Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection are:







Stake & Eggs (A Cackleberry Club Mystery) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs presents the best way to start your day — with a hearty breakfast and a side of hard-boiled murder.

Suzanne, Toni, and Petra found a second life after losing their husbands—opening their own successful business, the Cackleberry Club cafè. But the three women never expected sleuthing to be the special of the day…

A KILLER HAS THE TOWN WALKING ON EGG SHELLS

When a snowmobile crashes into the woods behind the Cackleberry Club cafè, Suzanne finds her town’s most-hated banker beheaded by a wire staked in the snow. Now some of her best customers are prime suspects with a bushel of motives, and the murder investigation is snowballing. An elusive young runaway may be the Cackleberry Club’s only way to crack the case … provided Suzanne can keep her head long enough to track down the cold-blooded killer.


Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425255573
ISBN-13: 978-0425255575

Happy Halloween





Happy Halloween Everyone!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Beautiful Sacrifice LP: A Novel [Large Print] [Paperback]



I've finished "Beautiful Sacrifice" by Elizabeth Lowell.

According to Maya legend, December 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world as we know it. Is it myth   or will their prediction become reality?

Archaeologist Lina Taylor has devoted her life to studying ancient Maya artifacts, splitting her time between digs in South America and the classroom teaching college students. But the professor's structured, academic life is about to spin out of control. Some extremely valuable and important Maya artifacts have gone missing. Are the culprits fanatics determined to create chaos and usher in annihilation?

Helping out a friend, former immigration and customs enforcement officer Hunter Johnston is determined to recover the missing pieces and he needs Lina's help. A man used to calling the shots and working alone, he isn't comfortable letting anyone get close, especially a beautiful and brainy woman like Lina. His gift for reading people tells him there's a lot going on below that professional exterior, and he's more than a little curious to probe her depths.

About the Author

Elizabeth Lowell's acclaimed suspense novels include the New York Times bestsellers Death Echo, Blue Smoke and Murder, Innocent as Sin, The Wrong Hostage, Always Time to Die, The Color of Death, Die in Plain Sight, Running Scared, and Moving Target, as well as the four books featuring the Donovan family: Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove, and Midnight in Ruby Bayou. Lowell has more than thirty million books in print. She lives in Nevada with her husband, with whom she writes mystery novels under a pseudonym.

Product Details
Paperback: 528 pages
Publisher: HarperLuxe; Lgr edition (May 22, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062128302
ISBN-13: 978-0062128300


My Review:

Lina Taylor is an Archaeologist and college professor who has dedicated her life to studying ancient Mayan artifacts at South American digs.

Hunter Johnston is a former immigration and customs enforcement officer who helps his friend being accused of stealing some priceless and rare artifacts.  During a recent arrest some rare and priceless artifacts went missing that would guarantee it's owner a wealthy lifestyle and an importance in the social world.   If he can't locate the artifacts he will be fired but there is a complication he is married and his wife Ali is pregnant and they have five kids already.  Hunter enlists Lina's help in recovering the artifacts.

We learn these artifacts are used in a blood sacrifice ritual which revolves around the Mayan calendar prophecy.  As they investigate further blood sacrifices are being conducted and Lina becomes a target of a man named El Maya.  He will make sure nothing will stop him from bringing her to him.

This was a great action romantic suspense mystery with graphic violence and sexuality.  The author did a great job of researching the Mayan culture and it had a lot of edge of your seat suspense.

4/5  

New Releases 2012 (Oct 30)




Stalked (Lucy Kincaid Novels) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Stalked

Allison BrennanLucy Kincaid returns — as a killer’s obsession.

IN THE GAME OF CRIME


A new trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Lucy Kincaid has already seen more than her share of murder and mayhem. Still reeling from the sex-crime case that sealed her reputation, she’s found a true friend and mentor in Agent Tony Presidio. No matter what goes down at the Bureau, Tony’s got her back — until he’s called to New York to help investigate the murder of a reporter with ties to Lucy.

NEVER PLAY THE VICTIM

But the reporter may not be the first victim of a patient killer with a penchant for revenge, and she’s definitely not the last. Connections between closed cases, a missing person, and Tony himself lead Lucy to fear for those she cares for most. When the FBI is rocked by the death of one of their own, Lucy seeks the help of her boyfriend, private investigator Sean Rogan, to help put together the puzzle — and puts her career in jeopardy. But the harder she pushes for answers, the clearer the truth becomes: There’s a killer inside Quantico. Watching her every move. Waiting to kill again …

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (October 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250005965
ISBN-13: 978-1250005960








Scorched [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Kelsey Quinn set out to trace a murder victim. Now she may become one.

