ON THE ROCKS (formerly titled RETIRED AND ON THE ROCKS), Book 1
5 Stars! “This is an excellent start to a newest series by author Karen Wiesner. With a mixture of Nick and Nora Charles, throw in a little bit of Perry Mason and you have a page turner that will keep the reader involved in the plot right to the very end.” ~Miss Lynn's Books-N-More
5 Stars and Reviewer's Top Pick! “An excellent start to a series by Karen Wiesner, this page turner will keep readers involved right to the very end. Mystery fans won't want to miss it.” ~Readers' Favorite
5 Stars! "Compelling and real. A great read that's well-written just like the other books I've read by this talented author. The story is emotional and a page turner." ~author Diane Craver
5 Stars! “Once I saw this title, I couldn't help but think of Frank Sinatra! I liked that Sylvia was a tough woman to beat when it came to work but her commonsense about love and right and wrong took a nosedive when she needed it the most.” ~Linda's Reviews
5 Stars! "Strong start to the series! Karen's tagline is 'Creating realistic, unforgettable characters one story at a time.' And she does it well. Her characters are realistic and flawed, her stories well-plotted with numerous twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep readers turning pages as they personally get to know each of the main cast. A strong Christian thread throughout the novel suggests the belief of the author, and her main character, and is a pleasant addition to the story without causing readers to feel pressured to change their viewpoint. Although there is more than one thread to the story, the author is able to keep the novel smoothly and swiftly moving along. Emotions are often strong and used in an appropriate manner. It’s obvious to this reviewer that Ms. Wiesner takes her time to get her stories ready for public consumption. We are looking forward to the next installment in this series." ~Edie on Amazon
5 Stars! "Love suspense and clean romance." ~Amazon customer
4.5 Stars! “This is a story that presents wonderful characters, romance, mystery, and a forgiveness message in a clean, fun and engaging read. Denim is sexy, charming and handy to have around in a crisis. The mystery unfolds while Sylvia and Den engage in sharp, snappy dialogue with lots of humor that will make you smile. Underlying the romance and mystery is Sylvia’s emotional and spiritual struggle. The faith based messages are not preachy but are clear and direct as part of the characters’ life fabric. The emotions and mystery keep you pulled into the story from start to finish as you read to discover Sylvia’s secrets, how she resolves her love choices and how they solve the mystery. Ms. Wiesner has a great talent for writing real to life characters and issues with warmth and humor. If you enjoy inspirational stories, romance and mystery this is a story you won’t want to miss.” ~Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf
4 Stars! “This was a great tale. It had all the things I like in a story. Great dialogue, a mystery that I couldn't figure out, and a great leading couple. As I was reading the story, what came to mind was the TV show Hart to Hart. This story sorta had that feel to it except the lead couple are not married. I really liked how the author held the mystery a mystery until the end and then it's all laid out. I thoroughly enjoyed Denim and Sylvia. Orlando was a great guy, too. One thing I appreciated was the way that Denim and Orlando reacted to each other. Though they both had feelings for Sylvia, they behaved like grown men. This is a story that kept me turning pages and was difficult to put down. If you enjoy a clean romantic read with a great mystery, then I recommend this. Looking forward to the next.” ~Love 2 Read Novels Blog
4 Stars! “While I don't read much Christian Romance, when I do Karen Wiesner is my absolute favorite author. This story will show you why. I find this jewel to be a fulfilling story of trust and faith. Memorable!” ~Huntress Reviews
4 Kisses! “A nice, sweet mystery with a little touch of romance. It’s perfect for someone wanting a clean read. There is sexual tension between Denim and Sylvia, but they do not act upon the tension. It is a nice touch. I cannot wait to see how their romance heats up in subsequent books. I very much like Denim and Sylvia. It is fun to watch them as they work together and struggle to hide their feelings towards the other. I liked that the author made it easy for me to simply enjoy the story and its conclusion. Ms. Wiesner has written a clean, beach read that is fun. I look forward to the next installment of the series so I can revisit Denim and Sylvia.” ~Two Lips Reviews
4 Stars! "Wiesner pens both an excellent love story and mystery while bringing the Lord's words and forgiveness into the story." ~RT Book Reviews
“A strong heroine with a gut wrenching past and a devilishly charming hero solve a mystery while piecing together the puzzle of their own relationship. The byplay between Sylvia and Denim is delightful, the plot solid and interesting. A wonderful mix of faith, love, and crime solving.” ~Long and Short Romance Reviews
“Wiesner's characters are realistic and flawed, her stories well-plotted with numerous twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep readers turning pages as they personally get to know each of the main cast. It’s obvious Wiesner takes her time to get her stories ready for public consumption. We look forward to the next installment in this series.” ~BellaOnline's Mystery Books
