#BookReview ~ Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber ~ #CozyMystery

  

Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Murder in a Lavender Daze:

 

Murder in a Lavender Daze (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Setting - Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies

Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 28, 2026

Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages

Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496751523

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496751522

Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496751539

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FKWZ7F23

Emma Brennan always knew that her idyllic California hometown of Carmel-by-the-Sea would be the perfect place to open her very own spa. The success of her Aroma Wellness Spa, gift shop, and café has proved her right. But while the business is located in the Courtyard of Peace, Emma finds herself privy to events that are far from serene—like murder . . .

With its soothing décor and tempting treatments, customers are flocking to Aroma Wellness for more than just facials and massages. Lately, Emma has been booking private events, from spa parties to bridal showers and birthdays. Next on her calendar is something really unique: A “Happily Divorced” party.

After eight years of marriage, Addison Lacey is divorcing her husband, whom she claims convinced her he was Mr. Nice Guy when he was really Mr. Controlling Guy. To kick off her journey toward becoming a better version of herself, Addison wants to celebrate, bigtime. Her wealthy mother, Gianna, a former model turned difficult diva, is footing the bill. . . . But when Emma goes to Gianna’s home to pick up the final payment, she and Addison find her dead in her bed amid the aroma of lavender, with an herbal-infused pillow from the party nearby.

Soon, Addison is a prime suspect. But Emma knows there are plenty of others Gianna rubbed the wrong way, including her soon-to-be ex-son-in-law. Once again, with the help of her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma is determined to sniff out a killer—whether the police like it or not . . .

My Review:

Murder in a Lavender Daze is the excellent second book in the Aroma Wellness Mystery series. Set in Carmel, California, Emma's dream of opening her own wellness spa is finally a reality. When Addison, a frequent guest, books the spa for a divorce party, her wealthy mother offers to pay. Emma goes to Gianna's house to gather the payment and both she and Addison find Gianna dead. Her death is ruled suspicious and Addison is suspect number one, as she was in the house when the death occurred.

I enjoyed the location, setting, and occupation of this book. Murder in a Lavender Daze delivers a complex mystery filled with an assortment of suspects. Emma doesn't believe Addison would take her mother's life, and try as she might, she can't help but get involved. We have a police officer that, while we know he's working on this case, isn't working on it fast enough for Emma. She's pulling out all the stops to figure out the motive and murderer. 

This is another unique story with a unique setting by this author. The characters are fun and exciting. I love meeting them. Emma is wonderful protagonist and love that she's got a grandma around that supports her. Her mother is something else. The author delivers several suspects with means and motive, and figuring out who committed the crime was difficult. There are twists and turns and red herrings, and while I may have suspected who committed the crime, I never was really sure until the end.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

 

About Daryl Wood Gerber:

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, and Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense novels, including the well-received Accidental Murder, The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams trilogy. Daryl has published a standalone Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays, and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also, she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: https://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links:

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FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber

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YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber

BLUE SKY: @darylwoodgerber.bsky.social

Purchase Links:

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#BookReview ~ A Cozy Holiday by Kels & Denise Stone ~ #KelsDeniseStone #ACozyHoliday #HolidayRomance #SmallTownRomance #SingleDadRomance #Valentineprlm @valentine_pr_

A Cozy Holiday by Kels & Denise Stone is now live!

About the Book:

One grumpy city veterinarian. One hot single dad. And a winter cabin full of naughty decisions just waiting to happen, in this holiday novella by bestselling authors Kels & Denise Stone.

After walking in on her boyfriend mid-thrust with someone who wasn’t her, Joy Winters is labeled an emotionally unavailable workaholic. One too many wines later, she drunkenly books a last-minute getaway as far from New York City as her dignity will take her. The reindeer sanctuary on the property needs a veterinarian. Joy is desperate for a distraction.

Enter Jamie Wilder: mustache-haver, reindeer wrangler, and Joy’s host in Cranberry Hollow, Maine. He’s just trying to keep the sanctuary running and his twins happy through another chaotic holiday season—not fall for the snappy city vet. But as Joy throws herself into helping his animals, Jamie starts to feel that warm feeling he hasn’t felt in his heart (or other places) for a very long time.

My Review:

A Cozy Holiday is such a cute holiday romance. Joy is a workaholic who's boyfriend takes it upon himself to get satisfied elsewhere. In a wine-infused stupor, Joy responds to an ad to assist at a reindeer sanctuary. This was only supposed to be temporary but when Joy meets Jamie and his two daughters, it may be enough to thaw her frozen heart and get her to see there's more to life than work.

