HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY: Killing Jane by Stacy Green

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you believe that it's THE LAST DAY OF JANUARY?  I mean, where DID the time go?  It seems like only yesterday we were ushering in the new year and making resolutions that we may or may not keep.  So far, 2017 isn't off to the greatest start (take one look at the world in general, and you know exactly what I mean), but in the world of reading, we're still experiencing smooth sailing.  Okay, in light of today's title, perhaps smooth isn't the best descriptive term to use...maybe we should consider "chaotic-stormy-waters-with-flashes-of-lightning-merely-a-breath-away" as the best descriptive passage, in the BEST way possible!  You'll see exactly what I mean here in a minute...

Ladies and gents, coming to us by way of Meryl L. Moss Media and celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY via Vesuvian Books, I give you today's Thriller of choice...

Killing Jane

by

Stacy Green

9781944109271

Vesuvian Books

About the book...

What if everything you've ever heard about Jack the Ripper is wrong ...

A young woman is brutally murdered in Washington D.C., and the killer leaves behind a calling card connected to some of the most infamous murders in history.

Jack the Ripper

Rookie homicide investigator Erin Prince instinctively knows the moment she sees the mutilated body that it’s only a matter of time before someone else dies.

She and her partner, Todd Beckett, are on the trail of a madman, and a third body sends them in the direction they feared most: a serial killer is walking the streets of D.C.

The clock is ticking.

Erin must push past her mounting self-doubt in order to unravel a web of secrets filled with drugs, pornography, and a decades old family skeleton before the next victim is sacrificed.

The only way to stop a killer is to beat them at their own game.

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First things first, this book is intended for adult audiences due to graphic content...mostly in the form of damage inflicted upon the human body...and boy, oh boy does this killer get creative!  *-*

Here we have Erin Prince, a detective that's worked her way out from behind her family name, only to discover that she's still trying to prove herself; for her own benefit or everyone else's is another question altogether, but whether she realizes it or not, it's seriously getting in the way of her judgment, her ability to see the forest for the trees so to speak...as is the secret she's hiding (something apparently covered in another book, but we're told enough about to glean the extent of the damage done).  She's a complex leading lady, but she's got more than enough gumption to see this case through...and boy is she going to need it!  It's a crime that screams violence from the moment it's discovered until the final showdown.  The path to uncover who is behind these gruesome attacks is not only twisted but paved with enough false starts to discourage anyone from seeing the truth, but as with all things, it WILL come out...especially if Erin has anything to say about it.

I only had two slight negatives when all was said and done.  First, the way the violent act Erin experienced was portrayed, or rather the way she handled it, didn't seem to fit with her character.  She thought if she brought it to the attention of others, or filed a report with the police, that she'd be looked down on, scorned even, because her department doesn't generally have a lot of female employees.  To me, I think her reporting the act, actually doing what she expected others to do, would have served both her and those she served more.  I would think they would see she wasn't going to take it lying down and that dedication may have even "won her points", if anything.  The second issue was actually more general.  Whereas we start off right in the action and we finish out with a bang, the middle tends to get a little dry.  Obviously, research and footwork needs to be completed to solve the crime at hand, but it seemed to draw things out a bit much for my taste.

Overall though, I enjoyed my time between the pages.  I really liked how the author allowed us a glimpse inside the mind of the killer periodically throughout the book, though I must say, I was a little perplexed by Charlie and Mina...don't worry, they all come out to play eventually. I must admit, I did guess a piece of the final outcome, but not to the extent that it came to light, or the multi-faceted nature of it.  Way to keep us guessing, Ms. Green!  See if you can solve the case of the century, whether it be this one or the last (Jack the Ripper, anyone?) is a big part of the puzzle, but it makes it THAT much more intriguing.  Recommended for fans of Crime Fiction or Historical Fiction with a psychological twist.

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About the author...

Stacy Green is a bestselling mystery and thriller author known for the Lucy Kendall series and the Delta Crossroads trilogy. ALL GOOD DEEDS (Lucy Kendall #1) won a bronze medal for mystery and thriller at the 2015 IPPY Awards. TIN GOD (Delta Crossroads #1) was runner-up for best mystery/thriller at the 2013 Kindle Book Awards. Her next series is KILLING JANE, An Erin Prince thriller.

Stacy has a love of thrillers and crime fiction, and she is always looking for the next dark and twisted novel to enjoy. She started her career in journalism before becoming a stay at home mother and rediscovering her love of writing. She lives in Iowa with her husband and daughter and their three spoiled fur babies.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to Erika at Meryl L. Moss Media for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is IN STORES NOW via Vesuvian Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



BOOK BLAST: New Year - NEW NOVELS!

WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR - NEW NOVELS BLAST! 

Click on any of the below book covers to be taken to the page that has more information on the novel as well as the Buy Links!

Available for Pre-Order...

      

Currently Available...

    

      

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Want to learn more about RABT Book Tours? 

