Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Night is the Hunter by Steven Gore---A Review






SYNOPSIS:

They call it pulling the trigger.

Not by a killer in the night, but by a judge on the bench.


Twenty years ago, Judge Ray McMullin proved to the people of San Francisco that he could pull that trigger by sentencing Israel Dominguez to death for a gangland murder. But it meant suppressing his own doubts about whether the punishment really did fit the crime.


Now, as the execution date nears, the conscience-wracked judge confesses his unease to former homicide detective Harlan Donnally on a riverbank in far Northern California. And after immersing himself in the Norteno and Sureno gang wars, which left trails of bullets and blood crisscrossing the state, and in the betrayals of both cops and crooks alike, Donnally is forced to question not only whether the penalty was undeserved but the conviction itself.


Soon those doubts and questions double back, for in the aging judge's panic, in his lapses of memory and his confusions, Donnally begins to wonder whether he's chasing the facts of the case or just phantoms of a failing mind. But there's no turning back, for the edge of night is fast closing in on Dominguez, on McMullin, and on Donnally himself.



FROM MY MIND'S EYE:


In every situation in life, there is the good, the bad and the ugly.   Cliche' but so true.  Steven Gore is a master storyteller dealing with all three.  His characters come to life on the page.  They are realistic, dimensional, and suffer all the mental frailties humans are plagued with.

Gore masters a thought provoking and investigative suspense tale as he weaves in and out of the lives of his characters.   His story is revealed one nuance at a time, thoughtfully, well plotted and flows smoothly.   This novel also explored an aging mind as a sub story and was well delivered.

I recommend it to all who enjoy mystery suspense and love accompanying the Harlan Donnally's of the world as they figure out the who and why dun its.    Very enjoyable read.

I rated this a 4 wink read.

 Steven Gore:

Steven Gore is the author of the Graham Gage thrillers and a former private investigator in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been honored for his investigative achievements, has been featured on 60 Minutes, and has lectured to attorney and investigator organizations on subjects ranging from police misconduct to the design of investigative databases.





Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, February 23, 2015

A Ghostly Undertaking by Tonya Kappes--A Review





SYNOPSIS:

Another day. Another funeral. Another ghost. Another average day in the life of young funeral home director, Emma Lee Raines. After a perilous run-in with a plastic Santa Claus, Emma Lee, co-owner of Eternal Slumber Funeral Home in Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky, sees the ghost of town gossip Ruthie Sue Payne, who is proving to be a real pain, more so in death than while living. Recently deceased, Ruthie reveals to Emma Lee that her demise wasn't caused by accidentally falling down the steps at the Sleepy Hollow Inn as everyone believes—she was pushed...murdered. In order for the ghost to cross over—and for Emma Lee to be rid of Ruthie for good—she must find a desperate killer...or risk being haunted forever.

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

What a fun read!   This was mystery, paranormal and romance all rolled into one delightful book!   And all of it came with a strong southern flair.

Kappes created a really quirky heroine in Emma Lee Raines, who of all things was a funeral home director, (the family business).   Complicating the life and times of Emma Lee was a whole small southern town full of gossipy characters, including the ghost of Ruthie Sue Payne, a recent resident of the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home.  Emma Lee's life took a turn into the unnatural when she realized she could see and hear Ruthie Sue's pleas for help in crossing over to the bright beyond.   The gossipy town labeled Emma Lee a looney tune with the exception of our leading man, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, who actually believed in  Emma Lee's unnatural ability.

The story was fast moving with lots of suspects, twists and turns. And although in hindsight, I should have guessed the villain, I sure didn't and that was an enjoyable surprise to me.   It's a light hearted and fun read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of paranormal with their mystery!

I rated this a five wink read.


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.


Monday, February 16, 2015

Night Terror by Stacy Green--A Review





Hey Hey Hey!    This truly is just a review of Stacy Green's Night Terror...a Cage Foster novella.   

Let me Give you my version of the synopsis.  



Cage Foster is a detective with the Roselea Sheriff's Department.   He and his girlfriend are expecting their first child.   Recent town stats show a murder/rape and vicious rape where the victim was revived.   To make matters worse than they already were, the location of Roselea is in Mississippi where racial tensions run high.   The murdered victim is a black woman and the second victim is white.   The case of the murdered victim is stalled and being handled by a bigoted white detective with the police department and the second case is just opened through the Sheriff's Office.   See how this could set a town up for an explosive situation?


FROM MY MIND'S EYE: 

I have taken a shine to our hero, Cage Foster.   He seems to be pretty ready for racial prejudice to take a hike out of his town and into oblivion....couldn't we all use that!  He uses his instincts as a trained cop and listens to his gut feelings.   He is the kind of cop we'd love to have on our side when it comes to a serious accusation.

Of course, novellas are short, read fast and cut directly to the chase.   This was no different.   It was very well plotted, flowed smoothly and provided a nice tidy mystery with all the key elements necessary to bring satisfaction to the reader.  My natural mystery solving abilities had pretty much established the "who dun it" in this story, but it was an enjoyable read, nonetheless!

I would highly recommend this to mystery buffs everywhere.   I rated this a 4 Wink read!





Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.













Friday, February 13, 2015

A Killing at the Creek by Nancy Allen--A Review






SYNOPSIS:

Prosecutor Elsie Arnold loves her small-town home in the Ozark hills, but she’s been waiting for a murder to come along and make her career. So when a body is found under a bridge, throat cut, Elsie jumps at the chance to work on the case, even if it’s alongside the brash new chief assistant, Chuck Harris—and her latest flame, Detective Bob Ashlock.

But when the investigation reveals that the deceased woman was driving a school bus, and the police locate the vehicle, its interior covered in blood, the occupant and only suspect is a fifteen-year-old boy. Elsie’s in for more than she bargained for.

Win or lose, this case will haunt her. No one has successfully prosecuted a juvenile for first-degree murder in McCown County. If she loses, it’s her career on the line and a chilling homicide unresolved; if she wins, a boy’s liberty will be taken from him before he reaches his sixteenth birthday.


ABOUT NANCY ALLEN:


Nancy Allen practiced law for 15 years as Assistant Missouri Attorney General and Assistant Prosecutor in her native Ozarks. She has tried over 30 jury trials, including murder and sexual offenses, and is now a law instructor at Missouri State University. Her first novel,The Code of the Hills, was published by HarperCollins in 2014. AKilling at the Creek, the second book in the Ozarks mystery series, will be released on February 17, 2015

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

I am so stoked after reading A Killing at the Creek by Nancy Allen.   I have added her to my favorite author list!

I love a good mystery and Nancy Allen is an awesome storyteller.   Throughout 
the story I questioned the guilt or innocence of the fifteen year old alleged killer.
The story is fast paced with lots of personality clashes and internal power struggles.    The characters were well developed and fleshed out.    I love when a story includes a character or two you love to hate and Nancy Allen certainly was able to create those easily enough.

The story was well plotted and tied together smoothly at a surprise ending.   I was captivated from beginning to end and found it hard to tear myself away from the book.

I rated this a 5 Wink read!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Light of Lorelei by Jen Minkman--A Review





SYNOPSIS:

There is no light without shadow,
no truth without sacrifice,
and no way to keep us all from harm.


Aska wants more out of life than being a temple girl in the St. Brandan Convent of Brandaris. Her life-long service to the Baeles-Weards is the only reason she wasn’t killed immediately after birth – she is atoning for the sins of her parents. Her Anglian mother and Skylger father were never supposed to love each other and have children, and Aska is reminded of her low status and illegitimacy by her fellow temple girls every day.

But then she meets Tjalling, a young, mysterious, and charming Skylger fisherman who doesn’t seem to care that he is not supposed to befriend her. Soon after they meet, the island falls prey to the largest Siren attack in the history of Skylge and Aska is beginning to doubt the wisdom of the priests. If the Light in the Tower really keeps the people from harm, why are the Shriekers taking more and more lives each day?

Adding to her inner turmoil is a secret meeting with Royce and Enna, who want to recruit her into their resistance movement, an unexpected confession from her best friend Melinda, and Aska’s realization that she likes Tjalling a bit too much for her own good.

Soon, she is going down a road there is no turning back from, forcing her to make choices that shake the foundations of her world.
For Aska, there is only one true choice – to bring the truth to light.


FROM MY MIND'S EYE:


Although this was a shorter read than I usually enjoy, Light of Lorelei was a captivating and charming paranormal fantasy read.   It was the second in Jen Minkman's  Tales of Skylge series.

