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Authors: J.A. Johnson, K.G. McAbee
Title - Nereus I, Attack From the Depths
(The Nereus Project, Book 1)

Gwen Erickson was forced to abandon her pursuit of a degree in Marine Biology after two years due to the deaths of her parents. A friend convinced her to use her knowledge of the ocean to create a video blog. She was gaining followers, but not enough to pay her bills. When she is offered a job for Lando Industries, Gwen knows her luck may have changed for the better.

It seems that Orlando Reyes is one of her followers. He hires Gwen to be impartial and to report about his new project. Lando has almost finished building an underwater habitat near the Congo Submarine Canyon. (West Africa.) It is to be a cutting-edge facility for exploration and eco-tourism in the East Atlantic, called Nereus. Only a small crew resides there for now. Upon arriving, Gwen meets the crew. As she begins watching and recording their activities, things quickly begin to spiral out of control.

An isopod has seven pairs of legs, four jaws, and looks like a pink roly-poly bug. They are carnivores. Unknown to those within Nereus, enormous isopods dwell nearby and plan to upgrade their diets to include humans.


***** FIVE STARS! My synopsis does not do the story justice. If I were to describe everything going on and the variety of characters, it would have swelled to four or five times in length. Suffice it to say that all the main characters are well developed, and the story is basically a blending of thriller, horror, and science fiction. There is action, suspense, betrayal, and even a small blooming romance. I was so engrossed that I read the entire novel in a single afternoon. I simply could not put it down. (This would be a wonderful movie!) There is even a bad guy that you will love to hate with her own small army of servants. (Think of highly trained, military-like, bodyguards.)

The writing styles of these two authors blend seamlessly. I could not tell any breaks. It all flowed together smoothly. This is the first of two parts and stops in a perfect spot. No real cliffhanger ending, but one string is left untied for the next story, which I am eager to begin tomorrow! *****

Authors: J.A. Johnson & K.G. McAbee
Title - Nereus II: Blood Currents
(The Nereus Project, Book 2)

Gwen Ericken and Carter Straub never thought that they would agree to work with Lando Reyes again. However, when the best hacker in the Southern Hemisphere, Spider, managed to decipher a message that Dr. Baako Abara had left for Gwen, they knew that there was no choice. That did not mean that they would trust Lando's claims of Nereus II only being for aquaculture. Lando says that the Amazon's underwater habitat is mainly scientific research of the ocean and farming of its resources.

Gwen and Carter are only in the new habitat a short time before they meet up with Spider, who has managed to get himself hired by Lando as well. (Director of Systems and Operations Integration.) It is up to Spider to find the secret mainframe that Baako said they must hack into.

Things worsen when the crew begins getting attacked and killed by giant mutated fish. The hybrids are a mix of anglerfish and red-bellied piranha. Not only are they huge, but they seem to communicate with each other by light. When a tracker is found on one, Lando still claims he is innocent. Spider begins to multitask. He plans to find that mainframe, as well as track down whoever is tracking the giant fish. Meanwhile, Gwen and Carter are trying to locate the nest of these new mutant fish before their eggs hatch.


***** FIVE STARS! Another winner by authors Johnson and McAbee. As with the previous story in this series, this one ends with a string left dangling; however, there is also a special event that leads to a minor cliffhanger. (It did not feel major enough to irritate me though.)

This series was supposed to be only two, possibly three, titles long; however, fans seem to want more. Rumor has it that fans may get that wish.

From the beginning until the very end this story runs at a brisk pace. There is very little time to catch your breath after one disaster before another ensues. Therefore, readers will never find themselves getting bored. The cast is filled with old characters from the previous story, as well as new ones. I enjoyed the character of Spider very much and hope to see him in the future.

If you are looking for excitement, non-stop action, and a story that will long linger in your mind, you will find none better than this one. *****

Authors: J.A. Johnson, K.G. McAbee
Title - Nereus III: Dark Abyss (Nereus Project #3)

Gwen Erickson still has nightmares about her time in Nereus I and Nereus II. However, it pales in comparison to her newborn daughter, Pania, being kidnapped from the hospital. Gwen and her husband, Carter Straub, refuse to stop searching for their little girl.

Two years have passed since Dr. Priscilla "Priss" Evans stole Pania away. Lando, the hacker known as Spider, and a few others search for Nereus III, where they believe Priss took Pania. The main problem is locating the underwater habitat. Unlike the previous two, this Nereus is not a stationary facility. It is a cross between a deep-sea station and a submarine. It could be near the Amazon one day and elsewhere the next. The clue to locating the elusive habitat was somewhere within the mangled, imploded wreckage of the Nereus I. A trip back into the place where the nightmare began is the first stop. Though they believe all the mutated monsters are dead, there was no way to be certain, so caution is certainly advised.

Aboard Nereus III, Priss works with a new boss. This one unnerves even her. Something about Dr. Morten Demere feels wrong. Even his assistant seems odd. But her main concern is the three live "projects" on board. Her favorite is the two-year-old girl called Upsie who has a close affinity to cephalopods. Priss has no real control on what is going on and there is more to Dr. Demere than she could possibly imagine.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! Fans of the series are thrilled about this new addition but be warned that this time it ends with a MAJOR cliffhanger, and you will have to wait for the next installment to see what happens. If you do not care for such stories, you may want to hold on to this episode and not begin reading until the next is released. This series must be read in order, or you may find yourself adrift a few times; however, in my opinion, the entire series has been fantastic, and I doubt you will be disappointed in your purchases. These are not stand-alone tales.

The authors give readers a surprise or two toward the ending that escalates the tensions already brewing. It will be very interesting to see what these two devious authors have in store for the characters that I have grown rather fond of. As for the new character of Pania, my interest is already peaked. Just how much of an affinity does the little girl have with cephalopods? Only time will tell. This is an incredible series that I cannot recommend highly enough. *****

Authors: J.A. Johnson, K.G. McAbee
Title - Nereus IV: The Ocean Within

Gwen Ericken and Carter Straub have finally located their missing daughter, Pania, on Nereus III, a mobile underwater habitat. Now they need to find a way off of the deep-sea station. But this is easier said than done. It seems that Dr. Stasya Gorodina (from Nereus I) and her henchmen/bodyguards are back and Gorodina can no longer be called human.

The station has become a labyrinth. All the areas are littered with mutants that bar their way. Luckily, Pania is not a normal little girl. She has a close affinity to cephalopods, especially one in particular that never leaves her side. As the group fights their way through the maze of corridors Gwen and Carter learn more and more about Pania's abilities. All the while Gorodina and her black clad specters are right on their heels.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! All the wonderful, well developed, characters from the previous title return for more heart pounding action. A couple of new characters join this epic tale and not all of the previous characters will survive. These authors are keeping readers guessing. At one point while reading I suddenly became dizzy. Turned out that I had been holding my breath. Yes, I actually forgot to breathe. (I still cannot believe it.)

Trying not to give spoilers here, but Spider may have met his match this go round. Lots of potential there for the writing duo. (Not to mention with Lando and a certain doctor.)

Fans will be happy to know that the story does not end with a major cliffhanger; however, obvious loose strings dangle so Johnson and McAbee could pen at least one more installment. I can only hope that they do. *****

Author: Mike Brogan
Title - Capitol Murder

Madison Parker's advertising agency just won the large USMed Healthcare account. If congress passes the bill, USMed will bring total healthcare coverage to ALL Americans.

Very powerful people tend to lose millions, if not billions, every year should the bill pass. Thousands of individual managed healthcare plans would shrink because they would not be able to charge outrageous prices for health coverage. Everyone would be able to have insurance - and at little to no cost. These powerful people begin murdering congress members who are pro-USMed. Tox reports say that they die by Nervochok, a deadly agent, but no one can figure out how the agent is delivered.

Ellie Nelson is Madison's best friend. When Ellie's father is one of the congressmen murdered, she is offered the interim Senate seat her father held. She accepts. The next day she is kidnapped. Madison, the FBI, and the DC Police begin a massive search. Using her wits (and a bit of luck) Ellie escapes and is assigned an FBI bodyguard, Gabriel Allen.

As the voting begins in Congress, the Guardian and his people have the votes to kill the USMed bill - but needs Ellie's vote to assure his victory. If he cannot find a way to make her vote against the bill, he will simply eliminate her. He has found a way to murder her even in the Senate chamber. Ellie has no idea that she is carrying the weapon in her purse that would kill her.


***** FOUR & A HALF STARS! As usual, Mike Brogan has written a thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. Any time real life interferred with my reading I had to keep myself from growling. (Mutter, mutter, mutter. Grumble, grumble, grumble.) Other than some punctuation errors and one spot where a name changed, I could find no flaw. This is one novel that I intend to read again in the future.

The author tackles American healthcare costs, a place few dare to delve into. It is also one of the most controversial topics that needs to be addressed. Brogan bluntly explains why so many Americans cannot afford even minor healthcare today. I dearly wish something akin to USMed would come to pass.

This story has it all. It overflows with suspense and betrayal, yet also has a bit of romance for Ellie. This is one outstanding read! *****

Author: Wendy Corsi Staub
Title – Dead Silence

This story is about Amelia, an investigative genealogist, the Angler, and Barnes, a missing persons investigator for NYPD. Amelia helps people, especially those abandoned as babies, find their families and their roots. The Angler is a Canadian who comes into the US for his own dark purposes. Barnes is an investigator for NYPD, focusing on those who are missing, some intentionally. When a small child is found near the US/Canadian border, their stories begin to intertwine as the race is on to find his parents before he is found by evil bent on destroying the boy and those sheltering him.


**** FOUR STARS! This book kept me interested all the way through, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. This author gave just enough resolution and revelation without giving away the whole story. Every time I thought I had figured out the whole story, there was another plausible string unraveled that had me thinking again. At the end, some things are resolved while this reader was thinking "but what about...?" and happy to see another book will answer some of those. ****

Author: Ditter Kellen
Title - The Boy in the Window

Jessica and Owen Nobles lost their seven-year-old son, Jacob, three years ago. Jessica is unable to get past her grief. Thinking a change in scenery may help her, Owen moves them to Florida. The little town of Sparkleberry Hills is quiet, yet the new neighborhood is anything but. First, there is Marge, the nosy neighbor. Second is Eustice, who beats his wife. Third is Dale, the drunk who plays with knives.

Jessica begins seeing a seven-year-old boy in the window of an abandoned house. But every time Jessica tries to speak with the boy, he disappears. Researching online, Jessica learns the boy is Terry Dalton, who disappeared from the house thirteen years ago. Bodies begin falling around her and Jessica is a suspect in at least one of them. She is being set up for some unknown reason … and she cannot even rely on her husband for help, because even he believes Jessica may be crazy.


***** FIVE STARS! This is an exciting and chilling novel that I could not help but read in a single, rainy evening. The story gave me a wonderful excuse to skip doing chores as I could not put the blasted thing down. (Just one more chapter…) The main characters have well developed backgrounds and subtle paranormal element within the story made it a bit spooky. Owen had reason to worry about his wife’s sanity, but Jessica had every right to be disappointed in him. What does that mean? It means that the author did a terrific job of showing both sides of the rocky marriage. Highly recommended. *****

Author: Alison Gaylin
Title - Never Look Back (July 2, 2019)

True-crime podcast producer Quentin Garrison is doing research for his next podcast which hits close to home for him. No, it actually does hit home. It is about a series of murders in the 1970s committed by teen couple April Cooper and Gabriel LeRoy. Quentin has a relative who was one of the victims. Therefore, the podcast would be called “Closure”. Quentin contacts a website columnist named Robin Diamond because he has reason to believe Robin’s own mother may be intimately connected with the killings. Of course, Robin thinks the idea is crazy, until a deadly home invasion destroys everything Robin once believed.


***** FIVE STARS! The story is told through the eyes of Quentin, Robin, or a series of letters written by fifteen-year-old April Cooper at the time of the killings. Each chapter begins with either the name of who it is following or a letter from April. (Later in the book, there is a chapter that follows Roy and several following Summer.) This is the type of book in which you need to pay attention. Little things read at first turn out to be big things later on. A haunting and compelling read that I simply could not put down. (I read the entire novel in one afternoon.) This author has made a fan out of me. I eagerly look forward to her next thriller. *****

Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Title - The Curse of Misty Wayfair

Set in 1908, Thea Reed is searching for her mother. The search has taken her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin. To earn her way, Thea is a traveling photographer who (often) goes door-to-door offering her services. Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access to a mental asylum, where she assists the groundskeeper, Simeon Coyle, in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. But Thea ends up waking the ghost (legend) of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

Set in Present Day, Heidi Lane has received a troubling letter from her mother, who battles dementia. It has Heidi traveling to Pleasant Valley. There, her siblings not only care for the mother, but also run a lake resort. Heidi finds a photo album in an antique shop with a picture of someone who could be her twin. Now Heidi has questions! When Heidi catches sight of a ghostly woman (outsider her window) who supposedly haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, Heidi fears for her life.


**** FOUR STARS! The story hops between Thea in 1908 and Heidi in the present. Normally, I avoid stories that jump around like this, but this novel has a old-timey Gothic feel to it. (I miss the Gothic Romances of old.) Holding my breath and hoping for a miracle, I purchased this book. I am happy that I did so. The time hopping did not bother me at all. In fact, for a long while, I felt as if I were reading two Gothic books at once. Then the author merged them. Very well done. ****

Author: K.A. Lugo
Title - Slaughtered (Jack Slaughter #1)

Three years ago, Homicide Detective Jack Slaughter came home to find his little girl, Zoë, killed and his wife, Leah, missing. Unable to move on, Jack turned in his badge, closed up the house, moved across San Francisco and became a private investigator to fund his own investigation into what happened. Since that horrific night, Jack has been receiving text messages from an unknown number every three months telling him where he can find his missing wife. There is a body at each location, but none of them is Leah.

When Carl Boyd asks him to search for his missing wife, Jack agrees because the details of her disappearance match Leah’s. Perhaps by find Bonnie Boyd he will find Leah. While following leads, Jack learns that the city has had a serial killer for the past three years, a fact his ex-partner and best friend, Ray Navarro, never mentioned. The killer has been dubbed The Butcher. Could Bonnie or Leah (or both) been victims of the killer?


**** FOUR STARS! There are some other things happening that I do not mention because they only add a bit of tense undertone to the story – such as Ray’s new partner who makes it plain that he does not like Jack. (The feeling is returned whole-heartedly.) The main characters are well developed. There are only a few secondary characters, but they are so well described that I feel as though I know them as well as Jack does. I found some parts of the story to be predictable, however, there was a time or two that I was blindsided. The author kept me on my toes as I followed Jack’s every lead, wondering if I could figure it out before he does. In the end, the case is solved, but I am left with the urge to jump into the next Slaughter story immediately. (Which, of course, I cannot do since it is nowhere near the publishing date. Grrrr!) Yet from experience, I know that any author that leaves me wanting more is one that I want to keep an eye on in the future. Lugo is a new voice to the Thriller genre, and I predict this voice will grow louder with time. ****

Author: Cynthia Eden
Title - Taken (LOST #5)

After surviving several torturous days at the hands of the infamous Death Angel, Bailey Jones finds herself unable to move on with her life. No one believes Bailey saw and helped another woman escape her torturer on that last painful night. Bailey turns to LOST (Last Option Search Team) for help in locating the missing woman. LOST assigns Asher Young, a former SEAL, to the case.

Asher cannot afford to let his growing feelings for Bailey distract him. That could very well end in tragedy, especially since it seems as though the Death Angel is not dead after all. Is the killer stalking Bailey again? Is it a copycat? All Asher knows for certain is that there is no way he will allow the killer a second chance at torturing Bailey to death.


***** FIVE STARS! Even if you have not read the previous titles in this series, you will fully understand and enjoy this exciting story. It stands alone. I was ensnared from the very first sentence. The action and suspense is as tantalizing as the hot chemistry between the two main characters. Asher’s past is as horrific as Bailey’s and this adds more depth to both characters.

Cynthia Eden has written a breathtaking and suspenseful story that will long remain in the minds of her readers. There is no doubt in my mind that Eden is a master at her craft. *****

Author: C.J. Kyle
Title - Silent Night

Police Chief Tucker Ambrose had once been a cop in Chicago and his gut is telling him that the blood pattern found is no joke. This is unusual since Christmas, Tennessee, has a very low crime rate. Now there is blood with no body, a missing teenager, and a body found in the woods with religious items. Most clues are probably buried under snow and law enforcement have little to go on. If that is not enough to frustrate Tucker, there is also a lovely lady, Miranda, in the area who Tucker believes is either not telling all she knows, is lying, or is simply crazy.

Miranda Harley has been tracking this serial killer. Problem is, no one will believe her; not even the handsome cop. But when Miranda becomes catches the killer’s eye, Tucker must not let doubt cloud his judgment as he races to stop the twisted killer.


**** FOUR STARS! For those in law enforcement, a bloody, bodiless crime scene is one of the most frustrating events. This author takes that frustration to a whole new level by adding a heavy snowfall to obscure the much needed details. Then the author must have thought to herself, “Heck, let’s really make Tucker’s job miserable by having everything happen during the holiday season!” Yeah, this author has a wicked streak and I enjoyed every moment of it.

The author lets a romance develop between the two main characters, but keeps most of the story’s focus where it belongs – on the mystery. The reader will sometimes see events happen through the killer’s eyes, so be prepared in advance if you are squeamish.

Kyle has created a twisted path upon which readers will enjoy a terrific mystery, a bit of romance, well developed characters, and be left begging for more. ****

Author: Jamie Freveletti
Title - Robert Ludlum’s ™ The Geneva Strategy
(A Covert-One Novel)

Lieutenant Colonel Jon Smith, MD, was minding his own business when he was attacked by three men and a deadly flying drone. Jon managed to escape but later learned that his attack was only a taste of what was to come.

On one evening in Washington, DC, several high-ranking members of the government disappear in a mass kidnapping. Jon Smith and the Covert-One team begin a worldwide search and rescue mission. As some of the first kidnapping victims are rescued, they show signs of brainwashing or mind-altering drugs. They are similar to other odd events happening. For example, Major Kimball Canelo’s entire troop walked off a cliff on their own and despite Canelo’s many attempts to stop them.

Smith learns that one of those kidnapped is a computer software coding expert in charge of drone programming and strategy. His name is Nick Rendel. He is the victim with the most dangerous knowledge, including confidential passwords and codes that are used to program the drones. Should the kidnappers learn what they need, they could reprogram the drones to strike targets within the United States.


***** FIVE STARS! Those who have not read any of the Covert-One novels will not find themselves lost of confused as they read this fantastic story. The main character, Jon Smith, is not only rescuing the kidnapped people, but also investigating the mind-altering drug. (He is a microbiologist stationed at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases [USAMRIID] in Maryland.) The two investigations are connected and the author has done a good job of blending them. The Covert-One team characters are not fully fleshed out, but most fans will already know them. It is not really necessary either. The main focus of the story is the drug and its researcher, Dr. Laura Taylor. (She had been trying to create a drug to wipe memory from soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, but her research was suspended a year ago when she was placed in a mental institution.) Dr. Taylor has escaped and is trying to give Smith clues while evading those hunting her.

Author Jamie Freveletti has done the Covert-One series proud! She has a fast paced and intense writing style that is impossible to resist. I found myself intrigued after reading the very first sentence and knew immediately that I would not be getting any home or yard chores done that day. In a word, “Wow!” *****

Author: Joan Hall Hovey
Title - The Deepest Dark

Set in Canada. Abby Miller is a successful novelist, but since the deaths of her husband and daughter she has lost her muse. Unable to move past her grief, tired of receiving pity from others, and not wanting to be a burden to her sister, Karen Rawling, Abby decides to retreat into solitude. After sending Karen a quick email not to worry, Abby drives to the area of Three Brooks. There, at Loon Lake, Abby secludes herself in the cabin that she and her husband has kept secret from absolutely everyone. The log cabin has no indoor plumbing and no electricity. Soon, Abby would regret never confiding the secret cabin to Karen, as well as never breaking down to buy a cellular phone.

Three dangerous men have escaped from Pennington Prison. Ken Roach is the ring-leader. Big Jim Ellison (Tattoo) is the rabid muscle. Donnie Leaman (Dog) is the thief/geek. After savagely murdering an elderly couple at their farm nearby, the trio break into Abby’s cabin to lay low. The police are only one step behind the escapees. Ken, knowing Abby is a well known author, expects her to get them enough cash so that the three may go their separate ways. But unknown to Abby, once Tattoo and Dog are gone, Ken has personal business to settle with Abby.


**** FOUR STARS! Once again Joan Hall Hovey has written a story so full of suspense that I was unable to tear myself away until the last page had been read. Most of this story follows Abby and the escapees, but often it shifts so that readers can witness the progress being made by Karen the police of Three Brooks, and the daughter of the murdered elderly couple.

Hovey’s writing manages to link the reader to the characters; if anything bad happens to a character, chances are that the reader will be horrified. Otherwise, Hovey keeps “the filler” many books possess to a minimum, which means every word written is necessary for the story and the pace is continuously fast. My only advice for readers is this: Take a deep breath before you open this book. ****

Author: Richard Devin
Title - The Third Hour

(Father) Dominic Renzi was once a devout catholic, but now he finds himself at a crossroad in his life and his faith. It is Spring, 2006. Dominic is in Rome. When Dom enters his apartment he finds a dying priest who, with his last words, pulls Dominic back to the church in a way he never expected. Unknowingly, Dominic is the Key.

A complicated conspiracy begins to unravel. With help from inside the U.S. Senate and the Vatican, Dominic searches for the truth. He begins to understand the connections between several of the world’s mysteries: Roswell, the Bermuda Triangle, and even time travel. However, there is another holy organization bent on destroying the Key. Dominic is being hunted. Can he uncover the secrets from the past before the Novice kills him?


**** FOUR STARS! If you do not believe in God before you begin reading this book, chances are good that you will by its end. My only real problem with the story is all the flashbacks (and time hopping toward the end.) However, I can think of no other way that the author could have fully shown and/or explained everything to the reader.

Fans of The Da Vinci Code will especially enjoy this tale. Richard Devin has created a conspiracy that is deep, complex, and goes all the way back to the crucifixion of Christ. The characters are believable, the pace is fast, and the action is often stunning. I would not be surprised to see this story in movie theaters someday. Terrific! ****

Author: William Wilde
Title – The Park

Forest Park is a magnificent Evergreen woodlands area that covers over five thousand acres and eight square miles. On its border is Green Gate Heights, a condo project that is being protested by a group called Green Planet. The Portland Police has two crimes to investigate. Both occurred on the same night, but on opposite sides of Forest Park. At Green Gate Heights, the night security guard has been murdered. Elsewhere, a young lady has been brutally beaten and sexually assaulted. Of course, the dead guard can tell the police little. As for the assaulted lady, her claims are disturbing.

Something unnatural roams Forest Park; a mythical predator. Police Detectives Mark Reid and Fran Grimes, along with reporter Dani Lake, risk their lives as they seek answers to the ancient secrets of the Earth that lie within the wooded territory.


**** FOUR STARS! This story is more thriller than horror, but action and suspense reigns supreme from the beginning until the end. The story mainly follows Detective Mark Reid and Dani Lake, with Reid having the majority of the spot lights; however, Grimes is no frail character either. All three have their pros and cons, but Reid is the biggest misfit. In fact, Reid has a bad reputation within the police force. If you are looking for something to make a boring afternoon more interesting, this story is for you! The Park will keep you on the edge of your seat and time will fly by. Terrific! ****

Author: Aiden James
Title - The Forgotten Eden (Talisman Chronicles #1)

Wow! Warning! Once you begin reading The Forgotten Eden, Book I of The Talisman Chronicles, you will not want to put it down. Not only is Aiden James a storyteller par excellence, but his material for this story is riveting.

The Forgotten Eden, Book I of The Talisman Chronicles, centers on a mysterious section of woods near Tombigbee River where the residents of the town of Carlsdale, Alabama all share a common fear. They know not to enter those enigmatic woods because those who have made that foolhardy mistake never lived to tell about it and were never seen again. Jack Kenney, at the age of thirteen, was the only exception and the things he experienced and later told about his encounters in those woods was the stuff of nightmares. After his escape and his initial report to the local sheriff’s department, Jack’s family immediately moved Jack and his older brother, Jeremy, away from Carlsdale and Jack didn’t talk anymore about it until he met with Special Agent Peter McNamee, who shared some common experiences with those dark woods. This meeting with Peter followed the bewildering abduction by the FBI of Jack and his older brother, Jeremy, some eight years later. They were taken away for interrogation, supposedly about the brutal murder of University archaeology professor Dr. Menesch.

It was only after Peter told Jack about his similar experiences with his own younger brother’s disappearance that Jack decided to tell his harrowing story – complete, for the first time.

As this story unfolds, the reader is awestruck by descriptions of the beasts that live in those deep woods. A giant seventy-foot lizard that looked like a mix between a dragon and a Tyrannosaurus Rex was one such description. This particular beast was covered in scales and Special Agent Peter McNamee happened to have one of those scales, which he placed in front of Jack during his interrogation of him. Of course, Jack recognized it immediately. Peter also had a picture of this giant’s footprint that was the size of a John Deere tractor. We also learn about strange lights emanating from those woods at night (lights that glow as brightly as the sun) and golden mists that engulf a young boy and spirit him away. Can these things be real? Is there something supernatural going on here? In addition, just what is that huge sphere resting near the woods in Jack’s back yard?

***** FIVE STARS! I knew this novel was going to hold my attention from the minute I picked it up. It is a fast moving thriller with so many twists and turns and mysteries that the reader is hard pressed to keep up. Mr. James’s book, The Forgotten Eden, Book I of The Talisman Chronicles, mesmerized me from beginning to end! I simply can’t wait for Book II. *****

Author: Aiden James
Title - The Devil's Paradise (Talisman Chronicles #2)

As the story opens, Jack and Jeremy Kenney have survived their attempted execution and are en route to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Hoping to fulfill Dr. Mensch's dying wish and somehow clear their names of all the false crimes being told by the media, the Kenney brothers race to the professor's house on South Queens Court.

At the same time, eight giant towers (disguised as tremendous weather phenomenons) are also closing in on the house. These are the children of Elohim, the Lord of the Universe. Long before recorded time, as we know it, they had incurred the wrath of Elohim due to their bloodlusts and were destined to exist in a forged prison away from our three-dimensional reality. The only way these demonic deities could return was if man aided their rebirth using the Cristal Del Sol (a crystal sphere of unimaginable power). Should this happen Elohim would turn his back on the world and leave mankind to its fate.

As FBI agents, various law enforcements, and even Israeli assassins converge on their location, the brothers find themselves kidnapped by an unknown group and taken to an ancient castle in Bolivia. The group turns out to be known throughout the world as the "Servants of the Angels". When they come face-to-face with the Archangels Moroni, Gabriel, Micheles, and Ossisa, the brothers learn why. Their new mortal allies have been charged with the protection of Jack and Jeremy, as the brothers' survival is critical to the future. However, all would be for naught should the demon, Genovene, and her four siblings succeed in bringing about the rebirth of the Elohim's children.

The "reign of unending darkness" is upon them and the "war of wars" is about to commence.

***** FIVE STARS! Wow! The intense writing style of Aiden James kept my eyes glued to the story and the pages seemed to fly by at warp speed. The action is nonstop as these two brothers deal with supernatural and honorific entities that either wish to use or kill them. Help comes from unexpected sources, as does betrayal. Twists, turns, and surprises pop up at random times to keep the reader off balance. It all blends together to create one of the best stories I have read all year. BRAVO! *****

Author: Wendy Corsi Staub
Title - Nightwatcher (Book One)

Set in New York City. The story opens on September 10, 2001. Allison Taylor had grown up poor, but today she lives in New York and works as a style editor at 7th Avenue magazine. In the apartment across the hall, live Carrie and James “Mack” MacKenna. But the next day, September 11, 2001, everything changes. The World Trade Center falls due to suicide terrorists crashing into the buildings.

In the midst of the cataclysm, Mack searches for his wife, Carrie, who was within the Twin Towers when they fell. As for Allison, she is worried about her neighbor upstairs named Kristina Haines. Unable to quell her worry, Allison goes to check on Kristina. She finds Kristina’s body in the apartment, horribly mutilated.

Homicide Detective Rocco “Rocky” Manzillo is assigned the Haines murder case. Murph is one of the missing, so Detective Lisha Brandewyne is helping with the case. The strongest lead is from Allison, who had seen Jerry, the building’s part-time maintenance man, in the area at the time of Kristina’s death. And even though he was creepy at times, Allison could not envision the mentally handicapped man as vicious. But then lady dies, same MO, and there is a link between the victim and Jerry.

*** THREE STARS! Be warned that there is a cliff-hanger ending. Allison and Mack will return in the next book (titled Sleepwalker). The second book will take place ten years after this one ends. Due to the open ending of this book, readers receive no real sense of closure. Therefore, the publisher only waited one month before releasing the second book and it is already out to the public.

The author did a great job of capturing the shock of New York City’s population on that fateful day. The aftermath was equally chaotic and Staub managed to reflect the horror, grief, and disbelief of families and emergency personnel. Of course, the world does not stop spinning and brutal events still occur, even at ground zero – such as the killer in this story. But so much time was spent on the World Trade Center’s attack and its effect that the serial killer paled in comparison. Still, this story is very good and well written. Its plot was just overshadowed by the events on nine-eleven. ***

Author: Tom Knox
Title - The Marks of Cain

The Marks of Cain captures the reader immediately with the excitement of the chase when two strangers from London David Martinez, a lawyer, and Simon Quinn, a journalist, find themselves in serious jeopardy as each person's separate paths brings them together as they close in on torturous killings that would give anyone an "inexplicable shiver on a very warm day".

From his hospice bed in Arizona, David Martinez's Granddad attempts at making a bedside confession of David's genealogy and how David became orphaned. Unbeknownst to David, his grandfather is a millionaire; he bequeaths his fortune to David but with a stipulation that David must utilize part of the cash to fly to the Basque Country in Europe and find Jose' Garovillo and ask Jose' about the map of churches that David's Granddad gave David just before he took his last breath.

In the meantime, Simon Quinn, a free-lance journalist, and Bob Sanderson, Detective Chief Inspector (DCI), in England, were mystified with a recent homicide in Primrose Hill. A woman, formerly from the South of France was found brutally tortured and murdered in her home. This barbaric torture "knotting" was once known as garroting and it had been expertly done. Hers was just the beginning of a sequence of murders and the disappearance of a brilliant scientist; an epic journey to a ferocious rivalry between closely related species.

***** FIVE STARS!Author Tom Knox provides the reader with a brilliant, thought-provoking thriller that intertwines history, ethnicity and religion. It tantalizes the reader in wanting to establish the boundaries between fact and fiction and poses the question who are the people known as the Cagots and why were they considered outcasts?

This is a fast-paced, twisted thriller filled with intrigue and drama and by far the best book I've read in 2011. I anxiously await his next novel 'The Lost Goddess'. *****

Author: Aiden James
Title - Plague of Coins (The Judas Chronicles #1)

William Barrow is a Smithsonian archivist. Anyone looking at him would assume his age to be around thirty years. In truth, William is two thousand and thirteen years, two months, and some days. His name is not the one he was born with either. Long ago his name was Judas Iscariot. For the price of thirty silver shekel (coins), Judas had betrayed his good friend Jesus. It is NOT something William is proud of and he seeks reconciliation with the Lord. William is a cursed immortal. He is on a quest to reclaim the thirty silver coins in hope they will prove his sincerity and allow him a full pardon.

Over the course of his lifetime, William has retrieved twenty-one shekel pieces. Several of these finds are due to his son, Dr. Alistair "Ali" Barrow, a noted historian and professor at Georgetown. Though William is Ali's father, the world believes the reverse to be true. (Ali is old enough to retire in a few years, should he choose to do so.)

As the story opens, William/Judas has found coin number twenty-two. It sits in a place called Al-haroun. William and Ali immediately plan a "vacation" to Iran. But William also does an occasional bit of espionage for the CIA. Before they can leave America, the CIA liaison, Mike, makes contact. Mike wants William and Ali to do a little surveillance. Russian billionaire, Petr Stanislav, is in the Alborz Mountains with some very high-tech machinery. He is searching for the Garden of Eden - literally. Petr is surrounded by an army that is led by Viktor Kaslow, ex Lieutenant Colonel in the Soviet Union's army from twenty-five years ago, and captain for one of Moscow's most feared KGB death squads even after the Cold War ended. Mike claims that only surveillance is needed. Scout around. Take a few photos. There would be plenty of time left for the "vacation".

On the jet, just before liftoff, father and son learn that more is expected from them. They will have a female companion, Amy Golden Eagle. And the exotic Native American (Blackfoot) has her own agenda.

***** FIVE STARS! This story is set in the present date. Everything detailed in my synopsis is revealed within the first quarter of the story. I refuse to give spoilers. I figure that since the author tells the reader everything I wrote early in the story, then it is okay to include those items here. This includes the fact that some of the "high-tech machinery" is a "fusion generator/reconfiguration beam" (FGR).

I cannot help but admire how the author arranged for the narration to flow. The story is written from William Barrow's perspective. In the beginning, William states that he is writing down the story of his coin collecting journey. Picture yourself sitting in a comfortable den, visiting your dear friend (William), and listening as he tells you his tale. As with such cozy visits, William will sometimes deviate from the coin search and his assigned espionage, in favor of short reminiscences about various happenings in his life. (Long ago, as well as more recently.) William has a dark sense of humor. It is often used as a defense mechanism. Often he is sarcastic or cynical, yet the overall tone still manages to convey warmth and I began to think of William as a very down-to-earth-type of person.

The author did not choose the Alborz Mountains as a possible site for the Garden of Eden out of thin air. The logic of how the location was chosen is explained, as is why no one has been able to find the garden. Why William does occasional favors for the government is also made known. It seems to me that the author has thought of everything. Anytime I thought "Why", "But", or "How", the answer soon followed.

There are some characters that I do not mention. A variety of twists, surprises, and subplots keep the story moving forward at a good pace. My interest was piqued almost immediately and my attention never wavered as I forced my eyes to stay open well into the night. (Sleep is overrated.) Aiden James is a Master Storyteller, whose career is on the rise!

Out-freaking-standing-excellent! *****

Author: Karen Rose
Title - You Belong to Me (Baltimore Series #1)

In the quiet town of Anderson Ferry, Maryland, a young lady is brutally assaulted and murdered on her prom night. The onlookers did nothing to stop the violence or help the girl. Twenty-one years pass.

Dr. Lucy Trask is a Baltimore medical examiner. While jogging in the early morning of Monday, May Third, Lucy finds the posed body of a man so badly damaged that she does not realize that she knows him. Very soon afterward, other bodies begin to appear. All of the victims have been tortured. All of the victims are from Lucy's home town of Anderson Ferry. The killer places and poses the victims' bodies specifically when and where Lucy would be the one to discover them.

Homicide Detective J.D. Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of death, especially during his time as a soldier. But neither his time in the military, nor his time working in Narcotics could have prepared him for the tortured bodies showing up in Baltimore. J.D. and his partner, Stevie Mazzetti, instinctively know that Lucy is innocent. It does not take long to prove it either. Yet it is also obvious that the killer has personally targeted Lucy. But why? J.D. can tell that Lucy is keeping secrets about her current private life, but that should not have anything to do with her life from over twenty years ago. Back in Anderson Ferry Lucy had been a kid, while the victims would have been in high school. Lucy may have known them since the town was small, but she had never been what anyone would have called friends. So how, in the killer's mind, could Lucy be linked with any of the deceased? All J.D. is sure of is that he must convince Lucy to share her secrets with him before she becomes the killer's next victim.

***** FIVE STARS! All of the events in this story, except for the Prologue and the Epilogue, happened in less than three days time. Needless-to-say, this means that the story moved at a very brisk pace. Karen Rose has an intense writing style that attracted, yet repelled me, simultaneously. The author painted such clear and vivid pictures in my mind that I became jittery once or twice. While I read a few of the tense scenes, I actually felt as if someone had injected me with a decent dosage of caffeine. During this tale Lucy and J.D. were the main "good guy" characters and the author let me, as the reader, follow along as they collected evidence, did autopsies, and brainstormed possible scenarios. However, I was also allowed to see many events from the killer's point-of-view. In fact, as I learned more and more about why the killer was seeking revenge, I began to sympathize with him. (I honestly cannot say that I would not have done the same had I been in his shoes.) There were times when the story shifted to a private investigator, who had his own dealings with the killer. Of course, the investigator and detectives eventually merged together, but I still found this to be a stroke of genius on the author's part.

This title is the first in a new thriller/romantic suspense series featuring Baltimore homicide detectives, district attorneys and prosecutors as lead characters. If you have read any of the author's previous titles, chances are good that you will come into contact with a few familiar characters as this series progresses. But whether you are a fan of Rose's, romantic suspense, or detective thrillers, I have no doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy this intense look into the mind of a killer. Excellent! *****

Author: Jason Starr
Title - The Pack

Simon Burns is a very ordinary guy--a kind of passive, metro-sexual New Yorker. He's married and the father of a 3 year old son, however his stresses with work are playing havoc with his marriage. Arriving at work one day--anticipating a promotion--he is utterly blind-sided when he is instead fired out of the blue. He is bitter, angry and more than afraid for his future, as his wife, Alison, convinces him to become a stay-at-home dad. He finds himself flailing in these new depths until he meets an extremely tight-knit group of fathers at the playground. Their sons all get along very well and Simon is welcomed into their "pack". Feeling as though he's found some grounding with his like-minded new friends, Simon goes to a guys' night out with them......only to wake up the next morning naked, cold and lost in an un-familiar woods. He is later stunned to discover that his ex-boss has been mauled to death by a wolf. From coping with odd physical changes and appetites to experiencing horrific 'memories' of gory violence, Simon struggles to figure out what exactly was the "family beer", what happened that night and what is happening to him now--until an ancient-looking old man approaches him, offering information that is too crazy to be taken seriously....isn't it?.....

**** FOUR STARS! What a great read! Although initially I felt like we jumped right into 'things' a tad too quickly, that feeling was quickly erased by what happens once Simon meets his new friends. From there on in, I was hard-pressed to put the book down. While attending my own daily chores, I'd find my mind on Simon.....wondering what was going to happen next and next after that. I can't say that I guessed right once, which was very cool! I like Simon. He's a good guy who tries to do the right thing....right to the very end. The very end? It blew me out the door--SO not what I expected! When I finished this book (at 2:47am!) I wasn't ready for it to be over.......and was delighted to discover that Mr. Starr is already hard at work on a sequel. If you enjoy suspense and thrills with an extra twist of sumpin'-sumpin, you can't miss with "The Pack"! ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Dark Approach
(Incognito #12)

In Chicago is a technology company called Expanding Technology Industries. ETI designs innovative equipment for public use. It is also a front for the world's most covert organization, the Network. The Network's headquarters resides underground, beneath ETI. The organization is known only to the highest officials, including the President, and a select committee in the White House called Oversight. The Network operatives carry out Oversight's directives. Those in service to the Network have no real privacy. For them, there is no private life, no love. Once one becomes an operative there is no turning back or ever quitting. There is only duty until death.

Nine years ago, Angelo Pluzetti had been with the CIA. He joined the Network after his enemies killed his wife and son with a car bomb. No one knew his daughter, Anya, had not been in the car. Anya and her aunt were kept hidden away for several years. When the aunt died, Angelo had no choice but to bring Anya into the Network for her own protection. Anya's memories were modified and she became Lucy Carlton. She no longer knew that Angelo was her father or how she came to the Network. Other than Angelo, the only soul who knew the complete truth was Vic Leventhal.

Vic was the son of Rex Kovac, the monstrous leader of a terrorist group known as R.E.D. As a young boy he had been forced to do horrible things to others (threaten, murder) by his father. At the age of ten, the boy managed to get Angelo's attention and Vic had been extracted from R.E.D. and entered the Network. Vic was sixteen when Angelo brought in his daughter and entrusted her life to him. In exchange for mentoring and protecting her, Angelo promised that once he obtained a high position in the organization, Vic could call in the favor and ask for anything.

Twenty years pass. Lucy and Vic have spent all their years together. Eventually, they fell in love. Network operatives receive one month of downtime each year. Lucy and Vic always took their downtime together. But this time they were approached as they spent time in their RV at a campground and offered the chance to escape the Network. Lucy had long dreamed of leaving the Network, desperate to escape a life she had never chosen for herself. Knowing Lucy would take the offer, even if he refused to go with her, Vic contacted Angelo and plans were made. Vic called in his favor: Once this mission was over, Angelo had to get Lucy out of the Network somehow. Lucy had to be free and safe.

Thus began Vic and Lucy's sprint for freedom. Can they actually disappear and keep off the radar from both the Network and Rex Kovac? Will they ever be able to let down their guards? And will they ever be able to have a normal life together?

**** FOUR STARS! This is the long awaited conclusion to the Incognito Series. Anyone who has followed the series knows all about Lucy's reckless nature. My only problem with this story is that I could never actually LIKE Lucy. She daydreams too much and acts first, without thinking or considering the possible ramifications. However, what I dislike most about Lucy is that she is self-absorbed, totally selfish. She does things, usually knowing that they will hurt Vic, but also knowing that he will give in to her anyhow. She makes promises, only to back out later when they do not suit her whims. Lucy never learns from her mistakes and knows how to drag Vic into agreeing with whatever she wants, even if he only goes along with her to help protect Lucy from herself. I simply cannot like such a person. Unfortunately, there are really people in the world exactly like Lucy's character and the author has nailed the personally perfectly. On the other side, though, when it comes to Vic's character, I cannot help but like him. He thinks up brilliant strategies to keep Lucy safe, yet manages to allow him to keep his honor intact. He always does the right thing, even if it puts himself at risk. That is, as long as it ONLY puts himself at risk and not Lucy. Vic's only real flaw is not being able to deny Lucy's whims and fantasies.

All-in-all, this story is the perfect way to end the Incognito Series. Karen Wiesner keeps her complex characters true to their separate personalities, while giving her readers a suspenseful romance that will keep them breathless. I look forward, very eagerly, to seeing what this author comes up with next. ****

Author: Dean Koontz
Title - The Good Guy

Timothy Carrier is a noticeably big man who has spent the last several years trying his best to be un-noticeable. Outwardly, he is known as a mason who cares very much about his work. His friends love him and worry about his lack of "a life", however the sameness of every day is carefully honed and treasured--even as he tries to ignore a sense of "something big" that will come at him and change these quiet days.

That 'something' begins as a case of mistaken identity--first by a man mistaking him as a killer-for-hire, then by the killer himself. Help or run? After removing the photograph of Linda--the woman to be killed--from the package, he tries to tell the killer that he's had a change of plans then goes to warn her. Rather than walk away, Timothy goes on the run with Linda in an attempt to protect her. While trying to evade the killer, Timothy discovers that long-latent skills come all too quickly back to the surface....which turns out to be a very good thing as the killer seems to have almost inhuman abilities in his relentless hunt.

**** FOUR AND A HALF STARS! Just when you think you can relax and get yourself another cup of tea, something else happens that will keep you glued to the book. Strong, likable characters, an extremely (extremely!!) creepy bad guy and a plot that has more twists and turns than a coastal highway takes you on a ride you won't want to end! Even knowing that Koontz's books usually have 'happy' endings didn't stop my heart from leaping in my chest even as the hairs on the back of my neck would stand up. Brrrrrrr! Definitely a read-in-one-sitting kind of book! ****

Author: Jordan Dane
Title - The Echo of Violence (Sweet Justice #4)

Jackson Kinkaid met Sister Mary Katherine four years ago. The Catholic nun helped him through the most difficult time of his life. This is why Jackson finds himself attending a fundraiser for children in Port de Paix, Haiti. Only for Katherine would he be at the missionary school function. So when terrorists attack, Jackson witnesses the raid and sees Katherine taken hostage with the other survivors. Videos of the senseless slaughter are posted online, time is running out. Only Jackson can track the killers, while dealing with a gunshot wound. Knowing he needs help, Jackson contacts Joe LaClaire, his number one man, and has him begin calling in favors to mount an urgent rescue mission. The only reliable contact is the Sentinels in NYC. Though Jackson has something against Garrett Wheeler, who is over the Sentinels, Joe makes the call for aid.

Sentinels' agent Alexa Marlowe is forced into an unlikely alliance with Jackson who is no longer the man she once knew. Now the relentless mercenary is rumored to be selling his services to the highest bidder. Alexa can only hope that whatever secrets Jackson is holding back will not end up killing everybody. Jackson cares only about rescuing Kate, but Alexa's orders are to take the terrorist leader alive, even if it means the deaths of Kate and the other hostages.

***** FIVE STARS! I thought Jordan Dane's stories were terrific before, but now I believe they are freaking brilliant! This story only covers a very short period of time, yet the entire thing is non-stop action and suspense. As I said, freaking brilliant! *****

Author: Kate Brady
Title - Last to Die

Detective Sergeant Dani Cole is called in to help with a body found in a local park. The deceased lady turns out to be Rosie McNamara, a former hooker that Dani had helped to straighten out her life. This makes Dani determined to find Rosie's killer and a chain of events begin. In quick order, Dani finds her home invaded, her furniture destroyed, her dog at the vet, the killer taunting her, and then the chief of police has her pushed off the case (because her late father had been a crooked cop and the chief is just waiting for Dani to follow in her dad's footsteps). To top it all off, Mitch Sheridan has returned and is connected with the investigation.

Mitch Sheridan is a famous photographer. His photography reveals tragedies around the globe. Mitch is half way around the world when he receives a frantic call from Russell Sanders, his close friend, mentor, and the managing director at JMS Foundation for Photography Art. (The Foundation is Mitch's namesake.) Mitch hears a scuffle before the phone call is disconnected. Worried, Mitch returns to Maryland and finds Russell dead. This is how Mitch runs into Dani Cole. Eighteen years ago he and Dani had been in a relationship. But that ended as a teenage Dani watched her father being arrested and saw Mitch there with his camera in hand. Now Dani is all grown up and is tougher than nails.

Dani and Mitch soon realize that the homicides of Rosie and Russell are somehow connected. As the two unofficially investigate, they find themselves not only dealing with multiple homicides, but also with a black-market baby ring. In some unknown way, the Foundation is involved. From the shadows, a killer watches Dani and decides she is getting too close to the truth.

***** FIVE STARS! This story has pulse pounding action and suspense from the beginning until the end. I found myself unable to stop reading and losing sleep, but it was worth it. This author never insults the reader's intelligence, so as soon as the reader is sure of whom the killer must be, the author no longer bothers to hide the information. This gem will test your wits as it pulls you along on one of the fastest rollercoaster rides of the year. Outstanding! *****

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
Title - Death Echo

Emma Cross thought that after leaving the CIA her days would be easier. She now works for the elite security consulting firm called St. Kilda's. However, her skills, instincts, and professional paranoia just may help her survive her latest assignment. Emma is tracking a yacht named Blackbird, a dead ringer for another ship that went missing somewhere between Vladivostok and Portland about a year ago. Emma needs to find out if the boat's lethal cargo is biological, chemical, or fissionable. Unless her mission is completed within seven days a major American city will be lost.

By her side is a new partner, MacKenzie "Mac" Durand. He used to lead a special ops team. But five years ago bad intel ended up wiping out his team in Afghanistan. Mac, the only survivor, walked away. Until Emma showed up, Mac made money sailing high-end boats like Blackbird. Emma finds Mac to be as deadly as he is attractive. Mac believes the same of Emma.

Taras Demidov is an expert in extortion and execution. He is in the pay of the oligarchs running the former Soviet Union. He also tracks the boat, watching Emma and Mac as they sail the yacht. But even more enemies hide in the shadows and the clock is counting down.

**** FOUR STARS! Elizabeth Lowell is a New York Times bestselling author. This story clearly shows why. The plot is believable and all the characters are realistic. It is obvious that Lowell did a lot of serious research, not only about the shifting power politics of the world, but also about cruising on and navigating a large boat. (I had no idea that there was so much involved.) The tension and sense of danger seems to ooze on every page. Another winner! ****

Author: William Wilde
Title - Show Me

The Seattle area has had four female realtor assaults happen within the last two months. Detective Phil Timmons and his young partner, Detective Fran Grimes, are part of the unit assigned to figure out the identity of the villain. The culprit seems to know when the female representative will be alone in a house listed for sale, is somehow able to enter the locked dwelling, and attacks when the woman is vulnerable.

Kay Newman and Paula Marks are business partners. Their business, Redbird Realty, is less than a year old. Kay is naturally hyper and cheerful, but prone to acting without stopping to consider possible consequences. After Kay gets a prime new listing, she and Paula hit a bar to celebrate. Too much alcohol has Kay ripping off her top and flashing the people nearby. The man she has been dating lately, Gavin Leed, is going through a nasty divorce. He warns Kay that she may be under surveillance by a private investigator, but his warning was given after Kay's drunken stunt.

Kay's love life is not the only problem she is dealing with either. Paula has been getting increasingly hostile toward Kay. In fact, Paula seems to find a reason to oppose every little suggestion that Kay makes in the office. If Redbird Realty is to survive, its employees need to be happy and feel that they have job security. But Paula's attitude is obvious to all. Combined with the recent assaults, tension within the office begins to soar.

When Kay receives her first harassing phone call she contacts the police. Detectives Timmons and Grimes do not believe the call is related to their case though, because the caller mentioned witnessing her impulse flashing. Grimes dislikes Kay instantly. But Timmons has lots of experience under his belt and decides to dig deeper into Kay's harassing call. Can Kay's love life survive her drunken impulse? Will Kay and Paula resolve their differences? And will the detectives capture the person preying on female realtors before it costs Kay her life?

*** THREE STARS! I must say that the author, William Wilde, has a good main plot and a couple of interesting subplots running in this suspense story. However, I cannot help feeling that the character of Detective Timmons is poorly done. Being a detective for so many years, he should have too much experience to make this many major mistakes. Paula's character is not developed enough either, in my opinion.

On the other hand, Wilde has done an outstanding job with Kay and Gavin. I especially like that Kay has her own personal habit of mentally nicknaming people she comes into frequent contact with. (Such as "Paula the Pill".) Gavin's stern attitude and selfishness is shown perfectly also. If you are looking for an interesting Mystery Thriller, this story would be a very good choice! ***

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Mind Games (Incognito #11)

In Chicago is a technology company called Expanding Technology Industries. ETI designs innovative equipment for public use. It is also a front for the world's most covert organization, the Network. The Network's headquarters resides underground, beneath ETI. The organization is known only to the highest officials, including the President, and a select committee in the White House called Oversight. The Network operatives carry out Oversight's directives. Those in service to the Network have no real privacy. For them, there is no private life, no love. Once one becomes an operative there is no turning back or ever quitting. There is only duty until death.

Jocelyn Dominica has been head of the Network psychiatry department for over two decades. Many do not consider her to be human. She joined the Network after her marriage failed and has since performed as a robot. Her former husband, Chase Giovanni, is on the Oversight's Chair. He is one of the highest level members on the committee. Ever professionals, they still manage to work well whenever together.

Jocelyn is devastated when Medical informs her that she has an incurable brain tumor. Yet it did not come as a complete shock. She has been noticing the symptoms for quite some time and has been keeping silent about them until they began to interfere with her job performance. Chase seems to be taking the news hardest. Jocelyn, the woman he has loved since childhood and still loves with all his heart, has only a few months to live. The tumor is spreading quickly. Her health, both mentally and physically, will rapidly diminish. Taken from duty, Jocelyn is sent to a secure and isolated safe house (on one of the highest mountain ridge lines in the country) to spend her remaining time in comfort. Scout, a Network trained German Shepherd, would be her companion and bodyguard. After all, Jocelyn has made many enemies during her career. Otherwise, only Matt, a paramedic, would be with her to help ease Jocelyn's remaining time.

Chase is eager to visit Jocelyn; however, he is in the middle of a crucial investigation. Someone has been misusing power in ways that have made the Network's motives and actions suspicious even to the current President of the United States. To make it even more intolerable for Chase, he has been getting calls from Jocelyn who swears that Matt has disappeared and someone is trying to kill her. Yet Matt is still reporting in on schedule, stating that Jocelyn is hallucinating and does not even realize that he is in the same room with her.

Is someone trying to kill Jocelyn? Why would anyone bother to kill a woman who only has a few months left to live? How would anyone reach the isolated safe house, not to mention by pass all the high tech alarms? And could it, somehow, be connected to the murder of her father when Jocelyn had been seven years old?

**** FOUR STARS! With only one more title left in this riveting series, author Karen Wiesner is pulling out the big guns to tempt her readers. While reading each story of the series, I have come across the character of Jocelyn more than once. I, too, believed Jocelyn to be hard and uncaring. This story finally tells readers why Jocelyn seems to function as a robot. It explains the various responsibilities her job title entails and the horrible choices she is forced (all too often) to make. Yet the author has succeeded in making Jocelyn HUMAN.

The character of Chase is a good example of a flawed hero. His jealousy seems a bit unbelievable to me at times, just a little over-the-top. (This part is difficult for me to express.) In light of his revealed background, his wariness of others is totally understandable. Yet because Chase thoroughly knows Jocelyn's history, in some cases even better than she does, I simply cannot believe that Chase would actually distrust her at all, much less to such an extent.

Readers need to be ready for the unexpected as this story unfolds. Complex situations, combined with numerous multi-layered plots, create an intricate tale of mystery, lies, betrayals, and a second chance at love. Karen Wiesner writes drama at its finest! ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Under Cover Angel (Incognito #7)

The Network is the world's most covert organization with underground headquarters in Chicago. The Network was created by Captain Tom McKee and it takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. When Tom was assassinated, his daughter Shannon took over. Even as she kept the Network at top performance, she also kept watch for the elusive Mareno Ortega. For eleven years Shannon has been seeking vengeance on Ortega for her younger brother's death.

Captain Ron Blair had promised Tom long ago that he would look after Shannon. Ron and Shannon had been together during the worst of times (believing they were going die while in an enemy prison) and the best of times (a month as lovers). Ron never expected to fall in love with her. The Network does not allow for intimacy. Recruits willingly gave up all they possessed, including any private life, before signing on the line and becoming agents. Private lives could be used by the enemy to compromise the Network, so they are forbidden.

For once, the Network has a solid lead on Mareno Ortega's location, Shell Island, Florida. Shannon insisted on being the one to go in and bring the kingpin down. But Ron knows all that led Shannon up to this point and has seen how stressed out she has become. Fearing Shannon may soon crack, he decides to take some action.

***** The Incognito series continues to pick up speed with excitement and romance. My only real disappointment, if you could even call it that, is the mission did not really begin until almost half way into the story. Do not worry though, the first half is in no way boring. Readers get to finally learn about Shannon's past and what makes her the stern, no nonsense, harsh leader that she is. After this, readers may think of the tough lady in a nicer way. Fantastic! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Under the Spell (Incognito series # 5)

The Network is the world's most covert organization. The HQ is in Chicago, underground, beneath a front company. They have unchallenged authority and skill to destroy criminals. The Network takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. The people of this organization give up their entire lives to become agents of the Network. For them, there is no life and no love, only duty.

Justine Fielding is the Network's Communications and Systems Analyst. Before she was recruited, her name had been Gina Calhoun and she lived with her father, Reggie, on the Triple Aces Ranch in Fever, Texas. Everyone from her former life believes her gone forever. Justine thought the same thing until her superiors informed her that she, as Gina, was about to be resurrected. The Network has intercepted some encrypted, untraceable e-mails coming from somewhere on the ranch. The e-mails were going over seas, but the Network was unable to track them from their origin or locate the go-between person. Justine is devastated when her superiors inform her that Reggie is dead. Her father died at the ranch when a prairie fire burned down the ranch as he slept. But was it really an accidental fire or was Reggie murdered? The Network's theory is that Reggie had tried to stop or had been involved with the crimes of a former friend and that Alex Lynch was somehow mixed up in the whole mess.

Alex Lynch and Gina Calhoun used to be an item. But when Gina wanted to wed early in order to get out from under her father's thumb, Alex had refused. Alex insisted on waiting a couple of years to receive Reggie's blessing. Unable and unwilling to wait, Gina had disappeared. It has been several years since then. Alex, who grew up on and worked for the ranch, has ownership now, per Reggie's will. Alex's first thought upon seeing wild Gina again is delight that she is alive. The second is fear that she wants the ranch. Yet Gina never says she is or is not planning to take the ranch from him. All she wants to do is find out what really happened to her father. Gina simply refuses to believe Reggie died from a normal prairie fire. Alex soon learns that Gina has changed in many drastic ways, however, the attraction between them burns hotter than ever.

**** It has been one year since the ending of the last book, Dead Drop. Use that as a time line if you have been following the series. More book space is spent on the romance than on the mission this time around. You should not begin this story expecting a fast paced adventure. This reads more as a mystery than suspense. But do not worry, there is danger, as well as the surprise or two which the author, Karen Wiesner, is fast becoming known for. Excellent! ****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Dead Drop
(Incognito #4)

The Network is the world's most covert organization. The HQ is in Chicago, underground, beneath a front company. They have unchallenged authority and skill to destroy criminals. The Network takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. The people of this organization give up their entire lives to become agents of the Network. For them, there is no life and no love, only duty.

Twenty-five years ago a secret organization tried to recruit Daniel Sands. If he agreed, he would have to give up everyone and everything. Daniel's fiancé, Parris "Perry" L'Engle, overheard it all. Daniel refused, but the next day he died in a car accident. Daniel never knew Perry was pregnant. Today Perry is an FBI agent. Danny, her son, is a genius, just like his father had been. By chance, Perry overhears the exact same recruiter offering Danny the same thing he had once offered Daniel. Danny declines and the mystery man tells Danny to think it over and he would check back tomorrow.

Perry is frantic. She never believed Daniel died twenty-five years ago, but she has no found no proof. Worrying that the mystery man and the secret organization (if there even were one) may take Danny without his consent and stage his fake death, Perry pulls string to have Danny and his fiancé, Aimee, placed in protective custody while she follows the recruiter. Then the unexpected happens; Daniel gets into her car and tells her to back off and go home or he would have to kill her.

Roan Emory is no longer Daniel. He is now a top level operative in the Network. He is a machine without a heart or emotions. He is the most elusive and dangerous man in the world. The man Perry loved is dead. Though he never let a trace of recognition to Perry, Roan remembers her well and he is relieved when Perry boards her flight to return home. Problem is that Roan cannot turn a blind eye and let the Network take the son he never knew he had. And then there is Perry.

***** There is a one year difference between the ending of the last book and the beginning of this one. If possible, this story is even better than any of the previous. There is more going on than I can tell in the synopsis, dealing with an organization called R.E.D., but I can tell nothing without spoilers.

This plot takes awhile to fully develop; therefore, more characters are involved than usual. However, this also means that more is going on and the readers will have a hard time finding a moment to catch their breaths. There is little or no downtime in this story; I stress that. The middle is just as fast paced and intriguing as the beginning and the end. The main characters are well developed and so are most of the secondary ones. No time is wasted on the character development of those that have little input to the story. All-in-all, I am beginning to believe that the author, Karen Wiesner, has one of the most fertile imaginations I have ever seen. *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Bounty on the Rebel's Heart
(Incognito #3)

The members call it "The Network", but the covert organization really has no name. The members are incognito, totally erased from the world. The organization has branches all over the world. Only the American President and a select committee in the White House, called Oversight, even know it exists.

Rebel "Reb" Porter is on a mission to destroy the Network. Giles, the corrupt former head of Network operations who is now MIA, had killed Reb's father (a senator) sixteen years ago. Reb grew up and became an investigative reporter. He has evidence on Giles and the Network. A few years ago Giles had Reb's wife killed and made it look like an accident. Reb is determined not to get close to another woman for fear of the same happening. For two years now Reb has been in hiding with his German Shepherd, Scout. All his evidence is safely hidden. The last person he expected to come looking for him, and find him, was Adrienna "Ad" Kelly. Ad had been just one of many women he'd inadvertently shattered and destroyed. Last time he saw Ad, she hated him. So why is Ad really with him?

Network operative Natalie Francis is altered to resemble Adrienna Kelly so she could get close to Reb and retrieve the evidence he has on the Network. The Network's secrecy would be totally compromised should she fail to do so. She did not expect to find Reb in frail form and horribly sick. Caring for him is not easy since strong odors cause her to have "mind seizures". But what is the illness Reb gets almost weekly? Where is the evidence hidden? And can she keep herself from falling for Reb?

***** This is the third book in the Incognito series and the author seems to get better with each tale she writes. The story is extremely well written and totally believable. If you are looking for a quick read go elsewhere. This story is so good you simply must savor it. As the ending drew near, I found myself slowing down to do just that. Unlike most novels in the Romantic Suspense genre, this one does not slow down toward the middle. It is not fast paced, but there intrigue throughout the entire book. Brilliant! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - Until Death Do Us Part
(Incognito #2)

The Network is the world's most covert organization. The HQ is in Chicago, underground, beneath a front company. They have unchallenged authority and skill to destroy criminals. The Network takes over where regular law enforcement leaves off. The people of this organization give up their entire lives to become agents of the Network. For them, there is no life and no love, only duty.

Kirsten Ulrick is the leader of Level Three's Alpha Team. She has become one of the best when it comes to deep undercover assignments. When Giles Jameson, a commander, goes rogue and cripples the Network from the inside, Kirsten is with the elite time sent in to rescue the Network's First in Command. Once done, the Network begins to clean up Jameson's mess and Kirsten is sent to Medical for a quick transformation.

Ashton Barnett, Alpha Team's First Position, had a hot, but extremely short, romantic past with Kirsten. Immediately after a mission they cooperated on was completed, Ashton denied down time and went into a new mission, simply to avoid spending any awkward time with his leader, Kirsten. Much remains unsaid between the two. Now their appearances have been altered and they are thrust together again for the most important mission of the Network's history. They are sent deep undercover as a married couple named Kris and Nathan Weston.

Six years ago, Reb Porter and Raven Harris had spent ample time investigating Jameson. They hosted a Chicago radio program. On their last program they referred to a "secret organization sanctioned by the American government". Now that Jameson has defected, the Network believes that Porter and Harris may still have hard-copy evidence on the Network and on Jameson. Chances are great that Jameson will go after that evidence and terminate the two ex-hosts.

Kris and Nathan Weston must protect Casey and Raven Harris without making them suspicious, and to retrieve any evidence Raven might still have. To do so, they have moved next door to the Harris residence. Kris is Casey's new partner at work. Nathan is a struggling novelist who remains at home. Whenever Raven, a recluse since her son died years ago, has any sudden electrical or water trouble, Nathan is there to help her out.

It is clear from the beginning that Casey and Raven's marriage has been going down hill since their son died. Kris and Nathan know that they are not supposed to get involved with the personal lives of the people they are protecting. But seeing the Harris couple in such pain, yet still with a fragile grip on love, the agents cannot help but wish they could do something for them. At the same time, Kris and Nathan are dealing with their real romantic past feelings. Playing husband and wife only intensifies their feelings for each other, feelings they are not allowed to have.

This is the single, most dangerous time in the Network's history. Kris and Nathan must try to ignore their feelings for each other, as well as, ignore their desire to help Casey and Raven, because it is only a matter of time before Jameson will strike!

***** I am happy to say that even though this is the second book in the "Incognito series", it is still a stand alone story. You do not have to read book one (No Ordinary Love) to fully understand and enjoy this adventure. Nor will you be left hanging with loose ends, waiting on the next book in the series. To make a series that readers can read in, or out, of order is an outstanding idea, in my opinion. Very few series succeed in accomplishing this difficult feat. So author Karen Wiesner has done what few before her could do. It is even harder to write about a couple's romance, while also adding in enough about a secondary couple AND a dangerous element. One minute I found myself hoping the main characters could make their attraction to each other work, and the next minute I was left breathless due to a sudden attack. This book had me on the edge of my seat often, and had my full attention constantly. Outstanding and highly recommended reading! *****

Author: Karen Wiesner
Title - No Ordinary Love
(Incognito #1)

The members call it "The Network", but the covert organization really has no name. The members are incognito, totally erased from the world. The organization has branches all over the world. Only the American President and a select committee in the White House, called Oversight, even know it exists. The people of The Network often "neutralize" anyone, even the innocent, in order to preserve the organization's invisibility and remove any threat of exposure. But when a ten-year-old girl witnesses her father shot down in cold blood, one member of The Network decides to disappear with her, instead of allowing the child to be neutralized.

Kira Gunn is twenty-five and already owns a multi billion-dollar corporation. But of her twenty-five years of life, she can only remember the last fifteen. Everything else is a blank. The only constant thing in her life is a man named Vincent Carson. For as long as Kira can recall, Vincent has been there. He cares for her every need. He home schooled her. He helped her begin her business from scratch. He even taught her to use and clean firearms. But most importantly, Vincent hold and soothes her every time she has the nightmares that trigger her seizures. Those occur every time she dreams.

But the time Vincent has been dreading has finally arrived. Kira wants answers. When she learns who Vincent really is and all he has done (and is still doing) to protect her, will she still care for him? Or will she run in horror?

***** This is the first book in the Incognito Series. I found it to be a very solid foundation for what could very well turn out to be one of the best romantic suspense novels of the year. It overflows in action and drama, with just the right amount of romance. Pre-order a copy if you can. Outstanding! *****

Author: David Greske
Title - Night Whispers

A series of murders happening in conjunction with the full moon brings old, painful memories to mind for scientist Stephen Quinn. Once upon a time, he and his best friend were the star patients of a paranormal experiment that he subsequently helped to destroy. Not everything may have been consumed in the cleansing fire. What was left may now be exacting a terrible price for its survival.

*** In some ways, the plot evokes images of the Phantom of the Opera or the X-Men, but only distantly. The twist in the plot will shock you, but the message of redemption that shines through is the real pay-off. ***

Author: Lori Soard
Title - The Elixir (Medical Thriller)

Set in Indianapolis, present day. Benjamin Monroe is murdered while leaving his job at E.V.E. Corporation. During his career as a research medical scientist, he created several medicines to help people, only for the company's owner to take credit for them. But Ben never cared about credit. He wanted only to save lives. He and his assistant, Jake Walker, had just cracked a genetic code that would save millions.

Jake finds Ben's body. The police believe that HE killed Ben, especially Detective Roberts. However, Ben's daughter, Celeste, believes Jake to be innocent. She, like Jake, is a medical research scientist. Since the police soon believe that Jake and Celeste are BOTH guilty, the pair begin looking for their own answers.

Turns out Ben spent his time (at home and in his home basement lab) doing lots of research. Ben also wrote it all in a special code that he had created for no one but himself several years ago. Jake and Celeste are the only two living that know Ben's code. Anyone who had knowledge of the formula has recently died and several attempts to murder Jake and Celeste are happening, not that the police believe it.

The pair find themselves on the run from assassins, police, the C.I.A., and more. They can trust no one but each other.

***** Here is a medical thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover-to-cover. Loaded with non-stop action and suspense, I found it very hard to pull myself away. The characters are well structured and it is easy to think of them as real people. Author Lori Soard has a winner with this title. *****

Author: Patricia A. Rasey
Title - Facade (Detective)

Deputy Detective KC Tanner was the only homicide detective in the small town of Pine Knot. Nothing big ever happened in the tiny community. That was why KC had left the big city and returned to his hometown. Pine Knot's sheriff, Mike "Mac" MacArthur, had once been KC's partner on the police force. The two had known each other for years. In fact, KC had watched Mac's little girl grown up into a lovely young woman.

Sharalee "Shar" MacArthur was the area's Victim's Advocate. Shar had a crush on KC since she was little. As she grew, the crush matured into love. Problem was that KC kept seeing her as a child and her father was keeping everyone away from her. It was up to her to show them both how wrong they were.

When tortured bodies began showing up, KC was naturally the one assigned to the case. But the only solid link between them all were that all the victims had been attached, in some way, to Sheriff MacArthur's deceased wife. What was a man to do when it looked as though his ex-partner and close friend might be a murderer?

**** Here is a wonderful detective thriller that will leave your head spinning. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was another twist came up that had me wondering all over again. There is even a surprise ending! Patricia A. Rasey is an author to keep your eye on. She gets better with each new story. Recommended reading. ****

Author: Patricia A. Rasey
Title - Fear The Dark (Detective)

Detective Jack Carter had divorced Cara Banks two years ago. Cara was an Evidence Tech for the police force, so he knew that he would be running into her from time to time. But they had managed to avoid each other, except for a nod of greeting as the passed each other in the hall. That changed when the first woman was found dead in her closet. She had died from multiple rattle snake bites. The two had to work together if there was a chance of finding the killer.

With a second body came a link. Both women were members of an elite singles' club named Manny's. Cara must go undercover to find the killer. Problem was that the killer knew who they were and was not yet ready to be found.

**** A wonderful detective thriller with just a touch of romance. I was engrossed from the first page! This one will put chills down your spine! ****

Author: Joan Hall Hovey
Title - Chill Waters (Romantic Suspense)

Rachael Warren had left Jenny's Cove at the age of fifteen. She never dreamed that by age forty-five she would be divorced with no job, money, or home. But when her husband began committing adultery, it was the last straw. Rachael wanted out - NOW! With the small amount of money Greg gave her for her part of their house, she returned to Jenny's Cove and purchased the small house her grandmother had once owned.

Iris Brandt was a store keeper and the first person Rachael met. Some of Iris's family members had "the Sight". Even though Iris knew she had it too, she always denied it, to herself and to others. However, she could NOT deny knowing Rachael was in danger when they met...and she felt the need to help, if she could.

Peter Gardner was Iris's nephew, and a local teacher. He was one of the few that did NOT believe Tommy, one of his students, had murdered his girlfriend - no matter what the evidence claimed. He and Rachael began seeing each other and romance began to bloom.

It soon became apparent that there was a killer on the loose. And his next target was Rachael.

**** Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will enjoy this author! Joan Hall Hovey has combined a romantic suspense with a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time as I tried to figure out what would happen next. Great story that I have no doubt you will enjoy! ****

Kim Cox: title - Suspicious Minds

Ryan Donatelli was devastated at the death of sister, Shelley. She had been an agent for the FBI, trying to apprehend mobster Nick DeMarco and business tycoon Sam Southard. Ryan vowed vengeance. Not only would he finish Shelley's work, but he would also print it all over the front page of the newspaper. He became Thomas Randolph and infiltrated the company of Southard and Southard. Then he began dating Natalie Southard, Sam's daughter, in hope of using her for information. However, he never expected to care for her.

Natalie knew her father and DeMarco was up to no good. She was not blind to her father's dark side. But she still loved him. She also knew that her father would keep secret files on DeMarco and she was determined to find them. As much as she was coming to care for Tom, she could not help but be suspicious of him. He kept popping up at odd times and snooping around in areas he was not allowed to be in.

Neither trusted the other. The bodies began piling up. Unless they could figure out how DeMarco was linked with the company and expose him quickly, they would become the next corpses!

**** This one has a strong plot that keeps the reader guessing. It is packed to the brim with danger, betrayal, and excitement! This novel will not disappoint! Recommended! ****

Monette Michaels- Title: Death Benefits

Dr. Rob Craig was a self-employed Forensic Pathologist. He was contacted by a lawyer, Michelle "Mici" Smith, who needed him to run an autopsy on Elinor Grace, who died one month ago. The family was of the Jewish faith, so no embalming had been done. The family no longer believed Elinor had died of a simple heat attack. They expected his autopsy to prove she had been murdered somehow. They had been correct!

Once proved, Rob and Mici went on the hunt for what appeared to be a serial killer. The two believed the viatical company called Life Benefits had been buying the policies on some clients and then killing them off to collect a large return of profit. Going to the police with their theory was out. Homicide Detective Mitch Adams was well known as a stubborn, closed-minded man, especially to Dr. Craig! So the two were on their own. When they began digging deeply enough to worry someone, they become marked for death!

**** Be forewarned of S&M club scenes, some torture, and graphic details. This one does not hold much back. In my opinion, Mici did not seem hardened enough to be a lawyer. Also she never seemed to need any morning or afternoon breaks from investigating for this one client to be in court for other clients. She seemed more like a private investigator on a first case, out to prove her worth. She is certainly tenacious, just like the good doctor.

Speaking of Rob, that character was very well done! Enough was said to show the author had done some homework on pathologists. Author Monette Michaels tossed in several surprises as well. Do not be too confident that you will figure this one out so easily, Readers. This Thriller/Mystery fooled me more than once. Recommended! ****

Monette Michaels- Title: Vested Interests

Brigit (Bree) Bauer is a successful lawyer that cares about her clients. She devotes countless hours to worthy causes, but in the process has made many enemies. Now for some unknown reason, Bree has become the target. Someone is determined to erase Bree out of existence and she has absolutely no idea of who or why. All she knows is they are determined, just as she is determined to continue her normal life and routines.

Tony Pendrake owns and operates a successful security company that does more than just install security systems. They specialize in all areas of security and some that are beyond what a normal security company would handle. He also has strong feelings for Bree and is determined, one way or another, that she will become a part of his life and his wife. So when someone sets their marks on Bree, Tony takes it personally and holds nothing back in order to find out who and stop them before it is too late. But will it be enough? Especially considering this person seems to know their every move and is relentless in trying to obtain their goal, Bree's death.

**** Excellent! Author Monette Michaels will once again razzle and dazzle you with twists and turns, bringing you into the book as the story unfolds, making it seem as if you are there on the scene. VESTED INTERESTS brings you more than a simple mystery and suspense, Ms. Michaels also fills the pages with laughter and sorrow, love and danger. This is definitely a book that will have you up way into the early morning hours reading, unable to put down until the last page is turned. ****

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