Return to main page HERE!

Author: Emy Naso
Title - Never Forget

Only a short few months after his wife's death to cancer, Sean is forced to accept that there were parts of Grace's life that she did not share with him and could have him joining her on the other side if he's not very careful and very lucky. With a woman young enough to be his daughter, the mild mannered accountant finds himself on the run from people after Grace's secrets, people who don't mind killing to get what they want. The unlikely pair is compelled to turn into sleuths as they try to stay alive.

*** Thus starts an intriguing new series with a mismatched set of partners that complements each other perfectly. Minnie's acerbic wit is the perfect counterpoint to prevent Sean's slide into melancholy, while he has experiences and age to offer her. Perhaps there will be no romantic tension, but this couple shows how valuable friendship is as well. ***

Author: Catherine Stang
Title - Locked in His Heart

A woman's death draws together an estranged family and reveals a secret that a man has been keeping for years. It will test the love of the woman he would like to have as his own and force him to decide who is his true identity now. This is also the story of two young people facing a difficult decision that is complicated by betrayal and abuse.

*** Complicated emotional matters take center stage in this compelling, moving drama. If you enjoy Danielle Steele, there is no doubt you will not regret the time spent inside these pages. ***

Author: Danae M West
Title - Death of a Blogger(Mystery)

More than a few residents of Stranded, Idaho had good reason to want Wendy Wallace dead. The blogger had been undercutting the newspaper's revenue and spilling all the small town secrets for the entire world wide web to view. When she winds up dead, the best friend of the prime suspect finds herself transformed from artist into sleuth, and hoping she does not turn up as the next victim. Effie also has to manage her friend Molly's campaign for mayor Molly sits in jail and somehow organize the annual Pumpkin Festival. She would also greatly appreciate it if people would shut up about her toadish ex, who is one of the people on her list of potential murderers. Who "dun" it? Was it the lecherous doctor? The late mayor's wife who is trying to make the job permanent? Could it be the snide lady who runs the newspaper, or the New Agey reverend? Effie is about to learn more about her neighbors than she wants to, even without reading Wendy's blog.

**** Unlike many fun, humorous mysteries, Death of a Blogger does not go over the top creating unrealistic humor. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun read, but you don't have to suspend disbelief to imagine it taking place. Small touches make it seem plausible, and you will laugh as well. I hope this is only Effie's first case, though it sounds like she'll have plenty to keep her busy, even without playing Trixie Belden, in the future. ****

Author: D.K. Gaston
Title - Lost Hours (Mystery)

For twenty-three years, Joseph Hooks has lived with the belief that he killed his father, a man who was abusive to him and to his siblings. However, he cannot recall the event, even after spending years in an institution. Now, flashes and visions are erupting from his memory, impelling him to find out if he paid for someone else's crime and leading him into danger. More than one person wants the truth to remain shrouded in the past, and they will stop at nothing to make that happen.

*** With an urbanized Hitcockian/Christie-ish feel, the story pulls you into its drama. Twists and turns fill its pages. Although it is somewhat of a melancholy tale, if you enjoy mystery, you should find this an intriguing, though not comfortable, read. ***

Author: Mike Ryan
Title - Begin With Me

Matt Druker's life is on a downward spiral. He has lost his job, he failed to meet his girlfriend's deadline on making a commitment to her, and he has nothing on which to fall back, not even faith. Then, he wanders into a church and likes what he feels there. He knows that this parish needs help, so he decides to give them that help. Walking away from his old life, he constructs an elaborate new identity as a priest and steps in to assist the aging parish priest and his congregants. Amazingly, he is successful and as he delivers the good news to his flock, the gospel becomes a part of Matt's soul. Yet, miracles built on lies are doomed, and he has to wonder how it will end, if he can salvage the good he has done before the truth comes to light.

**** Though the language is a little too raw in spots to allow this to be technically filed as an inspirational novel, it has a great deal to inspire. Matt may not have been a priest in the fully Catholic sense, but in the priesthood of all believers, he fulfilled his role well, showing that the best way to help yourself is to do good for others. I heard a pastor not long ago say that the reason there is little good inspirational fiction is because it is too bland. I'd like to send him a copy of this. Yes, Matt's methods were flawed, but his motives were right and the results were excellent. This is a feel good read. ****

Author: Sherry Derr Wille
Title - Double M: The Parkhursts

Early in the twentieth century, Suzanna was forced to make a choice about who she would marry, and that choice shaped the lives of both herself and her family for decades to come. Though her time with Clay Parkhurst was only the first stage of her life, ending with his death, she still had many years ahead of her, years in which she would see a second world war to which she would lose family, death, disease, the Asian wars, and great happiness as well.

*** This is the story of many lives combined in a family and the multiple dramas that involve them all. There is no specific plot, per se, but a chronology of events, as would be found in a real life. If you enjoy Barbara Taylor Bradford's sweeping family epics, but are a little short on time, this might be considered the "light" version of one of those. ***

Author: Laura Marie Henion
Title - Cop's Daughter II: Lauren

A serial killer is stalking the city and now has his sights set on one of the primaries handling the case, Lauren Phelps. Although the cops know who the Co-ed Killer is, the guy seems to be unstoppable, and to the dismay of the man who has fallen in love with Lauren, is getting ever closer to her.

*** This is a straight-forward, fast-paced read that you can easily go through in one sitting. It's like reading a CSI episode, allowing you to create your own image of events in your mind. ***

Author: Laura Marie Henion
Title: Cop's Daughter: Victoria

A year after Victoria's father was killed, the murder still remains unsolved. For months, the reporter has been working on its solution, and now, her work has entered its most dangerous phase. At the risk of forever alienating her family and losing the man she truly loves, Victoria has agreed to go undercover and "romance" the lead suspect in not only her father's death, but in a series of crimes that has caught the FBI's attention. Victoria has no idea how much danger she is in, or who her enemy is.

*** Small town politics and murder make for an intriguing plot that moves rapidly. Victoria is a strong heroine who carries the story well. This works as a stand alone novel, though it is part of a series. ***

Author: Courtney E Michel
Title: Month of Sundays
(Book I Time of Tragedy / Dec. 2006)

For years, crime in a small Illinois town appears not to exist, but in fact, is simply covered over. No one wants to admit it when bad things happen, until they no longer can hide. A murder that refuses to be concealed takes place and other secrets are forced into the light of day as the cops rely on an old, psychic woman to uncover the one carrying guilt. What if the murderer feels none?

*** This is an unusual book with a startling ending. Underneath the small town facade, there is an ugly, grim side that, though downplayed, is terrible. Don't read with a faint heart. ***

Author: John William McMullen
Title: Poor Souls (Dec. 2006)

Martin Flanagan felt the call to priesthood at a young age and therefore pursued that calling, even when it was difficult. He quickly learned that the seminary was a bit more risque than he might have imagined it would be, but managed to mostly stay out of trouble, other than being annoyingly in the middle of the road on most issues. Then, the time comes for him to be assigned to a parish, where he will serve as something like a student teacher or apprentice. As luck would have it, he lands at Poor Souls, or as it is nicknamed, Lost Souls. Martin discovers it is rather aptly named. The head priest wants to be innovative, but he does tend to take things a little too far. The housekeeper rules with an iron fist, and poison if need be, and the other priests have quirks that keep life interesting. There's also a priest who is not a priest, temptation, scandal, and an exorcism to deal with over the course of his year there. Will all this make Martin reconsider his calling?

*** The best way to describe this would be as a cross between All Creatures Great and Small and an Andrew Greeley novel. There is a realism that made me double check the genre to make sure it wasn't nonfiction. You probably know the people in this novel, just wearing different faces. ***

Author: Amy Wolff Sorter
Title: Servant of the Gods

Devorah b'Shiriis a Canaanite. She is a priestess of Anat. All her life Devorah knew that she would take a major role in the Festival Rites of Baal and Anat. Yet shortly before that fateful date, Devorah began having nightmares about the Rite. She knew that Sivah, whom she had known since childhood, was to play the part of Baal and take her virginity during the Rite. But in the nightmare, Devorah foresaw her death at Sivah's hand during the Rite. Devorah had no doubt that she was going to die. Worse, she overhears her own mother telling another that Devorah's sacrifice during the Rite would be fine by her. On the eve before the Rite, Sivah tries to rape Deborah. She severely wounds him. She would have killed him if someone else had not entered at that moment.

Aryeh ben Abinoam "Ari" is a Mosesite. He is Devorah's cousin. He is destined to take over the clan upon the death of his father. However, Ari's desire is to fight on behalf of the Mosesites - The Confederation. It is Ari's entrance that kept Devorah from slaying Sivah. Ari and Devorah have been attracted to each other since they met days before. She gives herself willingly to Ari. This means she is no longer fit for the Rite. Devorah and Ari flee, only hours before dawn. Fearing that being together would lead only to their deaths at the hands of the Shechemites, Devorah left one night as Ari slept.

Gildon ben Hadriel "Gil", one of the tribes of the Ephraimites, is a simple metalworker and trader. His traveling clan found Devorah unconscious by a river. They harbored her, even knowing that she was a Canaanite. Gildon is convinced that God "Yahweh" has plans for the young woman. He is so right! Yahweh sent her the nightmares, protected her from Baal/Sivah, helped her escape and to find her way to Gil's clan. Yahweh decreed that Devorah, a former follower of the Baal's consort, shall be His proof that He is the protector, not Baal. Devorah is to be His messenger. His Laws must be upheld for survival of The Confederation, for survival of the tribes He deemed fit to bring out of Egypt, away from slavery.

This is Devorah's tale!

***** Whether you are religious or not, this powerful tale will speak to you. This novel is based on Judges, Chapter four and five in the Bible. (Mostly on Deborah's Song.) However, this is NOT a religious work. This is a work of fiction. Even knowing this, I was amazed at the emotion and power that author Amy Wolff Sorter was able to weave into the tale. No matter who you are, you will not be the same after reading this masterpiece. Outstanding!*****

Authors: Karen Wiesner & Chris Spindler
Title - Falcon's Bend Case Files
(Bk 1, The Early Years)

BUGS (Summer 1994)
Detective Pete Shasta is on his first murder case. The victim is found in an oxidation ditch, the aerators had cut him to ribbons.

BROKEN WINGS (Summer 1996)
Keith Pierce did not know he had a daughter until sixteen-year-old Quinn knocked on his door. The two go to Falcon's Bend in hopes of finding Kat, the mother. Detective Pete Shasta is pulled into the search. But someone else, Cyn, has also recently come to town in search of Kat as well.

OBESSIONS (Winter 1998)
A newborn baby is snatched from a maternity unit during a snow storm. It is up to Pete Shasta to find the baby before time runs out.

BLIND REVENGE (Fall 2000)
Pete Shasta is away on his honeymoon. Detective Danny Vincent, his partner, has to deal with this case on his own. A nineteen-year-old girl has been murdered. Her eyes were taken.

FIXATED (Summer 2001)
Risa Nitzberg is being stalked by a man she met briefly in a chat room.

***** Five mystery suspense tales that will leave you wanting more. But that is okay. Book 2 is out! Wonderfully told short stories. *****

Author: Alice Duncan
Title - Pecos Valley Diamond

This story is set in the mid-1920s. Annabelle Blue is a young lady living with her parents in Rosedale, New Mexico. Annabelle is helping out in her parent's shop when her eccentric Aunt Minnie arrives claiming that Annabelle's friend Julia, who disappeared during a school picnic six years before, is haunting her ranch. Aunt Minnie is upset because Julia's spirit is keeping her late husband's spirit from being able to communicate with her. Furthermore, Aunt Minnie insists that Annabelle come live with her for awhile and help remove Julia's ghost from her ranch. Of course, Annabelle has no idea what her aunt expect her to do about it, but she goes.

Libby Powell is Aunt Minnie's companion. Nothing Annabelle does could ever make Libby happy. Libby has a sharp tongue that she is constantly using on Annabelle. Still, Annabelle is determined to ignore the harpy until she is allowed to return to her home in town. Annabelle hate being stuck out on Aunt Minnie's isolated ranch.

Her first night at Aunt Minnie's has Annabelle waking up due to odd noises. The next morning she finds a dead stranger's corpse beside the hen house. Aunt Minnie swears it is the evil ghost's fault. But Annabelle just cannot believe a ghost would use a rock and a knife to kill someone. Annabelle turns to Phil Gunderson (a guy who is sweet on her) for help in solving the mystery.

**** An interesting mystery set during a changing era of American history. Annabelle has an active imagination which often has her ending up in very awkward situations. I sincerely hope that the future gives me more mysteries involving this unique cast of characters. ****

Author: King’s Ransom
Title - Virginia Brown (Mystery)

*** What begins as a simple canine rescue turns into something far more complicated when the woman who dog napped Harley’s father’s beloved mutt is killed and Harley begins to be threatened anonymously. Her new neighbor seems to be a likely perpetrator, he is using a false name and threatened her when she broke into his bare bones, yet high tech home. As Harley risks all to get to the bottom of the puzzle, clear her father, and hopefully stay alive, things get even stranger. Murder, jewel smuggling and romance all collide in a whacky story that will doubtlessly hold appeal for Stephanie Plum’s fans. ***

Author: Robert L. Hecker
Title - Aurora Of Fire

There is an old Innuit (Eskimo) legend about a huge monster with sharp, rending claws called a Tuurngaq. Professor Raine Devereux says he has dug one up, frozen in cryogenic life suspension, during an archaeological dig. Raine says the creature defrosted and is currently loose on the North Slopes, killing all it finds. Therefore, he is trying to stop the preliminary work on a proposed Trans-Canada pipeline.

Having been harmed by the Tuurngaq, Raine is being kept in the medical section of the pump station. The engineer of the station, Jaarl Larsson, plans to do all he can to prove to Raine, and his own work crew, that the Tuurngaq is not real. Jaarl is convinced it is nothing more than a bear doing all the recent attacks and killings. He learns that Raine has a daughter who happens to work at the Valdez Terminal of the Alaska Pipeline. He hopes to convince her to visit the pump station. Perhaps she can help convince her father to stop spreading rumors of a legend walking around and to stop his campaign against the pipeline.

Francine Devereux has not seen her father in over twenty years. She had thought he was dead. She agrees to speak with her father, not only for Jaarl's reasons, but to also find out why he left his wife and daughter all those years ago. Yet before she even reaches the secluded pump station, someone tries to kill her. Once at the station, the attempts on her life continues. Worse, it seems the Tuurngaq is real. At the pump station, Francine will learn to love and to fear!

*** A very good mystery with a touch of romance and danger to keep the pace moving along at a good clip. The character of the hero, Jaarl, is very well developed and very realistic. However, the character of the heroine, Francine, is not as well done. She starts out smart, but becomes too naive to be realistic to me, as the reader. Yet through it all, this novel held my attention until the very end. Great reading for those who love mysteries, the wilderness of Alaska, or just want a "romantic thriller"! ***

Author: G.L. Rockey
Title - Truths Of The Heart

(Professor) Dr. Rachelle Zannes is teaching a graduate course in "Moral Imagination: Communication Sciences" at Michigan State University. She marries Carl Bostich, an ex-football star turned radio sports announcer. Carl is selfish, possessive, a philander, and positive that the sun shines only for him. Rachelle is too blind to clearly see it all at first.

Seth Trudow is an art student taking Rachelle's course. He is very attracted to Rachelle and she is vulnerable. They fall in love and begin an affair.

Laura Troth is as possessive of Seth as Carl is of Rachelle. Laura often shows up at Seth's place spaced out. He is too soft hearted to kick Laura out and she uses that gentleness against him all the time. Laura seems insane and determined to ruin Rachelle's happiness.

When the worst finally happens, it is up to Rachelle to pull together her shattered life and live on.

