Vendetta by Lisa Harris — Book Review

This was my first taste of Lisa Harris’ fiction, and I loved it. Vendetta is the first book in the Nikki Boyd Files, a series set in the wild woods of northeast Tennessee.

Nikki Boyd is a special agent with the Missing Person’s Task Force. The primary reason she joined the force is to reunite missing persons with their families, and to stop those who seek to abduct and kill innocent people. People like her younger sister, Sarah. Nikki has spent the past ten years trying to catch the man who took her sister and five other young women.

One year ago, Nikki’s best friend, Katie Grant, died in a boating accident. Nikki plans to spend the anniversary with Katie’s husband, Tyler, remembering and honoring Katie, but a call comes in that another teen has gone missing. Nikki asks Tyler to help in the investigation.

As urgency escalates, Nikki becomes suspicious that the perpetrator of this crime is connected with the man who took her sister Sarah ten years ago, and that very possibly, she is his real target. She puts herself in danger to catch him, but has no idea how close she is to becoming his next victim.

Author, Lisa Harris, displays great skill in bringing her readers into the story and keeping them hooked. Her book is exceptionally well-researched. Tension continually ramps up with each new twist to the plot. Characters are real in that although they aren’t perfect, they are personable and unique. We feel a great affinity for Nikki as she delves into the darkness of this crime. We wonder when she will realize her attraction to the man she works with. And we hope and pray for the girl who has gone missing.

This book is well crafted, a clean and professional read. I’d recommend Vendetta to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense. This volume includes an excerpt from the next book in the series: Missing, due out in the summer of 2016. The third book, Pursued, is set for April 2017 release.

Read Full Post »

Random Acts of Murder by Christy Barritt — Book Review

This Romantic Suspense in the first in the Holly Anna Paladin Mystery series by Christy Barritt. I loved this book and look forward to more from this author and this series.

Holly Paladin has recently discovered she has a rare form of cancer, and has been given a year to live. Instead of dwelling on her disease, she decides to “commit random acts of kindness,” volunteer wherever and whenever she can, be a supportive friend and family member, and avoid the calls from her oncologist.

However, in usual Holly Anna style, she immediately gets herself into deep trouble. If the authorities find out where she’s been, she could be implicated with murder and obstruction of justice, to say nothing of ruining her brother’s chances for the senatorial race, and her sister’s upcoming wedding. With all this in mind, she certainly can’t tell them about her cancer.

Holly and her friend Jamie manage to hide their involvement, but when her high school nemesis shows up in town—as a police officer—the stakes go up. If only Chase Dexter weren’t so handsome…and  so nice.

Holly and Chase’s investigations lead them to suspicions including friends and associates, to street kids and even the other senatorial candidate.

I listened to this book on audio, although I also have the ebook, and I couldn’t put it down. Holly’s wild antics, her loveable if flawed reasoning, and her 1960s femininity, combine to give this book flair and fun.

Note: I’ve read a couple of Barritt’s Squeaky Clean Mysteries too, and loved them.

Read Full Post »