Two reviews: A mystery and a western romance
I thought I’d share a few more books I finished in January. A favorite mystery author and a never read before Western Romance author. First C. Hope Clark’s mystery.
Burned in Craven
I grabbed an e-book copy of C. Hope Clarks’ newest release Burned in Craven. It’s book 2 in the Craven County Mystery series. Former FBI agent, Private Investigator Quinn Sterling taking on the Craven County School Board. Leave it to Quinn to uncover evil intention that involve a few fires, and other dirty dealing.
I’m so impressed with Clark’s ability to take a simple set-up like a school board and turn it into a murder mystery with lots of unexpected twists and turns. As with all of Clark’s novels, the strong female lead grows and change as she discovers more about herself,. and love seems to bloom slowly.As with all of her books it’s sprinkled with lots of southern charm.
There is a distinct difference between southern culture and attitude and the rest of America. I enjoy dipping my foot into that setting as I travel with Quinn as she unravels a mystery that leads back to a nemesis that I suspect will be in future books in this series. Can’t wait to read those.
Three Widows of Wylder
Now for the new to me author Julie Howard and The Three Widows of Wylder. This is part of a 20 book series set in Wylder Wyoming. I have read none of this series before, but this could stand- alone so I wasn’t lost. It came out in October of 2021 and published through Wild Rose. I’ve read several books from this publisher and have always enjoyed them.
The storyline was so unique. The character of Clara was a nervous nelly and Mary Rose I wanted to slap. Rough around the edges, tomboy, savvy outdoorswoman, Emma had my heart as I followed the trio from Kansas to Colorado to Wylder Wyoming. All three are fleeing their past and Emma literally stumbles upon the other two in the wilderness and takes pity on their horse and agrees to help them get to Wyoming before she goes to Oregon.
At one point, I put the book down and asked myself if I really wanted to find out what happens to this rag-tag trio. I stayed up way too late to do just that. The ending made me laugh, which made up for how often Mary Rose and Clara irritated me. Such a fun read. This unique story would make a great movie. I look forward to reading more of Julie Howard’s books.
What books have you read so far this year?