Emerald Enigma by C.J. Westwick
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

Bret Lamplighter finds himself in the middle of another situation – this time involving emeralds, terrorists, crime lords, and corrupt government officials. This novel is a blend of mystery, thriller, and just plain fun. Drugs smuggling, emeralds, and tropical climes all make for a rather heady mix. The writing pulls you in but the character centered nature of the work keeps you reading. Lamplighter is a complex man whose financial needs sometime outweigh his promises to himself. Hired to reclaim stolen emeralds, Lamplighter meets a sexy Frnech secret agent upon his arrival in St. Martin who had been assigned to tail him. But it quickly becomes evident that they need to work together when the complications of terrorists and drug smugglers begin to muddy things. There's a lot of plot here and a lot of enjoyment.

Defending Violet by Jennifer Jefferson
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

Though reading about cases of child abuse may be a difficult thing, reading this book can offer insights into the many cases that ordinary citizens only hear about in the news. Jefferson uses her experience as an attorney working child abuse and domestic violence cases to produce this riveting work which involves a case of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Ginger Rae Reddy has left the Port Grace District Attorney's Office because she hated working in the criminal courts. When former domestic violence victim, a nineteen year old woman named Violet, tells Reddy that she has been arrested and charged with child endangerment, Reddy agrees to take the case believing that this young mother would never harm her child. But Violet refuses to tell what really happened, choosing to let the system steamroll over her. Reddy cannot believe that Violet still sees the man who, prone to violence, may be the real criminal. Things become worse as the child dies and Violet is charged with murder. Now, even Reddy doubts her client's innocence. What Jefferson gives you in this book is what happens after the charges are filed, what goes on in the minds of the accused, the lawyers, and others intimately involved in cases such as this. She also gives a vivid and disturbing picture of the justice system and the system designed to take charge in cases like this and take care of the innocent.

Cajun Snuff by W. Randy Haynes
Reviewed by J. DeMarco

Special Agent Adam Stephen, part of the elite FBI Counterterrorism unit, is chosen to investgate the murder of a black U.S. Congressman and Christian minister whose body was found in the bayous of southwestern Louisiana. During his investigation, Stephen meets a New Orleans widow who opens many doors for him and changes his life. Along the way to solving the case, he meets a variety of suspects and peers into some dark corners – like the one inhabited by a Neo-Nazi group. The plot has twists and turns enough to keep you turning pages at a record pace. Haynes has written a book which is tight, taught, and tense and deserves the praise it's been getting. A nominee for the 2006 Lammie Awards, Cajun Snuff is a well written, well plotted book that will make you want to see more of the Special Agent's adventures. Haynes seems to know bayou country as well as the halls of power in D.C. and does a credible job of making them come alive on the page.

Flames in the Jungle by John Cunyus
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

This book is, as they say, ripped from the headlines. Considering the latest headlines, this book might be called prophetic.Terrorism, Venezuelan politics, Colombian drugs. What more could a thriller reader ask? There's intrigue and a real thrill ride from one locale to another. The author knows his locations and has an eye for detail. It's a short adventure, though, and will be over before you're getting used to the heat in the Colombian rain forest.

IM by Rick Reed
Reviewed by J. DeMarco

What if that someone special you met online turned out to be a murderer? This is where Rick Reed's newest book starts out; it leads the reader into a twisting labyrinth of an internet world that is as dangerous as any backstreet in the worst of neighborhoods. Men4HookUpNow.com is the site the murderer uses to lure his victims out of safety and into his clutches. He uses whatever works best to get what he wants and it usually always works. He gets invited over and before the unwary host knows what is happening, they are deader than a bad connection. Enter Ed Comparetto, openly gay Chicago Police Detective. After interviewing a witness to one of the murders, Comparetto finds himself in the middle of more than just a down to earth mystery, he may just be in some supernatural scenario. From there the path to the truth behind the case becomes decidedly malevolent and intricate. As with all of Reed's work this is a well written, engrossing book which should keep you reading through the night. The characters are fully realized people who have complicated lives filled with fears, hopes, and desires. Reed puts a lot into his work and this book is no exception. Gory, terrifying, gripping are just a few of the adjectives which apply to this book – if you want a thrilling read, a read which will keep you glancing over your shoulder, this is the book for you.

Bad Thoughts by Dave Zeltserman
Reviewed by J. DeMarco

There's a killer on the loose and Detective Bill Shannon has snagged the case. Trouble is that this killer is making his mark by killing in the same way that Detective Shannon's mother was killed years before. As the anniversary of that death approaches, Shannon is drenched in dreams, guilt, remorse, and drink. Every year the anniversary results in a days-long blackout for Shannon , strain on his marriage, and shattered self-confidence. This time, Shannon 's world is complicated by the new killer. And Zeltserman adds a metaphysical component that bends the genre and makes it new again. Tension is in the mix on several fronts as well, even Shannon is suspected of the murders thereby raising the stakes. This dark tale is well written, with good pacing, plenty of tension, and enough twists to satisfy the most demanding reader. Graphic descriptions and lots of violence are all there and never gratuitous.

