Showing posts with label Berkley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berkley. Show all posts

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Hooking for Trouble {+ Giveaway}


HOOKING FOR TROUBLE by Betty Hechtman
◊ Series: A Crochet Mystery, Book 11
◊ Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
◊ Publisher: Berkley (November 1, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0425279456
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425279458

SYNOPSIS:

          Molly Pink can’t help seeing a pattern of trouble in the latest mystery from the national bestselling author of Seams Like Murder.
 
The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg.
To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. Molly knows she wasn’t just seeing things, but with no body to prove her case she’ll have to unravel the evidence on her own—because someone in Tarzana is tangled up in murder...

DELICIOUS RECIPES & CROCHET PATTERNS INCLUDED!

Author Betty Hechtman creates a cozy setting that draws you into a feeling of being with good friends. Warmth and companionship shines through the pages of this mystery despite the tragedy of murder.

The characters are likable and realistic with quirky twists that readers can relate to. One doesn’t have to know how to crochet to enjoy this mystery just like a good plot with fascinating characters.

The story moves at a steady pace that will hold your attention. New readers to the series won’t be left in the dark as the author provides enough background detail for this story to stand on its own.

A good blend of mystery, mayhem, friendship, romance, humor, and loyalty make this a delightful tale that is well-balanced. For those who do enjoy crocheting, there’s a pattern added at the end along with several tasty recipes.

HOOKING FOR TROUBLE is a perfect book to curl up with in any type of weather or season.

Hooking for Trouble by Betty Hechtman, A Crochet Mystery (Book #11), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425279458, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of HOOKING FOR TROUBLE by Betty Hechtman to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Nov. 20.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Do you enjoy stories where there appears to be a murder, but there isn’t, but there really is?

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Better Late Than Never {+ Giveaway}


BETTER LATE THAN NEVER by Jenn McKinlay
◊ Series: A Library Lover’s Mystery, Book 7
◊ Hardcover: 304 pages
◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
◊ Publisher: Berkley (November 1, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0399583734
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0399583735

SYNOPSIS:

          In the latest Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Likely Story, a decades overdue book puts library director Lindsey Norris hot on the trail of a cold case...
 
When the Briar Creek Public Library holds its first overdue book amnesty day—no fines for late returns—the volume of incoming materials is more than Lindsey and her staff can handle. In a bind, Lindsey drafts the crafternoon ladies to help check in and sort the stacks of books.
But one tardy tome catches her attention—a copy of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, twenty years past due. When Lindsey looks up the borrower, she’s shocked to discover it was a murdered teacher named Candice Whitley, whose killer was never found.
Candice checked out the novel on the day she was murdered. Now Lindsey wonders if it could provide a clue to the decades-old cold case. No one noticed who brought the book back in, but could it be Candice’s killer? Lindsey is determined to catch the culprit one way or another because justice for Candice Whitley is long overdue...

INCLUDES READING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS


Author Jenn McKinlay creates delightful characters that are well-developed, realistic, and likable. They have problems (not counting murder) and hopes like people you interact with every day.

The library setting is a perfect backdrop for this story. It’s inviting with just the right mix of intrigue and friendship. The day of amnesty adds a layer of mystery and mayhem in itself.

The story moves at a good pace and holds your attention from beginning to end. The twists and turns will keep you wondering. There’s a good blend of mystery, romance, humor, and friendship for a well-balanced story. Several tasty recipes at the end are an added bonus.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER is the seventh installment in the series but can be read on its own. This delightful cozy mystery will have you visiting your own local library for a chance to soak up the atmosphere.

Better Late Than Never by Jenn McKinlay, A Library Lover’s Mystery (Book #7), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0399583735, Hardcover, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of BETTER LATE THAN NEVER by Jenn McKinlay to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, Nov. 17.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have you ever forgotten to return a library book? If so, what was it? Do you like the idea of an overdue book amnesty day?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 21, 2016

Crepe Factor {+ Giveaway}


CREPE FACTOR by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran
◊ Series: A Scrapbooking Mystery, Book 14
◊ Hardcover: 320 pages
◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
◊ Publisher: Berkley (October 4, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0425266702
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425266700

SYNOPSIS:

The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace...
 
