tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24676638647136330832024-03-17T22:02:36.217-05:00Pop Goes Fiction<b>Reading for the fun of it!</b><br>
Reviews of popular fiction that I've read and enjoyed recently, along with read-alikes and suggestions for additional titles like-minded readers might enjoy.Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.comBlogger1339125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-91201596874091062382024-02-26T18:56:00.000-06:002024-02-26T18:56:00.190-06:00A Wild and Heavenly Place by Robin Oliveira<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Heavenly-Place-Robin-Oliveira/dp/0593543858" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dm86cmTKL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>In 1878 Glasgow, Samuel Fiddes lives with his five-year-old sister Alison in poverty. Their parents and siblings died of diphtheria several years ago. Samuel, who can read and write and has a knack for numbers, dreams of a better life for himself and Alison. He has had his eye on wealthy Hailey MacIntyre after seeing her weekly in church, but he knows her parents would never approve. Yet Samuel and Hailey secretly start to spend time together after Samuel saves Hailey's younger brother's life. When the MacIntyre family sets sail for Seattle after losing their fortune, Hailey asks Samuel to follow her there. In <b>A Wild and Heavenly Place</b>, the reader follows Samuel and Hayley over the next four years as they individually make their lives in the Pacific Northwest--a land of enormous promise, yet at times dangerous and lawless. Will Samuel and Hayley's love be strong enough to let them eventually be together? A great read-alike for Sandra Dallas.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-31531267491662902122024-02-26T18:55:00.000-06:002024-02-26T18:55:30.124-06:00Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Village-Dark-Iris-Yamashita/dp/0593336704" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81yuXR5c58L._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Police detective Cara Kennedy is still trying to find out how her husband Aaron and son Dylan died. One clue lies in the photo she found of her, Aaron, and Dylan on the phone of a dead gang member. There are photos of other people on the phone too. Could there be a connection between them? Meanwhile, Ellie Wright--owner of the Cozy Condo Inn in Point Mettier--is mourning the death of her estranged son, Timmy. A third story in the novel is that of Mia--a waitress and office cleaner--who left the secluded community of Unity for life in Anchorage. <b>Village in the Dark</b> is the tale of the trio of women, along with other characters who featured in Yamashita's first book in the series, <a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2023/01/city-under-one-roof-by-iris-yamashita.html">City Under One Roof</a>. A solid mystery that builds on the previous book and pushes the series forward.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-21440289388523158282024-02-20T22:16:00.000-06:002024-02-20T22:16:28.784-06:00Float Up, Sing Down by Laird Hunt<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Float-Sing-Down-Laird-Hunt/dp/1639730109" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/71HarX0aFVL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>It's 1982 in Bright Creek, Indiana. In this story collection, the reader spends a day with the inhabitants of this small town. There's teenagers Della and Sugar who are in the beginnings of a relationship, despite others' objections. Sugar's best friend, Greg, is obsessed with Kung Fu and works at the Galaxy Swirl with Della, while Della's grandfather Hank (the former sheriff) is stuck mulling between the past and present in his mind. Other people we hear from are Cubby, who owns the local garage, and Candy, an older resident who mourns her best friend, Irma Ray. For readers who enjoy Kent Haruf and Shannon Bowring.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-18608432516345155872024-02-13T06:44:00.002-06:002024-02-13T06:45:19.062-06:00Knife Skills by Wendy Church<p><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/71ADiSUI0nL._SY425_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/71ADiSUI0nL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>The only job Chicago chef Sagarine could find was working at a restaurant owned by Russian mobster Anatoly. When Louie the head chef is murdered, Sagarine is promoted. In addition to being in charge at the restaurant, she begins to cater dinners at Anatoly's home. Soon, the FBI persuades Sagarine to work for them, but when she falls for Ekaterina (the only female member of Anatoly's crew) the situation becomes even more complicated and dangerous. Will Sagarine be able to keep her betrayal secret? <b>Knife Skills </b>is a very twisty novel, but perhaps it twists the knife one time too many.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-28465747277064521042024-02-12T20:46:00.000-06:002024-02-12T20:46:48.914-06:00The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear<p><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/81GG38gqlvL._SY425_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/81GG38gqlvL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>It's 1945 and World War II is over. With the death of Lord Julian Compton, Maisie is helping her former mother-in-law, Lady Rowan, settle Lord Julian's affairs. When squatters are discovered at the family's London mansion, Maisie lets the lawyers know she will look into the matter. Maisie's investigation leads her to protect some of the youngest people who worked for Britain in the war effort. In this final book of the Maisie Dobbs series, Winspear lets the reader visit with all the characters in Maisie's world one last time. <b>The Comfort of Ghosts</b> will be published in June.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-50039352035778530742024-01-30T21:51:00.000-06:002024-01-30T21:51:22.493-06:00The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett<p><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/51NtOsOb16L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_849526-T3/images/I/51NtOsOb16L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Author Amanda Bailey decides to write a book about the Alperton Angels case. Twenty years ago, three members of a cult were found dead, while the two teenage members of the group escaped with a baby. Amanda decides to focus her research on finding where the baby is now. Amanda soon learns, however, that there are some who want to forget that the Alperton Angels ever existed and will kill to keep the case buried. The story is told through emails, letters, and transcripts of interviews that Amanda does with all those involved over the last two decades, heightening the suspense and getting the reader involved in the puzzle.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-20015223930684878442024-01-24T22:02:00.000-06:002024-01-24T22:02:00.993-06:00Hero by Thomas Perry<div class="separator"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Novel-Thomas-Perry/dp/1613164777" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61l64pPOH7L._SY466_.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>Justine Poole works for the private security firm Spengler-Nash. One evening, Justine is assisting her boss Ben, making sure Jerry and Estelle Pinsky get home safely. Justine and Ben succeed in protecting the Pinskys, but Justine kills two of the five men who were attempting to rob the couple at their home. Mr. Conger, who hired the robbers, is embarrassed that a woman was able to basically take out five men. He hires hit man Leo Sealy to kill Justine. <b>Hero </b>follows the cat and mouse game between Justine and Sealy around Los Angeles. Will Justine be able to stay alive and eliminate the threat?Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-7378244316908938022024-01-21T14:07:00.001-06:002024-01-21T14:07:49.218-06:00Lowbridge by Lucy Campbell<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lowbridge-Lucy-Campbell/dp/1761152068" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5136skq4HfL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Katherine moves to her husband Jamie's hometown of Lowbridge, a small community about an hour outside of Sydney, after their teenage daughter Maggie's death. Katherine is devastated by Maggie's passing and is numbing her grief with pills and alcohol. Katherine and Jamie are also drifting apart as a couple. One day, Katherine happens upon the Lowbridge Historical Society. Eventually, volunteering there starts to help her to heal. When Katherine decides to organize an exhibition about the history of the women's center that opened thirty years ago, she discovers articles about teenager Tess Dawes who went missing around that time. Katherine becomes interested in Tess' story, much to the dismay of Jamie. In an alternating storyline, the reader is taken back to 1986 to get a firsthand look at Tess and her friends Sim and Luisa. Will Katherine be able to find out what happened to Tess all those years ago? <b>Lowbridge </b>is a great read-alike for the novels of Christian White and <a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-silence-by-susan-allott.html">Silence</a> by Susan Allott.