I loved Joy and Jamie. This is a pretty fast-paced novella so be prepared for insta-lust, insta-love, and really quick decision-making. The author's created characters with terrific chemistry though, so the quick pace of the romance wasn't unrealistic. In fact, I met my now-husband at the end of July many moons ago and I was moved in by the second week of September. We've been together for 18 years married for 16 of them. I very much believe in knowing when you find your person. 

Everything about this book works and I'm glad to have been provided a copy to read.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Flirting with Trouble by Melissa Foster #ContemporaryRomance #Romance

 

About the Book:

Being born into the Silver empire comes with certain expectations, but charming restaurant owner Wells Silver has always taken pleasure in breaking the rules—in his personal and his professional life.

Victoria Braden never expected to become a widow at thirty-two, much less still be trying to figure out how to move on five years later. She’d planned to drown her sorrows in alcohol on what would have been her anniversary, not flirt with trouble and lose herself in a night of passion with Silver Island royalty, playboy Wells Silver. Forgetting Wells was supposed to be easy. But apparently the pushy player didn’t get the memo.

My Review:

Flirting with Trouble is the first book in The Silvers at Silver Island series. Victory and Wells have amazing chemistry, even when Victory is trying to deny her heart. They have a wonderful friendship that moves into different stages as the book progresses. Neither character is perfect but they are perfect for one another. I absolutely loved them together.

I was completely engaged in their love story. I enjoyed learning about their passion for their careers, while watching their passion for each other grow. My heart ached for Victory and her emotional turmoil. 

This story has an amazing couple, setting, and path to their HEA. Their close-knit relationships, strong family ties, and realistic characters round out this exceptional book. The author wrote a wonderful book filled with romance, banter and wit, drama, humor, and emotion.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#CozyMystery #BookReview ~ Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, Book 5) by Lena Gregory ~ @LenaGregory03

Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory

About Soft Serve Sleighing:

 

Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery

5th in Series

Setting: Long Island, NY

Publisher: ‎ Gemma Halliday Publishing (January 28, 2025)

Number of Pages: 226

Kindle ASIN: ‎ B0DLHPWDNT 

From author Lena Gregory comes a delightfully delicious cozy mystery...

With most of Eastern Long Island closed down for a blizzard, Danika Delaney and her friends are holed up in her old fashioned malt shop, the Coffee & Cream Café, with ice cream and hot chocolate. However, their plans to wait out the storm in cozy company are interrupted when a popular YouTuber and her two companions show up at the door—they've been trapped by the storm, and Dani generously offers to serve them breakfast. But her generosity isn't rewarded in kind, as the reviewer then tries to extort money from Dani in exchange for a good review! When the storm finally clears, Dani is happy to have seen the last of them.

Or so she thought.

Dani and her friends decide to go sleigh riding the morning after the storm clears, but instead of a winter wonderland, they find the extorting YouTuber...dead! To make matters worse, Dani suddenly finds herself accused of the woman's murder. Intent on restoring her reputation, Dani sets out to prove she didn’t do it. This is one storm she's not sure she can weather...

My Review: 

Soft Serve Sleighing is the fifth book in the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries series.

There is a blizzard in Long Island, all the shops in town are closed, including the café, and Dani, Eli, and Gwen are getting bundled up to go to outside and play. There's a knock on the door and Brynleigh, a highly popular business reviewing YouTuber, and her crew are scouting the town trying to find somewhere to eat. Dani offers to let them in and feed them but her kindness isn't reciprocated when Brynleigh tries to extort money from her. Dani is happy to see them leave her establishment.

The next day, after the storm clears, Dani, Elie, and Gwen meet Megan at the sledding hill. As Dani loses control on her tube, she careens into some snow covered bushes, and right into the dead body of the extorting YouTuber. Between the issues with the woman yesterday and find her body today, Dani finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Knowing she didn't do it, and having an alibi to boot, Dani dons her sleuthing cap again, in hopes to clear her name, and not get caught in the murderer's crosshairs.

Lena Gregory has dished up another winner with Soft Serve Sleighing. A cleverly crafted mystery, delightful characters, and a fun small town with the infamous busybodies just gives this series such realism. I loved being back in this world.

The murder mystery was well-developed, and I was completely engaged in the group's search for the suspect. There are many twists and turns, and every time I thought I solved the murder, the arc shifted, and we were chasing down someone else. I was surprised at the various characters who were targeted as suspects and shocked at how the story actually ended. I didn't see part of the reveal coming.

I loved every single page of this book from the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's writing style. I found myself totally immersed in every facet of Soft Serve Sleighing. The pacing was perfect and once I started the book, I just couldn't put it down.

I was provided a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Another 5 star for one of my favorite authors! 

About Lena Gregory:

Lena Gregory is the author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries, which take place on a small island between the north and south forks of Long Island, New York, the All-Day Breakfast Café Mysteries, which are set on the outskirts of Florida’s Ocala National Forest, the Mini-Meadows Mysteries, set in a community of tiny homes in Central Florida, and the Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries, which take place in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, New York.

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

Author Links:

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In the Wick of Time (Magic Candle Shop Mystery) by Valona Jones ~ #CozyMystery ~ Paranormal Cozy Mystery

 

In the Wick of Time (Magic Candle Shop Mystery) by Valona Jones

About In The Wick Of Time:

 

In the Wick of Time (Magic Candle Shop Mystery)

Paranormal Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Setting - Savannah, Georgia

Crooked Lane Books (October 17, 2023)

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639105077

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639105076

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BSKWTKZN

Tabby Winslow will help her twin sister Sage with anything and everything—and that includes putting out the flames of suspicion when Sage’s boss is found murdered in this magical mystery, perfect for fans of Amanda Flower and Sofie Kelly.

December in Savannah, Georgia, is a sight to behold. With all the festivities—including the traditional riverfront luminary display during the boat parade—twin sisters Tabby and Sage Winslow are busier than ever setting up for the big celebration. But that isn’t the only thing on the sisters’ minds. Both Sage and her fellow employee Mary Nicole are vying for the sought-after assistant manager job at the plant nursery. But when Loren Lee, their boss, is found dead, and Sage becomes the police’s favorite suspect, both Winslow girls know that they’ll need more than a flicker of magic and their sisterhood to solve the murder and clear Sage’s name.

Soon, Tabby realizes that this is just one of the many problems they have. If being a suspect for murder wasn’t enough, there are more magical problems that they have to fix: Sage’s boyfriend is having a paranormal experience of his own he can’t control, there’s an energy vampire searching for his supposedly lost cousin, her cat suddenly dislikes her, and oh—every time Tabby hiccups, she turns completely invisible. The suspect list grows with each day and it seems everyone has a reason or a connection to Loren Lee.

Tabby and Sage are burning the candle at both ends—but will it be enough to keep their friends safe and find this killer? Or will they be burned by their efforts?

My Review: 

In the Wick of Time is the second book in the cozy mystery series, Magic Candle Shop Mysteries. Sage and Tabby Winslow are twins who co-own The Book and Candle Shop. They are exact opposites, which tends to happen with siblings, twins or not. 

Sage also works for All Good Things Nursery. When her boss is found dead, Sage becomes suspect number one. Tabby and Sage start digging into the case because they know Sage didn't commit the crime.

I enjoyed both Tabby and Sage, along with the rest of the characters. The story was enjoyable, and both the cover and the blurb brought me onboard. The story, fun characters, and mystery kept me engaged. The murder mystery was twisted, well-thought out, and complex.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

About Valona Jones:

Valona Jones, also known as Maggie Toussaint, writes paranormal cozy mysteries set in coastal Georgia. A former scientist, she’s drawn to the study of personal energy. She sharpened her people-watching skills as a lifelong introvert and had a bank vault of personal observations when she began to write fiction. Her newest release is In The Wick of Time, book 2 in the A Magic Candle Shop Mystery, preceded by Snuffed Out, which released Jan. 2023. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime with more than twenty-five published works of fiction. She lives in coastal Georgia, where she’s seen time and tide wait for no one.

Author Links:

Website https://www.valonajones.com

Facebook https://facebook.com/ValonaJonesAuthor

Amazon Author Page https://amazon.com/author/valonajones/

Goodreads Author Page https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22140872.Valona_Jones

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Release Blitz ~ Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster ~ #Review #Romance ~ @Melissa_Foster @GreysPromo

Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster is now live!

 

From the New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster comes a funny, sexy romantic comedy featuring a twice-divorced, stressed-out romance writer who finds out that sometimes true love can be a hot mess. 

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that's who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I'm not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I've got enough on my plate with writer's block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That's what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I've become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I've found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I'm his Writer Girl. He's my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I'm a hot mess, too? At least he's inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I'd have a better idea of how this was going to end.

My Review:

Hot Mess Summer is fantastic book. I enjoyed Nicole and Declan's story. The romance was slow-burn and the author did a fantastic job leading them down their perfectly imperfect path. Nicole's spur-of-the-moment decision to purchase a cottage on the East Coast sets the perfect scene to watch her unfold after her second divorce, while attempting to find her muse, and raise her daughter. Declan's fish peddling, former military dad character is too old for the games people play.

Nicole and Declan have incredible chemistry. I was pulled in and invested in their relationship. Their personalities drew me in and loved getting to know them. Melissa Foster is a master storyteller. Her characters are loving and flawed. They are real and believable. The stories are romantic, anxiety-inducing, and emotional. I devour every book I get my hands on.

I was provided a copy of this book to read. 

My Rating:

 Meet Melissa Foster:

 

Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues. Melissa enjoys chatting with readers and book clubs. Send her an email invitation to your next event!

 

Connect with Melissa:

Website | https://melissafoster.com/

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Book Tour #Review & #Giveaway ~ Bubble Trouble by Alejandria Kate ~ @RABTBookTours #rabtbooktours #BubbleTrouble #AlejandriaKate #ChildrensBook

Bubble Trouble by Alejandria Kate

 

Children’s Book 

Date Published: April 6, 2022

About the Book: 

This is the story of two adventurous bears, their protective mama, mischievous bubbles, and a magical witch. Ignoring their mother’s wishes, Boo and Butter stray down the path toward Granny Grumblewitch’s house into a world of bubble-brewed danger. Granny holds their fate in her gnarled hands . . . will they return to the safety of their cave?

 Alejandria Kate wrote Bubble Trouble with the hope that Boo and Butter’s story shows children that truly loving parents mean only what is best for them . . . that any boundaries, warnings or admonishments are intended to protect, not to prevent them from having fun. Any deviation from the defined boundaries could result in unhappy consequences. Parents like Mama Bear know what is best, safest -- and love them above and beyond anything else. 

My Review:

Bubble Trouble is a cute book with vibrant and detailed pictures, and wonderful lessons. The book is better suited for advanced readers but early readers should definitely be encouraged to give reading Bubble Trouble a try.

Children of all ages, and adults too, will find this book wholesome and enjoyable.

4 Stars

 About the Author:

Alejandria Kate is a writer, author, and certified Mind, Body, Spirit Practitioner through the Sunlight Alliance Foundation. Alejandria is passionate about personal development and uplifting others.

She draws inspiration from the beauty - both large and small - that she observes in the world around her and from the quiet moments connected with Spirit and her own soul. She believes vulnerability is a strength and an open heart is a key to inner joy. She believes that through a shift in perspective beauty can be found within every experience.

Alejandria graduated from the Institute of Children's Literature, where she studied writing for children and young adults. In her spare time, she plays the Native American flute and hikes the walking trails in Southern California in her pursuit of viewing wildflowers and wild birds.

It is Alejandria's hope that readers feel comforted and inspired after reading her books.

She can be reached through her website, www.alejandriakate.com

Contact Links:

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Book #Review ~ Whispers in the Wood by Clarissa Johal @ClarissaJohal

Whispers in the Wood by Clarissa Johal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

About the Book:

It all began with an acorn.

There are some places you shouldn’t disturb, places where history lingers. When Rowan travels to England, she finds a remote village, hidden in the shadow of an ancient forest. Vague warnings from the local people aren’t enough to stop her from venturing into the trees, or from picking up a single acorn. It seemed a simple action. But when a stranger emerges from the forest claiming the acorn belongs to him, Rowan finds herself pulled into something both centuries old and deadly.

My Review:

Whispers in the Wood has easily become a new favorite paranormal novel. Written with wonderfully descriptive text, it is easy to visualize everything the author packed into this novel. The story takes place primarily in Sheep’s Crossing, a small village in England. For such a small town, this village is filled with large secrets, a mysterious forest, and mischievous children. Rowan gets pulled into the secrecy, not by her own accord, but the townsfolk are reluctant to disclose anything to her. She’s a stranger and the faster she blew through town the better.

Rowan is a strong, independent character that isn’t in the best place in her life in San Francisco, CA. While backpacking through Europe, she faces a couple unfortunate incidents that lead her to backpack blindly through the English countryside. It is then that Rowan finds herself on the doorstep of Sheep’s Crossing. Her trip to Sheep’s Crossing will forever change her.

The twists, turns, and psychological suspense in the book are phenomenal. The long running ancient elements of the novel give the book a tinge of horror. The book will pull you in and demand that you read the book from start to finish in one setting. I did not give in to the book’s demands, however, as I did have to adult during the timeframe I read the book. This is one of those books that calls to you when you are unable to read. It reminds you that the story is left unfinished. I read Whispers in the Wood at all available times. I usually read 2-3 books at a time. I didn’t with this novel. There was no room in my schedule for anything but Whispers in the Wood.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish and HIGHLY recommend it to lovers of paranormal, psychological suspense, and mild horror. The author did a wonderful job with the story, the characters, and the cover.

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Book #Review: Unorthodox (A Kendra Spark Novel, Book One) by S. Peters-Davis

Unorthodox

A Kendra Spark Novel, Book One

S. Peters-Davis

Genre: Paranormal Suspense-Thriller Romance with a good dollop of Supernatural

Publisher: Books We Love Publishing

Date of Publication: September 15, 2017

ISBN 978-1-77362-303-0

ISBN 978-1-77362-304-7

EPUB 978-1-77362-300-9

Kindle 978-1-77362-301-6

WEB 978-1-77362-302-3

Number of pages: 153 pages

Word Count: 63,000

Cover Artist: CoverUp.Net

Book Tagline: Kendra’s ability of communicating with the dead is requested by her FBI criminal analyst friend to stop a killer from murdering agents.

Series Tagline: Kendra sees ghosts, and then her BFF, Jenna, becomes one. The two friends and FBI agent Derek Knight fight for justice to the victims of heinous crimes.

About the Book:

Kendra Spark, suspense-mystery romance author and communicator with the dead, is requested to hop on the first flight to D.C.

Jenna Powers, FBI criminal analyst and estranged best friend of Kendra, gets ghosticized in a fatal accident before relaying all the details of the FBI killer case.

Derek Knight, a dedicated FBI Special Task Force agent, takes lead on the case.

The investigation into the FBI agent killings continues as Kendra, Jenna – yes, even after death – and Derek work together on the case before Director of the Special Task Force Jackson Powers’ number is up. He’s Jenna’s father and the end-game of the killer’s target list.

Somehow the elusive killer remains undetected, until Kendra’s unique ability produces results and a final possibility at stopping his killing spree before it’s too late.

Add to Your Shelf on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35683135-unorthodox

Kendra Spark is a Michigander that can see ghosts.  When her estranged best friend Jenna, an FBI criminal analyst summons her to D.C. Kendra is shocked to learn why.  Jenna is on a case trying to find a murderer taking out FBI agents who have worked with her father.  She wants to use Kendra's unique abilities to help track down the monster.  Before they get much more involved in the conversation, Jenna rushes into the street to save a boy and is mowed down by a car.  Now, Jenna must do all of her analyzing from the ghostly plane as she helps Kendra and FBI Task Force Agent Derek Knight chase down the murderer.

Unorthodox is an interesting novel that combines a ghost whisperer, an FBI agent, and a ghost into a crime solving team.  Kendra tries to keep her abilities to herself since almost everyone who discovers her secret either calls her a liar or a freak.  As the book progresses, Derek become more open minded about Kendra.  Jenna is able to help in dangerous situations by using a skill that she now has as a ghost.  Derek does the best he can in such trying circumstances that continue to hit close to home.

The author built up a low key romance but unfortunately I didn't really hop on board the relationship train.  It wasn't really believable to me.  I didn't feel any chemistry between Kendra and Derek - none at all.  I liked the characters as individuals but Kendra and Derek didn't spark for me.  Jenna's character flitted in and out as necessary and I found her to be nice and determined.  She wanted to protect her father at all costs and she paid the biggest price.  

The world building and character development was good and believable (except the slow building relationship between Kendra and Derek).  I felt that the author's detailed descriptions of the setting, characters, and scenes were adequate and I was able to visualize the whole story from layouts to character details.  At certain points I felt like I was there in the story.  

Unorthodox is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you engaged from the very beginning.  

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader's copy of Unorthodox.

My Rating: