Tag: Kay bratt

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Hello Little Girl by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes

Title: Hello Little Girl
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #10
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Main Character: Taylor, Lydia
Other Characters: Sam, Caleb, Mira Jill, Dom, Martha
Stars: 5

Another great book by Kay Bratt, the 10th edition of Hart’s Ridge does not disappoint.

The protagonist of the book, Taylor, has a loving family and a loving partner in life—everything she could ever want. She struggles to maintain a healthy balance between her personal life and her work as a sheriff’s deputy. She has dealt with an alcoholic father and a mother she believed to be dead, so her family means the world to her. She has taken on the roles of both mother and father for her sisters. She is passionate about her profession as a sheriff deputy and aspires to advance in her position. Is she putting herself in danger while doing this?

We also take a closer look at an earlier case involving a missing person whose disappearance remains unresolved. While her husband, Caleb, makes frantic efforts to locate his wife, Lydia remains in captivity and struggles to survive. She also needs to think about someone else. Is it possible for her to save herself without endangering everyone else? Taylor, who has been leading this case, has been taken off of it since she has been assigned an undercover case. Two additional characters, Jill & Martha, who are crucial to the plot, are also introduced to us.

Since the first book in the series, I have adored it. This is a compelling tale of strong women who will stop at nothing to survive. It’s about defending others while they attempt to preserve themselves, as well as hope, survival, and tenacity. This book captured my attention from the first page on. It’s a page-turner that was difficult for me to put down. The suspenseful tale of confinement, captivity, survival, and doing whatever it takes keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Even though these books are fiction, the author draws inspiration from actual events, which she discusses at the conclusion of the book. Check out her note at the end for information on the actual life events that inspired her.

This series is best read in order as each book builds on the previous one.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Blackbird by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes

Title: Blackbird
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #9
Location: Hart’s Ridge, Georgia
Genre: Mystery
Main Character: Taylor
Other Characters: Caleb, Allison
Stars: 5

Kay Bratt is a master storyteller; she never lets you down. I have loved this series from the very first book and Blackbird is no exception. To fully understand the characters in this series, it is recommended that you read them in order.

In the small town of Hart’s Ridge, Taylor Gray serves as the deputy sheriff. She leads a hectic life juggling her family and her career. She has a strong work ethic and doesn’t give up until she obtains the information she needs. There are moments when her personal life and her work as a deputy can get blurred. She is kind-hearted and eager to assist when she can.

In the ninth episode of the Hart’s Ridge Series, Taylor is trying to help Allison, an abused mother, and her two children escape her abusive husband. What makes this so challenging is her mother’s constant interference. A mother’s job is to protect her children and instead Allison’s mom is hindering her escape. Will Allison be able to escape her abusive ex and her mom to find the family she has always wanted?

This book continues with a story that was introduced in book eight of the series. As you may recall, Caleb works as a deputy and is a collegue of Taylors. His wife Lydia was kidnapped from a local Walmart and presumed dead even though they never found her body. After talking to a local psychic, he just feels like something is off so he continues to search for answers in his wife’s disappearance. He needs to find her one way or another even if it confirms she is really dead.

This is a very dramatic and gut-wrenching book. The reader is drawn in by the author’s ability to make the characters appear incredibly genuine and like they are a part of the narrative. I was completely engrossed by the story and was able to imagine what each character must be going through. There wasn’t as much family involvement in this book as the others, which I missed, but I was utterly captivated by both of the stories. The plot was left open for the story to continue in book ten, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2024.

The author draws inspiration for her writings from actual events, which is one of my favorite things about her. Even though it is fictionalized in the book, the author’s note at the conclusion tells you where she found inspiration for this story, so make sure to read it.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance

Starting Over by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Starting Over
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #8
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery, Romance
  • Takes Place: Hart’s Ridge GA
  • Main Character: Taylor
  • Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Sutton, Alice, Shane, Caleb, Corbin
  • Pets: Diesel along with several rescue animals
  • Stars: 5

This is another great read by Kay Bratt and the 8th book in her Hart’s Ridge Series.

We return to visit the Gray’s once more in this story about family dynamics, romance, secrets, helping where needed, balancing a busy life with family and of course, Mysteries.

A kidnapping rocks the town of Hart’s Ridge when Lydia, the wife of a local sheriff deputy, goes missing from the local Walmart. Deputy Taylor Gray along with the local Sheriffs Department and the FBI are on the case to find this missing woman. This takes Taylor away from her fiance, Sam, as he is dealing with some family struggles of his own.

