Monday Mini #8 – Evil runs free without the Watchdogs – Open Meetings by Joyce T Strand

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We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

A Sioux Proverb

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PR Executive Jillian Hillcrest is having lunch with a reporter colleague when a woman enters and begs him not to print anything she’s told him because they will kill her if he does. A few days later, the reporter tells Jillian that the woman was killed in a car crash in his hometown. The police ruled her death an accident caused by driving under the influence of alcohol.

Although Jillian is busy promoting her Silicon Valley biotech company, the reporter draws her into an investigation of his hometown’s police department, located in California north of the Napa-Sonoma wine region. Coincidentally, Jillian’s neighbor Cynthia Anderson wonders about the untimely death of her policeman husband years earlier as part of the same police department. Meanwhile, Jillian’s ex-husband hovers over her to reverse the “ex” status. Unfortunately, none of them anticipates the frightening events that follow.

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MY REVIEW

Open Meetings by Joyce T Strand was inspired by real events. Mysteries and thrillers are my favorite novels and this one did not let me down. The Brown Act is a California law that requires government meetings to be Open Meetings. As we lose journalism as we knew it and investigative journalism seems to be coming obsolete, who will be the Watchdogs if the citizens are kept in the dark? The government is able to run amok, politicians becoming little more than dictators over their domains. Does any of this sound familiar to current events?

I found myself quickly getting involved with Jillian. I knew bad things were heading her way and wondered why she recklessly met them head on. My answer – who could really believe that corruption, conspiracy and danger could touch them in such a tragic and evil way. I fell in love with Chad. His humor and determination to make Jillian happy knew no bounds. He lived life to the fullest and wanted only to share it with her.

Open Meetings has all the qualities for a great mystery/thriller, with some romance thrown in for good measure. The writing was easy reading and I finished it in one sitting. The story was riveting, thought provoking and it down right pissed me off. I had to know what would become of Jillian and I am eagerly anticipating helping Jillian solve more mysteries.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I won a signed paperback of Open Meetings in a Joyce T Strand giveaway back in August of last year. She signed the book – “Enjoy helping Jillian solve her second mystery.” All I can say is, I sure did Joyce and I am looking forward to helping her solve more of them.

To get your copy of Open Meetings, or another Joyce T Strand novel, click on a cover below.

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11 thoughts on “Monday Mini #8 – Evil runs free without the Watchdogs – Open Meetings by Joyce T Strand”

  1. I love thrillers like this and like the romantic suspense elements although they aren’t something I require in this genre. I added this one to my list Sherry, wonderful review!!

    • Excellent, Kimba! Thanks for stopping in and I am happy the book caught your attention.

  2. Great review, Sherry. I love a good mystery, especially one that I can’t guess the ending to. I also love a story that brings out all of the emotions, (even if it pisses me off!)

    • They have a similar theme that pulls them together. I like when I can look at a cover and recognize the author. The book did have me pulling my hair out, but ignore that next time you see me. It will grow back. LOL Thanks Laura.

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