Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife

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Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards

Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife by Martin Edwards (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

Feb 23, 2026

This cozy mystery embodies the genre perfectly with a setting of a remote village in Northern England, beset by a snow storm that traps inhabitants and visitors alike while a killer, or killers whittle the numbers down one at a time. (After recent weather in my own region, I feel I can sympathize with the characters, since the unusually large amounts of snow we’ve had this year certainly have made travel inconvenient.)


The village of Midwinter, an oasis of healing and self-reflection for paying guests, has decided to host a murder mystery game, inviting a slew of professional writers, agents, publicists, etc., all who have suffered setbacks to their careers. The caveat; a fabulous prize to the winner, as well as luxury accommodation for participants over the Christmas season. Those who accept the invitation are all looking for a fresh start, a chance to better their lives. What they find instead, is intrigue, drama, and of course murder.


The first victim is a pod caster who turned his investigative instincts onto Midwinter itself, following the death of a guest several years prior. Why was he invited in the first place if he was suspected of having an ulterior motive for attending? And which of the other guests might he have confided in?

The second victim is the newcomer of the staff, someone who supposedly has no prior connections to the events of the prior murder or to the staff and guests. What could possibly be the motive for her death? The remaining players are both anxious and afraid to join forces, not trusting anyone.

Ultimately, the same person who first solves the fictional game uncovers part of the truth of the real murders, only to survive an attempt on his own life. In the best tradition of the whodunit, he plans a reveal for all interested parties, but who will survive long enough for it to be carried out?


This quirky story provides a number of red herrings, and several noteworthy characters, before ending with a twist that was unexpected and mostly believable. I admit I solved it a few chapters from the end, though I was mostly engrossed until that point. I enjoyed the story but not as much as I might have hoped, thus my rating of 3 stars. However, any reader looking for a lite cozy mystery with a Christmas setting should give it a chance.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : The Secret of Secrets

Book Reviews, Dan Brown, Robert Langdon, thriller stories, , , ,

Hello dear readers,

I realize I have been gone for quite some time, and can only say as an excuse that life is full. I was able to spend some time with both my children for the holidays, but as they are grown and have their own lives, I did have to travel to one of them this year. I considered the trip very worthwhile, but I have had countless demands on my time, so I haven’t had the luxury to sit and just write for far too long. Of course, I did manage to take a couple of books with me, and so I can finally sit down and offer my latest review.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon, #6) by Dan Brown (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review 

The sixth installment of author Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series features the globe-trotting Harvard symbologist attending a prestigious talk given by new girlfriend Katherine Solomon in Prague. Dr. Solomon, a long-time colleague, has written the definitive text on consciousness theory, a treatise which apparently is so explosive a splinter division from the CIA will stop at nothing to prevent her publishing it.


With Katherine in danger, Robert dives in, literally into an icy river, and figuratively, to protect her and discover who and what is targeting her work. The reader is treated to an exploration of the art and culture of Prague as clues are hidden all around, and under the city.


Meanwhile, others are also searching for answers, including an apparent figment out of local medieval lore. Will Robert be reunited with Katherine, and will they be able to salvage her manuscript, that has somehow been erased from the publisher’s server? And who or what is the mysterious Golem, who seems to be both stalking them and taking out their enemies?


This is certainly the longest novel in this series to date, at more than 670 pages, but the author includes enough action and depth of plot in the story that the word count feels justified. There are twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat for the long haul. Meanwhile, Robert Langdon continues to amaze as he puts together obscure clues with the efficiency of Sherlock Holmes.


The only criticism I have is that there seems to be so little continuity from his other stories; one would think that Langdon’s character would be more effected by some of his past experiences and relationships than his demeanor suggests. The only reference noted to past adventures is made by his editor, in an aside, that Robert is always in the middle of dangerous situations.


All being said, this is an excellent story full of thrills, suspense, and plot twists to satisfy most readers, along with some tender moments of romance that lead fans of the series to wonder if this is the one love that Langdon will keep for longer than the end of one novel. I give The Secret of Secrets 5 stars, and recommend it to fans of thrillers, mysteries and spy novels.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect

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Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (Ernest Cunningham, #2) by

Benjamin Stevenson (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

In this sequel to Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, the hero/survivor Ernest Cunningham has turned the trauma from the first installment into a book. As the novel opens, he is about to board “The Ghan,” Australia’s modern day answer to the Orient Express for a writer’s festival.

