Shadows From the Past
Lindsay McKenna
Harlequin HQN, Dec 1 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774074
Following the death of her mom in a Los Angeles earthquake, the baby Kamaria found alive in apartment rubble was adopted by Morgan and Laura Trayhern, who raised her as theirs with love in Montana. Everything was terrific, but the photojournalist always wanted to know more about her roots especially her patriarchal side. She has one clue as to who her biological father might be; three men in a photo with Morgan insisting Rudd Mason, owner of the Elkhorn Ranch in Wyoming, is her sire.
Kam learns Rudd is advertising for a caregiver to help his octogenarian mother, Iris. She applies and is hired. She easily becomes friends with the rancher and his mom, but his wife, Allison, and her younger half-siblings Zach and Regan loathe her. Worse she is attracted to ranch hand Wes Sheridan even as someone wants to insure the family estate remains as is and murder is a viable option.
This is an exciting ranch romantic suspense starring a likeable heroine. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Kam decides to uncover the identity of her biological dad with the help of her wonderful adopted father. Although the villain is too easily discarded, fans will enjoy the last Trayhern next generation tale (see Dangerous Prey and heart of the Storm) and hopefully persuade Lindsay McKenna to provide a futuristic follow up involving Zach and Regan.
Harriet Klausner
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Let Darkness Come-Angela Hunt
Let Darkness Come
Angela Hunt
Mira, Dec 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9780778326533
In Chicago the police arrest Erin Tomassi for the murder of her husband state senator Jeffrey Tomassi. Her father-in-law wants the ungrateful white trash bitch to hang so he arranges for an inexperienced lawyer Briley Lester at the law firm he uses to represent Erin.
Briley looks over the case and believes her client is guilty just like the newspapers scream. Besides being a spousal abuse victim, Erin’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon and there is no evidence of a house invasion. In fact the defense lawyer leans towards plea bargaining though the prosecution refuses to negotiate with this obvious sure shot conviction. However, as Briley begins to u understand her client, she begins to believe Erin is innocent, but to prove it remains elusive unless she can reveal the secrets that the accused prefers not discussed in court.
This is a super legal thriller with several twists including a terrific look at the DNA chimera issue. The story line is fast-paced and gripping as everyone from the onset believes Erin is guilty, but over time the audience and her attorney begin to wonder if she might be innocent. Angela Hunt provides a winner and sets up what looks like another Briley legal thriller with her apparently on the prosecution side next time.
Harriet Klausner
Angela Hunt
Mira, Dec 2009, $7.99
ISBN 9780778326533
In Chicago the police arrest Erin Tomassi for the murder of her husband state senator Jeffrey Tomassi. Her father-in-law wants the ungrateful white trash bitch to hang so he arranges for an inexperienced lawyer Briley Lester at the law firm he uses to represent Erin.
Briley looks over the case and believes her client is guilty just like the newspapers scream. Besides being a spousal abuse victim, Erin’s fingerprints are on the murder weapon and there is no evidence of a house invasion. In fact the defense lawyer leans towards plea bargaining though the prosecution refuses to negotiate with this obvious sure shot conviction. However, as Briley begins to u understand her client, she begins to believe Erin is innocent, but to prove it remains elusive unless she can reveal the secrets that the accused prefers not discussed in court.
This is a super legal thriller with several twists including a terrific look at the DNA chimera issue. The story line is fast-paced and gripping as everyone from the onset believes Erin is guilty, but over time the audience and her attorney begin to wonder if she might be innocent. Angela Hunt provides a winner and sets up what looks like another Briley legal thriller with her apparently on the prosecution side next time.
Harriet Klausner
Heat Wave-Richard Castle
Heat Wave
Richard Castle
Hyperion, Oct 2009, $19.99
ISBN: 9781401323820
At the exclusive Guilford in Manhattan, sexagenarian Matthew Starr falls from his sixth floor apartment. Leading the investigation into the death of the mega realtor is NYPD Detective Nikki Heat. Besides her competent team, she is saddled with writer Jameson Rook, who is researching an article on New York’s finest.
The evidence on the balcony is Matthew was pushed. The inquiry follows up with an interview with the deceased’s trophy wife twenty eight years old Kimberly after their seven year old son is taken out to play by the nanny. Soon the cops know she lies about her alibi and her affair with Barry Gable. They also learn from Matthew’s accountant that Starr was broke as confirmed by the bare office though his penthouse was loaded with expensive art. With suspects everywhere from lovers, bookies, and rivals, the heat is on but not from the murder case as it is from the attraction she loathes for Rook.
This is an exciting rendition of the TV show as the police procedural is fun to follow although the romantic subplot never quite gels feeling forced to match the on air relationship. The inquiry will hook fans of Richard Castle from the moment Heat takes charge with her only thorn being the Rook that seems to want to castle her queen. Entertaining, this is a fun NYPD novella as kick-butt Nikki with pain in the butt Jameson along with her staff work the murder mystery.
Harriet Klausner
Richard Castle
Hyperion, Oct 2009, $19.99
ISBN: 9781401323820
At the exclusive Guilford in Manhattan, sexagenarian Matthew Starr falls from his sixth floor apartment. Leading the investigation into the death of the mega realtor is NYPD Detective Nikki Heat. Besides her competent team, she is saddled with writer Jameson Rook, who is researching an article on New York’s finest.
The evidence on the balcony is Matthew was pushed. The inquiry follows up with an interview with the deceased’s trophy wife twenty eight years old Kimberly after their seven year old son is taken out to play by the nanny. Soon the cops know she lies about her alibi and her affair with Barry Gable. They also learn from Matthew’s accountant that Starr was broke as confirmed by the bare office though his penthouse was loaded with expensive art. With suspects everywhere from lovers, bookies, and rivals, the heat is on but not from the murder case as it is from the attraction she loathes for Rook.
This is an exciting rendition of the TV show as the police procedural is fun to follow although the romantic subplot never quite gels feeling forced to match the on air relationship. The inquiry will hook fans of Richard Castle from the moment Heat takes charge with her only thorn being the Rook that seems to want to castle her queen. Entertaining, this is a fun NYPD novella as kick-butt Nikki with pain in the butt Jameson along with her staff work the murder mystery.
Harriet Klausner
The Darkness-Jason Pinter
The Darkness
Jason Pinter
Mira, Dec 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778326717
New York Gazette reporter Henry Parker encouraged by Jack O’Donnell investigates the murder of the former’s previously unknown half-brother Stephen Gaines by apparently the drug kingpin The Fury. After confronting Henry’s dad re a sibling he never knew existed until just before the homeless Stephen’s death (see The Fury), the journalists seek to identify the Fury though no one seems to know who he is as they walk the mean streets of Manhattan seeking clues.
Their first lead is the crushed body of a victim found with bones plummeted to almost fine sand floating in the East River. The Fury is sending a warning to those seeking to destroy him and his empire. However, the corpse fails to deter Henry from his quest as he follows up with whatever leads the deceased left behind when his skeleton was whole.
The latest Henry Parker investigation (see THE STOLEN, THE MARK and GUILTY) is a terrific suspense laden thriller with the personal twist adding depth to the hero who obsesses over the destruction of the Fury. The super story line is fast-paced from the recovery of the broken body but must be read after perusing THE FURY, the first half of a duology.
Harriet Klausner
Jason Pinter
Mira, Dec 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778326717
New York Gazette reporter Henry Parker encouraged by Jack O’Donnell investigates the murder of the former’s previously unknown half-brother Stephen Gaines by apparently the drug kingpin The Fury. After confronting Henry’s dad re a sibling he never knew existed until just before the homeless Stephen’s death (see The Fury), the journalists seek to identify the Fury though no one seems to know who he is as they walk the mean streets of Manhattan seeking clues.
Their first lead is the crushed body of a victim found with bones plummeted to almost fine sand floating in the East River. The Fury is sending a warning to those seeking to destroy him and his empire. However, the corpse fails to deter Henry from his quest as he follows up with whatever leads the deceased left behind when his skeleton was whole.
The latest Henry Parker investigation (see THE STOLEN, THE MARK and GUILTY) is a terrific suspense laden thriller with the personal twist adding depth to the hero who obsesses over the destruction of the Fury. The super story line is fast-paced from the recovery of the broken body but must be read after perusing THE FURY, the first half of a duology.
Harriet Klausner
Stirring Up Strife-Jennifer Stanley
Stirring Up Strife
Jennifer Stanley
Minotaur, Dec 29 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312376857
After her boyfriend of five years broke up with her, Cooper Lee moves into the garage apartment on her family’s estate; as she needs their support. She fixes office machines for Make It Work. A client of the firm of the credit card company Capital City, Brooke Hughes, lost her wedding ring in a copier. When Cooper arrives to find the ring, Brooke talks to her, something few customers do. Brooke finds the ring and some paper stored in a weird place. She places the paper in her work case planning to toss the paper later. A grateful Brooke Invites Cooper to come to the Hope Street Church services and meet some good people at the Sunrise Bible Study.
At the first session she attends, Cooper and the other people she meets are stunned to learn that Brooke was murdered with her husband arrested for the crime. The group rejects the notion her spouse killed her. Brooke hopes the shredded paper offers a clue as to why Brooke seemed nervous when they met, as f she was afraid of someone. On the papers is the name Hazel; Cooper visits Brooke’s assistant who explains the woman complained about her account being wrong. Cooper and the motley Hope Street Sunrise Bible Study posse investigate the homicide.
Although this fun amateur sleuth starts off a bit slow as the herd of characters are being introduced, readers will be hooked to learn what motivates each member of the group. Cooper is surprised and feels fickle that she is interested in one of the Sunrisers Nathan although she conceals her attraction to him. Jennifer Stanley provides an entertaining mystery with a strong lead character and a solid eccentric support crew.
Harriet Klausner
Jennifer Stanley
Minotaur, Dec 29 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780312376857
After her boyfriend of five years broke up with her, Cooper Lee moves into the garage apartment on her family’s estate; as she needs their support. She fixes office machines for Make It Work. A client of the firm of the credit card company Capital City, Brooke Hughes, lost her wedding ring in a copier. When Cooper arrives to find the ring, Brooke talks to her, something few customers do. Brooke finds the ring and some paper stored in a weird place. She places the paper in her work case planning to toss the paper later. A grateful Brooke Invites Cooper to come to the Hope Street Church services and meet some good people at the Sunrise Bible Study.
At the first session she attends, Cooper and the other people she meets are stunned to learn that Brooke was murdered with her husband arrested for the crime. The group rejects the notion her spouse killed her. Brooke hopes the shredded paper offers a clue as to why Brooke seemed nervous when they met, as f she was afraid of someone. On the papers is the name Hazel; Cooper visits Brooke’s assistant who explains the woman complained about her account being wrong. Cooper and the motley Hope Street Sunrise Bible Study posse investigate the homicide.
Although this fun amateur sleuth starts off a bit slow as the herd of characters are being introduced, readers will be hooked to learn what motivates each member of the group. Cooper is surprised and feels fickle that she is interested in one of the Sunrisers Nathan although she conceals her attraction to him. Jennifer Stanley provides an entertaining mystery with a strong lead character and a solid eccentric support crew.
Harriet Klausner
Dusted to Death-Barbara Colley
Dusted to Death
Barbara Colley
Kensington, Jan 1 2009, $22.00
ISBN: 9780758222534
In New Orleans at sixty-three years of age, Charlotte LaRue still has the energy to perform the work of her business Maid for a Day as she cleans for selected clients who prefer her only. Bitsy Dhue asks Charlotte to watch her Victorian house as well as keeping it clean because a movie company is going to film there. It is a two week gig and she will receive $5000 for this pristine assignment.
One of the movie stars is Angel Martinique who has the reputation of her first name, but as Charlotte quickly learns G-string is apropos rather than the G rating reputation of this Hollywood heater, who away from the lights is a spoiled virago. Charlotte enters a room to find the body of Angel’s boyfriend Nick Franklin. She also notices next to the corpse, the letter opener used in a recent Angel scene and later confirmed by the cops as the murder weapon. Angel is arrested but her chauffeur Benny who loves her persuades Charlotte, whom he has heard solved homicides, to help him prove her innocence by finding the real culprit.
This amateur sleuth is terrific due to the Hollywood invasion that leads to an intricately created mystery. The heroine has strong instincts and her work enables her to notice clues in what seems like spotless segues. Fans will enjoy Charlotte cleaning up the crime scene not aware the killer is watching her .
Harriet Klausner
Barbara Colley
Kensington, Jan 1 2009, $22.00
ISBN: 9780758222534
In New Orleans at sixty-three years of age, Charlotte LaRue still has the energy to perform the work of her business Maid for a Day as she cleans for selected clients who prefer her only. Bitsy Dhue asks Charlotte to watch her Victorian house as well as keeping it clean because a movie company is going to film there. It is a two week gig and she will receive $5000 for this pristine assignment.
One of the movie stars is Angel Martinique who has the reputation of her first name, but as Charlotte quickly learns G-string is apropos rather than the G rating reputation of this Hollywood heater, who away from the lights is a spoiled virago. Charlotte enters a room to find the body of Angel’s boyfriend Nick Franklin. She also notices next to the corpse, the letter opener used in a recent Angel scene and later confirmed by the cops as the murder weapon. Angel is arrested but her chauffeur Benny who loves her persuades Charlotte, whom he has heard solved homicides, to help him prove her innocence by finding the real culprit.
This amateur sleuth is terrific due to the Hollywood invasion that leads to an intricately created mystery. The heroine has strong instincts and her work enables her to notice clues in what seems like spotless segues. Fans will enjoy Charlotte cleaning up the crime scene not aware the killer is watching her .
Harriet Klausner
Bound by Dreams-Christina Skye
Bound by Dreams
Christina Skye
Harlequin HQN, Dec 1 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774067
Kiera Morrissey promised her dying mom she would return to Draycott Abbey, which she does, but hell literally breaks out when she sneaks on to the grounds of the estate. Two goons attack her, but she shocks them when she fights back. They are followed by the biggest canine she has ever seen. She manages to escape the human thugs mostly because of the wolf.
Calan MacKay awakens the next day knowing he was drugged but that he saved the female’s life. He has come back to Draycott Abbey because his friend Nicholas Draycott needs his help to keep his family safe during some political dealings. He wonders why Kiera apparently loathes the Draycott brood and whether she is the threat and why he believes she is the answer to controlling his curse, but allied as his enemy.
This is a super entry in the Draycott Scottish Highland fantasy as DNA haunts the lead couple. Like Calan, readers will want to know why Kiera hates all things and people Draycott while also wondering will she accept his other the wolf. Fans will enjoy this terrific suspense thriller as each is Bound by Dreams to each other, but is love enough to overcome their respective heritage especially with someone willing to answer with a lethal negative.
Harriet Klausner
Christina Skye
Harlequin HQN, Dec 1 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780373774067
Kiera Morrissey promised her dying mom she would return to Draycott Abbey, which she does, but hell literally breaks out when she sneaks on to the grounds of the estate. Two goons attack her, but she shocks them when she fights back. They are followed by the biggest canine she has ever seen. She manages to escape the human thugs mostly because of the wolf.
Calan MacKay awakens the next day knowing he was drugged but that he saved the female’s life. He has come back to Draycott Abbey because his friend Nicholas Draycott needs his help to keep his family safe during some political dealings. He wonders why Kiera apparently loathes the Draycott brood and whether she is the threat and why he believes she is the answer to controlling his curse, but allied as his enemy.
This is a super entry in the Draycott Scottish Highland fantasy as DNA haunts the lead couple. Like Calan, readers will want to know why Kiera hates all things and people Draycott while also wondering will she accept his other the wolf. Fans will enjoy this terrific suspense thriller as each is Bound by Dreams to each other, but is love enough to overcome their respective heritage especially with someone willing to answer with a lethal negative.
Harriet Klausner
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