Tag: Suspense

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Hidden (The Texas Murder Files #1) by Laura Griffin

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Hidden (The Texas Murder Files #1) by Laura Griffin

The second I finished The Vanishing Tree, I ordered this one on my iPad. I loved The Vanishing Tree and couldn’t wait to get my hands on another book by Griffin. I loved the balance of romance and murder mystery and I was eager to read more by her. I debated about reading another of her stand alone books but this series is fairly short (four books so far) and if I loved the series as much as the stand alone book, then I wanted to have more I could read.

I originally felt like the Tracer series was too long (I think there are 13 or 14 books in that series) and I wanted something that seemed manageable as far as series go. In my mind I was like ok if this series is good I can binge four books no problem and then move on to something else. Well that was BS if I ever heard it as I am currently done with this series and four books into the Tracers series!

I think what I love about Griffin’s books is there is this great, easy to follow romance to break up the murder and investigating. The focus really is the mystery though but the romances are believable and don’t feel like an add on after the fact. They are thought out and well done but also don’t eclipse or over take the mystery. It’s such a good balance and they make for quick easy reads which is just want I need in my life as the holidays ramp up!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Vanishing Hour by Laura Griffin

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Vanishing Hour by Laura Griffin

When this book came out, I only had space for a special feature and excerpt. But after reading the excerpt, I was excited for this one and knew that I simply had to make room for it on my review calendar! I am thrilled that I did because this one was a good one! I haven’t read anything by Laura Griffin before but I have feature a few of her books and have had them on my radar for a while. Now that I have read this one, I went out and downloaded four more of her books because I loved this one so much! It was exactly what I needed!

I read this one in basically two days. It was so good and I was hooked instantly. The thing that stood out to me about this book was the location and disappearance angle. I LOVE National Parks and nothing hooks me like a mysterious disappearance! When I was pregnant, I was so sick and basically laid in bed watching crime shows on TV. One of my favorites was Disappeared. I am absolutely baffled by people who just go missing. There is no closure, only speculation. So when I saw this book had this angle I was totally on board to read it.

Not to mention this book has been popping up on a number of ‘must read’ lists! I’ve seen this one recommended in romantic suspense, suspense, mystery, thrillers and on the best seller lists around the blog-o-sphere and knew I just couldn’t pass this one up! And now I have found a new to my author that I absolutely love and have a few new books added. to my fall/winter reading lineup!

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Special Feature/Excerpt: Vanishing Hour by Laura Griffin

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When I first was pitched this book, I didn’t have room on my review schedule for it so I opted for a feature instead. However, I am fully regretting that decision and I need this book! It sounds insanely good and I have seen it on a number of ‘must read’ books/romances/mystery lists for the fall! I cannot WAIT to get my hands on this book and start reading it! I haven’t read anything by Laura Griffin before but I do know she’s a seasoned writer with a number of book series under her belt! But this one sounds perfect for fall!

I love books that are set in National Parks since I am a National Parks geek, and I am just so excited to read a little murder mystery with some romance all set in one of our beautiful National Parks! The more I think about this one the more I know I need it! I personally find that there are few well written romantic suspense novels on the market. It’s not really a cross over genre that many people think of but one that I personally love! I often find that it’s either mystery or romance rarely a mix of both which is what makes me so excited for this one!

Griffin also has a big fan follow out in the reading world with all her other series and I have been reading early reviews of this book and so many people have been commenting on the setting and how well done it is. I cannot wait for that reason alone not to mention the romance! I cannot wait to get me hands on this one and fortunately this book is out now so do not wait, pick this one up today especially if you love the romantic suspense genre as much as I do! And as a special treat for everyone, I have an excerpt for you guys to read today! If the book is half as good as the excerpt then I am even more excited!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

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If I had to describe this one, I would say it’s a Golden Girls meets James Bond mashup that you never knew you needed. Deanna Raybourn has been a beloved author of mine for YEARS! Her characters are charming, witty, and smart. I have read almost all of her books and never pass on anything she has written. She is truly a talented writer and I am just so thrilled that she has come out with a new standalone book! Raybourn has such a great prose with humor, charm, and boldness that is rare to find and I absolutely love when she comes out with a new book as I am almost SURE to love it.

When I saw this one was coming out, it sounded a little different from her usual books. Raybourn usually writes more historical fiction and this one sounded more like spies and espionage. But I have full faith in Raybourn’s writing talents and I knew that she would craft something that I would simply love and adore! In so many books, the main characters are young hot talented women, but we all grow up and age—I love seeing more representation of older badass women!

This book was also selected as a Book of the Month pick so if you need anymore endorsement, this is it! Raybourn’s writing mixed with this unique story really made it shine an I can totally see why it was a BOTM selection. You should be able to add this one onto your next book box if you missed it for September. This book really shows that just because you are retired—-doesn’t mean you can’t still be interesting.

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Review: A Certain Darkness (Verity Kent #6) by Anna Lee Huber

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: A Certain Darkness (Verity Kent #6) by Anna Lee Huber

Anna Lee Huber is one of my most favorite historical mystery writers! I have read all of her books and called in love with her different characters and series. I cannot tell you how comforting it is to pick up a book and know that you are going to enjoy it. Perhaps some books more than others but overall, each of the books she has written have been entertaining, engaging and I have no problem escaping into them each time a new Huber book is released.

The Verity Kent series has been an interesting series for me. It’s a bit of a break in her usual style of heroine and historical setting. Her Lady Darby books are set in a different time period with the heroine being strong and independent but she still fits the traditional gender norms of the period that the book is set in. Her other series is a Gothic mystery series, also set in a similar period as the Lady Darby books. So reading the Verity Kent books takes us to a new time period, again with a heroine who fits the gender norms of the period but also stands out as brave and complex.

When series’ are in their early stages, it’s easier for readers to jump in without having to read the other books. But eventually, you reach a certain point where new readers miss larger parts of the story. For me, this is the book where this happened. This book opens with a back story already established from an earlier book and I would say if you are a new to the series, I would pause and go back to read the others first and then enjoy this one! If you are interested in the series, be sure to check my Instagram later today for a chance to win the entire set of this series!

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