Book & Java

Deadly Appraisal

2009-12-14T17:41:00.001-05:00

Deadly Appraisal
by Jane Cleland

Deadly Appraisal is the second in the series by Jane K. Cleland that features the amateur sleuth Josie Prescott.

Josie runs an antique consignment shopl, and is quickly becoming known in the community. This offers up an opportunity to exploit her expertise when Maisy Gaylor of the Portsmouth Women’s Guild asks Josie to sponsor a charity dinner and antique auction. While anxiously awaiting for Maisy Gaylor to name the winner she ends up dead, someone has poisoned her wine. Who would want to kill Maisy? Or was the poisoned wine even intended for Maisy or someone else? Perhaps it was intended for Josie, and if so, Why?

Deadly Appraisal is a murder mystery that will have you guessing who the killer is until the end. The author has a gift for her genre and is to be applauded. Her characters are well defined and believable. This is a series that everyone will enjoy and is great entertainment.

The Dark Tide

2009-12-14T17:39:00.002-05:00

The Dark Tide
by Andrew Gross
ISBN: 9780061143427
William Morrow
An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
Reviewed by Terry South, Quality Book Reviews

The Dark Tide is Andrew Gross’ second solo novel which is due to go on sale on 3/18/08.

Andrew Gross delivers an ingenious and intricately layered plot, while still creating convincing personal journeys for his characters. The Dark Tide delivers a tantalizing and intriguing story packed with shocking twists that will keep you guessing and begging for more. Gross is a master storyteller and demands attention.

The Dark Tide is a riveting, mind blowing story full of twist and turns. The author draws the reader in and I found myself trying to piece the puzzling story together through to the very end. A true page turner, I was unable to put this one down as it demands to be finished.

** Warning ** Do not continue reading as the following review contains spoilers.

The Dark Tide takes place in Greenwich, Conneticut among the wealthy. It begins with the Friedman family which consists of Charles, Karen and their two children Samantha and Alex. The Friedman’s lives are about to become explosive with the unfolding of the story. Literally there is an explosion at Grand Central Station where Charles Friedman is presumed dead, however, Karen holds out hope; thinking Charlie can come out of this like he does with everything else in life. Karen brings herself to finally watch the documentary one year after the explosion of Grand Central Station. What she finds is astounding, heart stopping and she finds herself watching the same frame over and over. Is her husband really alive? Did he survive, or is it her imagination playing tricks on her?

Karen finds herself searching for the truth and what she finds is $250 million worth of heartache; she is thrown into a whirlwind of international scams, losses of funds, lies, conspiracy and murder.

Karen’s life is turned upside down and she is drawn into the shock of her life, she seeks help from the Greenwich detective Ty Hauck. As the story futher unfolds I found myself hoping that Karen and Ty become involved in more than just the search for Charlie. Andrew Gross takes the characters across the Caribbean with beautiful detail, with the warmth of the sun, the beautiful waters, and the many islands through his vivid details.

The characters are finely tuned, compelling and memorable and you will find yourself caught up within the lives of the characters, I found myself in Karen’s shoes throughout the story. I could feel what she was feeling, Andrew Gross has developed such great characters that you feel as if you are in the shoes of the main character who I felt was the telling the story (Karen Friedman).

Karen through the help of Ty finds that her husband is indeed alive and feels cheated, and is consumed with the question of Why? Has the last eighteen years of her life with her husband Charles been a lie? What was he doing? Why did he lie, could he not trust her with the truth? Was there another woman? Why disappear and let her and and the children believe he was dead? She was determined to find him and find out for herself.

The Dark Tide is explosive action, intriguing, compelling and suspenseful thriller packed with enticing twists and turns to keep you on the edge. The author has created a powerful thriller that tantalizes with a sense of suspense and a steady flow of action. Gross has done a fantastic job in creating a story that is thought provoking and wraps everthing up effortlessly.

If you are in the market for an explosive read that will leave you thinking and talking for days after reading THIS IS IT!

It has been a great pleasure to be able to read and provide a review and I look forward to all of Andrew Gross’ future publications.

The ARC contained some typographical errors which should not be within the pages of the final published copy.

Strong language was used throughout for those that maybe offended. But please do not allow this to deter you, THIS IS AN EXPLOSIVE READ!!!

Andrew Gross web pages:
www.AndrewGrossBooks.com

www.myspace.com/andrewgrossbooks

I wanted to thank Harper Collins for the ARC of “The Dark Tide” by Andrew Gross, it has been a great pleasure reading such an explosive read. I cannot convey how much I enjoyed reading this, I think Andrew Gross has out done himself with this one and has set such a high standard and I truly love his work.

I have already spread the word through family, friends and co-workers and they are ready to hit the stores on 3/18/08.

The cover is also an attention getter as everyone has asked is the jacket designed that way or did you tear the jacket, so a great idea of grabbing everyone’s attention.

The New Amazon Kindle

2009-12-14T17:37:00.002-05:00

This is directed to the authors as well as our readers and reviewers.

Authors how do you feel about this new device (Amazon Kindle)? Are you for it or against its use?
I understand that the Kindle is growing in demand and that they are out of stock but are working on these devices as quickly as possible.

I have heard mixed reviews from many who have already bought these devices and other than a few glitches with holding the device in place in its softcover, I have heard no complaints. Actually it is all a buzz of how easy it is to take your device with you where you go and that the downloads are quick, wireless and automatic to the Kindle device.

I have placed an order for mine but I still have not heard when they project a shipment date as of yet. I have always turned down reading ebooks for the simple fact of sitting behind a computer all day, now they have developed this mobile device that is so simple to change the font size making it adaptable to the readers needs.

They have newspapers, magazines that can automatically be downloaded onto the Kindle for a fraction of the monthly cost. You can even subscribed to certain blogs which will automatically download onto the device – all of this is being done wirelessly.

I am actually in a hurry to get my new Kindle device in my hot little hands to see how much better it is that picking up books and carrying with me.

I would like to have others thoughts and feelings on the Amazon Kindle:
Just come on in and give us your thoughts and opinions (whether good or bad)

Authors are you requesting that your novels be available in the Kindle format?

Product Overview from Amazon:

Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
More than 100,000 books available, including more than 90 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.
New York Times® Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
Top international newspapers from France, Germany, and Ireland; Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine, and The Irish Times—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
More than 250 top blogs from the worlds of business, technology, sports, entertainment, and politics, including BoingBoing, Slashdot, TechCrunch, ESPN’s Bill Simmons, The Onion, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post—all updated wirelessly throughout the day.
Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
Holds over 200 titles.
Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours.
Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot.
No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments—we take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read.
Includes free wireless access to the planet’s most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org.
Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.
Included in the box: Kindle wireless reader, Book cover, Power adapter, USB 2.0 cable

Thank you,

Quality Book Reviews

Free Books for Kindle

2009-12-14T17:36:00.001-05:00

Here is a short list of currently available books from amazon which we have downloaded for free:

1. Starfirst: First to Fight

2. The Demon Awakens

3. When Night Falls

4. Fireflies in December

5. A Kiss of Shadows

6. The Hunters

7. Bound for the Holidays

8. By Reason of Insanity

9. Unbreakable

10. Witch and Wizard (preview of the first 20 chapters)

11. On the Heels of Evil

12. Giving Chase

13. The Templar Legacy

14. The Christmas Bus

15. 72 Hours

16. The Music of Razors

17. Skeeter: A Cat Tale

18. Urge To Kill

19. The Foreign Correspondent

20. Shopping for Time

21. Meta Game

22. I Heart Bloomberg

23. Changelings

24. Perdido Street Station

25. Paradox I

26. The Keeper

27. According to Jane

28. Full Moon Rising

29. The Whiskey Rebels

30. Queen of the Orcs

31. The Sari Shop Window

32. Raising Jake

33. The Briar King

34. The Brass Bed

35. The New Oxford American Dictionary

36. President Barack Obama’s

37. Killing Joe

38. Worst Enemies/Best Friends

39. Haley’s Cabin

40. Manifold: Time

41. The Angel Experiment

42. My Soul to Lose

43. Darkfever

44. Paranoia

45. My Sisters Keeper

46. Free Weights and Measures

47. Free Acupressure Guide

48. Pacific Avenue

49. Soul Identity

50. Nurse Jackie on Showtime

51. The Hope of Glory

52. For Love of Mother Not

53. Seducing Jane Porter

54. Magic Kingdom for Sale

55. Star Wars: Lost Tribe

56. Deception

57. Dead Man’s Rain

58. Serial

59. Dracula’s Guest

60. 1901-2100 Monthly Calendar

61. The Haunted House

62. Weapons of Choice

63. Elric: The Stealer of Souls

64. The Merchant of Death

65. Kiss of Midnight

66. Kindle 2 User’s Guide

67. The Cook’s Illustrated Handbook

68. The Idiot Girl and the Flaming

69. Blood Engines

70. Persuader

71. Assassin’s Apprentice

72. His Majesty’s Dragon

73. Red Mars

74. The Babysitter’s Code

75. The Wild’s Call

76. The Keeper of Eternity

77. Still Waters

78. Baby Bonanza

79. The Bride’s Baby

80. Hide in Plain Sight

81. Irresistible Forces

82. Slow Hands

83. Speed Dating

84. Price of Passion

85. Kiss Me Deadly

86. Snowbound

87. A Very Special Delivery

88. Dancing in the Moonlight

89. Once a Cowboy

90. Stranded with a Spy

91. His Lady Mistress

92. Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch

93. Summer’s Path

94. Homspun Bride

95. Free-Range Chickens

96. Caught Stealing

97. Six Bad Things: A Novel

98. A Dangerous Man: A Novel

99. Murder List

100. Prague: A Novel

(this is only 100 of what we have downloaded, there are so many free books offered from Amazon and they constantly change the free books, check amazon often, as some of the above listed books are no longer free and must be purchased).

Free books are available on the web for the new amazon Kindle.

Here are a few sites and we will be adding others as they are discovered.

www.gutenberg.org

www.munseys.com

www.mobileread.com

www.boysbooks.org

www.mobipocket.com/freebooks/default.aspx

www.manybooks.net

www.munseys.com/joomia

www.mnybks.net

www.freebooks.com

www.freebooks.com/mobile

www.diesel-ebooks.com/cgi-bin/category/download-free-mobipocket-ebook-titlesearch

Children’s books:
www.goanwap.com/ebook-0-0-0.html

Keep checking back as we will add more sites as they become available.

Enjoy your new Kindle!

High Way From Hell

2009-12-14T17:33:00.001-05:00

High Way From Hell
by Moonstone Star White

High Way From Hell by Moonstone Star White is a self-help book which is compelling and a profoundly insightful book into the inner mechanisms of emotion and how they drive us in all aspects of our lives. There is no true way to provide the outstanding review this read deserves. I would suggest you pick up a copy and read this one for yourself and experience the powerful, honest awareness of yourself. Once you have read this you will be picking up copies for your family and friends, as this is compelling and life enriching read.

High Way From Hell will stir emotions in the reader while providing you with the techniques for releasing anger, being able to forgive ourselves as well as others, and for working with our mistakes as well as our emotions rather than becoming a victim to them. The author presents us with a personal and all encompassing wisdom into how the inner journey can bring great joy, success and self-awareness, but that we must be ready and willing to go through our own emotions to get there by transforming emotions to facing truths we would rather ignore to working with karma, forgiveness and grace. The author provides us with the tools to gain insights and make our own journey to a more pleasant and better way of living. The author brings us in and gives us the inner workings to help us heal the total body including mind and spirit. Allowing us to heal ourselves from the inside out and providing useful insight into the workings of how to obtain this in a satisfying way allowing for gratification.

I highly recommend this book as it will inspire you and will enrich your life.

St Barts Breakdown

2009-12-14T17:31:00.001-05:00

St Barts Breakdown

Oceanview Publishing (Hardcover) ISBN-10: 1-933515-12-0 (1933515120) ISBN-13: 978-1-933515-12-0 (1933515120) Publication Date: March 2008 List Price: $24.95

Reviewed by: Sean Caplett

St Barts Breakdown Synopsis provided by the publisher:
Rock and roll journalist Mick Sever is back with a new assignment: interview music legend Danny Murtz. Murtz’s walls are lined with platinum records, but his closet is full of skeletons. Known for producing an unbelievable string of hits, Murtz is also tied to a string of disappearances. Seems a number of Murtz’s romantic conquests have vanished into thin air. After his latest incident, Murtz conveniently retreats to his secluded St. Barts villa. Before Mick can hop a plane to the island, he’s nearly run down by a speeding car. Coincidence? Maybe, but hitmaker Danny Murtz and near misses go hand in hand. After receiving anonymous threats, Murtz is convinced: someone wants to bring him down. Even his longtime secretary Nancy, and attorney/manager/cleaner-upper Harvey Schwartz are suspect. And that meddlesome Mick Sever is digging too deep.

If Danny Murtz has his way, Mick will only need a one-way ticket to paradise. Because if Mick isn’t careful, his next column will be an obituary – his obituary. Sun, sand and a psychopath: it’s a deadly mix.

Review:

As the title suggest the setting is St. Barts island.

St Barts Breakdown has a mix but not a deadly mix, the mix is of suspense, mystery with added humor. St Barts Breakdown is the fourth in the series by Don Bruns and is a Mick Sever Mystery. The writer keeps us uniquely informed throughout the story leaving no guess work. The story is based on the fact that there have never been any murders in St. Barts.

The author has crafted an intriguing story and the characters are believable, some characters you will find yourself loving while some you will hate; the author has a knack of bringing life to his characters. The author has woven a few twists to the plot which provides for an interesting end.

St. Barts Breakdown is an entertaining read and is highly recommended. I found that this was difficult to put down and am anxious to read all the others in the series.

The Last Miracle Mile

2009-12-14T17:29:00.001-05:00

The Last Miracle Mile
by Mary Moon
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Last Miracle Mile / by Mary Moon

The Last Miracle Mile is a true story which is so compelling and so inspirational it’s a guaranteed must read. Have you ever been in some type of an abusive relationship? If you answered yes or you know someone who has I highly recommend you pick up a copy today.

The Last Miracle Mile is such a heartfelt story and sends a much needed message to everyone who has had some type of abuse touch their lives. This book will help lift your spirit and make you soar to a new level.

This is not your typical self help book but is an inspiring true story of the Author’s childhood experience of abuse. I myself have lived a past life of very abusive relationships and the words and inspiration this book derives is unbelievable. It has given me a sense of peace and the inspiration to put life in a new perspective; I notice my life has improved since reading this one.

I recommend this book to everyone especially those who have been touched by violence. This book would make a perfect gift for friends, loved ones or someone you know who has also been touched by violence. Again this is a strong compelling and inspirational story to help pull you up and take your life back with pride. This book will demonstrate to you how to break the chain of violence.

Mary Moon teaches you in her own unique style about the grief cycle, co-dependency, boundaries and the cycle of verbal abuse; she’ll teach you how your insecurities, your low self-esteem, poor sense of self-worth and low self image were developed, and she’ll teach you how to refrain from the negativities in your life. You will no longer be the victim; you will raise above all the pain and sorrow and become the person you need to be. You will be the survivor and will prevail.

I do BELIEVE this is the best book I have EVER READ!!!!! I strongly believe this is one story that demands to be read by all! I believe that The Last Miracle Mile should be on the Best Seller List EVERYWHERE!!!

5 Star review *****

Terry / Quality Book Reviews

Humanity's Edge

2009-12-14T17:27:00.001-05:00

Humanity’s Edge
by Tamara Wilhite
Reviewed by Marsha Sellers for Quality Book Reviews

Humanity’s Edge was a little weird for me, a very different type of story. My thoughts and feelings about this book.

The author Tamara Wilhite is definately able to express herself and make you look at things in her own perspective. She is well spoken and appears to truly believe what she is writing.

This book consists of several short stories, mainly portraying people’s existance on other planets or their survival dealing with the after effects of some horrible event–such as the resulting effects of human technology experimenting with eartquakes, which caused tidal waves of death all over the continent due to gas emissions, or human cloning on other planets. One of her stories – Cathedral- is about genetics and experimental drugs.

I found it very hard to concentrate while reading this book, it is “out there”. I just couldn’t stay focused at all with this one. Me, personally I would not recommend it for anyone other than someone who is really into this type of thing. This author I feel is writing for educated and scientific people, not ordinary everyday people like me.

My Space Her Space

2009-12-14T17:26:00.002-05:00

My space Her space

Author: Michael Ferguson
ISBN: 0-9747463-0-4

Publisher: Inner soul

Reviewed by: Marsha Sellers for Quality Book Reviews

This book is delicious!! I truly enjoyed reading this book, it is nice to see love from a mans point of view and Michael is excellent with his words.

While reading this book I was totally absorbed in it. It is a little x-rated, but leaves you wanting more!!

There are lots of people who play on Myspace, including myself, I truly believe this story has actually happened, and can happen to people within Myspace pages.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read. I am not a big fan of romance books, but this book is a wonderful read that will leave you wanting more.

Ricochet

2009-12-14T17:23:00.001-05:00

Ricochet
by Sandra Brown

Homicide detective Duncan Hatcher is a gung-ho, and sometimes sort of a rogue cop who pushes all the issues to the fullest envelope content. When he sees outlandish criminal Robert Savich released by Judge Cato Laird when Hatcher knew there was enough evidence on this man to put him away for a long time, he becomes obsessed at finding more evidence to keep Savich off the streets. DeeDee Bowen is Hatcher’s partner. She is very gung-ho but not to the extent of Hatcher. She has to attempt to calm Hatcher down when he allows his anger to get into his official police work. The situation intensifies when several connected with Savich’s past and present life turn up missing or dead. Everyone knows that Savich is a bad criminal capable of anything, but since Judge Laird had released him the police had to dig deeper to find solid evidence on Savich. Savich was extremely careful not to leave a trail of evidence that would lead to him for any of the crimes he is suspected of committing. When the police delve into these older disappearances Judge Laird seems to be involved somehow in most of them. One night Judge Laird’s house was broken into and his lovely wife, Elise, shot and killed the man in the judge’s study. A strange trail of evidence was found in the house. Elise had gone downstairs from their bedroom to get some milk, as she did many nights due to “sleeplessness!” She claims she heard a noise as she moved around the downstairs area. She grabbed a hidden gun and claimed that the burglar shot at her, missed her, and she shot and killed him. Hatcher was one of the many law authorities that arrived but Hatcher was having a hard time taking his eyes and mind off of the so gorgeous Elise Laird, making his concentration on the actual case very hard. But between he, DeeDee, and all the other law enforcement agency people that were to work on this high profile case, things return to a huge workload for all involved. Hatcher was fine until he thought or saw Elise Laird. He was caught on her. The authorities were finding too many pieces of evidence, some possibly just coincidence, linking Judge Laird to Savich. This made Hatcher and Bowen delve into old mysterious murder cases that seemed to connect to the judge. Duncan and DeeDee made a great team seemingly to know what is on the others mind while investigating. DeeDee only had qualms regarding Hatcher’s actions some times. When Elise goes missing Hatcher goes even more radical than before. He has to find this woman for who he has so many feelings. At this point I don’t want to ruin any of the many plots and twists and turns in Ricochet. Sandra Brown has come through with another top story. The surprises go to the very end. The reader can follow the story easily the way the author has written it. I have always enjoyed her books especially the crime stories. Her characters are real and their actions place you in the midst of every crime scene and interrogation. Sandra Brown has developed an ingeneous plot that delivers with constant surprises throughout the story. This is a must read.

The Woods, Harlan Coben

2009-12-14T17:21:00.001-05:00

The Woods
by: Harlan Coben
ISBN: 0525950125

Story of four teens who attend summer camp take off into the woods one evening to never return. Two are discovered dead, two have vanished and presumed dead. Were all four of the teens victims of the serial killer? As the story plays out, the two discovered dead teens are placed to rest and funeral services held, but what of the other two missing teens, where are their bodies? Are they really dead or hiding for their lives?

Harlan Coben has penned a whopper of an action packed thriller which is evident by the strong story line. There are many twists and the story tends to delve into other avenues that may at times take you away from the main theme, so pay close attention for the astounding end to this one. Not to be missed, an overall excellent read.

The Society of S

2009-12-14T17:19:00.001-05:00

The Society of S
Susan Hubbard

A wonderful coming of age tale of a girl’s struggles with the end of the innocence while dealing with adolescence and being a mixed breed offspring (of vampire and of mortal). Her father is a vampire and her mother a mortal, now Ari must decide her fate, does she wish to follow her father and become a vampire or does she wish to be mortal? Ari sets out to find her mother and to make her decision, the majority of the tale is Ari’s search for her mother. If you enjoy vampire tales you will enjoy The Society of S, others may find this an enjoyable read while others will put this one away after a few chapters.

Creation in Death

2009-12-14T17:18:00.002-05:00

Creation In Death
by: J.D. Robb

Another great hit in the”In Death” series which is a futuristic setting taking place in 2060.

I am a great fan of Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb and she never disappoints, I highly recommend this entire series. J.D. Robb is a master of her genre and all her stories are entertaining and must reads.

Five Stars to the “In Death” series.

Beginner's Greek

2009-12-14T17:15:00.002-05:00

Beginner’s Greek
by: James Collins

Holly and Peter meet on a flight from New York to Los Angeles and are immediately attracted to one another. At some inner level, they each know they met their life mate. This is an amusing chick lit romance in which one thing leads to another. Peter loses her number and years later Holly marries Peter’s best friend, will Holly and Peter ever realize they belong together or is it too late.

You will love the more surprising twists and turns in the lives of the various characters in this romance. You will be amazed at the surprises that will pop up throughout and some unexpected happenings you will never see coming your way.

You will want to pick up a copy of “Beginner’s Greek” as this is an amusing romantic read and demands to be read. No secrets or story lines revealed in this review, you will want to enjoy this one and discuss with your friends. A very entertaining read. And written by a male, so romance still can thrive where least expected from the male’s perspective.

The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye

2009-12-14T17:13:00.001-05:00

The 13th Demon: Altar of the Spiral Eye
by: Bruce Hennigan
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 9780595403967

Looking for a page turner that you will not be able to put down, here it is. Once you begin this one make sure you have time to finish or be prepared to be late to school, work, or where ever you may need to be. This is a gripping page turner page after page from beginning to end.

The story begins as a man comes crawling up the beach and finds his way to a woman’s home needing help. He has been severely beaten and left to die by the ocean. The man slips into a coma to awaken without any memory later in the hospital. Upon being discharged from the hospital he has no recollection or any memory of who he is and has no where to go, he accepts a job as a caretaker for a physician and falls for his daughter April.

On the eve of their engagement, Jonathan returns to the condo to find the doctor almost dead at the hands of a madman and no sign of his fiancée. Finding her alive and unharmed, Jonathan attempts to escape the madman who had done such violence, only to have them both caught and April killed before Jonathan is able to kill the man, who is actually a demon. As April lay dying in his arms, she told Jonathan that the demon had said that he had to kill Jonathan before he destroyed all of his kind. With her last breath, she begs Jonathan to fight the evil.

And so the quest begins, but where does one look to find the demons and to prevent evil?

An excellent entertaining read that demands to be finished once the first page has been read. An astounding 5 stars!

Smile for me, I'm crying

2009-12-14T17:11:00.001-05:00

Smile for me, I’m crying
by Mark Raney
Reviewed by Gary for Quality Book Reviews

Description:

Keith Englund, mature and focused, heads full force into a relationship with Deborah. He soon discovers that there is much more to Deborah than he can possibly understand. He realizes the dangers of their relationship, yet he is drawn to her and to her two small children. Mark Raney, author of sea adventure and commercial fishing, breaks away from his tales of the sea and writes a romantic and intriguing story.

Review:

A story with strong believable characters. This one is more for the ladies in my opinion as it is a romance. A good story with a good plot just not my kind of read.

The story is well written and the author has done a great job and would highly recommend this to the female gender and some males may also like this one as well.

Bad Blood

2009-12-14T17:08:00.001-05:00

Bad Blood
by Pat Whitaker

Bad Blood is the first by Pat Whitaker. Usually with the first publication of a new writer you wonder if it is worth picking up and reading, well this one is well worth picking up. The author has penned a murder mystery like no other, it is written in present tense and contains a wealth of twist and turns. The author has the ability to draw you into the story and leaves you yearning for more.

The setting is England, and the author himself was born in England. He has the gift of vivid detail and the senses he arouses in you as you read is remarkable.

Upon finishing this one I was in awe and cannot wait to read future works from this author.

Punishment and Sacrifice

2009-12-14T17:05:00.002-05:00

Punishment and Sacrifice
by John Reid

Synopsis (from the publisher): The children we abuse today could become the monsters of tomorrow. This is the story of child abuse and the nightmare it can create both in the present and the future. It parallels and distorts what is madness and what is sanity until the line becomes blurred beyond recognition. Dr. Jack Barker: respected psychologist, loving father, responsible neighbor, serial killer? Under his mask of sanity he is driven to commit his monstrous acts in a game of cat and mouse and justifies it all by the wrongs that are done to him in the present and were perpetrated on him in his childhood. Mike Swanson: broken recovering alcoholic police detective who has seen too many atrocities human beings can do to each other. Will he be able to stop the monster in this case or be consumed by his own demons from his past. When these two worlds collide in a cataclysmic explosion, the battle will not only be over who will survive but how to live with the nightmarish truth that ties each together in the bondage of the past.

Review:

Punishment and Sacrifice is based upon child abuse and the effects it brings later in life. The author has written this to show the relation of the potential long term consequences of abuse/child abuse. This book will make you think about how you treat your children as well as think of how others treat their children.

I found this to be a page turner and could not put it down until I had finished, I just had to know how this one ended. I have heard mixed reviews on this one, some people love it and could not put it down until completed while others hated it and found it outrageous and poorly penned. So my advice is to read this one and make your own determination, as everyone knows what someone loves others will not like, you be the judge.

The Dead Whisper On

2009-12-14T17:04:00.000-05:00

The Dead Whisperer On
by TL Hines

Back in October we had an incomplete review due to the pages of the ARC that was sent to us being repetitive, we have since received a corrected copy and below is the review of one of our reviewers. Thank you for your patience.

“The Dead Whisper On” will appeal to anyone who likes a good mystery with fast-paced action. The author uses this story to instill in the reader that one person’s actions, whether intentional or unintentional, can greatly impact future events. Hines effectively utilizes the well-known symbols of shadows and light to represent the battle between the forces of evil and good.

The main message in this book is to never give up hope no matter how dark things may become. Trusting in oneself and learning to trust in others can lead to a wonderful outcome. Letting go of things that have hurt us in the past and making peace with those who have wronged us is the only way to attain and happy and healthy lifestyle.

“The Dead Whisperer On” is another page turner which will keep you up through to the end all while delivering a great message.

And Another Thing! Maxine on Life, Love and Losers

2009-12-14T17:03:00.001-05:00

And Another Thing! Maxine on Life, Love and Losers
by John Wagner

I love Maxine and am totally amused by her cranky commentaries on life. In this book Maxine is back at it and her cranky attitude towards life, love and losers shines through.

Maxine will always bring a smile to your face, Maxine was born in 1986 through the hand of J Wagner for Hallmark Shoebox card line and from there she has grown into ornaments, cards, books, coffee cups, paintings just to name a few. Need a bit of humor pick up one of the great Maxine books and she will turn stressful situations into a good chuckle!

Enjoy

Body Surfing

2009-12-14T17:02:00.000-05:00

Body Surfing
by Anita Shreve

Body Surfing opens with the description of a beach house and a woman swimming, body surfing on the ocean’s waves. Anita Shreve’s latest novel picks up on previous themes she has explored which include-love, loss, marriage, and the ocean. This is a story of Sydney, a young woman who is lost, and finds herself the tutor to a teenage daughter at her family’s summer beach house. Sydney has had a traumatic past which involves two marriages one of which ended in a divorce and the other which left her as a widow. This story is unique and is an enjoyable read with delightful characters which are presented as strong individuals that you can relate to and are believable.

I would recommend this one for your book club there is also a reading group guide which can be located at the following web address:

http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/books/92/0316067334/reading_guide25865.html

Enjoy!

A Treasury of Regrets

2009-12-14T16:58:00.001-05:00

A Treasury of Regrets
By Susanne Alleyn
Reviewed by Terry, Quality Book Reviews

A Treasury of Regrets begins with the death of the head of a seemingly well-off family, and the accusation and arrest of a simple servant girl who is accused not only of the murder but of attempting to poison the whole family despite the complete lack of motive.

Alleyn weaves a twisty, fascinating narrative filled with lots of secrets, more deaths in the family, and great scenes as Aristide searches for the truth. A Treasury of Regrets is a fascinating historical mystery set in France just after the Revolution. You as the reader will see how the people adapt to the changes that came about. Aristide is an interesting character who cares that justice is served as he goes out of his way to prove the servant is innocent even when the legal system tries to stop him. Susanne Alleyn provides a great tale that brings to life late eighteenth century France during a troubling fledgling attempt to legalize a fair justice system.

Alleyn writes the story with a strong and steady pace, voice, dialogue, and a narrative which is beautifully written which brings enjoyment to this fascinating read. She has developed a procedural with interesting plot twists which will amaze you and keep you guessing in this fascinating look into post-revolutionary Paris.

About the Harry Potter books (The Series)

2009-12-14T16:56:00.001-05:00

ABOUT THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS (THE SERIES)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Scholastic Books
320 Pages

Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility.

All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley — a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry’s room is a closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn’t had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry — and anyone who reads about him — will find unforgettable.

For it’s there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that’s been waiting for him… if Harry can survive the encounter.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Scholastic Books
352 Pages

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls’ bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley’s younger sister, Ginny. But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone — or something — starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects… Harry Potter himself!

Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban
Scholastic Books
448 Pages

For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing 13 people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter’s defeat of You-Know-Who was Black’s downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, “He’s at Hogwarts… he’s at Hogwarts.” Harry Potter isn’t safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Scholastic Books
752 Pages

It’s the pivotal fourth novel in the seven-part tale of Harry Potter’s training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event that’s supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry Potter, he’s not normal — even by wizarding standards.

And in his case, different can be deadly.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Scholastic Books
870 Pages

I say to you all, once again–in the light of Lord Voldemort’s return, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort’s gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust.

So spoke Albus Dumbledore at the end of Harry Potter’s fourth year at Hogwarts. But as Harry enters his fifth year at wizard school, it seems those bonds have never been more sorely tested. Lord Voldemort’s rise has opened a rift in the wizarding world between those who believe the truth about his return, and those who prefer to believe it’s all madness and lies–just more trouble from Harry Potter.

Add to this a host of other worries for Harry…

A Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a personality like poisoned honey
A venomous, disgruntled house-elf
Ron as keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team
And of course, what every student dreads: end-of-term Ordinary Wizarding Level exams

…and you’d know what Harry faces during the day. But at night it’s even worse, because then he dreams of a single door in a silent corridor. And this door is somehow more terrifying than every other nightmare combined.

In the richest installment yet of J. K. Rowling’s seven-part story, Harry Potter confronts the unreliability of the very government of the magical world, and the impotence of the authorities at Hogwarts.

Despite this (or perhaps because of it) Harry finds depth and strength in his friends, beyond what even he knew; boundless loyalty and unbearable sacrifice.

Though thick runs the plot (as well as the spine), readers will race through these pages, and leave Hogwarts, like Harry, wishing only for the next train back.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Scholastic Books
652 Pages

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Arthur A. Levine Books
759 Pages

Immortal Bonds

2009-12-13T23:38:00.001-05:00

Immortal Bonds
by Dawn Scovill

Immortal Bonds is superbly crafted and a compelling story of the supernatural. Immortal Bonds is the debut novel, and Scovill is a master storyteller. The story is of an immortal woman Jane, who is forced to leave behind everything she loves to become mortal again; she disappears from her husband’s yacht, later her husband Rand is suspected of killing his wife, but she is not deceased. This is a great work of fiction that is not to be missed. Scovill has developed a great plot and story line that makes this a page turner.

Immortal Bonds is fast paced and a guaranteed engaging and credible read. Highly recommended and I look forward to more from this author.

This Child Is Mine

2009-12-13T23:36:00.001-05:00

This Child Is Mine
by Mildred Colvin
ISBN: 1-59789-501-6

This Child Is Mine is an exceptional story, one that will stay in your mind and thoughts for along time. What would you do if you found that the child you have raised as your own for almost two years isn’t your child? You have loved this child, cared for them, shared the good times, the sickness, and your heart and all your love and caring now what should have been a simple blood test that should have brought comfort and relief brings nothing but confusion and pain. The story involves Beth Murdock and Stevie, her child or whom she thought was hers, now finds herself being confronted with the painful truth that Stevie is not her daughter.

Imagine loving a child and raising them for almost two years to find the bitter truth that your child is not your biological child, that is also happening for Jonathon McDuff, he learns that Lexie isn’t really his daughter. He wants his biological child back and he is struggling with losing the little girl he has raised and known as his.

This Child Is Mine is a breathtaking journey through the lives of all parties involved in such a difficult and tragic situation. This is an engrossing story that will tug at your heart strings and bring a tear to your eye, and is a moving and compelling story, I recommend this story with no hesitation.

Mildred Colvin is the mother of three, and grandmother of two. Mildred Colvin and her husband spent most of their married lives providing a safe home for foster children. “Mildred writes inspirational romance because in them the truth of God’s presence, even in the midst of trouble, can be portrayed. Her desire is to continue writing stories that uplift and encourage.” And I must add that this story is one that should not be missed and surely will be in your thoughts long after the story ends.

Ricochet

2009-12-13T23:33:00.002-05:00

Ricochet

by pm Terrell
ISBN: 0978563204
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Ricochet is a compelling all engrossing story that includes murder, terrorism, illegal immigration and espionage all rolled into a powerful engaging story line. If you are looking for a fast paced story that will have you hooked and glued to each page then look no further, Ricochet will have you turning page after page from the beginning to the end. The story begins as Shelia and her friend Margaret go shopping at the mall before Shelia starts her academy training for the FBI. While Shelia and her best friend are at the mall they stop to grab a bite to eat, while standing in line Shelia becomes suspicious of a someone who is acting strangely and then there is an explosion and Shelia is knocked out. When she awakes she finds herself buried and is short of breath due to the fire from the explosion, as for Margaret she is not as lucky, she is in a coma.

Later a reporter comes to Shelia and she informs her that she will never forget that face, a terrorist amongst us, and a face that she will soon wish she had not seen. Her talking with the reporter has now put Shelia in more danger and it could mean life or death. Shelia joins forces with her instructor Steve Moran to piece together the events and to solve the case, but what she finds leads to more questions and unanswered questions, and the trail that may uncover that her parents deaths were no accident.

Where will all this lead Shelia? Will she find herself involved in another attack? Will she find the truth behind her parents deaths? You will have to pick up a copy of Ricochet to find out the answers and you will be glad you did, this is a great story that is highly recommended. Fans of suspense, mystery and action will be raving about this book. I look forward to reading more from this highly talented author who is a great storyteller.

The Battle Lord's Lady

2009-12-13T23:32:00.000-05:00

The Battle Lord’s Lady

May 26, 2007

The Battle Lord’s Lady
by Linda Mooney
Sci-Fi Fantasy
ISBN:1-4241-1834-4
Publish America

The Battle Lord’s Lady is set in the future of three hundred years, mankind is struggling to survive a great collision that has changed the earth forever. People are living in compounds, battling the elements and mutations. The people are trying to live each day with the struggles of all the mutations that have developed over the centuries.

Atrilan Ferran is a mutant huntress who was awakened one night to the sounds of screams, she discovers that the cleaners have invaded and are out to slaughter everything and everybody that gets in their way. Atrilan is a master with a bow and arrow and is able to kill sixteen of the men invading her compound.

The cleaners is headed by Yulen D’Jacques, the battle lord of Alta Novis, and being stunned over the fact they were nearly defeated by a woman, Yulen makes a deal with Atrilan. The deal between Yulen and Atrilan is if she agrees to teach his men how to be effective with a bow and arrow he will provide safety for her people, Atrilan agrees.

As Yulen and Atrilan travel back to Alta Novis they are attached several times with each attack Atrilan is the one to save them all, before reaching Alta Novis, both Yulen and Atrilan realize their mutual attraction to each other and that they have fallen in love. Now that they have reached their destination of Alta Novis, both Yulen and Atrilan they will have to prove their love for each other is good and right to both man and mutant.

Will Yulen and Atrilan be able to overcome rejection from man and mutant, or will they form a lasting bond between the two. Will their love triumph all? You will need to pick up a copy to find out the rest of the story, and you will not be sorry as this is a well written story with believable characters. The author has strung an intricate web among the characters, making this an entertaining read.

Protector

2009-12-13T23:28:00.001-05:00

Protector
By Laurel Dewey
ISBN: 978-1884820-85-4
June 2007, $19.95
Reviewed by Quality Book Reviews

Laurel Dewey has penned an outstanding debut novel, Protector, which is an exciting crime thriller that has a mix with the paranormal. Detective Jane Perry is a disturbed individual, she is struggling with demons from her past. Recently a family was mysteriously murdered while under her protection and her partner Chris. The incident left Jane with a damaged hand and a jumble of nightmare images that combine the burning death of the little girl with events connected to a different child, someone she has never met. Jane tends to take her job too seriously, and it hits her hard when the family dies in front of her eyes. Jane begins having serious doubts about her sanity, doubts that are furthered by her suspension from the department due to booze and refusal to accept help.

Jane is slowly spiraling out of control when she is saved by nine-year-old Emily Lawrence. The child is put under Jane’s protective care after both her parents were found brutally murdered in their home. Believed to have witnessed her parents’ murders, Emily is in danger when the killer makes another attempt on her life. What follows is an excellent tale of suspense that intensifies as the bond between Jane and Emily grows stronger and the killer takes more desperate measures.

Protector takes both traditional crime drama and metaphysical to become an intensifying debut novel. Dewey’s characters are well defined and believable as well as realistic personalities of the characters in which you can identify. Protector is a crime thriller that is both powerful and emotional with the basis of growing into adulthood from a past of being an abused child.

Laurel Dewey was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband. Dewey has also penned two non-fiction books as well as a western novella that was nominated for a Silver Spur Award.

Want to know more then please check out the dramatic book trailer at www.laureldewey.com

The Daemon in Our Dreams

2009-12-13T23:23:00.001-05:00

The Daemon in Our Dreams
John F. Rooney
Senneff House Publishers
PO Box 11601, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
ISBN: 9780975275672, $14.95
www.senneffhouse.com
Reviewed by Quality Book Reviews

The Daemon in Our Dreams is a suspenseful tale, the author has integrated a mix of characters and a strange mix of travel fiction and ghost stories.

The stories opening begins with the cold-blooded assassination of three people in a London pub by a Indian man, the novel outlines the prequel to this seemingly senseless triple killing. Three travelers, whom are strangers and are connected only by a shared Asian itinerary, and each have begun to have eerie, frightening dreams involving this Indian man. As it becomes apparent to each of these individuals that the others are also haunted by the same man, each begin to see the man from their dreams manifest in broad daylight. As they make their way from one port to another, this man, whom they have come to call “Ramesh,” is able to keep pace with them.. These three people, none of whom know each other, all meet on a cruise that ends up, in India. They discover that they’ve been haunted by the same visions, and they attempt to figure out what it all means. The tension escalates as they start seeing the actual dream man in all the different ports, and the appearances seem to be more threatening. What will become of the three travelers? Will the dreams come true or are they truly dreams, I think they are nightmares that I would not want to live in.

Pick up a copy to see how the above issues are resolved, and enter the nightmare yourself.

The Dead Whisper On

2009-12-13T23:21:00.000-05:00

The Dead Whisper On by T.L. Hines

October 8, 2007

The Dead Whisper On
by T. L. Hines
Reviewed by Susan Warwick for Quality Book Reviews

While reading I was so enthralled by the story and did not notice page numbers, but did notice that I had already read parts of the story earlier. Upon examination of page numbers I noted that the first 96 pages were there and then it started over again at page 65 through 96 and then jumped to page 129, now mind you this is the hardback final copy I received for review. So I am unable to write a complete review of the story and have written for another copy in hopes that it is complete.

October 16, 2007

I received a new copy which looks complete and in correct order. A review will be provided very soon.

The Mystery of the Crying Ghost

2009-12-13T23:20:00.000-05:00

The Mystery of the Crying Ghost

October 23, 2007

The Mystery of the Crying Ghost
by Rita Hsu Syers

“The Mystery of the Crying Ghost” is a book about Chloe Wendleton, a young girl who is having difficulty adjusting to a different school. Above trying to adjust to a new school she tells her family that she hears a child crying and her family tells her that she is just hearing things. So is this child crying her imagination or something more? Both her pets Iris and Killian seem to hear the same crying. Chloe accompanies her grandfather into the attic and discovers an old newspaper which reveals that both the Van Hise children, Sarah Jane and Thomas had disappeared from the house without a trace. Chloe talks with her friends Will and Maya at school and learns from Will that he had heard that the house is haunted. Will Chloe, Will and Maya be able to solve the mystery? I can tell you that Chloe’s pets help to solve the mystery.

“The Mystery of the Crying Ghost” is a book for children ages 8 to 12 and will capture their attention and their imaginations. This is a enchanting, delightful, and stimulating read for young readers and allows them to use their imaginations. Once your child has started they will not be able to put this one down. This is Rita Syers’s debut and is an excellent creation and there will be a high demand for more.

The Bard of Bethlehem

2009-12-13T23:19:00.000-05:00

The Bard of Bethlehem
by: David James Trapp

David James Trapp is a master story teller. He draws the reader back in time, two thousand years, to a time when the Celts, Jews, Romans, and Greeks, were all deeply affected by the appearance of a mysterious new star.

The author draws you into the story and his character development will make you feel as if you are there and a part of the story. Vivid details that will bring you in full circle with the plot, story line.

This is a fast paced historical fiction at its best. The author has the ability to draw the reader in and keep the reader involved in the entire plot which has some astonishing unexpected twist. “The Bard of Bethlehem” is an absorbing and excellent read and a must for those who thrive on historical fiction.

Cut To The Bone

2009-12-13T23:15:00.000-05:00

Cut To The Bone
By Shane Gericke
www.shanegericke.com
Pinnacle Books
ISBN 978-0786018147, 384 pgs.
Reviewed by Terry South, Quality Book Reviews

Cut to the Bone is a non-stop thriller, one that the reader will not be able to put down.

Governor Covington has built his “Justice Center” in Naperville, a place where they execute death row prisoners in the electric chair. The world is watching Naperville prior to the upcoming execution of Corey Trent. Also, the Executioner is particularly paying attention, he is the man who starts by killing a receptionist at a spa where Emily and Martin Benedetti are members. The police department and Sheriff’s office put together a joint task force following the murder of a police officer. As suspicions begin to build about a serial killer, the Naperville forces are on the hunt for the killer before Friday which is the Governor’s target date for Cory Trent’s execution.

The serial killer known as “The Executioner” is a twisted psychopath, he attacks his victims and the his victims bear precision cuts by a man with no conscious that remains calm, collected and completely in control. If you are looking for a fast paced thriller with edge of your seat impact then look no further, this was a thrilling and engaging read. The author has done an excellent job and has done his research, once you start you will not be able to put this one down. An excellent read from the first page to the last.

Shane Gericke became a professional writer while in high school, since he has polished his writing as both an editor and reporter for newspapers and national magazines. He currently resides in Naperville, Illinois with his wife.

Visit the authors website at www.shanegericke.com

Zudd No Bargain in Debasement

2009-12-13T23:14:00.000-05:00

Zudd No Bargain in Debasement
by Alan Grossberg
ISBN: 978-09779561-4-2

Zudd no bargain in debasement is the story of a high powered executive named Catherine Harlow. Catherine is young, beautiful, ambitious and is desperate in her desire to achieve freedom. Catherine is seduced in the penthouse by the owner Harrison Foote III and is seduced in the basement by Harrison Foote’s illegitimate son. Homer Zudd is Foote’s illegitimate son and the janitor, both he and his father try to use Catherine to meet their personal ends in a catastrophic environmental collapse of New York City.

Alan Grossberg is a native of New York who is now living and traveling in his motorhome with his base being California. He has traveled through Europe, and has published two previous novels.

Whatever Tomorrow Brings

2009-12-13T23:13:00.000-05:00

Whatever Tomorrow Brings
by Lori Wick
The Californians Series
ISBN: 978-0-7369-1945-6
Harvest House Publishers
www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Whatever Tomorrow Brings is the first in The Californians Series by Lori Wick. Set in San Francisco in 1871, and is the story of the Donovans and they are beginning to face their lives in a different way as their lives are about to change forever. Kaitlin is the eldest daughter and she is having to face life in rugged California after a devastating tragedy.

This is a spiritual story full of hope, endurance, strength, innocense and the gift of God’s love. The title is clear in that we as christians will place our faith and trust in God and follow “Whatever Tomorrow Brings”.

Questions of spirituality, ethics and morals are all presented through detailed plot lines that could be woven into our daily lives as christians. If you are looking for a story that will grab you and embrace all then this is the story you will not want to miss.. This is an exceptionally well written story with good character development and a story line that will draw you in. I can highly recommend this one with no hesitation and look forward to the rest in this exceptionally well written series.

Elwood's Crown

2009-12-13T23:11:00.000-05:00

Elwood’s Crown
by Shannon Rumple
AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-4259-7742-9
Children’s Book
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Elwood’s Crown is a delightful children’s picture book in a soft cover that is bilingual and is the first in the series. This is a story of a carefree frog and lessons learned, the story is told with bright vibrant colorful illustrations and is told in both English and Spanish all within the same page. The story is for children of all ages, teaching children the concept of taking care of their belongings, the story will engage them all while teaching a lesson.

Elwood’s Crown is a story that you will fall in love with no matter your age, the author writes with skill that will light an imaginative spark within. This is a series that both you and your children will want to read and the message the story delivers is a positive one. The story provides an important message about promises, wishes and the taking care of one’s belongings along the way.

The pages are filled with bold and vibrant imaginative illustrations, the art work is superb to ignite the child’s imagination. I highly recommend this children’s book, both you and your children will enjoy reading this story together time and time again all while delivering a great lesson.

I look forward to all the future books in the series to continue, and will honestly being collecting each one for my grandson Caden to enjoy. This is a wonderful book for all young readers and is highly recommended for the children in your life.

Coomack Island: The Story of Spider & Ant

2009-12-13T23:09:00.001-05:00

Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant
by Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by Darnel Degand

Trafford Publishing

ISBN: 141209107-1
24 pages, Children’s Book, $12.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Story of Spider & Ant, is the first book in a series written by Don P. Hooper and Illustrated by Darnel Degand. Coomacka is a Caribbean Island, where each of the stories take place. In this story, Spider is dishonest to Ant by pretending to be injured; Ant of course believes his friend and recruits the help of his family. This is a story which contains a great lesson hidden underneath, Spider learns the dangers of greed and the consequences of abusing friendships.

This is an endearing and a beautifully written story which contains an important lesson. This is a enchanting, delightful, and stimulating read for young readers, it has bright colors, wonderful graphics & illustrations (Illustrated by Darnel Degand)which are so vivid they will have your children using their imaginations and asking questions.

I look forward to all the adventures to continue, and will honestly being collecting each one for my grandson Caden to enjoy. This is a wonderful book for all young readers and is highly recommended as a must for the children in your life.

Included at the end of the story is a Fun Activities and Words page which offers questions from the story and a glossary of words with pronunciations.

Be sure to check out their web site at www.coomacka.com both you and your children will love it.

A Definite 5 Star children’s book!

Let's Get Ready For First Grade!

2007-05-13T08:43:00.000-05:00

Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!
by Linda Desimowich and Stacey Kannenberg
Cedar Valley Publishing
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Let’s Get Ready For First Grade! is a must for all parents with young children, I myself as both a mother and grandmother highly recommend this for your children. This book is a must and one that I have been searching for, it is packed with great information, it is beautifully illustrated and was created with style. Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! will capture your child’s attention as it is packed with fun activities and colorful illustrations making learning fun for all.This series will delight not only the children but parents as well, allowing you to take an active role in your child’s education even before they enter school, allowing children to make the transition with confidence with advancement in each grade level.

This book is wonderful and again I would like to stress is a MUST for all parents and grandparents looking for that perfect educational tool before sending our children off to the first day of school.

When my daughter was small I tried to find the perfect tools to help her before sending her off to school and so wish this series had been available, I will make sure to purchase each for each grade level to help to assure my grandson is ready and is confident before he starts each grade level beginning with kindergarten (see previous review of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten!). An additional plus for these books are that they are durable, they allow the children to write in them with a dry erase pen and wipe off with ease for future practice over and over again.

Again I would like to say these are GREAT and are a MUST and come highly recommended!!

I found both of these in this series to be invaluable tools for our children’s education and a MUST, I applaud the series.

Let's Get Ready for kindergarten!

2007-05-13T08:41:00.000-05:00

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten!
by Linda Desimowich and Stacey Kannenberg
Design: Dori Schmitz, Creative Direction
Illustrations: Joyce Bable-Worth, Two Bit Productions Inc
Printing Consultant: Tracey Jackson, Jackson Marketing and Printing Services, LLC
Web Design: Dave Pethan, Two Bit Productions Inc.
Consulting: Judy Bridges, Redbird Studio
Visual Consulting: Julie Thorn
Cedar Valley Publishing

For and by parents, kids and teachers.

Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! is a must for all parents with young children, I myself as both a mother and grandmother highly recommend this for your children. This book is a must and one that I have been searching for, it is packed with great information, it is beautifully illustrated and was created with style.

“Parents wrote Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! with approval from a panel of teachers and curriculum specialists as a solution to “no child left behind.” The book is 32 pages and is a dry-erase book for children ages 2 to 6. This book is great for parents and grandparents by allowing them to take an active role in their children’s education even before they enter school, allowing children to make the transition with confidence.

Most parents want to be involved with their children’s education but are unsure of what to do, kindergarten is not like it was when we were younger, now kindergarten has a much more advanced curriculum requiring parents to work with their children before beginning school. This book is wonderful and again I would like to stress is a MUST for all parents and grandparents looking for that perfect educational tool before sending our children off to the first day of school.

When my daughter was small I tried to find the perfect tools to help her before sending her off to school and so wish this series had been available, I will make sure to purchase each for each grade level to help to assure my grandson is ready and is confident before he starts each grade level beginning with kindergarten. An additional plus for these books are that they are durable, they allow the children to write in them with a dry erase pen and wipe off with ease for future practice over and over again.

Again I would like to say these are GREAT and are a MUST and come highly recommended!!

I found both of these in this series to be invaluable tools for our children’s education and a MUST, I applaud the series.

The Paper Mirror

2007-05-13T08:37:00.000-05:00

The Paper Mirror
by Dorien Grey
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Paper Mirror is the 10th installment in the Dick Hardesty mystery series. A gay mystery series that is so much more, this is a fantastic read and left me wishing I had began the series from the first one. This is the first in the series I have read and the author is talented, writing with such impact, his characters are so finely developed and believable, and the story is one that will have you hooked from the very first page.

The Paper Mirror is a quick read that is highly entertaining, Dick Hardesty is trying to adjust to fatherhood. Dorien Grey has penned a clever mystery one in which you as the reader can become actively involved in trying to solve along with Dick Hardesty. I would suggest starting with the first in the series and reading in order, I will be sure to pick up the other 9 in this series.

I highly recommend this to all who love a good mystery.

Be sure to click on the link below to watch the video for “The Paper Mirror” by Dorien Grey.

http://crimespace.ning.com/video/video/show?id=537324:Video:30809

Tallulah Falls

2007-05-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

Tallulah Falls
by Christine Fletcher
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Tallulah Falls is a story of Tallulah Addy and her friend Maeve and the touching story of finding out who you are. Tallulah is left behind when Maeve takes off for Florida, but soon gets a message of urgency from her friend wanting her to bring her notebooks. Tallulah being the friend she is she immediately sets out to fine Maeve. Tallulah asks Derek to drive her and everything begins to fall apart, he leaves her with her bag which thankfully still holds the notebooks she is delivering to Maeve. She is broke and left on the side of the road, she is arrested and tries calling Maeve who is not answering.

The local veterinarian’s office is her link to help, she has a job at the clinic, she is staying with Ruth the receptionist and has found a romantic spark with Kyle who also works there; all of this coming from her bringing an injured dog in.

Tallulah Falls is beautifully written and I can find no faults with this wonderful story. The story is engaging, entertaining, and a true spectacular read.

I absolutely have fallen in love with this story, and have added a great new author to my favorite’s list, I look forward to many more by Christine Fletcher. It has been a honor and a delight reading and reviewing such an excellent story, thank you Christine and please keep them coming.

Hollywood Car Wash

2007-05-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

Hollywood Car Wash
by Lori Culwell
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Hollywood Car Wash is based on real stories however is a work of fiction. Lori has written a quick read that is entertaining with great humor, I found myself laughing out loud while reading this one.

Hollywood Car Wash is the first in the series and is a novel about a young actress Amy Spencer. Amy is starring in a TV pilot and to retain her part she must lose twenty pounds, lighten her hair making it blonder, new teeth and find her a super star boyfriend. She learns to retain her celebrity status she must lose herself.

The back cover of the book states “Inspired by true events, this shockingly accurate novel about the ins and outs of the hoolywood game will leave the reader wondering - who is Star?”

The next in the series is titled “Reality Check” and honestly I cannot wait for the release. I have seen a lot of mixed reviews about Hollywood Car Wash and can say without a doubt it is entertaining and a great read packed with humor.

I would like to thank Lori for sending me a review copy it has been a great pleasure reading and reviewing Hollywood Car Wash.

The Screaming Room

2007-05-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

The Screaming Room
by Thomas O’Callaghan
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Dave Driscoll is the commander of the New York Police Departments homicide division, he buried his daughter six years ago after she was killed by a drunk driver, his wife had been at home in a coma, now he has buried his wife. Getting back to his life after trying to put the ghosts from his past aside there is a serial killer lose that is killing tourists in New York City, there are very bizarre killings as the victims are scalped and then posed at tourist sites, including a Ferris wheel, Brooklyn Bridge, and the zoo. And to add to all the twist and turns, the serial killer is not one person but a set of twins, identical twins that are of different genders, they are brother and sister.

If you are looking for a fast paced thriller with edge of your seat impact then look no further, this was a thrilling and engaging read. The author has done an excellent job and has done his research, once you start you will not be able to put this thriller down. An excellent thrilling and engaging read from the first page to the last. A must read and an astounding 5 stars!

Ghostwalk

2007-05-12T21:15:00.000-05:00

Ghostwalk
by Rebeccca Scott
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Ghostwalk is Rebecca Scott’s debut novel which combines both fact and fiction. Ghostwalk is set in present day and the 17th century Cambridge, that mixes a beautiful love story as well as a historical investigation.

The story begins as Elizabeth Vogelsang is found floating in the river just below her garden with a prisim in her hand. Elizabeth was a Cambridge University historian, she was working on a manuscript involving Isaac Newton and the 17th century alchemists. Elizabeth’s son recruits Lydia to move into Elizabeth’s place and into finishing his mothers book. You will be amazed at the events that follow and at the discoveries Lydia makes along the way.

If you are looking for a thriller with romance, mystery, murder, and the supernatural this one will surely fill your desires. I found this one to be beautifully written and it is apparent that the author has done her research. I found that with Ghostwalk you must read with comprehension as it may leave you reading back through again to assure nothing was missed the first time.

The Secret of the Lonely Grave

2007-05-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

The Secret of the Lonely Grave
by Albert A. Bell, Jr.
Ingalls Publishing Group, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-932158-79-3
www.albertbell.com

Reviewed by Terry South for Armchairs

The Secret of the Lonely Grave is a fictional story with a real setting. The setting is in southern Kentucky just a few miles from the Tennessee state line, in the area known as the Land Between the Lakes. The authors wife’s family has a houseboat on Lake Barkley and enjoyed fishing, Albert was not fond of fishing so decided to take a walk instead. He found himself walking through a cemetery near the lake and discovered a tombstone off by itself and began to wonder why it is off from the others. That is where the author begins his story of the Lonely Grave.

As the story begins to unfold Kendra and Steve are beginning their summer vacation, they pass by the cemetery on their way to the bus and the lonely grave just outside the cemetery. They begin to notice someone has been leaving flowers on the lonely grave. Kendra wants to become a detective one day and Steve wants to become a novelist so they join together to solve the mystery of the lonely grave and who has been placing the flowers. On their quest they discover that a college history professor has been the one leaving the flowers; soon the three begin to work together to solve the mystery by delving into research to discover the truth that lies behind the lonely grave of the young girl named Amanda.

The Secret of the Lonely Grave is a gripping, powerful and genuine page turner. The story has both a pacing and engaging plot all while the author incorporates history, family values and friendships formed. Bell’s characters are well defined and believable. If looking for an interesting and entertaining read look no further this one is sure to please and I give it 4.5 stars.

Feels Like Family

2007-05-12T21:10:00.000-05:00

Feels Like Family
by Sherryl Woods
MIRA Books
ISBN: 0-7783-2436-2
Reviewed by Terry South for Cata Romance

Helen Decatur has always set goals for her life and has achieved those goals; she made her way through law school, opened her own practice and is a highly respected matrimonial attorney in South Carolina. Now at the age of 42 she feels she has let life pass her by, now she wants a family and a child of her own. Helen has set back and watched her two best friends living with their husbands and their children and she desires the same life, but having seen so many devastating divorces she has held off till now.

Helen’s friend Dana Sue owns a restaurant and Erik is the pastry chef, Erik has a pain filled past and has avoided romance. There is a chemistry between Helen and Erik even amongst their arguments you can feel their romantic attraction. Will Helen and Erik unite? Or will Erik’s painful past prevent him from discovering a romantic spark with Helen? Will Helen have the family she so desires?

Feels Like Family is the third in the trilogy of The Sweet Magnolias. You will find some wonderful and interesting characters, love, romance, suspense and sexual tensions making this one difficult to put down. The plot is intriguing and fast paced, and this one is a fascinating and highly enjoyable read all while looking at some very realistic issues which face women in their late 30’s and early 40’s everyday.

I highly recommend picking up the trilogy of The Sweet Magnolias, I have not had the pleasure of reading the other two in this trilogy but found this one to be highly enjoyable and I will be picking up the first two in this trilogy.

5 stars

IM

2007-05-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

IM
by Rick R Reed
Quest
ISBN: 1932300791
www.rickrreed.com

Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

IM is a psychological thriller about an online community where a predator has been and continues the hunt for his next victim. Gay men looking for partners via the world wide web are now being hunted by this predator and he has a way of seducing his prey that no man can refuse. What does IM stand for exactly? is it instant messaging or instant murder? Maybe it mean inevitable murder once you have been seduced by this mad man.

Ed Comparetto is a gay Chicago police officer and is called in to investigate the first discovered murder. Timothy Bright is the victims friend and the one who reported the murder and Ed takes his statement only to later receive a call from his boss, and when this happens especially in the early morning hours and his day off can only spell trouble. Ed is fired for falsifying statements, seems as if Timothy Bright has been dead for two years and could not have been the one listed on Ed’s report as having gave a statement. now Ed must prove his innocence in order to get his job back, but will he be able to solve this before it is all to late? Now that Ed is off the case and off the job is the predator free to continue his lust of murdering gay men?

IM is one intense and super wild thrilling ride so hold on tight, I guarantee you will be on the edge of your seat. IM is superbly written with an intense plot line, great characters and is detailed and moves forward with astonishing speed taking you places you wish only existed in the movies. Reed delivers a novel that is engaging and thrilling while dealing with dark issues that reveals his true talent and a story that will stay with you long after reading the last page. While there were some typos in the book this should not deter you, this is a super entertaining and thrilling read and well worth overlooking a few typos.

A definite and astounding 5 stars! I must caution that the story is vivid in detail and gore and is not for the faint hearted.

June Bug

2007-05-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

June Bug A Murder-by-Month Mystery
by Jess Lourey

ISBN-10: 0738709123
Midnight Ink

The setting is Battle Lake, Minnesota and Mira James is trying to recover from a break up. Mira works as a reporter for a local paper and is trying to solve the mystery of missing diamonds, what she uncovers leads to a bigger mystery than ever expected. They have planted fake diamonds at the bottom of the lake but Mira discovers is a fake body, what is going on? Is this all a hoax or is there something sinister happening?

June Bug is the second in the series. Jess Lourey has penned a very well written series and a good murder mystery with a touch of humor. Her characters are well developed and believable. If you are looking for a highly enjoyable read look no further, this one is great and is highly recommended. I am heading out to get the first of the Murder-by-Month Mystery entitled “May Day”.

Jess Lourey is a full-time college instructor of writing and sociology, a single mother of an eight and five-year-old, and a mystery writer with three books coming out within a 13-month period, to be such a busy woman she sure has a way with writing highly enjoyable and entertaining mysteries.

The Kabbalist

2007-05-12T21:04:00.000-05:00

The Kabbalist
by Dov Silverman
ISBN: 1425709001
Xlibris Corp.

The Kabbalist is published in 5 different languages. This novel deals with good and evil, rewards and punishment and life after death. The Kabbalist is a Rabbi and both his son and his sons fiancee have died and now the Rabbi’s faith is being challenged. This is a compelling story full of intrigue and is engaging and is a heart felt story. The story deals with the long historical controversy between the different religions.

Dov Silverman conveys moral concepts, hopes, dreams and ideas and is very well written. It is fast paced and you will find it very difficult to put down once you have started. Uniquely written where the stories outcome rests with the reader. Dov Silverman resides in Israel with his wife.

A highly recommended read which holds a very different twist in the end. This is a definite 5 stars and a must.

Cimmerian City

2007-05-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

Cimmerian City
by Rae Lindley

The setting is Arizona, and Raven Blackheart is a Crow Indian from California, Raven is a college student that is haunted by bad dreams and strange feelings. Raven lost her mother when she was five and went to live with her father and sister, now it seems once again her life is being upset by the current happenings. She is missing class, turning in assignments late and just is not measuring up to what she could and should be. Thank goodness for Jack, Jack is Raven’s boyfriend and roommate and he believes in her and supports her but lately does not understand her short fuse.

As the many events unfold within the pages we are confronted with Tech Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, a drug Delanin with some very uncanny side effects. This is one story that has a high impact punch, a great plot that is fast paced and so intriguing that you cannot put this one down. Within the covers of this book you will discover a variety of crisis which is in the minds of everyone including global warming, war, violence, pollution, medical, pharmaceuticals and economical issues.

Cimmerian City is an intense read with many layers and issues to uncover throughout this story. I look forward to her future releases in this trilogy. This is another highly recommended read and a definite 5 stars.

Chasing Eden

2007-05-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Chasing Eden
by S.L. Linnea

Chasing Eden begins with the war in Iraq. The story leads us up to the days just before the war when some ancient artifacts have been stolen from the museum. Army Chaplain Jamie Richards has the ability to read the ancient cuneiforms but as the story moves forward Jamie finds herself a target.

Jamie has been reunited with an old friend Adara Dunbar only later to lose her friend forever. Adara is killed during an ambush and the assassin has a message for Jamie. What is the message? Will Jamie survive or will she be taken out by the assassin?

Chasing Eden is fast paced, with good characters which are believable as well as interesting. The story contains a steady flow of action and suspense which makes this an engaging read. The author has done her research and the backdrop involving Iraq is portrayed with vivid detail.

Acacia, Book One: The War With The Mein

2007-05-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

Acacia, Book One: The War With The Mein
by David Anthony Durham
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-50606-9
www.davidanthonydurham.com
Doubleday
A Division of Random House, Inc.
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Acacian has ruled the Known World for twenty-one generations. Leodan Arkan is the ruler of the Known World and a widower; he has lived his life in the shadows of his ancestors and is bound by their actions. Now the Mein, the race that was exiled and vanquished to the frozen northern reaches of the empire plan to take over the Acacian empire.

Hanish Mein leads his people and launches surprise attacks across the Acacian empire. Hanish Mein will lead his people out of exile and back into Acacia. Leodan is assassinated and his four children must be separated and are scattered to different corners of the empire. The Mein triumph and win over acacia. Now Leodan’s children Aliver the former heir to the throne, Corinn the eldest daughter, Mena the youngest sister and Dariel the youngest brother begin their quest to avenge their fathers’ death. They will unite and rise to free Acacia and restore the Acacian empire.

Durham weaves an intricate web among all of his characters. The story has a steady flow of action and suspense which makes this an engaging and exciting read. He has an immense writing skill of incorporating a fantasy that is in a sense historical and a political thriller. Acacia is the first in this new trilogy.

Durham has penned an incredibly engaging story, if you crave an imaginatively crafted story that will grab you and not let go, this is it. I anxiously await the next in this new trilogy.

Rear View Mirror

2007-05-12T20:56:00.000-05:00

Rear View Mirror
by Cindy Callinsky
Lulu
ISBN: 978-1-4116-9595-5
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Rear View Mirror is an autobiography by Cindy Callinsky and is a moving and great inspirational account of her life. The story is told in the first person and the author has a way of drawing you into the accounts of her life. The story tells one of love lost, the loss of her mother, and of heartbreak. You will travel cross country and abroad with Cindy. She describes the story contained within the pages as her perception and her reality. In the very beginning she states the following: “This is based on a true story; however, “my” perception is “my” reality. How I have portrayed my story is how I perceived it after having absorbed things with my senses and then processed them through my way of thinking. Other parties involved may have perceived things differently due to a different thought process”.

I will have to commend and applaud Cindy on not only her ability to tell her story but in being able to share her life experiences and emotional roller coaster type life. Of course we all experience a roller coaster type life full of ups and downs, loss of love, loss of family and friends, but Cindy has chose to share hers with us. I found myself teary eyed in one moment and smiling the next. Thank you Cindy for sharing your story with me it was a pleasure to read and provide a review.

The book contains some off colored language that may not be suitable for all readers.

A Wild and Woolly Night

2007-05-12T20:54:00.000-05:00

A Wild and Woolly Night
by Lorraine Lynch Geiger
Illustrated by Sharon Vargo
The RGU Group
Children’s book, Fiction, 32 pages, $15.95
ISBN-10: 1891795252
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

“A Wild and Woolly Night” is a children’s picture book for children ages 4 to 12. A hardback edition with a cover that is beautifully illustrated with a boy in his bed surrounded by a variety of animals.

This is an enchanting story of a little boy named Phillip, he is different from most children as he is eager to go to bed and sleep. But Phillip’s bed time is a great adventure filled with different animals with each change of his bed covers.

Every page leads to a different adventure and discovery of a new animal: “he found a purple spread with tiny polliwogs. But when he climbed back into bed They all grew into frogs.” The pages are beautifully illustrated and the stories rhyme which will delight both you and your child. The art work is superb and will ignite the imaginations of all. A highly recommended children’s book that can be enjoyed by the entire family and will make the perfect bed time story.

Lorraine Lynch Geiger is the mother of five, grandmother to fifteen and resides in Sebring, Florida, and spends part of the year where she was born in Newfoundland, Canada. She has published a young adult novel “Trouble at the Blueberry Patch”, and is a prize winning poet.

Sharon Vargo is the illustrator of many children’s books. She is also the author and illustrator of “Senor Felipe’s Alphabet Adventure”. She has also had her acrylic paintings appear in magazines, murals and limited edition prints. She currently resides in Carmel, Indiana with her husband, and their pet frog named Romeo, they have four grown sons. She graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

Stone Pizza

2007-05-12T20:52:00.000-05:00

Stone Pizza
by Susan K. Mitchell
Illustrated by McNevin Hayes
The RGU Group
Children’s book, fiction, 29 pages, $15.95
ISBN-10: 1-891795-26-0
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

“Stone Pizza” is a children’s picture book for children ages 4 to 12. A hardback book with a cover that is beautifully illustrated with a coyote on the cover wearing a purple bandanna with yellow polka-dots, a pair of green sunglasses and holding a stone pizza.

A delightful tale involving the critters of the desert where food is hard to find. Coyote finds no hospitality when he wanders into that stretch of the highway in the desert. The story of Stone Pizza focuses on team work and sharing. The book is engaging and a pure delight and offers a wonderful cast of characters.

The pages are filled with bold and vibrant imaginative illustrations, the art work is superb to ignite the child’s imagination. I highly recommend this children’s book, both you and your children will enjoy reading this story together time and time again all while delivering a great lesson of sharing and team work.

Susan K. Mitchell is a full time preschool teacher with two young daughters of her own. Stone Pizza is her first published children’s picture book. She has written for several children’s magazines, she also writes monthly for Style & Living magazine. She has also written non-fiction books, and a biography of actor Will Smith. She currently resides in Texas with her husband and their two daughters.

