Reality and fiction collide in shocking violence for Detective Eve Ronin in a propulsive thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg.
When Erin Casey, the actress who plays LASD detective Eve Ronin on TV, is gunned down after a ride-along, the intended target is the real Eve. What isn’t obvious is why.
As Eve hunts the shooter, her world fractures into more deadly reflections. The new sheriff forces Eve to exploit her fame to burnish his image—or he’ll destroy her partner, Duncan. And a reckless half sister Eve never knew she had pulls her toward a criminal conspiracy that’s already dumped a corpse in a Topanga Canyon ravine.
To save Erin, protect her half sister, and survive herself, Eve must find the killers before they strike again—and before her enemies inside the department finish the job for them.
I’m thrilled to be back in Eve Ronin’s world. Eve has been uncomfortable watching the television portrayal of her life. Despite her personal feelings, this is her new reality. Erin Casey, who plays the LASD detective, is shot and her life hangs in the balance, leaving Eve determined to find the culprit and uncover the reason behind the targeting. This is crucial for Eve because the shots were meant for her. Additionally, Eve is grappling with the revelation that she has siblings out there.
As if her load wasn’t heavy enough, she discovers that her half-sister, Lauren, is in danger. On top of that, things on the job are quite rocky, and Eve finds that she must tread lightly to avoid trouble. However, treading lightly is not Eve’s style. She just wants to get the job done and stop whatever perpetrators are in her path.
And then, there’s the beautiful narration of this book that makes this book and series a true joy. Please note: the author’s note states that this book can be read as a standalone adventure. For those who enjoy series, this book follows Fallen Star, book six in the series, and thus contains major spoilers of Bone Canyon, book two in the series. My advice? Head over to K+ and start the series from the beginning, with both ebook and audiobook for an immersive reading experience. You won’t be disappointed.
Many thanks to Thomas and Mercer and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
Blinking back tears, the young woman gazes out across the wildflowers to the bay beyond. Her fingers clutch the precious locket, her only memory of the man she loves. Because the letter she was waiting for never came…
Running from a painful past, Rose is desperate for a new beginning. Confiding in Grace, the only friend who knows her secret, Rose is overwhelmed when Grace offers her a new life in her breathtaking second home on the wild Irish coast. Could this be the chance for Rose to finally heal?
As soon as she arrives in Orchid Bay, Rose falls under its spell, watching the waves glitter and the seabirds soar overhead. And as Rose rides horses along the windswept beach with handsome local farmer, Jim, she gradually begins to trust again. What could have happened to make Grace leave this magical place?
But just as Rose feels that she has finally found somewhere to call home, she discovers an unopened letter that changes everything. Could it explain why Grace left Orchid Bay all those years ago? And will the secret it contains drive Rose away from the bay too, or can she follow her heart and stay?
A totally gripping and heartbreaking read that will whisk you away to the Irish coast. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Tricia O’Malley and Mary Alice Monroe.
Rose believed she had escaped when she and her daughter, Chloe, fled to London to escape a stalker. However, he had found her again, leaving her in sheer terror. Now, she and Chloe had to flee once more. This time, they had to change their names and forget everything and everyone behind them.
Only one person from Rose’s past would have contact with her - an older woman named Grace. This was not the first time Grace had helped Rose, and her current act of kindness was truly remarkable. She bestowed upon Rose a bountiful blessing that would take Rose and Chloe to Ireland.
Arriving in Orchid Bay, Rose was filled with trepidation. Could she and Chloe truly start anew? More importantly, would they be safe? Initially hesitant, Rose gradually began to trust again and forge new friendships. The blessing she had received from Grace was a beautiful mansion. A letter from Grace assured Rose that this home was now hers. The location and scenery were stunning, and Rose hoped desperately that this blessing would keep her and Chloe safe.
This compelling story is a captivating read. While this third book in the Orchid Bay series can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, there are a few cameo appearances that readers are certain to relish. I have been thoroughly enjoying this series and eagerly anticipate what Ann O’Loughlin has in store for her readers next.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specialising in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.
Welcome to The Friday Bookshop, a cozy little bookstore tucked inside a rustic train station north of Tokyo. Rumor has it, you’ll find the perfect book there—one that you need at that particular moment, even if you don’t know it yourself....
Fumiya, who was never really a reader, learns to embrace the joy of reading, and that books can be a means to connect with other people and navigate the twists and turns of life.
Through colorful interactions with the zany shop owners and their visitors, as well as mouthwatering dishes inspired by the books they recommend, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the seemingly ordinary yet enchanting little bookstore in the subway station in Kanto.
MY THOUGHTS
Fumiya, the son of a bookseller, might be expected to love reading. His life takes a turn when his father falls ill. In his desperate search for a specific book that his father wants, Fumiya discovers The Friday Bookshop, a place renowned for its uncanny ability to provide the perfect book for the right person. Managed by three friends, this bookshop really touches the lives of its patrons. The bookshop has hidden charms. Within its enchanting walls, Fumiya soon learns of an extraordinary underground vault filled with rows upon rows of bookshelves.
Although connecting with the characters wasn’t easy, this character-driven novel unfolded at a leisurely pace, emphasizing the significance of the relationships between its characters and the written word. Any book lover will appreciate the nods to renowned authors from around the globe. Interestingly, the book is divided into just four chapters, allowing readers to witness the interconnectedness of individual stories and characters.
The Friday Bookshop offers readers a captivating experience. One of its most compelling messages is the magic of books and the idea that the right story can find us at precisely the moment we need it. This resonates deeply with any avid reader. I am delighted that this book found its way into my hands as it weaves together themes of family, understanding, friendship, and personal growth, creating an engaging narrative.
Thanks to its English translation, readers can now immerse themselves in this delightful celebration of books and the connections they foster. Following the narrative, I appreciated the author’s memories that had an influence on the writing of this book.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
A war widow and a neglected boy form a chosen family in a profoundly moving multigenerational saga about the transformative power of kindness by New York Timesbestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.
It’s 1970 in rural California where Shirley Bennett, a forty-year-old Vietnam War widow, lives with her two sons. It’s a routine life until she sees Cash Pierce, a scruffy eleven-year-old boy, trailing the fence alongside her Appaloosa, Phoenix. The horse never gave such a welcoming nicker to anyone but her late husband. Even her stubborn old dog Edsel takes to the boy. Out of curiosity and compassion, so does Shirley.
Abandoned by his father, his mother in jail, and raised by his teenage brother, Cash is lonely, bullied, but smart as a whip and starved for attention. Shirley begins inviting him for dinners, providing lunch money, sewing his shirts, and offering the maternal care he desperately needs. Neither realizes that such simple acts of kindness create a bond that will span five decades and redefine family itself. No matter where life takes Cash, he will never forget her.
Through war, loss, grief, illness, second chances, and years of separation they will meet again. Shirley was there for Cash. Now it’s his turn to be there for Shirley when she needs him the most.
Shirley’s old neighbor Gloria had a theory about people - ”Four out of five of the people you meet are people you really wouldn’t want to know at all.” Later, she shares this with her son. He immediately comes back with the rejoinder - “Meet ten people. There’ll be two good ones in there.”
MY THOUGHTS
This beautiful book demonstrates courage, strength and connection. In 1970, Shirley Bennett, a widowed mother raising her two sons alone, had slowly rebuilt her life after losing her husband in the Vietnam War. Still missing him and holding on to their memories, she maintained a special attachment to his horse, Phoenix. One day, she noticed a remarkable connection between Phoenix and a young boy. Learning of the sadness and neglect surrounding the boy’s life, Shirley found herself drawn to him. His name was Ludlow, but she gave him a nickname, and from then on, he would be known as Cash.
Although Shirley did much more than that for the broken young boy, their time together was short, and they eventually lost touch. Five decades later, after Shirley experiences a serious medical trauma, they reconnect. This is where the message of the story really shines: acts of kindness have a way of coming full circle. The novel beautifully explores how found family can create bonds as strong as those we share with our own families, while touching on grief, resilience, and loyalty.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It resonated with me in ways I hadn’t expected, and the narration made me feel especially connected to the characters and their story. Catherine Ryan Hyde has a wonderful ability to create memorable characters and emotional connections between people who might otherwise remain strangers. A beautiful reminder that a single act of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Many thanks to Brilliance Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHO
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 50 published and forthcoming books.
She is co-author, with publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of How to be a Writer in the E-Age: a Self-Help Guide.
Her bestselling 1999 novel Pay It Forward was made into a major Warner Brothers motion picture. It was chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than two dozen languages for distribution in over 30 countries. Simon & Schuster released a special 15th anniversary edition in December of ’14.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition, an age-appropriate edited edition of the original novel, was released by Simon & Schuster in August of ‘14. It is suitable for children as young as eight.
A hush descends across the theatre. All eyes are on the leading actor, standing in the spotlight as he delivers his final lines… But will this killer performance be his last?
Sarah Vane is happily working on the costumes for the Merstairs production of A Midsummer Night’s Dreamat the local theatre. But when star of the show and well-known local electrician Gavin Scott is crushed by a lighting rig during dress rehearsals, the play turns deadly.
Everyone thinks the disaster was a tragic accident, but when Sarah finds a knife and traces of pink lipstick at the scene, she suspects foul play.
The discovery of a confidential letter, hidden inside a well-thumbed copy of the play, puts Gavin’s ex-wife firmly in the frame, but maybe the spurned stage manager had a score to settle? And just who is plaguing the players with a series of mischievous pranks?
With opening night fast approaching, the show must go on. But before anyone can say ‘break a leg’, a second member of the company breaks their neck. Sarah is taking every cue to keep the rest of the cast and crew safe. Can she uncover the killer before the final curtain falls?
A totally charming and utterly gripping English murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Agatha Christie.
Sarah Vane, is only one of two members of the Merstairs Mummers’ costume department. She is quite content to remain behind the scenes as the group prepare for its upcoming performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Chaos is an inevitable part of such productions, but the unexpected death of a cast member is a shock to everyone involved. With Sarah’s keen sense of observation, she is determined to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.
With more than a chaotic and extremely stressful dress rehearsal, everyone hopes that opening night will go more smoothly. There is definitely skepticism about things especially when someone on the cast is carrying out frustrating pranks. Sarah decides that she must investigate what has happened, but even before she can start getting answers, another cast member dies. While it looks like an accident, Sarah and the police believe otherwise.. Finding out who is responsible is imperative.
This is the seventh book in the Sarah Vane Mysteries series and it is just as delightful as the previous installments. With Sarah’s relationship with Charles going strong she clearly has his support - even if his ex-wife is being annoying. The same is true of her friendship with Daphne, even if she is not always helpful. The mysteries in this series are always engaging, and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Sarah.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Alice is an avid reader of crime fiction, her favourite stories are cozy crimes with a strong sense of place. When she couldn’t find a series about her beloved south London, she decided to write her own – and single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane was born. Alice also writes twisty psychological thrillers for HQ Digital under the name A.M. Castle. The Perfect Widow was a top selling audiobook in 2019 and The Invitation hit the top 50 on Amazon UK in 2021. Alice lives with her two children and two cats and, if she isn’t writing or reading a whodunit, she’ll be watching one on telly.
Revisit this protector-hero romance from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.
Town reporter Regina Foxworth has no clue why an unknown assailant is out to get her, but with the police dismissing her concerns, she decides to take her protection into her own hands. Adopting a four-pound “guard” Chihuahua is the first step, and when she meets former SWAT member and gym owner Riley Moore, taking his self-defense class becomes an act of survival. But Regina can’t help falling for the sexy instructor, especially when his protective instincts kick in to save her life.
Protector Hero
Law-Enforcement Hero
Romantic Suspense
Heroine in Danger
Small-Town Romance
Link to purchase the book
MY THOUGHTS
Lori Foster fans can revisit Riley Moore in the rerelease of Riley, now in audio format narrated by Kit Swann.
Regina Foxworth is a reporter who finds herself in danger. She is convinced she is being targeted, but the police aren’t taking her complaints seriously. It is after a fire that nearly claims her life that she meets Riley Moore, ex-SWAT, now evidence technician and gym owner. What other choice does Regina have but to take things into her own hands? Signing up at a local gym with Riley as her personal trainer is a good start.
Riley doesn’t dismiss Regina’s concerns. Instead he finds them valid and has no hesitation about helping her to be in a better position to defend herself. Their training sessions lead to much more as the two realize that the attraction they share is too powerful to ignore. If Riley wasn’t already proving to be her dream man to Regina, his protective instincts certainly seal the deal. He takes her concerns seriously, and they work together in uncover the truth and eliminate the threat hanging over her.
Although this is a quick read, Lori Foster delivers plenty of entertainment, blending in an intriguing mystery and an engaging romance between two people who seem perfect for one another. Oh, and then there is Regina’s “guard dog”, which adds a welcome dose of humor in this delightful story.
Many thanks to Harlequin Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lori Foster is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author with over 10 million books sold. She received the Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews and her books have been chosen as editors picks by Amazon multiple times. Foster is actively involved in charity work, and all of the author proceeds from her anthologies have gone to various organizations, such as the Animal Adoption Foundation, the Conductive Learning Center, and One Way Farm. She lives in Ohio with her high school sweetheart.
