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Berry Springs #4
The Fog
Former Marine turned ballistics expert, Wesley Cross is known around town for two things, his rugged good-looks and cocky attitude—until he finds his ex-girlfriend lying in a puddle of blood in his basement. The scene screams setup, but the discovery of a rare gem and a puzzling autopsy suggests the murder goes much deeper than that. Wesley will do whatever it takes to clear his name, including calling in a notoriously headstrong—and sexy—scientist.
While most little girls were playing dress up, Gwyneth Reece was digging in the dirt collecting bugs. Now one of the top forensic entomologists in the country, Gwen reluctantly accepts a job from a pushy cowboy and travels to the small, Southern town of Berry Springs. Heavy storms are brewing, and when she’s forced to check into the creepiest hotel she’s ever seen, she instantly regrets her decision to help out the former Marine.
Following up on a tip, Wesley heads to the Half Moon Hotel but quickly realizes his visit was not by chance. The killer lured him there, and suddenly everyone from the uptight bellman to the wealthy couple just passing through town become suspect. Bodies begin to disappear, and Wesley knows the killer will do anything to get to him…. including hurting the woman who’s kept his head spinning since he first laid eyes on her.
While most little girls were playing dress up, Gwyneth Reece was digging in the dirt collecting bugs. Now one of the top forensic entomologists in the country, Gwen reluctantly accepts a job from a pushy cowboy and travels to the small, Southern town of Berry Springs. Heavy storms are brewing, and when she’s forced to check into the creepiest hotel she’s ever seen, she instantly regrets her decision to help out the former Marine.
Following up on a tip, Wesley heads to the Half Moon Hotel but quickly realizes his visit was not by chance. The killer lured him there, and suddenly everyone from the uptight bellman to the wealthy couple just passing through town become suspect. Bodies begin to disappear, and Wesley knows the killer will do anything to get to him…. including hurting the woman who’s kept his head spinning since he first laid eyes on her.
223 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2018
About the author
Amanda McKinney
47 books1,045 followersAmanda McKinney is the Amazon Charts bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than thirty romance and thriller novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations, including the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and have been included in lists such as POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books, and featured on the Today Show.
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www.amandamckinneyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 10, 2018
~*Review first appeared on The Bent Bookworm!*~
The Fog is the 4th in the Berry Springs series by Amanda McKinney, and can be read as a standalone. I flew through this little novella (at 225 pages it makes for a quick afternoon or before bed read) and am considering picking up the other three at some point!
Things I Loved
- Gwyneth is described as having sexy BROWN eyes. Hell yes, let’s have some love for a shade that isn’t blue!
- Gwyneth is also scientist and a damn good one. Love that she has a career and goals and is doing whatever it takes to reach them. Wouldn’t mind reading more about her background, and Wes’s for that matter!
- Believable vendetta against Wes. I was kind of worried about this being something silly, but it wasn’t.
- Atmospheric – yes please. I happened to read this on a rainy day, which was just PERFECT for the last part of the book…made it seem very real. Remind me to never check into a hotel during a storm. Yikes.
Small Complaints
- Predictable – well, it’s romantic suspense. If you didn’t end up with what you were expecting you’d be disappointed, yes? Still, there were a couple parts that – as far as the forensics – made me roll my eyes because I thought the “big discovery” was SO obvious.
- I thought the insta-attraction was a little much, as well as just HOW FAST they progressed…but again…how else are you going to bring everything to a conclusion in such a short book?
- Wes was a little over the top dominant in some ways. It was annoying. At least our girl Gwyneth was there to straighten his ass out. 😉
3.5/5 stars. This is an enjoyable, fast read if you want a little romantic action and a little suspense!
2.5/5 flames. There’s attraction and action, and Wes is great and all, (and I did LOVE that while he is very attracted to Gwyneth, she’s not described as having a supermodel body), but it just didn’t quite do it for me. They’re a cute couple but I guess I wanted MORE of them, more depth!
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The Fog is the 4th in the Berry Springs series by Amanda McKinney, and can be read as a standalone. I flew through this little novella (at 225 pages it makes for a quick afternoon or before bed read) and am considering picking up the other three at some point!
Things I Loved
- Gwyneth is described as having sexy BROWN eyes. Hell yes, let’s have some love for a shade that isn’t blue!
- Gwyneth is also scientist and a damn good one. Love that she has a career and goals and is doing whatever it takes to reach them. Wouldn’t mind reading more about her background, and Wes’s for that matter!
- Believable vendetta against Wes. I was kind of worried about this being something silly, but it wasn’t.
- Atmospheric – yes please. I happened to read this on a rainy day, which was just PERFECT for the last part of the book…made it seem very real. Remind me to never check into a hotel during a storm. Yikes.
Small Complaints
- Predictable – well, it’s romantic suspense. If you didn’t end up with what you were expecting you’d be disappointed, yes? Still, there were a couple parts that – as far as the forensics – made me roll my eyes because I thought the “big discovery” was SO obvious.
- I thought the insta-attraction was a little much, as well as just HOW FAST they progressed…but again…how else are you going to bring everything to a conclusion in such a short book?
- Wes was a little over the top dominant in some ways. It was annoying. At least our girl Gwyneth was there to straighten his ass out. 😉
3.5/5 stars. This is an enjoyable, fast read if you want a little romantic action and a little suspense!
2.5/5 flames. There’s attraction and action, and Wes is great and all, (and I did LOVE that while he is very attracted to Gwyneth, she’s not described as having a supermodel body), but it just didn’t quite do it for me. They’re a cute couple but I guess I wanted MORE of them, more depth!
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December 18, 2018
Reviewed on http://bookaddict.live,
Wow I love a who done it, this was who killed them? When Wesley Cross comes home and finds his ex-girlfriend Leena murdered in his basement. This starts the cat and mouse adventure that keeps you guessing as the body count rising.
I was gripped to my book as I had to discovered what was happening. Wesley trying to find out who the murderer is, so he hires an Entomologist Gwen to help. All goes well until they get trapped in the haunted hotel on the hill in awful weather.
I not going to giving anything else away. So, if you love a murder mystery with a romance thrown in, this is book for you. This was right up my street and as this was my first read by Amanda McKinney, I know it’s not going to be my last. I have to say the cover and the blurb pulled me but it was the writing that made me stay.
Wow I love a who done it, this was who killed them? When Wesley Cross comes home and finds his ex-girlfriend Leena murdered in his basement. This starts the cat and mouse adventure that keeps you guessing as the body count rising.
I was gripped to my book as I had to discovered what was happening. Wesley trying to find out who the murderer is, so he hires an Entomologist Gwen to help. All goes well until they get trapped in the haunted hotel on the hill in awful weather.
I not going to giving anything else away. So, if you love a murder mystery with a romance thrown in, this is book for you. This was right up my street and as this was my first read by Amanda McKinney, I know it’s not going to be my last. I have to say the cover and the blurb pulled me but it was the writing that made me stay.
July 4, 2022
A good suspense with a slow burn romance. Well written with lots of twists, action and serial killings and the focus is on the hero trying to clear his name, as the first murder takes place in his basement. I have to mention that the H/h didn't meet for a few chapters, so when they finally got together, it was pretty much insta lust, but it was nicely handled and felt right. I really enjoyed the back story and all the forensic investigations. 4.5 stars. 😍
December 12, 2018
First things first, I will forever be hesitant to check into to a hotel during a storm. Big nope.
Gwyneth was such a strong female character. Holy lanta. She is a damn good scientist and works herself ragged to achieve everything she has set her mind too. She is wickedly smart both in the books and with her quick witted mouth. Gwyneth knows what she wants and goes for it ... at least in every aspect but her love life. She is in dire need of a vacation and a few stiff drinks, when and arrogant and overbearing Wesley barges in and demands she take his case. The last thing she ever expected was to develop feelings for the brute, but the heart wants what the heart wants and they need each other if they plan on making it through this case alive.
Wesley has been seen as the womanizer of town for as long as he can remember. In his defense, it's hard for him to get close to people and he's waiting for the right woman ... even if it takes quite a few of them to find her. He is honest to a fault and above all else has a good heart. His life was thrown in a tailspin when a dead body is found in his basement and he has a killer trying to frame him for the murder. He can't help but ask himself, why him? What did he do to deserve this? In a desperate attempt to clear his name and find the killer he enlists the help of the best entomologist around. The last thing he ever expected was for her to be the one woman he had been waiting for. In a sick twist of fate he's no longer trying to find a killer, but now is doing everything he can to keep him and the woman he is falling in love with alive.
The attraction and relationship that develops between Gwyneth and Wesley is heart warming, but it was also lacking a little depth for me. For me I feel like a lot of that had to do with the insta-love feel between them. I understand they were in dire situations, but to me it felt more like a relationship of circumstance rather than their want/need for one another. Though I do have to say I loved the way they challenged each other. Plus the steamy scenes were rather hot, you know when you can look past the creepy hotel aspect.
I have to say ... the ending I kind of saw coming. It could just be me, I mean I pride myself in trying to figure out the end game before it's revealed. I would have liked a little more mystery and twists, ones that I couldn't anticipate. That being said, the action of the story did keep me on my toes and pushing through page after page. Overall it was an interesting story line with a likable couple. It wasn't my exact cup of tea, but it was a manageable tea and who knows it could be right up your alley.
Gwyneth was such a strong female character. Holy lanta. She is a damn good scientist and works herself ragged to achieve everything she has set her mind too. She is wickedly smart both in the books and with her quick witted mouth. Gwyneth knows what she wants and goes for it ... at least in every aspect but her love life. She is in dire need of a vacation and a few stiff drinks, when and arrogant and overbearing Wesley barges in and demands she take his case. The last thing she ever expected was to develop feelings for the brute, but the heart wants what the heart wants and they need each other if they plan on making it through this case alive.
Wesley has been seen as the womanizer of town for as long as he can remember. In his defense, it's hard for him to get close to people and he's waiting for the right woman ... even if it takes quite a few of them to find her. He is honest to a fault and above all else has a good heart. His life was thrown in a tailspin when a dead body is found in his basement and he has a killer trying to frame him for the murder. He can't help but ask himself, why him? What did he do to deserve this? In a desperate attempt to clear his name and find the killer he enlists the help of the best entomologist around. The last thing he ever expected was for her to be the one woman he had been waiting for. In a sick twist of fate he's no longer trying to find a killer, but now is doing everything he can to keep him and the woman he is falling in love with alive.
The attraction and relationship that develops between Gwyneth and Wesley is heart warming, but it was also lacking a little depth for me. For me I feel like a lot of that had to do with the insta-love feel between them. I understand they were in dire situations, but to me it felt more like a relationship of circumstance rather than their want/need for one another. Though I do have to say I loved the way they challenged each other. Plus the steamy scenes were rather hot, you know when you can look past the creepy hotel aspect.
I have to say ... the ending I kind of saw coming. It could just be me, I mean I pride myself in trying to figure out the end game before it's revealed. I would have liked a little more mystery and twists, ones that I couldn't anticipate. That being said, the action of the story did keep me on my toes and pushing through page after page. Overall it was an interesting story line with a likable couple. It wasn't my exact cup of tea, but it was a manageable tea and who knows it could be right up your alley.
Want to Read
March 8, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/8/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Former Marine turned ballistics expert, Wesley Cross is known around town for two things, his rugged good-looks and cocky attitude—until he finds his ex-girlfriend lying in a puddle of blood in his basement. The scene screams setup, but the discovery of a rare gem and a puzzling autopsy suggests the murder goes much deeper than that. Wesley will do whatever it takes to clear his name, including calling in a notoriously headstrong—and sexy—scientist.
While most little girls were playing dress up, Gwyneth Reece was digging in the dirt collecting bugs. Now one of the top forensic entomologists in the country, Gwen reluctantly accepts a job from a pushy cowboy and travels to the small, Southern town of Berry Springs. Heavy storms are brewing, and when she’s forced to check into the creepiest hotel she’s ever seen, she instantly regrets her decision to help out the former Marine.
Following up on a tip, Wesley heads to the Half Moon Hotel but quickly realizes his visit was not by chance. The killer lured him there, and suddenly everyone from the uptight bellman to the wealthy couple just passing through town become suspect. Bodies begin to disappear, and Wesley knows the killer will do anything to get to him…. including hurting the woman who’s kept his head spinning since he first laid eyes on her.
Blurb:
Former Marine turned ballistics expert, Wesley Cross is known around town for two things, his rugged good-looks and cocky attitude—until he finds his ex-girlfriend lying in a puddle of blood in his basement. The scene screams setup, but the discovery of a rare gem and a puzzling autopsy suggests the murder goes much deeper than that. Wesley will do whatever it takes to clear his name, including calling in a notoriously headstrong—and sexy—scientist.
While most little girls were playing dress up, Gwyneth Reece was digging in the dirt collecting bugs. Now one of the top forensic entomologists in the country, Gwen reluctantly accepts a job from a pushy cowboy and travels to the small, Southern town of Berry Springs. Heavy storms are brewing, and when she’s forced to check into the creepiest hotel she’s ever seen, she instantly regrets her decision to help out the former Marine.
Following up on a tip, Wesley heads to the Half Moon Hotel but quickly realizes his visit was not by chance. The killer lured him there, and suddenly everyone from the uptight bellman to the wealthy couple just passing through town become suspect. Bodies begin to disappear, and Wesley knows the killer will do anything to get to him…. including hurting the woman who’s kept his head spinning since he first laid eyes on her.
May 30, 2020
4.5 rating. I am enjoying the Berry Springs series by Amanda McKinney. The heroes are alpha personalities with admirable traits - integrity, loyalty, discerning, intelligent, capable (military trained to a high level of competence). Each is now post-career military and have settled into civilian lives in a variety of fields. The men aren’t perfect, but it would be great to have any one of them protect your back in a dangerous situation. The heroines are smart, focused, independent women, committed & competent in their fields. The FMC/Gwyneth Reece (fun name!) in The Fog/#4 is a freelance entomologist, working cases across the country for the FBI and various sheriff depts. The MMC/Wesley Cross is a retired spec ops marine who just won a government contract for his growing gun business. Questions arise when a DB is discovered in Wesley’s basement.
Readers might question why Wesley was allowed to remain involved in this case since he had personal history with the victim. I decided perhaps “small town politics” would allow such, in additional to his longtime, personal friendship with the LE officers involved, and let it go at that. I appreciated that the heroine had no TSTL moments to move the story along - the latter I detest. And she was smart without being a b**ch. Again, yay! I do recommend The Fog to readers of suspense romance, HEAs, military/LE romance novels, and action/adventure novels. The Fog kept my interest and I read it quickly. It had suspense without being terribly dark or graphic. It could be read as a standalone or as part of the series. I am reading the series, but oddly enough, in backward order - and it has worked fine (the occupations of the characters and the settings in the latter books caught my interest, and I am working my way forward). :D. An entomologist/#4, a forensic anthropologist/#6 and a SAR/cave diver/#6! Yay!
Reader Cautions -
Profanity - yes. Occasional. The MMC is ex-military. Not excessive, IMO.
Violence- yes. PG-13 or perhaps R movie rating. Antagonist is a serial killer. The murders are discussed after the fact, except for the 1st which is very brief on-scene before “fading out.”
Sexual situations- yes. One brief scene of intimacy toward the end between the main characters. The Fog is primarily about solving the mystery of the killer. The attraction between Wesley and Gwyneth is present but there are no scenes except the one.
I enjoyed and recommend The Fog to readers who would not be offended by the aforementioned. Young readers (under 17) should take note of above cautions.
Readers might question why Wesley was allowed to remain involved in this case since he had personal history with the victim. I decided perhaps “small town politics” would allow such, in additional to his longtime, personal friendship with the LE officers involved, and let it go at that. I appreciated that the heroine had no TSTL moments to move the story along - the latter I detest. And she was smart without being a b**ch. Again, yay! I do recommend The Fog to readers of suspense romance, HEAs, military/LE romance novels, and action/adventure novels. The Fog kept my interest and I read it quickly. It had suspense without being terribly dark or graphic. It could be read as a standalone or as part of the series. I am reading the series, but oddly enough, in backward order - and it has worked fine (the occupations of the characters and the settings in the latter books caught my interest, and I am working my way forward). :D. An entomologist/#4, a forensic anthropologist/#6 and a SAR/cave diver/#6! Yay!
