Mary MacDougall Mystery Duet - Richard Audry

A Pretty Little Plot

With confident steps, Miss Mary MacDougall, makes her way to class. As the daughter of John MacDougall - a renowned, wealthy businessman - she has the luxury of spending her time taking painting lessons.

However, Mary is not your typical society girl. She longs to become a private investigator, to find a mystery filled with clues desperate to be found and deciphered.

So, when she awakes one morning to find one of her fellow classmates has been kidnapped, Mary's brain goes into overdrive and fingers itch to solve the case. Matters take a turn for the worse when she discovers another friend was also taken and that their teacher, Edmond Roy, is arrested for the crime.

The intelligent, practical 18years old uncovers that he was the last person to see Harriet Crosby and Daisy Larkin before their capture. Why the sudden invitation and insistence of his joining them for lunch? As facts reveal themselves to the would-be detective, Mary needs to establish Edmond's innocence. Is he incarcerated mainly because of his Indian heritage therefore enabling the real culprit to get away with a crime?

A great introduction to an amateur sleuth. Audry's main protagonist is engaging, intelligent and ahead of her time in wanting to become a female investigator. Fueled by stories from likes of Conan Doyle, Mary approaches the kidnapping in a thoughtful manner. The plot is easy to follow and the twist of who committed the deed, surprising. Set in the 1900s, the author gives glimpses of Duluth at that time adding richness to a well thought out mystery.

A Stolen Star

In Mary's second outing as a budding detective, she finds herself befriending an international opera singer, Josephine Borrell. The esteemed singer is to wear the Star of the North, a spectacular sapphire owned by Mrs. Ensign, a widowed millionairess.

Before Joesphine leaves Duluth, she is invited to a dinner at Mrs. Ensign's. And, before Mary leaves for said dinner, a knock at her front door reveals Edmond Roy along with two fellow artists - introducing them as Erno Ritala and Annika Ritala, jewelers. They all live in North Michigan where Edmond has been commissioned to work on a mural for a bank. Shocked at seeing him after so long, Mary arranges to meet him the next day.

Distracted at seeing the young, attractive artist again, Mary reminisces over the passionate kiss shared at his departure and barely eats the sumptuous meal prepared by Josephine's personal French chef. When Mrs. Ensign requests an impromptu reenactment of the concert, she also insists that the famed opera singer wear the North Star again. When the box is opened, the revered jewel is missing.

Immediately alert, Mary dons her imaginary deerstalker and starts to investigate. Who benefits from taking the sapphire? Mrs. Ensign claims its cursed (although it had no effect on her), and it wouldn't be easy to sell. The young sleuth centers her suspects to those in the old lady's house - including the servants. Is it an inside job or should Mary look further afield, further to two strangers who make jewelry using precious stones?

A great second outing for Mary MacDougall. Audry reminds the reader of key characters from the first book and brings others up for consideration. With an essence of (Agatha) Christie about the missing gem, the plot is straightforward but with enough complexity to keep the reader guessing. The author has packed a lot in to a novella but it's not overwhelming. The budding romance between Mary and Edmond is light relief.

Both stories are an excellent foundation to Mary MacDougall, private investigator. With engaging, well thought out characters and believable plots and great historical references, this series will surely become a favorite go-to for fans of mysteries. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

When Half Spent Was the Night (A Mick Chandra Mystery) - Rebecca Yount

Browsing in a boutique in Camden Market is the last place Erika Livoni expected her sister Katarina to disappear, but that's exactly what occurred.

Frightened and panicked she calls the police. What has happened to her? They were in the UK from Estonia with high hopes of making a new life in London. What if the worst has taken place? How can she face their mother?

In steps Detective Chief Inspector Mick Chandra. With a reputation for closing the toughest of cases, along with his trusted partner, Inspector Elizabeth Chang, they are seconded to the Clubs and Vice Division. Unfortunately, that means working with Matt Miles - someone neither of them like. However, with a young woman's life on the stake, differences be damned.

As the task force of the three top guns in their field begin their investigations, they uncover that it's not just the Albanians that have SoHo under their claim but there may be links to the Russian mafia. Yet what's even more frightening is a possible link to the Home Office. But this piece of information came from a reluctant witness. Can the police trust the word of a woman who has been enslaved? Will they be able to find Katarina before she's no longer of any use (as a sex-slave)?

Perhaps due to it's seedier side of crime, I didn't immediately take to the subject matter of the story. It made me uncomfortable to think of women being sex-slaves, being tortured by their 'pimps'. But it's an unfortunate reality. However, Yount's novel, whilst harrowing a subject matter, brings in touches of light-heartedness making it a palatable read.

