KN Magazine: Reviews

5/6/15 5/6/15

"After the Ruin" by Harriet Goodchild / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

"After the Ruin" by Harriet Goodchild / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Purchase "After the Ruin" or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

Harriet Goodchild

Never has such a folk fantasy been told before Harriet Goodchild.

"After the Ruin" is her newest novel with a whole new cast of characters! Immediately, she takes us into the fray of a new realm, with the major countries being Ohmorah, the Later Lands, and Lyikene. Goodchild’s beautifully breathtaking world is reminiscent of the lush countryside of Scotland, but don’t let the serenity of the setting fool you: danger lurks in every corner.

Meet Assiolo, the young bard with the troubled past (our Byronic hero). Meet Marwy Ninek, the equally mysterious yet blunt listener. Meet Te-Meriku, the king, once a lonesome and pitiable beggar. Finally, meet Averla, the woman who seeks to play everyone’s hearts in her web of ambition and bring all into ruin.

With a cast of unique characters and a lyrical setting, Goodchild manages to integrate two unlikely genres: folklore and fantasy. Her blend allows for a deeper cultural involvement than the average fantasy epic. Furthermore, her writing reads like the songs she inserts at the beginning of each chapter. This poetic quality reminds readers that, despite its geographic similarities to our own world at times, it is so enchantingly unique.

We have our trickster. We have our hero. We have our princess. We have our broken king. Listen to the song, to all the songs, and let yourself become entranced by the lulling spell Harriet Goodchild weaves for her readers. However, be warned: fire, as warm and comforting as it can be, also has the ability to burn and sear.

Jonathan W. Thurston is a literary studies graduate student. Aside from his studies, he owns a small publishing house called Thurston Howl Publications and serves as its editor-in-chief. He has written several books on his own and always enjoys reading a good horror novel. When he's not busy with grad school or his business, he is often found reading a good book with hot tea in one hand and his dog Temerita curled up at his feet (she often thinks she is a cat, you see).

(If you have a book you would like featured, send an ARC for consideration. The Killer Nashville Book Reviews are coordinated by Clay Stafford with the irreplaceable assistance of Meaghan Hill, Maria Giordano, Will Chessor, and credited guest reviewers. For more writer resources, visit us at www.KillerNashville.com and www.KillerNashvilleMagazine.com)

*Killer Nashville is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you purchase a book from the links on this page, Amazon will give Killer Nashville a small percentage of the total sale. Killer Nashville receives zero compensation (other than sometimes the book to review) from publishers who have been selected for the Book of the Day.

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5/5/15 5/5/15

"Icefall" by Gillian Philip / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase "Icefall" or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

"Icefall" by Gillian Philip / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

Fear. It’s wrapping around the house on the cliff as thickly as the mist coming off of the river below it. For Seth Macgregor, fear is the ticking clock signifying that his time is almost up because his soul is almost gone.

For the other members of Seth’s complex clan, fear is something they’ve grown accustomed to and accepted as a part of everyday life. The clan is in a period of waiting, but not for long, because the fiercely malicious Kate NicNiven is determined once and for all to gain their souls and take the throne.

In "Icefall" the fourth and final installment in Gillian Philip’s enthralling series Rebel Angels, things are getting pretty complicated. Trapped on the other side of the veil, Seth’s clan is in a period of waiting. Homesick, worried, and unaccustomed to life in the 21st century, tensions are high within the family. As unexpected allies are formed, other friends are gone for good, and Kate’s determination to be in control regardless of the cost threatens to tear Seth’s family apart.

This book takes place on both sides of the veil and paints a picture of a world so real I find myself thinking I am a character in this magical plot. As new relationships form and old ones are laid to rest, you will find yourself unable to put the book down.

From mystical creatures in the sea to sword fights to the power of true love, “Icefall” is a story that will grab you from the first page. Readers will mourn the loss of beloved characters and celebrate with the introduction of new ones.

As with any great book, and more so with an exceptional series, the novel left me with mixed emotions. I was at peace with the clan’s happiness, mourned for the loss of my favorite character, overjoyed for the bright, villain- free, future, but overall the only regret I had in reading this book is that I couldn’t have stayed in it longer.

Philips concludes this series beautifully and leaves the reader feeling that, for all of the unexpected changes that have happened in this series, the one constant amidst the chaos is the undeniable proof that a family’s love and undying devotion will ultimately win every battle.

Kate Proffitt is a creative writing major, who loves to read and write! Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors is her favorite band, Christina Rossetti is her favorite poet, and she drinks a lot more Diet Coke than she should. She also enjoys travelling and has spent some time in Europe! Kate is currently working on her first unpublished novel!

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4/30/15 4/30/15

"Edge of Dark" by Brenda Cooper / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase "Edge of Dark" or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

"Edge of Dark" by Brenda Cooper / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

From the author of “The Creative Fire” and “The Diamond Deep” comes a new epic science fiction work that will leave you craving the sequel.

Brenda Cooper returns with a tale of grand proportions. Three unlikely protagonists must team up to struggle with and understand a banished race of semi-AI beings who want back into the solar system.

Charlie Windar is the Han Solo and Dr. Grant of the novel, being a lover of nature and his own pet predator. He is also the best pilot in the galaxy. Gradually, he finds himself pulled into a mix of politics and action, carrying Nona Hall. Nona becomes the heir to a grand sum of money and is chosen to help revolutionize the policies of her new kingdom and face the issue of the incoming invasion. Things certainly don’t seem much better when her best friend Chrystal wakes up now as a robot.

What Cooper excels in is her amazing capacity for creating a vivid setting. It is a rarely seen talent in science fiction to envision a world so fully and then communicate that same completeness to readers. Whether it is the groaning depths of the barbarous jungles or the silent caverns of a metallic spaceship, Cooper paints perfectly a picture for all her readers.

Through these marvelous settings, Cooper also manages to throw in social critique. If we achieve artificial intelligence, what are the ethical complications we are likely to see? What struggle would we see evolving in politics? And the big question: with a society of such artificially intelligent beings, what actually makes us human?

If you are a fan of science fiction or even just a good story, this book is the one for you. Take a deep breath yourself, and then decide who out of these intricate characters has the moral right to draw another: man, beast, or machine. Breathe out.

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4/28/15 4/28/15

"Falling in Love" by Donna Leon / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Falling In Love" by Donna Leon / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

A dozen bouquets of yellow roses. A world-renowned opera singer. An overly obsessive fan. What could go wrong?

In Donna Leon’s thrilling novel “Falling in Love”, the real 19th Century action occurs behind the curtain. As the twenty-fourth novel in the previously acclaimed Commissario Guido Brunetti series, readers will not be disappointed. Whether you’ve solved cases with Brunetti from the start or are a first time guest, this book will hold you spellbound with your heart racing in overwhelming intensity.

As the finest Venetian opera singer, Flavia Petrelli is used to fans fawning over her voice and giving her presents, but lately her fans have been acting particularly…extreme with their gifts. One fan, in particular, has gone a little overboard, attending every performance and showering Flavia with yellow roses.

There are roses everywhere, so much so that Petrelli begins to dread their appearance. They’re on the stage, in her dressing room, left in the lobby theatre. Always roses. Always yellow. Always unsettling.

The thick smell of roses hangs heavily in the air and turns Flavia’s stomach with fear. When the singer comes home one night to find dozens of yellow roses strewn across her apartment, she decides it’s time to enlist the help of Venice’s beloved Commissario Guido Brunetti, if only to be reassured that she is overreacting.

While the detective attempts to locate the exuberant admirer, Flavia continues to perform, making sure the show goes on no matter what. In taking the time to greet every fan to being trapped in a constant state of paranoia upon leaving her apartment, Flavia expresses her emotions through her powerful voice.

When the curtains come to a close at the conclusion of Tosca at La Fenice opera house, the roaring applause of the standing crowd is the furthest thing from lead soprano Flavia’s mind. She compliments another aspiring opera singer, who days earlier was tossed down a flight of stone steps, which caused Commissario Brunetti – and Flavia – to begin to take the case more seriously.

This giver of roses is no ordinary fan, but someone who has his/her sights on Flavia, and anyone who stands in the way. As Flavia’s stalker grows more obsessive, Brunetti begins to fear for the opera star’s life. He is determined to solve this case before it’s too late, but the longer it takes to find the stalker, the more aggressive the fan becomes.

From the glittering lights of the stage to the murky alleys of Venice, this book overflows with anticipation, along with the rich beauty and history of Venetian life that exemplifies the extraordinary power of music.

This book will grab you from the first page, keep you on the edge of your seat, and leave you breathless while yearning for more, as if you’ve just witnessed a spectacularly powerful performance at the opera.

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4/23/15 4/23/15

"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul Zimmer / Review and Interview by Clay Stafford

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul Zimmer
Review and Interview by Clay Stafford

The town of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, sounds like a beautiful place, a place I’d like to visit. Nestled within the southwestern precipitous hills and attenuated valleys of the Driftless, they’ve got biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping. And they have author Paul Zimmer, a resident of over 25 years, a man with a pleasant face that inspires you to just sit down and talk with. So, with the help of one of my favorite publishers on the planet, Marty Shepherd of The Permanent Press, I did.

Paul wrote a wonderful book, “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove”, with the town as its namesake. Paul’s story – totally fictional – centers upon two seniors, Cyril and Louise, who live in a senior citizens’ home in this town of fewer than 600 residents. The two characters could not be more different – as the characters themselves could be not be more different from their author – yet what happens between them and what Paul does with them is, in many ways, magical as only life can be.

Cyril in particular loves to hear about other people’s lives, but has never truly lived himself. Isn’t life like that for many people? They know something, but they’ve never lived it? They know of an artist maybe – a poet – but have never read any of her poems? They are, in essence and experience, voyeurs of life. Louise, on the other hand, is one who proverbially sucks the marrow from every bone. What I like about both of these characters – and it is a character piece as much as it is a mystery or thriller – is their feistiness, even in the face of death. For a mystery, you could not expect two more unlikely and frail heroes. Yet, they are. And they are portrayed realistically and sensitively.

There are some really funny lines in the book, through the bittersweet perspective of Cyril. I have to admit, Paul’s comparing Caligula, Hitler, and Dick Cheney in the same breath made me laugh. Though we might not always agree, I love Cyril’s take on things, but the reader almost has to be well-read to sometimes find Cyril’s hidden jokes, which I think is a tribute to Paul. A few lines I didn’t get the punch until several lines later when my subconscious hit me. I’m sure many more were simply lost on my experience. Cyril also says things sometimes as only an older person would.

Clay – Paul, the gentleman in the story, Cyril, became personal for me. He knows a little bit about numerous people and remembers them with computer-like skill. He never was an academic character, but – as he says – he is a “collector of lives” by reading blurbs in old Encyclopedias, something I did – and still do. Was this you? Is that where you got the idea for Cyril’s obsession.

Paul – “No. Actually I have never been a big encyclopedia addict. I just made Cyril up as a character, and he is not like me at all. I made up Louise and Balaclava, too. One day they all started talking to each other and the novel started sailing.”

Clay – And sail, it does. In many ways, they’ve talked a lifetime. Like a Grandma Moses of Literature, you’ve waited many years to publish this novel. It’s your first novel, though you’ve had a long career in publishing. Why did it take so long?

Paul – “Well, I guess I was practicing all that time – now that I look back on it. I must have started half-a-dozen novel manuscripts over the years and they all shipwrecked. But this one sailed right along. I made up the characters and they just started talking.”

Clay – In addition to this first novel, you have a prestigious past as a poet. How hard was it to step away from the prose in “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove” and leave it, rather than search for just the right word or sentence cadence as poetry might require? Or did you search?

Paul – “Oh, there is a lot of poetry in Mysteries. I never stop being a poet, so I guess some of the techniques I've used over the years went into this prose effort. I am damned glad for it!”

Clay – Well, it’s no surprise to me that the language of the book sang as it did. Looking back at your life, you’ve received eight Pushcart Awards, an Award for Literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, the Open Book Award by the American Society of Journalists and Authors. You’ve served as writer-in-residence at more than a dozen universities, and twice you’ve been awarded Writing Fellowships by the National Endowment for the Arts. You’ve directed university presses in Georgia, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. Your papers are held at Kent State. And – I love this part – given all these accolades, you flunked out of college. Huh, what? To what do you attribute your own incredible character arc?

Paul – “My wife and I got married in our early twenties, but held off having children for about five years. I used to write on my lunch hours and early in the morning before my family got up. I just kept trucking along, working at everything as hard as I could. My kids are in their fifties now and wonderful. My wife and I have been married close to 55 years. I've been a lucky guy. But I worked hard. Is this a ‘character arc’? Maybe so. I was never a good student.”

Clay – How did you end up in Wisconsin? This is not the stereotype of where we think writers might reside.

Paul – “Wisconsin is a good place for a writer, I think. We live on a farm two miles in, on a dirt road and are surrounded by woods and fields. Our view into the valley is one of the most beautiful west of the Mississippi in my estimation. We see deer, fox, wild turkeys, bobcats, owls, a variety of birds. Everyday. We hear no traffic sounds. I retired about 25 years ago, so now I have all the time I want to write. Not too bad, eh?”

Clay – No, sir, certainly not bad at all. In fact, it makes me want to rent your guest room. At some point, we would love for you to find your way to Killer Nashville. You would be an incredible inspiration. Can we look for you sometime, maybe this year in our 10th year?

Paul – “Well, you never know. I taught for a semester at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville a few years ago. But I doubt, at the age of 80, if I'll do much more teaching.”

As I muse on this and my conversations with Paul, I’m not so sure about that. Like Cyril, I think Paul Zimmer still has a few surprises up his sleeve making us realize it is not too late to truly live, to make a life for yourself. Nor to become a writer. Nor to teach yet one more eager mind. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Paul walking down the halls of the Omni this Halloween with his wife like his characters Cyril and Louise do in Paris. If he does, we will all be the better. In poetry or prose, Paul himself truly is “a collector of lives” despite the comparison he wishes to avoid with Cyril. And I love to listen to the cadence of his voice.

Paul J. Zimmer has written 12 books of poetry, including Family Reunion (1983), which won an Arts and Letters Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is also one of the founders of the Pitt Poetry series. Zimmer has received various awards and honors for his poetry and prose. His first novel “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove” released in March was received with high praise.

Clay Stafford is an author, filmmaker, and publisher (www.ClayStafford.com) in addition to being the founder of Killer Nashville and publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine. In addition to selling over 1.5 million copies of his own books, Stafford’s latest projects are the documentary “One of the Miracles” and writing the music CD “XO” with Kathryn Dance / Lincoln Rhymes author Jeffery Deaver. He is currently writing a film script based on Peter Straub’s “Pork Pie Hat” for American Blackguard Entertainment.

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4/16/15 4/16/15

"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. Belsky / Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. Belsky
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

A run-down, demoted journalist by the name of Gil Malloy meets New York literary agent, Nikki Reynolds, his former agent, at a restaurant on Park Avenue South. Ms. Reynolds offers a proposal to Gil to write a book about the untold story of the Kennedy assassination based on a manuscript offered up by a surprising source. Who is this mystery author? None other than the illegitimate son of Lee Harvey Oswald, the very same Mr. Oswald who was accused of shooting President Kennedy on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas.

Accused yes, but was he truly guilty of the crime? Lee Harvey Oswald, Jr. is convinced there is evidence that would prove otherwise. Evidence of which he intends to publish in his ambiguous, yet to be decided story called “The Kennedy Connection”. What Malloy does not realize, while eating his overpriced burger in Manhattan, is that he will discover a connection between the jaded author and a mysterious New York serial killer, leaving behind Kennedy half-dollars at the murder scenes.

As the story begins to spiral into a monstrous hurricane of conspiracy, lies, and bodies, the reader begins to breathe and think like Malloy. We become the journalist’s shadow, following him through all the twists and turns of the corporate New York City news world. There’s no way to predict the end that challenges the integrity and sanity of our flawed protagonist.

This is where author Belsky’s expertise is recognized and his wit and journalism experience radiate from each page. With what appears to be the first in a series of mystery novels, “The Kennedy Connection” begs to be finished from the first page to the last. Be prepared to stay at home all day with this book in hand!

Briana Goodchild is on the verge of becoming a bibliophile. Like any book reader, she enjoys a strong cup of tea and an enticing story to match. Occasionally, when diving into the Mystery Genre, caffeine is required: some stories are just too good to be interrupted by sleep.

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4/14/15 4/14/15

"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla Royal / Reviewed by Krista Jenkins

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla Royal
Reviewed by Krista Jenkins

Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas are back in “Satan's Lullaby”, the eleventh installment in Priscilla Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series. Combining religious and secular aspects, “Satan’s Lullaby” appeals to both a religious or non-religious readers as Royal delivers a satisfying historical mystery.

Much like the darkness creeping into late summer days, dark times await those at the Tyndal Priory in the autumn of 1278. The Tyndal Priory in Norfolk is turned upside-down when a clerk, who happens to be a close confidant of Father Etienne, is found murdered. Before Father Etienne wrongly accuses any more Sisters or Brothers of murder, Prioress Eleanor, Crowner Ralf, and Brother Thomas must find this unholy perpetrator fast!

Royal perfectly interweaves history and murder in “Satan’s Lullaby”. Although this book is the eleventh in Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series, reading the preceding books is not necessary to understand “Satan’s Lullaby”. But, if this book is any indicator of the quality of the series, I recommend reading the entire series!

I recommend this book for anyone who loves a good solid mystery novel, or history buffs looking for some medieval “Whodunit” action.

Krista Jenkins is a self-diagnosed eclecticist. Growing up in Atlanta sparked her interest for R&B and noisy lifestyles, but after moving to Nashville she fell in love with country music and the atmosphere in a quiet coffee shop. She loves books and will read anything from graphic novels to classic literature.

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4/9/15 4/9/15

"The Forgetting Place" by John Burley / Reviewed by Maria Giordano

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Forgetting Place" by John Burley
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

There will be no forgetting "The Forgetting Place", the second novel by author and ER physician John Burley. Haunting and relentless, this psychological thriller takes what is familiar, turns it upside down to defy reality, all while weaving a gripping tale of intrigue.

"The Forgetting Place" tells the story of Dr. Lise Shields, a psychiatrist at a correctional facility, who has unexpectedly been assigned a patient with no documentation, no history. What she discovers about this patient will set off a chain of events that will force the doctor to do what she believes is necessary to protect her patient as well as her own life.

Two FBI agents say they will help, but are nowhere to be found when Shields’ needs them most, and then her patient goes missing. Shields will use every ounce of ingenuity to save herself, uncover a terrorist plot, and escape what appears to be a slew of undercover agents after her.

But all is not what it seems. And, the doctor, in the end, must face a reality that is far too painful to bear.

Burley expertly draws on his medical background to expose how the depths of mental anguish will push the mind beyond the limits of reality. What the characters experience makes sense, and somehow through this tale there is a deeper understanding of how as humans we bear grief in extraordinary ways.

Maria Giordano requires at least two cups of coffee a day. The mother of two sassy teens, she also requires wine.

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4/7/15 4/7/15

"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. Harris / Reviewed by Cole Meador

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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CS Harris
Credit: Samantha Lufti-Proctor

"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. Harris
Reviewed by Cole Meador

The noble and dashing Sebastian St. Cyr is back and ready for harrowing, edge-of-your-seat action in this brand new novel by acclaimed author C.S. Harris! A wonderful hybrid of Gothic mystery and modern thriller, this is the kind of book that will make you glance over your shoulder at night, even though it isn’t 1813 anymore. Hunker down under a blanket and prepare yourself for some secrets.

Following ex-soldier turned nobleman/detective Sebastian St. Cyr, the plot winds its way through early 19th century England, creeping down fog-filled back alleys, dark hallways, and grand, extravagant mansions. On the hunt for a mysterious killer who has a penchant for decapitated heads, Sebastian runs afoul of many memorable characters as he works alongside his strong, beautiful, and quick-witted wife, Hero. What seems like a gruesome murder soon reveals itself to be an act that has ties close to Sebastian’s own family. Make sure to block out several hours of your time because this novel will be glued to your hands!

This chilling and wonderfully crafted book kept me turning pages late into the night, burning the candlewick, (yes, I still use candles), down to the very end. Harris obviously spent a lot of her time researching to craft a believable and absolutely lovely piece of work. Built for anyone who loves their mysteries with a touch of realistic history and plenty of stomach-turning twists, “Who Buries the Dead: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery” is a surefire contender for my favorite thriller of the year.

Cole Meador is a full-time student pursuing a B.A. in Creative Writing. When he isn’t writing poems or short stories, he spends his time frequenting Nashville coffee shops, planning his next road trip, and attending any and all concerts he can. Cole aspires to work in the music industry, while continuing to pursue his passionate love for the written word.

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4/2/15 4/2/15

"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana Kirby / Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana Kirby
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

In Leslie Dana Kirby’s debut novel, The Perfect Game, Lauren Rose, a young doctor, finds herself caught up in the emotional aftermath of her older sister’s murder. Immediately cast as a suspect in death, Lauren finds herself defending her reputation not only to the police, but to the quick-to-judge media who feeds off the fame of her sister Liz’s widowed husband—star pitcher Jake Wakefield.

But there’s a snag in Lauren’s reputation: she thinks she might be falling for Jake, bonding with him in their mutual grief and love of baseball. Lauren must navigate the suspicions against her, her feelings for Jake, and eventually the highly publicized trial against Liz’s murderer in order to be at peace with her sister’s death.

Through The Perfect Game, Kirby explores the pressures of a high-publicity trial, and makes the ordeal more relatable for readers through Lauren’s grounded, quieter lifestyle compared to the lavish wealth and fame of the Wakefields.

Kirby hits her stride in the trial portion of the novel, with strong courtroom dialogue and an exciting pace that will leave readers anxiously waiting for the jury’s verdict. The twists leading up to the media-circus and the trial will have readers frustrated and delighted with the characters Kirby creates. From the intelligent, compassionate Lauren, to the sharp-tongued and sassy lawyer Candace Keene (my personal favorite), the characters of The Perfect Game invest readers in the drive behind the novel: justice, secrecy, and the theatre-like aspect of the courtroom.

The major characters feel organic, and their relationships evolve naturally over the length of the novel. Kirby’s writing is quickly paced, and finishes with one last twist that’s both satisfying and unexpected. I would recommend this book to readers looking for a mystery that follows a high-profile case with romance and baseball fans.

Alycia Gilbert studies English and French at a local university with an emphasis in both literature and writing majors, which thankfully excuses the large amount of time she spends reading. An aspiring writer, Gilbert enjoys penning short stories and poems, and she is currently expanding a short story in an attempt at writing a full novel. She acts as editor-in-chief of her university's two literary journals, and loves to help other student writers through editing and strengthening the products of their talents.

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3/31/15 3/31/15

"Kittens Can Kill" by Clea Simon / Reviewed by Dominique Chessor

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Kittens Can Kill" by Clea Simon
Reviewed by Dominique Chessor

Although the title of this book may seem a bit extreme, “Kittens Can Kill: A Pru Marlowe Pet Noir” is a surprisingly accurate title to this cozy mystery.

The novel follows the protagonist, Pru Marlowe, an animal behaviorist and excellent dog-walker whose most closely guarded secret is also the secret to her success: Pru can communicate with animals of all kinds.

Her introversion and preference for the company of animals allows Pru to skirt around the edges of a crime scene and insinuate herself into the family drama that begins to unfold after the death of a prominent lawyer, David Canaday.

Pru, who responds to a house call regarding a new kitten, walks smack into the scene of Canaday’s death and finds herself saddled with the now-unwanted kitten. Amidst the family drama that unfolds between Canaday’s daughters in regards to his will, Pru must rely on her peculiar sensitivity to animals in order to decipher what is true.

Was Canaday’s death an accident, a weak heart as one daughter claims? Or was it something more sinister - poison or overdose, as another daughter claims?

Pru must juggle the problems and perils of the other animals in town (as well as their far more troublesome owners) while she attempts to discern if a seemingly harmless fluffy white kitten could possibly have killed a man.

This story will have the reader eagerly flipping pages, anxious to solve the mystery of David Canaday’s death as first one daughter and then another falls under suspicion, until Pru is no longer certain that she can trust anyone in town - anyone human, that is.

Dominique Chessor is a married mom of two sassy cats. When she's not teaching little ones during her day job, she enjoys binge watching Netflix shows, crafts, cooking, and reading (anything and everything).

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3/26/15 3/26/15

"The Missing One" by Lucy Atkins / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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Lucy Atkins, photographed by Charlie Hopkinson © 2013.

"The Missing One" by Lucy Atkins
Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

Set amidst the majestic backdrop of Canadian cliffs, Lucy Atkins’ "The Missing One" is an unpredictable thriller from the start. Kali is a young mother struggling to accept her estranged mother’s death and when she begins to doubt the sincerity of her marriage, she is desperate for an escape.

Discovering a note from her mother’s past gives Kali the perfect distraction and she decides once and for all to answer the questions her mother never would. Kali and her young son, Finn, embark on an enthralling journey from the bustling city of London to the isolated beauty of Spring Tide Island.

As Kali uncovers the secrets of her mother’s past, she recognizes that she was far from the timid, reserved mother Kali struggled to connect with. Kali has always been determined to be the loving mother to Finn that her mother neglected to be – but the longer she searches, the more she realizes she didn’t know her mother at all. Kali knew Elena had a short career as a marine biologist, but she soon discovers that her mother had a fascination with orca whales. Kali discovers that her mother devoted her early life to researching and protecting killer whales, and her work has impacted these animals in extraordinary ways.

Elena plays her own part in the story through revealing flashbacks of her early life. Atkins expounds on the connection between humans and animals through Elena’s experiences and the companionship she had with the black-and-white friends she cherished. Atkins spins a mesmerizing plot of family ties, betrayal, heartache, and the power of a mother’s love.

