The Last Golden Isle

 

She came to escape her past—and found her future.

About the Book: Ever since a traumatic experience as a college freshman four years earlier, Clare Matthews has had an aversion to men. But when she goes to spend the summer on one of Georgia's Golden Isles as a companion for her cousin Sally, she finds herself drawn to Jon, a handsome young security guard who works on the family estate. When the feeling seems mutual, she hopes she has at last been healed. Then signs of his possible involvement in a dangerous criminal activity crop up, and Clare must make a decision that will affect the rest of her life.

Our Review:  Readers need to hand onto their hats as this compelling drama takes in potential shady real estate machinations, possible drug smuggling, and serious mental health issues. Author McAlexander is a master at juggling multiple plot lines—and keeps the suspense at top peak.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Last Golden Isle merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Mark of the Beast by Toni V. Sweeney

 

At first sight, Mask of the Beast appears to be a spin off on the age-old fairy tale where, because of true love a centuries old curse is lifted. It is more than that. The depth and range of author Toni V. Sweeney’s research is exceptional. Her fluid prose and compelling characters keep the pages turning in this tale of devotion—both marital and filial. Do Not Miss this one!

 

On a scale of 1-5, Mask of the Beast deserves a 7.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Crushed Promises by Linda Trout

 

Rebecca Walker loves searching for lost treasure but puts her plans on hold to fulfill her sister’s dying wish of performing on Broadway. She returns home when her father has a severe stroke. While there, she’s determined to achieve her father's lifelong quest for hidden Confederate gold, rumored to be buried nearby.

Former army ranger Roy Maddox blames the accident that took his fiancée’s life on her sister, Rebecca. Now Rebecca is back, pretending to care about the father she left behind to pursue her dreams. Despite their differences, they’re drawn to each other.

Will they locate and retrieve the gold, or will they be blind-sided by an outside force who is intent on taking the treasure, destroying them both?

Our Review: Among author Linda Trout’s many talents is her ability to build suspense and a developing romance in subtle though powerful ways. The progression is compelling and keeps the reader turning the pages of this story, filled with parental love and devotion. A treat for all fans of romantic suspense.  

Based on a scale of 1-5, Crushed Promises merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Revenge Hit by B Davis Kroon

 

The first victim? Most likely, that one’s personal.  

 About The Book: A brilliant, but oddball, football fanatic watches as a player dies on the gridiron—thanks to an official’s screwup—only to have the agony of his childhood take over his mind. Weeks later, a part of him is killing football officials. Sports website mogul and college football commentator Ben Leit finds himself dragged into a road trip across Route 66 in search of the anesthetic killer.

 Our Review: Our first comment on Revenge Hit: do not start reading this late on a Sunday night because you’ll never make it to work on time the next day. It’s that good. Our second comment is a nod to author Davis Kroon’s talent for creating setting. In the first scene, in the middle of a brilliant Fall day, the reader finds themselves dead center of a playing field, arms open in anticipation of a perfect spiral pass landing neat as a pin in their hands.

The third, and definitely most important, is the detailed and compelling descent into one man’s frustration, advancing to rage, ending in total madness, making for an exceptional read.

 On a scale of 1-5, Revenge Hit deserves an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Half Truths Under a Broken Moon by Jody Wenner

 

Will going home again bring added pain—or profound joy?

 

About the Book: After a decade away from her hometown of Alton, Minnesota, Luna Anderson is reticent to return but she has no choice. The woman who raised her is dying of cancer. While working through her grief over the loss, Luna encounters her birth mother—another of the reasons she stayed away for so long—alive and well and thriving. To complicate matters, after seeing Brad, her childhood friend, the same confusing feelings Luna once had for him resurface.

So do the panic attacks she’s not suffered since fleeing Alton. Is Brad the trigger? Or is it the loss of the only woman who nurtured her? Then, perhaps the cause lies with the emotionally charged relationship she has with her mother.

Luna owes it to her recently deceased grandma to stay in Alton and care for the man who stood as the only father figure she’s ever known. It might be time to stop running and finally confront everything she has tried to move on from—which means figuring out the cause of the panic attacks and whether she is ready to risk falling in love again.

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Our Review:  this is a compelling and complex tale of family systems and the wrath that once wreaked on the innocent leads to lifelong pain and uncertainty. In order to survive, Luna escaped but only by developing multiple protective layers. It is therefore a pure joy to watch author Wenner peel the layers away like the skin of an onion. As each layer is shed, the reader sees light and clarity enter Luna’s damaged spirit. This is a journey into one woman’s self-actualization, as well as a joyous and happily ever after. Well done!

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Half Truths Under a Broken Moon merits a 7.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Accidental Allies by Karina Bartow

 

After a six-year absence can she go back to the career she loves?

 About the Book: Accidental Allies follows detective Minka Avery as she returns to the Orlando P.D. after a six-year hiatus. The decision to bring her back following such a lengthy absence wasn’t popular with some of the top brass, but when the courthouse is bombed, the investigation puts the entire department under the microscope. As the case takes several twists and turns, Minka proves her time away from ‘detecting’ hasn’t diminished her skills at all.  

 Our Review: The depth of research performed by author Bartow shows clear in this fast-paced police procedural based in sunny Orlando. It is the loyalty which flavors the varied personal relationships that bring a shine to this tale. While Minka owes her job to her immediate superior Gus Channing, it is her loyalty to him that not only saves his job but also solves the crimes underlying the mystery. Add to that mix a loving spouse and delightful child, as well as her charming rogue of a brother which makes this story so special.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Accidental Allies merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

Rag Lady by Susie Black

 

About The Book: Take a step back in time to see how apparel magnate Holly Schlivnik got her start in the rag business.  

Our Review: As a precursor to the Holly Swimsuit Series, Rag Lady takes fans of this popular series back to the early days when Holly, a recent college graduate and budding writer, gets her start in the business that eventually takes her to the Apparel Mart in California. The history is fascinating with added flavors of Jewish traditions. And we cannot ignore the influence of Nana. Beautifully written, this character stands out as a testament to tough, loving grandmothers everywhere. Well done!  

On a scale of 1-5, Rag Lady deserves a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Flame & Shadow by AK Nevermore

 

About the Book: Envy, a half fae-half daemon, is looking at her death which will occur in less than thirty days. In her short life, she has not had many opportunities or been offered many chances so has lived on her wits and guile. Out of the blue, she is offered the option to survive—but in her view it comes at a high price. Along this journey, she encounters difficult people and situations—but in the end, survives. As to how well she survives is her decision.

Our Review:  This is not an easy story for the casual reader to get through. That said, devotees of the sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy genres will adore it. Because of her less than sterling upbringing, Envy has developed a kick-ass, nothing bothers me attitude—but early on it becomes clear this is a cover for a young person looking to belong, unconsciously begging for unconditional positive regard. Afterall, isn’t that what we all need? What we all deserve? Under it all, Flame & Shadow is a morality tale, teaching us to look under the surface which might be hiding someone in desperate need.

 On a scale of 1-5, Flame & Shadow merits a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman

 

Filled with Native mysticism, whispering pines and healing qualities of crystals and potions, Kerry Fryar Freeman takes the reader on a journey through the massive tourist industry of the Southwest USA. The characters are unique, quirky and eclectic; the heroine is gutsy and motivated. Too bad some of the locals don't want their secrets uncovered. 

For our full review of Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman, go to: www.WildWomenReviews.blogspot.com

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews  

The Taken by Donnette Smith

 

It’s the wedding of a lifetime—until a dead girl shows up.

 About The Book: All Jenna Langley wants is the chance to marry the man of her dreams. But when the spirit of a dead girl, one only Jenna can see, appears at the wedding, it’s clear a recent brush with death has caused a heightening of Jenna’s psychic abilities. The groom, police detective Cole Rainwater, vows to do whatever is necessary to get to the bottom of his wife’s disturbing visions. Before he can launch an investigation, Jenna is abducted—and what began as a meticulously planned romantic honeymoon turns into a nightmare of epic proportions.