New readers will immediately like the chief inspector, his wife and all his friends and colleagues. Those familiar with the Yard's duo will find another thrilling, if disturbing, story. A highly recommended read.

Read my other reviews...Death In C Minor, The Erlking, The Ravenhoe Cauldron,The Oracle of Baal plus an interview with the author and her main character Mick Chandra.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Five Question Interview - Tess Gerritsen, Rizzoli and Isles

A former physician, Tess Gerritsen started writing whilst on maternity leave. Her first novel was published in 1987 and eight more romantic thrillers followed ‘Call After Midnight’. Her first medical thriller, 'Harvest', debuted in 1996 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Having penned several more such (medical thriller) novels, Tess has won both the Nero Wolf Award and the Rita Award. Her books have been published in forty countries and more than 30 million copies have been sold worldwide.

Readers first meet the dynamic duo of Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles in 'The Surgeon'. Their sometimes awkward relationship goes from strength to strength as they solve one grisly murder after another. Tess' enthralling development of intelligent and believable characters has resulted in TNT creating a successful television series of the same name (Rizzoli & Isles).

Catch Tess on her UK/US book tour (Jan 12-16 in the UK; from January 20 in the US). Further details about this and and this fascinating writer at her website Tess Gerritsen.

The Interviews

Tess Gerritsen

Tess...
1. Who are your top five favorite characters met in books?
Sherlock Holmes.  Scarlett O'Hara.  Frodo Baggins.  Elizabeth Bennett.  Jane Eyre.

2. Which authors (dead or alive) have inspired your writing?
Stephen King.  Margaret Atwood.  Larry McMurtry.

3. What motivates you to write the next book?
I get an idea for a story, and I want to know how it turns out.

4. You’re hosting a literary dinner party – who would you invite (dead or alive) and why?
Arthur Conan Doyle.  William Shakespeare.  Truman Capote.  Calvin Trillin.  Gertrude Stein.

5. Looking back over your career, would you still become an author?
Absolutely.

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Jane...

Rizzoli - played by Angie Harmon

1. What do you like about being part of Boston’s PD?
Taking down the very people who threaten my city.

2. Would you say your mother has had a huge influence on your life?
She gave me the stability and love to develop my own confidence.

3. Do you have a favorite part of Boston?
Back Bay.  It's where my apartment is.

4. You work with a varied set of people – what makes a great team?
People who look at things from different perspectives.  That's why I think having a guy and a gal working together (like me and Detective Frost) is so effective.

5. Now you’re married with a young family, would you give up your career as a detective and 
become a stay at home mother?
Nope.  I like my job too much.

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Maura...

Isles - played by Sasha Alexander

1. Being an ME can be quite challenging – what drives you to deal with the most difficult of cases?
For every question, I want an answer.  I'm driven to explain things.

2. Do you have a favorite part of Boston?
Beacon Hill.  It has history, beautiful old buildings, and feels like the center of Boston.

3. If you were granted a wish to live a different life – would you have taken a medical route?
I might have been an archaeologist.  I enjoy digging for the truth -- whatever the subject.

4. What’s the most important thing to do after a taxing day?
Pour a glass of wine.

5. You’re hosting a dinner party what would be your go to dish?
A crown roast of lamb, with rosemary and mint jelly.  And roasted new potatoes.

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GIVEAWAY

I am giving away an e-copy of Tess Gerritsen's latest novel - Die Again: When Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are summoned to a crime scene, they find a killing worthy of the most ferocious beast—right down to the claw marks on the corpse. But only the most sinister human hands could have left renowned big-game hunter and taxidermist Leon Gott gruesomely displayed like the once-proud animals whose heads adorn his walls. Did Gott unwittingly awaken a predator more dangerous than any he’s ever hunted?

Leave a comment or question on this post by February 1st 8pm EST to be entered into a draw to win this book. One person will be chosen randomly using Random.org. Please make sure to leave an e-mail address with your comment. Thank you and Good Luck!

Five Question Interview - Rebecca Yount & Mick Chandra

Hailing from a literary family, Rebecca Yount could say writing is in her blood. Having studied music, worked on a 'Washington career' and had 'a bad marriage, divorce then a good marriage', she found that her love of writing became a reality after taking early retirement.

