mystery

Bargain books November 03, 2021

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BookBub has an interesting suggestion for us. One I’ve read and enjoyed.

Deadly Proof (Atlanta Justice Book #1)

Riveting New Series Offers Legal Suspense with a Romantic Twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything–even murder–to keep the case from going to trial.

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1531 Entertainment has a fun suggestion. I use that word loosely. It has serious stuff going on but is promised to be fun.

Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind: A Novel

Miss Julia, a recently bereaved and newly wealthy widow, is only slightly bemused when one Hazel Marie Puckett appears at her door with a youngster in tow and unceremoniously announces that the child is the bastard son of Miss Julia’s late husband. Suddenly, this longtime church member and pillar of her small Southern community finds herself in the center of an unseemly scandal-and the guardian of a wan nine-year-old whose mere presence turns her life upside down.

With razor-sharp wit and perfect “Steel Magnolia” poise, Miss Julia speaks her mind indeed-about a robbery, a kidnapping, and the other disgraceful events precipitated by her husband’s death. Fast-paced and charming, with a sure sense of comic drama, a cast of crazy characters, and a strong Southern cadence, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind will delight readers from first page to last.

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This last book may be my next read although it may take awhile. I’ve spent far too much time paying attention to the Governor election races in the US. I’m happy about the results on some of them though. Crazy times.

I hope you enjoy these mysteries.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books November 02, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has several suggestions for us.

Mysteries, all.

Starving Hearts (Triangular Trade Trilogy Book 1)

“Not only is this a delightful regency romance but it is also suspense filled mystery of the very best kind.” ~ Amazon review

“The author did a great job, maybe too great a job, describing the slave scenes. Spine tingling and suspenseful. I was biting my nails throughout much of this book.” ~ Amazon review

Plagued by nightmares, Annette yearns to find her anonymous rescuer — the man who saved her life from a near deadly assault. Deep inside she is starving for companionship and a mutually respectful relationship.

When Mr. Peter Adsley, an abolitionist pastor dealing with his own emotional baggage, agrees to a clandestine meeting, the event appears providential. But self-doubt, deception, and the schemes of a mutual enemy threaten to keep the pair apart. A phantom adversary will stop at nothing to win Annette’s dowry for himself, even if it means killing Peter.

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Hush (Amelia Island Suspense Book 1)

Lacey Campbell dreams murders before they happen.

The night she dreams of a man strangling a young woman while crooning the lullaby “Hush, Little Baby,” she tries to convince herself it doesn’t mean anything. The next day she’s horrified to learn her dream was reality. Then she dreams the second murder….

Detective Ford Jamison is called in to help the local police, and he soon has a working theory about the murders. His belief that the killer is using the lullaby as a “blueprint” to target women who resemble Lacey, doesn’t slow the killings. Lacey is now afraid to fall asleep at night because the next face she sees in her dream might be her own.

As a hurricane churns ever closer to the little coastal town, danger and suspicion spins out of control. Time is running out. Can they stop the killer before the last verse of the lullaby?

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I’m betwixt books again and I think I’m going to check out a Christmas story for my next read. Another mystery.

Caitlyn’s Christmas: A Christian Romantic Suspense (Smoky Mountain Secrets Book 7) 

When an injured cat runs across the road, Caitlyn doesn’t hesitate to rescue the feline. But she isn’t prepared to witness a brutal murder. She slips away, only to lock eyes with the murderer, recognizing him as someone she’d seen earlier. Now the killer knows who she is, too. Caitlyn calls her cop friend Devon Rainer for advice, humbled when he agrees to protect her.

Devon is concerned about Caitlyn’s safety, especially after they return to the scene of the crime to find the dead woman gone without a trace. The escalating attacks against Caitlyn, prove the killer intends to silence anyone who can identify him. Devon’s priority is to keep Caitlyn safe, while finding the killer. Will they survive long enough to celebrate Christmas and their newfound love?

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Happy Reading!

Currently reading a mystery October 29, 2021

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I’m currently reading the new Christy Barritt book in the Salt Water Cowboys series. It has a interesting twist not seen in any other book I’ve read thus far. I wonder how they are going to get out of this situation. Of course we know they will because it’s still the beginning of the book and they are the main characters after all.

Unwavering Security (Saltwater Cowboys Book 6) 

Her plain Jane past still plays on her insecurities. His betrayal at the hands of someone he trusted leaves him on edge. Can they overcome their pasts and rely on each other when danger closes in?

