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 Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts

Trilogies are sometimes tricky with the enthusiasm, characters and storyline falling flat with the final installment.

That’s not the case with author Nora Roberts’ trilogy, Inn Boonsboro. The final installment in the series, THE PERFECT HOPE, is as powerful as the first two books with an added bonus as it ties everything nicely together.

MacLeod Andrews does a superb job with the narration. His vocalizations of the characters gives each their own unique style and voice. His cadence is mesmerizing drawing the listener in, making them feel a part of the story.

This installment focuses on Hope Beaumont, the inn keeper of the Inn Boonsboro and Ryder Montgomery, the eldest of the three Montgomery brothers who built the inn under the supervision of their mother, Justine.

Hope was burnt by her last relationship when she realized Jonathan Wickham was only using her. To make matters worse, so was his family as she managed The Wickman, their hotel in Georgetown. Coming to Boonsboro at the urging of her two friends, Hope is determined to be a good inn keeper and has little time for romance.

To add to her drama, Hope recently learned she is related to Lizzy, the resident ghost who inhabits the inn. Circumstances has lead Hope to begin a search to know more about the man Lizzy lost in the war. She may be a big city girl, but Hope is quickly learning to enjoy the small town lifestyle.

Ryder has his hands full working on the numerous construction projects his mother continues to develop. He is sexy with a strong stubborn streak. With one brother and sister-in-law busy with three boys and a couple more on the way, and the other brother about to marry his childhood sweetheart, Ryder isn’t looking for romance either.

The chemistry between Hope and Ryder is electrifying. Their quick-tempered bantering is fun. They seem like opposites, but share very much in common. The secondary characters are colorful, zany and well-developed. They add realism to the mix. The inn and the town are beautiful described casting them as major characters in the story as well.

THE PERFECT HOPE is a stand alone book. However, to completely enjoy the journey of the Montgomery brothers and their ladies, the trilogy should be read/listened to in order. Reading/listening in order also enhances the adventure of Lizzy and her quest for Billy.

Roberts has brought the trilogy to a delightful close tying up lose ends and giving all involved their time in the limelight. The best thing to me is that even though the trilogy ends, it is not so final that another chapter (book) couldn’t be written later to update the lives of those in Boonsboro.

Author Nora Roberts’ website is www.noraroberts.com

The Perfect Hope by Nora Roberts, Inn Boonsboro Trilogy Book Three, Read by MacLeod Andrews, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1455807093, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 10 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.
 
Thanks everyone for stopping by today. When you read the last installment in a series, do you want it to be final, final? Or do you prefer closure with an opening where the author could come back and write more?

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts

Author Nora Roberts continues her Inn Boonsboro Trilogy with THE LAST BOYFRIEND and the story just gets better.

The Montgomery brothers - Beckett, Ryder and Owen - are working hard to open their inn on schedule. THE LAST BOYFRIEND focuses on Owen, the organizer of the three brothers. He helps run the family’s construction business with schedules and spreadsheets.

Across the street Avery MacTavish watches the inn come to life from her pizza business. She and her dad are friends with the Montgomery family, in fact - Owen was her first boyfriend.

As the finishing touches come together for the inn, Owen and Avery find themselves together more. Old feelings awake in both and they soon discover they are drawn to each other.

With the inn ghost up to her usual tricks, along with a request, the inn opens on schedule. Then a face from the past returns to cause problems for the MacTavish and Montgomery families, but love is stronger than fear.

Narrator MaCleod Andrews does an excellent job bringing this story to life. His distinct vocalization of each character will have you believing there’s more than one person narrating. He gives a flawless delivery. His easy-going voice pulls you in and holds you spellbound until the end.

The inn, as well as the town of Boonsboro, is described in vivid and gorgeous details casting them as characters in the story. Roberts’ eye for details places the reader/listener in the setting with her characters.

THE LAST BOYFRIEND can be read/listened to as a stand alone book, but for the full story be sure to pickup the first installment in the series, THE NEXT ALWAYS. While this story ends with a few things not yet quiet settled, you know all will be revealed in the next installment, THE PERFECT HOPE, slated for release in November.

Author Nora Robers’ website is www.noraroberts.com

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts, Book Two of The Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, Performed by MaCleod Andrews, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1455806935, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 10 Hours 45 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.

 

Do you enjoy books where parts of the storyline are continued from one book to the next? Had you rather a storyline be finalized in the book you’re reading/listening to? Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great Saturday.

Penguin Group (USA) Launches Read Humane™ Initiative In Honor Of National Pet Month

I’m always pleased to help spread the word about newly released books and other information pertaining to the publishing industry. Being a pet owner/lover, I’m doubly delighted to share the following announcement from the Penguin Group (USA) with you.

Following in the footsteps of the successful Read Pink™ and Read for the Heart™ initiatives, Penguin Group (USA) has created a new initiative called Read Humane™ in honor of National Pet Month. 

Read Humane will feature an assortment of six animal-themed mass market fiction paperback titles by some of Penguin Group (USA)’s most popular authors in special Read Humane editions. These special editions became available in participating stores on Monday, May 1.

The authors whose books comprise the initiative are Nora Roberts, Rebecca M. Hale, Alison Pace, Miranda James, Linda O. Johnston and Sofie Kelly, and special editions will be printed featuring Read Humane seals on the covers.  

 
In an exclusive video, #1 New York Times best-selling author Nora Roberts, spokesperson for Read Humane, says she's proud to stand with Penguin in their effort “dedicated to protecting the lives of all animals and fighting animal cruelty.” 

 
In addition, Penguin Group (USA) is including information in the back of each book in an effort to make readers aware of The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team and encourage them to become actively involved in supporting the organization. 

 
Penguin Group (USA) also announced a $25,000 donation to The Humane Society of the United States to support the work of its Animal Rescue Team. The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, and it was recently ranked by Philanthropedia experts as the most effective animal group in the country.

“All of us at Penguin care about animals — it’s in our name!  Penguin is glad to share the work of The Humane Society of the United States with our readers.  We hope this program encourages our readers to take action in their own communities to support animal welfare,” said Leslie Gelbman, President of mass market publishing, Penguin Group (USA). 

 
“Anyone looking at the faces of the animals brought to safety by The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team will immediately understand the importance of this work,” noted Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.  “We’re so grateful for the generosity of Penguin and these wonderful authors in supporting animal rescue.”  

 
For more details about the Read Humane initiative and to view a complete list of the participating retail outlets, please visit www.penguin.com/readhumane. 

 
Here’s a bit of background on the Humane Society of the United States - the nation’s largest animal protection organization, backed by 11 million Americans. 

 
Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. The HSUS works with local humane societies and supports their work through training, evaluations, publications, and other professional services.  Additionally, The HSUS operates its own network of animal sanctuaries and rescue operations, providing emergency care and homes to more animals than any other organization in the United States.  

About Penguin Group (USA)
Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group.  Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Viking, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, The Penguin Press, Riverhead Books, Dutton, Penguin Books, Berkley Books, Gotham Books, Portfolio, New American Library, Plume, Tarcher, Philomel, Grosset & Dunlap, Puffin, and Frederick Warne, among others. The Penguin Group (www.penguin.com) is part of Pearson plc, the international media company. 

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a chance to check out these great titles from the Penguin Group. You will not only be helping a wonderful cause, but also providing yourself with great cozy mysteries to enjoy.
 

A Bride And An Inn

 

I have a couple of wonderful books to share with you today. While one of the books has been out for awhile, it’s just now coming out as an audio book. I’m still encouraging you to give a listen to audio books, if you don’t already. It’s a great way to ‘read’ while you’re busy doing other things.

KEEPER OF THE BRIDE by Tess Gerritsen

Nina Cormier was looking forward to getting married. She never imaged her life would be in danger when she was left at the altar on her wedding day.

Not long after Nina leaves the church, it explodes. Detective Sam Navarro with the bomb squad is called in to investigate. The sparks between Nina and Sam are electrifying as both try to deny it.

As the investigation continues, someone tries to run Nina off the road making it apparent she is a target. Nina and Sam try to uncover who or what she knows that is endangering her life and how it’s connected to a recent warehouse bombing.

Nina’s dysfunctional family is little help, but add another layer to the story. Her ex-fiancé is prime suspect until he becomes a target too.

Author Tess Gerritsen does a wonderful job keeping you guessing. She adds enough twists and turns to heighten the suspense and intrigue, while fanning the flames of desire between Sam and Nina. There’s plenty of action too.

The narration by Montana Chase brings these characters to life giving them great depth. Her mannerisms will have you feeling all the emotions these characters encounter. Her interruption flows smoothly from one character to the next, giving each one their own unique voice.

KEEPER OF THE BRIDE is filled with suspense, action, and moments of tenderness and passion. There’s just the right combination to keep you on the edge of your seat until the climactic end.

Author Tess Gerritsen’s website is www.tessgerritsen.com

Keeper Of The Bride by Tess Gerritsen, Read by Montana Chase, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1441875952, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 8 Hours 38 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 NEXT ALWAYS by Nora Roberts

I was thrilled when I saw that author Nora Roberts had a new trilogy out. I’ve read and listened to a number of her trilogies and always find they are centered around strong bonds of family, friendship, loyalty, and hope. The family core (whether blood or otherwise) plays an essential element in these trilogies and I find that a wonderful feature.

THE NEXT ALWAYS, the first book in the Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, has this family-related core. In fact, there are multiple units in the story that come together as one including the close-knit atmosphere of a small town.

Clare Murphy Brewster returns to Boonsboro (Maryland) to raise her 3 young boys near her parents after her husband is killed in service. Clare is busy caring for her boys and operating her bookstore, Turn The Page. She barely has time for herself much less a love life.

Meanwhile, the Montgomery brothers - Beckett, Ryder and Owen - are renovating a historical inn on Main Street across from Clare’s store. The brothers have the help of their fun-loving, eccentric mother, Justine, to restore the inn to its original grandeur.

Beckett has carried a torch for Clare since they were teenagers. He has given her time and space since her return. The renovation gives him an excuse to get reacquainted. As there relationship beings to grow, a stalker has other plans for Clare.

In addition, since the inn s over 200 years old there’s apparently a ghost haunting it. She makes her presence known to only a few, including Beckett, and plays a key role near the end.

While Clare and Beckett’s relationship moves slowly, it’s realistic. Both have time-consuming jobs and Clare has 3 small boys. Dates have to fit around hectic schedules and sick children. The time Beckett spends with Clare’s boys is humorous and hear-warming. Clare’s friends, Avery and Hope, also play major roles in her life, as Beckett’s brothers play in his.

Roberts goes into great detail describing the renovation progress. She gives vivid descriptions of the inn’s look and atmosphere. The rooms, each named after literary lovers, are beautifully described. Writers are encouraged to write what they know. Well, Roberts knows this inn (it really exists) and she’s able to put the reader into the inn because of that.

Macleod Andrews does an amazing job narrating the story. His voice has just the perfect blend of shyness and sexuality when he portrays Beckett. His interruption of Clare brings out her vulnerability while putting on a brave front. His vocals as Clare’s boys will make you smile and laugh out loud. He does a wonderful job bringing the supporting characters to life. His mannerisms throughout the story are an added bonus.

THE NEXT ALWAYS is more than a romance story with a hint of suspense. It’s about the bond between brothers, the loyalty of friendship, the compassion of small towns, pride in history, and the strength of family.

There really is a Inn Boonsboro and Turn The Page book store. Roberts and her husband, Bruce Wilder, renovated the inn which matches the one in the book. In addition, Wilder owns the book store across the street from the inn. For more on these and other elements related to the book, visit www.innboonsboro.com.

Real life agendas fall by the wayside as you get absorbed in Clare and Beckett’s world. I don’t think I’ve done the story or the narration justice here today so give it a listen (or read) for yourself.

The next installment in the series, THE LAST BOYFRIEND, is slated for release in May 2012.

Author Nora Roberts’ website is www.noraroberts.com

The Next Always by Nora Roberts, Book One of the Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, Read by Macleod Andrews, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1455806843, Unabridged, 10 Discs, Listening Time: 11 Hours 26 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.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have you read (or listened) to either of these books? What are your thoughts on them?

 

NEW YORK TO DALLAS by J.D. Robb

Some time back a friend gave me a book. I put it aside. I wasn’t into reading futuristic stories. Later I came across a library audio book from the same series as the book and decided to give it a listen since I couldn’t find what I was looking for.

That audio (and my friend) introduced me to the intriguing, adrenaline-fueled world of Detective Eve Dallas of the NYPSD and I’ve been hooked ever since. The futuristic world of 2060 still has murder and mayhem, but with Eve Dallas on the case there’s never a dull moment as she puts fear into the hearts of criminals.

NEW YORK TO DALLAS is the 33rd full-length novel in the ‘In Death’ series by award-winning author J.D. Robb (the pseudonym of Nora Roberts). As with all the books in this series, this is a stand alone read.

A serial killer with a taste for the innocence of young girls has escaped prison. Isaac McQueen was Eve’s first major arrest when she was a rookie cop 12 years earlier. McQueen is making it personal this time around.

The search for McQueen takes Eve back to Dallas, Texas, where she evolved from. Eve had a devastating childhood of abuse at the hands of her father. She must now face those emotions while searching for McQueen and his two hostages. With the help of her wealthy and savvy husband, Roarke, Eve will face her own demons and fight to put McQueen back where he belongs. She will also come face-to-face with something she never expected.

Each chapter of Eve’s life just gets better and better. Author J.D. Robb’s vivid descriptions of life in the future puts the reader there. The action will keep you on the edge of your seat while breaking your heart as Eve relives her childhood traumas. There is romance with the exchange between Eve and Roarke, the love of family felt with the victims, and the loyalty of friends. In addition, Robb has sprinkled bits of humor throughout to lighten the mood at times in this intense and terrifying thriller.

The narration by Susan Ericken adds an extra layer of excitement to this energetic plot. She gives spark to Roarke’s Irish accent and flavor to the other characters. Her marvelous ability to give each character their own distinct voice makes the story come alive.

NEW YORK TO DALLAS is another pulse-pounding, catch-your-breath case for homicide detective Eve Dallas.

Author J.D. Robb’s website is www.jdrobb.com

New York To Dallas by J.D. Robb, An In Death Novel, Read by Susan Ericken, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1441836311, Unabridged, 12 Discs, Listening Time: 13 Hours 55 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.

‘What’s in a name?’

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
William Shakespeare (1594)

This line from “Romeo and Juliet” says a lot about how we perceive things. Would a rose smell as sweet to us if we called it a turnip? Your mind automatically says no, but then think what if that was all you knew it by. Then turnip would represent something sweet and beautiful. (Not that a turnip isn't already to some people).

A name sometimes tells us a lot about a person or thing, while other times it tell us nothing.

An example, most who read this blog may think Mason Canyon is a male. The name sounds masculine so it must be, right? If you’ve looked at the profile, you know different. I’m a female.

Why the masculine name then? I really didn’t think about it being masculine when I decided on it. Mason comes from the love and enjoyment of watching "Perry Mason" when I was growing up. Until I was a senior in high school, I wanted to be a lawyer but got sidetracked by journalism and when that route instead. Now I collect old editions of Earle Stanley Gardner's "Perry Mason" books. Canyon was the name of my first horse, Canyon Son. I just like the way the names went together so I’ve used that pseudonym for years when writing book reviews.
I decided to use the pseudonym writing my book reviews because they were separate from the hard news I normally wrote. It was a different part of my writing, so thus a new name.

If you read the two previous posts here, you were introduced to the ladies of the Mystery Lover’s Kitchen and noted that they use various pseudonyms depending on what they are writing and for whom they are writing. I think most authors follow that tradition.

Another quick example is Nora Roberts. When she writes what I call romantic, light-hearted novels, she writes as Nora Roberts. But when she writes the hard crime thriller featuring Eve Dallas, she writes as J.D. Robb. Same person, two names, two different styles of writing.

Now I don’t use a pseudonym because I’m an author. I use it because this blog is where I review books, feature authors, and discuss reading and writing. This type writing is what Mason Canyon does. Mason’s domain.

You can’t always judge a person’s gender by their name. I know five people named Terry. Four spell their name Terry and one Terri. Of those five only one (Terry) is a male. There was a lady I knew all of my life by the name of Dean, when she passed away I found out her real name was Nadine, but no one ever called
her that. So names can be misleading sometimes.

Talking about names, how much emphasis should a writer put on a character’s name?

Think about Scarlett O’Hara. Would that character have grown to the image it is today if she had been called Betty Smith (not that there’s anything wrong with that name)?
 What about Rhett Butler? Would women have swooned over the name Carl Jones (nothing wrong with that name either? Or is it that these characters were so strong that our images are based on that and really has nothing to do with their names?

I’m sure you can think of numerous names that bring visions of various books to mind instantly. But which came first - the name or the character? Is it the same with every book that author writes?

I’ve often wondered if an author selects names for their characters and then builds their description from that or do they have an image of how the character will look and a name comes to them as they write. In that case, I guess you’d say the character created their own name.

How hard or easy is it to create names for your characters? Do your characters hide behind names that don’t suit them or names that make them appear to be someone else? What is your method of naming your characters? Oh, a rose by any other name ......

*****

Now for the winners of the recent book giveaways. The winners have already been notified, but this is to let everyone else know who has won which books.

LOVE IN 90 DAYS: Brenda R. of Madison Heights, MI; Heather S. of Georgetown, IL; Rebecca G. of Fayetteville, TN; Victoria S. of Houston, TX; and Judy P. of Midwest City, OK.
SEDUCED BY A ROGUE: Ann C. of Sioux Falls, SD; Renee G. of Valleyford, WV; Joyce S. of Conroe, TX; Susan P. of Pembroke Pines, FL; and Nancye D. of Louisville, KY.
A BLACK TIE AFFAIR: Karen K. of Monessen, PA; Carol K. of Schertz, TX; Jemi F of Marie, Ontario; Joy H. of Saint Peters, MO; and Carolyn Y. of Fort Collins, CO.
CORKED: Janel G. of Freeland, MI; Stacey B. of Goldsboro, NC; Eleanor H. of Greenville, PA; Emily L. of Forest Lake, MN; and Amy S. of Glencoe, MN.
FUGITIVE: LSU Reader is the winner, please e-mail me at mcbookshelf@gmail.com with your name and address so we can send your book.