Book Review: “Smoke and Secrets” & “The Corpse Wore Stilettos”
Posted: May 29, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Review | Tags: A.J. McCarthy, Book Review, MJ O'Neill, mystery, Smoke and Secrets, The Corpse Wore Stilettos, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
About Smoke and Secrets
Charlie and Simm, Montreal pub owners with a knack for sleuthing, thought they were taking on a straightforward case when Noah Wolfe hired them to find his missing family fortune. Their search leads them to the idyllic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where they quickly realize this is no ordinary investigation. Joined by Noah’s sharp-witted sister-in-law, Sarah, they dig into the Wolfe family’s past at a grand estate brimming with secrets.
As tensions rise, Simm’s estranged brother and his wife arrive at the mansion, adding to the already crowded and mistrustful atmosphere. A simple search for lost money turns menacing with suspicious deaths, an attempted murder, and buried mysteries that refuse to stay hidden. The deeper they delve, the more dangerous the case becomes. Charlie and Simm are forced to confront their own fears and face a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to protect dark secrets, leading to a shocking climax that will change everything.
Award-winning author A.J. McCarthy brings back Charlie and Simm in this latest instalment of her mystery series. Can the much-loved couple outsmart a killer and unlock the puzzles that threaten them?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYZX35V3/?bestFormat=true&k=smoke%20and%20secrets&ref
My Review of Smoke and Secrets
I received a digital copy of Smoke and Secrets, by A.J. McCarthy, from Sandra’s Book Club in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Always a fan of good mysteries, Smoke and Secrets, is up there with the best of them. This mystery is a big jigsaw puzzle, unfolding gradually as each new piece is uncovered. But each piece added brings even more mystery and more questions to the table, leaving the reader scratching her head in puzzlement all the way to the end.
My one complaint was with formatting issues, which made the paragraph layout weird and was distracting from the story. My eyes like to read in smooth lines and properly formed paragraphs, so this was a problem for me. I also noticed that the formatting didn’t offer page breaks between chapters, although that really wasn’t a big deal.
Simm used to be a P.I. and now cases keep falling into his lap, and his wife, Charlie is all in on helping to solve the case. This time an old client, Noah, shows up with a new dilemma to look into. His family was murdered in the last case they handled for him, and now, his brother has died and the family fortune has mysteriously come up missing. Simm and Charlie go with Noah and his siter-in-law, Sarah, to investigate the mystery and see if they can pick up a trail on the family fortune. Simms estranged brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Clarisse, show up unexpected and uninvited to round off our cast of characters. But, it soon becomes apparent that someone murdered Noah’s brother and covered up the crime.
Journals with poetic clues, secret passages and hidden keys all play a part in solving this well-crafted mystery. I give Smoke and Secrets four quills.
About The Corpse Wore Stilettos
SHE WORE A DONNA KARAN MARKED FOR REPOSSESSION.
Since Kat Waters’s father took a trip to the slammer on what she’s sure are trumped-up racketeering charges, life’s been tough. All their assets are frozen, and she’s down to the last few pairs of Jimmy Choos she can swap for rent. To keep her family out of the homeless shelter, the former socialite took a job at the local morgue—a job she’s about to lose when the body of a murder victim goes missing on her watch.
HE WORE A CAPTIVATING SMILE.
While Kat’s processing the latest victim in the prostitute serial killings, ex-Special Forces soldier Burns McPhee strolls in with an air of confidence, expecting access to the Jane Doe. While Burns tries to flirt his way into examining the latest victim, whom he thinks is connected to the death of his best friend, someone else steals the body right out from under them.
THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS.
Dodging questions from the cops and kidnapping attempts from a body-snatching psycho, Kat and Burns forge a deal. He’ll clear her name and keep her safe if she gets him information on her peculiar coworkers, one of whom he’s certain is involved with the body heist. But digging up secrets can lead to a lower life expectancy. The unlikely team will need all their talents not to end up as the morgue’s next clients while they hunt for a murderer, the missing corpse, and a pair of diamond-studded stilettos.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Corpse-Wore-Stilettos-MJ-ONeill-ebook/dp/B07Q6VZ4V9/
My Review of The Corpse Wore Stilettos
I purchased a digital copy of The Corpse Wore Stilettos, by MJ Oniell, through a KindofBook Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. This murder mystery is book 1 of A Sharp-Dressed Corpse Mystery Series.
