FAULTLINES by Barbara Taylor Sissel
Published by Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
ASIN: B01D04S0OK
Pages: 304
Review Copy From: Author
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5+

Synopsis: (via GR)

It’s the phone call every parent dreads: in the middle of the night, Sandy Cline learns that her twenty-year-old son, Jordan, has been in a car accident. Her nephew, Travis, was also in the car, along with Travis’s girlfriend. All three are alive—but barely. The car was smashed against a tree along a remote and winding road, beautiful but deadly, in their rural Texas Hill Country town.

In the wake of the car crash, the close-knit family is tested like never before. Jenna, Travis’s mother, blames Jordan—as well as her sister, Sandy—after reports surface that Jordan had been driving. As the young adults struggle to survive, tension between their parents escalates. But when trust is broken and a shocking family secret is exposed, it creates a perfect storm of harrowing consequences. Rumors in the small town spread like wildfire. When details of the accident are questioned, Sandy and Jenna wonder if their family has been destroyed beyond repair.

As always, there’s much more to the story…if the family is to survive, they will have to come together to confront the terrible truth and overcome their pain. But are some betrayals unforgivable?

My Thoughts and Opinion:

Barbara Taylor Sissel has done it again!!! A “can’t put down read”!!

I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Sissel, reading all of her novels, The Ninth Step, The Volunteer, Evidence of Life, Safe Keeping and Crooked Little Lies, and always anxiously awaiting the next book. This time, she gave me the great honor to read an ARC.

Her writing is creatively masterful. She interweaves characters, whereas the reader doesn’t know how or what the relationships are, and when it is revealed, it’s astonshing. The cast in this book were very believeable and relatable.

There were so many twists and turns, I found myself, at times, either gasping for air or holding my breath.

A compelling, emotional, suspenseful read! An amazing and exceptional book! A page turner! This title is definitely in my top 3 of 2016 reads, if not the best.

I highly recommend this book, and all her other books. Pre order!! However, once you pick it up, be prepared because you will be saying “just one more chapter”, and then find yourself having read many more. You will not be disappointed!!

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

BLUE MOON by Wendy Corsi Staub
Published by William Morrow
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
ISBN: 9780062349750
ISBN 10: 0062349759
Pages: 448
Review Copy From: William Morrow
Edition: PB
My Rating: 5

Showcase and giveaway below

Synopsis:

Hair neatly braided, hands serenely clasped, eyes closed, the young woman appeared to be sound asleep. But the peaceful tableau was a madman’s handiwork. Beneath the covers, her white nightgown was spattered with blood. At daybreak, a horrified family would discover her corpse tucked into their guest room. The cunning killer would strike again . . . and again . . . before vanishing into the mists of time.

A century ago, the Sleeping Beauty Murders terrified picturesque Mundy’s Landing. The victims, like the killer, were never identified. Now, on the hundredth anniversary, the Historical Society’s annual “Mundypalooza” offers a hefty reward for solving the notorious case.
Annabelle Bingham, living in one of the three Murder Houses, can’t escape the feeling that her family is being watched—and not just by news crews and amateur sleuths. She’s right. Having unearthed the startling truth behind the horrific crimes, a copycat killer is about to reenact them—beneath the mansard roof of Annabelle’s dream home . . .

My Thoughts and Opinion:

Warning…once started, be prepared to read this book through the night! And maybe read it when you aren’t alone!! It’s a chilling psychological, white knuckle read!

It is the 2nd in the Mundy’s Landing series but easily read as a stand alone. It’s a mystery wrapped in a mystery from a century past.

Ms. Staub tells a story where visuals will have you reeling and feeling that you are a bystander looking on. Characters of Mundy’s Landing are quirky, conventional, eccentric, some unstable and hiding many secrets. Many!!!

I tried reading faster so that I could turn the page to see what was next. A true thriller!

If you enjoy a whodunit, then this book is for you! But you may be surprised, as I was, finding out that there were 2 whodunits and who they were. Right up to the last page! Spine tingling! I do recommend that you read it soon because Ms. Staub gives a sneak peek into the 3rd book of this series. I, for one, can’t wait!

