Showing posts with label Young Adult Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Young Adult Book Reviews. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: The Invasion by J. Taylor

This morning, I have another middle grade fiction book to share! I always enjoyed reading this genre of books with my younger daughters. We loved finding a series that we could read together--and look forward to adding the next book to our reading list! This morning, I have The Invasion, from The After series by J. Taylor. I enjoyed the first book, The After, and was excited to continue the series--here is that review in case you missed it--and you can find my review of Survival here! What did I think of The Invasion by J. Taylor?


​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. 
 

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About the Book

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.
Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.

 
My Review
 

The Invasion Takes Readers on the Next Step of this Dystopian Adventure. The author has created a fantastic character team that has grown along with the growing challenges and adventures faced in the series. The book is fast-paced and engaging from beginning to end. The pace keeps the story moving, preventing younger readers from getting bored, but it is well developed and interesting enough that the scenes are not too abrupt to engage older teens and adult readers. I love the author's writing style. She can develop scenes clearly and quickly without taking anything away from the story or its characters. 

 

Expect a Clean Read. This series takes on some serious dystopian challenges--but the author offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The characters certainly face challenges and situations that tug the heartstrings. Still, they are also handled well and in a G/PG writing style that makes the story more heartpounding and heartwarming than the shock-value content of some teen dystopian pieces.

 

Would I Recommend The Invasion by J. Taylor? I loved this series, but this book was my favorite so far. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow and find their paths. I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters' situations and the background of their growing bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes that are perfect for younger teen readers, but still detailed enough to hold the interest of older readers. If you enjoy middle-grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series is an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages. This book doesn't tie up all the loose ends, so you can be sure that I will be watching for more books in the series!

 
 Meet the Author 

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads




Monday, October 20, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: Survival by J. Taylor

This morning, I have a middle grade fiction book to share! I always enjoyed reading this genre of books with my younger daughters. We loved finding a series that we could read together--and look forward to adding the next book to our reading list! Today, I have a Survival, from The After series by J. Taylor. I enjoyed the first book, The After, and was excited to continue the series--here is that review in case you missed it! Stop back tomorrow for my review of the 3rd book in the series: The Invasion!


 

​Book TitleSURVIVAL (Book Two The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  January 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, based on the definitions given by ireads, the two teenage characters do kiss​

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About the Book

In the wilderness of Nova Scotia, Charlotte and Anna confront the formidable challenges of survival such as finding food, building a shelter, and establishing a new life. Their bond is tested, however, when an unknown individual enters the scene, potentially driving a wedge between them. As tensions rise, a catastrophic event further complicates their situation, leading to a separation that leaves them struggling to reunite.

Book Two of The After Series explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the harsh realities of survival, highlighting both the strength of Charlotte and Anna’s connection and the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. 
My Review
 

Survival Continues the Dystopian Adventure. The author does an excellent job pulling readers into the next step of her characters' adventures. Various obstacles and challenges to survival test the girls, and the author presents these challenges in a way that is easy to read and engaging for middle-school readers. The emotions are well-portrayed, and the strength of character and the bond of friendship form the heart of the story. The author tackles the realities of survival along with some of the relatable realities of growing up and relationships. 

 

Expect a Clean Read. I often find tween/teen dystopian novels jump too quickly into romance and violence--but, the author here offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The girls face obstacles to survival (and challenges to their relationship)--and a love interest--but the nature of the story remains clean and a family-friendly read.

 

Would I Recommend Survival by J. Taylor? I enjoyed this novel. While you could read this book alone, I would recommend reading the first book in the series to help better understand the characters' situations and the background of their bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes. This pace makes some of the scenes play out rather quickly, but the style and flow of the book are perfect for younger teen readers. If you enjoy middle grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series in an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages.

 
Next in This Continuing Series:
​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, the two teenage characters do kiss​
About the Book

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.

Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.
 
 Meet the Author 

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads




Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Middle School Fantasy Review: A Curse of Mayhem by Sunayna Prasad

This morning, I have a middle grade fiction book to share! Check out A Curse of Mayhem, read my thoughts on the book and learn about author Sunayna Prasad!  You can also visit this book series spotlight post to learn more about the other books in the series.




Book Title:  A Curse of Mayhem (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions, Book 2) by Sunayna Prasad
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  173 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Amazon KDP
Release date:   July 2019
Format available for review:  ebook (mobi (for Kindle), EPUB, PDF)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour datesJune 10 to Jun 28, 2024
Content Rating:  G: There is no mature language or adult content whatsoever.

