Reading and Reviews (Black and Grafton)

I'm an author, but I'm also a reader. From time to time, I'll share my reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day. 

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author. 

Death by Coconut by Susie Black 

Obnoxious Mystique Swimwear sales rep Simon Posnick was universally despised by competitors and customers alike. So the question wasn’t who wanted the lying, cheating scoundrel dead. The question was who didn’t. Mariel Levine, Laurie’s Fashions' swimsuit buyer and Holly Schlivnik’s career mentor, is wrongly arrested for murdering Posnick by impaling him with the jagged edge of a coconut shell at the base of his skull. The wisecracking, irreverent President of Mermaid Swimwear jumps into action to uncover the real killer. But the treacherous trail holds more dangerous human predators than the alligators and black pythons in the Everglades. Everything turns out differently than amateur sleuth Holly thinks it will as she tangles with a vengeful killer.

 

My Review

The Yentas are at it again. They’re cheering Holly on as she tackles another murder mystery. Ms. Black’s imagination and creativity are stellar in this Holly Swimsuit mystery down to using a coconut shell to stab the most obnoxious Posnick. This story is set in Miami, and having lived there, I can say she’s portrayed the setting rightfully, plunging the reader into the Florida city. Not to be a spoiler, but there might be a little romance for Holly in this book of the series. It’s a madcap mystery romp with plenty of unique characters. 

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Coconut-Holly-Swimsuit-Mystery/dp/B0GX9FZDNP

 

 

B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton 

Although business has been slow lately for P.I. Kinsey Millhone, she's reluctant to take on the case of locating Beverly Danziger's sister Elaine Boldt. It's a small matter that Beverly should be able to handle herself. So why is she enlisting Kinsey's services? Beverly claims she needs Elaine's signature on some documents so that she can collect a small inheritance. But it doesn't sit well with Kinsey. And if there's something she's learned in her line of work, it's to always follow your instincts…

Kinsey's hunch proves true when she begins her inquiries into Elaine's whereabouts and discovers that the attractive widow was last seen in a flashy lynx coat boarding a plane for Boca Raton. But the more Kinsey searches for Elaine the more questions she encounters. Is Elaine's disappearance tied in to the brutal murder several months ago of one of her bridge partners? And what happened to Elaine's Persian cat who seems to have also vanished?

Things take a turn for the worse when a stranger vandalizes the home of one of Elaine's neighbors and another neighbor turns up murdered. With her reputation and career on the line, Kinsey risks all to find a missing woman and a killer who's waiting in the shadows to strike again…

 

My Review

I’m hooked on the P.I. Kinsey Millhone books. I’ve been reading them out of order but it doesn’t matter, although I can see the growth in her character in later books. Anyway, read the blurb and know I recommend this book for lots of entertainment. 

https://www.amazon.com/Burglar-Millhone-Mystery-Alphabet-Mysteries/dp/1250020247/

Life’s Adventures: Trips and Trauma II

This is summer number 2 of a real mixed bag of highs and lows. 

In May, we made a partial move. We rented an apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona to get out of the heat of the RV at the Ranch. Mom (95-year-old Mom) moved in with us. 

On the high side, we are five minutes away from the kids. That means I’ve been able to play chauffeur to my granddaughter. 

On the low side, a 13-year-old granddaughter is not nearly as interested in spending time with her Nana anymore, so chauffeuring her around, to friends or with her friends, I at least get to see her. 

On the high side, we LOVE the apartment complex where we are living. It’s beautifully landscaped with lots of trees, grass, and flowering bushes which actually keeps it cooler in this gawdawful heat. 

On the low side, the patio isn't seeing much time in this gawdawful heat. 

On the high side, spending time with Mom is a blessing. How many women still have their mom around at 95? She’s spry, loves to shop, but her energy level is spotty. She still does for herself, so we are lucky. 

On the low side, my time isn’t totally my own anymore…that took some adjusting. 

On the high side, one of my books was chosen for a BookBub Featured Deal. I've tried numerous times, but they only let 20% of the submissions pay the outrageous price for the one day ad. The thing is, that one day equals lots of exposure. This is the book: Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1GPJR7

On the low side, FDW and I have had numerous doctor appointments. And a few of his doctors are in Payson which is closer to Tonto Basin. Lots of time in the car. 

I’d like to end on all high side notations. 

On the high side, much of his problems are slowly getting better. My one excursion under the knife turned out amazing. 

On the high side, we managed an overnight trip up north to visit friends. 

On the high side, I had a great little birthday celebration with some
family. 

One last high. Although my time is not as free since our move, I am managing to put in some time on the next book. I’m writing a 1969 prequel to The MacKenzie Chronicles. 

All of you have a happy summer…if you haven’t heard, I HATE summer. LOL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JCKBVH2

 

 

 

Book Sale Limited Time Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder

 

While I work on book 5 in The Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery series...yet to be named...you can take advantage of a special! And I'll let you in on a clue for book 5. Nic is on her own in this one. Can she find the murderer without Em by her side? How will Guthrie feel about that? Can ex-husband #2, a relative of Wyatt Earp, be of any help?

AVAILABLE AUGUST 13 TO AUGUST 20, 2026

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder.

 

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park of their small town. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic is baking and has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement heats, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees.

 

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent?

 

In this cozy culinary mystery, these amateur sleuth sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If the Chocolate Martini Sisters can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

 

The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

Wicked is as Wicked Does: Wicked Wednesday with J. D. Webb

 WICKED WEDNESDAY

My guest, J. D. Webb, deals in multiple villains. Enjoy this look at his book this Wicked Wednesday.

Wicked villains:

Frequent Flier villains are members of a drug cartel. A splinter group from a huge operation run by Ukrainian Oligarch. Not the most competent organization, but they get by. Two brothers keep the drugs flowing by recruiting high schoolers as runners.

A young friend of ex-military pilot, Matt Pearson, is a reluctant recruiting target. Matt steps in to convince the recruiters to back off. It doesn’t go well. Matt gets the upper hand but that just increases the efforts.

Excerpt:

A commotion outside prompted Matt to enter the hallway.

Luis stood in front of his apartment. Two Hispanic guys flanked him. One other boy rubbed his shoulder. The two swiveled to see who’d entered the hallway.

Matt approached. “Luis, is everything okay?” He heard Sharon open the door wider.

Luis didn’t say anything.  

The tallest boy sneered at Matt. “You need to go back inside.” They looked to be teenagers or early twenties.

“Do you own this building, son?”

“No and I ain’t your son. Leave.”

“Now there we have a problem. I’m not the owner of the building either, but I’ve been invited here. How about you? Have you been invited?”

The guy faced Matt. He was about two inches taller than Matt and had the muscles of someone who worked out. His sharp face featured a short goatee and a ring in his nose. Gold chains hung around his neck across the front of a T-shirt with the lettering J-Boyz. Tan cargo pants partially covered a pair of brown, pointed-toe Western boots. 

The boy bounced on his feet and curled his hands into fists. His frizzy black hair bounced as well. “I’m telling you to go back inside before you have a problem. Me an’ Luis are having a discussion and it don’t concern you. Beat it.” He turned back to Luis and waited. “I don’t hear your door closing,” he said.

“Funny, I didn’t either. It would be advisable for you to leave now. Luis, are you finished with this conversation?”

Luis nodded.

“Well, there you have it Mr…. I didn’t catch your name. We’re done here.”

The guy dropped his shoulders and rushed Matt. Matt sidestepped and grabbed the gold chains. He pulled down and the man face-planted on the floor. Matt took the young man’s wrist and twisted, cupping the hand, putting pressure on the wrist.

He lifted the boy and stood him facing the wall. The second boy had not moved, and his jaw was wide open. His expression revealed this rarely happened. 

Matt took a step back. “Are you listening to me, ah, what was your name again?”

“Stone. Ahh, name is Stone.”

“Mr. Stone, we’re done here. You need to leave, and I don’t think you should come around anymore. Got it?” Matt gave an extra push on the hand. A yelp let him know it worked. He turned Stone around and tugged his goatee. A smear of blood had formed under his nose. “Didn’t hear you?”

“We’re done.” His lips said it, but his eyes disagreed. He rubbed his wrist and arm. “I’ll remember you.”

“I’ll remember you, Mr. Stone. If we meet again, I won’t be so kind.”

“Me neither.” Stone motioned to the other boy as he shook out his hand. He glanced back and they left.

“What was that about, Luis?”  

“They wanted me to go to a party with them. I said no and Stone shoved me. Said I disrespected him.”

Blurb:

Ex-military pilot Matt Pearson in San Diego for a short visit meets the ‘perfect’ woman. A six-month whirlwind romance succeeds in her saying yes to his proposal. What followed should have been Nirvana. If only. It wasn’t to be. A confrontation with a drug cartel never results in peace.  

 

Buy Links for Frequent Flier:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Frequent-Flier-J-D-Webb-ebook/dp/B0GHZG9Z58/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2M8O33AMW2RZT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dLmESGccLmw5Wv3vvSeHJw.KtlEFAWAGTRZUS9aPNQX8QyLD2HQfmbquK07g0FPruM&dib_tag=se&keywords=frequent+flier+webb&qid=1782517004&sprefix=frequent+flier+webb,aps,235&sr=8-1

Wild Rose Press:

https://wildrosepress.com/product/frequent-flier/

 

Bio:

J. D. Webb, served in the Air Force in Viet Nam and the Philippines as a Chinese linguist, as a corporate transportation manager, then shoe repair and sales shop owner, before becoming an author. Obviously had trouble keeping a job.

An award-winning author of seven novels, an anthology and two short stories. Incredible Witness the anthology was a finalist in the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion awards. Bayou Chase, a thriller, was published September 2023 by Wild Rose Press.

His next thriller, Free To Be Me, released in July 2025. As a pre-published manuscript, it was selected as a Top Pick at the 2024 Killer Nashville Claymore Awards. In 2026 it placed first in the annual NEST awards suspense category.

A second thriller titled Frequent Flier was released in 2026. This is a series with a third and fourth book under development.

Shepherd’s Pie coming soon. Chicago PI becomes the target of a killer.

Her Name Is Mommy coming soon. Chicago PI thwarts a kidnapping.

In 2023 Webb was honored to be elected to the Midwest Writer’s Workshop Board of Directors.

A recent move relocated him to Gallatin, TN. Currently learning to speak Southern.

 

Contact links:

Facebook:

facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/jdavewebb/

Website:

https://jdwebb.com/

What's to Find in the Wormhole: A Muse Monday Post by Lyndi Alexander

MUSE MONDAY

The idea of wormholes existing sends chills up my spine. But for my guest, it's all part of the creative process. I think her muse sent her down a wormhole and Lyndi sure knows how to use it to create some enthralling books. Tell us about it, Lyndi.

At the conclusion of SIXSHOOTER, the book to which SPECTRUM is a sequel, the two ships carrying our characters jump through a wormhole into the unknown, an act of desperation, a desire to survive on their own terms. 

What lies on the other end of a wormhole? 

Who knows? This is the conundrum that fueled the opening chapters of SPECTRUM for me. Having been a long-time fan of science fiction movies and shows, I could think of multiple examples from Star Trek to Doctor Who and back. My intent was to create something different, something that would challenge our heroes. After all, in SIXSHOOTER, several of them had come to that universe and found it populated with humanoids like themselves. Business proceeded as usual. 

But when Valeni, Garrett and the others come to on the other side, they find nothing. No planets, no stars, nothing to steer by.  As the wormhole has closed behind them, they have no choice but to proceed. How can you figure out where you are when you can see nothing? How long does it take before you give up, and what do you do then? 

The crews struggle with every possibility, traveling blindly, trying every sensor available to them, but still can detect nothing. When they are ready to surrender to despair, Zie, the empathic alien healer traveling with them, picks up the existence of other living beings. Based on this, the only positive clue they have received since their arrival, the ships move in tandem toward the faint signs of life. Continuing to make attempts to communicate through more conventional manners is fruitless, and there is no way to determine whether they are approaching a planet, another ship, or a loose space-faring squid. 

Then, perhaps the most stunning of all out of the endless darkness: “A-Are you a good witch or a bad witch?” 

            And the adventure only unwinds from there.

BLURB:

Following the impetuous launch of the spaceships Tiburon and Sixshooter through a newly discovered wormhole, Garrett, Luca, Valeni, Nikki/Nicholas, and Zie arrive in what seems to be an empty universe. 

After several weeks of trying to make headway, they receive a voice out of the dark, asking if they were “a good witch or a bad witch.” Can they adapt to this bizarre universe? If not, can they find escape through yet another wormhole?

 

Book Trailer for Sixshooter:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jixU6FfqNZ0

 

BUY LINKS: 

Paperback at Amazon • Hardback at Amazon • eBook at Amazon Kindle • eBook at Apple Books • eBook at Kobo • eBook at Smashwords • Audiobook at Apple

EXCERPT: 

Indigo…violet…indigo…swirls of electric feeling as Garrett’s hand passed lightly down their leg…as Valeni moved softly by Nikki, heaving a long sigh with her release. The shooting lines of red fading as all three lay back, exhilarated but exhausted.

The afterwaves of love.

Garrett groaned and stretched out his legs, reaching all the way to the bottom of the broad mattress. The dark blue duvet slipped off the end onto the floor, but it didn’t seem to bother him. “I swear, you gals make me feel fine as frog hair split four ways.”

Valeni snickered. “What a way to go.”

Was that true? Nikki let the question wind through their coalescing thoughts. Would it be a preferable way to leave the mortal world, while engaged in the procreational act? Not if we managed to procreate. Oh, how we wish we could…

Author Bio

Lyndi Alexander always dreamed of faraway worlds and interesting alien contacts. She lives as a post-modern hippie in Asheville, North Carolina, a single mother of her last child of seven, a daughter on the autism spectrum, finding that every day feels a lot like first contact with a new species. 

Author Links

Website  and Blog      https://lyndialexander.wordpress.com/

Facebook                    https://www.facebook.com/lyndialexander13/

Goodreads                   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4185290.Lyndi_Alexander

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/Lyndi-Alexander/e/B005GDYPU2/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Bookbub:                    https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lyndi-alexander

Smashwords | Lyndi Alexander    https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lyndialexander

Instagram        https://www.instagram.com/alexander_lyndi/

From Terror to Tranquility: Fearless Friday with Kim McMahill

FEARLESS FRIDAY

Whoa, boy, love it when Kim McMahill is my guest. Always a fun read. Enjoy!

I’m thrilled to be back here to share my latest adventure. Spending time in Türkiye was an incredible experience, from the ancient ruins of Troy and Ephesus to the chaotic and exotic city of Istanbul. Each site elicited a vast range of emotions, but none so much as the Cappadocia region.

The thought of climbing into the basket of a mammoth hot air balloon for a flight over the Cappadocia region in central Türkiye was a little intimidating to say the least. I’ve never been afraid of heights, but watching other balloons soaring so high in the sky that they were mere specks got my adrenaline pumping, and I couldn’t help questioning my decision to undertake such an adventure.

After the initial moment of terror as we climbed higher into the sky (over 5,000 feet according to our pilot), a tranquility began to embrace me. The sunrise bathed the area in an exquisite glow. The unique landscape below dotted with fairy chimneys and rugged features appeared straight out of a sci-fi or fantasy movie.

The balloon glided gracefully over a magnificent array of natural features, somehow avoiding collision with the dozens of other craft in the sky. When our pilot finally broke the trance that the enchanting scenery put on me to instruct us on the correct landing position, my nerves returned. Fortunately, the moment of concern was unwarranted as we touched down with hardly a bump.

Touring the Cappadocia region is more than hot air balloons. We went underground to explore cities burrowed out of rock to protect residents from invaders. The immense subterranean cities were unbelievable. We also explored cave homes and churches and hiked through fairytale landscapes. I loved the history, archeology, culture, food, and people. It was an adventure of a lifetime.

Often in my travels and nearby adventures, I come across a landscape that begs to be featured in one of my novels. I’ve written stories set among ancient Mayan ruins, areas with great archeological treasures, and most recently the Beartooth Mountain area of Wyoming outside the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park.

I don’t know what role the rugged and unearthly Cappadocia region will play in a future novel, but I have no doubt it will be incorporated. In the meantime, check out The Beartooth Chronicles and be transported to an amazing place that is not only beautiful, but deadly. This series, taut with suspense and driven by unbreakable bonds, tells a powerful story of survival, love, and the fight to create a future worth living. The entire series is available to binge from your favorite online bookseller or download from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HL6RK/

THE BEARTOOTH CHRONICLES: In a world unraveling from relentless natural and human disasters, a determined group form a community built on sustainability and hope. Their mountain haven, Beartooth, offers safety and solace, but as environmental catastrophes escalate and humanity's darkest instincts emerge, their fragile sanctuary is threatened.

Now, the residents must confront an unyielding wave of challenges—both from within and beyond their borders—that will push their resilience, unity, and will to survive to the brink. Will their vision of a better future endure, or will the chaos of the world consume all they’ve built?

Follow Ashley and Caleb as they embark on a remarkable journey. Together, they learn about tragedy, grief, love, joy, and hope as they fight to survive in a hostile world.

Novels in this completed series in order: Refuge from the World, Above the Abyss, Isolated from Anarchy, Evil Below the Mountain, and Winter Resurgence.

Bio:

Kim McMahill started out writing nonfiction, but her passion for adventure, stories of survival against the odds, and speculating about the future of humanity and our planet, soon turned her attention towards fiction. Along with numerous novels, she has published over eighty travel and human-interest articles and contributed to a travel story anthology. Growing up in a small community surrounded by mountains, traveling the world, and enjoying a rewarding career with the National Park Service has given her the opportunity to live in amazing places, experience incredible adventures, and witness many changes in our world, all of which have helped shape her stories.

Please be sure to sign up for her newsletter using the form on her blog at https://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com or follow her on:

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KimMcMahillAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmcmahill/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kimmcmahill

Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/849945.Kim_McMahill

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kim-McMahill/e/B007IK0EJW/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kim-mcmahill

Building a Book One Character at a Time

As previously shared, my writing time has been severely hampered with a move and adding my 95-year-old mom to our household. But I have plunged into the character building of my next book. It's important to know my characters before I can plop them into the plot. You'll find character descriptions of some of them right here on this blog: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/p/get-to-know-characters.html

I'm writing the prequel to The MacKenzie Chronicles. It's set in 1969, where the story for the family began. I often like to find a public figure whose physical characteristics match what I envision. It's fun! For this author anyway. Here are a few of the characters I have lined up for the prequel.

Susie Muse (actor Kangana Ranault)

Frank MacKenzie (actor Lucas Hedges)

Snuff (rapper and songwriter Kendrick Lamar)

Lolly Border (actor and comedian Rebel Wilson)

While we wait for the release of the prequel, you can find the series books here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JCKBVH2