Althea's Reading Corner

Title: Dark Tribute Author: Iris Johansen Series: Eve Duncan Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller Format: Hardcover ARC No. of Pages: 384 Date of Publication: March 26, 2019 Description:  Despite her tragic childhood, violin prodigy Cara Delaney has finally found peace in her career as a professional musician and stability in her relationship with her guardians, forensic sculptor Eve Duncan and ex-Navy SEAL Joe Quinn. If only Jock Gavin, Cara's lifelong friend and a man with his own twisted history, would come back into her life, everything would be perfect. But the carefully constructed world Cara has built for herself is suddenly threatened when she is kidnapped by a mysterious man trying to settle a score against her family, setting off a violent chain of events that puts everyone Cara loves in danger. Now, Cara will have to use every instinct she has to stay one step ahead, or else she’ll pay the deadly tribute of her family’s dark past. My Thoughts:  I absolutely loved ...

Title: Don't Look for Me Author: Wendy Walker Genre: General Fiction, Mystery, Thriller Format: Kindle No. of Pages: 345 Date of Publication: Sept. 15, 2020 Description:  They said she walked away. But what really happened to Molly Clarke? From the bestselling author of  All Is Not Forgotten  comes a compelling and emotionally powerful story of a daughter's desperate search to find her mother before it's too late. They called it a “walk away.” The car abandoned miles from home. The note found at a nearby hotel. The shattered family. It happens all the time. Women disappear, desperate to start over. But what really happened to Molly Clarke? The night Molly disappeared began with a storm, running out of gas, and a man offering her a ride to safety. But when the doors lock shut, Molly begins to suspect she has made a terrible mistake. A new lead brings Molly’s daughter, Nicole, back to the small, desolate town where her mother was last seen to renew the desperate search. The...

Title: Toaster Oven Takeover Author: Roxanne Wyss and Kathy Moore Genre: Cookbook   Format:  Kindle No. of Pages: 159 Date of Publication: April 20, 2021 Description:  Enjoy delicious and fresh weeknight meals in just minutes with these easy recipes using the most underrated yet versatile appliance in the kitchen—the toaster oven! While your standard oven is great for big meals, who wants to wait for it to pre-heat when you’re making weeknight dinner? That’s when the toaster oven comes in handy! As one of the most flexible and space-saving appliances in the kitchen, the toaster oven can do everything a standard oven can but is faster, easier to clean, and more energy-efficient. In  Toaster Oven Takeover , you’ll learn how to make recipes the whole family will enjoy, like: -Freezer-Ready Breakfast Burritos -Stromboli -Sweet Chili-Glazed Wings -Lemon-Roasted Fish with Olives + Capers -German Chocolate Cake -And more! Perfect for cooks of every skill level,  Toaste...

Title: The Lost Village Author: Camilla Sten Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Format: Kindle No. of Pages: 336 Date of Publication: March 23, 2021 Description:  The Blair Witch Project  meets  Midsommar  in this brilliantly disturbing thriller from Camilla Sten, an electrifying new voice in suspense. Documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt has been obsessed with the vanishing residents of the old mining town, dubbed “The Lost Village,” since she was a little girl. In 1959, her grandmother’s entire family disappeared in this mysterious tragedy, and ever since, the unanswered questions surrounding the only two people who were left—a woman stoned to death in the town center and an abandoned newborn—have plagued her. She’s gathered a small crew of friends in the remote village to make a film about what really happened. But there will be no turning back. Not long after they’ve set up camp, mysterious things begin to happen. Equipment is destroyed. People go missing. As doubt ...

Title:  Blink of an Eye   Author: Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen Series: Kendra Michaels Genre: Mystery Format: Audiobook Listening Length: 8 hours 12 minutes Date of Publication: February 02, 2021 Description:  Delilah Winter is one of the hottest pop stars on the planet, so how in the world was she kidnapped right in the middle of a show at the famous Hollywood Bowl? If anyone can figure it out, it's Dr. Kendra Michaels, who works with local and federal authorities on only the most impossible cases. Blind for the first 20 years of her life until a revolutionary surgical procedure allowed her to regain her sight, Kendra uses her powers of observation - honed during her years in the dark - to detect what other investigators don't. She agrees to lead the race to rescue the young singer before time runs out. Joined by Jessie Mercado, the singer's former bodyguard and a military hero, Kendra closes in on the hideout location, but not before casualties mount up. Desperate for...

Title: The Ultimate Air Fryer Oven Cookbook  Author: Coco Morante Genre: Cookbook Format: Kindle No. of Pages: 304 Date of Publication: Oct. 12, 2021 Description:  An accessible book of 100 easy-to-make recipes for delicious dishes prepared in your air fryer, including roasting, frying, baking, dehydrating, and proofing bread. Authorized by Instant Brands. Air fryer ovens are wildly versatile appliances, and the newest model from Instant Brands, ranked #1 in the category, promises to be the best of them all. They have the requisite air fryer basket, as well as an oven rack, baking sheet, and rotisserie spit. The temperature settings are precise and wide-ranging, allowing you to do everything from dehydrating jerky and proofing bread dough to high-heat roasting and broiling.   The Ultimate Air Fryer Oven Cookbook  makes use of all of these functions and more! The recipes include family-friendly breakfasts such as baked oatmeal and breakfast burritos, snacks and a...

Title: Thread and Dead Author: Elizabeth Penney Series: The Apron Shop Genre: Mystery Format: Paperback No. of Pages: 269 Date of Publication: August 25, 2020 Description:  Iris Buckley is busier than ever this July, with the town’s annual Lobster Festival fast approaching. In just a matter of days her apron shop Ruffles & Bows, will be jam-packed with tourists eager to lay eyes on its world-class collection of aprons and linens—and Iris’s inventory is running low. Then, just when all hope seems lost, Iris gets a call from Eleanor Brady, a wealthy, reclusive spinster who just happens to have trunks full of vintage fabrics. Would Iris like to come down to Eleanor’s cottage estate Shorehaven and have a look? Before long Iris is on the scene—and on the case. Turns out that Eleanor has rented Shorehaven to the handsome, charismatic environmentalist Dr. Lukas de Wilde and his flock of students. What begins as an apron-scouting endeavor soon morphs into a full-blown murder investigat...

Title:  The Meat-Free Kitchen: Super Healthy and Incredibly Delicious Vegetarian Meals for All Day, Every Day Author:  Jenn Sebestyen, Kelli Foster, and Joni Marie Newman Genre: Cookbook Format: Kindle No. of Pages: 307 Date of Publication: February 15, 2021 Description:  Improve the health of your family  and  the planet with more than 125 delicious, plant-based, easy-to-prepare recipes for every meal of the day. The Meat-Free Kitchen  has all the recipes you need for busy weeknights, packed weekends, or whenever you feel like trying out a meat-free meal. From many different breakfast options to many different kinds of vegetarian burgers, these meatless meals will satisfy even the pickiest of palates. Chapters cover all meals throughout the day,  from yummy breakfasts to satisfying salads, hearty soups, handheld snacks, perfect pastas, and one-pot wonders. Many of these recipes can also be made in  30 minutes or less . Preparing meatless meals ha...

Title: The Therapist Author: B.A. Paris Narrator's: Olivia Dowd & Thomas Judd   Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Format: Audiobook Listening Length: 10 hours and 2 minutes Date of Publication: July 13, 2021 Description:  When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive… As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before. Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem… My  Thoughts: The book starts off pretty slow and it picks up its pace a little bit but not by much. I felt like Alice, the main character, was relatable and you can really understand why she is so ob...

Title: Spells Trouble Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast Narrator: Cassandra Campbell Series: Sisters of Salem Trilogy Genre: YA Fantasy Format: Audiobook Listening Length: 10 hours and 43 minutes Date of Publication: May 25, 2021 Description:  The first audiobook in the Sisters of Salem trilogy about twin witches from the powerhouse duo P.C. and Kristin Cast! Double double, twins spell trouble.... Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers - the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life. When their mother becomes the first victim in a string of murders, the devastated sisters vow to avenge her death. But it will take more than magic to rein in the ancient mythological monsters who’ve infected their peacefu...

Title: Flight Author: Laura Griffin Narrator: Terri Clark Linden Series: The Texas Murder Files Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Format: Kindle & Audiobook No. of Pages: 348 Listening Length: 9 hours and 16 minutes Date of Publication: March 30, 2021 (Kindle) & April 27, 2021 (Audiobook) Description:  When former forensic photographer Miranda Rhoads moves to the seaside town of Lost Beach, she's decided to make her living as a wildlife photographer and put crime scenes behind her. But her plans are quickly upended when one morning, she comes across a couple sleeping in a canoe, entwined in an embrace. Looking closer, she realizes the man and woman aren't asleep—they’ve been murdered. Detective Joel Breda sets out to find answers--not only about the unidentified victims in the marshy death scene, but also about the aloof and beautiful photographer who seems to know more about his investigation than he does. As they begin to unravel the motivation of a merciless serial kill...

Title: The No-Fuss Family Cookbook Author: Ryan Scott Genre: Cooking Format: Digital No. of Pages: 288 pages Date of Publication: May 25, 2021 Description:  Emmy Award–winning celebrity chef (and dad) Ryan Scott knows well that family life is wonderful, but can be a very hectic business—stressing over mealtime shouldn’t add to the madness! This heartfelt collection comes straight from his home kitchen’s regular rotation into yours. Reflecting Ryan’s colorful personality and practical approach, the recipes are kid-friendly and packed with clever hacks and pro tips for getting meals on the table (and cleaning up) quickly. There are no fussy cooking techniques or long ingredient lists; instead, the focus is on family-centered meals for even the busiest of days—irresistible recipes like Turkey Reuben Meatloaf, Broccoli-Cheddar Bow Ties, and Naturally Sweet PB&J Pancakes. Even crowd-pleasing desserts like Everything-But-the-Kitchen-Sink Cookies and Butterscotch Marshmallow Squares r...

Title: The Photographer Author: Mary Dixie Carter Narrator: Mary Dixie Carter Genre: General Fiction Format: Audiobook Listening Length:  8 hours 47 minutes Date of Publication: May 25, 2021 Description:   When perfect images... As a photographer, Delta Dawn observes the seemingly perfect lives of New York City’s elite: snapping photos of their children’s birthday parties, transforming images of stiff hugs and tearstained faces into visions of pure joy, and creating moments these parents long for. ...are made of beautiful lies... But when Delta is hired for Natalie Straub’s 11th birthday, she finds herself wishing she wasn’t behind the lens but a part of the scene - in the Straub family’s gorgeous home and elegant life. ...the truth will be exposed. That’s when Delta puts her plan in place, by babysitting for Natalie; befriending her mother, Amelia; finding chances to listen to her father, Fritz. Soon she’s bathing in the master bathtub, drinking their expensive wine, and...

Title: Bitterroot Lake Author: Alicia Beckman Narrator: Linda Jones Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Format: Audiobook Listening length: 9 hours 6 minutes Date of Publication: April 13, 2021 Description:  When four women separated by tragedy reunite at a lakeside Montana lodge, murder forces them to confront everything they thought they knew about the terrifying accident that tore them apart, in Agatha Award-winning author Alicia Beckman's suspense debut Twenty-five years ago, during a celebratory weekend at historic Whitetail Lodge, Sarah McCaskill had a vision. A dream. A nightmare. When a young man was killed, Sarah's guilt over having ignored the warning in her dreams devastated her. Her friendships with her closest friends, and her sister, fell apart as she worked to build a new life in a new city. But she never stopped loving Whitetail Lodge on the shores of Bitterroot Lake. Now that she's a young widow, her mother urges her to return to the lodge for healing. But wh...

Title: Tell No Lies Author: Allison Brennnan Series: A Quinn & Costa Thriller Book 2 Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Police Procedural Format: Kindle No. of Pages: 432 Date of Publication:  March 30, 2021 Description:  The unsolved murder of a young activist leads to the discovery of much darker crimes in  New York Times  bestselling author Allison Brennan’s latest compelling thriller to feaure the young, edgy detective Kara Quinn and the loner FBI agent Matt Costa. This time they work to uncover possible ties to a high-stakes cartel in the Southwest desert. Something mysterious is killing the wildlife in the mountains just south of Tucson. When a college intern turned activist sets out to collect her own evidence, she, too, ends up dead. Local law enforcement is slow to get involved. That’s when the mobile FBI unit goes undercover to infiltrate the town and its copper refinery in search of possible leads. Quinn and Costa find themselves scouring the desolate land...

Title: Before She Disappeared Author: Lisa Gardner Genre: Mystery & Thrillers Format: Kindle No. of Pages: 395 Date of Publication: January 19, 2021 Description:  From #1  New York Times  bestselling author Lisa Gardner, a propulsive thriller featuring an ordinary woman who will stop at nothing to find the missing people that the rest of the world has forgotten Frankie Elkin is an average middle-aged woman, a recovering alcoholic with more regrets than belongings. But she spends her life doing what no one else will--searching for missing people the world has stopped looking for. When the police have given up, when the public no longer remembers, when the media has never paid attention, Frankie starts looking. A new case brings her to Mattapan, a Boston neighborhood with a rough reputation. She is searching for Angelique Badeau, a Haitian teenager who vanished from her high school months earlier. Resistance from the Boston PD and the victim's wary family tells Frankie ...