Typically, I love reading books by Caryl McAdoo including ones with Charity and Morgan Lowell. Unfortunately, this one failed to live up to my lofty expectations. The plot revolves around Henry Buckmeyer’s discovery of a skull with a hatchet in it. The Lowells along with Henry Buckmeyer and his wife/novel writer May Meriwether set out to write a book about the possible events leading up to the tragic murder.

I found myself disliking the two brothers and the woman they both fall for basically the entire story. I felt they were shallow and self-centered in many ways. However, I appreciated the lengths Henry, May, Morgan, and Charity were willing to go to research the story.

I felt the transitions between those writing the story and the scenes where they were writing about the events failed to flow smoothly for me. Frequently, I found myself rereading pages to figure out what was going on at the time. If you are someone who loves reading about murders, mysteries, and historical fiction and enjoy reading books told from multiple perspectives, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Caryl McAdoo never fails to write interesting fiction books, primarily about Texas, and her newest book continues the trend.

Skullduggery, the second book in the Cross Timbers Mystery Series, opens in Dallas, where the Lowell’s decide to pair up with the Buckmeyer’s to solve a murder mystery and create a book about it.

The story is intriguing with its novel within a novel concept, which allows for including more dialogue and speculation into the narrative.

I especially enjoyed some of the character names, such as Sunny Day and Windy Morn, perfectly fascinating names for a fascinating story.

There is plenty of mystery in this whodunnit thriller. It will keep you in suspense and anticipation as the multiple layers of secrecy and scheming introduced keeps you guessing until the end.

The story held my interest throughout. I had a small problem with triggering, due to the subject matter, because of PTSD. However, I still think highly of the book.

Even though Skullduggery is the second book in the series, it works well as a stand-alone.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own. ( )

Skullduggery by Caryl McAdoo is book two in the Cross Timber's Mystery series. This story takes over where thee previous books left off so it is best to read this series in order.
This is is a story that has a second story written within it. When a skull is found a group of authors team together to write a mystery story that gives the history behind it. This is a story that can very easily read in a day. I enjoyed reading this story and seeing how the four people blended their writings to make a book come together. This is a fun mystery to read but it does contain subjects such as jealousy, infidelity and murder.

I received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review. ( )

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of this author. I get excited every time a new book by her comes out and this one, oh my it was not just good but exceptional. Having a story in a story may confuse some people, but I found it easy to follow. The concept was brilliant and I loved how the two couples worked together to not only solve a mystery but write a bestseller.

I was excited to find out how they would solve the brutal murder and it really kept me on my toes. Two brothers in love with the same woman can only spell trouble. Sunny Day is a sweet woman whose looks turn heads everywhere she goes. It doesn’t take long for brothers John and James to notice Sunny Day. What I liked was how these two brothers were different in many ways but always looked out for each other. What happens when a woman comes between them? Will they turn on each other or will one bow out?

In the story you can tell that pride is a big factor for both brothers. They have been competing against each other for this woman’s attention and it causes friction between them. Now I don’t want to give away which brother did what because for me that was the best part of the mystery.

I loved how the two couples unraveled the mystery with hints and a lot of investigation. It’s funny how one certain character said that this is the last book they will write. With the gift these couples have, they write a story rich in history and how anger, greed and pride can cause someone to do the unthinkable. It was sad that two brothers couldn’t put their differences aside. I so wanted things to turn out differently. There was so many ways the story could have gone, but when you turn your back on your faith the enemy marches in.

I do want to mention that there are a few scenes that may be sensitive to some. In the story it is referred to as bedding down. I think in all the instances this happened the woman was being taken advantage of. The slave girl wanted to be free so badly that she was willing to do anything. I felt sorry for her because her hopes were crushed and she was used in a sinful way. It makes me wonder if we were held captive what we would be willing to do to be set free?

Every book I have read from this author always blesses me and helps me grow closer to God. This story reminded me to be content where we are in life and to be joyful that we have been set free from our sins.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )