Friday, July 15, 2016

BILLY BLOOD by Christopher Church




Want variety? This one has it all... aliens, psychic abilities, the NSA, conspiracy theories, crooked business practices, fraud... the list goes on. And we get all of this surrounded by an interesting story line. This is just a quick fun read!

PRESUMED DEAD by Jearl Rugh



There's no end to the suspects in this tale, and you'll at some point think several of them guilty. This one keeps you guessing, which makes for an interesting read. The story is continually developing, you won't lose interest. You won't be sorry you picked this one up!

Friday, July 8, 2016

KNIGHT'S CROSS by Chirstine Kling



Think "Davinci Code" at sea. I loved everything about this tale! The characters were engaging, the locations magnificent, and the adventure fun... despite the guns and violence. Pick up a copy, you won't be sorry!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

SHUTTER MAN by Richard Montanari



Take a journey into the dichotomy that is the New York Irish community, and it's inexorable ties to both New York's finest and it's unmistakable criminal elements. Irish folklore is alive and well in this dreadful tale, and the need to remove a curse. We see the makings of serial killers, as well as a couple die hard defenders of citizens rights. Near the end, when you're sure you've figured it all out... guess again. This story is not lacking in a few surprise twists!

WORD PUPPETS by Mary Robinette Kowal



I love short story collections, the variety is always welcome. This book does not disappoint, the stories take us from a legendary warrior to Mars. The last three stories, my favorites, take us to Mars and let us experience what could have been. If pressed to describe these tales in one word, it would have to be entertaining!

Friday, July 1, 2016

THE BOOK OF ASH by John A McCaffrey



Welcome to a strange new world, filled with interesting characters. Spend some time with a man, as he approaches the "Day of No Consequence". This is a day you can act out all your aggressions with no reprisals. This bizarre story is quite entertaining and a bit disturbing at times. That said, it's a very interesting read!

OLDENGLEN by Robin Mason & Michael Mason



A fun story with some life lessons thrown in for good measure. Interesting story line about the relationship of man and animal, and their relationship to the earth. This is an adventure story that shows the symbiotic relationship between man and nature in a way that draws you in. Great book for children to read, might just make them more interested in learning about the animal world!

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

THE COURT-MARTIAL OF BENEDICT ARNOLD



Being a fan of alternative history stories, I found this one an extremely interesting read. But, be forewarned this is not a standard of the genre, the ending is something different. Benedict Arnold on trial for his treachery to a fledgling nation, it's a fascinating subject and well presented. Of course we have to allow history to be twisted a bit, but it's done in a way that is utterly believable. This is now one of my favorites of the genre, pick up a copy and have a good read!

Thursday, June 23, 2016

THE LAST GREAT HALLOWEEN by Rootie Simms



What a fun read, meant for children... but aren't we all children sometimes? An entertaining story that tackles some of the hard issues for young teens. We experience boy/girl relations, trying to fit in, friendship struggles... but all works out in the end, maybe! Two lifelong friends plan the best Halloween party ever, from early in their childhood friendship, and begin preparations for the party. Then life gets in the way...

Grab a copy, the young teens in your life will enjoy it! The child in you may just find it a devilishly fun story as well!

MIRACLES AND CONUNDRUMS OF THE SECONDARY PLANETS by Jacob M. Appel



I love the writing of Mr. Appel, his short stories are always interesting to read and quite diverse. This small collection is no disappointment! This collection will delight your imagination with everything from aliens to resurrections with a stop or two in the land of despair on the way.

I look forward to my next foray into the imagination of Jacob Appel!

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

ORPHAN X by Gregg Hurwitz



I loved this tale, drama and suspense... spy type novel, but not really. This is a hard one to put down, which about says it all!

Saturday, May 21, 2016

SOUR LAKE OR, THE BEAST by Bruce McCandless



Alien creatures, vampires... monsters, that is what this story is built around. It's an interesting look at culture in Texas between the Civil War and the start of WWI as well. It's a time of invention, fear, racial tension, primitive medical procedures and adventure. This is ultimately the story of monsters and those caught in their pursuit. I would like to see this one interpreted to the silver screen.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

PLAYING WITH FIRE by Tess Gerritsen



A love story, yes, but not a romance novel. Set both in modern times, and during World War II, this story is much more. It's a tale about the power of music, compassion, death, love, intrigue to name a few.  This is at it's most basic, an excellent book!

