Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Giveaway: Ladies' Night

Summary: Take a splash of betrayal, add a few drops of outrage, give a good shake to proper behavior and take a big sip of a cocktail called…Ladies' Night!

Grace Stanton’s life as a rising media star and beloved lifestyle blogger takes a surprising turn when she catches her husband cheating and torpedoes his pricey sports car straight into the family swimming pool. Grace suddenly finds herself locked out of her palatial home, checking account, and even the blog she has worked so hard to develop in her signature style. Moving in with her widowed mother, who owns and lives above a rundown beach bar called The Sandbox, is less than ideal. So is attending court-mandated weekly "divorce recovery" therapy sessions with three other women and one man for whom betrayal seems to be the only commonality. When their “divorce coach” starts to act suspiciously, they decide to start having their own Wednesday "Ladies' Night" sessions at The Sandbox, and the unanticipated bonds that develop lead the members of the group to try and find closure in ways they never imagined. Can Grace figure out a new way home and discover how strong she needs to be to get there?

Heartache, humor, and a little bit of mystery come together in a story about life’s unpredictable twists and turns. Mary Kay Andrews' Ladies' Night will have you raising a glass and cheering these characters on. -- St. Martin's Griffin

Last summer, I had a lot of fun reading LADIES' NIGHT by Mary Kay Andrews. You can read my review here. It's a story about betrayal, starting over, and friendship; and it's pretty much guaranteed to touch your heart... and make you laugh! I am excited to announce that LADIES' NIGHT was released in paperback yesterday, and you can win a signed copy!

Thanks to the publisher and Tandem Literary, I have a fantastic LADIES' NIGHT goody bag to share with one lucky reader. Just check out what you can win:

  • Signed copy of LADIES' NIGHT in paperback 
  • Set of 3 LADIES' NIGHT recipe cards 
  • LADIES' NIGHT drink coasters 
  • Cocktail umbrellas 
  • LADIES' NIGHT drink cup 
  • Three different Mary Kay Andrews bookmarks 
  • SAVE THE DATE magnet 
  • Set of 3 SAVE THE DATE recipe cards 
  • News about a special SAVE THE DATE pre-order gift

To enter, just fill out the form below before May 13th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Review: The Same Sweet Girls' Guide to Life & Giveaway

Summary: Written with a blend of humor and practical wisdom, The Same Sweet Girl’s Guide to Life offers inspiration and solid advice to new graduates that can sustain them through life’s inevitable ups and downs. In this small book readers will find advice that will only grow in meaning throughout the years. It can - and should - be read again and again, by thoughtful people of all ages. 

King’s true gift is in her ability to present readers with the sort of hard-earned wisdom that will help both young and old find sustenance and renewed meaning in their lives. According to acclaimed author Dorothea Benton Frank, "This little book offers big wisdom delivered with Cassandra King’s signature wit. I can’t imagine a better gift to guide the recent graduate, or for any friend passing through one of life’s transitions." 

Her first pearl of wisdom: sincerity is an important virtue, and once you learn to fake it, you are well on your way to success! Dare to laugh at yourself. Find kindred spirits and keep them close to you; expand your circle of friends. Know the t rue value of time. She also advises that we try to find words to express love and gratitude but to keep in mind that it is our actions that reveal our feelings more than our words. 

And as an addition to this lecture at Montevallo College, King adds a new afterword on the value of becoming a lifelong reader. Cassandra's advice is applicable to boys as well as girls. -- Maiden Lane Press

After reading THE SAME SWEET GIRLS' GUIDE TO LIFE: ADVICE FROM A FAILED SOUTHERN BELLE by Cassandra King, I regret not having read THE SAME SWEET GIRLS because I know I'd love it. (Just added another book to my already out-of-control wish list!) While THE SAME SWEET GIRLS' GUIDE TO LIFE (now known as TSSGGTL) isn't a sequel to this novel, it is a companion book. Actually, TSSGGTL was adapted from a lecture Ms. King gave to a graduating class at her alma mater University of Montevallo -- with a few fun extras thrown in!

