Mystery Reads

Featured Book: Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

Free!
“Perfect…Impossible to put down.” L. Levenson, CBS Legal Correspondent.
A prominent Judge is murdered, and a sixteen year-old girl, Hannah Sheraton, is accused. Only Josie Bates, an attorney with a shameful past, will defend her. But the more Josie digs the more she realizes that politics, privilege, and family connections are a combustible combination that will either free Hannah or destroy them both.

Buy Hostile Witness Here

Rebecca Forster’s Website
Follow Rebecca Forster on Facebook
Follow Rebecca Forster on Twitter
Rebecca Forster’s GoodReads Profile

Featured Book: Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

Half-buried in the muddy earth and surrounded by puddles of water lies the naked body of a beautiful young girl. Her pale skin looks like porcelain in the early morning light. Her fragile arms bent and crooked like a broken doll.

When Detective Katie Scott is called to the discovery of a young girl buried on the grounds of a former children’s home in Pine Valley, California, she’s hopeful it’s the end to a devastating cold case she’s been working on. No one has seen Candace Harlan since she ran away from Elm Hill Manor five years ago. Her death will be a tragedy, but it will also bring peace to those who miss her most. But the girl in the ground is not Candace.

The victim is almost identical to Candace in every way, but fear grips Katie as she takes in the black ink that decorates the girl’s back—a terrifying message tattooed on her skin after she drew her last breath.

Forcing down traumatic memories of losing her own parents, Katie is certain someone mistook this poor soul for Candace, and that this crumbling home for lost girls is at the heart of this terrible crime. She sets to work digging into the tragic history of the owners who lost so many children of their own and tracking down the last six residents and the staff who cared for them—but no one wants to talk, let alone remember.

The next day, a second girl’s body is found down by the creek at high water, the same words etched into her skin. Katie’s worst fear is confirmed: someone is picking off the last of the Elm Hill girls one by one. But what does the tattoo mean? And what monster would target these innocent girls who have already been through so much?

Katie must dig deep to confront her own fears and protect the vulnerable—but as the body count rises further, will there be anyone left to save?

An absolutely gripping, dark, and totally unputdownable serial killer thriller that will keep you racing through the pages all night long. Fans of Lisa Regan, Rachel Caine and Melinda Leigh will read in one sitting!

Buy Last Girls Alive Here

Jennifer Chase’s Website
Follow Jennifer Chase on Facebook
Follow Jennifer Chase on Twitter
Jennifer Chase’s GoodReads Profile

Featured Book: Hostile Witness by Rebecca Forster

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

Download FREE! A prominent judge is dead, a sixteen year old girl is accused, and only one woman, Josie Bates, is willing to risk her reputation to defend the girl. But when wealth, power, and privilege join forces to stop her, it’s more than Josie’s reputation on the line…it’s her life. Inspired by one of the first trials where a child was tried as an adult, Hostile Witness has kept over 3 million readers up all night.

Buy Hostile Witness Here

Rebecca Forster’s Website
Follow Rebecca Forster on Facebook
Follow Rebecca Forster on Twitter
Rebecca Forster’s GoodReads Profile

Featured Book: Bushranger Gold by David Cairns of Finavon

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

In 1853, Australia was rocked by the robbery of £6,000 of gold from an escorted shipment on a country road heading from the McIvor gold fields to Melbourne, Within days, 400 men were searching the bush for the audacious bushrangers who numbered between 6 and 15 depending on who was telling the story. Despite aboriginal trackers and extensive searches, they could not be found. The full weight of the constabulary was thrown behind the case and a round up of possible suspects began. The leader was a man by the name of Joe Grey. He disappeared and was never heard of again. Or was he? The ship that some of the bushrangers intended to use to escape to London left Melbourne and was never seen again. Mystery upon mystery. And then there is the involvement of one of Australia’s most famous bushrangers, Frank Gardiner.
This is a fast-paced story of a daring robbery in the rumbustious times of the Victorian gold rush and what happened next.

Buy Bushranger Gold Here

David Cairns of Finavon’s Website
Follow David Cairns of Finavon on Twitter

Featured Book: Entwined: In Mystery & Murder. . . x 2 by Thomas E. Cochrane

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

“Twins”…?

OR is there a more unusual connection between these two women who keep finding themselves in the middle of mayhem ― both in the U.S. and abroad?

Sophisticated Gee, born of privilege, a socialite philanthropist in Boston, and Karen, a sporty down-to-earth private detective. . .yet inhabiting the same body. And in love with the same man (the family’s hunky private pilot).

This tongue-in-cheek romp follows these “two” on their multi-continent adventures as they track down killers, confront para-military groups, and end up in the crosshairs of an international drug cartel ― changing locations and jetting hither and yon as quickly as they change a shade of lipstick. Yet they also manage to tackle a range of today’s most pressing issues including government corruption, gun control, money laundering, hurricane relief, and more.

WELCOME to this fast-paced, imaginative, and idealized reality where the world’s ills are often tidied up in lightning quick fashion, providing some utopian escapism for anyone who enjoys a mystery, inside a puzzle, inside a riddle as there’s also a classic whodunit enfolded herein―with yet another startling twist at this tale’s unorthodox conclusion . . .

Buy Entwined: In Mystery & Murder. . . x 2 Here

Thomas E. Cochrane’s Website

Welcome to Mystery Reads

By Mystery Reads Curator 3 Comments

Looking for your next great mystery? We are here to help you find it. From sleuths to suspense and even romance, we are looking for the best mystery books for you to read. Come join our newsletter to stay on top of our latest finds and maybe even win a book!

Let us know your favorite Mystery genre and what you would like to see on our site.

Rogue Legal Thriller Series Boxset I: Legal Thrillers by Dale E. Manolakas

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

Rogue Legal Thriller Series Boxset I: Legal Thrillers by Dale E. Manolakas

Two Must-Read Legal Thrillers [individual Audiobooks and Print books Available]

Hollywood on Trial ~ A Legal Thriller
✩Industry secrets uncovered…drugs, sex, betrayal, death…the power elite exposed and hunted down…murder on trial…✩
Sexual currency, extortion, and murder—the hidden life behind Hollywood cameras. Josh Stein, the industry’s top entertainment lawyer represents star power—the price for ingénues is sex. Starlets pit man against man and willingly or unwillingly do what it takes to fight their way into the inner circle. After a starlet goes one step too far, a murder trial of the century shocks the world.
✩ AMAZON AUTHOR REVIEWS: “Have read this author before. Truly gifted.” “Put you into the courtroom.” “… amazing trial …. This author has a particular talent for developing real life characters that you can’t forget.” “Visceral. Sensual. Alive.”
✩ GOODREADS 4.67 RATING: .”Excellent legal thriller written well with attention to detail. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a gripping courtroom drama.” “a good mystery-thriller-suspenseful read … will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next … fast moving.” “I highly recommend … this author.” “… gifted author …”

Rogue Divorce Lawyer ~ A Legal Triller
✩ Depravity escalates to murder. “Great psychological thriller.” “Author truly gifted.” “Real life characters you can’t forget.” ✩
[Note: Sexual Subject Matter ~ Some Necessarily Explicit ~ Mature Readers]
Based on a real “Me Too” case—in this legal thriller for decades divorce lawyer Gary Stockton sexually harasses, abuses, and subjugates his “special” female clients. To him, they are the perks of his practice.
When Stockton’s criminal depravity escalates to murder, this new craving leads to a shocking trial. A pillar of the community, this rogue divorce lawyer is unstoppable until a new client fights back.
✩ AMAZON REVIEWS 4.5: “The characters are as compelling as the story which is true. Have read this author before. Truly gifted.” “Couldn’t Stop Reading.”Put you into the courtroom.” “Great psychological thriller with an amazing trial. A real page turner. Could not put it down. This author has a particular talent for developing real life characters that you can’t forget.”
✩ GOODREADS: 4.33 Rating
• Be an insider. At the author’s web sight sign up for new release notices.
• Visit You Tube Channel for Author’s book trailers.

A Caterer’s Guide to Love and Murder by Jessica Thompson

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

A wedding caterer, a florist…and a dash of poison.
“Wow, this dough is sexy!”
As their wedded bliss starts to show signs of serious strain, Violet and her new husband, Jake, put their feelings aside to focus on catering a wedding that could make or break her career.
When murder ruins the rehearsal dinner, and her sister, Greta, the florist, becomes the prime suspect, Violet risks everything to clear her – and still deliver the beautiful wedding her new friend deserves.
But will she be in time before the killer dishes out seconds?
A Caterer’s Guide to Love and Murder takes you on a culinary journey you won’t forget!

Targeted Age Group:: 20 – 65+

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
When I discovered mystery novels with recipes, I knew I had found my niche!
I got to include my favorite recipes AND weave a complex mystery!

When Murder Comes Home by Shana Frost

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

An adventure she’d asked for, being a murder suspect? Not really.

Introverted yet brilliant (former) accountant Aileen Mackinnon ditched her risk-less life in the city for the village of Loch Fuar, nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands. Now she’s the co-owner of her Gran’s inn, Dachaigh, and an amateur innkeeper to ten new guests. But when one of her guests doesn’t turn up for breakfast and the other dangles over the window sill, Aileen finds herself in deep waters, especially with the handsome local detective.

One man show, Detective Inspector Callan Cameron couldn’t be happier— finally a murder, if not two! The only issue- he’s forced to join forces with the new innkeeper in town. What could be more horrible than having a partner? A partner Callan loves to argue with? A partner that gels with his detection style seamlessly?

Between bloody murders and stolen rings, the tension is high, so is the heat. They might not always see eye to eye, but can they agree: whodunnit?

When Murder Comes Home is the first novel in the Aileen & Callan Murder Mysteries based in the fictional town of Loch Fuar in the Scottish Highlands. This nail biting novel will keep you up all night, sleuthing and laughing alongside lovable characters. Ready to enjoy some gore and lots of suspenseful fun? Download this book now!

Targeted Age Group:: 16-100!

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
The Scottish Highlands. I fell in love with the scenery when I visited this region a couple of years ago. So when I thought about a murder mystery, I asked myself: what if a friendly Highland community was struck with murder? How would they react?

Tell A Lie by Andrew Garbett

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

A body in a bath in a city on the edge. The discovery of the dead woman leads the investigation to unexpected places and the heart of the British government. As the world descends on London for the WTO meeting, the pouring rain threatens to flush out all their secrets and some of them are proving deadly.

Targeted Age Group:: 18-100

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
My love of kayaking, politics, London and thrillers all inspired me to write Tell A Lie.

The Trivial Trials of Matt Mollster by M.D. Metro

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

All Three Matt Mollster Mystery Novellas Now Collected In One Place! Plus, Exclusive To This Collection, A Never Before Seen Matt Mollster Mini Mystery!

Meet Matt Mollster: Comic book jockey, perpetual bachelor and aspiring writer in search of a big break. After an abrupt encounter with a forlorn young lady, Matt jumps at the chance to try and come to her aid. Once the young lady goes missing, however, Matt eagerly begins to unravel the mystery, but as he gets closer to the truth, Matt soon finds himself in over his head. Equipped only with his determination and his self-depreciation, Matt seeks out justice the only way he knows how… by channeling pop culture.

But what Matt first sees as a one-time, life altering experience, he quickly realizes is just the beginning, and that his life will never be the same. His quiet, solitary existence as a minimum wage clerk is replaced with random road trips and book signings, tense interviews and crime scenes, maniacal muderers and crafty kidnappers. Only Matt, with his considerable geek cred and stubbornness, can sift through the vague clues and uncover the conspiracies, unmask the truth and unveil the criminals. Doing so will challenge him in ways he never anticipated, forcing Matt to step out from a shadow of self-loathing and connect again, to family, to friends, to romance, to shape a future he dismissed as out of reach. With this new life, however, not only comes a sense of purpose but also fatal consequences if he falters.

Witness the birth of a sleuth with The Nostalgia Crypt, Four Days of PHAME, and Impostors’ Syndrome – as well as the Mini Mystery The Steward Of Solidarity – for these tales truly are The Trivial Trials Of Matt Mollster.

Targeted Age Group:: 18-45

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
I’ve been a constant consumer of pop culture for as long as I can remember, and while years ago it was niche, now it’s wide spread, so I felt there was an opportunity to break some new ground and provide geek culture a real world hero they could relate to.

Mystery and Misadventure by M.D. Hall

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

The first in a series of three collections of short stories (the third is ready and will be published on Amazon early in 2021). They are supernatural mysteries and all involve an old man, Samuel Prite. As the books progress, we revisit some characters and discover a story arc which is fully developed in a novel appearing on Amazon in Spring 2021. The arc is also brought to the fore in the fourth collection to be published at the end of 2021.

Targeted Age Group:: 11 and above

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Partway through a historical novel (now finished and to be published on Amazon in 2021), I was given a parking ticket. While waiting at the dentist, the idea came to me: the response of an overzealous traffic warden to receiving lots of unfairly issued parking tickets? You will spot the link in the first story.
I needed a mysterious supernatural character who is both charming and unthreatening: Samuel Prite. When I gave him free rein, he took on a life of his own.

Dwell by Miik YS

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

A strong urge compels Cyn to dance a waltz in the precinct parking garage. The same compulsion at the same time forces Ali to waltz in her apartment. The impulses tailor themselves to the women. Cyn faces the overwhelming desire to torture a homicide suspect and shoot a homeless man, while Ali grapples with a yearning to shoplift and steal from a cash register. The women morph into passengers in their own bodies, aware of everything around them but incapable of manipulating events, like passengers on a bus watching the world pass by beyond the windows, while the influence nobbles them toward maiming, mayhem, and murder.

The duo subsist like most people, never questioning why they act as they do, never scrutinizing who or what sways them until an unknown influence threatens to swallow their lives. What about you? Who or what shapes your dealings? Do you even know? Does your will control you, or have you acquiesced to some other force without even realizing it?

Targeted Age Group:: Teen and Adult

What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Seeing how people are influenced by things that they may not even realize are impacting their behavior, I crafted a story to take that situation to extremes. From the point of view of the two women subjected to mind control, I show how it disrupts their lives and the lives of others in their orbit. They aren't content to become compliant victims, so they fight back.

[Read more…] about Dwell by Miik YS

Featured Book: Rough Way to the High Way by Kelly Mack McCoy

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

About Featured Book: Rough Way to the High Way by Kelly Mack McCoy

'An Extraordinary Novel' – Midwest Book Review –

Pastor turned long-haul trucker, Mack, struggles with grief and perceived failures as a minister while he is confronted with a mysterious hitchhiker, smugglers, and a determined killer.

A journey that began as a search for solitude and windshield therapy after his wife Georgia's murder becomes a high stakes adventure as a Texas Ranger and high ranking FBI agent seek to track down her killer.

A pair of hapless criminals botch an attempted break in of Mack's trailer which leads to the discovery of a sinister plot involving Georgia's killer. Mack's journey from his hometown of Pampa, Texas to Chicago introduces a cast of characters who seek to use him to deliver a load far more destructive than anyone could have imagined.

This Christian book is available in these Formats: eBook, Print, Audiobook

Buy Book Here.

Featured Book: Rise Sons of Light and Darkness Volume I by Alexander Tyson

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

About Featured Book: Rise Sons of Light and Darkness Volume I by Alexander Tyson

The first book of the six part serialized saga. Two thousand years of struggle between the forces of light and darkness culminates in the final battle for the fate of the world. An orphaned loner finds himself thrust into a deadly world of Angels and Demons, killers and conspirators. With uncertainty around every corner can he bring himself to trust another and in so doing change the fate of the world.
Across the four corners of the globe war is coming, an unseen and unknown army of Candidates born of human mothers forced from the shadows to do battle against one another and the forces of Heaven and Hell.

This Thriller book is available in these Formats: eBook

Buy Book Here.

Featured Book: Murder in Marseille by Susan Kiernan-Lewis

By Mystery Reads Curator Leave a Comment

When the dead body of one of Marseille’s most corrupt politicians is found in Maggie’s car trunk, it creates a bubbling stew of deception, betrayal and revenge. This heart-stopping thrill ride takes you through the menacing back streets of Marseille in Maggie’s determined trajectory toward the truth–and the real evil–behind it.
Even worse, a devastating family secret that Laurent and Maggie have spent the last twelve years hiding is shockingly revealed, putting everything they have–as well as everyone they love–in immediate jeopardy.

Buy Murder in Marseille Here

Susan Kiernan-Lewis’s Website
Follow Susan Kiernan-Lewis on Facebook
Susan Kiernan-Lewis’s GoodReads Profile