Digging Up Death, by Gina Conroy

Writer Interrupted

Mari Duggins is at a turning point in her life. Her husband left her alone with her two children and her brother two years ago to return to the archeology field in Egypt. Now, she is vying for a prime time TV spot to bring in more money for her family. About to begin her current program on archeology, her colleague has a heart attack, then her old lover shows up, bringing back lots of old feelings. When she hears that her colleague is dead, and her ex-husband is accused of stealing Egyptian artifacts, Mari stumbles around trying to find the killer, while trying to avoid her feelings for her old lover.

Mari's life is a series of crazy events that never stop dragging her down as she attempts to make the best choices for she and her family. Her friend Elizabeth attempts to share her faith, but Mari does not believe that God will accept her because of her past. Mari trudges through life trying to keep all the balls in the air, working for more money, happy children, and gluing her marriage back together. When she finally hits a wall and breaks down, Mari accepts Gods love and sees that This story is interesting and keeps you guessing until the end as Mari learns that God and family are the most important things in life. I'd recommend this for women who are looking for something more than a basic mystery or love story. 

Published by StoneHouse Ink on November 28, 2012.

Gina blogs atWriter Interrupted

A Duke’s Promise: A Forgotten Castles Novel, by Jamie Carle

B&H Publishing

Jamie Carle creates beautiful scenic pictures in her novels, and A Dukes Promise is an excellent example of that. The Duke and Alexandria travel across Europe to locate her parents in an attempt to save them. A Duke’s Promise is the final book in the Forgotten Castle trilogy, wrapping up the story beautifully. Read the three novels in order for the most enjoyment. I recommend this for those who enjoy clean romances with a suspenseful side, along with such beautiful word pictures that I had to keep Google-ing the sites so that I could see if they were correctly described…and they were.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by B&H Publishing Group on September 1, 2012.

The Guardian Duke: A Forgotten Castles Novel, by Jamie Carie

B&H Publishing

After the King ordered Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton to be the guardian for Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are missing. Alexandria, who practically raised herself, does not feel the need for a guardian at this point. Alexandria wants to find and save her parents, and she assumes that the Duke is a stuffy old man who will put a stop to her desires. Immediately, Alexandria begins her plans to find her parents while keeping away from Gabriel and walking right into danger.

The Guardian Duke starts this series off on the right foot. Carie weaves an interesting romantic mystery as the main characters deal with personal problems and attempt to strengthen their relationships with the Lord. Carie describes the scenery beautifully, building visual pictures of the travels. This is a great read for historical romantic mystery readers of all ages.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by B&H Publishing Group, February 1, 2012.

A Plain Death: An Appleseed Creek Mystery, by Amanda Flower

B&H Publishing

Chloe Humphrey, a big city girl, moved to Appleseed Creek to take over the IT department at the local college. On her drive to the town she notices a young Amish girl being hassled by two scary looking men, so she gives her a ride. This act of generosity opens the door to other Amish friends, dangers, and problems. When her new roommate, the young Amish girl, borrows her car and kills an Amish Bishop, she decides to get involved to try to save her young friends.

I totally enjoyed this book, and will definitely read the next in the series.  This is not a typical Amish fiction book, it is just based in Amish country, and the Amish play background roles. The mystery has enough twists and turns to hold interest, and the characters have the depth that makes them friends. I would definitely recommend this for readers who are looking for a fun read that is not too simple.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by B&H Publishing Group, July 1, 2012.

The Forgiven Duke: A Forgotten Castles Novel, by Jamie Carle

B&H Publishing

Alexandria Featherstone’s parents have spent their lives chasing mysteries, now they have disappeared. Alexandria is determined to find them. In this second part of the story, Alexandria agrees to marry Lord John Lemon since he agreed to go with her and help her on her quest.  Just before the ship takes off for Iceland, Alexandria catches a glimpse of her guardian on the shore. Since the King sent her guardian to bring her home, she doesn’t want to connect with him, but they have been exchanging letters and he holds her heart. Now, her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton, and men from Spain and France all want to find her so that they can track her parents or keep her from tracking her parents. Alexandria races across the beautiful vistas of Iceland as she tries to beat the others and find her parents.

