Evil Under the Sun (Hercule Poirot #24), by Agatha Christie

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Agatha Christie presents another murder in which her Belgian detective proves his worth while on holidays. One can only wonder if Poirot is the original Jessica Fletcher, always turning up where murder arrives. When a young actress is found strangled on the beach, Poirot has a long list of suspects and motive, but he must explore things in detail to determine the murderer. Christie does a masterful job, providing the reader with something quite enticing to devour.

The Jolly Roger is a wonderfully posh resort in England, perfect for those who are established, as well as others who aim to be. After the discovery of a young bride on the beach, everyone wonders what happened to her. It appears that she was strangled, but the perpetrator is not yet known. Working through the countless secrets and motives that arise leaves Poirot wondering if this was a holiday resort or a place for killers to gather and plot their revenge on the victim. Sleuthing as only Poirot can, he deduces things just in the nick of time, leaving everyone astonished and the holiday, albeit bloody, saved.

I have enjoyed bingeing through the Hercule Poirot series in between some of my other reads, a palate cleanser you might call it. The stories are both effective and well-tuned, keeping me on my toes and providing the reader with something intriguing to pass the time. There is something about these stories that leaves me wanting more each time, while also being highly in tune with what is going on. A strong narrative base and decent characters provide me with a wonderful experience, which is made better by strong plots and a few twists. I can only hope that things remain as alluring, as I will keep binge reading the series for a while longer before taking a longer break. Agatha Christie sure knows what she is doing.

Kudos, Madam Christie, for yet another successful mystery.

Only the Dead (Terminal List #6), by Jack Carr

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Jack Carr is back with another great novel in the Terminal List series, where protagonist James Reece is trying to stay one step ahead of those who wish to neutralise him. After being tossed in jail for the assassination of the US president, Reece stews for months while the CIA slowly makes its case that Reece was not involved. Now, Reece must not only track down a cabal trying to wrest control over world events, but take on an old case his father was trying to solve. Carr delivers an impactful novel that will have readers turning pages well into the night.

After the murder of a US senator in 1978, the panic surrounding Washington was palpable, though it was the man’s wife in Rhode Island who seeks answers more than confidential reports. She hires Tom Reece to help her, though the operative comes up with little before he dies as well. The mystery sits dormant for years, though there is a new man who might be able to help.

In present day America, James Reece sits in a supermax prison somewhere in the US, detained for his part in assassinating the US President. Reece knows that he is innocent, and does the CIA, who have been sending him on missions for many years. While Reece has months to slowly work through all that has happened, the world around him continues to move, with new threats. A global cabal seeks to take control of the world’s major issues, driving the world right into their hands. They hope that Reece’s detention will keep their plans from being foiled, hoping to send panic into high gear.

With Reece’s released after being exonerated, he wants nothing more than to find out who framed him, though the current situation will also require his assistance. He rushes from place to place, in hopes of getting answers to the problem, while his own continue to stack up. He returns to the coast to gather some insight from his father’s spirit, only to find himself tasked with more questions that relate to the elder Reece’s death. James is tasked with finding the killer of a senator from 1978, the answer which might play into the current situation Reece is seeking to neutralise. It will take more than an interest in saving America to get to the bottom of it all, but James Reece has what it takes and the fortitude to do so covertly. America could find itself in the middle of a new war, leaving some of the larger powers to pluck their respective gems to deepen their own regional control. A brilliantly developed novel that provides Jack Carr has all the tools for a successful thriller.

I discovered the world of Jack Carr a few years ago and cannot stop reading these novels. While I have yet to partake in the television program, I am eager to do so before long. Carr brings his personal experience working within the Agency to reflect on the Reece character and how he thinks. This proves invaluable to the reader, as they can fully comprehend the struggles and thought processes taken by the protagonist. The narrative flow is exceptional and keeps the reader in the middle of the mix, providing great action and momentum, which is essential for this type of book. Other characters help flesh out the story and provided needed depth to keep the reader understanding the complex meanings of all taking place. I can only hope that some of these people will reappear soon, as Carr does so well with building them up. The plots found within the story are not only effectively placed, but help fuel an impactful story that all can enjoy. I will admit that not all readers will be pulled into the James Reece series, but those who are will surely keep coming back for more, as there is such attention to detail.

Kudos, Mr. Carr, for developing a series that never lets up.

The Galileo Gambit (Vatican Secret Archive #6), by Gary McAvoy and Ronald L. Moore

Posted on by canadamatt

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Gary McAvoy for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Returning for another Father Michael Dominic story, Gary McAvoy dazzles once more. As McAvoy utilises the insights of Ronald L. Moore to enrich the story, the reader is treated to another stunning story, steeped in history, religious perspective, and thrilling development. When Father Dominic is invited to Chicago to attend a legal conference with a modern retrying of Galileo for heresy against the Catholic Church, things take a significant turn and old wounds are opened once more. With more enemies than Father Dominic can count, the action is sure to grow exponentially as the danger mounts. McAvoy does a stellar job and his foundation is only strengthened by Moore’s addition.

When Father Michael Dominic receives a call about attending a legal conference in Chicago, he is quite excited. As Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archive, he is in possession of many documents the Church holds dear, including a collection of trial documents from Gallileo’s heresy charges, which happens to be the theme of the conference. On the 400th anniversary of the event, Loyola College hopes to reinvigorate the debate into the scientist’s trial and have a new jury pronounce his guilt or innocence.

Travelling with a small retinue, which includes his close friend, Hana Sinclair, Father Dominic makes his way across the Atlantic, hoping that he will be able to see the law in action. Heading up the Church’s case is a bishop for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith—the modern term for Inquisition—who has a mysterious past and an apparent vendetta. When the documents are stolen, many wonder who could be behind it all and for what means. While the trial is still moving forward, Father Dominic cannot spend too much time worrying, as he is pulled in other middle of a blindsiding cross-examination. It appears this is meant more to discredit him than prove the Gallileo angle. With a photo being scandalously misinterpreted and Father Dominic’s parentiage the fodder for gathering gossip, he finds himself caught in a web.

All the while, the pope’s health is deteriorating back in Rome and it may only be a short tie before he is gone. He worries for Father Dominic, watching events unfold in Chicago. Tossed into the mix is a televangelist who will stop at nothing to get his hands on some of the valuable Galileo artifacts, in order to show his own perspective on Catholic handling of religious events over the years. All while the collection from the Vatican remains lost. Someone lurks in the shadows with a plan that could bring Father Dominic and the Vatican to its knees. A stunning story that keeps McAvoy and Moore in the driver’s seat, while series fans are left to wonder what could be next.

There have been few series that have captivated my attention like Gary McAvoy’s Vatican Archives. Over the years, I have slowly been introduced to the likes of Father Michael Dominic, Hana Sinclair, as well as a core group, all of whom find themselves on many adventures around the world, pertaining to secret items within the Vatican’s archives. The authors keep the narrative moving effectively and provide wonderful pathways to strong storytelling through this foundation. The characters, many of whom are returning from book to book, enrich the story with their own development, while others continue to cast shadows of deception and doubt. This provides great contrast and allows the author to keep the thrills high. While the plot twists are many, the core struggle is clear from the outset, matched with some historic event that is retold and explained through the modern lens. McAvoy and Moore do a fabulous job pulling history and moder interpretations together, allowing the reader to bask in the best aspects of both. At the heart of it all is the trial, which takes a few liberties, but pushes someone fo the tenets raised by the Church all those years ago, while turning things into a Kangaroo Court to destroy Father Domenic. As I have said before, these books are less about the inculcation of religious beliefs on the reader than showing how the power of the Church and Christianity can still bend people in certain direction. A formidable addition to the series that has me wanting more and to see just how Father Dominic will handle some of his most recent struggles.

Kudos, Messers. McAvoy and Moore, for never taking your collective foot off the literary gas!

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Hercule Poirot #23), by Agatha Christie

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

A Hercule Poirot story as sharp as a well-used bicuspid. Agatha Christie brings her Belgian detective back for another murder that does not add up. The local dentist appears to have committed suicide, but no one is entirely convinced. There was no reason for the death and someone wonders if the scene may be staged. Hercule Poirot attends the scene to discover the irregularities and ensures that the murderer is caught before too long. In a story paced along by a children’s rhyme, Christie shows how unique her delivery can be.

A well-liked dentist is found having injected an odd drug concoction. Dr. Morley was quite the characters and had many friends. With no emotional issues, personal debt, or known enemies, the death reeks of murder at a staged crime scene. One of Dr. Morley’d patients, retired detective Hercule Poirot, is more than happy to poke around to see if he can find any loose ends that might need his attention.

Taking his time to interview patients, partners, and friends, Poirot tries to get a better understanding of Dr. Morley. What he discovers is that there are others around town who have been holding back when asked about the good doctor Now, it will take Poirot a moment to piece things together and tie off any loose ends to find the murderer, as well as a list of past individuals who may also have been victims. Christie does well and entertains effectively in this piece,

The Hercule Poirot stories remain compact, while full of detail. This ensures the reader can follow Poirot’s musing with ease as the story progresses from murder to arrest. Agatha Christie provides a strong basis and ensures the story progresses. Characters paint their own image for the reader, leaving the reader to decipher when they can surmise about them. The plots emerge and develop with such ease and leave me wanting more, which makes these short pieces all the more alluring, as one can devour a few in short order. I choose to pace myself with them, but the impact is just as strong,.

Kudos, Madam Christie, for another strong piece.

