2022 is in full swing and I have some new books that have hit my shelves! The following books are the newest to take up residence. Many are review books — NetGalley copies and ARCs, so you’ll see my impressions in the coming weeks. I have also included 2 cookbook/entertaining books that I received for Christmas and am having so much fun with! Yes, I do have interests outside of reading fiction. đ Hope you find one that piques your interest.
Although Smoke Screen was a bit of a departure from the usual Terri Blackstock mystery/suspense offering, the majority of my book club liked it. The focus on alcoholism and assumed guilt made this book an interesting read. If you liked Smoke Screen too, here are a few more reading recommendations.
By Your Side by Candace Calvert
ER nurse Macy Wynn learned essential, gritty lessons in the California foster care system: land on your feet and trust no one. Sheâs finally located the fellow foster child she loves like a sister, but the girlâs in deep trouble. Macyâs determined to help, no matter what it takes. Her motto is to âmake it happenâ in any situation life throws at herâeven when she butts heads with an idealistic cop.
Deputy Fletcher Holt believes in a higher plan, the fair outcomeâand his ability to handle that by himself if necessary. Now heâs been yanked from Houston, his mother is battling cancer, and heâs attracted to a strong-willed nurse who could be the target of a brutal sniper.
When everything goes wrong, where do they put their trust?
Double Cross by DiAnn Mills
FBI Agent Laurel Evertsonâs investigation into a scam targeting the elderly takes an unexpected twist when key evidence leads her to Morton Wilmington, a felon she arrested five years ago on her first undercover assignment. That case has haunted her since, and though sheâs vowed to forget Wilmingtonâand what she sacrificed to put him awayâhe is now her best lead.
Houston Police Officer Daniel Hilton fears his grandparents may be the scammerâs next targets, and heâll do anything to protect his familyâeven force interagency cooperation. But heâs quickly drawn to Laurelâs empathy and zeal and agrees to follow her lead . . . even if it means teaming up with a felon.
As the unlikely trio uncovers evidence suggesting the scam is more extensive and deadly than they imagined, both Laurel and Daniel find themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. Together they must decide if they can trust Wilmingtonâs claims of redemption, or if heâs leading them straight into a double cross.
Medical Judgment by Richard Mabry, MD
Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. Itâs been tough trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter, but now someone is stalking her and has even set fire to her home. Her late husbandâs best friend and a recovering alcoholic detective assigned to the case are both trying to solve the mystery, but both are also vying for her affections. No wonder she continues to live in fear and distrust with her only help coming from unreliable suitors. As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? And why? And how will her faith help her through this time in her life?
Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. Itâs been tough trying to recover from the traumatic deaths of her husband and infant daughter, but now someone is stalking her and has even set fire to her home. Her late husbandâs best friend and a recovering alcoholic detective assigned to the case are both trying to solve the mystery, but both are also vying for her affections. No wonder she continues to live in fear and distrust with her only help coming from unreliable suitors. As the threats on her life continue to escalate, so do the questions: Who is doing this? And why? And how will her faith help her through this time in her life?
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of five published novels of medical suspense. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFWâs Carol Award and Romantic Timesâ Inspirational Book of the Year, and have won the Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Richardâs non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the worldâs best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
My Impressions:
Richard Mabry is one of my must-read authors. His latest book, Medical Judgment, confirms that. This novel is my favorite by him so far. With tension-filled suspense and a message of hope in the wake of loss, this book is a real winner! Highly recommended!
Dr. Sarah Gordon has been going through the motions since the deaths of her husband and daughter nine months before. But it seems Sarah has a stalker, and annoying phone calls soon escalate into deadly attacks. After depending on her husband, Sarah is left feeling alone and scared. But she soon learns that relying on another man may not be in her best interests, and she takes matters into her own hands. Will that be enough to keep her safe?
Medical Judgment has suspense galore. The action comes fast and furious as Sarah escapes one attack after another. Her fear and paranoia kept me on edge. Richard kept me guessing too — I had so many suspects! Third person perspective lets the reader in on all the characters’ (including the bad guy) motives and feelings. Â Characters are reallyreal in this book. Most are struggling with loss of some type, and all have to find their own way to healing in their and God’s time. That’s probably the strongest part of this book; the examples of the different ways people cope with loss. Richard has a wealth of insight and experience that add a depth to the novel. The spiritual truths that are shared make this book more than just a thriller.
So should you read Medical Judgment? Of course! What are you waiting for?!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Abingdon Press for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
The colored lights on the snow gave it a holiday appearance, but the dead womanâs body in the yard added a grisly touch. How did Ina Bell Patrick die? Who killed her? And why?
The dead woman had no direct heirs, so two nephews and a niece stood to inherit. Dr. Laura Morris was left to make all the arrangements, attorney Roger Morris could certainly use the money, and Zack Morris had disappeared two years earlier. Then there was neighbor and âbest friendâ Fay Autrey, who was certain the woman intended to leave her some moneyâa great deal of money.
The police were still looking for the killer who left the frozen body in the snow when it became apparent someone was trying to pick off the heirs, one by one. Who would win the raceâthe police or the killer?
Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, past Vice-President of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and the author of five published novels of medical suspense. His books have been finalists in competitions including ACFWâs Carol Award and Romantic Timesâ Inspirational Book of the Year, and have won the Selah Award from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Richardâs non-fiction book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse (Kregel Publishers), has ministered to multiple thousands of grieving individuals. His meditations and short pieces have appeared in The Upper Room, In Touch, and several other periodicals.
When Richard is not writing, he spends his time reading, working fruitlessly to improve his golf game, and defending his title as the worldâs best Granddad. He and his wife live in north Texas and are active members of Stonebriar Community Church, pastored by Dr. Chuck Swindoll.
My Impressions:
Richard Mabry is known for his medical suspense, but Silent Night, Deadly Night, his new novella length book, is a departure from what his fans may expect. Yes there is a doctor in the house, but this book is a puzzling whodunit complete with a dead body and lots of suspects. Set during the days between Christmas and New Years, this book is the perfect quick read for the busy holidays.
Dr. Laura Morris’ aunt has been found dead covered in snow in her front yard. As the victim of homicide, the detectives are on the case in the small Texas town of Hilton. Danger abounds as the case takes one twisting turn after another.
Surprises lurk behind every door and around every corner in this plot driven novella. The characters are suitably suspicious, and the reader is not let in on all the behind the scenes sleuthing. Silent Night, Deadly Night is a quick read with just a few pages over 100, so it left me wanting more — more mysteries from Richard Mabry. If you are short on time this holiday season, but want an engaging read, then by all means check out Silent Night, Deadly Night.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
To purchase this book, click HERE. (It is currently FREE for Kindle Unlimited.)
(Thanks to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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