In When the Smoke Clears, Lynette Eason’s latest romantic suspense offering, we find firefighter Alexia Allen struggling to remain alive in a fire after her oxygen hose has been tampered with. She’s forced to take a leave of absence while the situation is investigated and she uses the time to travel to her hometown and visit her ailing and estranged mother. While there she also plans to attend her ten year class reunion.

But the moment she arrives in town, she finds herself in danger. Yes, she not only discovers someone has been killed in her mother’s basement, but the killer comes after her in a relentless pursuit. In steps homicide detective Hunter Graham, a man who was interested in Alexia in high school, but Alexia didn’t notice him at all. Well, she’s noticing him now as the chemistry heats up between them while they work together to catch the killer.

Eason has become known for her romantic suspense novels that keep the reader turning the pages and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s chock full of action from beginning to end and makes it a book you cannot put down. As a fellow romantic suspense writer, I am always amazed how many books Lynette not only thinks of great plots for, but finds the time to write.

As always, her characters in When the Smoke Clears are realistic, real and flawed with troubled pasts that won’t leave them alone until they resolve them. The spiritual message is well integrated and never preachy. So if you like a page turning romantic suspense novel, then pick up the first book in the Deadly Reunion series. You’re sure to love it.

When the Smoke Clears: A Novel (Deadly Reunions) by Lynette Eason List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $8.75

Review – When the Smoke Clears Reviewed by Susan Sleeman If you like a page turning romantic suspense novel, then pick up the first book in the Deadly Reunion series. You’re sure to love it. In When the Smoke Clears, Lynette Eason’s latest romantic suspense offering, we find firefighter Alexia Allen struggling to remain alive in a fire after her oxygen hose has been tampered with. She’s forced to take a leave of absence while the situation is investigated and she uses the time to travel to her hometown and visit her ailing and estranged mother. While there she also plans to attend her ten year class reunion. But the moment she arrives in town, she finds herself in danger. Yes, she not only discovers someone has been killed in her mother’s basement, but the killer comes after her in a relentless pursuit. In steps homicide detective Hunter Graham, a man who was interested in Alexia in high school, but Alexia didn’t notice him at all. Well, she’s noticing him now as the chemistry heats up between them while they work together to catch the killer. Eason has become known for her romantic suspense novels that keep the reader turning the pages and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s chock full of action from beginning to end and makes it a book you cannot put down. As a fellow romantic suspense writer, I am always amazed how many books Lynette not only thinks of great plots for, but finds the time to write. As always, her characters in When the Smoke Clears are realistic, real and flawed with troubled pasts that won’t leave them alone until they resolve them. The spiritual message is well integrated and never preachy. So if you like a page turning romantic suspense novel, then pick up the first book in the Deadly Reunion series. You’re sure to love it.

Trish Cunningham is at it again. In Band Room Bash, the working mother of four, soon to be five children, finds herself once again up to her eyeballs in another mystery. Except this time, she’s very pregnant and just the teensiest bit cranky.

The craziness begins when Trish, along with her son Tommy, find the English teacher dead in the band room. Detective Eric Scott arrives on the scene and asks Trish to butt out of his investigation. But not only does Trish ignore him, penning her clues in her trusty notebook, she is aided by the detective’s daughter, Sherry. Soon Trish has a long list of possible suspects, each with enough reason to kill Georgia that the reader has to keep on reading to find out who has done the dastardly deed.

Author Candice Speare Prentice has mastered the cozy mystery genre. She has created characters with quirks and vivid personalities and has penned a wonderfully interesting and loveable character in Trish Cunningham. Speare has filled Trish’s life with daily struggles, insecurities, and a witty personality that you can’t help but find loveable. The romance between Trish and her hubby Max is fresh, real, and tumultuous. And, of course, the mystery is a page turner, leaving the reader in the dark until the very end.

Band Room Bash is the second book in the Trish Cunningham Mystery series, following on the heels of the successful Murder in the Milk Case. The series wraps up with book three, Kitty Litter Killer.

