MrsK Books: suspense

Showing posts with label suspense. Show all posts

Monday, May 28, 2018

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman

Cara Putman

ISBN: 9780718083489

Publisher's Synopsis:

THE POLICE SAY THE WOMAN WAS A MURDERER. EMILIE WESLEY KNOWS THEY CAN’T BE TALKING ABOUT HER CLIENT . . . CAN THEY?

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in a race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?

"Your client's name is Kaylene Adams?"...

"She won't be meeting you at court.

She's headed to the morgue, and suspected of shooting her daughters."

MrsK's Review:

Attorney Emilie Wesley knows first hand what is to fight against abusive oppressors. Legally, she fights for her clients in every way possible to ensure her clients are set free from their abuser. She believes in what is known as "justice," yet she knows that deception is a cunning manipulator.

Just as she is ready to go before the judge, her client Kaylene Adams ends up dead. With every ounce of experience, instinct, and determination, Emilie begins a twisted journey of investigation that tests her endurance level, survival skills, and faith.

Reid Billings numb with disbelief. Who wouldn't be! How could he have missed what was going on with his sister Kaylene. What is happening with his surviving niece? How can he help when Kaylene's husband is unwilling and blocking him from any contact? He knows he has to make contact with those who were working with Kaylene. Her attorney might be the key he needs to move forward and forgive himself for not taking the time for his sister.

Emilie quickly discovers that Kaylene's youngest daughter knows the truth about that fatal morning. If she recovers, Kaylene must speak with her before she leaves the hospital with her father. Nothing seems right, especially when a video shows her client and daughter fleeing out of the front door... bleeding! Haunted by that video, Emilie's instincts are in overdrive, every day she is growing more uncomfortable about someone watching her. As if her days aren't filled with enough paths to follow, now her faith is being tested. When you hold onto an investigative rope of unknowns, it leads to an end that is frayed, unraveling, and dangerously close to pushing uncertainty into every area of your life. Emilie might be holding on, but will there be enough rope to make a difference?

Written with perfected twists and turns this novel will keep you reading with your own guesses, tension that causes you to put the book down and walk away, and determination to stick with Emilie, Reid and Kinley.
MrsK

"Justice might have been imperfect..."

Fascinating investigations!

Meet the Author:

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.
An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 26th & 27th books with more on the way.

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Sunday, February 26, 2017

The Candidate by Lis Wiehl

Lis Wiehl

ISBN: 9780718037680

Publisher's Synopsis:

In covering the presidential election campaign, star newsmaker Erica Sparks notices that favored candidate Senator Mike Ortiz seems dependent on his wife to an unnatural degree. Celeste Ortiz is a brilliant and glamorous billionaire who—along with her best friend and confidant Lily Lau—has engineered her husband’s meteoric rise. The White House is within their reach. But the more Erica investigates the Ortizes’ strange relationship, the more intrigued she becomes.

Erica begins an investigation. But everyone material to her probe ends up dead. With each death, her foreboding grows. Is she next? And can she find out in time if the country’s beloved candidate is what he seems . . . or a threat to national security?

"No one gets to the White House without having

the media in their corner."

MrsK's Review:

At GNN, Erica is searching for new challenges or prospective stories. Now that her life has gained a calming order, she feels that her focus with her daughter Jenny will improve. Until she is informed that her viewers are dropping off. She needs a "big story" as soon as possible.

At the scene, Erica begins her coverage of the final Democratic presidential debate. As Senator Mike Ortiz and Governor Fred Buchanan exit their vehicles, there's a "flash of light" and life for Erica gets tossed into chaos. Who is to blame?

Celeste Pierce Ortiz is determined to get her husband to the White House. She is a woman who calculates the odds, outlines the necessary steps for success, and relies on Lily Lau to help them win the election. What keeps her adrenaline pumping is the power that comes from controlling the outcome of any/all situations.

Since that moment of devastation at the debate, Erica finds that her time will be spent following leads instead of with her daughter. Becky Sullivan, is an intern and seems competent to be her personal assistant. Becky would be a good "match" for Jenny when she had to be away from home.

Lily Lau is a woman destined for greatness. She is brilliant, powerful, and is steeped with a commanding presence. She met Celeste when they were freshmen at Stanford. When Mike Ortiz came on the scene, both of the women sensed that he would be the perfect candidate for their plan.

While Erica interviews Mike Ortiz, she notices a void... a type of vacancy about his actions. What could cause such a void in someone who is running for President? It's almost as if he wasn't completely engaged, unable to think on his own. Where is all of this leading?

Woven between troubles at home with Jenny and Becky, the break up with Greg, and her investigations, Erica will need to trust her instincts and look deeper into the ancient Chinese canonical. It is becoming a life and death scenario especially for Erica and Jenny.

Suspense will keep you turning the pages. The deception, the greed of power, the depth of control will keep you on the edge as good vs. evil plunders into a tunnel of fear,
MrsK

"...there are some things money can't protect you from.

And there are some people who aren't what they seem."

Meet the Author:

Lis Wiehl is the author "Face of Betrayal," a New York Times Best Seller.

She has also written "Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life" and "The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It."

In addition to her written work, Wiehl is currently a legal analyst for Fox News. She has been with the network since 2001.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, Wiehl is an adjunct professor at New York Law School.

