Bad Tourists by Caro Carver

Three tight-knit friends embark on an extravagant divorce trip to the Maldives where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife—until they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.

Best friends Darcy, Camilla, and Kate escape for a post-divorce retreat in the Maldives, the perfect place to relax, reset, and embrace a fresh start in life. Darcy is learning how to be a free woman at forty-two. Camilla has found the perfect calling as a fitness and wellness influencer with a devoted following. And Kate is finally working on the book she was meant to write after years of telling other people’s stories.

Their dream getaway? The exclusive and isolated Sapphire Island Resort. With luxurious private villas, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched white sand beaches, relaxation is guaranteed. But this is no ordinary friendship, and they’re not the only guests on the island with secrets. Who left the body on the beach—and who’s next?

A propulsive and deliciously dark tale about female friendship, loyalty, and lies, Bad Tourists is a white-hot thriller from the first page to its mind-blowing finish.

 

 

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Avid Reader Press (S&S)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Lesley Sharp

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Darcy takes her friends Camilla and Kate to the Maldives to celebrate her divorce. The tropical paradise of the Maldives is a great location for a thriller, but the story actually starts in the past with a brutal but intriguing crime that happened the day before 9/11. I knew once I was a few pages in that I was going to love this book and I was right.

Bad Tourists is told not only from the point of view of the three women but also from other characters, including Darcy’s 12-year-old son and a young woman the ladies befriend who is on her honeymoon. You’d think a story in such a lovely location would mean good times but there is danger, secrets, and violence set against the backdrop of a natural paradise. There was never a dull moment. Something was always happening.

I loved the way the story was told, both in the past and the present and from multiple points of view. It kept me guessing as the story twisted and turned, and the tension increased until we reached a violent crescendo. Bad Tourists was thoroughly entertaining and engrossing. If you are after a great mystery and thriller, I’d definitely recommend Bad Tourists.

 

 

CARO CARVER lives in Scotland with her husband and four children. She is Reader in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, teaches for the Faber Academy and the Curtis Brown Academy, and regularly speaks on panels and hosts events on writing. Caro is happiest when traveling and takes inspiration from her travels to write her books. Bad Tourists is her first book written under the pseudonym of Caro Carver. She is also published as C.J. Cooke for her gothic thrillers.

Connect with Caro Carver!

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ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Bad Tourists by Caro Carver to read and review.

The Burning by Linda Castillo

Chief of Police Kate Burkholder investigates a gruesome murder that reveals a little-known chapter of early Amish history in this next riveting installment of the bestselling series by Linda Castillo.

Newlywed Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is awakened by an urgent midnight call summoning her to a suspicious fire in the woods. When she arrives at the scene, she discovers a charred body. According to the coroner, the deceased, an Amish man named Milan Swanz, was chained to a stake and burned alive. It is an appalling and eerily symbolic crime against an upstanding husband and father.

Kate knows all too well that the Amish prefer to handle their problems without interference from the outside world, and no one will speak about the murdered man. From what she’s able to piece together, Swanz led a deeply troubled life and had recently been excommunicated. But if that’s the case, why are the Amish so reluctant to talk about him? Are they protecting the memory of one of their own? Or are they afraid of something they dare not share?

When her own brother is implicated in the case, Kate finds herself not only at odds with the Amish, the world of which she was once a part, but also the English community and her counterparts in law enforcement. The investigation takes a violent turn when Kate’s life is threatened by a mysterious stranger.

To uncover the truth about the death of Milan Swanz, Kate must dive deep into the Anabaptist culture, peering into all the dark corners of its history, only to uncover a secret legacy that shatters everything she thought she knew about the Amish themselves—and her own roots.

 

 

Book 16
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Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Kathleen McInerney

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixteenth book in the series, but if you are a new fan, don't worry, there is enough contextualising that you will be able to enjoy the story, but may well think you need to invest some time in learning more about the life of lead protagonist Kate!

This book starts with a very gruesome crime, which sets off an investigation for Kate Burkholder and her new husband and long-time partner, Tomasetti. It brings in issues for her own Amish family, and also some very disturbing under the radar activity. She is convinced that this is not a one off and has to engage her whole team in the search for an answer.

This story gets personal for Kate and though she has her delicious, supportive, and understanding husband by her side, she still cannot help being somewhat reckless with her own safety. I had to (not literally) hide my head behind a cushion at times as she went into dangerous situations. I loved how that was dealt with and how maybe she will be a little more thoughtful in future... who knows!

A very intense and engaging storyline, and delicious moments of harmony in the face of crazy when she and Tomasetti get time to be together.

 

 

LINDA CASTILLO is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Kate Burkholder series, set in the world of the Amish. The first book, Sworn to Silence, was adapted into a Lifetime original movie titled An Amish Murder starring Neve Campbell as Kate Burkholder. Castillo is the recipient of numerous industry awards. In addition to writing, Castillo’s other passion is horses. She lives in Texas with her husband and is currently at work on her next book.

Connect with Linda Castillo!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Burning (Kate Burkholder #16) by Linda Castillo to read and review.

Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos

In the usually quiet high desert of Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck faces one of his greatest challenges—a series of unlikely, disturbing and increasingly deadly events of unknown origins.

Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, doing the same lawman's job his father once did now that he's returned home after decades away. With his twelve person department, they cover a large area that is usually very quiet, but not of late. One childhood friend is the latest to succumb to a new wave of particularly strong illegal opioids, another childhood friend—now an enormously successful rancher—is targeted by a military drone, hacked and commandeered by an unknown source. The hacker is apparently local—local enough to call out Beck by name—and that means they are Beck's problem.

Beck's investigation leads him to Mercy Vaughn, the one known hacker in the area. The problem is that she's a teenager, locked up with no computer access at the secure juvenile detention center. But there's something Mercy that doesn't sit quite right with Beck. But when Mercy disappears, Beck understands that she's in danger and time is running out for all of them.

 

 

Book 2
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Audiobook (US)
Narrated by James Babson

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Mystery
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Mercy is a teen who has found herself incarcerated for stealing millions of dollars. She is genius level smart, especially with computers, and when her knack for hacking becomes an issue, the U.S. Government will stop at nothing to prevent her from using her skills.

Beck is a small-town police officer. He knows the townspeople, has friends he grew up with, and now, has to track down drugs that are somehow killing his residents. As he tries to unravel the mystery behind where the drugs are coming from and who is behind it, Beck is thrust into the middle of a government operation that he knows smells off.

With the military sniffing around and some shifty characters entering his town, Beck will have to figure out if he can trust the fellow alphabet officers who've started to invade his town. Mercy will have to decide where her loyalties will fall. Mercy's life is staked high in this game of cat and mouse.

This was a good mystery. It was a little chaotic in the beginning, but I enjoyed watching the characters really learn to trust themselves and each other, even with the mystery behind what was going on, but overall, this was a fun read. I can't wait to see if she's in the next book.

 

 

BRUCE BORGOS lives and writes from the Nevada desert where he works hard every day to prove his high school guidance counselor had good instincts when he said “You’ll never be an astronaut.” He has a degree in political science which mostly served to dissuade him from a career in law while at the same time tormenting his wife with endless questions about how telephones work. When not writing, you can usually find him at the local wine store. He is the author of The Bitter Past.

Connect with Bruce Borgos!

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ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Shades of Mercy (Porter Beck Mysteries #2) by Bruce Borgos to read and review.

Hoodoo House by Peter E. Fenton Instagram Tour

How far would you be willing to go to keep a secret?

When writer Malcolm Tull is discovered dead at his writing desk, all signs point to suicide. But Malcolm' s editor isn't so sure. There' s the matter of the man' s missing computer, a mislaid manuscript and the fact that he didn't seem the type to take his own life.

Declan Hunt and Charlie Watts are called into action and make their way to the mysterious Hoodoo House nestled on the edge of the Badlands of Alberta. Soon they are embroiled in a case involving blackmail, gay tricks and possibly even murder.

As the secrets of Hoodoo House come to light, Charlie discovers that his boss has been keeping a few secrets of his own, secrets that could impact their romantic relationship outside of the office. And before this investigation is done, Charlie will have to get to the truth, even if it means this might be his final case for Declan Hunt Investigations.

Reader Advisory: This book contains instances of violence and blackmail, and the death of a minor character.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Declan Hunt Mysteries!
For book one, Mann Hunt, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Pride Publishing

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
When the writer who lives in residence at Hoodoo House dies in questionable circumstances, his editor hires Declan to find the author’s missing laptop containing a manuscript and potential blackmail material.

I was excited to read Hoodoo House to see how a potential romance between Charlie and Declan was going to play out, but it was the mystery at Hoodoo House and a very clever 13-year-old boy named Henry that stole the show. I was surprised by a few of the twists and turns in the mystery and every new revelation had me turning the pages to find out more.

I loved the scenes told from young Henry’s point of view – they were so engaging. It was fun watching his excitement in helping Charlie and Declan while revealing the history and secrets of Hoodoo House. There is a great scene where Henry is left on his own in the house for the first time and it was a blast watching a 13-year-old have a little fun and freedom and get into a little danger.

While working the case, I was happy to get to know more about Declan’s personal life and to see a little romance between him and Charlie, they make a great couple. Hoodoo House was a great story. I can’t wait to see where to next for this pair and to experience more Declan Hunt Mysteries.

 

 

PETER E. FENTON's first book, The Woodcarver's Model came out in April of 2022 and was a four time nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Awards.

His second book, Mann Hunt was released in August of 2023 and was also a nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Awards.

Mann Hunt is the first in the three part Declan Hunt Mysteries series, with the release of Hoodoo House adding a second book to the series. The final installment will come out in the summer of 2025, (all through Pride Publishing).

2024 will also see the release of his first teen romance novel, Not Not Normal, with Lorimer Publishing.

All of Peter's novels are proudly set in Canada and are filled with humour, heart and unforgettable characters.

Previous creative work was focused on writing for the stage, including award-winning productions of The Giant’s Garden, Newfoundland Mary, and Bemused which have played across Canada. His newest play, The Detective Disappears will tour in Canada in the fall of 2023.

Peter spent many years working in palaeontology in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

He currently lives in Toronto, Canada with his partner of more than twenty years.

Connect with Peter E. Fenton!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hoodoo House (The Declan Hunt Mysteries #2) by Peter E. Fenton to read and review.

Hoodoo House by Peter E. Fenton Spotlight

How far would you be willing to go to keep a secret?

When writer Malcolm Tull is discovered dead at his writing desk, all signs point to suicide. But Malcolm' s editor isn't so sure. There' s the matter of the man' s missing computer, a mislaid manuscript and the fact that he didn't seem the type to take his own life.

Declan Hunt and Charlie Watts are called into action and make their way to the mysterious Hoodoo House nestled on the edge of the Badlands of Alberta. Soon they are embroiled in a case involving blackmail, gay tricks and possibly even murder.

As the secrets of Hoodoo House come to light, Charlie discovers that his boss has been keeping a few secrets of his own, secrets that could impact their romantic relationship outside of the office. And before this investigation is done, Charlie will have to get to the truth, even if it means this might be his final case for Declan Hunt Investigations.

Reader Advisory: This book contains instances of violence and blackmail, and the death of a minor character.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Declan Hunt Mysteries!
For book one, Mann Hunt, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Pride Publishing

 

 

Henry often seemed wiser than a boy of his age. Although he was only her ward, she thought of him as the child she’d never had and due to their age difference, he had taken to calling her Gramma Carol.

She patted him on the shoulder. “Now, clear up your mess and set the table. Then you can go and tell Mr. Tull breakfast is ready.”

Henry quickly did as he was told.

Mrs. Cameron smiled as she looked around. The kitchen was her domain and nobody in Hoodoo House would dare to question anything she did here or, frankly, anywhere else on the property. She was the housekeeper, cook, scullery maid and holder of just about every other staff position one could imagine. She was as permanent a fixture in the building as the ancient stove or the kitchen’s large wooden prep table and she loved every scrap of wood and broken-down fixture in it…almost as much as she loved young Henry.

Writer Malcolm Tull, however…

An acrid smell hit her nostrils.

“Damn.”

She ran towards the oven. A cloud of smoke filled the air as she pulled out the tray of burnt baking.

“You damned fool,” she muttered to herself as she removed the biscuits and placed them on a cooling rack. She could scrape the char off the best ones and they’d be fine. The others she’d save for crumbling up for the chickens, or perhaps the centres could be used for stuffing. Either way, they would end up inside a chicken.

She checked the coffee perking in the pot and dabbed the fat off the freshly cooked bacon. She turned back towards the kitchen table and was startled to see Henry standing at the door, his eyes wide, his mouth open. It took him a moment to speak.

“There’s something wrong with Mr. Tull.”

“Well, what’s wrong?” she asked.

“He’s asleep on his desk and he’s lying in his own sick.”

Mrs. Cameron hurried to the writing room. Henry followed. She went to the desk and examined the prone man. She’d been around long enough to know when something wasn’t alive, but to be certain, she checked for a pulse—nothing.

“Henry, leave the room and don’t touch anything. And don’t come back in here.”

She scurried past the boy and headed back to the kitchen where she called the doctor… and the police.

 

 

PETER E. FENTON's first book, The Woodcarver's Model came out in April of 2022 and was a four time nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Awards.

His second book, Mann Hunt was released in August of 2023 and was also a nominee in the Goodreads M/M Romance Readers' Choice Awards.

Mann Hunt is the first in the three part Declan Hunt Mysteries series, with the release of Hoodoo House adding a second book to the series. The final installment will come out in the summer of 2025, (all through Pride Publishing).

2024 will also see the release of his first teen romance novel, Not Not Normal, with Lorimer Publishing.

All of Peter's novels are proudly set in Canada and are filled with humour, heart and unforgettable characters.

Previous creative work was focused on writing for the stage, including award-winning productions of The Giant’s Garden, Newfoundland Mary, and Bemused which have played across Canada. His newest play, The Detective Disappears will tour in Canada in the fall of 2023.

Peter spent many years working in palaeontology in remote locations including the Canadian Rockies, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

He currently lives in Toronto, Canada with his partner of more than twenty years.

Connect with Peter E. Fenton!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Hosted by

On Her Watch by Melinda Leigh

Sheriff Bree Taggert becomes a target when she follows the twisting trail of a serial killer in a bone-chilling novel of suspense by #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.

A pair of hikers find a tarp-wrapped body in a clearing in the woods. When a search in the surrounding area yields two more, Sheriff Bree Taggert knows they’ve stumbled onto a serial killer’s dumping ground.

With the help of investigator Matt Flynn, Bree works the case. They go to interview Jana, the best friend of one of the victims. But when they arrive at her apartment, it’s been ransacked and set on fire. And Jana is missing.

It’s clear the killer is escalating. To make matters worse, he threatens Bree’s family and a young mother vanishes. Will Bree and Matt uncover the link between the victims before more women die?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Bree Taggert series:
For book one, Cross Her Heart, click HERE.
For book two, See Her Die, click HERE.
For book three, Drown Her Sorrows, click HERE.
For book four, Right Behind Her, click HERE.
For book five, Dead Against Her, click HERE.
For book six, Lie to Her, click HERE.
For book seven, Catch Her Death, click HERE.

 

 

Book 8
Buy Links

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Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Christina Traister
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the eighth book in this series, and I have enjoyed them all. Bree is such an amazing survivor of her past and such an inspiration in her determination to right wrongs for her new family as well as for the community she lives in. Matt, her partner both in life and investigations, is once again also a key figure. I love that he respects her and her decisions.

Rain, dullness, and the sadness of a town in the grips of a serial killer do not put out the light that is provided by the ever vigilant and successful Sheriff Bree Taggert. Her newly made team of work colleagues is determined to ensure that life can be lived safely under their watch. It is very clever how the author continues to use the crimes of the past to lead to the troubles of today. Her newly made family draws closer as they face danger, and Matt's parents step up and again show Bree how it is okay to rely on and trust in others.

If you enjoy clever plotting, interesting individuals, and plenty of tension, then this book will give you a great read. If you are also invested in Bree and Matt and their family, then you will have plenty of heartwarming moments, as things get serious. I am already looking forward to the next installment!


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Bree is at it again. With women disappearing around them, it's up to Bree, her family, and her town to find those responsible.

This book contains family life, twists and turns you'll never see coming, and suspense that keeps you wanting to turn the pages.

I love this series and can't wait for more. The characters are complex without being overdone and the story is catching and engaging.

I really enjoy Leigh's ability to write twisted characters right alongside compassionate ones. It's a gift Leigh has, and you won't be disappointed!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is one series that I can't put down. I re-read the entire series before I started this book and fell in love with characters all over again.

Sheriff Bree Taggert didn't ask to be sheriff, thankless job that it is, however, she knows staying in town and helping to raise her sister's children is the best thing for her family. Mending fences, strengthening bonds, and falling in love makes Grey's Hollow more like home than it ever had been.

Since becoming sheriff, Bree and her boyfriend/investigator, Matt Flynn, have seen way more active investigations than she thought possible in this small town in New York. And today brings one more investigation that seemingly puts her and her family in a killer's path once again.

Determined to find those who have been murdering women, Bree and Matt start following the leads that seems to lead back to her family’s old home. When a body is found there, Bree can't help but wonder what exactly happened the night her father died.

Bree's determined to face the past and the truths it held in secret for so long. Will the past continue to haunt the future or will the serial killer succeed in stopping Bree's investigation for good?

Only time will tell...


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
From the moment three bodies were discovered by hikers in the woods, I was hooked. The story is perfectly paced, and I enthusiastically followed along as Bree and Matt investigated, eager for the next clue. The author did a great job of keeping me in the moment and stopping my mind from running ahead to solve the mystery. This meant I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns as they happened.

Among the action and the mystery we get glimpses of Bree and Matt’s romance and their home life as Bree raises her sister’s children. I really enjoyed this small amount of happiness in the middle of a frantic and dangerous murder investigation.

On Her Watch was an engaging mystery with a heart stopping climax. This is the eighth book in the Bree Taggert series, and I haven’t read all eight books, but you won’t need to have to enjoy this latest addition to the series. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, I’d definitely recommend On Her Watch and the whole series.

 

 

MELINDA LEIGH is a #1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author. Her books have sold over 14 million copies, and she has garnered numerous publishing awards, including nominations for an International Thriller Award and two RITAs. A martial artist and animal lover, Melinda lives in Florida with her family and a small herd of rescue pets.

Connect with Melinda Leigh!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of On Her Watch (Bree Taggert #8) by Melinda Leigh to read and review.

Wilde for You by Jennifer Ryan

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan’s page-turning Dark Horse Dive Bar series continues with this story of love lost... and found… as a widow seeking to heal her heart crosses paths with a rancher/bartender who offers her a taste of adventure.

Welcome to the Dark Horse Dive Bar, where the Wildes throw one hell of a party and love could be a barstool away!

Landscape artist, Layla Brock, knows what it feels like to love someone so completely you’d do anything for them—even take their secrets to the grave. Widowed after her husband’s betrayals and tragic death, Layla is searching for a new scene to paint, a new life to live. And Wyoming feels like the perfect place to get lost and find herself again.

Jax Wilde runs the family ranch, but has a few side hustles: wrangling his sisters, covering shifts at the Dark Horse Dive Bar, and renting out cabins to tourists looking for the ranch experience. His busy schedule, plus a bad breakup, equals no personal life. And then she showed up. And the woman he thought he had nothing in common with turned out to be his perfect match.

Layla knows what it feels like to lose everything. Jax is a man who wants it all—a wife, children, a life filled with happy memories. It’s a beautiful picture of a life Layla thought she’d had but turned out to be a lie. This could be her second chance…

Until her secrets begin to unravel and a new threat is revealed. There’s one difference this time: she has Jax Wilde on her side…

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Dark Horse Dive Bar series!
For book one, Wilde Love, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)
Avon (HarperCollins)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Lynn Barrington

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and I loved it!

The moment Jax and Layla see each other, they are smitten, and somehow the filter is off and they tell each other how they feel – completely out of character for both of them, but they just can't help it... such fun and original when most books thrive on lack of communication.

That is not to say that they don't have issues from their past relationships, and struggle to trust, but they both recognise that this is special and so are patient with each other and affirm their attraction and constancy.

I found Layla's artist's eye a refreshing way for us to imagine Wyoming, and the beauty around her; this is undoubtedly down to the talent of the author, that this is so vivid and compelling. I liked the touch about not being her work until she signs it, and that happens only as she is about to deliver the work. It was such a strong contrast to Jax's world of running a working and holiday ranch and a lively bar with his family.

This was a really good story with lots of layers, with a passionate romance for a super hot and sexy couple at the middle of it.

 

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author JENNIFER RYAN writes suspenseful contemporary romances about everyday people who do extraordinary things. Her deeply emotional love stories are filled with high stakes and higher drama, love, family, friendship, and the happily-ever-after we all hope to find.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

Connect with Jennifer Ryan!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Wilde for You (Dark Horse Dive Bar #2) by Jennifer Ryan to read and review.

At the River by Kendra Elliot

The mystery of three missing teens and a traumatizing murder unearths decades of buried secrets in a shocking novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author.

Twenty years ago, five teenage campers disappeared. Two eventually turned up, bound and left for dead on the Columbia River’s rocky shore. Only Devin Bonner miraculously survived, but with no memories of what happened in the Oregon forest.

After decades, the cold case generates heat for FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick and her husband, Police Chief Truman Daly. They’re investigating the murder of a true-crime podcaster found at the river’s edge in the same location, and with the exact same manner of death. With the discovery, Devin’s nightmares return. His only real friend is Ollie Smith, Truman’s orphaned ward, whose own search for the truth sucks Ollie into a mystery far greater and more dangerous than anyone imagined.

Following a trail of fresh blood and an escalating series of murders, Mercy and Truman must work fast to unlock whatever traumas are buried in Devin’s memories before the secrets of the past claim another victim.

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in the Columbia River series!
For book one, The Last Sister, click HERE.
For book two, The Silence, click HERE.
For book three, In the Pines, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Teri Schnaubelt & Shaun Taylor-Corbett
Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Mystery

I really enjoy these Mercy Kilpatrick books. They are intriguing and engaging.

This one is a mystery of the past and present. The story does start a little slow, but I loved how Elliot was able to pull it all together.

Ollie is older now and helps with tracking due to his unique skills. Mercy is still doing her FBI thing and then there is Truman, the local sheriff and Mercy's husband.

Together, their small town is rocked to the core with murders and past murders that have become relevant again. Kids who were murdered and went missing, a blogger who wants to know the truth, and a community that might not be okay with what truths are out there. This is a twisted tale of betrayal, love, friendship, and family.

I loved this story. It did take me a little bit to get into it, but once you're sucked in, you're in to the end. You won't be disappointed in this story. It's gripping. I can't wait for more.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Kendra Elliot has once again brought mystery to life in the eighth installment of the Mercy Kilpatrick series.

Mercy has been called out to help work a grisly scene where a podcaster has been discovered missing by his wife and the cabin they are renting is full of blood. Miles away, a body has been found in the exact location where two people were found almost 20 years ago. Both of the teens were left for dead, but one miraculously survived but with cognitive deficits.

Are the two crimes related?

Mercy finds out that the podcaster was once a high school classmate of the two teenagers and has come to town to investigate the disappearance of the five teenagers from that fateful camping trip almost 20 years ago. Was he getting too close and that's what lead to this death?

As more and more details come to light, it's clear that the disappearance of the five teens is more than just a urban myth of kids running off to the big city never to be heard from again.

Join Mercy and Truman as they navigate two interwoven crimes and in the strange and odd way it affects their family.

 

 

KENDRA ELLIOT has landed on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list multiple times and is the award-winning author of the Bone Secrets and Callahan & McLane series, the Mercy Kilpatrick novels, and the Columbia River novels. She’s a three-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award, an International Thriller Writers Award finalist, and an RT Award finalist. She has always been a voracious reader, cutting her teeth on classic female heroines such as Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Laura Ingalls. She was born and raised in the rainy Pacific Northwest but now lives in flip-flops.

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ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of At the River (Columbia River #5; Mercy Kilpatrick #8) by Kendra Elliot to read and review.