THE SUSPECT

Author:  Fiona Barton

Genre:  Mystery, Kate Waters #3

Published:  2019

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Various

Yearly Count:  23

From NetGalley:

When two eighteen-year-old girls go missing in Thailand, their families are thrust into the international spotlight: desperate, bereft, and frantic with worry. What were the girls up to before they disappeared?

Journalist Kate Waters always does everything she can to be first to the story, first with the exclusive, first to discover the truth—and this time is no exception. But she can’t help but think of her own son, whom she hasn’t seen in two years, since he left home to go travelling.

As the case of the missing girls unfolds, they will all find that even this far away, danger can lie closer to home than you might think...

This was just okay.  I didn't dislike it, but didn't like it either.  Unfortunately, I never connected with any of the characters, and I was never curious as to what happened.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

KINGDOM OF THE BLIND

Author:  Louise Penny

Genre:  Mystery, Three Pines Series #3

Published:  2018

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Robert Bathurst

Yearly Count: 4

From Goodreads:

When Armand Gamache receives a letter inviting him to an abandoned farmhouse outside of Three Pines, the former head of the Sûreté du Québec discovers that a complete stranger has named him as an executor of her will.

Armand never knew the elderly woman, and the bequests are so wildly unlikely that he suspects the woman must have been delusional - until a body is found, and the terms of the bizarre will suddenly seem far more menacing.

But it isn't the only menace Gamache is facing. The investigation into the events that led to his suspension has dragged on, and Armand is taking increasingly desperate measures to rectify previous actions. As he does, Armand Gamache begins to see his own blind spots - and the terrible things hiding there.

 Another successful read by Louise Penny.  Even though I haven't loved (definitely liked, though) every single addition to this series, I am always excited at a new release and know that it's going to be another nice visit with the people of Three Pines.  This one had two big storylines and both were very good.  I was fully on to one of them, but that didn't hamper my enjoyment.

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NOTHING STAYS BURIED

Author:  P. J. Tracy

Genre:  Mystery, Monkeywrench #8

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  41

From NetGalley:

When Minneapolis homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are called to a crime scene in a heavily wooded city park, everything about the setting is all too familiar. And when they discover a playing card on the victim's body, their worst fears are confirmed—there’s a serial killer operating in the city for the first time in years.

Across town, Grace MacBride and her unconventional partners at Monkeewrench Software find themselves at both personal and career crossroads. Weary of the darker side of their computer work for law enforcement, they agree to take on a private missing-persons case in a small farming community in southwestern Minnesota.

As the violence accelerates in Minneapolis, Magozzi and Gino soon realize their killer is planning to complete the deck, and they enlist Monkeewrench to help stop the rampage. As a baffling tangle of evidence accumulates, the cops and Monkeewrench make the unlikely connections among a farmer’s missing daughter, a serial killer, and a decades-old stabbing that brings them face-to-face with pure evil.

I found this installment of the Monkeywrench crew to be just okay. Nothing particularly grabbed me or even interested me. That's a bit disappointing, but I'll keep reading the series.  I enjoy the characters, and there's an addition coming soon.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Penguin Group and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

TO DIE BUT ONCE

Author:  Jacqueline Winspear

Genre:  Maisie Dobbs Series #14

Published:  2018

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Orlagh Cassidy

Yearly Count:  36


From Goodreads:

Spring 1940. With Britons facing what has become known as "the Bore War"—nothing much seems to have happened yet—Maisie Dobbs is asked to investigate the disappearance of a local lad, a young apprentice craftsman working on a "hush-hush" government contract. As Maisie’s inquiry reveals a possible link to the London underworld, another mother is worried about a missing son—but this time the boy in question is one beloved by Maisie.

I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator, which is nothing new.  Also, true to form, I loved being back with Maisie, as well.  The storyline was good, but not one that kept me intrigued to the point of not wanting to put it down.  

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A GATHERING OF SECRETS

Author:  Linda Castillo

Genre:  Thriller, Kate Burkholder Series #10

Published:  2018

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  24

From NetGalley:

When a historic barn burns to the ground in the middle of the night, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is called in to investigate. At first, it looks like an accident, but when the body of eighteen-year-old Daniel Gingerich is found inside—burned alive—Kate suspects murder. Who would want a well-liked, hardworking young Amish man dead? Kate delves into the investigation only to find herself stonewalled by the community to which she once belonged. Is their silence a result of the Amish tenet of separation? Or is this peaceful and deeply religious community conspiring to hide a truth no one wants to talk about? Kate doubles down only to discover a plethora of secrets and a chilling series of crimes that shatters everything she thought she knew about her Amish roots—and herself.

As Kate wades through a sea of suspects, she’s confronted by her own violent past and an unthinkable possibility.

Not much of a surprise that I enjoyed this book.  This series has been a winner for me.  It's not too light.  It's not too dark.  It's just right for a comfort read that keeps me interested and connected.  I really enjoy the procedural part of the investigations - all the thoughts and questioning of suspects lets me into the mind of an investigator.  I'm not into the storyline of Kate discovering herself or any of that, but overall, this was a very good quick read.

Thoughts of Joy 

My thanks go to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

LOOK FOR ME

Author:  Lisa Gardner

Genre:  Thriller, D.D. Warren Series #9

Published:  2018

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audibook/Kirsten Potter

Yearly Count:  20

From NetGalley:

The home of a family of five is now a crime scene: four of them savagely murdered, one—a sixteen-year-old girl—missing. Was she lucky to have escaped? Or is her absence evidence of something sinister? Detective D. D. Warren is on the case—but so is survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane. Seeking different types of justice, they must make sense of the clues left behind by a young woman who, whether as victim or suspect, is silently pleading, Look for me.

The D.D. Warren series has been a comfort one for me.  I am always happy to see a new edition and know I will enjoy it.  What I enjoyed most about this one was the detailed trail of thought that I was able to follow along with step by step.  I, also, enjoyed the developing relationship between Flora and D.D.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Penguin Group and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

SNAP JUDGMENT

Author:  Marcia Clark

Genre:  Mystery, Samantha Brinkman Series #3

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Angela Dawe

Yearly Count:  17

From NetGalley:

When the daughter of prominent civil litigator Graham Hutchins is found with her throat slashed, the woman’s spurned ex-boyfriend seems the likely suspect. But only days later, the young man dies in what appears to be a suicide. Or was it? Now authorities are faced with a possible new crime. And their person of interest is Hutchins. After all, avenging the death of his daughter is the perfect reason to kill. If he’s as innocent as he claims, only one lawyer has what it takes to prove it: his friend and colleague Samantha Brinkman.

It’s Sam’s obligation to trust her new client. Yet the deeper she digs on his behalf, the more entangled she becomes in a thicket of family secrets, past betrayals, and multiple motives for murder. To win her case, she’s prepared to bend any law and cross any boundary that stands in her way. Sam has always played by her own rules, and it’s always worked…so far. But this case cuts so deep and so personal that one false move could cost her everything.

Well, I wasn't super impressed with this installment. I'm still not a fan of Samantha, but she was toned down considerably from what I remember.  It ended up just being something I listened to on my commute. I did want to know who did what, but other than that . . . whatever.

 Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

ONE KICK

Author:  Chelsea Cain

Genre:  Mystery, Kick Lannigan Series #1

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Heather Lind

Yearly Count:  5

Kick, a survivor of child abduction, is asked to help a mysterious man rescue other abducted children.

Well, I didn't buy into this story.  I didn't care for Kick all that much, and then the man from who-knows-where appears -- none of it jelled for me.  I did continue and was somewhat engaged, but at the moment, I don't think I'll continue with this series either.  We'll see.

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3RD DEGREE

Author:  James Patterson

Genre:  Mystery, Women's Murder Club Series #3

Published:  2004

Personal Rating:  3.25/5 (just okay +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Carolyn McCormick

Yearly Count:  1

Detective Lindsay Boxer and friends try to find the person who is sending threats to kill someone every few days.  Soon it becomes very personal.

I was somewhat entertained during my drives, but sadly, the twist didn't affect me much.  Not sure how much it will change in book #4, but I am curious.  Therefore, I will continue with the series when I feel the need for a fast audioread.

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GLASS HOUSES

Author:  Louise Penny

Genre:  Mystery, Three Pines Series #13

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  43

From NetGalley:

When a mysterious figure appears in Three Pines one cold November day, Armand Gamache and the rest of the villagers are at first curious. Then wary. Through rain and sleet, the figure stands unmoving, staring ahead.

