Mystery - No Apology Book Reviews

Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Allison Brennan

June 15, 2025

Title: Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds Author: Allison Brennan Series: n/a Much thanks to Allison Brennan, Harlequin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks to Cheryl Lee for inviting me to join the blog tour. CLICK HERE TO READ AN EXCERPT I liked this book, but the resolution left me wanting. I really hate having unanswered questions when I finish a book; it’s right up there with love triangles. …

Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano

May 13, 2025

Thanks so much to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read free copies of the entire series to date! #1 Title: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It Loved this! A brilliantly written novel. The mystery had so many layers; every time I thought we’d finally figured it out, a plot twist would peel back another layer. Involving the Russian mob might be rather trite, but it really took things up a notch. I love …

Review Roundup Autumn 2024 – Part 1

October 4, 2024September 20, 2024

A quick little roundup of several smaller reviews I wrote in Autumn 2024. Beware of spoilers! Title: How to Help a Hungry Werewolf Author: Charlotte Stein Series: The Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures #1 Much thanks to Charlotte Stein, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review. So funny and charming! I loved spending time with Cassie and Seth. However, I can believe some readers may find this kind …

The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace

August 5, 2024February 9, 2024

Title: The Framed Women of Ardemore House Author: Brandy Schillace Series: n/a ? Lacks focus but great characters Omg, I’m preparing this review and unexpectedly watching Schillace on the “Strange Experiments” episode of The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd (History Channel). How funny is that? Much thanks to Brandy Schillace, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Kali Luckhee for inviting me to …

Out of Nowhere by Sandra Brown

August 4, 2023

Title: Out of Nowhere Author: Sandra Brown Series: n/a good if not great Thank you to Sandra Brown, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Aspects of this novel might fall short for some readers; they may feel it’s more romance than thriller or mystery, the mass shooting was blink and miss it, the characters were a bit off, Shawna was a cliche, the villain one-dimensional. And to …

The Murderous Affair at Stone Manor by Laura Stewart

April 28, 2023

Title: The Murderous Affair at Stone Manor Author: Laura Stewart Series: Amelia Adams #1 charismatic characters but confused genre It was with great joy that I saw this book has a sequel. Then it was with great sorrow that I realized the sequel is not available in audiobook format, minimizing the likelihood of my reading it, especially this time of year. I enjoyed this book very much. I suspect the characters are what will either pull readers in or drive …

Murder at an Irish Castle by Ellie Brannigan

January 31, 2023

Title: Murder at an Irish Castle Author: Ellie Brannigan Series: An Irish Castle Mystery #1 Poorly written Much thanks to Ellie Brannigan, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review. If you’re looking for a juicy mystery, you won’t find it here. This is primarily a women’s fiction story about a woman who not only loses everything but who also has to move to Ireland or she’ll destroy hundreds …

Don’t Open the Door by Allison Brennan

January 19, 2023

Title: Don’t Open the Door Author: Allison Brennan Series: Regan Merritt #2 Loved this installment Much thanks to Allison Brennan, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and Netgalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks to Justine Sha for providing the link to the galley. I’m relieved to say I greatly enjoyed this book! I’ve only read a handful of Brennan’s work, but so far it seems to be hit or miss—there’ll be a …

Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

January 5, 2023

Title: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six Author: Lisa Unger Series: n/a Slow, too much head-hopping Much thanks to Lisa Unger, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Boo to Harper Audio for denying me the audio edition. *raspberry* This book is a slow burn for sure; the only thing intriguing in the beginning was the DNA tests from Santa in the prologue. Scratch that, the book’s just slow …

The Winter Garden by Nicola Cornick

January 5, 2023

Title: The Winter Garden Author: Nicola Cornick Series: n/a Needs an urgent pace and relevant past POV Much thanks to Nicola Cornick, Harlequin Trade Publishing/Graydon House, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I liked this book, but there were aspects to it that made it easy to put down. I loved the ghost and paranormal and mystery aspects, and I loved the archaeological aspects. There was plenty of the former (though …