I soon became enthralled with the character of Aska as she was reminiscent of a cross between Cinderella and Joan of Arc.  She had an innate sense of right and wrong and the disparaging differences between the classes that dwellt on their island.   Not only did she want the truth about her birthright, she wanted the truth about the humans and the sirens and why there was such hostility between the two.

Previously in Sound of Sirens we saw a relationship between Skylge and Anglian develop between Royce and Enna and in Light of Lorelei, the bonds of friendship stretch even further between Aska and Tjalling who has secrets of his own to protect.   But the four bond together to find and release the truth at great risk to themselves.

I am anxious for the next book in the series to see what erupts on this island so separated from the mainland.   And I applaud Jen Minkman for her thoughtful creativity and skillful journey through the class systems of society.

I rated Light of Lorelei a 4 wink read.



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, February 9, 2015

Wandering in Exile by Peter Murphy--A Review

Publication Date: January 13, 2015 

Number of Pages: 346 

Purchase Links: Amazon - Barnes and Noble -iBooks - 



SYNOPSIS:

Danny Boyle was hoping for a fresh start in Canada. With the help of his uncle Martin, he'd soon found a job and a regular gig with a bar band. And when his sweetheart, Deirdre, joined him, Danny seemed set for life.

But Fate wasn’t done with Danny, and when his uncle was stricken with AIDS, Deirdre did the only thing she could think of to save him from the darkness - she got pregnant. Rising to the occasion, Danny became a father with enthusiasm.

With the arrival of their second child, though, mortgages, day-care, and the press of the day took their toll on the young couple. Battling the voice in his head that told him he wasn't suited for this role, Danny found an ally in the bottle. Soon, drinking became the only thing that made sense to him.

Deirdre, however, refused to give up without a fight. If she could only get Danny to join her, they might even win.

The sequel to Born & BredWandering in Exile is the second novel in theLife & Times Trilogy, a cycle of novels that charts the course of one star-crossed life. Filled with poetic prose and brimming with poignant observation, it is a work of uncommon depth and resonance.


MEET THE AUTHOR:





Peter Murphy was born in Killarney where he spent his first three years before his family was deported to Dublin, the Strumpet City.
Growing up in the verdant braes of Templeogue, Peter was schooled by the De La Salle brothers in Churchtown where he played rugby for ‘The Wine and Gold’. He also played football (soccer) in secret!
After that, he graduated and studied the Humanities in Grogan’s under the guidance of Scot’s corner and the bar staff; Paddy, Tommy and Sean.
Murphy financed his education by working summers on the buildings sites of London in such places as Cricklewood, Camden Town and Kilburn.
Murphy also tramped the roads of Europe playing music and living without a care in the world.
But his move to Canada changed all of that. He only came over for a while – thirty years ago.
He took a day job and played music in the bars at night until the demands of family life intervened.
Having raised his children and packed them off to University, Murphy answered the long ignored internal voice and began to write.
He has no plans to make plans for the future and is happy to let things unfold as they do anyway.

FROM MY MIND"S EYE:


Wandering in Exile is the second book in the Life and Times trilogy.   The three novels cover the life of the main character and history making events that affected his life and growth.    When I finished Wandering in Exile, I had many confused thoughts and questions.   I believe I should have read the first novel, Born & Bred and I certainly intend to.


Wandering in Exile was aptly titled.  The main character, Danny Boyle, was certainly in exile,even if it could have resulted from his own creation.   All of us wander in exile from time to time or feel like it and for some it is a matter of permanence.    The book addresses the subjects of alcoholism and substance abuse, trying to do better and having to crash rock bottom and climb your way back up again.


There were many characters throughout the book going through their own exiles and telling their stories, which was somewhat confusing as well as the chapters where Antho and Martin conversed about their "overseeing" positions from the other side.

The book was certainly thought provoking.   My best suggestion to future readers though is to start with book one and read the entire trilogy in order to have the best understanding of who the different characters are and their purposes.  I believe I wouldn't have been as confused, had I read book one initially.

That being said, I did enjoy the storytelling and I found that the author stirred a multitude of emotions with his tale.   I rated this a four wink read. 


                                                    


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Dead Wrong by Stacy Green--A Review








SYNOPSIS:

A nightmare begins for Cage Foster when a woman is found dead in Adams County’s historical cemetery. The main suspect is Cage’s mother, whose advancing Alzheimer’s may have caused her to lose control and cause a terrible accident. 