About the Book

History, like magic, has a habit of repeating itself.

It’s been six months since thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy left magic behind for good. Or so she thought…

Then the enchanted objects that protected her disappear. Now a skeleton named Errol has cursed her with magical powers that keep getting her in trouble. Suddenly strange things are happening with disastrous effects, and if Alyssa can’t remove the magic, she will lose everything she holds dear. In order to get rid of her unwanted wizardry, Alyssa will have to boost her bravery and confidence and determine who Errol really is. But every time Alyssa uses an enchantment, Errol is one step closer to getting his flesh back and becoming alive, and he will do anything to achieve his goals…even if it means destroying Alyssa’s happiness.

Originally published in 2016 as “Wizardry Goes Wild” and “The Unruly Curse” in 2019, “A Curse of Mayhem” is book two in the exciting and suspenseful “Magical Missions” series.

My Review

A Curse of Mayhem is Written for Middle School Readers. If you read the first book in the series, the writing style, character dialogues, and behaviors are very similar to those in this book. If you didn't read the first book in the series, there are some slight attempts to help new series readers catch up, but the book can still be read as a stand-alone without missing much detail from the first book. The dialogue and characters are immature and may not be very relatable for older teens or adult parent readers. However, the novel is written for middle school ages, and younger readers, ages 8-11 or so, will likely find the magic more entertaining and the dialogue and middle school dramas more relatable.  

  

Don't Expect Much Realism in A Curse of Mayhem.  The story is fast-paced, with many character introductions, fast-paced dialogue, and little time for character growth and development. While the storyline is interesting and engaging, and the author does create an updated magical adventure more suited to today's tech-driven tweens, there are many scenes that adults and older teens will find pretty unrealistic. Having said that, there are many tween, middle school-aged behaviors and learning opportunities for younger readers in this series as they face their differences from middle school peers and learn to find their place in groups of friends and adults.


Would I recommend A Curse of Mayhem? This is a fun, magical story for older elementary-aged readers and younger middle-school children. Alyssa McCarthy is still a bit immature, but she accomplishes a little bit of growth and self-discovery in this book. Parents and older teens who enjoy reading along with younger readers will not find a realistically deep, thought-provoking fantasy, but younger readers should relate well to Alyssa and her middle school dramas.


Buy the Book:
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Monday, October 23, 2023

Young Adult Mystery Review: Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans

This morning, I have a mystery novel for young adult readers in our book review spotlight! Check out Finding Fionn, learn about author M.J. Evans, read my thoughts on the book and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


 

Book Title:  Finding Fionn - A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Publisher:  Dancing Horse Press, 310 pages
Release date:  October 17 2023
Content Rating:  Rated G - Completely clean

A fast-paced story that will have mystery fans and horse lovers thoroughly captivated.  - Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Reader’s favorite

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About the Book


The excitement felt in the Winner’s Circle vanishes when the jockey’s beloved horse disappears from his stall in the dark of night. Patrick McCallin is a young Irish lad growing up in the 1980’s when all of Ireland is groaning under the weight of The Troubles. Born to ride, he pays little mind to the political unrest going on around him. He dreams only of becoming a jockey. Patrick’s dream comes true when he is selected to ride an up-and-coming Thoroughbred, named Fionn MacCool, in the biggest races in England and Ireland. Race after race ends with Fionn and Patrick in the Winner’s Circle. The pair captures the heart of all Ireland. But the dream becomes a nightmare when Patrick’s beloved horse is kidnapped and held for ransom. When the horse’s owner refuses to pay and the Irish Garda closes the case, Patrick and his best friends, Ronan and Maddie, have no choice but to find Fionn themselves.
 
My Review
 
Perfect for Horse Lovers and Mystery Lovers Alike.  I have read a few other books from M.J. Evans and I love her storytelling style and the way she weaves her vast knowledge of horses and riding into the character relationships, settings and plots of her novels.  This book is another wonderful story of the bond between the horse and his human.  While that segment of the novel is key, the mystery storyline is just as well done with enough realistic twists and turns to keep readers engaged and guessing from beginning to end.  While I am not happy that a book set in the '80's is "historical" fiction--the reality is just that it is to teen and young adult readers.  Setting this novel in 80's Ireland gives readers a view of Irish culture and politics that may not be well known to readers.  
Wonderful Characters create a Well-Crafted, Young Adult Story.  Evans creates animal and human characters to love.  It's impossible to not root for a happy ending for Patrick and Fionn.   As the mystery finds resolution, readers find a lot to learn about horses, horse racing, mystery solving and Irish history and culture.  While the book is a clean read for teen and young adult readers, parents and older horse lovers and mystery fans will enjoy this novel too.  
Would I Recommend Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans?  I grew up reading books about animals or mysteries.  It was always a wonderful find when I could combine those two loves into one story.  This book is a wonderful blend of mystery and horse-story.  I have enjoyed many of the author's novels--but, I think the setting and characters in this one pushes it to the top of my favorites from her.  If you (or a teen / young adult in your life) enjoy horses and mysteries--and the Irish culture--this book should be on your reading list.   

Buy the Book


Meet the Author

M.J. Evans is the author of more than twenty award-winning books for middle-graders, young adults, adults, and even a few picture books. Most of her titles are about horses or horse fantasy creatures. Ms. Evans is a graduate of Oregon State University and a former teacher of middle school and high school students. She is the mother of five and the grandmother of twelve. She and her husband live in Colorado.

 
 
connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~  facebook ~ goodreads ~ pinterest
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FINDING FIONN Book Tour Giveaway




Thursday, September 7, 2023

Young Adult Fantasy Review: Starla by Terrilynn Moore and Quade B. Smith

This morning, I have a young adult fantasy novel to share in our book review spotlight! Check out Starla, learn about the authors, read my thoughts on the book and enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


 

Book Title: Starla by Terrilynn Moore and Quade B. Smith
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17), 434 pages
Genre:  Urban Fantasy
Publisher:  Laurel Elite Books
Release date:   May 2023
Content Rating:  PG + M: Mild profanity and the lead character lives in a mental and verbally abusive household. The theme of living in an unhealthy household and getting help is a theme in the book. 

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About the Book


High school is stressful enough without having to save your town from evil incarnate.

But Starla never really had a choice in the matter.

Starla, an aspiring artist, lives an uneasy life with her mom after the sudden loss of her dad. She seeks refuge at the home of her grandmother, Ma Mère, where she feels safe. As a teenager, Starla begins to demonstrate magical abilities. Among them, she discovers her hands glow with purple light and she can understand the squeaks of her pets.

Her new abilities are no surprise to Ma Mère, who reveals a long-hidden family secret of power and magic. Starla's new abilities have been passed down for generations and were awakened by the shift in power when Hel, an ancient evil being, escaped containment.

Hel and those under its power are determined to gain possession and control over the citizens of East Pine and the magical dimensions concealed there. Starla and her friends refuse to let that happen.

​If she hopes to thwart Hel's insatiable quest for power and regain control over it before East Pine and all of the dimensions of existence are destroyed, Starla will have to trust her instincts and find the courage to harness the ancestral magic she was born to wield.
 
My Review

The Authors Create a Well-Done Fantasy World for Starla.  Blending an exciting world of magic, special powers and good vs. evil with some realistic elements of teen life, the authors create a very engaging world for young Starla's fantasy adventures.  While the heroine seeks to prevent evil-doer Hel from carrying out his plans, she has to come of age a bit into her new town, place in life and her family's magical powers.
Expect a Large Cast of Characters and the Need to Read with Focus.  This is a longer young adult book that introduces many characters--some quite necessary, others with little purpose to the growing plot.  Sometimes the shifts between characters and scenes were a little confusing and required a re-read or a refresher on a certain character's name or role in the story.  Once I had the characters mapped out in my mind, I was able to read the flow of the storyline a little easier.
Would I Recommend Starla by Terrilynn Moore and Quade B. Smith?  I enjoyed Starla's character in this adventure.  I enjoyed watching her grow into her role and find her place in her magical world.  If you enjoy young adult fantasies with female leads and a well-designed fantasy world--this is an engaging story of good vs. evil.   

Buy the Book


Meet the Authors
Terrilynn Moore is a retired police officer who now lives as an artist and storyteller. She expresses her passion through her words and art. The book, Starla, was largely written but not completed until after she reconnected with Quade B Smith after a high school reunion. Quade has prior experience as a co-author of a non-fiction book called, The Bark of the Cony.