McNevin Hayes currently resides in Pittsford, New York with his wife and their son. His artwork has appeared in magazines, murals and galleries.

Is There a Hole in the Boat?

2007-05-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

Is There a Hole in the Boat? Tales of Travel in Panama without a car
by Darrin DuFord
Booklocker.com, Inc. (June 16, 2006) , 196 pages, $13.95
ISBN-13: 978-1591139973
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Is There a Hole in the Boat? is the authors account of traveling through Panama using the same transportation methods that are used by the locals. Those methods of transportation include bus, by foot, riding in the back of trucks through paved and unpaved roads. The author introduces us to Panama’s history, ecology and the indigenous people of the country as well.

This book is about his experiences and discoveries made while traveling Panama on three seperate occassions. DuFord mixes with the locals, samples everything, the food, drink and experiences their cultures, observes the peoples everyday lives and participates in their traditional celebrations.

Darrin DuFord writes his accounts with vivid descriptive detail, making this a engaging read. This is not to be confused with your normal travel guide of rating places to stay and eat. DuFord takes us on a journey into the lives and cultures of the Panama people and makes this both an enjoyable as well as an educational reading selection.

Slaying the Mouse: A True Story of Healing in the Spiritual Realms

2007-04-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

Slaying the Mouse: A True Story of Healing in the Spiritual Realms
by Wendy Stofan Halley
Lulu
Lulu.com
Non-fiction, 144 pages, $18.00
ISBN: 1847283993
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Wendy Stofan Halley is a talented practitioner as well as a talented writer, she is a practitioner in the indigenous healing methods and has the unique ability to be in touch with another persons subconscious by spiritual means. Slaying the Mouse is a true story that will astound as well as amaze you. You will learn how Wendy was able to help a nineteen year old man whom she calls Jason in order to protect his identity his name has been changed. Wendy’s brother Tim is dating Jason’s sister and they need Wendy’s help, so Wendy’s father calls to ask for the much needed help. Her father does not quite understand exactly what she does but he has enormous faith in her abilities.

Jason has slipped into a deep coma and Wendy develops a spiritual connection with him to help him heal over the distance that separates them. Wendy’s ability allows her to spiritually connect with Jason, talk with him, and to help him begin to face and understand his fears and to overcome those fears. The story is an account of roughly a nine month spiritual healing process. Wendy’s is in constant contact with the family via email and is a very compassionate and caring lady. Have you ever wondered what patients know or hear while being in a coma state? What happens at the subconscious level? What experiences they may have while in the coma? Do they know you are there? Can they hear you when you speak to them?

Wendy Stofan Halley has penned a remarkable and miraculous story. She has developed a writing style that flows smoothly and includes vivid details which creates a powerful sensory image with the reader. The story is emotional, uplifting and a intriguing and engaging read. I found no faults and think both the concept and writing as a whole was excellent. The author writes the story in a first person narrative style which is superbly written.

I highly recommend Slaying the Mouse to everyone who has a desire to be amazed by a true story that will truly leave you in a state of awe.

Reading this title was a great pleasure!

Living The Truth

2007-04-29T11:44:00.000-05:00

Living The Truth
by Keith Ablow, MD
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 978-0-316-01781-7
Self-help, 307 pages, $25.99
Reviewed by Terry South for Armchair Interviews

Dr. Keith Ablow tells as well as shows us how ignoring or even burying painful memories and experience can affect every aspect of our lives negatively. In “Living The Truth” he presents strategies and exercises to help you transform the pain of the past into the power of your future.

In the beginning he describes this as “your journey” as being one of a working partnership with him. He presents you with exercises where you write down your thoughts and feelings as well as answering questions throughout the entire book. You are able to write your answers within the pages of the book itself as he has provided adequate space with lined pages. If you prefer to preserve your copy to pass onto a friend or family member I would suggest you record your answers within a journal or a notebook, plus this will provide privacy so no one else sees what you have answered.

Dr. Ablow’s core message is that no one has a perfect life and states that everyone has pain in which they must overcome. He has many strategies to help you overcome the negatives and to face your conflicts head on which will give you more control over your life experiences. He describes his book as his “most ambitious attempt to help people do what I finally did – face the truth about the past, however uncomfortable, sad, or frightening – and experience the remarkable power that comes from that journey.”

Living The Truth is a book that tells you as well as shows you how to change your life. This book is idea for the people who feel their lives are way off track, maybe feeling a little depressed, down on their luck, or even just the general down feeling, or the feeling of everything in your life is going wrong. Or for those of us that wish to make a positive change in our lives. He has a very easy reading style, while incorporating explanations, examples and simple steps to follow. He beams with positive energy. I highly recommend reading it and giving it a try, you have nothing to lose except maybe some pain.

Dr. Ablow is a powerful writer and he empowers you to embrace reality about the painful times of your life experiences. He describes to us how to face our own individual life stories and to feel the pain and then push forward and grow beyond the pain. This is a journey of self-discovery which he presents in such a concise way making one want to live the truth. I found the exercises to be very helpful and I have started Living The Truth. He is one of the leading voices in America on healing and delivering the message that no one has a perfect life. Why not start your self-discovery by choosing to Live The Truth today.

Keith Ablow, MD., psychiatrist and host of the Dr. Keith Ablow Show, and is a New York Times best-selling author. He graduated from
Brown University and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and is on the faculty of New England Medical Center in Boston, he has appeared on the Today show and many other shows numerous times, and is a leading authority in his field.

The Eye of Alloria

2007-04-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

The Eye of Alloria
by Rae Lindley
ISBN: 978-0-9793674-0-3
Illustrated Novella, 107 pages
www.raelori.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Eye of Alloria takes place in the late 21st century here on Earth. With new technological advances man has been able to create machines that merge with bodies of their fallen comrades.

After the banning of technology the ruler of Orland, Saron Bravewind learns his daughter has an incurable illness. Saron is now on the search of finding a higher life to help his daughter. Will he find what he is looking for or will he find something so unthinkable?

Lindley has penned a novella that encompasses both fantasy and science fiction. Her characters are interesting and distinctive. She has a great imagination as well as the ability to ignite the imagination of her readers. The Eye of Alloria contains two of Lindley’s talents; her artwork enhances the plot, each complimenting the other.

Rachel “Rae” Lindley is a writer, artist and filmmaker. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bridge of the Gods

2007-04-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

Bridge of the Gods
book 1 of 6
by Len Robertson
ISBN: 0-595-12418-6 $26.95
iUniverse
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Bridge of the Gods follows Mary Brown, a middle aged divorced mother that finds her life turned upside down. One Saturday morning she finds herself not only carjacked but kidnapped as well. She is taken into the world of Galatia. Here she finds herself in a new body with new abilities and a new fate that awaits her.

Mary learns she has been wisked away to this new world in order to save it. But Mary’s life becomes more complicated when she meets Fred as his expectations of her saving the world are stern. Will Mary be able to save this world with her new found abilities?

Robertson has developed a steady plot as well as some very interesting characters. Bridge of the Gods is an entertaining read, although the book has a few typos, it is very well written. I look forward to reading book 2.

Rant

2007-04-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey
by Chuck Palahniuk
Doubleday
ISBN: 978-0-385-51787-4
$24.95 319 pages
Review by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

I am having a really rough time writing a review for this one. I could sum the review up in 2 words or 20 pages. The 2 words are: Mind Blowing, this is one book that I will keep and add to my collection. Words just really cannot describe how I felt reading this. I have never read anything by Chuck Palahniuk and really had never heard of him until requesting this one for review, needless to say I am adding him to my favorite author list, and will be dishing out some major bucks to get all of his earlier books. (lol)

Will try to have the review up by this weekend, even if it is the two words above MIND BLOWING as this was one mind blowing experience and my head is still spinning and the wheels in my brain are ever so constantly turning.

As you can see the cover art is intriguing and enticing which originally drew me to read the blurb in the catalog before requesting this one for review.

The Sacred Bones

2007-04-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

The Sacred Bones
By Michael Byrnes
ISBN: 0061146072
$24.95 – Hardcover – 304 pages
Harper Collins Publishers
www.thesacredbones.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Sacred Bones is set at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. An ancient artifact is stolen from a vault beneath the Temple Mount. The theft has left many soldiers and policemen dead, leaving the Palestinians angry; tensions run high between the Israelis and the Palestinians.Charlotte Hennesey, an American forensic scientist has been hired by the Vatican to examine the ossuary which contains the bones of an unknown man who was crucified. Charlotte is joined by Giovanni Bersei, an Italian anthropologist and together they uncover forensic and genetic data that lead them to wonder if the bones could be those of Jesus.

As Charlotte and Giovanni become closer to solving the true identity of the man in which these bones once belonged, the Vatican’s security begins to have a much greater watchful eye on her. Are the bones discovered those of Jesus? Will the Vatican allow the information on the discovering or keep the secrets hidden? With her identifying the man these bones once belonged to, will Charlotte be silenced?

Byrnes has penned a superbly crafted debut novel that tantalizes with a sense of drama and of suspense as the story races forward. It is evident that he has done a great deal of research which combines historical fact and protreptic fiction. Byrnes novel is powerful and opens an emotional vein in you leaving you with the desire to read through to the end.

Michael Byrnes currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters. Byrnes attended Montclair State University in NJ and earned his undergraduate degree in marketing, and later his graduate degree in business administration at Rutgers. The Sacred Bones is his debut novel.

This was one explosive and thrilling 5 star read and one genuine page-turner to the very end.

The Black Sheep

2007-04-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

The Black Sheep
by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
ISBN: 978-1-4231-0156-7
YA, Fiction: Ages 12 and up
Hyperion Books for Children
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Black Sheep is a funny and entertaining read. The setting is New York and then off to California. It begins as Kendra Bishop a fifteen year old who has had enough of her parents and all their rules; they even keep a binder filled with these rules. There is a reality TV show that offers teens a chance to swap families, so Kendra decides to write to the show for her chance to get away from it all. The winner is chosen on the basis of the most pathetic letter written, Kendra is excited to find she has actually won.

Kendra is taken from her apartment in Manhattan to California to live with the Mulligan family. They are so different, the parents are both hippies, have five children and a pet ferret. Kendra learns quickly the chaos of sharing a bathroom with so many, having to watch her belongings, and living with a ferret that wants to sleep in her bed. But her biggest problem is the pushy producer who will do anything to get higher ratings. And to top all of this Kendra falls for one of the Mulligan’s, Mitch who is seventeen and despises everything this show stands for. Will Kendra win Mitch over or will things continue to decline for her?

Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout bring us a cast of characters who are engaging and winsome. The story is well crafted and pulls the reader into the conflicted feelings and reasoning of Kendra so well.

Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician

2007-04-24T01:29:00.000-05:00

Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician
by Daniel Wallace
http://www.danielwallace.org/
ISBN: 978-0-305-52109-3 $21.95
Doubleday
Fiction, July 2007
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The stories setting is a rural southern one, and the story occurs in the middle of the twentieth century. It begins in May of 1954, Henry is just a boy and he meets with a devilish magician named Mr. Sebastian. Mr. Sebastian teaches Henry magic and all the secrets pertaining to the magic. But at what price will Henry have to pay for those magic lessons?

Daniel Wallace is a master story teller and we eventually learn the true identities of Henry and Mr. Sebastian and the tragic events that occurred throughout the story. The story is told by many of the different characters, and Wallace has a skill of using each of these characters in telling Henry’s story.

Wallace writes with impact and the story is superbly crafted with twists and turns leaving you with a great sense of anticipation, making this a real page turner. The conclusion is one that will leave you breathless.

Daniel Wallace was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Emory University and the University of North Carolina, and now lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife and son. Daniel Wallace is the author of Four novels: Mr. Sebastian and The Negro Magician, Big Fish, Ray in Reverse and The Watermelon King. And Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician, will be published by Doubleday in July 2007.

The Opium Of The People

2007-04-24T01:26:00.000-05:00

The Opium Of The People
by J Alan Erwine
www.jalanerwine.com
Nomadic Delirium Press
ISBN: 1-4196-2588-8 $15.99
Fiction, 156 pages
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Opium Of The People is the third edition of the novel to be printed. Along with corrections made to the two prior editions there was a change to the cover art, the cover is a piece from the artist Laura Givens entitled “Come to Jesus”.

The Opium Of The People’s basic premise of the novel was intriguing. This is a story of how the world as we know it could very well change. What if the American government was overthrown, what would we or could we do? The author tells a story of the American people falling under the control of what he calls “a radical right-wing fundamentalist christian government”. This new government is ruled by the Grand Patriarchs who take away freedom and enforces a law that we would never have imagined possible. He tells of a world full of gloom, torture and one filled with danger for all. He also tells of how the best of people must resort to extreme measures in an effort to regain control of their futures before its too late. Or is it too late? You will have to pick up a copy and read this one for yourself, as mentioned at the beginning of the review this is the third printing of the title and was originally written and published before the current crisis we face now happened.

J Alan Erwine has a plot line that is creative, and he exhibits excellent writing skills and can effectively tell a story. The characters are multidimensional and realistic. Although the book still has a few errors and typos, it is very well written.

J Alan Erwine currently resides in Colorado. He has published more than three dozen short stories and has published 2 short story collections.

Must Of Got Lost

2007-04-24T01:23:00.000-05:00

Must Of Got Lost
by Jerry Girard
ISBN: 978-1-59872-795-1
Reviewed by: Gary

This is one great book, if you love the music from the late 70s and early 1980s you will really want to pick this up and read it.

The author mentions alot of wonderful artists like Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss ZZ Top, and many, many more. Reading this book brought back such great memories from a wonderful time in my life.

The book also tells the story of Mick and the split of his parents where at least he is able to turn to his friends and garage band members for support, like so many of us back in the day. That time in our lives when friends, girls, and rock and roll were what was the most important things to us rockers. Our music, concerts and fun and hanging out and listening to music and some of us even trying to be band members ourselves.

The author has a way of writing that will take you back to those days, remembering the great bands, the club life, and the greatest concerts of all time. I highly recommend this for all those who love the best music from the best years. And for all the rock and roll fans everywhere.

Jerry you rock!

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

2007-04-24T01:16:00.000-05:00

JK Rowling’s last book in the Harry Potter series, Book 7 “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows”

The scheduled release date is July 21, 2007.

Sales are expected to be quite high so I suggest if you want the last in the Harry Potter series that you pre-order your copy today. I pre-ordered my copy over 2 months ago and am anxious for the release date.

Edgar Font's Hunt For A House To Haunt Adventure One

2007-04-21T10:05:00.000-05:00

Edgar Font’s Hunt For A House To Haunt
Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse
by Patrick H. T. Doyle
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere. Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead. The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children’s aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China. The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather. Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime. Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery. As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children’s book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age. The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one. This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come. I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family. I cannot wait until Edgar Font’s Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July. I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com

http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story. Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett. Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone. It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation. A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended. I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

Lethally Blond by Kate White

2007-04-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

Lethally Blond
by Kate White
ISBN-13: 978-0446577953
Bailey Weggins Mystery, 336 pages
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Lethally Blond is by Cosmopolitans magazine editor in chief Kate White. A Bailey Weggins Mystery.

Bailey Weggins is the Buzz gossip magazine reporter, she reports celebrity crimes. She is asked to hunt down a missing actor by an old friend. Tom Fain has disappeared and Chris Wickersham and Tom both are on the TV show called Morgue. But when Tom vanishes without a trace Chris contacts Bailey to help track Tom down.

Bailey and Chris soon learn that Tom has been having an affair with the producers girlfriend and that he has recently withdrawn seven thousand dollars cash. Bailey turns up a lead which takes her to Tom’s family home in New York. What she finds is a deceased Tom, now it seems as if the TV show Morgue may be reality TV. What other disappearances are in store for Bailey from the Morgue? Will Bailey and Chris’s old flame re-ignite? What lies ahead for Bailey? To get the answers to these questions I post you will need to read Lethally Blond, you will not be disappointed.

Kate White has a good plot and the characters are detailed and believable. White writes with a flare for telling a story that is humorous and entertaining. This is a superbly crafted read and is a genuine page turner that offers a mix of romance and mystery.

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

2007-04-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

Simple Genius
By David Baldacci
ISBN-10: 0446580341
ISBN-13: 978-0446580342
Washington Political Thriller, 432 pages
Reviewed by Terry South, Quality Book Reviews

The setting is Washington, D.C. and Virginia, and it all begins when Michelle Maxwell who is struggling with emotional problems and finds herself in the midst of a barroom brawl and ends up being arrested and put in jail. Michelle agrees to seek therapy in a psychiatric private clinic. Michelle has some demons that haunt her and she must seek help before it is to late, or before someone ends up dead.

Sean King is Michelle’s partner, they both are former Secret Service Agents, and as Sean watches Michelle’s decline he is in need of some very needed extra funds which he is lacking. Sean accepts an assignment from an old girlfriend at her Investigation Agency and takes on the new assignment which is to investigate a mysterious death in Virginia. His assignment takes him to a place called Babbage Town where he investigates the shooting near the CIA training center. As the investigation continues Sean begins to discover more accidents and apparent suicides that have taken place.

