Monty's Book Reviews

An Unwilling Suspect McLaren Mysteries Book 7 Jo A. Hiestand 5 Stars Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Detective Pages: 325 Audio Length: 7 Hours 43 Mins Narrated By: Callum Hale Published: 17 March 2021 Publisher: Jo A. Hiestand Publisher's Blurb McLaren’s fiancée tragically died one month ago. Trying to heal emotionally from her death, McLaren settles into a rented farmhouse in the woods near picturesque Lake Windermere, in Cumbria. But he’s barely had a chance to rest when Helen, the woman in the neighboring cottage, is killed…and is discovered near his front door. Because McLaren had spent much of the previous day with her, and his snowy footprints lead to and from her house, he becomes the prime murder suspect in what the police label a frustrated romantic advance. Motives for Helen’s murder are as chilling as the outdoor temperature. There’s the hands-on garage mechanic who’d like to put his hands all over her, the affluent fishing guide, and Helen’s former boyfriend who wante

  Where No One Will See Felicia Watson 5 Stars Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Detective Pages: 271 Published: 11 April 2023 Publisher: DX Varos Publishing Publisher's Blurb Lucia Scafetti, a Philly private eye, has tried to move out of the shadow of her infamous crime family.  She has her own business, her beloved dog Rocco, and she’s starting to date the cute lawyer down the hall.  Her life is upended when her notorious hitman father disappears while in search of the diamond and gold coins he stole from his last victim.  Lucia races to unravel the mystery of her father’s disappearance before a crooked and powerful cop beats her to it.  Though Lucia’s allies are scanty and her enemies numerous, she tries to resist the questionable help on offer from her Mafiosi family.  It looks like Lucia must finally decide on which side of the law she truly belongs, knowing the wrong choice could send her to prison – or an early grave. Review Where No One Will See by Felicia Watson is a stand-

  Codename Parsifal Martin Roy Hill 5 Stars Genre: Thriller, Mystery Pages: 221 Published: 4 September 2023 Publisher: 32-32 North Publisher's Blurb The Spear of Destiny. The Roman Legionnaire’s lance that pierced Christ’s body as he hung on the cross. Legend claims whomever possesses it will become a great conqueror. But if they lose it, they will lose everything—including their lives. Shortly before WWII, Hitler stole the spear from a museum in Vienna. In the last weeks of the European war, he lost it. General George Patton orders an American OSS team to find the spear and recover it. Unknown to the Americans, both the Russians and the Germans have also sent commando teams to retrieve it. In the dying embers of Europe’s largest conflagration, the three teams are on a collision course that will lead them to one of the evilest places on earth—the ideological heart of the Nazi SS. Inspired by historical events.    Review Few historical items have the power to excite the reader like

  Colette Robert Hart 5 Stars Published : 28 Jan 2023 Pages : 96 Genre : Historical Fiction, War Blurb Eighteen-year-old Colette's peaceful life in France is shattered when the Nazi panzers steam-roll across her country. As her world crumbles around her, Colette escapes to England and is thrust into the dangerous world of espionage. She undergoes intensive training to become a radio operator in France, a perilous role and one for which her superiors – and Colette herself – doubt her aptitude. It seems impossible that she will ever receive her first mission, until one moonlit night she's infiltrated into France. During her mission, Colette overcomes her fears and self-doubts and her work saves countless lives. However, as D-Day approaches, she is given a new mission in France, where her worst fears are realised. She is captured. In the hands of the enemy, Colette faces the ultimate test of her training and courage. A gripping tale of bravery and self-sacrifice. Review When Colet

  Second to Sin Blackjack Book 2 Murray Bailey 5 Stars Pages: 352 Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Historical Published: 06 March 2023 Publisher:  Three Daggers an imprint of Heritage Books Publisher's Blurb "It only takes a second to sin," Father Thomas said. He believes in saving souls, but Charles Balcombe is beyond saving. His control over his killer instinct appears to be weakening. BlackJack has killed again and more questions are being asked of Detective Inspector Munro. He is under increasing pressure to solve the murders, especially when he picks up more cases from Kowloon rather than solving his own. As Balcombe battles with his demon, he investigates the death of a young woman. Was it an accident or did she kill herself? At first Balcombe thinks it's straightforward but as he digs, other cases reveal an evil in Hong Kong. One that could consume them all. Set in 1954, this is book 2 of the series. It can be read as a stand-alone but the author recommends boo

Cut Adrift Jane Jesmond 4 Stars Pages: 344 Genre: Crime Thriler / Suspense Published: 3rd February 2023 Publisher: VERVE Books    Publisher's Blurb Risk everything, trust no one. Jen Shaw is climbing in the mountains near Alajar, Spain. And it's nothing to do with the fact that an old acquaintance suggested that she meet him there... But when things don't go as planned and her brother calls to voice concerns over the whereabouts of their mother, Morwenna, Jen finds herself travelling to a refugee camp on the south coast of Malta. Free-spirited and unpredictable as ever, Morwenna is working with a small NGO, helping her Libyan friend, Nahla, seek asylum for her family. Jen is instantly out of her depth, surrounded by stories of unimaginable suffering and increasing tensions within the camp. Within hours of Jen's arrival, Nahla is killed in suspicious circumstances, and Jen and Morwenna find themselves responsible for the safety of her daughters. But what if the safest op