Review: A Ruse of Shadows

Review: A Ruse of ShadowsA Ruse of Shadows (Lady Sherlock, #8) by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #8
Published by Berkley on June 25, 2024
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 368
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION:  This book has a lot of mystery plot which sometimes confuses and overwhelms but has a payoff for those who have followed the series for a while.

THE STORY: Charlotte Holmes finds herself in a precarious position when Lord Bancroft Ashburton, previously imprisoned due to her investigations, forces her to search for his missing lieutenant, Underwood. The situation becomes even more complicated when Lord Bancroft himself turns up dead, and Charlotte emerges as the prime suspect, meeting all three criteria: motive, means, and opportunity. Meanwhile, Charlotte continues her plans to free her sister Livia’s beloved Stephen from Moriarty’s control, all while navigating her evolving relationship with Lord Ingram.

OPINION: This is a good but complex book that tells its story through two timelines: Charlotte’s interrogation in the present and the events leading to Lord Bancroft’s death. The story connects to plot points from earlier books in the series, revealing important information about Moriarty’s organization.

Charlotte stands out as the main character by being different from the original Sherlock Holmes – she has strong emotions and loyalty, though she shows them in her own way. The relationships in the book develop well, especially between Charlotte and Lord Ingram, and Charlotte’s efforts to help her sister Livia be happy. The “found family” aspect adds some warmth to the story.

The main challenge is keeping track of everything. There are many references to past events and characters, which might be hard to follow if you don’t remember the previous books well. While the author explains some background information, you need to pay close attention to follow the plot.

WORTH MENTIONING: The novel includes a helpful dramatis personae at the beginning to help readers keep track of the extensive cast of characters as the plot and relationships become more complex.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A RUSE OF SHADOWS is the eighth book in the Lady Sherlock series. The mystery here is self-contained, but the characters involved and the story draw from prior books in the series and should be read for complete understanding.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Shattering Dawn

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Review: Shattering DawnShattering Dawn (The Lost Night Files Book 3) by Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: The Lost Night Files #3
Published by Berkley on January 7, 2025
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: A satisfying blend of paranormal suspense and romance that successfully concludes the Lost Night Files trilogy, though it leans more heavily on suspense than romance. While I would have enjoyed more romantic moments between Amelia and Gideon, the well-crafted mystery and fascinating paranormal elements make this a satisfying end to the Lost Night Files.

THE STORY: This book, the third and final in the series, follows Amelia Rivers, a member of the Lost Night Files podcast team, as she investigates a mysterious stalker who may be connected to her own haunting past. The story intertwines supernatural elements with romantic suspense, centered around a night of missing memories and unexplained phenomena.

Three years ago, Amelia Rivers and her two friends, Pallas Llewellyn, and Talia March, were lured to the Lucent Springs Hotel under the false premise of job opportunities related to its remodeling. That night changed their lives forever – they lost all memory of what transpired and emerged with paranormal abilities. This shared experience led them to form the Lost Night Files podcast, through which they discovered others with similar stories: some gained enhanced abilities, while others were driven to madness.

Amelia’s particular gift allows her to perceive the night world in a landscape of colors and auras, which she captures through vintage photography equipment. When she becomes aware of a stalker, she uses her ability to photograph their aura before seeking help from private investigator Gideon Sweetwater.

Though skeptical of Amelia’s claims and unsure whether she’s paranoid or running a con, Gideon accepts the case.

OPINION: This final installment of The Lost Night Files trilogy was enjoyable. The book leans heavily into the suspense elements, which might be a slight adjustment for readers who, like me, typically prefer a stronger focus on romance. However, the story is so well-crafted that this didn’t significantly impact my enjoyment.

What really works in this book is how the paranormal elements are woven into both the characters’ personal development and the overall mystery. Amelia’s supernatural abilities with auras and photography give her character interesting quirks, while Gideon’s struggles with his nightmarish dreamscapes add depth to his personality. Like in other books by Krentz featuring paranormal talents, these abilities create an engaging energy that elevates the story beyond a standard suspense novel.

The relationship between Amelia and Gideon develops at a faster pace than in the previous books, and while their chemistry is genuine, the romantic moments are somewhat sparse. They spend most of the book working together to solve the mystery of Amelia’s stalker, which gives their relationship a strong partnership feel. Their mutual acceptance of each other’s paranormal abilities helps build their connection, even if the romantic elements sometimes take a backseat to the action.

The suspense storyline is particularly strong in this installment. The twists and turns are well-plotted and make perfect sense within the story’s framework. Everything connects logically, with the foundation for each revelation carefully laid throughout the narrative. The return to Lucent Springs Hotel adds an extra layer of tension that keeps the pages turning.

