Judge a Book by its Cover 19 – #TuesdayBookBlog

Posted on February 18, 2025 by Gloria

Serendipitous by Jay Essen is the book cover that stood out for me this week. If you know me at all, you’ll know how much I enjoy a good murder mystery. Black and white gives mysterious vibes. I like the eye; it has me curious.

The title, Serendipitous, is also intriguing. It gives me a good idea of what to expect. (Not every title does that) A chance encounter leads to a murder, or perhaps the solving of one. Either way, the cover along with the title entices me to look closer.

The Blurb

The murder of Mercy’s father began a series of deaths that, on the surface, appeared unrelated. For the victims a gruesome end, but for someone a serendipitous occurrence of untold benefit.

Who is pulling the strings from the shadows, directing, and manipulating a soul bound to them in fealty? Conniving and cunning, the puppeteer unleashes their ward to eliminate those in their way. Mercy is inextricably connected to the killer, convinced that they murdered her father. While DC Jane Donovan rushes to solve the murders and apprehend the killer, in the hope of revealing the criminal mastermind.

I really like the sound of this book. I like when there’s more than one murder, and of course, they all have to be linked. This blurb sells it for me but it’s the cover that made me check it out in the first place.

This is what some readers think about Serendipitous.

Darren John Lebeau ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really did enjoy reading this murder mystery. The characters are perfectly defined and keeps you guessing all way through to who carried out these murders. Excellent writing and no stone left unturned when it comes to the subject matter. I can see this book doing very well as a screenplay to be made into a Netflix drama series. I would highly recommend this book.

S. Donovan⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must read

A dark thriller, with unexpected twists and turns. The book is very well written, quite fast paced and had me gripped from the first chapter.
I would definitely recommend reading Serendipitous and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Mario Wageman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Gripping Thriller You Won’t Be Able to Put Down!

Wow, Serendipitous was such a surprise! From the first chapter, I was hooked—Jay Essen knows how to pull you right into the story. The characters felt real, and the twists kept coming, just when I thought I had it all figured out. Set against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, it was easy to relate to the setting, and that added a whole new level of tension. This book has everything a thriller fan could want: suspense, mystery, and moments that leave you catching your breath. I’d highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what Essen writes next!

So if you enjoy a good murder mystery like I do, you’ll check out Serendipitous by Jay Essen. It’s in my Kindle and I’m looking forward to reading it!

Thank you for reading. See you soon with more from Judge a Book by its Cover!

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What Book Am I Reading Right Now?

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Gloria

Daily writing prompt

What book are you reading right now?

View all responses

I’m reading three at the moment. A long novel, a collection of short stories and a non-fiction book.

Precipice by Robert Harris is a historical spy story (1914). I got off to a slow start with this because I wouldn’t usually choose a war/political story — this was a book club pick. However, if I’d seen this advertised on Netflix I’d add it to my to-watch list. I can’t say I’m loving it (just yet) but I will finish it.

Continue reading →

Beatrice’s Fate – #TuesdayBookBlog

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Gloria

I constantly beat myself up about not writing book reviews for every book I read. So much to do with so little time! However, I only leave reviews when I’m giving at least 3 stars.

I made time to write a review for this little beauty, Beatrice’s Fate by Camilla Galbiati.

“How rapidly everything can change. Happiness is like a house of cards, easily destroyed even by the faintest of breezes or the lightest of touches.”

Continue reading →

Judge a Book by its Cover – Part Nine #TuesdayBookBlog

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Gloria

How often do you judge a book by its cover? Is it the first thing you’re drawn to, or is the title?

Here’s why I started Judge a Book by its Cover!

I’m posting only one book cover today; Talismans, Teacups & Trysts by K Starling. This book will be released on the 9th of July (only two days away) but it’s available for pre-order on Amazon

Why did this cover stand out for me?

It’s looks fun, adventurous, and magical. It reminds me of Mary Poppins. I think the black images really stand out. Definitely a book cover that makes me want to know more. Top marks from me!

The blurb reads;

Society insists that the life of an heiress ought to be consumed with dancing, polite conversation, and cards. The sadists!

As Penelope Sedgewick would rather fly to Saturn’s third moon than conform to society’s whims, she became a sleuth, investigating private matters for ladies—thefts, missing domesticated dragons, stolen charms… the usual. Of course, it is all very hush-hush. Do try to keep it that way.

When a routine inquiry into an elopement becomes derailed by a dead body (or two), and one dear to her is implicated, Penelope’s skills will be put to the test.

With so much on the line, it will take a combination of her intelligence, magical abilities (Shhh! These are also secret), and marksmanship to protect that which she holds dear while shielding the innocent.

Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts is the premier novel in the Alderwood Regency Fantasies—a series of cozy fantasies set in a reimagined regency world filled with dragons, magic, and intrigue.

If regency fantasies are a genre you like to indulge in, then Talismans, Teacups & Trysts may be one for you.

What do you think of the cover? Would it entice you to find out more about the story? Please let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading!

If a family saga set in a small Irish town is up your street, you might like to have a peek inside the pages of my novel, Secrets in the Babby House.

Set in a gossipy small town in Ireland at a time when marriage is for keeps and sexuality is repressed, Secrets in the Babby House is a family saga over three decades that starts in 1956. It is a story of love, deception, and stolen diaries filled with sins and secrets.

Also available on Rakuten Kobo books.