Robin Loves Reading

Eve and Dallas have barely been able to celebrate their first Christmas together. In this brief story, in novella length, Eve is after yet another killer. As always, Roarke is at her side while she works hard at finding the madman behind a series of brutal murders, and as Eve is one of his targets, she must manage to stay alive.

For a story told with so few pages, it is chock full of detail. We have the ever-loving couple, with Eve drawing closer and closer to her delectable husband Roarke. Then there is Eve's ever-irascible boss Feeney, and, of course, Peobody. Gotta love her. Who else do you just love, inasmuch as you want to hate? Only Summerset, Roarke's right-hand man and Eve's nemesis.

This story was so much fun that I couldn't wait follow my monthly schedule of reading each month, and so I went ahead and devoured the next in this series, Conspiracy in Death.

Eve and Dallas have barely been able to celebrate their first Christmas together. In this brief story, in novella length, Eve is after yet another killer. As always, Roarke is at her side while she works hard at finding the madman behind a series of brutal murders, and as Eve is one of his targets, she must manage to stay alive.

For a story told with so few pages, it is chock full of detail. We have the ever-loving couple, with Eve drawing closer and closer to her delectable husband Roarke. Then there is Eve's ever-irascible boss Feeney, and, of course, Peobody. Gotta love her. Who else do you just love, inasmuch as you want to hate? Only Summerset, Roarke's right-hand man and Eve's nemesis.

This story was so much fun that I couldn't wait follow my monthly schedule of reading each month, and so I went ahead and devoured the next in this series, Conspiracy in Death.

Gwen Proctor managed to survive her serial killer husband. Not only that, she managed to save her children. However, there is a huge internet crowd that will not leave her alone. Part of that crowd are people thinking that she had a role in his guilt, so her life is simply not safe.

When Gwen is approached by a terrified woman who becomes a victim of a threat, she goes to the town of Wolfhunter to try and help the woman. However, the woman is dead. Gwen is determined to figure out what has happened. Meanwhile, Gwen has spent years trying to feel safe and secure. As time progressed, Gwen eventually developed a relationship with a man named Sam, and this really was a stretch for her.

This thrilling read was fast-paced and kept me intrigued, and sometimes a bit stressed. Wolfhunter River is the third book in this series. I hadn't read the first two, and I really wish I had. I am going for a high rating for this book despite not being more familiar with Gwen's past and the activities and subsequent death of her husband Melvin. The next book in this series, Bitter Falls, will be published in January, 2020.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gwen Proctor managed to survive her serial killer husband. Not only that, she managed to save her children. However, there is a huge internet crowd that will not leave her alone. Part of that crowd are people thinking that she had a role in his guilt, so her life is simply not safe.

When Gwen is approached by a terrified woman who becomes a victim of a threat, she goes to the town of Wolfhunter to try and help the woman. However, the woman is dead. Gwen is determined to figure out what has happened. Meanwhile, Gwen has spent years trying to feel safe and secure. As time progressed, Gwen eventually developed a relationship with a man named Sam, and this really was a stretch for her.

This thrilling read was fast-paced and kept me intrigued, and sometimes a bit stressed. Wolfhunter River is the third book in this series. I hadn't read the first two, and I really wish I had. I am going for a high rating for this book despite not being more familiar with Gwen's past and the activities and subsequent death of her husband Melvin. The next book in this series, Bitter Falls, will be published in January, 2020.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

A dating service for the exclusively rich. Something that could bring two lonely hearts together. However, a happily ever after is definitely not promised to some. as there is a brutal serial killer among their midst.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is after a killer, and it is said serial killer who is searching for victims from the clients of Personally Yours. Can Eve find the killer while at the same time protecting the clients still using the site?

Holiday in Death is the seventh book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb. I am pleased to have read the prior books in the series while watching Eve solve case after case. Not only that, but have enjoyed the experience of watching Eve and husband Roake grow closer together. Now, at Christmastime, the two are sharing this together for the very first time.

It was rather cute when Eve struggled to find Roarke a gift. After all, he is richer than rich. What was more enjoyable was one particular gift Roarke gave to Eve. Without telling readers of this review, it worth mentioning because their relationship is a huge part as to why this series is so successful. Not only do Eve and Roarke have something so perfect together on a personal basis, but Roarke has been instrumental in helping Eve find horrible murderers. This is something that Roarke does yet again as Dallas struggles to discover what is happening at the dating site.

Although this is part of an ongoing series, this story can be read as a singular entry because not only do readers learn about how Roarke and Eve met, but readers are also reminded of Eve's past and what makes her such an incredible cop now. Despite how good she is, Eve has more than a bit of temper in this book, to the point of showing frustration towards her coworkers. This proves that Eve is quite human, I see this as growth in a character I have come to love and respect. This story was also rather enlightening when Roarke's childhood is discussed and how he became the man he is today. How can you not love these two?

