grief of losing her daughter, stitching the seams, cementing the gaps. The memories will always remain, and they come crashing back to the surface when her ex-husband, Phil Bolden, walks back into her life. Promising everything, returning home, restoring family. Until she answers her door to the news that Phil has been murdered. And Vandy decides Phil is now her client.

It’s hard to separate the Phil that Vandy knew from the one Queenstown did. She sees him—and their daughter—in Phil’s son, who attends a prestigious local high school. She sees the layers of a complicated marriage with his wife. She sees all of Phil’s various roles: parent, husband, businessman, philanthropist. But which role got him killed?

Review

Queenstown, New Jersey, feels big when you need help and tiny when you want privacy. For Vandy Myrick, that’s both a blessing and a curse. Now that Vandy’s back in “Q-Town,” her services as her hometown’s only Black woman private investigator have earned her more celebrity—or notoriety—than she figured.

I love Vandy. She is very matter of fact and I enjoyed this about her. She is also super intelligent…well, that is until she “taken in” again by her ex, Phil, and his charms.

Phil is a piece of work. But he knows how to use his charisma to his advantage. Unfortunately, this does not save him from being murdered! But, Vandy will not rest until she finds out exactly what happened. She discovers more than she bargained for.

I enjoyed this puzzling murder. It just keeps twisting around until the truth comes out!!

I read the first one in the series, Trouble in Queenstown. It is not necessary that you read them in order.

I love this narrator Bahni Turpin. She is great as Vandy!!

Need a good murder mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

After decades of bestsellers, Wayward Girls might be Susan Wiggs’ opus. A gut-wrenching story of survival, friendship, and justice. Masterful.”–Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

“The magnificent Susan Wiggs takes a leap into the history of women..a page-turner, replete with mystery and suspense.”—Adriana Trigiani, New York Timesbestselling author of The Good Left Undone

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs, a wrenching but life-affirming novel based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption. Set in the turbulent Vietnam era in the All-American city of Buffalo, New York, six girls are condemned to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school.

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked away merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants, committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.

Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.

Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, she saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.

Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, she found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.

Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, she dared to dream of a better life.

Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.

Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption…and justice.

“Compelling…This powerful and unforgettable novel is a poignant and enlightening look into a sad chapter of recent history.”–Library Journal (starred review)

“Heart-wrenching…sweeping. This one lingers long after the last page.”–Publishers Weekly

“Wayward girls is all about the power of female bonds…this isn’t just a moment in time—it’s a cautionary tale.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of By Any Other Name

“Susan Wiggs is at the top of her game. Through the skillful weaving of an endearing cast, Wayward Girls displays the power of sisterhood to survive, conquer, and ultimately heal from the most harrowing of times. An evocative tale packed with resilience and secrets that kept me reading late into the night. I loved it.” —Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Girls of Good Fortune

Review

Oh y’all!! This book!! Fantastic!

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked away merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

I just don’t know where to start writing this review without it going off the rails. This book, these characters, their situations will take you on a ride that will keep you thinking about them for days to come.

All of these young ladies face their own trauma and life has beaten them down at a young age. Then they are sent to the Good Shepherd where they are abused in more ways than one.

Mairin is the main young lady and she is tough as nails and even this “school”takes its toll on her. She is sent to this horrible place because her step dad tried to make moves on her. Her mother was trying to keep her safe…y’all just read it!!

This story will make you mad, sad, and gasp with the tragic situations these young ladies endure. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Need an emotional tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

From the author of the “irresistible” (Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author) Where the Truth Lies, an atmospheric novel about a young woman who searches for answers after her estranged friend is found dead in the bayou of their rural Louisiana hometown.

The Labasques aren’t like other families.

Living in a shack out in the swamps, they made do by hunting down alligators and other animals. To the good people of Jacknife, Louisiana, they are troublemakers and outcasts, the kind of people you wouldn’t want in your community.

So, when Cutter Labasque is found face down in the muddy swamp, no one seems to care, not even her two brothers. The only person who questions the official verdict of suicide is Cutter’s childhood friend, Loyal May, who has just returned home to care for her mother. When she left town at eighteen years old, she betrayed Cutter. Now with a ragtag group from the local paper where she works, Loyal goes in search of answers, uncovering a web of deceit and corruption that implicates those in town. It may be too late to apologize to Cutter, but Loyal has restitution in mind.

Weaving through the swamps and bayous of rural Louisiana, Our Last Wild Days is an atmospheric, smoldering suspense about our darker impulses—and how to set things right.

Review

Loyal is struggling. She has left her job and moved back home to help take care of her mother. But her past is determined to haunt her. When her best friend from her childhood, Cutter is found facedown in the swamp, she is determined to find the truth. Loyal owes Cutter a big apology and she never gets to say the words.

I enjoyed Loyal. She is a complex character. She is resolved to find out what happened to Cutter. She knows she did not kill herself. So, she looks to Cutter’s brothers. And trust me…they definitely could have done it!

I fluctuated between 3 and 4 stars on this one. This tale is a bit long and slowed down in the middle. But, I loved the twist at the end and the setting of the Louisiana swamp…nothing is creepier! And talk about ominous characters and alligators…this book has them in abundance.

Need an atmospheric tale with disturbing characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Named a Best Book of Summer by The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, CrimeReads, and more!

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Turnout comes a simmering, atmospheric novel of friendship and betrayal, following a women-led pyramid scheme in suburban Detroit.

“Abbott is a superstar of the suspense genre.” —NPR

All I want is to be innocent again. But that’s not how it works. Especially not after the Wheel.

The three Bishop sisters grew up in privilege in the moneyed suburbs of Detroit. But as the auto industry declined, so did their fortunes. Harper, the youngest, is barely making ends meet when her beloved, charismatic sister Pam—currently in the middle of a contentious battle with her ex-husband—and her eldest sister, Debra, approach her about joining an exciting new club.

The Wheel offers women like themselves—middle-aged and of declining means—a way to make their own money, independent of husbands or families. Quickly, however, the Wheel’s success, and their own addiction to it, leads to greater and greater risks—and a crime so shocking it threatens to bring everything down with it.

Megan Abbott turns her keen eye toward women and money in El Dorado Drive, a riveting story about power, vulnerability, and how desperation draws out our most destructive impulses.

Review

Harper is keeping secrets from everyone. She owes a ton of money! So, when her sister suggests she join a club that could help her make money, Harper was a bit hesitant at first. But then she starts making some much needed money and her concerns get a tad bit easier. Then her sister gets killed and their little club might be on the cops radar.

Now, I am not going to lie. Being a science person and not a finance person, I truly got a bit lost when the explanation of the club or “the wheel” took place. It’s a pyramid scheme on the next level!! Once I got through that section of the book, the story took off.

I really liked Harper. She is a bit of a hot mess. And don’t get me started on her sisters! No one is as they seem! And believe me, their anxiety about money is very telling!

I enjoyed this tale of money scheming and greed! Oh…the secrets!!

Need a story of desperation…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Can coming home bring redemption? Or at least a measure of peace? Recently released from prison, Blake Alvares returns to the only place she ever felt safe, the now derelict Maine town in which she harbored as a teen. Determined to conceal her secrets and losses, she soon finds herself dragged into others’ lives when she takes a job on a boat owned by a notorious young lobsterman.

Leland Savard is nearly broke, trying to support himself and 9-year-old Quinnie as he wrestles with a dangerous family legacy. Though his choice to hire Blake raises local eyebrows, Leland and those around Blake are quickly surprised and jarred by how much they come to rely on her. At the same time, Blake stumbles into love from unexpected places. When Leland’s rash actions place her and Quinnie in peril, Blake feels forced to run again–only to discover the past is never more than a few steps behind her. On her quest for home, Blake must confront a daunting question: where does she belong?

This is a book for readers who enjoy the believable eccentricity a small town offers. And for those who believe in the redemption of the sea and hard work.

Review

Recently released from prison, Blake Alvares returns to the only place she ever felt safe, the now derelict Maine town in which she harbored as a teen. Determined to conceal her secrets and losses, she soon finds herself dragged into others’ lives when she takes a job on a boat owned by a notorious young lobsterman.

These characters are fantastic, especially Quinnie. This little girl keeps everyone on their toes! Then there is Blake. Your heart goes out to her because of her past and her present. She is tough but so damaged.

This book is a conundrum. It quotes a lot of bible verses and I honestly thought “I am reading a Christian fiction.” (Not my fav!) But then, the story would derail and one of the characters was not very “Christian-like.” I felt like it was preaching to me one minute and corrupting me the next. So, the writing style is not my favorite. Several places I rolled my eyes…BUT…there were also places where I thought…THIS IS A FREAKING FIVE STAR READ! I mean…the last half of this book will keep you in the edge of your seat!