I enjoyed this story because it is more than a romance with lots of history as well as interesting descriptions of interesting people and places. More than once, I looked up pictures on the Internet to see if it could possibly be as beautiful as described. Now, I can’t wait to visit Iceland.  This is a fun enjoyable read, recommended for readers of romance with mystery and travel.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com.

Don't Ever Get Old, by Daniel Friedman

Lately, I've run across several books that have heros that are older than the typical 20 something.  Since, I am definitely older that that, I've really enjoyed reading these books. So, I'm actively looking for books that have older main characters, as does this one.

Minotaur Books

Busk Schatz is an old man, who lived a long and active life that included fighting Nazis in WWII and thirty years as a police detective. Now, in his late 80s, he just wants to be left alone, but when his old army buddy calls him to his deathbed, his wife forces him to go. His buddy tells him that he let the prison camp commander that tried to kill Buck, escape, taking a gold bar as payment.  Buck looses his temper and refuses to forgive Jim, causing Jim to die. Unfortunately, Jim told others about the gold the Nazi was carrying, and now everybody thinks that Buck is out to find the gold, along with his old enemy.

I laughed. I cried. I loved this. It is definitely not Christian, nor is it clean. Buck is Jewish and there were several words I had to look up, along with the language that coincides the job of police detective. So, be prepared for a little profanity. It is great to see a hero that is a geriatric patient, too, but the way he blasts through life saying what ever he wants and doing whatever he wants is definitely good for a laugh. His fear of being put in a rest home is palpable.  Great, fun read for mature men and women who like a mystery. Reminiscent of Clint Eastwood in that movie Grand Torino, not for the faint of heart.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com.

Published by St. Martin’s Press on May 22, 2012.

The Next Target by Nikki Aranna

David C. Cook

The tension begins on the first page as you learn that the main character, Austia Donatelli, works ministering to newly arrived Muslims in The United States.  Austia runs a career center locates jobs for the newly arrived and teaches English classes to Muslim women at night, showing them Chrisitan love through her work.  When one of the women asks questions about Jesus, she shares her faith with them.  After an honor killing of a young woman that she helped escape the chains of Islam, Austia begins to be aware that she is being tracked and watched.  Zaki a man who works for Hassian, a local radical leader shows up at odd times.  Even scared, Austia continues her work, but trouble comes from unexpected places.

As radical Islamists continue their jihad on Americans and Jews, and they increase their demands here in America, the tension between the groups escalates.  Due to the extreme terrorism, Muslims are seen less as individuals, and more as angry mobs.  Aranna builds a great story around this tension, giving the reader insights into the lives of those caught up in radical power with strong characters who work against the evil onslaught.  This is a great read, recommended for readers who like suspense and romance built around a topic that is in newspaper headlines daily.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by David C. Cook on June 1, 2012.

Relentless Pursuit: A Novel, by Kathy Herman

David C. Cook

Relentless Pursuit was a breath of fresh fiction air for this predominately fiction reader. After reading a couple of non-fiction books, it seemed like this one just flew by.

Relentless Pursuit: A Novel, by Kathy Herman

This is the third installment in the Roux River Bayou that has been great fun to read. This book takes the reader back to Louisiana, with all the flavors of the south including hospitality and wonderful Cajun food.  Many of the characters from the other novels play a role here, with Zoe’s long lost brother showing up, causing her much anxiety, while the town deals with a killer that laced arsenic in the food at a local buffet as well as several bottles of water. When a killer could strike anywhere, everyone is nervous, and Herman keeps you guessing almost to the end of the book.

Herman’s books make you feel like you dropped down into town and talk to old friends. The characters are warm and believable, as they attempt to deal with strain the way that God chooses to lead them. Great fun, clean reading, I’d recommend this book to anyone that loves a good mystery.

The Hammer of God, by Tom Avitabile

Definitely a Page Turner of Major Proportions!

Fiction Studio Books

Bill Hiccock is a man of science that works for the President of the United States. He created a network of scientists that bounce information off each other anonymously over the Internet, gleaning answers through virtual brainstorming. Information from his group starts him down the road to intercept a group of terrorists that have links to the neighborhood of his youth and childhood friends. The Islamic Jihadists put together a plot filled with twists to prevent detection, leading Hiccock and his team across the world.

The book is filled with military and scientific terminology giving the information a tensely realistic feeling. The plot races from action to action, leaving the reader breathless. The author paints such realistic pictures that the reader rides on the belief that the descriptions of Washington, defense, and the battle against terror are entirely accurate. Best thriller I have read in a long time. I missed the first in this series, but I will definitely go find it ASAP. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys tense, military, political thrillers.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Released through Fiction Studio Books on April 10, 2012.

Eyes of Justice, by LisWiehl with April Henry

Great Murder Mystery

Thomas Nelson

Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole make up the Triple Threat of justice, each working in a different area fighting against crime. When Cassidy, a crime reporter, receives a phone call offering her a tip to catch some bad cops, including her ex-boyfriend, she does not hesitate to take the bait that pulls her to her death. Allison, a DOJ attorney, and Nicole, FBI, discover Cassidy’s body, and immediately begin the journey to discover her killer. Along the way, they meet Ophelia, an autistic woman that works to save women in trouble. 

This book hooked me from the beginning. I am not sure whether it was the friendship between the three women, their reliance upon God for strength, or the murder mystery.  It was highly enjoyable, and a great read. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys crime/murder mysteries. Though this is a part of a series, it works well as a read alone.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by Thomas Nelson, April 3, 2012.

An Uncommon Grace, by Serena B. Miller

Touching Story of Changing Lives with Thrilling Mystery

Simon & Schuster

Grace Connor is a military nurse in Afghanistan when she receives an email from her sister asking her to return home due to her grandmother's heart attack. She has only been home a few days when an Amish neighbor, Levi, appears at her doorstep asking for help for his mother, a shooting victim. This is the beginning a compelling story that clashes an Amish man with the English lifestyle, making him question the strictness of the Ordnung that even forbids efforts to protect themselves with safety measures. Grace runs up against the strict laws when she attempts to care for Leiv's family, her grandmother and her teenage sister. Grace and Levi are attracted to each other, but they choose to ignore the response because of their religious differences, but a fate throws them together with storms, accidents, and a heartless criminal.

This book grabbed me from the first chapter as Grace seeks God's will for her life, then attempts to help her neighbors without stepping on their beliefs. The frustration felt by Grace in what she sees as pointless law, along with Levi's questioning of that same law is easy to understand and feel. An Uncommon Grace does not set the Amish lifestyle up as the perfect ‘Godly’ lifestyle that many see it, but pulls out questions that apply to all Christians in all faiths. Grace and her family use scripture to back up their beliefs, while Levi uses the ordnung.  This highly interesting book kept me up all night with the twists and turns. I would recommend this book for any Christian looking for a great read with many interesting plot twists that include thought provoking Christian ideals.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Simon & Schuster, Inc., Howard Books, published April 3, 2012.

Cuts Like a Knife, by M.K. Gilroy

Full of Tension!

Worthy Publishing

Kristen Conner, the newest detective on the force, does not know that a new serial killer in town focuses on her. Attempting to live up to her father’s reputation at the police department, Kristen pushes herself to go the distance, with her family, in the department, and during self-defense training, but not at personal relationships. The FBI lists AA meetings as a place where the killer met some of his victims, so Kristen begins attending, meeting some others there that help her grow, but all the while the killer watches. Where will he strike next?

This is a great read!  Kristen relies on her family, but also on the Lord for her strength. Maybe I am slow, but Gilroy kept me guessing almost until Kristen figures out the identity of the killer, and I was on pins and needles with the ending.  I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a hunt for a serial killer, but the Christian adds to the depth. Though there is violence, there is no profanity or sex.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Published by Worthy Publishing, April 3, 2012.

Cooking the Books: A Sloane Templeton Mystery by Bonnie Calhoun

Calhoun, B. S. (2012). Cooking the books: A Sloane Templeton mystery.

     Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press.

Abingdon Press

Crazy, Fun Mystery

Sloane Templeton’s life is turned upside-down with the death of her mother, the inheritance of her mother's bookstore right after her divorce, followed by her boyfriend abusing her. That should be enough for anybody, but when you throw in a crazy want to-be Chef aunt that wants Sloane to be her taster and over diligent real estate agents attempting to force her to sell her property, you get total bedlam. Sloane does not know if she should be avoiding her ex-boyfriend, her aunt, or the real estate agents while dealing with geriatric gunslingers and crazy customers. Cooking the books is full of twists and turns until the very end.

The cast of Cooking the Books is hilarious and full of quirks that make the story fun to read in keep the pace rapid, while the twists in the plot keep the reader guessing until the end. Great fun and many laughs, the story is profanity free and highly enjoyable. I would recommend it for readers looking for light, fun mysteries with enough puzzles to keep it interesting.

Received Galley from NetGalley. com

13 Hangmen by Art Corriveau

Corriveau, A. (2012). 13 Hangmen. New York, NY: Amulet Books.           

Great Fun, Interesting Premise

ABRAMS Books

In 13 Hangman, Tony is approaching his thirteenth birthday when his parents receive the news that Tony inherited his uncle's house in Boston. Though Zio Anthony visited the family at Thanksgiving, they have never been close, but the will stipulates that the family must to move to Boston and Tony has to live in the attic bedroom. Since Tonys twin brother drive him crazy, he is thrilled with the promise of his own room. However, when they arrive, immidiately problems pop up beginning with the next-door 

neighbor accusing Tony's dad, Michael, of murdering Zio Anthony. When long dead thirteen year olds begin showing up in Tony's bedroom, it only takes him a little while to to begin putting the mystery together, and save his family. 

This book is well thought out, amazingly linked to history, and just great fun to read.  The main character is a chunky nerd constantly on the receiving end of his brothers' ridicule. Like many kids today, he lives more in the virtual word, than the real world, but the move pushes him to make decisions and choices that he wouldn't have otherwise made, giving him power that all preteens yearn for and can relate to.  The connections to history add depth for the history buff and might hook some others. This is an excellent addition to the middle school crowd that doesn't include vampires or witches.  It could even be used as part of a lesson to research the fiction/non-fiction elements of the story. 

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Supernatural Devices (A Steampunk Scarlett Novel: Bool 1)

Gow, K. (2011). Supernatural devices (A Steampunk Scarlett novel: Book1). The

     EDGEbooks.com.

Scarlett, the daughter of world traveling archeologists, sees more that most and is open to new ideas and oddities.  When family friend contacts Scarlett to return home from another boring trip, Scarlett is thrilled.  Her parents agree because they know and love Holmes’s, so she moves quickly to get home.  A thief steels Scarlett’s satchel from the steps of Holmes’s house kicking off a series of events that stretch even Scarlett’s mind and put her in danger.  Scarlett discovers that she has a lot to learn and discern from those around her, but then since she sees figures from the spirit world, perhaps she should not be too surprised.

This book is a fun read, and Gow's story line moves rapidly holding your interest hostage with the twists and turns.  Although the men in Scarlett's life imply that they would like to be intimate with her, Scarlett only kisses them. This is my first foray into the steampunk genre, and I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed Gow’s book.  I would recommend this book to teens, or anyone, who enjoy vampires, mysteries, or love stories because Supernatural Devices is all that.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

Cherry Blossom Capers

Putman, C., Conroy, G., Devine, F., & Sowell, L. (2012). Cherry blossom capers.

     Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour .

Set in Washington, D.C., Cherry Blossom Capers tells the story of four women in four stories that are connected, but separate.  The four women live in condominiums that allow them to keep friendly track of each other.  Tara Whitley is an assistant chef at the White House who runs into an old friend searching for a breach in the security there.  Ciara Turner is an attorney fighting for women and children in divorces when she and another attorney become prime witnesses in the murder of their old employer.  Samantha Steele a budding archeologist is caught up in a forgery scheme at Mount Vernon. Susan Holland stumbles into danger when she inherits a mansion from her uncle.  All four women depend on each other and God to see them through to safety, encountering love interests along the way.

Christian fiction is often bland and uninteresting.  Cherry Blossom Capers has interesting characters, and interesting action to keep the reader involved.  All the characters suffer trials and stumbles in their day-to-day lives as they attempt to live according to their beliefs.  Possibly the four different authors lend the characters such separate personalities that they it gives the story more depth and perhaps one author might achieve.  Interesting book, written with an interesting format.  I really enjoyed it. 

Received Galley from NetGalley.com