Darkest Journey by Heather Graham

◊ DARKEST JOURNEY by Heather Graham

◊ Series: A Krewe of Hunters, Book #20

◊ Narrator: Luke Daniels

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 10 hours and 9 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Harlequin Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: September 27, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: BO1K8EXOD2

SYNOPSIS:

They say it's about the journey, not the destination.

Charlene "Charlie" Moreau is back in St. Francisville, Louisiana, to work on a movie. One night she stumbles across the body of a Civil War reenactor, the second murdered in two days. Charlie is shocked to learn that her father - a guide on the Journey, a historic paddle wheeler that's sponsoring the reenactment - is a suspect.

Meanwhile, Ethan Delaney, new to the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, is brought in on the case. He and Charlie have a history of their own, dating back to when he rescued her from a graveyard - led there by a Confederate ghost!

Charlie arranges a Mississippi River cruise so she and Ethan can get close to the reenactors and find out who knows what and who has a motive. They discover a lot more as they resume the relationship that ended 10 years ago but might die, along with them, on the Journey.

When you combine Civil War reenactors, historical cemeteries, ghosts, and author Heather Graham, you know you’re in for a captivating tale.

Narrator Luke Daniels does a superb job giving each character their own unique voice. His expressions of emotions heighten the story. His timing is spot on.

The story is filled with suspense, action, and an abundance of history. Moving at a steady pace, the story has a number of surprises in store for you before it comes to its heart-stopping end.

The characters are likable and well-developed. The author makes the ghost characters intriguing and engaging. While several characters from prior stories were involved, new readers/listeners to the series won’t be left in the dark.

The author blends the present with history and adds a touch of the paranormal to create a mesmerizing story. The budding romance of old friends adds depth to the story. A tantalizing tale of ghosts, murder, and mystery that will hold your attention from beginning to end. A perfect story for history lovers and mystery buffs alike.

DARKEST JOURNEY may just entice you to explore the area along the Mississippi River and Louisiana (without the ghosts, of course).

Darkest Journey by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters series (Book #20), Narrated by Luke Daniels, Harlequin Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1K8EXOD2, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 10 Hours and 9 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 for dropping by today. Are you a Civil War buff? Have you ever attended a Civil War reenactment?

Fancy Dancer by Fern Michaels

◊ FANCY DANCER by Fern Michaels

◊ Narrator: Luke Daniels

◊ MP3 CD

◊ Listening Length: 5 hours and 50 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Women’s Fiction, Coming of Age

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ MP3 Una edition: July 26, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN-10: 1501248928

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1501248924

SYNOPSIS:

A powerful, poignant novel of love, redemption, and family secrets from the incomparable #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels....

On his thirty-fifth birthday, Jake St. Cloud inherits a fortune - and learns the whereabouts of his mysterious half-brother. On her deathbed, Selma St. Cloud revealed that Jake had a sibling, a product of his father's affair. At last, Jake is in a position to track down Alex Rosario and make amends for their father's past neglect.

When their initial meeting goes badly, a distraught Jake crashes his car and is sentenced to community work - with Alex as his parole officer. Jake must spend a year helping Angelica Dancer and her daughter, Fancy, at the Dancer Foundation for neglected children. Fancy, scarred by the accident that ended her ballet career, is even less happy with the arrangement than Jake. Yet as they're all thrown together, unexpected connections help Jake realize that his mother's greatest gift to him lies not in his inheritance, but in the future, and the family, he's slowly piecing together....

When a story brings tears to your eyes in the first few minutes (if you’re tenderhearted), then you know you’re in for a roller coaster ride of emotions. Such is the case with FANCY DANCER by Fern Michaels.

Narrator Luke Daniels does a superb job of bringing out the emotions of the various characters throughout the story. His timing and inflections are spot on. His cadence enhances this delightful story.

