Mark your calendar! The Winter Edition for 2023 of Clean Fiction is coming December 20th!
You won’t want to miss this edition! In addition to all of the great reviews, there are always some other great things to read, and the next Windows Into The Multiverse contest, and more! And this upcoming edition has another surprise, so be sure to get yours on December 20th!
Finding Peace This Holiday Season
By Jodie Wolfe
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle with finding peace. Especially when life is hectic, or I’m thrown by unexpected sorrow and pain, or I’m feeling under the weather. Any number of things can get me off-kilter and trying to find peace in the midst of whatever situation I’m facing seems difficult. I have to remind myself to go back to the source, my Prince of Peace.
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
I love this foretelling of Jesus’ birth and who He is. Somehow it helps to put whatever I’m struggling with into perspective. No matter what I’m facing, I’m reminded that I have a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace who cares about every detail of my life. What a comfort.
Then there’s the promise Jesus gave before His death on the cross and resurrection.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
When you get worn out or frazzled this holiday season, take a few moments and find all the verses in the Bible that talk about the true peace which can only be found in Jesus Christ. Perhaps after reading a few, your heart will lighten knowing you can give all your burdens to your Heavenly Father who knows you better than anyone.
May you find peace this Christmas.
Bio
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/
Blurb
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he’s the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller’s life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she’ll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
A Daring Rescue
by Kelly F. Barr
Bundled in her white winter coat, red and white checked scarf around her neck, red knit hat perched on her head, and red gloves warming her hands, Chelsea stood at the line that divided her parent’s meadow and the forest of trees. She could see three doe and one six-point buck white-tail deer beneath the forest canopy several yards away.
She plucked the glove from her right hand, shoved it in her pocket, and raised her hands in slow motion to grasp the 35 mm camera that hung from its strap around her neck. She lifted it to her eye and focused the lens upon the group of deer. Click! She snapped a photo and the deer tensed their muscles and turned their heads toward her.
Drat! Why did the best cameras make so much noise when the shutter release button was pressed? She wanted to take more shots but didn’t dare, lest she frighten the beautiful creatures away. She released the breath she’d been holding as they lowered their heads to the ground to nibble at the shoots of grass they had revealed beneath the snow with their hooves.
She held the camera and peered through the viewfinder, watching for another opportunity to take a shot. She didn’t have long to wait, as a moment later, the buck raised his head and seemed to look right at her. She pressed the shutter release button, trying not to cringe at the noise it made. She didn’t want to move the camera and cause the picture to blur.
Just after the loud click of the shutter, the buck turned and ran deeper into the forest and the does followed. Chelsea caught a shot of their white tails lifted straight in the air as they bounded deeper into the trees. Should she try to follow? Would she be able to follow their tracks in the snow with the long leaps they took? She carefully lowered her camera to rest on her chest again, and keeping one hand on the camera, she proceeded into the woods.
Chelsea hadn’t gone more than several yards when the loud bang of a rifle shot made her heart leap in her chest. She ducked behind a tree, and leaned her back against its trunk. What had she been thinking entering the forest? It was hunting season and this was state game land. She looked over her clothes, realizing she didn’t have enough bright red on to make her visible to anyone carrying a gun, looking for a prize deer.
She needed to get back to the meadow, but before she could move, a short high-pitched sound came from her left. She turned her head and saw a doe limping forward, blood running down it’s shoulder toward it’s front leg. Chelsea gasped and the doe turned and looked at her.
“Will you let me help you?” Chelsea spoke in a soft voice. “I’m not a hunter. I don’t have a gun.”
The doe turned its ears toward her.
Chelsea reached her bare hand slowly toward the deer, then held it steady. She mentally sent a prayer to the Lord, Please let me be able to get her back to the the barn on our farm. Let me be able to nurse her back to health and release her after deer season.
The deer limped close enough to sniff Chelsea’s hand. It sniffed, then looked at Chelsea and made another short noise, but this time it was lower in pitch.
Chelsea dared to stand up to gain her footing, keeping her hand out toward the doe. The doe pressed its nose into Chelsea’s hand, and Chelsea said, “Come on. Come with me.” She took a step forward and the deer took a step as well.
Chelsea’s breaths stalled for a moment. Could she get this deer to go all the way back to the farm with her? She moved one step at a time, doing her best to keep both herself and the doe hidden behind trees as they worked their way toward the forest’s edge.
As they exited the woods and entered the meadow, Chelsea emitted a short spontaneous laugh. The doe flinched, but didn’t run. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just can’t believe we made it back to our farm. Please, stay with me. I’ll get you to the warmth of the barn and then I’ll get something to clean and dress your wound.”
