Cozy, Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Books Wish List

 
Please list the books from your wishlist that you are hoping to add to your shelves in a comment, thanks.

Cozy, Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Books, I'm Waiting For:

"This is not a test" -- every New Yorker's worst nightmare is about to become a reality.

New Yorkers aren't easily intimidated, but someone is doing their best to scare them, badly: why?

After two inexplicable high-tech attacks, the city that never sleeps is on edge. Detective Michael Bennett, along with his old pal, the FBI's Emily Parker, have to catch the shadowy criminals who claim responsibility -- but they're as good at concealing their identities as they are at wreaking havoc.

In the wake of a shocking assassination, Bennett begins to suspect that these mysterious events are just the prelude to the biggest threat of all. Soon he's racing against the clock, and against the most destructive enemy he's faced yet, to save his beloved city -- before everyone's worst nightmare becomes a reality.

Newly minted FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid is settling into her job in San Antonio, Texas, when the corpse of Harper Worthington, the husband of a sitting congresswoman, is found naked in a motel on the wrong side of town. It's up to Lucy to locate the last person to see him alive: a teenage prostitute who seems to have vanished into thin air.

When forensics determines that Harper was poisoned, Lucy and her new by-the-book partner dig deep into his life to find out who might want him dead. Why did Harper lie to his wife and his staff? Was he involved in an illicit affair? Embezzling money? Laundering money for a drug cartel? Or was he simply a pawn in someone else's dangerous game?

Lucy's boyfriend Sean Rogan is hired by Harper's company to run a security audit, causing friction between Lucy and the FBI. But when Sean finds a high-tech bug in Harper's office, an entirely new threat emerges -- a far-reaching conspiracy run by a ruthless killer who will do anything to get what he wants, and kill anyone who gets in his way. And the person between him and victory is Lucy Kincaid.

Ming Tea Murder (Tea Shop Mysteries)

I've finished "Ming Tea Murder" the 16th book in her Tea Shop Mystery Series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

It’s scones and scandal for Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Steeped in Evil.

Normally Theodosia wouldn’t attend a black tie affair for all the tea in China. But she can hardly say no to her hunky, handsome boyfriend, Max, who directs public relations for the Gibbes Museum in Charleston. Max has organized an amazing gala opening for an exhibit of a genuine eighteenth century Chinese teahouse, and the crème de la crème of Charleston society is invited.

In the exotic garden staged in the museum’s rotunda, a Chinese dragon dances to the beat of drums as it weaves through the crowd. The guests are serenaded by a Chinese violin as they sample an assortment of tempting bites. And to give them a memento of the occasion, there’s even a photo booth. But Theodosia makes a grim discovery behind the booth’s curtains: the body of museum donor Edgar Webster.

While Theodosia prefers tea service over the service of justice, this case is difficult to ignore — especially after Max becomes a suspect. Now she must examine the life of the fallen philanthropist and find out who really wanted him to pay up.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About the Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and a recent recipient of the Romantic Times Book Review’s Award for Best Amateur Sleuth. In her previous life, she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund-raising for various non-profit organizations, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Product Details
Series: Tea Shop Mysteries (Book 16)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley (May 5, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425281647
ISBN-13: 978-0425281642

My Review:

4/5

New Releases 2015 (July 28)

In the newest installment of her popular Krewe of Hunters series, New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham brings readers another exciting — and unpredictable — story.

Murdered by a dead man?

A woman named Maria Gomez is murdered in Miami, apparently by her husband — who'd been presumed dead, slain by a crime boss. FBI agent Brett Cody can't believe it; dead or alive, the man had loved his wife. Brett also can't help feeling guilty, since he was responsible for protecting Miguel and Maria Gomez.

A few miles away, Lara Mayhew has just begun working at a dolphin research facility. She loves her new job — until a dolphin brings her something unexpected from the deep. A human hand. More body parts show up, and when Brett looks into the situation, he discovers that the dismembered corpse is Miguel's.

