Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page.
We share what books that we found in our mailboxes last week. (the past two weeks)
Prayers and Lies
by Sherri Wood Emmons (ARC) ~ When seven-year-old Bethany meets her six-year-old cousin Reana Mae, it's the beginning of a kinship of misfits that saves both from a 
bone-deep loneliness. Every summer, Bethany and her family leave Indianapolis for West Virginia's Coal River Valley. For Bethany's mother, the trips are a reminder of the coalmines and grinding poverty of her childhood, of a place she'd hoped to escape. But her loving relatives, and Bethany's friendship with Reana Mae, keep them coming back.But as Bethany grows older, she realizes that life in this small, close-knit community is not as simple as she once thought. . .that the riverside cabins that hold so much of her family's history also teem with scandalous whispers. . .and that those closest to her harbor unimaginable secrets. Amid the dense woods and quiet beauty of the valley, these secrets are coming to light at last, with a force devastating enough to shatter lives, faith, and the bond that Bethany once thought would last forever. Spanning four decades, Sherri Wood Emmons' debut is a haunting, captivating novel about the unexpected, sometimes shocking events that thrust us into adulthood--and the connections that keep us tethered, always, to our pasts. Release date: Feb 1st.Afraid of the Dark
by James Grippando (ARC) ~ Then: Sergeant Vince Paulo held his best friend Chuck Mays’s daughter, McKenna, bleeding in his arms as she uttered the name of her murderer and ex-boyfriend: Jamal. That was minutes before a blast made everything go black for Vince—forever. Now: Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck is trying to save Jamal from the death penalty for terrorist activity. Despite urgent warnings to stay away from the case from his fiancé, undercover FBI agent Andie Henning, Jack finds himself inextricably drawn to Jamal’s past—eager to believe his alibi that he was abducted and held captive in Prague at the time of McKenna’s death. But, if Jamal is innocent, then the man who murdered McKenna and took Vince’s sight is still out there . . . free. When bodies begin piling up, ghosts from the past reappear very much alive, and ominous notes and phone calls arrive from a faceless man known only as “The Dark,” Vince, Jack, and Chuck realize they are facing a deadly danger that goes beyond McKenna’s death and crosses international waters. Embarking on a journey to piece together the past, the men are led through the back alleys of London, onto illegal internet sites, and straight into pure evil. Afraid of the Dark will keep readers guessing—with the lights on—until the shocking end. Release date: March 22nd
by James Grippando (ARC) ~ Then: Sergeant Vince Paulo held his best friend Chuck Mays’s daughter, McKenna, bleeding in his arms as she uttered the name of her murderer and ex-boyfriend: Jamal. That was minutes before a blast made everything go black for Vince—forever. Now: Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck is trying to save Jamal from the death penalty for terrorist activity. Despite urgent warnings to stay away from the case from his fiancé, undercover FBI agent Andie Henning, Jack finds himself inextricably drawn to Jamal’s past—eager to believe his alibi that he was abducted and held captive in Prague at the time of McKenna’s death. But, if Jamal is innocent, then the man who murdered McKenna and took Vince’s sight is still out there . . . free. When bodies begin piling up, ghosts from the past reappear very much alive, and ominous notes and phone calls arrive from a faceless man known only as “The Dark,” Vince, Jack, and Chuck realize they are facing a deadly danger that goes beyond McKenna’s death and crosses international waters. Embarking on a journey to piece together the past, the men are led through the back alleys of London, onto illegal internet sites, and straight into pure evil. Afraid of the Dark will keep readers guessing—with the lights on—until the shocking end. Release date: March 22nd
Three
by Ted Dekker (for review) ~ Dekker delivers another page-turner with this psychological Christian thriller about 
Kevin Parson, a 28-year-old seminary student who suddenly becomes the target of an evil nemesis called Slater. Obsessed both with Kevin's downfall and the number 3, Slater initiates a game in which Kevin must answer riddles to avoid Slater's destructive, potentially murderous retribution. Slater particularly wants Kevin to publicly confess a secret sin, and Kevin is at a loss as to what that sin might be. Once Dekker establishes this premise, he masterfully takes readers on a ride full of plot twists and turns. Not only does he spin a compelling tale of cat and mouse, but he also creates a narrative world in which it's possible that no one is quite who he or she seems. Dekker gradually discloses his protagonist's nightmarish childhood and delivers an almost perfect blend of suspense, mystery and horror. Dekker's prose is strong, putting him in a league above many other evangelical Christian writers and showing improvement over his previous work. Aside from following certain Christian fiction guidelines such as making his gorgeous 20-something characters entirely virginal, Dekker eschews most of the conventions of evangelical fiction. His spiritual message is subtle and devoid of the theologically and politically conservative agenda present in other novels.
At the Crossroads of Terror
by Lenny Emanuelli (for review) ~ What would you do if.... You were being hunted by a gang of killers? These killers are holding your best friend captive. You are also being hunted by the police for a murder you did not commit. Would you run? Would you fight? Who do you turn to for help? Surely not a person you don t trust? Or a person you believe has ulterior motives. These are just some of the situations that haunt Charlie Johnson that he needs to
answer. What he does to overcome these and many more obstacles might surprise you and are answered in this new suspenseful romantic thriller. Charlie Johnson, a man suspected of killing a local merchant, reluctantly teams up with a television street reporter, Sherry Mann, trying to prove, he is innocent which takes them both deep into the world of an organized Asian street gang, who is on the verge of making their biggest stride, in their drug business. At the Crossroads of Terror is a very contemporary action filled thriller that crosses over to many genres. The story captures action, crime, suspense, and romance with a touch of comedy. It has it all, which can be a real advantage to the reader, who longs for a touch of reality and believability in their fictional reading. The book will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. We believe this novel would make a blockbuster movie someday. The book is also working with RAINN, a non-profit organization helping victims of sexual assault. Each book comes with a RAINN bracelet and a donation is made to RAINN. 
Hell's Corner
by David Baldacci (for review) ~ John Carr, aka Oliver Stone-once the most skilled assassin his country 
ever had-stands in Lafayette Park in front of the White House, perhaps for the last time. The president has personally requested that Stone serve his country again on a high-risk, covert mission. Though he's fought for decades to leave his past career behind, Stone has no choice but to say yes.Then Stone's mission changes drastically before it even begins. It's the night of a state dinner honoring the British prime minister. As he watches the prime minister's motorcade leave the White House that evening, a bomb is detonated in Lafayette Park, an apparent terrorist attack against both leaders. It's in the chaotic aftermath that Stone takes on a new, more urgent assignment: find those responsible for the bombing.British MI-6 agent Mary Chapman becomes Stone's partner in the search for the unknown attackers. But their opponents are elusive, capable, and increasingly lethal; worst of all, it seems that the park bombing may just have been the opening salvo in their plan. With nowhere else to turn, Stone enlists the help of the only people he knows he can trust: the Camel Club. Yet that may be a big mistake.In the shadowy worlds of politics and intelligence, there is no one you can really trust. Nothing is really what it seems to be. And Hell's Corner truly lives up to its name. This may be Oliver Stone's and the Camel Club's last stand. Dukes to the Left of Me, Princes to the Right (Impossible Bachelor)
by Kieran Kramer (for review) ~
Most women would not be pleased to be labeled a spinster. But Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes isn’t most women. In fact, Poppy has invented an imaginary fiancé, the Duke of Drummond, to deter unwanted suitors. A very useful fellow, this 
duke, until the real Drummond turns up and uses Poppy’s ploy to trap her in a betrothal. A good spy flies below the radar. Which is why being named one of the Prince Regent’s “Impossible Bachelors” is so inconvenient for Nicholas Staunton. Every society female will be out to ensnare him. Nicholas needs a fiancée—and Poppy’s ruse is the answer. How could he have known she’d be a brazen, sensual siren with an irresistible taste for adventure? Now nothing less will do than to convince his fiery Poppy to revoke her spinster status…for good.
Not That Kind of Girl
by Susan Donovan (for review) ~ Roxanne Bloom is through with love. Fresh on the heels of a bad 
break-up, she’s decided to devote all her time to her man-slamming website—and her man-hating dog, Lilith. But this pit-bull-Boxer is so good at unleashing her fury (and her owner’s) that the male victims keep piling up…and now it’s time to get some sensitivity training. Enter Eli Gallagher, one of the best—and hottest—canine experts in town. The more Eli gets to know Roxie, the more he senses that she’s been hurt by men in the past—just like her dog. With a little gentle prodding, and a whole lot of patience, Eli hopes to gain Roxie’s trust and soothe her broken heart. Eli can see that Roxie’s bark is way worse than her bite. But she’s not putting her guard down just yet—even if she is falling deeply, madly, doggedly in love with him...
