Author Peggy Jaeger has a new Release TODAY!

Peggy Jaeger holds a master's degree in Nursing Administration and first found publication with several articles she authored on Alzheimer's Disease during her time running an Alzheimer's in-patient care unit during the 1990s. 

In 2013, she placed first in two categories in the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest: Single Title Contemporary Romance and Short/Long Contemporary Romance.Peggy is a contemporary romance author who writes about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can't live without them. 

Her current titles, available now, include "Skater's Waltz" and "There's no Place Like Home," books one and two in her six-book The MacQuire Women Series, published by The Wild Rose Press.

Tying into her love of families, her children's book, " The Kindness Tales," was illustrated by her artist mother-in-law.

A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, she is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.

But today, we're here to talk about her latest release, "First Impressions." This is RELEASED TODAY! Here's a little about the book:

Family Practice Doctor Clarissa Rogers’s first impression of Padric Cleary is biased and based on gossip. The handsome, charming veterinarian is considered a serial dater and commitment-phobic by his family and most of the town. Relationship shy, Clarissa refuses to lose her heart to a man who can’t pledge himself to her forever.

Pat Cleary, despite his reputation, is actually looking for The One. When he does give his heart away, he wants it to be for life. With his parent’s marriage as his guidebook, he wants a woman who will be his equal and soul mate in every way. Can Pat convince everyone – including Clarissa – she’s the only woman for him?

Get your copy now!

Available on September 23, 2015, but you can pre-order:

amazon.com:  http://amzn.to/1Kvp1qY 

Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6373

You can read more about Peggy and her work:

• on her website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/, 
• at twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger, 
• on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks, 
• at Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/ 
• or on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger

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Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated on any feature posted, QueenWriter News has not read or reviewed a feature book.

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If you're an author and would like to be featured on QueenWriter News, email sgardinier@queenwriter.com.

Happy Reading!

Today, QueenWriter is Bringing Author Isla Grey to You

Please help me welcome author Isla Grey

Isla Grey is from Central Virginia and still lives in the same small town she grew up in. She developed a love of writing at an early age and over the years has tried her hand at penning poetry (some good, some not so good), screenwriting, newspaper articles, and historical stories. She’s “old school” when it comes to writing and is a hoarder of more pens, post-it notes and writing journals than she’ll ever need. Isla likes to write different types of stories from romance to mystery and anything in between and loves a “happy for now but there could be some bad things coming” feel. 

When Isla’s not writing, she spends her time being called “Mom, Mama, Mommy” (well, you get the picture) by her daughter who is forever active, even in her sleep. She considers herself an unofficial “cat whisperer” and is a pet human to a plethora of cats that have taken up residence at her home over the years. Isla also enjoys reading a good biography or ghost story, traveling even though “there’s no place like home”, good music played loud, and walking. Isla loves movies and is the movie mistakes editor at Bellaonline.com where she talks about…well…movies.  

Her novella, “A Voice in the Dark”, is available now and her book, “Asylum Harbor”, will be released September 16^th, 2015 through Wild Rose Press. "Asylum Harbor" is book one in her Salty Dog series.

But don't let me tell you about her latest work. Just watch this: 

“Still Waters Run Deep”

Trouble is the last thing Devon Brown needs when she leaves the painful memories of her past behind and heads to Shell Island. As the Salty Dog’s new bartender, she finds herself drawn to Kerr, the Shell Island harbormaster. But finding her happily-ever-after is difficult when dealing with an obnoxious bootlegger who supplies the bar with illegal liquor and a jealous coworker.

A standoffish loner with damaged emotions, Kerr avoids relationships like the plague. Things change when Devon catches his eye. As a simple flirtation grows serious, the coworker and bootlegger quickly become obstacles to any future Kerr and Devon may have together. As the situation worsens, Devon realizes that even the still waters of Asylum Harbor are no refuge during a storm.

Here's an Excerpt

“You already got dibs on this one Kerr?”

Porter shot an evil glare at the opposite end of the bar and looked back toward her.  “I’ll see you tonight.”  He flicked his tongue.  “After work.”  He raised his glass in a mock toast and chugged it in one gulp.

          The lights dimmed for Victoria’s dance of the night.  Devon watched Kerr, who was usually headed for the exit by now, and breathed a sigh of relief when he remained glued to his seat with his back to the stage.  He wasn’t staying for Victoria’s peep show.  There must have been something about this Porter character that got under his skin in a bad way.

          Devon was eager for the quick break.  She hustled to the back as the chords to “Simply Irresistible” began to pelt over the speakers and ran some cold water over her forearm.  A red welt was beginning to show where Porter had held onto it.  She hoped he would be gone by the time she got back.

          Making it out before mid-song, Devon rounded the bar when someone snagged her wrist and thrust her hard against the bar, knocking the wind out of her.  She could smell Porter’s alcohol-laced breath as his weight pinned her under him.  One of his grubby hands shot under her shirt while the other wrestled with the button on her pants.  “Let’s give them a real show.”

          She struggled to reach the Equalizer, but it remained hidden, out of her grasp.  Devon hoisted her knee toward his crotch, but Porter lost his balance and fell backward before she could make contact.

          Kerr towered over him.  “Get your hands off her.”

You can purchase "Asylum Harbor" at: 

The Wild Rose Press:  
http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6370

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Asylum-Harbor-Salty-Dog-Book-ebook/dp/B013XZTWCK

Amazon UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asylum-Harbor-Salty-Dog-Book-ebook/dp/B013XZTWCK/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439668954&sr=1-2

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1122527329?ean=2940151148269

You can connect with Isla at:

Website:  http://www.islagrey.com/

Blog:  http://www.islagrey.com/islas-inklings

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorIslaGrey

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/IslaGrey1

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/islagrey

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00MMTEYEK

Thanks so much, Isla, for your time!

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Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated on any feature posted, QueenWriter News has not read or reviewed a feature book.

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If you're an author and would like to be featured on QueenWriter News, email sgardinier@queenwriter.com.

Happy Reading!

Come Meet Author Andrea Downing

I am pleased to bring to you author Andrea Downing and her latest work: "Loveland," a western historical romance. 

When Lady Alexandra Calthorpe returns to the Loveland, Colorado, ranch owned by her father, the Duke, she has little idea of how the experience will alter her future. Headstrong and willful, Alex tries to overcome a disastrous marriage in England and be free of the strictures of Victorian society -- and become independent of men. That is, until Jesse Makepeace saunters back into her life...

Hot-tempered and hot-blooded cowpuncher Jesse Makepeace can’t seem to accept that the child he once knew is now the ravishing yet determined woman before him. Fighting rustlers proves a whole lot easier than fighting Alex when he’s got to keep more than his temper under control.

Arguments abound as Alex pursues her career as an artist and Jesse faces the prejudice of the English social order. The question is, will Loveland live up to its name?

Excerpt

The light was failing and the birds were settling with their evening calls. Somewhere in the pasture a horse nickered. She sensed Jesse was there, watching, but she never turned as he stood at the fence. She heard him climb over and ease up behind her. He took the coiled rope from her in his left hand and slid his right hand over hers on the swing end, almost forcing her backward into his arms.

She thought of paintings and statues she had seen, imagining his naked arms now, how the muscles would form them into long oblique curves, how he probably had soft downy fair hair on his forearms, how his muscle would slightly bulge as he bent his arm. His voice was soft in her ear, and she could feel his breath on her neck like a whispered secret.

“Gentle-like, right to left, right to left to widen the noose, keep your eye on the post—are you watchin’ where we’re goin’?”

He made the throw and pulled in the rope to tighten the noose. Alex stood there, his hand still entwined with hers and, for a moment, she wished they could stand like that forever. Then she took her hand away and faced him. For a second he rested his chin on the top of her head, then straightened again and went to get the noose off the post while coiling in the rope. She looked up at him in the fading light and saw nothing but kindness in his face, simplicity and gentleness that was most inviting. A smile spread across her face as he handed her the coiled rope and sauntered away, turning once to look back at her before he opened the gate. Emptiness filled her like a poisoned vapor seeking every corner of her being, and she stood with the rope in her hand listening to the ring of his spurs as his footsteps retreated. 

Born in New York, Andrea Downing returned in 2008 from the UK where she lived for most of her life. Having traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa and Latin America, she now divides her time between NYC and the east end of Long Is., punctuated by frequent journeys out west---the area of the USA she loves best. Her first book, "Loveland," was a finalist for the 2012 RONE Award for Best American Historical and is soon to be re-released by Amazon Encore. Her 2013 short story, "Lawless Love," was also a finalist for the RONE Award as well as the International Digital Awards. "Dearest Darling," a novella, part of The Wild Rose Press Love Letters series, won ‘Favorite Hero’ along with Honorable Mentions for Favorite Heroine, Short Story and Novel in the Maple Leaf Awards. It has also won The Golden Quill Award for Best Novella. "Dances of the Heart," another full length novel, came out February, 2015.  

You can find more about her at: 

Website: http://andreadowning.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/writerAndreaDowning

Twitter:  @andidowning  https://twitter.com/AndiDowning

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446229.Andrea_Downing

Linkedin:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=124888740&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

You can purchase "Loveland" at: 

For the eBook, Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Loveland-Andrea-Downing-ebook/dp/B014RUQ746/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1441679216&sr=1-1&keywords=loveland

For the print book, The Wild Rose Press http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=991&zenid=8056610c65a9d0f13b6883882eb494a6

Here are some review snippets: 

"Andrea Downing has crafted a masterpiece with Loveland. Her fast-paced romantic western keep readers wondering how the story can ever be resolved...Downing is a strong writer who has written a worthy premiere novel. She handles romantic scenes with flair while showing the nitty-gritty of ranch life in the 1880s. Loveland is packed with action and emotion, leaving the reader wanting more. Loveland is one of those books I hated to have end. A hands-down five-star novel."  Mary E. Trimble,  Captivating Stories from the American West to West Africa

"…Great storytelling! Even though the happy ending is a given, the journey was much more satisfying because of the snappy dialogue, the pivotal plotting, and the realistic progression of Alex and Jesse's emotional connection. I'm happy to give this book Five Stars!

Lynda Coker, Between the Pages

"Andrea Downing does a very good job of depicting the hard life on a ranch in the late 1800´s as well as the struggles of a high-society woman to gain independence. I like the authors descriptive style and the pace throughout the book is very high, with one dramatic event after the other unfolding...The author does a good job in adding a lot of interesting historical detail and a fun group of supporting characters to give this classic romantic story more depth. I would recommend Loveland for lovers of romance and historical fiction enthusiasts." --Daniella, The TBR Pile

Thank you, Andrea, for allowing QueenWriter to portray such a wonderful author.

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Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated on any feature posted, QueenWriter News has not read or reviewed a feature book.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

If you're an author and would like to be featured on QueenWriter News, email sgardinier@queenwriter.com.

Happy Reading!

Book Review

"The Incidental Spy" by Libby Fischer Hellmann

This is not your typical spy novel but one that engages and engrosses the reader from beginning to end.

Even though bound by love for a man she’ll never have, Lena is sent to Chicago to live with her aunt to escape 1935 Nazi Germany. After some time, she falls in love with another, but never forgets her first love. Unfortunately, soon after having a baby, her husband is killed and Lena is left alone to raise their child. She’s financially strapped and needs to do what she has to in order to provide for and protect her son.

This is a look into Lena’s life when she’s forced to become a spy. This book will have you spellbound and Lena is anything but an ‘incidental spy.’ When the truth is revealed, it will leave you speechless.

I commend Hellmann on a well-written, intriguing novel. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of the Other Side Series

Book Review

“Kill you Twice” by Chelsea Cain

How do you kill someone twice? Intriguing indeed. The title captured my attention, but the contents within had me racing to the finish.

Archie Sheridan is plagued with horrors from the past, tortured by his recollection of what ex-lover and serial killer Gretchen Lowell did to him. He is lucky to be alive. But it’s not over with Lowell, not by a long shot. Lowell may be locked up in an insane asylum, but it doesn’t make her any less of a threat as Sheridan races to find out if there is a copycat mimicking Lowell or a new serial killer all of his or her own.

Meanwhile ex-journalist and friend of Sheridan, Susan Ward, becomes entwined in Sheridan’s present case and their mutual history with Lowell. Ward tries to protect a teenager who both she and Sheridan dealt with in the past. It’s all—at least most of it—tied in with Lowell. But how? It’s a question Susan and Sheridan both want an answer to.

I haven’t read the previous books in the series and frankly, this was a bit of a hindrance. In my opinion, the characters’ interaction and affiliation with each other could have been explained a bit more for the reader such as myself who jumped in the middle. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. On the contrary. Now I want to go back and read all I missed before this book.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of "The Other Side: Melinda's Story"

Book Review

“Forbidden Sister” by V.C. Andrews

I always love reading new authors, delving into a style I’m unaccustomed with. Then there are those authors who you pick up again after a long time and feel like you’re back home again. That’s the way it was for me reading “Forbidden Sister.” It’s been some time since I’ve picked up a V.C. Andrews book and I realized how much I’ve always loved her voice, style, and storylines.

Emmie Wilcox, fifteen years old, has a secret. It’s her sister Roxy who was cast out of the family when Emmie was only six. She has few memories of Roxy, but wants to make more. Or does she? Better question is, should she? The fantasy and mysterious idea of having an older sister she can learn from, mimic, and share day-to-day life with is something out of a fairytale book, but one Emmie wants to come true. She finds out where Roxy lives and with her at-the-time best friend, spies on her. Roxy’s world seems glamorous and Emmie wants to know more.

When the family dynamics change in a grievous way, Emmie strikes out to create ties with Roxy, whether she wants them or not. That’s when Emmie finds out that Roxy’s life isn’t one consisting of peaches and cream, but it’s too late because she’s already thrown into what could become a dangerous way of survival.

Andrews’ new series starts with “Forbidden Sisters.” If you liked “Flowers in the Attic” (who didn’t?), you will love this new series just as much, if not more. A must read.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Curse of the PTA” by Laura Alden

I realized after finishing this book, I don’t read enough cozies. I forget how delightful and entertaining they are. “Curse of the PTA” is definitely one of those.

Beth Kennedy is a bookstore owner, mom, President of the PTA, and police consultant. Police consultant, you ask? Sounds rather odd for someone who seems to be a wholesome, small town woman. True, but apparently Beth has a habit of coming across dead bodies and has an ability to find out some of the most inane information that to most, would seem like nothing, but ends up leading her to suspects. Some right, some…not-so-right.

Dennis Halpern is a financial consultant and Beth has him at a PTA meeting to discuss possible choices of investing the PTA’s money. But before he gets too much of a chance to actually say a few words, he’s shot and killed. How bad is this PTA anyway?

Alden’s story is enjoyable and I love the wit she throws in. Definitely recommended. Make it your next book you bring to the beach this summer.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Fragile Angel” by Stefaunia Dhillon

One word: creepy. That’s the perfect word for “Fragile Angel.” And it’s right up my alley. Once I started this book, I was unable to put it down.

Happily—at first—to set off on an adventure with her new husband Michael, Evie discovers that life isn’t always what you make it. Instead, it is what is destined for you. And this is what Evie finds out when she moves to England.

Michael purchases a 13^th Century Gothic Church to restore as their new home. Evie is not at all happy that he did this without consulting her first. But over time, and much rebuilding, they settle in. Then she finds out they are not alone. She’s confused and battles with demons and spirits she doesn’t understand. She’s desperate to share her feelings and newfound abilities—which actually, without realizing it all these years, have always resided within her—with Michael. But he can’t deal with what she is telling him, that the church has a life of its own and is calling her.

Feeling alone, she strikes out on a journey to find out why she is so connected to Catherine, one of the spirits at the church. What she finds out is not what she expects when she began her new life in England.

If you can overlook errors commonly made by a debut author and love this side of creepy in a story, you will love this book as I did. Intriguing, suspenseful, and downright otherworldly, it’s a story I was sad to see end. Hopefully, we’ll see more from Dhillon soon.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Silencing Eve” by Iris Johansen

It’s a rush to the end. It’s a thrilling ride. It’s the breathtaking, at times heartbreaking, continuation of the Eve Duncan series. I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Johansen, but “Silencing Eve” outshines them all.

Taken by Doane—an evil man and Kevin’s father, who Eve’s father Zander killed—Eve is made to recreate Kevin’s skull so that Doane can have his revenge. He wants Eve to die under the watchful, guilt-ridden eyes of Zander. Sort of a tit for tat thing. But that’s not all. Kevin was more evil than Doane could ever be and Doane wants to finish what Kevin put into motion before his death and kill thousands of innocent people.

Eve is unable to do much but subconsciously reach out to those around her. As readers, we watch while Eve’s family and friends run from Chicago to Seattle to try and stop the detonation of events that will lead to a horrific number of deaths—and try to save Eve at the same time. But they get a little help from a source that some of them are having a hard time believing even exists.

Even if you’ve not read Johansen’s other books, I implore you to pick this one up. Johansen is a master at weaving suspense and making you sit on the edge of your seat, literally picking apart the seams of the chair while urging everyone to hurry. Because there’s not much time left…for Eve or thousands of others.

Definitely 10 out of 10 stars all the way.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Apartment 16” by Adam Nevill

Creepy. Haunting. Those are two great words to describe this book. But a few other words that come to mind are superbly written.

A mother and her daughter inherited an apartment in the elite area of London from their unbalanced Aunt Lillian. The mother is afraid to fly from America to London, so her daughter Apryl is given the task of taking care of clearing it out and selling the apartment in Barrington House.

Then we have Seth, the night porter of the Barrington House. He’s artist with a drive like no other. He becomes embroiled in the troubles complained about by neighboring dwellers of Apartment 16. Noises are heard and Seth must investigate. What he finds is horrifying and—in a very weird way—inspirational to his artistic side.

When Apryl begins hearing noises and seeing things in mirrors and paintings that shouldn’t be there, she starts asking questions. She finds out that the previous owner of Apartment 16 disappeared years before and when she is able to speak to a few of her deceased aunt’s neighbors, ends up with more information than she bargained for.

Seth and Apryl finally meet and Seth is immediately smitten, but he has a job to do and unfortunately, Apryl has to go. Seth is the person elected for the job and brings her to Apartment 16—a place she has been dying to get into to find out what all the hoopla is about. There, she discovers a vortex from which evil is trying to drag her down.

This book will grab a hold of you and like the evil it portrays, won’t let go. It’s a thriller and a horror and the imagery within its pages will have you up long into the night. And when you finish the book, you’ll find you just can’t turn the lights off.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Fatal Descent” by Beth Groundwater

One of the things I’ve always wanted to do—still on my bucket list—is whitewater rafting. But after reading “Fatal Descent,” I know I will take Groundwater’s story with me on the rapids, hoping that the thrill of the fiction doesn’t come to fruition.

Mandy Tanner and Rob Juarez, engaged to be married, enjoy the outdoors and own RM Outdoor Adventures. Together, they entertain and guide clients rafting and climbing to and through some absolutely fascinating and beautiful places.

“Fatal Descent” is set in Utah on the Colorado River where beauty lies along with some pretty dangerous rapids. But the hazardous whitewater they expect to experience is the least of Mandy and Rob’s worries. The rapids—as the reader soon finds out—pale in comparison to the murder that ensues, especially when they realize that one of their clients is the killer and they may be marked as the next to go.

To make matters worse, their radio—their only source of communication to the outside world—has been compromised and is completely useless. Mandy and Rob must figure out who killed one of their clients while curtailing further murderous attempts. But another of their customers almost dies rappelling down a cliff and the risks become greater.

Cascading down the rapids is thrilling, but when there’s a killer in the midst, it becomes horrifying.

A very entertaining read with rich depictions of the Utah area. I will be looking forward to more Groundwater escapades.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“Sin” by J.M. LeDuc

I’ve read LeDuc’s previous work and was completely entertained by them. But now, with this new series he’s started, The Sinclair O’Malley series, it’s more than entertaining. It’s thrilling, it’s quickly-turn-the-page heart racing, and it’s a series that I will definitely continue to read.

FBI Agent Sinclair O’Malley—known as Sin—is someone you don’t want to mess around with. Seemingly made of stone, she really has the heart of gold, but is steadfast and brazen during her missions. She trusts few people and even those people become suspicious in "Sin."

Her father is dying and this is the time for Sin to mend fences with him. To do this, she needs to go back home and while she’s there, her superiors tell her, she can go under the radar and investigate the mass of young girls’ dead bodies that have been found in the Keys. And of course, why two FBI agents were murdered there.

Sure, she can go under the pretense of visiting her sick father. Sure, she can find out why these young girls are being found murdered. Sure, she can find out what happened to two FBI agents. Sure, she can go in alone against ruthless killers and sick and twisted individuals without any back up. Sure; why not?

And when she does, she finds there’s more to the story than just dead girls and FBI Agents. Connecting with Charlie, an old friend and previous mentor, Sin sets her sights on Prophet Heap, the new ‘god-loving’ man in town. The very one who has the entire town under his thumb and the one who ran Sin’s father out of his own church and took it over.

While balancing a reunion with her father, whom she hasn’t seen in seven years, a friendship and eventual romance with long-ago nemesis Troy, she goes into one dangerous situation after another trying to bring down a slave trade and save more young girls from dying.

What Sin and others go through is harrowing, at best, and can be fatal for Sin and others who try to help her. This is a thriller you don’t want to miss. LeDuc has shown he’s on top of his game with some of his best writing. I won’t be missing the rest of this new series!

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

THE STOLEN ONES

By Richard Montanari

My first foray into Montanari’s work left me breathless. This author brought me through catacombs, surreptitious tales of old, and the psychopathic mind of a killer.

The Delaware Valley State Prison at Cold River was the home of some unfortunate—albeit mentally challenged—innocents and those who preyed upon them. Cold River was closed decades before the murder of a businessman brought Detectives Kevin Byrne and Jessica Balzano into an exploration of one of Philadelphia’s infamous earlier periods. Beginning in Priory Park, Kevin and Jessica rush around trying to stop further murders of people who may be connected to Cold River in one way or the other. Luther, one of Cold River’s past patients, ultimately wants one thing: the young girl that Kevin and Jessica find standing in the middle of the street in the center of night.

The girl won’t or can’t speak and the detectives do what they can to help the child. Because they have no idea who she is, they name her Violet after one of the streets she was near when they found her.

Dreams take a major role in this novel, so do The Dream Merchants, who were once dominant at Cold River, creating killers through dream manipulation. And Violet is one of Luther’s connections to the past.

Symbolic to his dreams are spoons he leaves at murder scenes, spoons that could have been found at Cold River when it was operable.

There are twists and turns in this novel and I warn you to pay attention to the small details sprinkled throughout. But the major twists are turns are at the end and you won’t see them coming.

I will never look at dreams the same after reading “The Stolen Ones.” Creepy and definitely compelling.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

SECOND WATCH

By J.A. Jance

While “under the influence” of painkillers after having double knee surgery, Investigator J.P. Beaumont (“Beau”) remembers the unresolved issues from his past. “Ghosts” visit him, prompting him to finish what he left unanswered.

A young woman, killed when Beau was a beat cop, appears and reminds him of her unsolved murder. Known among the cops as the “girl in the barrel,” Monica Wellington was found by two boys and Beau was one of the first cops on the scene. That case got him transferred to the Detectives Division, a promotion he sought for quite some time, and Wellington’s murder was his first as detective. Unsolved, all these years later.

His second visitor was Lieutenant Lennie Davis, better known as Lennie D to the guys in ‘Nam. Lennie D saved Beau’s life by giving him a book to read. That book, tucked against his chest during a battle, took the impact of the bullets and saved Beau. Lennie D wasn’t so lucky. Although Beau knew Lennie D had a fiancé, he never contacted her to tell her of his act of kindness. Unresolved, all these years later.

Beau is recuperating from double knee replacement, but has the old case of Monica Wellington reopened. The detective assigned to aid him—Delilah Ainsworth—was valuable in digging up information, but at what cost? The trail is cold, but starts to heat up when Beau finds that it’s more than a simple murder.

Through years of service, Beau developed contacts throughout the force’s network. Using a few of them, he tries to locate Lennie D’s fiancé. He has to set the score straight and tell her what Lennie D did for him. Is it too late? Will he be able to find her and if so, will she be receptive to what he has to say?

Jance shows that Beau is not perfect, but a very flawed protagonist. This in itself is refreshing. I highly recommend this novel!

