Think Murder

Brand New Cover!

Salem, C. (2015). Think Murder. Self-Published.

Clean New Adult / Adult / Contemporary Mystery

I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Goodreads Book Blurb: Adina Donati came to Washington D.C. to find excitement, not a dead body. When a friend is murdered, Adina is drawn into the middle of the police investigation. Tensions rise as the suspect list expands to include Adina, her friends, and colleagues at the prestigious think tank where she works. But every cloud has a silver lining. Between the nice detective, the hot new volunteer at the dog rescue center, and the newly available preppy ex-boyfriend, Adina's dating dry spell appears near its end. That is, if she doesn't become the next victim.

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Adina Donati is the new Nancy Drew (hmmm, or maybe she'd be Bess. . .), all grown up and a single young professional working at a prestigious think tank in Washington D.C.  What makes this story a bit more realistic than a Nancy Drew story is that for the most part, Adina does the responsible thing in passing on information she stumbles across to the proper authority -- namely, the attractive detective, Jonathan Saks, who may or may not be interested in a relationship beyond the case. Author Cassidy Salem does a great job of establishing the setting in D.C. and clearly knows the city and its dwellers well, but it is her characterization that really shines.  From the lovable neighbor, Daniel Sullivan, to the loathsome new boss, Dr. Stickler, Salem gives readers exactly the right information to create a definite profile and impression of each character, which keeps each memorable and unique.  She also expertly throws hints at what's coming, but just as often Salem throws foils that misdirect readers and muddy-up the whodunnit part of the mystery. The resolution of the story works well as is, so the book stands alone, but it's set-up in a way that Adina's story may very well continue into subsequent books!

So, why the 4.5 and not a full fledged 5? Perhaps I'm out of touch, but I found myself annoyed with and disbelieving of Adina in her work setting. She clocks in and out exactly on time and always takes her full lunch break (or just a little more), never working a second more than required. Okay. But in an environment like where she was working, I cannot imagine that taking numerous "tea" breaks throughout the day or getting on Facebook to catch-up or for "game therapy" while on the clock would be tolerated -- even under wonderful boss, Matt. It wasn't a here-and-there thing either, but part of her daily routine; being so unprofessional really seemed incongruous with Adina's character.  Salem did establish that this wasn't Adina's dream job but one to keep her paying the bills . . . maybe that's all acceptable these days (not anywhere I've ever worked), but it just didn't fit for me.

The writing was solid and the plot well-structured, which allowed for everything to wrap-up neatly and satisfactorily.  There were very few typos and only a couple of instances of a word being misused as far as errors, but they didn't distract from this engaging and refreshingly clean story that contained no foul language, no sex, and only very mild violence. As such, I really think young adult readers would enjoy this book, but it also fills a niche for readers who are new adult aged and interested in crushes and flirting instead of graphic sex scenes.  

Thank you to the author for providing me an eBook copy of Think Murder in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A definite animal lover, Cassidy has never met a dog she didn’t like – a fact that influenced her decision to have the protagonist in “Think Murder” volunteer at a dog rescue center. When she’s not reading, Cassidy enjoys singing in an a cappella ensemble. Most of all, Cassidy enjoys spending time with family and friends and travels with her husband and son whenever possible. Her travels have taken her to destinations throughout the United States and Europe, as well as Scandinavia and the Middle East.  Cassidy Salem is the author of “Think Murder” — the first book in the Adina Donati Mystery Series.  

FOLLOW CASSIDY ON TWITTER or FOLLOW ON HER BLOG

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Chiseled: A Memoir of Identity, Duplicity, and Divine Wine

Pfeiffer, D. (2015). Chiseled: A Memoir of Identity, Duplicity, and Divine Wine. Eugene, OR: Luminare Press, LLC.

Adult / Memoir

I gave this book 5 out of 5 Stars

Danuta Pfeiffer's Chiseled: A Memoir of Identity, Duplicity, and Divine Wine is the amazing story of Danuta's life -- filled with deception, devastation, and determination -- that takes readers on her courageous journey.  Told in three parts, Danuta begins at her beginning, as a god-fearing child, living a spartan life, under a father she revered despite his abusive hands. Her father's stories of obstacles he'd overcome in the war, in the most brutal of circumstances, carried Danuta through her own travails time and again, even as her father continued to reject her.  For readers who remember Danuta (then Soderman) and her mysterious departure from being the co-host of The 700 Club with Pat Robertson, details are revealed of not only her departure, but of how CBN and Robertson operated behind-the-scenes. This provided fascinating insight into the sometimes sordid world of televangelism, and it ultimately led to Danuta's "losing God" for a period of time.  As Danuta navigates her life - out of work,  married to an addict, and questioning the very existence of God - she always draws strength from her father's challenges and perseveres.  When she finally allows friendships into her life and allows herself to focus on her own needs, she finds true love with a winemaker, Robin Pfeiffer. Robin takes Danuta to Poland, where Danuta connects with her father's family, and discovers the truth and lies of her father's past. Chiseled is a masterfully written story of a woman spending a lifetime searching to find peace, love, and acceptance within herself.

What a beautifully written, personal story Danuta Pfeiffer has shared.  At times, readers will have to remind themselves that Chiseled is a memoir and not fiction. It is unbelievable that any one person endured all of the heartache and challenges that Danuta faced, and even more amazing that she survived it and now lives a healthy, happy life.  Many of her sentences are stunning, and the imagery truly takes the story to another level. For example, in talking about her father's decline into depression, Danuta wrote, "His change took place the way a shoelace comes undone, gradually unravelling what was once secure."  Or, when she speaks of her time with The 700 Club, she summarizes it by saying, "I had become a spiritual drug dealer imbued with the halo of power and celebrity, associated with the brokers of money and politics." Her characterization was excellent so that readers not only witnessed actions, but understood and felt Danuta's emotions towards the characters who had the most impact on her life. Particularly powerful was the story of Danuta's mother, Patricia, who was truly the hero of Danuta's life. In Patricia's strength and commitment to her family, Danuta found a role model in a time when women were restricted by societal limitations. Throughout Danuta's life, her faith and relationship with God went through many iterations, and it was interesting to see her thought process at all stages and what ultimately led her back to a life of faith. Sprinkled throughout the text were photographs from various times in Danuta's life, which enriched the story even further.

I highly recommend Chiseled, as Danuta Pfeiffer eloquently shows that truth can be more dramatic and fascinating than fiction. Readers be prepared to be angry -- and possibly shed a few tears -- but in the end, feel inspired. 

This book was reviewed for Readers' Favorite in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AUTHOR DANUTA PFEIFFER, TO READ HER BLOG OR BOOK EXCERPTS, OR TO BUY THE BOOK.