Saturday, May 14, 2016

DEATH POEM by Richard McClements



Wow! This story packs a wallop, and provides an excellent read. That said, this tale is so depressing... in spite of the love, kindness and compassion it contains. I've read many books multiple times, and will read some many more, this is not one of those... once is sufficient. I'm so glad I picked this tome up and read it, but couldn't even begin to imagine re-reading it. It did not really start out as a page turner, but don't let that discourage you - it gets there soon enough. Grab a copy, prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster, and enjoy an excellent novel!

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

HIDE AND SEEK HER by H. B. Stumbo



As I turned each page, many different endings ran through my mind (as often happens when reading a good story). Never did my imagination take me where the author did! It's not common to be led to a different place than expected in a tale such as this, kudos to Ms. Stumbo! I'm really not into romance stories, and at it's heart this is truly a romance novel, but this was so  much more. It's really a great story, with an utterly unexpected ending.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

PATHFINDER TALES: BEYOND THE POOL OF STARS by Howard Andrew Jones



An easy, entertaining read with lots of adventure. Being based on the Pathfinder Roleplaying game, this book was a bit of a stretch in regards to my normal proclivities. The description was interesting enough to make me overlook the game ties and give it a shot, I'm glad I did. The characters are engaging, the settings unique, the creatures fantastical, the spells magical, and the story line easily draws you in. Pick up a copy and step into a world of magic, pirates, treachery and adventure!

Monday, April 25, 2016

THE WINTER GIRL by Matt Marinovich



We all enjoy stories with characters we like and/or can identify with, this is hopefully not one of those tales! If you identify with any of the individuals in this book, seek professional help. Reading this twisted macabre tale made me realize that you can also thoroughly enjoy a story filled with only despicable people. It's a quick read, because you just can't wait to see what's next. Grab a copy and take a journey into perversion!

Saturday, April 23, 2016

CORRUPTED by Lisa Scottoline



I'm an avid fan thrillers, but not so much court dramas... and this is very much the latter. However, this story is so much more! Several of the characters are not wholly likeable, they are portrayed with a history that leads us to compassion and understanding... you will care about them in the end. The outcome of this tale seems a forgone conclusion, but fasten your seatbelts it's a bumpy ride. And, remember the final destination is not set in stone! If you're a thriller fan, I highly recommend this book... and more so if you love courtroom drama!

Monday, April 18, 2016

BLACK SLENDER by Jacob H. Ramm



What a surreal dark story! This one was difficult to put down, I was drawn in from the beginning. That said, it's not an easy story to follow... everything is so alien. Don't get me wrong, it isn't set in some other world - maybe an alternate dimension? If pressed to describe this tale in 2 words they would be bizarre and intriguing!

Friday, April 15, 2016

SPLINTER THE SILENCE by Val McDermid



What price is too high to bring an excellent detective out of retirement? Revenge and a serial killer, do the two make an interesting mix? Pick up a copy of this story and find out! This is a thriller at it's finest! Do you like characters that draw you in, that you become invested in? Bonus, you get that here as well! I look forward to more Carol Jordan and Tony Hill stories!

Monday, April 11, 2016

ATARGATIS by K.J. Russell



Pick up this story, and enter a world so alien it's almost impossible to comprehend. It has the feel of ancient Rome, but is very futuristic and submerged deep within the ocean. The beings presented are no less common. However, this tale is engaging and quite easy to read over a very short span of time.  It only takes 56 pages to immerse you in a culture so foreign you will be mesmerized.

Friday, April 8, 2016

THE DROWNING by Camilla Lackberg



The ending of this book was not at all what I expected, or ever would have wanted! That said... this is a great book, it has it all. Like plot twists, more questions than answers until the end, and/or really screwed up people? Then you're in luck, it's all here!

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

NINE-TENTHS OF THE LAW by Glenn H. Mitchell



To describe this story in any way would be an injustice and give something away. This is one you just have to pick up and give a read. There's a bit of everything here, but at it's core it's about a killer. I found it difficult to put down, and relished the next twist!

