I love a good detective murder mystery and was drawn to The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White. Narrated by Carly Robins, a discovery of bones opens up a fifty-year-old cold case and upturns the lives of everyone in this riveting thriller.

The Unquiet Bones
by Loreth Anne White
Narrator: Carly Robins
Length: 11 hours and 24 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

A shocking discovery of human bones reopens an almost fifty-year-old cold case—and rips apart the lives of a group of friends—in a riveting novel by Loreth Anne White, the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Maid’s Diary.

When human bones are found beneath an old chapel in the woods, evidence suggests the remains could be linked to the decades-old case of missing teen Annalise Jansen.

Homicide detective Jane Munro—pregnant and acutely attuned to the preciousness of life—hopes the grim discovery will finally bring closure to the girl’s family. But for a group of Annalise’s old friends, once dubbed the Shoreview Six by the media, it threatens to expose a terrible pledge made on an autumn night forty-seven years ago.

The friends are now highly respected, affluent members of their communities, and none of them ever expected the dark chapter in their past to resurface. But as Jane and forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Quinn peel back the layers of secrets, the group begins to fracture. Will one cave? Will they turn on each other?

The investigation takes a sharp turn when Jane discovers a second body—that of the boy long blamed for Annalise’s disappearance. As the bones tell their story, the group learns just how far each will go to guard their own truth.

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Homicide detective Jane Munro and forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Quinn use their skills to solve a decades old cold case and bring closer to the family. This was an interesting case with a group of friends known as the Shoreview Six, that are unhappy that things are being stirred up again.

Homocide Detective Munro has a lot on her plate. Her fiancé is missing, and he doesn’t even know she carries their child. She is more than ready to lose herself in the case, and it proved to be an interesting one from the town’s reaction to the explosive conclusion.

The Six have kept the secret of what happened forty-seven years ago and moved on. They’ve built their careers, have families and want this to all go away. What unfolded was a fast-paced tale with twists. Some I didn’t even see coming. It was clever, and I cheered Jane on as she methodically pieced the clues together.

Carly Robins narrates and did a stellar job bringing voice to Jane and the others. If you are a member of KindleUnlimited, you can listen to the audio, and I highly recommend it.

If you’re drawn to well-developed characters and perfectly executed murder mysteries, you’ll want to grab The Unquiet Bones. I am looking forward to exploring more of this author’s work.

Amazon* | Audible

*kindleunlimited

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/the-unquiet-bones-by-loreth-anne-white.html

Detective Joe Erickson, a dedicated officer with the Chicago Police Department, confronts yet another challenging case in Lynn-Steven Johanson’s latest novel. Tasked with investigating a potential crime scene involving a burned pickup truck and two charred bodies, Erickson and his team delve into a mystery fraught with intrigue and danger. As suspicions of murder arise, Erickson’s meticulous approach uncovers a tangled web of relationships and secrets. The discovery of the victims’ identities, Gina Whitmore and Perry Gardiner leads to revelations about their unconventional lives and involvement in illicit activities. With each twist and turn, Johanson skillfully constructs a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Johanson’s background as a playwright shines through in the narrative’s depth and complexity. The thematic richness of the novel, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, love, and substance abuse, adds layers of intrigue to the gripping plot. The attention to detail displayed by Erickson and his fellow officers underscores their commitment to justice, making for a compelling read. Among the cast of characters, Detective Joe Erickson emerges as a standout, his blend of people skills and compassion endearing him to readers. Gina Whitmore, with her enigmatic persona, adds an element of mystery to the story, her complexities unraveling gradually as the plot unfolds. The impeccable character development, coupled with the novel’s captivating storyline, ensures that readers are fully immersed in the world Johanson has created.

Johanson’s crime novel, Sins Revealed: A Joe Erickson Mystery, is a thrilling and thought-provoking read. It skillfully weaves together suspense, drama, and human emotion. For aficionados of the genre, this book is a must-read.