Band Room Bash (The Mayhem in Maryland Series) by Candice Speare Prentice List Price:

Review – Band Room Bash Reviewed by Susan Sleeman Author Candice Speare Prentice has mastered the cozy mystery genre. Trish Cunningham is at it again. In Band Room Bash, the working mother of four, soon to be five children, finds herself once again up to her eyeballs in another mystery. Except this time, she’s very pregnant and just the teensiest bit cranky. The craziness begins when Trish, along with her son Tommy, find the English teacher dead in the band room. Detective Eric Scott arrives on the scene and asks Trish to butt out of his investigation. But not only does Trish ignore him, penning her clues in her trusty notebook, she is aided by the detective’s daughter, Sherry. Soon Trish has a long list of possible suspects, each with enough reason to kill Georgia that the reader has to keep on reading to find out who has done the dastardly deed. Author Candice Speare Prentice has mastered the cozy mystery genre. She has created characters with quirks and vivid personalities and has penned a wonderfully interesting and loveable character in Trish Cunningham. Speare has filled Trish’s life with daily struggles, insecurities, and a witty personality that you can’t help but find loveable. The romance between Trish and her hubby Max is fresh, real, and tumultuous. And, of course, the mystery is a page turner, leaving the reader in the dark until the very end. Band Room Bash is the second book in the Trish Cunningham Mystery series, following on the heels of the successful Murder in the Milk Case. The series wraps up with book three, Kitty Litter Killer.

Psychologist Julie West went to Cartledge Inn in response from an urgent call from one of her clients, Stefan Lauber, a supposedly reformed criminal recently released from prison. But when Julie arrives at the Inn, a near hysterical desk clerk tells her that Stefan has been murdered.

Now everyone is trying to get into Stefan’s room, number 623, searching for diamonds that allegedly might be hidden in that room. The police have already examined the room, but others broke in and ransacked it.

Another murder and suspicious activities abound. What is the secret of Room 623?

Everybody Wanted Room is book two in the Everybody’s a Suspect series, but it easily stands alone. It seemed everyone that came into the Inn was a suspect, and it was rather entertaining trying to guess which one was the murderer. Having read Mr. Murphey’s previous book, I had an idea what to expect, but I was still taken by surprise.

I enjoyed reading Everybody Wanted Room. This is another excellent cozy mystery from the Spyglass Lane Mysteries line up. The characters are well developed and there are enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting. While not as funny as some of the others, this is still a wonderful story. Don’t miss Everybody Wanted Room 623.

Everybody Wanted Room 623 (Everybody’s Suspect in Georgia) by Cecil Murphey List Price:

Review – Everybody Wanted Room 623 Reviewed by Laura Hilton The characters are well developed and there are enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting. Psychologist Julie West went to Cartledge Inn in response from an urgent call from one of her clients, Stefan Lauber, a supposedly reformed criminal recently released from prison. But when Julie arrives at the Inn, a near hysterical desk clerk tells her that Stefan has been murdered. Now everyone is trying to get into Stefan’s room, number 623, searching for diamonds that allegedly might be hidden in that room. The police have already examined the room, but others broke in and ransacked it. Another murder and suspicious activities abound. What is the secret of Room 623? Everybody Wanted Room is book two in the Everybody’s a Suspect series, but it easily stands alone. It seemed everyone that came into the Inn was a suspect, and it was rather entertaining trying to guess which one was the murderer. Having read Mr. Murphey’s previous book, I had an idea what to expect, but I was still taken by surprise. I enjoyed reading Everybody Wanted Room. This is another excellent cozy mystery from the Spyglass Lane Mysteries line up. The characters are well developed and there are enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting. While not as funny as some of the others, this is still a wonderful story. Don’t miss Everybody Wanted Room 623.

Libby Hawkins, is home, back in Coyote County, after the death of her husband in a plane crash. Back to memories of her heart being left broken in pieces by Jackson Carter, when they were young. He has moved home too, he is now the sheriff. Thrown back together by an odd happening at the neighbor’s house, Libby knows one thing, her feelings for Jackson are not dead. She is happy to see him again, and still has that same heart racing attraction to him.
The elderly neighbor is reporting an alien looking in her window, of course it is a very hard thing to swallow, and Jackson and Libby are not sure what to think. One thing is for sure there is something up. Someone is surely playing a prank, and they must get to the bottom of it, before the neighbor ends up being declared senile and committed to a home. Their investigation reveals this is not the first time the “alien” has been seen in the area. They will get to the bottom of this crazy mysterious happening.
Mary L. Briggs has written a delightful story, and it moves quickly.This is the first novella I have read from this author, but hopefully not my last one. I have enjoyed several published short stories from this author in a national magazine. Most definitely a 5 star story.
This story is available online as an ebook at several sites, amazon.com, cbd.com, barnesandnoble.com…

Christmas in Coyote County (Holiday Extravaganza) by Mary L Briggs List Price:

Review – Christmas in Coyote County Reviewed by Cindy Loven Mary L. Briggs has written a delightful story, and it moves quickly. Libby Hawkins, is home, back in Coyote County, after the death of her husband in a plane crash. Back to memories of her heart being left broken in pieces by Jackson Carter, when they were young. He has moved home too, he is now the sheriff. Thrown back together by an odd happening at the neighbor’s house, Libby knows one thing, her feelings for Jackson are not dead. She is happy to see him again, and still has that same heart racing attraction to him. The elderly neighbor is reporting an alien looking in her window, of course it is a very hard thing to swallow, and Jackson and Libby are not sure what to think. One thing is for sure there is something up. Someone is surely playing a prank, and they must get to the bottom of it, before the neighbor ends up being declared senile and committed to a home. Their investigation reveals this is not the first time the “alien” has been seen in the area. They will get to the bottom of this crazy mysterious happening. Mary L. Briggs has written a delightful story, and it moves quickly.This is the first novella I have read from this author, but hopefully not my last one. I have enjoyed several published short stories from this author in a national magazine. Most definitely a 5 star story. This story is available online as an ebook at several sites, amazon.com, cbd.com, barnesandnoble.com…

Book Description: Texas Ranger Jake Nelson patrols the U.S.-Mexico border, protecting the settlers from cattle rustlers, outlaws, and bandits. Sparks fly when Manuel Diego stirs up a revolt against the government, which leads to the murder of a newspaperman, who is the son of a U.S. senator, and the kidnapping of his sister, Elizabeth Madison, a journalist in the making.

With Elizabeth’s photograph in hand–a dark-haired beauty with smiling eyes–Jake rides over the border to find her. After the Rangers defeat the marauders and rescue Elizabeth, Jake is surprised to learn she’s not the spoiled daughter of a senator that he was expecting. In fact, he finds himself taken by her. And she by him.

But the Mexicans won’t give up that easily, as Elizabeth becomes the target of an all-out hunt. Leaving Elizabeth back at Fort Williams, Jake and his men set off again, this time to go after Diego himself–to apprehend him and his renegades and bring them all to justice.

Meanwhile, Jake knows what’s begun between him and Elizabeth is undeniable. Amid all the turmoil, Jake finally admits how much he loves her. She tells him the same. Until now, they’ve lived in different worlds, yet it is those differences that drew them together.

I was thrilled to receive a review copy of this western, adventure story busting with action right from the start! Unexpected danger erupts when the author whisks the reader inside a court room.

Review: Elizabeth Evans is Senator Madison’s daughter and sister of Lloyd Madison, newspaper business man. Elizabeth and Lloyd were inside County Courthouse, in El Paso Texas, when all heck broke loose. Elizabeth Evans then finds herself in the clutches of Manuel Diego, a man who rules Mexico underbelly.

Texas Ranger, Jake Nelson, hears of Senator Madison’s daugther kidnapping and sets out on a mission to find her. He’s determined to keep Elizabeth safe once he finds her and brings Manuel Diego to pay for his brutal crime. Jake learns early on the assumptions he had about Elizabeth being a spoiled, woman of privelege are wrong. He soon discovers she’s a strong courageous woman. She’s stubborn and determined to learn to ride a horse in order to make an easier escape. She’s determined but hiding in woods as they run from their enemy has it’s own issues. It was time to come up with a plan they both could live with.

