“I would hate to leave her swooning on the front vestibule before she’s had a chance to convince everyone she’s a sophisticated woman of the world.”
I’m loving Jen Turano’s Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series. I just finished Daphne Beekman’s story in To Write a Wrong and what a treat it was! In true Turano fashion, this book is filled with colorful, engaging characters that charm their way into your heart. Daphne is a writer who is also a member of the Inquiry Agency, although in limited ways.
“I was once pressed into service because I was the only one that fit into a Cleopatra costume.
When she meets Herman Henderson who wants to hire the agency to find out who’s trying to kill him, sparks begin to fly and mayhem starts.
“I fear the lure of an honest-to-goodness murder investigation is too tempting to ignore.”
Turano is a pro at dreaming up ridiculous and fun settings and situations to place her characters in. I adored Daphne and Herman and enjoyed seeing their relationship change and grow. The stellar cast of supporting characters added to the delightful tale, and I loved seeing some of the people from the previous book in the series show up in this one.
“Tell me, though, why do you and your friends prefer talk of sentence structure over poison? Poison would be far more interesting.”
With plenty of action, suspense, a dash of romance, and lots of crazy antics, this book is a great addition to my keeper shelf. I’m looking forward to reading Eunice’s story in the next book of the series. 4.5 stars *I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own. See Paula's Review!
BackCover Blurb:
Miss
Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night.
Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind
the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away
from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an
attempted murder case she's determined to solve.
Mr.
Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing
heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of
his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a
child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks
out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to
uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of
the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.
As
the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne's way
as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if
they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.
Bethany House Publishing, August 3, 2021
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
RUN AGROUND (Lantern Beach MayDay Series, Book #1)
"A man lay on the floor in front of her, blood covering the chest of his white uniform. . . . . . It was Captain Bridgemore."
What a way to begin a potential new career path, discovering the captain of a luxurious yacht, the "Almost Paradise", murdered on the deck. Former med student Kenzie Anderson had certainly not figured that into her plans, nor had she imagined meeting a man like Jimmie James Gamble who came to her rescue not once, but twice in twenty-four hours no less; a Lantern Beach resident with a lot of sea-faring experience, but in spite of his kind, heroic nature wielded a questionable past.
Surprisingly, after the local police cleared the crime scene, the boat's owner granted Jimmie James captainship of the cruise. Unfortunately, instead of clear sailing, Kenzie and Jimmie James find themselves "running aground".
What a good book! Great characters, who instantly connect in ways they never anticipated, and wily criminals whose identities remain hidden until the very end. It was wonderful to stretch Jimmy James' persona into a story of his own, for he has been a enigmatic minor character through-out the entire Lantern Beach series. Let the "mayday" continue! *I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
BackCover Blurb: A dead captain on a luxury yacht leads to a tumultuous seafaring journey . . .
Med student Kenzie Anderson, tired of letting others chart her future, accepts a job as second steward aboard Almost Paradise. But when she finds the captain dead before the charter even begins, her plans seem to capsize.
Jimmy James Gamble senses something vulnerable and slightly naive about Kenzie when he finds her on the docks. Realizing danger may still be lingering close, he uses his hidden skills to earn a place on the charter. But being there causes him to risk everything—especially as more suspicious incidents occur.
As they set out to sea, Kenzie and Jimmy James both wonder if they’re in over their heads. They must figure out how to stop a killer before anyone onboard is hurt . . . otherwise, both their futures might just run aground.
Lantern Beach Mayday is a three book series.
DEAD RECKONING (Lantern Beach MayDay Series, Book #2)
"Kenzie, do you know what a 'dead reckoning' is?"
Kenzie Anderson wasn't sure that she knew much of anything for sure . . . especially after reportedly seeing a woman strangled to death before being tossed over the side of a boat . . . especially when there was no woman in the water and no one on the boat.
But one person believed her, Jimmy James Gamble. Thank goodness for Jimmy James. Although their friendship had been strengthened through adversity, it looked like they were moving towards more . . until they weren't . . . and then they were . . . . . thrown together into the middle of yet another murderous conundrum aboard the luxury yacht, "Almost Paradise".
Kenzie and Jimmy James might have a few important details to figure out in their personal lives, but one thing was as certain as the ocean tides. . . nothing would be resolved if they didn't make it back to Lantern Beach.
A great cruise forward in this attention getting Lantern Beach Mayday series! *I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.
BackCover Blurb: A yachtie fears for her life when she’s the only witness to a murder . . .
Kenzie Anderson knows what she saw at the harbor—a woman strangled and pushed overboard. But there’s no proof of a crime . . . only her word.
Jimmy James Gamble believes Kenzie, even if no one else does. As he senses the danger in the air, all he wants is to keep her away from any more trouble—especially after their last charter. Either Kenzie or the yacht they’re working on seem to be a magnet for murder and mayhem.
Someone is willing to kill to get what he wants—and will do so again if necessary. Can Jimmy James and Kenzie navigate these unfamiliar waters? Or will relying on dead reckoning lead them to their deaths?
Bestselling and award-winning author DiAnn Mills delivers a heart-stopping story of dark secrets, desperate enemies, and dangerous lies.
Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.
FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.
But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.
Praise for Trace of Doubt:
"Well-researched... with some surprising twists along the way. In Trace of Doubt, Mills weaves together a tale of faith, intrigue, and suspense that her fans are sure to enjoy." – STEVEN JAMES, award-winning author of SYNAPSE and EVERY WICKED MAN
“Trace of Doubt is a suspense reader’s best friend. From page one until the end, the action is intense and the storyline keeps you guessing.” – EVA MARIE EVERSON, bestselling author of FIVE BRIDES and DUST
“DiAnn Mills serves up a perfect blend of action, grit, and heart... Trace of Doubt takes romantic suspense to a whole new level.” – JAMES R. HANNIBAL, award-winning author of THE PARIS BETRAYAL
“Filled with high stakes, high emotion, and high intrigue.” – JLYNN H. BLACKBURN, award-winning author of UNKNOWN THREATand ONE FINAL BREATH
Would I ever learn? I’d spent too many years looking out for someone else, and here I was doing the same thing again. Holly had disappeared after I sent her to the rear pantry for potatoes. She’d been gone long enough to plant and dig them up. I needed to get those potatoes boiling to feed hungry stomachs.
I left the kitchen to find her. The hallway to the pantry needed better lighting or maybe fewer corners. In any event, uneasiness swirled around me like a dust storm.
A plea to stop met my ears. I raced to the rear pantry fearing what I’d find.
Four women circled Holly. One held her arms behind her back, and the other three took turns punching her small body. My stomach tightened. I’d been in her shoes, and I’d do anything to stop the women from beating her.
“Please, stop,” Holly said through a raspy breath. For one who was eighteen years old, she looked fifteen.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I forced my voice to rise above my fear of them.
“Stay out of it, freak.”
I’d run into this woman before, and she had a mean streak. “What’s she done to you?” I eyed the woman.
“None of your business unless you want the same.”
“It’s okay, Shelby. I can handle this.” Holly’s courageous words would only earn her another fist to her battered face.
And it did.
“Enough!” I drew my fists and stepped nose to nose with the leader.
The four turned on me. I’d lived through their beatings before, and I would again. I fell and the kicks to my ribs told me a few would be broken.
A whistle blew, and prison guards stopped the gang from delivering any more blows to Holly or me. They clamped cuffs on the four and left Holly and me on the floor with reassurance help was on its way.
I’d been her age once and forced to grow up fast. No one had counseled me but hard knocks, securing an education, and letting Jesus pave the way. I’d vowed to keep my eyes and ears open for others less fortunate.
Holly’s lip dripped blood and a huge lump formed on the side of her head. I crawled to her. “Are you okay?”
“Not sure. Thank you for standing up for me. I thought they would kill me. Why do they do this? I’ve never done a thing to them.”
“Because they can. They want to exert power, control. Stick by me, and I’ll do my best to keep you safe.”
CHAPTER 1
I tightened my grip on the black trash bag slung over my shoulder containing my personal belongings—parole papers, a denim shoulder bag from high school, a ragged backpack, fifty dollars gate money, my driver’s license at age sixteen, and the clothes I’d worn to prison fifteen years ago.
The bus slowed to pick me up outside the prison gates, its windshield wipers keeping pace with the downpour. The rain splattered the flat ground in a steady cadence like a drum leading a prisoner to execution. I stepped back to avoid the splash of muddy water from the front tires dipping into a pothole. Air brakes breathed in and out, a massive beast taking respite from its life labors.
The door hissed open. At the top of the steps, a balding driver took my ticket, no doubt recognizing the prison’s release of a for- mer inmate. He must have been accustomed to weary souls who’d paid their debts to society. The coldness glaring from his graphite eyes told me he wagered I’d be locked up again within a year. Maybe less. I couldn’t blame him. The reoffend stats for female convicts like me soared high.
For too many years, I imagined the day I left prison would be bathed in sunlight. I’d be enveloped in welcoming arms and hear encouraging words from my family.
Reality hosted neither.
I moved to the rear of the bus, past a handful of people, and found a seat by myself. All around me were those engrossed in their devices. My life had been frozen in time, and now that I had permission to thaw, the world had changed. Was I ready for the fear digging its claws into my heart?
The cloudy view through the water-streaked window added to my doubts about the future. I’d memorized the prison rules, even prayed through them, and now I feared breaking one unknowingly.
The last time I’d breathed free air, riding the bus was a social gathering—in my case, a school bus. Kids chatted and laughter rose above the hum of tires. Now an eerie silence had descended.
I hadn’t been alone then.
My mind drifted back to high school days, when the future rested on maintaining a 4.0 average and planning the next party. Maintaining my grades took a fraction of time, while my mind schemed forbidden fun. I’d dreamed of attending college and exploring the world on my terms.
Rebellion held bold colors, like a kaleidoscope shrouded in black light. The more I shocked others, the more I plotted something darker. My choices often seemed a means of expressing my creativity. While in my youth I viewed life as a cynic. By the time I was able to see a reflection of my brokenness and vowed to change, no one trusted me.
All that happened . . .
Before I took the blame for murdering my brother-in-law. Before I traded my high school diploma and a career in interior design for a locked cell.
Before I spent years searching for answers.
Before I found new meaning and purpose.
How easy it would be to give in to a dismal, gray future when I longed for blue skies. I had to prove the odds against me were wrong.
***
Excerpt from Trace of Doubt by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2021 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.
PAULA'S REVIEW:
“This is beginnin’ to sound like a movie where I can’t predict the endin’”
A dark story of secrets and manipulation. Ms. Mills is a master of intricate storylines and crafts an evil and seriously dangerous mastermind.
“What kind of circumstances mold us into stronger people, the easy path or the challenges?”
After serving 15 years for murder, Shelby Pearce is trying to make a fresh start, when she receives several threats. A pall hangs over her and she is so grateful when she meets Christians who befriend her. It remains to be seen whether the hardened criminal is inside or outside of prison.
Shelby is a new creature in Christ and only wants to protect those she loves. “ ‘Oh Lord, you have established my heart and know everything about me!’ Trusting Him superseded everything else.”
I was excited to learn that Shelby crafted her own jewelry because I also make jewelry. And we order from the same place! I respected her resourcefulness in marketing her designs. It seemed the perfect therapy for her.
Denton, her neighbor, has a hidden past and it is about to collide with Shelby’s. He had a Christian upbringing but has let circumstances cloud his judgment. Fortunately, there is redemption and a stronger faith in store for both of them. Intense and realistic with a fresh perspective, this book was an exciting glimpse into a devious mind.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Partners In Crime Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a strong faith thread
Check Out This Fab Trailer for Trace of Doubt:
Author Bio:
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
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Join In:
This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for DiAnn Mills. There will be 2 winners who will each receive one gift card. Winners may select either Amazon or Barnes & Noble. (U.S. ONLY). The giveaway runs September 1 through October 3, 2021. Void where prohibited.
The Heart of Splendid Lake is my first read by Amy Clipston. When I first started reading, I was immediately drawn into the story by the writing style, the small town feel, and the characters. When Scott and Brianna first met, I was sure this was going to be my kind of story.
Sadly, as I continued to read, I realized that this was not the fun and light story that I had hoped for. Without going into spoilers, right after Scott and Brianna meet, things turned heavy and sad. This continued pretty much throughout the story. I also really struggled with the love triangle, which, in my opinion, went on way too long.
While this story was not for me, I really did like the writing style and the many of the characters. I also think I will be in the minority with this review, but I just wanted something that was lighter. *I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is light.
BackCover Blurb: Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers to a picturesque lakeside town in this heartwarming contemporary romance.
Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her father’s footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina.
When Brianna’s father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt—then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson.
As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake.
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