Author: deanne01

I am an avid reader and reviewer. I am open for review requests please contact me at Cnnamongirl at aol dot com. I work with big name publishers and indie publishers alike. I am on launch and street teams and have MANY NetGalley and GoodReads reviews up. I love all animals and I am a vegetarian. Thank you for joining me here.

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First Line Friday-The Journey After The Crown

Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted by Reading Is My SuperPower It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today, I’m featuring the first line of The Journey After The Crown by Andrew Mackie because right now seems like a good time to read this one.

And The First Line is………

After more than two weeks at sea to simmer the tension between them,Violet and Daisie Chettle couldn’t stand each other, let alone stand next to each other. Not even to meet the Queen.

About The Book

A young Queen. Two sisters. A voyage that will change their fates forever.

Nineteen-year-old identical twins Violet and Daisie Chettle can hardly believe their luck when they are recruited as maids on newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II’s royal ship.

It’s just the ticket they need away from cold, grey London and the tension that’s been brewing at home since the tragic loss of their parents.

But the 1954 royal tour to Australia, is a far cry from the glitz and glamour they had imagined. Life below deck is hard-work, and whilst Violet is prepared to keep her head down and be seen and not heard, Daisie has her sights on doing everything she can to hang up her apron and mingle above deck – even if it means leaving Violet behind.

But as Daisie begins to win royal favour, she receives a letter from London. The sisters can’t outrun their past any longer… Violet has committed an unspeakable act of betrayal that will change their relationship forever.

With their positions on the tour hanging in the balance, have the sisters ventured too far from home to ever find their way back?

Set against the stunning backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s first royal tour with Prince Phillip prepare to be swept away with this upstairs-downstairs drama, perfect for fans of The Crown and Downton Abbey.

Grab A Copy Here

What is the first line of the book you are reading, let me know in the comments below.

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The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep-Review

About The Book

The Continuing Adventure of Jackson and Kit!
 
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.

My Review

I had no idea there’d be a sequel to the Thief of Blackfriars Lane but when I saw that there was I was so excited. The characters Kit and Jackson are great and they have gone through a lot together in both books. The writer’s books without a doubt make you feel as though you are there experiencing the chock full of action and adventure that the characters are.
So well researched you get an authentic feel for the time period with the background information including speech,clothing types and setting. Well paced Victorian mystery that I had trouble putting down. I’ll admit getting frustrated with the characters but I see they did come to their senses. Page turner and as with all of this author’s books it’s worth more than one read.
Please do yourself a favor and read The Thief of Blackfriars Lane first you will get the needed background to fully enjoy this book.

Pub Date 01 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

Thank you for stopping by. Have safe travels.

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All Through The Night by Tara Johnson-Review

About The Book

With her stammering tongue and quiet ways, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted. After the death of her mother, Cadence sets her heart on becoming a nurse, both to erase the stain her brother has left on the family’s honor and to find long-sought approval in the eyes of her father. When Dorothea Dix turns her away due to her young age and pretty face, Cadence finds another way to serve . . . singing to the soldiers in Judiciary Square Hospital. Only one stubborn doctor stands in her way.

Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.

Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?

My Review

I haven’t read a Civil War book in awhile. Most historical books I see publishing recently are about more modern wars. This one is one I won’t forget anytime soon.
What makes it even more fascinating is it’s based on factual events and people.
I was drawn into the plight of a young woman who just wants to make a difference despite her father’s and society’s disapproval.
It was inspiring to read about the encouragement she gives to the troops as she shares her gift of singing and uplifting spirits.
I enjoyed the intricate plot line and the realism of the story.
There are descriptions of battleground surgery and disturbing aspects of the war but this makes the book even more realistic.
Very compelling with themes of forgiveness and the power to influence others to become better people.

Pub Date: 05 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

Elida Rumsey who the character Cadence Piper is loosely based on.

Have you read this author’s books yet? Would you read this one?

We are getting rain today so no outdoor activities for us. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

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One Moonlit Night by Donna F.Brown-Review

About The Book

Dan Stevens, an easygoing ex-Marine and Afghanistan war veteran, and his beautiful wife, Peggy, are anticipating a long-awaited Hawaiian vacation. One dark, wintry night, Dan’s wife and daughters are brutally murdered… or so he thought. Dan’s once peaceful life is turned upside down. To apprehend the murderer, he teams up with a beautiful street-savvy detective with a harrowing past of her own.

They embark on a dangerous journey and impossible race against time to find the killer. Along the road they discover the killer is inextricably linked to Dan’s past. As they struggle to unravel the mysterious ties, they realize their own lives are at stake and become more deeply entangled in a web of dark family secrets and vengeance. Will the killer find them before they find him?

250 pages, Paperback

My Review

I am always willing to give new to me authors a try. This is how I discover some pretty good books.
Late one cold winter’s night a most dreadful thing happens to a man’s family, his two daughters and wife are stabbed violently, two fatally.
Now pretty early on the detectives working this case are able to figure out who the suspect is. There are more victims though, is there are connection between the victims or are they just randomly chosen by the suspect? The LEO’s are hard at work trying to determine the answer to this.
I saw one of the characters in the book is an Officer Patterson and my oldest son is Officer Patterson so thought that was pretty neat. We are so proud of him.
The book has a very well thought out plot that is fast moving. I enjoyed getting into the thought process of the detectives as they try to stay one step ahead of the suspect and his targeted victims.
I stayed up late reading this one, I really just could not put it down.
Well done, I’ll look forward to reading future books by this author.

October 5, 2021 publication date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

Donna Fields Brown is a recently published author of her first book, an autobiography, “Finding Medusa – The Making of an Unlikely Rock Star.” She hales from Chicago, Illinois and lived in Broomfield, Colorado for 30 plus years. Donna now lives in Pearce, Arizona, a small, rural community with her husband, Gary, and faithful 3 legged canine companion, Caddy.

In addition to her first book, Donna has also written and published her second book, a thrilling, chilling murder/mystery entitled, One Moonlit Night. Both books have been receiving five stars reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Donna has also written several health and wellness-related articles for Authority, Thrive Global, Huffington Post and Woman’s World magazines.

When she is not writing or reading, Donna loves to run and hike, and teach yoga in her community. She is also a sought after speaker on topics related to books, health, wellness, mindfulness, living your most fulfilling life, and more. She is available to give presentations to organizations, companies, support and other groups for any upcoming events that are business-related or for enhancing personal and/or spiritual growth.

Than you for visiting today. May your day be blessed.

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The Housekeeper by Joy Fielding-Review

About The Book

A woman hires a housekeeper to care for her aging parents—only to watch as she takes over their lives in this riveting novel from the New York Times bestselling author Samantha M. Bailey calls “an ingenious master of domestic suspense.”

In the end, I have only myself to blame. I’m the one who let her in.

Jodi Bishop knows success. She’s the breadwinner, a top-notch real estate agent. Her husband, Harrison . . . not so much. Once, he had big dreams. But now, he’s a middling writer who resents his wife’s success.

Jodi’s father, Vic, now in his late seventies and retired, is a very controlling man. His wife, Audrey, was herself no shrinking violet. But things changed when Audrey developed Parkinson’s ten years ago and Vic retired to devote himself to her care. But while still reasonably spry and rakishly handsome, Vic is worn down by his wife’s deteriorating condition.

Exhausted from trying to balance her career, her family, and her parents’ needs, Jodi starts interviewing housekeepers to help care for Audrey and Vic. She settles on Elyse Woodley, an energetic and attractive widow in her early sixties, who seems perfect for the job. While Vic is initially resistant, he soon warms to Elyse’s sunny personality and engaging ways.

And Jodi is pleased to have an ally, someone she can talk to and occasionally even confide in. Until . . .

She shuts Jodi out. And Audrey’s condition worsens—rapidly. Who is this woman suddenly wearing her mother’s jewelry? What is she after? And how far will she go to get it?

My Review

Where is the option for ten stars? This book, I just can’t believe it!!!!!!!
It’s one of those books that now that I’ve read one by this author I must read them all, pronto!
This is not my normal genre type to read but I decided to give a new to me author a go and the book sounded pretty good so hey, why not?
By no means is it a new plot, not really sure new plots are even possible at this point with how many books have been written but I still read it and fell hard for it.
The plot twists kept me reading until early in the morning hours. You know how you read and you say, okay I’m waiting to get to the good part? There’s no down time in this one, it’s all the good part.
The more I read the more the book became like an onion as the layers are slowly revealed with each flip of the page. The thing of it was is it sounds like it couldn’t be possible but I can actually see this plot happening in real life. The suspense it’s maddening. You read and expect one thing to happen then you say to yourself, no way when something totally different happens!
Highly recommended, this book is a mind game!

Pub Date 16 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

Joy Fielding is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Still Life, Charley’s Web, Heartstopper, See Jane Run, and other acclaimed novels. She divides her time between Toronto and Palm Beach, Florida.

Sound like a book you’d read?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend.

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First Line Friday-Dance of the Heart

Happy Friday & welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Reading Is My Superpower!  It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today, I’m featuring the first line of Dance of the Heart by Susan Berry. This is a new to me author and I look forward to staring this book.

And the first line is:

Maggie sat quietly on the passenger seat,looking out the window as the vintage Volkswagen bus rumbled down the dusty gravel road.

About the Book

Maggie Campbell has been running away from her past for seven years. When she finally returns to her family’s small farm for her grandmother’s ninetieth birthday party, she meets the irritatingly handsome new neighbor and dislikes him immediately. So what if he’s charming? His superior attitude and the way her family relies on him gets under her skin.

But when tragedy strikes and he’s the only one who can help, the walls she’s put up are tested. Maggie has no choice but to let her guard down and accept his offer. But can she let go of her reservations and allow her heart to trust again?

Print length 178 pages May 5,2015 publication date

The 3 book series

Grab a copy of Dance of the Heart Here

Let me know the first line of the book closest to you and let me know in the comments.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

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The Finding Of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock-Book Review

About The Book

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

Praise for Grace Hitchcock’s Novels:

“Sparkling with vivacious energy, this romance launches Hitchcock’s American Royalty series. . . . Fans of the TV’s The Bachelorette will adore this historical spin on competitive courtship that features all of the glitz, glamour, and drama that the Gilded Age brought to New York City’s elite.” Booklist on My Dear Miss Dupré

“To the modern reader, the plot of this book is reminiscent of the popular reality show, The Bachelorette. In what is a unique take, author Grace Hitchcock has combined the modern with the old fashioned by setting her book at the height of America’s Gilded Age. . . .Overall, the book is amusing and entertaining, a relatively quick read. The characters are interesting and possess great depth.” Historical Novels Review on My Dear Miss Dupré

“In 1893 Chicago, the World’s Fair brings excitement to residents and visitors, and danger to a group of young ladies in this rousing solo debut novel [. . .] Hitchcock keeps the pace quick and tension high as the characters face dangers both physical and emotional. Readers will enjoy the snappy dialogue, vivid depictions of the famous World’s Fair, and the surprising historical details.” Publishers Weeklyon The White City

“Her Darling Mr. Day is a delightful and charming romantic romp. Grace Hitchcock has created wonderful characters who face mystery and adventure while falling in love. I know my readers will find this novel as endearing as I did and highly recommend it.” Tracie Peterson, bestselling author of the Ladies of the Lake series

“Grace Hitchcock does an excellent job of weaving history of the era and Louisiana region into the romance with well-drawn characters, who came alive in their first scene and stole their way into this reader’s heart. A gutsy heroine with determination to spare, trapped in society’s rules of the day, had me cheering for her from the beginning.Her Darling Mr. Day kept me reading when other things needed doing.” Lauraine Snelling, bestselling author of the Red River of the North series

“Delightfully original! Set during the glittering Gilded Age, My Dear Miss Dupré is a captivating story that will charm readers from the first page until the last. Grace Hitchcock is a writer to watch!” JEN TURANO, USA Today Bestselling Author

Grab A Copy Here

My Review

The Finding of Miss Fairfield is the start of a new series, Aprons and Veils. I liked this book a lot.
Forced into a betrothal by a man twice her age, Sophia Fairfield lives in Charlestown,SC. Her sisters have all married and she is being forced into a very unwanted marriage to a man she feels nothing for. This marriage is mutually benefiting to both her parents and Prescott Payne, her intended. When trying to talk to her parents about her situation fails she knows she’s got to make her move so she escapes. Now here’s where it gets interesting her fiancee assigns his stepson to escort her around town until he returns from a business trip but spending time with Carver, who is much closer to her age she’s smitten and he returns those feelings but Sophia has escaped from her upcoming nuptials telling no one where she’s going not even Carver.
She ends up working as one of the Harvey Girls , single women who have high standards,have a sense of adventure and brought hospitality and graciousness to the Harvey House restaurants which were along the rail lines.
The training and expectations were intense and high for these women. I have read books before about the Harvey Girls but this one was more thorough with it’s details and I enjoyed it so much. Makes me wish I could have enjoyed some of that hospitality at the Harvey House.
While she’s away Carver vows to drop everything in his search for Sophia. Prescott also vows to find her but is it because he’s missing his lovely bride to be?
There’s a bit of drama and the book has so much energy making it so hard to put down. You just need to know whats going to happen as you can feel the tension mounting the further you read into the book. This book is great! Highly recommended!

Pub Date: 29 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Interesting photos and article which I found here

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dakota, son, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Book 2 in the series

Releasing May 31,2023 Preorder Here

About the Book

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

Planning on reading these books? I can’t wait til the next one comes out!

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping by.

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Can’t Wait Wednesday-The Matchmakers Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Dual time frame books always fascinate me with how the time frames just seem to come together effortlessly. It doesn’t hurt that the cover is so pretty too. Looking forward to this one.

The Matchmaker’s Gift St. Martin’s Press 309 pages print copy September 20,22 publication date Jewish Historical Fiction

“Loigman’s latest is a gem. A scrappy Jewish teenager newly arrived in 1920s New York struggles to follow her calling as a matchmaker––seventy years later, her cynical divorce-attorney granddaughter realizes she has very inconveniently inherited the family gift for matching soulmates. Both funny and moving, The Matchmaker’s Gift made me smile from start to finish.”
––Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

Is finding true love a calling or a curse?

Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.

Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight?

Grab A Copy Here

Would you read this one?

Thank you for stopping by have a wonderful and safe day.

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Summer on Blackberry Beach (Mistletoe, Maine #2)by Belle Calhoune-Review

About The Book

A faux summer fling seemed like the perfect solution . . . until they start falling in love for real.
 
Teacher Stella Marshall’s summer break has just began, but the gossip is already sizzling: Luke Keegan’s back in town! Stella’s high school crush is all grown up and smolderingly sexy. She might even consider a fling with the former Navy SEAL, if she hadn’t already sworn off all romantic entanglements. But there isn’t a single thing she can do to stop the rumor mill whispering about her and Luke being together—unless . . .

A showmance! Luke never thought he’d propose a fake relationship, but it’s the only way to stop the runaway speculation about their love lives. Pretending to date a woman as stunning as Stella is easy. Not actually falling for her is the hard part. Luke isn’t sure he deserves a hometown happy ending, when members of his SEAL team never made it back at all. But there’s real attraction buzzing between him and Stella . . . and he knows she feels it too. Could their faux summer romance lead to true love?

My Review

Another chance to meet back up with our friends in Mistletoe,Maine and I am delighted with these characters. You can be assured there’s plenty of romance in this hard to put down fun book. The first book in the series was sister Lucy Marshall’s story now it’s grade school teacher Stella Marshall’s turn to have a little romance brighten her life. Her high school crush is back in town, former Navy SEAL, Luke Keegan. He never even noticed her back in school when she was crushing on him but believe me he sure notices her now. There is wild speculation around this small charming town that the two are already an item so they agree on a fake romance to throw everyone off track. What they feel between them isn’t fake though so how do they fight their feelings?
Luke doesn’t feeling deserving of a good woman such as Lucy though after what he went through as a SEAL. Romance or memories? Will Luke let his past hold him back from a fresh start with this special woman? The author writes in a sensitive way handling the character’s PTSD in a gentle way.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this inspirational series.

Pub Date 28 Jun 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

Close up rear view of man walking with bare feet on the beach

About The Author

Publisher’s Weekly Best Selling Author Belle Calhoune was born and raised in Massachusetts, one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library fed her hunger for books, particularly romance novels and mysteries. A member of the RWA (Romance Writers of America) Honor Roll, Belle has written over 40 books. Her novel, An Alaskan Christmas, has been made into a television movie by Brain Power Studios, to be featured on UPtv in October of 2019.

Thank you for visiting on this beautiful day today.

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First Line Friday-A Good Dog’s Guide To Murder

Happy Friday & welcome to First Line Friday hosted by Reading Is My SuperPower It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today, I’m featuring the first line of A Good Dog’s Guide to Murder (A Paws & Claws Mystery Book 8)

And The First Line is………….

“Mom?” I was busy helping our desk clerk Zelda York handle a steady stream of arrivals at the Sugar Maple Inn when I looked up and saw my mother, Nell.

About the Book

The great Gingerbread Dog & Cat House competition has come to Wagtail, along with another murder to solve for Holly and her supersmart Jack Russell terrier Trixie in the New York Times bestselling Paws & Claws series by Krista Davis!

Visitors are arriving in droves to spend Thanksgiving in the mountains of pet-friendly Wagtail, Virginia. Many of them are bringing dog and cat gingerbread houses to enter in the contest that will be held in the new convention center. Wagtail resident Orly Biffle bequeathed the land to the town in his will, provided that they not cut down the grand old oak tree on the property. Orly’s children are mighty miffed that they didn’t inherit the prime piece of property overlooking the lake.
 
Holly notices that Trixie and Twinkletoes, her calico kitty, are fixated on the big oak tree. Trixie barks at it as though she thinks it’s a corpse! Just as contestants are spicing up their sweet gingerbread creations, the majestic tree drops an enormous limb. The mayor declares that the tree is dangerous and must come down. When a bulldozer churns up some roots, the tree falls over on its own accord revealing a body inside the trunk! Initially, everyone suspects this unsavory trick was Orly’s doing. But it soon becomes clear that someone is trying to keep the truth under wraps. Trixie and Twinkletoes now have to help Holly sniff out some suspects and leash a conniving killer.

Grab A Copy Here

Releasing Sep 6,22 Berkley Publishers 284 pages

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