The title is a bit misleading to me as the story is really more about the character Jake St. Cloud rather than Fancy Dancer, though she does play a big role in his life. Both characters, along with the rest, are well-developed and likable (including the ones you love to hate). The chemistry among the characters is crafted well. The setting draws you in as the suspense and tension mounts.

The story flows smoothly with some ups and downs to keep you guessing. A charming story of finding what you’re looking for without realizing how much you wanted it. Overall this is a light-hearted entertaining story that will tug on your heartstrings in places and have you laughing in others.

Fancy Dancer by Fern Michaels, Narrated by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1501248924, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 5 Hours and 50 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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. I was scheduled to participate in author Katie Ruggle’s GONE TOO DEEP Virtual Tour with Sourcebooks today, but there were unforeseen problems with the post. Hopefully, we can reschedule the post. I hope you found FANCY DANCER intriguing and give it a closer look. Do you enjoy books that include family drama or do you prefer the families you read about to be more ‘Ozzie and Harriet’ types?

Haunted Destiny … The Obsession

◊ HAUNTED DESTINY by Heather Graham

◊ Series: Krewe of Hunters (Book #18)

◊ Narrator: Luke Daniels

◊ Listening Length: 9 hours and 56 minutes

◊ Program Type: MP3 CD

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Paranormal

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Release Date: May 24, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN: 978-1491505700

SYNOPSIS:

Between the evil and the deep blue sea.…

A historic cruise ship, a haunted ship, the Celtic American Line's Destiny, sets sail from the Port of New Orleans―with a killer on board. He's known as the Archangel Killer because of the way he displays his victims in churches. And how he places a different saint's medallion on each body. No one knows exactly who he is or why he's doing this.

Jackson Crow―head of the FBI's Krewe of Hunters, a special unit of paranormal investigators―is assigned to the case, along with local agent Jude McCoy. Then Alexi Cromwell, who works in the ship's piano bar, is drawn into the situation when a victim's ghost appears to her―and to Jude. She and Jude share an attraction, and not just because of their mutual talent.

There are many suspects, but one by one they're ruled out.… Or are they? In the end, Jude and Alexi have to rely on each other to catch the killer and escape his evil plans for Alexi.

MY THOUGHTS:

When it comes to things that go bump in the night, author Heather Graham has a knack for making them come alive. Graham takes elements of the paranormal and weaves them into the story in such a way they appear plausible.

Narrator Luke Daniels once again demonstrates his rich talent for providing multiple voices. His mannerisms enhances this tantalizing tale. His timing and tone are spot on.

The historic cruise ship setting is perfect for the mix of ghosts and a serial killer. With an eye for detail, Graham draws listeners/readers into the setting so clearly you can practically feel the ocean breeze on your face.

Graham’s characters are well-developed and very likable. Their interaction with the paranormal seems real. The story moves at a quick pace with a number of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

HAUNTED DESTINY is an alluring tale of murder and mystery with a good dose of romance and ghosts woven in for just the right measure of a well-balanced story. While this story is a part of the Krewe of Hunters series, it can be listened to/read on its own.

Haunted Destiny by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters series (Book #18), Narrated by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1491505700, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 9 Hours and 56 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 OBSESSION by Nora Roberts

◊ THE OBSESSION by Nora Roberts

◊ Narrator: Shannon McManus

◊ Listening Length: 14 hours and 19 minutes

◊ Program Type: MP3 CD

◊ Genre: Romantic Suspense

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Brilliance Audio

◊ Release Date: April 12, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ISBN: 978-1501223822

SYNOPSIS:

The riveting new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Liar.

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up―especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

MY THOUGHTS:

Author Nora Roberts explores some of our worst nightmares I her latest thriller. What if a family member was a serial killer and what if you were the one that lead to their arrest?

Narrator Shannon McManus does an excellent job giving distinct voices to all the characters. Her vocals and timing brings out the emotions of the characters and adds to the story.

Roberts’ characters are well-rounded, likable and realistic. Her protagonist is strong and determined, but has a crack in her shell from the trauma she’s experienced. The author shares the beautiful landscape with the listeners/readers through her detailed descriptions.

The story moves at a good pace as the suspense unfolds. Even if you guess who the new killer is, the path to their reveal is worth the effort. The romance sizzles as the tension mounts. THE OBSESSION offers mystery, suspense, good chemistry, humor and forever friendships.

The Obsession by Nora Roberts, Narrated by Shannon McManus, Brilliance Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1501223822, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 14 Hours and 19 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 for stopping by today. Hope you’ll check out both of these fascinating stories. If you’re not an audio fan, both books are available in print format and eBook. Do you like to mix up your reading pleasure by reading from different genres or do you prefer just one genre?

The Betrayed and The Christmas Bouquet

I have two audio books to share with you today in completely different genres, yet they share some of the same elements that makes for good reading/listening. Hope you find them enticing.

THE BETRAYED by Heather Graham

Halloween may be over but scary, suspenseful stories are entertaining no matter what season it is.

In Author Heather Graham’s THE BETRAYED, the town of Sleepy Hollow is the scene of a crime when an up and coming politician, Richard Highsmith, goes missing.

Narrator Luke Daniels does a wonderful job giving voice to the various characters. His cadence and mannerisms matches and enhances the emotions of the story. His delivery of the dialogue adds depth to the already tantalizing story.

FBI Agent Aiden Mahoney, a new member of the Krewe of Hunters (the FBI’s unit of paranormal investigators), is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate Highsmith’s disappearance. He and Highsmith are old friends from Sleepy Hollow, but no one knows Highsmith came to him in a dream the night before he was reported missing.

In Sleepy Hollow Maureen ‘Mo’ Deaville and her dog, Rollo, are known for finding missing people. They quickly find Highsmith, but it’s only his head on a statue of the legendary Headless Horseman. When a headless body is discover a short time later, it’s a woman and they realize a bizarre killer is in town.

Aiden is drawn to Mo as they begin working together to find the connection between the two victims and the town. They soon realize they also share a unique talent – they can see and talk with the dead. As their attraction grows so does the body county. The killer is closer than they think and closing in on them fast.

Graham’s rich descriptions of the setting brings Sleepy Hollow to life. Her characters are intriguing and likable. The story flows smoothly with numerous twists and turns hiding the identity of the real killer until the end.

THE BETRAYED is the 14th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series, but can be read/listened to on its own. Each installment, while bringing in some characters from previous stories, deals with new members of the group each time adding to an already fascinating assembly of characters.

Graham blends suspense, murder, humor, romance and a touch of paranormal into an engaging story also filled with bits of history. The Headless Horseman takes on a whole new twist. 

The Betrayed by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters Book #14, Narrated by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1469221915, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Run Time: 9 Hours and 46 Minutes 

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.

THE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET by Sherryl Woods

Caitlyn Winters is the most irritating protagonist I have ever listened to, but at the same time found to be a strong character.

Narrator Christina Traister does an excellent job bringing the various characters to life in this Chesapeake Shores novel. Her cadence and varied accents enhances the story. Her mannerisms add depth.

Caitlyn Winters thought catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding was the worst thing she had ever done. It wasn’t because since then she had fallen in love with Noah McIlroy, but because she now found herself unexpectedly pregnant and her life’s plans spinning out of her control. An extremely driven medical student, Caitlyn’s plans were to become a doctor in Africa and Noah, a family medicine resident, was to open his own practice in an out of the way community that needed his help.

Now Noah and her O’Brien relatives think she should put her plans on hold, marry and raise her child. It will take a lot of understand and persuasion to get Caitlyn onboard with this new plan that would have her living in Chesapeake Shores and practicing medicine with her new husband.

This is a cute story that I have a love/hate attitude about. I love the plot, most of the characters and the setting is delightful. I hate that the Caitlyn character comes across as caring for her dream of helping sick children overseas so much more than she cares for her own unborn child. She’s even more concerned about being a good doctor than she is taking proper care of herself during her pregnancy. I like that she is dedicated to her cause, but it does go to the extreme. 

THE CHRISTMAS BOUQUET is a charming story that deals with love, patience, understanding and acceptance. While I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Caitlyn, I also understood her fears at times.

In the end, author Sherryl Woods’ talent for crafting holiday magic shines through.

The Christmas Bouquet by Sherryl Woods, Chesapeake Shores Series Book #11, Narrated by Christina Traister, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1480582804, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Run Time: 6 Hours and 30 Minutes 

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 for stopping by today. Hope your Saturday is going well and the weather is not making for a terrible day. Our forecast is for rain off and on today so it’ll be a good day to do some baking and a lot of audio book listening. Have you ever enjoyed a book, but not the main character? Would you like to spend some time in Sleepy Hollow or have you already visited?

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Hexed & Cut and Thrust

I’ve been busy listening to audios, so I have two more interesting books to share with you today.

THE HEXED by Heather Graham

Author Heather Graham gives some insight into the Salem witch trials as she blends the past and present into a spine-tingling thriller in THE HEXED.

Narrator Luke Daniels does a superb job giving each character their own unique voice. His varied pace and inflection matches the tension in the story enhancing it.

Devin Lyle has moved back to the Salem area living in the cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina, who the locals sometimes called the ‘witch in the woods.’ Devin just wants peace and quiet to write her children’s books. But a strange sound one night leads her into the nearby woods where she finds a dead woman and her life changes forever.

Craig ‘Rocky’ Rockwell never got over finding a classmate dead in the woods when they were in high school. He went on to become a cop and has recently joined the Krewe of Hunters, a team of paranormal investigators working under the FBI.

The body Devin found is so similar to Rocky’s friend that he knows they’re connected even though it’s been over 10 years between the murders. As Rocky interviews Devin, he feels a connection and can even see her great-aunt Mina (something Devin has just learned she can do too). As the investigation continues, Rocky and Devin discover all their friends are possible suspects in the murders. After a third woman is found, Rocky fears Devin’s ancestry could cause her to be the next victim.

Combining the history of Salem with an intriguing storyline, Graham will have you believing in ghosts, witches and forever love. The characters are well-developed and likable. They story flows at a steady pace with twists, turns and a few red herrings (as well as a raven) along the way.

Graham’s eye for detail and vivid descriptions of the area places the reader/listener in the middle of Salem and its rich history. She incorporates romance, friendship, and moments of laugh-out-loud humor for a tantalizing story that will hold you spellbound until the end.

While THE HEXED is the 13th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series, it is a standalone story. Returning fans will be reunited with several members from previous adventures, but new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark searching for missing clues.

Graham’s infusion of romance and humor with the paranormal keeps the story from being too dark while still stirring the flames of suspense and murder.

The Hexed by Heather Graham, The Krewe of Hunters Book #13, Performed by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1469221830, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 35 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.

CUT AND THRUST by Stuart Woods

My love of audio books began many years ago listening on a cassette player to a story by author Stuart Woods where the protagonist was named Ed Eagle.

Ed, who has several books in his own series, is among the main players in CUT AND THRUST by Stuart Woods, the 30th installment in his Stone Barrington series. This time around Woods puts Barrington and Eagle in a story with the protagonists from yet another of his series featuring Will and Katherine Lee.

Narrator Tony Roberts does his usual wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He masters the cadence for all the characters from Stone to gruff Dino to the various female voices. His mannerisms enhance the story.

While Woods’ writing has mellowed a bit since that first audio I listened to, it’s always fun catching up with his characters – especially Stone Barrington.

In CUT AND THRUST the story focuses on Stone’s helping Kate Lee in her bid for the Democratic presidential nominee. A side story deals with Ed Eagle and the problems he continues to have concerning an ex-wife who is a bit over the edge. There’s not a lot of action or drama, but an unexpected and interesting twist at the end dealing with Ed’s ex.

For fans of Stone Barrington, Will and Katherine Lee, Ed Eagle and Stuart Woods, CUT AND THRUST is an entertaining addition you shouldn’t miss.

Cut and Thrust by Stuart Woods, Stone Barrington Novel Book #30, Performed by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1611762822, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: Approximately 7 Hours 

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.

(NOTE: The first audio I listened to was SANTA FE RULES.)

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What do you have lined up to read or listen to? Doesn't the cover of THE HEXED just draw you in?

*Authors Carolyn Wolfe and Christopher Cloud were slated to be here today, but were unable to. Hopefully we can reschedule their visit at a later date.

**This post contains affiliate links.

The Old Blue Line and The Cursed

I have two enjoyable audio books to share with you today. One is a novella, the 15.5 installment in the Joanna Brady series, and the other is the 12th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series.

THE OLD BLUE LINE by J.A. Jance

This interesting novella by author J.A. Jance ends all too quickly. It’s an intriguing story you can easily get caught up in.

Narrator James Eckhouse does a great job giving the various characters their own unique voice. His interruption of the characters’ emotions and the setting enhances the author’s already captivating story.

Butch Dixon, owner of the Roundhouse Bar and Grill, finds himself the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. He hasn’t seen or talk to his ex in quite some time, but evidence is showing a different story.

Turning to an old friend for help, Butch soon finds himself being helped by member of the Old Blue Line. He learns the group of retired law enforcement and legal professionals may be old, but they’re tenacious, cunning and a force that gets to the truth.

THE OLD BLUE LINE can be listened to/read on its own. For fans of Jance’s Sheriff Joanna Brady series, this will be an added bonus learning a bit of backstory about the sheriff’s husband before they were married.

It’s a fast moving story with well-developed characters. The story flows smoothly and the author’s vivid descriptions places you in the middle of the action.

The Old Blue Line by J.A. Jance, Joanna Brady Series Book #15.5, Performed by James Eckhouse, Harper Audio, @2014, ASIN: B00KQTOMAO, Unabridged, Digital Downloadable, Listening Time: 1 Hour and 56 Minutes. 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 CURSED by Heather Graham

A haunted house in Key West, a notorious smuggling ring, long-lost treasure, and paranormal investigating federal agents make for an intriguing thriller in author Heather Graham’s THE CURSED.

Luke Daniels does a superb job narrating this suspenseful mystery. His cadence and mannerisms give each character their own unique voice to the point it seems there’s more than one reader. His interruption adds depth to the drama of this fascinating story.

Hannah O’Brien owns and operates a B&B in Key West and has the unique ability to not only see the two resident ghosts, but communicate with them as well. After a man is murdered in the alley behind her B&B, he comes to Hannah as a ghost asking for help.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Dallas Samson makes Hannah’s life difficult when he begins questioning how she knows the things she knows. Dallas knows the dead man was an uncover agent trying to get inside information on a smuggling ring known as Los Lobos, the wolves.

It turns out Hannah has a connection to Los Lobos, since their leader believes there’s a long-lost treasure hidden in her B&B and he will stop at nothing to get it. Things really heat up when Hannah’s cousin Kelsey and her partner arrive in town. They are members of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. It seems Dallas has been on their radar for some time and there may be more to him than he’s telling.

While this is a paranormal mystery featuring ghosts, the author presents it in such a manner it will quickly seem plausible. The characters are well-developed and likable. The story flows at a steady pace and smoothly.

THE CURSED is a good mix of suspense, Key West legends, humor, murder, and romance blended together for a captivating story. Even though this is the 12th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series, it can be listened to/read on its own with new readers being left in the dark.

The Cursed by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters Book #12, Performed by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1469221755, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 1 Minute 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of 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 you’re continuing to enjoy a fun-filled holiday weekend (no matter where you live). Have you ever stayed in a haunted B&B? Do you enjoy learning the various legends of the area you’re visiting when on vacation?

*This post contains affiliate links.