Soon, rumors of crazed zombies abound in the Miami media, and the Krewe of Hunters, an elite FBI unit of paranormal investigators, is called in. Brett and Lara find themselves working with the Krewe — and working closely together. An elderly crime boss who's losing his memory seems to be key to solving this case, but there's no motive. Unless Brett and Lara can uncover one in the Miami underworld. And that means they have to protect themselves. And each other.

Never Drop Your Guard

It should be the best day of their lives. Too bad they never get to see it. On the cusp of their twenty-first birthday, he strikes. His victims are always twins, their ritualistic murders planned in exquisite detail, down to the moment when they breathe their last together.

Never Close Your Eyes

A possibly innocent man is in prison, and Brianna Hayward needs to convince the New Orleans police. Not just to free her cousin, but to save others who will suffer until the true culprit is found.

Reporter Jase Bridges is intrigued. It’s a story that could make his career — as long as Brianna never guesses the secret in Jase’s past.

Or You’ll Never See Him Coming

Detective Rick Bentz had doubts about the “21” conviction when he worked the case in L.A. Now the real murderer may be loose in Bentz’s backyard. Twin sisters from All Saints College have vanished on the eve of their twenty-first birthday. And as Bentz and his partner, Reuben Montoya, desperately follow the trail, a killer prepares to unite his next victims in death forever.

Raven Scott's Hard As Ice Blog Tour with a Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

 
I am so excited to have Raven Scott here at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway.

Thanks Raven and Tasty Book Tours for allowing me to join your Hard As Ice Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Raven!

Hard as Ice
Fortis # 1
By: Raven Scott
Releasing July 28, 2015
Dafina

Blurb

A covert ops specialist, a cyber-surveillance expert, and an unmatched international security and recovery pro. These are the men of Fortis. When money is no object, discretion is essential, and the police are not an option, the wealthy and powerful call on this trio of former government agents with elite military training — not to mention charm and good looks.

Former CIA agent Evan DaCosta is ready to continue his life of adventure, intrigue, and service. That means joining Fortis — and taking on the recovery of precious jewels stolen from a prestigious auction house. The list of suspects is long, but Evan is focused on the possibility of an inside job. Now he’ll have to go undercover and stay close to the gorgeous business manager, Nia James.

A gifted salesperson, Nia worked hard to get where she is today. Now, with her career at stake, a target on her back, and Evan watching her every move, she’s feeling the pressure and the heat. As Nia and Evan become intensely entangled, can they survive the secrets and threats standing in their way or will they run out of time?

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/06/hard-as-ice-fortis-1-by-raven-scott.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22891476-hard-as-ice


Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/141833-fortis

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hard-As-Ice-Fortis-Novel/dp/1617735396/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432753972&sr=8-1&keywords=9781617735394

B and N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hard-as-ice-raven-scott/1120138028?ean=9781617735394

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hard-as-ice/id936587992?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hard-as-ice-1

Author Info
RAVEN SCOTT is married with two daughters and two dogs, living in the beautiful city of Burlington, Ontario, in the greater Toronto area. She discovered her love of fiction at an early age, devouring hundreds of books over the years. She reads everything from historical and contemporary romance to mystery, sci-fi and suspense. By the time Raven finished University, she had her own stories brewing in her imagination. Writing became a satisfying hobby, then a fulfilling career. When Raven isn't reading or writing, you can find her outside with her family. Find out more at www.ravenscottbooks.com, or visit her on Facebook and Twitter @ravenscottbooks.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Website: http://www.ravenscottbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ravenscottbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ravenscottbooks

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8435933.Raven_Scott


Excerpt


Evan hung up and checked the time again. With one more hard glance at the subject, he checked the clip of his Glock and slid it smoothly in the small belt holster secured against the right side of his back. He added his suit jacket before leaving the hotel room.

In the lobby, the concierge gave him a friendly nod.

“How are you doing, Mr. DaCosta?” asked the middle-aged man, well dressed in a tailored suit.

“I’m good, Carlos. How are you?” Evan replied smoothly.

“Very good, sir. Shall I get your car for you?”

“Please.”