As the conclusion to the trilogy, the book does an excellent job of bringing all the plot threads together while maintaining the high stakes established in the earlier books. While I would have enjoyed more romantic scenes between Amelia and Gideon, their relationship still feels authentic and satisfying. The paranormal aspects of the story continue to fascinate, giving both characters interesting challenges to overcome together.

WORTH MENTIONING: Plenty of Easter Eggs for longtime Krentz/Quick/Castle readers. It does not distract new readers, who probably will not even realize that there are references at all.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SHATTERING DAWN is the third book in the Lost Night Files series. The romance is self-contained, and while there is an overarching storyline, a reader could easily catch up and enjoy this as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley so that I could prepare this review before the release date. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

four-half-stars

Review: Remember When

Review: Remember WhenRemember When (includes In Death, #17.5) by J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts
Series: In Death #17.5
Published by Berkley on January 15, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 460
Goodreads
four-half-stars

FINAL DECISION: This is duology that combines a present-and-future story. When read together, it is a clever and engaging blend of contemporary romance (Roberts) and futuristic mystery (Robb). This crossover showcases Nora Roberts’ versatility as an author and provides a link between her two writing personas.

THE STORY: The book is divided into two parts. In the first, set in the present, Laine Tavish, the respectable owner of an antique shop, finds her past catching up with her when her criminal father’s old partner shows up looking for hidden diamonds. She teams up with Max Gannon, an insurance investigator, to solve the mystery and keep herself safe.

The second part, set in Eve Dallas’ future New York, follows the granddaughter of Laine and Max as she becomes entangled in a mystery surrounding the same diamonds. Eve must solve a murder and prevent more deaths while unraveling a decades-old puzzle.

OPINION: REMEMBER WHEN is a unique entry that brilliantly bridges Roberts’ contemporary romance world with her futuristic In Death series. The structure of the book is refreshing and adds an extra layer of intrigue to both stories. The contemporary portion showcases Roberts’ skill in crafting engaging romance with a touch of suspense. Laine and Max’s relationship develops naturally amidst the danger, with their chemistry and banter providing a perfect counterpoint to the tension of the diamond hunt. The transition to the futuristic In Death story works well, and it’s fascinating to see how the consequences of the first story play out in Eve’s time. The In Death portion delivers the usual mix of clever detective work and character moments that I have come to expect.

This book is unique because it ties together both parts of Roberts’ writing identity. Seeing the connections between the two time periods adds depth to both stories and provides longtime readers with a treat. I especially enjoyed how the tone of the books changed — it was almost like two different writers collaborated. The pacing in both stories is well-handled, with each story feeling complete while also being part of a larger whole.

WORTH MENTIONING: Although originally published in this combo format, it has also been divided into its separate parts and sold separately — “Hot Rocks” by Nora Roberts and “Big Jack” by J.D. Robb.

CONNECTED BOOKS: REMEMBER WHEN is a standalone in terms of the contemporary story. The futuristic portion fits into the IN DEATH series but can be read on its own. However, readers familiar with the In Death series will get more out of the character interactions in the second half.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

four-half-stars

Review: Portrait in Death

Review: Portrait in DeathPortrait in Death (In Death, #16) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #16
Published by Berkley on February 25, 2003
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 347
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A really good entry in the In Death series. While the mystery starts slow, it builds to a heart-pounding finale. The real triumph here is in the character interactions, especially Roarke’s personal journey and the moments with secondary characters.

THE STORY: Eve Dallas investigates a series of murders where young, healthy victims are found dead, with the killer leaving behind haunting portraits of them. As Eve hunts for the twisted photographer, Roarke faces a personal crisis when he uncovers shocking information about his past.

OPINION: PORTRAIT IN DEATH showcases Robb at her best, blending mystery and character development into a compelling whole.

The murder investigation starts solidly, if unremarkable. However, the book’s last quarter ratchets up the tension, delivering a heart-pounding conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat. Robb proves once again she can craft a thrilling finale.

However, what elevates this book is the character interactions. Roarke’s storyline is a standout, showing his vulnerability as he grapples with revelations about his past. This adds new depth to his character and allows for some powerful moments between him and Eve. Their relationship continues to evolve, with Eve stepping into a supportive role that showcases her growth.

The variety of moments with secondary characters adds richness to the narrative. From Peabody’s steady presence to Summerset’s unexpected role, each interaction feels meaningful and adds to the overall tapestry of the story.