Sinister Sprinkles: A Donut Shop Mystery (Donut Shop Mysteries)
by Jessica Beck (for review) ~ Just in time for the Winter Festival, a glistening layer of snow has covered the streets of April Springs, North Carolina. Of course, it reminds 
donut shop owner Suzanne Hart of sweet delicious frosting. But her visions of sugar plums plummet when her ex’s ex-girlfriend gets iced …
Vampires Not Invited: A Night Tracker Novel
by Cheyenne McCray (for review) ~
Vampire attacks are on the rise in the city that never sleeps. So why is half-human, half-Drow private eye Nyx tracking down Sprites? Sure, these “young bloods” are causing mischief all over town—like painting the Statue of Liberty’s toenails neon pink. But it’s not until Nyx finds herself at the Pit, Manhattan's hottest nightclub for paranorms, that she understands what she’s really up against…Seems Master Vampire Volod has a plan—and the Sprites are in on it. By targeting the weaknesses of every paranorm in the city, from Elves to Shifters to Zombies, Volod and his fang gang aim to rule the night once and for all. Over Nyx’s dead body. She loves a good challenge—and she will seduce danger at every turn to throw Volod off course. It’s time for Nyx to enter the beating heart of this dark conspiracy…before driving a stake through it.
Bone Gods (Black London)
by Caitlin Kittredge (for review) ~ Witch hunts are on the rise and supernatural turf wars are reaching a boiling point. Then, just when it seems life couldn’t get any worse for Pete, Jack reappears—but he’s no longer 
the man she’s always known. Hell has changed him forever. And he’s brought back with him a whole world of trouble…A cabal of necromancers are using ancient, unspeakable magic to turn the tide of war in their favor. Then, as the city is about to sink into chaos, Pete receives a chilling directive: To end the war, you must kill the crow-mage. Beset from all sides, Pete finds herself turning to an unholy source for help…even if doing so could destroy Black London—and life as she knew it—once and for all.
The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship
by Lisa Verge Higgins (ARC, for review) ~ 
Rachel Braun was the inspiration to her group of friends, the one who lived each day to the fullest - and the one whose life was cut tragically short. Upon her untimely death, Rachel left letters for her three best friends challenging them to face their biggest fears. Sarah, an international relief worker, must travel half way around the world to track down the only man she ever loved. Stay-at-home mom Kate must confront her fear of heights by skydiving and soon finds that her new hobby is affecting her once-tranquil marriage. And Jo, a media mogul voted 'least likely to breed', is given the most terrifying assignment of all: caring for Rachel's orphaned and grieving little girl. Even as these women mourn Rachel's passing, her legacy lives on and their lives are enriched by a friend who, in many ways, knew them better than they knew themselves. Release date: Jan 26th
His Other Wife: A Novel
by Deborah Bedford (ARC, for review) ~ New York Times bestselling author Deborah Bedford sweeps readers into this compelling drama with her trademark style of beautiful, lyrical writing. Since her divorce from Eric, Hilary has done everything she can to control life for herself and her son. Beneath a calm surface, she is terrified of failing Seth. She's worked hard to raise him on her own, and she's succeeded--he's now set to graduate from high 
school and enroll at the University of Illinois with a full scholarship. But Hilary's worst fears are realized when there is a rock-climbing accident at a post-graduation campout. A young girl is hurt, and Seth is arrested. Pamela, Eric's new wife and Seth's stepmother, blames Hilary for letting Scott go to the campout in the first place. With Seth's college scholarship now just a distant memory and his entire future at stake, the two women must come together for Seth's sake. Is Hilary's love strong enough to save her son and release him to her ex-husband's other wife? Release date: Feb 11th
The Secret Lives of Dresses
by Erin McKean (ARC, for review) ~ Dora has always taken the path of least resistance. She went to the college that offered her a scholarship, is majoring in "vagueness studies," and wears whatever shows the 
least dirt. She falls into a job at the college coffee shop, and a crush on her flirty boss, Gary. Just when she's about to test Gary's feelings, Mimi, the grandmother who raised her, suffers a stroke. Dora rushes back home to Forsyth, NC, and finds herself running her grandmother's vintage clothing store. The store has always been a fixture in Dora's life; though she grew up more of a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of girl, before she even knew how to write, Mimi taught her that a vintage 1920s dress could lift a woman's spirit. While working there, Dora befriends Mimi's adorable contractor, Conrad. Is he after Dora, or is working from a different blueprint? And why did Mimi start writing down--and giving away--stories of the dresses in her shop? When Mimi dies, Dora can't get out of town fast enough and cedes control of the store to her money-hungry aunt who wants to turn it into a t-shirt shop for tourists. But ultimately, she returns to Forsyth, willing to battle whatever may stand in the way of her staying there. Dora can trade her boring clothes for vintage glamour, but can she trade her boring life for one she actually wants? Release date: Feb 10th.