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

HOLLOW BONES

By CJ Lyons

Maria Alvarado is excited. At just eighteen years old, she’s on her way to an archaeological dig and a major discovery of a Mayan temple in Guatemala. But she has to lie to her parents to get there. But the temple isn’t a discovery and the dig never happens. What does, will blow your mind.

Maria is caught up in a web of murder, treachery, lies, and fatal danger in the jungles of Guatemala. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Caitlyn Tierney is brought into the case when Hector, Maria’s father, contacts the FBI regarding his missing daughter. When he finds out who has his daughter, he attempts to leave Caitlyn in the dust and handle the matter himself. But she isn’t shaken off so easy and is quickly on his tail.

FBI forensic accountant and Special Agent Jake Carver is Caitlyn’s on-again, off-again lover. Both of them profess to love the lonely life, but can’t seem to stay away from each other. He too is brought into the case and goes to Guatemala in search of answers that may bring down BioRegen, a company partially owned by Hector, for allegedly causing the deaths of others.

Caitlyn and Jake work together to save Maria and to put a halt to Hector and Carrera’s—Hector’s business partner in Guatemala—reign of terror. Carrera wants to use Maria’s heart to save his son Michael because she’s a match to Michael, which leads to other questions. Hector is trying to cover up the mass of dead bodies hidden in the jungle to save his own skin. And truths come out about Maria’s parents and their alleged business with BioRegen that leave her speechless. Could Hector be responsible for the murder of thousands of people? Will he ultimately be the cause of her death?

A great story that will have you turning the pages as quick as you can. It’s hard to put down and I recommend this one.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

DEADLY ECHOES

By Philip Donlay

I picked this book up thinking it sounded interesting. Boy, was I wrong. It was more than interesting. Fantastic comes to mind. So does gripping. Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down.

Eco-Watch is a scientific research organization founded by Donovan Nash. It took Donovan a long time and a lot of sweat to build this international institution up to being one of the most solicited in the world. Its technology has been applied to protect the environment in ways other companies could not. But now it’s being attacked by Garrick Pearce, the one person who knows Donovan’s true past. Garrick wants to not only tell the world Donovan’s real identity but to annihilate Eco-Watch and kill anyone close to Donovan. Garrick has a personal vendetta—he believes Donovan is responsible for Meredith Barnes’s death, a woman who fought for the environment and whom Garrick was in love with.

From Alaska to British Columbia to Los Angeles and many other places in between, Donovan follows leads. Garrick taunts him with past pictures of Meredith. He is forced to commit his own crimes as he tries to protect his wife Lauren, daughter Abigail, and a new woman he meets—Erica. Donovan’s marriage was already on the rocks and when Erica makes an appearance in Donovan’s life, it makes Donovan’s personal life go from upsetting to terrifying. Erica holds information that can take down Garrick and his cohorts, but Donovan must keep everyone from getting killed, himself included, in order to use that knowledge.

Not only is Donovan fighting to save Eco-Watch but he’s also racing to save his family, friends, his marriage, and his personal past from being made public. If the world finds out who he really is, not only will Eco-Watch be ruined but his world as he knows it will implode. It’s a race to the finish. From beginning to end, this is one thrill ride that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story” 

Book Review

“K is for Killer” by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone, private investigator, takes on a case that has more twists and turns than you can imagine; a whiplash effect. But Grafton articulately and decisively brings the reader through each turn, while leaving just a bit of room for guesswork.

Ten months pass since the murder of Lorna Kepler and her mother Janice cannot leave it alone. Lorna was killed and Janice wants the murderer to pay, so she hires Kinsey to look into it after the police come up empty-handed.

Kinsey is resourceful and calls upon her skills as an investigator and her desire to see the bad men of the world be brought to justice—one way or the other. She’s tough when she needs to be, especially calling out people on lies they tend to tell in order to cover their own butts.

After hunting down every clue she can unearth and talking to as many people as she can find, Kinsey is on her way to solving the murder of Lorna. But while she’s doing that, she’s digging up information about the victim that not even the police were aware of. Is it enough to get Kinsey killed? Will she find the murderer without falling victim herself?

Grafton does an incredible job taking the reader through Kinsey’s investigation, and with thrown-in bits of wit, it makes for a very entertaining read.

Reviewed by Starr Gardinier, author of “The Other Side: Melinda’s Story”