Twenty-Eight and Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

★★★★☆  

Rose is a woman to love.  She is innocent and craves adventure.  She gets both when her mother is murdered.  Rose will make you giggle and be happy there are just plain ol' good people out there as she works her way through her mystery.

Written In Blood by Nathan Bush

★★★★☆   I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I read the Prologue again after I read the book and realized it is a succinct summary of the book.  I will not summarize the book because I can’t possibly write a better summary than the author.  If you don’t like the Prologue, you will not like the book.  I like the Prologue and enjoyed the book very much.

I found it interesting that the name of the character speaking (Ken or Eddie) was at the top of the page in each chapter.  I became fond of the characters as they were well established.  Even some of the more minor characters felt human to me and added depth to the story.

The book gives you twists and turns and keeps you guessing.  I didn’t figure out who the killer was prior to being told and that is rare for me.  I will read more of Mr. Bush’s books.

Initiated to Kill by Sharlene Almond

★★★☆☆  I was sent a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

First off, some general rambling.  I love the cover of this book.  It is intriguing and I found myself going back to the cover to look at it again and again.  I think missing the covers of books is the biggest downfall to using eReaders.  Anyway, on to the review.

The book is surrounded by a mystery of Jack the Ripper, the Freemasons and a deaf woman, Anabella.  Anabella’s roommate, Celestina, disappears after a night out of partying and becomes involved with the case due to her supreme ability to read people’s body language.  The police, the teachers at Anabella’s school, Celestina’s co-workers, Annbella’s Aunt and Uncle all bring their own interesting stories to the book.  The “feeling” of the book as I read it was dark and beautiful simultaneously.  The symbolism is throughout the novel and I was glad to read the book.

The prologue begins to describe a scene that includes the Freemasons, which is always an interesting topic for mystery.  As I read the first several pages of the book I was lost.  I didn’t know who story teller was.  It changes from a character calling for “Mummy”, to descriptions of Easter celebration in Seville.   This and the editorial issues with the book were a bit frustrating but do not despair and keep reading! 

I have added Sharlene's Journey in Little Paradise to my "To Read" shelf on Goodreads.