Little Mouse’s Sweet Treat by Shana Hollowell

February 20, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Little Mouse’s Sweet Treat by Shana Hollowell
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Little Mouse goes on an adventure in search of something sweet. He meets friends along the way that share their preferred treats with him, but none are quite right for Little Mouse. He is disappointed until he arrives home and realizes his Mommy baked the sweetest treat just for him – cookies!

Everyone needs a treat sometimes.

I loved how tailored this was to its audience. It used repetition and gentle rhymes to give little ones clues about what would happen next as it talked about something that most children are excited to enjoy now and again: sweets! Picture books work best when they pay such close attention to what kids like in my opinion. When they can make good guesses about what might happen next, it’s easy to keep them interested in turning to the next page.

There were a couple of places where the rhymes felt a little off-balance to me due to some pages having longer sentences than others did. While I didn’t expect them all to be exactly equal, it would have flowed better if they had been more similar to each other. This is a minor criticism of something I otherwise thought was adorable.

Not everyone likes the same things, of course, so one of the exciting moments happened as the little mouse realized that his idea of the perfect dessert didn’t necessarily match what others were looking for. It makes me happy to read books that encourage readers of all ages to think about the world from other points of view and treat their friends and neighbors with kindness and respect. The more examples we have on how to do this, the better.

Little Mouse’s Sweet Treat couldn’t have been a better introduction to Ms. Hollowell’s work for me. What a fun adventure it was. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester

February 19, 2025 By Leave a Comment


You Will Be Peter by Jerry Lathan with Steven Manchester
Publisher: Forefront Books
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Fiction
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

He’s one of the most well-known figures in cultures around the world, etched into stained glass, painted in frescoes, even caricatured as standing at the gates of heaven with a long white beard and keys in hand. But long before he was portrayed as a venerated and untouchable figure, Peter was simply known as Simon, a twenty-something fisherman in a far-flung Jewish province controlled by the Roman Empire.

Loyal and faithful, impetuous and passionate, Simon’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a man called Jesus of Nazareth, rumored to be the long-awaited Messiah who would rescue the Jewish people from oppression. When Simon meets Jesus, the mysterious man tells him, “You will be Peter,” a prophetic statement that would slowly transform Simon’s life. Eager to be free of the Romans, Simon joins Jesus in hopes that he can guard this leader who will, undoubtedly, build an army to challenge Rome. But as Simon waits for the army to form, he watches Jesus show a compassion for others Simon has never seen before. The miracles Jesus performs—healing the sick, feeding crowds of thousands—show not a display of military might, but of service and love.

Real, relatable and impeccably researched, You Will Be Peter draws on the four Gospel accounts to weave Simon Peter’s story into one seamless tapestry. Readers get a front-row seat to Simon’s three-year walk with Jesus, as Simon watches the Son of Man feed the hungry, raise the dead, upend the status quo and challenge the elite during one of world history’s most pivotal seasons.

In perhaps one of the greatest miracles, we can see ourselves in Simon, this ordinary man Jesus chose to accompany Him. Simon wasn’t well-educated, but he was faithful and headstrong. Though he could rush to judgment and use a foul word from time to time, he was the kind of friend who loved fiercely and was doggedly loyal—until he wasn’t. Although he failed, Simon wasn’t cast away from Jesus’ mission. In fact, his failures and subsequent redemption made him a more empathetic and capable rock upon whom the Church was built.

With storytelling artistry that transports readers to the first-century world, with the sights, sounds, and smells of that time, You Will Be Peter shares an age-old story told from a new set of eyes: it’s possible for one ordinary person, however unlikely, to change the world forever.

In You Will Be Peter, authors Jerry Lathan and Steven Manchester craft a remarkable narrative that revisits the life of one of history’s most iconic figures, Simon Peter. Often depicted in religious art as the esteemed apostle with keys in hand, Peter’s origins as an ordinary fisherman are seldom explored in depth.

