Review - See How They Hide

Title:   See How They Hide

Author:  Allison Brennan

Publisher:  

MIRA

Series:  Quinn & Costa #6

Genre:   Romantic Suspense

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   400

Date of Publication:   January 7, 2024

My Rating:  5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

No matter how far you run, some pasts never let you go…

Two people were murdered—at the exact same time, in the same gruesome manner, bodies covered in the same red poppies…but on opposite sides of the country.

With Detective Kara Quinn investigating in Oregon and Special Agent Matt Costa in Virginia, the Mobile Response Team digs deep to uncover more about each victim. What is the link between the two, and why were they targeted?

Yet their search unearths more questions than answers—until they meet Riley Pierce, the only person still alive who might be able to help them find the killers.

Soon, it becomes clear this case is nothing like they’ve seen before as their investigation leads them to the hallowed grounds of Havenwood—an eerily beautiful place rooted in a terrifying past.

As more bodies turn up, all tied to the same community, Kara and Matt are desperate to piece the puzzle together before Havenwood’s leader sacrifices everything to keep her secrets buried.

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

Two victims, separated by thousands of miles, share a chilling connection. The methods and signatures of their murders bear a striking resemblance, hinting at an unlikely but possible link between these heinous crimes. As Detective Kara Quinn and Special Agent Matt Costa embark on an intense search for the perpetrator, they soon discover that this may not be a solitary act but a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals. 

Kara, while primarily focused on the case they are investigating, can’t help but reflect on the depth of Matt’s understanding of her. By the same token, Matt can’t help but think of how fortunate he is to have Kara in his life, both professionally and personally. But again, the focus is on the case and the fact that they are both doing their best to try to prevent any further murders from happening.

Then there is something that is really strange as the case takes a different direction. There is a community called Havenwood, which in all essence is part of a small group of people that could essentially be called a cult. So how do these murders and Havenwood connect? And why they try to figure this out, Cara and Matt try to help innocent victims that are part of this unusual community. Thankfully, they meet Riley Pierce, and she has a link to Havenwood that might help them to break the case. 

Allison Brennan’s latest book in her captivating series is a thrilling read. With its numerous twists and unexpected turns, the story keeps you engaged from beginning to end, leading to a riveting and satisfying conclusion. 

Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ALLISON BRENNAN is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over thirty novels. She has been nominated for Best Paperback Original Thriller by International Thriller Writers and the Daphne du Maurier Award. A former consultant in the California State Legislature, Allison lives in Arizona with her husband, five kids and assorted pets.

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.allisonbrennan.com/

Facebook: @AllisonBrennan

Twitter: @Allison_Brennan

Instagram: @abwrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52527.Allison_Brennan

Review - All the Water in the World

Title:  All the Water in the World

Author:  Eiran Caffall

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio

Genre:   Science Fiction/Dystopian

Format:  Kindle ARC and Audiobook ALC

Length:  8 hrs 42 min

Narrator:  Eunice Wong

No. of Pages:   304

Date of Publication:   January 7, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

In the tradition of Station Eleven, a literary thriller set partly on the roof of New York’s Museum of Natural History in a flooded future.

All the Water in the World is told in the voice of a girl gifted with a deep feeling for water. In the years after the glaciers melt, Nonie, her older sister and her parents and their researcher friends have stayed behind in an almost deserted New York City, creating a settlement on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History. The rule: Take from the exhibits only in dire need. They hunt and grow their food in Central Park as they work to save the collections of human history and science. When a superstorm breaches the city’s flood walls, Nonie and her family must escape north on the Hudson. They carry with them a book that holds their records of the lost collections. Racing on the swollen river towards what may be safety, they encounter communities that have adapted in very different and sometimes frightening ways to the new reality. But they are determined to find a way to make a new world that honors all they've saved.

Inspired by the stories of the curators in Iraq and Leningrad who worked to protect their collections from war, All the Water in the World is both a meditation on what we save from collapse and an adventure story—with danger, storms, and a fight for survival. In the spirit of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Parable of the Sower, this wild journey offers the hope that what matters most – love and work, community and knowledge – will survive.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

In this captivating dystopian novel, we encounter Nonie Mayo, a truly unique child with an extraordinary affinity for water. The world as we know it has vanished, and history reveals humanity’s desperate attempts to preserve replicas during catastrophic events. This gripping tale centers around Nonie, her father, and sister, as well as a researcher, all driven by an unwavering determination to prevent their lives and histories from being erased forever.

The world is plagued by relentless storms, known as hypercanes, which wreak havoc and cause widespread devastation. The polar ice caps are melting, and Nonie possesses an uncanny ability to sense impending danger, yet lives continue to be lost as people descend into a state of utter panic and uncertainty. Anarchy and violence reign supreme, creating a chaotic and dangerous landscape.

As the story unfolds, a small group of survivors finds refuge on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History, referred to as “Amen” within the narrative. I was captivated by the unique perspective from which the story is told, which at times reminded me of a well-crafted YA novel with a dystopian twist. However, beware, this is no ordinary tale.

Eiran Caffall’s magnificent book delves into a multitude of profound themes. Not only do the storms and subsequent loss of life result in mass casualties, but the desperation of a specific virus, coupled with the willingness of individuals to resort to any means necessary to survive, adds another layer of tension and complexity to the narrative. Moreover, the pervasive presence of violence, coupled with the absence of any effective authority, underscores the profound transformation of civilization as we know it, leaving our characters in a desperate struggle for their very existence.

From the very first page, I was captivated by this captivating story and felt the palpable desperation of Nonie and her family. Honestly, the thought of a similar scenario unfolding in my lifetime sent shivers down my spine. Considering that I had this novel as an audiobook, expertly narrated by Eunice Wong, only heightened my appreciation for this fabulous story.

All the Water in the World is an exceptional read that I wholeheartedly recommend. I envision this book sparking long and thought-provoking discussions within book clubs, as readers grapple with its profound themes and implications.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eiren Caffall is a writer and musician based in Chicago. Her writing on loss and nature, oceans and extinction has appeared in Guernica, The Los Angeles Review of Books, Literary Hub, Al Jazeera, The Rumpus, and the anthology Elementals: Volume IV. Fire forthcoming in 2024 from The Center for Humans and Nature. She received a 2023 Whiting Award in Creative Nonfiction, a Social Justice News Nexus fellowship, and residencies at the Banff Centre, Millay Colony, MacDowell Colony (waitlisted), Hedgebrook, and Ragdale. Her memoir The Mourner’s Bestiary is forthcoming from Row House Publishing in 2024 and her novel All the Water in the World is forthcoming from St. Martin’s Press in early 2025.

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Review - The Ozempic Revolution

 

Title:  The Ozempic Revolution 

Author:  Alexandra Sowa, M. D. 

Publisher:  William Morrow

Genre:   Self-Help

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   256

Date of Publication:   January 7, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

The first comprehensive user guide to GLP-1s (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound) including an overview of how they work, a breakdown of the physical and mental side effects, and companion recipes and exercise guidance to maintain lifelong health and keep weight off for good.

The newest class of weight loss drugs (GLP-1s) are complete game-changers in their potential to reverse obesity and its related diseases, with nearly 50% of Americans qualifying for the use of these drugs. Already 1 in 8 Americans say they’ve tried a GLP-1 medication—but with many acquiring their prescription from online pharmacies, med spas, and general practitioners, they face a huge gap between trying the drug and achieving their health goals with it long-term.

That’s where The Ozempic Revolution comes in. Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a leading obesity medicine specialist, shares her expertise on this much-discussed but largely misunderstood class of medica­tions, including information like:

What the GLP-1 experience really feels like
How to know if you’re a candidate for these medications
How to get a prescription and get it covered by insurance
How to manage and reduce unwanted side effects
Unique food plans and strategies for managing the mental challenges of losing weight
Simple, easy recipes for when you don’t feel like eating

Traditional and social media has been flooded with junk information and stigmatizing headlines about GLP-1s, and in this book, Dr. Sowa digs into all of it—the good, the bad, and the ugly—bringing the science to light.

If you’re curious about how GLP-1s might fit into your life, or want to optimize your experience while taking them, then Dr. Sowa’s clear-eyed, fully informed approach is a must-read. The Ozempic Revolution changes everything: these drugs finally provide a viable, healthy, and sane way to lose weight, avoid disease, and maintain your health gains for life.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

I’m one of “those” people who’s obese. A staggering 43 percent of the U.S. population shares this unfortunate statistic. Despite this alarming fact, we must delve into the question of why Dr. Alexandra Sowa, an internist, chose to write such a book, and she states: “Any new concept that some might perceive as unconventional often raises eyebrows and prompts skepticism. In this case, the title of the book, “The Ozempic Revolution,” piques curiosity and raises questions about the effectiveness of weight loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.”

I was eager to examine how the book would help to educate me about the history, usage, and benefits of these medications. The book’s long title reads, “The Ozempic Revolution: A Doctor’s Proven Plan for Success to Help You Reverse Obesity, End Yo-Yo Dieting, and Protect Yourself From Disease.” Just by glancing at the title, I knew this book would hit the spot for me. It discusses the nature of obesity, the prevalence of its impact on the population, the ineffectiveness of yo-yo dieting, and the potential benefits of weight loss in safeguarding our health from various diseases. As my primary physician is also an internist, I was intrigued by Dr. Sowa’s insights and decided to read the book after reviewing her bio.

The book is structured into four main sections:

1. The Science: This section delves into the scientific aspects of weight loss and the role of GLP-1 receptors in regulating appetite and metabolism.

2. The SoWell Method for Sustainable Success: This section provides practical strategies and techniques for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

3. Your GLP-1 Life: This section focuses on the benefits of GLP-1 medications and how they can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

4. Recipes and Dining Out: This section offers a variety of recipes and dining suggestions that align with the principles of the SoWell Method.

Upon reading the table of contents, I was immediately drawn to the section titled “The Science.” I was particularly curious about the meaning of GLP-1. I’ve been using Wegovy for five months now, and I’ve experienced a remarkable weight loss of 45 pounds so far. My average monthly weight loss is approximately 9 pounds, which translates to a pound and a half per week.

So, what are GPL-1s? Glugacon-like peptide 1 (GPL-1) is a hormone produced by your small intestine. It plays several crucial roles, including triggering insulin release from your pancreas. Insulin is essential for converting food into energy and regulating blood glucose levels. (Source: Google)

As the book delves deeper into this topic, Dr. Sowa emphasizes the significance of GLP-1 agonist drugs (another new term for me) like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. She highlights their potency, transformative impact, and life-saving potential for patients.

It’s a fact that many obese individuals face shame and discrimination due to their weight. Unfortunately, I personally experienced this firsthand. Two examples. My gastroenterologist shamed me to the point where I never wanted to see him again. He equated my esophageal stricture with my weight issues, which really upset and confused me. I’ve had well over a dozen procedures to stretch my esophagus and was never told this issue was caused by my weight. Shortly after that, another surgeon shamed me because of my weight and expressed regret about having to operate on me to fuse my spine.

If you could meet my primary physician, you’d be surprised. She’s incredibly small, barely 5 feet tall and weighing around 90 pounds. Despite her petite stature, she’s one of the kindest doctors I’ve ever had. She’s only been my doctor for about a year and is also an internist, as is the author of this book. When she suggested weight loss management, she took the time to explain the process and potential benefits to me, which motivated me to start the journey.

While reading this book, I gained even more understanding than from talking to my doctor. Surprisingly, I discovered that many others that I know are on Wegovy, including my doctor’s nurse. Even more astonishing, four of my siblings are on different forms of these GLP-1 medications!

This book teaches us about the reasons behind our weight gain, the author’s successful treatment methods over many years with minimal adverse outcomes, and the medical field’s familiarity with these medications and weight loss specialists.

Beyond the educational content, the book offers fantastic high-protein recipes, appendices, a hunger scale, and a food log. A clickable QR code provides access to helpful worksheets, and a cognitive behavioral toolkit aids in starting and maintaining long-term weight loss, found in the appendices.

I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with weight loss management. If you can connect with your doctor and discuss these topics, you may find a way to transform your life, which can bring numerous health benefits. 

Many thanks to William Morrow and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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Review - The Note

Title:   The Note

Author:  Alafair Burke

Publisher:  Knopf

Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   304

Date of Publication:   January 7, 2025

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A vacation in the Hamptons goes terribly wrong for three friends with a complicated history.

It was meant to be a harmless prank.

Growing up, May Hanover was a good girl, always. Well-behaved, top of her class, a compulsive rule-follower. Raised by a first-generation Chinese single mother with high expectations, May didn’t have room to slip up, let alone fail. Her friends didn’t call her the Little Sheriff for nothing.

But even good girls have secrets. And regrets. When it comes to her friendship with Lauren and Kelsey, she's had her fair share of both. Their bond—forged when May was just twelve years old—has withstood a tragic accident, individual scandals, heartbreak and loss. Now the three friends have reunited for the first time in years for a few days of sun and fun in the Hamptons. But a chance encounter with a pair of strangers leads to a drunken prank that goes horribly awry.

When she finds herself at the center of an urgent police investigation, May begins to wonder whether Lauren and Kelsey are keeping secrets from her, testing the limits of her loyalty to lifelong friends.

What had they gone and done?

The Note is a page-turner of the highest order from one of our greatest contemporary suspense writers.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

What had she gone and done?

What had they gone and done?

May Hanover really struggled when faced with xenophobia, especially as an adult. Her strict upbringing by her strict Chinese mother left very little room for mistakes. A very strong bond was forged between her and her two friends, Lauren Berry and Kelsey Ellis, when they were younger. However, with that bond came devastating secrets. With May being the goodie two-shoes of the trio, these secrets just might become their undoing one day. 

May, Lauren, and Kelsey are a hive mind. They make decisions as a group, regardless of whether they’re good or bad, past or present. In fact, their heightened awareness of guilt plays a crucial role in their efforts to conceal their past. However, their recent reunion in the Hamptons has taken an unexpected turn. This trip, intended to be a fun getaway, has turned into anything but. It resulted in a prank with devastating results, colliding their past and present, while revealing new truths about them. This collision threatened to break their increasingly tentative friendship.

May just might be the one who is struggling the most as she is a true victim of cancel culture because of an event that cost her just about everything, including her law career. However, this is what ultimately led to her reconnecting with Lauren and Kelsey. They each have their own issues and, between the three of them, trouble is certain to follow.

Undoubtedly, The Note was a thrilling read, and kept me glued to my Kindle. In fact, I believed that May, Lauren and Kelsey all faced an impossible situation and it was quite interesting to see how things played out. 

Many thanks to Knopf and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alafair Burke is the New York Times, Edgar-nominated author of fourteen crime novels, including The Ex, The Wife, The Better Sister, and the forthcoming Find Me. She is also the co-author of several novels with Mary Higgins Clark. A graduate of Stanford Law School and a former Deputy District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, Alafair is now a Professor of Law at Hofstra Law School, where she teaches criminal law and procedure.

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Review - The Muse of Maiden Lane

Title:  The Muse of Maiden Lane

Author:  Mimi Matthews

Publisher:  Berkley

Series:  Belles of London #4

Genre:   Historical Romance

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   388

Date of Publication:   November 19, 2024

My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience. 

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

Link to shop the series

MY THOUGHTS:

In the fourth and final book of the enchanting Belles of London series, Stella Hobhouse and Edward “Teddy” Hates, both overlooked due to their outward appearances, discover a profound connection. Stella, at 22, is prematurely gray-haired and destined for a life of obscurity, while Teddy, confined to a wheelchair, is a talented painter yearning to capture Stella’s true beauty.

Despite their shared desire to express their artistic talents, their budding romance is met with societal disapproval, especially since Stella is unmarried. However, their initial interactions reveal a deep bond forming between them. Stella’s limited time in London soon leads her back home to her brother and her beloved horse, as she is a skilled horsewoman.

As they exchange letters, feelings of affection blossom between Teddy and Stella. Both individuals face life’s frustrations, driven by their desire for independence. Stella’s overbearing brother restricts her choices, while Teddy’s loving sister, though well-intentioned, overprotects him to the point of suffocation.

In a moment of ingenuity, Teddy proposes a marriage of convenience, a union that could grant both of them the independence they seek. However, doubts arise—are they truly seeking this arrangement, or do they harbor deeper desires? What of their future together? These questions linger as Teddy and Stella embark on a journey that could lead to a far more profound love story than a mere marriage of convenience.  

What a delightful story by Mimi Matthews! This series has been a joy to read, but this particular book holds a special place in my heart because of how Stella and Teddy transcended the judgments of others. However, their journey wasn’t without its challenges, but by delving into this captivating tale, we witness their triumphs and the joys that life has in store for them.

I’ll miss these remarkable horsewomen we’ve encountered throughout the series. While Stella’s story is a standout, previous books offer heartwarming tales of Evelyn, Julia and Anne. Each emotionally charged story in this compelling series could be read as a standalone, but their exceptional quality makes them an enjoyable read in their entirety.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at mimimatthews.com.

SERIES REVIEW - An English Village Mystery #1-3

Link to shop the series

Title:  Murder at Raven’s Edge

Author:  Louise Marley

Series:   An English Village Mystery #1

Publisher:  Storm Publishing

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   384

Date of Publication:   May 7, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When Milla Graham returns to her childhood home of Raven's Edge after eighteen long years away, she finds the perfect English village looks much the same – all rose-covered cottages, nosy neighbours, and chintzy teashops full of scones and gossip.

But her nostalgic visit takes a dark turn when the body of a local woman is discovered in an abandoned manor house on the edge of the forest. The murder scene is chillingly close to that of Milla’s own mother, whose death was never solved. As she begins to investigate the connection, Milla realizes this adorable village is guarding some dark secrets.

Handsome, grumpy local policeman Ben Taylor doesn't believe in coincidences, and he doesn’t think mysterious newcomer Milla Graham is as innocent as she seems. Why is she really here in Raven’s Edge, and how come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes, causing trouble? Can he solve this murder case without losing himself – or his heart – to the rather distracting Miss Graham?

When another body is found, everyone becomes a suspect – from the barmaid at the local pub to Milla Graham herself. It seems that in Raven's Edge, not everybody is as friendly, or as innocent, as they first seem...

This picture-perfect English village is full of rumour, romance... and murder! A gripping, funny, absolutely unputdownable murder mystery, which is perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Fiona Leitch and M.C. Beaton.

MY THOUGHTS:

Milla Graham is determined to uncover her roots after returning home to Raven’s Edge. She had been gone for eighteen years but now that she is back, she begins a relentless pursuit for answers. As soon as Miller is returned home, Detective Ben Taylor is called to the scene when the body of a woman is discovered. Milla wants to know what happened to her mother all those years ago, and will Milla find the truth she has always craved, no matter how painful?

Why is there a trail of dead bodies growing? Milla’s new in town. Dead bodies are being found. No way this is a coincidence as far as Ben is concerned. 

Meanwhile Ben Taylor is a policeman just trying to do his job. Finding Milla at the center of what is going  on, he is also driven by distraction by how much he is drawn to her. While Ben is working within the bounds of his job, Willa relentlessly looks for answers. 

Murder at Raven’s Edge is a wonderful first book in a new cozy mystery series. An easy read, likable characters and an intriguing story. Next book in line for me is Murder at Ravenswood House.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Title:  Murder at Ravenswood House

Author:  Louise Marley

Series:   An English Village Mystery #2

Publisher:  Storm Publishing

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   376

Date of Publication:   May 7, 2024

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

A gruesome murder in charming Raven’s Edge sends Milla Graham sleuthing to catch a killer, win back her detective ex, and dig up a decades-old secret along the way...

When a shocking murder rocks the picture-perfect English village of Raven’s Edge, erstwhile amateur detective Milla Graham finds herself right at the centre of the mystery. Still reeling from her recent breakup with local police officer Ben Taylor, Milla sets her sights on solving the case, hoping to win Ben back.

But when the evidence begins to point to Milla’s old friend and former paramour Lorcan Black, she must choose between her loyalties to the past and the possibilities of the future. Meanwhile, Ben is on a different trail – he’s begun to suspect that the murderer could be someone from his own family's dark history.

Further complicating matters are Milla's meddling grandmother, Ben's no-nonsense police partner Harriet, and David the surprisingly young and sexy new vicar. With shocking twists around every cobblestone corner, the truth refuses to stay buried for long in this quaint village, whose picture-postcard façade hides decades of buried grudges, plots, and betrayal.

Will Milla solve the mystery in time to rescue her relationship with Ben? Can Ben face the skeletons in his family’s closet before one of his own relatives meets the same bloody end?

Brimming with drama, intrigue, romance and quirky characters, this addictive tale will have cozy mystery fans racing through the pages long into the night. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Fiona Leitch will love this book!

MY THOUGHTS:

After Milla Graham finally found the answers she desperately needed about her past, she and DI Ben Taylor became a couple. However, Milla had no intention of giving up her feisty and often irreverent nature. Inevitably, this played into her breakup with Ben. 

When proof a new crime has taken place, one that appears to involve Ben’s past, a past that he would have much rather forgotten about, a determined Milla can’t help but to put on the hat of an amateur detective and try to solve the crime. This way she can help Ben in any way that she can. Hopefully, she can do enough that Ben and her can get back together.

While the previous book in this series focused on Milla and her past, this second book shed lights on Ben’s family and how he has become alienated from them and how some of those issues have still followed him.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Title:  Murder at Raven’s Hollow

Author:  Louise Marley

Series:   An English Village Mystery #3

Publisher:  Storm Publishing

Genre:   Cozy Mystery

Format:  Kindle ARC

No. of Pages:   356

Date of Publication:   January 3, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Beneath the ruins of a Victorian greenhouse, a skeleton is unearthed – and with it, years of buried secrets in Raven's Edge…

When decades-old human bones are discovered beneath the old glasshouse behind Foxglove & Hemlock, the local florist, DS Harriet March and DI Ben Taylor find themselves digging into Raven's Edge's murky past. As a frosty wind whips down the cobblestoned lanes of the village, the two detectives feel an ominous chill that has nothing to do with the weather…

The discovery coincides with the arrival of enigmatic novelist Iris Evergreen at Raven's Hollow, a gothic monstrosity of a mansion that's been sitting empty for years. Harriet is shocked to uncover a web of hidden secrets connecting the skeleton, Raven's Hollow and, most alarmingly, her own family history.

Just as Harriet begins to piece together the puzzle, a heavy snowfall blankets the village. And there, half-buried in a snowdrift outside Raven's Hollow, lies another body – this one still warm. As sirens wail in the distance, Harriet realises with a shiver that this killer is anything but history. The past and present have collided in Raven's Edge, will DS Harriet March be the one to pay the price?

Filled with buried plots, tangled romances and deadly intrigue, this cosy village mystery will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Agatha Christie, and anyone who loves their murders with a side of charm!

MY THOUGHTS:

In this third installment of the English Village Mystery series, DS Harriet March takes center stage in her own captivating story. Cozy and intriguing, the narrative follows Harriet and her colleague DI Ben Taylor as they delve into a perplexing case involving the discovery of human remains. This unexpected finding unearths a cold case that delves deep into the troubled past of Raven’s Edge, a small village with a seemingly quiet history.

However, the discovery of a skeleton with a peculiar connection to Harriet’s own family history sends her on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery. As she grapples with the past, Harriet finds herself at a loss, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties.

The story unfolds through a clever dual timeline approach, gradually revealing the intricate web of events that connected Harriet to the discovery of the remains. As the past unfolds, the present day becomes increasingly intertwined, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Beyond its compelling plot, the English Village Mystery series stands out as a unique blend of cozy mystery and police procedural elements. The addition of a Gothic edge further enhances the storytelling, infusing the narrative with a touch of mystery and suspense that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Most of my stories are set in small villages filled with quirky characters. These are partly inspired by the places I’ve lived in over the years, although the characters are straight out of my imagination! I currently live in Wales, close to a famous library and two ruined castles. My husband thinks we moved here by accident.

My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as nine novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines such as Take a Break and My Weekly. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…

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