Gregg Luke's "Blink of an Eye"

Gregg Luke's latest release, Blink of an Eye, is unlike his previous mystery/suspense books, but still well worth a read.

Childhood was a happy, carefree time for Joseph Ramirez. At least that's how he used to remember it. But since the near-fatal traffic accident that landed him in the hospital with brain trauma, he's not so sure. Along with physical pain, Joseph now suffers recurring nightmares. Each night the heart-wrenching dreams grow increasingly vivid and graphic-to the point that Joseph's hospital roommate reports that Joseph talks in his sleep, often crying out in anguish and remorse. To complicate matters, a ruthless lawyer is challenging Joseph's innocence in the traffic accident. When defense attorney Michelle Haas comes to his aid, they discover they knew each other as children, and soon another forgotten experience comes into play-one that goes deeper than simple friendship. Are Joseph's night terrors actually repressed memories? Does he speak the truth during his unconscious midnight hours? And if so, what will that mean when Joseph's hospital roommate claims he confessed to murder? Soon Joseph realizes there's only one way to uncover the truth about his family and himself-involving reliving a past he has unknowingly worked all his life to forget.

The story has plenty of well-research medical procedural information, but none of it is overly detailed--it slides into the plot seamlessly. The description of his night terrors is gripping, but not graphic enough to be disturbing. This is a great drama with a tiny slice of romance squeezed in. Check out the review on my blog, or visit Gregg's website for more information about his books.

Carole Thayne Warburton's mystery "A Question of Trust"

Photojournalist Stacey Willis is working on a story that could change her career, when she stumbles upon the story that will change her life. Through a twist of fate, she becomes enmeshed in the lives of the people of tiny Grouse Creek as secrets of the past begin to unravel.

Fifty years ago there was a murder. But it's difficult for Stacey to believe that aging rancher Herman Anders could be the killer. But can she trust her boyfriend, Dave? Her engaging new friend, Sam?

She says about herself:

I'm a 50-something woman who loves the great outdoors. Besides writing, I spend my time roaming the hills and mountains in Northern Utah, making pottery, and enjoying life with my husband of 30 plus years.

My husband and I taught school in a K-10 two-room school with 24 students in the small town of Grouse Creek. The nearest grocery store was sixty miles away and most of the road was dirt and windy (still is). Much of my writing was inspired by the six years we spent living there. Now we live in Cache Valley, Utah.

You can check out Carole's musings on her blog. Her book can be purchased on Amazon.com.

"Secret Sisters" by Tristi Pinkston

Do you like a funny farce with characters you can't help but love? If so, you should definitely check out Tristi Pinkston's new book, "Secret Sisters." This light-hearted farce about a Relief Society presidency going the extra mile and beyond to figure out how to help a family in their ward is sure to bring plenty of chuckles.

If you're familiar with Tristi's historicals: Nothing to Regret, Strength to Endure, and Season of Sacrifice, or even her mystery/suspense novel, Agent in Old Lace, you'll know this new series of stories full of older women getting in hilarious capers while in the pursuit of answers to the mystery is a change of pace from her past work--and the stories she's got lined up for later in the series will be every bit as fun and entertaining.

Here's the official back cover blurb:

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society.

You can learn more about Tristi on her blog, or this blog, or this one, or this one, or, well, okay, so the woman likes to blog. Maybe you should just check out the full list on her profile.

Mystery, Suspense, Romance in Ronda Hinrichsen's book "Missing"

I first 'met' Ronda Hinrichsen online three or four years ago after attending the same writer's conference. Through the email group we joined I actually read a long-ago incarnation of this story, which was captivating and interesting then, and I know has undergone massive rewrites and improvements since. Rhonda's book Missing was released last fall and her second book Trapped will be released shortly and show up in stores over the next few weeks.

Here's the back cover blurb:

A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance.

Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams.

When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in her search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble.

And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life--and a possible future with Matt--to save a stranger.

If you live in the Brigham City area, you can attend Ronda's opening night party next week:

My OPENING NIGHT Book Signing party for TRAPPED will be at Reflections of Utah Book Store at 47 S. Main Street, Brigham City, Utah on May 6, 2010 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m.

You can learn more about the author, her books and read an except on her website. Also, check out her blog for regular updates.

"Lemon Tart" by Josi Kilpack and links to other finalists

I just realized that in previous posts I already blogged on the rest of the Whitney romance finalists All the Stars in Heaven by Michele Paige Holmes, Illuminations of the Heart by Joyce DiPastena, and Santa Maybe by Aubrey Mace, and Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain (click any of the links to see those posts). So I'll be moving on to the Murder/Suspense category today.

And, lookee there, I've hit several of those as well. This is where I posted on Traci Hunter Abramson's book Lockdown, And here's is Stephanie Black's Methods of Madness. I did post on Josi Kilpack's second culinary mystery, English Trifle, but never mentioned the one that finaled: Lemon Tart, which was the first in her series.

First, the blurb from Deseretbook.com, and bonus recipe:

A recipe for murder!

• 5 families living on Peregrine Circle
• 1 flowered curtain tieback
• 1 missing child
• 1 body in the field

Mix with a long list of suspects and top with two very different detectives. Increase heat until only the truth remains.

Award-winning author Josi S. Kilpack introduces a new series of culinary "cozies" that is sure to tantalize mystery lovers. In this debut volume, cooking aficionado-turned-amateur detective, Sadie Hoffmiller, tries to solve the murder of Anne Lemmon, her beautiful young neighbor - a single mother who was mysteriously killed while a lemon tart was baking in her oven. At the heart of Sadie's search is Anne's missing two-year-old son, Trevor. Whoever took the child must be the murderer, but Sadie is certain that the police are looking at all the wrong suspects - including her!

Armed with a handful of her very best culinary masterpieces, Sadie is determined to bake her way to proving her innocence, rescuing Trevor, and finding out exactly who had a motive for murder.

Mom’s Lemon Tart
Crust
1 cup all- purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a food processor or mixer, combine ingredients for crust. Pulse together until a dough starts to form in clumps. Press into tart pan, making sure to cover bottom and sides evenly. Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork and place in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. Place tart pan on a cookie sheet and bake until crust is a golden-brown color, approximately 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Filling
5 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons—DO NOT use concentrated lemon juice)
2 large eggs
Zest from one lemon (get zest from lemon before juicing)

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Mix cream cheese with electric beaters until smooth. Add sugar. Mix until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each egg. Stop and scrape bowl halfway through. Add the lemon juice and zest and mix until smooth.

Pour filling into tart crust and bake on cookie sheet for 20 to 30 minutes or until filling is set. Let tart cool on wire cooling rack. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Use whipped cream as an optional topping. It can be piped on instars or served on top with each piece. For extra flavor in the whipped cream, add a teaspoon of lemon zest.

One interesting thing to note, Josi has a collection of testers across the country who help her try out and refine her recipes in her books, so you don't need to worry about them tasting yummy.

You can learn more about this talented and multi-faceted author on her website or blog. Her latest book in the Sadie Hoffmiller series, Devil's Food Cake has just been released and she's having a launch party this week--but you'll have to check out her blog for details.

GG Vandagriff's murder mystery, "The Hidden Branch"

Paul Mardian is a shining example of the American dream. The grandson of an Armenian immigrant who fled to the United States during the genocide of 1915, Paul is a self- made industrial tycoon and one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. But the dream is shattered when Paul turns up dead and his valuable collection of ancient Armenian artifacts goes missing.

Hired to find the murdered man's heirs, professional genealogist Alexandra Campbell and her sidekick, Briggie, are brought to the swanky beaches of Southern California and a community of Armenian relatives who all seem to be hiding a secret.

When another family member is suddenly murdered, Alex discovers there is more at stake than an unclaimed fortune or missing antiques, but piecing together Paul's complicated family tree may be more dangerous than she ever anticipated. Author G. G. Vandagriff combines mystery, suspense, and romance in this page- turning thriller!

Vandagriff has four other books out which are unrelated to this series, which you can learn about on her website. She also has a blog she updates regularly. Her books are available everywhere LDS books are sold.

________________

I had a great signing in Beaver earlier tonight, and I have a few more this week. Friday evening I'll be in Nephi at Mt Nebo Thriftway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Saturday I'll be at Kent's Market in Ephraim from 10-2 and Manti Market from 3-7.

Stephanie Black's "Methods of Madness"

Though I don't know that the book exactly qualifies for Halloween horror, I understand Stephanie Black's latest tale will keep your pulse racing to the exciting conclusion. Stephanie won a Whitney Award last year for her mystery/suspense book, Fool Me Twice, and has a reputation for delivering plenty of twists and turns along the way.

