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Check Out Burying Ben by Ellen Kirschman!

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BURYING BEN

by Ellen Kirschman

June 23-29, 2025 Book Blast

Synopsis:

Burying Ben by Ellen Kirschman

The Dot Meyerhoff Mystery Series

 

As her police department’s newest hire, police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff has much to prove. No one on the force sees any reason to have a shrink on staff. When a rookie cop commits suicide, everyone blames Dot—even Dot herself. How had she missed the signs that he was at the end of his rope?

With her reputation on the line, Dot searches for answers. What she discovers is the dark underbelly of a police force that has no patience for a woman who asks too many questions. Determined to get to the truth behind the young officer’s tragic death, Dot risks losing both her job and her life. . .

Burying Ben is on Sale, June 23-29! Click Here and Start Reading the Series Today!

Praise for Burying Ben:

“A deftly crafted novel of compelling complexity,” this first book in the mystery series featuring cop therapist Dr. Dot Meyerhoff is “absorbing”.
~ Midwest Book Review

“Riveting, compelling and authentic! Ellen Kirschman’s been-there done-that experience makes this a real standout.”
~ Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today-bestselling author of The House Guest

“Psychological thriller writing at its finest.”
~ D.P. Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly series

“Highly satisfying . . . Perceptively treats complex racial, feminist, personal, and political issues while providing intimate knowledge of cops’ shop procedure.”
~ Publishers Weekly

“Gutsy and emotionally anchored in real life.”
~ Hallie Ephron, New York Times–bestselling author of Careful What You Wish For

“Ellen Kirschman is one to watch.”
~ Bookreporter.com

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Suspense, Amateur Sleuth, Woman Sleuth, Police Procedural
Published by: Open Road Media
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
Number of Pages: 280
ISBN: 9781504094160 (ISBN10: 1504094166)
Series: The Dot Meyerhoff Mystery Series, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Open Road

The Rest of The Dot Meyerhoff Mystery Series

The Right Wrong Thing
The Right Wrong Thing, #2
The Fifth Reflection
The Fifth Reflection, #3
The Answer to His Prayers
The Answer to His Prayers, #4
Call Me Carmela
Call Me Carmela, #5

Read an excerpt:

From Chapter 1

It is a day of firsts. My first day on the job and my first dead body. Chief Baxter wants me to see it. His whole face is concentrated with the effort to make his point, as though he were explaining blood spatter analysis or the biomechanics of tasers. He is wearing gold cufflinks shaped like barbells. Short and barrel chested, he looks like a well-dressed fireplug. I can imagine him as a street cop, pugnacious and badge heavy.

“Don’t sit around your office and wait for cops to come to you. That’s why I’m giving you a car and a scanner. Get out in the field.”

He speaks in short staccato bursts as though he is transmitting over the radio, dropping any unessential words. A slight spray of saliva leaves shiny droplets on his desktop. He walks around the desk and stands close to me. I smell his pine-scented aftershave and mouthwash.

“This is why I have credibility. I make it my business to suit up and get out on the street once a month. I stay in shape. And I always carry.” He opens his jacket and shows me his shoulder holster. He is wearing “a custom fitted dress shirt that shows off the inverted triangle made by his broad shoulders and narrow waist. “Street cops are the lifeblood of this organization. The street is where I started. I’ve never forgotten that and I don’t want anyone else to.”

He leans against the edge of his desk, his arms folded over his chest. “I have a rookie on scene at a suicide. Ben Gomez. He’s been having trouble. Talk to his field training officer. See what you can do to help him. I’ve met the kid. Not my best hire, but I think he’s salvageable.” He lifts his index finger. “I’m putting a lot of faith in you, Dot. I’ve had a lot of trouble in my organization since I took over as chief. Some days I feel like Typhoid Mary. I’ve got four officers on stress leave and three on admin leave under investigation. No telling when any of them will come back to work. I have a small organization—seventy-five officers. I can’t afford to lose this rookie, too. It’s bad for morale plus my overtime budget is off the charts.”

He extends his hand to me. “It’s one thing to study us and write books about us. It’s another thing to hit the streets with us. You come highly recommended by Mark Edison. That says a lot. Most men don’t have much good to say about their former wives.”

He laughs a little too loudly. I wonder if he has an ex and, if he does, what she was like.

“So, welcome aboard. I know this is a tall order, but Dr. Edison said you’re the one for the job. Don’t disappoint me or him. Now, get in your car and get out in the field.” He opens the door to his office and shows me out.

As the new department psychologist, I am in no position to protest or to tell him that I’m scared to death because I’ve never seen a dead body before. Not even my father’s. What if I embarrass myself, faint or, God forbid, get sick to my stomach? I wonder how he expects me to suit up. Maybe I should put wheels on my “couch and tow it behind my car?

The radio traffic on my scanner crackles briskly, drowning out my thumping heart. Listening to it is a guilty pleasure, like eavesdropping. This is the best of two possible worlds, close to the action but at a safe remove– the unobserved observer listening to the breathlessness of the chase, the escalating octaves that betray fear, the barked commands, the unnatural calm of the dispatcher, and the final “Code 4” signaling that the short reign of terror has given way to hours of report writing and investigation.

I drive under a cool green canopy of old oaks. Light filters through the leaves dappling the street. Fifty years ago this old northern California neighborhood was considered the ultimate in affordable, architect-designed family houses. Now the current selling prices are beyond my reach and the reach of any Kenilworth cop, firefighter or schoolteacher. Neighbors are congregating in small worried clusters on the sidewalk in front of a uniquely shabby one story home. They watch as I park my car. I take ten slow deep breaths and step to the sidewalk. Spindly trees flank the walk that leads to the front door. The grass on either side of the cracked concrete path is brown and freckled with splotches of hard, dry dirt. The front door is open. I grit my teeth and walk in.

***

Excerpt from Burying Ben by Ellen Kirschman. Copyright 2013 & 2024 by Ellen Kirschman. Reproduced with permission from Ellen Kirschman. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Ellen Kirschman

Ellen Kirschman, Ph.D. is a police psychologist. and clinician at the First Responders Support Network. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, The American Psychological Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Public Safety Writers Association. She is the recipient of the California Psychological Association’s award for distinguished contribution to psychology as well as the American Psychological Association’s award for outstanding contribution to the practice of police and public safety psychology. Ellen brings her expertise and decades-long experience to both fiction and non-fiction. She is the author of three non-fiction books and a five-book mystery series featuring police psychologist Dot Meyerhoff.

Catch Up With Ellen Kirschman:

EllenKirschman.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub – @EllenKirschman
Instagram – @ellen.kirschman.copdoc
Facebook – @ellen.kirschman

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Win Big! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

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

Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

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BAZAAR by Miles Joyner Banner – Excerpt & Giveaway!

BAZAAR by Miles Joyner Banner

BAZAAR

by Miles Joyner

May 26 – June 20, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

BAZAAR by Miles Joyner

A high-profile homicide of a former ambassador’s son in the nightlife district of the nation’s capital gets connected to an assassination market on the dark web. When political elites panic upon finding their names listed on the online dead pool, entrepreneurial siblings Karen and Yemi Uzunma see a business opportunity for their DC area-based executive protection firm, RAPTOR. Their first major client becomes the ex-diplomat himself, Chiedu Attah, but to guarantee his safety, they realize they are going to have to go to war in the streets with an inventive contract killer who will not stop attacking until Attah suffers the same fate as his son.

Praise for Bazaar:

Bazaar is not just about action; it unfolds layer by layer, offering more than just a high-stakes thriller.”
~ Priya Bhasin, The Bibliophilic World

“Truly an interesting book with a perspective rarely seen in fiction”
~ Jeff Sexton, Head Librarian for Hardcover.app

“A fast-paced book that caught me off guard more than once.”
~ The Mystery Review Crew

“If you like complex, suspenseful, thrills, chills, hidden agenda type books, then I recommend giving Bazaar by Miles Joyner a try.”
~ Susan Blogs About Books