The deer looked at Chelsea and continued moving forward step by step after her. As they reached the halfway point across the meadow, the bark of a dog caused both Chelsea and the doe to freeze in their tracks.
Chelsea looked at the doe. “That’s Jasper. I’ll call mom and tell her we’re coming. She’ll put Jasper in the house. You don’t have to be afraid.” She pulled her cell phone from her pocket with her gloved hand and punched in the number with a bare finger.
“Mom, you have to put Jasper in the house. I was in the forest. I took some photos of a group of deer and I’m leading a wounded doe back to the barn. She’s been shot.” She hung up the phone, put it back in her pocket and took another step forward. The doe followed.
When Chelsea had the doe in an empty stall in the barn, she heard heavy footsteps crossing the wooden floor.
“Chelsea, I’m coming to remove the bullet. I’ll help you clean and dress the wound, then you can get her some corn.” Her father stepped into the stall just a moment after his last word. He smiled at her. “You never could resist rescuing any animal in trouble. Not since you were six years old and found your first stray kitten out in a thunderstorm.”
She wrapped her arms around her father and gave him a hug. “Thanks for understanding, Daddy.”
“I’m just glad you didn’t get shot making this rescue.”
“Me too, Daddy. Me too.”
In the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday is a day where family and friends gather around the table and stuff themselves with foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, among other things. They may take a few minutes to take turns around the table stating something they’re thankful for, but after the food, thankfulness is forgotten and the following day — Black Friday — they’re rushing around stores trying to take advantage of the sales to purchase gifts for family and friends for next month’s holiday, Christmas. Or, maybe they’re purchasing their Christmas trees, greens, and other decorations and preparing for the upcoming Christmas holiday.
So, Thanksgiving gets a nod, maybe a day or two, and Christmas gets a month of preparation — decorating, shopping, and gift wrapping, as well as Christmas parties, caroling, and other Christmas events.
But do either of these holidays get the attention they deserve?
We, believers/Christians, do not have many holidays to celebrate, and I know some people would argue that Easter and Christmas aren’t really Christian holidays, but pagan holidays and that we don’t know the exact dates that Jesus was born and died and rose again. As far as I’m concerned, that’s not the point. The point is that we should want to celebrate these holidays to spend time focusing on Christ because of what He did for us — embracing them for what they mean to us.
And, as for Thanksgiving, yes, I know that began when the pilgrims and American Indians celebrated a grand harvest together, but they were thanking God for that provision, and if we stop to think about all the things that we have in our homes, in our lives, we have those things because of God’s provision.
We should always take time to spend reading God’s word which is our guidebook for life. We should take time to pray — to speak with our heavenly Father — to thank Him for the many things He blesses us with: a talent and job that allows us to use that talent, a home and everything that’s in it, and our transportation — most of us have one or two cars in our driveways. But beyond the material things, He blesses us with food, good friends, and family, and hopefully, that includes a good church family where we go, not only to worship Him and hear his word preached, but also, to serve Him by serving in our church in some capacity.
In regard to all of this, we should be thankful, not just on Thanksgiving day, but everyday. We should be able to see at least one thing each and every day to thank the Lord for.
I hope you will give this post some thought and make thanking the Lord something you do on a regular basis, and next year, when Thanksgiving comes around, I hope you’ll be able to look back on the previous twelve months of the year, (from Thanksgiving this year, November 2023 to Thanksgiving next year, November 2024), and remember things you gave thanks to the Lord for.
This year, our Pastor has challenged us to write down our prayer requests throughout the year, and if or when we see God answer them, go back and write down when and how He answered. Then look back through that journal or tablet on Thanksgiving to see all the things God has done for you. I’m going to take that challenge, and I hope you will too. This should not only help us to have plenty to thank the Lord for on Thanksgiving, but it should help us establish a habit of Thanksgiving to the Lord.
Spies Never Swoon by M. Taylor Christensen is the second book in his “Banana Girls” series. Each book can be read as a stand alone, although the Banana Girls all make an appearance in each book.
In Spies Never Swoon, Anna is the Banana Girl in the spotlight. Her job is to protect a prince! She’s up for the challenge, as she’s no stranger to sabotage, mysterious attacks, and high-speed car chases. However, she’s sworn to never get romantically involved on a case, so the prince’s constant flirting becomes a bigger challenge than the physical danger.
M. Taylor Christensen has a talent for telling exciting cozy mysteries from young adult womens’ perspectives. Spies Never Swoon may start out a bit more slowly than the first Banana Girls book, Spies Never Quit, but don’t stop turning those pages! It won’t be long until both Anna and the prince are running and hiding from danger, and the prince is testing Anna’s will of not getting romantically involved.
Spies Never Swoon by M. Taylor Christensen has lots of mystery, action, danger, and a little romance. It is a clean fiction novel that will have you on the edge of your seat while having your heart palpitating with the prince’s sweet flirtation. You’ll be cheering Anna on as she needs to use some smooth fight moves and some brilliant thinking and powers of deduction to figure out who is trying to cause harm to whom. You’ll probably even chuckle sometimes at the prince’s attempts to convince Anna to accept his romantic advances as she tries to resist.
If you like clean fiction, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, danger and action all rolled into one, you’ll want to read Spies Never Swoon by M. Taylor Christensen. I’m convinced you’ll probably also go back to your favorite place to purchase books to get more of the Banana Girls series as soon as you finish reading Spies Never Swoon.
M. Taylor Christensen is a talented writer. His Banana Girls series are fun, easy reads that keep the reader engaged and turning pages from start to finish. I have read the first two books of the series and will most likely read the remaining books in the Banana Girls series because I definitely enjoyed the first two.
I give Spies Never Swoon by M. Taylor Christensen four stars, only because it took longer than I would have liked for the danger and action to begin, but I was definitely too interested in the characters to put the book down and wasn’t disappointed after several chapters, when the danger and action kicked off and grew more intense and continued right up until the end.
Photo by Ludovic Migneault on Unsplash
As many of you know, I write Historical Christian Romance stories, and my first novel should be out in time for Christmas if all goes well.
I have begun writing my second novel and yesterday, when I met with my critique partner, I asked her a question. You see, I began my new novel with Chapter 0, which is sort of like a Prologue. It’s a scene from my main male character’s back story. Yesterday, I had Chapter 1 ready to give to my critique partner, and she gave her critiqued copy of my Chapter 0 back to me. I asked her what she thought about the fact that I began this novel with a scene from the back story of my main male character and had written Chapter 1 about my main male character in the actual time period of the story.
Why did I ask her that question? Because I had been told when writing my first novel that you cannot wait until you’re too far into the story to introduce the lady who will be the main male character’s love interest. Or rather, both the male and female, who will fall in love, must both be introduced early in the story.
On another note, I had also been told that my male character should not be the main character. I was told that romance readers wouldn’t like it. That it didn’t fit the formula. I’ve been a romance reader for many years. When I first began reading romance stories, I read a lot of Harlequin Romance stories. However, after awhile, I grew tired of the fact that I found them to be so predictable. I felt that the stories had different characters and were set in different places, but the story lines were all basically the same. So, I branched out to read other romance stories.
I have found throughout the romance genre that generally, the formula is boy meets girl and, though they are attracted to one another, something or, sometimes, more than one thing, keeps them apart until the last third or quarter of the book.
My novels do follow that basic formula. However, I choose to make my main character the male, at least in these first two novels. However, once the male and female begin interacting more, I change scenes or chapters back and forth between his point of view and her point of view, so really, my novels really have a male and a female main character throughout the majority of the novel.
One more thing I find odd, is that when you submit a query or a novel to an agent or publisher, they almost always ask you, what makes your story different from the other stories that are out there in your same genre. Why do they want to know what makes it different, if it’s not supposed to be different?
All that being said, I would like for you, Romance readers, to please answer the following questions in the comments below: 1) Do you prefer your romance stories to be predictable? 2) Would you be willing to read Romance novels that begin with a main male character? 3) Do you find it refreshing to find new twists in the Romance genre and look for books that offer something new or do you prefer to stick with the same old, same old?
I appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions.
I do not read very many nonfiction books, as I’m sure, if you follow my blog and book reviews, you already know. However, the book I’m going to review today is the one nonfiction book I have been waiting for. You see, Joan Patterson is a member of the same local Christian writers’ group that I’m a member of, and I have helped critique chapters of A Matter of Faith. I have also seen Faith and watched her in action.
Enough with the introduction, let’s get down to the book review:
A Matter of Faith by Joan Patterson is Joan’s first book, and it’s an easy read. I read it rather quickly, then passed it on to two friends to read, and they both read through it very quickly, so that it is in my possession once again. The three of us, in total, finished reading this book in less than two weeks!
Anyway, A Matter of Faith is a wonderful book. It is the true story of how Joan’s life drastically changed when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and found herself in need of a wheelchair. In addition to shaking her self-confidence, her faith in her loving, caring God was also shaken. After all, she was an educator, wife, and mother. Would she still be able to fulfill these roles?
That’s where her service dog, Faith, came in. This book, A Matter of Faith, is a wonderfully delightful story about how Joan and Faith built a strong bond, and how much Joan came to depend on Faith. Faith, an intelligent, specially trained Labrador Retriever became Joan’s constant sidekick. In A Matter of Faith, each chapter focuses on a different aspect of Joan getting to know and learn how to work with this dog. The chapters continue to tell of their life together, once Joan had gone through an initial training period with Faith.
If you don’t know anything about dogs that are trained to be service dogs and the things they are capable of, you will be amazed at the things you read in this book. As you read about Faith and the relationship between Joan and Faith, you will come to love this intelligent, skilled dog.
In addition to telling the story of her life with Faith, Joan ends most chapters with a paragraph about a lesson she learned, through her relationship with Faith, that also taught her something about how that very lesson can be applied to our relationship with God. Therefore, even though, this book isn’t written as a devotional book, you could use it as one, as you consider the lessons Joan points out as she points you to the Father.
For anyone who loves dogs, you’ll love this book. Also, anyone who loves great nonfiction stories about the life and struggles of someone and how they deal with those struggles, you’ll love this book.
I highly recommend this book, and I hope Joan will continue to write more books for us to enjoy.
I give A Matter of Faith by Joan Patterson a 5 star rating.
Today is the day! Wooing Gertrude, Book 3 of the Burrton Springs Brides series by Jodie Wolfe is available for purchase today! Grab your copy now!
Blurb
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he’s the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller’s life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she’ll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
Tagline
The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn’t who the deputy envisioned.
It’s great to be here, Kelly. Thanks for having me.
Hello Jodie, It’s been three years since I last interviewed you for the release of Taming Julia, which was the first book in your Burrton Springs Brides series. It released on Valentine’s Day of 2020. I’ve also read and reviewed two of your books, To Claim Her Heart (https://kellyfbarr.com/2018/05/14/to-claim-her-heart-a-book-review/) and Taming Julia (https://kellyfbarr.com/2020/04/06/taming-julia-by-jodie-wolfe/). It’s a pleasure to interview you again today as Book 3 of the Burrton Springs Brides is about to release.
Q: You published your very first book independently in May of 2016. You now have an upcoming book, Wooing Gertrude, to be released in just a couple weeks on September 15th. So, how many books, in total, will you have published when Wooing Gertrude comes out?
A: I guess technically ten books. 😊 I have two indie fiction books. Wooing Gertrude will make my sixth traditionally published book. I also indie published a short etiquette book that coincides with To Claim Her Heart. I participated in a devotional book for homeschool moms, writing five devotions for it.
Q: As I said, your very first book was independently published. Wooing Gertrude is being published by White Rose Publishing. Can you tell us a little about White Rose Publishing and when you began working with them?
A: Taming Julia was my first book with White Rose Publishing. They have been a real blessing to me. It’s like being part of a family. We support each other in our writing, but also are a prayer support for whatever is going on in our lives.
Q: How is publishing with a publishing company different from independently publishing, and what do you see as the benefits of each of these publishing options?
A: There’s a lot of freedom with independent publishing, but all the aspects of the project fall completely on you to take care of. While working with a traditional publisher, I feel like I have a team behind me. They work hard to make sure we create the best product and assist with the marketing and getting the finished product into the hands of more people.
Q: The line at the top of your website says, “Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet”. Do you consider that your tagline or brand? Why did you choose that particular line?
A: That’s my brand. I try to write stories that always have hope no matter what my characters are going through. I try to throw in quirks because they are what make life fun and interesting. 😊
Q: Now, let’s talk a little bit about your upcoming release, Wooing Gertrude. According to the back cover book blurb, your main female character, Gertrude, sends for a potential husband. Is that a twist on the Mail Order Bride idea?
A: It is. Although it was something that some women did, it wasn’t very often. Most times it was the male sending for a bride.
Q: The back book blurb of Wooing Gertrude also asks whether or not either of the main characters will find peace. So, is peace the theme of the story, and what made you decide on that theme?
A: Yes, the main theme of the book is finding peace. The themes I pick for my books are usually something God has recently taught me or is in the process of teaching me at the time. I often learn more about the topic along with my characters.
Q: The first book of the Burrton Springs Brides series was published February 14, 2020, the second one on November 12, 2021, and the upcoming third book will be out on September 15, 2023. So there was a little more than a year between the first and second books and there will be almost two years between book 2 and book 3. Do you set goals and shoot for a certain amount of times between books or how do you determine how long each book or series will take?
A: While this is a longer gap than I hoped for, sometimes life gets in the way of deadlines – self-imposed or otherwise. I’ve had a rough couple years with family situations, which is why it took me a while to write Wooing Gertrude. I recently turned in the final book in the series, which will hopefully be Convincing Lou.
I typically can have a book written within a few months and then a couple months for edits. When I turn the book in to my publisher, they typically take six months before I hear back from them and then we go through the editing process. Once I sign a contract, the book is usually out within about nine months or so.
The Burrton Springs Brides Series originally was only going to have three books in it, but as I wrote Wooing Gertrude, I knew I needed to have a book for a character I introduced in Taming Julia and has been mentioned in each of the books in the series.
Q: Will there be more books to the Burrton Springs Brides series, or is Wooing Gertrude the final book of the series?
😊 As I mentioned, there will be one more book in the series – Convincing Lou.
Q: Out of all the books you’ve written, which book is your favorite and why? And, which character is your favorite and why?
A: This is always a hard question to answer for authors. It’s like asking, which one of your kids is your favorite? 😊 If I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite is Taming Julia because Jules was such a fun and unpredictable character to create. She’s totally different from me.
On a personal note, To Claim Her Heart is also a favorite because it includes true stories of some of my husband’s family who participated in the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. It’s a book my mother-in-law was passionate about. Unfortunately, she didn’t live to see it published.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I had fun researching the possibility of including some furry creatures in Wooing Gertrude that quickly steal her heart. You’ll have to read the book to find out what they are. 😊
Thanks for having me here today!
It was my pleasure. Best wishes on Wooing Gertrude and your future writing!
Here is Jodie’s Bio and information where you can find more about her books and connect with her: Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe
And be sure to purchase Wooing Gertrude this Friday, September 15, 2023!
In Death on the Golden Mile, Clark Thomas, bookstore owner and lover of puzzles and mysteries, does it again – finds himself in the middle of a murder scene, but this time it happens in the middle of a tornado. After a dinner invitation from a famous Hollywood music composer, Clark finds himself trying to figure out which of the family members or dinner guests murdered the composer before dinner while tropical storm Karen brought a tornado with her to the upscale neighborhood of the Golden Mile, part of the Myrtle Beach area.
At first, things look pretty cut and dried, but, all is not as it seems. As Clark looks over the house and questions the family members and guests, he begins to wonder who the real murderer may be.
Caleb Wygal did a great job setting up this mystery and creating the possible suspects. As the reader follows Clark on the murderer’s trail, questions arise and there are several people who could have had a motive for murder. Mr. Wygal takes his readers to several Myrtle Beach businesses as Clark investigates this murder and, at times, the reader is on the edge of their seats as Clark may be in danger or is faced with an angry suspect who may threaten him.
I also read and reviewed Mr. Wygal’s first “Myrtle Beach Mystery”, Death on the Boardwalk, which was a good read. You can read my review of Book One here. However, as all writers know, the more books they write, the better their books become. Therefore, in my opinion, Mr. Wygal has done a better job of creating his cast of characters and setting up an intense murder scene. He’s even improved his unofficial detective, Clark Thomas, who inherited his love of mysteries from his mother. In Death on the Boardwalk, Clark sought out his mom’s help in regard to his thoughts on who committed the murder whereas, in Death on the Golden Mile, though Clark does talk to his mother about it on one occasion, he actually solves the case without further discussion with his mom.
Instead, he’s actually out on what seems to be his first date with Officer Gomez of the Myrtle Beach Police Department. At an art gallery, Clark discovers information about one of the murder suspects, and it isn’t long before he puts everything together and solves the case.
If you enjoy murder mysteries that are free of profanity and grisly details and you enjoy trying to help the amateur detective solve the case, or trying to solve it before the amateur detective, you’ll enjoy Death on the Golden Mile by Caleb Wygal.
I did read Death on the Golden Mile before reading Book 2 of the “Myrtle Beach Mysteries” series, and though I missed some of Clark’s personal story and some of his interactions with Gomez and her partner, Moody, I didn’t miss anything that made me feel lost or confused while reading Death on the Golden Mile. However, I definitely want to go back and read Book 2: Death Washes Ashore, as well as the rest of the “Myrtle Beach Mysteries” series because I have come to love Myrtle Beach and I enjoy trying to figure out whodunnit before Clark Thomas does. I also would suggest reading the series in order.
I give Death on the Golden Mile by Caleb Wygal 5 stars.
Kelly F Barr 