Audio Book Review: Hide and Seek by Mary Burton

This reminded me why I like this author. It is a good thriller with romance.
Hide and Seek
By Mary Burton
Narrated By: Christina Traister

Duration: 9 h 57 min
Release date: 04-23-19
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
She’s hunting. He’s watching.
Special Agent Macy Crow is a survivor. After a vicious hit-and-run nearly kills her, she gets right back to work, and now she’s gunning for a spot on the FBI’s elite profiling team. As an audition, she offers to investigate the recently discovered bones of Tobi Turner, a high school girl who disappeared fifteen years ago.
While investigating with local sheriff Mike Nevada, a former colleague and onetime lover, Macy discovers a link between Tobi’s case and several others that occurred around the same time as her disappearance. As Macy interviews victims and examines old cases, she uncovers a sinister picture of a stalker who graduated to sexual assault—and then murder.
Macy and Nevada race to put this monster behind bars before he can come out of hiding. But the murderer’s had years to hone his skills, and soon Macy herself becomes a target. She’s no stranger to pain and terror, but will Macy’s first profiling case be her last?

Review:
Special Agent Macy is still recovering from a hit and run but she is persistent that she wants to get back to work at the FBI. She hops to get a spot on the FBI’s elite profiling team. She is approved to investigate a recently discovered body of a teenage girl who disappeared fifteen years ago. Macy will be investigating with local sheriff, Mike Nevada, with whom she has a short history.

Very quickly Macy connects the death of the teen with other cases of death and rape that occurred in the same time period. Macy is building a profile that discovers that the perpetrator may still be attacking and killing young women of the same type. As Macy and Nevada push to interview those close to the disappearances fifteen years earlier, they are clearly stirring up facts some community members don’t want stirred.

Then the killer strikes the investigation team and it is clear that Macy is his next target. Will the team be able to uncover the criminal before he adds more trophies to his collection?

I enjoyed the suspense and profiling aspects of this story. The author created a mystery with good suspects and peripheral accomplices. Meanwhile, the relationship between Macy and Nevada is developed nicely. This story felt like it might be part of a series, and I searched to find it is Criminal Profiler #4. I am glad that I revisited this author after many years and I will be glad to pick up more of her titles. I recommend this author and book to fans of police procedural and romantic suspense.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Christina Traister. She provided distinct voices and energy that fit the story. I had some concern that parts of the audio seemed to get louder at times, but I would put that on production, rather than the narrator. I still enjoyed the audio and would listen to more stories narrated by Ms. Traister.

Source: 9/22/19 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War by Jay J. Falconer

This Post-Apocalyptic/dystopian moves the story along.

Bunker (Book 2) Dogs of War
Written by Jay J. Falconer
Read by Gary Tiedemann

Run Time 4h 40min
Release Date: April 6, 2017
Publisher: BookBreeze.com
Genre: Action, Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Those Who Resist, Triumph. Those Who Kneel, Serve.
When a covert communication is intercepted, Jack Bunker and the town leaders of Clearwater swing into action to uncover the secret behind its deadly intent.
However, before their defenses can be fortified and the threat neutralized, a ruthless faction gains a foothold, turning to kidnapping and torture for control.
As the body count rises, Bunker is forced to summon a part of himself he loathes in order to save everyone he cares about.
But rescuing his friends won’t be easy, not when the insurgents focus their attention on him and his mysterious past.

Review:
This second book picks up where book 1 ended. The town council agrees to have Bunker help prepare them for the difficulties they will face from their own community with the tech and electric systems down. But they soon learn of an outside threat. They will need more help and more resources.

Bunker is asked to join Deputy Daisy to travel to the farm of the local ‘prepper’ to try to obtain supplies. Bunker’s friend (from book 1), Stephanie, quickly moves into jealousy mode, having had a bad history with Daisy. Another town leader takes Stephanie and her son Tommy off to his home to help cool her temper.

Stephanie’s group runs into trouble as they approach home while across town, Bunker and Daisy run into trouble as they try to find the old man in his home. The story jumps into action that keeps the reader engaged. The story stretches realism a bit and ends with the next scene yet to come.

My headline summary says that this moves the story along. The bottom of the publisher info does indicate that this is “Audiobook 2 in the Mission Critical Series. A 5-part completed serial.” The reader needs to recognize that these are just short chapters of a full story. I am glad that I was able to get the other ‘chapters’ on sale. The best way to buy this series would be in a boxed set. I will continue to listen to the next books when in the mood for an action post-apocalyptic story.

Audio Notes: I can repeat my assessment of the narrator from my review of book 1. Gary Tiedemann does a fine job providing distinct voices and appropriate energy. I will continue to listen to more in the series.

Source: 10/2/2021 Chirp Purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

I was a little disappointed by this second book.
Artificial Condition
By Martha Wells
Narrated By: Kevin R. Free

Duration: 3 h 21 min
Release date: 05-08-18
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
The follow-up to the hugely popular science fiction action-adventure All Systems Red Artificial Condition continues The Murderbot Diaries, a science fiction series that tackles questions of the ethics of sentient robotics. It appeals to fans of Westworld, Ex Machina, Ann Leckie's Imperial Raadch series, or Iain M. Banks' Culture novels. The main character is a deadly security droid that has bucked its restrictive programming and is balanced between contemplative self-discovery and an idle instinct to kill all humans. 'As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure.' It has a dark past-one in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to christen itself 'Murderbot.' But it has only vague memories of the massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more. Teaming up with a Research Transport vessel named ART (you don't want to know what the 'A' stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where it went rogue. What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks.

Review:
‘Murderbot’ is an AI droid who has overcome his controlling programming and is suspected of being a raging murderer. Now a rogue droid, Murderbot sets out on his own to research his past. He has to negotiate security systems to move through the communities that would take him back under control. He manages to get on a droid only transport with the expectation he can travel under the radar and with no interference. However, the command of the Research Transport vessel, dubbed ART, does interfere and, for good or not, ART encourages Murderbot to pursue his memories. And ART steps in to help several times.

I did like the fact that Murderbot was able to investigate what really happened. I also enjoyed the aid he reluctantly received from ART. I liked the quirkiness of both characters. This episode was reasonably entertaining and moved along well. However, I didn’t find it particularly enthralling. The story does indicate a conspiracy that might result in danger in the future, although that isn’t clear. I would not pay full price for these small episodes but would pick up more in the series if I can get them on sale.

Audio Notes: Kevin R. Free does a good job with the narration. He actually conveys the mostly unexcited nature of the AI characters. I am glad I was able to get the audio through a deal.

Source: 8/28/2021 Two for One Credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audio Book Review: Sleigh Spells by Bella Falls

This is a delightful story with an extra short included.
Sleigh Spells
Author Bella Falls
Narrator: Johanna Parker

Series: Winter Witches of Holiday Haven, Book 1
Duration: 6 h 10 min.
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
Have yourself a very Merry Witchmas in Holiday Haven, where the magic and mystery of Christmas is snow joke!
Aurora Hart hates everything Christmas, but how could she turn down the opportunity to serve one year of probation in Holiday Haven versus a full sentence for her crimes? Saddled with a talking squirrel roommate, Aurora is doing her best to keep a low profile as she bides her time. Everything is going fine . . . until Santa's sleigh gets stolen.
Now, all eyes are on her and the other town Humbugs, and it's up to Aurora to keep her behind from ending up back in jail. With the help of a very important person from the North Pole, she finds herself hot on the trail of the real culprit. But it will take her having to do something she's never done before-accepting new friends and their assistance. Only then will Aurora be able to turn not only her own life around but also Christmas for the entire world!
Will Aurora be able to solve the mystery of who stole Santa's sleigh in time? Or will the culprit get the final sleigh?...

Review:
All her life Aurora has struggled with witch powers, ice and fire, that she is unable to control. No one helped her learn along the way and she ended up helping a con man until they were arrested. Rather than spend time in jail, she accepted the offer of one year on probation in Holiday Haven. Aurora isn’t exactly crazy about Christmas since she has never had the chance to enjoy the season. She is trying to keep a low profile but her talking squirrel roommate, Nutty, doesn’t help with his constant thieving. Her first couple of jobs haven’t worked out thanks to her uncontrolled powers. Then a new ‘parole officer’, Clara, shows up with a new position and firm belief that Aurora can succeed.

Aurora's new boss isn’t particularly nice, but then she isn’t particularly nice to anyone. Aurora/Rory makes a new friend of one of the shop baking elves and half-witch, Vale. Vale introduces Rory to some other seeming misfits in town, including handsome Wyatt, and Nutty’s friend Amos. When Santa’s sleigh is stolen from the town park, all of these former criminals, aka the Humbugs, are the first ones pulled in as suspects. Clara, with special authority, appears and releases the group. She assigns Rory the task of finding the real thief. Can Rory accept the help of new friends to find the culprit and save Christmas?

Aurora/Rory is a sweet character who just needs some true friends and a bit of magic guidance. I love how Clara’s support bolstered Rory’s confidence in her own abilities and helped bring Rory and her new friends together. Nutty is a crazy character, of course, and the romance with Wayne (a shifter) is extra cute. I totally enjoyed the friends, the mystery and the magic of Christmas shared in this story. 

There was an extra short story included that is a sweet continuation. I highly recommend this to cozy mystery fans who enjoy magic with their mystery. I hope to read more in this series or other books by this author.

Audio Notes: This book did look/sound cute, but I’ll admit part of my purchase decision was due to the narrator. Johanna Parker is a voice I know and like from the Sookie Stackhouse series. Parker is a delightful narrator, and I am believe I have a couple more new to me series that I have on my TBR shelf that have been narrated by this talented performer. The narration added to my enjoyment of an already fun story.

Source: 12/12/2021 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

This is a fun story of an unexpected 'hero' in a covert agency hunting mysteries and monsters.

The Atrocity Archives
By Charles Stross
Narrated By: Gideon Emery

Series: Laundry Files #1
Duration: 11 h 1 min
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Fantasy, Monsters, Paranormal
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
A Hugo Award winner and best-selling author, Charles Stross combines the best elements of science fiction and fantasy. In The Atrocity Archives, a lowly computer geek working for a secret British intelligence agency gets promoted to field service after accidentally saving lives in a disaster. Now he's faced with saving the universe using only his smarts and a disembodied hand that renders him invisible. Stross' award-winning novella, The Concrete Jungle, is also included.

Review:
Bob Howard is a low-level computer geek at a covert government agency. He has plenty to handle in his paperwork and data recovery, and although he might like more challenges, he doesn’t plan on being heroic. Then he manages to get noticed by taking right action at the right time. Although his immediate supervisors aren’t happy with him, another department head thinks he has potential for “active duty”. They commandeer him for a different job to gain information about a British Citizen, Mo, who is ‘trapped’ in California. Things go awry but again, Bob helps the mission succeed.

On one trip he is sent into the archival library where he finds history of monsters and unspeakable horrors. He and Mo are sent out to lure in a suspected killer. They all get more than they bargained for in a very strange world of monsters. And of course, when he is pulled even further into the covert operations, his coworkers become even more angered.

The story starts a little slowly and it took some attention to follow the story line. Bob is a likeable, if nerdish guy. His difficult relationships with his coworkers are amusing. The atrocity archives are truly awful. I like the mystery and monster hunting, so I enjoyed that part of the story, with aliens/demons as it progressed.

There is a second short story, The Concrete Jungle, that continues the action and some crazy monster mess. I’ll keep this series in mind but won’t be rushing to get the next books. Fantasy fans who like monster hunting and a bit of zany might want to check this out.

Audio Notes: Gideon Emery does a nice job with the narration. Gideon captures the lackadaisicalness side of Bob’s character. The audio enhanced this book for me.

Source: 3/28/2020 Audiobooks.com Two For One Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: Mistletoe Miracles by Jodi Thomas

This is a delightful listen sharing three romance stories.

