The Day After His Crucifixion by Merikay McLeod Book Review

About the Novella:

At last the women speak. While the crucifixion/resurrection event is traditionally told through men's eyes, The Day After His Crucifixion brings Yeshua the Nazarene's story alive through the testimony of women who knew him and followed his teachings.

Shocked by his brutal execution, these New Testament eye witnesses gather to comfort one another and remind themselves of how Yeshua set them free, bringing them life abundant.

Peter's mother-in-law, the woman with the flow of blood, the crippled woman bent double, the bride whose wedding feast was saved by Yeshua playfully changing water into wine, and several others gather to share food and tender memories of their beloved Promised One.

Through their words familiar gospel stories spring to life.

My Review:

This is a great novella. We are familiar with reading the crucifixion and resurrection accounts from the male perspective. This novella gives the many women involved a voice of their own. McLeod incorporates biblical accounts with her imaginative take on what some of the women might have experienced and felt. We really get a clear sense of the expectations for what the Messiah would do and then the ache and questions after the crucifixion.

Two of the women's stories really stood out to me. One was that of the woman caught in adultery. Wow. McLeod's imaginative backstory really puts a different take on that biblical event. Another woman's story of great impact was that of the mother of the boy with the few loaves of bread and fish from which Jesus fed thousands. McLeod imagines her thoughts kneading the bread, preparing food for her family. That her common labor for her family would be used by Jesus was just an amazing story.

I highly recommend this novella. It highlights how Jesus treated women, respecting them, never ignoring them and never turning them away. The Author's Note at the end is a good resource for identifying the Scriptures upon which McLeod's stories are based. There are also questions for deeper study so this novella would make a good personal or group study. It provides a new take on familiar stories yielding insights I never would have seen on my own.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author:

A Midwesterner by birth, Merikay McLeod spent most of her adulthood in northern California where she worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, newspaper columnist and freelance writer. Her articles and stories have won state and national awards, Her freelance work has appeared in such magazines as Good housekeeping, MS, Sunday digest, Insight, The chronicle of Higher Education and many others.

Her walk with Jesus is expressed most accurately by the 23rd Psalm. She has long pondered Jesus' respectful treatment of women despite the surrounding culture's view that women were inferior. The Day After His Crucifixion is her first fiction book. 

Front Porch Publishing, 111 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this novella through WOW Women on Writing. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

I Would Die For You by Sandie Jones Book Review

About the Book:

California, 2011: Nicole Forbes lives a quiet life in the small seaside town of Coronado with her husband and daughter. She is not expecting a writer to knock on her door asking for her personal insight into the downfall of the biggest British band of the 1980s—unveiling the threads of a life she left behind years ago. The same day, her daughter goes missing and the school claims her aunt picked her up . . . but she doesn’t have an aunt. Convinced of a link between the two, Nicole is forced to revisit long-abandoned memories from her past to protect everything she now holds dear.

London, 1986: Sixteen-year-old Cassie is obsessed with Secret Oktober, the hottest band of the moment. Harboring an intense crush on the leading man, Ben Edwards, she will do anything she can to capture his attention among the throngs of groupies at the band’s scandalous backstage parties. But when Ben discovers her older sister Nicole singing at a local bar one night, he can’t help but feel drawn to her, setting in motion a collision course that could tear their family apart.

Infused with the sounds of the 80s, this thrilling novel from the inimitable Sandie Jones explores the chaos that the frenzy of fandom can provoke.

My Review:

This may be a novel for those who liked the music of the 1980s and the groupies of that time. It was not a book I felt was a compelling read. It felt more like a family drama than an engaging mystery or thriller. It took a long time for me to connect the dual time periods. The characters were done rather well but I did not feel any were really likable. I was never captivated by music as a teen so had a hard time understanding the earlier actions. The mystery aspect is good, keeping me wondering until the very end. But the end left things hanging.

This is the first novel I have read by this author. Her writing style is good but this topic just did not work for me.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

About the Author:

SANDIE JONES (she/her) has worked as a freelance journalist for more than twenty years and has written for publications including the Sunday Times, Woman’s Weekly, and Hello magazine. She lives in London with her husband and three children. The Other Woman was her debut novel and a Reese’s Book Club pick.

Minotaur Books, 316 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. Mine is an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Chicago Bank Robberies (The Motorbike Gang) by Matthew Pierre, Zachary Pierre Book Review

About the Book:

Join the exciting adventures of the Motorbike Gang, a hilarious club of 8 avid bikers, whose curiosity leads them through puzzling mysteries, crazy episodes, and thrilling quests.

The Chicago Bank Robberies is a fast-paced mystery story geared toward kids 10 and up. Jack Wesley, club leader of the Motorbike Gang, and his friends investigate a stranger after two suspicious encounters, first in their hometown, and then on a vacation to Chicago. They begin to find connections between the stranger and recent jewelry thefts, and then uncover a plot to rob a bank.

With action-packed chase scenes, cliff-hanging suspense, and the struggle between right and wrong, this intriguing mystery will keep the reader on the edge of their seat the entire time, all while teaching traditional family values.

My Review:

What a fun and entertaining adventure for young readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The collection of kids with such different personalities makes the story really fun. There is not much that could be more exciting for a group of young people than identifying and following a possible criminal. But, as these young people find out, it can also be dangerous. There is a little suspense but nothing inappropriate for young readers. This is a great adventure book for Ages 10-14, especially those who aspire to solve mysteries and capture bad guys.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Pierre Books LLC, 221 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

Someone Had to Die by Jack Luellen Book Review

About the Book:

There's always the one case that got away, the one with loose ends and a lack of closure that plagues those who investigate it.

For James Butler, a partner in a prestigious boutique law firm in Orange County, that case is the 1985 murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Though the murder occurred more than 35 years ago, James can't shake the nagging feeling that maybe the investigators missed something. The more James digs into this cold case, the more unwanted attention he gathers from powerful forces on both sides of the border who would prefer to keep the case closed.

Someone Had to Die follows a fictional lawyer as he digs into the true story of Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena's abduction and murder in 1985, drawing from and exposing interviews and facts never before published.

My Review:

This is a very informative novel about Mexico gangs. There is a great deal of recent history included. At times, the narrative stops for an insert of history. I almost felt like I was in a college class on the topic. I was not familiar with the murder of an agent upon which this novel is framed. There is some action but the book by far is more history and characters thinking and talking about possibilities than it is action. Much of the early part of the book speculates on the possible involvement of the CIA. The characters also investigate the various reports of the crime and the possible flaws in the initial investigation. About two thirds of the way through the book, James, the main character thinks, “Great Job, James. You've spent weeks to get absolutely nowhere.” (3895/5852) I kind of felt that way too. The last third of the book made up for it, however. It had a good deal of action and answered many questions, such as why James was so obsessed with this crime anyway.

This well researched novel is for readers who are interested in the recent history of gangs and cartels in Mexico. You'll receive lots of information on the topic.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Jack Luellen is a Denver, Colorado attorney with more than 30 years of experience. In practice, Jack has tried cases to courts and juries and has written hundreds of briefs, motions, and memoranda, to state and federal court, including federal courts of appeal and the United States Supreme Court. Jack first started working on the Camarena case in 1990 and has continued to investigate it in the years since. Jack is the proud parent of an amazing 9-year-old daughter. Connect with Jack at jackluellen.com.

Torchflame Books, 394 pages

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

Cops & Robbers by Justin M Kiska Blog Tour Book Review

COPS & ROBBERS

by Justin M Kiska

March 10 - April 4, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

PARKER CITY MYSTERIES

 

Spring, 1985 . . .

Just north of Parker City in the small town of Wakeville, a string of robberies have the residents of the quiet community on edge. Then, when two homes in one of Parker City’s wealthiest neighborhoods are broken into on the same night, PCPD Detectives Ben Winters and Tommy Mason wonder if the crime wave has spilled into their jurisdiction. There’s one chilling difference, though. This time, the intruders left a dead body behind in their wake.

As Ben and Tommy delve into the investigation, what initially appears to be a robbery gone wrong soon unravels into something far more sinister. Their pursuit of the truth leads them down a path, uncovering ties to a crime spree that shook Baltimore fifty years earlier. As past and present collide, the young detectives must race to find a killer driven by a motive buried deep in the past.