“This story opens your heart to Den and Sylvia who both seem to be able to find the best in each other and bring that out. There are a few twists to the story including Sylvia having to choose between two men who both want the chance to love her. With a little faith and hope, Denim and Sylvia will find the road they have ahead of them will be easier together.” ~Single Titles
LOVE IS BLIND (formerly titled LOVE IS BLIND...AND IT DON’T PAY THE BILLS EITHER), Book 2
5 Hearts, Sweetheart Award Winner, and 2010 The Romance Studio CAPA Award Winner! “Wiesner has another winner on her hands that grabbed my attention from the beginning. She's quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her ability to write across genres assures readers are constantly reaching for her books. These characters are outstanding and so compelling it was easy to get involved The action was intense with another shocking ending. A beautifully written, emotional book. I'm hooked on a whole new set of characters and town.” ~The Romance Studio
5 Stars! “This book has strong Christian undertones. I truly enjoyed the story. There are several subplots to keep the reader interested. This book is just as good as, and maybe better than, the first book in the trilogy. It is easy to recommend this book." ~Readers' Favorite
5 Stars! “This is one terrific story. It'll test your wits, give you a beautiful romance blind to skin color, and leave you with a deep feeling of satisfaction. Totally fascinating and very inspirational.” ~Huntress Reviews
5 Stars! “What’s not to like when a man saves himself for the right woman? Detective Orlando Bateman loved his former partner on the police department Sylvia, but she didn’t return his feelings when he finally got up the nerve to admit the truth to her. He’s still coming to grips with the heartache when Keeya Nilsen enters his life. Keeya has mixed up lust with love time and time again, ending up hurt and betrayed. Orlando and Keeya have fought and continue to face intense, remarkable battles: personal tragedies, romantic devastation, and grappling with what it means to be a Christian in a world where it’s easier to simply conform and do what feels good. I couldn’t read this tear-jerker fast enough.” ~Linda's Reviews
5 Stars! “This is a super romantic Christian police procedural starring two people who—if they can let go of recent relationship hurts—can have a wonderful future together. With a delightful late twist, readers will appreciate the second Denim Blues Mystery.” ~Genre Go Round Reviews
5 Stars! "This is a terrific inspirational mystery that grips the audience with a character-driven storyline and a terrific opening for the Denim Blues Mysteries." ~Follow the Clue
5 Stars! "I love the story lines and the writer is gifted. I will read more of her books " ~Amazon customer
4.25 Stars! “A lovely story of renewal of faith and virtue and the sorrow of bitterness. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I enjoy this author who writes wonderfully real characters and life-like stories.” ~Reviews for Martha’s Bookshelf
4 Stars! “We met Orlando in the previous book. This story had a lot going on. We got to know Orlando much more closely in this this story and what a great guy he was. I really liked how he described to Keeya what love was. (Sigh)! I appreciated that Orlando never compromised his belief that a physical relationship was reserved for marriage. (Not that the desire wasn't there). He lived out what he said he believed. That's important! Keeya was a sweet character. I liked watching her grow and gain courage she didn't know she had. Orlando was very supportive and made a difference in her life because of it. I fell in love with Orlando's family, too! This is an inspirational read but deals with mature subject matters and so I would call it 'edgy'. There are a few swear words in the story, but I felt they were true to the characters who were saying them. I would have liked to see a little more of Den and Sylvia but they did make some cameo appearances. You could read this as a stand-alone but you get a much better understanding of the storyline if you read ON THE ROCKS first. Another great page-turner. Looking forward to the next.” ~Love 2 Read Novels Blog
4 Stars! “The second Denim Blues Mysteries tale has a strong heroine dealing with a handicap and a shy hero who must present an alpha persona. The mystery is intriguing and the characters share a warm relationship that grows into love.” ~RT Book Reviews
4 Kisses! “This second in the series was better than the first. There has been growth in Orlando, the hero, and I like how he has developed. He comes into his own. I saw a different side to him. I liked that Orlando is big and strong and protective. As the story develops, Keeya does not know who to turn to for help or who to trust. Orlando is there for her. I like Keeya. She lives her life. She takes risks that cause her pain, but she keeps getting back into living her life after each hurt. She is smart, but her world is small. Knowing that Orlando is beside her helps Keeya develop traits that have lain dormant because no one has pushed her to open herself to others as Orlando has. As the case develops, Keeya has to open her world to the huge outside world she has not dealt with often. I liked how Orlando taught her about God without being preachy about it. I thought it was appropriate that Orlando’s sexual feelings were acknowledged by himself. I felt a sexual connection between Keeya and Orlando, but I found Orlando’s explanation of why he would not act on them believable and realistic. Keeya’s “family” was a contrast and contradiction to Orlando’s. I loved the title. It’s catchy and fun. I would have picked this book up just because of the title. Denim Blues Mysteries is a good series. There are the mysteries that need solving and there is romance. If you are looking for a clean read, this is the book and this is the series for you. It’s wonderfully written and it’s nice to see the hero and heroine acknowledging God in their lives.” ~Two Lips Reviews
“Wiesner delivers another spectacular story based on faith and hope. The mystery that unfolds is compelling and keeps you guessing until the end. The way the characters have to let go of past disappointments in order to create a future has a strong, honest quality that makes the story very believable.” ~Single Titles
4 Stars! "Good combination: real characters, mystery with suspense and sweet romance. This is a lovely story of renewal of faith and virtue and the sorrow of bitterness. The mystery includes some red herrings in suspects and some evil that Keeya didn’t recognize. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense as well as learning more about the visually impaired. I especially liked the message that the freedom that God gives comes with consequences for the choices we make. I love the story lines and the writer is gifted. I will read more of her books. I enjoy this author who writes wonderfully real characters and lifelike stories. I’ll be reading the third book in this series soon." ~MSEreads on Amazon
FATE OF SOULS (formerly titled SOULS ON {B}ORING STREET), Book 3
5 Stars! “An exhilarating amateur sleuth myself. With two stunning, late twists, fans of the series will relish this terrific entry.” ~Merry Go Round Reviews
5 Stars! “I loved that Erin and Ty remained friends for so much of their lives, even when they kissed as teenagers. It can be frustrating when the examples you have of marriage (usually your parents’) mess you up so badly--as was the case with Erin and Ty, who could have otherwise been happily married as they were meant to be. A tender love story that filled my soul with goodness and love!” ~Linda’s Reviews
5 Stars! "I love this whole series. Karen Wiesner is a fantastic author. I will read more of her books." ~Amazon customer
4 1/2 Books and Book of the Week Nominee! “Ms. Wiesner has written a good, solid mystery with engaging characters that are real. You won’t have any doubt how they feel and what motivates them while rooting for their happiness.” ~Long and Short Reviews
4 Stars! “Wiesner aims to please with a mystery with a bit of danger and suspense along with a Christian romance that will give readers cause to stop and reflect. The writing style flows smoothly and has thoughtful dialogues. Ambrosia for the heart strings!” ~Huntress Reviews
4 Stars! “I fell in love with Tyler! He was so quiet in Book 2 that I wasn't sure about him, but he really comes to life in this story. His quiet strength, gentle ways and sweet words were captivating. I loved the way he handled Erin. He was so patient with her. I thought it was so neat that Erin loved to cook and be at home. She was a very loving and caring woman. I enjoyed watching Sylvia (from Book 1) and Keeya (Book 2) seek out friendship with her. It made me want to be in the group! Yes, there is a story behind the street name, but you have to read the story to find out what it is! The mystery doesn't really develop until about half-way through the story, and it keeps you guessing. There is an unexpected turn at the end that was really good! I thoroughly enjoyed this whole trilogy and I can't wait for another set of mysteries to solve with these characters!” ~Love 2 Read Novels
4 Kisses! “A quick, easy read and you come to know the characters very well. I felt I came to know Erin very well. She is not a flamboyant character. She is quietly strong and steady. She is a comfort to those in her care, whether it is her sisters or her patients and their families. Ty wants to be around her because of those qualities. Erin is not always right or perfect but she observes, reasons her feelings out, and is able to explain the what and why of her feelings and actions. Erin is also humble and can admit to being wrong and moving to right things. I wish she was my friend. Ty is strong. He is a shoulder for Erin to lean on when necessary. They complement each other very well. These are a good trio of friends now. All are supportive of each other and live their lives as proof of their Christian upbringings. Very nicely done! I rooted for all to work out for them. I liked that they were Christians who didn't preach about faith but lived it. I loved revisiting Sylvia and Denim from Book 1 as well as Orlando and Keeya from Book 2. I enjoyed the Denim Blues Mysteries and look forward to reading more of this trio’s adventures in a spin-off set of mysteries.” ~Two Lips Reviews
4 Stars! "This mystery story includes warm characters, realistic scenarios, and interesting life issues. Very engaging and moved quickly. Wiesner’s smoothly descriptive writing reveals realistic characters in real life mystery scenarios. I also enjoy the faith based messages that aren't preached but are woven into the story. The couples in the first two books in the trilogy are included in this story.” ~Reviews for Martha’s Bookshelf
4 Stars! “This story very captivating. It is a romance with some sleuthing in it. The story is clean and tasteful, and I could recommend it for young adults and up.” ~Readers' Favorite “This is a nice finale to this trilogy, which places the main focus on the relationship and romance between the heroine and hero.” ~RT Book Reviews