Michelle checks out of the psychiatric facility and teams up with Sean in Virginia. As the story continues to unfold Sean and Michelle are up against major corruption and must save an innocent girl before time runs out and they must expose the corruption that is occurring at the CIA training camp before it is to late. Will they be able to save Viggie, and will they unlock the hidden dangerous secrets that seem to be locked in her memory? What is this major corruption? Is our nation safe?

David Baldacci’s characters are finely tuned and are well developed, compelling and memorable. He has a gripping plot and incorporates twists and turns that will shock you. Baldacci has done a wonderful job in creating a thriller that is thought provoking and he manages to wrap everything up effortlessly so it all comes together. Reviewing this title was a great pleasure and is a highly recommended read.

2007-04-18T21:19:00.000-05:00

Wish Club by Kim Strickland

2007-04-16T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Wish Club
by Kim Strickland
Three Rivers Press
Crown Publishing Group
ISBN:
Reviewed by: Terry South for Bookpleasures

Wish Club is a zany and witty story that you are sure to love. It involves five women, Claudia, Lindsay, Gail, Mara and Jill who are members of a book club. Their book club seems just like any other book club, five women sitting around talking, drinking wine, and even discussing the book they have been reading. Things in their book club had been going rather well until one of the women in the group introduces a book on witchcraft. Being out of the norm, the women are intrigued and decide to go ahead and try their luck at casting a few spells. They start out with a small spell that is to chant and the rain will stop; then they begin to chant and the rain does indeed stop. Due to their success they then decide to cast a spell on a cat that is a diabetic and the cat heals, its a miracle. The women decide to embrace their new found powers, now they begin to pursue their new powers further. The women decide to just make wishes to help out themselves in their daily lives, they wish for money, creativity, a baby, time to themselves and a perfect man. This all should be harmless as they are only focusing in on positive thinking and making wishes right?

Now instead of being called the book club they are the wish club. Claudia is a school teacher and wishes to have a baby of her own as soon as possible, she also wants to write a novel. Gail is a housewife and a mother of three and she wishes to have peace and quite time and to get her life back. Lindsay is a socialite and has a trust fund, she wishes to lose weight and wants to be in the Women’s Foundation spring fashion show. While Mara, a former singer wishes for money and to resume her singing career once again; and Jill, an artist wishes for creativity and inspiration, and a perfect man in her life.

As the Wish Club members get all too consumed with casting spells in order to improve the various areas of their lives they find themselves in a web of wishes that have gone haywire. What started as an innocent and fun set of small spells has now turned their lives inside out, and everything is out of control. Now they turn to the only person they can think of who might be able to help them get their lives back under control and regain some normalcy, a real witch, someone who can undo what they have done, undo their spells, and finally return their lives back to normal.

Kim Strickland is a pilot for a major airline flying 767s. Kim Strickland lives in Chicago with her husband, her twin boys, two cats and a dog.

Kim Strickland has developed her characters so well and they are so believable and charming and funny. The story line is great, and I can find no faults with this novel. It has been very well written, (cleverly written) and is highly entertaining. Wish Club is an enchanting read, I am recommending it for our reading group. The story is funny, smart and so intriguing. This is a perfect book club read. It is a magical, intriguing, humorous story and give it an astounding 5 stars.

The Bone Whistle

2007-04-15T14:50:00.000-05:00

The Bone Whistle
by Eva Swan
Juno Books
ISBN 10: 0-8095-5792-4
ISBN 13: 978-0-8095-5792-9
208 pages, $12.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The setting is Lakota reservation in Greenview, South Dakota. Darly is a twenty year old and lives with her mother just outside of Denver. Every summer she accompanies her mother to an isolated cabin on the edge of Lakota reservation in South Dakota. This is no way for a college student to spend her summer vacation.

Darly is bored and has made the decision that this will be the last year she will accompany her mother to the reservation. Darly likes seeing Grandpa Jack and this year he gives her a bone whistle that has two blue feathers attached, he tells Darly when she gets good and bored to blow the whistle. She waits all of two weeks before blowing the whistle and learns the truth about her family and her father. She had believed her father was dead, but he is not dead nor human, but is wanaghi. Wanaghi are a shape changing people who left their tribes centuries before and now live in a magical land beneath the hill.

On the search for her father she is accompanied by Osni, but what she finds is a conflict among the wanaghi. Now she must choose her heart and feelings she has developed for Osni or her family. Will Darly be able to resolve the conflict between them? Before anything else she must discover own powers which puts her on a path of self-discovery.

Eva Swan combines both Native American and Celtic legends into a romantic fantasy. The author takes us through the story by different character perspectives. Her characters are believable and she maintains a good plot. This is Eva Swans debut fantasy novel, the only problem I found was that as a reader you need to pay attention as the author has point of view changes into different characters perspective which can cause some confusion while reading. I truly enjoyed the both the Native American and Celtic concepts she has incorporated into the story.

Eva Swan is the pseudonym for the author, editor, and artist, who is of Native American descent, who currently reside in England. I was unable to locate a website for the author to include with the review.

Gun Shy

2007-04-15T12:28:00.000-05:00

Gun Shy
by Ben Rehder
www.benrehder.com
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0-312-35752-4
Reviewed by: Terry South

Gun Shy is the fifth novel in this mystery series featuring game warden John Marlin. The setting is Blanco County, Texas and it begins as the National Weapons alliance and director Dale Stubbs gear up for the big rally. The rally is supporting Americans with the right to carry concealed weapons. This is a controversial subject to say the least, but the author has brought humor into the mix and makes light of both sides, remember this is a work of fiction. This rally is expected to be on a grand scale and the NWA's spokesman is none other than Mitch Campbell.

Mitch is hosting the rally at his Blanco County ranch and will be performing the NWA's anthem and his number one hit single "My Cold Dead Hands", but he is no real cowboy, in fact he is an impostor; his agent thought the persona would boost his record sales, deceitful yes. This deceit could end up in a disaster or could make Mitch a big hit. Mitch's true identity is that of Norman Klienschmidt from Middlebury, Vermont so he is not even from Texas. Will Mitch be able to keep up his hidden identity or will he falter and make a huge mistake?

Due to Mitch's devious actions and all too fake persona, he has turned to drugs to cope and the drugs are clouding his thinking. He soon becomes paranoid, believing his life is in danger and ends up shooting his gardener. But when the dead Mexican turns up, game warden John Marlin and law enforcement officials are on the case. As Marlin begins checking into the murder a new series of events begin taking place, these events may bring Mitch down as well as the NWA.

Rehder has well developed characters, a strong story line with a very good plot as well as sub-plots. He has created some unexpected twists that will keep you guessing. Rehder does not take an extreme position on questions of gun control and he pokes fun at both sides equally in the book. He presents a comical crime fiction series, that is humorous and entertaining.

It was a great pleasure to review such a witty crime fiction series. I now need to get the other four books in this series. This was the first title I have reviewed from this author and now am hooked. If your looking for a humorous and entertaining read I highly recommend picking up a copy of Gun Shy as it is an enjoyable read.

I believe this deserves a big star with 5 points, (here I am trying to be humorous). A definite 5 stars!

The Strangeling

2007-04-14T00:36:00.000-05:00

The Strangeling
by Saskia Walker
Juno Books
ISBN: 978-0-8095-5793-6 $9.95
Fantasy
www.saskiawalker.co.uk/
http://www.saskiawalker.blogspot.com/
http://ideaboutique.blogspot.com/2007/02/strangeling-by-saskia-walker.html
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The setting is Edren a fantasy world created by the author who has a magical imaginative spark in storytelling.

The Strangeling is an erotic fantasy novel that revolves around Maerose, a beautiful young woman with magical powers. Maerose is the heroine and Bron is her hero. Bron is an elder and goes on the quest of rescuing Maerose from her captor, Veldor who is a former elder himself. Veldor’s intentions are malicious as he seeks to mate with Maerose in order to master the demons and rule the lands.

Veldor is knowledgeable on the prophecy made around 100 years ago; the prophecy is one of a chilling nature where the undead armies of Crondor and Yaxlan rise up from the underworld with great power. As the prophecy has foretold of a maiden that can save the forest and the elders all believe this to be Maerose due to the revelations revealed about the prophecy. Will good conquer evil or will evil prevail in this fascinating fantasy?

The Strangeling is a short fantasy novel that is packed with vivid details and a precise amount of action. Walker writes the story with impact and the story is a superbly crafted erotic fantasy. The characters are well developed with detail and the author manages to tie the characters together well.

This is the first of the author’s works I have had the pleasure of reviewing and have to admit I am hooked. I look forward to her new release next month which is also a fantasy entitled “Unveiling The Sorceress”.

Saskia Walker is a British author of erotic romance, fantasy and erotica. Her idea for this novel began at a tender age of between 8 and 9 when she first became interested in paganism and her parents took her to visit Stonehenge.

Saskia Walker earned her BA with honors from the University of Sussex, and has a MA in Literature and Visual Arts from the University of Reading. She currently resides north of London with her true love Mark.

A Magical 5 stars for The Stangeling!

A New Forum for Authors and Readers

2007-04-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

QBR (Quality Book Reviews) has just opened a new forum dedicated to and for authors as well as readers alike. I would like to invite everyone to drop by check it out and offer any suggestions to make this a better place for all. The new forum has a little of everything including a place where authors may drop in introduce yourselves, introduce your works, new releases, upcoming titles, and add links to your sites and blogs.

http://terrysouth.proboards83.com/

For readers we are developing a reading group, reading guides, open discussions, etc...

The forum categories added so far include:
General
Books & Novels
Bookshelves
Readers
Quality Book Reviews

Under each of the forum categories is a wide variety of sub-categories for everyone's enjoyment.

We have also added a live chat and as we grow further would love to schedule live chats between authors and their readers.

We also would like to add to our schedule interviews with various authors to be placed on the forum as well as our site so that their readers can learn more about their favorite authors.

Thank you and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Terry

Quality Book Reviews

Anatomy of Fear

2007-04-10T20:03:00.000-05:00

Anatomy of Fear
By Jonathan Santlofer
ISBN: 978-0-06-088197-9 $24.95
William Morrow
An Imprint of Harper Collins
10 East 53rd St., New York, NY 10022
www.HarperCollins.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

As an added bonus be sure to check out the video trailer starring the author Jonathan Santlofer and his artwork:
http://www.jonathansantlofer.com/anatomyvideo.html

(also on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaL97PkP1hs)

Also check out the HarperCollins sweepstakes where the winner gets their portrait sketched by Jonathan Santlofer:
http://www.harpercollins.com/features/anatomyoffear/

The setting is New York and Terri Russo a detective for the NYPD is called to the scene of a murder where she discovers a sketch of the victim alongside the body. Russo is aided in her investigation by Nate Rodriguez, the police sketch artist.

Nate’s father was an undercover narc for the NYPD, Nate still very much disturbed by his fathers death, has managed to avoid doing any on the scene police work. All this is about to change as Nate is drawn into the case, and maybe even further than he could have imagined. Nate begins piecing together the face of the killer and he himself then becomes a target.

The killer also sketches people, his victims, and he uses his abilities to turn the investigation in a different direction. You will find this story erupts with some explosive twists, so hold on for a heart pounding ride.

Jonathan Santlofer is also an artist and has his works displayed in several locations including museums. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute. Santlofer began writing in 1989 after a gallery fire claimed five years of his works. Anatomy of Fear contains both of his talents; his artwork enhances the strong compelling and intriguing plot, each complementing the other.

Santlofer has a steady flow of action and suspense with enough twists and turns to leave you with anticipation. The characters are distinctive and interesting with qualities that make them believable. The scenes are written with such a compelling impact that is gripping and makes this a genuine page turner to the end.

A guaranteed 5 star read.

Lost Echoes

2007-04-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Lost Echoes
By Joe R. Lansdale
Crime thriller
ISBN: 978-0-307-27544-8 $13.95
Vintage Books
A Division of Random House Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
www.RandomHouse.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Lost Echoes is a story about a man named Harry Wilkes, who at the tender age of six came down with the mumps and developed a severe ear infection which affected his brain. Harry’s mind would fill with images of past crimes and he could see the events taking place as well as see the faces of the people involved in the crimes. Harry eventually develops a taste for alcohol as it helps him to suppress the images as well as the sounds contained within his mind.

Harry is in a bar one evening when he notices three men taking a drunk out through the back. Harry knows what is getting ready to happen and decides to step in. The drunk is Tad Peters and immediately he and Harry become friends. Soon after Kayla, Harry’s first love comes back into his life, now a police officer she is determined to find her fathers’ killers. With Harry’s ability he soon figures out that the men responsible for Kayla’s fathers’ death are connected to other unsolved murders.

Joe R. Lansdale has penned several novels in the genres of suspense, horror and westerns. He has won many awards throughout his career. He currently resides in Texas with his wife and children.

Lansdale writes scenes with high impact and vivid details and accounts. He incorporates the correct intrusive amount of twists and turns that leave you breathless and drawing you into the heart of the story. The characters are so believable and you feel as if you have known them for quite some time, he is descriptive and adds that human touch to his characters.

An indubious 5 star read.

Pattern of Vengeance

2007-04-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

Pattern of Vengeance
A Maria Sanchez Thriller
By C. Hyytinen
Echelon Press Publishing
9735 Country Meadows Lane 1-D
Laurel, MD 20723
www.echelonpress.com
ISBN: 978-1-59080-520-6 $12.99
April 2007 286 pages
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The setting begins in Minneapolis and then moves between LA, Minneapolis, as well as some scenes set in Florida. Agent Stan Bauer has been murdered and believed to have been a Mafia hit. Detective Maria Sanchez is on the case. Her partner is Tom Powders who is nearing retirement and he has been acting very odd lately, Maria is not sure what he is up too, but begins to speculate as the story continues. They believe there is a leak in the department and no one can be trusted. Special Investigator Joe Morgan is Maria’s husband of ten wonderful years.

Chief Sandra LaSalle is the new chief having moved from New York only a year ago, she is a petite redhead in her fifties and is not very well liked and has earned some names since arriving as the new Chief in Minneapolis. Due to the nature of the crimes being committed, the possibility of a leak within the department LaSalle has made the decision to assign the case to Sanchez and partners her with Morgan.

Maria was once married to Jack Sanchez known as The River Rat and was the father to her daughter Tess. He was also father to a boy named Tony, whose mother died and Maria and Joe adopted him, after all he and Tess are brother and sister. Tess is in college and is twenty years old, Tony is a teenager about sixteen. It is nearly Christmas and Tess has finished with finals and comes home to stay for a month, which is just in time as the case heats up for her parents. Will they finally be able to put an end to all the mafia’s crimes? Will anyone else die as a result of this investigation? Will the person responsible for leaking the information to Marco be discovered in time?

LaSalle brings in Etina Altmark a Russian from New York to go undercover as a runaway, she is twenty eight but looks as if she is only fifteen. Hyytinen has a way of leaving you on the edge of your seat, she has incorporated vivid details and accounts throughout the story, making this one that you have to read from front to back non-stop. The chapters are short and each chapter leaves an inevitable hook at the end leaving you with the desire to read one more and then another. The author has superbly written scenes with impact, with a steady flow of action and suspense. This story is so relentless, gripping and intriguing and a genuine page turner. The characters are so finely tuned, believable and real, you find yourself cheering them on, hoping for the best, and feel these are people you have known for quite some time. You will find yourself thinking of the characters long after finishing the book. The story erupts with explosive twists and delivers a powerful ending that will leave you breathless. This is a must read, I will warn there is mature themes including language, but I have no hesitation in saying I highly recommend reading The Maria Sanchez Thrillers. If looking for an explosive read you will not want to miss this one.

It has been a great pleasure to read and review Pattern of Vengeance and I truly cannot wait to read the first in the Maria Sanchez Thrillers, and look forward to all her new releases.

Toaster Pond

2007-04-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

Toaster Pond
By Peter de Witt
Fantasy/Adventure
ISBN: 1-933255-21-8
www.toasterpond.com
DNA Press
PO Box 572 Eagleville, PA 19408
www.dnapress.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Toaster Pond is a wondrous adventure for children. The setting is a place called Waterville. In Waterville during the summer the teens are ready for their championship game of Hide and Seek. But this is not your normal regular game.

The story will captivate your child’s imagination. You can discover within the pages six toed fairies, as well as a wealth of different characters. The stories main characters include Doug, Skip, and Pierce, and they are on the Hide and Seek team termed the best team. Peter de Witt transports the game to a magical place of Sangerfiled, here the main characters must put their expert skills into action. Will they be able to save Sanger Castle? To find out you will need to pick up a copy of this great adventurous tale, you will not be disappointed.

Toaster Pond is a quick compact read, once your child has started they will not be able to put this one down. This is Peter de Witt’s debut and is an excellent creation and there will be a high demand for more. This is one enchanting and magical read that the entire family will want to read. This title will win the parents approval, and will be captivating families for generations to come.

Peter de Witt is an author, a adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY., and he is also has been teaching elementary school for eleven years. He currently resides in New York.

The Chronicles of Virago

2007-04-06T23:27:00.000-05:00

The Chronicles of the Virago
By Michael K. Bialys
Publish America
ISBN: 1424133653
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The stories main character is Makenna, who is your typical 12 year old girl. The setting is Pasadena, California.

It all begins when Makenna is approached one evening by three fairies who tell her she is to protect her twin siblings from evil forces. The fairies arm her with an Armasword which is a powerful mystical weapon. Upon their visit they also tell her that she is the chosen one, the protector which they call the Virago. Her twin brother and sister are born with a gift of goodness and Makenna must protect them from evil, this is her quest and so the journey begins.

In this fantasy an earthworm reveals the evil force by name and that name is Sir Seaton. It is he who will be on his own quest to locate and destroy the twins preventing them from defeating pure evil in the future. Will Makenna discover Sir Seaton among the many disguises? Will she fail or prevail?

This is contemporary fantasy at its finest. A rich captivating story between good and evil with a picturesque ending where good prevails. It is both enchanting and a stimulating read for young readers, and offers vivid accounts and memorable characters. The story will excite your children and spark their imaginations, all while teaching family values. Your daughters will be cheering for Makenna, and your sons will be captivated and thrilled with the story filled within the pages.

This is a must for children, and highly recommended. It was a delightful pleasure reviewing this title and look forward to the next in the series.

Ladykiller

2007-04-06T15:15:00.000-05:00

Ladykiller
By Lawrence Light and Meredith Anthony
ISBN: 1-933515-05-8 $23.95
Suspense/Thriller 240 pages
Oceanview Publishing
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Ladykiller is the debut suspense novel by Lawrence Light and Meredith Anthony, the husband and wife writing team, and what a unique writing team. They have penned a novel that is a must for crime enthusiast.

The setting is the streets of New York, and the year is 1991. Four women have been murdered from all different walks of life, including a cheerleader, stockbroker, a housewife and a prostitute. Homicide detective Dave Dillion of the NYPD is on the case and must solve these murders or risk losing his job. Dave encounters a beautiful social worker by the name of Megan Morrison, the two join forces in search for the serial killer, and romance ensues.

The press is calling the serial killer “Ladykiller”. The killer has left no clues and no trail behind to follow. The murders always take place in some out of the way place where no witnesses can be found. There are never any signs of the victim being taken against her will and no signs of a struggle with their attacker, and the murders all appear to be personal in nature. Will Dave find the killer before its too late?

Lawrence Light is an award-winning journalist and is currently the Wall Street Editor for Forbes magazine. He graduated from Columbia School of Journalism and is the author of the Karen Glick novels. He currently resides in Manhattan with his wife and co-author Meredith Anthony.

Meredith Anthony has written for a variety of sources including film, television, print and the web. She graduated from St. John’s College and also received a MA from The Johns Hopkins University.

Ladykiller is an intriguing, compelling and suspenseful crime novel packed with enticing twists and turns to keep you on the edge. The authors have created a powerful thriller that tantalizes with a sense of suspense and a steady flow of action. The characters are believable, finely developed and engaging. Ladykiller is superbly crafted with vivid detail that draws you into the story.

An astounding 5 stars!

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo

2007-04-06T15:09:00.000-05:00

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo
Written and illustrated by Ed Baker
www.kittencuckoo.com
ISBN: 1-933572-04-3
Centro Books
200 E. 90th St., New York, NY 10128
www.centrobooks.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo, written and illustrated by Ed Baker is an endearing picture book with cartoonish characters that are simple yet adorable.

The story is for children of all ages, teaching children the concept of friendship. Ed Baker has developed a loosely rhyming poem to enrich this tale of an unlikely friendship. Kitten Cuckoo and a baby elephant named Paquile E. Derm are best friends, despite their obvious differences. The animals at the zoo would stare, giggle and make fun of the unlikely pair.

Paquile escapes from the zoo with Cuckoo and ends up being captured and sent to Africa. Cuckoo returns home to find Harrison Cruz has moved; now homeless he decides to do what any friend would do, travel to Africa to find his best friend. In the end he finds not only Paquile but Harrison Cruz too.

The story delivers the perfect idea of true friendship and will engage young children while teaching them not to give up on friendships formed.

You will find games, wall paper, art and other goodies located on their website at http://www.kittencuckoo.com/

The game located on their website is addicting to both children and adults alike.

The Book of Air and Shadows

2007-04-04T01:02:00.000-05:00

The Book of Air and Shadows
By Michael Gruber
Fiction 464 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-087446-9
William Morrow
An imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
www.HarperCollins.com
www.michaelgruberbooks.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

What would you do if you discovered a 17th century letter and a coded message? Would the quest for answering the coded message be plausible if not risky? It all starts with a fire at a used book store and a set of valuable books become damaged, two of the employees decide to take them home to see if they can be saved. Both Albert and Carolyn squabble over some manuscript pages which Albert finds and decides that the manuscript is a letter referring to an unknown Shakespeare play.

Carolyn and Albert take the manuscript to a Shakespearean scholar by the name of Andrew Bulstrode and he offers them a small price for the pages dismissing them as being credible. Later Bulstrode meets with Jake Mishkin, an attorney to inquire to copy write only to be found dead the next day. Now in fear of his own life Mishkin is on the run from the killers. Will Mishkin be next? Where will all the clues in this thriller lead?

Michael Gruber was born in New York City and attended Columbia, earning a BA in English Literature. Gruber now resides in Seattle, Washington with his wife and his very large dog.

This read combines suspense, thrills, humor, and mystery that provides twists and turns that engages you on the search to answering the clues. Gruber has developed a unique writing style that draws you into the heart of the story, which is engaging and surprisingly humorous at times; and contains vivid accounts and detail, and is a genuinely great read. His characters are well developed, compelling and memorable. Reviewing this title was a great pleasure and is a highly recommended read.

The Naming Of The Dead

2007-04-04T00:59:00.000-05:00

The Naming Of The Dead
By Ian Rankin
Crime fiction 452 pages
ISBN: 978-0-316-05757-8
Little, Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group
237 Park Ave., New York, NY 10169
www.HachetteBookGroupUSA.com
www.ianrankin.net
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The setting is Edinburg, Scotland, the year is 2005. And the story begins as everyone is watching for the upcoming G8 summit. Reinforcements are called in from all over the country as a few hundred thousand demonstrators have come to protest poverty aimed at the World leaders. Detective Inspector John Rebus is originally stay on the sidelines away from the scene, but as luck would have it a routine murder investigation turns up with a clue that throws him right in the middle of things.

Rebus and his partner Clarke are on the case and due to the clues they are turning up believe they may have a serial killer. All the while tensions are running high between Rebus and Special Branch Commander Steelforth. The investigation leads to many questions of suicide or murder. Crime fiction enthusiasts will not want to miss this one. This is an astounding 5 stars!

Ian Rankin was born in the Kingdom of Fife and graduated from the University of Edinburg. The first of his Rebus novels, “Knots & Crosses” was published in 1987. Rankin is the UK’s number one best-selling crime writer and lives in Edinburg with his wife and their two sons.

Naming of The Dead won the Worldbooks Crime Thriller of the Year Award. Ian Rankin has developed an intriguing plot that is loaded with twists and turns, and has created some very witty and memorable characters. Looking for a great read that holds your attention through to the end, that is difficult to put down and is a real page turner, then this is a must read, especially for the crime fiction enthusiasts every where. Reviewing this title was a great pleasure, and I look forward to all his works for years to come.

13 Bullets A Vampire Tale

2007-04-02T10:25:00.000-05:00

13 Bullets
A Vampire Tale
by David Wellington
Fiction 323 pages
Three Rivers Press an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group,
A division of Random House, Inc., New York
www.crownpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-0-307-38143-9 $13.95
www.davidwellington.net
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Do you really believe in vampires? Would you be willing to seek out their lair knowing that you were a sensitive? Such questions had never entered Laura Claxton's mind. Until she met US Marshall Jameson Arkeley, that would devastate her life as she knows it, her thinking and beliefs are all about to change.

The story begins in 1983; Special Deputy Jameson Arkeley and his partner Webster are on a stake out outside a diner where Piter Byron Lares is inside talking with the waitress. What happens next is rich with moments of terror and the horrifying events that follow will leave you breathless. Lares takes everyone in the diner out in a matter of seconds, Arkeley is in for a terrifying ride of his life. Lares takes Arkeley after killing most of the SWAT team, when Arkeley comes to he finds he is in a ships hold and focuses in on five coffins, only one is empty. The other four coffins contain decaying remains, Arkeley fight for his life, and removes Lares heart and as the sun comes up he burns the boat, believing he had killed them all.

But one single survivor remained, Justinia Malvern, who now has been kept alive at a sanitarium in Pennsylvania. Arkeley believed all the terror was over, he was dead wrong.

Now 20 years later, Arkeley travels to Pennsylvania as a US Marshall and meets with State Trooper Laura Caxton. Arkeley partners up with Caxton to exterminate all the vampires once believed to be extinct. Malvern is being kept alive by minimal life support, the sanitarium has installed special blue lights as she is sensitive to regular lighting, she is being fed fresh blood by her caretaker who has inserted a shunt into his arm to feed her. Why has Malvern been kept alive all these years? There are bizarre laws preventing her extermination, and she seems to be of no threat, until now.

Arkeley and Caxton are on a mission to find the vampires lair and exterminate them before they can get the blood Malverne needs. Then Arkeley is kidnapped in order to use his blood to replenish Malvern's powers, Caxton must now forge ahead and destroy them before they can unleash unspeakable horrors upon everyone.

David Wellington is the author of the Monster Island trilogy, and is no stranger to this genre.

13 Bullets is the first book in the trilogy by David Wellington, and is a tantalizing wild high octane ride. Wellington weaves his plot line together and has developed some very intriguing characters. This vampire tale is relentless, gripping, powerful and a genuine page-turner, that is horrifying and rich with moments of terror.

The reader is thrust into a state of uncertainty filled with nervous anticipation as the conclusion nears to find that we must wait for the next edition to this trilogy to tie up the loose ends.

13 Bullets is a blood curdling tale to sink your teeth into. I look forward to reading his novels for years to come. Reviewing this title was a frightening pleasure. I highly recommend it to the horror fans everywhere.

For A Few Demons More

2007-04-02T10:21:00.000-05:00

For A Few Demons More
by Kim Harrison
www.kimharrison.net
Harper Collins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
Fiction 456 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-078838-4 $21.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Here is another wonderful exciting read from one of our myspace authors.

For A Few Demons More is the fifth installment in the Hollows series by Kim Harrison.

Rachel Morgan is a witch and freelance bounty hunter that is woken from her sleep to find a powerful demon wrecking her home and claiming she posses something of hers. Rachel resides in a sanctified church and in disbelief and being scarred that the demon can enter the church.

Rachel is an interspecies consultant for the police force which is run by humans; she is called down to the morgue to look at the bodies of murdered werewolves. Rachel starts piecing it all together and realizes the reason the women werewolves can not be traced is because they are not registered in the were registry. What does this mean, the conclusion must be they were not born as werewolves; they must have been humans that had been changed into weres.

Rachel recognizes that the Focus, which is a demon artifact she has been hiding, has been turning humans into weres spontaneously. If the artifact were to fall into the wrong hands it would start a new interspecies war between the vampires and the weres which would be disastrous for the entire world.

For A Few Demons More is an action packed fantasy delivering a mix of action, horror and imagination. And some of her characters from the series are back in this edition. Kim Harrison has introduced us to some intriguing and interesting new characters that hopefully will make appearances in future Hallows series. I will have to give praise to the author for taking risks with her characters, and with the killing of one of her main characters. Harrison has intriguing plot twists and incorporates taking her characters in such amazing directions to leave you with much anticipation of the next in the series.

Readers will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading all her novels for years to come. Reviewing this title was a delightful pleasure. I recommend it without hesitation and give it two thumbs way up. A definite 5 stars! I do highly recommend if you have not read the others in the Hallows series that you pick those up and start with the first in the series.

The Blue Zone

2007-04-02T00:49:00.000-05:00

The Blue Zone
by Andrew Gross
Fiction 352 pages
William Morrow an Imprint of Harper Collins
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-114340-3 $25.95
www.andrewgrossbooks.com
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Would you want to know your family secrets, and what skeletons lie hidden in the closet? Would you really want to know the truth if it would destroy everything you believed? What would you do if you learned your life had been a lie?

Kate Raab receives a devastating phone call from her mom, now the questions of family secrets and skeletons in the closet, and the truth enter her mind like a whirlwind. The words she heard "your father has been arrested, come quickly" made no sense to her at all. There must be some mistake, her father had no connections to the Mercado family and he didn't know anyone from Columbia, or did he? What lies ahead for Kate when the family secrets begin to unravel?

Kate soon discovers that her life has been a lie. Her family is placed into protective custody, but Kate refuses, and her contact with her family is limited as a result. Kate marries a year later and is working on regaining some normalcy to her life. She feels as if she is being watched, and is consumed by paranoia after her best friend is shot while they are leaving work. After all Kate is certain that she was the intended target, not her best friend. Kate's world is beginning to come apart.

Kate learns that her father has disappeared from the Witness Protection Program. Agents begin questioning her about her father, now she begins to think and is determined to find her family and learn the truth once and for all. Kate is surrounded by agents and wonders if they can even be trusted. Can she trust anyone? Her mind is consumed with possibilities that no one including her father and even her husband can be trusted. She decides to find out the truth and finds herself entangled in a deadly web, and is confronted with a truth that is more painful than she could ever imagined possible.

The Blue Zone is the term that the agents use when people in the Witness Protection Program come up missing. Kate has her own definition of the Blue Zone and believes that we all live within our own Blue Zone. Andrew Gross is the co-author of five bestselling thrillers with James Patterson. The Blue Zone is Gross's solo debut. I look forward to reading all his novels to come in the future.

Andrew Gross delivers an ingenious and intricately layered plot, while still creating convincing personal journeys for his characters. The Blue Zone delivers a tantalizing and intriguing story packed with shocking twists that will keep you guessing and begging for more.

The Blue Zone is a definite 5 stars and is highly recommended!

The New and Improved Vivien Leigh Reid: Diva in Control

2007-04-02T00:46:00.000-05:00

The New and Improved Vivien Leigh Reid: Diva in Control
by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Another wonderful read from one of our myspace authors. Reviewing this title was a delightful pleasure!

Vivien, once again seems to be getting herself tangled up in some of the most bizarre situations. She is back on TV, now wearing a costume, but she is eager to prove that she can avoid the diva syndrome this time. In an attempt to reform her reputation, she is thrown into a challenging role that was not quite what she expected. In her new role she is required to perform her own stunts in costume which is complicated to say the least. To further add to her problems are her complicated relationships; her male co-stars don't want to work with her, her future step sisters are determined to make her miserable, and on top of all of this her mother is in the midst of planning her wedding. Now she is falling for one of her co-stars, will her life ever not be so complicated?

Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout have a strong imaginative plot from start to finish, and have developed memorable characters. This story is laugh out loud funny, down right hilarious, and is very entertaining. I highly recommend this one without any hesitation!

While reading the story my daughter wanted to know what I was reading and I began telling her about it and since she has taken the book home and has informed me she wants all of the deuts books to read. I am so thankful she has a new found love of reading. Thank you, maybe she will spend more time reading than watching TV. I must also admit that I quite enjoyed the book and will buy the prior books and read before passing along to my daughter.

Toni

2007-04-02T00:43:00.000-05:00

Toni
by Helen Leung
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Here is another one of our myspace authors and with one that you will not want to miss. I read this in 1 day, I could not put it down. The story as the title entails is about a young girl, Toni, whose parents had wanted a boy but got a girl instead. Toni's parents were disappointed, and Toni felt they hated her.

Toni is dropped off a her uncle Steve's house by her parents and they tell her that they will be back a few weeks to get her. Well now here it is four years later, and a police officer finds Toni unconscious and bleeding in a closet at her uncles home. Toni has lived the past four years of her life trying to avoid upsetting her uncle and his terrible temper. The policeman, Matt McKay takes Toni and supports her and we then begin to see her grow. Toni grows into a independent young woman despite her past abuse, stuggles and conflicts.

The story delivers the message of teens struggling with various feelings from fear, hate, and guilt as well as numerous other feelings. I highly recommend this one, especially recommend that all teen girls read as it is sure to help them with the feelings that they too struggle with.

A definite 5 star read.

Exposed

2007-03-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

Exposed
by Helen Leung
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Here is another great book from one of our myspace authors.

Exposed is a story that will tug at your heart strings. This is a nice hard back book that is a quick read.

The story is that of the author’s, Helen Leung, and her disease known as Dermatomyositis, and Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. The disease, which has a somewhat severe onset, affects both children and adults. Females are more often affected than males, Dermatomyositis is characterized by a rash accompanying, or more often, preceding muscle weakness. Eventually, people have difficulty rising from a sitting position, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or reaching overhead. In some cases, muscles further away from the trunk of the body may be affected later in the course of the disease. Problems with swallowing (dysphagia) may occur. Occasionally, the muscles ache and are tender to the touch. Affected individuals may also feel fatigue and discomfort and experience weight loss or a low-grade fever. (Being a nurse had to explain a little of the facts of the disease so you can come to an understanding of this disease and its effects).

The story begins while Helen is at a young age, she discusses her somewhat abusive family life, her illness, and her diagnosis and the hardship and struggles and the attempts to cure her. She visited many physicians both in New York and China. As the years pass Helen begins to accept her illness. She is very courageous and overcomes her disease, even though she spends the high school years confined to a wheelchair. She is strong and her will to overcome all that she faces is amazing, she talks of other students starring and whispering, but determined to be strong she uses all their stares and whispers to full fill her dreams and desires to succeed against it all.

I highly recommend this compelling read, and commend such a strong lady, both her and her book get 5 stars, and her story is an inspiration to us all.

Happy Birthday to Whooo?

2007-03-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Whooo?
by Doris Fisher
Illustrated by Lisa Downey
Sylvan Dell Publishing
976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Ste. 3, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
ISBN: 978-0-9768823-1-2 $15.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Armchair Interviews

Happy Birthday to Whooo? A Baby Animal Riddle Book is designed for children ages 4 to 8, has a handsomely designed jacket displaying owls on the front cover and the back displays12 additional animals.

Doris Fisher effectively reaches her intended young audience. The book contains bold and vibrant images of illustrator Lisa Downey, the pages alternate with oil paintings of an animal family and a birth announcement. The birth announcements contain clues to the animal’s identity, offering facts of the weight and height and turn the page and you find more facts about the baby animal. The book contains riddles introducing 12 different animals and will engage and amuse the young reader. The book contains a section entitled “For Creative Minds” that everyone is sure to love, this section contains information about the animal families and fun facts about the 12 animals introduced in the birth announcements.

As for illustrator Lisa Downey, her page design is colorful, vivid and eye-friendly that transports the reader into the heart of the story.

You will find “Learning Links” and “Teaching Activities” on Sylvan Dell Publishing’s website that will help both teachers and parents expand the learning possibilities. The website is: www.SylvanDellPublishing.com

The book is addressed to children and young readers, but can be enjoyed by the entire family. The book will excite your children and they will want to read this one over and over again. As an added bonus in the back of the book there is a “Make Your Own Birth Announcement” great for a new baby in the family whether it be human or animal. I highly recommend this one and give it 5 stars!

Do You Know Why Butterflies Fly?

2007-03-30T10:59:00.000-05:00

Do You Know Why Butterflies Fly?
By Tom McWhirter
Art work by Mary Meade
Chupp Road Press
ISBN: 978-0-9761853-0-7
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Do You Know Why Butterflies Fly? Is beautifully written, the hardback cover is amazing and with the movement of the book you can see the butterflies fly. The author Tom McWhirter has a great imagination and has produced a lovely children’s book for all to enjoy and treasure.

The story contains bold and vibrant imaginative images of illustrator Mary Meade, the art work is superbly done to ignite the imaginations of all. The story is for children of all ages and in the process is teaching children to have courage to face their fears and to have faith in themselves to change and become something much greater than they every imagined. It delivers the idea of not being afraid, to try new things and to pursue their dreams. The story is both engaging and amusing, although addressed to children and young readers, can be enjoyed by the entire family together.

The children’s book will appeal to both the young readers and their parents and will be a treasure to read together time and time again.

The author grew up in rural North Carolina, he had a country boy heart and soul, and his best friend was his imagination. His parents were concerned and gave him a stern lecture on his imagination and its proper place in reality. “Tom McWhirter took this discussion to heart and immediately shut down his imagination.” Years later he began a daily practice of meditation and rediscovered his imagination, and this book is full of his new re-found imagination.

I highly recommend this children’s book, it is a delight and a treasure to keep for generations to come.

This Year You Write Your Novel

2007-03-30T09:54:00.000-05:00

This Year You Write Your Novel
by Walter Mosley
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 978-0-316-06541-2
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

I found this to be short and to the point, and a recommended read for those who are wanting to break into writing. And highly recommend for new writers who want a precise short read, but not for those who are already practicing the art of writing. There were several useful tips throughout. The basis of the book was of course to write and write every day, nothing new that I found.

There are 6 chapters the first dealing with writer needs, the second is elements of fiction, there is a chapter dedicated to editing which is all packed within 103 pages.

Future Syndicate

2007-03-28T20:00:00.000-05:00

Future Syndicate
Edited by: J Alan Erwine
Nomadic Delirium Press, Denver, CO
ISBN: 1-4196-5459-4
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

Future Syndicate is a collection of eight stories about how crime in the future may be.
The collection contains the following:
“An Ingenious Adventure” by Jason Sizemore
“The Gallows on the Garden Path” by Bret Tallman
“One to Spare” by Jason Andrew
“Running Down on a Thousand” by Rebecca SW Bates
“A Torturous Wrong Turn” by J Alan Erwine
“Cell” by Lavie Tidhar
“Mina’s Kiss” by Bruce Horner
“Face Dances” by Rebecca m Senese

Future Syndicate is an anthology and begins with “An Ingenious Adventure” by Jason Sizemore. In the story Garwin Hayes is a flash genius, he can remember information at a glance, and however he is not very bright or smart. Garwin and his friends attend a Chez Cola parade when one of the employees with Chez Cola shows up to destroy the secret recipe to the cola. In the mist of the scuffle the recipe flies through the air to land at Garwin’s feet and he picks it up and with him a flash genius he gets a glimpse of the recipe, everyone knows that he remembers things in a flash, so now the pursuit begins. Garwin and his friends try to escape but end up being chased, this is a highly entertaining story you will not want to miss.

“The Gallows on the Garden Path” by Bret Tallman is a tale of revenge. A family of brutal criminals known as The Cray’s, & with a character named Wallace “Pants” Zybisco, they set off to pull a heist to punish the man who had Cray’s surrogate father killed.

“One to Spare” by Jason Andrew involves a character named Race, she is a motorcycle courier. Through this short story takes you on a motorcycle chase as Race tries to deliver her package.

“Running Down on a Thousand” by Rebecca S.W. Bates is also about a courier. A time traveler or prophecy courier who delivers hallucinogenic payloads to provide the receiver with a message.

“A Torturous Wrong Turn” by J Alan Erwine This short story is about a smuggler who is caught and the government that has captured him wants his information.

“Cell” by Lavie Tidhar Monk is taken throughout the prison searching for relics and signs of an ancient civilization.

“Mina’s Kiss” by Bruce Horner This short story is based on Kovit Correto who is a professional assassin that reads the minds and memories of those he kills.

“Face Dances” by Rebecca M. Sense is the final story. This short has a character named Nick who is a burglar that can change his faces. Nick is offered a job due to his unique skill, and this job is one that he cannot refuse. For this job he is assigned a partner, Casey and she has the same gift as Nick.

I normally do not read short stories, but I did enjoy all of the stories above, they were a change from the norm for me and was a delightful change.

Deep Storm

2007-03-28T00:07:00.000-05:00

Deep Storm
by Lincoln Child
Doubleday
www.doubleday.com
ISBN: 978-0-385-51550-4 $24.95
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

Do you enjoy a intriguing techno-thriller? Are you a sci-fi fan? The setting is in an Exploratory and Recovery Facility sixty miles off the coast of Greenland and two miles below the Atlantic Ocean. The facility is a cutting-edge research station which is twelve decks high and is surrounded by a titanium dome. The name of the facility is Deep Storm, which was designed to excavate the remains of what was believed to be the ancient civilization of Atlantis, what will they really uncover?

Peter Crane is a former naval physician who has been summoned to the facility in order to contribute his unique expertise in diagnosing rare diseases. Crane is sent to investigate a mysterious disease which is attacking the crew, but first he must agree to the high secrecy before he boards the submarine and is off to the facility. The mysterious disease is affecting the crew/workers both physically and psychologically, the symptoms are diverse, which include nausea, irritability, slurred speech, disorientation, hallucinations and dangerous behaviors. So what began as an archeological dig of the century may end in disaster. As Crane begins to piece all the facts together, the base commander seems to continue to push ahead with the dig in spite of this disease, and to add to everything else that is happening there is someone out to sabotage it all.

Deep Storm is fast paced, suspenseful, and combines techno-thriller, action and adventure packed with espionage, murder, a mysterious disease and pure madness. Lincoln Child has created vivid detail and a suspenseful plot. The characters are well developed and interesting. The story begins a little slow but quickly picks up and you find yourself engaged and not wanting to put this one down. The author provides excellent twist and turns, red-herrings, and a cliff-hanger for an ending, which I am hoping will lead to a sequel as it seems to have left the door open. I have read all of Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston’s books, this was the first Lincoln Child solo that I have read, and I must admit I am hooked.

A highly recommended read, especially for all you sci-fi fans out there, enjoy.

A Dirty Business

2007-03-27T22:14:00.000-05:00

A Dirty Business
by Joe Humphrey
Dakarma Publishing, New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0-9787871-0-3 $11.95
Reviewed by: Terry South for book pleasures (03/07)

Are you a crime novel enthusiast? A Dirty Business is the new debut crime novel written by Joe Humphrey, and a recommended read.

Upon recently returning to his home in New York City from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Kevin Bailey finds himself both broke and with no where to live. Kevin Bailey has a degree in criminal justice and is in dire need of a job, his friend offers a referral, and Kevin gets a position with Frank Givens detective agency. Kevin is thrown into the agency with his new boss being bombarded and up to his neck with cases. Kevin’s boss decides to give him a test case to start with which is an easy assignment involving a New York City socialite. The woman wants someone to dig up the dirt on her son’s fiancée as the woman believes she is only marrying her son for his money. The clients name is Selena Eldritch, her belief and confidence in Kevin is low from the start based on his appearance, but she confides in him anyway.

Kevin is determined to show both his client and his new boss that he has what it takes to get the job done and done well at that. Selena provides Kevin with a photo of her son Edward Eldritch and his fiancée Donna Greenwood. Kevin begins his investigation and starts following Edward in which he finds takes him hours outside of Manhattan. Kevin follows Edward to Cold Spring which is a small historical village where Edward meets with a brunette. Kevin then follows both of them into a local tavern, where he then learns that the brunettes name is Donna Greenwood. So who is the blonde in the photo? Why does Selena believe the blonde to be Donna Greenwood? What painful truths lie ahead?

As Kevin begins to dig deeper into the case he discovers some very intriguing facts. Kevin finds that the blond has been missing for a couple of years and discovers that the police have even deserted the investigation into Norma Vidon’s disappearance. Kevin keeps digging and discovers some weird obsessions in play, and dead bodies begin turning up. What seemed in the beginning to be an easy ordinarily simple assignment has now turned into a complex assignment and enough of one for Kevin to really prove himself. What else with he uncover along this path?

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout the entirety of the book. If you enjoy a touch of romance, mystery and suspense with your crime, you will love this debut novel. Joe Humphrey has a strong imaginative plot from start to finish, and has witty, memorable characters. A true page turner and a recommended read. I am in anticipation of the next one by Joe Humphrey.

Vrolok

2007-03-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

Vrolok
by Nolene-Patricia Dougan
Author House 1163 Liberty Dr., Ste. 200, Bloomington, IN 47403 9/28/06
www.authorhouse.com
ISBN: 1-4208-8163-9

Do you love a good vampire story? Do you find yourself sucked into the tale? Love adventure of the dark side?

The setting takes place in historic Eastern Europe Transylvania.

The story begins as Vlad Dracula having fought a battle with his enemies, and a young girl’s curiosity ignites her. A historic vampire tale, occurring over a time span of five hundred years. The story follows the protagonist, Isabella, as a young vampire. Isabella is rebelling as her father rejects her; he is unable to overcome the loss of his wife while giving birth to their daughter Isabella. Isabella travels to the castle of Vlad Dracula, where Vlad develops strong feelings, and falls in love with her. What else would a vampire who is in love do? Vlad turns Isabella into a vampire, his mate for life. Do not be fooled this is not a loving match, it is the opposite, they have a long love-hate relationship, spending more time apart than together. Over time Isabella can no longer deny her love for Vlad and upon his demise she vows revenge and to bring his killers down with the help of Nicolae. Isabella and Nicolae leave America and travel back to England to bring down the English Vampire hunters and avenge Vlad’s death.

Isabella struggles with her guilt and makes a vow to only kill those who deserve to die. She never allows anyone to hinder her revenge against those who have wronged her throughout time. Over the centuries of her existence she meets many famous historical figures. She encounters such historical figures as Napoleon, Bram Stroker, to the western figures of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, as well as many other figures throughout the selected eras. She travels throughout Europe and America. Nolene-Patricia Dougan has performed vast research and the historical figures mentioned in her book are remarkable.

Vrolok is a compelling and gripping tale of a young beautiful vampire’s dark journey through the centuries. Vrolok has a strong plot throughout, and the characters are so well developed and intensely interesting. This is no traditional vampire story; you may think well the story involves Vlad Dracula, it is like all the other stories, it is so very different, do not be fooled. This is a superior spine tingling dark fantasy written be a very imaginative author, her work embraces hundreds of years of history and maintains vivid descriptions of various people, places and events.

This book will hold your attention to the very end, and you will find it is very difficult to put down, a definite page turner well until the late night. I could find no fault in this tale. I highly recommend this story, it is unlike any other vampire story I have ever read. So if you are looking for a different twist from the norm, are seeking a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable read, look no further. All vampire enthusiasts as well as all Anne Rice fans will not want to miss this one, you will get lost in this adventure, and you will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to Dougan’s new release with anticipation. A definite 5 star read!

Murder Off the Books

2007-03-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

Murder Off the Books
by Evelyn David
Echelon Press Publishing
ISBN 13: 978-1-59080-522-0 $12.99
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

A definite 5 star whodunit

Do you enjoy a mystery with suspense and a touch of humor? What about a loveable hound? And how do you like your murder mysteries? With a Whiskey Chaser? If so “Murder Off the Books” is for you, it has it all. This is the first in the Sullivan Investigation Mysteries, and with this writing duet, hopefully many more to follow.

Mac Sullivan is a private eye, and a former DC cop who frequently visits his friend’s funeral home in order to pick up whatever vehicle is available at the time so he can conduct his stake outs with his loveable Irish wolfhound Whiskey. Mac has used vehicles ranging from a hearse to a pest control van which seems to be used frequently by him. Rachel Brenner is 42 and is recently divorced, she meets Mac Sullivan while he is staking out her house and following her to her new position at a funeral home. Mac and his sidekick Whiskey are looking for Rachel’s brother, Dan who is a suspect in the embezzlement of money and the murder of his boss. Rachel joins forces with the attractive Mac Sullivan and his loveable assistant to help prove her brothers innocence. Of course to add a little fun Mac’s wolfhound Whiskey hates cats and as luck would have it Rachel has a cat who also hates dogs.

Rachel finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation when her brother comes up missing and is a primary suspect in his bosses’ murder. Rachel finds herself being able to manage and cope in ways in which she never expected, but before the end of the investigation, Rachel is finding herself in conflict with not only the killers but also with Mac Sullivan. Will Mac Sullivan find the half million that is missing? Will Rachel’s brother Dan be cleared? Or did Dan take the money and kill his boss?

Murder Off the Books has fast paced action, a strong plot throughout; it provides witty believable and memorable characters. And it contains a loveable Irish wolfhound named Whiskey that has a taste for fast-food. This is such an exciting and fun book and the first in the series, I’ll be sure to pick up each one to follow in this series.

This read combines suspense, mystery, and humor and is packed with twist & turns, as well as plenty of surprises along the way. It is a real page turner and demands to be completed. I highly recommend this for everyone, a must read, I honestly can’t wait for the next one. So if you want a whodunit that contains non-stop action and humor look no further.

Bicycle Shop Murder by Robert Burton Robinson

2007-03-21T20:06:00.000-05:00

Bicycle Shop Murder
By Robert Burton Robinson
ISBN: 978-1-84685-611-2
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

Are you looking for adventure, romance and murder? “Bicycle Shop Murder” has all of that. This is the first in the Greg Tenorly mystery series.

The book begins with the death of Sam Spokane, the bicycle shop owner, later in the book it is revealed that he only has a few months to live due to a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer, so why would someone want him dead now?

The setting is Coreyville, Texas, a small town where everyone knows everybody. Greg Tenorly is a divorced music teacher, leads the choir at church, and is a marriage counselor, it all starts when a beautiful red head by the name of Cynthia Blockerman, vice president at First State Bank comes to see Greg. Cynthia is in her late 20’s and is married to Troy Blockerman, she has come to see Greg as her marriage is in trouble, her husband drinks a lot, is abusive and she finds herself in a loveless marriage. Troy’s normal routine is coming home from work, drinking beer and watching TV until he passes out in the living room. Cynthia usually sleeps in the marital bed alone, which is completely fine with her as she is afraid of Troy especially when he has been drinking.

As the story continues, Greg Tenorly finds himself being called up for jury selection and is then picked and called upon to be a juror in the murder trial of Sam Spokane. Little does Greg know what troubles lay ahead for him? The troubles all begin when one Buford Bellowin a high powered attorney in Dallas wants the black man accused of murdering Sam Spokane found innocent. Greg and Cynthia are thrown together and both their lives are in danger, there have already been several other murders relating to the murder trial, a witness for the prosecution has had a terrible accident and died, one of the jurors is murdered, and the wife of the bicycle shop is murdered. Who is committing these murders and why? Who will be the next target?

Greg and Cynthia are starting to piece together the murders and who is committing them, they think maybe a hit man or maybe 2 different hit men, after driving to Dallas to see Buford. On the way back to Coreyville, they discover they are wanted for murder, and they have a killer after them, things are going from bad to worse. Will they be murder victims or will they be found guilty of murder? You will want to find out the answer to all these questions.

Although the book has a few errors and typos, it is very well written. The characters are believable and common people that you fell as if you know them. “Bicycle Shop Murder” has enough action and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Robert Burton Robinson has done a wonderful job of bringing murder, mayhem and romance all into one book. I am anxiously awaiting the next one in the series.