**** Author G.L. Rockey's style of writing makes everything fast paced. There is more verbal communication than narrative paragraphs which makes reading this book seem faster than most. The take off is slow so the reader may clearly see how things stand between Rachelle and Carl. Rachelle's conscious is guilty throughout the book and the character seems more realistic due to this very human fact. Be warned that there IS gambling, rape, and other vices in this book. If this bothers you in a novel, then pass on this one. However, if it does not, you will find this story to be moving and, at times, even inspirational. ****

Author: Barri Bryan
Title - The Last Illusion

Emily and Robert Franklin had been married 25 years. Out of the blue Robert reserved a hotel room for the weekend and the two left for some time together, away from everyone and everything. Emily had been looking forward to spending time alone with her husband. But Robert had not brought Emily to the hotel for special time together. Instead, Robert announced that he wanted a divorce. There was another woman.

Larry and Kevin were grown, but they both became very bitter toward their father. Emily slowly began picking up the pieces of her life and continuing on. Kevin had become engaged to Stacy Morrison. That was how Emily met Reverend Dennis Morrison. Dennis was a widower and had twin girls. A friendship began. Emily's life got better and she got stronger. Then Robert showed back up.

**** All through the book I kept wondering what Emily would end up doing. Which man, if either, would she choose? Emily had started out rather shallow, no more than a shadow behind her husband. I found it amazing to watch Emily thrive and bloom.

Author team Barri Bryan did an excellent job in bringing Emily's world to life for me. I easily identified with her and understood her feelings, be they good or bad. They story is very realistic. I could not help but wonder what I would do if I had been in her shoes. Excellent! ****

Author: Maggie Davis
Title - Stage Door Canteen

Set in 1942 during one of the biggest wars the world has witnessed. New York was in "brown-out" mode, Frank Sinatra was new to show biz, and the sweet voices of the Andrew Sisters rode the air waves.

The Canteen mainly catered to the U.S. Servicemen. Dedicated volunteers, often including such stars as Katherine Hepburn, helped entertain the military personnel on leave before the y had to go back on duty.

Genevieve "Jenny" Rose was a theater actress. She helped out the Canteen and rehearsed for opening night. Her husband, Major Brad Rose, was in Washington, where the Pentagon was under construction. Brad was with Army Air Force Information & Special Planning Division "ISPD".

Sgt. Eugene Struhbeck was a regular at the Canteen. Jenny dreaded seeing him because he had a huge chip on his shoulder and often picked fights. However, he was a decorated hero, of Midway, and had to be tolerated. He was often drunk and ended up shooting his mouth off about sensitive issues in the Air Force. Therefore, Lt. Malcolm Sandover was sent to keep an eye on him. Eugene was in love with "Dina", who had as little to do with him as possible.

Elise Ginsberg was a volunteer junior hostess. She was Jewish and the men in her home life had her out, almost all the time, trying to get some graphic photos published. The closest she got was to Ruth McGowan of Associated Press. Many had heard about the Nazis concentration camps, but no one spoke of them.

***** So much is going on in this story that I find it impossible to list it all. Therefore, I listed many of the characters, but not all, and just a tiny bit about each.

This is an incredibly fast paced story that readers will be hard pressed to stop, even temporarily, whenever reality intrudes. It is clear that the author spent much time on researching the era. There are several areas in the story where the author injected a bit of humor to help break some of the tension.

This story is an excellent work of fiction combining facts of the war, the chaos civilians went through, and even some romance. (I kept comparing it to "The Sound of Music".) Highly recommended! *****

Author: Joan Hall Hovey
Title - Chill Waters (Romantic Suspense)

Rachael Warren had left Jenny's Cove at the age of fifteen. She never dreamed that by age forty-five she would be divorced with no job, money, or home. But when her husband began committing adultery, it was the last straw. Rachael wanted out - NOW! With the small amount of money Greg gave her for her part of their house, she returned to Jenny's Cove and purchased the small house her grandmother had once owned.

Iris Brandt was a store keeper and the first person Rachael met. Some of Iris's family members had "the Sight". Even though Iris knew she had it too, she always denied it, to herself and to others. However, she could NOT deny knowing Rachael was in danger when they met...and she felt the need to help, if she could.

Peter Gardner was Iris's nephew, and a local teacher. He was one of the few that did NOT believe Tommy, one of his students, had murdered his girlfriend - no matter what the evidence claimed. He and Rachael began seeing each other and romance began to bloom.

It soon became apparent that there was a killer on the loose. And his next target was Rachael.

**** Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will enjoy this author! Joan Hall Hovey has combined a romantic suspense with a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time as I tried to figure out what would happen next. Great story that I have no doubt you will enjoy! ****

Author: Gale Laure
Title: Evolution Of A Sad Woman, The Story Of Kizzy
(Murder Mystery)

As the story opens Kizzy is still alive. Readers get to see her murder. From there on, the question is "Why?" Kizzy's will brings together five vastly incompatible men, who are the beneficiaries.

(1) William was her guardian
(2) Tom was her first lover, a former pro-football player
(3) Jimmy was a hoodlum
(4) Evan was a cop
(5) Father C.D. was a Catholic priest

Kizzy had found something to love in each of them. Each man tells their experience/time with Kizzy in order to learn the truth of her murder. Only by pulling together can these men, so different from one another, find out the truth.

**** I never figured out the truth behind Kizzy's murder, and I like to consider myself very good at solving "who-dunnit" mysteries. The truth is shocking! I never saw it coming.

This is the debut novel of Gale Laure. Real talent shows within these pages or I would not have bothered posting a review about it. The only flaw, and it may not be a "flaw" to anyone else, is that it was necessary to tell the story through the eyes of too many people. I, personally, do not care for so many flash backs. Yet I cannot think of any other way for the author to tell this tale. Recommended for mystery lovers. ****

Author: Laurie Breton
Title: Sleeping With The Enemy

In her mid thirties, burned by love, and with two nearly grown children, Maggie Kennedy is sure that romance is over for her, and though she will not admit it, that hurts. She is on the edge of becoming a lonely old before her time woman.

Then, at her brother's wedding, she meets a handsome stranger, and just like the old song says, across a crowded room, they come together. One incredible afternoon was all it was supposed to be, but six weeks later, Maggie has a surprise that makes it so much more. She is pregnant. Fortunately, the father is easy to find, as he is the bride's brother. Chris Halvorsen immediately proposes marriage, and at first, Maggie is a bit resistant, but when she faces how difficult it is to raise teens alone, much less a baby, she capitulates, conditionally.

Despite their early passion, the marriage is off to a rocky start. Maggie is still bearing the scars of her past, ones that are opened wide when a ugly accusation comes against her husband just as they are trying to make things work. Working past the lies and facing the ugliness of long ago will either make or break them.

***** This is a beautimous book. No, that was not a typo, the Cajun word for beautiful is much more expressive. In SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, Ms. Breton enters a genre that fans of her thrillers will not be expecting, that of more women's fiction, but she will not alienate them. With even more edge than Elizabeth Berg or Jodi Picoult, she weaves words into a complex, but easily followed tapestry showing that love may not be all roses and moonlight, but is well worth the effort that it takes. Love is more than a feeling, it's the every day life and decisions that make it real. *****

Trisha FitzGerald-Petri - Title: Peggy Does A Runner

This novel is easy to give a synopsis on:

Peggy was in a rut. Her husband no longer appreciated her. He took her for granted and hung out with the guys almost every night. The daughter was grown and out of the nest. Desperate for a change of pace, Peggy gave in to an impulse to get away from it all. Unfortunately, anything that could go wrong, did.

Reviewing the novel is not so easy:

*** If you live in England, consider this a four star review instead of three. I set it at three because readers that live elsewhere may find themselves lost on the meaning of several phrases. I live in America. I had never heard of "doing a runner". Therefore, the title made no sense to me at all. There are several places I found myself flustered, trying to figure out what was going on.

Other than that, the story was very good. The plot was realistic, the characters were well developed, and the two main characters seemed to learn important lessons about marriage. I believe this tale is well worth readers to download. ***

Christine Duncan- Title: Safe Beginnings (Mystery)

SAFE BEGINNINGS is the promising start to a new cozy mystery series that I am certain fans of these books will take to heart. When the shelter at which she works is struck by arson, Kaye Berreano finds herself in the middle of the resulting investigation. The police are convinced she knows more than she is telling. They are also convinced that the once fatality of the blaze was a victim of suicide, not murder, a fact that Kaye disputes. As she has received several threatening phone calls telling her to get the women out of the shelter, she takes matters into her own hands, searching for the culprit.

Concurrently, she is facing a handful of assorted other crises. Her job is on shaky ground as a result of the tragedy, she is counseling several of the women and taking their problems into her heart, has two teenagers with all the problems that implies, and has just gone through a divorce that is still being messy. On top of all that, she is attracted to the lead detective on the case, and has discovered that their is an abused woman in her own family. She has a very full plate. Yet, somehow, Kate navigates through all of this, putting herself in jeopardy, to uncover the truth. Will she stop the killer before he strikes again and this time gets his true target?

**** There are clues that will point the reader to the villain's identity, however, there are an equal number of red herrings steering you to assorted other possibilities. You will be guessing until the very end in this challenging mystery. Though not as high on the suspense level as some books, there is plenty going on here, and you will feel nothing but sympathy for the perils of Kay. Ms. Duncan leaves the door wide open for more books, and hopefully, her new fans will not have to wait long to meet Kaye again. ****

Jeff Strand: title - Out Of Whack (Comedy Fiction)

In all the reviews I have done on books by author Jeff Strand, I have warned readers that he is one sick cookie! My opinion on him still stands! And I have become one of his growing numbers of fans!

In this warped and comical novel about the life of Seth Trexler, we witness "The First Date From H*ll And Seventeen Other Unseasonably Hot Locations" while in highschool, the making of the comedy group "Out Of Whack" while in college, and quite a few other highly memorable points in the young geek's life.

***** Once again Jeff Strand has proven that he can take ANY topic and twist it into one of the most hilarious reads of the year! Highly recommended reading! For comedy, it gets NO BETTER than this! *****

Bob Liter: title - August Is Murder (Mystery)

Nick Bancroft owned Triple A Detective Agency and hardly made enough to live on. He received a call from Kathleen Cameron, who was married to one of Central City's rich and mysterious men. Someone was trying to kill Kathleen and she dared not go to the police. She paid Nick well, ut told him almost nothing as to who wanted her dead or why. She seemed to know the answers to those questions, but for some odd reason refused to share them. Nick would have decided it was not worth the hassle, but someone had almost killed him by burning down his building. The only things Nick could call his own was one drawer from a file cabinet, the clothes on his back, an old car with no air conditioning, and a stray cat that allowed Nick to feed it and occasionally pet it.

One good thing going for Nick was that whenever he was most desperate, Lady Luck smiled upon him. Otto, who owned a bar, decided Nick would be a good roommate. About the same time his ex-girlfriend, Maggie Atley, wanted him back. She offered him her luxurious apartment, as well as, her bed. All seemed to be looking up. However, in Nick's life, things tend to look their brightest just before everything goes completely black!

**** Lots of twists and turns in this one! This main character seemed to be having either a sudden flow of great luck or a flood of awful luck. No middle ground I could tell. As for his client, nothing was as it seemed. So all you mystery buffs out there, just HOW do you figure out a case when no one, including your client, will level with you? In the words of my teenage son, "This one is a Loo - Loo!" ****

Tina Czarnota: title - Country Inn, Dead & Breakfast (Who dun-nit Mystery)

Katrina, who pigs out on junk food and vitamins, combined her money with Song's (future mother-in-law) to open their own B&B inn. However, on the first day of business one of the guests was murdered! There were many people around and any one of them could be guilty. To make matters really bad, an unscrupulous reporter and her photographer had also been present!

**** No peeking in the back! This one lets the readers test their wits, Sherlock Holmes style. All the clues are there, but it is up to you to put them together and deduce who killed Mindy Konrath, how, and why! Marvelous book! I am looking forward to this author's next mystery! ****

Lisa Gray: title - Dangerous Descent

Remy Keane was an actress in New York City until she was summoned to LA by her twin sister, Shayla. Shayla's two-year-old daughter, Heather, had somehow gotten hold of a bottle of Tylenol and was now in critical condition at the hospital. Blake, Shayla's man, was next to useless. (He made Shayla do all the work in the house, abused her, was an alcoholic, and spent all their money on drugs!) Since Remy was low on funds, her close friend, Pearse, let her live in his guesthouse, no charge. He clearly loved Remy before she went to NY and was hoping to continue their relationship.

Remy's temporary service agency found her work with multi-millionaire Dr. Lorne Ashton III. She worked at the Ashton Residence keeping his books, helping to make brochures for his horse farms and clinics, and did a bit of acting for the company on the side. Through it all, Remy hunted for her biological mother. (The sisters were adopted.) What began as a search in hopes their real mother could donate a liver for Heather, turned into a dangerous mystery.

The Guardian had arranged Heather's "accident" to force Remy's return to the City of Angels. She did not yet know it, but she belonged with him! He was her Guardian Angel. He would make Remy come to him and he would kill anyone who got in his way!

**** All the clues to the Guardian Angel's identity are within the book. It was, to me, easy to figure out. However, even knowing who Angel was never detracted from the suspense! An excellent piece of fiction that will make readers keep a sharp eye on this author's future works!

On a side note, the author's web site (link is below) is having a contest. On August 31, 2001 the author will pull several names, from those who entered via email to her, for a free copy of this book! ****

Mel Savoie: title - Pieces Of Sand

Set in Philadelphia. Seventh Street had long been known as The Seventh. Young men in suits and carrying briefcases had been disappearing on Tuesday nights. Detective Lieutenant Raymond "Ray" Innez pulled together enough circumstantial evidence to convince the boss that they had a possible serial killer. But when his partner, while playing decoy, disappears in front of several police observers, Ray ended up in cardiac arrest. One of the other patrolmen from that night, Elliott Jeroldson, took up his own investigation.

Jacob Rellison had his "throne" on the fourth floor of an abandoned shirt factory. Since birth he had been a demential paranoid. Using a stainless steel wire around the throats of Lucifer's helpers, he made the world a better place. When he needed help, the Lord sent Jacob down one of His angels (Elliott Jeroldson). He had only to show the angel that he was doing the Lord's work.

When Jeroldson disappeared, aid was called in. Sheriff's Deputy Charley Banyon was now with Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. He had been a Commander of a CIC (Counterintelligence Corp) in the military. With his selected group and some "pieces of sand" found on a sidewalk, the intelligence group set out to find a killer!

**** More is going on in the story than I told in this synopsis. Author Mel Savoie adds in a few sub-plots to keep his readers engrossed in the novel! You know right away who the killer is, but the author shows much knowledge in police and military procedures. Great reading here! ****

Jeff Strand: title - Single White Psychopath Seeks Same

Remember "Graverobbers Wanted: No Experience Necessary"? Well this book continues with the same hilarious characters, one year later. Andrew Mayhem and Roger Tanglen are in trouble again! (And the author is still just as warped!)

When Ned Markstein (a.k.a. The Headhunter) beheaded Andrew's temporary employer he was a bit worried. After all, his wife, Helen, was already mad at him for getting fired recently. (Doesn't matter that he had been kidnapped and almost killed, because he lied by omission.) But when The Headhunter went for Helen's head, well Andrew had to stop him.

Mr. Burgin came forward to ask for Andrew's help. The Headhunter had kidnapped his wife, Charlotte, months ago. Andrew and Roger were suppose to be kidnapped next and taken (along with Charlotte) to a hideout in Alaska. Once there, a group of killers planned to use all the victims they had collected during the year in games they had made up. (Example: using cannon-like devices to shoot large darts at people who are dodging.) Andrew, Roger, and Charlotte must survive games and a death trap filled haunted house, maze included, in hopes of getting themselves and the other prisoners out alive. Well, the prisoners left alive after a few of the fun-filled games.

***** Yes, Jeff Strand has created another sick book with his famous warped sense of humor! In my opinion, it is even better than the first! Every time I burst out laughing my husband would tell me to hurry up and finish it so he could read it!

It is a chaotic ride into the humorous, thrilling, and yet horrifying mind of Jeff Strand! Don't miss it! *****

Return to main page HERE!