Even though I did not read Yvonne’s first book – I enjoyed this book very much and it read as a stand alone. I liked Yvonne’s creativity and imagination. I also liked that I learned about that time period, gyspies and Texas Rangers. I liked this authors writing style well paced action and humor and how she started this story with a bang – literally. I liked the fact that this story wasn’t preachy or mushy with lovey stuff. Yvonne has a great mix of adventure, and suspense, interwoven with a tender love story of two people facing the hurts and pain of their past! Both find themselves thinking they might just give love a change again.  I recommend this book to people who like Johnny Stewart type westerns with tender love stories, faithful cowboys and a believable spiritual thread! 

River to Cross, A by Yvonne Harris List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $7.18

Review – A River to Cross Reviewed by Nora St. Laurent Yvonne has a great mix of adventure, and suspense, interwoven with a tender love story of two people facing the hurts and pain of their past! Book Description: Texas Ranger Jake Nelson patrols the U.S.-Mexico border, protecting the settlers from cattle rustlers, outlaws, and bandits. Sparks fly when Manuel Diego stirs up a revolt against the government, which leads to the murder of a newspaperman, who is the son of a U.S. senator, and the kidnapping of his sister, Elizabeth Madison, a journalist in the making. With Elizabeth’s photograph in hand–a dark-haired beauty with smiling eyes–Jake rides over the border to find her. After the Rangers defeat the marauders and rescue Elizabeth, Jake is surprised to learn she’s not the spoiled daughter of a senator that he was expecting. In fact, he finds himself taken by her. And she by him. But the Mexicans won’t give up that easily, as Elizabeth becomes the target of an all-out hunt. Leaving Elizabeth back at Fort Williams, Jake and his men set off again, this time to go after Diego himself–to apprehend him and his renegades and bring them all to justice. Meanwhile, Jake knows what’s begun between him and Elizabeth is undeniable. Amid all the turmoil, Jake finally admits how much he loves her. She tells him the same. Until now, they’ve lived in different worlds, yet it is those differences that drew them together. I was thrilled to receive a review copy of this western, adventure story busting with action right from the start! Unexpected danger erupts when the author whisks the reader inside a court room.   Review: Elizabeth Evans is Senator Madison’s daughter and sister of Lloyd Madison, newspaper business man. Elizabeth and Lloyd were inside County Courthouse, in El Paso Texas, when all heck broke loose. Elizabeth Evans then finds herself in the clutches of Manuel Diego, a man who rules Mexico underbelly.   Texas Ranger, Jake Nelson, hears of Senator Madison’s daugther kidnapping and sets out on a mission to find her. He’s determined to keep Elizabeth safe once he finds her and brings Manuel Diego to pay for his brutal crime. Jake learns early on the assumptions he had about Elizabeth being a spoiled, woman of privelege are wrong. He soon discovers she’s a strong courageous woman. She’s stubborn and determined to learn to ride a horse in order to make an easier escape. She’s determined but hiding in woods as they run from their enemy has it’s own issues. It was time to come up with a plan they both could live with.   Even though I did not read Yvonne’s first book – I enjoyed this book very much and it read as a stand alone. I liked Yvonne’s creativity and imagination. I also liked that I learned about that time period, gyspies and Texas Rangers. I liked this authors writing style well paced action and humor and how she started this story with a bang – literally. I liked the fact that this story wasn’t preachy or mushy with lovey stuff. Yvonne has a great mix of adventure, and suspense, interwoven with a tender love story of two people facing the hurts and pain of their past! Both find themselves thinking they might just give love a change again.  I recommend this book to people who like Johnny Stewart type westerns with tender love stories, faithful cowboys and a believable spiritual thread!

Back Cover: Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy and devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil tells a modern day story involving the exposure of a building rebound scam. Amidst the layers of unethical practices, supply shortages, and excess murders, a top Louisiana homicide detective loses his heart to a charitable contractor while uncovering a secret about his tragic past. 

Review: I read Deliver Us From Evil and loved the action, adventure, humor and spiritual thread in it. I anxiously awaited the review copy of In the Shadow of Evil.

Layla is a female contractor following in her father’s foot steps after his untimely death. Layla has been nominated for a building award she’s worked hard to achieve. Tragedy strikes the House of Hope home she entered into the contest. The shadow of evil clouds her chances of winning the award when the house burns to the ground. Crazy thing about the fire is the body they discover among the ashes. The CSI team scrambles to disclose the body’s identity and glean for clues that will uncover the murderer!

Detective Maddox and his partner arrive at the burned house and see a body. Because of Maddox’s experience and the clues he discovers in the rubble, he suspects arson, and is convinced Layla set the fire. He’s certain he’ll find the proof he needs to expose a building rebound scam he knows is operating in this city. Layla’s case adds one more piece to the puzzle to help uncover unethical practices to creatively fulfill the supply shortage and reveal the mastermind behind the scheme.

Layla doesn’t like how slow the detectives are going to “prove her innocence”. She definitely feels they’ve stamped her guilty already. So, she sets out to play detective herself. Things start to heat up as she pokes around. Another house is set on fire and she’s the suspect again. Could she let go and let God work on her behalf?

This is an intriguing story set in the Louisiana, Bayou based on the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy plus devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast. I enjoyed the tough, yet tender Layla and the emotionally wounded, chauvinistic Detective Maddox. I liked how this author showed God working in their lives for His glory and their good, when they let Him! I liked the believable characters and the spiritual struggle they went though on their way to giving and accepting forgiveness; of course I liked the drama, mystery and suspense as well. I’m looking forward to the next action adventure story from Robin Caroll.

In the Shadow of Evil by Robin Caroll List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $2.17

Review – In the Shadow of Evil Reviewed by Nora St. Laurent This is an intriguing story set in the Louisiana, Bayou based on the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy plus devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast. Back Cover: Informed by the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy and devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast, In the Shadow of Evil tells a modern day story involving the exposure of a building rebound scam. Amidst the layers of unethical practices, supply shortages, and excess murders, a top Louisiana homicide detective loses his heart to a charitable contractor while uncovering a secret about his tragic past.    Review: I read Deliver Us From Evil and loved the action, adventure, humor and spiritual thread in it. I anxiously awaited the review copy of In the Shadow of Evil.   Layla is a female contractor following in her father’s foot steps after his untimely death. Layla has been nominated for a building award she’s worked hard to achieve. Tragedy strikes the House of Hope home she entered into the contest. The shadow of evil clouds her chances of winning the award when the house burns to the ground. Crazy thing about the fire is the body they discover among the ashes. The CSI team scrambles to disclose the body’s identity and glean for clues that will uncover the murderer!   Detective Maddox and his partner arrive at the burned house and see a body. Because of Maddox’s experience and the clues he discovers in the rubble, he suspects arson, and is convinced Layla set the fire. He’s certain he’ll find the proof he needs to expose a building rebound scam he knows is operating in this city. Layla’s case adds one more piece to the puzzle to help uncover unethical practices to creatively fulfill the supply shortage and reveal the mastermind behind the scheme.   Layla doesn’t like how slow the detectives are going to “prove her innocence”. She definitely feels they’ve stamped her guilty already. So, she sets out to play detective herself. Things start to heat up as she pokes around. Another house is set on fire and she’s the suspect again. Could she let go and let God work on her behalf?   This is an intriguing story set in the Louisiana, Bayou based on the real-life fallout of the U.S. economy plus devastation caused by multiple hurricanes along the southern coast. I enjoyed the tough, yet tender Layla and the emotionally wounded, chauvinistic Detective Maddox. I liked how this author showed God working in their lives for His glory and their good, when they let Him! I liked the believable characters and the spiritual struggle they went though on their way to giving and accepting forgiveness; of course I liked the drama, mystery and suspense as well. I’m looking forward to the next action adventure story from Robin Caroll.

Fuming over her argument with city manager, Bud Pickleman, Paige Turner’s anger fueled her first shovel thrust into the dirt. It would only be the first of many hours of hard work fulfilling her new landscaping contract for the city of Serendipity, Oregon with her fledgling landscaping company, The Garden Gate.

