Sunday Salon: Mysteries To Keep You Guessing

With the hope of cooler temperatures just around the corner, it’s a great time to relax with a good book. There’s no better place to find a good book than Sunday Salon where we gather to talk about the books we’ve read and discovered during the past week.

As you get comfortable, making sure your coffee is steaming hot or your tea is chilled just right, settle back and I’ll tell you about a couple of mysteries I discovered.

GOING TO THE BAD by Nora McFarland

I enjoy author Nora McFarland’s Lilly Hawkins Mystery series for a number of reasons. First, McFarland is an author from my home state. Second, she was a journalist and gave her protagonist the same profession. But most of all, she has created a delightful and entertaining protagonist in Lilly Hawkins that I enjoy revisiting time and time again.

McFarland has developed a well-balanced character in Lilly, giving her flaws and problems as well as smarts and strength. The supporting characters are well defined and add another layer to the mix.

This time around the story has landed in Lilly’s lap or at least in her own home. Lilly hears on the police scanner of a problem at her address. It turns out her uncle, who wasn’t suppose to be there, was shot.

It’s up to Lilly to dig through family secrets to determine who the shooter is and why this is happening. The story flows at a fast-pace filled with suspense and just enough humor to make it light-hearted at times. It’s a quick read that will keep you guessing until the end.

GOING TO THE BAD is the third installment in the Lilly Hawkins Mystery series, but can be read on its own. The other installments in the series include: A BAD DAY’S WORK and HOT, SHOT AND BOTHERED.

Author Nora McFarland’s website is http://noramcfarland.com/

Going To The Bad by Nora McFarland, A Lilly Hawkins Mystery, Touchstone Books, @ 2012, ISBN: 978-1439155578, Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

DON’T TURN AROUND by Michelle Gagnon

Author Michelle Gagnon has written a suspenseful YA book that will keep readers of all ages quickly turning pages to get to the answers.

The author does a great job of combining the real world of foster children and the talents of computer-hackers with a realistic corporation that is exploiting both. The weaving of real and make-believe creates a story that draws the readers in and holds them spellbound till leaving them longing for more at the end.

Noa has been a victim of the system since her parents died. Now 16 and living off the grid, Noa trusts no one as she uses her computer-hacking skills to get by on her own. When she wakes up in an empty warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, she realizes she does need someone to turn to.

Meanwhile, Peter Gregory is a rich kid spending time leading a hacker alliance. Peter could use Noa and her talents on his team, especially after his life is threatened by a shady corporation called AMRF. However, what the pair doesn’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret and there are people out there that will stop at nothing to keep her quiet for good.

DON’T TURN AROUND is a fast-pace technothriller with intriguing twists and turns. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The mix-matching of Noa and Peter adds another layer to the story and creates a couple readers can’t help but pull for as they look forward to the pair’s next adventure.

Author Michelle Gagnon’s website is http://www.michellegagnon.com/

Don’t Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon, HarperCollins, @ 2012, ISBN: 978-0062102904, Hardcover, 320 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by BreakThrough Promotions in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
What books did you discover this past week? What do you have in your TBR stack for this week? Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a safe and wonderful Sunday.