The Chemical Detective

Jac Silver Thriller, #1

by

Fiona Erskine

Intrigue galore with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing.

The Chemical Detective is the first book in the Jaq Silver Thriller series by Fiona Erskine and features a female chemical engineer who specializes in the research of explosives. When a pallet of a suspicious powdered substance is mistakenly delivered to her research facility with the regular order of explosive components and the samples she takes suddenly disappear, Dr. Jaq Silver starts asking for an explanation. But her inquiries are dismissed, and she is told to look the other way and forget about it; she can’t help but probe deeper. Her suspicions about what’s going on at the facility skyrocket when a scientist from the supplier surreptitiously contacts her, asking her own questions and hinting that something illicit and dangerous is going on behind the scenes. When the explosives warehouse is broken into, a security guard is injured, and an explosion occurs, Jaq’s boss does all he can to blame her for being negligent. However, when people go missing and there’s a suspicious death, the police start asking their very own pointed questions.  

The main character is Dr. Jacqueline ‘Jaq’ Silver, a chemical engineer working in Kranjskabel, Slovenia, for Snow Science, a company researching the means to reduce the number and severity of avalanches in areas devoted to the skiing tourist industry. She’s got a complicated backstory that the author subtly weaves into the current narrative that includes an unpleasant history with the Zagrovyl company, one of Snow Science’s suppliers and a critical player in the shady goings-on that Jaq inadvertently uncovers. Jaq is an outlier in the latest trend of more mature detectives in that she legitimately has the chops to investigate what she’s discovered, and technically, while she is a grandmother, she’s younger, more youthful, and in peak physical condition than what we normally expect of these older female amateur sleuths. She’s immediately determined to find out what Snow Science and Zagrovyl are involved in despite being gaslighted from all sides, and that’s before she becomes a person of interest to the police in a murder investigation. 

The story unfolds from multiple viewpoints as shady characters scramble across Europe to hide what they’re doing with one determined woman on their trail. After establishing the scenario, the plot moves quickly as characters pursue their plans across Europe, with Jaq on their heels. I loved that there was more than one set of bad actors out to stop her, which really threw a wrench into Jaq’s efforts at figuring out what was going on. The action is tight and suspenseful, keeping me completely engaged; some interesting twists really took me by surprise, adding another layer of complications. The descriptions of the settings are often just enough to give a sense of place, but the author chooses what is highlighted well, and there is always an evocative feeling of recognition. 

This title was originally published in 2019, but the edition I read for this review is a recent re-release, so three subsequent books in this series are already available to continue Jaq’s journeys. I recommend THE CHEMICAL DETECTIVE to readers of action and adventure, thrillers, mystery, and suspense who are looking for a strong, capable, and intelligent female protagonist.

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Cinderella Busted

Cinderella Romances, #1

by

Petie McCarty

Heartwarming second chance romance!

Cinderella Busted is the first book in author Petie McCarty’s fun and frothy Cinderella Romances series, and it kicks off these fairytale retellings in style. When specialty nursery owner Lily Foster is mistaken for a wealthy Jupiter Island socialite, she decides to go with the misunderstanding and enjoy a fun evening out among the local rich and famous. What she didn’t count on was falling head over heels for her billionaire escort nor for him to be the money behind the development company trying to run her off her land. 

Lily Foster has always been driven to excel at school or work; she wanted to make her father proud. But now that he’s gone, she’s the owner of the family nursery business and making it a success. She’s done well for herself except when it comes to her personal life, as she’s always been too busy and focused to have any fun. I couldn’t blame her for wanting to have one fun evening out with the handsome Rhett Buchanan. Her mistake was in not revealing her true position at the nursery right away. She made an assumption that Rhett wouldn’t accept her for herself. 

Rhett Buchanan, a self-made billionaire, is much like Lily in his drive and focus. He made an assumption about Lily’s presence at the nursery based on what she was wearing. He was smitten from their first meeting, and their time together only solidified his initial feelings for her. However, his history with women, including a devastating betrayal at an early age, has left him wary of any woman’s motives for wanting to be with him. With deep-seated trust and self-esteem issues, it doesn’t take much for him to assume the worst about Lily’s masquerade. 

The couple’s relationship runs from one end of the strong emotions spectrum to the other, and all in one week’s time. The chemistry between the two is unmistakable, and their tempestuous relationship reveals the depth of their emotions for one another. Each has good friends in their corner who can see how well they are suited for one another and try to get them back together. However, there are also a couple of dirty players working to throw a monkey wrench in the works for their own benefit. The back-and-forth twists and turns make for an exciting and heartwarming romance. 

I recommend CINDERELLA BUSTED to romance readers who enjoy second-chance romances, fish-out-of-water tales, and enemies-to-lovers storylines.

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My Year of Casual Relationships

South Bay, #1

by

Ruth F. Stevens

Absolutely wonderful and thoroughly satisfying!

My Year of Casual Relationships by Ruth F. Stevens is a new adult contemporary novel filled with memorable characters, unlikely friendships, love and loss, and self-discovery. Mar Meyers is an icon for healing, growth, and second chances. 

The main character, Margaret ‘Mar’ Meyers, is putting together a new life, including a new persona after her husband of 28 years leaves her for one of his employees. As often happens, Mar loses not only Henry (good riddance!) but also their couple friends, who gravitate toward the newly-formed couple rather than the newly single Mar. Worst though is the contentious relationship that develops with her only child, Michael, who’s married and has a young son of his own, Mar’s grandson, Benny. Michael inexplicably takes his father’s side in the divorce, even though Henry is the one who had the affair and broke up the marriage. I ached for Mar with every unhappy and ugly interaction with her son but had strong suspicions as to the underlying reasons for his behavior all along. 

Mar’s mother, who lives across the country from LA in New York City, is another unfulfilling relationship in her life. Whether due to her British stiff-upper-lip demeanor or the fact that she’s completely self-absorbed, she’s no source of comfort or support for her daughter when she needs it the most. She seems so cold and unfeeling, which may be the reason for some of Mar’s own personality flaws. Mar struggles with being standoffish, critical, and expressing empathy. She is well-known for speaking her mind without considering the consequences of her words until it is too late. However, despite her initial emotional distance, she experienced significant personal growth as the story progressed, and I liked her more and more for it. 

The author’s writing style is smooth and comfortable, and it drew me into Mar’s life from page one. I was genuinely interested in what Mar thought and had to say. The descriptions of the fitness center, Mar’s waterfront apartment, restaurants, and clubs she frequents are vivid, and I could easily picture the characters in these settings. I enjoyed the names Mar initially gave to the women regulars at the fitness center, which also created a strong image of each. However, I was glad she got past this superficiality and eventually got to know them and their true identities. I was delighted to see at the end of the book that the planned sequel is already in the works and is scheduled for publication very soon. I’m not ready to leave Margaret’s story behind. 

With its relatable and sympathetic main character and realistic plot, I recommend MY YEAR OF CASUAL RELATIONSHIPS to readers of contemporary and women’s fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

Tex-Mex lovers in Highland Village have reason to celebrate as Blue Goose Cantina has reopened after a brief closure for a stunning remodel. The beloved family-owned restaurant, located at 4121 Barton Creek, has refreshed its 5,500-square-foot space, including its 263-seat dining area, to better serve the community with its famous made-from-scratch offerings and warm hospitality. The newly renovated Blue Goose welcomed guests back today, just in time for the lunch crowd.

The reimagined space features a grand patio perfect for outdoor dining, an expansive bar area complete with high-definition TVs for sports and entertainment viewing, and vibrant décor that includes Loteria artwork and beautiful tile work. From Blue Goose's legendary wood-fired grill to the signature tortilla factory, the remodel enhances the experience while preserving the restaurant's iconic features.

Nick Peterson, CEO of Peterson Management Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the re-opening: "We are thrilled to welcome the Highland Village community back to Blue Goose Cantina. Our new look not only reflects the vibrant and fun atmosphere we’re known for but also elevates the dining experience for our guests. As a family-owned company, we are committed to providing great food, warm hospitality, and memorable moments for our customers. We can’t wait for everyone to come to enjoy the space and our made-from-scratch Tex-Mex offerings."

To celebrate the season, the Goose is also introducing limited-time menu specials, available at all seven locations from November 18 through December. Tex-Mex favorites with a twist, such as Tacos al Pastor and Chile Rellenos, are featured alongside creative cocktails like "The Coyote." These specials are sure to keep guests coming back for more throughout the colder months.

Blue Goose Cantina is open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends. Can’t make it in? Convenient to-go orders are available online at bluegoosecantina.com or calling 972-966-2583.

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere, and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #bluegoosecantina

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO. For more information, visit PetersonManagementGroup.net.