As Cage tries to figure out exactly what happened in the old graveyard, trace evidence against his mother mounts. But Cage doesn’t trust the victim’s husband and is determined to prove his mother was in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

The county attorney is under pressure to close the case during the all important tourist season, and time is running out. With the help of medical examiner Summer Jordan, Cage casts his net and prays he can catch the real killer. Will Cage uncover the truth proving his mother’s innocence before it’s too late? Or is Cage dead wrong? 

Full of twists and turns, Dead Wrong is an exciting small town mystery featuring police hero Cage Foster. 



FROM MY MIND'S EYE:


Dead Wrong is a short novella that reads like a full length novel.   It is well plotted and executed by one of my favorite authors, Stacy Green.   I was leary because I like a book I can sink my teeth into and stay with for a while, but this story had the feel of the real deal.


The angst of the main character came through loud and clear as he reacted to his mother's illness, his father's pain and the murder scene which totally implicated his dear mother's involvement.   There is much to be said for a seasoned cop's gut instincts.


Many times when I read a novella, I feel the ending is rushed, but not in this case.   The story flowed smoothly straight to the end and was a very enjoyable read.

I rated this a 5 Wink read!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Shifters Hope by Laura Hawks--A Review





Sponsored by:  Forget the Housework, I'm reading

SPIRIT WALKERS SAGA: BOOK ONE... SHIFTER'S HOPE

           


SYNOPSIS:

Shy and timid Hope Landers is praying not to be discovered as she runs from an abusive relationship. She doesn’t realize the man who is about to enter her life keeps a secret far worse than she can imagine. This secret will dispel every belief she has ever held and could ultimately end her life.

Raven Stillwater, an Ojibwa Native condemned to death by his tribe, has remained close to his ancestral home. Trying against all odds that he will find a way to clear his name and thereby lift his sentence. Then he sees Hope and realizes he has an opportunity to correct a mistake he made years ago by letting her walk away. He would follow her anywhere even if it means leaving the protection of the only home he has known for centuries. However in order to be with her, this woman who has occupied his every waking thought and dreams, he will have put her directly into the cross hairs of his tribe eliminating not only himself but Hope as well. Can they survive the secret the tribe will kill to protect?

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

Laura Hawks has a simplistic style of writing and she can certainly write a great story.   Shifters Hope was the first I had read of her work, but I hope I have the time to follow the Spirit Walkers Saga through to the end.

I found her characters to be believable and realistic and the plot well planned.   The story was truly interesting and I had some difficulty tearing myself away for other activities.  The only problem I had with the writing was the sexually explicit scenes....way too front and center for my liking.

Overall though I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it for those who love paranormal and Indian lore.  Due to the language and sexual content, this read should be off limits to younger teens and children.

I rated this a 4 Wink read.




Laura Hawks...Paranormal Romance Author:

Laura  Hawks has always been interested in writing in some form or other.   A few years back, she was involved with and then ran a Star Trek Interactive Writing Group which was successful for a number of years. Yes, she is a trekker and proud of it.
She has directed tours around the country and continues to do so to pay the bills.  Maybe one day, she can travel for fun and let the books she writes pay the bills instead. She can only hope.
Then a few years back, she received her Master’s Degree in Ancient Civilizations, Native American History and United States History.

It was at this time she got involved in role playing on FaceBook, which gave her ample opportunities to grow and hone her writing ability.
Taking the leap forward, she decided to try her hand at writing a novel.  That novel is entitled Demon’s Kiss.
Shortly after, she was published as part of an anthology called Fairly Freaky Fairytales. Her contribution is entitled Snow White and the Seven Cannibals.
A sequel to Demon’s Kiss, entitled Demon’s Dream is now on sale. The third and final portion of the Demon Saga will be out in the near future. 
She has just published the first book in a new series.. . entitled the Spirit Walkers Saga. The first book in that series is entitled Shifter's Hope. It is now available. 
She is currently working on a Confederate Ghost Story as well as a couple of other projects for soon to be released novels, including a new series that utilizes Native American history and mythos incorporated into her paranormal world.  She also submitted a screenplay for a Horror Movie with hopes they will start filming soon.    The Movie will be entitled the Vengeance Tree.
Author's Website:   http://laurahawks.webs.com



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.