Book Review: “The Dreaming Crystal” & “The Slayer Rule”
Posted: July 31, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Hard Fantasy, Hard Science Fiction, Mystery, Review | Tags: Book Review, Dan Williams, Hard Fantasy, Hard Science Fantasy, Hard Science Fiction, Kaye Lynne Booth, mystery, Richard DeGrandpre, The Dreaming Crystal, The Slayer Rule, Writing to be Read Leave a comment
About The Dreaming Crystal
One reckless murder is all it takes to change the world forever. An angry ghost is trapped in a crystal prison and an unlucky few are fused to the Stone, doomed to an eternal torment of maddening shared memories.
But that was all twelve thousand years ago. Now it’s 2096 and there’s no magic and no ghosts; everyone knows! There are only little people forever scrambling to stay out of the way of big tech. Everyone knows humanity is beleaguered by drought, flooding, poverty and society shot through with corporate corruption. But no one has time to care.
Yet as Nate, Chen and Tina struggle to get by from day to day and pay to pay, the ancient ghost rages on in the Stone and the chains of power that bind it are weakening. Strange earthquakes gather force off the coast of Akarana Island and when an old house is demolished, something unbreakable is broken and Nate, Chen and Tina and everyone in the world will be drawn into the legacy of the curse of the ghost in the Stone whether they believe in such nonsense or not.
Hard Fantasy. Hard sci-fi. Gritty realism and golden characters.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dreaming-Crystal-Order-Stone-Book-ebook/dp/B0BHZQM8D3
My Review of The Dreaming Crystal
I received a digital copy of The Dreaming Crystal, by Dan Williams through Sandra’s Book Club review program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
This is a long book, but it is necessary for such an intricately detailed story, with well-conceived world building and a story crafted to span over thousands of years. The characters are well-developed, but are skillfully revealed in increments over the course of the story. By the end, I was rooting for Nate and Chen to be reunited, and hoping to see Teens, (or Tina, or Elayne?) and Rengi defeated. That being said, I must admit I was disappointed in my expectations and left feeling as if I’d missed more than a little something. Without giving up any spoilers, the ending was left a bit open ended, perhaps to give an opening for the next book in the series, but without things being wrapped up neatly, I felt there were several promises made on premises that were left unfulfilled.
An excellent hard fantasy/science fiction tale which left me feeling a bit cheated. I give The Dreaming Crystal four quills.
About The Slayer Rule
Set against the backdrop of the American West, “The Slayer Rule” is a sweeping crime drama that delves into themes of friendship, love, loss, and the silent tragedies that haunt the rural landscape.
The story begins with a dinosaur hunter being found dead at the base of a cliff, just days after our protagonist, Nick Yearsley, arrives in Jordan, Montana. Unfortunately for Nick, the local sheriff doesn’t believe in coincidences.
But Nick isn’t looking for trouble—he’s looking for dinosaurs. It shouldn’t matter what happened in Jordan thirty years ago when a twelve-year-old boy deliberately killed his drunken father in a hunting “accident.” Nor should it matter that the area has a history of disappearances and deaths dating back decades. And it certainly shouldn’t matter that the young sheriff was promoted from chief deputy because of the recent death of her husband, the previous sheriff.
What does any of this have to do with the present-day life of Nick Yearsley? On the day he arrives in Jordan, absolutely nothing. By the end of that day, with what he accidentally sets into motion, everything.
Richard DeGrandpre’s stunning crime novel employs great depth of characterization to harness the age-old power of storytelling. If you’re expecting a straightforward whodunnit or a formulaic crime thriller, prepare yourself for a page-turner that is, well, just the beginning.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Slayer-Rule-Bone-Hunter-Book-ebook/dp/B0DC4Z2DTZ/
My Review of The Slayer Rule
I purchased The Slayer Rule, by Richard DeGrandpre through a free BookBub Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I chose this book by title alone, thinking it was a thriller. It’s not. It’s a crime drama, but it did turn out to be a decent mystery. Paleontologist Nick Yearsley comes to Jorden to confront an old colleague turned nemesis, who is on a dig there. But things don’t turn out the way Nick planned at all, and suddenly he’s the number one suspect in his colleague’s death, and the pieces aren’t adding up right.
When the pretty sheriff asks him to not leave town, Nick takes the opportunity to discover some real dinosaur bones, all while trying to clear his name and stay out of an old feud between two neighbors. As luck would have it, he keeps finding himself back dab in the middle of it all.
This story kept me pondering. I give The Slayer Rule 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.
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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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Audio Book Review: “Behind You” & “A Shift in Shadows”
Posted: July 17, 2026 Filed under: Audio Books, Audiobook Review, Crime, Dark fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Review, Speculative Fiction, Thriller | Tags: A Shift In Shadows, Behind You, Book Review, Crime Fiction, Crime Thriller, Demons, Fea, Kaye Lynne Booth, Krys Janae, Maddox Grey, mystery, Rylie Dark, Speculative Fiction, Susan Marlowe, vampires, werewolves, Writing to be Read 4 Comments
About Behind You
Despite being a rising star in the BAU unit, FBI Special Agent Hailey Rock still lives in the shadow of her older sister, who remained in their small Midwestern town to become a police sheriff and who remains the favorite in their parents’ eyes. Hailey has not thought of her estranged family in ages, but when young women turn up dead in her hometown, the FBI dispatches Hailey to solve the case her sister cannot—and forces her to face demons, including that of her kidnapped sister, that Hailey wished she would never face again.
Women are turning up dead, posed in local farm fields like scarecrows, and time is running out. A serial killer lurks, and their small town never felt so small.
A cat-and-mouse thriller with harrowing twists and turns and filled with heart-pounding suspense, the Hailey Rock mystery series offers a fresh twist on the genre as it introduces two brilliant protagonists who will make you fall in love and keep you listening late into the night.
Purchase Links:
Chirp: Behind You (A Hailey Rock FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1) by Rylie Dark – Audiobook (No Subscription)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-You-Hailey-Suspense-Thriller/dp/B0BY9M881V
My Review of Behind You
I purchased an audiobook copy of Behind You, by Rylie Dark and narrated by Susan Marlowe from a Chirp Friday Freebie Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
The trail of a serial killer creating human scarecrows in her hometown brings FBI Agent Hailey Rock back to work the case alongside her small-town sheriff sister, stirring old memories and old grievances, as they follow the crime trail to discover who is responsible for these reprehensible crimes. Unable to work together, the sisters pursue their individual theories independently, and it becomes more of a race to see who can solve the crime first. But you can’t solve the puzzle until you have all the pieces, and some are still missing. We are given enough viewpoint from the killer’s perspective to be able to speculate if each of the suspects could be the perpetrator, but the identity isn’t revealed until the very end.
This mystery is well written, although the personal conflict between sisters is over played in this listener’s opinion, making both law enforcement officers seem unprofessional and petty. That said, the narrator, Susan Marlowe does an excellent job, providing distinctive voices that don’t all sound alike, but very natural, and carefully placing just the right emotional touches exactly where needed.
A well-crafted crime thriller mystery with an excellent narrator. I give Behind You four quills.
About A Shift in Shadows
Betrayed by love.
I was a fool in love once—until I learned he only wanted me for my power. I left him and found love with someone else. He retaliated by ripping out her heart.
Driven by revenge.
Every year my warlock ex-lover leaves me a bloody heart as a gift. A taunt and a reminder that I belong to him. But he’s forgotten that I’m the ruthless feline shifter that was hunting down my enemies long before we crossed paths. Sooner or later, it’ll be his heart I’m holding in my hand.
Damned by magic.
But to destroy the warlock who has haunted my dreams once and for all, I might have to embrace the dark magic I’ve been hiding my entire life. And even if I survive… it will change the course of my life forever.
A Shift in Shadows is Book One of the urban fantasy romance series Lost Legacies. Perfect for fans of stabby morally grey FMC’s, all the found family vibes, and slow burning romances.
Purchase Links:
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Shifvt-Shadows-Lost-Legacies-Book/dp/B0F14MTQWP/
Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/a-shift-in-shadows-by-maddox-grey-99acfacc04
My Review of A Shift in Shadows
I purchased an audiobook copy of A Shift in Shadows, written by Maddox Grey and narrated by Krys Janae, through a free Chirp deal. I’m offering here an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I must commend this narrator. Every character has a distinctive voice which fits the character’s personality. Krys Janae does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life, whether they be shifter, vampire, witch or warlock, fae, demon, or…. something else. Janae may be the best narrator I have as yet encountered. Bravo on a job well done.
I had a hard time getting into this world. I am familiar with werewolves and vampires, but I haven’t read a lot of stories where they exist together and socialize. Add to that, witches and warlocks, demons, and members of the fae realm, all either loving or fighting amongst themselves, and new, unfamiliar beings called devourers, and that’s a lot to learn and assimilate. There are vampire hybrids, too; vampire kids, which goes against all that I know about vampires, which comes from classic vampire literature and Anne Rice. But once I accepted that this world was different from others which I had explored and accepted it for what it is, I began getting into the characters and the world, and I have to admit, I became invested.
Lemane knows who she is, but she is unsure what she is, and she is on a constant search for answers. But it’s hard to search when you are hiding from a crazy rogue warlock, who is determined to have her as his own or destroy her. All her life she was taught to keep her own magic hidden, and since she’s not encountered any other beings which have magic such as hers, the kind that can open gateways to other realms, she fears what will happen if she lets it out, but is forced to use it to save herself and those she cares for, time after time. With a vampire for a roommate, a werewolf for a lover, and a fae for a bestie, Lemane searches for answers in this realm and beyond. But there’s more going on than she realizes, and greater powers are at work, all in a grab for control of the realms.
Can Lemane find the answers she seeks and stop an evil coupe, avoid the warlocks and vampires, and stay alive long enough to save her world and herself?
I may not know what an FMC is, but I surely know a good story when I hear one. I give A Shift in Shadows 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.
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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: “Waifs and Strays” & “Dark Desires”
Posted: July 10, 2026 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Review | Tags: Book Review, cozy mystery, Helen Harper, Waifs and Strays, Writing to be Read Leave a commentAbout Waifs and Strays
Nobody is just a cat lady.
Kit McCafferty’s life is quiet, unremarkable and filled with cat hair. In the magical city of Coldstream, located on the border between Scotland and England, Kit is viewed as little more than mildly eccentric and mostly harmless. She passes her days caring for her family of five cats, feeding the local feral moggies, and maintaining relatively good relations with her neighbours.
All that changes, however, when a teenage werewolf shows up at her door in the desperate hope of renting out a nearby vacant flat. Kit knows that the smart move is to tell him to leave. The last thing she needs is to become embroiled in complicated shapeshifter politics. But something about the secretive young werewolf tugs at her heartstrings.
It’s not long before Kit ends up caught in a maelstrom of mysterious crime and magical wrong-doing. Fortunately, there’s far more to Kit McCafferty than meets the eye and she has a few dark secrets of her own.
Of course, anyone with an ounce of intelligence knows that you underestimate a cat lady at your own peril.
Waifs And Strays is the first book in a new urban fantasy crime series. Expect mystery, magic and adventure with a heroine who will keep you turning pages late into the night. There will also be a lot of cats.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Hiss-Magic-Lady-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B0DLFQPYHB
My Review of Waifs and Strays
I purchased a digital copy of Waifs and Strays, by Helen Harper from a KindofBook deal, and I am providing an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. I chose this book because I liked the title, and the cover was pretty cool, too.
Kit McCafferty is more than just a middle-aged cat lady and ex-assassin with specialized skills. When Nick, a teenaged werewolf determined to be a lone wolf after the deaths of his parents leaves him an orphan, shows up at her doorstep wanting to rent her extra room, she has no idea what she’s getting into. It turns out Nick comes from the MacTire pack, a powerful group of werewolves, who don’t like to take no for an answer. When they can’t convince her to turn Nick out, his uncle makes it clear that he holds her personally responsible for his nephew’s safety.
When she returns home to find that young Nick has been abducted, you can imagine her concern. She takes a personal interest in finding him. Her search for Nick takes her into the depths of Coldstream, the magically town in which she lives, where she meets many of its interesting inhabitants, to uncover a dastardly plot to raise a demon and take over Coldstream and rule the world.
I loved everything about this cozy mystery tale. It is filled with surprises! I love the character of Kit, I love her uniquely feline family, and all the colorful characters who inhabit Coldstream. I give Waifs and Strays five quills.
About Dark Desires
Betrayed by those she trusted, penniless and alone, Darcie Finch is forced to accept a position that no one else dares, as the assistant to dangerously attractive Dr. Damien Cole. Ignoring the whispered warnings and rumors that he’s a man to fear, she takes her position at his eerie estate, where she quickly discovers that nothing is at it seems, least of all her handsome and brooding employer.
As Darcie struggles with her fierce attraction to Damien, she must also deal with the blood, the disappearances … and the murders. With her options dwindling and time running out, Darcie must rely on her instincts as she confronts the man she is falling in love with. Is he innocent … or is he a remorseless killer who prowls the East End streets?
Historical gothic romance set in London’s shadowed East End, blending dangerous attraction with a twisting murder-mystery. Features a desperate heroine, a brilliant and brooding physician, whispered rumors of evil, and a maze of disappearances, blood, and suspicion.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Desires-Gothic-Book-ebook/dp/B006E905OW
My Review of Dark Desires
I purchased a digital copy of Dark Desires: Historical Gothic Romance, by Eve Silver through a KindofBook deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I was drawn to this story because of the genre. Although I don’t read a lot of romance, I do like historical fiction and gothic mysteries. I’ve never read a historical gothic romance before, but the idea of this genre combination, Historical Gothic Mystery Romance sparked my interest, so I thought I’d give it a try. And I am glad that I did.
Darcie is a young woman who finds herself desperate and alone on the dangerous and sinister streets of Whitechapel. Her estranged sister, Abigail, or Mrs. Feather, offers her no sanctuary, but she calls in a favor and sends her to seek employment at the home of Dr. Damien Cole. With a cloak of foreboding fallen over her, Dr. Cole is an enigma, as he brings her home in his coach with a cadaver for company. And glimpses of late-night deliveries only casts more suspicion upon him, but there is something about him that draws her to him in spite of her secret fears. Even as she fears the worst, she finds herself unable to resist being near him. And Darcie is not the only one with suspicions and, as another woman is brutally murdered and Dr. Cole’s scalpel is found on the scene, they are all drawn in to the web of murder that has fallen near to them.
The gothic flavor of this tale is lovely, and the romance element provides an appropriate counterweight to explain the character’s actions, even as Darcie mulls over her own doubts and fears, yet she continues on in her pursuit of the man with whom she is quickly falling in love. Although it seems a slow build suspense and foreboding are sprinkled throughout, and the climax is quite satisfying.
Sinister and suspenseful, Dark Desires is a delectable mixture of genres. 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 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: “Crossbones” & “Consumed”
Posted: June 26, 2026 Filed under: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Books, Dark fiction, Fiction, Gothic, Mystery, Review | Tags: Action/Adventure, Book Review, Consumed, Crossbones, Douglas Pratt, E.Chris Ambrose, Gothic Horror Mystery, Justin Acala, Kaye Lynne Booth, Treasure Hunting, Writing to be Read 2 CommentsAbout Crossbones
Treasure hunter Rikki Talens embarks on a daring expedition down the Gulf coast of Florida, driven by the discovery of an ancient grave that could lead to one of the greatest pirate treasures in history. But she’s not the only one on the trail. Ernesto, a ruthless descendant of the very pirate who buried the treasure, is determined to reclaim what he believes is his birthright, even if it means leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
As Rikki deciphers cryptic clues and navigates deadly traps laid centuries ago, she must also outwit Ernesto and his band of mercenaries who will stop at nothing to claim the treasure first. The race is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher—for Rikki, it’s about more than just gold; it’s about uncovering the truth behind a pirate legend that could change history.
Battling the elements, rival treasure hunters, and her own inner demons, Rikki is pushed to her limits in a high-octane adventure where every decision could be her last. Can she outsmart Ernesto and secure the treasure, or will the legacy of the pirate Gasparilla claim yet another victim?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Crossbones-Talens-Adventure-Douglas-Pratt-ebook/dp/B0CXZRPRD7
My Review of Crossbones
I purchased Crossbones, by Douglas Pratt and E. Chris Ambrose through a free BookBub Deal. I’m offering an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? Crossbones is the first book in the Rikki Talens Adventure series, with a strong female protagonist capable of carrying the series. Rikki is after the treasure of Gasparilla, a legendary pirate who stole a Spanish princess and beheaded her, carrying her head with him until his vessel sank and he met his demise. As Rikki follows the clues in an attempt to find the princess’ burial spot and the treasure left behind, she must beat Ernesto and his gang of thugs, who are Gasparilla’s heirs, determined to claim their legacy in Gasparilla’s hidden plunder.
Action and adventure are the meat of this tale. I give Crossbones five quills.
About Consumed
Sergeant Nathaniel Brannick is trapped in Victorian London during a period of disease, crime, and insatiable vices. One night, Brannick returns from work to find an eerie messenger in his flat who warns him of dark things to come.
When his next case involves a victim who suffered from consumption, he uncovers clues that lead him to believe the messenger’s warning. Despite his incredulity, he can’t help but wonder if the practical man he once was has been altered by an investigation encompassed in the paranormal. That is, until he meets the witch hunters, and everything takes a turn for the worse.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Consumed-Justin-Alcala-ebook/dp/B07WLVR9QN/
My Review of Consumed
I received a digital copy of Consumed, by Justin Alcala through Sandra’s Book Club review program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own. The digital copy which I received was fraught with places where the text was confuddled in mid-sentence, often with whole lines of text missing, which may or may not appear a paragraph or two down. Needless to say, this was very confusing and pulled me right out of the story every time this occurred.
(I also have to say that I think Alcala could have picked a better title for this book. When searching for it on Amazon, I came by twenty-four other books by the same title, making it necessary to type in the author’s last name to locate the book, because it wasn’t even among them. A different title might improve discoverability for this book.)
Nosferatu, the undead, or vampires, if you prefer, a classic Victorian London setting, and a detective suffering from both consumption and opium addiction, come together to create a gothic horror crime novel which is right up there with the classics. When Sargeant Detective Nathanial Brannick and his partner are assigned to a woman found dead in her flat, with circumstantial evidence pointing to murder, it seems they’ve stumbled into something much more sinister. When they see the probable murder victim rise from her grave and she attacks them, the case turns even more puzzling. At every turn, it seems their suspect is three steps ahead of them and circling around behind. And it’s unclear just who their suspect is, as there are two Romanian strangers in town, who claim to be witch hunters, whose paths keep crossing with our detectives, who seem like likely suspects, in addition to their evil prey. People are dropping dead all around him as Brannick struggles to catch the culprit before there is another killing.
Fans of classic Dracula will love this gothic horror crime novel. I give Consumed 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: “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 1 CommentAbout 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.
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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.
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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.
