‘Pete The Pallet’ is an educational children’s book. This book delivers an entertaining and reassuring message for pre-school children and their parents. ‘Pete The Pallet’ is a loveable character, who shares his own first day of school and first time in a classroom experience. The first day of school is often stressful, for both children and parents. ‘Pete The Pallet’ teaches a valuable lesson in overcoming the anxiety, while enjoying the success of getting through the first day of school.
5-Stars: Delightful Educational Picture Book, For Pre-School Children.
Let Pete The Pallet (lovable character), reduce your child’s anxiety, about their first day of school.
As Pete The Pallet shares his first day of school and classroom experience, your child will see that everyone has some stress, when facing things for the first time.
When your child reads and understands Pete The Pallet’s message, your child will become less fearful of their first day at school. Pete’s story will stay with your child and even help you, as you watch your child step away for the first day of school.
Author David Frosdick has done an amazing job with Pete The Pallet. The bright, beautiful illustrations from Mark Wilson will fill your child’s mind with positive, memorable images and reassuring words.
Your child will look forward to the first day of school. He or she will dream about all amazing adventures to come, in the classroom.
I give this educational book 5-Stars.
Author David Frosdick promises new adventures from Pete The Pallet, in the future.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Pete’s Pallet Series Books One Paperback: 28 Pages Publisher: Independently Published Mark Sean Wilson (Illustrator) Language: English Children’s Books: New School Children’s Books: Pre-School Children’s Books: Ages: 3-10 Years
Pete Pallet’s Healthy Fruits and Vegetables by David Frosdick.
Pete’s Pallet Series Books Two.
Pete Pallet’s Healthy Fruits and Vegetables is the second in a series of books where Pete shares his wisdom and kids share in his adventures. In this edition, kids learn all about eating healthy!
Product Details: Pete’s Pallet Series Books Two Paperback: 34 Pages Publisher: Pen It! Publications, LLC (April 30, 2021) Language: English Children’s Books: Foods (Fruits and Vegetables) Children’s Books: Ages: 3-10 Years
Log Lines For Pete’s Pallet Series For Ages 3-10 Years.
When a warehouse pallet comes to life, he makes it his mission to teach kids about life’s many challenges, such as healthy nutrition and calming your nerves. Meet Pete the Pallet.
Pete the Pallet is a fun lovable cartoon that seeks to teach kids life’s lessons.
Pallets are normally inanimate objects in a warehouse, but not only can Pete the Pallet talk, but it has the honorable mission of helping kids understand some of life’s biggest challenges.
Pete the Pallet is more than just a warehouse pallet. Through his life lessons on major topics like nutrition, he makes complex issues easy for kids to understand and follow.
Welcome to the world of Pete the Pallet! The fun, loving cartoon pallet that makes issues like nutrition and dealing with stress digestible for children.
Pete the Pallet makes it his life mission to deliver life’s lessons to the kids who need it most.
Pete is not your ordinary teacher. Actually, he’s a pallet and one that is ready to teach your kids the life lessons they need to know to survive in the modern world.
Pete the Pallet isn’t your average talking pallet. In fact, he might be the only one, which is perhaps why kids trust him enough to actually learn from him how to overcome life’s challenges.
Pete the Pallet is passionate about helping your kid learn lessons that most humans find it difficult to teach. By interacting through character, Pete knows how to make your child understand what’s needed to survive in the modern era.
Many kids face challenges in life that are complicated by a lack of education on practical life issues. Pete the Pallet is here to solve that problem and bring your kids up to speed.
If your children don’t want to eat their vegetables, then maybe let Pete the Pallet take a shot at it. Pete knows how to show your children the value in eating healthy, among other life issues.
Who wouldn’t want to be friends with Pete the Pallet? In this program, Pete helps children set themselves up for a successful life by tackling everyday issues like nutrition.
It’s about time someone took Pete the Pallet seriously! He’s been waiting for his moment to shine. Never again will you have nobody to turn to as you’re faced with life’s most essential challenges, including how to eat well.
What’s better than a human going on and on about life’s essential lessons like nutrition? Listening to Pete the Pallet really break it down on a level that kids understand. This series will cover many issues that face everyday kids throughout the world.
Pete the Pallet is not just a pallet, he’s a guide on how kids can live a better life. Step into his school as he teaches children just how easy life lessons like creating a balanced diet can be.
About The Author: While working in a local warehouse, Author David Frosdick found himself maneuvering a pallet labeled Made in Vietnam and the words he had heard so many times as a child growing up in England, ‘if only it could talk’, popped into his head.
Pete Pallet was born as a loveable character that children can learn from. Other books in the series, such as Pete Pallet’s New School and the support song, Clap Away the Nerves have been received well by parents with young children who are about to start school. They are reassured that ‘even grown-ups get nervous’. It is David’s hope that Pete the Pallet books will encourage kids and help parents teach their children valuable lessons.
In the global climate of conflict, shortages, and political instability and ineptitude, residents on the Coastal communities of Australia’s Gold Coast are suddenly hit by a tsunami.
A huge one.
To make matters worse, most tech dies with it.
A disaster novel with a twist, Drowned Paradise follows a small group of survivors as they struggle to survive a cataclysm that dramatically changes their world.
Then, in the not-too-distant future, when our culture has become relegated to history, what will be our legacy?
Today, millions suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress due to warfare, car accidents and violence.
In response to this global epidemic, pioneering medical researchers develop a new treatment that is seen to produce outstanding results. Dubbed the ‘Quantum Crystal’, the treatment is soon rolled out for many of the maladies that affect modern humanity.
But is this treatment all it is purported to be, or are deeper changes under way?
‘Quantum Crystal’ examines the efforts of victim support group, The Staff, to rollout the Quantum Crystal to a deeply divided humanity and the inevitable violent opposition to change.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Captivating! Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023. Captivating read.
Review by N. N. Light: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The world-building truly takes this book to an epic level. Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2023. Whoa, this science fiction book has me fearing the future. If everything written here really happens, I don’t know if we’ll survive. The author takes us into the not-too-distant future where scores of people are suffering from brain injuries. What happens next is mind-blowing. Talk about a book I couldn’t stop reading.
The world-building truly takes this book to an epic level. It blends classic scifi and dystopian which I loved. The author creates a world that is eerily familiar yet unknown. Every aspect of the setting is brilliant.
The characters are well-written and relatable. I found myself engrossed in their lives and what they’re going through. The narration really brings home the idea of human evolution and the consequences it brings. I connected with the characters. So well done.
The author writes with purpose and weaves a story worth contemplating. He takes modern news headlines and flips it on its head. I read late into the night and whenever I got a chance. Addictive? Yes. Creepy? Yes. A treatise on humanity today? Definitely!
If you’re looking for an original story, pick up Quantum Crystal. It’ll make you think twice about where big pharma is taking humanity.
If you were sent 1000 years into the past, would you survive?
Traveller – Inceptio describes how the Transporter is accidentally invented and becomes public knowledge when it sends a subject 1000 years into the past.
A Special Forces team of Travellers is then selected and trained with the intent to send them to Saxon England to explore what could be a very dangerous period of history.
From the beaches of Australia to the forests of Saxon England, Traveller – Inceptio reveals how Travellers discover they need a lot more than technology to survive the trials of early Eleventh Century life.
Review by Elle Alouette: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent book! Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2019. Verified Purchase. A clever mix of time travel, historical fiction and Sci-Fi with a little romance nicely thrown in, I found this book exceptionally good. Traveler Inceptio is a tale of a Special Forces team which is selected and sent into the past 1000 years ago to Saxon England by means of the “Transporter,” which is unintentionally invented. The team has been well trained; however, they are not prepared to face the danger and life of the 11th century and all of what that time and place in history holds for them. Being in this unfamiliar dangerous period of history, without the technology to help them, how will they manage to live and fight the trouble that comes their way and survive? Eventually the Travellers begin to adapt to the way of living and surviving in the 11th century Saxon England environment. Traveller Inceptio then becomes very interesting and engaging. I felt transported to a different time and place, picturing the entire scene, through Rob Shackleford’s well researched, detailed writing and knowledge of the history of 11th century, England. The author cleverly weaves three storylines into the plot which are connected perfectly and easy to follow along. I loved everything about Traveller Inceptio, with all of its action and adventure. The character development is strong and I felt well connected to them as they are an integral part of the believable storyline. The unbelievable situations they go through and overcome makes them shine and stand out. The shifting between the present and the past is written so well and narrated perfectly with the detail of the time travel aspect being the central focus of this amazing novel. I had a fun lesson in history, as well. This was an enjoyable read and Rob Shackleford’s writing style is clever and creative, drawing me in from start to finish. I am looking forward to the next book in the Traveler Inceptio series written by this remarkable author, Rob Shackleford.
Review by Turning Another Page: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Traveller Inceptio. Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020. If someone created a time machine, how would that affect you? How would that affect our history or our future? Depending on how it worked, would you sign up to participate in the time travel if you could? It is not strange to hear that for some, they feel like they were born in the wrong generation. Something like this could be big, possibly even cataclysmic! Time travel isn’t anything new and neither are transporters, but the creation of this one in Traveller Inceptio is purely founded by accident and Shackleford brings creativity and unique attention to detail which readers will relish.
A group of researchers are working toward their deadline of a new and innovative product, but what they create is far from what they intended. A transporter sends one of the researchers back one-thousand years in the past. Once the public finds out about the incredible discovery, the media, historians, and the military flock to the site with interest. It is only too soon before the military is sending an undercover scout into Aengland, where the villagers are ever fearful of an oncoming war with the Vikings. Several months of feed is transmitted back to present day with footage and journals while the scouts immerse themselves in the villagers’ everyday life. Believed to be a gift from God, the villagers accept Hunter AKA Michael, and share their homes, their food, their religion, and even their love. Overtime, Hunter knows that he must go back to his time, but with his growing fondness of a certain female villager and the Vikings coming closer, he lets his emotions get the best of him. He can’t abandon them now. Leaving would definitely mean certain and immanent death for all of them, but staying could mean his life too. Being faced with difficult decisions, he has to pull off a miracle in order to save them and figure out what his destiny holds.
Shackleford has a long and entertaining first installment readers will ravage through like a whirlwind. The author has created an entertaining and thought-provoking story-line with originality, creativity, and well-developed characters. The pace leading up to the invention is a bit slow, but after the transporter has been built, the pages seem to fly by quickly. This may have been the author’s intention, but if not, the pace should not hinder the reader in any way. This story is also very well-written, with little to no grammatical or spellings errors. The detail in which Shackleford provides is superb and allows the reader to feel like they are traveling alongside Michael. For being such a lengthy read, this is an amazing and challenging feat. If you are a reader of science fiction, historical fiction, and time travel, you may enjoy this first installment.
A print copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by the author and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating to Traveller Inceptio by Rob Shackleford.
Product Details: Paperback: 588 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (June 30, 2011) Language: English Science Fiction (Historical) Fiction (Historical) Fiction (Action and Adventure)
Traveller Probo is the second book in the Traveller Series.
Would you survive if sent one-thousand years into the past?
Development of the Transporter saw highly trained researchers, called Travellers, successfully sent one-thousand years back in time to early medieval Saxon England.
Traveller Missions now means enormous national prestige and the recovery of priceless lost artefacts and knowledge, so nations vie for the use of the Transporter and more daring Traveller missions are planned. Politics and power soon come into play.
To study lost peoples and civilisations, Special Forces researchers have to be even better trained, equipped and prepared to put their lives on the line.
While Michael Hunter continues to build a life in Saxon England, the tragically injured Tony Osborne finds his resurgence in a mission to ancient Byzantine Turkey, a mission Professor Adrian Taylor joins to better outmanoeuvre his calculating academic colleagues.
From the misty shores of New Zealand to the shining splendour of the ancient Byzantine Empire, it is proved how sending modern researchers into the past carries enormous rewards and tragedies.
Review by N. N. Light: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A brilliant book that easily draws in a reader… Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021. A tour de force in time travel fiction. Incredibly detailed, the author has a keen eye for creating imagery. If an avid fan of time travel, then this book is for you as it will transport you to the past.
If you are a new reader, you will be captivated by New Zealand. The complications that happen in New Zealand take this story into a fresh new turn. The scenes are gripping, realistic and simply draw the reader in.
The portrayal of special forces members shows the author has a good appreciation of this special group. The training illustrated for the would-be travellers rings true with accuracy. The continued use of the media’s view helps keep the book grounded. You get a real-world feel for this series with tv and radio personalities involved.
A brilliantly written book that easily draws in a reader. It wasn’t long before I was dreaming about scenes from this book as I read it. The powerful writing simply imbues a reader’s soul.
The book brings to the forefront an important ethical question that is valid today. When is it okay for people of ‘superior’ ways to help those who have ‘less’? In this book, it is the context of the present and past. In our world, it has been the question generally of western civilization and local populations. How does one objectively rate the impact of ‘oh we can help them’ in terms of today? Each reader can grapple with these ethics in their own way. This book does a lovely job of highlighting this contentious theme.
One can’t help but admire the moral and ethical nature of Hunter. The international intrigue and suspense in the 21st century keep this book also with a foot in the present. Recommended to fans of the original book. Recommended to all lovers of the time travel genre. This book will have wide appeal and should be a bestseller.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it. My thoughts are completely my own.
Review by Anthony Avina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Epic And Thrilling Dive Into History and Action: A MUST READ! Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2021. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was such an adventurous and thought-provoking follow-up to the author’s equally exciting first book in the sci-fi series, Travellers. The world-building and character development the author employs here is masterful, as the time-travel element allows readers to experience both the present-day individuals going back to study these ancient civilizations and the historical figures who encounter these strange individuals. The action kicks off from the get-go, with a mission to New Zealand’s past taking a bloody turn, and the balance the author finds with the political and social intrigue of the present with the action and history of the past was so amazing to read.
The attention to detail and imagery the author uses throughout this narrative was so vibrant and engaging that it felt almost cinematic in quality. I could easily picture this as either an ensemble cast film or streaming series, exploring these vast sets and time periods while employing a unique sci-fi twist that will keep readers engaged throughout the narrative. The themes of morality and western civilization’s mindset that superior technology, intellect, and resources give them the right to change or dictate how others operate and live their lives was felt in every chapter of this narrative and kept readers’ minds active as well entertained.
A brilliant, gripping, and heart-pounding historical fiction and sci-fi read, author Rob Shackleford’s “Traveller Probo” is a must-read novel. The intrigue and mystery of the growing missions and the back-room dealings surrounding the Traveller tech will keep readers on the edge of their seat, and the shocking cliff-hanger endings for both established and new characters alike and their missions will have readers eager to devour the next chapter in this epic series.
Product Details: Paperback: 565 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 24, 2021) Language: English Science Fiction (Historical) Fiction (Historical) Fiction (Action and Adventure)
Traveller Series Book Three: The explosive final sequel to Traveller Inceptio and Traveller Probo.
To use the enigmatic Transporter and send Special Forces trained Researchers back a thousand years is now the biggest game in world politics.
But not only politics, as academics scramble to outdo each other and harness prestige in the increasingly influential field of History.
As Professor Taylor is rescued from Byzantine Rome, a heavily-armed US Traveller team explores Mississippian Cahokia to experience a situation beyond even their control. Michael Hunter and Tatae flee Giolgrave in the hope of finding safety from modern interference. But at a terrible cost.
And something seems to be happening in Israel, resulting in the creation of a high-profile investigation team to uncover if there is a clandestine Traveller mission operated by the US and Israel.
From the windswept mountains of Wales, to the hills of Cahokia and the dusty wadis of the Negev, researchers find that to visit the past may not necessarily provide the answers they seek.
Review by Anthony Avina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Historical Fiction Meets Sci-Fi In A Gripping Thriller…A MUST READ! Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was such a compelling and monumental narrative for fans of this sci-fi and historical fiction thriller series. The way the author elevated the narrative of this series by taking the hinted at black-ops level military operations being taken out in various historical periods using the technology, and increasing this tenfold as not only does the military hunt down one of the Traveller programs former operatives, but attempt to utilize the technology illegally to further their own interests, really does a great job of mirroring events using technology or discoveries of our own world, and how government bodies often will claim “national security” to further their own attempts at seizing more power and control. This added an increased level of intrigue and suspense as this impacted several of the main cast of characters throughout their various Traveller missions.
What always strikes me about this series and the author is the vast amount of detail the author puts into the series. From both a historical and a narrative standpoint, the author explores not only the sci-fi side of the series from the use of the Traveller technology, but the historical fiction side of each period of time these missions take on with an attention to detail that creates a sense of imagery and tone that bursts with life and vibrancy. The exploration of history’s impact on our world and the means by which the direction that history takes is often dictated by those who emerge victorious from a situation made this story feel so thought-provoking, and readers won’t be able to help being drawn down the rabbit hole that is this heart-pounding historical fiction thriller.
A gripping, intense, and richly diverse historical fiction thriller and sci-fi tale, author Rob Shackleford’s “Traveller Manifesto” is a must-read novel and the perfect historical fiction read to finish out 2021 with. The rich cast of characters and detailed settings bring together a beautiful yet dangerous world of the past and present and the dramatic final chapters lead to a shocking loss and an open-ended finale that leaves plenty of room for more stories to be told in the future.
Review by N. N. Light: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The action is fast-paced and intense. Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2022. What has to be the highly anticipated third phase of this series is finally here. The reader has no trouble catching up with the story. The author presents a summary of the first two seamlessly. Without even noticing it, a reader is up to date and ready to dive into this book.
Here, the stakes in this transporter game are bigger than ever. It is one thing to study history but another to potentially rewrite it. That this could occur with both military and government powers concerned brings brinkmanship to a new level.
The action is fast-paced and intense. You literally never know what will happen once a team jumps through that ‘rabbit hole’. The intrigue and suspense are heavy. A book that will simply captivate the many fans of this series. Recommended to all fans of this series. Recommended to all fans of time travel books. Recommended to everyone who enjoys conspiracy books.
Every author develops a range of short stories and I have a few short stories that I am gradually turning out. Generally, they are whimsical, but I hope good enough to enjoy.
About Rob Shackleford: An English-born Australian, Rob Shackleford has lived in New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, with a varied career that has included Customs Officer, Scuba Instructor, College Teacher and management roles in too many places.
With degrees in the Arts and Business, he is mad keen on travel, Scuba diving, Family History, martial arts, astronomy, and playing Djembe and Congas. Despite that, he is actually not that boring.
Rob is father of two and has made his green escape with his lovely lady into Australia’s Gold Coast hinterland.
On discovering the murder of his sister, Chief Inspector John Daniels follows the path from which there is no return. An unusual turn of events helps him in his task. From hunter to preditor, he remains one step in front of the police when he sets and springs the trap to destroy those he despises. Single-handed, he plays the game but rewrites the rules in the knowledge failure will cost him his life.
Those who control others to do their bidding believe they are untouchable. John uses his extensive skills and knowledge of villains to help those with nowhere else to turn. With the assistance of two others, they act as minders for those who cannot protect themselves.
5-Star Review by Customer Réal Laplaine: Verified Purchase. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 3, 2023. Vengeance with style. RETRIBUTION, by Ron A Sewell, is a twisted crime thriller, and frankly, one that takes sudden turns that one simply could not see coming. At the outset of this novel, John (Jack) Daniels, Chief Detective, finds out that his sister has been brutally murdered. He knows who did it and he wants justice now, but others within the law enforcement community don’t see it as he does, so John promptly steps down from his position in the force and sets his sights on payback. Through the pages of this book, we come to know Daniels as a person, making it very easy to identify with this very private, hard-hitting man who yet has a soft core, a mix of humor, romance, and old-school principles, who not only seeks vengeance, but who is vulnerable too – and of course, the thread of love starts to weave another story within the story, one that adds another dimension to this crime thriller. While there is little mystery about who killed John’s sister, the real question which draws the reader into the story, and which the author skillfully unfolds, like peeling away layers of onion skin, is how does John find that justice and even when he finally does, how did he accomplish it. Layers! Recommended.
What would you think when told your father is dead? Abbey Lane hoped he had burnt in hell. Abbey’s connection with a lunatic hacker finds her mixed up in a game of global terror and intrigue.
William Haliwell is a wily veteran of law enforcement. Over time, he has gained the influence and social network to get the job done. His superiors believe he is past his sell by date and want him retired. Yet he must get to the heart of the problem but he knows that for every action there is a reaction.
Abbey presents Haliwell with a vital clue. His direct interference identifies a terrorist base, but what happens next is in the hands of MI6.
5-Star Review by Editor: James Bond and Tom Clancy Move Over for William Haliwell!
If you love contemporary thrillers and dramas with British flair, this is definitely your next read. I was addicted from the very first page. Personally, as someone who was rejected by my biological father, main character Abbey Lane tugs at my heart strings. In the first page we learn that Abbey, a young Londoner, receives a letter from her legal guardian Mr. Gregory Peters. Abbey has a life altering decision to make quickly.
Author Ron Sewell is a skilled story teller, who weaves a spine-tingling drama filled with suspense, twists and turns, that involve cybercrime, so sophisticated, the world nuclear arsenals are in danger of being compromised.
Abbey, Tyler and Michael unwittingly get involved and become partners with Jacob. Jacob uses his personal computer to trade information on the dark-net and his digital portals knowledge to skim money from banks and other entities. Knowledge, power, and greed are formidable masters.
Commander Haliwell (veteran of law enforcement) works diligently to assess the threat levels and let those in power know the terrorist threats are not going to go away. Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Twenty-Three.
…His desk telephone rang; he lifted the handset and said, “Haliwell.”
…“Good morning, Commander. Kathy James.”
…His mind raced as he recognised her name. “Long time no speak. Have you something on that damned laptop?”
…“Yes and no. We found something you should know.”
…He was silent for a moment. “About time. With the lack of information, I shelved the case.”
…“We never stopped looking, Commander. From what we have recovered we know you need a trigger which activates the launch programme.”
…“Okay, what is the trigger?”
…“I don’t know. It could be anything. What I do know is without the trigger, we cannot stop it operating.”
…“We must be able to do something.”
…“You’d need to reconfigure every ICBM launch programme.”
…“I can’t see that happening when governments believe their systems are unhackable.”
…“I’ll send you my report and then it’s on your desk.”
…“Did you find anything else?”
…“We recovered bits and pieces, but nothing that makes any sense. I’ll keep my people on the case, but I doubt if we’ll ever retrieve all the pieces of the jigsaw. The originator did a great job of contaminating the hard drive.”
Will the British authorities figure out how to stop an impending nuclear attack?
Accomplished Author Ron Sewell brings his realistic characters to life using police and military components that will keep you turning the page. When you done enjoying ‘Abbey’ by Ron Sewell, please turn your attention these books: ‘A Basketful of Sleepers’, ‘The Angel Makers’, ‘You Can’t Hide Forever’, ‘The Collectors Book One’, ‘Full Circle: The Collectors Book Two’, ‘Tower 34: The Collectors Book Three’, ‘Diamonds and Sand: The Collectors Book Four’, ‘Finders Keepers: The Collectors Book Five’, ‘Black Gold: The Collectors Book Six’, ‘And The Point Is’, and ‘Finding Linda’.
Name Ron A. Sewell. Age – Old enough not to listen to idiots. Born in Edinburgh. Happily married to Sheila, we both got it right the second time.
At the age 14 with my passport and an almost empty rucksack I headed for the south of France. Here, I had a fabulous time working as a deckhand on luxury yachts.
If you choose to read my books and find you do not enjoy them please with my good wishes buy and read another author. Thank you for trying. The Collectors is a series of thrillers.
MessageFrom A Retired Agent:
“Ron,
I love your thrillers Collectors’ series. The main protagonists are powerful characters with a sense of humour. The stories are page-turners. I hope these books continue to be successful.
Best regards,
Betty”
Other Books by Ron A. Sewell: …The Collectors -6 Book Series …You Can’t Hide Forever …Finding Linda …The Angel Makers …And The Point Is?
A Spooky Wish is book 1 in the Magic Islands series.
Centuries ago, there were a group of mysterious, some say magical islands, which fell victim to a monsters’ curse, making them unreachable by sea. The islands were all but forgotten.
But now a group of wicked, exiled Purple Wizards, led by the horrid Izzy Odorous, have found their way to the Magic Islands, and immediately make their evil plans to rule it and its people.
Meanwhile, on a beach in Wales, two friends on a school project have found some very strange items, including a Book of Spells and a magic shell. Wishing they could learn where the items came from, Megan and Stefan are suddenly themselves whisked away to the Magic Islands, where they meet a collection of bizarre characters, including a silly jester, a pair of mean witches, a friendly dragon, a kidnapped king and a powerful, ancient magician. Soon they are all joining forces to stop the Purple Wizards’ wicked plan and lift the islands’ curse forever – and hopefully get the children back home!
A fun and exciting magical adventure for 8-12-year-olds, with an important environmental message.
5 Stars: Magical Read For Children 8-12 Years!
Prologue: Magic Islands (Book One):“Somewhere along the coast of Wales, there once existed a small group of islands. They were mysterious islands, often believed to be magical islands. Some were mountainous and craggy, others only undulated from high to low levels, from hillside to valley.
…The islands had few visitors, for the journeys across the seas to these islands were often treacherous, the seas around them being moody and the pathways unclear.
…It is said many ships had vanished in the rough waters and never returned home to Wales. When ships returned homewards, their sailors refrained from venturing again to the islands for they feared the mighty waves and great anger of the choppy seas.
…Ancient mariners often returned telling mystical and magical tales of having spied from a distance a curious clan of magical dwellers on the islands.
…But there was never any proof of such tales.
…As time went by the islands faded and vanished and the tales of the magical islands were soon forgotten, seemingly forever…”
Forgotten until now! Author Irene Edward unlocks the mysteries of these fictitious Islands.
Let me quote from Part 11- ‘A Call for Help’:
… “Come on, Megan, let’s become invisible.”
… “This Magical Enchanted Forest is the strangest of places,” Megan glanced through the trees as she spoke. Hundreds of cuckoos called out their cuckoo songs tunefully. The woodpeckers were hammering at branches with their sharp beaks.”
…” Rata-tat! Rata-tat! Rata-tat!”
…Above the children’s heads, hawks and eagles squawked eerily. But although the forest was oddly noisy, the children became alarmed by the trees, for they were not standing still and rooted, but were moving around in the forest, hovering and swaying, pushing, and shoving, falling, or rushing around in all directions.”
… “It would help us if the trees stayed in one place,” Stefan said nervously. “How on earth can we keep away from the paths, when the paths keep moving around everywhere?”
My Thoughts: This is a fun read, where character Stefan and Megan make a wish on a Conch shell found on the Welsh coastline. Transported to the ‘Magic Islands’ by their wish, the story-line and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations come to life on the pages.
Never a dull moment as wizards, witches, elves, dragons, castles, and a magical enchanted forest fills the readers imagination.
Children eight to twelve will enjoy reading with an adult or alone. This book will make a great gift, bed-time story, library book, or a summer reading adventure.
The author’s desire to educate children and adults about the preservation of our planet shines through in her books. Irene provides educational guides, free worksheets for classroom and group discussions. (https://cgofwales.co.uk)
Editorial Review by Editor at Book Marketing Global Network/Book Reviews Central
Review by: Gigi Sedlmayer, Book Excellence Award Finalist winning author of the Talon series. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What an amazing magical read.I have read other magical books before, but that one tops them all.It is very different but just fantastic.With great illustrations. loved them to see all now then, as they pop up between.
Review by Elizabeth Rees: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Lovely read.Bought this book for my Grandsons,they loved it and can’t wait for grandma to buy them the next 2 books.Well done Irene Edwards look forward to reading more of your lovely easy to read books to my grandsons.
Chaos In The Cosmos: A Magic Islands Story by Irene Edwards.
Chaos In The Cosmos is book 2 in the Magic Islands series.
The second instalment in the fun and exciting Magic Islands fantasy-adventure series for younger children picks up where A Spooky Wish left off – and an even more important environmental message.
Far off the coast of Wales are the mysterious, legendary Magic Islands. Once hidden and inaccessible by the treacherous seas surrounding them, the curse of the Hook-Eyed Cyclops Monsters has now been lifted by Ambrosious, Wizard of the Magic Forest. Now Cyclops leader Domadron is worried that people will come; they will bring their pollution and ruin the beautiful seas he calls home.
But an even bigger threat is brewing, out in the cosmos!
For, exiled into space for their wicked deeds on the Magic Islands, the evil Purple Wizards, and their boss Izzy Odorous are up to their usual evil scheming. And this time their actions threaten the whole of Planet Earth! Because, in their vengeance against Ambrosious and his friends Megan and Stefan, they’ve ended up creating an environmental catastrophe! Can enemies and friends alike put differences aside to stop them?
Chaos in the Cosmos is a fantasy narrative for children aged between 8 to 12 years.
5 Stars: Fun, Educational Action Adventure for Kids 8-12!
Chaos In The Cosmos (Magic Island Story) is book two in the Magic Island series. In this wonderful learning adventure, Author Irene Edwards uses the fun and games of the Purple Wizard to bring children back to the Magic Islands. As we learned in book one Magic Island, somewhere along the coast of Wales, there once existed a small group of islands. They were mysterious islands, often believed to be magical islands.
Your child will enjoy the familiar characters Stefan and Megan, if he or she has read Magic Islands. Some of the chapter titles include Hook Eyed Monsters, The Spacecraft, Landing on Mars, Morning on the Red Planet, Volcano Olympus Mons, Let’s Explore the Underworld, Domadron, and the Cyclops, The Golden Puddle, Merlin’s Cave, The Red Wizards Tower, A Hiding Place, and Believe It or Not to name a few.
The Story Begins:” The story begins when the “Magic” happens, and the Purple Wizards are sent spinning from the Magic Islands to the Red Planet, Mars, where they experience a Space adventure on the mystic planet and its hidden Underworld.
…In order to escape from the Underworld and from Planet Mars, Izzy Odorous and his gang of Purple Wizards are faced with having to regain their own powerful magical strengths. With newly regained powers, they mischievously venture out on a magical mystery tour and later threaten danger to the well-being of the entire Planet Earth.
…Scratchit is the much feared, adorable, baby Hook-Eyed Cyclops Monster, who creates havoc by way of his very own busy magical mischief, as he whisks the children, Stefan, and Megan, on a terrifying journey to the Magic Islands.
…But when the children are confronted with the impending perils of global warming, they are also faced with having to help the magical inhabitants of the Magic Islands in their fight for survival during a rapidly changing climatic crisis.
Let me bring you into the story here:
… “Cheer up, Megan. Let’s get away from these sand dunes and shelter somewhere cool, such as the caves,” Stefan said briskly.
…How could she feel cheerful? She stood up and trailed after Stefan as he headed for the caves at the Land of Rocks.
… “Do you think the caves will be a safe place for us?” Megan frowned. “They can’t be. Some of the rocks on the coast are tumbling into the sea?”
… “Perhaps they may be safe enough, but I’m not really sure. At least the caves will offer shelter from the sun. I feel so cross with Scratchit today. The silly little Cyclops has brought us here and dumped us on these islands,” Stefan mumbled in annoyance.
… “But, I’m seriously worried, Stefan.” Megan sighed in despair, “What if…we really are alone on these Magic Islands, and there is no one here, to help magic us back to Wales? What if…there is no food for us to eat… or fresh water to drink, and we dehydrate?
…What if…the Magic Islands flood over?
…What if…?”
My Thoughts: Author Irene Edwards teaches children about planet earth and the cosmos in this fun, adventurous, action-adventure, using words and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations.
Children eight to twelve will enjoy reading with an adult or alone. This book will make a great gift, bed-time story, library book, or a summer reading adventure.
The author’s desire to educate children and adults about the preservation of our planet shines through in her books. Irene provides educational guides, free worksheets for classroom and group discussions. (cgofwales.co.uk)
Editorial Review by Editor at Book Marketing Global Network/Book Reviews Central
Review by Gigi Sedlmayer, Book Excellence Award Finalist winning author of the Talon series. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Believe it or not, you only have to say: “Fuzzy-Pickles! Wiggly-Jiggly! Itty-Bitty-Magic-Bits”and all you want is happening. Or is it?A wonderful story, not only for the young.Magic Island, Purple and red Wizards, Hook-Eyed Cyclops Monsters. And Steven and Megan, who was magically wished away from their school outing visiting Merlin’s Cave, by the baby Scratch it.But that is not all. You have to get the book to get the full story.wonderfully written, easy to read. Great for children. Hi prices for it.I have started with the second book, but now I have to get the first and will see, how all started.
About Irene Edwards: Irene Edwards is a retired teacher who now writes fantasy fiction for children. As an educator, she taught Primary level in many parts of the UK; London, Essex, Coventry, Midlands, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthenshire. She then qualified as a Teacher of the Deaf at The Lady Spencer Churchill College, Oxford, working at first within unit settings and later moving to peripatetic, for schools and clinics. Knowing how important literature and language was to the structure of speech and language development, on retirement she began to research into the imaginary minds of children and their world of literature and writing. To find out more visit: https://cgofwales.co.uk/
Book 1 – A Spooky Wish Book 2 – Chaos In The Cosmos Book 3 – The Land Of Now And Then (Coming in 2023)
Through My Laughter and Tears by Annette Stanzione.
Returning Home to the Bronx (A Memoir).
Annette Stanzione was born into a Catholic-Italian family in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx in the 1950s.
In ‘Through My Laughter and Tears’, Annette relays anecdotes from her childhood to her first job working for the FBI, becoming a paralegal at forty-seven, getting married and then divorced, raising two daughters, dating, living upstate for three decades, and then eventually returning home to the Bronx.
Annette’s story is an engaging mix of humor and gravitas as she wends her way through triumphs and difficulties. Although she’s still looking for love — and loving the process of finding it — she perseveres with charm, wit, and warmth.
You’ll be drawn into Annette’s world and wish she was your best friend.
5 Stars: Unstoppable Page Turner!
I felt like part of Annette’s Catholic-Italian family from the first paragraph. Whether you grew up in Bronx, New York or not, this is a coming home saga like no other. Author Annette Stanzione invites you to reflect back, with her, on growing up in the 1960s-1970s.
With superb storytelling, Annette uses, written images, more humor than pain, and a tremendous sense of “glass half full’ perseverance. Annette skillfully walks the reader through her own growing up, dating realities, marriage conflicts, and single motherhood. Annette’s story is real, raw and truly unforgettable.
As the first-born daughter, the tragic murders by Son of Sam impacted her already strict, Catholic School/Home upbringing. She rebelled in small ways, while keeping a firm foundation under her.
Soon Annette added a little adventure in her life. “Secretarial position-not a secret agent!”
“At seventeen, I started this job in Manhattan on 69th and 3rd Avenue, in the Hunter College building. I got all dolled up. When getting in the elevator I slipped in my platform heels (it was the seventies) and fell on the ground. Thank God no one was in the elevator. My arm hit the wall and my leg was under my butt. I was more concerned with making sure I didn’t break a nail and made sure all ten were intact. Hey, I knew my priorities.
About a year and a half later I transferred to the FBI in New Rochelle, which was in the Sheraton Hotel, at that time. No one knew the FBI was there, of course. It was not something they announced on the outside of the building.
One day they had a tip that the Barclays Bank across the street was going to be robbed. We watched the FBI agents from our office circle the bank and the three men got out of the car with ski masks on and went into the bank with guns.
The agents were in and out of the building and the gunmen came out with their hands in the air. It was like watching a movie, only live. The great thing about that job was, you could transfer anywhere, as long as they had a position open. One girl I worked with transferred to Alaska and never came back.
They say there are three men to every one woman in Alaska. Maybe that’s why she stayed.”
Annette has had her fair share of tragedy and tears. Through it all she has learned to appreciate family, friends, and acquaintances who encouraged and helped her along the way. She is grateful to her parents and grandparents. Like a good mother, Annette has passed the gift of empowerment on to her two daughters, who in turn are sharing it with others.
In a time when the world seems out of whack, obstacles and risks seem to outweigh the rewards, I highly recommend you read this inspiring book. This short read will leave you looking for ways to view your experiences through Annette’s “glass half full” mindset. We all have stories to tell and I hope Annette will share more in the years to come
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Jennifer Rosario: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun and Relatable Read! I got a good laugh!! Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022. Verified Purchase. The author wrote this book in such a fun and conversational tone. Being a fellow Bronx girl, I really enjoyed reading about all the local spots she mentioned. I could also relate to the upbringing. I’m Cuban and Puerto Rican but our culture is so similar to the Italian culture, so at times, I felt like I was reading about my own family. The dating stories were also sad, funny, and totally relatable. I know what it’s like to meet a lot of frogs. LOL. Overall, this was a fun, funny and also sentimental story. I truly enjoyed it! I’ll take a pic with the book once I “put my face on”. 😉
Review by Karim Mayweather: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. “This Book is Jumping on Gear 14, Running on 135rpm and Climbing on Gear 24”. Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2020. Verified Purchase. Ok at first I was hesitant on getting this book because I’m a hardcore Brooklyn guy born and raised. So why would I want to read anything relating to The Bronx? Just kidding. The truth is I haven’t read a physical book in a few years. I usually listening to audiobooks. Plus, who has the time to sit and read an actual book anyway? Well unfortunately the Coronavirus hit NY hard and I needed something else to do besides all the other things that I was starting to get bored of doing. I pick up Annette’s book and it was really GREAT!!! Seriously, her book was very entertaining to me. I don’t think the cover and title did it justice. I thought it was going to be gloomy. But there were way more funny moments compare to teary ones. It’s hard to believe that this Annette’s very first book. I know who ever reads it is going to want to read more books written by her (well if she ever decides to put out more). Now I got a little more respect for The Bronx!!!
Review by A Santana: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read! Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021. Verified Purchase. I have not read a book in a very long time I am always reading things on the internet or FB etc., LOL I finally decided to read this book in its entirety I had started to read it a while ago but did not finish it until today, a friend of mine is the author who I met a few years ago at my nail salon. I absolutely Loved it even though some of her life stories are sad it kept my interest and was also very funny.
Review by Robert Fortini: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful read! Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022. Verified Purchase. I recommend this book to all! Wonderful taste of living in the Bronx!!
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Love, love, loved! Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2022. Verified Purchase. Loved this Book. Excellent read. Straight from the heart…
Review by Elizabeth Wirsing: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I so enjoyed this book. Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2022.Verified Purchase. Liked that it was funny and did not want to put the book down. Wants you to find out what is next! Want to read the next chapter. Keep writing. Great job!
Review by L Fitzgerald: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very relatable! Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021. Verified Purchase. While reading this book, I felt a bond, almost a sisterhood, with the author as she recounted her online dating tribulations! While I am born and raised in the south, I could still relate to the family dynamics as described by Annette. This is a must read!
Review by Lisa Steil: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Read! Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019. Verified Purchase. I bought Annette’s book last week and read it in a day. There were parts I laughed out loud and some parts I had tears in my eyes. As a single woman who has been dating for about a decade, I can relate to so many of the stories. I love her optimism and the fact that she loves herself is such an inspiration. I am passing this book along to other friends who are out there searching for love. The answer, I think, is right inside of us and always keeping a sense of humor. Great read!
Message From Author: Hi my name is Annette. I have always loved to write and make people laugh, so I incorporated funny stories into this first book.
This endeavor took me a long time, life sometimes gets in the way. I was very fortunate to work with a wonderful editor and my publisher Wheatmark helped me every step of the way.
Just when I thought I was done writing; another story would pop into my head.
Join Carrie McCrite and her new husband Henry King in the fifth Something to Die For Mystery.
Henry plans an anniversary surprise: the two of them will join Carrie’s son Rob and Henry’s half-sister Catherine for a camping trip at the Buffalo National River. When Rob and Catherine disappear, Carrie, her friend Shirley, and Henry help search for them.
A River to Die For features strong women fighting against literal darkness underground as well as the dark forces of evil. It will take strength to read this book about the best and worst that nature and man can throw at a woman.
It will take a caring heart to understand how Henry King and Rob McCrite feel as they struggle to reach the women they love.
Review by Nash Black-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The best of Christian mysteries. Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2010. Verified Purchase. A RIVER TO DIE FOR by Radine Trees Nehring is my first read of the series and it will not be my last. Carrie & Henry King with their extended family of Henry’s half-sister Catherine and Carrie’s son Rob McCrite will keep the reader turning the pages as each person has to explore some deep recesses of the mind to both remain alive and adjust to the evolving changes in their lives. Nehring’s deep love of Arkansas and its wilderness almost takes center stage to the mystery, but her balance enhances our appreciation of wild areas. The Buffalo National River region is one of unspoiled beauty in the national park system. The effort to preserve the habitats of early human populations, and yet provide both a relaxing vacation experience and a learning environment is the overwhelming job of the National Park Service. Nehring gives us a rousing read while she blows the horn for our wonderful system of public lands. Nash Black, author of Indie finalists WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and HAINTS.
Review by J. Grant: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Good read. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. Verified Purchase. Another really good mystery from Nehring! Fast moving, holds you interest! Not boring even though I’ve read the other 5 books. You will enjoy it!!!
Review by Diana L. Walker: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very good read. Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2009. Verified Purchase. I have read other books by this author and like herstyle and her characters. I am into mysteries with admirable characters and solid values.
Other Reviews:
…The next best thing to pitching your tent beside Arkansas’s beautiful Buffalo River is reading Radine Trees Nehring’s evocation of a camping trip that gets dangerously out of hand. Margaret Maron (internationally acclaimed author of the Judge Deborah Knott mystery series).
…After exploring the Buffalo National River region for three decades now, it was a thrill to be taken on this mystery/romantic suspense twist around a national treasure I know and love. Chuck Dovish (producer, writer, and host of Exploring Arkansas on Public Television).
…Nehring’s book is as wild a read as a splash down the rapids of the Buffalo National River in a land that is thrilling and often mysterious. Flip Putthoff (Outdoor Editor of The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas).
Product Details: Print Length: 220 Pages Publisher: St Kitts Press; First Edition (April 1, 2008) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
First, she needs to figure out what the wedding of a “mature” bride and groom should look like.
Second, she’s invited Henry’s half-sister to the ceremony before learning why he’s never wanted to see the woman. Then the florists they’ve hired are shot at, their flower shop is bombed, and someone is murdered. If that weren’t enough, Carrie and Henry keep catching glimpses of a ghost dressed in a red bridal gown…an omen?
Join Carrie McCrite and Henry King as they chase a killer and try to salvage their dream wedding at the historic Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Review by Pat Browning: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Is this any way to plan a wedding? Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2009. Verified Purchase. This unhurried and carefully drawn portrait of skullduggery in the Arkansas Ozarks is easy reading. The resort town of Eureka Springs and the historic Crescent Hotel are both real places, and the hotel lends itself admirably to nefarious goings-on. Its wings, oddly placed
staircases, porches, decks, verandas, walkways, gardens and secluded paths can hide a multitude of sins.
The story opens in Blackberry Hollow. Carrie McCrite is spooked — by dreams about a bride dressed in red, by things that go bump in the night. She regrets refusing the sawed-off shotgun Henry King wanted to give her but at least Henry lives a few hundred yards away. He does
have a gun, and Carrie has his phone number on speed-dial.
Her upcoming wedding to Henry will be a December wedding in more ways than one. They are senior citizens. She’s a widow. He’s a cop, divorced and retired. Both are as nervous as teenagers.
Carrie and Henry visit Eureka Springs to scope out the Crescent Hotel as a possible venue for the ceremony and reception. Never mind that the hotel is haunted. Carrie already has wedding night jitters. She’s given up on wearing something wispy from Victoria’s Secret and wonders
if she can just wear a flannel nightie and socks.
Carrie picks the hotel’s sunny conservatory as the perfect spot for a simple wedding. A wedding consultant signs them up for a Storybook Wedding package. Everything is hunky-dory until Carrie and Henry walk into the middle of an ugly encounter between two florists.
For the florist with the Big Blond Hair, it’s more than a simple turf war. The florists in the old green van are a husband and wife of East Indian descent, owners of Artistic Floral Designs. Big Blond Hair snarls, “… quit trying to horn in on my flower business. Take your family back to India where you belong.”
Embarrassed by such hateful behavior, Carrie and Henry make friends with the Artistic Floral couple and follow them to a gazebo where they’re setting up for a wedding. As Carrie and Henry admire the decorations, a shot rings out …
There’s much more to the story than flower shop rivalry. The racial prejudice thread figures prominently. A land dispute and pure greed are at the root of much evil. Carrie, Henry, and Carrie’s two best friends use their common sense and detecting smarts to help solve blackmail, a bashing, a bombing, a stabbing, an attempted entombing, and the mystery of a ghostly bride wearing red.
Review by lazydayreader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I love the To Die for Series. Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2012. Verified Purchase. Love all of Radine’s “To Die For” series. If you haven’t read Radine’s books you must give them a try. She adds local history to her mystery books which adds to the interest and makes you want to plan a vacation around the area for the theme of her books. This one takes place at the historic Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Ar. Give it a try.
Review by J. Grant: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Read it!!! Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. Verified Purchase. Another of Nehring’s mysteries which takes place in Eureka Springs, Arkansas Hold your attention and you can’t put it down,
Review by Jana Murdaugh: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great read!! Couldn’t put it down. Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021. Truly enjoyed this book. Love Eureka Springs and the old Crescent hotel. I actually felt like I was there living through the characters in the book. Very enjoyable.
Other Reviews:
…Readers will delight in Carrie McCrite, a spunky heroine who faces danger and finds love. A pleasure awaits mystery lovers. Carolyn Hart (author of the Death on Demand and Henrie O mysteries).
…Nehring’s delightful novel features history and romance with murder thrown in. A winning combination and fun read. Patricia Sprinkle (author of the Thoroughly Southern mysteries).
…Intrigue and true love–what a delicious combination. Crow Johnson Evans (internationally acclaimed musician and board members of The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs).
Product Details: Print Length: 294 Pages Publisher: St Kitts Press; First Edition (May 1, 2006) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
Carrie McCrite and her husband, Amos, had dreamed of retiring to a home in the Ozark mountains. After Amos dies in a hunting accident, Carrie decides to go ahead with their dream, but alone. She needs to be someone – to prove she’s a capable woman who can take care of herself.
Carrie meets neighbor JoAnne Harrington, a man-hater who certainly provides an example of female independence. When a stone quarry threatens to turn part of their beloved valley into heaps of gravel, the two women and their neighbors’ band together to fight for their valley. But someone decides JoAnne must die.
Carrie feels compelled to find out who killed her friend. That’s what a strong woman would do. Then Carrie’s new neighbor, retired Kansas City Police Major, Henry King, warns her that she, and not JoAnne, may have been the killer’s real target.
But that’s ridiculous – isn’t it? And Henry is hiding secrets of his own.
How strong can Carrie be?
It’s time to find out.
From Library Journal: In the picturesque Ozark mountains, a local group of residents’ plan to fight the sale of an abandoned farm to a mining quarry known for caring more for money than potential damage to the environment. When widow Carrie McCrite discovers the body of the group’s leader, JoAnne Harrington, the valley is abuzz with theories that JoAnne was accidentally shot by hunters or murdered by the owner of the proposed quarry. For Carrie, whose husband died in a hunting accident and whose faith was the only thing that sustained her, JoAnne’s death resurrects old nightmares. The romantic interest of a retired detective named Henry King raises further questions as Carrie discovers ties between Henry and JoAnne that have been kept secret for almost 30 years. With flair, Nehring, an award-winning Arkansas writer, launches a cozy series that will appeal to mystery readers and fans of Lorie Ham (The Trouble with Tenors) and Ellen Edwards Kennedy (Irregardless of Murder). For both Christian fiction and mystery collections. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From The Inside Flap: Carrie McCrite and her husband, Amos, had dreamed of retiring to a home in the Ozark mountains. After Amos dies in a hunting accident, Carrie decides to go ahead with their dream, but alone. She needs to be someone – to prove she’s a capable woman who can take care of herself. Carrie meets neighbor JoAnne Harrington, a man-hater who certainly provides an example of female independence. And there are important things to do when a stone quarry threatens to turn part of their beloved valley into heaps of gravel. The two women and their neighbors band together to fight for their valley. But someone decides JoAnne must die. Grieving over JoAnne’s death, Carrie feels compelled to uncover and destroy the mystery and darkness now swirling in the valley. That’s what a strong woman would do. Then Carrie’s new neighbor, retired Kansas City Police Major, Henry King, warns her that she, and not JoAnne, may have been the killer’s real target. But that’s ridiculous – isn’t it?
Review by audreydog: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A delightful romp in the Ozarks. Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2010. Verified Purchase. This is a very enjoyable and fun story. As a lifelong Ozark native, I enjoyed the local flavor of this book, and I have been in many of the valleys and caves that are re-created in the story. I would have loved for Carrie to meet one of the Ingledews, but that’s an entirely different story 🙂. Three cheers, and I can’t wait to read the rest of these wonderful ‘To Die For’ stories.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I have read two of them so far and have immensely enjoyed each one. Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2017. Verified Purchase. The something to Die for books by Radine Trees Nehring are very entertaining. I have read two of them so far and have immensely enjoyed each one.
Review by Diane H. Winder: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Easy to read and fun. Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2013. Verified Purchase. Nadine lives in the next town. All of the sites for her book are familiar to me. I like Carrie, she seems like a regular person. This was our book club selection this month and since I read Valley, I have also read Music and am finishing up Treasure.
Review by gala_4: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Good book! Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2013. Verified Purchase. I enjoyed reading this very much. The Ozarks are a good setting for the book and the characters are likeable.
Review by J. Grant: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Good. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. Verified Purchase. First in the series and what a good story!!! Reads easily and holds your interest. Can’t put it down!!!
Review by Charles A. Burton, PhD: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great introduction to Nehring’s valley. Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2008. Although I had read DEAR EARTH, this was the first of Ms. Nehring’s mysteries I have read. It won’t be the last.
After reading DEAR EARTH, Dear Earth: A Love Letter from Spring Hollow I feel I know her, so I’ll refer to the author by her first name. Radine has, with this book, awakened a burning desire for me to get to know more about Carrie McCrite, Henry King, Roger, Shirley, Jason and all the rest of the neighbors in this little community.
As a person who moved from the quiet of a small community to several large cities and finally almost full circle to a very, very rural existence in hills very similar to those described in this novel, I can connect with the characters, the emotions, and the lifestyles in Radine’s book.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries without a lot of tea (but at least one cat!), and a likable although somewhat naive protagonist who isn’t a twenty-something Gen-Xer, you could not do better than picking up one of Radine’s mysteries. I know I’ll be getting the rest in this series. I couldn’t stop with #1!
Other Reviews:
…a delightful mystery with appealing characters fighting for a cause. FT SMITH TIMES RECORD.
…a fascinating mystery that gets better and better as the pages roll. Mike Flynn, producer and host of the FOLK SAMPLER, heard weekly on public radio.
…a mystery writer whose imagination and talent will win her a large and dedicated readership. THE BOOKWATCH.
…a warm and enchanting tale. SOUTHERN SCRIBE.
…kept my heart pounding…a page turner with no easy stopping places. GRAVETTE NEWS HERALD.
…A pleasure awaits mystery lovers. Carolyn Hart, author of the DEATH ON DEMAND and HENRIE O mysteries.
…It’s great to read fiction about the Ozarks that rings true… Dr. Fred Pfister, editor of THE OZARKS MOUNTAINEER.
And Henry is hiding secrets of his own. How strong can Carrie be? How much danger can she survive? It’s time to find out.
Product Details: Print Length: 284 Pages Publisher: St Kitts Press; First Edition (August 1, 2002) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
Take two pillow cases full of empty baking powder tins and thirty pounds of stolen cash. Put a quantity of hundred-dollar bills in each can, seal lids. Hide this mixture somewhere in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After the mixture has seasoned for forty years, sift together all the people who know about the hidden treasure. Cut in one investigative reporter and one unsuspecting Elderhostel coordinator. Bake until too hot to handle, and place before Carrie McCrite and Henry King. See who survives. A Treasure to Die For is the third To Die For Mystery by Macavity-award nominated author Radine Trees Nehring.
Review by J. Grant: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Holds your attention. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. Verified Purchase. Had to read this to continue the series and it did not disappoint. A continuation of holding my attention
Other Reviews:
…Lovers of cozy mysteries with colorful characters will want this third title in Nehring’s ‘Something to Die For’ series… LIBRARY JOURNAL.
…Nehring’s delightful novel features history and romance with murder thrown in. A winning combination and fun read. Patricia Sprinkle, author and President of Sisters in Crime.
…The treasure here is Radine Trees Nehring and her plucky crime solver, Carrie Culpeper McCrite. –J.M. Hayes, author.
Product Details: Print Length: 304 Pages Publisher: St Kitts Press; First Edition (March 1, 2005) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
It’s October, craft fair season in the Ozarks, and Carrie and Henry are helping their friend Shirley sell her quilts and Baby Cuddlys at the War Eagle Craft Fair. After a mysterious cousin with ties to drug dealers appears, danger stalks the fair. When Carrie is abducted by killers following a breakfast at War Eagle Mill, she’s afraid she won’t escape, because—though her aim in life has always been to help others out of problems—no one who can help her knows where she is. “There is no me out there to help me.”
Review by Terry: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intelligent Seniors living life to its fullest… Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2013. Verified Purchase. The seventh in her series, (Something to Die For) Radine’s latest can be read as a stand-alone story that will move you to sit down in a comfy chair, feet up, wood stove or fireplace lit and read about second-chance love, family relationships, friendship, and intrigue.
That it is set in a small town, includes a good amount of time set at the craft fair, describes not only the creative items made and sold there, involves both down home cooking and recipes from a famed chef – all of these elements combine together to widen the audience for Radine’s story-telling.
A murder, a disappearance, a legend of old papers … a retired law enforcement officer, a current drug dealer, a suspicion more than forty years old, and an unexpected set of relatives … the story begins calmly, introduces characters easily and without laborious details, and opens the mystery and questions early enough to guarantee the readers’ continued attention.
The area of the Ozarks offers this New England reader a delightful experience, and memories of reading another book (Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls) set in that part of the country with my sixth-grade students years ago. And the real-life tourist locations such as the War Eagle mill and its ground products and recipes add to the flavor of this story.
I look forward to reading the earlier books in this engaging series. It is nice to read about senior citizens who are living life to its fullest, and Radine Trees Nehring knows that of which she writes. I give this book five stars, and am happy to have read and shared this title here.
Review by lazydayreader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Radine did it again! Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2012. Verified Purchase. This is Radine Tree’s Nehring’s latest addition to her “To Die For” Series. I always think her books can’t get any better but she always comes up with another great theme and location to prove me wrong. They all take place in the Ozarks of Arkansas, and center around a well-known location or even. The War Eagle Mill and the popular War Eagle Craft Fair, an annual event in Arkansas, is the location and theme for this book. Radine combines mystery with local history, and attractions of Arkansas to make for a very enjoyable read.
Review by Patricia Gligor: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A well “crafted” mystery. Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2013. Verified Purchase. “A Fair to Die For” by Radine Trees Nehring is the first book I’ve read in her Something to Die For mystery series but it won’t be the last. The story was well crafted and the characters were fully developed – something that’s very important to me when I read. Ms. Nehring incorporated the setting so “craftily” that, as the story progressed, I felt as if I were in Arkansas at a craft fair with the threat of drug dealers and murderers all around me. I highly recommend this book.
Product Details: Paperback: 244 Pages Publisher: Dark Oak Mysteries (February 27, 2012) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
MUSIC TO DIE FOR is set at Ozark Folk Center State Park in remote Stone County, AR. Carrie and several friends have planned a weekend vacation at the Folk Center, where they’re signed up for craft classes. Crafts take a back seat to a kidnapping, arson, and murder after Dulcey Mason, four-year old daughter of famous country musicians Chase Mason and Tracy Teal, disappears, and her abductor is found stabbed, his house burned. Romance blossoms again between Carrie and her best friend, Henry King, as they rush to save a child, solve a murder, and repair tragically broken lives. Can they do it before they, too, become victims of MUSIC TO DIE FOR?
Review by Gayle Rice: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful. Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2012. Verified Purchase. Read all of this series I could get and would like more. Interesting and entertaining. Glad to have been introduced to a new author for me.
Review by J. Grant: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A good read. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2013. Verified Purchase. Super interesting, can’t put it down, love Carrie and her curiosity!!! If you like mysteries you will love this series!!
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A terrific Ozark cozy. Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2005. As the Arkansas highway tourist information manager, widow Carrie McCrite attends the annual Department of Parks and Tourism Convention at The Ozark Folk Center State Park near Mountain View with several of her friends including her closest pal, Henry King. Carrie especially looks forward to attending the craft classes that she signed up for and to attending the performances especially country and western stars Chase Mason and Tracy Teal, but dozes through the lectures.
However, instead of a weekend of relaxation mellowing in the remote local, all hell breaks loose. Someone abducts Farel, the four-year-old daughter of Chase and Tracy; however, Carrie and Henry find the culprit dead and his house burned down in a deliberate fire. The child remains missing. As they work in tandem while their feelings for one another blossom Carrie and Henry desperately hope to save a little girl even at a risk to their own lives.
MUSIC TO DIE FOR is a terrific Ozark cozy that brings to life this region of the country. The mystery is cleverly designed so that the lead amateur sleuths and the audience seem to only find more questions and plenty of troubles, but no child. Henry is a delightful lead as his admiration and fondness for Carrie grow; she is an intriguing charter who when struggling asks the Lord for guidance. Fans of regional cozies will enjoy this tale and like this reviewer seek Radine Tree Nehring’s first Ozark mystery, A VALLEY TO DIE FOR.
Other Reviews:
…Leaves the reader sighing in satisfaction. MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW. …Hooks [readers] with a story they can’t put down. THE TULSA WORLD. …A riveting story of kidnapping, murder, and family secrets that won’t stay hidden. Barbara Brett, author of BETWEEN TWO ETERNITIES and, with Hy Brett, PROMISES TO KEEP. …Endearing characters make you want to come back to visit soon! Julie Wray Herman, author of the Three Dirty Women Gardening Mystery series. …Highly recommended for most Christian fiction and mystery collections. LIBRARY JOURNAL. …Highly recommended. I LOVE A MYSTERY. In this character-driven story, heroes have their values straight and fight for what they believe in. COZIES, CAPERS & CRIMES. …It was such fun to read about our Ozark Folk Center and picture where the murder took place. –Mary Gillihan, Harmony musician; Park Interpreter and Elderhostel Coordinator, Ozark Folk Center State Park. …Maybe murders can be bad news for tourism, but I was hooked…a compelling read. Joe David Rice, Arkansas Tourism Director.
Product Details: Paperback: 288 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2nd Edition (October 1, 2003) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
In this sixth of award-winning author Radine Trees Nehring’s mysteries, active retirees Henry and Carrie King take a train-ride day trip that turns into a nightmare!
Corruption, greed and murder mix with antiques and quaint shops, to create a not-to-be forgotten holiday!
Review by gaylewigg: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Get on the Train with Carrie and Henry. Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2010. Verified Purchase. I always look forward to immersing myself into the world Radine Trees Nehring describes so beautifully and this “Journey” captured me again. I had followed Carrie and Henry’s courtship and marriage and was delighted to be with them once more. Carrie and Henry, now married for almost a year, take advantage of another of Arkansas’ many tourist destinations and find themselves, once again, in the middle of a mystery. Radine does a great job of presenting her characters as three-dimensional people with both good and bad traits which make them all very real. And along with the mystery, which keeps you riveted, you feel like you’ve been to these places and actually know these people. Good job, Radine. I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
Review by kellytwo: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Shattering Stereotypes. Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2014. Indeed, shattering stereotypes is the new career of Carrie McCrites, after she is widowed and retires from her former life, as a staid sort of ‘little-old-lady’. After the financial crisis caused by her husband’s sudden death, she moves from their former home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to a small home in rural northwestern Arkansas. From that point on, she ceases to be staid or what is perceived by others to be the normal, retiring older woman.
True, she can do nothing about her age, but she determines to keep herself busy, and in the course of the first book or two of this delightful ‘To Die For’ series, she gets herself out and about, meeting the neighbors and learning about the lands surrounding her new home. Carrie is blessed with a healthy body, a terrific curiosity bump and intelligence matched by an uncommon common sense. In the course of the series, not only does she make friends, while exploring and learning about the area where she lives, she also meets Henry King, a retired policeman from Kansas City.
In the Wedding book, they get married, but not without difficulty, and thanks to Carrie’s curiosity, they now have a family: Henry has a daughter about whom he’d been kept in ignorance, and a much younger half-sister. His daughter is now married and has a young son, and the two elders have hopes for a match between Carrie’s son and Henry’s half-sister. But they are not just sitting around waiting for something to happen. Not these two!
Old steam trains create a longing in the soul, especially for those of a certain age, and that is the age of Carrie and Henry. Fortunately, there is a restored train that runs from Springdale to Van Buren and back again in one day. Seems like a peaceable outing. But even before the train begins to move, Carrie senses an oddity in the two men seated in front of her. Hang on to your hats – it’s a merry ride they embark on, believe me!
This is an intricately-plotted, excellently-written tale of mystery mixed with some Civil War history, peopled with some of Carrie’s neighbors and Henry’s former police buddies as well as some modern-day good and bad guys. You won’t be able to put the book down, so plan accordingly before you begin to read it. Please don’t let the ages of the two main characters deter you from reading this very fast-paced book, in which Carrie earns a ‘badge of courage’. You’ll cheer at her spunk and her bravery while protecting the man she loves. And like me, you’ll wish Ms. Nehring could write faster than she does!
Product Details: Paperback: 290 Pages Publisher: Wolfmont Press (May 1, 2010) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
Carrie McCrite, a volunteer librarian at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, discovers two versions of a portrait on loan to the museum. When a reporter writing about that portrait disappears, Carrie must choose between honoring Henry’s request that she stop jumping into danger on behalf of people in trouble–or work to find the woman who was a college friend of her son’s.
Review by Betty Webb, Mystery Scene Magazine: “A Portrait to Die For isn’t for the shoot-’em-up, car-crash, shove-someone-off-a-cliff crowd. It is a sedate, carefully paced mystery more concerned with puzzles than thrills. Carrie’s quest leads her into some of the murkier paths of the art world, one filled with the kind of chicanery that could lead to some serious prison time for those involved.”
Review by Sandra Murphy, Kings River Life Magazine-Full Review: “It looks like no matter what Henry and Carrie decide, murder will find them. It’s a lucky thing for readers because they are a captivating couple, older than most characters, fun to be around, and lead interesting lives. They’ll even share a few recipes with readers.”
Review by Erma: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great read. Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2016. Verified Purchase. Another great adventure for Carrie and Henry. I so enjoy these books. Love having something to read with older characters. Radine Trees Nehring does not disappoint me. I enjoy the locations that Carrie and Henry visit. I have been to every one of the places these books are set in and I can imagine Carrie and Henry there. The couple always has a mystery to solve. I have every one of these books and have reread them. Great cozy mystery read.
Review by gaylewigg: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Winner. Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2016. Verified Purchase. Enjoyed this reunion with Carrie, her husband, and friends. The description of the locale and their life is always enjoyable and off sets the suspense of the situations she somehow gets involved in. Radine writes a fun, enjoyable and interesting suspense story, as always.
Review by Billie Brown: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Good. Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2017. Verified Purchase. I love Crystal Bridges so the location appealed to me. The premise is excellent. The mystery itself captured me right away. I will be reading the other books in the series.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful book by Radine! Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2016. Verified Purchase. Another great book by Radine. I just love Carrie and Henry!
Review by Glenda0VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Adding Humorous Twist for Amateur Detectives Creates Extra Enjoyment… Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2016. This is my first reading of Nehring, but I’m certainly glad I found her for her cozy mystery “to Die for” series. I find I cannot always judge well about what an author might consider what is a spoiler… For instance, this author chose to say on the cover that art work may have been stolen. For me, that turned a cozy mystery into more of a whodunit…which I also enjoy reading! There is a humorous twist to the amateur investigator, in this case, Carrie McCrite, who volunteers at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Both Carrie and Henry, a former police officer, are retired and they’ve both gotten involved in earlier cases, which proved to be dangerous. This book begins by Henry laying down the law!
Henry went over every time she’d been in danger and the discussion was not friendly but not an angry one with Carrie one time thinking, at least he admits it’s by the grace of God that I wasn’t killed or even badly hurt. He must understand. He must…
So, what is a woman to do? These things just keep falling into her life–it’s not as if she goes out and hunts for cases. Take the incident this morning when a female jogger was being followed and ask Carrie to tell the stranger, if he asked, that she had gone another way than the one she really had taken… Well, naturally Carrie had to help, right?
And was it her fault that, in leaving the Museum later that day she accidentally heard a suspicious conversation between that same woman and another man…she couldn’t be sure whether it was a different man from that morning.
Anyway, how was she to know that just by going to work, she would see that same woman coming into the library–and she was a special guest involved with the latest display! She was discussing a painting which the library staff had chosen to highlight the exhibit at the entrance–“Twins with Daisies.” Of course, Carrie was right there, caught in the exchange that led to the woman, Grace, telling the staff that she didn’t think their selection/idea was a good one!
And was it Carrie’s fault that she discovered a clue immediately?
No, she couldn’t be faulted…but Henry was adamant that she stays out of what was appearing to have become a mystery to be solved…
Nehring adds a great element of humor as Carrie tries to respond to her husband’s wishes…And then to have their son change all that because an old friend of his. Maylynn Brewer, has disappeared and wants to help find her! As they did a little checking, it was discovered that Brewer might have some connection to the mystery of the paintings…
Another character addition, that of a country couple, but friends of Carrie, get involved and begin to learn about art appreciation as part of the mystery solving. The story is definitely character-driven rather than a major mystery, but still, readers will not be totally sure of exactly who and what was happening until closer to the end. I found that the switch to the struggling wife versus struggling amateur detective created quite of bit of enjoyment of the story.
I enjoyed the ending given the plot setup among characters that was established upfront…and, yes, there was danger before the ending… You’ll enjoy how that all works out…
All in all, a fun, enjoyable setting, and characters that made it triple trouble before it all finished…Highly recommend–and for those interested, there’s a touch of “God” involvement that adds to the depth of thought-processes for the amateur investigators… Get your tea or coffee, a few crackers or cookies…and sit down to relax with a really good book! GABixlerReviews.
Product Details: Paperback: 282 Pages Publisher: Dark Oak Mysteries (January 14, 2016) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries
Dear Earth: A Love Letter From Spring Hollowby Radine Trees Nehring.
It was to be just a weekend retreat, the cabin Radine Trees Nehring and her husband, John, built with their own hands on the land they bought in the Arkansas Ozarks. All they wanted was a once-a-week refuge from the stress and trials of life in the big city one hundred miles away. But the air, the forest, and the wildlife in the place they named Spring Hollow had a haunting magic they could never quite leave behind when they drove away every Sunday evening. The more they learned about the secrets of nature in their country hideaway, the more reluctant they became to part from it. At last, they realized that their hearts were always in Spring Hollow, and that was where they belonged too. They gave up their secure jobs to devote themselves full-time to tending and preserving the beautiful but fast-receding natural world they had come to cherish.
From The Author: My husband and I lived the experiences noted in this book and several of the chapters were originally published in magazines and newspapers in the United States and other countries. This continues to be the book of my heart and, though my husband and I have recently relocated from Spring Hollow to a condo in Fayetteville, AR, the new owners and their children continue the legacy and love of the area!
From Booklist: Thoreau thought it was fine to build castles in the air as long as we put foundations under them. Radine Nehring has done exactly that. She presently holds court on a granite thinking bench as self-appointed queen of Spring Hollow. In 1978, she and husband John realized their weekends in the Arkansas Ozarks were more real than their “real” lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. So, the two lifelong dreamers purchased 12 acres in a dogwood-filled hollow and began a decade of double lives. They cleared a space, put up a cabin, installed a wood stove, dug a well, and became gentle landholders. Each weekend, they drove two hours to escape to a private Eden. There, like a veritable Adam and Eve of the Ozarks, they sought to understand why they love the land. There they learned the irony of spending weekdays busy as squirrels and weekends watching squirrels busier than they. In 1988, the Nehrings moved permanently to Spring Hollow where now John builds furniture while Radine builds books. This one is written in a clear, warm voice by a writer and environmentalist who unabashedly loves her husband, her land, and her granite bench. Read it and dream. Patricia Hassler.
Book Review: Many dream of leaving urban areas for the country, but can’t make the transition. Radine and her husband built a cabin in the Arkansas Ozarks which was to serve as a weekend retreat: it quickly became more, luring them to quit secure jobs in favor of a country life. This compelling story traces their transitional experiences, presenting an endearing account. Midwest Book Review.
Review by Charles A. Burton, PhD: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Heartwarming and evocative. Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2008. Ms. Nehring’s book DEAR EARTH touched commonalities in my and my wife’s lives. I was a highly-paid software consultant, and my wife was a travel nurse. We made a lot of money that way. But, it necessitated living in or near large cities and being constantly on the move. We longed for roots and about three years ago, we returned to my native north Georgia to sink them firmly into the soil.
Radine’s book made me smile, and I often stopped to read choice morsels to my wife. “Honey, listen to this! Doesn’t that sound like us?” We shared chuckles and nodded at each other in agreement with the sentiments expressed. The discovery of new plants was a special connection for my wife, as she lived most of her life in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New Hampshire–much colder places with totally different plant life.
If you have ever read Mother Earth News and sighed with envy… If you have ever sat through a boring business meeting, trying to think of ways to break out of the rat race… If you have struggled to find a bit of nature in an urban environment… Even if you have made the break and now experience the joys and tribulations of a rural lifestyle, this book will touch you and make you smile.
Grab a big glass of iced sun tea and kick back on your front porch with Radine Trees Nehring’s DEAR EARTH. Go ahead… it’s a love letter to our beloved planet, but Mother Earth won’t mind if you read her mail.
Product Details: Print Length: 164 Pages Publisher: Brett Books, Inc. (available only from St Kitts Press); First Edition (May 1, 1995) Language: English Romance (Love Letter)
Meet The Author: Multi-published author RADINE TREES NEHRING and husband John moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to rural northwest Arkansas in 1988 after spending weekends on their Arkansas land for ten years. Radine began writing a series of articles, essays, and stories about the Arkansas Ozarks shortly after she and John bought their land, and these found interested readers around the globe. Many were collected in her first book, DEAR EARTH: A Love Letter from Spring Hollow, initially published in New York in 1995. When asked which of her books is her favorite, DEAR EARTH is the one Radine names. It is still available in print, has been published in Chinese, and also sells well in e-book form.
Radine says all of her writing expresses her love for the Ozarks and when she began writing her “To Die For” traditional mystery series in 2000, Ozarks tourist destinations were natural settings for her.
“I enjoy writing about what I love and sharing these places with readers everywhere. Both they and I experience my chosen destinations as the story unfolds.”
During her writing career, Radine also wrote and hosted a radio program, “Arkansas Corner Community News,” for ten years. The program, as well as all her other writing, featured unique people, places and events in the area.
She has received many regional and national awards, including a National Silver Falchion for mystery writing and the Governor’s Award for the best writing about Arkansas. Radine was the 2011 inductee into the Arkansas Writers’ Hall of Fame.
Her newest release “Solving Peculiar Crimes” is a short story anthology featuring Carrie, Henry and their friends.
Each installment in this edge-of-the-seat trilogy depicts a different violent encounter between two men from different sides of the tracks, Paul Elliott, a black lawyer, and Richard “Rico” Sanders, a killer with a conscience. The two men seemingly have nothing in common but each secretly harbors a grudging admiration for the other.
The plots of the three novels serve as devices to bring the men together in ways neither could have anticipated, obliging them to join forces in an uneasy alliance against a common foe.
In Pigeon-Blood Red a loan shark tasks Rico with recovering a priceless “pigeon-blood red” ruby necklace and at the same time sending a message to the thieves. Trouble is, the neckless falls into the hands of Paul’s girlfriend Evelyn, and Rico mistakenly believes she is one of the thieves.
In The Last Straw Paul and Evelyn shelter a teenage girl, a witness to a carjacking gone bad, from a hit man dispatched by a crime boss with no apparent motive. There is bad blood between Rico and the hit man, who, believing Paul and Rico to be friends, sets out to eliminate both of them.
In Rico Stays, after Rico is grievously wounded in a gun battle, his girlfriend Jean convinces Paul to let him hide out in Paul’s cabin while he recuperates. Using Jean as bait, gunmen seeking revenge come for Rico. The question becomes whether he will face them alone or with help from Paul.
Pigeon-Blood Red by Ed Duncan.
Pigeon-Blood Red Book 1.
For underworld enforcer Richard “Rico” Sanders, it seemed like an ordinary job: retrieve his gangster boss’s stolen goods, and teach the person responsible a lesson.
But the chase quickly goes sideways and takes Rico from the mean streets of Chicago to sunny Honolulu. There, the hardened hit man finds himself in uncharted territory, when innocent bystanders are accidentally embroiled in a crime.
As Rico pursues his new targets, hunter and prey develop an unlikely respect for one another.
Soon, he is faced with a momentous decision: follow his orders to kill the very people who have won his admiration, or refuse and endanger the life of the woman he loves?
★★★★★ “Duncan crafts a twisted thriller in his gangster-laced debut.”
★★★★★ “This charming, classically-told crime thriller is a must for noir fans.”
★★★★★ “I would love to see this book made into a movie.”
RECOMMENDED by the US Review: “Duncan crafts a twisted thriller in his gangster-laced debut. The first in a trilogy, Duncan’s three-part plot is replete with a handful of colorful characters, many of which are dissimilar to a genre of this type. Additionally, Duncan’s style of storytelling is a product of strong cast development, plot fillers, engaging dialogue, and shifting character scenes… enough twists and turns as well as cliff-hanging chapters to keep his audience not only hooked until the end but also anticipating the next work in his series.”
Review by GREGORY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. EXCELLENT STORY. Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. First time reading anything from this author, and I must say, it did not disappoint! A very well written story with a few unexpected and clever ebbs and flows. The ending is very surprising and the entire book does nothing to make you expect the actual ending! A definite recommend, and I absolutely will be reading more from this author!
Review by Phil P.: 4.0 out of 5 Stars. Solid Read. Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023. Verified Purchase. An innocent woman gets caught up in a mobster’s effort to recover a valuable necklace. You will be satisfied with the ending.
Review by Randall W. Perkins: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Incredible Story. Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023. Verified Purchase. This is one of the oddest books I’ve ever read, but I also think it’s brilliant. There’s really no hero or heroine. It’s very realistic. I strongly encourage you to read it.
Review by ANTONIO SCHEFANO: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Surprises are in store. Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023. Verified Purchase. Got to read when you have a lot of time to read. It is the kind of book that is hard to put down.
Review by babs memee: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great storytelling. Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2022. Verified Purchase. I wasn’t sure I would like this book. It started out with the main character, Rico being a typical thug doing typical thug things. I thought it was going to be one of those cookie cutter formula type of books. However, it quickly changed. Different characters and angles to the story line started trickling in chapter by chapter and I was hooked.
He makes his characters interesting; he didn’t put in unnecessary violence and gore and he didn’t meander around trying to kill time till the end of the book.
While parts of the story were predictable and characters acted in the same old way at times, it was in a good way. A way that made you like them. I will be reading more of his books.
Review by Reader Editor: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Not Your Ordinary Killer. Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020. Verified Purchase. How many times have you read a mystery where you felt sympathy for the killer? Author Ed Duncan has created a cold-blooded killer with a warm heart. That is, warm and loving for his lady. Duncan’s characters are extremely well-drawn. The killer knows what his lady does for a living. I got the feeling he did not truly approve but accepts it. Likewise, she knows something about him that, at times, scares her. Together, they give each other room to live their separate lives, albeit, always protective of each other. That is, each would kill to protect the other. This story wraps around Rico’s life, though Jean plays a prominent role.
Duncan’s writing is lean, mean, and clean. The unexpected brutal action and intense suspense never stops. This is an edge-of-your-seat story about the life of Rico, and the first in the series of stories. If you enjoy suspense with shocking twists, filled with legalities and clandestine criminal action, read Pigeon Blood Red, and hold onto your seat.
I have also read the next story, The Last Straw. Just when I thought life for Rico could not become any more shocking, it only gets more intense and frightful. You know I am going to read the next story in the series, Rico Stays, as well. Duncan’s writing and his knowledge of the criminal mind is exceptional, not a word wasted, not a shock undeserved.
Review by Isobel Blackthorn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Would make a terrific movie! Reviewed in Australia on July 17, 2019. Verified Purchase. What a treat it is to read a fast-paced hard-edged thriller when you know the author is in complete control and will take you to that point of release at the end, the literary climax, that vital point in any novel, but especially in a thriller. Duncan is a commanding writer who toys with his readers as all good thriller writers should. The author knows how to squeeze a story through a pin prick in a dam wall, the story unfolding in tantalizingly measured steps, the hallmark of great thriller writing.
Meet shady Rico and his side-kick Jerry, the corpulent and vile underworld figure, Frank Litvak, and a very expensive necklace. When hapless store owner and womanizing drunk, Robert, snatches the necklace off the backseat of Rico’s car, he has no idea what he is letting himself in for. Then there’s Robert’s wife, Evelyn, her friend, Rachel, and her old lover, Paul. A small collection of main characters and at first it is hard to know where to place your sympathies, except for Litvak! There’s a slow build, the sense of the threads intersecting without knowing how, the added complexities along the way. A portrait of Chicago, then Duncan takes the story to Honolulu, as the necklace itself takes up stage centre.
Tightly plotted and cleverly told, Pigeon Blood Red has a gritty noir feel and the prose is crisp and clean and laced with a sharp wit. The characters are well-crafted and believable. The reader is given a bird’s eye view, adding to the tension. The twists continue right to the end, which does not disappoint. Shining through Pigeon Blood Red is the narrative voice, a voice I can hear, a voice that resonates in tune with the story. To being with, I could see Pigeon Blood Red would make a great movie and about three quarters in, all the way to the last page I was still thinking that. Highly recommended.
Review by Peter Ffrench: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hero confusion. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2023. Verified Purchase. Another freebie from Bookbub and they don’t disappoint. I’m not sure who is the hero in this story, Rico or Paul but it seems like they hold the position between them although Rico has the larger part. He is Litvak’s enforcer but is portrayed as a killer with principles, the people he goes after have to deserve what they are getting but it is only because they have crossed Litvak who has no principles whatsoever and wants his bidding done unquestioned. This is where the conflict comes in and the ending is good and satisfying despite people dying and Paul and Evelyn survive to continue the story.
When a teenage girl witnesses a carjacking gone bad, she is marked for death by a crime boss.
A lawyer and an enforcer forge an uneasy alliance to protect the girl from a hit man with an agenda of his own. Soon after, Paul Elliott – lawyer and close friend of the witness’s family – begins counseling them and becomes entangled in the murder plot.
As the long-simmering feud between Rico – the white enforcer – and the hit-man John D’Angelo reaches boiling point, bodies start to pile up in rapid succession… and old scores will be settled.
5 Stars, Red City Review: “With danger looming in every chapter, The Last Straw is an action-packed and nerve-racking read. Duncan skillfully draws the reader into a complex web of characters… A few key twists within the storyline keep the reader intrigued in this fast-paced thriller…The Last Straw is an outstanding crime thriller…
Review by Crime Thriller Hound: “This Chicago set thriller is a pacy read, written with an edge and style… For me, this is even better than the first in the Pigeon-Blood Red series and it does work well as a stand-alone… Ed Duncan’s series will sweep up fans as it goes along.”
Review by The US Review: “Contract killers seem like such affable chaps. Sure, there are the homicidal psychopaths that bring down the profession, but among them, if fiction is any indication, walk a community of upstanding, morally sturdy gentlemen who may commit murder for hire but who uphold ethical standards and airtight loyalties that make them handy guys to know in a pinch. Rico is this kind of guy. Sure, he kills for cash, but he has lines he won’t cross. When asked to take out the teenage witness to a crime, the ride with Rico begins. He declines the job, his rival volunteers, and into the fray explodes an onslaught of alliances, vendettas, collateral damage, and no small amount of spilled blood. In the margins, race, and gender hover thoughtfully, suggesting they matter yet not stealing the show away from Rico and the action. Why is it so much fun to hang with crooks like Rico? As his prostitute girlfriend learns in the opening scenes when he avenges her from a violent john, characters like Rico live in their own separate universes where they define and mete justice. They defend those they love and accommodate the extremes their situations require. They can handle themselves in a physical showdown, they shoot to kill, and they walk away from fights victorious. Knowing that and living vicariously through either Rico or the loved one Rico is protecting is an entertaining fantasy. That temporary taste of aggressive amorality is heady stuff, and the body count is conveniently forgotten with the turn of each page. Like so many crime thrillers, Rico is a fun, fast pop through an imaginary world of tough guys, lamenting ladies, and a world-weary anti-hero. He may be a killer, but he’s one of the good ones.”
Midwest Book Review: “Realistic characters, suspenseful action, twists and turns that prove satisfyingly unpredictable, and an attention to creating full-faceted characters (whether they be women or men, victims or investigators, or hitmen) lends to an absorbing read highly recommended for those who like their thrillers complex and their characters fully developed.”
Review by Reader Editor: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Hit Man with a Huge Heart. Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2020. Verified Purchase. The life and times befitting a hit man continue in this second story in this thriller mystery of criminal life. I felt both empathy and disgust for Rico and the way he has chosen to carry out his life. Disgust for his work and his reasoning for staying in such an occupation. Empathy for this killer who may not realize how deeply he loves and cares for Jean. Duncan has portrayed these characters magnificently, delving into human emotion and attributing deep feelings to each. In the first story, Pigeon Blood Red, Rico will allow no harm to Jean, the one person he can trust, and there are no others in his line of work. Yet, he will be severely tested again in The Last Straw. Rico is cunning and brutal, but with Jean, he is patient and sympathetic.
Duncan has created characters we both love and hate. In the case of Rico, I experience both of those emotions. Duncan shows us, through his impeccable writing skills, that he has a great understanding of human nature and a character’s mind set, no matter the situation, no matter the characters’ parts in the story.
Ed Duncan’s writing is concise and to the point, allowing shocking twists upon twists to unfold and take us by surprise. This is great writing, great storytelling, as if writing about actual occurrences. That is the mark of a good writer. I’ll be reading Rico Stays, which I understand is the 3rd exciting story in the series. If you like fast moving mysteries that keep you glued, read this author.
Review by Berk Rourke: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Keep Reading. Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019. Verified Purchase. It takes a lot of time and effort to write a book. Sometimes when a book is finished you are not done with the characters or the connections between them. In this story Rico, a hired gunman, thug, renews contact with Paul Elliott, a lawyer who saved Rico’s life. I won’t tell you more about the connection or the story. Read it for yourself, for me to give you details would spoil your read. The characters are real in the sense the author fleshes them out. The story line is a bit obscure but the characters hold it together. Because of what I perceived as the weakness of the story this is a tenuous five-star rating. Even with a difficult story the read was fast and enjoyable because of the characters. Every author has a story where his characters rescue the tale from whatever it may lack. This is one of those, to this reviewer.
Review by Antwan Floyd Sr.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Fantastic Follow Up! Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2018. Verified Purchase. The Last Straw the second book in the Pigeon Blood Series was a nice follow up to the first I liked the way that Duncan was able to intertwine the lives of Rico and Paul and Evelyn again I must admit that coincidental or not that it is very unlikely that these people would ever cross paths again but I suspended belief for the sake of the story and I was glad that I had but keeping it real going into the third story whenever it is released I hope Duncan gets creative with how they all cross paths again. Great read though, highly recommended.
Review by Michele Panton: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Last Straw. Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2018. Verified Purchase. This book was very intriguing and captivating. It held my interest to the point I didn’t want to put it down but continue reading so I could find out what was going to happen next. It was a great sequel to Pigeon-Blood Red. I hope the author will make a trilogy out of the series.
Review by James Amps: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great crime book. The second in his Trilogy. Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2020. Verified Purchase. Part of the Trilogy crime series from Ed Duncan. Great read and great Trilogy. You have to read his crime series.
Review by CQ: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars. Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018. Verified Purchase. Liked the continuity from the first sequel Pigeon Blood Red… kept me reading to the end!
After enforcer Richard “Rico” Sanders stepped in to protect his girlfriend from a local mob boss’s hot-headed nephew, all hell broke loose.
When the smoke cleared, the nephew had vanished and three goons lay dying where they’d stood. Fighting for his life, Rico was alive but gravely wounded.
Out of the hospital but not fully recovered, he needed a place to crash – a place where he wouldn’t be found. A place like the cabin owned by lawyer Paul Elliott, whose life Rico had saved more than once.
Trouble was, Paul’s girlfriend hadn’t forgotten Rico’s dark history – or Paul’s fascination with him. Vengeful killers would soon be coming for him.
The only question was whether he would be ready to face them.
Reader Editor-5.0 out of 5 Stars: Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer. Rico Stays, is the third story in Ed Duncan’s Pigeon Blood Red series, although it is also a stand-alone story as well. The plot continues with the life of Rico, a hitman who is cold-blooded but astute and smart. He’s as exact as you can imagine of a killer at the top of his game. To protect Jean, his girlfriend and confidant, Rico has killed again as in the previous stories. Then there is always another crime boss ready to come onto the scene. Gus Chakiras is next. He seems to sympathize somewhat with Rico’s plight.
Rico is being pursued by Larry Cosgrove, a young psychotic wanna-be dirt bag who just happens to be Gus’s nephew. Rico prevented Larry from harming a teen who colliding with him accidentally in a parking lot. So, can the tired, retiring crime boss Gus convince Larry to let go of the excitement of retaliation and grow a set? Gus knows his nephew is out to kill Rico or Jean. But who does he kill instead?
Paul Elliott, who appears in the previous stories, is a razor-sharp attorney who harbors an attraction to Rico’s lifestyle. He’s even bought a blue shoulder holster like Rico uses. Paul has only recently started carrying. Our author slowly reveals the inner workings of Paul’s mind and this takes much talent to accomplish, but we see Paul changing. Ultimately, Paul helps Rico stay hidden while he heals from the near-death shooting in the parking lot. Paul can’t do enough for Rico, who previously saved his life at least twice. If Rico, a loner, could trust anyone to cover him, it would be Paul. Paul would have an opportunity to prove himself. But would he jeopardize his accomplished law career to protect a hitman? There are plenty of tight situations, especially as a crazed Larry brings his incredible schemes to life.
This story continues the series with nail-biting action without let up. If you like fast-paced thrillers, read Duncan’s books. They leave me breathless.
James Amps-5.0 out of 5 Stars: One of the best crime books I have read. Great job on pulling these characters together. Anyone that wants to be in suspense and not put this book down needs to read this One of the best crime books on the market. Great read. Could not put it down once I started. Great job.
Eva Duncan-5.0 out of 5 Stars: Satisfied Customer.
JennlyT-5.0 out of 5 Stars: A debt repaid; a friendship made. Full disclosure, I was provided with a copy of this book by the author or their representative, however, I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Chicago enforcer Richard “Rico” Sanders just wants to listen to the ball game in peace, but when he gets called to drive his girlfriend and her geriatric friend home from the supermarket his peaceful afternoon turns into a shootout in the parking lot and a stay at the hospital. With a bum leg and the brother of one of his victims hot on his trail with revenge on his mind, Rico finds himself in an all too familiar situation. But he is not one to hide from his enemies, and it is only due to Jean’s quick thinking that Rico agrees to lay low for a few days at a cabin of a “mutual friend”. Rico’s convalescence, however, is short-lived when the bad guys start to play dirty. Against his better judgment, Rico forms an alliance with an unlikely partner to put an end to their games. But will this uncanny pairing be the start of a beautiful friendship or the beginning of the end for more than just Rico and Jean?
Rico Stays is the final book in the Pigeon Blood Red trilogy by author Ed Duncan. Set sometime after the close of The Last Straw, Rico, Jean, Paul, and Evelyn have returned to what passes for their normal everyday lives. Little do they know that their paths will cross one more time but with the tables turned in an incredibly unique way. As Rico and Jean try to stay below the radar and not become the target of a grieving brother, Paul steps up to the plate as an unlikely benefactor. Hiding Rico and Jean at his cabin in the woods is brilliant, but not without consequences as Paul finds himself defending his actions to more than just a flabbergasted Evelyn. In this final installment, the action is fast-paced, the tension is high and the ending, for me at least, was oh so satisfying.
After initially not being a fan of Pigeon Blood Red, I stuck with the series and I was rewarded with witnessing the beginnings of what I hope in Rico’s world will be a lifelong friendship between the four main characters who started not just as “enemies” but as a target, then evolved into a debt to be repaid and an eventual partnership. This concept itself is so foreign that it is endearing. Watching Jean and Evelyn warm up to each other was heartwarming and proves that no matter what your race, profession, upbringing, or social status that friendship can be achieved if an effort is made. While this marks the end of the trilogy, I cannot help but long for a one-off short here and there to check in with Rico and the gang to see how they’re doing. I cannot help but be curious to see how their budding friendship is cultivated and developed. Also, I would be lying if I did not say that I am curious to see if the influences on the other couples are for the better, the worse, or maybe a little of both. Honestly, I am hoping for a little bit of both!
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It could be titled The Killer and the Counselor. Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2023. Verified Purchase. Rico is a hired killer and Paul is a respected counselor. Together the eliminate a few Chicago mobsters. Quick but fun read.
Review by Mark Scott Piper: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Thrill Ride That Will Make You Think. Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2022. Verified Purchase. Rico Stays is the third novel in Ed Duncan’s Pigeon-Blood Red series. I haven’t read the previous novels, but Rico Stays stands on its own just fine. It’s a well-written, character-driven, thriller that will keep you turning pages to the end.
The characters are well developed and relatable. That’s a bit surprising, since the main character, Richard “Rico” Sanders, is a hitman and a good one, but he also is human. He loves, he worries, he has a sense of morality, and he only kills those who he deems deserve it. I was rooting for him all the way. Paul Elliot is a big-time lawyer, who owes his life to Rico from previous encounters, and he seems to aspire to emulate Rico. He’s a good guy, who’s loyal to both Rico and his girlfriend, Evelyn Rogers, a math professor. Evelyn and Jean Webber, Rico’s love interest, are strong females and are people you’d want to meet. Cleveland Russell is almost a tragic character. Not all the characters are nice people, though. Larry Cosgrove is evil to the core and a hothead as well.
Rico’s world is not one I have any real-life experience with, but in Duncan’s deft hand the story pulled me in from the beginning and held me all the way to the end. Duncan provides enough detail in the various scenes to allow his readers to see and feel each as if they were in the middle of the action.
The plot is action-packed and full of chills and danger. It’s a good ride and readers will likely find themselves fully immersed. It happened to me. The momentum starts to build early, and the tension never lets up until the end. Whether this third book is really the end of the series or not remains to be seen.
Rico Stays is highly recommended for fans of action, who enjoy being exposed to the criminal element, and like to root for the best of the bad guys. Based on this third book in the series, I highly recommend all three.
Pigeon-Blood Red Collection: The Complete Series by Ed Duncan.
All three books in Ed Duncan’s ‘Pigeon-Blood Red’ series of thrillers, now available in one volume!
Pigeon-Blood Red: For underworld enforcer Rico Sanders, it seemed like an ordinary job: retrieve his boss’s ruby necklace and teach the double-dealing cheat who stole it a lesson. But after the chase goes sideways, Rico has to move from the mean streets of Chicago to sunny Honolulu. There, the hardened hit man finds himself in uncharted territory, when innocent bystanders are embroiled in a crime. As Rico pursues his targets, hunter and prey develop an unlikely respect for one another, and Rico is faced with a decision: kill the couple whose courage has won his admiration, or endanger the life of the woman he loves?
The Last Straw: After a carjacking goes bad, a teenage girl is marked for death by a crime boss. A black lawyer and a white enforcer with an unlikely history forge an alliance to protect the girl from a hit man with an agenda of his own. After they find out that the crime boss is the father of carjacker, Paul Elliott – lawyer and close friend of the witness’s family – begins counseling them. As the long-simmering feud between Rico and John D’Angelo reaches boiling point, bodies start to pile up – and old scores will be settled.
Rico Stays: After Rico Sanders steps in to protect his girlfriend from a local mob boss’s nephew, all hell breaks loose. When the smoke clears, three goons lay dying where they’d stood. Fighting for his life, Rico needs a place to crash – a place where he wouldn’t be found. A place like the cabin owned by lawyer Paul Elliott, whose life Rico had saved more than once. But Paul’s girlfriend hasn’t forgotten Rico’s dark history or Paul’s fascination with him. Vengeful killers would soon be coming for him. But is he ready to face them one more time?
About The Author: Ed Duncan is a graduate of Oberlin College and Northwestern University Law School. He was a partner at a national law firm in Cleveland, Ohio for many years.
He is the original author of a highly regarded treatise entitled Ohio Insurance Coverage published by Thomson West in 2008 which he updated annually through 2012.
Ed currently lives outside of Cleveland, OH and recently completed the third installment of the Pigeon-Blood Red trilogy, Rico Stays.
Introduction: The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY is a trilogy book that consists of all three New York City titles, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. This edition mainly for teachers who were teaching New York History and requested all three of my books.
The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY, Volume I (Volume 1) by Barbara Ann Mojica.
Wouldn’t you like to get three award-winning books for the price of two?
Little Miss HISTORY has packed three NYC historical adventures into one exciting book!
This book is perfect for teachers, home-school parents, and history lovers.
Visit the STATUE OF LIBERTY the symbol of hope and promise for the immigrants who passed it on their way to fulfilling their dreams.
Walk through the Great Hall at ELLIS ISLAND as immigrants apprehensively waited in long lines to determine whether they had passed inspection.
Tour the USS Intrepid to explore one ship’s amazing history during WW II, the Vietnam War, the space age, and the war on terrorism.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Who designed, built and contributed to the Statue of Liberty.
The composition of the and what she symbolizes.
The role France played in the Statue’s history.
The history of Ellis Island and its designer.
About the immigrants and where they came from.
What kinds of inspections and questions did they need to answer?
What happened to the immigrants who failed inspection?
The people who worked at Ellis Island.
What you can see in the Museum?
What part did the USS Intrepid play in World War II?
How did the ship contribute during the Vietnam War?
What happened during the Cold War?
What role did she play after 911?
What it was like to live and work on the ship?
What you find on the flight deck.
Hands-on activities in the Exploreum.
What is parked right next door and so much more. Why not start reading right now?
Five Star Review From Mamta Madhavan-Readers Favorite: The illustrations are well executed to make the concept and the information clear to children. It is a good book to have in school libraries as it can be used as reference material. The book definitely has made me more curious and eager to read more books from this author.”
Review From Amazon Reviewer: The storytelling is clear, the illustrations are attractive and appealing, and the approach of having Little Miss History as both tour guide and (sometimes humorous) participant helps make the story accessible.
Review From Amazon Reviewer: The author certainly has a passion for teaching children history. This three-volume set is certain to entertain curious and knowledge-thirsty young minds.
Review From Amazon Reviewer: The illustrations are really breathtaking and a lust for the eye. I think this book is a MUST for every school kid.
From The Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
Product Details: Paperback: 116 Pages Publisher: Eugenus STUDIOS, LLC (April 22, 2017) Language: English Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Book Trailer 1: Features First 8 books. Trilogy Book and Coloring Book.
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT RUSHMORE by Barbara Ann Mojica.
“Little Miss History Travels to Mount Rushmore” is the first in a series of books using the Little Miss History character as a guide.
She looks like a wannabe park ranger with pig tails and hiking boots three sizes too big.
The aim of these books is to whet your child’s appetite for visiting these landmarks while having fun learning history.
Review by P.J. LaRue: Little Miss History Travels to Mount Rushmore is an educational and fun way to introduce children to history. Ms. Mojica is a historian and retired educator, and her love of history is conveyed effortlessly throughout the book. She brings life to the presidents memorialized in stone at Mount Rushmore, along with other related characters. The illustrations are well-drawn and match perfectly with the story being told.
Review by Sarah Mazor: In “Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Mount Rushmore” author Barbara Ann Mojica overcomes the obstacle by `enlisting’ the services of an intriguing character to teach children about America’s past. The adventurous Little Miss History delivers a history lesson permeated with fascinating details, which, along with the great illustrations, will no doubt appeal to young readers and captivate their imagination.
Review by Kristie Ingerto for Readers Favorite: “This is an excellent and unique way to teach children about history and historical places. There is so much information included in this book, but it is shared in a way that is easy to read and understand, and not be overwhelming for children.”
Review by Richard & Liz, Top 100 Reviewer: Reading more like a picture book with a short paragraph on each page along with a full illustration, this book is GREAT for younger kids who want/need the basic facts but do not want to have to read a lengthier chapter book.
Review by Carole P. Roman, Children’s Book Author: “Mojica doesn’t shy from controversy regarding the bitter dispute between the United States government and the Native Americans over the land. This opens the door to discussions on how to solve the issue a appreciate the many cultures sharing American history.”
Review by Books that Sow Character, Diversity & Strength: “If you are looking for supplemental history materials to help you explain lessons in a fun, accurate way, this is the book for you. Take a closer look at this book yourself, and share it with all the educators in your circle.”
Review by Mother, Daughter Book Reviews: “Barbara Ann Mojica has created an impressive new series which merges a friendly leading character, eye-catching imagery, and plenty of fun facts about the history of important people and places.”
Review by Kitty Muse Book Reviews: “This is a series not to be missed. History teachers will love its entertainment value, and the important facts it conveys. Kids will love it for the fun and colorful illustrations. Overall, a win-win for everyone”.
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
From the Back Cover: Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT RUSHMORE is the first in a series of books using the Little Miss HISTORY character as a guide. She looks like a wannabe park ranger with pig tails and hiking boots three sizes too big. With her as your child’s guide, learning about people and places of historical importance will be fun and educational. The aim of these books is to whet your child’s appetite to learn more about history and perhaps even visit these landmarks with you. Little Miss HISTORY presents information in a whimsical and factual way while amusing your child. I hope you will invite her into your home and enjoy this first adventure, and those to follow, with your loved ones.
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Mount Rushmore Paperback: 34 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2nd edition (August 26, 2013) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The Statue of LIBERTY -1st Edition by Barbara Ann Mojica.
Since her last trip to Mount Rushmore, Little Miss HISTORY has journeyed more than 1700 miles over land, sea and air to reach her second destination, The Statue of Liberty. This national treasure stands proudly in New York Harbor welcoming all people to the land of freedom and opportunity.
In this 1st Edition of the series, Little Miss HISTORY will help you discover who thought of the statue in the first place, the values she symbolizes, the architects and engineers who built Lady Liberty, and the little-known individuals who contributed their pennies to make her debut in New York’s harbor possible. You will learn about why she remains a promise and symbol of the hopes and aspirations of many people around the world and not just to immigrants coming to America. Come now and follow Little Miss HISTORY as she enlightens you about The Statue of Liberty!
Review by Paula Hrbacek – Pensacola Examiner – Sept. 4, 2013: A new series of children’s books teaches young learners about the history of famous US landmarks. “Little Miss History Travels to Mount Rushmore”, was the first in the series of books using the Little Miss History character as a guide. It won a B.R.A.G. Medallion. The author, Barbara Ann Mojica, has just released the second title about the Statue of Liberty. For full review see examiner.com/article/little-miss-history-books-take-children-to-famous-us-land.
Review by Michelle Robertson for Readers’ Favorite: Little Miss History is a young girl who travels far and wide. The author skillfully informs readers of the history of the Statue of Liberty by stating facts that include where the statue came from, who designed it, who built it, and also who funded it, and what she represents. The author’s partnered illustrator Victor Ramon proved brilliant as he portrays vivid, bright, and eye-popping illustrations, allowing readers to gain a full vision of what they are reading.
Review by Renee@Mother-Daughter Book Reviews: Little Miss History Travels to the Statue of Liberty is an excellent non-fiction picture book that is very kid-friendly, has high educational value, and is visually interesting. I can see this book being used by teachers or school librarians in educational settings across the United States. Ages 4+
Review by Kitty Muse Book Reviews: The only good descriptive I can come up with for this book is “amazing”. And I don’t mean the over-used meaning of the word. I was totally blown away by what I didn’t know about the Statue of Liberty. This story is not just for kids. The one who reads the book and the one who hears the narrative will both benefit from the telling.
Review by Bonnie Ferrante, Retired Teacher, Author of “Too Quiet, Too Noisy” and “The Amida Tree”: Little Miss History Travels to the Statue of Liberty is another hit for Barbara Ann Mojica. Her illustrations are true gems. Children aged seven and up, and adults as well, will learn from and enjoy this book. Highly recommended.
From the Author: “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
From the Back Cover: Since her last trip to Mount Rushmore, Little Miss HISTORY has journeyed more than 1700 miles over land, sea, and air to reach her second destination, the Statue of Liberty. This national treasure stands proudly in New York Harbor welcoming all people to the land of freedom and opportunity. In this second book of the series, Little Miss HISTORY helps you discover who thought of the Statue of Liberty in the first place, the values she symbolizes, the architects and engineers who built Lady Liberty, and the little-known individuals who contributed their pennies to make her debut in New York’s harbor possible. You will learn about why she remains a promise and symbol of the hopes and aspirations of many people around the world and not just to immigrants coming to America.
Come now and follow Little Miss HISTORY as she enlightens you about the Statue of Liberty.
About the Author: Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner “Passages.” Using the whimsical Little Miss HISTORY character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss HISTORY’S antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers’ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Awards
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To The STATUE of LIBERTY Paperback: 38 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st edition (August 19, 2013) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK by Mrs. Barbara Ann Mojica.
2017 BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER IN CHILDREN’S NONFICTION
2017 READER’S FAVORITE FINALIST AWARD
JUVENILE/NONFICTION2014 HONORABLE MENTION
CLIPPA AWARD WINNER OF A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
In Book Three of the series, Little Miss HISTORY is flying across the North American continent to the recesses of Sequoia National Park, where she skydives into “land of the living giants.” Through breathtaking illustrations, adventurers will traverse its trails and immerse themselves in the awesome beauty and magnificence of Sequoia National Park. Readers will also discover the hidden dangers lurking there.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN…Things to do in this park· The differences between redwood and sequoia trees· Famous places in the park· What can be made from these trees· How many animals live in the park· What kind of animals are found here· Who is the Father of National Parks· What president built a stairway to Moro Rock· What “living memorial” to veterans is here· What is the big problem in Sequoia National Park· Is there a solution to this problem.
Review by Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite: The author has covered diverse topics associated with the Sequoia National Park – the history that dates back to the Native Americans, trees, the Gold Rush, the different species of wild animals found there, air pollution, and the creation of the National Park. The book makes history lessons interesting for students and makes them more curious to learn about history and National Parks. The book is highly useful for teachers, parents, and educators to use in classrooms and homes.
Review by Charles Bray, UK Educator: “From the wonderful, rhyming introduction, through to the prelude to her next book, the young reader is treated to a veritable treasure trove of facts that are gleaned from an exciting visit to the Sequoia National Park. I have tutored children in the UK for many years and am fully aware that it is always imperative to hold the child’s attention by providing interesting stimuli around the subject.” Barbara Ann Mojica delivers on all fronts with this great little book.
Review by Reviewed by Judith Addington, CEO of Cool Kids: “…such a fun way to learn history!! This book starts with a bang … and is packed full of historical facts about Sequoia National Park told in a way that will entice children to become curious about finding out more. I know I am!”
Review by Werner Stejskal, Children’s Book Author: “What can I say that has not been said before? Marvelous illustrations and a neat way to keep learning interesting for kids. Who has not been bored by school lessons? This book series will hold the children’s interest and surely visual learning stays with you much longer.”
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
From the Back Cover: WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: ” I love Barbara’s books- they are treasures to be unwrapped and gifts to be opened and read for kids and adults alike! by Judith
“If you are looking for supplementary history materials to help you explain lessons in a fun, accurate way, this is the book for you.” by Books That Sow Strength, Character & Diversity
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Paperback: 42 Pages-Large Print Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Illustrated edition (March 16, 2014) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to FORD’s THEATER by Barbara Ann Mojica.
A single shot rings out; laughter turns to tears. President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated, and history is changed forever. The theater is closed and later collapses. Is Ford’s Theater forever cursed or will it rise again to greater glory?
Winner of the 2015 Independent Author Network Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Children’s Book.
Review by Renee, Mother-Daughter Book Reviews: “Little Miss History Travels to Ford’s Theatre is yet another winner by author Barbara Ann Mojica…This book is a great jumping off point for larger discussions around a key time in American History. “
Review by Charla White, Words-A -Plenty: “The writing is done in an engaging manner and holds the child’s attention. I shared this book with my 13-year-old grandson who is an aficionado for all things Lincoln, and he discovered things he was not aware of either. An excellent children’s book that parents will enjoy reading with their children!”
WHAT AMAZON READERS ARE SAYING:
“This book could help hook young children into a lifelong love of reading.”-Amazon Reviewer
“This is a wonderful educational book for children of any age to become familiar with the people and historical events that helped shape our great nation.” Amazon Reviewer
“These books teach history in a fun and fascinating way. I learn something each time I read one. This book will be reread by your child and it also creates excitement that will want your child to visit these places to see the history in person.” Amazon Reviewer
“Turning the pages is like visiting an interactive museum and taking a journey through each milestone. Little Miss History “travels” and so do we, enjoyably so – and I am sure to the bookshelves of many fans of this delightful series.” Amazon Reviewer
“What a clever way for children to learn and grasp history! Learning historical facts in such an organized and succinct manner makes remembering facts much more fun, and easier.” Amazon Reviewer
“The book goes over more than just the infamous assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. It describes the history of the theater from its inception to its current purpose. It doesn’t sugar coat history, but rather describes the theater, the assassination, and details what happened to the theater afterward. She doesn’t gloss over any of the important pieces and in fact, offers the smaller details that can get overlooked.” Amazon Reviewer
“I love the way little Miss History dramatically reacts to the events on each page, from the horror of the Civil War to the tragedy of Lincoln’s death. As much can be learned from the illustrations as from the actual text.” Amazon Reviewer
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To FORD’S THEATER Paperback: 32 Pages Publisher: Eugenus STUDIOS (October 22, 2014) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to INTREPID Sea, Air & Space Museumby Barbara Ann Mojica.
“With colorful images and full-color photographs, Mojica explores what you can discover about the famous Intrepid. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about United States history, naval history and more. The simplicity of how Barbara Ann Mojica shares the information makes it easy to go back and pick out different pieces to research further. This is not a book to read through quickly and stick on a shelf. Even more exciting is the realization that Little Miss HISTORY is a series, so there are other books to explore.” Reviewed by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers’ Favorite
“Lovely book, great illustrations and a terrific way to cover some diverse history of the United States of America.” Reviewed by Carole P. Roman, Children’s Book Author
WINNER 2017 GLOBAL EBOOK GOLD MEDAL Juvenile/Young Adult NONFICTION FINALIST IN 2016 INDEPENDENT AUTHOR NETWORK CHILDREN’S NONFICTION
WINNER OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
Where can you explore life on a submarine, an aircraft carrier, and outer space all in one place? In Book Five of the Little Miss HISTORY series, our fearless guide swims up to The INTREPID Sea, Air & Space Museum at Pier 86in New York City.
What you can learn:
Intrepid battles in three wars.
Who were its captains?
Motto and nicknames.
Its role in the Cold War.
Participation in the space program.
The African-American hero who waited 50 years for his reward.
What are kamikazes?
Daily life on the ship.
Participate in Interactive exhibits when you visit.
How the FBI used the ship to fight terrorism?
About the Growler submarine parked next door.
Review by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers’ Favorite: “With colorful images and full-color photographs, Mojica explores what you can discover about the famous Intrepid. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about United States history, naval history and more. The simplicity of how Barbara Ann Mojica shares the information makes it easy to go back and pick out different pieces to research further. This is not a book to read through quickly and stick on a shelf. Even more exciting is the realization that Little Miss HISTORY is a series, so there are other books to explore.”
Review by Carole P. Roman, Children’s Book Author: “Lovely book, great illustrations and a terrific way to cover some diverse history of the United States of America.”-
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To INTREPID Sea, Air & Space Museum Paperback: 48 Pages Publisher: Eugenus® STUDIOS; 1st Edition (March 28, 2015) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to ELLIS ISLAND by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WINNER OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
2018 FINALIST IN THE TOP SHELF BOOK AWARDS IN CHILDREN’S NONFICTION
What is Ellis Island and why is it so important to our history?
Find out about the history of the island and who designed the immigration building. Walk in the footsteps of the immigrants as they waited on long lines in the Great Hall before they answered questions, underwent medical examinations and were categorized. Meet some of the people who worked on Ellis Island and view the faces of the immigrants on the walls of the Museum. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN· Who was the first immigrant?
How many questions were asked?
How long did the medical exam take and how were immigrants marked?
What percent failed inspection and what happened to them?
How many Americans trace ancestors through Ellis Island?
Why did Ellis Island get the nickname, “Island of Tears?”
Learn about the “sad side” of the island and what happened after it was closed to immigration.
Meet some of the inspectors.
What happened on Ellis Island during World War II and the Cold War
See photographs of the immigrants and trace their pathway to America
Learn about the Cold War·
The argument the Supreme Court settled in 1998
Begin your journey now by clicking on the Buy Now button.
Review by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite: Little Miss HISTORY wants to discover all there is to know about Ellis Island, the spot where thousands of immigrants learned their fate. She invites young readers along for the ride as well as a fascinating study in American history. Little Miss HISTORY Travels to ELLIS ISLAND is the sixth book in BARBARA ANN MOJICA’S series. The illustrations are wonderful and it looks like a travel diary as the illustrations carry the story while the text states historical facts and interesting tidbits.
Review by Judith Addington, Leadership catalyst, Entrepreneur, Founder/CEO – COOL CATS: Another winning book in the Little Miss History series by Barbara Ann Mojica! I love these books filled with information, fun facts about history, marvelous illustrations and some surprises along the way! I am always astonished at what I don’t know about history, and Barbara’s books make history zing.
Review by Diane Mae Robinson, Multi-award-winning children’s author:
The author has a wonderful writing style, which is concise yet reveals tons of information, and the mixture of photographs and wonderful illustrations add a truly unique feel to the book. The author has a gift for making history fun. Readers of all ages will love this book and this whole series.
Review by Kinsman Book Gang, Top of the Wardrobe, book series author: When I discover that a new Little Miss History book is out, I always know that I’m going to learn something new. I love the part illustration/part photographic style of this whole series of books and think the interesting snippets of information on each page are a great way for even the most reluctant young reader to absorb new facts.
Review by Betty Davis, Author of The Worldly Adventures of Nicholaas book series: As always Barbara does a wonderful job of making history easy to understand and gives you facts many may not know. As a history buff myself I definitely would encourage any elementary school child or adult to read this book. It’s by far a journey you won’t want to miss!
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To ELLIS ISLAND Paperback: 42 Pages-Large Print Publisher: Eugenus® STUDIOS (November 17, 2015) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT VERNON by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WINNER OF A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
WINNER OF THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD IN CHILDREN’S NONFICTION
WINNER 2018 READER’S FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS SILVER MEDAL IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL BOOKS
Who was George Washington? Washington is best known as America’s first president, but he was also a military hero. If you asked George Washington what he really wanted to be, he would reply, “a farmer.” Seeking to revolutionize antiquated 18th-century farming methods, Washington experimented with crop rotation, fertilizers, plowing, and plants. The Mount Vernon Ladies Association began restoring his estate to its former glory in 1853. Today the buildings, grounds and The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center reveal the real Father of the United States of America.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Who designed Mount Vernon and what was his plan called?
The roles George Washington played in America
The rooms in the Mansion House
Who gave Washington a special gift in the foyer?
The people who lived at Mount Vernon
The buildings on the grounds
Life as a slave
The president who donated bricks from the White House
See artifacts from the family in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum
Washington’s Tomb and Memorial
The Slave Memorial
George Washington’s opinion on slavery
Maybe you can’t take a trip to MOUNT VERNON right now, but you can click on the Buy Now button to begin reading.
Review by Reader’s Favorite, Vernita Taylor, Reviewer: “History improves the mind and expands our knowledge of the past.”
Review: Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT VERNON (Volume 7) is a beautiful, colorful children’s book in which Little Miss HISTORY guides you on a journey back in time to George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion and plantation. You will learn about his way of life, 18th century farming methods, and the slaves who were the backbone of the plantation. What issues troubled George Washington? Come see how the first President of the United States lived, worked, and died.
Review: “Little Miss History Travels to Mount Vernon” by Barbara Ann Mojica is a different way to learn more about history. Is interesting to know that George Washington loved life on the farm. He was in Mount Vernon where he had this plantation of so many acres that was divided into five farms, and on one of them was the mansion where he lived with his wife.
Review by Paola Belloso (age 9) for Reader Views (01/17): In “Little Miss History Travels to Mount Vernon,” you will learn and see many things, just like if you were visiting the place. The details of his bed, the library, or even the kitchen and bedrooms of the slaves. It is a fun way to learn with actual pictures of what you are reading. Until I visit the mansion, I will keep it in my memory. I loved the pictures and Little Miss History, too.
A Note from Paola’s Mom: What Paola most like about this series was the fact that she was reading about George Washington in a different way, learning other aspects of his life and observing the details in the illustrations.
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To MOUNT VERNON Paperback: 46 Pages Publisher: Eugenus® STUDIOS (September 21, 2016) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to LA BREA TAR PITS & MUSEUM by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WINNER OF A B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
2018 TOP SHELF AWARD – FINALIST IN CHILDREN’S NONFICTION 2018
READERS FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS FINALIST IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS GRADE 4-6.
Ever wonder about life in the Ice Age? Little Miss HISTORY travels back in time to LA BREA TAR PITS & MUSEUM in her eighth adventure of the award-winning “Little Miss HISTORY Travels to” children’s book series. Springs of liquid petroleum and a great lake of pitch, filled with exploding bubbles, once dotted the landscape of modern Los Angeles.
At La Brea scientists discovered fossils of plants and animals like mammoths, sloths, and saber-tooth tigers that lived thousands of years ago. The George C. Page Museum contains a glass-enclosed laboratory nicknamed the “Fish Bowl” where visitors can see scientists at work cleaning and categorizing current fossil discoveries. Visitors will discover wonders as they meander through the Pleistocene gardens, view an Ice Age film, and gaze down into the pits – but Be careful! Watch out for those tar seeps.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
What does La Brea mean?
Where is it located?
What are tar pits made of?
How old are they?
What are fossils?
What is the Observation Pit?
What is Pit 91? The differences between carnivores and herbivores What’s in the Fish Bowl?
Scientists who worked at La Brea.
Who is George Allen Hancock?
Who is George C. Page?
What exhibits are in the museum?
What is a paleontologist?
What is a geologist?
What is the Paleolithic Age?
What kind of animals got trapped in the tar and how?
Got a minute? Begin your adventure back to The Ice Age.
5 Star Review by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Reader’s Favorite: Little Miss History Travels to La Brea Tar Pits and Museum by Barbara Ann Mojica is not just an educational book about La Brea Tar Pits and its museum, but is an adventure, the story of a little girl and her love for history. It is also a very enjoyable and entertaining story which will be successful with all children while teaching them about the history of their country and will make them feel like visiting this wonderful museum. The explanations are always easy to follow and are well explained such as: “This part of Los Angeles sits about one thousand feet above an oil field. The pressure in the rocks below pushes oil up through cracks.” The glossary at the end of the book will prove very useful to children. I wholeheartedly recommend this lovely book!
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To LA BREA TAR PITS & MUSEUM Paperback: 40 Pages Publisher: Eugenus STUDIOS, LLC (November 30, 2017) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The NORTH POLE by Barbara Ann Mojica.
Ever feel like you’re standing on thin ice?
Here at the northernmost point on Earth, no land lies below. Are there seasons?
Who lives here?
What does Santa look like and where does he live?
This is the ninth book in the children’s history series with Little Miss HISTORY arriving at the North Pole in a sled pulled by four huskies.
What you will learn:
Location of the North Pole.
What’s under it?
How often you see sunrise and sunset?
Animals you might find.
First explorers.
The first African-American explorer.
Who owns the North Pole?
What is the Arctic Circle?
What is the tundra?
What land masses are close to the North Pole?
How many countries are in the Arctic region?
Who is called Inuit and where do they live?
What does the term indigenous people mean?
Who is Thomas Nast?
What are some names for Santa Claus?
When does Santa deliver gifts?
Who is Odin?
Who is the real St. Nicholas?
Who wrote the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”?
In the 1930s what did Santa advertise?
Does Santa have helpers?
Why does the North Pole have no time zone?
What are International Waters?
What countries claim the Lomonosov Ridge and why?
Review: Little Miss History Travels to the North Pole by Barbara Ann Mojica is a story that features a young girl who opens by explaining why her parents gave her the nickname “Little Miss History”; she constantly asks questions about the past. Her travels to the North Pole show her driving a sled drawn by huskies and walking with ski sticks, all on brilliant white snow. Lines of longitude, lack of a time zone, the “land” being a floating sheet of ice in the Arctic Ocean, summer and winter temperatures and sunlight times, wildlife as in birds, fish, and mammals, explorers, the countries that surround the pole, the indigenous people – it is all here, beautifully illustrated with pictures, and maps, and written in a clear font. Can you resist finding out the truth about Santa Claus?
This is a book written for children, and its appeal is undeniable. I loved the chatty style that subtly hides the “educational” aspect, but Barbara Ann Mojica sets out to teach and she succeeds. I learned a lot I didn’t know, and any child would absorb the fascinating facts so clearly and entertainingly explained, and, of course, drawn in by the promise of finding out about Santa Claus. By the time they can read and understand this enchanting book, they know he’s make-believe, isn’t he? He has many other names dug from the mists of time by Little Miss History. Little Miss History Travels to the North Pole is the perfect Christmas gift, and sure to be welcomed by schools at any time.
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To THE NORTH POLE Paperback: 38 Pages Reading level: 6-12 Years Grade Level: Kindergarten-6 Publisher: Eugenus STUDIOS, LLC (November 1, 2018) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Hyde Park, Home of FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT: Presidential Library & Museum by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WINNER OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
2019 BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALIST IN CHILDREN’S NONFICTION BOOKS
Step inside the house where FDR made history!
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE LITTLE MISS HISTORY BOOK SERIES:
“Turning the pages is like visiting an interactive museum and taking a journey through each milestone. Little Miss History “travels” and so do we, enjoyably so – and I am sure to the bookshelves of many fans of this delightful series.” Amazon Reviewer
“This is a series not to be missed. History teachers will love its entertainment value, and the important facts it conveys. Kids will love it for the fun and colorful illustrations. Overall, a win-win for everyone.”- Reviewed by Kitty Muse Book Reviews
“My heart has always been here. It always will be.”
How did Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s upbringing at Hyde Park influence the role he played in guiding the country through an economic depression and World War II?
You will learn:
About the rooms and functions of the home.
FDR’s family life.
The various roles he served in government.
His hobbies and interests.
FDR’s physical struggles.
The government programs set up to ease the depression.
“Fireside Chats”.
Dignitaries who visited.
About Eleanor’s Val-Kill cottage.
President Roosevelt was the first president to give his papers to the people. Read about the library he designed and the treasure trove of resources within.
You will learn:
About the Great Depression.
The New Deal Programs.
World War II exhibits.
About the way FDR worked and communicated with the people.
How Eleanor Roosevelt acted on FDR’s behalf.
The role of Eleanor in the United Nations.
The accomplishments of FDR’s four terms.
In FDR’s words, “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
Review by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite: “This book is a fascinating look at our most iconic president and his home, Hyde Park. I loved learning more about FDR, especially his hobbies, the stables where he spent so much time as a boy and the details about his presidential library.” “The photographs of Hyde Park are stunning! I’m planning on reading more books in this series based on the excellence of this one. This book is most highly recommended.” 5 Stars
Review by the Book Excellence Awards: Little Miss History Travels to Hyde Park is a wonderful addition to the Little Miss History Series by Barbara Ann Mojica. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is very entertaining. Mojica writes the book in both an informative and fun way that encourages children to learn more about history and to visit the landmarks shared in the stories. All the books are must reads for every child’s library!
From the Author: “IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR HISTORY, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT.”
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers’ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards
From the Back Cover: This Little Miss HISTORY adventure is a glimpse into the life of a man who led America out of an economic depression, to victory in World War II, and on the path to world leadership.
Roosevelt was the first president to give his papers to the people. The Presidential Museum at Hyde Park is a premier research center that contains exhibits from the Great Depression, the New Deal and World War II. Step inside the house where FDR made history.
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To Hyde Park, Home Of FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Presidential Library & Museum Hardcover: 52 Pages Grade Level: 3-6 Reading Level: 6-12 Years Publisher: Eugenus Studios LLC; Original ed. edition (September 8, 2019) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to TOMBSTONE ARIZONA by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WINNER OF THE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION
2020 IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S JUVENILE NONFICTION
2020 PURPLE DRAGONFLY AWARD HONORABLE MENTION CHILDREN’S NONFICTION
Did you ever wonder?
What it would be like to live and survive in the Wild West?
About what kind of people lived and worked in a mining town?
The machinery and tools they used?
Step back in time to become a prospector in the Goodenough Mine.
Walk the streets with cattle rustlers and outlaws.
Watch the Earp brothers attempt to restore order.
Take part in the gunfight at the OK Corral.
Ride on a stagecoach.
If you are lucky, you won’t end up in Boot Hill Cemetery.
Review by Lois J. Wickstrom for Readers’ Favorite Review: Five Stars. “From silver mines to gun battles, from general stores to gambling saloons, this book introduces the colorful beginnings of Tombstone Arizona and even explains how it got its unusual name. …You don’t need a life-or-death crime, a robbery, or other stuff from which movies are made to be worthy of investigation. In Little Miss History Travels to Tombstone Arizona by Barbara Ann Mojica, folks who start businesses in the wild west, help their country folk, and pursue law and justice make their mark.”
From the Author: “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To Volume 11 Tombstone Arizona Hardcover: 48 Pages Publisher: Eugenus Studios LLC (January 6, 2020) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Book 12: Video Focusing on Constitution Day. Independence Hall and Museum of The American Revolution.
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to INDEPENDENCE HALL & The Museum of the American Revolution by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WHY DOES INDEPENDENCE HALL NATIONAL PARK INSPIRE FREEDOM-LOVING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE?
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK TO GET THE ANSWERS.
Visit the birthplace of the United States.
Learn about the history of Independence Hall.
How was the federal Constitution created?
What is the Declaration of Independence?
How did women, slaves, and workers view it?
How did the revolutionaries survive against a great world power?
Witness George Washington’s sleeping tent and military headquarters.
How did the Revolution tear apart the colonies?
What kind of nation did it create?
Find out why abolitionists, suffragettes, and freedom-loving people embraced the Liberty Bell.
What is the significance of Christ Church Burial Ground?
Review by Bjonsmom, September, 2020: “As a Philadelphia native, I’ve walked these cobblestone streets, visited the homes and shops on Elfreth’s Alley, and stood in the hallowed Halls where American Freedom and Liberty were born. Today, as all of our freedoms teeter on the edge, it is more important than ever that we impart this history to our children.”
Reviewed by Lois Wickstrom for Readers Favorite: “Little Miss History certainly picked a site where history is preserved and loved when she picked Philadelphia. The book is a brief history of the American Revolution, its architecture, and the writing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Come to Philadelphia and see all these sights and more.”
From the Author: “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Product Details: Little Miss HISTORY Travels To Independence Hall & The Museum of The American Revolution Paperback: 54 Pages Publisher: Eugenus Studios, LLC (August 27, 2020) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The Battleship IOWA: Volume 13 by Barbara Ann Mojica.
WINNER OF A BRAG MEDALLION
FINALIST BOOK OF THE YEAR JUVENILE, YOUNG ADULT NONFICTION
Why was the USS Iowa such a powerful fighting force? What would it be like to live and work on “The Grey Ghost”? How did the ship’s weapons evolve throughout its history? What was FDR’s secret mission, and what near-miss almost changed the course of history? What other disaster took place on board, and who was the ship’s mascot? Join Little Miss HISTORY as she takes you aboard The Battleship USS IOWA for some answers.
Review by Carole P. Roman, award-winning children’s book author. “Mojica knows kids and how to write to them. She introduces complex ideas and makes them palpable for young minds. This is a great way to introduce a child to the assorted players that helped shape this country.”
Review by READERS FAVORITE, 5 stars. “If you like naval history, this book is for you.”… “The photographic tour of the ship allows young readers to imagine what life was like aboard the Iowa. Even adults who enjoy history will enjoy this book as they read it with their children.”
From The Author: “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
From The Back Cover: Why was the USS Iowa such a powerful fighting force? What would it be like to live and work on “The Grey Ghost”? How did the ship’s weapons evolve throughout its history? What was FDR’s secret mission, and what near-miss almost changed the course of history? What other disaster took place on board? Who was the ship’s mascot?
Product Details: Hardcover: 46 Pages Publisher: Eugenus Studios, LLC (May 30, 2021) Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6)
Little Miss HISTORY COLORING BOOK (Volume 1) by Barbara Ann Mojica,
Ready for some fun? Now you can color some of my adventures in this first of my coloring books. Grab those crayons, pencils or markers and put your colors on these historical people and places.
Review by Rosie Malezer for Reader’s Favorite Five Stars: “This coloring book will actively encourage young readers to follow up and learn more about some of the people who have been so instrumental in carving out the world in which we live today. Famous quotes in history, made by truly memorable historical figures, are shown throughout the book, accompanied by detailed, full-page black and white illustrations which are just ripe for the coloring…. With art and history combined, it is almost like a small classroom which will keep children busy and entertained for hours on end, in quite a productive way.”
Review by – Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, children’s book author: “Children will not only enjoy coloring the beautiful illustrations, but they’ll feel connected with famous people in history. They’ll be more informed about people from our past. I loved the book and highly recommend it.”
Review by Jessica B. Adams, children’s book author: “My girls do not usually like history, but they enjoyed coloring in this book and learning about famous people in history became interesting to them!”
Review by Amazon Reviewer: “This exquisite coloring book, illustrated by Victor Mojica, the same gifted artist whose stunning work adorns the first seven books, is challenging and inspiring.”
Product Details: Paperback: 60 Pages-Large Print Publisher: Eugenus® STUDIOS (December 29, 2016) Mr. Victor Ramon Mojica (Illustrator) Language: English The Adventures of Little Miss HISTORY Barbara Ann Mojica Juvenile Nonfiction for Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years) Elementary and Middle Grade (K-6) Coloring Book (6-12 Years)
About Barbara Ann Mojica: Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner “Passages.” Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History’s antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”
The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered more than two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers’ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Awards.
Volume 1 Mount Rushmore.
Volume 2 The Statue of Liberty.
Volume 3 Sequoia National Park.
Volume 4 Ford’s Theater.
Volume 5 Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Volume 6 Ellis Island.
Volume 7 Mount Vernon.
Volume 8 La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Volume 9 The North Pole.
Volume 10 Hyde Park, Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum.
Volume 11 Tombstone Arizona.
Volume 12 Independence Hall & The Museum of The American Revolution.
Volume 13 Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The Battleship IOWA.
Picture Book For Pre-School and Kindergarten Children.
Even a little dog has dreams. Join Elf, a Papillon dog, as he dreams of flying in a hot air balloon. COME FLY WITH ELF is a picture book for pre-school and kindergarten children and their grandparents and parents.
Author Biography: J. L. Greger is an educator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. There are eleven mysteries and thrillers in her Science Traveler Series of novels. Her interest in children’s literature was sparked when she did pet therapy in pediatric wards in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The star of this book is her real dog Elf. Artist who specializes in painting pets
Product Details: Pages 28 Publisher: Bug Press Release Date: May 8th, 2023 Contributor: Illustrated by Virginia Reaves Audience: Children / Juvenile Children’s Dog Books Children’s Action & Adventure Books
Sara Almquist and her FBI colleagues rush to find who endangered the lives of hundreds at a political rally in order to poison with botulism toxin their target-a woman candidate for the U.S. Senate. Soon, Sara is tracking related murders in the fashionable spas in Santa Fe and Albuquerque as the culprits try to cover their tracks.
Review by M. Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Educational read. Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2019. Verified Purchase. There are some editing issues with this book, and the ending is very realistic (as in they don’t all live happily ever after), but this is a good story which also provides a lot of good information on how diseases like the flu spreads and why vaccines and herd immunity are important.
Review by Charlene Bell Dietz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A pandemic, a mystery, and New Mexico. Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021. Greger wrote this tale prior to the 2020 pandemic. Here you’ll get a behind the scene look at what happens when the fear of a possible pandemic is realized and how the front-line people rush to prevent its spread. At the end of this story, Greger gives factual points about viruses and flu.
About The Author: J. L. Greger is a biology professor and research administrator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She lives in New Mexico. The pet therapy dog Bug in her mystery/thriller novels is based on her own Japanese Chin. She includes tidbits about science, the American Southwest, and her international travel experiences in the Science Traveler Series.
In The Flu Is Coming, a new type of flu — the Philippine flu –kills nearly half of the residents in an upscale, gated community near Albuquerque in less than a week. Those who survive become virtual prisoners in their homes when a quarantine is imposed.
The Centers of Disease Control recruits Sara Almquist, a resident of the community and a scientist, to apply her skills as an epidemiologist to find ways to limit the spread of the epidemic. As she pries into her neighbors’ lives, she finds promising scientific clues. Unfortunately, she also learns too much about several of them and violence ensues when several try to escape the quarantine.
Review by M. Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Educational read. Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2019. Verified Purchase. There are some editing issues with this book, and the ending is very realistic (as in they don’t all live happily ever after), but this is a good story which also provides a lot of good information on how diseases like the flu spreads and why vaccines and herd immunity are important.
Review by Charlene Bell Dietz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A pandemic, a mystery, and New Mexico. Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021. Greger wrote this tale prior to the 2020 pandemic. Here you’ll get a behind the scene look at what happens when the fear of a possible pandemic is realized and how the front-line people rush to prevent its spread. At the end of this story, Greger gives factual points about viruses and flu.
Murder…A Way to Lose Weight: A Medical Mystery by J. L. Greger.
Science Traveler Series Book 2.
Dieting is hard. So is fitting into a new job where you aren’t wanted. In Murder. A Way to Lose Weight, Dr. Linda Almquist attempts to do both as she investigates two diet doctors who are endangering the lives of their obese patients. When she finds one diet doctor dead, she and the police suspect the other diet doctor but soon learn the dead diet doctor had annoyed many. While Linda fears for her job, the police fear for her life. This insider’s view of a medical school will also help you to understand the value of clinical trials and to learn about new research linking obesity and gut bacteria. This mystery won first place in the 2016 Public Safety Writers’ Association contest and was a finalist for the 2016 New Mexico/Arizona book awards.