What’s particularly noteworthy is how just about every emotional moment incorporates characters we already know. This approach adds depth and layers to the world of In Death, making each book feel increasingly lived-in and authentic. It’s a testament to Robb’s skill in building a complex, interconnected cast of characters that readers care about.

The balance between the case and personal storylines is masterfully handled, keeping the pacing tight throughout. While the mystery is ultimately satisfying, the characters’ emotional journeys make this book truly memorable.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book offers significant development for Roarke’s character, providing insight into his background that longtime readers will particularly appreciate.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PORTRAIT IN DEATH is the 16th book in the In Death series. While the mystery in this book is standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

four-stars

Review: Purity in Death

Review: Purity in DeathPurity in Death (In Death, #15) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #15
Published by Berkley on February 27, 2021
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 362
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: Enjoyable addition to the series. The highlight is the development of secondary recurring characters. While the central conflict of procedural justice versus vigilantism is interesting, I found the character interactions (especially the recurring secondary characters) more compelling than the mystery itself.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates a series of deaths caused by a vigilante group using a computer virus to kill those they deem guilty but who have escaped legal justice. The case is especially challenging as it seems to implicate powerful and well-connected people in New York City.

OPINION: I found PURITY IN DEATH to be a solid entry in the In Death series. The book’s central conflict between procedural justice and vigilantism provides an interesting backdrop for the investigation, raising questions about the nature of justice and the role of law enforcement.

The real strength of this installment, however, lies in the development of the secondary recurring characters. We see growth and change in familiar faces like Peabody, McNab, Feeney, and others. Their personal and professional developments add depth to the series’ world and provide some of the most enjoyable moments in the book.

Eve and Roarke’s relationship continues to evolve, offering a mix of supportive and conflicting moments that keep their dynamic interesting. Their scenes together remain a highlight of the series.

While the ethical questions raised by the vigilante group’s actions are thought-provoking, it’s the character interactions and growth that keep me coming back to these books. PURITY IN DEATH balances advancing the overall series arc through character development while providing a self-contained mystery.

WORTH MENTIONING: A character from a prior book in the series makes a significant appearance. I loved checking in.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PURITY IN DEATH is the 15th book in the In Death series. While the mysteries in each book are standalone, there are continuing and overarching storylines (especially regarding character relationships and development) that continue from book to book. I recommend reading the series in order, although it is not strictly necessary.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Reunion in Death

Review: Reunion in DeathReunion in Death (In Death, #14) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #14
Published by Berkley on March 5, 2002
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 378
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: REUNION IN DEATH is an outstanding entry in the In Death series. Eve’s personal journey as she confronts her past and deepens her relationships makes this a pivotal book in her character development. The balance of a compelling mystery with rich character growth results in a truly satisfying read.

THE STORY: Lieutenant Eve Dallas faces a blast from her past when Walter Pettibone is murdered at his own birthday party. The killer is Julianna Dunne, a woman Eve put away years ago who has now been released and is out for revenge. As Eve races to catch Julianna before she kills again, she must also confront the memories and emotions from her own past.

OPINION: REUNION IN DEATH stands out as a powerful installment in the series, offering a perfect blend of character development and suspenseful storytelling.

While there isn’t much mystery here since Julianna Dunne’s involvement is known early on, the book excels in its portrayal of a tense cat and mouse game. Eve’s attempts to anticipate and outwit the murderer create a palpable sense of urgency and excitement throughout the narrative. This chase adds a layer of suspense that keeps the pages turning, even as the focus remains on character development.

The heart of this book lies in Eve’s continued confrontation with her past. As she deals with Julianna, a reminder of her early cases, Eve is forced to revisit and process aspects of her history. This introspection leads to significant character growth, providing some of the most poignant and revealing moments in the series so far.

What makes this book truly special is how Eve’s personal growth impacts her relationships. We see a profound deepening of her connection with Roarke as she becomes more open and vulnerable. Their scenes together are both tender and passionate, showcasing the strength of their partnership in the face of Eve’s emotional journey and the high-stakes case.

Moreover, Eve’s character development extends to her other relationships as well. We see her building stronger connections with characters like Peabody, Mira, and Feeney. This evolution from the solitary character we met in NAKED IN DEATH to someone who is slowly building a network of meaningful relationships is beautifully portrayed.

WORTH MENTIONING: One thing I really enjoy about the IN DEATH series is how the secondary characters develop as well. This book gives readers more about Peabody and develops her character more as well.

CONNECTED BOOKS: REUNION IN DEATH is the fourteenth book in the IN DEATH series. The mystery here is self-contained and thus can be read as a standalone; however, the character development is significant in this series, and Eve’s struggles are important here, so I recommend reading the books in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: Seduction in Death

Review: Seduction in DeathSeduction in Death (In Death, #13) by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death #13
Published by Berkley on September 1, 2001
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 372
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: SEDUCTION IN DEATH is a solid addition to the In Death series. The book shines in its exploration of Eve’s ongoing struggle with her past and the deepening of her relationship with Roarke while the mystery takes a backseat.

THE STORY: In 2059, New York Lieutenant Eve Dallas investigates a series of murders involving young women. As Eve works the case, she finds herself confronting aspects of her traumatic childhood, adding personal stakes to the investigation.

OPINION: SEDUCTION IN DEATH is an engaging read in the series, though its strengths lie more in character development than in the mystery itself. The most compelling aspects of this book are how the crime impacts Eve and forces her to grapple with her past. We see Eve exploring and dealing with new aspects of the tragedy of her childhood. This internal struggle adds depth to her character and provides some of the most poignant moments in the book.

As always, the interactions between Eve and Roarke are the highlight of the story. Their relationship continues to evolve and deepen, offering both tender moments and the spark of tension that makes their dynamic so engaging. Robb excels at showing how their connection deepens even as Eve struggles with her past and the demands of her job.

The actual crime and the criminal’s identity are less important in this installment, with the whodunnit revealed early on. This allows more room for character exploration, which works to the book’s advantage.

While not the most mystery-focused entry in the series, SEDUCTION IN DEATH delivers on the character development and relationship aspects that fans of the series have come to love. It’s a solid addition that furthers the overall arc of Eve’s personal growth and her relationship with Roarke.

WORTH MENTIONING: There is a great secondary character story that continues to develop which adds some levity when Eve’s personal story is darker here.

CONNECTED BOOKS: SEDUCTION IN DEATH is the 13th book in the In Death series. While the crime plot stands alone, the character development benefits significantly from familiarity with earlier books.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Primal Mirror

Review: Primal MirrorPrimal Mirror (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #8) by Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #8
Published by Berkley on July 23, 2024
Genres: Paranormal
Pages: 398
Goodreads
five-stars

FINAL DECISION: This book is simply amazing. I loved the interaction between Auden and Remi. Sometimes, the book reads like a psychological thriller, which is perfect for the story. The Psy-Changeling series is an amazing achievement that keeps getting better.

THE STORY: Remi, the alpha of the RainFire leopard pack, meets Auden Scott, a psychometric Psy with a troubled past. Months after their initial encounter, Remi discovers Auden is heavily pregnant, with no memory of how it happened. Auden, the daughter of former Psy Councillors, has suffered brain damage from her parents’ experiments and experiences memory gaps and personality shifts.

As Auden struggles to protect her unborn child from those who might wish to harm or control them, including members of her own family, she turns to Remi for help. Remi, drawn to Auden, vows to protect her and her baby.

Meanwhile, the PsyNet is on the verge of collapse, adding urgency and complication to their situation. As Remi and Auden grow closer, they must navigate the dangers posed by Auden’s family, her mysterious condition, and the wider crisis affecting the Psy race.

OPINION: I was absolutely captivated by PRIMAL MIRROR, the latest addition to Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Trinity series. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the intricate world Singh has created, and I found myself completely immersed in the story of Remi and Auden.

What strikes me most about Singh’s writing, and PRIMAL MIRROR is no exception, is her incredible strength in character development and the connections she weaves between characters. The web of relationships and interactions between various characters and communities is truly astounding. I found myself marveling at how seamlessly she integrates new characters like Auden into the existing framework while also deepening our understanding of established characters like Remi.

The chemistry between Remi, the strong and protective alpha of the RainFire leopard pack, and Auden Scott, a psychometric Psy with a mysterious past, was electric. I found myself rooting for them from their very first encounter. Their relationship doesn’t exist in isolation, though – it’s beautifully contextualized within the broader tapestry of pack dynamics, Psy politics, and inter-species relations.

Singh’s world-building continues to leave me in awe. With each book, she manages to expand this universe in ways that feel both surprising and inevitable. PRIMAL MIRROR is no exception, adding new layers to an already rich tapestry. I love how she balances intimate character moments with grand, world-shaping events, creating a narrative that feels both personal and epic.

What I particularly enjoyed was how the book seamlessly blended elements of a psychological thriller with the paranormal romance I’ve come to expect from the series. Auden’s struggle with her memory gaps and unexpected pregnancy added a layer of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to unravel the mystery surrounding her condition.

