#nottobemissed – Rosepoint Publishing

The Seagull by Wes Snowden – #BookReview #seaadventuresfiction #NetGalley

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

In the turbulent years leading up to the American War of Independence, one man’s journey will redefine his destiny and the future of a nation.

Jeremy Whitehall, a privileged young man from London, suddenly finds himself stripped of wealth and thrust into the hands of his ruthless uncle. Forced into an unwelcome mission to Nantucket, Jeremy’s task is clear: manipulate the burgeoning New England candle industry to serve his uncle’s greed. But as the Atlantic swells beneath him, Jeremy’s conscience awakens, leading him to question the path laid out for him. Upon arrival in Nantucket, Jeremy crosses paths with the spirited daughter of a whaling ship captain, who ignites a transformation within him. Together, they plot to thwart his uncle’s sinister plan. However, an unforeseen disaster at sea catapults Jeremy into a world of peril and opportunity, where he must navigate treacherous waters, both literal and moral. From the lavish halls of London’s elite to the wild, unforgiving seas off the coast of Brazil, The Seagull charts Jeremy’s thrilling metamorphosis from a pampered wastrel to a man of honor and determination. Set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of revolution, this spellbinding tale of adventure, romance, and personal redemption will captivate readers from the first page to the last.

His Review:

Mr. Jeremy Whitehall was born into wealth in Great Britain. The colonies were suppressed by exorbitant taxes on every transaction payable to George the Third. The taxes help support a war with France and the colonists get no benefit from the taxes. Also, all shipping is required to sail through British ports and pay a fee to the King before delivering or selling anything developed in the Colonies. The British merchants and King have a monopoly on all production and deliver no benefit to the Colonies.

Jeremy could care less. The bars in London are loaded with beer and spirits. He works for his uncle but in reality is a “Never-do-well”. His well-to-do uncle tires of his wild ways and sends him to America as a hand on a sailing ship. He works at every job on the ship and becomes a very good sailor.

He meets a lovely young lady in the Colonies and decides he wants to wed her. However, a whaling ship goes out for an indefinite period of time and he is not sure she will wait for him.

A well written novel and believable tale of love. There is romance and clashes between some of the characters. It’s a well plotted and paced narrative, well worth the reader’s time. Despite a slightly slow start, I found my interest growing as I read and by halfway through the book did not want to put it down. Read and enjoy. You will not be disappointed. CE Williams

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this ebook. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Book Details:

Genre: Sea Adventures Fiction, US Historical Fiction
Publisher: Corvent Creative
Publication Date: September 5, 2024
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK

The Author: Wes Snowden is an author primarily as a result of an unforeseen event.

A born storyteller, Wes would often find himself surrounded by groups of excited kids. Their high-pitched voices demanding to hear the latest chapter on the adventures of Pirate Joe, or The Lost Princess, The Magic Opal, or whatever was current.

One day, a good a teacher friend listened in. At her gentle insistence, Wes was encouraged to commit those early verbal stories to paper for the benefit of future generations of youngsters.

However, as is often the case in life, that first bite of the apple produced an intense desire for more. After honing his craft writing several children and young adult books, Wes now focuses on writing unique, entertaining full-length stories for adults.

White Swan Wishes, Zachary’s Gold, One Last Move, and The Leprechaun Wars will be joined by Firebug, the latest novel in the fall of 2020.

After a successful career as an international business owner, Wes now spends his writing time between Toronto, Vancouver, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Wes Snowden is a member of Writers & Editors Network.

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing #AudiobookReview #ThrowbackThursday #crimethrillers

Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Book Blurb:

Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.

Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends.

When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.

But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…

My Review:

The first time the hammer came down, I was shocked out of my wits. She did what? I reread it. No, I was right. OMG!

Here I was, innocently enjoying a new surge in the books with senior main characters. It never dawned on me that what looked like on the surface as a sweet old lady, might instead harbor a serial killer. Well, of course, there is that book cover…

This is definitely not your average serial killer.

Lottie is living the dream. Self-sustaining, she is independent, capable, and wicked smart. She’d have to be to get away with her horrific background all these years, never having been caught.

So when a journalist arrives that wants to interview her, get her story, something has to give. If I had false teeth, I’d have dropped them. This is definitely a hook that will get you listening beyond preparing dinner.

Lottie is never going to win any contest for being an agreeable senior, easy to manipulate. That fiendish sense of propriety, humor and wit, there is very little that gets past her. And there is no way anything about her past could come out. That would just destroy the sweet and comfortable set up with her senior lady friends, circle of church acquaintances, and compelling and relaxed atmosphere she has created for herself in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

How does a writer give you a reprehensible character and make her charismatic enough to actually root for her? Do you? Maybe not. But watching her maneuver the sticky situations that ensue while listening to her new aches and pains attributable to her physical age or complaining about forgetting something important can be, admittedly, hilarious.

Where did she come up with her moral code, the justification? The book is addictive. The septuagenarian can hold her own with any street smart teen, meet them with their language, and best them in clever strategizing.

I think reading this book could be fun, but for even more fun, I’d recommend the audiobook narrated beautifully by Elizabeth Wiley. She hits all the nuances, the inflections, and manifests the dark humor. It’s compelling, engaging, entertaining. Suspend a little disbelief and enjoy the twists; the intellect is delicious.

Many thanks to my local library for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Thrillers, Psychological Thrillers, Suspense
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Release Date: August 12, 2025

Title Links:

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: When the last child graduated from college I retired to the Oregon coast to become a sunny day gardener and a rainy-day writer. It rains a lot on the Oregon coast and I have written 23 murder mysteries, some cozies, some adventuresome in nature.

I have also written a 5 book scifi series I have published under the name Glenn Specht – Darkout – and additionally published the first two volumes of historic letters that will continue to grow- Fenner/Curtis Letters 1836-1852 Vol. I. Vol. II 1853-1856, plus several books of short stories including a non-fiction, anecdotal book on Dementia.

Be assured, when the sun is out I am in the garden weeding, planting, watering and shaking my fist at the deer. When the rain comes I write and have several books in the works.

Woman cooking dinner while listening to an audiobook. — AI generated by Gemini.Google.com

Lady Reid’s Legacy by Jean Grainger #BookReview #HistoricalIrishHistory #TuesdayBookBlog

The Dunmara Series – Book 3

#1 Best Seller in Historical British & Irish Literature

Book Blurb:

In 1846, a young bride arrives at Dunmara as the Great Famine tightens its grip on Ireland. Evelyne Reid quickly learns that her marriage is nothing more than a debt repaid, and that her husband, Lord Reid, is as cold and merciless as the hunger stalking his tenants. Powerless by law, Evelyne must choose between obedience and her conscience.
But Evelyne makes a decision in 1846 that will echo across two centuries.

Over 150 years later Dunmara Estate is in grave peril.
On Ireland’s wild West Coast, a ruthless developer has this ancient place in his sights, and those fighting to save it are losing ground with every passing day. The answer to Dunmara’s survival is hiding in plain sight. But first, someone has to see it.
Evelyne’s legacy is all but forgotten, reduced to a whisper as the years roll on.
The question is whether anyone will hear it — before it’s too late.

My Review:

Ah, the third in the series, and my favorite so far, gets ever deeper into Orla’s contemporary fight to save her historic Dunmara House, ring fort and tower. This installment, however, introduces us to Becca who becomes a co-main character with split timeline Evelyne Reid.

I usually enjoy the early portion of the timeline more so than the contemporary one, but in this installment, I found both were pretty fascinating reading, following the author’s expert storytelling as she weaves in the background of Becca and her quest to find her (Irish) roots and that of Evelyne Reid.

Evelyne of the nineteenth century is unfortunate enough to have been married off to Lord Reid as her poverty-stricken parents face losing their home and their lives as well as those of the younger children. Evelyne is nothing more than a means to provide Lord Reid of an heir. What he does with her after she is successful is horrible and my heart sank—trying to help Ms Grainger with ways to save her. Fortunately, Ms Grainger had her own ideas.

As the Great Famine of the time wields a shocking axe to the population and changes forever the path of their lives, the author once again details the agony of hunger and the role of the overlords. Also, there is ample use of, as well as explanation of, folk or Celtic lore, which is usually an eye-opening history of a current tradition.

“…there was a cross on a donkey’s neck where it met their back to remind the world that the noble animal had carried the baby Jesus.”

“Oscar Wilde used to say? I can resist everything except temptation.”

Also, love the colorful turn of phrase, humor, euphemisms, and accents and these are also included in abundance.

Does Orla find proof of help in her fight to save Dunmara House? Does Becca find that missing link that may lead to surprising roots? You and I will both have to wait to find out but I can tell you this saga is heating up beautifully, the tension is building, and is there a possible budding romance or two coming at us in Book 4?

Well! This time, even I hope so.

Many thanks to the author for providing me with the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Historical British & Irish Literature, Historical Irish Fiction, Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Fiction
Publication Date: September 24, 2026

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Jean Grainger is a USA Today bestselling author with over 100,000 5* reviews of historical and contemporary Irish fiction. She is acclaimed for her authentic portrayal of Irish life and history. Born in Cork, she draws from her experience as a history lecturer, teacher, and tour guide to craft characters that feel like friends, and sometimes foes. Grainger’s works span multiple series and standalone novels, covering significant periods in recent Irish history, but told from the perspective of families, the humans behind the headlines. Her stories often intertwine historical events with personal journeys, exploring themes of family, friendship, and human resilience. Grainger’s writing style, characterized by its warmth and authenticity, has earned her comparisons to renowned Irish authors like Maeve Binchy. Her dedication to research and character development has resulted in a loyal readership who feel deeply connected to her stories and characters.

delighted with book — Delighted with book, graphic courtesy ChatGPT

Secrets of the Artis Zoo by Paulette Mahurin – #BookReview #HistoricalWorldWarIIFiction #NetGalley

An Unforgettable Story of Love, Grief, and Found Family in the Shadow of War

Book Blurb:

During the dark days of World War II, amid Nazi domination and the deportation of Jews, the light of hope shines, often from the most ordinary of people. Such is the case in occupied Holland, where neighbors support one another and where unlikely friendships blossom.

After the death of his wife leaves Karl alone and bereft, the elephant Vrij at Amsterdam’s Artis Zoo, where Karl is employed, becomes his closest companion. Soon, he strikes up a friendship with a Jewish family named Wolff, who have a little boy named Daniel. Karl is touched by the plight of the family, and he fears for the future of the little boy. But dark clouds loom on the horizon, and the family is threatened. Because of his close bond with the Wolffs, Karl too is in danger. There seems no way of escape, until fate takes over.

Based on the remarkable true story of the role the Artis Zoo played in helping refugees during World War II, Secrets of the Artis Zoo is a testament to the power of ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts of courage. In the worst of times, love and loyalty transcend all boundaries-even between species.

His Review:

Nazi Germany held no safe places for Jews. The maniacs in leadership followed the hatred of their leader for these individuals everywhere. There were no places for Jews to hide and if they were caught both the person or family hiding the individual were killed. The zoo seemed to be an answer because there were places in the zoo that had openings where the fugitives could be hidden.

The zoo was also a place loved by Hitler and enjoyed by his chief followers. Visitations were scheduled around the needs of the habitats for the animals. Large boulders and other structures were hollow and in some cases whole families would hide within these enclosures. Many of the staff were helping to hide these unfortunates and if caught were sent to the gas chambers along with their friends.

A quick bullet in the head was considered too expensive and a waste of ammunition. Therefore, elaborate alternatives were developed. This author captures the terror and desperation of these times. Well written and very suspenseful. C E Williams I recommend it as an empathetic and well-researched and written narrative. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this ebook. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Historical World War II Fiction, Historical World War II & Holocaust Fiction
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: October 22, 2026
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble

Paulette Mahurin - author — Bio photo courtesy Goodreads

The Author: Paulette Mahurin is an award winning international best selling literary fiction and historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s Degree in Science. [Amazon]

Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the top ten bestseller lists on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in August, 2018.

Semi-retired, she continues to work part-time as a Nurse Practitioner in Ventura County. When she’s not writing, she does pro-bono consultation work with women with cancer, works in the Westminster Free Clinic as a volunteer provider, volunteers as a mediator in the Ventura County Courthouse for small claims cases, and involves herself, along with her husband, in dog rescue. Profits from her books go to help rescue dogs from kill shelters. [Goodreads]

Reading couple

Rosepoint Reviews – September Recap – Did you catch that Harvest Moon?

Rosepoint Reviews - September Recap

Usually we have a beautiful Harvest moon just about the autumn equinox, but with the crazy early fall weather we’ve had this year, pretty hard to see the moon or stars. Do you have a celebration to welcome in the change to seasons now or later?

Perhaps we are more inclined to celebrate the period around Halloween, although we are not due now a full moon on Halloween night until October 31, 2039. I’ve always been fascinated by the origins of the ancient festival celebrations around the end of October as it felt more like the end of the harvest season to us. I must admit, however, that my garden gave it up early this year and I’ve already spent the time to clean it up. I’ve salvaged a few acorn squash and one lonesome bell pepper.

Because the weather took such a turn, I began preparation to move the little water garden critters inside. You may remember that I mentioned setting up a little water feature in my May Recap. The orange Mystery Snails and Rosy Red Minnows have actually made the move successfully (so far) to a small aquarium. The minnows are hardy, look like goldfish, and withstand both water level and temperature fluctuations. Orange Mystery Snails - breathe both air and water The snails are the clowns of the aquarium, breathe both water and air, will go exploring, eat most any veggie and are tolerated because they clean up algae. The downside, of course, is that they reproduce like rabbits and put a heavy load on otherwise clean water. It’s been an education.

Speaking of education, a gal in one of my exercise classes started talking to me about her participation in Mahjong. Well, Mahjong! Mah Jong tiles I was introduced to the original Mahjong over in Japan when we lived there and, fascinated, went out and bought and brought home, a set of Mahjong tiles. I paid 800 Yen back then, or about $2.20, and now approximately $5.08 USD. Of course, no way, shape, or form could the Asian game be close to the now sanctioned National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) game, not that I remember how we played it back then. Needless to say, I’ll be starting a beginner class shortly. I guess it’s really catching on in the States now.

The first week of October will be our third anniversary with Punkin the Pom, who has finally allowed me to pet her (by invitation only), and has jumped up on the couch if we aren’t there and the bed when we are, though doesn’t stay close longer than to say goodnight. She will turn seven years old two weeks after that. I must say, she is a very easy dog to live with, for the most part undemanding.

Despite all the above and another trip to the VA for the CE, I did manage to read and listen to nine ebooks and audiobooks. Still trying to play catch up and not doing a very good job of it while so much is going on. As always, the link is to my review that also includes purchase links.

#RosepointPublishing - September Recap

EBooks

Every Secret Thing by Susanna Kearsley
How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz

Audiobooks

Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (bookclub selection)

Poppy Montgomery Gets Even by Gordon Jack*
The Secrets We Hide by Karin Slaughter*

Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch by David Rosenfelt*
Shadow of the Solstice by Anne Hillerman*

Keep Them Close by David Ellis

Favorite Book of the Month

I went back and forth between Poppy Montgomery Gets Even and How to Kill a Crime Writer, but decided in the end that I enjoyed the unique plot device as well as the paranormal element in How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz just a little more.

Favorite for September – How to Kill a Crime Writer

My Reading Challenges page…Between doctor visits, moving aquatic critters, cleaning up the yard, and trying to learn Mah Jong from YouTube videos, my reading suffered in September. I reduced my Goodreads goal to 125 and posted those audiobook reviews from last month, now showing 98 books completed and 5 ahead of schedule. Hopefully, now I can settle down to an almost indoor reading schedule and complete some goals.

To my readers and fellow bloggers: apologies once again for lagging on blog hopping. I’m also a member of the Amazon Vine community and they are finally beginning to post a few items which I do want and have received, prompting required reviews. A time sink but worth it. Still, I appreciate every view and like and appreciate so much your taking the time to check out my posts and leave your comments.

Audiobooks

*Mini-reviews

Two Audiobook Mini-Reviews ––Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch – Shadow of the Solstice – Animal Cozy Mysteries and Indigenous Fiction – #TBT

Two reviews of audiobooks; short and sweet, that will hopefully pique your interest. (Links on individual covers are to Amazon.)

Quite the opposite of genres, one an easy fast read and the other a serious topical and unique storyline with several familiar characters from one of your favorite TV series.

Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch by David Rosenfelt
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: ‎ Grover Gardner

My Thoughts

I try not to miss any of the Andy Carpenter Mystery series since discovering them in 2016. The last I read turned out to be a prequel to the series he called Dogged Pursuit. Andy is a wise-cracking but extremely sharp defense attorney who has been trying to retire for years but keeps getting cases of the wrongly accused. Carpenter’s side hustle is a dog shelter and in this case, it’s the dog of the newly gained defendant that goes to his rescue.

The Andy Carpenter series seems to begin on a simple whodunnit (we already know he must be innocent), but usually escalates into a complex and many layered plot.

The attorney has surrounded himself with a cadre of experts in the field from ex-cops (one being his wife) to a man who does the “heavy” work as well as a computer hacker (not always white hat) who wants to do more than hack. (He envisions himself a dark detective.) Love the support characters—they are always fun.

Still, I think it’s the courtroom scenes I might enjoy second only to the inclusion of the canines. It’s a song and dance that must come off perfectly if he’s going to win.

If you enjoy cozy animal mysteries, legal thrillers, and a sarcastic sense of humor, this might be your next read. These are fun, fast books—and certainly addicting. Released in July, it’s in your library. For the best experience (you’ve heard that one before but this time it’s accurate), don’t miss the audiobook narrated by Grover Gardner. Just the best! Totally recommended.

Shadow of the Solstice: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel by Anne Hillerman
Publisher: Harper
Narrator: Jessica Matten

Leaphorn & Chee #28

The series originally created by Tony Hillderman continues with the Navajo Nation police notified of a visit to Shiprock by the US Cabinet Secretary. At the same time, they are facing a resumption of uranium mining along the border where a body is found near a radioactive uranium waste dump site.

If that isn’t enough, there are indigenous people disappearing during their quest for help and a group shows up claiming to be peaceful but may have more sinister plans than meditation.

I must admit that I requested this book on the basis of the Leaphorn character noted in the title. I loved the Dark Winds series, originally created for TV by Graham Roland, from novels written by Tony Hillderman. My favorite character in the series is Joe Leaphorn, well played by Zahn McClarnon. In this episode of the series, Leaphorn has retired and presents only cameo appearances.

The book dives into complexity by tackling several current topical issues including poverty, addiction, and education. I was appalled that people could take advantage of the government effort to offer recovery services for addicted indigenous. Several topics had me in disbelief, not that it couldn’t happen but that it was.

The book is generally classified as a western noir thriller or crime drama. It is dark, authentic, disturbing, and atmospheric. A drama that captures the essence of Native American life as they navigate living in a capsule that challenges their spiritual beliefs.

It’s excellent and highly recommended.

Many thanks to my local library for providing me with the opportunity to listen to these audiobooks. Any opinion expressed here is my own.

Audiobooks

Two Audiobooks – Mini-reviews That Save Your Time

Poppy Montgomery Gets Even

The Secrets We Hide

So easy to listen to audiobooks when you are trying to juggle multiple personal and business tasks. This summer has presented a number of challenges to my time. Below are two of the books that filled wait times, errands, and household and yard work. One is a humorous take on senior amateur sleuths and the other a crime thriller by your favorite author. (Links on individual covers are to Amazon-US.)

Poppy Montgomery Gets Even by Gordon Jack

Highbridge Audio
June 9, 2026

Okay, maybe written for an older generation, but it’s definitely a subject everyone is keen to do something about. The difference is that this granny has also had enough of scams as well, and when it’s obvious that her bestie Ginny is being scammed by an online dating service for seniors, Poppy is up for the fight.

Poppy is a great protagonist. Yes, some dialogue is geared towards the younger generation; she does have a mouth on her, but she is also smart and knows where to go for tech help—her grandson–and he’s a fun support character. Seniors are easy targets for cyber crimes. Poppy has determined it’s about time to turn the tables.

There are witty and humorous moments, mystery and suspense, and friendship support and chaos mixed into a fun and fast amateur sleuth mystery. The narrator, Elizabeth Wiley, does a super job adding full-hearted character to the engaging plot. This is one you need to check out! Recommended! 4.5 stars

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The Secrets We Hide: A North Falls Thriller by Karin Slaughter

#1 Best Seller in Crime Fiction

William Morrow
August 11, 2026

Yeah, if you have a chance to listen to a new Karin Slaughter book, will you pass it up? Nope. I did catch We Are All Guilty Here last year, the first in the new North Falls series, so thought I’d try Book 2.

Officer Emmy Clifton is the featured protagonist who is unfortunately grappling with a heavy number of personal issues. I’m just not a fan of Emmy. She has some crippling issues that tend to run interference with her work, in my opinion, a serious no-no. On the other hand, the ex-FBI gal, Jude, (her sister), is again the strong one here and I preferred her last time as well as this.

It’s the small town feel, everyone’s secrets, tension-filled family dynamics. That’s a signature storyline and in this case, I’m not liking that Emmy’s pushing a breakdown and obsessing over…well, just about everything. When neighbor and friend Allison is found dead and her daughter viciously injured, those small town people smile knowingly, sure they know who did it.

But nothing is simple. It’s complicated and layered along with the obsessing. I wasn’t thrilled. The narrator, Kathleen Early does a credible job, but tired of the domestic violence theme, tended to tune some of it out.

More character driven than police procedural, there is a mystery with twists and turns but also a deep dive into family dynamics. I felt it a slower pace than the first installment. As only the second in the series, I think you could read as a standalone. Actually, however, I think I preferred Book 1. 3.5 stars

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Many thanks to my local well-stocked library for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review these recently released audiobooks. Any opinion expressed here is my own.

Older woman slumped over her desk. — Graphic courtesy ChatGPT

How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz #BookReview #AmateurSleuths #TuesdayBookBlog

Book Blurb:

After the untimely death of her bestselling crime novelist mother, a young woman teams up with the fictional “ghost” of the heroine from her mother’s series in order to solve her mother’s murder.

After the tragic death of bestselling crime writer Annie Morrisey, her daughter, Niamh, moves into her mother’s country cottage to take care of her mother’s estate. Shut away from the world, Niamh doesn’t actually have to deal with the grief of her mother’s untimely passing. Until the day that two things happen: the advance copy of her mother’s final book lands on the doorstep and Leah Rebecca Overton appears in the kitchen.

Having a stranger show up in your house would be concerning at the best of times, but Leah isn’t a stranger—she’s the ultra-competent sleuth heroine from Annie’s novels. The antithesis of Niamh in every way, she’s lived in the fictitious character’s shadow for years. But why (and how) has Leah turned up now? And why can only Niamh see her? Leah is the last thing Niamh wants in her house or in her head, but she can’t ignore the sleuth…especially when Leah suspects there may have been more to Annie’s death than first suspected.

My Review:

I love it when I find a novel with a refreshing and unique plot line…at any rate, this was a new one for me. Of course I was attracted to the title, but even then, the title doesn’t really give away the storyline characters. I started to imagine a kind of Roger Rabbit scenario. Except Leah Overton is no Roger and Niamh is no private investigator.

How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz — How to Kill a Crime Writer – US cover

After best-selling author Anna Morrissey is found dead, her daughter Niamh moves into her cottage to take care of business and quietly grieve. But the circumstances of her mother’s death keep nagging at her. If there is no such thing as a coincidence, then this wasn’t just an accident.

As her anxiety ramps up, she confronts Leah in her kitchen. In the beginning of her mother’s exploration with her new series private investigator, Niamh was included in the forming of Leah, the loner, competent private investigator protagonist of her mother’s new bestsellers. Leah has confidence and skills Niamh could only dream of, and sure her manifestation is her increasing angst, she tries to dismiss it. Explain it away. But Leah won’t be explained away.

A character so well developed, could she actually take on a persona?

Leah is a strong personality. And she’s also sure that her Anna didn’t have an accident.

Trying not to visualize a ghost type appearance, I greatly enjoyed the character of Leah, blithely coming and going when she felt like it, issuing ultimatums, suggesting points of investigation, people of interest. Leah is rough on Niamh, forcing Niamh out of her shell and, (gasp) pro-active? She has to be to perform some of the tasks Leah has proposed for her.

How to Kill a Crime Writer - UK cover — How to Kill a Crime Writer – UK cover

The two characters couldn’t be more opposites. A total wussy as opposed to kick-ass Leah. They are so well developed you can’t help but like both and it’s fun to follow their dialogue and amusing to watch as Leah begins to mellow (just a bit, mind you) and Niamh grow.

The author threw a curve when she introduced a fantasy character in the life of a grief-stricken dropout mouse of a daughter. The sense of humor and plot line weaving in the villages’ characters and possible perps threw in enough twists to keep the reader dying to know what Leah would be doing next.

It’s a fun, fast read. Yeah, I know I’m among the minority here (what’s new?), but this time I apparently appreciated it more so than some of those who read before me. I thought it stirred the imagination. Recommended if you love the suggestion of fantasy, sense of humor, emotive characters and an engaging and entertaining novel.

Many thanks to my favorite library for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Amateur Sleuths, Women Sleuths, Cozy Mysteries
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: July 21, 2026

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Sarah Lotz is a novelist and screenwriter with a fondness for the macabre. She is the author of The Three, and lives in Cape Town with her family and other animals.