This was just a really cute murder mystery. Morgue worker Kat Waters finds herself in the middle of a body snatching. When all the evidence points to her involvement, and it seems the police aren’t inclined to look further, she finds herself playing amateur sleuth, searching for the real body-napper. She’s not sure who to trust, including ex-Special Forces soldier, Burns McFee, who always seems to show up in the oddest places, (like at the morgue at the same time the body was nabbed). Kat just keeps getting in deeper, and McFee offers to clear her name, so she teams up with him to investigate her slightly odd co-workers in order to discover who the inside man, or woman, is that aided in the body-napping.
While Mcfee has high-tech equipment and special ops people at his disposal, Kat relies on her good fashion sense to turn up clues about the well-dressed corpse and the body snatcher, just from observing their shoes, and eliminating suspects according to their attire. Filled with red-herrings, reversals, and lots of misdirection, this mystery leads to some surprising revelations.
A well-crafted murder mystery and a truly fun read. I give The Corpse Wore Stilettos five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_____________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “The Joker’s Revenge”
Posted: May 22, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Fiction, Middle Grade, Mystery, Review | Tags: Book Review, mystery, Nancy Beaule, The Joker's Revenge, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout The Joker’s Revenge
Darci Miller is fiercely committed to being the perfect daughter for her widowed father, but his overprotective nature is driving her crazy. Set in the backdrop of a Maine summer camp in 1972, this captivating young adult mystery/romance dives deep into a dark family secret surrounding her late mother—a mystery Darci is determined to unravel. When she learns of an opportunity to become a secretary at the very camp where her mother once worked in the 1950s, she jumps at the chance.
As Darci settles into camp life, she quickly realizes that there’s more afoot than just innocent marshmallow roasts. While a malicious prankster is playing cruel tricks, the head chef is on the verge of a culinary breakthrough—a machine that eliminates fat and calories from food. This invaluable invention has drawn the attention of someone intent on stealing it for financial gain and to settle old scores.
When Darci delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers startling revelations about her mother’s past that could change everything. Amidst the escalating chaos, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her charming boss, complicating her life further as she navigates the jealousy of the spoiled daughter of the camps’ owners. Will Darci be able to uncover the truth and protect those she cares about? Dive into this enthralling tale of love, betrayal, and discovery!
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Jokers-Revenge-Intriguing-Maine-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0F1W7RJZZ/
My Review of The Joker’s Revenge
I received a digital copy of The Joker’s Revenge, by Nancy Beaule, through Sandra’s Book Club in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
This tale has a complicated mystery plot which grabs reader attention and keeps them guessing, but the presentation could have been smoother. There is little to no foreshadowing, so we learn things are in the scene or previous circumstances exist abruptly, only when their part to play is necessary, and come as a shock, pulling the reader out of the story. It throws the timing of things off and makes buy in somewhat difficult.
My other criticism of this book is that the characters are not well enough developed, which makes relationship.progression between them seem forced or fakey. I just didn’t feel it. Although Darci’s feelings toward Ryder are alluded to, it comes as shock to discover that they have a mutual relationship, making me pause to wonder why I didnt see that coming. It makes it all seem kind of sudden.
Darci takes a job at Camp Chickadee in search of answers about her deceased mother, who had also worked there, so many years ago. But, someone is playing pranks at the camp and leaving a calling card from “The Joker”, and each one is getting more serious. Darci is convinced that the pranks at the camp are connected to the time when her mother worked there, although I’m still not sure why.
As each prank gets more dangerous, and some of the campers are hurt, camp staff become convinced that Gunnar, the maintenance man is behind them, even before we see any evidence pointing to him. But there’s more going on, since DeAngelo, the cook, has invented a machine that removes the calories from food, and he’s convinced that Gunnar is after his invention.
Is Darci right about the pranks being connected to her mom’s time at Camp Chickadee? Or are they connected to DeAngelo’s invention? When DeAngelo starts acting suspicious and then, disappears, readers must wonder, but you’ll get no spoilers here.
Plenty of suspense and lots of twists, which makes it an intriguing mystery. I give The Joker’s Revenge four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_____________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Haunted River” & “Of Body and Bone”
Posted: May 8, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, Review | Tags: Book Review, Crime Fiction, Dectectives Daniels and Remalla, Haunted River, J.T. Bishop, Kaye Lynne Booth, mystery, Of Body and Bones, Paranormal, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout Haunted River
Detectives Daniels and Remalla came to Dumont for a quiet week off. They found a body on the riverbank instead – and a town that suspects they’re the killers.
