Crazy Mountain Kiss

Crazy Mountain Kiss
Keith McCafferty
received by publisher in exchange for fair review













This is a great read for those who love thrillers. I've not read this series before, and you don't need to for following. I find that a great plus when a series can function as stand alones as well.

When a cabin renter climbs to the roof to unclog a chimney, he finds a Santa's hat blocking it, thinking just removing it and some sticks stuffed in by a crow will solve the blockage issue. Never did he expect to find the body of missing teen rodeo star Cinderella Huntington's eyeless face staring up at him.

Sheriff Martha Ettinger and her crew arrive to remove the body and start an investigation into what happened to this much loved local celebrity. P.I. Sean Stranahan is hired by Cindy's mother Etta, who is quite the celebrity herself. Her husband and Cindy's step father, Jasper Fey is the epitome of cowboy, serving as a consultant to movies is hotheaded and a tough cookie. Cindy went missing along with sometime ranch hand and teen friend Landon Anker. Is he a suspect or victim of foul play? What starts to be uncovered is quite the crazy web of coincidence and town connections.

Was Cindy murdered? Was this just a horrid accident? Martha and Sean plow through leads that take them on an expedition of quirky characters. Not always a gasp filled adventure, there were times that I held my breath. My only gag issue was with Martha and the ME. Since she seems to enjoy romantic endeavors with co-workers, the ME seemed to think she might be up to a romp. That's all I'll say about it other than not necessary. The lead characters don't stir downright love, but it isn't a deterrent. I like Mr. McCafferty's writing style and recommend this book.

3 1/2 cannolis

Somebody I Used To Know

Somebody I used To Know
by, David Bell
received by publisher in exchange for review















This was a decent thriller for me. Right out of the gate it grabs you, which is a major plus. I love when the game is on right from the get go!

Nick Hansen lives a quiet life. He's a social worker, a rescuer of an aged dog, divorced, and trying to be a good step-dad to his ex's son Andrew. While at the grocery store,  he's knocked for a major loop when he sees a young girl who is the spitting image of his college girlfriend who died in a campus fire that claimed her and three other young lives.

When he attempts to speak to her and ask if she is related to the family in any way, she bolts like he's some crazed killer. Well, the next morning the police show up at his door thinking he may just be that! It seems this young girl was murdered in her motel room and of all the wacky coincidences, his name and number was in her possession.

What ensues is a  major hunt by Nick with the help of his friend Laurel. He starts digging into the past, what took place the night of that horrid fire and the days before it. Sometimes the truth is more bizarre then lies and for Nick, it might have been better to just leave well enough alone.

I enjoyed reading this book. It got a little slow at times, but not enough for me to give up on it. The ties throughout and the mystery right through to the end make for great thriller ingredients. Easy reading thanks to smooth writing, great character description, always a plus for me.

3 1/2 cannolis