Month: October 2023

Caught up in a rebellion on Venice’s territory of Crete, Niccolo Aretoli returns as a hero after saving the governor’s life and evacuating the loyal citizenry. Yet despite his new fame, not all is well in Venice. While he was away, Niccolo’s beloved Rosalia entered an arranged marriage with Niccolo’s brother Flavio, to safeguard her family from ruin. And that is not the only problem in House Aretoli. From brothel to Senate, through marriage and loss, the sons and daughters of House Aretoli struggle against spies, treachery, and assassination. Chased on land and sea by enemies and betrayed by his closest allies, Niccolo must overcome a conspiracy that threatens his survival, the lives of his family, and the very existence of the republic itself.

This book started off slowly but stick with it – it’s worth it. I don’t put spoilers in my reviews, but there is one life-changing event in the story that starts the fast progression of the plot. I loved reading about the family dynamics within House Aretoli and how things change as jealousy and political intrigue take over. The story is beautifully written and filled with action and suspense. I definitely can see this book as an epic movie or sweeping mini-series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes historical fiction.

Thanks to LibraryThing, K.M. Butler, and Fawkes Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book in hopes that I will leave my unbiased review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and the above review is simply my opinion of the book.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Trisha Connell is a crime reporter in 1980s New York City. She is relentless, confrontational, and honest. She charges into the story of a sensational theft at an art museum, she discovers a murdered guard is someone she knew, a former foster kid who was adopted and supposed to be living a good life. She finds an ally in Edmund Grayson, a security expert assigned to the museum, who’s driven by his own guilt in failing to stop the murder. Chasing the story puts Trisha in danger and it will take all her street skills to survive.

This book had me hooked from the start. I found it difficult to put down. The characters are likeable, and I would love to learn more about them. The romance was a big part of the book, but it was not the sole focus of the book. I enjoyed the mystery, and the book was action-packed. This is supposed to be the first book in the Trisha and Grayson mystery series, and I can’t wait for the next mystery.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

The smell hit Detective Rob Soliz as soon as he left his car. It did not prepare him for the murder scene he was about to encounter – it was too much for even seasoned police force veterans like himself and Frank Pierce to take in. It was the bloody newspaper clipping at the scene that made Frank’s blood run cold. Battling against bureaucratic turf wars, the two detectives must race against time to find the monster responsible.

This book had me hooked from the start. I found it difficult to put down, eager to see how Pierce and Soliz would solve the case. Would they figure it out it time before the person killed again? I liked that Enmon added some background on the killer, adding some depth to that character. The descriptions of the crime scene were well done, not excessively detailed to border on grotesque.  The book does reference some events from a prior book, so it may be a good idea to read that book first, but it is not necessary to enjoy this story. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes true crime books or thrillers.

Thanks to LibraryThing, Larry Enmon, and Fawkes Press for providing a complimentary copy of this book in hopes that I will leave my unbiased review. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and the above review is simply my opinion of the book.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2