Susan's Review of In The Air Tonight by Marie Force

The strong characters, suspenseful storyline and the small town setting immediately drew me into Marie Force's In The Air Tonight.

Denise, Blaise and Houston were strong, relatable and believable characters. I could relate to the teenage Blaise-the small town atmosphere, the peer pressure and how she internalized her experience. What she saw never left her—she was put in an untenable position.

Blaise’s decision moves the storyline forward and impacts every character in the novel. Houston makes the decision to contact Denise knowing that if she wanted justice; his relationship with his brother, friends and his standing in the community would never be the same. Everything would change—and it did.

The novel is fast paced and the suspense builds with each chapter. The chapters are told from alternating POVs which helped me gain insight into the characters thoughts and actions. The author perfectly captured the small town vibe and the high school popular kid mentality.There several unexpected plot twists throughout the story which kept me on the edge of my seat.

The story made me stop and think several times about what I would have done if I were Blaise. Would I have been too afraid to speak up? Would I have had the courage to speak up? Loved that the author explored the actions vs consequences theme this novel.

If you are looking for a suspenseful novel set in a small town filled with secrets - pick up a copy of In The Air Tonight!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book provided by the author

Susan's Review of The First To Lie by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Fascinating, suspenseful and emotional –are the three words that describe Hank Phillippi Ryan’s First to Lie. The novel is filled with interesting, multi-faceted characters and the plot is teeming with suspense, deception and retribution.

TV news reporter Ellie Berensen’s investigation of Pharminex drew me into the story. Health care is a touchstone topic for everyone. People think drugs will help them, not harm them. Ellie’s determination to pursue the truth about the Pharminex drug Monifan kept me reading. The cast of characters including Nora, the pharmaceutical rep, Meg, Ellie’s assistant, attorney Gabe and police lieutenant Rafel Monterio added to the suspense filled storyline. The characters lie to each other throughout the novel. I loved trying to sort through the lies to see if there was a hint of honesty behind the deceptions.

Hank Phillippi Ryan blends the perfect amount of conflict and drama in this book to create a nail biting, intriguing story. There were lots of plot twists and turns. I felt like the characters were playing chess as each character waited for the other to make a move. I was focused on Ellie’s sorting through the facts and clues that I fell for a few of the strategically placed red herrings. First to Lie kept me on the edge of my chair as it was filled with suspense until the very last page.

First to Lie is engaging and well written—I found it hard to put down. I recommend it to all mystery and thriller readers.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC from publisher--All opinions are my own.

The Woman Who Couldnt Scream by Christina Dodd

The Woman Who Couldn't Scream

by Christina Dodd

☆☆☆☆☆

 

This story from the Virtue Falls series is a true

page turner. Even if you have never read a

Christina Dodd book or anything from the series.

If you have, you will recognize some things.

But anyone can definitely enjoy this story filled

with mystery and fabulous characters.

 

 

Kateri has recently been elected sheriff of interesting

small town, Virtue Falls. You would think being sheriff

of a small nowhere town like this, it would be quiet and

easy going. But nay nay. It is anything but.

 

There is so much to Kateri. Her boyfriend is an

intriguing mystery as well. Beginning with his

name, Stag. Yes. Stag. It fits him.

Her sister, Lillith, shows up.

Immediately making more troubles for Kateri.

And then the title character, Merida.

The Woman Who Couldn't Scream.

 

Christina Dodd has brought together an

unforgettable ever changing town.

How often do you read about a

stuffed raven being used as a weapon?

 

 

 

Review by Lisa Hutson