Audio Review: The Survivors by Jane Harper

 

The Survivors by Jane Harper

Publication Date: February 2nd 2021 by Macmillan Audio

Pages: 370

Audio Book Length: 11 hrs 56 min

Narrators: Stephen Shanahan

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Libro.fm | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Kieran is back in his hometown after years of staying away. There are painful memories after a big coastal storm ended with a tragic accident that took the life of his brother and another local man. Kieran feels responsible and the guilt has weighed him down, but he must come back to help pack up the family home as his father’s dementia has been worsening.  When a local woman turns up dead on the beach murdered the past is again stirred up, and you’re left to wonder if the past has collided with the present as they try and find the killer.

There are a cast of characters in play, Kieran and several of the locals who used to run around together enjoying the seaside and town with a bit of rivalry and a secret or two between them.  They drifted apart after the brutal storm that marked more than one tragedy, but it’s like hardly any time’s gone by once they get together again. As the search for the murderer proceeds, I was questioning what really happened in the past, and how it related to the recent murder. The past is revealed bit by bit I kept wondering if there was a killer in the midst of these old friends.

The Survivors was an atmospheric mystery with a steady increase of tension as the suspicions mount, and I upped the speed on my audio so I could get my answers as quickly as possible! I was taken by surprise as the actual events of the past were revealed.

Once again Jane Harper creates a story that immediately captured and held my attention! I was sucked into the mystery and felt for Kieran as he faces ghosts from his past. I was pleased that he had his girlfriend Mia and their new baby for support.

This is the second time I’ve enjoyed Stephen Shanahan’s narration. His accent was perfect for the role of Kieran the primary POV for the story. Mr. Shanahan did an excellent job with all the voices and he made The Survivors a riveting experience. I listened at my usual of 1.5x or even faster the normal speed.

4 Stars

Goodreads Description:

The compelling new novel from Jane Harper, the New York Times bestselling author of The Dry.

Kieran Elliott's life changed forever on the day a reckless mistake led to devastating consequences.

The guilt that still haunts him resurfaces during a visit with his young family to the small coastal town he once called home.

Kieran's parents are struggling in a community which is bound, for better or worse, to the sea, that is both a lifeline and a threat. Between them all is his absent brother, Finn.

When a body is discovered on the beach, long-held secrets threaten to emerge. A sunken wreck, a missing girl, and questions that have never washed away...

Review: Deep into the Dark by P.J. Tracy

 

Deep into the Dark (Detective Margaret Nolan #1) by P.J. Tracy

Publication Date: January 12th 2021 by Minotaur Books

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Sam and Melody, each struggling with issues from their past, have formed a friendship after working together at a trendy Los Angeles bar, The Pearl. They find themselves embroiled in not one, but two murder mysteries, which puts them on Detective Margaret Nolan and her partner’s radar.  Sam struggles with severe PTSD which has been resulting in creepy hallucinations and disturbing dreams. An unfortunate complication when dealing with the strange occurrences that Melody and Sam keep encountering.

After reading the book description and seeing the series is named after the lead detective, I was a little thrown by how little time was spent with Detective Margaret Nolan. I think a large portion was focused on Sam and Melody, which wasn’t a bad thing as I really enjoyed getting to know them and liked their characters. It was just a surprise. Sam and Melody are forced to rely heavily on each other, and I wonder about how their relationship will play out in future books or if they’ll even be in the coming books. The series is called Detective Margaret Nolan, so maybe not?

After being a big fan of the Monkeywrench series I was excited to pick up P.J. Tracy’s newest endeavor. Also, a bit nervous. When you’re a fan of a particular series and they come up with something new there’s expectations. It did take me a bit to get into the story, but when I made myself sit down and concentrate, the story was engrossing. It was easy to make out the killer once the person appeared on the page, and I did suspect how the situation would come to a head. I will say that even knowing that things got pretty crazy in the end making for an action-packed, crazy-town-finish!

 4 Stars

Goodreads Description:

Deep into the Dark features up-and-coming LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan

Sam Easton - a true survivor - is home from Afghanistan, trying to rebuild a life in his hometown of LA. Separated from his wife, bartending and therapy sessions are what occupy his days and nights. When friend and colleague Melody Traeger is beaten by her boyfriend, she turns to Sam for help. When the boyfriend turns up dead the next day, a hard case like Sam is the perfect suspect.

But LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan, whose brother recently died serving overseas, is sympathetic to Sam's troubles, and can't quite see him as a killer. She's more interested in the secrets Melody might be keeping and the developments in another murder case on the other side of town.

Sunday Post #107

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week.

We got a lot of rain here in California, which we really need, but it didn't come without some disaster. Big Sur had a big portion of Highway 1 wash out again.  This also happened in 2017 and it took over a year and big money to fix it back then. We vacation often in a coastal town just south of Big Sur and drive on up for lunch while taking in the beautiful ocean views. Guess we'll have to skip that on our next trip in April.

Photo from Caltrans

Of course just when we got walloped with this storm they re-opened restaurants for outdoor dining! It's sunny today, though, so we might go out and support a local establishment. I'm bringing a big coat, beanie and scarf, lol. They do have heaters and tenting, though. 

Read:

Click on cover for Goodreads link:

Received/Purchased/Library Lend:

Click on cover for Goodreads link

I've loved Claudia Connor's McKinney/Walker series so I was thrilled to see she released a new book. They're all available on Kindle Unlimited now. 

Watched:

We watched a couple more episodes of Bridgerton and now have three left to go. 

How was your week?

Giveaway of Fifteen Young Adult Books

 

I have another bundle of Young Adult Books to giveaway!

Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout-Paperback ARC copy

Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout-Paperback Copy

Die For Me by Amy Plum-Hardcover Copy

If I Should Die by Amy Plum-Paperback ARC Copy

Shadowlands by Kate Brian-Paperback ARC Copy

Hereafter by Kate Brian-Paperback ARC Copy

The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas-Hardcover Copy

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti-Hardcover Copy

You Look Different in Real Life by Jennifer Castle-Paperback ARC Copy

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin-Hardcover Copy

Deep Betrayal by Anne Greenwood Brown-Paperback ARC Copy

Thornhill by Kathleen Peacock-Paperback ARC Copy

The Candidates by Inara Scott-Hardcover Copy

Asunder by Jodi Meadows-Paperback ARC Copy

The giveaway is open to US Residents only otherwise the shipping would kill me, lol! Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Bachelor Cowboy by Jessica Clare

The Bachelor Cowboy (The Wyoming Cowboy #6) by Jessica Clare

Publication Date: January 26th 2021 by Berkley Books

Pages: 304

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Layla and Jack were a cute couple thrown together by the auction, which was perfect as they had caught each other’s eye in the past and may never have acted on the attraction otherwise. Jack coaxing Layla into dates and more was sweet and downright hot!

Jack Watson was different from his older brothers. Where Hank and Caleb were a bit baffled by the opposite sex, Jack had no problem with women. He loved women and wasn’t shy at all around them. Jack knew his appeal and was confident without being a conceited ass, and I loved him for it!

Layla on the other hand wasn’t as confident, and as most women do, she had some insecurities not realizing just how sexy was. I did like that she was okay with being the smart, nerdy girl. I think she was more unique than nerdy, but this is coming from a nerdy bookworm, so what do I know? Lol! I blamed most of Layla’s insecurities on her mother.  Hated the mom! She was a narcissist through and through! Didn’t care about embarrassing Layla or taking advantage of her as long as she came out ahead.  I was glad Layla stood up to her and didn’t let her manipulate her.

Loved Oscar the little skittish Weiner dog and Sterling the cat. An adorable animal with personality always hits me right in the heart!

I’ve been loving Jessica Clare’s Wyoming Cowboy series! Hot and sweet, and I’m such a sucker for a sexy cowboy! This is book six in the series, but as all the books in the series it would work as a standalone fine.

4 Stars

Review: Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner

Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardner

Publication Date: January 19th 2021 by Dutton

Pages: 400

Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook

Narrator: Hillary Huber

Audiobook length: 12 hrs 7min

Rating: ★★★★

Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Frankie Elkin, a recovering alcoholic, with a tragic past has one thing she’s good at: finding missing persons.

Her newest case brings her to Mattapan, Boston where the case of a missing teenager, Angelique Badeau, has grown cold after eleven months.  Her raking up the past quickly gets the attention of the original investigating officer, Detective Lotham. At first, he’s very suspicious of Frankie’s motives in the case, does she want money or fame? But when her questions bring fresh leads out Lotham and Frankie form a reluctant team with an undercurrent of attraction between them.

Before She Disappeared was sort of old-school investigation of asking a question and then the next one instead of relying on forensics and police technology since Frankie didn’t have access to all of that.  She had a talent for shaking out information.

I liked Frankie, the way she effortlessly formed bonds with the people she met, even though she’s a self-proclaimed rolling-stone. Once settled on a new case she arrives in town and won’t leave until she finds the missing person. Frankie’s determination was admirable, but I do wish she’d allow herself to settle down, form roots and be happy. I think pulling up stakes when she finishes is her way of penance for a tragedy that was ultimately not her fault, and it made me sad thinking about it. That’s the thing about Lisa Gardner’s stories, she makes her characters come to life, flaws and all, so that you care about their happiness beyond just solving the current mystery.

I’ve been a huge fan of Lisa Gardner’s smart, well-researched mysteries for years. Even before Goodreads. Not completely sure if there will be more books featuring Frankie as Ms. Gardner has said this is her first “standalone” in twenty years. If there are more, I’d like Frankie to forgive herself. Plus, I want more of Piper the “attack cat”!  I guess we’ll see.  Whatever she comes up with next I’ll be reading!

I’ve enjoyed Hillary Huber’s narration before so when I noticed she was narrating Before She Disappeared I grabbed up an audio copy so I could continue with the story while doing other things in real-life. Sometimes, you just don’t want to put the book down, lol! Ms. Huber has a rich, sultry voice which enhanced an already captivating story. I listened at 1.5x normal speed.  

4 Stars

Sunday Post #106

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week.

Last weekend was a busy one as I was out of town at our place in Central California. We met my daughter, son-in-law, and grand kids up there. Not much time for myself, but I had taken Monday off and I was able to relax at home and catch up with things. 

Yesterday I didn't feel like doing much, but I forced myself to get out and walk and then do an intense workout. Have you heard of Heather Robinson? Well, a c0-worker at the hospital recommended her workouts on YouTube and they're really good! Intense, but good! I'm feeling it today! 

Today we finally had a good amount of rain and I had our fireplace going. I love a cozy afternoon! 

Read:

Click on cover for Goodreads link:

Before She Disappeared, Aftershock, and Hercule Poirot's Christmas were all wonderful mysteries. Always the Last to Know was emotional and full of real-life messiness. Really good. All the Colors of Night was a real page-turner! I'm giving away a copy HERE. 

Received/Purchased/Library Lend:

I can't tell you how beyond excited I am to get a copy of Wild Sign!! I'm seriously over-the-moon because I didn't think I'd get approved. I'm also really excited about An Unexpected Peril! I'm excited for all of these, but those two are ones I applied for. 

Watched:

I was a young teenager in San Fernando Valley at the time of the Night Stalker, and let me tell you I was scared! That Summer my sister and I stayed up late many a night freaking out. This detailed the investigation at the time and I think a lot wasn't publicized or I was too young for all this to register. I'm glad it didn't because I would've been even more scared. This guy was evil and a total sicko! I can't believe he had female groupies!

How was your week?