Her skill at creating mystery, suspense, horror, humor and real characters are seen in her four outstanding books - 'Death in C Minor', 'The Erkling', 'The Ravenhoe Cauldron' and her latest novel 'The Oracle of Baal'. With little doubt, her main character Detective Inspector Mick Chandra is an affable individual who takes his home life just as seriously as his work. Commitment to ridding the world of crime is no easy feat, Chandra makes it seem effortless. And this ease is gained only through the artistry of Yount's writing.

The Interviews

Rebecca...

Author: Rebecca Yount

l.  Who are your top five favorite characters in novels/books? 1. Jane Eyre. 2. Nancy Drew. 3. Spencer (R. B. Parker’s PI) 4. Odysseus. 5. Phillip Marlowe.

2. Which authors (dead or alive) have inspired you?
Here is a partial list:  Jane Austen; Fanny Burney; Joan Didion; Robert B. Parker; Charles Dickens; Alex. Pushkin; Edna St. Vincent Millay; Rita Mae Brown.

3.  What motivates you to write the next book? 
The on-going adventure.

4. You’re hosting a literary dinner party – who would you invite (dead or alive) and why?
Jane Austen – For obvious reasons;
The Bronte Sisters – How did they manage to write those powerful stories stuck up there in N. England? Charles Dickens – But as hostess, I would warn him that he could not use the party as an opportunity to do a dramatic reading from one of his books. Rita Mae Brown – Because she seems like a lot of fun, and I love her writing. William. Shakespeare – Well, did you or did you not write all of those plays? Bruce Chatwin – How much time did you actually spend in Patagonia? Patrick Fermor – What was the best thing about walking from Holland to Turkey? Herman Melville – After the failure of MOBY DICK, what kept you writing? Fanny Burney—How do you feel about being considered the mother of the feminist movement? Harper Lee – Didn't you just want to smack your editor when she demanded so many rewrites of MOCKINGBIRD?

5. Looking back over your career, would you still become an author?

Yes, only sooner.

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Mick...

1. What do you like about being a detective?

This may sound like pure conceit on my part, but I like to think I’m “righting” the wrongs of the world.

2. How do you feel when people see your race rather than a skilled detective?
I've long since convinced myself it’s them, not me. Furthermore, I’m exceedingly proud of my Kerala heritage.

3. Do you have a favorite part of London?
By all means north London, where I live in Stoke Newington.  It’s not the most “posh” part of the city, but it’s a real community, multi-cultural, with wonderful international shopping.  You can walk up the High Street and hear a polyglot of languages being spoken. I love that, and so does my wife, Jess.
             
4. Now that you’re married & have a young family, would you consider giving up your career and being a stay-at-home dad?
I might consider cutting back a bit, but I could never give up my work.  Again, at the expense of sounding too grand, I like to think I’m making the world a safer place for my wife and daughter. Also, I confess I’m somewhat hooked on the adrenalin rush of police work.

5. Of all the investigations, which affected you the most?
I would have to say The Erlking case, in which we broke up a notorious pedophile ring in north London. The morning I saw eight-year-old Josie Stephens’ corpse pulled out of the Grand Union canal, I vowed to bring down her abusers and murderers.  The mantra for that investigation became, “For Josie’s sake.”

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GIVEAWAY

Rebecca has kindly offered three readers of my blog to receive a digital copy of her latest novel - The Oracle of Baal.

Leave a comment or question on this post by October 15 8pm EST to be entered into a drawing to win this book. One person will be chosen randomly using Random.org. Please make sure to leave an e-mail address with your comment. Thank you and Good Luck!

Send off for a Snitch - K M Rockwood

Another shift ends at the steel factory and Jesse, ex-con trying to do good, makes his way back to the tiny basement apartment he luckily calls home. Rain pelts down making the distinctive red and black checked coat he wears, wet. As he approaches the stairwell there's a young boy sitting there wearing a bright orange fluffy vest with purple stars.

Turns out that young boy is Aaron's younger brother. Aaron the jumpy, high on meth co worker who Jesse is convinced is a police informant. From the moment he asks why the child is there on the steps to his home, Jesse knows he's going to get caught up in something ominous.

With the nonstop rain turning the streets into mini rivers and worse flooding his meager apartment, Jesse seeks refuge with his sometimes girlfriend Kelly. But that doesn't go quite according to plan. But before he can make his way there, he finds himself becoming a local hero when he rescues a mom and her baby trapped in a car with a torrent of water surrounding them.

Being a hero doesn't stop him from worrying about the fact that Aaron turns up dead near his home. How long will it be before the dynamic duo of Detectives Montgomery and Belkins come knocking at his door? And when they do, will Jesse become implicated in the death of Aaron? With quiet determination, the ex-con tries to discover how the meth addict died as well as juggle the rocky relationship with Kelly.

