The Garden Girls Review

Author: Jessica R. Patch

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Many thanks to The Big Thrill and the author for an arc.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Review published in The Big Thrill Magazine

Review:

THE GARDEN GIRLS by Author Jessica R. Patch is an intense, intricately woven suspense thriller with subtle Christian overtones. FBI agent Tiberius Granger and his team from the Special Crimes Unit return in a frenzied race against time and the fury of Mother Nature to apprehend a serial killer dubbed ‘The Artist’ for the elaborate flower tattoos he inks on victim's bodies that match the kind of flowers in their name. When the investigation brings Ty face-to-face with Bexley Hemmingway, a ghost from his past life in a religious cult, his world tilts off-axis as he struggles to bridle long suppressed anger, confusion, and hurt. For now, he sets aside personal issues to search for Bexley's missing sister who's believed to be the latest kidnap victim of ‘The Artist.' Can they find her in time?

Author Jessica R. Patch renders a dark, complex psychological thriller with a strong emphasis on the healing power of love and faith in THE GARDEN GIRLS. Her gift for crafting damaged characters with dark, deeply rooted pasts capable of earning readers' empathy is evident. A frenzied pace is driven by the fury of an approaching hurricane, the urgency to catch a killer before he strikes again, and Ty's personal inner conflict over his faith and trust in God as well as his battle to block the deluge of emotions overwhelming him over the return of Bexley. The intricately woven narrative is unique, dark, and emotionally raw and draining for both characters and readers. Patch skillfully interweaves complex themes in THE GARDEN GIRLS via main characters navigating life after escaping a religious cult that altered their future. The perfect blend of psychological thriller with a Christian perspective, this book is for readers who enjoy deeply emotional, intense thrillers that highlight the redemptive power of love, forgiveness, and faith.

Synopsis:

On a remote Outer Banks island, a serial killer collects his prized specimens. And to stop him, an FBI agent must confront his own twisted past. FBI agent Tiberius Granger has seen his share of darkness. But a new case sets him on edge. It’s not just the macabre way both victims—found posed in front of lighthouses—are tattooed with flowers that match their names. There’s also the unsettling connection to the woman Ty once loved and to the shadowy cult they both risked everything to escape.  Bexley Hemmingway’s sister has gone missing, and she’ll do anything to find her—including teaming up with Ty. That may prove a mistake, and not just because Ty doesn’t know he’s the father of her teenaged son. It seems the killer is taunting Ty, drawing everyone close to him into deeper danger.As the slashing winds and rain of a deadly hurricane approach the coast of North Carolina, the search leads Ty and Bex to an island that hides a grisly secret. But in his quest for the truth, Ty has ignored the fact that this time, he’s not just the hunter. Every move has been orchestrated by a killer into a perfect storm of terror, and they will need all their skills to survive…

Funny Story Review

Author: Emily Henry

Publisher: Berkley Publ.

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for a free arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. #BerkleyPartner #Berkley #BerkleyInfluencer

A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.

Review:

FUNNY STORY by Author Emily Henry is a sweet, poignant fake dating and opposites attract romance with a super interesting premise. On one hand, you have Daphne, a librarian and neat freak who's highly structured and organized and then you have Miles - an adorable but sloppy man working at a winery who doesn't mind living in chaos. And it’s a really 'funny story' how these two became roommates and eventually more. Daphne's ex-finance is now engaged to Miles ex-fiancé leading to Daphne moving in with Miles. Confused yet?

Daphne's wedding to Peter is nigh when Peter goes out to a bar for his bachelor party. Peter's best friend is childhood friend, Petra, and she's at his bachelor party when she professes her undying love to Peter and he to her. Back at their house, Peter tells Daphne she has one week to move out and then he and Petra leave for a week's vacation. Miles shows up in hopes of stopping Petra from leaving him only to discover she's already gone, and a devastated Daphne is in tears trying to figure out where she'll live. The answer seems obvious - she'll move in with Miles who just happens to now have a vacancy. For weeks, they co-exist in the same space - just two ships passing in the night as they both deal with their grief. But when Daphne speaks to Peter again, she lets it drop that she and Miles are now a happy couple. She has no idea why she did that, but when she confesses to Miles he quickly gets on board the idea of 'fake dating' to make their exes jealous. As the story unfolds, Daphne and Miles begin to realize they have real feelings for one another, but the baggage and insecurities suffered by both keep them from revealing their real feelings. Sparks fly and a 'fake kiss' feels anything but fake. This is just a rebound thing, right? It's not possible that they're really falling in love, or is it?