TSSGGTL is a terrific book for women of all ages but especially graduates. Ms. King has put together some fantastic advice to help individuals navigate through life -- and by that I mean the good and the bad. There is also an introduction by Rick Bragg, thoughtful quotations, and some gorgeous photographs and illustrations. I'm totally serious about this being the perfect high school or college graduation gift!

TSSGGTL is a book that will be cherished by any woman lucky enough to have a copy. It can be read over and over again; and I have a feeling that each time it's read, it will mean something different to the reader. It is full of wisdom mixed in with lots of humor, and it provides useful advice like:

  • Be Sweet
  • Be Open to Love
  • Be as Strong as You Can Be
  • Be Grateful
  • Be a Spendthrift with Everything but Time
  • Be a Little Bit Crazy

I also liked the Author's Afterword because it is geared especially towards book lovers. This section wasn't part of her speech, but her followup advice is to "Become a Lifelong Reader." This little book even has a few pages in the back to log your very favorite books.

TSSGGL is a delightful book with some terrific advice. Highly recommended to graduates and women of all ages!

Thanks to Saichek Publicity for a review copy of this book.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of THE SAME SWEET GIRLS' GUIDE TO LIFE to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before May 12th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Monday, April 28, 2014

Review: The Headmaster's Wife

Summary: An immensely talented writer whose work has been described as “incandescent” (Kirkus) and “poetic” (Booklist), Thomas Christopher Greene pens a haunting and deeply affecting portrait of one couple at their best and worst.

Inspired by a personal loss, Greene explores the way that tragedy and time assail one man’s memories of his life and loves. Like his father before him, Arthur Winthrop is the Headmaster of Vermont’s elite Lancaster School. It is the place he feels has given him his life, but is also the site of his undoing as events spiral out of his control. Found wandering naked in Central Park, he begins to tell his story to the police, but his memories collide into one another, and the true nature of things, a narrative of love, of marriage, of family and of a tragedy Arthur does not know how to address emerges. Luminous and atmospheric, bringing to life the tight-knit enclave of a quintessential New England boarding school, the novel is part mystery, part love story and an exploration of the ties of place and family. Beautifully written and compulsively readable, The Headmaster’s Wife stands as a moving elegy to the power of love as an antidote to grief. -- Thomas Dunne Books

Lately, I've had a hard time becoming swept up in a story. I've read quite a few books that I've enjoyed, but it's rare that I find a book that I can't put down. Thankfully, I decided to pick up THE HEADMASTER'S WIFE by Thomas Christopher Greene. I loved the first half of the book for the beauty of the writing and the intriguing characters, and then the author threw me for a pretty big loop... and I raced through the second half of the novel in an effort to make sense of everything. What a wonderful ride!

THE HEADMASTER'S WIFE begins when Arthur Winthrop, the headmaster of an elite Vermont prep school, is found walking naked through Central Park. When the police take him to the station, he begins to tell his story which isn't always entirely clear to the reader -- his memories seem disjointed and a little foggy. What the reader does realize pretty early on is that Winthrop is consumed with lust for a female student. At the end of the first section, a shocking surprise is revealed; and I was absolutely gobsmacked!

The second half of the novel takes place in the present day and is narrated by a district attorney who once played a key role in Winthrop's life. It is in this section that the mystery is explained and the loose ends are wrapped up.

As I reflect back on THE HEADMASTER'S WIFE, I'm finding it difficult to talk about this book without giving away any spoilers. As a result, my review is pretty vague. Suffice it to say, that I went into this book knowing almost nothing about the story and I loved it this way. I recommend the same for all of you!

In fact, I'm not sure what I appreciated most about THE HEADMASTER'S WIFE -- the story or the author's writing style. Both were excellent in my opinion. I liked that I was confused by Winthrop's story in the first half of the book, and then I loved the shocker that was revealed. Often times, when an author incorporates a surprise like that, I feel manipulated; however, in the case of this novel, I adored it! I guess what I'm saying is that it was very well done!

