What Readers are Saying

Pechey’s Ponderings.com

Here is an excerpt from Matt Pechey’s advanced copy review of the Heart of a Runaway Girl:

“There is depth and an addictive plot that will keep the reader hooked as they try to push through to see who the real killer is in what is being called the first in a new series… The writing is strong, the ideas clear, and the narrative crisp, making this the perfect debut to captivate the attention of the curious reader. I’ve already signed up to receive more information about future publications and I suspect others will follow suit once they get their hands on this one!…I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for Mabel and your fans!” ***** 5/5 Stars (on NetGalley)

If you want to read Matt’s full review of the Heart of a Runaway Girl, visit Goodreads, Pechey Ponderings Blog, and Mysteryandsuspense.com

Bonkers for the Books.com

“A fantastic… start of a new mystery series featuring diner/motel owner Mabel Davison. I devoured this tale, and Mabel is one of my favorite characters I’ve read in a long time. She’s a tough cookie and an extremely hard worker who provides for her children and niece.This is not a cozy mystery, but it’s also not too heavy. Debut author Trevor Wiltzen does a phenomenal job of balancing Mabel and her investigative shenanigans (some of them are funny, all of them are pretty clever) and the very real issue of racism, which is obviously still prevalent today.” ***** 4.5/5

Visit Bonkers for The Books or Michael’s Goodreads account for the full review

NetGalley Reviewer Comments

"Heart of a Runaway Girl (Mabel Davison, #1) by debut author Trevor Wiltzen is the first book in a new series. Mabel's star shines bright as penned by Wiltzen. The character development of the Blue River residents is superb. Mabel's "coffee, pie and hospitality" will handily nurture those in need and aid in future mysteries.” ***** 5/5 Stars

“Mabel is a woman of principle, and with her on the case, you can be sure that she’ll fight for justice, regardless of the colour of one’s skin. All in all an enjoyable and engaging read.” **** 4/5 Stars

“I so very much enjoyed this debut mystery! Mabel was such a firecracker powerful mama on a mission and this book had just enough mystery to keep you hanging on and wanting more. Mabel is a single mom raising two boys and her niece on her on her own, all while running a diner/motel. Mabel meets a young couple in her diner and ends up in a murder mystery and her instinct is on FIRE! I love the family aspect of the book, the small town aspect, how he subtly covered racial injustice but didn't flood the book with it. This book was a solid debut and I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. The author's website shows that this book is the first of a series and I cannot wait to continue.” **** 4/5 Stars

Petite Mélanie.com

"A character-driven mystery novel set in a 1980s small-town, Heart of a Runaway Girl tackles present-day issues and taboos, while taking us on the stressful and chilling hunt for the real killer."

To read Petite Mélanie’s full review, visit her www.petitemélanie.com

The Long Hot Spell.com

“The main character, Mabel Davison, is the star of this novel. She's a down-to-earth single mum and a waitress. She owns the diner and an attached motel, but she isn't rolling in money. Mabel works hard and long and tries to raise her kids right. But if anyone lives the expression' heart of gold' it's Mabel. Caring for others is a huge part of her character. So when there's a murder in the town of Blue River… this first book earned every star.” **** 4/5 Stars

To read the Long Hot Spell’s full review, visit her www.thelonghotspell.com

Goodreads Reviews

“I could easily imagine all of these people on a screen, I could see the bustling diner, and the gorgeous scenery, and I could see how it all played out in my head. I wonder if Trevor Wiltzen has ever thought of developing his Blue River world into a screenplay? It would work really well as a TV series in my opinion!… Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!”

Visit Goodreads for the full review