This story delves into the transformative journey of Simon Peter as he encounters Jesus of Nazareth, illustrating how an uneducated man’s faith and loyalty can lead to a monumental impact on the world. At the story’s outset, we meet Simon, a young fisherman living under the overbearing rule of the Roman Empire. His life is one of simplicity and routine, until the arrival of Jesus, a man whose reputation as the Messiah incites hope among the Jewish people. The moment Simon meets Jesus, his life is irrevocably altered when he hears the words, “You will be Peter.” In this prophetic declaration lies the promise of transformation—not only of his name but also of his identity and purpose. Here, Lathan and Manchester effectively set the stage for a profound exploration of faith, loyalty, and the potential for change in every individual.

As Simon embarks on his journey with Jesus, he initially envisions a rebellion against their Roman oppressors. The expectation of military might is soon overshadowed by the reality of Jesus’ teachings and actions, which emphasize compassion, service, and love over violence and dominance. Through miraculous acts, such as healing the sick and feeding the hungry, Jesus reveals a different kind of strength—one rooted in humility and selflessness. This evolution of Simon’s understanding is pivotal; it illustrates how personal growth often occurs through witnessing the exemplary qualities of others. The authors adeptly capture Simon’s internal conflict as he grapples with his hopes for a warrior Messiah and the reality of Jesus’ mission. One of the most compelling aspects of You Will Be Peter is its portrayal of Simon as a flawed yet relatable character. He is not depicted as a paragon of virtue but rather as a passionate individual who occasionally falters. His impetuous nature leads him to make hasty judgments, and he experiences moments of failure—most notably when he denies knowing Jesus during the latter’s trial. These human shortcomings resonate with readers, reminding us that imperfection is part of the human experience. However, what truly sets Simon apart is his capacity for redemption.

The story reveals that failure does not equate to disqualification from purpose; rather, it can become a catalyst for growth and deeper empathy. This theme of redemption is integral to the narrative and underscores the belief that everyone, regardless of their past, can contribute meaningfully to the greater good. The authors also excel in their vivid storytelling, transporting readers to the first-century world filled with sensory details—the sights, sounds, and smells of the time. This immersive approach allows readers to experience the historical context that shaped Simon Peter’s journey. It emphasizes the urgency and significance of Jesus’ mission during a pivotal moment in history. By placing Simon at the forefront of this narrative, Lathan and Manchester invite readers to see themselves in this ordinary man—their struggles, their hopes, and their potential for change.

Ultimately, You Will Be Peter serves as a powerful reminder that even the most unlikely individuals can alter the course of history. Simon Peter’s transformation from a humble fisherman to the foundational rock of the Church illustrates that greatness is often born out of everyday experiences, faith, and the willingness to embrace one’s calling, even amidst uncertainty. This narrative not only reexamines the life of a biblical figure but also challenges readers to reflect on their journeys, encouraging them to embrace their imperfections and recognize the potential for greatness within themselves. Through Simon’s story, we learn that the path to making a difference in the world begins with a single step of faith.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Breaking Point by C. J. Box

February 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Breaking Point by C. J. Box
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Review by Snowdrop

Joe Pickett always liked Butch Roberson—a hard-working local business owner whose daughter is friends with Joe’s girls. Little does he know that when Butch says he’s heading into the mountains to scout elk, he is actually going on the run.

Two EPA employees have been murdered and all signs point to Butch as the killer. Joe learns that the land Butch and his wife had bought to retire on was declared a protected wetland by the EPA, and the subsequent fines have torn the family apart. Finally, it seems, the man just cracked.

It’s an awful story, but is it the whole story? The more Joe investigates, the more he begins to wonder—and he soon finds himself in the middle of a war in which he must choose sides.

Being too busy, I’ve had to take a break from this C J Box series about Joe Pickett. This book, Breaking Point, reminded me of what I’ve been missing. This one is about the same good and honest game warden, Joe Pickett. It’s also the same Joe Pickett always in a bit of trouble. This time Joe’s pickup truck is snowed in on the top of a mountain, his government truck of course. The story finds Joe and Marybeth thinking about the need to increase their income somehow. But things go awry and Joe gets caught up in a serious search involving a family member of his daughter’s close friend. From then on…you never put the book down:)

When you know a series is being made into a TV show, you already know you most likely have a good book. The other thing you can assume is that you have great characters. How many series continue to be successful without interesting characters? The Joe Pickett books are no different. Joe’s wife and family all have distinct personalities. Joe is a larger than life person, the kind we all want to be.

Then there is the setting. If you are an outdoors person, you’ll love this story of a game warden with a wilderness territory. That brings us to the genre. These are suspense stories, almost thrillers, but to me, they have a Western flavor. A lot of this “feeling” comes from the rough and rugged territory. I’d describe some of the side characters in the same manner. Add all these elements together and you have the perfect story.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Loving Lizzie Finn by Tamara Hughes

February 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Loving Lizzie Finn by Tamara Hughes
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Historical, Romance, Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Lilikoi

Lizzie Finn grew up in a brothel, and she’s reminded of that fact every day. She dreams of finding a job and becoming independent. Only then can she be free of her aunt’s disdain. First, she must find an employer who won’t turn her away because of her past.

Byron Greeley is determined to save his family’s business after Lizzie’s uncle falsifies the amount Byron owes on a loan from the bank. Determined to find proof of Teague’s perfidy, Byron slips into the banker’s house and rummages through the study only to be discovered by Lizzie, a red-haired beauty who utterly captivates him.

Byron offers Lizzie a job in exchange for information about her uncle, and because she believes her uncle is innocent, she agrees. When Teague discovers Lizzie and Byron’s growing affection, he threatens to destroy Byron and his family, insisting Byron is exploiting her. Is Teague’s warning well-founded? Are Byron’s feelings for Lizzie true, or is Byron using her for his own gain?

Loving Lizzie Finn is a charming historical romance with engaging characters, a hint of spice, and an intriguing, well-developed plot.

Lizzie Finn is an indomitable young woman who was raised in a brothel until her mother’s tragic death, when she subsequently became the ward of her uncle Eldon Teague, a prosperous businessman and bank president in Boston. Within the affluent home of her new guardians, Lizzie is subjected to harsh ridicule and shame by her maternal aunt Margaret, who constantly reminds her that she is the daughter of a prostitute with little chance of overcoming her scandalous past. Although her uncle Eldon is much kinder, Lizzie cannot wait to escape her aunt’s vindictive cruelty by finding employment and becoming self-sufficient.

Byron Greeley—a young businessman who has inherited his ill father’s textile factory—is juggling the responsibilities of supporting his parents while keeping the floundering company afloat. He discovers that the amount of the loan negotiated between his father and the bank president has inexplicably doubled, but with the original documents having mysteriously disappeared, he has no proof to confirm his suspicions that Eldon Teague has fraudulently tampered with the terms. When he breaks into Teague’s house in the middle of the night to look for evidence, he is caught by Lizzie, a fiery redhead who not only captures his heart, but provides the means for him to obtain the proof he seeks. In exchange for her cooperation in obtaining the original documents, he offers Lizzie a job, providing them both the means to accomplish their separate yet entwined goals.

The characters are compelling and likeable. Lizzie is brave, stubborn, and independent, hardened by the cruelty she has endured. Having witnessed the abuse of women in the brothel where she was raised, she has learned self-reliance and developed a fierce need for independence. Although she has vowed to never marry, Lizzie’s undeniable attraction to Byron makes her question her convictions. Byron’s noble heart and commitment to both his family and to Lizzie make him an endearing character, yet his involvement in criminal activities keeps the reader—and Lizzie—unsure of his true intentions. Aunt Margaret is a bitter, resentful, and angry woman who is easy to hate, yet as the story progresses and secrets are revealed, much more easily understood.

Although I did enjoy much of the novel, I found it lacked the descriptive details necessary to evoke the historical background setting of nineteenth century Boston. Lizzie’s freedom to come and go as she pleases without an escort or chaperone—even to the point of sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night for a clandestine meeting at a warehouse— are not only implausible, but inconsistent with the societal norms of the era. And while Aunt Margaret is credibly portrayed as an active member of the Society for Moral Reform against prostitution, it seems highly unlikely that the aristocratic wife of a prestigious bank president would publicly malign her niece by spreading salacious gossip about Lizzie’s prostitute mother—Margaret’s own sister— for fear of tarnishing her prominent husband’s professional reputation.

When Lizzie and Byron finally overcome numerous obstacles to arrive at the anticipated happy ending, truths come to light through a most unexpected source of revelation and satisfying redemption.

Despite the insufficient historical background and the inconsistencies with societal norms for young women, Loving Lizzie Finn is nevertheless an entertaining romance with appealing characters and an absorbing, enticing plot.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia

February 14, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia
Publisher: St. Martin’s Publishing Group
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

THE BUSINESS TRIP is the gripping, page-turning debut from author Jessie Garcia.

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man—the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.

And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women— or what did they do to him?

Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, The Business Trip takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?

This is an entertaining read. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, instead of one or two main characters, and it adds an intriguing layer of mystery and tension in the whereabouts of Jasmine and Stephanie. I was so drawn into the narrative that I did not concern myself with whether the methods used were believable; the author made them sound plausible, so I just went with the flow without questioning anything. My focus was solely on what was happening in the story.

Jasmine has deep issues, which I found sad, and I felt compassion for her. She had a difficult upbringing and tried to attend beauty school to improve her life. Her abusive relationship with Glenn was leading her nowhere, and I admire her for taking charge and leaving him. I wanted her to have something good in her life; however, as we learn from Jasmine, envy can be deadly. Jasmine’s troubled past and her desperation to have more and better evoke a side of her that can be very costly.

There are themes of jealousy, identity theft, and suspense, along with a host of memorable characters who are genuinely concerned for Jasmine and Stephanie’s well-being. Several times, I found myself frustrated with Stephanie’s assistant news director, Bruce, because he was so naïve, while I cheered for Lucy, who was perceptive enough to realize something was wrong. I enjoyed the relationship between Stephanie and her neighbor, Robert; it felt genuine and had a best-friend vibe. I cannot forget to mention Trent J. McCarthy. His character is so true to life, even if he was a nuisance to be around.

I appreciated how the different points of view came together to maintain suspense, and the second half of the book revealed what had happened. I did not expect the surprising ending which, while a bit far-fetched, was a creative addition from the author that I appreciated.

The novel’s suspenseful pacing and unexpected twists make it a thrilling read. I highly recommend to readers that enjoy suspense, and an intriguing puzzle where the characters lay down their own piece and then later all the pieces start to connect.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Little Aiden – A Big Kid Book for Toddlers by Albert Choi

February 13, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Little Aiden – A Big Kid Book for Toddlers by Albert Choi
Publisher: Mytogo Publishing
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Join Little Aiden on an exciting journey as he transforms from a tiny tot into a daring adventurer! Bursting with curiosity, he’s eager to conquer the world solo. As Aiden grows, he embraces the role of a big kid, confident and ready to take on the world with newfound independence. This heartwarming story of growth and discovery is perfect for family story time.

Big kids get to do so many more things!

One of the things I appreciate most about this series is that it was written in plain, simple language to appeal to toddlers. There is no additional layer of meaning included for adults, and while I also enjoy picture books who take that approach it was refreshing to see the world from a little boy’s perspective who was just beginning to understand why his parents did certain things. Childhood logic is wonderful, and it’s what makes these tales so much fun to read.

I would have liked to see more time spent exploring the consequences of Aiden’s choices. Whether he was being naughty, helpful, curious, or silly, there was space here for him to talk about what he was doing and why he was doing it. If that had happened, I would have happily chosen a five-star rating as his adventures are adorable.

What a gentle story this was. Aiden’s parents were patient and loving with him no matter what was happening in their lives. This included a few amusing scenes of the main character getting into mischief the moment he was left alone. I laughed as I learned about the silly things he did now that he was able to climb and reach higher places than he ever had before. What a true glimpse this was of how toddlers slowly change into preschoolers.

This is the third instalment in a series that can be read in any order.

Little Aiden – A Big Kid Book for Toddlers made me smile.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Foreword Fraud by S.E. Babin

February 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Foreword Fraud by S.E. Babin
Publisher: ‎ Oliver Heber Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars
Review by Snowdrop

Welcome back to Silverwood Hollow! Where the books are plentiful and the crime is cozy!

When a shady business owner winds up dead, I’m once again under the investigative spotlight of a handsome detective with nowhere to run…

After sitting in on a lecture given by a rare book trader, I’m excited to look into expanding Tattered Pages. But when the trader winds up dead the same day Cole and I attend her lecture, suspicion turns to those I care about the most.

Of course, I’m too busy running a store and caring for my grumpy Persian cat to murder anyone, but no one believes me and now I have to put on my investigative hat and find out whodunnit.

Turns out the business owner had dealings with the town’s handsome and very eligible news reporter, Cole. And Cole isn’t too happy about her leaving him in the lurch after promising him a scoop for the ages.

But Cole couldn’t possibly be guilty.

Right?

I had a lot of fun with this cute cozy. I will admit I love any story that has a bookshop in its setting. This particular bookshop, Tattered Pages, is owned by an amateur sleuth named Dakota. I use the description sleuth because it hasn’t been that long since she solved another murder.

One thing I have to say about the author is that somehow, she pulled off writing a cozy with all of the “elements” that cozies have and yet didn’t make this sleuth seem like another nosy parker was snooping into a murder. How she did that is difficult to explain. Her friend was the most likely suspect, but that isn’t unusual. She didn’t like the victim, but that’s not unusual. Somehow, being asked to help and being expected to help by the citizens of Silverwood Hollow fell normally into place.

I just hate it when a cozy is written like a carbon copy of all the others. That just isn’t true of Forward Fraud. I’m not sure I’m even explaining the reason well, but I do know you should read the book. I really enjoyed it.

Forward Fraud is Book 2 of a series titled “A Shelf Indulgence Cozy Mystery”. There are a lot of books in the series. What a great thing to discover when you like the first book you read.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Days Like Shadows Pass by MS Morris

February 11, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Days Like Shadows Pass by MS Morris
Publisher: Landmark Media
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Myth. Mystery. Murder.
DCI Tom Raven’s hopes for a few quiet days with his daughter, Hannah, are shattered when a shocking murder plunges him into a macabre mystery in the nearby coastal town of Whitby.

In the hallowed grounds of the ruined abbey, a man lies lifeless: drained of blood and marked by the symbol of a dragon.

As rumours of a vampire-like killer echo through Whitby’s cobbled streets and his own daughter becomes entwined in the town’s dark legends, Raven is forced to play a twisted game of life and death, navigating a deadly maze of myth, mystery and murder.

DCI raven has finally managed to take some well-earned leave and he’s excited his daughter, Hannah is finally able to come and visit him. Only a bizarre case drops in the lap of his team and Raven’s boss insists he take the lead. A local Goth festival has the small coastal town crammed with tourists and costume wearing visitors. One of the regulars has been murdered by having all his blood drained. Can DCI Raven and his team figure out what’s going on?

I’ve been enjoying this Yorkshire series and this book in particular was an excellent addition. I found the murder mystery interesting and complicated enough to really hold onto my attention. All the regular police team characters were there but I found Raven’s daughter, Hannah, to be an excellent addition. Young and interesting but also not really a member of the team I enjoyed her input and felt her character really added a fresh and different twist to the story. I also really enjoyed her open mindedness and hope we might see more of her in some of the future books.

Readers who like British police procedural mysteries should find this an excellent book and not be too worried by the slower pace of the plot. Personally, I find the knottier mystery plots and slower pace complicated enough to maintain my interest and this style of smaller town setting a real bonus in the stories. I’m looking forward to the next in this series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Death Walking – Dream Journeys into Death, Forgiveness, and Healing by Julie Winifred

February 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Death Walking – Dream Journeys into Death, Forgiveness, and Healing by Julie Winifred
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

I have cherished the dreaming world for as long as I can remember, and wanted to add my thoughts to all that information that is already out there. I wanted to have my say, and hoped that others might get something from my insights, just as I have done so from many other writers. I have focused upon the way I have dreamed with the dying and how this has guided me towards forgiveness and healing. And I hope I have also illustrated something of the sheer wonderfulness of dreaming life and the many gifts it can bring.

Grief is a journey that everyone must eventually take.

Dream logic doesn’t always translate well to real life. I smiled as I read about the author’s more abstract dreams and her attempts to make sense of them once she woke up. In some cases, it took her a while to come up with theories about what they were trying to tell her, but her interpretations ultimately made sense to me as she delved more deeply into her difficult childhood and the struggles she had as a result of it.

As interesting as it was to read about the author’s dreams about the loved ones she had lost, I struggled with the slow pacing. Some of the descriptions of the dreams and her interpretations of them were so detailed that they further disrupted the pacing as well. This is something I’m saying as someone who loves talking about dreams and what they might mean, and I wish I could have given this book a higher rating given the thought-provoking subject matter of it.

Some of my favorite sections were the ones that discussed how dreams can assist the healing process. When a death is sudden or tragic, it can be even harder than usual to adjust to the loss of that person or pet for those who are still here in the land of the living. A peaceful dream about the deceased can go a long way in helping someone to make peace with what has happened and move on with their life as much as possible.

Death Walking made me want to update my dream journal more often!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Aspire To Die by MS Morris

February 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Aspire To Die by MS Morris
Publisher: Landmark Media
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Lust. Ambition. Murder.
When a beautiful, wealthy student is found dead in her room in Oxford’s most prestigious college, Detective Inspector Bridget Hart is called to investigate. The murdered girl appeared to have no enemies, yet was killed in a brutal and bloody assault.

Haunted and driven by her own personal tragedy, newly promoted DI Bridget Hart has a lot to prove as she leads her first murder case. Her investigation uncovers a tangled web of lies, lust and ambition, and brings her into conflict with powerful interests.

But no one can be above suspicion within the closed and claustrophobic confines of an Oxford college, where students and academics live and work side by side, and a ruthless killer waits to strike again.

When a beautiful, wealthy student is found dead in her room at one of Oxford’s most prestigious universities, DI Bridget Hart is called to investigate. Newly promoted, DI Hart is determined to do her best, only there’s no real evidence and no clear enemies who wish ill upon this young student. Can Bridget sort through what really happened in time?

While I have been enjoying the Tom Raven series by this author this book is the first in a different series revolving around DI Bridget Hart in Oxford. Fast approaching middle age with a teenage daughter I found Bridget to be an enjoyable and relatable character. I feel it’s clear the author is well versed in the location of Oxford and the University setting was both interesting and well integrated into the murder mystery.

I do feel the pace of the story was a little on the slower than usual side. Partly this was because the main characters and other team members really needed to be introduced and they all had to settle in a bit together – so I understand how important that is – but equally there felt to me to be quite a few viable and understandable lines of inquiry that the police team needed to investigate. While a lot of this ended up as red herrings I do feel the author should be commended – at no time did I feel like the story was being padded out and nor did it feel like DI Hart or the team were chasing their tails or falling for false leads.

The plots all felt legitimate but upon reflection it did seem like a larger than usual amount of mess and false leads. I thought this book had loads of atmosphere, good and strong characters and a thoroughly relatable storyline and easiness to be read and binged on. I was a little over half way through the book when I ordered the next one and I’ll happily read that when it arrives. A good new series I am eager to sink my teeth into.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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