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Thursday, September 5, 2024

My Thoughts - THE SECRET TRUTH Barry Finlay

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THE SECRET TRUTH

Barry Finlay

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GENRE:  Mystery


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BLURB:


Retired investigative journalist Jake Scott narrowly avoids a collision with a speeding car on his way to a Bed and Breakfast where he plans to spend the night. Moments before his arrival, the peaceful atmosphere at the B&B is shattered by a devastating explosion, claiming the lives of five guests. While authorities initially chalk it up to a tragic gas leak, seasoned homicide detective Dani Perez can't shake her suspicions. Given her overloaded schedule, she enlists Jake's expertise to delve into the backgrounds of the deceased. As Jake pursues the investigation, he unearths a web of secrets hinting at a darker truth lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly idyllic B&B.


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EXCERPT:



The sound of a car engine starting in the distance interrupted the calm of the night. Warm rubber on pavement chirped as the car pulled away. A dog barked at the sudden sound. Oblivious to the revving engine, Jake jaywalked to the other side of the street about halfway down the block at exactly the time the car careened around the corner. The headlights bounced off the corner house and veered in Jake’s direction. A giant spotlight might as well have turned on him. For a split second, Jake stopped in mid-stride, staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed as the two brilliant headlights bore down on him at lightning speed.


Only instinct saved him. He leaped for the grassy area bordering the street as the car roared past, its engine screaming. Jake swore the driver’s front corner bumper grazed the heel of his shoe an instant before his body thudded on the unforgiving ground. First, his knees, followed by his arms, and then his face completed the maneuver. The gym bag he launched during his dive landed with a dull smack on the sidewalk.


Jake turned his head to watch the car from his prone position, but all he could tell as the vehicle raced around the corner at the end of the block was that it was big and dark. For a second, streetlights glinted off the wheel disks and reflected off the passenger side windows. Then it disappeared. He moaned and, without moving his extended arm, raised his middle finger in the general direction of the car’s path. While the car and its driver had vanished, the gesture gave him a measure of satisfaction.


The sound of a car engine starting in the distance interrupted the calm of the night. Warm rubber on pavement chirped as the car pulled away. A dog barked at the sudden sound. Oblivious to the revving engine, Jake jaywalked to the other side of the street about halfway down the block at exactly the time the car careened around the corner. The headlights bounced off the corner house and veered in Jake’s direction. A giant spotlight might as well have turned on him. For a split second, Jake stopped in mid-stride, staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed as the two brilliant headlights bore down on him at lightning speed.


Only instinct saved him. He leaped for the grassy area bordering the street as the car roared past, its engine screaming. Jake swore the driver’s front corner bumper grazed the heel of his shoe an instant before his body thudded on the unforgiving ground. First, his knees, followed by his arms, and then his face completed the maneuver. The gym bag he launched during his dive landed with a dull smack on the sidewalk.


Jake turned his head to watch the car from his prone position, but all he could tell as the vehicle raced around the corner at the end of the block was that it was big and dark. For a second, streetlights glinted off the wheel disks and reflected off the passenger side windows. Then it disappeared. He moaned and, without moving his extended arm, raised his middle finger in the general direction of the car’s path. While the car and its driver had vanished, the gesture gave him a measure of satisfaction.



AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Visit Barry Finlay Store on Amazon


Barry Finlay is the award-winning author of the travel adventure, Kilimanjaro and Beyond – A Life-Changing Journey (with his son Chris), the Amazon bestselling travel memoir, I Guess We Missed The Boat, the inspirational Just Keep Climbing, and five Amazon bestselling and award-winning thrillers comprising The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection: The Vanishing Wife, A Perilous Question, Remote Access, Never So Alone, and The Burden of Darkness. His new Jake Scott Mystery Series debuted with Searching ForTruth and The Guardians of Truth. He is now following that up with The Secret Truth. Barry was featured in the 2012-13 Authors Show’s edition of “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.” He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal for his fundraising efforts to help kids in Tanzania, Africa. Barry lives with his wife Evelyn in Ottawa, Canada.



Author Website: www.barry-finlay.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBarryFinlay

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karver2


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MY THOUGHTS



The Secret Truth is written by Barry Finlay. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. I found myself lost within the story within the first few pages, and reading pages quickly to see what happened next. 

Jake is a retired reporter. He is staying in a nice bed and breakfast and is returning home from playing pickleball when he is almost run off the road. When he collects himself, he starts to limp towards the bed and breakfast, and suddenly it explodes. His police friend, Dani wants to go get to the bottom of this, and enlists Jake's help to figure out what happen. 

Jake soon finds out that people are not what they seem, including the other occupants of the bed and breakfast. I really love how determined he was. While he is retired, he still has his investigative skills. The author did a good job in giving a background on his characters. While I have not read the whole series, I did not feel like I was lost while reading. 

The characters are well developed, the storyline is engaging, I enjoyed this story. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own. 


GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE


Barry Finlay will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.

ENTER: HERE

Thursday, August 29, 2024

My Thoughts - Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Book 2) Author: Dana Mentink


About the Book

Book: Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Book 2)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2024

A murderer out for revenge…

who is closer than they think.

When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. Now they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.

 

 

 

 

More from Dana

After dreaming up Wally, the supremely naughty bloodhound, in book one of the Security Hounds series, I didn’t think the next fictional dog could possibly compete in the personality department. Surprise! Pinkerton, the stalwart bloodhound companion to Garrett Wolfe, scrambled onto the scene and into my heart. His faithful dedication and selflessness make up for the streams of slobber he leaves everywhere. He’s also instrumental in solving the latest case complete with twists, turns, and an ending you won’t see coming. (I hope!)

Enjoy this next installment in the series and look out for more bloodhounds in the next three books!

MY THOUGHTS

Fugitive Search is book two in the  Security Hounds series that is written by Dana Mentink. I absolutely love the way that this author writes. Her humor and wit always make me chuckle. Catherine Hart  is relieved when the man who killed her father is finally arrested. She had her sister lost the father 10 years ago. She feels that it is safe to come out of hiding - but that all changes when she is kidnapped. 

Private investigator, Garrett Wolfe and Pinkerton are on the hunt. Thankfully, he gets there in time, but there is someone that does NOT want Catherine back out in the open. Pinkerton. I did not think anyone could top Wally. I don't know how she creates such hysterical dogs, but Ms. Mentink has done it again. Garrett, Catherine and Pinkerton need to stay a few steps ahead and stay alive. There is also the mystery of what happened to Catherine's uncle. 

I loved the action and suspense. The author has created some amazing characters. The story flows nicely. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a cop of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 20

Lily’s Corner, August 20

The Avid Reader, August 21

She Lives To Read, August 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22

Devoted To Hope, August 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Stories By Gina, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Betti Mace, August 26

EmpowerMoms, August 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 27

Blogging With Carol, August 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 28

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, August 29

Simple Harvest Reads, August 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 30

Blossoms and Blessings, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Holly’s Book Corner, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 2

Lights in a Dark World, September 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5419

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

My Thoughts - PROVEN INNOCENCE Mary J. Rocco

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PROVEN INNOCENCE

Mary J. Rocco



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GENRE:  Suspense/murder


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BLURB:


Cynthia Evans wakes up in the trunk of a car, no idea how she got there, only to discover she’s wanted for the murder of her husband and children. With no memory of life prior, Cynthia is sure she did not commit the crime.


Only problem is-how does she convince anyone she’s not a murderer when she is not sure who she is?


With the help of a downtrodden diner waitress, Gabrielle, Cynthia fights to prove her innocence.


One thing is clear: Rick Evans is dead. But who is the real killer?




Excerpt Two:


I am not in a coffin. 


Why would they place a bleeding person in a coffin? A bleeding person would not be placed in a grave. That is way too quick of a turn¬around for a wake and funeral. I have not been buried alive. 


Though not completely fresh, the blood is still somewhat moist and cannot be over a few hours old. It explains why my head pounds and my body aches, though it does not explain where all this discomfort originated. 


Then, in the silence, I hear it—the pounding of gravel against the pavement. I am not moving a muscle in my body, yet I am still moving. The low hum of an engine resonates through my eardrums. I feel around and notice a tire drum underneath me.


I am in the trunk of a car.


How did I get here? Where am I headed? Who would do such a thing to me?


There is no indication where I am headed. All I can hear is the low humming of the motor. If I strain, I can hear the faint beat of the radio, unable to recognize any distinguishable words. The only audible sound is muffled voices and murmurs.


Is the driver alone, or does he have a passenger with him?


By the speed, I assume we are on a major interstate. We are traveling pretty fast, and the car is not making any sharp or sud¬den turns. The ride is smooth without a change in speed to stop for traffic lights or stop signs. It is a straight path along the high¬way with an occasional lane change.


I have no idea if the person driving knows I am locked in their trunk, though I have a sneaking suspicion he is the person who placed me here. All I can do is lie in wait for the final desti¬nation. I am helpless, too weak to do anything drastic. No way to release myself from this dark pit.


My eyes remain open, afraid to drift back asleep. Alertness is a necessity upon arrival at the destination. I must devise a plan for when he takes me out of the trunk.


Should I pretend to be dead and wait until he has me over his shoulders, then initiate a surprise attack?


A problem arises if the person driving never plans to take me out of the trunk at all.


What if the plan is to leave me here until I die a slow and awful death? What if he thinks I am already a dead, lifeless corpse? What if the driver gets out, letting the emergency brake go, watching from the side of the road as the car, with me locked in the trunk, rolls forward into the depths of the nearest lake?




Visit Mary J. Rocco Store on Amazon


AUTHOR Bio and Links:


I have dreamed of being an author since the age of ten. I have been writing and crafting stories for the last twenty years, mostly because, well you know, life… and I got in my own way. After finishing law school, graduate school, travelling the world, getting married and starting a family I figured now was the time.


I was born and raised on Long Island, New York and spent ten years in my early adulthood living carefree in New York City. I currently reside with my husband and two beautiful children in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, where I am a practicing attorney.


I hope to continue to publish many more novels that entertain and thrill readers.


Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-J.-Rocco/author/B0CX13KN4Y



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MY THOUGHTS


What a powerful debut by the author. Proven Innocence is written by Mary J. Rocco. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I could not read fast enough. I HAD to know what happened next. Cynthia, is wanted for the murder of her family. She has no recollection of what happened, but she knows that there is no way that she would have killed her family. She finds herself in the trunk of a car.


She finds herself trying to get everything sorted out with the help of Gabrielle. Gabrielle is a downtrodden diner waitress. Together they need to figure out who wants to frame Cynthia. I loved how there were a lot of twists and turns throughout the whole story. The author did a great job at creating a wonderful thriller.


The characters are well written, the storyline engaging. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book- all thoughts are my own. 



GIVEAWAY

The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.


ENTER HERE