Connect with the Authors

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Thursday, August 24, 2023

Mystery Review: Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn

I love finding mysteries to share! Today, I have a cozy mystery in our review spotlight!  Check out Death Takes a Bath, learn about author Sharon Lynn, read an excerpt from the book and my thoughts on the story--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn Banner

Death Takes a Bath

by Sharon Lynn

August 14-25, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

 

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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 About the Book


Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn

When Maddie McGuire lands an archeology internship at the Roman Baths in England, she assumes everything will go her way. But when this college sophomore discovers a severed human ear on her doorstep, she must solve its meaning before she becomes the next victim, or worse, gets deported. Her tentative friendship with young constable Edward and the beauty of the Bath Abbey are no comfort as her aristocratic coworker Simon sabotages her every move. And the danger only increases when she discovers a dead body, both ears intact.

 

Genre: Traditional Mystery/Cozy
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date:
Number of Pages:
ISBN: 978-1685122423 (ISBN-10: ‎1685122426)
Series: A Cotswold Crimes Mystery, Book 1

 

Praise for Death Takes a Bath:

"A whale of a read! Dip your toe into Death Takes a Bath, and you won’t come out until you’ve reached ‘the end.” A highly recommended page-turner with archaeology, intrigue, an intrepid heroine, a dishy policeman, and . . . a rabbit."
~ Molly Mac.Rae, Author: The Highland Bookshop Mystery Series

"An exciting page-turner! It captured my attention from the first line and kept me riveted until the final twist."
~ Avanti Centrae, international bestselling author of Cleopatra's Vendetta

 

My Review

 

Death Takes a Bath Brings a Fun Start to the Cozy Mystery Series. I wasn't a fan of the first few chapters of this book as the author introduced a few of her characters and developed a bit of an instant-romance relationship between Maddie and Constable Edward. Some of those early interactions were pretty unrealistic and slightly eye-roll-worthy. Then, the storyline began to develop, a mystery unfolded, and twists and turns began to take shape in a well-paced, more believable manner. There is certainly a young adult feel to the story at the beginning--and the clean story continues that young adult theme through to the end. However, it becomes more of an engaging, cozy mystery with some history and archaeology in a setting that an adult can enjoy. All in all, this novel brings a fun, engaging start to the author's series.

 

Readers will find Characters to Love and a Well-Rounded Mystery. Readers will enjoy the characters in this novel as they grow, change, and join forces to solve the mystery at hand. With humor and an eclectic cast of characters, the author brings this novel's mystery to a close while developing the setting and characters for future adventures. I enjoyed Maddie's personality and resourcefulness--and the humor of her thoughts and perspectives at times!  

 

Would I Recommend Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn? If you enjoy clean, young adult cozy mysteries with interesting settings and likable characters, this novel will keep you engaged to the end. If you are put off by insta-romance--be patient for a few early chapters, and the story becomes more of a mystery as the characters find their footing and the author develops their mystery-solving "team ."I enjoyed the novel and the author's storytelling style. I look forward to following the characters through many more mysteries and adventures.

 

 

Buy the Book

  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub | Goodreads

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

The First Discovery

“What’s nine-one-one in England?” I squeaked at my cell.

Black dots dancing before my eyes, I stabbed at the mic icon on the phone and repeated the question.

“I found one number for emergency services in Great Britain,” the soothing electronic voice informed me. “Nine-nine-nine.”

My fingers trembled, and the phone smacked to the ground. As I reached to retrieve it, Roddy, the cottage’s fluffy black-and-white rabbit, hopped to inspect the object.

Jaw clenched in a death grip, my vision getting cloudy, I forced myself to stand still and count slowly to five. The world stopped spinning, allowing me to reach for the phone.

“Don’t eat that,” I warned Roddy in a passing imitation of my mother. I scooped him up for comfort and maneuvered my cell so I could see the screen.

“Okay. Here we go.” I pushed the numbers as I said them. “Nine, nine, nine.”

“What service do you require?” a voice on the other end inquired. “Ambulance, police, fire, or Coast Guard?”

“Um.” Coast Guard? My brain short-circuited on the unfamiliar option. If there was one thing you never needed in the Arizona desert, it was the Coast Guard. My body swayed unsteadily as I contemplated the question.

“Are you able to speak?” the voice prompted.

Emergency. I needed to tell them. “Ear,” I stuttered, unable to form a sentence around the horror of the situation.

“You’re here, yes. If you are unable to speak, tap twice if you are in imminent danger.”

The professional but concerned voice had its intended effect of calming me. Shaking my head, I changed tactics. Instead of discussing the details of what I’d found, I asked for the police.

After a complicated exchange that gave me time to form my response, a male police officer asked my emergency.

Shuddering, I said, “Hi. My name is Madeline McGuire. I’m an exchange student from America, and I found an ear.” The words tumbled from my mouth. “A human ear. A freshly severed human ear.”

Saying it out loud made it real. Bunny in arm, I sunk to the floor, clinging to fluffy comfort. The image of the blood-stained ear spilling out of the salt-packed box loomed in my mind, stirring the acids in my stomach.

The voice of the officer broke through my thoughts. “You did the right thing to call. Do you have the address of your location?”

“Ash Tree cottage on Greenway Lane, Bath, England.”

“I’ll stay on the line until a constable arrives,” he told me.

Teeth chattering, I nodded robotically.

“Miss?”

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll be fine. Fine,” I said, not sounding even a little fine. “I’ll make coffee. This seems like a coffee moment.”

“I’ve found that tea is quite soothing in difficult situations,” the officer offered.

Ignoring the suggestion, I treaded into the kitchen, Roddy clutched to my chest, the phone pressed to my ear.

“I could have done without your discovery, Roddy,” I muttered. When I brought the rabbit in from the pouring rain, I let him roam free long enough for him to chew a hole through the cardboard of a newly delivered package.

“What was that, miss?” the policeman on the line asked.

“Oh, sorry. Talking to my rabbit.”

“Miss?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

I hadn’t blinked in a long time. A tremor rippled through me as I set the rabbit on the kitchen floor. With a weird detachment, I noted that Roddy’s black-and-white fur matched the checkerboard tile. The pattern became mesmerizing, a safe place for my mind until I collapsed against the counter.

Catching myself, I said, “Coffee. Coffee is good.” Filling the electric kettle, I flickered the “On” switch, then retrieved the French press. A mostly empty bag of stale coffee sat behind the press.

Dumping the ground beans into the glass cylinder, I filled the press with hot water.

It was a mundane task that I had done hundreds of times. I wondered, could I make coffee without my ear?

As I pushed the plunger to infuse the water with grounds, I almost shoved the contraption onto the floor. Catching it just in time, I shakily poured myself a cup. Ignoring the scalding heat, I gulped.

Caffeine coursed through my system, making me jumpy as I thought about the consequences of receiving a body part. An ear in the mail would make a little sense back in Chicago, where I was getting my archeology degree. Mobsters still controlled parts of the city, and the paper always mentioned grizzly retribution crimes.

As I took another sip, I imagined finding the package while at college. The dorm would buzz with gossip, wondering what the intended recipient had done. And I would know it wasn’t meant for me.

I had only been in Bath for two days. I didn’t know anyone in England, especially not well enough to offend them.

Did that mean the homeowners where I had a room were being warned? My stomach curdled at the thought. I hadn’t met them yet, but I considered them friends after the year of emails we exchanged. Bad people wouldn’t own a bunny, would they?

Losing control, I hunched over, retching dry heaves.

I leaned my back against the pantry door and slid to the floor. Roddy hopped in my lap, comforting me.

“Miss?”

I yelped, causing the rabbit to bound off of me, his powerful legs digging into my jeans. I’d forgotten the phone.

“Hello?”

“Constable Bailey is on your street. His collar number is 16941.”

“There’s a pull chain to open the latch on the gate. The box is in the mudroom. Tell him to come in.”

“Mudroom?” For the first time, my dispatcher sounded unsure.

***

Excerpt from Death Takes a Bath by Sharon Lynn. Copyright 2023 by Sharon Lynn. Reproduced with permission from Sharon Lynn. All rights reserved.

 

 

Meet the Author

Sharon Lynn

Sharon Lynn was raised in Arizona, but it was living in England as a teenager and every return trip since that inspired the setting of her Cotswold Crimes Mystery series. As a professor of theater, film, and writing she coaches and mentors aspiring artists. Her short stories can be found in anthologies from Malice Domestic and Desert Sleuths. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers.

 

 

Connect with the Author
www.sharonlwrites.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @sharonlwrites
Instagram - @sharonlwrites
Twitter - @sharonlwrites
Facebook - @SharonLWrites
AllAuthor.com

 

 

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