Another exciting episode in the life of Jesse. Still trying to keep out of trouble but somehow it finds him. His relationship with Kelly is still fraught with misunderstanding and alcohol fueling disgruntlement. As Jesse tries to clear his name from another entanglement that would see him back in prison it seems that Detective Montgomery is yet again his savior.

The third installment of this series moves the story along of this lovable rogue. The author still manages to capture the harsh realities of being on parole and coupled with moments of (black) humor makes it an engaging read. It's a pleasure to meet all the old characters and a few new ones, adding more depth to a well thought out plot. Is is possible that the police can embroil him in Aaron's death? And will the incessant rain that causes a heap of problems finally stop Kelly from drinking?

I've read all the books in the series and I felt that there was a repetition of what happened in the previous stories which diminished the impact of this current episode and therefore became a little dull in some parts. Having said that, I do understand that there are those who haven't read any of Rockwood's crime novels and the author does need to explain certain things so perhaps it's a moot point. Regardless, if you're a fan of well written crime novels, the Jesse Damon series is a must read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Buried Biker ( A Jesse Damon Crime Novel) - K M Rockwood

Jesse Damon, ex-con trying to get on with life on the outside. That means, head down, work, occasional visit to the library and keeping far away from trouble. Unfortunately, trouble finds him all to easily.

When Detectives Montgomery and Belkins apprehend and bring him in for questioning, Jesse goes along with it, no questions just a 'yes sir, no sir'. But he's in for a shock when he's the told the reason for his 'arrest'. His girlfriend (and colleague from work) Kelly, has been raped and badly beaten. She's in hospital but people around her are saying it was Jesse that did it.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Jesse needs to know what happened. Aware that Kelly's biker dad - someone he met whilst inside - is on release, Jesse kept away from Kelly's home. Hanging around known felons is a violation of his parole and the last thing he wants to do is go back inside.

Hounded by the two detectives, a reporter hell bent on getting a major scoop and striving to stay clear of Kelly's dad and his biker chums makes it very difficult to find out what exactly happened. How could she possibly think he had anything to do with the heinous crime and who's taking care of her two children?

The next episode after Fostering Death, Jesse finds himself, yet again in the thick of things. It seems no matter what this likable ex-con does he can't stop being accused of something. With the added problem of the reporter, a biker gang and avoiding get-rich-quick schemes from Aaron it doesn't take long for him to see the inside of jail. How can he stay off the radar?

Another gripping and brilliant chapter in the life story of Jesse Damon. Rockwood's gutsy, realistic story of an ex-jailbird continues to be engaging and absorbing. The style remains the same - easy to read with few yet distinctive descriptions of the environment that Jesse lives in; and the characters personalities continue to build and deepen. With an ending that leaves you wanting more, I can't wait to see what happens next. A highly recommended read for all crime genre fans.

Fostering Death (A Jesse Damon Crime Novel) - K M Rockwood

Hounded out of the funeral home after trying to pay his last respects to his foster mother, Jesse is devastated at her passing and not being able to explain that he didn't actually commit any crime that sent him to prison for nearly twenty years. He heads home fighting back tears only to be confronted by detectives Belkins and Montgomery.

The epitome of good cop/bad cop, Jesse knows the routine when stopped by them or any law enforcement officer; turn and face the wall, hide the wince as the handcuffs are clamped tightly around his wrists, wait to be frisked. And then answer the relentless questions, knowing the answers given won't be heard let alone believed.

From the questions and the error of not keeping his mouth shut, Jesse learns that his foster mother may have been murdered and he's the prime suspect. Disbelief that someone could have killed a woman dedicated to looking after 'lost' children, Jesse tries not get involved. The only problem is that someone wearing the same black and red plaid jacket was seen in the neighborhood of his foster parents. So naturally he's a suspect.

With only a few days to go before his probation is up at work which means he's with the union and has health insurance, Jesse needs to keep his head down. Unfortunately, with drug induced Aaron popping up where he lives making trouble, the odd goings on with the newly opened Tabernacle and its cat goddess plus his possible girlfriend a drunk and overreacting to a change in work procedures, Jesse is itching to 'investigate' the death but can he do so with out misfortune getting in the way?

Continuing on from Steeled For Murder, Jesse is still struggling with getting back on track. With detectives determined to find him guilty of something and the threat of going back to being monitored, he is even more on tenterhooks about what he does and where he goes. The main characters are met again - Kelly, Aaron - as well as a few new ones such as Issac. Convinced he's a target, the likable convict finds himself tangled in web of mistrust, bad judgement and misunderstanding.