Review by Dac Crossley, Professor & Writer: Linda Almquist has the worst job on campus. She’s an Associate Dean, a temporary appointment. If good things happen, the Dean gets the credit. If something bad happens, it’s her fault. And something bad has happened in the Basic Sciences Medical Building. Izzy Roth lies dead on the floor. J. L. Greger has created a page-turner of a novel with well-formed characters in a believable setting. You’ll find the Medical School faculty to be the group you might encounter in any office, anyplace, and especially on a college campus.
Review by Beryl: A thoroughly enjoyable, murder mystery without the clichés of car chases and gun toting, swaggering detectives. (This) book is a welcome relief. This multi-layered mystery has all the twists and turns of a conventional murder mystery. Along the way, the reader is treated to a crisp, flowing writing style, peppered with ironic, humorous asides by the main character, Acting Dean Linda Almquist. We are also introduced to the world of cutting-edge, medical research and in particular weight loss, one of the hot topics of the day.
Review by Marlene Hawkes: I especially loved the quirky characters. The murder and mayhem kept my heart bumping and my interest increasing with each chapter.
Review by Holli Costillo, Lawyer & Author: Being a constant dieter and someone who tries every new diet fad on the market, the topic of overlooking ill effects of a diet product during scientific testing struck a chilling chord in me. The plot is unique and compelling, and although I am not a “science” person, the science part of the mystery was so well portrayed I had no problem understanding it.
Review by C. L. Swinney, Homicide Detective & Author: I’ve been around law enforcement and crime scenes for almost fifteen years. I’d say Greger nailed the scenes.
Review by G Sajcich: Greger combines science and complex characters in a politically charged environment of medical research. Her characters come across as real and her who-done-it keeps one guessing.
From The Author: Murder: A Way to Lose Weight won the 2016 Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA) Contest for best published novel and was a finalist in the New Mexico/Arizona book awards.
About The Author: J. L. Greger is a past biology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She likes to include tidbits of science and foreign locations in her thrillers and mysteries: Riddled with Clues (Finalist for 2017 NM/Arizona book awards, Murder: A New Way to Lose (winner of 2016 Public Safety Writers Association [PSWA] contest and finalist for 2016 NM/ Arizona book award), I Saw You in Beirut, Malignancy (winner of 2015 PSWA contest), Ignore the Pain, and Coming Flu. However, in her short stories, she prefers to focus on families; The Good Old Days? and Other People’s Mothers (finalist for NM/Arizona Book Awards).
Sara Almquist couldn’t say no when invited to be the epidemiologist on a public health mission to assess children’s health in Bolivia. Soon someone from her past in New Mexico is chasing her through the Witches’ Market of La Paz and on to the silver mines of Potosí. Unfortunately, she can’t trust her colleagues on the fact-finding mission, especially the sexy Xave Zack, because any one of them might be under the control of the coca industry in Bolivia. Worse still, she’s not only put herself in danger, but also her sister Linda back in New Mexico.
Review by John R. Lindermuth. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Dual Danger. Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2013. Sisters Linda and Sara Almquist find themselves in danger from villains who have united in a common cause—silencing the two women for good.
Linda, associate dean of a pain management facility, is scheduled to testify in court against her former boss, Dr. Abel Raines and Sara, an epidemiologist, is the person who fingered drug czar James Mazzone, in an earlier police investigation.
With Mazzone a suspect in the murder of one of the chief investigators from that case, authorities persuade Sara to join a USAID team in Bolivia as a safety measure. It isn’t long before both sisters realize they are in jeopardy.
In a plot that switches back and forth between the urbanity of Albuquerque and the primitive extremes of Bolivia, Gregor hitches up the tension with gun battles, academic jealousy, deceit and cryptic crossword messages. Neither sister is certain who to trust and Sara even has doubts about the attractive man assigned to protect her.
It helps to have read the previous books in this series, though it isn’t necessary in order to follow the action.
Fans of suspense, unique locations, science and even romance will find something to like in this novel.
Review by Walter Luce: Ignore the Pain contains enough twists, turns, and betrayals to keep the reader thoroughly engaged. JL Greger creates the most intriguing characters and infuses them with purpose and quick minds. She entertains you; she educates you and she takes you to places you’ve never been. You’ll also feel a pinprick of pain and injustice as you read this novel. A must read!
Review by S.L. Smith: Ignore the Pain is a well-crafted suspense story J.L. Greger’s knowledge of the science behind the story is apparent, and adds another dimension. I love it when a story captivates me and teaches me something. This story does both!
Review by Lorna Collins: I always enjoy Greger’s books because I learn so much. Having worked in the medical field as well as academia, the author speaks with an authentic voice. She also writes about foreign locales in such a way that the reader feels as though they have visited the places. Her characters are engaging, and her plots are well-thought-out.
Review by F. M. Meredith: Bold writing, wonderful descriptions of people and places, and heart-pounding adventure.
Review by Marilyn Olsen: Ignore the Pain is a thought-provoking examination of what causes emotional and physical pain. Through vivid descriptions, but without gory details, she explores the issues around how drugs that are literally a life-saver for some, can turn others into monsters. A must-read.
About The Author: J.L. Greger is a biology professor and research administrator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She has consulted on scientific issues worldwide and loves to travel. Thus, she likes to include both science and her travel experiences in her thriller/mystery novels: Ignore the Pain, The Flu Is Coming, Murder: A Way to Lose (1st prize in 2016 Public Safety Writers’ [PSWA] book contest), Malignancy (1st prize in 2015 PSWA book contest), Riddled with Clues (finalist for a 2017 NM/Arizona book award), She Didn’t Know Her Place, and others.
This thriller won the 2015 Public Safety Writers Association Contest for best published novel.
Sara Almquist is shot at twice in one day. Albuquerque police fear her work for them as a science consultant on previous cases has put her in danger, but the accumulating evidence doesn’t make sense. Thus, when colleagues in the State Department invite Sara to arrange exchanges between scientists in the U.S. and Cuba, she jumps at the chance to get out of New Mexico and to work again with the mysterious Xave Zack. Maybe it’s not a wise decision.
Review by John M. Wills, Former FBI Agent & Author: I had to remind myself it was a work of fiction. Greger’s professional background adds just the right touch of realism. An intriguing read.
Review by Ilene Schneider, Author: A taut, well-written, fascinating look behind the scenes of scientific research combined with international intrigue.
Review by Sharon Arthur Moore, Author: You get a real flavor of the locations.
Review by Former Peter Klismet, FBI: Makes the reader want to move quickly from page to page.
Review by Anthony Riggio: Entertaining and informative as to the interplay of the local police agency, the FBI and the local prosecutor.
Review by Marilyn Meredith, Author: A believable medical thriller.
Review by Virgil Alexander, Author: A well-crafted story with realistic, engaging characters.
From The Author: When I went to Cuba, my guide bragged that Cuban scientists had found a cure to cancer. I didn’t believe her, but I tracked down the patent filed by Cuban and Argentine scientists for a cancer immunotherapy drug for a fairly rare type of lung cancer. Then I tracked down the background of the Cuban researchers who did the work. This research provided the background for this novel Malignancy.
The title of the novel is a bit of a play on words. Malignancy is medically defined as the uncontrolled growth of tumor cells with metastasis (spread) to other parts of the body. It can also be applied to any deteriorating hurtful situation that spreads uncontrollably. I think the illegal drug trade qualifies as a malignancy of society.
From The Back Cover: This thriller won the 2015 Public Safety Writers Association Contest for best published novel.
About The Author: JL Greger is no longer a biology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, instead she’s putting tidbits of science into her medical mystery and suspense novels: The Flu Is Coming, Murder: A New Way to Lose Weight, Ignore the Pain, Malignancy, I Saw You in Beirut, Riddled with Clues, and A Pound of Flesh, Sorta. Besides writing, her favorite activities are spending time with Bug, her Japanese Chin dog, and traveling to exotic locations. She incorporates both activities into her novels. Bug is the only non-fictional character in her books.
A mysterious source of data on the Iranian nuclear industry sends an email from Tabriz. “Help. Contact Almquist.” As Sara Almquist is drawn into the plan to identify and rescue the agent, known only as F, she is forced to remember and re-evaluate characters from her student days at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and from her career as a globe-trotting scientist.
1 map of the Middle East with important locations in I Saw You in Beirut.
A section on “Science and History Behind the Story” after the novel includes relevant scientific references.
Review by Anonymous but posted on Amazon: This novel is as current as the headlines, as exciting as a Bond adventure and as realistic as a documentary. One thing it never is boring! The characters are three-dimensional and Sara is someone you care about from the beginning. You even come to care about a person only identified as “F”, the subject of a rescue from Iran – who may be carrying plans for their nuclear production sites. The plotting is tight, the scientific references accurate and the editing very well done. I will be looking for more books by J L Greger.
Review by Susan Fox, PhD. Nurse: Nonstop suspense flavored with cultural and scientific facts. I read it in record time and am looking forward to the next installment.
Review by David Cropp, Writer of Stories: A masterfully written tale of suspense. It is intriguing and believable. Greger displays her depth of medical and scientific knowledge with polished writing skills.
Review by Virgil Alexander, Award-Winning Author: Compelling story, filled with Middle East insights that can only come from first-hand experience. Epidemiologist Sara Almquist finds herself caught up in a dangerous international mystery that weaves elements of thriller, romance, and history in a fast-paced, twist-filled race to save an anonymous Irani operative. Writing against a backdrop of today’s headlines, J.L. Greger has produced another great tale.
Review by John Addegio, Author: Greger writes about international agencies and scientific exigencies with authority, and I SAW YOU IN BEIRUT is a thrilling spy tale with compelling female actors asserting their intelligence in both exotic and domestic, male-dominated, high-stakes political environments.
Review by Lorna Collins, Author: I admit, I enjoy this author’s work. Every time I read one of her books, I learn something new. IMHO, this is her best. From the beginning, it moves quickly. The characters are engaging, and the plot has many twists and turns. Like the protagonist, the reader spends much of the book trying to figure out who are the real bad guys (or gals). At the same time, Sara is in very real danger, and the FBI and Military Intelligence are using her as a pawn. I could hardly put this down!
From The Author: I Saw You in Beirut is fiction, but my memories of students at UW-Madison in the late seventies and early eighties color the scenes in the first few chapters of this thriller. I also incorporated several of my experiences and observations while consulting on scientific and education issues in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates in the nineties into this novel, but I can’t explain more without divulging too much of the plot. I Saw You in Beirut is Book 5 in the Science Traveler Series of mysteries and thrillers, but the books do not need to read in order.
About The Author: J. L. Greger is a biology professor and research administrator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She has consulted on scientific issues worldwide and loves to travel. Thus, she likes to include both science and her travel experiences in her thriller/mystery novels: The Flu Is Coming, Murder: A Way to Lose Weight (1st prize in 2016 Public Safety Writers’ [PSWA] book contest), Malignancy (1st prize in 2015 PSWA book contest), Riddled with Clues (finalist for a 2017 NM/Arizona book award), A Pound of Flesh, Sorta, She Didn’t Know Her Place, and others.
A hospitalized friend gives a puzzling note to Sara Almquist. He received the note signed “Red from Udon Thani” while investigating the movement of drugs from Cuba into the U.S. However, he doesn’t know anyone called Red, and the last time he was in Udon Thani was during the Vietnam War. After Sara listens to his rambling tales of all the possibilities, both are attacked. He is left comatose. As she struggles to survive, she questions who to trust: the local cops, her absent boyfriend, the FBI, or a homeless veteran, who leaves puzzling riddles as clues.
Review by John Wills, Former FBI Agent & Author: Riddled with clues, has all the ingredients one needs to settle in comfortably and read through the night. Drugs, murder, the FBI … even a romantic relationship, all combine to make this latest offering a must read. Settle in and see if you can solve the riddles.
Review by Ilene Schneider, Author: A thriller for thinkers. Sara Almquist is an independent, feisty woman who is not afraid to show her vulnerable side, a role model for our times.
About The Author: J. L. Greger, is a biologist and research administrator turned novelist. She puts tidbits on science and exotic locations into her thrillers: I Saw You in Beirut, Malignancy (winner of 2015 Public Safety Writers contest), Coming Flu, and Ignore the Pain. Her medical mystery, Murder…A Way to Lose Weight (winner of 2016 Public Safety Writers contest) is based in New Mexico, where she lives with Bug, the prototype for Bug, the pet therapy dog, in her novels.
Finalist for a 2020 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award.
Leaders of drug gangs in New Mexico don’t want scientist Sara Almquist to testify at their upcoming trials for murder and racketeering. After Sara gets a package of sheep guts contaminated with the bacteria that causes the plague, FBI agents rush to protect her. But is the package a threat from the gangs to stop her from testifying or a public health alert by a whistleblower?
This mystery/ thriller is an example of science in fiction.
Review by Nancy LiPetri, Author: Finalist for a 2020 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award. As you try to solve the mystery, you will encounter some gruesome surprises, heart-pounding police drama, colorful characters and many intriguing facts. I was also entertained by therapy dog, Bug, the Southwest setting/culture and Sara’s on-and-off love interest, Sanders. Fans who already know Sara the feisty medical epidemiologist from Greger’s earlier books will devour this action-packed novel, and new readers will want to collect them all.
Review by F. M. Meredith, Author: Leave it to J.L. Greger to come up with another unique plot, this one involving animal guts and the plague, with a healthy dose of intrigue, action, and a touch of romance.
Review by Virgil Alexander, Author: A complex of plots and deception, missteps and twists builds to an exciting, surprising, and satisfying end. Set in Albuquerque and rural New Mexico, the story includes the Native, Mexican, and contemporary western culture set in the vast Southwestern scenery.
Review by Ilene Schneider, Author: J. L. Greger has again written an enthralling scientific mystery combining the best elements of a whodunnit, why dunnit, and thriller.
Review by D.R. Ransdell, Author: Intrepid as ever, when a package of mystery meat lands on her doorstep, Sara Almquist dives into trouble instead of searching for safer ground. But who would really be concerned about dead desert animals? With an ever-surprising cast of characters, including a smelly undercover agent, a repentant lover, and a troubled daughter, not to mention Sara’s faithful Japanese Chin, Greger examines timely local issues. By exploring the complexities of the environment and cultural histories of the area, she draws attention to important matters that lie just far enough below the surface that we might not notice them on our own. For that, we need Sara!
From The Author: The title A Pound of Flesh, Sorta refers not only to the curious package Sara receives at the start of the novel, but also is a homage to Shylock’s futile attempt for revenge in The Merchant of Venice. Revenge is an underlying theme in A Pound of Flesh, Sorta. The heroine Sara Almquist fears drug gang leaders and crooked cops may seek revenge and try to prevent her testimony at upcoming trials and several characters are driven by bitter memories. I went with my father to meat packing plants when he sold cattle to them. The situations in the novel reflect modern meat packing plants but the scenes are “colored” by memories. A Pound of Flesh, Sorta is Book 7 in the Science Traveler Series, but the books don’t need to be read in order to be understood or enjoyed.
About The Author: J. L. Greger is a scientist turned novelist. She lives in New Mexico with Bug, the prototype for the pet therapy dog who appears in her mystery/thriller novels. She demonstrates her interest in science, international travel, and her home state in the novels of her Science Traveler Series: The Flu Is Coming, Murder: A Way to Lose Weight, Ignore the Pain, Malignancy, I Saw You in Beirut, Riddled with Clues, A Pound of Flesh, Sorta, and others.
In Dirty Holy Water, scientist Sara Almquist loses control of her life when she becomes the chief suspect in a bizarre murder case. She’s frustrated by the slow progress of the investigations, which almost causes her to miss a romantic rendezvous at the Taj Mahal in India. More importantly, she has to reassess her friendships and recognize there’s a thin line between being a victim and being a villain.
Review by Kirkus Review: A thought-provoking, disturbing, and engaging mystery with a likable, strong-willed female lead.
Review by Lee and Betty Higbie: Neither of us could put Dirty Holy Water down. A great read.
Review by Sharon Moore, Author: A tightly plotted mystery. You will be hooked on the skill, brains, integrity, and acumen of Sara Almquist (the protagonist).
Review by Pat Smith Wood, Author: The story moves at a brisk pace and lets you “see” the drama unfolding like you are watching a film.
From The Author: Water is considered holy in several major religions, but it is often disgustingly dirty. For example, the Ganges River and the River Jordan are two of the most polluted rivers in the world. Similarly, many seemingly pious people have a dark side. In this novel, I try to explore the confusing intermingling of good and evil in a family as Sara Alqmquist tries to distinguish victims from villains.
From The Back Cover: In Dirty Holy Water, scientist Sara Almquist loses control of her life when she becomes the chief suspect in a bizarre murder case. She not only almost misses a romantic rendezvous at the Taj Mahal in India but also must grapple with her preconceived notions of victims and villains.
About The Author: J.L. Greger is a biology professor and research administrator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She lives in New Mexico with Bug, the prototype for the dog of the same name in her mystery/thriller novels. Greger has Included tidbits on science, the American Southwest, and her international travel experiences in the eight novels of her Science Traveler series.
Scientist Sara Almquist is asked to investigate a death of a participant in a clinical trial conducted by a biotechnology company making cultured meat-meat made in a test tube. She learns although the product may sometimes contain toxic components, the competition among biotechnology companies and bickering within the company may be lethal.
This is an example of science in fiction with a realistic description of the biotechnology necessary to make cultured meat.
5 Stars: The science is real and the mystery is compelling.
Games For Couples by J.L. Greger is book nine is her ‘Science Traveler Series’. The Science Traveler Series of mysteries and thrillers can be read in any order, as each one stands-alone.
I think it is important to note Author J. L. Greger is a scientist (biology professor) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist.
Games for Couples is masterfully written. Did lethal compounds in a cultured meat product—meat made in a test tube—kill a man in a clinical trial? Or did the toxic competition between biotechnology companies and spite of battling couples cause his death?
Games For Couples opens as Dr. Sara Almquist (the protagonist) is taking a meeting near Albuquerque, New Mexico with Mendel Lopez, the CEO of Miracle Foods and his associate Jim Jackson. The purpose of the meeting is to share Miracle Food prospectus with Dr. Almquist. The primes: “Cultured meat will meet the world’s need for high quality protein in an ecologically sound manner. And Miracle Foods has the best cultured meat products.”
Let me bring you into the story in CHAPTER 19: Sara in Colorado Springs:
…There wasn’t much good to say about my drive from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. No snow was falling when I began driving a little before noon. By the time I reached the motel in Colorado Springs at three, the windshield wipers could barely keep up with the snow. The drive should have taken a little over little two hours. It took more than three even though I never stopped.
…The last thing I wanted to do when I arrived at the motel was sit, but Bug changed my mind. He quickly tired of plowing through snow that was over his shoulders. Then I decided that plodding through a foot of snow while carrying a squirming dog wasn’t fun either.
…I scanned my emails. I read the email Scofield had sent before I left the Fort Collins Police Department:
…Can you decipher anything from these student reports? We expect Pitkin won’t cooperate unless you give us something to scare him.
…I expected the attachments to the email to be the internship reports by the two students who had worked at Miracle Foods last summer and Pitkin’s report of his work during the fall semester. I was surprised that Scofield had also attached the reports by four other student interns who worked at Miracle Foods during the previous year.
…The answer to her question was no—well, not easily. I’d decided during my drive to extricate myself from my basically unsuccessful consultation with Miracle Foods. That meant ignoring Scofield’s email, finishing my report for Mendel Lopez, notifying FDA I had quit as a consultant, and calculating the total bill for my consultation. To be honest, I thought it better to quit the project than to have Mendel fire me, which I guessed was imminent.
…I was surprised when my computer pinged and an email from Mendel Lopez appeared. I braced myself and opened it:
…I want to know who in my employ worked with my competitors to devalue Miracle Foods by ruining the clinical trial. The local police aren’t up to the task. I will pay your hourly rate for your work with the police.
…He didn’t add a thank you or further explanation.
This novel accurately depicts the production of cultured meat cells in large, closed, sterile vats and the formation of meat-like structures by applying the cultured cells to a biological scaffold. Researchers and scientists hope this method is the future of animal free meat. Unfortunately, many technical problems impacting the production of a meat-like texture at a reasonable cost remain. These products would have the same nutritional and allergenic properties as regular meat, although the fat content would depend on the additives used. For the purpose of this novel, the author uses histamine intolerance as a problem that emerges with this fiction food production source, called Miracle Foods.
I found this novel a fascinating read. I learned a lot about the food industry and the expanding development of animal free protein to reduce carbon footprint. Whether you like a hearty steak or a vegetarian meat patty this novel has something for everyone. There can be corruption in any industry and the mystery behind the science can quickly turn into a criminal investigation.
Interesting fact: Dr. Sara Almquist Japanese Chin dog character is based on the authors pet therapy dog ‘Bud’.
I invite you to read ‘Games For Couples’ and see how Author J.L. Greger uses science and her travel experiences to educate and engage her readers. Her Award-Winning Science Traveler Series include ‘The Flu Is Coming’, ‘Murder…A Way To Lose Weight (A Medical Mystery)’, ‘Ignore The Pain’, ‘Malignancy’, ‘I Saw You In Beirut’, ‘Riddled With Clues’, ‘A Pound Of Flesh, Sorta’, ‘Dirty Holy Water’, and ‘Games For Couples’. She has two other books titled ‘Other People’s Mothers (A Collection of Stories)’ and ‘She Didn’t Know Her Place’.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Sheryl: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Science plays a part in this murder mystery. Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022. I found this murder mystery to be filled with twists and turns. J. L. Greger writes this novel from the viewpoints of several of the characters. The protagonist — Dr. Almquist — a female scientist and professor — speaks to the reader from the first person. She “talks” like a professor, which gives the reader the feeling that she’s a real person, not a cardboard entity. I like how she explains the science involved in her investigation and also how she analyzes the people of interest while she helps police in pursuit of a killer. The characters are a varied bunch, and each is interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a different kind of mystery. Also, the science is well-explained. I was kept guessing throughout the story. Well worth the read!
Review byThonie Hevron: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I enjoyed it immensely. Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2021. In Games for Couples, J.L. Greger has written a smart, sassy sequel to Dirty Holy Water of the Science Traveler series. Dr. Sara Almquist contracts with Miracle Foods, a cultured meat company, to investigate a suspicious food reaction during tests. Her contract doesn’t include murder, fraud, and burglary. Following Almquist’s journey to unravel this complex mystery is a delight. The ending is a satisfying conclusion to her adventure. This is a terrific read!
Review by Marilyn Meredith-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Winner. Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2021. Once again J. L. Gregor has used her great imagination and knowledge of science to write a most intriguing and unusual mystery about manufacture meat products. As always, the characters are one-of-a-kind and add dimension to the plot. A most satisfying read–I highly recommend it.
Would you rather be fired or face criminal charges? Dana Richardson faces that dilemma in her new job at a university in New England. A research center, which reports to her, is falsifying data to help industrial clients meet federal pollution standards, and the last woman who tried to investigate the problem died under suspicious circumstances.
Review by Charlene Bell Dietz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A First Sentence Grabber! Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2022. A baffling first sentence in Greger’s mystery Fair Compromises plunges the reader headlong into unexpected twists of betrayal and jungle espionage, creating a can’t-stop-reading-now experience in this fast-pace well-written novel.
Review by Thonie Hevron: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The best yet! Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2022. The brilliant and tenacious Sara Almquist won’t let go until her questions are answered. This is the best Science Traveler Sara Almquist adventure yet!
Review by Author Margaret Tessler: I admire (Greger’s) story-telling skill! Another outstanding addition to the Sara Almquist series. An intriguing plot with believable characters combines to create a suspenseful story from start to finish.
About The Author: J. L. Greger is a biology professor and research administrator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She lives in New Mexico. The pet therapy dog Bug in her mystery/thriller novels is based on her own Japanese Chin. She includes tidbits about science, the American Southwest, and her international travel experiences in the Science Traveler Series.
The short stories in OTHER’S PEOPLE’S MOTHERS are snapshots of the wisdom, humor, and errors made by women as they interact with their children as youngsters and adults. Mothers in fiction are often reduced to stereotypes of good, like Carol Brady and Claire Huxtable in television programs, or bad, like Mommy Dearest. Even Tolstoy over simplified families and mother when he said, “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” In practice, no family is always happy, and no mother is perfect. Perhaps that’s good. Much of the diversity we treasure in others reflects the quirks of their mothers’ personalities.
Think how boring life would be if we all had perfect mothers. The mothers in these vignettes certainly are not perfect, and that’s why they’re intriguing. They made choices. The narrators of the stories often didn’t understand the basis of the mothers’ decisions because of incomplete information or personal biases. Accordingly, they warped the portraits of the mothers. Think how you and your siblings remember childhood events differently. Perhaps OTHER PEOPLE’S MOTHERS will help you take a fresh look at your mother and gain a more realistic understanding of yourself.
Review by John R. Lindermuth: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Academic Mystery. Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017. When Dana Richardson accepted a new administrative position at State University, she looked forward to the challenge of shaping an evolving program. But it isn’t long before she uncovers rampant corruption, which could jeopardize the university’s grant applications and possibly warrant criminal fraud charges. There are even campus rumors of Mafia or Russian mob involvement.
The president and most of the university hierarchy seem to have turned a blind eye to the situation and are more inclined to protecting their own interest rather than solving the problem. Ignore the issue, and she could be the one facing jail time.
There appear to be few people Dana can trust. As she delves deeper, Dana discovers her predecessor died in a suspicious accident. And now someone is stalking her. An absorbing read with a multitude of suspects, twists, and insights into academic politics.
Review by Thonie Hevron: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An intricate mystery. Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017. This academic thriller is steeped university politics. Anyone who has been on a campus will recognize the general setting and bureaucratic atmosphere. What sets this novel apart is the intrigue wrapped in legal intricacies that have been set in motion against heroine Dana Richardson. After accepting an administrative position at a New England state university, she discovers criminal corruption that included Russian mob ties. When she acts to save the school from financial penalties, those involved act to protect their turf. She soon discovers the woman who previously held her position, died in a suspicious accident. And now, a volatile member of her faculty is following her. The tension ramps up at the dramatic conclusion. This university mystery offers an inside look at the complex world of higher education.
About The Author: J. L. Greger, a past professor and research administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, likes to include tidbits of science in her novels. She has written six thrillers and medical mysteries in her Science Traveler series, which features Sara Almquist, a globe-trotting scientist, and her dog Bug. They are: Riddled with Clues (2017 finalist for a NM/Arizona Book Award), I Saw You in Beirut, Murder…A Way to Lose Weight (1st prize in the 2016 Public Safety Writers’ [PSWA] completion and 2016 finalist for a NM/Arizona Book Award), Malignancy (1st prize in the 2015 PSWA competition), Ignore the Pain, and Coming Flu. Her collections of short stories, Other People’s Mothers (2017 finalist for a NM/Arizona Book Award) and The Good Old Days? focus on families. She Didn’t Know Her Place is an academic mystery but doesn’t reflect events at any specific university.
About J.L. Greger: J. L. Greger is a scientist turned novelist. She includes science and her travel experiences in her award-winning novels: The Flu is Coming, Murder: A Way to Lose Weight, Malignancy, and others. jlgreger.com
J.L. Greger is a biology professor and research administrator from the University of Wisconsin-Madison turned novelist. She lives in New Mexico with Bug, the prototype for the dog of the same name in her mystery/thriller novels. Greger has Included tidbits on science, the American Southwest, and her international travel experiences in the eight novels of her Science Traveler series.
Is science a mystery to you? Does the COVID-19 pandemic make you want to learn a bit more about science, but you’re NOT a masochist and don’t want to read a dry text?
In my Science Traveler Series, you’ll see Sara Almquist apply her skills as a scientist to solve medical and criminal mysteries in New Mexico and worldwide. Why is a woman scientist my protagonist? I taught biology classes as the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over twenty years.
You’ll also meet the perfect gentleman in my books, Sara’s Japanese Chin dog – Bug. The character Bug is based on my own dog. As you read the books, you may think Sara has better taste in dogs than in men.
Here are key questions in my thrillers/mysteries:
A POUND OF FLESH, SORTA A pound of sheep guts contaminated with plague bacteria which causes plague is delivered to Sara’s home. Is it a threat by gang leaders to prevent Sara testifying at their racketeering trials or as a plea for help from an employee in a meat packing plant? (This thriller was a finalist for a 2020 book award. Book 7 in the series)
DIRTY HOLY WATER Sara learns what if feels like to be a suspect when a friend is murdered. Of course, she didn’t kill the woman, but can she prove it before she’s scheduled to take a romantic trip to India? (Book 8 in the series)
THE FLU IS COMING: Which is deadlier: a new form of flu which killed half or Sara’s neighbors in a walled community or a drug kingpin determined to break out of the quarantined enclave? (This medical mystery within a thriller was a finalist for a 2017 New Mexico/Arizona book award. Book 1 in the series)
MURDER…A WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT: Can Sara and her sister determine how a diet doctor in a medical center was poisoned before the killer strikes again? (This mystery was a finalist for a 2016 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award and won the 2016 Public Safety Writers Association [PSWA] contest. Book 2 in the series)
IGNORE THE PAIN: Did Sara learn too much about the coca trade and too little about a sexy new colleague while on a public health assignment in Bolivia? (Book 3 in series)
MALIGNANCY: After being shot at twice in one day by gang members disguised as police, Sara accepts a risky assignment in Cuba. Was that a wise decision? (This thriller won the 2015 PSWA contest. Book 4 in the series)
I SAW YOU IN BEIRUT: Will Sara’s past provides clues to aid the extraction of a nuclear scientist from Iran? (Book 5 in the series)
RIDDLED WITH CLUES: Will tales about the Vietnam War from an undercover drug agent and messages from a homeless veteran save a woman? (This thriller was a finalist for a 2017 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award. Book 6 in the series.)
If you’d like less well-adjusted heroines, meet Dana Richardson in SHE DIDN’T KNOW HER PLACE. She battles inner demons as she learns the hard way what academics will do to protect their “kingdoms” at a state university in New England.
If you’re not in the mood for thriller or a mystery, why not read about families in THE GOOD OLD DAYS? or OTHER PEOPLE’S MOTHERS. (The second collection was a finalist for a 2017 NM/Arizona book award.) These stories aren’t memoirs but are based on real memories.
He Never Said Good-Bye & Deception In The Moonlight by Christina Siwik.
Sophie London and Evin Foster Mysteries Book One and Two.
Sophie London sets out to prove her husband, William, was murdered and not just killed in a tragic auto accident. The more Sophie and private investigator, Evin Foster, delve into the events surrounding William’s death, the more unanswered questions surface. Was it an accident or murder?
Sophie London and Evin Foster team up again. This time it is to prove the innocence of a young man accused of murdering his young wife. They go undercover at the popular resort, Sunset Hills, to find the evidence they need. It sounds like the young woman is not the only one who has met a suspicious death at the resort. Can Sophie and Evin find the real killer before it is too late?
Review by Joeli K Ballard: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Read! I so enjoyed the story.
STONEHAVEN & FOUR Days TO MIDNIGHT by Christina Siwik.
Sophie London and Evin Foster Mysteries Book Three and Four.
Can a curse really harm you?
Sophie London and Evin Foster are about to find out. While on their honeymoon, a case of mistaken identity finds them immersed in an evil curse, ghost stories and secrets from the past. Then, a four day “Who Done It?” challenge turns into a full-blown real life murder mystery.
Can Sophie and Evin ferret out the killer before he or she strikes again?
Who will be left standing when the clock strikes at midnight?
Review by Fiction Fan: 4.0 out of 5 Stars. Sophie and Evin Foster are back! I think this book is Ms. Siwik’s best yet. Sophie and Evin Foster are at it again, solving mysteries and crimes even though they don’t intend to get involved. The first story was my favorite of the two, but if you’re a fan of the game CLUE, you’ll love the second story just as much as the first. Can’t wait to see what the Fosters are up to next!
The Truth About Lara and Secret of Briarwood by Christina Siwik.
Sophie London and Evin Foster Mysteries Book Five and Six.
What do you do when your ex-wife shows up at your door, asking for help? How do you handle the situation when your current wife invites your ex to stay with you? Evin Foster finds out soon enough. Against his better judgement, Evin takes his ex’s case, and the lies begin. Can Evin and Sophie believe anything the ex says?
In book #6 of the series, Sophie and Evin return to Townsend, Tennessee, and Silver Creek Cabins, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. While there, Sophie finds her mother’s secret diary. As Sophie reads her mother’s last words, she is convinced her parents’ accident was murder. Could someone in Townsend be the reason Sophie’s parents died? There are several suspects, but no proof of their guilt.
Carron Maitland-Jake Brennan Mystery (Two Book Series).
Justice For Lindsey by Christina Siwik.
A Carron Maitland/Jake Brennan Novel.
Carron Maitland and Jake Brennan would have never met in another time and another place.
Carron had it all. The heiress to a fortune had built her own successful business from the ground up. Soon her world comes crashing down and secrets from the past threaten her very existence.
Jake, a former cop turned successful mystery writer, sets out to write a true-crime novel and in the process solve a twenty-five-year-old murder.
Now Carron and Jake are brought together and combine their talents and resources to bring closure to the past.
Review by Chris: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It’s a real page turner. A great mystery that gets you hooked in from the start. There are shocks and surprises along the way as the pieces unravel to reveal the truth. Realistic characters and some lovely descriptive writing. I’m waiting for another book now after this exciting debut novel.
A Carron Maitland/Jake Brennan Novel: Sequel to Justice for Lindsey.
Life for the Brennan’s was perfect until the past came back to haunt them. They look forward to a new baby joining their family just in time for Christmas. Then, Carron starts having strange dreams about her past. Are these a warning to the future? When Lois and Joe Sweeny are once again a threat to the Brennan’s happiness, Jake must take measures to protect his family. When will the nightmare be over?
About Christina Siwik: “I am a lifelong resident of Michigan. I currently live in the middle of the woods in northern Michigan. I am a wife, mother, grandmother and retired educator.
I have been married to my best friend for over fifty years. We love to travel to historical sites and love to camp as well.
I am an avid reader of mystery and suspense novels. Besides reading and writing, I love to scrapbook and sew.
I have a blog that focuses on wellness, healthy eating, travel and hobbies.”
People have fantasies about finding buried treasure, but for Sarah Altman it becomes a reality when she convinces herself that it isn’t really a crime to appropriate a large stash of money hidden by a meth dealer after he has a car accident. Every dollar will likely add to the time he spends in prison, so she chooses to be a good Samaritan and relieve him of the burden. Already contemplating a divorce, Sarah realizes that the money will allow her the freedom to do so with financial security—so long as no one learns she has it.
Deputy Nate Carlson has been giving protection to the dealer in exchange for a share of the profit from the meth. He’s severely injured, but before he dies, he manages to tell Nate where the cash is buried.
Sergeant Frank Devich, Nate’s widowed brother-in-law, questions Sarah, triggering a mutual attraction. Frank doesn’t recognize her as the young woman he’d left with a broken heart years ago, and he’s determined to have her. Sarah, however, resists involvement.
Nate soon discovers that only Frank and Sarah had easy access to the Minnesota gravel pit where the stash had been hidden. Desperate for money, he will do anything to get it.
5-Stars: Would you do it differently, under the same circumstances?
This is a story that brings fantasy to life for Sarah Altman. The drama is suspenseful, and the dilemma Sarah faces, creates a fine line between intention and criminality.
Author Sandra Sperling uses a blend of mastery and imagination to create a plot so realistic, it will keep you turning the page. Sergeant Frank Devich and Deputy Nate Carlson find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation, centered around an old Minnesota gravel pit. Old fossils, murder, crystal meth, drug money, a profile of an eye witness, a dear john letter, and more than one secret in rural America. Throw in a little romance and humor making ‘The Stash’ a fantastic small-town drama that will linger in your mind.
Chapter one sets the stage with a question.
… “How did your grandma get the money to buy this place?”
… “She got a settlement of some kind, is what I’ve always thought.”
… “Accident, divorce, inheritance?”
… “I don’t know,” he said. “She promised to tell me the whole story.”
I invite you to put yourself in Sarah Altman’s shoes. She is practical and approaches things methodically. I found myself asking, would I have done it differently, under the same circumstances?
Chapter 3 finds Sarah exploring the old gravel pit for fossils. Abruptly a landslide burst forth. Rocks crashed and shattered as they hurled past her. She lunged to the side of the gulch, scrabbling up the steep bank. A boulder tumbled close, striking an embedded rock with an explosive crack. Pebbles clattered as they bounced downward, and finally there was only the dry whisper of sand as it oozed its way to the floor of the gravel pit.
…A bit unnerved, but safe on the gritty bank, she examined the fossil she’d found. It was an ammonite in pristine condition over an inch in diameter. The limestone rock in which it was partially encased had broken away only recently, leaving the pearlescent coating intact.
…Sarah tucked it into the pocket of her shirt, buttoning the flap.
…Indecision fueled by fear paralyzed her. Should she stay here and be buried or go down and risk being crushed? Either choice could be her last.
…Leaving seemed safer, and she had about thirty feet left to descend when she heard a vehicle. Bob must have forgotten something when he’d left, because he was driving too fast. A heavy thud and the high screech of twisting metal were followed by a prolonged scream of agony.
What Sarah decides to do next, will change the course of events, in her life.
After you read ‘THE Stash,’ I invite you to read ‘Elisabet’s Will’ (another 5-Star family drama entwined with mystery and suspense). I look forward to Sandra Sperling’s next book.
Editorial Reviews (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Susan S. -VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Sperling’s Sterling Characterizations! Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2022. Verified Purchase. Don’t we all fantasize about stumbling upon a huge stash of cash? After Sarah Altman does exactly that, she hatches a complicated plan—both for concealing the money and what she’ll eventually do with it. She’s an unhappily married woman who is able to reinvent herself after her windfall. To tell you this does little to impart the tour de force of ‘The Stash.’ It’s both serious and comical; both character and plot-driven.
Sarah and Frank (an ex-boyfriend slowly reinserting himself into her life) are both realistically portrayed, though, at times, super-human. Sarah’s a near superhero: she’s tough-minded and more than capable when it comes to self-defense. “Her shoes accurately reflected her personality: practical, uncompromising and virtually impervious to outside influences.” Frank’s super-human in a different way: his passionate and vulnerable nature allow him to tune into a previously unknown psychic side—at least when it comes to Sarah. What’s curious is that he hasn’t a clue that a former girlfriend—Lynn from his past—is Sarah. I kept wondering if he would ever realize this. My curiosity about this as well as other issues grew along with the tension.
I lost count of the comical scenes and situations. Sperling, adept at descriptions, writes this of a woman who Frank’s mother has set him up with: “She stood in front of him, the bright tangerine roses on the bodice of her dress rising and falling rapidly. She rubbed the nicotine patch on her arm and popped a piece of gum in her mouth, chewing viciously. She reminded him of a timber wolf devouring a deer carcass.” What a strong and funny mental picture this creates!
Similar to Elisabet’s Will, the first novel I’ve read by Sterling, we follow a rich cast of characters, as they go about their daily lives. Both novels beautifully depict Sisu—the strength of the human will. However, it’s amped up in Sarah. As I flipped the pages of The Stash, I kept wondering what would happen to reveal a crack in Sarah’s armor. Not to give a spoiler alert: life proves to be a leveler. I really came to care for the characters here and can well-imagine a sequel. Great storytelling! As in the case of the earlier novel, justice is served and the ending is tremendously satisfying!
Review by Lisa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic book!! This author always hits it outta the park! Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2023. Verified Purchase. Just buy it. Fantastic book.
Review by MK Alexander: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Criminal Romantic Comedy of a Sort. Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2022. Verified Purchase. Meet Sarah Altman, a middle-aged, Minnesotan trapped in a loveless marriage with a husband who has all but given up on life… (and worse, much worse). She is an unlikely heroine perhaps: emotionally closed-off, not by nature but as a matter of survival. But her life suddenly changes when she stumbles upon a few million dollars in cash— drug money.
She is of course no slouch, rather Sarah is smart, wily, cautious, and patient, and she has a plan. The way forward is fraught with danger, obstacles, and a suspicious policeman hell-bent on stealing the money for himself.
Author Sandra Sperling does a wonderful job building her characters, their idiosyncrasies, and their moral ambiguity, (including her own). In some cases, their downright evil nature prevails; there are some great villains to hate in this story. In no time at all the reader is rooting for her, despite her flaws, as she strives for independence and eventually true love.
The prose is breezy, competent, and very funny, but not snarky. We get a great taste of life in Minnesota, its brutal winter, its people, and general environs— a kind of stark realism. The Stash is an engaging read, a slow burn leading to a fantastic climax and… a happy ending.
Review by Lee Cluff: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Stash. Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2023. Verified Purchase. Really enjoyed this book. Living in northern Minnesota around the mining industry. I could relate to the ups and downs of the industry.
Review by Mary Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 stars. What a story. Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2022. Verified Purchase. What a story. This book is part romance, part comedy, drama galore, and tossed into all of that is drug deals, stashes of money, and murder. Then more is added to give the story and turns.
Review by Evelyn Raida: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I didn’t see that coming! Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2022. One reason I don’t watch much television is because shows seem so predictable. One reason I love to read books by Sandra Sperling is because her stories are anything but predictable. And she always leaves you hanging on up to the last page or two which is a tough position to be in when you’re trying to figure out the who and why of the book.
Take Sarah Altman as an example. Sandra leads you to believe that Sarah is a good old country girl. But after just a few pages you realize Sarah is so much more complex, like a really good glass of wine. She is smooth, slightly intoxicating and leaves you wanting to know her better.
Is she a vixen, a coquette, who flaunts herself to manipulate men? Or is she the victim of a bad marriage to a bad man? Are her attempts to hide drug money acts of pure insanity or is she simply a scheming woman who enjoys the thrill and drama of defying moral boundaries?
It took me three readings before I was able to put this book down. The first time I raced through it because the plot took twists and turns that were not predictable and I couldn’t stand not knowing where things were heading.
The second reading was to see what I missed because I truly didn’t anticipate the story to end the way it did.
The third reading? Pure pleasure! This is truly Sandra’s best novel to date. Every time I read her earlier publications I said, “This is my favorite book!” And it was my favorite until her newest story was published. Intrigue within a homespun setting polished off with humor and a touch of lust will keep you reading this newest work by Sandra.
I admit to being left in a moral quandary. What would I have done if I were Sarah? I truly don’t know. All I know is that I didn’t see it coming.
Review by R Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Cheers for the Stash! Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2022. I bought the book from the author. and what a great purchase! Sandra Sperlings latest book The Stash, is her best writing yet. Real characters with complex lives.
true life struggles, a marriage that just doesn’t work and the reprehensible reasons why. questions of faith in a all most retired cop that has seen much. Just how does his aggressive partner and brother-in-law play in to it all. Intricate Sarah, beautiful Sarah. Sarah has a secret!
A fiery ending not to be missed! and then of course The Stash! does money corrupt all?
We can only expect great things from Sandra Sperling! She just gets better and better.
Product Details: Paperback: 359 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (August 25, 2022) Language: English Fiction, Romance, Suspense, Humor Fiction (Contemporary Family Saga) Fiction (Contemporary Family Suspense) Fiction: (Family Life)
The few relatives who are still friendly to Lisbet spend the summer at her northern Minnesota home. Determined to discover the reason why the rest of the family has shunned her since she was a child, she confronts Evelyn, her estranged uncle’s wife. This action exposes her and her loved ones to danger and thrusts Greta, her beloved 5-year-old granddaughter, into deadly peril.
Review by MK Alexander: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Slow burn to a fantastic finale!
Somewhere near Hibbing, Minnesota, what remains of a large and proud family sees its final demise. We are thrust into the rural life of these descendants of Finns, three generations at least, and we come to know their daily, sometimes rather humdrum lives. There is much more beneath the surface though: good people on one side of the family, and on the other, lurks the banality of evil.
The story centers around the book’s namesake Elisabet, and her courageous granddaughter Greta. At five years old, she is wise beyond age. Around them swirl the rest of the family in close proximity, namely at nearby farms and houses out in the middle of nowhere.
The story begins as a desolate Minnesota winter gives way a tenuous spring, and a brief but significant summer as we are treated to the minute details of the many characters’ lives. Author Sandra Sperling’s simple prose make this a pleasure to read; small details accrue, clues to the larger mystery gain momentum and lead to a devastating climax. Recommended.
5 Stars: Family drama entwined with mystery and suspense.
This extraordinary family drama plays out in rural Northern Minnesota. In this case, there is nothing more destructive, than a ‘Will’ left behind by a prosperous family member. Family secrets leave Lisbet to only imagine why most of the family shuns her. Author Sandra Sperling masterfully pulls back the curtain allowing us into the daily lives and attitudes, of this seemingly normal American family.
I especially enjoyed the rural setting with large acreages, houses, farms, barns, secret places, hidden spaces, and three mysteries to unravel. This story centers around Lisbet (namesake for her grandmother Elisabet). Ignored by most of the family, Lisbet has an amazing relationship with her five-year-old granddaughter Greta. As a loving, protective grandmother, the local new is most disturbing. Let me bring you into the first of three mysteries to unravel.
…That evening Lisbet stared into the refrigerator, trying to figure out what to put together for a light supper when Roger hailed her from the living room, where he was watching the six-o’clock news.
…The newscaster said, “Kenzie is four years old, with short, ginger-colored hair and blue eyes. She is wearing blue jeans and a pink windbreaker.”
…Roger shook his head. “She vanished from the greenhouse about three this afternoon. She’s what? The fourth or fifth kid who’s been snatched.”
… “Mom and I were there right before it happened. Good Lord! I do wish they’d catch that bastard.” She shivered, feeling ill at the thought of what the girl’s parents must be going through. The phone rang, and she answered it in the kitchen, certain it was her mother, upset by the abduction.
…It was, and they discussed the crime at some length. Doris said, in conclusion, “I don’t remember any local kids being kidnapped until recently. And no cougars or timberwolves were roaming around here when I was growing up. This whole area is going to hell.” “So, it seems.” Lisbet hung up, saddened that the region was no longer the safe wilderness paradise it had once been.
It is Lisbet’s quest to uncover family secrets, that leads her, Greta, and other family members into dangerous territory. This family saga will keep you turning the page, reflecting on your family tree, and childhood experiences will lead you to an unpredictable conclusion.
Author Sandra Sperling brings her life experiences and creativity from Nevada, Minnesota, to Kentucky where she enjoys taking nature walks, refinishing old furniture, and reading. Sandra writes contemporary family fiction giving us ‘Elisabet’s Will’, contemporary women’s fiction with ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Spouse Removal, a thriller suspense novel with ‘Snowmelt: Dealing With Betrayal’ and humor (satire) with ‘A Few Trivial Felonies’. I look forward to reading more novels from Sandra Sperling in the future.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Susan S.- VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Great Read!!! Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2022. Verified Purchase. I’m not quite ready to cast aside the world Sperling created in ‘Elisabet’s Will,’ as her characters almost immediately popped off the page and became actual people. Some of them, I’ve felt like I’ve known or would like to know, a couple others – not so much. This is a carefully crafted work, both in terms of characters and plot. After first reading the list of characters, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep them straight, but Sperling does a masterful job at helping the reader along, and soon I was able to allay my fear. With stunning realism, we enter the daily routines of two sides of a fractured family in rural Minnesota. We smell their much believed coffee, see their refurbished couches, barns, and enter their steamy saunas. More than one mystery ensues.
My favorite characters are Lisbet, a young grandmother, and Greta – her five year-old grand- daughter. They make quite a team. Conversation between the two is full of warmth and wit. Greta prefers her grandma’s company more than anyone else’s. While Lisbet encourages Greta’s love of fairies—and hence her imagination—she also cautions the child about cougars loose in the area, as well as a kidnapper.
Throughout the book, we wonder, along with Lisbet, why she continues to be shunned by part of her family. Why is Dennis so despicable? What had happened to cause such a rift in the family? Does the title—Elisabet’s Will—refer to Lisbet’s grandmother’s will, or rather, the strength of will (sisu) shown by so many of these mostly good and decent people?
This is a novel of family relationships – of deep love and wide divisions. Humor offsets extreme difficulties. The ending is extremely satisfying, as justice is served. Also, the future for Lisbet is a hopeful one. I’m looking forward to reading other novels by this talented author!
Review by MK Alexander: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Slow burn to a fantastic finale. Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2022. Verified Purchase. Somewhere near Hibbing, Minnesota, what remains of a large and proud family sees its final demise. We are thrust into the rural life of these descendants of Finns, three generations at least, and we come to know their daily, sometimes rather humdrum lives. There is much more beneath the surface though: good people on one side of the family, and on the other, lurks the banality of evil.
The story centers around the book’s namesake Elisabet, and her courageous granddaughter Greta. At five years old, she is wise beyond age. Around them swirl the rest of the family in close proximity, namely at nearby farms and houses out in the middle of nowhere.
The story begins as a desolate Minnesota winter gives way a tenuous spring, and a brief but significant summer as we are treated to the minute details of the many characters’ lives. Author Sandra Sperling’s simple prose make this a pleasure to read; small details accrue, clues to the larger mystery gain momentum and lead to a devastating climax.
Review by Mark Schultz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An amazing story! Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2022. Verified Purchase. Oh, mylanta! This is an amazing story about several generations of one family in Minnesota. The story started slow for me. But I am so glad I kept reading. The author weaves a startling and clear tapestry about the depths of depravity some people in a family can sink to while other members of the same family remain normal. There are a lot of people in this family and many of them play an important part and all wonder what happened to the will of the matriarch, Elisabet.
This story has wonderful texture! The author has woven so many details about their daily lives and activities into the story that I feel like I know them all very closely. The intimacy is extraordinary and wonderfully portrayed.
I love this story about family life and you will too. “Elisabet’s Will” gets 5 stars from me!
Review by R Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great read! Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2022. Verified Purchase. Sandra Sperling’s 3rd book really knocked it out of the park. Elisbabet’s Will is a hold your breath family sage . Some of the characters will remind you of your own family and glad some of them don’t . It will leave you wondering if you have an old witch in your family tree. or even worse . Sperling’s book is a wonderful adventure . Great read!
Review by Mary Kay: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun to read of Minnesota since I’m originally from there. Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2022. I was gifted via a friend Ms. Sperling’s new novel. She has done it again. Sandra Sperling’s “Elisabet’s Will” is such an interesting read and since I’m originally from Minnesota and know the areas she writes about it’s extra fun.
As with her other novels there are so many little bits of knowledge from ideas about food to healing teas to crystals. The lovely relationship is such a special one between Grandma Lisbet and Greta. It touches your heart. I like Sperling’s novels because she writes of intelligent, strong women who no matter what they have lived through or are presently going though they triumph because of their strength.
There’s several lives involved in this novel, and they all intertwine coming to a surprise ending. This is another reason why I like Ms. Sperling’s novels. They are full of twists and turns but all tie together in the end.
Product Details: Paperback: 395 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 28, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Contemporary Family Saga) Fiction (Contemporary Family Suspense) Fiction: (Family Life)
A Few Trivial Felonies: How many will these ladies commit? by Sandra Sperling.
Rachel suffers burnout from her job as a counselor. When Nick, her husband, is forced to take early retirement due to health issues, she’s delighted to quit her job and move from Minnesota to coastal Oregon. Even with Nick’s reduced pension, they have enough to live on without her returning to work.
Rachel becomes friends with Ruth, her next-door-neighbor, whose much older husband is also retired. They both yearn for ocean views, which they would have if only a few trees on the wooded acreage to the west of them were cut down. So, with an old lumberman’s saw, an ax and a chainsaw, they do just that, carefully concealing the evidence of the logging venture, their first crime.
It would likely have been their last, but Nick’s health takes a turn for the worse, and he passes away, which will bring an end to the pension income. Although Rachel has an excellent resume, there are no job openings in the area, so she’ll have to sell out and move. Neither she nor Ruth want that, but they need some extra cash. Organized crime, with its kidnapping, murder and drug dealing, falls beneath their somewhat twisted ethical standards.
They choose, instead, to become free-lance criminals and commit only a few trivial felonies.
Review by Susan S.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Poignant Fictionalized World Full of Surprises! Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023. Verified Purchase. Every time I finish one of Sandra Sperling’s novels, I proclaim that I’ve just read my favorite one. Seriously, if you haven’t read one of her books, now is the time. She’s one of the wittiest storytellers out there. The humor in these pages, especially as the plot unfolds, becomes laugh-out-loud funny. There’s a certain gallows humor that I’ve always appreciated in Sandra’s writing. Her characterizations are brilliant, and her storylines—despite the crazy capers of some of the characters (particularly the female ones)—are incredibly credible and relatable.
Rachel and Ruth, neighbors in a small town off the coast of Oregon, bond over their roots in Minnesota. While the men in their lives are certainly nice enough, neither are the pictures of robust health; both women are unfulfilled and long for something more. Rachel has retired at the age of forty-one from a career as a child-welfare counselor. Her burnout soon gives way to boredom, following her move. Then there’s Ben, an attractive English teacher, who rents a cottage from Rachel and her husband. He’s married, but his wife is in a coma.
The plot thickens, but not in a predictable way. It isn’t long before Ruth and Rachel’s worlds are turned upside down—and boredom is barely remembered. Ruth become Rachel’s life coach—of sorts—and teaches her how to make ends meet after Rachel suffers a significant loss.
Like many of Sperling’s other female characters, Ruth and Rachel are smart and resourceful. They become even more so when they turn to each other for help. While the female characters sometimes come close to being super-heroes, there’s one who’s far from it. Vivian, a neighbor of Ruth and Rachel, lives in a trailer with her teenage son. She dyes her hair ‘rhubarb red’ and goes on a man-hunt like no other. Also, she envies the two other women because they have men in their lives. Ruth and Rachel try their best to keep her at more than arm’s length, though ultimately they see—despite their differences—that they share a common bond: they’re all just trying to survive. As Rachel proclaims to Ruth at one point: “A woman’s got to do, what a woman’s got to do.”
Sandra Sperling is as wise as she is witty. Her fictionalized world is both poignant and full of surprises. High praise for all her books, and especially this prize winning one!
Review by MK Alexander: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Delightful, Delicious, and Devilish. Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2020. Verified Purchase. Meet Minnesota Nice: Rachel and Ruth… they could be sisters, but best friends will do when they meet each other in a quiet little tourist town called Crusty Beach. Nestled somewhere along the Oregon coast, these two protagonists live a sort of early retirement. Husbands? Well, in a way— they are not much more than plot devices— something I found quite refreshing.
Also meet Vivian who lives in the trailer across the street. Not nice and not from Minnesota. She’s a struggling single-mom, blatantly criminal, and single-minded: survival at any cost. A dark reflection for Rachel and Ruth.
Life goes on and is seemingly mundane: shopping, cooking, cleaning and redecorating— all wonderfully described by author Sandra Sperling with wit, wisdom and humor; a lot of humor that’s subtle and satisfying— and not snarky in the least.
And then the law must be bent, slightly. Needless to say things escalate when their only goal becomes survival. Soon enough felonies abound and the reader is doubtless rooting their every move. Often hilarious, I enjoyed this book immensely. Breezy prose, good dialog, and excellent characters. I strongly recommend it!
Review by Oleander Whisper: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Felonious Preponderances and Shameless Kleptomaniacs. Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2021. Verified Purchase. Inedible wieners, mobile homes, verminous-looking couches, and questionable garage sales fill these pages with all sorts of unexpected scenes. Vivian’s short list of eligible men keeps dwindling by the day, and several of her actions prove what suffocating desperation can drive some people to eventually do. Driftwood carvings of the Virgin Mary turn out to be funnier than they sound, and pruning trees with firearms can be broadly described as “property enhancement techniques” by these strong Minnesota women.
I did encounter just a few scattered typographical errors, but this book flows smoothly with a constant air of levity. The overlapping storylines cleverly highlight the humor that often exists in the mundane monotony of life. The expenses of unforeseen dental work, frustrations over stolen lettuce, and predicted values of refinished furniture pieces seem somewhat tame compared to covert corpse dumps and “the inflatable man” of the manor! I recommend this comical read to mature audiences who enjoy plots destined to find a way to test what’s morally acceptable.
Review by Mary Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Trivial Felonies. Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2020. Verified Purchase. Trivial felonies aside, this book was funny as all get out with the right amount of real life levity thrown in for good measure. The twist at the end took me by surprise. Five stars.
Review by J.G. MacLeod – Author of The Future Bride: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Witty, fast-paced, and entertaining! Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021. I think comedy is truly underrated. It’s a difficult genre to write, but when it is successful, it provides a needed escape from day-to-day stresses. I appreciate Sandra Sperling’s ability to make me laugh throughout this story.
I found the characters relatable. The premise was also realistic. Many of us live check-to-check, or don’t have savings to lean on when things suddenly take a turn for the worse. This sets up the foundation for the comedy: the fact that I empathized with the characters and have been in tight situations myself. Not that I have done anything like the people in the book, but it helps that I understand their survival instincts.
The story reminded me of the highly-successful Netflix series, Good Girls, but this book had completely different motivations and crimes. I mention this to point out that dark humor, strong female characters, and the bonds of ‘sisterhood’, lend themselves to themes that make for a compelling novel. Sperling has crafted just that.
I found the pace quick, and the dialogue witty. I highly recommend this entertaining read. You won’t be disappointed!
Product Details: Paperback: 292 Pages Publisher: Sandra M. Sperling (April 23, 2020) Language: English Humor and Satire
Snowmelt: Dealing With Betrayal by Sandra Sperling.
Ann Bergquist returns to Selden, Minnesota at the time of spring snowmelt to meet with her former best friend who is dying and wishes to clear her conscience. Although uneasy about the visit, Ann must nonetheless come to terms with their troubled past before feeling secure enough to try for the child she and her husband desire. She has to learn the truth about Shelly, whose malicious actions severed the friendship between Ann and Gina. Things are not as they appear, however, and the suspense inexorably spirals up to an explosive climax.
Review by Mary Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Betrayal knows no boundaries. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023. Verified Purchase. Betrayal knows no boundaries, indeed. Betrayal costs the betrayed a large portion of their life and happiness. This novel by Sperling exemplifies how a single instance of betrayal can, and does, become a snowstorm of sorts. It’s not enough to be betrayed. One is affected life long. Betrayal can cause a woman to do her best not to have children out of fear, even though she loves her husband. Betrayal causes emotional, mental, and physical issues in the one betrayed. To read what betrayal did to Ann, in this novel, you will have to read the book as the levels of betrayal affect others in various ways life long. Tragic and 5 shiny gold stars.
Review by Mary Kay: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Snowmelt kept me up into the night wanting to know how it was going to end. Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2018. I received Ms. Sperling’s “Snowmelt” as a gift and couldn’t put it down. The author has a way of making you want to know what’s going to happen to Ann, the main character of the novel. You begin by being introduced to Ann as a little girl and travel with her through adulthood, and you care about her. I’ve always felt a truly good author makes you truly care about the main person in the novel, and Ms. Sperling accomplished that so well. When Ann goes through the betrayal and difficulties, you genuinely feel her pain and wants what’s best for her. I recommend this book and eagerly await the next novel Ms. Sperling gives us.
Review by Evelyn Raida: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I didn’t see it coming! Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2019. One of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. The characters and plot were so compelling that I truly didn’t want to quit reading.
The Beginner’s Guide To Spouse Removal by Sandra Sperling.
When Merry Mitchell discovers that her husband is hiding assets in preparation to dumping her for a younger woman, she is filled with hurt and rage. Having toiled her way up from poverty, she will do nearly anything to avoid being poor again. She considers an immediate divorce, but quickly realizes that with her sons now of age, she won’t get the house or enough of a settlement to allow her to continue her pleasant life style. After several efforts to save the marriage, she gives up, deciding that her husband must die. Merry’s ideas for spouse removal are limited by the sophisticated methods of detection used by law officials. She wracks her mind to find a method that is both undetectable and supposedly accidental. And, to assuage her troublesome conscience, the attempt must give him a sporting chance of survival. How should she do it…
Review by Mary Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Murder. Could you? Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2023.Verified Purchase. Murder. Murder your cheating husband who stashed away huge chunks of assets to deceive you and thus receiving hardly any support money wise? I laughed hard in many places. Sperling has a funny, sad, romantic, murder in thought, but really? I would not murder my husband, but he’d be paying me the big bucks!
Review by Lee Cluff: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Beginners guide to spouse removal. Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2023. Verified Purchase Fun read. I live in Virginia MN. and could relate to some areas in the book. I read in couple of days. I will read more of her books.
Review by Larry Landgraf: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Spouse Removal: A Woman’s Guide to Murder! (LOL) Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020. Verified Purchase. The Beginner’s Guide to Spouse Removal by Sandra Sperling is a well-written and well-edited novel about two young gals, Merry and Nell, who are best friends who grow in a life where everything is a struggle. Merry’s dad deserted the family when she was young and her mother had a hard time making ends meet.
As Merry grows older, she vows to never be poor again. She and Nell work hard to start their hairstyling business, going to school while just barely scraping by to make ends meet. They are successful and eventually marry and have kids. Their husbands are also best friends.
Nell’s husband dumps her and leaves her penniless when he stashes assets and Nell gets little in the divorce. Then, Merry suspects her husband is going to do the same. But she has a plan… not a very well-thought-out plan, but a plan nevertheless. She is going to keep an eye on their assets, kill her husband to make it look like an accident to collect double-indemnity on their insurance policy, and live happily ever after.
Well, this sounds like a good plan but Merry finds that it is much more difficult to carry out than she thought. I’m not going to spoil the ending for you. You’ll have to read this humorous story yourself to find out what happens. This is a great read and you won’t want to miss it. I highly recommend The Beginner’s Guide to Spouse Removal.
Review by Paul Falk, Author/Reviewer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A story of one person’s struggle for survival. Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019. Verified Purchase. Off to a running start, from page one, the author created a storyline that tugged at my every heart string. The main character, Merry Kessler, was defined with crystal clear clarity. The narrative succeeded in bombarding me with nonstop twists and turns. With every passing scene, I soon discovered there’d be no turning my head away – my kind of read! With no reservation, I recommend this well-written book.
Growing up in a small Minnesota town, I came to bear witness to the tumultuous life and times of Merry. Held prisoner through a life of poverty was all she had known growing up as a child. Humiliated by her peers, she’d been sent off to school in nothing more than rags.
Having attained adolescence, she was obsessed with the realization that enduring a life in the poorhouse would no longer be part of her future. It was time for change.
She’d do whatever it would take to leave her wretched existence behind. It would be her primary goal well into adulthood. Pity the person who would get in her way.
Review by Ralph Peterson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Funny, charming and a bit scary… I loved it! Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2018. Verified Purchase. To say I truly enjoyed this book would be an understatement. It was fun and charming and a bit scary… My favorite line, and one that I think sums up the authors ability to tell a great story is this: “Although the local snakes and alligators offered unique possibilities for the elimination of my husband, I did not want to be responsible for my mother-in-laws collapse.” How could you not want to keep reading? If you are looking for a fun, quick, lighthearted read, this is it.
Review by Mary Kay: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Beginner’s Guide keeps you guessing right up to the end. Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2017. Verified Purchase. One of the important parts of writing a book or novel is to be able to create a lead character with whom the reader cares about and develops feelings for. Ms. Sperling is able to do just that in her book. You care about Merry and her life and what she goes through. The author has a wonderful way of keeping you involved in Merry’s life experiencing all of the emotions and also keeps you guessing what’s going to happen right to the very end.
Review by Judy Mastin: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved her sense of humor throughout. Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2017. Verified Purchase. Sandra’s imagination went above and beyond in this book. it holds your interest from the first page. i read it in seven hours. loved her sense of humor throughout. the ending was not what i expected. hope she writes another one soon. she’s on my list of favorite authors.
About The Author: Sandra Sperling was born in Nevada and began her creative life in Minnesota, where, as a child, she wrote a play and a short story.
Eventually, she attempted a horror novel, but it didn’t horrify. Her mother, while reading the manuscript, began to laugh helplessly and leaned against a door for support, sliding to the floor like a piece of cooked spaghetti.
Deciding she was a failure as a writer, Sandy switched to painting dry-brush watercolors. The pull to write, however, was too strong to resist, so while still in Minnesota, she again began to write, publishing some short stories and advancing to novels.
She currently lives in Kentucky with her husband, she enjoys taking nature walks, refinishing old furniture and reading.
How dark do you like your fiction? Are the terrors of day-to-day life enough? Or does it take the creature hidden in the dark woods to stir your blood? Perhaps, a visit back in time to face the Wendigo will quench your thirst? Fairies are sweet, gentle creatures…right? Are you brave enough to turn the page? Don’t close your eyes or cut out the lights! ‘Possum Stew is a collection of short stories from multi-award winning paranormal and dark fiction author David W. Thompson. Beginning with the New Year, it follows the seasons through all the major holidays. From dark tales inspired by ancient mythology to those flavored with cutting edge technology, they provide dark fiction treats that are impossible to forget. So how much spectral spice do you desire? You’ll find it here.
Review by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite:5 Stars! ‘Possum Stew by David W. Thompson is a collection of spine-tingling, chilling short stories. It starts with the New Year vampire and a story is told for all the big holidays. Dark tales of ancient spirits and mythology, fairies, vampires, and more, all dark, all twisted, and all unforgettable. Miriam is a sweet young girl – until she marries Connor, who changes her ‘life’ forever. Nina and Benjamin have the perfect marriage, swearing they will never leave each other. Nelson goes hunting for a gobbler for Easter dinner but finds more than he bargained for. Kate heads out on her boat after an argument with her mom and soon runs into trouble but help comes from an unexpected quarter. Immerse yourself in these and other dark tales but don’t turn out the light, don’t close your eyes, and dare to turn another page.
‘Possum Stew by David W Thompson is a great collection of short horror and supernatural stories. Every story offers you something completely different from the last one, some sending shivers down your spine, some plunging you deep into a horror-filled chasm. Every story has been carefully crafted to draw you in and hold your attention and each revolves around a particular holiday. Some stories will have you questioning your own sanity and some, well, you won’t be able to tell if the story is real or just a dream in the protagonist’s mind. David is clearly talented with a gift for inviting you into his stories, letting you experience the terror and the horror for yourself. This is Stephen King meets the Twilight Zone head-on and the result is a fantastic mix of stories that will keep you entertained and hooked all the way through.
In a post-apocalyptic world, teen-aged Jeremy rushes to come of age even as the addict Morgan tries to reclaim his lost manhood and forgotten humanity. Jeremy’s sister Alicia is a young girl with a teddy bear under her arm…and the heart of a lion beating in her chest.
The monsters are all too real, both the human ones and the perversions of man. In the old world’s rubble, an ancient legend inspires a new hero to rise, but will our intrepid trio survive until his emergence?
Call of the Falconer is a dystopian novella creating a new mythology, as the forgotten of society become its heroes.
Review By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite: 5 Stars! “Call of the Falconer by David W. Thompson is a post-apocalyptic story set in a future United States of America. It begins with a perfect storm of things going wrong, that ultimately results in the collapse of civilization as we know it. I am usually more optimistic about how the world will turn out, but having said that, I liked Call of the Falconer. It starts out kind of dark and grim. There’s no denying that. But let’s face it. The darker things are in the beginning of a tale, the more heroic the protagonist has to be in order to overcome all obstacles and set things right. You will find no better setting in which a hero needs to arise than this world created by David W. Thompson.
I liked the setting in which Call of the Falconer takes place. It is grim and gritty, but it is very recognizable as the result of mistakes being made in our world today. I found it very believable that some of our friends and neighbors would sink this low in a difficult, lawless time. I also found it just as believable that some people will rise above the chaos and restore human dignity and civilization. I like David W. Thompson’s writing. It fits the tone of this kind of story. I also liked the characters. Jeremy has to endure a lot at a very young age but he is motivated by his intrinsically good nature and his love for his little sister, Alicia. He has the memory of a good strong father and a loving, practical mother to sustain him. The plot, evolves around this, and I found it very believable in this fantastic setting. Call of the Falconer is a five-star read in this particular genre.”
“In the tradition of Moby Dick, Ulysses (& many by Stephen King), “Call of the Falconer’s” 1st person narrator bares his soul as he shares his emotional journey. Chapters alternate using the mysteries of a 3rd person point of view for the insights of our wannabe hero (perhaps anti-hero…) and the assembled cast of villains. All chapters are clearly marked with the character’s name to avoid confusion.”
From The Author: There’s a fair chance that readers have seen the word “new” used in the descriptions for this new release… and it is. I think you will find it is a different take on a terrifying new genre- dystopian/ post-apocalyptic. That said, it’s a new direction for me as an author as well. Historical paranormal tales are my usual fare and standard offering.
“Call of the Falconer” is my first novella and my first foray into this exciting new genre. I tried to envision different end-times scenarios and alternate dangers- both human and environmental in origin. I hope you will enjoy the reading, as much as I did, writing it. Thank you.
Product Details: Series: The Falconer (Book 1) Paperback: 74 Pages Fiction (Dystopian) Science Fiction (Superhero) Mythology and Folk Tales
Haunted Southern Maryland (Haunted America) by David W. Thompson.
Take a journey to the dark side of Southern Maryland, one of the most haunted spots in America, and visit with the ghosts and otherworldly specters of the area.
Southern Maryland is one of the most haunted spots in America. From pre-colonial settlements to modern times, the tales of every era of its history are often dark and sometimes bloody. Brave readers will meet the many otherworldly specters that loved the area too much to leave, like the spirit of the witch Moll Dyer or the nun reclaiming her ancestral home. Learn the haunted history of Sotterley Plantation and the stories of the ghosts that remained after the Civil War. Author David W. Thompson takes the reader on a spooky journey through Southern Maryland’s long history.
Product Details: Part of: Haunted America (371 Books) Paperback: 112 Pages Supernaturalism Ghosts and Hauntings Mysteries (Unexplained)
Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer by David W. Thompson.
Legends of the Family Dyer Book 1.
Moll Dyer prays she can leave her troubles behind when she immigrates to the new world, but a paranormal threat grows, and soon follows her across the ocean to Maryland. Colonial life in the Old-Line state was tough on both man and woman.
Hunger, disease, Indian attacks, and drought tested the resolve of the settlers daily, but troubles for the Dyers included the threat of a succubus on a mission!
Will the demonic call initiated by her family prove too much to resist as she labors to rebuild her life in a distant land?
The legend of Moll Dyer originated in earliest colonial Maryland. Despite 300 years of civilization, and scientific reason, Moll’s name is still often heard there, especially around campfires late at night, or as a warning to misbehaving little people.
Her spirit is often seen as a wisp of unnatural fog in the swampy woodlands near her homestead, with her half wolf companion at her side. This is her story.
Review from Red Headed Book Lover Blog: “Sister Witch has an outlandish, brave plot, enthralling characters and an incredibly well thought out backstory that will keep the reader wanting to read for hours on end. The plot of this novel is something I never read or heard of before, it reads like a movie, piecing together myth with historical accounts of the time and seamlessly integrates into one book of intrigue… If you are looking for a historical fiction read that is unlike anything you have read… a read that will keep you entertained for hours on end – then this sensational book is for you! 5 stars from me!
Review by TCK Pub: “a knack for crafting clear, yet engaging prose with a suitably historical feel, and we immediately want to know Moll’s story.”
Review by Michelle Randall for Readers’ Favorite: “This is definitely a story everyone should read.”
Review by Romuald Dzemo for Reader’s Favorite: 5 Stars! “Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer (Legends of the Family Dyer) by David Thompson is a paranormal tale with a dark edge, a story that powerfully demonstrates the irresistible pull of evil and allows the reader to follow one woman’s journey as she struggles to find a suitable response to her family’s evil and mysterious legacy.
There is a darkness that whispers through the narrative, a sense of the tragic that is both unsettling and attractive…gripping and pulsating.”
From The Author: Sister Witch is my first full length novel. It is inspired by a historical figure’s life- a sordid tale that’s been near and dear to my heart since the campfires of my youth. Some of the greatest tales I’ve known, I first heard there.
Moll Dyer led a tragic life and was cast as a pariah for her non-conformance. After 300 years, perhaps we are finally able to shine the light of reason on the horrors done to her. Stare them in the eye and plead for forgiveness. This seems to be the case, and I thank my loyal readers for making Sister Witch the winner of the Golden Quill award for fantasy and the winner of the Ed/Pred poll for Magical Realism. I’m confident that Moll would be pleased.
Product Details: Paperback: 263 Pages Fantasy (Paranormal and Urban) Fiction (Historical)
The demonic force that’s cursed the Dyer family for generations has returned even stronger! Defeated by Moll Dyer a century earlier, the demon Laris lays claim to another Dyer child. Homesteading on Devil’s Peak, skin-walking shaman John Dyer must fight to save his bloodline. Can the Dyers stand against the horrific desires of a centuries old demon?
Can their faith in each other overcome the evil pitted against them?
This historically accurate epic follows John- scion of the Dyer family, and the great-great grandson of the venerable Moll Dyer– in his quest for a new life, and a place to settle down and call home. The fates conspire against the Dyers, and only their sorely tested faith in each other can overcome the evil set-in place against them.
Review by Literary Titan: 5 STARS! “Ada is not a normal woman of her time. She has been on the road with her father Reverend Hartman, after her mother was killed by savages in the west, since she was just a young girl. She has never met a man or found a place that made her want to have a homestead. That is until she meets John a mysterious half breed with the shamanic lineage. John has also spent most of his childhood on the road with his father learning the shamanic path, forever he thought he would live and die alone. When they meet each other, their world would be forever changed!
Unfortunately, John and Ada`s relationship attracts a lot of attention. Ada`s father is unsupportive, life constantly has other plans, friends make terrible choices and John and Ada`s relationship pay the price, oh and a few demons decide to throw in some obstacles.
When I first started reading His Father`s Blood, I had no idea that I was going to be so thoroughly sucked in. What really pulled the character and the story together was how accurate the history used in the book was. The style in which the fantasy and historical fiction come together was well written.
This book was attention grabbing, and thrilling. My Fathers Blood Book 2 Legends of the Family Dyer has definitely made it to my top 10 best books of this year, and I read a lot! It is a good book if you want something a little shorter, fantasy like, and is written for a young adult crowd. I would recommend this book to any one of my friends. “
Review by H.M. Gooden:5 Stars. It was amazing! “Once again, the author has done a masterful job combining history and the supernatural. At every turn you feel inspired and betrayed by the nature of humans and their ability to ruin things for true love. A family legend and the ultimate fight of good versus evil, I cannot wait for the next book in this series!”
Reviewed By Melinda Hills for Readers’ Favorite: “The present is not kind to Indian half-breed John Dyer when demons from his past catch up to him in His Father’s Blood which is Book 2 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series by David W. Thompson. Trying to make a living and keep out of everyone’s way doesn’t work when John hears the cries of a young slave woman who is being attacked by white men. He is duty bound to step in and rescue her, but that leaves him prey for the men who don’t appreciate being interrupted. John manages to escape when he calls his animal familiar, a giant black bear. Finally settling on Devil’s Peak across the Maryland boarder in Virginia, John seems to have made peace with his past and present and is happy to lead a simple life.
Things end up out of control again as Sally Ann, an unusual young woman from the local town, sees what John can do and asks to learn his ways. Against his better judgement, John teaches Sally Ann basic healing remedies but after she finds his secret book, she demands to learn more. In the meantime, John meets Ada, the daughter of the traveling minister, and falls in love. Knowing that he is unacceptable to her father because of his heritage and abilities, he tries to stay away, but Ada’s love for him will not allow that. John’s life is not going to be easy, though, and things spiral out of control again. Will he ever be able to have a normal life?
Engaging, wonderfully written and full of interesting contrasts, His Father’s Blood by David W. Thompson gains your attention on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. With a poignant comparison between good and bad on multiple levels, including the contrast of Christian practices and shamanism that can be used for good or evil, you experience plenty of thought-provoking ideas. The paranormal mystery is offset by a love story, but the pasts of all the characters also play a significant role in how they behave today, setting the stage for the action. His Father’s Blood is an excellent story and can be read alone, but since it is Book 2 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series, you might enjoy it more starting at the beginning with Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer, the story of John’s great-great-grandmother.”
Series Review by Cyn Ley: Sister Witch and His Father’s Blood (Legends of the Family Dyer). “David Thompson’s two volumes of the Legends of the Family Dyer are both intriguing and poignant. The Old Ways and the New clash in surprising ways, as wild and unpredictable as the new country in which they occur. For the Family Dyer, loyalty brings great love and great tragedy at a time when the rawness and fragility of life clung to those who had long lived on the land, and those who were pushing them back. SISTER WITCH and HIS FATHER’S BLOOD bring a past time to life, and we feel it as naturally as if we were walking in the character’s very shoes. Spells, demons, and ghosts adorn these pages, and we come to know their natures as well as we come to know Nature itself. Whatever their motives, they are true to themselves, and the same cannot be said of the world of men.”
GoodReads Reviewer: It was amazing! A wonderful story! “I am so happy that this Author wrote this story. It is one of the books I will always remember.”
From The Author: As the reader may know from “Sister Witch” (1st in the series), the legend of Moll Dyer has always intrigued me. I found myself unable (or unwilling) to let go of the characters from book one. Thus, “His Father’s Blood” follows one of Moll’s descendants a century later.
One local mythology about Moll indicates she had a son (or at least a younger family member). This son is purported to have followed the Potomac to the north, as did many native tribes in the area. From there, “His Father’s Blood” incorporates many of the myths and histories from that region. I hope you enjoy it!
Product Details: Paperback: 251 Pages Fantasy (Historical) Fantasy (Paranormal and Urban)
Sons and Brothers continues the tradition of its award-winning predecessors in the “Legends of the Family Dyer” trilogy.
This third installment, although stand-alone, follows the descendants of the accused 17th century witch, Moll Dyer. Another century has passed and divergent family lines are reunited. Two cousins from different backgrounds, Garren and Brodie, meet at a camp in the Potomac highlands. One hails from the flatlands of Southern Maryland; the other calls the mountains of West Virginia home.
The Dyer family’s ancestral foe, the dark entity Laris, doesn’t care where they came from because he knows who they came from. Disguising his intentions, he has one last chance to complete Lilith’s demonic hit. Three friends oppose the ancient evil: Anna—a hesitant Native American spiritualist, Lenore—a teenager discovering shape-shifting abilities, and Garren—a regular teenage guy with too much to lose…and plenty to gain.
The terrors of the past are revisited and the corruption of the past seeps into the present. The friends embark on a life and death challenge with help from Anna’s spirit guide. All three, a “hero triumvirate,” embrace their newfound talents in an attempt to save their loved ones from the encroaching darkness. In this often bloody and heart wrenching tale, dark family secrets are revealed, temptation is embraced and the circle of life is renewed.
Does love conquer hate? Should some truths remain untold? Can some sins not be forgiven? What would you do?
Review From Prairies Book Reviews: A gratifying read… “The third installment in Legends of the Family Dyer follows the descendants of accused 17th century witch, Moll Dyer and see cousins, Garren and Brodie, fall prey to Laris’s sinister darkness. Their only chance is Garren’s spiritual friend Anna, the shape-shifter Lenore, and Bridget. But will the trio succeed before the demon completes Lilith’s demonic hit? Thompson writes with passion, and he is as adept at depicting profound emotions of loss, grief, and love as he is at conceiving a dark world infused with evil. The characterization shines as Thompson’s characters fight their inner dilemmas and tragedies from past. Thompson’s exploration of the darker side of supernatural along with the positive will inspire readers to look at his other works as well. A taut, gripping tale!”
Customer Review: 5 Stars. A Mystic Thriller! There are so many different aspects to this book, from family sagas to magical realms and science fiction to modern fantasy. If you are looking for a book that gives you more than one genre, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this book. I could give this book to most of my friends who like different types of books, and they all could find something they enjoy in this story.
Well, I really enjoyed this book. The author writes at a lovely leisurely pace and yet the story builds and builds until you’re on the end of your seat towards the end. Great read!”
Product Details: Paperback: 290 Pages Fantasy (Paranormal and Urban) Fantasy (Dark)
About David W. Thompson: David W. Thompson is an award-winning author, a native of Southern Maryland, and a graduate of University of Maryland, University College. David’s love of the written word began early in life. He claims his first writing effort was “Dick and Jane” fan fiction when he was six years old- no doubt with a dark twist!
After his family and cheesecake, reading was his first love. It exposed him to people, cultures and ideas he’d never experience otherwise. Writing was a natural extension of this “out of body” experience as characters act as tour guides to their worlds, and their possibilities. He hopes to honestly convey the stories that they whisper in his ears.
When he isn’t writing, Dave enjoys time with his family and grandchildren, kayaking (mostly flat water please), fishing, hiking, archery, wine-making, and pursuing his other “creative passion”- woodcarving.
Blue Cove Mystery Series (12 Books) by Iona Morrison.
The Harvest Club by Iona Morrison.
Book 1 of 11: A Blue Cove Mystery.
Jessie Reynolds has no idea when she moves to Blue Cove, that she will be sharing her life with a ghost. A young pastor has been murdered, and Jessie finds herself following the trail of that death into the dark and deadly world of organ trafficking.
Jessie is soon introduced to the detective in charge of the case. Matt Parker is a tall, scruffy, ruggedly handsome man who takes an instant dislike to her and the feeling is mutual. He wants her out of his case and she finds herself entangled in it. The tension between them mounts and so does the attraction.
Review by ReNae Bowman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Must read!!! You won’t be disappointed!!!! Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2014. Verified Purchase. I just finished a new (and first) novel written by Iona Morrison; title “The Harvest Club”. Wow, what a great read!! I enjoyed every page of this mystery. My criteria for a good read are style, character, and plot development. Ms. Morrison’s clean, crisp writing style kept me turning pages and I was intrigued by the characters from the start. Plot development is tight and keeps you guessing all the way to the end.
The main character Jessie is a delight. It is great to see a strong woman character not painted as isolated and needy due to her strength. Always disappointing are the seemingly strong women characters that fall apart and in the end some guy comes in to rescue them. Wonderful to read a book where the female character is genuinely strong and the world doesn’t melt backwards into the 50’s!!
Throughout the book Jessie’s character never wavers, she is self-confident because of her personal convictions and ethics. Her curiosity and internal intelligence serve her well and guide her to the truth.
The setting, the plot and all the other characters are there for the reader to discover. Through her writing skill, Ms. Morrison transports you to Blue Cove and tells a story that will linger in your mind for a long time. I say Iona Morrison nailed it!!! I cannot wait until her next book.
Review by Judith Sterling: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fun read! Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2021. Verified Purchase. The Harvest Club is the first of the Blue Cove mysteries, and I loved it. I enjoyed following Jessie Reynolds in her search for a new life…and her search for answers in a sinister murder case that kept me guessing. There’s a lot of chemistry between her and Detective Matt Parker, and as the danger escalated, I was genuinely worried for them. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Review by Gutie G: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A real page turner. Fantastic first effort. Can’t wait for the next. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2014. Verified Purchase. The Harvest Club is a new novel from freshman author Iona Morrison. The story takes the heroine from the city to a sleepy little New England town for a well-needed change of pace. What she gets instead is involvement in intrigue, murder, international organ trafficking, romance, and visits by the local ghost. This narrative provides the thrills and plot lines that Americans have come to expect of a major motion picture. Morrison may be a humble secretary and pastor’s wife just beginning her career in literature, but she writes like a seasoned pro. Morrison weaves a suspenseful tale while investing the reader in the lives of the characters as skillfully as Patterson or Baldacci. Her second novel is due out next year. If it is anything like The Harvest Club, I can’t wait to devour it.
Review by Steven J Wunch: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Grabbed Me From The Get-Go! Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2015. Verified Purchase. I’m not much of a reader, and a book really has to grab my attention early, and keep it. This book did just that. Iona Morrison’s got a real way with telling the story of Jessie that makes you connect with her character from the get go. The relationship between Jessie and Matt is so well represented, I can’t wait to see what happens next. One specific thing I enjoyed is that Iona is able to marry a wholesome, Christian-like content with some paranormal activity – which for this reader was a big hit! I’m already half-way through her second novel “Not for Sale” and have to tell you – it’s better than Harvest Club. KUDOS to Iona Morrison, and here’s to the next several novels in her series!
Review by Margaret White: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I really liked this book. Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2018. Verified Purchase. I really liked this book, so much so I was sorry it ended. The characters are well written. And the plot had a lot of twists and turns. The ending was good too. I am not the best reviewer since I am not a great writer – maybe that’s why I like to read so much. I do have to say this book will not disappoint you and I have already purchased other books from this author that I can’t wait to begin.
Product Details: Paperback: 320 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Faery) (August 23, 2014) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
A desperate young girl cries out for help as she hides in terror, hoping against hope that someone might hear her. Jessie Reynolds does and finds herself caught up in an equally desperate search for Abigail. She has escaped human traffickers, but has no idea where she is, and Jessie must find her in time. She joins forces with Matt, the chief of police, and they discover that Abigail is only one of several kidnapped children.
Faced by a cold trail, they must rely on Jessie’s ability to hear Abigail’s thoughts, backed up by a tracking bloodhound. But the children mean big money and that brings murder and a hit man to Blue Cove to clean up the mess. Matt and Jessie grow closer as they are forced to work side by side but will they find Abigail in time? And will they, themselves, survive?
Review by Jo: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I cannot put these books down!!! Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016. Verified Purchase. This of course was an excellent book. I am now getting ready to start the 3rd book The Game Changer. I read the first two books quickly, because I could not put them down. I almost don’t want to start book 3, because book 4 is not for sale yet. I really hope this series continues on for a very long time. It has absolutely everything that interests me. It has a great Hero, a wonderful Heroine, and exceptional cast of supporting characters. Not too many to confuse the reader, just the right amount. This book is full of suspense, and has the little edge of supernatural that I look for when selecting a series to read. Nothing is overdone to the point you feel it is ridiculous. The stories are extremely well balanced, interesting and they really capture me. I feel like I am right there experiencing this in person. What an excellent writer Iona Morrison is. I am so glad that I found this series. Thank you, Amazon, for understanding the types of books I like, and making this book a recommendation for me to read.
Review by Judith Sterling: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Suspense and romance in Blue Cove! Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2021. Verified Purchase. This second book in the Blue Cove Mystery series is a suspenseful story which involves human trafficking, a scary subject to be sure! I was so nervous for the kidnapped children and anxious for the hero, heroine, and the heroic tracking bloodhound to find the kids and nail the perpetrators. A solid addition to the series!
Review by Diane: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another winner. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2015. Verified Purchase. A book I couldn’t put down, just like the first with these characters. And another social justice issue at the core of the story line. We’ve heard more and more about human trafficking, but usually about girls brought from third-world countries. This book addresses the market for American children, and that is way too close to home. It’s a reality people should be alert to. It’s sickens the spirit to think that fellow citizens can be sucked in to such evil. As far as Jessie and Matt are concerned, it’s a developing relationship based on character and chemistry, a refreshing and fun thing to watch and anticipate. Hoping for another Blue Cove mystery.
Review by Angel: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An enjoyable book. Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2016. Verified Purchase. I enjoyed the story. It has suspense, romance and even some paranormal activities going on within. What it doesn’t have is a lot of blood, sex and bad language which is a total turn off for me. It keeps you in suspense trying to find all the kidnapped children. I especially liked the bloodhound tracker. This book is sort of a continuation of the book ” The Harvest Club” which I also enjoyed. It’s a new story in a series…. same people, same town. I would suggest reading them in the order they were written.
Review by Cheryl: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another great read in the Blue Cove series! Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2015. Verified Purchase. Iona once again sets a heart-rending mystery in the quaint town of Blue Cove, as Jesse and Matt work together to put an end to an evil group of so-called businessmen. There is a real sense of desperation as they attempt to locate the pitiful victims in time to save their lives. Not only are her human characters charming and likeable, but the introduction of a loveable search and rescue dog is fun and informative. Iona calls our attention to serious ills of society in her books, and she gives us food for thought as well as entertaining. This is a definite must read!
Review by Steven J Wunch: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I’m a HUGE FAN! Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2015. Verified Purchase. After reading Iona Morrison’s first book, The Harvest Club, I couldn’t wait to get into Not For Sale. I’m half-way through it and am totally in love with the writing style, characters, situations, etc. Iona has a way of combining the paranormal with every day, wholesome characters and situations that has completely made me a HUGE fan. I’d recommend this book to anyone who has a penchant for the paranormal and loves a good mystery thriller! I even took it with me to Paris and had a read in the Luxembourg Garden during my July 2015 vacation!!
Product Details: Paperback: 354 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Fantasy Rose) (May 8, 2015) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Jessie is busy getting her new bookstore ready for its grand opening when deliveryman Evan Foster arrives with an order of books. To her shock, the suddenly distraught Evan tells her that he has seen her in a dream. She is the only person who can help him find his missing wife. Jessie calls her boyfriend Matt, the chief of police, and almost immediately, a picture of the abduction forms in her mind. Jessie is once more involved in a case.
Missing files, strange fetishes, and general chaos worry Matt, but when a note shows up in Jessie’s mail, they are off and running following the new clues. Three separate cases merge into one, which takes them from Blue Cove to Palm Springs. A kidnapping, a stalker, and illegal weapons converge with the dark arts of voodoo, pushing Matt and Jessie to their limits. They are running out of time as the dark perpetrator stalks Jessie.
Review by ReNae Bowman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great reading entertainment. Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016. Verified Purchase. I love the Blue Cove series. The books are difficult to put down because they are suspenseful and they move at a great pace. These are a fun, recreational reads that gives me the reader the opportunity to escape. I read the first two and loved them and love this one even more. From a crime perspective I love that Jessie is respected by the police and sheriff’s department although that is not her profession.
I love how Ms. Morrison provide us with background behind the crime fighting. I don’t know if it is true or not, but after reading this book, I taped over the camera on my home laptop. I am not the paranoid type, but the reason given in the book made sense to me. The characters are developed yet are still being revealed with each book. Jessie was ever more confident and mature as evidenced by the fact she only giggled once in this book.
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another exciting Blue Cove book from Iona Morrison. Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2016. Verified Purchase. Loved this third book of the series. Interesting take on the evil that can have a lot of power over people. The spying part scares me and they just did a story on the news about taping over the camera on your computer and how easy it is to hack in to spy on people. Love the development of the story between Jessie and Matt. Can’t wait for the next book! These are fast, exciting reads.
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great series. Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2016. Verified Purchase. This is the third book in the series, and I liked it as much as the other two. I know there are at least two more coming and I will anxiously await their arrival.
Review by rfred: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great story. Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2016. Verified Purchase. Very suspenseful. Good character development. A good book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, as were the previous two. Can’t wait for the next one!
Product Details: Paperback: 328 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Fantasy Rose) (June 29, 2016) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Jessie is enjoying an evening run; grateful her life is finally back to normal. Starting the incline toward home, a sudden terror grips her. Someone is watching her. She picks up her pace, but he’s hot on her heels—and he means to kill her. She narrowly manages to elude her pursuer and reach the safety of her house.
The first one she calls for help is the man she has grown to love, Matt Parker. Matt already has his hands full dealing with a notorious hitman who’s in the area and a thug who followed a visitor to Blue Cove. Now Jessie is in danger, and Matt will do anything to keep her safe. He can’t lose her now. When Matt becomes the target, it’s Jessie’s turn to help. She has a few surprises in store as a few ghostly friends come to her aid.
Review by Cheryl: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Blue Cove gripping mystery. Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2017. Verified Purchase. Ms. Morrison continues with her Blue Cove Mystery series with a suspenseful, spooky story that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Jessie continues to develop as an entertaining character with depth and a feeling of reality – I just want to get a cup of coffee next door and peruse the bookshop and discuss the new bestsellers with her! New characters, and Jessie’s developing abilities keep the story interesting – start at the beginning of the series to follow the development of the characters and relationships, but give this one a chance – Blue Cove is a good place to spend some time!
Review by Mary Nash: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great romantic mystery. Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. Romantic mystery with an excellent story line. Each one of the Blue Cove mysteries has a under lying story line that needs to be told and Iona tells them with plots that make you sit up and take notice.
Review by Peaches: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Action packed series. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019. Verified Purchase. I have loved this series. The twists, turns and dips. I like that there was action, and romance. I like that the romance was slow and sweet not in your face sex
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved it! Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2017. Verified Purchase. Iona did it again with this fast-paced plot with surprises and complexities. You never know quite what is coming next and how all the pieces are going to fall together. Beautifully written. Can’t wait till book #5!
Review by Sheila Hemingway: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Iona did it again, Blue Cove will never be the same again! Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2017. Verified Purchase. All through this book I kept rooting for Jessie and Matt to catch the murderers. This was a riveting read and I had a hard time putting it down!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another wonderful story. Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2017.Verified Purchase. Each book gets better and better. Can’t wait for the next one. Iona, keep writing. We are all reading your books.
Product Details: Paperback: 338 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Fantasy Rose) (January 25, 2017) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Trouble rears its head once again in Blue Cove and dashes straight into Jessie’s store in the person of a battered young woman fleeing her abusive spouse. Jessie finds herself pulled into another case as a body is discovered in the church dumpster, and the dead woman’s ghost takes up a vigil in Jessie’s place of business. Is the dead woman connected to the frightened and battered girl who took refuge in the store?
Matt and Jessie’s search for the killer leads them to their victim’s family, members of a strange religious group that lives off the grid outside of town. Add to the mix a crypt in the woods on a foggy night, Jessie’s abduction, a couple of angry and abusive husbands, and the resident ghost, and they will have their hands full solving this crime. Will Matt and Jessie’s love for each other keep them grounded until justice can be served?
Review by Peaches: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Is this the end. Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2019. Verified Purchase. Jess the smart journalist takes on all kind of social issues from organ harvesting, human trafficking. And child and spousal abuse. I definitely want more.
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another great read! Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2017. Verified Purchase. Iona did it again! This is another fun, fast moving, entertaining mystery. I love the character development and the twists and surprises in the plot. I can’t wait until the next one!
Reviews by Sheila Hemingway: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another amazing story in Blue Cove. Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. This is a romantic mystery! The character development makes you feel the characters are your friends. Jess is such a sweet girl and I can’t wait for Matt to pop the question.
Review by Mary Nash: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic series. Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2017. Verified Purchase. Absolutely love this series. I hope that the next one comes soon. Love and the paranormal at its best and I am already going through withdrawal.
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. They keep getting better. Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2017. Verified Purchase. I love these books. Sheets have to have the new one right when it comes out. I was not disappointed. Best one yet. Keep them coming!
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Timely subject Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2017. Verified Purchase. These books keep getting better and better! Loved it! This is a very important topic handled in an entertaining and inciteful manner.
Review by Mary H. Rosenblum: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Romantic Suspense at Its Best. Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017. Verified Purchase. Ghosts and strange powers…and a nice strong romance. What’s not to like?
Review by MaryLou Hoffman (VINE VOICE): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I LOVE BLUE COVE. Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2019. ONLY A SHADOW is the fifth book in the Blue Cove Mystery series. Though each will stand on its own, I support reading them all and in the order of release. For myself, this is the first book that I have read from Iona Morrison and I truly do wish I had the rest of the Blue Cove Mystery series. I love Jessie! I love Matt! I only wish the narrator were someone other than Nicole Blessing (aka the cure for insomnia).
What a fantastic story! It had suspense, action, ghosts, sweet babies, sweet romance, and fighting back against domestic abuse! Because some of the subject matter would be traumatic for younger children, I would hesitate to let the smaller ears listen in, but otherwise it is safe for the family.
As I said, this is the first book I have read, though it is the fifth in the series, but it is obvious that Matt and Jessie’s relationship has been slowly growing through these five books. I’ve joined at the right time! Sigh!! I love that he believes in her, even if he can’t see her ghosts. Their sparks are evident in every interaction and conversation. They also have a wonderful group of friends who add a tremendous layer of depth to the story and their lives.
Narration – 2 crowns: Narration is done by Nicole Blessing and I have only one more read by her in my library. I have made a concerted effort to clear these books from my files and I’m nearly there. Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via getfreeaudiobooks.com, my opinions are my own and are given freely. Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery. Recommended for: 14+ due to adult concepts and violence. Listenability: OK. Received from: The Wild Rose Press (as an Audible gifted copy).
Product Details: Paperback: 352 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Fantasy Rose) (October 25, 2017) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Ghosts of the dead swirl around Jessie Reynolds seeking her help. Two bodies have washed ashore in Blue Cove. When a third body is discovered, evidence links the victims to a group of missing college students. A fourth student is still missing and the spirits will not rest until he is found. Police Chief Matt Parker, the love of Jessie’s life, will have to handle this case alone.
Further investigation shows the murders are more than local hate crimes. Matt finds himself targeted by the same suspects as the victims and must rely on experience and training to survive. It will take more than his skills to bring the criminals to justice and survive what they have planned for him. He will need Jessie and the spirits’ otherworldly help to make it back alive. Will love triumph over evil and give Jessie and Matt a chance at love?
Review by Sheila Hemingway: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wow. Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023. Verified Purchase. Another amazing story about Jesse and Matt. You would think that Iona would have come to the end of the good versus evil, but she hasn’t. Great read!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Better and better. Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2019. Verified Purchase. I have written before that Iona’s writing gets better and better. This book proves my point. It is the best one yet. I’m already anxiously waiting for the next book. I love how these characters have matured from book to book. I never want to see it end. Keep writing!
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved it! Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2019. Verified Purchase. I like all the rest of Iona Morrison’s books, there are several twists and turns to the plot that draw you into the story and keeps you hanging and guessing “who done it.”
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great series. Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2018. Verified Purchase. This entire series is great. I always look forward to the next installment.
Review by ljeff205: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great easy read. Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2018. Verified Purchase. Great easy read.
Product Details: Paperback: 326 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Fantasy Rose) (October 17, 2018) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
When a ghost decides it’s high-time for her murder to be solved, she chooses Jessie Reynolds to solve the cold case. Armed with only the girl’s name, Jessie goes in search of information and is stunned to find a link connecting the dead girl to Matt Parker. Is it possible the man Jessie cares about had something to do with the crime?
As the case unfolds, Matt and Jessie have all they can handle dealing with two possibly connected murders, a menacing man from Jessie’s past, and the knowledge of a porn ring at the local high school that could take down several prominent citizens of Blue Cove. Racked with questions and doubts about their relationship, Jessie will have to work with Matt to find a way to bury the past and build a bridge to the future.
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Blue Cove Series gets better and better! Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2019. Verified Purchase. I loved this book! Morrison writes these books about relevant current topics in a sensitive way. The addition of the angels visible to Jessie gave hints of the spiritual warfare going on in our world. I love the interaction between Jessie and Matt.
Review by Mary Nash: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Suspenseful and romantic. Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2019. Verified Purchase. I really enjoy the mystery that entangle Matt and Jessie. This book is for people who love a romantic suspense story. I hope there are more books to come so I can keep up with Matt and Jessies story.
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun to read! Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2019. Verified Purchase. This is Iona Morrison’s best book yet! I loved the lighthearted humor throughout the book while Iona retained the suspense, twists, and turns of the plot, with surprises at the end. I can’t wait for the next one!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another excellent book. Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2019. Verified Purchase. Love this series. So happy we finally have a proposal. Can’t wait for the wedding. Please keep writing. The stories keep getting better.
Review by Abe Atencio: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Book 7, Another Blue Cove Mystery. Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2019. Just finished reading Book 7 in the Blue Cove Mystery series, FINDING A WAY FORWARD. Iona Morrison has done it again! She weaves a compelling story of child pornography, murder, and ghosts who cry out for justice, leading Jessie to find it for them. Top that off with Jessie’s vision of a celestial battle of angels against a fire breathing dragon, as well as a marriage proposal we’ve all been waiting for, and you have another book you will not be able to put down! Looking forward to many more adventures with Jessie, Matt, and the residents of Blue Cove.
Product Details: Paperback: 344 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Fantasy Rose) (April 24, 2019) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Plans for a romantic weekend celebrating their recent engagement at a charming inn go awry when Detective Matt Parker and bookstore owner Jessie Reynolds are suddenly pulled into another case.
A missing girl’s ghost, an antique key, and an improbable journey take Jessie into another dimension to solve the murder, leaving Matt behind to wonder if he will ever see her again.
Bullets fly and sparks ignite—as the past and the present collide, in their most unusual case to date.
Review by Mark Scott Piper: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Equal Doses of Mystery and the Paranormal, plus a Dash of Thriller and a Touch of Romance. Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2020. Verified Purchase. Key to the Past is the eighth book in Iona Morrison’s Blue Cove Mystery series. I haven’t read the others yet, and that means there are probably references here that I didn’t quite get because of it. That doesn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy Key to the Past as a stand-alone read.
It’s a page-turner in the truest sense of the word. The mystery is complex, the time travel elements are compelling, and the romance between the two main characters, Jessie Reynolds, and Matt Parker, feels real and deep. Many of the paranormal elements defy explanation, but in Morrison’s capable hands they are perfectly believable–or at least perfectly acceptable. The murder mystery itself is fraught with twists and turns as the details slowly unfold, and there are a few loose ends that never get tied up, but the narrative is still edge-of-the-seat stuff up to the revelations at the end. I don’t generally read a lot of romances or paranormal tales. I may have to change my ways. I unabashedly recommend this book.
Review by Mary Nash: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Paranormal mystery and romance at its best. Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2020. Verified Purchase. I love the supernatural twists and turns this series has. Jessie and Matt have a strong relationship but this latest case really puts their love to a test. Jessie disappears into another dimension to solve murder from many years ago. Matt is left to work it from this dimension while trying to keep hope alive that Jessie will be able to come back to him. Very intense storyline that is hard to put down.
Review by Sheila Hemingway: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A real page turner. Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2020. Verified Purchase. This is an easy read. Very exciting, the part where Jesse goes into the 60’s was very imaginative. Made me want to read more to make sure she got back with her handsome Chief of Police. Then when Matt didn’t call her…
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Best one yet! Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2020. Verified Purchase. Pure entertainment! Filled with action, humor, and one twist after another, Key to the Past will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what is lurking just around the next corner!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Better and better. Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020. Verified Purchase. I think your stories get better with each book. It always amazes me how you think of these stories. The time travel was fascinating. I’m already anxious for the next book!
Review by Abe Atencio: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Jessie travels to another dimension to help solve a Cold Case murder. Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2020. What a wild ride Iona Morrison takes us on in Book 8 of the Blue Cove Mysteries series! I so enjoy the development of Jesse and Matt’s relationship. I was fascinated by the idea of traveling to another dimension and found on Google it’s an actual theory! The fact that Jesse was in one dimension while Matt was in our dimension helping to solve a past murder made it an exhilarating story! I can’t wait to read the next one to see where she takes us again.
Product Details: Paperback: 356 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (January 20, 2020) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
An Arizona heatwave, a murder, and a ghost searching for closure give Peyton Reynolds all she can handle on her long-awaited vacation.
When a body is found at the bottom of the pool of the resort she’s staying at, Peyton leaps into action, starting CPR. She stops when she sees the young man’s ghost watching her actions. And he’s not alone.
Detective Jaxon Kincaid knows that Peyton is hiding something. How did she know the caliber of the weapon which killed the victim? And why is she so nervous and combative when she talks to him?
He’s fascinated, but wary of this beautiful redhead. As their attraction grows, and as Peyton inserts herself into his case, can he protect her from someone who seems to want them both dead?
5 Stars: A Cozy Mystery with Paranormal Suspense!
Peyton Reynolds vacation is turned upside down while she is poolside. Peyton acts quickly to save a life, when her physic visions interfere with the process, and her secret might soon be exposed.
I learned something while reading that I didn’t know. I had never thought about the history behind the term ‘cowboy’ until Author Iona Morrison took me on this exciting adventure to Tucson Arizona, where the streets of Tombstone hold mysteries of their own.
Iona skillfully draws her readers into the drama, creating suspense and intrigue, with a dash of romance on the side. Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 12:
…Jaxon was waiting for Peyton when she stepped out of the tour van. He grabbed her hand, and she slapped at his arm and tried to pull free. He held tight. Silent treatment, he had expected and possibly worse. Side by side they walked beside each other in complete silence.
…When they reached Allen Street, the historic street of the old west and the tourist part of Tombstone, he noticed a sudden change in her demeanor. Something was up but what? “Are you okay?” he asked.
…She didn’t respond but seemed to be mesmerized by something around her. He couldn’t see anything, but she must be. The atmosphere around her seemed charged. He couldn’t put his finger on what was happening, but she held his hand tight. Really tight. In a death grip, almost painfully so. He would take his cue from her because he had no idea what was happening with her. At one point, she ducked, flinched, and seemed to weave back and forth as if moving through a huge crowd. “Peyton, what’s up?” She ignored the question. He kept pace with her and waited until she returned from wherever she had gone.
I invite you to read ‘Searching for Closure’ and discover the secret Peyton carries with her. This is a perfect story to enjoy anytime and anywhere. The characters will come alive in your mind, as the plot twists and turns, giving way to a new page. Whether this is the first book that you have read in the ‘Blue Cove Mystery’ series or not, you will want to read the entire series to discover for yourself what makes “Blue Cove’ “such a unique place”.
Iona Morrison is a multi-published Amazon bestselling author, who lives in Colorado. She is a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and a member of the Colorado Author’s League. She enjoys being part of the vast community of authors, who reside in Colorado.
Editorial Reviews (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Abe Atencio: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Exciting Adventure in the Blue Cove Mysteries Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021. Verified Purchase. Just finished reading Searching for Closure by Iona Morrison. It has all the ingredients of a good read: a vacation in Tombstone is upended by a murder, a travel back in time to the wild west of Tombstone, and a budding romance between two new characters trying to solve the mystery with the help of ghosts! It’s a welcome addition to the series, which will leave you asking for more!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another homerun! Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2021. Verified Purchase. I just love how Iona’s books keep getting better. Ideally enjoyed the new characters, but please keep Jesse around. Looking forward to some weddings.
Review by Natalie A.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Payton’s place. Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2021. Verified Purchase. I’ve read all the Blue Cove mysteries, and this book was a delightful departure. Looking forward to the next one!
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved this book! Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021. Iona Morrison is getting better each book she writes! Loved the new characters and the development of their characters. Can’t wait to read Payton’s next adventure!
Product Details: Paperback: 330 Pages Publisher: Wild Rose Press (February 3, 2021) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Peyton Reynolds has no idea that the gorgeous summer day she is enjoying is about to take a strange turn and embroil her and her boyfriend Jaxon Kincaid in another case. As the details emerge, it won’t take long for them to understand there is nothing normal about the murder Peyton has witnessed. An erratic suspect, a gathering of ghosts, and Peyton’s sudden disappearance will leave Jaxon scrambling for answers in the pages of a book left behind. They will have to think outside the box with help from the past to solve this one.
5 Stars: Can Pages Of A Book Solve A Mystery?
Recovering from being shot while in Arizona, Peyton Reynold’s decision to spend time in Blue Cove with her grandmother and cousin was a ‘godsend’ This was the perfect day for Katie’s fairytale wedding. The Inn, renovated to its nineteen-eighteen historical period was intriguing, but a strange foreboding presence caused Payton apprehension.
Jaxon Kincaid, Peyton’s boyfriend is turning off the highway into Blue Cover to surprise Peyton. Peyton continued to look out the window lost in thought. In her heart, she knew the wedding would be all that Katie wanted it to be. The loud banging at the kitchen screen door startled her. Standing outside was a young woman with blood splattered down the front of her clothes. This would be the just the beginning of the mysteries about to unfold.
Later, Peyton and her cousin Jessie go exploring in the attic. Let me bring you into their discussion in Chapter 14:
… “Peyton laughed and reached to steady Jessie who yanked her hand back and almost fell down the stairs taking Peyton with her. “Sorry. I forgot to warn you about the zing that comes when opening the door.”
… “It didn’t do that when Katie and I were up here searching through the trunks for the handkerchief.”
… “Who opened the door?” she asked.
… “Katie did.” Jessie wiggled her tingling fingers. “Mystery solved.” Peyton stepped in front of Jessie and opened the door. “Now you can understand why I want to search up here. The atmosphere is zipping, and there is bound to be a good reason.” Peyton opened the first trunk and went through it carefully. “Some of this stuff is cool.”
…Jessie opened the doors of an old armoire. “Peyton, you’ve got to see this. We could have a costume party. Would you look at these clothes?” She wrapped a feather boa around her neck and placed one of the vintage hats on her head.
… “I’m not a fan of the feathers, but the hat is you with your golden curls spilling out. You look like you could be one of the women in Monet’s famous garden painting except for your clothes of course.” Peyton jumped when the attic door slammed with a loud bang. “Zip, zip, zip. See what I mean.”
… “I wonder what that’s all about.” Jessie took off the boa and hat. She bent to open the drawer at the bottom of the armoire, but it wouldn’t budge. A second attempt and one hard pull sent her falling backward onto her derrière. The drawer was still firmly closed. “A slamming door and a drawer that won’t open has me more curious than ever. How about you?”
What happens next is terrifying for Jessie and Jaxon struggles to get the story straight.
If you love exploring old buildings, paranormal suspense, mysteries around murder, weddings and the charm of romance, you will love ‘As The Page Turns’ (Blue Cove Mystery Book 10) by Iona Morrison. Iona Morrison is a multi-published Amazon bestselling author, who lives in Colorado. She is a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and a member of the Colorado Author’s League. She enjoys being part of the vast community of authors, who reside in Colorado.
Editorial Reviews (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Surprise! Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021. Verified Purchase. Iona surprises us time and time again in this carefully woven adventure… bringing in new characters and intertwining them with the old, as well as creatively tying in historical events and time travel. The story line is easy to follow and thoroughly entertaining, although I found myself wondering where this was going to end up… until the final surprise…when the carefully woven tapestry emerged. Enjoy the journey!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Don’t want this series to end. Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021. Verified Purchase. I just love this series. The characters make you want to keep reading. I want to see Jessie and Matt get married. Please don’t leave us hanging! I am excited to know what is coming next though.
Review by Debbie D: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Great Suspense Novel by Iona Morrison. Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2021. Verified Purchase. This was a great read while recovering from COVID!
Review by Abe Atencio: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Great Story. Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2022. So happy that Iona Morrison has written a 10th book, As the Page Turns, in the Blue Cove Mystery series. Once again, she takes us on a wild ride in the supernatural and manages to tie it in with current events and history repeating itself, with just the right amount of romance. It was a fascinating story with all the characters I’ve grown to love and the author’s special sense of humor to balance the bizarre! Can’t wait for the next one!
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved this book. Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2021. I love the time travel aspect and the relationships between the characters. Are Jessie and Matt going to get married?
Product Details: Paperback: 352 Pages Publisher: Wild Rose Press (August 9, 2021) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Peyton Reynolds has settled into a new dream job when a reoccurring dream of a murder sends her searching for answers. In her quest, with a bit of magical help, she stumbles across an old diary from the year 1845, which she shares with her boyfriend Jaxon Kincaid. Jaxon Kincaid, a new FBI Agent and Peyton’s love interest, will find himself at the heart of the case and try to keep Peyton grounded with his logical method of working through an investigation. But his world will soon be rocked by a dream or two and a sudden inheritance he wasn’t expecting. Together they will solve an ongoing crime with deep roots in Irish legend, and voices silenced for generations will be heard when the invisible becomes visible beyond the door.
Review byAnn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The best story. Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2023. Verified Purchase. I have loved all the books. They kept getting better and better. This is the best of them all. We need a wedding now.
Review by Abe Atencio: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Great Story. Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022. Iona Morrison’s 11th book, Beyond the Door, met all my expectations for another great story. Her skill at weaving the elements of history, legend, romance, social justice, murder, suspense, danger and a little bit of magic makes this a book you can’t put down, all played out with the cast of characters that I have come to love. Anxiously awaiting the next Blue Cove Mystery!
Product Details: Paperback: 356 Pages Publisher: Wild Rose Press (October 10, 2022) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
A Common Thread (Blue Cove Mystery) by Iona Morrison
Book 12 of 12: A Blue Cove Mystery.
From the moment the woman rushed through her shop door nearly knocking her to the ground, Jessie Reynolds finds herself embroiled in another case. One that will not only solve several crimes but Matt’s and her future as well. Jessie is convinced that a common thread links the crimes of a missing girl, a murder, and a possible serial killer all together. And with Matt Parker’s logical approach she sets out to prove her theory. Matt is happy to collaborate with Jessie again even with the strangeness of a few ghosts, an improbable journey, and old enemies from the past thrown in. With a bit of charm and bribery on his part, the end of the case has the promise of future beginnings for them.
Product Details: Paperback: 358 Pages Publisher: Wild Rose Press (September 6, 2023) Language: English Fantasy (Paranormal) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Ghost) Mystery (General) Paranormal (Supernatural) Paranormal (Mystery) Romance (Fantasy)
Destiny’s Spring (Jelly Beans and Spring Things) by Iona Morrison.
Part of: Jelly Beans and Spring Things (13 books)
Desirae Fontaine, better known by her friends as Destiny, is on her way to see her friend Peyton in Blue Cove. Having gone through a lot in her life the past few months, Destiny needs some downtime to reset her life.
Her adventure begins on the plane when she meets a sweet older woman named Mila Ferris. Their conversation during the flight leads to her sharing her heart with the kind woman and ends with a bit of unseen magic in a bag of jellybeans.
Evan Parker has his own hardships to overcome and could use the help of the kind old gentleman who comes with a little magic of his own.
Can two lonely hearts find love and two weary fairies find help in helping Anything can happen. It’s Destiny’s spring.
5 Stars: The magic of Spring is in the air!
I invite you to read Destiny’s Spring, one of the books in The Wild Rose Press ‘Jelly Beans and Spring Things’ series by award-winning author Iona Morrison. Those of us who enjoyed the ‘Blue Cove Mystery’ series will recognize a couple of the main characters.
Desirae Fontaine, better known to us as Destiny, leaves her stress and grief of the past few months behind, as she boards a plane for Blue Cove. Destiny’s uneasiness is apparent to Mila Ferris, as she settles into the seat beside Destiny. Maybe it is the sweet demeanor of this old lady, or comfort found in the bag of jelly beans Destiny brought on board, soon the two of them are deep in conversation and the magic begins.
Arriving in Blue Cove, Destiny stays in close contact with her mother by phone. Her mother informs her, she passed the bar exam. All her hard work and dreams to practice law has just come true. Now Destiny can relax, as Spring unfolds around her in Blue Cove. The Spring air is electric, there are new people to meet, and the possibilities are endless.
Blue Cove is a magical place where Destiny experiences things that are hard to explain. Her mother tells her “Even I have experienced some things in life for which there were no reasonable answers. At those moments, I would accept the gift that life handed me. It seems to me you need to do the same.”
Can Destiny accept the gifts life is offering her, and is her heart ready for love, if it should blossom?
If you believe in magic, you will not want to miss one book in the ‘Jelly Beans and Spring Things’ series. I encourage you to read or re-read the 10 books in the ‘Blue Cove Mystery’ series. Iona Morrison is a multi-published Amazon bestselling, award-winning author. She is a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and a member of the Colorado Author’s League. She enjoys being part of the vast community of authors, who reside in Colorado.
Editorial Reviews (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Delightful story. Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023. Verified Purchase. I loved the lighthearted fairies that keep showing up! I love all the characters in Morrison’s books and Destiny is a great addition to the family.
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun! Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2023. Verified Purchase. A perfect spring fairy tale! From start to finish, the fairy sisters whirl their magic from one person to another, leaving laughter, love, hope, and healing behind them. The future is open to anyone who can believe in it.
Review by Lynn M.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Little Magic, Please! Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023. Verified Purchase. Destiny’s Spring by Iona Morrison is a short, sweet whimsical tale showing how angel helpers intervene and help Destiny Fontaine put a little pizzazz back in her life while visiting a childhood friend in New England. Pick up a copy of Destiny’s Spring, click your heels three times and only believe!
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome as usual. Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023. Verified Purchase. Please keep the books coming. They are getting better and better. The new characters just enhance the original ones. Thanks!
Review by Sheila Hemingway: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Jelly beans are a neat way to connect the characters! Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2023. Verified Purchase. As usual the supernatural takes a major role! Iona out does herself with each book. Can’t wait to read more!
Product Details: Print Length: 123 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (April 12, 2023) Language: English Fantasy & Futuristic Romance Fantasy Romance Contemporary Romance
Magic and Midnight Mint Bars (Christmas Cookies) by Iona Morrison.
Part of: Christmas Cookies (51 books).
Months after a bitter divorce, Sally Mansfield is spending Christmas with her best friends at the Blue Iris Inn. Fifty pounds thinner than the last time they were together; she is excited for her friends to see the change. She might still be wounded, her self-esteem at rock bottom, but Sally is determined to have a fun holiday with her friends.
A recent broken engagement brought Chad Bennett back to Blue Cove. Intrigued by Sally, he is interested in learning more, but she remains a closed book and truthfully so is he. Is it possible with the help of a little Christmas magic, a winsome sprite named Elida, some chocolate goodness, and friends, two lonely souls can find friendship and the possibility of a lot more over the holidays?
5 Stars: Proof That Christmas Is A Time For Magic!
Sally Mansfield is heading home to Blue Cove to spend Christmas with her childhood friends Jessie and Katie at the Blue Iris Inn. With the magic of falling snow, Christmas lights, Christmas decorations, and the promised Christmas festivities; surely this will help Sally heal and move into the next chapter of her life.
Let me quote: “Is it possible with the help of a little Christmas magic, a winsome sprite named Elida, some chocolate goodness, and friends, two lonely souls can find friendship and the possibility of a lot more over the holidays?”
If you love Christmas magic, friendships, secret Santa’s and chocolate; this is the perfect holiday book. A wonderful surprise is waiting for you at the end of this book. It is sure to bring holiday cheer, in a time where simple pleasures matter.
I encourage you to follow this book with Author Iona Morrison’s (10 books) ‘Blue Cove Mystery’ series. Iona Morrison is a multi-published Amazon bestselling author, who lives in Colorado. She is a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and a member of the Colorado Author’s League. She enjoys being part of the vast community of authors, who reside in Colorado.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review byJ. A. Davis: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging and Sweet Read. Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021. Verified Purchase. Sally Mansfield has returned to the Blue Iris Inn in Blue Cove for the holidays to meet her childhood friends. She’s recovering from an abusive relationship. A recent broken engagement and job offer brought Chad Bennett back. Both are sworn to not repeat their mistakes and fall in love again.
You have to love the magic of Christmas and author Iona Morrison who puts it all together in her novella by using a Christmas sprite, named Elida, who chooses the name Holly as she appears in the real world. The cheerful sprite sets out to match Sally with Chad as she nudges them toward each other to help them rediscover love.
This is an enjoyable read with a hint of paranormal that makes it endearing for the Christmas season. And who doesn’t like mint bars, also a part of the story with an accompanying recipe at the end? This story is sweet, engaging, and an adorable read.
Review by Redi44Crew: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Second Chance Romance is a Definite Must Read. Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021. Verified Purchase. Magic and Midnight Mint Bars by Iona Morrison is a touching tale of second chances. Sally and Chad have been brought together in her childhood town after painful breakups. It was obvious from their first meeting that they fit like two puzzle pieces. Their chemistry leaped from the page – even if their friends pushed them together at every turn.
However, my favorite character is Elida the fairy when she dresses in her disguise as Holly. Elida has magical glamor and can change herself to look like a little old lady to get away with mischief. From purposefully confusing the hero to rearranging the heroine’s schedule, her shenanigans were hilarious. All of her scenes had me on the edge of my seat, I needed to know what trouble she would stir up next!
Overall, I recommend this fairytale of second chances and magic to hopeless romantics who are looking for holiday magic.
Review by Bookworm Cherie: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A holiday romance with a sprinkling of magic. Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2021. Verified Purchase. Sally Mansfield is just out of a bad relationship, wounded and feeling low self-esteem she heads to Blue Iris Inn to spend Christmas with her best friends. Surrounded by people who love her and with the aide of someone I grew to think of as her fairy godmother, Sally stops blaming herself for the horrible events of her past. And did I mention there is a sweet, attractive man who isn’t there to find love, but he can’t help but notice Sally. Magic & Midnight Mint Bars has just the right amount of holiday spirit, friendship, romance, and hope. If you’re in the mood for an inspirational story, you won’t be disappointed.
Review by Sheila Hemingway: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Such a sweet Christmas story. Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2021. Verified Purchase. This is the next in the series about Jesse and Katie and their third friend. It really brought a smile to my face. To see Sally doing so well after her bitter divorce. Can’t wait to see what happens between Sally and Chad. They both deserve to be happy.
Review by Tammy W.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect. Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2021. Verified Purchase. This is a light hearted, fun to read Christmas story that captures the love of friends, the magic of the season, and hope for the future that we all treasure. This was the perfect read to get me ready for the holiday season.
Review by Linda H.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Sweet Christmas story. Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2021. Verified Purchase. Loved this story about second chances and healing from past abuse! Loved the Christmas sprite as well! The recipe for the magic mint bars was delicious.
Review by Ann: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Holiday book. Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2021. Verified Purchase. Thank you for the extra dose of Blue Cove in this fun holiday book. We need more! A wedding would be perfect.
Review by T Mac: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect lite Christmas reading. Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2021. Loved this book. Quick easy read. Fun premise in the book. Gave you a warm feeling inside reading this book Hope Iona does more books in this style and length. Highly recommend.
Author Bio: I am a multi-published Amazon bestselling author who writes romantic suspense with a touch of the paranormal. I enjoy writing fiction. The character development, their stories, and the twists and turns in the plot intrigue me. Once I let the characters loose, I can’t wait to see where they take me. I’m hooked from the first words on the paper and I have to keep writing to see how the story ends. Layer by layer I build it until I come to the happy conclusion.
I live in Colorado with my husband and family. I am a member of the RMFWPAL (Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Published Authors League) and have enjoyed becoming involved in my community as one of the many authors living in Colorado. I invite you to read one of my Blue Cove Mysteries and see for yourself why Blue Cove is a special and unusual place.
This endearing story is about a mother and her two sons, who must say goodbye to the father when he leaves on a military mission. The brothers, Cory and Kyler, continue their lives, uncertain when their father will return home.
One night their guardian angel appears and says, “I know how you’re feeling, but you must have faith and keep on believing. Even when you think you’re all on your own, remember and know you’re not alone.”
The boys listen to their angel and accept things the way they are, finding ways to be happy. Even though things aren’t how they want them to be, they have faith their father will be able to come home. The question is, “When?”
Stacy Manning Casaluci always loved reading bedtime stories to her children. In this book, her two sons are the brothers, Cory and Kyler. As boys, they enjoyed learning about the different branches of the military, and it’s the reason the father in the book goes on a Special-Ops mission. She says, “I’m inspired by the people serving in the military and the families who live apart from their loved ones.” In her first book, Miracles Love a Believer, her daughter is the Princess Cirina Marie. Both stories have guardian angels who watch over the children, bringing them comfort, guidance, and protection. The author lives with her husband in Palm Desert, California, and continues to participate in the arts, acting, and writing.
5 Stars: Dedicated To Military Families!
Know You’re Not Alone by Stacy Casaluci is dedicated to military families.
Beautiful Illustrations, on blue and white pages by Kalpart bring the story to life. The pictures will capture the imagination of adults and children.
This fantasy adventure begins with a castle, and two brothers named Cory and Kyler. The two boys live with their mother, as their Dad leaves on a military mission far out at sea.
While the two boys miss their Dad, their Mom home schools them, insisting they keep up their studies.
With simple rhyme and a relatable story, the boy’s study, play with their toys, paint, play music and write. Like typical boys they wrestle, and have so much energy that they end up outside, where they climb rocks and swim in the stream.
With play swords, the boys pretend to soldiers and kings, until it is time to come inside for dinner, a bath and off to bed. Their Mom reads them a bedtime story to them, they said their prayers, and then it is time for sleep.
Suddenly an Angel appears. The boys watch and listen. The message of the Angel is powerful. Seasons came and go, and the boys wait for their father to return. One day a plane flies high in the sky, and out of the plane comes a man, floating to earth with a parachute. Their prayers had been answered, their father is home. Once again, their family is whole.
I encourage you to buy this book and share it with a child in your life. It is a book of hope, especially for children who are separated by a father or mother in the military.
I recommend this book for classroom reading. Great for all types of community, church, and school libraries.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
The Serial Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A heartwarming tale for young readers missing a love one. Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2020. Verified Purchase. Two young brothers, Cory and Kyler live in their home, a fortress that overlooks the sea with everything they need. Their mother’s love is all there for them, plus they have lots of books to read and toys to play with. But the two kids miss their father who is away on a military mission. They miss him and that makes them sad. Then one night, an angel appears to them and advises them to keep on believing. When they see a plane flying in the sky, they are thrilled by the site and wonder how great it can feel like to fly a plane…. then someone drops off the plane and on a parachute. To their utter delight, it is their father.
There is a lot in store for kids in this book. The colorful illustrations, the easy-to-understand poetic style of writing, and the fun world of Cory and Kyler. The author paints a beautiful world for kids to navigate and while she makes them know that life isn’t always sunny, she proposes a path to deal with pain and the sense of loss: turn to their spiritual allies to find hope. It is a very inspiring and entertaining tale that will make for a gorgeous gift for your kid.
Review by Julia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Book for Kids with Parents Stationed Overseas. Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2020. This cute book would be a great tool for helping kids whose parents are often absent due to work. It features two boys who miss their father and a guardian angel who wants to help them.
Product Details: Hardcover: 42 Pages Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, LLC (February 6, 2019) Kalpart (Illustrator) Language: English Angels Age Range (3-12 Years) Grade Level (Kindergarten-6) Growing Up and Facts Of Life Military Parents Parenting Self-Help For Parents
Miracles Love a Believer by Stacy Manning Casaluci.
This fantasy adventure takes you around the world and back with a princess! The delightful new children’s book Miracles Love a Believer tells the story of Princess Cirina Marie and Moondancer, her stuffed horse who comes to life.
Princess Cirina Marie lives with her father and mother, the king and the queen, in a castle on the Island of Dreams.
After the princess’ guardian angel comes to her one night at bedtime, the princess is told that “anything you imagine can become more than a dream.” So off go the princess and Moondancer on a high-flying adventure to see the world.
Review by Bonny Link: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Precious Book. Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023. Verified Purchase. This is a sweet book that encourages little ones to believe in dreams. They may not come true right now, but they will come true in one form or another when the time is right. The message: if you believe, miracles happen.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Important lesson! Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2011. Verified Purchase. What a precious story & a great lesson! Good for adults to read too. As we get older, we tend to get caught up in the daily grind & our dreams that we once had when we were young start to slip away. This is a gentle reminder to “remember” the laws of attraction & that what we think creates our reality. You’re never too young to learn this or too old to be reminded.
Review by Children’s Book Reviewer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Miracles loves a Believer is a touching story about how children should never give up on their dreams. Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2011. In a kingdom far away lived a princess in a beautiful castle. Her name was Princess Cirina Marie. Her mother and father were the king and queen of the Island of Dreams. The princess loved to play with her stuffed animals, her favorite being a horse named Moondancer. Before she went to sleep, a guardian angel sat on her bed whispering in her ear, that miracles love a believer, if you choose to believe, anything you imagine, can become more than a dream.
Princess Cirina believed that Moondancer could become a real horse, she believed and believed. When she opened her eyes and there he was, a full-grown horse with wings, but where would they go on their new adventure? What will they learn along the way?
This is a marvelous story of believing in one’s self and never losing the faith in miracles. Children’s dreams should never go astray as they get older. We, as adults, had dreams we once believed in, but as we grew, compromised with our choices in life so much that many of our dreams have been forgotten. Children should know that their dreams do not have limitations. Anything they want to do, anything they want to become, should be a reality for those who really want it.
Children of all ages will enjoy this 32-page picture book.
Review by Secret Santa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. For 2-6 years of age. Reviewed in India on November 7, 2020. Verified Purchase. This is a really interesting story about a little princess named Cirina Marie. Cirina Marie feels trapped in her house and dreams of roaming freely and flying in the sky. The story is about how Cirina believes in the beauty of her dreams. It is a good read for kids aged 2-6 years.
About The Author: Stacy Manning Casaluci always loved reading bedtime stories to her children.
In “Know You’re Not Alone,” her two sons are the brothers, Cory and Kyler. As boys, they enjoyed learning about the different branches of the military, and it’s the reason the father in the book goes on a Special-Ops mission. She says, “I’m inspired by the people serving in the military and the families who live apart from their loved ones.”
In her first book, “Miracles Love a Believer,” her daughter is the Princess Cirina Marie. Both stories have guardian angels who watch over the children, bringing them comfort, guidance, and protection. The author lives with her husband in Palm Desert, California, and continues to participate in the arts, acting, and writing.
Author Chris Karlsen Is Internationally Published!
The Bloodstone Murder Series!
Silk by Chris Karlsen.
The Bloodstone Series Book 1.
It is the time of Jack the Ripper; the widowed Queen Victoria sits on the throne of England.
The whole of London is on edge wondering when or where Jack will kill next. The Palace, Parliament, and the press are demanding the police do more to find him. In another part of London, rough-around-the-edges war hero, Metropolitan Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone has his own serial killer to find.
Inter departmental rivalries, politics, and little evidence to go on hamper the investigation at every turn. In a battle of wills, Bloodstone presses forward following his instincts in spite of the obstacles.
Review: I don’t read mysteries anymore. I don’t care who did it, so I don’t bother with mysteries unless they offer a good deal more than just a puzzle. Silk is so much more. The setting and the detective insinuate themselves into your psyche. Like silk, they slip and slide into the crevices of your mind, softly caress your pleasure centers, and make you want more. The recalcitrant and grumpy Bloodstone earns your affection without wanting it or trying for it and the city casts a spell that carries you along so subtlety, you have no idea you’ve been hooked until the end when you’re left bereft and wanting more.
Lovely. Thoroughly engaging. Actually, cared about the mystery a bit, which is saying something. Bloodstone has joined Holmes, Wolfe, and Marlowe in my pantheon of detectives I love.
Product Details: Series: The Bloodstone Series (Book 1) Paperback: 322 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (September 10, 2019) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
The summer of 1889 was proving to be a strange one for Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner.
They had a sexual pervert loose. The man didn’t actually harm women but threatened them at knife point, fondling them, and ultimately stealing their stockings.
Far more serious were the murders of influential men, which appeared random other than they were all killed by arsenic poison. Never had he and his partner had cases with so little workable evidence.
Also, the rivalry between him and his detective nemesis at London’s other police department was intensifying. That
nemesis was the boxing champion of their department and looking to challenge Rudyard, who never trained as a boxer.
Besides Rudyard’s pride being at stake, and the pride of his station, his nemesis also had in his possession a scandalous photograph of the woman Rudyard cares very much for. The new lady in Rudyard’s life had captured his heart and he’d fight the devil himself to save her reputation.
Review: The beguiling Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone is back in a sequel to the Bloodstone Series, vol. one: Silk.
Inspector Rudyard’s story continues with a tale of a summer gone agley: men of stature are dropping dead all around him, women are being terrorized by a knife-wielding Stocking Sniffer, a competitor / colleague is looking to pulp his face in, and there are two women in his life: ’nuff said.
Both his professional and personal lives are full of complications and every time you think Ruddy might have a solution, something else goes awry.
But it’s not all dark; some of the complications in his life are downright funny, like those posed by his dog and the neighbor boy.
Book Two of Ruddy is even better than the first; whether you love murder mysteries, nineteenth-century England, strong handsome protagonists, or fascinating killers, you’ll love Snifter. Highly recommended.
Product Details: Series: The Bloodstone Series (Book 2) Paperback: 392 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (September 11, 2019) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
A Venomous Love, won the ‘Global Grand Prize’ in the thriller/suspense category last year (2021) from Chanticleer Reviews.
The killer whispered- “A pretty damsel…worth a pretty risk.
“It’s 1890. A veteran, Detective Rudyard Bloodstone has fought a brutal battle and witnessed war horrors that haunt his nightmares. Now one of those horrors has followed him home from Africa.
A vicious predator, the Cape cobra, can kill a man in thirty minutes. A suspect using the snake as a weapon in robberies is terrorizing London. When the crimes escalate into murder, a victim’s daughter, Honoria Underhill, becomes the focus of the killer.
After several attempts on her life, Scotland Yard threatens to take over the high-profile case. With few leads to follow, Bloodstone and his partner must now fight department politics and catch the killer before Underhill becomes another murder victim.
5 Stars: ‘A Venomous Love’ is book three in The Bloodstone Series. Each book stands alone, so I invite you to begin reading.
One appealing nature of ‘A Venomous Love’ is the historical snapshots of the Victorian period, where main character Detective Rudyard Bloodstone conducts his investigations. The book opens in London, April 1890.
This period in history finds Detective Rudyard Bloodstone severely limited in his ability to solve crimes. No fancy labs or DNA testing. The perplexing case of a thief using an extremely deadly method to steal valuables from his victims, has Detective Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner Detective Archie Holbrook putting their collective, raw detective skills to the test. With Scotland Yard breathing down their necks, the clock is ticking, and another murder is simply a matter of time.
Author Chris Karlsen (retired police detective) gives us an excerpt from ‘A Venomous Love’:
…Puzzled, Ruddy asked, “You say the body is still in the chapel?
…Couldn’t the nurse bring an exam table to put him on and start treatment?”
…“She did. Young and I attempted to help but he suffered violent convulsions. Because the hospital is for children, they don’t have restraints. The head nurse instructed us to leave him back on the floor. She was afraid he’d fall off the table.”
…“Makes sense.” The time-frame of Underhill’s death didn’t make sense. At minimum it usually took an hour and more often, hours for the venom to kill. A horrible thought occurred to Ruddy. What if it was a different suspect with a different lethal snake? “But he died while you were still here?”
…“Yes. He convulsed brutally hard a few more times and an excessive amount of drool came out his mouth. Then he lost consciousness. A nurse put a blanket over him and a pillow under his head. He died as she was making him comfortable.”
…“Strange. This is abnormally fast even for cobra venom.” Flanders stepped up on Ruddy’s right. “What is it, constable?”
…“Shall I leave you to start my search?” Flanders asked.
…“Yes. Collect anything, and I mean anything, you find that looks out of the ordinary,” Archie told him. “This case is so unusual we can’t be sure what is important and what isn’t.”
…The nurse led them to the curtained-off bed. Honoria Underhill lay on her side softly sobbing. Her legs were curled up so she fit on the short bed meant for a child. The nurses had covered her with a blanket. When she saw Ruddy and Archie, she sat up and swung her legs down to the side of the bed.
…“Yes. We know this is traumatic for you but we need to ask you to repeat what happened with as much detail as you can recall,” Ruddy told her.
…“I understand.” Her shoulders trembled. She buried her fists in her skirt and kept her head down as she fought to control her emotions.
…Ruddy brought the conversation back to the crime. “Did the suspect say anything when he attacked?”
…“’A pretty little damsel, worth a pretty risk,’ he said as he rushed toward us. Then he leapt at me with the snake in hand inches from my face. Father pushed me out of the man’s reach and stepped be- tween us. My father tried to knock the man’s hand away and swatted at the animal.”
…She dabbed at her nose again and then offered the handkerchief back to Archie who waved off the return. “It happened so fast,” Honoria continued. “In the time it took me to blink, the snake’s throat blew outward, like a fan opening.” She demonstrated the action with her hands. “A second later it lunged and struck.”
The story has a unique twist, a well-thought-out plot, and interesting characters that will keep you turning the page. If you like crime mysteries, I encourage you to purchase this book, and the entire ‘The Bloodstone Series’.
A Venomous Love, won the ‘Global Grand Prize’ in the thriller/suspense category last year (2021) from Chanticleer Reviews.
The Bloodstone Series: Silk – Snifter of Death – Choosing Heart or Homeby Chris Karlsen
Three Exciting and thrilling stories which follow the Victorian detective, Rudyard Bloodstone.
Silk: It is the time of Jack the Ripper; the widowed Queen Victoria sits on the throne of England. The whole of London is on edge wondering when or where Jack will kill next. The Palace, Parliament, and the press are demanding the police do more to find him. In another part of London, rough-around-the-edges war hero, Metropolitan Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone has his own serial killer to find. Inter departmental rivalries, politics, and little evidence to go on hamper the investigation at every turn. In a battle of wills, Bloodstone presses forward following his instincts in spite of the obstacles.
Snifter of Death: The summer of 1889 was proving to be a strange one for Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner. They had a sexual pervert loose terrifying women. Far more serious were the murders of influential me, which appeared random with little in common other than they were all killed by arsenic poisoning. Never had Bloodstone and his partner had cases with so little evidence. On top of working the difficult murders, Rudyard has a new lady who captured his heart….a clever, beautiful, and talented lady with a scandalous past.
Choosing Heart or Home: The widowed Queen Victoria reigns over an empire on which “the sun never sets.” London is bright with holiday decorations. Detective Rudyard Bloodstone has grown homesick for his Wales and his family there. He makes plans to see his parents and thinks it is the perfect time to introduce Honeysuckle Flowers, the lovely actress he adores. Once home, nothing goes as he envisioned. His mother disapproves of Honeysuckle’s profession and tells Rudyard he is welcome but not his lady. He must choose between the woman who owns his heart and home and the family he loves
Product Details: Print Length: 641 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (February 21, 2019) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Mysteries (Suspense) Mystery Anthologies Historical Mystery Thriller and Suspense Fiction
This is a Christmas story where my Victorian detective from the series, Rudyard Bloodstone, goes home to Wales for the holidays and to introduce his lady love to his family. No murder, just a warm-hearted holiday novella)
London: Christmas, 1889
The widowed Queen Victoria reigns over an empire on which the “sun never sets,” and London is bright with holiday decorations. Detective Rudyard Bloodstone’s career is moving along well as Holborn Station’s lead investigator. And, his year had gotten even better when he met London’s celebrated music hall star, Honeysuckle Flowers.
As he and his lady embark on celebrating the holidays, Rudyard grows homesick for Wales and his family there. He makes plans to see his parents and thinks it is the perfect time to introduce Honeysuckle to them. To his unhappy surprise, his mother paints her with a trollop’s brush. His mother is firm: he is loved and missed and most welcome in the family home but not his lady. He must choose between them and to choose means the risk of losing the other.
Product Details: Single Book (not in series) Print Length: 94 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (October 14, 2018) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
The Ack Ack Girl won a ‘Distinguished Favorite’ designation from NYC Big Book Awards.
The Ack Ack Girl is a finalist for first prize in military genre from Book Excellence. The winners will be announced sometime this spring 2023.
In 1941, the German war machine had conquered all of Europe, only England remains free. Hitler knows to invade England the Luftwaffe must defeat the Royal Air Force. While under constant attack, the valiant pilots of the RAF manage to keep the enemy from executing an invasion. But the RAF suffers great losses. England is in desperate need of more pilots. As a result, the government takes a huge chance and establishes unique teams of women known as Ack Ack Girls. These women are trained to work anti-aircraft units, freeing men up for other combat details.
The Ack Ack teams are high risk assignments, targeted by enemy bombers and fighter planes. Ack Ack Girls must be courageous and quick-witted. Ava Armstrong is excited to be chosen to be among them. Her anti-aircraft unit borders a major RAF base where several squadrons of pilots are deployed. Chris Fairfield, who earned a Distinguished Flying Cross in the Battle of Britain, is one of pilots stationed by Ava’s unit.
When Ava and Chris’s paths cross, sparks fly. War lends an urgency to life and love. Their romance grows deep and strong despite the danger that surrounds their daily lives. After the men in Chris’s squad see his plane get shot down, Ava is told he went down in flames and cannot have survived.
Logic says the men who were with him that day are right in believing him dead.
Her love says they’re wrong.
Ack Ack Girl Back Cover Blurb: A country under attack and the story of one woman’s fight to protect England and her heart.1941. The German war machine has crushed all of Europe-only England holds fast. To force a surrender, the German Luftwaffe bombs cities and villages the length of the country. As the battle rages, Britain is in desperate need to put more pilots in the air.
To free up more men a new unit is formed: The Ack Ack Girls. These special teams of courageous women will now fight in the anti-aircraft stations. Determined to be part of the effort, Ava Armstrong, volunteers for one of the special teams.
Her unit just happens to be located near an RAF airfield teaming with pilots. Sparks fly, and not just from artillery, when Ava crosses paths with Chris Fairfield, a handsome and cocky pilot stationed there. But nothing is easy in time of war, not even love.
5 Stars: ‘The Ack Ack Girl’ is a World War II Historical Romance by Author Chris Karlsen. This book to be very educational, with a compelling story. We should all respect the bravery of these The “Ack Ack Teams”. They shot down enemy planes from the ground. England did use female teams to ferry planes, cargo, fighters and bombers from the factories to the airfields. That is a different unit entirely and they did not engage enemy planes or participate in combat.
If you love danger, romance and suspense, you will love this first book in the “Love and War’ series by Author Chris Karlsen. I wrestled over what passage of the book to share with you. At first, I thought I would share a wonderful romantic scene, instead I decided to bring you into the war. I quote from Chapter Twelve: December 7, 1941:
…Team members not on duty huddled around the radio in the women’s barracks, listening to the Spike Milligan comedy hour.
…As many women as could fit lounged on the nearest cots, the others sat on the floor with the gunners. Ava adjusted the pillow from her bed against the iron leg of Vera’s cot to cushion the middle of her spine. She’d just got it fixed when the BBC announcer came on.
…“We interrupt this program with an important announcement. The United States and Britain are now at war with the Japanese Empire.”
…All the team members exchanged looks of shock.
…“No, it can’t be,” Vera said, staring at the radio while the announcer continued.
…“At 7:55 this morning, Japan’s long threatened aggression in the Far East began with an air attack on U.S. Naval bases in the Pacific.
…Fresh reports are coming in every minute from Tokyo that Japan has announced a formal declaration of war against both the U.S. and Britain.”
…Fear, deep and soul-crushing gripped, Ava that they might lose the war. Then despair hit her. That brought tears she fought to keep from shedding. She’d fought any acknowledgement that England might lose to Germany. But a war with Japan meant they’d have to defend the British colonies in the East. How? Every able-bodied man not an old-age-pensioner was already serving. Manpower was stretched from Europe to the North Atlantic all the way to Northern Africa.
…“How can we fight on four fronts? We can’t,” Vera asked Tommy.
…Tommy was the oldest and most senior team member. All the others naturally went to him for war advice and analysis.
…Ava wasn’t the only one worried about manpower, which was no relief to her at the moment.
…“Steady on, Vera,” Tommy said. “The Canadians and Aussies have been fighting cheek-to-jowl with us from the start. They’re not going anywhere.”
…Ava thought Tommy’s theory wrong this time. Either the Aussies pull their division from Singapore, leaving the British alone to defend it or they pull divisions from the west. “Their forces aren’t that big. They’ll have to split some off. With this attack on Pearl, the Aussies have to be damned twitchy over a possible invasion by Japan.
…..I wouldn’t blame them for leaving to protect their homeland.”
It is up to you to read this book “Ack Ack Girl” to find out how everything turns out for the “Ack Ack Teams”. The characters come to live in your hands and they are heroic. The Author’s Note at the end of this book is very interesting and the author shares a couple of chapters from her other romance series at the end of this book.
Enjoy all Author Chris Karlsen’s Historical Romance and Historical Romance Suspense Thrillers: “Dark Water Series”, “Knights in Time Series”, “The Bloodstone Series”, and a new single Historical Romance title “Choosing Heart or Home” (warm-hearted holiday novella). Many of Chris Karlsen’s books have a Spanish and/or Portuguese Edition.
I am looking forward to reading Chris Karlsen’s second book in this “Love and War” Series.
The Ack Ack Girl is a finalist for first prize in military genre from Book Excellence. The winners will be announced sometime this spring 2023.
Moonlight Serenadeby Chris Karlsen.
Second Book In The Love and War Series.
It’s 1945. U.S. Marine, Ron Day, has been fighting on island after island in the South Pacific. His company has another brutal battle on the horizon-Okinawa. Ron has been given leave in Melbourne, Australia before shipping out to Okinawa. In Melbourne, he meets Charmaine Sturgis, a gorgeous big band singer. Like so many things that happen in war, they fall in love over the short leave time. …And war steals from us all.
Product Details: Second Book In The Love and War Series Paperback: 108 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 7, 2017) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers!
4 Stars “A grand debut” by Night Owl Romance Reviews. Elinor Hawthorne has in inherited a house that is haunted by the ghosts of two medieval knights, Basil Manneville and Guy Guiscard. Basil is the man of her dreams, her knight in shining armor. She falls in love with him and he with her. Basil soon realizes she needs to live a normal life, a happy life with a mortal. A lifetime later fate intervenes. Basil, still in love with Elinor, is told her spirit lives on in a young woman and is given another chance at life to find her.
5 Stars: Romantic dilemma between a young woman and ghost from the 1300’s.
Author Chris Karlsen is one of my favorite story tellers. Her creative mind takes history, time, characters and story line to a place few have travelled. As a fan of the paranormal, Chris captures my imagine and leaves me wanting more.
In Heroes Live Forever (Knights in Time series book 1), we meet Elinor Hawthorne, a remarkable young school teacher. She has who has just inherited Badger Hollow Manor in Norfolk, England (1980), from her grandmother. Elinor has a no-nonsense attitude about ghosts; when she meets and has to share living space with, two medieval knights killed in the 1300’s.
Ladies: If you were to fall in your home, would you prefer to fall into the strong arms of a strong, handsome, ghost knight, or just hit the floor? Elinor’s experience begins an amazing friendship, love story, fantasy, and time travel adventure, you will not want to miss.
The first part of this story will touch your heart and even bring you sadness. The second part of this book will give you a renewed sense the of destiny and timeless love.
The dilemma is between flesh and spirt. Let me bring you into a conversation these two medieval ghost knights, Basil Mandeville and Guy Guiscard are having in Chapter 15.
…After Elinor left that evening, the knights rode to the castle ruins. Neither spoke until they reached the parapet.
…Guy propped himself against the wall and stretched his long legs out in front of him. The night breeze blew leaves over the stones and across where he lay.
…Basil stood, elbows on a crenel and where he had a view of Elinor’s house bathed in the moonlight.
…Guy tilted his head back and closed his eyes. “Do you want to talk about that scene you made over the butcher’s flowers?”
… “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
… “Don’t be evasive. It ill suits you. You’re jealous, although, I cannot fathom why you’d be so upset over a silly gift from some tradesman.”
… “That is ridiculous. I have never been jealous in my life.”
… “If you were cut right now, you’d bleed green. It certainly wasn’t your aesthetic sense that was offended by her display of roses. Admit it, you’re smitten with her.” Guy cracked one eye open and peered at Basil.
… “You’re trying to irritate me.”
…True, he was fond of Elinor, too fond. He enjoyed being with her more than he cared to say, even to Guy.
…However, jealousy was too preposterous to entertain seriously.
… “I will grant I like her very much, but so do you, do you not?” Basil said.
…Guy shifted so they faced each other. “Yes, I like her, enough to wish I’d met her a long, long time ago.” The unexpected confession got Basil’s attention. “Elinor has none of the brittleness I’ve known in many women. She’s a warm, witty, comely lady. She’s also flesh and blood.”
…Uncomfortable under his friend’s scrutiny, Basil turned away and focused on the house again. “Is there a point to this discussion?”
… “She’s a flesh and blood woman with visions for her future.” Guy rose and joined Basil. “You are but a vision of a past flesh and blood man.” He laid his hand on Basil’s shoulder, “Make sure it’s enough for her my friend.” Guy walked away, leaving Basil alone with his thoughts.
Can Basil Manneville compete with Elinor’s human admirer?
I invite you to read Heroes Live Forever (Knights in Time series book 1), then turn you attention as I will, to Journey in Time (Knights in Time series book 2) by Chris Karlsen. An internationally published author, Chris has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, satisfying her need to visit places she read about. Having spent a great deal of time in England and France, she used her love of both places as settings for her Knights in Time (5 book) series.
Product Details: Knights in Time Book 1 Paperback: 390 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (April 14, 2011) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
London attorney, Shakira Constantine finally agrees to spend the day with her handsome client, Alex Lancaster. While riding in the countryside, the couple finds themselves caught in a time warp and transported back to the 14th century-and an England preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is the Baron Guy Guisard, a baron who died in the upcoming battle. If they can’t find a way to return to the 21st Century, Alex will have to sail with the army to certain death. Shakira will be left alone to survive in the alien and terrifying medieval world.
5 Stars: From Predictable to Well Researched Medieval Drama!
After Enjoying Heroes Live Forever (Knights in Time Book 1), I naturally turned to Journey in Time (Knights in Time Book 2). In book two we meet Shakira Constantine, beautiful, independent, successful London attorney. When Shakira meets Alex Lancaster (music producer and playboy), their destiny is intertwined when she accepts him as a client, goes against her own ethics, joining him for a weekend at his cottage in the Gloucestershire countryside.
Nothing could prepare these two for the time travel adventure that carries them back to the medieval 13th century. Twists, Turns, humor, danger, romance, and your own emotions will keep you turning the pages, until they return to the 21st century.
Let me bring you into the story (Chapter 18):
…Shakira cracked open one eye. If she was very, very lucky, this would be Alex’s cottage. If she was very, very unlucky, she’d see the walls of an old Keep. Rough cut, honey colored stone confirmed the worst. She closed her eyes and tried to convince herself she still slept and this was part of a horrible nightmare. She refused to acknowledge the noises that drifted up sounded too authentic for a dream.
…Gates creaked, doors slammed, dogs barked, horses whinnied, geese honked, one after another. Women shouted orders. Young voices answered, followed by the sound of running feet. The sun hadn’t fully appeared on the horizon yet, but castle folk see no reason to be quiet. Their daily life begins when the first bright streaks show themselves.
… “Rocky?” Alex patted her shoulder. “Rocky, we need to get up.”
…Torn, she lay curled and silent. She didn’t want to face waking in 1355, but she definitely didn’t want to believe she dreamt making love to Alex either.”
I invite you to join Shakira (nickname rocky) and Alex (known as Baron Guy Guisard) as they discover how to survive in the 13th medieval century and find their way home. I love this authors characters and story. Author Chris Karlsen will frustrate you at times with her flawed human characters. Your emotions will fluctuate, but in the end, Chris knows what is best. There is a must-read Epilogue.
Each book in the series stand-alone, so you can jump in anytime. The five-book series ‘Knights in Time’ include Heroes Live Forever (Book 1), Journey in Time (Book 2), Knight Blindness (Book 3), In Time for You (Book 4) and Losing Time Book 5). Never fear, there are more paranormal, romance, time travel series written by Chris Karlsen (internationally published author). Chris has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, satisfying her need to visit places she read about. Having spent a great deal of time in England and France, she used her love of both places as settings for her Knights in Time series.
Product Details: Knights in Time Book 2 Paperback: 352 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (September 1, 2011) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
Given a choice between the pleasant life you knew centuries ago or the possibility of all you want in an uncertain new world, which would you choose? Two men torn through time find themselves in the modern but alien world. Old enemies, one hunting the other, one discovering love, both fighting private battles to survive. Book 3 of The Knights in Time Series Ready for battle, Medieval English knight, Stephen Palmer, charges into the French enemy’s cavalry line. Heeding a warning given months before, he hesitates as he comes face-to-face with the knight in the warning. Struck down in the year 1356, he finds himself landing in the year 2013. Grievously wounded, he’s taken to a nearby hospital.
Confused by the new world surrounding him, he attempts to convince the staff he’s from another time, only to find they think him mad. Rescued by friends, who, to his surprise, have also come through time, he must find a way to function in this odd modern England. He is quickly enchanted by the kind Esme Crippen, the young woman hired to tutor him. She too is enchanted by him. Tempted to deepen the relationship, she hesitates thinking him adorable, but mad. He must discover the means for getting her to believe the truth, all the while, unknown to him, he didn’t come forward in time alone. The enemy knight has also traveled to 2013. French noble, Roger Marchand, doesn’t question why the English knight who charged him hesitated. That fraction of a pause gave him the advantage needed and he brought his sword down upon the Englishman’s helmet hard, unhorsing the knight. He moved to finish the Englishman off when the world changed in a rush of sensations as he is ripped through time. Seeking a reason for the terrible event, he enters a nearby chapel. There, thinking God has chosen him for a quest to turn French defeat that day in 1356 to victory, he sets out to find the English knight. The man he is convinced holds the key to time. If he returns to the day of the battle, he can warn his king of mistakes that snatched victory from them.
Product Details: Knights in Time Book 3 Paperback: 394 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (July 20, 2013) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
While horseback riding in the English countryside, sisters, Electra and Emily Crippen find themselves trapped in a tear in time. Thrown back to 1357 England and caught by a local noble, they are in a place that is home but as frightening and unfamiliar as an alien world would be with no idea how the tear in time came about. The one thing they do know is they must stay together and stay near to where the event took place in hopes of discovering the way back to their modern life. That certain need to stay to stay together is the first certainty taken from them when one sister is forced to remain in England and one is sent miles away to Wales by royal order.
There is one other hope for help the sisters don’t know exists. It’s Electra’s lover, Roger Marchand. A time traveler himself, he never told her of his past. When he realizes what has happened to the sisters, he enlists the help of a scientist friend to help him open the suspected passageway through time. Any effort to save Electra and Emily will likely cost him his life. This was the time Roger came from, a time when his country, France, was at war with England. If he is discovered on English soil while searching for the sisters, he will either be killed or taken prisoner of war. Any risk is worth saving the life of the woman he loves.
Product Details: Knights in Time Book 4 Paperback: 366 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (September 4, 2019) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
Felicia Wycliff’s peaceful stroll through the woods turned to disaster when her dachshund bolted after a rabbit. One minute Felicia was running after the determined little dog, the next she was hurled to the ground. Gathering her wits after her tumble, she brushed herself off and continued her pursuit—right into three mounted knights who blocked her path.
They were so authentic looking. They might’ve stepped from the keep of the nearby castle, Elysian Fields. But the old Norman fortress was a ruin and had been for three hundred years.
“Seize her,” the middle knight ordered, the knight who sat tallest in the saddle.
“Let me go.” She fought, striking out when the two knights grabbed her. “Who the deuce are you?”
“I’m the Captain of the Baron’s Guard, and you are trespassing.”
Kidnapped, her confusion and fear consumed her. But when they rode through the gates of Elysian Fields, the castle looking as formidable as the date it was built, her terror exploded.
When she fell she knew exactly where she was. But where the devil had she landed?
Product Details: Knights in Time Book 5 Print Length: 356 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (September 16, 2018) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
Best-selling series, together for the first time in a boxed set.
Three friends…warrior knights, One battle will change their lives, Love will change their worlds.
HEROES LIVE FOREVER: Elinor Hawthorne has inherited a house haunted by two medieval knights, Basil Manneville and Guy Guiscard. Basil is literally the knight of her dreams. She never expected to “meet” a ghost face to face let alone fall in love with one. Living the normal life together that they’d want is impossible unless fate
Intervenes: A lifetime later fate does intervene. Basil, still in love with Elinor, is told her spirit lives on in a young woman. He is given another chance at life to find her.
JOURNEY IN TIME: The budding romance between London attorney, Shakira Constantine, and her client, Alex Lancaster is put to the test when the couple finds themselves torn through time back to the medieval world. It’s a world Alex has a strong connection to, a connection that will cost him his life unless they can find a way to return to this time. Without him, Shakira is condemned to live in a dangerous medieval world alone.
Together they’ll struggle to discover a way back to the modern world while dealing with the political and social intrigues of 14th Century England. The intrigues of that world all too often work against their efforts to get home.
KNIGHT BLINDNESS: Stephen Palmer, a wounded medieval knight finds himself torn through time from the battlefield to the modern and alien world.
Seriously injured, he now must make his way in a world he has no context for and no knowledge about.
Esme Crippen is hired as his tutor. Love is something he does understand and as the two fall into love, they both must overcome the fact the world thinks him mad with his time-travel talk, including Esme.
5-Star Review- As with her other books, Chris Karlsen has impeccably researched her topic. Golden Chariot is engaging and full of information and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed this smart, well-written story and am looking forward to reading more from this author. Josie–Night Owl Reviews “Dan Brown underwater! I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic thriller. Charlotte Dashiell, the heroine is a nautical archaeologist with an interesting and unique theory she’s trying to prove. I appreciated the imagination behind her theory. Charlotte engaged me from the beginning where she is caught on a sinking boat to the end of the story.” Seattle Examiner The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy.
Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War. Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black-market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft…after they murder her.
Product Details: Dark Waters Book 1 Paperback: 370 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (March 14, 2012)Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
The sequel novel to the best-selling, thriller, Golden Chariot. A sunken warship from the Byzantine Era carrying an unusual cargo of gold has been found off the coast of Northern Cyprus. News of the valuable cache has attracted the attention of a terrorist cell. They plan to attack the recovery team’s campsite and steal the artifacts. On the Black Market, the sale of the relics will buy them additional weapons.
Charlotte Dashiell, an American archaeologist, and her lover, Atakan Vadim, a Turkish government agent, are scheduled to be part of the recovery team that brings up the artifacts. While en route to Cyprus, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs of Maksym Tischenko, a Ukrainian contract killer bent on revenge. Charlotte, Atakan and Tischenko share a grim history. As a result, Tischenko is a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal—seeing them both dead.
Product Details: Dangerous Waters Book 2 Paperback: 286 Pages Publisher: Books to Go Now (January 21, 2013) Language: English Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers
A Tiempo Para Ti (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator).
Mientras cabalgan por el campo inglés, las hermanas Electra y Emily Crippen se encuentran atrapadas en una brecha en el tiempo. Arrojadas de vuelta a la Inglaterra de 1357 y capturadas por un noble local, están en un lugar que es su hogar pero tan aterrador y desconocido como lo sería un mundo alienígena. Sin tener idea de cómo se produjo el retroceso en el tiempo, lo único que saben es que deben permanecer juntas y cerca de donde ocurrió el suceso con la esperanza de descubrir el camino de regreso a su vida moderna. Esa cierta necesidad de permanecer juntas es la primera certeza que se les quita cuando una hermana se ve obligada a permanecer en Inglaterra y otra es enviada a kilómetros de distancia a Gales por orden real.
Hay otra esperanza de ayuda que las hermanas no saben que existe. Es el amante de Electra, Roger Marchand. Un viajero del tiempo, nunca le contó su pasado. Cuando se da cuenta de lo que les ha pasado a las hermanas, solicita la ayuda de un amigo científico para que le ayude a abrir el presunto paso a través del tiempo. Cualquier esfuerzo para salvar a Electra y Emily probablemente le costará la vida. Esta fue la época de la que vino Roger, una época en la que su país, Francia, estaba en guerra con Inglaterra. Si es descubierto en suelo inglés mientras busca a las hermanas, lo matarán o lo harán prisionero de guerra. Cualquier riesgo merece la pena para salvar la vida de la mujer que ama.
Product Details: Print Length: 292 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (June 24, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Ceguera del Caballero (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator).
Ante la elección entre la vida placentera que conociste hace siglos o
la posibilidad de todo lo que quieras en un mundo nuevo e incierto, ¿cuál elegirías?
Dos hombres destrozados a lo largo del tiempo se encuentran en el mundo moderno pero extraño.
Viejos enemigos, uno cazando al otro, uno descubriendo el amor, ambos librando batallas privadas para sobrevivir.
Libro 3 de Los Caballeros en Time Series
Listo para la batalla, el caballero inglés medieval, Stephen Palmer, carga en la línea de caballería del enemigo francés. Escuchando una advertencia dada meses antes, duda al enfrentarse cara a cara con el caballero en la advertencia. Derribado en el año 1356, se encuentra aterrizando en el año 2013.
Gravemente herido, ha sido llevado a un hospital cercano. Confundido por el nuevo mundo que lo rodea, intenta convencer al personal de que es de otro tiempo, sólo para descubrir que piensan que está loco.
Rescatado por amigos que, para su sorpresa, también han llegado a través del tiempo, debe encontrar una manera de desenvolverse en esta extraña Inglaterra moderna. Le encanta el carácter de Esme Crippen, la joven contratada para darle clases particulares. Ella también está encantada con él. Tentada a profundizar la relación, ella duda en pensar que él es adorable, pero loco.
Debe descubrir los medios para hacerla creer la verdad, mientras tanto, desconocido para él, no se presentó a tiempo. El caballero enemigo también ha viajado hasta 2013.
El noble francés Roger Marchand no cuestiona por qué el caballero inglés que le acusó dudó. Esa fracción de pausa le dio la ventaja necesaria y bajó su espada sobre el casco del inglés, soltando al caballero. Se movió para acabar con el inglés cuando el mundo cambió en un torrente de sensaciones a medida que se desgarraba a través del tiempo.
Buscando una razón para el terrible acontecimiento, entra en una capilla cercana. Allí, pensando que Dios lo ha elegido para llevar a
Product Details: Print Length: 318 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (November 1, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
El Carro Dorado (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator).
Se ha encontrado el raro descubrimiento de un barco hundido durante la Guerra de Troya frente a las costas de Turquía, cerca de Troya. Charlotte Dashiell es arqueóloga náutica estadounidense y está encan
tada de formar parte del equipo de recuperación. El naufragio puede contener pruebas de su controvertida teoría sobre la Guerra de Troya.
Charlotte está presente cuando el agente del gobierno turco asignado para vigilar el lugar es asesinado. Su posible participación y una conexión cuestionable con un coleccionista privado de reliquias del mercado negro la ponen bajo sospecha. Atakan Vadim es el agente turco enviado a investigarla. Sin que ninguno de los dos lo sepa, el contrabandista detrás del asesinato planea robar un valioso objeto e incriminar a Charlotte por el robo… después de que la asesinen.
Product Details: Print Length: 368 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (June 24, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Los Héroes Viven Para Siempre (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator).
Elinor Hawthorne ha heredado una casa perseguida por los fantasmas de dos caballeros medievales, Basil Manneville y Guy Guiscard. Basil es el hombre de sus sueños, su caballero de brillante armadura. Ella se enamora de él y él de ella. Basil pronto se da cuenta de que necesita vivir una vida normal, una vida feliz con un mortal.
Una vida más tarde, el destino interviene. A Basil, todavía enamorada de Elinor, se le dice que su espíritu vive en una joven y que se le da otra oportunidad en la vida para encontrarla.
Product Details: Publisher: Books To Go Now (June 24, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Un buque de guerra hundido de la era bizantina que transportaba una carga inusual de oro ha sido encontrado frente a las costas del norte de Chipre. Las noticias del valioso alijo han atraído la atención de una célula terrorista. Planean atacar el campamento del equipo de recuperación y robar los artefactos. En el mercado negro, la venta de las reliquias les comprará armas adicionales.
Charlotte Dashiell, arqueóloga estadounidense, y su amante, Atakan Vadim, agente del gobierno turco, formarán parte del equipo de recuperación que saca a relucir los artefactos. Mientras se dirigen a Chipre, se encuentran en el punto de mira de Maksym Tischenko, un asesino a sueldo ucraniano empeñado en la venganza. Charlotte, Atakan y Tischenko comparten una historia sombría. Como resultado, Tischenko es un hombre que no se detendrá ante nada para lograr su objetivo, viendo a ambos muertos.
Product Details: Print Length: 259 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (October 16, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Es el tiempo de Jack el Destripador, la reina viuda Victoria se sienta en el trono de Inglaterra. Todo Londres está al borde del abismo preguntándose cuándo o dónde matará Jack. El Palacio, el Parlamento y la prensa exigen que la policía haga más para encontrarlo.
En otra parte de Londres, héroe de guerra, el Detective Inspector Metropolitano Rudyard Bloodstone tiene que encontrar a su propio asesino en serie. Las rivalidades interdepartamentales, la política y la falta de pruebas para continuar obstaculizan la investigación a cada paso. En una batalla de voluntades, Bloodstone sigue adelante siguiendo sus instintos a pesar de los obstáculos.
Además de esos problemas, lejos de las tensiones de la investigación, está involucrado en los altibajos de una nueva relación con una encantadora fabricante de sombreros.
Product Details: Print Length: 278 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (June 24, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Serenata Bajo la Luna (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator).
Estamos en 1945. El infante de marina de EE.UU., Ron Day, ha estado luchando en una isla tras otra en el Pacífico Sur. Su compañía tiene otra batalla brutal en el horizonte: Okinawa. Ron ha sido dado de baja en Melbourne, Australia antes de embarcarse hacia Okinawa.
En Melbourne, conoce a Charmaine Sturgis, una hermosa cantante de big band. Como tantas cosas que suceden en la guerra, se enamoran en el poco tiempo que tienen de permiso
…y la guerra nos roba a todos.
Product Details: Publisher: Books To Go Now (October 23, 2018) Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Un Trago a la Muerte (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator)
El verano de 1889 demostró ser extraño para el detective inspector Rudyard Bloodstone y su compañero.
Tuvieron un pervertido sexual suelto. El hombre en realidad no lastimó a las mujeres, pero las amenazó a punta de cuchillo, las acarició y finalmente se robó las medias.
Mucho más graves fueron los asesinatos de hombres influyentes, que parecían aleatorios, aparte de que todos fueron asesinados con veneno de arsénico. Nunca él y su compañero tuvieron casos con tan poca evidencia factible.
Además, la rivalidad entre él y su némesis detective en el otro departamento de policía de Londres se estaba intensificando. Ese
Némesis era la campeona de boxeo de su departamento y quería desafiar a Rudyard, que nunca entrenó como
Boxer.
Además del orgullo de Rudyard en juego, y el orgullo de su estación, su némesis también tenía en su poder una fotografía escandalosa de la mujer por la que Rudyard está muy preocupado. La nueva dama en la vida de Rudyard había capturado su corazón y él pelearía contra el diablo para salvar su reputación.
Product Details: Publisher: Books To Go Now (September 25, 2018) Publication Date: September 25, 2018 Language: Spanish Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language: Spanish)
Viaje En El Tiempo (Spanish Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
MARIA GLORIA GARCIA MENENDEZ (Translator)
Nada tenía sentido. Ya se tratara de un proyecto universitario alocado, de una película de época o de actores que también actuaban en sus papeles, a Shakira no le importaba. Este no fue el fin de semana que imaginó. Ella quería irse. El ambiente, la gente y las miradas que le echaban la inquietaban. Ella no sabía lo que estaba pasando con Alex. ¿Por qué conocía a todo el mundo? ¿Por qué de repente se había vuelto tan estricto e imperioso? ¿Qué tiene este lugar que lo hace tan peligroso para ellos?
Ella tuvo suficiente.
Alex debe haber sentido su ansiedad. Interrumpió su conversación y estuvo a su lado en cuestión de segundos.
“Te ayudaré a desmontar”. Cogió las riendas de su firme agarre y la bajó al suelo. “Ven.” Le ofreció su brazo y le metió la mano en el codo.
“No.” Shakira se negó a moverse. “Quiero irme a casa.”
Parecía enfermo, de color verde, como si estuviera mareado.
Heróis Vivem para Sempre (Portuguese Edition) by Chris Karlsen.
Tainá Fernandes da Rocha de Araujo (Translator).
Elinor Hawthorne herdou uma casa assombrada pelos fantasmas de dois cavaleiros medievais, Basil Manneville e Guy Guiscard. Basil é o homem dos seus sonhos, seu cavaleiro de armadura brilhante. Ela se apaixona por ele e, ele por ela. Basil logo se dá conta de que ela precisa viver uma vida normal, um vida feliz com um mortal.
Anos se passaram, até que o destino intervém. Basil, ainda apaixonado por Elinor, recebe a notícia de que seu espírito reside em uma jovem mulher e recebe uma nova oportunidade em vida para encontrá-la.
Product Details: Print Length: 318 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (February 1, 2017) Language: Portuguese Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language-Portuguese)
É a época de Jack o Estripador, a viúva Rainha Vitória senta no trono da Inglaterra. Toda Londres está apreensiva, imaginando quando ou onde Jack fará sua próxima vítima. O Palácio, Parlamento e a imprensa exigem que a polícia faça mais para encontrá-lo.
Em outra parte de Londres, o herói de guerra casca-grossa, Inspetor Detetive Metropolitano Rudyard Bloodstone tem seu próprio assassino em série para encontrar. Rivalidades entre os departamentos, política, e poucas evicências são coisas com as quais ele tem que lidar a cada momento. Em uma batalha de força de vontade, Bloodstone cotinua seguindo seus instintos apesar dos obstáculos.
Acrescentando ainda mais aos seus problemas, longe das investigações, ele se aventura nos altos e baixos de um novo relacionamento com uma adorável chapeleira.
Product Details: Print Length: 283 Pages Publisher: Books To Go Now (March 29, 2019) Language: Portuguese Romance (Historical) Romance Historical Suspense Thrillers Romance (Language-Portuguese)
About The Author: Chris Karlsen is a retired police detective. She spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. The daughter of a history professor and voracious reader, she grew up with a love of history and books.
An internationally published author, Chris has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, satisfying her need to visit places she read about. Having spent a great deal of time in England and France, she used her love of both places as settings for her Knights in Time (5 book) series.
Author Chris Karlsen presents her Historical Romance and Historical Suspense Thrillers and Historical Love & War series.
Her series now include Knights in Time series, the Bloodstone series, Love & War series, Dark Water series and a Holiday short story selection: Choosing Home or Heart. Her novels are available in digital, e-book, Android App, paperback, audio format, and some books are presented in foreign language format.
A Chicago native, Chris has lived in Paris, Los Angeles, and now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two rescue dogs. A city girl all her life, living in a small town on a bay was an interesting adjustment. She’d never lived anywhere so quiet at night and where traffic wasn’t bumper to bumper 24/7.
Some of Chris’s favorite authors are: Bernard Cornwell, Michael Connolly, Joseph Wambaugh, Julia Quinn, Julie Anne Long and Deanna Raybourne.
Author Chris Karlsen Presents Her Historical Romance and Historical Romance Suspense Thrillers!
Knights in Time
Heroes Live Forever
Journey in Time
Knight Blindness
Losing Time
In Time for You
Bloodstone Series
Silk
Snifter of Death
A Venomous Love
Love & War Series
The Ack Ack Girl
Moonlight Serenade (New Historical Romance)
Dark Water Series
Dangerous Waters
Golden Chariot
Byzantine Gold
Holiday Selection: Choosing Home or Heart (this is a Christmas story where my Victorian detective from the series, Rudyard Bloodstone, goes home to Wales for the holidays and to introduce his lady love to his family. No murder, just a warm-hearted holiday novella)
A notable archaeologist, close to finding a priceless artifact, meets his untimely demise— Matthew Shane vows to find his murderer.
Matthew Shane is a law professor in Salem, Massachusetts, where he enjoys a rewarding mentorship with Professor Barrington Holmes, a well-known archaeologist. So when Professor Holmes is found dead in his office and the police rule it a suicide, something doesn’ t sit right with Matthew. He becomes determined to find the true cause of Holmes’ death and bring closure to his widow.
Matthew soon learns that Professor Holmes belonged to a group of notable archaeologists dubbed “ The Monkey’ s Paw,” who were all entangled in an expedition to find an unknown object of unprecedented historical and financial value. Each member had been given one piece of the instructions to find the object, but some of the men had encountered horrific twists of fate before the group could reunite to continue in their search. Joining forces with the remaining members, Matthew’ s quest for the cause of the apparent curse of The Monkey’ s Paw leads him on a global wild goose chase that culminates in a turn of events not even Professor Holmes could have predicted.
Perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Dan Brown.
Synopsis Of Deadly Depths: The death by bizarre means of his mentor, Professor Barrington Holmes, draws Mathew Shane into the quest of five archeologists, known to each other as “The Monkey’s Paws”, for an obscure object of unprecedented historic and financial value. The suspected murders of others of the Monkey’s Paws follow their pursuit of five clues found in a packet of five ancient parchments. Shane’s commitment to disprove the police theory of suicide by Professor Holmes carries him to the steamy bayous of New Orleans, the backstreets of Montreal, the sunken wreck of a pirate vessel off Barbados, and the city of Maroon descendants of escaped slaves in Jamaica. By weaving a thread from the sacrificial rites of the Aztec kingdom before the Spanish conquest of Mexico through the African beliefs of Jamaican Maroons and finally to the ventures of Captain Henry Morgan during the Golden Era of Piracy in his conquest and sacking of Spanish cities on the Spanish Main, Shane reaches a conclusion he could never have anticipated.
Blue Star Reviews
Review by Traveler46 Tucson, AZ: 5 Out Of 5 Stars. Intriguing! What’s not to like in this story: good adventure story; intrigue; good plot development; great characters? This novel seems to have it all. The story is pretty simple; a law professor Matthew Shane, is good friends with a former professor, Barrington Holmes, who has become like a surrogate father. Holmes is a renowned archeologist.
Holmes turns up dead from an apparent suicide and thus the story begins. Matt is not sure his friend and mentor was suicidal. In trying to uncover the truth, there is high and wide-ranging adventures taking the former military investigator now lawyer across the globe.
In his quest, Matt discovers a group of fellow archeologists called the “Monkey’s Paw.” These men, Matt believes can help; when they also start turning up dead there is something larger going on. The story ranges from voodoo activities in Louisiana to the Caribbean islands where former captives escaped and on to Marseilles and Montreal.
There is some connection with the former pirate Henry Morgan, a Welsh privateer with marque from the King of England to harass the Spanish ships coming from Central and South America and plunder their stolen gold and silver. There is a riddle to be solved involving Morgan and this riddle leads Shane on a wild chase across the globe.
A really good story that is so much fun to read and try to solve the riddle/enigma before Matt Shane can do so. Along the way Shane finds what may be love — but this side story is also potentially devastating. To find out how this turns out, I definitely recommend it to the reader.
I received a pre-publication copy for an unbiased review from NetGalley.
Review by Janet Hutchings, Editor, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine: Deadly Depths gives readers characters they care about and gets hearts pumping as the mystery and adventure unfold!
Review by Foreword Reviews: Deadly Depths is an exciting mystery novel that asks who has the right to seek and exploit lost treasures.
Review by Steve Berry, New York Times Best-Selling Author: This rapid pace adventure [High Stakes] delivers equal quantities of action, history, secrets, and conspiracies. Definitely an entertaining romp.
Review by Lisa Scottoline, New York Times Best-Selling Author: John Dobbyn knows how to write a thriller, with intriguing characters, well-timed wit, and suspense that doesn’t quit.
James Rollins, New York Times Best-Selling Author: John F. Dobbyn’s thriller Fatal Odds does everything right: a nail-biting plot to keep you turning pages, characters that shine brighter with every twist and turn, and a ripped-from-the-headlines authenticity that will leave you shocked. Here is a novel that expertly mixes thrills and smarts and will have you clamoring for more from this author. I know I want more.
Review by Publishers Weekly: Knight has a sharp wit and a gift of gab that he uses to exploit the enmity between and within the rival gangs . . . it’s difficult to believe that anything terrible could happen to a clever lad flashing so much good old Irish blarney.
Review by Library Journal: Readers of early John Grisham and Jeremiah Healy will enjoy Dobbyn’s debut [Neon Dragon] for his insider knowledge of the legal system and the defense strategy his protagonists use in court.
Review by Linda Landrigan, Editor in chief of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine: Once again, John F. Dobbyn grounds thrilling action in a fascinating subject—in this case, a possible lost cultural treasure linked to the historical Dracula. Attorney Michael Knight relies on quick wits, strong friendships, and deep personal integrity in globe-hopping engagements with Russian and Chinese gangs. High Stakes is spellbinding from page one to the end.
History, myth, music, and murder—and Michael Knight is in the middle.
An authentic Stradivarius violin turns up in Romania. A Stradivarius is rare enough, but this one is even more special. It is thought to hold the code disclosing the location of a treasure hidden in the fifteenth century. The violin is steeped in haunting mystique: it is believed to have been hidden by Vlad Dracula, whose historic tyranny led to the fabrication of the myth of vampirism. Russian, Chinese, and Romanian gangs centered in Boston want the code and all of them are hot on the trail. Violence is their language—brutality, their technique.
And who is hired to see that the treasure lands in the rightful place? None other than Michael Knight with a little help from his senior law partner Lex Devlin and his crony, Billy Coyne, Boston’s deputy district attorney.
Michael uses the thin leverage of his knowledge about the violin to keep each of the three gang leaders at bay, while he follows the chain of historic clues from a violin shop in the Carpathian Mountains to a gangster-infested nightclub in Bucharest, to a university in Istanbul, and back to the gang headquarters of the three competing criminal organizations. Secrets from the past and present collide along the perilous shuttle between Boston and Romania. In the end, what is the righteous solution?
Perfect for fans of Daniel Silva and Steve Berry.
Blue Star Reviews
Review by Steve Berry, New York Times Best-Selling Author: This rapid pace adventure [High Stakes] delivers equal quantities of action, history, secrets, and conspiracies. Definitely an entertaining romp.
Review by Lisa Scottoline, New York Times Best-Selling Author: John Dobbyn knows how to write a thriller, with intriguing characters, well-timed wit, and suspense that doesn’t quit.
Review by Linda Landrigan, Editor in chief of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine: Once again, John F. Dobbyn grounds thrilling action in a fascinating subject-in this case, a possible lost cultural treasure linked to the historical Dracula. Attorney Michael Knight relies on quick wits, strong friendships, and deep personal integrity in globe-hopping engagements with Russian and Chinese gangs. High Stakes is spellbinding from page one to the end.
Review by Janet Hutchings, Editor-in-Chief, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine: John F. Dobbyn is a master storyteller. There’s plenty of hard-driving action in a Michael Knight and Lex Devlin book, but when it’s all over, it’s the personal journeys of the characters that reverberate in readers’ minds.
Review by James Rollins, New York Times Best-Selling Author: John F. Dobbyn’s thriller Fatal Odds does everything right: a nail-biting plot to keep you turning pages, characters that shine brighter with every twist and turn, and a ripped-from-the-headlines authenticity that will leave you shocked. Here is a novel that expertly mixes thrills and smarts and will have you clamoring for more from this author. I know I want more.
Review by Publishers Weekly: Knight has a sharp wit and a gift of gab that he uses to exploit the enmity between and within the rival gangs . . . it’s difficult to believe that anything terrible could happen to a clever lad flashing so much good old Irish blarney.
Review by Library Journal: Readers of early John Grisham and Jeremiah Healy will enjoy Dobbyn’s debut [Neon Dragon] for his insider knowledge of the legal system and the defense strategy his protagonists use in court.
Book Trailer: Fatal Odds: Danger escalates as Michael Knight and Lex Devlin enter the defense of a Puerto Rican jockey charged with felony murder as a result of a fixed race at Boston’s Suffolk Downs.
As their investigation exposes the jockey’s role, they become embroiled in a conflict between two Puerto Rican crime gangs, one of which is aligned with Boston’s Italian Mafia in trading exotic and endangered wild animals from the Amazon rainforest. Working to free their client, Michael and Lex find themselves squarely in the crossfire of rival organized crime gangs from the barrio of Jamaica Plain, Boston, to the gang-dominated streets of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
About The Author: Best-selling author John F. Dobbyn, a graduate of Harvard College, Boston College Law School, and Harvard Law School, is a former professor of law at Villanova Law School where he taught criminal, constitutional, and corporate law. Prior to his teaching career, Dobbyn served three years in the Air Force and practiced criminal and civil trial work. Twenty-five of his short stories have been published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
Dobbyn is the author of the award-winning Michael Knight and Lex Devlin legal thriller series. He is a Boston native and now resides in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Lois. Deadly Depths is his seventh novel.
Books by John F. Dobbyn: Deadly Depths Black Diamond: A Novel (Knight and Devlin Thriller Book 3) Deadly Diamonds: A Novel (Knight and Devlin Thriller Book 4) Fatal Odds: A Novel (Knight and Devlin Thriller Book 5) Frame-Up (Knight and Devlin Thriller Book 2) High Stakes: A Knight and Devlin Thriller Book 6 Injunctions in a Nutshell (Nutshell Series) Insurance Law in a Nutshell (Nutshells) Neon Dragon: A Knight and Devlin Thriller So You Want to Go to Law School The Knight and Devlin Collection
Ghosts Revisited 1 (The Ghosts Revisited Series) by William P. Robertson.
The Ghosts Revisited Series Book 1.
“Ghosts Revisited” exhumes 32 chilling tales from the crypts of Pennsylvania and Western New York. Who knew that Erie Cemetery housed a vampire, or that High Hat, the Seneca Bogeyman, roams Allegany State Park to quench his cannibalistic urges? Hell hounds frequent Goodleburg Graveyard while Hotel Conneaut is home to the specter bride Elizabeth who burned to death on her honeymoon. Scarier yet, is the serial killer whose ghost resides at the Bergen House near Rochester, New York. That was where he slaughtered children and fed them to the pigs. Historic sites such as the Devil’s Den at Gettysburg, the Dunkirk Lighthouse, and Eastern State Penitentiary have their share of phantoms, as well. Add in a haunted hospital, a derelict poorhouse, and a rat-infested factory, and this book becomes truly spooktacular!
Review by Papa Joe: 4.0 out of 5 Stars. Nice stories. Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021. Verified Purchase. Being from Pittsburgh and having a camp in Hazel Hurst, I enjoyed the paranormal stories from NW Pa. I have actually hunted at Catherines Swamp area. The stories are very short, many 1-2 pages but very entertaining.
Ghosts Revisited 2 (The Ghosts Revisited Series) by William P. Robertson.
The Ghosts Revisited Series Book 2.
In “Ghosts Revisited 2” William P. Robertson explores 28 more spooky sites in New York State and Pennsylvania. The book begins by investigating St. Bonaventure University where a Black Mass went bad. Equally eerie, a headless horseman reputedly gallops from the mist of Hollenbeck Cemetery while children’s ghosts romp through Hencoop Graveyard. The Eagle Hotel in Waterford, PA is home to the vexed maid, Matilda, who in a fit of rage, set fire to the historic structure. Then, there’s Cowles Hall at Elmira College that’s said to have a good side and a very evil one. Skiers dressed in ’70s garb still frequent the now defunct Wing Hollow Resort that’s also haunted by the spirits of two workers brutally murdered there during a midnight robbery. Ghostly activity at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre is no laughing matter, either. Yes, the “2” in the title “Ghosts Revisited” isn’t there by accident. Twice as many scare are waiting in the pages inside!
Customer Reviews: 5 out of 5 Stars. (No extra comment made).
Ghosts Revisited 3 (The Ghosts Revisited Series) by William P. Robertson.
The Ghosts Revisited Series Book 3.
William P. Robertson’s third collection of ghost stories contains 34 chilling tales from Pennsylvania and Western New York. Meet a witch, wailing babies, and a faceless phantom that lurk in creepy graveyards. Plane crash specters shop at the Aliquippa Giant Eagle, too, while a Lady in White searches forever for her murdered daughter at Durand Eastman Park. Then there’s the Pigman who seeks revenge on those that burned him alive near Angola, NY. Pittsburgh’s Shades of Death and Blue Mist Roads are also the scenes of brutal killings and the spirits who cry out for justice. But paranormal activity isn’t restricted to such shadowy places. Just ask the folks who visit historic Fort Ontario. It’s guarded by the ghosts of five different wars!
Review by A. E. Hultberg: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Bill’s ghost chasing adventures continue! Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2022. This author extraordinaire continues his storytelling in book 3 of GHOSTS REVISITED. Short but scary, these stories cover haunts in houses, schools, and lodges, just to name a few. One of my favorite stories is “The Pigman,” where the Pigman haunts travelers on a road in Angola, New York. He was burned alive, yet returned as a misty apparition, smelling of smoke and fire. In the story “Goose hill Cemetery,” my favorite line is “Goose Hill may be named after the geese a farmer once raised there, but now malicious spirits are doing the goosing.” These thirty-some stories should be read by candlelight on a cold, rainy night! But beware, you may not be able to sleep as these ghosts haunt your dreams!
Ghosts Revisited 4 (The Ghosts Revisited Series) by William P. Robertson.
The Ghosts Revisited Series Book 4.
GHOSTS REVISITED 4 contains William P. Robertson’s most intense ghost stories yet. A murder-suicide fuels an American Legion tale while a lumber baron’s deal with the devil drives the Litch House legend. There are plenty of poltergeists, too, who slam doors angrily three times in succession and pin people beneath toppled furniture. Those who burned to death in tragic fires also return to cause havoc. East Otto Cemetery, meanwhile, is home to two headless specters and their ax-wielding killer. Hit-and-run victims, a murdered clerk, and a grieving mother refuse to rest after death, as well. Many incidents were told to the author by those afflicted by troubled spirits. That makes these tales more personal and ultimately more terrifying. What’s revisited will make your skin crawl!
With the release of Ghosts Revisited 5, the world just got a little creepier. Kids still switch classes at the abandoned Broughton School near Pittsburgh although they’ve been dead for decades. Confirmed sightings of Bigfoot and the Waterford Sheepman bring chills, as well, while every employee questioned at Beefeaters in Bradford, PA has had a scary experience. Dead Man’s Hollow lives up to its name, too. Then there’s the House the Devil Built where a wife decapitated her husband’s lover and sang lullabies to the severed head. Infidelity, lust, and murder abound in William P. Robertson’s latest collection of 26 ghost stories. There’s even a lecherous phantom who loves live women.
William P. Robertson introduces his readers to a diverse group of personalities in Ghosts Revisited 6. Learn what inspires Spirit Hunters, Inc. to investigate scary places. Meet horror filmmaker, Ryan Cavalline, and enter the dark world of artist, David Cox. Did Malinda Van Horn really die in childbirth? And how did Rosa Carmichael turn Homestead Orphanage into hell? Then there’s the Ghost Boy of SUNY Geneseo who endured a semester of spiritual attacks and yet maintained his sanity. The otherworldly encounters of Miss V also add to the creep factor in this collection of 20 unsettling tales.
Ghosts Revisited 7 (Ghosts Revisited Series) by William P. Robertson.
The Ghosts Revisited Series Book 7.
Pre-Order Now (This Title Will Be Released On December 14, 2023).
Shaman, Paul Stillman, exorcises demons in Upstate New York. Nikki Carlson gets splattered with gore acting in Pennsylvania horror films. Mark Polonia has made nearly 100 of such flicks. Ghosts Revisited 7 relates their stories and some spooky folklore, too. The Storm Hag rises from Lake Erie to capsize and eat unwary sailors. On Spook Hill, cars roll backward up the rise while Delaware Road is home to a hybrid beast. And then there’s the Eldred World War II Museum where ghosts come attached to donated uniforms. Union Street Station in Hamburg, New York is also a creepy place. It’s haunted by Arthur, who loves to slam doors and materialize in a wave of heat.
About The Author: William P. Robertson earned a B.S. degree and 24 graduate credits from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. He has since worked in factories, taught high school English, and run a successful house painting business. Robertson is also a freelance writer, and his poetry, short stories, and articles have appeared in over 500 magazines worldwide. In addition, the author has published 66 books in the horror, poetry, and historical fiction genres. When he’s not painting or writing, William enjoys fishing for trout, following the Pittsburgh Pirates, and listening to rock music.
About The Author: William P. Robertson
graduated from Mansfield University in 1972 with a BS in English. Since
college, he has worked in factories, taught high school English, and run a
successful house painting business.
He began freelancing short stories, poetry, and articles in 1978, and his work has now appeared in over 500 magazines in the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Romania, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. He has also published eleven poetry collections, two audio books of horror verse, four volumes of short stories, and eleven historical fiction novels. In his spare time Bill enjoys photography, trout fishing, deer hunting, and Civil War reenacting. He belongs to the Company I Bucktail unit of McKean County in Pennsylvania.
The Vase of Many Colors explores the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions in ways that tap into the emotions of ordinary readers looking for serious and important content while at the same time wanting a truly exciting story. To achieve all this, the novel utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing The First Coming, a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy.
The first part (Book One) portrays Ira’s parents and their love affair made in heaven… if only they were left alone to relish it. It also portrays their family, religious Jews on Ira’s maternal side and devout atheists on his paternal side. That in and by itself makes for serious conflicts, but that’s the least of it. When Rebecca, Ira’s mother, becomes pregnant out of wedlock carrying Ira in her belly, all hell breaks loose. She is disowned by her father and despised by her mother-in-law. What happens to them reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, well at least Juliet. The second part (Book Two) revolves around Ira’s wife, Natalie who is born into a truly dysfunctional, poor Catholic family and abandoned at the age of ten. She is left at a Catholic boarding school, raped at the age of fifteen by a monk teaching there, and then accused of causing his demise. Much later she meets and falls in love with Ira at an art studio in Florence, Italy. She cannot imagine what is to follow, nor can the reader. The third part (Book Three) describes Ira’s remarkable journey including his own book, The First Coming, and the trouble it causes him and Natalie. He is shot, kidnapped by Iranian extremists’ intent on beheading him; he is left to die in the Indian jungle where he confronts a giant white tiger and other creatures during his fits of delusion. Or maybe not a delusion? In the meantime, Natalie is poisoned by the same extremists and remains in a coma.
All of this between the front cover that displays the very vase of many colors and the back cover that quotes one of the many 5 Star reviews this novel has received thus far.
5 Stars: The life and times of Ira Neebest!
This is a review of ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ by Steve Shear. It is a triadic NOVELization exploring the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions and utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy (The First Coming). On this journey we first learn about Rebecca, Ira’s mother, who is constantly doing battle with guilt driving forces in her own Hasidic background as she runs from a marriage arranged by her Hasidic father into the arms of a devout atheist (An Eye for an Eye). And we love Natalie, Ira’s wife, who as a child is abandoned by her parents at a Catholic boarding school but grows up to be an outstanding portrait artist and a pawn used by ISIS to capture Ira (Black Hearts & and Hungry Bears).
Each of the three books can be purchased separately or in a single volume. I gave each of these three stand-alone books a 5 Star review as they became available which means that the triadic volume receives a 5 Star review.
Let me first revisit my 5 Star review for ‘An Eye for an Eye’. Author Steve Shear skillfully brings the reader into this book of ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ with a strong ‘Prologue’ set on July 4, 1973 in New York City. After stalking a rabbi and meeting him face to face, a Stranger passes a newsstand and catches a quick glimpse of the headline Jerusalem Rabbi is found dead in his hotel room. Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ zero in on the ills of religious orthodoxy and extreme ideology. Author Steve Shear approaches the same age-old questions with imagery, personal relationships, and consequences affecting his characters in ways that melt from the page onto the reader’s lap.
The characters are vivid and the story well written. The underlying conflicts are as old as humanity, as two young people try to come to terms with family structure, with religious and non-religious indoctrination resulting in the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain of seen and perceived hypocrisy, and with the death trap of fear, guilt, and revenge.
In 5 Star ‘Black Hearts & Hungry Bears’, you will meet Ira’s wife Natalie, her friend Sam, and her grandfather Harry. The meat of the story centers around Natalie’s confrontation with the Catholic Church, and Sam’s also. Their stories, while similar and different, are raw and challenging, and they will test your intelligence. And they may provoke religious conflict in your predetermined mindset. Much of this is told by Natalie after she finds herself in a semi-conscious state, all because she was poisoned by ISIS in order to kidnap Ira. Snippets of time race through her mind like a movie on fast forward and rewind, her abuse by a Catholic priest, her growing friendship with Sam, and her trial after being accuses of murdering the priest.
The Third 5 Star book in this triad is ‘The First Coming’. It is there that the reader learns all about Ira, his own novel, how difficult it is getting published, and the anguish it causes him and Natalie. We also learn how he is abducted and what happens to him in the Jungles of India after the plane he is on crashes, a plane carrying him to ISIS country for a public beheading. It is also in this book that we come to know the elderly Soma Nole, an enigma who is clearly more than she claims to be.
All in all, I highly recommend ‘The Vase of Many Colors’.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Volume of Three Books in the ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Series Paperback: 740 Pages Publisher: Catalina Sun Press: 2nd Edition (January 15, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Literary)
The First Coming: The Vase of Many Colors by Steve Shear.
The Vase of Many Colors Books I, II, and III explore the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions in a way that taps into the emotions of ordinary readers looking for serious and important content while at the same time wanting a truly exciting story. To achieve this, it utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing The First Coming, a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy.
The first part, An Eye for an Eye, (Book I) portrays Ira’s parents and their love affair made in heaven… if only they were left alone to relish it. It also portrays their family, religious Jews on Ira’s maternal side and devout atheists on his paternal side. That in and by itself makes for serious conflicts, but that’s the least of it. When Rebecca, Ira’s mother, becomes pregnant out of wedlock carrying Ira in her belly, all hell breaks loose. She is disowned by her father and despised by her mother-in-law. What happens to them reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, well at least Juliet. The second part, Black Hearts & Hungry Bears, (Book II) revolves around Ira’s wife, Natalie who was born into a truly dysfunctional, poor Catholic family and abandoned at the age of ten. She was left at a Catholic boarding school, raped at the age of fifteen by monk teaching there, and then accused of causing his demise. Much later she met and fell in love with Ira at an art studio in Florence, Italy. She could not have imagined what was to follow. The third part, The First Coming, (Book III) describes Ira’s remarkable journey including his own book, The First Coming, and the trouble it caused him and Natalie. He was shot, kidnapped by Iranian extremists’ intent on beheading him; he was left to die in the Indian jungle where he confronted a giant white tiger and other creatures during his fits of delusion. In the meantime, Natalie was poisoned by the same extremists and remained in a coma.
All of this between the front cover that displays the very vase of many colors and the back cover that quotes several 5 Star reviews.
Product Details: Book Three in the ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Series Paperback: 314 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 28, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Literary)
Black Hearts & Hungry Bears: The Vase of Many Colors by Steve Shear.
The Vase of Many Colors Books I, II, and III explore the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions in a way that taps into the emotions of ordinary readers looking for serious and important content while at the same time wanting a truly exciting story. To achieve this, it utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing The First Coming, a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy.
The first part, An Eye for an Eye, (Book I) portrays Ira’s parents and their love affair made in heaven… if only they were left alone to relish it. It also portrays their family, religious Jews on Ira’s maternal side and devout atheists on his paternal side. That in and by itself makes for serious conflicts, but that’s the least of it. When Rebecca, Ira’s mother, becomes pregnant out of wedlock carrying Ira in her belly, all hell breaks loose. She is disowned by her father and despised by her mother-in-law. What happens to them reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, well at least Juliet. The second part, Black Hearts & Hungry Bears, (Book II) revolves around Ira’s wife, Natalie who was born into a truly dysfunctional, poor Catholic family and abandoned at the age of ten. She was left at a Catholic boarding school, raped at the age of fifteen by monk teaching there, and then accused of causing his demise. Much later she met and fell in love with Ira at an art studio in Florence, Italy. She could not have imagined what was to follow. The third part, The First Coming, (Book III) describes Ira’s remarkable journey including his own book, The First Coming, and the trouble it caused him and Natalie. He was shot, kidnapped by Iranian extremists’ intent on beheading him; he was left to die in the Indian jungle where he confronted a giant white tiger and other creatures during his fits of delusion. In the meantime, Natalie was poisoned by the same extremists and remained in a coma.
All of this between the front cover that displays the very vase of many colors and the back cover that quotes several 5 Star reviews.
5 Stars: Raw, challenging, and it will test your intelligence!
For those of us who read Author Steve Shear’s ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: An Eye for an Eye, we have waited patiently for book two, ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Book Two Black Hearts & Hungry Bears. I encourage you to read book one, but you can jump in at any time. In book one, the family Rabbi instills and enforces doctrine, morality and commandments, it is the fear and guilt that either glues or unglued Rebecca. The results of extreme control (physically, mentally and spiritually proves devastating).
Steve Shear’s main character Ira Neebest tells his family’s story in uncompromising honesty. This is a story that centers around Ira’s parents, grandparents, and his mother Rebecca’s aunt and uncle. You will also meet Ira’s wife Natalie, her friend Sam, and her grandfather Harry. The meat of the story centers around Ira, Natalie, and friend Soma. The story you are about to read is raw, challenging, and it will test your intelligence, and may provoke religious conflict in your predetermined mindset.
As with book one, the author sets up each chapter with the main character’s name. Chapter one opens when Natalie finds herself in a semi-conscious state. Snippets of time race through her mind like a movie on fast forward.
Chapter Two finds Sam watching the New York Knicks play the Boston Celtics when the game was interrupted by a News Flash. Ira Neebest had been kidnapped under the watchful eyes of the FBI.
Meet Catherine who wanted to be a famous lady boxer, because she wanted to be with boys playing baseball, soccer, and hockey. That was long before she realized how corrupt and violent boys…men could be.
I invite you to read this first-person account, detailing Ira Neebest life, from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy (Ira Neebest and The First Coming).
It is Natalie’s restless comatose state that engages the reader in revisiting the most hellish events in her life, like her great venture into the legal system from the wrong side of the bench. I quote Natalie:
“I’ve never been in a courtroom,” I remember telling Sam once again as we entered the courthouse along with half the town of Montpelier. Some of the residents were patting me on the back, wishing me luck; others whispered words of hate. I started to sit in the peanut gallery when Totentanz came out of nowhere. Then the judge, Dante, God damn it! He yelled at me. “In front, little lady, where you belong,” he hollered. “Counselor, please look after the defendant. She may not be with us very long.”
I invite you to read ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: Black Hearts & Hungry Bears (Book Two) and ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: An Eye for an Eye (Book One) as we patiently wait for ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: Ira Neebest and The First Coming (Book Three).
I personally enjoy Author Steve Shear’s writing style and storytelling, as he takes his readers into the life of Ira Neebest. All his characters are vivid, relatable and remember-able.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Book Two in the ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Series Paperback: 265 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 27, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Literary)
An Eye for an Eye: The Vase of Many Colors by Steve Shear.
The Vase of Many Colors Books I, II, and III explore the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions in a way that taps into the emotions of ordinary readers looking for serious and important content while at the same time wanting a truly exciting story. To achieve this, it utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing The First Coming, a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy.
The first part, An Eye for an Eye, (Book I) portrays Ira’s parents and their love affair made in heaven… if only they were left alone to relish it. It also portrays their family, religious Jews on Ira’s maternal side and devout atheists on his paternal side. That in and by itself makes for serious conflicts, but that’s the least of it. When Rebecca, Ira’s mother, becomes pregnant out of wedlock carrying Ira in her belly, all hell breaks loose. She is disowned by her father and despised by her mother-in-law. What happens to them reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, well at least Juliet. The second part, Black Hearts & Hungry Bears, (Book II) revolves around Ira’s wife, Natalie who was born into a truly dysfunctional, poor Catholic family and abandoned at the age of ten. She was left at a Catholic boarding school, raped at the age of fifteen by monk teaching there, and then accused of causing his demise. Much later she met and fell in love with Ira at an art studio in Florence, Italy. She could not have imagined what was to follow. The third part, The First Coming, (Book III) describes Ira’s remarkable journey including his own book, The First Coming, and the trouble it caused him and Natalie. He was shot, kidnapped by Iranian extremists’ intent on beheading him; he was left to die in the Indian jungle where he confronted a giant white tiger and other creatures during his fits of delusion. In the meantime, Natalie was poisoned by the same extremists and remained in a coma.
All of this between the front cover that displays the very vase of many colors and the back cover that quotes several 5 Star reviews.
5 Stars: Underlying conflicts are as old as humanity!
Author Steve Shear skillfully brings the reader into ‘‘The Vase of Many Colors’: An Eye for an Eye Book One’ with a strong ‘Prologue’ set on July 4, 1973 in New York City. A stranger passes the newsstand to catch a quick glimpse if the headline “Jerusalem Rabbi is found dead in in his hotel room”.
The author sets up each chapter with the main character’s name, date and location.
I quickly identified with his main character Rebecca. With a strong Jewish name, a father whose family dominance is driven by his Jewish Orthodoxy who rules with a harsh hand driving his daughter to question her faith and go in search of her own truth, even if this means hiding a copy of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and listening to Elvis Presley on her radio.
Leonard an Episcopalian by birth, (his parents both professors at Amherst, Massachusetts) struggles with his own Identity and restrictions formed by his beliefs system from infancy, now clash with college culture and his own atheist leanings.
Hlomo Schoenfeld is studying to become a Rabbi and is stunned when his arranged wife to be, Rebecca, shunned his proposal in late spring of 1956 in Jerusalem.
Morris Goldshein is uncle to Rebecca and makes annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem from St. Louis. Although he is not her favorite uncle, she is his favorite niece. He is impressed with Rebecca’s spirit of independence. Morris along with Rebecca’s Aunt Esther, will champion her throughout her life.
The stage is set, Leonard leaves Amherst for Washington University in St. Louis in the early fall of 1956 and Rebecca leaves Jerusalem in the winter of 1956 for St. Louis to live with Uncle Morris and Aunt Esther in America.
The family Rabbi instills and enforces doctrine, morality and commandments, it is the fear and guilt that either glues or unglued Rebecca. The results of extreme control (physically, mentally and spiritually proves devastating.
I quote from Rebecca’s Aunt Esther (in St Louis) (Chapter 21): “Metaphorically speaking, I felt as if I were caught between the jaws of an emotional vise given the situation· now facing me, the situation of my own making, the situation in which Rebecca blamed herself for the death of her parents and siblings. On the one hand, I thanked God every day for having my niece’s love and friendship, not to mention the love and friendship of Leonard and Ira, Ira most of all. On the other hand, I uprooted Rebecca. I introduced her to Leonard. I championed the environment that promoted their relationship. I was the one who set into motion a runaway locomotive that I should have known would derail and crash into a chasm of unrelenting guilt. But never in my wildest nightmares did I contemplate the breadth of that chasm or its impenetrable depth.”
The characters are vivid and the story well written. The underlying conflicts are as old as humanity, as young people try to come to terms with their family structure, religious or non-religious indoctrination, resulting in the physical, emotional and spiritual pain of seen or perceived hypocrisy and the death trap of fear, guilt and yes, revenge (‘Eye for An Eye’) that extends to generation and must be revisited.
Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ zero in on the ills of religious orthodoxy and extreme ideology. Author Steve Shear’s approach to the same age-old questions, brings the imagery and personal relationships, and consequences that affects his characters right onto the page for his readers to arise at their own conclusions.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Book One in the ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Series Paperback: 301 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 27, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Literary)
Robert Glickman declares in his quest to die with dignity and the likelihood he will be next. To that end, he uses his grandson’s sixth grade quiz book, a locked away metal box, and a secret weapon that eventually comes back to haunt him.
In the meantime, he is embroiled in the lives of other residents: his neurotic sister, Essie who plots to steal his secret weapon for herself; beautiful Christina Abernathy, a retired psychotherapist he instantly falls in love with; Hester, a young server at the Fountain who suffers from progressive mutism; Boyle, a man of mystery with a questionable past for good or evil (Glickman isn’t sure which); and Boyle’s grandson, Santini, a troubled young man caught between the dope dealers he runs with and the FBI wanting to use him.
Will Glickman and Essie beat dementia? Can he win over Christina? And what about Hester, Boyle, and Boyle’s grandson?
5 Stars: Great compassion!
I found The Fountain Of Youth by Steve Shear most interesting because my grandparents managed a retirement home and nursing home. I grew up around these homes, associating with many of the older people who lived in both. When my father became disabled (car accident, my mother, father and I teenager) we moved into an apartment within the Retirement Home. I lived there until I graduated from high school and left home. This book brought back a lot of wonderful memories of the older people that I associated with in my youth. It also brought back memories of those I saw physically and mentally decline.
I love how the author draws the reader into the daily lives of the people who live at “The Fountain of Youth” and I love the title. As I said, I have already lived in an old folks’ home, so when I get old, I want to go to a young folks’ home. The colorful characters who reside at “The Foundation of Youth” bring with them their past experiences, their lifelong stories, their strong personalities, human emotions. They exhibit an ability to adjust to their surroundings as they fight to stay in control of their physical and mental health with full knowledge that the road ahead is not what anyone would want for themselves or anyone else.
Main character Robert Glickman is acutely aware of his genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. He has lost family and friends, and he refuses to go quietly into this physical and mental hell. Adding a little romance can’t hurt. Robert did his best to encourage others through reading to them. Here is a good quote from Robert: “As I dropped down to LL2, it occurred to me that I no longer considered the lowest floor as Hades or the River Styx and when the elevator doors opened it didn’t seem as hot and oppressive. It was certainly quiet however. I stepped into the lounge and stared at the couch where O’Reilly and I read Gatsby. I could still see the crowd of patients in wheelchairs, on walkers, and sitting uncomfortably in those same gray folding chairs everyone purchases from Costco… Patients! I referred to them as patients, not residents. The word rolled off my lips without a bit of concern. Maybe I was reconciling myself to the future. Never!”
You probably know someone or even care for a loved one who is struggling with one or more diseases that cause dementia. As researchers work hard to find cures for these diseases, it is our job to stay informed of the latest advances in medications and assistance for end of life. Although fiction, I think this author has addressed these issues well.
I give the book 5 stars because the author shows great compassion for those afflicted and this book addresses a difficult subject that affects missions of people, their family, friends and caregivers.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Message From The Author: “When I was growing up, sharing a single bedroom with three brothers in a duplex on Dartmouth Avenue, my maternal grandmother, Mama, lived with us and had her own room. Often, she would babysit when our parents went out and we would play gin rummy, Mama and me. She cheated but I still won. Mama would also buy individual packets of sunflower seeds (we called them ‘polly’ seeds) from our uncle who lived upstairs. He was a pharmacist and even though she bought them wholesale, she sold them to us boys’ retail. Of course, we knew where she hid them so I’m afraid to say she got the short end of that deal. At the time I didn’t think she knew we were stealing them. At the time I was young and stupid.
When Mama was around nine-two my parents moved her to a nursing home. In those days you really didn’t want to visit a nursing home, but we did, every Sunday. During one visit, Mama introduced me to ‘Aunt’ Charlotte, her next-door neighbor at the home. “Mama,” I said, “She’s not my aunt.” But she stood her ground and insisted Charlotte was my aunt and I should greet her accordingly. Finally, while I was still arguing with her, she said, “Stevie, mit her money and no one to leave it to, she’s your aunt.” Again, I was young and stupid.
Thank the powers greater than us (if there are any), Mama did not live long in that nursing home (which she hated) and she died with the humor I grew up with. She was one of the reasons I wrote The Fountain of Youth.”
Review by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A remarkably written story! Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2022. Verified Purchase. What a powerful, emotional, and remarkable story in The Fountain of Youth by Steve Shear. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. I love it when a Legacy author sends me more of their work! A family stuck with generations of dementia, and how it not just allows the one with it to suffer without dignity, but the family around them, dealing with the slow loss of their family member. There is always that fear that it will happen to them as well. And the words that resonated with me, were of a child after the loss of his mother, ““I will choose the time. I will choose the time. Not God or any power outside my control!” And “Fountain of Youth” is a senior living facility. Now, here is a tale that brings raw emotions, reminded this reader who lost a grandmother to dementia, and watching her suffer with memories of an abusive childhood. I get this story and see why it is so important for others to read it. There is a sense of not giving up, but continuing to life, and all its secrets. I find it interesting that Robert uses his son’s sixth grade quiz book, and it is important to him, but he keeps that his secret. And then, there are the other residents with Robert, and even rumors of one being a Nazi in hiding. I really enjoyed the read. The emotions and passion that was put into writing this, shows. A very impressively written story. The Fountain of Youth is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Story of Life, Love and Final Options. Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2017. Verified Purchase. There’s so much more I could say about The Fountain of Youth (the subplots, the personalities, the humor), but I’ll stick to the ethical issue for my comments. This novel should be required reading in legal, medical and sociology courses as our younger generation grapples with these ethical questions: Who defines quality of life? Do I have control over my own body in life and death? Should aid-in-dying be available to people with conditions that are not considered physically terminal?
Of course, the most rational answer to the question is that any mentally competent adult should have the right to receive aid-in-dying if facing what the patient considers to be debilitating and/or painful or prolonged mental or physical suffering like Essie and Robbie were confronting. Typically, illnesses like dementia, Alzheimer’s and especially Parkinson’s do not cause death which usually comes from a secondary condition like pneumonia or kidney failure or other complication.
Those who suffer from Alzheimer’s may not be in a physically terminal condition, but they are facing the loss of their personal identity. They are mentally and emotionally terminal. I thank The Fountain of Youth and its author for laying the groundwork for continued dialogue about the right-to-die movement and expanding the topic beyond the realm of physical terminal illness.
Product Details: Paperback: 298 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Last Rose Of Summer Rose) (May 19, 2017) Language: English Romance (Contemporary)
In the distant future, all humans who reach the age of seventy-five experience the ‘Click’ and die.
It’s considered God’s chronological death sentence intended to prevent overpopulation. Narcissist, Oliver Hitchcock, who looks to be in his late fifties, is a retired C.I.A. operative, and handsome lady’s man. He is also one of the lucky ones, a Beater. At seventy-eight he beat the Click and the aging process.
His eleven-year-old grandson, Christopher, is not so lucky. The child is prematurely in the throes of the Click and will die within the year if Hitchcock can’t save him. As Christopher’s impending demise clicks louder and louder and precious time evaporates before Hitchcock’s eyes, he begins to unravel an ugly conspiracy and the truth about himself.
In order to move forward and save his grandson he must overcome his own ego, and quite possibly sacrifice his youthful appearance—even his life.
Review by Charles at SaddleBrooke Ranch Resort Community, AZ: 5.0 out of 5 Stars “The Click” – One of 3 Engaging Steve Shear Novel. Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019. Verified Purchase. I met Steve Shear in 2014 playing pickleball at SaddleBrooke Resort Community, Tucson, AZ. Besides being an artist and playwright, he and his wife produced and directed 10 years of theatre at SaddleBrooke. I then learned he was an author. At Amazon I am aware that Steve has 3 published books (“The Trials of Adrian Wheeler,” “The Click” and “The Fountain of Youth”). I enjoyed each one, appreciating the three timely story lines. I like sci-fiction, so “The Click” was an engrossing action adventure looking at theocracy governance and population control impact. I think Steve is imaginative in his science concepts utilized by a world religion to “save” the earth from over population. For many years during my work life, I read in bed just before falling asleep. I continue to do so, but his 3 books found me reading at different times of the day, because I wanted to see what happened next. Excellent! Kudos to him.
Product Details: Paperback: 272 Pages Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (October 24, 2018) Language: English Science Fiction (Action Adventure)
Marine Private Adrian Wheeler, accused of murdering Iraqi women and children, arrived home to face nothing less than: An unrelenting father who cajoled him into enlisting, PTSD, sexual Inadequacy, a sensational court-martial trial, a sister with HIV. He returned from Baghdad and the Iraq war disabled and disillusioned an amputee with a bad knee. His brother, John Mike, didn’t return at all. Both participated in a reconnaissance mission seeking proof Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, WMDs, a mission that tragically failed, a mission in which innocent women and children died along with John Mike and other combatants.
As the sole survivor, Adrian carried the details of that trauma deep within his subconscious, and often drank himself unconscious in hopes of hiding from the visitors who came in his sleep; his domineering father, a retired Vietnam veteran, and Rachael, the girl he left behind. In his mental state and physical condition, he did everything he could to avoid her—and the couch they first made love on before he lost his arm. Just when he began taking control of his life, Adrian was charged with the murder of all those women and children. But did he, do it? Could it have been John Mike? Or possibly an insurgent?
Adrian’s only hope was to get beyond his trauma and recall the terrible secret buried deep within the cellar of his psyche. That required Rabinowitz (a psychotherapist specializing in PTSD) and Angelo Benedetti (a renowned court-martial defense lawyer) to help him remember—and to convince the court he was innocent—whether he was or not.
Message From The Author: “From the Author: When I started writing Adrian, the only thing I had in mind was a friend from my poetry critique group, a gentle soul with natural artistic creativity, who was ‘forced’ to join the Marines and fight in Vietnam for his country by his bombastic father. My friend had MS and other bad things after being exposed to Agent Orange. He died last year but not before he published several books of his poetry.
Actually, I had two other things in mind when I began thinking about Adrian. I had been against America invading Iraq and I blamed it on W, our president who made the decision to invade. I had just finished reading Vincent Bugliosi’s book The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, and I wondered how many soldiers regretted their decisions to join up in the first place, like my friend. I’m not talking about those soldiers who died in battle (that’s bad enough), but those young men and women who came back (and are continuing to come back) from Iraq and Afghanistan–only to discover a battlefield far more relentless, and infinitely more lonely. I am speaking about all those warriors who do battle every day in their mind’s eye, seeing, hearing, smelling, and feeling the loss of a limb, their own or a buddy’s–or who experience the last five minutes of their buddy’s life. There’s no special day just for them. There is no Veterans with PTSD day.
Its full name is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; at least that’s what we call it now. In the past it was battle fatigue and shell shock, but a rose by any other name is just as devastating I learned when I started the research on The Trials of Adrian Wheeler. When George W. Bush dropped his first bomb on Baghdad in March 2003, I was so upset I produced what I still consider my best work of art, a painting I entitled The Sisters of Baghdad which can be seen on my website, steveshear.net. Shortly thereafter I wrote a poem, The Bombing of Baghdad which appears at the beginning of Adrian. Around that time, I remember getting a haircut and ranting to my barber, Harold, about how terrible President Bush was. My barber was ultraconservative, although I didn’t know it at the time. His bald head (wouldn’t you know it) turned red, his eyes bulged and his lips quivered. My only thought at the time was to blurt out: “HAROLD, PUT DOWN THE SCISSORS!” Fortunately, I am still alive and Harold is still cutting hair, I assume.
By the time I finished writing Adrian and living in the skins of the characters, George Bush became a bit more than a footnote. The characters and the family dynamics took over, Adrian, Pa, Daisy, Esme, Rachael, Rabinowitz, Benedetti, and the others. Actually, characters like these along with what they do and say tend to get under your skin and go where you go whether it’s at the computer, on a long walk, brushing your teeth, or in my case playing Pickleball. That’s what happens during nineteen drafts and before you ever think about sending out your first query.”
Steve is happy to say that The Trials of Adrian Wheeler has been optioned as a movie by a production studio in Los Angeles, Filmed Imagination and Daniel Dreifuss (producer of the Academy Award nominated move, NO), and the screenplay has been completed. Steve is also a published playwright, having co-authored with his wife, Susan, The State vs. Max Cooper and The Steele Deal, interactive courtroom dramas published by ArtAge Publications. You can learn more about Steve and his other endeavors (as a painter, sculptor, poet, and retired intellectual property attorney) at www.steveshear.net.
Review by Erik: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A salient reminder of the costs of war. Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2011. Verified Purchase. A returning disabled veteran with PTSD trying to find make sense of his ordeal and put his life back together may have been done before and can likely stand on its own as a worthy novel. But making this same vet the government’s scapegoat for the murders of innocent women and children raises the stakes. Steve Shear’s story is a must read and particularly salient today considering the continuing controversy over Iraq and Afghanistan. Multi-dimensional characters, a suspense-filled plot with unpredictable twists and turns, and a dramatic courtroom conclusion engage the reader on every page. Adrian Wheeler’s journey to forget the horror of his war experience turns into a struggle to remember every detail, for only then can he excavate the truth and save himself. By weaving fact with fiction, Steve Shear has crafted a story that not only entertains but offers a sobering reminder of the impact and potential tragedy to the veterans who return from war unprepared to battle the demons that came back with them.
Product Details: Paperback: 438 Pages Publisher: Catalina Sun Press; 1st Edition (January 1, 2014) Language: English War & Military (Action Fiction) War (Military Law) Romance (Contemporary) Drama and Plays
W. A President on Trial: An Adrian Wheeler Novel by Steve Shear.
Less than ten years have passed since Operation Gadgetry, a military plan executed in Iraq at the height of the war and intended to prove President George W. Bush was right to invade the country; that Saddam Hussein had WMDs all along. It was during Operation Gadgetry that Private Adrian Wheeler lost his arm, lost his brother John Mike, and lost Grady Smith, his best friend in Iraq.
Now, ten years later, Adrian is practicing law. Enter, Virginian Randolph Grady Smith III, a billionaire industrialist and father of Adrian’s deceased friend Grady Junior. The elder Smith wants revenge. The elder Smith wants to hold George W. Bush accountable for taking the country to war based on lies. There were no WMDs to justify going to war. He’s tired of hearing how great a president Bush was compared to the present occupant of the White House, Donald J. Trump. Mr. Smith and Adrian, who also wants revenge for his losses, put together a plan, Justice for All, in which they intend to convince the Governor of Virginia, Oliver St. Clair, to prosecute Bush for the murder of those Virginia soldiers who died in Iraq.
The plan incorporates much of the legal reasoning provided by Vincent Bugliosi in his bestselling book, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder. In carrying out their plan, Adrian becomes privy to murder, blackmail, and kidnapping … and is himself targeted for assassination. That doesn’t count being an accessory after the fact of one of those murders along with his ex-girlfriend, a private detective working with Adrian and Smith to help put away the past president. It all culminates in the trial of the decade: The State of Virginia vs. George W. Bush. You have to read it to believe it!
Review by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A very interesting perspective of guilt. Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2022. Verified Purchase. What a superb story in W. A President on Trial by Steve Shear. The State of Virginia vs. G.W Bush. “…evidence I have no doubt you will find compelling, evidence that will support beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, George W. Bush, was guilty of conspiring with others to knowingly and deliberately take this country to war in Iraq under false pretenses, a war that condemned to death over one-hundred-thousand human beings including four thousand American soldiers, at least three of whom resided in this great state of Virginia.” It’s ten years since Adrian, himself, was on trial, and the past ten years have changed him in some ways, and in others, not-so-much. Adrian is now a lawyer, and he is planning something to gain the attention of those who may not know the truth. It’s something that Adrian always felt passionate about it. He blamed Bush for what happened in Iraq, including the death of his brother and friends. Needless deaths. He blamed Bush for going to war, in a reaction to 9/11. There is the main plots, and the best plots are the subplots of the story, bringing it all together, with all the characters and how they interact and interrelate. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly. This read is more than just words on a page. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! W. A President on Trial by Steve Shear is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
Product Details: Paperback: 434 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (August 18, 2020) Language: English War & Military (Action Fiction) War (Military Law)
I believe that poetry is the doorway into all fiction, the pillars that underpin all fiction, the dictionary and thesaurus that encompass all fiction. It requires the poet to seriously consider the language being put forward and every work counts. No “ifs, ands, and buts” just solid language that describes a feeling, that makes a point, that paints a scene. It is not so much what we say but how we say it using imagery, metaphors, similes, musical cadence, rhyme, and any other linguistic tool that makes what we writes come alive within a unique mansion containing our unique choice of words.
If you want to write fiction (or even non-fiction for that matter), consider starting with poetry. Consider reading the great dead white English poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelly, as well as the very great women poets like Emily Dickenson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Mary Oliver. I love Mary Oliver. She has the ability to play a symphony with words. Also, read the Poet Laureates like Ted Kooser and Billy Collins. Ted Kooser is one of my favorites. Check out his Delights and Shadows. It will blow you away. It did me. I hope you take a look at my eclectic collection, Metaphorically Speaking. It is unusual in two ways. I have combined a bit of my prosaic wanderings adjacent each of the poems explaining what I happened to be thinking when I wrote them, either about the poem or a bigger issue. I also include my own artwork accompanying the poems, not necessarily because they are all appropriate but because it was fun to do. I guess I have that right. Thank you for your time. Steve
Review by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Innovative Poetry. Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2021. What a remarkable collection of innovative thoughts and poetry in Metaphorically Speaking: The Human Condition from the Beginning of Time by Steve Shear. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. I found his “Poet’s Note” most interesting, which is the perfect beginning for this collection. “I have purposely not grouped these poems by subject matter, in part because it is difficult to do, and in part because I think they are more fun to read the way they are. Also, accompanying each poem you will find a bit of prose including my thought process and what I thought the poem was all about when I put pen to paper, or more precisely when I put fingertips to keys. I refer to this process as “prosetry in action” … A bit corny but what can I say? I made it up.” The book has the poems and thoughts of the poet, which in itself is wonderful, but I also found the graphics or images enchanting. I liked this so much, I read many of the poems twice. One of my favorites was written by Shear’s character in his Confronting Religious Fanaticism, Ira Neebest. I’m familiar with Ira Neebest, and I especially like the poem The Righteous Path. Part of the poem that really touched me, was “…Or read about the very same issues wrapped in fine literature, penned with imagery, plots, and subplots involving everyday people, characters resonating with the faithful and faithless, as flesh and blood drips from the pages into your lap, flesh and blood you can touch, feel, and smell.” I look forward to reading more by this author. Metaphorically Speaking: The Human Condition from the Beginning of Time is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I received this book to read and give my honest and unbiased review. ~Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews
Message From Author Steve Shear: My early paintings (1986 – 2013) can best be described as expressionistic and surreal portraiture/figure, often larger than life. Most are from live models and from my sculptures, but others come from my imagination. My objective was to elicit an emotional response through composition, color, shapes, and the application of paint, while at the same time retaining the correct anatomy, either realistically or through purposeful exaggeration. In the latter part of that earlier period, I pushed the envelope by combining abstraction with these real and surreal approaches to the figure in order to create a synergistic result. One example of combining these approaches is the Sisters of Baghdad.
Many of my ideas came from my drawings (virtually thousands of them) which were created out of my head on almost a daily basis. An example of this is The Chess Queen. In 2013 I put the paint brushes and sculpting tools aside and began writing fiction, first poetry then novels, screenplays, and stage plays. Six of my novels have been published and two of my stage plays. See below.
In 2020 I began painting again. This time I turned to color and shapes rather than portraiture and figure. My paint is applied in thick layers exaggerated even more so by multiple layers of glue serving as an underpinning. The glue not only adds thickness to the paint but also runs in ways which produces unique shapes that take on lives of their own. Several examples are shown on this website.
Two of my more recent paintings (immediately below) are truly larger than life depictions of a ‘Vase of many Colors’ and of the Greek mythological bad lady Medea. Each painting is 32×48 and relies heavily on multiple layers of glue to add ‘serious’ thickness to the paint.
In the past, my work was exhibited at a number of galleries in Boulder, Denver, Tucson, and here in Brentwood California. I spent five years painting under the watchful eyes of Jean Packard, a graduate of the Chicago Art Institute, two summers at the Charles Cecil Art Studio in Florence, Italy, and several years at the Boulder Art Academy in Boulder, Colorado. I also trained in sculpting under Valentin Okorokov, an accomplished Russian trained painter and sculptor.
The Trials of Adrian Wheeler was my first published novel (L&L Dreamspell, 2011). It was awarded runner-up in the San Francisco Book Festival 2015. I am happy to say that The Trials of Adrian Wheeler has been optioned as a movie by EVW Entertainment (producer of the movie Break the Stage), and the screenplay has been written by Erik Wolter and me. EVWE is now looking for partners to produce the movie.
The Wild Rose Press published The Fountain of Youth, my second published novel, in May of 2017. It has received exceptional reviews, some of which appear on Amazon and Goodreads. Also, the stage play has just been completed. The screenplay has also been written by Erik Wolter and me. EVWE is now looking for partners to produce the movie. The Click, my third novel, was published by The Wild Rose Press in September of 2019, again the screenplay has been written by Erik Wolter and me. EVWE is now looking for partners to produce the movie.
All three books of my trilogy, Confronting Religious Fanaticism – An Eye for an Eye, Black Hearts & Hungry Bears, and Ira Neebest and The First Coming have been published. In addition, my first book of poetry, Metaphorically Speaking was just published.
My wife, Susan, and I collaborated on The State vs. Max Cooper and The Steele Deal (published by ArtAge Publications), courtroom plays in which the audience serves as the jury. Both are being produced around the country.
I have been writing poetry for over fifteen years (some of which has been published) and am also a portrait and figure artist and sculptor, having been represented by a number of galleries in Denver and Boulder, Colorado. I am presently represented by the Delta Gallery in Brentwood, California and online by Vango Art. I spent two summers at the Charles Cecil Art Studio in Florence Italy and several years at the Boulder Art Academy.
I practiced patent, trademark, copyright and other forms of intellectual property law for over 40 years, and I was the executive director and founder of Silicon Valley Seminars. We conducted intellectual Property workshops throughout this country, Israel, Germany, and Canada since 1984.
Shirley’s Compilation of Short Storiesby Shirley McLain.
If you like varied genre short stories, you will like these twenty-seven short stories. This eclectic book has everything from adventure to love. Some of the titles are, Daddy’s Levis, Mother, Daughter Quality Time, Crates Hotel, Happy Anniversary, His All, Vicksberg, Earthquake, and more. Enjoy everywhere the stories take you.
5-Stars: Short Reads Ranging From Adventure, Mystery, To Love.
Short story collections are the life blood of book genres. Short story collections are easy to carry with you, to read while standing in line, in a waiting room, or to read just before turning the lights out at night. Short story collections, like Shirley’s Compilation of Short Stories, range in genre, length, and intensity. I have had the privilege to read, review, and share several Shirley McLain’s books.
Shirley’s Compilation of Short Stories has twenty-seven stories, ranging from adventure to love. The book begins with Angie’s Secret and ends with The Office. I award 5-Stars for the whole collection. Since each short story stands-alone, here is my 5-Star review for the short story titled The Hidden Stairway.
The Hidden Stairway is a novelette based in modern times of an extremely rich family of Scottish Ancestry. This family in Ohio has more money than King Midas. They have lived in Ohio since before the French and Indian War of 1755. Tony is trying to solve the mystery concerning their mansion and what happened with his ancestors. This historical fiction contains treasure, Indians, fighting, love, and a wedding.
Tony’s family comes from a rich Scottish Ancestry. Author Shirley McLain terms this family’s wealth more than King Midas.
The family’s mystery began in Ohio, during the French and Indian War of 1755. Like a lot of people today, Tony is searching his Ancestry. He is determined to solve the mystery surrounding the family mansion and what became if his ancestors.
In this Historic Novelette, Author Shirley McLain weaves a tail of mystery that includes, Englishmen, Frenchmen, Scotsmen, Indians, war, love, and treasure.
I invite you to purchase Shirley’s Compilation of Short Stories. She has published a young adult mystery called Crimes and Retribution, a book of short stories called, Shirley’s Short’s and Flashes, and a Christian poetry book called, Verses For My King. Dobyns Chronicles is a historical fiction, where the reader follows a family through troubling times. Shirley’s educational fiction titled Bullying, is for ages 10 to adult. Shirley’s love of travel, adventure and writing have created works that will hold your attention, and leave you wanting more.
With the possibility of death before her, Princess Adele sets out to slay the dragon to save her Kingdom.
What she discovers in her quest changes her and the King’s life forever.
We follow the lives of the Royalty of Valdoria as their world is threatened. In this medieval story, there are good guys, bad guys, white and black magic as well as goats and dragons.
Read this story of love, hate, danger, and evil.
You will turn the page so you can find out what happens next in this gothic adventure.
The Maid of Bitmore Swamp was a vile, filthy witch, ugly in her nature and looks. Her name was Bethelda Nightshade from a village called Candlewick. After running away from her pleasure-seeking step-father at the age of fourteen, she had spent most of her life in Bitmore Swamp. She spent her years in the swamp conniving and cheating mortal men and storing her money.
As payment for a spell she created, she received a baby girl, whom she named Anya. Bethelda groomed Anya to replace her when the time came. Bethelda’s teenage daughter rebelled and told her mother she would live her life outside of the swamp. Bethelda feared for her daughter.
Bethelda left the swamp for the first time after many years to seek help from her twin sister, Bethany. That one visit created a change in Bethelda. She cleaned herself up with the aid of her sister and once again created the beautiful woman she was meant to be.
Beth found a man named Talmadge Merriweather to assist Bethelda with her plans. Tal proved to be invaluable to both Bethelda and Anya. He saved them more than once.
Bethelda was a changed woman and told Anya she would be leaving the swamp with her. They could go to Candlewick under the guise of a widowed Duchess, Bethelda DeCrecy, and her lovely daughter from France. Bethelda’s goals were to keep anyone from learning of her past and purchasing her dream estate.
Bethelda and Anya are picked up on the road to Candlewick by Viscount Randolph, who became a friend to the Duchess. He introduced his cousin, Lord Percival Andrews, to the women. Lord Andrews requested all to call him Percy. He was a personal advisor to the King and Queen of Overton, who Bethelda knew from years past. He was also the Queen’s cousin.
Bethelda was set up to reveal her identity and was also blackmailed. Does she have a chance to live out her life in the piece she wants, or will she fall victim to her past?
5 Stars: Mother and Daughter Tale!
‘The Maid of Bitmore Swamp’ is a continuation from ‘Princess Adele’s Dragon’ in this Witches and Dragons Fantasy. Witch Bethelda Nightshade, came from a village named Candlewick. At age fourteen Bethelda ran away from home. She now lives in the Bitmore Swamp, cheating mortal men. As payment for a spell she created, she received a baby girl, whom she named Anya.
This is a tale of a mother and daughter. Bethelda grooms Anya to replace her in the swamp. Bethelda’s teenage daughter rebels and is determined to live outside the swamp. Not wanting to lose her daughter, Bethelda comes up with a plan.
… “Bethelda completed her packing, which didn’t take long because she didn’t own anything. She saw a big shopping trip in her future. That will fill me full of anxiety, since I know nothing about shopping. I went one time with Mother. It will be one of those learning experiences I’ve heard mentioned.
…Moving the treasure from the cave would require detailed planning. She decided to use magic wagons to get her gold and jewels from the treasure cave. I will put a spell over the wagons to disguise what’s in them. I think I will make the wagons look like they are loaded with hay.”
On their adventure they encounter royalty, strangers, finagle a few transactions, use magic to their advantage while side stepping the danger, that is always present. Will it be possible for them to fit in. Will their new identities keep them safe, or will the past catch up with them?
I found this story quite entertaining.
Author Shirley McLain; is a retired RN, wife, mother, and grandmother of six and Great Grandmother to four, three boys and one girl. Shirley has also published. The Hidden Stairway’, ‘The German Spy’, ‘Dobyns Chronicles’, ‘The Greatest Athlete’, ‘Kelly’s War’, Thomas Gomel Learns about Bullying’, ‘Crimes and Retributions’, ‘Princess Adele’s Dragon’, ‘Shirley’s Book of Horror’, ‘Verses for My King’, ‘Shirley’s Shorts and Flashes’, and ‘The Tower’.
A Guide For Understanding The Survey Process and Long Term Care.
Sometimes we all have to face the inevitable and make tough choices. Dealing with the aging of your parents is one of them. Finding your loved ones the right home is a delicate matter, and it can be a stressful time as it is easy to get lost in the mounds of information. That’s why you need this book. It was written by an insider who worked in all the levels of the system and she wants to share all she knows about the system with you.
The goal is to take some burden off your shoulders so you can give your attention to the people who need you. In some cases, time is of the essence, and you want to enjoy the time you have with your loved home. This book will equip you with the best tool to pick the most favorable option.
Apart from valuable tips, this book shows how families of potential residents can influence the system and why the survey system works and doesn’t. It’s a reminder relatives have a voice, and they should use it.
Every situation is different. While some elders may require assistance with daily living, others prefer living in a senior community. This book focus’s on Long Term Care.
5 Stars:Every Consumer Must Have This Information On Long Term Care!
Author Shirley McLain is a retired RN with an extensive background in Geriatrics and Long-Term Care. She offers this book ‘Home Away From Home’ as a ‘A Guide For Understanding The Survey Process and Long Term Care’.
Long Term Care is something we all will face if we live long enough, if not for ourselves, for someone we love. This compressive short read will educate you and save you time and emotional energy.
Six short chapters cover:
…..The Beginning Process-Types of Facilities: Shirley McLain lists seven choices that are readily available.
…..The Facility of Choice: Shirley McLain recommends before you decide on a facility, ask to see their last CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) survey results. Shirley goes into the survey in great detail and step by step. I found this very interesting and educational.
Once you read and digest this entire survey, you will understand the high standards spelled out for these facilities along, accountable, and the ‘Key Elements of Noncompliance’. Each facility gets rated and it is up to the consumer to know this information. The Key: As a consumer, you must do your homework and ask for the facility latest survey evaluation results.
After reading this information, I am dumfounded as to how so many elderly people died during the Covid 19 epidemic. If all the standards spelled out in this book is complied with, my only conclusion is underlying health and comorbidities. Even so our death in long term care was too high, according to these standards. That is discussion for another day, which I hope Author Shirley McLain writes about in the future.
In chapter five, Shirley goes into some important recommendations and end the books with a chapter on ‘Resources’.
I recommend this book “Home Away From Home’ for anyone who is aging, in need of a long tern facility or has a friend or loved one going into or already in a long-term facility. I invite you to check out all Shirley McLain’s books.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 65 Pages Publisher: Shirley’s Books (July 24, 2021) Language: English Self-Help (Understanding The Survey Process and Long Term Care)
Thomas Gomel Learns About Bullying by Shirley McLain.
Have you been bullied in the past? Do you know
someone who has been bullied?
This is a fictional story about Thomas Gomel.
He’s a twelve-year-old boy who is bullied at school. This story begins on the
first day of school, and you follow Thomas and his family through the steps of
dealing with the person who does the bullying.
This book instructs the child and parent ways to deal with and help the bully. There is a parental section at the back with valuable information as well as resources.
5 Stars:Dealing With Bullying!
Author and great-grandmother, Shirley McLain, created this fiction story guide for parents and tweens of 10 years and above who deal with bullying. You and your tweens (teens and up) will enjoy the beautiful illustrations by Cristina Bello.
Main character Thomas Gomel struggles to get out of bed, the thought of the new year brings up emotions that were hidden from everyone, including his mother.
Thomas has to go the school and his story is told in chapters 1-18.
In Chapter 19, Author Shirley McLain shares her own memories of being physiologically bullied at school, almost every day.
From Chapter 20 to the end, Shirley educates her readers. She explains what bulling is and describes the varies types of bullying that school children of all ages can endure. She shows what the data shows and the warning signs that parents, grand-parents and educators need to look out for. She ends the book with some reference and help-line resources.
Shirley McLain is a Christian with the love of God being first and foremost in her life. She makes her home in Sapulpa Oklahoma with her husband, has two grown children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Despite the challenges she faced in school, she went on to live a full life. Shirley wrote this book with the hopes to bring awareness to bullying, prevent bullying and get help for those who are experiencing bullying.
Here is a Treat for HISTORICAL FICTION fans as well as those who are fascinated by late 19th century and early 20th century historical events in both Texas and OKLAHOMA. This Historical novel is loosely based on a true-life story of a brave Oklahoman from the mid 1880’s to 1955. This dramatic story also showcases the struggles and intermarriage of an American cowboy and an American Indian.
Dobyns Chronicles is a captivating celebration of
the life of Charlie Dobyns. His life began in northeast Texas near Bonham, on
the Red River. His Cherokee mother and cowboy father strove to survive on their
river valley ranch. Tragedy ended this way of life for Charlie in 1888. Follow
him through Chickasaw Territory and on to McAlester in eastern Oklahoma. This
is a story of a changing way of life and adaptations made to survive. Charlie’s
strong passion for life and dignity equipped him for survival as he raised his
siblings with, likeability and dignity. It’s a story of loss, misfortune, hard
times and heartbreak, but also love, determination, kindness, joy and
spirituality. Follow Charlie’s life through the adventures that shaped the man
he became, and that of his family for generations.
From the Author: I remember meeting my Great Grandfather, Charlie, as a child and grew up hearing the stories of his life. He had the strength and courage to do what needed to be done during the hard times. You never heard a bad word said about he or Mila. Dobyns Chronicles was a labor of love. I wrote this book as a tribute to my mother’s family. For the strength and courage that was demonstrated. The love given and passed down through the generations of the family, and the Oklahoma land they shared helped hold the family together.
This is five psychological horror short stories just in time for Halloween. They are Webs, Holesome House, Cats (True story), The Fog, Eck, Bill and Lack-Lack.
Product Details: Print Length: 40 Pages Publisher: Shirley’s Books; 1st Edition (October 15, 2014) Language: English Horror (Psychological Horror Short Stories) Short Story (Single Books) and Collections Story Stories and Flash Fiction
A book of short stories with genres from romance to the supernatural. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Product Details: Print Length: 193 Pages Publisher: Shirley McLain; First Edition (November 20, 2012) Language: English Short Story (Single Books) and Collections Story Stories and Flash Fiction
About The Author: Shirley McLain is a
retired RN, wife, mother, and grandmother of six and Great Grandmother to four,
three boys and one girl.
She is currently living in Sapulpa, Oklahoma
where she is enjoying her retirement to the fullest. She was born in California
but lived her growing years in Oklahoma. She has done extensive travel within
the United States and learned to appreciate each state for its own beauty. Her
dream trip is to see Spain and Italy at a slow pace.
Shirley has published a young adult mystery
called “Crimes and Retribution”, a book of short stories called,
“Shirley’s Short’s and Flashes and a Christian poetry book called,
“Verses For My King.” Dobyns Chronicle s is a historical fiction in
which you follow a family through troubling times. She has published (should be
on the market the end of January 2020) her educational fiction about Bullying.
It is for ages 10 to Adult to help them deal with bullying in school.
Shirley’s love of travel, adventure and writing have created works that will hold your attention, and leave you wanting more.
Popular And Highly Acclaimed Finding Billy Battles Trilogy.
Finding Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates.
Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 1.
When
a great-grandson inherits two aging trunks and a stack of meticulously detailed
journals penned by his great-grandfather, he sets out to fulfill his
great-grandfather’s last request: to tell the story of an incredible life
replete with adventure, violence, and tragedy. The great-grandfather’s name is
Billy Battles–a man often trapped and overwhelmed by circumstances beyond his
control.
For
much of his 100-year-long life Billy is a man missing and largely unknown to
his descendants. His great-grandson is about to change that. As he works his
way through the aging journals and the other possessions he finds in the
battered trunks he uncovers the truth about his mysterious great-grandfather–a
man whose deeds and misdeeds propelled him on an extraordinary and perilous
journey from the untamed American West to the inscrutable Far East, Latin
America and Europe.
As he flips through the pages of the handwritten journals he learns of Billy’s surprising connections to the Spanish-American War, French Indochina, and revolutions in Mexico and other Latin American countries. But most of all he learns that in finding Billy Battles he has also found a long lost and astonishing link to the past.
One Special Book Review: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic Historical Fiction.
Most
of my relatives are normal, boring people. They have interesting anecdotes and
some cool experiences, but overall there is nothing that will make me sit back
and listen to them for hours on end. Billy Battles is nothing like these
people.
Apparently
taken partially from a real-life person, this tale is told through the great
grandson of Billy Battles reading through the personal journals of his life as
a young man, exploring the world and discovering himself.
Having
studied history, the research involved in this book is striking and very
thorough. The language, the details, the people and cultures, are very true to
life, and I have to take my hat off to Ronald Yates. Yet the book doesn’t just
rest on being factual. Through the journals, I got a very close look at Billy,
and the people he met, which humanized several actual historical characters,
without taking any undue liberties to make them fit a certain mold.
I read this book in a day and half the night, and I don’t regret the lost sleep. Reviewed by Dan Clarke.
Review by RoxB: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Old West Life and Times. Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2020. Verified Purchase. Author Ronald Yates creates a gripping historical fiction using Billy’s journals that tracked his life, people he met, and events he witnessed from the mid-1800s. Tracing the history and fact-checking started with Billy’s introduction in 1958 to his great-grandson, Theodore Remington Sayles. Billy was in a veteran’s home and ninety-eight years old. Old but not senile.
Ted, as he preferred being called, was a Kansas lad who became an investigative newspaperman. He received the twelve journals his grandmother saved in 1998. The memoirs revealed the fascinating story of Billy’s life in ways most of us have only viewed from the slanted perspective of television. Ted reflected upon how he related to Billy because they traveled similar career paths.
Billy’s worked as a journalist for multiple newspapers causing him to travel across the old west. He lived during, what is commonly called Old West, times of lawlessness, bank robbers, and marshals rode horses or railroad with their Colt’s handy. During his travels, his path crossed with notables like Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, Diamond Jim Brady, and Billy the Kid.
The stories of his travels are shared in a way that worked for me. I enjoyed the writing, especially with the authentic vernacular of the times. I highlighted the area below where Billy hooks back up with Doc Holliday after several years. Doc is fighting his TB at that point.
“I filled him in on my career at the Denver Sun, my marriage to Mallie, and my last run-in with the Bledsoes in Lawrence.
“I am pleased to see that a woman has made an honest man of you. That’s more than can be said for me,”
Doc said. “Seems like when it came to women, all I did was put a spoke in the wheel.”
“I just got lucky, I guess.”
With that, Doc pulled a small silver flask from under his blanket and took a short swig. It wasn’t whiskey, but laudanum often used to ease the symptoms and pain of TB. “This stuff used to help, but now it just seems to be a damned bad habit,” he said, returning the flask to its hiding place.
We talked a while longer. I asked him if he had seen Wyatt recently.
“He and Josie stopped by in Gunnison maybe four years ago, on their way to Denver to get hitched—at least that’s what they told me,” Doc rasped.
He fell into a short coughing fit, and I felt guilty that by making him talk so much, I had brought it on. “Sorry, Doc… I don’t mean to make things worse.”
“Don’t worry… they can’t get any worse than they already are. I’m about played out.”
Then holding up the book he had been reading, he asked, “Have you read Homer?”
I explained that I had as part of an assignment at the University of Kansas.
“In that case, you might recall this line.” Then picking up the book, he read, “Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great things that shall be told among men hereafter.”
He coughed again and took another swig from his small flask. “I think I failed Homer on all counts,” Doc rasped.”
I enjoy western historical fictions, especially with the action/adventure related in this book. With Author Yates using the journals, the woven history of Billy Battles becomes so personal. I recommend this to readers who like to feel they are a part of the story. The characters are well-developed, and the memories will remain with me. I enjoy this writing style. I now have my sights on book 2 and book 3.
Review by John W. Howell-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What a great story of struggles and triumph in the early west. Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2014. Verified Purchase. Ron Yates has put together a fascinating story with the backdrop of accurate historical events which serve as a stage for this wonderful tale. Billy Battles is an intriguing character whom we meet as an old man. He has left his grandson a treasure of information in the form of extensive documentation of Young Billy’s life from the time he has left college until he begins a life-altering adventure in the Far East. This book is part one of a presumed series. I say presumed because the book ends with the word, “End of part 1 (to be continued)” I for one did not want this book to end. I was looking forward to the continued adventures of Billy who had just set sail for an ocean voyage which would take him to several ports of call to the final destination in Vietnam. This was the Vietnam of the late 1800s so if the first part of the book is any indication, many interesting circumstances will be served up very capably by Ron. So enough of what is to come.
The first part of this story was told with a ring of authenticity that could only be brought about by attention to research detail. It was very pleasing to have footnotes giving the reader money conversion rates so that the magnitude of some of the bills which needed to be paid were fully understood. For instance, Billy tipped his cabin steward $1 which in effect was a thirty-dollar tip in today’s dollars. Knowing this gives the reader some idea as to why the tip produced such great service.
The story has all the ingredients for a pleasing read; the plot is great; the pace is superb and the character development highly sophisticated. Billy is an individual who has been traumatized by a central event and goes on through the story being influenced by this trauma. Ron has taken the time to fully develop Billy into a thoughtful and caring person in spite of the forces driving him to a potentially darker side of his personality. Since we already met the old Billy in the first chapter, we know Billy never dies in his adventures. What we don’t know and Ron effectively manages this information is the effect these adventures have on Billy to the future.
The story is being told from the diary of Billy Battles and as such is primarily in the first-person past tense. Ron handles this narrator point of view very well and makes the reader very comfortable in following along on the adventure actually led by Billy. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes spot on dialog, excellent dialect, and skillful handling of an important story.
Review by Richard Schwindt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Terrific historical fiction. Reviewed in Canada on November 22, 2020. Verified Purchase. Billy Battles survives a long and eventful life, while remaining something of an enigma to his family; until his great grandson inherits a chest filled with journals and begins to realize what a remarkable man he was. Billy rode with, fought with and engaged with some of the most mythologized characters of his era; including the likes of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, and unknowns like the nasty Nate Bledsoe. Finding Billy Battles is the first in a trilogy, which based on book one is worth reading. The prose style is clean and engaging and the story never lags. The emotions associated with violence and tragedy seem true and congruent with the events. Historical novels are tricky for all kinds of reasons but author Ronald E. Yates nails it, capturing the detail and tenor of the times. Highly recommended with salt beef and whiskey.
Review by SusiQ: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A train ride across America. Reviewed in Germany on July 18, 2018. Verified Purchase. I really enjoyed this story. Just the idea that someone is left with a trunk full of memorabilia, journals and a manuscript describing a great grandfather’s life is so intriguing. And so, begins the recount of the life of Billy Battles. This is historical fiction the way I like to read it. Set in the late 19th century, it’s a train ride across America. I know very little about this time period and it was a real pleasure to learn something about it in such an entertaining way. I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
The Improbable Journeys Of Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates.
Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 2.
Billy Battles is definitely not in Kansas anymore.
As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots and his improbable journeys are just starting.
The year is 1894 and Billy is aboard the S S China sailing to the inscrutable Far East. Trouble is not far behind. He has met a mysterious and possibly dangerous German Baroness. He has locked horns with malevolent agents of the German government and battled ferocious Chinese and Malay pirates in the South China Sea.
Later, he is embroiled in the bloody anti-French insurgency in Indochina–which quite possibly makes him the first American combatant in a country that eventually will become Vietnam. Then, in the Philippines, he is thrust into the Spanish-American War and the brutal anti-American insurgency that follows. But Billy’s troubles are only beginning.
As the 19th century ends and the 20th century begins, he finds himself entangled with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries, and an assortment of vindictive and dubious characters of both sexes. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they present? The answers are just ahead.
One Special Book Review: You can’t help but be intrigued and fascinated by the intrepid, larger-than-life protagonist in Ronald Yates’ entertaining and thoughtful second book of his Finding Billy Battles trilogy. This time, you see how Billy’s tumultuous life begins to impact him in middle age as he seeks his next adventures to distract him from past grief and guilt. Yates has an effective way of revealing interesting details of exotic places during historic periods–this time primarily in the Orient of the late 19th and early 20th centuries–while weaving in a fascinating tale of a man in perpetual motion. One can’t help but find interesting parallels at Yates’ deft hand between Billy’s unrest and that of French Indochina and the Philippines during a time of conflict and pushback over European colonization. Ray Elliott, Author of, With the Silent Knowledge, Iwo Blasted Again, and Wild Hands Toward the Sky
Awards: Three Pulitzer Prize nominations by the Chicago Tribune, The Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, The Inter-American Press Association Tom Wallace Award for coverage of South America, Three Edward Scott Beck Awards for international reporting.
5 Stars: Compelling Story Based On Fact!
The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles is the sequel to Finding Billy Battles. I jumped right into this book without reading the first in this trilogy and found it to be a compelling story based on fact and expanded by narrative fiction.
Ted Sayles who is the great-grandson of Billy Battles inherits Billy’s journals and while writing this trilogy he stays very true to the language of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. While this book opens in 1894 with William (Billy) Battles heading for the Orient aboard the SS China it covers his time in the Far East, Latin America, and Europe.
It is aboard the SS China that Billy meets German Baroness Katharina von Schreiber. She is gorgeous and regal, far out of reach of a Kansas scribbler (journalist). Since you have probably read the book’s description, I wrestle with what to share with you from this amazing story and journey that Billy Battles is about to embark on. I have decided to quote this passage to whet your appetite. I quote:
…“Katharina’s cabin was a bit larger than mine was, and like mine, its walls were covered with dark mahogany panels. In addition to the two overstuffed chairs and writing table, she also had a small dining table. That is where we settled, she on one side and me on the other.
…“I’m sorry, I have nothing to offer you to drink.” Then she paused, stood up, and walked to her wardrobe where she produced a tear-shaped bottle of Glenglassaugh single malt Scotch whiskey and two heavy cut crystal glasses. “Except for this.”
…She returned and placed the glasses on the table in front of us. “May I?” she asked, and then uncorking the bottle, she poured two fingers in each glass. “This was my late husband’s favorite.”
…I shuddered imperceptibly at that remark but pulled the glass toward me anyway. Images of Katharina pushing Baron von Schreiber over a cliff or poisoning him with arsenic-laced Wiener schnitzel flooded my mind.
…I forced those macabre thoughts out of my mind by focusing on the rich amber hue of the whiskey as I uneasily swirled the glass around and around in front of me.
…What was I doing? I found myself thinking. Why was I in Katharina Schreiber’s cabin about to drink expensive single malt Scotch whiskey with a woman who had just admitted she had killed, but not murdered, her husband?”
Murder, mystery, intrigue, people, places and events that were intended to divert Billy’s attention from his past soon gets him embroiled in Katharina’s past, with the German government, not to mention Chinese and Malay pirates. Later on, he finds himself perhaps the first American to be involved in the Anti-French insurgency in Indochina which will later be called Vietnam and involve America. War will not end there as he is forced into the Spanish-American War while in the Philippines.
Just as life takes many unexpected turns for Billy Battles so will your desire to keep turning the pages of this book to find out what is it about Billy Battles that causes him to try to escape his past, endure his new reality and find measured peace as he heads into the twilight of his life.
I invite you to read The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles as it is a journey worth your time. Be sure to read Finding Billy Battles (book one in this trilogy) while waiting for the author to write the final book in this amazing trilogy.
Author Ronald E. Yates life experience as a foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America gives him the authority with which he writes. It is important to point out he won “three Pulitzer Prize nominations and several other awards, including the Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional Journalists; The Inter-American Press Association Award for coverage of South America; and three Edward Scott Beck Awards for international reporting. He is a graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He lives in Murrieta, California.”
I really enjoyed “The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles” (Trilogy Book Two) by Ronald E. Yates. Ronald E. Yates is the author of the “Finding Billy Battles” (book one in this trilogy) and “The Kikkoman Chronicles”: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, Aboard The Tokyo Express: A Foreign Correspondent’s Journey Through Japan as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist’s Handbook, International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, and Business and Financial Reporting in a global Economy.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
5X Space Cadet: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great story that serves up a palatable and thought-provoking history lesson. Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2017. Verified Purchase. I learned so much from this well-written and meticulously researched book. I’m not usually that much of a fan of historical fiction, but in this case, it was a welcome educational experience. As Billy’s journeys take him to Saigon, the Philippines, and even turn-of-the-20th-century Germany, this story is richly imbued with cultural and historical facts I previously did not know. This included something as simple as where white pepper comes from, but most especially the dark history of colonialism. I had heard of the Spanish-American War, but had no idea it was fought in the Philippines, much less why.
I have grown up simply accepting the fact that the British, French, and Spanish did a considerable amount of exploring, which also constituted conquests for more land and resources. This is apparent by the languages spoken in diverse parts of the world, far from where they originated. Getting a glimpse into the climate and attitudes of the 19th century, especially how indigenous people were trampled and exploited, brought up multiple considerations that had previously been entirely off my radar.
While colonialism’s defenders note that it brings a higher standard of living to these areas, it is also at a high price to the cultural norms and freedom of those unfortunate enough to live in such a place. Insights into Saigon in the late 1800s provided a new understanding into the Vietnam War and guerilla warfare. While in some cases, America has helped defend these countries, in others it has been just as guilty as the European conquests. Ironically, American is the prime example of a country that rebelled successfully against colonialism, yet then went on to force it on others, for example Native Americans. We are no better than anyone else and it’s easy for me to understand why other countries hate us.
The best part of this story is that all these fascinating details were woven into the plot of a story with believable characters caught up in this historical drama, from the Old West, to pre-WWI Europe, and overseas in the Far East. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys a meaty, well-researched read that serves up more than an interesting story. History buffs will love it. While it is the second book in a trilogy, I thoroughly enjoyed it and had no trouble following it without the benefit of reading the first.
Review by Richard Schwindt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. High adventure in the late nineteenth century. Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2021. Verified Purchase. I have always found the late nineteenth century to be fascinating, and sought out fiction set in that period. So it is with great satisfaction that I have been reading the Billy Battles trilogy by Ron Yates. If you take a great story line, rousing adventure, impeccable history and well-drawn characters this is what you get. The first book in the series is a well told novel of a young man coming of age in the wild corners of Kansas. The second book now takes you, along with the protagonist – a little older and wiser – to the Far East. If you enjoy high quality escapism, I cannot recommend this series enough. Enjoy with spicy food on a humid afternoon.
Review by Marjorie Mallon: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fascinating journey – well worth a read. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2018. Verified Purchase. This novel is part historical fiction, part based on fact and celebrates the fascinating life of Billy Battles. Who has a life like this? My goodness! What a guy… I have not read the first in the series but I didn’t find that this hampered my enjoyment in any way. Billy’s journeys take him to Saigon, the Philippines, and even to Germany. This story is packed full of exciting events. What a Smorgasbord of reading delight!
It is an well-researched and well-written novel with the benefit of pain-staking detail which makes the reader feel as if he or she is immediately immersed in the narrative. I enjoyed this so much. I was initially attracted to reading this book by the mention of the mysterious East. My father, (who is also a Ronald,) has often spoken of his travels to the Far East and I hope one day to write his memoirs so this piqued my interest. The author Ronald E Yates did a great job in creating wonderful characters and a fascinating plot that kept you intrigued throughout.
I particularly enjoyed the section in the Far East and the ending kept me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely recommend this author.
Review by Raymond and Mary Berry: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Adventure! Action! Reviewed in Canada on August 24, 2018. Verified Purchase. I love this story, is one of the best books I’ve read this year! Riveting introduction! Ted meets his great grandfather William “Billy” Battles for the first time when he was 12….during the next couple of years Billy tells him about his life, to Ted, some of his great grandads stories are fantastical, but based on historical fact, Billy Battles’ stories about the famous people he meets and rides with Wyatt Earp, and his brothers, and the great Bat Masterson, who didn’t always write sports stories… Billy Battles life was far from boring as his story starts in the desolate Kansas frontier where he started life and where a shoot-out on Battles Gap takes Billy everywhere in pursuit of the bad guys…full of action the story takes us to Chicago then off to Asia.
Billy’s stories are rich in detail, an interesting diary of the late 1800’s to the First World War….the Billy Battles story continues in a further two books, and I’m halfway finished the second book. I love this story because it’s set in a young America, a time we don’t often hear about when the telegraph was new, telephones were coming and indoor plumbing was still a dream in the future! A Must read!
Review by Bill: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic book! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2018. Verified Purchase. This is a simply fantastic book! I loved reading about the adventures of Billy Battles and have already purchased and read the next in the series without hardly drawing breath. It is an action-packed adventure with romance and wide-ranging emotions but is also full of interesting historical insights and facts. The storytelling is epic in scale with Battles engaging in various wars as well as fighting pirates and secret agents. It was like reading three novels packed into one and there was never a dull moment. I couldn’t put the book down and fortunately was on holiday while I was reading so had to suffer few interruptions. I was recommended the book and didn’t know the author but after finishing I checked the author out and was not surprised to find he was an award-winning journalist who had been Pulitzer Prize nominated. I highly recommend this book and the author deserves great success.
The Lost Years Of Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates.
Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 3.
Where in the world is Billy Battles?
As Book Three of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy begins, we know where Billy is. He is in Chicago with his wife, the former Baroness Katharina von Schreiber living a sedate and comfortable life after years of adventure and tragedy. That changes with a single telephone call that yanks Billy and Katharina back into a life of havoc and peril.
Persuaded by a powerful old friend to go undercover for the U.S. government the two find themselves in Mexico during the height of the violent 1910-1920 revolution. There they encounter assorted German spies, Mexican revolutionaries, devious political operatives, and other malefactors. Caught in the middle of the 1914 American invasion of Veracruz, they must find a way out while keeping their real identities secret.
Later on, disaster strikes. It is a tragedy Billy is all too familiar with and one that will send him plummeting into a chasm of despair and agony. Then, Billy vanishes leaving family and friends to wonder what happened to him. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? What provoked his disappearance?
In Book 3 of the Finding Billy Battles Trilogy, those questions are answered, and the mystery behind Billy’s disappearance is ultimately revealed.
5 Stars: Remarkable Job Producing This Trilogy!
Saying goodbye to an old friend is always hard and that is how I feel as the “Finding Billy Battles Trilogy” comes to a close with book three titled “The Lost Years of Billy Battles”. The fictional Ted Sayles has done a remarkable job reading and producing this trilogy from more than a dozen journals written by his great grandfather Billy Battles. It is the historical significance woven skillfully within the element of fiction that makes this trilogy a must read for history buffs and fans of action and adventure novels.
After years of travel, relationships with foreign governments, wars of American making and wars forced upon us, not to mention the Chinese and Malay pirates; Billy and Katharina finally enjoy a few peaceful years where Billy is an editor for the Chicago Record-Herald and Katharina a successful author. It is inevitable that this serene period wouldn’t last forever. One phone call to go undercover will find them “caught in the middle of the 1914 American invasion of Veracruz”.
Just when danger subsides, I found myself holding my breath when the unthinkable happens. “Katharina wasn’t the one the five men were after. It was me. But when they couldn’t find me, they decided to take Katharina to use as bait. That was the first revelation. Next was who the men were. The man who had dragged Katharina out of the house was Mason Bledsoe, son of Nate Bledsoe, the man I had killed in 1889 on my family’s homestead in Western Kansas. When I heard the name, my knees buckled and my heart raced for a moment.” It was the ransom note that made Billy’s heart sink.
Of all the dangers Billy and Katharina had been exposed to in their life together, how will this one match up? When Billy is nowhere to be found, what reason will be uncovered? How will Billy Battle close the final chapter in his journal? Will Ted Sayles effort to canonize the legacy of his Great Grandfather Billy Battle live on for future generations?
There is no doubt in my mind that Author Ronald E. Yates’ extensive historical research, skilled character development and impeccable story telling has brought the reader to a successful conclusion in this thought-provoking trilogy. I invite you to read the entire “Finding Billy Battles Trilogy” as it portrays, as much a glimpse into history, as it does into one man’s life.
I loved The Lost Years Of Billy Battles (Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 3) by Ronald Yates as a final testimony to the life and times of Billy Battle.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by A. William Benitez: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Like Walking Through History With A Good Friend. Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2020. Verified Purchase. My only regret with this trilogy is that it ended. The concise and down to earth first-person narrative captured me from the beginning of the first book, which I loved for its real characterization of Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. Every book in the trilogy was like traveling through history with a good friend. I will definitely be checking out Yates other books.
Review by Heidi Mastrogiovanni: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I loved all three of Ronald Yates’ books. Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2018. Verified Purchase. Why does a trilogy only have three books! I was absolutely heartbroken to see Billy Battles’ story end. I loved all three of Ronald Yates’ books. His prose is exquisite. He transports the reader to so many different times and places; it’s a cliché, but you really do feel as though you are there in all these distant places with the characters. The characters will stay with me always, especially Billy. The books in this trilogy are epic and absorbing. They are all page-turners. I never wanted any of them to end.
Review by CHERYL A. ADAMS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome!!! Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2018. Verified Purchase. These are great books that should be made into a movie! I see Tom Selleck in the title role! Wonderful history books!
Review by Helga Richards: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars! Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2018. Verified Purchase. A wonderful finish to this trilogy. Enjoyed all 3 Books.
Review by 5X Space Cadet: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Outstanding Glimpse of History and Our Checkered Past. Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2018. This well-written conclusion to the Billy Battles trilogy is its crown jewel. This series’ characters are so vivid and compelling it’s hard to believe that this is a work of fiction. Their involvement in the events of the late 19th and early 20th century brings history alive as well. The author has outdone himself in researching that era and many of the events of which only true history buffs would be aware. In doing so, he has performed a great service bringing them to readers’ attention because these various international skirmishes laid the foundation for much of the contention seen in today’s world.
As they say, victors are the ones who write history. It’s also true that what you hear in history class is based on what higher powers want people to believe and incorporate into their view of the world. There is nothing more enlightening than to see familiar situations from the other side of the fence. Through these novels, Ron Yates has done a stellar job of placing the reader in the middle of various international situations and, in the true spirit of journalism, objectively presenting both sides. Sadly, today there is so much bias in the news media that true journalism has virtually disappeared. But even before they stooped to fake news and blatant lies, the stories presented by the media were designed to maintain a certain mindset that fueled nationalism at its worst.
When the U.S.A. entered World War II, they were definitely invited. Western European countries still appreciate us for the victory made possible by our intervention. For example, to this day Luxembourg places a wreath every Veterans Day on George S. Patton’s grave, which is in a U.S. Military Cemetery within that country. However, there have been times when our actions were nothing less than intrusive, albeit based on self-protection. That is justifiable to a point, but once that goal is achieved, hanging around terrorizing other country’s native populations is flat-out wrong. If you’ve ever wondered why Mexico hates us, this book will provide some answers.
European colonialism, which we supported, is another thorn in the side of many countries, especially in Far East countries like Korea and Vietnam. Bringing our version of civilization to these foreign shores, which we were convinced to consider a favor, in many cases wasn’t. How we’ve treated indigenous populations in other lands is shameful and even persists to this day with regard to Native Americans.
Of course, America did not start this practice, which originated millennia ago. Not that long ago, we were a colony ourselves, who were being oppressed, which ultimately resulted in the American Revolutionary War. So, what did we do, but turn around and support colonization by those who had once been our enemy. When our borders or way of life are threatened, that’s one thing. If someone attacks us, we have the right to defend ourselves, but our intrusion into these other battles has often made us the invader. It’s no wonder that other countries fear us, and it spirals down from there. However, the world is now entangled in the unfortunate consequences of thousands of years’ worth of conquests. Cliché though it may be, it’s true that those who fail to learn from history are indeed doomed to repeat it.