Author Emily Henry has a gift for rendering heartfelt stories with incredibly real characters. While the trope of fake dating has been done a million times, Henry adds a unique twist to the story and then fleshes it out with characters readers can't help but love. The support cast is outstanding with most having intriguing backstories of their own. Themes of friendship, family or the lack thereof, and finding oneself are prominent. The small-town setting where everyone knows everyone is perfect for this story. I love that Henry develops these characters over time, letting them deal with their personal issues before writing them a happy ever after ending. The chemistry sizzles, and the warm fuzzies are plentiful. I read FUNNY STORY in one setting because I simply couldn't put it down. Highly recommended to fans of fake dating, opposites attract and friends to lovers' tropes. And to fans of heartwarming romance. It doesn't get any better than this!

 Synopsis:

Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra. 

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads —Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

Indian Burial Ground Review & Book Tour

Author: Nick Medina

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: April 16, 2024

Many thanks to Berkley Publ. for an arc of this title.  All opinions expressed are my own. #berkleypartner #berkleybookstagram

Review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

Meet the author & read an excerpt below!

Review:

INDIAN BURIAL GROUND by Author Nick Medina is a bone chilling, highly atmospheric acknowledgment of the stereotyping and plight of Indigenous people. A character driven story of generational drama that's rich in mythology and tribal lore, this story highlights social issues long suffered by marginalized people living on reservations including suicide, alcoholism, and violence. It's an honest, straight forward portrayal of a family in crisis as they confront the spirits and demons they thought buried.

Thirty-eight-year-old Noemi Brossard is optimistic about escaping the reservation for a better life when she receives devastating news that her prosperous, happy boyfriend committed suicide. She knows in her heart something's not right and begins probing into the circumstances surrounding his death. After being gone for decades, her Uncle Louie returns to the reservation around the same time. To help Noemi with her grief, he descends back down the dark, lethal rabbit hole of his past, sharing his time as a seventeen-year-old boy working to hold his family together as his mother succumbed to the lure of alcohol. Eventually, Louie ended up alone caring for a young Noemi while navigating an array of mysterious and horrific supernatural events occurring on tribal land. Among other things, strange occurrences are attributed to a sinister spirit targeting the tribe and some of these scenes are horror based, so be forewarned. Now, Noemi and Louie are facing some tough questions. Has Louie's return to the tribe angered the spirits causing them to lash out? Was Noemi's boyfriend's death suicide or is something more sinister happening? Despite the imperilment of unlocking demons and spirits best left to rest, Louie and Noemi begin rattling cages by digging into the past.

INDIAN BURIAL GROUND is a stunning, bloodcurdling blend of mystery and horror. I don't mind saying I'm a wimp when it comes to reading horror, but I found this story to be eerily hypnotic and haunting and was intrigued by the mysterious yet deadly aura engulfing the characters and story overall. Medini's expert weaving of mythical and cultural lore throughout enhances the story line while lending an authentic yet supernatural feel. The story unfolds through two timelines - the dark past through Louie and the present via Noemi. Both points of view come together to paint a heartbreaking picture of the generational impact of trauma and abuse on groups of Indigenous people. While the story is chilling with a menacing tone, an encouraging message of inner strength and hope manages to peek through.

Author Nick Medini has crafted a brutally honest, powerful story of the devastating effects of substance abuse on both the addicted and their loved ones in INDIAN BURIAL GROUND. His commitment and willingness to take a stand and offer a voice to marginalized people by exposing the stereotyping and challenges faced by life on a reservation is commendable. Medini's passion and desire to open the public's eyes and be a conduit for change is evident by the inclusion of his message at the end offering helpful avenues to Natives (and anyone else) seeking help for alcohol abuse and mental health issues. The author's enthusiasm and knowledge of Native lore and culture is clear as he flawlessly weaves supernatural myths and legends into this suspense laden, heartbreaking mystery/horror story. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, horror and stories featuring Indigenous people.

Synopsis:

All Noemi Broussard wanted was a fresh start. With a new boyfriend who actually treats her right and a plan to move from the reservation she grew up on—just like her beloved Uncle Louie before her—things are finally looking up for her. Until the news of her boyfriend’s apparent suicide brings her world crumbling down. But the facts about Roddy’s death just don’t add up, and Noemi isn’t the only one who suspects something menacing might be lurking within their tribal lands.

After more than a decade away, Uncle Louie has returned to the reservation, bringing with him a past full of secrets and horror and what might be the key to determining Roddy’s true cause of death. Together, Noemi and Louie set out to find answers...but as they get closer to the truth, Noemi begins to question whether it might be best for some secrets to remain buried.