The dead don’t speak, but Kelsey knows their secrets. As a forensic anthropologist at the Delphi Center crime lab, Kelsey makes it her mission to identify bodies using no more than shards of bone, and her find at a remote Philippines dig hints at a sinister story. When Kelsey’s search for answers puts her at the scene of her exfiancé’s murder, only one man can help her. The same man who broke her heart just months before, and who is also a prime suspect. Faced with an ultimatum — Kelsey or his job — Gage Brewer did the only thing a Navy SEAL could . . . but that doesn’t mean he stopped wanting Kelsey. Now Kelsey is running for her life and Gage is her last line of defense. As the threats escalate, Kelsey realizes this conspiracy goes deeper and higher than they could have guessed. With the clock ticking down on a madman’s plot, the slightest misstep will have unthinkable consequences . . . .

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (October 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451617399
ISBN-13: 978-1451617399






Stolen: A Novel of Romantic Suspense [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

This thrilling and super sexy novel from bestselling romantic suspense author Shiloh Walker will appeal to fans of Allison Brennan and Linda Howard.

Shay Morgan has stayed hidden for a long time. Living a reclusive life in Earth’s End, Alaska, she’s as far away as she can get from the trauma of her childhood and the man who hurt her long ago. But terror takes over Shay’s life yet again when an unknown stalker steals away the fragile peace she’s built for herself — targeting not only her but the one man who’s ever managed to get past the walls she’s built around herself.

Elliot Winter has lived through being falsely accused before — it ruined his military career. Now it’s happening all over again. And this time, his accuser is a twisted impostor who’s targeting his ex-girlfriend, Shay. Despite a fierce mutual attraction, Shay and Elliot broke up because Shay couldn’t let her guard down, couldn’t let Elliot in. But now they both need to trust each other to confront a psycho who seems to know all their secrets.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345531906
ISBN-13: 978-0345531902

Monday, October 29, 2012

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct 29)


What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme that is hosted by Sheila from One Persons Journey: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1.  The Other Woman - Hank Phillippe Ryan
2.  Beautiful Sacrifice - Elizabeth Lowell

I’m currently reading:

1.  Last Wool and Testament - Molly MacRae

Here's the link:

http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2012/10/28/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-162 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Other Woman [Hardcover]



I've finished "The Other Woman" by Hank Phillippe Ryan.

Product Description

Jane Ryland was a rising star in television news … until she refused to reveal a source and lost everything. Now a disgraced newspaper reporter, Jane isn’t content to work on her assigned puff pieces, and finds herself tracking down a candidate’s secret mistress just days before a pivotal Senate election.

Detective Jake Brogan is investigating a possible serial killer. Twice, bodies of unidentified women have been found by a bridge, and Jake is plagued by a media swarm beginning to buzz about a “bridge killer” hunting the young women of Boston.

As the body count rises and election looms closer, it becomes clear to Jane and Jake that their cases are connected … and that they may be facing a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to silence a scandal.

Dirty politics, dirty tricks, and a barrage of final twists, The Other Woman is the first in an explosive new series by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Seduction, betrayal, and murder — it’ll take a lot more than votes to win this election.

About the Author

A former US Senate staffer and political campaign aide, HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the investigative reporter for Boston's NBC affiliate, and has won twenty-seven Emmys and ten Edward R. Murrow awards. A bestselling author of four mystery novels, Ryan has won the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She’s on the national board of directors of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.


Product Details
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Forge Books; First Edition edition (September 4, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765332574
ISBN-13: 978-0765332578

My Review:

Jane Ryland loses her TV newspaper reporter job when she refuses to give up her source.  Her friend Detective Jake Brogan recommends her name at a Boston newspaper.  It is far away from her old job but it gives her a pay cheque.

Her first job assignment is to find and interview Moira Lassiter wife of the former Governor who is now a candidate for Senate.  She is given the run around from Lassister's lackey's who would either not or can't tell her where Moira is which makes her think a scandal is involved.

Jake Brogan is the lead detective on a case where attractive young women's bodies are found near or under major bridges by water located in Boston.  Not one of the bodies have identification on them and Jake and his partner are determined to find out their identity, who killed them and why.  Several newspaper articles are covering the killings done by a serial killer they are calling the Bridge Killer.

As both Jane and Jake investigate further they find out both their cases overlap.  To make matter worse Jane realizes her interest in Jake turns romantic which would result in her unhappiness and disaster to her already broken life.