A Crafty Killing (Victoria Square Mystery)
by Lorraine Bartlett (ARC, for review) ~ The last thing Katie Bonner wanted was to become the manager of Artisans Alley. But when her business partner, Ezra Hilton, is found bludgeoned to death,
she has no other choice. Business under Ezra has been faltering-but was it enough to provoke someone to murder? Only Kate can find the answer. Release date Feb 1st.
Diagnosis Death - Prescription for Trouble Series #3
by Richard Mabry (review, ARC) ~ When her comatose husband dies in the ICU while on life support, the whispers about Dr. Elena Gardner begin. Another death during her training puts her under suspicion. When the pattern is repeated in the hospital where she is attempting to start over, the whispers turn into a shout: “mercy killing.” What is the dark secret that keeps Allison’s lips sealed when she should be defending herself? Despite her move to a new city, the midnight phone calls that started after her husband’s death follow Elena. Who is the woman who sobs out, “I know what you did?” What does she mean by “You’ll pay?” And what can Elena do to prevent it? Two physicians, widowers themselves, offer support, telling Elena they know what she is going through after the death of her husband. But do they? And is it safe to trust either of them with her secret? April 11th
On Maggie's Watch
by Ann Wertz Garvin (for review) ~ Maggie Finley has returned with her husband from the big city to her Wisconsin hometown, where she reunites with her best friend and awaits the any-minute-now birth of her baby. She's determined to create a safe haven on Hemlock Road, a neighborhood that has always meant security, community, and love. One way to do that: resurrect the defunct Neighborhood Watch program. The Watch folks are mostly concerned with dog poop and litterbugs. But Maggie's done some digging and discovered a potential threat living just around the corner-a threat that must be eradicated. And the more Maggie tries to take control, the more out of control she gets...
Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls (Ghost Hunter Mysteries, No. 5)
by Victoria Laurie (for review) ~ When M.J. Holliday and the crew of her cable TV show, Ghoul Getters, venture to the haunted ruins of Dunlow Castle in 
Ireland, drawn by the legend of hidden treasure, they hope the road will rise up to meet them, that the wind will always be at their backs-and that the resident phantom won't push them off a cliff. If they treasure their lives, M.J. and her ghost busters need to get the drop on the menacing phantom... Jan 4th
Murder Your Darlings: Algonquin Round Table Mystery
by J.J. Murphy (for review) ~ One 
morning legendary wit Dorothy Parker discovers someone under Manhattan's famed Algonquin Round Table. A little early for a passed out drunk, isn't it? But he's not dead drunk, just dead. When a charming writer from Mississippi named Billy Faulkner becomes a suspect in the murder, Dorothy decides to dabble in a little detective work, enlisting her literary cohorts. It's up to the Algonquins to outwit the true culprit-preferably before cocktail hour-and before the clever killer turns the tables on them. Release date: Jan 4th.
Stay Tuned for Murder: A Talk Radio Mystery
by May Kennedy (for review) ~ Maggie's radio show has been getting a boost in ratings ever since Madame Chantal, who claims to talk to dead
people, started her regular guest appearance. But when two women are killed after a séance, it's up to Maggie to catch the culprit before she winds up on the other side... Release date: Jan 4th.