Carlos waived at one of the valet attendants to request Evan’s car to be brought around.

Worthington was an easy enough walk into the center of downtown, but Evan’s cover required the image of wealth and prestige, and that didn’t include a brisk walk in balmy May weather. His leased car, a sleek black Bentley, was brought to the front door within a few moments, and Evan smoothly made his way through

the streets of Boston.

The Worthington Gallery and Auction House was a small chain owned by Edward Worthington. It had expanded from a single storefront operation based in Connecticut into a national player in the world of arts, jewelry, and estate auctioning over the last twenty years. They now had five locations across the country, a solid reputation, record sales, and plans to expand into Europe. All of that was now in jeopardy. Two nights ago, their Boston office was robbed in a meticulously executed jewelry heist. The thieves managed to enter the warehouse undetected and break into a digital safe, all while bypassing the state-of-the art surveillance and security system.

The stolen jewelry included a white diamond necklace with a rare 13.16 carat pear-shaped red diamond in the center, known as the Crimson Amazon. The piece was scheduled to be exhibited around the world prior to the auction at the end of August. According to appraisals and expert opinion, that necklace alone should fetch over twenty-five million dollars. Along with a broader collection of rare and high-end jewelry pieces, the summer event was now anticipated to be one of the highest-value auctions in years, certainly the biggest in Worthington’s history. It would put the company solidly on the map as a major North American player.

Within twelve hours of discovering the robbery, Edward Worthington hired Fortis. Evan and his team of highly trained protection and asset recovery specialists now had under six weeks to find the thieves and recover the jewels intact. As with most of Fortis’s assignments, confidentiality and discretion were critical. If Worthington’s clients or anyone in the industry discovered this massive breach in security, the auction house would be ruined. Which meant police involvement was not the preferred option at this stage. Fortis had the skills and resources in security, surveillance, investigations, and threat neutralization to quickly and stealthily deliver services to their high-end clients, all without the bureaucratic restrictions of law enforcement. 

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjc0Mw==/?

Weekly Cozy, Mystery Thriller and Romantic Suspense Reads (July 27)

 Weekly Cozy, Mystery Thriller and Romantic Suspense Reads

Weekly Cozy, Mystery Thriller and Romantic Suspense Reads is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews:

Post the books you read last week and books being read this week.

Read Last Week:

1.  Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles - A.L. Herbert
2.  A Scourge of Vipers - Bruce DeSilva

Weekly Read:

1.  Ming Tea Murders - Laura Childs
2.  The Liar - Nora Roberts

Library Haul 2015 (July 26 - Aug 1)

Here's the list of books I picked up from the library this week:

Hardcover:

1.  The Liar - Nora Roberts
2.  Ming Tea Murder - Laura Childs

Cozy, Mystery Thriller and Romantic Suspense Mail 2015 (July 25)

Cozy, Mystery Thriller and Romantic Suspense Mail is hosted every Saturday at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received this in the mail this week.

For Review:

In this electrifying thriller by New York Times bestseller Linda Castillo, Kate Burkholder must uncover a family's long-hidden past to solve a brutal murder.

When a tornado tears through Painters Mill and unearths human remains, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself tasked with the responsibility of identifying the bones -- and notifying the family. Evidence quickly emerges that the death was no accident and Kate finds herself plunged into a thirty year old case that takes her deep into the Amish community to which she once belonged.

Meanwhile, turmoil of an emotional and personal nature strikes at the very heart of Kate's budding relationship with state agent John Tomasetti. A reality that strains their fragile new love to the breaking point and threatens the refuge they've built for themselves -- and their future.

Under siege from an unknown assailant -- and her own personal demons -- Kate digs deep into the case only to discover proof of an unimaginable atrocity, a plethora of family secrets and the lengths to which people will go to protect their own.

Cindy Skaggs Untouchable Blog Tour with a Spotlight

I am so excited to have Cindy Skaggs here at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight.

Thanks Cindy and Pump Up Your Book Promotions for allowing me to join your Untouchable Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Cindy!

