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 - 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