Between The Pages - The 23rd Midnight

The 23rd Midnight

James Patterson

May 2023 

Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke in jail.

Reporter Cindy Thomas wrote a book that put him on the bestseller list. 

An obsessed maniac has turned Burke’s true-crime story into a playbook. And is embellishing it with gruesome touches all his own. Now Lindsay’s tracking an elusive suspect, and the entire Murder Club is facing destruction. 

Between The Pages 

23rd Midnight is a fast paced, compelling addition to the Women’s Murder Club series. The story grabs your attention from the first chapter and doesn’t let go. Patterson and Paetro deliver a tense, emotionally charged plot as Lindsay confronts a chilling copycat who’s using Evan Burke’s crimes as a blueprint for new horrors. Maxine Paetro’s contribution continues to elevate the series. 

The stakes rise sharply when reporter Cindy becomes the target of a dangerous stalker and ultimately goes missing, pulling the entire Murder Club into a desperate search. This installment stands out for the way it deepens the emotional connection among the characters, highlighting how personal the danger feels when one of their own is at risk. A gripping read that blends suspense, heart, and intense storytelling. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - 22 Seconds

22 Seconds

James Patterson 

May 2022 

SFPD Sergeant Lindsay Boxer has guns on her mind and only twenty-two seconds until she loses her badge—or her life. 

There’s buzz of a last-ditch shipment of drugs and weapons crossing the Mexican border ahead of new restrictive gun laws. Before Lindsay can act, her top informant tips her to a case that hits disturbingly close to home. 

Former cops. Professional hits. All with the same warning scrawled on their bodies: You talk, you die. 

Now it’s Lindsay’s turn to choose. 

Between The Pages 

22 Seconds by James Patterson delivers exactly what fans of the Women’s Murder Club series crave: a high stakes thriller that refuses to let go. The storyline is fast paced and engaging, showcasing Patterson’s trademark ability to hook a reader from page one and hold their attention through every twist. Joe’s expanded presence added welcome texture. The novel’s pace is relentless, its twists well timed, and its characters as engaging as ever. Another strong, entertaining entry in a long running series that continues to deliver. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Winter L.A.W.: League of Amazing Witches

Winter L.A.W.: League of Amazing Witches 

Ashlyn Chase 

June 2026 

Winter L.A.W. Part 1 

     Freya Suretti used to love Yule. Now it’s just a reminder that her grandmother and sister vanished without a trace nearly a year ago. Alone in a too-quiet New England cottage, she’s running out of hope… until a wounded, charming Brit appears, seeking magical healing—and finding far more than he expected. 

     Devon knows magic is real. He’s from Avalon. But even he isn’t prepared for Freya, or the pull between them. As snow falls and sparks fly, Freya’s search for answers takes a turn neither of them saw coming. Because her family isn’t just missing. They’re lost in time. 

Winter L.A.W. Part 2 

     Brianna Suretti is a CPA and a witch with a very inconvenient quirk: accidental time travel. When a looming magical crisis hits, she’s forced to partner with Chad—an ex-English professor the League is rapidly training to survive the supernatural deep end. 

     Chad’s new reality involves decoding magical chaos, dodging danger, and pretending he’s not completely captivated by Brianna. In this friends-to-lover's found family workplace romance, they must unravel cryptic emails from the future, stop interdimensional pirates, and keep their growing chemistry from wrecking the timeline. Because if they get it wrong, there won’t be a future left to fix. 

Between The Pages 

Winter L.A.W.: League of Amazing Witches launches a paranormal series filled with humor, heart, and high stakes magic. Split into two interconnected parts, the novel follows sisters Freya and Brianna Suretti as they navigate time bending mysteries and unexpected romance. The author blends action, witty dialogue, and imaginative magical talents into an engaging read. The cast of witches, each with their own unique abilities, adds charm and momentum to the story. A fun and charming start to the series. Readers will be eager to see where the League’s adventures lead next. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Dragonslayer's Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr

Dragonslayer's Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr 

Jennifer Ivy Walker

June 2026 

Last of the Völsung line of kings descended from Odin, Sigurd is one of the elite Sjórúlfar—the fearsome Sea Wolves of southern Norway. Endowed with the divine blood of the wolf, he seeks glory at the Sólhjarta Summer Solstice tournament to avenge his father’s death. 

Brynhildr, daughter of the Raven King, is the Sun Falcon shieldmaiden and gifted seeress who has glimpsed her fate as a Valkyrie in a seiðr vision. When her father decrees she must wed the tournament’s champion, she summons Freyja for guidance—only to learn her future is bound to Sigurd. 

As the Norns tighten the intricate threads of fate, Brynhildr must guide Sigurd toward his destiny as a dragonslayer—by defying the web of wyrd and incurring the wrath of Odin. 

Between The Pages 

In Dragonslayer's Valkyrie: The Legend of Sigurd and Brynhildr, the author proves once again that she is a master of visual storytelling. Her worldbuilding is lush and cinematic. Every scene feels textured and alive. The Norse setting is especially engaging, even when stumbling over pronouncing the names. The characters are compelling and pull you straight into their fates. 

Sigurd and Brynhildr are both fascinating figures, and their intertwined destinies give the story emotional weight. However, one pivotal moment involving Sigurd lost some of its impact when told through the eyes of a secondary character rather than allowing readers to experience it directly with him. In addition, Brynhildr is introduced as a fierce, formidable warrior, and because her character is rooted in that strength, she should have retained more of her trained resilience and fighting spirit; losing it softened the impact of her arc. Even so, the novel delivers plenty of action, conflict, and drama, making it an enjoyable and immersive read. The author’s evocative prose and mythic atmosphere shine throughout, earning this story a strong 4.5 stars. 

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Must Have Been Love

Must Have Been Love 

Leigh Riker 

November 2025 

The biggest mistake of his life—or the best thing ever?

Eight years ago, after losing the only woman he ever loved, Declan Sinclair had to leave their preemie daughter behind when he went to war. Now, combat-weary, he’s back on the Montana ranch where he grew up but doesn’t quite fit in—and instead of being a real father to his child at last, Declan may lose her forever. 

His family wants to adopt her, and how can he argue? They raised her while Declan was in the Marines, and with little to offer her except his love, maybe she’d be better off without him. So would his now-and-then friend, the attractive cowgirl who tempts him to set aside his past and love again. 

Working with the Sinclair bulls is Abby Morrow’s dream job, but the rest of her life is a never-ending nightmare. Haunted by the deaths of her parents, Abby has vowed never to marry or have kids of her own. Her safe place is on the ranch, and she has filled the void in her heart with love for Declan’s little girl. But is that fair to her? Or, for that matter, him? 

She and Declan are both damaged, a totally wrong match. But what if their love for his daughter—and each other—could be more than enough? And together they’re exactly right? 

Between The Pages

Book four in Leigh Riker’s Sinclair Cowboys series delivered the same heartfelt charm and emotional depth that made the earlier installments so engaging. Declan and Abby’s slow burn romance unfolded against a backdrop of family tension, personal healing, and the rugged beauty of Montana ranch life. Their connection was steady and believable, shaped by shared wounds and a mutual devotion to Declan’s young daughter, whose scenes added warmth and irresistible sweetness to the story. The author excelled at portraying complex family dynamics, and those interactions remained the highlight, grounding the book in authenticity and heart. Must Have Been Love is a tender, uplifting tale of two damaged souls learning where they belong and discovering love in all its imperfect forms. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - 21st Birthday

21St Birthday

James Patterson 

May 2021 

When young wife and mother Tara Burke goes missing with her baby girl, all eyes are on her husband, Lucas. He paints her not as a missing person but a wayward wife—until a gruesome piece of evidence turns the investigation criminal. 

While Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas pursues the story and M.E. Claire Washburn harbors theories that run counter to the SFPD’s, ADA Yuki Castellano sizes Lucas up as a textbook domestic offender ... who suddenly puts forward an unexpected suspect.

If what Lucas tells law enforcement has even a grain of truth, there isn't a woman in the state of California who's safe from the reach of an unspeakable threat.

Between The Pages 

This latest addition to the Women’s Murder Club series marked a strong return to what originally made this series so compelling. 21st Birthday breaks the pattern of recent, more predictable installments that felt somewhat repetitive. The story delivered a compelling mystery, a tighter plot, and meaningful character development. The investigation offered enough twists to stay engaged without feeling forced, making it an enjoyable and satisfying read from start to finish. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Sworn to Collide

Sworn to Collide 

Maria Imbalzano 

June 2026 

After devoting eleven years of marriage to Ben, her high school sweetheart, and stepping off the corporate ladder to raise their three children, Denise is ready to seize the reins of the career she always dreamed of. But as soon as she commits to step back into the professional world, Ben drops a bombshell that disrupts everything. 

Suddenly, this once rock-solid couple finds themselves in a battle over ambition, identity, and whose turn it is to shine. As personal choices draw them further and further apart, they must confront their widening rift—a threat to the love they thought was unshakeable. 

Can they rediscover the passion they once shared, or will their divergent paths pull them apart for good?

Between The Pages 

Sworn to Collide may be the fourth book in Maria Imbalzano’s Sworn Sisters Series, but it stands confidently on its own. Even without reading the earlier installments, I never felt lost or missing context. The story is driven by its characters, and it’s easy to find yourself rooting for Denise and Ben as their once steady marriage is tested. Denise’s evolution into a strong, independent woman is especially compelling, and the flashbacks to the couple’s early relationship add meaningful depth to their journey. With solid writing, a well structured plot, and an emotionally engaging storyline, this is a satisfying and heartfelt read. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek 

Linda Griffin 

July 2026 

When her fiancé died, Eileen said, “Then I’m free,” words that her younger sister Molly didn’t understand and never forgot. In 1850s Ohio, a girl doesn’t have that many options, and marrying Andrew MacLeith may be the best she can hope for. He promises to cherish her, but they have to live with his parents, and he can’t even protect her from his mother’s sharp tongue. After a quarrel, Molly impulsively joins his gambler brother Hugh on a journey to the Pike’s Peak gold region. Perhaps the romance and freedom she longs for lie elsewhere. Or were they right under her nose all along? 

Between The Pages 

Cherry Creek is an interesting and fast-paced read that follows Molly, a young woman driven by a fierce desire for adventure and independence. Her determination leads her into a life where she quickly discovers how difficult it can be to survive on her own. Yet those same challenges shape her, revealing her inner strength and teaching her hard-earned lessons about resilience and love. The story leans heavily on narrative and would have benefited from more dialogue to deepen character interactions and bring scenes to life. Overall, the plot remains engaging, and the ending delivers a satisfying conclusion with a compelling heroine and a thoughtful exploration of growth, hardship, and second chances. 

Rating 4 Stars

Between The Pages - Abigail Trench

Abigail Trench 

Randy Overbeck 

June 2026 

In occupied New York, a schoolteacher with everything to lose turns information into a weapon, threading between Redcoats and rebels as plots against Washington gather steam. After rogue Redcoats assault her and strip her family's Long Island farm, Abigail Trench fights to survive in New York City—tutoring in a high-ranking British officer's Water Street household by day, navigating taverns, informants, and soldiers by night. Through Abigail's keen eyes—and a counter-narrative following a principled British major—the novel renders the moral gray zones of occupation with gritty intimacy. As rumors swirl of a strike at General Washington, Abigail's vantage inside upper-crust parlors and rough waterfront rooms makes her an ideal courier—and a target.

Between The Pages 

Abigail Trench is a gripping historical novel that immerses readers in the tension and uncertainty of occupied New York. Randy Overbeck crafts a vivid, tightly woven narrative that follows a resilient schoolteacher forced into the shadows of espionage. By day, Abigail tutors within a British officer’s household, and by night, she navigates taverns, informants, and danger with a courage that steadily deepens. Overbeck balances the story with a compelling counter perspective from a principled British major, adding nuance to the moral complexities of war. While some depictions of violence and occupation may feel especially resonant given today’s global conflicts, the novel ultimately centers on strength, compassion, and the quiet heroism of an ordinary woman who chooses to act. With its textured world building, escalating tension, and emotionally grounded heroine, Abigail Trench delivers a high intensity read that highlights both the brutality of war and the bravery found within it. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - The 20th Victim

The 20th Victim

James Patterson 

May 2020 

Three victims, three bullets, three cities. The shooters' aim is as fearsomely precise as their target selection. When Lindsay realizes that the fallen men and women excel in a lucrative criminal activity, she leads the charge in the manhunt for the killers. As the casualty list expands, fear and fascination with this suspicious shooting gallery galvanizes the country. 

The victims were no angels, but are the shooters villains ... or heroes?

Between The Pages 

This installment of the Women’s Murder Club series offers the brisk pacing and high-stakes tension fans expect. The central case is compelling, though some plot elements feel familiar and follow a similar formula with Lindsay and her team once again chasing leads that go nowhere. With so many installments, a bit of repetition is perhaps inevitable. The freshness comes from the parallel storylines of Joe’s investigation and Claire’s personal news, which provide the book with the strongest emotional beats. Overall, an enjoyable read that could benefit from more inventive plotting. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - The 19 Christmas

The 19th Christmas

James Patterson 

October 2019 

The Women's Murder Club gets ready for a quiet Christmas—until a mysterious killer decides to terrorize the city. As the holidays approach, Detective Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Women's Murder Club have much to celebrate. Crime is down. The medical examiner's office is quiet. Even the courts are showing some Christmas spirit. And the news cycle is so slow that journalist Cindy Thomas is on assignment to tell a story about the true meaning of the season for San Francisco. Then a fearsome criminal known only as "Loman" seizes control of the headlines. Solving crimes never happens on schedule, but as this criminal mastermind unleashes credible threats by the hour, the month of December is upended for the Women's Murder Club. Avoiding tragedy is the only holiday miracle they seek. 

