Blue Moon Mystery Saloon

The Lake Season

A Novel by Hannah McKinnon, Atria Books/Simon & Schuster, June 2015.

* An e-galley was provided by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster for an honest review.

  

The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE LAKE SEASON by Hannah McKinnon is like a fine wine. Give it time and it becomes rich and tasty and forms a aromatic bouquet of words and wisdom. The first time I read this story, I'll admit I wasn't too keen on the writing style. I balked at what I thought was too much telling and not enough showing. And I failed to appreciate the message of being brave enough to risk second chances. On giving this book another chance, I discovered a charming tale of family flaws, life changes and risking the dull familiar for a chance at a happier future.

Iris is at a crossroads in her life. She barely survives the day-to-day routine of getting her three kids ready for school, and with little sleep and even less finesse, she muddles through her responsibilities of mother, wife and fledgling business owner. On top of all this, her husband, Paul, wants a divorce. Iris thinks some time at her mom and dad's farm in New Hampshire will help her determine what to do next. So she leaves the kids with Paul and returns to her childhood home for some alone time. However, the turmoil surrounding her sister's upcoming wedding overshadows her need to heal. Though the farm has seen tremendous changes in the past few years, her family dynamics haven't changed at all, and Iris still feels like an outsider and second best to her younger sister. Little by little, she starts picking up the pieces of her old self, and by the end of summer, she's survived her family's secrets and lies to forge a new, happier future for herself and her family.

THE LAKE SEASON deals with serious issues of infidelity, trustworthiness, dysfunctional families and mental illness. It involves questions of how to be happy when it may hurt those you love, how to handle divorce when children are involved, and how to overcome feelings of inadequacy. Overall, the book is about believing in yourself, new beginnings and taking chances for a happier life.

This story is perfect for book clubs and would make a great vacation read. Take a chance on THE LAKE SEASON . It's a decision you won't regret.

If You Like This, You May Like: MYSTIC SUMMER by Hannah McKinnon, SUMMER WITH MY SISTERS by Holly Chamberlain, SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS by Jennifer Scott, THE ISLAND HOUSE by Nancy Thayer, FLIGHT PATTERNS by Karen White

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Deep Dark

A Tracers Novel (#10) by Laura Griffin, Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, Inc., May 2016. * An e-galley was provided by Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, Inc. and Edelweiss for an honest review. Deep Dark by Laura Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DEEP DARK is the first book I've read by Laura Griffin, and, WOW, it definitely won't be my last! This sophisticated page-turner pits a young computer forensics specialist and a seasoned Austin PD detective against a cyber criminal turned serial killer. The action is fast-paced, the plot intricate and the story believable and entertaining. I was sucked right into the suspense and couldn't stop reading until I reached the end.

The complex story involves the search for a cyber villain who latches onto the web info of young women and targets them for murder. Nothing links him to the crimes, and the police are baffled in solving the murders. A cat and mouse interplay between the murderer and the Austin PD ensues, and at times is hindered by police politics.

The main characters, Laney Knox, a 24-year-old, brilliant cybercrime expert at the Delphi Center, and Reed Novak, a 39-year-old, too serious Austin police detective, are both flawed and lonely. Constant work demands and long, inconsistent hours prevent either of them from developing any serious relationships. Although their chemistry is off the charts, they are, at first, hesitant to act on it. Since Laney was attacked in her home three years ago, she is constantly on guard and has trouble feeling safe anywhere. Trusting in anyone other than herself is a huge step for her. Reed's skeptical glare and wary personality make people uncomfortable and prevents anyone getting too close. He thinks Laney is beautiful, quirky and too young for him. She thinks Reed is good-looking, rigid and too by-the-book, and she likes to make him uncomfortable. Despite their differences, they need each other to find the serial killer who cyber-stalks his prey and brutally murders them in their homes.

You can't go wrong with DEEP DARK. The story is smart, intriguing and filled with interesting and well-developed primary and secondary characters. If you like suspense that keeps you guessing and a romance that's not a cliche, then you definitely don't want to miss DEEP DARK .

If You Like This Book, You May Like: Other books in the TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, MORGANS OF NASHVILLE and TEXAS RANGERS series by Mary Burton, FBI THRILLER BOOKS by Catherine Coulter, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DARKNESS by Karen Robards

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