book review

From the publisher

Peace and quiet is underrated.

After her last brush with murder, Larklyn Davis is relieved to be spending her time with the talented new horse at her stables instead of tripping over body parts. While she’s trying to figure out why her newest horse has lost his mojo, she’s also puzzling over her relationship with the brooding, uncommunicative Detective Brecken Wilson.

But then, disaster strikes, and both Lark’s reputation and business are on the line. Once again she finds herself pulled into a murder case and in close proximity to the handsome Detective. Throw in a dashing veterinarian plus a matchmaking town and Lark’s life spins out of control. As clues pile up and all evidence leads back to her barn, Lark gets saddled up to solve another mystery.

Who knew life in Barrow Bay would stir up so much trouble?

My review of Stir Up

Stir Up is an equestrian themed mystery with an unusual twist—the murder victim is a horse. It’s obvious the author cares deeply about horses and animal cruelty. At first, this departure from the traditional blueprint for a mystery bothered me, but as the story progressed, I found the plot twist refreshing.

The main character, Lark Davis, is a mixture of spunk, snark, and sass. In a world of snarky characters, Lark reigns supreme. She’s got a comeback or comment—even if it’s only in her head—for every person, conversation, and situation. For me, Lark’s internal monologue slowed the story.
Unfortunately, Lark’s obsession with her love life, or lack thereof, became a bit much for me. For those who love getting involved in the main character’s personal life, Lark’s your girl. And for those mystery readers who are also horse lovers—mount up because Stir Up has you covered.

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From the publisher

The organizers have rustled up plenty of surprises for the literary conference at Tattered Star Ranch. But the murder of an influential scholar wasn’t on the program—someone has clearly taken the theme of Malice in the Mountains to heart. This shocking crime is only the beginning: Other dangers and deceptions are soon revealed.

English professor Lila Maclean has a full agenda: She must convince a press to publish her book (possibly), ace her panel presentations (hopefully), and deal with her nemesis (regrettably).

However, when Detective Lex Archer requests Lila’s academic expertise, she agrees to consult on the case. While her contributions earn high marks from her partner, it could be too late; the killer is already taking aim at the next subject.

As Lila races to keep her colleagues alive, publish or perish takes on new meaning.

My review of The Subject of Malice

With multiple plot lines—one for the murder, one for the romance, and one based on good old-fashioned greed—The Subject of Malice has a lot going on. The storylines, which ultimately converge, are balanced well and all proceed at a good pace. 

There’s no shortage of odd characters in this story, either, which makes one wonder exactly how many of them are based on real academics. In fact, it was easy to identify personality types everyone has likely met…and disliked. Lila is a likable character, and I found it easy to identify with her struggle balance her personal and professional lives. I felt Lila should have done a better job of standing up for herself at times, but the truth is her reactions were often an accurate reflection of how many people react to stressful situations.

Overall, The Subject of Malice is an entertaining read with twists and turns peppered throughout.

This is Book 4 in the Kate Reilly Mystery series. I recently started reading Red Flags and realized I’d made a terrible mistake—by not reading this series when it came out. Red Flags was published in 2016, so it’s an older book,and not something I normally review here. However, because I’d done a behind the story interview with the author in 2016, and I was so impressed by the book, I wanted to make an exception.

From the publisher

When Kate Reilly arrives in Long Beach, California, a week ahead of the Grand Prix, she’s immediately plunged into a new social scene – as well as a murder investigation. Her cousin Billy is found dead, with Kate’s card in his pocket. The cops want to know why, and sponsors and race organizers – anxious to keep racing’s image clean – want Kate to investigate. Doubting she can solve another murder, especially that of a relative she despised, Kate reluctantly agrees.

At the same time, coaching an actress for a celebrity race brings Kate into the orbit of Hollywood’s hottest bachelor. And then a local FBI agent takes notice of more than her driving and sleuthing skills. She goes from Sony Studios to Venice Beach and from Rodeo Drive to the Hollywood Hills, attending parties, power-shopping, and dodging unwelcome paparazzi.

Kate’s professional dreams are coming true. The upcoming Grand Prix is her first race with a new sponsor that’s also funding an IndyCar test drive and a ride in next year’s Indy 500 – along with future possibilities in NASCAR. The downside? New sponsor Frame Savings is owned by her family, and its management, except her long-estranged father, is unfriendly to her…even rivalrous.

On track, red flags fly to warn her of danger. Off track, Kate struggles to interpret warning signs and stay out of a killer’s grasp.

My review of Red Flags

Even though this was the fourth book in the series, I didn’t feel lost, but was able to catch up quickly. In a sense, it was like meeting someone in life and feeling as though you understood them even though you didn’t know all the details of their life.

Kate has a lot going on in her life in this book, but despite challenges, she is not an angst-filled, uncertain protagonist who dithers over her personal problems. Instead, she’s a confident, smart woman who stays focused on her career and personal goals. This persona makes her a joy to be around and also serves the strong pacing.

The writing in Red Flags is smart, crisp, and dynamic. The racing theme and setting are well done and, for the most part, explained in an understandable manner that doesn’t slow the pace of the story. I say ‘for the most part’ because every once in a while there was an acronym that threw me. This was only a minor speed bump in a story that had an excellent storyline, strong writing, and a protagonist that captures your heart.

Author’s website: TammyKaehler.com