“Saying that I was awestruck by Miles Joyner’s character development and knowledge of subject matter would be an understatement. I highly enjoyed this novel.”
~ J.M. Clark, Author of Palace Program series of novels

BAZAAR Trailer:

Book Details:

Genre: Technothriller
Published by: World Castle Publishing
Publication Date: March 24, 2025
Number of Pages: 355
ISBN: 9798305201901 (HC) 9798891263369 (PB)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Kobo | Google Play (Audio) | Goodreads | Smashwords

Read an excerpt from Bazaar:

 

 

Author Bio:

Miles Joyner

A lifelong fiction writer, Miles turned to penning novels after nearly a decade of holding various producer/editor roles in the D.C. area media industry. He still pursues filmmaking in between books and finds that writing in the thriller genre only enhances that passion even more. Miles is an active member of International Thriller Writers where his novel, Bazaar, was selected for ITW’s Debut Authors Program. He also attends monthly meetings for Novels in Progress DC.

Catch Up With Miles Joyner:

www.TheBazaarVerse.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
Instagram – @maroonguerilla
X – @maroonguerilla
Facebook – @joynermh
YouTube – @mjoyner

 

Tour Participants:

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

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

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

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

2023!!!

Happy New Year!


From our home to yours wishes for a Healthy, Blessed, Happy New Year!!

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I’m Back!!!!…..And I hope to stay!!

Hi everyone!!!


Did you notice I was MIA? It’s been a rough 15 months and have been in and out of the hospital. Besides neck surgery, there were also major medical issues, which caused many hospitalizations. So many that I have lost count!!! I’m not going to bore you with the details.


Besides the medical issues, there was another issue that threw me for a loop and that was reading!!!!! I only read 7 books! this past year! I am mortified to say that number out loud and share that little nugget of info with this great book blogging community. It’s not like I didn’t have books to read, that wasn’t the problem, I just didn’t have the desire.

I need a jump start! If you know me, visit or follow my blog, then you know I’m a challenge addict! And it’s that time of the year! I am hoping that this is the kick in the butt that I need to get back on track. The funny thing is, I have only finished a few challenges in the past years that I had signed up for but I find the challenges to be fun so this year I’m only going to sign up for several that I have enjoyed in the past. My challenge page will be HERE where you can see which ones I plan on participating in. There will also be links if you want to join too!!

Holiday!!!

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From our house to yours, may you have a blessed and happy day, filled with love, peace, laughs, family, friends, and delicious food, especially desserts (wink, wink) 😉

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Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday

According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Click on title for synopsis via GoodReads.

Tuesday: (08/02/22)
Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths~ eBook from Mariner Books via NetGalley
Wednesday: (08/03/22)
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister ~ eBook from Harper Collins via NetGalley
The New Neighbor by Karen Cleveland~ eBook from Random House via NetGalley
A Harvest Of Secrets by Roland Merullo ~ eBook from Prime First Reads
Saturday: (08/06/22)
All He Has Left by Chad Zunker ~ eBook from Amazon Pub via NetGalley
Quarter To Midnight by Karen Rose ~ eBook from Berkley Pub via NetGalley

 

#Review | The Secrets We Share by Edwin Hill

The Secrets We Share by Edwin Hill

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense Thriller
My Rating: 4

Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN-10:‎ 1496735412
ISBN-13:
Pages: 304
Review Copy From: Publisher
Edition: HC

Synopsis (via GR)

A mesmerizing, twisty suspense novel perfect for fans of Mary Kubica and Riley Sager from an acclaimed author! Explore the deep bonds—and deadly secrets—between two very different sisters haunted by the crimes of their father murdered nearly twenty years earlier…

At first glance, Natalie Cavanaugh and Glenn Abbott hardly look like sisters. Even off-duty, Natalie dresses like a Boston cop, preferring practical clothes and unfussy, pinned-up hair. Her younger sister, Glenn, seems tailor-made for the spotlight, from her signature red mane to her camera-ready smile. Glenn has spent years cultivating her brand through her baking blog, and with the publication of her new book, that hard work seems about to pay off. But her fans have no idea about the nightmare in Glenn and Natalie’s past.

