Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Fast-paced murder mystery with witty dialogue

The Book Dragon has devoured the ARC of Exercise is Murder, a fantastic new mystery novella by ACFW author Bruce Hammack and gives it a resounding 5 claws!

My 5 star review: "I don't read many mysteries, but I may have to rethink that after reading this unexpected gem. The author's law enforcement experience shines through in this fast-paced, witty story with realistic, flawed, yet relatable main characters, an unlikely team of detectives. Their banter reminds me of Bogey and Bacall, and Max the cat is a stroke of genius. From the opening scene, the snappy dialogue alone grabbed this reader and compelled me to keep reading, and the many suspects kept me guessing until the final showdown. This is an excellent read for mystery aficiados as well as newbies to the genre, and I'm looking forward to continuing this new series to return to the blind, anything-but-washed-up former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his young brilliant partner Heather McBlythe (and her cat)."

Here's a better image of the cover!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Exciting cozy Christian mystery with genealogy!

The Book Dragon has reviewed One Leaf Too Many by Julie B. Cosgrove and gives it 5 claws!

My review: "4.5 stars for an exciting cozy mystery about one of my favorite subjects--genealogy! The characters are living and breathing; the good ones are loveable and the not-so-good ones are appropriately slimy. The plot is a twisty roller coaster ride that makes you laugh out loud, gasp with concern for the heroine and her friends, nod your head in agreement at Shannon's wise words and Chase's level-headedness, and sigh at the MC's stubborn quest for truth and justice that lands her in all kinds of trouble! Recommended for all readers of cozy mystery. If you're not into genealogy when you start reading One Leaf Too Many, by the end you may change your mind!"

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Norse Mythology meets Beauty and the Beast

The Book Dragon has finished When Ravens Fall by Savannah Jezowski and gives it 5 claws!

My review: "4.5 stars for well-written, original, and unusual combination of Norse mythology, Beauty and the Beast, and a feisty talking squirrel I first met in Jezowski's short story, "Well of Fate." The suspense was sustained at a tense level through the climactic scene, and the characters and their situation were clearly and believably written. The themes, which the author elaborates upon in her end note, shine through and strongly gird the story. Recommended!"