The Winners (Beartown #3), by Fredrik Backman

Posted on by canadamatt

While I have enjoyed the past books in this series by Fredrik Backman, I could not find myself connecting to this piece. I love hockey and can usually devour books translated from Scandinavian tongues, but I could not find my way with this piece. The premise seemed to make sense and flowed with ease, but I tried twice to find a connection to the story and this novel’s complement to the series. I could not. The title may depict an expectation of the novel, but I cannot echo this sentiment and list the book as Did Not Finish!

Sad Cypress (Hercule Poirot #21), by Agatha Christie

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Another murder and Hercule Poirot is on the scene. Agatha Christie’s stellar Belgian detective is on the scene when a young woman is dead, likely poisoned by morphine. With a few obvious suspects, Poirot is forced to dig a little deeper in the midst of a murder trial, in hopes of getting to the bottom of what’s happened. Christie builds the case effectively and lets Poirot reveal all in the final pages. A brilliant piece that entertains the reader throughout.

When the elderly Laura Welman takes ill, she is left in the hands of a young Mary Gerard. While Mary is able to care for the woman, Elinor Carlisle cannot shake that there might be more to this than meets the eye. Elinor and her suitor, Roddy, make their way to town and tend to the ailing Laura. When, on her deathbed, Elinor is asked to give a sizeable portion of the estate to Mary, there is shock within the house. While Elinor heeds Laura’s wishes, she is sure that Mary must have been up to something. Furthermore, Mary seems to have taken a shining to Roddy, which only angers Elinor more!

When Mary is found dead a few days later, the town is full of gossip. Mary appears to have been poisoned by morphine and the sole suspect is Elinor. As a criminal trial begins, retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is called upon to look into the matter and ensure that Elinor Carlisle is actually the guilty party As Poirot peels back the stories and the facts, he discovers a thread he must follow This leads him to new and insightful ideas that tell a story that no one thought to explore. Before the gavel can come down one final time, Hercule Poirot will have the truth and is ready to share it with anyone who will listen. A wonderful piece by Agatha Christie that keeps the reader guessing until the final page flip.

The Hercule Poirot never disappoints in its entertainment factor. The stories are compact and yet full of detail, allowing the reader to play the role of Poirot as well, as they try to tease the truth out of what is going on. Christie’s strong foundation throughout keeps the story on point and allows things to progress with ease. Decent characters emerge and paint their own image as the reader tries to decipher who might be hiding something significant. Plot lines emerge and develop with ease, though noting is ever as it seems, as Poirot is not happy with too easy an investigation. I can only wonder what is to come with this series, which never takes too long and also delivers a knockout punch!

Kudos, Madam Christie, for entertaining and educating me in equal measure.

Wolf Trap, by Connor Sullivan

Posted on by canadamatt

Nine stars

After having thoroughly enjoyed the previous novel by Connor Sullivan, I thought that I’d return for another, in hopes that it was just as exciting. Sullivan dives into the middle of the terrorism genre with this well-paced novel that explores international terrorist activities, state-sanctioned murder, and even some internal strife. When the new US president wishes to push a Green Agenda, there are some within her Administration that remain leery, as is the reaction on the world scene. However, with an unlikely ally, the plan to sign a major deal moves forward. However, there are some who will stop at nothing to see the Accord stymied and the US president neutralized for her efforts. Sullivan brings it all together in this piece, which is as captivating as it is explosive.

When the US Administration seeks to push a Green Agenda, many around the world scoff at the idea. How can such a powerful and industrial nation push for something so ‘pie in the sky’? It would seem the same sentiment is just as prevalent inside the US Administration. After a series of nuclear power plants explode in various parts of the world, the push for something green is even stronger and US President Angela Buchanan will stop at nothing to ensure things take a significant turn.

Saudi Arabia agrees to go green alongside the US, leaving the world shocked, but quite impressed. A summit is planned, where an Accord will be signed, moving things along in a direction that could only mean a more environmental world. However, there is a push to see the end of the summit and ensure, not only that the Accord is never signed, but that the Leader of the Free World be removed from her ivory tower, permanently. Intel and significant planning show that there is a plot to assassinate the US president and wreak havoc on many, with cells both inside the US Administration and around the world working to this end.

Enter Brian Rhome, a former member of a highly-elite branch of the CIA, whose job it was to hunt down the most problematic elements that could harm the US. Rhome has been read in on the plan to kill the president and he will work with his team to ensure that this does not happen, as well as neutralise anyone who stands in his way. All the while, President Buchanan tries to extinguish fires in her own Administration, sure that there is something going on to dilute her authority. As the plan is slowly revealed, Rhome can see that there are traitors within the White House, in government, and around the world. One false move and it could all come tumbling down. He will have to find a way to stop the plan or risk a world thrown into even more chaos. Connor Sullivan does a stellar job once more with this piece!

While the previous novel of Connor Sullivan spoke about the rise of a new Russia, in this book he posits the strength of terrorism is still a threat to US and world peace. Cobbling together some great storytelling with strong characters, Sullivan pulls the reader into the middle of the action from the outset. There is a strong flavour of international politics and espionage with the story, whose narrative move along well and keeps the reader in the middle of the action. The plots develop slowly and with intention, as the reader learns much of what is going on as needed, rather than with omnipotence. This is the kind of novel I enjoy, for the reader is not always privy to the entire plan, but must watch it unfold in real time. I can only hope there are more books by Sullivan that illustrate the power of a great political upheaval, as I could not put this one down and hungered for more as things finally came together in the end.

Kudos, Mr. Sullivan, for mastering the political thriller.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (Hercule Poirot #20), by Agatha Christie

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Back for another Hercule Poirot mystery, this one with a holiday flavouring to it. Agatha Christie continues to dazzle me with her abilities and versatility in yet another crime that shows family may come together at Christmas, but they are just as happy to lighten the gift-giving list. Poirot is on point once more as he deduces who wanted the head of the family gone before the new year rushes in. A great story that can be easily digested in a short time.

Days before Christmas, Simeon Lee has called all his family together to celebrate the holiday season with him. They come from far and wide, seeking not only to share the spirits of Christmas, but to learn what the elder Lee has to say about a change to his last will and testament. Lee’s sons still hold onto some resentment about his philandering, which they make known, as well as their sentiments about Mrs. Lee’s passing. On Christmas Eve, Lee discovers that a handful of valuables has gone missing and prepares to let the authorities know, choosing to do so after the celebrations have ended. However, later that evening, a scream and a crash can be heard, before Simeon Lee is found in a pool of blood, murdered. Everyone is a suspect and yet no one has any idea who could be the culprit.

As luck would have it, retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is in town to celebrate with a friend. He is called to the manor, alongside the local authorities to investigate. Poirot takes little time to assess the scene and soon begins probing into who might have wanted Simeon dead and how they might have gone about it. Meticulous exploration and poignant questions arise, as Poirot pushes through to isolate the murderer and provide the family some form of gift at Christmas. Who did it and why? All that will soon emerge with Poirot on the case, hoping to tie things off in a tidy bow! Another great piece that shows just how varied Agatha Christie can be!

The Hercule Poirot series is always so entertaining and educational in equal parts. The pieces flow with easy, using a strong narrative foundation, while keeping the reader on their toes throughout with a great set of storylines and decent characters. While the faces are always changing, the drama and interactions seem to be found in each piece. Christie develops strong plots with little time to spare and never leaves the reader feeling less than impressed with the final outcome. I am eager to keep reading these pieces, usually as fillers between larger reads. A perfectly reasonable journey, pacing myself to enjoy a little thinking in my mystery reading.

Kudos, Madam Christie, for winning me over again.

Appointment with Death (Hercule Poirot #19), by Agatha Christie

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Returning for more Agatha Christie, I found myself reading the next book in the Hercule Poirot series. The Belgian detective is sharp once more as he tries to decipher the case of an elderly woman who became the matriarch of the family, though her iron fist left her with more enemies than those who respected her. A quick mystery full of great deduction, perfect for series fans.

The beautiful views on Petra are surely some of the most memorable in the region, particularly those stunning red cliffs. There, the Boynton family are vacationing, led by the matriarch, who has taken control of the family after Mr. Boynton’s death. Her control of the family, particularly the adult children, is like no other, known to many as being awkward and immovable as one could imagine. When Mrs. Boynton was found murdered, it is only a small injection in her wrist that shows there may have been a criminal act.

With a poison on board and only a short time to solve the case before all evidence is lost, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot must work quickly. It is pure luck that Poirot is in the area and begins asking sharp questions, from Mrs. Boynton’s habits to how she tested those around her. Each moment, Poirot builds his case and reveals clues not readily seen to those around him. When all seems lost, Poirot makes his presumption, supported by nuanced views, and reveals the killer. A brilliant piece by Agatha Christie that proves a wonderful addition to the series.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Hercule Poirot series since I started it a while back. These mysteries, succinct and yet so full of detail, prove great filler reads between larger pieces. Christie develops her narrative swiftly and builds upon it to keep the reader on a great path. The characters are well-placed and developed effectively, complementing one another with ease throughout. A few plot points work to keep the reader wondering until Poirot pulls things together in a last minute flurry. Perfect piece to whet my appetite for more.

Kudos, Madam Christie, for another great mystery.

The White Knight (Ben Hope #27), by Scott Mariani

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Whenever I see a new book by Scott Mariani, I know that I am in for a wonderful reading experience. Mariani uses well-developed plots and a strong set of characters to present formidable stories that are sure to entertain the reader. Ben Hope is back to help an aged billionaire when his family tells of a recent attack. As Hope digs a little deeper in tot the case, he realises that nothing is quite as it seems and everything ties into a chess set. A chilling story that is full of action. Perfect for series fans!

After a brutal attack on billionaire Auguste Kaprisky leaves him in a coma, his sole remaining family member, a granddaughter, is worried about what has happened. She cannot fathom who would want to kill her grandfather and reaches out toe Ben Hope, the only man she feels his the power to open an investigation and track down those who were responsible.

Hope, a former SAS-soldier who now runs his own training facility in France, is amenable to helping, but will need to look into Kaprisky’s background to better understand those who might mean him harm. The more Hope pushes, the deeper the plot gets and Hope is soon the new target to these attackers, who have yet to reveal themselves.

As the case spans all parts of the globe, Hope comes closer and closer to death, escaping by the skin of his teeth. At the heart of it all is a chess set stolen by Kaprisky’s attackers, one that once belonged to Napoleon. Hope has no idea why, but he will have to determine its significance or be checkmated in the process. Mariani does a wonderful job with this piece and keeps the action high throughout.

This series has proven to be some of the best thriller writing that I have read in a long while. Just when I think Scott Mariani’s has reached his limit, he comes out with another stellar piece. From its strong narrative foundation to the plethora of relatable characters found within, the story moves well and provides an entertaining tale for all to enjoy. Strong plot twists keep things enticing and leave me wanting more, which never seems to dissipate throughout the reading journey. Mariani has not waned as the number of books pile up. If anything, the stories get stronger and more unique. I cannot wait to see what’s to come and for how long Ben Hope can remain upright and fighting some of the most ruthless people in the business.

Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for another strong piece that left me so excited for the next book.

Fear the Silence, by Robert Bryndza

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Bryndza , and Raven Street Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Maggie Kendall is a reputable trauma surgeon who has experience keeping it cool. However, when a patient is rushed into the A&E with a gunshot wound, all coolness evaporates as soon as Maggie realises that it is her husband, Will. Frozen in place, Maggie can only wonder if Will was the victim of a home invasion. Once he dies on the table, Maggie is sure the hunt is on for the killer. That is turned on its head when police infirm Maggie that Will’s gunshot wound appears to have been self-inflicted.

Escaping to their other home in Croatia after the funeral, Maggie tries to piece it all together and determine what Will must have been going through to want to kill him self. She receives a letter, posted by Will’s solicitor, from six years ago, Will’s own handwriting fills the pages, in which he explains that he had made arrangements for Maggie to receive this upon his death. Maggie is pulled into a whirlwind of confusion, unsure why Will would orchestrate something so intense.

When she is attacked inside her own on a remote island, Maggie is sure that someone is targeting her for what Will knew. She tries to escape, but is unable to flee without numerous scrapes and bruises. When she tries to get back to the UK, her plans are sidetracked and she becomes a missing person. Left with little idea what’s going on, Maggie will need to reach the authorities to share her news, though she might be dead before it comes to pass! Bryndza is brilliant once again.

While I have loved reading some of Robert Bryndza’s series work, it is nice to see that he can be just as impactful with standalone work. The narrative basis of the book builds effectively throughout the piece, keeping the reading guessing what awaits around each corner. Characters find themselves keeping the story moving as they offer perspective and flavouring, needed for a standalone, as the reader has no basis for past remembrances. Plot lines are numerous and well-placed, keeping the story moving with a psychological undertone. Bryndza’s traditional writing style emerged and thickens the story’s plot at just the right moments.

Kudos, Mr. Bryndza, for another great story. I could not ask for more!!

Medieval Bodies: Life and Death in the Middle Ages, by Jack Hartnell

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Historian Jack Hartnell had me highly intrigued when I came upon this book. His exploration of the human body and the importance of its various parts during the Middle Ages proves to be educational to the attentive reader. Hartnell illustrates just how different body importance was in medieval times, as opposed to today, while offering detailed explanations of how the body was understood. Full of detail and covering parts from head to toe (literally), Hartnell dazzles in this unique piece of historical fiction. Just what I needed to raise an eyebrow, some of the only hair I have on my 21st century head!

Jack Hartnell pulls no punches when he open this tome, letting the reader know that the book seeks not only to explore the body, but offer a detailed contrast between modern times and the medieval era. He thoroughly goes through each part of the body and shares scientific understandings, artistic renderings, and eve religious importance from the medieval days. One such exploration would be the understanding of hair, thought to be a concentration of bodily fumes pushed out through the pores. Those with little hair would surely be lacking one of these medical humours, which explains why men had a denser concentration of hair and some of the weaknesses baldness might have had for both sexes at the time.

Hartness also offers some great explanations where some modern English idioms came into practice, including being broken hearted or losing one’s head. These provide the reader an “aha” moment and injects context few would likely have known before. The humour that emerges. throughout these analyses lightened the mood during some of the writing that could get quite dense or philosophical. The vignettes used to explain them help bring things full circle and entertain with easily understood explanations.

Balancing medicine, mysticism, artistic rendering, and even politics of the time, the medieval body was so important and taken seriously. Hartnell stresses this throughout the various chapters, each building on those that came before it. I found myself hooked and learning so much, getting lost in the stories as I tried to digest all that I was discovering.

While I have always enjoyed unique, history-based tomes, this one by Jack Hartness took things to a whole new level. The book had moments of dense analysis, light banter, and interesting tidbits that the reader likely had no idea could tie the two eras together. Hartnell provides vivid description of the body while contrasting how modern views differed greatly from the past. Chapters separate the differing parts of the body, yet link them all together, throughout the tome. I took so much away from this book and can only hope that I discover more of Jack Hartnell’s work in the future, as it was quite the experience.

Kudos, Mr. Hartnell, for such an ‘eye opening’ piece that shows you put your ‘heart’ into it.

FaceOff, edited by David Baldacci

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

The premise of the FACEOFF collection is one sure to intrigue any fiction buff; pit popular characters from best-selling series together or against one another and see what falls out. As Baldacci explains in his introduction, it is more of a headache than two authors teaming up to create a crossover, thanks to the legalities of publishing contracts. While I choose not to summarise each of the stories within this collection, I will admit that seeing the likes of Nick Heller and Jack Reacher, Patrick Kenzie and Harry Bosch, and even Sean Reilly and Glen Garber working in tandem opens the reader’s mind to many interesting possibilities, all of which are realised in a number of short stories. This collection of authors have spun some wonderful tales, all filled with thrills and spills, with twists that keep the action growing from start to finish. While I am not familiar with a number of the characters, each has some interesting traits sure to intrigue readers familiar with at least a handful of them, as they live out short adventures on the page. A wonderful collection featuring many interesting characters living and working in their own respective elements.

While this collection was full of wonderful stories, each unique in its own right, there is a downside of bringing so many authors together. Learning about new characters and their individual nuances has looped me into wanting to discover more about them, as well as read about their stand-alone adventures. With a pile of books sure to drown me already, I cannot afford to add new authors to my overflowing quiver. I will keep this collection close at hand, as there were some characters who piqued my interest and left me wanting more.

Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, et al. for all your hard work and dedication to this project. I had a blast reading these short stories and hope a similar collection comes out again soon, perhaps from other members of the thriller guild.

MatchUp, edited by Lee Child

Posted on by canadamatt

Nine stars

When asked to take the editorial lead in the latest International Thriller Writers (ITW) anthology, Lee Child jumped at the opportunity. What might be daunting for some—herding twenty-two well-known authors together like feral cats—turned out to be a great pleasure for Child and, in the end, the reader. This compilation pits writers into teams of two to concoct a wonderful series of short stories. Each author was asked to bring their ‘A’ game and a favourite protagonist, in hopes that having to share the page (and the locale of each story), which ended up being a little more difficult than simply parachuting characters together. Child’s other hurdle was to place a male and female author together, a ‘matchup’ of epic proportions, to see how they could work together. The end result saw readers treated to the ‘what if’ of forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan working alongside ever-travelling Jack Reacher; bibliophile Cotton Malone living history and the standing stones through which Claire Randall met her beloved in Scotland; and Philly lawyer, Bennie Rosato, crossing paths with the King of Sarcastic Comments, John Corey. Where else would you find a Minnesota cop who wants to fish in the middle of a major crime bust at a cabin in Montana, or a woman who speaks to the dead through their buried bones outside of Alexandria? Child is able not only to find the ideal matches for this anthology, but also sends the reader into a tailspin as they are presented with a number of never before thought-out possible storylines. Child is masterful, though a great deal of praise must go to all who took the time and effort to pen eleven wonderful stories. Surely something of a summer gift for the reader to enjoy poolside.

I have always enjoyed collections such as these, especially when the ITW gang comes out to play. There are so many out there and since the genre is so wide, one is never entirely sure what to expect. Child presents these stories in no particularly themed order, but the end result turns out to be something that is high-octane from start to finish. While I tend to gravitate to the crime and legal thrillers, there are many that push outside of my comfort zone, though I cannot find a single story that did not captivate me, even when the narrative flirted with the paranormal. I have a large ‘to be read’ list, but reading these stories has left me wondering if I ought to check out some new authors and their characters, as they intrigued me, even during the brief encounter of a short story. Pitting sub-genres against one another and character professions that were sure to clash, these authors ironed out the difficulties and left the reader with a polished product, perfectly balanced and ready for easy literary consumption. While I could have read these stories for hundreds of more pages, I realise that there is a limit to the number of submissions and authors used, though I am eager to see what is next for the ITW in the years to come.

Kudos, Mr. Child, et al. for such a great anthology. I am hooked to these collections and love the cross-section of story writer that emerges from these classic matchups. Please keep sharpening your skills for the next editorial call out that is sure to arise.

Feared (Rosato and DiNunzio #6), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline dazzles in the latest Rosato and DiNunzio novel. These legal thrillers never cease to amaze me as they delve into many topics I’d not considered, providing entertainment along the way. Scottoline does a sensational job with plots, characters, and the overall delivery, making me pine for more to come, even though it has been a few years since her latest instalment. In this piece, Mary DiNunzio awaits the arrival of her first child, but remains dedicated to the legal practice. When a reverse sex discrimination suit is filed against Rosato and DiNunzio, its only male associate ponders resigning. Opposing counsel is Mary’s longtime nemesis, Nick Machiavelli, who intends to bury them however he can. Bennie Rosato is not concerned and moves ahead with some new legal file that she feels is a sure winner. When a murder occurs and the firm is fingered as being responsible, Mary and Bennie go into panic mode, trying to salvage what they can, while they are sure this is all part of the Machiavelli scheme, and vow to set him straight. Could this be the end to Rosato and DiNunzio once and for all? Scottoline does so well with this piece and kept me turning pages well into the night.

Mary DiNunzio is almost ready to have her first child, but this does not deter her from working long, lawyerly hours to ensure the firm is running smoothly. Things seem fine at Rosato and DiNunzio until a handful of men announce that they are suing for reverse sex discrimination when they were not hired. While it is a blip on the radar, neither Mary nor Bennie Rosato panic too much. When one of their associates, John Foxman, considers resigning, a veil of concern emerges. He cannot deny that the suit has some merit, based on what he’s seen. The plaintiffs’ lawyer is none other than Nick Machiavelli, an old nemesis of Mary’s, who is as slick as he is conniving. Mary and Bennie are ready for a bumpy ride, but feel they are in the right and this is all bluster.

Things take a major turn when John turns up murdered and one of the other associates, Judy Carrier, was seen arguing with him. Things get worse when Nick Machiavelli accuses members of the firm of orchestrating his murder over the reverse sex discrimination suit as well, leaving Mary and Bennie in a panic. As clients flee and their lives flash before their eyes, both women must find the truth and exonerate themselves, while handling Machiavelli at the same time. It will be a battle, but Mary and Judy may have found something, which Bennie uses to make everything unravel. What follows is sure to leave Scottoline fans in awe!

There has been something about this series that pulled me in from the get-go and has not let up. I devoured this series and its predecessor with such ease, now I am a little sad to see that I have caught up. I can hope that there will be more in the years to come, but also must realise that some things come to an end. Scottoline kept me hooked with her well-structured narrative and great characters, both of which developed so well throughout the series. The plot lines emerge and flow so well, educating the reader as well as keeping them in tune with everything that is going on. I cannot get enough of the legal angles and the wonderful storytelling abilities that kept me coming back for more. While some will ask if these novels can be read as stand-alones. I will admit, most of them likely could, but, who would want to do that when you have such a great series before you, with nuances and powerful storylines that connect with ease. A great surprise binge read that started with a short story… and what a journey it became!

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for a stunning reading adventure!

Exposed (Rosato and DiNunzio #5), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline dazzles once more with her Rosato and DiNunzio series. These legal thrillers explore intense topics that force the reader to play an active role as Scottoline juggles keeping her characters developing. When Mary DiNunzio agrees to help a friend who has been fired just as his daughter begins medical treatment, she is like a dog without a bone. However, her partner, Bennie Rosato, represents the parent company, creating a possible conflict. When they lock horns, the firm is threatened with dissolution, as neither will cede their point. As the case takes an odd turn, both Mary and Bennie must decide if they want to put their issues aside and help someone who is in dire need. Scottoline is ready to impress the reader once more.

Newly married Mary DiNunzio has learned that her longtime friend, Simon Pensiera, has been struggling with his daughter’s recent cancer diagnosis. When Simon approaches her after he was fired from his company, Mary is on the warpath, sure that it has to do with medical benefits. She sets up her game plan, only to discover that her law partner, Bennie Rosato, represents the parent company. Squabbling ensues and the two legal masterminds cannot agree on how to proceed, both convinced that they are in the right. Things get so heated that Mary decides she will leave Rosato and DiNunzio to form her own firm. This leaves the remaining associates including Judy Carrier, in a precarious position.

When Simon is sued for slander, Mary knows that they stakes are even higher, sure that this means a dirty fight. Simon assures his lawyer that it is all a smear campaign and he had nothing to do with it. After Simon’s former boss is found dead, the police swoop in and Simon is a person of interest in the crime. This leaves a little girl in hospital with only her aging grandfather to watch over her. Bennie knows that something is not right and decides to stand alongside Mary in their battle for the truth, wanting Simon off on all charges. It is then that some hidden truths come to light and the investigation takes a dark turn. Mary and Bennie are thrust together, working the case of their lives, while someone is trying to silence them before they can reveal what they discover in a buried file. The future of Rosato and DiNunzio is in the balance, but their lives come first in this instance.

There is no doubt that Lisa Scottoline enjoys writing about unique legal matters, as both her interconnected series reflect this repeatedly. There is a lot that series fans will have garnered as they read through these books, both with story arcs and character development. A strong narrative foundation helps keep things on track, though it is perhaps the cast of great characters who steal the show for anyone who has the time to notice the details offered. Plot lines emerge with ease and develop throughout each book, making them adventures for all who take the plunge, I cannot wait to see what Scottoline has in store for the final (to date) novel in this series.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for keeping the action in high gear throughout this one.

Damaged (Rosato and DiNunzio #4), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline has me completely captivated with her Rosato and DiNunzio series. The collection offers the reader legal thrillers that touch on some fairly intense topics, sure to keep the reader thinking. Scottoline juggles a number of plotlines in this piece, keeping the reader entertained and her protagonist, Mary DiNunziuo, from being able to stay calm. When a young boy with severe dyslexia is allegedly abused at school, Mary takes the case and hopes to send the perpetrator to jail. However, during one of her subsequent visits, Mary learns that the boy may have been inadvertently involved in his grandfather’s insulin death, which raises new questions. As Mary tries to be the boy’s guardian, the court hears and rules on that matter, as well as his pending charge for murder. The abuse case seems to be on the back burner, but Mary cannot shake that counsel for the accused may be pulling some strings to make young Patrick O’Brien look like a menace. Mary will have to jump from many legal hoops to protect Patrick, all without being able to legally shield him from the monsters that are out there. Scottoline does a sensational job and provides the reader with something well worth their time.

Patrick O’Brien is a ten-year-old who is surely a bully’s dream. Highly dyslexic, small, and extremely shy, Patrick finds himself being mocked every day at school. When a school aide apparently lashes out and hits him,. Patrick’s grandfather engages the services of Mary DiNunzio for help. The legal matter is not only the alleged abuse, but also the lack of educational services being provided Patrick, who is at a first grade reading level.

When it is alleged that Patrick was the aggressor in the skirmish with the school aide, lawsuits emerge suing Patrick’s family and the school, which creates more hoopla in the legal community. With only his elderly grandfather to serve as his guardian, Patrick is spiralling out of control. Mary steps in to help and hopes that they can quash the lies, allowing Patrick to get the help he needs. She comes over one day to see Patrick, only to discover the grandfather has died in bed, apparently from insulin shock. Could Patrick be responsible? Mary is not sure, but surmises that if anything, it was an accident. Still, she cleans things up, which only angers the police and makes her look culpable in the death.

With no guardian, Patrick O’Brien is set to be a ward of the state, but Mary does all she can to take the role in a temporary capacity. The pending charge of murder and Patrick’s aggressive behaviour in light of losing his grandfather makes an emergency hearing turn into a circus. Mary realises that she cannot be a superhero all the time and must follow the rules laid out my the court and the law, neither of which wants to work with her. As Patrick is sucked into an abyss in foster care and high doses of medication, Mary scrambles to cobble together a defence team who are willing to represent her, Patrick, and everyone trying to save the boy. Meanwhile, an old nemesis is trying to mess with Mary’s case of abuse with the school aide. All this is sure to make it a highly contested legal time period, with Mary DiNunzio at the centre. Scottoline does a fabulous job providing the reader with a number of legal matters on which to chew and proves that she is a master within the genre.

This is a series that keeps getting better with each novel, and I am not just saying that. Lisa Scottoline not only presents unique legal matters, but also spins them to be impactful for the reader. Series fans have seen a great deal of progress when it comes to the characters, the setting, and the overall strength of the collection. The narrative foundation makes the story flow with ease and the development of Mary DiNunzio is again stellar. Mary’s legal issues mount throughout the book, but it is the struggle she has in her personal life, a mere two months from her wedding, that is sure to leave the reader wondering what is to come. Plot lines develop and emerge with ease, many of which are intertwined with one another, all proving that one novel can keep the reader invested in a number of legal matters. Scottoline does so well in keeping the story balanced and easily defined, though there is a great deal to digest here, which makes it a requirement to be attentive to everything going on. I have the next book ready to go and cannot wait to dive in.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for making this one of your best legal thrillers of the series.

Corrupted (Rosato and DiNunzio #3), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline continues developing the spin-off Rosato and DiNunzio series, providing the reader with stunning legal thrillers that will keep everyone thinking. While the law can sometimes be straightforward, Scottoline knows how to bend things and create unique perspectives for all to enjoy. Bennie Rosato is known in the Philadelphia legal community as being a tough brawler, inside the courtroom and while defending her clients. However, a case from her past, when Bennie sought to defend a juvenile in rural Pennsylvania, impacted her a great deal, especially when justice was not able to prevail. Now, when her client, a full grown adult, has been accused of murdering his life-long enemy, Bennie is happy to return to help and hopes to bring justice to a case where no one is giving the defendant a chance. Bennie has made an impact before, but this will take more than all she has to give, as she tries to correct a wrong and prove her worth to someone who has all but given up on her. Scottoline does a stunning job with these parallel cases and keeps the reader enthralled until the final pages.

