Cold as Ice by Stephanie Black

Cold as Ice
by Stephanie Black

LDS Suspense
304 pages, softcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Covenant
978-1-60861-013-8
Release Date: August 2010



From the publisher:

After five patient years, Abigail Wyatt's sisterly care is finally paying off: her younger brother, Derek, is abandoning his self-destructive lifestyle and seeking his parents' forgiveness, thus ending the painful estrangement that wounded the whole family. But just as the pieces are falling into place for the prodigal's return, a woman is murdered in a local park—and police name Derek as the prime suspect. Rather than standing firm and cementing the positive changes in his life, Derek succumbs to his cynical fears and runs from the law, leaving Abigail with her hands tied. Literally.

Derek's raw panic convinces everyone that he's the killer—everyone except Abigail, who doggedly maintains her brother's innocence. With the help of Kyle, a friend she might be falling for, Abigail digs deep into the murdered woman's troubled past in hopes of clearing Derek's name. But as she uncovers a sinister plot of greed, envy, and vengeance, this loyal sister must face the painful truth that things—and people—are not always as they seem.

I love Stephanie Black's mysteries. Her dark and twisty book, Fool Me Twice, is one of my all-time favorites. Like that book, Cold As Ice is LDS suspense. While religion does not play a big part in the story, it is mentioned occasionally and LDS beliefs on repentance and forgiveness are part of the motivating forces behind some of the characters' actions. However, it's not at all preachy and I doubt non-LDS readers would be offended by it.

I wasn't immediately captivated by Abigail's personality. I felt she lacked the spark I've come to appreciate in Stephanie's other protaganists. But as the story went on, I grew to respect her courage, her determination and her commitment to her brother. Also, she owns a bookstore. That means she's totally cool in so many ways that I forgive her for being kind of wishy-washy at times.

I absolutely loved Abigail's brother, Derek. He reminded me so much of some people I know and my heart went out to him. I could totally see why he'd do the stupid things he did, making things worse and adding to the suspicion surrounding him.

Several promising love interests for Abigail wound their way through the plot, all of whom are also possible murderers—her ex-boyfriend, Brendan Rowe, who easily loses his temper when his reputation is threatened by Derek's situation; newly-available Kyle, who comes on a bit too strong for comfort; Chase McCoy, artist wanna-be, who is determined to get his paintings into Abigail's store; and Ethan Hanberg, the murder victim's ex-husband. While the potential romances were extremely underplayed, they provided tension and interest as each of them may have had motive and opportunity.

I suspected the real bad guy early on in the book, but couldn't say for sure who it was until just a few pages before it was revealed. I like it when that happens. Also, I like the romantic turn at the end but wish it had been played up a bit more, earlier in the story.

I give Cold as Ice 4 solid stars. I recommend this to readers to who like suspense, but want it without the gore and swearing.


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Content Ratings

Language: No swearing.

Violence: There's a murder and attempted murder; some mild violence. One scene of a dead body.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality:

Values/Themes: An LDS book with themes on repentance and forgiveness.

Age Appropriate: For adults.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Key Lime Pie by Josi S. Kilpack

Key Lime Pie (Sadie Hoffmiler, book 4)
by Josi S. Kilpack

Culinary Mystery
320 pages, softcover
Target Reader: Adult

Deseret Book
978-1-60641-813-0
Release Date: August 24, 2010



From the publisher:

When Sadie Hoffmiller's new friend, Eric Burton, receives word that his missing daughter's body may have been found in Florida, he immediately packs his bags, but Sadie is determined to stay home and prove to everyone that she is not a busybody.

But when she senses Eric is hiding something, Sadie is compelled to take action. Before she knows it, she's in the heart of Miami, trying to piece together a trail littered with broken relationships, mysterious strangers, and forged documents that might just provide Eric the answers he's been desperately searching for—or reveal a truth he may not be ready to face.

Sadie must also face a difficult question: Where is her heart leading her? Onward into Eric's adventurous arms? Or back home to the stable and steady Pete Cunningham? If only love was as easy as following a recipe.

Read Chapter 1 here.

Series books: Lemon Tart (book 1), English Trifle (book 2), Devil's Food Cake (book 3)

This is book #4 in the Sadie Hoffmiller series—and while you don't have to read the books in order, I recommend that you do. We meet Sadie in Lemon Tart, when her neighbor is murdered. This is also when Sadie meets handsome Pete Cunningham. In English Trifle, Sadie travels to London with her daughter, only to get caught up in a mystery when one of the help is murdered. In Devil's Food Cake, another mysterious murder catches her attention and introduces her to Eric Burton. In this book, not only is she involved in a fourth mystery, but she must sort out her feelings for Pete and Eric. Not an easy task.

I loved Key Lime Pie. I rarely give 5 full stars to any book, but this one gets it. I loved everything about it. Want to know how much I loved it? I loved it so much that I decided to forgo my Sunday afternoon nap so I could finish it.

Yep. That much!

The characters are interesting, unique, quirky—especially Sadie. She is so determined not to be a busybody, and yet, that's one of the traits that makes her so endearing. I love the way her mind works—and her heart.

In addition to being a fun suspense, Key Lime Pie was also satisfying in the relationship department. At the end of Lemon Tart, I firmly wanted Sadie to end up with Pete. But by the end of Devil's Food Cake, I was really liking Eric. I was in a quandary at the beginning of KLP, not knowing for sure who I wanted her to be with. But by the end of the book, I can honestly say, I liked her choice.

The plot has a lion's share of twists and turns. Several times I thought I had it all figured out, only to have the story spin off into another layer of intrigue and mystery. KLP was a completely engrossing and totally fun mystery!

If you like culinary mysteries like Diane Mott Davidson's Goldy Schulz mysteries or Gayle Trent's Daphne Martin series, you'll love Sadie Hoffmiller.

(And for my non-LDS friends, even though this book is published by Deseret Book, there is absolutely no mention of religion whatsoever in the book.)

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Content Ratings

Language: No swearing.

Violence: There's a murder and some mild violence, but it does not occur in "real time".

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Values/Themes:

Age Appropriate: For adults—the main character is older—but some teens will like it as well.

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© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

Secret Sisters
by Tristi Pinkston

LDS Cozy Mystery
260 pages, hardcover
Target Reader: LDS Adult

Valor Publishing Group
978-1-935546-09-2
Release Date: March 16, 2010



From the Publisher:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

Read Ida Mae's blog and become her Facebook friend.

If you're looking for light-hearted fun reading, Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston is for you. The first novel in a new series, it is hands down the funnest book I've read in a long time!

This book has all the elements I love in a story: mystery, suspense, murder, mayhem, a huge dose of humor, a hint of romance, snappy dialog, well-rounded characters, and a plot that keeps the pages turning. I was frustrated when I had to stop reading for any reason.

Ida Mae, the Relief Society President and the ring-leader of the Secret Sisters is a hoot—especially when she is trying not to judge others. She's got a great heart and wants to do the right thing, but somehow she only seems to get herself deeper into trouble. I totally fell in love with her. Ida Mae is now my role model.

I also loved Arlette, another member of the group. She is so grumpy—we all know grumpy old women like her. But she's not a stereotype. She has several endearing qualities and I was quite impressed with her when I discovered the reason behind her fanatical knitting.

And Ida Mae's nephew, Ren? Well, I loved him too—and not just because he shares a name with my newest grandson. This guy is like a total science nerd, but cute and funny. Without his help building electronic spying devices, the Secret Sisters would not have solved the mystery.

This book is thoroughly entertaining. I was reading Secret Sisters at a doctor's office and found myself laughing out loud (that would be LOL in ALL CAPS and BOLDED) multiple times at some of her comments and behaviors—to the annoyance of all the other people in the room. (Sorry.) (Not really.)

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Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: There's a murder ("off screen") and attempted murder, but the violence is very low level.

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Age Appropriate: For adults, although some older teens may enjoy it.

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*I received a review copy from the publisher.


© 2010 It's a Book Affair

Dark Pursuit by Brandilyn Collins

Dark Pursuit
by Brandilyn Collins

Mystery/Suspense
288 pages, softcover
Target reader: Adult

Zondervan
978-0310302179
Release date: December 1, 2008



From the publisher:

'Ever hear the dead knocking?'

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, recluse and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life.

But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read an excerpt.

I almost loved this book. It had such potential. So many possible twists and turns. It was very suspenseful, so many times I was on the edge of my seat as I read it—and then something sort of ridiculous would happen. I've heard from others that this is their least favorite of Collins' books. While I liked Dark Pursuit as a one-day quick read that was a fun escape, it wasn't in the same category of yummy goodness as Exposure.

The characterization was okay. Kaitlyn was believable, although pretty gullible and naive. Although I didn't "like" Darrell, he stayed true to his grumpy, selfish, curmudgeon self. Craig was a bit of a caricature, as was his father the police chief, and Margaret, Darrell's live-in assistant.

There were some plot holes. Particularly the foreshadowing necessary for us to believe it when the killer is finally revealed. I can't say much more than that because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else, but I really didn't think Collins set the stage enough for us to be willing to accept the character she chose as the killer, without feeling a bit cheated. Yes. I said it. I felt cheated at the end and therefore, the overall enjoyment factor dipped.

I did enjoy the psychological construction of the aging author trying to relive his glory days, while losing his focus and memory. I also liked the theme of a family working out their problems and coming to a place of forgiveness and acceptance. As with Collins' other works, I like the theme of prayer and trusting God in the midst of your struggles. Definitely a Christian perspective but not at all preachy.

There is quite a bit of violence but no sensuality. There is a pre-marital affair. Kaitlyn is pregnant, but we don't go into the bedroom.

Overall, I don't recommend this book as Collins' best but it's okay for borrowing from the library to fill up a lazy afternoon.


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Cover: Kind of boring...



Content Ratings

Language:

Violence: Murders, shootings, descriptive photos of crime scenes, blood.

Drugs/Alcohol:

Immorality: Kaitlyn is pregnant and not married. No bedroom scenes.

Values/Themes:

Age Appropriate: Okay for older teens.

Writing Mechanics: Just a few glitches, but not too bad until the big reveal. The ending where the murderer is revealed gets a .


© 2010 It's a Book Affair