Scrub-a-Dub Dead By Barbara Cooley 
Reviewed by A. Sebastian Fortino 

New Orleans , that mysterious and decadent city, is the home of Charlotte LaRue a maid who seems to have a knack for housekeeping, a love of shrimp po'boy sandwiches and the ability to end up at the wrong place at the wrong time.  When Charlotte agrees to work for a friend's housekeeping company contracted at The Jazzy Hotel she finds that an old friend, Mack, the best-friend of her son's father who died in Vietnam , is visiting.  Soon after she discovers that he's not alone: his step-daughter Tessa is there, her daughter Belinda, her husband, his secretary and his mistress, a much younger woman named Lisa.  While her husband is there on business with much of his staff Tessa is there with a woman's group, The Red Scarf Sorority to win her husband back.  When Lisa is murdered Charlotte is pulled into the case as thickly as the humidity of a Louisiana summer, although she is constantly telling herself to stop playing sleuth again!  Charlotte quickly learns that the there are several reasons to get rid of Lisa and there are even more reasons to conveniently frame Tessa.  Barbara Cooley does not however give us in this sixth installation of the Charlotte LaRue series a flat and simple whodunit.  No: she gives us a lovely, sultry portrait of New Orleans after Katrina and several possible motives and murderers all connected by the past or by blood, by lust or by greed, by jealousy or by lies. In sum:  Scrub-a-Dub Dead will make you forget what time it is, and leave you craving Gumbo at the oddest hours. 

Baby Shark Robert Fate
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

A tough pool hall babe – who didn't start out that way – is the center of attention here. And what a center – you won't want to stop paying attention. Down in good-ol' boy Texas (land of… well we won't go there and I won't go there either) a young Kristin sees her father murdered along with some other pool hall denizens and then she is brutally raped and beaten by the same thugs. Kristin is saved by a Chinese immigrant (immigrants, not the flavor of choice in Texas ). He hires a PI to investigate the murders and helps Kristin recover and become the pool shark everyone calls Baby Shark. He also hires veterans to teach her to fight and kill, skills you need when the Texas police don't care about your father's murder and you've got to handle things yourself. Cool, determined, and sexy, Kristin knows how to protect herself and is filled with a need for revenge. Love vengeance novels. Violent, it is. But it's also filled with great characters, good writing, and a great plot. This is compelling reading and something you won't be able to put down easily.

Murder Unfolds by Sharon Short
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

Josie Toadfern's is a laundromat owner, stain removal expert, and confirmed snoop whose local stain-busting column goes regional and gives her a kind of washer-dryer celebrity status. No Paris Hilton (but then who'd want to be Paris Hilton?) she loves her celeb status. Asked to give a eulogy for a dead high school teacher with whom she had a rocky time long ago, Josie agrees. However, and you knew this was coming, the teacher's daughter (alleged daughter) hands Josie a note telling her that the teacher didn't dies of meanness, but was murdered. Of course, this wash-day expert and snoop can't help herself, dirty laundry is, after all, her business. So she dives into the hamper and comes up with lots of dirty laundry – even some blood stains. When another body turns up and she herself is attacked, Josie knows this is all too real and neither Tide nor Bounce will be much help. She's got a full scale investigation on her hands and has to find answers quick before she finds herself trying to remove her own blood from hew newest clothes. A fun read, this book will keep you entertained and may even give you a stain removal hint or two.

It Might Have Been What He Said by Eden Collinsworth
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

Isabel is in trouble – she just murdered her husband. (Yes, well, we all have bad days.) Successful at an early age, she is one of the top tier executives in the publishing industry. Falling in love with a handsome writer whose talent is only outshone by his drinking and boorish behavior, she is about to change her life. Against all predictions, they become the ideal couple. Somehow, though, Isabel is led to murder him (and it isn't his snoring that led her down this path). The how and why of it all ensnares the readers in a web of mystery and betrayal. The writing is tight and with a modernist sensibility that is engaging. The characters are well drawn and fully developed. Each becomes real as the reader plunges more deeply into this novel. This is a book that pulls you along from chapter to chapter, introduces you to people and settings you might have never known without it. The author knows her way around the publishing business and knows how to write a novel that will keep you reading.

The Glass Painting by V.J. Banis
Reviewed by J. DeMarco

An old French mansion with a dark history that refuses to die. An inheritance that may be more burden than bounty. A set of rules that not everyone plays by. The Glass Painting has all that and more. Expecting a castle as her inheritance, Irene and her husband are delighted to fly to France and claim their prize. But even before they leave for France, strange occurrences, like mysterious cats which appear and disappear, seem to hint that there is more to this inheritance than they at first may have thought. The eerie apparitions and ill omens continue in France where Irene finds that the “castle” is really a mansion in ruins. However, amidst the rubble, they discover a painting – a painting on glass. Which, as it turns out, is valuable – a lost masterpiece. And Irene and her husband decide to refurbish the mansion. Irene's sister, Emily, joins them and things go from bad to worse. Irene becomes ill and all things point to Emily being the next victim. The mansion's deadly past and it's long ago inhabitants are not through with the world just yet. Well written, as the author's fans have come to expect, this book has just the right amount of terror and mystery and tension to keep a reader engaged. The characters are well-rounded and the settings are chillingly sinister. The Glass Painting is a book which will keep you reading far into the night.

Disturbing the Dead by Sandra Parshall
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

In this dark novel, Parshall shows that disturbing the dead means more than moving a few bones. It mean raking over old memories and ancient hurts, it means trying to exorcise old ghosts and right wrongs from a past most would prefer to forget. Tom Bridger, police captain, finds himself involved in a case which his father was never able to solve. His father dead, Bridger finds that he not only wants to complete the cold case, he also wants to get involved because of his Melungeon ancestry with which this case is intricately tied. The bones of a woman are found and it is discovered that she is is at the heart of a case Tom's father never solved. Rachel, Tom's romantic interest, also becomes involved when she hires the niece of the dead woman to help in Rachel's veterinary practice. Parshall knows the territory well – not just the physical lay of the land but the emotional and psychological topography of the characters she creates. This book will tug you along from page to page and will be one of the better reads you'll have.

Glitter of Diamonds by N.J. Lindquist
Reviewed by Vero Caravette

Baseball. There are few things that say lazy, hazy summer days than that sport. But this book is anything but lazy or hazy – and is one hell of a read. A Christie –style mystery, this one does a good job of it. The fictional Tornoto Matrix have a new pitcher but his fame and prowess don't sit well with others. And, of course, he's a bit of a sports brat – or is that a redundancy? Well, his bratty antics get the guy killed, or so it seems. Enter Manziuk and Ryan, detectives, in another outing, to solve the crime. There are plot twists enough to keep you occupied, and enough other entertraining material to please even the most demanding reader. Great characters, lots of information, and plenty of plot. A home run? Maybe.

The Everlasting by Tim Lebbon
reviewed by Connie (Corcoran) Wilson

     Tim Lebbon, author of The Everlasting (Leisure Books), has been hailed by no less a luminary than Ramsey Campbell as “among the most inventive and contemporary writers of the dark fantastic.”  Fangoria magazine named him “one of the thirteen people who constitute the future of horror.” For the first 170 pages of his new novel The Everlasting , these accolades seem accurate.  In the first half of his new book, Lebbon weaves a spellbinding tale of a young man named Scott and his Grandfather's attempts to teach him many of the mysteries of life. When Scott's beloved Grandfather abruptly murders his best friend and former Army buddy, Lewis, and then commits suicide, everyone in town is shocked. It seems that Scott's Grandfather and Lewis had discovered glyph-filled Rosetta stones called the Chord of Lost Souls while fighting Rommel in the deserts of North Africa during World War II. Grandpa hid them, fearing the ultimate power that possession of the stone tablets would give to the owner. Ultimately, Lewis' ambition to use the power for his own questionable purposes drove Scott's Grandfather…(also affectionately referred to as “Papa”)…to first hide the Ten Commandments of Power and then to take Lewis' life and his own. This double tragedy sets Scott off on an adventure-filled trip to find the Chord of Lost Souls, the series of stone tablets representing all human knowledge. At times in the book, early on, Scott's Grandpa articulates some funny one-liners that seem appropriate to the material, move the story along, and amuse (e.g., “Men were made to be inebriated.”) A little humor in a horrific tale is welcome, but too much contemporary comedy thrown into a classic horror tale willy-nilly is like adding too much salt to the soup. The opening sequence of the novel features zombie-like wraiths that appear in Scott's garden. They rival the creepiness of Romero's corpses in “Dawn of the Dead.” Then, Lewis---himself an undead force bedeviling Scott in his quest for the Chord of Lost Souls---returns and kidnaps Helen, Scott's wife, taking her into the No Man's land of chaos dubbed ‘the wide.' Lewis' price for Helen's return to Scott in the land of the living? The Chord of Lost Souls, which contains the secret to immortality and lots of other knowledge Scott's Grandfather dubbed “stuff.” Scott is aided in his frightening journey by a stylish Immortal named Nina who physically resembles the model Iman.
So far, so good.
When blights---(creatures that can kill you by merely touching you)---hit Scott, Nina must guide Scott to the Old Man, another Immortal (one of the original twelve) and the only one who can repair Scott's damaged chest and arm to save his life. But can Nina really be trusted? She wants the tablets and the knowledge they represent. So does everybody else Scott encounters on his fantastic journey. At first, Lebbon's creativity and imagination grab the reader. Alas, for me, everything comes apart roughly halfway through the 325-page novel. In the space of seven to ten pages, the whole book unraveled. How? Why? Lebbon has Nina, who is apparently a bit of a movie buff, quote “Event Horizon” (“When you break all the laws of physics, do you seriously think there won't be a price?”) The serious classically creepy tone of the book, up to that point, erodes further with each contemporary kitschy allusion. The following seem like anachronisms in a thriller that starts out  Old School. Shortly after Nina's comment (repeated verbatim from the script of that 1997 sci-fi film), the mysterious Immortal known as Old Man, who hangs from ceilings like monsters in Japanese horror movies, pulls an LCD television set from beneath his bed. Scott is compared to R2-D2 in “Star Wars.” The group eats McDonald's and the Old Man says, “Self-destruction can be fun.” There are references to watching “Oprah” and feeling jet-lagged. The carefully crafted tone of the book…classic spookiness heightened by imaginative, creative writing….never recovers. A little humor to leaven the horror is fine; a lot of this low humor becomes a dangerous thing. The seven to ten page sequence left me feeling that the writer was running out of truly innovative, creative, chilling content. With the book only halfway finished, it's as though the author begins humorously hallucinating, just to fill pages. (Check out the tale of Bastard Bob shortly after this mid-point.) From the middle of the book on, what had been a promisingly scary premise collapses under its own weight and, for me, the book never delivers the quality writing for which Lebbon is known. In The Everlasting , the undeniably talented Lebbon does not measure up to the standard set this year by Jonathan Maberry's Stoker Award-winning novel Ghost Road Blues. If we're nominating authors who constitute the future of horror, Maberry, this year , would get the nod. Maberry's was the more powerful new voice in the horror genre. Ghost Road Blues remained contemporary, chilling and creepy and didn't cross over the line into caricature to deliver the goods for this reader.

The following books are reviewed by Dawn Dowdle

Check out her website which contains lots more interesting material www.mysteryloverscorner.com

A Case Of Overkill
By: Nancy A. Lindley-Gauthier

Bob Gallagher is driving a tractor trailer on a mountain road in a snow storm. Unfortunately he ends up in an accident. Greg Tayler is a witness to the accident but feels there is more to it. No one will listen to him. Soon after, Bob's wife goes missing on the mountain. The staff at The Black Mountain Inn along with Bob Gallagher end up searching for her. Bob and Greg pair up and end up in some sticky situations. As the search continues, Greg is still not convinced everything is as it seems. But can he prove his suspicions without someone getting hurt? It took me a little while to put the pieces together and understand the mystery, but once I did it pulled me in. There are so many little happenings that you aren't sure what is connected and what isn't. The author does a great job of creating a puzzle and only giving little clues to help solve it. She has created great characters and a wonderful setting. The climbing really adds to it as well.

A Corpse In The Soup
By: Morgan St. James and Phyllice Bradner

Godiva, a Beverly Hills advice columnist, is poisoned on a TV cooking show. Her twin sister Goldie, an aging hippie from Alaska , quickly comes to town when her daughter Chili calls. Luckily Godiva recovers. Chef Romano from the cooking show begins seeing Godiva and explains that someone is sabotaging his show. He's sure it's Chef Biff Wellington. They'll be going head to head soon in the Gourmet Gladiator's Tournament. Chef Romano hires Chili as his new assistant. Godiva and Goldie watch the shows being taped out of concern for Chili. And they start looking into Chef Wellington to try to figure out if he really could be the person behind everything. When Chef Wellington is murdered, Chef Romano is the prime suspect. Godiva is sure he didn't do it and the twins set out to prove it and find out who did. This new series is off to a great start. The twins Godiva and Goldie are opposites, but when they work together, they're great sleuths. Throw in their quirky family and you've got a real winner. Lots of twists and turns in the plot.

Bake Sale Murder
By: Leslie Meier

Lucy Stone's neighborhood has changed. Instead of her nice quiet street, now there's a new subdivision nearby with a loud motorcycle riding teenager. Lucy and her friends, Sue, Pam, and Rachel begin working on the Hat and Mitten fund. They decide a bake sale, like they used to hold, would be a great fundraiser. Lucy volunteers to call everyone to get donations of baked goods. Unfortunately she finds that she hasn't kept up with everyone and they're all busy doing something else and unable to bake anything. So they decide to include the new neighbors in the subdivision to help with the bake sale. New neighbor Chris Cashman decides to take over. Lucy's fine with letting her take over, but it puts a real strain on her friendship with Sue as she'd always been the leader before. Chris decides they should make low-carb snacks, sell bottled water, and even make some dog treats. They're going to have a taste test to decide which recipes are the best for the sale. The date of the taste test Mimi Stanton doesn't show up. Lucy is dispatched to check on her and find out if she needs any help. Unfortunately Lucy finds Mimi in her kitchen with a large knife in her chest. Who could have killed her and why? Lucy sets out to figure out who did it since she doesn't think the person the police arrested is the killer. I love this series. Lucy is such a fun character. She's very involved with her kids, friends, and community. Her involvement gives her credibility in investigating, plus it sets up the secondary story line.

Blood And Bone
By: Austin S. Camacho
Echelon Press

Hannibal Jones has been hired to find Kyle's father. He disappeared eighteen years ago, right before Kyle was born. Now Kyle lies dying of leukemia. They believe his father could be a match to save his life. Hannibal only has two weeks to find him. He follows a trail full of deception, conspiracy and greed. A woman who claims to be Kyle's illegitimate half-sister appears. Hannibal isn't as taken with her as Kyle and his family are. He begins to investigate her as well. The story twists and turns before the surprising conclusion. I devoured this book in two days and it's not the type I normally read. It's a great read. I highly recommend it. I liked the DC setting which I know well, but I also enjoyed the way the story moved to Texas and Mexico, places I've never been but which came alive in this book. I look forward to more Hannibal Jones in the future.

Blood Orange Brewing
By: Laura Childs
Berkley

Theodosia Browning and her Indigo Tea Shop are serving at the Candlelight Concert socialite Delaine Dish throws to raise money for a Victorian home donated to the Heritage Society. Everyone who is anyone is there as Delaine plans to hit them up to donate to restore the house. Unfortunately retired CEO and beloved politician Duke Wilkes is murdered before refreshments can be served. Detective Burt Tidwell is on the case and in no uncertain terms tells Theodosia to stay off the case. That's what Theodosia plans to do until Duke's widow begs her to look into things. Since everyone who was at the concert is a suspect, she has her work cut out for her. It doesn't take long before she finds herself in the thick of things and apparently getting too close. Can she solve this murder without putting herself and those she loves in danger? I really enjoyed this book. The Charleston setting is always relaxing to me. The story kept moving and made me want to read another chapter and not put it down. Theodosia and her associates, Drayton and Haley, are such wonderful characters. I'm not a tea drinker, but I'd love to go to their shop just so I could meet them! I can't wait to read the next installment in this series.

Bone Valley
By: Claire Matturro
William Morrow

Lilly Cleary is an author in Sarasota , Florida . Normally her cases are medical malpractice. She is asked to defend Angus and Miguel in a fruit libeling case. Their claim is that phosphate mining residue was mixed into the soil in an orange grove thus infecting the oranges. David Mooney, Lilly's ex-boyfriend, is killed in a toxic waste lake. She soon finds he is tied to her current case as well. When one of her clients is blown up in front of her, she sets out to find the killer. She's not sure whether she can trust the gorgeous Miguel. Can she unravel this case without putting herself in danger? She enlists the aid of her wild religious brother and her handyman is also quite involved. This is the first I've read in this series. It definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed Lilly. The writer has created a wonderful protagonist and the Sarasota location is great too! Lilly is an attorney I'd love to have in my corner. She's a bit quirky, but she cares a lot and gets to the bottom of things.

The Chick And The Dead
By: Casey Daniels
Avon Books

Pepper Martin has just finished solving Gus' murder and is happy she won't be seeing ghosts any more, until Didi Bowman shows up who's been dead for fifty years. She claims she's the real author of the Civil War novel “So Far The Dawn” by Merilee Bowman, her sister. Merilee is coming to town for the opening of the new museum related to the book and Pepper's boss Ella at the cemetery turns out to be a huge fan of her book. Pepper decides to look into Didi's claims, but is often unsure of whether she believes Didi. She ends up working for Merilee which is no picnic. When there's an attempt at Pepper's life, she decides there must be something to this and starts digging deeper. She knows this is probably putting her in more danger. Detective Quinn Harrison was watching her back, wasn't he? Could she figure out who the real author of the novel is without ending up in the cemetery permanently? I love this fun cozy series. Pepper is such a great character. She's funny but definitely not stupid. There aren't many ghost mysteries I like, but I love this series. I like how Pepper often says things in public to a ghost and has to quick cover up the fact that she was talking to a ghost. I like the sexual tension between Pepper and Quinn. The mystique of Dan adds to the series as well. I can't wait for the next one.

Cover Your Assets
By: Patricia Smiley
Mysterious Press

When Tucker finds a cop on her doorstep, she is surprised. She's even more surprised when she's told that Evan Brice, her ex-fiance, has been found stabbed to death. His wife, Cissy, Tucker's ex-best friend because Cissy married Evan out from under Tucker, is the prime suspect. She can't believe Cissy could do it so she sets out to “help” the police find the real killer. The fact that the police don't want help doesn't stop Tucker. The fact that he'd been unfaithful and a drug addict provide more suspects for Tucker to check out. The homicide detective is not happy she's mucking around in his investigation. Joe Deegan, a detective who Tucker has had a romantic interest in, is also telling her to stop investigating. But Tucker can't stand by and let them arrest Cissy and leave Dara, Cizzy and Evan's young daughter, without a parent. Can Tucker find the real killer without putting herself in danger? Can she put up with her mother, Pookie, and her boyfriend, Bruce, living with her, not to mention their dog Muldoon? Can she find a hunk of a date for her ex-husband's wedding? This is the first book in this series that I've read. I really liked Tucker. I look forward to reading more in this series. The setting of LA for this series is great. Really adds to the ambiance of Hollywood to the story.

The Da Vinci Cook
By: Joanne Pence
Avon

Angie Amalfi ends up following her sister Caterina to Rome after Cat finds a man dead in a house she's trying to sell for Marcello Piccoletti. Unfortunately Cat is a suspect in the murder, and fleeing the country doesn't bode well. Angie and Cat have trouble locating Marcello when they arrive in Rome . Finally they end up working at his restaurant, Da Vinci's, in hopes of running into him. Plus a potentially priceless religious relic is missing. Homicide Detective Paavo Smith, Angie's fiancé is trying to clear Cat's name and solve the murder when there are more murders. Plus Angie and Cat's three sisters and mother are constantly showing up to “help” him. He's also trying to talk Angie into returning home. Unfortunately she doesn't return as fast as he'd like. Can the murders be solved in time to get Cat and Angie home safe? Can Cat and Angie stay safe in Rome with people following them? I think this was one of the best books in this series. There is always so much going on on both sides of the ocean that the story never lulled. It gave us some better insight into Angie's family as well. I loved the setting of Rome as well. Angie is such a fun character. She's pretty level headed, even when they find themselves in some dicey situations. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. Give it a try. You'll be glad you did!

Deadly Advice
By: Roberta Isleib
Berkley

Dr. Rebecca Butterman is a clinical psychologist and author of an online advice column. When her next door neighbor, Madeline, commits suicide, she is surprised she didn't see any of the signs. Isabel, Madeline's mom, asks Rebecca to give her opinion about some things she finds in Madeline's apartment. Isabel doesn't believe it was suicide. The cops are convinced it was. Rebecca really doesn't want to become involved, but she does. Rebecca ends up tracing some of Madeline's forays into the dating scene when her editor assigns a column on dating. Add to that a messy divorce and the nosy neighbors and you have Rebecca's mixed up life. As she tries to untangle the information about Madeline, she also has to come to terms with her own life. Did Madeline commit suicide? If not, who killed her and why? Can Rebecca answer these questions without putting herself in danger? I loved this into into a new cozy mystery series. What a great idea to have an online advice columnist and psychologist be an amateur sleuth. I love it. Rebecca is not a know-it-all by any means. I felt I could really relate to her. She's just a down-to-earth woman with a lot going on who ends up trying to help out. I thought the plot twists and turns at the end were great. I stumbled right along with Rebecca as she found the killer.I can't wait for the next one!

