A Deadly Business {A Mia Quinn Mystery} by Lis Wiehl. An oldie but goodie!

  

An oldie but goodie!

Book Description:  A prosecutor of violent criminals. A detective on a dangerous beat. When these two pros take on an off-the-books case, the line between professional and personal becomes perilously blurred. 

When a twenty-two-year-old convict walks into the courtroom, his eyes confirm what Mia Quinn already guesses: he blames her for his conviction. In seconds, he knocks her to the ground and holds a razor blade to her throat. While she manages to escape without injury, it's just one more reminder that Mia's job prosecuting Seattle's s most dangerous criminals is far from low risk.  

As a single mom, the last thing Mia wants is for her work to follow her home or discover that it already has.

Now Detective Charlie Carlson is suggesting the very thing Mia doesn't want to believe—that her accountant husband’s deadly car accident was no accident at all. When Mia and Charlie encounter resistance to reopening the case, they take the investigation into their own hands. And they find much more than they bargained for.

Was Mia's husband more than an accountant . . . and less than an honest man? As the truth becomes more shocking and the case grows more complex, her husband's killers take note of Mia . . . and her children. How far will this prosecutor go to learn the truth about her husband—and how far will she have to go to protect her family? 

My Thoughts:  Oh.Be.Still.My.Heart!  I have waited (it seems like forever ) for the next Mia Quinn mystery.  And here it is!  

Mia is a prosecutor.  And usually her job is stressful and full but today when that twenty-two-year old walks into the courtroom Mia senses/knows that he blames her for his predicament.  Uh!Yeah! She did the crime!    Honestly these criminals make one SO angry.   As the reader can tell this is a one great suspense read!  I was SO angry at the criminal . . . a good sign that an author brings out emotion in the reader.

Mia is a single mom because her husband was killed in a deadly car accident.  But now Detective Carlson telling her the one thing she really doesn't want to hear.  Her husband's accident was probably not an accident!  And to top.it.all.off!  Her husband seems to have been into some shady dealings.

Poor Mia! She is a single mom who wants to blend into the woodwork.  She doesn't want these criminals to know that she has a family and where she lives.  

This is one of Lis Wiehl's best books!  The suspense is, well for a lack of another word, suspenseful! {smile}  One of those I'm looking over my shoulder as I read in bed at night!  Yeah!That good!

• Series: A Mia Quinn Mystery (Book 2)
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595549048

Fun Friday!

 

Murders In The Marquee by Dana Metink

 Book Description:  n 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

My Thoughts:  I absolutely love stories authored by Dana Metink.  

This story Murders In The Marquee is an absolute delight.

The main characters, Saul, Kitty and Henry are quirky, humorous, serious and most off all determined.

Saul Niffler is astonished that he has a job at the Marquee.  However, as he nears the Marquee he is astonished to see a body fall from the upper part of the hotel. When he reaches the Marquee he looks for the body but lo and behold there is no body!

Saul decides to go see about his new job.  He is once more astonished that it's not quite the job he envisioned.  

Then enters Kitty and Henry into the picture and the trio Saul, Kitty and Henry in-between working at the Marquee are determined to find out why there was a body falling from the Marquee.

Kitty can be funny and serious at the same time.  I love how she says to Saul and Henry, "She waved them to be quiet.  Now was not the moment to stand on propriety.  A detective never allowed that kind of thing to impede investigation."

And you're going to love the ducks!

This is a fantabulous story and if you like cozy mysteries you're going to love it.

I received a free review copy of this book from [Publisher/NetGalley]. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and I am disclosing this per FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

You can buy your copy at the following online stores:

Harlequin: https://harlequin.com/products/murders-in-the-marquee/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYXQT2R3/ B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murders-in-the-marquee-dana-mentink/1148658665 Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/p/books/murders-in-the-marquee-a-historical-cozy-mystery-with-a-trio-of-amateur-sleuths-dana-mentink/4fe7385d3af405f9?ean=9780369785251

WOW (Warm Oven Wednesday)

 

A summer charcuterie board:

Hummus with lots of veggies and cheeses with a variety of crackers .  