I have already read the next book in the series before writing this review, Midnight in Death, and have started the very next one, Conspiracy in Death, and can only tell you that the series keeps getting better. I am very excited that it continues to the point that there are 50 books in the series as of February, 2020.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

A dating service for the exclusively rich. Something that could bring two lonely hearts together. However, a happily ever after is definitely not promised to some. as there is a brutal serial killer among their midst.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas is after a killer, and it is said serial killer who is searching for victims from the clients of Personally Yours. Can Eve find the killer while at the same time protecting the clients still using the site?

Holiday in Death is the seventh book in the In Death series by J.D. Robb. I am pleased to have read the prior books in the series while watching Eve solve case after case. Not only that, but have enjoyed the experience of watching Eve and husband Roake grow closer together. Now, at Christmastime, the two are sharing this together for the very first time.

It was rather cute when Eve struggled to find Roarke a gift. After all, he is richer than rich. What was more enjoyable was one particular gift Roarke gave to Eve. Without telling readers of this review, it worth mentioning because their relationship is a huge part as to why this series is so successful. Not only do Eve and Roarke have something so perfect together on a personal basis, but Roarke has been instrumental in helping Eve find horrible murderers. This is something that Roarke does yet again as Dallas struggles to discover what is happening at the dating site.

Although this is part of an ongoing series, this story can be read as a singular entry because not only do readers learn about how Roarke and Eve met, but readers are also reminded of Eve's past and what makes her such an incredible cop now. Despite how good she is, Eve has more than a bit of temper in this book, to the point of showing frustration towards her coworkers. This proves that Eve is quite human, I see this as growth in a character I have come to love and respect. This story was also rather enlightening when Roarke's childhood is discussed and how he became the man he is today. How can you not love these two?

I have already read the next book in the series before writing this review, Midnight in Death, and have started the very next one, Conspiracy in Death, and can only tell you that the series keeps getting better. I am very excited that it continues to the point that there are 50 books in the series as of February, 2020.

Hannah Swensen is a busy woman who is running Lake Eden, a popular bakery in Minnesota. When she is not creating culinary delights, her mother is trying to fix her up. Hannah isn't ready to settle down, and even if she is, she definitely does not want her mother's help. Hannah is devastated to discover a local delivery man dead, so she is determined to find the killer.

It is not as simple as creating delicious new recipes. No, every time Hannah thinks she has a bead on the murderer, yet another suspect pops up. Will she be able to use her deductive reasoning skills to identify the killer, but be smart enough not to be his next victim

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries as much as I do, and will like the benefit of yummy recipes along the way, by all means grab a copy of this book.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder is the first book in the Hannah Swensen series. I look forward to trying to read a book a month for as long as it takes. With twenty-four books in the series to-date, and the twenty-fifth coming in February, 2020, I have quite a bit to look forward to

Hannah Swensen is a busy woman who is running Lake Eden, a popular bakery in Minnesota. When she is not creating culinary delights, her mother is trying to fix her up. Hannah isn't ready to settle down, and even if she is, she definitely does not want her mother's help. Hannah is devastated to discover a local delivery man dead, so she is determined to find the killer.

It is not as simple as creating delicious new recipes. No, every time Hannah thinks she has a bead on the murderer, yet another suspect pops up. Will she be able to use her deductive reasoning skills to identify the killer, but be smart enough not to be his next victim

If you enjoy reading cozy mysteries as much as I do, and will like the benefit of yummy recipes along the way, by all means grab a copy of this book.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder is the first book in the Hannah Swensen series. I look forward to trying to read a book a month for as long as it takes. With twenty-four books in the series to-date, and the twenty-fifth coming in February, 2020, I have quite a bit to look forward to

Aaah, it is Mother’s Day and Lucy Stone is having an an enjoyable day with her family. While eating out, the nice atmosphere in the restaurant is disturbed by a woman upset that she and her family didn’t get a specific table. The woman, Barb Hume, and the woman she was sniping at, Tina Nowak, already had bad reputations. As a matter of fact, they were known ad mean moms.

When one of them is shot dead in a public place, Lucy, the ever-enthusiastic amateur sleuth, is bound and determine to getting to the bottom of things.

I am quite familiar with Lucy, as I have read each book in the series to-date. I enjoy her efforts at balancing her insatiable need to solve murders, all while being a busy housewife, mother and reporter. I enjoyed this story for the most part, and was rather saddened when the killer was identified.

This was a fast-paced read that I devoured in one sitting. The next book in this series is Wicked Witch Murder.