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Sunday, November 20, 2016

The Witness by Robertf Whitlow

Robert Whitlow

ISBN: 9781401688905

Publisher's Synopsis:

Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.

While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.

"I have set watchman upon thy walls, O Jerusalem."

Isaiah 62:6

MrsK's Review:

At the Germany-Belgium border in 1939 Franz Haus begins his discovery that his talent is leading him in to a horrifying truth about his service to his country. Misinterpretations have happened, and yet, the last thing he wanted was a conscience with "blood" on it. Having access to the top commanders within the infantry divisions seemed safer, yet all of that changes with a mission trip and the treatment of resistance fighters. His decision in 1944 will bring him to a crossroad in which he seems caught "between the past and the future."

In New Bern, NC, Parker House is just beginning his career as an associate attorney for Branham and Camp. While waiting for the jury selection to begin, Parker checks his fantasy football team picks and marvels at the technology of 2003. During the selection on juror seemed to stand out. Even though she was a photographer, Parker's ability to "foresee" a strength in her proves beneficial for their client.

Layla Donovan is a photographer serving on a jury. The case is straightforward, so why would the associate attorney be interested in her? At first Layla naturally assumes that Parker just wants to know why the jury had its verdict so quickly. Her reasoning should have ended their evening. And yet, there seems to be something else at work in their lives.

On the day that Conrad Mueller shows up at Parker's work, many new opportunities and secrets begin coming to light. It's as if some form of justice must be served. How all of these threads are woven together will lead everyone to the truth.

Thomas Blocker is a cunning trial lawyer who is brought in as co-counsel for Parker's newest case. Parker knows the benefits of "seeing" how Blocker prepares, presents, and tries a case will be more than what his firm bargains for, what he doesn't "foresee" are the changes that will usher in dramatic changes in his life... especially in his personal life with Layla.

Expertly woven, this suspenseful mystery gathers together a list of characters that seem completely disassociated. The story's premise about a soldier's critical decision years ago and its future impact leading to a future climax becomes a stunning moral. How does truth open a doorway to peace?

Definitely a page turner...

MrsK

"I've asked God to forgive my sins,

even those I'm not sure I committed.

When the old guilty thoughts dance around the edges of my mind,

I tell them to beat it.

Ultimately, the power of life and death isn't in my hands anyway; it's in his."

Positively a "read it forward" book!

A story with such a punch that every book club should enjoy.

Meet the Author:

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

Saturday, August 20, 2016

The Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl

By Lis Wiehl

ISBN: 9780718037673

Publisher's Synopsis:

Television reporter Erica Sparks has just landed her dream job at Global News Network. Beautiful, talented, and ambitious, Erica grew up dirt poor, worked her way through Yale, and is carrying a terrible secret. She moves to Manhattan to join GNN, leaving Jenny, her adored 7-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband. Erica’s producer at the network, Greg Underwood, is handsome and compelling. Scarred by her divorce, Erica is wary of romance, but there’s no denying the mutual attraction.

On one of her first assignments, Erica witnesses a horrific Staten Island ferry crash. Then she lands a coveted interview with presumptive presidential nominee Kay Barrish. During the interview Barrish collapses. Erica valiantly tries to save her with CPR. The footage rivets the world—GNN’s ratings soar and Erica is now a household name.

But she’s troubled. What a strange coincidence that both events should happen on her watch. It’s almost as if they were engineered. Is that possible?

Erica’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her life and that of her daughter in danger. Her investigation leads her into the heart of darkness—where the future of our democracy is at stake.

MrsK's Review:

For Erica, it's her first day on her new job at Global News Network. With a "pinch-me" excitement she is ready to go and find that one perfect story. Beginning again is never easy, but with sobriety all things are possible. What should have been a simple story, Erica becomes entangled in a cyber-chase. She must unravel the destruction that took place at Staten Island. Was the ferry's computer hacked? Who would gain from such an unthinkable plot? Can GNN's IT man, Mark Benton, pin-point the cyber-terrorist? She needs an associate to guide her leads, can she trust Greg?

What kind of sick-o is out of control?

"GNN is not a safe place."

Nylan, is looking for a new face that will "transform" Global and stop the bleeding of his finances. He is a man that doesn't like any disappointments, inadequacies, or challengers. Erica is a perfect choice. With good looks and an ability to think on-the-spot, she is proving that as an anchor for her own show, millions will pour in.

Intrigue is an "inadequate" term for this fast-paced thriller. Characters are portrayed with so many facets that their personalities "eek" with intensity. This thriller takes so many turns that every chapter leads you towards another dead body. With an irresistible blend of instability and courage you will be wanting another Erica news story.

You will not be disappointed, there is no passiveness with this book!

MrsK

"...after my suspicions were aroused, I had denial.

Evil on this scale is hard to grasp."

Amazing read

Added to my shelf

Meet the Author:

Lis Wiehl is the author "Face of Betrayal," a New York Times Best Seller.
She has also written "Winning Every Time: How to Use the Skills of a Lawyer in the Trials of Your Life" and "The 51% Minority: How Women Still Are Not Equal and What You Can Do About It."
In addition to her written work, Wiehl is currently a legal analyst for Fox News. She has been with the network since 2001.
A graduate of Harvard Law School, Wiehl is an adjunct professor at New York Law School.

Learn more about Lis' books...

"I received this book for free from the Fiction Guild for this review."

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)