Working Class Hero: a deadly fire, a pregnant woman is dead and the newly elected sheriff must solve the case

Working Class Hero is the sixteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. The small town of Hart’s Ridge is shaken awake as a house fire reveals the death of Julie Carter, a pregnant woman. Taylor Gray, as the newly elected sheriff, asks Caleb Grimes to return to the department and together, they investigate the deadly fire. Their prime suspect: Alex Mercer, the fire chief. As the details come to the surface, secrets come to light and the truth behind the fire takes a turn. Tula returns to Hart’s Ridge when her sister, Lorene, goes into premature labor. With the baby in a delicate condition, Tula must fight to ensure his survival and tries to get Lorene the help she needs to finally break away from their twisted family. Who killed Julie Carter? Will Tula be able to help Lorene and her new baby? 

The Hart’s Ridge series has had great stories with twists and turns, suspense and shocking reveals. Working Class Hero is no exception. From the opening prologue to the closing chapter, I was hooked on Taylor’s case. While I was waiting for a shocking reveal about the killer as the first suspect is rarely the real killer but the truth behind the fire was a reveal I was not expecting. I enjoyed Taylor’s growth as she adjusts to her new role and her determination to bring integrity and honesty back to the office. Tula’s storyline was bittersweet and I even shed a few tears. I have enjoyed her journey of strength and determination to break the family cycle. If you haven’t already started the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend it. If you have enjoyed the Hart’s Ridge series so far, I highly, highly recommend Working Class Hero. 

Working Class Hero is available in eBook

Paddlers, Poison and Promises: a murder investigations with political intrigue.

Paddlers, Poison and Promises by Tonya Kappes is the sixteenth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries series. Realtor Chelsea O’Connell is not a popular person in Normal. She is helping bring more development to the Daniel Boone National Park when the residents don’t want it and aren’t happy. So when she is found dead, there is no shortage of suspects. Rumors swirl of affairs, feuds and backdoor deals only adds to the suspect list. On top of a murder investigation, Detective Hank Sharp has concerns about the department cuts and possibly outsourcing his job. As Mae and her Laundry Club Ladies begin their investigations, Mae is unsure if they should get involved or let Hank solve it on his own in order to prove his worth to the department? 

This series has been fun, enjoyable reads. However, Paddlers, Poison and Promises fell a little flat. It was hard to get into this mystery and the rest of the story. First, character information changed from previous books to this one. Second, a character’s name changes from one name to another by the end. Third, the issue with the department and Hank’s job wasn’t really flushed out and the story ended on a cliffhanger, leaving the resolution for a future book. Overall, the story was a good addition to the series but didn’t have the same feel as the previous books. I hope this isn’t the standard for future books. If you have enjoyed the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries series, you may enjoy Paddlers, Poison and Promises. 

Paddles, Poison and Promises is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook