Customer Reviews

A Quarter for a Kiss (The Million Dollar Mysteries, Book 4)

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Charity investigator Callie Webber finally seems to be having some joy in her life. Although heartbroken by the death of her beloved husband in a boating accident, she has just started to explore a relationship with Tom Bennett, Callie's boss and the philanthropist behind the J.O.S.H.U.A. Foundation. As they are ending their vacation together in the North Carolina mountains they receive a devastating call; Eli Gold, Tom's friend and Callie's mentor, has just been shot and his last words before sliding into unconsciousness were to ask for the couple's help.

After rushing to Eli's bedside they discover that he had been tracking down a woman he had thought was dead but is apparently very much alive. Callie also learns that Eli has been hiding his own secret past, namely his history with the National Security Agency and his ties with the mysterious woman. As Tom and Callie follow the trail to the Caribbean island of St. John they find themselves involved in a complicated scheme involving art fraud, secret identities, and double-crosses. Complicating matters is that just as Callie allows herself to believe that it's possible to find two loves in a lifetime she must confront Tom's own past and whether she has enough trust left in her to believe in him.

Although labeled an inspirational Christian mystery, Quarter for a Kiss easily crosses into the mainstream thriller genre with its fascinating plot and fast pace. The action speeds up as Tom and Callie use his rock climbing skills to stage an elaborate break-in into an extensively guarded home and coordinate their investigation with federal agents. One of the most entertaining scenes is the detailed description of Callie's attempt to place bugs within the home of their suspect by using actual bug traps. Additionally, Clark so vividly paints a picture of St. John that the reader feels the breezes and sees the clear ocean. The author successfully creates great characters that are conflicted and very real, from Jodi, Eli's immature adult daughter, to Sergeant Abraham Ruhl, the St. John's police officer who is unwilling to give up his investigation to Interpol or the NAS. Of course, Clark's greatest achievement comes with Callie and Tom, who are both very engaging and slowly building a stronger relationship together. Callie's wit, investigative skills, perseverance, and faith will ensure the success of this fourth entry in the winning Million Dollar Mystery series.

Tom and Callie finally get to spend some time getting to know each other in person. Almost alone at a retreat in North Carolina, one week has stretched into three, but the real world is calling again and they must reluctantly part ways.

Just as they reach the airport, Callie gets a phone call from Stella Gold. Her husband Eli has just been shot by a sniper and is in surgery. Before loosing consciousness, he specifically asked for the two of them to come. Since Eli is such a good friend, they drop everything and rush to his bed side.

A PI, Callie wants to figure out what happened to Eli. The only clue is a warning from someone named Nadine. When Eli and Stella's condo is searched, it is further proof that someone is after him. Where might he have hidden his notes? And why did Eli request Tom's presence?

As this series has progressed, the plots have only gotten strong, and this book is no exception. It starts with a bang and keeps right on going. Every time an answer comes, it only leaves more questions. Yet Callie and Tom keep digging, getting themselves further and further in trouble. While some things seemed obvious a little early on, there are still several nice twists along the way that keep the reader guessing.

Fans of the series will be happy to learn that Tom is a very active part of this book instead of only a presence like in previous entries. In fact, we even get to learn what he does, finally. His relationship with Callie continues to grow as she continues to move on from her husband's death. In fact, one of the strong points of the series is watching Callie finally truly deal with her grief.

The writing style is still a little rough, keeping the reader a little more at bay by telling instead of showing. It's not a big problem, however, and I found myself staying up too late reading every night to see what would happen in the next chapter.

The only problem with this book is the cliffhanger ending. Even though I saw it coming (I've read the back of the next book already), it still left me wanting to pick up the next book right away. Which isn't really a bad thing at all.

With a strong plot and great characters, this Christian mystery series is wonderful entertainment.

The latest in the Million Dollar Mysteries series is, as always with this author's work, better than the last (and that was pretty good to begin with). Her characters are deepening, she has a gift for plot and structure, and she leaves you wishing she could write the next book fast enough to read as soon as you're done with this one. As Callie and her new beau (and still boss) Tom investigate the shooting of an old, dear friend, the stakes are higher than usual, the emotions are more intense and the story is propelled forward more forcefully. The secrets are many, the solutions make sense and the reader is left wanting more. Can you ask for more than that?

A Quarter for a Kiss is the fourth book in the Million Dollar Mysteries but it is only the second book of the series that I have read. I recently read book three and really enjoyed it so I decided to give this book a shot too! I was not disappointed.

In A Quarter for a Kiss Callie is vacationing with her beau Tom when their mutual friend Eli gets shot. Eli is like a father to Callie and she is devastated. Tom and Callie rush to Eli's side and when they get there they see Eli is struggling to live but he has told his wife that Tom and Callie can help figure out what happened to him. This starts an investigation that sends them to the Virgin Islands is search of Eli's shooter. Little do they know about the mystery they will unravel?

This book was quite an adventure for Callie and Tom. There are all sorts of pieces to a major puzzle that they have to put together and I was intrigued with all the little details that emerged to find out what happened to Eli. This wasn't as dangerous feeling as the last book was until you got to the last 100 pages or so. That is when the action really picked up and you were on the edge of your seat.

A Quarter for a Kiss had a lot more about Tom and Callie's relationship than the previous books, which was enjoyable. We got to learn some of the mystery surrounding Tom and we also were able to see them grow closer together and it was very touching. However, I won't spoil the ending but there is a new development that emerges that will forever affect Tom and Callie's relationship and I know I will be looking in to book five to figure out what they will do.