The ongoing crisis in the PsyNet provided a thrilling backdrop to Remi and Auden’s personal story. It was also a joy to see familiar faces like Lucas, Aden, and Kaleb make appearances, further reinforcing the interconnected nature of Singh’s world.

Ultimately, I closed this book with a contented sigh, thoroughly satisfied yet eager for more. The Psy-Changeling series continues to be my ultimate favorite, and this book is a shining example of why. It’s a perfect blend of scorching romance, heart-pounding action, and intriguing plot twists, all built on a foundation of rich character development and masterful world-building. I’m already counting down the days until I can dive into the next installment of this extraordinary saga.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book wraps up some of the ongoing storyline while opening new avenues for future books.

CONNECTED BOOKS: PRIMAL MIRROR is the 8th book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series and the 23rd book in the series. This book should not be read as a standalone because it depends upon the series’ mythology. A reader can start with the first book in the Trinity series, but because the entire Psy-Changeling series is so good, I recommend starting from the beginning.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

five-stars

Review: A Grave Robbery

Review: A Grave RobberyA Grave Robbery (Veronica Speedwell, #9) by Deanna Raybourn
Series: Veronica Speedwell #9
Published by Berkley on March 12, 2024
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Pages: 336
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: The story dragged more than others in the series, and I was not as engaged with this one as much, but it is still enjoyable overall. It is a little disappointing based on the high standards for the series.

THE STORY: Veronica and Stoker are faced with a new mystery when their patron, Lord Rosemorran, purchases a wax figure of a woman and asks for a clockwork mechanism to be incorporated to create a breathing “Sleeping Beauty” figure for his daughter. Stoker and Veronica, however, discover that “Sleeping Beauty” is actually the preserved body of a real person. This sends the duo on a quest to determine who the woman was and what happened to her.

OPINION: The book started off strong. The mystery of the wax figure was creepy, and Veronica and Stoker’s reaction was well-set. As the story progressed, however, I found myself less interested in the characters involved in the identity of the dead woman. Everything felt too removed from the actual possible crimes in this case. The entire case felt too intellectual and less personal to anyone. The story worked out, but it felt clinical, and I really didn’t feel that there was anything about the story that I needed to turn the page quickly to find out. It felt more remote than the usual Veronica Speedwell story. This might be my least favorite of the series, but I still love Veronica and Stoker and the other recurring characters in the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: The book has strong Frankenstein vibes.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A GRAVE ROBBERY is the ninth book in the Veronica Speedwell series. This book’s mystery is self-contained, and the book can be read on its own. It is true, however, that there are ongoing relationships that develop over the life of the series and thus it is better, but not necessary, to read the series in order.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

four-stars

Review: Ice Planet Barbarians

Review: Ice Planet BarbariansIce Planet Barbarians (Ice Planet Barbarians, #1) by Ruby Dixon
Series: Ice Planet Barbarians #1
Published by Berkley on April 3, 2015
Genres: Paranormal, Sci-Fi
Pages: 188
Goodreads
four-stars

FINAL DECISION: A unique and steamy sci-fi romance that transports readers to a distant ice planet where human women and alien barbarian men forge unexpected connections. Ruby Dixon’s imaginative world-building and sizzling chemistry between the characters make for an entertaining read.

THE STORY: Georgie Carruthers, along with a group of other human women, finds herself abducted by alien slavers and stranded on a desolate ice planet. Struggling to survive in the harsh environment, Georgie encounters Vektal, the leader of a primitive tribe of alien barbarian men. As Vektal helps Georgie adapt to life on the ice planet, the two discover a powerful attraction that transcends their differences. But with danger lurking around every corner and cultural misunderstandings threatening their budding relationship,

OPINION: Ice Planet Barbarians is a delightful escapist story. Dixon’s creative premise and attention to detail in crafting the Ice Planet setting drew me in from the start. The contrast between the human women and the alien barbarian men creates a dynamic that allows for both humor and heart.

Georgie is a relatable and resilient heroine, adapting to her new surroundings while maintaining her sense of self. Vektal, though initially intimidating, proves to be a protective and caring partner, learning to understand and appreciate Georgie’s human quirks. The chemistry between them is scorching hot, with Dixon balancing the steamy scenes with moments of tenderness and emotional connection.

The supporting cast of characters, including the other human women and the members of Vektal’s tribe, add depth and richness to the story. (And plenty of future couples).

WORTH MENTIONING: The unique “resonance” concept between the alien barbarians and their mates adds an intriguing layer to the romantic relationships in the story, raising questions about fate versus choice.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ICE PLANET BARBARIANS is the first book in the Ice Planet Barbarians series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars for its inventive premise, engaging characters, and steamy romance.

four-stars