Alretha Thomas

I believe this is the first book by this author that I have read.

The good: there are plenty of suspects for the murder and many that have motive.

The bad: the plot seems almost endless. We don't really know much about the character who ends up being the murderer before the author reveals it, so it makes it hard for me to know if the murderer could be guessed by a reader. (I am not always so good at figuring out who done it so I'm not always sure how to measure that when I read.) I find it hard to believe this is the first in a series when the detective character is planning to leave her job and open a different business. Is she going to be a consultant (like the TV character Monk) who gets called in whenever Herb decides he needs it? Or is she going to realize over the next few books that policework is her calling?… (más)

The Truth About Gretchen by award winning author, Alretha Thomas is an intriguing, captivating mystery unlike anything I have ever read. This is one of those rare books that must be made into a movie. Readers are in for a surprise with this suspense filled, mysterious and emotional book.

Gretchen Holloway has been cursed with recurring nightmares about a young man who has been murdered. She is a graduate film student, and feels a strong need to make a movie about her dreams and what she sees. Regina Wilson’s brother, Robert, was murdered twenty-six years ago, and it has since gone unsolved. She is an actress about to audition for the leading role in Gretchen’s film, but she backs out at the last minute with the chilling feeling that the film strangely resembles her own brother’s murder. However, she mistakenly leaves something behind which Gretchen finds. This seemingly insignificant item bonds Gretchen and Regina together in an intriguing, momentous and spiritual way.

Alretha Thomas’ expressive writing style captivated me from the very first chapter. I quickly connected with Gretchen and Regina, as I felt their emotions, heard their thoughts and could picture the entire scene as they were driven to find Robert’s killer. With a powerful original premise and compelling storyline woven together beautifully, The Truth About Gretchen is the best book I have read in years. It is magnificently written in the first person of the two main characters. This story is a rollercoaster ride with many dirty players involved. With a depth rarely seen in mystery and suspense books, the author has created a one-of-a-kind story with remarkable, relatable and likable characters and compelling clues that all come to shape magnificently, drawing the reader further and further in at every turn of the page. The conclusion is astounding.

The Truth About Gretchen by Alretha Thomas is a welcome gift to all readers who love mysteries that go beyond the ordinary. But, instead delves into extraordinary unique elements that will keep them coming back for more from this noteworthy author. This is a 5 star must read book!… (más)

Missing Melissa is a book that I would categorize as a “Cozy Mystery”, years ago I belonged to a book club by the same name and these were the types of books we read; good old fashioned who-done-its and mysteries. In more recent years I’ve been known to read slightly darker thrillers but I’m so glad I decided to give this one a try! Stepping into Maddie’s world was a breath of fresh air and I adored everything about her! She’s such a strong female character who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to achieve her goals!

Maddie’s life may seem perfect on the outside; she’s recently graduated from college, has a new job at TV Station, and is getting ready to move into her first apartment with her best friend Ruby. She’s even surrounded by a wonderful (and sometimes hilarious) cast of characters; her parents who she has an amazing relationship with, Ruby who’s always been there for her, Pepper who clearly has no idea he’s really a Mastiff, and even a quirky little grandma who’s recently been hitting the bottle a little hard! But despite her seemingly idyllic life Maddie is clearly missing something, her sister Melissa who was kidnapped when they were just 3 years old.

After an extensive search by the police and no further evidence the case was closed and Melissa presumed dead. It’s now 19 years later and Maddie has never gotten over the loss of her sister, her twin; who could blame her?? Recently, Maddie’s been having dreams of Melissa; ones in which she’s very much alive and begging for her sister to come find her, to save her. It’s these dreams that give Maddie the courage and the hope needed to re-open her sister’s case. She reaches out to a local cold-case detective named Sam and together, along with Ruby (and Pepper) they search out the truth of what really happened to Melissa. There’s a nice romance that builds between Maddie and Sam but I like that it didn’t detract from the overall mystery and it really fit in naturally with the story-line.

Author, Alretha Thomas did a great job keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough; I just had to know what really happened and whether or not Melissa was still alive. About halfway through the story I thought I had it figured out, I was sooooo pleased with myself too! I love it when I think I’ve outsmarted an author and figured out the big twist before they want me too :) Then I kept reading…………………….. then there’s this bombshell and I’m like what!?!?.............. NO…………… FREAKING…………….. WAY!!! What the?? How the heck?? I totally did NOT see that coming!!!! Brilliant, brilliant ending!

This was my first novel by Alretha Thomas but it most certainly won’t be my last! This was a great read & I would absolutely recommend it for Book Clubs, Young Adults and Adults who love a good Mystery. I also detected the possibility for a future series (I won’t say how or why) but I’d just like it noted that I’d very much like to see this come to light!!

I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author, Alretha Thomas and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
… (más)

Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas is the story of mystery and suspense. Madeline Louise Patterson just turned twenty-two. She has graduated from college, about to start a new job, and she has moved into a new apartment with her best friend, Ruby. Madeline, though, misses her twin sister, Melissa. Madeline, Melissa, and their mother were on their way to a doctor’s appointment when they were carjacked. Their mother was able to get Madeline out of the car, but the carjackers drove away before she could get Melissa out her car set. Despite a five year search, Melissa was not found.

Madeline wants to reopen the case on her twin sister. She had a dream that her sister is an adult, alive, and is asking for help. Madeline with the help of Ruby and handsome Detective Sam Warren sets out to find out what really happened to her twin sister. It will not be easy. Her parents, Alvin and Millicent, do not want her to reopen the case. Both of them had a hard time after Melissa was taken and do not want to reopen old wounds. Will this search tear the family apart or bring them closer? Madeline’s paternal grandmother has also struggled over the years. Her alcohol intake has increased and now it is getting out of hand. Madeline is worried about her, but she is glad that her grandmother does want her to look for Melissa. What will Madeline find out? Who carjacked her mother? Is Melissa still alive?

I give Missing Melissa 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is an interesting story but the transitions between chapters or sections is not smooth. One minute Madeline is at work and the next paragraph it is the next day. I think the author went a little overboard with the dramatics. At the rate Madeline was accusing people, I am surprised any one wanted to talk to her or help her. I think Missing Melissa could have done with a little more editing. The mystery of who took Melissa is pretty easy to solve. Missing Melissa does have a nice ending.

I received a complimentary copy of Missing Melissa from NetGalley and Diverse Arts Collective in exchange for an honest review. The review and ratings are strictly my own!… (más)