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Innocuous: A Sean McPherson Novel, Book 6
Not yet published
Expected 27 Apr 27For fans of Virgin River, Alex Cross, and Blue Bloods, a sixth installment in a contemporary crime thriller series set at a premier Pacific Northwest writing retreat that becomes ground zero for murder.
At Pines & Quill, a prestigious writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, four resident authors—a best-selling crime thriller novelist desperate to steal a plot, a former nun hiding in silence, a comedian who’s lost her laugh, and a fiery human rights activist—converge. Each one is harboring secrets—and when their worlds collide, blood spills.
PI Sean McPherson joins forces with homicide detective Joe Bingham to investigate a missing wife and a husband who waited two weeks to report her disappearance. Soon, a woman’s torso surfaces in a nearby wetlands preserve, and her limbs are discovered afterward in a place meant for creativity and the guest quarters at Pines & Quill.
Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Rafferty is on assignment at Quantico and has left his wife, Ivy, at the writing retreat. Hoping to uncover the parents who abandoned her as an infant on a convent’s doorstep, she submits her DNA to a genealogy site. What she learns is a chilling revelation—one far more dangerous than she ever imagined possible.
At Pines & Quill, a prestigious writing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, four resident authors—a best-selling crime thriller novelist desperate to steal a plot, a former nun hiding in silence, a comedian who’s lost her laugh, and a fiery human rights activist—converge. Each one is harboring secrets—and when their worlds collide, blood spills.
PI Sean McPherson joins forces with homicide detective Joe Bingham to investigate a missing wife and a husband who waited two weeks to report her disappearance. Soon, a woman’s torso surfaces in a nearby wetlands preserve, and her limbs are discovered afterward in a place meant for creativity and the guest quarters at Pines & Quill.
Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Rafferty is on assignment at Quantico and has left his wife, Ivy, at the writing retreat. Hoping to uncover the parents who abandoned her as an infant on a convent’s doorstep, she submits her DNA to a genealogy site. What she learns is a chilling revelation—one far more dangerous than she ever imagined possible.
- GenresMystery Thriller
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 27, 2027
About the author
Laurie Buchanan
9 books377 followersThe best part of writing the Sean McPherson crime thrillers? The forensic research. The downside? My brain is now a highly organized, deeply concerning encyclopedia of dark knowledge. If I ever lose my mind and the authorities find it, I'll need an excellent lawyer—and plenty of bail money!
To learn more, please visit my website at www.lauriebuchanan.com.
To learn more, please visit my website at www.lauriebuchanan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve met every installment in this series with a reader’s glee, knowing I get to sink into a story I’m going to love. But the delicious twists in "Innocuous" truly had me in awe of Buchanan’s plotting capabilities. You’re NOT going to see this one coming!
And (as always) you’re treated to a fabulous cast of characters, a gorgeous (albeit slightly lethal) setting, and palpable, ongoing tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re new to this series, I’m so jealous—you get to experience all of these books for the first time!
Clever, cunning, and completely captivating—Laurie Buchanan has done it again!
And (as always) you’re treated to a fabulous cast of characters, a gorgeous (albeit slightly lethal) setting, and palpable, ongoing tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re new to this series, I’m so jealous—you get to experience all of these books for the first time!
Clever, cunning, and completely captivating—Laurie Buchanan has done it again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Innocuous by Laurie Buchanan might just be my favorite installment in the series yet. Buchanan pulls off a seamless blend of murder, romance, and gourmet meals that had me savoring every page.
The richness of the details (sights, smells, sounds, tastes and feels) and the characters' quirks and personalities make the story sing and come alive. Reading the book felt like reuniting with old friends on a new, ghastly, murderous adventure. The characters' devotion to one another, paired with Buchanan's unique gift for juxtaposing gruesome details with genuine familial love and new relationships, draws you in completely. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing, and the tension builds beautifully with each chapter.
A wonderfully satisfying read for anyone who loves their mysteries served with a side of heart.
The richness of the details (sights, smells, sounds, tastes and feels) and the characters' quirks and personalities make the story sing and come alive. Reading the book felt like reuniting with old friends on a new, ghastly, murderous adventure. The characters' devotion to one another, paired with Buchanan's unique gift for juxtaposing gruesome details with genuine familial love and new relationships, draws you in completely. There are plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing, and the tension builds beautifully with each chapter.
A wonderfully satisfying read for anyone who loves their mysteries served with a side of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An avid reader friend of mine said she’d never read a series out of sequence. I appreciate the sentiment, but I am sometimes led to read out of sequence, and I value books that make it possible to enjoy them even though you don’t know the full backstory.
Buchanan’s books delight with their dreamy location (a writing retreat near scenic Bellingham, Washington), interesting characters (the retreat hosts, writers of all ilk, and an Irish Wolfhound named Hemingway), and abundant sensory detail (the food!). The author fills in enough so that even the rudest of readers (those who pick them up out of sequence) can understand the story, follow the characters’ motivations, and endure the twists and turns leading to a satisfying conclusion.
This is number 6 in the Sean McPherson series, so if you haven’t already, read 1 through 5 to get a better understanding of returning characters. Or, go for this newest in the series, fall in love with the Pine & Quill retreat center (the food is worth the mayhem), and see if you can read just one. I bet you can’t.
(I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Laurie Buchanan and She Writes Press.)
Buchanan’s books delight with their dreamy location (a writing retreat near scenic Bellingham, Washington), interesting characters (the retreat hosts, writers of all ilk, and an Irish Wolfhound named Hemingway), and abundant sensory detail (the food!). The author fills in enough so that even the rudest of readers (those who pick them up out of sequence) can understand the story, follow the characters’ motivations, and endure the twists and turns leading to a satisfying conclusion.
This is number 6 in the Sean McPherson series, so if you haven’t already, read 1 through 5 to get a better understanding of returning characters. Or, go for this newest in the series, fall in love with the Pine & Quill retreat center (the food is worth the mayhem), and see if you can read just one. I bet you can’t.
(I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Laurie Buchanan and She Writes Press.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another terrific installment in the Sean McPherson series!
Laurie Buchanan has such a talent for weaving together multiple characters and storylines while keeping the suspense building. I especially enjoyed the setting at Pines & Quill—a writing retreat filled with authors, secrets, and more than a little danger. As a writer myself, that made this one especially fun to read!
There’s a lot happening here, from Sean and Joe’s investigation to Ivy’s search for answers about her past, and I loved watching the different threads gradually come together. I don’t want to say too much because part of the fun is discovering where Laurie is taking you.
Suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of surprises. Fans of the series will love spending time with these characters again. Five stars!
Laurie Buchanan has such a talent for weaving together multiple characters and storylines while keeping the suspense building. I especially enjoyed the setting at Pines & Quill—a writing retreat filled with authors, secrets, and more than a little danger. As a writer myself, that made this one especially fun to read!
There’s a lot happening here, from Sean and Joe’s investigation to Ivy’s search for answers about her past, and I loved watching the different threads gradually come together. I don’t want to say too much because part of the fun is discovering where Laurie is taking you.
Suspenseful, atmospheric, and full of surprises. Fans of the series will love spending time with these characters again. Five stars!
Review of advance copy
While the descriptions at times are interesting, this one seems to have more than it needs for the storyline. The crimes are nasty, but integral to keep things going. That being said, I enjoyed the story, following the characters thru the events they find themselves in. The new writers in residence, the old cast of characters, the two lovable but protective dogs, all make the story feel like stepping back into a favorite shirt. Looking forward to Emma & Mick welcoming their new little bundle, Raferty and Ivy making their home close to the rest. Not a bad read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What I love most about these books: Buchanan writes strong diverse characters with unique challenges. Outside of this series, I can't recall any book I've read with a blind character, or a handicapped character. The author writes these characters with grace and sensitivity. And- the excitement and dangers of the story keep me turning pages well into the night. I eagerly await the next book in this series!
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July 1, 2026This author provided me an advanced copy of the book. This review is unsolicited and provides an honest review.
Laurie Buchanan, in her sixth book in the McPherson series, immerses you deeply into sensations of nature, food, spellbinding intrigue - mystery, and the strong love binding the family and friends. The writers in residence are threaded seamlessly into the story.
This book is compelling due to the interweaving of stories involving book the writers in residence with those of the main characters. This was a surprise and kept me awake reading the book, flipping pages late into the night.
If you haven't read any of her books yet, please start with one book. They are standalone books, but I suggest if you like researched books that provide you a rollercoaster ride, take the ride from the beginning. You'll be glad you did.
P.S. After reading each of her books, I feel compelled to do interior decorating and eat decadent foods. Again, I count down the time until her next book is published...
Laurie Buchanan, in her sixth book in the McPherson series, immerses you deeply into sensations of nature, food, spellbinding intrigue - mystery, and the strong love binding the family and friends. The writers in residence are threaded seamlessly into the story.
This book is compelling due to the interweaving of stories involving book the writers in residence with those of the main characters. This was a surprise and kept me awake reading the book, flipping pages late into the night.
If you haven't read any of her books yet, please start with one book. They are standalone books, but I suggest if you like researched books that provide you a rollercoaster ride, take the ride from the beginning. You'll be glad you did.
P.S. After reading each of her books, I feel compelled to do interior decorating and eat decadent foods. Again, I count down the time until her next book is published...
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Perched high on a limb of a Douglas fir in the northeast corner
of the property, the great horned owl alone is aware that
Pines & Quill has an uninvited guest.”
And so it begins….
With Innocuous, Laurie Buchanan, delivers what may be the darkest and most emotionally layered entry yet in her beloved Sean McPherson series. While the novel retains the charm, strong sense of community, and character-driven suspense that have become hallmarks of the Pines & Quill books, this latest installment ventures into deeper waters, exploring family secrets, identity, and the lasting impact of the choices we make.
Set once again within the welcoming yet secret-filled world of Pines & Quill, Buchanan reminds readers why the retreat has become such an integral part of the series. The community serves as both a refuge and a catalyst, bringing together lives that inevitably intersect in unexpected and often dangerous ways.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Nora. Her search for answers regarding her past and her connection to long-buried family secrets adds an emotional depth that elevates the mystery beyond a standard thriller. Through her journey, Buchanan thoughtfully explores themes of identity, belonging, and the ripple effects of choices made decades earlier. Her story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, providing a powerful emotional anchor amid the growing danger and suspense.
The mystery itself is darker than those found in the previous five books. As hidden truths emerge and questions of identity take center stage, the story takes on a more haunting and introspective tone. Danger is ever-present, creating a steady undercurrent of tension that keeps the pages turning. Yet Buchanan never loses sight of what makes her stories so engaging-the people. The characters are richly developed, flawed, and relatable, making their struggles and discoveries feel deeply personal.
As always, the Pacific Northwest setting shines. Buchanan's love for the region is evident in every page, from the atmospheric landscapes to the moody forests and waterways that enhance the novel's sense of mystery and unease. The setting becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and texture to an already compelling story. And let’s not forget Hemingway! One of the most charming canine characters you’ll ever meet!
Compared to the previous five books in the series, Innocuous feels darker, deeper, and more introspective, yet it remains every bit as engaging and charming. Fans of Sean McPherson and the Pines & Quill community will find much to love here-a suspenseful mystery rich with atmosphere, unforgettable characters, family secrets, and lives that intersect in ways no one could have anticipated.
of the property, the great horned owl alone is aware that
Pines & Quill has an uninvited guest.”
And so it begins….
With Innocuous, Laurie Buchanan, delivers what may be the darkest and most emotionally layered entry yet in her beloved Sean McPherson series. While the novel retains the charm, strong sense of community, and character-driven suspense that have become hallmarks of the Pines & Quill books, this latest installment ventures into deeper waters, exploring family secrets, identity, and the lasting impact of the choices we make.
Set once again within the welcoming yet secret-filled world of Pines & Quill, Buchanan reminds readers why the retreat has become such an integral part of the series. The community serves as both a refuge and a catalyst, bringing together lives that inevitably intersect in unexpected and often dangerous ways.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Nora. Her search for answers regarding her past and her connection to long-buried family secrets adds an emotional depth that elevates the mystery beyond a standard thriller. Through her journey, Buchanan thoughtfully explores themes of identity, belonging, and the ripple effects of choices made decades earlier. Her story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, providing a powerful emotional anchor amid the growing danger and suspense.
The mystery itself is darker than those found in the previous five books. As hidden truths emerge and questions of identity take center stage, the story takes on a more haunting and introspective tone. Danger is ever-present, creating a steady undercurrent of tension that keeps the pages turning. Yet Buchanan never loses sight of what makes her stories so engaging-the people. The characters are richly developed, flawed, and relatable, making their struggles and discoveries feel deeply personal.
As always, the Pacific Northwest setting shines. Buchanan's love for the region is evident in every page, from the atmospheric landscapes to the moody forests and waterways that enhance the novel's sense of mystery and unease. The setting becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and texture to an already compelling story. And let’s not forget Hemingway! One of the most charming canine characters you’ll ever meet!
Compared to the previous five books in the series, Innocuous feels darker, deeper, and more introspective, yet it remains every bit as engaging and charming. Fans of Sean McPherson and the Pines & Quill community will find much to love here-a suspenseful mystery rich with atmosphere, unforgettable characters, family secrets, and lives that intersect in ways no one could have anticipated.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is NEVER a dull moment at the Pines and Quill writers' retreat. Buchanan's new cast of author supporting characters is perhaps the most varied and unique group she's created. Each has a surface reason for being there along with a secret reason for being there.
As always, each character has depth and is well developed. Will Jane succeed in her secret plan? What is Nora's real reason for leaving a convent and becoming an ex-nun? Why is Kay, the comedian, seemingly so sad? Whose manuscript will Jane pilfer this time? (Not a spoiler--known from her first scene.) What's the dark secret Sara's hiding?
And the continuing saga of the P&Q regulars is compelling and adds to the depth. Mick is always looking over his shoulder for bad guys. Emma's pregnancy is nearing full term, but she's been a target of the bad guys in the past, so nothing is certain. Niall and Libby keep developing new recipes to stimulate the appetites and creativity of all the writers-in-residence. Sean Rafferty and Joe Bingham are always nearby to help Mick with his detective work as he strives to keep P&Q safe for all.
The plot flows fast and smooth as all the subplots merge toward the final chapters. Throw in the ever present remnants of the dark shadow of the Gambino crime organization still looking for revenge against Mick and his loved ones, and the climax promises to be fast and furious.
Buchanan takes you inside the minds of all the characters so you can see and feel how the relationships develop between the visiting writers and the Pines & Quill family.
Because of the complexity of this story, this may be Buchanan's best effort. Her stories always remind me of Louise Penny's Three Pines mysteries with her renowned detective Armand Gamache. But I think Niall runs a much better restaurant than do Gabri and Olivier in Three Pines. :-)
There is NEVER a dull moment at the Pines and Quill writers' retreat. Buchanan's new cast of author supporting characters is perhaps the most varied and unique group she's created. Each has a surface reason for being there along with a secret reason for being there.
As always, each character has depth and is well developed. Will Jane succeed in her secret plan? What is Nora's real reason for leaving a convent and becoming an ex-nun? Why is Kay, the comedian, seemingly so sad? Whose manuscript will Jane pilfer this time? (Not a spoiler--known from her first scene.) What's the dark secret Sara's hiding?
And the continuing saga of the P&Q regulars is compelling and adds to the depth. Mick is always looking over his shoulder for bad guys. Emma's pregnancy is nearing full term, but she's been a target of the bad guys in the past, so nothing is certain. Niall and Libby keep developing new recipes to stimulate the appetites and creativity of all the writers-in-residence. Sean Rafferty and Joe Bingham are always nearby to help Mick with his detective work as he strives to keep P&Q safe for all.
The plot flows fast and smooth as all the subplots merge toward the final chapters. Throw in the ever present remnants of the dark shadow of the Gambino crime organization still looking for revenge against Mick and his loved ones, and the climax promises to be fast and furious.
Buchanan takes you inside the minds of all the characters so you can see and feel how the relationships develop between the visiting writers and the Pines & Quill family.
Because of the complexity of this story, this may be Buchanan's best effort. Her stories always remind me of Louise Penny's Three Pines mysteries with her renowned detective Armand Gamache. But I think Niall runs a much better restaurant than do Gabri and Olivier in Three Pines. :-)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Blown Away!
A delicious mystery wrapped in a thriller and simmered in a police procedural. Author Laurie Buchanan has done it again with “Innocuous,” another can’t-put-it-down novel, the 6th in her “Sean McPherson” series. PI and former cop Sean “Mick” McPherson hopes that scenic writing retreat Pines & Quill on the Washington State coast is finally safe because they are rid of the crime boss that has been plaguing them. That’s wishful thinking because there’s new criminals afoot, plus a case of writer’s block gone off the rails. I love visiting Pines & Quill with each new Sean McPherson novel. Something’s always cooking in the kitchen. I love the adorable, ridiculous dogs that are protective when the chips are down. Pines & Quill would be the perfect writing retreat except for the bodies! Readers of police procedurals will appreciate the extensive research Ms. Buchanan does to give authenticity to the investigations. I highly recommend this novel and the entire series. You’ll be hooked!
A delicious mystery wrapped in a thriller and simmered in a police procedural. Author Laurie Buchanan has done it again with “Innocuous,” another can’t-put-it-down novel, the 6th in her “Sean McPherson” series. PI and former cop Sean “Mick” McPherson hopes that scenic writing retreat Pines & Quill on the Washington State coast is finally safe because they are rid of the crime boss that has been plaguing them. That’s wishful thinking because there’s new criminals afoot, plus a case of writer’s block gone off the rails. I love visiting Pines & Quill with each new Sean McPherson novel. Something’s always cooking in the kitchen. I love the adorable, ridiculous dogs that are protective when the chips are down. Pines & Quill would be the perfect writing retreat except for the bodies! Readers of police procedurals will appreciate the extensive research Ms. Buchanan does to give authenticity to the investigations. I highly recommend this novel and the entire series. You’ll be hooked!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was pleased to receive an ARC of "Innocuous" by Laurie Buchanan, book six in the thrilling Pines & Quill series from the author.
I’d love to check in at the beautiful resort despite the twisty shenanigans that always seem to unfold there. The food, scenery, and writing-community vibe draws me like salmon returning to the crystal waters of home—instinctive, powerful, and impossible to resist.
The horned owl appears to deliver a clue about what’s to come, part of the layered charm of these novels. I always look forward to spotting that Easter egg! This story follows Nora on a poignant quest to uncover family secrets while Sean (Mick) McPherson works a case. Readers will find familiar characters at new places in their lives, too, grounding the story. But what happens next keeps the reader turning pages, exploring themes of identity and the long shadow of past choices.
"Innocuous" is emotionally gripping and fast-paced, proving that some threats aren’t loud. The most dangerous ones arrive… innocuous.
I’d love to check in at the beautiful resort despite the twisty shenanigans that always seem to unfold there. The food, scenery, and writing-community vibe draws me like salmon returning to the crystal waters of home—instinctive, powerful, and impossible to resist.
The horned owl appears to deliver a clue about what’s to come, part of the layered charm of these novels. I always look forward to spotting that Easter egg! This story follows Nora on a poignant quest to uncover family secrets while Sean (Mick) McPherson works a case. Readers will find familiar characters at new places in their lives, too, grounding the story. But what happens next keeps the reader turning pages, exploring themes of identity and the long shadow of past choices.
"Innocuous" is emotionally gripping and fast-paced, proving that some threats aren’t loud. The most dangerous ones arrive… innocuous.
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance reader copy and, as usual with Buchanan's crime thrillers, devoured the book in a matter of days.
I love the characters, the food and wine, and especially the disabled representation, which was again just as good as I've by now come to expect from this author. Her disabled characters feel real, and while their disabilities are a part of them, they are never the focus. As a disabled person myself, I love it when an author understands that we are so much more than our disabilities.
As for the storyline, the murders... well, you'll just have to read the story yourself because I won't spill the beans. I will tell you that I loved it.
If I were to add one quibble, it would be the author's style, which is just a little too explanatory to my liking. But that's a matter of taste. I'm certainly not subtracting any stars for that, because everything else more than makes up for it.
I love the characters, the food and wine, and especially the disabled representation, which was again just as good as I've by now come to expect from this author. Her disabled characters feel real, and while their disabilities are a part of them, they are never the focus. As a disabled person myself, I love it when an author understands that we are so much more than our disabilities.
As for the storyline, the murders... well, you'll just have to read the story yourself because I won't spill the beans. I will tell you that I loved it.
If I were to add one quibble, it would be the author's style, which is just a little too explanatory to my liking. But that's a matter of taste. I'm certainly not subtracting any stars for that, because everything else more than makes up for it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great addition to the Sean McPherson series! Laurie Buchanan continues to make Pines and Quill feel like a place I’d actually want to visit. Her descriptions are so vivid that I can picture myself sitting around the table, enjoying an amazing meal with the characters while trying to solve the latest mystery alongside them.
This book is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I found myself reading “just one more chapter” until I had finished it. I may have indulged in this one a little too quickly because now I’m already anxiously waiting for Book 7!
If you’re a fan of Louise Penny and enjoy character-driven mysteries with a wonderful sense of place, I highly recommend not only Innocuous but the entire Sean McPherson series. It’s one of those series that just keeps getting better.
This book is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I found myself reading “just one more chapter” until I had finished it. I may have indulged in this one a little too quickly because now I’m already anxiously waiting for Book 7!
If you’re a fan of Louise Penny and enjoy character-driven mysteries with a wonderful sense of place, I highly recommend not only Innocuous but the entire Sean McPherson series. It’s one of those series that just keeps getting better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sixth installment of the Sean McPherson series is another exciting addition. Once again, the action takes place at a writers' retreat in the Pacific Northwest, and McPherson and his colleagues must solve the mystery of multiple killings. In this one, Buchanan puts us in the mind of a killer, and we hold our breath as she makes her plans. Buchanan inserts unexpected twists, and we are left wondering what will come next.
I read a lot of mysteries, and this one kept me guessing and turning pages. There are a lot of intriguing characters in a beautiful setting, and Buchanan weaves a most compelling story, with a very satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the next installment in this series!
I read a lot of mysteries, and this one kept me guessing and turning pages. There are a lot of intriguing characters in a beautiful setting, and Buchanan weaves a most compelling story, with a very satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the next installment in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Laurie Buchanan delivers again with Innocuous, the sixth book in the Sean McPherson novels. It screams with suspense and danger while whispering poetic imagery to set each scene, and riveting--often creepy--details of the characters and their movements. Sean “Mick” McPherson and his investigative partners, Joe and Rafferty, join forces from near and far when the next batch of writers in residence arrives at the Pines and Quill retreat. Many murders have already occurred there. Can they prevent another? With an intricate plot full of harrowing twists that will whiplash readers, heinous crimes, heartless criminals, and spot-on forensics, this crime thriller is taut, shocking, and unputdownable. Poison drips. Blood gushes. Innocuous is a knockout!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another terrific book—the sixth—in Laurie Buchanan’s Sean McPherson series. The prestigious Pines & Quill writers’ retreat has attracted four very different writers: a successful crime novelist who steals her plots, a former nun, a comedian, and a human-rights activist. While they are there, a woman’s dismembered body is discovered, and then one of the writers is killed. It soon appears that two murderers may be at work.
Buchanan creates characters who genuinely care about one another—and about their two dogs. Along with an intriguing murder mystery, she fills the book with vivid descriptions of the setting and mouthwatering accounts of lovingly prepared food. She makes the people and the place come so alive that I wanted to be there with them. I highly recommend this book.