In addition, the characters were extremely interesting to me -- especially Winthrop. He was an extremely unreliable narrator and I honestly didn't know what to believe given his memories were so clouded and rambling. As the mystery unfolded, I found myself even more intrigued by his past actions as well as his relationship with his wife and son.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how terrific of an author Mr. Greene is. I loved his prose and, while the story itself was fantastic, it was the little things he did with his prose that brought this book to the next level. I loved his descriptions of Vermont and the prep school; and his insights and commentaries about family, lust, and marriage were interesting. I also appreciated how this book looked at class structure. The themes in this book were quite complex and definitely made me think -- always a good sign!

I think THE HEADMASTER'S WIFE would make an excellent selection for book groups. Not only is it a suspenseful thriller, but it has some fascinating characters. In addition, there are some themes which warrant further thought including family, marriage, loss, love, memories, mental illness, grief, lust, and class structure.

I am so glad that I read THE HEADMASTER'S WIFE. Highly recommended to fans of literary suspense!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Kid Konnection: I Pledge Allegiance


Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a very special picture book.

Summary: Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school—at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together—asking questions and sharing stories and memories—until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts. -- Knopf

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez and illustrated by Patrice Barton is a wonderful book that's guaranteed to warm every American's heart! Libby's great aunt Lobo was born in Mexico, but she wants to become a U.S. citizen. Lobo has passed her test and, at the end of the week, she will say the Pledge of Allegiance and become an American citizen at a special ceremony.

Libby is also learning the pledge in school and the teacher has asked her to say the Pledge in front of the entire class so she will be ready to share her great aunt's special day. Libby and Lobo practice the Pledge together as they share special times and reflect on precious memories. At the end of the story, both Libby and Lobo say the Pledge and show how wonderful it is to be an American.

I thought I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE was a great book and perfect for the classroom. The book is based on the authors' real life aunt, and that made it all the more special to me! It's a wonderful book that is both educational and touching, and I just loved it.

Not only does I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE reference the Pledge numerous times so children can learn it along with the characters in the story, but it also shows the importance of patriotism and family bonds. Often times, I think we take things for granted in today's society, and this little book reminds parents and kids alike how fortunate we are to live in this country.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE shows how America truly is a melting-pot and why immigrants still desire to not only live here but to become citizens. I loved that the author included some Spanish words and mentioned some Spanish traditions because it really hit home the idea that individuals can retain their old customs while becoming an American.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Review: Burning the Map (Audio)

Summary: The choices Casey Evers has made in her 26 years aren't exactly making her happy. In fact, her life is so on course - college, law school, boyfriend, job offer - that it's actually off. So, before she slides into 14-hour days at a Chicago law firm, she heads to Rome and Greece with her two best friends for one last hurrah. 

The thing is, her best friends haven't really been all that close to her since she started seeing John two years ago, she hasn't been all that close to John lately, and she's awfully partial to Mediterranean men... 

I rest my head against his shoulder. The scooter starts to fly again, and Rome whizzes by - a myriad of fountains, marble statues, larger-than-life doors with gigantic handles, streets that look like alleys... 

The rigidity that has settled in my bones and head over the past year seems to thaw a bit. Yet with the thaw comes an army of questions from some unused corner of my brain. What about John? Will you tell him about this little excursion, this man you are hugging? What happens when you get back, when you have to start work, when you can no longer escape the world? I lift my head and let the wind snarl my hair around my face, trying to forget these questions, the ones with rifles in hand that are waiting to fire holes in my flimsy curtain of contentment. 

Set against the backdrop of sparkling beaches and old-world villages, Burning the Map ignites the fire within us all, to shine in unexpected ways... -- Story Avenue, LLC

When I was recently pitched BURNING THE MAP by Laura Caldwell, I was a little surprised. I remember the book being available some time ago, and I couldn't figure out why I was being asked to read it now.  It ends up that this book was first published ten years ago to some critical acclaim, and the author decided to re-release it in a new form -- as an audio book. I figured it would be a light, fun read while I logged some miles on the treadmill.

BURNING THE MAP is exactly the type of book that I used to read... about ten years or so. It would probably have been labeled as chick lit when it was published by Red Dress Ink (my friend and I used to love that publisher!) because it tells the story of a young woman on the brink of adulthood. The novel follows Casey after she graduates from law school and takes the bar exam but before she begins work at a law firm. She is in a serious relationship with John (at the expense of the other relationships in her life); and, like many girls in their mid-twenties, realizes that her life is becoming much more routine and predictable.

In an effort to have some fun before she is forced to grow up, Casey takes a vacation to Rome and Greece with her two best friends -- despite feeling less close to them in recent months. Once Casey's in Rome and Greece, she discovers that she's not missing John much at all. In fact, she finds that Mediterranean men can be quite attractive. Between handling a variety of guys and trying to balance her relationship with her best friends, Casey has to figure out what she wants out of life and what will make her happy!

I enjoyed BURNING THE MAP but I don't know if I'd say I loved it. I think I'm probably quite a few years past the target audience, but I did find it an entertaining way to spend 9 1/2 hours on the treadmill. I thought the writing was smart and I loved all of the descriptions of the Mediterranean beaches, villages, and food; however, I just didn't really relate to Casey or feel much sympathy towards her.

If I'm being entirely honest, I thought Casey was a little immature for 26. Heck... when I was 26, I was married, working full-time and going to graduate school. I realize that I was probably in the minority with that lifestyle, and maybe I should have had more wild experiences; however, I found it difficult to feel sorry for someone who was cheating on her boyfriend and ignoring her friends. I realize Casey had a lot of pressure, so I tried to cut her a break; and I really did want her to figure out things before taking the wrong path in life, but she seemed so self-absorbed for much of the novel.

Based on this review, you probably think Casey was a horrible person. That is definitely not the case. Casey was a sweet girl, albeit a little confused, and she did feel guilty for hurting her loved ones. And in all actuality, her actions could have been a lot worse! (I should point out that her boyfriend and travel companions weren't exactly perfect either.) What I appreciated about her character is how much she had to learn about herself within just a few weeks and how she faced some very difficult decisions. Many women wouldn't have had the strength or courage to face what Casey did.

One of my favorite things about this novel was the setting. I loved that the novel took place in Rome and Greece, and I thought Ms. Caldwell did a fantastic job of bringing these areas to life for the reader. I was able to get swept up as the characters' visited various landmarks as well as the beaches; and it definitely made me long to visit these countries. Furthermore, I liked how the author explored the theme of travel and how it can change the way we see things in our lives.

The audio version of BURNING THE MAP was read by Piper Goodeve, and I thought she captured Casey perfectly. This is the first audio book that I've listened to by this narrator -- I think she usually reads romance novels -- and I had absolutely no issues with her performance. I enjoyed her sense of timing with the humor, and I found her portrayal of Casey to be very realistic. You can listen to an excerpt here.

BURNING THE MAP would make a fun book club discussion.. especially if you could include some food and wine from Rome and Greece! The author has a reading guide on her website to facilitate your discussion. Some of the themes you might want to discuss include self discovery, honestly, love, friendship, parent/child relationships, adultery, and travel.

At its heart, BURNING THE MAP was a coming-of-age story for a young woman making the jump to adulthood, and many women will relate to this story -- especially ones in their early twenties. Recommended for fans of chick lit and books that take place in exotic locales.

Thanks to Kaye Publicity for providing a review copy of this audio book.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Review: When the Cypress Whispers

Summary: On a beautiful Greek island, myths, magic, and a colorful cast of mortals come together in a lushly atmospheric debut celebrating the powerful bond between an American woman and her Greek grandmother.

The daughter of Greek immigrants, Daphne has been brought up to believe in the American dream. When her husband dies in a car accident, leaving her with an inconsolable baby and stacks of bills, she channels everything she has into opening her own Greek restaurant. Now an acclaimed chef and restaurateur, she has also found a second chance at love with her wealthy, handsome fiancé.

Although American by birth, Daphne spent many blissful childhood summers on the magical Greek island of Erikousa, which her grandmother still calls home. At her Yia-yia's side, she discovered her passion for cooking and absorbed the vibrant rhythms of island life, infused with ancient myths and legends lovingly passed down through generations. Somehow her beloved grandmother could always read her deepest thoughts, and despite the miles between them Daphne knows Yia-yia is the one person who can look beyond Daphne's storybook life of seeming perfection to help her stay grounded. With her wedding day fast approaching, Daphne returns to Erikousa and to Yia-yia's embrace.

The past and the present beautifully entwine in this glorious, heartfelt story about a woman trapped between the siren call of old-world traditions and the demands of a modern career and relationship. When Daphne arrives on Erikousa with her daughter, Evie, in tow, nothing is the way she recalls it, and she worries that her elderly Yia-yia is losing her grip on reality. But as the two of them spend time together on the magical island once again, her grandmother opens up to share remarkable memories of her life there—including moving stories of bravery and loyalty in the face of death during World War II—and Daphne remembers why she returned. Yia-yia has more than one lesson to teach her: that security is not the same as love, that her life can be filled with meaning again, and that the most important magic to believe in is the magic of herself. -- Harper

We have a little Greek restaurant near our house that is just fantastic -- it's even BYOB. Every time I eat there, I think I should pick a book for our book club that takes place in Greece and hold the meeting there. We could sample the various appetizers, eat the amazing desserts, and drink wine while discussing the novel. It would be a wonderful time!

Well... I recently read a book called WHEN THE CYPRESS WHISPERS by Yvette Manessis Corporon that would be perfect for my book club fantasy! This novel just happens to take place in Greece and touches upon so many of the themes my group loves to discuss including family, love, and relationships. It also has elements of Greek mythology and wonderful descriptions of the Grecian countryside and foods. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

WHEN THE CYPRESS WHISPERS follows Daphne, a widow and mother of a young girl, as she heads to Greece to prepare for her marriage to a successful New York businessman. Daphne has faced a great deal of tragedy in her life -- she lost her husband and both of her parents in tragedies; however, she has managed to live out her dream of running a Greek restaurant. When her fiancé proposes marriage, she decides to return to the Greek island she visited every summer as a child and get married in the presence of her Yia-Yia.

Daphne has always had a very special relationship with her grandmother. Yia-Yia sensed Daphne's feelings even from thousands of miles away, and she provided a calming presence during the rough times in Daphne's life. As Daphne spends time on the island in the presence of her grandmother, she gradually finds herself relaxing from the stresses in her big city life and appreciating the finer things in life like food, family, and friendship.

As Daphne's wedding day quickly approaches, she realizes that she has strong ties to her past; and when her fiancé appears on the island, she begins to question everything she thought she ever wanted. With this help of her grandmother and some of the island's inhabitants, Daphne discovers a great deal about her grandmother's past but also about her own self.

Sometimes you read a novel at the perfect time in your life, and honestly, I think that was the case with WHEN THE CYPRESS WHISPERS. I have had some stress in my life recently, and I needed a book that not only took me away from all of that but actually touched my heart and made me feel. I couldn't put down this novel, and I loved how it transported me to Greece with all of its beauty and traditions.

One of the things I really liked about this novel was the relationship between Daphne and her Yia-Yia. I am a sucker for books that feature mother/daughter relationships, so it makes sense that I was drawn to this story about a grandmother and her adult granddaughter. I loved how wise and knowing Yia-Yia was, and I found her storytelling to add another dimension to this novel. Furthermore, I really appreciated learning about Yia-Yia's past and I liked how it affected Daphne and her future decisions.

The book really does have a little something for everyone. There are elements of history, mythology, friendship, romance, Greek food and customs, and life lessons. As a result, I think it would make a fantastic book club selection. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a formal reading guide; however, you will have no problems finding things to discuss. In addition, the author has a lot of information on her website which could stimulate your discussion. And just in case you don't have your own little Greek restaurant nearby, she includes some wonderful recipes that you could make for your meeting including tzatziki.

WHEN THE CYPRESS WHISPERS is a book that touched my heart. Highly recommended to fans of women's fiction and readers who enjoy novels set in Greece.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Review: Tuesday's Gone

Summary: Internationally bestselling authors Nicci Gerard and Sean French, writing as Nicci French, have sold more than eight million copies of their books worldwide. But nothing they’ve written written before has grabbed the attention of reviewers and readers like Blue Monday and its iconic heroine, Frieda Klein. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called it a “superb psychological thriller . . . with brooding atmosphere, sustained suspense, a last-minute plot twist, and memorable cast of characters.”

In Tuesday’s Gone, a London social worker makes a routine home visit only to discover her client, Michelle Doyce, serving afternoon tea to a naked, decomposing corpse. With no clues as to the dead man’s identity, Chief Inspector Karlsson again calls upon Frieda for help. She discovers that the body belongs to Robert Poole, con man extraordinaire. But Frieda can’t shake the feeling that the past isn’t done with her yet. Did someone kill Poole to embroil her in the investigation? And if so, is Frieda herself the next victim?

A masterpiece of paranoia, Tuesday’s Gone draws readers inexorably into a fractured and faithless world as it brilliantly confirms Frieda Klein as a quintessential heroine for our times. -- Pamela Dorman Books

I can't believe it's been over two years since I read the psychological thriller BLUE MONDAY by Nicci French -- you can read my review here. I guess a clue should have been that the third book in the series, WAITING FOR WEDNESDAY, is now out. I feel like a major slacker because, despite really enjoying BLUE MONDAY, I missed read the sequel TUESDAY'S GONE. I figured that the time is right to catch up on this fantastic series starring Frieda Klein.

TUESDAY'S GONE picks up right where BLUE MONDAY left off. When a social worker is conducting a home visit for her client Michelle Doyce, she discovers her serving tea to a naked (and get this!) a decaying corpse. Chief Inspector Karlsson has absolutely no idea who the dead man is; and as a result, he looks to Frieda for help. Somehow, Frieda learns that the man is Robert Poole, a man who has conned almost everyone he meets.

As Frieda investigates the man's death, she can't help but feel as if there is more to the murder than what it initially seems. She even begins to wonder if someone from her past is trying to send her a message through Poole's brutal murder.

TUESDAY'S GONE was another suspenseful psychological novel, and I can now confirm what I already suspected -- I am a big fan of these books and Frieda Klein as the heroine. I love the authors' (Nicci French is a pseudonym for a husband and wife writing team) unique writing style and am excited by the amount of twists and surprises. These two novels definitely have a different feel to them than most other books, and I think that's a credit to the authors. They have created a very special character in Frieda who is both intelligent and complex, and while I'm not entirely sure what to make of her, I'm definitely intrigued by almost everything she does.

What I really appreciated about TUESDAY'S GONE is the balance between a murder mystery and a Frieda's past. This novel was so smart on so many levels. I loved following Karlsson and Frieda as they investigated the murder -- and it was a good one with surprises around every corner as well as a few dead ends! However, I also really liked the scenes surrounding the very complicated character of Frieda. She is such a unique character -- full of baggage and secrets, and I was so impressed with how she put everything together. And by that, I mean the current murder and some events from the prior novel.

I don't know if I'd say that you have to read the books in this series in order, but I highly suggest it. I do feel as if the authors did a good job of providing the back story; however, the second book definitely contained a lot of spoilers. And since BLUE MONDAY was full of so many amazing surprises and many of those twists are revisited in TUESDAY'S GONE, I highly recommend reading it first! But beware -- once you start this series, you'll be hooked. I can't wait to read WAITING FOR WEDNESDAY.

TUESDAY'S GONE was a terrific followup to the critically acclaimed BLUE MONDAY. I am so intrigued by this series and its characters! Recommended to fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.