 Our Review: In this third book of the Spirit Walker series, it is a delight to see a satisfying conclusion of two strong character arcs. With Jenna and Cole, author Donnette Smith has built upon well established, compelling lead characters, then thrown them into the deep end of the dehumanizing world of human trafficking. For mystery fans, there are plenty of red herrings to keep the pages turning in order identify the real bad guys. Flavored with a boatload of dry humor and steamy sex, this is an effortless conclusion to a terrific series.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Taken deserves an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Love is Silent by Toni V. Sweeney

 

She is hired to teach him to speak—but there are other things he wants to learn.

 About the Book: Anna Leighton is hired to help David Wood, Lord Mayfield, learn the intricacies of Sign language in order to help him communicate with and adapt to the world outside his rural family estate. A greedy relative has petitioned the courts to have David declared incompetent; Anna’s earlier success with teaching the deaf will hopefully prove the accusation a lie.

           Unfortunately, she is working against a time limit of six weeks to perform what some would consider a miracle. After breaking down the walls David has erected to protect himself from further abuse and injury, Anna is successful and he is soon Signing, then speaking in limited amounts—and even dancing. Suddenly he has a champion—and the two quickly fall in love. But societal norms are rigid and unforgiving. The two deserving people must fight more than a vicious family member in order to establish a future together.

 Our Review: In a departure from the genres Toni V. Sweeney is generally known for, with this historical romance, she offers the same loving care for setting, dialogue, and complex characters—both primary and secondary. The history behind educating the hearing impaired is spot-on as well as the minute attention to societal norms for finding love outside one’s station. Spiced with bright, engaging humor and layered characters, Love is Silent is a treat to read and enjoy.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Love is Silent merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

The Fog Ladies: Date With Death

 Love can be deadly.

 About the Book: The Fog Ladies count on each other like one relies on an early morning San Francisco fog burning off by midday. In their latest caper, Olivia Honeycut joins a senior dating service, meets a man, and promptly stumbles across a body whom one of her fellow romantics has just pitched over a cliff. The ‘fog ladies’ believe the killer is Olivia’s new honey. He’s too smooth; he’s lying about his past and the ‘ladies’ intend to find out why.

 Our Review: What a joy to meet a group of women who genuinely admire and respect each other—even when they agree to disagree—despite a disparity of backgrounds, life experiences, and interests. Of particular joy is Enid Carmichael whom, we’re convinced, would have held her own ‘back in the day’ of the swinging sixties, when women weren’t as liberated as we might have wished, had to tolerate unimaginable misogyny and social taboos, and still succeeded. Enid is a hoot and one of the true stars of this enchanting cozy mystery series. We look forward to book 5. Well done.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Fog Ladies: Date With Death merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Cough of Birds by Brian Anderson

 

About the Book: Minneapolis PI Lyle Dahms reluctantly visits a friend, an armorer at a rural Renaissance festival. Instead of a day of medieval merrymaking, Dahms witnesses a grisly murder, watching helplessly as one of the armorer’s colleagues is pinned to a wall by an arrow shot by an unseen assailant.

Although warned to stay out the case by the local constabulary, Dahms gets drawn in farther and farther, uncovering an illegal drug operation and crooked cops—and even stumbles into an unlikely chance at love with a comely, independent-minded barmaid. As lies and hidden agendas reveal themselves, Dahms must keep his wits while navigating the unfamiliar lands of knights in armor, wandering jugglers, lusty wenches, strolling minstrels, and broadsword wielding adversaries.

All that and, of course, something with which Dahms is all too familiar—murder.

 Our Review: Author Brian Anderson follows up the award-winning The Shiver in Her Eyes, his debut novel in the Lyle Dahms Mysteries with the unlikely but oddly captivating hero who finds himself—more than a little reluctantly—at a Renaissance festival. This story that will keep readers’ interest for the sharp, biting dialogue and quirky, fascinating characters—and flavored with all those things involved in the world of Renaissance faires—from the costumes, to the period speech patterns and food options. Dahms himself is a treat. Reminiscent of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser PI, his dry humor and smart-mouth are a welcome change in mystery fiction. In short, he’s a keeper.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Cough of Birds merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A Sour Note by Jill Piscitello

 

When murder provides a welcome distraction…

 About the Book:  After living out of state for the past ten years, event planner Maeve Cleary reluctantly returns to Hampton, NH, a charming beach community where she was raised. Living in her childhood home an iron-willed mother, Maeve struggles to rebuild her dismal financial situation while recovering from the destruction of her engagement to a nationally recognized news correspondent. Confronted by best friends, nosy neighbors, and unwelcomed relatives—who all seem to know what’s best for her—the discovery of a corpse outside her mother’s music school provides Maeve with not only a distraction but a reason to get out of bed and keep moving.

 Our Review:  Who, after suffering brutal disappointment, doesn’t want only to hide in the same and wallow in their grief? Who hasn’t been forced to rely on the kindness of others while recuperating from devastating blows to their ego? And who hasn’t suffered the well-meaning, unwelcomed advice and guidance with a smile and grace? Meet Maeve Cleary—a young woman every cozy mystery lover will recognize, then root for. Adding to this mix is a charming beach locale with cleverly named businesses, owned and operated by a host of unique, interesting characters, any one of whom had good reason to murder the thoroughly unlikeable victim. Author Piscitello hits every high note with this delightful story—we look forward to the next Music Box Mystery.    

 Based on a scale of 1-5, A Sour Note merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Vampire's Retribution by M. Flagg

 

Terrifying. Michael Malone, a mystically enhanced vampire, destroys three immortal sorcerers and takes on their vengeful army of hell-beasts in an unprecedented battle. Poisoned and captured, his body is exsanguinated and left to rot in a cell beneath the city. Guided by the heavenly entity known as Helena, he spins a fantasy full of deep love and devotion to the one woman he treasures and his mystically-human, very troubled son. Helena focuses Michael’s fading mind through emotional twists and unexpected turns, through passionate highs and very realistic lows.

 Our Review: This novel, with its complicated plotline and multi-layerd characters is seasoned throughout with the author’s talent for lush descriptive phrasing as well as intense emotion. Fans of vampire fiction will love this one.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Vampire’s Retribution merits a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

The Twenty-One Year Contract by L. B. Griffen

 

Coming of age in 1960s London.  

 About The Book: orphaned as a young teenager, Kathleen Gray struggles to find her own way in the world, including learning more about her birth mother. But the laws governing release of information on adoption are strict. Kathleen, now Kate, learns to make a family of her heart—and eventually finds what she’s been looking for all along.  

 Our Review: The Twenty-One Year Contract is more than a coming of age during the turbulent 1960s. It is more than traveling the road of sex, drugs and rock & roll. It is a story of a hard fought battle for self-reliance, self-awareness and friendship.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Twenty-One Year Contract deserves a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Venus Rising by Tammy D. Walker

 

Mystery on the high seas.

 About the Book: While hosting an author event aboard The Cullinan Diamond, a luxury British ocean liner as it travels from London to New York City, librarian Amy Morrison  unravels the mystery of a sixty-year old painting, a memoir by the artist the publisher won't allow anyone to read, and the whereabouts of the artist after she goes missing. 

 Our Review: The setting of a luxury ocean liner where passengers expect all the amenities due them for their wealth and status is a perfect background for this charming cozy mystery. After a somewhat slow start, the pace picks up and the heroine, Amy Morrison, begins finding her spirit and gumption, things take off. Fans of cozy mysteries should love this one.

 On a scale of 1-5, Venus Rising merits a 3.5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Whispers Through Time by Rosetta Diane Hoessli

 

If you listen, time will speak.

 About the Book:  The only man Sierra Masters has ever loved appears with a proposition that could alter her future. She turns him down, but then after experiencing a foretelling dream, decides to take a risk in order to uncover the truth.

          Hunter Davenport realizes the evidence he’s shared with Sierra could indeed destroy her – but it could free her as well. The decision is yanked from her hands when the past and present collide through a historical portal on sacred Native American land. Will she take the jgift that is offered? And will Hunter do what he didn’t do twelve years earlier – stand by her?

In the end, Sierra launches a journey that will change her life forever.

 Our Review: Whispers Through Time takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure, traveling from present day, to the late 1800’s and the massacre at Wounded Knee, then to the mid-1970’s and the infamous standoff at the Oglala Sioux reservation. It is powerful, thought provoking, and unfailingly realistic. As an added treat, the author’s talent for description whether it be the location[s], foods, people, or speech patterns feels effortless. The characters—and the South Dakota badlands must be considered a character—literally jump off the pages. Well done!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Whispers Through Time earns a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Bewept by Colleen Coyne

 

Her memories are dying to kill her.

 About the Book: Anna is finally happy—newly married to a wonderful, supportive man and living in her dream home. Just as her husband begins to announce a big surprise, his heart ceases, her future dissolves, and she plunges into grief.

From past experience, Anna knows how easy it is to get lost in a grief that causes odd behaviors, lost chunks of time, and forgetfulness. This time, is it a sign she is in the throes of early dementia?

When past horrors resurface and collide with Anna’s uncertain present, she wonders if something sinister is at play. Discovering the truth sends her on a harrowing odyssey where each step forward unlocks another terrible memory. Successfully confronting the ghosts from her past will be key to her survival.

 Our Review: What starts out as the standard woman recovering from intolerable grief evolves into a thriller that has the reader asking, “Could it be? Is Anna imagining all this—or is it something utterly unspeakable. And then it gets worse. Bewept is an incredible story written by a talented author. We can’t wait for the next creation by Colleen Coyne.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Bewept merits an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A Peculiar Enchantment by Kathleen Buckley

 

Love is the most peculiar enchantment.  

 About The Book: What can you look forward to when your only relatives call you ugly, unbalanced and a scandal? What would you do if your only friend was threatened? Dependent on her half-brother, the Earl of Lamburne, Adelaide Setbury knows—and wants to escape.

Gervase Ducane needs to marry well—but not to Lamburne’s spiteful chit of a daughter. As the younger brother to a marquess, he has noble connections to offer an heiress, but why is he only now meeting the earl’s delightful half-sister?

Ordered to stay away from the house party, Adelaide rebels. She will make her unwelcome and embarrassing presence known if only to avenge herself and her pet. There, she and Ducane meet and—when you least expect it—magic happens.  

 Our Review: Author Buckley puts a fresh face on the usual staid rules- driven Regency romance by introducing two unique and out of the ordinary characters Gervase Ducane and Adelaide Setbury. If barriers are suddenly erected to their careful plans, they each employ unique and inventive ways to overcome them. Subterfuge abounds in this story—as do multiple layers to their personalities as these two tackle each new threat to their happy ever after ending. Well done!    

On a scale of 1-5, A Peculiar Enchantment deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

A Wylder Homecoming by Evelyn Timidaiski

 

Stetsons, Mustangs, and Romance.

About the Book:  A destroyed career, a rundown ranch, and a beautiful horse whisperer, jumpstart Hayden Wilcoyt’s dream of capturing wild mustangs to create a new breed of horses. His job is doubly dangerous as someone uses gunfire to stop work on the ranch. His relationship with Ginny Hampton, the woman he inherited along with the ranch, is complicated. Can they work out their differences and build a dream together?

Native American, Ginny Hampton has secrets. A runaway at fourteen, she was befriended by Hayden’s great-grandfather who in his last years gave her full run of the ranch. But the tragedy of her past shadows how she deals with people now. Before she can pursue this attraction to Hayden, she must overcome her fears.

Our Review:  In one of the last stories for the Wylder West series,  author Evelyn Timidaiski showcases her strength for ‘writing men’. Everything about them is easy and natural, drawing the reader in the minute a male character, be it lead or secondary, jumps onto the page. Combine that with the intriguing Ginny Hampton who has trouble etched across her forehead and you have two characters every reader is sure to root for.  

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Wylder Homecoming merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Landing on Her Feet by Kim Janine Ligon

 

About the Book: Six years ago, Kat Russell narrowly escaped death at Dirk Crowe’s hands but he’s out of prison now. To protect her family, she must flee Philadelphia—the only home she’s ever known—with her five-year-old son. Is Wisconsin far enough away to escape evil?

Chase Merrick, the father of Timmy’s new best friend, wants to help. What is Kat hiding? Why does she insist she must face whatever it is alone? When can Kat stop constantly looking back over her shoulder? Will secrets and shame stop her from accepting Chase’s protection? Or unite them in the face of danger to keep their sons safe?

Our Review: Cleverly presented cover art shows the timbre of this edge-of-your- seat novel. The opening “teaser” page instantly draws the reader in by describing Kat’s fear. By the end of page one, we know her goals, motivation and conflict with few words—and sets the pace brilliantly. Lovers of romantic suspense, especially with a well-drawn ‘bad guy’ who operates on only one cylinder—himself and his needs—will dive into this book and not let go to the very end.

 On a scale of 1-5, Landing on Her Feet merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Deadly Betrayal by Sheila Kell

 

When trusting the wrong person can be deadly.

 About the Book: Tired of being passed over as a field agent, Cassie McKay quits her job as an FBI analyst, moves back home with her mother, and takes a job as a PI. Only she doesn’t expect her partner will be the one man who left her years before.

Jack “JD” Walker has done a lot wrong in his life, but he didn’t kill the mother of his child as the police believe, nor does he expect the only woman he ever loved to come to his rescue. The two work diligently to prove his innocence while someone else is determined to make him pay.

 Our Review: Author Sheila Kell shines when it comes to building suspense and peril while weaving in a number of different possible suspects as the true ‘bad guy’. Infusing humor as well as local colloquialisms is a nice touch. Well done.    

 On a scale of 1-5, Deadly Betrayal merits a 4.5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Tremors Through Time by Anastasia Abboud

 

In the infinite vastness of time—past, present, future, past—love prevails.

 About the Book: She's made mistakes and paid the price, but Deidre Chisolm is no quitter. She'll never again be a fool for a man, not even her gorgeous new neighbor with his haunted eyes and strange accent. She'll be friendly, but nothing more.

Lachlann has to go back to fourteenth-century Scotland. He can't forsake his family, his son. But when a beautiful, kind, funny lady buys the house next door, he's never been so drawn to anyone in his life.

Would she believe his story? After years of struggling through nightmares and flashbacks, headaches and illiteracy, dare he ask her to help him return?

 Our Review:  The author’s ability to switch back and forth from Scotland in the 1300’s to contemporary Houston feels effortless. Surpassing that is her skill at recognizing gut wrenching emotions, good and bad, then infusing her many diverse characters with those same feelings. Lovers of time travel romances will adore this story!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Tremors Through Time merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Island Heat by Debby Grahl

 

One never knows where one’s enemies will strike . . .

About the Book: When bookstore owner Suzanna Shay and writer Austen Kincade meet on a Who Done It mystery cruise, their instant attraction has them more interested in romance than searching for clues.  But after Austen rejects advances from the wife of his publisher, she vows to have him no matter what it takes. After the ship docks, with plans for a future together, Suzanna and Austen part, unaware vindictive lies will soon test their newfound love and entangle them in a real mystery that proves deadly.

Our Review: it is rare when we find ourselves rooting for someone, anyone, to step up to the plate and commit murder. In a testament to author Debby Grahl’s talent for creating characters, man-eater Haley Henderson deserves to die—in any way possible. As well, each character in this fun romantic-mystery is well drawn and individualized in their layers—from the possessive, needy mother to the loyal gal pal and, finally, to the long-suffering husband of the dead woman. Grahl’s imagination seems to have no end when it comes to motivation.    

On a scale of 1-5, Island Heat merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

The Mortician's Wife by Jody Wenner

 

When the business of dying leads to murder. 

About the Book:  In 1912, as the new wife of the local mortician, Beatrice is settling in at the funeral parlor, but soon after, the death of a young boy sweeps a cold chill into the warmth of her new home as well as her marriage.