The Black River has secrets. For years, locals whispered about the ghost of a murdered woman haunting its banks. Her killer was never found. Her case went cold.
Then they discover a second body on the riverbank behind Daniels’ cabin. Same spot. Same killer?
Suddenly, their peaceful vacation becomes a fight for survival. The small-town sheriff suspects them. The townspeople watch their every move. And someone in Dumont is willing to kill to keep the past buried.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-River-Paranormal-Thriller-Detectives-ebook/dp/B08HY1KL8P
My Review of Haunted River
I purchased a digital copy of Haunted River: A Murder Mystery Suspense Thriller, by J.T. Bishop through a free KindofBook deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I chose this book because of the title. I mean, who wouldn’t be intrigued by a mystery involving a haunted river? It is book 1 in the Detectives Daniels and Remalla Murder Mystery Series. Obviously, the characters carry this series.
Gordon Daniels is a great dad and husband, in addition to being a first-rate detective. Aaron Remalla is a good-looking single guy, with a healthy fear of the paranormal. Together, they charm the local residents of the small town of Dumont, (or not), and battle the bad guys, once they dispel the myth of the woman in white that roams the river and identify who the bad guys really are. This tale has more twists and turns than a winding mountain road as Daniels and Remalla try to unravel what is truly happening in Dumont, where everyone is suspect, even the local sheriff.
When a dead body is found in the river on Daniels’ uncle’s property, our two big city detectives become suspects, and the race is on to prove who really murdered the girl before the local sheriff finds a way to pin it on them. The girl is found in a place and a manner that is uncannily similar to another death which occurred in the distant past and is also tied in with the local legend of a lady in white, reportedly seen by many of the local residents.
A top-rate paranormal murder mystery. I give Haunted River five quills.
About Of Body and Bone
A kidnapper strikes again, but his evil ties to a killer reveal a dangerous threat.
After a shocking investigation ends, Detectives Daniels and Remalla are back at work, but their routine is shattered when a child goes missing and they rush to find a young boy and the man who kidnapped him. But all is not what it seems when they discover the kidnapper’s connection with a previous case and a killer now behind bars.
When Daniels becomes a target and Remalla is plagued by the past, they must trust their instincts to find a killer and protect an innocent victim. But when Daniels’ family is threatened, Daniels must choose between following the law, or breaking it.
As the killer reveals his true nature, strange abilities, and mysterious hidden ties to an evil past, Daniels and Remalla are forced to confront their oaths as officers and moral compass in order to defeat a man capable of destroying… both body and bone.
Of Body and Bone is book three in the Detectives Daniels and Remalla Series. It closely follows and should be read after Of Breath and Blood.
If you love two bantering detectives, a gripping murder mystery thriller that will keep you up at night, a touch of supernatural suspense, and a riveting fast-paced read, then enjoy Of Body and Bone.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Bone-Edge-Your-Seat-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B08W4PKQZW
My Review of Of Body and Bone
I purchased a digital copy of Of Body and Bone, by J.T. Bishop through a free BookBub deal. I am offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I chose this book because I just finished Book 1 in the Detectives Daniels and Remalla Murder Mystery Series and very much enjoyed it. So, when I found Book 3 in a free BookBub deal, I just couldn’t resist. The series is titled for the two detectives who are the main protagonists, the good guys who solve the crimes, but not before being put through the wringer by their adversaries, Gordon Daniels and Aaron Remalla.
I must say, these books are written in such a way that they work well as stand alones. Even though I skipped book 2, the author offers enough information about the interim between books. 1 and 3 to have a general idea of what happened in book 2 without actually reading it. As a reader, that’s a good thing, but I wonder if it is so good for the author.
In Of Body and Bone, Rem is still recovering from his experience with an evil cult in Book 2, and we learn that although the head of the cult is behind bars, looking at being locked away for a very long time. But her reach is far and they soon find that the kidnapper they are looking for in their current case has ties to the cult leader, Allison. It soon becomes apparent that this is no ordinary kidnapper and things just get weirder as they try and solve the case, and Allison’s lawyer tries to discredit them both. No spoilers here, but we are left with the feeling that this story may not be over yet, even as they wrap up the case.