Need a story which will break your heart and build it back up again…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

Welcome to the Sunshine Inn, a picturesque coastal inn with sweeping views and two new owners who couldn’t be more opposite. From bestselling author Amy Clipston comes a no spice, grumpy/sunshine romance perfect for fans of Anne-Marie Meyer and RaeAnne Thayne.

Two polar opposites, one cozy inn–and one sweet and surprising chance at unlikely love.

When Everleigh Hartnett, a cheerful traveling NICU nurse who can’t sit still, inherits half of her godmother’s beloved seaside bed-and-breakfast, she dreams of selling the place to fund the nonprofit she and her godmother always envisioned. But there’s one tiny problem: her new co-owner. Rugged, grumpy, and fiercely loyal to the inn, Cade Witherspoon isn’t about to let his peaceful life–and his new start–be sold off so easily.

Everleigh and Cade are opposites in every way. She’s sunshine and laughter, while he’s all rough edges and quiet brooding. Their clash of wills over the inn soon has them wondering what on earth Everleigh’s godmother was thinking when she left them both in charge.

As Everleigh gets to know Cade’s softer side–and Cade finds himself drawn to Everleigh’s optimism and kindness–their disagreement over the inn becomes something sweeter. But with the arrival of Cade’s long-lost brother and the looming threat of a developer sniffing around the property, they’ll have to make some hard choices–together.

Can Everleigh and Cade let go of their expectations and build something lasting together? Or will the Sunshine Inn be the place they both leave behind?

Second Chance at Sunshine Inn by bestselling novelist Amy Clipston is a heartwarming, standalone romance, which features the grumpy/sunshine trope and a charming small-town setting that’s Netflix’s Falling Inn Love meets Debbie Macomber set in a seaside bed-and-breakfast. This book delivers all the emotions and butterflies, leaving out the explicit scenes. And it comes with engaging discussion questions, making it a fantastic choice for your next book club pick!

Review

Everleigh and Cade are opposites in every way. She’s sunshine and laughter, while he’s all rough edges and quiet brooding. Their clash of wills over the inn soon has them wondering what on earth Everleigh’s godmother was thinking when she left them both in charge.

Let me just say, I have read a lot of “sweet” reads lately. So take what I am about to say with a grain of salt. This one is almost TOO sweet for me. It is a bit predictable and I got a bit frustrated with Everleigh and her stubbornness and avoidance of any issue that doesn’t suit her. She definitely pushed my buttons in places.

The saving grace for this tale is Cade. Cade is rough around the edges but he is a lot nicer than he comes across and he has Everleigh’s number. So, when these two finally realize what they have together, it is golden!

I loved the setting of the inn. I could just picture it and I really want to go! 😜.

Need a sweet read with a great setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Overview

A controversial wild horse round-up in the high desert of Nevada results in two murders and too many suspects for Sheriff Porter Beck to deal with.

A helicopter driving a controversial round-up of wild horses suddenly crashes and the pilot is found to have been shot. Then the person coordinating the round-up for the Bureau of Land Management is savagely murdered, buried up to her neck and then trampled to death by the very same wild horses. And there’s no lack of suspects—with the wild horse advocacy group having sworn to protect the horse At Any Cost! Now the state and federal agencies are showing up looking for answers or at least a scapegoat. 

Sheriff Porter Beck has had better days.

Porter Beck’s new girlfriend, Detective Charlie Blue Horse, arrives to help with the investigation, which leads them to Canadian Lithium mining operation near the round-up area that sets off Beck’s mental alarm bells. Brinley, Beck’s sister, is leading a group of troubled kids in a wilderness program, when one of them, Rafa, bolts one night. When Brinley catches up to him, they’re just outside the mine—in the wrong place, at the wrong time. 

With his personal life in turmoil, too many suspects and too many secrets, the feds pushing for a quick resolution, and his impetuous (if skilled) sister in the mix, one wrong step could be deadly for Porter Beck.

Review

A controversial wild horse round-up in the high desert of Nevada results in two murders and too many suspects for Sheriff Porter Beck to deal with.

I love Porter Beck. He is one of my favorite characters. And he has his hands full in this tale.

I had one spot in this book that just about got me…when the wild horse round up was occurring. This stressed me a bit. But, Porter really did save the day.

That is not all he saves in this book. As with all the Porter Beck novels, this one moves quickly and has some major intensity and Porter doesn’t take anything off the Feds. His interactions with these guys tickled me. But, Porter knows what needs to be done to find the killers!

Need a fast paced drama…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.