Deadly Appraisal
By: Jane K. Cleland
St. Martin 's

Josie Prescott's new life in Portsmouth , New Hampshire , is going well until a friend, and the benefit organizer, is poisoned at a gala benefit she's hosting. Detective Rowcliff isn't easy to deal with, especially since he isn't sure if Josie is a suspect, the intended victim, or is just holding back information. Unfortunately Josie's new love, Rocky Point Police Chief Ty Alvarez, is out of town taking care of a sick aunt and isn't much support or help to Josie in this situation. Soon Josie sees everyone as a potential suspect, even her staff. Plus she has some close calls herself. Also a valuable tureen goes missing from the benefit's auction. She knows she must help solve this murder quickly so that life can get back to normal. Reporter Wes Smith helps Josie get to the truth. Can Josie figure out who the murderer is before any more harm comes to her or her business? I love this series. Josie is such a fun character. Even though antiques are not my thing, I really enjoy this antiques mystery series. The mystery is very well crafted and the information about antiques does not hit us over the heads. The author has done a great job of this! I love the New Hampshire setting as well. Great place to set a mystery.

Death Of An Obnoxious Tourist
By: Maria Hudgins
Five Star

Dotsy Lamb, history professor and recent empty nester, and her best friend Lettie decide to go on a tour of Italy . When they arrive, they find everyone is pleasant except for Meg Bauer, a very obnoxious woman. She is such a contract from her two younger sisters who are also on the tour. When Meg is found murdered, everyone is a suspect, especially her sister Beth. The attractive carabinieri captain, Marco Quattrocchi, is in charge of the investigation. Dotsy hooks up with him to try to help solve the murder. She also enlists the aid of Lettie who is very observant. Dotsy uncovers lots of motives since she insulted almost everyone in the tour group. The sisters and brother, who is back home, have inherited a nice sum of money. When another tour member dies, it appears to be an accident. Dotsy believes it is another murder and sets out to prove it. Can she prove it before anyone else dies, namely herself? I really enjoyed this book. Dotsy and Lettie are such great characters. I can't wait to see where they go in their next adventure. I hope there will be many books in this series. I loved the Italy setting as well as I've never been there, but I felt I had been there by the time I finished reading this book. The author did a great job with the characters, setting and plot.

Fine-Feathered Death
By: Linda O. Johnston
Berkley

Kendra Ballantyne is back practicing law, and she's still a pet-sitter on the side. She's asked to help on a new real estate case with her law partner, Ezra Cossner. Kendra is none too pleased. First, her specialty has become pet law, and second, Ezra is cranky. Before the case can get off the ground, Ezra is found murdered in his office. The only witness is Gigi, his blue macaw, and she's not talking. All she can say is her own name and sing “99 Bottles of Beer.” When Detective Ned Noralles shows up to investigate, Kendra knows things won't be easy. But then her hunky PI boyfriend, Jeff Hubbard, becomes the number one suspect, she begins to investigate the myriad of suspects. Plus Jeff seems to be getting pretty friendly with his ex. Kendra finds her eyes wandering and they soon land on her neighbor. I love this series. Kendra is such a fun person. I like it when she's working with the various pets. I'm hoping she'll spend more time in the upcoming books in this capacity. But I do see why having her get back into law helps provide more storylines. Plus who'd want to hire a pet sitter whose clients kept dying? This is a series where you'll laugh out loud!

G'Day To Die
By: Maddy Hunter
Pocket

Once again, Emily Andrew is escorting a group of senior citizens from Iowa , including her Nana, on a trip to Australia . When Nana takes a photo of what appears to be an extinct plant, life for the group goes topsy turvy once again. When Claire Bellows is found dead from the group, Emily is certain she found the plant and was murdered. Emily begins snooping around the myriad of suspects to find the killer. And there are many interesting characters on this trip, including Jake and Lola Silverthorn who seem to always be fighting, irritating Nora and her son Heath Acres, Conrad Carver who started everything with discovering the plant in Nana's photo, Guy Madelyn who is another photographer on this trip, and many members of a scientific conference. Then there's the whole Iowa tour group. They're entertaining on their own! Add to this Emily's two suitors, detective Etienne Miceli and tour director Duncan Lazarus, and you have a hilarious cozy mystery! She is supposed to be deciding between them, which is no easy feat. Can she find the killer and figure out which one is the love of her life without putting herself in danger or alienating them both? I love this series. I find myself laughing out loud every time I read one. Emily is such a fun character and the various Iowa senior citizens are a hoot. The hardest part for me is not laughing out loud when I'm reading in bed late at night and waking my husband! You don't have to read these in order, but the characters do grow and evolve, so it helps to understand the love triangle in this one if you've read previous books.

Honeymoon For Three
By: Alan Cook
AuthorHouse

Gary and Penny met through computer dating in LA, and they decide to get married. Instead of a big wedding, they decide to elope on their honeymoon trip through many scenic spots. Unbeknownst to them, Alfred, a high school classmate of Penny's has been stalking her and follows them on their honeymoon. He has a bellybutton fetish. He tries many ways to split Gary and Penny along the way because he knows Penny is the one for him. Gary and Penny have many mishaps before they realize what is going on. It is a suspenseful, but fun, honeymoon trip. Can Gary and Penny finish their trip without falling prey to Alfred or getting hurt? This is a great story. I really enjoyed Gary and Penny and their adventures while on their honeymoon. The mystery is well written and the scenery is fabulous! I hope the author writes many more books with Gary and Penny.

In Firm Pursuit
By: Pamela Samuels-Young

Vernetta Henderson is hoping to become a partner in her law firm. She expects to win the sexual harassment case right before decisions are made, knowing that would really boost her chances. That was before things started going wrong with the case. Soon she wishes she had settled it up front when she had the chance. Her husband Jefferson is out of town on a big contract for his electrical company. He is having troubles of his own. He becomes the target of his young assistant and ends up in a compromising situation that could jeopardize his marriage. Can Vernetta keep things under control both at work and at home? Can she keep her best friend from getting herself killed trying to play detective? I really enjoyed this gripping legal mystery. Vernetta is a likeable character and the plot is well written and the mystery intriguing to keep your interest. You will want to keep reading to figure out who did it and why.

Just Add Water
By: Jinx Schwartz
WhoooDoo Mysteries

Meet Hetta Coffey. She's a globe-trotting civil engineer with an attitude. Seeing a parade of yachts while having brunch with her best friend Jan, Hetta decides if she had a boat, she could snag a man. So she and Jan set out to learn about boating. There are many humorous adventures while learning. Finally Hetta buys her dream boat. A shadowy stalker, a body appearing, work woes, and her past coming back to haunt her, don't stop Hetta from going for her dream. They just slow her down a little and throw some wrenches in her plans. Hetta must stop an attempt on her life and figure out who wants her dead and why. This is the first book in a new series. Hetta is a fun character. She has an attitude and knows it. Jan, her best friend, sticks with her through thick and thin. The men in Hetta's life add to her many adventures. The setting on the water gives the book a unique flair.

Key Lime Pie Murder
By: Joanne Fluke
Kensington

Hannah agrees to help judge the baking contest at the Tri-County fair in Lake Eden . She's also providing treats for the Chamber of Commerce booth from her bakery The Cookie Jar. And then she is coaxed into helping Herb out as his magician's assistant. Plus her cat, Moishe, has apparently gone on a hunger strike. The last thing Hannah expects to find at the fair is Willa Sunquist, her fellow bake contest judge and a junior college teacher, murdered. But she does. Willa was also in charge of the beauty contest Hannah's sister Michelle is in. Hannah discovers there are plenty of suspects and finds herself in the middle of everything trying to solve her murder. Plus she's trying to get Moishe to eat. Norman, one of her beaus, also tries to help with Moishe. Can Hannah find the killer without becoming a victim herself? I love this series. The food and mystery always go hand in hand. I want to try out some of the wonderful sounding recipes. I like how the author shows us Hannah's daily life but without boring us. I hope that Hannah will make a decision between Norman and Mike soon. I enjoyed this story being set around the fair. Fairs are such fun activities. I like how the author has built up Lisa's character through the series.

The Lone Star Lonely Hearts Club
By: Susan McBride
Avon

Andrea Kendricks doesn't want to be at Bebe Kent 's memorial service, but her mother talked her into going to be her moral support. Bebe was one of her dear friends. After the service, Andrea's mother, Cissy, announces she believes Bebe was murdered. Andrea's afraid the grief is too much for Cissy. Bebe had recently moved into Belle Meade, a swanky retirement community. When Cissy takes her there, she runs into an old friend she hasn't seen for years. Then another resident is found dead. Another friend of Cissy's. Now Cissy is insistent that they were both murdered, even though there is no evidence to support her claims. Andrea agrees to help her mother prove it was murder to humor her. But as Cissy begins digging, Andrea realizes something is going on and joins in the investigation. Can they get to the truth without finding themselves pushing up daisies? I love this series. Andrea is such a fun character. I'm actually warming to her mother with each book. I'm not into the society scene. That's probably why I like Andrea so much. I thought this book was the best glimpse into the real Cissy and now I like her better. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book and the retirement community was a great backdrop.

The Mangler Of Malibu Canyon
By: Jennifer Colt
Broadway Books

Double the fun! Twin sisters Kerry and Terry McAfee are PIs in Los Angeles . You can't miss them with their bright red hair and hot-pink Harley. They are a hoot! Their rich aunt Reba finds a decapitated body in her new Malibu beach house. Detective John Boatright, the hunky detective Kerry is interested in, arrives to investigate. Then in walks their cousin Robert with a blonde-haired head in a mesh bag. He has no idea where he's been. Soon both Robert and Reba are confessing to the murder and end up in jail. Terry and Kerry know they have to find the murderer to clear their cousin and aunt. In the process, they end up involved with Malibu movie producers, actors, cultists, and visitors from outer space. Can they sort through all the possible suspects and find the killer without putting themselves in danger and before Robert and Reba are convicted? This series is fabulous. I just discovered it and can't wait to read the next book, The Vampire Of Venice Beach. There's also the first in the series, The Butcher Of Beverly Hills. I hope these girls will be around a long time. The writer has such great wit. I ended up laughing out loud many times from their antics. Kerry and Terry are quite different and that's what makes this work so well.

Murder Of A Real Bad Boy
By: Denise Swanson
Signet

Skye Denison has hired sexy contractor Beau Hamilton to renovate the old house she inherited. Everyone recommended him, after all. His good looks don't hurt either. Especially since Skye has sworn off men since her breakup with her boyfriend. Unfortunately Skye soon realizes his work isn't all it's cracked up to be. Before she can fire him, she finds him murdered. Who could have killed the contractor? Soon Skye finds the list goes on forever. Can she find the killer without putting herself in danger? Plus should she give Simon another chance? Then there's Chief Wally Boyd who is showing real interest in her. What's a girl to do? I love this series. School psychologist Skye Denison is such a fun character. No wonder the kids love her so much. I was happy to see Wally and her giving it a chance in this book. I'm not sure which man I want to see her with, but she hadn't even given Wally a turn so that she could make a better decision. I always enjoy the wacky characters in this series. The author has done a great job of creating an enjoyable series with a town full of interesting people. This installment didn't disappoint! I can't wait to read the next book.

The Serpent's Trail
By: Sue Henry
Onyx

Sixty-three-year-old Maxie McNabb leaves Alaska in her new Winnebago RV with her mini-dachshund, Stretch, to go see her friend Sarah Nunamaker in Grand Junction, Colorado. When she arrives, she finds her friend in the hospital and barely conscious and Sarah's house broken into with her bedroom being the worst. When she came, she knew Sarah was on her last days, but is still heartbroken when Sarah dies without Maxie really being able to speak to her. Sarah had tried to talk, but most of it didn't make sense. Unbeknownst to Maxie, Sarah, her best friend since college, had a baby during college. Maxie just can't believe it, but once she sets eyes on this newfound child of Sarah's she knows it is true. Plus an old flame of Sarah's and Maxie's appears on the scene. Sarah's son, Alan, is very angry and often causes an uproar. Maxie knows that Sarah was good at hiding things and must find the document she told Maxie she'd written to explain everything. Can she find this document and figure out what is going on before she finds herself needing help? I have never read anything else by this author. I really liked the characters and the fact that the protagonist travels in an RV. Great idea. Hopefully I will get to read more in this series to see how Maxie develops over time. I enjoyed her spunk and adventure! I recommend this book.

Shoot From The Lip
By: Leann Sweeney
Signet

Reality Check is a TV program that claims to turn American dreams into the real thing. Abby Rose is not excited about working with the producer and crew for this show, but she does want to help Emma Lopez. She's been raising her three younger siblings since their mother disappeared. The show received a letter about this family and decided they should be the next makeover candidate. Their house has been set for demolition. Since the amount the city would give them to rebuild would not be enough Emma agrees to go on the show since they have promised them a beautiful new house. While Abby believes Emma deserves the new house and a break, she's skeptical on Reality Check's motives. The show, unbeknownst to Emma, has been told about a long lost sibling of hers, something they didn't disclose. The show plans to capitalize on the search which does not thrill Emma. Abby, and her psychologist sister, Kate, begin searching for her sibling. When the house demolition begins, baby bones are found. A homicide investigation has begun. Could these be the bones of Emma's missing sibling? Can Abby figure it out without putting herself in the middle of a dangerous situation? Abby is such a fun character. The idea of an adoption PI as a protagonist is wonderful. So different from any of the other cozy series out there. Her sister Kate, the psychologist, always helps with the investigations and really balances Abby. They work so well together even though they are different, they are twins. I like the story line of this book. There are so many reality tv shows out there now. It really is timely. Although I don't watch many of them, I do like ones like this where they are helping a deserving family. Of course, the show in this book has ulterior motives.

Slay It With Flowers
By: Kate Collins
Signet

Abby Knight runs Bloomers, a flower shop. She's agreed to do the flowers for Jillian, her cousin who is to get married. Jillian has backed out of marriages before, but Abby is determined to see this one happen. She can't afford to have it canceled! She's also to be a bridesmaid in the wedding. A groomsman disappears and then another member of the wedding party is found dead. Jillian enlists Abby to help solve the murder before her wedding is a fiasco. Abby enlists the aid of Marco, the hunky bar owner. With him covering her back, Abby can't get into trouble can she? This is such a fun series. I love Abby and her staff at the shop. Her mother and her art work add plenty of humor to the series as well. Then there's Marco. What more can be said! But even with his help, Abby seems to get into her share, and then some, of dangerous situations. Be prepared to laugh out loud when reading this book!

‘Twas The Bite Before Christmas
By: Lee Charles Kelley
Avon

Ex-cop Jack Field and his fiancée Dr Jamie Cutter, state medical examiner, are enjoying a quiet evening in front of the fireplace when they get a call about a murder. Amy Frost, The Bright's housemaid, has been murdered with blunt force trauma. The Brights believe her ex-boyfriend Thomas Huckabee killed her. Jack begins investigating. After Karl, the Bright's chauffeur, tells him about the professor and some strange happenings on the third floor of the Bright's mansion, Karl disappears. Thomas Huckabee has gone into hiding. Jack is desperate to find him, not to pin this murder on, but to get him to give a kidney to his son who is dying. He is most probably the best match. To help find the professor's role in all this, Jack sets up a good con to get him out of hiding. He finds Karl in New York trying to square things with the Russian mafia. Can Jack put the pieces of the puzzle together in time to solve the murder and help Thomas' son? I really enjoy the mysteries in this series. Jack and Jamie are a great couple and Jack's dog training tips are very educational. Jack is a wonderful character. He has his flaws, but he's a great guy inside and his work with the dogs and sick kids really lets this shine. Jamie puts up with a lot from Jack. She is a wonderful lady and Jack knows that. You don't have to read this series in order, but it does help as Jack and Jamie's relationship grows and builds in each book

Twice Dead
By: Eleanor Sullivan
Hilliard & Harris

Monika Everhardt is the head nurse of the intensive care unit at St. Teresa's Hospital. When she learns that a young woman bled to death from an abortion but wasn't even pregnant, she decides to investigate. The family threatens to sue the hospital. The hospital not only has to grapple with that, but soon anti-abortion protestors and bomb threats are all too real. Plus the hospital is having financial trouble. Where was the woman's husband during all this? He is an Army Ranger and was supposed to be away on training, but was he? Amid all these questions and problems, Monika digs deeper and deeper to uncover the truth. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series. It is a fast-paced story and hard to put down.