Here are the books I read and reviewed in January that got four stars and up:
Tracking Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #7)
By Sue Coletta
Although I have read the Mayhem Series out of order and enjoyed the journey, I’m glad to be caught up and fully understand Shawnee’s growth and change. Throughout the journey, I have gained an education about not just Native American culture and history, but also about wildlife and our connection to it. Here, Shawnee, Mr. Mayhem, and Jacy Lee head to Alaska to save the polar bears. I knew little about polar bears other than they appear white and their territory is shrinking, so all the extra details fascinated me. Set in Alaska, a place that has always called me, only made the story more intriguing. Shawnee is still in training under Mr. Mayhem in his cabin with her grandfather and the crows. The crows always add humor, especially Poe. Their personalities as just as strong as their human counterparts. There are always surprise twists that make this a page-turner, as Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee run toward the danger instead of away from it. When they pretend to be man and wife to gather information, it can lead to some humorous moments. The corporation that makes a living from illegal animal trafficking and hunts is after Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee, too. Another great story where saving animals is not only the goal but a way of life. I can highly recommend “Tracking Mayhem.”
Unnatural Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #5)
By Sue Coletta
Shawnee has been staying with her grandfather and Mr. Mayhem. She is not only learning the ways of her grandfather, but the world. I love how Shawnee’s eyes are opened by not only her kind grandfather but someone who wanted to kill her in the past, Mr. Mayhem. While being taught the ways of her culture, Shawnee and Mr. Mayhem uncover that someone intends to disrupt their peace and nature. Skilled trophy hunters set their sights on crows, and this puts Poe and the others in danger. Mr. Mayhem and Shawnee team up to put a stop to this kill and find more than they bargained for. It’s fun seeing the world through Shawnee’s eyes as she navigates an expensive meal, moves dead bodies, or takes part in a ceremony. She is strong and open to a world most don’t experience while looking for her path. She has a job and boyfriend but is also drawn into helping save the animals and appreciates her grandfather’s wisdom as an elder and medicine man. Then there’s the relationship between her and Poe, and their intense dislike for each other that adds humor. I’ve read this series out of order and am glad to have all my questions answered. My favorite part has been Shawnee’s growth and when she embraces her culture, but it’s the crows and animals that hold my heart as they become more of a part of this series. This is a story I can easily recommend.
By Joy York
Morgan is supposed to go on vacation with her best friend at the family lake house. Instead, Morgan’s friend cancels, and she discovers she will stay in the caretaker’s cabin since the house has been rented out. When Morgan has issues, she seeks help from the guest in the house. Bash has been whisked away to escape a request by an unsavory character. He isn’t happy to find someone else is sharing his space but reluctantly agrees to help her. At first, I thought this was going to be a couple stuck together in a house who don’t get along but end up falling in love. It doesn’t take long before trouble knocks and they find themselves on the run. What they soon find out is there may be more trouble following them than expected. I love the strength of Morgan and Bash finally grew on me as his character progressed. Soon, I was not only rooting for them to survive but also giving into their affections. There were a couple of unexpected twists, which I always appreciate, especially at the end. Morgan had some surprising skills, and the things she could drive enamored me. Bonded together in survival mode, both of their pasts come into play. An exciting page-turner that captured my attention from the first escape. I can easily recommend “Protective Instinct.”
Sarah has it all. A happy marriage, a job she loves, and two beautiful children. While she is basking in her good blessings, the unthinkable happens: a drunk driver strikes her car. Everything changes at that moment when her two children die, and she fights for her life. While in a coma for two weeks, her husband struggles with his mental health and desire to live thinking his wife is going to be taken away too. His PTSD blends his past war experiences with his current grief. It is heartbreaking. I felt for this family whose happiness was ripped away by another’s actions. Having experienced an afterlife moment as a teen, I was looking forward to reading this family’s story. I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Plano handled the afterlife skillfully and compassionately. She showed the reader the peace I remember vividly to this day. To lose so much yet come out stronger is a testament to what faith and love offer. This story is a beautiful tribute to that and the peace our loved ones experience once they leave us. A fast read I couldn’t put down as it travels through dark times and climbs back into the light. I can easily recommend this faith-based story that reminds us there is more than we can see.
Silent Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #3)
By Sue Coletta
Already a fan of The Mayhem Series, I’m now going back and reading the books I’ve missed. Silent Mayhem took everything up a huge notch. Shawnee receives a feather and a warning that her life is in danger. The problem she now faces is whether she can trust a serial killer who had wanted her dead in the past. Mixed into this is Native American history and lore that added a new level to an already exciting story unfolding. I love Shawnee’s strength and how she steps up for those she loves. But I think it is the tender relationship between Mr. Mayhem and his wife that makes him different from most serial killers. This tugs at my heart, even with his cruel side. There are crows too who seem to have it in for Shawnee, especially Poe. It’s Skinwalkers that might be the biggest danger to Shawnee in the middle of serial killers, a hidden past and scattered decapitated bodies. Although the ending offered some insight, Shawnee wasn’t safe yet. I immediately started reading book four. A book and series I can easily recommend.
I Am Mayhem (The Mayhem Series #4)
By Sue Coletta
I have read this Mayhem Series out of order and started it more toward the end or middle. I had no problem understanding and being drawn into Shawnee’s world, but I wanted to go back and see how it all started. This book is the one I have been eagerly anticipating, and it lived up to my expectations. Shawnee is now being hunted by Mr. Mayhem and everyone she loves is a target. I was on the edge of my seat as she tried to defend herself and make sense of a confused situation. Trying to stay alive is only part of this story, as Shawnee learns more about herself, too. Even knowing what has already happened, events continually surprised me. There was no way I could predict how this would all play out. The story also introduces a favorite character who captivates me. Mixed into the thrilling layers are crows with grudges, a serial killer, a Skinwalker, a worried boyfriend, a missing best friend, and the truth about Shawnee’s family. A definite page-turner that I can highly recommend.
Sheriff Tyree (2nd in Keeper Series)
By Sandra Cox
I loved the first book “Keeper Tyree” and was eager to continue his journey. Keeper Tyree was a respected bounty hunter, but after he fell in love, he settled down and became sheriff of El Dorado. All was going well for his wife, daughter, and life. Unfortunately, someone from his past wanted justice and it involved his family. Keeper has become a favorite character of mine. He is tough, respected, and loves his family and friends deeply. His wife matches his strength and love of family, which I admire. They are an amazing couple that is put to the test in this story. I adore not only the town and its people but how well Ms. Cox brings the western setting to life. It makes me care about these wonderful characters as I try to imagine how it would have been to have lived with them. A young girl, Allie, and a small cat, Shivers, captured my heart, and a bit of light always shines when evil mixes into their world. It’s the little things that become important, like crossing a river or finding shelter in a storm, but the driving reason behind everything is love. That is unexpected for such a strong character as the sheriff. I hope there are more stories to come, and I highly recommend this book!
Embrace your inner child and read a book! D. L. Finn