The Secret Messenger

3/5
I was very disappointed with this book. I was expecting more and sadly it didn’t deliver.
First off it was flat, and very slow. It took me awhile to get through it. Nothing really happens until the end. Even then it’s nothing to write home about. The characters were emotionless. Then the very ending kinda just thrown together and jumps time.

I gave this book an extra star solely for plot twists. By the time you get to them it’s just so long getting to them to actually enjoy them.

Behind Every Lie

4/5

This is the second book I have read from this author and really likes it.

I loved the unique storyline. It was a quick read for me. The twist and turns you may can see coming, but still enjoyable. Eva is stronger then she realizes, and finds her strength.

Points for daffodils. My favorite flower. Never heard anyone else say the same thing.

Unashamed

4/5

I enjoyed this more then I thought I would.
Rahab has always been one of my favorite bible stories. She proves you didn't have to perfect. I wasn’t sure if I would disagree with what was written or it be different then I believe. It wasn’t. Obviously the author added to the story, but did well.

Only took my a couple hours to read this. There are five in the series. Think I’ll read those as well.

A Study in Scarlet Women

3/5
This book was hard for me to rate. When all is said and done, I enjoyed this book.
The beginning of the story dragged and was slow. Most of the beginning was the backstory. Another thing was everyone knows who She is Sherlock. Sherlock is “sick” and has to stay in bed. How is that gonna work when there is a need for Sherlock to be at the scene of what happened ?? A lot of this was a disappointment.

The story picks up after she meets Mrs. Watson. I enjoyed most of the characters and thought they helped with the story. I liked some of the teasers that were solved.

Will I read the next one ? Probably. It doesn’t need the whole backstory so that should be a good thing.

The Chalk Man

4/5
First time reading a book from this author, I liked it. Had the Stand By Me feel, with a touch of creepy. Characters were interesting and similar to It or Stand By Me.
I liked the idea, of how the chalk man came into play as a childs game only to grow from there. Just when you think everything is settled but realize some questions were answered you, you get those answers. Job well done.

There are a couple of scenes that were pretty intense, or almost intense. Just be warned. One of which broke my heart and had tears in my eyes.

Was a quick read. Will be reading more from her.

Points for retro candy Hubba Bubba, Gobstoppers, satellites and coke bottles.

His and Hers

Rounded down to 31/2
I liked this book but there were parts I did not like. If you are offended easily you may wanna stop reading now. Trigger warning. There is mention of animal abuse as well.

As with most of her books the twists are great. I loved them in these book as well. Did not guess who did what. The story took its time to get to the “event” but then there was more to it. This is what I liked.

What I did not like was the gay scenes. Sorry I am not a romance fan and girl on girl action did nothing for the story. It was not needed. The husband and wife had no romantic scenes but two school girls do ?? Not my cup of tea.

The storyline was good the twists were good. Overall a great read.

Wild Women and the Blues

 

5/5
Thank you Keningston, Penguin Random House and Between the Chapters for the copy of this book.

I was absolutely thrilled with this book, from the names of the characters to the last twist. I got see Chicago in the 1920's era. The blues, the gangsters, the speakeasies, and many characters. Then I meet a man wanting to know about the past, to finish his doctrine, to find himself.

I loved Honoree, and her taking her challenges head on, and dreaming of a life that she wanted and deserved. She wore a tough exterior but was really and kind person with a good heart. I love the lingo, Louis Armstrong, the fashion and the characters. There were the ones you loved and ones you loved to hate, or more disliked. I found even though it's a different culture, and time, I was taught some of the same things. No matter the time era, lessons can be taught. One included respect.

I did like Sawyer, there were some of sameness to them both, find out who they are, letting go of the past, learning and living for the here and now. I know a lot of reviews did not include Sawyer but I liked him and thought he was stronger they he thought. He was smart, educated but not egotistical. He actually reminds me of someone I know. He too has a soft heart and searching.

I did not want to put this book down, I wanted to know what happened next. I also found I was cheering on or warning. In both the past and present. Those twists were not seen coming. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. It's the bee knees.

Can't wait to see her next book

The Girl From Widow Hills

 

4/5
Another solid read from this author. Loved it was a unique story line, with characters you can like,but wonder about. How close do your friends know you and you them ? Very good question indeed.

This one had me turning pages, wanting to to know what happened next. I did keep switching back and forth on who done it but got one right.

Liked it was also set in the south this time. I could imagine or remember when I was younger going to my grandmother’s and there being a creek as she described and the way she cut her eyes. Remember that as well. Great book, fast read. Enjoyed reading

The Sun Down Motel

 

5/5
Another great book from this author. Creepy, mystery, and some good 80's memories. I did not know if this one would be as good as the Broken Girls, but it was. Held my attention, Had great characters, and like last time diverse and seen from that time period. I did like Broken Girls a little bit more. The fallout could have been a bit better in my opinion. After everything that was done, I just thought it could have been better.

I definitely loved the ghosts, and the story behind them. Makes me want to go and find this hotel and stay awhile.

Job well done !!! Points for cavalier and 80s hair.

The Shadows

 

4/5

I liked this book, but I liked the Whisper Man better. Not a bad second book. I liked the characters for who they were, not what we wanted them to be. Easy, quick, read.

There were several really good plot twists I did not really see coming, and never thought of the who done it. I did like that he put bulling up front for those to see what could happen. It did have the creepy feel, but missed some of the edge of your seat moments.