The Jade Queen by: Jack Conner

I happened to get this book free on my Kindle, but after opening it up, by the time I got to the third page I knew this was going to be quite a page turner and by the time I got to the end, I would have paid for it.
If you decide to pick this one up and read it I suggest you block off some free time because you won't want to put it down.
I happen to be a big fan of Preston and Child, their Agent Pendergast series especially. This book reminded me very strongly of their style of writing that series. Lots of action, a little bit of creepiness, a little romance, and some mystery thrown in for spice.
I wasn't quite sure how to categorize this book, but I read one of the reviews on Amazon and Jane from Austin, TX said she thought it fell into the Historical/Mythical genre. Without giving away any spoilers on this one maybe that will peak you interest to give this one a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥

Farewell, Miss Zukas by: Jo Dereske

Well, all good things must come to an end and I must say Jo Dereske ended the Miss Zukas series on a high note and with a happy ending. I love happy endings.
We've been reading the Miss Zukas series from the beginning, 11 years. That's hard to believe. Miss Zukas has been one of those characters that you could totally believe in even with all her eccentricities. That and her wild friend Ruth, what a pair. They do say opposites attract.
Miss Zukas is a logical thinker and has her way of working through life.
I would highly recommend this series, but I suggest you start from the beginning to get the full benefit of Miss Zukas's family, friends, co-workers, and last but not least the reason we all read mysteries is the great way Miss Zukas helps solve all the mysteries she gets involved in.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥

The Gray Whale Inn Mysteries Series by: Karen MacInerney

There are 4 books in this series so far:
               Murder on the Rocks
               Dead and Berried
               Murder most Maine
               Berried to the Hilt

The series starts with our heroine Natalie dumping her cheating fiance in Austin, TX and moving to Maine to invest her life savings in the Gray Whale Inn. She had summered on the island and has fond memories of the place.
The first book of course is Natalie getting to know the neighbors and trying to fit in, but trouble seems to follow Natalie. Natalie cooks up breakfasts and ends up having her niece Gwen come to stay for the summer to help out with housekeeping. Gwen enrolls in art classes with the resident artist, much to her Mother's chagrin, but Gwen and Natalie end up hitting it off famously.
Natalie solves the mystery, no spoiler there, she's our heroine, and as each book progresses Natalie's story along she finds new love, and many interesting mysteries on the island that her inn inhabits.
There is just enough description of the landscape, weather, and people to keep your interest, and the recipes are a bonus.
Cozy, fun reads, and I recommend that you read the series in order. I happened to have all of them at hand and read one right after the other so I never lost the continuity of the story. Some series you need a breather in between books, but this is a good series to read straight through if you can.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥

1632 by: Eric Flint

1632, is actually the title of this book. An alternate history, set in Europe during the 30 Years War. A group of West Virginia people are picked up and plunked down in the middle of the action and action there was during that time period.
The author has created some wonderful characters that you will get invested in, which will keep you reading this chunkster til the very end and the very end is where you will want to go for all the juicy details of these peoples lives.
The author has done a credible job of incorporating modern technology, politics, and peoples attitudes to adversity.
If I say anymore there will be spoilers and I don't want to spoil the story for you.
This is the beginning of a series that you'll want to read if you enjoy action, adventure, politics, and just plain old American ingenuity.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥

Murder on Waverly Place by: Victoria Thompson

Here is another series we have been reading for a long time and have never tired of it. Since, 1999, as a matter of fact.
Sarah Brandt, mid-wife and confirmed sleuth along with her neighbor, Mrs. Ellsworth, and Maeve, one of the girls she has rescued from the Mission where she helps out from time to time, tend to drive Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy crazy with their meddling in one case after another. However, over the years he and Sarah have forged a friendship of sorts, so he is becoming more resigned to their help.
This is another good read in this series and another book where you need to get comfortable because you'll be reading to the very end to get the full solution.
Ms. Thompson always leaves us wanting the next book because we are still anticipating a deeper relationship between Sarah and Frank.
If you enjoy reading about the Victorian Gaslight era, this would be a series to immerse yourself in.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden by: Rhys Bowen

We've been reading Molly Murphy Mysteries since 2002 when the series began.  There are two more books after this one.
Molly has been through thick and thin throughout this series and in this installment it is no different. She is a woman and as most of us women she is still having to prove that she has an intelligent mind.
She meets up with the famous Nellie Bly who happens to be friends with her neighbors across the way, which she finds exciting and decides she can get herself in and out of just as many scrapes as Nellie.
Ms. Bowen's got you on the edge of your seat until the very end in this one, so snuggle in and be prepared to read to the very last page.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥

The Black Widow Agency by: Felicia Donovan

Four ladies with some not everyday things in common. It's fun to see how their personalities impact each other and the Agency they have formed to catch men who cause havoc in women's lives.
This turned out to be a fast paced read with a happy conclusion.
I liked it well enough to search out the second one:  Spun Tales.

Happy Reading--
Beverly G ♥