Murder on the Chopping Block - A Review

Murder On The
Chopping Block

by

Shawn Reilly Simmons

Penelope Sutherland has been given an unexpected contract to provide the culinary service for Pope Productions in Southern California, though her home territory was New Jersey. Her enjoyment of the new environment was quickly jolted by the death of the current show’s star, Sebastian Beauregard. Everyone knew who shot him, it was not so clear who had placed the fully loaded prop gun into his hand before he pulled the trigger.

Penelope and Joey, her boyfriend and New Jersey homicide detective, found themselves in the midst of a double murder that was shaking up the small community of Salacia Beach, CA, where filming was taking place. The victim’s families and the co-stars were the primary suspects. Penelope would find her life on the line before the guilty party would be revealed.

Though the seventh book in Simmon’s Red Carpet Catering Mystery Series, it was only the second that I have read. Having missed several earlier parts of the story did not in any way distract from this reader’s enjoyment of this book. This would be true for the average reader, though I would hope a library would consider adding the entire series to their collection (either as hard copies or as e-books). The book provided a relaxing 8-hour read, enjoyable whether a food-connoisseur or a fast-food junkie.______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Poker Chips and Poison - A Review

Poker Chips

and Poison 

by Rodney Strong

It begins as a friendly poker game (is there such a thing?) but ends with Betty’s death. The Silvermoon Retirement Village takes it in stride — after all, Betty was in her eighties. Except for Alice — who quickly becomes convinced her death was murder.

And when she does, she is faced with three major questions: why would someone murder Betty, who would murder Betty, and how did they do it? Because the police would not believe her, she has only one aide in her endeavor, Vanessa, a member of the Silvermoon staff.

The result is a cozy mystery reader’s cozy mystery. Working with a senior adult community as I wear my other hat, it was easy to attach some faces to members of the Silvermoon community. And as we meet the members of that community, we meet the various suspects that Alice and Vanessa must consider and eliminate. Except for ______________ (for that, you will need to read the book).

The book is a gentle read and will bring a smile to many. And the people are fun to follow — whether on-point or slightly forgetful. The book will fit well into the public library. Though focusing on a group of senior citizens, the book will likely be enjoyed by those of every age and background. My only concerns were several grammatical errors found in the first 20% of the book (more than I typically see in a book sent for review) — ironically, there were none past that point. In a private e-mail, the author assured me that these would be taken care of during the final round of editing.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the author for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Fire Storm - A Review

Fire Storm 

by

Nancy Mehl

Fire Storm is the second book in a series featuring Kaely Quinn, trained as a profiler, but because of her irregular methods is currently serving as a special agent out of the St. Louis, MO, office of the FBI. Though there are many who question her methods, her supervisor, SAC Solomon Slattery, has grown to appreciate the skill and talent she brings to her work with the FBI.

Though the relationship she has with her mother is not great, Kaely Quinn still wants to make the effort to travel to Darkwater, Nebraska, before her mother’s health deteriorates. She has been granted time off and as the story begins, we find her on the road to her mother’s home.

Stopping at a small diner to eat before going home, Kaely picks up a local paper and is intrigued by the front-page story that describes a series of fires that have hit homes in Darkwater. The local fire chief attributes the fires to misused space heaters. Kaely’s intuition tells her something more sinister is going on.

During the course of the plot, we watch the faith of three characters being challenged as they and the local police and fire departments seek to identify the arsonist that is attacking families in the Darkwater community. Jason, Kaely’s brother and most solidified in his faith is not immune to the pain around him. Kaely’s faith is growing but finds it challenged as she faces her mother and the arsonist. Noah, Kaely’s FBI colleague and partner (and boyfriend?), is the youngest believer in the group and is watching the others as they respond to their faith.

The book will easily find a home in the church or public library. Its intensity matches that of criminal minds and fits naturally after Nancy Mehl’s earlier Mind Games.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Bound For Murder - A Review

Bound For Murder

by

Victoria Gilbert

The small town of Taylorsford, VA, had its share of shady characters. Many arose from the small commune that had its origin and downfall during the ’60s on a farm located on the outskirts of town. This was of course escalated by the drug culture that was part of commune life. But now some of those shady characters were grown up and running for public office. Some were returning to visit friends. And there were those who were returning for murder.

Much of the story focuses on the town library and its librarian, Amy Webber, and a forty-year-old murder associated with the members of the commune. The more Amy discovered about the commune’s history, the more dangerous life became for her and her friends. Time was running out before there would be more murders.

The author has built an enjoyable cozy mystery that easily holds the reader’s attention from page 1 to the last sentence. Though there are two cats woven into the story, there is no library cat. But even without the cat, the book was an enjoyable read.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Fragments of Fear - A Review

Fragments of Fear

by

Carrie Stuart Parks

Evelyn Yvonne McTavish (‘Tavish’ for short) is not being believed. She is convinced that her fiance has been murdered - the police do not believe her. Evelyn tells the city pound that Marley, the Puli (a dog breed) is not hers - Mr. Brown, the attendant, does not believe her. And when she reports the death of John Coyote (a client for whom she did some artwork), the police cannot find the body or the blood she had seen on the floor. Evelyn’s credibility is going downhill fast.

All that is in the first two chapters.

The plot involves events that are over two years old, events that may involve her mother in a criminal conspiracy, and events that may involve national security issues. Tavish and FBI Special Agent Sawyer Price will need to work independently and cooperatively to piece together the seemingly disconnected pieces of information to solve the riddles before them.

Written with a light faith-based style, the book has its protagonists looking at their own spiritual lives even as they are forced to work together on the issues before them.

The book belongs in both the church and public library, as well as in the hands of those who enjoy a thrill ride from an experienced author. For those looking for a good Fall weekend read, this book may fill the bill.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.