In 2022, fledgling author Maddy Barton isn’t surprised to discover someone was murdered in her 1912 era home. The old mansion has been giving her bad vibes ever since she moved in. But after learning who the victim was, she is determined to figure out what happened so she can put the unsettled spirit at ease. Maddy’s husband isn’t terribly supportive of her efforts, and many of the people in the small town of Pine Grove, Minnesota have ideas—and secrets—of their own, but she’s determined to solve the gothic crime the only way she knows how—to write about it. 

Our Review: Author Jody Wenner ‘sets the scene’ by introducing Maddy, a young, married woman who is juggling several burdens at the same time: renovating an old home single-handedly, reviving a flagging career, and coping with a devastating personal loss. As she works to take things one day at a time, the new home starts giving off weird vibes which not only don’t cease, but ramp up to sometimes dangerous levels. Suspicious of something along a felony line, Maddy does what she does best: research the home’s history.

          Flashing back to 1912, we meet Beatrice, a hero in her own time, who struggles for justice and the rights of the poor and disadvantaged. With jealousy, envy and misogyny as constant barriers, Beatrice refuses to give up—and the reader is treated to a gothic mystery, set in the perfect location: a funeral home. One of Author Wenner’s many skills is the ability to build suspense. We wonder what she has in store next.

On a scale of 1-5 The Mortician’s Wife merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Fatal Witness by Michele Godard-Richer

 

No matter how much you want to forget them, some things cannot be unseen.

About The Book: Fatal Witness, a contemporary psychological thriller tells the story of Jessica Miller, widowed pre-school teacher, who witnesses her next door neighbor disposing of his wife’s body. With little evidence for the police to make an arrest, Jessica feels forced to grab her little boy and go on the run to her hometown in rural Montana. There, she reunites with former FBI agent, Jonathan Kent, himself no stranger to violence both professional and personal. After forging a pact to protect what is theirs, these two damaged souls fight back against ever increasing attacks by a relentless killer—and along the way heal from the wounds life has delivered.

Our Review: Author Godard-Richer presents a novel comprised of multiple sub-plots, set against rural northern Montana, and features an intense and detailed psychological diagram of a serial killer. If you like dark, dangerous and non-stop action, this is the book for you.

On a scale of 1-5, Fatal Witness deserves a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Rewrites of the Heart by Terry Newman

 

Her characters leap right off the page—literally.

 About The Book: JJ Spritely, workaholic romance author, gets the surprise of her life when the characters in her latest book show up in her office one morning—and start interfering in her life. After the work-in-progress lovers discover they cannot find their way back home, the fun begins. In an accidental meeting with the local hottie professor in this Northern Ohio college town, Spritely kicks him to the curb after he shows himself to be an elitist, pompous ass with a less than supportive opinion for anyone who writes what he considers ‘trash’. Not to be ignored, the two characters invent any number of zany ways to throw these two people together—much to the potential ‘real’ lovers’ determination to avoid the no-fly zone.

 Our Review: With crisp, succinct dialogue running through this novel, author Newman caught our attention on page one and kept us turning the pages. The scary part is: what would you do if the characters who exist only in your mind, and likely your heart, show up in your living room and cannot or will not leave? Then, to make matters worse, they start interfering in your life—creating a unique and thought-provoking situation.

 On a scale of 1-5, Rewrites of the Heart deserves a 4.5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Steam Tinker by Laura Strickland

 

He can repair anything…except her heart  

 About The Book: Lionel Pike, a self-taught repairman, is known throughout the city of Buffalo as a wizard for restoring what most have simply kicked to the curb—both human and automatons. He’s a loner, and likes it that way, until the lovely Sofia Gregory enters his shop and asks the impossible. Or so he believes. Soon she offers the impossible, something he must fight to keep—along with his heart and his life.

 Our Review: The Buffalo Steampunk Adventures have long been a favorite of ours for a number of reasons. Author Strickland’s uncanny ability to create period dialogue, including accents and colloquialisms which go along with the Victorian period of the Niagara Frontier in Western New York. Another strength of this series are the cleverly worded analogies of automaton rights to those current struggles for human rights throughout our nation and the world. This is a beautiful study of those who care versus those who use simply for their own gain. Brava!

 On a scale of 1-5, Steam Tinker deserves an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews