Book Review: A Whiff of Murder by Angela M. Sanders

-
Image
A Whiff of Murder  by Angela M. Sanders  is a spinoff of her Witch Way Librarian  series and opens with the reader meeting Lise Bloom, who works at the Lucky Lotus and can smell emotions. Hoping to learn more about her special gift, clairalience, she's suddenly thrust into the spotlight when she discovers the dead body of her boss, Dyann, in the back room of the store and becomes one of the prime suspects. With the help of her roommates, Lise sets out to prove her innocence and find out who could have a motive to kill her boss. I knew right off the bat that I had to read Sanders' latest novel without even reading the synopsis because I absolutely love her Witch Way Librarian  series. Additionally, I wanted another story by her to tide me over until the next installment of that series. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for approving my request for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of  A Whiff of Murder  by Angela M. Sanders. I was ecstatic...
Post a Comment

Book Review: The Switch by Joseph Finder

-
The Switch by Joseph Finder Book Cover
Joseph Finder delivers another gripping political thriller with The Switch, a novel that is action-packed from the very first page to the very last. Set against the backdrop of Boston, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., The Switch follows two main characters, Michael Tanner and Will Abbott, with the story alternating between their perspectives in a way that builds tension and suspense throughout the book. 

One of the things I loved most about The Switch is how it allows readers to experience both sides of the story instead of focusing on just one viewpoint. This dual perspective makes the plot feel more layered and realistic, and it keeps you constantly questioning motivations and outcomes. The characters are well developed, with complex relationships that feel believable and emotionally grounded. There were characters I immediately connected with, like Michael Tanner and his wife Sara, characters I truly disliked, such as Will Abbott, and characters I wasn’t sure about at first but gradually came to appreciate, like Earl. That mix of emotions made the story even more compelling and difficult to put down. 

Another standout element of The Switch is Finder’s attention to detail, especially when it comes to Boston. References to the orange and green lines of the train, along with specific neighborhoods like the South End, North End, and Back Bay, added authenticity and depth to the setting. These small details made the city feel alive and immersive, and they honestly made me want to plan another trip to Boston. If you enjoy thrillers that are rich in atmosphere and setting, this novel delivers on that front as well. 
The Switch A Novel by Joseph Finder

With the exception of Michael Tanner not immediately returning the laptop to Senator Susan Robbins once he realized whose it was, I found the events in The Switch to be surprisingly plausible, especially in the post-9/11 world of the United States. The blend of political intrigue, national security concerns, and personal stakes felt realistic enough to make the story even more intense. Overall, The Switch is a must-read for fans of political thrillers and fast-paced suspense novels. And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually makes its way to the big screen. 

The premise of The Switch is both simple and chilling. After going through airport security at LAX, Michael Tanner accidentally picks up the wrong laptop from the bin. When he arrives home in Boston, he realizes his mistake and discovers a sticky note on the computer with the password attached. Curiosity gets the better of him, and when he logs in, he uncovers top-secret documents that change everything. Suddenly, Tanner finds himself in serious danger, caught between the NSA and the laptop’s owner, Senator Susan Robbins. What begins as an innocent mix-up quickly turns into a fight for survival, forcing Tanner to go on the run and question whom he can trust. 

If you’re looking for a smart, suspenseful political thriller with strong characters, realistic stakes, and vivid settings, The Switch by Joseph Finder is a book you shouldn’t miss.

Follow The Running Bibliophile On Social Media

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Review: The Dare by Natasha Preston

-
Image
The Dare by Natasha Preston is a young adult horror novel centered on Marley and her friends Atlas, Lucia, and Jesse, all seniors in high school. What begins as harmless, lighthearted senior pranks quickly takes a dark turn when Rhett starts assigning dares that are far more serious and dangerous. As the stakes rise, the question becomes whether Marley and her friends will survive the consequences of playing along. A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced readers copy of The Dare by Natasha Preston. The last book I read by this author was well written and engaging, so I was excited to dive into her latest young adult horror story. From the start, the novel feels reminiscent of R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series, which instantly brought back a wave of childhood nostalgia. Unfortunately, that initial excitement didn’t last. Before long, the plot shifts into territory that felt eerily similar to the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer . At that point, my interest started ...
Read more

Book Review: The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker

-
Image
The Writer by James Patterson and J.D. Barker  was published on March 17, 2025. It opens with Detective Declan Shaw at a closed subway station trying to work up the nerve to commit suicide when he receives a call from his partner about a break in and homicide at the home of a true crime author. Shaw makes his way to the crime scene to work the case, and in a turn of events, Declan comes under scrutiny in another case loosely connected to this new case. I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The Writer  from NetGalley and Little , Brown, and Company for free in exchange for my honest review. I'm appreciative that my request for this book was approved. With this story opening with the main character trying to commit suicide, I almost didn't go any further with the book. However, I am glad I stuck with it as it took me on a fantastic ride and had my emotions all over the place. There were so many twists and turns that just when I thought I had it all figured out, there was ...
Read more

Book Review: Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum, #30) by Janet Evanovich

-
Image
Book Review: Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum, #30) by Janet Evanovich Dirty Thirty (Stephanie Plum, #30) by Janet Evanovich is the latest installment in the long-running and beloved Stephanie Plum series, and it opens with Joe Morelli asking Stephanie to dog-sit his famously quirky dog, Bob, while he’s out of town testifying at a trial. As expected, things quickly spiral into chaos when Stephanie has to bring Bob along while attempting to apprehend her usual lineup of FTAs. Between chasing fugitives, dodging danger, and juggling her complicated personal life, Stephanie also finds herself seriously questioning whether marriage is something she truly wants. Each book in the Stephanie Plum series tends to follow a familiar and comforting formula, with everything wrapped up in a neat, tidy bow by the end. That predictability is actually one of the main reasons I keep coming back to these books. I always know Stephanie will get herself into trouble, Ranger or Morelli will step in to help,...
Read more