A young Harvard law student falls under the spell of a charismatic judge in this timely and thrilling novel about class, ambition, family and murder.
Madison Rivera lands the internship of a lifetime working for Judge Kathryn Conroy. But Madison has a secret that could destroy her career. Her troubled younger brother Danny has been arrested, and Conroy is the judge on his case.
When Danny goes missing after accusing the judge of corruption, Madison’s quest for answers brings her deep into the judge’s glamorous world. Is Kathryn Conroy a mentor, a victim, or a criminal? Is she trying to help Madison or use her as a pawn? And why is somebody trying to kill her?
As the two women circle each other in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, will they save each other, or will betrayal leave one of them dead?
Review
Madison has landed the internship of a lifetime. She is going to be working with her favorite professor, Judge Kathryn Conroy. But, she has lied on her application. She just cannot tell the judge about her brother. But the deeper Madison gets into this job the more she realizes, it is not just her with secrets.
Boy! What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive! This story just keeps twisting around until you don’t know which way it will end! It is hard to describe because you just don’t want to give anything away…JUST READ IT!
I have been a fan of this author for quite a while. Her stories are always a labyrinth of turns. But don’t worry…it all comes out in the end. And this one is no different. This is a smart read…you blink, you will miss it!
Need an intricate tale of misdeeds and betrayals…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Calin’s versatile characterizations, subtle accents, and comfortable pacing capture this privileged world wherein modern ideas clash with traditional values” —AudioFile on The Last Dance of the Debutante
From Julia Kelly, internationally bestselling author ofThe Last Dance of the Debutante, comes the first in the mysterious and immersive Parisian Orphan series, A Traitor in Whitehall.
“Kelly spins an Agatha Christie-esque mystery . . . thoroughly delightful and well-researched.”—Susan Elia MacNeal
1940, England: Evelyne Redfern, known as “The Parisian Orphan” as a child, is working on the line at a munitions factory in wartime London. When Mr. Fletcher, one of her father’s old friends, spots Evelyne on a night out, Evelyne finds herself plunged into the world of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.
However, shortly after she settles into her new role as a secretary, one of the girls at work is murdered, and Evelyne must use all of her amateur sleuthing expertise to find the killer. But doing so puts her right in the path of David Poole, a cagey minister’s aide who seems determined to thwart her investigations. That is, until Evelyne finds out David’s real mission is to root out a mole selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies, and the pair begrudgingly team up.
With her quick wit, sharp eyes, and determination, will Evelyne be able to find out who’s been selling England’s secrets and catch a killer, all while battling her growing attraction to David?
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
Review
Evelyne has been asked by a family friend to apply for a job in one of Churchill’s war rooms. Not long after she gets settled into her new role, she discovers a dead body. This opens up a whole different set of sleuthing skills for Evelyne. Because not only does she have to find a murderer, she must discover a traitor to England as well.
Evelyne is a great character. She is tough and she sure doesn’t take kindly to certain policemen. They rub her the wrong way when they assume, because she is a woman, she will just faint at the sight of a dead body…and does she prove them wrong! Evelyne runs rings around these cops!
Now, this is not my favorite Julia Kelly novel. I seemed to have lost interest in the middle. But it sure ended strong! Julia Kelly is one of my go to historical fiction writers. Plus…she is a KNITTER! Y’all definitely need to add her to your list.
The narrator, Marisa Calin, is new to me. I don’t think I have ever listened to her before (shocker!). But, she did a great job with all the suspense and she was perfect as Evelyne…and even Churchill!
Need an Agatha Christie-like mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
The New York Times bestselling author of the “otherworldly treat” (People) The Drowning Kind and The Children on the Hill returns with a spine-tingling psychological thriller about a woman who, after taking in her dying, alcoholic mother, begins to suspect demonic possession is haunting her family.
Alison has never been a fan of Christmas. But with it right around the corner and her husband busily decorating their cozy Vermont home, she has no choice but to face it. Then she gets the call.
Mavis, Alison’s estranged mother, has been diagnosed with cancer and has only weeks to live. She wants to spend her remaining days with her daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. But Alison grew up with her mother’s alcoholism and violent abuse and is reluctant to unearth these traumatic memories. Still, she eventually agrees to take in Mavis, hoping that she and her mother could finally heal and have the relationship she’s always dreamed of.
But when mysterious and otherworldly things start happening upon Mavis’s arrival, Alison begins to suspect her mother is not quite who she seems. And as the holiday festivities turn into a nightmare, she must confront just how far she is willing to go to protect her family.
Review
Alison’s mother has been diagnosed with cancer. She wants to spend her last days with Alison and her family. Alison eventually says yes, but with an extreme amount of hesitation. There is so much trauma from her childhood and her abusive mother, Alison is torn on what is the right thing to do. And can she actually trust her mother to be around her children?
Well! My October has started strong! This book kept me on my toes! Let me tell you! Now, it is not going to be for everyone. And I am not a huge “horror” reader. I would not necessarily classify this as horror…I mean it is but it isn’t. You will have to read this to find out. I have read every single one of this author’s books and I have loved them all. She always has a “borderline” horror feel to her reads. So to say she is suspenseful is an understatement.
When this story started out, I was afraid I could not read it. It has some triggers that set off some childhood issues. But, as the story unfolded…I could not put it down. And the ending…GEEZ! Not to mention…THE DEMON! You heard me! THE DEMON!
Need a story that will rock your world…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Set during a period of rapid social and technological change, The Roaring Days of Zora Lily follows a struggling young seamstress from her long nights sewing costumes in the smoke-filled speakeasies of Seattle to designing gowns for Hollywood’s biggest starlets.
2023, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History: A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer’s label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?
1924, Seattle: Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she’s always dreamed of. But as Zora’s ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she’ll learn that dreams come with a cost.
Review
The Smithsonian museum is working on an exhibit featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As one of the curators is preparing one of the costumes worn by Greta Garbo, she makes an unusual discovery. The tag in the costume is fake. When the tag accidentally falls off the costume, it reveals the name, Zora Lilly. No one at the museum has ever heard of this costume designer.
To say I loved this novel us an understatement! I loved everything and everyone in it, especially Zora. She is struggling to keep her family together after her father’s accident and her brother’s death. She is giving up her life to make sure everyone is taken care of. Until…her best friend makes her go out on the town to a speakeasy. This opens more than one world for her.
This story captivated me from start to finish. Zora, Harley, the speakeasies, old Hollywood create a tale you do not want to miss!
AND ISN’T THIS COVER GORGEOUS!!!
Need a story that will transport you to the jazz age…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.
Author Bio
Noelle Salazar was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, where she’s been a Navy recruit, a medical assistant, an NFL cheerleader, and always a storyteller. As a novelist, she has done extensive research into the Women Airforce Service Pilots, interviewing vets and visiting the training facility—now a museum dedicated to the WASP—in Sweetwater, Texas. When she’s not writing, she can be found dodging raindrops and daydreaming of her next book. Her debut The Flight Girls, was an instant bestseller, a Forbes Hypable book of the month, and a BookBub Top Recommended book from readers. Her second novel, Angels of the Resistance: A Novel of Sisterhood and Courage in WWII was also published to wide praise including an Amazon Editors’ Fiction Pick of the Month. Noelle lives in Bothell, Washington with her family.
The entwined stories and Amato’s passionate narration will remain in listeners’ minds long after the mysteries are solved.”—AudioFile on In the Shadow of Vesuvius
In this new installment of Tasha Alexander’s acclaimed Lady Emily series set in the wild Scottish highlands, an ancient story of witchcraft may hold the key to solving a murder centuries later.
Lady Emily, husband Colin Hargreaves, and their three sons eagerly embark on a family vacation at Cairnfarn Castle, the Scottish estate of their dear friend Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge. But a high-spirited celebration at the beginning of their stay comes to a grisly end when the duke’s gamekeeper is found murdered on the banks of the loch. Handsome Angus Sinclair had a host of enemies: the fiancée he abandoned in Edinburgh, the young woman who had fallen hopelessly in love with him, and the rough farmer who saw him as a rival for her affections. But what is the meaning of the curious runic stone left on Sinclair’s forehead?
Clues may be found in the story of Lady MacAllister, wife of the Laird of Cairnfarn Castle, who in 1676 suddenly found herself widowed and thrown out of her home. Her sole companion was a Moorish slave girl who helped her secretly spirit her most prized possessions—a collection of strange books—out of the castle. When her neighbors, wary of a woman living on her own, found a poppet—a doll used to cast spells—and a daisy wheel in her isolated cottage, Lady MacAllister was accused of witchcraft, a crime punishable by death.
Hundreds of years later, Lady Emily searches for the link between Lady MacAllister’s harrowing witchcraft trial and the brutal death of Sinclair. She must follow a trail of hidden motives, an illicit affair, and a mysterious stranger to reveal the dark side of a seemingly idyllic Highland village.
A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.
Review
Lady Emily, her husband, Colin and their children are off on their family vacation to Cairfarn Castle. Not long after they arrive a body is discovered. It is the gameskeeper of the castle. He has been found murdered on the banks of the loch. But clues to his death go all the way back to the 1600s and the accused witch, Lady Macallister
I love anything set in Scotland. And this is a good read, just not the best. It just felt a bit disjointed in places. It flashes back to the 1600s and sometimes that is a bit confusing…NOW! This could have been me. It comes out in the end, but I just had issues with it during the book.
I did enjoy the history thrown into this tale…add in the hidden motives and all the secrets and you have a pretty good tale…Lots of intrigue and puzzles to decipher!
The narrator, Bianca Amato did a wonderful job, especially pronouncing Loch correctly! Kudos! (I practiced every time she said it…still can’t do it right!)
Need a unique mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.
A compulsive overachiever, Madeline lives by the credo that easy is synonymous with mediocre—which is why, at forty-nine, she’s a senior vice president at a prominent bank, frantically adheres to a five-step nightly face cream regimen, and panics anytime she’s a foot away from her phone. Madeline works alongside her best friend, Emma—a master juggler of her own career, marriage, and motherhood to a fourteen-year-old daughter who speaks only in baffling acronyms. The path ahead for both women is brimming with opportunity. There’s only one problem: Madeline is miserable.
Seeking purpose in her life while trying to unravel the source of habits she wants to change, Madeline reluctantly agrees to try yoga, meditation, and other wacky suggestions her new-agey therapist tosses her way. She feels as if she’s risking everything—but in doing so, she just might unlock a world more fulfilling than she ever could have imagined.
About the Author
Khristin Wierman spent twenty years rising through the marketing ranks of Fortune 500 companies, building a career that was lucrative, ego-boosting, and a little bit soul-crushing. So she quit―and then had no idea what to do with her life. Writing novels ensued. Born and raised in a small East Texas town―which means she came into this world a Dallas Cowboys fan and ardently believes “y’all” is a legitimate pronoun―Khristin enjoys playing golf with her husband and stepson, poker, yoga, chocolate, the Golden State Warriors, and the daily adventure of life with an adorably imperfect cat named Rocco. She lives in San Francisco, California. Find out more at http://www.khristinwierman.com. –This text refers to the paperback edition.
Finding the truth seems impossible when her own dark past has her seeing lies everywhere she looks…
From the outside, criminal psychiatristDr. Madeline Pine’s life appears picture-perfect—she has a beautiful family, a successful mental health practice, and a growing reputation as an expert in female violence. But when she’s called to help investigate a mysterious death at a boarding school for troubled teenage girls, Madeline hesitates. She’s been through tragic cases before, and the one she was entangled in last year nearly destroyed her…
Yet she can’t turn away when she hears about Charley Ridley. After Charley was found barefoot and in pajamas at the bottom of an icy ravine on campus, the police ruled her death a tragic accident. But the private investigator hired by her mother has his doubts. If it were Madeline’s daughter who died, she’d want to know why.
Arriving at the secluded campus in upstate New York, Madeline’s met by an unhelpful skeleton staff and the four other students staying on campus during winter break. Each seems to hold a piece of the puzzle. And everyone has secrets—Madeline included. But who would kill to protect them?
Review
Dr. Madeline Pine has been called in the help investigate the death of a young lady at a boarding school for troubled teenage girls. Madeline has had her own tragedies and she is very hesitant to take on this case. But, as soon as she hears about how Charley was discovered, she knows she must at least show up and check it out. Little does Madeline know, this may destroy her in more ways than one!
The setting of the secluded school and eerie grounds made this story for me AND the secrets…all the secrets! However, this story is a bit chaotic. I was confused the whole time. It does come together with a big twist. I just felt it could have been portrayed in a better way.
Need a creepy tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
With her new position as a nanny for the prestigious Locke family, Olivia’s learning just how powerful secrets can be.
Orrick and Iris Locke, owners of the billion-dollar security company known as Locke Industries, are beautiful, mysterious, and seemingly perfect. When she enters their home, Olivia quickly discovers everything is not what it seems. The Lockes’ elusive empire is built on dark and terrifying truths, and with Olivia now a part of their lives, she has no choice but to play her role.
As she finds herself digging deeper into the Lockes’ web of lies, Olivia begins to question everything she’s learned. When the family’s insidious nature is revealed, her loyalties will be put to the ultimate test. In this installment of the standalone Locke Industries series, The Nanny’s Secret may be the one to destroy everything…
Review
Olivia has secured a job as a Nanny with the owners of Locke Industries. Locke industries is a billion dollar security company. And from the outside, Orrick and Iris Locke look like the perfect couple with the perfect family. It does not take Olivia long to figure out that there are terrifying secrets surrounding this company and this family.
This author has become a go to for me. I love the fast pace and the twists that are thrown into her stories. And this tale is no different, even though this novel moved a bit slower than her others. I knew this was building towards a turning point. And boy did it deliver!
I have not read the others in the Locke Industries series. But, after reading about these characters, I am going to have to investigate! They are intriguing and secretive…a wonderful combination.
The narrators, Frankie Corzo, Cassandra Campbell, Tim Campbell were the perfect blend!
Need a wicked tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Appealing. Day’s choice to withhold both victim and perpetrator ratchets up the tension nicely, and her jabs at suburban repression are sharp. This is wicked fun.”—Publishers Weekly
“Highly engaging and brilliantly plotted. Absolutely amazing. Readers are going to flip!” —Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of ONE STEP TOO FAR
This summer, meet your neighbors.
The residents of the exclusive cul-de-sac on Alton Road are entangled in a web of secrets and scandal utterly unknown to the outside world, and even to each other.
On the night of the annual summer block party, there has been a murder.
But, who did it, and why, takes listeners back one year earlier, as rivalries and betrayals unfold. The real danger lies within their own block and nothing—and no one—is ever as it seems.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
Review
On the night of the annual block party on Alton road, there has been a murder. This is an exclusive neighborhood. This is not supposed to happen on this street at all! But, then the secrets start to come out and things are not as they seem!
Ok…this is just my opinion. This story is a mess…or maybe it is just too soap opera for me. So, this maybe your type of read. I just felt like there were too many story lines, too many characters and not enough connections and a lot of gossip. Plus, it has quite a few repetitions. Just got on my nerves more than it should.
It did keep me entertained all the way through. It was just a tale that I didn’t much care about.
The narrator, Megan Tusing and Suzy Jackson did a pretty bang up job. I do love a tag team!
Need a soap opera type read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
“Narrator Kathleen McInerney will have listeners believing in miracles.”—AudioFileon The Santa Suit
From Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Homewreckersand The Santa Suit, comes a novella celebrating love and the warm, glittering charm of the holiday season.
“Nobody does Christmas like Mary Kay Andrews.”―Debbie Macomber
“Cozy up with Santa’s favorite novelist!”―Adriana Trigiani
When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.
In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,
And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?
Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
Review
Kerry’s dad has had a health scare and he cannot go up to NYC to sell their Christmas trees this year. So, Kerry must drive their old RV up and help her crusty older brother. Kerry thought her days would be full of selling trees and other mundane details. She never dreamed how the Christmas spirit would surround her and the whole neighborhood.
No one can transport me quite like Mary Kay Andrews. She always has the best characters! I know everyone of them…and I grant you…you do too. I could just picture Kerry, Queenie and of course the old RV.
This is a tale you do not want to miss. It is heartwarming and uplifting, especially when Kerry pulls the neighborhood together to help one of their own…and no you do not want to miss this ornery old coot!
This story is narrated by Kathleen McInerney and she is excellent. As most of y’all know, a trigger for me is the way a child’s voice is portrayed. Kathleen pulls it off expertly!
Need a fantastic Christmas book to get you in the spirit…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I rethink novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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