I very much enjoyed stepping into the 1930s with these two stories, LOWAN’S CHECKMATE, Book 1, and SHAMROCK HUNT, Book 2. I’ve always had a soft spot for detective stories depicting the early 1900s. The dialogue and the clothing and cars are just so cool!

S. E. Grosskopf has skillfully written this new series, which seems to be flying off the shelf and into ready and willing readers’ hands. With equal vigor, more of the series is being published monthly! Each story has been unique and intelligently written. I feel like I’m surrounded by 1930s towns, situations, and people that aid the story, without hindering the action or my interest with overmuch description.  S. E. Grosskopf seems to have a 6th sense for knowing when to add details or not. Well done!

These approximately 100-page stories are fast reads, styled after books written during the 1930s in length and bravado! This author doesn’t skimp on the cultural customs and difficulties that challenge the characters. The fight scenes are excellent, the characters believable, as are their situations stacked against their emotional baggage and courage.
It didn’t even bother me that one characters (you will have to read it to find out who I’m referring to), is an alien. But not a weird one. He so fits into the narrative that if he should disappear, I would throw the book across the room. I think you will like him too.

Not only is there a link for a free short story read at the bottom of this review, but there is a free prequel offered on S. E. Grosskopf’s website.

S. E. Grosskopf is a highly recommended author to keep your eye on. I just followed her on Amazon, and because of the length of this review, I’m not going to mention the character by name. But I will give a blanket, “Her characters do not disappoint.” ‘
Her novels are found on Amazon in both soft-cover and Kindle versions. I do invite you to visit her website, which is awesome! Check out our books. On that note, I wish you happy reading!
 
Find S. E. Grosskopf at:
https://segrosskopf.com/

HERE IS YOUR FREE STORY READ!
​The Storybook Journal winning story, The Messenger, June 17, 2025
​https://storybookjournal.com/the-messenger/ 

​Library board member, Carmen, stumbled to her death—or was this murder? One of her boyfriends, perhaps, or was there another reason for this nefarious deed? Would the Library’s reputation be at risk? 

Observant librarian, Ann Beckett, notices with precision important clues around and on dead bodies that the everyday person might miss. When she discovered Carmen’s body, she knew immediately that it had not been an accident. Purple-haired Luna, another library worker, stumbled on Ann finding the body, and was all in a stir over this tragedy. And she wasn’t the only one. Officer Burton has his hands full while trying to catch the murderer.    

I’m reading OVERDUE, book two of this small-town cozy murder mystery series, THE VILLAGE LIBRARY MYSTERIES, by Elizabeth Spann Craig, and enjoying the approximately 200-page adventure. I highly recommend these books, and if you enjoy small-town cozies, I’m sure this series will be perfect for your next read! 

You may find Elizabeth Spann Craig at: https://elizabethspanncraig.com/

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Cilla needed a way out of the grip of the WA German gang after she witnessed a horrific act. Hilde, her sister, was fully on board with her Nazi boyfriend, but how could she save her sister and family from such evil? She must become a Nazi spy and leave her beloved family and country to join the Allies. Only then could she fight against the evil poised to destroy everything good in her land and the countries around her. 

Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie has some strikes against his military career, and he has to work harder to clear his name. When he discovers Cilla sneaking onshore on a rocky beach near his home, he has some difficult choices to make. When British intelligence orders the woman spy to use radio messages to share false information with her German contacts, Lachlan must work with her to prevent her from betraying them.  Should she work out, the English advantage would help them win the war.

I love this story. This is the first World War II novel about the fight between the Netherlands and Scotland against Nazi Germany that I’ve read. This would make such a great movie! Well researched and written with excellence, MIDNIGHT ON THE SCOTTISH SHORE captivated me all the way through, and I’m eager to encourage others to read Sarah’s novel. I’m going to check out more of her stories!  This is a highly recommended author and novel!

You can find Sarah Sundin at: SarahSundin.com