Another brilliant, gripping outing for Jesse. It's a fairly quick read but so absorbing and delivers a punch. I found myself wishing Jesse could catch a break. Despite staying out of trouble somehow it finds him; he has essentially a good heart and looks out for other people, even if it may mean getting into trouble himself. A riveting, engaging crime novel with a surprising ending. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Karma of King Harold - Richard Audry

Big, ginger and pretty hairy, the affable King Harold seems to have developed a penchant for finding trouble rather than causing it. A typical day may include chasing a pesky squirrel, a cold bath or hitting the jackpot and being able to rummage around a few rubbish bags which hold a smorgasbord of cold hamburgers, pizza...

But much to his owner's Andy (Anders) Skyberg chagrin, the friendly mutts' discovery of a dead iguana is a step too far. However, the death of  Adonis isn't his fault. Adonis' owner Trudi Bock - a new age, tree hugging, crystal hanging Eleanorian - doesn't think so and is livid.

Unbeknownst to Harold, he has uncovered a hate crime. With Andy's girlfriend, Sheriff Cass Conlin taking charge and keeping an eye on Turdi, who is keen to rekindle the romance with Harold's owner, Andy is suddenly catapulted into a world of murder, federal agents, arson, God-fearing woman, slander and a pesky ebelskiver recipe that his sister is after. Who is behind the ousting of the bohemian Trudi from the New Bergen town? And will Andy ever get that quiet life he's after?

With its assortment of eccentric characters, humor and canine antics, this murder mystery is an engaging read. Anders is a laid back person but with Harold sniffing out danger/crime he's unlikely to get any peace. The subplots of hunting down recipes, rosemaling and conspiracy theories add to a well thought out novel. And the easy going style of the authors writing makes this story a definite page turner.

Unsure of how a dog gets involved in crime, I quickly found out and found Harold and his master a great duo. The descriptions from Harold's point of view is perfect - you can imagine that's how a dog would think. The mystery itself is very good which will make any avid fan of this genre guessing until the final few chapters. A book for those who love dogs or not. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Steeled For Murder (A Jesse Damon Crime Novel) - K M Rockwood

Released on parole from a twenty year stay in prison, Jesse Damon is determined not to go back - ever. With an electronic tag encased around his ankle, his movements are monitored closely so his daily routine is work, the library, seeing his parole officer and then back to his tiny basement apartment. What a life considering he wasn't actually guilty.

With a probationary position at a steel fabrication plant, Jesse wants to show he's useful and knows to keep his head down. Which is working out just fine until the midnight shift forklift driver, Mitch, decides to pick on the quiet felon. Keeping his mouth shut, he listens as Mitch accuses him of staring at his wife, that he's some sort of sex pervert. Thankfully Hank, the shift supervisor steps in and whisks Jesse off to his new task. . At 'lunch' he meets Kelly a woman he'd like to get to know but isn't sure what she thinks of his record. Regretting not standing up for himself a little more, Jesse works his shift until production stops - Mitch has been found dead.

Suspicion naturally falls on Jesse. And then the police turn up. Blinded by an injustice that happened against his daughter detective Belkins hones in on Jesse as the only suspect in Mitch's murder - despite the young man having a strong alibi. As he is forced to consider spending the rest of his life in prison, the young ex-prisoner resolves to find out who actually killed Mitch. However, he's in dangerous territory - one mistake and he'll violate his probation and will be back inside. Yet, the need to prove his innocence is much stronger and his subtle investigations lead to another world - abuse, money, fake identities and drugs. Will Jesse be able to clear his name?

With the main character almost as an antihero, Rockwood's gritty crime novel gets it hooks in right from the start. Told in first person, the story moves along at a steady pace giving just enough details. Jesse is a victim of circumstance yet being found guilty makes him a target and guilty of any misdemeanor. The author has managed to give explicit/vivid descriptions of the environment and surroundings without losing that first person narrative. Belkins is a nasty piece of work and although you know why he acts in a belligerent manner, there is still little sympathy. An absorbing crime story that shows you how life is for an ex-con.

A superb piece of writing, I could have read it in a day but forced myself to sit back and enjoy the easy style and characters this author has created. I felt quite sorry for Jesse, he fights to make his life better but when the law sees you permanently as doing wrong how can you improve? Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this excellent story. Overall, a well written, moving and emotive tale. A must for all crime fans - a highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.