Deadly Deceit

(Harbored Secrets #2)

by Natalie Walters

Description

Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?

Author Natalie Walters welcomes you back to Walton, Georgia, where everyone knows your name--but no one knows your secret.

Biography

Natalie Walters is the author of Living Lies. A military wife of 22 years, she currently resides in Hawaii with her soldier husband and their three kids. She writes full-time and has been published in Proverbs 31 magazine and has blogged for Guideposts online. In addition to balancing life as a military spouse, mom, and writer, she loves connecting on social media, sharing her love of books, cooking, and traveling. Natalie comes from a long line of military and law enforcement veterans and is passionate about supporting them through volunteer work, races, and writing stories that affirm no one is defined by their past. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com. 

My Perspective ~

This is my first occasion to read a book by Natalie Walters. Deadly Deceit is the second in a series, but could easily be read as a stand alone. I don't feel that I missed anything by not reading the first in this series. Characterizations are well done, depicting their serious sides and their sense of fun. Suspense runs high in this whodunit, but also included are scenes that include humor, compassion, romance, and a sense of growing relationships. The plot moves along swiftly, with suspense creating a sense of urgency at times throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery romance, and look forward to reading more from this author.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

The Family Upstairs

by Lisa Jewell

Description

Be careful who you let in.

Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she’s been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am.

She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby’s life is about to change. But what she can’t possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well—and she is on a collision course to meet them.

Twenty-five years ago, police were called to 16 Cheyne Walk with reports of a baby crying. When they arrived, they found a healthy ten-month-old happily cooing in her crib in the bedroom. Downstairs in the kitchen lay three dead bodies, all dressed in black, next to a hastily scrawled note. And the four other children reported to live at Cheyne Walk were gone.

In The Family Upstairs, the master of “bone-chilling suspense” (People) brings us the can’t-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets.

Biography

Lisa Jewell was born and raised in north London, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of over twenty novels, including The Girls in the Garden, The House We Grew Up In, and The Third Wife. To find out more, visit Facebook.com/LisaJewellOfficial, or follow her on Twitter @LisaJewellUK.

My Perspective ~

The description of this story is told above, so I won't repeat it. This is my first experience reading Lisa Jewell's work, and it definitely won't be the last! I was swiftly swept into this story and was captured by the events portrayed. The pace is fast and the plot is unpredictable, great features of a suspense filled psychological thriller! 

Told in first person and two separate third persons, I had no difficulty deciphering who was narrating. The story flowed seamlessly and without question regarding who was doing the telling. This is unusual and difficult to achieve, but this author pulled it off without any hitches. Deep and dark, mysterious and somewhat sordid events kept me clutching the book tighter as I read. I literally had to force myself to put the book down. 

I highly recommend this novel of intensity and unique developments. Characterizations are deep and distinctive, and the plot is unforgettable. Pick up a copy and enjoy a fast paced ride.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.

Deadly Christmas Pretense

(Love Inspired Suspense)

by Dana Mentink

Description

A cowboy to her rescue…

but she’s not who he thinks she is.

Posing as her sister for Christmas is the only way to save her, but Maggie Lofton needs help—even if it means working with her twin’s cowboy ex-boyfriend, Liam Pike. But between the bull’s-eye on her back and the dangerous connection she’s forming with Liam, Maggie’s mission is harder than expected. Will their tenuous partnership be enough to shield her when the killer closes in?

Biography

Dana Mentink is a national bestselling author. She has been honored to win two Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion, and a Reviewer's Choice award. She's authored more than thirty novels to date for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Harlequin Heartwarming. Dana loves feedback from her readers. Contact her at www.danamentink.com

My Perspective ~

Dana Mentink is my favorite author of Love Inspired Suspense. She knows how to develop a fast paced plot with unpredictable events throughout her stories. Deadly Christmas Pretense is no exception. It can be easily read as a stand alone story, but I love the connections in her series. Family is closely knit and loving, and kindness and acceptance are wonderful features throughout. Selflessness and reaching out to others are examples to cherish as the author weaves her stories around family, friends, community and strangers.

Suspense is high and unpredictable throughout Deadly Christmas Pretense. There's no room for boredom in this book, and there is no clue as to what will reveal itself on the next page! An easy, quick read, I was swept into the adventures and the spirit of Christmas as the plot developed. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All expressed opinions are honest and my own.