Catch Her If You Can (A SAMANTHA SPADE MYSTERY)
by Merline Lovelace (for review) ~ 
USAF Lieutenant Samantha Spade is in the heat of the west Texas desert testing a dog-like robot for military use, when the device leads her and her team to a pick-up truck. The driver comes at them with a gun-and is shot in self-defense by Sam's friend. And then a gruesome discovery is made: three human heads in a cooler in the back of the truck. Because the dead man was on the FBI's most wanted list, Sam stands to get a hefty reward. Too bad the technology to keep her shady ex-husband from sniffing out cash has yet to be invented. His appearance, along with frightening issues from her boyfriend's past, make it hard to tell just who is responsible for the pipe-wielding thug who attacks her. All Sam knows is that her luck has taken a doggone turn for the worse... Release date: Jan 4th.
Thieves! (A Vicky Hill Exclusive!)
by Hannah Dennison (for review) ~ When the body of a woman is found in a shallow stream, aspiring investigative journalist Vicky Hill suspects there's a connection between the murder and the strong of 
recent silver thefts plaguing the small town of Gipping-on-Plym. And since both her boss and the local police refuse to investigate, Vicky takes on the case by herself-and she's determined to uncover the answers and clinch her fourth national exclusive! Release date: Jan 4th.
Buttercream Bump Off (Cupcake Bakery Mystery)
by Jenn McKinlay (for review) ~ Melanie 
Cooper and Angie DeLaura's Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel's mother. Now Mom's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man's shady past and discover who served him his just desserts. Release date: Jan 4th.
Buffalo West Wing (A White House Chef Mystery)
by Julie Hyzy (for review) ~ With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a "no-wing" situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets. Release date: Jan 4th.
by Kieran Kramer (for review) ~ Most women would not be pleased to be labeled a spinster. But Lady Poppy Smith-Barnes isn’t most women. In fact, Poppy has invented an imaginary fiancé, the Duke of Drummond, to deter unwanted suitors. A very useful fellow, this duke, until the real Drummond turns up and uses Poppy’s ploy to trap her in a betrothal. A good spy flies below the radar. Which is why being named one of the Prince Regent’s “Impossible Bachelors” is so inconvenient for Nicholas Staunton. Every society female will be out to ensnare him. Nicholas needs a fiancée—and Poppy’s ruse is the answer. How could he have known she’d be a brazen, sensual siren with an irresistible taste for adventure? Now nothing less will do than to convince his fiery Poppy to revoke her spinster status…for good.Not That Kind of Girl by Susan Donovan (for review) ~ Roxanne Bloom is through with love. Fresh on the heels of a bad break-up, she’s decided to devote all her time to her man-slamming website—and her man-hating dog, Lilith. But this pit-bull-Boxer is so good at unleashing her fury (and her owner’s) that the male victims keep piling up…and now it’s time to get some sensitivity training. Enter Eli Gallagher, one of the best—and hottest—canine experts in town. The more Eli gets to know Roxie, the more he senses that she’s been hurt by men in the past—just like her dog. With a little gentle prodding, and a whole lot of patience, Eli hopes to gain Roxie’s trust and soothe her broken heart. Eli can see that Roxie’s bark is way worse than her bite. But she’s not putting her guard down just yet—even if she is falling deeply, madly, doggedly in love with him...Sinister Sprinkles: A Donut Shop Mystery (Donut Shop Mysteries) by Jessica Beck (for review) ~ Just in time for the Winter Festival, a glistening layer of snow has covered the streets of April Springs, North Carolina. Of course, it reminds donut shop owner Suzanne Hart of sweet delicious frosting. But her visions of sugar plums plummet when her ex’s ex-girlfriend gets iced …Vampires Not Invited: A Night Tracker Novel by Cheyenne McCray (for review) ~ Vampire attacks are on the rise in the city that never sleeps. So why is half-human, half-Drow private eye Nyx tracking down Sprites? Sure, these “young bloods” are causing mischief all over town—like painting the Statue of Liberty’s toenails neon pink. But it’s not until Nyx finds herself at the Pit, Manhattan's hottest nightclub for paranorms, that she understands what she’s really up against…Seems Master Vampire Volod has a plan—and the Sprites are in on it. By targeting the weaknesses of every paranorm in the city, from Elves to Shifters to Zombies, Volod and his fang gang aim to rule the night once and for all. Over Nyx’s dead body. She loves a good challenge—and she will seduce danger at every turn to throw Volod off course. It’s time for Nyx to enter the beating heart of this dark conspiracy…before driving a stake through it.Bone Gods (Black London) by Caitlin Kittredge (for review) ~ Witch hunts are on the rise and supernatural turf wars are reaching a boiling point. Then, just when it seems life couldn’t get any worse for Pete, Jack reappears—but he’s no longer the man she’s always known. Hell has changed him forever. And he’s brought back with him a whole world of trouble…A cabal of necromancers are using ancient, unspeakable magic to turn the tide of war in their favor. Then, as the city is about to sink into chaos, Pete receives a chilling directive: To end the war, you must kill the crow-mage. Beset from all sides, Pete finds herself turning to an unholy source for help…even if doing so could destroy Black London—and life as she knew it—once and for all.The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship by Lisa Verge Higgins (ARC, for review) ~ Rachel Braun was the inspiration to her group of friends, the one who lived each day to the fullest - and the one whose life was cut tragically short. Upon her untimely death, Rachel left letters for her three best friends challenging them to face their biggest fears. Sarah, an international relief worker, must travel half way around the world to track down the only man she ever loved. Stay-at-home mom Kate must confront her fear of heights by skydiving and soon finds that her new hobby is affecting her once-tranquil marriage. And Jo, a media mogul voted 'least likely to breed', is given the most terrifying assignment of all: caring for Rachel's orphaned and grieving little girl. Even as these women mourn Rachel's passing, her legacy lives on and their lives are enriched by a friend who, in many ways, knew them better than they knew themselves. Release date: Jan 26thHis Other Wife: A Novel by Deborah Bedford (ARC, for review) ~ New York Times bestselling author Deborah Bedford sweeps readers into this compelling drama with her trademark style of beautiful, lyrical writing. Since her divorce from Eric, Hilary has done everything she can to control life for herself and her son. Beneath a calm surface, she is terrified of failing Seth. She's worked hard to raise him on her own, and she's succeeded--he's now set to graduate from high school and enroll at the University of Illinois with a full scholarship. But Hilary's worst fears are realized when there is a rock-climbing accident at a post-graduation campout. A young girl is hurt, and Seth is arrested. Pamela, Eric's new wife and Seth's stepmother, blames Hilary for letting Scott go to the campout in the first place. With Seth's college scholarship now just a distant memory and his entire future at stake, the two women must come together for Seth's sake. Is Hilary's love strong enough to save her son and release him to her ex-husband's other wife? Release date: Feb 11thThe Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean (ARC, for review) ~ Dora has always taken the path of least resistance. She went to the college that offered her a scholarship, is majoring in "vagueness studies," and wears whatever shows the least dirt. She falls into a job at the college coffee shop, and a crush on her flirty boss, Gary. Just when she's about to test Gary's feelings, Mimi, the grandmother who raised her, suffers a stroke. Dora rushes back home to Forsyth, NC, and finds herself running her grandmother's vintage clothing store. The store has always been a fixture in Dora's life; though she grew up more of a jeans-and-sweatshirt kind of girl, before she even knew how to write, Mimi taught her that a vintage 1920s dress could lift a woman's spirit. While working there, Dora befriends Mimi's adorable contractor, Conrad. Is he after Dora, or is working from a different blueprint? And why did Mimi start writing down--and giving away--stories of the dresses in her shop? When Mimi dies, Dora can't get out of town fast enough and cedes control of the store to her money-hungry aunt who wants to turn it into a t-shirt shop for tourists. But ultimately, she returns to Forsyth, willing to battle whatever may stand in the way of her staying there. Dora can trade her boring clothes for vintage glamour, but can she trade her boring life for one she actually wants? Release date: Feb 10th.A Crafty Killing (Victoria Square Mystery) by Lorraine Bartlett (ARC, for review) ~ The last thing Katie Bonner wanted was to become the manager of Artisans Alley. But when her business partner, Ezra Hilton, is found bludgeoned to death, she has no other choice. Business under Ezra has been faltering-but was it enough to provoke someone to murder? Only Kate can find the answer. Release date Feb 1st.Diagnosis Death - Prescription for Trouble Series #3
