DRUNK ON LOVE by Jasmine Guillory

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (September 20, 2022)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 20, 2022

Language ‏ : ‎ English

An intoxicating and sparkling new romance by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. Enter Luke: sexy, charming, and best of all in the too-small world of Napa, a stranger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Margot is delighted that she lucked into the perfect one-night stand she'll never have to see again. That is, until the winery's newest hire, Luke, walks in the next morning. Margot is determined to keep things purely professional, but when their every interaction reminds her of the attraction still bubbling between them, it proves to be much more challenging than she expects.

Luke Williams had it all, but when he quits his high-salary tech job in Silicon Valley in a blaze of burnout and moves back to Napa to help a friend, he realizes he doesn't want to tell the world--or his mom--why he's now working at a winery. His mom loves bragging about her successful son--how can he admit that the job she's so proud of broke him? Luke has no idea what is next for him, but one thing is certain: he wants more from the incredibly smart and sexy woman he hooked up with--even after he learns she's his new boss. But even if they can find a way to be together that wouldn't be an ethical nightmare, would such a successful woman really want a tech-world dropout?

Set against a lush backdrop of Napa Valley wine country, nothing goes to your head as fast as a taste of love--even if it means changing all your plans.

Editorial Reviews:

"As if we didn't already wish we can live in a Jasmine Guillory novel, the iconic author is back with another romance that will absolutely sweep you off your feet."—Cosmopolitan

"The queen of contemporary romance is back with a new tale and group of characters, this time set against the gorgeous backdrop of Napa, California."—Shondaland

"Suffused with tenderness and delight, this is Guillory's best book yet."—Booklist, starred review

"The lush background and Guillory’s signature blend of sexy, sweet, and funny keep the pages flying. This is a gem."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Guillory’s latest, imbued with her signature heat, wit, and scene-stealing secondary characters, is sure to be popular."—Library Journal, starred review

"Guillory’s latest romance is bursting with mouthwatering sexual tension and desire...Margot is a powerful protagonist, and her dedication to her career, despite the numerous challenges, is absolutely refreshing. An intoxicating romance with a strong lead."—Kirkus Reviews

REVIEW:

Steamy
Romantic
Seductive

I am such a huge fan of Jasmine Guillory's writing and have loved the characters, the Southern California setting, and the light hearted romance that touch the heart, and warms the soul. This time, the setting is in the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley.

In DRUNK ON LOVE, I was transported to the gorgeous winery of Napa Valley. Having spent a month in Italy and enjoying Tuscany, reading this fun romance eased the longing I had spending time in a winery - and this time it's with the Noble family Vineyards.

I love a workplace romance - this one is a super hot hook-up with what ended up being your future boss. I enjoyed the story immensely and definitely got me drunk on this love story against the beautiful Napa Valley backdrop.

Be sure to check this out. I know this one is one of my favorite Guillory romance.

About Jasmine Guillory

Jasmine Guillory is the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date, The Proposal, The Wedding Party, Royal Holiday, and Party of Two. Her work has appeared in in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and Time. She lives in Oakland, California.

The Ladies Guide to Death and Deception By Katherine Cowley @KathyCowley, @TulePublishing, @Austenprose

Title: The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet  

Series: The Secret Life of Mary Bennett

Author: Katherine Cowley

 Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Austenesque

 Publisher: ‎Tule Publishing Group, LLC (September 6, 2022)

 Length: (368) pages

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

What is a spy willing to do when both her heart and her country are at risk?

Life changes once again for British spy Miss Mary Bennet when Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the Isle of Elba. Mary quickly departs England for Brussels, the city where the Allied forces prepare for war against the French. But shortly after her arrival, one of the Duke of Wellington's best officers is murdered, an event which threatens to break the delicate alliance between the Allies.

Investigating the murder forces Mary into precarious levels of espionage, role-playing, and deception with her new partner, Mr. Withrow-the nephew and heir of her prominent sponsor, and the spy with whom she's often at odds. Together, they court danger and discovery as they play dual roles gathering intelligence for the British. But soon Mary realizes that her growing feelings towards Mr. Withrow put her heart in as much danger as her life. And then there's another murder.

Mary will need to unmask the murderer before more people are killed, but can she do so and remain hidden in the background?

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Cowley manages to turn a little-liked, ignored, and stilted girl into one of my favorites of Austen's characters...This third novel of the series is her best. I laughed and I cried and cheered for Mary to succeed in her endeavors and hopefully find love at last.”— Carol Pratt Bradley, author of The Light of the Candle

“5 STARS. Just a delight!”— Wren, The Zebra Reader

“I really enjoyed this book. It is a great addition to the series. I loved that Mary is finding love in a logical way that fits her character…Highly recommend.”— Mariana, Goodreads

“I absolutely love Katherine Cowley's Mary Bennet series, and I think [The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception] may be the best book in the series.”— Madison, Goodreads

MY REVIEW:

As a Jane Austen fan, there is nothing more thrilling to me than see a favorite character, Mary Bennett reimagined as a spy gathering intelligence, during the time when Napoleon escapes. The writing was suspenseful and really hard to put down. Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception is the third book in this trilogy, and the stories just keep getting better and better.

I love how Cowley incorporates a well plotted mystery, sprinkle in a well deserved romance for Mary, and seeing sisters Lydia and Kitty make an appearance here. The series is quite the read that I highly recommend - it was intriguing, fast paced, and a thrilling historical fiction at its finest. Well don’t Kathy Cowley for on incredible series.

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AUTHOR BIO

Katherine Cowley read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when she was ten years old, which started a lifelong obsession with Jane Austen. Her debut novel, The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her Mary Bennet spy series continues with the novels The True Confessions of a London Spy and The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception. Katherine loves history, chocolate, traveling, and playing the piano, and she has taught writing classes at Western Michigan University. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her husband and three daughters.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

·         Read an in-depth interview with author Katherine Cowley revealing insights into her new historical mystery novel, The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception.

 

THE NO-SHOW BY Beth O'Leary @berkleypub @berkleyromance #Betholeary

 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (April 12, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593438442

Thank you Berkley Pub for providing me a free copy of the book for review.

Synopsis:

Three women who seemingly have nothing in common find that they're involved with the same man in this smart new rom-com by Beth O'Leary, bestselling author of The Flatshare.

Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.

These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: they’ve all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up—Valentine’s Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they’ve all been stood up by the same man.

Once they've each forgiven him for standing them up, they are all in serious danger of falling in love with a man who may have not just one or two but three women on the go....

Is there more to him than meets the eye? Where was he on Valentine’s Day? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:

“Beth O’Leary is that rare, one-in-a-million talent who can make you laugh, swoon, cry, and ache all in the same book, and The No-Show is her most moving yet. O’Leary’s wit, charm, and heart are on full, fantastic display in this cozy, surprising, and deeply satisfying novel. I couldn’t possibly love it more.”—Emily Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation

"Achingly clever."—Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of I Just Haven't Met You Yet

"Even as it taps beautifully into emotions and experiences that feel so universal, The No-Show is fresh, surprising and oh-so clever. It made me laugh, brought me to tears, and kept me reading late into the night. It's the kind of book that leaves an impression on your heart. A truly special read."—Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

"Sweepingly romantic, bursting with character, and so, so clever I gasped out loud. Many writers make you feel good, but O'Leary also makes you think."—Gillian McAllister, Sunday Times bestselling author of That Night

“With thoroughly likable characters—even Joseph becomes appealing—this plot-driven novel is fast-paced and engaging throughout. Full of both humorous and heart-wrenching moments, the novel is packed with the perfect mix of contradictions to keep it engaging... An expertly plotted romantic surprise about self-forgiveness and second chances.”—Kirkus Reviews

"The No-Show by Beth O'Leary is a rom-com with a side of mystery."—PopSugar

MY THOUGHTS:

THE NO-SHOW by Beth O’Leary is another winning book. The writing is superb and in this story, the plotting was absolutely brilliant.

THE NO-SHOW is about three very different women who has no attachment to each other, except that they were all stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same man.
Three strangers whose stories are told through their point of views create a story that seem so convoluted and complex, but all the while, I find myself intrigued and turning those pages to see how the story will weave together. Dare I not fret since this story was in the hands of a masterful plotter, this story came through so beautifully in the end. I enjoyed The No-Show so much!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Beth studied English at university before going into children’s publishing. She lives as close to the countryside as she can get while still being within reach of London, and wrote her first novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from work.
You’ll usually find her curled up with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).

A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA by: Tessa Arlen @BerkleyPub, @Austenprose

 

·         Title: A Dress of Violet Taffeta: A Novel

·         Author: Tessa Arlen

·         Genre: Historical Fiction

·         Publisher: ‎Berkley (July 5, 2022)

·         Length: (352) pages

·         Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

·         ISBN: 978-0593436851

·         Tour Dates: June 27-July 11, 2022

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A sumptuous novel based on the fascinating true story of La Belle Époque icon Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, who shattered the boundaries of fashion with her magnificently sensual and enchantingly unique designs.

Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, and texture in ways few people can begin to imagine. But is the male dominated world of haute couture, who would use her art for their own gain, ready for her?
 
When she is deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is left penniless with an aging mother and her five-year-old daughter to support. Desperate to survive, Lucy turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now, she uses her creative designs and her remarkable eye for color to take her place in the fashion world—failure is not an option. 
 
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her fashion label Lucile, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what life throws at her, Lucy will live on as a trailblazing and innovative fashion icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn.

 

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Fans of the 1991 BBC series The House of Eliott will find familiar comfort in Arlen’s descriptions of fabrics, colorworks, and evolving fashions.” —Library Journal

“Tessa Arlen’s novel is as elegant as a Lucille gown, full of movement, color and beauty…For anyone interested in fashion, in the Gilded Age, in stories about strong, visionary woman, Tessa Arlen’s novel is a must read!” —Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection

“A sumptuous treat of elegant prose, evocative descriptions, and compelling emotions. Arlen’s writing absolutely shines.” —Anna Lee Huber, USA TODAY Bestselling author of A Perilous Perspective

“Tessa Arlen delivers a fascinating tale based on the real-life fashion icon, Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, who went up against a male dominated industry and revolutionized it…A must read for fashion fans everywhere.” —Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces

“…written in a sumptuous, engaging style that appeals to all the senses and brings Lucy, her creations, and her world vividly alive.” —Alyssa Maxwell, author of The Gilded Newport Mysteries

 

PURCHASE LINKS

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 MY REVIEW:

I have always loved reading about fashion in the books I read, and this time, this story is about the icon of British fashion of the 19th and 20th century, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. In addition to her fashion sense and style, she is one of the surviving passengers of the Titanic in 1912. Lucille is definitely a woman well ahead of her time, with a male dominated fashion industry, she is considered a trailblazer despite having to make her own way even after her cheating wealthy husband leaves her. 

Lucille's life is not only a study in resilience despite harrowing circumstances, but she is also a woman determined to succeed with whatever she has - her talents, creativity, and finding opportunities and to never give up.

I found the writing enthralling, and inspirational. The descriptions were immersive and really drew me into the Belle Epoque era, including the sights, sounds, and textures. This very well researched story was astounding and such a joy to read.

AUTHOR BIO

Tessa Arlen writes historical fiction when she is not toiling away in her garden. She is the author of the Edwardian mystery series: Lady Montfort and Mrs. Jackson; the Woman of World War II mystery series. Poppy Redfern. And two standalone historical novels: In Royal Service to the Queen, and A Dress of Violet Taffeta.

 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

·         Read an in-depth interview with author Tessa Arlen revealing insights into her new historical fiction novel, A Dress of Violet Taffeta. 

LOCAL GONE MISSING BY: FIONA BARTON PUB DATE JUNE 14, 2022 @BERKLEYPUB @BERKLEYMYSTERY

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (June 14, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1984803042

Detective Elise King investigates a man's disappearance in a seaside town where the locals and weekenders are at odds with each other in this rich and captivating new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Widow.


Elise King is a successful and ambitious detective--or she was before a medical leave left her unsure if she'd ever return to work. She now spends most days watching the growing tensions in her small seaside town of Ebbing--the weekenders renovating old bungalows into luxury homes, and the locals resentful of the changes.

Elise can only guess what really happens behind closed doors. But Dee Eastwood, her house cleaner, often knows. She's an invisible presence in many of the houses in town, but she sees and hears everything.

The conflicts boil over when a newcomer wants to put the town on the map with a giant music festival, and two teenagers overdose on drugs. When a man disappears the first night of the festival, Elise is drawn back into her detective work and starts digging for answers. Ebbing is a small town, but it's full of secrets and hidden connections that run deeper and darker than Elise could have ever imagined.


Praise for LOCAL GONE MISSING

"In the community of Ebbing, Fiona Barton has created a town full of suspense and a cast of characters with so many reasons to keep secrets buried deep. A dark and twisty read."--Nita Prose, New York Times bestselling author of The Maid

"Tense and full of reveals and twists. This compulsively dark mystery is a joy to read. Fiona Barton never disappoints!"--Lesley Kara, international bestselling author of The Rumor

"[F]inds all the right twists and turns...Barton successfully spins and weaves the novel's various storylines with ease....As in any good thriller, there's more to the story than meets the eye....[R]eaders will savor untangling the intricate web Barton weaves."--USA Today

“Fiona Barton does it again in her new novel Local Gone Missing....an excellent read for fans of the mystery and suspense genre. Perfect for fans of Kerry Wilkinson, Harlen Coben, and Karin Slaughter.” --Seattle Book Review

“Barton presents such an embarrassment of riches that the tale has almost run its course before the coppers have a chance to sit down with Stuart Bennett, the just-freed burglar...Layers and layers of unlovely revelations about people who seemed perfectly nice.”--Kirkus Reviews

"Barton’s facility at creating plausible characters makes emotional involvement with them easy. Minette Walters fans will be pleased."--Publishers Weekly

“Barton skillfully pivots here from the globe-trotting reporting that drives her Kate Waters series toward domestic crime awash in village secrets. Readers drawn in by Elise's hawk-eyed detecting and hard-edged vulnerability won’t see the final twist coming.”--Booklist

"Fans of Barton’s mysteries will enjoy identifying Ebbing’s bad actors and figuring out how the characters’ backstories weave together to allow Elise and her team to solve the crime."--Library Journal

“Barton writes with the pacing, plotting and richly drawn characters of the best English dramas on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery. Cue this one up.”--Minneapolis Star Tribune

“A cleverly crafted puzzle that has emotional heft and social commentary as well as an intriguing web of mysteries.”--St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“[A] compulsive mystery that will have you pushing your bedtime, promising to read just one more chapter.”--E! Online

"Local Gone Missing follows a variety of residents in the tiny English seaside town, from an inquisitive cleaning lady with a dark past to vacationers with a secret agenda. It all comes to a head during a musical festival that ends with dual overdoses, a possible murder and a host of spilled secrets. New York Times best­selling author Fiona Barton spins a tangled web of dirty money, bloodshed and deceit. Though Local Gone Missing’s plot is wonderfully twisty with a sur­prising and satisfying conclusion, it’s the characters who stand out. Foremost among them is the compelling and well-drawn Elise, who’s struggling to adjust to life back on the force after returning from medical leave. Thanks to Barton’s airtight plotting and impeccable characteri­zation, a minibreak by the sea will never seem relaxing again."--BookPage

“A captivating read. A first-grade suspense novel and highly recommended….Barton demonstrates, one more time, why she is considered a master of the craft.”--Mystery Tribune

REVIEW:

Small Town

Big Secrets


I love a murder mystery and police procedural, especially with female detectives. In Local Gone Missing we get just that – we follow Detective Elise King who is recovering from an illness in small town of Ebbing. Hoping to keep things low key, she is drawn to an investigation when a well-known local goes missing, after a very controversial music festival takes place in town. With the help of her house cleaner Dee Eastwood and amateur sleuth Ronnie, she helps with the investigation.


I enjoyed the writing with its intricately weaved plot and sub plots. I enjoyed reading about multiple point of views and timelines, as well as some red herring thrown in that adds to the twists of the story, this was a fun read for me.


Part cozy, part police procedural, but wholly entertaining, I enjoyed Local Gone Missing a lot.

Thank you @Berkleypub for the gifted book - review is voluntary and my opinions.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Fiona Barton's debut, The Widow, was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and has been published in 36 countries and optioned for television. Her second novel, The Child, was a Sunday Times bestseller. Born in Cambridge, Fiona currently lives in Sussex and south-west France.

Previously, she was a senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at the Mail on Sunday, where she won Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards.

While working as a journalist, Fiona reported on many high-profile criminal cases and she developed a fascination with watching those involved, their body language and verbal tics. Fiona interviewed people at the heart of these crimes, from the guilty to their families, as well as those on the periphery, and found it was those just outside the spotlight who interested her most . . .

Sadie On A Plate By Amanda Elliot

 

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 15, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593335716


SYNOPSIS:

A chef's journey to success leads to discovering the perfect recipe for love in this delicious romantic comedy.

Sadie is a rising star in the trendy Seattle restaurant scene. Her dream is to create unique, modern, and mouthwatering takes on traditional Jewish recipes. But after a public breakup with her boss, a famous chef, she is sure her career is over--until she lands a coveted spot on the next season of her favorite TV show, Chef Supreme.

On the plane to New York, Sadie has sizzling chemistry with her seatmate, Luke, but tells him that she won't be able to contact him for the next six weeks. They prolong their night with a spontaneous, magical dinner before parting ways. Or so she thinks. When she turns up to set the next day, she makes a shocking discovery about who Luke is....

If Sadie wants to save her career by winning Chef Supreme, she's going to have to ignore the simmering heat between her and Luke. But how long can she do that before the pot boils over?



