Review: Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

Synopsis

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money, and she can't believe that it came from her sweet neighbor. Or that it lands her in the middle of another one of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue that is far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and strikes too close to home for comfort. As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But is it too late for her and Tom?

My Review

I made the mistake (again) of starting in the middle of a series. Usually it's not a big deal, but this is a continuity series that follows the same main characters, each book leading right into the next, ending with cliffhangers. This second book of the Post Aster Secrets series began without much introduction to the personalities of the characters and included an overwhelming info dump. Once I worked my way past that and got to know Kate, Tom, and others, the pace evened out. There are a few different mysteries Kate is mixed up in- local counterfeiting, neighbor issues, family issues, and community issues. Her warm-cold relationship with Tom surfaces on occasion but it definitely takes a backseat to the investigation and I wasn't feeling much chemistry. The threads of each plot wove together and I was confused along with Kate as to how or if they were related. She and Tom get them untangled by the end, but the overarching mystery that continues through the whole series made the book end on a cliffhanger. I'm glad this type of series is no longer the trend- I don't enjoy waiting a whole year for the publisher to release the next book because by that time I've lost interest.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Port Aster Secrets Book One

Port Aster Secrets Book Three

Review: Over Maya Dead Body by Sandra Orchard

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two?

My Review

This third book fit in perfectly with the first two, offering the trademark sleuthing and love triangle romance that I enjoyed so much. I've been on pins and needles waiting to see who Serena would end up with, since both love interests are equally fun and desirable, but in different ways. I appreciate how the author keeps me guessing as the mystery unfolds with several twists, turns, and surprises. The suspense and action is well balanced with Serena's working the clues and inner musings about life and love. I especially liked the parts that revealed secrets of the characters who have been in all three books, and the ways some little things and mannerisms began to make sense. Highly entertaining and a wonderful conclusion to the series! I'd love it if the author wrote more Serena Jones mysteries!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the previous books in the Serena Jones Mystery series . . .

Review: Another Day Another Dali by Sandra Orchard

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A Fast-Paced, Keep-You-Guessing Whodunit with a Dash of Romance 

When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests. 

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. 

With plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, "Another Day, Another Dali" gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack.

My Review

I just like Serena Jones. She's such a great main character, even if she drives me a little crazy sometimes! She's a study of contrasts- tenacious yet tender, keeps her romantic interests at "friends status" but has a secret hope to marry one day and raise a family. The mystery plot is set at a quick pace throughout the novel as Serena works the clues of two cases that overlap. Tanner, Nate, and Aunt Martha all help in various ways and provide an interesting dynamic. I can't wait for the next Serena Jones mystery!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art--one that's surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about the art thief who murdered her grandfather. She's joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother's pleas to do something safer--like get married--Serena's learning how to go undercover to catch thieves and black market traders.

When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Jones leaps into action. The clues point in different directions, and her boss orders her to cease investigating her most promising suspect. But determined to solve the case and perhaps discover another clue in her grandfather's murder, she pushes ahead, regardless of the danger.

My Review

I was in the mood for something light and quippy, not too much angst, and boy did this book deliver! I never would have thought I'd call a suspense novel "delightful" but the main character Serena sure makes it that way! She's the type that you'd love to have for a best friend. She's a perfect blend of intelligence and naivete. Even though she's an FBI special agent, you see the details of how she works the case and doesn't always get things right or perfect- which made it so much more realistic. It was fun to follow the clues with her, and even though I tend to prefer more romance, the plot held its own and the quick pace kept me reading. Interspersed are cute and fun moments with different men in her life that interact with her in ways where the reader can see that they like her, but she's rather oblivious to it... most of the time ;) Such a great dynamic between Serena and Tanner, and also Serena and Nate. But there's no love triangle drama here, which I was relieved to avoid. It may come to that in later books but this was a perfect introduction to characters that I'm happy to read more of! Serena's meddlesome great-aunt was another favorite that provided some more quirky humor... and you can see where Serena gets hers :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
 

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Check out the other books in the Serena Jones Mystery series...

Synopsis

A Fast-Paced, Keep-You-Guessing Whodunit with a Dash of Romance 

When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests. 

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. 

With plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, "Another Day, Another Dali" gives the plucky Serena Jones--and readers--a new high-stakes case to crack.
 

Coming July 2017! Available for pre-order.

Synopsis

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring. 

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two?

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard keeps readers guessing with this fast-paced mystery laced with romance. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Over Maya Dead Body by Sandra Orchard

I'm loving this series! Serena is a great blend of intelligence and naivete, with a fun personality that makes me want to be friends with her. The romance is light and doesn't detract from the quick pace of the mystery. Over Maya Dead Body releases July 2017 and is available for pre-order! 

Synopsis

FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha's Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn't take a vacation, and she's soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring. 

When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications--and even a secret or two? 

Award-winning author Sandra Orchard keeps readers guessing with this fast-paced mystery laced with romance.

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Check out the first two books in the Serena Jones Mystery series!

Synopsis

Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art--one that's surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about the art thief who murdered her grandfather. She's joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother's pleas to do something safer--like get married--Serena's learning how to go undercover to catch thieves and black market traders.

When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Jones leaps into action. The clues point in different directions, and her boss orders her to cease investigating her most promising suspect. But determined to solve the case and perhaps discover another clue in her grandfather's murder, she pushes ahead, regardless of the danger.

 

Synopsis

When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests. 

The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather.