The Competition By. Marcia Clark

The Competition – A Rachel Knight Novel is an entertaining summer read that kept me on my toes.  In the wake of a school shooting Knight and Keller join together to solve the how’s and why’s of this tragic crime.  I personally love mysteries that feature a female heroine and The Competition features two clever, resourceful and witty women.  A lead detective and a prosecutor, this team knows how to solve crimes and insure that criminals won’t get off on a technicality.  The criminals are well developed and researched, making the crimes believable, and the villains truly hideous. Full of suspense, twists, turns and a little bit of romance, this quick read will not disappoint. 

The Boleyn Reckoning By Laura Andersen

When I first picked up this book, I was drawn to the title alone.  I admit to being enamored by books about Ann Boleyn; so I admit even read the synopsis of what this book was about.  I requested it without a second thought, and was unbelievably excited when I was approved to review The Boleyn Reckoning.  This  folly left me completely lost as I read the first chapter .  I was eventually forced to go back and read the synopsis of the book.  After reading this I discovered that The Boleyn Reckoning, is the third book in a series of books about, what would have happened if Ann Boleyn had succeeded in producing a male heir.  Except for my initial confusing, which is of no fault of the author.  I found The Boleyn Reckoning to be easy to follow; even though it is the third book in the series and I haven't read the first two.  It's quite an intelligent piece of fiction, full of romance, betrayal, scheming, and honor.  I cannot wait to read the first two books in the series and any additional books that are published in the future.  If you like Tudor era books, you should give this series a try.

Jex Malone By. C.L. Gaber & V.C. Stanley

A new detective is in town and her name is Jex Malone.  Along with her fellow Drew-Ids, Jex seeks to solve the case that ripped her parent’s marriage apart.  The friends couldn’t be more different from one another; Jex is the sarcastically sassy one, Deva is the fashionista with funds, Cissy is the shy one, and Nat is the brains.  Together they create an unstoppable cold case-solving agency.

Jex has lived with her mother for most of her life, successfully escaping the court-mandated summers with her father.  The ignoring of court orders is swiftly put to an end with the threat of Jex’s mom having to do jail time.  So Jex gives into the courts and sets off for a summer with her father.  Jex Malone is a highly entertaining summer read, full of adventure, unlikely romance, and friendship. 

The Quick By, Lauren Owen

The Quick an intelligent mystery that left me genuinely surprised.  It’s a fiction novel that is refreshingly realistic.  I can’t wait to give this book to family and friends as a gift.  Taking place in Victorian London, this tale starts with a brother and sister.  James and Charlotte grow up close in their country home.  As they grow up James leaves for school, then London.  Leaving Charlotte to take care of their country home.  This novel has a realistic feel to it.  The realistic nature is what makes it so great.  I found the characters intriguing and had no trouble imagining the characters.  This novel is difficult to review without giving things away.  When the romance begins, just know that the book isn’t a romance novel.  If it were a romance novel, it would be a completely refreshing romance.  The Quick leans more towards the paranormal, secret society realm.