Then add fresh fruits!

The Chase (US Marshals Book #2) by Lisa Harris

 

Book Description:  US Marshal Madison James may not be sure who shot her three months ago, but she does know one thing--it's time to get back out into the field. When her partner, Jonas Quinn, receives a message that a federal warrant just came in on a man connected to a string of bank robberies, Madison jumps at the chance to get back to work. What she and Jonas find is a bank robbery in progress that's gone wrong--and things are about to get worse. For these bank robbers, it's never been just about the money. It's about taking risks and adrenaline rushes, and getting caught is not part of the game. When the suspects escape, Madison and Jonas must hunt them down and bring them to justice before someone else--someone close to them--gets hurt . . . or worse. From Seattle to the San Juan Islands, bestselling author Lisa Harris takes you on a nonstop chase where feelings are complicated and failure isn't an option. 

My Thoughts:  Oh, my, STARS!  I waited and waited for this book to come out.  And it did not disappoint.

I did read book #1, The Escape and I'd recommend that the reader read book 1 to understand the dynamics.

All the right ingredients, a pinch of romance, a mixture of suspense and a wonderful story that brings the reader to a place of wanting the next chapter.

Lisa Harris is one of my most favorite authors, especially in the suspense arena.

How I loved US Marshal Madison James and, well, there's Jonas Quinn.  All man and ready to help nab the bad guys.

But it's the suspense, the action and good vs. evil that really make the book.

And the setting is the San Juan Islands.  Yeah, so nice and so dangerous.

It's quite an interesting story how a bank robbery goes haywire but it's not about the money.  That's the interesting part...who puts their life on the line to rob a bank but it's not about the money?!?!

What story!  What adventure! What suspense!  It's a wonderful read!

• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800737318
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800737313

Murders In the Marquee by Dana Metink....coming soon

 

Letters of Comfort {Book 2} by Wanda E Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiance's death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won't even respond to calls from friends. William's twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren's friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?

My Thoughts: I enjoy reading books penned by Wanda Brunstetter.  These books in the Friendship Letters are not only fun but interesting since letter writing seems to have become a lost art.  

The only "issue" Had with this story was the name of the main character, Doretta.  I kept wanting to call her Dorito. I kept asking myself could this be a real name?  Oh, my!

Once I got past the name I enjoyed reading about Doretta and her story.

Dorreta is a happy person and then one day her fiancé passes away. She feels her joy slip away as well as her letter writing.  What is there to write about?

Unbeknownst to Doretta William is also mourning his loss.  

William takes the first step and reaches out to Doretta in friendship since they are both grieving.  Grieving is difficult and takes a strong person to overcome his grief in order to comfort another.  This is William.

The letters are quite interesting and spur me to begin writing letters once again since they mean so much to others.

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

Fun Friday!

 

Another new read!

 

New Read!

 Grab a cuppa and this book!  

Coming soon to Amazon and your favorite retailer:

Harlequin: https://harlequin.com/products/murders-in-the-marquee/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FYXQT2R3/ B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murders-in-the-marquee-dana-mentink/1148658665 Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/p/books/m...

 

New Book

 

This is one story you don't want to miss! 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 Zucchini Muffins....follow the link below

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/zucchini-muffins/

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Book Description:  Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victim's husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes that the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

My Thoughts:  Lisa Harris never disappoints when she writes a mystery/suspense/thriller.  This story is o.so.wonderful!

Caitlyn Lindsey's character comes alive in the first chapter when "things" begin happening that aren't suppose to happen.  She feels like someone is also watching her and maybe they are.

At first I wasn't sure about Josh Solomon...well, his character seems a bit weak but that soon changes and one can't help but fall in love with Josh.  He doesn't take on a super personality he just becomes more thoughtful.

As one reads on in the story there a lot of action takes place it seems that there is an under current of "something" happening but the reader can't quite figure out what.

Just when I felt I knew what was going on, well the game changed.

I loved, loved this story!  Great suspense and great mystery combined in one fantastic story of intentions gone haywire.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800729161
• ISBN-13: 978-0800729165

Deception (Natchez Trace Park Rangers)by Patricia Bradley

 

Book Description: After being forced to kill an FBI agent gone rogue in self-defense while working in the violent crimes unit for the Investigative Services Branch, ranger Madison Thorn is comfortable with her move to the fraud and cyber division. At least numbers don't lie. So she's less than thrilled when a white-collar crime investigation in Natchez, Mississippi, turns violent. She could also do without being forced to work with former-childhood-enemy-turned-infuriatingly-handsome park ranger Clayton Bradshaw.

When a woman who looks just like Madison is attacked on the same night Madison's grandfather is shot, it becomes clear that there is something much bigger going on here and that Madison herself is in danger. Madison and Clayton will have to work together--and suppress their growing feelings for one another--if they are to discover the truth before it's too late.

My Thoughts: Oh,my!  This last book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers by Patricia Bradley is absolutely over the top!  Make sure you read the first three books in the series too.  Each book is a stand alone but each book gives you a feel for what is going on in the Natchez Trace Park, Standoff, Obession and Crosshairs.  I loved them all but this last book is like the icing on the cake.  Yeah, it's that good!

Madison Thorn has had her share of of rogue adventures and is not sure she wants more but just when she thinks she can get comfortable, there's a white collar crime which means her old er handsome er childhood friend comes to work on the case.  Oh yeah, Clayton Bradshaw is a great help!

When a woman who looks like Madison is attacked it becomes apparent that there is something much bigger to this crime than meets the eye.

I loved the action, the suspense and the romance of this intriguing well written story.

The deception is one thing that is a bit difficult to figure out.  Well, at least for me. It is a great mystery!

Fun Friday!

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

 Another great recipe from Pinterest:

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp butter, divided
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 c. or a 32 oz. box, low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-3/4 inch cubes
• 1 celery root, peeled and cut into ¼ inch cubes
• 2 medium heads broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 small head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• ¼ tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• pinch paprika and cayenne pepper
• 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 c. milk (1%, 2% or whole)
• ½ c. half & half (non-fat, low-fat or regular)
• 2 c. shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz block)

Directions

1. In a large pot over set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter. When the butter has melted, add the carrots, celery and onion and saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for a minute longer. Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, celery root, thyme, salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes (or until the potatoes are almost tender). Stir in the broccoli and cauliflower, cook for 5-7 minutes longer or until veggies are tender.
2. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking vigorously as you add the milk little by little. Whisk until smooth. Constantly whisk as the mixture comes to a gentle boil. When it begins to thicken add the half & half, then remove from heat and pour into the soup (after the veggies are fully cooked). Stir everything together, then turn the heat off. Gradually add the cheddar, stirring until the soup is nice and smooth

A Perilous Plan by Melanie Dickerson

  Here's another great read by Melanie Dickerson.

If you love Regency Romance, you'll love this

story of a young widow and her plan.

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax (Enduring Hope) by Terrie Todd

 

Book Description:  Three days ago, Pearline Campbell's family was whole and Oliver Hamilton still loved her. But upon returning to Halifax disfigured and shellshocked, Oliver ended their relationship. Then came Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the Halifax harbor was leveled by a tremendous explosion. . .and Pearline fears nothing will ever be whole again. Her parents are dead, her brother is missing, and her sister refuses to speak. Pearline must fortify herself to open her home to needy orphans, including an unidentified baby. Where can she find the strength for each new day as misery grips the city?

 

My Thoughts:  When life gives you lemons make lemonade!  This seems to be the theme of The Reluctant Healer of Halifax.

A new to me author, Terrie Todd, does an excellent job writing about a most incredible time and day in history.  A day many would have given up on and continued on their way but not Sergeant Oliver Hamilton.  He perseveres hoping to help the woman he loves although he is wounded and hurting himself. 

Pearline Campbell, the woman that Oliver loves, seems discouraged and so in shock from all that happened with that one bridge explosion at Halifax.  Her parents are dead from the explosion and she is now guardian to her siblings!  One sibling is missing and another sibling is mite with shock! 

What about the baby?  A baby that Pearline has grown to love?  Who does this baby belong to?  Will the baby's mystery bring peace or conflict?

This is the sixth book in the Ending Hope Series.  Although I didn't realize it was the sixth book I was not lost in this story.  I'd consider it a stand alone read.

Such an interesting read!  If you love all things historical you'll love this read! 

*I did not have to give a positive review.

Book provided by Barbour Publishing*

Fun Friday!

 

A Path to Forgiveness by Carrie Lighte, Vannetta Chapman

 

Book Description:  Can love and forgiveness set them free?  Hiding Her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte and A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman

My Thoughts:  I love two books in one.  For one thing, as soon as you finish the first there is a second book to read.  

The first book is Hiding her Amish Secret by Carrie Lighte.  Carrie Lighte is a brand new to me author so I didn't know what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this story.  

Arleta Bontrager is Amish and during Rumspringa she got a tattoo.  Oh my! What was she thinking!  How would any self respecting Amish man marry such a tarnished Amish woman?

Having a tattoo to most Englisch people is no big deal but for Arleta who is Amish this is a huge no, no.

As the story continues Arleta needs a job and Noah Lehman's sick grandma needs help so Arleta takes the nursing job.

The more she works around the more she likes him.

A sweet story with a few laughs.  Loved it!

The next story A Widow's Hope by Vannetta Chapman is a reprint but I had kind of forgotten the story so I reread it.  

A tragedy claims Hannah's husbands life and her son's ability to walk she doesn't want another man but Jacob Schrock needs help.  So Hannah relents and agrees to help Jacob with his accounting issues.

A romance begins but not because two people are seeking romance.  It's a heart thing!

Loved this story and I may read it again!

Life Behind the Wall: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smuggler's Treasure Paperback by Robert Elmer

 

Book Description:  Cut off by the Iron Curtain This epic tale extends across generations and unfolds against the backdrop of a dangerous Cold War Berlin. This historically accurate, action-packed, three-books-in-one edition features three generations of resourceful teens living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Titles include: Candy Bombers: In spring 1948, teenage cousins Erich and Katarina are simply trying to survive in war-ravaged Berlin when the Soviets blockade the east side of the city, isolating its citizens---and starving them---behind the Iron Curtain. Beetle Bunker: In August 1961, Sabine discovers a forgotten underground bunker. Though she first uses it to escape her crowded home, she soon realizes her hideout could possibly take her family under the wall to West Berlin and freedom! Smuggler's Treasure: In spring 1989, life is good in West Germany, and even the Cold War seems to be thawing in the warmer weather. But as Liesl works on a class project about the history of the wall, she stumbles onto a startling secret no one will talk about.

My Thoughts:  Oh! Be.Still.My.Heart!  I could not believe my eyes when I saw this book . . . I was so excited. . . . like a kid on Christmas morning!  This is THREE books in one volume!  All three of the Life Behind the Wall books by Robert Elmer!  

I first read Candy Bombers about 10 years ago.  But I never got the next two books Beetle Bunker and Smuggler's Treasure.

I must tell you, that even though I am an adult, these are the best books ever!  

In Candy Bombers the reader is introduced to Erich and Katarina living in the city of Berlin after the Soviets blockade the east side of the city.

Then in Beetle Bunker, the reader meets Sabine who discovers an underground bunker.

And then in, Smuggler's Treasure the reader meets Liesl who lives in West Germany during the Cold War.

Sorry my book descriptions are short but I hope they are teasers for you (no spoilers) so that you will read this wonderful trilogy!

Yes, these books must be read in order because there are overlaps in each book from the previous.  And what a better way to read them in order than to have a 3-n-1 book!  

I love this trilogy!

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Paperback: 528 pages

Publisher: Zonderkidz; Revised edition 

Language: English

ISBN-10: 031074265X

ISBN-13: 978-0310742654