Book Spotlight: I Am Mayhem by Sue Coletta #preorder #womensleuths #crimefiction #bookreview

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An open book with rays and orbs of light shooting from the pages

Today I’m shining the spotlight on the very talented, Sue Coletta, who is releasing the long-anticipated fourth novel in her Mayhem series. Shawnee Daniels makes a great MC, and “Mayhem” is one of my favorite book villains. Mayhem’s crows—yes, crows—Edgar, Allan, and Poe, also deserve a mention because they are every bit characters in their own right. Especially Poe.

I was lucky enough to score an ARC of this novel, and am sharing my 5 STAR review at the end of this post. Be sure to take a look and be ready to ONE-CLICK!

Book Description:

As bloody, severed body parts show up on her doorstep, Shawnee Daniels must stop the serial killer who wants her dead before she becomes the next victim.

But can she solve his cryptic clues before it’s too late? Or will she be the next to die a slow, agonizing death?

With crows stalking her every move, Shawnee can barely function. Things worsen when body parts show up on her doorstep. An unstoppable serial killer wants her dead. Mr. Mayhem threatens to murder everyone she loves, sending Shawnee a piece at a time.

As Mr. Mayhem sits in judgement, his cryptic clues must be solved before the final gavel drops. The game rules are simple—win the unwinnable or submit to a slow, agonizing death.

When Shawnee tries to fight back, she discovers her very existence is based on lies. But the full impact of the truth might become the headstone on Shawnee’s grave.

Preorder on Amazon for 99c.

Book will be delivered to your device on April 20, 2021 (release day).

Tirgearr Publishing

Sue Coletta

Author Bio:
Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as one of the “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net” (Murder Blog sits at #5). Sue also blogs at the Kill Zone, a multi-award-winning writing blog.

Sue lives in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and writes two serial killer thriller series (Tirgearr Publishing) and true crime (Rowman & Littlefield Group, Inc.). And recently, she appeared on an Emmy award-winning true crime show. Learn more about Sue and her books at: https://suecoletta.com

MY REVIEW:
Wow! I’ve followed this series from book one, and it just keeps getting better. Coletta has penned a wonderfully unique and memorable set of characters—Shawnee Daniels, a (reformed?) cat burglar/computer hacker currently working for the police, her detective boyfriend, and Mr. Mayhem—serial killer, and chameleon-like adversary. Oh, and there are crows. Not just ordinary crows, but birds who are characters in their own right. Mayhem has three crows who do his bidding—Edgar, Allan, and Poe. 

Poe, in particular, is a scene stealer. A charmer with Mayhem, Poe is oil to Shawnee’s water. Nails on a blackboard which makes for intriguing interaction.

In this the fourth book of the series, Coletta builds on the cat-mouse relationship between Mayhem and Shawnee. There is history between these characters, deeply-rooted, so it does help to have an understanding of that going into the novel, especially as this story picks up where book three left off. Stakes are high right off the bat with murder on the menu. As the story progresses, cold-blooded killings mingle with mysticism and Native American beliefs, customs, and folklore. For those who have followed the series, Shawnee’s family background is fleshed out, along with that of Mr. Mayhem, bringing surprising results.  

Shawnee and Mayhem are polar opposites—one street-tough, and gritty, the other cultured but deadly. Parts of this story left me biting my fingernails to see how everything would play out, while other sections had me misty eyed. The suspense is great, but the character development is what makes this one so exceptional. The story wraps with a solid ending but does leave wiggle room should the author choose to continue. As a fan of the series, I can only hope she does. If you enjoy strong characters in a fast-paced tale layered with folklore and Native American themes (think skinwalkers and Tony Hillerman), you won’t want to miss this novel.

*I received a complimentary ARC for an honest review

Intrigued? I hope my FIVE STAR review enticed you. You can grab your own copy of I Am Mayhem from Amazon. Release date is April 20, but you can pre-order through the link below. An excellent read for a mere .99c.

Thanks for visiting today. Please drop Sue a line or two in the comments to help her celebrate her upcoming release.

Preorder on Amazon for 99c.

89 thoughts on “Book Spotlight: I Am Mayhem by Sue Coletta #preorder #womensleuths #crimefiction #bookreview”

  8. I read an ARC, too, and I couldn’t put it down. Your review nailed it. The series only gets better. Congratulations to Sue. I hope all your visitors read this series. It deserves a lot of attention.

    Great review, Mae.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

  18. This entire series sounds like something I’d love, yet be terrified of, at the same time! And crows? Well, who doesn’t love crows? I have several books featuring crow covers on display over my desktop, even as I type.

    I’m trying to work up my nerve to read this series, but I’m pretty sure Sue’s “Mayhem” is NOT the cute BandAid-covered guy from the tv commercials. 😀 Here’s to me getting braver and taking the plunge. (I’m loving Sue’s Pretty Evil New England, so who knows? It could happen!)

    In the meantime, much good luck to you with the release of this one, Sue! Hope it flies off the shelves, virtual or otherwise. 😀 Thanks for sharing, Mae! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply ↓

    • I do seem to recall your love of crows, Marcia, and your book cover displays 🙂

      There are a lot of books I can’t read for various reasons (I’m getting worse about triggers as I age), but in this series I’m invested in the characters. Mayhem (believe it or not) reminds me a wee bit of a certain FBI agent. Forgetting Mayhem is a serial killer (and not the cute BandAid covered guy, LOL), he’s every as cultured and deadly as our beloved A.X.L.

      I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Pretty Evil New England, too. I thought I would have issues since it’s true crime, but I think the earlier century helped with that. I was riveted cover to cover!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply ↓

      • I find because these women in Pretty Evil New England were long dead and gone, many having finally been caught and given their just deserts, it’s easier for me than crime that feels more “here and now.” Especially if there are children involved. I really have trouble reading those.

        Sue’s writing is MOST excellent, though, and your recommendation is a big help. I may give it a try. One day. Possibly. 😀

        Liked by 2 people

    • Marcia, Mae explained it so well I can only add that Mayhem, although a serial killer, has many great qualities and layers to him. And Poe, well, he’s a character. LOL That said, it isn’t smart to cross either of them. Thank you for the well-wishes!

      I’m thrilled you’re enjoying Pretty Evil New England!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

      • I really am, Sue, and should be finishing it soon. I’m reading two books at once, and that’s not something I’m very good at, but I WILL get it done, by golly, because each story is more astonishing than the next. (Geeez. What in the world was infecting these ladies of the era? And some of them got away with it for SOOO long, too!) And then, I’ll see if I can wrap my mind around YOUR version of Mayhem. 😀 And I’ll try not to picture the tv guy! 😀

        Liked by 2 people

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