Audible Review: It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise by Rob J. Hayes

This is a fun heist caper with duels and romance.

It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise
Written by: Rob J. Hayes
Narrated by: Schatzie Schaefers

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-16-16
Publisher: Rob J. Hayes
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Set in a new world of corruption, deceit and thievery; mixing magical fantasy and alchemy punk with a healthy smattering of airshippery. It Takes a Thief to Catch a Sunrise follows Jacques Revou and Isabel de Rosier, a couple of charlatans at the top of their game.
After completing the biggest heist of their career, Jacques and Isabel are ready to retire, until the king's shadow councilor freezes their assets and forces them to work for him. Jacques and Isabel find themselves thrust into the social elite, playing the parts of Baron and Baroness Bonvillain, as they attempt to uncover a plot that threatens the entire kingdom.
©2014 Rob J. Hayes (P)2016 Rob J. Hayes

Review:
Isabel and Jacques are lively and engaging characters, adventurous and creative thieves. The couple were all set to retire in comfort with the spoils of their biggest and ‘last’ heist. Then one night they find intruders in their new home. They are confronted by a mysterious, supposedly cripple man and his male and female body guards or goons. The man is the king’s shadow councilor who has frozen all of Jacques and Isabel’s assets to force them to do his bidding. They must pose as a couple known for dueling skills - Baron and Baroness Bonvillain. They are to infiltrate the local nobility to ferret out suspected conspirators who are threats to the king, queen and the newly announced, unborn heir.

Jacques and Isabel are used to play acting, so assuming the roles is not such a problem. And they are pleased with the nice mansion they are provided to decorate and occupy. But the nobility are nicer than their strong arming boss and the bodyguards who are trying to teach them to shot and fight. The problem is that Jacques has no aptitude for shooting. Plus, the ‘Baron and Baroness’ are actually making friends with some of the people they are spending time with until one of them challenges ‘the Baron’ to a duel to the death!

Jacques and Isabel do uncover a conspiracy, but it isn’t the one they expect. Looks like they need to plan a heist to save their own hides from assassination. Jacques finally gets to ride in the steamships he’s been obsessing over, if only he can keep it from being their last ride.

The story has wonderful banter and energy. Isabel and Jacques are clearly in love and willing to take risks for excitement but they have their own standards of thievery. There were good twists and bits of irony. There was good pacing although there were also some issues raised that weren’t fully explained like the mystery of the Ooze – little worms seeming to ooze and grow in the sewer tunnels.

This is a fun fantasy with steampunk airships, duels and fun romance elements. I recommend this to readers who enjoy those elements with a good conspiracy romp. This is the first story I have read by Mr. Hayes but it won’t be the last.

Audio Notes: The narration is excellent. Schatzie Schaefers provides a wonderful performance of the primary characters, conveying their energy and love. She does a good job with all the other characters too. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the fun story.

I received this audio book from the author. This qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge as well as "I" in 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Kalico Jack by Mike Nahorniak

This is a fun little read with a positive message.

Kalico Jack
by Mike Nahorniak

File Size: 3653 KB
Print Length: 34 pages
Publisher: First Edition Design Publishing (October 6, 2016)
ASIN: B01M8F0RSM
Genre: Children
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Kalico Jack is a little different from the other Jack Rabbits so much so that he is he is constantly ridiculed. As he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to embark on a journey to find where he fits in. This adventure takes him across the western part of the United States where he makes many friends and eventually figures out what his special purpose is.

Mike Nahorniak was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He is a self-taught artist who has enjoyed the adventure of living in various locations across the Western half of the United States. Some of his most famous paintings include, "Time," "Where the Antelope Play," and "Montana Moose."
He is retired from the Air Force where he served for 27 years. Mike is married with three children.

Review:

Kalico Jack is a jack rabbit with a difference – his fur is multicolored with orange and black stripes and splotches on white. Add to that two different eye colors and Kalico Jack was repeatedly made fun of by other rabbits. When he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to take travel west from his home in Chicago hoping to find a place where he fits in.

The story follows Kalico Jack as he passes through St. Louis and journeys west all the way to the coast Along the way he makes friends with bullfrogs, cows, wolves, various desert creatures, Big Foot and even a Martian (near Area 51 apparently). He checks out several national parks and, as he nears Devil’s Tower, he makes a surprising discovery. He decides he must return to the city to use his newly found skills to help others. That isn't easy and he faces a fearsome enemy. He knows he still has lots to learn, but now he feels he has a purpose.

The story is cute and imaginative, if a bit wacky. The images are beautiful and fun and I am sure that a print version would be a delight for children. There is obviously a message regarding being different and finding a way to accept one’s differences and make them an asset. I enjoyed the story and think it would be a fun read with a young person who likes adventure.

I received this title through NetGalley. This qualifies for 2017 TBR Challenge, NetGalley Challenge and “K” on Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Review: X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series

This is a wonderful collection of classic sci fi short stories where, as the intro to the weekly show states: "you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds."
X Minus One: Old Time Radio, Sci-Fi Series
Written by: Ray Bradbury , Philip K. Dick , Robert A. Heinlein , Frederik Pohl , Theodore Sturgeon , Isaac Asimov , Ernest Kinoy , George Lefferts
Narrated by: Old Time Radio

• Length: 20 hrs and 5 mins
• Radio/TV Program
• Release Date:02-04-13
• Publisher: BN Publishing
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

X Minus One was a half-hour science fiction radio series broadcast from April 24, 1955 to January 9, 1958, in various timeslots on NBC. Initially a revival of NBC's Dimension X (1950-51), X Minus One is widely considered among the finest science fiction dramas ever produced for radio. The first 15 episodes were new versions of Dimension X episodes, but the remainder were adaptations by NBC staff writers, including Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, of newly published science fiction stories by leading writers in the field, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Frederik Pohl, and Theodore Sturgeon, along with some original scripts by Kinoy and Lefferts.
Episodes of the show include adaptations of Robert Sheckley's "Skulking Permit", Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven", Heinlein's "Universe" and "The Green Hills of Earth", Pohl's "The Tunnel Under the World", J. T. McIntosh's "Hallucination Orbit", Fritz Leiber's "A Pail of Air", and George Lefferts' "The Parade".
The program opened with announcer Fred Collins delivering the countdown, leading into this introduction (although later shows were partnered with Galaxy Science Fiction rather than Astounding Science Fiction):
"Countdown for blastoff.... X minus five, four, three, two, X minus one.... Fire!" [Rocket launch SFX] "From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future; adventures in which you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds. The National Broadcasting Company, in cooperation with Street and Smith, publishers of Astounding Science Fiction presents...X Minus One.
©2012 BN Publishing (P)2012 BN Publishing.

Review:
This audio book consists of stories originally broadcast on radio in 1955. The dramas are very engaging and I enjoyed the voice production and background sounds. Each story runs about 25 minutes so they are great for little snippets although the introduction and ending credits for each one become a little annoying. I could just picture an older generation sitting in front of the radio listening.

My favorite was Heinlein's “The Green Hills of Earth” which tells the tale of a space mechanic who protects the ship when automation fails. He becomes a beloved space “sailor” traveling along the freight lines and writing songs to sing on his guitar. A very special song is about the green hill of his home planet.

Another one that I really liked was George Lefferts' "The Parade". A wealthy man asks a slick public relations man in New York to prepare a plan to announce “the Martians are Coming.” The PR man is thrilled to have the high paying job and thinks the ad plan is for a new spectacular movie. The campaign will culminate in a gala parade to introduce “the Martians” to the city.

The stories are classic sci fi with the twist of irony I have come to expect in science fiction. There is a bit of humor and a strong dose of creepy horror. I do think it is fun that some of the stories treat the 1970s or '90s as a future world. I recommend this to those who enjoy vintage sci fi and like the idea of the broadcast format.

Audio Notes: If you have ever listened to an old radio broadcast you know how they are presented with good actor voices and background stories, including music building to enhance the mystery and danger.