Cate is struggling with her romantic life and recovering from a gunshot wound she received at the end of book #7. We meet a new character, Sutton, who has been accused of embezzlement. She moves in with Cate to help with her recovery and has secrets of her own.

Most of the book revolves around the search for Lydia and Sutton’s secret. Two great mysteries that will keep you guessing throughout the book.

I love this series. It pulls the reader in and it is a ‘can’t put down’ read. The characters are all 3-dimensional with distinct personalities. I love their strength and no matter their struggles, they always have each others backs. I recommend reading the books in order so you can get to know the Gray family fall in love with them as I have.

Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end of the book. The kidnapping in the book was based on a real life kidnapping. Parts of it were altered a bit but her inspiration came from an actual event.

Although I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have one issue with the ending. I felt like there was no closure. I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say more. This was supposed to be the last book in the Hart’s Ridge series but due to popular demand, there will be a 9th book. I am so glad we get to visit with the Gray’s one more time. I am looking forward to book 9.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Hello Goodbye by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Hello Goodbye
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #7
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Taylor, Sam, Shane
  • Other Characters: Larson, Marc, Abby, Jo, Lucy, Anna, Alice, Judith, Cecil, Jackson, Fair, Blanche, Abby, Larson
  • Pets: Diesel
  • Stars: 5

This is book 7 of the Hart’s Ridge series and I loved it, just the others. This is a great series.

The protagonist of the story is Deputy Taylor Gray. Taylor and her sisters went through foster care most of their lives. Taylor basically raised her sisters after her mother supposedly burned to death in a fire with her baby brother.In this installment there is a double homicide. The Swansons who have 3 adopted kids kids, are discovered brutally murdered. We first met this family when we Taylor called to Their home after Marc’s parents refused to let him in due to missed curfew. While Marc is the prime suspect in the homicide, he is currently in a behavior health facility. Is it possible that he may have broken out and gone and killed his parents? There are several suspects but who could have done this heinous crime? Taylor and Shane are on the case to find out who could have brutally murdered this couple and left their kids without parents.

As Taylor is dealing with a double homicide her relationship with fiance Sam could be rocky due to them finding out he may have a 12 year old daughter that he didn’t know about (we found that out at the end of the last book).

Sam is also trying help Taylor close a case that is very personal to her. She has a lead but will she finally be able to put an end to this case so she can move on with the rest of her life . And as if this isn’t enough, there is another tragedy to the story that you won’t see coming.

There are several stories going on so Taylor has her hands full. This is definitely a page turner that you will have trouble putting it down. Be ready to curl up and engross yourself in this well written mystery with twists and turns until the surprise ending.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Nobody Told Me by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Nobody Told Me
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #6
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Taylor, Lucy
  • Other Characters: Jarret, Shane, Sam, Anna, Cate
  • Pets: Dogs Diesel & Ginger along with some other Rescues at the farm
  • Stars: 5

This is book six in Kay Bratt’s Hart’s Ridge series. I have loved this series from the very beginning. I just love the Gray sisters and their family dynamic. Even though they have their problems, they are always going to stand up for each other.

In this installment, the focus is more on Taylor & Lucy. We find out more about Lucy’s troubled past which she is trying to escape. Some things are happening that Lucy is blamed for, but Shane believes something else is going on, so he investigates. Is Lucy’s past about to catch up with her!!

The small town in rocked by the news of a local teen’s disappearance, who was later found dead. It is assumed he was drinking and wandered into the lake and drowned, but could there have been foul play!! Deputy Taylor Gray is determined to find out. Lucy’s dog, Ginger, also has a bit of a starring role.

As usual, the author takes us on a fast-paced roller coaster ride to solve these mysteries with an ending I didn’t see coming. And who doesn’t love a book with dogs!! I definitely recommend this series. Even though you can read these books as a standalone, it’s better to read them in order, as the series mentions many characters, and you get to know the Gray girls. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The author usually takes her stories from real life. She explains in a note at the end of the book about the real life Jarrett and how he was the inspiration for this story in the book.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Instant Karma by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Instant Karma
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge, GA
  • Genre: Small town mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Faire, Brian, Taylor, Jo, Corbin, Della Ray
  • Other Characters: Cate, Anna, Eldon
  • Pets: Dog named Diesel and a bird named Baby
  • Stars: 5

This is the 5th book in the Hart’s Ridge Series and it does not disappoint. I loved this book from beginning to end. It kept me engaged and I just had to know how it all turned out.

Faire, a widow in the community, decides to take in a boarder because she is having financial difficulties. Brian, her new border, at first seemed like a really nice guy. Do things really look as they do? How is Faire going to handle this border? What mysteries does he possess? Will Faire lose her home?

Meanwhile, we learn more about Jo’s story. Struggling to be a single mom, Jo just wants what is best for her son. Kyle has some behavior issues, so Jo signs him up for theater. He is not thrilled, to say the least. He ends up doing the best he can and wows everyone, especially Jo. A couple of guys from Jo’s past show up in her life, so she has some decisions to make

Taylor’s family has established an animal rescue, under Cate’s leadership. Even though Taylor is less involved than the others because she is a local police deputy, the entire family is involved.

Taylor stopped seeing Sam until she could deal with some demons from her past that she is battling.

This is a story of family, love, forgiveness, community, and supporting others. It is heartwarming and there is a mystery to solve. I think you will love this book as much as I did.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Borrowed Time by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Borrowed Time
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge in the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray, Anna
  • Pets: Diesel who is shared by Taylor and Sam
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Once again, we visit Taylor Gray’s dysfunctional family. This time the focus is on Anna, whose husband has left her and has secrets of his own that will begin to unfold. We see a different side of Anna who is becoming a bit more human and relatable. She is learning how to get out from underneath a controlling husband and finding out that she really didn’t know the man she was married too.

While we are visiting Anna, Taylor has a new mystery of her own. Her friend Sissy has disappeared, and no one seems to know what happened to her. I have loved Taylor since book one of this series. She is strong and independent and when she is working on a case, she is determined to solve it. This story is no different except that it involves a close friend so it hits a little to close to home. It has become personal. This story takes a few twist and turns before we reach the climax. I did find the mystery a little too predictable, I kept waiting for another solution but it didn’t happen. Other than this I found the book to be very good.

The ending might have you a bit teary eyed. It is very emotional so have your tissues ready. If you like a whodunit and a family who, through everything, are closer than ever, then you will love this book. I recommend this entire series and I can’t wait until book #5.

Happy reading,

Fiction, Mystery

In My Life by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: In My Life
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #3
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray
  • Other Characters: Lucy, Sam, Cate, Anna, Jo, Shane
  • Pets: Diesel, Brand
  • Quote: “Make your words sweet. You may have to eat them someday.”
  • Stars: 5

Kay Bratt comes through again with the 3rd book in the Hart’s Ridge Series. I am really loving this series.

In this book, Taylor’s mother, Cate is looking for a job. Even though she has been exonerated, a felony is still on her record so she is having trouble finding someone who is willing to hire her. Taylor has an idea that the people who own the tree farm, just might give her a chance so Taylor drives her over there. When they arrive, the owner’s son, is there to greet them. As he goes back to the house, Taylor hears him yell. They find his brother has been shot to death. Then in the garage, Taylor finds Amos (the owner of the tree farm) has also been shot & killed execution style along with an employee who is also dead.

Now Taylor is dealing with a triple homicide. Who in the little town of Hart’s Ridge could have committed such a heinous crime!!

Shane’s prime suspect in the triple homicide, is the owners other son Danny. He is the one who found his brother shot so Shane’s money is on him. Taylor just can’t believe that Danny would kill his brother, his father and his best friend. There are other unlikely suspects but they continue their investigation to find a killer.

While Taylor & Shane are investigating a triple homicide, Cate finds a job at the humane shelter. She worked with dogs at the prison so this job is a perfect fit for her and she loves it.

There is a lot going on in this story. Besides the murder and Cate’s new job. Against Taylor’s advice, Lucy moves into a houseboat with her son, Cate dognaps an abused dog, & Taylor has 2 men who are interested in more than friendship with her. And could Cate possibly find love.

As will all of the author’s books, she knows how to keep the reader engaged and wanting more. I just can’t put her books down and this one is no different. Each book is even better and I am drawn into these characters.

I recommend this series to anyone who likes a good mystery with suspense, family dynamics, dogs and a little romance thrown in.

When you read this book, there is a link at the end to download a bonus story about Suki and Ian. If you remember, they are the ones that were going to take Lucy’s baby. We never really found out what happened to them after Lucy left that hotel. Read this bonus book to find out.

Leave me a comment and let me know how you liked this book.

Happy Reading!

Mystery

Lucy in the Sky by Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Lucy in the SKy
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #2
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge, New York City
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray, Lucy Gray
  • Other Characters: Cate, Ian, Sam, Jorge, Suki, Jackson, Anna, Jo, Cecil
  • Pets: Diesel (previously known as Bernard)
  • Quote: “Time is too slow for those who wait and too swift for those who fear”
  • Stars: 5

This is the second book in the Hart’s Ridge Series and I think I liked this one even better than the first. I couldn’t put it down.

In this book, we find out more about Lucy If you remember from book one, Lucy stole $1000 from Taylor’s emergency fund and disappeared. In this book, we find out that Lucy followed her dream to visit New York City and the Diesel building where John Lennon once lived.

While homeless, Lucy is mistaken as a dog walker for a rich family who lives in the Diesel building. She decides she needs a little bit of money so she pretends to be the dog walker. This leads her to meet Ian (his wife is the dogs rich, stuck up owner). After meeting Ian and being offered a job, she thinks her dream has come true since she is now living in the Diesel building. Lucy has a secret that Ian finds out about and he has agreed to help her by offering her $50,000 in return. Lucy thinks she has hit the big time and agrees to let Ian help her. But are things really as it seems. Usually if something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Lucy finds her in a predicament that she isn’t sure how to get out of. Lucy might also find love but will her involvement with Ian destroy this?

In the mean time, Taylor is in the middle of another investigation. This time it involves her family and her past. She finds out that her dad has been sending money to an inmate in a Montana prison. Imagine her shock when she finds out who. Taylor always wondered why they left Montana, now she is going to find out that answer. What she thought was her past wasn’t exactly true. We find out about the backstory of what really happened in the fire that kills her mom and baby brother. She also meets another unexpected family member. Her investigation takes her to Montana. She has asked for time off from work so she could investigate which is causing friction at her Job.

Then there is Sam, the first owner of Diesel. Taylor was determined to track down Diesel’s original owner so she could find out his backstory. She always thought that Diesel looked sad and she wants to try to find out why. Will Taylor lose Diesel to Sam? You will have to read the book to find out.

If you love a good story that includes a great mystery with unexpected twists and turns, then you are going to love Lucy in the Sky. This author really knows how to engage a reader and keep their interest. This is definitely a “can’t but down’ book.

Happy reading!

Mystery

Hart’s Ridge – Kay Bratt

Chapters & lattes
  • Title: Hart’s Ridge
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge Mystery #1
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge In the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray
  • Other Characters: Molly, Shane, Clin
  • Pets: Taylors dog named Bernard
  • Stars: 5

A young 4 year old girl walks into a gas station alone. She is dirty, her hair is a mess and she is afraid. Why is this girl alone and where is her mother? Sheriff’s deputy Taylor Gray makes it her mission to find out where this little girl came from and why is she alone. She tries to get her to talk but the only thing she says is that her name is Molly.

Hart’s Ridge is the first book in the Hart’s Ridge series and just like the author’s other books, this one does not disappoint. It takes place in a small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. It is about a strong woman working in a man’s world and working hard just to get them to take her seriously. Taylor is from a dysfunctional home and spent her life in and out of foster care. She is also the oldest of 4 girls and practically raised her sisters. When she aged out of the foster care system, she went to the police academy and now she is the only woman at the sheriff’s department among chauvinistic, misogynistic men. She has to fight tooth and nail just to get the men in the department to take her serious.

Taylor takes Molly to a foster home where she lived at one time. It is run by Della Ray and she knows Molly will be safe and loved there. Della Ray agrees to let the little girl stay with her. In the mean time Taylor goes on the hunt for Molly’s family.

Things really get complicated when the Sheriff brings someone from Taylor’s past to head up the case. What is there past and will they be able to work together to solve this mystery?

So between dealing with her dad, her sisters, especially the youngest one, the new guy heading up the case, and fighting to be a part of this case to find out what happened to Molly’s family, this story takes a lot of twists and turns. I really thought I had it figured out and I didn’t. I was surprised at the outcome of this story.

This author has done it again by giving us an emotional story with lots of twists and turns. And there is a dog. Taylor’s dog, Bernard, has a history all of his own which is very touching and may bring a tear or two. I have a soft spot for dogs so they always touch my heart. I think you will really enjoy Bernard’s backstory as Taylor unravels his mystery.

If you love really good stories in a beautiful setting like the Blue ridge mountains, a good mystery with lots of twists and turns and dogs, you will love this book. I recommend this book and I hope you will give it a try. Let me know in the comments if you read it and what you think.

Quote:
“Some people are so broken that they get mad at you for being whole”

Happy Reading!