This book is comprised of two short stories, one from the Lucy Kincaid series, the other from Max Revere.
Spiral (Lucy Kincaid #12.5) 4 stars FBI AgentThis book is comprised of two short stories, one from the Lucy Kincaid series, the other from Max Revere.
Spiral (Lucy Kincaid #12.5) 4 stars FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid and former fiancé Sean Rogan have finally made it to the altar and are married, on their honeymoon outside of Vail, Colorado in the new home he gave her as a wedding gift. Both are enjoying some much cherished time away from the stress of the last perilous case, loving the opportunity to just be lazy. But what would a Lucy & Sean vacation be without drama. When their neighbor Hank Henderson’s dog Bandit shows up at their door in the middle of the night, both of them know something’s wrong, especially when Hank turns up missing.
The case wasn’t a tough one but it was interesting and included an assortment of equally intriguing characters. Most importantly, it best illustrated how Sean and Lucy worked as a team, relying on each other for their individual skills and competencies while also working with local law enforcement. I liked the story and I’m now ready to return to the series as I’ve missed these two.
Retirement (Max Revere #3.5) 4 stars Investigative reporter Maxine (Max) Revere gets a call that her friend Lois Kershaw is undergoing surgery following a heart attack. She met Lois several years ago when she investigated suspicious deaths at her retirement community in Miami, Florida. As Max waits at the hospital, she recalls their first meeting and the details of the case.
Max has often made reference to Lois and her friends in earlier stories so it was wonderful to revisit this case that had such an impact on her and endeared them to her so deeply. The case was extremely interesting as there were quite a few potential suspects and the killer’s angle wasn’t clear cut. But, Lois and her friends who assisted Max made this story a winner. They proved that being a senior citizen didn’t mean they were no longer highly useful and resourceful. They were critical to Max managing a successful outcome and saving other lives. I also liked learning more about her ex-boyfriend FBI Agent Marco Lopez and seeing why they ended up being so incompatible. The story may have been short but it accomplished a lot in delivering more insight into Max’s past and those who had major influences on the woman she is today.
This book is comprised of two short stories, one from the Lucy Kincaid series, the other from Max Revere.
Spiral (Lucy Kincaid #12.5) 4 stars FBI Agent Lucy Kincaid and former fiancé Sean Rogan have finally made it to the altar and are married, on their honeymoon outside of Vail, Colorado in the new home he gave her as a wedding gift. Both are enjoying some much cherished time away from the stress of the last perilous case, loving the opportunity to just be lazy. But what would a Lucy & Sean vacation be without drama. When their neighbor Hank Henderson’s dog Bandit shows up at their door in the middle of the night, both of them know something’s wrong, especially when Hank turns up missing.
The case wasn’t a tough one but it was interesting and included an assortment of equally intriguing characters. Most importantly, it best illustrated how Sean and Lucy worked as a team, relying on each other for their individual skills and competencies while also working with local law enforcement. I liked the story and I’m now ready to return to the series as I’ve missed these two.
Retirement (Max Revere #3.5) 4 stars Investigative reporter Maxine (Max) Revere gets a call that her friend Lois Kershaw is undergoing surgery following a heart attack. She met Lois several years ago when she investigated suspicious deaths at her retirement community in Miami, Florida. As Max waits at the hospital, she recalls their first meeting and the details of the case.
Max has often made reference to Lois and her friends in earlier stories so it was wonderful to revisit this case that had such an impact on her and endeared them to her so deeply. The case was extremely interesting as there were quite a few potential suspects and the killer’s angle wasn’t clear cut. But, Lois and her friends who assisted Max made this story a winner. They proved that being a senior citizen didn’t mean they were no longer highly useful and resourceful. They were critical to Max managing a successful outcome and saving other lives. I also liked learning more about her ex-boyfriend FBI Agent Marco Lopez and seeing why they ended up being so incompatible. The story may have been short but it accomplished a lot in delivering more insight into Max’s past and those who had major influences on the woman she is today.
Well, the day of reckoning for the despicable and detestable Lord Ashworth has arrived. The husband of Sebastian St. Cyr’s niece Stephanie was found bWell, the day of reckoning for the despicable and detestable Lord Ashworth has arrived. The husband of Sebastian St. Cyr’s niece Stephanie was found brutally murdered in a compromising position at one of the homes he used for his sordid activities. Sebastian is assisting Chief Magistrate Henry Lovejoy in the investigation, as he does when a case involves a member of the aristocracy. With a long list of enemies, including himself, Sebastian, Viscount Devlin hates that his niece is the primary suspect, even in his own opinion. The man who assisted in the numerous murders of poor, young boys several months ago and had a reputation for raping countless women wasn’t mourned by anyone other than his father but his position required that someone be held accountable for his demise. Sebastian didn’t want an innocent to be accused for the sake of expediency.
I have to admit to being excited to see Ashworth finally meet his end. He was an awful man protected by his station so he was never held to account for any of his misdeeds even though no one disputed his culpability. Following Sebastian’s investigation and assembly of clues was incredibly interesting, even the ones that led to red herrings or futility. They all told you something about the people affected by Ashworth and the extent of his misbehavior. I gave up trying to figure out whodunit but in the end, had my initial suspicions (which I dispelled) validated! I was engrossed in this story and it surpassed my expectations. There’s a little bit of everything, from political intrigue to the underbelly of the city, literally. All combined to make this an outstanding story.
Hero St. Cyr’s research also bears mentioning as she interviews the poor, impoverished and invisible citizens of the city who handle jobs that I never imagined but were critical to the city’s infrastructure working. It was a real education about the era, typical of this series but extraordinary in its scope. It loosely connects to the story but it wouldn’t have mattered to me if it didn’t as it was illuminating. This is one of my most favorite stories in the series.
Well, the day of reckoning for the despicable and detestable Lord Ashworth has arrived. The husband of Sebastian St. Cyr’s niece Stephanie was found brutally murdered in a compromising position at one of the homes he used for his sordid activities. Sebastian is assisting Chief Magistrate Henry Lovejoy in the investigation, as he does when a case involves a member of the aristocracy. With a long list of enemies, including himself, Sebastian, Viscount Devlin hates that his niece is the primary suspect, even in his own opinion. The man who assisted in the numerous murders of poor, young boys several months ago and had a reputation for raping countless women wasn’t mourned by anyone other than his father but his position required that someone be held accountable for his demise. Sebastian didn’t want an innocent to be accused for the sake of expediency.
I have to admit to being excited to see Ashworth finally meet his end. He was an awful man protected by his station so he was never held to account for any of his misdeeds even though no one disputed his culpability. Following Sebastian’s investigation and assembly of clues was incredibly interesting, even the ones that led to red herrings or futility. They all told you something about the people affected by Ashworth and the extent of his misbehavior. I gave up trying to figure out whodunit but in the end, had my initial suspicions (which I dispelled) validated! I was engrossed in this story and it surpassed my expectations. There’s a little bit of everything, from political intrigue to the underbelly of the city, literally. All combined to make this an outstanding story.
Hero St. Cyr’s research also bears mentioning as she interviews the poor, impoverished and invisible citizens of the city who handle jobs that I never imagined but were critical to the city’s infrastructure working. It was a real education about the era, typical of this series but extraordinary in its scope. It loosely connects to the story but it wouldn’t have mattered to me if it didn’t as it was illuminating. This is one of my most favorite stories in the series.
Frank and Sarah Malloy attend a dinner party at Mrs. Ellsworth’s home to celebrate the recent marriage of her son. His in-laws were there and ClarenceFrank and Sarah Malloy attend a dinner party at Mrs. Ellsworth’s home to celebrate the recent marriage of her son. His in-laws were there and Clarence Pritchard, Nelson’s father-in-law, behaved rather strangely, leaving in agitation after no one shared his point of view about the upcoming year 1900 being the true new century instead of 1901. When Frank and Sarah run into him on New Year’s Eve outside Trinity Church, he’s forcing his argument on everyone he sees and they’re worried for him. The next day, they learn that he was found murdered not far from the church. Nelson’s wife, Theda, asks Frank to investigate once he determines the police have been paid off to drop the case.
This was an interesting case as the Pritchards were quite the dysfunctional family and the investigation led to some surprising directions. But what captured my heart was the secondary plot involving Black Jack Robinson, our favorite local bad boy. I won’t spoil the story but it’s an unexpected delight. I also learned about the early days of dairy farms, especially the challenges faced by serving a major city and the introduction of pasteurization. Motor cars are also a feature here, too.
It’s a bittersweet moment as our group has now caught up with the most recently released book in the series. For the last 22 months, we’ve enjoyed visiting these characters each month and delighting in the discussion. While it’s not the end as there’s another scheduled for release in April, there’s a vacuum that can’t be filled in the next months. These characters have endeared themselves to us and it’s hard letting go. I really liked this story and it was a wonderful one to end at a pause.
Merged review:
Frank and Sarah Malloy attend a dinner party at Mrs. Ellsworth’s home to celebrate the recent marriage of her son. His in-laws were there and Clarence Pritchard, Nelson’s father-in-law, behaved rather strangely, leaving in agitation after no one shared his point of view about the upcoming year 1900 being the true new century instead of 1901. When Frank and Sarah run into him on New Year’s Eve outside Trinity Church, he’s forcing his argument on everyone he sees and they’re worried for him. The next day, they learn that he was found murdered not far from the church. Nelson’s wife, Theda, asks Frank to investigate once he determines the police have been paid off to drop the case.
This was an interesting case as the Pritchards were quite the dysfunctional family and the investigation led to some surprising directions. But what captured my heart was the secondary plot involving Black Jack Robinson, our favorite local bad boy. I won’t spoil the story but it’s an unexpected delight. I also learned about the early days of dairy farms, especially the challenges faced by serving a major city and the introduction of pasteurization. Motor cars are also a feature here, too.
It’s a bittersweet moment as our group has now caught up with the most recently released book in the series. For the last 22 months, we’ve enjoyed visiting these characters each month and delighting in the discussion. While it’s not the end as there’s another scheduled for release in April, there’s a vacuum that can’t be filled in the next months. These characters have endeared themselves to us and it’s hard letting go. I really liked this story and it was a wonderful one to end at a pause....more
I started reading the first book in this series before I realized there was a short novella preceding it (hadn't read more than a chapter). It didn't I started reading the first book in this series before I realized there was a short novella preceding it (hadn't read more than a chapter). It didn't seem like a big deal but I rarely read out of order. Thankfully, this novella was available at my digital library so before I post the review of the first book, here's a short summary of this one.
Quick Summary Jane Kline is a high school teacher working two jobs after her divorce from her husband. She has two young children and not much time (or money) for anything other than work and her family. Will Griffin notices her at the gym and sets out to convince her that her life can include a bit of romance.
Bottom line This was a sweet but relevant love story and introduction to the series. Jane's issues related to her husband's abandonment of her and her children were awfully realistic. Protecting them was her primary goal and Will got caught up in all of this, even though he wasn't anything like the ex.
While novellas tend to leave me wanting, I was really pleased with how the story did it's job in introducing the town and the central characters we can look forward to reading about later in the series. And, Jane and Will's romance was both heartwarming and sensual. I'm looking forward to getting into this series.
Merged review:
I started reading the first book in this series before I realized there was a short novella preceding it (hadn't read more than a chapter). It didn't seem like a big deal but I rarely read out of order. Thankfully, this novella was available at my digital library so before I post the review of the first book, here's a short summary of this one.
Quick Summary Jane Kline is a high school teacher working two jobs after her divorce from her husband. She has two young children and not much time (or money) for anything other than work and her family. Will Griffin notices her at the gym and sets out to convince her that her life can include a bit of romance.
Bottom line This was a sweet but relevant love story and introduction to the series. Jane's issues related to her husband's abandonment of her and her children were awfully realistic. Protecting them was her primary goal and Will got caught up in all of this, even though he wasn't anything like the ex.
While novellas tend to leave me wanting, I was really pleased with how the story did it's job in introducing the town and the central characters we can look forward to reading about later in the series. And, Jane and Will's romance was both heartwarming and sensual. I'm looking forward to getting into this series....more
Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her team have their hands full on Friday the 13th in Painter’s Mill. There’s a massive power outage caused by a traffPolice Chief Kate Burkholder and her team have their hands full on Friday the 13th in Painter’s Mill. There’s a massive power outage caused by a traffic accident and a full blown Amish teen party brewing that threatens to be rife with underage drinking on remote private property. When Kate arrives, she finds a young Amish girl in the barn who’s been brutally assaulted with a 2 by 4.
