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Title: Dying Breath

Subtitle: Detective Lucy Harwin, Book 2

Author: Helen Phifer

Narrator: Alison Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-17-17

Publisher: Bookouture

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Take a breath. Pray its not your last.Just a few months after a terrifying case that nearly took her life, Detective Lucy Harwin is back with her squad in the coastal town of Brooklyn Bay and this time, shes faced with a case more horrifying than anything shes encountered.

Along with her partner, Detective Mattie Jackson, Lucy is investigating what appears to be a vicious but isolated murder; a woman found bludgeoned to death on a lonely patch of wasteland. But when a second victim is discovered strangled in an alleyway, then a young family shot in their own home, Lucy and the team must face the unthinkable reality--a killer is walking the streets of their town.

While Lucy and the team try to find the link between these seemingly unconnected murders, they uncover a disturbing truth--these murders are replicating those carried out by infamous serial killers. Lucy must get to the killer before he strikes again. But hes got his sights on her, and is getting ever closer Can she save herself, before she becomes the final piece in his twisted game?

Members Reviews:

Concept was great but again disappointed

What did you like best about Dying Breath? What did you like least?

The overall concept is great but the plot seems to fall on to Lucy, rather than be uncovered by her. Unfortunately it seems to me that this is less a procedural series than a petty personal drama. I would truly like to know if Lucy is able to solve a crime if all involved aren't obsessed with her and unable to resist showing themselves in order to gain her attention. Again other female characters are cliches (almost always negatively described) and once again the beautiful Lucy entrances all and sundry. She seems to have odd interactions with a range of men that are in love with her or want her in bed (my count is 6) and very little to do with detecting the perpetrator. The killer in love with the detective trope is again single-handedly responsible for the conclusion. It could be excellent but after reading my second in the series it is just tiresome. Admittedly I have been spoilt by Maeve Kerrigan's detective, a character that runs across similar problems with the opposite sex yet still manages to be a full character with a brilliant mind for detection.

If youve listened to books by Helen Phifer before, how does this one compare?

About the same as Dark House. Very dark concept that would have been brilliant to unravel but there's very little of that.

Dying breath

Well done loved the characters all the twIst and turns that kept you on the edge of your seat.

Brilliant

Another fantastic read. Lucy, the main character is gutsy, loveable and tough. The twist at the end was very well thought out. I have read every book by this author, and they are all riveting. The narrator Alison Campbell, is very good relaying the characters extremely well. Can't wait for the next book.

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Title: Still Dead

Subtitle: A J.P. Beaumont Novella

Author: J. A. Jance

Narrator: Alan Sklar

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-08-17

Publisher: Harper Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 50 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Since the disbanding of the Special Homicide Investigation Team, JP Beaumont's biggest concern is pondering whether he and his wife, Mel, should finally get a dog. But one voicemail from his old friend Ralph Ames is about to change that. Through Ralph, Beau has become involved in an organization called The Last Chance, which enlists a number of retired homicide investigators to tackle long unsolved cold cases. The one that has just landed on Beau's plate is a 30-year-old missing person case.

The facts are muddy at best; Janice Marie Harrison's car was found abandoned near a bridge, and scratched in the dirt nearby was the word "sorry". It's possible her death was a suicide, but her body was never found. And as Beau begins to investigate, he discovers that no one connected to Janice - not her once all-star football player widower, Anders; not her long-grieving, sister, Estelle; not sheriff Gavin Loper, who was deputy sheriff at the time of Janice's disappearance; and not Anders' second wife, Betsy - is exactly what they seem. The question is, which of them knows the truth?

And why have they kept it buried?

Members Reviews:

Not So Hot

Gene Engene nara test much bette r than this guy. He detracts from the story .

Great short story.

I always love JP Beaumont and this book was definitely not a disappointment. I loved it!

Fantastic short story!!

JA Jance has done it again an amazing story keep me glued to the edge of my chair!!

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Title: Two Nights

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Kathy Reichs

Narrator: Coleen Marlo, Kim Mai Guest

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-11-17

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 241 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times best-selling author Kathy Reichs steps beyond her classic Temperance Brennan series in a new stand-alone thriller - featuring a smart, tough, talented heroine whose thirst for justice stems from her own dark past.

Meet Sunday Night, a woman with physical and psychological scars and a killer instinct....

Sunnie has spent years running from her past, burying secrets and building a life in which she needs no one and feels nothing.

But a girl has gone missing, lost in the chaos of a bomb explosion, and the family needs Sunnie's help.

Is the girl dead? Did someone take her? If she is out there, why doesn't she want to be found?

It's time for Sunnie to face her own demons - because they just might lead her to the truth about what really happened all those years ago.

Members Reviews:

Don't waste a credit

I wanted to like this new book and character but it is awful! Would never recommend to anyone.

Very dissapointed, terrible reader

What disappointed you about Two Nights?

The narration was terrible - slurred words. Very distracting

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something by Ray Porter or Dick Hill. I will avoid this narrator.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Coleen Marlo and Kim Mai Guest ?

Someone who didn't slur their words.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Confusion. I had a hard time following this story.

Any additional comments?

I like the Temperance Brennan series. I didn't like this.

Meh. Not up to Par.

I'm sorry to say this stand-alone (hopefully not the start of a new series) was not up to Ms Reichs' Temperance Brennan novels.

Pretty disappointed with the plot, and not that intrigued with the main character. I felt the first third to half of the book raced all over the place with barely any explanation of why, it was confusing.

I didn't notice this wasn't a Brennan book when I got it, although I probably would have anyway. What a bummer to be looking forward to another good read with Tempe and get this. :P

Not plausible

I listened to all of the Bones books and was excitedly waiting for this book on pre-order. Wasn't expecting a new character. Being in law enforcement I found the story improbable in many respects which irks me when I can't at least find some factual events/procedures. Religious fanaticism is real, but detected hints of disdain of organized religion and disdain of anti Muslim sentiment. Sometimes the descriptions of things in minute details are just over kill. The story was all over the place and I really had a hard time connecting from the beginning but stuck with it. Sunday Knight is just too quippy, snarky, bad ass, invincible and the relationship she has with L.E. not realistic. Law enforcement don't interact like this. Maybe being L.E. jades my read on a story line. Same reason I don't watch cop/CSI shows. The voices of male cops and bad guys all sound contrived and red neck.

Unlikeable main character

The main character is one dimensional and unlikeable. The dialogue of endless sarcasm was wearing. Was it worth a credit.

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Title: The Peyton Brooks' Mysteries Box Set

Author: M.L. Hamilton

Narrator: Kelley Hazen Storyteller Productions

Format: Unabridged

Length: 75 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-10-17

Publisher: ML Hamilton

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 62 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Now available in one volume! The original Peyton Brooks mystery series box set! Get all eight of the popular Peyton Brooks' Mysteries in a single box set, including the prequel, Murder in the Painted Lady.

The Peyton Brooks' Mystery series follows the career of San Francisco Homicide Detective Peyton Brooks and her partner Marco D'Angelo as they fight crime in the City by the Bay.

Members Reviews:

Captivating!

At first, although I was enjoying the first book, the narrator almost ruined it for me. But I stuck with it. And very glad I did!! The box set was an ingenious way to introduce me to this writer. I loved every minute of it and never wanted to stop!

KICKASS MYSTERY SET

Great crimes, great complicated relationships, funny and unusual characters, hard to figure out happenings, dysfunctional families, precinct high jinks, serial killers, human trafficking, drugs, psychos, rock stars, foodie TV, - this has got everything. Lots of humor, lots of unexpected twists and turns. I even teared up. Some stuff gets resolved in one book, some stuff takes the whole series and then some. Tremendous narration with well defined and unusual characters. It's really hard to stop once you start. Well written. Best deal on the internet.

i really enjoyed it!

i didnt think i would like it at first but i really got into the characters and the mysteries. I'm kooking forward to reading the next books!

Enjoyed the story, but...

Enjoyed the story, didn't enjoy the robotic voice that read one of the characters. However, I did get "used" to it and will purchase the next book series.

OAN...I don't enjoy having to enter a review of at least 15 words and although it says that a headline is optional, my review will not be accepted unless I enter a headline.

FINALLY!!!

I'm so thrilled to see this in a collection. These characters have become such good friends. The mysteries are great. Some cliff hang from story to story. Some are complete within a given book. They are very contemporary. I like that there are all different ages of characters. Stories that appeal to various age groups - not just all twenty somethings or girls looking for dates. It's also not just about blood and gore. The writer somehow manages to take the crimes and examine them from a cultural point of view. Why we do what we do? You think about what happens after you stop listening. And the relationships between characters are very mature and very life like. Everybody's got flaws. Thank God! I'm looking forward to listening with my family this summer when we travel and around the pool and giving as a gift to friends and family. Lots of humor. Lots.

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Title: Robert B. Parker's Little White Lies

Author: Robert B. Parker - creator, Ace Atkins

Narrator: Joe Mantegna

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 05-02-17

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 236 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Boston PI Spenser and right hand Hawk follow a con man's trail of smoke and mirrors in the latest entry of the iconic crime series. After conning everyone from the cable news shows to the local cops, it looks like the grifter's latest double cross may be his last.

Connie Kelly thought she'd found her perfect man on an online dating site. He was silver-haired and handsome, with a mysterious background working for the CIA. She fell so hard for M. Brooks Welles that she wrote him a check for almost 300,000 dollars, hoping for a big return on her investment.

But within weeks, both Welles and her money are gone. Her therapist, Dr. Susan Silverman, hands her Spenser's card.

A self-proclaimed military hotshot, Welles had been a frequent guest on national news shows speaking with authority about politics and world events. But when he disappears, he leaves not only a jilted lover but a growing list of angry investors, duped cops, and a team of paramilitary contractors looking for revenge.

Enter Spenser, who quickly discovers that everything about Welles is phony. His name, his résumé, and his client list are nothing but an elaborate fraud. But uncovering the truth won't be easy, as he'll have to keep the mystery man alive long enough to get back his client's money. As the trail winds from Boston to backroads Georgia, Spenser will need help from trusted allies Hawk and Teddy Sapp to make sure Welles's next con is his last.

Members Reviews:

Better and better

I've always loved Spenser. I'm loving him even more with Ace at the wheel.

I liked then slight variation one end of the story.

Eh.

Not sure if it was listening versus reading or Atkins v. Parker, but characters seemed wooden. Hawk dialog painful and Sambo ish to listen to. Plot was thinly veiled political screed. Disappointing, as others had told me Atkins did a good job. Hopefully other Atkins books are better.

Sadly, Not Robert Parker

What would have made Robert B. Parker's Little White Lies better?

The first third is fairly interesting, the second third is slow and the final third is tiresome. I couldn't wait for it to end. We were driving and it was the only audiobook we had downloaded.

Have you listened to any of Joe Mantegnas other performances before? How does this one compare?

Mantegna did a good job with what he had to work with. I hope he was well paid because it could not have been fun to read this one.

Shameless political propaganda

I've read Robert B Parker most of my life. I will be asking a refund for this liberal propaganda. I'm sad to say this is goodbye to the family that decided to try and use the good name of Robert B Parker to spread hate filled liberal propaganda to describe conservatives, Christians and southerners.

Absolutely terrible narration

The worst narration I have ever listened to. read the book instead. just really awful

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Title: The Criminal Lawyer

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: Thomas Benigno

Narrator: Dan Triandiflou

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-02-17

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 129 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Inspired by real crimes.

From the author of the number-one best-seller, The Good Lawyer.

A serial killer is littering the South Shore beach of Long Island - the bones of his victims stuffed into burlap bags. Nick Mannino, The Good Lawyer, is living off the ill-gotten gains of his deceased mobster uncle, when, without warning, a brutal serial killer turns on him, and worse, his family.

As much a thriller as it is a mystery, with an ending as riveting as that in Silence of the Lambs, The Criminal Lawyer is also a love story, a novel of family secrets, and crimes beyond forgiveness.

Members Reviews:

loved it

Enjoyed the storyline and the narrator. This is the second Thomas Benigno novel and I like the law mystery.

Awesome

Loved the characters and the story. At times I asked myself is this really plausible? Then I found myself weeping as I was listening while on the the treadmill.

Refreshing

The book was amazing. Kept me on the edge of my seat. The most refreshing thing was the ending. Lots of book tie up some of the loose end in the last chapter. This book went into detail about anyone of importance! It was fun finding out what happened to everyone that you read about. I wish more authors did that!!

Excellent suspense thriller!

I'm happy I did not stop with the first novel of this series. The Criminal Lawyer is lot a legal thriller at all although the protagonist did practice criminal law in the past. The first book in this two novel series was set in 1979 while The Criminal Lawyer is set in 2010. This novel is an exciting and action packed suspense thriller wrapped around a story of love and family. It is a fun and satisfying listen. Narration is superb.

Thomas Benigno is a terrific writer. Though in no

Thomas Benigno is a terrific writer and I enjoyed this book. There are numerous characters and subplots and an interesting finish. However, in no way would I call this a "legal thriller" other than the fact that the protagonist is a lawyer. So if you like courtroom drama this wouldn't be a good choice, but if you want a good mystery, give it a go. Will definitely read another book by this author.

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Title: Dark House

Author: Helen Phifer

Narrator: Alison Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-24-17

Publisher: Bookouture

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 208 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Lizzy pulled the covers over her head. Then she realized what was being dragged behind the person with the torch. She rammed her fist into her mouth to stop herself from screaming.

For decades the Moore Asylum was home to the forgotten children of Brooklyn Bay. But ever since a scandal forced its closure, the abandoned building has cast an imposing shadow. Until now - when an elderly man is found dead, his body strapped to an ancient gurney.

Detective Lucy Harwin, still reeling from a previous case that ended in the devastating murder of a mother and her child, finds herself on the trail of a killer ruthlessly fixated on avenging the asylum's wrongs.

What disturbing secrets lie within the asylum's walls? Together with her partner, Detective Mattie Jackson, Lucy begins to unearth its terrible history and the horrors endured by the vulnerable children.

As the attacks escalate and a woman is murdered on her own doorstep, Lucy is forced into a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a twisted individual. But can Lucy stop a murderer with nothing left to lose?

An absolutely terrifying and gripping thriller that will chill fans of MJ Arlidge, Angela Marsons, and Rachel Abbott to the bone.

Members Reviews:

Interesting

Enjoyed the twists and un expected turns. Good one to listen to while doing other activities. Doesn't require full attention.

The lost children

I found the book very interesting and hard to put down! Story was very well written and no problem relating to the narrator. I would recommend this book to any one who like thrillers! I also like the accents of the narrator. Was hesitant at first but followed it no got used to the accents.

Helen Phifer has gained another fan.

I read a review where the reviewer said that she\he knew who the killer was from the start, but I don't agree. I was surprised to find out who the killer was. Excellent read.

Great mystery!!!

Really enjoyed the story. However the pause between chapters was just a little too long. Other than that it was a fabulous thriller!!!

Great New Series

Flawed but like able main character and interesting plot line. I look forward to more from this author

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Title: Mind Machines

Author: Dima Zales

Narrator: William Dufris

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-03-17

Publisher: Mozaika Publications

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 94 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Medical Thrillers

Publisher's Summary:

An exciting new technothriller from New York Times best-seller Dima Zales.

A venture capitalist with a brain-damaged mother.

At 35, Mike Cohen lives the American dream. With billions in the bank and his own venture capital firm, he's succeeded beyond his Russian immigrant mother's wildest hopes. The only problem? A car accident that leaves Mike's mother with memory problems.

A technology that can transform the world.

Brainocytes, a new technology developed by one of Mike's portfolio companies, may be the answer to his mother's injury - and offer applications that push the limits of the human mind. Only Mike isn't the only one who sees its potential.

A ruthless enemy with a dark agenda.

When a routine hospital trial turns into a violent kidnapping, Mike is plunged into a criminal underworld darker than anything he could've imagined. From the streets of Manhattan to the nightclubs of Moscow, Mike and his allies will have to use all their ingenuity to survive...and save the one he loves.

Members Reviews:

Fantastic listen!

I became so immersed in this i lost track of an entire day. A rare and great thing, escapism at its finest!

The performance was incredible, William Dufris is a brilliant reader/actor.

I would love this as a series...

Super tech and evil guys

Theyve created Nano technology to help boost memory for those who are elderly or had a brain accident. But when the patients cannot be found the real story begins. To save his mom he will go across the globe doing things he never thought he would.

For mature audiences. There is some swearing and scenes which might be disturbing to younger readers.

I found there was a lot of background detail but this is needed so you understand the technology and what is happening. I found the story moved forward at a fairly steady pace to lightning speed. There is some foreshadowing that cleaver readers will be able to see where the story might be going but there was still some surprises. It resolves well but cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

If anyone has read oasis I can see the technology being a prequel to tbay society!

A techno thriller with wit to spare

It was a little slow to start, but the pace quickly developed. A fantastic way to occupy your free time.

Fun Book

Which character as performed by William Dufris was your favorite?

This was a great performance by William Dufris. His ability to change characters made this book so much fun.

Any additional comments?

Mind Machines is a great read with lots of action and humor.

Thin

I have read 5 of this guys books, and they were all quick, effIcient and full of sci-if and technology. This book is very thin in all areas. I simply do not care if his mother is kidnapped, or what happens next.

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Title: Sleuthing for a Living

Subtitle: Mackenzie & Mackenzie PI Mysteries, Book 1

Author: Jennifer L. Hart

Narrator: Suzanne Cerreta

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-29-16

Publisher: Jennifer L. Hart

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 192 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

As a young single parent, Mackenzie Elizabeth Taylor has struggled to provide for her teenage daughter. She finally catches a break when she inherits half of an apartment building in Boston from her uncle Al, along with his P.I. business. So what if she doesn't know the first thing about investigation or if their hot-but-crabby downstairs tenant is a police detective who's looking for any excuse to handcuff her? Her daughter, Mac the computer whiz, has her back. And these two girls don't know the meaning of the word quit - not even when their first case takes an unexpected turn.

The man Mackenzie's been hired to follow in a custody case seems to have upset more than just her client when she spies another person tailing him - a mysterious man Mackenzie would bet is up to no good. But when her mark suddenly winds up dead, and her first and only client is accused of his murder, Mackenzie vows to find the truth. Only one problem: she doesn't know where to start...or when to draw the line. Who is the mysterious man she spotted tailing the victim? Is he the killer? Is she in over her head, or will she uncover the secrets someone killed to keep hidden? Mackenzie and Mackenzie are on the case, and the world of private investigation will never be the same.

Members Reviews:

Great where is the next one!

Think of Gilmore Girls becoming private detectives.

The mother and daughter are named Mackenzie. The mother is called Mackenzie and the daughter Mack. Mack is an extremely talented 16 year-old computer wiz. Mackenzie is a quirky, caffeinated, and awesome. Her morning drink is coffee with a side of coffee topped with coffee beans.

The story centers around financial difficulties of the Mackenzies. Mom-Mackenzie has difficulty finding and keeping a job when she discovers that she wants to try her skills are being a private detective. Being Mackenzie nothing is simple. Following the simple rules of a book written by her uncle, Mackenzie becomes a PI.

Add to the story that Mackenzie and her mother inherit an apartment from her uncle. Her mom leaves the captain (Mackenzie calls her dad by his service rank) moves into the upstairs apartment. There is a hot police office (who Mackenzie has promised not sleep with him) and a Jewish woman. There are movies nights with junk food, love interests and other domestic entanglements.

A great fun novel which needs a follow up. How many PIs only have one case? So there has to be a follow up.

Despite my reservations--I loved it!

I generally like cozy mysteries. But my hesitation about getting this one was that it had the appearance of being aimed at an audience much younger than myself (and in that regard, Im pretty sure I was correct, even though there are a couple of older characters written in).

However, the overall book was fast-paced, filled with interesting people, and a story complicated and engaging enough to keep me interested throughout. A very nice mix and I found it hard to turn off, even when I needed to!

MacKenzie Taylor is a single mother of a teenaged daughter, Mac (named after herself), who inherits her uncle Als apartment house, car, and his private investigation business.

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Title: A Story to Kill

Subtitle: Cat Latimer Mystery Series, Book 1

Author: Lynn Cahoon

Narrator: C. S. E. Cooney

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-30-16

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 115 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Modern Detective

Publisher's Summary:

Former English professor Cat Latimer is back in Colorado, hosting writers' retreats in the big blue Victorian she's inherited, much to her surprise, from none other than her carousing ex-husband. Now it's an authors' getaway, but Cat won't let anyone get away with murder.

The bed-and-breakfast is open for business, and best-selling author Tom Cook is among its first guests. Cat doesn't know why he came all the way from New York, but she's glad to have him among the quirkier - and far less famous - attendees.

Cat's high school sweetheart, Seth, who's fixing up the weathered home, brings on mixed emotions for Cat, some of them a little overpowering. But it's her uncle, the local police chief, whom she'll call for help when there's a surprise ending for Tom Cook in his cozy guest room. Will a killer have the last word on the new life Cat has barely begun?

Members Reviews:

Disapointing

I enjoyed the author's previous series and found this poor by comparison. The narrator's voice is grating, the main character is unlikable and I found the dialogue hard to listen to. I wish the author would bring back her Coffee, Books and More setting and characters.

M

Enjoyable Story - Great Mystery

If you could sum up A Story to Kill in three words, what would they be?

Great new series

What did you like best about this story?

I like the characters and the idea that it is a writer's retreat run by a writer is great. It will be interesting to see how this story develops.

How could the performance have been better?

I'm not quite sure, but I think she would be better suited narrating non-fiction works. Her enunciation is too clipped, her diction too precise, and her inflection in the dialogue ruins the story. I will be reading this one. Susan Boyce does a great job on Ms. Cahoon's other series. I really wish that she could read this one, too. (Or at least, someone with Ms. Boyce's understanding of dialogue.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Because of the narration.

Any additional comments?

Please confine C S E Cooney to nonfiction. I'm sure that is better suited to her talents.

So Disappointed

Any additional comments?

I love the Tourist Trap series by the same author and I listen to them while I commute to work everyday. I was relieved when I realized this series spins off of that series. I thought I would start this series to buy some time until the next Tourist Trap book is published. Boy was I wrong. The narration was way too dramatic for my taste. Sounded unnatural. The story had too many elements and characters going on to focus on "who dunnit". I found it hard to stay engaged with the story. I'm hopeful the next one will improve. If not, I'm done with this series. If you haven't listened to Tourist Trap...go there first.

An interesting start

I really enjoy the Tourist Trap mysteries by this same author, so if you're new to Lynn Cahoon, you might want to start there.

A Story to Kill is an interesting start to a new series, with a lot of great mystery elements. The main character, Cat, is renovating an enormous old house, complete with its own secrets and surprises) to turn it into a bed and breakfast style writer's retreat.