I didn’t intend for this review to turn into a political essay. However, it demonstrates how effective this novel and its predecessor, “The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles”, have been in enlightening me to some of the less than savory facts embedded in U.S. history, thanks to the exploits of Yates’s amazing characters. Their interaction with actual historical figures makes it all the more interesting and convincing. Astounding imagery puts you right in the thick of things, whether geographically or via the use of the conversational vernacular of the time. In more ways than I can count, this book is a masterpiece. Do yourself a favor and get started on this series today. You’ll not only be entertained but see the world in an entirely different way. Isn’t that what great fiction is all about?
Review by Raymond and Mary Berry: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Action! Adventure! National Secrets! Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2018. Verified Purchase. I have now read the entire trilogy of Billy Battles adventures, I was riveted! I couldn’t put any of the books down, I read them one after another like a guilty pleasure! Billy Battles adventures included civil war in Viet Nam, then known as Con Chine/Indochina war with France, Spanish/America War, Philippines/American war, Mexican American skirmish-1917-1921 and a few other interesting points in history that I haven’t had the pleasure of reading about in this way…Ronald Yates, the author of this trilogy did quite a bit of research and used newspaper accounts of these moments in history to write about Billy Battles adventures based on true events. In recent times many readers I know have spent time reading about World War I, and the events surrounding the Great War, so it’s a nice to read about other world events that occurred a little closer to home, at the same time.
I would say to Ronald Yates. It would be great if you wrote about Battles great grandson, also a journalist, to find out what he did with the secrets Billy Battles left behind.
Review by Bill: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Brilliant! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2018. Verified Purchase. Another fabulous episode in the story of Billy Battles! As with the previous book I read, I was quickly gripped and hated finishing the book because I wanted to read more. The action is sometimes bloody and violent but always exciting. this time he gets caught up in Mexico with revolutionaries as well as German spies. The author does a wonderful job of blending history with fiction. Back home, Battles’ family life is far from smooth, which gives balance to the book so he is not a one-dimensional action hero. A great end to a brilliant series.
Product Details: Paperback: 412 Pages Publisher: Mill City Press, Inc. (May 29, 2018) Language: English Historical Fiction Action and Adventure
Combining
ancient craftsmanship with modern technology and marketing innovations, Japan’s
Kikkoman Corporation has quietly become a $2 billion market leader. This book
tells the fascinating story of how
Kikkoman
changed the course of international marketing, shrewdly adapting to
20th-century realities while never turning its back on centuries of tradition.
Product Details: Hardcover: 224 Pages Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 2nd Edition (October 31, 1998) Language: English Business Infrastructure International Business & Investing
About Ronald E. Yates: Ronald E. Yates is an award-winning author
of historical fiction and action/adventure novels, including the popular and
highly-acclaimed Finding Billy Battles trilogy. His extraordinarily accurate
books have captivated fans around the world who applaud his ability to blend
fact and fiction.
Ron
is a former foreign correspondent for the Chicago Tribune and Professor
Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Illinois where he was also the Dean
of the College of Media.
His
award-winning book, “The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles,” is
the second in his Finding Billy Battles trilogy of novels and was published in
June 2016. The first book in the trilogy, “Finding Billy Battles,”
was published in 2014. His latest book is entitled The Lost Years of Billy
Battles. It is book #3 of the trilogy and will be released in May 2018.
Ron
has been a presenting author at the Kansas Book Festival and the Los Angeles
Times Festival of Books, among other venues. He is also the author of The
Kikkoman Chronicles: A Global Company with A Japanese Soul, published by
McGraw-Hill. Other books include Aboard the Tokyo Express: A Foreign
Correspondent’s Journey through Japan, a collection of columns translated into
Japanese, as well as three journalism textbooks: The Journalist’s Handbook,
International Reporting and Foreign Correspondents, and Business and Financial
Reporting in a Global Economy.
Before
leaving the world of professional journalism where he toiled 27 years, Ron
lived and worked in Japan, Southeast Asia, and both Central and South America
where he covered several history-making events including the fall of South
Vietnam and Cambodia; the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing; and wars and
revolutions in Afghanistan, the Philippines, Nicaragua, El Salvador and
Guatemala, among other places.
His
work as a war correspondent resulted in several awards, including the
Inter-American Press Association’s Tom Wallace Award for coverage of Central
and South America; the Peter Lisagor Award from the Society of Professional
Journalists; three Edward Scott Beck Awards for International Reporting, and
three Pulitzer nominations.
Ron is a proud graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas and a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in the Army Security Agency.
Available
Books:
Finding
Billy Battles: An Account of Peril, Transgression and Redemption
The
Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles (Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 2)
The
Lost Years Of Billy Battles (Finding Billy Battles Trilogy Book 1)
The
Kikkoman Chronicles
The
Reporter’s Handbook
International
Reporting and Foreign Correspondents
Business
& Financial Reporting in a Global Economy
Aboard
the Tokyo Express (a collection of columns translated into Japanese)
Black Water: Sequel To Bond Of Brothers: Danger Close.
BLACK WATER: The China Connection by Robert J. Saniscalchi.
Action-Packed Sequel To Bond Of Brothers: Danger Close…
It is five years since Delta Force stopped a deadly missile attack in the Middle East. Now team leader Jason Patrick is living a quieter life in North Carolina with his family, stationed at Fort Bragg.
But that is about to change when a new, even deadlier threat emerges from China. Its hostile president and top scientists have developed “Black Water” – a chemical agent which renders any water it comes into contact with toxic and undrinkable with just a few drops. And, with operatives already in place, they are planning to carry out a massive chemical attack on American soil.
So Jason and his special forces brothers – Tex, Jorge, Derek and a couple of new faces – are sent into the action once again. But this time they’re going to need all the teamwork they can get to defeat the world’s deadliest superpower, from the security services, law enforcement, and most of all from the community-spirited, patriotic people of small-town America…
From The Author: Excited about my new story, this one takes the reader from the military thriller, Bond of Brothers: Danger Close and into the future of Special Forces, Jason Patrick and the Delta team. In an ever changing world, things happen and good against evil comes into play. I believe readers will enjoy the connection to today’s world events, especially considering the China threat.
Review by Fran Lewis-Just Reviews: Black Water, The China Connection.Will America stop what China started? The unexpected happens to Delta Force, what will be the outcome? Lives are lost, men wounded, but Jason Patrick and his team never waiver in the fight for their lives and the fate of America. The Author brings us to how we must embrace our Military and those who serve in the thick of the night and their fight to keep America Safe.
Review by Rosamond Charlene: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Tour de Force in Thriller Writing. Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023. I couldn’t have asked for a better thriller! The China Connection is a tour de force that will keep you captivated throughout.
Review by Moser Samuel: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Pinnacle of Espionage Fiction. Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023. Intricate, intelligent, and intensely thrilling, The China Connection sets a new standard for espionage fiction. A true masterpiece!
Review by Jesse Smith: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Unforgettable Espionage Drama. Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023. The China Connection is an unforgettable drama filled with espionage, action, and emotional depth. A true page-turner!
Review by Shannon Wilson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Thriller for the Ages. Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023. The China Connection is a timeless thriller that will be remembered for generations. It’s simply outstanding.
Review by Brooks Kimber: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Espionage Excellence! Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023. This book is a shining example of espionage excellence. Gripping, well-written, and impossible to put down.
Product Details: Paperback: 195 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 28, 2023) MJV Literary Matt McAvoy (Editor) Language: English Fiction (War & Military Action) Fiction (War Based On Fiction) Fiction (Action Thriller) Fiction (Action and Adventure) Thriller & Suspense Action War (War & Military Action) War (War Based On Fiction) War (Political Fiction)
BOND OF BROTHERS: DANGER CLOSE by Robert J. Saniscalchi.
Bond of Brothers: Danger Close is a Military thriller about the men and women in uniform, from the boots on the ground to the fighter jet pilots in the air. A victory over ISIS and the control of northern Iraq is a stake. Find out what happens in this action-packed story that takes the reader to the ever-volatile Middle East and the nightmare about to unfold in Iran. From the office of the President to the sands of Iraq, meet the men and women who fight for our freedom, everyone is involved in this action-packed, military Thriller.
From The Author: This story comes from my thoughts and research as I’m concerned with the ever-present dangers of terrorism and the volatile situation in the Middle East. While a work of fiction, I tried to keep the story as relevant as possible without clogging it up with too many military details and protocol. Bond of Brothers: Danger Close was written with full respect and honor for our military.
About The Author: Robert J Saniscalchi, is the author of five published novels to date, his latest work- Danger Close, is another military thriller. He’s grateful for the positive feedback on his writing, it helps keeps him motivated. Robert is semi-retired and loving life in Sunny Florida.
5 Stars: Ever Present Danger!
Author Robert J. Saniscalchi begins his novel ‘BOND OF BROTHERS: DANGER CLOSE’ with a little US Military History lesson (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marines, U.S. Special Forces and the turmoil in Iraq) which I enjoyed reading.
Saniscalchi put his research to work developing an amazing cast of characters and real-life scenarios that draws the reader into the fight. The language is exact, the mission is real and the danger is close. You will want to read this military action-packed suspense thriller. Robert is a suburb story teller and adds a touch of romance to lighten the burden. Let me bring you into the story.
… The story opens with seventeen-year-old Emma Sincol from Brookeville. Maryland wondering whether to follow some of her friends to Penn State or St. John’s College in Annapolis. Her next thoughts turned to the military. What if I join the Navy? Or maybe the Air Force? To her surprise, she found out that she could go to St. John’s, to get into the R.O.T.C. program. She could hang out with Linda and learn to fly.
… “THE GATHERING STORM”: Back at the White House, at the cabinet meeting, the president and Secretary of Defense Lindsey Braham agreed, and the order was given: the United States of America was placed on defense alert status Defcon 1. The military was put on a readiness posture, for immediate response to threats or attacks.
… “THE GOOD AND THE BAD: In the early morning hours, just past 0400, the operator of the new Q-West Patriot Missile Defense System had noticed something on the edge of his screen. He dismissed it at first, but then it came again: a faint blip far on the outer limit of the radar. He estimated it to be in Iranian airspace, but heading in their general direction. It didn’t take long before the Patriot system was on full lock and tracking the inbound target. The experienced operator initiated the base alarm immediately, as he noticed the familiar high speed and trajectory of the object heading toward them: it was an inbound missile.
… “INTO THE FIGHT”: Jason jumped into the night sky, the wind slamming him hard. He looked over and watched Stavos fall in, close to him. Momentarily, the whole Delta team was clear of the aircraft and freefalling, feeling almost weightless as they moved downward, like birds on the wing. At the right altitude, they pulled their chutes open.
… “WIN OR LOSE?”: Back in Washington, the president was in the situation room, looking at a video of a radar screen, showing the missile and its flight path from the southwestern border area of Iran. “How long do we have before it reaches Israel?” he asked.
… “WHAT HAPPENS”: You will need to read this read this intense story to find out what happens. I hope I have given you enough information to set the stage for ‘Bond Of Brother-Danger Close’ by Robert J Saniscalchi. Please pick up Robert’s other books: ‘Bullets and Bandages’, ‘Butterfly Lake’, ‘Freedom’s Light’ and ‘My Life For Her’.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by JP: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Action-packed novel with a touch of romance. Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2022. Verified Purchase. Characters are well-developed. An action-packed novel with a touch of romance. This military thriller is a great read!
Review by Nan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining. Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021. Verified Purchase. Emotional and Descriptive and entertaining. Emotionally intense story telling. Adventurous journey of a read. Fun experience to be read to be had.
Review by Kindle Customer DVH: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. US Military Thriller. Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2021. Bond of Brothers: Danger Close is a Thriller by Robert J Saniscalchi. I enjoyed the book but it is very different. The author takes the reader on a look of the U. S. Military. Although this story is fiction, the realistic characters and military tactics are outstanding. This is a look at Operation Inherent Resolve, the US led attack on USIS. If you enjoy reading authentic books on the military, this is the book for you. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Product Details: Paperback: 168 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (June 26, 2021) Language: English Fiction (War & Military Action) Fiction (War Based On Fiction) Fiction (Action Thriller) Fiction (Action and Adventure) Thriller & Suspense Action War (War & Military Action) War (War Based On Fiction)
Bullets and Bandages: Bond of Brothers by Robert J. Saniscalchi.
Raw and Powerful! Bullets and Bandages, was inspired by the stories of a US Army Field Medic, Vietnam 68-69. Through those stories, the author was given the unique insight into the Bullets and Bandages of war. Parts of this book are also about the author’s own experiences, and that time period in our history. This is a work of fiction, a realistic story about the men in war and the bond between them, it is not filled with details and statistics that get in the way of the story The trials and victories of Rob and his comrades pull you into a world of survival through willpower, tenacity, and wit. Bullets and Bandages, a story of love, faith, friendship and humanity. What was it like for our military, and their time of war, as they fought together to survive in the Jungles of Vietnam?
From the Author: I remember those long rides to my brother’s cabin and his stories about his time as a field medic in Vietnam 68-69. When he finished talking, I thanked God, for he had to have been watching over my brother. Through his stories, I was given the unique insight into the bullets and bandages of war.
Booksiren’s Review 5-Stars. Feb 15, 2020. It was amazing. Inspired by his own brother’s journey in Vietnam war, Saniscalchi’s military action tells the story of nineteen-year-old Patrick, who flew into Vietnam as a US Army Field Medic in January 1968 and went through ordeals of war exercising his tenacity, willpower, and wit. The remarkable quote: “Courage is fear holding on a minute longer,” begins the narrative and paves the way for a fascinating military action tale that explores the deeper meaning of courage and friendship. Saniscalchi’s hero is an ordinary teenager who is barely trying to survive through tenures of war and that’s what gives authenticity to his voice. Saniscalchi writes in a simple prose and successfully combines the pace and tension of an action thriller with thought-provoking examination of true faith, bonds of friendship, enduring family ties, and what it means to be human. The book will appeal to a wide array of readership, including those uninterested in military action. Thoroughly engrossing!
“Five Stars” Review by Bruce Miller (Team Golfwell Reviews): I was given a complimentary copy of this book. However, that does not in any way influence this review of “Bullets and Bandages: Bond of Brothers” which in my opinion is an excellently written and intriguing story. I enjoyed reading “Bullets and Bandages: Bond of Brothers” which is the 3rd Edition of this exceptional and extremely realistic story by Robert Saniscalchi, who in my opinion, is one of the best historical fiction writers about the real horrors of war. The author writes a fast-paced story putting the reader right into the war and all its horrors. I felt the writing was incredibly realistic, frightening and very honestly portrayed the intensity and immediacy of guerrilla warfare with much more drama than if you watched it all happening on a movie screen. Here is a brief excerpt, “I rolled away, as quickly as possible, and most of the explosion went over me, though I felt a sting in my buttocks and arm; I couldn’t hear anything, except the ringing in my ears. I stayed low, in firing position, with my rifle at the ready, and as I turned in the direction the grenade had come from, I could see the V.C., looking to see if he had got me. I fired a burst and he went down. “Their heavy machine-gun fire started again, and I knew we had to take it out. I had the best chance, from my location, so I started to crawl my way to their flank. I found a small ravine and worked around it, drawing closer and closer. When I felt close enough, I pulled the pin on one grenade, then another. Then, I tossed them both and hit the dirt.” In my opinion, I was refreshed to read the way this brilliant author didn’t overdramatize or exaggerate. It was a unique experience for me to read the realism in this author’s style. He ingeniously and very effectively makes you “Walk the walk” in the same intense manner of many very courageous men whose lives were on the line every second of each patrol. All in all, I liked this book very much and the way this brilliant author simply tells the story created a very lasting impression with me. I give this book loud applause for a story well told and recommend it highly. Very well done!”
Matt McAvoy Rated It 5-Stars. It Was Amazing. Robert has clearly put a huge amount of work into this Vietnam war drama. For somebody who never fought himself, but has written this book as a clear tribute to the brave men who fought and died, with help from his veteran brother, the research and passion he has applied to it is admirably on show for all to see. I have read many Vietnam war memoirs, and I can truly say that this is as authentic an account as you will read from an author who was not present; the terminology, feelings of fear and anger of the men thrown into a strange jungle environment, battle procedure and knowledge are collectively a vast and admirable feat, and I respect Robert hugely for the sheer work ethic which I know has gone into writing it. Robert clearly has a great story to tell, which continues even after the principal character’s tour is over – I have not read a war book written from the viewpoint of the field medic, and it was an interesting and welcome approach. This is an honest book – an important book – highlighting the impact of the horrific and hard-hitting realities of war, which Robert so vividly and artfully depicts. There is exciting action in this book, incredibly well written, with some great set-pieces. The author has created a potential ongoing narrative, suggesting that there is real legroom with this cast of characters to continue their exploits after the Vietnam war – I’d even go as far as to say that the potential of their adventures makes for a promising sequel, which I believe Robert has written, with several other books in the series, which I look forward to reading with anticipation. Robert constructs a good story and develops an endearing lead well – for pure hard work, research ethic and attention to detail, there are not many as conscientious as Robert, and I respect and applaud him sincerely for what he has achieved with Bullets and Bandages.
Comments and Praise from Readers: “The action is constant and Saniscalchi’s work, as a result, is an action-packed war story, suited to the silver screen.” By Catherine Perkins of the Historical Novel Society. “I believe this book brings honor and glory to those who served in this war (especially the field medics)” by Wayne A. Whitehead.
Product Details: Paperback: 284 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (February 5, 2020) Language: English Fiction (War & Military Action) Fiction (War Based On Fiction) Fiction (Action Thriller) Fiction (Action and Adventure) Thriller & Suspense Action War (War & Military Action) War (War Based On Fiction)
Full Circle: Lucia’s Story by Robert James Saniscalchi.
Robert’s exciting new story is about faith, family and Lucia’s struggle from the depths of darkness and despair.
Find out what happens as Lucia and her family try to find peace and pray for a better life for themselves. The author brings us into the personal life of Lucia, the excitement and drama that unfolds on her journey.
Things happen in life; does fate and luck come into play? Come along for the ride as Lucia starts a new life with her family and meet the new friends she finds along the way.
Review Form Deacon Tom: 4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful. A tremendous story is about faith and family. Great character development. In particular, the main character, Lucia, who fights bad experiences and the despair that accompanies it. Finally she begins a new journey with her family. She meets new people during this process to find peace. A strong story with a fast moving plot. I highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review From Janet: 5.0 out of 5 stars Touching family drama, A feel good read! I loved this book, It was easy to read, and very enjoyable. The author brought the characters to life. It is refreshing to read a book that deals with such critical issues and still ends in a happy way. I highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed.
Review by Mary Lehnertz: 5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book. The author was impeccably descriptive giving a visual of the the characters and situations that this family faced.
Review by Kathryn: 5.0 out of 5 stars Lucia was a great main character. Robert J. Saniscalchi’s writing style really works well in this story. I enjoyed getting to know Lucia and her story. It was a great concept and I really had a great time reading this. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review by Samfreene: VINE VOICE. 5.0 out of 5 stars Full Circle: Lucia. The circle of life has no beginning and no end. The paths we take often have many cracks, streaks and holes with the smooth circle that helps us understand life, the sadness, the tragedies and the joys in different ways. Families react to tragedies in different ways. Some unite and form an alliance while others disappear and refuse to become part of the healing process.
How do you deal with experiences that are unexpected, life’s surprises both good and bad and what happens when the person that has kept you at bay, destroyed your morale and used you for a punching bag, a person to criticize finally disappears? Lucia Rossi lived in fear of her abusive husband, Vincent for many years. Never able to keep a job, drunk on the job, leaving his family with little money for food or anything else, this man hid his wealth, his belongings and more in a secret and private room that only he had access to. Why?
Getting work would not be easy for him and yet Sam, Lucia’s brother-in-law made sure he got something with the threat he’d better not drink or even think about abusing his wife ever again. But some people never change, and gambling and alcohol would be his downfall getting into his vehicle he crashes into another and is killed. Reactions vary but no one seems overwhelmingly upset. His two children handle it well and with Sam and her sisters, Lucia pulls it together but when she and Sam enter the private room shock waves go right through Lucia, and a harsh reality sets in. Life would be hard, but Sam would be there to help financially and emotionally for her and her two children, Anna and Mario. Plus, her sister Maria had a huge house and would welcome the company in more ways than one.
Going to stay with her sister they run into a huge snowstorm and Lucia does not know how she is going to be able to get the car out of the snowbank, keep the children safe and go for help. Leaving them in the car, braving the elements she falls prey to the dangers of the snow and is lucky that Luke, the young man that will become a part of all their lives in the future, comes and saves them.
Luke works on a ranch for Bob Flanagan who tears him like a son. The respect is huge, and Luke tends to the horses, stables, and more while taking care of his grandfather, Jake. A town filled with love, hope, and friendship, and a family that needs to find its way back to being whole. Lives are impacted and Anna and Mario must deal with changes in life and Lucia must decide where hers is going. With a certain amount in her bank account, she must decide, where they will live and how they will manage. Family ties are strong, and Sam is a blessing to Lucia as well as Bob to Luke when for the second time his grandfather has a heart attack, and this time does not make it. Both Luke and Anna bond in many respectful ways, Bob understands that Luke has no one else but him and offers to let him live in his house and continue to work on the ranch.
Learning to ride a horse, Anna was a natural and Mario enjoyed it too. The ranch and Luke provided friendship and emotional support for both as well as Lucia making a huge life’s decision to sell their home and move up to Sable town as their new permanent place of residence. Both Anna and Mario had their own feelings about it but because their mother thought this was best they supported her in every way. Luke and Anna seemed to bond, Bob was more than happy to have Luke with him, and for the most part at least for a little while, things went well. Lucia got a job in a restaurant and then as a teller in a bank. But, life handed them some tragedies when Luke’s grandfather dies, then Sam is worried about Annette , Lucia’s sister and decides to make a deal with Bob, to sell his home in his town, and buy Jake’s home using Bob as the contact to help him sort it all out. Now, that Sam will be there all the time, Annette they hope will be fine Luke and Anna are now a couple to a point and Lucia realizes that certain conversations are at hand.
Life is great, holidays are filled with family, friends and love but as things progress another tragedy falls.
With another tragedy her sister, passing, then the horror that takes place in the bank, when a man comes in, wants to rob the bank, Bob had a weapon but gets off the shots, but somehow the killer manages to get him. Lives are in jeopardy, everyone is tense, Lucia must make a statement to the police, and once again Anna is there for Luke, as he now has no one on his side as true family when Bob’s injuries take his life, and the doctors did not see the gravity of them all.
Another funeral, another life gone, as Sam comes to comfort Lucia and Anna, Luke. But, shocks happen as Luke is contacted by David, who handles Bob’s finances, businesses and more, what he learns will change his life forever, but will it change him? Time does not stand still anywhere even in Sable town. The weather changes, the seasons move on and then Luke has to make decisions that will affect not only him but someone else too. How do you react when your world is about to change and your circumstances too? What about past relationships, what about you? Sam becomes a strong part of Lucia’s life, abuse, darkness, despair and a shadow of blackness will it be lifted? An ending filled with surprises, twists and serious turns as Sam, Lucia, Anna, Luke, Mario and Maria must decide whether they will allow that veil to be lifted, where will their lives go, what about Luke and Anna? How do you take your life and bring it back to where it was before it changed? Can you take it from where it started, where the changes began and bring back Full Circle?
Author Robert Saniscalchi brings to light the importance of love, trust, honesty, hope, family loyalties and much more as the journey goes from start to finish where will they all wind up next? the experiences are invaluable and the ties tight as the author reminds us of the importance of how the circle of life is fragile, filled with broken paths and more and yet somehow we all just might survive. A story that everyone needs to read and embrace as the author reminds us life might be fragile, but family ties are stronger. When the darkness is strong make sure you let the sunlight back in!
Review by Jennifer W.: 5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put this book down! It was a really compelling read, engaging from the start.
Butterfly Lake features our man Rob Marrino, and his adventures; it’s a thrilling story about the bonds of enduring friendship, faith and family. What starts off as a well-deserved family vacation on the pristine waters of a mountain lake community, leads the reader into the unthinkable and something the peaceful town of Pinecrest, Pa. will not soon forget. Find out what happens when Rob and Tex find themselves in the thick of things once more in this chilling and thrilling tale of action and adventure.
5 Stars: Action Adventure That Will Keep You Turning The Page.
This book opens with main character, Rob Marrino (decorated Army field medic) arriving in the resort town of Pinecrest, Pennsylvania. Rob’s family cabin is nestled in an “ancient forest” filled with pine and hemlock trees. The cabin sits at the edge of “spring-fed” Butterfly Lake. Rob is preparing for his best friend Tex (decorated Marine sniper), and his family to arrive. A relaxing, reinvigorating vacation is what they are all looking forward to.
After some fun on the lake, the adults busy themselves with grilling and preparing lunch. As big black and yellow butterflies flutter on the purple blooming shrubs, Lori is so intent on catching a butterfly in her butterfly net, she is unaware that she is being watched.
Vacation suddenly turns into a parent’s worst nightmare.
Let me bring you into the story (Chapter 8) as Rob and Tex had to sleep overnight on the trail.
…“Early the next morning, Rob woke to Tex mumbling, loudly, in his sleep. He couldn’t make out what his friend was trying to say, as he nudged him awake: “Hey, buddy, hey, you okay?”
…Tex sat up and blinked at Rob, with a strange, scared look in his eyes. “That damn crazy dream again!” he fumed. “My Lori, calling me from the woods.”
…Rob grabbed his pack. “Partner, it’s going to be light soon – in a half-hour or so. Let’s see what we’ve got to eat – I’ve got a feeling we’re going to need it.”
…Tex stood and stretched. “Good idea, Doc: I feel a little famished, myself.”
…The two shared some beef jerky and trail mix, finished one of two canteens of water, and readied themselves to take to the trail again.
…..Tex smiled at his friend. They’d been through a lot together, but nothing as tough as this one was for him. He tried to stay calm, as he prayed continuously for his daughter, but it was getting harder by the minute.
…Rob cleaned up the campsite, loaded his pack and checked his shotgun.
…“She’s out there, buddy,” Tex said, clutching his rifle in one hand and pointing with his knife, in the other. “We’re close. I can feel it.”
…Rob felt for him. He saw the strain in his friend’s face, in his eyes. The incident was wearing him down, but Tex was not alone in it; the big man had helped Rob through more than one problem, and Rob would do anything to make it right for his friend.
…“I feel it my man,” Rob replied: “we’re going to find her.”
…“Yep, today is the day! I can’t wait to get my hands on those creeps.” Tex added, as he started walking across the small clearing. It was the time when night gave way to day, and the woods began coming to life. The birds were up, fluttering around the trees and chirping serenades, while a few bushy-tailed gray squirrels scurried about, looking for their breakfast.
…Tex looked and listened, moving on point, as the two slowly made their way back onto the overgrown trail.”
…This is tale of two friends, determined to put their military training and skills to the test in a dense, dark, mountainous terrain.
…I encourage you thrill seekers to pick up this book. Realistic characters, great dialog and a well written action adventure will keep you turning the page. You will not want to put this book down. I am looking forward to the next book in this adventure series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by SHP: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What a seat of the pants ride! Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2020. Verified Purchase. Butterfly Lake starts with a bang and never lets up. The two Vietnam vets are awesome characters, and I rooted for them the whole time. Bad things happen, but not as bad as it could have been, so you’re left with a good feeling at the end of the book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a short thriller.
Review by Don S and Team Golfwell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I liked this action-packed story. Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020. I enjoyed reading “Butterfly Lake: Another Rob Marrino and Tex Larson Story” by Robert J Saniscalchi which is an exceptional, well structured, and very dramatic story. I also enjoyed reading another novel by this excellent author, “Bullets and Bandages: Bond of Brother.”
In my opinion, this is an action-packed story that I found to be highly entertaining. The author quickly takes the reader into heavy drama and suspense when a young girl (daughter of one of the protagonists) is cruelly abducted by two worthless and wicked derelicts.
I especially liked and was quickly drawn into the flow of this story, and the smooth and fast-paced writing style of this author who writes in a descriptive yet concise manner with just the right amount of detail. I felt the author kept the story very dramatic, eventful, with great amounts of tension and suspense continually growing as I read it.
For example, “He stood there for a moment, then called out again. But, still, there was no reply and no sight of her. He walked along the tree line, still yelling for his daughter, as he made his way back toward the house. Every few feet, he stopped and looked about, then continued around the perimeter of the cabin, calling and searching. Tex felt his body tighten when he saw Angela, running toward him from the front of the house. She was in tears, her face full of fear.”
Both Rob and Tex struggle to deal with their emotions trying to maintain cool heads to save the girl.
I also felt the author described very realistic police investigations and organized searches to find the girl which added to the action of this enthralling tale.
I like the way the author takes the reader along with Rob and Tex, the police and other facets all on a mission to find the girl. The searches involve twists and turns and unexpected difficulties in attempts to rescue her which are very realistic and unexpected. In my opinion, this story is rich in action, suspense, escapes, captures, and much more.
All in all, I felt this story was very well done. I enjoyed reading the work of this intelligent and action-packed author with his brilliant style. Highly recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. However, that does not in any way influence this review of this book by writer Robert J Saniscalchi, who in my opinion, is an exceptional author and a very realistic and creative writer.
Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A page turner. Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2020. Sam and Bill McCoy were from Southern Georgia. Sam, the oldest, smartest, and tallest, might have been considered plain-looking, were it not for his tangled mop of hair and his scraggly beard; Bill, on the other hand, was not too bright, albeit not from lack of trying. He had always been slow – he just couldn’t help it – but he was intelligent enough to follow his big brother and do whatever Sam told him to do.
Tex is from Texas. In the Fall, he had invited his best friend Rob to his ranch for fishing and riding horses. Rob has returned the favor by inviting Tex and his family to his lake cabin in the mountains of Pinecrest, PA. The two men, both in their mid-forties, had been close friends since their days in the jungles and villages of Vietnam. Rob was a decorated Army field medic, and Tex a decorated Marine sniper.
When the unthinkable happens, Tex, Rob, Sam and Bill will meet and that’s when the suspense begins. Their travels will take them through the mountains in their attempt to bring justice to the little town of Pinecrest. But their task doesn’t come without life threatening events that may make them missing in action.
This book is full of twists and turns that kept me wanting more. It gave me admiration for not only Tex and Rob, but also for the author. Looking forward to his next book of adventures with these two guys.
Product Details: Paperback: 168 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (February 28, 2020) Language: English Fiction (War & Military Action) Fiction (War Based On Fiction) Fiction (Action Thriller) Fiction (Action and Adventure) Thriller & Suspense Action War (War & Military Action) War (War Based On Fiction)
Freedom’s Light: A Rob and Tex Adventure by Robert J. Saniscalchi.
Once again into the fray we must go to stand firm in the goodness of the light-Freedom’s Light- against those that hide in the dark shadows of evil.
From the streets of NYC, to the remote badlands of Iraq, the world finds itself against an enemy as evil and ruthless as ever before.
Follow Rob and Tex as you are pulled into an action-packed story of love, loss, faith, and enduring friendship.
From The Author: I am happy everyone is enjoying the story that is Freedom’s Light, thanks much.
From The Inside Flap: This story is dedicated to our Veterans and to all those that serve in the US. Military today.
About The Author: Robert J Saniscalchi is the Author of Bullets and Bandages: Bond of Brothers.” His first book has received endorsements from the Vietnam Veterans of America. Robert also is the Author of the thriller- My Life For Her, the military and historical story- Freedom’s Light. and the new chiller- Butterfly Lake. Full reviews on his work can be found on his website. Robert is a member of various writing and reading communities. Robert is a retired Electrician, Author/ Writer, and reader of the known/unknown. Robert became interested in writing after he attended English and writing classes at college. Robert loves the great outdoors, reading, writing, and working on his cars.
Reviewed by Enas Reviews: December 16, 2016. Author Robert Saniscalchi has penned down a masterful fictitious narrative based on the bitter past of U.S. by reconstructing the tragic event of 9/11.
Featuring a snappy relationship of three brothers (Paul, Roy & Rob) engaged in hearty leisure time of a hunting expedition, author skillfully highlights and brings out the character of 28-year-old Rob, a U.S. army veteran, and a team member of ‘Special Operations Delta Force’ where during a casual chitchat Rob updates his brother about his livelihood and hardship at the military and a silent war being waged against terrorism.
Poignant, yet brilliantly told ‘Freedom’s Light’ unfolds itself delivering a wild ride of thrilling quest and dangerous assignment tasked to Rob against the evil of terrorism. Vividly detailed settings entwined with intricately developed evocative prose is explicit and author manages to evoke the emotional attachment for those who have suffered brutally at the hands of terrorism and its ugliness around the world.
Action oriented, tense and dramatic, author Robert Saniscalchi’s fictional thriller is a captivating modern-day parable that is relate-able and entertaining. Those looking for a powerful reality-based page turner are sure to be intrigued by ‘Freedom’s Light’. at midwestbookreview.com
Review Brittany Dalton, Author’s Den: Author Robert J Saniscalchi brings us fictional tale, Freedom’s Light, in a very real, honest exploration of good and evil as related to the harrowing events of 9/11–and the aftermath left in its wake.
Saniscalchi’s story introduces us to his protagonist, Rob, embarking on a family hunting expedition within the quiet wilderness of New York State. The peaceful outing filled with brotherly bonding and banter is short-lived, however, as the characters are soon thrown into the horror of the 9/11 attacks and a subsequent military operation. This is all unfortunately foreshadowed by Rob’s warnings, who understands the fragility of freedom and how it must be protected (or the light will be extinguished). A soldier and patriot, Rob becomes deeply entrenched within an elite team called Light Force. The object of the military operation: To identify the source (a terrorist base in Afghanistan) of another possible attack on US soil, and stop it in its tracks.
The characters are portrayed in a realistic and relatable manner, and the action is well depicted as the reader is soon caught up in the emotion and intensity. Although I don’t usually follow war books, shows, and movies, I particularly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who does enjoy the genre. Saniscalchi clearly demonstrates a thorough knowledge of his subject matter, and his story does not disappoint. Everyone I know was in some way impacted by the events of 9/11, and I can still recall the exact moments in which I came to learn about what had happened. This is a story of bravery and pays tribute to the men and women who selflessly fought to protect the United States from terrorism–and continue to do so today.
“This is an amazing book; it caught my attention from the very first page. It’s about 9 11 and the terrorist that attacked the twin towers and the army that went to battle against them. While I was reading this book a song popped into my head and it is where were you when the world stopped turning by Allen Jackson. That song describes parts of this book. It is well written and I loved the main character. I never knew exactly what happens that day but mow I have more knowledge of what happened. I will recommend this book to my friends and family.”
Review by Pattimari, Therapist, Author, VP of PnP Authors: 5.0 out of 5 Stars.Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2019. This story begins in the mountains of Afghanistan where a group of extremists gathers to plan a shocking attack. By Chapter two, titled Bond of Brothers, which immediately brought my mind to Band of Brothers, however, as I read on the chapter took me to upstate NY. By chapter three, I was drawn into wanting to read more and more. The author, even though it is a harsh terrorizing story, the writer does have scenes that are tender and what it does is allows the reader to relax a bit from all harsh terrorizing scenes. I liked the book. I recommend it to all who like a well-written story with good descriptions.
Product Details: Paperback: 230 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First Printed Edition (January 2, 2017) Language: English Fiction (War & Military Action) Fiction (War Based On Fiction) Fiction (Action Thriller) Fiction (Action and Adventure) Thriller & Suspense Action War (War & Military Action) War (War Based On Fiction)
My Life For Her: Enhanced Edition by Robert J. Saniscalchi.
My Life For Her is a thrilling new story about the Vietnam veteran Rob Marrino, his family, and his partner in adventure Tex Larson. Everything is peaceful in the sleepy little town of Pikeville, but in the blink of an eye, Rob and Tex find themselves in the thick of things once more. This book is not only an action-packed thriller, it is also a story of love, undying faith, drama and humanity. “We fade in like a fly on the wall watching the typical American family. Robert J Saniscalchi, has used a clever ruse here, the slow beginning is very deceptive. This fast-paced action novel is filled with drug cartels, kidnappings, torture murder and other sorts of mayhem, everything you’d expect from a crime thriller.”
From The Back Cover: My Life For Her is a story about Vietnam veteran Rob Marrino, who becomes a small-town cop. Everything is peaceful in his sleepy little town until in the blink of an eye, Rob finds himself back in the thick of things once again with his friend Tex Larson. This book is not only an action-packed thriller; it is also a story of love, undying faith, drama, and humanity. The new Enhanced Edition has some new content that adds to the adventure.
From The Author: I am very excited about the new enhanced edition of My Life For Her, it was a lot of hard work with my editor, and it came out better than I dreamed. Already some nice reviews. I hope you all enjoy my little story. I have some more coming your way. Keep reading, it’s good for you.
About The Author: Robert J Saniscalchi is an author, and reader of the known and unknown. He has a passion for using his imagination, and writing from his heart to create stories his readers enjoy. Robert is the author of the acclaimed books- The original story that is- Bullets and Bandages, the fictional thriller-My Life, For Her- now in enhanced edition, and his newest story-Freedom’s Light. Robert enjoys the great outdoors, he truly believes, “The best things in life are free.” Robert is an active member of a variety of online writing and reading communities.
Review by V.E. Feb. 2019: THRILL RIDE
Review by Grady Harp Feb 2019: “Overall, an interesting book with good characters, a fast pace and a story that keeps you interested until the end. A must read not only for its compelling story but for the focus on Vietnam veterans and the bond they share. Solid recommendation.”
Review by Ann Keller: Rated it 5 stars.
Review by Grady Harp, February 19: “Now MY LIFE FOR HER is placed before readers as a more polished novel that reflects the impact of the Vietnam War and the interaction of a veteran as a policeman.”Not having read the original book, which apparently cried for a rewrite, this reader found the story intense and involving and a fine speedy read. Will we ever reach a period when previous wars do not permanently impact both veterans and their families as in PTSD et al? Likely not until wars go away. We go on.
Review by THE PRAIRIES BOOK REVIEW on MARCH 6, 2019: “My Life, For Her gathers momentum like a huge locomotive, gathering speed with each page and thundering toward an explosive climax.”
Review by Matt McAvoy at MJV Literary Group on Oct 07, 2020: An absorbing, entertaining action thriller…Rob Marrino, the highly decorated ex-army veteran is happy to be working as a small-town cop after returning from the Vietnam war. A major drug bust throws him in the path of a dangerous Columbian drug cartel. Rob turns to his friend from Vietnam days, Richard Larson aka Tex, a retired Sergeant with the First marines. Wary of bullets and violence, Rob knows the only way to take down the bad guys is to use their collective combat skills. Rob is the main protagonist, but it’s Tex who steals the show. Saniscalchi expertly provides him a brusque, confident persona. Tex’s clever analytical mind under duress will delight readers. Saniscalchi neatly weaves a deceptively simple plot into a fast-paced action thriller and delivers a tense, satisfying finale. A delight to read!
Review by robertjbooks.com: “Another high action, gung-ho suspense thriller from Robert, featuring his favourite characters, veteran soldiers Rob and Tex. In this, the second instalment in their superb series, set ten years after the two friends met in the jungles of Vietnam, they now find themselves embroiled in a nightmare closer to home. Rob, now working as a cop in a small town, is involved in a drug-related shooting, which sees his wife taken hostage in retaliation, by a vicious cartel. With time running out, it is left to our two veterans to again head into the jungle – this time the merciless environment of Colombia – to rescue her.Robert’s books always read as a flag-waving testament to the armed forces and authoritative administrations of the United States, for whom the author has unwavering respect and admiration. The pride and affection for his country shines through in everything Robert writes, and in these days of political correctness and fashionable national self-deprecation, it is wonderfully refreshing to see – you will rarely come across a more genuinely patriotic writer. But his work is not simple chest-thumping – this author knows his military procedure and terminology, as well as the agencies which coordinate operations. A recurrent trademark of Robert’s writing is his ability to infuse his knowledge of his country’s defenses with rousing, gripping and hugely entertaining books in the action-thriller genre. The tale is a simple one, but its quality is in the epic scale of its character cast, including the combined efforts of the police, F.B.I., U.S. Navy and even the president himself – think a little of Clancy meets Schwarzenegger’s Commando, and you have typical Saniscalchi, which My Life For Her most certainly is. This should give you some idea what to expect from this great value instalment to a superbly entertaining, good quality series.”
Product Details: Paperback: 235 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (February 1, 2019) Language: English Fiction (War & Military Action) Fiction (War Based On Fiction) Fiction (Action Thriller) Fiction (Action and Adventure) Thriller & Suspense Action War (War & Military Action) War (War Based On Fiction)
About The Author: Robert’s Award-Winning books are here, and thanks for stopping by for a peek. Robert has a passion for writing and stays motivated by the positive feedback and reviews about his stories. To date, Robert has been awarded Gold and Silver Awards from Literary Titan and 5-Star Awards from Readers’ Favorite for his excellence in writing. Some of his books are dedicated to our Veterans and to those who serve and protect our freedom today. All Sales of Robert’s books on Amazon-Smile help support the Chordoma Foundation, a Worthy Charity.
Robert enjoys reading, sports and the great outdoors, and truly believes, “It’s never too late to learn something new.” Robert, is an active member of a variety of online writing and reading communities to share and perhaps be of some help to others. He invites you to visit his website and ask questions.
When children with extraordinary new mental and physical abilities suddenly begin appearing all over the world, a young university researcher must fight to protect them from hate groups who see them as a threat to human existence and want to exterminate them.
Review by Denzel: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written and suspenseful. Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023. Verified Purchase. A new evolution of humanity is discovered in young children. Are they a threat or our hope for the future? Follow along as the subject becomes polarized and you don’t know who to trust.
Reviews by Art Maurer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable…Hard to put down. Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023. Verified Purchase. Solid, believable, characters and consistent pacing engage the reader and make this book hard to put down. Is it fiction or just prescient of a future coming soon? It makes for great reading and, importantly challenges one to think. Although Artificial Intelligence isn’t mentioned, one can consider living with AI may bring a story like this to reality.
Review by Derrick: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun. Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2023. This was such a fun book to read with really great characters. I immediately fell in love with all the kids! I thought K was super cool too. The story pulled me in right from page one. The author does a great job of getting the reader to care deeply for the kids in the story. The villains are also very well written! There’s one in particular who’s just downright awful and I spent much of the time wishing horrible things would happen to him. I felt bad for the parents of some of the kids because they were so clueless as to what was going on.
I thought the author did a good job at creating the world in which the story takes place. The descriptions are vivid and it was easy to imagine what the characters were seeing, hearing, and feeling.
Overall I thought this was a great book with compelling characters and an intriguing story.
A huge thank you needs to go out to the author for allowing me the honor of being a beta reader for this book. I look forward to reading the next book by him. He never disappoints!
Review by Bridget Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Double recommend it if you are a parent! Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2023. What would we do if our children were suddenly more advanced than us? In Species II, a new novel by Nick Iuppa, kids all over the world are rapidly developing special powers. They communicate telepathically and can move objects with their minds. As fear grips the adults, they begin to contemplate an unspeakable alternative before they end up taking over and ruling our planet.
This novel will intrigue you scientifically and as a human being. As always, I enjoyed the environmental Easter eggs scattered throughout the novel. The cast of characters are entertaining, especially the radio show host who reminds me of several popular ones as of late. The chapters are short and easy to follow which makes it perfect for reading on a lunch break.
I recommend this book for fans of superheroes and Outbreak. It is a wonderful blend of sci-fi and fantasy that people of multiple generations will enjoy but I double recommend it if you are a parent. This book should be read right after you’ve put your kids to bed, but don’t dwell on it too much before yoi’ve turned in for the night
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. We homo sapiens may soon be replaced. Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023. Outstanding story about children around the world who are gifted with mental abilities none of us humans possess. With their minds they can communicate with one another without speaking, they can control machines and even drive vehicles without being in the driver’s seat. They can also fly without wings or having to be attached to a flying machine of some sort. Of course all of these fascinating abilities frighten many people who, fearing for their lives, want to exterminate them from the planet but until they’re gone, if ever, they will definitely be the next variation of we homo sapiens as their numbers mount with them eventually taking over the world. A great read from beginning to end.
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing premise. Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023. Nick Iuppa always manages to come up with the most intriguing premises. This one is about kids around the world who are displaying unique abilities that a university researcher believes is the next step in evolution. She studies and attempts to protect them as a conservative podcaster strives to stir up his followers to eliminate these kids. I like that Iuppa always has a diverse cast of characters, and I really enjoyed this story. There was a bit of humor as well which is always fun. I had no idea how it would end, but you could feel the tension building. My only complaint about his books is that the scenes are too short. Otherwise, a great read!
When interstellar travelers discover a planet teeming with life but devoid of humanity and art, they send an armada of spacecraft hoping to recruit Earth’s indigenous people to settle the new world. Instead, their advance-ship encounters oceans full of plastic garbage, Native American resistance, and a right-wing agitator named Bram Roberts Trenchant. Trench and his followers hate all aliens and believe they intend to destroy America by exploiting what Trenchant calls “the lie of climate change.” He vows to capture the spacecraft commander and execute her as a warning that all aliens must GET OUT. In the end, only a pair of conflicted teens may be able to save the commander and her mission.
Searing political satire from the authors of The Battle of The Alamo Taqueria.
5 Stars: Earth is not exactly as the visitors imagined!
A Distant Earth, the new novel by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira, is a powerful political satire about benevolent, hyper-intelligent aliens from another world. They value humanity’s creativity and strength so much that they want to relocate Earth’s indigenous people to a distant planet free from the ravages of global warming. While the aliens are bound NOT to interfere in the fate of Earth, they intend to give Earth’s leaders a stern warning about the deadly effects of climate change.
Their armada of flying saucers is well on its way to Earth when the alien flagship plunges into the Pacific Ocean and becomes entangled in a web of plastic debris. While under repairs, the crew befriends a retired widower who offers to take the ship’s commander, Captain Faith Morrow, and her husband on a tour of nearby Hollywood.
Faith has a commanding presence, a playful spirit, and a love of old Hollywood movies. She also enjoys classic superhero costumes and blockbuster special effects. So, when she catches the attention of Bram Roberts Trenchant—the founder of a group of right-wing supremacists—it leads to a series of encounters that are first comical but then grow more and more deadly.
Trenchant incites his followers by telling them, “This isn’t about the climate, friends. This is about CONTROL. Aliens want to cripple our industry, weaken our economy, and make us sad and vulnerable. You know they’re coming from south of the border and from other continents. But they’re also coming from other worlds. They’re even coming from OUTER SPACE. Can you believe it?”
Resistance to the aliens comes in many forms, the supremacists, the press, the world’s political leaders, and even some of the indigenous peoples themselves. But, in the end, it’s Trenchant’s disillusioned teenage followers who turn on him and do their best to save Faith, her crew, and her mission.
I think you will thoroughly enjoy the compelling, insightful, and often hilarious novel. ‘A Distant Earth’ is full of fun, adventure, and a chilling portrait of the dangers we face in the twenty-first century. I also encourage you to read ‘The Battle for the Alamo Taqueria’, another funny and fascinating political satire by the same authors.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by CE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Masterpiece! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 18, 2022, Verified Purchase. Wonderful read, love the idea!
Review by Derrick: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun Interesting. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 12, 2022. First and foremost a huge thank you needs to go out to the author for generously gifting me a copy of this book. His generosity is second to none!
This was an excellent little sci-fi adventure. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it. Typically, I’m not super into sci-fi but I think all the likable characters were what made it such a good story. I really liked Will, Faith, Jimmy, Aiyana, and Maddie. Even though this is a shorter story, I felt like the character building was well done. There is a fair amount of politics in the story. I didn’t feel like it was overbearing or off-putting at all. I definitely think the author was making some pretty strong statements about our current political situation in real life. I admire that. Why become an author if not to be able to make statements and say whatever you want? The descriptions in the story are compelling and effective. I was able to get a clear picture in my mind of what the characters were seeing and experiencing. The ending was pleasing and worthwhile. I thought it wrapped up everything fittingly. Overall, this was an entertaining little sci-fi story. It’s not super graphic and there’s not too much profanity. I think it would be appreciated by anyone looking for a simple yet engaging sci-fi story.
Review by Bridget Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Political satire is spot on and a refreshing new spin to sci-fi. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 11, 2022. A group of eco-friendly aliens take a liking to the Earth’s indigenous people and want to take them to a far-away planet safe from global warming. But then one of the flying saucers falls into the ocean and becomes entrapped in plastic waste. While they wait for their ship to be repaired, the crew becomes friends with a retired US Senator who takes them on a tour of nearby Hollywood. The saucer’s strong, but free-spirited female captain, Hope Morrow, catches the attention of a right-wing extremist and then the real trouble starts.
This book is a fun satirical adventure with environmentally conscious aspects that are real and appeal to my sense of social responsibility to our planet. This is exactly the type of sci-fi novel I have been searching for. The political satire is spot on and a refreshing new spin that I am not used to in sci-fi novels. I have often wondered myself what alien life forms would think of us Earthlings and what we are doing to our planet in terms of pollution and non-biodegradable waste.
I would recommend this book to eco-friendly readers even if they are not used to reading sci-fi. The book has almost a throwback feel to the late 80s early 90s style of storytelling that millennials will be familiar with and a deeper moral message that sticks with you and leaves you to contemplate in the end. I will be checking out more novels from Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira in the future, for I believe I have found a new favorite.
Review by Thomas B. Barker: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. From current headlines. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 21, 2022. Authors, Iuppa and Pesqueira, weave an action-packed science fiction novel of a future world that will keep you turning the page and thinking about what could happen in only a few years here on our home planet if the ignorant sector of the population prevails.
Global warming is a current headline (NYT 1/21/22). Will our population be able to reverse the tide of greenhouse gasses and bring the planet out of crisis? Not if the political right and its falsehood spreading, bigoted radio/TV minions have their way.
The “Trenchant’s” symbolize that part of our country and attempt to eliminate the Aliens who have come in good faith to save our culture (especially that of the native Americans) by taking pioneers to a hospitable new world where the spoilers are not at all present. But will the powerful and wealthy leader, Trench, prevail and kill off the noble saucer flying aliens? Read this allegory to find the answer.
Review by Art Maurer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. If Only…Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 14, 2022. An enjoyable read … even though it’s anchored on the dilemma of our current political division and threatening climate challenges. Concise descriptions and clear writing keep the story moving; political satire easy to swallow; a cast of likeable characters of diverse origin … all combine to make a story relevant to our times. It leaves one to wonder: If Only…we could do that!
Review by Marc Wade: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A clever and original tale. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 27, 2022. A flying saucer commanded by a confident, brilliant, but perhaps a little too playful captain comes to earth in advance of an armada of alien ships. They intend to carry thousands of indigenous peoples to resettle on a distant planet and to warn the world’s leaders of the dangers of climate change. Unfortunately, she runs into a charismatic supremacist leader who sees her as just another alien and vows to destroy her. It’s a fast-paced, funny, enjoyable read. The team of Iuppa and Pesqueira have done it again! Five stars.
Review by Celina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great read! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 3, 2022. A Distant Earth features great characters in an amazing story of redemption. There are lots of powerful images and action scenes. I highly recommend this book. It’s creative and engaging!
The Promise Of The Gateway by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira.
Deep in the drop behind Green Mountain High, Emily Perkins finds a gateway to the past where she’s no longer a nerd, and the school’s superstar quarterback is in love with her. He hasn’t yet suffered the crippling injuries that will ruin his future, and Emily thinks she can use the gateway to save him. But there’ll be a price to pay. Dangerous distractions wait on the other side. Visions of social injustice haunt everyone who returns. And then Emily learns that the gateway can’t be trusted.
5 Stars: Coming Of Age Time Travel Spectacular!
Emily Perkins, the brainy class nerd at Green Mountain High, is the loneliest girl in the school. She eats alone, spends her break time alone, and is shunned by most of her classmates. She’s also secretly in love with the school’s former super-star quarterback, Jake Kane… even though his life has degenerated into total failure.
Eight years earlier Jake was clearly destined for a career as a superstar quarterback in the National Football League. He had amazing talent, and real motivation because his family was deep in debt due to his father’s high tech business failures. After rewarding discussions with recruiters from several major universities, everything seems so promising for Jake. He could work it all out, he thought, save his family, and live out his dream. But less than two hours later, his life and dreams were shattered by a tragic career-ending injury.
As the years pass, Jake’s life crumbled even further, from sorrow to uncertainty to bitter withdrawal. His mother convinced him to take a job as the high school janitor. At least he would still be around the school, still remembered and honored by the school’s football players though he felt less and less deserving and more and more bitter the more he saw them.
And then that nerdy girl, Emily Perkins, dared to come into his life. Somehow, she said, she stumbled on a green shimmery phenomenon in the ravine behind the school, and she learned that it was vortex… and a gateway to the past. She’d already traveled through it and thought that it may just allow Jake to go back to the day of his injury, relive it, and undo the tragic event. Jake was skeptical, of course, but Emily insisted that they go exploring… together.
From that moment on, the novel deals with both the past and the future, as Jake makes repeated attempts to return to his former life and undo his fate. He soon finds he can’t do it alone. He needs help… and not just help from Emil who is more than eager. He also needs the participation of players on the school’s current team and help from an amazing teacher whose lectures are so powerful that they too are a gateway to the past.
The story’s characters are tied together by Jake’s tragedy, by family bonds, friendship, the teacher’s amazing lectures on social injustice, and their own psychological needs. With them, we face the age-old question of ‘what If?’
What if the Vortex is all Jake needed to go back in time, replay one botched football down, sidestep his injury, and go on to the career that was promised to him?
What if he needs more… to find someone to be injured in his place, perhaps? Would Jake be willing to sacrifice one of his friends to achieve his dream?
And, what sacrifices would you make if you were Jake, or—just as importantly—if you were Emily and suddenly realizing the dangerous consequences of trying to save someone you love.
I invite you to read The Promise of the Gateway… a Coming-of-Age Fantasy that raises important ethical questions for teens and grown-ups alike, and… It’s one heck of a good story.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Bonds of Friendship Are Tested Like Never Before. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 5, 2020. Verified Purchase. The destiny of a high school football star collides with that of a shy class nerd in this enthralling tale of time travel and atonement.
Emily Perkins is no stranger to being alone; she eats by herself practically every day in the school cafeteria, and all her classmates think she’s too smart to want company. But little do they know that the truth is entirely different about shy Emily Perkins. So, when Emily discovers a magical gateway into the past where she’s no longer alone, it seems like her life isn’t so bad after all. Even more astounding, the school’s famous quarterback Jake Cane is head over heels in love with her, something that would never happen back in her own time. Emily is happy to keep the gateway a secret until she realizes the dark and miserable future that awaits Cane, and she quickly shares her secret with him in the hopes that it will prevent a terrible event from occurring. But what she doesn’t realize is that Jake Cane has been waiting for a second chance for years, and he’s not about to give it up now…not for anyone. With the two teens at odds over how to best handle the gateway’s potential, there are other more sinister forces at work that neither one of them could have foreseen. Visitors to the past are susceptible to other kinds of time tripping, including dangerous visits to historic moments inspired by a brilliant teacher. With the lives of their friends hanging in the balance, Emily and Jake must race to uncover the secret of the gateway before they overstay their welcome. The authors have debuted many successful books that revolve around friendship, and this one is no different. Indeed, one of the book’s greatest strengths lies in the portrayal of the unshakable bonds between a group of high school teens and their devotion to one another. At the first sign of distress, one of them is always at the other’s side ready to help or defend their friend. It is this emotional connection within the group that makes the plot so arresting and so intriguing. Of course, the elements of time travel and fantasy don’t hurt either, especially when it involves the idea of redemption and second chances. The authors skillfully combine the best of several different topics into one fascinating story – sports, romance, lessons from history, coming of age, regret, jealousy, and friendship are all important parts of the plot that are weaved seamlessly into the narrative without seeming baffling or disjointed. And while there is a certain darkness to the storyline, it is actually a rich and seductive twilight that brings to the forefront all the complexities and contradictions of being a human being forced to choose between the past and the future. If you’re looking for a unique work of fiction that touches the heart while also exhilarating the spirit, then you can’t go wrong with The Promise of the Gateway.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very Creative. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 27, 2022. Verified Purchase. The twist on time travel was very creative. How many of us have thought, “What if I could go back and change…”.
Review by Got To Read: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Great Love Story With Time Travel To Boot. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 6, 2020. Verified Purchase. I really enjoyed this love story of Emily and Jake in High School, then a career ending injury and how they worked together to restore his promising future. I liked the interplay of the other students surrounding the couple, and the interesting side effect of time travel. Such as, the next day in history class, students who had just been through the GATEWAY were transported to important historical events in their teachers lectures. The scenes of social injustice present is in those time-trips were dramatic and very exciting. The book is a great read with interesting characters and lots of action.
Review by Bridget Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The writing beautifully bridges the gaps of generations in this time travel novel. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 14, 2022. Emily Perkins is an introverted high school student that prefers taking pictures than making friends. One day she is taking photos in the area behind her school when she stumbles upon a gateway to the past. There, she discovers the janitor at her school was once a handsome prize quarterback and ivy league scholarship hopeful until a tragedy on the field made his dreams come crashing down. Thinking she can help; she brings Jake the Janitor to the gateway not knowing how badly he wants a second chance. Jake makes up his mind that he must go back to fix things, but at what cost?
The writing beautifully bridges the gaps of generations in this time-traveling novel. I had a great sense of history and community reminiscent of Back to the Future. The book made me think in greater detail about my hometown from past, present, and future perspectives. This book also reads differently in the wake of the pandemic. The theme of community, family, friends, and lovers is a timeless and ageless tale that will reach you on many levels. It will remind you of the glory days and make you wonder what-ifs.
I would recommend families read this from varying generations: grandparents, parents, and teens as a family book club that could spark some very interesting discussions. This may very well be my favorite book of the year. This is that rare type of book you keep to revisit generations from now and learn the journey’s lessons all over again.
CTHULHU MEETS THE DA VINCI CODE When young teen, Victor Encinas desecrates a religious shrine in order to join his brother’s gang, he finds himself drawn into a world of alien spaceships, insectile high priests, and an interplanetary religion that seeks to take over the earth. Somehow, he finds that the most popular girl in school is in love with him and he’s been appointed The Peacemaker. The first book in The Peacemaker Series introduces us to the desert metropolis of Tumac City where a historic Spanish mission has been watched and studied by alien priests for centuries. The benevolent high priest of the unearthly religion is nearing the end of his life. And a revolt on his planet may soon bring about the return to ancient barbaric ways and the ascent of his depraved son. That shape-shifting monster has been exiled to Earth and kept in check by a series of human Peacemakers chosen by the high priest himself, and Victor is next in line for the role.
5 Stars:This Is Not Your Typical Alien Invasion!
If you are new to Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira’s books, you are in for a surprisingly powerful paranormal adventure. Those of us who have been following these authors, find this first book in The Peacemaker series, a masterful beginning.
Imagine a terrifying supernatural experience that gives you incredible powers! This is exactly what happens to a teenager named Victor Encinas, who is so desperate to join his brother’s gang that he desecrates a religious shrine as part of his initiation. And then:
“Suddenly a beam of intense white light shoots down at Victor and blinds him for a moment. He falls to his knees and feels himself jerked up feet-first into the sky above the church. The building, the truck, and the whole parking lot seem to jump back violently until he finds himself suspended hundreds of feet over them. Victor twists up to look into the light that has captured him, but its brilliance overwhelms him. “GOD ALMIGHTY!” he calls.”
Does God have anything to do with it? Victor is freed from the beam of light but soon learns that he has just been chosen to become a human peacemaker and stand against an exiled alien high priest who is plotting an interplanetary religious take-over of the earth.
As US government, Native American, and religious authorities work (sometimes at cross purposes) to understand the strange puzzle pieces coming together near the mission, a series of grisly serial killings begin. And then, as if young Victor doesn’t have enough on his mind, he finds the most popular girl in school falling in love with him, becoming a great help and support, but, in the process, also a target of the killer.
If you enjoyed reading The DA VINCI CODE, you will not want to miss “Alien Mission,” the first installment of The Peacemaker series. Take special note of the extensive list of characters at the beginning of this book, as the authors will build on this list going forward. This story is beyond your wildest imagination, and it is only the beginning.
I look forward to what comes next in The Peacemaker series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Epic Tale of an Unlikely Hero. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 6, 2018. Verified Purchase. Destiny and an extraterrestrial conspiracy collide in this sweeping tale of an unlikely hero and his fight against alien invaders.
Victor Encinas is nobody special….that is, until now. After a terrifying supernatural experience, he is stunned to find out that he now possesses unimaginable powers…powers that could change his life forever. When Victor learns about the history of the Peacekeepers, it suddenly all makes sense. An ancient alien race has sent one of their own to Earth under exile, and no one but the Peacekeepers can keep this alien prince from spreading terror among mankind. But the alien in question has secrets of his own, and proves himself to be a formidable and gruesome adversary. Will Victor be able to harness his new powers in time before it’s too late? With the aid of some of his most trusted friends and loved ones, it starts to seem like Victor will emerge triumphant. But it soon becomes clear that not everyone can be trusted, and there are bigger forces at work that remain hidden in the shadows.
Once again, Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira have proved themselves to be masters of the paranormal horror genre. This being the first book in the Peacekeeper series, it’s easy to get excited about future developments, and the authors skillfully leave plenty of hints at the end that will keep readers eager for more. While Alien Mission does have a central sci-fi theme, it is also refreshingly humorous and lighthearted, featuring several likable characters that have their own quirks and unique voice. Likewise, there is more than one sub-plot that always keeps things interesting, and the genius way of how it all ties together is not only highly entertaining but also impressive. In an ordinary novel, so many different characters and contrasting motivations could quickly become exhausting. But in Alien Mission, the effect is quite the opposite; the variations in point of view and the wide array of experiences create a much richer and more potent narrative. The authors have an uncanny knack for blending traditional religion with mythical phenomena as a plot device, and it works wonderfully. Their stories frequently juxtapose the old with the new, the mundane with the surreal. It is this winning formula that makes, among other things, Alien Mission such a pleasure to read.
Review by Thomas B. Barker: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nick and John do it again. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 11, 2019. Verified Purchase. Paranormal and science fiction combined with a healthy dose of religion makes this book (first in a series) an engrossing read. After reading Esteban’s Quest, I crack the cover of this fantastic new book and found the same twisted type of story in the Southwest. The authors are masters at creating characters and putting them through their paces which sometimes are wild sprints. I can’t wait for the second book in the series and hope the world is saved and the aliens do not eat the human population for lunch.
Review by W.M. Dawes: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fast-paced page-turning read! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 17, 2018. Verified Purchase. A soaring space opera that begins with a pair of mismatched teenage lovers and ends in interplanetary religious subjugation; some moments are gut-wrenching, others are laugh out loud funny, and still others are just plain terrifying.
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Are aliens already here? Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 14, 2018. Wonderfully thought-provoking tale of aliens who have been on earth for centuries secretly studying and influencing mankind when their presence is suddenly and shockingly revealed. How should humans respond to such a revelation? Is there any way we can live in peace with them and learn from them knowing we are but pawns on their chess board?
Alien Mission addresses these issues admirably and intelligently through the lives of everyday people who suddenly come in contact with powerful creatures from another world. Frightening, bloody, entertaining, and thought provoking one can easily begin to question many of mankind’s basic premises in regards to free will, freedom of thought, religion, morality, and basic human interactions. Are they really ours or imposed on us from elsewhere? Admittedly not easy stuff to come to terms with but definitely worth considering in light of the possibility that extraterrestrials may really be here but we don’t know that yet. Alien Mission claims they are and covers the possibilities brilliantly.
Alien Inquisition by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira.
The Peacemaker Book 2.
In this second installment of The Peacemaker Series, Rhykin, the son of the high priest of an alien planet and heir apparent to his father’s reign, continues his exile on Earth. Meanwhile, supposedly good aliens have agreed to develop a new industry for our planet. Massive production facilities manufacture beautiful dream-endings for those aliens coming to the end of their lives. They are fueled by the energy of sleeping humans, and millions are employed in the endeavor. Victor Encinas, the Peacemaker, is now working as a liaison between Earth and the aliens. He discovers is that, in addition to Dream Factories, the aliens have also created Nightmare Factories which generate horrific worlds that torture and punish political enemies.
After his father’s death, Rhykin finally ascends to power and demands that everyone convert to his depraved religion. Those who will not are sent to the Nightmare Factories. Of course, Rhykin still desires Gaby though she has married Victor and had a son. Victor struggles to protect his wife and all humanity against the alien forces, supporting and then joining a resistance movement dedicated to eradicating Rhykin’s cruel priesthood. Of course, mere resistance cannot stop the monster, and soon it seems that even the Earth itself must play a part.
5 Stars: Guarantee It Will Shake You From Covid-19 Weariness!
Alien Inquisition Book Two in ‘The Peacemaker Series’ has finally arrived. I guarantee it will shake you from your 2021 Covid-19 weariness and shock you into a world filled with Aliens, both good and evil.
Aliens from the previous Iuppa/Pesqueira novel ALIEN MISSION have returned to our planet, supposedly to provide economic security for the Earth. They build DREAM FACTORIES everywhere. The facilities are designed to give an easy sendoff for those advancing in years and approaching the end of their lives. They do this by simulating a beautiful twilight world fueled by the dreams of millions of workers who enter “sleep pods” to provide the simulations with vision and energy.
But what no human has been told is that the aliens have also created NIGHTMARE FACTORIES to punish criminals and political prisoners. Fueled by the nightmares of workers trapped in the role of Hel-dreamers… the aliens’ enemies fall into fiery pits or are attacked by enormous bugs that tear them apart. Then the victims come back to life and go through the same suffering all over again. The simulation continually modifies itself based on dreams of hell, and it seems so deadly-real that some of the Hel-dreamers are murdered by their own nightmares.
The Department of Homeland Security is now handling Interplanetary Affairs, and our hero, Victor Encinas, is made liaison between human resources and their alien supervisors. A very hefty budget comes with the post, and Victor soon learns no one is paying much attention to his use of the funds.
Victor is pleased to return to his family from a tour of the alien facilities. His son, little Gabriel, is excited to see his daddy, and his wife Gaby has a romantic evening planned. But the time of warm embraces can be sidetracked easily. And when his old friend Father Oliver shows up, Victor learns that Rhykin, his alien enemy, has ascended to the position of High Priest. Rhykin insists that all humans convert to his religion, or they will find themselves sentenced to Hel-dreams.
Victor is at a loss as the Inquisition comes after Gaby, whom Rhykin has desired since the first moment he saw her. But then Victor learns of the Forces of S.A.V.E. (an underground resistance movement) and decides to channel his liaison funds to support SAVE and break the Inquisition. But it isn’t the power of millions of dollars or military might or even the strength of shared dreams that stand strong against the Inquisition in the end. It is something far more fundamental.
Alien Inquisition runs the gamut from tender romance to heart-stopping horror. The DaVinci Code has nothing on this series, as Authors Iuppa & Pesqueira take you to the distant edges of their incredible vision and leave you wanting more.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Epic sci-fi thriller. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 17, 2021. Verified Purchase. This is the second book in The Peacemaker Series. Victor is now working as a liaison with the aliens who have taken over earth supposedly for good purposes. But when Rhykin rises to power, he demands that all humans convert to their religion or be relegated to nightmare factories that harvest their energy. There’s non-stop action in this epic sci-fi thriller that pits good against evil. I’ve read several books by this author team and they’re always unique and well written. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next and read it in two days.
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Keeps Getting Better and Better! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 25, 2021. After reading Alien Mission, Book One of the Peacemaker Series, I was completely hooked and couldn’t wait for the sequel. I’m happy to report that Book Two does not disappoint. The story builds on the different character’s individual stories, but this time they connect to each other in surprising ways. I was really fascinated by the concept of the Dream Factories that the aliens had created, and the Hel-Dreamers idea was more than a little terrifying. One of my favorite things about this series is how the authors so skillfully combine elements of sci-fi with politics, like when the aliens begin to slowly take control of the government and pressure even the most high-ranking officials to convert to their new religion. Likewise, the groups of resistance that spring up in reaction to Rhykin’s totalitarian rule feel both timely and extremely relevant with today’s volatile political scene. I also really enjoyed the deeper insight into Father Oliver; being one of my favorite characters, it was very interesting to see how he grappled with the threat of a forced religion. Similarly, I was very pleased to observe the maturity in Victor and Gaby’s relationship as a married couple. This brought a more nuanced feel to their dialogue and interactions with each other that felt authentic and relatable.
If you enjoyed Alien Mission and are looking for something that combines the best of sci-fi, romance, and political thriller, give Alien Inquisition one a try.
Review by CE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Brilliant! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 26, 2021. A thrilling adventure of alien invasion, very much like what actually happened when European settlers first came to the new world. Overwhelmed by alien technology, the people of earth do their best to work with the visitors only to learn that they must also convert to the alien religion or face an inquisition and be sentenced to eternal dreams of hell. Compelling storytelling, intricate plotting, and powerful characters on all levels. I loved it.
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nightmares Can Be Real. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 11, 2021. A wicked alien exile ascends to the high priesthood of his home planet and begins a reign of terror here on earth. His alien inquisition sentences those who oppose him to hell dreams in his nightmare factories while only the last peacemaker and a small band.
The Sitcom Murders 1 by Nicholas Victor (aka Nick Iuppa).
Sexy Sixties Sitcom.
What if the heroine of an immensely popular television sitcom suddenly learned that her show was being turned into a horror series by a deranged screenwriter? What if she was able to drive over to the writer’s home and confront him? What if she then learned that he was able to give her the power to defend herself and even begin to love the murder and mayhem of HORROR? And then, after she had eliminated three homicidal maniacs, he explained that he had more work for her… more sitcom murders.
5 Stars: Dark Comedy About The Sexy Sixties!
This first installment of The Sitcom Murders is a dark comedy about a sexy sixties TV character who suddenly realizes that her TV show has become a horror story and she just might be the first victim.
Lacy Livingood, the TV heroine, is home alone when a madman suddenly begins breaking down her kitchen door. Terrified by his hideous stocking mask and threats of rape and murder, Lacy beats him off with a frying pan, then rushes to her car and drives across LA to find the show’s writer. She’s not sure what to expect, but aging screenwriter Billy Edelman explains it all.
“Ya know, for a girl half the world thinks is brilliant, you’re a little slow on the uptick,” Billy answered. “You and Johnny and Ronnie are characters, in a sitcom, a very popular one fifty years ago. Look at this.” And with that Edelman clicked a link and entered eBay. He typed in “Lacy Livingood” and pages and pages of Lacy Livingood memorabilia confronted him: autographed photos, scripts from the show, clothes she had worn.
“But our show’s not on anymore,” Lacy whispered.
“People’re always lookin’ for somethin’ fresh,” Billy answered. “If not new characters, at least old characters in new stories. And that’s what I’ve given them.”
“So now I’m the main character in a horror story,” Lacy said at last. “Okay. But if I have to be in this show of yours, at least teach me how to defend myself. You can do that much for me can’t you?”
And Billy could; in fact, he could help Lacy learn to enjoy murder as much as his villains… but with dire consequences.
Author Nicholas Victor (aka Nick Iuppa) has given us something never seen before, a TV sitcom character who actively conspires with her show’s living writer to defeat the bad guys. There is a fine line between reality and fiction, TV characters and real people, self-preservation and blood lust. And sexy Lacy finds herself right at the crossroads of everything and loving it.
If you enjoy dark humor, pick up a copy of The Sitcom Murders I – SEXY SIXTIES SUBURBIA. I’m sure you will enjoy the read and find yourself looking forward to the next installment. (A preview of The Sitcom Murders II: SEVENTIES NEWSROOM is available as part of the first book).
I think you’ll find yourself as curious as I am about where the author will go with this new series…and just who Lacy Livingood will murder next.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Sexy Sitcom Star Becomes the Ultimate Murderess. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 24, 2019. Verified Purchase. The golden age of classic TV sitcoms gets a naughty and unexpected revamp in this delightfully grisly tale from Nicholas Victor.
Life is good for Lacy Livingood. She has the perfect house in glamorous 1960’s suburbia, not to mention the perfect family. So why oh why is a bloodthirsty murderer trying to kill her? Even more important…why does she seem to like it every time she pulls the trigger? Lacy wants answers, and she wants them now. It seems like the only one who can help is an old man named Billy Edelman, the successful screen writer. But when Billy reveals the astonishing truth, it takes a moment for Lacy to wrap her head around this new revelation. Could this explain her excellent marksmanship? As the old man convinces her that there’s more adventures in store, Lacy suddenly finds herself eager to play along. What was once terrifying now seems almost pleasurable. More blood must be spilled, and it becomes clear that Lacy must be the one to do it. Determined to save her family from annihilation, she sets out on a journey to New York to find her next victim. If everything goes as planned, Lacy may just find herself catapulted into the spotlight; the sexiest villain that ever was.
A writer’s relationship with his characters is always complex, and “The Sitcom Murders” plays with this idea while paying homage to such classic sitcoms as The Dick Van Dyke Show. Part comedy, part horror, the novel manages to be both hilariously funny and exhilarating as we watch Lacy Livingood embrace her alter ego. As we shall see, anything is possible when a writer and his characters join forces to unleash murder and mayhem. There are vivacious side characters that lend the narrative a slapstick touch; Heather Whatnot, Lacy’s lusty but dimwitted neighbor, and Captain Louie DeMarco, “three hundred pounds of prime LAPD.” And while the blood and gore may be too much for some, die-hard fans of the pulpy film genre (think Tarantino) will be more than satisfied with the quick pacing, ample blood lust, and sexual overtones.
Like a wicked thrill, “The Sitcom Murders” is your next carnal indulgence.
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Clever idea! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 26, 2019. Verified Purchase. In this clever novella, the heroine of a ‘60s sitcom suddenly realizes the story has changed to one of horror. But she also discovers the writer has given her the skills to defend herself. Why has the writer done this? Ratings, of course. And the twist is that she begins to like murder. There’s lots of territory to mine with classic sitcoms and this story looks like the first in a series.
Review by Marc Wade: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fiction meets Reality. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 24, 2019. Verified Purchase. This first work of fiction by new author Nicholas Victor is a clever homage to a certain sitcom star. The unique twist is the interaction between the sitcom’s screenwriter and his fictional heroine. He begins to torment her with a new, horrific direction for her character in an effort to launch her into a contemporary series. The first of what might be several installments is an intriguing introduction to this reality-bending world.
Review by Bridget Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Short, fun, and unique. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 6, 2022. Lacey Livingood is the leading lady of a beloved sitcom and her series is about to be rebooted. The new series is written by her original screenwriter, now deranged, and transforming her sitcom into a horror series. The relationship between the character and the writer is met head-on as he reveals more of his plans for her… and we are along for the ride!
This book is theatrical and exciting as well as witty and scary. I love how the character is able to talk to the writer and break the rules to turn everything on it’s head. This book is short and perfect to throw in your bag to read on the plane or a lunch break. It is great for a book club read because it will bring tons of discussion to the table due to the incredible plot. This is the first book in the Sitcom Murders series and I can’t wait to get my hands on more.
Review by Gershon Weltman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Inside Job. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 4, 2019. This is an imaginative and lively twist on characters having a life of their own and interacting with their author, which could only have been written by someone deeply familiar with television screenwriting. As Victor has his TV writer say: “That’s the way it is with writers, you know. Their work is always a collaboration between them and their characters.” The multiple murders add blood and gore, but not in an off-putting way. Altogether a great addition to hardboiled-horror-noire in novella form.
The astoundingly beautiful Alicia has ended her modeling career in
Mexico City, married the love of her life, helped pay his way through college,
settled into a comfortable life in Los Altos, California, and now she’s dead…
Murdered.
Her husband, Professor Carlos Mann, has wrapped himself in an
obsessive-compulsive disorder to hide from that fact. But when Amy Joy, one of
Carlos’s students, is sold into slavery by a Chinese mob that traffics in Asian
girls, Alicia returns with a vengeance.
Can Alicia save her man, foil the human traffickers, and destroy
her murderer? Overwhelming supernatural forces stand against her. But, hell,
that just makes her stronger!
Told in the voices of Carlos and Alicia Mann, Alicia’s Ghost is a funny, imaginative and thrilling ride through the human and spirit worlds of Mexico and the American Southwest.
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Sexy Thrill Ride Into an Unforgettable World of Ghosts and Enduring Love. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 23, 2019. Verified Purchase. If you’re seeking a delightfully naughty and frightful read that’s just in time for Halloween, you can’t go wrong with Alicia’s Ghost. Professor Carlos Mann is still mourning the death of his beloved wife, the stunningly gorgeous Alicia. They were married for only three short years before she was brutally murdered, leaving Carlos in a perpetual state of shock and overwhelming grief. Now he is trying to pick up the pieces and resume a normal life as best he can. But it’s not easy; he still has terrifying nightmares of her murder that cause him to wake up dripping in a cold sweat. His teaching position at Leland University gives him some respite, at least. That’s soon about to change, however; after he befriends one of his students, the shy and charming Amy Joy, he suddenly finds himself caught in the middle of a sex trafficking ring run by a masochistic dominatrix. As he tries to save his new friend from almost certain torture, he’s now got another problem on his hands; Alicia is back with a vengeance, her jealousy knowing no bounds. Alicia’s ghost is determined to haunt her husband’s every move, and doesn’t hesitate to show her displeasure by trashing his apartment. But Carlos will soon need her help if he’s to survive. Can Alicia put aside her jealous fits of rage and save her husband before it’s too late?
It’s easy to feel sympathy for the character of Alicia. Because the chapters alternate between her voice and that of her husband’s, we are able to see the events of her life through her eyes. This allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the motives behind her actions, and how these have shaped her into the ghost she has become. Her undying love for Carlos is both heartbreaking and exhilarating, and the reader can’t help but be in awe of her rebellious spirit, even in death. Because she has to confront her own conflicted emotions about Carlos and the reality of living in a world quite different from his, the dynamic between them feels authentic in its portrayal of lovers yearning for each other across a seemingly impenetrable abyss. Never one to shrink from the sensual and tantalizing, the authors continue to delight their readers with scenes of erotic seduction that illustrate the unbreakable bond between Alicia and her grieving husband.
There’s also plenty of adventure and intrigue along the way. The gritty underworld of corruption and exploitation is described in harrowing detail, as is the voracious greed of those in power. And while this lends a satisfying film-noir like mood to the plot, the many comical moments scattered throughout give the narrative a welcome change of pace. Several unique side characters enhance the story with their own motives and desires, adding another layer of complexity without feeling overdone. And since each chapter builds upon the next, there’s never a dull moment. Quite the opposite, in fact; the many twists and turns keep readers on their toes while granting them just the right amount of hints to keep them guessing.
Review by David M. Couzins: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun Ghostly Ride. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 12, 2013. Verified Purchase. Alicia’s Ghost is not a macabre house haunting story, rather, it is a fast-paced ghostly action adventure with some paranormal romance mixed in.
The novel begins with the reader experiencing the anguish of Carlos Mann who has lost his love, but you soon learn that Carlos’ passionate relationship with his wife is not over–not even after she is murdered.
This is a well-written tale of love, murder, and revenge where good and evil characters—both living and dead—interact throughout a kidnapping crime drama that spans from the cosmopolitan San Francisco area down to the dusty deserts of Arizona and Mexico where a colossal clash of supernatural forces explodes with dire consequences for all.
One of the things I found fascinating about Alicia’s Ghost is that ghosts are “people” too and they have every bit as much personality as their living counterparts. Death has not cooled Alicia’s passions so her powerful love and her jealousy are still very much a part of her living husband’s life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this ghostly crime drama and I am looking forward to the further adventures of this highly unusual husband and wife crime fighting team.
Review by James Loftus: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved This!. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 2, 2014. Verified Purchase. Alicia and her Carlos take a journey together into a universe of ghosts and human, into the now and here, and the once was. She is a passionate girl who just won’t move on to the other side, she can’t Carlos needs her. Carlos is pretty much a normal guy; I can relate to him. He is put into an impossible situation, trying to navigate a shady world of sex-slavery, rescuing to Asian girls who are on the block in deadly danger. The Asian crime Lords are very a despicable bunch, most times they do what they want, not this time. Carlos is lucky he has some ghost friends who come to the party and make it an amazing, at times chilling, and others just plain, enjoyable, adventure/thrill ride. I took the ride, and I don’t want my money back.
To avenge her parents’ death, sadistic sex trafficker Tiger Joy
sends deadly assassins after Carlos and his beautiful ghost wife Alicia. The
pair escapes to Cancun where they battle witches and drug lords to help their
friend Señor Popcorn win the love of his life. But the Afterlife Judges aren’t
happy with Alicia’s temper, and they send her off to anger management therapy
with the ghost of Sigmund Freud.
In old Vienna, the spirit of a seductive crown prince tempts Alicia, and then she’s captured by gypsies who put her on display in the Ghost Chamber of their traveling carnival. Alicia commits an unforgivable sin, and it finally gives Tiger Joy the perfect chance for revenge.
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A High-Stakes Sequel That Will Leave You Petrified And Captivated. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 2, 2019. Verified Purchase. In this thrilling follow-up to Alicia’s Ghost, the inseparable Carlos and Alicia Mann must face sinister new enemies while trying to avoid the wrath of past adversary Tiger Joy as they navigate the precarious worlds of ghosts, drug lords, and gypsies.
Although Carlos and Alicia are finally together again, all is not well; the sadistic Tiger Joy is out for blood after the death of her parents, which she blames on the two lovers. Once word spreads that Tiger Joy has dispatched merciless assassins to eliminate them, the two lovers flee to Cancun where they hope to find safety. Instead, they get anything but; an old friend needs their help, but helping him will require unimaginable confrontations with some of the most dangerous criminals alive. Not only that, the ghosts of the Spanish Inquisition are dead-set on punishing Alicia for her rebellious spirit by burning her at the stake. As their journey takes them to strange and exotic locales, they meet some of the most famous ghosts in history who have a role to play in their questionable fate. But when Alicia is suddenly captured by gypsies, Tiger Joy may have her chance to close in for the kill. That is, unless Carlos can figure out a way to save her.
This second installment in The Alicia Trilogy continues the successful interlacing of two very different worlds, that of the living and the dead, but this time the result is more shocking and fantastical than before. Readers are given an intimate glimpse into Alicia’s past that shines a light on her infamous temper. The suspense is incredibly taught, especially in scenes from their encounter with the Spanish Inquisition; “I continue my charge across an endless distance as I watch the flames reach for my wife and catch fire to the hem of her robe.” With drama such as this, it’s no wonder that the series has developed a loyal cult following. Fans of pulp-fiction will appreciate the flirtatious sexuality and smart one-liners, while paranormal enthusiasts will relish the story’s eerie and dreamlike qualities. The ending is just what one would expect from the series; evil forces are still at large, threatening to regain their strength and return with a vengeance. What better way to prepare us for book three than a cliffhanger? Get ready to indulge in a spine-tingling reading experience like no other.
Review by Lori Schafer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A highly satisfying read. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 7, 2015. Verified Purchase. I noted when I reviewed the first book in this series, Alicia’s Ghost, that I was not normally a reader of paranormal – well, anything. But after Alicia’s Sin, I have to confess – I’m hooked on this series.
While Alicia’s Ghost is an entertaining read with an interesting plot and solid character development, Alicia’s Sin takes the reader even deeper, down into the depths of Alicia’s soul. It is here that we learn the reason behind Alicia’s temper, and what it is costing her, and how it is trapping her between life and afterlife. It’s a fascinating exploration of spirit carefully interwoven into the plot that began with Alicia’s Ghost, and you can sense that this will continue, and perhaps even intensify, in the third book in the series.
I particularly enjoyed the way the authors employed point-of-view changes in telling the story, even, at times, going beyond those of Carlos and Alicia, which makes you feel more connected to the secondary characters who are so vital to the story itself. It’s masterfully done, and perhaps this is what makes the book so compelling to read – you really do become invested, not just in the main characters, but in the whole community of which they are a part, a community of Americans and Mexicans, of drug lords and professors, of living and dead, all working together to support one another and to defeat the evil that oppresses them. All in all, a highly satisfying read.
Review by Charles Masick: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Realistic Imagination. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 14, 2014. Verified Purchase. I suggest that we call the style used in this book “realistic imagination.” By using the imagination, we are realistically transported to a few different places and times that are extremely interesting. As was the case in the previous book in this series, I especially like the descriptive imagery. It is like being right there, where everything is happening. The depths of emotions felt by the main characters are also very well communicated. The book deals with conflicts among people better than many movies.
From the Aztec region of Mexico to Hapsburg Austria, we experience a few famous historical people from the worlds of politics, music, and science. The book reminds me of a book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez entitled “Love in the Time of Cholera,” which is a very highly respected book that exemplifies the writing style called “magical realism.” That book was made into a movie a few years ago. The imagery of both books is better than many movies, but movie making has developed many options, which may enable movies to match or even exceed the imagery of such writers. I challenge someone to make this book or the previous book into a movie that is even better than the book.
Review by ALY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Alicia and Carlos are at it again in this fun adventure. This story has ghosts and love and …Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 29, 2014. Verified Purchase. Alicia and Carlos are at it again in this fun adventure. This story has ghosts and love and adventure for all. It great to see what has happen since last we went on an adventure with Alicia and Carlos in Alicia’s Ghost. They have both made new friends and made enemies. This is a great story! I would recommend this to anyone.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A surprising and suspenseful adventure. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 21, 2013. Verified Purchase. This book is just a whole lot of fun. Carlos Mann and his beautiful ghost-wife Alicia take on witches, drug lords, gypsies, the queen of Chinatown, the ghost of Sigmund Freud, the whole Hapsburg Empire, and the Spanish Inquisition.
Alicia Bewitched by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza.
The Alicia Trilogy Book 3.
Logic Professor Carlos Mann sets out to murder
Tiger Joy in her prison cell.
Unfortunately, the gorgeous queen of human
traffickers captures him and ships him off to the Yucatan, where the evil
witch, La Bruja, uses all her powers to try to weaken and destroy him.
Meanwhile, Alicia calls on friends both living and dead to help save her husband, and in the process, she learns many terrible secrets that were born in the days of the great Mayan Empire … secrets that could save or even destroy Carlos and Alicia.
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Love Beyond Death. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 24, 2018. Verified Purchase. A sinister human trafficking ring led by a seductive villain. A powerful and hideous witch that delights in torturing her captives. Lush, intoxicating landscapes simmering with intrigue, mystery, and adventure. A ghost that will do anything to save the man she loves. All this and more embody the immensely satisfying “Alicia Bewitched,” the third book in the Carlos Mann series by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza.
Carlos has finally had enough of the infamous Tiger Joy, and almost manages to kill her as she lies asleep in her prison cell. But before he can bump her off, he is caught and banished to a place that many consider to be hell on earth. Now trapped with the formidable and legendary witch La Bruja, Carlos must use whatever strength he has left to retain his sanity while the witch uses all her powers to drive him insane. Meanwhile, Alicia, his beautiful ghost wife, must try to save him by whatever means necessary. As Alicia recruits her ghost friends to help save her husband, she faces unspeakable odds alongside terrifying monstrositys, the likes of which no ghost has seen before. Will Alicia’s ghost powers be enough to save her husband from almost certain death? Find out for yourself in this gripping, sexy novel that mixes the paranormal with romance and a dash of comedy.
If this is your first Iuppa and Mendoza novel, then you’re in for a real treat. For a unique read that you can’t find anywhere else, do yourself a favor by checking out their other spellbinding novels that are sure to leave you “bewitched.”
Review by ALY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Alicia Bewitched. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 13, 2015. I loved mentioned of Grease and The Shawshank Redemption two great movies! I also love new witch added in book. So far, I am very impressed with this book. Alicia is a great character and Carlo’s love for her is such a great love story. I love it when Alicia and Carlos find out more about Carlos’s past and his family lineage. It is great he is a witch. I still say Alicia is my favorite character in this series maybe because we have such great names.
Lucky for me, my sister and I do not have the same taste in men. But she did always try to steal my boyfriends when we were younger so I do kind of understand where the witch sisters are coming from on this. But we were never in love with the same man. My favorite part was when we finally took care of Tiger Joy with her very own Tiger. I love big cats; they hold a soft spot in my heart. I’m sorry for the kitty but I’m glad we got rid of Tiger Joy. I’m so sad Tiger Joy came back as a ghost, though. I do love that in the end Tiger went to Hell. I do miss Sylvia though. But I’m glad Amy Joy got someone special so it all worked out of the most part in the end.
I loved this whole series so much. I can’t wait to see what the authors write next. I don’t think I would change a thing. I would recommend this to anyone who like likes ghost stories or witch stories or just want to read something a little different and exciting. This series had me on the edge of my seat every chapter. Thanks for sharing such a great book!
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Non-Stop. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 3, 2018. I was provided a free copy of the book to give the authors feedback but liked it so much, I decided to do a review. This isn’t what I usually read and I haven’t read the first two books, but the beginning summaries helped catch me up. Carlos is married to Alicia, even though she’s a ghost, and now they band together with living and ghost allies to defeat the powerful Tiger Joy. This book is well written evoking many worlds within this story with non-stop action. I especially liked the demon sucking crystal ball and the Dread Zones that turn ghosts to dust. At times, I found it hard to keep up due to so many characters and backstories but they gave the story more depth such as the rivalries from the past and the revelation of Tiger’s family history that set her on a path of darkness. I don’t know if there will be more books in this series, but this one concluded nicely.
Now the complete story of Alicia’s Ghost is available as a series of individual books or in a single volume. The ghost of the world’s most haunting and vengeful heroine must battle drug lords, human traffickers, Maya witches, legendary monsters, and the Spanish Inquisition to stay with the man she loves.
Avenging Adelita by Nick Iuppa and John P. Mendoza.
A tender romance with a ticking time bomb at its heart.
There’s a bomb on this train. It will explode before you reach your final destination…because you murdered my wife.
University professor Tom McKeever has just lost his wife Adelita to cancer. But the more he thinks about it, the more he realizes she didn’t have to die.
The faculty and administration of the university where he teaches in Mexico played a major role in causing her death.
Now, Tom relives powerful memories of his life with Adelita as he and the rest of the faculty take a train ride into the mountains. He plans to gain revenge by blowing up the train, killing all those who have wronged him and everyone else on board… including himself.
5 Stars: Fast-Paced, Action Suspense Thriller!
Nick Iuppa, Author of ‘Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games, has teamed up with John P. Mendoza to bring us another fast-paced, action suspense thriller that will keep readers turning pages and biting their nails.
There’s a large cast of unique characters, many of whom are confined to business class cars on the Copper Canyon Railway as it speeds through the Grand Canyon of Mexico, unaware of the impending man-made disaster that’s about to shatter the serene environment.
Somewhere in the process of grieving for his lost wife, Adelita, his “warrior woman” love, Professor
Tom McKeever walks a thin line between reality and golden memories that keep pulling him back into his-her beauty, delicious aroma, and open arms. The gut-wrenching knowledge that there was an experimental cancer treatment that might have saved Adelita’s life, had it not been for the decisions of one man, is more than Tom can bear. The need for revenge seethes like red-hot embers but conflicts with thoughts dredged up from a Catholic School upbringing: “Vengeance is mine, saith the lord!”
Time is running out, but somehow the collateral damage begins to seem more and more defensible, a justifiable murder suicide. Is it? Find out; come ride the rails into Copper Canyon when time is definitely not on your side.
Avenging Adelita by Nick Iuppa & John P. Mendoza by these two authors give the reader what they have come to expect; great descriptive writing, with dialog and startling transitions from present to past and back again placing the reader in the mind of this widower.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. High Praise for Avenging Adelita. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 15, 2014. Verified Purchase. It’s been over a year since Professor Tom McKeever’s wife Adelita died of cancer, but he’s still overwhelmed by bittersweet memories of her and hatred of the university faculty who wronged both of them. He’s out for revenge as he and other faculty members take the train to a mountain resort in Mexico. He’s carrying a bomb with him, to blow up the train and its passengers.
Why is the train detective watching his every move… or is he, really? Does anyone else suspect something, or is Tom just imagining it? And what if he kills a few innocent people along with the others – does he even care? The train keeps a-rolling, the clock on the bomb continuing its count down, and everyone’s time is running out!
Whether Tom’s plan for revenge is justified or not, I found myself caring about this grief-stricken man who is clearly going off the rails himself. I also cared about the others on the train; did any of them really deserve this? Is this really even happening? This combination of a very touching love story and a suspenseful thriller was impossible for me to put down!
Review by W.M. Dawes: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another compelling offering from this talented duo. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 13, 2014. Verified Purchase. A tense exciting read. A sweet but desperate love story. I couldn’t put it down.
Review by ALY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Will the train blow up???? Time is running short. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 16, 2015. This was a great book. I think everyone should read this book. This book has some sad elements about a man who has lost the love of his life to cancer. It is a hard warming tale as the author takes you through how much he loved and adored his wife. But the professor in the book feels he needs to take revenge on the people in his life who did not help him try everything he could do to save his wife. He decided to blow up the train. There is a surprise ending and it is a wonderful one. I won’t spoil it for you but you will have to read this book to find out the ending. It is worthy it!! * I was given this book from the author for an honest review*.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful suspense story “Avenging Adelita” by Nick Iuppa & John …. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 29, 2017. Wonderful suspense story “Avenging Adelita” by Nick Iuppa & John P. Mendoza made a perfect vacation read. While reading the book, I suspected a “happy ending”, however, I had to read to the last time to find out how it ended. The authors are great story tellers and the plot is perfect for the British suspense series.
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Absolute Page Turner. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 12, 2014. Hop aboard the Copper Canyon Railway Express for a hair-raising ride through the Grand Canyon of Mexico where a put-upon professor distraught over the death of his wife plans to set off a bomb killing himself and all his accompanying professional colleagues whom he blames for not helping him get his dying wife into a U.S. experimental cancer treatment program. From the get-go the clock is ticking down to as suspenseful a climax as one can ask. A good story through and through and an absolute page-turner. Check it out.
“Nick Iuppa loops a brilliant mix of technology, romance, military lore, and vampires into a terrifying, sexy spree in the Swiss Alps. The details are 3D. If you’re looking for a heart-pounder, this is it.” S.B. Stinnet
The castle of 15th century duchess Elizabeth Laskaar looks down on the little Swiss village of Murdenwald and the secretive military complex nearby. There, the UN hopes to end world conflict with a vast military simulation that will dramatize the apocalypse that will follow the next major war. To head the project, they hire notorious Hollywood producer Donald Vito, master of explosive action adventures, who still mourns the murder of his teenage love in the 1950s.
Vito and the simulation team use new technology to build hundreds of virtual soldiers and terrorists you can touch, speak to, and reason with. But they also begin to feel the influence of Elizabeth Laskaar. She’s often called Bloody Bess – the first real vampire – because she maintained her youthful beauty by slaughtering her maidservants and bathing in their blood.
Recklessly inspired by their surroundings, the team creates a virtual vampire that soon takes on the characteristics of Elizabeth’s magnificent, long-dead husband. Soon, he and Bess stalk the compound, seducing everyone working on the project, until vampire blood surges beyond the humans to the virtual characters with unthinkable consequences. In the end, perhaps, only the power of Vito’s long-lost love can save humanity.
5 Stars: Magnificent Fictional Horror Drama!
Bloody Bess and The Doomsday Games is a magnificent fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project. The Doomsday Games, as the project is called, involves a team of international scientists, engineers, and military personnel who gather in the ancient town of Murdenwald, Switzerland, to do no less then put an end to war.
Nick Iuppa developed a cast of authentic and unique characters like Elizabeth Laskaar (Duchess of Hungry) known as “Bloody Bess” to her victims in 1580 in the small village of Nyirbator Hungary. She prowled the streets of Murdenwald seeking out young women to murder so that she could bathe in their blood. Her husband Ferenc, some say, is still the director of the town’s ancient library. A most beautiful man with midnight blue eyes, he waits for naïve young women to come to his tower and aid him in his evil work. Then there’s Donny Vito, the world’s greatest film producer, called upon by the U. S. President to breathe life into the Doomsday Games. Elli Capadonico is the girl Donny loved in his youth; she fell victim to Arnie Cudgel, an obsessive young man with both romantic and sadistic intentions. The cast also includes scientists, mathematicians, military personnel, writers, artists, technicians, Chu Yun Trang (the director of a rogue nation seeking to build nuclear weapons), and a myriad of simulated characters who populate the virtual Armageddon.
Nick’s highly descriptive writing takes the reader from the Middles Ages to a 1950s high school romance, to mysteries surrounding the ‘knowledge’ held in the ancient Murdenwald Library, to the International Simulation Center itself where the final challenge becomes solving “the God Problem.” Nick weaves these stories together so skillfully that the separate lines merge to become plot twists in an amazing and unexpected ending.
The author, Nick Iuppa, is the son of a prominent Rochester, New York doctor. Nick attended the University of Notre Dame and did his graduate work at Stanford. Nick’s first job was at MGM Studios in Hollywood where he worked on TV specials with Dr. Seuss and Chuck Jones (creator of the Road Runner). He also had the privilege of writing for the Wonderful World of Disney, working as an instructional designer for Eastman Kodak, leading Bank of America’s in-house TV production group, managing the Learning Technologies Group within Apple Computer, and finally returning to Paramount Pictures in Hollywood where he designed Internet entertainment and built Hollywood-style simulations for the military.
Nick’s extensive travels to Europe have inspired some of his characters and settings. His work history, technical knowledge, and experience have given him the tools and concepts for his novels.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by PaVanA: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Bloody Bess! A sensational read! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 21, 2014. Verified Purchase. Wow, what a great ride I was taken on by reading Nick Iuppa’s book: “Bloody Bess and the Doomsday Games”! It’s a compelling mixture of horror, Sci-Fi Technology, and a sweet heartfelt teen love story that anyone and everyone can relate to. It draws you in immediately as if on the proverbial roller coaster ride. You settle in to read, and can’t wait to turn the page to experience what comes next. Each character stands out, just as each situation. Mr. Iuppa knows how to take all these different elements and weave them together to create a “can’t put it down” page turner. It’s plots takes you on a excitement filled ride of surprises. I always find the best in any entertainment are being drawn in from the start and shown many breathtaking twists and turns that meld into many stunning unexpected moments. This book is also very sexy without being lewd or offensive. It’s the perfect blend of scary, sensual, Sci-tech and tender young love. I truly resented the times when I couldn’t keep reading. I found myself thinking of it all the time through the daily mundane chores until I could return to the book. I savored every moment. It builds and surprises until it reaches the exciting climax. The only thing I didn’t enjoy – was that I finished it! I wanted it to go on and on. I still look back at it and find myself telling others of this great book. I think anyone would find this a book they can’t put down. This is one purchase you will never regret. I am sure I will go back to read it again, like anything that brings so much pleasure. Thank you, Mr. Iuppa for writing this wonderful book.
Review by W.M. Dawes: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining, scary and very well written. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 28, 2014. Verified Purchase. An incredible blend of high technology and centuries-old vampires. Nick Iuppa showcases his expertise in the realm of virtual-world simulation for military training – expanding it to reaches far beyond today’s capabilities – and mixes in a supernatural tale worthy of Stephen King. The story leaps around the world and across the centuries, tying together plot elements and characters into a very entertaining and scary tale. Twists and turns, sex and surprises, action and adventure. Toss in a brilliant Hollywood producer (another area with which, given his resume, Mr. Iuppa seems quite familiar) with a nostalgic longing for love lost decades before, and you have a page-turning genre-expanding story. Definitely worth a read!
Review by Charles Masick: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is an excellent love story embedded in an action-filled drama that involves …. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 27, 2014. Verified Purchase. This is an excellent love story embedded in an action-filled drama that involves both the characters and the readers. Using military simulations to resolve world issues through automated Hollywood-style story generation, there are struggles between powerful people, including world leaders of the military, entertainment, and technology. There are even struggles between the guidance provided by games and the exercise of free will by the game players. The quality of character development and the vividness of scene descriptions are outstanding. The author has a gift for dealing with the time dimension through very unique characters.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Look out! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 22, 2014. Look out! In a scenic village in the Swiss Alps, real danger — both long past and futuristic — lurks around every cobblestoned corner. If the 16th Century vampires don’t get you, the high-tech virtual reality ones will! Mix these sexy vampires with computer geeks, military officers, and one famous old-school Hollywood producer who pines for his lost teenaged love, and you get an engrossing story that’s a great blend of sci-fi, horror, & romance. I get chills just thinking about the slow, suspenseful trek up to the 13th floor of that dark, ancient library. I know who’s waiting up there….
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fine piece of work. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 23, 2014. Bloody, sexy, scary, and fun. In reality virtual vampires built by computers may soon be roaming all of our neighborhoods.
Esteban Meets Alicia by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira.
As two escaped convicts and the worst sandstorm in recorded memory descend on the little town of La Sentencia, Arizona, Esteban Dorantes encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman. She advises him that (like his great, great grandfather before him) he must set off on a quest in search of the fabled seven cities of gold… to save La Sentencia. She adds that she too has a quest… to find the man who murdered her.
Review by Marc Wade: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Quest for the Ages. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 1, 2016. Verified Purchase. A desperate trek in search of a mythical kingdom, whirlwinds that ravage two continents, a magical jukebox, a failing mine that takes all the workers and their town down with it, a spaceship that blasts off from the center of the earth leaving behind the greatest treasure in the history of humankind… all that AND a personal appearance by the Devil himself and his ultra-sexy head of human resources… what a story!
Review by Derrick: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very well done. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 19, 2021. This was so good! The authors out did themselves. I think I’ve discovered I enjoy books about some epic quest. This one was full of very engaging characters. There were one or two that were some of the most evil characters I’ve come across in a while. I had a lot of fun reading this. The sci fi and horror elements were well written. All the action was part of what makes it so much fun. I look forward to reading more from these authors. They do such a great job!
Review by ALY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Esteban’s Quest. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 22, 2016. What a wonderful book! This book has it all for me. A great adventure and great characters and a wonderful ride! There was so much in this book! What a epic tale. I enjoyed every minute of it. There are so many great characters but I did not have a hard time getting to know and love each one in my own way. I don’t think there was much left out of this adventure. * I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review*
Review by Linda Todd: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A gift from two very talented authors keeps them coming. ☺♥ Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 31, 2016. Amazing story loved it as I know I would great book from the two wonderful authors Nick Luppa, & John Pesqueira. This book I would be so delighted to recommend to my friends. The characters are a lively bunch and they all come together in one hell of a story you will love this book as much as I did. My sincere thanks to the wonderful authors Nick Luppa, John Pesqueira for allowing me the privilege and pleasure of reading this wonderful book so to all happy reading and keep smiling from wee me. xx ☺♥
A fireball launches itself from the Arizona desert leaving behind three camels, a magical jukebox, and a five-year-old girl who only speaks Italian.
Soon, the nearby town of La Sentencia is reeling from a series of disasters. The copper mine, which supports the town, shuts down leaving most of the population unemployed. Massive sandstorms batter the place. And then the Devlin Lucero shows up. He seduces a pretty substitute teacher and then uses her to spread greed, anger, and vengeance everywhere.
In the face of all these trials, Esteban Dorantes decides to retrace the steps of his great, great grandfather, who once led a quest to find the Seven Cities of Gold. Aided by the camels, the wisdom of the little girl, and the spirit of the magical jukebox, he hopes to locate a great treasure and bring it back to save La Sentencia.
Esteban is accompanied by Ceci Moreno, his old high school sweetheart, the only person in town who doesn’t think he’s a madman. But Ceci is still in love Gabriel Romo, another dreamer who somehow feels he can bargain with the devil to save the mine and the town.
Wacky, scary and spectacular, Esteban’s Quest blends science fiction, Aztec lore, classic horror, and offbeat humor into an unforgettable tale of love, destiny, magic, and redemption.
5 Stars: There’s A New Adventurer In Town!
Step aside Indiana Jones. There’s a new adventurer in town. Esteban Dorantes may be a little more reluctant, but he has an even greater sense of destiny than even Dr. Jones. Dorantes is goaded by the desperate needs of his impoverished hometown and visions of his great, great grandfather… an African slave who once led Spanish Conquistadors on the first quest for the Seven Cities of Gold.
The story opens in the Arabian Desert where a wall of wind a mile high and a hundred miles wide, roars though an oasis carrying off a husband-and-wife team of archeologists but leaving behind their five-year-old daughter.
We move to La Sentencia, a small town in Arizona, which is devastated by its own windstorms and other disasters including the immanent closing of a copper mine… the only business in that part of the state.
What’s the link between these two desolate desert locations… the little Italian girl who suddenly shows up on the winds of a sandstorm to advise the residents in Arizona? And then there’s an ancient artifact that may have been left by space travelers. Does it hold the key to the building of great earthly civilizations… and the salvation of La Sentencia?
Esteban Dorantes must have some sense of all this as he decides, at the little girl’s bidding, to takes up his great grand-fathers quest for The Golden Cities and save his home town in the process.
The novel’s fifty-six chapters of action-packed adventure may surpass some of the greatest quests ever told, with its Aztec lore, science fiction spacecraft, magical jukebox, a destiny that spans generations, horror, humor, three camels, talking coyotes, a very sexy substitute high school teacher, the devil himself, and, of course, a love story.
I invite everyone to read Esteban’s Quest and experience this compelling tale for themselves.
I loved Esteban’s Quest by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira. I encourage you to purchase other books by the team including: The Carlos Mann Trilogy (Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched) and Avenging Adelita (romance), in addition to the stand-alone novels by Nick Iuppa include Bloody Bess and The Doomsday Games (fictional horror drama featuring ancient vampires, teenage romance, and a top-secret military project) and Taken by Witches (a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales).
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Marc Wade: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Quest for the Ages. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 1, 2016. Verified Purchase. A desperate trek in search of a mythical kingdom, whirlwinds that ravage two continents, a magical jukebox, a failing mine that takes all the workers and their town down with it, a spaceship that blasts off from the center of the earth leaving behind the greatest treasure in the history of humankind… all that AND a personal appearance by the Devil himself and his ultra-sexy head of human resources… what a story!
Review by Derrick: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very well done. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 19, 2021. This was so good! The authors out did themselves. I think I’ve discovered I enjoy books about some epic quest. This one was full of very engaging characters. There were one or two that were some of the most evil characters I’ve come across in a while. I had a lot of fun reading this. The sci fi and horror elements were well written. All the action was part of what makes it so much fun. I look forward to reading more from these authors. They do such a great job!
Review by ALY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Esteban’s Quest. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 22, 2016. What a wonderful book! This book has it all for me. A great adventure and great characters and a wonderful ride! There was so much in this book! What a epic tale. I enjoyed every minute of it. There are so many great characters but I did not have a hard time getting to know and love each one in my own way. I don’t think there was much left out of this adventure. * I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review*
Review by Linda Todd: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A gift from two very talented authors keeps them coming. ☺♥ Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 31, 2016. Amazing story loved it as I know I would great book from the two wonderful authors Nick Luppa, & John Pesqueira. This book I would be so delighted to recommend to my friends. The characters are a lively bunch and they all come together in one hell of a story you will love this book as much as I did. My sincere thanks to the wonderful authors Nick Luppa, John Pesqueira for allowing me the privilege and pleasure of reading this wonderful book so to all happy reading and keep smiling from wee me. xx ☺♥
When he was a child, Niko Madonie was terrified of his over-protective grandmother. Somehow, he knew she was a witch possessed of overwhelming supernatural powers and determined to save him from the real and imagined dangers of the modern world.
Now a successful writer in Hollywood, Niko is helping create an animated version of Hansel and Gretel while he struggles to protect his beautiful young wife from sexy, New Age witches who hope to sacrifice her to please the ancient crone.
This is an epic horror romance set against a background of legends, with complex villains, a magical young couple, and a storyline straight from the darkest pages of the Brothers Grimm.
5 Stars: Better Keep The Lights On While Reading!
If you have ever thought that reading Grimm’s Fairy Tales to your children or grandchildren might frighten them, then you’d better keep the lights on while reading Taken by Witches to yourself.
Author Nick Iuppa asks questions you might not ask aloud. “Do witches exist; where does their power come from, and to what ends will they use it?”
Masterfully written, this multifaceted story begins in the small Polish village of Zakopane high in the Carpathian Mountains. A warlock skillfully tells the story to a shopkeeper and his young daughter after he returns a collection of gruesome masks that the shopkeeper once sent to America so they wouldn’t fall into the hands of the Nazis. The masks are all images of the same woman, a witch named Babcia (pronounced Bob-cha) the Polish name for grandmother.
The warlock’s story begins with a young boy named Niko Madonie who realizes that his grandmother has supernatural powers that terrify him up until the day she dies. As an adult, Niko marries and becomes a successful writer in Hollywood. But even there he is haunted by memories of Babcia and he finds he must struggle to protect his wife from new age witches who decide to sacrifice the beautiful young woman to please the ancient crone.
Imagine Babcia’s evil smell: (the stench of blood sausage mixed with the spicy sweetness of gingerbread) and realize that ancient history doesn’t always stay in the past. Centuries after Niko’s grandmother lost her first baby to medieval witch hunters, she bears a new family to a new husband in a new land, America. But even in this future place and time, she remembers the vow she made when the infant was murdered: “Atrocities to her loved ones will never happen again,” no matter what the consequences.
Author Nick Iuppa has impressive credentials as the former Creative Director of Paramount Pictures’ Digital Entertainment, Head of Apple Computer’s Learning Technologies Group, and Writer for the Wonderful World of Disney.
I enjoyed Taken by Witches by Nick Iuppa as a modern horror story based on Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which first brought the essence of ancient witchcraft into America’s bedtime stories. Nick’s other novels include Alicia’s Ghost, Alicia’s Sin, Alicia Bewitched, Bloody Bess and The Doomsday Games, and Avenging Adelita.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars Thrills & Chills. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 2, 2017. Verified Purchase. Taken By Witches skillfully breathes fresh life into an age-old archetype, combining ancient myths with modern storytelling. As told by a mischievous warlock, the story tells the tale of Niko, a young man struggling to free himself from the watchful and jealous eye of his dead grandmother, a witch named Babcia. Kidnapped by witches as a young girl, Babcia develops an intense devotion to her grandson Niko, which he feels looming over him even after her death. Murderous and prone to fits of rage, the ghost of Babcia causes more than a few crises in Niko’s life. Will he ever be free of her? Or will his grandmother continue to control his life forever, eternally working her witch magic from the grave?
Nick Iuppa has an innate talent for translating the human sense of fear into stunning vivid descriptions on the page; I found myself completely unable to look away. Babcia conjures up feelings of both pity and repulsion in the reader, which is always the sign of a well-crafted complex character. The pace is kept at a steady climb as we are transported between two different time periods, and staying true to the classic horror genre, Iuppa channels his personal fascination with the Brothers Grimm into contemporary themes of love, loneliness, and loss.
It is undeniable that humankind’s fascination with witches is timeless; it is one of those obsessions not bound by time or space, ever-present and creeping in the back of our minds. As with all things magical and mysterious, all it takes is a curious mind to slowly peel back the curtain, and peer warily into the unknown.
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Beautifully written horror. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 29, 2015. Verified Purchase. This is a beautifully written horror book about a little boy who realizes that his grandmother is a witch. The story is told by a warlock to a shopkeeper and his young daughter after he has delivered a collection of hideous masks to the shopkeeper. Once the boy has grown and his grandmother has died, he feels he is finally free of her. But this is not the case. The tension kept building, and I couldn’t figure out how it would end. There are some gruesome events and some witch clichés which are to be expected. My true review is 4.5 but I rounded up because it drew me in even though I’m not a fan of horror. I highly recommend this book for horror fans. I voted for this book in the Kindle Scout program and received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful read. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 3, 2015. Verified Purchase. “This is an excellent horror story, or rather, a story within a story. It reels you in with its dark sexiness, but ultimately, it’s the graphic and gruesome horror that stays with you. The Old-World witch Babcia may be dead, but her presence still controls the modern-day living characters in this book, for better or worse — generally better for Niko, but oh, so much worse for all those unfortunate others. If you’re a fan of Grimm’s Fairy Tales (an adult version – forget any watered-down kid’s version) or even the TV show Grimm, this could be right up your alley. Make that one dark and very creepy alley.”
Review by ALY: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Taken by Witches. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 15, 2015. Verified Purchase. I enjoyed this book very much. Nick Iuppa did it again! I loved the story about a little boy who has a witch for a grandma. I love horror books and movies and this is no exception! I loved every minute for this book. Thanks, Nick, for a great book! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Review by Bruce Brachna: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Amazingly original! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 10, 2019. Verified Purchase. What the hell can I say? This is some of the finest writing I have ever come across. Completely original, work, totally unique, un-put downable. I lost a night’s sleep with this book, and I’m more than ready for the next one!
Review by paragirl: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent Read. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 17, 2017. Verified Purchase. Excellent read. I enjoyed the interplay with the warlock, the witch, and her grandson. The way he told the story and elaborated on the masks forced me to stay awake and read it in one night. I look forward to getting book 2. Well done, characters fully formed!
A possessed child is caught in a war between witches!
Spanning centuries of horror and witchcraft, the powerful sequel to Taken By Witches tells how Babcia Czarownica, the greatest of all witches, does battle with far more seductive members of her craft. She must confront a lustful priest, a predatory lover, a vengeful undead beauty, and the unspeakable evil hiding at the top of Rapunzel’s Tower… all to save her beloved grandson and his family from utter annihilation. And she must accomplish all this while sharing the body of an eight-year-old girl.
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Greatest Of All Witches. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 11, 2017. Verified Purchase. The Witch Within Her by Nick Iuppa proves to be an impressive sequel to Taken By Witches, as we are yet again so easily enchanted by the tale of Babcia and her grandson, Niko. Time has passed, and although the Madonie family are enjoying financial success and the pleasures of raising their daughter, Joy, it is not enough to keep tension and resentment at bay. Feeling neglected and lonely, Holly has turned to other men for comfort, which only serves to fan the flames of Babcia’s anger. In a desperate attempt to punish Holly for her infidelity and the emotional pain she causes for Niko, Babcia possesses the mind of her granddaughter Joy at will, using the young girl as the vessel through which she commits her acts of revenge. But there are more foes that Babcia must contend with before she is through; old archenemies from Babcia’s past have resurfaced, and are intent on destroying her and all she holds dear. Will she be strong enough to fight these challengers and defend her title as the greatest of all witches?
In this story we are given deeper glimpses into why Babcia is the way she is; the source of her profound pain and longing, and her resentment towards those that, all those years ago, gave her no choice. A poignant message about redemption is at the heart of the story; pain and loss are often the fuel for unselfish acts of courage and love. Although Babcia may be misunderstood in many ways, her devotion is never questioned. A touching and extraordinary tale that is highly recommended!
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Delivers. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 6, 2017. Verified Purchase. I usually don’t read horror, but I had to continue the story after reading the first book (a summary is included for those who didn’t read it or want to brush up on it.) This sequel perfectly continues the story. There were more insights into Babcia, the powerful witch whose goal is to protect her grandson, Niko even beyond death. It made me fear for his wife, Holly who loves him but feels neglected and is tempted by other men. In the meantime, other witches are following their own agendas trying to thwart Babcia. I found the inclusions of the Hansel and Gretel and Rapunzel legends great additions to the story. There are lots of twists and turns, and Iuppa does a great job at keeping the story flowing. I frequently kept reading long after I told myself I had to stop. If you’re intrigued by witches, this is the book for you. I really had no idea how it would end and the ominous tone left me wondering what would happen if the series continues. I received an ARC and this is an honest review.
Review by Bridget Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Babcia is fascinating and terrifying. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 27, 2022. Babcia is back! The Madonie family has grown financially and welcomed a delightful daughter named Joy into their lives. But all is not what it seems on the surface. Holly, growing increasingly neglected by Niko, turns attention to other men. This angers Babcia greatly and she seeks her revenge by taking over Joy’s mind. Meanwhile, her old enemies have surfaced to overthrow Babcia and claim the title of the greatest witch of all.
I enjoyed getting to learn more about Babcia. This book is even better than the first, getting into the heart of the story and increasing in plot twists. There is something about Babcia that fascinates and terrifies. Nick Iuppa has an extraordinary ability to scare you just enough that you want to continue to satisfy your curiosity about her.
I recommend this book for ‘Witch’ fans. Don’t be fooled by the touches on the stories of Rapinzel and Hansel and Gretel, this book is not for the faint of heart. I can’t wait to find out what will happen with Babcia next!
The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira.
Remember The Taqueria.
When vigilantes gun down her uncle during an illegal border crossing, an idealistic young Mexican woman decides to make a dramatic political statement by leading a strike force to recapture the Alamo. Then international spies, Hollywood celebrities, the American President, the whole Mexican army, and a teenage kid with a tank become involved… and everything spins out of control.
5 Stars: Funny and Very Interesting!
In this very funny and interesting read, a dreamy young Mexican woman name Claudia Madero joins a group who tries to cross the US/Mexican border illegally and is shot at by American vigilantes.
Her aging uncle is mortally wounded in the incident, and – after being returned to her hometown – she partners with a local priest and a successful merchant in an attempt to make a dramatic statement about the negative consequences of US border policies.
Why not recapture the Alamo, she decides, draw the attention of the press, and force an honest debate about the issue?
Of course, there are bungling players on all sides of this comedy, and Claudia and her “Army” end up liberating, not the real Alamo, but a Taqueria designed as a replica of the historic shrine. It doesn’t seem to matter though. The US President decides that he too wants to make a statement and so he sends the US Marines to confront her.
No matter what your political view, we feel that it is important that everyone be informed about both sides of this complex and difficult issue. This is not the time to ignore current events and become a bystander.
If you like Saturday Night Live, you will love this book. I could see some chapters as a skit with the actor Alic Baldwin cast as Donald Trump.
I think you will really enjoy The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria. It is a powerful but humorous presentation of an important side of the immigration issue and perhaps a warning about apocalyptic consequences.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Patricia Kenworthy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This one Worked! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 27, 2019. Verified Purchase. I’ve tried to read quite a few books claiming to be funny “takes” on our current political situation and most of them truly failed due to trying too hard to be funny and turning out to be just annoying. This one however, worked for me. I think because the author actually created funny characters and let them drive the story! It was very complicated and very fun!
Review by Gershon Weltman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Fable for Our Times. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 22, 2018. Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira demonstrate in this eminently readable book that serious issues of immigration and border walls can be approached with understanding, compassion and most important — good humor. Iuppa exercises his cinematic chops in the book’s a fabulous cast of characters, engaging scenes and complicated but logical plot. Pesqueira shows his knowledge of the Southwest by the book’s grounding in authentic Mexican and Texan history, customs, and dialogue. Together both authors convince us they really love tacos, enchiladas, burritos — and the fiestas they are part of – as much as they love spinning a great yarn. I sincerely recommend this book for its educational as well as entertainment value.
Review by Celia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A World Without Borders. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 5, 2018. “The Battle for the Alamo Taqueria” is an undeniable gem, and a crowning achievement for both Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira. In an age fraught with political bickering and injustice, the authors have taken the controversial topic of immigration and turned it on its head, with surprisingly charming results.
What begins as a perilous journey through the desert for a group of Mexican immigrants soon becomes a living nightmare when they are viciously fired upon by a ruthless vigilante and overrun by the border patrol. After witnessing her loved ones being treated like animals, Claudia becomes an unlikely heroine in a sweeping political movement that positions her as the new face of Mexican pride and freedom. As Claudia’s loyal friends rally behind her in preparations to seize the Alamo, fierce opposition is brewing in the form of political spies and corrupt business men who are intent on diverting the cause for their own personal gain. But soon, the support for Claudia’s movement is so strong that it has become practically unstoppable, and their defiance of the US President’s plans for a great wall along the border incites awe and panic on both sides. Can a small, impoverished band of immigrants really take back the Alamo and stand up to one of the most powerful nations in the world?
With delightful comedic touches, unexpected romances, and bursts of action, Iuppa and Pesqueira successfully chronicle the struggles and hardships immigrants must face every day. In truth, their book is a rallying cry against the absurdity of barriers of all kinds, both physical and psychological. Ordinary working people who want nothing more than to provide for their families are the heroes here, and they deserve to be heard.
Review by Henry Shilell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Riveting Tale of Today’s Times Wonderful saga that will bring tears to your eyes. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 26, 2018. Riveting Tale of Today’s Times. Wonderful saga that will bring tears to your eyes. Timely and definitely relevant to the goings-on in Washington today; it really strikes a chord. Satire. Send-upism. Disturbing political thought and action. The problem for many though is the political situation in this country is just not that funny. Pathetic is more the case. Yes, one can make fun of our Commander in Tweet but to many he’s a complete turn-off and really only one button away from blowing the world to guacamole.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Topical, satirical, and cutting. Reviewed in Australia 🇦🇺 on August 21, 2019. Verified Purchase. If only love really could TRUMP stupidity. Few novels are actually funny, this is humorous which is probably better. It is logistically impossible but that’s fine, the story moves along nevertheless. The characters aren’t deep but they are engaging. All in all a great story.
Nick Iuppa is the former: Creative Director of Paramount Pictures’ Digital Entertainment, Head of Apple Computer’s Learning Technologies Group, Writer for the Wonderful World of Disney and apprentice animator on How The Grinch Stole Christmas. He’s the author of 9 novels, 4 technical books on new media, and a humorous compendium of management tactics called MANAGEMENT BY GUILT. Nick’s an avid international traveler, hiker, and adventurer. He and his wife, Ginny, live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
John Pesqueira studies at the University of Arizona, Columbia, and Stanford prepared him for an impressive career in media design and development. His passion for the visual arts and popular culture continue to inform his creative efforts and still inspire his writing and photography. John grew up in the Sonoran Desert and his love of the history, legends, and people of the American Southwest and Mexico remain a major focus of his work. John lives with his wife in Northern California.
Novels by Nick Iuppa and John Pesqueira:
Alicia Bewitched
Alicia’s Sin
Alicia’s Ghost: The Alicia Trilogy Book 1
Alien Inquisition (The Peacemaker Book 2)
Alien Mission (The Peacemaker Book 1)
Alien Inquisition (The Peacemaker Book 2)
Avenging Adelita
Esteban Meets Alicia
Esteban’s Quest
The Battle For The Alamo Taqueria
The Promise Of The Gateway
Novels by Nick Iuppa:
Bloody Bess And The Doomsday Games
Taken By Witches
The Sitcom Murders 1: Sexy Sixties Sitcom by Nicholas Victor (aka Nick Iuppa)
The Witch Within Her
Species II by Nick Iuppa
Contact Us: We love hearing from our readers and learning what they like or don’t like about our stories. We’d be very grateful if you would send us a quick e-mail and tell us what you think of Alien Mission. We promise we’ll answer personally and directly. Please contact us at the link below to tell us what you think and let us thank you for reading our books. Contact Nick & John at dosmilagrospress@Gmail.com
After losing her long-term partner, through poetry and essay, author Mary Deal shares the turmoil and oftentimes bewildering depths of her grief.
This memoir exposes the spectrum of emotions with which those suffering loss will become familiar or already experience. The author holds back nothing of her odyssey of despair. Her experiences and much she has learned to help herself provide other survivors a chance to see that they are not alone. Though everyone’s grief is different, all grief is surprisingly similar in its basis. Hope is found in familiarity with another’s grief and no one should endure the bereavement process alone.
Following the author’s progression through relentless sorrow, and finally redemption, lets others know there is validation for their emotional suffering. An easing of the pain occurs as the memory of loss takes its place among all other memories of the life shared with departed loved ones. This memoir offers helpful advice for survivors who endure their grief, until the puzzle of life meshes back together again in a new pattern.
5 Stars: Mary Deal’s Strength and Love Is A Gift To Us All!
Mary Deal’s book ‘Grief Is Love’ is a testament to enduring love. Mary shares her grief process while honoring the memory of her partner, Ronald Jerome Holte.
I am moved by Mary’s self-reflection and brutal honesty. Poignant short poems, are placed throughout the book, speaking in the language of heart and soul. I am convinced that poetry is the language spoken when normal conversation is not adequate, due to emotional trauma.
‘Grief Is Love’ is a gift to those going through the grieving process, and a special gift to those of us who need to prepare for the loss of someone we love. This is a book that needs to be in everyone’s hands, because loss is inevitable. Reading about Mary’s experiences, regrets, and even mistakes, will help others make plans, and find solace through the process. I admire Mary’s strength and her kind words for those giving their support to her, in a variety of ways.
Mary clearly states in her introduction: “Some of the writings included here are sad and heart-wrenching while others may simply be emotionally raw. I am baring my heart. If I can’t do that, then what is there with which you who suffer and seek support might find rapport and validation for your own grief and nearly unnatural experiences? As I am learning, grief is not something anyone should have to do alone. The creation of this book comes from a place of pain. Most books I’ve read dealing with grief and bereavement are written, perhaps a year or more after the author has developed a better grip on their own anguish. Yet, the writing seemed sterile and formal, at least to me. I write this book from inside my pain, while it is ongoing and, at times, maddening.”
It will take courage to read this book and use it as blueprint for your own grieving process. It will take even more courage to give it to someone who is experiencing some form of grief. Giving this book away is an act of compassion. This book should be placed in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice and funeral locales. Mary is donating some of this book’s profits to the ‘American Cancer Society-Renal Research’.
Mary’s final thought: “For those who wish to learn more about the ability to sit quietly and sort out their thoughts, please read my bestselling, award-winning book titled Hypno-Scripts: Life-Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Mediation.”
Mary is an artist, photographer, and former editor of a print magazine and newspaper columnist. She is an Amazon best-selling and award-winning author of five suspense/thriller novels: “The Ka,” a paranormal suspense taking place among the tombs in Egypt; her 3-book Sara Mason thriller series contains “River Bones,” “The Howling Cliffs,” and “Dead to Life” which start in her childhood hometown area but reaches Vietnam and Hawaii. Another thriller, “Down to the Needle,” is set on the west coast. “Legacy of the Tropics,” is an adventure/suspense spanning from the Caribbean to the Hawaiian Islands. “Off Center in the Attic” is a collection of over-the-top short stories and flash fiction pieces, and “Sea Cliff – A Love Story,” contemporary romance set in San Francisco. Her nonfiction books are, “Write It Right – Tips for Authors,” a complete guide for writers, and “Hypno-Scripts – Life-Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation.” “Grief Is Love –A Memoir of Surviving Bereavement” recounts the author’s own grief, written to offer help to others experiencing similar heartache from the loss of a loved one.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by James J. Cudney IV (Jay)-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Touching. Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023. Verified Purchase. Bereavement is a visceral and personal experience we all learn how to handle in our own unique ways. Mary Deal, a prolific author of short stories, suspense novels, poetry, and advice books, shares her latest journey for readers who have lost someone they loved dearly. Written in the months following her long-time partner’s death, Grief Is Love offers poetry, memoirs, reflections, and a guide to taking a few steps each day, knowing life may be very different but still something to cherish and live to its fullest. Mary’s partner, Ron, had a wonderful life but also suffered several bouts with cancer, the last one leaving its unfortunate and fatal mark. Mary’s reflections on the man’s virtues and their honest, inspiring relationship will keep their love and connections alive.
Deal’s poetry gives a secondary tone to the memoir/journey by leaving readers with moments of reflection and transition. Grief is for the living; memories must be kept alive and used to propel each day forward for those left behind. Making decisions, such as when to pack up their things, is not a decision to take lightly. One of Mary’s friends offers advice on this task, too, as do several others who were close with the couple, giving us a sense of what it’s like to lose someone with whom you’ve spent 30, 40, 50+ years loving and building a history. Walking away from the book, I now know Mary more intimately, and understanding the depth of feelings between two people who had a fulfilling and rewarding life together shows the beauty of life and friendship.
I recommend reading the book in multiple sittings, absorbing the reflections from friends, neighbors and chaplain, then reading several of the poems and making connections to your own life experiences. Definitely filled with sadness, but also uplifting sentiments and a promise for a stronger future. Another fine example of why I always read Mary Deal’s newest releases… and I’m looking forward to more in the future.
Review by Rita M.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Beautifully Written, Comforting Guide on an Important Subject. Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2022. Verified Purchase. First of all, I love the title. It helps one know that grief it a normal emotion, to have less fear about grieving, and to understand that your love for the person you lost is the reason for your grief – and not a selfish or self-indulgent feeling. It helps you understand that you will get through the pain without forgetting your loved one. My sister recently lost her husband. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack; literally in a matter of a minute. I sent this book to her and she is very grateful. It is helping her tremendously. And it is providing me with a lot of support so that I can be supportive of her in this very rough time. The book is beautifully written. The author also includes personal short stories in the words of her friends, and that helps give you multiple perspectives on grief.
Review by Book Lover: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A brilliant book! Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2022. Verified Purchase. I have known Mary for many years and through those times we have helped each other in many ways. In reading this book she has helped me. I wished this book came out years ago when I needed help with grief. This book has a way of touching your very soul in times where one begins to wonder if you will ever find normalcy again. It’s written from not only the heart, but from a broken soul that desperately wants, needs repair. She leads the reader into a world of grief and it’s a personal journal that she takes you in as a way of expressing something that is so very hard to deal with because it’s numbing, and yet, through her words, words of friends who have gone through losing someone they love, you the reader can get a sense that there is light, there is hope in a time where you don’t sense any. It’s a book I highly recommend reading this even if you aren’t grieving, and if you have lost someone…this will help.
Review by Ken Farmer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. BALM OF GILIAD. Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2023. Mary Deal’s talent as a writer again surfaces with her wonderfully penned, meaningful, memoir about losing a loved one. It is poignant, healing, and something that could only be written by someone who has made that journey. I highly recommend Grief is Love for anyone who has also been down that road…as we all will at one time or another. ‘Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.’- Matthew 5:4.
Review by JUDITH DRESEN: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It is okay to grieve!!! Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023. This is a beautifully written book. At some point in our life, we will all walk this road! Grief, a small word, but, oh so powerful. I highly recommend this book for all who are having a hard time understanding their feelings with the loss of a loved one.
Review by Maloa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very helpful. Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023. Another great read on surviving loss of loved ones. It’s very helpful and comforting to know others have similar thoughts and experiences. Sometimes you feel like you are all alone in your grief. No one else would understand what you are going through. Very helpful.
Review by Janet Ahlgren: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Therapeutic and Beautiful. Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022. I can tell that this book is sincerely written from the author’s heart. It made me smile, cry and at the end of it know that I will be ok. Thank you thank you for writing this!
Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Read now to understand what is to come. Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2022. Verified Purchase. If we live long enough, we’ll all go through the loss of a loved one. Whether it be a parent, child, or possibly a spouse. The biggest problem we face when this time comes is how do we handle our feelings. If it’s sudden, I feel sure it hurts just as bad, but if it’s something that drags your loved one through a life of pain and misery, I feel sure it hurts even more. You watch your loved one slowly pass and you’re at a loss to do anything. At times you even start feeling sorry for yourself. Asking why God is putting me through this emotional pain. Sometimes it’s hard to think about the loved one more than you think about your own self.
I personally am going through much of the same thing that Author Mary Deal went through. My loved one’s health is failing and like her, I’m watching him go through stages that hurt me as much as it hurts him. After reading Grief is Love, I’ve started to realize that my feelings are normal and I must stress, even now, on the memories we’ve made together, both good and bad and hopefully make more before our time runs out.
For me, I find this book to be one that needs to be read by those who have lost a loved one, those who are watching their loved one decline, and even those who feel they have no need to prepare for a loss. Reading the Author’s memories, both through poetry as well as stories, this book will bring light to all lives as we go through life.
A serial killer is on the loose in Sacramento River Delta.
When Sara Mason returns to her hometown to start a new life, she learns that a murderer is terrorizing its residents. Despite battling difficult childhood memories, Sara is determined to make peace with her past.
But she soon learns that the elusive psychopath is now stalking her. Sara’s attempt to rebuild her life is hindered even more by the discovery of skeletal remains on her property. As the investigation focuses on several suspects, Sara discovers critical clues and bravely volunteers to be a decoy for the sheriff’s department.
Sara’s destiny has brought her back home, but will her decision lead her down a path lined with danger… and straight into the arms of a madman?
★★★★★”Will keep the reader on their toes till the very end. ” – Ken Farmer, bestselling author
★★★★★”A thrilling mystery.” – Barbara Deming, The US Review
★★★★★”Enthralling.” – Readers’ Favorite
Review by Eva Pasco: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Enthralling Thriller! Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023. Verified Purchase. ‘River Bones’ held my attention throughout. For starters, I appreciated the geographic and cultural details of the Sacramento Delta area interwoven throughout the story. More than the setting’s window dressing, it’s Sara Mason’s former childhood home which triggers painful memories and predisposes her to think and react in certain ways as she makes a new life for herself in the Delta.
The author has a knack for making the reader’s hair stand up on back of the neck when things go bump in the night at Talbot House while a prolific serial killer is on the loose. Like Sara, the reader becomes suspicious of several characters: Crazy Ike, Frederik, Pierce Newton, Fletcher Gable, Huxley Keane, and Tripp Unwyn to cite most.
Whoever the perpetrator is—he snaps the victim’s hyoid bone and buries their remains in soft soil near a stream or under boulders. On that note, I felt the author did her own extensive profiling to create a credible killer hiding in plain sight. I highly recommend this enthralling thriller where mystery and suspense loom large.
Review by SK: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic Read. Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2023, Verified Purchase. River Bones is a fantastic read. Mary Deal paints a picture of the Sacramento River Delta community so vividly, you feel like you’ve stepped through the pages and are right there with the characters. The plot keeps you guessing as to who could possibly be the serial killer in a cold case mystery. Deal mixes intrigue and suspense sprinkled with romance and two adorable puppies.
A brief synopsis: Sarah Mason’s past and present collide as she returns to her hometown thirty years later, excited to attend her high school reunion and restore her beautiful Victorian home. Though much of the community is still the same, someone is disturbing her new home and the life she hopes to rebuild. A ghostly visitor in her dreams is trying to communicate with her, but what does it all mean? Can she connect the dots, finally solving the mystery of remains found hidden around the community and the disappearance of one of the community’s beloved residents? Read to find out more!
Review by Brebre716: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Serial killer. Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2023. Verified Purchase. I love a good book on a serial killer and this one joins the list. Though the storyline is long it keeps you reading wanting to know more. If you are into serial killers, I highly recommend this one.
Review by Author Cynthia K. Christakis: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2014. Verified Purchase. BOOK REVIEW AND VETTING by Cynthia Seasons. About the Author: Mary Deal, a native of Walnut Grove in California’s Sacramento River Delta, has lived in England, the Caribbean, and now resides on the island of Kauai in Kappa’s, Hawaii. She was Founder and past President of Kauai Writer’s Roundtable. She is also an artist, photographer and newspaper columnist. She is the author of six suspense novels and two nonfiction references for writers.
OVERVIEW: Author Mary Deal creates a haunting mystery thriller set in the Sacramento River Delta where the history of an abandoned plantation house is the focus of the plot which attracts a serial killer among other beings.
SYNOPSIS: River Bones was a winner in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards competition and a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Books Award. Main characters Sara Mason, Fredrik, Daphine, Crazy Ike, Linette and Buck Alden and Esmeralda Talbot are brilliantly utilized to create a plethora of plot twists which keep the reader on their page-turning toes unable to guess ‘who done it’ . Author Deal effortlessly tosses the reader bones to retrieve only to be thwarted by other entwining clues until it seems as if everyone is involved in what seems to be an unsolvable clump of mysteries and murders.
1. WHAT DID I LIKE THE MOST ABOUT THIS NOVEL? I liked Author Deal’s genuine ability to carry through with the complex plot and subplots she set in motion in this well written, well executed mystery. I liked the research and inclusion of historical background of the Sacramento Valley Delta to draw me more personally into the story and the characters. I liked that the characters were flawed in realistic believable emotional and physical disabilities. I like the entire novel and therefore Author Deal.
2. WHAT DID I LIKE LEAST ABOUT THIS NOVEL? I liked least the repetitive leaps of goodness and generosity of Sara with little cluing me in to how her thinking resulted in her decision-making process. However, since I have never personally experienced the death of a sibling at a very young age, perhaps it is possible to miss and be life-long influenced by a long-dead sister to the extent Sara did.
REVIEW: River Bones rates at the top with a five on a scale of 0-5 in my opinion. Author Deal created a good old fashioned mystery thriller, which both entertained and kept me curious as I was unable to ‘guess’ what I thought at first, would be a predictable ending. Job well done. I recommend this novel to any reader.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great story! Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2023. Verified Purchase. I enjoyed this book more than any I’ve read in some time. It was well written and had good pace. Characters are interesting and the location is familiar. I have spent sunny afternoons driving many of those roads.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hidden Killer. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2023. Verified Purchase. This is an excellent book about serial murder from a twisted mind. The plot has many turns. The ending is well done.
Sara Mason joins in searching for Huxley’s MIA brother’s remains in the Vietnam jungle. She is joined by her friend Esmerelda.
Later in Hawaii, Sara learns that a six-year-old neighborhood girl had gone missing ten years earlier. Something odd is going on at the nearby forest cliffs; someone wants this cold case to stay cold.
But even after attempts are made on Sara’s life, she pushes on with the investigation and pursues the leads that take her on a path of danger. Can she solve the mystery of the Howling Cliffs?
★★★★★ “Detailed and rich, the descriptions of Kauai made me feel like I was really there, and I became totally absorbed in the atmosphere. As a history buff, I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of Vietnam as well the behind-the-scenes forensics. Howling Cliffs is a must read for all mystery fans.” – Kim Murphy, Amazon Review
★★★★★ “There is great depth to both her characters and locations that many books lack… Another wonderful mystery by Mary Deal.” – Hilary H. Hall, Amazon Review
Review by LoveToRead: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great read!! Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023. Verified Purchase. Having read Mary Deal’s previous suspenseful book River Bones, I had to read The Howling Cliffs and was not disappointed. It’s a thrilling read, and I couldn’t put it down. I love the character Sara Mason and her neighbor, Birdie, is a dear. Her amazing K9 is unforgettable. The suspenseful murder mystery keeps you on edge, and I am not giving any spoilers here. I highly recommend this series and give it five stars. I am looking forward to reading Book 3 in this series.
Review by Berk Rourke: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fast and great read. Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2018. Verified Purchase. This page turner held my attention for a continuous read today after briefly starting yesterday evening (July 3-4). I have read the entire book and the reviews as I often do before reviewing any book I read. Here are some comments about reviewing a book. First, I think anyone who does not read the entire book is both a fool and a troll if they offer a review. In that respect this book starts and ends with Sara’s and Huxley’s on-going search for the remains of MIAs in Vietnam. Thus, it ties itself together front to end while engaging through the rest of the book in a Sara Mason mystery that is an attention grabber to say the least. Secondly, about reviewing, I start every read with the idea that the author deserves my approval simply because they have had the courage and the creative juices to do the hard work of putting a book before the world. The author or the publisher must persuade me to reduce my five-star initial review, my starting point. Nothing in this book persuades me to lessen my initial outlook. Finally, I seldom offer any information about the actual story I have read because to do so ruins the read for others. So I will not tell you what this story divulges. I will say that the characters are beautifully created so they seem real as you read this fictional story. The content deals with difficult topics which most authors choose to ignore and does so in a manner befitting an actual investigation of criminal activity. If there are criticisms to be offered, they might relate to the notions a trad editor would apply to this book. This is not a trade publication, but an Indie publication. That does not forgive errors by authors or their publishers, but the errors in this book are so miniscule in nature and so difficult to see that only a trad editor would and has trolled this story. IT IS A WORTHY BOOK, A WORTHY READ YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE. I enjoyed it immensely. Few books hold my attention as well as this one did. A great read.
Sara Mason and love interest, Huxley Keane, follow a trail of clues in an attempt to match a bullet-scarred key found in the Vietnam jungle.
An apartment key was given to Rocky, Huxley’s brother, by his fiancée. If sweet Emma Ellis kept a matching key all these years, it would prove Rocky is not MIA, but deceased.
Tracing Emma proves to be a perilous escapade; she doesn’t wish to be found and attempts to stop Sara and Huxley, whose very lives are threatened. In separate incidences, both Sara and Huxley are left to die of their wounds. And when they finally catch her, horrifying truths about the woman send their sensibilities reeling.
NOTE: This is the pocket book edition of Dead To Life, convenient to both read and carry.
Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What happened to Emma? Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2020. Verified Purchase. Sara Mason and Huxley Keane are still on the hunt for proof that his brother Rocky, who turned up as a MIA during the Vietnam War, was indeed dead. After receiving a box full of letters from Huxley’s mom, the two sit down to read the letters in hopes that the information would provide some of the most defining clues leading to verifying that the key that was found in the Vietnam jungle did belong to Rocky. The key was one given to Rocky by his fiancée, Emma Ellis. It was to the apartment she shared with her sister Evelyn in San Francisco and would give him access to a place to stay if he were to return unexpectedly. But shortly after Rocky became MIA, Emma’s sister Evelyn took her own life and Emma may have moved to Hawaii. With this piece of information, Sara and Huxley begin their search in San Francisco in search of information that will lead them to Emma in Hawaii and the possibility that she will have the matching key that will confirm the one found in Vietnam was indeed Rocky’s.
As always, Author Mary Deal takes you through page turning tunnels as you join Sara and Huxley in their search for Emma and the key. You’ll see the life changing events that put Emma into an investigation by not only the Hawaiian police but also the San Francisco Police. You’ll find yourself trying to understand how and why such a level headed person could turn into what Emma turned into.
Review by Book Lover: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Brilliantly written mystery! Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2020. Verified Purchase. I’ve known Mary for quite some time and her love of writing shows. In the first book, River Bones, I felt as though I were part of the story, that I was there in every aspect of it, even in the horrific, terrorizing scenes. So, in Dead to Life, the third Book of her Sara Mason Mysteries, that same feeling took hold of me. It was like visiting an old friend, but this time I got to go to Hawaii with her, which I always wanted to do…even though I’m just reading a book. That’s how real it was for me. I wasn’t just a reader anymore; I became involved with the characters.
The tension stayed at an even keel and only increased when it deemed necessary and important to the story. As for the setting, I’ve never been to Hawaii, but only seen pictures of it through Mary, she is a wonderful photographer as well, I could picture every scene clearly in my mind, almost smell the Plumeria flowers that grow there. The sad parts tugged at my heart and I won’t say what those are, you’ll just have to buy it.
If you love books that make you feel the emotions, give you great visuals as you read, the need to want to go further into the next chapter and so on and so on…this is a must read. It’s an easy read. An enjoyable read. A suspenseful read. It’s everything you want in a book.
Review by Berk Rourke: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Key Mystery. Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2020. Verified Purchase. The key to learning of the mystery laid out in this story is to listen very carefully to the masterfully drawn dialogue between the characters. This is a character driven story in which Huxley Keane and Sara Mason seek to find his brother’s romantic interest. The story spins its way through San Francisco and an interesting visit with Brian Porter and his spouse, then to Honolulu, and finally back to San Francisco for its conclusion. Along the way these wonderfully fleshed out characters present you with a lot of information which will lead you to what you may think the end of the mystery will be. But you might not be correct? Well, enough said. You’ll have to read this book to find out what happens. It is masterfully done and easily merits a five-star rating.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written clean story. Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022. Verified Purchase. Loved this book. The characters were well developed and likeable. Even though it was obvious from the beginning which sister actually survived, the plot has many twists and turns. This is not a cliffhanger, which I appreciated. I also appreciated that there was no foul language or explicit sex scenes. Always a big plus for me.
Review by Minglement: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wow! A favorite! Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020. Verified Purchase. This author has an amazing talent for drawing the reader in with endearing characters, great plots laced with mystery, and beautifully described settings. I felt like I was there and the characters felt like friends. I hated to see it end.
Review by LoveToRead: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome mystery. Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023. I loved this book. The 3rd in a fantastic series. Wonderful, likable characters, great twists and turns with mystery, and beautifully described settings. As in the first two stories in this series, I was right there with Sara as she solved this intriguing mystery – no spoilers here. Author Mary Deal is amazing.
Product Details: Dead To Life: Sara Mason Mysteries Book Three Paperback: 435 Pages Publisher: Gumshoe-A Next Chapter Imprint; 2nd Edition (July 30, 2020) Language: English Thrillers (Mystery) Thrillers (Serial Killer) Thrillers (Women Sleuths)
Humor and nonsense, flights of fantasy into other realms, fright, disgust and disappointment, silliness and wonderment, and the sadness of reality and heartache.
It’s all here, and more, in stories that may leave you a little Off Center in the Attic.
Acting in a Coffin – A director plays a prank that backfires on a movie set.
The Wallflower – A woman compares herself to one who is the life of the party.
Pupule – A neighborhood gets a lesson in humility from a crazy old Hawaiian man.
To Soar – What a bird drops.
Out of Body – A man is shot and his brain goes through a metamorphosis.
Looking for Life – Never the right one.
Most Wanted – The killer of young boys remains at large.
Grandpappy’s Cows – Antics of backward backwoods relatives.
Boy at the Crossroad – The making of a monster.
Cafeteria Science – How to lose your lunch.
Indoctrination – A daring woman wants to experience something different and gets her wish.
Explosive Day – No escape.
The Smell of Death – A clue to the dying.
Legacy – A woman in mourning changes her life to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
An Urgent Message – A plea to a writer.
Rituals – Neurosis as a way of life.
Watched – Being watched can kill.
The Swimmer – A man losing his sanity.
Thanatos – The urge to die.
Alien Footprints – An invisible perpetrator.
Vibratory Rates – Visitations from heaven and hell.
The Voodoo Kit – A Jamaican hex follows a woman home.
Pekoe – A newborn kitten abandoned in a portable toilet.
Great Lady of Wisdom – A holy goat.
The Last Thing I Do – The end of making memories.
Future Winner – A little-known artist gets a break.
Innocence – A high school girl on the verge of betrayal by her innocence.
Sister Fly – Karma
Homeless, Not Heartless – A man and his dog.
Roots – What you may find when tracing your family tree.
5 Star Review by Deborah Lloyd for Readers’ Favorite: A wonderful collection of short vignettes comprises Off Center In The Attic: Over the Top Stories written by Mary Deal. Many of the stories detail true-to-life incidences, while others are “flights of fancy into other realms.” There is a large range of scenarios – from a brief out of body experience, to an adolescent girl who was saved from possible devastation by a ten o’clock curfew, to the appearance of a gaunt, scary-looking man at a funeral. Several stories occur in Hawaii, illustrating the author’s familiarity with its people, landscapes, and culture. A few others take place in a northern California setting. The author also demonstrates an appreciation and love for the arts, as well as exploring the areas of spirituality and mysticism.
Review by Ron Holte, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii: One of the best aspects of this collection is the great variety of works; it feels as if several authors contributed to this book, not just one. The reader experiences a wide range of emotions while reading these stories – from joy to disgust to anger to wonderment. While the book can be a quick read, it is best enjoyed when savored, enabling the reader to consider some underlying messages. The true craft of creative, inventive writing is on full display. Author Mary Deal has skillfully scripted a thought-provoking, imaginative collection of short stories in Off Center In The Attic. At the end of the book, she shares how her writings over the years culminated in this fanciful collection. This is a book that can be revisited many times – enjoy!
Mary Deal has the capability of altering reality in each of her stories, whether humor, tragedy, anything in between, or nonfiction. Sometimes I think her mind is out in the ozone, but if that’s where these stories come from, then she should keep going there and bringing back her ideas. Her stories are truly unique, give the mind a turn, and made me wonder about the possibilities.
From The Author: I have written many short stories and flash fiction pieces. Some have won awards. One story, The Last Thing I Do, was nominated by Silver Boomer Books for the coveted Pushcart Prize. My stories have been published in numerous anthologies, publications and magazines. For a while I had stopped writing these shorter pieces in order to complete a few more novels. I’ve put 30 of these slightly warped stories and flash together for this anthology, Off Center in the Attic. My next collection could be just as strange as this one.
Rachael Connor has great looks, money and a home of her own, but childhood abuse has left her fearful of men.
When Rachael meets Matthew, she begins to rethink her life. He falls in love with her, but Rachael rebukes him, living by the “rules” her father taught her.
She soon has an epiphany about how to overcome her father’s grip on her life. The next time she falls in love, she will know how to deal with it.
But will Matthew let her get away so easily?
5 Star Review By Grant Leishman for Readers’ Favorite: Rachael Connor, outwardly successful and a budding author, seemed to have it all. An inheritance from her father had assured her financial stability and she was able to choose when she worked for wages and when she indulged in her one true passion, writing. In Sea Cliff: A Love Story by Mary Deal, we find that Rachael has a dark secret that rules her life, even now as an adult and long after her father has died. Rachael and her brother Brandon were brought up by a tyrannical and abusive father who ruled their lives with both physical and mental abuse that Rachael still carries to this day. She is unable to form lasting relationships with men as she simply doesn’t know how, and consequently has resigned herself to a life of solitude with writing and meditation as her solaces. Enter Matthew Knight, a successful, ridiculously handsome and well-adjusted man who sets his sights on winning Rachael’s heart. True love, though, rarely runs smoothly and both Matthew and Rachael have to overcome the many barriers that life and their pasts put in their way before they can truly find each other.
Sea Cliff: A Love Story is a simple, carefully crafted romance, but what lifts it above others in the genre is its willingness to address societal issues that might otherwise be glossed over. Author Mary Deal has imbued her character of Rachael with all the angst and fear a sufferer of an abusive childhood would feel. As readers, we want to take Rachael and shake her, telling her to “get with the program.” She has a man who clearly adores her and yet she looks for and finds myriad ways to push him away. Although both of the main characters are too perfectly beautiful/handsome for my liking, there was no stopping me from enjoying the twists and turns their convoluted relationship took. The concept of combining the feelings and actions of the characters in this story with the characters in the story Rachael was writing had the potential to be trite and clichéd and yet Deal made it work well. The writing style is simple and unpretentious, which I did enjoy, and I found myself flying through this book. I can definitely recommend this story to lovers of romance.
5 Star Review By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite: If you’re looking for a contemporary romance novel, something that will restore your faith in love and life, look no further. I have the perfect novel and writer for you. Sea Cliff by Mary Deal is a great read. Especially if you’ve been bruised and battered by the struggle of trying to find the real thing. The thing that will last through all the troubles that we know life will throw at us. I don’t read contemporary romance much, to be perfectly honest. I prefer the historical version. But Sea Cliff takes place in one of my favorite cities in the whole world. The city by the bay; San Francisco. I haven’t been there in years, but Mary Deal reminded me just how unique and wonderful the San Francisco Bay Area is.
Mary Deal writes about life. She writes about friendship and family relationships. Romance is something we find while navigating our way through all these other important relationships…if we’re lucky. I liked the plot in Sea Cliff. These were real modern-day characters with lives and relationships just like mine and people I know. I loved the setting. I have lived in the Bay Area and I believe Mary Deal has too. She took me back to it and I really appreciate that. The characters are great. Not perfect but very real. What I liked most about Rachael, besides her being a red-head is that she is very self-aware and constantly trying to improve herself. That’s what it takes in modern life.
4 Star Review By Amanda Rofe for Readers’ Favorite: Sea Cliff: A Love Story by Mary Deal is a contemporary fiction novel set in San Francisco. It portrays a woman called Rachael Connor who grew up in the farmlands of the Sacramento River Delta. She is someone who experienced abuse in her childhood and who is now trying to renounce the past. Her brother, Brandon, who suffered similarly, is also struggling to come to terms with adult life. While Rachael tries to help him as best, she can, she has her own demons to contend with, in particular how to form healthy relationships with men. There is one man called Matthew, who pursues her despite her obvious reluctance to get involved with anyone. In an attempt to work through her issues, she writes a novel which turns out to mirror her life in more ways than one.
Mary Deal writes a rather unusual love story, bravely tackling the difficult subject of childhood abuse and the impact it has on adults later on in life. She portrays the adult survivors, Rachael and Brandon, sympathetically and with a great deal of insight. The disparity between Matthew’s rather normal family and Rachael’s dysfunctional life has been ably portrayed, adding an edge to the story line. I thought Sea Cliff was an engaging novel which dealt with very challenging and painful issues. Both Rachael and Matthew, the main protagonists, made me feel uncomfortable at times and I like this in a book. As a point of interest, the title ‘Sea Cliff’ is a fascinating link which runs through the narrative, drawing the story threads together.
From The Author: After being rear-ended in a car accident in 1991 and being incapacitated for a while, I realized that at least my mind still worked! I could sit at my PC to write and did just that. It is said that the first book an author writes is mostly about themselves or about incidences that happen in life that leave an indelible mark on them – good or bad. Realizing that, I still had no fear of writing that first book. I managed to change much of the personal material I used so that it was not about me but about a fictional character whose life I could imbue with knowledge and some experiences I had accumulated.
The first draft of Sea Cliff was actually titled The Recluse. It remained that way while the book languished, all 135,000 words of it. After reading it I realized a lot of me was still in there. So, I left it alone and wrote and published other books. In 2018, with 11 books published (three already out of print), I decided to take another look. I had already borrowed quite a bit of Recluse to use in my first mystery. So, it was a matter of cleaning the entire Recluse manuscript and shortening the story to a salable number of words. In doing so, I realized the protagonist was no longer a recluse. I needed a new title, and it didn’t have to be about the character. Hence the title became Sea Cliff because that is where the protagonist’s life is depicted.
Written and compiled by award-winning novelist Mary Deal, Write it Right – Tips for Authors is a major source of information for breathing life into your prose. Learn how to polish your writing with tips and examples, and make your prose leap off the page.
Writing your opus, you may have encountered myriad questions about imperfect areas that you stumble across in the composition. The thoroughly explained tips offered in Write it Right – Tips for Authors clarify these worrisome issues, instead of simply taking a chance they’ll be acceptable.
These thorough and often humorous tips were written in response to author queries for articles that explain various problematic aspects, including:
Grammar and punctuation
Narration
Character development and dialogue
Preparing your manuscript for submission
Your public image
If your writing hasn’t been perfectly smooth, you’ll find answers to your questions in Write it Right – Tips for Authors.
5 Star Review on Amazon UK: Mary Deal has clearly worked extremely hard in putting together this volume of tips and advice for authors, both those aspiring to succeed in their early careers and those who are, shall we say, a little longer in the tooth when it comes to the writing business.
It’s true that nobody has all the answers to what makes a successful writer, but with her years of experience as an author behind her, Ms. Deal is able to give constructive advice, while at the same time, managing to highlight some of the pitfalls awaiting the unwary.
It’s not a short read, and is best absorbed in what each reader finds to be comfortable stages, in order to get the best from the book. Unlike a lot of ‘how to’ books, it’s never dull and boring, and makes for an interesting read, whether you happen to be a published author, or someone just setting out on the path of expectancy, hoping to be a bestselling author of the future.
From The Author: Write It Right – Tips for Authors is a compilation of articles I have written. On Kauai in Hawaii, I had my own newspaper column for writers. It was titled, Write It Write. Authors and writers have always asked for clarification of certain problems areas in their writing. I would send my instruction to them. Then I decided more people should see this information, and so, my column began.
But that wasn’t the end of it. I decided to put many of my articles together in book form and Write It Right – Tips for Authors was born. I have many more articles and am thinking about publishing a second volume. But first, I must finish the two books I’m presently writing.
I encourage anyone with questions to freely contact me. If I can clarify their writing dilemma, we both win.
Archaeology student Chione has vivid dreams about the discovery of an opulent tomb. After the founder of the Institute of Archaeology learns that Chione’s dreams might be connected to events in Egypt, he accepts an offer to examine a mysterious site in the Valley of the Queens.
When they discover a burial chamber, ancient spells transport Chione and her ex-boyfriend, archaeologist Aaron Ashby, 3,500 years into the past. There, they learn of Tutankhamon and Tauret, a priestess in Pharaoh’s Court.
Soon, Chione and Aaron discover that they have been chosen to play a crucial part in Tauret’s plan.
★★★★★ “If you’re a fan of Egyptian-themed reads or anything with a paranormal edge, this one is for you.”
★★★★★ “Intensely absorbing fantasy entwined with true history.”
Review by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers’ Favorite: Mary Deal has recreated this world beautifully in her novel, in the tradition of Christian Jacq’s The Mysteries of Osiris, only this time, readers are treated to great cunning in the plot and twists they won’t see coming. The Ka is fast-paced, intense and sophisticated,and the author shows a great skill in character development. Mary Deal creates awesome moments of suspense, holding the reader’s attention throughout the story. This is a book that can only be described with superlatives, a story that makes the past come alive, thanks to a masterful storytelling skill. Loaded with mystery, The Ka by Mary Deal is a fascinating story that involves magic, a timeless love, and archaeology, a well-plotted novel with strong characters. As a fan of Egyptology, I felt excited by the magical and mysterious setting, with the unexpected twists that punctuate the narrative. Well-researched, the story explores the concept of the afterlife, only it is curious that the afterlife is this life with characters that have been bound together by the power of magical spells embedded in ancient hieroglyphs.
Review by Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite: Mary Deal’s style is stunning, and has a story that’s emotional and layered. The love story is a key part, romantic and emotional, as Aaron and Chione’s relationship is a mirror to that of Tauret and Tut. History is brought to life in this stunning journey through the past. The Ka is breathtaking, finding the beauty and tragedy of the past, and the mysteries and magic of ancient Egypt.
Review by K.J. Simmill for Readers’ Favorite: I’ve been to Egypt, and I’ve seen, heard, and read some of the lore within this book. With great skill Mary Deal had me feeling like I was right back there, in the thick of it. The pace is slow and steady, but will easily keep you turning the pages. The Ka is heavily character driven with a plot that keeps you guessing; it has everything from tomb robbing to paranormal events. If you’re a fan of Egyptian themed reads, or anything with a paranormal edge, then this is a read for you. The level of detail speaks volumes to the time and effort that went into researching this book to give the plot a genuine story, from the difficulties of financing a dig, to superstition,complications, unlikely friendships, and of course what Egyptian tale is complete without mysteries, missing people, and death?
Review by Teresa Syms for Readers’ Favorite: Mary Deal has presented the reader with clear visions of life and love in the courts of ancient Egypt through all the senses. It is a tangled web of archaeology,intrigue, love and magic woven throughout this book. The reader will lose track of time and surroundings as they are consumed by the captivating writing and absorbed into the lives of the main protagonists. A great read and I look forward to more works from Mary Deal!
Review by Joseph J. Ursprung, Kapaa, Hawaii and Phoenix, Arizona: The Ka is a book for all tastes. This beautifully craft novel contains history, science, mysticism, mystery, intrigue, humor and romance in a neat package which is not just entertaining but challenges your mind and your imagination. It tells of the joining of minds and bodies of two lovers in an ancient world with two lovers in a modern world. Mary Deal has created word images so vivid that it is almost like watching a movie. She takes you for a romp through ancient Egyptian history as an archaeological team finds and opens the tomb of King Tut’s commoner “wife,” the love of his life. An archaeological student has the mystical ability to communicate with the ancient Egyptians, who are frustrated by lack of an heir and want their story told. This keeps the story alive and moves it along at a rapid, breathtaking pace. The final impact of this mystical relationship is left for the very last sentence of the book. The Ka is a delight to read. Once started, it is difficult to put down until the last page is turned. One can only hope that, from a writer of this talent, there will be many more books to come.
Review by Richard Jay Nedervelt, Ewa Beach, Hawaii and Panzhihua, China: OMG! Mary, I just finished Ka, the first of your books that I have had the pleasure of reading, but not the last. You are BRILLIANT my friend! I didn’t want the book to end. The characters you created, their depth, and the personal changes they went through were incredible. I LOVED IT! You are an inspiration to us all. You gave enough hints to keep me guessing and wondering if I was right. I will gladly recommend it to everyone. Thanks for sharing and letting me escape into your wonderful world and imagination. You are a master writer, for sure.
★★★★★ by Sandra McCluskey, Lihue, Hawaii: I was spellbound!
★★★★★ by Sherrye Boyer Dix, London, England: Mystery, magic, intrigue and great attention to historical detail. I was spellbound!
★★★★★ by Bill Robinson, Author of Archie Cleebo, Bishop, CA : Intensely absorbing fantasy entwined with true history.
★★★★★ by Marcia Lynx Qualey, Writer, Cairo, Egypt: Egyptian life and history so real, you’d think the author had lived it.
★★★★★ by Lori Kikumoto, Kapaa, Hawaii: I was enthralled by the amount of research and felt I was one of the archaeological team.
From the Author: I woke from a dream wherein I saw vivid scenes from Ancient Egypt. I saw costumes and half-naked adults and children going about their days. When I woke – about 2:00 in the a.m., I lay stunned and visualized those images again. Not till I woke a second time with a fixed image in my mind, like a still photograph, did I realize I had the ending of a story. Running to my computer in the middle of the night was common place, but not sitting there for five hours straight, in my pajamas. I managed to write out or make notes about everything I had seen. By the time I finished, I knew I had the makings of a huge story.
I proceeded to spend the next four years researching the entire 3500 years of Egyptian Dynasties searching for a time period in which to weave the threads of my plot. While researching, I managed to write and publish my first book and complete a manuscript for a second. However, once I began to write this Egyptian story, I spent another four years solely perfecting the manuscript that you and I have come to know as The Ka.
You, as well as Ancient Egypt scholars, should find that all of the information about Ancient Egypt, how to locate a tomb, retrieve and preserve its contents, and life at a dig site are all real and true to fact. But through it all, I weave my mysterious threads of fantasy to bring ancient life into the present.
A trilogy of stories that shatter the myths of stereotypical islands of paradise.
In Promises, during the late 1960s, the ketch, Mercy, sinks during a sea storm off Culebra near the Virgin Islands. Ciara Malloy assumes custody of her drowned fiancé’s son and learns a devastating secret about the boy that changes her life forever.
In Adrift, in the late 1990s, underwater photographer Lillian Avery gets caught in a rip current and swept out to sea off Kauai in Hawaii. In facing death, she finds a way to leave a message behind.
Years later, in Reunion, the two former neighbors from Puerto Rico reunite on Kauai. A hurricane wreaks island-wide havoc. Ciara is missing, presumed dead. Among the rubble, Lillian finds Ciara’s memoirs; a life history that threatens to expose tightly held secrets about the boy since the sinking of the Mercy.
5 Star Review by Trudi LoPreto for Readers’ Favorite: Legacy of the Tropics is three inter-related stories combined into one dynamic read. Each of the stories has its own ups, downs and excitement tying the characters together in love, friendship, hardship, tragedy, joy and sorrow. “Promises” is a beautifully sad love story with Ciara finding true love with Rico and his son Pablo. One boat ride will change lives forever, as their boat doesn’t survive a sudden storm and they become castaways on a small, out of the way island. “Adrift” is the story of Lilly and her love of the sea. Her passion is diving and taking pictures of the coral, fish and turtles that inhabit the waters of Hawaii. When things go horribly wrong on one of these trips, Lilly comes close to death and must make some changes in her life because of it. “Reunion” finds Ciara and Lilly, only acquaintances in “Promises,” now reunited as neighbors and friends. When a hurricane hits their island, they are forced to endure challenges that would again change their lives forever. The hurricane damages their homes and much more before its path is through.
I enjoyed how each of these books joined together to become one story centering on Ciara and Lilly. These women were strong characters that survived shipwrecks, rip currents, hurricanes, tragedy and love. I found “Reunion” to be a little slow going at times, but it really didn’t take too much away from the enjoyment of the story. Mary Deal’s descriptions of Hawaii made me want to drive to the airport and get on the next plane to Hawaii. My thought was then when I landed I could go and find Ciara and Lilly! Legacy of the Tropics is a good book on so many levels of fiction; adventure, suspense, romance and more, all wrapped up in one great bundle.
5 Stars For Real Life in The Tropics-by a customer on October 4, 2001: I have always wondered how the residents lived in those tropical locales I’d visited. If this book gives us some examples, then I’d have to say that daily life in “The Tropics”is both exciting and dangerous. The author has done a magnificent job of portraying everyday life for her characters in the islands. Her writing style flows. Once I began to read, I finished the book in two evenings, then re-read it again. Wonderful! I’m ready for this author’s next book.
5 Stars: A real page-turner set in an exotic location- by a customer on October 4, 2001: Mary has woven a complex story,rich with interesting characters and an exotic locale. She speaks with authority about the rhythm of the islands and the waters surrounding them so there is no doubt that she’s experienced them first hand. A real page-turner…I couldn’t put it down!
5 Stars by a customer on March 6, 2002: Curl Up with It! Three compelling, suspenseful,heart-warming tales! Deal’s prose is as pure and welcoming as a drink from a chilled-coconut on a hot day. A fine read!
5 Stars by a customer on October 8, 2001: Tropical Paradise.Mary weaves a wonderful web of life, love, danger, courage and survival with consummate skill and insight.Congratulations!
From The Author: The experiences portrayed in these three novellas were adapted from some of my dangerous escapades both on land and at sea. I actually wrote “Adrift” before the first and third stories. It was so well-received that I decided to expand it to novel length. At the time I wrote, novellas were not popular. When I tried to expand Adrift, well, there just wasn’t any more that I could add without drawing out what was already there, written lean, and well-accepted. That’s when I decided to write the two other stories and tied all three together. Separate incidents occur in each story, but the characters and time line carry forward through all three.
From the day her five-year-old was abducted, Abigail Fisher vowed never to stop looking until her daughter was safely back home.
But despite multiple searches, twenty-three years have passed without a trace of Becky Ann. When Abigail learns that death row inmate Megan Winnaker is the same age as her daughter, she begins to wonder if the kidnapper had Becky Ann’s face surgically altered to prevent identification.
Megan Winnaker maintains her innocence, but faces capital punishment if she loses her final appeal. As Abigail launches her own investigation to find out if Megan is truly her daughter, someone wants to stop her in her tracks.
Even when facing mortal danger, Abigail refuses to give up her investigation. But can Megan Winnaker really be her long-lost daughter?
★★★★★ “A standout mystery thriller from a solid literary talent.”
★★★★★ “The characterization is great, the plot is intricate, and the action is fast-paced… A superb thriller.”
★★★★★ “A page turner that will have you riveted right to the end.”
★★★★★ “Suspenseful mystery full of twists and emotions.”
★★★★★ “The story is riveting and tense. The author did a great job keeping me sitting on the edge of my seat through the entire story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.”
5 Star Review by Amazon Customer on Amazon UK: Exquisite, heart pumping, extraordinary torture brilliant! Where do I start? I loved this book, and yet it caused me so much heartache and worry. I am a slow reader, but I take all of it in. I live it. I felt the pain and suffering of a mother who endured the anguish of losing her daughter aged 5; abducted by her estranged husband, never to be found. Was she still alive? And then, a death row woman, the same age as her daughter, displays characteristics that suggest she could be the long lost daughter. What follows is a roller coaster ride of emotions that involve proving if the woman is her daughter, and then to prove her innocent of the crime. A switchback of narrative twists, hope, despair, misery… so well written. It has taken me some time to recover – I was exhausted after this read. I will say no more for fear of spoilers – but – read this book – you will not regret it. I have already bought another of Deal’s books.
5 Star Review by Elizabeth Sullivan, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Somerset, California: I read Down to the Needle for a second time I was pulled into its magnetic spell. This afternoon I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat for a long while as the suspense grew to a crescendo. Mary you out did yourself in this powerful work. Your changes tricked me into fearing the ending would be different. I clung to my shreds of tissue as I hoped for a happy ending. Every step of the way you delivered, and delivered, and delivered. Brilliant!
5 Star Review by Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite: Mary Deal’s writing is unique and highly compelling, with a narrative voice that is hypnotic. Down to the Needle has a labyrinthine plot, a conflict that is monumental, and characters that readers will relate to easily.The emotion comes out strongly and readers can’t help but sympathize with her characters. A woman who has lost a daughter for two decades will certainly attract the attention of any reader, but when it is possible that a person abducted two decades ago is alive and could be facing death for a crime they never committed, it becomes more than an interesting plot element — it becomes an irresistible hook. It’s a very suspenseful read, to say the least. The ending will surprise readers.
5 Star Review by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers’ Favorite: Down to the Needle is a story that has huge potential to blow the reader’s mind. Cleverly plotted and masterfully accomplished, Down to the Needle by Mary Deal is a great entry in the genres of suspense, mystery, and thriller, a story that follows one woman’s gritty investigation to solve an abduction that happened twenty-three years ago. It takes a lot of cleverness and skill to weave a yarn that combines strong elements from different genres into a satisfying read, and Deal has that skill…. This is the book for you if you love well-imagined and rock-solid characters, stories that are character-driven with sophisticated plot lines. I enjoyed the gritty investigation and the complexities in the plot. The reader is immediately excited to find out what could happen next, thanks to the well-crafted hook, the enticing prose, and the lively dialogues.
5 Star Review by Darryl Greer for Readers’ Favorite: Down To The Needle is a page turner that will have you riveted right to the end. Down To The Needle is a great concept: a desperate mother searching for her daughter, then after more than two decades, finding she might be on Death Row awaiting execution for a crime she says she didn’t commit. And the date for her death by lethal injection is imminent. There’s nothing like a ticking clock to get the adrenaline flowing. There is also a sense of mystery throughout as Mary Deal never allows her reader to know whether or not Megan really is Abi’s daughter. No matter what tidbit of information is revealed, there’s always an element of doubt. And, speaking of the end, the author’s vivid description of life on Death Row reveals either extraordinary insight or painstaking research.
5 Star Review by Ankita Shukla for Readers’ Favorite: This is not a one-dimensional story…. Although there are many things for which I would sing the praises of the author, I am extremely fascinated by Mary Deal’s knowledge in many aspects of lethal injection, art, and law. She has done her research in this book. The story develops splendidly and keeps the reader filled with several emotions. The author has included many elements and they all work together to keep the plot intriguing. Mary Deal has paid attention to even the smallest details and written the characters’ behavior and actions according to the requirement of the plot. This keen observational skill helped me connect with all the characters. I could understand their fears and strengths among other things. There are many characters and each one of them has a significant role in the plot.
5 Star Review by Viga Boland for Readers’ Favorite: Down to the Needle is more than just another engaging mystery: it’s an exploration of what makes people tick, and how our life experiences can, and do, alter any original plans we might have had. As one reads, courtesy of Mary Deal’s character revealing skills, one is caught up as much in this mother’s heartache and longing for her long-lost child as in the mystery gradually evolving and involving another young woman. Several mysteries intersect in Down to the Needle, each of them intriguing. The twists and turns are plentiful and there is no way this reviewer will spoil your enjoyment of trying to put all the pieces together. But as you do, if you’re at all romantic and care about people as Mary Deal obviously does, you’ll be as interested in not just what happens with Abi, Joe, Margaret, Megan, and Becky but why. The why is the propelling force behind the plot for, after all, it’s people who determine what happens next since one can ever really know what makes people do what they do….
5 Star Review by Renee Washburn, Apex Reviews: Taut, riveting, and action-packed, Down To The Needle is a nail-biting page turner. Splendidly crafted by author Mary Deal, this engaging suspense thriller takes the reader on a fast-paced thrill ride through one determined woman’s unyielding crusade for ultimate justice. As Abigail fights fervently to honor her parental obligations to her daughter, readers are sure to connect both spiritually and emotionally with her heartrending sojourn for vindication. With driving action and intense plot lines, Down To The Needle is a standout mystery thriller from a solid literary talent.
★★★★★ by Bonnie Schenck, Kapaa, Hawaii: What a twisted story! The psychology of it left me breathless.
★★★★★ by Brian L Porter, Award-winning Author: A heart-wrenching mystery that leads you down a very crooked road. Mary Deal captures the emotions of her characters so that we know them well, yet, can never anticipate their next moves.
★★★★★ by Leanna Kay Noble, Encino, California: The characters in Down to the Needle were interesting and engaging. I never knew what was going to happen next… which is the mark of a good mystery. The author, Mary Deal, gets you in her grasp and doesn’t let go until the very last page.
From The Author: While researching on the Internet one day, I came across articles about Sister Prejean and her counseling work with prisoners facing the death penalty. Sister Prejean offered solace to the inmates, particularly just before they were executed. The entire scenario triggered something in my mind. What happens to the families of the innocent who are put to death?
No sooner had I had that thought when a plot formulated in my mind. Almost the entire story tumbled out. I had a new book to develop. My story would be about a person who was only a few months away from lethal injection for a crime she didn’t commit. I complicated my plot with the fact that the inmate may well have been lost to her family, not knowing someone searched for her for decades.
Life Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation.
Unleash the
power of your mind and discover your potential.
Do you wish
you had the power to become all that you can be? All good-intentioned
programming works best when you reach a deeper state of mind. The secret is in
accessing those states through easy life-changing techniques. A thin window of
consciousness differentiates two states of the mind – self-hypnosis and
meditation – and this book will show their similarities, and define each
condition and accessibility.
If you’re
curious enough to at least peruse this book, then the ability to learn these
techniques is already a part of your consciousness, and will soon to be
recognized. Lucky you! Your subconscious is prompting you to investigate. It is
saying that you are capable of deeper states of mind.
Many have tried to focus to learn either self-hypnosis or meditation and failed. Applied concentration and knowing what to expect once entranced may be what was missing. The instructions in this book are meant for those wishing to learn and use the techniques of self-hypnosis and/or meditation for self-improvement. Easy, yet powerful scripts are provided to produce desired changes. You can change your life today.
Praise From Readers:
★★★★★ “I bought this book a long time ago and I wish I had gotten around to reading it sooner. I recommend this book to anyone fascinated by the subject of hypnotism.”
★★★★★ “Experience radiant health and well-being with this book.”
5 Stars: Retired Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist Mary Deal helps the reader understand the power on one’s subconscious. Quote: “A thin window of consciousness differentiates two states of mind-self-hypnosis and meditation – and this book explains their similarities and defines each condition and accessibility. “If curious enough to at least pursue this book, then the ability to learn these techniques are already a part of your consciousness and soon to be recognized. Lucky You! Your subconscious is prompting you to investigate. It is saying that you are capable of deeper states of mind.”
Section One-Hypnosis speaks to the issues of unintentional Childhood Training-My Early Practices, using Inductions and Scripts and Terminology that the lay person needs to know. Quote: “Hypnosis: A technique to still the conscious mind activity of the analytical left brain. To protect us, the conscious mind, the left brain, censures all we receive, know, or transmit. Truth is cloaked in order that we may not be hurt by that which we do not understand or are not ready to comprehend or accept. Our conscious mind protects us from ourselves until we are ready to learn. It is the conscious mind we make quiet in order to access hypnosis.”
About half way through the book I learned something that I could put into immediate practice to lower my stress. I share with you an important quote from Dr. Andrew W. Weil, American medical doctor, teacher and best-selling author on holistic health says on an internet post: “People who are stressed or anxious are actually chronically under-breathing, because stressed people breathe shortly and shallowly, and often even unconsciously hold their breath. By extending your inhale to the count of four, you are forcing yourself to take in more oxygen, allowing the oxygen to affect your bloodstream by holding your breath for seven seconds, and then emitting carbon dioxide from your lungs by exhaling steadily for eight seconds. The technique will effectively slow your heart rate and increase oxygen into your bloodstream, and may even make you feel slightly lightheaded which contributes to the mild sedative-like effect. It will instantly relax your heart, mind, and overall central nervous system because you are controlling the breath versus continuing to breathe short shallow gasps of air”.
This book deals with many topics. I found the Through The Gate: Problem Solving, Allergy Control, Tinnitus Reassignment, Immediate Stress Reduction and The Attic Trunk-Finding Your Gifts most enlightening.
Quotes of Interest from Section Two-Meditation:
“Even the smallest shift in perspective can bring about the greatest healing.” by Dr. Joshua Kai, ND
“Mediation cannot be induced manually. It is the ability of the inner mind or soul when conditioned and trained correctly, and when conditions that prevent us from seeing our true nature are removed.”
It is my impression that whether you believe in Hypnosis or Meditation this book will show you ways to reduce stress and become more aware of your surroundings. Keep this Kindle reference book handy, learn from it and develop your own Hypno-Scripts.
I leave you with this thought from Mary, “Life may not be that joyous, but believing that it is moves you quickly to it becoming that way.”
About Mary Deal: Mary Deal, a native of Walnut Grove in California’s Sacramento River Delta, now resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was Founder and past President of Kauai Writer’s Round table. She is also an artist, photographer and former editor of a print magazine and newspaper columnist.
She is the author of six suspense novels: “The
Tropics,” an adventure/suspense trilogy, “The Ka,” a paranormal
Egyptian suspense, “River Bones,” a thriller that takes place in her
childhood hometown area, “Down to the Needle,” a thriller, taking
place along the West coast, “Legacy of the Tropics,” a re-write and
expansion of The Tropics, and “The Howling Cliffs, a Sara Mason
Mystery” and 1st sequel to the award winning River Bones. She has also
published “Off Center in the Attic,” a collection of over-the-top
short stories and flash fiction pieces. The eBooks, “Write it Right – Tips
for Authors, Vol. I and Vol. II are nonfiction references for writers.
“Write It Right – Tips for Authors – The Big Book” (a Finalist in the
National Indie Excellence Book Awards) brings both of the Write It Write eBooks
together in paperback.
“River Bones” was a winner in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards competition and a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Books Awards. Her short story, “The Last This I Do” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
Awards and Special Recognition:
Author, Painter, Photographer
Amazon Best-Selling Author
Pushcart Prize Nominee
2021 Global eBook Awards – Winner/Gold
2021 International Book Awards – Finalist
2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards – Finalist
2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards – Winner
2019 National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist
2017 Global eBook Awards Bronze
2016 International Book Awards Finalist
2016 Global eBook Awards Silver
2016 National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist
2015 Global eBook Awards Bronze
2014 National India Excellence Book Awards Finalist
2011 National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist
Author Mark L. Redmond Is A Western Action-Adventure Writer!
Children’s 1800s US Historical Fiction.
New 2024 Release In The Box M Gang Series!
Intended For Middle Grade+ Readers!
The Box M Gang And The Army by Mark L. Redmond.
Book Two In The Box M Gang Series.
In 1876, five siblings on an Arizona Territory ranch have to hide the fact they’re orphans. If the authorities discover their secret, the Martin children will be removed from the Box M and placed in an orphanage in Tucson. The secret is safe with fifteen-year-old Ruth, fourteen-year-old Thad, and twelve-year-old Sarah; but can ten-year-old Bart and eight-year-old Billy keep it? To make matters worse, the Martins have made a commitment that they won’t lie to Sheriff Packard or any other people who visit the ranch and wonder where the adult Martins are. These five siblings are about to have their faith and their courage tested as they’ve never been tested before!
Review by G: Fantastic read! Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022. Verified Purchase. In The Box M Gang, newly orphaned Ruth Martin and her brother Thad, along with their younger siblings, tackle the challenges of running their ranch themselves rather than hazarding their future to the local orphanage. They must work together, be brave, and keep their secret quiet! Author Mark Redmond delights his audience once again with his knowledge of the old west, strong characters (both male and female!), charming storytelling, and clever dialog. His writing will enchant young readers and also entertain any older readers invited along on this adventure. All five stars are shining over this great read.
Review by Geibe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent book! Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024. I teach 3rd grade at a small, Christian school. I read this book aloud with my students, and every one of them LOVED it! From the opening sentence that hooked us in to the problems and solutions that were revealed throughout, it is a WONDERFUL book! I have students who are now interested in a new genre- western books! Thank you, Mark, for sharing your gift with us!
Review by Kathryn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wholesome and entertaining for any age. Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022.Just seeing Mark L. Redmond’s name lets me know I’m in for some refreshing good reading and another book I can gift or recommend. “The Box M Gang” didn’t let me down. As usual, it’s a great family read-together, youngsters read-alone, and no upper-age limit on enjoying. Written in the manner so many of us grew up with, the story has adventure and a moral without sounding teachy or preachy. Appreciate Redmond’s not lowering his standards as so many writers have done, thinking it necessary to reach today’s youth. We who write have the responsibility to keep those standards high.
Review by MomTimes4: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another fun book from Mark Redmond. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022. I really enjoy getting Mark Redmond’s books for our kids…. they are clean and well-written, without annoying proofing mistakes. I can trust them to my kids without previewing them and know there will be nothing objectionable in them. But we have also enjoyed reading his books WITH our kids over the years. They are even great for grandparents to read with their grands. His Arty Anderson was a favorite series for my dad and the grandkids to enjoy and discuss together. In this new Box M Gang book, we are introduced to an entirely new cast of characters, some loveable, some that I’m still not sure about, and a few that absolutely made my blood pressure rise in frustration. :)Redmond has the knack of character development! The story resolved well but leaves you ready and waiting for the next in the series. We’ll be waiting for it…. 🙂
Review by Tholritz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. You won’t be disappointed. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022.After reading & loving the Arty Anderson series and the Nate Landry series, we weren’t sure what this new series would be like, but we were sure we’d love it too. We were right! I read the first book in The Box M Gang series to my 10-year-old son, and he would beg me to keep reading each night. We both enjoyed the humor and suspense. As a mom, I loved the family/ godly values presented and the way the siblings work together as a team. The chapter sizes were the perfect length for reading before bed and kept us excited for the next night we could read again. We can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. In the meantime, we are starting the Arty Anderson series again. 😊 I highly recommend everything Mark Redmond writes. We’ve never been disappointed.
Review by Phil Truman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Growing Up Fast on the Arizona Frontier. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. Mark Redmond’s initial setup of his new western series about 5 orphaned siblings in the Arizona frontier, is a compelling read for teens. Packed with drama and captivating characters, the story weaves through the trials of fifteen-year-old Ruth and her brother Thad as they struggle to keep their young family together after their father’s death. On their small ranch, they bravely battle through threats from rustlers, squatters, outlaws, and the local sheriff. It is a gripping read striped with faith-based undertones. I highly recommend this opening novel in what promises to be a strength-of-character series. Phil Truman, author of Dire Wolf of the Quapaw and other Western novels.
Review by Amy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect book for readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022. In a world full of books for kids that are shallow, full of terrible grammar, and iffy on subject matter this book is a welcome breath of fresh air. The author tells a captivating story while exemplifying great writing, good morals, and fantastic values. If your kid is going to read a good book this is worth their time. I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed it too as a quick read. You won’t regret spending time reading this book or any of the others by this author.
Review by Mac Rollins: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Terrific Western Story for Young Readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2022. Author Mark L. Redmond has done it again. The Box M Gang is back with another Western Adventure. It is great to see a book that any parent, would feel good about giving to their child. Full of action to draw you into the story with likable, believable main characters. No, you won’t find zombies or aliens. There’s nothing that will embarrass you or your young reader. The Box M Gang is a great way to hook a child on clean, adventure books with a sprinkling of Old West History & Lore.
Review by Mike Wson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome book. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022. This author is a very good writer. The Box M Gang is a very good book! When I heard that a new series was coming out, I was very excited! I started reading from this author in his book Arty Goes West and very soon we had the whole Arty series and also his Nate Landry books and his book 5 For the Trail too. I am really looking forward to not only reading his future books but also rereading the books I already have. GET THE BOOK! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED 😁😁
Review by Earlita Hampton: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great story line. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022. I am so glad to be able to tell you how awesome this book is. I sat down and read this in one sitting and loved the storyline. I can’t wait to get a copy for my daughter to read. If you have had a chance to read any other books by Mark Redmond, this book follows right in line with those great writings. You will not be disappointed!!!
Review by MARI: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It captivates you immediately. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022. I read this book in 1 day. It was so captivating. The story line has some unexpected twists & turns that kept me from putting the book down. It doesn’t disappoint. It leaves you salivating for more. I’m looking so forward to next on-line in this series! Love that it is for any group!
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Redmond does it again. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. Mark Redmond once again hits the mark with his second book in the series. You are pulled into the story with the characters you have already fell in love with eagerly turning the page as the story progresses. Highly recommend.
The year is 1875. The Arizona Territory is a wild, sparsely settled place. The Martin family’s Box M Ranch is ten miles from their nearest neighbor and twenty miles from Tucson. Ma has been gone for two years, and Pa hasn’t been the same since she passed. Something inside him broke when he lost her. Fifteen-year-old Ruth, fourteen-year-old Thad, twelve-year-old Sarah, ten-year-old Bart, and eight-year-old Billy have been doing most of the work to keep the Box M running. Consequently, when Pa passes away, the Martin siblings face little change in their daily routine as far as their chores go.
They do, however, face an ominous threat. Ruth, Thad, and Sarah know they can continue to run the Box M without Pa. They also know if folks discover Pa has passed away, the local lawman will load the Martin siblings into a buckboard and haul them off to the orphanage near Tucson. Ruth is confident she, Thad, and Sarah can protect their secret from the occasional travelers who visit the Box M, but she’s concerned about Bart and Billy. They need to practice their conversations with each other to prepare for talking with strangers. They need to pray for God’s help as they tackle a nearly impossible task. They need to work together. They need to become the Box M Gang.
During the next few months, visitors to the Box M include the sheriff, a bounty hunter, cattle rustlers, and a family with five small children. Some of the visitors stay long enough to rest and water their livestock. Some spend the night and move on the next day. Others overstay their welcome. All of them pose a threat to the Martins.
Can they keep their secret and remain on the Box M? Saddle up, and let’s find out!
Review by G: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic read! Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022. Verified Purchase. In The Box M Gang, newly orphaned Ruth Martin and her brother Thad, along with their younger siblings, tackle the challenges of running their ranch themselves rather than hazarding their future to the local orphanage. They must work together, be brave, and keep their secret quiet! Author Mark Redmond delights his audience once again with his knowledge of the old west, strong characters (both male and female!), charming storytelling, and clever dialog. His writing will enchant young readers and also entertain any older readers invited along on this adventure. All five stars are shining over this great read.
Reviews by Kathryn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wholesome and entertaining for any age. Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. Just seeing Mark L. Redmond’s name lets me know I’m in for some refreshing good reading and another book I can gift or recommend. “The Box M Gang” didn’t let me down. As usual, it’s a great family read-together, youngsters read-alone, and no upper-age limit on enjoying. Written in the manner so many of us grew up with, the story has adventure and a moral without sounding teachy or preachy. Appreciate Redmond’s not lowering his standards as so many writers have done, thinking it necessary to reach today’s youth. We who write have the responsibility to keep those standards high.
Review by MomTimes4: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another fun book from Mark Redmond. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022. I really enjoy getting Mark Redmond’s books for our kids….they are clean and well-written, without annoying proofing mistakes. I can trust them to my kids without previewing them and know there will be nothing objectionable in them. But we have also enjoyed reading his books WITH our kids over the years. They are even great for grandparents to read with their grands. His Arty Anderson was a favorite series for my dad and the grandkids to enjoy and discuss together.
In this new Box M Gang book, we are introduced to an entirely new cast of characters, some loveable, some that I’m still not sure about, and a few that absolutely made my blood pressure rise in frustration.
Redmond has the knack of character development! The story resolved well, but leaves you ready and waiting for the next in the series. We’ll be waiting for it…. 🙂
Review by Tholritz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. You won’t be disappointed. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022. After reading & loving the Arty Anderson series and the Nate Landry series, we weren’t sure what this new series would be like, but we were sure we’d love it too. We were right! I read the first book in The Box M Gang series to my 10-year-old son and he would beg me to keep reading each night. We both enjoyed the humor and suspense. As a mom, I loved the family/ godly values presented and the way the siblings work together as a team. The chapter sizes were the perfect length for reading before bed and kept us excited for the next night we could read again. We can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. In the meantime, we are starting the Arty Anderson series again. 😊 I highly recommend everything Mark Redmond writes. We’ve never been disappointed.
Review by Phil Truman. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Growing Up Fast on the Arizona Frontier. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. Mark Redmond’s initial setup of his new western series about 5 orphaned siblings in the Arizona frontier, is a compelling read for teens. Packed with drama and captivating characters, the story weaves through the trials of fifteen-year-old Ruth and her brother Thad as they struggle to keep their young family together after their father’s death. On their small ranch, they bravely battle through threats from rustlers, squatters, outlaws, and the local sheriff. It is a gripping read striped with faith-based undertones. I highly recommend this opening novel in what promises to be a strength-of-character series. Phil Truman, author of Dire Wolf of the Quapaw and other Western novels.
Review by Amy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect book for readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022. In a world full of books for kids that are shallow, full of terrible grammar, and iffy on subject matter this book is a welcome breath of fresh air. The author tells a captivating story while exemplifying great writing, good morals, and fantastic values. If your kid is going to read a good book this is worth their time. I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed it too as a quick read. You won’t regret spending time reading this book or any of the others by this author.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Not an author but an artist. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. As per the title, I consider Mark Redmond an artist. He vividly paints you a picture of the old west. Mark’s words jump from the page, making you feel you are not only a reader but are part of the story as it unfolds. I have read his other books and already knew this one was a must read. Isn’t it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat.
Review by Mac Rollins: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Terrific Western Story for Young Readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2022. Author Mark L. Redmond has done it again. The Box M Gang is back with another Western Adventure. It is great to see a book, that any parent, would feel good about giving to their child. Full of action to draw you into the story with likable, believable main characters. No, you won’t find zombies or aliens. There’s nothing that will embarrass you or your young reader. The Box M Gang is a great way to hook a child on clean, adventure books with a sprinkling of Old West History & Lore.
The Adventures of Arty Anderson: Middle Grade Fiction by Mark L. Redmond.
Arty Goes West Mark L. Redmond.
Book 1 of 6: The Adventures of Arty Anderson.
Saddle up, pardner, and hang on! Arty Anderson is about to take you on a rip-roarin’ ride through the Old West. Arty’s adventure begins when he and his ma head west to live on a ranch left to them by Arty’s pa. Arty’s first stagecoach ride introduces him to some real “owlhoots”; who just can’t leave the tenderfoots alone; and being a twelve-year-old, Arty just naturally gets himself into all kinds of trouble with them, beginning with Mr. Chastain. If you like adventure, excitement and fun, then hurry up and get your ticket. The stagecoach is about to leave for the Circle A. “All aboard!”
Review by T.M.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars. Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2015. Verified Purchase. We have loved EVERY book in the Arty series! We wish there were more…
Review by Michael: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent series. Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2022. My kids loved reading the Arty Goes West series. Excellent stories!
Product Details: Print Length: 65 Pages Publisher: Sword of The Lord; 1st Edition (January 1, 1999) Publication Date: March 19, 2021 Language: English Historical Fiction The Adventures of Arty Anderson Middle Grade Fiction Westerns Christian (Religious & Inspirational Fiction) Westerns For Young Readers
No longer a tenderfoot, 13-year-old Arty Anderson has become “Arty the Kid”— a tough Texas cowhand, complete with gun and holster, but he has yet to learn some of the unwritten rules of the Old West. Arty’s exciting adventures continue as he stalks “Old Phantom”. If you like a challenge, then step into the saddle and join Arty on his hunt for “Phantom”–but I warn you–stay out of sight!
Review by Tholritz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A read the whole family will enjoy, even mom & dad. Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2022. I have already read the whole series to my older son who is 10, but now we are reading them again to my younger son who is seven. Last night my 13-year-old daughter was in her room, and I had no idea she was listening. When I stopped reading for a minute, I heard her yell out, “Keep reading, mom.”. 😊 All of Mark’s books are so well written, full of humor, family friendly and have really interesting plots. These are books your kids will want you to read again and again, and you won’t mind saying yes.
Product Details: Publisher: Sword Of The Lord (January 1, 2002) Language: English Historical Fiction The Adventures of Arty Anderson Middle Grade Fiction Westerns Christian (Religious & Inspirational Fiction) Westerns For Young Readers
Fourteen-year-old Arty and his friend Jasper, discover a man’s body with a Texas Ranger badge and a wanted poster in his pocket. All their skills are tested as they gather clues, leading them to a late-night adventure, unexpected suspect and face-to-face meeting.
Review by Anthony Justice: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Thank You. Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2013. Verified Purchase. Thank you so much the product is amazon. and I love the book. I will tell everyone about them. Thank You.
Product Details: Paperback: 120 Pages Publisher: Sword Of The Lord Publishers; First Edition (January 1, 2002) Language: English Historical Fiction The Adventures of Arty Anderson Middle Grade Fiction Westerns Christian (Religious & Inspirational Fiction) Westerns For Young Readers
When Arty and three of his friends plan a picnic in a section of the Circle A they haven’t explored yet, they intend to have a day filled with adventure and fun. Their plans don’t include getting caught in a sudden storm that causes a flash flood. Because he is more experienced than his friends, Arty feels responsible for keeping them safe. How will he protect them when his own life is threatened? Get ready for a wild ride!
Review by T.M.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars. Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2015. Verified Purchase. We have loved EVERY book in the Arty series! We wish there were more…
Review by Michael: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent Story. Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2022. Loved reading this series when I was younger and also having my kids read it. Great story for all ages!
Review by Anthony justice: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Thank You. Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2013. Verified Purchase. Thank you so much the product is amazon. and I love the book. I will tell everyone about them. Thank You.
Product Details: Print Length: 58 Pages Publication Date: May 18, 2021 Language: English Historical Fiction The Adventures of Arty Anderson Middle Grade Fiction Westerns Christian (Religious & Inspirational Fiction) Westerns For Young Readers
In previous volumes, Arty Anderson, a teenage cowboy, has survived scrapes with a cougar and a flash flood, but this time he’s up against a classic western villain–cattle rustlers! Long-time enemy, Jeff Chastain, is back with a gang of outlaws who have escaped from prison. When they learn that a posse is organizing to come after them, Chastain plans a diversion that could spell disaster for the Circle A ranch. Ride along as Arty, Marshal Bodie and the ranch hands get help from Little Hawk, the Indian boy who lives at the ranch, as they chase down the bad guys and have a showdown before they can reach Mexico.
Review by T.M.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars. Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2015. Verified Purchase. We have loved EVERY book in the Arty series! We wish there were more…
Product Details: Print Length: 71 Pages Publisher: Sword Of The Lord Publisher’s; First Edition (January 1, 2005) Publication Date: June 7, 2021 Language: English Historical Fiction The Adventures of Arty Anderson Middle Grade Fiction Westerns Christian (Religious & Inspirational Fiction) Westerns For Young Readers
Life moves on at an exciting pace for Arty Anderson! He now faces the opportunity of a lifetime: helping take a herd of over a thousand head of Texas longhorns up the Chisholm Trail! Yes, sirree, it’s an authentic cattle drive from the Circle A Ranch in Texas to Dodge City, Kansas!
Along the trail, Arty and the other cowhands encounter such dangers as angry steers, quicksand, lightning storms, stampedes, rustlers and Indians. Over and over, Arty is reminded to trust in God for help and strength. Through it all, Arty’s faith in the Lord is strengthened as he finds opportunities to witness for Christ.
Review by Jennifer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. My Son Loves Arty! Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015. My son and I have been reading through the Arty series together this summer. He loves them! He has to strap on his cap gun every time we read so that he can be like Arty :-). Mom really appreciates the sound Bible lessons he is learning. We hope there are more to come in this series.
Product Details: Print Length: 103 Pages Publisher: Sword Of The Lord (September 23, 2011) Language: English Historical Fiction The Adventures of Arty Anderson Middle Grade Fiction Westerns Christian (Religious & Inspirational Fiction) Westerns For Young Readers
Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues by Mark L. Redmond.
Book 1: Bounty Hunter Nate Landry.
The stereotypical bounty hunter in tales of the old West is an unprincipled, dirty, back-shooter, who is only motivated by the reward money he collects. Nate Landry and his best friend Wolf are a different breed of bounty hunter. They witnessed too much killing during the Civil War; consequently, they try to subdue the outlaws they’re after by using their brains instead of their bullets. But when Anna Thomas asks Nate to rescue her kidnapped son and see that the kidnappers are punished, he and Wolf find themselves chasing an enemy from their past. This man is so evil that killing him may be their only option–if he doesn’t kill them first. If you like adventure, humor, and the old West, saddle up and get ready to ride!
5 Stars: The Language Of A Six-Shooter!
Author Mark L. Redmond is a western action-adventure writer, who takes his readers back to the old wild west in 1877, where campfire coffee is strong and everyone knows the language of a six-shooter.
Chapter One of Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues opens in Florence, Arizona, when Bounty Hunter Nate Landry returns home to find Anna Thomas waiting in his cabin with her pistol aimed straight at him. Anna is a mother on a mission to recover her kidnapped son Daniel.
The adventure unfolds as Nate and his trusted companion Wolf, accompanied by Anna, begin their search for Daniel Thomas.
Here is a quote from Chapter Six, as Nate, Wolf, and Anna go in search of bad man Major Campbell.
…We rode in silence for nearly an hour, letting the horses run awhile in the coolness of the morning. I was praying and watching. One of the things that made Campbell so dangerous was the fact that he was unpredictable. He had often succeeded in defeating the rebs by making moves that no other officer would have considered. He had never cared about sacrificing the lives of his men. Most of the time, the insanity of his tactics had protected his soldiers. He had favored the element of surprise, and he had known how to make it work in his favor. I reckoned Campbell hadn’t changed.
…I considered the matter of what to tell Anna about Campbell and how we had met David. We had no idea of what she already knew about this devil who had murdered her husband and stolen her son. And then she told us. “We named him after you,” Anna said.
…I looked at her, but she stared straight ahead. “Daniel Nathan Thomas,” she said. “David wanted to name our son after you. He said you and Wolf had saved his life. He was wounded and came home a year before the war ended.
…He told me about what happened to the other men who were captured with him. He always believed that God had spared him so that he could take care of me—”
…Anna began to cry softly.
… “I’d like to kill Campbell very slowly,” Wolf said.
… “I reckon he’d do the same to us if he got the chance,” I said.
… “If and when he finds out who we are,” Wolf said, “he’ll come after us. We have the edge right now because we know who he is. All he knows about us is that we’re two riders escorting Mrs. Thomas.”
If you need a change of pace, miss the old, wholesome western stories, and appreciate mid-western Christian values, Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues should be your next read. Author Mark L. Redmond has two western books for “grownups” and six westerns in his Adventures of Arty Anderson series, geared for middle grade readers.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun easy reading. Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2021.This book was funny, gave a good feel for what life was like for the men living on the trail, easy to read for a quiet afternoon. Good for adults and older teens. Can’t wait to share it with family and friends and to read the next book in the series. I would highly recommend that everyone read it.
Review by Jeff Benham: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Brothers from another mother. Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021. Verified Purchase. Nate and Wolf grew up together, went to war together and now are bounty hunters together. This time is a bit difference. A woman comes to them because her husband was murdered and son kidnapped. Nate’s name was the last thing her husband muttered before he died. It turns out he was in the army with them and the kidnapper was their commanding officer. Love the banter and comradery between these two.
Product Details: Print Length: 84 Pages Publication Date: June 4, 2020 Publisher: Independently Published (August 19, 2020) Language: English Historical Fiction (Christian) Westerns (Action & Adventure) Fiction (Westerns) Westerns For Adult Readers
Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Family Fury by Mark L. Redmond.
Book 2: Bounty Hunter Nate Landry.
Nate and Wolf didn’t have much trouble capturing Luke Womack and his two sidekicks. They turned the outlaws over to the town marshal at Wickenburg; and, since the town didn’t have a jail yet, he chained the trio to the jail tree. With their trap baited and set, all Nate and Wolf have to do is sit back and wait to capture Luke’s four brothers, all hardened criminals, when they come to rescue him.
The problem is, Nate and Wolf have no idea who will come when, or how many of the Womack brothers will show up at the same time. They do know Luke’s brothers will be coming angry and ready to kill. They also know if they’re going to survive the ordeal, they’d better be ready for whatever trouble the Womacks bring. It’s more than likely that someone’s going to die.
5 Stars: Angry Hornets or Five Womacks?
Author Mark L. Redmond uses his great sense of humor to open book two in his ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Landry’ series.
This is Wild West storytelling at its best, with high-action drama that will draw you back into 1877, where the Arizona Territory comes to life with three bank robberies. four stagecoach robberies, and a murder.
In ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Family Fury (Book Two); Nate and Wolf (his trusted companion) study and discuss a reward poster over coffee, after eating a hearty breakfast. The two men ponder the reward money offered for Luke Womack and his sidekicks. What they need is a plan.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 7:
…One of the things Wolf and I had learned while we were soldiers was the value of surprising the enemy. Often, we had defeated forces that were superior to ours in both number and skill because we had caught them off guard. Catching the Womacks off guard wouldn’t guarantee that Wolf and I could beat them, but we reckoned it would give us an edge.
…We were leaning against the hitching rail in front of the mercantile, enjoying the warmth of the mid-morning sun and smoking cigars. We were also making plans.
… “The Womacks will expect us to be waiting for them here in town,” I said.
… “Because they don’t know us?” Wolf asked.
… “Exactly,” I said.
… “They’ll also be looking for two men,” Wolf said. He tapped the ash from the end of his cigar. “So, we’re going to split up?”
… “And watch the trail from both sides of town,” I said. I exhaled smoke, smiled, and touched the brim of my hat as two ladies crossed from the other side of the street to enter the mercantile.
… “We’ll be close enough that whoever sees a Womack first should be able to signal the other,” Wolf said. He took a long draw on his cigar, leaned his head back, and blew the smoke into the air. “With one of us in sight and the other hidden, I reckon we’ll still have an edge.”
Putting the plan into action, they pack their supplies and saddle their horses with confidence. The plan sounds easy enough, but the adventure has just begun. This story takes place where the west is wild, outlaws terrorize small towns, and the brave bounty men ride in pursuit of justice.
The ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Landry’ series is comprised of stand-alone books, geared for YA and Adults. Author Mark L. Redmond has also produced a western adventure series for middle school readers, titled ‘The Adventures Of Arty Anderson’. Mark taught high school English for 28 years in South Bend, Indiana. He is a member of Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, SCBWI, ACFW, and the Single Action Shooting Society. He has been studying the West through reading and travel for most of his life (and he’s an old timer, born in 1953). Mark and his wife Susie live in Arizona, where Mark has turned his attention full-time to writing more old western tales. I am looking forward to book three in the ‘Bounty Hunter Nate Laundry’ series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Jim Walterhouse: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable read! Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2023. Verified Purchase. It was nice to read something that does no have sex scenes or cursing in it. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Review by Bob C: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A family round up. Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021. Verified Purchase. Landry and Wolf aim to capture a thief and murderer. It turns out, as bad as the outlaw is, he may be the best of his four other brothers. Nate and Wolf decide to use him as bait to capture his brothers. Landry and Wolf are bounty hunters because the law is still sparse in the Arizona territory, and they’ve the experience and the sense of responsibility to do what they can to help capture dangerous outlaws. If you like Westerns, you’ll like the Nate Landry series. If you don’t like Westerns, you might after giving these books a try.
Review by Amy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Quality read. Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2021. Verified Purchase. This is a wonderful book to read whether adult or teen. The author has a talented way of weaving an interesting story with good character and morals taught while not including “adult only” content that many do not enjoy reading. I highly suggest this read!
Review by VICKIE J PENNINGTON: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Favorite male author. Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2021. Verified Purchase. Great book from an excellent writer!
Review by Jeff Benham: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Is there no end to Womacks? Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021.In the second book in the series Nate and Wolf track down ruthless outlaw Luke Womack. The problem is, he has brothers as mean as he is. Capturing them too, will be a pretty good trick. I sure hope there are more of these planned.
Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Dust Devil by Mark L. Redmond.
Book 3: Bounty Hunter Nate Landry.
Book three in the series finds Nate and Wolf pursuing a gang of outlaws who helped themselves to $20,000 from the bank in Florence, Arizona Territory, and then disappeared. Although the bounty hunters have plenty of experience at tracking down outlaws, the gang’s cunning leader manages to stay one step ahead of them. The chase leads them from Florence to Tucson, then to Goose Flats. Each time Nate and Wolf get close, the outlaws disappear like a dust devil. Although they’re facing one of the most challenging adversaries they’ve encountered so far, neither of the bounty hunters will even consider giving up. Adventure abounds as the reader rides into the old West.
For nearly twenty years, Mark L. Redmond had been telling stories about the old West to young readers. Finally, he’s turning his attention to “big kids” Here’s a collection of some of his best stories, including three that were unpublished until now. Redmond’s stories are not typical tales of shootouts and quick draws. In his unique way, he has created some delightful characters who choose to outsmart their opponents instead of out-shooting them.
Redmond is the author of the six-book middle grade series, The Adventures of Arty Anderson (Sword of the Lord Publishers, Murfreesboro, Tennessee). His story “The Spittoon” was a finalist in the 2010 Moonlight Mesa competition; “The Switch” appeared in a storyteller’s edition of Grit magazine; and “The Reward” was published in Elbow Creek. Mark and his wife Susie are workcampers. They live in a motor home and work in camp resort parks from Indiana to Arizona. Together they have six children and nine grandchildren.
Review by Bob C: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A quick but satisfying read. Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021. Verified Purchase. The old west comes alive through the eyes of six different men, each with a story to tell in this collection. A quick but satisfying read.
Review by Carl Burkart: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Short, Imaginative, stories from the old west. Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019. Verified Purchase. I enjoyed each one of the short stories and only wish there were more.
About Mark L. Redmond: Mark L. Redmond taught high school English for 28 years in South Bend, Indiana. He has published over 25 short stories and articles, a six-book middle grade fiction series (The Adventures of Arty Anderson), a collection of short stories (Five for the Trail), and two western novels for more mature readers (Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Major Issues and Bounty Hunter Nate Landry: Family Fury). Redmond and his wife Susie were workcampers, who lived in their motor home for eight years and enjoyed exploring the West.
A member of Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, SCBWI, ACFW, and the Single Action Shooting Society, Redmond has been studying the West through reading and travel for most of his life (and he’s an old timer, born in 1953!). Mark and Susie now live in Arizona, where Mark continues to write.
A Celtic warrior princess is torn between her forbidden love for the enemy and duty to her people.
5 Stars: Interesting story!
Travel back to a time in 24 AD where strong Celtic women find themselves influencing Clansmen, Kings and Queens. This ancient time is set in Rome and on the Southeast Coast of Britannia where fantasy, mythology, medieval practices, politics, religion, Celtic culture, the Roman Empire, and forbidden romance bring about this fictional tale tailored by well researched history, archaeological evidence supported with a cast of fictional and non-fictional characters artfully woven in by skilled writer Linnea Tanner.
The story begins with Princess Catrin, her horse and her raven spirit guide observing ships, possible war ships in the distance. Advice from her father “know your enemies better than your friends” along with her spirit guide and ancient powers will help Catrin through the perils that await.
I invite you into this epic tale where “Alone in Mor’s candlelit bedchamber, Catrin shifted restlessly under her blankets. Not having to share the bed with her sister, because Mor was gone most of the night with Belinus, she thought slumber would come easy. Yet an ominous fire lingered inside her and foreboding thoughts crackled through her mind about what her father had said at the family meeting during the festivities. When he announced that Mor must be prepared to wed Cunobelin’s son after he renegotiated a matrimonial agreement, she wilted like a flower denied water. The burden of keeping Mor’s secret about Belinus weighed heavily on Catrin’s conscience. If Cunobelin found out, it could unravel the tenuous negotiations for peace between the powerful tribal kingdoms.
More troubling, her father instructed her on ways she could beguile Marcellus into revealing Roman’s schemes for their kingdom. Her stomach tossed with conflicting emotions about the striking Roman. How could she carry out her father’s directive when this young man made her heart race every time, he gazed at her?”
Apollo’s Raven is a fast-paced, intriguing story with characters, situations and mystical threads sparked my interest and kept me turning the page of this award-winning book.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Heidi: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What a Captivating Read – Can’t wait to read the next one! Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023. Verified Purchase. Sorcery? Mythology? Forbidden love? An ancient curse? Yes, please!
I fully enjoyed this epic tale of intrigue, deception, and love. The characters are developed well, while the plot leaves the reader wanting more.
One of my favorite aspects has to be the connection that Catrin has with ravens. She is able to see through her raven’s eyes, control its action when inside, and is able to call upon many ravens when she is need of help.
Also, I loved the many storylines and directions this book took. There was the ancient curse set upon Catrin’s family. Its connection to her conniving step-brother, Marrock. Then, the connection to the Druidess, Agnora, and her evil plot. Also, there was the unsettling matter of the Emperor favoring Marrock as King versus the true King Amren, Catrin’s father. I could go on and on, but I won’t. Just know that there’s even more to this adventurous read!
There were a couple of areas where this read could be improved. For instance, the back-and-forth between Catrin and Marcellus was a bit much. Then, I do question the use of modern-age profanity in 24 AD.
Overall, I was happy to have read Apollo’s Raven, and loved Tanner’s ability to tell a wonderful tale!
Review by John P: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable Read. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2021. Verified Purchase. (This is my review submitted to Online Book Club ARA).
Apollo’s Ravens] by Linnea Tanner is set back in the times when Romans contested the Anglo Saxons and Celts for Britain. We quickly learn that the heroine, a young Anglo princess named Catrin has two sisters and a brother, as well as the King (Amren) and the Queen as her parents. As the tale unfolds, each of these characters is embellished with secret pasts and ambitions. Even Catrin herself is unusual as we are informed, she is something of a trainee mystic with an affinity for ravens.
Early on we also encounter the Romans, Marcellus, and his scheming father Senator Lucius Antonius, who is poised to alter the balance of power in Britannia. However, things don’t go to plan. Unpredictable, inexperienced Marcellus places himself in harm’s way to avoid a fatal confrontation during hostile negotiations.
Catrin and Marcellus are thrown together and a deep relationship develops, although neither is sure whether the other is really a spy, trying to gain an advantage for their family and country.
Along with Amren and Lucius, there is a third, secret wicked party that also features, attempting to manipulate everyone involved, hoping to gain ultimate glory. The deceptive individuals concerned also have mystical powers that are likely to prove more decisive than any band of Celtic warriors or Roman legion.
Hostages are exchanged between the Anglo Saxons and Romans to ensure temporary security until peaceful negotiations can be undertaken. The safety of the hostages, one of whom is Marcellus, is jeopardized as both sides scheme and plan to double-cross each other.
As the story continues, Catrin with her mystic abilities has visions that can be interpreted as dire for the outcome of Marcellus and herself, but perhaps she can no longer trust these visions as the evil mystic is also at work. An arrow of death is predicted to kill young Marcellus unless the future can be changed. The outcome is uncertain and we are kept in suspense until the final pages.
I enjoyed reading this work and have awarded five stars, the top rating, as I can see no serious flaws nor detect a reason to do otherwise. It remains to list the aspects of the book which impressed me the most.
At the top of the list must be the historical detail making the story seem very realistic. The research behind this work to achieve this effect subtly surfaces in many aspects. Light touches referring to the squalid dirt and grime, the smells, the physical appearance and much more, are sufficient to paint a vivid picture without hindering the pace of the tale.
The intertwining of Celtic and Roman mythologies into the storyline is also deftly handled so that the reader begins to appreciate how and why some of the characters are aligned. In those dark ages, the trust in the ancient Gods, reincarnation and symbolism would be paramount. These themes are firmly communicated in the book.
The mystical attributes of young Catrin are introduced in chapter one and continue to emerge and grow throughout the book. I found the author’s handling of this topic very believable and of course, crucial to the storyline.
Apart from Catrin and Marcellus, there are many other characters to be discovered. Each individual is sufficiently portrayed to allow the tension and web of intrigue to develop as hostages are taken and the climax arrives. There is love, infidelity, treachery, loyalty, jealousy, defiance, arrogance and more, interwoven within the characters.
Finally, it must also be said that this is the beginning of a love story. The emotions of Catrin and Marcellus along with their spiritual needs, the love scenes, their doubts and fears, are all well handled by the author. The outcome of their encounters is uncertain until the last pages. So even the more romantic amongst us are hooked until the end.
Perhaps I would point to one small flaw that I found as an annoyance, but by no means detracting from the five-star rating. I purchased the kindle version and checked the following observation on both the kindle and the cloud kindle app (read.amazon.co.uk). There is no table of contents or list of chapters! Other books do have this! The front cover looks great on the PC, but the lack of an index or table of contents makes it difficult for the reader to drop back to a previous chapter if they want to refer to something. This is only a format issue but in my view worth mentioning. Otherwise, a great book and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Awards:
2017 New Apple Book Awards Official Selection: Historical Fiction and Cross Genre
2017 Global eBooks Award BRONZE MEDAL Fantasy/Historical
2019 Pencraft Best Book of the Year Award2019
Readers’ Favorite BRONZE MEDAL Magic/Wizardry2021
The Global Book Award Gold Medal: Historical Fiction2021 Book Excellence Award Winner Fantasy
Product Details: Paperback: 392 Pages Publisher: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC (August 16, 2018) Language: English Fantasy (Arthurian) Fantasy (Greek & Roman) Fantasy (Myth & Legend) Fantasy (Historical)
A Celtic warrior princess accused of treason for aiding her enemy lover must win back her father’s love and trust.
In the rich and vibrant tale, Author Linnea Tanner continues the story of Catrin and Marcellus that began with the awarding-winning novel APOLLO’S RAVEN in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings Series. Book 2: DAGGER’S DESTINY sweeps you into an epic tale of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia.
War looms over 24 AD Britannia where rival tribal rulers fight each other for power and the Romans threaten to invade to settle their political differences. King Amren accuses his daughter, Catrin, of treason for aiding the Roman enemy and her lover, Marcellus. The ultimate punishment is death unless she can redeem herself. She must prove loyalty to her father by forsaking Marcellus and defending their kingdom–even to the death. Forged into a warrior, she must overcome tribulations and make the right decisions on her quest to break the curse that foretells her banished half-brother and the Roman Empire will destroy their kingdom.
Yet, when Catrin again reunites with Marcellus, she is torn between her love for him and duty to King Amren. She must ultimately face her greatest challenger who could destroy her life, freedom, and humanity.
Will Catrin finally break the ancient prophecy that looms over her kingdom? Will she abandon her forbidden love for Marcellus to win back her father’s trust and love? Can King Amren balance his brutality to maintain power with the love he feels for Catrin?
5 Stars: Epic Tale!
I invite you to continue this epic tale as Dagger’s Destiny takes up where Apollo’s Raven left off. It is July AD in Southeast Britannia and main character Princess Catrin kneels by her father’s bloody and bruised body reassured that the King is still alive.
Fast moving drama with the characters, you came to love or hate in Apollo’s Raven finds Princess Catrin torn between loyalty to Marcellus and her father. “How could Catrin continue living if her heart was split between Marcellus and her father? Losing Vala was the fatal wound in her already bleeding heart. She trembled, recounting her father’s words. Would you bet your own life on the gamble that Marcellus will release Vala?
Catrin’s love for Marcellus and his failure to release Vala had condemned her as a traitor in her father’s eyes. She looked around the stark receiving chamber and stared at the skulls looking down on her in judgment. She remembered the dark tale that her father had told her when she was a child.
A mermaid, who had saved a sailor from a shipwreck, swam to shore, cradling his head above the water. Though she desperately wanted to stay with the sailor, she realized she was a sea creature and would die on land. Heartbroken, she stabbed herself in the breast with a knife and turned the water red with her blood. Grief-stricken, she floated on the waves until her body dissolved into its foam. As the sun’s rays radiated on the cold foam, delicate fairies sparkled over its surface.”
A test of loyalty that no daughter, father or romantic suitor would want to engage in. Find out what happens as this story continues from book one and prepares the reader for book 3 in this Celtic Tale. Like me, you will keep you turning the page as author Linnea Tanner skillfully weaves fantasy, romance, mythology, history, and the clash of Celtic culture and the Roman Empire into the Curse Of The Clansmen and Kings series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by BloomKai: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is a well written Historical Fantasy. Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020. Verified Purchase.
Dagger’s Destiny (Curse of Clansmen and Kings) written by: Linnea Tanner, is the second book in this Historical Fantasy series about a curse, treason, betrayal, and death. That revolves around a young girl, named Catrin, who fell in love with a Roman, named Marcellus, who is the clans enemy.
Her father King Amren believes, due to the information that he was given, that his daughter is a traitor. King Amren believes that Catrin was seduced into giving sensitive information to Marcellus. With war brewing King Amren feels he has no other choice but to put his daughter on trial. King Amren gives Catrin one more chance to prove her loyalty. This involves Catrin making the hard decision of breaking the curse, and becoming a warrior or choosing love. She must make a difficult choice before it is too late.
This is a wonderfully written story full of thoughtful descriptions on how life was in 24 AD Southeast Britannia. On how magic and the mythical beliefs were handled and believed in this era. The use of magic mixed with the earthly elements felt like they were real and could easily exist in the modern world. The use of historically accurate beliefs really helped to bring this story to life and showed the depth the author went to in order to make this story feel real. In doing so the events and the characters felt like they could have been real historical events and people living in that point in time.
The way that the two different belief systems are interwoven was wonderfully done. You could see how different they are and how similar. This helps to keep the story entertaining and believable. The action is almost non-stop but for some slow periods that help to make the action more fleshed out and understandable.
I enjoyed the way the wedding ritual was described. It felt alien to me and yet familiar. The way that Catrin’s people believe that the woman represents a goddess and the man, represents something that is mortal. That was a lovely description that matched the lore for that era. I liked how there were some twists and turns in the story line. It kept me guessing as to what was coming next.
This is not suitable for the younger readers as it does have some very mild sexual descriptions and the use of profanity. This is a great book for those who enjoy the historical fantasy that centers around the Celtic and Roman myths. The story was professionally edited. I found very few errors. I give Dagger’s Destiny a 4 out of 4 stars. The reason for this score is for the great editing and the blending of the magical and the earthly elements to make a great story.
Review by L.C.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Dark magic, familial revenge, and an illicit romance. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2018. Verified Purchase.
Dark magic, familial revenge, and an illicit romance. This story packs a punch and the author doesn’t hold back on the intrigue or the mystical power of the druids. You may have heard the phrase ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’, then this story has it in spades. Dagger’s Destiny by Linnea Tanner is the second book in her series, Curse of Clansmen and Kings, a historical fantasy set in Ancient Britain.
The author recaps well on the final events from Book 1, Apollo’s Raven, and the main character, Catrin, has to make amends for her interference at the prisoner exchange. Her actions, is the beginning of catastrophic outcomes for herself, her father–the king, family, and her clan. As the story progresses, Catrin, with the ancient powers of the druids, tests her gifts and is duped into believing she can alter the curse as beset by her father’s first wife, a sorceress with dark powers.
Her lover, Marcellus, a Roman who had accompanied his father to Britain to establish Roman rule and alliances, is an unwitting patsy, used by his father and Catrin’s father. Marcellus’ father is set on proving to the emperor, Tiberius, how great his family is and to dispel the misdeeds of his famous and once distinguished pater familia, Marc Antony. Lucius will do anything to restore his family’s name.
In the meantime, Catrin’s half-brother Garrack, is bent on revenge. His father had exiled him after he tried to molest Catrin. Garrack seeks support from Lucius and a rival Celtic king, however this alliance backfires, and now he and his reincarnated mother, use dark magic to wrest the kingdom away from his father.
The author’s knowledge on Celtic Britain shines through in the story, her grasp on the magic of the druids, the landscape of Ancient Britain and of the many tribes is a testament to the research involved. The intricate political scene of Celtic tribes and the invasion of the Roman’s shows the author’s skill in weaving an intricate story that melds history, mystique, and romance. What I particularly enjoyed was the interaction between the characters and how well developed they are. I am curious to see how Catrin, the heroine in the story, develops and whether her gifts will be her undoing… or not.
Dagger’s Destiny is a well written historical fantasy that takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure through Ancient Britain. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy British and Ancient Roman history, and for those who appreciate what is really good storytelling.
Review by Wine Cellar Library: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Part 2 of an Epic Saga. Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2020. Verified Purchase.
Dagger’s Destiny is the second book in Linnea Tanner’s remarkable Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. It is imperative that you read Apollo’s Raven prior to embarking on this novel. Not only does Dagger’s Destiny pick up right where Apollo’s Raven ended, but only minimal summary is provided of the events that occurred in the first book. There are numerous conflicts at play in this series, and I do not expect the majority of them to be resolved until the series concludes. At the time of this review, five books have been promised by the author for this series!
In comparison to the first book, Dagger’s Destiny is overflowing with action sequences. I was really impressed by the ruthlessness of the author in the narrative. It was reminiscent of scenes from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The brutality may be difficult for some readers, but it gives the book a realistic quality. Whereas most fantasy novels try to give every character a “happily ever after,” this author will not spare your feelings. Consider yourself warned!
Like the first book, this book ends abruptly. It ends so suddenly, in fact, that I did not realize it had even ended until I reached the endnotes! This may be something that turns off some readers, but I quite enjoy it. It can become irritating when every book in a series spends time winding down at the end of one book and then reiterating events for several pages at the beginning of the next book. In contrast, this series reads like one large epic saga broken into several parts.
If you enjoy historical fantasy, Roman history, Celtic history, and/or epic sagas, you will treasure this series!
Awards:
2019 Readers’ Favorite GOLD MEDAL Fiction: Magic/Wizardry
2019 Global eBook Award GOLD MEDAL Fantasy/Historical
Product Details: Paperback: 350 Pages Publisher: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC (September 26, 2018) Language: English Fantasy (Arthurian) Fantasy (Greek & Roman) Fantasy (Myth & Legend) Fantasy (Historical)
Although Catrin is the rightful heir to the Celtic throne in Britannia, she is lucky to be alive. After witnessing the slaughter of her family at the hands of her half-brother, who was aided by the Romans, she is enslaved by a Roman commander. He disguises her as a boy in the Roman Legion with the belief that she is an oracle of Apollo and can foretell his future. The sole bright spot in her miserable new life is her forbidden lover Marcellus, the great-grandson of the famed Roman General Mark Antony.
But Marcellus has been wounded and his memories of Catrin and their secret marriage were erased by a dark Druidess. Though Marcellus reunites with Catrin in Gaul and becomes her ally as she struggles to survive the brutality of her Roman master, he questions the legitimacy of their marriage and hesitates to help her escape and retake her kingdom. If their forbidden love and alliance are discovered, her dreams of returning to her Celtic home with Marcellus will be shattered.
5 Stars: Epic Series Continues!
Those of us following The Curse of Clansmen and Kings series by Author Linnea Tanner continue this Celtic Tale in book three titled ‘Amulet’s Rapture’.
Books One and Two cover the (4 AD to 24 AD) war between tribal rulers and the Romans (over political differences) that put Britannia in peril. Revenge, accusations of treason, kidnapping, tests of loyalty, romance and even shapeshifting brings us to where we are now in the saga.
Amulet’s Revenge begins in Northern Gaul, Late Autumn, 24 AD as Catrin “Still, she held out hope. Her dead father had appeared in a dream and told her that a young raven would teach her how to gain more powers from the ancient Druids.”
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 26, titled The Black Sphinx and set in Durocortorum, Gaul, August, 26 AD. I quote:
…Catrin’s world had been turned on its head. After a week of traveling inside a wagon, she couldn’t connect to her caged raven, though it was in close proximity next to the driver. Unlike before, she couldn’t travel to the Wall of Lives in the raven’s mind and visit Marcellus in his dreams. It was as if her second sight had vanished. For the first time in her life, she was blind, in darkness, desperate to find the light out of her dilemma. She had already made several attempts to latch onto the image of the white raven in her mind and shapeshift to its form. Her wits were in a whirlwind, trying to figure out what was blocking her magic. Was the stress of being a condemned gladiator taking a toll on her mystical abilities?
…The click of the opening door and Verus’s voice barking, “Get out,” jolted Catrin out of her grim contemplations. She and the other shackled prisoners shuffled out of the wagon onto a rampart. To her dismay, she recognized the slave quarters at Durocortorum, where Decimus had previously threatened to imprison her.
…Panic coursed through her veins as guards escorted her into the graystone building, where they passed rows of cages holding slaves. To the rear of the structure was a splintered wooden table on which a black cauldron had been set. Log benches lined the back wall. A disheveled female slave, whose front teeth were missing, scooped porridge into bowls, handing one to each of the prisoners.
…Warily glancing around, Catrin wondered if this was a temporary stop or would they be retained here. She sat on a log bench beside the other shackled men. Though queasy, she lifted the bowl into the palms of her hands and shook it to dislodge the porridge into her mouth. Most of the pasty cereal adhered to the surface of the rust-colored bowl. With shackles restricting her movement, she scraped the upper edge of the bowl with her fingers and licked the pasty substance off her fingertips. It tasted salty and a little sour. Her stomach clenched when she observed green tinge of mold on the porridge. She retched what little she had eaten. A dark-skinned, shackled prisoner scooted away from her with a look of disgust.
… “It’s moldy,” she explained, scrunching her face in disgust. The shackled prisoner shrugged and gobbled his glob of porridge down.
…Catrin then noticed Verus approaching with the caged raven. Next to him was the disgusting slave dealer, Rufus, whom she remembered from her previous visit to the site with Decimus. He was furiously scratching red sores on his neck—a tell-tale sign of lice infestation.
…Verus set the caged raven at Catrin’s feet. The bird, in obvious stress, shrieked and flapped its wings against the wooden bars. She leaned over the cage and said softly, “Calm down. No one will hurt you.”
…The raven quieted and gawked at her, opening its beak as if begging for food.
…Rufus handed Catrin a couple strips of bloody flesh. “Here. For the raven.”
…Not sure if the tissue was animal or human, Catrin pushed it between the wooden bars for the raven to eat. The creature clasped the tissue in its beak and gobbled it down. After that, it pressed its black-feathered body against the cage. Although she wanted to stroke the raven’s plumage, hoping she could connect with it, the metal shackles restrained her.
…Verus and Rufus then began talking about Catrin, as though she were not there. Their discourse disquieted her as she closely listened.
…Rufus remarked, “She would bring top coin as a personal slave to a politician in Rome. He would enjoy taming the wild creature in his bed.”
… “She’d slit his throat before that happened,” Verus retorted. “I watched her fight Centurion Priscus. She held her own.”
…Rufus’s eyebrow cocked. “Pity. Who will she fight in the arena? Another woman?”
…This book is a must read for those who love Historical Epic Fantasy. Enjoy each book in the series, as we wait for ‘Skull’s Vengeance (Book 4 of the Curse Of Clansmen and Kings series.
…Author Linnea Tanner researched this historical time period very well, and her excellent story telling brings this drama to life, keeping the readers engaged and turning and the pages. She includes maps of Britannia and Gaul along with a complete list of characters (even a downloadable PDF).
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Mounce574: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An amazing sequel in this series. Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023. Verified Purchase.
Catrin has been renamed and dressed as a boy slave to Decimus. Marcellus is caught with Elaine and must serve as a soldier for Decimus. He discovers Catrin and she becomes pregnant. However, Decimus is determined to keep them apart. Marcellus is sent to fight rebels and Cardin is sent to be trained as a Gladiatrix.
This is an epic story that pulls at the hope of a forbidden love. I was overwhelmed with the need to continue reading and plan on continuing the series.
Review by Karen Ingalls. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent. Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019. Verified Purchase.
The author, Linnea Tanner has done extensive research into Roman history, mysticism, anthropology, and religions. For those that had not read books 1 and 2, the author brings the story-line forward smoothly. I had read the previous two books, but it was good to have a little refresher.
This trilogy is one of my favorite books of the year.
Review by Barbara Harrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Action-Packed Political Historical Romance. Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2023. Allow a full long day for this action-packed PG15 political historical romance set between AD 4-27 in Rome, Gaul, and Britannia. I had an ARC from NetGalley that got lost in the queue and this is my voluntary review.
Review by Brianna DaSilva: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Tale of mystical intrigue and a love that transcends all! Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022.
If you love Celtic mythology and Roman mythology then this is the book for you! This book is reminiscent of the wonderful show Britannia as it too shows the merging of the two cultures and the clashes they face when Rome and Britannia meet each other head on. With lore, magic, and action you can’t hope for much more in a book. While this book is the third in the series, you don’t have to worry about having read or remembering everything from the first two books because the author has done what more should, and given a synopsis of what has taken place. The scene has been set perfectly with the synopsis and jumps right into the happenings of this portion of the series. This is a tale of mystical intrigue and a love that transcends all the interferences and traumas that take place. While there are some trigger warnings to give due to some sexual situations and violence the book still puts the story together in a way that doesn’t glorify or shine a positive light onto those situations. This book also has strong female characters who rise to face their challenges with determination, resilience, and power! I give this book a 4 out of 4 for the plot, the characters, the mythology, the history, the way it has been written, and honestly for the little things the author thought to include such as the synopsis, the glossary/index, and the attention to historical details!
Product Details: Paperback: 347 Pages Publisher: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC (October 26, 2019) Language: English Fantasy (Arthurian) Fantasy (Greek & Roman) Fantasy (Myth & Legend) Fantasy (Historical)
“[An] epic tale of love, betrayal and political intrigue.” InD’tale Magazine.
“The requisite fantasy elements of magic and mystery abound…Tanner also does an admirable job weaving in the politics and mythology of a bygone people.” Kirkus
“Part fantasy, part historical fiction, Linnea Tanner has woven together a wonderful tale of romance, intrigue, mystery, and legend to create an entertaining and complex story.” The International Review of Books
“[A] captivating tale of triangles; love, lust and espionage, friend, foe, and spies., barbarians, civilized Rome and spiritual-supernatural beings.” 2019 Pencraft Book of the Year Award
A Celtic warrior queen must do the impossible—defeat her sorcerer half-brother and claim the throne. But to do so, she must learn how to strike vengeance from her father’s skull.
AS FORETOLD BY HER FATHER in a vision, Catrin has become a battle-hardened warrior after her trials in the Roman legion and gladiatorial games. She must return to Britannia and pull the cursed dagger out of the serpent’s stone to fulfill her destiny. Only then can she unleash the vengeance from the ancient druids to destroy her evil half-brother, the powerful sorcerer, King Marrock. Always two steps ahead and seemingly unstoppable, Marrock can summon destructive natural forces to crush any rival trying to stop him and has charged his deadliest assassin to bring back Catrin’s head.
To have the slightest chance of beating Marrock, Catrin must forge alliances with former enemies, but she needs someone she can trust. Her only option is to seek military aid from Marcellus—her secret Roman husband. They rekindle their burning passion, but he is playing a deadly game in the political firestorm of the Julio-Claudian dynasty to support Catrin’s cause.
Ultimately, in order to defeat Marrock, Catrin must align herself with a dark druidess and learn how to summon forces from skulls to exact vengeance. But can she and Marcellus outmaneuver political enemies from Rome and Britannia in their quest to vanquish Marrock?
5 Stars: Human skulls hung over King Marrock’s stallion, dangling from a rope like ornaments.
Travel back in time with award-winning Author Linnea Tanner to 26 AD where Skull’s Vengeance (book four) continues The Curse Of The Clansmen and Kings series. This series weaves a Celtic tale of forbidden love, magical adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia.
I am struck by the immense research and accuracy that went into this series. Linnea’s gift of storytelling will draw you into this historical time period drama. “Most of the fantastical elements are based on magical abilities of heroes and heroines from Irish and Welsh mythology and legends. The abilities of Catrin and Marrock to shape-shift and to harness the forces of nature. In Celtic mythology, the dragon is a gatekeeper to other worlds and was believed to influence the land. Areas frequented by dragons were believed to possess special power.
To get the most of the series, the author shares a link where you can download a PDF of all the Major Celtic Characters, Roman Characters, and Mythological Deity. She also includes a map of Britannia and Gaul.
Fast-paced drama, suspense, and magic will carry your thoughts into the life and times of Catrin (Cantiaci queen, druidess, warrior, and gladiator) and Marcellus Antonius—Roman military commander (ranks include tribune and praetor) and nobleman).
Catrin (warrior queen) must defeat her Marrock (sorcerer) in order to claim the throne. She must summon forces from skulls to exact vengeance strike vengeance from her father’s skull. Passion and lust burns between Marcellus (Roman military commander) and Catrin, even on the battlefields where they encounter enemies from Rome and Britannia.
Book Four begins at White Cliffs in Southeast Britannia, Eve of Samhain, 31 October, 26 AD where three human skulls hung over King Marrock’s stallion, dangling from a rope like ornaments.
Chapter 16: Theater of Marcellus Rome, 20 March, 28 AD. “The theater where Catrin was to meet Marcellus reminded her of the area around the gladiatorial coliseum where she had fought in Lugdunum. Sensing a slight charge in her fingertips, she felt a thread lacing around her fingers. She recalled last night’s dream, when she’d visited the Wall of Lives. There, she’d meticulously tied Marcellus’s crimson life thread with her raven-black strand, securing it into a knot so they could stay together forever.”
Chapter 37: Killing Fields: Antonii Villa, Gaul, 8 August, 28 AD. “Marcellus sat on the bed, reminiscing about the bittersweet moment when he’d been with Catrin the previous fall, before leaving for Rome. He picked up a cushion on which she’d laid her head while recovering from her wounds. The whiff of stale odor dispirited him. Before, he had always sensed her essence, even when they were far apart. But now, he felt empty, not knowing what had happened to her since she escaped Rome. It was as if the world, the fates, and the gods were against their love. Negasi’s advice for Marcellus to assuage his father’s anger and remove the threat on Catrin’s life weighed heavily on his mind.”
When the last page of book four is closed, you will wait with anticipation for book five “Dragon’s Anvil” to arrive.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Wanda Fischer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Beautifully Written Tale. Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2023. Verified Purchase.
This is the fourth book in a series about Catrin and Marcellus, star-crossed lovers whose backgrounds as royalty forbade them from coming together. I have read all four in the series, and, once again, had trouble putting this book down. This author’s ability to bring characters alive is extraordinary. Her research into the world of Celts and Romans is superb.
Catrin is fighting her half-brother, Marrock, to become queen of her country. She has married Marcellus, who’s a Roman patrician. Marcellus’s father has betrothed him to a young girl, whom he wants Marcellus to marry for political reasons. Marcellus’s brother, Brutius, hates Marcellus and begins scheming against him. Meanwhile, Marrock has sent an assassin to kill Catrin. The intrigue builds and builds, as Catrin attempts to gather an army to fight against Marcellus. Her efforts are complicated by the fact that she becomes pregnant by Marcellus.
I won’t give readers any more details; however, the way the author establishes intrigue and weaves magic and backdoor deals to complicate what might have been a relatively easy situation is masterful. She portrays the cruelty and horrible way slaves were treated at the time, and, through her characters, demonstrates either humanity toward slaves or utter disrespect for them. A reader will be able to determine how a character acts based on how he or she treats slaves.
I recommend this book highly; however, I think that it makes sense for anyone who wishes to read this to begin with the first book and read all four. I am anxious to read the next book. Prior to this series, I would never have thought to read this genre. Because of this author’s skill, her characters, and the way everything is presented, my mind has been opened to another genre. I am grateful for that.
Review by Mounce574: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Gaining headway. Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2023.
This is the 4th book of the series and each book just keeps getting better. There are a lot of lost lives in this as well as an additional romance built outside of Catrin and Marcellus. I question why Marcellus takes the risk of getting Catrin pregnant when he can’t seem to take care of his own personal issues.
I swear that Marrock gets uglier despite the change in his appearance. The most interesting character is presented in the form of an assassin that refuses to be a mindless murderer. I definitely recommend this series and this book.
Review by Pat Garcia: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Skull‘s Vengeance. Reviewed in Germany on February 27, 2023. Verified Purchase. SKULL’S VENGEANCE is the fourth book in the series CURSE OF CLANSMEN AND KINGS.
It is Historical Fiction combined with fantasy and paranormal elements and presented with a great plot.
The title mirrors what happens in the story. Written in a time when the Roman Empire dominated the world, we get a good look at a smaller nation, the Celtics, who are determined to break Rome’s rule.
Thus, Skull’s Vengeance depicts the continuing conflict between the Romans and the Celtics, the hatred and enslavement of people, and the love of a Celtic woman for a Roman soldier who was the father of her dead baby daughter. Will they reunite again? That you must read.
The romance came too short for me, but I understand why. Wars and vengeance demand their tribute.
Filled with dark magic, “the Other World,” the ancient druids, and shape-shifters, each paragraph builds upon the other, and I kept turning the pages, desiring to know what would happen next.
The intertwined plot raises the tension throughout the story as the mixture of fantasy, brutality, visions, dreams, undying love, and intrigue transforms and changes the characters. I
By the time the story ended, I wanted more, so I look forward to reading book five of this series.
Review by L.C.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Visceral storytelling. Reviewed in Australia on October 30, 2022. Verified Purchase.
We follow the life of Catrin, the true heir to the Cantiaci tribe, and her love for Marcellus, a Roman aristocrat and commander of a Roman legion. Their love for each is strong but can it overcome the battle of their familial destinies, that are set to drive them apart?
The love between the two main characters is evident on every page, yet there is the underlying threat of Marrock, Catrin’s half-brother, who tried to rape her when she was a young girl, and Marcellus’s father, who is determined to expunge the taint of Marc Antony’s legacy and romance with Cleopatra, and in his mind who ruined the family’s reputation. Catrin is determined to unite the Cantiaci tribe but her brother has the backing of Roman forces, who is intent on becoming the king of all the Celts, and uses dark magic to destroy his opponents, and eliminate Catrin. From the Roman side, Marcellus’ father Lucius Antonius, has arranged for his son to marry a twelve-year-old girl, daughter of a senator to gain a political stronghold in the Roman senate. Marcellus tries to refuse, but is bound to follow his father’s orders in spite of his devotion and love for Catrin.
Review by Julie Whitley: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An exciting continuation of Catrin’s journey. Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2023. Verified Purchase.
An historical fiction story set in the early years of the 1st millennia AD, when Rome ruled with an iron fist and sought to strengthen control over Celtic Britain. The story continues with Catrin freed and seeking a way to return home and reclaim her rightful place as queen. Her supernatural Druidic powers are dampened by her pregnancy, she is vulnerable until the birth of her son. Will she be strong enough to fulfil the prophecy that she will defeat her evil half-brother? I can’t wait to find out!
Product Details: Paperback: 402 Pages Publisher: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC (August 12, 2022) Language: English Fantasy (Arthurian) Fantasy (Greek & Roman) Fantasy (Myth & Legend) Fantasy (Historical)
A Short Story of Ancient Rome (Historical Fiction).
A young nobleman confronts a specter from the past that could threaten his family’s legacy.
A brash young aristocrat, Lucius Antonius anticipates Emperor Augustus Caesar will support his lofty ambitions to serve as a praetor in the Roman justice system in 2 BC Rome. As the son of the distinguished politician and poet, Iullus Antonius, Lucius prays to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings, to open the door for him to rise politically. But he is unaware of the political firestorm ready to erupt in the imperial family.
Augustus must confront evidence that his daughter, Julia, has behaved scandalously in public and that Iullus is her lover. The prospect that Julia might want to marry Iullus—the only surviving son of Marcus Antonius—threatens to redirect the glory from Augustus to his most hated rival beyond the grave. Caught in the political crossfire, Lucius must demonstrate his loyalty to Augustus by meeting all of his demands or face the destruction of his family’s legacy and possibly his own life. Will Lucius ultimately choose to betray and abandon his disgraced father?
Award-Winning Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue into the backdrop of Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology which held women in higher esteem. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.
Depending
on the time of day and season of the year, you will find her exploring and
researching ancient and medieval history, mythology and archaeology to support
her writing. As the author of the CURSE OF CLANSMEN AND KINGS series, she has
extensively researched and traveled to sites described within each book.
A
native of Colorado, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both
her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Windsor with her
husband and has two children and six grandchildren.
New Release In The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island Series.
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island, Sibby’s Secret by Linda Maria Frank.
Book 1 of 1: The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island.
The Buccaneers of Saint Frederick Island are back. If you loved the first Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island, “Sibby’s Secret” will capture you too.
Join the fun, danger and escapades of Lily, Frank, Leon, Ryan, and Amelia.
The Buccaneers rival any private investigator of the time. When Sibby Fintail, fisherman and bay constable, goes missing, Lily, code name, Sprocket and Frank, code name Wing Nut, come to the rescue. They follow his trail to one of the island’s caves where he had been harvesting crystals for his artwork. They find an unconscious, badly beaten Sibby.
Who did this and why?
Becca Dawes. Sprocket’s mother discovers that unknown persons are seeking to take the caves away from the native tribe that has owned them forever. What is it about the caves?
When strangers come to Frederick Island, and kidnap Becca, the Buccaneers go into high gear to solve these attacks.
The Buccaneers will draw you into their world of clever sleuthing and unlocking the secrets in the clues they find. It’s adventure, fun and great crime science.
You will be laughing at some of the Buccaneers’ antics and gasping at what those brave eighth-graders face to solve the mystery. The story is rich with colorful and engaging characters as well as the flavor of 1947.
REVIEW for SIBBY’S SECRET: Adventure abounds in the new book of the Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island series. “Sibby’s Secret” finds the Buccaneers engaged with an unknown enemy who seems intent on getting control of the fabulous caves that belong to the Native American North Breeze tribe that has inhabited the island for many centuries.
The Buccaneers are a group of eighth graders who are students at the island’s only school, St. Besillius. Their self-appointed mission is to protect St. Frederick Island from any force that threatens their island home. St. Frederick Island is remote with old forests and the cave system that holds many mysteries. The residents are the North Breeze tribe, the fisher folks, and farmers, the Beachies who live off the land but don’t own it, and the St. Besillius community.
The Buccaneers have code names. Lily is Sprocket, Frank is Wing Nut, Amelia is Ratchet, Leon is Snap Shackle and Ryan is Bletch. You’ll have to read the book to discover the secret of these code names.
In Sibby’s Secret, friend of the Buccaneers, Sibby Fintail becomes bay constable, enabling him to patrol the waters around the island. He is also harvesting crystals from the caves to create artwork which he will sell to raise money for the student scholarship fund at St. Besillius.
He is attacked and his crystals stollen. But why?
Lily’s mother, Becca Dawes, owns and runs the island’s newspaper, The Foghorn. She is threatened and kidnapped. The Buccaneers receive a threatening letter. What is this all about?
As the Buccaneers go deeper into this mystery, the danger increases. As always, the solutions they uncover will surprise and intrigue you.
Sibby’s Secret reintroduces you to your favorite characters from the first book. It engages you in the adventures, dangers, and fun these young detectives spiral into. Enjoy the island’s beauty and hang on for a strange surprise at the end. No peeking!
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank.
What can possibly happen when a crime happens under the very noses of a group of very savvy eighth graders at St. BeSillius’ Catholic School on St. Frederick’s Island? When the money they raised to buy toys for children in homeless shelters in near-by NYC is stolen, the Buccaneers, as they call themselves are outraged. Despite warnings from Father Felix and Sr. Jo, Sprocket, the leader of the Buccaneers, and her determined buddies set out to follow the clues, run down the thief, and get those toys for the homeless kids.
When their clubhouse is burned down, and a threatening letter is sent to the local newspaper, The Foghorn, owned and operated by Sprocket’s mother, the Buccaneers are even more determined to unravel the plot against them. A mysterious island once owned by the pirate, Jon Buccleigh and a labyrinthine cave serve as the setting for this skullduggery. A Native American healer, her community, and a group of the beach people conspire with the Buccaneers to get that money back.
You will be laughing at some of the Buccaneers’ antics and gasping at what those brave eight-graders face to solve the mystery. The story is rich with colorful and engaging characters as well as the flavor of post-war America in 1947. An altogether fun and satisfying read.
5 Stars:Adventure sure to capture a young reader’s imagination.
.Author Linda Maria Frank begins this book with her historical notes about where the story originated from. This is very educational for young readers as it addresses her earliest memories in Middle Village, Queens, New York at the end of WWll.
The story begins at St. BeSillius’s (catholic school), where mystery Author Linda Maria Frank sets the stage for more than one intriguing mystery (wrapped into one), that in my opinion, out preforms the Nancy Drew mysteries that I read as a young reader.
Within the walls of a small clubhouse (shack) a small band of school friends broke through the strict, stifling, constrictions of the classroom regiment, set in stone, by Sister JoAnn and Mother Superior. This tiny band of self-proclaimed private investigators, set out to find out, who stole the money they had spent an entire year earning, for a class trip to distribute toys to day care centers in the parish. The money disappeared from the Vestry (small room behind the alter); the very day Father Felix was supposed to open a bank account for the school project.
This small band of PIs came with an official title “Buccaneers (meaning pirates) of St. Besillius”. They wrote up and voted on a charter (agreement) for their group, which included:
Each member is sworn to secrecy, under pain of… what? Oh, I don’t know.
All clues are to be shared by everyone.
All communications would be done using our code names. Mine is Sprocket.
Our meeting place would be the old fishing shack on the beach.
The hunt for the mystery thief begins, which only leads to more mystery, danger, intrigue and an ominous warning letter. Each club member had responsibilities related to their investigation. Club name Ratchet (real name Amelia) with her camera (Brownie) was the official photographer. Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Fifteen: Meanwhile, At the Ferry Dock.
…Ratchet would much rather be called by her real name, Amelia. Especially since one of her heroines was Amelia Erhardt, the aviatrix who made news-worthy flights around the world. She disappeared somewhere in the Pacific, never to be found. Ratchet just couldn’t resist the mystery of it all.
…However, she would be true to her oath as a Buccaneer and fulfill her mission. She struggled with how to accomplish this. Most days she went to the ferry dock dressed in her reporter’s costume consisting of a many- pocketed jacket, borrowed men’s trousers, a cap with a green visor, and several cameras strung around her neck, most of which did not work.
…But her trusty Brownie never failed her. Notepad in hand she snapped photos of the ferry passengers going to and from Main. She was too shy, at this point, to go up to them and get that “scoop”.
…Today was different. She didn’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. Surveillance required melting into the scenery. The outfit for this assignment had her pigtails tucked into a red bandana, her thick lensed glasses hidden behind her dad’s aviator shades, and a dark blue jumpsuit, two sizes too big, borrowed from her brother who worked at Fred’s only gas station. She was channeling Rosie the Riveter. Rosie, as you may have heard, was another heroine in American history. She and her millions of sisters made the planes, tanks and ships that won the recent World War. Since the war effort for Rosie was over for now, Amelia still stuck out like a sore thumb.
…“Hey, Sis. Halloween’s over,” called out one of the day trippers.
…Embarrassed, she hid the bandana and pulled out her braids. She kept the glasses, and the coveralls were a must, since taking them off meant she would be walking around in her undies.
…It was getting pretty boring. What was she thinking? This is a lame idea, but duty called, and she settled herself more comfortably. The scents of tar, salt water, and creosoted wood planking joined the piney aroma of the hemlocks to provide a perfume Amelia came to call home.
…Amelia looked up just in time. Janet trotted down the path to the ferry dock. She could have missed her because she had a jacket with a hood. But Janet always wore beaded moccasins and her pigtails had feathers instead of bows. One braid escaped the hood sealing her identity for Amelia.
…Amelia, now in Ratchet mode, started snapping again.
…Janet turned her way and Ratchet’s heart almost stopped. Ratchet knew how important it was to identify Janet as Janet in her series of photos. Taking a breath and holding it, she snapped away.
…When Ratchet returned to check out the folks getting off the ferry, the strangers she had seen on other days came down the gangplank. Snap! Snap! Snap! They surrounded Janet, one grabbing her arm, the other talking to her, right in her face, grim and threatening. Janet pulled her arm away and snapped back at the stranger who had confronted her.
…The other man jammed something in her pocket. “Just do it,” he growled. This was an easy lip read for Ratchet, a skill necessary for a well-trained snoop, er, journalist. Janet turned and ran back up the path. The men got back on the boat.
…What did the stranger put in Amelia’s (Ratchet) pocket?
I encourage you to purchase “The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island” by Linda Maria Frank and share it with all the children in your life. This book would make a great summer reading project for kids. This story will spark their imagination and inspire he/she to create their own clubhouse of friends and become private investigators
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Angela Reich: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Mystery, Adventure and Fun! Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2021. Lily Dawes, a.k.a. Sprocket, leads the Private Eye group called the Buccaneers of St. BeSillius on a perilous hunt for a cache of money stolen from their school in this rollicking tale of adventure, danger, and mystery.
It seems that Lily, in forming this group along with her classmates, had all agreed to a charter and special code names. Some of the points of the charter are, in brief, “Each member is sworn to secrecy… All communications will be done using our code names…Our meeting place would be the old fishing shack on the beach…” The group operates as a team and is ferocious in its commitment to solve crimes, right wrongs, and protect the innocent from harm.
Writer Linda Maria Frank has done it again, as she has in the Annie Tillary Mysteries with this new mystery story meant for middle school readers, replete with an isolated island accessible only by ferry, dangerous caves, stories of pirates of the past, and mystifying strangers who come and go.
The characters include a mixture of WWII veterans, a Native American Healer, Lily’s mother who writes and publishes the island’s newspaper, the faculty of St. BeSillius Catholic School and Lily’s comrades-in-arms. Into this mix, Frank manages to drop hints and clues, carefully planted along the way as the mystery of the missing money grows much more serious and threatening than a simple robbery. The complexity of the tale is carefully woven, and as the tension mounts and the crime is solved, each detail is carefully revealed to the satisfaction of the characters and the readers alike.
Frank both entertains and educates, stimulating the young reader’s curiosity, encouraging deductive reasoning skills, as well as dropping information about science, American History, and Native American Culture. All this is accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Marianne Savage.
Frank’s dry sense of humor and conversational tone is the icing on the cake for any reader who dares to go along with the Buccaneers for this enjoyable adventure!
Review by Frances O’Sullivan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging and enjoyable read. Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2021. The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank is possibly best described as an American Secret Seven. Set in the late 1940s, it follows a group of young teenagers who enjoy solving mysteries and are relentless in their pursuit of the truth. It has everything you’d expect – code names, clever ways of conveying information and some pretty cool hiding places (there’s even a cave!).
There’s a lively cast of child characters, as well as supporting adults. Some of the adults are understanding of the children’s need to keep secrets and see a case through, whilst others try to stop them. I particularly liked Sibby, who lives in a shack near the Buccaneers’ original club house and looks out for them.
This is an engaging and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to children who enjoy solving mysteries and reading adventure books such as those by Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome. For me, it’s a five-star read!
Review by Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful story. Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021. I loved reading the book BUCCANEERS OF St. FREDERICK ISLAND by LINDA MARIA FRANK. It is a story that both young and old will enjoy reading. It is a book that includes mysteries, secrets. Intrigue, and a little danger. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the part that each one played. Will they retrieve their missing money? Read this book to find out. This is a wonderful book about friendships and loyalty. The author does a wonderful job of making the story and the characters come alive. The story kept my attention from the first chapter to the final page. The mystery will pull you in and you will get lost in the storyline. Don’t miss out on a book that is intriguing, exciting, entertaining, and mysterious, I highly recommend it.
Product Details: Paperback: 186 Pages Publisher: Annie Tillery Mysteries (November 20, 2020) Language: English Adventure For Young Readers Mysteries (Teens and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
Seventeen-year-old Annie Tillery and her Aunt Jill set off for Long Island’s Fire Island for a vacation of surf, sun, and sailing. Annie is happy to leave behind the stress of her relationship with her parents.
Aunt Jill, who is an NYPD detective, is mixing
her vacation with a case she must keep secret from Annie, who is suspicious
nevertheless. Annie finds romance and intrigue when she meets Ty Egan, the
nephew of their host on the island. They find themselves in the middle of an
eerie adventure when she and Ty investigate the tragic and perplexing story of
a local ghost.
Annie becomes increasingly uneasy and the
investigation turns sinister when Aunt Jill goes missing, the ghost appears,
and the troublesome neighbors in the cottage next door become hostile. When
they find one of Aunt Jill’s special earrings on the neighbor’s porch, they
begin to wonder what she was doing there.
Will they find Aunt Jill before it’s too late?
In the breathless conclusion to their investigation, Annie and Ty narrowly escape death solving the mystery of The Madonna Ghost.
Review by Martha A. Cheves (VINE VOICE): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The good people from Bay Shore tried to comfort her. Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 16, 2015. Verified Purchase.
“The story goes that the women lashed their small child to themselves with their shawls before they jumped overboard to swim ashore. This action proved to be fatal for some of the children. They couldn’t struggle to the surface to breathe, and most of the mothers were not swimmers anyway. They were at the mercy of the waves.”… “Some could be revived, and this drove one woman in particular to wander up and down the beach, trying to find someone who could revive her baby. When they saw that her child was dead, the good people from Bay Shore tried to comfort her…. She wandered the beach, her baby clutched to her, until she collapsed and died herself. Her grave is in the old cemetery in Bay Shore… Even today, the Madonna Ghost, as she is called, is sighted by people on occasion.”
Annie and her Aunt Jill are vacationing on a small island out from New York called Fire Island. The island is small and Annie is really hoping that there will be at least a couple of people her own age. She was in luck. They were staying at the summer home of a friend of Jill’s who just happened to have his nephew Ty staying with him. Now the vacation was looking up and even more so when she learned there was a ghost on the island. Maybe she would be able to see the Madonna Ghost for herself, making it a first for her. And of course, with Ty by her side, it would be fun.
What Annie and Ty soon learn is that there is more than a ghost on the island. The men staying in the cottage next door seem a little strange. And when Jill comes up missing, they are both sure the neighbors have something to do with it.
The suspense and mystery in this book had me rapidly turning the pages. I read a lot of books and usually have them pegged at least halfway through. Not this one. It kept me guessing all the way to the end. So much so that I’ve ordered the next two books by this author… Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys and Girl with Pencil, Drawings
Review by Melissa Kuch: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Mystery and Fire Island Perfect Summer Read. Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2013. Verified Purchase. When I was a young adult, I used to love the Nancy Drew books, which is why I was drawn to The Madonna Ghost. The novel revolves around a modern-day young detective, Annie Tillery. She is a great role model for young girls. Not only is she smart, but she is down to earth and someone people can relate with. She is not only facing the mystery of the Madonna Ghost on Fire Island, but she is also facing family issues, with her mother’s drinking problem and her father always being away on business. The mystery itself is engaging and the reader is uncovering the clues and helping to solve the mystery along with Annie and her crush, the cute college boy Ty. I really enjoyed how Ty and Annie’s relationship grows throughout the novel, and though there is romance, the two bond on another level as well. Ty understands what Annie is dealing with and shows her there is a path toward forgiveness. Linda Frank is a very talented author who not only sucks you into this mystery, but her beautiful descriptive passages about Fire Island will make you feel like you are on the beach along with the characters. The ending is a page-turning, nail-biting experience, and I recommend this story for mystery lovers, both young and old. I can’t wait to read the next Annie Tillery mystery!
Review by Vito Gentile: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Madonna Ghost. Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2013. Verified Purchase. I spent my youth on Fire Island and thought it was exciting and very interesting and then I read Linda Maria Frank’s “The Madonna Ghost, an Annie Tillery Mystery” and realized all the excitement that I was missing. Packed with adventure and adversity – this thriller doesn’t let go as it infuses romance and the supernatural to name just two of the many elements that rock what was to be a peaceful vacation. It was one of those books you can’t put down. Buy “The Madonna Ghost” and see what I mean.
Product Details: Paperback: 132 Pages Publisher: iUniverse (January 20, 2010) Language: English Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
Seventeen-year-old amateur detective Annie
Tillery is at it again.
After she wins a series of art lessons at a
prestigious art gallery, Annie shows up for her first lesson to find her
instructor, Francesca Gabrielli, in a volatile argument with John DiCristiani,
the art gallery’s director. He is demanding that she illegally copy art
masterpieces. Unwittingly, Annie is about to be drawn into the illicit,
treacherous, and unpredictable world of art forgery. When DiCristiani is found
murdered in cold blood, Francesca becomes the prime suspect.
She calls upon Annie to help solve the crime along with her NYPD detective aunt, Jill Tillery. They must brave the dangers of an international art fraud ring in an attempt to clear Francesca’s name. They discover that the key to solving the case revolves around a mysterious brownstone in Brooklyn whose inhabitants present tantalizing and elusive clues. As Annie and company attempt to stay one step ahead of DiCristiani’s murderer, they escape one deadly trap after another. The stakes are high in the glamorous yet dangerous world of illegal art trafficking. Annie must solve the crime to save her life and that of her friends.
5 Stars: Spectacular Read for Students and Young Adults!
Annie Tillery Mysteries book two Girl with Pencil, Drawing is a spectacular read for students and young adults of all ages. Each book in the Annie Tiller Mystery Series is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.
The story line in ‘Girl with Pencil, Drawing’ by Author Linda Maria Frank draws the young reader into an adventure where young Annie Tillery goes for her first art lesson at a prestigious Art Gallery. With youthful exuberance and an eagerness to advance her drawing skills Annie arrives early. When she enters the studio, she overhears a heated argument between two people who turn out to be her Art Instructor Francesca Gabrielli and the Art Gallery Director John DiCristiani.
Annie’s empathy for others and her sleuth personally draws her into a murder mystery when John DiCristiani turns up dead and Francesca Gabrielli is the prime suspect, Annie enlists the help of her Aunt Jill who is a NYPD Detective to help clear her new-found friend and art mentor’s name.
With strong characters, flowing dialog and layers of mystery, soon everyone is caught up in a real who-dun-it that involves a long list of suspects and hidden clues. Twists and turns with all the dangers that come into play when an International Art Fraud has been perpetrated.
I invite you to go beyond this headline: “Manhattan Business-Man Found Slain in Chelsea. John DiCristiani, a wealthy business man, whose financial interests reached as far as Hong Kong and Istanbul, was found shot to death in his posh apartment overlooking the Hudson River. Mr. DiCristiani’s body was found by an employee from his Soho gallery. The police questioned the employee, Ms. Francesca Gabrielli, at headquarters, but subsequently released her. Police would only confide that the murder weapon was found at the scene and that all other leads were being investigated. Mr. DiCristiani is survived by a son, Mark, twenty-five, a law student at New York University.”
Learn the ins and out of the art world that include how scientists’ tests for authenticity in original paintings by world renown artist like Renoir and the lucrative forgeries that make this underworld as treacherous as any international mob association.
Follow the clues, wait for the DNA evidence and sift through the ashes left by an arsonist. Inspire a young reader to discover the innate detective skills of Annie Tillery who is fast becoming the next Nancy Drew. This series should be placed on our schools’ summer reading list.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. When I was a young girl, I loved reading the Nancy Drew mysteries and to this day. Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2015. Verified Purchase. He busied himself rummaging through the kitchen drawers, two sets of panic-stricken eyes following his every move. He found some emergency candles and went into the small dinette adjoining the kitchen. He lit them, let the was drip onto some paper plates from the counter and affixed the candles to the plates. There were six candles in all. Was he into satanic rituals? He came back into the kitchen and turned on all the gas jets at the range and the oven, leaving its door ajar. He blows out the flames, letting the gas escape freely. “Bye, bye, ladies.” He hurried out the back door locking it behind him.
When I was a young girl, I loved reading the Nancy Drew mysteries and to this day I still enjoy the style and mysteries of the young ‘detective’ but you can only read them so many times before you know them by heart. Well… Author Linda Maria Frank has brought my young memories back. Annie Tillery is today’s Nancy Drew! In fact, she is great at getting herself into trouble but working it out in a fashion that would make Nancy proud. In Girl With Pencil, Drawing Annie goes to art school and finds that her instructor/teacher is mixed up in a murder that Annie doesn’t believe she committed. Can she prove her innocence without getting both of them killed? What do you think?
This the second book in the Annie Tillery Mystery Series. I’ve read the first, loved it and couldn’t see how it could get any better. Well, it does. I’m now looking forward to reading the third book to see what Nancy, oh excuse me, Annie gets into and how she gets through it.
Review by A.S.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written, quick reading, exciting mystery! Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2012. Verified Purchase. The characters are fun and interesting. This is the 2nd book in this series that I’ve read and I really enjoyed them. I’m looking forward to the next book. I recommend this series for teenagers as well as adults.
Review by Geoffrey Wells: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The guts and charm of a likable young leading lady. Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2022. We all need an Aunt J. She’s Annie’s mentor and guide in this sleazy world of crime that Annie Tillary finds herself in. Being under Aunt J’s recognizance has its advantages, especially when it’s based on her many years of service to the NYPD. And this is how we, the reader, accept Annie’s smarts when it comes to cracking a crime; she has learned from the best. Author Linda Maria Frank makes no bones about the talent Annie has inherited; we’re reassured that Annie knows what she is doing because crime-solving is in her blood. Consequently, her apparent precociousness at first leads us to discovering that she is in fact an effective sleuth, and along with her guts and charm, she’s also a very likeable young leading lady.
Adding further credence to this story is the author’s knowledge of forensics from teaching science for many years. In all, a fun and interesting read. (I received a free copy of this book.)
Product Details: Paperback: 190 Pages Publisher: iUniverse: Illustrated edition (November 4, 2013) Language: English Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys by Linda Maria Frank.
Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 3.
Amateur sleuth Annie Tillery has been warned to stay away from Nevshehir, Turkey, where she is heading to meet her boyfriend, Ty Egan, and Cedric Zeeks, Ty’s best friend. Intent on helping the two excavate an archeological site where they hope to link human remains to the first African ancestors, Annie does her best to shakes her foreboding feelings as her plane lands in Istanbul and she prepares to embark on her next adventure.
But when a stranger claims he is there to pick
her up and then disappears once he sees Ty, Annie is immediately thrown back
into worry mode—especially after Ty tells her there is unexplained tension
surrounding the dig and she receives a threatening note at the hotel. Still, as
the three head to Nevshehir, Annie is buoyed by the excitement surrounding
ancient Turkey and the possibility of uncovering secrets. The dig is plagued by
accidents and theft, however, and the three friends, assisted by the head
archeologist’s twins, must search the ancient city of Istanbul and the caves of
fantastic Cappadocia to find who is sabotaging their work.
In this young adult thriller, detective Annie Tillery must once again walk on a dangerous path in an attempt to unravel a complicated mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy chimneys.
5 Stars:Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI.
Annie Tillery Mysteries book three ‘Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys’ can be summed up as Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI. A mystery unfolds amidst a mix of ancient history and modern innovation, in an ageless Eastern country where time moves at a camel’s pace.
Dedicated research by author Linda Maria Frank leaves no stone unturned while great description text transports the reader to the streets of Turkey with it mosques and minarets, towers and modern buildings. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Water droplets plunked into the pool from the vaulted ceiling. After the heat of the bazaar and the street chase, it was deliciously cool. Ornate columns with carved capitals supported the ceiling. The bases were decorated with animal and human figures. There were a few visitors, but the enormity of the space muffled their conversations.”
Strong characters with great dialog bring us to dusty archeological site in one of the oldest towns in human history called Catalhoyuk. Nothing can explain it better than this quote: “We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay-like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush.”
Cosponsors from Vermont University are looking for a DNA connection between residents of Catalhoyuk and our original nomadic ancestors in Africa. Annie Tillery and her team go to work excavating this archeological site, with all the inherit dangers and a mystery brings out the detective in Annie.
From the spell of a Ouija board to a magical balloon ride in the sky nothing is lost as this time and space makes all their senses come alive with amazing black and white graphics that bring the main characters to life.
Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy Annie Tillery Mysteries. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2015. Verified Purchase. We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush. Some of the fairy chimneys had windows and doors. Could people actually live inside? It was dry here, and hot.
Anne Tillery has joined her boyfriend Ty at an archaeological dig in Turkey. He and his best friend Cedric are at the dig representing Vermont University. They will be working alongside a Dr. Atsut who is in charge of the project. Ty, Cedric, and Dr. Atsut are trying to prove that human remains at one of the earliest known archaeological sites in Turkey contained DNA that would link them to the first humans that evolved in Africa. But, accidents and missing artifacts seem to be plaguing the site and there is even fear that it may be shut down.
As I’ve found out in other books of this series, Annie is quite a detective. Hopefully she, with the help of Dr. Atsut’s twin children, will be able to make the connections that will end the accidents and theft before the Turkish government steps in to put a halt to everything. In doing so, Anne finds herself escaping two attempts of kidnapping which leaves her no choice but to call her own father for help.
This book gave me so much history of the Fairy Chimneys that I had to see for myself if they were real. They are and they are amazingly beautiful! Seeing what these unusual cities look like made the book even more enjoyable. As I read, I was not only enticed by the story but I could also picture where events were happening. If you like mystery as well as archaeology, you’ll not want to miss reading this book.
Review by Messages For The Soul: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fascinating and fun adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2015. Verified Purchase. The writing in Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys can be really breath-taking at times so much that I found myself backtracking to reread passages and take it all in again. Lots of depth in description of character and place to bring the exotic into your home and you take in the words. Apart from the CSI angle which, as you would expect from a forensic scientist, is acutely poignant, the rest must have been thoroughly researched as well as nothing about events seems out of place. A captivating and charming plot and a very enjoyable YA book overall. Looking forward to reading more by Linda Frank.
Review by Russell F Moran: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Annie Tillery on the Case. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2014. Verified Purchase. Terrific read. Although I’m not a typical YA reader (a bit too old) I thoroughly enjoy this series. Young Annie Tillery is a character that the reader can engage as she soldiers on with her adventure in the face of some ominous threats. Her relationship with her boyfriend, and archeological dig partner is touching. The scene descriptions of the archeological site in Turkey are well done and enlightening. The author not only knows how to tell a compelling story but she adds some interesting scientific information. I have heard of mitochondrial DNA, but never knew its significance until I read this book. A fast-moving fun read, with plot twists, clues, and a great ending.
Product Details: Paperback: 294 Pages Publisher: Archway Publishing; Illustrated edition (February 28, 2014) Language: English Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger by Linda Maria Frank.
Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 4.
The wreckage of a World War II plane is found in the mountains of Appalachia. It mysteriously crashed in 1943 on its way to a naval base. Inside the plane is a note, written by Annie Tillery’s great-grandmother, Charlotte, who was in love with a fighter pilot. Young Charlotte tested the planes and flew them to naval bases; her fiancé flew the planes in battle.
While investigating the crash site, NCIS finds the note in the plane, which they trace to Charlotte and then to her surviving family members, Annie and her mother Carol. The mystery begins. Why did the plane crash, and what does Charlotte’s note mean? Annie and her mother decide to dig into Great-Grandmothers past by way of the aged family attic.
There, they find love letters written by Charlotte and her Navy pilot fiancé. There is a code to be broken in those letters and The Mystery of the Lost Avenger to be solved. As they explore, Annie suspects Charlotte’s ghost is reaching out to tell her something, but what? She enlists the help of her boyfriend, newly licensed pilot Ty Egan, but Annie feels she may be the key to her great-grandmothers top-secret life.
5 Stars: This book educates young minds!
Good news for all Annie Tillery Mystery Followers. The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger (book 4) is finally here. This book educates young minds using this fictional mystery that involves NCIS investigating the crash site of a World War II plane.
Turns out the pilot was Annie Tillery’s great-grandmother Charlotte who was a test pilot for Grumman and actually flew in battle. Annie, her mother Carol are intrigued by Charlotte’s note and decide to dig through the old family attic to see what they can find out about this mysterious family member. What they discover in the attic only adds to the mystery and soon Annie suspects that Charlotte’s ghost is reaching out to them from beyond the grave with an important message.
Annie’s decides to get her boyfriend Ty Egan who happens to be a pilot involved. Here is their conversation.
…“Ty, you won’t believe what Mom has been telling me about a mystery concerning my great-grandmother. Mom, this is your story, and maybe Ty can see something we don’t. Can you fill him in on the details, so far? I’m just hearing this story for the first time, too.”
…“Well, let me start with . . .” She shuffled the papers in her lap. “Here’s the letter we received from the Department of the Navy. And here’s a copy of a note we found in the plane. The note is written on some sort of a company form with and identification number on it. The number belonged to Charlotte, my grandmother.”
…“I also have a letter from the Naval Crime Investigation Service about the condition of the plane where they found the note, and the pilot they found in the wreckage. There are skeletonized remains of a person whose identity they are trying to confirm. They know who flew the plane when it went missing, but they must confirm that it is that person. It is a woman.”
…Mom added a new thought, “You know, it’s ironic. Charlotte did die in a plane crash many years later. She continued to fly recreationally after the war. When I went to Maryland to see if there was any record of her time at Grumman, I found these letters in the house where Charlotte spent her last years.”
Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy The Mystery Of The Lost Avenger. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Martha A. Cheves-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Has everything you want – mystery, history & a ghost! Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2018. Verified Purchase. Charlotte Wheeler suspected that sabotage was happening at the Grumman plant. She was able to figure out the faulty hinges for the Avenger’s bomb bay doors were being randomly replaced for the good hinges, by someone who had access to the plant. Charlotte and her buddies checked all the planes and prevented the faulty parts from being switched. They did their best to stop the saboteur, things got rough and Charlotte was attacked one night while she was waiting to catch him in the act.
Charlotte Wheeler was a WASP during WWII. She not only helped build the planes, she also flew them to their destination where they were turned over to the fighting pilots. She was scheduled to fly one of the bombers out but noticed a problem with the bomb bay doors. While she went to check on something the plane was given to another WASP to deliver. Her name was Brenda McPhee and she never made it to her destination. Her plane disappeared.
Many years later Annie, who is Charlotte’s great grand-daughter, finds out that the plane has been found and there was a letter inside that was written by Charlotte. Through further research and the help of her boyfriend Ty, Annie decides to solve the mystery of the downed plane and who the saboteur was.
As with all of the Annie Tillery Mysteries, this one kept my interest. It not only had some history; it also had a great mystery and of course a ghost. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
Review by Theresa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing, Informative, and Well Written! Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2023. Although this is a YA novel, the expertise of the author, Linda Marie Frank, brings it up to another level. Her knowledge of WWII era planes and methods of decoding encrypted messages, combined with her background in forensic science and genetics, makes this novel not only fascinating, but educational! In addition, there is this sense of connection between generations within a Charlotte’s family and the longevity of friendships between Charlotte and her friends. This is an historical mystery that allows the reader to collect the clues along the way while trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Highly recommend this book!
Review by Frances O’Sullivan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What really happened? Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021. The Mystery of the Lost Avenger is the fourth book in Linda Maria Frank’s Annie Tillery Mystery series. Aimed at confident young readers, the series follows Annie, who in this book is getting ready to go to college, as she solves intriguing mysteries.
The Mystery of the Lost Avenger takes readers back in time to 1943, to learn about the women involved in aviation during WWII. Annie’s great-grandmother, Charlotte, was a WASP, flying planes to transport them to military bases. When a note written by Charlotte is found in the remains of a crashed plane which disappeared in mysterious circumstances, the whole family gets involved in untangling the mystery of what really happened.
I loved that this book focused on a part of history I didn’t know much about, and it would be a great read for mystery-loving children who are learning about WWII in school. It was also really fun learning about how Annie, as well as Charlotte back in the 1940s and the professionals at NCIS, approached solving mysteries. There are codes to crack, and forensic evidence to process.
For me, this is a five-star book. It’s a really fun read and gave me lots to think about. I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series and was able to follow the story without any issues, but now that I’ve read it I’m keen to go back and read about the other adventures Annie’s had!
Product Details: Paperback: 194 Pages Publisher: Archway Publishing (June 15, 2016) Language: English Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
Making A Mystery With Annie Tillery: The Madonna Ghost.
Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 5-With Enhanced Interactive Material.
In addition to the
first Annie Tillery Mystery, this book contains an insight into how the author
wrote the book.
These are materials
pertaining to writing style, character development and research, as well as
ideas for additional activities such as lesson plans for teachers, and
discussion questions. Follow the writer’s journey toward producing a
page-turning adventure with history, mystery and science. “The Madonna
Ghost” which is the basis for this exploration into the writer’s journey
is described as follows.
How lucky can you get? A vacation at a beach brings Annie Tillery a ghost story and a boyfriend. But what is the ghost hiding, and will Ty Egan and Annie Tillery discover the secrets of the Madonna Ghost, and the menacing neighbors who seem linked to her?
Review by Angela Reich: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining and Educational: Teachers, Parents and Home-School Families Will Want to Read! Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 4, 2020.Verified Purchase. Author Linda Maria Frank has created an inside look into her craft in her latest book, Making A Mystery With Annie Tillery: The Madonna Ghost.
The stand-alone volume of The Madonna Ghost delivers an engaging main character, Annie Tillery, her romantic interest, Ty, and more than one mystery to solve. In addition, the reader is treated to some lovely descriptive writing: a nighttime walk on a Fire Island boardwalk is given a lyrical feel with: “Small, low lights intermittently illuminated the path.” But Frank’s natural, breezy style is deceptive, for while the author beguiles, she is quietly seeding the clues for the novel’s mystery from the start.
Now, Frank reveals her writer’s methods in “Making a Mystery With Annie Tillery…” in which the writer’s craft, like an easy conversation, flows with commentary after each chapter. Frank fills in with her creation of character, motivation, and real Fire Island history, including a poignant personal experience while volunteering as a guide for the Fire Island Lighthouse.
We learn that sailing scenes are realistic because Frank spent many years sailing the Long Island waters; the logic of the chase is realistic because Frank, a teacher of the scientific method of inquiry applied to forensic science, is used as we witness Annie Tillary observe, deduce, conclude, and formulate; test and modify hypotheses.
A lifetime educator, Frank knows what is needed in the classroom, and this volume provides a marvelous teacher handbook for easy use with students where lessons in Language Arts, Creative Writing, Science, Geography, History all may be applied. There are tips on writing sets and scenes from places near and far, use of sensory images and research methods, motive, characterization, plot, and theme. Also provided are websites for research and further reading, lesson plans, and discussion questions, including a book workshop activity using a clue list and series of anecdotal evidence.
Any teacher, parent, or home-school family would benefit from this entertaining way to deliver real, valuable educational material to children in an entertaining and creative way.
Review by Angela Reich: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining and Educational: Teachers, Parents and Home-School Families Will Want to Read! Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020. Verified Purchase. Author Linda Maria Frank has created an inside look into her craft in her latest book, Making a Mystery With Annie Tillery: The Madonna Ghost.
The stand-alone volume of The Madonna Ghost delivers an engaging main character, Annie Tillery, her romantic interest, Ty, and more than one mystery to solve. In addition, the reader is treated to some lovely descriptive writing: a nighttime walk on a Fire Island boardwalk is given a lyrical feel with: “Small, low lights intermittently illuminated the path.” But Frank’s natural, breezy style is deceptive, for while the author beguiles, she is quietly seeding the clues for the novel’s mystery from the start.
Now, Frank reveals her writer’s methods in “Making a Mystery With Annie Tillery…” in which the writer’s craft, like an easy conversation, flows with commentary after each chapter. Frank fills in with her creation of character, motivation, and real Fire Island history, including a poignant personal experience while volunteering as a guide for the Fire Island Lighthouse.
We learn that sailing scenes are realistic because Frank spent many years sailing the Long Island waters; the logic of the chase is realistic because Frank, a teacher of the scientific method of inquiry applied to forensic science, is used as we witness Annie Tillary observe, deduce, conclude, and formulate; test and modify hypotheses.
A lifetime educator, Frank knows what is needed in the classroom, and this volume provides a marvelous teacher handbook for easy use with students where lessons in Language Arts, Creative Writing, Science, Geography, History all may be applied. There are tips on writing sets and scenes from places near and far, use of sensory images and research methods, motive, characterization, plot, and theme. Also provided are websites for research and further reading, lesson plans, and discussion questions, including a book workshop activity using a clue list and series of anecdotal evidence.
Any teacher, parent, or home-school family would benefit from this entertaining way to deliver real, valuable educational material to children in an entertaining and creative way.
Review by Lois W. Stern, Author, Creator of tales2inspire: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Teens and educators Beware: Once you start this book, you will find it difficult to put it down! Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2018.If you want to ply your teenager away from her Smart Phone for a few hours of old fashion pleasure, just put a copy of Madonna Ghost in their hands. This well-crafted novel carries all the key ingredients to mesmerize its readers, capturing the essence of summer romance, sinister plots and a touch of the occult.
As Annie Tillery embarks on a two-week beach vacation with undercover FBI agent, Aunt J, they become guests at the home of Doc and his handsome nephew, Ty. Although first attracted to Ty for his “Mr. Gorgeous” good looks, this appealing young twosome soon forge a relationship extending well beyond physical attraction. Their bond deepens as they share dark family secrets, explore mysterious island happenings, and assist in the apprehension of a monstrous criminal.
Although written for a young adult audience, this ‘senior citizen’ remained transfixed by author Linda Maria Frank’s well-crafted story. Buy it for that special young person in your life, but treat yourself to several hours of reading pleasure before handing it over to them. The Madonna Ghost promises plenty of fodder for rich conversation!
It is no surprise to note the Frank, a master teacher herself, included lesson plans, activities, discussion questions and websites as educational tools for students. What a wonderful gift for educators as well! Making Mystery – The Madonna Ghost is a ready-made curriculum to help your students develop research, writing and critical thinking skills.
Product Details: Paperback: 374 Pages Publisher: Annie Tillery Mysteries (May 29, 2018) Language: English Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys (2nd Edition) by Linda Maria Frank.
Annie Tillery Mysteries Book 6.
This enhanced edition
of “Fairy Chimneys” reveals the story behind the story of writing
this exciting mystery.
To add to the readers’
pleasures, I have included book discussion questions, a writing activity, and a
little gem about how the story came about from the author’s perspective. I have
answered the who, why, when, where, and how of the book. And here is a peek
into the story.
A young detective
volunteering at an archeological dig in turkey embarks on another adventure
where she must unravel an ancient mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy
chimneys. Amateur sleuth Annie Tillery has been warned to stay away from
Nevshehir, Turkey, where she is heading to meet her boyfriend, Ty Egan, and
Cedric Zeeks, Ty’s best friend.
Intent on helping the
two excavate an archeological site where they hope to link human remains to the
first African ancestors, Annie does her best to shake her foreboding feelings as
her plane lands in Istanbul and she prepares to embark on her next adventure .But
when a stranger claims he is there to pick her up and then disappears once he
sees Ty, Annie is immediately thrown back into worry mode—especially after Ty
tells her there is unexplained tension surrounding the dig and she receives a
threatening note at the hotel. Still, as the three head to Nevshehir, Annie is
buoyed by the excitement surrounding ancient Turkey and the possibility of
uncovering secrets.
The dig is plagued by
accidents and theft, however, and the three friends, assisted by the head
archeologist’s twins, must search the ancient city of Istanbul and the caves of
fantastic Cappadocia to find who is sabotaging their work.
In this young adult thriller, detective Annie Tillery must once again walk on a dangerous path in an attempt to unravel a complicated mystery and solve the secrets in the fairy chimneys.
5 Stars:Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI.
Annie Tillery Mysteries book three ‘Secrets In The Fairy Chimneys’ can be summed up as Indiana Jones meets Nancy Drew with the skills and precision of CSI. A mystery unfolds amidst a mix of ancient history and modern innovation, in an ageless Eastern country where time moves at a camel’s pace.
Dedicated research by author Linda Maria Frank leaves no stone unturned while great description text transports the reader to the streets of Turkey with it mosques and minarets, towers and modern buildings. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “Water droplets plunked into the pool from the vaulted ceiling. After the heat of the bazaar and the street chase, it was deliciously cool. Ornate columns with carved capitals supported the ceiling. The bases were decorated with animal and human figures. There were a few visitors, but the enormity of the space muffled their conversations.”
Strong characters with great dialog bring us to dusty archeological site in one of the oldest towns in human history called Catalhoyuk. Nothing can explain it better than this quote: “We were in a valley of shapes I couldn’t believe were not made by humans, humans with a fabulous imagination. Conical formations called fairy chimneys in various sizes spread away from us in every direction. The color of bleached bones, they sat majestically among the gray-green brush and white clay-like soil. The air shimmered from the heat. I could smell the odor of clay mixed with a faint herbal scent that must have come from the brush.”
Cosponsors from Vermont University are looking for a DNA connection between residents of Catalhoyuk and our original nomadic ancestors in Africa. Annie Tillery and her team go to work excavating this archeological site, with all the inherit dangers and a mystery brings out the detective in Annie.
From the spell of a Ouija board to a magical balloon ride in the sky nothing is lost as this time and space makes all their senses come alive with amazing black and white graphics that bring the main characters to life.
Students and young adults of all ages will enjoy Annie Tillery Mysteries. Although a series each book is unique and stands alone with no need to read in a particular sequence.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Dan Mariani Author of Bicycling With A Purpose: Shift Gears to Lower Stress, The Road to Chapulepec Park: Surviving The Big Freeze. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great addition to the Annie Tillery Mysteries Series! Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2020. Verified Purchase. Eloquently written young adult mystery story that adults will like too!
Follow Annie has she uncovers clues leading to mysterious crimes at a dig outside Istanbul. Fast-paced page turner that will keep you engaged and satisfied with its intricate plot.
Just when I thought I knew whodunit the plot thickened and sent me off in another direction. The twists and turns were well-placed throughout and kept the narrative whole.
If you haven’t read a Frank mystery this is a good one to start with. You won’t be disappointed!
I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy well-crafted stories that make you think and where you can learn something new along the way.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is a page-turning, fun filled, nail-biting, adventure. Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2019. Verified Purchase. It was great fun to write, and I love getting accolades from my readers. One 60ish lady was angry at me, because she stayed up until 3AM. She couldn’t put it down. Don’t really know why Amazon wanted me to review my own book, but what the heck.
Product Details: Paperback: 422 Pages Publisher: Bowker (July 15, 2019) Language: English Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Grade Level: 5th-10th Reading Level: 9-15 Years
Message From Linda Maria Frank: Hello, fellow mystery lovers. As a teacher of forensic science for almost 20 years, I decided to create mysteries around the science I found most interesting. I also wanted to create a smart, edgy, young female detective to solve my cases. The result was Annie Tillery. I like to call my books “Nancy Drew meets CSI”. My books capture, not only my love of mystery and science, but those things I found most exciting in life; sailing, falling in love, and my fascination with New York City.
Currently, I am living
on Long Island and working hard to promote my books.
The third Annie
Tillery mystery, Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys, revolves around another topic I
find fascinating, and that is archaeology. It takes place in Turkey. This story
is packed with heart stopping page turning drama.
The latest book, The
Mystery of the Lost Avenger, investigates a cold case involving Annie’s great
grandmother who was a test pilot for Grumman Aviation during WWII. Go back in
time to solve an unexplained plane crash involving sabotage and great grandma,
Charlotte Wheeler and her fighter pilot fiancé.
Stay tuned for more thrilling and dangerous adventures for Annie and that oh-so-sexy Ty.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE AWARDS
The Author Show Awards1, 2.4.and 7) – are writing contests. The winning entries appear in an anthology, “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading”.
The Top Female Writers Award (6) is based on an entry the author chooses to submit of their writing.
The other awards are for individual books I submitted to various contests.
The first award I received was “Rising Star” for “The Madonna Ghost”, awarded by iUniverse, the original publisher.
2013 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2014 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2015 Wishing Shelf Awards Red Ribbon Winner, “Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys”
2016 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2017 Finalist, Book Excellence Awards, “Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys”
2018 The Authors Show Top Female Author
2018 The Authors Show, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2019 First Place, Royal Dragonfly Book Award, “Making a Mystery with Annie Tillery”
2019 Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favorite, “Making a Mystery with Annie Tillery”
201 Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorite, “The Mystery of the Lost Avenger”.
Suspense and Fictional Romance Thrillers by Author Linda Burson.
The Colors of My Life by Linda Burson.
A married woman, Caylie Lyon, finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery and gets taken hostage by the five robbers. Her ordeal starts off as a scary event, but ends up with her forming a close relationship with one of the robbers named Cole.
When the five criminals are caught in the act of another robbery, Caylie is freed only to return to a different life than the one she left. Eventually, Caylie reunites with Cole when he is released from prison. His plan is to go after the company he used to work for. They’re the reason he turned to robbery. They destroyed his construction business and murdered his only brother. When the owners of the company find out Cole’s plan, Caylie seems to find herself in danger.
5 Stars: Danger Intertwined with Romance
Who ever said that “Lightening doesn’t strike the same place twice” never met Caylie Lyon.
The story opens with Caylie and her husband, Nolan, waiting in the Vanity Falls Savings Bank in Vanity Falls, Maine to close on their new house. Haunted by her frightening ordeal in a grocery store robbery in 2009, Caylie Lyon’s increased awareness of her surroundings tells her something just isn’t right. What happens next, is surreal.
Survival for fifty-two-year-old Caylie will depend on her instincts, perceptiveness, and strangely enough, her infatuation with actor Landon Cordell, not to mention luck.
Even when justice is in motion, strange situations arise. Romance and new dangers take surprising twists and turns in The Colors of My Life by Linda Burson. This is an entertaining read with some strong language.
I enjoyed the story. If you love suspense and fictional romance, you will want to read The Colors of My Life. Also, Author Linda Burson has a 13-book suspense, romantic thriller entitled The Marcy Series, along with a couple of other single title novels.
Editorial Review by Book Marketing Global Network.
Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is a book that I enjoyed reading. It is a story that details the … Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2017. Verified Purchase. The story The Colors Of My Life by Linda Burson is a romantic suspense book. This is a book that I enjoyed reading. It is a story that details the relationship between two people who are brought together because of a bank robbery and how a connection between them is formed and maintained. This is the story of Caylie and Cole. Caylie finds herself in the middle of a bank robbery and is taken hostage by the robbers. Although she is scared and unsure of what is going to happen to her, she finds she can talk to one of the robbers, Cole. During her captivity Cole opens up to Caylie about his life and why he turned to robbery. They both begin to feel a deep connection to each other. It is when these men try to commit another robbery and get caught that Caylie is able to return to her previous life. However, it is one that is quite different than the one she had. Still feeling that connection Caylie and Cole stay in touch when he is in prison and when he is released, she is the one he returns to. Now Cole is determined to make the company that he used to work for pay for the harm they have done. They are responsible for both the downturn in his life and the death of his brother. Once his intentions are known strange things begin to happen involving Caylie. Will Cole be able to keep Caylie safe? Are the owners of the company that Cole is going after responsible for the danger Caylie is in?
This is a wonderful story that had me quickly turning pages to find out what happened next. It is an unusual love story and I found myself not able to put it down until I finished. I just had to know what happens. Will Cole and Caylie’s story have a happy ending? This is the first book I have read by the author and it is amazing. She weaves a story and creates characters that are unforgettable. I went through so many emotions when reading this story. It ran from being scared and sad for Caylie to that warm feeling that you get when reading of two people who are falling in love and you know that they are right for each other. This is a story that I thought about long after I had finished reading it. This book does include a sensitive subject matter and also adult situations. It would be recommended for those 18 years of age or older.
Review by Beth B: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Beth’s Review. Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. Linda’s writing style is easy to read and her stories always have twists and turns that you didn’t expect. Very enjoyable to read!
Marcy, a strong, independent business owner uncharacteristically turns into an enraged, nightmare-plagued woman. Her lack of control over her anger makes her long-term boyfriend issue her an ultimatum—seek therapy for her behavior or lose him.
After being held-up and threatened at gunpoint during a robbery, Marcy is pushed over the edge. That night, she meets a stranger named Liam with whom she feels an inexplicable connection. Totally exhausted and intoxicated, she agrees to help him find his family’s murderers. Delving into the dark world of revenge brings Marcy and Liam into close quarters where they fall for each other, causing even more emotional anguish for Marcy.
Review by Katie Kearney: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Read. Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2021. Rage (The Marcy series Book 1) by Linda Burson starts us down the rabbit hole that is Marcy’s life. When we start this journey, it looks like Marcy has everything a girl could ask for. A good job, a nice home, and a loving fiancée are all hers. Then the nightmares start. Before long the sleepless nights begin to take their toll on her and it gets to the point where her fiancée demands that she either get help or he’s leaving. It is at this point that things begin to take a left turn into the bizarre. After a life-threatening event pushes her over the edge Marcy meets Liam and agrees to help him find and take revenge against the man that killed his family.
This was an interesting book to say the least. The plot is very much dialogue driven and every conversation has a feeling of authenticity to it that can be hard to find in some books. The dramatic and suspenseful elements were very well done and helped to keep me interested. All in all, a solid five star read and I look forward to reading the next in this series.
Review by Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved reading this story….. Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2019. The story Rage (The Marcy Series Book 1) by Linda Burson is a book that I enjoyed reading. It is a story that draws you in and didn’t let me go until I have read the final page. It is a book that had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading it. I enjoyed reading about the characters of Marcy and Liam. Marcy is an intelligent, beautiful, and feisty woman. She runs a business and some of those who work with her are more like family than employees. The love of her life has given her an ultimatum to seek help for her anger, frustrations because of nightmares that she is having. She also is a woman who finds herself falling in love with Liam. Liam is a man who is on a quest to find those responsible for his family’s murder and finds an ally in Marcy. Liam’s character is mysterious and as the story unfolds, I found myself with many questions about him. Marcy is conflicted and at times overwhelmed. Read this story for an emotional rollercoaster that will have you turning pages wondering what will happen next. There are other characters that are introduced in this story and many of them I enjoyed reading about and their interactions with Marcy. There is intense dialogue. I grew to care about Marcy and there are situations in which I could empathize with her and what she experiences. This is a wonderful book to read and one that will keep you reading far into the night to find out what happens. Recommended reading.
Review by Jana T: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What an opening act! Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2019. Rage by Linda Burson is a smashing beginning to her Marcy Series … What a debut book that is a mix of romance and thrill and I promise you the end will leave you reaching for the next instalment! You will fall in love with the writer’s simple and clear writing that will pull you in from the beginning! What an imagine coming up with the plot that will keep giving … for FIVE books!
Rage (and the Marcy series) is the story of Marcy and Brad and …. Liam … Marcy’s life has been going pretty swell, she has a successful bakery BUT suddenly she is plagued by nightmares that are so intense and obviously interfere with her sleep and making her anxious and simply impacting her daily life! She is filled with …. RAGE … and it is pushing her to the edge and over it … she blows up when she happens onto a gas station robbery …. And things take a twisted turn from there … she catches the attention of Liam who takes her (willingly) down a dark path … and let’s not forget about Brad … the passion and tension and love and lust they share …
The twists and turns and the human nature, oh what a tale the writer spins! I am ready for the next book … I wonder what path the writer is taking us down … (or maybe it is a tunnel …)
Review by Cristi Page: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent Read. Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2020. This novel is very well written! Once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Linda knows how to keep the twists and turns coming.
Marcy, learning of the reason for her nightmares and rage, realizes she has choices to make. She keeps this new information to herself, but her doctor insists she shares her revelations so she can heal. Unfortunately, unbeknown to her, she is still missing a large piece of the puzzle. Marcy questions a life-altering decision. Is it the right choice, or is she living a lie?
Her confusion weighs heavily on her. Eventually, she releases her concerns and moves forward with her plans. Liam finally gets the information he’s been waiting for regarding his family’s murderers, which takes him away from Marcy. She misses him so much; she decides to surprise him with a visit. Brad deals with the aftermath of his revelation about his father and makes a shocking and difficult decision for him and Marcy.
Product Details: Paperback: 414 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (February 5, 2020) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
Marcy’s still reeling from the decision Brad made. Even though she realizes it’s for the best, it doesn’t mean she has accepted it entirely. Liam finally receives the revenge he’s wanted for the past eleven years and wants nothing more than to move on with his life with Marcy. After an informative therapy session with her psychiatrist, Dr. Bengali, and his warnings of concern about Marcy’s continuing nightmares, Liam rushes from the doctor’s office, becoming ill.
Dr. Bengali feels it will be beneficial to use the rest of Marcy’s appointment time to speak with Liam privately, and she agrees. After their private discussion, and on the advice of Dr. Bengali, Liam opens up to Marcy in a way he never has before. He refuses to leave her side. Eventually, Marcy’s nightmares come to a head, and the effects are shattering. Liam makes a decision that devastates their lives and turns Marcy’s world upside down. Choices are made, and Brad and Marcy meet again; however, they receive more shocking news.
Review by Angela Hayes: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fantastic addition to the series… Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2021. Agony and Ecstasy is the intriguing third book in the Marcy Series by Linda Burson. The story continues from book two, so I would recommend reading the first two books before beginning this one. The more this story evolves, the more I am realising how well thought out the entire bridging storyline is. Ms. Burson has infused her story with a lot of suspense, drama, dilemmas, emotion, humour, complex characters in complicated relationships and interactions, and quite a few surprises/surprising developments.
Ms. Burson really writes well, pulling you into the story and keeping you hooked right through to the end. I laughed, cried, and got lost in this fabulous story. For me, that is the sign of a skilled writer. I have really enjoyed this series so far, but this is definitely my favourite to date.
The story has a great pace and is easy to read, it evolves beautifully and unexpectedly the further into the story/series I go. The characters have also developed and evolved along with the storyline. They tell an intriguing and very believable tale that I can’t wait to continue in the next book. Marcy, Brad and Liam have been through a lot and in this story, they continue to deal with nightmares, therapy sessions, making major decisions, dealing with shocking revelations, and more.
All this awaits in this awesome read! Bring on the next book!
Review by Hornsfan73: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Addicting Series. Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2021. Agony and Ecstasy is the third book in the Marcy series by Linda Burson and I think this is my favorite of the series so far. I didn’t find myself as annoyed my Marcy as I did in the first two book which was a good thing, but that never stopped me from reading the books and not want to put them down. Marcy has done a lot of growing and healing in this series and I have a feeling that there is still a lot more to come for her.
Marcy has such a great group of friends and she knows it, but doesn’t realize how much she will come to depend on them until one day when she least expects it. There are so many things that happen in this book, Marcy and Liam are strong, Marcy finds out more about her past and her connection to someone she didn’t even know about until memories come flooding back. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series. I have a feeling the drama is nowhere close to being over.
After the perfect honeymoon, Brad and Marcy return to reality to begin their new life together. Their marriage is going well until a nightmare event from her recent past returns to terrorize Marcy. She is aided by Brad and a surprise visitor. This experience haunts Marcy, making her miss Liam all the more. Adding to this, Brad and Marcy’s wedded bliss runs into complications when Brad becomes distant and cold. His unexpected behavior confuses Marcy, though, he is by her side when she goes into labor.
They finally get the long-awaited results of the paternity test. Before Brad leaves on a three-week business trip, Marcy confronts him about his behavior, deciding it might be better for them to separate. Brad begs Marcy to reconsider, pleading with her not to leave. He tells her how much he loves her and the baby, and he’ll make everything right. For now, Marcy agrees to stay put with their son. During this time, Marcy receives a major shock. An evening of revenge is at hand. Brad returns, and he and Marcy reconcile. Brad forms a surprising and unexpected friendship that changes the course of their lives.
Product Details: Paperback: 358 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (June 17, 2020) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
Marcy and Brad’s marriage is back on track even with the major changes at play, one of which is a falling out between Brad and his father. It’s determined that Liam’s family’s murders were not a simple home invasion. There’s more to the story than originally thought, which means the ultimate criminal is still at large. A new wedding is planned for New Year’s Eve. This wedding is a complete surprise to everyone, and an unexpected pregnancy may interfere.
Marcy’s secret daytime trips are exposed, but not before Liam misunderstands what she’s doing. This devastation leads Marcy to remember the final pieces of her past, which includes Liam. Thanksgiving at Marcy’s parent’s house brings back old memories and new jealousies. Marcy gives a Thanksgiving speech that sheds light on her life. The men in Marcy’s life become even closer, and a true bond is formed. A major purchase is made that not only secures the family’s future but makes Marcy happy.
Product Details: Paperback: 372 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 21, 2020) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
An unexpected visit to Brad’s apartment by Marcy and Liam brings Brad more trouble than he could’ve ever bargained for when his past returns in the worst way, threatening his future. Marcy decides some revenge is in order, and with Brad and Liam on board, she gets it. A bachelorette party provides Marcy with an interesting meeting, which doesn’t impress Liam, but astounds Brad.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a beautiful, long-awaited wedding with family and friends. After a romantic honeymoon, the happy couple returns home, but the bliss is short-lived. A secret that Marcy has been hiding comes to light, threatening to ruin her relationship with Brad and Liam. When she finds herself ignored by Liam and banned from Brad’s apartment and office, she’s shattered. Leaving notes for everyone explaining her plans, Marcy takes off with Evan to visit her old roommate and best friend from college, Jen, for an indefinite period. When she decides to return with exciting news, she finds chaos and devastation afoot.
Review by Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. There is also a happy event on the horizon. Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018. The story Caught In A Lie (The Marcy Series Book 6) by Linda Burson is a contemporary romance book. It is the next story in the lives of Marcy, Liam, and Brad. The story revolves around these three and the situations that they find themselves in. The past has a way of coming back as one of the characters find out. There is also a happy event on the horizon. Marcy is a strong, smart, beautiful woman. She owns a successful business and has wonderful friends and family that help her. There are times when she feels intense love and also intense frustration. She has times of confusion, doubt, guilt, and anger. There are also complications that arise. I also really enjoyed reading about the other characters who interact with Marcy. They are true friends and also family members who are there for her when she needs help the most. This story has times when there is conflict. There are also times of romance. This is another well-written story that I didn’t want to put down until I had finished the last page. As the characters are brought forward and situations are referenced from the previous books, I would recommend reading this series in order. I am hoping for another book in the series to find out what direction the story and characters go next.
Review by E. Walsh: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. ONE HOT SUMMER READ! Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2018. Caught In A Lie (The Marcy Series Book 6) by Linda Burson was, like the other books, complex, layered and full of intense emotions.
I will start with that this book is part of a complex connecting plot line from the other five books. So I highly suggest that you read these books in order. If not, you will be confused and lost, as there is so much going one, so many twist turns and revelation that will cause confusing if not followed correctly.
This sixth book was something, Linda Burson has really displayed their writing skills in this instalment and in my opinion, is the best book in the series so far. This was very Marcy centered, well it was more Marcy centered then the others. The tempo was high, the emotions were raw. Liam, and Brad are there their giving their support. What I liked is that we get to see a different, darker side to Marcy. That really made this story stand out, and for me, brought something new to a character as long running as Marcy. That is how you evolve a story.
Overall, this series has me hooked, and I can’t wait to see if more are coming. The ending gives enough to hope, so hope I shale. Please take my super high recommendation that you will be invested in this series, in Marcy, Liam and Brad. Their situation isn’t like anything you have read, and the books just keep getting better and better. Happy Reading
Review by Jennadb: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Each book in the series gets better and better and one I have loved since the … Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2018. Caught in a lie is the sixth book in The Marcy Series by Linda Burson and is a contemporary romance story. Each book in the series gets better and better and one I have loved since the first book. I love these characters and feel like I am a part of their journey, their love, their life, their unwavering love and commitment to each other. Emotions run high and strong from anger and frustration, insecurities and love, pain and heartache, heartbreak and excitement and you feel every one of them. When they laugh you laugh, when they break you break with them. I love and enjoy reading about Marcy and the men in her life. Let me tell you, there were tears shed reading this one. As usual Linda’s words had me turning page after page to see what was going to happen next and I couldn’t stop until I had finished devouring each and every word. The next book cannot come quick enough.
Review by Naomi McDonald: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This series is really good at feeding that feeling at times. Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2018. Caught In A Lie is the sixth book in the Marcy series. It ends in a way that leaves the story open, but at least this cliffhanger didn’t make me want to throw my Kindle across the room. This series is really good at feeding that feeling at times, lol.
This book is probably the most emotional book out of the series thus far, at least in my opinion. Things seem to be going well, but as I suspected after reading the previous books, it all goes wrong in a colossal way. I think I cried for two to three whole chapters. Men expressing emotion gets me every time. The author does a wonderful job of portraying the lengths we will go to because of unhealed trauma.
Beautiful tragedy sums up a lot of the story line in this book. It’s like a train wreck, you want to look away, but you can’t. I can hardly wait for the seventh book to come out!
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Riveting. Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2018. Caught In a Lie is book number six in the Marcy series by Linda Burson. Wow, just when I think this author could not possibly wow me anymore this book is ready for reading. There is a constant, never-ending plethora of drama and tension between the characters in this series, and always new and enthralling events that keep readers intrigued, involved, and enlightened.
Brad, Marcy, and Liam provide another interesting and intense instalment in a series that really does have it all. From the first meeting, to everything in between, a reader cannot help but be swept away with the clever and astute writing style Linda Burson exhibits in each book. I am always rendered speechless with the goings on in the lives of the three main characters. And exhausted, as I have to read each story in one sitting, no matter the time. Linda Burson is a captivating storyteller of a series that is gripping and all consuming. 5 stars
Review by Katie Kearney: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Love this just as much as the rest. Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2018. Caught In A Lie (The Marcy Series Book 6) by Linda Burson. Once again, the author pulls readers in from page once. I highly recommend reading this series in order. I’ve come to love all these characters as we’ve watched them grow and change over the course of this series. The author does a wonderful job of keeping me hooked from beginning to end with great details to each part of the book. Marcy has become one of my favorite female characters this year. The characters mesh so well it’s hard to remember it’s a book. It’s another amazing add to an already great series. Well thought out and written nicely. If you haven’t read these, pick them up now and enjoy. I’m giving this book a five-star review and highly recommend it.
Review by Amanda Pierce: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. She did it again. Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2018. Caught In A Lie by Linda Burson had me on my toes the entire time. Just like the other books, I didn’t want to put it down because I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. I wasn’t sure I would like this series when I started, but after reading them I was hooked. I really enjoy getting to know these characters and I always get sad when there isn’t a next book, its like losing friends. I have loved this series and this author. I know it says this is book 6 of 6, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more. Great story, great writing. 5 solid stars every time.
Review by Sara Taylor: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Amazing Series. Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2018. I have read all of the books so far. I read this book before number 5 but I went back a d read it. You want to read all the books so you know what’s going on. I’m so glad these books flow together so easily. The characters have become relatable and real. These books have great drama and excitement. I love the twists and turns so much I couldn’t put them down. It was like reading my own little soap opera! I will definitely recommend this series to people!
Review by Samantha McIntyre: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Can’t put it down. Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018. All I can say is wow! Make sure that you read this series in order or you will be lost! It’s a great romance novel and this one has that little twist of revenge that it’s amazing!! It was a keep you up at night because you will not want to put this down!!! This author is amazing! I want to see what’s next with this romance!!! When’s the next book coming out?
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Did it again! Linda you never disappoint! Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2017. Got it this morning! Finished it by nightfall! Love, lies! Pain, heartbreak! I always say it, you did it again! Please hurry up with the editing of book 7 of the Marcy Series!
Liam’s surprise birthday party has an inauspicious beginning, but a great ending. Another wedding is celebrated, but unbeknownst to the bride and groom, trouble surrounds their closest guests. Marcy’s birthday this year brings her more than one wonderful surprise and a fabulous surprise for Brad.
Unfortunately, Evan’s first birthday turns disastrous putting him in the hospital for the second time and Liam, Marcy, and Brad stressing. Brad gets good news from work, and Liam gets some good news from Brad’s FBI friend, Frank, regarding the history of the company that purchased his land.
Product Details: Paperback: 368 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (October 1, 2020) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
Liam spends time looking into all the acronyms for the company in PA that’s connected to his family’s murders to see if he can find a clue. Since he plans on visiting the area to get more information, Marcy decides to make a trip to visit with her family. Marcy finds out she is still having nightmares when Liam and her parents wake her from one. She doesn’t understand why she wakes with no memories of the nightmares.
They realize they need to get her back in to see Dr. Bengali. Finally, the new house is completed and ready to be occupied and comes with a surprise for Marcy, finally explaining Brad’s odd behavior when she tried to surprise him with her pregnancy announcement the previous year. Marcy suffers another setback during a blow-out with Brad, and during this time, she must deal with emotional trauma due to Brad’s father, Michael Preston. Michael’s visit finally proves once and for all that, he is not to be trusted, which causes Brad to lose his cool.
Product Details: Paperback: 338 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (November 17, 2020) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
Marcy, Liam, and Brad have their share of parties and celebrations from Christmas to New Year’s Eve, to birthdays, just to name a few. There’s also a second honeymoon in the mix for the trio! Liam takes an exciting new job working for Connor Bastillo, which takes Marcy’s husbands away on a three-week business trip, leaving Marcy all alone with two small children.
During this time, an unwelcome and completely unexpected visitor emerges and creates another nightmare for Marcy to commit to memory. Though, this time, her torment also involves her first-born son, Evan. Marcy’s physical and mental strength is remarkably tested in a clash with her vile intruder, leaving her broken and vulnerable. Will her resourceful husbands be able to offer their help in time to save her and Evan? How will they each handle the calamity that has invaded their lives?
Product Details: Paperback: 262 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 26, 2021) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
Now that the debacle with Dr. Michael Preston is behind them, Marcy hopes it’s the end of her nightmare and the beginning of her healing. Unfortunately, she has to wait a while longer for the healing to begin because she is taken to the hospital due to life-threatening injuries. Brad seems to be MIA. Marcy is concerned. Liam is angry.
Connor Bastillo waits to have his annual summer party until Marcy is well enough to join the festivities. She meets a few members of Connor’s family and disaster strikes when jealousies abound. Life seems to have calmed a bit after the second major tribulation in the Brooks Preston household until Liam springs some unexpected and unwelcomed news to Marcy. She is left so emotionally distraught, she ends up in the hospital again, this time with a totally crushed heart.
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Even though Liam’s still gone on an overseas mission, Marcy does her best to have a semblance of a normal life. She and Brad on back on track and having a fantastic time together. Dave and Josie’s bachelor and bachelorette parties are at hand. The couples separate to do their own thing. After the party, Marcy decides to head over to the apartment in the city since Josie’s apartment is too small for all the ladies. When she arrives, she gets an unwelcomed surprise.
Thanksgiving arrives with the family coming to the Brooks-Preston household to celebrate, but Liam is missed by everyone, especially Marcy. Brad has a special announcement to make at dinner. One afternoon, while Marcy is enjoying the hot summer day, she gets a welcomed surprise – Liam has returned, finally. Now, that Liam is back, Marcy hopes life will return to normal, but, unfortunately, things are awkward and weird between Liam and her. It doesn’t take her long to find out why.
Marcy has had enough. She’s so angry after coming across Liam and Brad huddled in a corner talking to a prostitute in a hotel bar, she takes off with Connor following her. To keep her safe, he offers her his keys and car to stay at his Hampton house.
Product Details: Paperback: 344 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (August 31, 2020) Language: English Romance (Suspense Thriller)
A new nanny joins the Brooks-Preston household, but is she who she says she is? Because of her, Liam and Brad misinterpret a personal situation, making Liam react poorly, causing Marcy to experience a memory recall that puts her in the hospital under Dr. Bengali’s care.
Connor decides to try to make his relationship with Angela work to release some of his attachment to Marcy. However, another nanny hired for the Brooks-Preston children has Connor Bastillo taking a second look.
Benny Stewart’s sister, Ida, and her son, Devon, arrive in town, bringing with them a problem named Simon, who has Liam, Brad, and Marcy joining forces to remove the problem from their lives. A New Year’s Eve party at Connor’s house takes a turn for the worse when. Marcy ends up in Connor’s bed, unable to move.
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Liam and the FBI finally have their eyes on Romano and his Corporation. With security tight at the company, Liam asks for Marcy’s help. A one-time short assignment turns into an undercover operation with Marcy smack in the middle of it. Unfortunately, events don’t turn out as planned, and Marcy’s involvement goes deeper than she or her husband ever imagined. Marcy’s ultimate nightmare becomes a reality.
Connor Bastillo attempts another romantic relationship, this time with the new Brooks Preston nanny. At first, things seem to be going well, but then Connor realizes no matter how hard he tries, his relationships fail because no one is Marcy. With Romano still on the loose, a bodyguard is hired to protect Marcy. Due to unforeseen circumstances, a typical Friday night for the Brooks Preston Family turns into a night of suffering, fear, and fury. Fortunately, a surprise visitor changes the course of all their lives. All the questions and uncertainties of Marcy’s life are answered. There are shock and revelations as the final piece of the puzzle is revealed.
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The Marcy Series Box Set: Books 1-3 by Linda Burson.
MARCY SERIES in a 3-Book Kindle set.
Start at the beginning with RAGE. Get to know Marcy, Brad, and Liam. Join Marcy in finding out why she has anger issues.
Next, continue with the second book, CONFUSION. See how Marcy tries to navigate her conflicted emotions. Get to know more about her, Brad, and Liam and their friends.
When you begin the third book, emotions run deep and decisions are made but more surprises await as AGONY AND ECSTASY takes you on a path with twists and turns.
Review by Ashley Dover: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Can Marcy really love two men at once? Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2021. Linda Burson’s Marcy Series starts off wonderfully with these three books. The intriguing story of a woman who loves two men at the same time seems totally absurd. How Marcy handles this among the other revelations in her life is somewhat amazing! These books are truly books that you need to have on your TBR list.
Marcy is the owner of the Coffee, Tea, and Treats bakery in Cold Spring Harbor. In Rage, readers learn of Marcy’s rage that she has used several times to get her out of jams. Unfortunately, it also makes things difficult for her longtime boyfriend, Brad. She eventually starts seeing a psychiatrist who helps her find the cause of her rage. In the meantime, Brad has big plans which lead to an engagement. Only this engagement last only a few days. After Brad breaks up with her, Marcy turns to her friend Liam for a trip out of town which leads to her falling in love with a second guy.
In book 2, Confusion, Marcy decides that she can’t handle relationships with both men. Unfortunately, the situation is not so easily managed, and she soon realizes that one of her men has been leading her with his behavior and his actions. She realizes love often means being able to give up what you most desire to have that person be happy.
In book 3, Agony and Ecstasy, Marcy’s life turns upside down once again as the best-laid plans in life aren’t always what happens. Where does Marcy find love and happiness in her life? And at what cost does this actually happen?
Review by Hornsfan73: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Strong finish to 1st set. Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2021. Rage is the first book in the Marcy series by Linda Burson. I liked the book overall and I was looking forward to reading the second book, but I found myself a little confused and now have a ton of questions. I had been down with a pretty bad cold when I started so I can’t help but wonder if that has something to do with my confusion, or if I was led to be confused on purpose by the author. If that is the case, she did a good job.
Confusion is the second book in the series. I found myself getting very frustrated with Marcy in this book. The back and forth was never ending or at least that is the way it seemed to me. There were times I really wanted to shake her and get her to make up her mind between Brad and Liam. I like the supporting cast as much if not more than the main characters and I hoped to find them in more prominent roles in the following books.
Agony and Ecstasy is the third book in the series and I think this is my favorite of the series so far. I didn’t find myself as annoyed my Marcy as I did in the first two book which was a good thing, but that never stopped me from reading the books and not want to put them down. Marcy has done a lot of growing and healing in this series and I have a feeling that there is still a lot more to come for her.
Review by Jenique Bornman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. 3 in 1 Bonus because you’re not gonna want to put it down. Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2021. Have you ever been so frustrated, overtired and filled with so much RAGE that only one little thing will push you over the edge….. Well this is where Marcy finds herself. One nightmare has driven her to the brink of uncomfortable RAGE. She’s alienated everyone close to her. And now to make matters worse the man she loves has given her an ultimatum, she has to get help or it’s over (what an ass).
Just when she thinks life can’t get any worse, she gets held at gunpoint…. that’s when it happens, that’s the point where her RAGE gets pushed over the edge of no return.
But as luck will have it, that’s when she meets the one person that might just be able to get her back from the brink of disaster.
This is a, on the edge of your seat, nail biting, page turning kind of book.
Linda Burson knows how to hook you into a book coma. Marcy is a very well thought out character. The storyline definitely leaves you wondering. Don’t blink or you will miss something and believe me you will not want to miss anything.
Great start to a great series.
And what makes this even better is you het the first 3 books in 1!!!!
That’s a bonus because believe my you’re not gonna want to stop after the first book.
Review by Ashley: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic. Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2021. I am now a true fan of Linda Burson! This series was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat! I was invested in the characters from the very first chapter! Each story in this set is unique in its own way and keeps you interested with different twists and turns! You get a little bit of everything in these books: drama suspense action a love triangle ;-). This series and author come with my highest recommendation!
Emotionally and mentally, Camille Thurston has had it. She needs a much-needed rest from her job and her life in Boston. She decides she’ll find it at her brother Zachary’s home in Connecticut. Little does she know that this is just the beginning of more emotional and mental exhaustion.
A woman is reported missing and Cammy’s brother Zach and his partner, Russ Nolan, are on the case. Cammy, who has worked for a private investigator for the last three years, decides she can’t sit by idly. She becomes involved not only with the case, but with the family of the missing woman.
Review by Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This story has many characters that you are introduced to and that I loved reading about. Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2018. The story Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson is a thrilling mystery book. It is a story that constantly had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It is a book that I didn’t want to put down until I had read the final page. It begins with Camille Thurston taking a break from her job in Boston and staying at her brother’s home. She needs to recharge mentally. When a woman is reported missing her brother and his partner begin the investigation into where she could be. Camille who works as a private investigator also finds herself drawn into the case. Will the missing woman be found? This story has many characters that you are introduced to and that I loved reading about. They are supportive of Camille and are there for her when she needs help. There are others that you come to believe have a hidden agenda. There are times when my mouth dropped open when reading what some of the characters said and did. I loved the character of Camille. She is a woman who once she starts an investigation does not give up until she finds the truth. I also enjoyed the interactions between Camille and her brother as it shows how much they care about each other. There are also some humorous interactions between her brother and his partner. This is the second book I have read by the author and have found that she writes wonderful stories with amazing characters. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Reviewed by: Linda Tonis-Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. She heads to Connecticut to stay with her brother Zach his wife Leah and her niece and nephew who love her almost as much as she loves them. Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2018. Camille (Cammy) Thurston works for a private detective business as a private investigator, a job she has been at for three years. It was three years ago that her life was turned upside down, she was passed over for a promotion at work and the night she thought her boyfriend of three years was finally going to propose he broke up with her. It was at a bar drinking away her sorrows that she met Frank Dees the owner of the private investigation business who offered her a job.
Camille’s father and now her brother are police officers but Camille realized after graduating from the police academy that it was not for her but being a private eye was just what the doctor ordered after everything that happened to her. Now after three years of pushing herself she is emotionally and mentally ready for some time off. She heads to Connecticut to stay with her brother Zach his wife Leah and her niece and nephew who love her almost as much as she loves them.
While at Zach’s home she meets and falls in love with a little neighborhood boy Austin who can’t wait to spend time at the house playing with Cammy and the kids. Austin is dropped off each day by his father Grant Clemons in spite of the objection by Austin’s mother Paula. Paula and Grant have a very contentious marriage she is a sorry excuse for a mother and is always fighting with Grant. When Paula disappears, Cammy offers to help with Austin and after a while she and Grant become close. He has finally found a woman that makes him happy but with Paula missing their relationship is at a standstill. Either they have to wait seven years still she is declared dead or if she is dead her body has to show up, those are the only two ways that Grant and Cammy can legally marry and be together.
Grant always knew he was miserable with Paula but he didn’t realize the extent of misery that she was leveling on their son. Neither he nor Austin are sad she isn’t around and their biggest worry is that she could return. The reason that Grant never divorced her and the reason he married her in the first place are not for me to reveal but for you to find out for yourself and both reasons are worth the read.
I don’t want to give anything away in this review but I will say that there were surprises that I didn’t even see coming and I doubt anyone else would. There are also a group of Paula’s so-called friends each claiming to be her best friend who can’t stop themselves from interfering in Grant’s life, each woman with dreams of having Grant for themselves in spite of some of them being married. It is Grant’s next-door neighbor and Paula’s friend that causes a lot of trouble but another thing I am unwilling to talk about. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Review by Bob-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Captivating. Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2022. Ever since the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series, I’ve always loved murder mysteries. I hit the jackpot with this one. It had several cases going on at the same time. This author has a real knack for creating a lot of suspense and keeping you there.
Also, as an extra bonus, who would have known romance would be thrown as well! I feel like I got a lot more than I bargained for in this book. The main mystery involves finding a missing woman. Who is it? Who did it? There are several options, but I bet you can’t figure out who did it!
I found the characters, Cammy, her brother Zach, and Grant very likable, relatable, and well developed. I found Cammy extremely likable. As a private investigator, she just couldn’t help but get involved in this mystery even though it was her law enforcement brother, Zach’s case. My heart went out too little 7-year-old Austin, a pawn in the marriage between Grant and Paula.
Wow, the twists, and turns will have you spinning. Well done Linda Burson! This is the first book I have read by this author. I see she has several more. I will have to check them out. I loved the pace of this story. Seriously, you will not want to put this one down.
Review by Beverly: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. OH, EMM GEE!!!! Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021. OH, EMM GEE! I can’t even begin to explain how much I LOVED Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson! She creates a setting with wonderful characters, to nosey neighbors, mystery, suspense, a HUGE ending twist, and of course murder, but just how much? I guess you will have to read to find out!!!!
Grant, stuck in a marriage he was forced into, does everything he can do to deal with his wife Paula, just to be with his son. Until one day Paula disappears without a trace.
Grant, being a lawyer, knows though he didn’t do it he’s now the prime suspect. Though he’s not the only one who isn’t sad Paula is gone.
Camille, an undercover PI, takes a leave of absence from her job in Boston to stay with her brother in Connecticut. Ends up in the middle of Paula’s disappearance investigation.
I got sucked into this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I felt like the nosey neighbors watching Camille and Grant during the investigation of his wife’s disappearance.
Trust me when I say READ IT!!!
Review by Angela Packard: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Romantic Mystery. Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021. This is the first book I have read by Linda Burson, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Cammy works for a private detective and after a really hard long case, feels she needs a vacation. She heads to her brother’s house in Connecticut for the summer. Three months, turns into five. Her brother is a police officer as others had been in her family. She went to the Academy but decided that was not the way she wanted to go with her life. Cammy’s brother gets a case about the neighbor’s wife going missing. Cammy who has fallen in love with the neighbor’s little boy gets involved with the case. But is she too close? She has the neighborhood talking up a storm spending so much time with the handsome father.
There was romance and mystery and catty women. This book made me smile and giggle more than once, but it also kept me turning the pages. I will be seeking out other books by this author.
Review by Ashley: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I didn’t see that coming! Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2021. Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson was excellent. I was expecting a thriller, but I got so much more, crime thriller mixed with romance. Murder Among Friends was well written, the characters were developed well, and the banter between the siblings was believable, it reminded me of the banter between me and my siblings. Murder Among Friends quickly caught my attention and kept me quickly turning the pages to find out what happened next. I was pleasantly surprised at some unexpected twists that I didn’t see coming. I’m generally pretty good at guessing the “twists” but I didn’t see these coming, which made it that much better. The attention to detail is great throughout the book, it really makes you feel like you are sitting right there “seeing” everything that is happening. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the thriller genre, even the romance genre, you won’t be disappointed.
Review by Ashleigh: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This get away is the best thing that could have fallen into her lap. Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2018. Murder Among Friends by Linda Burson is a fast-paced thriller with enough suspense to steal your breath. Following the story of Camille Thurston, and her needing a break from the fast-paced life in Boston in favor of staying with her brother and his family. Needing to recharge both mentally and physically, this get away is the best thing that could have fallen into her lap. Camilla’s brother is a police detective, so when a woman is reported missing, he and his partner into where she could be and what happened to her. Camilla, who is a private investigator, feels she can offer something to the investigation, so she decides to run a concurrent investigation along with her brother. While bring pulled into this investigation, Camilla is still trying to heal herself, and working diligently to find this missing woman, she attempts to reconnect with her friends back home. But when hidden agendas and unanswered questions come to light, how will Camilla continue to find the missing woman without taking away her safety blanket of those around her. Is she strong enough to accuse those closest to her in the name of justice? As the story heats up, hot on the trail of a murderer, Camilla will have to give up everything she knows in order to find him. Burson is an old favorite of mine, so when I saw this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. If you are looking for a great read that will simultaneously take your breath away while keeping you on the edge of your seat than this is one that you need to buy today!
Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. First time reading this author. Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021. Camille is looking to take a break from her highly stressful PI job and decides to stay with her brother and his family. He had been trying to get her to live with his family for years and she is finally ready to take him up on his offer. When a neighbor goes missing her brother and his partner take on the case. She can’t just sit by and not help, can she? This was a great book that kept me on the edge of my seat. The equal parts suspense and romance balanced out this book very well and the writing style of the author was great. The characters came to life and they felt so real. I will definitely be finding more books by this author.
Review by Jenna M Knee: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. GREAT READ. Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021. This book hooks you from page one. You are instantly drawn into the world of Cammie and want to know everything right away. It very much has classic TV drama vibes and I could easily see this being made into a Lifetime Movie. Definitely a page turner that makes you want to continue reading with no regard to the outside world. There are twists and turns in every chapter and just when you think you have it figured out, another twist smacks you in the face. I really hope that Ms. Burson continues writing Cammie and Grant’s story because there is so much more to be told with these two characters.
Review by Kirchersmiles: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome!! Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2018. This is my second book by this author and it had me at page 1. This is one of those stories that has you trying to figure it out all the way through the book, and being wrong and changing your mind and then deciding no you were right at some point, then just giving up and throwing your hands in the air.
No book I have ever read seriously had my jaw on the floor like this one did…This author did an amazingly awesome job with this story, and I see this book being a tv movie no doubt. You have to read this book to understand why I am saying all of this, I will not go into any details because I will not be able to stop myself and that would not be fair to anyone.
I loved the first book I read by Linda Burson but this one is my favorite so far and I absolutely can not wait to read more by this author. Every word just flows so perfectly and I read it in just a few hours because I couldn’t even think of putting it down afraid Id miss something LOL. Well Played Miss Burson!!
What would you do if an envelope with ten-thousand dollars and a letter outlining a kidnapping mission was mistakenly tossed into your lap? Andy finds himself grappling with that question after his seemingly routine evening at his favorite bar gets him mixed up in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.
When Andy tracks down the kidnapping target — millionaire Jenna Ladson — she’s certain he doesn’t have her best interests at heart. As the evidence stacks up, she’s forced to accept Andy’s help. But what protection can a scruffy warehouse worker offer a sought-after heiress?
Suddenly, it’s simple: kidnap her before they do.
But there are dangerous consequences for taking what isn’t yours…and love is about to derail their best laid plans.
The Kidnapping is a romantic suspense novel that explores what happens when love, money and identity intertwine.
Read Andy and Jenna’s story today!
Review by Beverly: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Healing, Love, and Kidnapping. Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022. He saved her life. She revived his. He also taught him what love is.What would you do if someone dropped an envelope in front of you with $10k and instructions to be followed?
The Kidnapping was surprisingly unexpected. In a good way. I was hooked from the first chapter. It’s been a while since a book has gotten me that quickly. I didn’t want to put it down. The author takes us on a whirlwind adventure. One that just when you think it’s over, boom not quite. The way the author wrote the two main characters they are both easy to love for their own reasons. Plus, the growth throughout is beautiful.
Andy and Jenna had no idea they’d cross paths, or that it would change their lives forever.
Jenna is lonely in life. Proof that money can’t buy everything. All people want her for is what she can give them, the things she could buy. And she’s just sick of it all. Ending up at a dive bar on the other side of town gives her a chance to let go and unwind.
Andy is moping through life. Having suffered great loss and numbingly starting over. Frequents the same dive bar. Fortunately for him, one day a lady gave him an envelope with $10k and instructions on who and how to kidnap someone. That someone being Jenna. So, what does he do? He decides to meet her and tell her.
Instant connection, instant chemistry that they both choose to ignore. Though Jenna’s plan could throw a wrench in that. She wants to stay with Andy, and figures it’s the best way to keep her safe. That is till they figure out what to do about the letter. There’s strong connections that her ex-fiancé Steve has his hands all over this mess.
So come join us, for an unexpected rollercoaster, lots of romance, lots of awkward holding back. While these two navigate their new situation.
Do they figure it out? Does Andy keep Jenna safe?
A book that was a lot lighter than I expected, will keep one interested for hours. Check it out!
Review by Chrissey: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A page turner you won’t want to put down. Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2022. This was such a good book with a very unique plot line. I have to say that it had so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. I truly enjoyed the character of Jenna and I felt that she was very well developed. The author did a great job explaining why Jenna is leary of trusting people and is even more distraught to discover she might have been duped again.
I think Andy was an even better character. I loved the amount of depth there was to him. I also loved how he always was trying his best to do the right thing.
Jenna and Andy’s circumstances were less than ideal but their banter was something I truly loved. I definitely loved this book and read it in less than one day. I didn’t like whenever I had to put it down. It was one that you will want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. I definitely recommend this book!
Review by Faithfulgirl: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Witty, suspenseful adventure. Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2022. Linda Burson is a new-to-me author but not for long as I will be looking for more of her books. I love her writing style!
Jenna has recently left her fiancé Steve. All he wanted was her money but she wanted so much more. Jenna starts scoping out new hangouts and finds a bar where no one really knows who she is or how much money she has. She’s sworn off men but then Andy walks in the bar. Andy’s minding his own business but finds Jenna to be an interesting and slightly attractive woman. Jenna reciprocates the feelings. It’s when Andy is handed an envelope that things start to change for these two strangers. Inside the envelope is a note with a significant amount of cash. Andy has to make a decision as to what to do with this envelope and the knowledge that he now has.
This is the where they mystery begins. I’ll not ruin anything but the reader will be in for a pretty wild ride with these two and this envelope.
Review by cinful: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A must read suspenseful romantic story. Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2022. Be prepared for this funny romantic suspense story. Jenna has left her boyfriend and has decided to try out a different bar. Back story is Jenna has money and all of her previous boyfriends just want her money. Including Steve, her last one. Although he kept bugging her to add his name to her bank account. He hit the red flag and she was over him. Andy is minding his own business when a girl walks in and puts an envelope in his lap. Shocked, he tried to catch up with her, but she was gone. In that envelope he found a few thousand dollars and a note. That’s it, no spoilers. This is one you will need to read to believe it. This author has done it once again. Kept me up all night reading her book. But so worth the adventure, intrigue, and suspense. The story is well written and fast paced. She got me on page two and I was off. Her main characters are just plain everyday people caught up in the kidnapping. I have read books from this author and never second guess buying her books. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Review by Jennadb: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. One of my favourites. Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2022. I have read many of this authors books and have enjoyed them all in one way or another. I was excited to see what she had instore for us this time. I was not disappointed. This is one of my favourites.
The Kidnapping with its gripping tension and suspense and humour had me turning the pages to find out what happened next. It’s not every day you are thrust in to a world not of your making.
Linda has given us a tangled web to navigate this mystery which has been skillfully planned out and well written. There are a few twists and surprises along the way as we navigate the predicament the characters suddenly find themselves in.
One bar, two strangers and one night that will change their lives forever. Now if they can just manage to keep out of the clutch of danger.
Grab a copy of The Kidnapping and enjoy.
Reviewed by Diane M Sennett: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This is a great book and would recommend! Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2022. Jenna Ladson sees Andy in their favorite bar on many occasions, though they never speak to each other. When Andy is given an envelope by a stranger in a bar, he’s perplexed. When he reads the message inside, he has to make a decision that will impact Jenna’s life and his own.
The author writes with detail that the characters come alive in this story. I was hooked from the beginning to the end!
This book is full of suspense, romance, and clever characters. I enjoyed reading this book and was surprised by the outcome.
This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Burson, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Reviewed by Karen Pearman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What a great book. Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2022. This is a new author for me, so I was not sure what I was getting myself into, but what I found was a funny book. I laughed aloud so many times that my family thought I was crazy. And wondered why a book titled “The Kidnapping” would be funny. I told them that they would have to read it themselves. The author did a fantastic job telling this story. Her visual description was perfect. I could see this going on in front of me. I loved the characters. They were so witty and charming, and they made a perfect pair. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for funny wit and banter mixed in with suspense.
Message From Linda Burson: I decided to write a different kind of biography. While the one written in a few of my books is accurate, this one adds a bit more detail. This one will give you the complete reason while I decided to not only write a novel, but to finally complete it, as well as continue writing.
Life is short. Yes, you’ve heard that cliché many, many times, I’m sure. For me, however, I understand it and feel it to my core. There are those of you who may feel it as deeply as me. Whether you changed your life completely, well, only you would know that. As for me, that’s exactly what I did, and the true reason I am now writing full time.
I had two close calls in my life, close as in the end of my life as we know it here on earth. This makes one stop and think. It certainly made me stop and think, a lot. It made me appreciate what I have, but it also made me consider if the life I was living and the direction it was heading was truly what I desired. This wasn’t a difficult decision for me. I always knew I wanted to write books, but as I said in the previous biography, something always seems to “get” in the way.
Besides the fact that physically I could have died twice, I did have four special people in my life who died way too young. They were all close to me as I was to them. The first important, irreplaceable person I lost was my mother who died from ovarian cancer. Next, was my brother who died due to heart issues; my best friend, who was more like a close sister, died due to breast cancer, and lastly, a cousin who was also a best friend to me, to suicide.
This alone should have been enough for me to make changes in my life. It did get me to seriously consider making these changes and attempt to start that writing career multiple times, but it didn’t push me over the edge enough to do it. It took me being diagnosed with breast cancer, not having great odds, and a couple of years contemplating my life that finally gave me the push I needed to close my business and write full time. It’s the second scare I experienced that keeps me writing.
So, if you don’t wake in the morning looking forward to starting your day, hopefully with a smile, then maybe you need to take a second look at the direction of your life. I found the joy and passion in writing books. Do I want to sell lots and lots of books? Of course. But that isn’t my driving force. I know not everyone is going to love my stories; but that doesn’t matter as much as the fact that I enjoy writing them. It makes me happy; it makes me full whole, and it makes me wake looking forward to starting my day because I know I have something waiting for me that I love to do.
Wayland’s Revenge (Historical Crime Thriller) by Lesley Lodge.
It’s 1647: a time of bitter civil wars in England. Wayland, the village blacksmith, returns from army service to find his wife, Rebecca, murdered and his son traumatised and struck dumb. Wayland’s overpowering desire for revenge is thwarted by the collapse of laws and a dearth of clues to her sadistic killer. Thwarted, that is, until the villagers ask him to investigate a runaway horse. Whilst searching for its rider, he discovers instead the body of a young boy, cut with symbols in the same way as Rebecca’s body had been. The clues abound and confuse with elements of witchcraft, religious hatred and the enmities of civil war.
Wayland sets out on a perilous journey to find the killer, taking with him his son Jonathan and Alun, a canny Welsh baker. But just as they find their first suspect, they are trapped in the brutal Siege of Colchester, facing ever more dangerous challenges. Wayland, Alun and Jonathan must draw on all their strengths, devise new strategies and make agonising decisions, if they are to stay alive and find the real killer before he strikes again.
5 Stars: Captivating Story!
Captivating story listed as a historical crime thriller, but seeped in truth. The Author is writing from the UK, where language and spelling might differ from your own.
The setting is 1647 in Forest Heath, England. The main character, Wayland returns from war to find his wife has been murdered and his son traumatized. This village blacksmith sets out to find the sadistic killer of his beloved Rebecca. Wayland enlists his son Jonathan and his baker friend Alun to help him. The three of them set out on a perilous journey. In the process Wayland discovers the truth behind the symbols cut into Rebecca’s dead body.
Author Lesley Lodge is a compelling writer. I quote, “Wayland was standing beside a lake, watching thick grey clouds swirl over the seething water. At first, he could hear only the waves slopping against the shoreline. Then a woman’s head broke through the surface of the lake, gasping, choking, panting. Wayland leapt forward, ran towards her, shouted to her to hold on, to wait for him. But her head sank down again. He could see only the black surging sea and some dirty white foam.”
The author carefully takes the reader from 1647 back to 1645. I quote, “The howling became louder, nearer. Agnes could make out individual screams now. For a moment she felt paralysed, rooted on to the earth, her hands still holding the strips of cloth. Then she dropped the cloth and she ran, holding her skirts up out of the mud. Other women soon overtook her; their urgency spurred her on. Tree branches whipped at her face and caught at her skirts. Neither she nor any of the other women wasted any breath screaming now. All that Agnes could hear was the sound of her own lungs heaving and that of her heart drumming.”
Then back to 1647 where for Wayland “a few more days passed uneventfully though, and the uneasy feeling began to leave him. Instead, he and Alun discussed again and again their hoped–for encounter with their suspect Carter and what it might mean in terms of opportunities to question the man further. One morning they were sorting through the charcoal stores, setting to one side the big lumps needed for the smithy furnace and to the other side the smaller pieces more suited for the bakery oven. Wayland suddenly picked up the bellows and threw them into the far corner of the smithy.
‘When?’ he shouted, ‘When will God grant me the truth? Will we never get any further with our search? Can we never find justice for the boy’s death? Or for Rebecca’s death? We will likely perish in this Godforsaken town, murdered by one side or the other. Or starve to death. All for no reason.’
I invite you to read this captivating historical crime thriller.
Lights-Camera-Gallop: The Story Of The Horse In Film by Lesley Lodge.
All the film and TV horses you’ve loved – and more!
From Roy Rogers’ Trigger to War Horse Joey
You’ll find all the genres of film featuring
horses here: Westerns (with exciting chases), wild horse movies (survival
against great odds) and comedies (talking horses, a horse on a piano).
You’ll find out how some of the most awesome
scenes with horses were filmed – and how to spot some of the tricks of the
trade.
Check out the pictures of beautiful horses –
well-toned bodies, manes to die for, amazing stunts. You’ll find key cinematic
techniques are explained, from clever editing, through Stop Animation to
Computer Generated Images, all in easy to understand terms.
Lights! Camera! Gallop! will also tell you where
to watch exciting clips of horses on the internet for free. And there’s a fun
film trivia quiz at the end.
*
Sixteen great photos
Horse
stars and stunts
*
Over one hundred films referred to
From
silent movies to War Horse
*
How DID they do that?
Stunts – and make-up for horses – explained
Product Details: Paperback: 137 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st Edition (December 15, 2012) Language: English Arts (Film and TV Horses) Westerns (Horses)
Horse and Pony Colours: Which Would You Choose by Lesley Lodge.
Have you ever wondered what a blue roan is? Or a Perlino?
There are more than fifty horse and pony colours and colour combinations!
Illustrated paperback.
This book – with colour photos – will tell you
about all the horse and pony colours and their combinations. It has some
stunning colour photos and explanations of the different colour terms. There’s
a bit of science too, around why horses inherit different colours. And some
useful websites for more horse colours and film clips.
So, what colour would you choose for your perfect horse (real or imaginary)?
Product Details: Paperback: 90 Pages Language: English Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First Edition (December 9, 2013) Arts: Film and TV Horses Westerns (Horses)
Two very different short stories about revenge and redemption.
Because it is Written” is set in seventeenth century England. The discovery of a runaway horse leads to a chance for Wayland – village blacksmith and ex-soldier – to take a full revenge on the man who murdered his wife. Includes some original images.
Hoodies, set on a present-day inner-city estate, tells of a drug-dealer’s violent death from the viewpoint of his one-time girlfriend.
About Lesley Lodge: Lesley Lodge now lives on a very small farm in England after many years working on regeneration projects in inner-city London. She grew up in the New Forest with holiday jobs in a racing stable and on a palomino stud farm. Her long-time ride is Freddie, a hairy bay cob mare with a moustache.
Lesley has had several short stories published. Blues to Orange, about a farmer ruined by the foot and mouth outbreak, was a Luton Literary Prize Winner and published in Junction 10, a collection of short stories. She has twice been a Runner-up Prizewinner in the annual British National Short Screenplay Competition and is a past Time Out and Jim Beam Whiskey Cult Film Buff of the Year.
Lesley’s novel, a historical crime thriller, “Wayland’s Revenge” is available – in paperback, eBook and Audiobook! Set in 17th century England, it features ex-soldier and blacksmith Wayland. Seeking revenge for the brutal murder of his wife, he and canny Welsh baker Alun are swept up into the vicious siege of Colchester. Can they survive – and find the killer before he strikes again?
Pemberton N. Wysquers is a very dignified old English gentleman who own a very old package delivery business that operates on a worldwide scale. Once a year, usually at year end, he leaves the confines of his work environment to travel around in order to visit some of his most special and deserving customers. He selects a town and spends a week mingling with the residents, helping out where he can and bringing both hope and encouragement to those he interacts with. He leaves a permanent imprint on all of those with whom he meets, and he truly leaves his hosts in a much better state than he found them.
5 Stars: I love this book and invite you to read the most intriguing story about an English gentleman named Pemberton N. Wysquers. While you read, I believe you find yourself relating in some way to the characters who have in one way or another come to the end of their emotional life. When all seems lost, in one moment in time, as if by coincidence or magic, they brush shoulders with Mr. Wysquers.
As a young child you were probably taught about Santa Clause. As time moved on, your innocence was shaken by unspoken reality. While young you believed that time is infinite and you are invisible. When time marched on reality dulled your senses, the magic you found in childhood was buried in life experiences. This book will remind you that in a few fleeting moments, magic can stir. If you open your mind to the possibility, Mr. Wysquers might just pay you a visit.
Let me quote what Melody said: “I know this is going to sound strange, but I owe my life to a corned beef sandwich. The really weird thing is, I never liked corned beef. I would have one now and then, but it was never my favorite sandwich. But now? I smile every time I eat one, and that’s usually once a week, normally on Thursday. Why Thursday, you ask. Because that’s the day all the magic happened. Of course, I didn’t know it was going to be a magical day when I woke up. After all, you never see the magic coming.”
Each person in this book has their own story to tell. Here is how Ivan’s story begins: “I don’t have a lot of time to give you this story, I have somewhere to be and I can’t get out of it. I guess you first have to know a little bit about me to understand what I’m going to tell you, and why I’m telling you.
My story begins about twenty years ago, when I was a teenager and hanging out with my friends. We were the usual gang, looking for girls, driving around at night, and sneaking our drinking when our parents weren’t watching or around. The night that changed my life didn’t start out as anything significant, other than it was a Saturday.”
Which one of these stories mirror your own and where would Mr. Wysquers accidentally, or on purpose walk into your story?
This book is heartwarming and a must have gift item for your friends and family any time of year. I am giving this book as a Christmas gift this year.
Mr. Wysquers by Larry Auerbach is a story for all time and begins when a Candy-Apply Red Vintage Cadillac comes your way. Other books by Larry Auerbach include A Matter Of Honor, A Matter Of Justice, Common Threads, The Spirit of Redd Mountain and The Troll Bridge.
In 1935 west Texas, two teenagers — Duane McCathern and Tony Picano — decide to go search for a lost treasure of Confederate gold based on an old tale told by a retired Texas Ranger, involving Indians and a mysterious spirit. As their hunt starts, another boy, a long-time rival, finds them in a cave and they must reluctantly include him in their hunt, it doesn’t take them long before they realize they need more help so their new partner brings in someone, an A. B. Conway, that he says has the expertise and the skills they need to get the gold they believe is hidden in that cave. The only problem is that A. B. Conway is Abbie. Tony is at once smitten and Duane is clearly annoyed.
Once they get the hunt underway, Abbie proves her skill at fabricating machinery is beyond their expectations. And that is a good thing as the hunt suddenly takes an unexpected turn as all of them begin to have out of body experiences and they run into other supernatural problems. As they get closer to the gold, the problems mount and Duane and Tony start showing signs of stress. Then things really start getting strange as all four start having visions of the past. A spirit from the past begins influencing their actions, leading Duane in one direction and Tony in another. As both the distant and the recent past begin to reveal themselves, all of them must make decisions that will have long lasting results. Abbie has to choose between Duane and Tony, and Duane must choose between Tony and Abbie. Who, if any, will make it out of the cave and who will make a deal with the Devil?
5 Stars: Raised in Vermont I have always been fascinated with covered bridges, railroad bridges and river bridges. The title ‘The Troll Bridge’ by Larry Auerbach caught my attention right away. The prologue hooked me and it was very hard to put this book down for any reason.
Larry Auerbach is a master story teller and if you ever loved exploration as a kid and dreamed of finding something of value while exploring the farm yards, local woods, railroad tracks, old buildings, river banks etc. around your town, this book will draw you into this teen adventure that involves a hidden cave in West Texas.
Well-developed characters like Duane McCathern, Tony Picano find they need some help when the old town’s folklore about a hidden cave may have more merit than just to spook kids. Here is a quote from the book to pique your interest.
… “We’re here, we’re a team, and we’re all going to watch each other’s back. We all share the risk, we all share the rewards—equally,” Duane told him. He put out his hand to Ron, who took it and held it in affirm grip. Tony put his hand over theirs, and all three of them put their other hand on the pile of hands. It was done. Tomorrow they would go to school, and come Friday, the adventure would begin for real. Fame and fortune awaited them in that hole. It was a sure thing; they were all certain. What could possibly go wrong?”
…Eleven fast paced chapters will take you on an adventure of paranormal (supernatural) intrigue written for Tweens, Teens and Young Adults along with you if you are young at heart, spirit and mind.
I invite you cross over ‘The Troll Bridge’, feels the spray from the raging water below, walk the river banks if you dare as “Trolls” are known to live under bridges where people and things go missing. Join these teens as they use every creative bone in their bodies and life skills to explore a hidden cave in the hopes, they will all make it out alive with treasure worth dying for.
‘The Troll Bridge’ by Larry Auerbach is an adventure worth taking. Other books by Larry Auerbach include Common Threads, The Spirit Of Redd Mountain, A Matter Of Justice, and A Matter Of Honor.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 432 Pages Publisher: Book Vine Press (December 1, 2018) Language: English Paranormal (Supernatural) Teens, YA and Adults
Larry Auerbach is an historical-fiction writer who brings the Old West alive with his great western adventures. Each of them is packed with non-stop action, drama and history. Larry Auerbach proves to be an exciting story-teller.
A Matter Of Honor by Larry Auerbach.
Set in 1877, in New Mexico Territory, former Union sniper Jonah Berryman is presently working as a bounty hunter who is known for bringing his man in alive, but Jonah is here on personal business and is hunting someone on his own time. He has some unfinished business with a doctor who saved his life but left his cousin to die. He has been looking for this doctor ever since the War ended, but not knowing what the doctor looked like has been a big problem.
Now he is here in the town of Willow Springs because someone sent him a wire saying the man was here. But as soon as he arrived in town someone started shooting at him. Now he is the middle of another war, and Jonah can’t tell which side is which…or even who is one what side. All he knows for sure is that he is in the middle. As the lead continues to fly his way, Jonah realizes someone has set him up to be the next casualty of their own private war. He has to figure out who it is that is behind all of this, if he has any hope of getting out of town alive. And he still has to find out who put him in the middle of this and why.
Product Details: Paperback: 732 Pages Publisher: Book Vine Press (February 18, 2019) Language: English Western (Traditional) Western (Action and Adventure) Western (Crime Murder Thrillers) Westerns (Historical Fiction)
This is a story of justice delayed, and how each person’s life can intersect with another, with a varying degree of impact.
Jonah Berryman is a former Union sniper, who is hunting for someone out of his past. He has some unfinished business with the doctor who saved his life and allowed his cousin to die. When he went to find the doctor later, he learned he had never even existed…except for saving his life and his sight.
After the War, Jonah became a bounty hunter, and whenever he rides into a town, anyone who has something to hide gets nervous and lead begins to fly. Willow Springs was no exception. In A MATTER OF HONOR, after receiving wire saying he was in Willow Springs, Jonah rode in looking for the doctor but he found a whole lot more than he was bargaining for. People began dropping like flies from the moment he hit town, and most of the lead that was flying through the air appeared to be coming his way. It didn’t take long for him to discover there were a lot of players in this game, and that there were more than two sides in this war. In the exciting conclusion of this story, Jonah has already figured out that nobody is who they appear to be. Now he has to end someone else’s war if he is going to save his own skin. That’s going to be hard, since he can’t really be sure who is a friend and who isn’t.
There are hidden players in this game, and they all have their own agenda for how this will end. Jonah didn’t realize it at the time, but he was actually lured here because of his reputation. Someone wanted him to be the catalyst to bring A MATTER OF JUSTICE to this town for a lot of people.
Product Details: Paperback: 350 Pages Publisher: Book Vine Press (May 16, 2019) Language: English Western (Traditional) Western (Action and Adventure) Western (Crime Murder Thrillers) Westerns (Historical Fiction)
The town of Pinetar, Alabama was almost ruined and burned out of existence during a protracted siege during the War Between the States. Twelve years later, it is still just barely hanging on, but good times may be coming. A large financial investment is coming to Pinetar, to help newly enfranchised former slaves, and former Rebels build new lives in what is now their war-ravaged home, if they can all learn to work together. The government is also sending a teacher to start a school to help them all learn to read, write, and do their sums. The own desperately needs this financial assistance, as there is no industry and no work for anyone, and the dreaded carpet-baggers are coming to town.
The new Klu Klux Klan has become a force in the south and is threatening the stability of the community by using threats, intimidation and terrorism to drive the new citizens out of the area. A U S Marshal is ordered to take a team to the town and drive the Klan out of the area and protect the financial rebirth of the community, all but wiped out by the devastation of the war only the South wanted and only the North could hope to win.
Pinetar has its own secrets, however. Twenty years ago, a black man was murdered to hide a scandal that would have ruined a very important man. Some people in Pinetar are seeking to rebuild their fortunes, while some are seeking to return to the old lost order. Others are coming to Pinetar for a variety of reasons. One is seeking redemption for a ruined military career, while another is coming to make an un-scheduled withdrawal from the bank. One man is coming to seek revenge for an old injury, and another will clear his conscience. The connection between all of these issues, and the key to the resolution of that twenty-year-old murder mystery is on the way. All of these people will meet in Pinetar and they will discover they all share COMMON THREADS.
Product Details: Paperback: 590 Pages Publisher: Book Vine Press (February 1, 2019) Language: English Western (Traditional) Western (Action and Adventure) Western (Crime Murder Thrillers) Westerns (Historical Fiction)
Redd Mountain is a famous multi-mountain resort in western Montana, that boasts skiing on one side and hunting on the other, with a wide neutral zone between the two mountains.
Thirty years ago, Warner Barney, a world class big game hunter, came to Redd Mountain on a hunting trip. His narcissistic belief that rules of safety did not apply to him led to the death of several people, as a result of his reckless behavior in the pursuit of his single-minded goal. When Warner Barney left the mountain, he left death and chaos for many in his wake.
In the months after he left, two legends began to grow. One is the story of a magnificent elk who is possessed of a singularly reddish color coat. No hunters have been able to take him, although many have seen him, because he always seems to be just out of range or behind a tree. The locals have dubbed him the protector of the forest, as hunters pass on the other animals in their efforts to bring him down, all of them failing.
There is also a legend of a mysterious red-jacketed skier who has been sighted for years, intervening in the activities of other skiers who are in danger of losing their lives, due to their recklessness or the unpredictable whims of nature. No one knows who he is, or where he comes from, or where he goes, but all are very grateful for his unexpected appearance whenever it comes. Every year, both of them are seen by skiers and hunters alike, and their legends grow bigger each year with every drink in the resort lodge.
Now Warner Barney is back, supremely confident in his belief that he is the one to claim the legendary trophy elk that has been a part of this mountain for almost as long. He has not changed at all; he still believes that rules do not apply to him. He wants this elk for his trophy wall, but there are forces standing in his way, including the chief ranger and safety supervisor for the resort, a party of conservationists and wildlife experts who are determined to rescue the elk and take him to a preserve. Also, on this expedition is Warner’s old guide from his previous hunt, who has a debt to pay and hopes to find some answers of his own on the mountain. Some of these people have their own reasons for being on this hunt, to resolve old wounds and out an end to old debts.
This party also includes a newspaper journalist who is determined to use this hunt to advance her own career, regardless of the cost to others. After agreeing to follow the rules of the non-lethal hunt, Warner breaks away on his own to follow his own path to claim this magnificent animal. His blind obsession leads Warner to find his destiny, and to discover the truth of the old saying that time heals all wounds, and wounds all heels. Warner Barney, and these two local legends, have a date with destiny to resolve some old wounds, and they will do this on Redd Mountain.
Product Details: Paperback: 416 Pages Publisher: Book Vine Press (December 1, 2018) Language: English Western (Paranormal-Supernatural) Western (Mystery Thriller Suspense Action) Western (Traditional) Western (Action and Adventure) Western (Crime Murder Thrillers) Westerns (Historical Fiction)
About Larry Auerbach: Larry Auerbach is a practicing psychotherapist of twenty-five years, in Pt. St. Lucie, Fla, where he lives with his wife of 32 years.
He earned his Master’s in Social Work form Barry University in Miami Shores, FL in 1991 and has maintained a busy practice since.
He has traveled out west for numerous pack trips and re-enactment rides and his interests include chess, horseback riding and the American West.
He is a member of the Western Writers of America and this is his fifth novel.
He is a collector of frontier memorabilia, and maintains an extensive library of the people, places and events of that period.
When Lucifer’s soldiers captured his brother, the Seven-Star General of the Archangel Army of Heaven, Samara Daemonium thought it was the turning point in the war. Victory for Hell was on the horizon, as was a peaceful future with her soulmate, Damian Hunter.
Now, a deadly new threat on Earth’s sister planet has emerged. Fire-breathing dragons are being led by Vetis Kidadl, otherwise known as the Black Dragon, and he’s determined to destroy Nexus and all its inhabitants. After volunteering to help Blade Saxe defeat this invader, Samara is tasked with finding a weapon strong enough to kill him—a mission made more difficult when she’s kidnapped and forced into submission by none other than Kidadl himself.
In this epic fourth installment in the Gehenna series, two thought-provoking questions arise. Can Samara defeat the Black Dragon, return to Middle Earth with her son, and find the happiness she so richly deserves? Or will Lucifer and his daughter Lucinda succeed in destroying the entire Daemonium family?
Review by D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review: McFarren’s ability to build character tension based on surprises, transformations, and shifting alliances keeps the action swift and the predictability of the outcome satisfyingly mercurial.
Review by Bella G. Wright, bestthrillers.coms: War between heaven and hell has never been this sexy. Sara J. Mass fans may find a new favorite author in Kaylin McFarren.
Review by Akram Herrak, Independent Book Review: It is a cornucopia of fantasy elements and characters in a story that is sure to surprise you.
Review by David Beaumier, Chanticleer Book Reviews: 5 STARS! Kaylin McFarren expertly weaves a tale of salacious and sinister power struggles in Black Wing Sky. Through McFarren’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions, readers will be fully immersed in this epic tale until the end. Black Wing Sky will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they race toward the epic conclusion of the Gehenna series.
Review by Self-Publishing Review: With fast-moving storytelling, intense erotic passages, and enough emotional weight to keep readers invested, this novel is a hard-edged romantic fantasy that comes to vivid life on the page.
Review by Manik Chaturmutha, Pacific Book Review: The author demonstrates excellent storytelling skills, making this book an engaging fantasy fiction novel captivating readers from beginning to end.
Review by Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review: Kaylin McFarren expertly weaves a tale of salacious and sinister power struggles in Black Wing Sky. Through McFarren’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions, readers will be fully immersed in this epic tale until the end.
From The Author: I’ve come to believe life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a practically new, well-preserved body, but rather the overdue delivery of a thoroughly used up, totally worn-out body that merits proclaiming loudly, “Wow, what a ride!”
That is how I’ve led my life thus far and will continue to do so.
What inspires me most is the number of people in this world who risk it all with no barriers or perimeters securely tied in place. They experience all life has to offer and don’t look back with regrets or what-ifs. That old adage applies in this case. Life brings tears, smiles and memories, The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live inside you forever.
I have learned my lessons the hard way. After two suffering strokes and being left with inability to talk, I simply carry on with my writing and dismiss the small stuff. I hide my sorrows under a smile and take one a day at a time. I’ve discovered by reaching my limit of productivity and exceeding it is not nearly as important as my family’s unconditional support when I need it most.
From The Inside Flap: RELUCTANCE
Nexus was peaceful with dragon fights in the round.
Betting on winners, loser’s blood on the ground.
Rebellion brewing, thirty dragons attacked.
Nexus cities were destroyed and ransacked.
Soldiers arrived with carbines, ammo, and food, hiked Kidadl’s mountain on rocky ground they stood.
Sam killed the villain, dumped his body in sea.
She was joined by two others needing to flee.
Sam gave birth to twin boys but her joy was short.
Satan’s plot to kill her clan ended in court.
Surprise for angel, adventure premise, threatened soulmates’ bond, saved by a heartfelt kiss.
Product Details: Paperback: 349 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (June 27, 2023) Jodi Henley (Editor) Aimee Long (Editor) Language: English Fantasy (Dragons & Mythical Creatures) Magical Realism Paranormal (Ghost Mystery Thrillers) Paranormal (Mystery) Paranormal (Supernatural) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Occult) Fantasy (Dark) Horror
Here Is Book One, Two, and Three In Kaylin McFarren’s Gehenna Dark Horror Fantasy Series
Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren.
Gehenna Dark Fantasy SeriesBook One.
While awaiting his execution for murdering his son, Benjamin Poe confesses to his lawyer the true story behind his crime, a harrowing tale of a manipulating, soul-collecting demon named Crighton.
Following Poe’s death, Crighton continues his malevolent duties, until he’s kidnapped by members of The Sovereign Sector. This group of scientists, notorious for experimenting on supernatural creatures, forces Crighton into a soulmate relationship with the very angel he was sent to capture for Lucifer.
However, with secrets revealed and loyalties shifting, Crighton soon becomes the target of Lucifer’s revenge, and his journey to redemption and freedom—or eternal enslavement—begins.
5 Stars: Compelling story will draw you into the plight of Benjamin Poe!
The story is told by Firefighter, Benjamin Poe. The location is the Lochton Correctional Institute. Within the concrete walls of this maximum-security prison, Benjamin Poe waits on death row. Legal Counselor, Pierce Beaudoin has agreed to hear Benjamin’s account of who his intended victim was, when he put six shots into his son, Gabriel.
For those of us who follow Award Winning Author Kaylin McFarren, her new paranormal mystery “Soul Seeker” will resound, as one of her best.
Chapter One opens as Benjamin Poe goes about his normal routine. That is until Benjamin’s fire house responds to multiple alarms at 2381 Hudson Drive. The Fire at the College Inn was the beginning of the end. This event will mark the time Benjamin Poe discovers that the world is full of monsters, with dark souls, waiting to devour humans. This tale examines the role of a “soul seeker” as it reveals the impending fate of Benjamin Poe.
I bring you into the story in Chapter 21 where Lucifer is “pacing before his massive throne”.
…His bare feet pounded the chiseled stone floors, echoing throughout the room. Demons in the royal hall kept their heads down, avoiding eye contact while keeping a safe distance. Lucifer was in such a foul mood that he would kill them on the spot if they drew any negative attention.
…Crighton’s mother, Acadia, stood at the side of his throne, fidgeting with worry. For more than forty-nine human years, she had stood by him, a trophy in his dark kingdom for others to envy and admire. Time had no relevance, and each year in Hell was twice as long as Earth years, and a hundred times harder for Acadia.
…The devil’s voice boomed out from the darkness. “Where is he? If your son tells me he failed, I’ll cut off an arm.”
…He halted his steps and turned to his assistant. A glimpse of satisfaction sparked in the devil’s smile.
… “Is he right or left-handed?”
… “Lucifer, just give him a few more hours!” Acadia pleaded. The devil’s threat was causing her hands to tremble. “You know that humans have been capturing our kind more than ever before. I’ve heard rumors that the Sovereign Sector is active again. They are responsible for the deaths of more than fifteen of our kind, and I fear for Crighton’s safety.”
… “Hmm . . . a few more hours? Your son hasn’t failed me yet, but do not defend him if he comes back without a soul. If that happens and humans are responsible, a swift punishment will be delivered. He’s been training for decades and should be able to handle any- thing those weak fools could throw at him. He even had theology training to use scripture against foolish, religious beings.”
Within this one man’s story, Author Kaylin McFarren creates a new narrative, about the battle between good and evil. In “Soul Seeker” by Kaylin McFarren, the author uses fantasy, to explore a theoretical world, where relationships between angels and demons exist.
This compelling story will draw you into the plight of Benjamin Poe. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I invite you to read all Kaylin McFarren’s books: ‘Soul Seeker’, ‘Banished Threads’, Buried Threads’, ‘Severed Threads’, ‘Twisted Threads’, ‘Flahertys Crossing’, and ‘High Flying’.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
From The Author: We would all like to believe that a heavenly being is ever present in our lives — watching over us, whispering messages of hope, protecting us from threatening situations, and guiding us through the inevitable stupidity we inflict upon ourselves. When it comes to subjects regarding these feathery benefactors, there are a remarkable number of books written regarding near-death experiences and visitations, often in the most unlikely places. There are also a great many books that concentrate on the battle of good and evil and, occasionally, a fallen angel or two that we tend to sympathize with, even though we’re not supposed to.
Years ago, as an avid reader, I thoroughly enjoyed picking up a racy novel from time to time, especially when the story dealt with forbidden love. I found myself, as readers often do, beseeching the bad guy to see the light and end his evil ways. Or the handsome, musclebound rogue to curtail his philandering, after meeting the love of his life. Every action-packed romance story is an escape from reality — a way to live precariously through characters in an imaginary world where the victorious hero walks away with the prize of his or her victory.
Every book I write includes a large serving of suspense and adventure, and there’s always a romantic encounter to top it off, simply because I enjoy the uplifting feelings these invoke. However, this book, in many ways, is very different from anything I’ve written before. While bringing together these page-turning genres, I also incorporated a touch of fantasy, by creating a surreal, theoretical world in which relationships between angels and demons exist. This is done purely for the enjoyment of my readers and not a declaration of my religious beliefs. So please enjoy this story with an open mind and overlook any errors in my imagination.
Product Details: Paperback: 393 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (September 30, 2020) Aimee Long (Editor) Jodi Henley (Editor) Amanda Tomo Yoshida (Illustrator) Language: English Paranormal (Ghost Mystery Thrillers) Paranormal (Mystery) Paranormal (Supernatural) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Occult) Fantasy (Dark)
With the death of Lucifer, Queen Lucinda assumes control of Hell, ordering her soldiers to prepare for a doomsday war with Heaven. Craving eternal power, she devours the souls of gifted demonic beings, acquiring their abilities to destroy her perceived political enemies.
Meanwhile, the Black Crows meet with the Knights of Darkness in their hidden headquarters, plotting against Lucinda in their efforts to maintain peace and the balance of power. Consumed by hatred over Crighton Daemonium’s unrequited love, Lucinda is unaware of the secret conspiracy brewing, or that Lucifer’s spirit has returned to Hell inside the body of a soul–trapped demon.
Reclaiming his throne, Lucifer punishes his daughter for her act of treason. However, his obsession with Samara, Crighton’s beautiful daughter, leaves him incapable of controlling his stolen body. After forcing her into submission, he names Samara the new Queen of Hell yet continues his authoritarian rule. When an insurgency breaks out on Earth, he becomes distracted long enough for her to be kidnapped by Nexus rebel forces, believing her to be the prophesied savior of their planet.
Is Samara the Phoenix, destined to destroy Lucifer? Or is she his soulmate and the true Queen of Hell?
Awards: 2021-2022 Reader View bronze medal winner in Erotica and Horror categories; 2022 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite in the category of Horror; 2021 Incipere Awards silver medal winner in Romance category; 2021-2022 Global Library Awards Winner
5 Stars: “Satan consumes souls and is coming for yours.”
For those of us who read Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren, Annihilation is the long-awaited sequel. Keep in mind that Soul Seeker is the story of a maligning demon told by firefighter, Benjamin Poe. Within the concrete walls of the maximum-security prison, Poe hopelessly waits on death row. His fate marks the beginning of the battle between good and evil, where relationships between humans, angels, and demons do exist.
Author Kaylin McFarren begins Annihilation with a poem, as she does with all of her books, preparing readers for what is about to unfold. “So, latch windows, lock doors, turn on every light, horned demons are coming in the dark of night. Beware of the shadows in long corridors, Satan consumes souls and is coming for yours.” This sets the stage for a frightening, unforgettable tale.
The Prologue for Annihilation begins with the following scene: “The nightmare rushed back into Samara Daemonium’s thoughts, leaving her gasping for air. Tangled up in her sweat-soaked sheets, she stared down at the demon-killing knife half-hidden in her nightstand drawer. A twist of darkness remained tightly coiled around the blade, concealing any trace of blood still clinging to it, but the horrifying memory of how it was used would be seared in her mind forever. Was it only two months ago when it happened? When her world came crashing down?”
As the story progresses, it is the ‘Beginning of the End’ when two regiments of ram-horned, cloven-hoofed demons march through the blazing corridors of Hell in preparation for the Red War against Heaven. McFarren invites you into her dark fantasy, where a demonic community, based on the normality of our human existence, resides in some weird twelfth-dimension universe. This absorbing story focuses primarily on Samara Daemonium, Crighton’s rebellious daughter, and introduces some unforgettable characters along the way. In this second installment in the Gehenna Series, Samara faces the challenges of surviving on Middle Earth and in the Underworld, and believe me, this story isn’t for the faint of heart. In fact, Annihilation is truly absorbing, shocking at times, and virtually impossible to put down!
I invite you to read Annihilation (Gehenna Book 2) by award-winning author Kaylin McFarren, but don’t forget to read Soul Seeker (Gehenna Book 1), which introduces you to this paranormal/supernatural series. Next enjoy her popular Threads psychological thriller series, and finish with her book Flaherty’s Crossing, as we patiently wait for the third book in the Gehenna Series to be written.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
From The Author: The apocalypse was supposed to happen on October 21, 2011. American radio host Harold Camping had arrived at this prescribed date through a series of calculations that he claimed were based on Jewish feast days and the lunar calendar. In addition to his claims about the end of the world, he also predicted that on May 21, 2011, at precisely 6:00 p.m., God’s elect people would be assumed into heaven, in an event he called the Rapture. Those who were not raptured, he said, would have to remain on Earth to wait for their doom five months later. According to media reports, some of his followers quit their jobs, sold their homes, and invested large amounts of money in publicizing Camping’s predictions. When the Rapture did not occur, Camping re-evaluated his predictions saying that the event would take place simultaneously with the end of the world. After October 21, 2011, the self-proclaimed prophet stated that “nobody could know exactly when the time of the apocalypse would come.”
Exactly. So, why do we continue to dwell on the end of time when we’re enjoying the best years of our lives now? When the world stops spinning, hopefully not for at least 5,000 years, we can only pray that future generations appreciate the sacrifices made by past generations, and that the beauty that surrounds them continues to thrive. The creations and inventions that brilliant minds develop on a daily basis will someday surpass anything we’ve imagined possible. In my younger years, there were no cell phones, personal computers, or flat-screen televisions. Now, everything seems to be designed around comfort, flexibility, beauty, and affordability. However, while I’m living and breathing on this planet, poking fun at our “normal” existence and expectations by producing colorful, off-the-wall literature will remain to be my greatest pleasure.
Isn’t it more fun to believe that a demonic community, based on the normality of our human existence, resides in some weird twelfth-dimension universe, welcoming demons, and angels into their fold? This is why I write…simply to stretch the imagination and to thoroughly entertain. —Kaylin McFarren
Product Details: Paperback: 523 Pages Publisher: Creative Edge Printing LLC (January 3, 2022) Amanda Tomo Yoshida (Illustrator) Aimee Long (Editor) Jodi Henley (Editor) Language: English Paranormal (Ghost Mystery Thrillers) Paranormal (Mystery) Paranormal (Supernatural) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Occult) Fantasy (Dark)
Forced into captivity by Lucifer and crowned as his queen, Samara Daemonium struggles daily with her identity and daunting duties in Hell. She belongs to a race of Nephalem—hybrid beings who are half angel and half demon—and although she wields the powers of both supernatural species, she has yet to discover her formidable prowess and potential.
In the Outer Rim of Hell, Lucinda continues to plot her father’s demise and her ascension to the throne. Believing Lucifer plans to bypass her as Hell’s next ruler, she kidnaps his new heir and has every intention of killing him.
Meanwhile, Samara is faced with the threat of death for her part in an invasion. Her survival depends on revealing a dark secret, giving her no choice but to depend on Lucifer and his Tracker Demons.
Ultimately, Samara’s journey to self-discovery instills in her the importance of family and friends, and reminds her that belief in the impossible is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.
Reviews:
“The beauty might not hit you until after you’ve finished the whole thing. Readers who enjoy occult and fantasy will LOVE Requiem for a Queen.” – Manik Chaturmutha, Independent Book Review
“I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing story from start to finish. If you love dark paranormal stories and supernatural fantasy, be sure to read all three books in the Gehenna series: Soul Seeker, Annihilation and Requiem For A Queen.” -Theodocia McLean, Book Marketing Global Network
5 Stars: Samara Daemonium’s strength and resilience never ceases to amaze.
For those of us who are completely absorbed in the dark fantasy Gehenna series by award-winning author Kaylin McFarren, I can only say, “Read on!” For anyone who hasn’t experienced a book in this series, I urge you to begin with book one, Soul Seeker, and continue reading each book in this jaw-dropping series until you reach the end. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did!
Requiem For A Queen (book three) has been highly anticipated, and I assure you, it is well worth the wait. No matter which book in the series you’ve chosen to read, the passion, drama, and intrigue is mind boggling. Demons thrive and battle for power in the “creature world” McFarren has created, and while each story focuses primarily on Lucifer and his power-hungry daughter, Lucinda, a new up-and-coming hero is in making. Samara Daemonium, a Nephilim being, is flexing her muscles in this book and proving she’s a force to be reckoned with.
As this story unfolds, the Red War continues to rage between Heaven and Hell, and Samara Daemonium is being hunted by the entire kingdom of Hell. She finds her way to the sand cave where the Shapeshifter, Onoskelis, is hiding from Queen Lucinda. As if the threat of death isn’t enough, Samara gives birth to Lucifer’s son, wrenching up the tension in this page-turning story.
Lucinda separates Samara from her son and is determined to eliminate the new heir to the throne. While searching for him, Samara is captured by Lucifer once again and faces the threat of death for her part in an invasion. Seeing no way out, she reveals the secret of Papillon’s birth and is ultimately left with no choice but to depend on Lucifer and his tracker demons.
As the search for her son continues, Samara’s strength and resilience is put to the test. But that’s not all. Botis, a demon hunter, is on a quest to find Lucifer and to stop the atrocities committed against angels and humans alike. Are they on a collision course in this complex, plot-driven story? Will Samara end up being a lost soul in Hell or a defiant angel in Heaven?
I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing story from start to finish. If you love dark paranormal stories and supernatural fantasy, be sure to read all three books in the Gehenna series: Soul Seeker, Annihilation and Requiem For A Queen. I understand a fourth book is currently in the works too, and there’s no way of knowing where this fascinating cast of characters will end up next.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
From The Author:
According to Perry Bysshe Shelley, “Power, like a disease, pollutes whatever it touches.” In other words, many characters in literature become corrupted because of their quest for power. I fully agree with Shelley that power “pollutes everything that it touches” because having too much power concentrated in the hands of one person leads to a dictatorship and has bad consequences. “Power is the root of all evil” is another interpretation of Shelley’s statement. This idea is demonstrated in the plays Hamlet and Macbeth, both by William Shakespeare, in which major characters lead themselves to their downfall by trying to become the most powerful person in the room. In fact, in both plays many major characters die because of one person’s ambition to become a powerful king.
In Hamlet, Claudius murders his brother, marries his former sister-in-law, and ascends to the throne of Denmark. These three deeds are performed by a shrewd and self-serving man. The king will do almost anything to protect the throne, in spite of knowing that he did not rightfully earn it. He resorts to underhanded tactics such as spying, manipulation, and deceit in order to overcome whatever he perceives as a threat to his supreme position. But what if a power-hungry queen was the culprit in this play? Would she be viewed simply as a figure head and remain neutral with respect to political matters? Or would she be the ultimate bitch? By convention, the queen does not vote or stand for election. She is purely a figure head in more ways than one, and maintaining relevant relationships is her singular focus and primary responsibility.
But what if the queen controlled the military? What if she craved an all-encompassing position in government, like her father before her? What if she could be the ultimate ruler of Hell? Ambition drives this story like many others. But what makes this story unique is the length the queen will go to in order to steal the throne she craves. Doesn’t this make a far more interesting scenario? A tale about the extreme measure a woman would go to in order to obtain the power she believes she deserves? Now, that’s the kind of book I would read and definitely write.
Product Details: Paperback: 341 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (August 19, 2022) Creative Edge Publishing LLC (August 31, 2022) Jodi Henley (Editor) Aimee Long (Editor) Amanda Tomo Yoshida (Illustrator) Language: English Paranormal (Ghost Mystery Thrillers) Paranormal (Mystery) Paranormal (Supernatural) Fantasy (Urban) Fiction (Occult) Fantasy (Dark)
Threads Series: Psychological Thriller StoriesThat Touch The Soul by Kaylin McFarren.
From the Author: For many years, I’ve had the privilege to experience remarkable things and rare opportunities while traveling the globe. This includes many forms of transportation, ranging from private planes, helicopters, and hot air balloons to kayaks, submarines, and elegant cruise ships. My journeys have allowed me to meet interesting people, discover fascinating cultures, forge lifelong friendships, and introduce dear friends to all parts of the world. Personal experiences, extensive research, and interesting tales shared by business associates have contributed to making this fun character-driven story possible and it’s my hope that readers are thoroughly entertained.
Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren.
Threads Psychological Thriller SeriesBook One.
Award-winning author Kaylin McFarren delivers an action/adventure romance guaranteed to capture your imagination…
Romantic Suspense Novel by Kaylin McFarren: Believing herself responsible for her father s fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship, she has no intention of cooperating until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father s death.
Inspiration Behind the Story: Kaylin has been involved in the business of collecting and selling Asian antiques for more than a decade. Due to her interest in this field and her fascination with the undersea world, she was inspired to write a story about the recovery of a Chinese concubine’s cursed treasure from a sunken ship, which aids in healing a woman’s damaged soul. Kaylin spent four months researching scuba diving, trade routes, famous battles, and the natural disasters that befell Spanish galleons during the 15th-17th centuries. It is her hope that this action-adventure romance entertains readers and honors dedicated salvaging and exploration companies that have contributed remarkable discoveries and cross-sections of history to museums and institutions around the world.
Reviews:
“I highly recommend this story for people who enjoy romance and suspense. Kaylin McFarren will not let you down! I look forward to future stories in this series.” By Paige Lovitt, Reader Views, Chicago Sun Times
“Severed Threads is an exciting and engaging read, simply perfect for fans of romantic suspense.” By Blue Ink Review
“Crisp writing and sparkling dialogue that will hold the interest of any reader who enjoys a good mystery story that’s well told.” By Mark Garber, President, Portland Tribune & Community Newspapers
“The first book in the Threads series is a fantastic read. This romantic suspense is rife with treasure hunters, gangsters, lost relics and sizzling sex scenes.” By RT Review Source
“Severed Threads nicely combines an action adventure with a romantic story that will keep readers involved in the story from the beginning to the conclusion.” By Sacramento/San Francisco Book Review
“Severed Threads is an incredibly fast paced treasure hunting adventure that will keep you on the edge of you seat from the first page. Throw in a little romance, drug dealers, ghosts, ship wreaks and a plot for revenge and it leaves you in a constant state of anticipation, waiting for the next chapter. I absolutely loved it and give Severed Threads 5 Boundless Stars.” By Boundless Book Reviews
“A psychologically thrilling and adventurous story that includes surprising twists and turns sure to keep its readers at the edge of their seats. The novel will delight readers of all ages with interesting characters, clever plotlines, and an engaging combination of romance, villainy, and the supernatural. Highly recommended!” By The Columbia Review
“This sizzling romance is hot and witty, gripping and entertaining. American Authors Book Vending highly recommends Severed Threads as one of the books of the year. A book everyone should have in his or her hands.” By Peter Jerry, American Authors Book Vending Review
A disturbing prophecy sends a treasure hunting duo on an urgent race to rescue a country in Kaylin McFarren’s heart pounding new novel, Buried Threads. Full of erotic suspense and wild adventures, this is one trip that readers will never forget!
Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen work together as the successful owners of a treasure hunting company. But a seemingly simple assignment–to track down a priceless gem that is believed to be buried in a shipwreck deep within the Sea of Japan–takes a startling, and dangerous, turn.
Faced with a monk’s dark prophecy that a natural disaster will soon strike Japan, killing millions, Rachel and Chase must embark on the mission of a lifetime in order to uncover the three cursed samurai swords that can avert the catastrophe.
Chaos ensues as their adventure takes them from shark infested waters and creepy caves to haunted hidden tombs and a confrontation with Yakuza gang members. Time is running out as the prophecy’s day of reckoning draws near. Will Rachel and Chase succeed before disaster strikes?
5 Stars: Fast moving, suspense filled, heart beating adventure!
When the mysterious, beautiful Japanese woman with a sword peering from the black sheen of the front cover of ‘Buried Threads’ – by Kaylin McFarren arrived, the silent beckoning began.
I always know when I am reading a well-researched, well written action-adventure, mystery, romance novel when the plot enters my night dreams. Although I didn’t read book one in the series ‘Buried Threads’ stands well on its own. The author knows how to take a great plot, create believable characters, hold the reader in suspense and spin the tale with mastery.
Unfamiliar with Japanese culture (beautiful customs, geishas, ancient rituals), especially the underbelly of the Japanese society, warlords, and unseen paranormal conflicts the reader will learn a great deal while experiencing writing in its truest art form.
A treasure hunt for lost artifacts that are embedded with precious stones that are not only priceless, but hold a curse that once stood for a “Prince’s valor, wisdom, and benevolence”.
What would a fast moving, suspense filled, heart beating adventure be without the dangerous, unpredictable interpersonal relationships that leads to attraction, trust, mutually mind-blowing sex and true romance? ‘Buried Threads’ is all that and more.
Compassion and greed, life and death, fear and resolution, mission and accomplishment, struggle and survival, gratitude and faith are all aspects of this story that can only be summed up as spectacular.
A valuable art collection disappears turning a treasure-hunting duo into crime-stopping sleuths committed to vindicating family members in Kaylin McFarren’s action-packed suspense novel, Banished Threads.
While vacationing at the stately Cumberforge Manor in Bellwood, England, Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen attend an elegant dinner party hosted by her uncle, Paul Lyons, and his aristocratic wife, Sara. Before the evening ends, a priceless collection of Morris Graves’s paintings are stolen from her uncle’s popular gallery, throwing all suspicion onto his wife’s missing granddaughter. Determined to clear Sloan Rafferty’s name and, in the process, win Paul’s favor, Chase scours the countryside looking for answers. In his absence, the police accuse Rachel’s uncle of an unsolved murder and secrets surrounding her grandmother’s death and the deaths of Sara’s former husbands turn his wife into the most likely suspect.
With the true villains hell-bent on destroying Paul Lyons and his family, solving both crimes while ensuring her uncle’s freedom not only endangers Rachel’s life but that of her unborn child. Will Chase save them before the kidnappers enact their revenge or will the ultimate price be paid, as predicted by a vagabond fortuneteller?
5 Stars: Mystery drama that expose family secrets, lies and stolen gallery art!
Banished Threads begins on a dreary night in late October. Stargazer sliced through the surface of the North Atlantic at fifteen knots, heading straight for the coast of England. After facing many perils at sea Chase Cohen is relieved to finally be in London.
Quote from Book: “With Rachel by his side “they disembarked from the train at Whitchurch and stepped through the station’s main door, Rachel’s excitement rose at the prospect of seeing her uncle. He was a younger version of her father, with the same chiseled good looks. He would have been easy to spot, even in this busy place. But from her vantage point, he was nowhere to be seen. Believing he had forgotten about her arrival, Rachel’s heart sank. She turned to Chase and was about to voice her concern when she caught sight of a handsome man in the passenger-loading zone: white cable-knit sweater, tight jeans, in his mid-thirties, shaggy brown hair, rugged jaw, easy smile, dimples, and unforgettable emerald-green eyes. He was leaning against a silver Mercedes, flashing his perfect white teeth and holding up a sign reading, “Welcome to England, Rachel Lyons.”
…For a moment, she could hardly breathe, and she wondered if it was possible to fall over and die from shock. Or maybe from the idea of coming face-to-face with the last person on earth she ever expected to see. Although she had spoken to his Irish mother at a fund-raising event year earlier and was told that Killian was living with relatives in Northampton, she had convinced herself that the chance of meeting him was as unlikely as the sky turning green.
…Killian Reed. His shimmering eyes were loving and warm and full of laughter. Rachel gasped and dropped her purse and over- night bag. She pulled off her high heels and ran to him. He swept her up and spun her around. When he set her back down, she buried her face in his chest and hugged him with all her might. She took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar scent of bay-rum aftershave. He kissed the top of her head, and she gazed up at him. She didn’t realize she was crying until he reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek.
… “I can’t believe it’s really you,” she whispered, gratified to see unshed tears in his beautiful eyes.
… “It’s me, seaweed brain,” he said. “I’m really here.”
…Rachel stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. He put his arms around her waist and held her close. His hand smoothed her hair as he whispered, “I missed you, girl.”
…She looked up at him and smiled, and it suddenly dawned on her that you meet all kinds of people in your life. Some you never think about again. Some you wonder what happened to and if they ever think about you. And then there are some you wish you never had to think about again, yet somehow you do. Killian Reed just happened to be one of those disconcerting, unforgettable beings. He was part of her past: a distant, bitter- sweet memory that had lingered for years.
…With their last parting, they had grasped each other’s hands with a rush of melancholy, tender, and inexpressible feelings, and had gone their separate ways.
…But time had moved on, and there was someone else in her life now—a silent observer patiently standing by, watching their every move with an annoyed pinch between his brows.
…She took Killian by the hand and led him to Chase. More than anything, she hoped they would become fast friends, but as they shook hands, Rachel found it difficult to ignore the frowns tugging at the corners of their mouths. They both took a step back and just stood there, regarding each other silently, the air now seeming as cold as a razor blade.””
Twenty-two chapters entwine a cast of strong characters in this well written mystery drama that expose family secrets, lies, stolen gallery art, kidnapping engaging readers with suspense and romance. Sit back and enjoy book three of this series where each book can be read in or out of sequence. Author Kaylin McFarren teases us with new tales taking shape in the recesses of her mind that are “only a night’s dream away”.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 258 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 8, 2016) Jodi Henley (Editor) Amanda Tomo Yoshida (Illustrator) Language: English Fiction (Crime Action and Adventure) Fiction (Crime International Mystery) Women’s Amateur Sleuths (Crime) Thrillers
Akira Hamada is driven by past failure. Two years earlier, she had a chance to kill her greatest enemy—Kaito Mitsui. Instead, the Yakuza boss forced her to become an assassin in his employ. Now Akira carries out the bloody business of the notorious crime syndicate and hates herself more each day.
When Mitsui hears that his sister’s murderer will be on the cruise ship Starfish, he immediately tasks Akira with eliminating the man once and for all. This is what Akira has trained for, but a series of strange events on the ship tests her resolve and shows her a way to redemption.
Devon Lyons, on the other hand, has nothing to do with assassins. He’s merely accompanying his aunt and uncle, Sara and Paul Lyons, on a free cruise.
Little does he know that the two are the true targets of the charming Japanese tourist he has just met! Akira knows that either Sara or Paul is the killer but doesn’t know which one. She hopes seducing the handsome Devon will lead to better intel, but she is surprised to find herself trusting him. And soon, the pair finds themselves fighting for their lives on the high seas.
5 Stars: Start peeling off the layers of this twisted plot!
For all of us following the Threads Series by Kaylin McFarren, Twisted Threads does not disappoint. When we left off with book three, we were wondering if the ‘Watcher’ would ever deliver justice.
This drama opens with Akira Sato contemplating a “justified killing” and she is lost in the consequences, forced to move forward. Devon Lyons laments over his recent demotion and the emotional sting of a forced Caribbean vacation to please his uncle. Devon’s mind and attention soon shifts when Akira calls him “Sexy”. Women have called him “clever”, “lovable” and “incredibly handsome” but “sexy” has just caught him off guard. With more than romance in the air the voyage brings mystery, suspense and a complex drama with threads so twisted you will keep turning the page.
Here is an excerpt I think you will like: “Akira took the elevator across from the theater, dazed from the four glasses of wine and shot of vodka she had consumed. A few seconds passed, and the doors opened before her. She stepped out into the empty hallway and couldn’t figure out which direction she was facing, let alone which way to proceed. She looked down and realized the carpeting under her feet had red and blue medallions—not the gold and blue diamonds, she’d become familiar with seeing. After making numerous trips to various restaurants, she realized she had gotten off on the right floor but on the wrong end of the ship. The enormous staircase on her right led to the upper and lower levels, which should have made it easy to find her way back to her room.
…However, her explorations on the ship had proved that not every floor had immediate access to the passenger levels; many were blocked by restaurants, lounges, and shops.
…Akira decided it was best to start over—to backtrack the way she had come. She pushed the elevator button and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Then a slight sway in the ship’s motion caused her stomach to lurch. She needed fresh air to avoid further humiliation. A glass exit door stood waiting a short distance away. She slid it open and stepped outside. Oddly, all of the overhead lights above the walkway were out. It was impossible to see more than ten feet in any given direction. She gripped the safety railing and gazed up at the sky, drawing long, deep breaths. A sudden breeze whipped at her hair, tugging tendrils loose from her pinned-up hairdo. She wrapped her arms around herself, warding off the chill, and was about to return inside when she heard the sound of a voice.”
Jump right in and start peeling off the layers of this Twisted Plot, that will be worth the read and will leave you wanting more.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 380 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 9, 2017) Language: English Fiction (Crime Action and Adventure) Fiction (Crime International Mystery) Women’s Amateur Sleuths (Crime) Thrillers
Skylar Haines has struggled with personal demons most of her life, going to dark extremes to subdue anxieties rooted in her tragic past. On a perpetual hunt for the next adrenaline hit, she discovers a passion for flying and becomes a hard-edged stunt pilot, verging on obsession.
In the sky, following her most daring airshow, she encounters a mysterious storm and almost collides with another aircraft, sending her into a perilous dive. Guided by a mysterious voice, she manages a safe landing but finds herself transported to another time.
Eight months before she was born. One week before her father was murdered.
Though baffled by her circumstances, Skylar soon arrives at a single certainty: Before her lies a remarkable chance to change her family’s destiny drastically for the better — or possibly even worse — depending on the choices she makes, before her window of opportunity closes.
5 Stars: Skylar Haines has a decision to make.
High Flying is a suspense thriller, action drama that takes the reader into the life of Skylar Haines.
If you have ever known someone who struggles with mental illness (or perhaps struggle yourself) you understand the dangers associated with inadequate coping skills that lead people to do dangerous acts that affect them and those around them. This book will stir compassion for the main character, Skylar Haines.
Although High Flying is fiction, the author draws on years of writing experience, strong characters and detailed research to deliver a very compelling story. Time and space are elusive and family history has inherited chains.
I love this quote from the author: “In the beginning, God created man, but things didn’t get interesting until man created the airplane and a strong-minded woman to fly it.”
Throughout the book the author uses quotes that are thought provoking and leads into each chapter.
With some creative latitude that author brings her main character, Skylar Haines to a point of decision. Having read the authors Threads Series, I am looking am looking forward to where Kaylin McFarren will take us (readers) on down the road.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Special Messagefrom The Author: “About seven months ago, my husband came up with the wonderful idea of tackling a story about flying that involved time travel as well. It seemed that the perfect opportunity to turn my creative juices loose had presented itself with the completion of my Threads series. Thus, I went to work, creating this romping adventure/romance with an unexpected twist or two that I hope readers will enjoy.”
Product Details: Paperback: 277 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (May 3, 2019) Language: English Fiction (Crime Action and Adventure) Fiction (Crime International Mystery) Mysteries (Supernatural)
Successful yet emotionally stifled artist Kate Flaherty stands at the deathbed of her estranged father, conflicted by his morphine-induced confession of his part in her mother’s death. While racing home, Kate’s car mishap leads her to a soul-searching discussion with a lone diner employee, prompting Kate to confront the true reasons her marriage hangs in the balance. When her night takes an expected turn, however, she flees for her life, a life desperate for faith that can only be found through her ability to forgive.
Reviews:
Even though it is a fictional story, it made me reflect on my own life, and how I shouldn’t wait until it is too late to let people that I love know how I feel, or to apologize if I need to. By Chicago Sun Times, Paige Lovitt for Reader Views
A well-written book, dealing with difficult issues of love, loss, healing, and faith, and never slipping into maudlin territory. A great debut novel! By Sacramento Book Review
It is also a novel I will promote to writers to review to see how good storytelling and strong writing can merge with exceptional honesty and create something that will live in readers hearts for many years, and be reread many times. By Terri Patrick
This story will be with me for many, many years and I am sure that you will find this 5-star book to be with you for just as many! By Buukluvr
This story will have your heart so captured and your mind so full of Kate Flaherty that you will see exactly what a true page turning book should be like. This story will be with me for many, many years! By Marta’s Meanderings
From The Author: Kaylin sat before her computer writing Flaherty’s Crossing as a source of personal therapy after losing her beloved father to colon cancer. You might say she was angry at him, at God, at the world in general. However, after writing this story, she had the opportunity to really look into her soul and consider the fact that so many other sons and daughters have had to deal with similar and even worse situations. Rather than a memoir, her novel evolved into a fictional journey which brought about the resolution she needed to find. She never expected this exercise in writing to go to press, touch lives, or win literary awards. But as a result of her good fortune, she has arranged for all proceeds from the sale of this book to go directly to the Providence Medical Foundation’s colon cancer research department in her father’s name. She’s now convinced and proudly shares her belief that good things can grow out of the worst times in our lives if you just take the time to open your heart.
Product Details: Paperback: 270 Pages Publisher: Champagne Books; First Edition (February 1, 2010) Language: English Women’s (Contemporary Fiction)
About The Author: Kaylin McFarren has
received 48 national literary awards, in addition to a prestigious Golden Heart
Award nomination for FLAHERTY’S CROSSING – a book she and her oldest daughter,
New York Times/USA Today best-selling author Kristina McMorris, co-wrote in
2008.
Prior
to embarking on her writing journey and developing the popular THREADS
psychological thriller series, she poured her passion for creativity into her
work as the director of a fine art gallery in the Pearl District in Portland,
Oregon; she also served as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Arts
Commission.
When
she’s not traveling or spoiling her pups and three grandsons, she enjoys giving
back to her community through participation and support of various charitable
and educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, and is currently the
president of the Soulful Giving Foundation – a non-profit focused on cancer
research, care and treatment at hospitals throughout Oregon.
Fun Tidbits:
Kaylin
is proud of the fact that her great aunt Bessie B. Cordell, an evangelistic
missionary during WWII, was instrumental in opening an orphanage in Tientsin,
China and also wrote two published novels, Precious Pearl and Blossoms of the
Flowery Kingdom, documenting her dangerous, harrowing experiences.
She
keeps a glass of wine close by while writing love scenes, Kleenex on her desk
while writing heart breakers, and has been known to empty a box of chocolates
when she’s completely stumped.
A
consummate “pantser” and perfectionist, she writes and edits as she
goes, and uses photographs of models and actors from tabloid magazines to
visualize her characters.
She
loves her husband of 46 years dearly. However, if Josh Holloway, Hugh Jackman
or Ian Somerhalder came knockin’, well… their marriage just might be put to
the test.
On A Personal Note: Kaylin sat before her
computer writing Flaherty’s Crossing as a source of personal therapy after
losing her beloved father to colon cancer. You might say she was angry at him,
at God, at the world in general. However, after writing this story, she had the
opportunity to really look into her soul and consider the fact that so many
other sons and daughters have had to deal with similar and even worse
situations.
Rather than a memoir, her novel evolved into a fictional journey which brought about the resolution she needed to find. She never expected this exercise in writing to go to press, touch lives, or win literary awards. But as a result of her good fortune, she has arranged for proceeds from the sale of this book to go directly to the Providence Medical Foundation’s colon cancer research department in her father’s name. She’s now convinced and proudly shares her belief that good things can grow out of the worst times in our lives if you just take the time to open your heart.
Stolen Diary explores the challenges that Jasmin, a gifted yet socially awkward child, faces growing up with a disengaged mother. Her grandfather unwittingly creates further tension between Jasmin and her mother by encouraging her genius.
Unable to deal with her mother’s rejection, Jasmin escapes into a world of her own, a world of science and music, until she suspects family secrets are being kept from her. She steals her mother’s diary in hopes of finding clues to uncover the truth. When she fails to detect any, she hides the diary, creating a secret of her own that brings unforeseen and fateful consequences.
When a kidnapping threat becomes reality, Jasmin’s world is altered. The upheaval exposes the roots of her mother’s disdain and provides the clues Jasmin must pursue if she is to unravel the family secrets.
Review by DT: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another good book by Kathryn Lane Hurt. Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2023. Verified Purchase. Well written, good story.
Review by Jann Van Dyke: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Different Kind of Book from Kathryn. Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2023. Verified Purchase. Having only read Kathryn’s Nikki Garcia series, I was pleasantly surprised by Stolen Diary! Although it was also a mystery of sorts, it had a different feel to it. Kathryn captured the innocence of a young girl and her view of the world. When the lead character travels to Princeton, New Jersey I was taken back to my youth growing up there and ice skating on Stoney Brook! Stolen Diary certainly kept my interest and I recommend it to teen readers, as well as adults!
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I love a good “page turner”! This book is hard to put down! Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023. Verified Purchase. This is my favorite Kathryn Lane novel, so far! you are taken on a journey from a luxurious estate in Mexico to Princeton University with a quick trip to beautiful Niagara, Canada. The suspense builds along the way and gives you a surprise ending!
Review by Jenifer Owens: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic Book! Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2023. Verified Purchase. Stolen Diary us an excellent read! It has a little bit of everything; intrigue, romance, and some education too. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down until I had finished. Can’t wait for Kathryn’s next book
Review by Kay: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A good read. Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023. Verified Purchase. This is an excellent mystery. So many twists and turns, just when I thought I had it figured it out, another turn. The only objection was too many technical parts that I had to skip over to get back to the plot. Highly recommend this book and others by Kathryn Lane
Review by Ruth Glover: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Amazing Creative! Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023. You need to get this book if you have a child who loves math and science. The lead character is an unloved genius with a love for cats and technology. The author stunned me with the detail and surprises in the Stolen Diary. I loved the setting in Mexico, as it reminded me of when I visited Mexico as a child. The characters were unusual and fascinating. The child’s mother was caustic and unkind, yet you had to keep reading to uncover the reasons. You’ll wonder throughout the book how the puzzle will end.
A woman is dead, a teenager is missing, and the partners of a vacation stem cell travel agency in Miami are suspects.
One partner is the father of the missing girl and the other one is the husband of the murdered woman. The widower is unreachable, having taken clients on a stem cell therapy trip to the Caribbean.
Nikki Garcia investigates the girl’s disappearance and, in the midst of conflicting testimony from witnesses, it’s impossible to distinguish victims from perpetrators. Following a trail of evidence, Nikki and Eduardo, her husband, assume undercover identities and fly to Havana, Cuba, only to find a world of deceit, betrayal, and espionage.
When Eduardo locates the widower, he attempts to gather sensitive information on the missing teenager and reveals more information than he should.
Nikki’s colleagues in her Miami private investigator office fear the worst when communication with her becomes impossible.
Will they manage to escape the fate they both fear? And what about the missing teenager – will she be found before it’s too late?
If you love women sleuths, crime fiction, and the mystery and suspense novels of John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino, and Isabella Maldonado, you will also love Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series.
Missing in Miami is a gripping read that has the ring of authenticity to it. Kathryn Lane knows what she’s writing about. I loved the Cuban scenes. If Nikki Garcia ever decides to leave the detective profession, she has a future in the spy business. I’d hire her in a heartbeat. ─James M. Olson, former CIA Chief of Counterintelligence, and the author of To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence.
Review by S. Lee: 5.0 out of 5 stars A nail-biting page-turner, with a great sense of place. Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2022. Verified Purchase. I enjoyed reading this latest mystery in the Nikki Garcia detective series. Nikki is a private investigator in Miami, and she’s been assigned to search for Andrea, a missing teenager. Right away, Nikki notices that the girl’s parents are behaving oddly and withholding critical information. Early in her investigation, Nikki finds the dead body of a woman wearing one of Andrea’s blouses; although the body turns out not to be Andrea, it belongs to a family acquaintance, and there’s no love lost between the victim and Andrea’s mother.
Andrea has some medical issues that have been treated with stem-cell therapy in Cuba. Her father is part-owner of a travel agency that arranges medical trips to Cuba and other destinations where patients can obtain treatments not available in the United States. Nikki suspects Andrea may have been taken to Cuba again.
Nikki and her hunky doctor husband, Eduardo, assume fake identities and travel to Cuba, where there is a medical conference going on. Eduardo runs into Dr. Urbano Barriga, Andrea’s godfather and her father’s business partner. Eduardo shares too much information and, as a result, he and Nikki are followed and arrested.
This was a nail-biting page-turner, with a great sense of place. Highly recommended.
Review by Ann McKennis: 5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent read! Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2022. Verified Purchase. Nikki Garcia takes us on another exciting adventure. Kathryn Lane’s books are so well researched that you learn a great deal in each book while still being thoroughly entertained. Each book is like a travel guide filled with descriptions of places and customs of the country. They make you want to hop on a plane and go explore. I’ve never been to Miami, but feel like I have through the vivid descriptions and storytelling.
Review by Easywriter: 5.0 out of 5 stars Mysterious murders in Miami require a dangerous trip to Cuba’ Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2022. Verified Purchase. Kathryn Lane has written another very exciting and informative book. Her research into every subject is thorough. What a pleasure to be surprised page after page, and to be painlessly educated by the thoughts and actions of complex people from around the world. Kathryn has given us vulnerable young people, selfish and manipulating adults, surprising enemies and welcome supporters. I will impatiently await newly- wed Nikki and Eduardo’s next adventure.
Review by Jackie Covey: 5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT READING. Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2022. Verified Purchase. I find Nikki an easy read and always full of suspense Can’t wait for her next adventure!!!
Review by Clifford Hudder: 5.0 out of 5 stars The suspense is NOT missing! Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2022. Nikki Garcia is back in this fourth installment of Kathryn Lane’s series, and boy is she in trouble this time. It’s bad news for her and new husband Eduardo (who’s brought directly onto the case: a sometimes helpful, sometimes bumbling sidekick)—but great for readers seeking hair-raising suspense and smart writing. The sexy accounting auditor has come into her own as a successful licensed Private Eye and is on the job after the disappearance of sixteen-year-old Andrea from her Miami school. Displaying the fruits of Kathryn Lane’s characteristic deep research, Missing in Miami encompasses Voodoo, spycraft, stem-cell research, and US-Cuban relations in the post-Castro era in a book filled with relentless surprises. As a character notes, everyone in the narrative is “reshaping reality to fit their needs,” with nobody really whom they seem to be: not even the parents who’ve hired the Security Source Agency to locate their missing daughter in the first place. In the course of Nikki’s dogged investigation masks are removed, hidden identities revealed, and a murder uncovered . . . but where is Andrea? How can she be returned to her true home? And what is that true home? Although the title might be Missing in Miami the action gets Hot in Havana, a place Lane manages to present as both an unsavory city dripping with threat and corruption, and as a seductively mysterious destination made more enticing given its inaccessibility to US Citizens in the current global climate. (Not necessarily a place for fine dining, however. Nikki—in the spirit of the true gourmand we’ve come to expect from the first three books—finds Cuban food excellent, “Outside of Cuba.”) Lurking always in the side streets is the Information Directorate, or ‘DI,’ Cuba’s secret police, known for ghosting away nosy foreigners who’ve lied about their country of origin to the kinds of prisons where “conditions are deplorable, among the worst in the world.” Lane has succeeded in keeping the fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat promise of this series alive, while simultaneously informing readers about the atmosphere, cultural quirks, and—yes—food of unusual locales. I’m ready for volume five!
Named “Best Fiction Book of the Year” by the Killer Nashville International Mystery Writers’ Conference.
Struggling with the ghosts of her young son’s tragic death a few years earlier, Nikki Garcia accepts an assignment to investigate fraud allegations at a company. She discovers two unexplained deaths have occurred and soon finds herself grappling with high stakes, mega-money corruption. When a third person dies at the company, she suspects a much darker plot is at play.
Nikki attends a company party thinking she can uncover tightly held secrets that will help solve the sinister plot she suspects. Instead, she meets a medical doctor and feels an immediate attraction to him. As her relationship with him deepens, so does the danger she finds herself in.
After receiving a veiled threat to her life, she hires a former CIA operative to assist her.
Then she’s kidnapped.
Is the charismatic doctor part of the sinister plot? Before long, she realizes it is up to her to escape and keep herself alive.
If you love women sleuths, crime fiction, and the mystery and suspense novels of John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino, and Isabella Maldonado, you will also love Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series.
Waking Up in Medellin isn’t your run-of-the-mill thriller, but a powerful story of conflicts that escalate swiftly. — Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
Review: The story has many strong characters and the supporting cast is a necessary part of the story, however, through-out it really comes down to the two main characters, Nikki and her Doctor. There are so many good guys, bad guys, and many that can go either way that the story moves at lighten speed toward an explosive finish. Ironically, encapsulated within the story, are tidbits of fact and interest that are stories within the story and amazingly they add more spice than seems possible, almost as a breather from the ever-building suspense. Grisham comes to mind, a great story accompanied by teaching another culture, as a comparison to this tale.
ReviewsFrom The Back Cover: Named “Best Fiction Book of the Year–2017” by the Killer Nashville International Mystery Writers’ Conference. Waking Up in Medellin by Kathryn Lane is as hard to put down as an unscratched lottery ticket. Nikki Garcia is the accountant version of James Bond. The story is set in Medellin, Colombia, and moves at lightning speed toward an explosive finish. As a comparison, Grisham comes to mind. Review by Robert Selby, screenplay writer, book reviewer, and volunteer at the Killer Nashville International Mystery Writers’ Conference. Waking Up in Medellin isn’t your run-of-the-mill thriller, but a powerful story of conflicts that escalate swiftly and culminate in a satisfying denouement. Review by Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
What Amazon readers are saying about the Nikki Garcia Mysteries: “What a story! Best book I have read in a very long time.” “Mystery, love, healing – all taking place in a foreign location.” “From beginning to end keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat.” “Loved the intricately woven plot and layers of subplots.” “I read this book twice. The first time I couldn’t put it down. The second time I was transformed to the sights of a real place and its history.” “This is a page-turning thriller with twist after heart-wrenching twist.” “We are entertained while we visit new and exotic places.” The page-turning suspense of the Nikki Garcia novels is sure to capture you!
Review by Jackie Pelham: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Exciting Debut. Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2017. Verified Purchase. Waking Up in Medellin is an exciting debut novel by Kathryn Lane. In a first novel there are often problems in content or grammar but I read through this well-written and plotted, fast paced mystery without noticing any.
Lane’s experience as an international finance executive and her knowledge of the Latin American culture, are perfect backdrops for this intriguing suspense. As a multinational auditing executive, the protagonist Nikki is assigned to investigate a Columbian corporation due to anonymous allegations of the corporation’s mismanagement. Expecting a routine analysis, she is instead thrown into a world of corruption, murder, and theft where her own life is threatened.
The story is written in first person, so we are there with Nikki as she tries to navigate through the twists and turns of her complicated and dangerous assignment. With just enough introspection and narrative, she becomes a believable and likeable character who is grieving the loss of her son, yet possesses a good sense of humor, is skilled in her profession, and who isn’t looking for romance, although it might find her. I’ve read many mystery/thrillers and can usually figure out the mastermind early on, but was completely surprised at this one. I look forward to visiting with Nikki again and would recommend this novel to anyone wanting to read a good suspense story.
Despertando en Medellin: Una Novela de Suspenso (Spanish Edition) by Kathryn Lane Terrazas (Author), Jorge Lane Terrazas (Translator).
Imagina comenzar una tarea laboral para luego descubrir dos inexplicables muertes que ocurrieron recientemente y el posible tráfico de drogas dentro de la empresa. Eso precisamente es lo que Nikki enfrenta mientras investiga una filial.
Nikki García ha sido enviada por su empresa a investigar acusaciones de fraude en la filial colombiana. En el curso de la investigación, tiene que lidiar con asuntos riesgosos y corrupción que comprende cantidades cuantiosas de dinero, a la vez que le aflige la sombra de la trágica muerte de su joven hijo pocos años antes.
Al llevar su investigación a cabo, ella conjetura que las muertes aseveradas como accidentales han de estar relacionadas con posibles actividades de tráfico ilícito de drogas y sospecha la existencia de un complot siniestro. Después de ser el objeto de una amenaza, ella contrata a un exagente de la CIA para que le ayude.
Ella asiste a una fiesta de la compañía a fin de descubrir secretos celosamente guardados que le posibiliten resolver el complot que sospecha. No descubre nada y, al contrario, conoce a un doctor médico e inmediatamente siente una fuerte atracción por él. Mientras se profundiza su relación con él, el peligro en el que ella se encuentra se aumenta. Al ser secuestrada, ella se pregunta a si misma si su amado está involucrado en el complot siniestro.
Si te encantan las novelas de misterio y suspenso de John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino y Bev Pettersen, también te encantará la serie de misterio de Nikki García de la autora Kathryn Lane Terrazas, quien fue galardonada con el prestigioso premio Silver Falchion para novelas de misterio y suspenso.
Despertando en Medellín llevará al lector en un viaje internacional de suspenso donde la traición pactada entre bastidores y el laberinto de engaños lo mantendrán intrigado hasta el final. Presione en el botón de COMPRAR AHORA / BUY NOW en la parte superior de esta página para entrar al mundo de misterio de Nikki García.
Review by Aimara Perozo: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Lo recomiendo. Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2023. Verified Purchase. Despertando en Medellín es un libro de suspenso que no quieres para de leer porque en cada capítulo que lees quieres saber que va a pasar y te vas a querer terminar el libro en un día. Lo recomiendo.
Nikki Garcia, a former fraud auditor turned international private investigator, travels to Mexico—a country where private investigators are outlawed—to find a missing child.
The parents are embroiled in a nasty custody battle, with each parent accusing the other of the girl’s disappearance. It’s an easy child-snatching case—right?
That’s what Nikki thinks until an irreverent, marihuana-smoking homeless woman provides an eye-witness account of the girl’s kidnapping. Following the witness’s account, Nikki goes undercover and infiltrates a ring of dangerous human traffickers. In the midst of despair and treachery, can she find a glimmer of hope?
When the mother receives a ransom request, Nikki is already undercover with the diabolical human traffickers and her boss assumes she was purposely misled and sets out on a rescue mission.
Nikki’s fiancé, fearing the forces of evil will prevail, starts his own high stakes search to rescue the love of his life. In this gripping, twist-packed journey, will he locate her before it’s too late?
And what about the missing child? Who is going to save her? If you love women sleuths, crime fiction, and the mystery and suspense novels of John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino, and Isabella Maldonado, you will also love Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series.
Reader Views says: “The action is so fast-paced readers never has a chance to catch their breath until the very end. Nikki is engaging and realistic, and I loved following right alongside her throughout the action. With bad people working on several sides, it is hard to figure out how this story is going to end until the actual end. Clues are given, but the plot keeps twisting and turning so readers will have to wait until the last chapter to know for sure who the bad guy is.”
Review: Nikki Garcia is an unlikely Sam Spade: a former international auditor who turns private investigator and lands an assignment in Mexico to find a missing ten-year-old child, Bibi Lombardi. Bibi’s estranged parents are fighting over her custody and one of them could even be responsible for her disappearance. It’s an easy child snatching case – right? Nikki pursues a trail of dangerous criminals through designated UNESCO locations, archaeological sites, picturesque colonial towns, and barren deserts. But when Sofía, Bibi’s mother, receives a ransom request, Nikki is already undercover with a gang of “Coyotes.” Nikki’s boss and fellow private eye is certain someone purposely provided misleading information on the abduction to prevent Nikki from recovering the child. Or is the kidnapper headed north to the U.S. border, where Bibi’s fate could be much worse than her current situation?
Award winning author Kathryn Lane spent some time with The Big Thrill discussing her latest novel, COYOTE ZONE: Danger in the Coyote Zone is the thrilling new installment in the Nikki Garcia series by Kathryn Lane. Once again, Lane takes her readers to exotic locales with glutinous helpings of adventure and intrigue. The heroine, Nikki Garcia, is drawn back into threatening circumstances when her client’s daughter is kidnapped by a human trafficker and sends our heroine into undercover work that threatens her life and those of the young victims she needs to rescue.
Robert Selby, screenplay writer, book reviewer, and volunteer at the Killer Nashville International Mystery Writers’ Conference.
Coyote Zone is a dynamic thriller. The action is so fast-paced the reader never has a chance to catch their breath until the very end! Nikki is engaging and realistic. All the characters are well developed. Readers will have no problems hating the characters meant to be hated, particularly with the hefty subject matter Lane tackles.
With bad people working on several sides, it is hard to figure out how this story is going to end until the actual end. Clues are given, but the plot keeps twisting and turning so the reader will have to wait until the last chapter to know for sure who the bad guy is. “Coyote Zone” by Kathryn Lane is highly recommended reading for fans of the genre. Paige Lovitt, Reader Views
Not only is this a page-turning thriller with twist after heart-wrenching twist, but it brings awareness to the very real issue of human trafficking. Lane’s research is apparent and the reader feels a strong sense of place. Sharon Marchisello, author of Going Home and Secrets of the Galapagos
Kathryn Lane’s riveting Danger in the Coyote Zone keeps the reader spellbound as Nikki Garcia enters the shadowy world of human trafficking and races against time, corrupt officials, and ruthless criminals. You cannot put this book down. Hipolito Acosta, a highly decorated US Immigration and Naturalization Service Officer (retired) and author of The Shadow Catcher, The Hunt for Maan Singh, and Deep in the Shadows.
Review by Ronni: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another great suspenseful book. Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2021. Verified Purchase. This is another great book in this series and I can’t wait to get started on the next. I recommend reading this book along with the whole series as I am on my way to do.
Review by Tepozteco: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well worth the time–Mexico thriller. Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2017. Verified Purchase. I purchased this book because I liked the first one so much, I waited until I had a weekend free to enjoy it. Well, it’s just as exciting and fast moving as the first Waking Up in Medellin. Nikki Garcia takes on the topic of human trafficking, explaining what many of us don’t know about this subject which is a very major problem in today’s world. Add a nice love story, Mexico’s lovely locations well described by Lane, and you have a most enjoyable thriller novel. I look forward to her third in this series.
Review by 20 yrs. I love AMZN: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I so enjoyed Kathryn Lane’s first thriller. Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2018. Verified Purchase. I so enjoyed Kathryn Lane’s first thriller, and I eagerly awaited the release of her sequel. Coyote Zone was just as good. From the first page, I was drawn back into the world of Nikki Garcia, and I could not stop reading until the end. The descriptions of San Miguel de Allende and the numerous characters were well-developed. I was particularly intrigued by the insights into human trafficking, a real problem that I hope others will grow to appreciate after reading this book. I can’t wait to read book three!
Review by Jann Van Dyke: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nikkei Thrills Again! Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. I am happy to recommend this book to all my friends who would like to travel to a new place and also have adventure along the way. Kathryn Lane ‘s descriptive and sensory writing treats us to the sights, smells, and tastes of each setting of the story. I can’t wait to see where Nikki will go next!
What Amazon readers are saying about the Nikki Garcia Mysteries: “What a story! Best book I have read in a very long time.” “Mystery, love, healing – all taking place in a foreign location.” “From beginning to end keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat.” “Loved the intricately woven plot and layers of subplots.” “I read this book twice. The first time I couldn’t put it down. The second time I was transformed to the sights of a real place and its history.” “This is a page-turning thriller with twist after heart-wrenching twist.” “We are entertained while we visit new and exotic places.” The page-turning suspense of the Nikki Garcia novels is sure to capture you!
Nikki Garcia, a private investigator, escapes to Spain with Eduardo, her fiancé, after a death threat on her last assignment. She puts the past behind her and turns the trip to Barcelona into her destination wedding.
A week later, Nikki and the love of her life find themselves caught up in a terrorist attack at one of the city’s major tourist attractions. As events unravel, Nikki discovers she is being stalked. Worse yet, she may have been the target of the deadly bombing.
The newlyweds must navigate behind Spain’s legal and law enforcement systems to uncover the sinister person threatening Nikki.
Weaving their way through Barcelona to get facts, Nikki and Eduardo further endanger their lives upon discovering a series of suspects, from flamenco dancers to foreign nationals. Will they be able to locate the would-be assassin and outsmart him before it’s too late?
If you love women sleuths and the mystery and suspense novels of John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino, and Isabella Maldonado, you will also love Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series.
The novel is deftly plotted and masterfully written. — Christian Sia, Readers’ Favorite
Review by Michelle Jacobs, US Review: What begins as a romantic getaway to Barcelona for Nikki Garcia and her fiancé soon turns into a fight for her life with her enemies closing in fast to settle past scores. Nikki is no stranger to threats on her life and to using her wits to confront danger, so she is well-matched against the terrorists in this high-octane thriller. With international sites and multicultural flair, readers will be transported into a world of beauty and intrigue. From Morocco to the intimate corners of Barcelona, the suspense builds as Nikki closes in on villains and assassins devoted to their sinister mission. Deftly plotted with close calls, near escapes, and murderous plans, this ride never lets up from beginning to satisfying end.
Revenge in Barcelona by Kathryn Lane is a spellbinding novel that will entice fans of thrillers and sleuth stories. Kathryn Lane begins the story in the midst of action, with the protagonist arriving at her destination. It is not long before disaster strikes and Nikki begins to sense that her life is in danger. The premise is strong and it becomes even stronger because of the background of the protagonist — a former international fraud auditor. It is hard to determine who is after her, knowing that her work often places her in the position to make many enemies. Revenge in Barcelona is quickly paced and the plot points are very strong. I enjoyed the fact that the key characters easily find themselves in dangerous situations. There is a lot of suspense as Nikki works hard to find out who is targeting her and why. The novel is deftly plotted and masterfully written. Readers Favorite
I highly recommend Revenge in Barcelona. A thrilling story with a well-researched plot – it’s easily 5 Big Stars. Reader Views
From The Back Cover: Back Cover: Praise for Revenge in Barcelona Revenge in Barcelona by Kathryn Lane is a spellbinding novel that will entice fans of thrillers and sleuth stories. Protagonist Nikki Garcia, a private investigator, is running for her life after a death threat while on assignment in Mexico. When she arrives in Barcelona with her fiancé, Eduardo Duarte, she is confident danger has been left behind.
Soon, Nikki begins to sense that her life is in danger from a new angle. The premise is strong and becomes even stronger because of the protagonist’s background–a former international fraud auditor. It is hard to determine who is after her, knowing that her work often places her in the position to make many enemies. Revenge in Barcelona is quickly paced and the plot points are very strong. Suspense mounts as Nikki works hard to find out who is targeting her and why.
The novel is deftly plotted and masterfully written. Reviewed By Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
What Amazon readers are saying about the Nikki Garcia Mysteries: “What a story! Best book I have read in a very long time.” “Mystery, love, healing – all taking place in a foreign location.” “From beginning to end keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat.” “Loved the intricately woven plot and layers of subplots.” “I read this book twice. The first time I couldn’t put it down. The second time I was transformed to the sights of a real place and its history.” “This is a page-turning thriller with twist after heart-wrenching twist.” “We are entertained while we visit new and exotic places.” The page-turning suspense of the Nikki Garcia novels is sure to capture you!
Review by Gail H. Davis: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Lots of Characters. Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2023. Verified Purchase. An intriguing story of revenge/romance, love and good and bad people in Barcelona, Spain. Nikki and her fiancé Eduardo (need to take medical boards) have their wedding and others plot to kill her. Luckily the good guys win!
Review by sunglasslady19: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nikki and Eduardo Duarte newlywed are caught in horrifying Spanish murder of family member. Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2022. Verified Purchase. Nikki and Eduardo go to Spain and find the perfect place to get married and have family help make arrangements then they honeymoon until her cousins wedding a week later. The underground Muslim blow the wedding up and kill the bride, groom, pasture, grooms’ mother, brides’ uncle, and others. The only reason more weren’t killed is Eduardo tackled the man with the phone detonator and stopped him. They were right in the middle of the investigation from the start to finish. It was messy and deadly.
Review by Peggy Ellis: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Really enjoyed this mystery! Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. Verified Purchase. My husband and I are hoping to make a trip to Barcelona this spring and we enjoy reading novels that take place in the area we’re visiting. The only thing we didn’t realize is that this book is part of a trilogy and NOT the first one. It would have been more understandable to read in order. The setting description was rich and the characters were “painted” so well that we felt we really knew them at the end of this exciting book! We’re looking forward to reading the other 2 novels soon!!
Review by Tepozteco: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Travel to Barcelona. Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020. Verified Purchase. I have enjoyed the first two Nikki Garcia books by Kathryn Lane but this is the best of all. I have been to Colombia and Mexico; locations of books #1 & #2 and I know how thoroughly researched her locales and descriptions have been. I’ve never been to Barcelona but after reading Revenge in Barcelona I have my airplane and hotel all set up for May 2020. I feel like I know the main characters in the book and I feel like I will be right at home in Barcelona. I am wondering what locale Ms. Lane will chose for her next book.
Review by Ronni: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great suspense book. Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2021. Verified Purchase. Well, this book is a great mystery and suspenseful book. There is so much history and action that I just have to say that I highly recommend that you read it. In fact, the entire series I highly recommend that it is well worth reading.
Review by Kay: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic read. Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019. Verified Purchase. So excited to again have a Nikki Garcia book to read. I love the fact she has gone to Barcelona. I love her adventures and the descriptions of the places where she goes. I sure want to have another book about Nikki. Kathryn’s books are always so amazing. It is a must read for all who enjoy a great thriller.
Review by dasherhart: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nikki seems real! Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2020. Verified Purchase. I feel like that I have gotten to know Nikki, reading this and the previous two adventures. I read Revenge in Barcelona in three evenings because I couldn’t wait to experience her next jam! Very good reading. I recommend all three books in the series. Read them in order for the best experience.
5 Stars:Exciting Mystery Crime Thriller!
I am positive that Author Kathryn Lane’s career as an International Finance Executive and her extensive knowledge with Latin American culture, brought Nikki Garcia (main character) to life in this exciting mystery crime thriller.
Kathryn educates her readers in the regular and famous places in Barcelona, Arabic words and phrases, Romani words, and Spanish/Catalan words and phrases. Her extensive list of characters (in the beginning of the novel) will help you relate early as the story unfolds.
Once you begin, you will not put this well written, fast paced mystery down. Chapter one begins at the airport baggage claim in Barcelona Spain. From the start, Nikki Garcia draws you into her situation and her romantic relationship with her fiancé, Eduardo Duarte, who is a Colombian citizen and medical doctor.
Let me bring you into Nikki’s secret investigation in Chapter 30. Nikki is at the Barcelona Majestic Hotel.
…“Attired in a housekeeper’s uniform and long black wig, Nikki looked in the mirror to make certain she had not left telltale streaks in the makeup that darkened her face and arms. Slipping on a set of glasses with heavy dark frames and lightly shaded lenses Floyd had provided as part of her disguise, she found they sat heavy on the bridge of her nose. Yet they further transformed her appearance, so she kept them on. Her last step included tucking the special mobile phone Floyd had provided into her apron pocket.
…Eduardo, in his maintenance coverall, had been watching Nikki. He called Floyd. “We’re ready.”
…“All clear.” Nikki could just make out Floyd’s voice over the phone. “I’ll meet you at the service elevator.”
…“Roger, roger,” Eduardo responded.
…“Roger?” Nikki repeated, chuckling as they walked toward the service elevator in the hallway where the emergency stairwell was also located.
…“Where did you learn that?”
…“Floyd. He said pilots and short-wave radio operators use it.”
…“Your accent makes it sound sexy,” Nikki said.
…They stepped out of the elevator into the plain service hallway, Nikki pushing the housekeeping cart. Floyd opened the door to the richly carpeted hall that guests used and checked for people. When he saw no one, he motioned them through. He would serve as lookout in the hallway near the door to the emergency stairs.
…Nikki used the passkey to open the door. With trepidation, she stepped into a dim foyer and pulled the cart in behind her. Without turning a light on, she continued into a living room. She stopped cold when she heard shrieking.
…An angry cat?”
…It is at this point that I will let you discover for yourself, what is making that awful sound and how much danger they might be in?
Author Kathryn Lane has also written ‘Waking Up in Medellin’ (Book One In The Nikki Garcia Thriller Series), ‘Coyote Zone’ (Book Two In The Nikki Garcia Thriller Series), ‘Revenge In Barcelona’ (Book Three In The Nikki Garcia Thriller Series) and a short story collection titled ‘Backyard Volcano: And Other Mysteries Of The Heart’.
The Nikki Garcia Mystery (Crime Thriller Series) Box Set by Kathryn Lane.
Accompany protagonist Nikki Garcia to exotic international locations to solve mystery and crime in this thrilling trio of full-length, award-winning novels by Kathryn Lane. Each novel also has a touch of romance.
Book 1-Waking Up in Medellin: Nikki Garcia, a sexy international auditor, is sent to Medellin on assignment where she grapples with high level, mega-money corruption and her own ghosts. Then she’s kidnapped and will have one shot at surviving.
Book 2-Danger in the Coyote Zone: Fraud auditor turned private investigator, Nikki Garcia, goes undercover to find a missing child in Mexico, a country where private investigators are outlawed.
When Nikki goes undercover, she places her own life – and the lives of others she cares deeply about – in danger.
Book 3-Revenge in Barcelona: After witnessing a terrorist incident at a major tourist attraction in Barcelona, she discovers she may have been the intended target of the attack. She must act quickly to uncover her assailant before it’s too late.
If you like mystery and suspense novels, like those of John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino, and Isabella Maldonado, you will love Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series.
Kathryn’s novels take you to exotic international locations. Click the BUY NOW button at the top and enter Nikki Garcia’s world of mystery.
What Amazon readers are saying about the Nikki Garcia Mysteries: “What a story! Best book I have read in a very long time.” “Mystery, love, healing – all taking place in a foreign location.” “From beginning to end keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat.” “Loved the intricately woven plot and layers of subplots.” “I read this book twice. The first time I couldn’t put it down. The second time I was transformed to the sights of a real place and its history.” “This is a page-turning thriller with twist after heart-wrenching twist.” “We are entertained while we visit new and exotic places.” If you love mystery and suspense novels, like those of Louise Penny and Harlan Coben, you will also like Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series. Kathryn’s novels take you on action-adventure in exotic foreign countries. A former international finance executive, Kathryn and her husband split their time between Houston, Texas, and the mountains of northern New Mexico.
Backyard Volcano And Other Mysteries Of The Heart by Kathryn Lane.
Short Story Collection.
These stories help define the world of the Texas-Mexico Frontier—an explosive world where lives break, loves shatter, and healing happens.
Kathryn Lane, a native of Mexico, explores this world, leading readers on a journey through time and geography with the promise of magic and transformation.
Review by Customer 2: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great collection of short stories that left me wanting more. Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2018. Verified Purchase. Great collection of short stories that left me wanting more! I laughed reading “My Daughter’s Hand” and cried reading “Baseball Over The Moon”. Still wondering who killed “Max”!
Review by Dede Fox: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Weaving multiple subplots in Backyard Volcano, Kathryn Lane skillfully … Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2017. Weaving multiple subplots in Backyard Volcano, Kathryn Lane skillfully draws the reader into the story of Patricia, the protagonist, and her journey from childhood in southern Texas to adulthood in Mexico. Her grandmother’s mysterious life and tales about the Paricutin volcano mesmerize Patricia, but her abuela dies when she’s fifteen. Years later as a research fellow in volcanology, Patricia returns to her grandmother’s home town near Paricutin and discovers sinister information about her grandmother’s life. As Patricia seeks to unravel the mysteries, both old and new, she takes us on a riveting ride of intrigue and intensifying danger. Also included in the anthology are surreal short stories with a heightened sense of mystery and ghost-like qualities. Readers won’t want to put this one down.
Product Details: Paperback: 200 Pages Publisher: Alamo Bay Press (April 11, 2017) Language: English Short Stories (Mysteries Of The Heart) Mysteries (Short Stories)
About The Author: Kathryn Lane, award-winning author of the Nikki Garcia Mystery Series, sets her novels and short stories in foreign countries and exotic places.
Kathryn credits her imagination to growing up in Mexico, a country which was rich in storytelling and steeped in cultural traditions. Her creativity was first expressed by painting in oils and when reality of earning a living set in, she studied accounting and finance, and joined a multinational corporation where she attained her dream job of traveling abroad.
After two decades in the corporate world and having visited over 90 countries, Kathryn left to fulfill a second dream – writing mystery and suspense novels.
Fans of strong female protagonists and suspenseful stories are likely to enjoy Kathryn’s work. The Nikki Garcia thrillers include:
Waking Up in Medellin – named Best Fiction Book of the Year 2017 by Killer Nashville. Also available in Spanish edition “Despertando en Medellin”. Recently announced as a finalist in the Latino Books into Movies Latino Themed TV Series 2021. Also available in Audio.
Danger in the Coyote Zone – first place winner in the Action/Adventure category in Latino Books into Movies 2018. It was also a finalist in the Thriller category at Killer Nashville 2018.
Revenge in Barcelona – Silver Winner, Mystery/Thriller, Reader Views, 2019-2020. Finalist in the 2020 Eric Hoffer Book Awards. Finalist in the Next Generation Book Awards for 2020. Also, recently announced as a finalist in the Latino Books into Movies Latino Themed TV Series 2021.
Missing in Miami – Winner, 2022 International Latino Book Awards, Best eBook Fiction.
Stolen Diary – is Kathryn’s the latest release. A stand-alone novel, explores the challenges a gifted child, who is also on the autism spectrum, must face growing up with a disengaged mother who cannot relate to her, and a doting grandfather who encourages her genius.
Kathryn’s short story collection, Backyard Volcano and Other Mysteries of the Heart, was named Best Short Story Collection 2018 by Killer Nashville.
Kathryn and her husband, Bob Hurt, split their time between Texas and the mountains of northern New Mexico.
Awards: Kathryn Lane is the award-winning author of the Nikki Garcia Mystery Series:
Waking Up in Medellín – First release March 2016;Second edition February 2020.
Silver Falchion for Best Fiction Book of the Year 2017 by Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference
Silver Falchion for Best Fiction Adult Suspense 2017 by Killer Nashville
Finalist Mystery Category for the 2017 RONE Award by InD’tale Magazine
Silver Medal 2017 Fiction Thriller, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards
Danger in the Coyote Zone – First release October 2017; Second edition May 2020.
First Place Award in Action/Adventure Category of 2018 Latino Books into Movies
Finalist in the Thriller category 2018 by Killer Nashville
Finalist 2018 Thriller Category Book Excellence Awards
Revenge in Barcelona – Released December 2019.
Winner 2020 Latino Books into Movies, Latino Themed TV Series
In this fourth book in Kathleen Heady’s series featuring Nara Blake, the story takes us to a small Spanish town in the Pyrenees, where Nara and her now-husband Alex Collier travel to retrieve several notebooks that belonged to a British artist who died there during the Spanish Civil War. Nara and Alex have plans to meet the parish priest, who has possession of the notebooks, in the church during siesta. When they arrive at the church, they find that he has been killed by a vicious blow to the head. They soon learn there is a history of crime in the town going back many decades. But as they are caught up in the criminal investigation, they also learn of the strong ties of family and friendship that exist, even extending to Nara’s own family.
5 Stars: Mysteries Brought to Light In Tardienta!
You will learn some Spanish Civil War History while enjoying ‘Sacrifice’ (book four) in Kathleen Heady’s series. Featuring woman sleuth Nara Blake, each book in the series stands alone, so I invite you to travel with Nara and her husband Alex to Tardienta (a municipality located in Huesca Province, Aragon, Spain) on behalf of the Tate Museum in London, where they both worked as art historians.
The mystery begins when the parish priest discovers notebooks written in English, containing sketches by Felicia Brown. Although a British artist, it is Felicia’s fight against fascism in the 1930s that makes her notebooks a rare find.
Nara and Alex’s visit to Tardienta takes an unexpected turn. It is here, I bring you into the story and the beginning of more than one mystery.
…“From the café, Alex and Nara watched the activity on the plaza. Several police vehicles were parked next to the church when a long black sedan entered the center of the village and parked just past the police cars. A smartly dressed driver emerged to open the back door for a clergyman dressed in a black cassock with red trim.
…“Someone from the diocese,” Alex commented. “I was wondering if the church would have to be re-consecrated since a murder was committed.”
…“They won’t let us look around now,” Nara answered, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand. She badly wanted to get into the church and maybe the rectory too. The notebooks were there somewhere.
Tardienta is rich with history; there have always been goods and human beings smuggled through the surrounding mountains. For Nara and Alex, the mysteries are numerous, the danger is real and suspicions abound. Turns out it takes more than a village to catch a criminal.
The suspense and drama will keep you turning the page. When you are done, you will be ready to try Maria Laura’s Orange Cake recipe. Can’t wait to bake this one.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Barbara D. Sellars: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Interesting Story of Heroism. Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2021. Verified Purchase. I was not familiar with the history of escape from France to Spain and the role women played in helping Jewish children leave France. It is a murder mystery with lots of intrigue and plot twists.
Review by Amanda M: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Kept me wondering what would happen next. Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2021. I’m excited that the author has written other books. Kathleen’s “Sacrifice” is the first one of her books I’ve read. My education is in librarianship and I enjoyed and was curious about the research aspect of how the author created the plot. I wondered if she, like me, enjoys travel and created this story based on places she’s visited and historical figures she encountered on her travels. I happened to ask her … the answer is yes.
The only disappointment I had was that I bought an eBook rather than a hard copy. However, being able to look up words quickly and easily on Kindle was a plus. I’m a paperback kind of gal, and no matter what people say it’s not easy cozying up with electronics under my throw on my reading chair.
I wonder if Kathleen’s characters in “Sacrifice” will end up in a series. She sets up the story and characters easily enough that it could be. I found myself reading the chapters during my bedtime and staying on edge what would happen next after I finished a chapter. Suspense is not as easy to create as you’d think and she does it masterfully. The novel would make a fun movie; I wonder if anyone has approached her. I love what she’s done in her writing style and the driving actions she’s written to keep readers on edge. Way to go, Kathleen! Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Review by msb2482: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fascinating Mystery. Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2022. Well researched historical mystery set in a small town in Spain during the dual time periods of present day and the 1930s. I was not very familiar with happened during the Spanish Civil War. The author does a wonderful job of teaching new things about the history and culture of Spain while engaging the reader in an investigation behind the murder of a local priest. I agree with a previous reviewer’s comments that this would make a good movie or TV series given the plot and interesting setting/historical backdrop.
Review by Kathryn Parker: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A treat for fans of historical mysteries. Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2021. This is a well-researched mystery in two eras and in two countries. The details make you feel you are in the Spanish Pyrenees and make the story come alive. You don’t need to read this series in order to enjoy Sacrifice.
Review by Nichols Brown: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nice weaving of history into the story. Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2021. A pleasant read, enjoyed the historical aspect to this story and the small town, everyone is a suspect, feel to the story. A fun read.
Product Details: Paperback: 219 Pages Publisher: Sage Words Publishing (September 2, 2021) Jake George (Editor) Language: English Adult Readers: Women Sleuths Adult Readers: Mysteries (Suspense)
Young Brianna’s life changed the day her mother left to save herself from being burned as a witch. Brianna was left alone in the middle ages knowing just enough magic to have her called a witch, but not enough to try to save herself.
Brianna knew she had to flee but to where? She had to follow her instincts and run and run hard. Ending up in a large city she took a job as a kitchen girl and was befriended by Sir Michael a knight in King James’s court.
Brianna could not hide her magic and was accused of witchcraft and ordered to be burned at the stake. Sir Michael, helped her to escape. They just knew somehow, they had to head toward Wales where the Kings men could not follow. Not knowing magic was guiding their way.
Brianna was the granddaughter of a most powerful wizard and his witch wife. They helped to guide Brianna and Sir Michael from afar. The magicians had the power to visit forward and past in time. Brianna’s mother was banished to 700 years in the future to Dover castle during WW II so she could not cause havoc in her abandoned daughter’s life.
Brianna learns magic along the way and the truth about her past. Always staying one step ahead of the Kings men who wish to burn her to death.
Review by Augustus M. Cileone: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A book about magic, magically written. Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2018. Verified Purchase. “Jewels in Time” is a book about a young girl’s rite of passage in King John’s England. But what makes this story different is that the main character, Brianna, must learn how to develop her potential to perform magic. And, she must do so without her mother, who has vanished from her worldly life. With the supportive assistance of her magical relatives who occupy a dimension between various earthly time periods, a knight who is more than he first seems, and a cat with special abilities, she must escape the witch hunters of her time on her road to empowerment. The novel thus becomes a metaphor for female liberation. It is also a critique on prejudicial thinking because people may, out of fear, try to rid themselves of those who are different. The style of writing is hypnotic as it carries the reader along on a river of words that flow easily throughout the narrative. The ending is satisfying, but it allows for the possibility of returning to this enchanted realm to experience further adventures.
Review by Lizanne: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars. Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2018. Verified Purchase. Great read! and magical coming-of-age story!
Review by Barbara Kirch: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. 12-year-old boy reader approved! Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2018. I want more. Jewels in Time is so good. It’s a page turner with surprising twists. There is a new mystery around every corner. Brianna’s life is turned around when she has to leave her village after she is accused of being a witch. Then she learns that the king is dying, which is an interesting part of the story. Orangino is a playful, funny, magical cat, who is also a wimp. Marged, Brianna’s mother, is confused and doesn’t tell all she knows. Although I am a twelve-year-old boy, I enjoyed a story with a girl as the main character. (review written by my son).
Review by Lawrence S Brown: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Delightful Romp. Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018. Hop scotching between centuries, Jewels In Time by Kathleen Heady is a delightful romp. At thirteen Brianna is trying to find her place in a medieval world full of dangers both magical and physical. Without parents she must forge her own way as a possible witch and with the aid of a very knowing pet cat – or might Orangino actually be her familiar? – Brianna sets out on a journey whose steps she can never retrace. Jewels In Time is a coming-of-age yarn that will delight both young adults and readers of other ages. – review by and posted at the request of James Tichenor.
Review by Katherine Jacques: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An inspirational journey in which the reader and the characters experience together. Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2018.Jewels in Time follows the story of a young girl- Brianna, and her journey to find herself, whatever that might mean. She completes dangerous journeys, learns valuable lessons, and learns to be confident in her being. Searching for a family she never had, she finds her magic; in every way.
The old gate house where Nara Blake and her father lived in the English Midlands was cold and filled with secrets. And Nara wasn’t the only one who felt its mystery. Although Nara’s aunt insisted the building held nothing more than useless trinkets and cheap copies of nineteenth century art work, someone had attempted to break in, until Nara caught them in the act.
The police force of the small English town where nothing ever happened was suddenly besieged with burglaries and a murder. As the net of British law began to close in on the art thieves, Nara found herself and her family caught in the net. And the new man to whom she has opened her heart, is helping the police to close in on them.
Review by David B Coles (Author of The Back of Beyond-Abbot and the Acolyte): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Crime and Romance among the Antiques. This is a delightful book with a surprising number of characters all of which Kathleen Heady manages to keep quite distinct and memorable. The characters – both good and bad – are nicely drawn, nicely observed. I warmed particularly to Elaine and how she rose above the terrible environment of her young life.
I was really pleased to be able read “The Gate House” because I spent the first 21 years of my life in Lincolnshire, first on the edge of the fens and then in Lincoln itself. It brought back the ambience of the area and of hurrying to school, straight up Lincoln’s Steep Hill, vividly. Kathleen has painted a great portrait of Lincolnshire which I can recognize both from my early days and today, on my occasional reunion visits.
The story centers around a railway Gate House used in the trafficking of antiques and works of art stolen from tiny country churches through to Lincoln Cathedral itself. We are given some fascinating glimpses of the Cathedral’s behind-the scenes interior as Nara and her father – visitors to the UK from the Caribbean – become enmeshed in the robberies. The finale, again set within the Cathedral, is more than thrilling enough to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I shall certainly be on the watch for Kathleen’s sequel to “The Gate House.”
A Caribbean island paradise, a place filled with happy carefree people whose only concern is the pleasure of the tourists. NOT. Appearances are superficial. Lust, greed, envy, jealousy, murder… all can be found within the Hotel Saint Clare and Nara Blake: young, beautiful and inexperienced, meets them all when she takes on the job of hostess at the hotel. Fortunately, not everyone falls into those categories, and help and support and the promise of romance help Nara into her new life.
Review by Mary C Thompson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Still as riveting as the first time! Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2021. Verified Purchase. I am rereading Ms. Heady’s books to prepare for reading Sacrifice. I really like her style.
Review by OldGoatHerder: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Ms. Heady does a wonderful job with character development and with visualization of the … Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2014. Verified Purchase. Hotel Saint Clare is a very well written story by Kathleen Heady. Ms. Heady does a wonderful job with character development and with visualization of the tropics. The book helps tie together The Gate House and Lydia’s Story, also by Heady. I love the way she brings Nara to life. This is a kick off your shoes and relax kind of story.
Review by LProd: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Keeps you turning pages. Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2014. This book was refreshingly different, not only for the setting but in how the plot develops. This book centers around 22-year-old Nara, a native of the islands who is trying to find her way in the world. She begins working at the Hotel St. Clare and quickly moves up the ladder due to her intelligence, business acumen, hard work . . . and, since I won’t give any spoilers, let’s just say because of a pretty shocking development. Heady does an excellent job keeping up this underlying sense of menace, particularly from a certain slimy character. I was holding my breath a few times and hoping Nara would be okay. Just when you think that things have begun to smooth over for her, there are new, astonishing developments. It will lull you into a nice easy, engaging pace and then suddenly drop you down a roller coaster ride with some of its twists and unexpected turns. Beautifully written, it is a quick, easy read that will keep you guessing. I loved Nara–she was spunky and smart and didn’t take her youth or her beauty too seriously. She is a character who is easy to love and root for and I hope to see more of her in future books. This makes for a great summer read or a great winter read given how Heady puts you right in the tropics with the incredibly well-written setting. Don’t miss it!
Review by David B Coles: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Thinking of life in the Caribbean? Enjoy. Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2014. I’ve always liked the thought of a life on a Caribbean Island. It suggests racial tolerance, harmonious lives, music, and shear enjoyment. The reality is almost certainly different and, as Kathleen Heady suggests in Hotel St. Clare, there are less pleasant aspects of life which crop up in any community.
Nara Blake, dissatisfied with her life as a school teacher, aspires to something better. She takes a position as hostess in the restaurant of the top Hotel St. Clare and very soon impresses everyone with her professionalism and intelligence – not to speak of her fresh beauty and youth which attracts the ageing owner’s interest as well as that of the hotel’s chef.
Nara is the latest in a long line of such attractions and sidesteps the owner’s advances adroitly only to begin falling for the chef’s charms.
Now darker events crowd in. Illness, murder, threats, and Nara finds herself up to her ears in jeopardy as those she thought of as allies show their true colours and her position at the hotel becomes a dangerous place to be.
There are friends though. The old man who knows everything about the island, his sometime lover and their son – he with the green eyes and strong arms…
Review by Sandra Cody: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The story is strong and the characters are a believable mixture of good and bad. Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2014. A young woman steps out of the sea, shaking the seaweed from her hair. Two boys gathering shells at first think she is a mermaid. Thus, begins Hotel Saint Clare, setting the stage for a story that is never far from the natural elements of life on a Caribbean island. The young girl is Nara, who has arrived to work in the hotel on the big island. Nara grew up in two different worlds: the world of wealth and privilege of her father and the more earthy world of the island people; she is a strong character who respects both worlds, but is determined to find her own place in the life of the island. This is a story of intrigue, of mystery and danger. True to its Caribbean setting, there is a hint of voodoo, but Heady never lets the magical element or the island people slip into cliché. The writing is crisp and clear. The descriptions give a feel of the lushness of the setting, but are written with a light touch that does not overpower the story.
Review by Augustus M. Cileone: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing mystery amid tropical island life. Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2014. The narrative of this book flows so that you want to keep reading about these interesting and unique characters. The novel provides a fascinating insight into the mysteries of the people living on the island where this mystery takes place. I feel like I want to know more about how their lives will turn out in subsequent stories.
Review by Mary Thompson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Book. Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022. If you like a little bit of romance mixed up with a little bit of intrigue and mystery. You’ll love Kathleen Heady’s books. Hard to put down.
Product Details: Paperback: 162 Pages Publisher: Sage Words Publishing (June 24, 2014) Language: English Adult Readers: Mysteries (Contemporary)
Lydia’s Story: The London Blitz Files by Kathleen Heady.
A simple box of mementos, hidden in a farmhouse in Wales for nearly seventy years, is enough to set Nara Blake on a search for the truth about her great-grandparents, and to put her own life in danger. Even as she begins to read her great-grandmother’s diaries, a French brother and sister whose family lost everything in World War II, blame Nara’s family for their lost wealth, which includes a priceless Cézanne painting. As both families learn the truth of their ancestors’ activities during the war, they are put on a collision course that can only end in the destruction of long-held beliefs, and ultimately one must pay the price for the losses of the past.
Review by Desalto: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Good Read. Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2020. Verified Purchase. I really enjoyed this book. The writing style is vivid, the characters are well developed and the story kept me interested all the way through.
Review by James Tucker: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Lydia’s Story a great read. Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2013. Verified Purchase. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was entertaining as well as educational. I learned some things about England during that time period.
Review by M. Lignor: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Completely Unforgettable! Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2013. This novel begins in an unforgettable, heart-wrenching way, becoming a truly `memorable read.’ Here, a little girl is about to have her life thrown into upheaval as WWII comes knocking on her door. Many Jewish children were sent from France to Spain over the Pyrenees Mountains to hide from the Nazis, and people like Lydia who worked to save these children from a fate worse than death, were heroes.
Jumping to present day, Jack Blake and his daughter, Nara, are on their way to see Lydia’s daughter, Rebecca, who wants to give them a few of her mother’s possessions. These `memories’ have been hidden in Wales for about seventy years and are about to set Nara’s life on a new path. The story she was told was that her great-grandparents had been killed in the London Blitz, but when Nara discovers Lydia’s diaries, a new story comes to light.
On a parallel front, a French brother and sister whose family lost their prestige during the war blames Nara’s family, especially for their lost wealth, which includes a painting worth millions. As each family comes together to learn the truth about their ancestors, a life is almost lost and one family ends up paying a high price.
This is truly an outstanding story that jumps between Nara’s present-day issues and Lydia’s diaries that talk about the war and her work with the French Resistance. Add to that the true pictures and emotional turmoil of life in London and Wales during the `40s when the war was at its worst, and the reader gets a true picture of what people gave up in order to help their fellow men.
This will be an `eye opener’ for many, and cause most readers to feel privileged that they’ve had the opportunity to read a book that shows the real atrocities that happened to unsuspecting families who were just trying to get along. Unlike other WWII stories, this new `angle’ is truly unforgettable and deserves only the highest recommendation.
Review by Robin L: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well-researched, captivating book. Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2012. Lydia’s Story is a captivating novel that paints a living, breathing picture of life in London during the blitz of 1941. At its center is Lydia Roberts, an unsung heroic figure who is balancing the roles of wife, mother, and woman striving for a sense of independence through her contribution to the war effort. She has kept ongoing diaries that her daughter has stowed away for two generations without ever knowing what is in them. And it is Lydia’s great-granddaughter Nara Blake who uncovers the diaries and tries to unravel the mystery surrounding Lydia’s death. She is pitted against an angry, disturbed young man who is trying to find treasures that he believes were wrongfully taken during the war and now belong to him. Whereas Nara seeks something far more important – the truth about her great-grandmother. The novel is well-researched, drawing a vivid landscape of the behind-the-scenes action during WWII from London to the French Resistance. And in Kathleen Heady’s good hands, the transitions from the past to present are smooth, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally and pulling the reader deeper and deeper into the story. Well worth the read!
Review by Sandra Cody: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Complex Story, Elegantly Told. Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2013. This book is a fascinating look at one family’s involvement in World War II – the wartime activities and sacrifices of the family and the impact their actions have on future generations. Kathleen Heady tells her story with a combination of diary entries, scenes taking place in 1941 and present-day scenes. These disparate elements are woven together with such skill that I was never lost. The characters are well drawn. Settings (London, Wales, France) are sharp and very real; I felt I was present in each locale. But what stands out is Heady’s attention to detail. We know about the shortages of food and clothing, but the inability to buy a toy for a child, unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but so important on a personal level, gives the story heart. I highly recommend this book.
Review by Mary Thompson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Keeps you on your toes! Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2022. This third book in the Nara series is even better than the first two. I can’t wait to read “Paradise!”
Product Details: Paperback: 298 Pages Publisher: Sage Words Publishing (September 17, 2012) Language: English Adult Readers: Fiction (Historical)
About The Author: Kathleen Heady grew up telling stories – to pass the time, or just to exercise her imagination. She spent her childhood on a farm in southern Illinois, where she was fortunate to have parents who encouraged her to study, read, and learn about the world. Besides rural Illinois, she has lived in Chicago, Costa Rica, Colorado, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and now North Carolina. Her current new “challenge” is learning to play the ukulele.
Kathleen has spent most of her professional life as a high school teacher, teaching English, Spanish and social studies. She shares her “almost a tree house” home with her husband and two cats, Macavity and Violeta. She has a daughter, two sons, two daughters-in-law, a grandson and a granddaughter who are all really cool people.
Sam: The Cat Without A Tail follows the trials of
Sam, a young Manx cat with a soft, white puff of a tail.
As he discovers that he is indeed different from everyone around him, he learns and helps to teach the importance and beauty of diversity and self-worth.
5 Stars: Touched My Heart!
Sam: The Cat Without A Tail by Gloria Lintermans touched my heart. As a mother and grand-mother I think all parents and grand-parents should take the message in this book to heart and share this delightful, well written story with children of all ages.
Sam the cat, is a Manx kitten, which means he has a soft, white, cotton puff for a tail. It isn’t long before he becomes self-conscious that his tail is different from the tails of the cats coming into his yard.
Thinking that he is not welcome to curl up under the tree with his new friends, Sam retreats into isolation.
One day Sam finds out how smart, special and talented he really is and his despair turns to self-acceptance and the ability to join in on the activities around him.
The illustrations by Kristina Tosicare are remarkable. The truth within the story needs to be shared with all children. Any and all attempts to boost the self-esteem of children around us, is our adult responsibility.
Author Gloria Lintermans gives some much-needed advice for parents and grand-parents at the end of this book. I encourage you to pick this book up in print or e-book and share it with the children around you. It is a story for all times.
Please purchase “Sam: The Cat Without A Tail” to share its message with your grand-children. I hope Author Gloria Lintermans writes more books to help children and educate the adults around them.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Hardcover: 36 Pages Publisher: Blooming Twig Books (March 31, 2017) Illustrations by Kristina Tosicare Language: English Reading Age: 3-7 years Grade Level: Kindergarten-3 Grade Level: Preschool-3
The Secrets to Stepfamily Successby Gloria Lintermans.
Revolutionary Tools to Create A Blended Family Of Support and Success.
“[Secrets for Stepfamily Success] is the most thorough work on step families I have seen… a handbook of great value for both professionals and stepfamily members in navigating the complex territory of stepfamily life.” -Joan Sarin, M.S., Founder, Stepfamily Solutions (www.StepmomSOS.com)
“This book is a valuable resource that I will recommend to everyone I meet who is either divorced and starting a new relationship or who is already part of a stepfamily.” -Natalie Franklin, Administrator, Life in a Blender.
“This is probably the most comprehensive book I’ve read in a very long time…. easy to read and to understand. I can definitely see this as a great tool for professionals working with step families as well and individuals and couples contemplating forming one.” -Claudette L. Chenevert, Stepfamily Life Coach, Coaching Steps, LLC
The secrets to Stepfamily Success offers tools that can significantly lower the alarming rate of step and blended family divorce, helping families evolve into highly nurturing, reliable refuges of warmth, safety, encouragement, strength, caring, and joy.
Step and blended families have a unique dynamic with which couples must cope, along with all the other normal challenges of life and marriage. See how these families differ in up to sixty structural and dynamic ways from typical intact biological families-including consisting of two co-parenting homes and ex-spouses-and learn how to successfully recognize and manage these challenges. For most couples, trying to build a successful remarriage can mysteriously bring out their deepest personal fears, longings, shames, and hopes.
The key to not only survival, but also living this journey well, begins with discovering opportunities to heal and to succeed; it is not about blame or badness. With the right preparation and resources, a multi-home step or blended family can be a stable and solid foundation for co-parents and children.
The Newly Divorced Book Of Protocolby Gloria Lintermans.
How To Be Civil When You Hate Their Guts.
This book is an intimate look at divorce. It reveals what divorce tells us about ourselves, as well as delineating the important ins and outs of the legal process.
The Newly Divorced Book of Protocol avoids the psychobabble which often leaves us feeling confused and unsure. It is honed with a touch of humor to remind us that, in time, the sun will shine again.
In short, this book is an encyclopedia of practical, no-nonsense advice for successfully dealing with divorce problems.
The Healing Power Of Loveby Gloria Lintermans and Marilyn Stolzman.
Transcending The Loss Of A Spouse To New Love.
The Healing Power of Love: Transcending the Loss of a Spouse to New Love is a collection of twelve beautifully and honestly told, uplifting and inspirational stories of new, loving relationships following the loss of a spouse or partner. Authors Lintermans and Stolzman recognize the life-affirming, vitally important, next step following mourning the loss of a spouse or partner. The often disquieting yet exhilaratingly overlap of grieving and finding new love can only unfold through a commitment to healthy grieving and the willingness to move forward.
Product Details: Paperback: 216 Pages Publisher: Champion Press (WI) (March 10, 2006) Language: English Self-Help: Grief and Bereavement
The Healing Power Of Griefby Gloria Lintermans and Marilyn Stolzman Ph.D.
The Journey Through Loss To Life and Laughter.
“With insight and compassion, the authors lead readers through their grief and into a healed future of purpose and joy. For the bereaved, their family and friends who don’t know where to turn, these are the pages to turn to.” ― Eleanore Osborne, Daytona Beach News-Journal
A comforting, yet practical manual on grieving that combines the empathy of real-life storytelling with the candid advice of a renowned bereavement counselor.
The Healing Power of Grief is Gloria Lintermans’ exploration of the first two years following the death of her precious husband Rick, her real-life stories of mourning and healing offer up a book full of empathy, compassion, and community for any reader who might be going through a similar journey. It also features psychotherapist and bereavement counselor Dr. Marilyn Stolzman’s “five stage” sequence for healing:
Shock
Denial
Anger
Depression
Adjustment
Included within the book is a 100+ page workbook, The Power of Thought, which guides readers through the time sequences of grief and healing. In The Healing Power of Grief, Gloria’s honest story combines with Dr. Stolzman’s practical vision to help readers find their way from loss and make life more bearable at last.
Product Details: Paperback: 378 Pages Publisher: Sourcebooks; 1st edition (March 10, 2006) Language: English Self-Help: Grief and Bereavement Self- Help: Sociology Of Death (Grief, Bereavement, Love and Loss)
A Guide To Fabulous Vintage and Designer Resale Shopping In North America.
The only comprehensive guide to shopping for vintage and designer resale, including: * specific stores in all the major U.S. & Canadian cities * favorite haunts of celebs and stylists * Internet thrift shopping * vintage expos across the continent Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge on mint-condition Givenchy, this is your roadmap to the timeless cool of vintage HCing.
Product Details: Paperback: 288 Pages Publisher: Really Great Books (October 1, 2002) Language: English Reference Guide: (Antique, Collectible Textiles, Costumes, and Fashion Designers) Self-Help
About The Author: Gloria Lintermans is an author and freelance writer. A former syndicated fashion columnist, her popular column, “Looking Great,” appeared in English and Spanish language newspapers across the U.S. from Hawaii to New York, and worldwide from Saudi Arabia to South America.
Lintermans is the author of THE SECRETS TO STEPFAMILY SUCCESS: Revolutionary Tools to Create a Blended Family of Support and Respect, THE HEALING POWER OF GRIEF: The Journey Through Loss to Love and Laughter, THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE: Transcending the Loss of a Spouse to New Love, THE CHEAP CHIC: A Guide to LA’s Resale Boutiques, the “ultimate guide to recycled fashion”, forerunner of RETRO CHIC: A Guide to Fabulous Vintage and Designer Resale Shopping in North America & Online and The Newly Divorced Book of Protocol . A fashion editor and freelance writer, she has authored numerous articles on fashion and beauty, along with a wide range of timely topics for national and local magazines.
Lintermans has appeared on national and local radio and television talk shows across the county and enjoys a reputation as an articulate, warm, and knowledgeable guest. She has hosted her own “Looking Great with Gloria Lintermans” cable television and radio shows and is a popular lecturer and commentator.
Lintermans is a member of The Authors Guild, Inc., and S.A.G.- A.F.T.R.A. (Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television & Radio Artists).
She believes that there is a great need for children to understand that it is our differences that make each of us special and this world a peaceful world in which to live.
Pussy Cats are always looking for something to pounce on. They seem to be on an endless quest of adventure. But do we remember how their quest began? From the most gentle to the most fearless, you will read the life stories of a few pussy cats who found their forever home and, with their unique personalities, made a name for themselves.
Product Details: Paperback: 24 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 4, 2022) Language: English Young Readers: Short Story Collections Young Readers: Cats
Gloria Harris is born in Market Harborough in the United Kingdom, in 1922. She spends the first few years of life living with her parents and grandfather. Her siblings, an older sister and twin brothers, also share the household. The relationship between Gloria and her mother is strained much of the time.
The early days of her life are spent in considerable poverty, so much so that Gloria and her sister are sent away to Northern Ireland to be with their aunt and uncle, who are more affluent than their parents, due to the improving circumstances for the farming community in Ireland. Her aunt and uncle have a smallholding and keep a few animals and poultry that provide them with eggs and milk: the land produces enough fresh vegetables for themselves and for sale at the local market. Gloria and her sister Ann are made to work hard during this time, helping out on the farm and with the household chores. Their aunt and uncle have no children and are not particularly kind to the girls. The sisters have to stay in Ireland much longer than they had been led to believe they would, and it is several years before they come home.
On their return to Market Harborough, they discover that their brothers have both been in considerable trouble, one having made a girl pregnant and the other having stolen from his employer. Gloria realises that these circumstances were part of the reason why the girls had to stay away for so long.
At the age of sixteen Gloria is sent to France on a student exchange, where she stays in Nancy with the well-to-do family of Chantelle Valvoire, whom she befriends. Gloria has a penchant for languages and these talents are vastly enhanced during this period, when she speaks almost exclusively in French. She also loses her virginity to a dashing Frenchman and is terrified of pregnancy, but after she returns home, to her great relief, the putative pregnancy comes to an end. As a result of this experience, she vows to have nothing more to do with men until she is older. This resolve soon weakens when she meets Geoffrey, a school teacher from London whom she encounters on the journey back from France. Once home, Gloria practices her love of languages in some form or another on most days, regularly enjoying conversing with her sister’s Dutch boyfriend, who helps and encourage her linguistic achievements. He teaches French and German at the school she attended.
The Second World War begins and Gloria does her bit for the war effort by working on the land after leaving school. But she is restless, anxious to play a much more active role in fighting for her country. After hearing an appeal from the Home Office for foreign language experts to work abroad, she finds out all she can about joining the Special Operations Executive (SOE). After some considerable time, she secures an interview to join what became known as ‘Churchill’s secret army: the S.O.E. Her family are horrified at what their youngest daughter is letting herself in for and try their best to dissuade her, unsuccessfully.
After going through the rigid and arduous training to become an S.O.E. officer, she is sent into occupied France, where she is involved in a number of successful missions. Eventually she is captured by the Gestapo and sent to Fresnes prison in Paris, then on to the notorious Dachau Concentration Camp. In both places she is treated appallingly, being starved and tortured, and to avoid the likelihood of her inevitable death, she hatches a plan of escape. After doing so she has many trials and tribulations, after which she finally meets the brave Résistance leader and accomplished navigator, Sabien. He acts as guide for Gloria and some other stragglers through war-torn France and helps them back to England. Her feelings for him gradually turn from hate to love and they marry on the journey home. Sabien is subsequently summoned to the Normandy beaches to do vital Resistance tasks, and they part company until sometime later, when all hell is let loose.
If you love Women’s Contemporary Historical Romance, “The Liberty Bodice” by Joy M. Lilley has to be your next read.
As you read this well written drama, you will find yourself standing alongside Gloria Harris (main character). You will experience her childhood, unbelievable traumas, her strengths, achievements, love and sense of duty to her country, while history unfolds in worn torn Europe. Unable to put the book down, you will become more than a spectator, as your mind places your feet in her footsteps along her remarkable journey.
Born in 1922, Gloria Harris is born into a poverty-stricken family in the UK. She and her sister are sent away to Northern Ireland, where hard labor prevailed on their uncle’s small farm. Escape comes when at age sixteen, Gloria is sent to live with a prosperous family in France as an exchange student. Her many experiences only cement her love for languages.
When the Second World War begins, her horrified family can only watch as Gloria trains to become a Special Operations Executive (SOE) in Churchill’s secret army. Your heart will be torn when Gloria is captured by the “Gestapo and sent to Fresnes prison in Paris, then on to the notorious Dachau Concentration Camp.”
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Thirteen-Our War:
…We were so pleased we would be together on our first mission. This kind of work was neither for the faint-hearted or the weak. It was winter now, and we had to be parachuted into occupied France after dark the next night.
…We had been told about the resistance network and how someone would be waiting to collect us and take us to a safe house.
…The night before we were sent overseas on our first mission, none of us slept. We were together in a small hut at army quarters near Tempsford airfield. It was a terrifying time for me; I couldn’t think straight and wondered why on earth I had joined up in the first place. I kept thinking about my family, who had tried so hard to stop me from going ahead with these plans and began to wonder if they may have been right. Then, I thought of Geoffrey and his marriage proposal. Had I made a mistake?
…I was telling myself quietly in bed and hiding under covers that I would not die; good Lord, I was far too young to die. Although none of us spoke aloud, I believed that the other two were probably feeling the same way.
…The night seemed endless, and it fleetingly crossed my mind to get up and go home. No one would notice if I crept out and disappeared into the night. We had been told the night before our mission that not all the agents of the S.O.E. had made it home. Some had died in terrible circumstances. I kept on chewing that information over and over in my head. I couldn’t contain myself any longer and turned to the others and said, “Pearl, are you awake?”
…“Yes, I am. I can’t sleep.” “Sandra, are you awake?”
…“Yes, and I don’t know what I’m doing here, really.”
…“Do you think everyone about to go overseas feels this way the night before, Pearl?” I asked.
…“I hope so; I’m sure we are not out of the ordinary in feeling this way. Do you think that many agents bottle out at this point?”
…“Yes, I do, but I wonder if they are allowed to leave so close to being taken over to the continent?” asked Sandra.
…“Well, that’s exactly what I want to do right now,” Pearl said as she threw back the bedclothes and jumped out of bed.
…“Look. It’s four in the morning. We leave at five tonight. Let’s tuck into a bottle I’ve been keeping for a time such as this. I have kept it out of sight since we started our training. I didn’t want to give the impression that I’m a drinker. I thought it would give us enough Dutch courage to keep us from abandoning our cause,” Pearl said with a wry smile.
…I fetched the glasses, and the three of us tucked into the large bottle of brandy and drank the lot between us; I had a feeling that this might happen, from the various conversations over the last weeks. We were all afraid of what we were going to encounter in occupied France; not long after the bottle had been emptied, the three of us fell asleep with considerable ease.
…The next day, around lunchtime, we had to report to the officers’ barracks for our final briefings.”
You must read this book to find out how Gloria’s summons the strength to survive, and bring some closure at the end of her journey.
After you read “The Liberty Bodice” be sure to purchase “Figs, Vines and Roses”, “One Chance Encounter”, “Strawberry Moon”, and “Times Pendulum Swings” by Joy M. Lilley.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Wanda Fischer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well Done Historical Fiction. Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2020.Verified Purchase. I have to begin this review by stating up front that I am a huge fan of historical fiction. “The Liberty Bodice” fits the bill. The author did tremendous research to weave historical facts into the story of Gloria and her family, bringing to life segments of pre-World War II that many people might not know.
Gloria’s family is not wealthy; in fact, they live a sort of hand-to-mouth existence in Northern Ireland. They move to England so that her dad can get a better job. Things go fine for a while until her mother, who makes extra money by taking in sewing, has twin boys. The family struggles again. Gloria and her sister are sent to live on a farm back in Ireland with their aunt and uncle. They keep thinking they’ll be going home soon, but it’s years before they go back to live with their parents and brothers. It seems their brothers, as they’ve grown, have gotten into trouble–one has stolen from his employer, the other has gotten a girl pregnant. To make matters worse, her dad has had an accident at his job.
Gloria and her sister return to England to find their dad a changed man, their brothers in their respective messes, and their mother not knowing what to do.
Enter World War II. Germany’s taking over Europe. Bombing England. Poland falls. Rumors of concentration camps and exterminations of Jewish people abound.
What Gloria does next may surprise the reader. But this author takes you on an exceptional journey of a young woman whose resolve and strength that she obviously gained through a difficult childhood through a challenging–no, horrible–journey during one of the darkest times of the world’s history.
The author develops believable, strong characters and brings them alive through her prose. She’s a skilled writer, and her research accentuates her writing perfectly. I disagreed with some of Gloria’s decisions, but that only made her more believable as a character.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Joy M. Lilley’s first novel ‘Figs, Vines and Roses’ tells a moving tale of love and loss at the turn of the nineteenth century.
In 1888 eight-year-old Issy Merryweather has a comfortable family life in Cobnut Hall, Derby. Sharing carefree summers with her brother Clarence, beloved dog Molly and cherished grandma Ella, Issy enjoys the freedom of childhood innocence. But as she comes of age a move to Kent changes her life forever.
When Issy meets Terence, she is enraptured by him and despite his humble background an inseparable bond is formed in secret. But, it’s a secret which Issy will never escape after a heartbreaking turn in events…
5 Stars: Great Family Saga!
Figs, Vines and Roses is a family saga giving insight between the upper and lower class in 1888. Author Joy M. Lilley does a good job describing life in various English towns as the reader gets to know the Merryweather family. I can relate to young Isabella “Issy” and her brother Clarence, since like them, I was sent to a boarding school. Their childhood was very comfortable, innocent and more privileged than most and with it came the best boarding school.
I invite you to join Isabella in her family life with dog Molly, brother Clarence, Grandmother Ella, her inevitable coming of age journey into young adulthood. Issy falls in love with Terence, who is the gardener. This is forbidden love since Terence is from the “wrong side of tracks”. What is the secret that Issy can’t escape?
…Isabella love for beautiful gardens brings the reader here: “It did not take long before Isabella began exploring the grounds of the estate and could see the potential of the gardens that had suffered so much neglect for many years; apparently, she had discovered from one of the grounds men that the mid-Victorian landowners had built a brick farmhouse beyond the Castle building and at the same time took the estate in hand. There were remaining signs of this with shrubs and flowers in bloom, and interesting varieties of trees in abundance. Apparently prior to this the estate had lain in ruin since the Seven Years War (1756-63), when captured French seamen were incarcerated there.
…Isabella spent much of her time in the garden as it was early spring and there had been yet another long, cold winter to overcome. This had taken its toll on the land, which now was in need of attention. Issy knew what was required to help the gardens come into bloom again. She had an enormous imagination and could foresee how the garden could look once again with the right care and attention. She day-dreamed of restoring the garden to its former natural beauty.”
Will she be able to turn her dreams into reality?
Author Joy M. Lilley did a good job holding my interest in this short read as the author leaves things open for a sequel. I give this book five stars for the story.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Gabby: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A historical novel with depth. Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2023. Verified Purchase. This book, Figs, Vines, & Roses by Joy Lilley, is about the Merryweather family at the turn of the nineteenth century. Several characters are included in this book, but the main one is Isabella (Issy) Merryweather. The author astutely plots the tale to conjure up the evolving world through Issy’s growth from childhood to the late fifties. We can find the Industrial Revolution, the social gulf, and the tension among the so-called aristocrats and lower class around that era. Through Ms. Lilley’s eloquent writing, we are gripped by Issy’s admirable love story that overcomes her initial fear and breaks the social class barrier. Issy’s lifelong striving for women’s rights, gender, and social equality is evidently depicted in the narrative. The last line of the novel is heart-wrenching. At last, Issy courageously decides to reveal the truth to her daughter—a secret that has consumed her for years. I googled Sissinghurst Castle and was delighted to find the garden, just as the story illustrated. I will love to visit this castle if I travel to London again.
This story written by the protagonists niece is an insight to a lady with little education or hope of achievements and success in her life. However she bucked the trend and achieved much in life. Her family loved her dearly and cared about her right up to the last.
She achieved more in becoming a constant winner of bowls tournaments a game she dearly loved. She also won the hearts and minds of many celebrities in the forties, when she worked at the famous Pinewood film studios in Britain.
Many gave her their signed black and white photographs. Auntie Peggy was an engaging character to most and an adversary to a few .As you turn the pages you will be laughing and crying at some events of this intrepid lady’s life.
Review by Lisa Kradjian: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Beautiful Remembrance. Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2022. Verified Purchase. This is a lovely recollection of a beloved relative, imperfections and all. I wish it had gone on a little longer – the stories and memories are real, and clearly cherished. The pictures add even more emotion to the anecdotes. I recommend this, a stroll through a bygone era.
Two strangers, a UK married woman and an American movie star meet and said hello. Their hello turned into an online relationship.
The online relationship turned into a wanting to see each other again. The desire for one chance encounter turned into something no one could imagine.
Morya, a romantic at heart, meets a mysterious stranger, and her life would never be the same.
Would fate or destiny lead her to one chance encounter?
Review by Tony Bassett: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A charming tale full of twists and turns. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2020. Verified Purchase. A charming tale of a woman whose mundane life receives a boost when she meets her favourite American movie idol by chance. Moyra French had made countless sacrifices in her early life to care for her ageing mother and then found herself wed to a cruel husband. Then her luck changes. After her husband’s death, she strikes up a once-in-a-lifetime friendship with film-star Tom Ursuline. But will their transatlantic affair—initially conducted online — end happily for the Surrey farmhand or will her flight of fancy end in heartache? This easy-to-read story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the final pages.
Review by Mrs. Enid J Watson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Good Read. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2020. Verified Purchase. Joy has come up with another absorbing story. Her latest publication has an interesting character called Moyra. After meeting a stranger outside her place of work (an American film star called Tom) Moyra sends him an email and it all starts from there! Moyra becomes infatuated with Tom (the villain of the story) and after her husband dies decides to go to Los Angeles to Meet Tom. He asks her for a large amount of money. Unfortunately, it all goes wrong and Moyra realises she has been duped. A good read from start to finish.
Product Details: Paperback: 120 Pages Publisher: Absolute Author Publishing House (February 8, 2020) Language: English Adult Readers: Romance (Contemporary)
Moyra returns from the United States of America feeling down and unfulfilled. She had failed in her quest to find the celebrity she briefly met the year before.
A bad accident gave her plenty of time to consider her future, she was now sixty years old and had no wish to spend the rest of her life alone.
She enrolls with a dance studio for two reasons, to help strengthen the badly damaged leg attained in the accident and in the hopes of meeting a partner to share the rest of her life with.
Here she meets a man and a romance begins, unfortunately with dire consequences, taking us somewhere towards the end.
Product Details: Paperback: 172 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (21 May 2021) Language: English Adult Readers: Romance (Contemporary)
The Patterson family leaves the U.K. to begin a new life in France. St Severin, in the Dordogne, provides the backdrop for the family’s new home and all of the life-changing obstacles they are about to encounter. Maisie, who is almost seventeen, narrates this unpredictable story.
Maisie struggles as she experiences the changes of coming of age, the pain of loss, and the rollercoaster ride of competing love interests. Maisie’s older brother, Dan, rebels over the move and frequently threatens to return to England when his studies are over. Dan starts an affair with a married French woman. After a few months in France, he goes missing which begins to unravel the family. What starts as an exciting move becomes more difficult with each passing chapter. Maisie is left navigating this complicated new world, all while trying to plan the rest of her adult life.
Review by Amazon Customer: Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A family in chaos in a foreign country. Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021. Verified Purchase. This beautiful Strawberry Moon keeps you guessing with every turn of the page! Joy M. Lilley is a master storyteller. The reader may think they have an inkling of what is to come, who is the protagonist and antagonist, who are the “good guys”, but nothing and no one is exactly what they seem. Lilley is true to her craft, piecing the story together seemingly in unrelated scene-dominated, dramatic events. “No spoilers here.” The craftsmanship that went into Strawberry Moon gives the reader a story and an ending that catches your breath, touches your emotions, and fulfills expectations beyond your imagination. Well done!
Review by Jane: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Refreshing. Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2019.Verified Purchase. This is literally the first “coming of age” story I’ve read in my life, and I must say I really liked it, especially because of the murder mystery elements, which just happens to be my favorite genre. With its relatable characters and fast pace, it was an easy and enjoyable read, perfect for a relaxing summer day on the beach. I wonder if the author decides to turn this into a series (or at least writes a sequel) and let us know what happens to Maisie later in her life. I’d eagerly read that!
Review by Chris: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Murder mystery meets coming of age story. Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2019. Really enjoyed this novel! The author has a gift for describing scenery and presenting real characters, flaws, and all. It’s a unique murder mystery where there is less focus on the “who did it” and more focus on how a family copes and moves on. And great cover!
Product Details: Paperback: 285 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 6, 2019) Language: English Adult Readers: Fiction (Coming of Age)
Jenny is working as a nurse, when she meets Seb. She is a young woman, living with her mother and has had a strict religious upbringing.
Seb is a handsome, successful surgical registrar and Jenny is incapable of resisting his charms. They fall in love, buy a flat and move in together, against Jenny’s mother’s wishes. Then one day, Seb confesses to Jenny that he is already married with two young boys.
Can a heartbroken Jenny pick up the pieces of her life?
“I could see she was pleased that I had found myself a boyfriend who was a doctor, but knowing my mother, I think she would have been far happier if his skin had been white.”
Review by Tony Bassett: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Tale of romance and woe. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2023. Verified Purchase. This is a beautifully-written tale of romance and woe featuring a conscientious nurse, Jenny, who falls in love with a dashing Nepalese surgical registrar she works with.Despite cultural difference and warnings from Jenny’s mother, the pair fall headlong in love before she discovers the heart-breaking news, he has a wife and two boys in his country.She is obviously devastated and vows to have nothing more to do with him.Ten years later, she learns the doctor’s marital union had been a loveless, arranged marriage. She is lonely. Can they pick up the pieces of their once close, trusting relationship?This was a short, easy-to-read novel that was difficult to put down.
A physically handicapped lady, thinks she sees dastardly goings on in the house opposite to where she lives.
She is convinced that the woman opposite is being abused.
A Christian theme runs through this story of a spy, the lady in the wheelchair who spends much of her time looking at others through her window and when out of her house.
The story take a dramatic turn when she is proved to be right. And becomes a friend of the abused woman.
Product Details: Paperback: 28 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 4, 2022) Language: English Adult Readers: Short Stories
Message from Author: Hello, my name is Joy Gerken, pen name Joy M. Lilley. I write and blog at joymlilley.blogspot.ca. I was a trained nurse all my working life, until I retired in 2015.
My first novel is ‘Figs, Vines and Roses’ a tale of love and loss at the turn of the nineteenth century.
My second novel is called ‘The Liberty Bodice’. This is a completely different genre to the first novel and follows the trials and tribulations of a young girl working for the Special Operations Executive[S.O.E.]in W.W.2.
You can also find my short story ‘Lost and Found’ published in Liphar short stories Vol 1. by Liphar magazine.
In 2016 my novella ‘Times pendulum swings again’ was published. This tells of a hospital romance that starts well, until the truth about the surgical registrar admitting to his nurse girlfriend that he is married with two sons back home in Nepal.
I am hoping to release my fourth publication ‘Strawberry Moon’ a crime, mystery set in the Dordogne, France.
In the sequel to Eternal Road – The final stop, Sam and James are reunited to look for two souls, Ryan and Eddie. Ryan was killed in Afghanistan, trying to avoid a schoolyard with his crippled plane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Ryan’s hero, is to guide Ryan to his Eternal Home, and now both are missing.
The higher-ups believe that there has been some interference in Ryan and Eddie’s journey by Lucifer, so Sam and James have the task of finding Ryan and Eddie to get them back on the road despite the evil interference. Unfortunately, the machinations designed to prevent Ryan and Eddy from completing their journey takes the pair to horrifying testing grounds. The places visited represent the best work of the Devil. They are the trenches of World War I in France, gladiators at the Roman Coliseum, the sinking Titanic in 1912, Hiroshima 45 minutes before the bomb, and the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943.
This book is for you if you like plenty of action, strong characters, time travel, and a touch of spiritual and historical fiction. So, join Sam and James as they try to find the missing souls while staying one step ahead of the Prince of Darkness, who is determined to destroy all that is good.
Review by Elizabeth Gauffreau: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2023.Verified Purchase.
A Sequel Full of Surprises!As the sequel to Eternal Road, The Last Drive by John Howell features the two main characters from the first book: James, a young man who was recently killed in an car accident, and Samantha (Sam), a now-grown friend from James’s childhood, who was murdered when she was seven years old. In Eternal Road, Sam served as James’s spirit guide to help him find his eternal home.
In The Last Drive, Sam has been asked by the Archangel Michael to find Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I flying ace, and Ryan Sanders, an Air Force pilot who was recently killed in Afghanistan when he stayed in his burning plane to avoid crashing into a civilian settlement. Eddie is serving as Ryan’s spirit guide to find his eternal home; however, the two have gone missing. The Archangel suspects they have crossed paths with Lucifer, who is forever trolling for souls who haven’t yet found their eternal home.
Sam’s response to the Archangel is the same as mine would have been: “ ‘I’m surprised God and yourself don’t keep track of this kind of thing.’ ” Including this exchange in the opening chapter is a good demonstration of Howell’s skill in suspending the reader’s disbelief in the fictional world he has created.
The Archangel’s response to Sam’s question raises thorny questions of free will, predestination, and Divine intervention. These questions hover over the four main characters’ subsequent interactions with Lucifer. In fact, at one point, Sam proposes a deal with the Devil that took me completely by surprise–but was oh, so right.
As the prime mover of villainy, Lucifer chooses to torture Sam, James, Ryan, and Eddie with a series of moral dilemmas by plunking them into horrific historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, the Auschwitz concentration camp, and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. For people who are essentially good, this would be the equivalent of being dangled over a lake of fire by one ankle.
However, the Lucifer of The Last Drive tries to present himself as the charming rogue or, at times, the cartoonish, mustache-twirling villain–all in an attempt to manipulate the souls he is going after into underestimating him.
One aspect of the novel I particularly appreciated was that, although the same afterlife “rules” were carried over from Eternal Road to The Last Drive, new ones were introduced that surprised me, in particular that education continues into the afterlife. Although this feature of the afterlife is used as a plot device to give Sam and James the knowledge they need to extricate themselves from Lucifer’s clutches, I think it’s more than that. If we think of the afterlife as eternal paradise, then it makes perfect sense that the ability to learn and gain new knowledge would be a part of it. Learning for its own sake is, at its heart, a joyous and life-affirming act. (Take THAT, Lucifer.)
To sum up, I found The Last Drive an engaging and satisfying read. The stakes of the plot are high, the action fast-paced, the historical research thorough, and the main characters well-developed and likable (with the exception of Lucifer, of course). In addition to the other surprises I’ve noted, the ending of The Last Drive also surprised me–in the best possible way. I highly recommend this surprising sequel to Eternal Road!
James Wainwright picks up a hitchhiker and discovers two things 1. The woman he picks up is his childhood sweetheart, only Seventeen years older. 2. He is no longer of this world.
James began a road trip alone in his 1956 Oldsmobile. He stops for a hitchhiker only to discover she is his childhood sweetheart, Sam, who disappeared seventeen years before. James learns from Sam falling asleep miles back caused him to perish in a one-car accident. He also comes to understand that Sam was taken and murdered all those years ago, and now she has come back to help him find his eternal home.
The pair visit a number of times and places and are witness to a number of historical events. The rules dictate that they do no harm to the time continuum. Trying to be careful, they inadvertently come to the attention of Lucifer who would love to have their souls as his subjects. They also find a threat to human survival and desperately need to put in place the fix necessary to save mankind.
The question becomes, will James find his eternal home in grace or lose the battle with Satan for his immortal soul and the future of human life with it? If you like time-travel, adventure, mystery, justice, and the supernatural, this story is for you.
The Contract: Between Heaven And Earth by John W. Howell and Gwen M. Plano.
Amazon International #1 Bestseller and #1 New Release.
The earth is under the threat of a catastrophic political event which could result in international warfare and destroy all life on the planet. In heaven, a divine council decides that extraordinary measures are essential. They call for an intervention that involves two souls returning to earth. The chosen two sign a contract that they will work to avert the disaster. Brad Channing, a Navy SEAL, and Sarah O’Brien, a teacher, become heaven’s representatives on earth. The story follows them as they individually and then together face overwhelming obstacles and eventually end up on a strategic Air Force base in California. It is there that they discover a conspiracy to assassinate the President of the United States. The terrorists have a plan for global dominance, and they are determined to complete their mission. Although military leadership appears to have the President’s best interests at heart, it is not clear who can be trusted and who should be feared. The action is rough and tumble as Brad and Sarah try to figure out the culprits of the plot that will turn into a worldwide conflagration unless stopped. If you enjoy thrillers, this is one with enough twists and adventure to keep you riveted and guessing. If you like your thriller along with a good romance, Brad and Sarah’s initial attraction and eventual love will sustain you as they live out their heavenly and earthly desires.
When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?
Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.
His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.
If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.
John J. Cannon successful San Francisco lawyer takes a leave of absence from the firm and buys a boat he names My GRL.
He is unaware that his newly-purchased boat had already been targeted by a terrorist group. John’s first inkling of a problem is when he wakes up in the hospital where he learns he was found unconscious next to the dead body of the attractive young woman who sold him the boat in the first place.
John now stands between the terrorists and the success of their mission.
Product Details: Paperback: 273 Pages Publisher: Keewaydin Lane Books; Second Edition (February 20, 2017) Language: English Mysteries (Action and Adventure) Mysteries (Spies and Politics) Mysteries (Thrillers and Suspense) Mysteries (Legal Thriller) Mysteries (Terrorism) Legal Thriller (Spies, Politics and Terrorism)
America loves John Cannon, its newest hero, and the President wants to present him with the highest civilian medal for bravery for saving the Annapolis midshipman from a terrorist plot to destroy them. While in Washington for the award ceremony, John unwillingly becomes an accomplice in another plan by the same group to attack the credibility of the US President and the stability of the worldwide oil market. There is no way out as John either becomes a traitor to America or causes thousands of innocent people to die if he refuses.
The second John J. Cannon Thriller moves from a barrier Island off the coast of Texas to Washington DC, then to Northern California, and finally to Ecuador. John is on the receiving end of an offer he cannot, refuse. His avowed enemy Matt Jacobs now wants John to help him shake the reputation of the US in the world political arena. If John refuses, Matt plans to murder innocent Americans including John’s latest relationship. John’s only way out is to pretend to go along with the plan and hope for a miracle.
Product Details: Paperback: 282 Pages Publisher: Keewaydin Lane Books; 1st Edition (October 15, 2015) Language: English Mysteries (Action and Adventure) Mysteries (Spies and Politics) Mysteries (Thrillers and Suspense) Mysteries (Legal Thriller) Mysteries (Terrorism) Legal Thriller (Spies, Politics and Terrorism)
The terrorist leader and financier Matt Jacobs has figured out a plan to eliminate the President. He is relying on John Cannon’s stature as a hero to help him carry it off. John finds himself walking the fine line of pretending to help Matt while trying to figure out a countermeasure to the plan.
The third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy brings together two strong wills for a showdown. The question to be answered is who will feel the satisfaction that the achievement of justice delivers? John, Matt or neither?
5 Stars: Dangerous World!
For all you John Cannon followers ‘Our Justice’ (trilogy book three in the series) is finally here.
To refresh your memory, ‘My GRL’ is book one in the series. Like a lot of business men who tolls in an office setting day in and day out John J. Cannon takes a leave of absence from his firm, buys a boat and names her “My GRL”. Life was looking up until he wakes up in the hospital and finds out that he was found unconscious beside the woman who sold him the boat. If you have read this book, you know where the story goes, if not, you need to read book one to see how the purchase of this boat brings John into the dangerous world of terrorism, counter-terrorism and politics that will either bring out the best or the worst in him.
Book Two of this thriller trilogy is titled ‘His Revenge’ for a reason, but revenge my not be what John imagines. In fact, he unwittingly becomes an accomplice in a plan to attack the credibility of the US President and topple the worldwide oil industry. How will John get out of this without becoming a traitor to his country and endangering thousands of lives?
‘Our Justice’ is here, and now you must find out if justice is as sweet as revenge. Let me start with a quote from Chapter three to catch you up and whet your appetite.
…The two agents explain something about being called off the case. Ned asks them what they’re doing here, and they tell him they’re sorry for the way things turned out. We all shake hands, and they go away.
…Ned suggests we go to dinner, and we do. We have a little discussion about the agents, and I think Ned feels it is good riddance. Ned and I finish dinner, and he drops me off at my house again. He wonders if he should come inside to check the house before he leaves. I offer to buy him a beer if he’s so inclined. He smiles, “You know, a nice cold beer might be just the thing to top this day. Also, I’m going to have an officer come over here tonight.”
…I don’t say anything about the officer and just nod. We get out of the SUV and start up the driveway. I’m not sure if I see something at the corner of the house or not. “Ned, take a look at the corner of the house to the right.”
…He whispers, “Yeah, someone’s there. Get down.”
…As I move to the ground, flashes come from the dark corner. Ned grunts like someone just hit him in the stomach, and then falls to the ground and rolls over close to me. “Take my gun and start shooting.” He reaches out, and I can see his gun and also a lot of blood.
…I take the gun from his sticky hand and fire toward the corner of the house. A dull moan tells me that I’ve likely hit something other than the building. I get up and hold Ned’s gun out in front of me, as I’ve seen the police do on TV. After a quick move to my left, I run toward the corner of the house, only closer to the bushes in the front. I don’t want to be a big target while I make my approach toward the gunman. When I reach the corner, I make out an arm with a gun in the hand. Though the arm is outstretched on the ground, it could be a trap, so I step on the wrist. When I do, the hand opens, and the gun makes no sound when it slips to the ground. With the muzzle of Ned’s gun at the person’s head, I say a line I’ve heard before, “One move and you are a dead man.”
…Upon looking closer, I can say that my line was a little redundant. I haven’t seen too many dead men in my life, but this guy looks dead to me. Still wary, I pick up the guy’s gun and sprint back to Ned. When I get there, Ned is still on the ground. “Ned, can you hear me?”
… “Call 911. I need to get to a hospital.” “Should I drive you?”
… “No. No offense, but we both need to stay alive.”
…I dial 911 and speak to the dispatcher. I tell them where we are and that the chief has been shot. The dispatcher sounds upset and lets me know that EMS and a car are on the way. “Please, stay on the line, Mr. Cannon. I need you to give me some idea of Chief Tranes’ condition.”
…I assure the dispatcher that I don’t intend to hang up. I sit on the driveway and look Ned over. He seems to be bleeding a little less, which I take as a good sign. “Ned, the dispatcher wants to know about your condition.”
… “Uh, tell her I’ve been better, but it’s not too serious.” He pauses. “And, John, try to make it believable. The dispatcher is my wife, Geneen.”
… “Oh my God. I had no idea.”
… “Tell her.”
… “Mrs. Tranes? I just spoke to your husband, and he told me to tell you that he’s been better, but it’s not serious.”
… “I heard him, Mr. Cannon. Please, don’t let Ned die. He is the love of my life, and although he’s one tough son of a bitch, this is just the kind of nightmare I’ve had for years. Please, promise me you won’t let him die.”
I invite everyone to read on to get the answers that both you and John Cannon need. This action, mystery, suspense thriller rivals that of Jack Bower (lead protagonist of the Fox television series 24) and will leave you waiting for John W. Howell’s next book titled ‘The Circumstances of Childhood’ scheduled to be released mid-year 2017.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 284 Pages Publisher: Keewaydin Lane Books; 1st Edition (September 19, 2016) Language: English Mysteries (Action and Adventure) Mysteries (Spies and Politics) Mysteries (Thrillers and Suspense) Mysteries (Legal Thriller) Mysteries (Terrorism) Legal Thriller (Spies, Politics and Terrorism)
About John W. Howell: John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories.
His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the tension. The final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016 concludes the thriller series.
John’s fourth book Circumstances of Childhood, launched in October of 2017 tells a different thriller story of riches to rags, football, Wall Street, brotherly love, redemption, and inspiration with a touch of paranormal to keep you riveted.
The fifth book is a collaboration with the award-winning author, Gwen Plano titled The Contract. Heavenly bodies become concerned about the stability of the Earth and send two of their own to risk eternal salvation in order to save the planet. The Contract achieved number one status in its genre. John’s latest book is titled Eternal Road – The final stop and launched in September 2020. In search of their eternal home, Sam and James discover a threat to human existence. They also encounter the prince of darkness. The question is; can they save humankind and their eternal souls. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
Make Believe Again Bedtime Series by Janice Spina. Bedtime Stories for Children (Age 5-8).
Make Believe by Janice Spina.
Bedtime Stories for Children (Age 5-8) Book 1.
This is a short story collection for children ages 5-8. They are perfect for bedtime or any time. They can be read by early readers or by a parent/guardian. They will provide a fun reading time for both the reader and the listener.
There are six stories with a colorful illustration of the characters of each story – one about an alien, a dragon, a fairy, a bear, a bear and a boy and a skunk. Each story will have life lessons for children to learn.
5 Stars: Unique Bedtime Fantasy Stories For Age 5-8!
This unique, educational short story collection brings wonderful fantasy to children ages 5-8. Each story has a colorful character, brightly illustrated on the stories title page. Children will learn a valuable life lesson with each story. As the child reads or hears the stories, their imagination will come to life; with a blue alien named: Bluripizig, a green dragon named; Russell, a little fairy in a pink dress, a brown bear named; Shular, Marco; the boy who couldn’t swim, and of course, an adorable white skunk with a story you will not want to miss.
Award winning author, Janice Spina, writes make-believe stories that children can relate to about animals and other creatures. She hopes adults will enjoy reading these bedtime stories to the children in their lives. Janice has written 19 children’s books. She has multiple series, for ages 10+. Her Mariah series along with a couple stand-alone books, are for ages 18+. Her ‘Gateskin Chronicles’ series for age 15+ has just arrived.
Janice Spina is a retired administrative secretary from a public school system in Massachusetts. I highly recommend her books. Her books should be placed in school and community libraries. As adults it is our job to make it possible for all children to read books and encourage reading time. Janice Spina’s books make great year-round gifts for children of all ages.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Perspectivepower, Annette Rochelle Aben: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable Learning Experiences. Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2022. Verified Purchase. Entertainment and education are a winning combination. Memorable characters and easy-to-understand stories create another winning combination. Combine all this with clever illustrations, and you have the latest children’s book from Award-Winning Author Janice Spina! Download a copy today, and it can become a bedtime favorite starting tonight.
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun and enjoyable! Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2023. These bedtime stories are perfect to read with your children. The book is made up of individual stories which are short enough to be completed every night. They are not only entertaining but at the same time teach children the meaning of kindness and friendship to others. Very nicely done!
Message From The Author: I put together this collection of short stories which I wrote several years ago for children after I stumbled upon them recently. I decided to write a few more and put them together in one book. This is a different format from my other children’s books. My husband, John, created the illustrations that brought my stories to life.
By having one illustration for each story I could incorporate more stories into one book. Children will have six books for the price of one in this new collection. I added the illustration to the beginning of each page so children won’t have to go back to the first page to look at the characters.
These stories are perfect for early readers or enjoyed together with parent/guardian at bedtime or any time. I hope you and your children will enjoy these stories and keep reading them often. I plan to do a few more books with more entertaining and fun stories for children to enjoy.
Product Details: Paperback: 81 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (June 1, 2022) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Children: Short Story Collection Reading Age: 5-8 Years Children: Bedtime Stories MG/PT BOOKS FOR 10+
This is book 2 of the Bedtime Stories for Children Series. There are six tales with an illustration for each. Children will read about two squirrels, a turkey, a frog, a tree, a leopard and mouse, and a cat. These animal tales will delight children and become their favorite bedtime stories.
Each story carries life lessons that will help children understand about the importance of friendship, helping others in need, family, and it’s okay to be different.
5 Stars: Dedicated To All Children Who Love To Make Believe.
Make Believe Is Fun (Book 2), continues from Make Believe: Bedtime Stories (Book 1);with beautiful cover art, and adorable story illustrations, produced by Janice Spina’s husband John.
Ollie and Nolan: One day Ollie and Nolan, two little squirrels who are brothers, went out into the forest to forage for something tasty to eat. Ollie was the older brother. He liked to tease his younger brother about everything they did together. Ollie loved finding acorns and always wanted to find more than Nolan. Find out more about these brothers.
The Turkey Who Could Growl: Terrence is a turkey who is different than other turkeys. His plumes are in shades of blue instead of all brown and black. He has dark gray eyes and a long tail that skims the ground as he walks that he can fan out in a wide half circle around his body. Find out how Terrence relates to a bear.
Freddie the Frog: Freddie the frog lived in a ten-gallon fish tank. The only other occupants were four striped tetras. They got along just fine until one day…. This true story is based on real frog living with Janice and John.
The Little Tree: There once was a little tree in the forest of many trees. This little tree was tired of trying to stretch itself up to reach the warmth of the sun. There were so many other trees that were taller, bigger, and full of branches that snuffed out the sun as it shone down on the forest. If the little tree didn’t get enough sun he could wither and die. Read how Embry comes to the rescue.
Leo the Leopard and the Mouse: Leo was a leopard cub. He was only a couple of weeks old when his mother woke him up from his daily nap. “It’s time for you to learn how to take care of yourself in the wild, Leo. There is much you need to know about living in the jungle. This story is dedicated to Janice and John’s great nephew, Leo, who loves leopards.
Tyler the Cat and the Wind Chimes: Tyler the cat walked along the wall at the back of his house one day. He always wanted to visit some of the other houses along the beach road. He had heard some sounds that he did not recognize and decided it was time to check them out. Find out what special friendship was made, when Tyler went to check out the new sound.
Award winning author, Janice Spina, writes make-believe stories that children can relate to about animals and other creatures. She hopes adults will enjoy reading these bedtime stories to the children in their lives. I highly recommend her books. Her books should be placed in school and community libraries. As adults it is our job to make it possible for all children to read books and encourage reading time. Janice Spina’s books make great year-round gifts for children of all ages.
Editorial Review by Book Marketing Global Network.
Message From The Author: This is book 2 in a 4-book series for children ages 5-8. It’s perfect for early readers and read along with parents/guardians at bedtime or any time.
Each story is a stand-alone tale that will delight children with the lovely illustration for each created by my husband, John. As in all my children’s books there are important life lessons that children will learn about family, friendship, being kind to others in need, that it’s okay to be different and that we are all special in our own unique way.
I hope these stories will become your children’s/grandchildren’s favorite bedtime stories each night. Happy Reading! Watch for more books in this series.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect Stories to Share with Children! Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2023. “Make Believe Is Fun” is a collection of short bedtime stories for children that are a cross between folk tales and fables. The stories’ main characters, all animals, get into various situations which get resolved through the magic of make believe. I love that there are timely themes woven into each story, such as kindness, friendship, bravery, and love – perfect for the author ‘s targeted audience, children ages 5 – 8. Also great for initiating discussions with them about them about these themes.. I know my granddaughters will love the animals and the colorful illustrations!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another great Children’s Stories. Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2023. I love the illustrations for each story. Each story is a wonderful new lesson for little ones. The characters are fun & relatable for little ones. I was given a copy for my honest review.
Product Details: Paperback: 98 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (January 10, 2023) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Children: Short Story Collection Reading Age: 5-8 Years Children: Bedtime Stories MG/PT BOOKS FOR 10+
Bedtime Stories for Children is back again with six more fun and entertaining stories for children ages 5-8. In this book children will read about a porcupine and a beaver, a snake, a deer, a fox and baby bluebird, a cow and a horse.
Each story carries important life lessons such as helping others in need, being kind to others, friendship is important, and it’s okay to be different.
5-Stars: Animal characters come to life with six exciting stories to tell and life lessons to learn, for children 5-8 years old.
Delight your children and grandchildren this summer (or anytime) with the ‘Make Believe Bedtime Story’ series by Award-Winning Children’s Author Janice Spina.
This is Book 3 in the series. The illustrations by Dr. John Spina will capture your child’s imagination, as animal characters come to life with six exciting stories to tell, for children 5-8 years old.
…Find out what happens when Paulie the porcupine meets Bud the beaver. See how surprise and even fear of the unknown, quickly turns into a friendship.
…Discover how a boy and a garden snake become friends, when the boy helps free the snake from a hole in the fence, where the snake is stuck.
…Learn how two deer help each other, when Davis the dizzy deer needs help from his best friend, Dante.
…Read how a Finley, a friendly baby fox, and a determined mother bluebird, work together to rescue her baby from the base of a tree.
…How does Cassie the cow, who has lost her moo, rescue the herd from danger, and get her moo back?
…Finally, a little girl named Lorelei becomes friends with a Clydesdale horse. She helps him overcome his worries and insecurity about being hairier than the other horses.
Parents, grandparents, and educators hold the key to our next generation of readers, thinkers, and leaders. I encourage you to purchase all Jemsbooks by Janice Spina. Each book is age-appropriate, educational reading, that will keep your children engaged, entertained, and build on their reading and vocabulary skills. Give children the tools they need for success in life.
Editorial Review by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Jjspina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun & educational stories with life lessons! Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023. Verified Purchase. A fun and educational book for ages 5-8 that will keep children engaged and happy while learning new words about different things and animals. Important life lessons are in all six stories. Another great addition to your young children’s libraries.
The Bedtime Stories series is here once again with six more fun and entertaining stories for children ages 5-8. In this book children will read about a dragonfly, a goat, a candle, a chicken and a rooster, a boy and a pelican and a fish, and a starfish.
Each story carries important life lessons such as helping others in need, being kind to others, it’s okay to be different, family matters more than riches or being famous, friends are important, and be the best you can be.
5-Stars: Make Bedtime Enjoyable with Book 4 In This ‘Jemsbooks’ Bedtime Story Series for Children 5-8 Years Old.
Your children and grandchildren will be excited to get into bed when ‘Jembooks’ by Award-Winning Children’s Author Janice Spina, are on their bedside table. This is book 4 in the Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children 5-8 years old. Janice masterfully brings the animal characters to life in six unique stories. The beautiful illustrations were designed by Dr. John Spina.
DEIDRA THE DARING DRAGONFLY: Bring imagination to life, as your child reads about the little girl named Aloisa, who becomes friends with Deidra, a daring, mystical dragonfly.
GRIFFIN THE GOAT WHO SAVED THE TREES: Griffin the goat who has no special talents at all, discovers delicious vines growing around the bark on the maple trees. Griffin is startled when the maple tree starts telling him about the dangerous plight of vines. Griffin tells the billies and nannies how delicious the vines are, and impresses the farmer by saving the maple trees. Janice puts an educational note for parents and guardians about the Bittersweet vine or Oriental Bittersweet is an invasive plant. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea. It was introduced to the United States around 1860 as an ornamental plant. She shared photos of bittersweet in her backyard, on her fence.
THE MAGIC CANDLE: An old shop owner learns a valuable lesson from a crooked candle that no one wants to buy.
CLARA THE SINGING CHICKEN: Clara the chicken has a point to make. She wants to prove she can sing. She does not want to be famous or leave the farm. She wants Rodney the rooster and others to take her seriously.
A BOY, A PELICAN, AND A FISH: Janice engages children and parents with this story about a family’s vacation to Aruba. Neo is turning seven soon, he makes friends with a Pelican named Pete, and a fish while experiencing the ocean for the first time.
CHIP THE LONELY STARFISH: Janice writes this story in memory of the many starfish she had in her own saltwater tanks. She shares two photos of the latest chocolate chip starfish she had, as the little girl named Bria in this story, becomes friends with a starfish.
I love how Author Janice Spina engages both children and adults alike in these amazing short stories. Janice has a gift for storytelling intertwined with education. She hares tidbits that will bring parents/guardians and children closer together, as they read and learn about the world around them. Janice Spina’s Jemsbooks should be in every child’s library.
Editorial Review by Book Marketing Global Network
Review by Jjspina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Interesting and educational stories for children! Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2023. Verified Purchase. Another fun book of short stories for children to read at bedtime or any time. A perfect addition to your child’s library with stories that will teach children important life lessons while having fun reading.
Product Details: Paperback: 98 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (July 24, 2023) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Children: Short Story Collection Reading Age: 5-8 Years Children: Bedtime Stories MG/PT BOOKS FOR 10+
This is a magical series about Drystan the dragon
and his friends.
These dragons are colorful, engaging and fun to
read about.
They teach children the importance of friendship,
caring for one another, being kind to others, and it’s okay to be different.
All dragons are of different colors and their
names begin with the letter ‘D’ – a fun way for young children to learn the
letter ‘D’ and colors.
In Book 1 Drystan makes a few friend, Durward,
who invites him to visit the Land of the Rainbows.
While they are there they have an adventure. Find out what the dragons do to save the day.
5 Stars: As a grandmother, I know how important friends are to our children and who better to show the way than two beautifully illustrated dragons. As parents and grandparents, we seek to purchase books that will capture the imagination, while teaching valuable life lessons.
Award Winning Author Janice Spina and her husband John (illustrator) has created this amazing first book, in this dragon series.
Brightly colored illustrations will capture the child’s imagination as they read, or as an adult reads to them. The rhymes will stick in their mind, as he or she discovers a friendship between a red dragon named Drystan and a blue dragon named Durward.
The adventure unfolds in the Land Of Rainbows, where the two dragons extend their friendship to a colorful mother blue bird and her family, while lessons about helping others are learned.
I highly recommend this book as a good bedtime story, or go anywhere travel book. Five more books in this series are in the creative process. I invite you to purchase ‘Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1’ and watch for each new dragon book as it is published.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 27 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (February 1, 2020) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Grades: Preschool-Grade 3 Children: Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Children: Fantasy (Dragons)
Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar by Janice Spina.
Drystan The Dragon and Friends Series, Book 2.
This is the second book in the magical series about Drystan the dragon and his friends.
These dragons are colorful, engaging and fun to read about. They teach children the importance of friendship, caring for one another, being kind to others, and it’s okay to be different. All dragons are of different colors and their names begin with the letter ‘D’ – a fun way for young children to learn the letter ‘D’ and colors.
In Book 2 a new dragon is introduced – Damara, a different dragon who does things her own way. As she is traveling by one day, she spies a dragon, Drystan, in distress. She flies down to see what is wrong. It appears that Drystan has lost his roar. What caused Drystan to lose his roar? Can Damara help him get it back? Read this book in rhyme for a comical story that will delight your children. Watch for more books in this mystical series.
Review by Sara123: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. To Be Different is Okay! Author Janice Spina’s second book in her new series, “Drystan the Dragon and Friends” is a fine addition to her ever-growing list of books written for enriching the lives of young readers. In the second volume, “Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar”, Damara, a green dragon who is different than others, does not worry about what people say. She knows she’s not like everyone else, but owns her differences and is proud of who she is. This terrific message intertwines nicely with the little tale of Damara’s encounter with Drystan, who is also taught a lesson, courtesy of his new friend. The illustrations are lovely, created by the author’s partner in life and work, Mr. John Spina. The terrific team’s growing library is impressive and recommended.
Review by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne (Children’s Author): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. You’ll love Drystan and Damara’s story! Gifted author, Janice Spina has crafted another lovely book for little ones. In this second book in her series of dragon stories, Damara the little green dragon is proud of the fact she is different. She never worries about what other people think. In her travels she meets Drystan, a dragon who can’ t roar. Damara sets out to solve the problem. Did it happen because Drystan ate to many frogs, or fish? Was it something else? Damara and Drystan each learn important lessons from their experience. Young children are sure to remember this story and the messages it shares.
From The Author: I have always loved dragons! So do many children out there! That is why I wrote this book along with five other books coming in this series. These dragon books are written in rhyme with life lessons. All the dragons’ names begin with the letter ‘D’ and are of different colors. Reading these books is a fun way for children to learn the letter ‘D’ and colors while they are encouraged to be kind to one another, respect others, and it’s okay to be different.
I hope children will enjoy reading and learning from these books.
I will be publishing book 2 this year illustrated by my talented husband, John. He will illustrate two more in 2021 and in 2022 to complete the set. It was so much fun to write this series that I may do another series about another animal or mythical creature in the future.
If you enjoy this book or any of my books please write a review wherever you purchased the books. I also love to hear from readers and will post, with your permission, any reviews you write on my blog. Happy reading!
Thank you for your kind support!
Love, Janice
Product Details: Paperback: 27 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (April 11, 2020) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Grades: Preschool-Grade 3 Children: Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Children: Fantasy (Dragons)
Drystan the Dragon and Friends is a series of six books about dragons, friendship, being kind and respectful to one another, and helping others in need.
Children will learn about colors and letters too with the help of the colorful illustrations and rhyming verse. All the dragons’ names begin with the letter ‘D.’
In this book Drystan meets a few friends, Delbert, who has some difficulty meeting others. He is shy and not at all happy that he can disappear from view and blend in with trees.
Read how Drystan helps Delbert realize how important it is to like himself no what color he is – for all colors are beautiful!
Review by Sarah Reviews: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Self-Confidence Booster! In “Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 3: Delbert Finds Himself” author Janice Spina, the wonderful children’s books author, delivers again. Delbert, who is shy and lacking in self-confidence, is helped by Drystan the Dragon tor appreciate himself, overcome shyness, and learn how to make friends Lovely addition to the growing series that promotes wonderful lessons for kids of all ages. Images by the author’s talented husband are lovely
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Be happy with who you are! Book 3 in the Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series is a gem! Delbert is a very shy, sweet dragon who is unhappy with his color. Drystan discovers Delbert hiding, and befriends him. He eventually helps his new friend realize that he is special no matter what color he is. This book imparts a very powerful message to children that inspires self-confidence and strength of character – be happy with who you are. Young children and the adults in their lives will be looking forward to meeting more of Drystan’s friends In the future!
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Even if we’re different, we’re still special. Delbert is a brown dragon who can turn blue. He is shy and likes to hide where no one can see him. He is a kind dragon. One day, he was blending in with a brown tree and moved behind a pile of stones and sticks to hide. He didn’t know that Drystan the red dragon was watching him from his cave. When Drystan approached Delbert and asked what he was doing, Delbert said, “I’m trying to hide from you.” When Drystan asked why he was hiding, Delbert replied it was because he was shy. Drystan, being helpful as a good dragon can be, told Delbert to eat blueberries. Delbert turned blue but decided he liked being brown better. He was worried that his family wouldn’t know him. Drystan told him how to turn back to brown. Delbert, being the polite and kind dragon that he was, thanked Drystan. Drystan told Delbert not to be shy because he would always be his friend and that, no matter what color he was, he would always be special.
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series, Book 3: Delbert Finds Himself is a darling story that teaches young children to be friendly and kind and that no matter how different we look, we are still special. The author weaves all the books in this series into enchanting stories for the youngest book lovers while demonstrating an important lesson. Her books are beautifully illustrated with colorful pictures by her husband, John Spina. This book makes a perfect gift for young children in your life.
I was given a copy of this book by the author and received no compensation for my honest review
From The Author: I have always loved dragons! So do many children out there! That is why I wrote this book along with five other books coming in this series. I want children to feel good about themselves as Delbert does when he realizes after changing colors that his own color is what he is happy to be. In this troubled world children need to know it’s okay to love the skin you are in.
These dragon books are written in rhyme with life lessons. All the dragons’ names begin with the letter ‘D’ and are of different colors. Reading these books is a fun way for children to learn the letter ‘D’ and colors while they are encouraged to be kind to one another, respect others, and it’s okay to be different.
I hope children will enjoy reading and learning from these books.
I will be publishing book 2 this year illustrated by my talented husband, John. He will illustrate two more in 2021 and in 2022 to complete the set. It was so much fun to write this series that I may do another series about another animal or mythical creature in the future.
If you enjoy this book or any of my books please write a review wherever you purchased the books. I also love to hear from readers and will post any reviews you write, with your permission, on my blog. Happy reading!
Thank you for your kind support!
Love, Janice
Product Details: Paperback: 30 pages Publisher: Janice Spina; Illustrated edition (July 2, 2020) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Grades: Preschool-Grade 3 Children: Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Children: Fantasy (Dragons)
This is a continuing fun series of adventures with Drystan the dragon and his friends.
Follow Drystan and his friends as they meet a new dragon named Delfina. Her scales are many shades of purple and pink. She can solve any problem with just a blink. She may be small but is stronger than you think.
When the other dragons meet about a problem with another dragon called Drago who is a bully, Delfina comes to their rescue and promises to help them deal with the bully.
Read what happens when Delfina meets Drago.
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Dealing with a Bully. Delfina is a small, quiet Dragon who shows the rest of the Dragons how to deal with a Bully nicely. She flies up to Drago, the Bully Dragon, with Drystan. They hope to get Drago to stop bullying everyone. What Delfina does is very nice & she & the other Dragons make a new friend! I really like Delfina’s Purple & Pink scales! I also Love how Janice teaches children how to deal with a bully in a peaceful way. I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Product Details: Paperback: 29 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (December 5, 2020) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Grades: Preschool-Grade 3 Children: Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Children: Fantasy (Dragons)
In Book 5 of this magical series of Drystan the Dragon and Friends, Drago finds a way to do a good deed when he sees a rabbit in need.
Each of these books will feature a new dragon and a poem. Children will learn letters and colors with these colorfully illustrated pages.
Each dragon’s name begins with the letter ‘D’. Drago is a dragon who is completely white. He is not happy that he can’t fly at night. He is mean to his fellow dragons anywhere in sight. To be a different color he wishes with all his might. Drago learned to be kind to others every day. He is now orange, thanks to Delfina, who changed him this way.
Product Details: Paperback: 31 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (March 28, 2021) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Grades: Preschool-Grade 3 Children: Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Children: Fantasy (Dragons)
This is the final book in this magical, mystical series of dragons and their good deeds. In Book 6 a new dragon is introduced, Dragana. Each dragon is a different color and the dragons all have names that begin with the letter ‘D.’
Dragana is a dragon who likes to dream.
Nothing is impossible to her, so it seems.
Her scales are colored in burgundy and cream.
Fairies, goblins, and ghosts are her favorite theme.
Dragana discovers a fairy in need one day while flying around.
Will this fairy be afraid of a big dragon?
What will Dragana do to help the fairy?
Product Details: Paperback: 35 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (August 27, 2021) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Grades: Preschool-Grade 3 Children: Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Children: Fantasy (Dragons)
Once upon a time there were two children who loved their father so much that they missed him terribly each time he had to leave to go away to find buyers for his woodworking. The two children, Chris, and Kim, were each given a gift made by their father to keep close to them until he could return. They worried whether he would return and prayed on the first star they saw each night that he would come home safely. This story portrays the love that a father has for his children and them for him in return. It demonstrates that being kind to others by putting others before you can be rewarding. Also, some things like love and good health are far more important than riches.
5.0 out of 5 Stars “The First Star”: Author Janice Spina’s new book “The First Star” is a marvelous addition to her growing collection of children’s books that entertain while they convey important values and great lessons.
The family portrayed in this lovely book struggles with poverty and the consequences of a shortage of funds. The father travels far to try and sell his goods, the mother does her best to keep the home fires burning, and the children deal as best they can. Life is hard for them, but they remain steady in their goodness and kindness. The family is rewarded for the virtues, yet even when their finances improve, they remember what is truly important in life.
Mrs. Spina imparts in a lovely age-appropriate fashion so that children can easily relate, the fundamental lesson of appreciating the blessings in our lives and makes the reader recognize that blessings are not measured by gold and silver and material possessions but by our kindness, by the happiness in our hearts, and by the love that we give and receive.
From The Author: I wrote this story many years ago when my two children were quite young. They asked me one night to make up a new story instead of reading their regular books. The First Star is the story I created for them. Now they are sharing this story with their own children.
Product Details: Paperback: 26 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (February 19, 2019) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Children’s: Folk Tales & Myths Children’s: Fantasy & Magic Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult
Abby & Holly 6 Book Series. MG/PT BOOKS FOR 10+ Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult
Abby & Holly: School Dance by Janice Spina.
Abby & Holly Book 1.
These two girls were first introduced in Book 5 of the Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series.
The girls are first cousins on their mothers’ side. They moved to the quiet town of Lindon, New Hampshire and live in a grand old Victorian which is haunted.
The cousins are excited about attending the 6th grade dance.
When their friend, Justine, is bullied, Abby and Holly, along with the help of a ghost and Davey & Derek, work together to formalize a plan to put a stop to the bullying.
This book won a Bronze Medal from Readers’ Favorite Book Awards in August of 2019.
Review by Mrs. D.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Say hello to the Abby and Holly series!
“Move over, Davey and Derek? Or maybe not… The duo is back, and the girls and boys are taking the world by the horns with another thrilling adventure! The haunted house! The mysterious ghost! The undying friendship! Good life lessons! And no more bullying!
Abby and Holly are cousins. The girls were first introduced in Book 5 of the Davey and Derek Junior Detectives series.
Janice Spina has beautifully blended two separate series in her new book, which is meant to entertain and educate middle grade readers. This time she sent two girls to solve a mystery that was quite intriguing. While trying to be just normal students, team members are dealing with serious issues so common for sixth graders: jealousy, intolerance, and bullying. The story is fun and adventurous, but the author smartly implants very important seeds that touch on problems so familiar for a middle school audience.
In this new book, Abby and Holly team up with their friends Davey and Derek, two shy but very experienced young detectives. The team needs to find out who is sabotaging one of their classmates, Justine, who plans her sixth-grade school dance. Fearing that the girl is being bullied, the team members work closely with each other and their friends.
The story is sweet. It flows smoothly, just like other books from this wonderful author, which manages to surprise the young readers with perfectly developed characters and a wise plot. Even if the readers haven’t had the chance to get familiar with the Davey and Derek series, they won’t feel lost or have a hard time connecting the new story to Davey and Derek. And just like me, I hope the girls and boys will jump into the new adventures with a touch of fantasy, mystery, and some stronger feelings like love, forgiveness, and being kind to each other.
“Abby and Holly: School Dance” is one of those books that will make children feel good about themselves. The lessons of friendship and kindness are nicely incorporated into a fun story, which will put a smile on children’s faces. Trouble. Solution. Sweet first love. Friendship. And kindness. All of these qualities are in one book for young readers to enjoy. Yes, Justine is bullied, but she has a strong group of friends behind her, which helps her to overcome the fear of bullies. And with the help of her friends, the bullies may change their attitude too.
I am delighted that this book carries strong messages about the importance of being compassionate, kind, loving and accepting. It teaches teens to remember how they would feel if their places were reversed. Another entertaining and teaching series for middle schoolers by Janice Spina!
Message From The Author: This book came to me after I received a request from a reader for a series for girls like the one I wrote for boys, Davey & Derek Junior Detectives. I introduced Abby and Holly in Book 5 of Davey & Derek series and the idea was born to write a series for the girls.
I think both boys and girls will love this new series since Davey and Derek are in this book and will most likely appear in the next one. The girls and boys will combine their skills to solve more mysteries.
I love to hear from readers about my books and welcome reviews wherever the books are purchased. Happy reading everyone!
With Blessings & Hugs, Janice Spina
Product Details: Series: Abby & Holly (Book 1) John Spina (Illustrator) MG/PT/YA Ages 10 + Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult Children: Abby and Holly Series Children: Fantasy and Magic Children: Mystery (Action)
Abby and Holly are cousins who are more like sisters. They enjoy doing everything together.
Holly lives with Abby and her family in a haunted Victorian. Holly must deal with some difficult decisions in her family when unexpected and unfortunate events come to pass.
Abby is there to lend support to Holly along with two ghostly apparitions, Felicity and Minerva, who live in Abby’s house. These specters provide some magical and helpful advice along the way as they watch over Holly during this difficult time.
The girls’ friends, twins Davey and Derek Donato, from their own series, pop in to support Holly and bring some fun and comical relief to the story.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Stellar Book With Important Lessons
“I am so excited about the Abby and Holly Series for girls, but it could be equally enjoyed by boys. In Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events, Abby’s cousin, Holly, is faced with some difficult issues. While her parents are away on overseas jobs, Holly is living with Abby. Things go downhill when her parents return for a visit and her mother becomes ill. Throughout this trying time, Holly has a tremendous amount of support from Abby, her Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob, and two ghosts who live in Abby’s house, Felicity and Minerva. Of course, their friends Davey and Derek are there to help, too.
As with all of Spina’s children’s books, Unfortunate Events teaches life lessons such as respect, kindness toward others, and the importance of being polite. This book concentrates on handling the unexpected and overcoming life’s disappointments. The unexpected was Holly’s mother’s illness and hospital stay. With the love of her extended family, Holly was able to cope with her worry for her mother. Disappointment was addressed when her father announced that he was flying out to finish his work overseas. He explained to Holly the importance of fulling his obligations to his employer.
I highly recommend Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events to all middle-graders, both girls and boys. The story line is one that will keep children interested with its elements of suspense and mystery. Though there are references to a childhood crush, they are not a major component of the story and certainly not enough to deter boys’ interest. And who doesn’t love a friendly little ghost or two! As with all the author’s children’s books, this one is true to her ideals of writing books that encourage children to read while incorporating those all-important life lessons. As a book I think every parent will want their daughters and sons to read, I give Unfortunate Events 5 stars!”
Message From The Author: This book came to me after I received a request from a reader for a series for girls like the one I wrote for boys, Davey & Derek Junior Detectives. I introduced Abby and Holly in Book 5 of Davey & Derek series and the idea was born to write a series for the girls.
I think both boys and girls will love this new series since Davey and Derek are in this book and will most likely appear in the next one. The girls and boys will combine their skills to solve more mysteries.
I love to hear from readers about my books and welcome reviews wherever the books are purchased. Happy reading everyone!
This book won a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in 2019!
With Blessings & Hugs, Janice Spina
Product Details: John Spina (Illustrator) MG/PT/YA Ages 10 + Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult Children: Abby and Holly Series Children: Fantasy and Magic Children: Mystery (Action)
Abby & Holly: Secrets Of The Trunk by Janice Spina.
Abby & Holly Book 3.
Join Abby and Holly in Book 3 as the cousins discover a new presence in their old Victorian while they are cleaning out the library of old books.
They are not sure if this specter is benign or otherwise. This being leads them to the old trunk they discovered in Book 2 which holds many secrets and puzzles that they feel compelled to solve.
They enlist the help of their ghost friend, Felicity, who inhabits their home. She is a benevolent entity that once lived in their house from a century ago. She watches over the girls and vows never to leave them unless they request her to do so.
There will be surprises and ghostly visits that will keep readers enthralled as Abby and Holly work together to uncover the secrets of the trunk.
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Family fun!
“Abby and Holly, cousins and best friends, find themselves intrigued with a mystery they uncover while cleaning the attic in their home. Follow the girls on a treasure hunt leading to danger and excitement. Such fun! I love that the author leaves their story open for future adventures for the cousins. In this day and age, it is great to find such wholesome reading for our children, Nice job, Janice Spina!”
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Ghosts to the Rescue!
“Cousins Abby & Holly have some help from the resident ghosts Felicity & Minerva figuring out the secret of the Trunk! The girls have scary encounter with a “playful” sprite & Felicity & Minerva step in to help & protect the girls. Was worried about the end, but it is perfect beginning to the next book!! LOVED the things the girls go through & how they solve The Secrets of the Trunk!”
Message From The Author: This series is inspired and created for my granddaughter who loves to read. This is the third book in the series and more are coming in 2019 and beyond.
These characters, Abby & Holly, were introduced in Book 5 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series.
I thoroughly enjoy writing these stories. They make me feel like a kid again. I let the characters take over the story and I go along for the ride. All ages love these books. They carry important life lessons that parents appreciate and happily pass along these books to their children and grandchildren to enjoy. I hope you will enjoy them too.
With Blessings & Hugs, Janice Spina
Product Details: John Spina (Illustrator) MG/PT/YA Ages 10 + Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult Children: Abby and Holly Series Children: Fantasy and Magic Children: Mystery (Action)
Join the cousins, Abby and Holly, as they search for clues about who placed an urn up in their attic with the remains of a young girl who lived a century ago. Their old Victorian holds many secrets and the girls are determined to solve this mystery with the help of two ghost friends, Felicity and Minerva, who inhabit their home.
As the girls are searching for clues in their basement, they discover a hidden stairway. Upon entering the stairway, they find themselves unexpectedly catapulted back in time to a century ago.
Will they be able to return with the answers to the mystery? If not, who will help them get back? Or, will they be forever lost in time?
5 Stars: ‘The Hidden Stairway’ is Book 4 in the Abby & Holly Series. Even though each book in the series, stands-alone, Author Janice Spina skillfully draws from the previous books, which makes the series very appealing to young readers. For example: This book involves an urn and some jewels the girls found in a trunk in the attic during their adventure in book three. The mystery of who left the remains of a teenager named Annabelle Bradley (from 1880’s) in an urn in the attic and how did Annabelle come to have so much valuable jewelry carries over into book four.
The story opens as cousins Abby and Holly return from back-to-school shopping with their mothers. Young readers’ imaginations will soar, when they join these two cousins, as they continue to explore the old Victorian House (they live in) which reveals many secrets and ghosts from the past. The discovery of a hidden stairway, that allows the girls to travel back in time, will keep readers’ turning the page.
As a grandmother I can say, this book has a mystery, suspense driven adventure (equal if not better than Nancy Drew) with life lessons woven in, making this book and the Abby & Holly Series a perfect gift and summer reading for the Middle-Grades, Preteen, Teens and Young Adults.
Author Janice Spina and her husband, Dr. John Spina, make a great team. Dr. John Spina creates the book covers and story illustrations for all Janice Spina’s books. I am impressed with their attention to detail, as they work together to enhance the reading experience of all ages.
Books 5 and 6 in the Abby & Holly series is expected in late 2020 and 2021.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: John Spina (Illustrator) Paperback: 266 Pages MG/PT/YA Ages 10 + Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult Children: Abby and Holly Series Children: Fantasy and Magic Children: Mystery (Action)
The main protagonists, cousins Abby and Holly, find paintings by a young teenager, from the past with a copper key taped to the back of one of her paintings. This teen’s remains were found in their attic in Book 4.
The girls’ search begins to find the source of this key. They hope to use this key to unlock secrets or something valuable from the past. Will this key help uncover another mystery for the cousins? How far will the girls go in their search for truth or will they have to go back to the past? Will they be able to return home without somehow changing history forever?
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging, exciting, excellent! In Book Five of the Abby & Holly Series, The Copper Key, cousins Abby and Holly are compelled to solve the mystery behind an old copper key they find in the attic of Abby’s home. They are joined in their sleuthing by resident ghosts Felicity and Minerva as they travel back in time to discover what the key unlocks…Suspense, plot twists, and excitement are featured as the girls uncover the real story. The author, Janice Spina, does a great job of character development and seamlessly weaving themes of problem solving, cooperation, and friendship into the book. Fans of this series will love this installment – as I did! Middle school kids and young teens who read The Copper Key will be looking forward to Abby & Holly’s next adventure!
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun, fun, fun! Those adorable cousins are back again! Abby and Holly find themselves faced with another mystery that needs their attention. This fun-loving duo find a strange old copper key in a very unlikely place. Because of their adventurous nature, the girls embark on a new journey to discover what this key opens. Follow them into the past to correct an unjust act of one person in order to help protect another. Janice Spina’s stories will keep your child’s interest while always remaining wholesome and age appropriate. Such fun
From The Author: This series is inspired and created for my granddaughter who loves to read. This is the fourth book in the series and two more are coming in 2020.This book was dedicated to my granddaughter, Leah, and my step-granddaughter, Laura, who love to read these books.
These characters, Abby & Holly, were introduced in Book 5 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series.
I thoroughly enjoy writing these stories. They make me feel like a kid again. I let the characters take over the story and I go along for the ride. All ages love these books. They carry important life lessons that parents appreciate and happily pass along these books to their children and grandchildren to enjoy. I hope you will enjoy them too.
Janice enjoys hearing from readers and fans and welcomes reviews wherever her books are purchased.
Product Details: Paperback: 250 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (May 5, 2020) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English MG/PT/YA Ages 10 + Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult Children: Abby and Holly Series Children: Fantasy and Magic Children: Mystery (Action)
Follow along with cousins, Abby and Holly, as they learn about some changes in history from their ghost friend, Felicity, who lived back in 1880.
These changes came about when the girls traveled back to the past to their Victorian when it was once a boarding house. While they were in the past they met a young woman, Annabelle Bradley, who was a talented artist. The cousins became friends with Annabelle in the short time they knew her. They also became involved in her life through her letters and diaries that they found in their home in the future.
The girls are distraught over how Annabelle died and want to go back and somehow change history to prevent her murder. In order to do this, they must enlist the help of their friends, Davey’s and Derek’s, great aunt, Gigi, who is a benevolent witch.
Will Gigi be able to put the girls back in time in the right place to make this change possible? If they do go back, will the girls be able to return without possibly endangering themselves and end up lost forever in the past due to the faulty timeline?
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Exciting story. Book 6 in the Abby & Holly Series is another exciting episode in the lives of the two cousins. This time, the girls want to go back in time once again and try to save their friend from the past, Annabelle Bradley, who they met the last time they entered the past. However, their ghost friends, Felicity and Minerva, are worried they might not be able to get the girls back to the present time, so they enlist the help of Aunt Gigi, a good witch, and her cat, Mianna, who also has powers. They are worried that a faulty timeline will prevent the girls’ return.
All the author’s children’s books teach life lessons. In this book, we learn that the girls have respect for their mothers’ wishes when they express fear that their daughters will be caught in another time. One example of this is when Holly asks, “what if our mothers still refuse to let us go back?” Abby responds, “Then we won’t go. We have to think of our mothers’ feelings, too.”
Abby & Holly Series Book 6 – Faulty Timeline is a wonderful book that will appeal to both boys and girls in middle grades.
I received a copy of Abby & Holly Series Book 6 – Faulty Timeline from the author and received no compensation for my honest review.
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome Series End. WOW!! What a way to end the series!! The cousins Abby & Holly go back in time 1 last time to try to save their friend Annabelle from dying. They get the help of their twin friends, Derek’s & Davey’s Grt Aunt Gigi. a good witch. It was fun to read how the girls went back & what they had to do to keep from being seen by anyone in the past this time around. The twist & surprise at the end, is AWESOME!!
Review by Sara123: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fabulous! Cousins Abby and Holly are back in author Janice Spina’s latest installment in the fabulous series that follows the girls’ adventures.
In this sixth volume, Faulty Timeline” – the twins go back in time intending to save the life of Annabelle the artist, a friend they met in their previous excursion to the 19th century after finding her letters and diaries. This time, recognizing the danger involved, the girls engage the help of a good witch, their friends Davey and Derek’s great aunt Gigi.
The story is captivating from the start. Abby and Holly and a host of other rich characters that include two resident friendly ghosts named Minerva and Felicity, keep young readers entertained.
Were Abby and Holly successful in their dangerous mission?
Was Annabelle’s life saved?
Read, and you shall find out!
Highly recommended!
From The Author: This series is inspired and created for my granddaughter who loves to read. This is the sixth book in the series and final book. This book was dedicated to my granddaughter, Leah, and my step-granddaughter, Laura, who love to read these books.
These characters, Abby & Holly, were introduced in Book 5 of Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series.
I thoroughly enjoy writing these stories. They make me feel like a kid again. I let the characters take over the story and I go along for the ride. All ages love these books. They carry important life lessons that parents appreciate and happily pass along these books to their children and grandchildren to enjoy. I hope you will enjoy them too.
Product Details: Paperback: 281 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (July 16, 2020) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English MG/PT/YA Ages 10 + Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult Children: Abby and Holly Series Children: Fantasy and Magic Children: Mystery (Action)
An insane killer, obsessed with blood and death, seeks revenge with those he perceives wronged him. He is now on the loose. His next victim may be Mariah.
5 Stars: Mariah has lost her memory. Will she remember what has transpired in her past? Can Mariah escape this deadly killer’s grasp? Will she finally be safe? Will the killer be apprehended? Jump right into this intense crime, mystery, thriller set in a suburb of New York as author J. E. Spina introduces the reader to the thought process of a serial killer.
“His senses were tingling with the sight, smell, and feel of blood. The silky texture of it and its coppery smell and even the intoxicating taste of it. Just the smell alone could cause desire to rush through his body causing a compelling urge to kill. He felt a thrill at the prospect of taking a life.”
Meet Mariah Michelle Hampton and Dr. Roberts as he begins the slow meticulous process of bringing her memories back while in a safe place at the Dr. Darin J. Roberts Memorial Hospital in Lindan, New York. Many people care about and are looking out for Mariah whether she fully realizes it or not.
There are so many unanswered questions like who was the mystery man that dropped Mariah off at the hospital? How did he know her taste in clothing and detail to sizes when he dropped items off for her? What happened to her and why is it that she can remember some of her childhood memories, but not the last few weeks?
Travel with Mariah on a psychic journey to recover her memories and live with the consequences surrounding her trauma and life with a maniac that might still be at large and want to finish what he started.
Hunting Mariah by J. E. Spina is the beginning of a great crime fiction series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
From The Author: Hunting Mariah was written about twenty years ago but took a back seat to my children’s books. Once I published five children’s books, I decided it was time to edit my novel and get it published.
I have been asked in several interviews online what influenced me to write this type of story. My answer to this is nothing. The story just strangely came to me one day and I felt compelled to put it on paper. The killer frightened me and will probably scare a lot of my readers too. Chuckle! I did have two children at one time in college and since this serial killer appears on campus it made me think of the time there was some trouble on my son and daughter’s college campus. It is purely fictional and from my vivid imagination, thank goodness.
My future plans are to edit and publish two more novels of different genres over 2015 and will be publishing two more children’s books and a middle grade series. My goal is to have Jemsbooks for all ages.
This book begins where the first book, Hunting
Mariah, left off. This suspense/thriller/crime novel will keep you turning
pages as the tension grows. There will be twists and turns and some surprises.
Many of the same characters will be in play to give support and encouragement
to Mariah along the way.
A new man comes into Mariah’s life that reminds
her of someone she wants to forget. He threatens to bring back the horrors that
she and her family once endured. While the one she wants to forget suffers from
a horrendous attack that puts his life in jeopardy.