This book had lots of twists and turns with would result in your thinking a certain person was involved, etc and it was very intense.

4/5

Thanks Tor Forge books for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

In the Mail Saturday 2012 (Oct 27)


In the Mail Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received this in the mail this week.

For Review:





NYPD Red [Hardcover]

Product Description

It's the start of Hollywood on Hudson, and New York City is swept up in the glamour. Every night, the red carpet rolls out for movie stars arriving at premieres in limos; the most exclusive restaurants close for private parties for wealthy producers and preeminent directors; and thousands of fans gather with the paparazzi, hoping to catch a glimpse of the most famous and beautiful faces in the world. With this many celebrities in town, special task force NYPD Red is on high alert-and they can't afford to make a single mistake.

Then a world-renowned producer fatally collapses at his power breakfast, and top NYPD Red Detective Zach Jordan is the first one on the scene. Zach works with his beautiful new partner, Detective Kylie MacDonald-who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend-to discover who the murderer might be. But this is only the beginning: the most brutal, public, and horrifyingly spectacular crimes they've ever encountered are about to send all of New York into chaos, putting NYPD Red on the ropes.

Zach and Kylie know there's no way of telling what a killer this deranged will do next. With the whole world watching, they have to find a way to stop a psychopath who has scripted his finale down to the last explosive detail.

Product Details
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; First Edition first Printing edition (October 8, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316199869
ISBN-13: 978-0316199865

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection are:






Stalked (Lucy Kincaid Novels) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Stalked

Allison BrennanLucy Kincaid returns — as a killer’s obsession.

IN THE GAME OF CRIME


A new trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Lucy Kincaid has already seen more than her share of murder and mayhem. Still reeling from the sex-crime case that sealed her reputation, she’s found a true friend and mentor in Agent Tony Presidio. No matter what goes down at the Bureau, Tony’s got her back — until he’s called to New York to help investigate the murder of a reporter with ties to Lucy.

NEVER PLAY THE VICTIM

But the reporter may not be the first victim of a patient killer with a penchant for revenge, and she’s definitely not the last. Connections between closed cases, a missing person, and Tony himself lead Lucy to fear for those she cares for most. When the FBI is rocked by the death of one of their own, Lucy seeks the help of her boyfriend, private investigator Sean Rogan, to help put together the puzzle — and puts her career in jeopardy. But the harder she pushes for answers, the clearer the truth becomes: There’s a killer inside Quantico. Watching her every move. Waiting to kill again …

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (October 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250005965
ISBN-13: 978-1250005960








Scorched [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

Kelsey Quinn set out to trace a murder victim. Now she may become one.

The dead don’t speak, but Kelsey knows their secrets. As a forensic anthropologist at the Delphi Center crime lab, Kelsey makes it her mission to identify bodies using no more than shards of bone, and her find at a remote Philippines dig hints at a sinister story. When Kelsey’s search for answers puts her at the scene of her exfiancé’s murder, only one man can help her. The same man who broke her heart just months before, and who is also a prime suspect. Faced with an ultimatum — Kelsey or his job — Gage Brewer did the only thing a Navy SEAL could . . . but that doesn’t mean he stopped wanting Kelsey. Now Kelsey is running for her life and Gage is her last line of defense. As the threats escalate, Kelsey realizes this conspiracy goes deeper and higher than they could have guessed. With the clock ticking down on a madman’s plot, the slightest misstep will have unthinkable consequences . . . .

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books (October 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451617399
ISBN-13: 978-1451617399






Stolen: A Novel of Romantic Suspense [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

This thrilling and super sexy novel from bestselling romantic suspense author Shiloh Walker will appeal to fans of Allison Brennan and Linda Howard.

Shay Morgan has stayed hidden for a long time. Living a reclusive life in Earth’s End, Alaska, she’s as far away as she can get from the trauma of her childhood and the man who hurt her long ago. But terror takes over Shay’s life yet again when an unknown stalker steals away the fragile peace she’s built for herself — targeting not only her but the one man who’s ever managed to get past the walls she’s built around herself.

Elliot Winter has lived through being falsely accused before — it ruined his military career. Now it’s happening all over again. And this time, his accuser is a twisted impostor who’s targeting his ex-girlfriend, Shay. Despite a fierce mutual attraction, Shay and Elliot broke up because Shay couldn’t let her guard down, couldn’t let Elliot in. But now they both need to trust each other to confront a psycho who seems to know all their secrets.

Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345531906
ISBN-13: 978-0345531902