Pages: 271 | ASIN : B0CV7KSNYN

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/25/sins-revealed-a-joe-erickson-mystery/

In Dancing with Demons, author Patricia Easteal delves into the turbulent and poignant world of abuse, resilience, trauma, and the journey towards healing, as told through the life of her protagonist known by the moniker ‘Triple F’ – Franny, Frankie, and Francine. Easteal’s work is a profound exploration of the complexities of surviving trauma, particularly in contexts rife with abuse, addiction, and violence.

The novel is uniquely structured, unfolding Triple F’s narrative in stages that mark her descent into darkness and her subsequent steps toward reclaiming her life. Easteal skillfully brings to light the non-linear path of healing, particularly emphasizing the intricacies of a 12-step program. She portrays recovery as a multifaceted journey, one that requires the protagonist to confront and reconcile with deep-seated inner turmoil. Even as Francine makes strides in her healing process, Easteal realistically presents the lasting impacts of her past, highlighting that growth often involves grappling with ingrained behaviors and responses shaped by prior adversities.

The dynamic between Francine and her therapist, Dr. Jaye, is a key element in the narrative, showcasing the therapeutic process as a means of self-reflection and empowerment. Dr. Jaye’s role in Francine’s story emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one’s healing journey, a central theme in Dancing with Demons. This book presents a refreshing and inventive structure, deftly weaving together various narrative styles. At times, the book adopts a theatrical approach, akin to a play, and in other moments, it shifts to a more enlightening tone reminiscent of a textbook or self-help guide. This innovative blend of styles offers a unique reading experience that diverges from traditional novel storytelling, inviting readers to embrace a new and engaging way of exploring the narrative.

Dancing with Demons is a thought-provoking book that urges readers to embrace their past and acknowledge the experiences that have shaped them. By accepting our history, we can begin a journey toward self-discovery and personal growth. The book highlights the importance of facing our demons and not shying away from the challenges of confronting our past. Through the power of storytelling, Dancing with Demons inspires readers to take control of their lives and embrace their true selves.

Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0CX9BMWTY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/25/dancing-with-demons/

A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid intertwines the ordinary and the extraordinary, blending the lives of a quintessentially American family with a group of bank robbers, culminating in a suspenseful encounter with the supernatural. The narrative unfolds from two distinct perspectives, creating a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience. The book opens with a family – Malcolm, Helena, and David – who find themselves in a nightmarish scenario, encountering a werewolf on a desolate road. This traumatic experience serves as the reader’s introduction to the paranormal elements that permeate the story. The narrative then shifts to Jeremy, a character freshly released from prison. Despite his aspirations to leave his criminal past behind, he finds himself drawn back into that world by his friend Stephen and Stephen’s girlfriend, Natalie. This decision leads them to face unexpected and otherworldly consequences.

Lucid excels in pacing, crafting a narrative that is both brisk and captivating, making it an ideal read for those looking to immerse themselves in a story in one sitting. Jeremy, as a character, is particularly well-rendered, embodying a blend of vulnerability and resilience that makes him a compelling protagonist. His moral complexity adds depth to the narrative, presenting him as flawed yet fundamentally decent. The portrayal of trauma and its diverse impacts on individuals is a standout aspect of Lucid’s writing. The characters’ varied responses to their traumatic experiences are depicted with a sense of authenticity. For instance, while Jeremy grapples with lost self-confidence, Natalie turns to adrenaline-fueled activities for solace. These personal struggles inadvertently summon the supernatural forces that thrive on their fears and anxieties. While the novel effectively delves into these psychological themes, it leaves certain areas underexplored. The backstory involving Iraq, for instance, feels like a missed opportunity for deeper character development, particularly for Natalie, whose character at times feels limited in dimensionality. A more thorough exploration of this aspect could have enriched the narrative and offered a more nuanced understanding of her character.

A Beast Within is an engaging read for those who relish a blend of suspense, the supernatural, and psychological depth. Lucid’s storytelling is marked by a compelling plot twist that adds to the book’s overall entertainment value. Recommended for fans of thrillers and supernatural fiction, this novel is a testament to the exciting possibilities of genre blending.

Pages: 116 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJP9ND4N

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/25/a-beast-within/

In Do You Believe in Magic?, the first book of Jim Melvin’s The Dark Circles Trilogy, young readers are introduced to Charlie Magus, a 13-year-old boy who stumbles upon a mystical waterfall in South Carolina that serves as a portal to the enchanting realm of Pacchann. This discovery launches Charlie and his friends into a world where magic and danger are intricately intertwined, and a prophecy highlights Charlie’s significance in this new world.

Melvin’s narrative style is a standout feature of the novel. His rich, descriptive language paints vivid scenes, making it easy for readers, especially tweens, to immerse themselves in the story. This clarity is crucial for younger audiences to navigate the plot’s complexities. Some might initially find the pace slow, but this deliberateness is a testament to Melvin’s thorough world-building, ensuring every detail contributes to the story’s overall progression. As the plot unfolds, it transforms into an absorbing journey that maintains reader engagement through to the end. Though aimed at a younger demographic, Do You Believe in Magic? Has a universal appeal. As an adult reader, I found the narrative’s depth engaging. The characters, including Charlie, Virgil, Zola, and Garrick, are crafted with relatable and likable qualities, anchoring the fantastical elements in a relatable human experience. The novel’s use of pop culture references and occasional authorial asides may divide opinion, but they add to the authenticity of a genuine young adult reading experience.

This first installment sets a high bar for the trilogy with its captivating storytelling and promise of adventure and enchantment. Melvin captures the quintessential experiences of tween life, from self-discovery to social challenges, making it relevant and enjoyable for its target audience. Do You Believe in Magic? is an engaging entry into fantasy for middle-grade readers and those who appreciate immersive, magical worlds.

Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C5LBJV6F

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/25/do-you-believe-in-magic/

My AfroRican State of Soul: A Journey of Identidad, Struggle, Love & Faith takes readers on a journey with you of self-discovery and an exploration of what it means to identify as multicultural through your poetry. Why was this an important collection for you to share?

I firmly believe in the transformative power of storytelling. It possesses the remarkable ability to not only save lives and resolve conflicts but also to unite communities and, yes, even foster love between individuals. My poetry collection serves as a testament to the authentic narratives of my upbringing in a ghetto where resources were scarce. From the trials I’ve faced to the unexpected love I discovered for an absent father, each verse reflects the experiences that have shaped my identity.

It was essential for me to share these stories, mirroring the tradition of tribes and ancestors passing down their tales. Our stories are the threads that weave together our collective history, filled with both pain and joy. Through sharing our stories, we find solace, healing, and rediscover ourselves. With decades of development behind me, I’ve finally compiled these experiences into a book to share with the world, especially those who grapple with their true identity, battle imposter syndrome and systemic racism, and those that still believe deeply that love is the ultimate answer.

Can you share the name of a poem that holds a special place in your heart? 

Numerous poems in my collection hold a special place in my heart, but as I reflect on them now, one particular piece stands out: “Mama’s Love Songs”.

If so, what makes it so meaningful to you? 

What makes “Mama’s Love Songs” particularly poignant to me is the unwavering commitment it embodies. Despite enduring abuse, heartbreaks, and loss in her own love life, my mother remained resolute in her devotion to showering her sons with love. Through her pain, she sang melodies of love, nurturing us into compassionate men even in the absence of a partner to call her own. Her five boys became her world, and she would often declare, “No man will ever come between my boys and me.” Even now, I can still feel the overwhelming warmth of her love enveloping me.

Do you plan to write any more collections?

Yes.

If so, what topics will your next work focus on and when can readers expect its publication? 

I’m in the process of crafting a collection of bilingual love poems that delve into various forms of love — for our children, parents, friends, siblings, and even strangers. It’s an exploration of how we nurture love in a world where hate seems to lurk around every corner, saturating our news media and perpetuating societal divisions rooted in classism.

Though I don’t have a precise release date yet, I’m aiming for the beginning of 2025. Securing a publisher might expedite the process, potentially bringing the publication date forward.

Author links: Website | TikTok

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/25/keeping-traditions-alive/