If you have enjoyed the previous Million Dollar Mysteries than be sure to read A Quarter for a Kiss. Great page turner, intriguing mystery and a delightful romance!!

Disclosure: I was graciously provided a free copy of this book from FIRST Wild Card Tours in exchange for my honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.

The first book in the Million Dollar Mysteries that you get to see Callie and Tom work so closely together. Clark drives the story along amongst breathtaking scenery, and mounting action. She kept me turing the pages and I finished the story in a short time. The Christianity part wasn't overbearing. I enjoyed being able to see a bit more of Tom, and can't wait to read what the next book will tell of him and Callie.

The only flaw with the series is that the story is "told" to you. I feel as if I don't get to feel and see as Callie actually does, that she is holding me slightly at bay. For a story written in FP POV, I'd like to have more of my senses involved. But it still is a good read.

A Quarter for a Kiss by Mindy Starns Clark is the fourth book in the Million Dollar Mystery series. Callie Webber and her boyfriend, Tom Bennett, are just finishing up their first vacation together and are regretting their return to the real world when she gets a terrifying phone call. Eli, her mentor and father figure, was shot by a sniper and before going unconscious gave instructions to his wife Stella to tell Callie to find his notes and that she would need Tom's help. The pair head down to the Virgin Islands in hopes of solving the mystery Eli was working in and learn who tried to kill him. Clark manages to mix just the right amount of suspense, thrills, and romance to keep the pages turning and pulses pounding. I'm not normally a big fan of romantic suspense novels, but Clark's elevates this above the standard fare. I could not put this book down! I hope I don't have to wait long for the next one.

While I read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, A Dime a Dozen, I wasn't crazy about it. Consequently, I began this book, A Quarter for a Kiss with some trepidation. In the end, all my worry was for naught! The story kicks off with a great start and, really, doesn't slow down till the end. Besides being a bit wordy in areas, from start to finish I completely enjoyed this book.

Maybe one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much more was because Tom was with Callie during this investigation. I loved watching these two interact and deal with the case. Through it all, Tom and Callie's relationship felt so...natural. Believable. They spent time together, enjoyed each other's company, often were tempted, but each time triumphed over the temptation. One point that Mindy drove home that I just loved was when Callie had to urge Tom to leave her room. They were getting tempted, and the reason she made him leave her room was because she loved him. I saw that, and silently applauded Mindy Clark. I don't think I've seen it put just that way in a book before, but it is all so true.

The plot was, once again, very intricate and complex. I kept trying to figure out "who dunnit", but once again...had a hard time doing that! In the end, I was able to deduce who one of the bad guys was before Callie and Tom. I felt so proud of myself. (lol!) There wasn't anything inappropriate in this book outside of a few kisses exchanged between Callie and Tom and an old affair that they uncovered during their investigation. Mindy doesn't go into detail in either area and keeps the whole story very clean as a whole.

I finished the book with batted breath and was so pleased at how everything came down. But then that last scene totally threw me! Way to go, Mindy Clark, ending with a cliffhanger!! Now I am going to have to get my hands on a copy of the next book as soon as possible. Tom might have a rough past, but Callie hasta forgive him--those two are so perfect for each other! If you're into mysteries, then I don't think you can go wrong by looking Mindy Clark up. Her books are sure to keep you entertained and deducing for hours, right along with Callie the sleuth!

I reviewed this book for FIRST Wild Card Tour. Special thanks to Karri for sending me a review copy. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.

Wow. To sum up how I felt after finishing 'A Quarter for a Kiss' in one word would be...Wow!

This was not the first time I've read 'A Quarter for a Kiss' (I read the entire 'Million Dollar Mysteries' series years ago), but I was still captivated by the story and read it in about one day!!! I now want to finish the series by reading 'The Buck Stops Here' again.

I loved 'A Dime a Dozen', but 'A Quarter for a Kiss' was even better! It's definitely one of my favorite books!

A 'Quarter for a Kiss' ends with such a cliff-hanger that I can hardly wait to read 'The Buck Stops Here' and continue Callie and Tom's story.

All-in-all this is definitely a book that I recommend if you enjoy a great mystery with romance and don't mind being "on-the-edge-of-your-seat"!

*I received a complimentary copy for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion.*

Although this novel is the fourth in a series, it can be read and enjoyed by itself; however, the reader might prefer to read the preceding titles as they build on one another.

Romance blossoms as Tom and Callie grow closer, but this mystery gains in suspense as pages are turned. The reader does not know for sure just who is the "bad" guy.

My one caveat is the poor editing. I offer one example of several that made me flinch. "Then you drive while I go it through again." (63) Errors like this should simply not be allowed in a published copy.

Thank you to FirstWildCard and Karri James at Harvest House Publishers for my copy.

I really enjoyed this mystery read! When Callie's dear friend Eli is shot, he tells his wife to get a hold of her. Tom and Callie had just finished there vacation in West Virginia and were headed to their respective homes when the call came. The change their plans immediately and head to Florida to be by Eli.
He is critical and no one is sure he will survive. Stella, Eli's wife, has a message for Callie that Eli had given her, just before he went unconscious.
Tom and Callie end up in in St John in the Virgin Islands, they are accompanied there by Jodi, Stella's daughter. What and adventure they are about to begin! Shootings, underwater surveillance, bombs, kidnappings, etc. This is a real spy whodunit, will keep you guess throughout, and then surprise you again.
A real wonderful page turner!

I was provided with a copy of this book by Harvest House publishers, and was not required to give a positive review.