Title: Untouchable
Author: Cindy Skaggs
Publisher: Entangled Ignite
Pages: 216
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Kindle

Action. Romance. Hot heroes. Don’t miss Ignite’s newest romance.

She’ll do whatever it takes to find her son – Lie. Cheat. Steal. Seduce.

As the former wife of an infamous crime boss, Sofia Capri is untouchable. She exists outside of the law…and outside of the criminal world. When her son is kidnapped, Sofia’s desperate to find him. She’ll do anything. Lie. Cheat. Steal. Anything but trust. But it’s a strikingly handsome FBI agent who’s her only chance to get her baby back.

Something about Sofia’s fiery beauty must be hitting all of his weak spots, because suddenly Mr. Law And Order Logan Stone finds himself bending the rules. When they’re implicated in the kidnapping, Logan and Sofia discover a horrifying reality – they have less than 72 hours to find the boy and clear their names.

Now the heat is turning up and time is running out for everyone.

ORDER INFORMATION

Untouchable is available for purchase at

 

When they told her a woman could do anything, Cindy thought they meant everything, and decided to give it a go. Cindy holds an MA in Creative Writing from Regis University, is an MFA student at Pacific Lutheran University, works three jobs, is a single mom to two of the most active kids on the planet, pet owner, and child chauffeur extraordinaire.

She took her first job at age thirteen as a motel maid. Since then, she has worked in myriad offices, at Spencer’s Gifts, in a summer stock theater, a college library & art gallery, and more odd jobs than she’ll admit. That was all before running away to join the Air Force where she saw nearly every state in the union and more countries than she can remember.

Following the Air Force, she worked as a travel agent, a retail store manager, and operated two small businesses before the a-ha moment hit. Books! Writing! She now works in a library and teaches writing to college students while working on her novels.

When she’s not writing, she’s trying to prevent the neurotic dog from either chewing the furniture or eating whole sticks of butter (often still in the paper). She’s beginning to think maybe she can’t do it all. At least not all at once.

Untouchable, Cindy’s first romantic suspense, releases 7/21/2015 from Entangled Publishing.

For More Information

Visit Cindy at her website

Please follow the rest of the tour here, thanks:

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2015/07/08/pump-up-your-book-presents-untouchable-virtual-book-publicity-tour

Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles (Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mysteries)

I've finished "Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles" the 1st book in her Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mysteries Series by A.L. Herbert.

Product Description

Welcome to Mahalia's Sweet Tea -- the finest soul food restaurant in Prince George's County, Maryland. In between preparing her famous cornbread and mashed potatoes so creamy "they'll make you want to slap your Momma," owner Halia Watkins is about to dip her spoon into a grisly mystery.

Halia Watkins has her hands full cooking, hosting, and keeping her boisterous young cousin, Wavonne, from getting too sassy with customers. Having fast-talking entrepreneur Marcus Rand turn up in her kitchen is annoying enough when he's alive -- but finding his dead body face-down on her ceramic tile after hours is much worse.

Marcus had his enemies, and the cast iron frying pan beside his corpse suggests that at last, his shady business deals went too far. Halia is desperate to keep Sweet Tea's name out of the sordid spotlight but her efforts only make Wavonne a prime suspect. Now Halia will have to serve up the real villain -- before the killer returns for a second helping.

Features delicious recipes from Mahalia's Sweet Tea, including Sour Cream Corn Bread and Sweet Corn Casserole!

About the Author

A.L. Herbert grew up in both Prince George’s County and Charles County, Maryland. A.L. is currently working on the next Mahalia Watkins Soul Food Mystery and more delicious comfort food recipes. Readers can e-mail the author at alherber123@gmail.com. And please visit www.alherbert.com and https://www.facebook.com/a.l.herbert123.

Product Details
Series: Mahalia Watkins Soul Food MysteriesPaperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington (February 24, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617731749
ISBN-13: 978-1617731747

My Review:

3.5/5

Cozy, Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Books Wish List

 
Please list the books from your wishlist that you are hoping to add to your shelves in a comment, thanks.

Cozy, Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Books, I'm Waiting For:

In the newest installment of her popular Krewe of Hunters series, New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham brings readers another exciting — and unpredictable — story.

Murdered by a dead man?

A woman named Maria Gomez is murdered in Miami, apparently by her husband — who'd been presumed dead, slain by a crime boss. FBI agent Brett Cody can't believe it; dead or alive, the man had loved his wife. Brett also can't help feeling guilty, since he was responsible for protecting Miguel and Maria Gomez.

A few miles away, Lara Mayhew has just begun working at a dolphin research facility. She loves her new job — until a dolphin brings her something unexpected from the deep. A human hand. More body parts show up, and when Brett looks into the situation, he discovers that the dismembered corpse is Miguel's.

Soon, rumors of crazed zombies abound in the Miami media, and the Krewe of Hunters, an elite FBI unit of paranormal investigators, is called in. Brett and Lara find themselves working with the Krewe — and working closely together. An elderly crime boss who's losing his memory seems to be key to solving this case, but there's no motive. Unless Brett and Lara can uncover one in the Miami underworld. And that means they have to protect themselves. And each other.
 

Never Drop Your Guard

It should be the best day of their lives. Too bad they never get to see it. On the cusp of their twenty-first birthday, he strikes. His victims are always twins, their ritualistic murders planned in exquisite detail, down to the moment when they breathe their last together.

Never Close Your Eyes

A possibly innocent man is in prison, and Brianna Hayward needs to convince the New Orleans police. Not just to free her cousin, but to save others who will suffer until the true culprit is found.

Reporter Jase Bridges is intrigued. It’s a story that could make his career — as long as Brianna never guesses the secret in Jase’s past.

Or You’ll Never See Him Coming

Detective Rick Bentz had doubts about the “21” conviction when he worked the case in L.A. Now the real murderer may be loose in Bentz’s backyard. Twin sisters from All Saints College have vanished on the eve of their twenty-first birthday. And as Bentz and his partner, Reuben Montoya, desperately follow the trail, a killer prepares to unite his next victims in death forever.

New Release 2015 (July 21)

This is the compelling new standalone novel from the Sunday Times number 1 bestselling author of Unseen and Cop Town. With a missing girl in the news, Claire Scott can't help but be reminded of her sister, who disappeared twenty years ago in a mystery that was never solved. But when Claire begins to learn the truth about her sister, nothing will ever be the same.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

New Releases 2015 (July 14)

This is the compelling new standalone novel from the Sunday Times number 1 bestselling author of Unseen and Cop Town. With a missing girl in the news, Claire Scott can't help but be reminded of her sister, who disappeared twenty years ago in a mystery that was never solved. But when Claire begins to learn the truth about her sister, nothing will ever be the same.

Elizabeth Lowell's Perfect Touch Blog Tour with a Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway

I am so excited to have Elizabeth Lowell here at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews with a Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway.

Thanks Elizabeth and Tasty Book Tours for allowing me to join your Perfect Touch Blog Tour!

Please take it away, Elizabeth!

Perfect Touch: A Novel
By: Elizabeth Lowell
Releasing July 28, 2015
William Morrow

Blurb

Sara Medina is a designer and art dealer from San Francisco. She matches her clients desires with fine and folk art from the world over -- living up to her thriving business named Perfect Touch. She still remembers her rural childhood of hard work and poverty on the family dairy farm, but she keeps it firmly in the past as she searches out new artwork and artists that are on the breaking edge of acclaim. After she experienced the cultural riches San Francisco had to offer, she decided her life would be that of an urban career woman rather than a working mom commuting from the suburbs. With the intensive hours and travel required to grow her business to the next level, she has no time or energy left for romantic or family entanglements.

Jay Vermillion recently inherited Vermillion Sky, a ranch that nestles up to Wyoming’s Grand Teton Mountains -- and the estates of the rich and restless. As a returned veteran of numerous deployments over the course of two wars, he finds himself wrestling with the demands of a ranch that has been run down during his father’s long illness. Between the urgent need to modernize and revitalize the Vermillion Sky, as well as an unexpected and vicious fight with his former stepmother over the custody of now-valuable paintings that were part of his father’s estate, Jay has no time for finding a wife and creating a sixth generation of Vermillions to ensure the family legacy continues.

When Jay hires Sara to appraise and market his father’s cache of paintings by Harris “Custer” Armstrong, neither one expects the explosive results of their eventual meeting in Jackson, Wyoming. In addition to a mutually inconvenient attraction, they a discover double murder at the edge of the ranch lands and a potential betrayal even closer to home. All trails lead to Custer’s artworks as valuable enough to kill for, especially an unknown painted rumored to be called The Muse.

As Sara and Jay unravel the motive for the killings, they both discover that love, like murder, doesn’t wait for a convenient time. On the heels of that soul-shattering realization, Sara is targeted for murder. Suddenly, the war-weary soldier finds something he is once again willing to die for.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/06/perfect-touch-novel-by-elizabeth-lowell.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24871110-perfect-touch?ac=1

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Touch-Novel-Elizabeth-Lowell/dp/0062328344
B and N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perfect-touch-elizabeth-lowell/1120611725?ean=9780062328342
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/perfect-touch/id936880251?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/perfect-touch

Author Info

Elizabeth Lowell’s exciting novels of romantic suspense include New York Times Bestsellers: Dangerous Refuge, Beautiful Sacrifice, Death Echo, The Wrong Hostage, Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove, and Midnight in Ruby Bayou. She has also written NYT best-selling historical series set in the American West and Medieval Britain. She has more than 80 titles published to date, with over 24 million copies of her books in print. She lives in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her husband, with whom she writes novels under a pseudonym. Her favorite activity is exploring the Western United States to find the landscapes that speak to her soul and inspire her writing.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Website: http://elizabethlowell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethLowellFans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lowellwrites
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19051.Elizabeth_Lowell

Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

The motel room door was ajar.

I locked it, Sara Anne Medina thought. Didn’t I?

She pushed the door open with her big purse—and froze. The room had been tossed ruthlessly. Her suitcase was upended and off the stand. Her clothes were strewn across the worn carpet, toiletries scattered, her underwear and workout gear tumbled together. The lavender scent of her favorite shampoo filled the air.

I was only gone for five minutes.

The take-out coffee she had bought was hot against her suddenly chilled hands.

Some stranger went through my things. Did the tweaker get off on my underwear?

Is he still here?

The thought had her jerking back so quickly the coffee sloshed over her cold-numbed fingers. She looked around the hallway. No one in sight.

I don’t have time for this drama. I have to be at the courthouse. I have to finally meet my mystery man, so I’ll stop dreaming and get back to reality, where I belong.

Where I want to be, even with the damn tweakers.

Using her foot, she kicked the door all the way open until it slammed against the stop. No one was behind it. No one was in the room itself. The closet was open, no place inside to hide. The bathroom door showed a view of the toilet, shower, and sink. The mirror was smudged where she’d cleared the shower’s steam with her hand just minutes ago.

Whoever had been here was gone.

The mess wasn’t.

It will have to wait. Then, They took my computer. It’s all backed up on the cloud, but damn it!

The cord dangled from the wall, over the chair that had held her overcoat. The coat, like the computer, had vanished.

Wonder how many pawnshops there are in Jackson, Wyoming? And why would they take a woman’s coat? There aren’t too many women my height who are a size six.

With a hand that trembled slightly, Sara set down her coffee, took a pen out of the bottomless bag that passed for her purse, and poked through the mess of clothes on the floor to the suitcase half-hidden beneath. The inside pockets were still zipped closed.

They missed my little jewelry case. I’d rather they take the jewelry and leave the computer, but they didn’t ask me, did they?

Rafflecopter Giveaway (a print copy of NIGHT DIVER by Elizabeth Lowell)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NTIxYWM0YzhjYmFkNDc1MDkxYzA3ZDNmMjhhM2RjOjczNQ==/