Sunday, August 10, 2014

The Perfect Stranger: Kiss and Tell


I have two awesome books to share with you today. Hope you enjoy.

THE PERFECT STRANGER by Wendy Corsi Staub

The Perfect StrangerMany find blogging a great way to relax and connect with others resulting in happy experiences. Author Wendy Corsi Staub takes blogging to a darker level in her latest release, THE PERFECT STRANGER, the second installment in her Cyber Predator series.

Narrator Allyson Ryan does a superb job giving each character their own unique voice. Her mannerisms enhances the emotions of the characters and adds depth to the story. Her cadence heightens the suspense of the story.

A group of women come together online to encourage and support each other in their fight against cancer. They find solace, sharing things about themselves they can’t share with people in their lives. Several of the women draw closer, forming their own little online group.

When one of the bloggers is killed, an apparent victim of a burglary, the others decide to meet for her funeral. It’s the first time Landry, Elena and Kay have seen each other in person. They had hoped that Jaycee would join them, but she doesn’t. Having never seen a photo of Jaycee, the trio doesn’t know she’s also at the funeral but not speaking to anyone.

The trio discusses Meredith’s death and they secretly begin to wonder if the killer could be one of them. As paranoia sets in, the author increases the suspense making it plausible anyone of the group could be the killer. Add to that Jaycee’s mysterious actions and shocking background, the suspect list grows. In addition, Meredith’s daughter begins to suspect her father’s recent actions.

The story moves at a good pace with adrenaline fueled moments and unexpected twists. The characters are realistic. The author has done her research in relating the mixed bag of emotions the characters express dealing with cancer. The author also points out the highs and lows of giving out too much personal data online.

THE PERFECT STRANGER is a suspenseful novel dealing with problems readers/listeners can relate to and highlights complications an online presence can create, if one is not careful. This story will have you re-evaluating just how much information you share online. 

The Perfect Stranger by Wendy Corsi Staub, Cyber Predator Series Book #2, Performed by Allyson Ryan, HarperAudio, @2014, ASIN: BOOK8EWRWM, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 11 Hours and 19 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

The Perfect Stranger by Wendy Corsi Staub, Cyber Predator Series Book #2, Harper, @2014, ISBN: 978-0062222404, Mass Market Paperback, 416 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

* I had the good fortunate to begin reading this book in paperback and then finishing it by listening to the audio version. It was nice enjoying the book in both formats and I would recommend both.

KISS AND TELL by Fern Michaels

Kiss and Tell coverWhen a book series has a long run life, you know there will have to be changes to keep the storyline fresh.

Author Fern Michaels has done that in her Sisterhood series. Her latest release, KISS AND TELL, is a product of those changes. This continues to be a fun series, but missing some of the delightful characters from the earlier installments. With this book, Michaels brings a few of those characters back briefly.

Narrator Laural Merlington does an excellent job giving distinct voices to these characters – young and old, male and female. The modulation of her voice puts the right spin on the characters’ emotions. She captures the idiosyncrasy of each character in such a manner to enhance the story.

A number of anonymous emails suggesting shady deals leads Myra Rutledge and Annie de Silva to snoop around a wealthy assisted-living facility. They discover the dealings involve an investment broker who is running a Ponzi scheme. With the help of a few of the old gang, the ladies once again right the wrongs.

During their mission to bring the investor down, Myra encounters her own heart break at home. While the problem wasn’t solved, there was a hint of more to be resolved concerning the matter. In addition, the author gives a lead way into a new series featuring the men of the Sisterhood. Between the Sisterhood and the Brotherhood, the bad guys don’t stand a chance.

KISS AND TELL is the 23rd installment in the Sisterhood series and can be read/listened to on its own. However, I would recommend reading/listening to the series in order to get the full pleasure of the characters as they grow and develop. This is another delightful story of a wrong being righted, just miss all the sisters being involved.

Kiss and Tell by Fern Michaels, Sisterhood Series Book #23, Performed by Laural Merlington, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1480566323, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 28 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out these two books further. Both are available in book and audio formats. May your Sunday be a day of joy and resting (with a good book handy, of course). Have you listened to any audio books lately? What book are you currently enjoying or what book do you plan to read next?

*This post contains affiliate links.

10 comments:

  1. This reminds me of a story I read about someone killing someone for unfriending them. The online stuff spills into the real world...scary.

    I haven't read Fern Michaels in a while. Kiss and Tell looks good.

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    1. Medeia, you're right about the online stuff spilling over into real life. And real life spills over to the online with people continuing to be bullies. It's scary and sad.

      This was a fun Fern Michaels book.

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  2. I remember reading about the first one. Very creepy.

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    1. Alex, definitely creepy. It makes you stop and think about how easy it is to put out too much information about ourselves. It's especially scary to think how much information young people are giving out about themselves.

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  3. KISS AND TELL sounds better to me!

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    1. Dez, KISS AND TELL is more of a cozy mystery while THE PERFECT STRANGER is a thriller.

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  4. Mason - Nice variety in your suggestions today. I've heard lots of good things about The Perfect Stranger, and certainly blogging is a big part of life today. One for me to check out, I think.

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    1. Margot, I'm constantly amazed at just how much blogging has become a part of our everyday life. I find that blogging is also showing up more and more in books.

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  5. The Perfect Stranger looks like one I'd enjoy...going to check it out!

    I stopped reading the Sisterhood series at some point...I used to enjoy Fern Michaels' stand-alone books more.

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    1. Laurel-Rain, The Perfect Stranger is intriguing. I hope you like it. I can understand about the Sisterhood series. I enjoy her stand-alone books too.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.