About the Author:

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Nick Medina has degrees in organizational and multicultural communication, and has worked as a college communications' instructor. He has had short stories published in various fiction outlets since 2009. An enthusiast of local and Native lore, his debut novel, Sisters of the Lost Nation, features several supernatural myths and legends. He became interested in the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls after reading an article in the Chicago Tribune about Ashley Loring Heavyrunner, who went missing from the Blackfoot reservation in 2017. He enjoys exploring the strange and unusual, haunted cemeteries, and other spooky places, playing guitar, blues-based music and classic rock, physical fitness, and spending time with family.

(Photo courtesy of Ashely Suttor)

INDIAN BURIAL GROUND EXCERPT

Noemi

The bathroom door opened just then, and I'm sure we were both glad it did. From within, black leather boots, skinny jeans, a black tank top with a rainbow heart bedazzled across the chest, shiny lips, and puffed-up hair emerged. Mom. 

Her eyes widened. Fear momentarily cracked her made-up face, and a scream of terror in response to the strange man standing in our living room almost rang out, transforming instead into a cry of joy at the last second, right when she recognized him. "Louie!" She did a little hop, her boots thumping against the laminate floor. "Don't do that to me!" A second later, she was in her brother's arms. 

"Lula," he cried. 

We'd gone years without phone calls, video chats, and greeting cards. Sometimes we'd exchange texts on birthdays and holidays, filled with statements like Hope you're well, rather than questions that might encourage conversation. 

Mom looked up at him, taking his face in her hands. "You cut off your hair. It's gray." Even though she was three years older than him, Mom's hair has been chocolate cherry my entire life. "Let me turn back time for you." She laughed. "My god, what are you doing here?" 

"Pow wow," he said. 

"I wish you'd have told me. Everyone's going to be so surprised to see you. But this is perfect!" She clapped her hands. "We're meeting friends at the Blue Gator tonight. You can meet Noemi's boyfriend. My new guy's gonna come by too." 

"No he won't," I interjected from the couch. Mom threw a dismissive wave in my direction. 

"Say you'll come," Mom said. 

"Sure. Yeah." He seemed to reassure himself again. "I'll meet you there after I check in at the hotel."

 "Why not stay here? I know it's a little small for-" Mom paused, finally looking past her brother. "Where's Holly? Jill?" 

"Can we-?" he started, but was cut off by a trio of stern knocks against the door. It wasn't Holly or Jill.

 "Chief Fisher," Mom and Uncle Louie said in unison the instant I opened the door.

Luke Fisher wasn't chief of the tribal police anymore, but he had been for so long that most of us still called him that. Most days, he still acted like he was on the job. 

"Noemi." His hands reached for mine as his eyes gave Mom an acknowledging glance. They lingered a little longer on Louie, but whatever he'd come to say took precedence over the friendly reunion that might have otherwise occurred. 

"What is it?" I said. Luke wasn't the type to just drop in for visits. He wasn't the type to just stroke the back of your hand either. 

"Let's sit," he said. I didn't want to. "It's Roddy," he uttered. "I know how close the two of you are, so I thought I should tell you before-" 

"Tell me what?" His old hands, veins stretching the thin skin, squeezed mine. "He was hit by a car."

 "What?" I shrieked. Mom did too. 

Luke glanced at the sofa, but I hadn't changed my mind about sitting. "I'm really sorry." 

Sorry. I'd never known how much weight a word could hold until Luke uttered it. 

"No!" Tears appeared as if a magician had waved a wand in front of my eyes. "Tribal PD will figure out what happened." "You're saying . . . ?" Though I heard what he was saying, I couldn't grasp it. Didn't want to. 

"I'm sorry," he said again. 

"How?" 

"He was out on Grand Nacre Drive. The driver said he came out of nowhere." 

That didn't make sense. I'd texted Roddy a couple hours earlier, confirming our plans for the night. He was going to pick me up at eight. I told Luke as much. "He didn't say anything about driving anywhere else." 

"He wasn't driving. He was on foot." 

That made even less sense. "It's the height of summer. Roddy hates walking in the heat." There were only two reasons to be along Grand Nacre Drive: to get to the casino or to leave it. 

"Was he at the casino?" I asked, knowing he had no reason to go there. 

Luke's shoulders hitched. "There's a lot to figure out." 

I pulled my hands away from his and braced myself against the wall. Reality wasn't yet registering, but I knew what I'd lose if I lost Roddy. Hopes, dreams, second chances. Without him, all I'd have were memories, regret, and forty years in the rearview mirror. Mom told me the years would go fast, back in my twenties when $130k-the amount of my trust fund, thanks to years of per capita payments I couldn't touch until I turned twenty-one-seemed like a million bucks. And Mom was right, the years came and went like sparks. And, like the money, I'd wasted them all. 