Filled with surprises, this paranormal mystery does not disappoint. I give Of Body and Bone five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
________________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: ” Saddled Hearts”
Posted: April 10, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Review, romance, Western, western romance | Tags: Book Reveiw, Jan Sikes, Kaye Lynne Booth, mystery, Saddled Hearts, western romance, Writing to be Read 14 CommentsAbout Saddled Hearts
Colt Layne lives an idyllic life between caring for the animals on his ranch and playing music with his band. That is, until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. Now the man is dead, and Colt is facing a murder charge. He’s being framed, but by whom and why?
His only hope lies in a conversation with his deceased grandfather—an impossible task. Or is it?
His answer arrives in Sage Coventry, a psychic who can speak to the dead. Though skeptical, Colt needs her help. But he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips.
As the clock runs out to clear his name and save his beloved ranch, Colt and Sage unearth shocking revelations about the past, their love, and the future.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Saddled-Hearts-White-Rune-Book-ebook/dp/B0G3XV9C4T
My Review of Saddled Hearts
I purchased a digital copy of Saddled Hearts, by Jan Sikes through a countdown deal promoting through Author Sikes’ Newsletter. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
One might think Saddled Hearts is a western romance, but it is really a western mystery. Strange things are happening at the Double L Ranch and it seems someone is trying to take the ranch from Colt Layne. A mysterious stranger shows up, claiming to be the lawful owner of the ranch, a horse is mysteriously poisoned and fences are cut. Of course, the romance is there, too. Thinking his deceased grandfather might have answers, he seeks a reading from a medium, Sage Coventry, and falls for her before he realizes what is happening. When Colt goes to talk to the stranger and finds him dead with evidence pointing to Colt as the killer, the stakes of the game are suddenly higher, and Colt worries about bringing his beautiful new love into his life, but it takes a lot more than a little danger to discourage Sage from the man she is quickly falling in love with.
The romance seems too easy, but the mystery is quite the puzzle. The two seek answers, Colt from his grandfather’s papers and Sage from beyond the veil. Together, they piece together the puzzle and uncover the secrets which have lain hidden for three generations.
Skillfully crafted, author Jan Sikes brings her characters to life in living color and keeps readers guessing to the very end. Saddled Hearts is book 3 in Sike’s White Ruin Series, but it holds up just fine as a stand-alone. In fact, I didn’t realize it was a mid-series book until I began to do this review.
Romance and mystery, all with a distinctive western flavor, Saddled Hearts is a delightful love story with a twist. I give it five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
______________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Herbs and Homicide”
Posted: March 20, 2026 Filed under: Audio Books, Book Review, Books, cozy mystery, Mystery, Review | Tags: Audio Books, Audiobook Review, Book Reveiw, Carly Winter, Herbs and Homicide, Nicole Scott, Writing be Read Leave a commentAbout Herbs and Homicide
From Hollywood, California, to Heywood, Arizona, trouble follows her…
After her husband’s brutal killing and her fall from the Hollywood elite, the disgraced Samantha Rathbone moves to Heywood hoping to forget her past and live a quiet life of anonymity as Sam Jones.
When she takes a job at the local herbal shop, Sage Advice, and the owner is found murdered, Sam is pushed back into the unwanted spotlight when she becomes the number one suspect. As she wades through ugly family drama, the questionable business practices of others, and the lies embroiled in a small town, she searches for the true killer, hoping to save herself.
Will Samantha be able to find the murderer before she’s put away for a crime she didn’t commit?
Enjoy this free cozy mystery featuring a middle-aged sleuth staring her life over again!
Purchase Links:
Chirp: Herbs and Homicide by Carly Winter – Audiobook (No Subscription)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Homicide-Heywood-Herbalist-Mysteries/dp/B0D8JZ1YRJ
My Review of Herbs and Homicide
I purchased an audiobook copy of Herbs and Homicide, by Carly Winter, and narrated by Nicole Scott from a Chirp Friday Freebie Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I chose this book because of the clever title. It turned out to be a cute cozy mystery which helped to lighten the mood following a series of thrillers and horror stories, and it was just what I needed. Nicole Scott does an excellent job of narration, making it easy to listen to.
Samantha Rathbone came to Heywood and became Sam Jones to escape all the Hollywood drama after her ex-husband’s murder, when his illegal activities spilled over onto her reputation and she became a pariah in Hollywood circles. But, when her employer and friend, the owner of Sage Advice herbal shop, is murdered, it threatens to throw her right back into the public eye, when she becomes the prime suspect. The only way to clear her name and stay out of the press is to solve the murder herself, so she turns into an amateur sleuth, digging up family and the community’s twisted histories to discover the true murderer, calling on her Samantha Rathbone Hollywood persona to handle anyone who steps out of line. The suspects are many, and Sam isn’t sure which way to point her finger, but she must get it right or she may pay the price for a murder she didn’t commit.
Easy listening and a clever storyline make this one cozy mystery you won’t want to miss. I give Herbs and Homicide five quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and Book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
____________________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Hummingbird Moonrise”
Posted: January 23, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, Review | Tags: Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Fiction, Hummingbird Moonlight, Magic, mystery, Sheri L. Dodd, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout Hummingbird Moonrise
The past two years have taken their toll on Arista Kelly. Once an eternal optimist, now she has faced the darkness and must recalibrate what true happiness means for her. Meanwhile, Shane, her ex-boyfriend, is pulling all the right moves to help keep her sane from her heightening paranoia. But it doesn’t help that Iris, her Great Aunt Bethie’s friend, has disappeared.
Still, one additional trial remains. While searching for Iris, Bethie and Arista stumble upon a grand revelation in the eccentric woman’s home. With the discovery, they realize their run of chaos and loss of kin may have roots in a curse that dates back to the 1940s—the time when their family patriarch first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and crafted his insightful Ouija table.
This pursuit will not follow their accustomed recipe of adrenalized action, but the high stakes remain. Will the mysterious slow burn of unfolding events finally level Arista’s entire world or be fully extinguished, once and for all?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hummingbird-Moonrise-Paranormal-Mystery-Crystals-ebook/dp/B0FB5QV948
My Review of Hummingbird Moonrise
I received a free digital copy of Hummingbird Moonlight, by Sherri L. Dodd from the review program of Sandra’s Book Club in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I chose this book because of the title. It’s common knowledge that I love hummingbirds, and I couldn’t resist a story with hummingbirds in the title.
I had trouble keeping the characters straight due to so many of the character names beginning with the same letter or being very similar. We’ve got a Matty, a Manny, a Maddie, a Mike and a Mateo. Also, an Arista, an Auntie, and an Alicia. To make matters worse, Auntie is also the character of Bethie, but I was almost halfway through the book before I figured that out.
This is book 3 in the series, so that may well have had something to do with my confusion. The author does not re-introduce characters in this book for those who haven’t read the first two books. Nor are referrals to events that happened in the first to books recapped so that readers coming in late in the series have no reference. I was way past the middle of the book before I knew why I was seeing the actions of Mike and his sister, Katie and the strange little girl, while I’m sure someone who had read previous books would have understood and been able to easily follow. There are referrals to earlier events, but they are not explained well.
If you don’t mind just going along for the ride and feeling a little clueless, this is a fine story of magic and mayhem. An ancient family curse and a reversal curse have led to doom for two families. Our characters are the last souls surviving in their family lines and their survival lies in the outcome. Arista and Aunt Bethie are the last of the Kelly clan, and Iris may be the last survivor of the clan casting the original curse on their brood. However, Iris may have risen from the dead and also, she may be possessed by Fergus, whom she killed and fed to the pigs. (I guess I’m still a bit confused.)
Curses, spells, potions, gwishins, and spirit possessions. This story has all the elements of a magical mystery adventure, if you can keep everybody straight, but I do not recommend it as a standalone. I give Hummingbird Moonrise three quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
_______________________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARC digital copies, (she also accepts print copies). Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Shadows of Deceit” & “The Gift”
Posted: December 26, 2025 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Review | Tags: Book Review, Kaye Lynne Booth, Shadows of Deceit, Stephanie M. Matthews, The Gift, Timothy R. Baldwin, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout Shadows of Deceit
A rookie PI. A city full of secrets. One deadly game she may not survive.
When rookie private investigator Cassie Maddox takes on her first big case in the gritty streets of Lenape City, she stumbles into a web of corruption, betrayal, and murder.
What begins as a simple job spirals into a dangerous cat-and-mouse chase with the city’s most powerful figures.
Haunted by her father’s legacy as a decorated detective, Cassie is determined to prove herself—even if it means uncovering secrets that cut too close to home.