This is from my Audible library, picked up in 2016 and planned for Vintage Sci Fi. It qualifies for my 2017 TBR and Audio challenges and “X” in Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Terminal Regression by Mallory Hill

The author has created an interesting dystopian world but I found the young protagonist difficult to relate to.
Terminal Regression
by Mallory Hill

File Size: 1085 KB
Print Length: 237 pages
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (January 17, 2017)
ASIN: B01MSWNXOI
Genre: Dystopia
My Rating 3.75 of 5.0

WINNER OF THE SECOND ANNUAL AUTHORS FIRST NOVEL CONTEST
Laura Baily's life is meaningless. In a world where purpose and passion are everything, Laura feels as though she has no place and no business even existing. Her life is forfeit, and it would be better for everyone if she simply ended it, if she simply got a ticket for a train to oblivion and faded from memory.
But what awaits her at the end of the line isn't death but Terminal B – a community of people more like her than she considered possible, including the beautiful, tormented Will Noble. Though Laura still thinks little of her own life, the lives of others begin to fascinate her as never before. And when those lives become imperiled, Laura discovers the last thing she ever expected to find on her way out of the world: a mission and a reason to live.
Compelling on both a human and global scale, TERMINAL REGRESSION is a novel of rare power and humanity. It is the story of a tomorrow that teeters on the edge of utopia and dystopia and a resigned outsider who might just change it forever.

Review:
Laura feels she has failed at everything in her life. She doesn’t have a place in a world where everyone finds their niche and happily goes about their chosen work.

Laura’s parents were both talented artists but her father was sent away when she was a child. She watched as he boarded the Terminal B train, understanding that he was being sent to his death. She couldn’t understand why and her life has been a struggle ever since. Her free-spirited mother is active in the artist community and continues to push Laura to use her art even though Laura is sure her efforts are pathetic. Laura has made the rounds of the different communities, hoping to find a place where she can find a purpose; where she can fit in. Finally, she decides she will just get a ticket for Terminal B but she will let her mother think she was sent.

On the Terminal B ride, Laura runs into Will who was the most popular and friendly boy in fifth grade. Laura is surprised he even remembers her and more surprised that he should be on the train. They arrive at the end of the line to discover they are not dead… although they might wish they were.

Laura is sent to a farm and Will to a factory plant. Laura later learns that Will’s ticket wasn’t voluntary. He was accused of violent behavior and now must work in a place that treats the workers as expendable. Laura takes on the task of keeping Will alive and sane. Will is upbeat and optimistic to balance out Laura’s dark, moody pessimism. He needs her help but she needs him to provide her a purpose.

Laura believes that she must get word back to her mother and the city dwellers of the true nature of Terminal B, especially if Will is to survive. Some of Laura’s new co-workers help her plan a clandestine escape. Before Laura and Will can get back to the city she will face another huge surprise. If they can manage to escape, life will change for everyone.

I had to push to get through this because of Laura’s negative, defeatist attitude. The character’s statement at 42% in, “Happiness was a foreign concept”, is a totally foreign concept to me. That theme of failure and unhappiness permeates the book and is repeated, ad nauseam, even at 92%.

Will at least gives a breath of hope. The author has created an interesting dystopia world where perception is not always real. I found the young protagonist difficult to relate to and I think I might have enjoyed it more with less teenage angst and self-centeredness. I did like the twist and suspense late in the book. I recommend this to readers who like dystopia and can deal with the defeatist tone.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for 2017 NetGalley Challenge and “T” for NG in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

This is an important vintage sci fi dystopia, said to have influenced George Orwell’s 1984.

We
Written by: Yevgeny Zamyatin
Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-28-11
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Vintage Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Set in the 26th century A.D., Yevgeny Zamyatin's masterpiece describes life under the regimented totalitarian society of OneState, ruled over by the all-powerful "Benefactor." Recognized as the inspiration for George Orwell's 1984, We is the archetype of the modern dystopia, or anti-Utopia: a great prose poem detailing the fate that might befall us all if we surrender our individual selves to some collective dream of technology and fail in the vigilance that is the price of freedom. Clarence Brown's brilliant translation is based on the corrected text of the novel, first published in Russia in 1988 after more than 60 years' suppression.
Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor

Review:
D-503 is a citizen of OneState where the “Benefactor” takes care of everyone for the collective good. Everyone is provided housing, identical clothing, work, food and sexual engagement with choice of partners. Everyone is expected to be happy and satisfied with their needs taken care of within the glass city. The secret police and spies are quick to deal with anyone who tries to go beyond the Green Wall, or refuses to conform to the regulated routines.

D-503 has an important job as one of the mathematicians helping to build the Integral, the first space ship to expand the world of OneState. He deals with numbers, facts and logic. He is not a poet but he is intent on journaling his thoughts as a record to share with the future even as he records the steps of his 'madness'.

One day D-503 and his usual female partner are walking during personal time, the time when the masses walk along the prescribed route. D-503 becomes aware of another couple walking beside him. He is immediately smitten by I-330, a woman who defies the rules and invites him to meet her a few days hence. She leads him on a walk at an unscheduled time to a strange house off the usual paths and then proceeds to captivate his thoughts and energies.

D-503 shares his jumbled emotions and fears as I-330 leads him into rebellion and a conspiracy to take down OneState. He struggles with his logical training to obey the regulations and his inner yearning to break free of the government system. Is it better to be controlled and ‘taken care of’ or to be free and experience the highs and lows available with individual freedoms?

This is not an unusual theme for a science fiction dystopian but I found the story remarkable particularly because it was written in 1921 by a Russian. The story was banned in the author's own country for over half a century. The world that Zamyatin creates may not be so fantastic by today’s standards but in its own time was an excellent creation. Although the story was a bit confusing, I found myself fascinated by D-503s dilemma of self-discovery. It was also fascinating understanding this was penned by an author living during revolutions in a totalitarian country.

The introduction provides a good history of the writing and the struggles to provide a proper translation. Some translators call the city ‘United State’ but this translation uses OneState which I think fits. Also, the prose and satire are nicely presented in this translation. This may not be as exciting as some of today’s sci fi adventures but it is a worthwhile read in the catalog of vintage sci fi.

Audio Notes: Grover Gardner is a masterful narrator. I have listened to him on many titles and I discovered I had to adjust to his narration on this. Once I was absorbed by the web of the character’s life and confusion I totally enjoyed the easy flow of the narration. I recommend this in audio format.

This audio was from my own Audible library. It qualifies for 2017 TBR, Audio Challenge and “W” in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Patriots of Treason by David Thomas Roberts

This is a timely thriller full of interesting political tidbits and a clear message: Don’t mess with Texas!
Patriots of Treason
Written by: David Thomas Roberts
Narrated by: Kelly Klaas

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-05-13
Publisher: David Thomas Roberts
Genre: Political Thriller
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Tea anyone? After decades of erosion of the U.S. Constitution, the United States is faced with a major constitutional crisis not seen since the Civil War. A president and his administration filled with scandals and plagued by economic woes surprisingly wins re-election to a second term largely based on an "October Surprise" and the promise of redistribution of the nation's wealth. The night he is re-elected, an assassination attempt throws America into chaos, resulting in riots, food shortages and violence across the country. When it is discovered the assassin has ties to the Tea Party, the administration sees its opportunity to quash its political opposition and launch a diabolical conspiracy to hide the truth of the assassin's real motives. The President and his minions attempt to keep the lid on the conspiracy by any means necessary, including issuing unconstitutional executive orders.
Jack-booted federal agents are ordered to raid private citizens' homes to eradicate the Tea Party once and for all. After an ordinary citizen in Texas, a founder of a local Tea Party, is terrorized and held without due process, the governor of Texas dispatches iconic Texas legend Pops Younger to rescue him. The entire country becomes riveted in the suspense of the high-stakes chess game that pits the State of Texas and the Texas Rangers against the administration and the ATF that escalates to unprecedented proportions. An exciting and fast-paced political thriller, Patriots of Treason presents a very realistic 'what if' scenario that will keep you on the edge of your seat, regardless of your political persuasion.
©2012 David Thomas Roberts (P)2013 David Thomas Roberts

Review:
A liberal President, running for re-election on a platform that includes restriction of gun rights and redistribution of wealth, survives a late race assassination attempt. The investigation reveals that the assassin, of Muslim decent, was a student from Texas who was writing a thesis on the Tea Party. Washington leaders, spear-headed by the Attorney General, cover-up the Muslim connection and declare the assassination attempt was a conspiracy by Tea Party members. Federal enforcers move in to disarm Texas citizens and to capture and imprison Tea Party members without arrest warrants, phone calls or hearings. The federal authorities justify their actions claiming the Tea Party members are “terrorists” under The Patriot Act and therefore have no rights.

The Texas Governor takes issue with the violation of the rights of his state citizens. The Texas Rangers are called in to rescue a Tea Party member who was arrested in the presence of his wife and children and whose house was bulldozed to get to a gun safe he refused to open. The rescue triggers escalating hostilities between the Federal Government and Texas that result in Texas voting on secession.

The public masses are divided in their loyalties with several states sympathizing with Texas and others rallying behind the federal restrictions. One man, with inside knowledge of the facts hidden by the Justice department, strives to find a way to get the true facts out to the public to stop the unbridled corruption and chain of violence based on lies.

This story moves at a good pace with a lot of suspense and tension. Not so long ago this scenario might have seemed unlikely, but with increasing federal controls and intrusion into state rights this doesn’t look so fictional. Texas seems to be the perfect state to set in this confrontation as it maintains a state militia (the Texas State Guard) under the governor’s direct command. And, of course, the Texas Rangers are bigger than life. Some of the state resources were exaggerated but it made for exciting reading/listening.

I did question why the student’s friend didn’t speak up and why no independent journalist researched the young man’s background. However, this fit with the nature of media outlets these days that highlight biased tidbits twisted from some facts and make no effort to portray the full truth objectively.

I liked the fitting quotes at the beginning of each chapter. When I reached the end of this book, I was ready to listen to book two. I realized I hadn’t picked it up at Audible yet and would have to wait. I recommend this to readers who like constitutional discussions and political intrigue interesting, especially set in an action story.

Audio Notes: I’m sorry to say that I wasn’t impressed by the narration which I found to be rather dry. Although there is some inflection, Kelly Klaas seemed to deliver this like a documentary rather than an exciting thriller. Fortunately the storyline took precedence about midway so that the narration was not such a distraction.

I picked this up at Audible in 2016. It qualifies for 2017 TBR, 2017 Audio Challenge and “P” in Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Forbidden by F. Stone

This is a gripping, page turner!

Forbidden
by F. Stone

File Size: 904 KB
Print Length: 385 pages
Publisher: Romance Under Fire (December 12, 2016)
ASIN: B01N2TNTS5
Genre: Suspense, Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories
Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir's demands, a devout Muslim and police captain becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. Captain Sharif is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.
The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country's government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.
Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.

Review:
Eliza, a Canadian paramedic, traveled to the City of Samara to work with an American Habitat team. Eliza struggles with crippling PTSD episodes as she tries to recover from a traumatic loss a few years past. The Habitat convoy is diverted to a police compound where they are massacred. The real police engage the terrorists at the last minute, rescuing a terrified Eliza. Captain Sharif, a devout Muslin, takes Eliza into custody, first to confirm she wasn’t part of the attack and then to keep her safe.

Sharif’s superiors threaten his family if he doesn’t cover-up the killings and silence the sole surviving witness. Sharif struggles to find a way to save Eliza, even acting behind her back. Eliza respects Sharif’s dedication to his faith and to his duties as an officer of the law. She knows that he is trying to protect her but she doesn’t appreciate not being privy to the plans to hide her away.

Sharif is forced to lie to the CIA agent who arrives to find the bodies of the Americans and bring in the killers. Sharif must intensify his efforts to obtain proof of the corruption in his own government as the CIA agent holds him under suspicion.

Sharif and Eliza grow in friendship as they share close spaces and learn of each other’s vulnerabilities. Eliza knows that she does not fit in Sharif’s world and any relationship between them is forbidden. Sharif, who has convinced himself that he is not worthy of love, struggles to maintain his strict code of honor even as he is drawn to the brave, impetuous Eliza. Can they find the strength to acknowledge their love, assuming they can survive the multiplying threats to their freedoms and their very lives?

The plot is wonderfully crafted with well-developed characters, nonstop suspense and a good twist to the ending. The setting and political environment make an effective backdrop and I found the Muslim elements very interesting. Ms. Stone adds to this an improbable but beautiful romance.

The primary characters are real, flawed and courageous. It was natural to root for them to beat the enemy and accept their love for one another. I also liked the secondary characters and would like to read more about all of them. There were some typographical errors but the story is well worth reading. I hope to try more of Ms. Stone’s work very soon. I highly recommend this story to readers who like action packed suspense with romance.

I picked this up in December from a source new to me: Reading Deals. This qualifies for 2017 TBR and “F” in 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery by Kate Kingsbury

As I hoped, this is a light, enjoyable cozy mystery.
Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery
by Kate Kingsbury

File Size: 2222 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (January 10, 2017)
ASIN: B01NAH09KG
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Melanie West is getting her life back on track after a messy divorce when her grandmother, Liza Harris, asks her to open a B&B with her. Together, Liza and Melanie purchase a purportedly haunted mansion on the Oregon coast and jump right into clearing out the cobwebs. But while attempting to remove wallpaper in an upstairs bedroom, the new B&B owners stumble upon a very real skeleton in their closet.
The police suspect the skeleton is that of the wife of the previous owner of the B&B, but no one in town seems to want to say much about her. As the inn owners try to juggle renovations with their own amateur investigations, their grand opening looms closer and closer--and a friendly ghost in their walls starts playing tricks. But it all comes crashing to a halt when a new body is found stabbed to death on the beach below the inn--the victim chillingly close in resemblance to Melanie herself.
It seems someone doesn't appreciate newcomers prying into the small town's past, and now it's up to Melanie and Liza to get to the bottom of these murders to save their business...and their lives

Review:
Melanie has moved away from the city and a stressful divorce. She has joined her grandmother, Liza, to open a B&B in a purportedly haunted mansion in a small town on the Oregon coast. Rumor is the ghost is a laughing ghost, causing Liza to pick the name: The Merry Ghost Inn. There is plenty of remodeling to complete but as they begin to remove wallpaper they discover a hidden closet with a skeleton.

The police think the victim might be the wife of the previous owner, a woman who has been missing for many years. Before the lead detective can get very far into the investigation he is called away to a current day murder. Melanie and Liza are juggling the renovations hoping they can complete them within their tight budget and in time to open for the upcoming season. The closed off room is off limits and might impede their efforts to have the Inn ready on time.

Liza and Melanie decide to do some sleuthing on their own. They discover that the town folk are rather tight lipped about the missing woman. Still, when they discover one lead, it leads into more and before long they have several suspects. The situation becomes more difficult as Melanie spies her ex-husband driving in town and runs into him at a party where he makes it clear he wants her back. Melanie begins to have some near miss accidents from a car that is suspiciously like her ex’s. Then a woman who looks a lot like Melanie from the back is killed on the beach near the Inn.

Melanie adopts the murdered woman’s dog, Max, who was with his mistress on the beach and now has his own traumas to recover from. It appears that someone may be trying to scare the ladies off the investigation, and if that doesn’t work maybe fire will. Meanwhile someone -- or maybe the merry ghost -- is laughing and playing tricks by moving objects in the house.

Liza, in her mid-fifties, and Melanie, in her early thirties, make a good pair and likeable characters. Max is a nice addition and there may be some romance in the future as Liza is playing at a little match making.

The story moves along at a quick pace, with light humor and hints of the ghost mystery. The killer was not my first (or second) guess, which I thought was well done by the author. This is a fine example of “cozy mystery” and I recommend it to those who enjoy the genre. I would like to read more in the series and learn more about the Merry Ghost.

I received this title in December from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley Challenge, 2017 TBR and “D” in my 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

MBS 2017 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge

Once again this Challenge is hosted by Lori at Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

All details and sign up form are found HERE.

AHH-  just noted these rules:

You can drop the A’s and The’s from the book titles....
The First Main Word Needs To Be The Letter You Are Counting

Except For those pesky Q, X AND Z titles the word that starts with the challenge letter can be ANYWHERE in the title. [Emphasis Added.]

I have always tried to have the beginning letter as the second word after an article like "The" or "A". Having it anywhere in the title could actually make it easier except I think I had already lined up titles for this challenge!

Last year I tried to do four titles for each letter and came pretty close. I did get at least One each.
This year I will work on TWO for each: an Audio TBR title and an ebook TBR.
I will be adding my "possible" lists this weekend.

The Completed Challenge with titles is posted HERE!