Twenty years ago, their father’s body was discovered in the woods behind their house. A trauma like that doesn’t fit with Glenn’s public image. Yet, maybe someone reading her blog does know something. There have been anonymous online messages, vague yet ominous, hinting that she’s being watched. And with unsettling coincidences hitting ever closer to home, both Glenn and Natalie soon have more pressing matters to worry about, especially when a dead body is found in an abandoned building . . .

Natalie is starting to wonder how much Glenn really knows about the people closest to her. But are there also secrets Natalie has yet to uncover about those she herself trusts? For two decades, she’s believed their father was murdered by their neighbor, with whom he was having an affair. But if those events are connected to what’s happening now, maybe there’s much more that Natalie doesn’t know. About their father. About their neighbors. About her friends. Maybe even about herself.

But there are no secrets between sisters . . . are there?

My Thoughts

Caveat

I have been in a major reading slump, and I mean MAJOR!! I hadn’t picked up a book since February of this year. It’s not that I didn’t have any books, or the books that I do have were not calling my name, I just didn’t have the desire to read. I’m guessing that the dry patch with my reading was due to months of me having to deal with multiple medical issues.

Then one day I received an email that I subscribe to and this email was definitely “talking” to me. There were a few titles mentioned that would help with reading slumps so I had nothing to lose at that point. I replied, explained my situation, and that The Secrets We Share by Edwin Hill sounded like my kind of book. Did it work? Did it end my reading slump?

Plot

As the synopsis asks, do the 2 Cavanaugh sisters have secrets, that you will need to read this exciting book to find out? But there are many secrets floating around among the characters, which kept this reader turning the pages as quickly as I could. The plot chilling at times and definitely thrilling.

Characters

I could easily picture the characters in my head and feel their emotions. Three-dimensional and relatable.

Setting

The setting took place in Massachusetts, which is the state right next door to me. It was very familiar to me as we have visited often, being only an hour away. While reading the book I felt that I was there. Matter of fact, one day, we had to drive into Boston for a doctor’s appointment and I read all the way there and back. Good thing my husband was driving. I was so engrossed that I had blocked out the loud music that my husband enjoys and that the hour drive flew by.

Negatives

For me, the number of characters being introduced in a short period of time was the only negative.

Before and after I choose a book to read, I will read some reviews of the book, which this time benefitted me. There were many characters, and some of the reviews mentioned this and people found it hard to keep track of them all which made them give up. Having known this from the reviews, I was prepared by making a little flow sheet as to the characters, their relatives, their relationships, etc. so that I could look at it while reading. I suggest future readers definitely do this so that one doesn’t miss out on a terrific read.

For me, the number of characters being introduced in a short period of time was the only negative.

Ending/Conclusion

The ending was definitely shocking. The suspect was on my list as to who it coiuld be, but then, I thought a lot of the characters could be the suspect. What impressed me, was that the “ending/conclusion” was wrapped up with only a few pages left in the story. Not only was it a Wait, What? moment in the end, there were many of those same thoughts several times throughout the book. This reader had to stop and reread what I had just read to make sure I read it correctly and at the same time, picking my jaw up off the floor

Overall opinion

This is the first book I read by this author but I will definitely be putting him on my radar. I enjoyed his writing style, whereas I could picture the story in my mind as if it was a movie.

I highly encourage you to look past other reviews that find the number of characters to be too much and confusing and make notes that I suggested earlier in this review. Don’t let that sway you because you will be missing out on a captivating read that grabs you from the start to the very last word.

An unremitting spine-chilling read!! It definitely ended my major reading slump!!! Thank you Alex!

I received a complimentary copy from Kensington Books in exchange for my honest review.

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
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    Mailbox Monday

    winter mailbox3

    Mailbox Monday

    According to Marcia, “Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

    Click on title for synopsis via GoodReads.

    Friday: (02/18/22)

    Please Join Us by Catherine McKenzie~ Kindle from Atria Books via NetGalley

    Tuesday: (02/22/22)
    Speed Reading by Kam Knight ~ TPB personal purchase