Mistletoe Miracles
Written By: Jodi Thomas
Narrated By: Julia Gibson

Duration: 9 hours 52 minutes
Date: November 13, 2018
Publisher: Recorded Books
Genre: Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Western
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
A small-town Texas Christmas story, where hearts are lost, love is found, and family always brings you back home. Griffin Holloway is desperate: the Maverick Ranch has been in his family for generations, but lately, it's a money pit. He'd sooner marry one of his horses than sell the ranch. Marriage, though, could be a solution. If he can woo a wealthy bride, he might save the ranch-just in time for Christmas. Jaxon O'Grady likes his solitude just fine, thank you very much. But when a car accident brings the unexpected to his door, he realizes just how much one person can need another. Crossroads is the perfect place for Jamie Johnson: avoiding nosy questions about why she's single, she's happy to keep to her lakeside home. So she's baffled when she gets the strangest Christmas present of all, in the form of a Mr. Johnson, asleep on her sofa. Who is he, and why does everyone think he's her husband? In this uplifting novel, three unlikely couples discover just what Crossroads, Texas, can offer: romance, belonging, and plenty of Christmas spirit.

Review:
Griffin Holloway decides the only way to save the family cattle ranch, Maverick Ranch, is to marry a woman with money. Griffin seeks the help of the Franklin sisters, two elderly spinsters who run a boarding house in town. They agree to match-make but then introduce him to a fancy lady who would seem to be a woman out of his class. Sunlan is the daughter of a rich rancher who finds herself pregnant and in need of a husband to avoid scandal for her father. She is willing to pay off the Holloway note in exchange for a marriage of convenience before Christmas, and the agreement that she maintain sole control of her own small horse ranch. Can they keep things cool, especially after Griffin rushes to help her save her horses from a barn fire?

Jaxon O’Grady is an injured fireman who has become a recluse, a hermit living by himself. He witnesses a woman crash her car and rescues a dog at the scene of the crash. He soon realizes the dog is hers and he decides to take her in while she is recuperating. The problem is Mallory is being hunted by a brutal ex-boyfriend. Jax and Mallory develop a friendship but they have to fend off the threat of her ex. Will their friendship and shared danger be enough to bring Jax out of his isolation?

Jamie Johnson is a single teacher who is tired of having to fend off unwanted advances and friendly set-ups for dates. She has moved to Crossroads pretending to be married to a soldier who is away. Even the hoax of marriage doesn’t keep all creeps away. When the local sheriff finds an exhausted soldier walking down a road to town it is only natural to think he is Jamie’s husband. Jamie, who was away for the weekend, is surprised to come home and find a man in her house. When she learns that the sheriff delivered Captain James Johnson to her house, she has to figure a way to keep her secret. Maybe they can work out something together until he has to return to his next assignment.

The couples are wonderful even if their situations are somewhat contrived. The Franklin sisters are fun and other side characters (the Holloway brothers and Jax’s brother) probably have stories of their own to come. This story alternates between the couples and moves along well. I was glad to have a nice Christmas HEA for all three couples. I recommend this to fans who enjoy HEA, sweet romance.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Julia Gibson. She provided distinct voices and portrayed the characters to fit the story. I would be glad to listen to more books narrated by Ms. Gibson.

Source: December 2020 - Two for one credit at Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren

This is an engaging, fun cozy paranormal mystery.
The Vampire Knitting Club
By Nancy Warren
Narrated By: Sarah Zimmerman

Series: Vampire Knitting Club, Book 1
Duration: 6 h 7 min
Published 2019 by Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Vampires, Witches
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4. 5; Narration 4. 5.

Summary:
At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.
Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door-including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?
When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 500-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan. The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat . . . or is it . . . her familiar?

Review:
Lucy Swift is a young woman about to make a life change. She lost her job and left her cheating boyfriend to return home to visit with her loving, supportive grandmother. Lucy figures that some ‘down-time’ helping out in Gran’s knitting shop, the Cardinal Woolsey, will give her a chance to regroup. Lucy arrives to find the shop locked and neighbors tell her that her grandmother is dead. Lucy is surprised when she inherits the shop, even though she is all thumbs when it comes to knitting.

As Lucy starts to clean up the shop, she finds Gran’s glasses on the floor with what looks like blood on them. Then a strange, enticing man appears in the shop claiming to be looking for his friend, Lucy’s Gran. As Lucy tries to find out more about her grandmother’s death, she discovers that her Gran is dead, but not gone as she is now part of the undead. Also, Gran’s death wasn’t accidental, but Lucy can’t give those details to the handsome detective inspector who has come to her aid.

Lucy learns that someone wants to buy her shop, even with the help of threats. Although the idea of selling is initially tempting, Lucy realizes that might not be a good idea once she knows that a clan of vampires, including her grandmother, live below the shop. To complicate matters further, Lucy suddenly finds her fingers giving off sparks, while the cat that has adopted her seems to be getting in the way at inappropriate, or maybe appropriate, times.

This is a fun story with very likeable characters. Lucy is a sweet, caring woman who isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She now finds herself with a business to run and two handsome men hovering around her. The story moves at a good pace, with the mystery leading to more murders before the villain is caught. This is the first in a series and I am interested in reading/listening to more in the series. I recommend this to fans of cozy mystery with the added twist of vampires and witches.

Audio Notes: Sarah Zimmerman does a fine job with the narration. She provides distinct voices, fitting energy and carries the lighter tone of the story that deals with murder and vampires. I will look forward to listening more in the series.

Source: November 2020 VIP pick from Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Alphabet, and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

I enjoyed this charming and suspenseful western historical romance.

A Worthy Pursuit
By Karen Witemeyer
Narrated By: Barbara McCulloh

Duration: 11 h 7 min
Date: June 2015
Bethany House Publishers // Recorded Books
Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear? Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts. Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them. When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim? Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Review:
Charlotte is unhappy when the school where she works closes down. She has three special students she wants to protect. Even though she has the rights to take the two boys and young girl, she packs them all up at night, so she won’t have to face Lily’s powerful grandfather. She knows that the man will look for her but she hopes that she has hidden her charges and her trail.

Lily’s grandfather hires Stone Hammond, the best tracker in Texas, to find his kidnapped granddaughter. It has taken some heavy tracking, but Stone has finally found the location of the teacher and orphaned girl. Stone expects to find a wicked school marm using the children as slave labor. Instead, he finds a lovely young woman with three happy children and a protective ‘gnome’ handyman. Charlotte claims to have documentation appointing her as the legal guardian for Lily. He plans to stay and watch her movements until he gets confirmation of her claims. He is surprised to observe the talents of the teacher and children as he waits.

Meanwhile, Stone has to wonder if Lily may be in danger and if he has inadvertently led the threat to her doorstep. When another danger begins to stalk Charlotte and Lily, will Stone be able to keep the small ‘family’ safe?

Charlotte is a caring teacher with a beautiful, Christian heart. She is cautious because she has been let down and betrayed in the past. Still, she is ready to offer healing rather than condemnation even to the man who has come to take her precious Lily. Stone is a wonderfully honorable man who has a reputation for getting the job done. But he is willing to protect the innocent when he learns that evil stalks. As he works beside Charlotte, he realizes that her injured heart is ‘a worthy pursuit’.

There are some nice musical elements in the story. There is gentle development of the relationship between the characters. The Christian foundation is shown through the steadfast characters without having to be preached. I appreciated the message acknowledging God’s control and I enjoyed the suspense that added interest to this lovely story. I want to read more by this author. I recommend this story to fans of clean, historical romance with a touch of danger.

Audio Notes: Barbara McCulloh does a wonderful job with the narration. I really enjoyed her tone, voices and delivery. It fit well with the story and enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 6/3/19 Audiobooks.com 2 for one credit with May credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: The Trouble with Dukes, Windham Brides, Book 1, by Grace Burrowes

This is another charming Historical/Regency Romance by an author I like.
The Trouble with Dukes
Windham Brides, Book 1
By: Grace Burrowes
Narrated by: James Langton

Series: Windham Brides, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
Release date: 12-20-16
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Scottish Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Summary:
From the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved Windham series comes 'a wonderfully funny, moving romance,' (Eloisa James) perfect for fans of 'sexy heroes, strong heroines, intelligent plots, [and] enchanting love stories' (Mary Balogh).
THEY CALL HIM THE DUKE OF MURDER... The gossips whisper that the new Duke of Murdoch is a brute, a murderer, and even worse--a Scot. They say he should never be trusted alone with a woman. But Megan Windham sees in Hamish something different, someone different. No one was fiercer at war than Hamish MacHugh, though now the soldier faces a whole new battlefield: a London Season. To make his sisters happy, he'll take on any challenge--even letting their friend Miss Windham teach him to waltz. Megan isn't the least bit intimidated by his dark reputation, but Hamish senses that she's fighting battles of her own. For her, he'll become the warrior once more, and for her, he might just lose his heart.

Review:
Megan Windham is not the lead debutante although she is part of a wealthy, noble family. She is attractive, but short, a little feisty and her poor eyesight requires she wear glasses. She has not yet chosen a match but there is a particular, bullying man who is sniffing at her heals. She has secrets that make it awkward for her to refuse the attentions of Sir Fletcher. Megan is grateful to have Colonel, now Duke, Hamish MacHugh, step up as a buffer holding Fletcher at bay.

Hamish has terrible memories of the war as attested by his reputation now as the “Duke of Murder”. Very few people know the full story and Hamish has allowed the rumors as he expects to be out of London soon. Hamish is remaining in London to help escort his sisters through the London Season. As part of the activities, he finds himself sharing walks and waltzes with Megan. She brings out a softer side in him, but he thinks that she is hiding something that involves Sir Fletcher. The more Hamish sees Fletcher disrespectfully pursue Megan, the more Hamish is inclined to become her champion.

It has been too long since I enjoyed Ms. Burrowes rich romances. She creates engaging characters and threatened scandalous circumstances to overcome. I like the details she provides for society and war elements. I enjoy the friendship evolving into romance which is passionate but not gratuitous.

I thought that I had read and enjoyed earlier books in this series but now realize that I have read many of the Windham series but not the Windham Brides. So, I have more to look forward to. I recommend this author, book, and series to fans of historical romance.

Audio Notes: James Langton does a fine job with the narration. I was pleased he was able to provide fitting female voices as well as English and Scottish accents. The rich narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Here is a Link to other Burrowes’ titles I have reviewed.

Audio Book Review: One Hit Wonder by Kristi Rose

This is a quick, light, character focused mystery.
One Hit Wonder
by Kristi Rose
Narrated by Jennifer Stoneking

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
Release date: 12-13-19
Publisher: Vintage Housewife Books
Genre: Mystery, Women’s Detective
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
Do your job or move along already. Trouble is, I’m in too deep to do either one.
A year into Samantha True’s forensic photography classes she knows three things:
1. Crime scenes are messy.
2. Especially when you throw up on them.
3. She may not be cut out for this.
When the police drag her to an investigation, she’s just as baffled by the scene. With clues like superhero masks, disco balls, and Bigfoot, are they ever going to find who did it?
As she digs deeper into the photographic evidence, she realizes her small town is full of secrets. And she might be happier staying in the dark.
A laugh-out-loud mystery that will keep you guessing and quickly turning the pages. One Hit Wonder offers the just right reader escape, but fair warning, this book leaves readers wanting more.

Review:
Samantha is trying to find a career for her future. Her current focus is on forensic photography and she finally has the opportunity to exercise her intern skills with a real crime scene … actually two crime scenes. Unfortunately, she had to face the scene while fighting through the flu and word boxing with one of the handsome detectives who always seems to dismiss her efforts. Throwing up on the scene doesn’t win her any respect. But she pushes on to the second scene, trying to pick up the important details the photographer has to preserve for the police.

Sam takes the work seriously and ponders the facts she has seen. She realizes that she has recognized details she needs to bring to the attention of the police, especially before someone realizes she has info that would make her a target.

This is a quick, easy listen. I totally enjoyed the banter and the forensic details. There is just a hint of a possible future romance which is nice. I would be willing to read more in the series and I recommend this to mystery fans who enjoy a quick read.

Audio Notes: Jennifer Stoneking does a nice job with the narration. She provides distinct voices for the various characters and she portrays good emotion. I enjoyed the listening experience and would like to hear more by this new-to-me narrator.

Source: October 2020 Purchase at Chirp $.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Murder's a Witch by Danielle Garrett

This is a fun, easy mystery with paranormal characters.