Bennie Rosato has been a successful trial attorney in Philadelphia for years, having founded Rosato & DiNunzio and watched it rise to glory. However, her rough exterior hides a softer side, particularly when outcomes to those who cannot defend themselves. A case crosses her desk that has her remembering a time thirteen years ago when she saw justice fail a young boy. Jason Leftavick was not yet a teenager when he was sent away to a juvenile detention centre for fighting the local bully. Working to forge new law in Pennsylvania, Bennie was not able to get a rural community to see the error of its way and Jason was left to suffer until his sentence ended, leaving him defeated. Bennie did, however, forge a close relationship with the bully’s uncle, believing that it was the state that had messed three both up, even though Jason’s family could not see things that same way.

Now, Jason has been arrested for killing that same bully after a barroom incident. Jason is twenty-five and yet still holds onto the animosity that he had as a youth. Bennie wants nothing more than to redeem herself and show the state that they made a horrible mistake all while ensuring her client’s pleas of self-defence do not fall on deaf ears.

Feeling guilt to represent him, Bennie cannot be sure that Jason is innocent, but she will do everything she can to ensure he gets a fair trial. When evidence clouds the truth, Bennie will have to clear her own clarity for the jury, in hopes of having them see that Jason is truly a good person who has been dealt a horrible hand. Scottoline offers up a wonderful story that touches the series fan, particularly when they learn of some secrets Bennie has been keeping for over a decade.

My discovery of Lisa Scottoline’s series led to a great binge reading experience that is ongoing. I cannot get my fill of these books, filled with great legal stories and populated with stunning characters. While the book returns to one of its core protagonists, the reader is able to take much away about Bennie Rosato and much of her untold past. The foundation of the novel remains its strong narrative, but this helps prepare the reader for two time periods and an in-depth look at Bennie’s life, her love, and how deeply she cherishes justice within the law. Plot points emerge and help the reader to discover wonderful aspects of the series not touched upon before, but it is the sentimental moments surrounding Bennie and her darkest hours that really had me pushing forward to learn even more. I cannot wait to see what is to come with the next novel, only hoping that I will be able to express it as well in my ongoing reviews.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for a definite thinker with this one.

In$ured to the Hilt (John Smith #1), by Charlotte Stuart

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Charlotte Stuart for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After reading a few books by Charlotte Stuart before, I returned when handed this latest piece. Stuart offers up another cozy mystery with a twist in this debut novel of what seems to be a new series. John Smith (yes, that is his name) is an insurance adjuster who is set to sniff out fraud. When he begins investigating a new case involving a fender bender, things seem fairly straightforward. However, when one party begins pushing the limits, John cannot help but delve deeper. This leads to a new level of hurt, as he finds himself discovering more bodies than clues, all to settle what seems to be a simple auto accident. Stuart keeps the action high and the humour around the same level.

John Smith always wanted to be a private detective, but life had other plans. After failing at that, John takes a job with an insurance firm as an adjuster, looking into claims and making sure everything is on the up and up. Trying to save the firm money, John uses some of those sleuthing skills to weed out those who would gladly try to abuse the system. His latest case, a fender bender between a teenage boy and an elderly woman, seems pretty straightforward, until he begins asking questions. Something does not seem to be as it should, leaving John to use his skills to get the truth.

While John is prepared to make an offer to the elderly lady, she claims significant additional injuries and has an operation to prove it. When she’s asked to follow-up to substantiate her claims, there is no cooperation, which only leaves John to wonder if this is a little fraud in the making. Poking around, he gets himself in a lot of trouble, but no clear answers. It is only when John tries to explore the angle of the hospital’s insurance coverage that things get really tense. John discovers a woman in her final breaths, apparently murdered, who is trying to communicate something to him.

After another body turns up with a gunshot in the forehead, John is left not only scared, but convinced that someone is trying to cover things up. Could this fender bender have had deeper meaning and might there have been a targeted attack? Has John been pulled into the middle of a dastardly web of deception after just passing his probationary period? All this and more await the reader in Charlotte Stuart’s latest crime thriller.

While it has been a while since last I read anything by Charlotte Stuart, I was impressed once more by her writing and intuitive ideas. This new series has all the elements of a great collection, with an odd angle for crime investigation, but it seems to work well. The narrative carries not only John Smith, but also his unique job and the means by which he gets to the bottom of things. Great and lively characters are also present throughout, providing the reader with some wonderful entertainment as they are educated on all things insurance. Plots develop and advance things along with ease, keeping the reader in the middle of the story and on edge as everyone tries to determine what is to come. I am eager to get my hands on more novels in the series, which I hope proves to be as exciting as this novel. Charlotte Stuart has planted the seeds for something entertaining, humorous, and well-paced.

Kudos, Madam Stuart, for providing me with something highly entertaining and captivating in such a quick read!

Betrayed (Rosato and DiNunzio #2), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline transitions her Rosato and Associates series into the new Rosato and DiNunzio with ease. It is as though nothing has changed, save the letterhead at the firm. Judy Carrier finds herself in the middle of the action on all sides. Her love life is losing momentum, which has her a little upset. However, it is the news that her aunt has been diagnosed with a serious illness that has her spinning out of control. It’s soon discovered that her aunt’s friend has been found dead, for reasons as yet unknown. Judy wants to help as best she can, but discovers that there is more to the story than simply a dead Hispanic woman. Things soon culminate in a deadly game of cat and mouse, as secrets become reasons for violence and Judy’s family is in the middle of it all. While she has not yet made partner, Judy Carrier has her plate full and then some in this intense novel that shows Lisa Scottoline’s skills.

Judy Carrier has reached a fork in the road of life. With her best friend and fellow lawyer, Mary DiNunzio, about to get married, Judy is left wondering where he life is going. She is still an associate while Mary is a partner, and her boyfriend, Frank, has yet to pop the question, nor does he seem all that interested. If this were not enough, Judy’s Aunt Barb announces that she has breast cancer and will need significant surgery to stem the spread. While Judy and her own mother rush to Barb’s side, they discover that the drama does not stop there. Barb’s close friend and confidante has been found dead. Iris Juarez is an amazing woman and Barb is shattered. That Iris is not a legal resident of the United States makes matters a little more complicated, but Judy is fine setting all that side.

Judy does not feel that Iris died of natural causes, wondering if her time on a mushroom farm and those with whom she interacted might have helped speed things along. While trying to juggle Barb’s illness and her heavy caseload, Judy vows to get some answers from the outside, trying to see what happened to Iris and who she might have been mixed up with for the last number of years. As she crosses paths with some nefarious characters, Judy also comes to terms with some of the things in her personal life, from Frank’s lack of apparent commitment, to the shocking news that Judy’s mother reveals in a moment of weakness. All this, as Judy walks a fine line at the firm, where neither Mary or Bennie Rosato can save her from herself. Full of all the action one can expect from a Lisa Scottoline novel and using some great story arcs pulled from past cases, this is the perfect addition to the second prong of the legal thriller series.

My discovery of Lisa Scottoline’s series a few weeks ago has led to a binge reading that I could not have predicted. I cannot get enough of these books or the characters Scottoline has made me care about, which is likely why the reviews keep flying as soon as I can get fingers to keypad. The narrative delves into some interesting areas, addressing Judy Carrier in a way that series fans have not seen in a long while. Judy, while always the wallflower, has never really been put in the limelight and had her personal foibles examined, which occurs here repeatedly, all while she meanders around Philadelphia and makes a name for herself. The reader can see how she is forced to examine herself against her best friend, Mary DiNunzio, who has both made partner and found the man of her dreams. One can only wonder if the shocking news from her family will help steel Judy’s emotions or leave her melting in a puddle. The plot lines that Scottoline uses throughout provide great action and personal growth for the protagonist, allowing her to come into herself and give the reader something different to explore—particularly for those used to Mary and Bennie being front and centre. Lisa Scottoline is a master and has never looked back.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for keeping me highly entertained.

Accused (Rosato and DiNunzio #1), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline morphs from her Rosato and Associates series into the new iteration of Rosato and DiNunzio with style. With some great characters and just as gripping caseload, series fans will have no use transitioning to this series. With Mary DiNunzio calling some of the shots now as a newly minted partner, there are sure to be added clashes within the law firm, some that could test the strength of friendships. When Mary and associate Judy Carrier agree to meet with a thirteen-year-old Allegra Gardner, they could not know what sort of mess they were taken on. Allegra’s sister was murdered years ago and the man who is serving time for the crime is said to be innocent, at least by Allegra’s recollection. With a penchant for helping those in need, Mary tries to push for more information, but the Gardner family block Allegra’s interactions. As Judy and Mary differ on whether there is some merit to the case, the latter uses her newfound partnership in the firm to pull rank. Mary uncovers some oddities in the original investigation, but she cannot be sure that this new narrative is precisely the truth. Her first case as partner and Mary is second-guessing herself already. Scottoline transitions well with this stunning legal thriller!

Rosato and Associates has been working well over the last number of years, but there is always room for growth. The first order of business is to promote Mary DiNunzio to partner and rename the firm. Bashful at the best if times, Mary reluctantly agrees to the fanfare, which is soon trumped when her boyfriend seeks her hand in marriage. Unsure what she wants to do, Mary tosses herself into work, as a unique case crosses her desk. This could be the distraction that she has been waiting for all week!

Allegra’s Gardner is a thirteen-year-old genius whose love of beekeeping has her buzzing. She arrives to speak with Mary and associate Judy Carrier about her sister’s murder six years before. While Lonnie Stall pled guilty to the crime and is now serving time, Allegra is sure that he is innocent and was bullied into confessing. Using a trust fund she has set up, Allegra wishes to hire Mary to help prove that Lonnie is innocent and discover the real killer. Mary is on board, but Judy is sure that this is trouble, from having a thirteen-year-old client to re-opening a crime without the accused asking for their help. Mary pulls rank and pursues the case, placing her friendship with Judy on thin ice. What’s more, when the Gardners discover what Allegra’s done and that Mary is pushing to work the case, they seek to block their daughter from hiring Mary and take some drastic measures to keep the firm away from Allegra.

Working with the original case and police notes, Mary discovers that there are some anomalies that were never explored, more because of the confession than for any legitimate reason. Mary asks the tough questions, showing that Rosato and DiNunzio is just as dedicated to the underdog as their previous incarnation. Could Allegra have something that could turn the case on its head and prove that Lonnie Stall was tricked into confessing? This is one case that Mary will never forget, not only because it is her first as a partner. It’s also keeping her from having to look inside herself and determine if she is truly happy with all the changes. Scottoline does a masterful job once more!

Since discovering the work of Lisa Scottoline two weeks ago, I have not been able to get enough of these novels . Part legal theriller, part adventurous story on they streets of Philadelphia, Scottoline brings everything to life with each new novel. The narrative foundation works well, connecting to the previous series (which is only separated from this one because of Mary DiNunzio’s promotion) by providing strong direction as to how things are sure to progress throughout. The characters are the same and build on their pasts with ease, though there is more light shone on Mary with many of her new events in this piece. One can hope that Scottoline will branch out and offer some limelight to the others, when time permits, throughout the series. Plot twists emerge and unique perspectives develop, leaving the door open for more legal conundrums as the noevls progress. I can only hope that the storylines get bolder and the plots get more complex, as this is a series I quickly came to enjoy and have never looked back.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, a great start with this branch-off collection.

Think Twice (Rosato and Associates #11), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline adds a final novel in her Rosato and Associates series, saving the best for last. It’s a story that provides significant action for both Bennie Rosato and Mary DiNunzio in their respective plot lines, but skimping on none of the action. While Bennie has been doing all she can to help her twin, Alice, it seems as though interest in staying above the law has waned for the former criminal. Alice has a plan to kidnap and impersonate Bennie in one of the most explosive novels to date. Meanwhile, Mary is forced to handle some intense news outside of work, watching her family teeter on the brink, while also hoping to make an impact at the firm and earn the ultimate reward. A great piece that helps transition things into the next phase of the series, which I will be reading as quickly as possible.

Bennie Rosato has an identical twin and has suffered a great deal because of it. Alice was once part of the criminal underbelly, but saw a way to reform herself. Now, as time has passed it appears as though Alice misses making a quick buck and wants back into the drug peddling trade. She concocts a plan to kidnap Bennie, locking her away in a box to die. Assume Bennie’s persona, Alice weaves her way into the life that Bennie has built and tried to get all the lawyer’s cash into her possession, ready to make a quick getaway.

Mary DiNunzio has been eyeing that partner spot at Rosato and Associates, hoping to finally win Bennie over for a promotion, which would allow them to work together at this all-female firm. However, things in the DiNunzio household are not as happy as she might like, as a distant relative appears ready to hone in one Mr. DiNunzio and steal him away. While the elderly folks are clueless for a time, Mary and her best friend and fellow associate, Judy Carrier, can see things come crashing down.

When Bennie is able to make a break for it, she tries to get back to Philadelphia and alert everyone to Alice’s plan, but the impersonation has gone too far. Alice has taken over the role, making it appear as though ‘real Bennie’ is actually Alice trying to ruin the successful lawyer’s life. While Mary and Judy are also duped, they try to lay a few traps just to be sure, finding that things are not quite as they seem and that ‘Bennie’ might actually be Alice, who is about to take everything and leave Rosato and Associates with nothing. With a burning desire to help, while earning partner, Mary works to unravel the lies and get to a truth that no one wants to see, including Bennie. Bonnie’s struggle with herself is real and has reached its ultimate limit! Scottoline shines in this piece and I am happy to see that there is a new series spinning off this one, sure to be just as sensational.

The series is so binge-worthy, which makes it all the more addictive. I cannot believe I devoured so many books, but also that I took the time to really get to know these core characters. With another five novel series to come, I will rush to get into that one too, hoping that it is just as impressive while also being impactful. The narrative flowed so well and left little time to rest, as the reader tries to see what Bennie and Alice will do to to one another. The movement between plot lines and characters proved wonderful and Scottoline left little to the imagination, as she has done so much to work on Bennie, Mary, and even Judy. I can only wonder if there will be new faces in the future, though the juggling act is sometimes overwhelming for the fast reader who has little time to stop and synthesise what’s been written. Plot twists and crumbs of future issues emerge throughout this piece, leaving me wanting to see how things will progress in South Philadelphia. Scottoline has done so well at keeping me hooked and I am eager to see how she will keep doing so with a few more novels to go using the same base characters. Here we go!!

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for impressing me to no end.

Lady Killer (Rosato and Associates #10), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline adds another novel in her Rosato and Associates series, dazzling once more. A story thrusting Mary DiNunzio back in the spotlight, forcing her to address issues of professional and personal struggle, while trying to keep level-headed. When Mary learns that she has been bringing in a large amount of the work at Rosato and Associates, she hopes to make a play for a more senior role, even partner. However, Bennie Rosato is not yet ready to admit the needs to expand. Mary tries to keep her calm and is soon derailed when a old high school enemy tries to hire her to help with a domestic matter. This sends Mary spiralling into old memories, while trying to use the law to her advantage. Things quickly get out of hand and Mary must try to solve a mystery placed before her, while being pushed out of the firm for disobeying. Scottoline impresses once more with this stellar penultimate novel in this initial series.

Mary DiNunzio has the makings of an amazing lawyer, having shown her worth within Rosato and Associates. Her smarts and sharp wit cannot be discounted by anyone, and her billings have shown that she is a cornerstone to keeping the firm running. When Mary tries to make the case that she deserves a larger role within the firm and they should hire another associate, Bennie Rosato dismisses it as a temporary high that has no long-term impact, so Mary will stay where she is at present. Her plan stymied, Mary tries to focus on her work, which soon takes quite the turn.

When Trish Gambone arrives to hire Mary, old rivalries resurface. Trish was the mean girl in high school and wanted nothing but to bring misery to Mary’s life, a self-professed good-two-shoes. However, Trish seeks the lawyer’s assistance, as her boyfriend has been abusive, threatening, and showing ongoing criminal tendencies. While Mary wishes she could do something, without firm proof and evidence, there is little the law can do for Trish. Undeterred, Trish vows that she will get the evidence she needs to have Mary act and send him to prison.

While no one is fully aware, Mary knows the man well, having had a crush on him when they were in high school. She also discovers that he is part of the mob and will stop at nothing to get his way. When Trish goes missing, everyone panics and Mary second-guesses herself for not acting sooner. Could all this have been prevented by pushing for a restraining order? Mary goes searching for Trish, come what may, in hopes of getting answers, even after Bennie tells her to leave the crime fighting to the police.

When a body turns up, Mary can only wonder if she will be thrust into a full-blown legal matter. Could this have been a mob hit, sent as a message to those who would cross them? Might Trish Gambone’s illicit past be coming back to haunt her once more? Mary will have to delve deeper, though her actions have cost her a position at Rosato and Associates, as Bennie tries to consolidate her firm and stay out of the fray of criminal acts. Mary has an uphill battle before her, especially as events from her past make a painful reemergence into the present, but her stubbornness will keep her from letting others get the upper hand. Lisa Scottoline’s series keeps getting better and this novel goes to show that Mary DiNunzio has a lot to prove going forward.

The binge I have undertaken with this series has proven to be well worth my time and efforts. Each novel in the series builds on the previous ones, adding a strong narrative base and keeps loose story arcs to build for the dedicated reader. Lisa Scottoline’s writing allows the reader fo feel a connection to the events in the book, both legal and personal, as well as great description of Philadelphia and its Italian community. The many characters who return from one novel to the next are given time to mature and develop, as the series reader will see growth and depth, as well as the ebbing and flowing of protagonist centrality. Mary has been a core character, whose past keeps being hashed out of the reader, as well as some impactful personal issues in the present. The plots that emerge in the story are both a means of building on Mary’s professional and personal struggles, as well as showing how flexible the law can be, revealing much for the attentive reader. I can see how Mary and Bennie’s clashes will come to a head in the final novel of this series, which is sure to help define how the second, yet related, series will come to fruition. Before we get there, let us dive into the final book in this collection, which is surely full of rich legal and personal matters. Scottoline has much to do and I am ready to see how things progress.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for impressing me to no end.

Killer Smile (Rosato and Associates #9), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline presents another novel in the Rosato and Associates series, impressing fans yet again. A unique story using one of the central protagonists keeps the reader in the middle of a mystery that mixes legal prowess and historical events close to the author’s heart. Mary DiNunzio has agreed to take on a pro bono case with a twist. The estate of a man whose Italian father was forcefully removed from his home during the Second World War wants justice. Mary is eager to take the case herself and travels around trying to piece the story together. However, there is more under the surface that could leave Mary in grave danger. With the help of her associates and even Bennie Rosato, Mary will have to get answers and stay ahead of someone trying to neutralise the investigative spirit. Lisa Scottoline does a masterful job getting the reader curious and in the middle of all the action.

While Mary DiNunzio is a hard-working lawyer in Philadelphia, everyone seems to think that she needs more social time. Having been a widow for a number of years, many choose to play matchmaker, sending Mary on more blind dates that she could have thought possible. While a few have some promise, nothing really works for her, making Mary wish she could return to her latest case.

Mary was approached by the Brandolini estate to help work on a legal matter. At the core of the matter is Amadeo Brandolini, who was forcefully removed from his Philadelphia home by the US Government at the height of the Second World War. An Italian-American, Amadeo was sent to an internment camp due to his family roots and deemed an enemy of the stature, though he committed no crimes and paid all his taxes. While there, he heard of his wife’s death and eventually committed suicide. The Brandolini estate wants reparations for the internment and asks Mary to take on the case. She agrees, working pro bono, which will require her to sift through many files to make the pieces fall into place.

Amadeo Brandolini was a fisherman by trade and did little to ‘rock the boat’, yet he was still targeted and sent to Montana. Mary digs deeper and takes a trip out West, where some interesting truths come to the surface, including something that may prove there was no suicide, but murder. When Mary return to confront some others who might have known Amadeo Brandolini, she is assaulted by one man who knew Brandolini before his untimely death. Could this violent reaction prove that there is more to the story?

When more people go missing soon after Mary is attacked, it appears as though there could be more to the story than a US Government trying to keep its enemies contained. Mary will stop at nothing to get answers for the family and try to discover what her own Italian heritage might have to do with the Amadeo Brandolini case. Mary’s stubbornness can be beneficial in the legal world, but it could also cost her everything if she does not play her cards correctly. A brilliant piece by Scottoline, always eager to push the limits to impress the reader, while educating them as well.

I have remained dedicated throughout this Rosato and Associates binge, which has never left me feeling anything but impressed. Lisa Scottoline uses a strong narrative to guide the reader through this tense story, offering strong pathways towards the answers everyone seeks. Building on things with great characters, including her handful of female protagonists, Scottoline offers up great angles and humorous perspectives on both personal and legal matters. The plot lines emerge effectively, touching on both modern and historical events, educating the reader while also keeping them transfixed to what might happen. I could not want more than what Scottoline presented in this piece, a perfect mix of legal drama and historical thrills, all rolled into one impactful book. I cannot wait to see what else Scottoline has to offer in the last few novels of this series!

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for another stellar novel.

Dead Ringer (Rosato and Associates #8), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

Lisa Scottoline returns with another legal thriller in her long-running Rosato and Associates series. While the books are piling up, the action and intensity have not taken a hit, nor should the reader feel as though things are getting stale. It’s all-impact all the time with this piece. Bennie Rosato is back in the central protagonist role, juggling running her firm with some of the foibles that come with being a lawyer to the everyday citizen. After one of her clients balks at paying a sizeable fee for trial, Bennie is left scrambling to see how she will stay afloat. She finds herself tangled into a class-action suit, which could pay out significantly, but will have to win in order to see the money. Trying to get herself named as counsel is one things, but she has another hurdle before her. Sightings of Bennie Rosato around Philadelphia have not been good, with her being accused of various foibles. All the while, her associates try to work and stay afloat. Scottoline does well with this piece, sure to pique the interest of curious readers.

While Bennie Rosato is a sharp-witted attorney in Philadelphia, even she has her limits. After a client balks at paying his sizeable fees in a high-stakes case, Bennie is left holding the bill and her firm is teetering on the brink of financial ruin. She finds an out, working a class-action lawsuit, but even that will be a gamble to ensure she gets the money needed to cover basic bills. After making a plea to serve as counsel of record, the pressure is on Bennie to ensure things go her way.

At the same time, there have been sightings of Bennie all over the city, committing crimes and getting into mischief. Bennie assures everyone that she is not the one they are seeing, and can only surmise that her estranged twin is back, wreaking havoc and trying to drag Bennie down. Juggling work and these issues, Bennie will have her hands full. It all ones to a head when her client is murdered with er as a suspect. Both her freedom and the class-action are in jeopardy, which is sure to have a domino effect.

With three associates trying to earn a living as well, they will have to cobble together enough work to stay afloat. While Bennie would release them from the firm if they want to explore other employment, these women are dedicated to the cause. With everything balanced precariously, Bennie will have to carefully ensure she does not lose her business, her life, or her friends! Scottoline does well to push the series along and kept me wondering.

I have been very excited throughout my Rosato and Associates binge. Lisa Scottoline does well putting together a strong narrative, filling the pages with exciting stories and legal matters that serve the reader thinking. Things flow well and keep moving in a forward direction, with character development adding some depth to the overall experience. Plot lines in this novel work well and the revisiting of Bennie’s sister leaves the door open for countless moments of confusion in this piece. I am eager to see how things resolve and what is on the way for Rosato and Associates in the next novel.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, as you never seem to leave me unimpressed.

Black Heart (DI Jamie Johansson #7), by Morgan Greene

Posted on by canadamatt

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Morgan Greene for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A great fan of Morgan Greene and his DI Jamie Johansson series, I was excited to be handed an early copy of the latest book. Full of great Swedish flavouring and dark criminal activity, Greene takes readers on an adventure in the rural part of Sweden once more. A number of teenagers have been committing suicide and leaving an odd mark on their bodies, but no one seems able to piece it together, When Jamie and her former partner, Kjell Thorsen, are called to come look into things, they reveal a dark situation tied to a famous piece of writing. With a message embedded in the writing and a potential killer on the loose, Johansson and Thorsen will have to uncover the truth, while also trying to deny the personal connection they have forged. Greene does a masterful job with this one, sure to impress series fans.

Gotland is a beautiful island off the Swedish coast, where many would surely feel that nothing could go wrong. However, after 22 young people commit suicide in a seventeen month period, something is surely wrong and yet there is no explanation. The local medical examiner notices no similarities in the deaths, save a black heart marking on each of the bodies. The media have been gagged from reporting on things and the police are without any leads. Kjell Thorsen receives a call from the ME, hoping that he can bring his former partner, DI Jamie Johansson, to help unravel the mess.

While it takes a little persuading, Jamie and Kjell agree to make their way to Gotland and poke around, though they remain pariahs in the policing community after their latest suspension. What they uncover is a mystery that appears to have no basis. That is, until Jamie receives a tip from one of the victim’s friends about a connection to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Could this be the missing link that everyone has been overlooking? Jamie and Kjell push onwards to uncover the truth, but are stymied when the National Police are brought in and the senior detective is anything but amenable to sharing the case.

Meanwhile, a father is on a mission of his own to find the person who killed his daughter, unable to live with the grief and demanding answers. His personal trek through the wilderness garners fewer clues, but a stronger determination to get to the truth, leaving the police to wonder if his vigilante behaviour could cause more issues. Jamie and Kjell push to help, but this father refuses to stand down, which only makes matters worse.

All the while Jamie and Kjell are trying to fight the magnetic connection they share. It has been shelved and left to gather dust, but others are noticing the tension between them, which could derail the case if it is not addressed. Will DI Johansson and Kjell Thorsen be able to find a killer without tripping over one another? How will working rogue mesh with a determined detective who wants all the glory for himself? All this and more is embedded in Morgan Green’s latest novel, which adds tension throughout this stellar story!

I have followed Jamie Johansson along her policing adventures since the beginning. Morgan Green has always done a stellar job at keeping the stories on point, localised, and full of action. When he moved things to Sweden (from the UK), I was not sure if the intensity would translate, but it did. Greene develops a strong narrative throughout and keeps the reader fully involved with the story at all points. The character development is ongoing and Jamie has never lacked for development, both professional and personally. This new love interest angle with Kjell Thorsen is sure to add something to future novels, though I am not sure how Jamie’s hard exeterior will allow too much of the mushy stuff. Greene adds great plot twists and multi-faceted approaches to keep the reader engaged, especially by offering up a variety of narrative angles to ensure the full impact of the piece is apparent. Without going over the top, there is something for everyone in here and I am happy to see that Jamie is back into policing, even if it is in a rogue fashion. What does the future hold for her is still up in the air, but when has Jamie Johansson taken the easy road?

Kudos, Mr. Greene, for asking me to read another wonderful piece. I cannot wait to see what’s next and how it will all come together.

19 Days That Shaped Modern Canada, by Aaron W. Hughes

Posted on by canadamatt

Nine stars

While the history of Canada is surely long and convoluted, Aaron W. Hughes has chosen ten modern days that tell not only the story of Canada’s historical significance, but also how those days shaped the country and people we are today. Using great narrative style and poignant historical explanations, Hughes cobbles together a book that is sure to pique the interest of many and keep others skipping to the footnotes to see where they can learn more. The ten days are not only impactful, but also highly relevant to better understanding a 21st century Canada, still tripping on its feet and making a path to differentiate itself from the Neighbour to the South. Well-paced and wonderfully written, Aaron W. Hughes had me riveted from the very start.

From the outset, the subjective choice by Aaron W. Hughes as to which days were most important in modern Canadian history is sure to upset some. However by stepping back, the reader can see the thread of Hughes’ argument and follow how these days played into the larger narrative. Hughes chose ten days that explained how Canada defined itself and what progress could be made to better exemplify the compassionate and understanding country that some see us to be. While many would say Canada is completely docile, they would be missing out on some of the more poignant moments, such as when Canadian Prime Minsiter Pierre Trudeau enacted the War Measures Act in 1970 to ensure stability during the FLQ hostage crisis. Trudeau’s determination not to bow down to the ‘bleeding hearts’, but to quell what was becoming a disastrous situation helped define some ofhte iron-fisted views of early modern Canada. Hughes explores this effectively and lays the groundwork for many other situations in which Canad could shine without needing to shed blood.

Events such as the attempts Quebec made to secede through referendum votes in 1980 and 1995 also definite the Canadian psyche, both of which are thoroughly explained with backstory for the reader. The duality of Quebec shines through in the narrative, as the province seeks to definite itself, yet forget the uniqueness of some of its other inhabitants is a biting and sobering experience throughout the book. Hughes explores not only the event (October 30, 1995), but some of the sparks that led up to it and how the separatist movement in Quebec ran on dividing even the populace of the province into one group that mattered and a number who did not. This helps to show the pinhole view of the efforts and how things needed to be neutralized. Hughes effectively shows that the Canadian (read: federal) movement was not fully prepared for the fallout and ho closer things came on that October night, which would have surely torn the trouble apart without a second thought.

Touching on the feminist movement, gun rights, indigenous settlements, and even pop culture, Hughes examines ten strong dates on the calendar that helped put the country under the microscope and leave Canada looking less than fully pristine, as some would wish it to be. The fabric of the country is filled with these moments, when Canadian culture and history come together, woven into a tapestry that helps solidify the foundation of the country and its political, social or ethnic core. All this in an easy to comprehend book that educates readers without talking down to them.

This book caught my eye when flipping through a collection one day, While I wanted to read it, I was not sure when i would have the time. When a gap opened up in my reading schedule, I grabbed it and hoped that I could finish it quickly. I devoured the book’s contents, which left me wanting to know so much more. The bibliographical mentions and detailed footnotes herein helped me see that I have a lot more reading to do on a number of subjects, when time permits. I will surely take a deeper plunge to better understand many of these topics. With chapters broken down into analysis and backstory, the reader can get a feel for what is going on and then decide if they want to learn more. The book flows well and keeps the reader attune to the issues at hand, without subsuming them with information or baseless issues. There is truly something for everyone in this piece and I am so pleased that I took the time to read it.

Kudos, Mr. Hughes, for such an informative and thoroughly captivating piece. I cannot wait to take more time to explore more on some of these topics.

Courting Trouble (Rosato and Associates #7), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

After discovering a short story by Lisa Scottoline, I became highly curious about the series to which it relates. Diving in, I have devoured seven of the novels in a week and the binge addiction is real. This is a series that mixes great legal topics with a strong thriller foundation, allowing characters to grow and present all sides of themselves for attentive readers. This novel presents another associate at the law firm of Rosario and Associates, complete with her dark backstory. Anne Murphy developed a stalker during one of the cases that helped put her on the map. When the man was incarcerated, Anne was sure that was the end to her troubles. However, a friend is killed in her home while Anne is away and everyone is sure it’s Anne who met her demise. Who wants her dead and how will Anne get to the bottom of it? She will have to reach out to her colleagues and boss to get answers, while staying off the radar, as she could be next, with a killer on the loose. Scottoline presents another unique case with legal implications that will have the reader highly impressed.

Anne Murphy is a great attorney, willing to bend the rules to get convictions, even if that means raising some eyebrows. However, one of her cases leaves a stalker to follow her, even after he is placed in custody for a long time. Moving to Philadelphia, Anne joins the law firm of Rosato and Associates, when Bennie Rosato welcomes her to the all-woman firm. When a friend of Anne’s is murdered while house sitting, it soon becomes clear that it was a case of mistaken identity. Laying low, Anne lets everything think she’s still dead, though she is determined to discover the truth. Reaching out to Bennie and her colleagues, Mary DiNunzio, as well as Judy Carrier, Anne will have to sneak under the radar to get answers.

Sure that this is her stalker back on the loose, Anne begins laying a trap, only to discover that a prison break in California leaves Anne’s ideas a distinct possibility. Fear and determination help Anne continue to work the awe, though she will have to be sure the actual victim’s family is aware of their horrible loss. Bennie, Mary, and Judy work hard to help, all while trying not to leave any crumbs in a case that is sure to garner many headlines, once the vultures of the press discover what’s going on.

All this, while a high-profile case is on the horizon and Anne has high hopes of winning in the courtroom. Anne thought dodging her stalker was enough, but the budding romance with the opposing counsel as well keeps things form getting boring. Forced to juggle it all at once, Anne will have to make her moves succinctly as she skirts danger at every turn. However, something will have to give if Anne is going to come out on top and live to tell the story. Scottoline does it again with a legal thriller that has teeth.

There is a great sense of excitement and interest that comes across me when I read the novels in this series. Lisa Scottoline does a masterful job offering up a great narrative, filling the books with details of the law, as well as a peppering of humour. There is so much action to follow and a significant amount of backstory for those characters who have already graced the pages of the series, particularly the female protagonists. Adding Anne Murphy to the group will create new flavourings and perspectives to enrich the larger story arcs of the series. Plot lines in this novel work well with some of the past sentiments and directions, but new ideas pop up in the best places. There is a richness to the series that emerges with each book and I cannot wait to see how things progress. As this portion of the series is almost done, I will have to devour the last few books before pushing into new and exciting ones to keep me entertained.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for never failing to impress!

Have You Seen Her, by Catherine McKenzie

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Catherine McKenzie, and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

When it comes to Catherine McKenzie, I would not call myself an expert, but a fan of her work. McKenzie knows how to spin a tale and keep the reader in the middle of it all, injecting current trends whenever she can. This piece is no different, in that it takes the protagonist in a journey into her past, while peppering the story with some modern twists and provides the reader with a smorgasbord of events upon which to feast. Things flowed well and kept me connected as I made my through it. A definite winner for those who love McKenzie’s work.

Cassie Peters is ready to leave the hectic nature of her New York City life behind her and return to her roots, in a way. With a new job and basic phone in her pocket, Cassie returns to Mammoth Lakes, California and a life she has missed. Working Search and Rescue within Yosemite National Park, Cassie reconnects with other seasonal workers as she remembers an event that haunted her years ago.

Cassie is soon swept up in the summertime drama of her colleagues and finds herself feeling young again. She encounters Petal, a youth who lives in a trailer with an older partner. Petal has been keeping a meticulous diary of events within the park, which proves to be great reading. Cassie also finds Jada, a young and hip woman who has begun a cross-country adventure with her boyfriend and wants it all on social media for the world to see.

During that fateful summer, Cassie crosses paths with these two women and the past comes crashing into the present, where horrors and memories rule them all. As the story unfolds, Cassie will have to come to terms with the past, while Petal and Jada hold keys to helping her and the ability to trigger her even more. This is sure to be one summer job that Cassie will never forget. A stunning thriller that will keep readers up and guessing well into the night. Catherine McKenzie at her best!

For those who have not read Catherine McKenzie’s work before, this may be a great starting point. A strong standalone novel, McKenzie offers up a solid narrative foundation to guide the reader along the way. The story branches off at various points, but stays true to its core and the narrative leads the reader along the intended path. Decent characters provide some interesting flavouring to a piece that is full of moments of suspense. Plot twists emerge and kept me wanting to know more, even when things were developing in front of me. Mckenzie’s use of ‘modern spins on the fiction novel’ proves somewhat effective, though I am more a traditionalist than trying to cobble together perspectives through Instagram posts. All the same, it added a unique spin on things and enriched the final product. Catherine McKenzie is one to watch and I am happy to have read many of her books to date.

Kudos, Madam McKenzie, for a great thriller that is sure to impress many.

The Vendetta Defence (Rosato and Associates #6), by Lisa Scottoline

Posted on by canadamatt

Eight stars

After discovering a short story by Lisa Scottoline one week ago, I have started a series binge that has me completely addicted. This is a series like no other and I am so very pleased to have found it, as well as the countless storylines and characters that fill the pages of these books. In this novel, the reader learns more about Judy Carrier, one of the lawyers at Rosato and Associates. She is tasked with defending an elderly man, Pigeon Tony, who has been accused of killing one of his longtime rivals. Pigeon Tony does not deny the killing, but explains that there is a vendetta that he had to settle. Working alongside Pigeon Tony’s grandson, Judy tries to cobble together a case, much to the chagrin of her boss, and dodges many threats from their victim’s family, said to be deeply connected with criminal element. A story that flows well and tells a poignant tale. Scottoline’s superior style shines through yet again.

Rosato and Associates is a well-run Philadelphia firm, handling many sorts of cases, most of which are cleared by the name partner, Bennie Rosato. When associate lawyer, Judy Carrier, agrees to defend Anthony Lucia for murdering his longtime enemy, things get quite intense. This is surely the case of her career and Judy does not want to mess it up. She works with the elderly pigeon racer, known to his friends as ‘Pigeon Tony’, trying to better understand why he would kill Angelo Coluzzi. Pigeon Tony refuses to deny that he committed the crime, though he tries to explain that there was a vendetta that had to be completed when Coluzzi killed his wife years before. Judy may have taken on more than she can chew with this one.

While Judy discovers that this decades long feud has kept Pigeon Tony eager to settle scores, there is a larger problem. The Coluzzis are also keen on revenge and begin to take action, which includes finishing off Pigoen Tony and anyone who defends him. Working with Tony’s grandson, Frank, Judy will have to cobble together a defence and protect the elderly man—and themselves— before something tragic can occur.

With the law stacked against her, Judy is forced to pull out all the stops in order to find a means of defending Pigeon Tony and ensuring that he does not end up in jail, or dead. However, the Coluzzis are always lurking and could strike again at any moment. This is one case that could make Judy Carrier’s career, but it could also end her life! Scottoline at her best with this piece.

When I read Pigeon Tony’s Last Stand a week ago, I knew that I wanted to read more Lisa Scottoline. Now, six novels later, I am still hooked and want more so that I can learn about the characters and their unique means of finding justice in the law. Scottoline offers up great narrative guidance in her piece, filling them with detail and the law, as well as some great moments of humour. There is so much I can learn from them and I never tire of getting a little more backstory about some of the female protagonists. There is a richness to the pieces that only gets better the deeper I delve in the series. The plots are well-crafted and appear to grow effectively, though never too dramatically. I am eager to see how things will keep progressing, as the characters shape things in their own way. This was a great story and complemented the aforementioned short story well. I can only wonder what is to come with Judy, Mary DiNunzio, and Bennie Rosato. I guess I better grab the next book to see.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for keeping me enthralled throughout this legal gem!