Lauren Street

This was a twisty one! Calling My Children Home was a satisfying read that took a bit to get moving but once it does, hold on to your seat because things really move fast. I went into this blind, not realizing it was the fifth in a series. While I was a little lost at first, there was enough exposition about the location and characters that I didn't feel like I needed to have read the previous four books in order to enjoy this one. As I mentioned, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, and I felt like the main story line wrapped up well while also alluding to an ongoing mystery that ended on a cliffhanger, thus hooking me to want to read the next one in the series. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. The author writes well, but the frequency and types of folksy sayings took me out of the story more than I would have liked. I do understand that they're supposed to reflect the language and feel of the Tennessee community where this story is set, but it felt a bit much at times. I also felt like the storyline with Rileigh's mother was not developed well, but that may be because I hadn't read the previous books (and I assume it will be explored further in the next book in the series).… (más)

Hide Me Away by Lauren Street
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thriller #1

Great introduction to a new series that has me wanting to learn more about Rileigh Bishop and acting sheriff Mitchell Webster. An intriguing cast of supporting characters are also introduced as this small-town murder mystery sets the stage for more books to come.

What I liked:
* Rileigh Bishop: retired military, ex-police sergeant, works for Private Investigation business, lost her sister and father when she was six, scarred mentally and physically, suffers nightmares and PTSD, has much to deal with in this book
* Mitchell Webster: acting sheriff, intelligent, intriguing, has scars and history that hopefully will come out in the series, might be a love interest for Rileigh
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The twists, turns, red herrings and interesting set-ups for potential future books
* The small-town feel and the idea of who was from “away” and how they couldn’t be trusted
* Watching the beginning partnership and potential friendship as it develops between Rileigh and Mitchell
* That there was a tie-in between two murders thirty years apart and that the killer uncovered
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the trauma caused by more than one character in this book
* Not knowing the backstories of the two main characters and hoping the hints will be fleshed out in the future

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling and Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (más)