From the moment its shadow falls over the village, Gamache, now Chief Superintendent of the Sûreté du Québec, suspects the creature has deep roots and a dark purpose. Yet he does nothing. What can he do? Only watch and wait. And hope his mounting fears are not realized.

But when the figure vanishes overnight and a body is discovered, it falls to Gamache to discover if a debt has been paid or levied.

Months later, on a steamy July day as the trial for the accused begins in Montréal, Chief Superintendent Gamache continues to struggle with actions he set in motion that bitter November, from which there is no going back. More than the accused is on trial. Gamache’s own conscience is standing in judgment.

The mysterious figure standing in the village was bizarre; however, that's what kept me intrigued.  I didn't care for the moral conscience aspect of the storyline.  It felt too in-your-face.  I, also, wanted more interaction with the villagers.  Overall, I still wanted to read it and enjoyed it.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

DOWN A DARK ROAD

Author:  Linda Castillo

Genre:  Police Procedural,
Kate Burkholder Series #9

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/
Kathleen McInerney

Yearly Count:  40

From NetGalley:

Eight years ago Joseph King was convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to life in prison. He was a "fallen" Amish man and, according to local law enforcement, a known drug user with a violent temper. Now King has escaped, and he’s headed for Painters Mill.

News of a murderer on the loose travels like wildfire and putting Chief of Police Kate Burkholder and her team of officers on edge. A nightmare scenario becomes reality when King shows up with a gun and kidnaps his five children from their Amish uncle’s house. He’s armed and desperate with nothing left to lose.

Fearing for the safety of the children, Kate leaps into action, but her frantic search for a killer leads her into an ambush. When King releases her unharmed, asking her to prove his innocence, she begins to wonder whether the police are hiding something, and she embarks on her own investigation to discover the truth.

It was nice to get back to work with Kate Burkholder.  There were moments of disbelief for me, but it was still a good story, and it held my attention.  I enjoy this series as a whole and always look forward to the next.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

  

A DEEPER DARKNESS

Author:  J. T. Ellison

Genre:  Mystery, Samantha Owens Series #1

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  2.5/5 (eh)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Joyce Bean

Yearly Count:  39

Samantha Owens is a medical examiner who has lost much in her life, but has tried to carry on.  Her ex-boyfriend's mother calls her to perform a second autopsy on him.  Sam gets more involved than intended.

I was definitely interested in the beginning, but as time went on the storyline became a bit too much.  It had characteristics of a soap opera, but without some of the romantic twists.  They were included, but just not as much as a soap opera.  The list of characters involved were tied by this or that, and they were okay, but not strong enough to encourage me to pick up the next in the series.

Thoughts of Joy

   

CLOSE YOUR EYES

Author:  Michael Robotham

Genre:  Mystery, Joseph O'Loughlin Series #8

Published:  2016

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Sean Barrett

Yearly Count:  38

From NetGalley:

When a former student bungles a murder investigation, clinical psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin steps in to face a ruthless killer.

A mother and her teenage daughter are found murdered in a remote farmhouse, one defiled by multiple stab wounds and the other posed like Sleeping Beauty waiting for her Prince. Joe O'Loughlin is drawn into the investigation when a former student, trading on Joe's reputation by calling himself the "Mindhunter," jeopardizes the police inquiry by leaking details to the media and stirring up public anger.

Joe discovers a link between these murders and a series of brutal attacks where the men and women are choked unconscious and the letter "A" is carved into their foreheads. As the case becomes ever more complex, nothing is quite what it seems, and the fates of Joe and those closest to him become intertwined with that of a merciless and unpredictable killer.

I have read a few books in this series and have enjoyed Joe.  This book was no different.  I actually enjoyed his personal life more than the mystery.  Ultimately, I had the same feeling about the audioread - not quite good enough for me to say it was "very good," but I did like it.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.
  

THE DRY

Author:  Jane Harper

Genre:  Mystery, Aaron Falk Series #1

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  16

From NetGalley:

After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Twenty years ago when Falk was accused of murder, Luke was his alibi. Falk and his father fled under a cloud of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of Luke’s steadfast claim that the boys had been together at the time of the crime. But now more than one person knows they didn’t tell the truth back then, and Luke is dead.

Amid the worst drought in a century, Falk and the local detective question what really happened to Luke. As Falk reluctantly investigates to see if there’s more to Luke’s death than there seems to be, long-buried mysteries resurface, as do the lies that have haunted them. And Falk will find that small towns have always hidden big secrets.

