Audio Book Review and Tour Giveaway: A Fine Year by for Murder: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 2 by Lauren Carr

This is another engaging and fast moving mystery with strong characters and good twists.
A Fine Year for Murder: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 2
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Series: Thorny Rose Mysteries, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-06-17
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Buy the Book:  Amazon  ~ Add on Goodreads

Publisher's Summary
After 10 months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect...except in the middle of the night when, in the darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica's past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family while visiting family at the winery near-by, and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
©2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski (P)2017 Terri Lynn Zaleski

Review:
Jessica Faraday, daughter of a retired homicide detective, is recently married to Murphy Thornton, son of a former JAG lawyer, and a naval officer himself with some series skills and hidden assignments. Jessica is having nightmares that have been persistent since a childhood trauma and are causing her to strike Murphy while they are sleeping.

Jessica and Murphy attend a family bar-b-que where investigative journalist Dallas Walker is describing a cold case she is investigating that is known as the Pine Bridge Massacre – a brutal killing of a family. Suddenly Jessica realizes that she witnessed the death of the young girl but has been suppressing the details.

Murphy and Jessica decide to take a second honeymoon at Pine Bridge to investigate the old murder. Dallas, a lanky, gorgeous red-headed Texan, will come in as a rich journalist to the fancy plantation resort on the other end to town.

Murphy gets to meet Jessica’s cousins, the nice ones and the decidedly not nice ones. The newlywed’s appearance in town immediately stirs up trouble especially when their dog digs out a half-buried skull near the old crime scene. Secrets begin to unravel and there are some very unhappy, and dangerous murderers who want the Thornton’s out of town – one way or another.

This story moves along well as Ms. Carr weaves through the details of another mystery full of corruption and murder. It is fun to follow Jessica and Murphy as they uncover clues and speculate on the facts and motives. Murphy’s training gets him into a bit of trouble. I enjoyed the inclusion of the pets and a new ‘family’ character, a computer assistant named Nigel. The author includes some surprises and neatly wraps up the loose ends.

This is the second mystery in the series and I enjoyed both. (See review of Kill and Run.) They are easy to follow with likeable characters whose interaction adds to the engaging storylines. I recommend this to readers who like a fast paced, light in tone (but not light in danger) mystery.

Audio Notes: C.J. McAllister does a nice job with the narration. The voices are given appropriate accents and tones and the pacing is handled to keep the characters distinct and the story moving. I enjoyed the listening experience which made this move more quickly for me.

I received this title through iReads Book Tours. It qualifies for my 2017 Audio Challenge.

BOOK REVIEW TOUR SCHEDULE AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK.

Book Trailer for A FINE YEAR FOR MURDER:

Author's Bio:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card (Open internationally)
Ends April 22

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Eric Olafson: Space Pirate by Vanessa Ravencroft

This is great sci fi with wonderful world building, fascinating characters and plenty of action!

Eric Olafson: Space Pirate
(Eric Olafson Series)
by Vanessa Ravencroft

File Size: 1055 KB
Print Length: 589 pages
Publisher: Inkitt (March 11, 2017)
ASIN: B06XJZLYBG
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Space Exploration
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

It's the year 5019, and the Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with exotic species. The majority of the known civilizations have formed a multi-cultural mega organization called the United Stars of Galaxies.
This Union is protected by the brave men and women of the United Stars Space fleet against external threats.
Eric Olafson, born and raised under harsh conditions of the traditional and inward looking society of Nilfeheim, left his planet to fulfill his dreams of becoming a Starship captain.
When Eric gets kidnaped by an unknown organization and brought to Sin 4, a lawless Planet deep in free space, he slowly starts to discover his central role in an ancient conflict of cosmic proportions.

Review:
Eric Olafson is a creative midshipman who has always longed to become a Starship captain in the Union fleet that protects the numerous allies against unfriendly threats. Right now Eric is hoping to pass graduation in a few weeks – if he can stay out of trouble and live that long! It seems that trouble follows Eric… or he finds it. Fortunately, he has an unusual group of classmates who are usually nearby to help him face trouble with their remarkable skills. As one of the Admirals explains to Eric midway through the book: “You and your friends are not the average cadets and midshipman.”

Har-Hi is an extreme fighter – that’s what he loves. Wetmouth is a science whiz. Krabbel is an arachnoid (spider) who loves hugging and is ‘handy’ to have around. Narth is a from a planet of psi-mind readers who used to keep to themselves. But he has developed a bond with Eric and is determined to stay by his side and learn and share all the feelings humans have. Cirruit is a cyberunit who adds his own techno skills and subtle humor to the group. He is longing for the upgrade that will allow him to experience things like taste and other senses. The friends repeat, on more than one occasion, how important their friendship is and how their lives are enriched by knowing each other. They fear being separated when given their new assignments.

The first third of the book focuses on Eric as he is kidnapped and forced to escape and survive on a hostile planet. Eric has to dodge hostiles until he is aided by Mother Superior, a leader of a society of women who are shape shifters, extreme courtesans and sometimes spies. Eric is the first male allowed to enter their community, learn many of their secrets and train under the master teaching of the leader.

Eventually Eric is reconnected with his ship and warmly welcomed by his companions. After a short R&R they are sent on special assignment on a distant station base. It appears that nothing is going on and that prior accidents have been due to extreme boredom. But we know how appearances can be wrong! Once again, the action picks up as Eric and friends attempt to stop pirates from accessing supplies on the base.

The pattern of the story runs with fast paced action and a short R&R before the “Olafson team” faces another unexpected assignment. I love the "team" and how they contribute their talents to face the enemies. Now you might question why the titles says “Space Pirate” – what does that mean? It’s creative and lots of fun. The world building is wonderful with a great variety of characters and surprises all along the way. There are some social points made by the author through the story and I also appreciated that the story has minimal rough language.

This is apparently part of a series and alludes to prior adventures. This one works as a stand-alone but makes me interested in reading the back stories to discover more about Eric’s meeting and becoming friends with these many alien creatures. I strongly recommend this to readers who enjoy science fiction with detailed world building, creative characters and lots of action.

I received an ARC from Inkitt for an honest review.

About the Author

It all started in 1989 when my friends and I played Role Playing Games such as AD, Midgard, Traveler etc. Not really satisfied with the selection of commercially available RPGames, I created a new one called Action World. Our RPG evolved into the Galactic Chronicles and I am now almost 22 years in that Universe. There are 34 handwritten 500-600 page books in the Galactic Chronicles series. I love to write and spend time in this universe.

Now I have dedicated readership from all over the world and this makes me prouder than I could ever express in words. (Sad testament for someone who claims to be a writer, I know)

Want to know more about my world? Ever wondered what a viking handshake looks like? Or what kind of licensing you need to carry certain cybernetic weapons? I have written over 13,000 pages about the Universe on my GalNet Wiki which you can check out here: http://galnet.wikia.com

You can also follow me on Twitter & Facebook for more information and sneak peeks into the Galactic Chronicles: https://www.facebook.com/ravencroftvanessa/
Tweets at ‎@VanessaRaven

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

I enjoyed this fun, detail-filled mystery.
Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany

Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (March 14, 2017)
ASIN: B01MT6H7O1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Gemma Doyle, a transplanted Englishwoman, has returned to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage her Great Uncle Arthur's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop--located at 222 Baker Street--specializes in the Holmes canon and pastiche, and is also the home of Moriarty the cat. When Gemma finds a rare and potentially valuable magazine containing the first Sherlock Homes story hidden in the bookshop, she and her friend Jayne (who runs the adjoining Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room) set off to find the owner, only to stumble upon a dead body.

The highly perceptive Gemma is the police’s first suspect, so she puts her consummate powers of deduction to work to clear her name, investigating a handsome rare books expert, the dead woman's suspiciously unmoved son, and a whole family of greedy characters desperate to cash in on their inheritance. But when Gemma and Jayne accidentally place themselves at a second murder scene, it's a race to uncover the truth before the detectives lock them up for good.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes will delight in the sleuthing duo of Gemma and Jayne in Elementary, She Read, the clever and captivating series debut by nationally bestselling author Vicki Delany.

Review:
Gemma is an Englishwoman living in West London, Cape Cod. She helps her Great Uncle by managing his Bookshop and Emporium and assisting with the next door tea room of her friend, Jayne. The bookshop does not often have rare, first edition Sherlock books but it has a good collection of knick-knacks featuring the famous detective and his stories.

The shop is filled with a tour group when a strange woman slips in and out. Gemma is the type who is extremely observant of people and situations. She noticed the woman and after the store cleared she discovers what might be a valuable early Sherlock magazine that was tucked in one of the bookshelves. Gemma doesn’t understand why the woman left the item and, finding a clue to the woman’s lodging, Gemma drags Jayne along to the hotel to return the magazine. When they knock on the door, Gemma steps in to find the woman dead!

Gemma manages to assess the crime scene before being removed with a bit of suspicion focused on her for being there. The officers sent to the crime scene turn out to be a detective, Ryan, she has a past with, and his new partner who immediately suspects Gemma. Gemma isn’t convinced that the police will do a proper investigation, especially since they are focusing on her. In spite of objections to her involvement, Gemma sets out on her own investigation of the family drama behind the rare magazine. Needless to say, Gemma has an eye for detail and a nosey bent that gets her into trouble.

I greatly enjoyed Gemma’s obsession with detail, even as it might drive some people nuts. The author carries the detail well in settings and crime clues. There are a couple of suspects and even Gemma misses a clue or two until it is almost too late. I enjoyed the tone of the story and the deductive reasoning with Jayne adding a bit now and then, - very reminiscent of Sherlock and Watson. (There is even a character named Moriarty who doesn't like Gemma.)  I enjoyed the hint of chemistry between Gemma and Ryan and have hopes for more of that to develop in future books.

The writing moves along well, even with the compulsive details. I found the read to be quick, fun and engaging. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Sherlock Holmes mysteries, enjoy attention to detail and like cozy mysteries.

I received this title from NetGalley for Great Escapes Book Blog Tours. It qualifies for 2017 NetGalley Challenge and "E" on Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Read the first chapter here.

Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery

 

Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most prolific and varied crime writers. She is the author of twenty-three published crime novels, including standalone Gothic thrillers, the Constable Molly Smith series, and the Year Round Christmas Mysteries. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she is the national bestselling author of the Lighthouse Library cozy series.

Vicki lives and writes in Prince Edward County, Ontario. She is the past president of the Crime Writers of Canada.

www.vickidelany.com Facebook: Vicki Delany & Eva Gates and twitter: @vickidelany and @evagatesauthor

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N

GIVEAWAY: 

One Print Copy, US. Only

Ends 3/26/17.
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS found HERE

Sunday Post March 12, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 13, 2017.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This week got crazy busy at work. I just keep plugging away...
The weather was warming but, like the rest of the country, we are getting a cold snap this week.
This week I add prayers for those suffering fires in many states.

Reading was good although I didn't get through too many books. I finished two books: one eBook for review and one print - for my edification. I posted only one review plus February wrap up, plus I posted all of my usual memes.

I continue to enjoy my brief blog visiting. I visited 25+ blogs again last week.
My shout out this week goes to Gathering Books, who highlights children's books in an interesting fashion.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me - Sorry I failed to click the allow comment button last week.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 5, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 6, 2017.

• ABJ- Audio Book Review: Alliance by S. K. Dunstall; Sci Fi, Space Military; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 10, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/16/2017.

• MBS February 2017 Reading Wrap-Up.

• Sharing Beyond Books #294 Comment Giveaway March 11, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/18/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 12, 2017.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook (Great Escapes)

Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery
by Vicki Delany
I enjoyed this nice cozy mystery.
Tour review to post 3/14.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

How Good Is Good Enough?
by Andy Stanley
Our church has these available to share.
I wanted to read it and put one at my office.
Surely there's more than one way to get to heaven? Bestselling author Andy Stanley addresses this popular belief held even among Christians. But believing that all good people go to heaven raises major problems, Stanley reveals. Is goodness not rewarded, then? Is Christianity not fair? Maybe not, he says. Readers will find out why Jesus taught that goodness is not even a requirement to enter heaven - and why Christianity is beyond fair. Andy Stanley leads believers and skeptics alike to a grateful awareness of God's enormous grace and mercy.
Good People Go to Heaven...Don’t They?
Sure they do. It only makes sense.
Actually, it doesn’t really make any sense at all. Smart, educated, accomplished men and women everywhere are banking their eternities on a theory that doesn’t hold water. Chances are, you’ve never really thought it through. But you owe it to yourself to do so.
Find out now what’s wrong with the most popular theory about heaven—and what it really takes to get there.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Publisher)

Eric Olafson: Space Pirate
(Eric Olafson Series)
by Vanessa Ravencroft
I am halfway through this very entertaining adventure!
Received from Inkitt; review to post on 3/15/17.
It's the year 5019, and the Milky Way Galaxy is teeming with exotic species. The majority of the known civilizations have formed a multi-cultural mega organization called the United Stars of Galaxies.
This Union is protected by the brave men and women of the United Stars Space fleet against external threats.
Eric Olafson, born and raised under harsh conditions of the traditional and inward looking society of Nilfeheim, left his planet to fulfill his dreams of becoming a Starship captain.
When Eric gets kidnaped by an unknown organization and brought to Sin 4, a lawless Planet deep in free space, he slowly starts to discover his central role in an ancient conflict of cosmic proportions.

2. Audio (iRead Book Tours)

A Fine Year for Murder: A Thorny Rose Mystery, Book 2
Written by: Lauren Carr
Narrated by: C.J. McAllister
I am half way through this and enjoying it. My review will post on 3/16.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (Partners in Crime)

Cat in the Flock (Dreamslippers Book 1)
by Lisa Brunette
This sounds like a fun mystery read. 
I received this from Partners in Crime for tour review 3/21/17.
A sexy murder-mystery with a spiritual edge.
For most people, dreams are a way to escape reality. But for Cat McCormick, they're a way to get closer to the truth. Cat can 'slip' into other people's dreams.
After graduating college with a degree in criminal justice but little in the way of real-life experience, Cat moves from the Midwest to Seattle to apprentice with her Granny Grace, who shares the ability. Granny uses dreamslipping as a private investigator, and Cat plans to follow in her footsteps.
But forced to take work as a security guard, Cat discovers a mother and daughter on the run. Following the clues, she goes undercover in a Midwestern megachurch, where she finds redemption and goodwill amidst repression, hypocrisy, and murder.

4. Audio (ABJ)

The Fifth Sacred Thing
Written by: Starhawk
Narrated by: Maya Lilly
This is interesting although I did interrupt to listen to A Fine Year for Murder.
I received this audio book from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox
Click on book title for full description.

March 12, 2017 - I am up to date with the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

I completed two new books and posted one review. I have three reviews scheduled for the coming week, plus maybe one not scheduled.
I have 16 NetGalley Titles again. I still have 10+ author titles in my queue.

We added a YA Fantasy Adventure this week at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
Drinna.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received two books through NetGalley for review.
I picked up one free Audible but resisted the daily deals.
I didn't purchase anything this week!
I picked up a good number of free kindle titles again. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one eBook for review:
I received these two books from the publisher through NetGalley:

How to Charm a Beekeeper's
by Candice Patterson
"Weddings are the last thing beekeeper Huck Anderson wants to be associated with, considering his past. So when he inherits a building occupied by a bridal boutique, he aims to evict the failing business and open a sporting goods store."
This sounds like a sweet, fun romance.

All Our Wrong Todays: A Novel
by Elan Mastai

"All Our Wrong Todays is about the versions of ourselves that we shed and grow into over time. It is a story of friendship and family, of unexpected journeys and alternate paths, and of love in its multitude of forms."

I saw this during Mailbox Monday visits and decided to add it to my NetGalley shelf.

Won

NONE

Purchased

I resisted all buying this week!

Free

I got this for Free at Audible:
Outlander
Written by: Diana Gabaldon
Narrated by: Davina Porter
Length: 32 hrs and 36 mins

I added 56 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday's Words of Encouragement March 12, 2017

We had an elder brother (age 92), the father-in-law of our Sunday School teacher, share a good message with us today. I’ll save that for another morning.

We had a wonderful time of praise and worship. Then our Pastor began the Easter Sermon Series titled: DNA - Who We Are?

Scientists have been able to study the DNA coding that makes up each species and unique individuals within each species. DNA is defined as: a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning and reproduction. Just imagine: the God who created the universe inscribed each individual’s characteristics on a tiny molecule.

We are all flawed human beings – flawed as far as following God’s instructions. Some people may blame their traits and limitations on their DNA. Although the World teaches independence God requires surrender or dependence on Him to truly survive (into eternity) and serve Him while in the earthly realm. When we make the choice to surrender, generational curses can be severed.

What makes up the church? Each person brings our unique experiences and DNA, complete with flaws, to the church setting. Just think of children who rebel and lie at early age – this is part of the broken nature – the sinful nature – of man. If we look at the very beginning of the Bible, we see that man is incapable of being “good enough”. We need to be saved; we need a savior. When we surrender and accept Christ as our Savior, to forgive our sins, He pushes the reset button that allows us to break free of our past. It doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences to our past behaviors but it means He provides a way, a new path.

Our Heavenly Father is the one who has authority (see Acts 1:6-8). Jesus told His disciples, and therefore current disciples (members of the church body), what our mission is. Matthew 28:18-20. The Church, being each member or person, is instructed to go (to the whole world that is lost and dying) and share the Gospel. Sometimes we do other ‘good’ things but not what we were instructed to do.

THE POINT: The church exists to win the world to Christ through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your testimony, combined with the power of the Holy Spirit, is all you need; it is enough even without special training. We each can – and are instructed to – share with everyone we have contact with. In a world full of bad news, let us share the Good News.

The Gospel, when carried by disciples of Jesus, is POWERFUL. It breaks through all barriers – social, racial, economic, religious, and political. It breaks through chains of deception.
Healthy DNA will build and reproduce healthy DNA.
We must be careful not to be Christian isolationists by associating only with other Christians. Fellowship is a wonderful thing, but we are only reaching the lost if we are walking and talking to unbelievers.

The Gospel must be central to our purpose and the church purpose. What can we do? Share with each person, wherever we encounter them. “Let me tell you a story....” Advance the gospel in our community and world.

We, as the church, are to be ready to take the message with our own experiences. Pray for opportunities to share and build relationships. Without the Gospel, we have nothing – no salvation and no hope.

I haven't shared this song for a number of years but it is worth sharing again!

The Mission

Verses for Today:
Acts 1:6-8 (NLT)
6So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Thank you Lord for this additional perspective: "The one thing you can do to kill the Great Commission is make it all about you. The Great Commission is God’s work for his glory; we’re just the instruments in the hands of the Savior."

Lord - Help me pray for and reach out to the lost each and EVERY day.