I enjoy the police procedural aspects of this series and though this story is short, the investigation was thorough and interesting. I had my suspicions early and even though I guessed correctly, I liked having it supported by the clues and Kate’s dogged pursuit. I also listened to the story because the narrator has become the voice of this series and continues to get everything right.
Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her team have their hands full on Friday the 13th in Painter’s Mill. There’s a massive power outage caused by a traffic accident and a full blown Amish teen party brewing that threatens to be rife with underage drinking on remote private property. When Kate arrives, she finds a young Amish girl in the barn who’s been brutally assaulted with a 2 by 4.
I enjoy the police procedural aspects of this series and though this story is short, the investigation was thorough and interesting. I had my suspicions early and even though I guessed correctly, I liked having it supported by the clues and Kate’s dogged pursuit. I also listened to the story because the narrator has become the voice of this series and continues to get everything right.
the setup… Broadway and Hollywood megastars Eliza Lane & Brant Fitzhugh are hosting a party, celebrating the occasion of her return to Broadway in the the setup… Broadway and Hollywood megastars Eliza Lane & Brant Fitzhugh are hosting a party, celebrating the occasion of her return to Broadway in the revival of the play the launched her career. Everyone who’s important in the theater and film community are there to commemorate the event with rehearsals beginning the next day and Brant leaving to begin a new vid project. As Eliza and her co-star breakout into an impromptu duet, Brant raises a toast to her and then collapses, dying seconds later of apparent poisoning. It’s a scene of chaos that Lieutenant Eve Dallas and partner Detective Delia Peabody enter into with the monumental task of determining who’s lying and who’s telling the truth among a sea of skilled actors.
the heart of the story… I chuckled when Eve was handed this case as it had to be one of her worst nightmares…a high profile investigation that promised lots of media attention with her at center “stage.” This was a tough one because from the inside and out, Eliza & Brant had a perfect marriage and relationship. And, it wasn’t totally clear who was the target as that poisoned drink was intended for her. There were a host of suspects and I latched onto one, never letting go until I was forced to admit defeat. There’s nothing easy about this one, which made it even more delectable.
the bottom line… I loved the background for this case, full of talented professionals who were good at presenting faces that may not be their authentic selves. They were all so good that even Eve’s internal meter wasn’t reliable. It wasn’t all about the case as the updates on Peabody and Mavis’s home renovation project was fun and interesting. Of course, the normal dose of Eve & Roarke time was “icy,” too. The reveal of the killer and motive seriously caught me by surprise and that doesn’t happen often with these cases. This series is still holding up despite it now approaching almost 30 years since the first book, continuing to be one of my auto reads. 4.5 stars
the setup… Broadway and Hollywood megastars Eliza Lane & Brant Fitzhugh are hosting a party, celebrating the occasion of her return to Broadway in the revival of the play the launched her career. Everyone who’s important in the theater and film community are there to commemorate the event with rehearsals beginning the next day and Brant leaving to begin a new vid project. As Eliza and her co-star breakout into an impromptu duet, Brant raises a toast to her and then collapses, dying seconds later of apparent poisoning. It’s a scene of chaos that Lieutenant Eve Dallas and partner Detective Delia Peabody enter into with the monumental task of determining who’s lying and who’s telling the truth among a sea of skilled actors.
the heart of the story… I chuckled when Eve was handed this case as it had to be one of her worst nightmares…a high profile investigation that promised lots of media attention with her at center “stage.” This was a tough one because from the inside and out, Eliza & Brant had a perfect marriage and relationship. And, it wasn’t totally clear who was the target as that poisoned drink was intended for her. There were a host of suspects and I latched onto one, never letting go until I was forced to admit defeat. There’s nothing easy about this one, which made it even more delectable.
the bottom line… I loved the background for this case, full of talented professionals who were good at presenting faces that may not be their authentic selves. They were all so good that even Eve’s internal meter wasn’t reliable. It wasn’t all about the case as the updates on Peabody and Mavis’s home renovation project was fun and interesting. Of course, the normal dose of Eve & Roarke time was “icy,” too. The reveal of the killer and motive seriously caught me by surprise and that doesn’t happen often with these cases. This series is still holding up despite it now approaching almost 30 years since the first book, continuing to be one of my auto reads. 4.5 stars
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