"When?" I asked Luke. 

"About an hour ago." 

I looked out the window. The sun was below the horizon. All that remained of its light was a fiery orange band like the ring around a lit cigarette. 

"It must have been light when the accident happened." Anger rose within me. "Was the driver drunk?"

 "Noemi . . ." Luke threw his head back and cupped his brow. I'd never seen him so unsettled. "It might not have been the driver's fault." 

"He's blaming Roddy?" 

"She's saying . . ." Eyes clenched tight, he slowly exhaled and then, finally looking like the authority he'd always been, as his arms fell to his sides and he gave it to me straight. "The driver said Roddy lunged in front of her vehicle. You've already said yourself that Roddy didn't like to walk and that he hadn't mentioned going anywhere today. There's concern"-his voice softened-"that this could have been suicide." 

"What?!" I shrieked again. "No fucking way. He wouldn't. He wouldn't. We had plans. We were gonna get out of here. We were gonna get tattoos!" 

"There's a lot to figure out," he repeated. 

"What exactly did the driver say about Roddy?" Uncle Louie asked, stepping closer to Luke.

 "According to her, he jumped in front of-" 

"He wouldn't!" I insisted. 

"With the way word travels around here, I might as well tell you everything." Luke exhaled another deep breath. "The driver ran for help. When she returned to Roddy, she saw a coyote standing over his body . . . with blood around its mouth." 

My stomach churned. I finally sat. Mom plopped beside me, wrapping me in her arms, while Uncle Louie, paler than before, inexplicably locked the door.

---

Excerpted from Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina Copyright © 2024 by Nick Medina. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

Nosy Neighbors Review & Book Tour

Author: Freya Sampson

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: April 2, 2024

Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for an arc and book tour invitation.  All opinions expressed are my own.

4 Hearts

Two neighbors-at-war band together to stop a dangerous criminal in their midst in this enthralling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Ticket.

Review:

NOSY NEIGHBORS by Author Freya Sampson is the poignant, highly emotional story of a community of misfits living in apartments in Shelley House.  It's the story of quirky individuals caught up in the mystery surrounding the historic house and their quest to save it from destruction.  It's the story of enemies becoming allies in a search for a criminal targeting a fellow tenant.  It's the story of family, forgiveness and reconciliation.

On one hand, Author Freya Sampson has rendered a lighthearted mystery with quaint, classic characters - from cranky, ancient, pro-busybody Dorothy who tracks every person daily in her notebook to the newer, mysterious, recent sub-tenant Kat with a hidden history and secret she closely guards.  On the other hand, the story has a darker, more menacing side with broken characters seeking redemption and lives lost to drugs and alcohol addiction and broken families.  Sampson peels back the layers of each individual even as she weaves all their lives together in the spirit of community and a common cause.  Someone attacks one of the residents of the Shelley House about the same time that the owner serves eviction notices with his intent to tear the building down.  Can a group of oddballs embrace their differences to unite and solve the mystery of the attacker while also saving their home from demolition?  

 
Through the alternating points of view of Dorothy and Kat, readers are drawn into this heartfelt, complex story that proves to be much deeper than first indicated.  A steadily increasing pace and unpredictable cast keeps readers on their toes through twists and turns expertly manipulated by Sampson.  It would be easy to dismiss this as another cozy mystery, but as the story unfolds the individual heartbreaking, life stories of each tenant are explored exposing themes of addiction, communication or the lack thereof, loneliness and forgiveness.  The author does a great job of weaving all the individual stories together into a tantalizing, often humorous tale of community joining forces in a common cause.  Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries with a lot of depth and heart. 

Synopsis:

Twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett has never felt at home anywhere, and especially not in crumbling Shelley House. According to her neighbors, she’s prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat is plagued by guilt from her past.

Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling is Shelley House’s longest resident, and if you believe the other tenants, she’s as cantankerous and vindictive as they come. Except there’s a good reason Dorothy spends her days spying on her neighbors—a closely guarded secret that no else knows and the reason Dorothy barely leaves her beloved home.

When their building faces demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy become unlikely allies in their quest to save their historic home. But when someone starts to play dirty and viciously targets one of the residents, Dorothy and Kat suspect foul play in their community. After the police close the investigation, it's up to this improbable pair to bring a criminal to justice.

Freya Sampson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Chance Library and The Lost Ticket. She studied history at Cambridge University and worked in television as an executive producer, making documentaries on everything from the British royal family to neighbors from hell. She lives in London with her husband, children, and cats.