My rating: 4 of 5 stars
(Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Madison Cruz is an aspiring actress in Seattle. She also has an FBI agent mother, an ex-KGB grandmother, and a boyfriend with a possibly criminal past. And now, she’s knee deep in the world of art theft. During a model’s meeting for an upcoming fashion show, Madison spies a sketch that she recognizes and, knowing it’s stolen, she decides to steal it back, which leads her into a world of secrets. Something is going on between her mother and grandmother, and she doesn’t have a clue what it is. Her mother is having her followed, and she doesn’t know why. Xander is keeping his shadowy past buried from her, and it’s beginning to come between them. A big shot movie producer seems to want her for his movie, but won’t tell her anything about the role. Oh, and the body in the parking lot? That’s just one more thread in the tangle that Madison has to unravel in the latest book in the Madison Cruz Mysteries.
Honestly, I really like this series. The stories are clever and well constructed. The mysteries, while perhaps not the most convoluted, are not simple and mindless. The romance is integrated into the stories naturally and isn’t explicit. Characters are very well-developed, and are real and relatable. There is an abundance of humor, which is also natural to the characters and story. The action isn’t as high-paced as an strict adventure might be, but it moves well and quickly. The author is familiar with the Seattle setting, and it shows in the details included.
These are well-written, easy to read stories that will appeal to fans of strong female characters in realistic settings, mystery fans, romance fans, and anyone who enjoys a fun read.
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Available now and on sale at Smashwords from December 25, 2017 to January 1, 2018:
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And So On... 