Jonathan Luckett's -- Dissolve

I was immediately caught in the story, though at the beginning I had a hard time with David Sands falling for this mysterious woman he spies through a window. When I read the back of the cover, I expected more of an intense mystery but found it more of a suspenseful emotional journey and erotic romance. Still I was captivated by the characters and truly wanted to know how things were going to end. As for my reservations regarding David falling so deeply for the woman so quickly; well let me put it this way, the ending answered all my questions and quashed all my doubts.

David Baldacci -- The Collectors

Oliver Stones suspects there is a link between the assassination of the U.S Speaker of the House and the director of the Library of Congress rare books room. The Camel Club is joined by Annabelle Conroy, a con-artist who should be running for her life, but is instead aiding the group to solve this mystery.

All the members of the Camel Club lives are threaten by a ruthless enemy that once worked for the same ultra secret organization as Oliver Stone.

David Baldacci has the amazing ability to thrill and surprise in his novels and never disappoints with his Camel Club series.

Michelle Gagnon's Bone Yard

Somewhere along the Appalachian Trail hikers discover human remains dug up by animals. This leads to a massive search for more bodies through several states. FBI Special Agent Kelly Jones, who was on her way on a much needed vacation, was asked to delay her plans and to coordinate a special task force consisting of law enforcement officers from Vermont and Massachusetts. During the investigation it becomes clear that there are two serial killers, one whose murderous skills are fine-tuned, while the other is an inexperienced copycat.

All the victims are young men and drifters—people that would not be missed. As the investigation continues, Jones finds that these killings have been going on far longer than anyone ever expected. Jones is teamed with Massachusetts State Trooper Bill Doyle who has little admiration for her and even less regards to the necessity of the task force, making Jones’ work that much more complicated. Jones has an ally in Vermont’s homicide investigator Monica Lauer, though this too becomes problematic as Lauer’s rapport with Doyle has the two constantly at each other’s throats.

Bone Yard was an excellent read--I had a hard time putting the book down. The action is high pace, the suspense gripping and there are plenty of twists-and-turns. Bone Yard is author Michelle Gagnon’s second novel featuring Special Agent Kelly Jones, the first being The Tunnel. I guarantee that after you read Bone Yard you’ll immediately go in search of Gagnon’s previous novel. I highly recommend this book.

John Connolly's The Unquiet

The Unquiet

Charlie Parker a former police detective, now private investigator is hired by Rebecca Clay to make sure a recently freed convict named, Merrick, stops harassing her. Merrick’s daughter (the only person in the world he ever truly loved) disappeared as he served time in prison. Before Merrick’s release, Rebecca had declared her missing father, a disgraced child psychiatrist, Dr. Daniel Clay, dead. Merrick is convinced Dr. Clay knows something about his daughter whereabouts and that Parker’s client is lying about her father’s demise. He believes Rebecca knows where Dr. Clay is hiding.

After meeting Merrick face-to-face, Parker is reminded of his own past and empathizes with the man. Parker’s engrosses himself in the case believing if he can find information that can assist Merrick find his daughter; he would stop terrorizing his client. Parker soon uncovers a history of sexual violence and maltreatment to children. The thin line between normalcy and the paranormal merges as Parker crosses paths with an old adversary he had hoped never to meet again.

John Connolly takes readers on a psychological thrill ride that blends a perfect mix of mystery and the bizarre. I highly recommend The Unquiet to anyone who enjoys a good hard-boiled detective novels and the supernatural.

New England White by Stephen L. Carter

The story begins with a African-American couple (Julia and Lemaster Carlyle) having a car accident, then discovering the body of a man (Kellen Zant) who was left off the side of the road. The couple know the man. Julia once had a relationship with Zant. As the story progresses Julia becomes involved in solving the mystery of Zant's death. Before his death, Zant provided clues for Julia to solve a conspiracy lasting more than 30 years.

I enjoyed the book though not as much as I had The Emperor of Ocean Park. This was not a direct sequel to Emperor but does have a familiar name or two within its pages. One of the problems with the story in my opinion is that the author included characters and settings that really weren't relevent to the overall mystery and did not move the plot forward. It slowed the pacing of the story and at times became a distraction. Dispite the distractions, Stephen L. Carter put together an excellent mystery, gave rich descriptions and strong characters.

The Judas Strain by James Rollins

James Rollins had me hanging on every word with the Judas Strain. There were three very different, very exciting stories that tied into one by the end of the book. All the characters were likable and smart. It's filled with movie blockbuster action and pacing but none of it distracts you from the story. I highly recommend you give The Judas Strain a try.

The Last Patriot by Brad Thor

This was my first Brad Thor novel and it turns out, it won't be my last. Thor is a master of suspense. The Last Patriot had my attention from the very beginning with great characters, a strong plot and plenty of history. Thor's writing was like melding a David Daldacci and Vince Flynn novel together.

The Tomb by F. Paul Wilson

The Tomb by F. Paul Wilson is the first in the Repairman Jack series. Although he’s referred to as a repairman, Jack fixes dangerous situations not plumbing. In The Tomb, he is approached by Kasum Bahkti, an arrogant, one-armed Indian, who is an United Nations diplomat. Kasum wants to hire Jack to find the thief who has beaten and robbed the diplomat’s mother of a necklace, a sentimental family heirloom. The catch, he has to find the necklace before the diplomat’s mother dies from her injuries, which gives Jack very little time. At the same time, Jacks ex-girlfriend Gia, grudgingly contacts him and asks Jack to look into finding her elderly aunt who has been missing, she supposedly disappeared without a trace from her home. Jack sees this situation as a way weave his way back into Gia’s and her daughters, Vicky lives. He slowly discovers that the two seemingly unrelated cases do have a common history, one that dates back more than 100 years and involves demonic creatures known as Rakoshi.

What I like most about The Tomb was the fact that Jack did not have all the answers. Some conclusions came to him slowly, if at all. The pacing, characters development, and the action were dead-on. F. Paul Wilson writing made it easy to visualize everything that was happening and at times it was hard for me to put the book down. I am definitely a fan of Repairman Jack and of the author.

A Caribbean Summer by Tricia Lee

A Caribbean Summer by Tricia Lee

Category: Romance/Mystery

Amethyst Elizabeth (Amy Ann) Andrews, schoolteacher and Nebraska native was given an offer she couldn't refuse: two weeks in the Caribbean's absolutely free. All she had to do was watch her best friend's (Donna) son, Jeremy. Donna is about to be married to David Diaz, after their wedding they are to depart on a two week long honeymoon. Amy is hesitant at first but does not turn down the opportunity of a free trip to a tropical island and to see Jeremy, whom she help raise--Amy hadn't seen him in years.

Donna tells Amy that she has found her perfect match, Hotel Magnate Peter Harris. He's rich and handsome—he's also missing and engaged to be married to a woman whose personality can only be described as snobbish. Amy of course brushes off this prospect and is more inclined to enjoy her time with Jeremy and the island beaches. When she arrives to Palmaltas she soon meets a carefree beach bum, Pepe; a man who really takes pleasure in his fishing—but is he more than what he appears to be?

Author Tricia Lee gives a breathtaking portrayal of the island of Palmaltas that readers can almost visualize. Her characters are believable and enjoyable. A Caribbean Summer is an entertaining mystery that whips in a healthy serving of romance and suspense. Tricia Lee will keep you wondering to the very end. It is a book I definitely recommend.

Visit Tricia Lee official website at http://palmaltas.com

Published by Wings ePress

Moon Over Chicago by J D Webb

Moon Over Chicago by J D Webb
Category -- Mystery

You find out very quickly in the novel that Fulton Moon is not your average shoe repairman. He also takes on odd side jobs for the right price. Lucinda (Lucy) Mathews had come to Fulton seeking aid in escaping her abusive husband, J. Arthur Mathews. She has video-recorded evidence on a CD that shows her husband, killing florist Russell Armstrong in cold blood.

Fulton insists that she turn over the CD to police. Lucy fears that Arthur, a rich and powerful businessman, would be able to beat the murder charge in court despite the overwhelming evidence looming against him. Running away is the only viable options she can see for herself. Reluctantly Fulton agrees to help her.

Fulton's attempt to hide her is unsuccessful and he is asked at gunpoint to meet with Mr. Mathew's at his home outside of Chicago. This is where the real story begins to unfold as he is brought into a world of drugs, corruption and treachery.

Moon Over Chicago is an enjoyable mystery. Readers are treated to a colorful narrative of Chicago as Fulton charges full steam in keeping his friends out of harms way as he aids Lucy in her escape from Arthur Mathew's. The plot develops at a well timed pace and there are plenty of twists and turns on the way. Along with the action there are plenty of laughs with Fulton's humorous point of view.

I highly recommend Moon Over Chicago.

Visit J D Webb official website at: http://www.jdwebb.com

Published by Wings ePress

Tara's Honour by Brynneth N. Colvin

Tara's Honour by Brynneth N. Colvin

Category – Fantasy

Tara returns to her village to find that her uncle had been brutally murdered in his home. With his dying breath he accuses his niece as being his killer. Tara who had been absent from home for two years, was days away with three traveling companions (Mist, Varn and Moseley) when her uncle was murdered.

Tara's denial of this charge goes unheard as residents of her village have already testified that they witnessed her entering her uncle's home and arguing with him. With no one believing her innocence, she had been found guilty by the village council for which her father is a member and was sentenced. Execution will be her fate if she is captured.

Tara goes to the one person she trusts, her mentor, Emyr. Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, he provides her shelter. With little time to find the true murderer, Tara's companions and her mentor must help her work through the dire circumstance.

Ms. Colvin characters are well described as is the fantastic world she created. You are immediately immersed in Tara's plight as she searches for the truth. Midway through the story when Emyr is taunted by a dark shadow you can almost sense his mental anguish as he argues with it, not knowing whether the shadow is real or if everything is happening in his head. Both Tara and Emyr characters must rise above their personal conflicts to find resolution.

I found the story to be cleverly original as well as intriguing. Ms. Colvin gave a perfect balance in blending fantasy and mystery together. It's a good read that I highly recommend.

Visit Brynneth N. Colvin official website at: http://bryncolvin.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/index.jhtml

Windwalker by Donna Sundblad

Windwalker by Donna Sundblad
Category - Fantasy

One of the first things you will notice about the novel Windwalker is the vividly described and well-crafted world that Donna Sundblad created. The reader will be pulled into the story with its scenery of sandy shores, dark thunderous waves and strikingly beautiful landscapes.

The tale opens with the arrival of several natives of the Jonnick clan to the Stygian shores. Their appearance was foreseen by the Stygian leader Cedrick in a dream. His vision warned him that the Jonnick would bring with them sickness and a lingering menace. Despite the ominous omen, the Jonnick are welcomed, showing a side of humanity that is rarely seen.

Sundblad provides a rich adaptation of ethical issues against a backdrop of fascinating races from the ill-fated Jonnick's to the brave and noble Stygian's.

Windwalker is sure to be a hit. Its elements of romance and jeopardy will charm enthusiasts of fantasy, romance and adventure. It's an enjoyable, enticing read that will want you to pick up the next Sundblad novel.

Visit Donna Sundblad official website at: http://www.theinkslinger.net

Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin

Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin

Category – Science Fiction

Caitlin Driskoll was a typical military officer’s wife: she tackled the day-to-day challenges of a normal life, and had optimistic dreams of the future with her husband. Then one day everything changed. She awakes from a cryogenic stasis in a new day and age. Caitlin also finds that she is in the middle of a war that stretches across space and that she has been made a reluctant worker onboard the warship Blanchard. Her husband, her life, their dreams, everything she’d cherished was now a distant memory. Confused and feeling mistreated, she places her energy into fighting for the human rights of those too afraid to help themselves. She stands up to a demanding Colonel, who at first impression seems cold and one-dimensional. She later finds that he’s strangely alluring and that he may be the only man that can fill a void in her heart left open by her husband.

Marine officer Colonel Medoro Keegan the Executive Officer (XO) of the Blanchard heart had hardened after the death of his wife. A former combat pilot, he felt that his current assignment as the XO was less than desirable. And it showed in his demeanor and most of the time the crew felt the brunt of his resentment. When he met Caitlin Driskoll, a newly awaken recruit, almost immediately his heart began to soften. She stood up to him and did not back down, and at first this angered Medoro, later he finds it to be an attraction.

Author Clare Dargin has come up with an imaginative and engaging story of war and love that transcend time. She brings her characters to life with believable descriptions of a future that has yet to come. Cold Warriors is an exciting tale that will appeal to both male and female readers. The future struggle of human rights, the price of war, suspense and romance are all covered here. I recommend readers get their copy of Cold Warriors right away. I look forward to reading more of Clare Dargin’s work in the future.

Visit Clare's website at http://www.claredargin.bravehost.com

Cold Warriors is published by Aspen Mountain Press