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-6535965730011157212024-01-15T21:37:00.001-06:002024-01-15T21:37:44.539-06:00Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Razorblade-Tears-Novel-S-Cosby/dp/1250252709" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91vqHyIjADL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Neither Ike Randolph nor Buddy Lee Jenkins were accepting of their gay sons. Isiah and Derek met in college, fell in love, married, and had a three-year-old daughter, Arianna. Recently, however, Isiah and Derek were murdered and the police have no leads on the killer. Both Ike and Buddy Lee are grieving and angry, and they want justice for their boys. Both ex-cons (now with regular jobs), Ike and Buddy Lee team up--an unlikely pair, with Ike being black and Buddy Lee a southern white man, yet having their loss and regret in common. They will stop at nothing to avenge their sons deaths and make the killer pay.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-57781201614449670902024-01-15T19:20:00.000-06:002024-01-15T19:20:20.267-06:00Northwoods by Amy Pease <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Northwoods-Novel-Amy-Pease/dp/1668017261" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71mIGP8D6nL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Eli North has hit rock bottom. He is drinking too much. He has nightmares about and continued trauma from his service in Afghanistan. He works as a deputy in the local police department, where his mother Marge is the sheriff. One night, while on duty and drunk, he finds local teenager Ben Sharpe dead. Also, Ben's friend Caitlin Wallace has gone missing. In the northwoods Wisconsin resort town of Shaky Lake, the police operate on a very limited budget, so Marge, Eli, and their two fellow officers finds themselves working with Chicago-based FBI agent Alyssa Mason. In her debut novel, Pease writes a story with a great sense of place, interesting characters, and a mystery that has the reader guessing until the end. I hope we see more of Eli North or at least another book by the author. A great read-alike title would be <a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-distant-dead-by-heather-young.html">The Distant Dead </a>by Heather Young.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-14193794110256210912024-01-07T18:39:00.002-06:002024-01-07T18:42:20.628-06:00First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Lie-Wins-Ashley-Elston/dp/0593492919/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QR6k5zpfL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Evie Porter is thrilled that her relationship with Ryan is getting serious and that he's asked her to move in. However, her excitement isn't for the usual reasons--she's been hired to get close to Ryan and report back to her boss, Mr. Smith. In fact, Evie is not even her real name. <b>First Lie Wins</b> is a fast-paced novel with many twists and turns as Evie tries to stay one step ahead of those who are out there to take her down. A great read-alike for Liv Constantine, Julie Clark, and Greer Hendricks.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-72739489715922361892024-01-03T21:56:00.000-06:002024-01-03T21:56:04.821-06:00Northern Spy by Flynn Berry<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Northern-Spy-Novel-Flynn-Berry/dp/0735224994" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91wMHqF58fL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Tessa lives with her young son Finn outside of Belfast and is a producer at the BBC. One day, her sister Marian is seen participating in an armed robbery. The police tell Tessa that Marian is a member of the IRA. Tessa doesn't believe it's true, since both she and Marian are against all the violence that has occurred over the years. What if the evidence the authorities have is real? Could Marian really have put Tessa and Finn in danger? <b>Northern Spy</b> keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as Marian's decisions have serious repercussions for everyone.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-1220754468425016612024-01-01T20:00:00.000-06:002024-01-01T20:00:43.107-06:00Invisible Woman by Katie Lief<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Woman-Katia-Lief/dp/0802161405/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=9z4Cp&content-id=amzn1.sym.35cab78c-35e3-4fc1-aab0-27eaa6c86063%3Aamzn1.symc.e5c80209-769f-4ade-a325-2eaec14b8e0e&pf_rd_p=35cab78c-35e3-4fc1-aab0-27eaa6c86063&pf_rd_r=CGBPGSAQQ8JXV7ZQXQ0D&pd_rd_wg=KowpW&pd_rd_r=6e75c9e6-3c21-48c6-b25b-a3f0525709c9&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719xp4uiY4L._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Joni's past and her friendship with college roommate Val come rushing back when Hollywood bigwig Lou Pridgen is accused of assaulting several women. In the 1980's, Jodi directed two critically acclaimed films--the first starring Val, who was raped at that time by Lou and another man. Val decided to not go to the police then, and she and Joni lost touch. For the past twenty-five years, Joni has focused on motherhood and her marriage to Paul, who found major success in television. Lately, Joni has been unhappy with Paul and his work obsession. When Joni contacts Val to talk about what happened in the past, both women's lives change irrevocably. <b>Invisible Woman </b>is a page turner in the style of Peter Swanson.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-36461465881944378712023-12-30T17:41:00.011-06:002023-12-30T19:08:34.490-06:00My Favorite Books of 2023<p>Here are the five books I enjoyed most this year.</p>
<p>In alphabetical order, by author:</p>
<p><a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-spy-coast-by-tess-gerritsen.html">The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen</a></p>
<p>In this debut of "The Martini Club" series, Gerritsen delivers with a great puzzle and a wide cast of characters to explore in future books.</p>
<p><a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2023/10/three-holidays-and-wedding-by-uzma.html">Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley</a></p>
<p>A cozy story of friendship, romance, and family.</p>
<p><a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2023/05/small-mercies-by-dennis-lehane.html">Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane</a></p>
<p>Lehane again sets the bar so high in crime fiction, that most other writers pale in comparison.</p>
<p><a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2023/06/you-cant-stay-here-forever-by-katherine.html">You Can't Stay Here Forever by Katherine Lin</a></p>
<p>In her first novel, Lin gives the reader much to ponder about our place in the world and the choices we make.</p>
<p><a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2023/07/how-can-i-help-you-by-laura-sims.html">How Can I Help You by Laura Sims</a></p>
<p>A cat and mouse story full of foreboding and suspense.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-33814555993027797252023-12-28T13:29:00.002-06:002023-12-28T13:32:20.426-06:00No Country for Girls by Emma Styles<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/No-Country-for-Girls/dp/0751583863/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61cGDC6JTZL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>When Charlie accidentally kills her sister's boyfriend Daryl, she has to go on the run to avoid capture. Charlie had taken a gold bar from Daryl's stolen stash, but now finds herself in possession of many more. Joining Charlie on her journey on the Great Northern Highway is a young woman named Nao, whose reason for coming to Charlie's house also involved the gold. Taking place over a week, <b>No Country for Girls</b> is a suspenseful ride through remote Australia as Charlie and Nao fight for their lives.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-90673463187377785972023-12-17T19:01:00.001-06:002023-12-17T20:01:29.074-06:00Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Quinns-Rise-Fame-Novel/dp/0593656415" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/81Gd0mb+MGL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Jenny Quinn lives with her husband of sixty years, Bernard, in the English village of Kittlesham. She has been baking all of her life and when Jenny sees a commercial inviting people to audition for the newest season of Britain Bakes, she is intrigued. Jenny has never really done anything for herself, content staying home and being a good wife to Bernard. Jenny is thrilled when she's chosen to be one of the contestants, although she has secret that she's kept from Bernard all these years. <b>Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame </b>recounts Jenny's journey on Britain Bakes (including all of the mouthwatering recipes) and explores Jenny's past before she met Bernard. A great read-alike for Jennifer Ryan and Freya Sampson. It will be published next month.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-58066347971758101132023-12-16T18:54:00.000-06:002023-12-16T18:54:20.365-06:00Broken Bay by Margaret Hickey<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Bay-Place-Where-Truth/dp/0143777262/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/91NwsdoIpNL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Detective Sergeant Mark Ariti is in Broken Bay on a fishing trip when Mya Rennik goes missing while diving in a sinkhole. As authorities are bringing her body to the surface, they discover that the remains are not those of Mya, but of Eloise Sinclair, who went missing twenty years ago. Mark is asked to stay in town and start on the investigation concerning Eloise until the special investigations team arrives. The Sinclairs are well known in the town-- Eloise's mother Juliette committed suicide when Eloise was a baby. Could Eloise's death be connected to Juliette's suicide? Mark also delves into the personal relationships between Eloise, her best friend Gerri, and the others in their group: Gerri's twin brother James, and Eloise's brothers (Mat, Nic, and Phil) who all still live in Broken Bay. Will Mark be able to bring Eloise's killer to justice? <b>Broken Bay</b> is the third book in the Mark Ariti series.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-31463329362422671622023-12-09T14:09:00.000-06:002023-12-09T14:09:50.886-06:00The Drowning Sea by Sarah Stewart Taylor<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drowning-Sea-Mystery-Maggie-Mysteries/dp/1250826659/ref=asc_df_1250826659/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=532533362397&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16789856126227344418&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021662&hvtargid=pla-1430908448302&psc=1&mcid=70244f45a9ab3af980e5fc03965197ec&gclid=CjwKCAiAvdCrBhBREiwAX6-6Uth3FY755vWj2c9d29fgA4ydALGEogv0lVZIDH-Vq5ZE-xECyHeCchoCfy8QAvD_BwE" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/91SM8a3ogQL._SL1500_.jpg" width="162" /></a>After leaving the police force on Long Island, Maggie D'arcy is contemplating a move with her teenage daughter Lily to Dublin to live with her boyfriend Colin and his son Adrien. The four are spending the summer in West Cork in a remote cottage when human remains wash up on the beach. The body is identified as Lukas Adamik, a Polish construction worker who disappeared months ago. Soon, Maggie finds herself immersed in the investigation-- interviewing local residents, and pondering if Lukas' murder is connected to drug smuggling in the area or even mysterious goings-on at Rosscliffe House many decades ago. Will Maggie's questions put herself and those close to her in danger?</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-35223380517905051912023-12-05T18:55:00.001-06:002023-12-05T18:55:29.390-06:00Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nosy-Neighbors-Freya-Sampson/dp/059355051X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91o90eorEXL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>The eight residents of Shelley House are private and keep to themselves. There's Dorothy, who's lived in the building for over 30 years. In her seventies, Dorothy spends her days cataloging the movements of all who live there. Her across-the-hall neighbor, Joseph, has been at Shelley House as long as Dorothy, yet he and Dorothy had a falling out years ago and don't speak now. When Kat, a young women who spent time in the town of Chalcot as a child, moves in as Joseph's lodger, cracks begins to form in the iciness between the inhabitants, especially after Joseph is attacked and ends up in the hospital. Could the violence against Joseph involve his protesting against the eviction notices all the residents have received? In <b>Nosy Neighbors</b>, author Sampson treats the reader to a tale of friendship and forgiveness. It will be published in April.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-87341185782049025042023-11-27T20:24:00.001-06:002023-11-27T20:24:53.588-06:00The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Erietown-Connie-Schultz/dp/052547935X" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Qk-7M6FSL._SY466_.jpg" width="162" /></a>In 50's working-class northeast Ohio, Ellie lives with her grandparents and would like to go to college. Her boyfriend, Brick, sees a scholarship to play college basketball as a way to escape his abusive father. Their plans change when Ellie discovers she's pregnant and they get married. <b>The Daughters of Erietown </b>follows the lives of Ellie, Brick, and their children over the next fifty years as love, secrets, and the changing times through the decades help influence the decisions the characters make. For readers who enjoy novels about family relationships.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-77752285760422205672023-11-18T17:43:00.000-06:002023-11-18T17:43:00.993-06:00The Ascent by Adam Plantinga<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ascent-Adam-Plantinga/dp/1538739879/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Wace+0iIL._SY466_.jpg" width="162" /></a>When Detroit cop Kurt Argento is forced to resign, he decides to leave town for a while. Driving in Missouri, he stops a crime in progress, but is arrested by a crooked county sheriff and thrown in jail. Being the fourth of July weekend, Kurt is taken to Whitehall, a private prison, until he can go before the judge on Tuesday. Kurt's time there coincides with the governor's daughter, Julie Wakefield, visiting Whitehall for one of her graduate school classes. When the security system at the prison goes haywire and random cell doors open automatically, Whitehall is thrown into chaos and the violence begins. Kurt, Julie, and several others find themselves teaming up to try to make it to the roof of the prison so they hopefully can be rescued. <b>The Ascent</b> marks the arrival of a great new author in the thriller genre. Perfect for fans of Lee Child, Thomas Perry, and Nick Petrie. It will be published in January.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-56093363441533470582023-11-13T21:38:00.000-06:002023-11-13T21:38:58.414-06:00American Girl by Wendy Walker<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/American-Girl-Novel-Wendy-Walker/dp/B0BRRQZLZ3" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71jJYT4LAgL._SY466_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Accepted to MIT, Charlie can't wait to get out of Sawyer, Pennsylvania. Autistic and living with her mother, stepfather, and two brothers, Charlie works long hours at the Triple S deli to save money for her education. When the owner of the Triple S, Coop, is found murdered, everything that Charlie has been working for is put in jeopardy. There are several people in Charlie's life that she would protect to the utmost--which is what Charlie is prepared to do. Who in Charlie's circle is a killer? <b>American Girl </b>is a suspenseful character-centered read with a main character who stays with you long after the last page is turned.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-18903951681014014952023-11-08T20:34:00.000-06:002023-11-08T20:34:06.066-06:00So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-Late-Day-Stories-Women/dp/0802160859" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ZeSoVXFdL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>In this latest collection by acclaimed Irish author Claire Keegan, the trio of stories revolves around the relationships between women and men. In "So Late in the Day", a man named Cathal reflects on his time with the woman he almost married, while "The Long and Painful Death" is about a female writer who is spending two weeks at Henrich Boll's house on Achill Island, which is now a writer's retreat. Unfortunately, a professor of German literature interrupts her visit. Lastly, "Antarctica" is about a married woman who goes away for the weekend with disastrous consequences. As with her previous works I have read, Keegan again proves to be a writer that can say so much so concisely.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-14667717009720240132023-11-08T19:36:00.000-06:002023-11-08T19:36:59.116-06:00The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spy-Coast-Thriller-Martini-Club/dp/166251512X" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/916AUySylhL._SY466_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Retired from the CIA, Maggie is at peace living on a farm in Maine and tending to her chickens. When someone visits Maggie asking for help in finding an old colleague and then a body is dumped in her front yard, Maggie realizes her past is not buried and she must look back in order to discover who is after her now. Helping Maggie are her old friends from the CIA who live in the same town as she does-Declan, Ben, Lloyd, and Ingrid-"The Martini Club." <b>The Spy Coast</b>, Gerritsen's debut of her new series, is a fast-paced read that leaves one wanting to spend more time with Maggie and her friends. A great read-alike for <a href="https://popgoesfiction.blogspot.com/2022/06/killers-of-certain-age-by-deanna.html">Killers of a Certain Age</a> and the Thursday Murder Club series.</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2467663864713633083.post-66843966317119412842023-11-04T20:37:00.000-05:002023-11-04T20:37:42.457-05:00The Cottage at Rosella Cove by Sandie Docker<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cottage-at-Rosella-Cove/dp/014378921X/ref=rvi_sccl_2/139-2449160-8169217?pd_rd_w=7An66&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=CFPS94EQVYDNBBFPFHEE&pd_rd_wg=uCZsq&pd_rd_r=5d98fdd0-fbec-4ea3-9297-3ae0f69fbb91&pd_rd_i=014378921X&psc=1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="162" height="248" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81w2b0lBVwL._SY425_.jpg" width="162" /></a>Nicole has left Sydney because of a bad relationship and finds herself renting a house in the small town of Rosella Cove. While there, Nicole has agreed to make repairs to the cottage, since it's fallen into a state of disrepair. Nicole also begins to get to know some of the local residents, including Mandy (who becomes and friend), Danny, (for whom she has feelings), and Charlie (an old man who lives in the cottage's boatshed). Will Nicole be able to put her past heartache behind her and start anew?</p>Lora Bruggemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01019216960033418909noreply@blogger.com0