Review: Deep Tide by Laura Griffin

An undercover FBI agent and a coffee shop owner who values her independence must team up when a local barista is found dead in their coastal Texas town in this new romantic thriller from New York Times bestselling author Laura Griffin.

DEEP TIDE by Laura Griffin

Series: The Texas Murder Files #4

Publication date: April 26, 2023

Published by: Berkley

Genre: murder mystery, romance

 

SYNOPSIS

With two brothers on the police force, Leyla Breda is well aware of the rising crime in her small beach town, but she never expected it to show up on her doorstep. When Leyla finds one of her employees murdered in the alley behind her coffee shop, she's deeply shaken, and as a new law enforcement officer in town begins to circle her place of business, her instincts only sharpen.

Sean Moran is on an undercover assignment. The seaside community of Lost Beach may look like a picturesque postcard, but his team suspects it's a point of intersection for several crime syndicates that the FBI has been investigating for years. Even so, when the brash and beautiful Leyla Breda starts bossing him around, he's immediately intrigued. He knows her brothers want him to back off, but every time he sees her, he feels more of a spark.

Leyla's connections in the local community and Sean's skills allow them to go deeper into the case together than they would be able to go alone. But when a single crime spirals into something much darker, Sean's carefully planned mission takes a deadly turn.

Purchase your copy now!

Amazon |  B&N | Google

Praise for Deep Tide:

“Wow! Laura Griffin is quite simply one of the best romantic thriller writers out there.”-New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards 

“This page-turning romantic thriller hooked me on page one and held me to the end.  A must read.”--

"Yet another winner for Laura Griffin. Vanishing Hour has everything I love in a book--a gripping mystery, sizzling chemistry, plenty of action--and a dog!"-Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author 

“Cold cases, romance, and several search-and-rescue missions combine in a riveting novel for fans of Paula Munier, Margaret Mizushima, and Jeffrey B. Burton.”—Library Journal on Vanishing Hour (starred review)

"I love smart, sophisticated, fast-moving romantic thrillers and Laura Griffin writes them brilliantly.  Last Seen Alone is a terrific example of her signature style: intriguing characters, sharp dialogue and a tight, well-researched plot."-New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz

“A pulse-pounding romantic thriller… off-the-charts chemistry… Griffin skillfully juggles suspense and romance right up until the adrenaline-fueled final page.”-Publishers Weekly

"Gritty, imaginative, sexy! You must read Laura Griffin."-New York Times bestselling author Cindy Gerard

"Top-notch romantic suspense! Fast pace, tight plotting, terrific mystery, sharp dialogue, fabulous characters."-New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan

"A gripping, white-knuckle read. You won't be able to put it down."-New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak

"An emotional, exciting page-turner. Griffin deftly balances the mystery and the love story."-The Washington Post

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel. 

Follow her:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

REVIEW

Deep Tide by Laura Griffin
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars


I decided to try Deep Tide because I wanted to branch out a little and read something outside my norm. I do not typically gravitate towards murder mysteries, however, the romance element of the synopsis intrigued me. I was feeling adventurous. One FBI agent, a (seemingly) tough heroine, and overprotective/disapproving cop brothers all seemed to hint at the possibility of strong emotional conflicts. I'm a romance reader at heart, so if there is going to be romance in the story, whether it's forefront or background, I'm going to need it to be well-developed. Unfortunately, I came away from the book feeling let down in that area.

I honestly didn't understand Sean's intense draw to Leyla. The synopsis describes her as brash which is defined as: self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way. That's pretty on point. She could be rude at times, distant with her loved ones, and DEFINITELY overbearing. She's the kind of woman who seems to push down her emotions and push those away who try to help or show concern. When she first meets Sean at her brother's wedding, she brushes him off because she perceives him to be a temporary visitor to town just looking for casual fun. Admittedly, she was justified for her concerns. His time there was just temporary until the end of his case. Only, she comes off on page somewhat cold and closed off, so I didn't get why Sean couldn't resist her. They don't spend a ton of time around each other because he is consumed with his undercover work. There aren't any heart-to-hearts or deep, getting to know one another conversations. Leyla was not feeling relatable or endearing to me, but I pushed on.

Sean Moran is in town trying to get information on Luc Gagnon, a tech mogul suspected of ties to the Saledo crime family. When one of Leyla's employees is murdered at her coffee shop, he quickly suspects that the two investigations are somehow connected. He teams up with the lead detective, Nicole Lawson to try to get to the bottom of it. Their investigation did finally pull me in a little bit as it alternated between Nicole and Sean's work tracking down leads.

I was trying to ignore my disconnect with Leyla throughout the book, but there was one point in particular that really bothered me. Not only did she keep trying to pressure information out of Sean about what he was doing there (even after learning he was FBI and on a case), she snooped in his research when he left the room and discovered the man he was investigating. She then proceeds to solicit catering work from the man's secretary KNOWING that he is a seriously dangerous man who could have played a part in the murder of her employee. When Sean is shocked and angered that she is considering taking a job at the man's house, she gets defensive and rude. She's not a trained professional and she wants to go to the man's home for the purpose of digging up information?? This did not make sense to me at all, as a sister of two cops she should know about case confidentiality and leaving the investigation to professionals. Of course, her going there and snooping led to very bad things and she never owns up to her recklessness. Never apologizes to him, and he never even holds her accountable for her immature actions. After that point, she bothered me so much in her actions and personality that I found it really hard to care about her.

I should have felt some emotion towards the romance, but I felt that that aspect was underdeveloped compared to the murder mystery plot line. Even the relationships in general were glossed over-like the fact that her brother didn't like Sean and advised her to stay away from him. He said it was partly because he was working on a dangerous case, but it was more than that. Something about Sean personally bothered her brother but he didn't elaborate. Then it was never talked about again until the end when Miranda basically shrugged and told her in a blasé way that he was over that, but not sure why. There was not much time spent on the connections and feelings of the characters which made them fall flat. Also, without going into detail, the investigation ended in a very unsatisfactory way for me. Maybe it was more realistic that way, but it was frustrating. Not every book is a big winner and that's fine. Overall, I think maybe this author's writing style didn't mesh with my reading taste because it was just okay.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: 

View all my reviews

Read More

Review: A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones

The blockbuster conclusion to the bestselling Sunshine Vicram trilogy

A HARD DAY FOR A HANGOVER by DARYNDA JONES

Series: Sunshine Vicram #3

Publication date: December 6, 2022

Published by: St. Martins Press

Genre: mystery, romance, suspense

 

SYNOPSIS

Some people greet the day with open arms. Sheriff Sunshine Vicram would rather give it a hearty shove and get back into bed, because there’s just too much going on right now. There’s a series of women going missing, and Sunny feels powerless to stop it. There’s her persistent and awesomely-rebellious daughter Auri, who’s out to singlehandedly become Del Sol’s youngest and fiercest investigator. And then there’s drama with Levi Ravinder—the guy she’s loved and lusted after for years. The guy who might just be her one and only. The guy who comes from a family of disingenuous vipers looking to oust him—and Sunshine—for good.

Like we said, the new day can take a hike.

Purchase your copy now!

Amazon |  B&N | iBooks

Praise for Darynda Jones:

(A Good Day for Chardonnay)

Entertaining...fans of zanier mysteries will welcome Sunshine's further adventures. - Publishers Weekly on A Good Day for Chardonnay

A hilarious amalgam of mystery, hot sex, and comedy of errors. Can't wait for the next episode. - Kirkus starred review

(A Bad Day for Sunshine)

Provides plenty of action. Recommended for fans of Linda Castillo and J.A. Jance. - Library Journal

Jones has a real talent for balancing suspense with laugh-out-loud humor, never losing the tension from either. - BookPage

A Bad Day For Sunshine is a great day for the rest of us - captivating characters, great writing, pace, humor and suspense. - Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author

Fans of Jones' bestselling Charley Davidson series and Janet Evanovich's romps will devour this steamy series launch, which introduces both an irresistible pair crime-busting Gilmore Girls and a quirky, mysterious setting." - Booklist

Compelling characters and a sexy, angst-filled bunch of mysteries add up to a winning series debut. - Kirkus

A Bad Day for Sunshine is everything you want from Darynda Jones ... and more! Laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful, page-turning fun with a sassy new heroine you will love. Prepare to be hooked by this witty, sexy, and thrilling new series from one of my favorite authors!" - Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author

"Swoon-worthy heroes, quirky characters, and a page turning mystery. Move over Stephanie Plum, Sunshine Vicram has arrived. Prepare yourself. This book is a keeper!" -New York Times Bestselling Author Christie Craig

Darynda Jones has done it again. With trademark humor, eccentric yet relatable characters, and masterful storytelling, she takes us on a journey we don't want to end. A Bad Day for Sunshine is a great day for readers! -#1 Bestselling Author Tracy Brogan

"Smart, sexy, and outrageously funny. Jones masterfully balances heartwarming comedy and bone chilling suspense." Marina Adair, #1 National bestselling author of Summer in Napa

"From the creative genius who brought you Charley Davidson comes your newest obsession: Sunshine Vicram. Mother. Sheriff. Warden of weird." - New York Times Bestselling Author Susan Donovan

Darynda Jones is always on my MUST READ list! No one can pull you into a book like she can!" - New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Donna Grant

All the snarky humor and engaging writing you've come to expect from master storyteller Darynda Jones. I would read her if she scribbled on a napkin. Luckily, her new story has more than just lipstick and a number. Prepare to get sucked in. Her writing is like a vortex; you can't get out until you're done and sobbing for more.- New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Eve Langlais

A new town, new characters to become friends with, same snort-in-public humor . . . you're going to love this story!" - Award Winning Author Laura Drake

A Bad Day for Sunshine is deliciously witty, fast paced and filled with laugh-out-loud dialogue. Darynda Jones knocks it out of the park with this delightful new series!" - Robyn Peterman, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Darynda delivers again! A Bad Day for Sunshine tugs at your heartstrings and tickles your funny bone. From gut-wrenching heartbreak to full-abdominal belly laughs, Sunshine is a literary workout for your core. Another unique read from a stellar storyteller!" -Diane Kelly, Award Winning Author of Hilarious Mysteries

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Follow her:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

REVIEW

A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

   Someone had been attacking girls on her watch. 

That was their first mistake. 

Their second was to think they could get away with it.

What a crazy ride the Sunshine Vicram books have been! There are very few series that hook me so deeply and keep me craving more like this one has. Typically, my attention starts to wander a little bit after the first book, but in this case, the anticipation has only grown tenfold. Once again, thanks to my book bestie Astrid for encouraging me to read outside of my comfort zone and try a genre that I didn't think I could love. Mysteries are my least favorite books, but she assured me that if anyone could convert me it was Darynda Jones. If you need a little push like I did to try something different, here's my friendly advice: think outside your reading box and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Darynda Jones has such a sharp, acerbic sense of humor that brings such life into her characters. Sunshine was absolutely hilarious. Even in the more tense, suspenseful moments, she was running her sarcastic mouth and making me laugh. That element has been consistent throughout all three books which really made the series a winner for me. Sun always has a million and one tasks on her agenda for the day and torn in so many directions you often wonder how she juggles it all with so much confidence. She's a no nonsense, suck it up and get it done type of woman who would do anything at all to keep her family and town safe. Not only will I miss her and her smart mouth, I will miss her best friend Quincy, her daughter Auri, and her kooky parents. Even the oddballs around town had so much personality and character that it's sad to see them go too. (Except maybe the town flasher, Doug.) I don't think anyone wants to see *ahem* quite so much of him.

In A Hard Day for a Hangover, we take off right where we left off in book two. (**Please be aware that books one and two end in cliffhangers, so if you haven't read the series yet, you may want to hold off on reading my review as there will be plot spoilers ahead for the previous books.**) Sunshine and Levi were finally just starting to communicate and make headway with all of their secrets and issues. Sun had come clean and...BAM!...book abruptly ends. Unfortunately, Levi left before they could fully work everything out as it was a lot to process, and Sunshine drowned her sorrows with tequila. Hungover is not a state you want to be in when you're in charge of keeping Del Sol safe. Not to mention, daughter is prone to getting herself in one dangerous situation after another, and she's as stubborn as she is impulsive.

The mystery in this book revolves around teenage girls getting attacked. There is also a bit of a suspense element from Levi's being in danger from his Uncle Clay's plot against his life. Sunshine is determined to keep the man she loves safe-not only for herself, but for Auri as well. There is also flasher Doug's stabbing, and Mrs. Fairborn's break-in, but these are minor conflicts adding a bit of action to the plot. The girls getting attacked is the most urgent mystery to be solved and both Auri and Sunshine work to find clues in order to piece the puzzle together. Sunshine tries to warn her daughter away from questioning people, but eventually she realizes that she can help her in a small capacity and they end up making quite a symbiotic team. Auri may be a bit reckless, but she's as smart as a whip and genuinely helps her mom with fantastic leads she may have not otherwise found. Typically her boyfriend Cruz would be right at her side watching over her, but after the events in book two, he's at Quincy's most of the time as he heals physically and mentally. I have to say, I missed seeing his strong presence as it was in the first two books. We still saw him, but not as heavily. They make the sweetest young couple and I always enjoy their POV scenes together.

      Sun was so hyperaware of every aspect of Levi Ravinder—

his nearness, the heat wafting off him, the darkness lying 

just beneath the glint of humor in his eyes—

it was a wonder she could think straight at all.

I've been impatiently waiting for the romance aspect of the series to finally resolve itself. There was another mystery surrounding Auri's conception, how much Levi knew about Sun's kidnapping, and the reasons the never spoke after she left town years ago. So many misconceptions, things left unsaid, and hard feelings that never came out into the open. Sun and Levi just silently pine and brood over what could have been. You are almost desperate for them to share their true feelings and maybe, hopefully, be the family they should have been. There was a glimmer of hope in the previous book, but then things are left hanging for well into this story-around 60% or so. I will say, I got a little bit impatient as the story wore on and Levi was in the wind, nowhere to be found. I'm sure non-romance readers won't be bothered by it, but I was hoping for more interactions a little bit sooner.

There were several things that were left unresolved in the plot overall after book two, so I was wondering if everything would conclude neatly without any plot holes. I'm happy to say that all questions were answered here, even the question over whether Sun's father had ever been to prison. It was a bit of a running joke throughout the series as Sun would try to guess or trip him up into admitting something to her. All in all, I came away from this conclusion a very happy reader and can't recommend the Sunshine Vicram books enough. My only reason for taking a star off of my rating was because the mysteries didn't interest me as much in this one and I felt a little impatient reading through them. I think that was partly because I was waiting so eagerly for Sunshine and Levi's story arc to resolve, and partly because the mystery didn't feel as complex or intriguing as the previous one. However, I was very happy with how everything wrapped up and it was more than a little bittersweet to say goodbye to the residents of Del Sol. Once again, I can't recommend these enough if you're looking for something to keep you laughing out loud, and turning the pages late into the night. Maybe if we're lucky there will be a spin-off series somewhere in the future. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and maybe Ms. Jones will have mercy on us all.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

View all my reviews

Read More

Blog Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway: Mrs. Rochester's Ghost by Lindsay Marcott

In a modern and twisty retelling of Jane Eyre, a young woman must question everything she thinks she knows about love, loyalty, and murder.

MRS ROCHESTER'S GHOST

by LINDSAY MARCOTT

Series: Standalone

Publication date: August 1, 2021

Published by: Thomas and Mercer/Amazon

Genre: mystery, suspense

 

SYNOPSIS

Jane has lost everything: job, mother, relationship, even her home. A friend calls to offer an unusual deal—a cottage above the crashing surf of Big Sur on the estate of his employer, Evan Rochester. In return, Jane will tutor his teenage daughter. She accepts.

But nothing is quite as it seems at the Rochester estate. Though he’s been accused of murdering his glamorous and troubled wife, Evan Rochester insists she drowned herself. Jane is skeptical, but she still finds herself falling for the brilliant and secretive entrepreneur and growing close to his daughter.

And yet her deepening feelings for Evan can’t disguise dark suspicions aroused when a ghostly presence repeatedly appears in the night’s mist and fog. Jane embarks on an intense search for answers and uncovers evidence that soon puts Evan’s innocence into question. She’s determined to discover what really happened that fateful night, but what will the truth cost her?

Purchase your copy now!

Amazon | B&N 

Excerpt

The fog streamed in white scarves and pennants, with a bright half moon playing hide-and-seek among them. I walked briskly down the asphalt drive, Pilot racing figure eights around me. We cut across switchbacks toward the highway. I kept to the gravel shoulder as the grade descended.

A pair of headlights glowered in the mist, then swept swiftly by. 

The highway continued to dip. Pilot romped ahead and disappeared from my sight around a curve. 

“Pilot!” I heard him barking but couldn’t see him. I quickened my steps. 

I found myself in the middle of a dense cloud. Fog gathered in the depression in the road. 

“Pilot?” I yelled again. “Where are you?” 

Excited yapping. But he was a ghost dog. 

The roar of a motorcycle echoed from around the far side of the bend. Through the blanketing cloud, I caught a glimpse of the poodle trotting onto the road. 

“Pilot, get back here!” I screamed. 

The motorcycle’s headlamp glowed dimly as it appeared on the near side of the bend. Pilot barked with sudden frenzy. The headlamp veered crazily. Pilot darted off the road into the underbrush. A sickening sound of tires skidding out of control on gravel. A shout. 

With horror, I watched motorcycle and rider slam down onto the gravel shoulder. 

I ran toward the rider. He was sprawled crookedly next to the bike, but his limbs, encased in black leather and jeans, were moving stiffly. Alive, at least. With a groan, he hoisted himself up onto his elbows.

“Are you okay?” I shined my flashlight on him. He whipped his head. “What the hell are you?” 

“Just a person,” I said quickly. 

He yanked his goggles down. “For Chrissake. I meant who are you? What are you doing here?” 

“Taking a walk.” 

“What kind of lunatic goes out for a walk in this kind of fog?” 

“Maybe the same kind of lunatic who drives way too fast in it.” 

“You call that fast? Christ.” He gingerly gathered himself into a sitting position, then flexed his feet in the heavy boots experimentally. He took off his helmet and shook out a head of rough black curls. A week’s tangle of rough salt-and-pepper beard nearly obscured a wide mouth. The prominent nose might be called stately on a more good-natured face. “What the hell was that creature in the middle of the road?” 

“A dog.” 

“A dog?” 

“A standard poodle. Unclipped.” 

He put the helmet back on, then pulled a cell phone from his jacket and squinted at the screen. “Nothing,” he muttered. 

“The reception’s kind of iffy around here.”

He flung out an arm. “Help me up, okay?” 

I approached him tentatively. He was over six feet and powerfully built. About twice my weight, I guessed. “I’m not sure I can pull you.” 

“Yeah, you probably can’t. Stoop down a little.” 

God, he’s rude. I did, and he draped his arm around my shoulder, transferring his weight. My knees buckled a little but didn’t give. He began to stand, crumpled slightly, then got his balance and pulled himself up straight. 

I suddenly became aware of his intense physicality. The power of his arm and shoulder against my body, the taut spring of the muscles in his chest. As if he sensed what I was feeling, he shook off my support and stood on his own feet.

“At least you can put weight on your feet,” I said. “That’s a good sign.” 

“Are you a medical professional?” 

“No.” 

“Then your opinion doesn’t count for much at the moment.” 

Go to hell, was on the tip of my tongue. But the fog’s chill was making me sniffle. It seemed absurd to attempt a stinging retort with a dripping nose. I swiped it surreptitiously with the sleeve of my jacket. 

He walked, limping slightly, to the Harley. “This thing’s supposed to take a corner. That’s the main reason I bought it!” He gave the seat a savage kick. Then he hopped on his nonkicking boot and shook a fist as if in defiance of some bully of a god who particularly had it in for him. 

I laughed. 

He whirled on me. My laughter froze. The look of fury on his face sent a thrill of alarm through me. I edged backward; I felt at that moment he could murder me without compunction and leave my corpse to be devoured by coyotes and bobcats.

But then, to my astonishment, he grinned. “You’re right. I look like an ass.” 

Pilot suddenly came crashing out of the underbrush.

“Is that your mutt?” 

“Yes. Though, actually, not mine. He’s a recent addition at the place I’m staying.” 

He stared at me, a thought dawning. I forced myself to stare back: deep-set eyes, dark as ink. I was about to introduce myself, but he yanked the goggles back over his eyes and stooped to the handlebar of the bike. “Help me get this up. Grab the other bar. You pull and I’ll push.” 

“It’s too heavy.” 

“I’ll do the heavy lifting. Just do what you can.” 

Obstinately, I didn’t move. 

“Please,” he added. He made the word sound like an obscenity. 

I took a grudging step forward and grabbed hold of the handlebar with both hands. I tugged it toward me as he lifted his side with a grunt. The bike slowly rose upright. 

“Hold it steady,” he said. 

It felt like it weighed several tons—it took every ounce of my strength to keep my side up as he straddled the seat. He grasped both bars. Engaged the clutch, cursing in pain as he stomped on the pedal. He glanced at me briefly. 

And then, sending up a heavy spray of gravel, the Harley roared off into the enveloping fog.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Rochester!” I shouted into the deepening gloom.

***

Feature: Jane Eyre for the Modern Age with Lindsay Marcott 

 

What is it about Jane Eyre that has made it a blockbuster for over a hundred and seventy years? The breathtaking writing, yes. The gripping plot: part Gothic romance, part coming-of-age story. The swooning romance between a rich man and a poor orphan, and the shock of the mad wife secreted in an attic.

But I think most of all it’s the voice of Jane herself: a young woman with an extraordinary sense of her own worth and independence. A voice that was revolutionary in 1847 when Charlotte Brontë published it. At the time, women had little say outside family and home. Their career opportunities outside of marriage were limited to underpaid servants and schoolteachers. Female characters in early Victorian novels were usually portrayed as either sugary too-good-to-be-true angels or fallen women seeking repentance.

Jane is neither. She’s constricted by the society she lives in--she needs to keep a stifling job as a governess or else starve to death—but she makes it clear she’d rather starve than sacrifice her will or stifle her intelligence. As a child, she has a temper and a will, even though she’s punished harshly for it. Later, when her employer, Mr. Rochester, grills her, she responds with strong opinions and engages in spirited debates. And when he tempts her to go live in sin with him in Europe, she escapes through the only means available to her—by running off to the surrounding moors, though it probably means she will die in those wilds. And she will not return to him until she learns he has fundamentally changed, and she can now love him passionately and physically without compromising her true self.

I believe it’s this will and independence of Jane’s that keep modern readers coming back for more (not to mention that throbbing romance!), and these are the same elements that inspire continual adaptations of the story. I had long dreamed of creating modern versions of these characters, because they so thrilled and delighted me and taught me life lessons over many years of my rereading the book. A nervy dream, yes. But also one that presented huge challenges: there are so many elements of the book that just won’t fly in an updated story.

For example: a current-day Jane would not be able to keep her curiosity under wraps about all the strange and spooky things going on in Mr. Rochester’s house. She wouldn’t just accept vague explanations or agree to his request to simply not ask about them. She would be itching to find out more.

Also a sexual relationship outside of marriage is no longer a taboo for most women of today. Jane wouldn’t have to flee that temptation. And of course a modern Mr. Rochester would be able to divorce a mad wife, though no doubt having to pay a heavy alimony for her future care. So that’s no longer even an obstacle.

But lies are always a problem in a relationship. Especially big lies.

A secret bigamist is a pretty big lie.

Being a secret murderer would be an even bigger one.

It was thinking about this that gave me the idea of adapting the book as a modern thriller. One in which Rochester does not have a stashed-away wife—instead he’s suspected of murdering a famous wife who has now disappeared. Jane would have to surreptitiously seek out the truth about him--guilty or not?--before she could give in to falling in love. And when spooky things happened, she would need to confront those as well. She would be risking an enormous amount. Losing the love of her life. And maybe also losing her life.

And so I set about writing a thriller, adding startling new twists, putting in jumps and shivers. The result is Mrs. Rochester’s Ghost. It was a joy to write, and I certainly hope it’s an equal joy to read.

Praise for Mrs. Rochester's Ghost:

“A modern American Jane Eyre…Marcott’s reworking of this Gothic classic holds its own.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This imaginative take on Charlotte Brontë’s Gothic novel has several satisfying nods to the source material, but veers away just enough to create a refreshing new experience. Marcott’s Jane is a formidable protagonist…Fans of Jane Eyre who enjoyed Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs will appreciate this equally enjoyable retelling from Marcott.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“[A] clever, lively update of Jane Eyre…[a] twisty tale of madness and desire…” —Publishers Weekly

“What’s more delicious than a novel with so many twists and turns that you don’t know who’s telling the truth until it’s over—and even then you’re not so sure? Lindsay Marcott’s Mrs. Rochester’s Ghost is just that book. A contemporary Gothic novel haunted by the ghosts of du Maurier and Henry James that is impossible to put down. Go for it.” —B. A. Shapiro, New York Times bestselling author of The Collector’s Apprentice

“Gothic and elegant, Mrs. Rochester’s Ghost captivated me from the first page and kept me reading all night. Lindsay Marcott has created a seductive Big Sur landscape; peopled it with brilliant, complicated characters; and set in motion a thriller both terrifying and emotionally satisfying. I loved it.” —Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author of Last Day

“Smart, thrilling, and completely unexpected, Lindsay Marcott delivers the goods in the brilliant Mrs. Rochester’s Ghost. Highly recommended for readers who like incandescent prose and deep deceptions.” —Gregg Olsen, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of If You Tell

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsay Marcott is the author of The Producer’s Daughter and six previous novels written as Lindsay Maracotta. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and adapted for cable. She also wrote for the Emmy-nominated HBO series The Hitchhiker and co-produced a number of films. She lives on the coast of California. You can contact the author on her website at https://www.lindsaymarcott.com/. 

Follow her:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter 

Read More

Review: A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones

From the author of the Charley Davidson books comes a fresh, comedic mystery series that will have you laughing out loud and hanging onto the edge of your seat at the same time.

A GOOD DAY FOR CHARDONNAY by DARYNDA JONES

Series: Sunshine Vicram #2

Publication date: July 27, 2021

Published by: Saint Martin's Press

Genre: mystery, humor

 

SYNOPSIS

Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff--and even fuller-time coffee guzzler--Sunshine Vicram, didn't get that memo.

All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that's about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?)

Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny's got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he's not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She's seen it. Once. Accidentally.

Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn't know when to quit, Sunny's life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.

Yep, definitely a good day for chardonnay.

Purchase your copy now!

Amazon |  B&N | BAM | Google Play | iBooks

Praise for A Bad Day For Sunshine (book one):

"Provides plenty of action. Recommended for fans of Linda Castillo and J.A. Jance." - Library Journal

"Jones has a real talent for balancing suspense with laugh-out-loud humor, never losing the tension from either." - BookPage 

"A Bad Day For Sunshine is a great day for the rest of us - captivating characters, great writing, pace, humor and suspense." - Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author 

"Fans of Jones’ bestselling Charley Davidson series and Janet Evanovich’s romps will devour this steamy series launch, which introduces both an irresistible pair crime-busting Gilmore Girls and a quirky, mysterious setting.” - Booklist 

"Compelling characters and a sexy, angst-filled bunch of mysteries add up to a winning series debut." - Kirkus 

"A Bad Day for Sunshine is everything you want from Darynda Jones … and more! Laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful, page-turning fun with a sassy new heroine you will love. Prepare to be hooked by this witty, sexy, and thrilling new series from one of my favorite authors!” - Allison Brennan, New York Times bestselling author 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 17 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, certain they went away the better for it. She penned the international bestselling Charley Davidson series and is currently working on several beloved projects, most notably the Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series with St. Martin's Press and the Betwixt and Between Series of paranormal women's fiction. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. 

Follow her:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

REVIEW

A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


It's been over four months since I received and read A Good Day for Chardonnay. Just thinking about it and reading my notes in preparation to write my review, I'm already jonesing for a re-read. The minute this book landed on my kindle in March, I was ready to flip to page one and dive in immediately. The anticipation had been building for a whole year and my excitement never wavered. After the resounding success of the first installment, I didn't think it was possible for a second book to top it, but somehow Darynda Jones has pulled it off. This series is shaping up to be on my all-time favorites list. I couldn't be happier that my first series introduction to this author has gone above and beyond my expectations. I owe all of that to my book bestie for giving me the push to go outside my comfort zone and give this author a chance. (Thanks Astrid!)

As I returned to Del Sol and all of its quirky, off-the-wall inhabitants, I was reminded how my addiction built to the level it did. There is an instant, effortless, immersion into the story which has been incredibly hard to come by lately for me as a reader. It was such a relief to open a book and immediately become fascinated with what will happen on the next page and where the story will take me next. If there's one thing I can predict about the bitingly funny Sheriff Sunshine, it's that you NEVER know what's in store for her on any single day on the job. Between the town flasher, petty crime, the Dangerous Daughters, kidnappings, her daughter sneaking out, and Levi Ravinder popping up at unexpected times, she never gets a moment's rest.

I really loved getting Sunshine's daughter Auri's POV-possibly even more than Sunshine's this time. She is such a sweet, old soul inside of a teenager's body. Sometimes she seems wise beyond her years, and others her age shows as she makes impulsive decisions. Of course she inherited her mother's wicked sense of humor, which was absolutely hilarious and had me laughing out loud on too many occasions to count. The same goes for Sun and her best friend Quincy's conversations. They never give an inch when it comes to their banter.

    I’m giving you two days to tell me what’s going on, 

or I’m finding a new best friend.” 

“You can’t do that.” 

“Watch me.” 

“No, I mean you literally can’t do that. No one wants to be friends with you.”

There were so many different plot points, it could have felt chaotic and overwhelming, but I never once felt that it was too much of a mess to wade through. We had Auri meeting a new friend, finding a sweet boyfriend named Cruz, her investigations around town as she tried to identify a killer, Sunshine's complex relationship with the brooding Levi, and finally some secrets unearthed that I have been dying to see come to light. There is a little romance and passion in this installment between the two of them, but it's definitely a very slow progression. That is perfectly fine by me, as I know that there will be many books in the series and this is first and foremost a comedic mystery. Not only was I belly laughing at a lot of the dialogue, I even got emotional at some very heart-wrenching events that occurred towards the end. I was not expecting things to veer on that side emotionally at all, but I really got choked up over what Auri and Cruz in particular were going through.

This book reached me in a wide variety of ways, I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish, and I left the book once again desperate for more. I can't say enough about this FANTASTIC series, and I urge everyone out there to give it a chance. Even if you're not a mystery reader like me, I'm pretty confident that this series may be the one to convert you. Now excuse me while I go count the days left until I get my hands on the next piece of Sunshine's exhilarating adventures.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: 

View all my reviews

Read More

Spotlight with Author Q&A: The Stranger Behind You by Carol Goodman

In the tradition of Daphne du Maurier, Michelle Richmond, and Shari Lapena, comes the newest mystery thriller from Edgar Award–winning, bestselling author Carol Goodman—a twisty, chilling story set in a former Magdalen Laundry in Manhattan that explores today’s #MeToo complexities.

THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU by CAROL GOODMAN

Series: standalone

Publication date: July 6, 2021

Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks

Genre: thriller, suspense

 

SYNOPSIS

It’s taken Joan Lurie three years to write her article exposing a famous newspaper tycoon as a sexual predator. On the eve of its publication, she celebrates at a party thrown in her honor and is riding high…only to be brutally attacked as she is returning home late that night. Traumatized and suffering the effects of a concussion, she moves to a highly secure new apartment building in northern Manhattan called the Refuge. Safely sequestered away, she tries to begin writing a book that expands her much-lauded exposé.

At the Refuge, Joan encounters a frail 96-year-old woman who has been living in the building since the 1940s when it was a Magdalen Laundry and Refuge for Fallen Women. When Lillian first arrived, she was hiding out from the infamous Murder, Inc mobsters. As Lillian relates her story about the long-ago incriminating incident she witnessed that forced her into hiding, Joan recalls certain details of her own investigation.

The more Joan learns about Lillian and the fabled story of the Refuge, the more she realizes they may be linked to the book she is writing—and to her attacker that fateful night. As Joan starts to connect the clues and unravel decades worth of history, she must stay one step ahead of those who are desperate to make sure Joan never uncovers the final truth. 

Purchase your copy now!

Amazon | B&N | BAM | IndieBound 

ORDER A SIGNED PRINT COPY HERE!

Praise for Carol Goodman:

“The Stranger Behind You is a captivating exploration of sexual harassment, friendship, ambition, and how women join together to overcome trauma. It is as classic as it is timely, as heartbreaking as it is suspenseful. Stunning. I couldn’t put it down.” -- Danielle Trussoni, New York Times bestselling author of Angelology and The Ancestor

"Carol Goodman’s The Stranger Behind You is at once a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller, a powerful meditation on the deep bonds and power of female friendship, and a colorful glimpse of New York City old and new. In a twisting, mesmerizing story that is as beautifuly written as it is utterly propulsive, Goodman weaves a dream that blends the past and the present, takes us deep into the hearts and souls of her characters, and keeps us breathlessly turning the pages right to the shocking and poignant end. I absolutely loved this layered and moving novel!” -- Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of Confessions on the 7:45

"Carol Goodman is a superb writer, and she explores family and small-town dynamics in a way that's both suspenseful and touchingly real. The Sea of Lost Girls features a fascinating cast of characters, intriguing setting -- and enough shocking twists to leave you breathless. I loved it." -- Alison Gaylin, Edgar Award-winning author of Never Look Back, on The Sea of Lost Girls

“You can always call upon Carol Goodman when you need an atmospheric and twisting tale. Full of half-truths and vengeful ghosts of the past, The Night Visitors will inspire readers to linger long into the night.” -- Lori Rader-Day, Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author of Under a Dark Sky, on The Night Visitors  

“Blends a perfect gothic premise...with modern mysterious twists....I couldn’t put it down but I didn’t want it to end.” -- Wendy Webb, bestselling author on The Night Visitors

“Foreboding and moody...As you’re pulled deeper into its crumbling corridors and gothic history, you’ll never guess where its true threats lie.” -- Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, New York Times-bestselling author of Bittersweet and June, on The Widow's House

A Conversation with Carol Goodman, author of

THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU

Q: What inspired THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU?

CG: There were a number of threads that began this book, but the moment that stands out was hearing Dr. Christine

Blasey Ford describe the “sequelae” of being sexually assaulted. I recognized the symptoms she described—anxiety,

claustrophobia, panic attacks—from my mother, who had been sexually assaulted when she was a teenager. I realized,

then, that my mother had suffered from these post-traumatic stress symptoms all her life. At the time, the news was

full of women coming forward with their own stories of sexual assault and harassment and it made me think of previous

generations who had these experiences but had no recourse or anyone they could really talk to about it. It made me

want to write something about a woman of another generation living with that aftermath and being “stuck” in that

awful moment alongside a story of contemporary women dealing with the aftermath of assault.

The second inspiration came when I read an article about Michelle Jones, the historian who researched the history of

women’s prisons and wrote about a Magdalen Laundry in Inwood, a neighborhood in Manhattan where my husband

lived for many years and my daughters live in today. I was shocked to learn that there had been Magdalen laundries in

this country and that all memory of the institution seemed to have vanished from the neighborhood. This seemed like

the same kind of erasure as my mother’s experience and it created the setting of the book—an apartment building in an

old Magdalen Refuge where my modern heroine would go seeking safety.

Q: What is your writing process? Do you come up with the plot first? And are you ever surprised by where the story

takes you?

CG: I usually begin with a character or a voice telling a story about something that’s happened to them. I follow that

voice until I know enough about the story to begin. I keep writing notes and thinking about what happens next, but I am

always surprised by where the writing takes me! I keep learning about the characters and story as I write. It often takes

me until the end of the first draft to know what happened. Then I have to go back and revise—often, many times—to

shape the novel to tell the story I want to tell.

Q: Did you conduct research for THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU? Did you learn anything while writing the book?

CG: Yes, lots! The first bit of research was learning about the Magdalen Refuge in Inwood. I read newspaper articles

about the Refuge, including some hair-raising accounts of escapes and riots. There isn’t a lot of documentation about

that particular Refuge, so I read about Magdalen Laundries in Ireland and the U.S. Because my character Lillian was

involved in organized crime in the 1940’s I also read about Murder Inc and other syndicates, and the Abe Reles “suicide”

at the Half Moon Hotel.

For the modern section of the book, I read newspaper accounts of how reporters investigate accusations of sexual

assault. While my reporter’s story is fictional, I wanted it to have the feel of the investigative reporting that goes into

exposing a sexual predator. I followed stories in the news (unfortunately there was never a shortage of those) and read

accounts such as Ronan Farrow’s book on his reporting of the Weinstein case. I also consulted friends with journalism

backgrounds to get a sense of how an investigation takes place.

Q: THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU tackles themes of revenge and resentment, while also addressing the #MeToo

movement and a culture of complicity. What were you hoping to accomplish by addressing such difficult themes?

CG: One of the themes I am constantly interested in is the effect of trauma on people’s lives, the long-lasting

consequences of that trauma, and whether it’s possible to ever overcome the legacy of trauma. What fascinates me is

that while many of the aftereffects—the sequelae—of trauma are similar, each individual processes and copes with that

trauma differently. It makes me wonder what enables one person to survive and lead a productive life, while another is

unable to move on. I read somewhere that one of the keys to recovery is being able to have the event that caused the

trauma acknowledged. To me that means that in order to heal, as an individual and as a society, we have to

acknowledge the cruelties and injustices that have been perpetrated in the past. As individuals, too, I think we need to

acknowledge our own complicity in the silencing of victims, whether by being blind to the abuses of power around us or

from an unwillingness to listen to the accounts of survivors of assault. It’s not easy for victims to tell their stories or for

the rest of us to listen to them, but I think it’s necessary. Again, I think of Christine Blasey Ford’s bravery in coming

forward and telling her story and how listening to her story enabled so many women to feel like they could tell their own

stories. I hope that when I address these difficult themes in my books I am opening the door to that kind of

conversation in my readers.

Q: THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU has a mobster storyline from the 1940s interwoven throughout the novel. What

inspired this historical element of the story?

CG: I grew up listening to my mother’s stories of living in Coney Island in 1941. She glimpsed legendary figures like the

Kiss of Death Girl and Abe Reles, the notorious Murder Inc assassin known as Kid Twist. When she got off the subway at

night a local mobster would walk her home to “make sure she was safe.” She didn’t worry that she would be hurt,

because she would never “go with” that kind; as long as she kept to the right side of the tracks she would be okay. It

made me wonder what would have happened if she had strayed over to the wrong side.

Q: THE STRANGER BEHIND YOU takes place in a former Magdalen Laundry in Manhattan. What significance does

setting play in the story?

CG: When I read about the Magdalen Laundry I was fascinated by the idea that such a place existed in northern

Manhattan. The building itself was described as quite grand—like a French Chateau—and I could imagine it being

transformed into a luxury apartment building called “The Refuge.” Just as the original use of the word “refuge” for a

woman’s prison was ironic, the modern use of the term to imply a place of safety would come to be ironic when my

characters were threatened there. On a larger scale, I think that often the institutions that were created to “protect”

women—both physical institutions like prisons, reformatories, and refuges, and cultural ones like marriage and

restrictive laws—ended up limiting women’s options and confining them to narrow roles. And I loved the idea of setting

the story in Inwood, a vibrant multi-cultural Manhattan neighborhood with a rich history, on the banks of the Hudson

River.

Q: In your behind the book essay, your write, “we can only find true refuge by knowing the truth.” Can you speak to

this idea?

CG: As I mention above, I’ve read—and I believe—that trauma can be overcome if the injustice that caused the trauma

is uncovered and acknowledged and justice is done. Often, though, there’s a conspiracy of silence around injustice,

especially around sexual assault. That silence makes it harder for survivors to talk about what happened to them and

creates an atmosphere of shame that perpetuates sexual assault and harassment.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

CG: I always hope my readers are absorbed enough by my story to forget their own troubles for a little while. For this

book, I hope they also reflect on all the stories they may not know, stories of our grandmothers, our mothers, our

sisters, our daughters, our friends. I hope this book encourages them to listen to those stories.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol Goodman is the author of The Lake of Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water, which won the Hammett Prize, and The Widow's House, which won the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also the co-author, with her husband Lee Slonimsky, of the Watchtower fantasy trilogy. Her work has appeared in such journals as The Greensboro Review, Literal Latte, The Midwest Quarterly, and Other Voices. After graduation from Vassar College, where she majored in Latin, she taught Latin for several years in Austin, Texas. She then received an M.F.A. in fiction from the New School University. Goodman currently teaches literature and writing at The New School and SUNY New Paltz and lives with her family in the Hudson Valley.

Follow her:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook 

Read More