Aaah, it is Mother’s Day and Lucy Stone is having an an enjoyable day with her family. While eating out, the nice atmosphere in the restaurant is disturbed by a woman upset that she and her family didn’t get a specific table. The woman, Barb Hume, and the woman she was sniping at, Tina Nowak, already had bad reputations. As a matter of fact, they were known ad mean moms.

When one of them is shot dead in a public place, Lucy, the ever-enthusiastic amateur sleuth, is bound and determine to getting to the bottom of things.

I am quite familiar with Lucy, as I have read each book in the series to-date. I enjoy her efforts at balancing her insatiable need to solve murders, all while being a busy housewife, mother and reporter. I enjoyed this story for the most part, and was rather saddened when the killer was identified.

This was a fast-paced read that I devoured in one sitting. The next book in this series is Wicked Witch Murder.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has another serious case that ties into her husband Roarke’s past. Presently, she is working hard to solve murders that are apparently connected. One thing that Eve found that the victims had in common is that they were brutally tortured before their murders.

There is another unlikely connection to the murders and Roarke’s past. This involves Summerset, the man that works for Roarke, and who happens to be the bane of Eve’s existence.

Eve and Roarke, as always, are incredible together. Eve had gone through a horrid childhood and, although she truly loves Roarke, she seemed to hold herself back from him in earlier books. By now, however, her love for Roarke is complete, and that is very rewarding. Nonetheless there is a strain as Summerset’s past comes front and center.

This thrilling book had plenty of intrigue, but also delivered emotion and passion. It was finely balanced and was a wonderful addition to the series. The next book is Holiday in Death.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Lieutenant Eve Dallas has another serious case that ties into her husband Roarke’s past. Presently, she is working hard to solve murders that are apparently connected. One thing that Eve found that the victims had in common is that they were brutally tortured before their murders.

There is another unlikely connection to the murders and Roarke’s past. This involves Summerset, the man that works for Roarke, and who happens to be the bane of Eve’s existence.

Eve and Roarke, as always, are incredible together. Eve had gone through a horrid childhood and, although she truly loves Roarke, she seemed to hold herself back from him in earlier books. By now, however, her love for Roarke is complete, and that is very rewarding. Nonetheless there is a strain as Summerset’s past comes front and center.

This thrilling book had plenty of intrigue, but also delivered emotion and passion. It was finely balanced and was a wonderful addition to the series. The next book is Holiday in Death.

Lucy Stone is at it again. His name was Old Dan Malone. In Tinker's Cove, Maine, when the barkeep's body was found in the harbor, Lucy made it her aim to discover what happened. But, as usual when it comes to Lucy, a wife, mother, reporter and affable amateur sleuth, she discovers that more than a murder has taken place.

What else is going on? For starters, the town's local musician Dave Reilly claims that he was conned by Old Dan and thus lost a winning lottery ticket. Then another man said that the victim stiffed him while doing a handyman job. Others have similar complaints. Then there is a visitor in town from Ireland, in the person of Dylan Malone, none other than the brother of Old Dan.

The ever-busy Lucy is attending town's meetings, writing articles, is about to be a first-time grandmother, and has just joined a chorus. One of the newest chorus members is Moira, Dylan Malone's wife. Lucy also meets Moira's daughter Deidre, a fanciful little girl who adores fantasy, and becomes a new friend to Lucy and husband Bill's youngest daughter, Zoe.

Having read all of the previous stories in the series to-date, I looked forward to reading St. Patrick's Day Murder. As always, there was a multi-layered murder mystery, along with the strong sense of family when it came to Lucy.

This case is particularly gruesome, as the body was missing something critical. As Lucy dug deeper, the sense of danger rose. There was even some involvement with the children in this story. There was also a bit of lore in this book, as the story centered around St. Patrick's Day, which actually made it a timely read at this time. This was an engaging read that I was able to complete in one sitting. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Mother's Day Murder.

Lucy Stone is at it again. His name was Old Dan Malone. In Tinker's Cove, Maine, when the barkeep's body was found in the harbor, Lucy made it her aim to discover what happened. But, as usual when it comes to Lucy, a wife, mother, reporter and affable amateur sleuth, she discovers that more than a murder has taken place.

What else is going on? For starters, the town's local musician Dave Reilly claims that he was conned by Old Dan and thus lost a winning lottery ticket. Then another man said that the victim stiffed him while doing a handyman job. Others have similar complaints. Then there is a visitor in town from Ireland, in the person of Dylan Malone, none other than the brother of Old Dan.

The ever-busy Lucy is attending town's meetings, writing articles, is about to be a first-time grandmother, and has just joined a chorus. One of the newest chorus members is Moira, Dylan Malone's wife. Lucy also meets Moira's daughter Deidre, a fanciful little girl who adores fantasy, and becomes a new friend to Lucy and husband Bill's youngest daughter, Zoe.

Having read all of the previous stories in the series to-date, I looked forward to reading St. Patrick's Day Murder. As always, there was a multi-layered murder mystery, along with the strong sense of family when it came to Lucy.

This case is particularly gruesome, as the body was missing something critical. As Lucy dug deeper, the sense of danger rose. There was even some involvement with the children in this story. There was also a bit of lore in this book, as the story centered around St. Patrick's Day, which actually made it a timely read at this time. This was an engaging read that I was able to complete in one sitting. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, Mother's Day Murder.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

It was a game played in a small cabin at a summer camp, Camp Nightingale. Two Truths and a Lie. This game was played between four campers, Vivian, Natalie, Allison and Emma. One night three of the girls snuck out. As the youngest then, all Emma could do was watch, ordered by the leader of the pack, Vivian, to remain quiet.

It is over a decade later and Emma has become an artist. The girls were never seen again, and Emma continually paints them in huge canvases, but then covering them with dark and knarled leaves and branches. These paintings have gained notoriety, and have even caught the eye of Francesca Harris White, who is the wealthy owner of Camp Nightingale. It has been reopened and Francesca begs Emma to return as a painting instructor. Emma find this a great opportunity to try and discover whatever happened to her friends, once and for all.

Things are just not right at the camp even now. Also, Emma is haunted by the events, especially when it comes to Vivian. Emma discovers clues Vivian left behind. Everyone seems suspect, including the son of the owner. All the while, Two Truths and a Lie cover every aspect of the past and the present.

This book was full of despair and suspense. Sad that three teens apparently died and suspenseful because Emma left no stone unturned during her time back at the camp.

Riley Sager did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing. In fact, what happened more than midway through the book was truly shocking, and actually gave me pause. I remember talking to someone at this point while reading the book and wondering if it was not just a bit fantastical and whether or not I had the guts to go on. Well, of course I did, and I am thrilled to have done so. The story was already written with superb character development and perfect pacing. That only intensified ad that point, leaving me with a rather insatiable desire to work things out to see who really was responsible for everything strange going on.

Without adding in any spoilers, I want to say something about Emma. She was a truly unreliable narrator, and we got the entire story from her first-person point of view. I admit to doubting her time and again. This plays well to the excellent writing style of Sager. Get me to dislike or distrust a character and you have my attention. I enjoyed The Last Time I Lied and I look forward to Mr.Sager's next book, Lock Every Door. As a matter of fact, I think I am going to backtrack and check out Final Girls.

Many thanks to Dutton and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

It was a game played in a small cabin at a summer camp, Camp Nightingale. Two Truths and a Lie. This game was played between four campers, Vivian, Natalie, Allison and Emma. One night three of the girls snuck out. As the youngest then, all Emma could do was watch, ordered by the leader of the pack, Vivian, to remain quiet.

It is over a decade later and Emma has become an artist. The girls were never seen again, and Emma continually paints them in huge canvases, but then covering them with dark and knarled leaves and branches. These paintings have gained notoriety, and have even caught the eye of Francesca Harris White, who is the wealthy owner of Camp Nightingale. It has been reopened and Francesca begs Emma to return as a painting instructor. Emma find this a great opportunity to try and discover whatever happened to her friends, once and for all.

Things are just not right at the camp even now. Also, Emma is haunted by the events, especially when it comes to Vivian. Emma discovers clues Vivian left behind. Everyone seems suspect, including the son of the owner. All the while, Two Truths and a Lie cover every aspect of the past and the present.

This book was full of despair and suspense. Sad that three teens apparently died and suspenseful because Emma left no stone unturned during her time back at the camp.

Riley Sager did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing. In fact, what happened more than midway through the book was truly shocking, and actually gave me pause. I remember talking to someone at this point while reading the book and wondering if it was not just a bit fantastical and whether or not I had the guts to go on. Well, of course I did, and I am thrilled to have done so. The story was already written with superb character development and perfect pacing. That only intensified ad that point, leaving me with a rather insatiable desire to work things out to see who really was responsible for everything strange going on.

Without adding in any spoilers, I want to say something about Emma. She was a truly unreliable narrator, and we got the entire story from her first-person point of view. I admit to doubting her time and again. This plays well to the excellent writing style of Sager. Get me to dislike or distrust a character and you have my attention. I enjoyed The Last Time I Lied and I look forward to Mr.Sager's next book, Lock Every Door. As a matter of fact, I think I am going to backtrack and check out Final Girls.

Many thanks to Dutton and to Edelweiss for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.