From the beginning of the story, Ernest is plagued with survivor’s guilt and feelings of inadequacy, even as he tries to romance his fellow survivor, the owner of the ski resort, Juliette. Ernest is also feeling the pressure to produce a new book by his publisher and agent Simone, who is on the train for her own reasons.


In an attempt to find inspiration, Ernest begins observing and investigating events that happen on board the train. Of course, there is a murder, multiple suspects and red herrings as the plot becomes more convoluted. A second murder, and rival authors who are also trying to capitalize on the events for their future publications, leads to Ernest being unsure if anyone is innocent, and who could he possibly trust to help solve this mystery that is stranger than fiction.


Author Benjamin Stevenson writes this series in the first person, so most of the story is told through Ernest’s eyes, although there are parts where he deviates to another character. Ernest is not a detective, per say, but his former career was writing books on how to write mystery stories, so he uses his dubious skills, obtained from studying golden age masters of the craft, like Agatha Christie, to assist and lead him forward.


This somewhat unique point of view from the main character allows him to address the fourth wall, i.e. the reader as he seemingly gives away plot points long before they happen, all the while surprising the reader with the twists the story actually takes. These interludes are both humorous and slightly irreverent, showing the author enjoys playing with his characters as much as this reader enjoys his story.


I award this book five stars, and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Angel of Vengeance

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Angel of Vengeance by Douglas Preston

Angel of Vengeance (Pendergast, #22) by Douglas Preston (Goodreads Author), Lincoln Child

Amy Caudill‘s review

Aug 26, 2025

A desperate plan, a combination of forces by former enemies, and a literal world-bending adventure awaits our heroes as they face off against the ultimate antagonist-Pendergast’s serial killer ancestor, Dr. Enoch Leng.


This latest novel from authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child concludes what could be considered another unofficial trilogy in the long-term series. I previously reviewed the first book of this trilogy, Bloodless, on Goodreads and my blog, but have yet to mention the second book on-line. However, since these three are so interrelated, I feel I should discuss the three books together.


In Bloodless, Aloysius Pendergast discovers a machine that creates gateways between dimensions, allowing travelers to move between worlds that are either very different or very similar to our own. Constance Greene uses the machine to travel to a world that is like our own only still in the Victorian era, allowing her to stop Leng from the ghastly experiments that killed her sister and made Constance herself virtually immortal. However, the machine breaks down after her transport and she is stranded there.


Pendergast is devastated at her loss, because he is only now realizing that he feels more for Constance than a ward, and actually could have a relationship with her. The early part of The Cabinet of Dr. Leng focuses on the unconventional steps Pendergast, with the help of D’Agosta and Procter, take to bring the machine back on-line and save Constance from herself.


Long term readers of the series will recognize the name and situation of the second book, The Cabinet of Dr. Leng, from an earlier book in the series , The Cabinet of Curiosities, although the newer book is set mostly in the past and in a slightly alternate dimension.


Despite their best intentions, Pendergast and D’Agosta’s arrival in alternate Victorian era New York creates more harm than good, and Constance quickly points out to them that she did not want or need their help. Whether that was true is academic, because Leng becomes aware of the dimensional travelers’ existence, and in the beginning of Angel of Vengeance he has gained the upper hand by purportedly killing Constance’s older sister and kidnapping the younger version of herself.


The last book continues the story with the arrival of Pendergast’s younger brother, Diogenes, who has a checkered past with the rest of the group but who allies himself with them to bring down Leng. The group of heroes, determined to save Mary Greene and “Binky,” the young Constance, as well as their brother Joe, join forces to concoct a plan that will also prevent Leng from gaining any more knowledge or access to the dimensional gate.


While some of the Pendergast books could be considered stand-alone, I would caution new readers to this series to not start with any of the books I have mentioned here, because while they may enjoy the story there is far too much history, and too many prior situations that would require explanation for complete understanding.


However, this book series is outstanding and the latest offering continues that trend. I award it five stars and recommend the series to fans of detective fiction, actions stories, and those who enjoy stories with Victorian and Gothic and paranormal elements. Considering the next book in the series, which is due out in January, is a flashback to Pendergast’s first case, I only hope that the forward adventures of our heroes are not at an end.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : The Hanging Tree

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The Hanging Tree by Irina Shapiro

The Hanging Tree (Nicole Rayburn #1) by Irina Shapiro (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

When Nicole checks into an isolated old mansion for a writer’s retreat, she has no idea she will be drawn into the true story of a local legend. Alys Bailey may or may not have been a witch, depending on the definition of such in the 1600’s, but she was most probably hanged on a centuries-old tree that overlooks the current breakfast room of the manor. The mystery of this character inspires Nicole, as does the reluctance of the owners and the locals to speak of her.


Nicole soon forms a partnership with Kyle, a fellow writer, who volunteers his time to assist with her research. As the two grow closer, Nicole learns he has secrets of his own.


This is the first book I have read by author Irina Shapiro, and I found her method of alternating between chapters of the present and the past more interesting than frustrating. She skillfully weaves between the two separate stories, while leaving the reader wanting more.


My only complaint with this novel was that there were several elements introduced into the story the author chose not to capitalize on. The current owners of the manor may or may not have acquired the home by unscrupulous means, a suspicion led by the fact there is no record of Lisa Prentiss in the family genealogy on the grounds. The manor lies next to a man-made lake created by flooding an ancient town, and only the bell tower of the church is visible above the surface of the water. I feel Shapiro could have done so much more with these plot points, but they are relegated to the status of red herrings.


Meanwhile, the reader is lead to see that the real villain of the historic story is not the accused witch but the lady of the manor. The final twists are certainly unexpected, and in my opinion make up for any disappointments with the direction the story takes.


I award this story four stars, and will most likely read more of this author’s work. I recommend this to fans of historical romantic mysteries.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Moriarty

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Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz

Moriarty (Horowitz’s Holmes, #2) by Anthony Horowitz (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

Once again, modern author Anthony Horowitz has stepped into the shoes of Arthur Conan Doyle, with the full blessing of the latter’s estate, and produced a new Sherlock Holmes era story. This installment picks up from the end of Doyle’s “The Final Problem,” a short story which details the demise Sherlock along with his arch enemy.


The principals, Watson and Holmes, are not actually present in this story, but only mentioned in passing. However, to compensate for the lack of our favorite detective duo, we are introduced to Detective Inspector Athelney Jones, of Scotland Yard, who actually appeared in at least one other Holmes’ story; and his new friend and cohort, Pinkerton agent Frederick Chase.


The two join forces to find a new criminal mastermind, Clarence Devereux, who reputedly intended to align with Moriarty, and set up shop in London. Chase is familiar with some of Devereux’s henchmen, while Jones has studied Holmes’ methods and believes he is ready to apply his techniques to finding this new threat.


The detectives chase clues all over Europe before returning to London to face off against ruthless gangsters and a criminal network that seems to be one step ahead of them. In the end, they finally face off to the real threat, only for one of the protagonists to realize the enemy wears a familiar face. Spoilers: there is no indication until nearly the end of the story, but the reader has been following an unreliable narrator all along.


The final twist was shocking, but made the entire novel, already a fascinating read, truly worthwhile. Horowitz’s characters seamlessly fit into the world of Victorian London and Baker Street in Doyle’s universe. I award this novel five stars, and hope that Horowitz will find time to venture into that world again in the future.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Naked Came the Phoenix

Book Reviews, murder mystery, strong female characters
Naked Came the Phoenix by Marcia Talley

Naked Came the Phoenix by Marcia Talley (Goodreads Author) (Editor),

Nevada Barr, Nancy Pickard, J.A. Jance (Goodreads Author), Lisa Scottoline (Goodreads Author), Anne Perry, Mary O’Shaughnessy, Val McDermid,more…

Amy Caudill‘s review

From some of the modern queens of mystery, comes this entertaining tale of family lost and found, treachery, blackmail, and murder. Caroline and her mother Hilda are visiting the exclusive Phoenix spa, a place where the rich and famous come to hide while being alternately pampered and starved in the name of beauty and relaxation.


Caroline is determined to enjoy this break, despite her mother’s predilections for cruelty and control, when she encounters a dead body in the spa’s mud baths, the owner of the spa. This proves to be only the first of several as a number of guests, all with mysterious links to each other and the late owner, appear to be murdered by an unknown assailant, who must be hiding at the isolated resort.


The local police do their best, but the wealthy guests all have lawyers to impede the investigation. Hilda reveals that she has through covert means become the primary owner of the Phoenix, and also that the previous owner had blackmailed her over a child she gave up for adoption before Caroline’s birth.


The novel contains numerous red herrings as different contributors hint who could possibly be Caroline’s lost sibling. The story flows surprisingly well considering each chapter is written by a different author. Overall, the effect is of an engaging, sometimes shocking mystery, with a couple of twists this reader couldn’t have predicted.


I enjoyed this short novella very much, and recommend it to fans of the genre at large as well as any of the included authors. I award it four stars.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Extinction

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Extinction by Douglas Preston

Extinction by Douglas Preston (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

A technological breakthrough runs amok in this new novel by author Douglas Preston. A group of scientists have “DE-extincted” several species of dinosaurs, aka Jurassic Park, and set them up in a nature preserve in the Colorado wilderness.


When a wealthy couple disappear deep in the wilderness of the preserve, the reader is left wondering momentarily if the culprits are animal or human, at least from the short early chapters I read before the book’s official release. However, after getting a copy of the entire book I was able to quickly realize the dinosaurs were innocent. Instead, a group of unknown size had somehow infiltrated the park, a group that had insider knowledge of the security, the routines, and the hidden old mining areas underneath the park.


As Colorado Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Frankie Cash and Sheriff Jim Colcord are forced to work together to find the missing couple, they quickly discover clues to far more sinister deeds. The kidnappers have left behind videos and evidence they wanted to have discovered-evidence of murder, cannibalism, and strange, primitive rites conducted under their noses. Who are the members of this group? How are they eluding the security of the park and the manhunt of combined forces of CBI and police investigators?


Forced to work under close scrutiny of the press, the administration of the park who are being evasive, the billionaire father of one of the victims who is outraged but also hiding information, as well as the CBI and the governor; Cash and Colcord are only left with more questions and very few answers. Finally they resort to underhanded means to get inside the laboratories where the dinosaurs are made. Once there, they discover that the scientists bred more than dinosaurs.


The group of scientists actually De-extincted one of humanities’ ancient rivals, a rival species driven into extinction by homo sapiens. The newly resurrected race escape the control of the scientists, and are out for revenge. Their goal- extinction of the human race.


I was shocked at the big twist in this book; I definitely did not predict the direction this story would take. That being said, I believe it was handled in a manner that was all too plausible. Preston has a history of writing stories where technology gets the better of its inventors and this is just the latest example of his writing style. What at first seems like a re-write of Jurasssic Park turned out to be so much more, and I award this novel 5 stars.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all! This is the time of year many of will choose to look back on the year we’ve had, sometimes with hope, sometimes with regrets about things we’ve done or haven’t done, and anticipations either fulfilled or still unfulfilled. For my family, we had our celebration a little early this year, because we chose to celebrate when we could all be together.
Still, I’m looking for to a break from my day job, and another celebration with family who are still local and can come to share a meal, and just relax in each other’s company. This year I am trying to focus on not what I should do, but rather what I want to do, and cherry-picking the holiday tasks and traditions that are most important to me and my loved ones.
I hope each of you has an enjoyable holiday, however you choose to spend it, and in the company of your preference. May we all know a moment of peace as we prepare ourselves for the coming year!

Amy

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Never Lie

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Never Lie by Freida McFadden

Never Lie by Freida McFadden (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

Nov 03, 2024

I honestly can’t say I remember when I picked up a copy of this book, but I will say I will be reading more from this author, assuming my heart can handle it.  Freida McFadden’s work contained shocking twists near the end, and they just kept coming.  

What begins as a seemingly run-of-the-mill plot, with a couple stranded at an isolated country home during a blizzard, leads the reader on a merry chase with one red herring of an antagonist through the majority of the book.  Tricia and Ethan seem like a happily married newly wed couple, but why are they keeping secrets from each other, and why are they afraid of how the other will react when they are revealed? From the very beginning some of their interactions seem off, though I only realized this in hindsight.

The home they find themselves in is the former abode of Dr. Adrienne Hale, a psychiatrist and bestselling author who disappeared under mysterious circumstances three years prior.  Will their unintended stay reveal clues to the doctor’s disappearance, and is she really the innocent victim?

Tricia finds a secret room where the good doctor kept cassette tapes of all her sessions with her patients, and surreptitiously starts to listen to them to pass the time, and because she can’t contain her curiosity.  Meanwhile, Ethan disappears somewhere upstairs to “work” remotely, and the reader is left wondering about the identity of one particular patient, who was blackmailing Dr. Hale.  

The chapters with Tricia and Ethan are interspersed with those of Adrienne, prior to her disappearance, and the audience learns of the same events from her point of view.  While Adrienne seemingly believes she does a lot of good, it is amazing the lengths she will go to to keep her secrets; and the reader has to wonder exactly what happened to her, and who caused it, which is only revealed near the end.  

The big question posed by this story; is anyone truly innocent?  Without revealing any more spoilers, I will say the conclusion shocked me.

This is an excellent psychological thriller and I would recommend it to any fans of the genre. I give this story five stars.