Author: Diann Mills

Series: FBI Task Force #1

Publisher: Tyndale House

Release Date: August 1, 2016

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A powerful disease and an unlikely weapon makes for a very interesting story!

Stacy Broussard is a veterinarian who spends some of her Saturday mornings riding as an airport Ranger volunteer. It is usually a peaceful ride but this Saturday she finds a dead body, an injured dog and a deadly drone with the power to bring down a 747.  The FBI is called in and Agent Alex LeBlanc immediately suspects terrorism.  He has been burned in the past by a witness he let himself get close to that turned out not to be totally truthful.  One thing turns into another and this clear-cut case of terrorism turns out to be much more than anyone expected.  Alex believes Stacy is a target and soon her community becomes the target of a health emergency.  They have to work together with others before more lives are lost.

DiAnn Mills is one of my favorite authors. Her tales are intriguing, interesting, and entertaining.  There is plenty of suspense with the romance thrown in. Deadly Encounter was another exciting read.  I enjoyed Stacy and the different sides to her.  She wanted to help her community, especially the animals that needed her.  And she felt the bond with a young boy who so desperately needs someone to love him.  Alex was a good agent that tried very hard to focus on the case and not let his personal feelings interfere.  One of the only problems I had throughout the entire story was the fact that at the beginning there was an attraction between Stacy and Alex but it was at the wrong time.  When he shows up to examine the scene with the dead body, there is talk about attractions and how piercing eyes he/she sees it just felt completely wrong for the moment.  It should have been all about investigating the crime not finding someone attractive.  Other than that the story fleshed itself out nicely and the relationship played out as it should for the rest of the story.  I very much enjoy the stories that Mills puts out and can’t wait for the next!

After reading her new novel, The Ninja’s Daughter, I was able to catch up with Susan Spann to get some insight on how she writes and researches.  If you’ve ever wondered about any of her characters or where her interest in Japanese culture comes from, you will enjoy hearing the story behind her stories.  If you haven’t read the new book yet, be sure to check out the review of The Ninja’s Daughter.

I haven’t read the previous Shinobi mystery novels, but this was a hit for me. What made you decide to write about Japanese culture in the 1500s?

 

First off: thank you for taking a chance on The Ninja’s Daughter – with all the books clamoring for readers’ and reviewers’ attention, I’m always delighted and honored when someone chooses one of mine, and when they like it, it’s lovely icing on the cake.

I’ve loved Japan ever since I first discovered James Clavell’s novel, SHOGUN, in the library when I was twelve years old. In college, I majored in Asian studies (with a focus on Chinese and Japanese history, language, and culture) – and I love sharing Japanese culture with other people.

When it comes to these books, though, Japan chose me. While getting ready for work one morning in 2012 (literally, while putting on eyeliner) I had the thought, “Most ninjas commit murders, but Hiro Hattori solves them.” The idea captivated me, and I knew at once that I had to tell Hiro’s stories.

Hiro Hattori is a very interesting character. He seems to weigh a lot of responsibility on himself. Is there someone specific that you think of when you write his story?

 

I like to think of Hiro as an amalgamation of several people (including myself, though I’m the first to admit that he’s much tougher, and better at coming up with clever things to say, than I am). I modeled him on a combination of the “ideal” samurai warrior, as reflected in medieval Japanese writings, and my perception of the way a real historical ninja might have viewed himself and his position in the world. Ninjas (“shinobi” in Japanese) stood slightly outside the social order, which let me give Hiro a strong independent streak to offset his sense of duty—which is, indeed, one of his defining characteristics. Just for fun, I gave him a wicked sense of humor too.

The scenes that you set in this book are really incredible. How did you go about researching for this novel?

 

Thank you! Nothing makes me happier than hearing I’ve effectively transported a reader to 16^th century Japan. Before writing The Ninja’s Daughter, I spent several months reading books on nō (a form of traditional theater), consulted a classically trained nō actor and other experts, and took a research trip to Japan. During my trip, I visited many of the locations in the book, to ensure I had the maps and details right.

I also have a collection of books about “everyday life” in 16^th century Japan, and many photographs of houses, kimono, and other artifacts from that era—hundreds of which I took myself, in Japanese museums and at exhibitions in the United States—which makes it easier to infuse the books with realistic details.

I always love a look into the future. Is there more planned to Hiro and Father Mateo at Iga?

 

Much, much more! I’m currently finishing edits on the fifth Hiro Hattori novel, currently titled Betrayal at Iga, which is under contract with Seventh Street Books for publication and release in summer 2017.

This October, I’m headed back to Japan to research the next four books in the series, and I can tell you…Hiro and Father Mateo have some very exciting adventures ahead!

Thank you for inviting me to chat on your blog today. I appreciate it – and I’m delighted that you enjoyed The Ninja’s Daughter!

Author: Susan Spann

Series: Shinobi Mystery #4

Publisher: Seventh Street Books

Release Date: August 2, 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

This mystery with a master ninja has mastered my attention!

In Kyoto, Japan in 1565, a young woman is found murdered close to one of the river bridges. A young apprentice is shaken when he wakes up by the body is afraid that he may have killed her.  He quickly solicits the help of the Portuguese Jesuit Father Mateo and his Samurai attendant Hiro Hattori.  When it is learned that the young girl is an actor’s daughter, the police have no need to investigate the death because it doesn’t matter as it doesn’t affect society.  Outraged, Father Mateo pledges to help find the killer, even though the police order him to not investigate anything.  Hiro Hattori plans to talk Father Mateo out of this idea until the girl’s father says something the makes Hiro realize that he is no actor.  He is a shinobi, just like Hiro.  Now with a duty to family, Hiro must also investigate the murder with nothing but the body and a golden coin found on the victim’s clothes.  As Hiro and Father Mateo dig deeper, they find deception at every turn and with the self-appointed Shogun hot to rid Kyoto of all Portuguese, Hiro hopes to not have to investigate an additional murder of Father Mateo.

This was an amazing read. I picked it up without reading any of the other shinobi mysteries, but Spann didn’t even give me a chance to get settled in.  It drew me in so fast that I had no time to look back and no need to either.  There was a little bit of history that I could tell I was missing, but it didn’t draw away from the story at all.  The main characters felt like they belonged together and I fell right in step with them.  The banter that occurs between Father Mateo and Hiro was priceless at times.  I love it when characters take on such a life in my imagination that I keep thinking of them for days/weeks to come after I have finished the book.

I’ve read up a little on Japanese culture before reading this book, particularly about the law of the Samurai, but I had no idea about the culture of entertainers and how they interacted with society. That was really eye opening.  I’ve read quite a bit about Europe in this time period, but not much about Japan.  Even so, Spann had no problem taking me to Kyoto in 1565.  Everything was brought to life without a problem.  The scenes were set up brilliantly.  The supporting characters were great too.  The bridge guards, police, and even Anna were perfectly placed.  Overall, I can’t say enough good things about The Ninja’s Daughter.  Now I have to read the previous books and hope that there will be a fourth book in the future!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through TLC book tours for an honest review. The comments and views stated in the above review are my own.

Author: Claire Booth

Series: Sheriff Hank Worth #1

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Release Date: July 19, 2016

Reviewer: Jennifer S. Roman

Hank Worth, the newly appointed sheriff of Branson County, Missouri is called out on a frigid day in January to assist with the beaching of the paddleboat Branson Beauty.  Somehow its paddlewheel is stuck in some rocks.  The captain is found comatose in his wheelhouse, and a full load of passengers is stranded on the boat in the middle of the lake for over six hours.  Once that issue is resolved, Hank thinks his job there is done until he discovers the body of a recent high school homecoming queen on the boat.  Hank has experience with murders from his time working with big city police units, but the people of Branson County are not used to murders in their small tourist town.  As Hank investigates the murder, he must deal with ex-boyfriends, gun-wielding former classmates, wealthy persons of interest, the boat’s owner, and pompous politicians.  Each has a story to tell, and each could be linked with the murder. Hank’s biggest challenge is to figure out who is telling the whole truth, who truly has nothing to do with the girl’s death, and who can be eliminated from suspicion.  His methods provide readers with a fun series of stories that connect the townspeople to the culprit(s) in the girl’s death and open up secrets for many of the locals.

There is a wide cast of characters that appear as the investigation unfolds, and each one has something interesting to add to the story.  Some have nothing to do with the murder, but they still provide a fun addition to an already interesting whodunnit.  Trips to the deceased’s college, run-ins with the boat’s wealthy and uncooperative owner, and clashes with the “good old boys” of the previous sheriff’s regime all add up to a fun and intriguing murder mystery story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its storyline and for its captivating characters.  Claire Booth knows how to put together a good mystery without revealing too much too soon.  I loved trying to figure out who could have done the crime from a very long list of realistic and flawed townspeople.  Having come from a small town in the midwest myself, I can easily imagine being there.  I’ve also visited Branson, and after that, I can see in my head where the people live, work, and play.  Having familiarity with the area made the book that much more fun and captivating, and I appreciate that.  A good murder mystery can happen anywhere, but when it’s in the reader’s backyard, it’s all the more inviting.

I really enjoyed getting to know Hank as I read the book for his strong desire to do the right thing and for his flaws.  He is human, and while he would like to do everything right, sometimes that doesn’t happen.  His temper can get him into trouble, but at the end of the day, he does his best to follow the law and to take care of his good and faithful employees.

Based on the way the book ends, it’s possible that another book about Hank and Branson could  happen sometime in the future.  Hank’s colleague Sheila shows promise of becoming a good, well-developed character as well, and I hope that she gets her own story soon.

The Branson Beauty takes place in a small tourist town known for its paddleboat tours and musical shows.  While it seems like a wholesome location, bad things do happen, and they are brought to light in this book.  There is a murder described in somewhat grisly detail, and additionally, there is some harsh profanity (the s-word and the f-word) sprinkled throughout the book for effect.  It is not overdone, and readers who can handle profanity and violence should have no problem getting through the book.  It is well-written, fun, and interesting.  I highly recommend it for mature readers.

Author: Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella

Series: The Amazing Adventures of Ordinary Women

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A mother/daughter duo telling humorous stories we can all relate to in one way or another.

As the seventh in the series, I’ve Got Sand In All The Wrong Places gives fun lighthearted banter back and forth between Mother Lisa and Daughter Francesca.  With stories about love, life, and family, these two go back and forth with tales of their escapades.  Lisa tells a few more tales than Francesca, but both keep their animals at the forefront of what is happening in their lives, which only adds to the humor.

This was my first book by either of the authors and it was a fun, entertaining tale. The chapters were short and sassy.  Lisa had almost twice as many chapters as Francesca which I thought could have been laid out a little better.  I would have preferred a more even split with a better back and forth between the two authors.  While there isn’t anything incredibly memorable about this book, it was a light-hearted, fun, summer read. Granted, the title of the book does say the women are ordinary!  The chapter titles help bring the reader into what is happening with the fun, creativeness to them.  At times I found myself smiling and almost laughing out loud at the antics of mother and daughter.  I’m sure these two have much more in store for readers and with any luck it will be just as fun and entertaining.

Author: Dina L. Sleiman

Series: Valiant Hearts #3

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A new tale, a new heroine, and a great conclusion to the trilogy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed in this review are my own.

Rosalind of Ipsworth has shouldered a burden for a sin she has committed for a long time. Determined to atone, she trains to take part in the crusades.  The Duke’s niece had a vision to go on a crusade and release the captives from the Holy Land.  She also saw that children should be included in this crusade.  Rosalind is assigned to oversee the children, but can also fight if she must.  Once this is over, she will join the church convent to play out the rest of her life.  But for some reason, young men seem to feel that she is available for their courtship.  Of anybody, she feels most connected to Sir Randel Penigree, but he is also destined for a life of solitude as a warrior monk.

Sir Randel Penigree is haunted by his past involvement in wars. In an unfortunate battle in England, his entire regiment was destroyed by the Scots.  He even accidentally killed one of his own men and carries that with him everywhere.  Now he has been tasked to lead the army going on the crusades.  However, someone is with the group that wants to avenge the previous death he caused and stop at nothing to complete it.  Will Randel be able to become a warrior monk or will he meet his own doom at the crusades?

Thank you Dina Sleiman for continuing Rosalind’s story. In my review of Chilvarous I concluded by pleading with the author to write Rosalind’s story for the next book and I’m so glad that she delivered.  This was a story about courage, but even more about forgiveness.  Both of the main characters, Rosalind and Randel, were carrying their burdens even after they had been forgiven.  They couldn’t forgive themselves. But with the help of Father Andrew, they finally see that they have been set free.

The story lime is similar to the other two books. The two main characters have a love story.  There is a villain that is after the male main character.  In the end, hope prevails and love conquers all.  But it is a really good read and highly recommended.

Author: Michael Robertson

Series: Baker Street Letters #5

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Release Date: July 19, 2016

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

A fun tale not so much of who done it, but why they did it and how.

Nigel heath has returned to 221B Baker Street and upon his return he finds himself summoned for jury duty. Along with his summons is one for Sherlock Holmes.  Nigel and his brother Reggie are used to mail for Holmes arriving at their law office and answering the letters.  But what to do with a jury summons?  Nigel is in a bit of a mood, so he sends the letter flying out the window and thinks little of it afterwards.  He is chosen to be on the jury of one of the nation’s greatest sports heroes accused of murdering his wife.  In the jury with Nigel is a lovely young woman with mysterious tattoos, a widow intent on conveying stories of her late husband, and an assortment of odd characters.  As the trial continues, things start to heat up and Nigel and the other jurors wonder not only what verdict they will reach but also if they will all make it to the end of the trial alive.

The Baker Street Jurors is a fun cozy mystery that was a delightful read.  It is a short book that is just the right length.  Many legal thrillers can become over the top with courtroom scenes that drag on and on.  Here the scenes were concise with interesting exchanges between the characters and several head scratching moments throughout that kept me engaged with the story.  This is the fifth in the series, I think, and the only one I have read.  Having not read any of the previous in the series, I am sure I missed some back story for some of the characters but that didn’t seem to be a problem with following this particular story.  It did make me wonder what the others are like and I have a feeling I will enjoy them as well.  Nigel was an interesting character.  He obviously had some personal issues he was dealing with, but was still able to focus on what he had to do and deal with the problems at hand.  He was surrounded by several interesting jurors and there could have easily been more to the story for more than one of the minor characters.  Having said that, I’m glad they were left in the role of minor characters and not expanded upon.  It could have been interesting to read about them but I think it would have slowed down this story which was at a good length, long enough to flesh out the story without all the fluff that would disinterest the reader.   Robertson did a good job with this story and I will look forward to the next Baker Street Mystery.

Author: Thelma Adams

Publisher: Lake Union

Release Date: July 1, 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

What kind of woman loved Wyatt Earp? This book has the answer!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through TLC Book Tours for an honest and fair review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Last Woman Standing reveals the tale of the life of Josephine Marcus, the common law wife of famous lawman Wyatt Earp.  Her story is mostly told of her time in Tombstone, Arizona and the events that she witnessed.  Originally betrothed to Johnny Behan, she leaves her Jewish family in San Francisco and begins the trek to Tombstone.  However, after being in Tombstone for a short time, she begins to realize how naïve she was to believe everything Johnny told her and eventually catches him with another woman.  From the first time she met Wyatt Earp, she always felt a connection with him, so it is little surprise that he essentially rescues her after she leaves Johnny.  But Johnny is not to be made a fool and will stop at nothing to try to get the Earps either behind bars or hung for the events at the O.K. Corral as well as get Josephine back.

This was a very well researched book. I really anticipated that it would be more of a romance novel, but it actually read more like historical fiction.  Adams did a great job of piecing together the events between The Cowboys and the law to what eventually led to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.  The characters themselves, including Behan, Curly Bill, Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, as well as Doc Holiday were larger than life.  It almost felt like watching part of the movie Tombstone.  However, there was little backstory to Josephine’s life or Wyatt’s.  I would have like to have dived a little more into Wyatt’s Dodge City days, but am satisfied at how she played it out.  For fans of the well-known western, this will be an enjoyable read.  There is some mild harsh language as well as love scenes, so I recommend this book for mature audiences.

Author: David Rosenfelt

Publisher: Minotaur

Release Date: January 5, 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Rosenfelt is branching out from his Andy Carpenter mysteries with Blackout and keeps the mystery going till the end.

Doug Brock is a New Jersey state police officer on a mission. He has been suspended from the department for chasing Nicholas Bennett, a criminal he has a personal stake in bringing down.  After getting shot and ending up with retrograde amnesia, he is now even more dedicated to finding out what he was looking into and how he got hurt.  Doug works with his partner Nate and his now ex-fiancé, Jessie.  Working together they uncover lies and secrets that start to expose corruption, and a possible terrorist plot bigger than any before.  As the secrets come to light, Doug realizes he is in deep and many lives are at stake and not everyone will come out alive.

Rosenfelt is known for his Andy Carpenter mysteries which I enjoy so I was curious to see how this new story would stake up compared to the Carpenter series. One of the nicest things about Rosenfelt and his writing is it is concise and to the point, no fluff that brings so many stories to an abrupt halt.  This one confused me at first with the way it started.  I thought it was going to be more about Nate and then it switched to Doug.  Other than that small confusion at the beginning, the story flowed nicely and kept the suspense throughout.  Even though this is a plot that can sometimes be overdone with the amnesia it was still an enjoyable story.  There was a personal aspect to it with his failed relationship and having a second chance to make it work.  Jessie was a fun character that helped to keep Doug in line like few could.  My main negative to say about this, and most Rosenfelt books is the use of harsh language.  I know that might not bother most people but for me it is a turn off.  Otherwise it was a very quick and enjoyable read.

Author: Mary Connealy

Series: Cimarron Legacy #1

Publisher: Bethany House

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Mary Connealy is back with her newest series, The Cimarron Legacy, and is bound to be a hit with fans of her work!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Baker Publishing Group for an honest and fair review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Boden family has been running the Cimarron ranch for over three decades since Chance Boden married into the land. As the head of the family, he likes to keep things close to home.  When he is injured in an avalanche and almost dies, he informs his three grown children that if he dies his will states that they are to all move home and live together for a full year if they don’t want the land to go to someone else.  They aren’t happy about the arrangement, but agree to the conditions.  Justin, Cole and Sadie have to try their hardest to get along if they want to keep what is rightfully theirs.

Heath Kincaid is a hired hand at the Cimarron ranch and happens to be along the day of the avalanche. His quick actions save Chance Boden and give him a chance to keep his leg after the horrific injury.  As Chance is ushered off to try and heal, Heath is put in the position of telling the rest of the Boden clan of his wishes.  It’s no secret that he, along with every other male around, is interested in Sadie Boden.  As they work together, feelings emerge as does the danger once they discover the avalanche was no accident and someone is out to take control of the Cimarron ranch.

If you are a fan of Connealy’s Wild at Heart series, which I am, you will find a new favorite here.  There are several similarities in the writing here with the previous series but The Cimarron Legacy is shaping up to be another great series.  I have to remind myself when reading these books that they are set in the old west and things were very different.  Mary Connealy does an excellent job of setting everything up in the time and place so that it doesn’t take much to believe we are in the old west while reading.  I enjoyed Heath and his attitude of not letting anything get in his way.  He might not have been the top man at the ranch, but he knew what he was doing and didn’t let anything get in his way.  Sadie had some spunk to her.  Justin and Cole where always trying to protect her and sometimes went a little too far.  She didn’t let them or anyone stop her from being who she was and going after what she wanted, even if they didn’t agree with her decisions.  I can say that anyone that enjoys a good historical western romance will enjoy No Way Out.