In the beautiful gardens of Shelley House a shocking discovery is made. A blackened hand dangles over the side of a wheelbarrow. The horrific scent of burnt flesh lingers in the air.
Detective Nikki Galena and Joseph Easter are called in to investigate.
Twenty years ago.
A family destroyed by tragic secrets. The scientist father who killed their gardener, before being murdered himself. The brother who disappeared, never to be seen again.
Stargate and Remote Viewing and Stargate: Controlled Remote Viewing
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Mystery/Thriller. Oct. 14, 2021. Print length: 400 pages
The Stolen Hours by Allen Eskens is the third in the Joe Talbert series, but the first one I've read. It worked well as a standalone, and I'll probably go back and pick up the two earlier books at some point.
Photographer Gavin Spencer plans ahead; when he commits a murder, he has anticipated almost every difficulty. And even when he can't predict certain events, he has back-up plans in place.
Lila Nash is on the verge of getting the job she most wants, but a vindictive prosecutor is making an attempt to ruin Lila's career. Fortunately, Andi Fitch is on her side, giving her opportunities she had not had previously. Lila is assigned Sadie Vaulk's case against Gavin Spencer. Working with Detective Niki Vang, who made the connections between Sadie's case and six previous cases in which the victims did not survive, Lila discovers a chilling connection to Spencer.
Tense and suspenseful, The Stolen Hours proved a solid new-to-me series that will have me looking at the two earlier books as well! Thanks to Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea for recommending this one.
NetGalley/Mulholland Books
Legal Thriller. Sept. 7, 2021. Print length: 320 pages.
Ooo, thank you. my reading list gets better and better.
ReplyDelete:) That is always a problem with reading lists!
DeleteI've read almost all of Eskene's books. I really like the way he writes.
ReplyDeleteMy first experience with Eskens, but it won't be my last. Stolen Hours definitely had a tricky villain.
DeleteI've not read Esken's books as yet, but I know several of you (Diane, Cathy, etc.) enjoy them. I did pick up his first two at a 'new to me' lovely little used bookstore here in Kerrville. I expect I'll be going back to it often! And I'm trying to think where I left off of the Nikki Galena books - maybe #9 or #10. Looks like some catching up to do.
ReplyDeleteI really like Joy Ellis' Nikki Galena series and her Rowan Jackman series.
DeleteI haven't looked yet for more by Eskens, but I intend to. I may try the library or a local used bookstore. Glad you had good luck at your Kerrville used bookstore. :)
I greatly enjoyed the one Eskens book I've read, Nothing More Dangerous. This series sounds equally interesting. I must take a look at it.
ReplyDeleteNothing More Dangerous sounds good, and it is a standalone, I think. I'll take what I can find. Hopefully, the library will have a copy of one or more of Eskens' books.
DeleteBoth of these sound good. And I love the fact that The Stolen Hours works well as a standalone. It's always nice being able to jump into a series without being lost.
ReplyDeleteYes to the standalone. :) The first two books are evidently about Joe Talbert, but this one is about Lila Nash, so for those of us who haven't read the earlier books, it's easy to fall into.
DeleteThe Stolen Hours sounds good - especially seeing that both you and Diane liked it so much. Going on the list...for what that's worth these days.
ReplyDeleteI did like The Stolen Hours. Eskens is a new to me author that I think I'll enjoy. :)
DeleteI wish my library had any of Joy Ellis's books; I've wanted to try her for years. Eskens sounds like another author I'd like, and luckily, my library actually has several of his books. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteKindle Unlimited has Joy Ellis; if I miss them on NetGalley, I can get them there. Ellis is British, but I would think the library should carry them. Who knows how they decide.
DeleteIt's been a while since I've read one of Ellis's books, but I do enjoy them. I may try some of the newer ones in print, though, since I hardly remember anything about the ones I've listened to.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed The Eskens' book. I really liked his first mystery, but haven't read any more. This one sounds great!
This one isn't my favorite by Ellis, but her books are always interesting. I'm going to get to Eskens' first book. Eventually!
DeleteThe Stolen Hours sounds like a good one; and all the more better it works as a standalone too.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate an author who can allow you to enjoy a novel in a series without feeling you've missed a lot of background. :)
DeleteOh I'm glad you liked the Allen Eskens new book ... I just got it from the Library. I have liked his other novels especially his debut The Life We Bury. Very enjoyable.
ReplyDelete:) I am obviously late to this author, but Allen Eskens is now on my list, and I do want to catch up on his books!
DeleteSeems like an interesting direction for the Nikki Galena series! I've only read two books but have really enjoyed the two main characters a lot. And, I think I have one of the Esken's books on my Kindle. So many good books to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoy Joy Ellis' books, even if this isn't my favorite, I love catching up with the characters. I just keep adding good books to my list and my queue! Reading other people's reviews can result in a long, long list of books to look forward to reading. :)
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