Police investigation

Nikki Boyd Files Book #2

July 4, 2016 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

While I realize I could never be a police investigator or detective, I am fascinated by the process. Romantic Suspense books with strong female law enforcement officials are usually an engaging and fast read for me. Lisa Harris’s Nikki Boyd series has become a fast favorite.

Missing (book 2 in The Nikki Boyd Files) find Nikki and her crew at the scene of a double homicide. They’ve been called in because two people are missing and as Nikki, Jack, and Gwen are well-aware, the first 48 hours are crucial in any missing persons investigation. And, I have to admit, I love that this book is set in Nashville (my city)

But Nikki is also human, dealing with her growing feelings for her best friend’s widow, a brother who has a knack for getting in trouble, and her own guilt over the disappearance of her younger sister over a decade ago, this woman is someone I feel compassion toward. And someone I’m cheering to find her happy endings—in both love and in closure for her sister.

If you read Vendetta, you will enjoy reconnecting with Nikki, Jack, Gwen, Tyler, and Liam. But if you missed the first book and want to jump right into the second (available everywhere July 5), Harris doesn’t leave her readers feeling like they’re jumping in during the middle of the story. You get just enough background to know what happened in the first book without feeling like you are re-reading the entire book again. Although, I’m sure after reading Missing, you’ll be hooked and want to read book one. I’m already ready for book three (due out Spring 2017).

***Lisa Harris and Bethany House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of Missing in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

How to Solve a Murder

August 23, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

The other day, someone on Facebook posted this picture:

This actually happens to me more often than I’d like to admit. I’m a bookworm and get immersed in a good book. The latest culprit? Janice Cantore’s first book in the Cold Case Justice series.

Homicide detective Abby Hart has a reputation of being professional and efficient. When she’s the lead on a crime, she will find the guilty party and bing him to justice. But Abby’s biggest case, the one she wants to solve more than anyting, is a twenty-seven-year-old cold case. One that took place when Abby was six: The murder of her mom and dad.

When a local glory-hound PI witnessess someone leaving the scene of a murder Abby has received the call-out for, she is forced to speak with him. Through subsequent conversation, she learns Luke Murphy also has a connection to the Triple Seven case involving her parents.

As the two share information and put their heads together, several dots connect and Abby believes there just might be enough to re-open the case for investigation to search for new evidence…if it’s out there.

Throughout Drawing Fire, I felt like I was working the investigations right along with Abby (questioning how the pieces fit together and that sense of accomplishment and relief when crimes were solved. Cantore’s twenty-plus years of experience on the policy force shines through her writing.

And the connection Abby and Luke are both fighting whenever they’re together is palpable.

But, I will warn you, this book ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger (or two). There are questions left unanswered. While a great way to get readers to come back for the next book in the series, it’s somewhat of a let down to know it will be another year before I’ll be with these characters again.

If you’re one of those people who refuses to read a series until it’s complete, definitely write this on down on your future TBR list. If you’re like me and enjoy a good book in your hands as soon as it’s available, pick this one up today.

Available at your local bookstore or Amazon today.

******Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks

August 11, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is shocked when she finds her dog playing with a skull. One that is obviously human. After calling the police, she follows the dog to the location he found the skull. Once at in the area, Gwen finds a young girl who looks like her own daughter barely alive in an abandoned cabin. As she works with the police to figure out what is going on and they discover more bodies, they know they are now searching for a serial killer. At first, the only link between the dead girls is their resemblance to Gwen’s daughter.

With a little digging, Gwen is able to link the murders to a race-hating group, one that does not tolerate people inferior to them or people who betrayed them. People like Gwen whose drawings of potential bombing suspects led to two deaths and an arrest of member of the neo-Nazi group. Someone has a grudge and they want Gwen to pay.

Fast paced and intriguing, this book held my interest from page one. While a little vulnerable from past sickness and experiences, Gwen is whip-smart and likable. She’s a good mother and friend even though she’s struggling to make a living for herself and her daughter. The book kept me guessing as to who the killer was. I waffled between three and four suspects until he was revealed near the end of the book, which is a feat in itself as so often you know who is behind everything right away. The action sequences in the book, especially the one near the end, kept me on the edge of my seat.

The Bones Will Speak is the second Gwen Marcey novel by Carrie Stuart Park. While it was the first one I read, it definitely will not be the last one. Parks’ experience with police investigations and procedures is evident in the details of her story. Fans of Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson, and Brandilyn Collins will enjoy the Gwen Marcey series.

***Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.