Reader Cautions -
Profanity - yes. Occasional. The MMC is ex-military. Not excessive, IMO.
Violence- yes. PG-13 or perhaps R movie rating. Antagonist is a serial killer. The murders are discussed after the fact, except for the 1st which is very brief on-scene before “fading out.”
Sexual situations- yes. One brief scene of intimacy toward the end between the main characters. The Fog is primarily about solving the mystery of the killer. The attraction between Wesley and Gwyneth is present but there are no scenes except the one.
I enjoyed and recommend The Fog to readers who would not be offended by the aforementioned. Young readers (under 17) should take note of above cautions.
February 23, 2019
I liked this mystery. It has lots of suspense and just the right amount of romance. Wes has made a life for himself after leaving the Marines. He comes home to find a former lover dead in his basement. He has a great alibi but he knows it is somehow connected to him. He has to figure out what that connection is and he calls in an entomologist to help him find some answers. Gwyn isn't sure why she answered the phone call from an arrogant man, but then she was on her way to see him. She should be going to Hawaii on vacation. Once she and Wes meet, instant attraction. She gives them a great lead on the murder, but now she can't get out of town. Now she is stuck in town with Wes and more people are being killed. Who are they looking for?
April 21, 2019
Met his match?
When Wesley’s ex-girlfriend is found in a pool of blood in his basement, he realizes he’s in deep trouble. He know it’s a setup and is determined to clear his name. He calls in Gwyneth, who against her better judgment accepts the job. Right up there with the J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts) books I found myself almost unable to put it down until I had finished it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
When Wesley’s ex-girlfriend is found in a pool of blood in his basement, he realizes he’s in deep trouble. He know it’s a setup and is determined to clear his name. He calls in Gwyneth, who against her better judgment accepts the job. Right up there with the J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts) books I found myself almost unable to put it down until I had finished it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 22, 2019
They say sometimes you have to suspend your disbelief in order to enjoy a book or movie. To enjoy this book, you have to suspend most of your brain activity. It lost me completely when a mountain resort hotel, isolated by a storm and the one bridge to and from it washes away, still decides to have their fancy formal ball, in spite of having only 8 guests and there being a murderer on the loose. Oh, and the fancy dress ball serves burgers and bottles of beer. The plot isn't awful. It did keep my interest. And the characters are okay. But really......
December 8, 2018
Romance-Suspense With a Sorta Mystery
This is not a police procedural, but the plot seems promising, at first. Someone frames Wesley Cross—a retired marine—by killing an ex-girlfriend in his basement. Wes withholds crucial evidence, his small-town cop friends accept his alibi, and he’s allowed into the investigation. With the secret evidence, he’s ahead of his cop friends, so he follows the clues and searches for suspects.
The mystery storyline is average, but the plot holes and cliches make it difficult to suspend disbelief. Unbelievable events lead to supposed plot twists. A pathologist covers up a crime, jeopardizing job, license, and future. A murderer serving two life sentences cuts through a fence with wire-cutters and escapes prison. The FBI doesn’t notify local police about the escaped murderer. A “surprise” antagonist pops up toward the end, which could happen only if the FBI failed to followup on information they had.
There are a lot of romance tropes and cliches. Every woman falls hard for sexy, handsome Wes, but he likes sex without the relationship. Then, playboy Wes falls in lust and wants sex “within the first five seconds of meeting” beautiful Gwyneth. Of course, she feels the same—when they meet in a morgue near Wes’ murdered ex-girlfriend. This was unbelievable: the perfect Valentino, plus the six inch, diamond-encrusted Louboutin heels that fit like Cinderella’s. 5 eye-rolling emoji.
2 stars because I made it to the end.
This is not a police procedural, but the plot seems promising, at first. Someone frames Wesley Cross—a retired marine—by killing an ex-girlfriend in his basement. Wes withholds crucial evidence, his small-town cop friends accept his alibi, and he’s allowed into the investigation. With the secret evidence, he’s ahead of his cop friends, so he follows the clues and searches for suspects.
The mystery storyline is average, but the plot holes and cliches make it difficult to suspend disbelief. Unbelievable events lead to supposed plot twists. A pathologist covers up a crime, jeopardizing job, license, and future. A murderer serving two life sentences cuts through a fence with wire-cutters and escapes prison. The FBI doesn’t notify local police about the escaped murderer. A “surprise” antagonist pops up toward the end, which could happen only if the FBI failed to followup on information they had.
There are a lot of romance tropes and cliches. Every woman falls hard for sexy, handsome Wes, but he likes sex without the relationship. Then, playboy Wes falls in lust and wants sex “within the first five seconds of meeting” beautiful Gwyneth. Of course, she feels the same—when they meet in a morgue near Wes’ murdered ex-girlfriend. This was unbelievable: the perfect Valentino, plus the six inch, diamond-encrusted Louboutin heels that fit like Cinderella’s. 5 eye-rolling emoji.
2 stars because I made it to the end.
December 5, 2018
Wesley is the good guy of the town, honest to a fault,an all rounder and helpful guy except in the women department. He is a womanizer at least everyone says so. But he just hasn't found the right one. when a dead body turns up in his basement it seems that the killer is trying to frame him but the questions are who and why? When some unexpected things turn up in the dead body he is forced to hire one the best entomologist to do some investigation. But she is the woman who at last he feels is the one. But with the killer in loose it seems impossible to pursue a romantic relationship along with doing his best to keep her alive.
Gwen has everything going on for her except the fact that she is in desperate need of a vacation and has a non-existent love life. The last thing she expected was to feel butterflies in her stomach for the guy who had literally ordered her to take his case, moreover he is just so pushy and arrogant that Gwen couldn't wait to take him down a few pegs. But as she gets to know him , he seems the perfect guy for her. But there is someone who is killing the girls and when they both get trapped in a creepy haunted hotel without electricity and no way of going back to the civilization she is forced to admit that it may be she has bitten off more than she can eat.
A great suspense and thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns. I specially loved how the author opened the book with the thoughts of killer,it somehow makes this story stand out from other thrillers of it's time. I'm sure lots others would also love this feature. Often the readers wonder how the killer is feeling or the psychology of the killer but they are never given a glimpse of that. I sure enjoyed it a lot. It kind of opened a new dimension to me. Beside this another fact which I find very admirable is that the way Wesley confesses to the readers about his time in Marine, how it is not something glorious or heroic as the civilians thinks. It provides a window to those people who are going fight everyday and who are getting back home as someone damaged by the world and not getting proper treatment for that. We all hail them as heroes and say that we are proud of them but really how much do we in reality care about those? We celebrate once and then forget while these people suffer in silence day after day, carrying all the guilt,darkness inside.
Truly it was a great read and truth be told I won't be forgetting this for a long time to come.
I'm sure that you will be enjoying it too, if you give it a chance.
And believe me the last twist, hell even I did not see that coming from anywhere. Author Amanda McKinney has some real talent for writing romantic suspense and mystery.
Gwen has everything going on for her except the fact that she is in desperate need of a vacation and has a non-existent love life. The last thing she expected was to feel butterflies in her stomach for the guy who had literally ordered her to take his case, moreover he is just so pushy and arrogant that Gwen couldn't wait to take him down a few pegs. But as she gets to know him , he seems the perfect guy for her. But there is someone who is killing the girls and when they both get trapped in a creepy haunted hotel without electricity and no way of going back to the civilization she is forced to admit that it may be she has bitten off more than she can eat.
A great suspense and thriller filled with unexpected twists and turns. I specially loved how the author opened the book with the thoughts of killer,it somehow makes this story stand out from other thrillers of it's time. I'm sure lots others would also love this feature. Often the readers wonder how the killer is feeling or the psychology of the killer but they are never given a glimpse of that. I sure enjoyed it a lot. It kind of opened a new dimension to me. Beside this another fact which I find very admirable is that the way Wesley confesses to the readers about his time in Marine, how it is not something glorious or heroic as the civilians thinks. It provides a window to those people who are going fight everyday and who are getting back home as someone damaged by the world and not getting proper treatment for that. We all hail them as heroes and say that we are proud of them but really how much do we in reality care about those? We celebrate once and then forget while these people suffer in silence day after day, carrying all the guilt,darkness inside.
Truly it was a great read and truth be told I won't be forgetting this for a long time to come.
I'm sure that you will be enjoying it too, if you give it a chance.
And believe me the last twist, hell even I did not see that coming from anywhere. Author Amanda McKinney has some real talent for writing romantic suspense and mystery.
January 4, 2019
3.5 / 5 Stars
The Fog follows the story of Wesley Cross who has been framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. He's a gun-toting alpha male Ex-Marine who runs a business out of his home. One night he comes home to find the body of his ex-girlfriend in his basement. The killer obviously trying to frame him and garner his attention.
Through a sequence of events in an attempt to clear his name, Wesley hires the beautiful entomologist Gwyneth Reece when a mysterious clutch of fly eggs makes their appearance in the wound of the body. Something that shouldn't be there.
The two soon find themselves wrapped up not only in a budding romance between the two of them but also an encounter with an old enemy of Wesley's.
I must say, I enjoyed this read. It took me back to the most basic murder case template. I felt like I was reading an episode of Law & Order meets Criminal Minds, tripping over CSI: Miami and I loved it.
The pacing is a little shaky at times with dialogue I believe could have been either eliminated to avoid throat clearing or built upon to create tension. I could also do with a little more world building and perhaps some higher paced conflict. However, this author delivers a very nice read for those who love a good crime drama with a bit of romance mixed in.
I didn't quite get the tension I would've wanted but I found this read enjoyable to say the least.
Now, onto the rough stuff.
Like I said, I wanted to be immersed in the world. Something I find is how so many authors nowadays do not give a good indication of the experiences of the characters. It tends to distance me as a reader and it's something I would love to see fixed soon. It seems like the focus is to move as fast as possible without adding any character depth. This happened in The Fog thus causing me not to really connect with the characters.
I felt like an observer instead of a part of the action. There also seems to be a trope going around that characters do not have to have flaws. I also found the language a bit plain and at certain points think that using words regarding forensic evidence and crime scenes would help make the characters more believable.
This all being said, I will gladly review any books this author writes as I am a fan of the writing style and the generic return to the crime drama.
The Fog follows the story of Wesley Cross who has been framed for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. He's a gun-toting alpha male Ex-Marine who runs a business out of his home. One night he comes home to find the body of his ex-girlfriend in his basement. The killer obviously trying to frame him and garner his attention.
Through a sequence of events in an attempt to clear his name, Wesley hires the beautiful entomologist Gwyneth Reece when a mysterious clutch of fly eggs makes their appearance in the wound of the body. Something that shouldn't be there.
The two soon find themselves wrapped up not only in a budding romance between the two of them but also an encounter with an old enemy of Wesley's.
I must say, I enjoyed this read. It took me back to the most basic murder case template. I felt like I was reading an episode of Law & Order meets Criminal Minds, tripping over CSI: Miami and I loved it.
The pacing is a little shaky at times with dialogue I believe could have been either eliminated to avoid throat clearing or built upon to create tension. I could also do with a little more world building and perhaps some higher paced conflict. However, this author delivers a very nice read for those who love a good crime drama with a bit of romance mixed in.
I didn't quite get the tension I would've wanted but I found this read enjoyable to say the least.
Now, onto the rough stuff.
Like I said, I wanted to be immersed in the world. Something I find is how so many authors nowadays do not give a good indication of the experiences of the characters. It tends to distance me as a reader and it's something I would love to see fixed soon. It seems like the focus is to move as fast as possible without adding any character depth. This happened in The Fog thus causing me not to really connect with the characters.
I felt like an observer instead of a part of the action. There also seems to be a trope going around that characters do not have to have flaws. I also found the language a bit plain and at certain points think that using words regarding forensic evidence and crime scenes would help make the characters more believable.
This all being said, I will gladly review any books this author writes as I am a fan of the writing style and the generic return to the crime drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2018
This story features Wesley, who finds the dead body of a former fling in his basement and sets out to find proof that he’s being framed for murder. Along the story, a few other minor details about Wesley reveal themselves, but the mystery of the whole story is what attracted me to the book in the first place.
The Fog has a lot going for it, mostly in the suspense aspect of the plot. I finished this book in under two hours, and was sucked in throughout, especially during the second half of the story when things picked up pace a little. I enjoyed the fact that the story was allowed to develop without the romance intruding too much. In fact, the romance was quite cliché, but because it was so secondary to the suspense, I didn’t mind that one bit.
While reading, I could see that the author did some research when it came to a few things like the bugs at Gwen’s crime scenes. However, thinking about it now, I realise that there were a few plot holes that could have easily been covered up to make the story seem even more believable. There are a few things I wish the author had addressed (like the fact that there didn’t seem to be any consequences for the missing piece of evidence from the crime scene, and the fact that Wes was even involved in the investigation of a case where he was a person of interest). It was easy for me to overlook those holes while reading because The Fog is a very engaging book, so I was more focused on seeing the story unfold and finding out who did what.
Plot holes aside, I really enjoyed this book. I read it at night, so the atmosphere was fitting for the story. I wasn’t too sure about how the whole mystery would turn out, and I had my own theories about who the killer was, but I’m happy with the way things were explained at the end.
June 15, 2019
This Series certainly has themes that are included (repeated) in each of the books. 1. Weather seems to always play a factor and this time it was a torrential rainstorm. 2. The main couple falls immediately in lust and in bed, which doesn’t always work for me, but I did feel the connection between Wes and Gwen. 3. The author keeps you guessing to the end, as the murderer isn’t the obvious suspect. 4. There is always a connection between the current gruesome murder(s) to a previous crime.
This book has a uniqueness to it as the leading lady, Gwen, is a famous forensic entomologist. This is the first time I’ve ever read about a this profession, and learned a few things.
The last few chapters are very suspenseful as the setting is an almost deserted old hotel during an awful storm that wipes out the only bridge to the resort and takes out electricity. You know the murderer is on the loose in this scary location but not sure who the villain is or whom the next victim(s). It keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Stars 4.25
This book has a uniqueness to it as the leading lady, Gwen, is a famous forensic entomologist. This is the first time I’ve ever read about a this profession, and learned a few things.
The last few chapters are very suspenseful as the setting is an almost deserted old hotel during an awful storm that wipes out the only bridge to the resort and takes out electricity. You know the murderer is on the loose in this scary location but not sure who the villain is or whom the next victim(s). It keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Stars 4.25
February 21, 2020
Excellent engaging fast read! I didnt put it down. Starts out strong and holds you the entire time. The characters are both independent and whip smart, Wesley and Gweneth. Their interactions were on a fast track, both to find a killer, while the chemistry was arcing. Maybe a few places were a bit overused cliches--like stick together, (when the drunk chick left) but it didn't take away much from a really good murder/mystery/romance. Gotta love the small towns where the police might be a bit less "by the book" too, lol.
Who was trying to frame Wesley was a very well kept secret until the end, and not without casualties either. A total surprise, I loved it. Wesley's sister, Bobbi, is also very much a female version of her big brother, can't wait to read her journey.
There are a few nagging questions I have, but I really need to read the rest of the Berry Springs series, along with the rest of the Steele Shadows Securities series first, and totally looking forward to it.
Stand alone in a series!
Who was trying to frame Wesley was a very well kept secret until the end, and not without casualties either. A total surprise, I loved it. Wesley's sister, Bobbi, is also very much a female version of her big brother, can't wait to read her journey.
There are a few nagging questions I have, but I really need to read the rest of the Berry Springs series, along with the rest of the Steele Shadows Securities series first, and totally looking forward to it.
Stand alone in a series!
December 31, 2018
4.5 Stars!!
Amanda McKinney has returned for her fourth installment of her Berry Springs series. Wesley Cross is a handsome former marine running his own company with a reputation for being a bit of a playboy. He is sucked into a murder investigation when the woman he is currently seeing is savagely murdered in his basement. He has alibis for the time of her murder but will stop at nothing to solve her case and figure out who is trying to set him. When the case takes a strange turn, he hires renowned forensic entomologists, Gwyneth Reece. He had heard about her reputation but was startled by how beautiful she is. Can they team up and solve the murder before he strikes again or will they be his next victim.
