A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas was one of my most anticipated audiobook releases for 2023. This is the seventh Lady Sherlock novel in the historical mysteries series featuring Charlotte Holmes. Thomas delivered as Charlotte and company find themselves on board the RMS Provence with her mother and a murderer. The game is afoot.

A Tempest at Sea
by Sherry Thomas
Series: Lady Sherlock #7
Narrator: Kate Reading
Length: 13 hours and 47 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x

Charlotte Holmes’s brilliant mind and deductive skills are pulled into a dangerous investigation at sea in the new mystery in the bestselling Lady Sherlock series.

After feigning her own death in Cornwall to escape from Moriarty’s perilous attention, Charlotte Holmes goes into hiding. But then she receives a tempting offer: Find a dossier the crown is desperately seeking to recover, and she might be able to go back to a normal life.

Her search leads her aboard the RMS Provence, sailing from Southampton for the eastern hemisphere. But on the night Charlotte makes her move to retrieve the dossier, in the midst of a terrifying storm in the Bay of Biscay, a brutal murder also takes place on the ship.

Instead of solving the crime, as she is accustomed to doing, Charlotte must take care not to be embroiled in this investigation, lest it become known to those who harbor ill intentions that Sherlock Holmes is abroad and still very much alive.

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While each of the novels in this series contains a mystery to solve, it is recommended that you listen/read in the order of their release. This review may contain spoilers to previous books, although I have taken pains to avoid them.

After the events of the previous book, Charlotte needs to slip away from Moriarty’s attention. When she receives a case to find a dossier for the crown, her investigations lead her to the Provence. With the help of her friends and sister, arrangements are made for the voyage.

From the moment they boarded, things go wrong, from previous scandals to Charlotte’s own mother boarding the ship. I of course, was all in. As they make plans to retrieve the dossier, a storm hits in the Bay of Biscay and someone commits murder.

Unlike previous stories, Charlotte cannot be in the investigation’s thick, since she is in hiding. If she isn’t careful, the investigator will uncover the fact that she is on board. Of course, this doesn’t stop her from investigating and carefully reading over the shorthand notes on the case. It was great fun, particularly when Charlotte’s mother seems like the likeliest suspect.

As always, the tale is rich with wonderful characters, lots of red herrings and plenty of mischief. From disguises to stolen kisses, I was swept out to sea.

Kate Reading does a marvelous job of narrating Charlotte Holmes and the rest of the cast. Her pacing and tones enhance the tale, making listening my preferred choice for this series.

Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, slow-burning romances, intriguing historical mystery and brilliant characters.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge
• COYER 2023 Upside Down
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/a-tempest-at-sea-by-sherry-thomas.html

Call of Chaos: Book One: The Chaos Reigns Saga is a captivating high fantasy novel that follows the journey of our half-elven protagonist, Kyrianna. She is an outcast from her own family, viewed as a betrayer to their name due to her loyalty to an enemy clan. Her father has disowned her, and she must also confront the elven discrimination from townsfolk who do not accept her kind. Trapped in a temple dedicated to Thynitic, The Lady of Chaos, Kyrianna and her companions are tasked with finding an ancient artifact before they can leave. As the search for the artifact continues, Kyrianna begins to suspect that there may be a deeper purpose to their journey. 

The novel is a compelling portrayal of inner and outer conflict, with an array of interesting and realistic characters. The scenic descriptions are vivid and immersive, taking readers on a journey through various landscapes, including the dragon mountains. The relationship between Kyrianna and her brother, Erudus, is paramount to the story of her redemption. Her trauma of being an outcast from her own family adds a dynamic layer to the saga, creating an emotional pull for readers who long for justice for Kyrianna. I was drawn in by Kyrianna’s call to a mission by a voice that only she could hear. This hook compelled me to keep reading, eager to find out what happens next in her journey. The cast of characters and their interactions with each other is another highlight of the novel, with wolves playing a significant part in the story.

Overall, lovers of fantasy will find The Call of Chaos to be a gripping read. This is an excellent start to what is sure to be an exciting series. I can not wait to see what adventures Carol Hightshoe takes readers on next.

Pages: 332 | ASIN : B00ZTEOWSS

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/13/call-of-chaos/

In an alternative timeline, Earth experienced World War 3 breaking out in the year 2005, leaving behind a small percentage of the population in smaller settlements around the world, struggling to survive. The divide between rich and poor has grown to the point that humans not of the upper class are considered disposable, and the world is focused on catering to those with money and power.

Lionel Eddy’s The Globalists is a hard science fiction novel that explores a world where a totalitarian government called Globalists has come to power. After the war, they took control of New London and implanted Microchips disguised as new, helpful technology in the remaining population. As a result, a group of young people, known as Team ZAP, rose up against them, risking everything to restore freedom to the people.

Eddy’s writing creates a vividly drawn world that grips readers from the start. The characters, especially Silver, are dynamic and relatable, making readers feel invested in their journey. The author masterfully blends heart-pounding action with powerful themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This thrilling and action-packed novel explores how far people are willing to go to restore freedom to the masses. Eddy’s storytelling makes readers feel like they are part of this rebellious group, fighting alongside the Team ZAP members as they face danger at every turn and try to restore the balance of the population that has been dominated by the super-rich side.

Overall, The Globalists is a captivating read that dystopian fiction fans will find engaging. Anyone who loves a good underdog story will enjoy following Silver on her journey as she battles for those who are tossed aside by those in control. Lionel Eddy’s work is a testament to the power of hope, friendship, and the will to fight against oppression.

Pages: 117 | ASIN : B0BSZHQCYQ

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/13/the-globalists/

Dr. Melissa Caudle’s Never Stop Running is a captivating novel that follows the life of a woman named Jackie who has experienced multiple lives but struggles to find meaning in her current one. Jackie, a school teacher, embarks on a school trip with her friend Beth and their respective classes. Tragically, the bus driver suffers a heart attack while en route to the museum, resulting in a fatal collision. Unfortunately, Jackie is the only one seriously injured and remains in a coma for several months before waking up with no memories of her past life.

The novel delves into the concept of past lives and regression therapy as Jackie attempts to recall her previous life before the accident by seeking out the source of her trauma. As she grapples with the memories of her past lives, she must also come to terms with her current family, who are strangers to her. Her husband David, mother Margarette, and two young sons, Tyler and Sebastian, one of whom has no recollection of her, add to her struggles.

Whether you believe in the notion of reincarnation or not, Never Stop Running is a mesmerizing tapestry of numerous tales. The book seamlessly weaves together not only the perspectives of the present characters but also those from Jackie’s past lives. The writing style is affected by the era in which the flashbacks occur, making the shifts in the timeline effortless and non-disruptive. Caudle expertly immerses the reader into Jackie’s world with her vivid descriptions and captivating characters.

Never Stop Running is a thrilling work of psychological fiction based on a true story. Readers follow along as Jackie discovers her soul mate in past lives and tries to come to terms with her current life and situation. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, as it is an enthralling and exhilarating read that will keep you engaged until the very end.

Pages: 283 | ASIN : B07MTTRJQK

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/13/never-stop-running/

To say that Kate’s divorce had been acrimonious would be a laughable understatement. In Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead by Eleanor Kelley, Kate’s ex-husband Harry has taken his money, the loyalties of their adult children, and Kate’s sense of worth regarding the past 25 years of her life. When Harry suddenly passes away after a debilitating stroke, Kate hopes to finally put all that hurt behind her. Instead, the arrival of an oddly familiar new “friend” and a series of bizarre events leaves Harry at the forefront of her mind. Did he fake his own death, or were there reasonable explanations for everything? Was Kate possibly going crazy? And how did Ettie, who breezed into town as all of this was starting, fit into the puzzle? Kate couldn’t stop until she knew.

As Kate tries to remain positive and live her life, she ruminates on all she’s lost- not only the years of her marriage and all that it meant but, more recently, the death of her beloved mother, which made Kate a relatable character. Yet, even at times when it all seems too much, Kate knows that the support system she has in the way of family and friends helps tremendously.

Kelley’s writing style is warm and engaging, making the characters feel like old friends. Although some of the characters could have been more developed, Kate’s relationships with her family and friends provide a comforting and grounding force throughout the book. The story itself is intriguing and full of twists and turns, with enough suspense to keep readers on edge. I found this book to be a page-turner that is hard to put down. The book is well worth the read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with plenty of intrigues. I couldn’t put the book down because I couldn’t wait to find out more, but by the end, there was so little explanation for anything it just left me wanting more.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead by Eleanor Kelley is deep, filled with dark family secrets, odd happenings, mystery, and intrigue; readers will keep guessing until the end.

Pages: 240 | ISBN : 9781639887972

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/13/before-the-devil-knows-youre-dead/

Scam at Old River
After a night out celebrating the conclusion of a successful assignment, computer forensic expert Jack Rhodes, wakes up with a beautiful woman in his bed, an almighty hangover, and someone is pounding on his door. He answers, and the large stranger asks for the woman by name. The stranger goes on the attack. Jack thinks he’s in the middle of a relationship drama.
Drawing on his martial arts training, Jack subdues the assailant. He calls the police, but not before learning the woman has hidden incriminating files from a dangerous man. When the police arrive, the woman has disappeared.
Through his connections on the force, Jack volunteers to go undercover and discover the truth. It becomes a dark and menacing path into the hidden underbelly of San Francisco’s business and criminal element where murder, exploitation, fraud, and betrayal are a way of life. He needs to make the connections, get the proof he needs and find the woman fast. But to do so means facing his demons, a darkness within, and a past he cannot escape.

Scam at Five Mile Road
Jack Rhodes’ latest assignment seems straightforward. Investigate Link Industries’ Plymouth factory in Michigan, locate the company’s missing money, track for possible theft, and investigate the deaths of three men. The company’s current management says there’s a possible systems glitch, no stock is missing, and the deaths are tragic accidents, nothing more. But the company owner and Jack’s sometimes lover, Stella West, disagrees.
Once he arrives at the facility, it’s clear not everyone is happy about his arrival. After a string of near misses, it is evident that someone wants him out of the picture and is not afraid to get their hands dirty.
As Jack closes in on the culprit, he inadvertently places everyone he comes in contact with in danger. If he doesn’t get results fast, there’ll be more to lose than the factory and the people he cares for. This time, there won’t be any escape from the darkness within.

Scam at Mount Diablo
Computer forensic expert, Jack Rhodes, doesn’t go looking for trouble … but it always seems to find him! Even on the first visit to his latest assignment, investigating a straightforward case checking warehouse management software, it’s clear that someone wants to scare him off. Throw into the mix a dangerous connection to one of San Francisco’s most notorious crime families, an ex-director of Mossad, and an illegal trading platform, and it’s not long before Jack finds himself fighting for his life in a 3am attack on his uncle’s Mt. Diablo ranch, from a group of highly trained international mercenaries.
Adding to the drama, there’s a serial killer heading towards San Francisco, and his sometimes-lover, Stella West, is a perfect fit for the victim profile.
Unassuming and always underestimated, Jack has to rely on his extensive MMA fighting skills, his next-level data analysis, and sharp, logical mind, to protect the innocent. But what if his data is incomplete? Who can he trust, and who will be the next victim?

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/13/the-scam-series/