Buchanan creates characters who genuinely care about one another—and about their two dogs. Along with an intriguing murder mystery, she fills the book with vivid descriptions of the setting and mouthwatering accounts of lovingly prepared food. She makes the people and the place come so alive that I wanted to be there with them. I highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am an ARC reader for Laurie Buchanan and this my honest opinion. Like all of the previous books in this series, I loved this. Set in idyllic surroundings, the writers retreat Pines and Quill should be perfect - but for a misplaced grudge by a criminal boss against Sean (Mick) McPherson, for whom it's home, a threat that's run through the series so far. There are so many things to enjoy about this book. As well as the spell binding and sometimes quite twisted storylines, the beautiful setting, interesting characters and mouth watering cooking that features strongly, what is unusual that I really like a lot is that Laurie Buchanan writes in the present continuous tense, so the reader gets the feeling of almost being in the story - and she writes the characters thoughts. Other authors sometimes give a glimpse of a character's thinking, but this author actually shows us what they're thinking, which I feel gives the reader more intimate knowledge of them. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I'm already impatient for the next one. Laurie Buchanan never disappoints!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another excellent addition to the Sean McPherson thriller series. Laurie gives us another action-packed story centered around the Pines and Quill writing retreat. Her descriptions of the characters are always very complete. The added adventures of the dogs at the writing retreat make the stories fun. And as always, the descriptions of the meals made by Niall make you wish he was cooking for you. The main characters always come together as they work through the ordeals that happen. It is a fast, thrilling read that makes it hard to put the book down. I am always eager to see what is going to happen. The adventures continue and I look forward to the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This sixth book in this addictive series did not seem innocuous to me! I’m still reeling from book five.
The calm of the Pacific Northwest as background to the Pines and Quills Writer’s Retreat acts as a foil to the vicious activity that takes place amidst the unsuspecting guest authors as Mick and Emma and family try to recover their equlibrium after the previous violence they have survived. While shaky, they continue to try to unravel the origins of earlier assaults while addressing new surprising threats—perhaps from within.
As a reader, I depend on the tempting descriptions of the appealing food and the strength of the loving friendships to keep me from unraveling….
The calm of the Pacific Northwest as background to the Pines and Quills Writer’s Retreat acts as a foil to the vicious activity that takes place amidst the unsuspecting guest authors as Mick and Emma and family try to recover their equlibrium after the previous violence they have survived. While shaky, they continue to try to unravel the origins of earlier assaults while addressing new surprising threats—perhaps from within.
As a reader, I depend on the tempting descriptions of the appealing food and the strength of the loving friendships to keep me from unraveling….
Review of advance copy received from Author
Innocuous by Laurie Buchanan is Book 6 in the Sean McPherson series. It is my favorite of the series so far, and that is saying a lot because I have loved all of them. This one grabs you from the first chapter and keeps you guessing through a roller coaster of twists and turns you will not see coming! The characters feel like friends at this point, and Pines and Quill is a place I wish I could stay. There are multiple murders to solve, and the suspense kept me reading until it was finished! As usual, the food descriptions had me starving through each chapter. I am eagerly anticipating the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very excited to receive a digital ARC of Innocuous, the sixth book in the Sean McPherson series. Each and every time I have finished reading one of the books in this series, I have felt so satisfied. This author knows how to write! The characters feel like family and the setting is very atmospheric. From the smell of the pine trees to the delectable aromas coming from the kitchen of the Pines & Quill writing retreat, just close your eyes and you are transported right there experiencing it all. There were a lot of tense moments as the group investigates a murder which then leads them deeper into danger.
If you enjoy crime thrillers, don't miss this series.
If you enjoy crime thrillers, don't miss this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every time a book by Laurie Buchanan publishes, I devour it, and Innocuous is just as delicious and deadly as the others. Shot through with sensory details, delightful cuisine, murder and mayhem, Innocuous takes the reader into another world and holds them there until the end. I yearn to visit a writing retreat at Pines and Quill outside of Bellingham, WA—minus the murder and mayhem of course—but since it’s a fictional setting, I have to settle for immersing myself in a Laurie Buchanan book whenever I can. This is the author’s sixth book in the series, but it can stand alone. If you want to read each character’s arc, though, you can enjoy the entire series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Innocuous, Laurie Buchanan’s latest installment in her thrilling Sean McPherson Series is anything but ‘innocuous.’ Set at the Pines & Quill Writing Retreat in northwestern Washington, our beloved characters are locked into a terrifying roller coaster ride of suspense and danger. For the visiting authors, it’s even worse as they encounter their worst fear: another writer determined to steal their manuscript and to accomplish that, someone will have to die. Heart-stopping and propulsive, Innocuous sets a blistering pace with unexpected twists and surprises until the very satisfying end. A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What can I say? Holidays are over. Life has calmed down at Pine and Quill. Ivy and Sean Rafferty have married. Mick and Emma’s baby is due in six weeks. The February group is arriving for the Pine and Quill Writers’ Retreat. Sean (Mick) McPherson has a new missing person case. Joe has a new murder victim. Sean Rafferty is at Quantico for a training session.
I will never understand how someone I describe as zen can write thrillers that can curl toenails.
While reading Innocuous, I felt like I was on a roller coaster knowing that I was in for a stomach dropping ride. I experienced the apprehension and thrill of the ride. I might scream from fright. And I would be sad when the ride was over. Where else can a reader feel the intensity, nail biting anxiety and thrill that one experiences when riding the Cedar Point’s Magnum XL-200 roller coaster without going to the park?
It was great to finally meet and see Joe's Captain being with his wife and at work. His character came alive for me. I won’t leave out that June, one of the writers at the retreat, Detective Bonetti nor the new criminal element created many suspenseful moments.
I love how the series is growing!
I will never understand how someone I describe as zen can write thrillers that can curl toenails.
While reading Innocuous, I felt like I was on a roller coaster knowing that I was in for a stomach dropping ride. I experienced the apprehension and thrill of the ride. I might scream from fright. And I would be sad when the ride was over. Where else can a reader feel the intensity, nail biting anxiety and thrill that one experiences when riding the Cedar Point’s Magnum XL-200 roller coaster without going to the park?
It was great to finally meet and see Joe's Captain being with his wife and at work. His character came alive for me. I won’t leave out that June, one of the writers at the retreat, Detective Bonetti nor the new criminal element created many suspenseful moments.
I love how the series is growing!
Review of advance copy
Innocuous is Book 6 in the Sean McPherson Series by Laurie Buchanan. I think that Sean is a great character to base a series around. He is a clever/smart/always get his mystery solved. In book 6, there is a writers retreat with 4 resident authors… do some of the writers have secrets? Maybe! There are multiple layers in the story that keep Sean and Detective Joe busy. This who done it is exciting and should be on your TBR list. Get your favorite drink and snack and spend the afternoon with Sean McPherson. I received an arc for free am leaving my review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Who would kill to steal a winning manuscript? An author with a looming deadline and writer's block, that's who. One of the Pines and Quill guest writers isn't playing nice this season in Innocuous, Book 6 of the Sean McPherson series.
Two murderers plague the tranquility of Pines and Quill, maybe for the last time, if Mick and crew fail to stop the killers before the retreat's reputation shatters.
Laurie Buchanan's fine-tuned writing style entices the reader to enter the minds and hearts of her characters, to experience every footfall, to shiver in real time.
Two murderers plague the tranquility of Pines and Quill, maybe for the last time, if Mick and crew fail to stop the killers before the retreat's reputation shatters.
Laurie Buchanan's fine-tuned writing style entices the reader to enter the minds and hearts of her characters, to experience every footfall, to shiver in real time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Buchanan never ceases to delight. Her secret: wrapping us in an utterly delicious, comfortable, and soothing environment—then catapulting us into sheer terror. We cling to the familiar characters we have come to love, and revel in analyzing the newest visitors to Pines & Quill writers’ retreat. Innocuous grabs our interest instantly and holds it until the last page. Even then, we don’t want to let go.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another wonderful, exciting, thrilling, adventurous story in the Sean McPherson series. I love all the characters.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this amazing book. I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this amazing book. I enjoyed reading it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I believe this is the best yet of the Sean McPherson series! Thank you, Laurie Buchanan, for allowing me to read a copy of this ARC. Excellent story with lots of action. The familiar family and friends with a location we love makes this a perfect cuddle up and read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
In her style of deep research, fully realized characters, and a fast-moving plot, this is another winner.
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