Between The Pages 

James Patterson’s The 19th Christmas delivers a brisk, suspense-driven holiday installment in the Women’s Murder Club series, blending festive calm with a rising sense of danger. The story keeps the investigative team juggling multiple leads, many of which frustratingly fail to connect to the looming heist at the heart of the plot. A standout moment is the return of Jacobi, whose presence adds a welcome layer of familiarity and grit. Cindy’s human-interest assignment provides a softer counterbalance. The New Year’s celebration scenes offer a warm reunion of the cast, but it’s the late twist involving Joe that truly elevates the ending. It’s a compelling reveal, one that could easily have carried even more weight had it been explored further. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - The 18th Abduction

The 18th Abduction

James Patterson 

March 2020 

For a trio of colleagues, an innocent night out after class ends in a deadly torture session. They vanish without a clue—until a body turns up. With the safety of San Francisco's entire school system at stake, Lindsay has never been under more pressure. As the chief of police and the press clamor for an arrest in the "school night" case, Lindsay turns to her best friend, investigative journalist Cindy Thomas. Together, Lindsay and Cindy take a new approach to the case, and unexpected facts about the victims leave them stunned. While Lindsay is engrossed in her investigation, her husband Joe meets an Eastern European woman who claims to have seen a notorious war criminal—long presumed dead—from her home country. Before Lindsay can verify the woman's statement, Joe's mystery informant joins the ranks of the missing women. The entire Women's Murder Club must pull together to protect their city and one another from a true monster. 

Between The Pages

The 18th Abduction delivers a gripping, fast-paced mystery with the Women’s Murder Club at its core. Although the story’s placement five years before the previous installment disrupts the series’ continuity and creates a brief sense of disconnection, the dual investigations and high emotional stakes keep the tension sharp. Despite the timeline shift, it remains a compelling page turner. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - The 17th Suspect

The 17th Suspect

James Patterson 

March 2019 

When a series of shootings exposes San Francisco to a mysterious killer, a reluctant woman decides to put her trust in Sergeant Lindsay Boxer. The confidential informant's tip leads Lindsay to a disturbing conclusion: something has gone horribly wrong inside the police department. The hunt for the killer lures Lindsay out of her jurisdiction and impacts her in dangerous ways. She suffers unsettling medical symptoms, and her friends in the Women's Murder Club warn her against taking the crimes to heart. But with lives at stake, the detective can't help but follow the case into terrifying terrain. A decorated officer, loving wife, devoted mother, and loyal friend, Lindsay has always acted with unwavering integrity. But now she is confronting a killer who is determined to undermine it all. 

Between The Pages 

The 17th Suspect offers a solid and engaging entry in the Women’s Murder Club series, even if it unfolds with a quieter intensity than some of its predecessors. The central mystery—rooted in a string of unsettling shootings and a potential breach within the police department—keeps the tension steady, while Lindsay’s troubling health symptoms add a personal layer that deepens the stakes. The story’s emotional core comes from watching Lindsay and Joe begin to reconnect after earlier turmoil, grounding the plot in the relationships that make the series resonate. While not the most pulse pounding installment, it remains a compelling, character-driven chapter that moves Lindsay’s arc forward in meaningful ways. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - 16th Seduction

16th Seduction

James Patterson 

December 2017 

Fifteen months ago, Detective Lindsay Boxer's life was perfect. She had a beautiful child and a doting husband, Joe, who helped her catch a criminal who'd brazenly detonated a bomb in downtown San Francisco, killing twenty-five people. But Joe wasn't everything that Lindsay thought he was, and she's still reeling from his betrayal as a wave of mysterious heart attacks claim victims across San Francisco. As if that weren't enough, the bomber is about to go on trial, and his defense raises damning questions about Lindsay and Joe's investigation. Not knowing whom to trust, and struggling to accept the truth about the man she thought she knew, Lindsay must connect the dots of a deadly conspiracy before a brilliant criminal puts her on trial. 

Between The Pages 

16th Seduction delivers another gripping chapter in Lindsay Boxer’s journey, weaving together a tense bombing investigation with the emotional fallout of her husband’s betrayal. The novel balances a fast-moving plot, complete with a chilling bomber who always seems one step ahead, with Lindsay’s struggle to regain her footing both personally and professionally. The courtroom twists add an extra layer of suspense as past decisions resurface in dangerous ways. Patterson keeps the stakes high while grounding the story in Lindsay’s resilience, making this installment both compelling and emotionally resonant. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Between The Pages - 15th Affair

15th Affair

James Patterson 

November 2016 

Detective Lindsay Boxer chases an elusive suspect...her husband. 

As she settles into motherhood and a happy marriage, Lindsay Boxer thinks she has found domestic bliss. But when a beautiful, alluring blonde woman with links to the CIA disappears from the scene of a brutal murder at a downtown luxury hotel, Lindsay's life begins to unravel. Before she can track down the woman for questioning, a plane crash plunges San Francisco into chaos and Lindsay's husband Joe vanishes. The deeper she digs, the more Lindsay suspects that Joe shares a secret past with the mystery blonde. Thrown into a tailspin and questioning everything she thought she knew, Lindsay turns to the Women's Murder Club for help as she tries to uncover the truth. Filled with pulse-pounding international intrigue, 15th Affair proves that all is fair in love, war, and espionage. 

Between The Pages 

15th Affair delivers a tightly woven mystery that blends high-stakes investigation with deeply personal turmoil for Detective Lindsay Boxer. The central case is layered with espionage, secrets, and a mysterious CIA-linked suspect that keeps the tension sharp, while Lindsay’s fear that her own husband may be entangled adds emotional depth that elevates the story. Patterson balances the fast-paced plot with the strength of the Women’s Murder Club, whose collaboration remains one of the series’ most compelling elements. The result is a gripping, character-driven thriller that satisfies both longtime fans and newcomers. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - Kissing The Texas Ranger

Kissing The Texas Ranger

Cari Lynn Webb 

August 2025 

To solve the case…He'll steal her heart.

Special Ranger Bodie Hopson arrives in Three Springs, Texas, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a bison herd belonging to the strong-willed farmer Sarah Rickelle. Posing as a new ranch hand, Bodie suspects she's an insurance fraudster, but then quickly realizes she's more of an ally than a criminal. As they join forces to track down the thief, their growing attraction makes it difficult to stay professional. But when the case takes a dangerous turn, Bodie faces a life-changing decision: follow his law enforcement career or fight for the woman who’s stolen his heart. 

Between The Pages 

Kissing the Texas Ranger is a strong, engaging start to the A Three Springs, Texas Romance series. The author delivers compelling characters, a smoothly paced storyline, and an intriguing mystery that keeps the pages turning. Bodie and Sarah’s partnership feels authentic. Sarah’s grandmother is an absolute delight, stealing every scene she’s in and bringing a charming touch of humor to the narrative. Fans of the original Three Springs, Texas books will enjoy familiar faces woven into the plot. Overall, this is a fun, enjoyable read with heart, tension, and a satisfying romantic spark. A promising beginning to the series. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Between The Pages - His Surprise Secret Twins

His Surprise Secret Twins 

Anna J. Stewart 

December 2025 

A Hawaiian reunion…Brings him an instant family!

Resort owner Mano Iokepa can surf any wave the wild Pacific sends his way. Staying afloat in his personal life is a bigger challenge. For five years he’s tried to fill the gaping void of his ex-wife’s absence. Now the only woman he ever loved is back, and she has a secret that shocks him to his core. He’s the father of twins! Getting to know his children and reconnecting with Emilia make him long to be the husband and father they need. Can he prove he deserves a second chance to make them his top priority? 

Between The Pages 

His Surprise Secret Twins was a standout addition to the Hawaiian Reunion series, delivering an emotional and deeply satisfying story. From the moment Mano Iokepa stepped into the spotlight, Stewart rewarded readers who had been eagerly awaiting his journey. The cover alone set the tone by featuring adorable twins, hinting at the heartwarming and emotional depth within the pages that truly captivated. Stewart wove a tale that tugged at the heartstrings, and more than one tear will fall as Mano confronts the revelation that he is a father and navigates the complexities of reconnecting with the only woman he’s ever loved. Mano also proves to be one of the most compelling heroes within the series. His vulnerability, strength, and unwavering devotion make his character especially rewarding. The writing flowed effortlessly, drawing the reader in from the first chapter. Fans of the series will appreciate revisiting the familiar ensemble cast, but it’s Mano and his delightful twins who truly steal the show. His Surprise Secret Twins is not only a highlight of the Hawaiian Reunion series, but it was the perfect book to kick off a new year of reading, and one that will be hard to top. 

Rating: 5 Stars