The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.
The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.
Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon...

Scrapbooking tips and recipes included! 


The sights, sounds, and smells of New Orleans come alive in the latest installment in the Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran.

The book features a core cast of characters that are well-developed, realistic, and steeped in New Orleans tradition The bonds of friendship among the group enhances the story.

The New Orleans setting is perfect, especially with the festive activities going on. Through rich descriptions and vivid details, readers are placed in the middle of the action.

One doesn’t have to enjoy scrapbooking to appreciate this murder mystery. But there are crafting tips and delicious New Orleans recipes included in the back as an added bonus.

Tension mounts right from the beginning and holds your attention until the very end. There are twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. There’s a good mix of mystery, mayhem, friendship, humor, history, and romance to make this a well-balanced story.

CREPE FACTOR can be read on its own, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to know more background on these intriguing characters. This is a delightful read that will keep you entertained for hours and may just make you want to visit New Orleans (minus the murder, of course).

Crepe Factor by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran, A Scrapbooking Mystery (Book #14), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425266700, Hardcover, 320 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author and publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.


Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of CREPE FACTOR by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Oct. 30.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Are you a scrapbooking fan? What about New Orleans, have you been there or want to go there?

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Behind Chocolate Bars {+ Giveaway}


BEHIND CHOCOLATE BARS by Kathy Aarons
◊ Series: A Chocolate Covered Mystery, Book 3
◊ Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
◊ Genre: Mystery, Suspense
◊ Publisher: Berkley (October 4, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0425267253
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425267257

SYNOPSIS:

          The national bestselling author of Truffled to Death returns with a mystery full of tricks and treats...
 
DOUBLE, DOUBLE-BOIL, AND TROUBLE…
 
Best friends and business partners Michelle and Erica have a monstrous to-do list as they prepare for the annual West Riverdale Halloween Festival. Their shop, Chocolates and Chapters, will have a booth at the event, where Michelle will serve spooky delights while Erica displays an assortment of spine-chilling books. Thank goodness the teenagers from Erica’s comic-book club are chipping in to help. But one of their volunteers winds up in trouble after a woman’s body is found in an abandoned house—with the teen’s superhero key ring close by.
          The teen swears he didn’t do it, but he’s obviously hiding something—leaving Michelle and Erica with a witch’s cauldron of questions. Soon they discover that the dead woman was tricking a whole bunch of people out of more than just treats. Now these two friends must go door-to-door if they hope to unmask a killer…

Includes Scrumptious Chocolate-Making Recipes!


Who won’t love a combination chocolate shop and bookstore with a cozy murder mystery thrown in?

Author Kathy Aarons draws readers into her latest cozy murder mystery with the perfect setting. The welcoming atmosphere of the Chocolates and Chapters store and the small town as a backdrop are a perfect pairing. The Halloween festivities enhances the story with a realistic feel befitting this time of the year.

Aarons has created characters that are likable, well-developed, and down-to-earth. The bond of family and friends adds depth to the story. The characters tackle issues and problems readers understand and can relate to.

The story moves at a good pace and holds your attention until the last page. There’s a good blend of mystery, suspense, romance, and bits of humor for a well-balanced story. An added bonus is mouthwatering chocolate-making recipes at the end.

BEHIND CHOCOLATE BARS will satisfy your mystery craving and tempt your sweet tooth.

Behind Chocolate Bars by Kathy Aarons, A Chocolate Covered Mystery (Book #3), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425267257, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of BEHIND CHOCOLATE BARS by Kathy Aarons to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Are you a fan of chocolate? If so, what’s your favorite chocolate treat? Don’t the treats on the cover of this book look too good to eat?

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Friday, October 7, 2016

The Witch and The Dead {+ Giveaway}


THE WITCH AND THE DEAD by Heather Blake
◊ Series: A Wishcraft Mystery, Book 7
◊ Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
◊ Publisher: Berkley (October 4, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 1101990139
◊ ISBN-13: 978-1101990131

SYNOPSIS:

          The national bestselling author of Gone with the Witch returns as wish-granting witch Darcy Merriweather uncovers dangerous skeletons in the closet—and the garage....
 
When Darcy moved to Salem, Massachusetts, she never expected her life to change as drastically as it did. But within a short time, the Enchanted Village has become her home, its mystical residents have become her family, and As You Wish, the personal concierge business formerly run by her Aunt Ve, has become her calling. Still, the time has come for change—and for Darcy to move out of Aunt Ve’s house.
          Darcy’s belongings are stashed in Aunt Ve’s garage, alongside a mess of memories, forgotten possessions, and, to both Ve and Darcy’s horror, a pile of old bones. It turns out they belong to Ve’s long missing second husband. Now Darcy must unpack old secrets to solve a cold case—and make sure her aunt isn’t looking at a spell behind bars.


Author Heather Blake has the knack for blending magic, murder, intrigue, and romance into a fascinating tale.

The magical community of the Enchanted Village comes alive through Blake’s rich descriptions and vivid details. She makes you feel the excitement of the village and its residents. Blake’s take on the enchanting seems normal.

The characters are quirky and mesmerizing. They are well-developed, likable and have traits readers can relate to while wishing they had magical powers too.

The story is captivating and holds your attention until the very end. Moving at a steady pace, the story will keep you on your toes with a few surprises along the way. There’s a good blend of mystery, murder, mayhem, romance, and friendship throughout the book.

THE WITCH AND THE DEAD can be read on its own. Filled with delightful characters, a magical setting, and an interesting murder mystery to solve what more could a reader ask for?

The Witch and the Dead by Heather Blake, A Wishcraft Mystery (Book #7), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-1101990131, Mass Market Paperback, 320 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of THE WITCH AND THE DEAD by Heather Blake to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, Oct. 15.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Don’t you just love this cover? Do you enjoy a good mix of magic, mystery, and romance?

Saturday, September 17, 2016

By Familiar Means {+ Giveaway}


BY FAMILIAR MEANS by Delia James
◊ Series: A Witch’s Cat Mystery, Book 2
◊ Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
◊ Publisher: Berkley (September 27, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0451476581
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0451476586

SYNOPSIS:

          In the latest from the author of A Familiar Tail, a witch and her familiar find trouble brewing at a coffee house.
 
After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.
But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.
Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath the shop—and a dead body—Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer...


Author Delia James has created a lovable, realistic cast of characters with a touch of magic thrown in resulting in hours of entertaining reading. James blends the paranormal with normal, mixes in a dose of small town atmosphere and a pinch of romance for a well-balanced tale. Her protagonist, Annabelle Britton, is likable with a streak of loyalty and a determined attitude. The secondary characters are quirky and add depth to the story.

The story moves swiftly with the twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. The addition of enchanting and magical animals enhances the story. The picturesque town of Portsmouth comes alive on the page through the author’s rich descriptions.

BY FAMILIAR MEANS can be read on its own, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself seeking out the first installment to learn even more. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery that has all the elements to amuse and delight readers.

By Familiar Means by Delia James, A Witch’s Cat Mystery (Book #2), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0451476586, Mass Market Paperback, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of BY FAMILIAR MEANS by Delia James to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Sept. 25.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have you read any of the Witch’s Cat Mystery series yet? Don’t you just love the cover of this book? Don’t you think the cover would be perfect for creating one of those can you find everything games?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Paint the Town Dead {+ Giveaway}


PAINT THE TOWN DEAD by Nancy Haddock
◊ Series: Silver Six Mystery, Book 2
◊ Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: Berkley (September 6, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0425275736
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425275733

SYNOPSIS:

          From the national bestselling author of Basket Case comes the second mystery starring the crafty and cantankerous Silver Six.
 
Leslee Stanton Nix—aka “Nixy”—thought moving to small-town Lilyvale, Arkansas, would be about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But keeping up with her retired Aunt Sherry and her troublemaking housemates—collectively known as the Silver Six—has proven to be as exciting as it is exasperating.
          To kick off the grand opening of their craft shop, the Handcraft Emporium, Nixy and the Silver Six invite Doralee Gordon to teach a gourd painting class. Doralee’s spirit gets squashed when her ex-husband crashes the class with his new fiancée, but things really get messy when the bride-to-be later turns up dead. Now it’s up to Nixy and the Silver Six to use their melons to find the killer—before someone else gets painted out of the picture...

Author Nancy Haddock has crafted a group of fun-loving, madcap senior citizens that don’t know the meaning of retirement. Teamed with a young and feisty protagonist, Leslee Stanton ‘Nixy’ Nix, the group provides an entertaining adventure in PAINT THE TOWN DEAD.

The story moves at a good pace and features enough surprises and detours to keep you guessing. The story flows smoothly as Nixy and the gang search for clues and a killer.

The small town atmosphere adds depth to the story and comes alive through the author’s eye for details. The closeness, along with a bit of disagreeing, gives the characters a realistic feel. There’s a good mix of mystery, suspense, friendship, and support for a well-balanced story.

PAINT THE TOWN DEAD can be read on its own. In addition, there are crafting tips and a tasty recipe to round out the adventure. Charming and entertaining, it will be hard to put this book down.

Paint the Town Dead by Nancy Haddock, A Silver Six Mystery (Book #2), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425275733, Mass Market Paperback, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of PAINT THE TOWN DEAD by Nancy Haddock to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out this book and the series. Have you ever done any crafting with gourds?

Friday, September 9, 2016

Winter’s Child {+ Giveaway}


WINTER’S CHILD by Margaret Coel
◊ Series: Wind River Mystery, Book #20
◊ Hardcover: 304 pages
◊ Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery
◊ Publisher: Berkley (September 6, 2016)
◊ Language: English
◊ ISBN-10: 0425280322
◊ ISBN-13: 978-0425280324

SYNOPSIS:

          Margaret Coel’s New York Times bestselling series continues as Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden and Father John O’Malley discover that a centuries-old mystery is tied to a modern-day crime on the Wind River Reservation…
 
In the midst of a blizzard, Myra and Eldon Little Shield found an abandoned baby on their doorstep and brought her inside. Five years later, no one has come back to claim the little girl now known as Mary Anne Little Shield. But now that she’s old enough to start school, her foster parents fear social services will take her—a white child—away from them.
Determined to adopt Mary Anne, the Little Shields hire lawyer Clint Hopkins, who wants Vicky as co-counsel on the case. But before their meeting can take place, a black truck deliberately runs Hopkins down in the street.
Enlisting Father John to help investigate who would kill to stop the child’s adoption, Vicky unravels a connection between the five-year-old girl and a missing alcoholic Arapaho wanted for robbery—only to uncover one of the darkest secrets in Wind River’s history…


Author Margaret Coel gives readers a good blend of how Native Americans and the Caucasian world relate to one another in her Wind River Mystery series. She takes readers deep into the lives of Native Americans and their way of life as she shows the white man’s world around them.

A portion of WINTER’S CHILD has a basis in real events making the story even more plausible. The reader is drawn into a number of storylines that intersect several times before coming together in an electrifying conclusion. Coel artfully moves between past and present to make a well-balanced tale.

The characters are realistic, likable and well-developed. The story moves at a quick pace holding your attention with twists and unexpected surprises. The Wind River Reservation and surrounding area are brought to life through Coel’s vivid descriptions and rich details.

Filled with suspense and intrigue, this story can be read on its own. Mystery buffs will enjoy the doubt Coel weaves into her story along with a good dose of loyalty, friendship and a touch of romance.

Winter’s Child by Margaret Coel, A Wind River Mystery (Book #20), Berkley, @2016, ISBN: 978-0425280324, Hardcover, 304 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.


Thanks to the wonderful folks at Penguin Random House, I have a print copy of WINTER’S CHILD by Margaret Coel to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Sept. 18.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Do you enjoy stories that feature Native Americans and their traditions? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway