Rifle Season Review

Author: Pat Kelly

Series: Mace Winters #1

Publisher: Atria

Release Date: Jan. 27, 2026

Special thanks to Atria Books for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

A game hunter is in a race against time to save his family from the most dangerous predator on earth—other people—in this high-stakes thriller in the vein of Jack Carr and Peter Heller.

Review:

Rifle Season is a dark, gritty, propulsive debut novel by Author Pat Kelly that introduces readers to Mason (aka Mace) Winters whose legendary reputation as an expert big game hunter and guide in Colorado was besmirched after a hunting accident saddles him with an involuntary manslaughter conviction. Now he spends his days in a drunken haze picking up trash in the same wilderness he once stalked as a guide for wealthy big game hunters. Mason's lucrative career and marriage are already on the rocks when two mysterious strangers hire him as a guide for a photo shoot of an elusive mountain lion. When they return to his home on opening day of rifle season requesting his services again, Mason ignores the warning bells sounding in his gut in favor of earning big bucks he desperately needs and repairing his damaged reputation. By the time he realizes they're foreign operatives on a mission to assassinate a warlord that's hunting trophy elk in the higher elevation with a friend of Mason's, his fate is sealed. With a blizzard blowing in, Mason's only choice is to play along and wait for a chance to overtake them. Rusty though they are, he'll match his uncanny skills to theirs any day of the week, especially on this terrain. Afterall, these mountains are his stomping ground. One he knows like the back of his hand. With his and his wife's life at stake, Mason needs to clear his head and call on his ingrained survival skills to become the deadly predator he once was. This is a winner take all game. He has one shot at saving lives. One shot at redemption. Failure is not an option.

 When I heard Rifle Season being compared to C. J. Box's Open Season, I knew I had to read it, and I'm happy to say it surpasses the hype. Kelly wastes no time transporting readers into the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse beginning with the chilling prologue and ending with the final incredible shot. His descriptive narrative brings scenes to life as both breathtakingly beautiful and life threatening at the same time. An insane pace is propelled by a tone of malice and the fear of time running out. In-depth characterizations are spot on, relatable, and believable. Mason's anguish and despair can be felt in the beginning as can his stone-cold determination and rage throughout. The author nails the essence of who he is and what he'll do to save those he loves as he struggles to hold it together. The same holds true even for the villains in this story. They're professionally written, despicable, and yet convincing. As the story unfolds, the stakes are raised with every shocking plot twist until the violence explodes on the page leaving readers to figure out if anyone survived.

 Author Pat Kelly scrutinizes the age-old tradition of hunting and man's moral rights as it pertains to the sport as well as his coexistence with nature in Rifle Season. Themes of revenge, forgiveness, redemption, and justice are evident throughout this well-written, masterful thriller. The author does an excellent job highlighting man's conservancy of nature and wildlife in a chilling battle of the fittest. Rifle Season reads like it's written by an expert, well-seasoned author with several titles under his/her belt making it hard to believe this is Kelly's debut novel. I hope there will be many more books in the series. Nature and hunting advocates will devour this book as will fans of fast-paced, explosive, second-chance thrillers. Rifle Season will be one of my top five reads of the year.

Synopsis:

Mason “Mace” Winters, with his acclaimed reputation as one of the best big game hunters in Colorado, lives for the thrill of the hunt. His lucrative career guiding the wealthy on intense hunts through the Colorado mountains is suddenly brought to a stop when an accident hangs an involuntary manslaughter conviction around his neck. Now he’s relegated to a life of trash pickup in the very wilderness where his prowess as a tracker and killer was the stuff of legends.

At rock bottom, Mace descends into a haze of Tito’s and sativa when two strangers seek him out. They wave enough cash under his nose to convince him to help them up into the mountains he knows so well on the opening day of Colorado’s rifle season. An innocent enough request, and the perfect cover for the trip’s true to assassinate an infamous warlord. All at once, Mace goes from unwitting to unwilling accomplice and it will take all his now dusty skills to outfox his patrons in their deadly game.

The Bone Thief Review

Author: Vanessa Lillie

Series: Syd Walker #2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: Oct. 28, 2025

Many thanks to Berkley for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review first publisher in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

When a Native teenager vanishes from her small town—a place with dark ties to an elite historical society—archaeologist Syd Walker is called to investigate...from bestselling author Vanessa Lillie.

Review:

The Bone Thief by Author Vanessa Lillie is the follow up novel to Blood Sisters in which readers were introduced to Syd Walker, a Cherokee archeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. While this series is fictional, many of the events explored within both books are deeply rooted in American History and remain real-life issues for Indigenous people living on reservations today. Lillie does an admirable job of seamlessly incorporating history with fiction to deliver a thought provoking, heartbreaking mystery that's impossible to put down.

 BIA Agent Syd Walker has returned to the Narragansett Reservation in Rhode Island when she learns skeletal remains that may be those of a 300-year-old Indian sachem have been discovered on contested land now in the hands of the Founders' Society, an elite group of privileged people claiming to trace their heritage back to the first colonists. Syd assists in the archeological recovery; however, is forced to secure and leave the remains in the grave overnight. When she returns in the morning with tribal members, the grave is empty. At the same time, Syd learns a Native woman she knows is missing, and authorities are dismissing her as a runaway. Syd suspects otherwise and quietly begins her own investigation. When she uncovers a long history of missing girls and artifacts with possible ties to powerful, privileged families within the Founder's Society, she realizes exposing them and the dark secrets they've kept buried is the only way to unveil the truth even though doing so puts her on a killer's radar. Syd's vow to reap justice for the missing women never wavers even at the cost of her own safety.

 Syd Walker is a determined, tenacious protagonist whose own native heritage makes her the perfect advocate for the rights of the Narragansett tribe; however, she finds herself torn between returning artifacts and skeletal remains to their rightful people and the opportunity to educate all people on Native history by displaying them in museums. The author's impressive three-dimensional characterizations are realistic, evoking empathy from readers. A tension ladened, multi-layered plot line and taut writing drive a fast pace throughout this engaging story with vivid descriptive passages drawing readers into the heart of the conflict. As I was reading, an overbearing sense of dread, of impending doom, left chill bumps on my arms.

 Author Vanessa Lillie draws on her own heritage, life experiences and professionally researched American History to deliver a powerful, captivating story in The Bone Thief. The high rate of poverty, addiction, and economic struggles are well documented as are the suspicious disappearances of Indigenous women and the appalling theft of Native artifacts and skeletal remains. Lillie’s mission to draw attention to the legacy of violence and corruption that continues to surround Native Americans today is remarkable and noteworthy. 

 The Bone Thief is a riveting, thought-provoking, must-read mystery, a perfect blend of truth and fiction that resonated with this reader for days after reading the last action-packed page. The author’s portrayal of American history and the way it binds people to a place over time is amazing. Highly recommended to fans of well-written mysteries that spotlight the injustices perpetrated against Native Americans throughout history as well as history buffs.

Synopsis:

In the hours before dawn at a local summer camp, Bureau of Indian Affairs archaeologist Syd Walker receives an alarming call: newly discovered skeletal remains have been stolen. Not only have bones gone missing, but a Native teen girl has disappeared near the camp, and law enforcement dismisses her family's fears.

As Syd investigates both crimes, she's drawn into a world of privileged campers and their wealthy parents—most of them members of the Founders Society, an exclusive club whose members trace their lineage to the first colonists and claim ancestral rights to the land, despite fierce objections from the local tribal community. And it's not the first time something—or someone—has gone missing from the camp.

The deeper Syd digs, the more she realizes these aren't isolated incidents. A pattern of disappearances stretches back generations, all leading to the Founders Society's doorstep. But exposing the truth means confronting not just the town's most powerful families, but also a legacy of violence that refuses to stay buried.

From the national bestselling author of Blood Sisters (a Washington Post Best Mystery of the Year and Target Book Club pick) comes a new Syd Walker novel that proves the sins of the past are destined to repeat until the truth is finally unearthed.

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow Review

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Release Date: Oct. 14, 2025

Many thanks to the publisher for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

From New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a nail-biting supernatural horror about a haunted lakeside property and twisted family secrets.

Review:

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is a creepy, atmospheric, supernatural thriller that’s scheduled for release just in time for the spooky season. With an intriguing blend of folklore and the legend of the Headless Horseman, Author Kelley Armstrong delivers a chilling tale with paranormal vibes that's guaranteed to keep readers checking the locks on their doors as they read late into the night.  

Samantha Payne has been estranged from her grandfather for fourteen years when she's summoned to the reading of his Will. He hadn't spoken to Sam since her father, his son, committed suicide after being accused of the murder of a child at their lakefront cottage. Sam's grandfather went to his grave declaring his son's innocence in spite of what Sam witnessed in the woods all those years ago. Knowing he blamed her for her father’s death, no one was more surprised than Sam when she learns her grandfather left her the lakefront property, now worth millions, in hopes Sam will finally face the truth and admit she was mistaken. There's a stipulation, of course. Sam must reside in the family cottage on the lakefront for one month. Complete that simple task, and the property is hers. If she sells it, she'll have the funds to continue paying for her mother's care for dementia. What choice does she have? Sam moves to the cottage accompanied by her aunt and is surprised to find nothing has changed, including Ben, the property caretaker. Everything is exactly as she remembers from the days she spent there as a child right down to the bedding. 

Right away, Sam is perplexed over unsettling things occurring around her, including the sound of hoofs pounding, bizarre noises coming from the woods, unexplained lights flickering beneath the lake water, and most disturbing . . . the remains of mutilated animals left on her porch overnight. Tormented by nightmares and a rising sense of paranoia, Sam struggles to determine what's real and what's a mirage. When someone disappears, she’s forced to face the possibility that the rumors surrounding the cottage are true.

Dark family secrets that refuse to remain buried, a haunted cottage, and a murky lake with something lurking beneath the surface combine to set a tone of urgency in The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. As Sam's recessed memories begin surfacing, she has no choice but to take a hard look at some harsh childhood realities and reexamine her beliefs. As a protagonist, Sam makes some questionable decisions; however, her actions do not diminish the overall flow and entertainment value of this book. Armstrong sets a maddening pace that's fed by panic and a dark, tension ladened atmosphere of imminent danger. One that's strengthened by the eerie haunted cottage, dark woods, and lakeside setting that take on the role of another character in this sinister story. Readers should note trigger warnings that include mutilated animals, although they're not described in great detail.

Author Kelley Armstrong delivers another spooky, immersive, tautly written thriller for fans of light horror and paranormal mysteries. The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is the perfect, entertaining October story for those who enjoy books that raise the hair on the back of their neck with things that go bump in the night. Highly recommended.

 Synopsis:

When Samantha Payne’s grandfather dies, she figures she won’t even get a mention in the will. After all, she hasn’t seen him in fourteen years, not since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, his clothing streaked with blood.

But when she does attend the reading of the will at the behest of her aunt, she discovers that her grandfather left her the very valuable lakefront property where the family cottage sits. There’s one catch: Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month. To finally face the fact she was wrong and her father was innocent, in her grandfather's words.

Traveling to Paynes Hollow, Sam is faced with the realities of her childhood and the secrets kept hidden in the shadows of her memories. When her aunt goes missing a couple days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything again. Plagued by nightmares and paranoia, she begins hearing sounds in the forest and seeing shapes crawling from the water as the rippling waves of the lake promise something unspeakably dark lurking just below their surface.

 

The Intruder Review

Author: Freida McFadden

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Release Date: Oct.7, 2025

A big thank you to the publisher for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

In this taut, deadly tale of survival and desperation, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden explores how far one girl will go to save herself.

Review:

Author Freida McFadden always delivers creepy, astounding psychological thrillers that leave readers reeling while begging for more. Fortunately, the wait is never long as the prolific writer continues to write intense, jaw dropping stories at warp speed. Lock the doors and curl up in your favorite reading spot with plans to burn the midnight oil before cracking open the cover of The Intruder as there's no stopping until the final staggering passage.

Casey is a mysterious woman living alone in a remote, rundown cabin in the wilderness with a secretive neighbor’s place a half mile away as the crow flies and a lecherous landlord who often appears on her doorstep unexpected and unwelcome. Her past is a mystery to readers, but it's clear Casey's harboring a dark secret she’s determined to keep buried. As a deadly storm approaches, she scurries around trying to secure things and is startled by a face peering in her window. Or was it a tree branch blown around by the wind? When Casey goes outside to make one last check around the house, she finds a young, terrified girl wearing blood-soaked clothing and clutching a knife hiding in the shed, which isn’t a safe place to ride out the storm. Casey has no choice but to invite the girl into the cabin to spend the night. When the girl refuses to give up the knife or answer Casey's questions, she waits for the girl to go to sleep to snoop through her ragged bookbag, and what Casey discovers sends chills down her spine. How did this girl arrive at Casey's cabin miles from nowhere without a vehicle? Why is she here? The answers could end up costing Casey her life.

The Intruder checks all my boxes for a must-read, spooky psychological thriller including remote setting, increment weather, unknown imminent threat, twisted plot line, dual timelines, and shifting, unreliable narrators. While armchair detectives may reach some conclusions early, McFadden always has a last page, jaw-dropping ace up her sleeve that blindsides everyone in the end, and The Intruder may harbor the biggest one yet. The story is rendered through short, past/present chapters from the dual points of view of Casey and the young girl, Ella. The underlying eerie vibes of danger ramp up page by page, chapter by chapter, with each traumatic tidbit of information revealed setting a scene that's ominous at best and terrifying at worse. Casey and Ella are on a collision course with their past and each other with no way to stop it. Who will survive the night?

The Intruder is one of McFadden's darker psychological thrillers with some heavy themes such as childhood abuse, retribution, and redemption. Characters are realistic yet secretive, strong yet vulnerable. The story comes together piece by piece until readers may think they have it all figured out but wait for it. Remember, we're talking about the queen of last page, jaw-dropping shockers here so read on for the next sordid, mind-blowing twist, and the final no way bombshell reveal. Atmospheric, intense, and spine chilling, The Intruder is a masterpiece in the genre of psychological thrillers. This one would be brilliant playing out on the big screen. Fans of the genre will eat it up.

Synopsis: 

Who knows what the storm will blow in…

Casey's cabin in the wilderness is not built for a hurricane. Her roof shakes, the lights flicker, and the tree outside her front door is sways ominously in the wind. But she's a lot more worried about the girl she discovers lurking outside her kitchen window.

She’s young. She’s alone. And she’s covered in blood.

The girl won't explain where she came from or loosen her grip on the knife in her right hand. And when Casey makes a disturbing discovery in the middle of the night, things take a turn for the worse.

The girl has a dark secret. One she’ll kill to keep. And if Casey gets too close to the truth, she may not live to see the morning.

And To All A Good Bite Review

Author: David Rosenfelt

Series: Andy Carpenter #32

Publisher: Minotaur Books & MacMillan Audio

Release Day: Oct. 14, 2025

Special thanks to Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt's bestselling series.

Review:

And To All A Good Bite is the thirty-second book in Author David Rosenfelt's critically acclaimed Andy Carpenter series. As always, the author delivers a witty, smartly written, courtroom drama mystery with heart, humor and adorable rescue dogs. While this book is the annual Christmas edition, no worries if you're not a fan of holiday stories. Bah Humbug readers can relax and enjoy this intriguing courtroom drama with few references to the holidays in this book. As it turns out, Andy Carpenter only tolerates his wife Laurie's love of holiday music playing on an endless loop because it leaves him free to indulge his passion for zoning out in front of the television watching hours of football games. At least until he's pulled back into lawyer mode by a call for help in a murder case.

Andy Carpenter is an independently wealthy, retired lawyer who takes on an occasional case when it involves a friend or someone he believes is being framed for a crime. And wouldn't you know it, just as he settles in for a long winter’s night of doing absolutely nothing but watching football, he receives a call requesting him to represent Jeff Wheeler, a man once recognized as a hero for rescuing a dog named Rufus from a fatal office building explosion in which Jeff's soon-to-be fiancé was killed. Jeff is now on trial for killing one of the building’s owners, his girlfriend's boss, who he has repeatedly accused of intentionally blowing up his own building with seven people inside although there’s no viable motive. Once again, Rufus is without a home and rather than send him back to the shelter, soft-hearted Andy caves and takes on the dog and the case.

Proving Jeff's innocence is dependent upon Andy and his well-qualified cohorts sifting through the ashes and a short list of possible red herrings with motive to kill the building’s owner. The story unfolds through questionable investigative work and classic courtroom tactics by Andy while his capable gang race against the clock trying to unmask the real killer. It’s down to the wire in a convoluted courtroom drama where Andy continues his tradition of pushing the limits and the judge's patience. However, don't let Andy's bumbling, self-deprecating manner fool you. Behind the sarcasm is a sharp legal mind that doesn't like to lose or see the bad guys walk away free.

And To All A Good Bite is a complex, quick paced murder mystery with an immersive, tautly plotted story line that will intrigue armchair detectives. Through it all, Rosenfelt keeps it lighthearted with snarky humor and heartwarming animal scenes. The author’s expert ability to keep the series fresh with unique plot lines after thirty-two books is amazing. Fans of the series will love the inclusion of all the regulars - Laurie, Andy's wife and retired police officer, Corey, Sam, Eddie, Marcus, and Edna as well as Andy's beloved dogs. No worries if you haven't read previous books as each book stands alone.

Hats off to David Rosenfelt and his wife who operate a real Tara Foundation credited with rescuing thousands of dogs. Rosenfelt continues calling attention to the need for animal adoptions through his fictional cozy mysteries. As always, a well-deserved shout out to Narrator Grover Gardner who does a fantastic job narrating these books. He is Andy Carpenter. Be sure to add And To All A Good Bite to your holiday shopping list. It's the perfect gift for fans of murder mysteries with a side of lighthearted humor.

Synopsis:

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can't wait for Christmas. He doesn't care much about the season, unless it's football season. Andy's excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there's a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.

Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.

The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff's sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff's tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.

With David Rosenfelt's signature humor and hijinks, it's time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.

The In Death Cookbook Review

Author: Theresa Carle-Sanders

Foreword by JD Robb aka Nora Roberts

Publisher: St. Martins Press

Release Day: Oct. 7, 2025

Special thanks to St. Martins Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine

Discover seventy-six to-die-for recipes inspired by the world of J.D. Robb's #1 best-selling series—with a Foreword by J.D. Robb herself!

Review:

The In Death Cookbook by Author Theresa Carle-Sanders is a collection of recipes inspired by the critically acclaimed, futuristic In Death Series written by Author JD Robb aka Nora Roberts featuring Lt. Eve Dallas and her wealthy spouse, Roarke. Cookbook enthusiasts are in for a delectable treat as they browse this collection of recipes with vivid, colorful photographs and easy to follow recipes. Fans of the series get a bonus with story excerpts connecting the novel to the recipe included on the page above each recipe. As an avid fan of the In Death series, I couldn't stop myself from reading and reminiscing over each passage as I savored the cookbook page by page. And as a person who loves to cook and bake, I am thrilled with the selection of recipes included and look forward to sharing them with family and friends.

Fans of the In Death series are aware food is referenced often in the novels be it a tasty meal from the magical autochef we all fantasize over including Eve's favorite spaghetti & meatballs, Peabody's glide cart soy burgers, dogs, or fries, Summerset's to-die-for cherry pie, or Feeney's famous candied nuts. Photographer Al Douglas’s vivid photographs are stunning and colorful - so real you can almost smell each fragrant dish baking as you're browsing through the pages. I enjoyed Author Theresa Carle-Sanders Drinks & Cocktails section including "The Roarke", a cocktail that's "smooth, rich, and Irish, just like the man himself" from a passage between Roarke & Eve in the first book, Naked In Death, and Dennis Mira's comforting Hot Chocolate from Brotherhood in Death. The list goes on and on.

Author Theresa Carle-Sanders' love of reading and her expertise as a cook and recipe writer guarantees cookbook enthusiasts a tried-and-true book of recipes that have been tested, tweaked, and tested again with the bonus of having recipes tied to one of readers’ favorite fictional worlds. Having previously published cookbooks based on fictional work, including the Outlander world and the world of Stephen King, Carle-Sanders shares her criteria for choosing series as a basis for cookbooks which include: a long running series with books and characters she enjoys reading about and draws inspiration from, a series with a large, passionate fan base, and an author who writes food into their stories often and is conducive to having a cookbook inspired by their work. Fortunately, she struck gold with the In Death series. Carle-Sanders says she was grateful to receive Robb's blessing and encouragement to move forward with the project, and includes a Foreword written by JD Robb.

The In Death Cookbook: To-Die-For Recipes from the World of JD Robb is a vivid, culinary delight for anyone interested in entertaining friends and family with a scrumptious meal, snacks, or drinks. Author Theresa Carle-Sanders includes seventy-four out of this world, delectable recipes ranging from breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrees to sides to desserts to drinks and cocktails. Fans are sure to find mention of one of their favorites from the series in The In Death Cookbook. The holidays are coming and what an amazing gift this cookbook will make for fans of the series as well as anyone who enjoys an excellent, top of the line cookbook. Highly recommended!

Synopsis:

With more than sixty-five amazing photographs, and story excerpts that connect the recipes to the novels that inspired them, The In Death Cookbook will transport fans from the bustling streets of futuristic New York City to Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke's luxurious Manhattan mansion, where they'll learn to prepare the most delectable dishes. From Autochef favorites to Summerset's mouth-watering desserts, readers will find professionally developed, easy-to-prepare selections ranging from breakfast entrees to sides, main courses and everything in between. Contributions from the whole In Death cast of characters, including the beloved snack—Feeney's Candied Nuts!

A must for every J.D. Robb fan and a great holiday gift.