Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton

I’ll be honest. I didn’t pick this book because I was dying to know what Kinsey Millhone was up to. I picked it because I needed a “Q” for my A to Z reading challenge, and the pickings were slim. I had vague memories of reading A or B in this series years ago, and even vaguer memories of not loving it. After reading Q is for Quarry, I now remember why.

It’s not that the book is bad. It’s actually well-written and thoughtfully plotted. Sue Grafton knew her craft, and the cold case premise, trying to solve the decades-old murder of an unidentified Jane Doe, was a nice change of pace from the usual high-stakes thrillers I tend to gravitate toward. The problem is… well, the pace. Or lack thereof. I’m a crime thriller reader. I like my books like I like my coffee: Strong and keeping me up at night. This one meandered like a Sunday stroll, and about halfway through I seriously considered skipping a few pages just to make things happen.

That said, Kinsey Millhone is a solid main character. She’s intelligent, capable, and emotionally grounded without being overly sentimental. I like a strong female lead who can do her job without falling into every cliché, and Kinsey checks that box.

She teams up with two retired cops, Stacey Oliphant and Con Dolan, who add some flavor to the investigation. Stacey brought unexpected humor, especially when he discovered the joys of fast food (late in life but enthusiastically), while Con was basically a heart attack waiting to happen. Spoiler alert: the whiskey and chain-smoking finally catch up to him. A blind man could have seen that coming.

The fictional California town of Quorum was well-drawn, and I actually enjoyed the small-town setting. Everyone knew everyone else’s business, which made the investigation more tangled and character-driven. It added texture to the story, even if it didn’t add speed.

In the end, Q is for Quarry is solid crime fiction; it’s just not my speed. If you like a slow-burn detective mystery and don’t mind when the real action waits until the third act, you’ll probably enjoy this one more than I did. As for me, I’ll only be revisiting Kinsey Millhone if I get desperate for “X” or “Z.”

Obsession by Stuart Woods

Sometimes a book ends up on your nightstand because fate (or in this case, your father) insists. My dad went on a Stuart Woods shopping spree, read one, and promptly decided he wasn’t a fan, so naturally he passed the whole lot to me. I wasn’t planning on diving into another Woods novel, especially after my experience with one of his Stone Barrington books, which spent more time in the bedroom than anywhere else useful. But I needed an “O” book for my A to Z Challenge, so Obsession it was. I braced for disappointment. What I got instead was a crime fiction story I actually enjoyed.

Teddy Fay, our charming ex-CIA lead, was an enjoyable main character. The man has a closet full of disguises and a talent for blending in while keeping just enough distance to be dangerous. Honestly, if there’s ever a job opening for “morally gray fixer who gets stuff done,” Teddy’s the guy. I don't mind 'morally gray'. 

The plot split into two compelling storylines, both tied together by obsession. First, there’s a stalker obsessed with an actress, snipping out magazine photos and plotting her husband’s death because, naturally, that’s how you win someone’s heart. He’s creepy, predictable in the way stalkers are, and ultimately hoisted by his own petard. Karma, folks.

Then there's the kidnapping subplot. Poor Rebecca gets snatched, and while her captors are mostly idiots with fragile egos, their dysfunction actually added layers to the story. The stakes felt real enough, even if I wasn’t exactly chewing my nails. I did, however, want to slap one of them. Just because.

The pacing was solid. It read like a ride-along with a guy who knows what he’s doing and doesn’t much care about the rules. I liked that energy. I liked Teddy Fay. I liked that justice came from outside the system in a way that felt clever, not contrived.

All that being said, I will probably try another of Stuart Woods' books, especially if Teddy Fay is the main character. I do not, however, plan to revisit Stone Barrington. Not unless someone promises me there’s more plot and fewer silk sheets. Obsession was not a re-read, but could be a “tell a friend” kind of book, especially if that friends likes crime fiction. 

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

I’ll admit it. I was lured in by the price tag. BookBub dangled The Dark Wives in front of me for $1.99, and with a solid-sounding synopsis, I figured, why not? I’ve never read Ann Cleeves before, but I’m not immune to a good crime fiction bargain.

This one features DI Vera Stanhope, and I liked her straightaway. She’s no-nonsense, believable, and gets the job done without needing to be flashy or tortured or clever for clever’s sake. Just a solid, grounded detective doing her job.

The story centers on Chloe, a teenager on the run and in hiding, and once it was clear she was alive, I was completely in her corner. Her backstory gave the book emotional weight, and I found myself hoping she'd get more than just survival. She deserved a little peace.

The setting, Newcastle upon Tyne and its surrounding landscape, was atmospheric and gritty, and the old legend of the “dark wives” lent a haunting layer that gave the mystery some added depth. It worked well as a backdrop for tracking down some very real-world villains.

Because let’s talk about that crime: a financial scheme exploiting children’s homes. Honestly, it felt too believable to be fiction. I think there are absolutely people out there getting rich off the backs of the downtrodden, and it offends me to my core. No one should profit from innocent children in unfortunate circumstances. 

The pacing was decent, though I wouldn’t have complained if it picked up the pace now and then. The big twist was Chris Woodburn's character, and it genuinely shocked me. I can’t imagine the horror of finding out you played a role in your child’s death, even if you are guilty as sin in other aspects.

All in all, The Dark Wives was an average read. Not a waste of time, but not something I’d revisit or recommend enthusiastically. I don’t plan to dive into more of Ann Cleeves’ work, but I also don’t regret spending the afternoon with this one. Solid crime fiction with a strong sense of place and a few memorable moments. And hey. $1.99.

Down a Dark Road (Burkholder #9)

Let me start by saying this: If you’ve ever thought your high school reunion was intense, you haven’t been hunted through the woods by your former Amish classmate-turned-convicted-murderer. That’s Down a Dark Road in a nutshell. Linda Castillo once again drops us into Painters Mill, where people apparently can't sneeze without uncovering some deeply buried secret involving a gun, a buggy, and a whole lot of trauma.

This time, Chief Kate Burkholder is literally face-to-face with her past. Joseph King, a man she once knew well (and might’ve shared a few long, moody glances with in their teens), has escaped prison and wants to clear his name… by kidnapping people at gunpoint. The usual “I’m innocent” move.

Kate insists on doing things the hard way, like staying overnight with the fugitive while she puzzles out whether he’s a misunderstood victim or a very charming psychopath with a well-maintained beard.

The pacing is solid: it starts with a simmer and builds to a full boil. And while I guessed a few of the twists, the unraveling of the truth still kept me locked in. Castillo is great at giving you Amish tranquility and then slapping it with a violent thunderclap of “Nope!”

We've got a full house of themes: trauma, guilt, redemption, powerful people doing shady things, and how your past can sneak up on you with a rifle. There’s also a heavy helping of “everyone has secrets”, and in Painters Mill, they usually involve murder.

It’s gripping, gritty, and full of tension. Kate is as stubborn, smart, and scarred as ever. If you’re already on board with this series, Down a Dark Road delivers what you came for: Amish noir with heart, history, and high-stakes justice. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like your thrillers with a side of hay bale and your cops emotionally complicated.

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose

If you read The Perfect Marriage and thought, “Wow, Sarah Morgan is terrifying,” buckle up, because The Perfect Divorce says, “Hold my wine.” Sarah’s back, and this time she’s a mother, a soon-to-be divorcée, and still the kind of person you’d trust with absolutely nothing sharp. Seriously. Don't turn your back.

Let’s start with Bob, the husband. He cheats, just like a narcissistic lawyer would. (Can you really ever trust a lawyer?) But was Sarah ever really going to stick with him? I don’t think so. When you hand your husband something that looks suspiciously like a murder weapon, it’s probably not because you’re planning a cozy anniversary dinner. Bob was a pawn, Sarah was the queen, and this was chess. Murder Chess. 

Motherhood hasn’t exactly softened Sarah. Yes, she loves Summer, but I wouldn’t recommend Summer forget her mom’s birthday or borrow her heels without asking. Just saying. That woman holds grudges like it's her full-time job.

And speaking of jobs, Adam’s case reopens, things spiral, and we’re all reminded that you can’t actually start over when your past involves a highly publicized murder trial and a trail of bodies. Please. The police were too busy covering their own behinds to bother with facts.

Every character had secrets. Every character crossed a line. I didn’t trust anyone, but Sarah especially. She could smile at you while holding a knife and you'd thank her for the compliment.

In the end, I can’t justify anything Sarah, Adam, or Bob did. They’re all awful, just in slightly different flavors. I wasn’t exactly satisfied with anyone’s fate (except maybe Carissa’s), and I’m pretty sure Sarah’s still out there, sipping tea, plotting someone’s downfall, and casually Googling “how to fake empathy.”

Oh, and the title? The Perfect Divorce basically means: divorce, but make it messy. And criminal. I love the cover - "Till death do us part. Yours. Not mine."

Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #8)

Kate goes undercover in an Amish community and things go downhill fast. Dead girl, creepy bishop, shady cops. Even the police can’t be trusted. Secrets, lies, and a whole lot of oh-no-you-don't moments. I flew through it and may now be suspicious of anyone in a wide-brimmed hat.

After the Storm by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #7)

Well. I didn’t expect to be traumatized by hogs this week, but well, here we are.

After the Storm is another excellent installment in the Kate Burkholder series, and it kicks off with a tornado that rips through town and literally unearths a decades-old skeleton. Cue secrets, small-town scandal, and the kind of Amish drama that makes you want to look twice at your neighbor's barn.

The deeper Kate digs, the more tangled things get. There are hidden pasts, mysterious deaths, family tension, and just when you think things can’t get any darker, someone gets murdered in a way that ensures I will never look at pigs the same way again. Ever. I like bacon, but now it feels personal.

I loved the pacing, the emotional depth, and how Kate’s own trauma is always simmering under the surface. She’s tough, smart, and just the right amount of emotionally wrecked to keep things interesting. And like all wonderful Linda Castillo books so far, the “whodunnit” genuinely surprised me. I thought I had it figured out. I did not. At all. Just knock me over with a feather.

In short: small-town secrets, a big storm, emotional damage, and one heck of a hog-related plot twist. What’s not to love?

The Dead Will Tell by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #6)

Murder, mayhem, and secrets in Amish country? Oh, yes. I'll have some of that in a side order to go.

In this sixth Kate Burkholder mystery, we’ve got a decades-old massacre, a fresh batch of murders, and a whole lot of people acting shady. Kate’s digging into the past, and let’s just say trauma doesn’t exactly age well. The story twists, turns, and I was not prepared for who the villain was. Never saw it coming. 

This one had me flipping pages like I was trying to fan out a deck of cards. Dark, emotional, and surprisingly twisty—just the way I like my crime fiction.

Backfire by Catherine Coulter

I picked up Backfire because I needed a book set (at least partially) in Montana for my 50 States Challenge. Catherine Coulter’s FBI series has been a reliable go-to for me, so this felt like a solid bet. Bonus: I didn’t have to slog through chapters of setup. The book opens with attempted murder and I was in. If the judge hadn’t turned at just the right moment, well, let’s just say it would’ve been a very short story.

One of the things I enjoyed most was that there were two crimes running side by side. At first, you think you’re following a straightforward “find the would-be assassin” plotline, but then surprise! There’s a twist (actually, several), and I especially loved that Sue turned out to be Xu. Double identities, dual cases, and criminals who apparently hold team meetings? Yes, please.

Savich and Sherlock were their usual FBI power couple selves, professional, sharp, and thankfully not tangled up in any unnecessary steamy scenes. (Appreciate you, Catherine Coulter.) I also found myself hoping we’ll see more of Harry and Eve. They’ve got spin-off potential written all over them. And Emma? The 11-year-old piano prodigy? Adorable. But it was Sean, the 5-year-old with three girlfriends and a financial plan to support them all, who completely stole the show. I hope he gets his own series by middle school.

The pacing felt just right—not too slow, not breakneck—and while it wasn’t the twistiest story I’ve read, the ending packed a satisfying punch. I had completely forgotten how things started out on the East Coast by the time we hit the big reveal on the West Coast. It all came full circle in a way that made me go, “Ohhhhhh.” Always a good sign.

Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series, you can definitely dive into this one without feeling lost. Longtime fans will appreciate the familiar characters, but new readers won’t feel like they’re missing half the story. And if you just need a solid crime thriller to check off the Montana box on your reading challenge? This one’s got you covered.

Linda 'Ma' Mosher 1943 - 2025

The memories come flooding back in waves, drowning me in a tide of emotion.

I was in 9th grade, following Steven around like a bunny, and there was Ma, shaking her head and saying, “Why do the smart girls always fall for the bad boys?”

In 10th grade, she taught us how to research—and gave me a failing grade on a paper. It forced my parents to let me go to the library, and in that way, she opened up a whole new world to me, far beyond the constraints of the religion I was being raised in.

In my senior year, I remember her piling eight of us kids into her Ford Escort to take us to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

She always seemed to just know. When I was 16, graduating from high school and dreading the future my parents had planned for me, she signed my yearbook, “Don’t ever take the easy way out.”

She was always there for me, especially when my brother couldn’t be.
My brother and I were both so… broken.

When my son was two and I had to have surgery on a Workers’ Comp injury (with no income coming in) she filled my refrigerator. When my son was seven, she realized I hadn’t bought clothes for myself in years. Things were getting threadbare, and she helped me get a few things so I didn’t look quite so ragamuffin at work.

She taught me how to write.
How to read with feeling.
How to survive when I knew that leaving my family was the only way I could truly live.

She healed my heart more times than I can count. Even knowing there would be scars, she gave me reasons to keep going.

I once told her I could never repay everything she’d done for me.
She said I could, by paying it forward. That’s what she wanted.

When I finally went back to school and earned my Master’s in Education, I don’t think anyone was prouder than she was. And when I joined Mensa? She made me see that the only one who ever doubted my intelligence was me.

She gave me parenting advice.
Life advice.
She was more of a mother to me than my own.

She never yelled, never demeaned, never overly criticized. She appealed to my intellect. She taught me that it’s not just okay, it’s essential to think for myself, to question everything, and to never settle for less when I’m capable of more.

She loved my son.
From the time he could talk, he always called her “Mommy’s Teacher.”
She used to joke about it:
“When I die, they’re going to ask him, ‘Who passed away?’ and he’s going to say, ‘Mommy’s Teacher.’
And they’ll ask, ‘What was her name?’
And he’ll look at them like they’re crazy and say, ‘Mommy’s Teacher!’”

She passed away today, and there’s a gaping hole where my heart should be.
I know I’ll have to stop crying eventually.
But not today.
And probably not tomorrow.

Linda “Ma” Mosher, you are loved more than you ever knew.
To some, you were just their English teacher.
To me, you were who I wanted to be when I grew up.

The stars will shine brighter now that you’re among them.

7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

I was in the mood for a little murder and mayhem (as one is, from time to time), and 7th Heaven was next up in the Women’s Murder Club series—so it was an easy choice. Right from page one, the book delivers: a home invasion, a murder, and arson all rolled into one. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath, which, honestly, was exactly what I needed.

There are two major cases in this book. One involves a series of arson murders, and the other a missing teenager with a court trial that had me rolling my eyes. While I appreciated the twist—a whole trial for someone who turns out to be not dead—my jaw hit the floor in disbelief. I didn’t see it coming, but I also didn’t totally buy it. No body, no DNA, no murder weapon… and yet they pushed forward with a murder charge? I don’t know which DA office that came from, but they’ve got some explaining to do.

The arson case, on the other hand, was gripping. Creepy, senseless, and devastating, classic Patterson villains at work. And once again, Lindsay holds everything together. She’s my favorite for a reason: smart, flawed, doing an impossible job in a world that doesn’t make it easy. She’s strong and human, and if she were really human, I would admire the heck out of her.

Patterson’s signature short chapters and quick pace kept things moving. I love how the story shifts perspectives without ever feeling disjointed. He doesn’t jump between ten different timelines or go so far back into a character’s childhood that I forget why we’re here in the first place. It’s clean, fast storytelling that I can count on when I need a good jolt of suspense.

That said, while I enjoyed 7th Heaven and tore through it pretty quickly, it’s not one I’d re-read. It gets a solid 4 out of 5 from me. If you’re new to the Women’s Murder Club series, though, maybe start a little earlier—this one hits better when you already know the crew.

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

 

The latest pick for my book club (The Mani-Scripts—we bonded over manicures and manic reading habits), The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden was an absolute win. I’ve read The Teacher, so I already knew McFadden could spin a thriller like nobody’s business, but this one had me second-guessing myself all the way to 2 a.m.

What I love about McFadden is that she doesn’t throw in fifty characters and expect me to keep track of them like some twisted literary Sudoku. She keeps the cast manageable and just shady enough to make everyone seem guilty.

Sydney, our main character, is single and bravely online dating, which is kind of like volunteering to get food poisoning repeatedly but with more ghosting and awkward coffee. She meets Tom, who’s either a sweetheart with a childhood crush or a future Netflix documentary subject. I wasn’t sure. Then we’ve got Slug, Tom’s creepy-crawly-loving friend. If someone’s stalking you and keeps a pet cockroach, you’re allowed to suspect them. I don’t make the rules.

Daisy and Allison are classic frenemies with secrets. Gretchen, the other girlfriend-turned-bestie, is shady with a capital S. And then there’s Randy the Super, who might be a peeping Tom, actual Tom, or Slug in disguise. Jake, Sydney’s ex-boyfriend detective, rounds out the cast with a broody side order of regret.

I suspected every single one of them at some point. Freida McFadden played me like a fiddle, and I loved every twisty second. I had no idea where it was going, but I absolutely needed to find out, even if it meant losing sleep.

Highly recommend to psychological thriller lovers who like their stories fast, twisty, and filled with red herrings. This one gets a solid 5 out of 5 from me.

Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #5)

Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo had me hooked from the first chapter—and by the time I got to the end, my jaw was practically on the floor. You’d think after a few of these Kate Burkholder books, I’d start catching on, but nope. This one snuck up on me with a twist I absolutely did not see coming. Not even a hint of suspicion.

It starts with what looks like a tragic hit-and-run involving an Amish family, but (as usual) there’s more going on under the surface. Kate dives into the investigation, and things get darker, twistier, and a little more personal. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.

Linda Castillo delivers again: Great pacing, compelling characters, and an ending that made me sit there blinking like what just happened?!

The Becoming by Nora Patterson (Dragon Heart Legacy #2)

It wasn't as light on the sweaty romance as the first one, but I made it through. Romantic Fantasy isn’t usually my jam, but it’s June, I’m a teacher, and my brain has officially filed for summer break. In other words: bring on the elves.

The plot was fine, if a bit stretched. I honestly think she could’ve wrapped it all up in this book instead of dragging it into a third. But I’ve come this far, so I’ll finish the series. Eventually. Preferably with snacks and air conditioning.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

This book was everywhere. I can’t even count how many people told me I “had” to read it. When that many people agree on a book, it either means it’s truly great… or the result of an elaborate group hoax. I’m happy to report it’s the former. The hype was totally justified.

From the jump, I thought Sarah was just a high-powered defense attorney doing what she had to do to make it in a male-dominated world. Meanwhile, Adam... Let’s just say he needed to quit whining, stop playing tortured writer, and maybe remember the whole don’t cheat on your wife part of his marriage vows.

I didn’t really root for either of them. I just wanted to know who the biggest liar was. Sarah’s a lawyer, so naturally I didn’t trust her (I’ve seen enough true crime docs to know better), and Adam was… well, let’s just say not exactly husband-of-the-year material.

The dual POV kept the pacing snappy and the suspense dialed up to full. I read it in one sitting, stopping only for caffeine and the occasional bathroom break. Every time Adam made a move, I was just waiting for him to mess it up. Again.

There were clues, misleads, and enough sketchy side characters to keep me guessing, but that last chapter blew my mind. I never saw it coming. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather. Even the Sheriff, who I knew was somehow going to turn out shady, surprised me in the end.

The courtroom scenes were tight and well-written. No “Objection!” drama like on TV, but the legal tension added a nice edge and a real-time crunch that made it impossible for me to put down.

Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as The Perfect Marriage, and this book proves it in spades. Misleading title? Absolutely. But that’s part of the fun.

If you love psychological thrillers with twists that punch you in the gut, this is one you need to read. Trust the hype. Just don’t trust any of the characters.

Fearless Fourteen - Janet Evanovich

Years ago, I used to hang out with my friend Rick, and weird things always happened. One time we were at some restaurant on Route 5 (don’t ask me where—I wasn’t driving), and a Christmas wreath jumped off the wall and landed right in my dinner. No warning. Just—plop. Stuff like that happened to us all the time.

That’s exactly what reading Fearless Fourteen felt like. Stephanie Plum is basically the book version of that chaos. She's not graceful, she's not coordinated, but she’s got heart and a knack for getting into trouble for what feels like good reasons at the time. Whether she’s hauling in skips, dodging explosions, or juggling two very different men, Stephanie somehow always manages to land on her feet (usually while something’s on fire nearby).

This one was light on the romance, which I appreciated—because I’m not a fan of pages and pages of steamy scenes. What it was heavy on? Laughs. Real, full-body, ugly-laughing laughs. Grandma Mazur is in fine form, Mooner is out there living his best cosmic life, and the whole gang is back with their usual blend of disaster and loyalty.

Honestly, I need to read more Evanovich, especially this time of year, when the end-of-school madness sets in, the kids go full gremlin, and I start to remember why teachers drink.

Highly recommended if your life needs a little laughter and a lot of lightly criminal mischief.

Jack in a Box by Diane Capri

I’m sticking with it—but barely. Jack in a Box is another short installment in the Hunt for Reacher series, and while it hints that we’re inching closer to finally seeing Reacher himself—or at least finding out why anyone’s so desperate for a file on him—we’re still not there yet. Truth be told, I’m not crazy about this series. The premise has potential, but the execution never quite lands for me. That said, I’ve only got two more to go. At this point, it’s less about enjoyment and more about finishing what I started.

Holy Ghost by John Sandford

Sometimes, you pick up a book because it calls to you. Other times, you pick one because it begins with the right letter. Holy Ghost by John Sandford was an “H” book for my Alphabet Challenge, but it turned out to be a solid win all around.

This was my first Virgil Flowers book (I think)—though not my first Sandford. I think I’ve met one of his other main characters before, but can’t quite place which. Either way, Holy Ghost worked perfectly as a standalone. No need for homework or flipping back to earlier books in the series.

It’s casual, funny, and just suspenseful enough to keep me interested without demanding my full mental energy during the end-of-school chaos. It reads like regular people—quirky, nosy, slightly chaotic—are solving crimes, not some elite squad with cop jargon that sounds like they’re speaking in acronyms and Morse code. That’s a big part of the charm.

The story starts with a hoax (a Virgin Mary sighting with a bad Spanish recording), and slowly builds into a genuine murder mystery that takes its time pulling you in. Sandford keeps things moving by introducing new characters as Virgil Flowers settles into the town, poking around, asking questions, and navigating the bizarre charm of small-town life.

The town is a total highlight. The restaurant serves inedible food, so the convenient store sells potpies and offers the use of a community microwave. It's run by two guys who somehow end up being crucial to solving the case. Try pulling that off in downtown Chicago.

Character-wise, Skinner stood out for me—a whip-smart kid who goes to school when he feels like it and is always quietly calculating. Loved him. The whole cast is a quirky grab bag of people you could absolutely imagine meeting at the local diner or sitting next to at a town meeting about potholes.

By the end, Sandford ties everything up with a neat little bow. No loose ends, no confusing twists left unexplained—just a solid finish that made me want to grab the next Virgil Flowers book.

If you like crime fiction that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a smart mystery, this one’s for you. It’s light enough to pick up and put down, but engaging enough that you’ll want to keep turning pages. Bonus: no gritty cop drama or heavy procedural stuff to wade through. Just a good story with good characters—and a potpie plot-let.