Thursday, March 24, 2016

IN SPITE OF THE ODDS: A TRUE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY FROM WALK-ON TO FULL SCHOLARSHIP AT OLE MISS by Richie Contartesi



In many ways this book was reminiscent of "Rudy". Not only was it motivational, but was also extremely inspirational. You are left feeling that nothing is beyond reach, even if the deck seems stacked against you!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

WITCHES OF LYCHFORD by Paul Cornell



An idyllic English village, that just happens to anchor our world while tethering malevolent beings. This is our setting, add a few characters of varying degrees of faith. One is deeply rooted in magic, one makes a living off of magic while not really believing, and another is a Pastor whose lost her faith. Together all these elements come together for a short, but interesting, tale of good versus evil! This is a quick entertaining read!

Sunday, March 20, 2016

DARK DEEDS by Alice Sabo



A recovering addict actor, trying to make a comeback, surrounded by mischief... could be interesting! I started this book with mediocre expectations, but was pleasantly surprised! This was a very good read, all the bases were covered. We saw family intrigue, recovering addiction, current addiction, pain, violence, meth labs, we even got a strange woman showing up in a man's bed! Okay, that last one's not exactly what you're thinking, but... I really enjoyed this tale, it's worth a read!

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

ESCAPE IN TIME by Ronit Lowenstein-Malz



Speak one word, and a myriad of horror springs to mind... holocaust. Pick up a copy of this horrible wonderful tale of a family trying to merely survive one of mankind's darkest hours. Discover the many ordeals faced on a daily basis, by one Jewish family with merely the goal of waking to see another day. What a remarkable story!

Sunday, March 13, 2016

SCAR TISSUE by M. C. Domovitch



Twists and turns everywhere, and the bad guy... you might finally guess before the reveal, but it won't be until the end! How much can one person endure? Ciara has to put that to the test, and living it makes for a fascinating story. She ends up with an interesting ability, one I fervently hope will be explored in future Ciara Kelly stories!

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

DETECTIVE FICTION by William Wells



Here's a twist on the classic detective novel for you, this one has a fictional detective as one of the main characters. Okay, so I realize the book is detective fiction... but, in this case there are two detectives one a fictional character and one the detective the other is based on. We get to follow both of them to some degree. It's a fun twist and makes for an interesting tale! Pick up a copy, I'm sure you'll find this one entertaining!

Saturday, March 5, 2016

CHILLING EFFECT, AN AROOSTINE HIGGINS NOVEL by Melissa F. Miller



I loved the title character, Aroostine Higgins, she shows vulnerability while confidently serving as a federal prosecutor. We get a first hand look at Federal and Native American relations, as well as life on tribal lands. There's plenty of intrigue, mixed with the human relations, to keep any adventure seeker engaged. I look forward to reading more Aroostine Higgins novels!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

CROSSING IN TIME (BETWEEN TWO EVILS BOOK 1) by D. L. Orton



Romance novels, not really my thing. While this might be considered romance, it really isn't. This is a time travel story, about saving the earth from extinction of all mammals. It's a love story, an epic love... but it's so much more! This is a tale of love and sacrifice, of humanity and the worst of mankind, and ultimately of destruction and survival. For all of that, this book has one more thing going for it - you won't want to put it down it draws you in and demands your attention.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

WILD YEARS IN WEST BERLIN by Matthias Drawe



The early 80s, squatters and a modern walled city of West Berlin make for an interesting narrative. The characters are not exactly likeable, but just the same draw you in. Anarchy is the pervading theme throughout. Interesting? You bet, if for no other reason than a look into recent European history.

Friday, February 26, 2016

INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US, YEAR THREE VOLUME 2 by Brian Buccellato, Bruno Redondo & Mike S. Miller



Have a favorite DC comics character? Chances are they are part of this book! The epic battle between forces amassed by both Superman and Batman, facing each other, gets out of control and requires the help of yet more of your favorites to regain control. To say anything else about the story would require spoilers... something I just won't do. I will also add that the illustrations are top-notch! If you are currently a superhero fan, or a former childhood fan seeking how comics have changed, pick up a copy and give it a quick read!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

WANDERERS: RAGNAROK by Richard A. Bamberg



Are you a fan of supernatural stories? If so, this is the book for you! Plenty of battles with demons and witches/mages. Mythical creatures and even an attempt to bring about the end of mankind. Who could ask for more? The characters were engaging, and the story will draw you in. Pick up a copy, and have fun. Wonder when the next one will be out?

Friday, February 19, 2016

MOORE FIELD SCHOOL AND THE MYSTERY by Liam Moiser



This is a fun story about boarding school, the trouble you can find therein, and friendship. Just to make things a little more interesting, we get kidnapping, hauntings, camping, and a good stiff British attitude thrown in. Pick up a copy, and after your child reads this one... you might just find you like it as well!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

SECRETS OF THE SEVEN: THE EUREKA KEY by Sarah L. Thomson



Release date: April 5, 2016

Think mash-up of National Treasure and Harry Potter. This is a fun read, with lots of early American historical facts thrown in. Not only will children enjoy the story, but they'll inevitably learn something as well! Who could ask for more? The Eureka Key is a hunt for an artifact linked to Benjamin Franklin that, when combined with other artifacts, leads to a terrible weapon. Readers become part of an adventure with danger and excitement at every turn. I, for one, can't wait for the next step in this tale!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

INCIDENTS AT MOORE FIELD SCHOOL by Liam Moiser



What a fun, short, entertaining youth story. This was the second in the series, but thanks to the preface, not reading the first was not a hindrance. Mystery, kidnapping, and ghosts at an English boarding school make for a fun read. But, be forewarned, this story does end in a cliffhanger!

Saturday, February 13, 2016

THE NEW WORLD A NOVEL by Andrew Motion



Take an adventurous trek through early America, with 2 shipwrecked youths. Through this story we glimpse hardship and compassion in the lives of native Americans, as well as early settlers. We are introduced to the hardships native Americans endured, in the deserts of America, after being driven out of their homes. And, we travel across great distances as the main characters make their way through danger to first New Orleans then back to London. This is a story that will make you think about the American frontier.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

THE BLUMHOUSE BOOK OF NIGHTMARES: THE HAUNTED CITY Presented by Jason Blum


17 stories, are they things of nightmares? In many ways, absolutely, they are disturbing at the very least. I thoroughly enjoyed most of these short stories, there were only two that I found tedious to muddle my way through. With 15 good twisted nightmares, I would have to call this a very good read and recommend it as a great addition to ones library.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

GALADRIA: PETER HUDDLESTON & THE MISTS OF THE THREE LAKES by Miguel Lopez De Leon



Like the book series this offering so clearly reminds me of, I did not start with the first book. Also, like the Harry Potter books, that did not diminish my enjoyment in the least. This is a fun tale of a boy who is unaware of another world, is which he has a prominent place, who is thrust into learning and adventures. We once again have a powerful villainous foe, who seems to keep recharging and gathering allies to once again attack. It's an entertaining introduction to a whole new world.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

THE REDEEMERS by Ace Atkins



Some books just call to you, and you can't wait to turn the page. While this is a very good story, it's not a page turner. I, did however, find the characters genuinely interesting and the storylines worth exploring! This book really has it all... corruption, sex, blood, death, and even some humor! Roll Tide!!!

Thursday, January 14, 2016

THE BAZAAR OF BAD DREAMS by Stephen King



The only thing possibly better than a Stephen King book is a collection of his short stories! This collection has it all... from a car more monstrous than "Christine" to the end of the world. Mr. King, once again, does NOT disappoint! This is a must read for any fan!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

PIMP MY RICE by Nisha Katona



Never knew there was so much you could do with rice! This book has beautiful illustrations, and covers all possible times of day for rice use. I've even found a couple new favorites. Are all the recipes to my liking? Of course not, that will only happen if I write my own recipe book... but it's by all means worth investigating!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

GRENDEL'S GAME by Erik Mauritzson



Erik Mauritzson... Sweden's answer to James Patterson! What a story! A serial killer with a personal vendetta. Complex characters, twists and turns around every corner, and several suspects to keep you guessing. Of course, you'll figure it out... oh yeah, when you do - you got it all wrong! This is one you don't want to miss, if you like crime dramas at all!

Saturday, January 2, 2016

THIS IS HOW IT REALLY SOUNDS by Stuart Archer Cohen



Three men, all with the same name, as different as night and day. Three stories overlapping at times, and links between these men, makes for an interesting story. While this was an enjoyable read, it was at times a bit hard to follow as the story shift focus between each. The characters are so well developed and complex that you are drawn into their lives. Their shortcomings are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. My only criticism is a lack of closure.