• Book Reviews

    The Shadow Box: book review

    The Shadow Box

    Author: Luanne Rice

    Publisher: Amazon Publishing

    Date Published: 2/1/21

    Pages: 367

    Genre: Domestic Thriller

    Synopsis

    After artist Claire Beaudry Chase is attacked and left for dead in her home on the Connecticut coast, she doesn’t know who she can trust. But her well-connected husband, Griffin–who is running for governor–is her prime suspect.

    Just before the attack, Claire was preparing for an exhibit of her shadow boxes, one of which clearly accuses Griffin of a violent crime committed twenty-five years ago. If the public were to find out who her husband is, his political career would be over. Claire’s certain her husband and his powerful supporters would kill her to stop the truth from getting out.

    When one of Claire’s acquaintances is murdered, the authorities suspect the homicide is linked to the attack on Claire. As the dual investigations unfold, Claire must decide how much she’s willing to lose to take down her husband and the corrupt group of elites who will do anything to protect Griffin’s interests and their own.

    Review

    This was my second Luanne Rice book. The Shadow Box had a lot of potential with multiple storylines and complex characters. There were several heart-racing moments that kept me engaged most of the time.

    However, the thrilling moments crossed over into contrived and far-fetched a few too many times for me and the plot began to feel like a made for TV movie. I’m not a fan of those so this was a deal breaker for me.

    The writing was fine but the characters were nothing special. I usually love multi-POV plots but this one felt very formulaic. When done well, multiple POV’s can add depth to the plot and characters but here, it felt more like a way to dress us book lacking substance.

    This wasn’t a DNF for me and in the end I found it to be a solid read but nothing to get overly excited or rave about. I loved the first Luanne Rice book that I read and despite feeling pretty neutral about The Shadow Box, this one won’t be my last by her either.

    Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Amazon Publishing for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

    Purchase Links

    Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

    Connect with Luanne

    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

  • ARC's,  Book Reviews

    The Poet: Book Review & Blog Tour

    The Poet

    Author: Lisa Renee Jones

    Mass Market Paperback: 368 Pages

    Publisher: Entangled: Amara (March 9, 2021)

    Genre: Crime/mystery

    Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

    Synopsis:

    “The poet is a liar who always speaks the truth.” -Jean Cocteau

    Some call him friend or boss.
    Some call him husband or dad.
    Some call him son, even a favorite son.

    But the only title that matters to him is the one the media has given him: The Poet.

    A name he earned from the written words he leaves behind after he kills that are as dark and mysterious as the reason he chooses his victims.

    One word, two, three, a story in a poem, a secret that only Detective Samantha Jazz can solve. Because he’s writing this story for her.

    She just doesn’t know it yet.

    Review:

    If you love books about books & writing and books about serial killers, then this book is for you!

    This fast-paced police procedural/mystery was an excellent read. The premise was well researched and the poetry added an extra layer of intrigue for the reader.

    The characters were interesting and a bit of a mystery on their own. Samantha, the detective, did come off a bit flat to me and I’m hoping that is due to this book being the first in a series – I will definitely read the next one to find out more!

    The writing was well done and while I guessed who the killer was, I still enjoyed the twists and turns and the procedures the police employed to solve the mystery.

    This was my first book by this author and will not be my last. I’m always thrilled to find new-to-me authors and even more excited to find a new series to read.

    Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Entangled for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

    This book is now available from your local bookseller!

    Purchase Links

    Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

     Entangled Publishing

    About Lisa Renee Jones

    New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with.

    In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, Lisa has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa’s other bestselling series include: DIRTY RICH and WHITE LIES.

    Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

    Connect with Lisa

    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

    To win a copy of this book, please check out my giveaway on Instagram!

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