Book Review – A Prairie Homicidal Companion
A Prairie Homicidal Companion – The Best Landon To Date!
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Brian Landon
Format: Kindle, Paperback
After the on-stage murder of aptly named “Unlucky Larry” at the Fitzgerald Theater, detective Doyle Malloy is on the case. What he finds is much more complex and personal than he would have ever imagined. Threads to his investigation point to a potential serial killer! But a killer that had been put away and died years ago by Malloy’s own father. So who could be perpetrating these new crimes? Or was the wrong person convicted years ago. Doyle must know. Unfortunately, the danger is much greater than any of his previous investigations and when his Malloy’s girlfriend is kidnapped and his friend grievously injured, Doyle wonders if he is in over his head.
Brian Landon’s private investigator “Doyle Malloy” is a wonderfully rich character and previous installments in the series feature his unique foibles and humorous way of solving murders almost by accident. As such, the mysteries themselves were the background vehicle to showcase Malloy’s unique Midwestern Pink Panther-esque style. But in “A Prairie Homicidal Companion” not only does Landon stay true to Malloy and the quirky humor he is known for, but the serial killer and solving the mystery is in itself a very compelling story. With this work, Landon has really stepped up his game and taken the Malloy mysteries to an entirely new level. If you have read previous works by Landon, you are sure to be pleased with this latest volume.
“A Prairie Homicidal Companion” is the best in the series, in this reader’s opinion. I can’t wait for the next one!
Book Review – A Dubious Plan
A Dubious Plan – Supernatural Nazi Hunting Mystery!
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Gerald Kubicki
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Off for a weekend of fun, four friends find something they never expected during an intimate tryst in Death Valley National Park – the tail of old World War II plane buried under years of blowing sand. Hoping to claim a reward, the friends soon find themselves in mortal danger as this is no ordinary plane. Rather, it is the pivotal piece of one man’s dream to bring the Nazi movement to America and while he may be long gone, his followers aren’t. This plane and the technology it could lead to could mean a change in world power, and Colton Banyon along with his partner Loni and their colleagues must find this power long before modern day Nazi’s do.
A Dubious Plan, by Gerald Kubicki, is the fifth in a series of books featuring Colton Banyon. I have not read the previous installments and while there are references made to previous characters and events, readers won’t miss a beat if this is their first Colton mystery. The plot clearly drives the story – a Nazi escapes with secret “wonder” technology at the end of the war to secretly setup up a new “beach head” in America but then both he and the plane are lost for years – I was immediately engaged. The novel has the feel of a popcorn movie as the characterization is secondary and most of the women are, for me, a little too flighty but the action keeps things moving.
Overall, a fun beach or vacation read and if you like it, there are plenty more in the series.
Note: A complimentary copy of this novel was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – Getting a Flat Belly Sucks
Getting a Flat Belly Sucks – Quick Tips and Reminders for those Battling the Bulge
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Maurice D Chuka
Format: Kindle
At the beginning of each new year, more gym memberships and exercise equipment are sold than at any other time. Why? Well, clearly most of us would like to be in better shape. But a few months into the year (sometimes weeks!) the motivation is gone – the treadmills become clothing holders and gym memberships go unused.
In “Getting a Flat Belly Sucks”, Maurice Chuka shares with readers those all too familiar excuses that will guarantee failure in the battle to loose weight and various tips to stay motivated. This is a brief book which serves best as a quick set of reminders of those keys to success many of us already know but need to be prodded to follow.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – Hollow Eyes
Hollow Eyes – A Great Chapter in the Salt Lake After Dark Series
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: J.K. Walker
Format: Kindle, Paperback
After learning of her “heritage” and the existence of other were-people similar to herself, Jasmine Bedeau frequently finds herself in the position of the local supernatural council’s all around troubleshooter. Not a position she cherishes, but what choice does a snow were-leopard have? And just when Jasmine thinks she has seen it all, the bodies start to pile up, half-eaten dead bodies. Unlike zombies who like the nice living bodies to eat, dead bodies are apparently a delicacy of ghouls. So Jasmine investigates the ghoul community and goes on the hunt to find those responsible. Unfortunately the truth behind these gruesome murders is much more frightening and powerful than anyone, even those in the council could ever imagine. Can the evil responsible even be stopped?
J.K. Walker’s – Hollow Eyes – is another installment in the Salt Lake After Dark Series. What makes this series so fun to read is the continued emersion into to the shadow world of the supernatural that the reader experiences while riding along inside Jasmine’s head. She is a great character, struggling with what she is and the “instincts” that drive her actions just beneath her conscious mind, yet she has all the same dreams and desires of a “normal” person her age. The addition of new “were-creatures” and other supernatural beings all existing in everyday Salt Lake society is wonderfully executed once again.
Walker has set up a great series and characters providing fertile ground for future additions to this rich world. For me, these books are really great guilty pleasure reads and once you start reading them be ready to settle in because you won’t want to put them down until the last page!
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – The Hunted
The Hunted (Fracture, The Secret Enemy Saga): Fantasy and Witchcraft combine in New Orleans
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Virginia McKevitt
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Her people exiled by the Patwain king, High Priestess Alexasia of the Couton race escapes with her council of sisters across the Fracture to Earth. Having enchanted the once high council to the king with her seductive prowess, Alexasia takes over Sauldron’s plans and his riches once both he and his brother Boulfor have been “managed” out of the picture. Upon discovering that Earth holds a great deal of untapped magic, specifically that found in the voodoo that permeates New Orleans, Alexasia combines with this dark force making her virtually unstoppable. But there are those who stand against her. The question is whether they will they be powerful enough to stop the evil that grows in strength each day within their adversary.
In book 2 of The Secret Enemy Saga, Virginia McKevitt, takes the story into its next chapter. The plot is interesting, but similar to the first book, what I enjoyed most was the depth of characterization and backstories of the protagonists as well as their developing relationship. While the first book focused on Kristina and Tegrin, book 2 explores Sissy and Jimmy. Both have violent pasts that they have kept from one another and both want desperately to move on from these darker days. Unfortunately, instead of moving on from them, they have to embrace their past using their skills and relationships from these days to battle the Couton. Without tapping into these, they will not survive, but in surviving will they sacrifice their future?
I do wish that the next book will further develop Kristina’s gifts – there is more there to be offered I am sure of it. Perhaps a third chapter will have her back in Patwain where her full potential may be realized.
For those who enjoyed book 1, pick up a copy of this second offering.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – The Miracle Inspector
The Miracle Inspector – A Sobering tale of Dystopian London
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Helen Smith
Format: Kindle, Paperback
On his way to the office, Lucas reflects on the silliness of some of positions employed by the ministry – The Inspector of Cats and The Inspector of Hedgerows and Grass Verges for example, and other such nonsense. Clearly there were those who wrote the constitution who had a vested interest in these areas. Of course with the restriction on women being able to travel outside of the home, there had to be some oversight hence the Office of Women’s Travel. Lucas himself, The Inspector of Miracles, had quite a busy schedule compared to most what with all the attention seekers claiming to have a bona fide miracle. Still, his life was unsettled even unfulfilled and his wife was clearly unhappy. There were rumors – rumors about places beyond London and certainly England where there was hope and opportunity for a better future and society. But thoughts like these were dangerous; those who had them would suddenly disappear or worse.
Helen Smith’s – The Miracle Inspector – is a disturbing peak into a dystopian world where the underbelly of society are those who create poetry and art that lament the lost past while stirring the insatiable hunger for change. Smith conveys in her characters a wonderful sense of realism in a world which from a distance might seem impossible, but as read feels all so believable. There are a number of small story arcs that felt left open to me which at first left me frustrated, but upon reflection I think now they add to the overall feel the novel is meant to convey. It is a world where many things are clear – the rules, the expectations, while at the same time it just does not make sense at a base almost unspoken level which drives the characters behavior. In many ways, I felt the same as a reader where not all the loose ends were neatly tied up – they aren’t supposed to be – just like the characters, there is something more there you just don’t exactly know what it is at a conscious level.
As I closed the final pages, I had mixed emotions. I wanted more and at the same time didn’t know what I expected if there was. I was definitely left with an emotional reaction that went well beyond the moments after closing the book. In this regard, I think the novel did exactly what it set out to do.
For fans of this genre, I suggest you pick up The Miracle Inspector.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – Final Passage Book 3 in The Prisoner and the Sun Series
Final Passage – Book 3 in The Prisoner and the Sun Series; the Epic Series Conclusion!
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Author: Brad Magnarella
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Years after so many had sacrificed so much to unite the Fythe and Garrott, Iliff finds life with Skye and Troll’s son Tradd to be more than he would have imagined possible. However as the years march forward, it becomes clear to Iliff that Skye is aging and soon she too will join the fallen who have gone before her and then is no way to stop it. Or is there? The Sun – his journey to the Sun, which has been distracted to so many times may be the answer. Convinced this is the only chance to save Skye as well as her fallen people, together the search the lads to find the path. But their travelings lead them unfulfilled. Both their physical journeys and reaching out to places with their awareness provide no clue until an aged traitor returns with the answer. But how can they journey to The Far Place where the fallen go, if they themselves have not fallen?
Brad Magnarella’s Final Passage is the Third and final book in the Prisoner and the Sun Trilogy. From the first book’s opening pages I was immediately hooked into this unique fantasy world. What was this journey to the Sun? What did it mean? Who was the old man Salvatore? If the journey to the Sun was so impossible yet fulfilling, how and why had he ever come back to the prison? And, for that matter, what was the prison? So many questions. Questions that drove my curiosity to continue reading and follow Illif’s quest. I will admit I feared reading the final chapters. Two concerns came to mind – the first was what if the author punted and I never got answers to these questions, the second was worse yet, what if the answers were there but were not worth the journey? Well, they answers are there and to me I was very satisfied when I finished the final pages.
The Prinsoner and the Sun is a unique series with wonderfully unique and complex characters. This is one series, I wholeheartedly enjoyed.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for an honest review.
Book Review – Sensual Scenarios
Sensual Scenarios – Three “Quickies”
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Author: Cyn
Format: Kindle
In “Sensual Scenarios”, author Cyn, provides three quick erotic interludes. For those interested in long cerebral seductions, this is not the place to find it. Cyn jumps quickly into the action providing a heart pounding flood of description – this is especially true of the first short – “Hide and Seek”.
“Dirty Dancer”, the second short, is a bit more reserved a the start as “patron” and “dancer” communicate their intentions without words leading to a endeavor both aren’t soon to forget.
The last story, “Tight Squeeze” is more complex and developed than the others throwing its unsuspecting heroine into a situation that quickly gets beyond her control yet is something see can not resist!
If you like erotica heavy on physical descriptions and actions, these shorts by Cyn are worth taking a look at.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – Bliss: A Marriage Proposal
Bliss: A Marriage Proposal – True Love Commits
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Philip D. Luing
Format: Kindle
Luing’s collection of prose and poetry to his longtime partner Stephen is a gift to readers. These intensely personal and emotional writings could have remained private, for only lovers to share, but as Luing mentions in his dedication our society continues to make the personal political. My hope is that through sharing their experiences, society may better appreciate the personal and one day remove the political.
Bliss starts with the “meet cute” between Philip and Charles Stephen. Returning from a dance concert, Philip stops in for a quick drink at a nearby bar where he unexpectedly meets a somber Charles Stephen; a close friends battle with liver cancer is the cause of Stephen’s mood. But Philip is quickly drawn to Stephen and a relationship blossoms. They move in together and as the seasons pass, their love grows. Philip’s gift is his writing and he conveys in wonderful verse their anniversaries, holidays, and everyday life. The story of remaking their entire bedroom because of the purchase of one slightly too large chair was whimsical while the poem “Wrinkle Cream” beautifully describes how life inscribes itself on Stephen’s face as Philip ponders which lines if any are his.
As the title betrays, the story culminates in a beautiful marriage proposal from Philip. Charles Stephen closes the book with his touching thoughts.
I cannot thank both of them enough for sharing their story with all of us.
Congratulations to you both.
Note: A complimentary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Book Review – Zero Point
Zero Point – Dr. No meets Indiana Jones
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Tim Fairchild
Format: Kindle
Off the coast of New Guinea, Josh Turner and his archeology interns are celebrating the end of their three month excursion when what looks like a meteor lights a fire in the sky. A subsequent explosion and shock wave cause a killer wave to rush up on their small vessel crushing it like a toy. Only Josh and one intern survive what both believe at the time to be Mother Nature’s wrath. Months later, in the Canary Islands, Josh, his father, and their team learn that the killer event was not an accident. That a shadow organization has put in place a plan so evil and destructive that the world will never be the same. Unfortunately, there is no time to get help as the next event is imminent. Can Josh and his friends stop it in time?
Zero Point, by Tim Fairchild, starts with a heart pounding catastrophe which quickly draws the reader in. Complete with James Bond-esque evil bad guys with their elaborate hideouts and plans for world domination and Indiana Jones type adventure, the story resembles a summer popcorn blockbuster. However, I did wonder at times why the evil plans had to be so complex when the bad guys already had such resources and technology like Zero Point energy which would have allowed them to take over the world economy all on its own. But again like a bond movie, one has to accept the premise and hang on for the ride. To this end, Zero Point fits the bill well.
Overall, Fairchild’s Zero Point is a fast, fun read.
Note: A complimentary copy of this novel was provided in return for a review.