by Richard Mabry (review, ARC) ~ When her comatose husband dies in the ICU while on life support, the whispers about Dr. Elena Gardner begin. Another death during her training puts her under suspicion. When the pattern is repeated in the hospital where she is attempting to start over, the whispers turn into a shout: “mercy killing.” What is the dark secret that keeps Allison’s lips sealed when she should be defending herself? Despite her move to a new city, the midnight phone calls that started after her husband’s death follow Elena. Who is the woman who sobs out, “I know what you did?” What does she mean by “You’ll pay?” And what can Elena do to prevent it? Two physicians, widowers themselves, offer support, telling Elena they know what she is going through after the death of her husband. But do they? And is it safe to trust either of them with her secret? April 11thOn Maggie's Watch by Ann Wertz Garvin (for review) ~ Maggie Finley has returned with her husband from the big city to her Wisconsin hometown, where she reunites with her best friend and awaits the any-minute-now birth of her baby. She's determined to create a safe haven on Hemlock Road, a neighborhood that has always meant security, community, and love. One way to do that: resurrect the defunct Neighborhood Watch program. The Watch folks are mostly concerned with dog poop and litterbugs. But Maggie's done some digging and discovered a potential threat living just around the corner-a threat that must be eradicated. And the more Maggie tries to take control, the more out of control she gets...Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls (Ghost Hunter Mysteries, No. 5) by Victoria Laurie (for review) ~ When M.J. Holliday and the crew of her cable TV show, Ghoul Getters, venture to the haunted ruins of Dunlow Castle in Ireland, drawn by the legend of hidden treasure, they hope the road will rise up to meet them, that the wind will always be at their backs-and that the resident phantom won't push them off a cliff. If they treasure their lives, M.J. and her ghost busters need to get the drop on the menacing phantom... Jan 4thMurder Your Darlings: Algonquin Round Table Mystery by J.J. Murphy (for review) ~ One morning legendary wit Dorothy Parker discovers someone under Manhattan's famed Algonquin Round Table. A little early for a passed out drunk, isn't it? But he's not dead drunk, just dead. When a charming writer from Mississippi named Billy Faulkner becomes a suspect in the murder, Dorothy decides to dabble in a little detective work, enlisting her literary cohorts. It's up to the Algonquins to outwit the true culprit-preferably before cocktail hour-and before the clever killer turns the tables on them. Release date: Jan 4th.Stay Tuned for Murder: A Talk Radio Mystery by May Kennedy (for review) ~ Maggie's radio show has been getting a boost in ratings ever since Madame Chantal, who claims to talk to dead people, started her regular guest appearance. But when two women are killed after a séance, it's up to Maggie to catch the culprit before she winds up on the other side... Release date: Jan 4th.Catch Her If You Can (A SAMANTHA SPADE MYSTERY) by Merline Lovelace (for review) ~ USAF Lieutenant Samantha Spade is in the heat of the west Texas desert testing a dog-like robot for military use, when the device leads her and her team to a pick-up truck. The driver comes at them with a gun-and is shot in self-defense by Sam's friend. And then a gruesome discovery is made: three human heads in a cooler in the back of the truck. Because the dead man was on the FBI's most wanted list, Sam stands to get a hefty reward. Too bad the technology to keep her shady ex-husband from sniffing out cash has yet to be invented. His appearance, along with frightening issues from her boyfriend's past, make it hard to tell just who is responsible for the pipe-wielding thug who attacks her. All Sam knows is that her luck has taken a doggone turn for the worse... Release date: Jan 4th.Thieves! (A Vicky Hill Exclusive!) by Hannah Dennison (for review) ~ When the body of a woman is found in a shallow stream, aspiring investigative journalist Vicky Hill suspects there's a connection between the murder and the strong of recent silver thefts plaguing the small town of Gipping-on-Plym. And since both her boss and the local police refuse to investigate, Vicky takes on the case by herself-and she's determined to uncover the answers and clinch her fourth national exclusive! Release date: Jan 4th.Buttercream Bump Off (Cupcake Bakery Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay (for review) ~ Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura's Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel's mother. Now Mom's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man's shady past and discover who served him his just desserts. Release date: Jan 4th. Buffalo West Wing (A White House Chef Mystery)
by Julie Hyzy (for review) ~ With a new First Family, White House executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a box of take-out chicken mysteriously shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a "no-wing" situation. After Olivia refuses to serve the chicken, the First Lady gives her the cold shoulder. But when it turns out to be poisoned poultry, Olivia realizes the kids are true targets. Release date: Jan 4th.
