Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher

Today I'm participating in the Murder Makes Scents Blog Tour.  In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review.  And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of the book.  

About the book . . .

 

 Murder Makes Scents (A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery)

Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (February 25, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1496721411
ISBN-13: 978-1496721419
Digital ASIN: B07R6P9Z8M

Synopsis . . .  Stella Wright loves creating candles at her Nantucket store—and she also has a burning passion for justice. Now, after visiting a perfume conference, she must solve a vial crime . . .

Stella and her globe-trotting mom, Millie, have come home from a perfume industry conference in Paris, where their trip was marred by witnessing the stabbing death of a young man. It’s a relief for Stella to be back on her picturesque island, with the comforting company of her cat, Tinker. But lingering danger may have followed them back across the ocean.

After someone breaks into her candle store, the Wick & Flame, Stella starts feeling spooked. And just as things threaten to ignite, Millie suffers a blow to the head. Stella receives an anonymous note claiming that her mother smuggled a secret formula out of France—and threatening her life if it isn’t returned. Now Stella’s picked up the scent of a cold-hearted criminal and an intriguing puzzle, and things are about to get wicked . . . 

My review . . . Candle maker Stella and her gallivanting mother, perfumer Millie Wright, visit Paris for the World Perfumery Conference, indulging their mutual love of scents during a long-overdue reunion before their return to Stella's home and shop on Nantucket Island.  They no sooner arrive at the conference center, however, when a man collapses in the crowd with a knife in his back. Unbeknownst to them, witnessing this crime places the women at the center of an international caper, and when Stella and Millie arrive back in Nantucket, trouble follows them.  The conference killer, a well-known anarchist opposed to world peace, has also arrived on the island in pursuit of mother and daughter.  This "King of Shadows"  believes that Millie possesses an item critical to his plan to disrupt a global Peace Jubilee, and will stop at nothing to retrieve it. With Millie's life in jeopardy, Stella vows to do everything in her power to protect her.

Stella's attempts to uncover the identity of the elusive killer menacing the Wright women come at a busy time for the island community.  A three-day birthday reunion for one of Millie's high school classmates, a cranberry festival, and Stella's own milestone birthday celebration bring several outsiders to the island—all of whom display mysterious behavior, making them prime suspects.  Stella's eavesdropping and snooping further feed her suspicions, providing more questions than answers.   Who among them poses the real threat?  As tensions increase, Stella finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the killer, knowing her mother remains in grave danger unless Stella can outwit this evil stranger.

Murder Makes Sense is a fast-paced, entertaining story replete with daring chases, mysterious suspects, and unforeseen plot twists. What also makes this book and series appealing is the author's further development of the characters who appeared in the first book, Murder's No Votive Confidence (my review here)—from Stella's close-knit clan of cousins involved in all aspects of island business, to police pal Andy Southerland, to her comical cat Tinker, to journalist and love interest Peter Bailey. The introduction of Stella's mom Millie and the mother-daughter relationship is an added bonus, with the hope of more shared adventures as the series continues.  Whatever escapades unfold in Stella's future, I plan to be along for the ride.

Giveaway . . . Enter the Murder Makes Scents Giveaway for a chance to win one of three print copies of the book (U.S. only) by clicking on this link.

About the author . . . Christin Brecher was born and raised in New York City, where her family and many childhood friends still reside. As such, she feels she is as much of a small-town girl as any. The idea to write the Nantucket Candle Maker series sprang from her life-long connection to the small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Spending summers there as a child, Christin read from her family’s library of mystery novels, after which she began to imagine stories inspired by the island’s whaling heyday, its notoriously foggy nights, and during long bike rides to the beach. 

After many years in marketing for the publishing industry, followed by years raising her children, Murder Makes Scents is Christin’s second novel in the Nantucket Candle Maker mystery series.

Author links . . . 

Website:  http://christinbrecher.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/christinbrecherbooks/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/christinbrecherbooks/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18483379.Christin_Brecher

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christin-brecher

Purchase links . . . 

Amazon     B & N      Kobo     BAM 

IndieBound    Hudson Booksellers    Google Play

  

Tour participants . . .

February 24 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

February 24 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

February 24 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW

February 25 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 25 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

February 25 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 26 – TBR Book Blog – REVIEW

February 26 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

February 26 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 27 – eBook addicts – REVIEW

February 27 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 27 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

February 28 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

February 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

February 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 29 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 29 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

March 1 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – REVIEW, CANDLE TIPS PAGE

March 1 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW

March 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

March 2 – Diary of a Book Fiend – REVIEW

March 2 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 2 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*

March 3 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 3 – The Book Diva’s Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 4 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

March 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 4 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Murder Makes Scents from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

This Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other book-related blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated

 

  

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Murder Makes Scents, the second book in the Nantucket Candle Maker cozy mystery series by Christin Brecher.  The excerpts shared are from the eBook I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

  

Beginning:  I was in heaven.