This is an entertaining romantic thriller with twists and turns to the very end. McKinney is excellent at weaving an intriguing story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Amanda McKinney has returned for her fourth installment of her Berry Springs series. Wesley Cross is a handsome former marine running his own company with a reputation for being a bit of a playboy. He is sucked into a murder investigation when the woman he is currently seeing is savagely murdered in his basement. He has alibis for the time of her murder but will stop at nothing to solve her case and figure out who is trying to set him. When the case takes a strange turn, he hires renowned forensic entomologists, Gwyneth Reece. He had heard about her reputation but was startled by how beautiful she is. Can they team up and solve the murder before he strikes again or will they be his next victim.
This is an entertaining romantic thriller with twists and turns to the very end. McKinney is excellent at weaving an intriguing story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
February 23, 2020
The Fog is a spectacular romantic suspense by Amanda McKinney. Ms. McKinney has provided readers with a book that is well-written and will keep them glued to their e-readers from start to finish. This author manages to grab your attention on the first page and hold you hostage until the end. Cover to cover suspense. Wesley arrives home just minutes after a woman he briefly dated was murdered...in his basement. Wesley hires forensic entomologist Gwyneth Reece to hopefully help clear his name. Wesley and Gwyneth's story is packed with drama, spice, action and humor. I enjoyed every page of this book and can't wait to get my hands on my next book by Amanda McKinney. The Fog is part of the Berry Springs Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2018
Just like making a trip back to your favorite vacation spot, I could not wait to take a trip back down through the Ozark mountains to my favorite little town of Berry Springs. My anticipation for this new book in the Berry Springs series was through the roof and Amanda McKinney, like always, did not disappoint. This book has you captivated from the prologue and the ride doesn't end until you reach the back cover! McKinney, like a mad scientist, knows how to create a story with the perfect amount of intrigue, suspense, and steamy romance to keep you on the edge of your seat! The Fog is the latest masterpiece to come out of her lab and it is all of those things and so much more. Do yourself a favor and take a trip down to Berry Springs. I dare you to try and set this book down before reaching the end. You'll enjoy the addictive roller coaster ride and will be left wanting more.
March 26, 2019
Interesting concept for murder mystery!
I have been reading this series and enjoying the stories. The book starts when Wesley Cross finds the body of his ex in his basement. Although he is almost automatically cleared, it is obvious that the murder was targeted at Wes. As the investigation begins, Wes is looking for a specialist, a forensic entomologist, so he hires the best, Gwyneth Reece.
The case is interesting and the entomology aspect added an interesting element to the crime investigation. Wes and Gwyn are good characters with quite a bit of chemistry. Overall I like the series and this book, but there are definitely some police procedures and investigative elements which are unreasonable. Like being able to stay in the house the same night a body was found. Active crime scene maybe?!?
I have been reading this series and enjoying the stories. The book starts when Wesley Cross finds the body of his ex in his basement. Although he is almost automatically cleared, it is obvious that the murder was targeted at Wes. As the investigation begins, Wes is looking for a specialist, a forensic entomologist, so he hires the best, Gwyneth Reece.
The case is interesting and the entomology aspect added an interesting element to the crime investigation. Wes and Gwyn are good characters with quite a bit of chemistry. Overall I like the series and this book, but there are definitely some police procedures and investigative elements which are unreasonable. Like being able to stay in the house the same night a body was found. Active crime scene maybe?!?
March 1, 2020
A Bug's Life!
Former Marine Wesley Cross is having one hell of a day! When his ex girlfriend is found brutally murdered in his basement it quickly becomes apparent that someone has it out for him. With no leads other then some bugs that should not exist in the body he calls in the big guns. That is one, Gwyneth Reece independent forensic entomologist who is as sexy as she is smart. When another clue leads to a creepy hotel as well as to Gwyneth, Wes soon discovers that he has fallen into a sinister trap not helped by the storm that has cut them off from help. I loved the way family and friends rallied around our hero and the immediate connection forged between our main characters. Another great edition to the Berry Springs series that I read for Free with Kindle Unlimited.
Former Marine Wesley Cross is having one hell of a day! When his ex girlfriend is found brutally murdered in his basement it quickly becomes apparent that someone has it out for him. With no leads other then some bugs that should not exist in the body he calls in the big guns. That is one, Gwyneth Reece independent forensic entomologist who is as sexy as she is smart. When another clue leads to a creepy hotel as well as to Gwyneth, Wes soon discovers that he has fallen into a sinister trap not helped by the storm that has cut them off from help. I loved the way family and friends rallied around our hero and the immediate connection forged between our main characters. Another great edition to the Berry Springs series that I read for Free with Kindle Unlimited.
February 9, 2019
This book is awesome! It will grab your attention on page 1 and keep you turning pages until the very end. Wonderful characters that are smart, genuine, loyal, and ready to fall in love. This book has a mystery that unfolds at exactly the right pace, complex and surprising. This is excellent entertainment from start to finish, with a happily ever after and all. The secondary characters are intriguing and I hope they get stories of their own. Amanda McKinney is a new author for me and I will definitely look up more of her work. I could not put this book down. For readers of romantic suspense, this is heavy on the suspense and mystery while the romance is a little more subtle. It has a happily ever after just the same with all the warm and fuzzies I love.
December 4, 2018
I really enjoy this author and her writing style. She has a way that pulls you into the story and you don't want to put the book down till you finish it. This story also occurs in Berry Springs, I like this setting and area.
A former Marine finds his ex-girlfriend dead, and obviously he is one of the prime suspects. So, he has to find a way to clear his name. He finds someone to help him out of his predicament. But then he gets lured by the killer to the Half Moon Hotel.
Lots of suspense and a great story. I loved this as I did the rest of her books!! I am looking forward to the next one!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and I am so glad I got to read it!!
A former Marine finds his ex-girlfriend dead, and obviously he is one of the prime suspects. So, he has to find a way to clear his name. He finds someone to help him out of his predicament. But then he gets lured by the killer to the Half Moon Hotel.
Lots of suspense and a great story. I loved this as I did the rest of her books!! I am looking forward to the next one!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and I am so glad I got to read it!!
November 4, 2023
After a night out with friends, weapons maker and notorious bachelor Wesley Cross came home and shockingly found the body of his ex and caught a glimpse of someone running away. Though Wesley had an alibi and at least half the town didn’t think he did it, Wesley wanted to know who was trying to frame him! Then the coroner found a clue!
Renown scientist Gwyneth Reece succumbs to wealthy Wes’ offer of paying triple to come and help break the frame that he murdered his ex. Gwen and Wes are both shocked when they see each other and neither workaholic can get past the new feelings they’re sharing as more dead bodies start to fall
Rating: 4.5stars
Renown scientist Gwyneth Reece succumbs to wealthy Wes’ offer of paying triple to come and help break the frame that he murdered his ex. Gwen and Wes are both shocked when they see each other and neither workaholic can get past the new feelings they’re sharing as more dead bodies start to fall
Rating: 4.5stars
December 4, 2018
Wesley Cross is a hometown hero that finds himself in quite the predicament. Finding the dead body of your ex-girlfriend in your basement doesn't make for the best way to end an evening. Luckily, he's willing to do whatever it takes to clear his name and that includes calling in forensic entomologist, Gwyneth Reece. As the two begin trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of Wesley's ex, the sparks start to fly between them.
Readers will have all of their senses tickled with The Fog. Danger, mystery, and romance, what more could you ask for!?
Readers will have all of their senses tickled with The Fog. Danger, mystery, and romance, what more could you ask for!?
December 12, 2018
Amanda McKinney’s Berry Springs series is perfect for all murder/mystery fans and The Fog is definitely the best so far. I read it within 24 hours simply because I just couldn’t put it down. It’s a fast-paced action-packed thriller with enough suspense thrown in to keep me reading long after I should (sneaky reads at work). The final chapters had me riveted with the creepy old hotel, cut off by rising waters during a storm. And that ending. Wow!
I received an Advanced Readers Copy direct from the Author.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy direct from the Author.
March 10, 2019
A good story!
Wesley was a marine who opened his own gun manufacturing business, becoming very wealthy. Leanne was his ex-lover whose dead body was found in his basement minutes after her throat was cut. Although Wesley's alibi was watertight, he was very disturbed by gossip. He loved his home town. He paid the best forensic entomologist to analyse the maggots discovered deep in the victim's wounds. Their instant attraction took this story to the romance level. I enjoyed this story.
Wesley was a marine who opened his own gun manufacturing business, becoming very wealthy. Leanne was his ex-lover whose dead body was found in his basement minutes after her throat was cut. Although Wesley's alibi was watertight, he was very disturbed by gossip. He loved his home town. He paid the best forensic entomologist to analyse the maggots discovered deep in the victim's wounds. Their instant attraction took this story to the romance level. I enjoyed this story.
May 6, 2019
Bugs save the day
This is the first book by this author but it will not be the last.
The male character of Wesley is a strong male , unafraid to ask for help. He is lucky enough to have good friends in the local police , which comes in handy when he finds a dead body in his basement. Gwen is also a strong female character and is step by step beside Wes. Her character is diffrent as an entomologist ,an occupation I haven't seen before.
Ms. Mc Kinney has a great talent for writting .
This is the first book by this author but it will not be the last.
The male character of Wesley is a strong male , unafraid to ask for help. He is lucky enough to have good friends in the local police , which comes in handy when he finds a dead body in his basement. Gwen is also a strong female character and is step by step beside Wes. Her character is diffrent as an entomologist ,an occupation I haven't seen before.
Ms. Mc Kinney has a great talent for writting .
January 9, 2019
I finished this book in one day... what an amazing author I have found. I now have all her books and enjoy them completely. She keeps you at the edge of your seat until the very end. Over all I give this series A+++++ totally love it. I am so glad I found a great author. I recommended this series to my friends and they are loving it as well.. Thank you Amanda McKinney for the great book series.
December 30, 2018
Fun read
McKinney does a great job of sending her red herrings through the story from page one. The mystery is entertaining--there's shade of Agatha Christie, Cinderella, and Clue. The characters are somewhat flat; we're told a lot about them rather than having them develop over time. Overall, not a bad weekend read.
McKinney does a great job of sending her red herrings through the story from page one. The mystery is entertaining--there's shade of Agatha Christie, Cinderella, and Clue. The characters are somewhat flat; we're told a lot about them rather than having them develop over time. Overall, not a bad weekend read.
February 16, 2019
Excellent!
Another terrific mystery in this series. Berry Springs is still the setting but different main characters are involved in this exciting adventure. It is nonstop events, with many twists, diversions, and roadblocks to the final solution. The finale is exciting, scary, and completely unexpected!
Another terrific mystery in this series. Berry Springs is still the setting but different main characters are involved in this exciting adventure. It is nonstop events, with many twists, diversions, and roadblocks to the final solution. The finale is exciting, scary, and completely unexpected!
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