Review:

“Sadie on a Plate is a joyful, satisfying romp. I loved it—and I'm still hungry!”—KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters

“Sadie on a Plate reads like the ultimate cooking show comfort-watch—with the added spice of a forbidden romance. A delicious love story and heartfelt ode to Jewish cuisine.”—Rachel Lynn Solomon, national bestselling author of The Ex Talk

“My goodness—Amanda Elliot knows how to write swoon-worthy food! Amidst all the inventive dishes and luscious food descriptions, Sadie on a Plate mixes the drama of a culinary competition, a slow-burn forbidden romance, and a salty-sweet cast of characters into the perfect bookish bite.”—Amy E. Reichert, author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

“Amanda Elliot’s debut Sadie on a Plate is a foodie delight. Fans of Top Chef will cheer on Sadie Rosen as she blazes through the Chef Supreme competition. The Jewish meals Sadie cooks are from the heart as is her steamy romance with chef Luke Weston. This sweet sufganiyot of a novel is deliciously delectable.”—Roselle Lim, author of Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop

“Sadie on a Plate is a delectable mix of humor, reality show drama, foodie vibes, and heart-fluttering love story. Amanda Elliot has crafted an endearingly imperfect heroine whose hot mess-ness and tenacity will resonate with readers. You'll swoon, laugh, and cheer as you watch Sadie earn the happily ever after she so deserves.”—Sarah Echavarre Smith, author of On Location

“Foodies with a hunger for juicy cooking-show competitions will eagerly lap up every last drop of Sadie on a Plate, Amanda Elliot’s delicious rom-com…detailed food descriptions, recipes and kitchen culture—along with a diverse cast—spice up a well-plotted story warmed with romance, humor and heart.”—Shelf Awareness

"Luke and Sadie are likable characters with magnetic, slow-building chemistry and sympathetic, realistic backstories. The fast-paced, delicious plot is as much about food as romance...Readers, especially those who enjoy shows like Top Chef, won’t be able to put down this fast-paced romantic comedy."—Library Journal (starred review)

“Elliot’s first adult novel has the perfect amount of reality show hijinks and food innuendos that help dial up the heat… A satisfying debut for foodies and romance lovers alike.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

MY REVIEW:

I love books that I can devour in one sitting and Sadie On A Plate was just that perfect read I needed that made me swoon over.

I love reading about food and life in the food service industry. Elliot really brought this exciting cooking show to life, and all the while adding a few sprinkling of drama and diverse characters – this was a feast for the senses.

Sadie On A Plate by Amanda Elliot was the romance read I enjoyed that brought out the foodie in me. I highly recommend this funny and light hearted read.

About the Author

Amanda Elliot is the author of several young adult and middle grade books as Amanda Panitch. Sadie on a Plate is her first adult novel. She lives in New York City, where she owns way too many cookbooks for her tiny kitchen.

3/15/22 THE BOOK OF COLD CASES @BERKLEYPUB

Thank you Berkley Pub for the free book

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 15, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages

A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.
In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Murders: Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect--a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.

Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases--a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea's surprise, Beth says yes.

They meet regularly at Beth's mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she's not looking, and she could swear she's seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn't right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?

MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric
Haunting
Fast Paced

I absolutely enjoyed this book and read it in two sittings. Once I started I could not stop – this is the best gauge for me that this is certainly a five star read.

I love that this seemed to me two stories in one, both in Oregon, one set in 1977 and the other in 2017.

In 1977, a reclusive wealthy woman named Beth was suspected and then acquitted for the murders of two men using the same gun.
In 2017, Shea a true crime aficionado gets the chance of her life by getting to interview Beth Greer, The Lady Killer.

The writing is so well done with just the right amount of ghostly presence – yes it still scared me a lot but it had the right balance that was propelled by the incredible characters, the twists in the plot and the murder investigation that is being conducted by Shea as an amateur sleuth.

The story was told in alternate perspectives of Shea’s in the first person and Beth’s in the third person, with some chapters for Other in between. I love the cozy mystery vibe this story was told, with just the right amount of ghostly apparitions, and that gothic thriller element.

Overall, I really enjoyed this mystery and cannot wait for more books by Simone St. James.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Simone St. James is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel, The Broken Girls and The Haunting of Maddy Clare, which won two RITA awards from Romance Writers of America and an Arthur Ellis Award from Crime Writers of Canada. She wrote her first ghost story, about a haunted library, when she was in high school, and spent twenty years behind the scenes in the television business before leaving to write full-time. She lives outside Toronto, Canada with her husband and a spoiled cat.