This book portrays the messy, chaotic, flawed process of Kali’s grief for something lost that she has only just found. Tracking down her mother’s past proves to be more dangerous than Kali ever could have imagined, and discovering the truth seems to be as slippery as the Orca fins shimmering beneath the surface.

As Kali uncovers the truth of her mother’s past, will she be able to save Finn and keep herself safe? Or will history repeat itself as they follow the journey Elena took many years before?

Overflowing with breathtaking imagery and heartbreaking relationships, this book portrays that in the midst of every situation, experiencing the power of a mother’s love for her child is as priceless and incredible as the black-and-white weaving beneath the blurry blue, their familial instincts as sure and steady as the waves in which they live.

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3/24/15 3/24/15

"The House of Wolfe" by James Carlos Blake / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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James Carlos Blake
credit Maura Anne Wahl

"The House of Wolfe" by James Carlos Blake
Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

James Carlos Blake, author of "The Rules of Wolfe", returns with the whole Wolfe family again with a new plot in mind.

El Galan is fresh gang lord and hopes to get rich quick with his newest scheme: to kidnap everyone at a wedding party for a high ransom. However, one of the partygoers is the young Jessie Wolfe, a member of one of the most powerful crime families in the Texas borderland. As Jessie struggles to find a way out of El Galan's grip, her family plans to take her by force if necessary.

"The House of Wolfe" is a fast-paced thriller that you just won't want to put down. Each chapter is laid with such heart-stopping action that even when the climax comes, you will realize you've been holding your breath for hours. As El Galan's gang strengthens the security around the kidnapped party, the Wolfe family picks off El Galan's gang one by one, desperate for any kind of information, and they are more than willing to do whatever it takes to find out where Jessie is. Yet, throughout the 24 hours Jessie has before she might be killed, she uses every trick she knows to fight back, despite the looming Apache who guards over her with lust in his eyes.

As rich and unique as the plot is, Blake's strength is in creating such a level of raw, unbridled suspense that leaves readers hanging on the edge of their seat, yet squirming backward with each new terror introduced. From violent gangsters to snarling dogs, readers will find little safe haven once the plot starts rolling. If you liked "The Rules of Wolfe", this book is for you. If you haven't read "The Rules of Wolfe", this book is still for you! A must-read for anyone who likes reading edgy, suspenseful fiction!

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3/19/15 3/19/15

"The Replacements" by David Putnam / Reviewed by Hillary Martin

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Replacements" by David Putnam
Reviewed by Hillary Martin

The bleeding house is only the first of a whirlwind of plot twists author David Putnam uses to lead the reader through a compelling and not so easily discernible story in his novel "The Replacements (Bruno Johnson)".

Bruno Johnson, an ex-detective fugitive from Los Angeles, is hiding from everyone, including the FBI in Costa Rica. But nothing is what it seems. Johnson is not a fugitive in the way one would normally expect. This brash, now beach-bar drink-slinger with a past, has a soft spot for saving abused children.

How many people have seen a child in distress and wished that they could give them happiness? Johnson takes it to another level, and illegally houses abandoned and troubled children until a serial kidnapper forces him back to L.A. where he will risk life in prison to save three children kidnapped by a youngster he tried to rescue in the past.

"The Replacements" is a book that reels you in with the hope of a happy story, but first drags you along the rocks of despair. It shows the reader that even through trials and heartache, one can still come out strong and righteous.

Readers looking for a book that will excite their senses and pull them in fiercely should look no further then “The Replacements”. It willsolve your woes.

Hillary Martin’s interests include writing, reading and spending time with family and friends. She is currently working on a few writing projects.

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3/17/15 3/17/15

"Aftershock" by Philip Donlay / Review by Jonathan Thurston

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase “Aftershock” or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

Philip Donlay.
Photo Credit Pamela Sue Martin

"Aftershock" by Philip Donlay
Review by Jonathan Thurston

Donovan Nash is back!

Things have calmed down since "Deadly Echoes", but Nash finds himself in yet another suspenseful adventure. Stephanie VanGelder, one of Nash's closest friends, is conducting research on a volcano in Guatemala. Within seconds, the team of scientists is attacked, and Stephanie is kidnapped for a ransom of $3 million dollars.

Though Nash arrives at the volcano with fire in his eyes and a gun in hand, he begins to realize he will need the strategy and forethought of his friends and wife now. Strength and good aim alone are not going to be enough to save Stephanie.

While the novel certainly has riveting suspense in the conflict between the kidnappers and Nash, even more suspenseful is the volcano that is soon to erupt. Ash, lava, earthquakes, toxic gas...natural disasters plague the protagonists with every move. They will find themselves not just worried about Stephanie's life, but their own as well.

Philip Donlay's newest novel "Aftershock" brings back a wonderful character and pulls readers into a heated landscape that has us sweating from page one, and the thrilling suspense keeps us from ever cooling off. The plot is laced with twists and turns, including secrets about Nash's own life and ghosts from his own past. The characters in Donlay's novel are intricate and fascinating, a rare treat for a thriller novel.

After finishing the explosive ending, readers will find themselves begging for the next Donovan Nash novel. Once again, Donlay has done a splendid job creating a thriller that all fans of the genre will avidly enjoy.

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3/13/15 3/13/15

"The Pocket Wife" By Susan Crawford / Reviewed by Maria Giordano

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Pocket Wife" by Susan Crawford
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

Author Susan Crawford’s debut novel “The Pocket Wife” brings up the kind of internal conflict that nearly everyone goes through, except in this case, murder is the catalyst, and sanity is on the line.

Set in the tony town of Patterson, New Jersey, “The Pocket Wife” is the story of Dana Cantrell and her mental breakdown as she comes to consciousness following the bludgeoning death of her neighbor, a friend, or so she believes. Her long-time husband may have a role in the shocking murder, and then, there’s Jack Moss, the detective trying to piece together this suburban nightmare and his own personal discord.

Cantrell is a housewife with secrets of her own. Like anyone at her stage in life - her son is headed off to college - she’s doing some reflection, and questioning her choices. Perhaps a midlife crisis was on the horizon, anyway, and her neighbor’s death is now the catalyst.

But before she can tackle life, she is slipping out of reality, and succumbing to a badly timed resurfacing of her bipolar disorder. Holding on with all she’s got, she’ll do whatever she can to get to the truth, even if it means facing her own demons, and thinking she can fly.

Crawford’s exceptional attention to detail will make you feel every rain drop, hear every high-heel click on the linoleum, and in the end, question your own sanity. The pace is quick and with well-placed humor, the story has an authentic quality about internal confliction.

The novel also seems to serve as a backdrop for modern day roles of men and women from those in power to those who serve, and to those who are indelibly wounded.

All this and more, are unraveling in a neighborhood near you.

Maria Giordano is a kick-ass superhero, reading books along the way. She has a hidden love for animals, and enjoys a good party.

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3/3/15 3/3/15

"The White Van" By Patrick Hoffman  / Reviewed by Samantha Rose

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The White Van" by Patrick Hoffman
Reviewed by Samantha Rose

I first cracked open this thriller expecting the usual predictable plot with generic characters that would make reading it a chore. Unbeknownst to me, I would spend an entire afternoon curled on my couch entirely consumed in the gripping tale of a drug-hustler on the run for her life and a down-and-out cop trying to save her.

Author Patrick Hoffman doesn’t hold back as he reveals through a cast of shady characters a struggle to achieve a better life despite addiction, a run in with Russian drug dealers, and robbery. The suspenseful plot twists keep you engaged and questioning your own ideas of right and wrong.

My interest continued with each turn of the page, and I only regret that there were not more pages for me to turn. I found myself empathetic to the characters in "The White Van" and still find myself attached to them, even now after finishing the book.

If you are looking for a quick, gripping read with a plot that keeps the suspense coming and characters that are so realistic they seem to come off of the page, then "The White Van" is the book for you.

Samantha Rose loves travel and reading books of all genres.

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2/24/15 2/24/15

"Wolf Winter" By Cecilia Ekbäck  / Reviewed by Kimn F. Hinkson

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Wolf Winter" By Cecilia Ekbäck
Reviewed by Kimn F. Hinkson

In her debut novel, Cecilia Ekbäck engages the form with a pervasive, atmospheric prose style that is rich with subtle, elegant, and suspenseful variation. Establishing curious intimacies between human nature and the environment, intuition and reason, and deception and reality, Ekbäck intertwines fantasy, mystery, and thriller in an engrossing spiral of intrigue.

Set in early 18th century Swedish Lapland, "Wolf Winter" is the story of an earth woman, Maija, who after leaving behind a troubled past, settles on land near Blackåsen Mountain with her husband and daughters. But the discovery of a dead man shatters the quietude of the settlers’ lives and rouses Maija to pursue the truth when all in their village would rather forget.

Tasked with their survival, the family struggles to endure a brutal winter while learning the mysteries behind Blackåsen and its furtive inhabitants. They are drawn into a hostile and primitive world kindred to the anguish of the oppressed. Maija and her daughters learn to harness their own instinctual and supernatural abilities when the man of the house walks off into the snow, leaving them behind.

Using their wits and intuition to keep the wolves at bay, Ekbäck draws attention to the beauty and power of the female soul, faithfully abstaining from the widespread understanding of a woman’s role in society. Her novel reflects on how damaging it is to the balance of nature when women are a feared and contained species. Ekbäck’s portrait of the distant past serves as an ominous reminder of an impaired and unstable world.

Sensational!

Kimn Hinkson is like most over-caffeinated, introverted bibliophiles: indifferent to most other items on the planet. Finding that works of literature, opposed to human beings, lend their gifts absolutely free to those who brave the page, she has procured a sense of forbearance via reading in order to survive this otherwise impoverished existence. Other readers are already familiar with the pretty words they give to the most adverse, uncongenial characters. Somewhere between an insurrectionist and a mereological nihilist, Kimn is one of them.

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2/19/15 2/19/15

"Doing the Devil’s Work" By Bill Loehfelm / Reviewed by Brianna Goodchild

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Doing the Devil’s Work" by Bill Loehfelm
Reviewed by Brianna Goodchild

If Jane Tennison of Prime Suspect had a daughter, I’m convinced it would have been Maureen Coughlin, the complicated and strong-willed heroine of Bill Loehfelm’s unfolding series. If readers loved the first two novels from Loehfelm, then they are sure to enjoy this third installment in the series, "Doing the Devil’s Work".

In the latest adventure, the story follows Coughlin, a recent waitress turned novice cop, who now works as an officer with the New Orleans Police Department. Loehfelm introduces Coughlin’s first on-the-job face-off with none other than, Bobby Scales, an old enemy from the previous installments.

Fortunately, Loehfelm doesn’t cut his audience any slack in the suspense department. Dangerous events lead to Maureen Coughlin’s world being turned upside down.

Here’s how the craziness unfolds: Matthew Quinn of the Sixth District helps his sociopathic millionaire friend, Caleb Heath, connect with Bobby Scales for gun storage,and then Madison Leary, a schizophrenic, slices off the group’s loose ends. Oh, and don’t forget to mention the three dead bodies, a dirty cop, and an extremist group of lawmen assassins, the Watchmen Brigade.

In simple terms, Loehfelm produces a riveting plot full of corrupt police departments, fractured allegiances, and old grudges resurfacing from the underbelly of New Orleans.

Breathless, the reader is left with Loehfelm’s unconventional heroine ruminating on the edge of a beach near Alabama – a sanctuary from the claws of the FBI, Sixth District, and the media. Though her job may be on the line, Maureen Coughlin’s work is far from over.

Briana Goodchild is on the verge of becoming a bibliophile. Like any book reader she enjoys a strong cup of tea and an enticing story to match. Occasionally, when diving into the Mystery Genre, caffeine is required.

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2/17/15 2/17/15

"Proof Positive" By Archer Mayor / Reviewed by Kaitlin Chaparro

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Proof Positive" by Archer Mayor
Reviewed by Kaitlin Chaparro

Do you love a good mystery with spine-chilling suspense, a hint of romance, and a surreal plot? If so, then Archer Mayor's newest novel, "Proof Positive" is for you. Similar to the works of J.D. Robb, author of the In Death Series; Archer Mayor brings forth a stunning new novel in the Joe Gunther series fans are sure to enjoy.

When Ben Kendall, a photojournalist who suffered a brain injury in Vietnam, is found dead beneath piles of his own hoarded treasures, all appears as a tragic accident, until the truth discovered may be much worse. It turns out some of Ben’s photo collection from the conflict were not meant for the public and now even the artist trying to display the photos is in trouble. Investigator Joe Gunther has little time to save her.

Mayor’s ability to flesh out his characters creates the feeling of familiarity since birth, even the scene descriptions gives a sense of knowing. But it’s the relationships between Gunther, local law enforcement, the medical examiner Beverly Hillstrom and others that makes the story feel real and believable. Although primarily a crime novel, there is a hint of romance that helps to distract from the intensity of what becomes a homicide investigation.

I would recommend reading all 25 novels in the Joe Gunther series as each one builds upon the characters involved. However, in each novel each character is reintroduced and Joe Gunther is a character you will be rooting for from page one. This is a page turning crime novel that will keep you hooked from page one.

Kaitlin Chaparro is an avid reader who loves a good cup of coffee or tea and a book in which to fall.

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KN Magazine: Reviews

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

"After the Ruin" by Harriet Goodchild / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

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"Icefall" by Gillian Philip / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

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"Falling In Love" by Donna Leon / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

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"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul ZimmerReview and Interview by Clay Stafford

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"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. BelskyReviewed by Briana Goodchild

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"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla RoyalReviewed by Krista Jenkins

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"The Forgetting Place" by John BurleyReviewed by Maria Giordano

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"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. HarrisReviewed by Cole Meador

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"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana KirbyReviewed by Alycia Gilbert

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"Kittens Can Kill" by Clea SimonReviewed by Dominique Chessor

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"The Missing One" by Lucy AtkinsReviewed by Kate Proffitt

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"The House of Wolfe" by James Carlos BlakeReviewed by Jonathan Thurston

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"The Replacements" by David PutnamReviewed by Hillary Martin

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"Aftershock" by Philip DonlayReview by Jonathan Thurston

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"The Pocket Wife" by Susan CrawfordReviewed by Maria Giordano

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"The White Van" by Patrick HoffmanReviewed by Samantha Rose

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"Wolf Winter" By Cecilia EkbäckReviewed by Kimn F. Hinkson

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"Doing the Devil’s Work" by Bill LoehfelmReviewed by Brianna Goodchild

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"Proof Positive" by Archer MayorReviewed by Kaitlin Chaparro

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"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul Zimmer
Review and Interview by Clay Stafford

"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. Belsky
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla Royal
Reviewed by Krista Jenkins

"The Forgetting Place" by John Burley
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. Harris
Reviewed by Cole Meador

"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana Kirby
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

"Kittens Can Kill" by Clea Simon
Reviewed by Dominique Chessor

"The Missing One" by Lucy Atkins
Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

"The House of Wolfe" by James Carlos Blake
Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

"The Replacements" by David Putnam
Reviewed by Hillary Martin

"Aftershock" by Philip Donlay
Review by Jonathan Thurston

"The Pocket Wife" by Susan Crawford
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

"The White Van" by Patrick Hoffman
Reviewed by Samantha Rose

"Wolf Winter" By Cecilia Ekbäck
Reviewed by Kimn F. Hinkson

"Doing the Devil’s Work" by Bill Loehfelm
Reviewed by Brianna Goodchild

"Proof Positive" by Archer Mayor
Reviewed by Kaitlin Chaparro