Now she worked inside temporary fencing erected when she learned she’d won the bid to modernize the park’s play area and prepare park grounds for the city’s annual Pickle Fest Festival. Her initial excitement over what to her was like winning the lottery for her company now turned to apprehension since her argument. If Pickleman made the city require more expensive portable chain-link fencing like he threatened, her small company could see bankruptcy before solvency.

She couldn’t stop thinking as she worked. If she lost her business how would that affect her gig as radio talk show host broadcast over station KALM? She’d attracted a large following of callers looking for gardening advice and the show paid the bills. She’d even given repeat callers affectionate nicknames like “Weed Whacker,” “Bamboozled,” and “Desperate.” Now everything was at risk! Even so, she couldn’t stop smiling at the memory of her parting words to Pickleman. “You do anything to interfere…so help me…you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

Paige couldn’t know her ill-chosen words would nominate her as prime suspect in a grim murder. One that would shock the small Oregon town and reveal everyone guarded long-held secrets no one wanted revealed.

Add a slew of eccentric characters, a light touch of romance with handsome defense attorney, Adam Hayes, a wacky friend and mix with murder, mayhem and delightful slap-stick comedy. And you have Sleeman’s character driven, debut cozy mystery, Nipped in the Bud, first of a planned series of three.

In addition, Paige’s quirky chapter beginnings, taken from tapes of her radio show Through the Garden Gate, are laugh-out-loud funny. As is Paige’s engaging habit of nicknaming friends, family and callers according to their similarities to plants.

If you’re looking for a light, cozy mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the last page is turned—Nipped in the Bud is for you. It has all the elements of a good mystery plus excellent dialogue, romance and satirical humor, without the hardened elements of blood, sex and gore. This author is a welcome addition to the cozy mystery genre!

Nipped in the Bud (Garden Gate Mysteries) by Susan Sleeman List Price:

Review – Nipped in the Bud Reviewed by Gail Welborn This author is a welcome addition to the cozy mystery genre! Fuming over her argument with city manager, Bud Pickleman, Paige Turner’s anger fueled her first shovel thrust into the dirt. It would only be the first of many hours of hard work fulfilling her new landscaping contract for the city of Serendipity, Oregon with her fledgling landscaping company, The Garden Gate. Now she worked inside temporary fencing erected when she learned she’d won the bid to modernize the park’s play area and prepare park grounds for the city’s annual Pickle Fest Festival. Her initial excitement over what to her was like winning the lottery for her company now turned to apprehension since her argument. If Pickleman made the city require more expensive portable chain-link fencing like he threatened, her small company could see bankruptcy before solvency. She couldn’t stop thinking as she worked. If she lost her business how would that affect her gig as radio talk show host broadcast over station KALM? She’d attracted a large following of callers looking for gardening advice and the show paid the bills. She’d even given repeat callers affectionate nicknames like “Weed Whacker,” “Bamboozled,” and “Desperate.” Now everything was at risk! Even so, she couldn’t stop smiling at the memory of her parting words to Pickleman. “You do anything to interfere…so help me…you’ll wish you hadn’t.” Paige couldn’t know her ill-chosen words would nominate her as prime suspect in a grim murder. One that would shock the small Oregon town and reveal everyone guarded long-held secrets no one wanted revealed. Add a slew of eccentric characters, a light touch of romance with handsome defense attorney, Adam Hayes, a wacky friend and mix with murder, mayhem and delightful slap-stick comedy. And you have Sleeman’s character driven, debut cozy mystery, Nipped in the Bud, first of a planned series of three. In addition, Paige’s quirky chapter beginnings, taken from tapes of her radio show Through the Garden Gate, are laugh-out-loud funny. As is Paige’s engaging habit of nicknaming friends, family and callers according to their similarities to plants. If you’re looking for a light, cozy mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the last page is turned—Nipped in the Bud is for you. It has all the elements of a good mystery plus excellent dialogue, romance and satirical humor, without the hardened elements of blood, sex and gore. This author is a welcome addition to the cozy mystery genre!