23rd Midnight

Title: 23rd Midnight
Author: James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Published: May 1, 2023
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages
Genre: Police Procedural
Series: Women's Murder Club #23

First Sentence: At dawn that morning, a man dressed entirely in black backed his gray Ford sedan up to the curb on Taylor Street.

Blurb: Detective Lindsay Boxer put serial killer Evan Burke in jail.

Reporter Cindy Thomas put Burke on the bestseller list, in her true-crime book about the case.

An obsessed fan is studying every detail-and committing fresh horrors that carry Burke's signature.

Now Lindsay's tracking an elusive suspect, one who's penning a deadly playbook featuring Cindy's name in blood-red ink. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: In the opening of this book, the writing team may have taken things too far by depicting a sycophantic fanboy's actions to appease a psychopath. The graphic mention of children, in this manner, could be distressing for some readers who are sensitive to such content.

The style of writing in this book is typical of Patterson and Paetro; a slow pace interrupted by sudden bursts of excitement. The actions of the homicide team can be improbable at times, and the events following the arrest seemed to drag on.

What did surprise me was Lindsay’s burning out and questioning how much longer she could keep up the pace with a daughter and husband at home who are only getting the little bit that she can give them. It may be conjecture, but it made me wonder if this was a way for the writing team to let their readers know the series is coming to an end.

Mastering the Art of French Murder

Title: Mastering the Art of French Murder
Author: Colleen Cambridge
Published: April 25, 2023 by Kensington
Format: Kindle, Hardcove, 304 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: An American in Paris #1

First Sentence: Julia Child has a mayonnaise problem.

Blurb: As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia’s building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim as a woman she’d met only the night before, at a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby is recognizable too—a knife from Julia’s kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha’s handwriting, was found in the dead woman’s pocket. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal? From the shadows of the Tour Eiffel at midnight, to the tiny third-floor Child kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates through the city hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.(GoodReads)

My Opinion: When I finished the book, I found myself wishing for more scenes featuring the lively Julia and less focus on the mundane Tabitha. The book came to life whenever Julia's vibrant energy was present. Hopefully, the next installment will have more Julia and delve deeper into the backgrounds of Tabitha's grandfather and Rafe, as there must be more to their stories.

The concept of Russian spies in France was intriguing, and the suggestion that the Child’s, particularly Paul, might be spies compelled me to pay closer attention. However, since this speculation was never confirmed, I appreciate that Colleen Cambridge did not jump to any definitive conclusions.

Whether or not I will continue reading the series, I am undecided. While I adore Julia, I could do without as much focus on Tabitha.

The Last Remains

Title: The Last Remains
Author: Elly Griffiths
Published: April 25, 2023 by Mariner Books
Format: Hardcover 368 pages
Genre: Police Procedural
Series: Ruth Galloway #15

First Sentence: The bonfire is burning brightly now, its heart molten gold.

Blurb: When builders discover a human skeleton while renovating a café, they call in archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway, who is preoccupied with the threatened closure of her department and by her ever-complicated relationship with DCI Nelson. The bones turn out to be modern--the remains of Emily Pickering, a young archaeology student who went missing in 2002. Suspicion soon falls on Emily's Cambridge tutor and also on another archeology enthusiast who was part of the group gathered the weekend before she disappeared--Ruth's friend Cathbad.

As they investigate, Nelson and his team uncover a tangled web of relationships within the archaeology group and look for a link between them and the café where Emily's bones were found. Then, just when the team seem to be making progress, Cathbad disappears. The trail leads Ruth a to the Neolithic flint mines in Grimes Graves. The race is on, first to find Cathbad and then to exonerate him, but will Ruth and Nelson uncover the truth in time to save their friend? (GoodReads)

My Opinion: The Ruth Galloway series comes to a satisfying conclusion with the possibility of her appearing in other Griffiths books. The plot begins with the discovery of a body behind an enclosed wall, leading readers on a journey through Ruth's past cases, encounters with various people, and memories that come full circle.

Although I can't recall how I discovered the series, I've recommended it to others unsure of what to read next, and no one has been disappointed.

As for what's next, I don't know what Elly Griffiths has planned, but I hope to see more of her DI Harbinder Kaur series (The Stranger Diaries, The Postscript Murders, Bleeding Heart Yard) and maybe see Ruth occasionally making an appearance.

Four Parties and a Funeral

Title: Four Parties and a Funeral
Author: Maria DiRico
Published: March 28, 2023, Kensington
Format: Kindle, Paperback 304 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Catering Hall Mystery #4

First Sentence: If anyone had told Mia Carina that one day she’d wake up in bed next to a former male model, she would have spit whatever she was drinking out of her nose.

Blurb: The June events schedule at Belle View is busting out all over--proms, graduations, and of course, weddings. There are unexpected bookings too, including a casting call for the pilot of Dons of Ditmars Boulevard. But soon, Mia's fears about the cheesy reality show are confirmed.

Belle View quickly becomes the site of a sea of wanna-be goombahs and phony girlfriends, and some of Mia's friends insist on getting in on the action. The production company owner and his executive producer ex-wife--who's also very minor British royalty--have assembled a motley crew that does as much infighting and backstabbing as the on-screen "talent." Even so, it's a shock when a dead body is found in the pool house of a local mansion rented by the show.

Murder might boost the ratings. But Mia intends to make sure the killer gets jail time, not airtime. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: I was caught off guard by the unexpected twist in the book regarding the who-done-it since there seemed to be no prior indication of any communication between the characters involved. As a reader of amateur sleuth mysteries, I prefer to have some hints or clues. The sudden change, which had been running in a straight line with little sub-plotting, left me uncertain whether I liked it.

While Nonna made me chuckle, this book didn't quite hit the mark. The Cammie and Pete relationship felt overused, and Mia and Shane's relationship hiccup was boarding on "oh, poor me". The character of Pozi was entertaining, but I'm not sure what Maria DiRico can do to spice up the next installment. Some changes need to be made to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Breakneck

Title: Breakneck
Author: Marc Cameron
Published: April 25, 2023 by Kensington
Format: Kindle, Hardcover, 432 pages
Genre: Police Procedural
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Arliss cutter #5

First Sentence: Gladys Tomaganak’s husband, Pete, was the one who decided they should all go upriver to catch ducks—and she would never forgive him for it.

Blurb: Off the northeast coast of Russia, the captain and crew of a small crabbing vessel are brutally murdered by members of Bratva, the Russian mafia—their bodies stuffed into crab pots and thrown overboard. The killers scuttle the vessel off the coast of Alaska and slip ashore.

In Washington, DC, Supreme Court Justice Charlotte Morehouse prepares for a trip to Alaska, unaware that a killer is waiting to take his revenge—by livestreaming her death to the world.

In Anchorage, Alaska, Deputy US Marshals Arliss Cutter and Lola Teariki are assigned to security detail at a judicial conference in Fairbanks. Lola is tasked with guarding Justice Townsend’s teenaged daughter while Cutter provides counter-surveillance. It’s a simple, routine assignment—until the mother and daughter decide to explore the Alaskan wilderness on the famous Glacier Discovery train. Hiding onboard are the Chechen terrorists, who launch a surprise attack. While they seize control of the engine, Cutter manages to escape with Justice Townsend by jumping off the moving train—and into the unforgiving wilderness.

With no supplies and no connection to the outside world, Cutter and the judge must cross a treacherous terrain to stay alive. Two of the terrorists are close behind. The others are on the train with the judge’s daughter—and they plan to execute her on camera. With so many lives at stake, Cutter knows there are only two options left: catch the train and kill them all . . . or all will be killed. (GoodReads)

My Opinion: Marc Cameron's book takes readers on a journey through the Alaskan wilderness as the US Marshalls protect a Supreme Court Justice. The story is a blend of an outdoor catalog, travel brochure, and police procedural.

The book has two storylines, one featuring Arliss and Lola, and the other following Mim's search for her husband's killer. The latter unfolds slowly and will continue in subsequent books, while the lingering questions about Arliss and Mim remain unanswered but bring the characters closer together.

This series is highly recommended, as it appeals to both men and women and has sparked many conversations.

Hallowed Ground

Title: Hallowed Ground
Author: Linda Castillo
Published: April 25, 2023
Format: Kindle, 60 pages
Genre: Police Procedural / Short Story

First Sentence: Eddie Chupp slashed the vine with his harvest knife and rolled the pumpkin from beneath its canopy.

Blurb: When a family dog brings home a human bone, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder finds herself on a desperate search for answers. Where did the bone come from? Who does it belong to? And perhaps most importantly, are the bones a result of foul play? With Halloween approaching, the unsettling questions garner uneasiness, rumors, and macabre theories among the residents of Painters Mill. Determined to get to the bottom of the case—and stop the ghost stories upsetting the town—Kate and her soon-to-be husband John Tomasetti embark on a sweeping investigation. Will their search for the source of the human remains uncover the truth? Or will it lead them to an even darker discovery buried on hallowed ground? (GoodReads)

My Opinion: Short stories often leave us wanting more as they end quickly after building up the story arcs and characters. Linda Castillo's writing style is captivating as she captures the essence of Painters Mill and links Kate Burkholder's Amish past with her Police Chief present.

Fans of her work can look forward to the release of the next book in the series, "An Evil Heart," this summer.

Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts

Title: Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts
Author: Tonya Kappes
Published: June 26, 2018
Format: Kindle, 188 pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Series: Camper & Criminals #2

First Sentence: “Did I interrupt you?” I gazed over at the table.

Blurb: Mae West is just getting settled into the RV lifestyle as owner of the local camp ground in Normal, Kentucky. The Happy Trails Camp Ground, located in the Daniel Boone National Park, has started to bring in tourists for the late summer vacationing family that love to hike, swim, fish, and enjoy the outdoor life.

The Laundry Club ladies are still holding court ( better known as gossip sessions) in the local laundromat. They're spinning more tales than the washing machine spin cycle after there's a string of burglaries happening in their small, southern town.

Suddenly everyone in Normal is on alert after one of their own is found dead. Even though Mae West tries her best to stay out of it, she can't. After all, it's not good for business when a murderer is on the loose. Plus, Betts Hager, one of the Laundry Club ladies and Mae's good friend, is the number one suspect and now it's personal to Mae.

Mae has grown to love her RV community and now that she's found a place to belong, she's not going to let anyone ruin it, throwing her deep into using her amateur sleuthing skills to bring the real killer to justice.

My Opinion: : Of course, another body has turned up, and this time, Betts Hager and Mae’s foster brother are at the top of the suspect list.

At the end of the last book, Mae had a slight blip of an idea of selling the RV park and moving along, but Normal, Kentucky, is now her community and where her friends are.

So, what happens with another dead body, a missing watch, and a highly pedigreed pooch -- that might have gotten herself in a family way with an “other side of the tracks” snorting and farting pug? Hilarity -- that is what happens.

I’m right there with Mae and her “what could happen next” way of looking at her future in Normal, Kentucky.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

Title: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published: March 14, 2023
Format: Kindle, Paperback 352 pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

First Sentence: Vera Wong Zhuzhu, age sixty, is a pig, but she really should have been born a rooster.

Blurb: Sixty-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert Vera Wong enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy ‘detective’ work on the internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he’s dating anybody yet).

But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it’s going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things. Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could – because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands – Vera decides it’s down to her to catch the killer.

Nobody spills the tea like this amateur sleuth.

My Opinion: Vera, a 60-year-old who owns a tea house in Chinatown, could be a bit intense and demanding at times, but she always showed love and humor. As the story progressed, I began to suspect that Vera had arranged Marshal's murder to add excitement to her life. However, my opinion quickly changed as each of Vera's suspects made their appearance.

As the characters and their backgrounds were revealed, I found it difficult to choose a favorite since they each added their own unique flavor to the story. I am uncertain if Jesse Q. Sutanto plans to continue this series, but I truly hope she does. Vera and her group of misfits have grown on me, and I would love to see where their adventures take them next.