A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE By MARIAH FREDERICKS

   A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE By MARIAH FREDERICKS

A Death of No Importance by Mariah Fredericks is a historical fiction murder mystery set in New York City in 1910 involving one of high society’s most affluent and notable families, the Benchleys.

This intriguing story is told by Jane Prescott, a ladies’ maid to the Benchley family, who understands the rules of high society, and is very discreet. When Charlotte, the youngest Benchley daughter, becomes engaged to the notorious and roguish playboy Norrie, son of the Newsome empire, all hell breaks lose as he’s already betrothed to another. But when Norrie is found murdered at a Christmas Eve party and Jane discovers the body, she is put to the test. She must now help solve the crime and prove that Charlotte is innocent. Jane has the advantage over all others — invisible in the background and witness to everyone’s grudges, secrets, and scandals. Does the Shickshinny Mining disaster from 10 years prior have anything to do with his murder or are there other elements at play?

Oh my goodness, what a delightful book! It is well-written, has interesting well-rounded characters, has a compelling plot; I could go on and on! Fredericks’ mystery debut novel for adults is a hit! She is definitely on my radar for future reads. I rate this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: April 8, 2018. Novel Publish Date: April 10, 2018.

Link to purchase: Goodreads

Advertisements

THE KING’S WITCH By TRACY BORMAN

   THE KING’S WITCH By TRACY BORMAN

The King’s Witch by Tracy Borman is a historical fiction novel about Francis Gorges, a healer, who is forced by her conniving a manipulative power-seeking uncle to wed in order to gain stature in the royal court. Frances can trust no one in the King’s court but finds companionship with the King’s exuberant daughter, Elizabeth, and a loyal member of the council, Tom Wintour. Will she be able to outsmart the shrewd Privy Seal, Lord Cecil, who has had it out for Francis since their first encounter?

This book is very well-written, but I’m afraid the pace was a little to slow for my liking. Where is the scandal that accompanies most historical/fictional retellings of court life, especially when there’s “sordid” sorcery involved? I rate this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: April 6, 2018. Novel Publish Date: July 13, 2018.

Link to purchase: Goodreads

AFTER ANNA By LISA SCOTTOLINE

   AFTER ANNA By LISA SCOTTOLINE

After Anna by Lisa Scottoline is a mystery/suspense novel about an uncharacteristic murder in an unlikely scenario. Noah, a doctor, widower and single father, remarries the new love of his life Maggie, who has an estranged grown daughter, Anna, who suddenly turns up in their lives after her biological father is no longer in the picture. What turns from a blissful, uncomplicated life to a disquieting, and suddenly alarming situation when Noah is accused of Anna’s murder. Will Maggie believe and support Noah of his innocence or is there more to the story?

This story was fantastic as are all of Lisa Scottoline’s novels. I particularly enjoy reading books that switch back and forth between the character’s differing perspectives weaving the pieces of the narrative together. It always builds the suspense and makes the unfolding of the mystery that much more gratifying when it’s slowly revealed bit by tantalizing bit. A definite recommended read! I rate this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: March 24, 2018. Novel Publish Date: April 10, 2018

Link to purchase: Goodreads

HOUSE OF SPINES by Michael J Malone

   HOUSE OF SPINES by Michael J Malone

General Fiction (Adult) , Mystery & Thrillers

Ranald McGhie or Ran, grew up with a unstable mother and strict father. At 18, his parents committed suicide leaving him penniless and without kin, that is until an unknown rich great-uncle on his mother’s side left him a vast house as an inheritance. An inheritance that came with stipulations. Ran, following in his mother’s footsteps and already at odds with his own psychosis, becomes even more unhinged by the secrets the house holds. Secrets or ghosts?

This story was excellent! All the facets of a great mystery – suspense, foreboding, intrigue, paranoia. As the suspense built and the story unwound, it just got more and more enthralling. The house had a creepy, ominous feel that left one I’ll at ease and at times, chilled to the bone. I left such an impression on me, I even dreamt about it. A page turner to the very end! I rate this novel 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley, Trafalgar Square Publishing and Orenda Book for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: March 10, 2018. Novel Publish Date: April 1, 2018.

Link to purchase: Goodreads

BABY TEETH by ZOJE STAGE

   BABY TEETH by ZOJE STAGE

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is a mystery/thriller about a disturbed seven year, Hanna, and her mother, Suzette. Hanna refuses to speak, is abusive, behaves appallingly, and hates her mother. Alex, Hanna’s father, is oblivious of Hanna’s disturbing behaviour, much of which Suzette has stopped mentioning as it’s causing strife in their marriage. Hanna just wants her mother gone… at any cost.

I was enraptured from the first page and could not put it down. It was spooky to see how manipulative, calculating, and shrewd Hanna was in masterminding her plans. Very scary indeed! For a debut novel, I’d say Zoje Stage nailed it and will now be on my radar. I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. Recommended for anyone who loves creepy page-turners.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com

Reviewed: February 4, 2018. Novel Publish Date: July 17, 2018

Link to purchase: Goodreads

EVERY NOTE PLAYED by LISA GENOVA

   EVERY NOTE PLAYED by LISA GENOVA

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova is a general fiction book about the devastating disease ALS.

Richard, an accomplished concert pianist, develops symptoms that at first are frustratingly annoying, but soon become apparent that they’re more than just mishaps and clumsiness, but something alarmingly more serious. With a diagnosis of ALS, Richard’s world and life are simply over. His ex-wife, Karina, hears through the grapevine about his diagnosis and tries to offer support but realizes that Richard wants no part of it.

Richard struggles with losing his independence; Karina’s torn between wanting to comfort Richard and being saddled with being his constant caregiver. This story will make you weep for the pain and hardships endured and cherish how remarkable life is.

This novel was such an interesting read. It is poignantly written and doesn’t bog the reader down with medical jargon and ALS facts, but is interwoven into the character’s experiences and life. I have read every one of Lisa Genova’s books and absolutely LOVE them. Recommended read for sure! I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Canada, and Galley/Scout Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: January 31, 2018. Novel Publish Date: March 20, 2018.

Link to purchase: Goodreads

STRANGERS by Ursula Archer & Arno Strobel

    STRANGERS by Ursula Archer & Arno Strobel

Strangers by Ursula Archer & Arno Strobel is a mesmerizing thriller that uncovers a strange situation of mysterious foul play when a woman does not recognize a man who claims to be her fiancé and is cohabitating in her house contrary to the evidence. Joanna is at a loss and is eventually forced to trust this stranger. Erik is just as confused when the woman he’s been living with for 7 months treats him as if he’s an intruder. The more Erik tries to understand the situation, the more confusing it all becomes. Soon the couple realize they are in mortal danger and must find a solution together in order to survive.

Totally mind-bending and warped with many unexpected twists and turns. A must-read, fast-paced psychological thriller you will not be able to put down. I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: December 10, 2017. Novel Publish Date: January 9, 2018.

Link to purchase via Goodreads