mystery

4/5 Stars Mrs. Tedesco’s Missing Cookbook by Christa Nardi and Cassidy Salem

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, middle grade, mystery ,

Narrated by Julie McCarthy

Run Time: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Genre: YA mystery (low end, would even say MG)

Summary:

A high school project to do good deeds for the residents of an old folks’ home leads Hannah and Tamar into another mystery.

Additional Comments:

  • Characters aren’t well developed, but they’re in that brand of inherently good and wholesome mystery solvers like classic Nancy Drew. (Pretty sure it’s designed that way.)
  • The girls’ involvement in the mystery is a bit of a stretch.
  • The story goes through a few twists, so that’s nice.
  • Kind of wish there was an actual sense of danger. Waiting for somebody to get kidnapped here. Guess it’s not that kind of series. Pity, would make it a bit more zippy. As is, it’s okay. Closer to the rebook Nancy Drew where she was running around solving who stepped on the garden green squash.

Conclusion:

If you like 100% safe and tame mysteries for your young readers, this is a great series to try.

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Have You Tried Kindle Vella Yet?

Christmas Shorts – (Mystery, thriller, Christian, suspense; Ongoing; story 1 is complete) Only one story right now, but will be a collection of short stories with characters from across my series. Typically, FBI agents with personal drama. Might feature an abundance of cute puppies.

The Minder Project Season 1 – (scifi, genetic engineering, superpowers; shares characters with Dustin’s Decision, Updated Wednesdays) The government gave her genetic Gifts. Now, it wants what it paid for from the program.

5 Steps to Better Dialogue – (nonfiction, writing skills; Complete) I feel like nonfiction titles should come with spoiler tags. This is a book for writers seeking to learn more about the creation of realistic characters and dialogue.

Assassin School Season 1 – (thriller, YA; Complete) Teen spies try to survive the rigorous training and other drama as powerful people battle to control the Ghost children.

Dustin’s Decision Devya’s Children Book 5 – (YA scifi, shares characters with The Minder Project; Complete) Genetically altered teens struggle to navigate the murky world and control their Gifts.

4.5/5 Stars Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, mystery , ,
picture from audible

Narrated by Nancy Wu

Run Time: 9 hrs and 19 min

Genre: mystery

Summary:

Mattie Cobb, recent K-9 handler for the Timber Creek police force, is still in the getting to know you phase with her charge, Robo. A brutal murder disturbs the small town. Robo stumbles across the body first, but it won’t be the last body to fall during this investigation.

Additional Comments:

  • Mattie’s got the typical troubled past pretty much all these small town law enforcement types have by unwritten law, but it was deftly handled. I love her relationship with her foster mom.
  • Cole Walker’s a nice semi-romantic interest. I can see that relationship moving somewhere eventually, but I was also glad to see the author didn’t skip all sense of logic and force them into anything immediately. He’s got a lot to handle with his veterinarian business and two daughters.
  • The conclusion was a tad disappointing. The bad guy was sort of declared midway through.
  • Maddie makes mistakes that almost cost her big time. I enjoyed the fact that she wasn’t perfect, but still came through in the end.
  • Parts rambled, but overall, readers get an intriguing mystery.
  • Title’s kind of a stretch, but whatever.

Conclusion:

Charming and satisfying K-9 mystery.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Have You Tried Kindle Vella Yet?

Christmas Shorts – (Mystery, thriller, Christian, suspense; Ongoing; story 1 is complete) Only one story right now, but will be a collection of short stories with characters from across my series. Typically, FBI agents with personal drama. Might feature an abundance of cute puppies.

The Minder Project Season 1 – (scifi, genetic engineering, superpowers; shares characters with Dustin’s Decision, Updated Wednesdays) The government gave her genetic Gifts. Now, it wants what it paid for from the program.

5 Steps to Better Dialogue – (nonfiction, writing skills; Complete) I feel like nonfiction titles should come with spoiler tags. This is a book for writers seeking to learn more about the creation of realistic characters and dialogue.

Assassin School Season 1 – (thriller, YA; Complete) Teen spies try to survive the rigorous training and other drama as powerful people battle to control the Ghost children.

Dustin’s Decision Devya’s Children Book 5 – (YA scifi, shares characters with The Minder Project; Complete) Genetically altered teens struggle to navigate the murky world and control their Gifts.

3.75/5 The Spinster’s Fortune by Mary Kendall

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, historical, mystery , ,
picture from audible

Narrated by Rachel Errington

Run Time 7 hrs and 55 mins

Summary:

There are almost two storylines here. There’s what happened in the past to Blanche and between Blanche and her sister Emily. Then, there’s also Margaret’s quest to find Blanche’s fortune.

Additional Comments:

  • I feel like this has some pacing issues. There’s a lot of setup to get to the payoff.
  • Margaret’s okay, but I don’t really feel like rooting for her. She’s a rich lady getting richer. Her husband’s a dud, but that’s her own fault for marrying the pretty drunk.
  • Blanche is okay. We do get to see her a wee bit in her mind as the beautiful young woman she was once upon a time.
  • The cousin is downright annoying. Note: she’s supposed to be, so in that sense, it was intended.
  • The sister for Margaret didn’t add anything. There could have been a chance to contrast the relationships between Blanche and Emily and Margaret and her sister, but it just felt like a lost thread.
  • Margaret’s husband has few redeeming qualities. It’s never really clarified if he was straight up cheating on her though. There are a few other threads that feel unresolved.
  • Robert’s the quinessential nice guy.
  • I had a very difficult time figuring out what era the story was told in. Part of the history is back during the Civil War, but most takes place in the early 1900’s-ish. There are cars. The servants seem to be relics that came with the place.
  • The treasure hunt aspect was fun.  
  • There are a few nice twists that redeem some of the confusion along the way.
  • Wrapup works even if it seems too convenient.

Conclusion:

It’s an interesting historical-ish piece. If you enjoy slow-build stories with decent payoffs to mini mysteries, give it a go.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Have You Tried Kindle Vella Yet?

Christmas Shorts – (Mystery, thriller, Christian, suspense; Ongoing; story 1 is complete) Only one story right now, but will be a collection of short stories with characters from across my series. Typically, FBI agents with personal drama. Might feature an abundance of cute puppies.

The Minder Project Season 1 – (scifi, genetic engineering, superpowers; shares characters with Dustin’s Decision, Updated Wednesdays) The government gave her genetic Gifts. Now, it wants what it paid for from the program.

5 Steps to Better Dialogue – (nonfiction, writing skills; Complete) I feel like nonfiction titles should come with spoiler tags. This is a book for writers seeking to learn more about the creation of realistic characters and dialogue.

Assassin School Season 1 – (thriller, YA; Complete) Teen spies try to survive the rigorous training and other drama as powerful people battle to control the Ghost children.

Dustin’s Decision Devya’s Children Book 5 – (YA scifi, shares characters with The Minder Project; Complete) Genetically altered teens struggle to navigate the murky world and control their Gifts.

4/5 Stars Patchwork of Death by Gin Jones and Elizabeth Ashby

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, mystery , ,
picture from audible

A Danger Cove Mystery Book 4-ish

Narrated by Theresa Bakken

Run Time: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Summary:

Keely Fairchild’s new career as a quilt appraiser is just getting started. Then, somebody up and gets themselves murdered and skyrockets the stress surrounding the main character.

Additional Comments:

  • It’s normal for a cozy mystery, though a tad on the slow-moving side. There’s no action until the last half hour of the audiobook.
  • It would have been better with a cat. Hear me out. Cozies thrive on quirky characters and pets or cookie recipes or witches. Okay, so the last is paranormal cozies. A pet would have provided enough antics to break up the frequent mentions of Keely passing out, almost passing out, or feeling her stress levels spike. (And cats are somewhat lower maintenance than dogs.)
  • The main character’s syncopy makes her relatively unique among characters. That said, it did not have to be mentioned every 4th page. I heard the audiobook, but I’m pretty sure if one searched the manuscript, they’d find the times it’s mentioned tops dozens. Basically, she passes out if under stress. It’s an interesting concept and a lot revolved around it, but it also got old quick.
  • Performance was good. The narrator successfully brough Keely and company to life.
  • The murder victim wasn’t very likable. I get that people who get murdered often aren’t everybody’s best friend. There’s a disconnect between him being portrayed as a savvy businessman will a killer strong contacts list and the few minutes we experience of him, which present us with a highly unpleasant guy. This disconnect made it hard to feel any sympathy for him when he’s offed.
  • Bad guy was 100% predictable, but it’s still a satisfying conclusion.
  • Matt seemed to be there as the potential love interest. This is my first experience with the series, so I don’t know if he returns in a future book. If yes, okay. If no, there are some random loose ends surrounding his character.
  • Fred the cupcake-scarfing cop was a darling. (Somebody you could genuinely feel sorry for.)
  • Wolfe was needlessly annoying. I guess that makes him realistic, but his devotion to doing his job poorly seemed over-the-top.
  • Gil was interesting, especially the singing part. I find it interesting that Keely would recognize every song Gil sings part of.
  • The solution to Lindsey’s work troubles didn’t strike me as particularly believable. I can’t say more without spoilers, but the problem itself would tend to make people more careful not less.
  • The thread with the lighthouse keeper’s descendant sort of fizzled.
  • The biggest mystery was why the series has a fictious author. I guess it’s so the publisher can then tie them together with multiple authors as the “co-author.” Still, it’s just odd, unless it was them angling to have an A last name to get the books filed first on shelves.
  • What the series has going for it is a heroine you can like and a charming small town. The quilting aspect was new to me and handled well.

Conclusion:

If you adore cozies, this tends to hit most of the genre expectations.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Have You Tried Kindle Vella Yet?

Christmas Shorts – (Mystery, thriller, Christian, suspense; Ongoing; story 1 is complete) Only one story right now, but will be a collection of short stories with characters from across my series. Typically, FBI agents with personal drama. Might feature an abundance of cute puppies.

The Minder Project Season 1 – (scifi, genetic engineering, superpowers; shares characters with Dustin’s Decision, Updated Wednesdays) The government gave her genetic Gifts. Now, it wants what it paid for from the program.

5 Steps to Better Dialogue – (nonfiction, writing skills; Complete) I feel like nonfiction titles should come with spoiler tags. This is a book for writers seeking to learn more about the creation of realistic characters and dialogue.

Assassin School Season 1 – (thriller, YA; Complete) Teen spies try to survive the rigorous training and other drama as powerful people battle to control the Ghost children.

Dustin’s Decision Devya’s Children Book 5 – (YA scifi, shares characters with The Minder Project; Complete) Genetically altered teens struggle to navigate the murky world and control their Gifts.

4/5 Stars Gertrude Gumshoe Gunslinger City by Robin Merrill

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, mystery ,
pic from audible

Narrated by Darlene Allen

Run time: 3 hrs and 39 mins

Summary:

Gertrude and Cal get sucked into a Wild West style murder.

Additional Comments:

  • Standard fare for the series. They’re cute but not exactly brain busters.
  • There is a mismatch between the amount of running around Gertrude does and her need for a walker.
  • This one takes place at Gunslinger City, a dying theme park Cal used to frequent back in the day.
  • Nicely performed.
  • Gertrude is a sassy, good-hearted, slightly naive wannabe detective who always cracks the case through luck and timely friends.

Conclusion:

If you’re a fan of the series, you will enjoy this.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Have You Tried Kindle Vella Yet?

Christmas Shorts – (Mystery, thriller, Christian, suspense; Ongoing; story 1 is complete) Only one story right now, but will be a collection of short stories with characters from across my series. Typically, FBI agents with personal drama. Might feature an abundance of cute puppies.

The Minder Project Season 1 – (scifi, genetic engineering, superpowers; shares characters with Dustin’s Decision, Updated Wednesdays) The government gave her genetic Gifts. Now, it wants what it paid for from the program.

5 Steps to Better Dialogue – (nonfiction, writing skills; Complete) I feel like nonfiction titles should come with spoiler tags. This is a book for writers seeking to learn more about the creation of realistic characters and dialogue.

Assassin School Season 1 – (thriller, YA; Complete) Teen spies try to survive the rigorous training and other drama as powerful people battle to control the Ghost children.

Dustin’s Decision Devya’s Children Book 5 – (YA scifi, shares characters with The Minder Project; Complete) Genetically altered teens struggle to navigate the murky world and control their Gifts.

4/5 Shattered by Valerie Davisson

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, mystery , ,
pic from audible

Narrated by Leonor A Woodworth

Runtime: 7 hrs and 1 min

Summary:

Sort of an odd cozy mystery that bounces around past and present.

Additional Comments:

  • super slow beginning. I almost forgot that part because I heard the first hour then put the book aside for about 2 months.
  • Narrator fit the main character well. She has a really nice voice but not a huge range.
  • Some character leaps of logic are bizarre.
  • It’s hard to like or pity the murder victim. She’s kind of a prickly jerk.
  • Thomas and Lisa are saints. I am surprised at their lack of reaction to one of the major plot points.
  • I liked Rick but always had to remind myself who he is. Same for Ben. Lola. And Dime Box. The chess lady. The waitress. They are great characters… there is just a lot of them.
  • Conclusion is somewhat satisfying, but Logan’s main problem for school got sorted like a fairy godmother came rampaging through.
  • I did not get the feeling of authentic school drama. Oh, schools are hotbeds of nonsensical problems but I don’t see them investigating good test scores. And I don’t see perfect test scores happening no matter how good the teacher is. There is always a few kids who couldn’t care less.

Conclusion:

If u can wade through the poor pacing, there is a good story here.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

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Many of my 57 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

4/5 Stars The Mysterious Package by Christa Nardi and Cassidy Salem

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, Family, mystery, Young Adult , ,
pic from audible

A Hannah and Tamar Mystery

Narrated by Julie McCarthy

Runtime: 2 hrs and 5 mins

Summary:

On the train ride up to see their grandparents, Hannah and Tamar stumble across a distraught, haughty woman and a scruffy looking dude. Things get weirder when the woman slips a strange package into one of the girls’ pockets.

Additional Comments:

  • Simple, kid safe mystery. Probably going for the market that loves Nancy Drew, The Bobbsey Twins, Mandie, and such.
  • Half the book is mystery and half is managing semi relationships with some nice guys from the town.
  • No real peril to the characters. Normally, that would annoy me, but it fits here.
  • Performance was good.
  • Main characters did have differences but sort of blurred into one type.
  • Conclusion works well and is satisfying.

Conclusion:

Clean, peril free mystery aimed at 10-14 year old girls. Fits that well.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 57 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

4/5 Stars Prestige, Privilege & Murder by Christa Nardi

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, mystery , ,
pic from audible

Narrated by Naomi Rose-Mock

3 hrs and 43 min

Summary:

Stacie Maroni’s bitter divorce proceedings come to a screeching halt when her soon-to-be-ex winds up dead.

Additional Comments:

  • Jasper is a lovely name for a Maltese.
  • 4/5 Performance – well handled; narrator fit the MC nicely
  • 4/5 Plot and conclusion – There seems to be enough action to sustain the mystery. Everything isn’t always as spiffy as it seems, and that’s kind of refreshing.
  • I like that Stacie’s job has some relevance here. It’s a little ironic.
  • 4/5 Stacie is well off, but she doesn’t come from money. Therefore, she doesn’t bleed a sense of privilege. She’s not quite down-to-earth, but she’s also got a nice sense of normalcy about her that makes her likable.
  • The romance angle seemed a hair forced, but the cop’s a nice enough guy.
  • Title fits the story well.

Conclusion:

Nice, very short mystery.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 57 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

3.45/5 Think Murder and 4/5 Stars Dying for Data by Cassidy Salem

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, mystery , ,

Narrated by Melissa Haley

Summary:

Adina Donati happy hour with a friend ends in disaster when she discovers her body in the ladies room.

Additional Comments:

  • 3/5 Performance – was fine. There were a few very minor sound shifts. The narrator fit the character well enough
  • 3.5/5 Plot – Everything worked out in the end but there seemed to be a lot of rehashing the same information for about 2/3 of the book.
  • 4/5 Main Character – Adina’s interesting. She comes across as capable amateur detective.
  • 3.75/5 Side Characters – Detective Jonathan Sax (spelling?) is a little too helpful to be realistic, but he’s true to characterization as a nice Jewish boy. The other possible romantic interest loves dogs. The neighbor, Daniel, is a nice guy.
  • The mystery angle works, but there isn’t as much action as I usually like in books.
  • Not sure why there’s a dog on the cover. They are a very minor footnote in this character’s lists of interests. She volunteers at a dog shelter.

Conclusion:

A decent start to a cozy mystery series.

Summary:

A back alley fight kicks Adina into the middle of a new mystery.

Additional Comments:

  • Stronger entry than the first in the series.
  • Adina’s involvement is even more of a stretch this time, but there is a lot more action.
  • Shady pasts. Gang violence. Murder.
  • Performance was ok. Still some odd splices.
  • The love triangle thing kind of fizzled.
  • Cozy mystery. This woman needs a cat to be a card carrying cozy sleuth, but volunteering at a dog shelter is about as close as we’ll get.

Conclusion:

Nice mystery. Can be read alone or in a series.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 57 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)

4/5 Stars Deadly Start by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Julie Gilbert Audiobooks, cozyish, mystery , ,
pic from audible

Narrated by Carla Kissane

Run Time: 6 hrs and 39 minutes

Summary:

Dr. Charlotte Dean starts over in a new town, helping out Rosie with her bookshop. Of course, she runs straight across a mystery: somebody’s stealing the town’s Christmas trees.

Additional Comments:

  • 4/5 stars plot: the small-town intrigue is low key and interesting.
  • 4/5 stars descriptions: lovely, especially Charlie’s walks in the forest.
  • 4/5 stars main character: Charlie’s a solid, real-feeling character, but there’s a lot of stuff in her past that is alluded to but doesn’t ever come to fruition. We never really learn why she’s starting over. This being book 1 in the series, you’d think some of that would be explained.
  • 4/5 stars side characters: The book club ladies got tiresome real quick. Rosie’s a saint. Trevor’s a handsome saint Charlie admires from afar.
  • Title fit: poor. Deadly Start implies somebody dies. Pretty sure the biggest crime was some people breaking in and making a mess to run away with Christmas trees.
  • 3/5 stars closure: The mystery is explained but it doesn’t feel complete.
  • 5/5 stars Christmas vibe: I happened to be listening to this around Christmas. It’s got all the gooey side trappings of the season.
  • 4/5 stars performance: Decent. I usually listen to books at 2.3x speed, but had to back this one down to 2x to make heads or tails of the words in the Australian accent, but that’s fine.

Conclusion:

Christmas-y cozy mystery.

If you want to get 5 clean audio promos a month. Sign up here.

Audiobook Promotions …

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rc-1-3-audio-ad-1024x536.jpg

Many of my 57 audible titles are listed on Audiobooks Unleashed.
Whether you’re looking for mystery or suspense or fantasy, I’ve got a title for you. Free codes are probably on audiobooks unleashed.
Normal links go to audible. *The Amazon labeled links are affiliate links. That means I get a very small payment from Amazon if you go through with a purchase.*
Note: Filter by US if you’re looking for those codes as many titles are out.
Ones I think may still have US codes: Reshner’s Royal Ranger, Never Again, Innova, The Golden City Captives, The Holy War, Reclaim the Darklands, Eagle Eyes, Treachery Makes it Tense, Ashlynn’s Dreams Shorts, The Dark Side of Science, Ashlynn’s Dreams, Nadia’s Tears, Malia’s Miracles, and Varick’s Quest
There are plenty of UK codes, but not many US ones left.

Review copies for many titles are available from StoryOrigin.

Redeemer Chronicles (Fantasy)

Awakening – Redeemer Chronicles Book 1, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
The Holy War – Redeemer Chronicles Book 2, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
Reclaim the Darklands – Redeemer Chronicles Book 3, MG fantasy (Amazon) (free codes)
River’s Edge Ransom – Prequel to Redeemer Chronicles (Amazon) (email devyaschildren @ gmail.com for free codes)

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DC-set-ad-1024x536.jpg

Aeris Legends Books 1-3 ~17 hrs of epic fantasy. (Request a Review Copy)