My Review:

I liked this entertaining dual time police procedure mystery. It took quite a while for the historical events in the 1920s to be related to the later events. Since in both time periods the police are dealing with robberies, it was a bit hard to keep the two plot streams straight. It all made sense as I got closer to the end of the book, however.

Kiska does a good job with the 1985 police characters. Tommy and Ben have an interesting relationship and their banter is fun. There are many support characters who make the action more entertaining. Kiska does well with the setting too, such as how many people smoked at the time, the cars they drove, the use of the very new fax machine, etc.

I recommend this entertaining double mystery police procedure that spans two generations.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series: Vice & Virtue, Fact & Fiction, and Black & White.

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional Mystery - Police Procedural with a dual timeline element
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: February 18, 2025
Series: PARKER CITY MYSTERIES; 5 [Amazon | Goodreads]
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

1985

Tommy Mason sat in his beat-up, but much-loved, Bronco on the side of the road. His hands rested on the steering wheel as his eyes focused on the rearview mirror. Behind him, an unmarked police car with a red bubble light on its roof pulled up and parked. This certainly wasn’t how Tommy was expecting to start the day, being pulled over on his way to work. What he’d been pulled over for, he had no idea. He drove this stretch of road every day. He knew the speed limit. There were no stop signs or red lights to run. The Bronco was just in the shop, so he knew there were no lights out or any sort of violations that a cop would think it necessary to pull him over for. And his license plate tags were up-to-date. He was going to have some questions for whoever this patrol officer was.

Keeping his eyes on the rearview mirror, he watched as the door to the police car swung open and a square, rather unkept looking officer stepped out. Tommy raised an eyebrow as he watched him approach the Bronco. The officer was wearing a pair of dark Aviator sunglasses and a blue windbreaker with a badge pinned to his chest. He looked as though he hadn’t shaved in a couple of days and could use a comb to run through his hair. As he sauntered up to Tommy’s window, he placed a traditional eight-point police hat on his head to complete the official appearance.

“Huh…” Tommy grunted, watching the cop giving the Bronco a thorough, yet overly exaggerated examination. “This is going to be fun.”

When he reached the driver’s side of the truck, Tommy rolled down the window and gave the officer his trademark thousand-watt smile. The same smile that had gotten him out of so many jams in the past. Incidentally, it had also been the cause of a few problems as well. But he preferred to think of the good his smile had done. And might do for him again.

“Good morning, officer. What seems to be the problem?” He tried to sound as cheery as possible.

Tommy expected some sort of response, but instead found himself staring silently at his own reflection in the officer’s sunglasses while the man chewed on an enormous wad of gum.

When he finally spoke, he said, “I’m Officer Smith with the Parker City Police Department. Do you know why I pulled you over this morning?”

“Officer Smith? I can’t say that I do. I don’t think I was speeding. But I guess I could have been. You see, I’m just traveling through Parker, so I don’t know the area all that well,” Tommy lied.

“Well, you were speeding back there, sir. Sorry to say. It happens sometimes. But unfortunately, I had to pull you over. It’s all about safety. You understand.”

“Dang, Officer! I really didn’t mean to be speedin.’” Tommy had suddenly taken on an accentuated southern drawl. “I guess it’s just such a nice mornin’ I wasn’t paying much attention. Look how beautiful that sky is. So bright blue. I just love the spring. Don’t you?”

“Spring is very nice but–”

“And I was just thinkin’ about all the flowers. It’s been a bang-up season for the flowers this year. Have you noticed how vibrant the flowers have been? I think that’s the best word for them. Vibrant.”

“I really haven’t–”

“I mean, I’m not much of a flower guy, to be honest with you. But something about them this year just got to me. My girlfriend’s always bringing home fresh flowers. I guess I’ve started paying attention to them.”

Trying to take control of the conversation, the officer raised his voice slightly. Tommy could hear a hint of irritation, but Smith was trying to keep himself in check. Tommy admired that. “Sir. If I could please see your license and registration card.”

“Officer…Smith? Was it? I really am sorry about this. Was I really goin’ that fast that you need to give me a ticket? I didn’t feel like I was goin’ too fast. Not that this old bucket of bolts can even get its giddy-up on to start with. I mean, maybe you could just give me a warning. And I promise the next time I come through Parker City I’ll drive real slow.”

“I need to see your license and registration, sir.”

Tommy leaned over and opened the glove box, rifled around looking for the Bronco’s registration for a moment, then popped back up and said, “Really, I’m very sorry. I must have been daydreamin.’ You see, I’m plannin’ on askin’ my girlfriend to marry me. I’m on my way home. I was in Baltimore for a job last night. And tonight I’m taking Suzanne out…Suzanne’s my girlfriend…I’m taking Suzanne out to dinner to pop the question. She’s gonna be so surprised. She didn’t think I was ever gonna ask her. But I am. I asked her father’s blessing and everything. It’s gonna be perfect.”

“Uh huh. Well, it sounds like you’re a man in love.” The officer’s stone-cold demeanor began to melt. A smile slowly spread across his lips. “Maybe there is something we could do.”

“That would be so great. I would really appreciate it. Because I really have to be going. But not too fast!” Tommy forced a laugh. He knew he must sound completely ridiculous.

“Let me think here. If I write you up and turn in the speeding ticket as is, it could be a few hundred dollars in fines. Plus, you’ll have to show up in traffic court. Nobody likes that. The judge might even say you have to go back to driving school.”

“You’re kiddin’?” Tommy’s eyes went wide, dutifully playing his part.

“Let’s see. What can I do?” Smith made a show of scratching his head while he looked off at some point in the distance. “What say you just give me fifty dollars to take care of the warning notice fee right here and we’ll be square. I’ll be able to let you get on your way and I’ll fill out all the paperwork later.”

“A warning notice fee,” Tommy repeated. “Well, fifty sounds better then three hundred any day.”

“Hey, not all policemen are hardasses. And you’re right. It’s a nice day. You caught me in a good mood,” Smith said, a smirk curling the side of his lip. “So, fifty dollars and it’s all taken care of.”

“Okay. I just want to make sure I got this. I just have to pay you fifty dollars for the warning notice fee and we’ll be all good? No ticket? No traffic court?”

“That’s right.”

“But you still need my license and registration so you can get my name for the paperwork. Right?” Tommy asked, reaching into his back pocket.

“Um. Yeah. Right. I need your name and address for the warning.”

Tommy handed over a black leather wallet and smiled. He watched intently as Officer Smith opened it. He could only imagine what Smith’s eyes looked like behind the sunglasses.

“Wha…what’s this?” Smith asked.

“You see, that is a real Parker City Police Department badge,” Tommy said leveling his gaze. “And you can see by my ID card that my name is Detective Thomas Mason. I know everyone in the PCPD. Who the hell are you?”

Before Smith could answer, Tommy raised his service revolver from beneath the edge of the window. The color drained from the imposter’s face. Tommy knew exactly what was about to happen, so he was fully prepared. As the fake cop dropped the badge wallet, Tommy flung open the driver’s side door, hitting Smith square in the hip. Losing his balance, Smith stumbled and fell to his knees. Tommy swung the door again, this time hitting him full-on in his side, sending him sprawling across the pavement. Before he could even think about getting up, still dazed from the unexpected blows, Tommy was standing over him with his foot firmly in the middle of his back.

“You, dipshit, are under arrest for impersonating a police office and ruining my good mood.”

***

Excerpt from Cops & Robbers by Justin M Kiska. Copyright 2025 by Justin M Kiska. Reproduced with permission from Justin M Kiska. All rights reserved.

 

Author Bio:

wWhen not sitting in his library devising new and clever ways to kill people (for his mysteries), Justin can usually be found at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, outside of Washington, DC, where he is one of the owners and producers. In addition to writing the Parker City Mysteries Series, which includes Now & Then (Finalist for the 2022 Silver Falchion Award for Best Investigator), Vice & Virtue, Fact & Fiction (Killer Nashville Top Pick and Finalist for the Chanticleer CLUE Award), and Black & White, he is also the mastermind behind Marquee Mysteries, a series of interactive mystery events he has been writing and producing for nearly twenty years. Justin and his wife, Jessica, live along Lake Linganore outside of Frederick, Maryland.

Catch Up With Our Author:

JustinKiska.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @JustinKiska
BookBub - @JMKiska
Instagram - @JMKiska
Facebook - @JMKiska

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

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1. 03/12 Books, Ramblings, and Tea COPS & ROBBERS Showcase

2. 03/13 fuonlyknew COPS & ROBBERS Showcase

3. 03/15 Books of my heart COPS & ROBBERS Review

4. 03/17 Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! COPS & ROBBERS Showcase

5. 03/21 Novels Alive COPS & ROBBERS Review

6. 03/25 Guatemala Paula Loves to Read COPS & ROBBERS Review

7. 03/28 Celticladys Reviews COPS & ROBBERS Showcase

8. 03/30 Silvers Reviews COPS & ROBBERS Showcase

9. 03/31 Book Reviews From an Avid Reader COPS & ROBBERS Review

10. 04/01 Country Mamas With Kids COPS & ROBBERS Review

11. 04/02 The Mystery of Writing COPS & ROBBERS Showcase

12. 04/03 Books R Us COPS & ROBBERS Review

13. 04/04 bookwormbecky1969 COPS & ROBBERS Review

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I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

The Fourth Girl by Wendi Corsi Staub Book Review

About the Book:

On prom night, Caroline Winterfield walked away from the ruins of an abandoned mansion called Haven Cliff and into the woods…never to be seen again. Only her three best friends know what really happened. But a secret is a secret, and a promise is a promise―even when it shatters lifelong friendships.

On the twenty-fifth anniversary of that night, Midge, Kelly, and Talia reunite at Haven Cliff, now a gleaming architectural jewel. But they aren’t alone. Someone is watching. Someone who knows what really happened to Caroline―and to the man who now lies dead a stone’s throw from where she was last seen.

Police detective Midge knows she’s dealing with a murder the moment she sees the item clutched in his lifeless hand. Only three other people in the world would grasp its significance. That means Kelly and Talia are either involved or in danger, because Caroline is long gone…or is she?

My Review:

This novel does not start off with a clear explanation of the past. We readers come to know what happened 25 years ago little by little. I felt that made the present action have less of an impact for the first part of the book. The narrative does jump around as background material is given to help explain current events. That made the plot development feel a little disjointed. And I felt like I never did get the information I needed to understand what happened then and what was happening in the current time. The ending did not wrap up all the questions. Staub's writing style is good in that she is skilled at building suspense, weaving it into the plot. In the end, however, this was not a totally satisfying read.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Wendy Corsi Staub is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety novels, including Windfall, The Other Family, and Dying Breath. She is also the author of the Lily Dale Mystery series, the Foundlings trilogy, the Mundy’s Landing trilogy, the Nightwatcher trilogy, and the Live to Tell trilogy. Wendy is a three-time finalist for the Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award and has won an RWA RITA Award, an RT Award for Career Achievement in Suspense, the 2007 RWA/NYC Golden Apple Award for Lifetime Achievement, and five WLA Washington Irving Prizes for Fiction. Wendy lives in the New York suburbs with her husband, their sons, and three rescue cats. For more information, visit www.wendycorsistaub.com.

Thomas & Mercer, 396 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: Forgotten Identity

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: January 14, 2024

Who is he really? And why is someone after him?

Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home.

Grant MacGuire never imagined he would wake up one day in a strange cabin, surrounded by strange people, with no memory of who he is or how he was injured. Nor did he imagine his presence would put the lives of those who saved him in danger. As Grant struggles with distorted memories, he wonders if his life is worth the price the Holzman family is paying.

The growing attraction between Mariah and Grant is hindered by Grant’s unknown identity. Is Grant, as the family’s neighbor assumes, a criminal on the run from the law? Or is there more to his identity—and the reason he was attacked—than they realize?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is a good inspirational romantic suspense. It starts with a question. Do you help someone near death, even if you do not know who he is and the situation is quite questionable? Jesus told a parable indicating the answer. But that good deed leads to danger and a great deal of suspense. The action might be a little repetitive but it provides the example of trusting God in dangerous situations. Zeller's writing style is clear and the story unfolds well. There might just be a few too many coincidences (snow, childbirth) to provide suspenseful situations, especially near the end. The amnesia theme is a frequent one but I felt it was done reasonably well here. It does mean the character development, especially for Grant, is not deep. The best characters were the kids. The plot moves along, although more slowly at times, between suspenseful events.

This is a good inspirational romantic suspense for an easy read. There is a bit of violence and a couple of really unsavory characters so it is not such a cozy mystery.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics. Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Hello, Reader!

Thank you so much for joining us for the Forgotten Identity blog tour. Enjoy the sneak peek into the book below.

Blessings,

Penny

Mariah bit back a sigh as they neared. While grateful Nosy stopped when he did, couldn’t the dog have chosen another place to investigate besides the ravine that could be deadly if someone mis-stepped and fell into it? At least the handful of boulders near its edge warned of the ravine’s proximity.

Nosy’s barking turned to a whine as he pawed at the snow.

No, not just the snow.

The snow covering a shoe protruding from behind a large boulder.

She reached for her son, Jordan, and slowed both of their paces even as her pulse quickened. Maybe the object just looked like a gray tennis shoe. Or maybe it was a shoe, but a discarded shoe Nosy found somewhere, brought home, and forgot about until now.

Still…

“Jordan, stay where you are, please.”

“Aww, Mom.” Despite his protest, Jordan did as she requested.

Mariah advanced. Better be safe than sorry, and on the one percent chance this wasn’t a shoe found, forgotten, and rediscovered by Nosy, Jordan did not need to see whatever, or whomever, was attached to the shoe.

“Mom?”

“Just a minute, Jordan.”

A few seconds later, she saw an image she’d not soon forget.

Partially obstructed by the boulders and surrounding dormant foliage, a man’s body lay face up in the snow, dangerously close to falling over the side of the ravine.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19

Madi’s Musings, March 19

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 21

Stories By Gina, March 22 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, March 22

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 25

The Sacred Line, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 27

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29

Mary Hake, March 29

lakesidelivingsite, March 30

Cover Lover Book Review, March 31

Holly’s Book Corner, March 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 1

Pause for Tales, April 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54178

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Other People by C B Everett Book Review

About the Book:

A group of strangers gathered at a mysterious country house are in a race against time to stop a serial killer in this twisty, high-concept thriller that combines Agatha Christie with Shutter Island.

Ten strangers.

An old dark house.

A killer picking them off one by one.

And a missing girl who’s running out of time…

And then there was one.

Ten strangers wake up inside an old, locked house. They have no recollection of how they got there. In order to escape, they have to solve the disappearance of a young woman. But a killer also stalks the halls of the house and soon the body count starts to rise. Who are these strangers? Why were they chosen? Why would someone want to kill them? And who—or what—lurks in the cellar?

Forget what you think you know.

Because while you can trust yourself, can you really trust The Other People?

My Review:

Everett tries a new concept on the old and well used theme of a locked room murder mystery. The narrative is presented in multiple points of view. There is some creepy monster in the basement in addition to the people finding themselves suddenly in a locked house. The character development was interesting in that I did not find any of them people I liked. It was hard to feel anything as they die. Perhaps that was the author's intent. They are tasked with finding a missing woman, something that makes no sense at the time but does in the end.

There is a twist at the end that brings in another well used theme dealing with our trust in the narrators. Perhaps Everett is trying to be clever, combining ideas from Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians and The Murder of Roger Akroyd. In the end, this book just did not work for me.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

About the Author:

C.B. Everett is the pen name for author Martyn Waites. He trained at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama and worked as an actor for many years before becoming a writer. His novels include the critically acclaimed Joe Donovan series, The Old Religion, and The White Room. In 2013, he was chosen to write Angel of Death, the official sequel to Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, and in 2014 won the Grand Prix Roman Etranger for Born Under Punches. He has been nominated for every major British and French crime fiction award and has also enjoyed international commercial success with eight novels written under the name Tania Carver. Photo: Steve Best

Atria Books, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)