I was in Paris.

I was at Cire Trudon, one of the city's finest candle stores.

******************** 

56% of eBook:  I was into something now.  It was deep.  I realized I had likely been present at my second murder in less than two days.

********************

My thoughts:  Murder Makes Scents has a lively plot populated by spies, quirky locals, and an adventurous feline.  There's never a dull moment in this beach community no matter the season.

********************

From Goodreads:  Stella Wright loves creating candles at her Nantucket store—and she also has a burning passion for justice. Now, after visiting a perfume conference, she must solve a vial crime . . .

Stella and her globe-trotting mom, Millie, have come home from a perfume industry conference in Paris, where their trip was marred by witnessing the stabbing death of a young man. It’s a relief for Stella to be back on her picturesque island, with the comforting company of her cat, Tinker. But lingering danger may have followed them back across the ocean.

After someone breaks into her candle store, the Wick & Flame, Stella starts feeling spooked. And just as things threaten to ignite, Millie suffers a blow to the head. Stella receives an anonymous note claiming that her mother smuggled a secret formula out of France—and threatening her life if it isn’t returned. Now Stella’s picked up the scent of a cold-hearted criminal and an intriguing puzzle, and things are about to get wicked . . .

*******************

This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated. 

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, is where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon. 

Today I'm featuring an upcoming read, The Illness Lesson, by Clare Beams. The excerpt shared is from a hardcover version borrowed from the library.

  

1.

Birds, Again

Ashwell, Massachusetts, 1871

Wonders, wonders!

--Miles Pearson, The Darkening Glass (p. 4)

The first of the birds Caroline mistook for her own mind's work.  When the streak of red crossed the kitchen windowpane, fast, disastrous-bright, she thought it was some bloody piece come loose inside herself.

Then her father appeared from the study and held the doorframe, leaning in.  "Caroline!  Did you see?"

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

It's a curious opening and title...and an interesting cover.  I can't wait to crack the spine on this book.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring a current read, Never Ruled by Man by Phyllis Barone Ameduri.  It's an historical novel selected by one of my book clubs.

 

Beginning:  Chapter One: The Female Lawyer
It was Ladies' Day in court.

********************

Page 56:   Mary Ann was never one to hesitate backing up her words with actions.

********************

My thoughts:  This book is a fascinating retelling of the life and times of Mary Ann Bascombe, a thrice-married mother of eight and self-made business woman who was ahead of her time.  It's also a snapshot of the bustling city of Stapleton, Staten Island in the 1800's, before the area was incorporated into the City of New York.

********************

From Goodreads:  Stapleton, New York was in its heyday in the late 19th century. There was a busy waterfront, world renowned breweries, and a vibrant downtown business center. There were churches, jails, dance halls, and saloons. In Stapleton, anything could and did happen as honest, hard-working, and at times rough-edged citizens of the community shared the same streets with young thugs, hardened criminals, and corrupt politicians. Mary Ann Bascombe was a real-life anomaly who played a part in the drama of Stapleton’s golden age. Born in 1840, she started and ended life on the same street corner in the working class section of Stapleton called Rocky Hollow. Orphaned at the age of twelve, Mary Ann was forced into work as a housemaid. Yet, from this humble and unfortunately common circumstance of the times, she went on to become a savvy businesswoman, lay lawyer, neighborhood activist, and local politician, independent of a man. Mary Ann also became a humorous and eccentric local personality known for being outspoken and carrying around a club. Mary Ann Bascombe lived a rich and fascinating life, then died and tumbled through the cracks of history. This story resurrects her life and times during the free spirited independent days of Staten Island prior to joining the City of Greater New York.

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This Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Death by Baguette by Jennifer S. Alderson

Today I'm participating in the Death by Baguette Blog Tour.  In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review.  And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a prize package.  

About the book . . .

 

Death by Baguette: A Valentine's Day Murder in Paris

Travel Can Be Murder Series
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Traveling Life Press (February 7, 2020)
Print Length ~200 Pages
Digital ASIN: B0819YNSJL

Synopsis . . . Paris—the city of love, lights . . . and murder?  Join tour guide Lana Hansen as she escorts five couples on an unforgettable Valentine-themed vacation to France.  Unfortunately it will be the last trip for one passenger . . .

Lana Hansen’s future is looking bright. She has money in her bank account, a babysitter for her cat, and even a boyfriend.  Regrettably she won’t get to celebrate Valentine’s Day with her new beau, Chad.  Instead, she will be leading a lovers-only tour in France.  Luckily for Lana, her best friend, Willow, and her partner, Jane, will be joining her. 

Things go downhill when Lana’s new boyfriend shows up in Paris for her tour—with his wife.  Chad is not the website developer he claimed to be, but a famous restaurant critic whose love of women rivals his passion for food.

After Chad drops dead during a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, a persistent French detective becomes convinced that he was poisoned.  And the inspector’s sights are set on several members of the tour—including Lana!

While escorting her group through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, the grand gardens of Versailles, and the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges market, Lana must figure out who really killed Chad before she has to say bonjour to prison and adieu to her freedom.

Introducing Lana Hansen, tour guide, reluctant amateur sleuth, and star of the Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mystery Series.  Join Lana as she leads tourists and readers to fascinating cities around the globe on intriguing adventures that, unfortunately for Lana, often turn deadly.

The Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries are heartwarming stories about making friends, traveling, and celebrating new experiences.  Book One—Death on the Danube—is available now.  Coming soon: Books Three (Death by Windmill) and Book Four!

My review . . . Lana Hansen's life has taken financial and romantic turns for the better.  She's gainfully employed in a job that includes luxurious travel, and has started dating again.  Lana is about to embark on her fourth tour as a travel guide, leading a lovers-only trip to Paris for Valentine's Day.  While she is excited about the destination, she doesn't relish spending Valentine's Day in one of the world's most romantic cities without her new boyfriend Chad . . .

So imagine Lana's surprise when Chad shows up in Paris for the couples tour with another woman—Miranda, his wife of thirty-six years.  Lana is beyond shocked—she had no idea that the man she met online through the Seattle Singles dating app was married.  Chad is just as stunned, and fears being exposed for his despicable behavior.  Lana quickly recovers her professional demeanor, and the two agree to pretend that they have never met.  But this is more easily said than done.

While Lana is busy catering to the needs of the guests and training a new tour guide, Chad is offending the other guests with his words and deeds.  His superior attitude and competitiveness rub everyone—including his wife—the wrong way.  In fact, Lana considers asking Chad to leave the tour, but Miranda begs her not to, confiding that her marriage will be over if that happens.

Clearly, the lovers-only tour is showing signs of passion, but not in the way originally intended.  Sparks are flying, but they are generated by contempt rather than ardor. Lana is doing her best to provide an enjoyable experience for the guests, and hopes that a gourmet picnic under the Eiffel Tower will restore a more festive mood.  But as the couples indulge in the picnic delicacies, Chad collapses, and dies at the scene.

The investigation of Chad's demise is led by Parisian Inspector Boucher, who determines that Chad was poisoned, and quickly sets his sights on the members of the tour group for a culprit.  Although many in the group have strong reasons for wishing Chad harm, has one of them actually killed him?  It's up to Lana to prove the innocence of Boucher's lead suspect and establish her own guiltlessness in the process.  Is Lana's life as a tour guide over?

Death by Baguette is a lively romp through the streets of Paris with stops at many famous landmarks along the way.  In addition to a satisfying mystery filled with quirky characters and effective red herrings, readers are treated to visits of well-known sites, complete with lavish descriptions so evocative that you feel you're on the actual tour. I have visited Paris twice, and loved reliving my own experience through Alderson's descriptions.  At the same time, I can imagine what it must be like to "explore" the sights for the first time through the author's words.  Case in point, I googled one of the attractions I hadn't seen before—the Stravinsky Fountain—and watched several lovely YouTube videos that show the fountain in all its glory.  This was such an unexpected bonus.

As with Death on the Danube, the first book in the series (for my review click here), this second installment is a winning combination of mystery meets travelogue. The series is ideal for those who enjoy travel, like to travel vicariously, or just need an escape to an international location without having to pack a suitcase, carry a passport, or endure long security and customs lines.  Books in the Travel Can Be Murder series can be read as stand-alones—one need only pick a desired destination.  The next port of call is Amsterdam, the setting for book three, which is another tour I'm looking forward to.

Giveaway . . .  Enter the Death by Baguette Giveaway of a prize package containing a notebook with floral motif from the Rijksmuseum and six romance-themed mini-bookmarks  (U.S. only) by clicking on this link.

About the author . . . Jennifer S. Alderson was born in San Francisco, raised in Seattle, and currently lives in Amsterdam. After traveling extensively around Asia, Oceania, and Central America, she moved to Darwin, Australia, before settling in the Netherlands. Her background in journalism, multimedia development, and art history enriches her novels. When not writing, she can be found in a museum, biking around Amsterdam, or enjoying a coffee along the canal while planning her next research trip.

  

Jennifer’s love of travel, art, and culture inspires her award-winning mystery series—the Zelda Richardson Mysteries and Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mysteries—and standalone stories.

Author links . . . 

Website: http://www.jennifersalderson.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JennifeSAlderson
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferSAldersonauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JSAauthor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/JenniferSAlderson
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-s-alderson


Purchase link . . . Amazon 

 

Tour participants . . .

February 17 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
February 17 – TBR Book Blog – REVIEW
February 17 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW
February 18 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
February 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 18 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT
February 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
February 19 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW
February 19 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
February 20 – eBook addicts – REVIEW
February 20 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
February 21 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
February 21 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
February 22 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW  
February 23 – Here’s How It Happened – REVIEW
February 23 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

 

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Death by Baguette from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

This Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other book-related blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph

It's Tuesday . . . time for . . . 

                                                      

 

First Chapter ~ First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, now hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach, where bloggers post the first paragraph(s) of a book they are currently reading or planning to read sometime soon.   

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Death by Baguette by Jennifer S. Alderson. The excerpt shared is from an eBook version I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

  

What do you think?  Would you continue reading?

Death by Baguette is a lively romp through the streets of Paris with stops at many famous landmarks along the way.  In addition to a satisfying mystery filled with quirky characters and effective red herrings, readers are treated to visits of well-known sites, complete with lavish descriptions so evocative that you feel you're on the actual tour.

This First Chapter ~ First Paragraph post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the blog, bookclublibrarian.com.  It cannot be republished without attribution. Sharing this original post on Twitter with appropriate recognition is appreciated.

Great Escapes Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Don't Look Down by Hilary Davidson

Today I'm participating in the Don't Look Down Blog Tour.  In this post you'll find book and author information along with my review.  And be sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of the book.  

About the book . . .

  

Don't Look Down (Shadows of New York Series)
Psychological Thriller
2nd in Series
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (February 11, 2020)
Hardcover: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 1542092035
ISBN-13: 978-1542092036
Paperback: 367 pages
ISBN-10: 1542092019
ISBN-13: 978-1542092012
Digital ASIN: B07QBPS9QB

Synopsis . . . From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of One Small Sacrifice, a gripping mystery about a sinister murder that everyone wants to stay buried—except one dogged NYPD detective.

Jo Greaver is a model of success. Young and ambitious, she’s built a thriving beauty business from nothing. But she has secrets she’ll do anything to keep buried. When her blackmailer offers to meet, Jo expects to pay him off—but gets a bullet instead. Bleeding and in shock, Jo flees with no one to turn to.

When NYPD detective Sheryn Sterling and her partner, Rafael Mendoza, find Andray Baxter murdered in his own home—shot through the heart—everything points to Jo as the killer. Her blood is at the scene, and so are disturbing photos of her taken as a young teen. But Sheryn has doubts. Was the kindhearted Andray really a criminal? Why did he repeatedly report finding spyware in his apartment? Was there something shady about Jo’s sister dying a year earlier?

Something’s not right, and it’s up to Sheryn to piece together the sinister puzzle, no matter the cost.

My review . . . From all outward appearances, Jo Greaver is a successful, self-made business woman with a bright future.  No one in her orbit would suspect the traumatic adolescence she endured or the terrible secrets she harbors.  After moving to New York City a decade ago, Jo struggled to make a new life for herself, overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.  She considered her past long buried, especially when her only remaining link to it—her sister Lori—died of a drug overdose eighteen months ago.  But when a blackmailer contacts her, threatening to expose the very things that can ruin her present life and relationships, Jo's world is turned upside down.  A scheduled rendezvous with the blackmailer goes horribly wrong, placing Jo at the scene of a murder.  Is it possible that this desperate young women has killed a man to safeguard her secrets?

The evidence against Jo appears overwhelming, but it isn't enough to convince seasoned detective Sheryn Sterling of Jo's guilt.  Sterling and her partner Detective Rafael Mendoza undertake an investigation of inconsistencies in the case, leading them to believe that Jo is being framed for murder.  Their investigation—which takes them from the ritzy areas of Gramercy Park and lower Manhattan to the gritty neighborhoods of Hell's Kitchen and Harlem—uncovers a series of puzzling clues and a web of deceit.  The detectives discover that Jo isn't the only one hiding explosive secrets, and there are ruthless people who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.

.Don't Look Down is a fast-paced, gripping read.  Its many plot twists and turns are fueled by a set of dastardly characters who conspire, manipulate, blackmail, intimidate, and betray to get what they want, regardless of the consequences.  It's a thrilling fight between good and evil, with the forces of justice combatting brazen lawlessness.  Detectives Sterling and Mendoza, with their interesting chemistry and special rapport, can be counted on to expose the truth.

Don't Look Down is the second book in the Shadows of New York series, but can be read as a stand-alone.  It was my introduction to the series, and turned me into an instant fan.  I plan to read the first installment, One Small Sacrifice, to spend more time in the company of Detective Sterling—a compassionate public servant who fights for the innocent.  In an ideal world, this series would be adapted for television . . . 

Giveaway . . . Enter the Don't Look Down Giveaway of a print copy of the book (U.S. only) by clicking on this link.

About the author . . .  Hilary Davidson is the bestselling author of One Small Sacrifice and the winner of two Anthony Awards. Her novels include the Lily Moore series—The Damage Done, The Next One to Fall, and Evil in All Its Disguises—and the standalone thriller Blood Always Tells. Her widely acclaimed short stories have won numerous awards and have been featured everywhere from Ellery Queen to Thuglit, as well as in her collection The Black Widow Club. 

 

A Toronto-born travel journalist who’s lived in New York City since October 2001, Davidson is also the author of eighteen nonfiction books. Visit her online at hilarydavidson.com.

Author links . . .

Visit her Website: hilarydavidson.com.   Follow on Twitter    Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram     Find on GoodReads       Follow on Pinterest


 Purchase links . . .       Amazon      B&N       IndieBound 

 

Tour participants . . .

February 4 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
February 5 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW
February 6 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW
February 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
February 8 – Diary of a Book Fiend  – REVIEW
February 9 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
February 10 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
February 11 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
February 12 – Diane Reviews Books – SPOTLIGHT
February 12 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
February 13 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT
February 14 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
February 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 16 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
February 17 – Celticlady’s Reviews – REVIEW 

Note . . . I received a complimentary copy of Don't Look Down from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

This Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway post was originally composed and/or compiled and published by Catherine for the Book Club Librarian blog.  It cannot be republished without attribution.  Sharing this original post on Twitter and/or other book-related blogs with appropriate recognition is appreciated

Friday Focus: The Friday 56 & Book Beginnings

It's Friday . . . time to share book excerpts with:

• Book Beginnings on Fridays hosted by Rose City Reader, where bloggers share the first sentence or more of a current read, as well as initial thoughts about the sentence(s), impressions of the book, or anything else that the opening inspires.  
• The Friday 56 hosted by Freda's Voice, where you grab a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% of an eBook), find one or more interesting sentences (no spoilers), and post them.

Today I'm featuring a recent blog tour read, Don't Look Down, a psychological thriller by Hilary Davidson.  It's the second book in the Shadows of New York series. The excerpts shared are from the eBook I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

  

Beginning:  Monday 

Chapter One

Jo

Jo Greaver was ready to kill someone.  There were a dozen reasons why, starting with the fact that her shoulder felt like it might break under the weight of the black duffel bag she was lugging across West Forty-Ninth Street.

******************** 

56% of eBook:  Sheryn felt like her head was spinning.  Priscilla McGarran seemed completely unaware that she had put her finger on a pressure point in the case.

********************

My thoughts:  Don't Look Down is a fast-paced, gripping read.  Its many plot twists and turns are fueled by a set of dastardly characters who conspire, manipulate, blackmail, intimidate, and betray to get what they want, regardless of the consequences.  It's a thrilling fight between good and evil, with the forces of justice combatting brazen lawlessness.

For my full review and a chance to win a copy of the book click here.

********************

From Goodreads:   From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of One Small Sacrifice, a gripping mystery about a sinister murder that everyone wants to stay buried—except one dogged NYPD detective.
 
Jo Greaver is a model of success. Young and ambitious, she’s built a thriving beauty business from nothing. But she has secrets she’ll do anything to keep buried. When her blackmailer offers to meet, Jo expects to pay him off—but gets a bullet instead. Bleeding and in shock, Jo flees with no one to turn to.

When NYPD detective Sheryn Sterling and her partner, Rafael Mendoza, find Andray Baxter murdered in his own home—shot through the heart—everything points to Jo as the killer. Her blood is at the scene, and so are disturbing photos of her taken as a young teen. But Sheryn has doubts. Was the kindhearted Andray really a criminal? Why did he repeatedly report finding spyware in his apartment? Was there something shady about Jo’s sister dying a year earlier?

Something’s not right, and it’s up to Sheryn to piece together the sinister puzzle, no matter the cost.

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