Visit www.readingaddictionvbt.com

Special thanks to Cami at Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  For more information on any of the novels featured above, feel free to click through the links provided.


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Storybook Sunday: Paddington by Michael Bond

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

If you haven't stopped by on a Sunday this year, then this is all new to you; if you have, you know I love you, right? ^-^  THIS is STORYBOOK SUNDAY.  My reading takes me through many highways and byways, up ways and down ways, side ways and slant ways...and if you're flashing back to a certain owner of a chocolate factory, than you're GOOD.  Seriously though, I'll read whatever catches my attention and the land of Storybooks has some SERIOUSLY AMAZING TALENT!  While they are good to read any day, time, or place, I wanted to create a special zone of sorts for it here on my site, thus Storybook Sunday.  So get comfortable, and prepare to launch into a land of childlike wonder fit for all ages.  

Today's selection is an oldie but a goody, however despite the length of time it's been out, I hadn't actually READ it.  I wonder how many of you will be in the same marmalade laden boat.  Ready or not, here comes today's storybook of choice...

Paddington

by

Michael Bond

Illustrated by

R.W. Alley

9780062569202

HarperCollins Children's Books

Digging the combo there?  So was I!  The book and the bear came from the Kohl's Cares program as a Christmas gift from my parents to me.  You see, I sent a few of these bears across the states and the ocean myself this holiday because I just couldn't "bear" to not share the joy seeing him in all his adorable "please-look-after-this-bear"-ness brought to me.  Reading is a joy that's meant to be shared...as are the cuddly critters that go along with it.  ^-^

Now, Paddington has been around for quite some time, but as I said, I hadn't actually READ his story until now.  It was a surprise to me (and yet not, because it IS a storybook, not a novel) how much the initial storybook covers of his life, or rather how much it does not.  This first book is more of an introduction between Paddington, the Browns, and readers.  We get to revel in the adorable illustrations that depict this furry little guy in all his toggle coat and red hat glory.  He's polite, friendly, and really craving a marmalade sandwich after his journey from darkest Peru...*yawn*...but that's a story for another day (or rather book).  It was great to make his acquaintance and, though short in length and story, definitely leaves you with a desire to really get to know this little guy.  Good thing there are further adventures to explore.

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Review copy from my own personal library (thanks Mom!)...as is the bear.  (~waves to Paddington~)  For more information on this title or the series, seek thee out a bookstore, library, or online retailer of your choosing...and don't forget the adorable movie that came out a few years back!  Links provided above for your exploration.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Southern Gothic by Dale Wiley

Hi there!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're diving between the pages of a book that just celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY this week via Vesuvian Books.  My congrats to the author because really...whew!  You've got a doozy on your hands here, and readers...that's the BEST kind of news for all of you.  It came to my attention thanks to Erika at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc, and from the start, I was curious.  Little did I know how very dark and twisted a path the story would lead me down...one that kept me turning pages well into the wee hours of the morning.  Ladies and gents, grab a flashlight for comfort because there is serious evil ahead and you're not gonna want to sit around in the dark.  *glances around*  Today's book of choice is...

Southern Gothic

by

Dale Wiley

9781944109066

Vesuvian Books

About the book...

Aspiring author Meredith Harper owns the hottest bookstore in Savannah.

Michael Black is her favorite writer—long thought dead—until he mysteriously approaches Meredith with a new manuscript, and a most unusual offer. Meredith can keep the manuscript to herself, or publish it under her own name. 

Her decision results in a bestseller, but the novel contains a coded secret; one that will put her on trial for murder and in hiding from "the blood stalker," proving too late that making a deal with the devil comes at a heavy price.

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This is one hauntingly addictive read.  From start to finish, I was entranced and the fact that the fiction within the fiction worked so well just speaks to the author's writing talent THAT much more.

Meredith Harper is a modestly successful bookstore owner (Southern Gothic is the name of her store...how cool!) with aspirations of becoming a writer...or at least she DID aspire to become one but a few too many rejections later and that dream went the way of Sleeping Beauty minus the princely awakening.  Still, she has much going for her and life is pretty ducky, until one day, all her wishes start coming true.  Now what was that little reminder about being careful what we wish for?  Oh, right...just that.  BE CAREFUL.  

Meredith THOUGHT she was being careful, after all, it's not every day that the author you adore lands on your doorstep (or invites themselves in without your permission or even a key...*gulp*), bringing with him a manuscript so perfect, there's no way publishing houses could say no.  Oh the wicked webs we weave, and Meredith's is about to become EXTRA sticky.  What begins as a fandom dream come true quickly escalates into a nightmare beyond compare, and that's just the half of it.  We won't even get into what happened to the missing wife, or the tortured souls portrayed in 'Red Ribbon' (the novel within the novel), or even the other side of various people you think you know, only to be betrayed in the light of day.  Yes, Meredith...there will be blood spilled...the only question is, will it be yours?

Whew!  Seriously guys, this one blew me away...and with it being divided into three parts (Heaven, Purgatory, and H*ll), how could it not?  It was uber creepy, dark, and twisted with characters you can't help but get lost in and a story line that will keep you glued to the page.   I really felt for Meredith in the beginning.  All she wanted was a shot at her dreams and it blinded her to things she should have recognized, or that basic truth we're taught as youngsters...don't take credit when credit isn't due to you.  As the story progressed, however, while still feeling for her, I had to let go because she had OBVIOUSLY let go of her faculties and it's no fun being the only voice of reason.  I stopped feeling bad for her and just went with the flow...I really want to add "of blood"  because really, SO MUCH BLOODSHED.  Is it any wonder the fictional writing within the story hold water?  What's that?  Oh, yes....we are treated to many chapters of Meredith's re-imagined manuscript., and he may be an enigma, but that "Michael Black" is one talented foe!

In the end, I can honestly say although I was certainly creeped out, it was in the best way possible.  It had a healthy dose of literary fun without losing the overall mystery of the story. The only question I was left with was whatever happened to the car battery?  Guess we'll never really know... *wink*  Highly recommended read for ADULTS READERS (ONLY, due to violence and a few graphic encounters) unafraid of the dark, both outside and within.

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About the author...

Dale Wiley is a Missouri attorney who has had a character named after him on CSI, owned a record label, been interviewed by Bob Edwards on NPR's Morning Edition and made motorcycles for Merle Haggard and John Paul DeJoria. He has three awesome kids and spends his days working as a lawyer fighting the big banks.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Erika at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

BLOG TOUR: Sisters One, Two, Three by Nancy Star

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining a TLC Book Tour already in progress starring a work of Fiction via Lake Union Publishing.  I've had quite a bit of luck with their releases in the past, but I admit, this one threw me for a bit of a loop.  How so?  Oh, we're about to get into all that, but please, allow me to properly introduce today's book of choice...

Sisters One, Two, Three

by

Nancy Star

9781503937468

Lake Union Publishing

About the book....

After a tragic accident on Martha’s Vineyard, keeping secrets becomes a way of life for the Tangle family. With memories locked away, the sisters take divergent paths. Callie disappears, Mimi keeps so busy she has no time to think, and Ginger develops a lifelong aversion to risk that threatens the relationships she holds most dear.

When a whispered comment overheard by her rebellious teenage daughter forces Ginger to reveal a long-held family secret, the Tangles’ carefully constructed web of lies begins to unravel. Upon the death of Glory, the family’s colorful matriarch, and the return of long-estranged Callie, Ginger resolves to return to Martha’s Vineyard and piece together what really happened on that calamitous day when a shadow fell over four sun-kissed siblings playing at the shore. Along with Ginger’s newfound understanding come the keys to reconciliation: with her mother, with her sisters, and with her daughter.

At turns heartbreaking, humorous, and hopeful, Sisters One, Two, Three explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of love—but also the courage it takes to speak the truth, to forgive, and to let go.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

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So, my comment above may have sounded harsh, but in truth, I had a lot of difficulty with this one.  Try as I might, I just could not connect with our lead narrator.  It's not that Ginger is an uninteresting person, or that her story held little merit, because she truly was and it really did, but I really couldn't conjure any genuine feeling for her until the big reveal.  Once the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, much makes sense that didn't before, but unfortunately for me, that timid connection came far too late in the novel to create a raving fan.  

Was it a good story?  Yes...as a whole...it's just until everything becomes vividly clear, you've got to hang on to the pieces like a string of a kite being taken by the wind.  The Tangle Mangle was a creative add in (and a positive way to approach a learning disorder without ridicule!), Ginger's neurotic habit of worrying over every little thing to the point of obsession was a curiosity (but in the flesh might be more of a trial), and the side story (of sorts) that plays out with Julia (Ginger's daughter) was a great way to show how though some things are a result of nurture, nature (as in your own) can make the outcome entirely our own.

In the end, I don't regret my time with the Tangle clan, I just wish that we had more of a glimpse of the secret at the heart of everything sooner, so we could connect the aftershocks of it to the changes seen in the characters.  Isn't that the plight of every reader?  One adored every step while another wishes on a horse that may fly?  As I've said before, the very reasons I didn't reach a level of adoration with a book could be the very reasons YOU DO.  So, do I recommend it?  Certainly...if it caught your attention, there's definitely something worth exploring and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the experience.

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About the author...

Nancy Star is the author of four previous novels: Carpool Diem, Up Next, Now This, and Buried Lives. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, Family Circle, Diversion magazine, and on the web. Before embarking on her writing career, Nancy worked for more than a decade as a movie executive in the film business, dividing her time between New York and London. She has two grown daughters and a son-in-law and now lives in New Jersey with her husband.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours and the Amazon Publishing team for the chance to bring this tour to you and the print copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, and those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Lake Union Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!