This is Harper's debut novel, and I think she did a great job! I enjoyed the characters, the mystery and the pace.  I was concerned when I realized there were going to be flashbacks, but they didn't bother me at all, which is very unusual.  I suppose a compelling story is enticing whether it's in real time or flashbacks.  Kudos to Harper!

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing me with the eBook.

        

THE RIVER IS DARK

Author:  John Hart

Genre:  Thriller, Liam Dempsey Series #1 

Published:  2013

Personal Rating:  3.25/5 (just okay +)  

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Erik G. Dove  

Yearly Count:  12

A little boy is the surviving victim in a brutal attack against his family and another.  He only can identify the assailant as a monster.

This book had great potential.  I was enjoying the storyline and the characters until the ending, which was a bit predictable and ridiculous.

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SHOPAHOLIC TO THE RESCUE

Author:  Sophie Kinsella

Genre:  Chick Lit, Becky Brandon Series #8 

Published:  2015

Personal Rating:  2.5/5 (eh)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Clare Corbett

Yearly Count:  11

Becky gathers up friends and family to assist her in the search of her father.

Someone I know has just started the series and loving it, so I was inspired to audioread the latest.  I didn't dislike it or anything, it just wasn't very good.  It only got a couple of smirks.  Oh well.

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THE MIDWIFE OF HOPE RIVER

Author:  Patricia Harman

Genre:  Fiction, Hope River Series #1

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  2.25/5 (not enjoyable +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Anne Wittman

Yearly Count:  8

Patience works as a midwife in West Virginia during the Depression Era.

If you want to read about this birth and that birth and the other birth, then this book is for you.  :)  In all fairness, the births are nothing but miracles and each event blessed; however, there wasn't much more.  There was a lot of "today times" sprinkled in, which didn't seem to fit, but I wasn't around then, so what do I know.  I know that I was bored most of the time.  :(

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MY SISTER'S GRAVE

Author:  Robert Dugoni

Genre:  Thriller, Tracy Crosswhite Series #1

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Emily Sutton-Smith

Yearly Count:  6

Tracy Crosswhite abruptly changed careers from teacher to detective to seek the answers to her sister's disappearance 20 years ago.  When her sister's remains are discovered, her determination kicks into high gear.  She gets more answers than she ever anticipated.

The flashbacks and repetition were annoying, but I think it was a good introduction to Dugoni's work, and I want to read more.  Hopefully Tracy grows on me, though, because I thought she was just okay.  

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WATCHING YOU

Author:  Michael Robotham

Genre:  Psychological Thriller,
Joe O'Loughlin Series #7

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Sean Barrett

Yearly Count:  4

From NetGalley:

Marnie Logan often feels like she's being watched: a warm breath on the back of her neck, or a shadow in the corner of her eye that vanishes when she turns her head.

Now her life is frozen. Her husband Daniel is missing. She can't access his bank accounts or his life insurance. Depressed and increasingly desperate, she seeks the help of clinical psychologist Joe O'Loughlin.

O'Loughlin discovers Daniel's Big Red Book--a collage of pictures, interviews, and anecdotes. The book, which Daniel intended as a surprise birthday gift, now leads to a shocking discovery. Any person who has ever crossed Marnie has paid an exacting price. And O'Loughlin may be next in line.

Oh my!  I was thoroughly enjoying this book until it went a bit off the rails for me.  It, fortunately, didn't overtake the plot, but I was let down - big time!  I must admit that if I had read it, I probably wouldn't have been as affected by it in a roll your eyes kind of way.  The pace kept me engaged and the characters were interesting, which is vital.  I look forward to more by Robotham.  

While this is #7 in a series, you'd never know!  It most definitely can be read as a standalone.

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Mulholland Books and NetGalley for providing me with the eGalley.

     

THURSDAY'S CHILDREN

Author:  Nicci French

Genre:  Mystery?, Frieda Klein Series #4

Published:  2014

Personal Rating:  3.25/5 (just okay +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Beth Chalmers

Yearly Count:  64

Frieda is asked to help an old classmate's daughter who is dealing with some psychological issues.  This leads Frieda back to her hometown where she hasn't been back in decades.

I found the backstory of Frieda to be somewhat interesting and wanted to listen, but it wasn't as good as the other 3 in the series.  I'm still looking forward to #5 titled Friday on My Mind.

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