To find the truth, she must risk everything: her independence, her family, and maybe even her life.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG3B7LFB
My Review of Shadows of Deceit
I received a digital review copy of Shadows of Deceit, by Timothy R. Baldwin through Sandra’s Book Club in exchange for an honest book review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Young Cassie is overwhelmed by a need to prove herself as she avoids following in her father’s footsteps. So, when her first case as a P.I. turns into more than just a cheating husband, she is determined to solve it on her own. But her bulldog determination causes her to make mistakes, miscalculations and misjudgements until she finds herself over her head in web of corruption and deception, and playing a very dangerous game.
A typical hard crime novel, but the stakes aren’t high enough. Although we’re told that Cassie is swimming in dangerous waters, we don’t really see it past her friends being kidnapped and knocked around. But we don’t see that, just the after effects. It doesn’t feel so dangerous. I never really felt the peril. Even when the case is solved, I’m not sure what the real scam was, or who was doing what.
While it could be a good detective story, Shadows of Deceit fell short of the mark for me. I give it three quills.
About The Gift
“The Gift” will change Christmas forever.
The breakout thriller novel of Canadian author Stephanie M. Matthews, “The Gift” will leave you breathless in this story about a darkness that haunts a little Belgium village, and the lengths it will take to save a young woman from being lost to it forever. This is a vividly haunting Christmas story that will not be easily forgotten.
The darkness begins here.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Stephanie-M-Matthews/dp/0995313202
My Review of The Gift
I received a digital review copy of The Gift, by Stephanie M. Matthews, through Sandra’s Book Club, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. The author, Stephanie M. Matthews has done a smashing job of weaving religious and philosophical symbolism in to make the storyline work in this fantastical tale.
The Gift is a dark Christmas tale with an undercurrent theme of the age-old struggle between good and evil. Fae goes to the village of her heritage at her grandmother’s request. It is her grandmother’s wish Fae receive a very special gift, and Fae can’t imagine what it might be. The village closes down to the outside world on Christmas eve, allowing no one in or out on account of a strange event when the village was saved from a Nazi invasion which no one is willing to talk about. In order to receive her gift, she must spend the night in the village, but the villagers are less than welcoming, strongly urging her to leave before Christmas eve begins.
The more she learns about the village residents and their strange customs, the more mystery that shrouds her anticipated present, the more determined she becomes to collect it. But everything comes with a price, and the price of Fae’s gift may be higher than she ever imagined.
The Gift is everything that a Christmas tale shouldn’t be: dark and scary, with Christmas horror, rather than Christmas cheer. I give it four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Final Notice”
Posted: December 12, 2025 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, cozy mystery, Crime, Fiction, Humor, Mystery, Review, Thriller | Tags: Book Reveiw, Crime Fiction, Final Notice, Humor, Jennifer Hart, mystery, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout Final Notice
Fester Gomez is three months behind on his rent for his pricey South Beach condo and Damaged Goods is on the job. Either they convince the tenant to pay up or he’ll face eviction. The simple task turns deadly when the team discovers Gomez missing and a Jane Doe slowly decomposing in his bathtub. Serving a killer up to justice, wrestling family secrets—it’s just another day on the job for Damaged Goods.
My Review of Final Notice
I purchased Final Notice, by Jennifer L. Hart from a KindofBook deal and I am providing an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Final Notice, by Jennifer L. Hart is Book 1 in the Damaged Goods Mystery series. Damaged Goods is the name Jackie Parker chooses for their property management business when her husband, Luke, and brother-in-law, Logan, invite her to join their team as a certified process server. As one might guess from the business name, this tale contains quite a bit of humor, as Jackie is determined to find out who the dead girl in the bathtub at their first gig is, and find their missing tenant, and our trio finds themselves in some very unexpected situations. Jackie goes through outfits like someone with halitosis goes through breath mints, as she pokes her nose where someone doesn’t think it belongs.
Throw into the mix, a close encounter with Logan before she met Luke, which Luke doesn’t know about, that keeps things plenty uncomfortable among our new business partners, a mother-in-law who renews her vows every year with Jackie in the wedding party, a very needy mother of her own, and an unquenchable need to solve a mystery, and you’ve got the makings for a thoroughly entertaining cozy that won’t let you down.
I recommend Ms. Hart expend more on editing, as there were enough typos to be distracting from the story, but I had so much fun following along as Jackie tries to evict some very unusual tenants, and interact with the story’s other quirky characters, that I was willing to struggle past them and continue reading.
Comical and witty, as well as adventurous. If you can ignore the many typos, you’ll be well entertained by this cozy mystery. I give Final Notice four quills.
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “Shadows & Dreams” & “Watch Me”
Posted: November 21, 2025 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Review, romance | Tags: Andrea Smith, Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Fiction, mystery, romance, Shadows & Dreams, Suspense, Writing to be Read 2 CommentsAbout Shadows & Dreams
“That was definitely hot,” I said, propping myself up on an elbow to look at him, “going all ‘Christian Grey’ on me like that.” “Who?” he asked, totally clueless…
I wasn’t prepared for what was in store for me when I took a summer position at Sinclair Stables before my junior year of college. After all, it could only help with my chosen field of equine studies, right? My first encounter with Trey Sinclair wasn’t a pleasant one to say the least. I didn’t realize he was taking time away from his law firm in Atlanta to oversee his family’s business in Bristol Virginia over the summer.
He was definitely an alpha who liked exerting his power . . . and his prowess. And then there was all this weirdness going on there. Like something from a Hitchcock movie. I was there with baggage I didn’t realize I had. Trey Sinclair turned out to be my protector . . . and so much more!
Adult Content. 18+
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Dreams-Protective-Romantic-Suspense-ebook/dp/B00EMKJIA2
My Review of Shadows & Dreams
I purchased a digital copy of Shadows & Dreams, by Andrea Smith through a KindofBook Deal. All opinions stated here are my own.
From the cover and title, I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect a romance. But that is exactly what Shadows & Dreams, by Andrea Smith is as Book 1 in her Dream Series. It turned out to be a romance with an underlying mystery which carries into the rest of the series and keeps you reading.
I don’t read a lot of romances because I find them very formulaic and predictable. They are filled with characters whose actions don’t make any sense, because they fail to communicate clearly to one another. It has to be that way because misunderstandings serve as the obstacles to be overcome in the relationship. Shadows & Dreams met my expectations in this respect, with our heroine and P.O.V. character, Tyler Preston is young and impetuous, and she makes very poor choices, especially whenever alcohol and/or sex are involved.
Tyler Preston lands a job at Sinclair Stables for the summer, and Trey Sinclair is the owner’s son and her boss for the summer. When she discovers she has a stalker, Trey’s concern for her safety goes beyond that of a boss for an employee. As he takes control by moving her into the main house of the estate, Tyler sees the potential for disaster around every corner, but he’s a take charge kind of guy, used to getting his own way. Their set up for a roller coaster of a ride as their on again off again relationship unfolds.
A set of pearls, a torn pair of pajamas, and threatening notes, and photographs – who could the stalker be? The answers to who the stalker is and what’s really going on lie in Tyler’s past, and she must struggle to face the memories from her childhood which she’s kept buried deep inside to find them.
I quite enjoyed this romance mystery, which follows all the tropes and still keeps you guessing. I give Shadows & Dreams five quills.
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About Watch Me
Zoë thinks she has her life figured out. Ballet by day, stripping by night, and a great boyfriend… Well, a good boyfriend, other than two small problems: he’d rather look at his computer than at her, and he hates her job.
But nothing can make exhibitionist Zoë quit stripping. The rush of performing and the thrill of being seen almost make up for the lack of passion in her relationship.
When passion sparks at work, though—with a sexy older man—Zoë is forced to confront the reality of her life. Especially when she discovers the shocking truth…
That sexy older man is her boyfriend’s father.
Nick has one goal: to mend things with his son. He moved home and bought a house big enough for both of them, hoping it would bring them closer. But Tate moving his girlfriend in without asking? That’s just crossing the line.
Or at least, that’s what Nick thinks until he meets his son’s mysterious girlfriend, and discovers that the person who crossed the line… is him.
Thrown together, Nick and Zoë must navigate the thin line between temptation and betrayal, until they discover that fate has a way of making their forbidden connection impossible to ignore.
Watch Me is a story of forbidden love, scorching lust, and second chances that is strictly suitable for audiences 18+.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Watch-Me-Astra-Rose-ebook/dp/B0D8L4J39X/
My Review of Watch Me
I purchased Watch Me, by Astra Rose through a KindofBook deal. All opinions stated here are my own. Although there is a warning of adult content in the book description, I would venture to say that possible trigger warnings might be in order, since kink can contain many triggers and this story has a lot of kink. This story features content which would have been considered x-rated in my younger days.
