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Review: The Body From the Past by Judi Lynn
The Body From the Past
Judi Lynn
A Jazzi Zanders Mystery, Book 5
A closed room in her newest fixer-upper leads Indiana house-flipper Jazzi Zanders to reopen a chilling cold case involving a high school girl . . .
Jazzi, her cousin Jerod, and her husband Ansel are preparing to renovate a charming house that reminds her of an English manor. Before purchasing it, they had inspected the house for structural issues, but now when they do a more thorough walk-through, they discover a teenage girl’s bedroom that clearly hasn’t been touched in years. Dust covers the pink canopy bed, clothes still hang in the closet, and a hope chest remains full of journals and memorabilia. They’ve stumbled on a shrine to a dead girl.
They learn Jessica was killed in the middle of her high school graduation party. The murderer was never identified, but the brother-in-law of Jazzi’s friend, who went to school with Jessica, was suspected and never lived it down. He implores Jazzi to review the cold case and finally prove him innocent. Now it’s up to the house-flipper to nail a killer who will do anything to close the door on the past . . .
4 Stars
Jazzi, her other half Ansel and her cousin Jerod are back at it, flipping their latest house in the town of Merlot. The home is not overflowing with wine but contains a lock room with the belongings of a murdered young lady. Feeling it’s wrong to throw out the contents of a chest Jazzi discovered within the locked room, she soon become to the go to woman on a murder case that the killer is still running free. With the cooler weather approaching Jazzi and Ansel try to get the renovations done on the flip house, do some renovations on their own home. They themselves deep in a murder investigation, new murders occurring just as they’re finding answers and they have to find Halloween costumes for their party.
The Body From the Past is a good mystery that unfolds layer by layer. I love how the story started as a cold case and added to the complexity of the plot line throughout the story. It was different and a bit refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist to the plot. The characters are well developed but yet you can see growth within the story. Ms. Lynn balances the story extremely well with mystery, renovation and cooking. I love the large family that Jazzi and Ansell are part of. They bring another level of humor and the ability to relate with a larger group of readers. I did figure out the who done it but yet I was second-guessing myself until the end when the mystery was revealed.
A visit with Jazzi Zanders is like visiting a friend with all the best gossip and even better food. Not only do readers get a good mystery, this book just may have you looking for things to improve in your own home or you’ll definitely be figuring out what kind of soup you will be making now that you are craving soup. The Body From the Past is a great seasonal read and wonderful edition to the series. Author Judi Lynn delivers an entertaining story.
Review: One Hex of a Wedding by Yasmine Galenorn
One Hex of a Wedding
Yasmine Galenorn
Chintz ‘n China Series, Book 5
Emerald O’Brien is about to tie the knot with her fiance Joe, but one uninvited guest to their engagement party reminds her that some ties still need to be severed. Her ex-hubby Roy can’t hold his liquor–or his temper–and after brawling with Joe, he threatens to ruin their wedding. When Joe is wounded from a gunshot the next day, Roy becomes the prime suspect. Emerald knows her ex has a mean streak a mile wide but doesn’t believe he’d be capable of attempted murder. And when a sinister presence starts stalking her maid of honor, Em begins to worry that her marriage has been cursed before she’s even walked down the aisle…
3.5 Stars
Nothing like a wedding to shake things up…. Even magically.
Ms. Galenorn takes us out of the tea shop and the craziness has hit the fan. Emerald’s family is in town, the drunken ex shows up and the BFF has a stalker. That doesn’t even include the paranormal aspect of story! I loved all the family moments of One Hex of a Wedding. Getting to see a different side of Emerald, that just shows what a wonderful character she is.
Ms. Galenorn ends the Chintz ‘n China Series on a high note. One Hex of a Wedding has a good plot, excellent character development, great paranormal aspects and a well written mystery. Many moments to laugh out loud with. Along with a storyline that will keep you turning the pages. Ms. Galenorn consistently gave readers an engaging story, while keeping them guessing through the entire series. Emerald has grown considerably throughout the series, magically and personality. I have enjoyed spending time in the tea shop and shall miss visiting with them.
Review: A Harvest of Bones by Yasmine Galenorn
A Harvest of Bones
Yasmine Galenorn
Chintz n’ China Series, Book 4
It’s harvest time in Chiqetaw, Washington; Emerald O’Brien’s favorite season. But this year, nature yields a most supernatural bounty. When Em and her sweetie, Joe, stumble over a bramble-covered foundation that has remained hidden for fifty years in the lot next door, strange events begin to occur. The cat vanishes. Will o’ the Wisps threaten to harm Emerald and her loved ones. And the ghost of a woman named Brigit and her beloved calico make themselves at home in the backyard. Now it’s up to Em and her friends to delve into the past, reveal the secrets of the dead and lay them to rest as they ring in the autumn with a harvest of bones.
3.5 Stars
A thoughtful gesture has caused a lot of ghostly havoc for Emerald and crew in the fourth book of the Chintz ‘n China Series, A Harvest of Bones.
As Emerald and Joe clear a vacant lot for the expansion of an herb garden, they uncover a foundation of a forgotten building and unknowingly unearthed something quite dangerous. The Magic and mystery fly as Emerald races against time to solve a decades old murder, help a ghost and find her missing cat.
A Harvest of Bones has a historical fiction feel mixed within the paranormal. The folklore and the journal entries enhance the storyline and depth to the book. Each of book of the series has a completely different feeling surrounding it. A Harvest of Bones has a somber and darker feel mixed within the mystery. I feel it allowed the reader to become closer with the characters. Emerald continued to grow along with the story. She was forced to face fears on the drop of a dime, She took them head on. I very much enjoyed A Harvest of Bones! Romance, paranormal and mystery weaved together for a wonderful tale.
Review: Legend of the Jade Dragon by Yasmine Galenorn
Legend of the Jade Dragon
Yasmine Galenorn
Tarot cards seldom lie. So when they predict chaos and bad luck for her last client of the day, Emerald gets more than a little worried. He leaves behind a charming jade statue of a dragon–but promptly dies in a hit-and-run accident outside of her shop. When other terrible things begin to plague Em and her family, the only explanation is the jade dragon. To thwart its evil spell, she’ll have to follow a trail of heartache all the way back to China’s Ming Dynasty–and its ancient–and sometimes harsh–mysteries
4 Stars
After an uneasy reading Emerald finds herself the owner of a mysterious dragon trinket and the bearer of bad luck. Adventure and mystery with a touch of paranormal send Emerald and crew on a fact finding mission to break ancient curse.
Legend of the Jade Dragon is a fun and twisting small town paranormal mystery. Rich details allow the reader to fully picture story with in their minds. The characters are well-developed. Each containing depth, charisma and individualistic traits that make each character’s personality unique and very likable. The plot keeps the book moving along with keeping a reader guess. Legend of the Jade Dragon is a very enjoyable cozy mystery with a touch of romance.
Hildie McQueen Presents Protect and Serve-BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY
From rookie cops to special ops, this collection celebrates all of those who Protect and Serve: This anthology includes never before published novellas from New York Times and USA Today and other bestselling authors.
J.M. Madden – Her Secret Wish
Former Marine pilot Rachel Searles is thrown off balance when handsome and seductive Denver Police officer Dean West comes to her aid in a crash. Will the warrior woman give Dean a chance with her heart?
Sharon Hamilton – True Navy Blue
After a hometown hero sacrifices his life, Zak Chambers is inspired to follow in the legendary SEAL’s footsteps. But his fast and furious high school fling Amy Dobson barges back into his life. Will their explosive reconnection be enough to save her from the terrorists and for a happily ever after?
Amity Cross – Rebel (A Men of The Underground Novella)
Kane “Rebel” Sturgess knows how to fight dirty, and he’s set to make his fortune in illegal cage fighting at The Underground. Undercover detective Charlotte “Charlie” Croft has immersed herself in the life, but she didn’t count on falling for one of the fighters. Her heart or her career. She can’t have both…or can she?
Stacy Green – Shots Fired – A Cage Foster/Delta Detectives novella
A domestic dispute turns into a hostage situation. Can criminal investigator Cage Foster save the victim…or will he become a victim himself?
Jamie Lee Scott – Uncertain Blue (an Uncertain Novella)
When Dane Briggs returns to Uncertain as a rookie cop, he’s reunited with his childhood crush Claire Hamilton after she’s arrested in a drug bust. He wants to save her, but can Dane save someone who isn’t ready to be saved?
Allie K. Adams – Brace for Contact (A TREX & Brace Blend)
When a matter of national security forces top SBI narcotics agent Nash Ashford and TREX cadet Michaela Starr to work together, they’ll have a lot more than their past romance to overcome. Can they track down a deadly drug before it falls into the wrong hands?
Hildie McQueen – Tea, Theft and Scones
Abbie Adams, owner of Sweet Magnolia Tea Shop, helps to investigate a slew of thefts in Whisper, Georgia. But everyone’s hiding something, and just as Abbie closes in on the thief, she becomes the prime suspect.
Cheryl Bradshaw – Dead of Night
After her mother-in-law is fatally stabbed, Wren Bancroft is seen fleeing the house with the bloody knife. Is Wren really the killer, or is a dark, scandalous family secret to blame?
Carra Copeland – Lilah By Midnight
A snowstorm threatens to destroy Lilah Canfield’s last chance to save her career as a country music performer. After her motor coach slides off the road and into a snow bank near her hometown of Mistletoe, Texas, Lilah is rescued by an old flame, Sheriff’s Deputy Jack McCommas. Will Jack help Lilah save her career, or will she give up everything for a second chance at love?
Jenna Bennett – Overcome
When Carmen Fuentes took the oath to serve and protect, she didn’t think she’d have to go undercover and face the very thing that terrifies her. Can she handle it? And can she trust Detective Will Murphy to have her back…and maybe her future?
Danielle Stewart – Running from Shadows
Roark Miller can’t forget the homicide cases he worked in Detroit. When he crosses path with a victim ten years later, he realizes her life is in danger and he needs to act fast. Demi can’t face the truth and Roark won’t stop hunting for answers. Will their love help them survive?
Protect and Serve Buy Links:
IBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1017154032
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/protect-and-serve-8
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protect-and-serve-allie-k-adams/1122266362?ean=2940152235500
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