Thaddeus Blackwell and Miranda Stewart have one common goal. As best man and maid of honor, it’s their duty to make sure Grant Matthews’ and Abigail Ferguson’s big day goes off without a hitch. However, after a fantastic first date several months ago, things went downhill and are now awkward, at best, between Thaddeus and Miranda.

Both were hoping to avoid each other except when absolutely necessary. But things don’t go as planned when the Texas FBI agent and New York City reporter literally fall into danger. What they uncover turns their plans upside down.

Now they’re not just helping with the wedding, but they’re trying to stay alive. Can Thaddeus offer Miranda the safety and security she craves? Or is he like every other man in Miranda’s life? Someone may silence both of them before they can find out.

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Check it out, it should be fun. Although there is a dead body, so maybe not so much.

Happy Reading y’all

Free and bargain books October 28, 2021

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BookBub has a FREE suggestions for us.

Dillon (Circle A Cowboys Book 1)

Maude’s husband, John, had been injured and she desperately needed some cowboys to work the ranch. She found Dillon down on his luck and gave him, and five other young men, a home and trains them. Seven years later she is set on finding brides for all of the young men. Dillon’s not interested. He was robbed of everything by Slick McCall—someone he trusted. A girl he loved has also treated him poorly. He doesn’t intend to open his heart to anyone. His plan is to stay right there on the ranch and take care of Maude and John.

Abigail has been duped by a slick-talking charmer and is now expecting a baby with no ring on her finger. Posing as a widow, she flees west, intending to start over and create a new life for herself and her unborn baby. However she arrives at Logan Crossing and discovers her money is missing—stolen. She has nothing. Maude offers her a job on the ranch, thinking this pretty young widow will be suitable for one of the boys.

Slick McCall was the man who sweet talked her into making Abby’s baby. She was prepared to tell Dillon the truth about being an unwed mother but hearing his words makes her realize she must guard her secret.

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A suggestion from 1531 Entertainment.

Running With The Wind: A tale of courage, love and survival aboard the Mayflower (The Mayflower Collection Book 1)

Jedediah Trelawney joins a small, overcrowded ship bound for America. A young man from a privileged background, he struggles to adapt to life at sea. Determined to earn the respect of his fellow passengers, he undertakes arduous tasks alongside the crew, but Jed is not cut out for the life of a sailor.

Sickness is rife aboard the Mayflower. Inspired by Samuel Fuller, a self-taught physician, Jed develops a fascination with the healing arts. He thrives as Doctor Fuller’s apprentice and challenges traditional ideas, seeking kinder methods for treating the sick.

Smitten by Desire Minter, Jed dreams of a future as a respected colony physician with Desire as his wife. Hostile passenger, John Billington, has other ideas. When Billington threatens to reveal Jed’s past, Jed becomes the victim of bullying and bribery. Somehow, Jed must silence Billington for good, or risk losing everything — including his life.

A page-turning tale about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

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Happy Reading …

On this cloudy but not terribly cold day at the end of October.

Read and enjoyed October 24, 2021

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I have a few read-and-enjoyed books to share. There was a nice variety this time and several were a fun experience, Archer and Ready to Fumble in particular.

I’m between books and two are looking attractive as my next read. It will be a challenge to settle on one.

It’s been an interesting day. Nothing went as expected but still it was a very good day.

I’m off to decide on the next read. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Happy Reading.

Free and bargain books October 23, 2021

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This is a slow book day but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We’ve had quite a few books already this week and slow will give us a chance to catch up so we’ll be ready for more next week.

BookBub has a bargain suggestion for us. We’ve seen a number of books from this author in the last year or two.

Honoring Lena: A Sweet Romantic Suspense (Stryker Security Force Book 7)

She wants her fiancé’s betrayers found. He yearns to fix a horrible mistake. When tensions explode, will they find an ally in each other or an enemy?

Lena Rebel’s heart bled out when her military mission went south and her fiancé never made it home alive.
Two years later, she still struggles between her drive to gain justice for his death and the potential for healing she’s found in the Stryker Security Force. When her next protection assignment has her acting as nanny, her patience and resolve is tested.

Marshall Rand’s entire existence revolves around redeeming the one decision that cost him everything.
After finding out his wife was used and murdered to manipulate his vote in Congress, Marshall spends his energy doing everything he can to support the military that he failed. When his son’s life is threatened and he needs covert help, he calls the best security team he knows.

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I’m currently reading an interesting book that doesn’t qualify as a feel-good read. It’s more like real and raw. Not raw in a bad way, just slightly uncomfortable. Uncomfortable is good.

Tea for Three: A heartwarming story about life, love, and true friendship (A Mulberry Lane Novel Book 1)

Three women. Three cups of tea. Three new beginnings.
Sarah Gardner’s husband went to sleep one night in November and never woke up. At forty-years-old, the new widow is left to care for their three children, all of whom are under the age of five.

Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, thought she had met the man of her dreams during what was a perfect summer vacation. Now married to the handsome American who had swept her off her feet, and over 8000 miles away from home, Kate soon realizes that her mother was right: vacations end and people change.

Louise Delaney couldn’t ask for anything more. At fifty-nine, she had enjoyed almost four decades of blissful marriage to Warren–may his soul rest in peace. But Louise’s seemingly perfect world is upended when she gets a visit from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Warren’s daughter.

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Winter is setting in y’all. The furnace is kicking in often, something we haven’t heard in quite a while.

Have a great weekend and …

Happy Reading.

Bargain book October 19, 2021

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The best thing about book collections with various authors is meeting new authors and comparison shopping all at the same time. It’s like searching for perfect shoes.

In the middle of Save the Date Romance Collection with twelve contributors, I encountered a new author and wanted to know more. Camy Tang writes Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense as herself, and Christian Regency Romantic Suspense under Camille Elliot.

With bargain as the main selection criteria, there was only one to be had, in the Regency section.

It’s a good day.

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer: Christian Regency Romantic Suspense serial novel (Lady Wynwood’s Spies series)

She met him again by shooting him.

After four seasons and unmarried because she is taller than most of her dance partners, Miss Phoebe Sauber receives the shocking news that she is being callously banished from her father’s estate because he is remarrying. Feeling betrayed by her father and by God, and wanting to escape her family’s presence, she attends an archery tournament with her friends.

But her perfect aim fails her, and her arrow hits a piece of paper held by Mr. Michael Coulton-Jones, whom she hasn’t seen much in society in several years. But strangely, her arrow tears a section of the paper with a partial symbol that looks eerily familiar to her.

He met her again while searching for a killer.

Michael had quit his work as a spy for the Foreign Office when his brother was poisoned. His search for the murderer leads him to Apothecary Jack, a criminal underworld leader with a penchant for poisons, who is gathering a powerful army through an alchemical potion that can give men supernatural strength.

But his path unexpectedly crosses again with Miss Sauber, who saves him from a trap laid by Jack. She and her Aunt Laura, Lady Wynwood, have found a vital connection to Apothecary Jack and the mysterious group he works for.

Now Michael, who had vowed to never again allow civilians to come to harm, must work with a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets, a human lie detector, a chemist, a fellow former spy, and the one woman he’s never allowed himself to get close to.

And it is only this ragtag group that stands against a traitorous organization that could enable Napoleon to conquer the world.

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As book 1 of 3, it is not standalone and ends with a cliffhanger. I’m not sure what I’m getting into with this but I do know I want to find out.

Camy’s novella in Save the Date was one of my favorites in the collection and I’m hoping to enjoy this new read just as much.

I haven’t checked any of my usual sources yet today but I will be sure to let you know if anything interesting shows up when I do.

In the meantime…

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books October 18, 2021 Part two

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We have more exciting prospects, both from the same popular author. BookBub suggested this first one and it’s FREE. We are having a good day.

The Strongest Love: A Page-Turning Tale of Mystery, Adventure & Love (Alaskan Hearts Book 5)

To claim her future, she’ll need to forget her past.

When Brenna’s abusive father dies, she seizes the opportunity to flee to Memory Ranch in hopes that the majestic horses and caring staff at the ranch can help her overcome a past filled with abuse and neglect.

But as she starts her new life, complete with a new identity, Brenna finds she can’t outrun her pain. Not even with the help of a charming local, who’s faced his own demons and won. He wants to help Brenna conquer hers as well, but opening up to friendship–and possibly love–is the scariest thing she’s had to face yet.

Will Brenna find the strength to move forward and forgive those in her past who turned a blind eye to her helplessness? And when at last she strips all the hurt away, will there be any part of her left?

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Happily, this one showed up in the suggestion strip, browsing after the last book.

The Happiest Place: A Page-Turning Tale of Mystery, Adventure & Love (Alaskan Hearts Book 6)

Memories are especially sweet, when you have so few of them left…

Kate can’t believe she’s losing her mother. For as long as she can remember, it’s been the two of them against the world. That is, until early-onset Alzheimer’s robbed them both of the relationship that had always been so special.

