Anne Patrick

Detective Gwen Jamison is one determined lady! She is great at solving crimes and closing cases but there is one case she has yet to solve because her captain forced her to back off. Lately there has been a string of liquor store robberies which has left one woman dead and one witness who is on the run. She feels that her unsolved case and the robberies are linked but can she convince the new boss to get behind her in that assessment. Ian McKean lost his wife a few years ago and wants to make a new start. He takes the job as Lieutenant in Shorewick, Arizona as head of the detectives. He knew he’d have his hands full with Gwen, as the previous lieutenant had briefed him about her, but he was unprepared for the attraction for her. Gwen is determined to solve the robberies and get a conviction no matter what. Ian is in the difficult position of wanting to support Gwen but also be the boss. With their tenuous relationship, can they work toward getting that conviction and perhaps explore that growing attraction.

Another well written story by Anne Patrick. It will grab you from the beginning and keep you turning pages until the end. It was really a nice balance of danger, suspense and romance. Gwen was someone I wasn’t sure I was going to like but I really grew to like and understand her. Ian was a good guy who had faced some difficulties in his life. The story line was well done and you’ll find yourself cheering on our lead pair in solving the robberies. The faith element was well done and realistic. Ian was a man of faith and was an a good influence in Gwen’s life because she had pretty much lost her faith. That’s important to remember in our own lives; be a good influence on others lives. If you enjoy a good story that’s hard to put down then you will love this one…unless you’re “Cold Blooded”!

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

“God answers all prayers, Gwen. Maybe not in our timing or the way we want them answered, but according to his will”

“I know it may have seemed that way, but everything in our past happened for a reason. We may never know why or understand it but there was a purpose. And God always places people in our path who are there to guide and help us.”

“I don’t have all the answers, Gwen. No one does. But I know, without a doubt, that God loves you and will always be there for you during both the good and bad times”

For more information about this book or other books by Anne Patrick, I encourage you to visit her website at https://www.annepatrickbooks.com or her blog at http://suspensebyanne.blogspot.com… (plus d'informations)

Jackson Ridge is someplace actress Jamie Riedel left behind, along with the difficult memories. Fourteen years ago, while camping with her father, they’re attacked by someone wearing a ski mask. She was wounded but her father was killed. Not long after that her mother sent her away to live with her grandma, but never understood why her mother did that. When her mother passes away, she returns to Jackson Ridge to settle her estate. It's not long before Jamie finds out, by way of a note on her door, that someone doesn't want her there, but why? Deputy Chief Gage Hansen has always had feelings for Jamie but a cheating wife and ugly divorce has made him apprehensive about opening his heart again, especially to Jamie after reading the stories about her life. But as they work together to find the truth about the past as well as the threats she's now receiving, he finds she’s very much the same girl he remembers. They also discover that their feelings for each other are still very strong. Can two people on very different paths form a future together? The road ahead will have a few unexpected curves and just might result in a 'dead' end if they’re not careful.

I have read most, if not all, of Anne Patrick's books and I can honestly say that none have ever disappointed me. Murder at Black Lake was no exception. Although this was not really an 'edge of your seat' type story, it was full of mystery and intrigue and I will say that there were a couple of places where I held my breath. All the characters were very well drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jamie and Gage. Jamie was strong yet vulnerable. She had achieved success by the world’s standards but she never felt truly fulfilled. Gage was the perfect combination of strong and tender. I liked the fact that even though he had been badly hurt he didn't become hardened by it. I loved the interaction between them. It was fun and romantic and I appreciated that there wasn't a lot of angst. It made it a pleasure to read. I also appreciated that each had a personal faith that was evident in how they lived. That always encourages me. Gage's sister Mallory was someone I enjoyed getting to know. I would love to see a story with her as the lead and find out what happens with her and Cade. As I closed the book, I was reminded that the conclusions we draw about certain situations are not always correct, so we need to be careful to gather the complete truth before making a judgment. Wow, that was food for thought. If you enjoy a good romantic mystery with a side of suspense, then I would definitely recommend a trip to Jackson Ridge. Do be careful, I hear there's been a little trouble there lately.

*This complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

For more information about this book or other books by Anne Patrick I encourage you to visit her website at: www.annepatrickbooks.com… (plus d'informations)

Ties that Bind was difficult to put down and I would highly recommend it.

The way in which the killer goes about selecting and killing his victims is both chilling and creepy. The only downside was that I figured out too early in the story who the killer was. The attempt to throw suspicion in a different direction towards the end of the novel came too late and it just didn't convince me. Despite this I enjoyed the serial killer storyline and the whole process the police went through in order to catch him. But, what I liked most was Jo and her story. She is a very interesting and well written character. The fact that she is an FBI profiler is an interesting aspect of her life in itself but she also has a rocky relationship with her family which plays a big part in the story. I loved the fact that she had a psychic connection to the murders and we got to see into the minds of the victims as well as the killer.

There is also a little bit of romance involved as Jo and Sheriff Austen become friendly. I liked that it was only a small aspect of the story and not overdone as the writer focused more on the murder mystery plot.

Leonor A Woodworth is very easy to listen to and she does a fantastic job of narrating Ties that Bind. She did a great job of portraying male and female characters and she gets across their emotions very well.
This is the second of Leonor's productions that I have listened to and I have been impressed both times.

I received a copy via audiobookblast.com in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

I listened to the audio version of this novel. It was received at no cost from the narrator via audiobookblast.com in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very good murder mystery that had me entertained from beginning to end. The relationship between Sam and Jordan was complex but I felt that their marriage was certainly something that could be mended with a little understanding and forgiveness. Jordan's background and childhood trauma was riveting and set a great backdrop for Jordan's return to her home town and her hunt for the killer. I couldn't wait to grab every chance I could get to put my head phones on and listen to Leonor A. Woodworth narrate this fantastic book.
Leonor's strength lies in her ability to create a voice for each character, male and female. I got a real sense of the characters' feelings and fears both from the words in the story and in how the narrator was able to express all these different emotions. It was very easy to listen to and the narration made it flow nicely. I really enjoyed it and would certainly look for other books narrated by Leonor A. Woodworth.… (plus d'informations)