The blurb:

It’s been three years since the terrible night Emily Ramsey suffered a double tragedy—the death of her sister and the disappearance of her fiancé. She deserves another chance at happiness, and gentle, adorable Zach Sullivan is the perfect man to mend her shattered heart. But from the moment Emily opens the hand-carved box holding a glittering diamond solitaire, she’s seized by an unshakeable fear: she’s going to lose Zach.

That’s exactly what Monica, Zach’s ex-girlfriend, is banking on. Bitter with envy, Monica will stop at nothing to sabotage Zach and Emily’s romance. Troubling notes show up in Emily’s mailbox, fanning the flames of suspicion. A bloody photograph sends her reeling. But when someone is brutally murdered, will Emily be able to escape suspicion and the possibility that she might be next?

Whitney Award–winning author Stephanie Black treats readers to another of her brilliantly thrilling stories that will leave the reader no choice but to keep reading well past the stroke of midnight.

You can learn more about Stephanie at her blog, or her website.

Tristi's Pinkston's mystery/romantic suspense novel "Agent in Old Lace"

Tristi Pinkston is the author of three other books--all historical fiction--and contributed to a couple of other books, which you can learn all about on her website. This book was a change of direction for the author, but a great read. The blurb follows:

Shannon Tanner has it all a perfect family, a perfect job, and a perfect boyfriend. Or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn't know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark's secret, he turns on her, and Shannon's life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.

In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent is injured the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent, Rick Holden in a dress.

Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear that Mark isn't going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save herself and her friend and stop Mark once and for all is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it's too late?

You can learn more about Tristi at her website, or her blog (one of several). Tristi has a humorous mystery series she's working on as well, the first of which will be released next March.

"Life in the Pit" by Kristen Landon

This is a fun teen read about a girl who plays in the school orchestra, with mystery and romance woven together. Here's the blurb.

Brittany sees her life reflected in her high school’s musical production.

Her best friend, Amanda, shines on stage as the star of the play, while Brittany is an invisible member of the pit orchestra.

Amanda has a new boyfriend every week, while Brittany doesn’t date much at all.

Brittany believes the only time guys talk to her is when they are using her to get closer to Amanda.

When the male star of the play starts to pay attention to Brittany, she has difficulty accepting that he is sincere.

Meanwhile, an anonymous note-writer threatens to destroy the play, Amanda and Brittany.

Brittany is determined to save the production, her friend and her love life.

This is Kristen Landon's first book and is widely available. Check out Kristen's website for more information about her and her book.

Josi Kilpack's "English Trifle"

Josi has made a name for herself in her women's fiction that hit hard issues like internet predators, prescription drug abuse and identity theft, but earlier this year she launched a completely different kind of series with her culinary mystery Lemon Tart--which hit the Deseret Book's best seller's list. The second book in the series, English Trifle was released this summer and is also doing very well.

Here's the back liner:

Things to do in England:

• Visit Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the London Zoo
• Take the Jack the Ripper tour — creepy!
• Sample authentic English scones and crumpets
• Discover a dead body

What begins as a holiday trip for amateur sleuth and cooking aficionado Sadie Hoffmiller and her daughter, Breanna, turns into a bizarre mystery. First comes the discovery of a dead body in the sitting room of an English manor belonging to the family of Breanna’s boyfriend, who is also heir to the family title. When the body comes up missing, Sadie and Breanna are stranded at the estate until the police can clear them to leave.

Armed with a jogging whistle, her personal recipe collection, and an unfailing sense of American justice, Sadie begins her own investigation to find the killer. But when she seems to encounter one dead end after another, Sadie wonders if anyone is telling the truth — or if the case is really as hopeless as it appears to be.

Layer by layer, Sadie uncovers a mouth- watering mystery with an English flair. Included are Sadie’s favorite new recipes for American English Trifle, High Tea Lemon Cookies, Coconut Macaroons, Wake ’Em Up Breakfast Casserole, Sausage Rolls, Crumpets, and Sadie’s Scrumptulicious Scones.

Josi is a very busy writer, mom, business owner, professional editor, and probably a dozen other hats. She has a great website with more information on all of her books, including a first chapter for this one, a blog, the blog she the other editors for Precision Editing Group maintain with great writing tips, and various other blogs.

She and Julie Wright are planning a western states book tour next month. To learn more abut her plans and see if they can fit your book group or other organization into their schedule, check out this page. Her book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deseret Book, Seagull Book and anywhere else LDS books are sold.