Kate accepted a job at Memory Ranch to keep an eye on her mom, but is left wonder whether she’s the one who really needs to heal. Especially as a certain handsome therapist named Jack keeps finding more and more reasons for them to spend time together.

What will be left of Kate when her mother leaves her behind? And can she justify spending time with Jack when she knows her mom’s time left on earth is limited?

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It’s been a good day for books. I’ll let you know if any more surprises show up.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain mysteries October 18, 2021

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I stumbled across a mystery from a popular author.

Double Exposure: An Inspirational Private Investigator Romantic Suspense Novel (The Justice Agency Book 1)

The Justice Agency: Family and law enforcement go hand in hand

Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer’s next target.

Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing ex-FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again.

Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie’s love, he’s willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

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1531 Entertainment has a FREE suggestion for us, another author we’ve seen often this year.

Pursued: Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense

The man Cristina Torres has fallen in love with kisses her and then disappears for ten years. Now he’s back but with two detectives as shadows, and someone’s trying to kill her. Should she trust him or run for her life?

Dr. Chase Richards has fled his Christian roots long enough. He’s returning to his hometown in Tennessee to make amends—at what he thinks is God’s direction. But the way is not just hard, it’s almost impossible.

The girl he once loved is now a woman—and she wants nothing to do with him. In addition, the opioid study he started and left in Virginia has followed him across state lines. The police have warned him that he’s in imminent danger. His well organized life is no longer safe or ordered—and neither is Cristina’s.

Can he discover who’s trying to kill them before she becomes collateral damage?

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It’s a beautiful Monday here in southern Manitoba. What a great start to a new week.

Two new books on top of it. What could be better than that.

Have a good day, everyone.

Happy Reading

Free and bargain books October 14, 2021 Part two

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We have several bargain books, on the lighter side this time.

Healing the Hero (The Heroes of Freedom Ridge Book 3) 

A dream job. A dreamier boss.

Ashley Castle jumps at a chance to show off her skills as head chef when she lands the job at Liberty Grille in the Freedom Ridge Resort. Before long, she develops a full-blown crush on her boss but ignores her growing feelings. Nothing can happen as long as his nightmare ex-girlfriend remains in the picture, so she keeps her focus on work.

Restaurant Manager, Daniel Winchester hires Ashley and can’t help but be drawn to the new hire. If it weren’t for her faith in a God he stopped trusting while serving in Iraq, he could fall for her. He can’t let that happen, though.

When Ashley overhears a sinister plot, she’s torn between revealing it, which will mean risking her job if Daniel doesn’t believe her, and keeping it to herself. Daniel has a chance to overcome his demons, but will he take the risk and discover love in the process or bury the betrayal beneath his wit and charm once again?

Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.

Healing the Hero is the third book in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, but each of the books can be read as standalones.

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Callum’s Compass: Journey to Love (Love, Hope, and Faith Book 1)

Kat Williams’s brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

Ryan Jenkins’s fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past, then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her … without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels … and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

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The Right Resolution: A Sweet New Year’s Eve Story of Faith, Love, and Small-Town Holidays (Holiday Hearts Romance Book 1) 

SHE NEEDS THIS YEAR TO BE DIFFERENT…BUT THERE’S ONE RESOLUTION SHE DIDN’T PLAN ON MAKING

When the clock strikes midnight at her beachside cottage on New Year’s Eve, Eve Larson plans a fresh start following a year of heartbreaking disappointments. But when an enemy from her past tracks her down, will he stand in the way of rebuilding her dreams?

Add in a treasured royal heirloom, New Year’s resolutions, and sweet kisses on moonlit beaches, and you have the start of one unforgettable year.

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Heartland Joy (A Heartland Cowboy Christmas Sweet Romance Book 1)

Shawn Barclay didn’t plan to stay in Iowa long. He’d only left his family and the close-knit community of Mistletoe, Arkansas as a favor to his parents. They’d asked him to help the daughter of a friend who was in an accident.

After arriving in Iowa, it doesn’t take long before Shawn invests in saving more than the woman’s farm. When he sees how the town avoids her, he decides to save her reputation, as well.

Bridget Rawlings isn’t exactly considered a catch in Prairie Rose, Iowa. In fact, the locals all but shun her and her three children. A cloud of death and disaster seems to surround both her and her farm. After all, The Bad Luck Widow has already buried two husbands.

Although she admires Shawn’s courage and willingness to help, Bridget doesn’t welcome his aid.

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Well, it looks like 2 turned into 4 when I couldn’t find the will to say no. It’s a good day when books are that easy to find. I am hoping they will all be wonderful.

This should keep us busy for a few days.

Happy Reading