Who Needs Justice By: Rex Bolt

I really enjoyed this one! Chris Seely is a fascinating anti-hero. His circumstances are worthy of the reader's sympathy, what he intends to do, not so much-no matter how understandable. What follows is a twist filled ride through a man's psyche and will raise many questions for the reader to ponder regarding circumstances in our own lives. Engaging, well written and absolutely fascinating!

Loved by the Alpha Leader By: Anastasia Chase

Unfortunately, nothing special in this one.  I know it's a prequel-short story, but not much happens, and what does happen is totally predictable.  It's well written, but no real oomph.

The Donut Shop Murder By: Suzanne Jenkins

A lot of action and investigation is packed into this novella.  A seemingly clairvoyant Greek detective and her gay Asian partner investigate the death of a young lady found on the street in Detroit. An ingenious set of detectives run through the evidence and false leads to a satisfying conclusion.  If this novella is any indication, the Greektown Stories must be a brilliant series!

She's Gone By: Lorena May

A tight, taut thriller this was a big surprise in a small package. Shorts and thrillers don't often work well, but this one did. Bite your nails curiosity abounds in the neat thriller of what happened to Shea's baby!

Playing to the Gods: Sarah Bernhardt, Eleanora Duse, and the Rivalry that Changed Acting Forver By: Peter Rader

A fascinating look at Bernhardt (Queen of the Indicators) and Duse (Queen of the Actors) and how their two different acting styles ignited their profession and the world.  While not a full biography of either amazing woman, this is an in depth look at their personalities (public and private), and their acting styles.  The affect these two titans had on the profession is incalculable.

Yule Log Murder By: Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis & Barbara Ross (expected publish date: 10/30/18)

Due out in October, this trio of Maine set mysteries  are perfect for a chilly night.  Curl up with a cup of your favorite cocoa and snuggle in for the evening, for this holiday treat.  Meier's story bring a touch of Hollywood and murder to Maine; Hollis' story decorates family drama with murder; and Ross' (my favorite) story combines baking with murder (or does it?).  Three great writers, three great stories.  A perfect holiday treat!

Steamed Open By: Barbara Ross (expected publish date: 12/18/18)

Due out in December of 2018, this 7th installment of the Maine Clambake Mystery series is a winner!  Julia and the whole Snowden clan are at it again, serving up delicious clam bakes on Morrow Island, while dealing with closed beaches, potential shortage of steamers, lighthouse obsessives, oh, yeah and there's a body.  Barbara Ross writes so beautifully of the Main locales that the reader is immediately transported to the world of the book.  The denizens in her story are so real, and written with such pathos that reading this series is truly like visiting old friends. There's life, love, laughter, delicious food and a mystery to solve-what more could one want!

Our Dried Voices By: Greg Hickey

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.  Told simply and in an easy style the story of Samuel's intellectual awakening is poetically moving.  Set on the Planet Pearl (think of it as Earth Jr.) after Earth itself became over populated (among it's many other issues): Our Dried Voices follows Samuel on his journey of exploration and enlightenment from The Colony to the world at large.  This story calls to mind Huxley and Wells' work, is frightening, exhilarating, and ultimately hopeful.

The Weight of Ink By: Rachel Kadish

An exquisite, breath taking novel.  A stunning trip through London during the 17th and 21st centuries, following the lives of two extraordinary women.  One a woman way a head of her time, the other following her through the tunnels of time.  I wanted to savor this read, as well as rush through it to get to it's heart wrenching and heartfelt ending.  Simply amazing!

Anne Perry presents Malice Domestic 6: An Anthology of Original Traditional Mystery Stories

I can't believe I've never read any of the Malice Domestic series before!  A great set of mystery shorts, with some wonderful gems-particularly the entries by Kerry Greenwood, Simon Brett and Peter Robinson.

Trust Me By: Hank Phillippi Ryan

Oh my word-my doctor would have hated how elevated my blood pressure became while reading this!  Twist after twist after twist will keep you guessing, will anger you, will cause spontaneous cursing and the ending will being a little tear to your eye. Trust me -  you're going to love this stand alone thriller by the extraordinary Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Hollywood Plays For Keeps By: Dale E. Manolakas

I have to say I was disappointed with this one.  Despite the tag line on the title, this is not a cozy.  I couldn't tell what it was exactly.  It was mostly a backstage drama, with a hint of murder mystery, and a hint of a writer's story.  The main character, Veronica, did and said things that were simply not believable under the circumstances; the mystery was easily figured out from the get go; and their were continuity issues in the writing itself.  Did I hate it...no-clearly not, I read the whole thing.  Was it great, no...just an ok book that was a bit all over the place and couldn't quite figure out what it wanted to be.