I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover, plain and simple. I don’t do a lot of romance, but it is not unfamiliar to me, and if I’m going to read romance, I prefer it to be on the steamy side. This story met all of those expectations beyond a doubt. Zoe is caught up in trying to live out her mother’s dream of dancing with a ballet company. But, ballet classes are expensive and so is living, so to get by until her big audition with the ballet company, so her job as a stripper seems the perfect solution.
It’s a job her current boyfriend, Tate, doesn’t approve of, so when she starts doing lap dances, because that’s where the money is at, she has a hard time finding the right time to tell him about it. He’s always so distant. The more time that goes by, the more difficult it gets, and before she finds the right time, she finds that she has crossed a line with a sexy older man who comes into the club she works at, who she feels an irresistible connection with.
Although she knows she’ll never see him again, she can’t stop thinking about him. She becomes obsessed with him. As Nick does with her, hiding in the shadows to watch her at the club without her knowledge. It all seems harmless until he discovers that his son’s live-in girlfriend, who has been living in his basement, is the same girl he’s been obsessing over, and she recognizes him, as well.
As always, there are no spoilers here. If my summary has enticed you, you will have to read the book to find out how the whole situation is resolved to create the HEA (Happy Ever After), or HFN (Happy For Now), which is a requirement in every romance.
For adult readers of steamy romances who don’t shy away from sexual kink, this book is the ticket. Watch Me has an intriguing story line which leads to some unexpected outcomes. I give it five quills.
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About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Book Review: “The Murder of Sleepy Hollow”
Posted: October 24, 2025 Filed under: Audio Books, Audiobook Review, Book Review, Books, cozy mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Review | Tags: Audiobook Review, Kaye Lynne Booth, Kristin James, Michele Pariza Wacek, The Muder of Sleepy Hollow, Writing to be Read 3 CommentsAbout The Murder of Sleepy Hollow
This ghost-filled cozy mystery is perfect for spooky season! In small-town Redemption, Wisconsin, paranormal investigator Ike Krane finds himself tied up in a plot that rivals the mystery of his Sleepy Hollow namesake! With Ike accused of murder — and now, missing — can amateur sleuth Charlie Kingsley clear his name by finding who is really haunting the town?
Purchase Links:
Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/the-murder-of-sleepy-hollow-by-michele-pw-pariza-wacek
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Sleepy-Hollow-Kingsley-Mysteries/dp/B0BSB5XMNK
My Review of The Murder of Sleepy Hollow
I purchased an audiobook copy of The Murder of Sleepy Hollow, by Michele Pariza Wacek, through a Chirp Deal, because it was the perfect story for an October review. From the title to the cover image, this book screams Halloween. All opinions stated here are my own.
The narrator, Kristin James, does an outstanding job of bringing this story to life for the listener. Each character is distinguishable, as she switches to a different voice for each one. James did a smashing job.
Cozy mystery readers will love this spooky Halloween tale. Redemption is known to be a haunted town, with several haunted houses. A paranormal investigator from the town of Sleepy Hollow named – you guessed it – Ike Krane, mysterious appearances of messy jack-o-lanterns, and folks are awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of galloping hooves in Redemption. It seems the legend of Sleepy Hollow has come to town, and living in what is claimed to be the most haunted house in Redemption makes local tea maker, Charlie Kingsley a target. Add to that Ike’s old girlfriend, who shows up looking for him, and journalist from Sleepy Hollow, who throws suspicion of murder onto our good friend Ike, but…, where is Ike anyway?
Charlie plays amateur sleuth, trying to sort it all out. Could Ike really be a murderer? Or is he just a guy whose parents had a twisted sense of humor? And why does it seem that the headless horseman has followed him to town?When one of our guests from Sleepy Hollow is found murdered, and Ike is missing, it throws suspicion on Charlie as the main suspect, and puts a strain on her relationship with her friend, the local sheriff, who she is ‘not dating’.
This story plays on Halloween humor and is sure to raise a few chuckles for a really fun read. Maybe it’s not so scary, but it does raise questions to keep you guessing until the end. I give The Murder of Sleepy Hollow five quills.
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About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and book 1 in her Time-Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press, where she edits and publishes two short fiction anthologies and one poetry anthology every year amidst her many writing projects. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
___________________________
Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
