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Saturday, March 23, 2024

My Thoughts - The Girl in the Dark:(Blake and Byron Thrillers Book 2) by Zoë Sharp

 


About the Book

Book: The Girl in the Dark (Blake and Byron Thriller #2) 

Author: Zoë Sharp 

Genre: Thriller and Suspense

Release Date: March 22, 2024


The woman falls. Her body begins to shake. Her brown eyes turn upwards, showing a mix of panic and desperate hope. She takes a deep breath and says one word: 'Blake.' Then her eyes close, her face pales, and she goes still forever… 

The victim: 
Shannon, a woman who went out of her way to help the lost and hopeless, left abandoned to die by the side of the road. Where was she in those last few days before her death, and why was she so frightened?

The avenger: 
Blake Claremont, who knows only too well how it feels to be alone on the streets of a big city. Blake survived, thanks to Shannon. She’s determined to find out who killed her friend, and why.

Before she died, Shannon was searching for answers. She knew that people were going missing… never to be seen again. Now, with the help of 
Detective John Byron, Blake must take up Shannon’s investigation. She knows these streets and the predators who walk in the darkness. She will follow in Shannon’s footsteps until she finds her target: the ruthless men and women who steal people’s lives and will do anything to protect their secrets.

And then, they will pay. 

Prepare to be gripped by this unputdownable crime thriller, the second in the brilliant new series from the bestselling author of the Charlie Fox books. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Kendra Elliot and Cara Hunter won’t be able to put this down.

About the Author

Zoë Sharp


Zoë Sharp spent most of her formative years living aboard a catamaran on the northwest coast of England. She opted out of mainstream education at the age of twelve and wrote her first novel at fifteen. She became a freelance photojournalist in 1988 and started writing her Charlie Fox crime thriller series after receiving death-threats in the course of her work.



MY THOUGHTS


The Girl in the Dark is book two in the Blake and Byron Thrillers. The series is written by Zoë Sharp. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. Since I did not read the first book, I did not have any issues following along. The book drew me in within the first few pages and is packed full of action and suspense. 

Blake has come from some sad circumstances, she was helped out and off the streets by Shannon. When Shannon is found abandoned on the side of the road, Blake wants justice for her friend. She owes her so much. She finds out that Shannon was searching for someone or something. Could it all be tied together.

Blake teams up with Detective Byron. Both need to figure out where the missing people have gone. Blake knows that Shannon had such a heart for the hopeless. They find out that young, vulnerable, fearful young teens are being targeted. 

I liked the banter between Blake and Byron. Their characters evolve over the book. I hope to read more of their story. Both have issues with the world - and how dark it has become. 

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 
 

My Thoughts - Struck Dead by Andrea Kane

 


ABOUT THE BOOK



Struck Dead by Andrea Kane

Struck Dead

by Andrea Kane

March 4 - 29, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

The fragile line between life and death… Families that will never be the same…

When a tragic hit-and-run takes the life of a hardworking family man, multi-millionaire Christopher Hillington becomes the prime suspect, and the whole city of New York alights with speculation as to what happened.

But before the NYPD can establish Hillington’s guilt, he himself is brutally murdered in his own home. As he lays dying, he scrawls the name Casey Woods with his own blood, and the Forensic Instincts team is drawn into a complex mystery that has placed its president in the sights of a desperate killer.

A millionaire’s life is full of secrets and suspects. So as the baffled NYPD investigates Casey for the murder, and the body-count ratchets up, Casey herself becomes another potential victim. The FI team’s hardcore investigation has them twisting and turning through suspects and secrets, where the stakes intensify―and so does the collateral damage. As Casey and the team get closer to finding the killer, the unthinkable happens, and the life of one of FI’s own hangs in the blood-stained balance.

They say dead men tell no tales, but blood doesn’t lie. Peeling back layer after layer of deception, the team will cross whatever lines are necessary to solve the case, get justice for the families, and make their team whole again…unless the relentless killer gets to them first.

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense Thriller
Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing
Publication Date: March 2024
Number of Pages: 384 
ISBN: 9781682320631 (ISBN10: 1682320634) 
Series: Forensic Instincts (#10)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Book Shortlinks:

Amazon - https://pictbooks.tours/xeD7Z
Barnes & Noble - https://pictbooks.tours/IirNy
BookShop.org - https://pictbooks.tours/7Cjk6
Goodreads - https://pictbooks.tours/lJRXY

Author Bio:

Andrea Kane

Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty-two novels, including eighteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.
Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. 
She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way OutTwisted and Drawn in Blood.
Her latest in the highly successful Forensic Instincts series, Struck Dead, showcases the dynamic, eclectic team of investigators as they hunt down a desperate killer who’s threatened one of their own. The first showcase of Forensic Instincts’ talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and GoneThe Stranger You KnowThe Silence That SpeaksThe Murder That Never WasA Face To Die ForDead In A WeekNo Stone UnturnedAt Any Cost, and Struck Dead.
Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s DesireSamanthaEchoes in the Mist, and Wishes in the Wind.
With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages. 
Kane lives in New Jersey with her family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan.
Author Hometown – Warren, New Jersey

Catch Up With Andrea Kane:
www.AndreaKane.com
Goodreads
BookBub
Instagram - @authorandreakane
Twitter/X - @andrea_kane
Facebook - @AuthorAndreaKane


MY THOUGHTS


Struck Dead is written by Andrea Kane. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. This book is number 10 in the Forensic Instincts series. While I have not read any of the other books in the series, I feel like I made new friends as I got to know the characters in the story. 

Casey is the owner of Forensic Instincts. They are kind of like a PI firm that will investigate crimes. She has her work cut out for her - First there is a hit and run. The victim is a hardworking family man. The prime suspect is multi millionaire Christopher Hillington. Then he is found murdered. He leaves behind a cryptic note that he wrote in his blood. Suddenly, Casey herself finds herself in the suspect seat. 

Casey and her team, along with Hutch and the FBI need to figure out what really happened in the hit and run, and who would want Christopher dead. They also need to find out who is behind all of this before Casey becomes the next victim. 

The author does a really great job in leaving you clues, yet throwing in twists and turns that I did not suspect coming. She does a good job balancing the crime and the development of her characters. I was shocked when I got to the end. My heart was pounding so hard that I was sure that everyone in my household could hear it. 

I like the author's writing style. The book flows nicely. Her characters are well developed and you feel like you are sitting on scene watching everything unfold. I hope to read more from this author in the future. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 




Tour Participants:


03/04 Guest post @ The Mystery of Writing
03/06 Book Talk with Fran Lewis Radio Interview
03/06 Review @ Just Reviews
03/06 Review @ reviewsbyrudra
03/07 Review @ Novels Alive
03/07 Showcase @ Books, Ramblings, and Tea
03/08 Review @ Country Mamas With Kids
03/08 Showcase @ Silvers Reviews
03/09 Interview @ darciahelle
03/10 Review @ The AR Critique
03/11 Guest post @ Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense
03/12 Review @ elaine_sapp65
03/13 Review @ Avonna Loves Genres
03/14 Review @ Catreader18
03/14 Review @ Hott Books
03/15 Review @ Melissa As Blog
03/16 Review @ Pat Fayo reviews
03/17 Review @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
03/19 Showcase @ The Mystery Section
03/20 Review @ Wall-to-wall Books
03/21 Review @ Review Thick & Thin
03/22 Review @ Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
03/24 Review @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
03/25 Review @ fuonlyknew
03/26 Review @ The Book Review Crew
03/27 Guest post @ The Book Divas Reads
03/28 Review @ Celticladys Reviews
03/28 Review @ dianas_books_cars_coffee
03/29 Review @ bookwormbecky1969
03/29 Review @ Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews
030/23 Review @ Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting






Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Andrea Kane. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

The giveaway is for:    1 - $20 Amazon.com Gift Card, US Only


ENTER: 

HERE

Friday, March 22, 2024

My Thoughts- Lines of Deception written by Steve Anderson




ABOUT THE BOOK


West Germany, 1949. Former actor Max Kaspar suffered greatly in the Second World War. Now he owns a nightclub in Munich—and occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA. Meanwhile, his brother Harry has ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist. When Harry is also taken captive, Max resolves to locate his brother at all costs. The last thing he expects is for Harry to go rogue.

Max’s treacherous quest takes him to Vienna and Prague to  Soviet East Germany and Communist Poland. Along the way, dangerous operators from Harry’s past join the pursuit: his former lover Katarina, who’s working for the Israelis, and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an agent of East German intelligence. But can anyone be trusted? Even the American scientist Stanley Samaras may not be the hero Harry had believed him to be.



Book Details:

Genre: Espionage, Historical Thriller, Cold War Thriller
Published by: Open Road Media
Publication Date: March 2024
Number of Pages: 200
ISBN: 9781504086134 (ISBN10: 1504086139) 
Series: Kaspar       Brothers (#4)
Book Links: Amazon      | Barnes       & Noble | BookShop.org      | Goodreads      | Open       Road Media



ABOUT THE AUTHOR






Steve Anderson is the   author of numerous novels, mostly historical thrillers about gutsy underdogs.   In an earlier life he earned an MA in history and was a Fulbright Fellow in   Germany. Day jobs have included busy waiter, Associated Press rookie, and   language instructor. He’s also written historical nonfiction and translated   bestselling German novels. A hopeless soccer addict, he lives in his hometown   of Portland, Oregon with his wife René. 

Catch   Up With Steve Anderson:
www.StephenFAnderson.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @SteveAnderson
Instagram - @steveawriter
Twitter/X - @SteveAwriter
Facebook - @SteveAndersonAuthor

Check   out his Substack Newsletter: @steveawriter




My Thoughts 



Lines of Deception is written by Steve Anderson. This is book four in the Kaspar brother series. I’ve not read the other stories but I did not have any issue following along. This is also my first exposure to this author and it will not be my last. I loved his style. I also loved how his words grabbed me in as soon as you start reading and don’t let you go. 



We’re in West Germany in the year 1949. Max Kaspar is a former actor. He now owns a night club in Munich. His brother, Harry has gone behind the Iron Curtain and soon finds himself kidnapped. Max wants to find him. Max travels to Vienna, Prague, Soviet Est Germany and Communist Poland.  I really liked how readers had to put all the pieces together and try and figure out where Harry was. 


Once he’s discovered can we trust what he says? Max also helps out the newly formed CIA.  There was so much going on with this time period that the author had done a wonderful job in showcasing what the Cold War looked like. 


I really appreciate the authors careful research to bring the story to life. I love the notes in the back of the book. This is definitely a fast pace thriller that will grab your attention as soon as you start reading. I’m definitely going to go back and read the other books in the series 


Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 


     

Giveaway:

This is a giveaway   hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Steve Anderson. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. 

The giveaway is for: 1 print book   giveaway to a US resident 

Enter at:

https://kingsumo.com/g/4cigza/lines-of-deception-by-steve-anderson-print-us/  


     

Tour Participants:

03/18 Book Talk with Fran Lewis Radio Interview
03/18 Review @ Just Reviews
03/19 Review @ Country Mamas With Kids
03/20 Showcase @ Books, Ramblings, and Tea
03/21 Interview @ Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense
03/22   Review @ Because I said so
03/23 Review @ Bound 4 Escape
03/25 Review @ Novels Alive
03/26 Showcase @ 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING   NEWS
03/27 Showcase @ Silvers Reviews
03/28 Review @ bookwormbecky1969
03/31 Guest post @ The Book Divas Reads
04/01 Showcase @ Celticladys Reviews
04/07 Review @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
04/08 Review @ The AR Critique
04/10 Review @ Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews
04/11 Review @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
04/12 Showcase @ Teatime and Books
06/28 Mysteries to Die For: Toe Tags Podcast
 


Wednesday, March 20, 2024

My Thoughts - The Spy Across The Water by James Naughtie

 

My Thoughts - The Spy Across The Water by James Naughtie

 The Spy Across the Water (The Will Flemyng Thrillers)


ABOUT THE BOOK

From one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across the Water is the third instalment in James Naughtie's brilliant spy series, woven around three brothers bound together through espionage.

We live with our history, but it can kill us.

Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will Flemyng, spy-turned-ambassador, is drawn into twin mysteries that threaten everything he holds dear.

From Washington, he's pitched back into the Troubles in Northern Ireland and an explosive secret hidden deep in the most dangerous but fulfilling friendship he has ever known.

And while he confronts shadowy adversaries in American streets, and looks for solace at home in the Scottish Highlands, he discovers that his government's most precious Cold War agent is in mortal danger and needs his help to survive.

In an electric story of courage and betrayal, Flemyng learns the truth: that his life has left him a man with many friends, but still alone.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



James Naughtie, special correspondent for BBC News, is one of the country's best-known broadcasters. He presented Today on Radio 4 for 21 years, and has reported for the BBC from around the world for more than three decades. Alongside his journalism he has wide cultural interests, and has written and produced many documentaries on music and books, and presented concerts from across Europe for radio and television. On Radio 4, he has hosted every edition of Bookclub since it began in 1998.


MY THOUGHTS

The Spy Across The Water is written by James Naughtie. This is book two in the Will Flemying Thriller series. I have not read any of the books - but I did not have any issues following along. This is a thrilling policital thriller espionage story.  The book drew me in within the first few pages. 

Flemyng is now the British Ambassador in Washington. He still has intelligence links. He finds out that his brother, Abel, has been found shot dead. He realizes that he has no idea what his brother has been involved in. 

He finds himself brought back in time to Ireland where there were double agents. Did these past dealings catch up with him? 

The book is well written. There are a lot of characters to keep up with. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachels Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 


Tuesday, March 19, 2024

My Thoughts - Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264 Written by Sands Hetherington Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

Follow along on this action-packed virtual book tour and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus 264

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

Ages 7+ | 156 Pages

Publisher: Dune Buggy Press | ISBN-13: 9780984741762

Publisher’s Book Summary: The iguanas are back to their stinky shenanigans. They’ve fitted out the flying school bus for real mischief and are marauding all over the Borough. They’ve really got it in for John and Crosley, who must sniff out their evildoings before it’s too late! Will they succeed? Join the Night Buddies in their racing blimp for this exciting new adventure!



PURCHASE LINK


Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org


Sands Hetherington: Author Headshot



Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books, credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley, until eventually it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together.

Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina and hangs out with his longtime friend Ann and their Saint Bernards Dudley and Maggie. He likes visiting ancient Mediterranean sites in Turkey and Italy, and most of all Greece. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.nightbuddiesadventures.com/

https://twitter.com/Night_Buddies

https://www.pinterest.com/nightbuddies2/

https://www.facebook.com/NightBuddies

https://www.facebook.com/NightBuddies

https://www.instagram.com/nightbuddiesadventure/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nightbuddiesbookseries%20


ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR


Natalie Leininger, illustrator of the 4th title in the Night Buddies series, grew up in New Jersey and has been drawing ever since she was young. She now lives in Nebraska and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying the fine arts. She is in her third year at the university, primarily practicing oil painting, but spends time outside of the classroom working on a variety of projects. She has always enjoyed being with children, which made illustrating and working on Night Buddies such an enjoyable project!

Natalie strives to capture our world in bloom. Whether it be through the literal sense of a blooming flower or the simple act of sketching a character’s smile spreading across their face, her art is a place for all to engage in their own way.






Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264 is written by and Sands Hetherington and is illustrated  by Natalie Leininger. This book is geared toward readers 9-11. I read this book with my 10 and 12 year old sons and we all enjoyed it. 

Our main character is John, and his best friend  friend Crosley, a bright red crocodile. When John has trouble sleeping, Crosley appears and they go on an adventure together. In this story, they found out about the iguana gangs plan to ruin the Pineapple Cheesecake Factory. They also want to cause chaos and vandalize the city. Crowley and John are on the case with their super cool gadgets. 

My sons and I really enjoyed this fun cast of characters. I liked that Crosley took John on adventures to help him go to sleep. The book is well written and kept all of our attention. It was a great story to read at night before bed. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Children's Book Review for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

TOUR SCHEDULE



Monday, March 4, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The Momma Spot

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Country Mamas with Kids

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Friday, March 8, 2024

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Sunday, March 10, 2024

It’s Free At Last

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 11, 2024

Life Is What It’s Called

An Interview with Sands Hetherington

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Book Zone Reviews

An Interview with Sands Hetherington

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog

Book Spotlight of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Friday, March 15, 2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

An article by Author Sands Hetherington

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Barbara Ann Mojica

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 18, 2024

Cover Lover Book Review

An Interview with Sands Hetherington

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Because I Said So

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 25, 2024

Froggy Read Teach

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264