Murder's a Witch
Written By: Danielle Garrett
Narrated By: Amanda Ronconi

Duration: 6 hours 49 minutes
Release date: 01-30-18
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Summary:
Holly Boldt has a secret . . .
Well, technically, she has lots of them. After a scandal uproots her entire life, she is forced to relocate to a halfway house for displaced paranormals. It's her last shot for a fresh start. But keeping secrets isn't easy in a town that goes through gossip faster than tissue paper, even for a powerful witch.
When a grisly murder rocks the small town of Beechwood Harbor, Holly finds herself unwillingly entangled in the investigation. With everyone watching, Holly must solve the case before she's forced to abandon her new-found home. But with a paranormal investigator tailing her every move, a civil war brewing between her vampire and shifter roommates, and her ghostly landlord on the edge of a breakdown, she can barely think in complete sentences. How is she supposed to track down a murderer?
Holly has to make it work, or risk losing everything . . . again.

Review:
Holly is a witch who apparently gets in trouble. This has caused her to be exiled from the paranormal realm to a halfway house for those like her – displaced paranormals. Holly’s house mates include the ghost landlady (Posy), a dog shapeshifter (Adam), a beauty queen obsessed vampiress (Lacey), and a new, mysterious man (Gary) who is rarely seen. They share an historic manor house set out on a bluff away from any close neighbors. They all try to stay ‘under the radar’ as required by the rules.

When Holly confronts a snooping man in the rose bushes, she meets Nick, a private investigator new to town who wants to arrange ghost tours of the old mansion. Holly quickly says “no” and sends him on his way.

Holly works as a barista in a local coffee shop. Her boss isn’t the most pleasant woman around and has a daily battle with the neighboring shop owner. Holly arrives at work one morning and stumbles on her boss’s dead body. When it turns out that Holly’s co-worker and friend is the most likely suspect, Holly is determined to find the real murderer, even if it means applying a few of her witching abilities.

Holly is able to get Adam to stop sparring with Lacey long enough to help her investigate. Meanwhile she is being dogged by a persistent Nick who is taking an interest in the murder, as well as an interest in Holly.

This is a fun, easy read/listen. There is light humor and a satisfying mystery. The paranormal elements add to the background as we wonder what type of creature Gary is. The quirky characters are nicely developed as the author lays out relationships that can survive to contribute to the next book. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mystery with paranormals.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi did a nice job with the narration. She applies distinct voices and appropriate energy. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 10/2020 Audiobooks.com Mystery Audiobook Club. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal.

Audio Book Review: The Book of Riley: A Zombie Tale by Mark Tufo

This is a zombie tale with a dog hero.
The Book of Riley: A Zombie Tale
Written By: Mark Tufo
Narrated By: Sean Runnette

Duration: 2 hours 58 minutes
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
#Fraterfest

Summary:
When the zombie apocalypse strikes without warning one dog will hold the fate of her pack in her paws. This is the story of Riley, an American bulldog. Follow along as she tries to keep her pack safe from a zombie apocalypse. Traveling with her are Ben-Ben the high strung Yorkie, her favorite two-legger Jessie, Jessie's younger brother Zachary, and Riley's arch enemy Patches the cat. They are a rag-tag group of survivors, who, when pushed to the limit, realize that they are all each other has.

Review:
Riley is a loving dog who wants to protect her human pack. She stands with the human alpha and is surprised to get help from the pip-squeak Yorkie, Ben-Ben. Of course, (according to Riley), the cowardly and obnoxious cat, Patches, hid in the bathroom with the rest of the human pack. When some of her human pack fall, Riley is forced to save the teen daughter, Jessie, and the baby child, Zachery. Riley is joined in the journey to safety by Ben-Ben and Patches who turns out to have some wisdom and cleverness – even if she remains a great annoyance.

I enjoyed the dog’s view which is filled with humor, base thoughts (food, smells and elimination process) and rivalry with the cat. I am fairly sure this is a spin off from the Zombie Fallout series. I had listened to Book 1 of the primary series in 2018 and have a prequel, Zombie Fallout: Zero, ready to go this week as a “Z” title. I think I liked the dog book more but I wouldn’t want a steady diet of this. I recommend the Riley books as quick reads/listens for those you enjoy zombie battles with pets, and humor.

Audio Notes:  It appears that Sean Runnette is the narrator for Mr. Tufo and he has adapted well to the characters, whether dogs, cats or military.

Source: 10/2020 Audiobooks.com Mystery Audiobook Club. This qualifies for 2020Audiobook goal and #Fraterfest.