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

STUDENT BODIES by Susan Israel
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: May 31, 2016
ISBN: 9781611882278
Series: Delilah Price Mysteries #2
Pages: 230
Review Copy From: Publisher
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:

Delilah Price is still dealing with the consequences of her recent abduction, but she needs to keep her life on track. In order to survive as an artist in New York City, she has started working as a substitute teacher, which leaves her navigating between two worlds that are foreign to her students and educators. Detective Patrick Quick has taken up a big place in Delilah s life. That is, when he isn t consumed by a case. And right now the case that is taking Quick away from Delilah involves a serial rapist and is striking very close to home.On her way to her first day of work, Delilah witnesses a young girl falling in front of a subway train or was she pushed? The victim turns out to have been a student at the middle school where Delilah has been assigned to teach and the teacher she is subbing for is a missing person herself. As Delilah gets to know her students and befriends a teacher on staff, she realizes that many have been hiding dark secrets that suggest abuse and worse. And when yet another girl who has hinted strongly that she was abused is a no show to class, Delilah stops counting on police help and follows leads on her own. Putting a dangerous predator on her trail.The dramatic follow-up to Susan Israel s debut suspense novel, Over My Live Body, Student Bodies is a novel rippling with tension and twists.”

My Thoughts and Opinion:

I just found another author that is now on my “authors to read” list!!!!

Student Bodies is the 2nd book in this series, however, it was the first time I was introduced to this author, and it read easily as a stand alone.

Susan Israel has written a heart pounding book of non stop suspense. I found it to be one of those books where I tried reading faster to keep up with the frantic pace of anticipation in finding out “who done it”. It was a page turner from the first few sentences to the very last word with an ending that was not expected.

I highly recommend this “new to me” author, and I am sure, you will putting her on your “authors to read list. I look forward to her next novel, but in the meantime, I will be catching up with her previous books.

(Showcase & Giveaway below)

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

THE GIRL WHO STAYED by Tanya Anne Crosby
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: April 19, 2016
ISBN: 13: 9781611882230
Pages: 292
Review Copy From: The Story Plant
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:

Zoe Rutherford wasn’t sure what she was expecting when she returned to Sullivan’s Island. The house on Sullivan’s hadn’t represented home to her in decades. It was the place where she endured her father’s cruelty. It was the place where her mother closed herself off from the world. It was the place where her sister disappeared. But now that her parents are gone, Zoe needs to return to the house, to close it down and prepare it for sale. She intends to get this done as quickly as possible and get on with her life, even though that life seems clouded by her past, both distant and recent. But what she discovers when she gets there is far beyond her imagining and will change her in profound ways.

THE GIRL WHO STAYED is a remarkable exploration of the soul by a writer with a rare talent for reaching into the hearts of her characters and her readers, a novel of transformation that will leave you moved and breathless.

My Thoughts and Opinion:

Zoe, trying to escape her present situation of domestic abuse, returns to her childhood home, which she left many years ago at the age of 18 due to dysfunction, to clean it out, update and get it ready to sell. However, what she returns is more than she ever wanted to face.

THE GIRL WHO STAYED is a raw, sometimes gut wrenching, emotional read. Powerful and compelling. A story of what true “closure” really means, which the author sums up as “Maybe closure happened the instant you put a hand over the rearview mirror”.

This book will tug at your heart strings and have the reader exploring their own memories of previous days.

I would recommend this book to all, especially if you have, are or will be having the chore of breaking down their childhood home. I also think this book would be a good choice for a Book Club having many issues to discuss.

A phenomenal read!! And another winner from The Story Plant!

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Synopsis:

Each story in this series teaches a lesson the person behind the stone should have learned before committing crime, hurting someone else, or generally failing at life.

We’re about to enter Golden Stone Cemetery, where these unfortunate people are buried so deep you can barely find their markers. Their crimes are so heinous and their deeds so cruel that family members buried them here because they want to forget they ever existed.

Enter at your own risk.

Reviews:

“The stories in this collection by Fran Lewis are gripping in suspense and demonstrate a vivid imagination. I picked them up planning to read for a few minutes and couldn’t stop until I had finished the last story. Fran understands well and expresses the dark side that many people have. Motivated by greed or self-interest, some in these stories who seem like people we encounter every day are willing to undertake terrifying actions. It makes for an excellent read.” — Allan Topol, author of !e Italian Divide and The Washington Lawyer

“Hidden Truths and Lies is a compilation of stories told from beyond the grave each one filled with terror as the character faces his or her own fate. The final two stories are pure science fiction and will hopefully allow readers to see the magnitude of this talented writer.” — Susan Ross, Board Of Education, NYC

My Thoughts and Opinion:

Horror and/or Paranormal was never a genre I would read. However, after reading the synopsis I was intrigued, and decided to read this book. I’m so glad I did.

Welcome to Golden Stone Cemetery, where those have passed over, reflect on what their life on earth was. Some ask the reader if it murder or natural causes, what they did to end up in limbo, who did they hurt and some just totally disagree as to why their life ended.

This is a very quick read, not being able to put it down. A definite page turner! Ms. Lewis’ writing style is descriptive and fluid. Her characters were life like but not always liked. I look forward to reading more by this author!!

I highly recommend this book. I think this would be a great addition to a book club as their are many questions that could and would make for a lively discussion.

Book Details:

Genre: Horror; Paranormal Suspense
Published by: Fideli Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: April 7th 2016
Number of Pages: 98
ISBN: 1604149124 (ISBN13: 9781604149128)
Series: Hidden Truths and Lies is the 4th book in Fran Lewis’s FACES BEHIND THE STONES series of stand alone novellas.
Purchase Links:

Read an excerpt:

Author Bio:

Fran Lewis: Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three masters Degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge. In addition, she is the author of three children’s books and a fourth that has just been published on Alzheimer’s disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a cure. The title of my new Alzheimer’s book is Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey; Ruth’s story and Sharp as a Tack and Scrambled Eggs Which Describes Your Brain? Fran is the author of 13 titles.

Interview:

Do you draw from personal experiences and/or current events?
When creating my short stories I tend to draw from experiences that are often related in the news or from friends. Some of the stories in Bad Choices or Faces 2 are based on real life experiences such as being bullied or someone driving drunk and having to deal with the consequences. Faces 3 and 4 are quite unique unto themselves and both deal with someone that has been wronged or someone who has wronged them. The inspiration for these stories came to me after my sister passed away and I attended and created the program for her memorial service the following year. I imagined what would happen if she could tell me how she feels, what really happened that day and why she is gone. I walked around several other sites on the cemetery and began wondering what stories each person behind the headstones would tell if they could. Hence: Each story is told from the point of view of the person that passed away.


­Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where 
the story line brings you?
I begin by deciding the titles and people behind the stones whose stories I want to tell and why. I create table of contents and then begin writing. I never know just how justice will be served until the last page is written.


­Your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?
As a reviewer I feel a certain responsibility to the author’s waiting for my reviews so I always start my day by trying to read at least three books a day and create the reviews. I am the editor and creator of my own magazine and write articles in what I call the Speak Out section so sometimes my novel or short story writing takes a backseat. But, not to worry: Faces Five is in the works.


­Is writing your full time job? If not, may I ask what you do by day? 
­
I worked in the NYC Public Schools as a dean, assistant to the Assistant Principal, reading and writing specialist and peer mediator. I retired in 2003 when my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my sister dared me to review a cookbook just for fun. I don’t know when end of the stove from another so this was a real challenge. But, I did it and Martha Cheves book was fun to review and my review was anything but ordinary. Humor is something I like to add when I can and I did.

Who are some of your favorite authors? 
­What are you reading now?
My favorite authors are: Steve Berry, Jon Land, Vincent Zandri, Larry Thompson, Daniel Palmer and children’s author: Martha Casper Cook. At the present time I am reading 5 books at once: Nothing but Echoes, Guilty Minds, America’s First Daughter: the story Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Hot Start and When Shadows Come.


­Are you working on your next novel? Can you tell us a little about i?
Faces Five is in the works. It will be in two separate parts: the first three or four stories will be based on the lives of real people and the next six based on real live events.


Fun questions: 
­Your novel will be a movie. Who would you cast?
If I had to cast the driver of the limo it would be Alfred Hitchcock and I would have loved for him to direct the movie. The actor who played Lurch on the Addams Family would be great for the undertaker. The characters are real people so I think real people not just actors might play the part of the drunk teens, the dangerous drivers, the nasty girls and the bullies.

­Manuscript/Notes: hand written or keyboard? I type everything. I take notes and then because my handwriting is not so great I wind up rewriting them and then giving up and return to the keyboard.


­Favorite leisure activity/hobby? 
­Favorite meal?
I love to walk and of course read. I love listening to classical music and my favorite food is pizza and I love oatmeal. I am on a special diet and at times I just eat foods that are bland. But, no one can give up Pizza of course without sauce.

Catch Up:

Tour Participants:

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win!

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Fran Lewis. There will be 3 US winners of one (1) eBook copy of Hidden Truths and Lies by Fran Lewis. The giveaway begins on June 13th and runs through July 31st, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

DEAD IS DEAD by John Lansing
Published by Simon & Schuster / Karen Hunter Publishing
Publication Date: May 30, 2016
ISBN: 1501147560
ISBN13: 9781501147562
Series: The Jack Bertolino Series Book 3
Pages: 345
Review Copy From: Simon Shuster
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5+

Synopsis: (See showcase and giveaway below)

From the “pulse pounding” (Kirkus Reviews) writer of TV hit Walker, Texas Ranger comes a riveting Hollywood thriller that will keep you captivated until the shocking conclusion.

Retired Inspector Jack Bertolino gets his first taste of the erratic nature of Hollywood when A-list producer, George Litton, options one of Jack’s recent cases for a film.

Jack is engaged as the film’s technical advisor, which stars It Girl Susan Blake. But more importantly, he’s on hand to keep a protective eye on Susan, who’s being harassed by a disturbing cyber-stalker.

But that’s not all that starts to turn Jack’s world upside-down. When a six-year-old girl is shot dead in the living room of her family home, just blocks from where the movie is being filmed, Jack realizes there are threads connecting the movie, the murder, a brutal gang of brothers, and a terrifying body count.

Will Jack be able to find justice for the young girl and keep Susan safe? Or will this be his last and fatal trip to Hollywood?

My Thoughts and Opinion:

WOW!!!! I literally could not put this book down, having read it in a 24 hour period.

I became a fan of John Lansing after reading Blond Cargo and The Test and Dead Is Dead did not disappoint. Matter of fact, it was exceptional!!!!

Dead Is Dead is non stop, palpable, nail biting action! A definite page turner! Intriguing, thrilling, compelling!

Mr. Lansing’s writing style is so descriptive that it allowed this reader to create vivid imagery.

I found only one negative with this book, which is, I now have to patiently wait for Mr. Lansing’s next novel.

I highly recommend this read, however, plan to read it in one sitting as you won’t be able to put it down!!!

Bravo John Lansing!!! You did it again!!!

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Synopsis: (see showcase and giveaway below)

Given the opportunity, would you assume someone else’s identity and leave your old life behind? A serendipitous crossing of paths between Lisa Barnes, a down-on-her-luck job seeker, and Julie Forman, a personal trainer to an Olympic hopeful, forever changes the course of both women’s lives. One winds up dead and the other finds herself a fugitive, hiding behind one lie after another as a cold-blooded killer methodically hunts her. Desperately trying to stay alive, the terrified woman enlists the help of Forensic Instincts, a rogue investigative team that clandestinely operates in the gray area between legal and illegal. Safeguarding their client’s deception, Forensic Instincts digs into dangerous territory as they try to find out who’s after their client and why. Meanwhile, bodies are piling up in Chicago, New Jersey, and Vermont as a megalomaniacal genius will stop at nothing to eradicate anyone who threatens the success of his medical breakthrough. With an unhinged client and a monstrous criminal enterprise as its adversary, Forensic Instincts is forced into uncharted territory to protect their client and save one of their own from becoming the next corpse. Forensic Instincts is an unorthodox, criminal investigative team that carefully navigates the fine line between legal and illegal. The team consists of a behaviorist, a former Navy SEAL, a techo-wiz, an intuitive, a pickpocket, a retired FBI agent, and a human scent evidence dog.”

My Thoughts and Opinion:

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Kane, and even though it is the 5th in the series of the Forensic Instincts, it was easily read as a stand alone. However, after turning the last page, I plan on reading all the previous books.

It is fast paced with many twists and turns. Murder, stolen identity, mistaken identity, the underworld of Performance Enhancing Drugs, the realization of right and wrong and thought provoking.

I found the characters to be well developed and relatable. Without divulging a spoiler, I found myself wondering what I would do if I was in Lisa Barnes position and I’m sure, you will be asking yourself the same question.

I highly recommend, but do suggest, that you read the previous books to get better acquainted with the characters of Forensic Instincts.

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.
DISCLAIMER
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.
ADDENDUM
I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am an IndieBound affiliate. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Synopsis:

Given the opportunity, would you assume someone else’s identity and leave your old life behind? A serendipitous crossing of paths between Lisa Barnes, a down-on-her-luck job seeker, and Julie Forman, a personal trainer to an Olympic hopeful, forever changes the course of both women’s lives. One winds up dead and the other finds herself a fugitive, hiding behind one lie after another as a cold-blooded killer methodically hunts her. Desperately trying to stay alive, the terrified woman enlists the help of Forensic Instincts, a rogue investigative team that clandestinely operates in the gray area between legal and illegal. Safeguarding their client’s deception, Forensic Instincts digs into dangerous territory as they try to find out who’s after their client and why. Meanwhile, bodies are piling up in Chicago, New Jersey, and Vermont as a megalomaniacal genius will stop at nothing to eradicate anyone who threatens the success of his medical breakthrough. With an unhinged client and a monstrous criminal enterprise as its adversary, Forensic Instincts is forced into uncharted territory to protect their client and save one of their own from becoming the next corpse. Forensic Instincts is an unorthodox, criminal investigative team that carefully navigates the fine line between legal and illegal. The team consists of a behaviorist, a former Navy SEAL, a techo-wiz, an intuitive, a pickpocket, a retired FBI agent, and a human scent evidence dog.”

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC
Publication Date: May 17th 2016
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 1682320006 (ISBN13: 9781682320006)
Purchase Links:

Read an excerpt:

Author Bio:

ANDREA KANE’s psychological thriller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, became an instant New York Times bestseller, the latest in a long string of smash hits. With her acclaimed signature style of developing unforgettable characters and weaving them into carefully researched story lines, Kane has created Forensic Instincts, an eclectic team of maverick investigators. Recruited because of their special talents and dynamic personalities, the high-energy members thrive on blatantly disregarding authority. Armed with skills and talents honed by years in the FBI and Special Forces, and with training in behavioral and forensic psychology, this unstoppable team solves seemingly impossible cases while walking a fine line between assisting and enraging law enforcement.

With a worldwide following and novels published in over twenty languages, Kane is also the author of numerous romantic thrillers and historical romances. She lives in New Jersey with her family, where she is busily crafting a new challenge for Forensic Instincts.

Catch Up:

Tour Participants:

Join In:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Andrea Kane. There will be 6 US winners. One There will be THREE (3) winners for this tour. The winners will each receive an eBook copy of The Murder That Never Was by Andrea Kane. The giveaway begins on May 9th and runs through June 9th, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours