In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannan

In the Belly of Jonah by Sandra Brannan is the first book in the “Liv Bergen” mystery series. Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press, September 2010

A window cut into a girl’s body sets off a desperate search for a serial killer with an artistic bent.

Liv “Boots” Bergen is shocked when the body of a stunning college intern working in her Colorado limestone quarry is found on the shores of a nearby reservoir. Clues are scarce—except that the crime scene appears to be a macabre, intricately staged tableau.

Soon after, Liv gets a call from a former classmate who’s become an FBI profiler. Lisa Henry explains that the murder is not the first of its kind. Driven by her need to find the man who could commit such a depraved act, the headstrong Liv becomes caught up in the pursuit of a madman with a perverse, unquenchable appetite both for women and for surrealistic art.

As she assists her profiler friend and another FBI agent, Streeter Pierce—legendary for his crime-solving skill and striking good looks—Liv discovers she may have her own knack for outwitting and tracking down the most brutal murderer Colorado has ever seen. But in doing so, she will put her friends, her family, and her own safety at risk. How many bodies will pile up before the so-called Venus de Milo murderer is caught?

Wow, what a read. When Liv’s employee is brutally murdered, it is soon learned that she’s a victim of a vicious serial killer. Helping her friend, an FBI agent, with some theories, lands Liv in the path of the serial killer when his victims hit closer to home. With determination, Liv, the FBI and the local police are on the hunt to stop this killer before he claims another victim. This book captured my attention immediately and I could not put this book down. With a well-written and diabolical plot, this book kept me riveted to the pages. This action-moving drama with a strong female lead will have your pulse accelerating as it nears a heart-stomping conclusion. I look forward to reading the next book, Lot’s Return to Sodom, in this gripping and suspenseful series.

*new-to-me author

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci is the 5th book in the “King and Maxwell” thriller series. Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, April 2011

After the #1 New York Times bestsellers Split Second, Hour Game, Simple Genius, and First Family, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell return in their most shocking case: a high-stakes struggle where the relentless needs of national security run up against the absolute limits of the human mind.

Edgar Roy-an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy’s attorney, Sean’s old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins-en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered.

It is now up to Sean and Michelle to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: Is Roy a killer? Who murdered Bergin?

With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy’s past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction. Their persistence puts them on a collision course with the highest levels of the government and the darkest corners of power. In a terrifying confrontation that will push Sean and Michelle to their limits, the duo may be permanently parted.

Sean and Michelle are headed to Maine to help Sean’s old friend, but what they encountered is his dead body. When Sean begins to investigate his friend’s death, he runs afoul of a conspiracy that involves too many people in the government. Getting help from an unlikely source, Sean and Michelle venture back up forth up the East coast to put a halt to their caper before all of them becomes deadly victims. What a roller coaster and thrilling ride this book took me on. This action-packed, page-turning drama kept me glues to the pages and had my adrenaline pumping as I speed through the chapters from the beginning to the satisfying conclusion. What a great read!

Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Smokin’ Seventeen by Janet Evanovich is the 17th book in the “Stephanie Plum” mystery series. Publisher: Bantam, June 2011

Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum.

Dead bodies are showing up in shallow graves on the empty construction lot of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds. No one is sure who the killer is, or why the victims have been offed, but what is clear is that Stephanie’s name is on the killer’s list.

Short on time to find evidence proving the killer’s identity, things get even more complicated for Stephanie when family and friends decide it’s time for her to decide between long-time off-again-on-again boyfriend, Trenton cop, Joe Morelli, and the bad boy in her life, security expert, Ranger. Stephanie’s mom is encouraging Stephanie to dump them both, and choose a former high school football star who has just returned to town. Stephanie’s sidekick, Lula, is encouraging Stephanie to have a red-hot boudoir “bake-off”. And Grandma Bella, Morelli’s old world grandmother, is encouraging Stephanie to move to a new state when she puts “the eye” on Stephanie.

With a cold-blooded killer after her, a handful of hot men and a capture list that includes a dancing bear and a senior citizen vampire, Stephanie’s life looks like it’s about to go up in smoke.

Stephanie is Stephanie with all that is going on around her. She has a spell cast upon her by Grandma Bella; her mother has set her up with a new guy that is ready for marriage; the bonds office is operating out of a bus; she continues to go after skips and Stephanie is still caught up in a triangle between Joe and Ranger. The usual cast of characters are present and accounted for in this fun romp through the burbs. This story was an improvement over the last couple of books in the humorous series and I take this book for what it is…a fun read.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard

The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard. Publisher: Ballantine Books, February 2011

One beautiful summer afternoon, Jody Linder receives shocking news: The man convicted of murdering her father is being released from prison and returning to the small town of Rose, Kansas. It has been twenty-three years since that stormy night when her father was shot and killed and her mother disappeared, presumed dead. Neither the protective embrace of Jody’s three uncles nor the safe haven of her grandparents’ ranch could erase the pain caused by Billy Crosby on that catastrophic night.

Now Billy Crosby is free, thanks to the efforts of his son, Collin, a lawyer who has spent most of his life trying to prove his father’s innocence. Despite their long history of carefully avoiding each other in such an insular community, Jody and Collin find that they share an exclusive sense of loss.

As Jody revisits old wounds, startling truths emerge about her family’s tragic past. But even through struggle and hardship, she still dares to hope for a better future—and maybe even love.

There are no words to describe the depth of this page-turning mystery. This story was filled with so much emotion that I could not put this book down. What I thought happened and what really happened; OMG! I did not see that one coming and it just blew my mind. This well-written story with strong characters had me riveted to the pages from the first line to the last sentence in this heartwarming tale of intrigue. This was an amazing read and I highly recommend it.

*new-to-me author

Murder Half Baked by Kathleen Delaney

Murder Half Baked by Kathleen Delaney is the fourth book in the “Ellen McKenzie” mystery series. Publisher: Camel Press, May 2011

A DEAD MAN IN THE CEMETERY, ANOTHER IN THE BAKERY.
Old Dr. Sadler is dead in the cemetery, his head bashed in by the arm of a marble angel. Ellen McKenzie has to find the killer soon … before another death puts a stop to her wedding. Dan Dunham, the groom, is Santa Louisa’s Chief of Police. The guest list is growing and Ellen’s dreams of an intimate candlelight ceremony are rapidly disappearing.

A HOUSE GOES UP IN FLAMES.
When Grace House, a halfway house for women, goes up in flames, Ellen invites them all–including a newborn–to move in with her and Dan. As a real estate agent, Ellen hopes to find a new building, yet every suspect is connected to Grace House. Are Ellen and Dan in danger? Will they ever solve the murders and get their lives back?

The body of a local doctor is found and Ellen wonders if his murder is connected to residents of the halfway house that is looking to move to a new building. Things become more critical when the halfway house is set on fire and the list of suspects has now doubled and Ellen is determined to find the people responsible, not only for the safety of the residents, but for her own family. From the first sentence to the last paragraph, I could not put this book down. This page-turning mystery kept my attention as the story played out with many of the pieces coming together in a surprising twist. With strong characters, great conversations and intriguing storylines, this is the best one yet in this charming series.

Missing Person by Clare O’Donohue

Missing Person by Clare O’Donohue is the first book in the new “Kate Conway” mystery series. Publisher: Plume (Penguin), May 2011

A mysterious death hits home when Chicago television producer Kate Conway is the main suspect in her husband’s murder.

Kate Conway’s husband—strike that—soon-to-be ex-husband is dead. And the cops think she did it. The divorce might have been killing her, but it certainly didn’t make her kill Frank. To make matters worse—and weirder—Frank’s new girlfriend suddenly wants to be friends.

So when she’s offered a new work assignment on a series called “Missing Persons” it’s a welcome distraction. Kate eagerly throws herself into the story of Theresa Moretti, a seemingly angelic young woman who disappeared a year earlier. All Kate wants is a cliched story and twenty-two minutes of footage to take her mind off her own messy life, but when the two cases appear to overlap, Kate needs to work fast before another body turns up—her own.

When Kate Conway is called to the hospital to find her soon-to-be ex-husband had died, his death is labeled suspicious and Kate becomes the primary suspect. Meanwhile, Kate is working on a missing person assignment and as she probes the disappearance, she’s also looking into her ex-husband murder. What a great read that kept me riveted to the pages as I could not put this book down. I was so caught up in this story following the clues and every time I thought I had it figured out, but the author had other ideas with all those twists and turns that kept me guessing. Kate is a sharp, intelligent and in-your-face television producer and it showed in her determined pursuit of both cases. She even learned a little about herself, which I liked. With a strong cast of characters and great dialogue, I look forward to my next visit with Kate Conway in this well-written series.

To Sketch A Thief by Sharon Pape

To Sketch A Thief by Sharon Pape is the second book in the “Portrait of Crime” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), June 2011

Former police sketch artist Rory McCain never needed a partner to create a likeness of a suspect. But now, working as a sleuth, she’s got a partner who’s been dead for over a century.

Ghosts are supposed to be frightening, not exasperating. But Federal Marshal Ezekiel Drummond, aka Zeke, is one spirit who seems to specialize in fraying Rory’s nerves. Although it helps to have a lawman as part of her private detective business—even one who was shot in 1878—Rory often wishes she had a silent partner, instead of a dead one.

After a stray dog named Hobo leads Rory back to his murdered owner’s corpse, she finds herself involved in another homicide case—not to mention the new owner of a lovable pooch. Unfortunately the spirit who haunts her house doesn’t get along with dogs. Despite this bone of contention, Rory, Zeke, and Hobo are soon on the trail of some deadly dognappers and a missing Maltese.

After hanging out her shingles as a PI, Rory continues her ongoing mystery of who killed her spirited partner, Zeke. When she finds Hobo, a lost dog, and takes him home, Rory discovers that his owner has been murdered and is later hired by the owner’s friend to find her missing dogs. Rory digs into the dognapping business while the police investigate the murder of Hobo’s owner, helping each other along the way. This was a fast-paced and light-hearted read and I love the mystery within a mystery and Rory’s dogged pursuit of both her cases. I hope we get to see more of her family and I would love Zeke to meet her Aunt Helene. This was an entertaining read in this charming series.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

Thug Guard by D. D. Scott

Thug Guard by D. D. Scott is the first book in the new “Cozy Cash” mystery series. Publisher: Aurorean Media, May 2011

Hollywood Stylist to The Stars Zoey Witherspoon is a wanna-be Stephanie Plum, and to that end, she’s now moonlighting as a badge-toting P.I. But on her way to style one of her infamously diva-esque clients, she discovers her first Dead Guy in a Range Rover parked next to her. And this isn’t just any dead guy. It’s the guy with a Russian mob connection, who her former client, Ponzi-scheming King Bernard McCall, hired to knock her off.

Bond, James Bond-style Double Agent Roman Bellesconi is hell-bent on bringing down Ponzi-scheming King Bernard McCall. Why? Because (1) that’s his job. But also because (2) he’s got a lot more at stake than job security. If he doesn’t bring down Bernie, his family’s monarchy will be destroyed.

As the dead guys keep piling-up around ‘em, Zoey may be damn sick of Roman’s deep and very dark secrets, but, she’s also convinced that perhaps, like Roman’s been reiterating, it’s only because he’s keeping those secrets, they’re both still alive. But is there a way for their cover to be blown, Roman’s secrets thus revealed, and each of ‘em live to tell about it?

This was a fun and quick read. Love the quirkiness of the characters and the dialogue had me laughing out loud. This mystery takes you on a hilarious romp that is entertainingly pleasing.

The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes

The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes is the first book in the new “Grandberry Falls” contemporary romantic series. Publisher: Tonya Kappes, June 2011

Celia Briggs has always lived her life for everyone but herself. With the death of Celia’s mom, Celia realizes life is too short not to follow her dreams. In her small town of Grandberry Falls, Kentucky-Celia decides to open up, The Ladybug Florist, which is only fitting due to her love of flowers and ladybugs.

How can she not love ladybugs? Her deceased grandfather always said ladybugs bring luck and love.

Marty Briggs, Celia’s father, never dreamed his life as Grandberry Falls’ only flower delivery boy is harder than the job he’s retired from.

Sam Barber jumps in his car leaving his Hollywood life behind. He didn’t know stopping in the cozy town of Grandberry Falls, was about to change his life forever. Especially after answering the help wanted ad at The Ladybug Florist and giving a fake name so no one would recognize him.

Celia knows something is up Sam’s sleeve. Why would a thirty-year old man want to deliver flowers? Marty doesn’t care, he’s just happy to be retired-again.

Will Celia ever figure out Sam’s true identity? Does Sam reveal the big family secret Celia’s parents have kept from her all her life?

Celia’s about to find out if ladybugs are lucky or a jinx?

What a love story. Two lost souls searching for something missing in their lives and they meet each other in Grandberry Falls. This book captured my heart as I rooted for both Sam and Celia whose love withstood everything that came into their path. This story will put a smile on your face and love in your heart.

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy is the second book in the “Manor of Murder” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), June 2011

Civil war re-enactors have set up camp on the grounds of Marshfield Manor. The group is very believable, especially when the unrest spills out of the barracks and inside the sumptuous mansion. Grace manages to settle a minor squabble, but loses the war when actor Zachary Kincade is found stabbed to death.

Jack Embers, the groundskeeper, falls under suspicion when he’s linked to the death of Zachary’s brother years ago. But there were others out for Zachary, actors who can be very convincing when the coveted role of “General” is on the line. Grace feels responsible for finding the murderer…and for the sweet tuxedo kitten found on her doorstep, Bootsie. Can she come to the rescue of her friends without putting herself in danger’s way?

A member of a civil war re-enactment party who became involved with two skirmishes on Marshfield Manor property leads to murder when he is later found dead. When the past comes back to haunt Jack, the groundskeeper, we wonder are the two incidents connected, especially when Jack becomes the primary suspect. Believing in his innocence, Grace yet again, begins an investigation. What a great read. The mystery of the murder opens up wounds of a past murder and we watch Grace pull it all together with help from an unlikely source. The steady-paced, action-filled story had me quickly me turning the pages as I had to know what happens next and I was doubly rewarded. This well-crafted mystery, likeable characters and fascinating dialogue was very enjoyable and I look forward to my next adventures at Marshfield Manor.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog