A Deadly Business

A Deadly Business: A Mia Quinn Mystery by Liz Wiehl with April Henry

Liz Wiehl, TV legal commentator, has written, with April Henry, another great novel, A Deadly Business: A Mia Quinn Mystery. Mia, a Seattle county prosecutor, has her hands full with the case of juveniles who pushed a shopping cart from a second story balcony onto an unsuspecting woman below.  As the victim lies comatose with severe brain damage, Mia must decide how to prosecute the teens.  Then, Detective Charlie Carlson decides to reopen the accident case of Mia’s husband’s death, and Mia is thrown into a world of deceit, betrayal and murder.  As a single mom to a preschooler and a teen, Mia must juggle parenting concerns with her demanding career. Romance is introduced also as two men vie for her attentions. This novel contains fast paced action.  From the first chapter in which Mia is attacked in the courtroom to the final life and death scene, the book, never boring, is hard to put down. The events seem taken from current headlines. The characters are human and authentic.  Mia is the gentle mom and also the hard-nosed attorney. I was briefly disappointed with the conclusion; it seemed to wrap up too quickly and too tightly. I wanted to know more of the characters’ feeling after all was said and done.  However, I anticipate a third novel in this series. I sincerely hope for one.  I highly recommend this novel. It has all the elements of a memorable mystery.  Now, if it could become a TV series…  I received a complimentary e-book copy of this novel. I was not required to write a complimentary review, and the words expressed here are my own.

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen is a captivating story of love and devotion with a Christian faith connection.  Heroine Emily Shaw spends her honeymoon on Sunset Beach where she and husband Ryan plan their life together. Within only a few years, however, Ryan dies of cancer living Emily devastated and depressed. Following Ryan’s wishes, Emily returns to Sunset Beach and buys a summer beach home. There she meets people who need her: a pregnant teen, an overwhelmed mom and a former movie star who is now the local bridge tender. The old fashioned bridge linking the island to the mainland becomes a metaphor for Emily’s situation. As the island residents debate replacing the antiquated bridge, Emily begins to build her own connection to a new life and love. Teenager Amber is alone and lonely and at first rejects Emily’s Christian witness. Neighbor Claire’s two rambunctious children make a mess of Emily’s babysitting night.  Bridge tender Kyle presents his own sad past. The plot moves swiftly, and Emily’s faith in God is tested and strengthened.  The author’s descriptions of the beach make you feel as if you’re sitting on the dock with your feet in the water. Well written and hard to put down, this is a great book, one that merits a sequel.  It is highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the words expressed here are my own.