Between The Pages - Cruel Lessons

Cruel Lessons 

Randy Overbeck 

October 2023 

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption? 

Between The Pages 

This mystery story had a steady flow from start to finish. After the tragic death of four young boys, the story highlighted a suspenseful who-done-it and intensified when an innocent character was arrested. You’ll be glued to the story as the author drops clues to solve the mystery but keeps you guessing until the end where all the twists unravel. There were several points of view, and most were pivotal to the story. Ken, who is the main character and led the investigation, is a married man and set on making his marriage work, so it was surprising to read a friendship turned into something much deeper. More hints could have been revealed to show his conflicted heart. Overall, this mystery was an engaging read. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Parallel Secrets

Parallel Secrets 

ML Barrs 

September 2023 

After a young girl goes missing, former TV crime reporter Vicky Robeson joins the search with the help of her attractive new love interest. They take his RV to a tiny town in rural Missouri that's filled with odd characters and darker secrets. 

But Vicky has secrets of her own. She believes this kidnapped girl may be linked to a case she reported on nine years ago, when a mystery child was found walking on levee, bloody and unable to speak. Back then, Vicky failed to follow up clues only she knew. Now, she has a chance to redeem herself.

As she uncovers secrets, it becomes clear someone will kill to keep them hidden. 

Between The Pages 

A great mystery, suspense story filled with tension, action, emotion, and twists and turns. The character development is well done for the cast as well as the lead, Vicky, who holds the spotlight on her own. You’ll want to keep reading to find out what happens next as the clues build and Vicky’s life is threatened. The plot is intense, and the ending leaves the reader believing there will be a sequel to answer questions about the future of some characters. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Island Heat

Island Heat 

Debby Grahl 

May 2023 

When bookstore owner Suzanna Shay and writer Austen Kincade meet on a Who Done It mystery cruise, their instant attraction has them more interested in romance than searching for clues. But when the leading actress in the shipboard murder skit, Austen’s publisher’s wife, throws herself at Austen, she’s furious when he rejects her advances and vows to have Austen no matter what it takes. 

After the ship docks, with plans for a future together, Suzanna and Austen part, unaware vindictive lies will soon test their newfound love and entangle them in a real mystery that proves deadly. 

Between The Pages 

This romantic suspense had a good mystery edge. A cruise containing a murder play similar to the game Clue traveled from the ocean and onto land. The main characters had an immediate physical attraction and spent more time in their room than collecting clues. Their romance off-ship had a surprising twist, but a publishing event brought them together again. The plot and cast are both well-developed. The storyline leading up to the murder was interesting and the who-done-it kept you guessing. There are a few different points of view in the story and while they give more insight to the story, in many spots a voice will change quite suddenly without a scene break. The ending wrapped up nicely with Suzanna and Austen meeting each other’s families. However, Suzanna’s rocky relationship with her mother was left hanging even though it was mentioned often throughout the story. This was an enjoyable weekend read. 

Rating 

4 Stars

Between The Pages - Back in Time with Jelly Beans

Back in Time with Jelly Beans 

Michelle Godard-Richer 

June 2023 

Fueled by curiosity, and her dream of becoming a big-time journalist, Bella Thomas digs deep into the history of her small town. Mayflower thrived until the local Jelly Bean factory burned to the ground in 1927, killing handsome founder, Henry Hinchcliffe, and devastating the economy. 

In a twist of fate, instead of Bella finding the past, she's snatched out of the present and transported to the factory a year before the fire. There she is rescued by the sweet and swoon-worthy Henry. 

Bella can’t stop herself from falling for him even though he’s destined to marry another and suffer a tragic fate. Without any regard for her own happiness, Bella is determined to prevent the fire and save Henry. Even if he can never be hers. 

Between The Pages 

This time travel story was well crafted with an interesting plot and characters. The storyline contains a good tale of intrigue. How will Bella return home, can she save Henry, and who is the mysterious woman in the photo? Bella and Henry are a sweet and fun couple. The historical setting was written with good visuals. This author has a talented voice for weaving a light mystery into romance. There is a surprising twist at the end, hinting at the possibility of another book, which I look forward to reading. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder

Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder 

Brenda Whiteside and Joyce Proell 

March 2023 

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder. 

Recently widowed, Emma Banefield looks forward to a getaway birthday weekend with her free-wheeling sister, Nicole Earp, sipping chocolate martinis at the peaceful, historic Dulce Inn. When a rude stranger, a nasty food critic, and a madhouse of temperamental artists greet them, all hope for a tranquil weekend evaporates faster than dew on a hot desert morning. 

Overlooking the riotous atmosphere is doubly hard after Em discovers the body of a hotel guest, and a second murder affects Nic personally. Now, entrenched in a caper that pits them against a surly detective, they cozy up to a hotel staff hiding dangerous secrets to uncover clues to the killer. 

Using their smarts and love of all-things mystery, will the Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime ahead of the obstinate chief detective or find themselves trapped in the middle of a third murder? 

Between The Pages 

This is the first book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries and was an enjoyable read. The lead characters are two sisters looking for a relaxing birthday getaway. The authors share a little background information on Emma and Nic, but the focus is on solving two murders and a poisoning. The story is fast-paced with no sagging parts, so it can be read in a day. There is a large secondary cast, but the authors did such a good job with character development that you know who everyone is. The who-done-it aspect is well-written and keeps you guessing and changing your mind each time the sisters discover another clue. This book would fit perfectly in Hallmark's cozy mysteries line-up. 

Rating 

4.5 Stars

Between The Pages - Security Force of Two

Security Force of Two 

Tena Stetler 

March 2023 

Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and mystical family secrets he wants to leave behind for good. 

Candle Bearclaw, is a gifted computer analyst/programmer with psychic talents she buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position and returns to her sleepy hometown to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.

Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, the former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, their secrets risk being revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open. 

Between The Pages 

This paranormal romance contained a good mystery. The premise and cast were interesting with a few twists and turns, and Candle’s and Miacoh’s relationship in the lead. There’s even an adorable Chow pup named Terrabyte who steals the scenes. The investigation of two murders moves the story at a steady pace. Because this author writes compelling stories weaving paranormal elements, I was a bit disappointed the werewolf and shifter elements weren’t more prominent. But overall, this book was an enjoyable read, and I hope Miacoh’s friend, Cayson, gets a story of his own.

Rating

4 Stars

Between The Pages - The Deep Well of Love and Murder

The Deep Well of Love and Murder 

renda Whiteside 

May 2023 

A vengeful ex-husband and bloody fight for land threaten a love-struck couple’s happiness. 

After an abusive childhood and bad marriage, Laura Katz has finally found a home, stability…and possibly love. But her blissful refuge as nanny on the Meadowlark Ranch, miles from Flagstaff, shatters when her ex is released from prison, determined to reclaim her. 

Randy Silva, the Argentine foreman, has plans for his own ranch, but a brutal land grab is underway. As the battle escalates, Laura steals his heart, but there are outsiders who stand in their way. He’s in a vicious battle for his land—and the woman he wants by his side. 

Stakes are high, as the attacks on Randy and his ranch draw blood. While the vengeful ex-husband stalks Laura, a mob-backed land developer teams with a desperate gambler. Uncertain where the next attack will come from—will their love be caught in the crossfire. 

Between the Pages 

This mystery suspense is an edge-of-your-seat read. The plot is masterfully written, drawing you into an interesting storyline. With multiple villains, you’ll be constantly guessing who the bad guy is. The story moves along at a steady pace but keeps your attention the whole time. The relationship between Randy and Laura is complicated, yet Randy holds steadfast to wanting a future with Laura. His determination has you rooting for their happy ending. There are a couple of spots where the POV switches abruptly and two scenes that turn a bit dark for a romance. But overall, the action and suspense are the highlights, making this a great read. 

Rating 4 Stars

Between The Pages - Saddled Hearts

Saddled Hearts 

Jan Sikes 

October 2022 

Colt Layne owns the Layne Horse Sanctuary. He lives an idyllic life, between caring for the animals and playing music with his band. That is until a stranger appears with unreasonable demands. When someone murders the man, Colt is arrested. He's been framed, but by whom and why? He needs to talk with his deceased grandfather. But that's impossible. Or is it? Sage Coventry is gifted with the ability to communicate with the deceased. Skeptical but desperate, when Colt consults with her, he gets more than messages from beyond the grave as she breezes into his heart with sweet patchouli fragrance and tempting lips he longs to kiss. The race against time to clear his name and save the ranch launches them on a mission that brings shocking revelations.

Between The Pages 

What a wild story! This book was a great read from start to finish. The author drops the reader smack-dab into the picturesque setting of a horse ranch where you visualize the horses grazing in the fields. The hero, Colt, instantly captivates your attention as he cares for and ‘speaks’ to the rescued horses he rehabilitates in his sanctuary. Sage is a wonderful addition, and their chemistry sparks. Her mystical gift was interesting and fun to read. The plot is filled with twists and turns of drama and mystery, and each chapter ends on a dangling hook. The author pulls you deeper into the story each time the villain strikes another blow. This story has the perfect balance of romance, friendship, action, and riveting suspense. What a great ending to the White Rune series, which I highly recommend. 

Rating

5 Stars