BEST IN SUSPENSE
Book Reviews ~ Suspense ~ Mystery ~ Thrillers
The Water Keeper
For fans of gritty dramas, complex plots, and high seas adventure
The Water Keeper is a wild ride. The complex plot and broken characters put me through the emotional wringer.
Charles Martin is an off-the-charts amazing writer. His stories are rich with imagery and complex characters that work their way into your heart. Murphy Shephard takes his boat down the coast of Florida, picking up off the wall, broken misfits with more baggage than his boat can carry. But Murphy has his own secrets, as he’s made it his life’s mission to hunt down missing women who’ve been trafficked.
The story is complex and at times weird. It took me a while to wrap my head around what was happening. So many plot twists kept me guessing, and this story is much darker and seedier than other Martin novels. The author drags readers right into the ick and evil of human trafficking.
This book has a lot of high action scenes. But at times I struggled with the reality of some of the scenes. The hero and his dog both seemed to be bullet and fire proof, and several times I found myself saying, “Really? How can that happen?” While some of the scenarios didn’t seem plausible, the story was so good that I willingly suspended my belief. Other parts made me question, “Why would that happen?” as there were a few uncomfortable moments that made me question character motives. I don’t want to give spoilers, but the author isn’t going to deliver you a tidy story wrapped up in a bow. It’s going to leave you with questions and unsettled feelings.
Despite my thoughts above, I loved this novel. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve put it down. I love when authors take chances and write something different. Some Martin fans might not hang in there through this one, but I enjoyed the characters and the overarching themes about love and evil. I like that the novel isn’t what I expected, and hope readers will embrace it for being “off the beaten path.” Figuratively, and literally – because much of the story takes place in alligator infested swamps, rivers and back-woods Florida.
Overall Rating: 4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Traitor’s Pawn
For fans of FBI investigations, action and romantic suspense
My favorite kind of novel starts right in the middle of the action! The Traitor’s Pawn kicks off with an attempted abduction as Aubrey Grayson tries to make sense of why anyone would want to kidnap her. Aubrey’s long-lost friend from childhood, FBI Agent Jack Shannon, happens to be in town with an investigation of his own. Their paths cross as Aubrey realizes her connection to the FBI investigation. Aubrey’s involvement in the case becomes personal when she finds out why she’s the target.
I’m a fan of Lisa Harris. Her novels are always action-packed with lots of plot twists. I enjoyed the super-fast pace of The Traitor’s Pawn. The chemistry between the two main characters worked well, as they had been childhood friends that never wanted to wreck a friendship to take a chance on a romantic relationship. I liked the fact that Aubrey was in law enforcement and became part of the investigating team. While Jack felt protective, Aubrey held her own and I enjoy stories with strong female leads.
The story had a lot of depth while delivering plenty of intrigue. This gets a definite “must read” from me. It’s definitely a page-turner.
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book from Revell Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Dead End
For fans of thrillers, FBI and crazy plot twists
What an incredible roller coaster ride! Dead End gives readers so many thrilling plot twists as Kaely Quinn finds herself in the worst possible predicament: facing her serial killer father in an attempt to locate a copy cat killer. Of course, Kaely is one of the most complex characters ever written. She deals with her emotions in the most unusual ways, but this case sends all of her senses spiraling out of control.
While the plot is complex, the characters are even more intricate. Kaely is complicated and at times dark, yet struggles with the fact that she’s human just like everyone else. She never dealt with her past and can’t justify her father’s horrific actions with the fact that he’s still her father. And Noah has waited for Kaely for three books now and in Dead End he watches her unravel as she tries to navigate her inner and outer worlds. But how can he help someone who won’t accept any help?
I’m a fan of this entire series. I recommend reading these in order so definitely start with Mind Games (it’s on Kindle Unlimited). But Dead End brings so much drama and tension with some surprising plot twists. I highly recommend this series to any suspense fans – the plot twists and unique characters make this one of my all time favorites!
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Silent Shadows
For fans of romance, suspense and character transformations
Silent Shadows gives readers a swoon-worthy romance mixed with some run-for-your life suspense. Pecca Gallegos has moved to Walton to escape her past and literally runs right into Colton Crawford, the ex-Army captain that is also her patient. But after several attempts are made on Pecca’s life, she realizes that gang members have tracked her to Walton and want her dead. Colton steps in to protect her but has his own physical and spiritual battles going on.
I loved the characters in this story. Pecca is strong and sassy. But Colton Crawford faces his struggles head-on throughout the novel and I enjoyed watching his transformation from his “victim mentality” to hero. Pecca works at the Home for Heroes where Colton is staying while in rehab. But the other men who live at Home for Heroes are a riot. Sticks, Gunny and Sarge spend their days bickering about which branch of the military is best, and they become witty sidekicks for Colton throughout the story. I also loved to see Lane and Charlie from Living Lies adding to the mix of characters.
This novel is more romance than suspense (as compared to the other novels in the series), but the chemistry between Pecca and Colton gives readers a great storyline. There is plenty of action, it’s just towards the end of the novel.
Silent Shadows is the third novel in the Harbored Secrets series. You could probably read this as a stand-alone, but I suggest reading these novels in order (Living Lies is first).
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Chasing the White Lion
For fans of spies, con artist, and high stakes missions
What a fun series! Picking up where The Gryphon Heist left off, Chasing the White Lion gives readers more action and excitement with Talia, Tyler and the rest of their mismatched crew of con artist and grifters. If you like over-the- top action and plot twists, this novel is for you.
Chasing the White Lion has some pretty intricate and elaborate high stake cons. Talia teams up with Tyler again, not sure if she can trust him. The group tries to infiltrate a crime ring by conning their way up the ranks, which lands them in a life-or-death competition called The Jungle. And things definitely get crazy in the Hunger Games-style Jungle. Of course, they are up against the clock, working to rescue children from a human trafficking ring while trying to keep Talia alive after it’s clear that someone wants her dead.
Things I love in a novel: action, suspense, super-quirky characters, intricate plots, spies and computer geeks. This story has all of my favorites – so definitely 5 stars from me. Definitely check out The Gryphon Heist first as you will want to read this series in order.
Overall: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
The Jerusalem Assassin
For fans of political thrillers, intense suspense, and life or death situations
The Jerusalem Assassin is the third novel in the Marcus Ryker series by Joel C. Rosenberg. It would be helpful to start with the The Kremlin Conspiracy first so you can understand the characters and situations. But Ryker is back in action as he tries to protect the president during a trip to Israel. So many people plot against the peace summit that Ryker has his hands full with trying to figure out who is behind the latest terrorist group, Kairos, and how to stop their evil reign of terror.
The Jerusalem Assassin gives reader all of the high-speed thrills and somersaulting plot twist that the prior two novels contained. The author never shies away from taking on some big topics like terrorism and the Middle East. I’ve been a fan of the whole series, and this one has the same sense of urgency and danger as the prior two. Marcus Ryker makes the best action hero, always knowing the right way out of danger. I wished Oleg Kraskin had a bigger part in this novel, but he definitely makes an appearance or two.
I highly recommend the series to all of the action and suspense fans out there. You won’t be disappointed!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
Collision of Lies
For fans of thrillers, police detectives, and plot twists
I’ve never read anything by Tom Threadgill, but now I’m his biggest fan. Collision of Lies is the novel we die hard suspense fans have been waiting for.
San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez breaks up an arguing couple, only to find herself pulled into a three year old closed case, with nothing but a gut feeling and a random text message to fuel the investigation.
The cold case itself is twisted and complex. The suspense and mystery definitely kept me hooked and there was no lull in the action. The reader gets to tag along with Amara’s investigation and there are plenty of plot twist to keep readers guessing until the very end.
The characters are beyond quirky but it made them likable. Amara talks to her pet lizard, Larry, and works in property crimes, hoping for a chance on the homicide squad. Readers can really get behind her as she refuses to quit digging into a case that was deemed solved three years ago. Dr. Prichard, the ME, tells people the proper way to eat Tic-Tacs and always has a long-winded story to share. I still don’t know why they call Starsky “Starsky.”
The only downside to this book is that it ended with me wanting more. I can only hope for a sequel!
Overall Rating:
5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating:
5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
Kings Falling
For fans of military dramas, intense action, and conspiracy theories
Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig gives readers more of everything we’ve come to expect from her novels. More death-defying action, more amazing characters like Leif Metcalf and Iskra Torodova, more danger, and much more inner conflict. But note that this novel ends on a total cliff-hanger which will leave readers wanting…well, MORE!
This is the second novel in the series, so readers need to pick up Storm Rising first to keep up. The story picks up with Leif, Iskra, and the rest of the team, now dubbed Reaper, as they try to stop assassination attempts that were predicted in the Book of Wars, not to mention that the book is missing. Leif struggles with his relationship with Iskra but also the thought that men are being “activated” and turned into mass murderers. Oh, and throw in a secret organization called the Armageddon Coalition which wants total world domination and you’ve got one action-packed, thrilling novel.
If you loved Storm Rising, you’ll not be able to put down Kings Falling. I used to think I had a crush on Tox (from the prior series) but now it’s totally Cell. He’s kind of the behind the scenes guy trying to keep everything straight, while Leif and others on the team starts to come unglued. I don’t want to reveal too much, but this is a fantastic adventure filled with drama, action, suspense, and intrigue. Clearly, I can’t wait for the next one. Because the ending of this one is leaving me hanging in mid air trying to catch my breath!
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it, couldn’t put it down)
Suspense Rating: 5 stars (Non-stop edge-of-your-seat suspense from start to finish)
One Little Lie
For fans of complex mysteries, drama, and small town settings
One Little Lie plops readers down into the middle of more than a decade old mystery. Jane Harper escapes from a cult with her father and manages to turn her life around and bury her past. She becomes police chief of Pelican Harbor, AL, but everything derails as several murders happen her first day on the job. To make matters worse, her father is the chief suspect, and she’s stuck with reporter Reid Betchol shadowing her for a documentary.
I’d classify this novel as a mystery. The plot is complex, with lots of characters that intertwine throughout the story. I didn’t see the ending coming and enjoyed the process of trying to piece the evidence together along side Jane. The “secret” is pretty obvious early on, and it’s interesting to see Reid deal with lies of omission and coming clean about what he knows and who he is. Also, Colleen Coble always has the best settings, and I loved the New Orleans style vibe of Pelican Harbor.
There was plenty of action and suspense to keep the story fast-paced. My only issue was the believability at times. The contrast of Jane from beginning to end didn’t resonate with me. I couldn’t figure out how she went from the past she had in the cult to become the police chief. It seemed like a stretch. The conflict from her past and present didn’t come out as much as I would have wanted. But overall, this is a great mystery and an intriguing read. I definitely recommend to suspense fans.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Overall Rating: 4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
The Blue Cloak
For fans of true crimes, historical settings, and murder mysteries
I have enjoyed the True Color series, which takes crime stories from America’s past and creates a story around the events. The Blue Cloak is set in the late 1700’s in the American frontier. Rachel Taylor’s friend Sally marries a man with questionable reputation. Rachel’s instincts are correct, and Wiley Harpe and his brother turn out to be serial killers and take Sally and several other women into the frontier. The women are mistreated while the two men randomly attacked and killed innocent bystanders. Ben Langford’s cousin is a victim of these thugs, and he heads out to track down the killers and bring justice.
The author, Shannon McNear had a big task ahead of her, as these crimes were extremely heinous and the women were abused. I did a Google search as I had never heard of the Harpe brothers, and they are credited as being some of America’s first know serial killers. The author handled the details with a lot of action happening “off-screen” but if you are sensitive to violence, be warned. Also, the setting is in the 1790’s – not my favorite time period to read, but if you are a historical fan, the author did a lot of research to bring the details of the time period to life.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Overall Rating: 4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
Suspense Rating: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
Cry of the Raven
For fans of fantasy, epic battle scenes, and legendary characters
The conclusion of the Ravenwood Saga series has arrived. Be sure to start with book 1, Mark of the Raven. It’s a must to read these in order.
I will admit, the genres of fantasy and YA are hit or miss for me. Sometimes I love them and get wrapped up in the epic story lines of far away worlds with legendary characters. Other times I can’t get into the stories. But I loved the entire Ravenwood Saga for all its imagery, allegories, and characters.
The third installment picks up with Selene Ravenwood stepping up to protect all of the Great Houses from the impending encroachment of the Dominia Empire. Selene perfects her gift of dream walking, but prepares to face off against the Dark Lady and her mother.
I love watching the relationship Damien Maris and Selene grow. Of course, the intrigue of Selene’s dream walking builds in Cry of the Raven as she takes her rightful place as the head of Ravenwood, using her gift the way it was intended. There are plenty of epic battle scenes as the novel focuses more on some of the other Great Houses and their gifts as they all come together to fight the Dominia Empire.
I definitely recommend the entire series, especially if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings series or Harry Potter series. The fantasy element is excellent and the story moves at a fast-pace to keep suspense-seekers like me hooked.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Overall Rating: 5 stars (I loved it)
Suspense Rating: 4 stars (lots of action and suspense to keep me intrigued)
Collateral Damage
For fans of military, suspense and action
Collateral Damage brings action and suspense in the form of a military drama. Brooke Adams is an Army psychologist who is discharged after a bombing. Asher James is seeking answers after his friend dies in the same explosion while accused of treason. Meanwhile, someone is out to get Brooke.
The story is intriguing and will suck you in from the start. Lots of chase scenes and mystery keep the story line fast-paced, while the characters are strong and relatable. Brooke is a counselor who struggles with her own form of PTSD after the explosion and I enjoyed watching her discover her own inner strength but also her ability to put aside her own issues to help others. The romance didn’t distract from the story, and seemed more realistic/not staged than other novels in the “romantic suspense” category.
If you are a fan of military stories as well as action, look no further than Collateral Damage. I’m a fan of Lynette Eason, and this is a great start to a new series.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars (I loved it)
Suspense Rating: 5 Stars (lots of action and intrigue)