Mariah must draw on her strength and resilience to survive danger at every turn. How much more can Mariah endure? How far will Mariah go to protect her family?
5 Stars: Mariah’s Revenge is the thriller/suspense/crime fiction sequel to Author Janice (J. E.) Spina’s book titled ‘Hunting Mariah’. If you remember in book one, we traveled with Mariah on a psychic journey to recover her memories, as she lived with the consequences of living life with a maniac.
Jump right into book two as we get a better
understanding of Sage’s killing spree across New Hampshire, Vermont and New
York. While police officers, FBI agents and others are looking for Sage, Mariah
buried herself in her studies, as she is determined to move forward.
Sage has encountered an enemy of his own, beyond
his wildest imagination. While he is dealing with injuries of his own, he is
unaware that someone is watching Mariah and ready to “take over where he left
off”. When a body of an old woman, a dog
and then another body at Tambor Lake is discovered, the authorities know they
are dealing with a psychopath and the body count is sure to rise.
Author Janice (J. E.) Spina uses a full case of
supporting characters in this suspenseful, action-driven drama where Mariah
finds the courage to take things into her own hands. Mariah is not one to give
up. Her heart is open for lasting love when her grandmother shows support for
her and Tony.
Mariah showed her courage and determination to
handle any situation and I quote. “Mariah pushed open the door and moved her
light back and forth. She saw a mess of broken down furniture piled up in one
corner of the room and a bed in the other. The covers appeared to be piled up
under the bed. She moved closer to look under the pile. She kept her gun out in
front of her and the light sweeping back and forth. Mariah wasn’t prepared for
what happened next.”
This is a must read if you believe in the kind of
fortitude that Mariah uses to work through her tragedies and the kidnapping to
forge a friendship and embrace whatever life has next in store.
Mariah’s Revenge by Janice (J. E.) Spina is an
adventure that is not over. I now wait for the third book in this series to
find out what life has in store for Mariah.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
From The Author: AUTHORSDB FIRST LINES CONTEST – FINALIST! This is the sequel to Hunting Mariah. It picks up where the first book left off. There are plenty of twists and turns and surprises for readers. If you want to get into the mind of the killer you should read Hunting Mariah first. These two books will have you turning pages swiftly to find out what happens next.
This is Book 1 of a fantasy series that will have six books in all. In this book learn about the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. The children have had powers since they were quite young.
Serena was three years old when she learned of her power to move objects with her mind. Her brother, Simon, can fly and their sister, Catalina, can become invisible or blend into her surroundings. They live with their parents in Sovorotskina, the Land of Light.
With these powers comes responsibility. The children must try to use their powers for the common good and responsibly to help others. The three children befriend a Sprite named Spindle who accompanies them on their adventure. Along the way they meet up with their aunt and uncle, their mother’s brother and his wife, Wizard Hotenfaran and Fairy Procelina. The group must travel into the evil land of Parotovina, Land of Darkness, to save King Gateskin, who was kidnapped, and also rescue some of the descendants of their friends and fellow Sovorotskinans who were captured and taken by the Evil Ones. These descendants have been waiting a long time to be free to return to the villages of their ancestors.
The children have many trials and adventures along the way. Will they be able to rescue their father and fellow Sovorotskinans without endangering their own lives? Will the evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina stop Serena and her siblings from being successful or will they turn Serena and her siblings to their dark ways?
5 Stars: With powers comes responsibility!
‘THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES’ is book one of six planned in the ‘Gateskin Chronicles’. Award-winning Author , Janice Spina, is writing this fantasy series for ages 13-17, but I can attest to the fact, adults will enjoy it too.
Serena Anya (age 14 is the heroine of story, sister to Simon Andolferan (age 12) and Catalina Leahna (age 10). Their mother is Solinara; Queen Fairy of Sovorotskina. Their father is Gateskin; King Wizard of Sovorotskina. Serena, has the power to move objects with her mind. Simon can fly, and Catalina can become invisible. With these powers comes responsibility.
Sovorotskina (Land of Goodness & Light) was one of the villages that make up the Territory of Noella Province (later known as Votovia). The other villages are Votovia (Land of Magic & Mystery), Merona (Land of Peace & Harmony), Merlina (Land of Myths & Legends), Amora (Land of Faith & Love), and Parotovina (Land of Evil & Darkness).
I think to understand the story you must understand the ‘Votovians’. The Votovians were feared by other villages that did not have fairies and wizards. The Votovian children were taught these five simple rules in Votovian School from the age of four. They used rhymes and simple language so that the youngest children could understand the rules.
Rule#1: Never use your powers to hurt anyone (not even to injure, move or hurt even flowers).
Rule#2: Help your fellow villagers out in any way you can.
Rule#3: Always band together for the common good.
Rule#4: Above all, protect the children. If danger comes, fast we will flee, and stay together using our powers only in an emergency.
Rule#5: Powers are to be used in emergency situations if agreed upon only by the governing council with final approval of the King and Queen of Votovia.
The Votovians were all hoping they would never have to use their powers. Their powers collectively were so strong they could destroy everyone in their path. They were a peace-loving people, and this did not come easy for them , but they would do whatever they had to do to protect their children and the children of their friends in Sovorotskina and any of the other neighboring villages.
I will let you discover on your own ‘THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES’. I highly recommend Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1. Author Janice Spina always has valuable lessons in her storylines, which make her stories true ‘Jems’. Janice has written 19 children’s books and has multiple series, for ages 10 and up.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars: Pure magic! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021. Kings and Queens, Fairies and Sprites! This story has it all. Follow the King and Queen of the Land of Goodness and Light along with their amazing children, who are coming into powers of their own. They set out with their followers and some tenacious little sprites determined to rescue the Taken Ones from the land of Parotovina and it’s evil king. Their skills and powers come into action during their difficult quest. The author left us with a cliff hanger for the much-anticipated book 2! An enjoyable read of all ages.
Reviews by Canadian Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved the story. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021. I loved The Legend of the Taken Ones by Janice Spina. It is the first book in the Gateskin Chronicles and follows the adventures of the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. This is a fantasy book so of course one of the children can fly while another has what was once known as a cloak of invisibility. Not to be outdone the third child can move objects with her mind with some form of telekinesis.
I haven’t read a fantasy book since I was a child myself, which feels like a very long time ago. But I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Spina’s writing brought me into her fantasy world. And how much I enjoyed being there. I am looking forward to more adventures in this series as I travel along with the children through Sovorotskina, the Land of Light and other magical places.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, Fairies, Sprites, and Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2021. The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book! The author gifted me an ARC and I have given my honest review.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, fairies, and sprites, oh my! Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021. If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil, you will LOVE The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin chronicles, Book 1). It has all of these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very fun Wizard & Fairy book. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
The adventures continue in this addition of Gateskin Chronicles. Many new characters and creatures are introduced. Spells abound with magic all around. Many visitors come to Sovorotskina looking for asylum from the evil King Kaposkaran of Parotovina. Will King Gateskin accept them all or even be able to trust them not to be spies for the evil King?
Serena uses her powers to assist when wolves come their way. Other creatures are also about and threaten the safety of the village.
Kaposkaran finds himself in trouble when his village is attacked by creatures. Will he turn to Gateskin for help? If he does, what will Gateskin do?
There is a spy about in Sovorotskina. Will the spy be discovered and somehow stopped from undermining the magic of King Gateskin and his family?
5 Stars: Equally enchanting as the Harry Potter series.
‘THE UNKNOWN TERRITORY’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2) continues from ‘The Legend of The Taken Ones’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1). The Gateskin Chronicles can be read out of succession, but you will not want to miss any of this exciting, magical, fantasy series.
I believe ages 13+ will enjoy this series, as Award-winning author, Janice Spina has an amazing way of telling the story, and capturing the attention and imagination of her readers. ‘The Unknown Territory’ takes you to the TERRITORY OF NOELLA PROVINCE, which is made up of six villages, with the Sea of Shakelle off the southern borders. New characters, new creatures, new dangers, and new spells abound.
This book opens with a new breed of wolves stoking fear among the villagers, as they search for new hunting grounds. King Gateskin (powerful wizard of Sovorotskina) reassures his people; the wolves are kind and friendly. The province is not without danger though. Sovorotskina (Land of Goodness & Light), Votovia (Land of Magic & Mystery), Merona (Land of Peace & Harmony), Merlina (Land of Myths & Legends), and Amora (Land of Faith & Love), all had reason to fear Parotovina (Land of Evil & Darkness). I decided to share this quote so you will understand the true danger that exist for the TERRITORY OF NOELLA PROVINCE.
…King Gateskin created a Channel Spell to open a connection to all the other villages except Parotovina. He kept that window closed. Once he had all the rulers of the villages virtually in his Meeting Room, he called the meeting to order.
…He explained what had happened in the Village of Parotovina and the dangers they faced from the roaming Catlings.
… “We need to help Parotovina. I know all of you have had unfavorable treatment by King Kaposkaran and his guards, so have I. But we cannot let these people suffer like this. We have to do something.”
… “Will we have to use dark magic to take out these creatures, King Gateskin?” King Cavelan asked.
… “Never! We have to try something else. Please let’s use first names only here. We are all rulers and don’t need to use the pomp and circumstance in these serious times.”
… “I agree, Gateskin,” Cavelan said.
…Noderan of the Village of Amora asked, “Do you have something in mind, Gateskin?”
… “Well, I think I can come up with a few spells with the help of all of you and my Wizards. Please let me introduce you to the former Parotovinan Wizards.”
…Gateskin spread his hands across the table and pointed out the four Wizards to the rulers. They all nodded and waited for more information about what they would be doing.
It is up to you to discover. Who is the spy in Sovorotskina? Will the spy be discovered and somehow stopped from undermining the magic of King Gateskin and his family?
‘The Gateskin Chronicles’ will you on a magical journey, equally enchanting as the Harry Potter series. Once you begin, you will anxiously wait for the next book to be released.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Pure magic! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021. Kings and Queens, Fairies and Sprites! This story has it all. Follow the King and Queen of the Land of Goodness and Light along with their amazing children, who are coming into powers of their own. They set out with their followers and some tenacious little sprites determined to rescue the Taken Ones from the land of Parotovina and it’s evil king. Their skills and powers come into action during their difficult quest. The author left us with a cliff hanger for the much-anticipated book 2! An enjoyable read of all ages.
Review by Canadian Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved the story. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021 I loved The Legend of the Taken Ones by Janice Spina. It is the first book in the Gateskin Chronicles and follows the adventures of the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. This is a fantasy book so of course one of the children can fly while another has what was once known as a cloak of invisibility. Not to be outdone the third child can move objects with her mind with some form of telekinesis.
I haven’t read a fantasy book since I was a child myself, which feels like a very long time ago. But I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Spina’s writing brought me into her fantasy world. And how much I enjoyed being there. I am looking forward to more adventures in this series as I travel along with the children through Sovorotskina, the Land of Light and other magical places.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, Fairies, Sprites, and Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2021 The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book! The author gifted me an ARC and I have given my honest review.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, fairies, and sprites, oh my! Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021. If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil, you will LOVE The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin chronicles, Book 1). It has all of these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very fun Wizard & Fairy book. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
From The Author: This series began many years ago in 2009. A spark was created and my muse worked overtime to create two books simultaneously – a historical fiction and this fantasy series book 1. Once I began writing the story flowed and continued into book 2.
This isn’t my favorite genre but my muse seems to like it and keeps coming up with new ideas for the next book. It was fun coming up with strange and complicated names for these characters, creatures, lands, and spells. Sometimes I have no idea where they come from. All I know is that they pop into my head when I need one.
Watch for books 3-6 coming over the next few years. They are epic stories with hundreds of pages. Each book grows larger than the previous one. I hope you enjoy this fantasy series and forget your troubles and fly away with Gateskin Chronicles.
Product Details: Paperback: 615 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (July 1, 2022) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Fantasy (Mythology and Folk Tales) Reading Ages 13-17
Branyrd is a different kind of angel. She has a difficult time being understood because of her habit of getting into all kinds of trouble and for her unacceptable language. Angels are not supposed to swear.
This angel must earn levels to be accepted by the LORD. She is presently at Angel Fourth Class and must ascend to Angel First Class in order to be given a mission to travel to Earth to help a human in trouble.
Once she reaches Angel First Class, she is given a mission and travels to Earth to help a battered woman and her child. Since she is so new to the ways on Earth, Branyrd is accompanied by her Guardian Angel Benedicto, Angel First Class on High, who guides and advises her.
Branyrd doesn’t know what she will do or how she will complete this mission. She must show her strengths and succeed, or she may be demoted. What she finds on Earth is not what she expected. It certainly is nothing like Heaven. There are dangerous people but also those who she will miss dearly when she must leave.
5 Stars: Endearing Story, About A Misunderstood Angel On A Mission.
Branyrd is Angel Fourth Class, working to advance levels needed, to be acknowledged by the Lord.
Benedicto, is Guardian Angel First Class. He is assigned to accompany and mentor Branyrd, when she is finally given her first assignment to Earth.
Branyrd finds Earth to be a strange place, filled with unusual customs, and dangerous people. Branyrd’s mission is to help Maggie Preston and her young daughter, Annie. When Maggie’s husband Nate, becomes involved with the White Stag Gang, he and his family are in grave danger. Can Branyrd overcome her own issues to complete her earthy mission?
Here is what Maggie is thinking while she clears tables at the diner where she works (Chapter 27): “She was grateful for her new friend’s help. Branyrd was truly sent from Heaven, she mused and chuckled to herself. Annie kept telling her that Branyrd was a real angel who didn’t have wings yet. Her daughter had such an imagination.”
As someone who has seen two angels here on earth, I found this story captivating.
Author J. E. Spina shares this: “This is the first book in this series about an angel. I infused some comedy into this sometimes-serious story. It deals with many issues that are evident in our world today. I dedicate this book to all who believe in angels around us. I think at the conclusion of this book those unbelievers may become believers too.”
This new ‘Branyrd the Angel Series’ is paranormal fiction. This series is written for young adults ages 18+. Watch for more books in this series coming over the new few years. All J. E. (Janice) Spina’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network)
About the Author: J.E. Spina aka Janice Spina is an award-winning author of books for all ages ranging from children to 18+. She has 40 published books at this writing and has quite a few ideas waiting on the back burner. She has been writing since the age of nine years old. J.E. Spina’s husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator.
Janice’s goal is to encourage all ages to read to help enhance their health and wellbeing. She plans to continue to write for all ages as long as her muse is there to encourage her along. Her motto is Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Soar with Jemsbooks.com all year round. She is also a blogger, copy editor, avid reader and reviewer, and supporter of her fellow authors. She loves to hear from readers and welcomes reviews.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two tanks of fish.
Product Details: Paperback: 219 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (October 13, 2022) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Adult Readers: Fiction (Literature) Adult Readers: Humor (Humor & Satire) Adults Readers: Fiction (Paranormal) Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 18+
Branyrd goes on another mission to Earth, this time she has been enlisted to help a homeless vet and his young son. The Angel goes out of her way to put things right for Lucas and his son, Ezra. She finds it difficult through with the influx of empathic messages and feelings that threaten to overload her. Will she be able to help Lucas get his family back together and find his way to recovery after suffering from PTSD?
Branyrd is a funny, sweet, strong, resilient, and capable Angel who is not afraid to take on the toughest tasks, who strives to pave the way for those in need, who creates change and makes a difference in the lives of others that enables them to find their way forward to a good life.
When Branyrd visits a homeless community, she meets with the mayor to work out a plan to solve the problems the homeless have there. Will others stop her from helping those in need? Will Benedicto be there in case she needs his intervention? Will Branyrd be able to break free from the connections she has made when it is time for her to leave Earth and return to Heaven?
5-Stars for Mission of Mercy, Book Two in Branyrd the Angel Series.
In book one (The Misunderstood Angel), we learned Branyrd is a different kind of angel. She has earned Angel First Class and is given missions to travel to Earth to help humans in trouble. In this book Branyrd was assigned to help a battered woman and her child.
In book two (Mission of Mercy), Branyrd begins a second assignment to earth, accompanied by her Guardian Angel Benedicto, Angel First Class on High, who guides and advises her. The mission assignment is to help a homeless vet named Lucas, who suffers from PTSD, and his young son, Ezra.
As the story unfolds, it is fascinating to see what solutions Branyrd comes up with to solve a very serious homeless crisis. Branyrd must convince the community and those in authority, that homelessness can be solved. She must get the businesses in the vicinity to buy into her plan. At the same time, she needs to convince the homeless population, they are not powerless.
One of her first tasks is the meet with the city mayor. Each step forward, is met with resistance from others. Her determination is fierce, and her Guardian Angel Benedicto is not far away, in case she needs his intervention. Will she be able to complete her task on time?
In both books, I am touched by Branyrd’s ability to form a special bond with humans. In heaven angels are unable to cry, but on earth they discover intense emotions. In book one it was hard from Branyrd to leave the humans she helped. Will her bond to Lucas, especially young Ezra, make it more difficult for her to leave earth when her mission is complete?
I encourage older teens and adults to read both books in this paranormal fantasy. Author J.E. (Janice) Spina is an amazing storyteller. Elements of each story is serious with real life scenarios, yet Janice weaves in a little humor and makes it easy to connect with all the characters. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Author J.E. Spina aka Janice Spina is an award-winning author of books for all ages ranging from children to adults. She has 40+ published books and her husband John, is her illustrator and cover creator.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 288 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (March 31, 2023) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Adult Readers: Fiction (Literature) Adult Readers: Humor (Humor & Satire) Adults Readers: Fiction (Paranormal) Christian Literature & Fiction Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 18+
Mission of Love: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 3 by J.E. Spina.
Book 3 of 3: Branyrd the Angel Series.
Branyrd is on another mission which may be the toughest one so far. She has been sent to a troubled island in the South Pacific that is being attacked by the fellow islands in the archipelago. Her mission is to rescue some children from an orphanage during the attacks.
She is escorted, once again, by her Guardian Angel, Benedicto, who is there as counsel and aide as she completes her mission. What Branyrd finds there is devastation and heartbreak as she tackles the mission, this time one of love for the children and the rest of the islanders who have lost family and homes.
There are many obstacles that stand in her way and danger for the children and others as she must rescue not only them, but also another island that is in danger of sinking.
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Branyrd Does It Again. Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2023. Branyrd & Benedicto help children from an orphanage & hospital in a war-torn Island in the South Pacific by people from another Island who are losing their Island to sinking. Branyrd has many obstacles to conquer to complete her mission. There is heartbreak as well as joy. I LOVE how J.E. Spina has even given the LORD a sense of humor the way HE communicates with Branyrd! This is another wonderful book that will have you believing in Angels, too!!
Product Details: Paperback: 251 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (October 18, 2023) Language: English Adult Readers: Fiction (Literature) Adult Readers: Humor (Humor & Satire) Adults Readers: Fiction (Paranormal) Christian Literature & Fiction Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 18+
About The Author: Janice Spina is a multi-award-winning author with 43 books of which there are 21 children’s books,12 MG/PT books and two books in a YA series with four more coming over the next few years, seven novels and a short story collection for 18+ written under J.E. Spina. She is also a copy editor, blogger, book reviewer and supporter of fellow authors. Her husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator. Watch for more books to come over the next few years.
Jance has received the following awards for her books:
8 Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medals, 5 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Honorable Mention and Finalist, 19 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, 1 AUTHORSDB – Cover Contest, 2 Book Excellence Award Finalists, 2 Top Shelf Awards – First Place & Runner up
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!
Janice loves to hear from readers and appreciates and happily welcomes reviews.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS BY JANICE SPINA
Pre-School to Grade Three:
Louey the Lazy Elephant (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon (Mom’s Choice Award – Silver Medal)
Jerry the Crabby Crayfish (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Lamby the Lonely Lamb (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
Broose the Moose on the Loose (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Colby the Courageous Cat (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
The First Star (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Top Shelf Runners-up Award)
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 3 Delbert Finds Himself
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 5: Drago Does a Good Deed
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 6: Dragana Helps a Fairy Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Books-1-4 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
MG/PT BOOKS FOR 10+ BY JANICE SPINA
Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult:
2014-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 1: The Case of the Missing Cell Phone- Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Honorable Mention.
2016-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 1: The Case of the Missing Cell Phone-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2016: Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 2: The Case of the Mysterious Black Cat-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2016-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 3: The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Reader’s Favorite Book Awards-Silver Medal.
2016-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 3: The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Silver Medal.
2017-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 5: The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2017-Jerry the Crabby Crayfish-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2017-Abby & Holly School Dance-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2018-Colby the Courageous Cat-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2018-Broose the Moose on the Loose-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2018-Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2018-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 5: The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost-Authorsdb Cover Contest-Silver Medal.
2018-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2019-Abby & Holly School Dance-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Bronze Medal.
2019-Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2019-Abby & Holly Series Book 3: Secrets of the Trunk-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2019-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells-Book Excellence Award-Finalist.
2020-Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2020-Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2020-Abby & Holly Series Book 4: The Hidden Stairway-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2020-Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Honorable Mention.
2020-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Finalist.
2020-Louey the Lazy Elephant-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2020-Abby & Holly Series Book 5: The Copper Key-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2020-Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2021-Abby & Holly Series Book 6: Faulty Timeline-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2021-Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2021-Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2021-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day-Top Shelf Awards-Runners up.
2021-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 4: The Case of the Brown Scraggly Dog-Top Shelf Awards-First Place.
2021-The First Star-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2022-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2022-Make Believe (Bedtime Stories for Children)-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2022-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2022-The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles Book 1-Book Excellence Award-Finalist.
2023-Make Believe in Fun (Bedtime Stories for Children) Book 2-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2023-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
2023-Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2023-Make Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 4-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
2023-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 5 – Drago Does a Good Deed-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
YA BOOKS BY JANICE SPINA for 15+
The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1)
The Unknown Territory (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2)
BOOKS BY J.E. SPINA FOR 18+
Hunting Mariah
Mariah’s Revenge
How Far is Heaven
An Angel Among Us: A Short Story Collection
In A Second
Lubelia Alycea: One Hundred Years
The Misunderstood Angel: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 1
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!
Janice’s hobbies besides writing are crocheting, exercising to keep in shape, going to the movies with her husband or out to lunch or dinner, reading, book reviewing, blogging, and spending time with her five grandchildren who are her writing inspiration.
Janice loves to hear from readers and appreciates and happily welcomes reviews.
Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina: Multi-Award-Winning Author Jemsbooks for All Ages! Mom’s Choice Award Winner!
The Settlers: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger.
First Book In An Axe Of Iron Series.
The Settlers: Axe of Iron is a tale
of survival, strife, love, and the quest for a new home in the face of hostile
opposition. Conditions of manifest destiny propel a large contingent of Norse
Greenlanders from relative security into an odyssey of exploration and
settlement out over the unknown waters of the North Atlantic, to a North
America of one thousand years ago, to a land they called Vinland. The
chieftain, Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second-in-command, Gudbjartur Einarsson,
spend a winter gathering 315 men, women, and children from the two Norse
settlements on the southwestern coast of Greenland.
Early in the spring of A.D. 1008, the
company sets sail aboard six large cargo ships. Five days into the voyage, in
the strait between Helluland and Markland, present day Hudson Strait, a gale
holds the flotilla in its grip for four long and arduous days. Halfdan decides
to seek shelter in a protected bay, so they can rest, repair the storm damage,
and replenish food stores lost in the storm.
During the following weeks, the
settlers reap a harvest of fish and game that is the best in living memory.
When hunters discover a sheltered fjord, Halfdan orders a move. Tornit hunters
from far to the north venture south to hunt, and the Northmen strike up a
friendship with them. The Tornit tell the newcomers much about the local area
and describe coastal waters far to the south.
It is this thought-provoking insight into the geography of this new land and the dawning realization that the storm god, Njord, seems to have led his people to this place, that cause Halfdan to revise his thinking and propose a new plan to Gudbjartur and the council of ship’s captains: sail south before choosing where to build their settlement.
5 Stars: The Viking ship called ‘Steed of the Sea’ sailing in the cold dark waters in the foreground of tall glaciers under a foreboding sky on the cover is just the beginning.
Whether you sat under the history lessons of Columbus discovering America or are more adventurous in your approach to history and have a yearning to know who was here when Columbus arrived and where did they come from, ‘The Settlers’ is a tale that should be on a mandatory reading list in all schools in order to provoke thought and discussion on native North America in the latter half of the tenth century. Scholars can’t agree but this tale offers a new perspective about America’s indigenous people, how they viewed explorers, handled settlers and coexisted on a bountiful body of land with all its beauty and treacherous environment.
It is important to read the ‘Author’s Note’, ‘Historical Perspective’ and the ‘Glossary Of Norse Terms’ provided by the author to educate the reader. In the Author’s Note you will meet Gudbjartur Einarsson who is an Icelander, a Northman or Norseman who is second in command under Halfdan Ingolfsson. Chapter one unfolds six wooden ships carrying 163 Greenlanders and 152 Icelanders (including men, women and children) set sail with horses, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, equipment (tents and parts to horse drawn carts) and supplies to explore areas of what they call Vinland (North America).
Exhaustive research, realistic characters garbed in functional layers residing in a true to life story line that allows the reader to experience the sea voyage and land exploration with exquisite writing that creates a sense of being present in the story even when this first book in ‘An Axe Of Iron Novel’ series has been closed on a night stand.
Here’s a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
“He whistled tunelessly to himself, the notes blown away on the wind. His eyes darted over the sea ahead and aloft at the trim of the sail and rigging. The heart of the ship pulsed through the soles of his feet, vibrated up through the steering oar and the palms of his hands, an inaudible hum that told him all was well in his world.”
“Wind driven rain stung exposed skin like bees protecting their hive.”
“Several kettles of whale blubber boiled over individual fires on the beach to render the valuable oil. The thick, rich oil skimmed of the connective tissue – the crunchy fried meat and curled pieces of skin were a delicacy-had many uses. It was a valuable food source, preservative, and lamp fuel.”
…After the journey across treacherous seas land was a welcome sight with all of its wild game like “Grunting herds of Reindeer” not to mention the predators like wolves and bears. Women and children scour rocky cliffs for seabird eggs to add to their food supply giving the kids some stress relieving egg throwing activity.
…Unforeseen and inevitable injuries, herbal treatments, Viking burial ceremony amidst deep held Christian beliefs.
…Attraction and a “bed of soft, furry skins nestled in the scrub brush, well protected from the north wind’. Passion, “eyes smoldered with lust” hands explore, tongues probe, “locked bodies swayed in the throes of passion”.
…Hunting and cooking for survival, sewing for protective covering, animal pelts and jewelry making for trade commodity. The best and the worst of human nature revealed in a hostile new world.
…Now heading into the reading of ‘Confrontation: An Axe Of Iron Novel’ book two of the series gives clarity as to the sequence of history, characters and events that readers should follow in order to understand and digest the fiction history which is laid out in great detail, humanity and historical correlation regarding much debated events.
…The Settlers – An Axe of Iron Novel book one is the fictional historical accounting of exploration and settlement of Vinland (North America).
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by John Ulbinsky: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hunsinger sings a legendary saga! Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2009. Verified Purchase. A full millennium before the current time and half that period before Columbus sailed for North America, Norsemen had established settlements on that continent, then vanished. “Axe of Iron; The Settlers,” by J.A. Hunsinger, is the first of six historical novels that tell the story of one such band that ventured forth from Greenland and settled in the southern regions of what is now Hudson Bay in Canada.
This band has left the Norse settlements of Iceland and Greenland because the climate and soil of those lands were far too harsh and marginal to support their burgeoning population, as were those of their homelands in Scandinavia. Their quest initially follows the paths of the well-known Tenth Century explorers, Eric the Red and Leif Ericsson, but bad weather forces them to alter their course into previously unexplored lands. Their exploration leads them to what appears to be a nearly ideal location on the coast of modern-day James Bay and they settle into the grueling work to establish their settlement and to prepare for the harsh winter ahead.
Knowing fully well those earlier expeditions had suffered from conflicts with the native tribes of the coastal regions, the leader of this band determines that they might better succeed by establishing respectful and cooperative trading relationships with these natives than to attempt naked conquest. Conflict inevitably arises and the settlers must maintain constant vigilance against attack. Domestic matters make things even worse due to a need for more marriageable women in what is mostly a male warrior band.
Will this colony endure its birth pangs and survive to grow and prosper? Can these pioneers adapt to the hardships of their new life?
Author Hunsinger weaves his story line into a magnificently researched and crafted literary work that takes us into the lives of these Medieval Norse, whose culture has brought them to the leading edge of Iron Age Technology. His writing paints the details of their skills as sailors and watermen, farmers and trades people. A prime example of their ability to convert raw materials into essential products is their blacksmithing. Using bog iron from the muskeg swamps and charcoal from the forests, they are able to manufacture steel for weapons, armor and tools. This technological advantage along with their warrior skills might balance the numerical inferiority they suffer against the native peoples.
The saga of these Norse lasts for over four hundred years and ends in the mystery of their disappearance. Throughout “The Settlers,” Hunsinger strives in historical fiction to document their struggle for survival. In doing so, he draws striking parallels with our present world. It is obvious that the volume of detailed onsite research Mr. Hunsinger has invested in this project far outweighs that of this volume and of those to follow.
I have been personally interested in the factual and legendary tale of the Norse in America for many years and I believe this author may be the first to do it justice. This first volume has hooked me on this series and I eagerly await the continuation.
Review by jleepaez: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great book to learn about the first European visitors to America. Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2014. Verified Purchase. This is another fascinating book about the adventures and lives of the Vikings who traveled into North America based on the archeological evidence found in Newfoundland and around Hudson and James bay fully 500 years before Columbus sailed to the Caribbean. Hunsinger is exacting in describing the activities of daily life’ sailing, war, and of the people they met on this voyage.
Review by Jens Karl Holm: 5.0 out of 5 stars. I was delighted to find out about this new series. Reviewed in Canada on August 23, 2014. Verified Purchase. I was delighted to find out about this new series. It is a topic of great interest to me – the Norse immigration and attempted settlements in Iceland, Greenland and eastern North America. New archaeological research has been done recently and this author incorporates new research and speculation of contact with aboriginal peoples.
Product Details: First Book In The Axe Of Iron Series Paperback: 400 Pages Language: English Fiction (Historical)
Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J.A. Hunsinger.
Second Book In An Axe of Iron Series.
In
Confrontation, two calamitous events occur that pave the way for the hostile beginnings
of an assimilation process between the Greenland Norse settlers and the natives
of Vinland. The first mixing of cultures occurs when a woman of the Northmen,
Thora, and Deskaheh the Haudenosaunee, marry. This union, accepted
enthusiastically by the Northmen, opens a window into the native mind.
For
all the people of this land the way is rocky and fraught with danger at every
turn, but the acceptance and friendship that develops between the Northmen and
the Naskapi, another native tribe, over an affair of honor, the eventual
acceptance of a young boy of the Northmen by his Haudenosaunee captors, and a
scenario that seems ordained by the will of the gods, makes it all begin to
fall into place, as it must for the Northmen to survive.
Will
this developing relationship allow the Northmen to remain in the homeland of
the Naskapi, or are they doomed to failure?
The settlers must deal with that question on a daily basis. Standing in their way are uncounted numbers of indigenous peoples, the pre-historical ancestors of the contemporary Cree (Naskapi), Ojibwa (Anishinabeg), and Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Indians. From the outset, the warriors of these various tribes violently resisted the incursion of the tall, pale-skinned invaders. The overwhelming numbers of the native peoples in Vinland hold the fate of the Northmen in their hands. The success or failure of the settlement at Halfdansfjord hangs in the balance.
5 Stars: This character driven, action packed historical fiction saga continues from ‘The Settlers: An Axe Of Iron Novel’ where 163 Greenlanders and 152 Icelanders (including men, women and children) set sail with horses, cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, equipment ( tents and parts to horse drawn carts) and supplies to explore areas of what they call Vinland (North America).
Confrontation – An Axe Of Iron Novel cover with the Viking battle axe reflecting warriors gives us the first clue regarding the brutal facts of survival and desperate measures taken by men to protect their women, children and settlement with blood sweat and tears. Author J. A. Hunsinger has provided an in-depth ‘Glossary of Norse Terms’ and ‘Native Terms’ to help readers understand the people and culture.
…Settling into a new land will prove challenging when the indigenous tribes who have a distaste for any fair skinned men due to those who cheated them in trade, abused them and killed their tribesmen in the past. Apart from expected interaction with the variety of native cultures, life in the new settlement is forced into daily and seasonal routines out of necessity.
…Halfdan Ingolfsson and Gudbjartur Einarsson (his second in command) walk the settlement commons overseeing the duties pertaining to survival like the grueling process of filling the Kiln (furnace) with dry birch wood, burning the wood until only charcoal is left and then storing this precious commodity under the shed roof to be used for heat and cooking during the harsh winter months.
…Children in the settlement (especially the boys) had to earn their place in their family and settlement by moving from boyhood into manhood by demonstrating skills taught and mirrored to them by their fathers, brothers, cousins and other men around them. Skills like hunting which was the core of survival. Unfortunately, dangers exist when dealing with wild animals like a Bull Moose protecting his territory, cow and calf. Death can be mercifully quick and brutal. The burial ceremony, reverence for even the youngest hunter/warrior, tradition and spirituality (Gods Will) play a role for the dead and those who remain.
…Seasons marked by the moon predict work, trade, play, marriage and birth. I quote Bjorn “as a pleasant smile curved his lips”. “Yes, it is time I thought of a mate. Another long winter comes and company in my bed would be welcome. Perhaps this is the one (as he recalls the tall blonde woman)”.
…Confrontation is inevitable, warriors’ attack, prisoners taken, injuries sustained, spoils of battles and questions about their ability to live in peace brings us to the anticipation of the third book in An Axe Of Iron Series titled “Assimilation”.
J. A. Hunsinger’s series ‘An Axe Of Iron’ has been exhaustively researched and parallel the actually events as close as a historical fiction can. I recommend this series to both men and women and suggest that the series be placed on a high school/college reading list.
This reviewer is looking forward to ‘Assimilation – An Axe Of Iron Novel’ which is the third book in the series.
Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger’s book two is the fictional historical accounting of exploration and settlement of Vinland (North America).
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Vings and Indians made Cowboys and Indians kids games. Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2010. Verified Purchase. Axe of Iron – Confrontation is an adventure that J. Hunsinger must have lived in his prior life. Either that or he is a master of research on tides, nautical maneuvers, religious beliefs, mores, mortal combat and ultimately a logical resolution in the conflict between the Northmen who have settled in North America and the Indian tribes. Hunsinger delivers a fast-moving educational adventure. It is a man’s book, but for women who wonder what life with a Viking warrior would be like, they will not be disappointed.
I read the first Axe of Iron novel where the author set the stage for the initial settlement in North America. To enjoy the complete adventure, it was essential to start the story at the very beginning. Don’t let the complicated names throw you. Just give them your own nickname. The characters speak for themselves through Hunsinger who must have sailed and fought with these warriors.
Confrontation is a page turner that keeps the action moving. When you complete the novel, you are anxious for the author to finish the next adventure. You will not be disappointed. Gerald S. Blaine
Review by jleepaez: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hunsinger’s books are well written and provides a credible picture. Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2015. Verified Purchase. Hunsinger’s books are well written and provides a credible picture of the history of the Viking’s in America. It is a worthwhile book to read to understand the European beginnings into our part of the world.
Review by Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Confrontation: Axe of Iron. Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2010. `Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ is J.A. Hunsinger’s second novel that is a continuation of his first Viking adventure, `Axe of Iron,’ that takes place in the year 1008. Hunsinger continues the adventures of Norsemen explorers Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who have led an expedition and established a settlement named Halfdansfjord, located along the coast of North America on the east coast of James Bay, at the south end of Hudson Bay.
The Viking adventures continue with the settlers struggling to make a life in Halfdansfjord. The focus of the adventure is the relationship between the settlers and the indigenous people. Readers will not only experience the lives of the Norsemen, but also the lives of the natives that include the Naskapi (Cree), Anishinabeg (Ojibwa), and the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). The story delves into the confrontations with the natives. Readers will not only experience life and death confrontations, but also the relationships between the settlers and natives. When Gudbjartur is on a scouting trip, he is captured and becomes a prisoner of the Naskapi tribe, and is then taken to their village. Through his eyes, readers will learn about the native peoples’ lives through a chronicling of their practices, customs, burial rituals, execution rituals, hunting methods, and cooking methods. Readers will experience how tough life is in the wilderness and the brutal conditions both the natives and Viking settlers endure.
Despite the harsh conditions and brutal confrontations, a major theme of the story is how the native and Norsemen learn about each other’s way of life and the friendships and mutual respect that develop. For instance, Gudbjartur becomes a part of the tribe and learns from them. He reflects, “These warriors, I guess they are my warriors too. I have been accepted as one of them.” As well, his son, Ivar Gudbjartarsson, also experiences life as a prisoner of the Haudenosaunee.
Hunsinger successfully builds on his first novel and adds even more action and adventure. As with the first novel, the story is rich in historical details which clearly show the careful attention paid to historical accuracy which allows the reader to peer through a window into the past and experience an important historical period. He incorporates the fictional tale with historical details which makes reading the story not only fun, but also engaging. Readers will root for Gudbjartur as he struggles with his Norsemen fighting spirit and his desire to make peace with the native people. I highly recommend `Confrontation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ as an entertaining addition to the historical fiction genre. Readers will find the story and characters so compelling that they will not realize that they are learning as they read.
Product Details: Second Book In An Axe of Iron Series Paperback: 330 Pages Language: English Fiction (Historical)
Assimilation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger.
Third Book In An Axe of Iron Series.
Assimilation
will wet the appetite of the fans that have developed a fascination with the
plight of the Greenland Viking settlers in the first two novels of the series,
The Settlers and Confrontation.
The
twists and turns of this continuing tale will engage the reader from the outset
as the tall, fair-skinned invaders, knowing it is their key to survival,
gradually assimilate with the savage natives of the pre-historical land that
will become the Hudson Bay and Great Lakes regions of Canada and the US.
In a scenario ordained by the gods, this assimilation process has a thin chance of success through the forced involvement of two of the Viking settlers with tribes of natives that are habitual enemies of one another. Against overwhelming odds that can have but one successful outcome for the settlers, daily life becomes a balancing act where one word, one gesture, one innocent mistake, can spell disaster in this hostile setting.
5 Stars: Assimilation is the final novel in the Axe of Iron series by J. A. Hunsinger. The author asks that you read or reread the ‘Historical Perspective’ that is located in ‘The Settlers’ which is the first volume in this series. The author’s research into the historical time frame and authentic pre-historical Indian names is irrefutable. The ‘Historical Perspective’ goes into the whole concept of the Norse sagas. Even though each book stands alone, as a reader who has enjoyed the entire series, I encourage you to purchase all three books.
As the author states in his book’s description, the first two books in this series (The Settlers and Confrontation) “dealt with the plight of the Greenland Viking settlers”.
Assimilation begins with a map showing where the settlements are and opens with two Naskapi warriors hidden from view, surveying the river valley below. The saga continues with descriptive writing that puts you the reader on the ground experiencing the mysteries of the Viking period. Smell the earth and lush dense forests, travel the routes carved out of the land by natives and take up residence in the villages and experience the hardships of this pre-historical land that we now call the Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes of Canada and the US.
…Eavesdrop on Nipishish and Ingerd as they lay in each other’s arms, engaged in whispered conversation like couples do.
…Join warriors in their canoes as they glide in the chill of pre-dawn morning heading toward the Haudenosaunee Village.
…Stand at the rail of a Viking ship called Steed of the Sea and feel the motion of the sea as the ship heads towards a distant beach.
…After the storm, the Norse society dries out and attends to the damage that Njord and Thor (the gods of weather) have forced upon them. Catch a glimpse of the smoke that curls into the calm skies over the cook fires where fish, meat and stew aroma awaits the barley bread and other leftovers that will nourish the community and reward the daily chores.
…Reconnect with the characters that you have come to know like Halfdan, his dog Fang, Tostig, and experience the council meetings where men discuss their destiny, when in reality it is the gods like the “mighty Thor” who have the final say.
…Strong women who cook and weave on looms by the light of seal oil lamps, teach their girls to spin fibers of wool into skeins of thread, care for the children and their men with tenderness in a world where both beauty and harshness intertwine. Communities where communication and yes even gossip are the norm, and where the outsider might find rest if assimilation is acquired.
…Drumbeats of war are as common as the moon rising over the snow, so too are the tracks of snowshoes where the trappers are as important as the warriors for a civilization that exists within a fine balance between preservation and extinction. Here is a quote: “Nipishish, Kejo, and Lothar returned to their village as quickly as possible after the parley with Nesatin. Word spread faster than normal through the Nitassinan that the Anishinabeg had rejected Sachem’s peace offering regarding the people of Haldansfjord.”
I invite you to read Assimilation and discover for yourself where the legend of the Death Wind came from and what it meant for the earliest American colonies. Enjoy the detailed glossary at the end of this book which will help you understand the authentic names and terms used in this book series.
Let me take this moment to thank Author J. A. Hunsinger for his time, research and engaging storytelling that has made An Axe of Iron series possible. I sincerely hope that he will continue to write as some storytellers have one story to tell, others have infinite stories that need to be told and preserved for generations to come. The Axe of Iron novels are one of those series that time will not forget.
Assimilation: An Axe of Iron Novel by J. A. Hunsinger is book three in the fictional historical accounting of exploration and settlement of Vinland (North America).
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fantastic book by an Author who researched and lived this Journey of the Nordics who journeyed from Greenland to settle in Canada. Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2016. Verified Purchase. I am a friend of the author. Since he was born, he was compelled to write this trilogy describing an ill-fated journey from Greenland to Canada by the Nordic Vikings to settle in the new world. The settlement was in a land ideally fitted to the Vikings; however, it was heavily populated by three nomadic Indian tribes.
The story is about the assimilation of the Vikings into the society of nomads and the fate of the Vikings. The novel was thoroughly researched and the findings leave no doubt to the reader that the historically accurate tales about blond headed barriers were members of the Indian tribe.
Jerry stuck with accuracy as it relates to the Indian tribal names and the Nordics that settled in the new world. It took a while to adjust to the names and nomenclature, however this quickly makes the reader a party to the natives and Vikings who lived and died in this adventure. Jerry is an excellent descriptive writer who verbally takes the reader through the many adventures that occurred during this adventure.
I had a tough time laying the novels down, then I spent a great deal of time reflecting on the potential real I type of this adventure and it’s reality to history. An excellent trilogy. By Gerald Blaine.
Review by Unknown: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Fantastic Read. Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2016. Verified Purchase. I have read all three novels of The Axe of Iron: The Settlers, Confrontation, and Assimilation. I am in constant awe of the skills of this author. I consider these three books among the best novels I have ever read. The skill, passion, and knowledge that Mr. Hunsinger writes with in this historical fiction is fantastic! I could hardly put them down. Each book carries with it love, anger, passion, fierce fighting, and romance, and it never seems to stop. Hunsinger cost me a lot of lost sleep reading into the wee hours of the night. I hope he treats us with many more exciting novels like these. Review by J. D. Colfer.
Review by Martin Chazen: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Must Read For Axe of Iron Followers! Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2016. Verified Purchase. After reading The Settlers and Confrontation, I never really left the families of these books, neither the Native Americans nor the Norse. I often thought of them and what else might have happened to them. With the third book, Assimilation, these questions have been answered. The postulations were thoroughly researched and are entirely plausible. It made for a great story that was always interesting and very personal. I am happy to recommend it for the story as well as for the historical detail of the North American culture. It is a great read and a real page-turner!
Review by Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Exciting Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2016. ‘Assimilation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ is J.A. Hunsinger’s third and final novel in his ‘Axe of Iron’ novel series about the Norse people and their adventures as settlers in the new world. The Viking tale takes place about 1000 years ago in the settlement of Halfdansfjord and surrounding areas, located along the coast of North America on the east coast of James Bay, at the south end of Hudson Bay.
Hunsinger continues with the adventures of Norsemen explorers Halfdan Ingolfsson and Gudbjartur Einarsson, and their families, as well as the native tribes the Naskapi (Cree), Anishinabeg (Ojibwa), and the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). As historical fiction, ‘Assimilation’ presents a possible scenario about what may happened to the Norse people and their settlements during this period.
‘Assimilation’ delivers a more in-depth story of the native tribes and their impact on the Norse people and their settlements. Readers experience the conflicts, relationships, and integration of the settlers and the native peoples. Gudbjartur, once a prisoner of the Naskapi tribe, has forged an important friendship with them while living among them and adhering to their customs and practices. He goes by the name of Nipishish, meaning Axeman. Halfdan is the Chieftain of the Norse settlement, Halfdansfjord, where he is tasked with overseeing life at the settlement and trying to thwart an impending threat to the settlers and the settlement itself.
Friendships develop between settlers and Naskapi and some of the native tribes fully accept the Norse people. There is an integration of the Norse people with these tribes, particularly settlers like Gudbjartur and Ingerd’s son, Ivar Gudbjartarsson, who chose to stay with his adopted Haudenosaunee parents rather than return to his own Norse people. Readers experience native life, including their customs, rituals, practices, hunting methods, cooking methods, battle tactics, and how the Norse living among them adapted.
Along with forged friendships with the Naskapi and changing and adapting to new circumstances, the major conflict in the story which presents a possible scenario about what may have happened to the Norse people, is the Anishinabeg tribe’s declaration of War with the settlers and their determination to destroy Halfdansfjord.
Hunsinger presents an adventure rich in historical detail, with careful attention paid to customs and practices of both the Norse settlers and the Native tribes. The struggles and threats to the Norse people highlight the difficulties of maintaining a settlement. The impact of loss is a major theme as well as obsessive, brutal revenge that destroys one’s humanity as the result of a traumatic loss. Hunsinger delivers a tale filled with action and adventure giving readers a fascinating look at life of the Norse and native tribes about 1000 years ago. ‘Assimilation: An Axe of Iron Novel’ is well worth reading, particularly for those who love historical fiction.
Product Details: First Book In The Axe Of Iron Series Paperback: 424 Pages Language: English Fiction (Historical)
About J. A. Hunsinger: J. A. Hunsinger is an Author, Publisher, Amateur Archaeologist and Historian. His ‘Axe of Iron’ Series Details The Settlement Of A Large Group Of Norsemen On The North American Continent Beginning In 1008 AD.
J. A. Hunsinger’s Books Include Axe Of Iron: ‘The Settlers’, ‘Confrontation’ and ‘Assimilation’.
J. A. Hunsinger lives in Colorado, USA, with his wife Phyllis. He writes and promotes full-time. His three-book trilogy ‘Axe of Iron’ are available on Amazon.
Although he has long been a writer, much of his adult life has been associated with commercial aviation, both in and out of the cockpit. As an Engineering Technical Writer for Honeywell Commercial Flight Systems Group, Phoenix, AZ, he authored two comprehensive pilots’ manuals on aircraft computer guidance systems and several supplemental aircraft radar manuals. His manuals have been published and distributed worldwide to airline operators by Honeywell Engineering, Phoenix, AZ. His first published work for the general public, Flight Into Danger, appeared in Flying Magazine, (August 2002). Many of his articles have been featured in other periodicals and websites or are featured on his blog.
After his flying career ended on his 60th birthday, he found himself with time to continue his writing; this first novel was actually begun more than twenty years ago. He attended many writing classes and seminars, but couldn’t sustain a head of steam as a writer. All of that changed abruptly in 2004, when he remarried. Phyllis provided the necessary push and as a result he treated writing as work, which it most certainly is.
Writing is a learned craft. In order to learn to write, you must write. Eventually the classes must be set aside; set a daily work schedule and stick to it. That is not to say you should stop taking classes altogether; learning is a lifetime experience. Sooner or later though, you must take the plunge and go at it on your own.
Have a story to tell, one that you like. Then sit down and get busy. Have your work professionally edited: rewrite, edit, rewrite, until you’ve gotten it as good as it can be.
Inspiring story of a girl whose disability is her greatest strength and brings the important message of never losing hope in hard situations and using misfortune to look for an opportunity to be kind.
The story takes you into the Andean Mountains of Peru to a remote village where you meet a young girl, named Matica, who worries about being shunned by the tribal people because of her growth disability that makes her different from everyone else.
One day she befriends two Condors she names Tamo and Tima. The village natives watch from a distance as her friendship and trust grow with the Condors. It only takes a short time before the entire village accepts the little girl for who she is when they find she can also communicate with them.
And then the adventures begin, changing her life in marvellous way. Matica is delightful, caring, and undaunted by these giant birds and their offspring, she and her father rescue from poachers. 5 STAR BOOK AWARD from Book Marketing Global Network-2019
MEDALIST WINNER for older published with NEW APPLE 2019
TOP10 FINALIST with AUTHORS ACADEMY AWARDS 2018
SILVER MEDAL AWARD with READERS’FAVORITE in Children’s’ adventure 2018
Finalist with: BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD, 2017
Finalist with: IAN Book of the year award 2017 – The Independent Author Network
Silver for BOOK COVER competition with Authorsdb 2016
5-star Review by Readers’ Favorite
4 out of 4 stars review by Online Book Club
5 Star Book Award from Book Marketing Global Network.
5 Stars: Matica’s Fighting Spirit!
The story ‘Come Fly With Me’ takes place in the mountains of Peru. Main character Matica is on her hands and knees in the dirt hunting food for the two condors she named Tamo and Tima, when her younger brother Aikon asks about her activities. Even though ten-year-old Matica has a seriously disability (body of a two-year-old) her fighting spirit (not self-pity) is impressive, for her age. What she lacks in size, she gains in emotional maturity and a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty around her. She loves her village of Pucara which is close to equator. Surrounded by tropical rain forests, Matica can look out in any direction and see both green and barren mountains, forests and grasslands, green or brown valleys, small rolling hills and deep steep canyons.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Seven: “The next day, she went on her daily walk with new hope and an extra spring in her step. She was feeling lucky because both birds were not as high as usual and soared in front of the mountains, not over them. It must be a different wind current since they’re so low, she thought.
…She remembered the day when she was exploring the plateau and had found that most beautiful place near the mountain with the big rock in the middle. Arriving there, she had baptised that place ‘Ramah’. She had read in her Bible the day before about a place that was called Ramah, so it became her refuge, her Ramah. She would lie on the rock and watch the birds soaring in the sky and wonder how they could fly without flapping their wings. She wished for them to come down to her, but they wouldn’t do that.
…Every day, Matica would go to Ramah at the same time so the birds could see her and would become acquainted with her. She would also yell and wave at them.
…After a few weeks, one of them flew lower. He must have seen her and must have been curious as to what she might be, or maybe he thought she was food. She yelled, ‘I’m here! Come to me, please! I’d like to see you and would like to talk to you!’
…Spinning around, one bird circled lower.
…Maybe, Matica then thought, maybe it’s coming down to see if I’m edible. But I’m moving! She sprang up and down, then yelled, ‘Hey, you! I’m not edible! I would only like to meet you!’
…Still looking at her, the bird screeched loudly then joined its mate.
…Matica called out, ‘Wow, you are big!’
…Nothing more happened for the next few weeks.”
…Matica is not afraid of adventure and runs to Ramah where the sounds of gun shots came from. Matica fears the poachers will steal the condor’s egg or harm the condors. Poaching is a serious problem and Matica Warns the Condor named Tamo of the pending danger. Matica watches the condors in flight and dreams about riding on Tamo’s back as he flies over the canyons.
Award Winning Author Gisela Sedlmayer does an excellent job with this book one in her Talon series. Gisela’s descriptive storytelling, age-appropriate language, believable characters and wildlife drama will engage any avid reader from age 9 and up.
In an age of cell phone and electronic notebooks, it is important to instill good reading habits in our children. Check out Books 1-6 in this Talon Series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 1) Paperback: 198 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (December 16, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
This story won a 5 Star review by Reader’s Favorite: “Inspirational and Uplifting read for the young and the not so young!”
Matica’s predicament turns into her greatest gift
It’s a different story than any other. It’s even unique. A magical fantasy.
An incredible combination of a young girl and her struggles and being in a spectacular place – the Great Andean mountains. The lives of the people in the village, their interacting with one another and with the great amazing friendship between the girl and the mighty Andean condor – Talon and having the most amazing adventures and near misses one after the other together.
Matica, a small child who had a hard time finding acceptance with the Indians from her village, fly’s with Talon and has scores of adventures and near misses.
But will it stop her from having the greatest fun? No, it will not. Besides of being accepted now by the locals, a love develops between Amos, a local boy and herself as she overcomes her handicap and shows bravery and courage.
This is a coming-of-age story where Matica is learning patience, forgiveness and trust.
5 Stars: Young and old will enjoy ‘Talon, On The Wing’ by Gigi Sedlmayer!
As a grandmother, I find book two (Talon, On The Wing) just as exciting as book one. This book (series) is an action adventure that will keep teens turning the page. As we learned in book one, Matica is age 1o and very small for her age due to her handicap. This amazing young lady has gained the trust of the Peruvian Indians and her life changed when she rescued a Condor egg from poachers.
In this book her rescue bird takes her aboard and together they reach tremendous heights. They visit cities hidden away in the jungles of Peru. As Matica mingles with the native people, she accepts their culture and learns many life lessons along the way. Matica’s special boyfriend Amos and all the avian creatures bring joy to her life.
While my review tends to be longer than most, my intent is to bring you into the story in chapter 46.
…Matica was still in her thoughts about what her mother had said to Alex when Talon, feeling strong and agile, flew away from Mira. For Alexander it was his grief for his lost brother, for Matica it was the yearlong depression she felt, being alone, not being allowed to play with other children. She felt privileged to hear about Alex’s problems as well and thanked Talon again that he stayed so she could hear all, since she still had sometimes bad thoughts about her earlier loneliness. But now she promised to herself never to be lonely again. Whatever it takes. Mum’s words were so good, as Alex had said as well.
…Finally she left the thoughts behind and started to enjoy the flight with Talon. Talon first flew, zigzagging, over the plateau back to Ramah, making a detour to the magnificent Andes Mountains. Tamo and Tima followed him wherever Talon went. Matica, from his back, admired the high peaks and the wide areas of hilly grassland between. She couldn’t get enough and soon both lost track of time.
…While flying, Talon suddenly trembled as if he was about to shake himself, like a dog would shake the water out of its fur, and then he flapped his wings periodically in a strange, jagged way Matica had never experienced before. Not that she had a lot of experience yet, but she couldn’t imagine that he would flap his wings in that way. It felt for her as if he was trying to stay aloft with the sharp and fast up-and-down movements of his wings, as if Talon felt that if he didn’t flap his wings, he would drop out of the sky and tumble to the ground. But again, for Matica that couldn’t be. After all, Talon is a bird and couldn’t fall out of the sky.
…Could he?
Award Winning Author Gisela Sedlmayer does an excellent job with book two in her Talon series. Gisela’s descriptive storytelling, age-appropriate language, believable characters and wildlife drama will engage any avid reader from age 9 and up. In an age of cell phone and electronic notebooks, it is important to instill good reading habits in our children. Check out Books 1-6 in this Talon Series. Below is a list of Awards.
MEDALIST WINNER for older published with NEW APPLE 2019
TOP10 FINALIST with AUTHORS ACADEMY AWARDS 2018
SILVER MEDAL AWARD with READERS’FAVORITE in Children’s’ adventure 2018
Finalist with: BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD, 2017
Finalist with: IAN Book of the year award 2017 – The Independent Author Network
Silver for BOOK COVER competition with Authorsdb 2016
5-star Review by Readers’ Favorite
4 stars review by Online Book Club
4 Star from Titan for Book One
BEA-Finalist
Global E-Book Award for Book 5
TALON 5 FINALIST WITH IAN 2018
2020 5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book One.
2020 5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Six.
2021 5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Two.
2021 Book Trilogy/Series Award from Book Marketing Global Network for the Talon Six Book Youth Series
2021 October 5 Star Award For The ‘Talon’ Series from Book Marketing Global Network.
I invite you to share this book with all the young people in your life, place this book along with all the books in this youth series in your local, civic, religious, community libraries. This series would be perfect for a summer reading program for boys and girls.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 2) Paperback: 350 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (December 16, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
Will they be safe as they travel? What about the dangerous animals they could encounter?
Will Matica see her condors?
Matica and her family are planning a holiday to Australia. She and her father travel to Cajamarca to organize supplies and air tickets. Although she misses her condors on the way, she sees wondrous scenery, rain-forest, animals and birds.
But disaster strikes, coming home. Her father is seriously injured and contracts a high fever. Not knowing what to do, Matica calls to her condors for help. The wait if they would come and if, until they arrive is the hardest thing she has ever had to endure.
Journey with Matica through her adventures, laughter and tears. Enjoy the feeling of friendship, love and camaraderie between Matica and her condors, Talon, Tamo and Tima.
5 Stars: Dangerous Trek Through Tropical Rain Forests!
This is the fourth book of this incredible ‘Talon’ series that I have read. Each book stands alone as an action/adventure/survival story that will entertain, inspire and educate young and old. In book three, ‘Talon, Flight for Life’, main character Matica, a young girl with a growth disorder, living in a primitive Peruvian Indian village needs to accompany her father, Crayn on a dangerous trek through tropical rain forests to get supplies in the city of Cajamarca.
Mountains, forests, grasslands, steep canyons, people and places become part of their journey filled with awe as they see exotic birds, encounter spider monkeys, piranhas in the water, and a Puma. Touching father/daughter scenes with where life and death drama unfolds when Matica’s Condor friends come to the rescue, when Matica’s father is bite by a poisonous spider.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 31: Bambamarca:
…They walked quickly over hedge and ditch now, over rise and fall of troughs and channels for another two hours without any noticeable events, only that it sloped down further. The ground they were traversing on now was rougher than the earlier goings. A range of rugged hills rose on their left.
…Coming over a little hill, Matica kept standing, yelling, ‘Whoa!
…What are these?! They look planted, whatever they are!’ ‘Pineapples,’ Crayn said. ‘It’s a huge pineapple plantation.’
…As far as the eye could see their eyes rested at that huge pineapple plantation but not yet the village. Crayn said, wiping his forehead, ‘Phew, we made it. The village is just behind there, at the end of it.’ He pointed.
…‘Right. I saw that field flying over with Talon. Can we walk through it? I can’t see a path going through, or do we have to walk around it?’ ‘We can go through. Don’t worry.’ He looked at the setting sun. ‘We’ll be in the village just before the sun vanishes.’ He looked at her.
…‘You sound exhausted, Mat.’
…Should she tell him the truth? She decided to do so. ‘I am,’ she said truthfully, seeing her father’s exhaustion as well.
…‘Me too,’ he nodded. ‘It’s because we can see an end to this day. And Matica,’ he went on, ‘does the first day come close to your expectation?’
Award Winning Author Gigi Sedlmayer uses her life experiences from Germany, New Zealand and Australia along with her very descriptive storytelling, to draw readers 9 and up into this award-winning series. This series would make a great summer reading series and should be in all libraries.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
5-star review by Readers Favorite
FINALIST for BOOK COVER competition with AUTHORSDB 2017
3 out of 4 stars review by Online Book Club
5 Star Book Award From Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 3) Paperback: 438 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (December 16, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
Join Matica’s Journey Of Adventure and Friendship (Book Four).
TALON, CONNECTED is the fourth story in the TALON series.
It’s for children, teens and young adults, even for younger ones. For when they have an affliction, or are handicapped, they can find out, that there is always a way out, to be happy and live with it, even when they are rejected.
NEVER TO GIVE UP: The Talon series, are such an inspiring piece of work indeed. And the stories are great, uplifting and touching, moving and exciting, and I’d unreservedly recommend them for readers of any age, young or old – they’re that good. Read one and you’ll find yourself grasping for the next, then the next. There are four in the series, you owe it to yourself to get them all.
Matica meets with the village eldest and wisest man, Elcano, who tells her ‘we are all connected to each other, Matica’s family and the Condors’.
Elcano also shares with Matica that he predicts that the Condors will be protected by all because Matica, her family, the Indians and the Condors are all connected.
These books are the most heartwarming stories you will read! They are intended rot all ages. Well thought out! You will fall in love with the characters and want more as you keep going with this series! It’s so easy to get lost in each book… I know I sure did! Add these to your list to read or start reading now, you’ll fall in love with them!
And – Will the poachers kill Talon? Will the villagers catch the poachers? We’ll find the answers soon. 5 stars by READER’S FAVORITE
5 Stars: Journey Of Adventure and Friendship!
Talon, Connected (book four) by Gigi Sedlmayer begins after the Dangerous Trek Through Tropical Rain Forests in book three. This Talon Adventure series is for teens and all those young at heart. Each book can be enjoyed out of sequence.
Matica finally fell asleep, after sharing her harrowing ordeal, that nearly took her Dad’s life. If not for the amazing actions of the condors and Matica’s courage the poisonous spider would have won the battle.
You will bond with this wonderful family. Let your imagination soar with Matica and three remarkable condors (Talon, Tamo, and Tima) in this great out-of-doors adventure. This series takes place in the mountains of Peru. The village of Pucara which is close to equator. It is surrounded by tropical rain forests, green and barren mountains, forests, grasslands, green or brown valleys, small rolling hills, and deep steep canyons.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 39: Did You See the ‘You Know Who’?
…They flew to the rainforest and over the deep crevice and hole where they had encountered the poachers the day before, but didn’t see them anywhere. Even the two hawks attacked them, acting normally again. Then they flew to the Inca dwelling and came back over the foothills of the great Andes.
…Everywhere they flew they looked out for the poachers, but they didn’t see them anywhere. Joyful, Matica called out, ‘It’s wonderful. Today we haven’t seen the “you know who” anywhere. I wonder where they are and what they’re up to. Mind you, Talon, it’s good that we haven’t seen them. So, they’re not on your trail yet. Do you think they gave up on trying to find you?’ Talon grunted and shook his head. ‘No? I might think that too.’
…Tamo and Tima grunted at either side of her and shook their heads as well.
… ‘You think they’re just somewhere else before they come back to look for you and possibly find you? No, no, I shouldn’t say that. They won’t find you. No way.’
…It was a bit longer than their usual one-hour flight, since they flew to the Incan dwelling as well, when Talon landed softly in front of their hut. Hugging him after jumping down, Matica watched him taking flight to join Tamo and Tima in the sky.
… ‘How was it? Did you see the “you know who”?’ Mira inquired, standing in the door, watching the birds’ flight for a while, then she went inside. Matica followed but left the door open.
… ‘It was great, of course, and no, we didn’t see them.’ She sat down beside her dad at the table. ‘Dad, you’re up? How are you?’
How is Matica’s Dad’s recovery, and what are the poachers up to?
Award Winning Author Gigi Sedlmayer uses her life experiences from Germany, New Zealand, and Australia along with her very descriptive storytelling, to draw readers age 9 and up into this award-winning series. This series will make a great summer reading series, and should be in all libraries.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 4) Paperback: 378 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (September 19, 2013) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
It is war – the poachers are back and want Talon. Revenge is in the air.
They are doing everything in their power to capture him, and if they can’t get him alive, will kill him. Determined to get him at all costs the poachers run up against the might and will of Tamo, Tima and Talon.
With the help of Tamo and Tima, Talon and Matica, they do the impossible knowing they have to capture and stop the poachers or they will be back.
Between the poachers shooting at the condors, the crows playing their part, and Tamo being shot and injured, Matica goes above and beyond to help her beloved condors.
Action-packed from beginning to end, Talon Encounter will keep you on the edge of your seat.
FINALIST with Book Excellence Award 2018
FINALIST in the 2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards in “Young Adult.”
Nominee by GLOBAL EBOOK AWARDS 2018
Medalist Winner with New Apple in the Young Adult General Fiction 2017 Book Awards for Excellence in Independent
BRONZE for first line competition with AUTHORSDB 2017
GOLD for book cover competition with AUTHORSDB 2016
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 5) Paperback: 382 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (September 25, 2015) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
The poachers are gone, and the birds are safe. Now Matica is becoming anxious thinking of the upcoming holiday to Australia – she does not want to go, or leave her birds. But Talon, understanding her misery, helps to ease her mind.
With distractions from all sides, Matica soon finds herself involved in current happenings – the letting go of Elcano’s ashes from the top of the Andes, and near tragedy of Crayn falling while climbing up the mountain. The condors play a vital role in saving the day.
Talon shows Matica the puma and her cubs. But things go wrong when the female puma smells them and attacks. Will they escape the big cat?
As a birthday surprise for Matica, Aikon asked the birds to fly with her for the whole day. The birds agree and the thrilling adventures she has now with near misses, the finding of old bones, snakes and spiders Talon, Windsong adventures will keep you turning the pages and on the edge of your seat.
5 Stars: Journey Over The Andes Mountain Canyons!
“Talon Windsong” is the sixth book in the “Talon” action adventures for readers age 9 and up. The story begins with celebration in the village, nestled in the mountains of Peru. The poachers are in custody, the village, the condors and all wildlife are safe for now. For Matica (young girl with a disability) the celebration is bitter sweet, as time is approaching for her to travel to Australia, and leave her condor friends.
Matica lets go of her worry for now, as life goes on. By chapter eighteen, the journey up the rugged mountain side, with the condors flying overhead concludes, when they scatter Elcano’s (Pajaro’s father) ashes over the Andes Mountain canyons, with the help of a brisk mountain breeze.
For Matica and the others, the impending danger of falling off the mountain is avoided one step at a time, while climbing and descending. For all the beauty this environment has to offer, the dangers of natural predators like huge monitor lizards, ants, spiders, snakes and pumas (big cats) are ever present.
Intrusive thoughts keep Matica’s mind restless, as her vacation back to Australia draws near. Talking things out with her best friends, Tamo, Tima and Talon(condors), she explains:
…‘You know, in Australia, I was happy, as much as I can remember. I felt secure and happy, even with my affliction, because I fitted in, somehow. I thought I was, because I had friends. Friends?’ She pursed her lips then thrusted up her chin. ‘Yes, I had one special friend, she was like me. Not in the same school, not even close where we lived, but we were talking a lot on the phone. My doctor brought us together. Well,’ she nodded, ‘yes, I didn’t want to end that and go to Peru after Dad told me we have to come there. What will await me there? I was afraid. I was devastated hearing it. How will it be there? Will they accept me as I am, or will they reject me? No one rejected me in Australia. Even some looked strangely at me. Well, at that time, I didn’t know how it would feel to be rejected. I only know that now, where it happened.’ She nodded, looking into Talon’s eyes, as he looked at her, trying to understand her. ‘And then coming here,’ she continued, ‘I was so lonely because the Indians didn’t accept me, they rejected me. That was the worst thing that happened to me. I had no one to talk to or play to, until I found you, Tamo.’
…She looked at him. Tamo nodded, as if he understood what Matica said.
…‘That was the best thing that ever could have happened to me. And that had changed everything, yes, everything.’ She reflected and nodded. ‘Hey,’ Matica suddenly laughed. ‘You just looked at all of me. That’s it. Yes, because of my disability. And that’s who I am. As Mum is telling me: “That’s who you are”. Those are her words.’
…Talon grunted, so did Tamo and Tima, looking her up as well. All three shook their heads.
…‘You don’t think I’m strange looking, right? Even you know Aikon and my parents, they’re normal. And the Indians.’
…The birds poked her chest. Talon grunted, it sounded to her as if he said, I love you. And, you are normal to me. And with that, you can fly on me. Tamo and Tima followed his sound.
…Matica grinned happy and stroked their heads. She went on: ‘And that, my birds, was and is the best thing that could have happened to me. Now I’m so happy with you Talon and Tamo and Tima. And it all started with you, Tamo.’
…She looked at him. He bent his neck down to her and kissed her on the nose. ‘If you wouldn’t have been curious of me and wouldn’t have come down to greet me, all this wouldn’t have happened. And now we have to end that and go back to Australia?’ She shook her head. ‘How will it be?’
…Children can relate to Matica’s worries about leaving her familiar environment, even for a short visit. The “Talon” adventures that play out in the 95 chapters, will teach and inspire young minds. Award Winning Author Gisela Sedlmayer does an excellent job with her Talon series. Gisela’s descriptive storytelling, age-appropriate language, believable characters, and wildlife drama will engage young minds. In an age of cell phones, electronic notebooks, and hectic lifestyles, it is important to instill good reading habits in our children. As a grandmother, I invite you to share all six books in this “Talon” series with the children in your life.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Series: Talon (Book 6) Paperback: 400 Pages Publisher: Aurora House (July 27, 2020) Language: English Action and Adventure Survival Stories Tween, Teen, YA, and Family Talon Book Series
About The Author: Book Excellence Award Finalist 2017, Sole Award Medalist winner with ‘New Apple’ 2017, Nominee with Global Ebook Award 2017, silver book award with Readers’ Favorite
Gisela (Gigi) Sedlmayer was born on 19 May 1944 in Potsdam, a suburb of Berlin in Germany.
Her family escaped to the West just before the infamous wall went up. They moved around in Germany until finally settling in Munich where Gigi studied architectural drafting and met Albert in 1965, marrying in December 1967. She worked as a civil drafts’ person in various private consultancies in Munich.
May 1975, Gigi and her husband moved to New Zealand. Because of language challenges, she started a handicraft business. As a specialty, she made colorful parrots of which she sold thousands in a few years.
May 1989, they became adoptive parents of twin girls from Fiji.
September 1992, they moved to Australia.
November 1993 Gigi was diagnosed with cancer. By the grace of God, she survived and seeing her husband writing the story about the adoption, she started to write short stories for competition since her English became increasingly better.
She entered them in competitions and often got very good reports back, which gave her confidence to go on writing. One day the idea for the TALON series came to her and she spent the next several years bringing the story and the characters to life.
2020-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book One.
2021-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Two.
2021-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Three.
2020-5 Star Book Cover Award from Book Marketing Global Network for Book Six.
2021-Book Trilogy/Series Award from Book Marketing Global Network for the Talon Six Book Youth Series
2021 October-5 Star Award for the ‘Talon’ Series from Book Marketing Global Network.
When a ship crash-lands on a faraway planet the crew needs local help. Unfortunately, the natives are a million years ahead of us. Ignored, the crew has to find a way to get attention.
Bringing back a sense of discovery and wonder to science fiction.
“I’ve always found Geoff’s work both inspirational and brilliant. I know that whenever I pick up one of his works I’m in for a damned good read. For those who’ve never read any of his works before, welcome to the Geoff Nelder club.” By Mark Iles, author of The Darkening Stars series.
“Geoff Nelder inhabits science fiction just as other people inhabit their clothes.” By Jon Courtenay Grimwood: Felaheen, Pashazade and End Of The World Blues.
If you liked Tuf Voyaging by George R.R. Martin, and Anne MccAffrey’s Dinosaur Planet you’ll like SUPPOSE WE.
Review by Martin Lamberti: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Flying Crooked, predictably unpredictable. Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2019. Verified Purchase. Just as the Cabbage White’s flight is unpredictable, so the quirky beginnings of Suppose We in Geoff’s newest release. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the crooked flights of the series that we suppose we CAN. (As in CANDID)
Review by Rosie: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Science Fiction as it should be… Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2019. Verified Purchase. Geoff Nelder is one of those unsung creatives in science fiction. And with this book, his imagination is coming into its own. Like any work of such an innovative nature, it has to first engage in the ordinary (for science fiction that is) before it can move you into that very unique yet coherent world. He does this so subtly that you don’t notice until you are thoroughly enjoying the new.
So, it starts with a ship carrying four people to a new world. Their journey has lasted a thousand years in hibernation. And they end up having to crash land. An ordinary science fiction trope – so far. And that is where the ordinariness ends. The planet’s ‘lifeforms’ are an interesting mixture, with even more interesting consequences.
But an author cannot take a reader into this amount of unusualness without writing in engaging way, and this is exactly what Geoff has done, in spades. His characters are very relatable, his descriptions entrancing and his story pace an enjoyable canter.
A word about the science here – not all of it is explained, but given that the point of view characters can’t explain it, that is not surprising. The techies and scientists among you will realise that what Geoff has worked up might really be possible.
I have known Geoff’s other works and am not surprised at the quality of this book. What does surprise me is that a top-notch publisher has not taken up publishing ‘Suppose We’.
Review by Lucy M Andrews: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Rich descriptions and vivid imagery. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2019. Verified Purchase. Suppose We is full of rich descriptions and vivid imagery that is a joy to read. The description of the alien world, including its dangers, bring it to life in a way that allows the reader to imagine being there. The characters are well drawn and as the story unwinds, the reader gradually learns more about the planet that they are on. I enjoyed this book immensely and will certainly read the sequel.
The Flying Crooked Series – bringing back a sense of discovery and wonder to science fiction!
After our human crew persuaded the far-advanced native Keps to allow human genomes to be spliced into native bacteria a new threat arrives. It’s not organic, it’s not on the planet, but it shreds planets. Alien AI have been offended…
“The characters, action and drama on the mind-boggling planet our humans are stranded on makes it one of the most original sci-fi stories I’ve read in a long while.” Peter Wilhelmsen, fantasy writer.
Chris Rimell, author of Untold History: “As always you do a lovely job of describing the worlds and filling them with colour and aromas.”
Martin Lamberti: International clown. “Just as the Cabbage White’s flight is unpredictable, so the quirky beginnings in Geoff’s newest release. I’m looking forward to the continuation of the crooked flights of the series.”
Review by DJW: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Falling up. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2019. Verified Purchase. As bizarre as the title suggests. What a sequel to “Suppose We”!
Mother and father are true humans born on Earth. Their son was conceived with the unwanted help from alien genes and so Gaston while loving him, refers to Adah as more Kepler’s son than his.
The hybrid Adah walked over and hugged his very human mother, who eagerly wrapped her arms around him even though she wasn’t keen on his sweaty-socks pungency. Weird considering, he didn’t wear socks. No one did.
The humans and their offspring (including clones and GM people) in the Kepler system face a backlash from Purist keps who want all humankind to be extinguished. With the support of the kep elite and strange artificial intelligence machines, our plucky band of humans find themselves hiding in the most extraordinary places such as inside a sun, but is it enough to thwart danger?
5-Stars: Adah is different in most respects from human boys.
‘Kepler’s Son’ in ‘The Flying Crooked’ series by Geoff Nelder is finally here. Let’s recap.
In ‘Suppose We’ (book one) a spaceship crash-lands on a faraway planet but the natives are so far ahead of Earth they ignore the human crew.
In ‘Falling Up’ (book two) Em is captured by an alien artificial intelligence that had attacked the Kepler-20h system.
Now in‘Kepler’s Son’ (book three) our heroes’ ace trick of splicing human genes with nasty bacteria to help the natives has backfired leaving the planet in danger of being overrun by squidgy, rapidly-evolving mind-hive creatures.
The Artificial Intelligence CAN reports after arranging with Kep flitters to reprogram all the ‘essential’ communication and science satellites that danced in whirls and lurches after being deserted by their home Kepler-20h planet. Problem: none of the 125 satellites have sufficient fuel to travel far. Solution: We’ve cannibalised some to create a huge solar cell array to supplement slow but steady ion drives to make their way. Where to? We didn’t know for days, but perturbations in the inner-planet orbits revealed the probable location and I found a weak signal from a beacon. Streaming now to update and sync. Bad news: intense radiation needs guarding against. Date: Earth February 19th 3664 Kepler New 6976 days.
A census is conducted by me because none counts better than I. All data refer to beings on this planet Kepler-20h. All beings possess a biometric signature whether they know it or not.
Indigenous population known to humans as keps: 137, 328 (data from their archives indicate a mass migration to other planets 21 years ago).
Indigenous population known to humans as trogs: 2,675,177 (NB very few live on the surface).
Humans from Earth: 2 (Science Officer Gaston Poirier, Navigator Em Farrer).
Human-forms with tripartite genetic code: 1 (Adah with DNA from two humans and one kep).
Human-forms with pure human DNA via cloning engineering using original crew members plus genetic material brought from Earth: 217.
Keeps – engineered human plus indigenous bacteria: 2,538,824.
In Chapter Twenty-Seven: Em was always the one who put herself out, travelling for days over unknown landscapes with only Kep1 and a trio of flitters for company just to hug her son. Gaston wasn’t Adah’s father, at least not in the traditional sense. The kep biologists had sampled his DNA and explained how most of it was human and some from the kep rapist and it’s the latter that had made him so different in most respects from human boys. His translucent skin; telepathic abilities the limitations of which he’d yet to discover except that it only worked with keps and keeps; and his ability to solidify his imaginary friends. Very scary and completely mysterious. At least his mother and father—the Gaston fraction—were now safe on the kep’s secret corona station. Hiding it inside a sun.
I enjoyed reading ‘Kepler’s Son’ and I invite you to read ‘The Flying Crooked’ series. Author Geoff Nelder takes his readers on a spectacular 5-Star Science Fiction (Action and Adventure). You will want to catch up before ‘Vanished Earth’ (book four) arrives. What’s happened to the humans’ home planet? Assuming Earth is our home planet. In book 4 of the Flying Crooked series of hard science fiction novellas, we find Earth, or so we think, but like the butterfly it’s changed.
Geoff Nelder lives in rural England within an easy cycle ride of the Welsh mountains. Publications include several non-fiction books on climate reflecting his other persona as a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society; over 90 published short stories in various magazines and anthologies; thriller, humour, science fiction, and fantasy novels.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Magdalena Ball: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hugely fun, fast-paced, inventive, action-oriented sci-fi. Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2023. You don’t need to read Geoff Nelder’s bio to know that he is inherently a scientist and a teacher. His books are engaging and inventive to be sure, but they are underpinned by a deep understanding of and delight in the wonders of physics and biology. His worlds are full of anomalies that draw on real-life quantum quirks, cosmic paradoxes and biological anomalies, and his aliens are both delightfully bizarre and yet somehow plausible. He is a writer who knows his sci-fi tropes well enough to twist them into a Möbius strip and take them to new places while still providing plenty of Easter eggs to keen readers of the genre.
Kepler’s Son, the third book in his Flying Crooked series, is no exception. In previous books in the series, humans have left the Earth and crash-landed on a planet called Kepler-20h where the aliens are so technologically advanced to humans, that they just ignore the visitors. Humans aren’t colonisers here, as is often the case in sci fi books, but minor vermin barely worthy of note. It is only the awkward human personality, human bacterial issues, and the ship-steering, all seeing, God-like artificial intelligence CAN that makes the humans noteworthy to the Keps – the ultra-advanced aliens who live on Kepler-20. CAN shines in this work as a hilarious non-human character with its camp dairy style missives that play on its name (“Can Can”, “cannibalised”, “cantering”, “Wiccan” “the oilcan”, etc.). CAN is a significant character, whose distinctive voice is somewhere between the existential musings of The Hitchhiker Guide to the Galaxy’s Marvin (though happier) and the careful diction of a geeky science teacher.
The other protagonists of the series are Em and the charmingly French Gaston. In book two, Em falls pregnant to Gaston at the same time as she is impregnated by a Kep, thereby creating a hybrid child, Adeh. Adeh is 18 when Kepler’s Son, an obvious reference to Adeh, opens. His interesting mix of human and alien genes are on full display throughout the book as he develops while exploring the world he and his parents live on, and learning the limits of his capabilities and his relationship to other creatures, imaginary or real.
Nelder does a good job of keeping the story fast-paced and action-oriented as the humans and their collaborators are hunted down by ‘purist’ Keps who would like to exterminate them. While the story hints at human history and our many foibles including the wrecking of our planet through anthropogenic climate change, the way in which the narrative progresses is novel, involving a galactic chase that includes ‘pinching’ – a folding of space time that simulates a kind of wormhole. There are all sorts of dangers for the couple as they fly a variety of crafts, and fun hiding spaces like a base inside a sun’s corona or an impossible tower built of ‘non-Euclidean, non-Newtonian, non-Einstein geo-physics’. Nelder manages just the right blend of scientific description and imaginative ideation. The characterisation remains strong through the book as he moves in and out of different viewpoints, even giving voice to some of the stranger characters, like the genetically-engineered Keeps – part Kep, part human, but more collective than individual and only able to communicate in sing-song grunts.
While Kepler’s Son does provide context and background to the previous books, both in the intro and at key points through the narrative, a better reading experience is to be had by reading all three books in the series (and ultimately the fourth when it comes out) in sequence as it does take a bit of catching up to understand Nelder’s extensive universe with its biological and mechanical creatures, particularly Gaston’s Papillon who feels quite important but doesn’t feature strongly in Kepler’s Son. That said, Kepler’s Son is self-contained enough to provide a joyride that won’t disappoint readers who enjoy high quality sci-fi. This is a well-crafted book with a dynamic and engaging pace that has something for everyone, including multiple close calls, close and steamy encounters, clones, cold fusion, dreamlike landscapes, and far-flung star systems.
Vanished Earth, the 4th in the FLYING CROOKED series releases a lifelong urge for Geoff Nelder to paint his own vision of what a strange yet habitable planet might be like and how we might react to alien encounters. If you enjoy breaking tropes, this is for you.
The descendants of humans who’d left Earth 1500 years before had the uncontrollable urge to visit their origin planet but WHERE has it gone? In any case would Earth welcome the aliens and new lifeform they’re bringing?
Mika, a woman born of two human clones on the faraway Keplerian system: Screaming persisted, some of it from herself, the ship and the Keps. She thought she could tell the three types apart now. All this way to become an expert in alien screaming.
From Magdalena Ball of the Compulsive Reader review site: “There’s always an element of action, a hint of steamy romance, and Nelder’s trademark twist.”
From Mark Iles – author of science fantasy The Gardens of Earth (Sundering Chronicles)
“I absolutely loved this, a brilliant piece of work. ‘Vanished Earth’ is a great title too, as it so reflects the content. The humour within is tongue-in-cheek and made me smile throughout.”
Review by Frances: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fascinating future vision of Earth. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2023. Verified Purchase. Such a fascinating vision of planetary exploration and future visions of Earth – really fantastic descriptive writing and imagery. I’m curious to know what effect the keeps would have on Earth’s ecosystem in years to come. The origin of the keeps and Adah’s imaginary friends makes for compelling reading. It feels like this may be the final book, but the author has also left an opening for future stories or books in this series. Highly recommended.
Winner -2012 P&E Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Novel
This is where The Andromeda Strain meets Memento…
When an alien suitcase is found in space, a pandemic virus plagues Earth. Ryder Nape must gather survivors to escape an apocalyptic extinction of the human race.
ARIA: Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia
Today, Jack caught a bug at work. He catches a bus home. By the time he disembarks, all the other passengers and the driver have fuzzy heads. Jack has caught an amnesia plague, and it’s infectious. No cure.
Imagine the ramifications:
The passengers arrive home, infecting family; some shop en route gifting everyone they meet with the disease. The bus driver receives more passengers giving them change for last week’s prices and today’s amnesia. Some passengers work at the power plant, the water treatment works, the hospital, fire station. Dystopian chaos in weeks.
One man, Ryder Nape, knew about the case found in space and realizes it’s been opened, but can he persuade friends to barricade themselves in a secluded valley, hiding from the released amnesia bug? The survivors find love, hope and thoughts of revenge in their heroic struggle against the apocalypse.
ARIA: Left Luggage is a well-written novel with the pace and suspense of a video game (BioShock immediately comes to mind). The balance between character development and plot progression is managed smoothly, along with the thematics, which take the reader through a series of all-too-believable scenarios, chillingly showing how easy it would be for an advanced group of aliens to undermine the human race and have us destroy one another, without the need for any additional weapons or warfare. By Magdelena Ball
“Geoff Nelder inhabits Science Fiction the way other people inhabit their clothes.” By Jon Courtenay Grimwood
“Geoff Nelder’s ARIA has the right stuff. He makes us ask the most important question in science fiction–the one about the true limits of personal responsibility.” By Brad Linaweaver
Robert J. Sawyer calls ARIA a “fascinating project.”
“ARIA has an intriguing premise, and is written in a very accessible style.” By Mike Resnick
5 Stars: ARIA Has Its Roots In Italian Meaning Air
Let me answer the first question that came to my mind when the book ‘ARIA: Left Luggage’ arrived. The word ARIA has its roots in Italian meaning air.
Science Fiction as a genre literally is in a world of its own because human beings are obsessed with how to destroy or alter all of humanity by a single threat. It is rare that we find an author who can approach this kind of fiction from a new perspective, but Geoff Nelder has a truly unique concept.
As the first chapter begins the reader is introduced to Nelder’s large cast of characters like Vlad, Jena, Dan, Abdul and Antonio. His quantity of characters almost overwhelms the reader at first, but each has a role to play in this ordeal. The variety of solid, believable interpersonal relationships like the between Ryder Nape and his fiancée Teresa are essential as the world is threatened with massive memory loss by an alien virus. ARIA begs the intriguing question that as people lose their memories what is so important to their lives, they must make a note of it to read when they wake up each morning?
The year is 2015 and there is never a dull moment as the reader joins the crew of “the shuttle, Marimar, in orbit approaching the International Space Station” and follows the science at the Dryden Space Laboratories at Edwards Air Force Base in California and the NASA Goddard Labs in Maryland. Travels to London and to the Anafon Valley in North Wales. Follow the viral repercussions to the Chester Zoo in UK, Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and to Banff National Park in Canada.
The author caused this reader to ask how the world would handle such a virus if brought back to Earth from an exploratory mission, who on earth might be immune, and what secrets could NASA and WHO be keeping from us? That is what good science fiction does. It captures the readers’ imagination and takes us to places that we believe are impossible, but somewhere in the dark corners of our minds we recognize that there is a slim probability.
ARIA: Left Luggage by Geoff Nelder (volume one in the ARIA series) is a science fiction, action filled fiction that has already won the coveted Preditors & Editors Readers Poll for best science Fiction novel of 2012. Please consider purchasing and reading the whole ARIA series (available at Amazon).
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Mark Fine, Author Of The Zebra Affaire: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Would Make a Great Movie! Compelling and provocative Story! Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2015. Verified Purchase. A mysterious out-of-this-world suitcase found wedged on the International Space Station triggers a viral catastrophe of apocalyptic end-of-days proportions on the humans habitants on the earth below. Unlike the typical B-movie type scenarios of less sophisticated science fiction, “ARIA Left Luggage” avoids the gratuitous and the obvious–sparing the reader passages about seamy bodily fluids and dismembered limbs. Hence, I really enjoyed this book because it added such intelligence and integrity to the genre, without sacrificing drama and body count.
The fact that the alien contagion was manifested as rapidly overwhelming amnesia–is so relevant to this baby boomer generation that’s facing an epidemic of real-world diseases that impair memory and cognitive functions, such as Alzheimer. By tapping into our collective fears in this regard, Nelder certainly had my attention.
The author ably describes the consequences of losing one’s mind by describing acute scenarios; a pilot en route over the Atlantic loses his way, with tragic consequences, when he forgets the flights final destination. It was truly frightening to witness, through the author’s eyes, how civil society can so rapidly deteriorate back into the Stone Age as humanities memories fade to naught.
My personal interpretation of Geoff Nelder’s Sci-Fi allegory is a near-future modern-day twist on the Dark Ages or Middle Ages–a period devoid of inspiration and culture possible due to famine and disease including the dreaded “Black Death” (Bubonic plague); it began at the fall of the Roman Empire and ended at beginning of Italian Renaissance – The Age of Discovery. Possibly the Italian doctor featured in the story triggered this thought, as well as the choice of “ARIA” being Italian for “Air” as the acronym for the virus.
This is a cerebral, thoroughly researched, and most enjoyable. The characters are vividly rendered, with their flaws and smarts displayed for all to see, making them memorable. For me it took only a minimal suspension of disbelief, and the plot felt thoroughly plausible. Just substitute ARIA for another earthbound airborne virus, accelerated throughout humanity due to population density, easy accesses to transcontinental travel, unrestricted borders, and the potential transmission speed of the disease would be like no other time in history.
As for those interested in survivalist prepping, but with an intelligent scientific / medical twist, ARIA promises to be a satisfying read. For those fans of science fiction, here you will find an immediacy and relevance (note the recent Ebola scare) that will trigger within you all the “it-came-from-outer-space” drama and tension you’d ever desire. Character-driven and a diverse cast, plus the compelling plot, suggests ARIA: Left Luggage has the makings of a fine motion picture.
Review by Tim: 5.0 out of 5 Stars>Excellent, End of World. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2017. Verified Purchase. If you are going to write a story about an end of world apocalyptic scenario, you are going to have to do it well to compete with all the other similarly themed stuff out there. Even better, if you are able, you have to tell it in a different way and with something that makes it stands out, an original twist would hinder things.
Fortunately, Geoff Nelder manages this with his science fiction novel, ARIA Lost Luggage. Pack your bags, button up your coat it is the end of the world time again, but this time there is an original premise that works in a manner that sets the story apart from others, and is chilling too, clawing away at the mind as the implications start to sink in.
When a small object is found on the International Space station it causes a lot of international consternation, interest grows as it becomes apparent that the object, possibly a receptacle of some kind appears to be of alien origin.
Despite all the procedures in place, the box is opened in less than perfect conditions and some form of infection is released onto the world. Bit by bit, day by day it eats away at the memories of the people infected and it spreads very quickly.
It is a subject matter that can be compared to real medical conditions, something that Nelder does not shy away from, but it is a lot more than that as he delves into the issues and delivers on an excellent scale. He does not take the easy root and just give us a single path, put offers a multi-perspective tale. From generalized, a look as the population as a whole begins to lose more and more of their memories, the way society starts to erode, unravel and ultimately, collapse. To POV characters who are suffering from the memory loss, how they struggle to cope and how some come up with ways to try to remind themselves each day. To those who have managed to remain isolated, struggling to survive and understand what is going on. To the odd case where someone might seem to be immune to the infection.
Of course, all the great ideas in the world can dribble away if they are not presented well, and here Nelder comes into his own. He tells the tale with flare and passion, giving the reader great characters to latch onto, to sympathize with as they, or those they know start to drift away, regressing to childhood as time passes.
In some ways it feels as though there is a surfer trying to surf a tidal wave, just that the task before our characters is too great, an ongoing disaster that cannot be looked away from.
In fact, one of the strengths of the novel is the way it pushes the aliens into the background, they are the plot device that have set the story in motion, but we know little and see even less of them. This works as it leaves a very ambiguous feel to what they have done. Is it on purpose? Is it an attack? Were they trying to communicate, and it went wrong? Was it a gift that backfired? There is no way of knowing.
And then a second box appears. When opened… well that would be a spoiler, but things get more complicated and a totally different threat begins to insinuate itself…
The book ends on a cliff-hanger, but it is a concept that has been well developed and delivered impeccably. Well worth the read, and undoubtedly, I’ll get around to reading the sequel.
Review by Dragon63: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An interesting case. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2014. Verified Purchase. A strange metal case is found outside the ISS – after it is transported to a US base, the case is opened, releasing an infection that causes increasing memory loss. After a week, those infected have lost a year of their lives. As the disease spreads across the world, civilization starts to break down… Yes, we’re in end of the world territory here. If you’ve read The Death of Grass or Lucifer’s Hammer then you may assume you know what’s in store. But this apocalypse is unlike anything you’ll have seen before; when our own memories are playing traitor, the world becomes an extraordinarily scary place. The book is set a year ahead. our world is bound together with electronic communications (which can be persuaded to keep working even when the world has gone to hell), so the author gives us not just one group of survivors but a number of groups, in contact by email and video, who are struggling to preserve their memories and evade infection.
The characters are well-presented, interesting, and believable. The effects of the virus are logically thought out. The book takes place over a period of about six months; it does not dwell on the horrors outside the survivors’ enclaves, leaving those scenes mostly to the imagination. A few other faces appear and then vanish early on, hinting at the enormity of the disaster, but the core groups of survivors are the heart of the story.
The most obvious gap in the novel’s structure is any suggestion of the efforts being made to find a cure for the plague – the author mentions that there is something in the bloodstreams of those infected, but does not hint at steps being taken to fight it. Instead, he introduces a different occurrence to push the narrative forward – I won’t spoil the story by revealing what that involves. Suffice it to say that after a slow mid-section, the novel picks up the pace again in the later chapters – but does not reach a conclusion. By the end of the book, the core characters have made significant decisions, but the results of those choices are the subject of the next book in the trilogy…
I enjoyed book one of ARIA – it is well written, properly proof-read, intelligent and different from all the other end of the world scenarios I have seen before.
Review by Mrs. G. Hobson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Never to be forgotten. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2012. Verified Purchase. It must be incredibly difficult to come up with a unique and yet believable storyline for a Science Fiction novel. It appears that Geoff Nelder has done precisely that. The plot is simple and yet mind-blowing.
A simple-looking case planted by aliens on an orbiting space station makes the story of the Trojan Horse look like a mere nursery tale. The whole human race is threatened, not by hordes of odd-looking space creatures as seen on certain TV dramas, but by an unseen virus — Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia — that invades the brain as soon as contact is made. But there is nothing to indicate contamination, that is, until it is obvious that memory is being eaten away at an alarming rate. No one appears to be immune. With no cure, it does not take long for ARIA to become the gravest mankind issue the world, as we know it, has ever been faced with.
I know what it is like to have a loved one suffer from Dementia. It is a cruel disease and heartbreaking for all concerned. But to have the whole population in various stages of rapid amnesia — aggression, mounting diseases, starvation, bodies stinking in the streets and everything in a state of chaos and horror — is a dreaded nightmare from which there is no awakening… or so it seems. But all is not lost — YET.
Our heroes and heroines, highly believable characters who have, so far, escaped contamination are yet to make their mark in world history. Dare we hope the alien force will relent and deliver relief before the END? Or must we put our faith in human resourcefulness?
An unusual, mind-blowing read. I look forward to the second book of the trilogy.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Always check the vehicle you are travelling in. Reviewed in Australia on February 12, 2023. Verified Purchase. Geoff never disappoints, and this is a perfect example of what not to do when you find something attached to your vehicle, be it in space…never bring it back to Earth…but no one listens, and no one remembers. Loved it.
ARIA Trilogy Book 2: Humanity On the Edge of Extinction.
They wiped out most of Humanity in a split second of universal time.
It’s the apocalypse. It’s the extinction of mankind.
The Andromeda Strain meets Memento…
Meet the aliens who came from some deep space universe and brought a pandemic of infectious amnesia to Earth with their “left luggage.” In this gripping ARIA sequel, Returning Left Luggage, the alien invaders ignore the remaining human survivors or enslave them. Will the disparate last survivors form an alliance? The aliens, however, don’t bargain on encountering the psychotic Dr Antonio Menzies, and when he discovers how to use their telepathic-controlled gadgets, odd things happen.
Meanwhile, Ryder Nape – a survivor who escaped the infection – and his isolation group is in the South Pacific facing an invasion of amnesiacs. In France, a bunch of uninfected students discover the truth behind the aliens and their spreading, unkillable bindweed. The survivors’ passion for survival and dystopian experience drive them towards revenge, but can they win against such a strange foe? Can they make a first strike count? The destiny of the human race may be in their hands.
ARIA: Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia
Without our memories, who are we?
“ARIA is a well-written novel with the pace and suspense of a video game (BioShock immediately comes to mind). The balance between character development and plot progression is managed smoothly, along with the thematics, which take the reader through a series of all-too-believable scenarios, chillingly showing how easy it would be for an advanced group of aliens to undermine the human race and have us destroy one another, without the need for any additional weapons or warfare.” By Magdelena Ball
“Geoff Nelder inhabits Science Fiction the way other people inhabit their clothes.” By Jon Courtenay Grimwood
“Geoff Nelder’s ARIA has the right stuff. He makes us ask the most important question in science fiction–the one about the true limits of personal responsibility.” By Brad Linaweaver
Robert J. Sawyer calls ARIA a “fascinating project.”
“ARIA has an intriguing premise, and is written in a very accessible style.” By Mike Resnick
Review by Ulla H: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Original and mind-boggling! Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2015. Years ago, I couldn’t get enough of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books. After that I spent years reading thrillers and suspense. Recently, I was quite excited to hear about The ARIA Trilogy by Geoff Nelder and felt it was time to read a science fiction book again. I’d heard quite a lot about the first book so I decided to get the second book “ARIA: Returning Left Luggage.”
This science fiction series has a truly unique concept dealing with how Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia effects society around the world. Aliens needing the world for their own purpose, decided to clean it up. They released an unavoidable, highly contagious space virus that over a short period of time robbed most people on the planet of their memories, and rendered them helpless and dying.
In this second installment of Aria, small groups of people, still not infected, realize the danger they’re in and flee to isolated areas in different parts of the world. Nelder’s characters are real, human and beautifully flawed. Even Dr. Antonio, to a hesitant degree. I love the dialogue. It’s witty and fun. The writing is great. You come to rote for some individuals as they struggle to survive in their new reality. It’s a fascinating and truly terrifying story. A second space virus released by the aliens stop the memory loss in the people who get in contact with it, but for some it brings other problems. More of that in the third installment, I imagine (hope).
This book made me a science fiction fan all over again. I really recommend it!
Review by Colm Herron: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This gem of a book. Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2016. Here is a modern dystopia formed in the mind of author Geoff Nelder, science fiction writer extraordinaire. It follows on his first book of the trilogy ARIA and tells what happens after the apocalypse of mass memory loss on earth. To give away much would be unforgivable so I’ll confine myself to saying that the cure that comes from space to stop this global amnesia appears to be worse than the sickness itself.
The scenario is as confusing and terrifying as what is now happening in Syria where global powers work with and against each other to pursue their own agendas and nobody knows for sure who’s for what. Except here in Returning Left Luggage there is hilarity to leaven the nightmare. And it is this hilarity that makes Nelder’s novel more than just a remarkable piece of sci-fi. For at the drop of a master’s hat he is able to make me laugh out loud even as I squirm.
POSTSCRIPT: Geoff Nelder uses the acronym ARIA for Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia which is what is brought to earth by evil aliens. But the more I read Returning Left Luggage the more I wondered if Nelder had more than memory loss in mind. For one of the most famous arias in history is Haydn’s The Creation in which Satan and his followers build a palace called Pandemonium. And diabolical pandemonium is what runs amok in this gem of a book.
Review by Paul Goodspeed: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. ARIA II. Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2013. This is a superb novel of the post-apocalyptic genre. In this case the apocalypse arrived in the form of an alien suitcase which, when opened, released an extraordinarily infectious strain of retrograde amnesia — causing a loss of one year of memory, working backward, each week — which infected almost everyone on earth, except small clumps of survivors in widely-separated locales.
This all happened in Volume I of the trilogy, but it isn’t necessary to have read Volume I to thoroughly enjoy Volume II. There’s a one-paragraph synopsis at the beginning which tells the reader how we got to where Volume II starts. That having been said, I would go back and read Volume I if I hadn’t already — reading them in reverse order wouldn’t detract from the interest of Volume I.
Mr. Nelder has, in my view, surpassed his own excellent previous novels with this one. He has continued the saga of the very interesting characters he created in Volume I, with a few new twists. One of the strong points of Mr. Nelder’s work is his dialogue, and that is true here — there’s plenty of dialogue, and it’s witty and snarky and fun.
The basic premise of the trilogy — the retrograde amnesia — is very clever, and Mr. Nelder has thought through how it would impact the earth and what its consequences would be, overall and as to specific individuals.
I don’t know when the final volume of the trilogy will come out, but when it does it will be at the top of my reading list.
Review by Martin Lamberti: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. ARIA II, Returning Left Luggage, and you thought the airlines were bad! Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2013. In ARIA II, the plot thickens, of course. This is expected from an excellent author like Geoff Nelder. Aside from the aliens we have several groups of earthlings working together, (for the most part), but each with their own agenda seeking to save the people of earth, or dominate it on their own, or with each other’s help? Or, possibly with the help of renegade aliens who are, after all, not necessarily in conformance with their own alien “elders.” Apparently, earth’s atmosphere and soil are advantageous to the production of alien super cannabis. Following the plots and fates of the Earthlings will keep you guessing, and Dr. Antonio will make you want to scream. or applaud? Author Geoff Nelder continues to present plausible ideas as he presents insight into the alien mindset. “ARIA 2 Returning Left Luggage” Just as the first book in the ARIA series deals with Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia and it’s effect on society. Truly frightening!
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Aria Trilogy. Reviewed in Australia on January 20, 2023. Verified Purchase. Geoff does SCIFI takes you on this amazing thought-provoking adventure; this one encompasses worldwide amnesia. Subtle idiosyncrasies of such a pandemic make the past three years in lockdown interesting. I did pause as Carnarvon, WA Au, was mentioned and for Australia to make it into mainstream SCIFI! Geoff, you made my day.
Review by L. Sengul: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A must read of apocalyptic and Sci-fi fans! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2015. Verified Purchase. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ARIA, the idea that a virus introduced by Aliens that cause us to lose our memories is very terrifying and the urge to eradicate it is inspired by reading through different character perspectives and the ending has left me wanting to the read the last book in the ARIA Series. A must read of apocalyptic, sci-fi fans!
Review by DJW: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The suspense continues. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2013. Verified Purchase. The trilogy contains all the fundamental ingredients of top-class science fiction. The basic concept of alien infectious amnesia spreading throughout the world and bringing with it the collapse of society as we know it is fascinating enough but Geoff Nelder blends it with the foibles of human beings and the careful manipulation of up to date scientific and computer understanding. A gripping read!
In 2015, a case found in the struts of the International Space Station is brought to Earth. It releases a virus giving people amnesia. They lose their memory at the rate of a years worth every week. No one is immune. Infectious amnesia is unheard of. Industry breaks down as people forget where they work and how to perform their duties. People die as they forget their medication, and production ceases along with food, water supply, and energy. A few small groups realise what is happening in time and find isolated refuges. Ryder Nape takes a group to a secluded Welsh valley where safety from the virus is possible. Biologists call the virus ARIA: Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia.
In this conclusion to the trilogy, Dr. Antonio Menzies arrives on Zadok. The ARIA-3 bomb had reached there two days previously, causing havoc. Surviving Zadokians consider a mass-migration to Earth to escape the effects of ARIA-3. Antonio’s madness grows, and he makes disturbing discoveries in their laboratories.
Meanwhile, Ryder’s group is now on a Pacific Island. His relationship with Jena is unstable and others have coruscating infatuations in tune with the increasingly desperate situation. When their island becomes unsustainable, and the alien-Earth hybrid weed gets out of control, where should they go?
What was the Zadokians’ real purpose with the ARIA viruses, and how does it all end?
“ARIA mingles the most optimistic calculations from the Drake Equation with a distopian outcome, creating a read that is as intriguing as it is fun.” By Magdalena Ball, owner of Compulsive Reader
“If you like your scifi offbeat, original, and backed by science, you’re going to love ARIA.” By Kenyon Charboneaux, editor and writing tutor at Eros & Rust
“ARIA: a smart, entertaining gem.” By Dr. Ira Nayman, author of the Transdimensional Authority Series
Review by AQ: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Move over Edgar Rice Burroughs… Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2017. Verified Purchase. Move over John Carter and the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Mars stories. The Zadokians have it way over the Barsoomians, with their telepathic abilities and multi-millennia existence just four light years from Earth. Geoff Nelder weaves a fantastic sci-fi tale that suspends disbelief and keeps the pages turning at lightspeed. He interjects enough real science to glue things together while playing with outrageous possibilities when aliens interfere with (or help?) the human population on planet Earth. Five stars for this third book of the ARIA trilogy.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Superb Read. Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2017. I’ve been a follower of Geoff Nelder’s writing for many years now, and each time I get one of his books I know that I’m not going to be disappointed. I’m also a big fan of Lit-RPG and post apocalyptical, so the ARIA (Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia) books certainly hit that right on the nose. There’s also opportunities for a game here, with his characters struggling to survive and fight off the plague infested remnants of civilization.
As for infectious amnesia, what a brilliant idea! Kind of scary though, imagine getting on a bus to go to work and forgetting not only where that is but where you live and who your family are. In this final tome Dr. Antonio Menzies arrives on Zadok, where surviving Zadokians are considering mass migration to Earth, to escape the effects of the Aria-3 bomb. Yet back on Earth things are getting desperate for our heroes too. The island they retreated too is becoming unsustainable and the hybrid weed gets out of control.
This is a wonderful Lit-RPG tale and the only complaint I have is that there’s only three books. Any chance of a fourth one, Mr. Nelder?
Review by Paul Goodspeed: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Best of the Trilogy. Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2014. I very much enjoyed the first two books of the ARIA trilogy, so I was looking forward to reading the third. I wasn’t disappointed. In my judgment Abandoned Luggage is the best of the three, and a fitting end to the trilogy. This is post-apocalyptic sci-fi at its best.
Like the first two books, Abandoned Luggage proceeds by switching among several closely-related story lines with different sets of characters, each character and each group interesting in its own way. One thing that I especially liked was that the character I found most interesting in the earlier books, Antonio, played a more major role in this volume. Also, an interesting and enjoyable new character, called Spec-5, joins the cast for this book.
Abandoned Luggage, again like the first two books, is characterized by Mr. Nelder’s superb ability to write dialogue, and his delightfully imaginative treatment of such diverse topics as telepathic communication with aliens and a new earth-threatening scourge arising from the plant world.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, whether or not he or she has read the first two of the trilogy. It’s certainly more fun when one has, but Abandoned Luggage includes a synopsis of the first two books that provides a sufficient starting point for this concluding volume.
Review by Scouser32: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Best of the three. Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2014. Loved this Aria storyline from start to this new finish. Loved Manuel best, how he went from cocky educator in book 1 to depression with amnesia then found new women to share survival and now on a new planet! Loved the new planet – how strange and loved the intelligent mice DNA bird. Hey I misspelt and to DNA and it kind of works. This is the best of the 3 books. Ace. Want another one. Do an Adams and have 4 books in your trilogy.
25 Tales Of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, and Bizarre Fiction
These twenty-five tales from Geoff Nelder have increment as a theme. INCREMENT:
Noun-an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale. Synonyms: increase, addition, gain, augmentation, step up, supplement, addendum, adjunct, accretion, boost, enhancement. Verb-cause a discrete increase in. Mathematically the difference can be negative-decremental.
For example, a pothole doubles in size every day, a meteorite hits the same house daily at the same time, or a heavy leather-bound book on the top shelf teeters closer to toppling at each library visit. A sound is heard all over the Earth, but more worrying, it gets louder each day. A couple of astronauts’ crash land on an ocean planet (apparently) and incrementally sink.
A few stories are more mental than incremental, you’ll see.
Some of the stories have won awards and have been published before, but most of the wordage is new and drawn together for a common theme. I do not apologize for the mix of genres in this collection. I write as the muse takes me and only afterwards am, I asked, is it hard SF, bizarre, horror? You have a smorgasbord of fantasy, science fiction and speculative in your hands.
“Some of these stories are more mental than incremental – all wonderful.” By Limnisa Writers’ Retreat, Greece.
‘A feast of Kafka-esque incremental tales, to be ‘literally’ devoured one after the other… by Mark Iles author of the Pride of Lions #1 best-selling sci fi book.
Review by C. LEWIS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A brilliant read!! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2021. Verified PurchaseA spell binding compilation of page turning stories. Wonderful stuff!!
Review by DAVID LEAPER: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A broad spectrum. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2018. Verified Purchase. I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, sci-fi at it’s best. What I particularly liked is the unpredictable endings to the stories. Geoff Nelder is a visionary writer. This is a must for all lovers of sci-fi and the unknown.
Vengeance Island follows the fate of a sixteenth century abducted family, and of two contemporary lovers thrown together by the ancients. Reece and Zita are unaware that one descends from the pirates, the other from the abducted family. While ancient Gozo spirits seek revenge, so do the Ottoman Corsairs, who intend to roll back history, and this time win the siege of Malta.
The history is real. The places are authentic. The tension and excitement are palpable.
“A gripping tale, full of energy and mystery, keeping you wanting for more with every line you read.” John Bonello, First-Prize Winner of the Malta National Book Award
“I liked it. There’s a foreground of interesting characters combined with a skillfully fed-in hint of weirdness.” Jaine Fenn – Hidden Empire series
A previous version was released as ‘Xaghra’s Revenge’. ‘Vengeance Island’ has been modified.
Review by Aidan Lucid: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Great Read From Geoff Nelder. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2021. Verified Purchase. As always, Geoff delivers with “Vengeance Island”. It’s a fast-paced story combining both the past and present in a truly unique way. The dialogue sings and there’s no letup in the novel’s pacing. A real page turner and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the great man himself, Mr. Nelder. If you’re a fan of Geoff’s work, this won’t disappoint. Get it TODAY!
The city of Mokii exists only in the combined imaginations of its inhabitants. A metaphysical experiment with surprising results. Science fiction but not as you know it. A literary short story.
Hard science fiction novel using quantum time dilation and romance to stop alien artefacts inadvertently destroying the Earth with time quakes.
A previous version was released as ‘Exit: Pursued By A Bee’. ‘ALIEN EXIT’ has been modified.
Review by C. LEWIS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent read. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2020. Verified Purchase. This read romps along and stays the course as a page turner.
Erica is a nine-to-five office temp with flaming red hair, emerald eyes, and black lipstick. The highlights of her day usually include coffee meetings and intoxicated fumblings. An adventurer at heart, she hires a hot-air balloon ride for she and her boyfriend, complete with a champagne lunch.
While in the air, she witnesses an unsavory crime happening on the ground below. The perpetrators spot the balloon, and begin shooting at it, hitting the pilot and killing him. Somehow, Erica and Paul manage to land the balloon but their troubles are not over. They are tracked down and abducted by a gang engaged in human trafficking, and taken to an island in the Mediterranean. Erica soon adapts to gangland ways and uses her charms to escape. Along the way, her life shifts from bored office temp to a feisty Lara Croft now living on adrenaline and dangerous men. She is chased by a rogue named Dean, who is annoyed by Erica but falling for her at the same time.
Hot Air is a contemporary crime novel and a winner of both the Wuacademia Silver Award in 2007 and Prix d’Or (Gold) 2008 for best unpublished novel.
Review by Mrs. G. Hobson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Never mind the title (Hot Air) FEEL the heat! Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2012. Since my eyesight is not good enough for sustained reading, my hubby reads to me several times a day. This is a totally different experience as, unless the reader performs to professional standards, it is easy for the mind to wander. That is, unless the story is really gripping and both reader and listener are alert to every nuance within the written word. This story IS gripping.
What seems like a fantastic birthday present — a trip in a hot air balloon with her wimp of a boyfriend — turns into a nightmare when bullets start ripping through their airborne chariot. What had they done to deserve this unscheduled event? Incredibly, they had witnessed nefarious deeds — murder? torture? gang rape? — taking place within a leafy garden in England’s green and pleasant land. Was that a knife glinting in the sun? Erica’s boyfriend Paul is busy with his camera.
Well, whatever is going off, someone is not pleased to have witnesses. From the death of their balloon pilot to the end of the book, murder, torture, mayhem follows Erica around like a whiff of bizarre perfume as she is chased through air, and across land and water — in ever increasing danger of meeting a horrible death. But her feisty spirit never flags. She trusts no one, and, so it appears, rightly so. Her ingenuity and courage are beyond measure. Often stirred but rarely shaken, she battles to escape both evil men and wild waves to make her way to freedom and so expose the murderous gang after her blood.
Who can she turn to? Unfortunately, those who help her tend to come to a sticky-bloody end. But who is this gangster who saves her life and gets under her skin? What is he really after? Apart from sensuous sex, that is. Many questions, from beginning to end, keep the reader anxious to know the answers. A good dusting of erotica along the way alleviates some of the chilling horror scenes. Mix with suspense, intrigue, humour, and full-blooded characterization, and you have HOT AIR!
We read most of the Thrillers by top authors, Geoff Nelder’s Hot Air ranks easily among them.
Review by Paul Goodspeed: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Fine and Engrossing Read. Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2012. I enjoyed Hot Air from start to finish, and was sad to have reached the end of this fine book. One thing that is very important to me in reading fiction is whether I care about the main characters and what happens to them. Hot Air passes this test easily — Erica is a most engaging character, and her succession of odd adventures keeps the reader (a) wondering what the heck will happen next, and (b) hoping for the best for Erica. If you love the English language, and occasional wordplay, and nuances of meaning and expression, Mr. Nelder is the author for you. If those aren’t particularly important to you, then just enjoy Hot Air as a fine, well-done novel.
The squashed nose on a wet pavement, followed by a brutal yet comic internment led our hero to a gut-wrenching escape.
A dangerous winter trek across the Northumberland Moors, even with a shocking surprising amorous interlude to raise the temperature a little, helps our criminal to survive however he can in the backstreets of Cumbrian towns. But he can’t just hide, he has to find out who is after him and what he discovers is more than is good for him.
Keeping just in front of a devious assassin, his frequently changed identity crosses to Amsterdam where he gets his friends into trouble. Can he find out what is really going on? Can you find out before him?
The clues are all here.
Review by Brett Marl: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Watch out Bill Bryson! Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2005. Verified Purchase. This book is outstanding. I thoroughly recommend reading it. It’s authentic, raw and honest. Has a very unpretentious feel to it and is chocked full of subtle British humor. I haven’t been so amused reading a book since I picked up my first Bill Bryson book.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A hard to put down, stylish romp. Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2006. The title says it all. Geoff Nelder’s <cite>Escaping Reality</cite> is a lighthearted romp which will drag the reader away from any mundane reality into the slapstick pleasure of his saxophonist protagonist Gerry Rickett’s world. Although the coyish self-deprecating Ricketts accuses himself of being gormless, he manages to survive a range of boys-own adventures on his way from the bottom up with “jack-the-lad” cunning. The story puts the reader in the picture immediately as the book opens with Rickett’s arrest for jewelry theft and murder.
As the novel is written in first person, the reader is immediately sympathetic to the cocky Ricketts, whose innocence is accepted by the reader without question. His dawning sense of the unreliability of those around him, along with the odd but effective combination of humorous sarcasm mingled with incredulity makes Ricketts an excellent protagonist, keeping the reader involved through the force of his personality. Ricketts refuses to feel sorry for himself, and hatches a plan to break out of prison and clear his name. Bubble wrap sex, a computer virus, and a white van are all part of the serendipity as Rickett’s works his way out of prison and away from his Dickensian fellow prisoners, who steal his phone cards and lumpy porridge.
At times the plot does strain credulity, and Ricketts’ sexual exploits, however well drawn, are about as likely as his eventual victory over bureaucracy, a drug cartel, and to a lesser extent, the forces of ennui. He almost makes being on the run sound easy, although there are plenty of cold, wet nights, brakeless cycle rides, smelly sheds, and a little farmhouse nookie. Because this is such a fun story, and Rickett’s such a compelling character, verisimilitude is the least important thing about Escaping Reality. Nelder builds suspense well, using foreshadowing, pacing and rhythm to speed up the book where necessary.
Never do we doubt Rickett’s story, since the first-person narrative places us on the road with him. The reader wants and expects Ricketts to find the real criminal and get his compensation. Rickett’s crimes are small (stealing a prized motorbike, humiliating his girlfriend, and putting his friends in danger), especially in comparison to the real bad guys, and he never intends to do any harm. Like his friend Preston, whose name he uses while on the run, his mal-used wife, and his (reasonably mal-used) moll (who has a few secrets of her own), the reader is prepared to not only forgive, but support Gerry Ricketts, making this a very satisfying read.
The unlikely heroism is also bolstered by an authentic and well-drawn setting. Nelder’s prison avoids cliché, as it focuses, with great humour, on the day-to-day details of life.
Nelder’s description of Amsterdam is rich with detail, taking us around the docks and deep into the heart of Westerdok. The mystery reveals itself bit by bit through a number of straight and crooked policemen, along with a few cases of Glod beer, plenty of camaraderie, and another continental shift. Well written, clever, and full of black wit. Escaping Reality is a hard to put down, stylish romp. There are laugh out loud moments, in prison, on the run, and back in prison again, plenty of twists, a compelling cast, an evocative setting, and heart beating drama. This is the kind of book you can read in a few days or less, and then pick up again for another round, solely for the pleasure of it.
Twenty-three illustrated tales of science fiction by authors Geoff Nelder of Great Britain and Robert Blevins of the United States.
Stories include ‘Last Train Home,’ ‘Hole Card,’ ‘Prime Meridian, ‘The Earth and the Lion,’ and others. Blevins and Nelder are the founders of Adventure Books of Seattle and serve as editors for the famous science fiction magazine, Escape Velocity.
About The Author: Geoff Nelder is a freelance writer living in Chester, UK.
A former high school teacher of geography and information technology, he has had non-fiction books published on microclimates in the UK along with several articles in academic journals such as Weather, Geographical Magazine and the Times Educational Supplement. Geoff is a part-time journalist contributing humorous travel accounts to Cycling World.
He has had short stories published and won a commendation for a story in the Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Competition. He won first prize in the Cafe Doom short story competition in 2005. Besides his 2005 released humour novel, Escaping Reality, published by Brambling Books, he won an award for mystery thriller, Hot Air, to be published by a Dutch Arts Academy in 2009, and a Science Fiction block buster, Left Luggage is in the hands of an agent. Double Dragon Publishing published Geoff’s Exit, Pursued by a Bee science fiction in 2008.
Geoff is an editor for Adventure Books of Seattle, co-editor of Escape Velocity – a print and ezine magazine of science fact and fiction. He has been a freelance editor of novels and short stories for several years. Geoff is the 2009 sort-fiction judge for the Whittaker Prize.
Additional Books:
Best of British Science Fiction 2020 Jul 27, 2021 by Donna Scott, M. R. Carey, Lavie Tidhar, Anne Charnock, Liz Williams, Ian Watson, RB Kelley, Eric Brown, Ida Keogh, Neil Williamson
M is for Monster Oct 27, 2010 by Ian Woodhead, Serenity Banks, David Youngquist, Simon Unsworth, Geoff Nelder, Kate Jonez, Zach Black, John Prescott, Ash Krafton, Adrian Chamberlin
CROOKED TALES: Deception & Revenge in 14 Short Stories Sep 1, 2016 by Mark Fine, Pamela Crane, Traci Sanders, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Joseph Mark Brewer, Keith Dixon, Eric J. Gates, Geoff Nelder, Anita Kovacevic, Michelle Medhat
Once Upon A Scream Feb 7, 2022 by Dorothy Davies, Dan Allen, Rie Sheridan Rose, Brooke MacKenzie, Stuart Holland, David Turnbull, Gina Easton, Liam Spinage, Jason R Frei, Geoff Nelder
SFerics 2017 Oct 22, 2017 by Rosie Oliver, Roz Clarke
The Horror Zine Magazine Summer 2017 May 2, 2017 by Jeani Rector, Vitaly S. Alexius, Peter Ferguson Swarr, Liz McAdams, Ariana Carlson, katie Marie, David Subacchi, Teresa Frazee, Edmund Stone, James Ward Kirk
The Horror Magazine Spring 2020 Feb 4, 2020 by Jeani Rector, Jeffrey Genung, Kristen Houghton, Harrison Kim, Richard Dawkinson, Juan Perez, Stephanie Smith, Lori Lopez, Kim Vincent, Sana Amber
The Horror Zine Magazine Spring 2016 Nov 14, 2015 by Charles E.J. Moulton, John T. Biggs, Timothy Wilkie, Geoff Nelder, John C. Adams, Sebastian Crow, Kristen Houghton, Frank Schury, Larry Hinkle, Jeani Rector
Personal Bests Journal Issue 1 Aug 6, 2020 by David Gardiner Editor
Twisted Tails IX: Wunderkind Jan 27, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Twisted Tails VIII: Para-abnormal Jan 20, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Shrieks and Shivers from the Horror Zine Jan 6, 2015 by William F. Nolan, Ray Garton, Elizabeth Massie, Lisa Morton, Joe McKInney, Tim Waggoner, Martin Rose, Jeani Rector, Bentley Little
100 Stories for Queensland May 3, 2011 by Jodi Cleghorn, Kate Eltham
Monk Punk Apr 19, 2011 by A.J. French, D. Harlan Wilson, Dean M. Drinkel, Geoff Nelder, Adrian Chamberlin, John R. Fultz, William Meikle, R. B. Payne, Sean T. M. Stiennon, Zach Black
A Secret in Ash Brooke by Dutch Rhudy Summary: A small
town detective agreed to mentor a local newspaper reporter who wished to
enhance his sleuthing hobby. In the process of improving his observational
skills, the reporter scrutinized various citizens torso and behavior.
As his facial recognition abilities increased, he grew
more aware of subtle similarities and differences. The reporter soon became
intrigued with an exceptional physical likeness between two young women. Each
portray different cultures, and appear nothing alike in manner of dress, or in
their separate lifestyles. The reporter, convinced they must be twins,
maintained a constant vigil on his suspects. He befriended one of these ladies
to learn more about her.
All attempts at justifying to himself she was a twin,
proved futile. Subtle comments among her friends and family, confirmed she had
only one sibling, an older brother. These facts led our sleuth-hound reporter,
to believe these two women were one in the same person. Turning his attention
from the proper lady, with her strict religious upbringing; to the one of
questionable moral values. His observations only invited confusion and
generated unanswered questions. Each time his suspicions exposed another clue,
a positive clarification negated the probability. Their timetables overlapped,
and one person cannot possibly be in two places at the same time. Or can they?
Certain his assumptions are correct; our reporter continued his quest to learn the truth. Log Line: How can she be in two places at the same time? Tag Line: Never take anyone at face value.
5 Stars: Detective Fiction With A Little History Thrown In!
If you enjoy mystery, detective fiction with a little history thrown in, ‘A Secret In Ash Brooke’ should be your next read.
The small-town setting depicts both the advantages and disadvantages of communities where people know each other intimately.
I especially liked the small mill town setting where men went off to war and some returned. Where women left the security of their homes (changing women’s roles forever) to help in the war efforts and hold their communities together.
Sometimes it takes another perspective to not only notice but unravel secrets that loom large but that are dismissed by ordinary life. Dutch Rhudy’s characters are well suited for the mystery that unfolds in Ash Brooke.
Boot & Milk Balls
take us back in time to the mirth and madness of a bygone era.
The antics of fun-loving,
hometown characters, often turn bazaar.
Two popular legends,
grossly entwined, evolve to become one macabre tradition.
Three additional short stories; Lost Books Found, Hidden Treasures and The MPA; bring this mischievous Des Peres, Missouri era to a close.
Product Details: Print Length: 19 Pages Publisher: Classic Haus Limited, L.C.; Third Edition (March 17, 2014) Language: English Short Story (Single Books and Collections)
Lady Buff & Yardstick: The Three-Footed Kitten by Dutch Rhudy.
Set in a famous Franciscan Monk’s Art Studio.
Lady Buff & Yardstick is a heart-warming story of
a mother and kitten.
Shunned by mama Magdalena and befriended by Brother Matthew; curious little Yardstick provides funding for a new infirmary roof.
Product Details: Print Length: 13 Pages Publisher: Classic Haus Limited, L.C.; Third Edition (September 30, 2013) Language: English Short Story (Single Books and Collections)
Within the confines of a
highly secured area, a sniper kills the state senator. The police apprehend the
suspect in under three minutes.
Successful in his devious
plan to hide the rifle; the killer waited on a bench and showed no sign of
fleeing. An extended search by the FBI failed to locate the murder weapon.
With no evidence to hold him, the sniper walked. The case remained unsolved for years.
Product Details: Print Length: 17 Pages Publisher: Classic Haus Limited, L.C.; Second Edition (March 22, 2014) Language: English Short Story (Single Books and Collections)
Set
in a tiny rural community, where everyone crosses paths daily. The Vanishing
Corn Mystery introduces us to a paranoid retired farmer. Like the little boy
who cried wolf; Hank Swazi complains to the townsfolk about repeated thefts.
To
put a stop to these imaginary crimes, he frequently replaces every hasp, latch
and lock. From grain bins, secured tighter than Fort Knox, Hank-the-crank
begins missing a measurable amount of corn. His obsessive-compulsive disorder
drives him to take inventory, level and mark the remaining volume, every time
he fetches a pailful.
Unbroken hidden seals on the padlocks, clear those he accused of thievery. Hank devises a plan and starts on his quest to discover the culprit.
Product Details: Print Length: 22 Pages Publisher: Classic Haus Limited, L.C.; Second Edition (March 28, 2014) Language: English Short Story (Single Books and Collections) Teens and Young Adults
About Dutch Rhudy: Dutch Rhudy;
referred to by his peers as the master of Mystery, Mayhem and Madness; resides
in a quaint, east Tennessee post war cottage.
Any similarity to serenity,
abruptly ends right here. For this mysterious Author of Mischief is about to
enter his study. Or should I say, make an attempt at entry.
With a quick two-step,
hop-scotching around and over the wildlife feeding pans strewn along the
pathway, his feet manage to find a surviving clear landing spot at the study
door. He reaches for the doorknob, gives it a sharp push, then stands in the
doorway carefully eyeing a profusion of every trinket imaginable, gathered to
study and perhaps use as a cue for a scene in a novel; this Pandemonium Plus
setting leaves not a square inch of surface or floor area. Born in the mid-1940s;
Rhudy actively interacted with his older relatives from the pre-1900s era.
Each had a story to tell about the
good old days, their pioneer ancestors, the many antics they pulled as
children; including more serious matters, about crime escalating over the years
and how they confronted these issues.
Each family gathering added more
unique stories of mirth and suspense which have found their way into Rhudy’s mental
archives. As a young man, Rhudy worked evenings as a disc-jockey and script
writer. Once available for full-time work, he assisted a small advertising firm
and worked as a ghost writer for a columnist.
Through this association more work
followed; with a request to ghost write several novels for teens and young
adults, his career was under way and consumed over a decade before he took a break
from writing. Rhudy is getting on up in years; the nest now deserted, peace and
quiet has returned to the Rhudy household. Retirement affords him the time to
release under the Roaring Falls series, many colorful stories spanning over 150
years.
Included within each story are
glimpses into the history of his hometown, its activities and bring to life the
many crimes from past to present. Often called “That Mysterious Mystery
Solving Mayor of Roaring Falls,” Rhudy claims he solves no crimes; he
allows the unraveling of each mystery be conducted by the world-renowned
Rumbleigh Investigations.
There is much more about Roaring
Falls than appears on the surface; If there is a secret to discover; a scandal,
a sinister character, a hidden romance, or clue for solving a crime; some
character will invariably let it slip out.
Author’s Published Works:
The Roaring Falls Series
Historical Series:
The
History of Roaring Falls: Draft Completed, In Editing, Not Yet Published
The
Journal of Josiah Stren 1828 – 1829 (Example Only): In Production
Mystery Series (Examples Only):
Death
on The Landing
Riverboat
Murders
The
Oracle at Winnowing Rock
Torchlight
at Summit Ridge
Romance Series (Examples Only):
Phoebe’s
Wish
The
Blue Petticoat
Prom
Night Parties
Secret
Life of Maggie Grupp
Stand-Alone Novels (Stand-alone
publications):
Fiction
A
Secret In Ash Brooke
Short Stories (Stand-alone publications):
Non-Fiction
Boot
& Milk Balls (Plus three additional short stories)
The Adventures of Cocoa and Cream-Remarkable Twin Ponies by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.
Meet Cocoa and Cream, the amazing twin ponies with wild, untamed manes! They are anything but ordinary. Cocoa and Cream have a big dream: to teach little kids how to ride and help them discover their incredible potential. Join Cocoa and Cream, and discover the countless ways these special ponies help kids like you reach their goals!
Awards:
Literary Titan Gold Medal For Cocoa and Cream
SpeakUpTalkRadio.com/ Firebird Award for illustrations
SpeakUpTalkRadio.com/ Firebird Award for interior
Speak Up Talk Radio.com/ Firebird Award for Juvenile Fiction
Review by Sherry Ellis (VINE VOICE): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Sweet Story of Two Talented Ponies. Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023. Verified Purchase. Cocoa and Cream are adorable twin ponies who not only perform well but can understand and speak with humans. They are gentle and helpful with children learning how to ride. This is especially important because one of the children in the story is handicapped.
The Adventures of Cocoa and Cream illustrates the value of empathy, patience, and kindness. It’s a wholesome book perfect for young horse lovers.
Review by Virginia Wright (Author of Timothy the Christmas Mouse): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fun, creative, horse story for kids…Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023. Verified Purchase. The Adventures of Cocoa and Cream-Remarkable Twin Ponies by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a fun, creative horse story about twin ponies kids will adore. Have you read any of this author’s other books? Deanie’s writing has earned the coveted Mom’s Choice Awards for My Life at Sweetbrier and A Tractor Named Wilbur. Check them out!
Review by Mary Schmidt: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Lovely stories for kids. Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023. Verified Purchase.This book for children centers around two girls, twin ponies, and a ranch. Okay, nothing big about that, what????? The ponies can speak!! Wow. The ponies and main characters go into different scenes in each chapter, and they read like a new story. I find that to be a clever writing style.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful Story that puts you right in the Stables! Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2023. Wonderfully written by the author who brought me right into the Ryder Family. I loved the bond the two sisters had and how their relationship between them and their dad were woven into the two twin ponies Cocoa and Cream. I found myself rooting for Nancee through her journey back from her journey. Dee was supportive the whole way and that empathy and encouragement was passed on down when a new girl in town Ellie came into the mix. I love how the horses and Fredie could talk but only the kids could hear them. Great story for little girls and great story if you love horses! I felt like I was in the family stables, dinner table, school, and competition venues!
Review by kidztales: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. You Can Do It Too! Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2023. This is the story of two talented ponies named Cocoa and Cream. They weren’t ordinary ponies. What made them different? They were twins. It’s very unusual for horses to have twins.
Mr. Ryder bought them one day to help handicapped children learn to ride. He had two young daughters, Dee and Nancee, who were very surprised to hear the ponies talk to them. In fact, Cocoa helped Nancee strengthen her legs and keep her from falling off his back. He did this by gently turning his body.
Cocoa and Cream do a lot more than teach children to ride. They help children get over their fear of horses. Besides that, there are trails to ride and horse shows to enter!
Ms. Humphreys-Dunne has done it again in bringing us this special book. It teaches handicapped children that they can ride horses and maybe enter shows, too!
Review by Theodore J. Cohen: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A treat for children who love horses and ponies… Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023. Who doesn’t like ponies, much less stories about these small horses? It’s the unusual child, indeed, who can’t remember being taken to the park or, perhaps, a fair or carnival, placed on the back of one of these gentle creatures, and then, walked around the ring while mom and dad waved and took pictures of the event. Memories like these stay with us forever.
Which is why children will love the new book by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne. It tells the story of twin ponies Cocoa and Cream who come to live with Mr. and Mrs. Ryder and their daughters, Dee and Nancee. Nancee, it turns out, was the victim of an automobile accident, so riding a pony is somewhat difficult for her. That said, learning to ride also is important to her recovery, which is one of the most important lessons of the book: learning to ride and take care of ponies is great therapy for children of all ages (and not too few adults, I might add). This lesson is driven home even more when the riding school run by Mr. and Mrs. Ryder help other students gain confidence in themselves.
Children who are “into” horses and ponies will love the use of terms associated with the care, feeding, training, and showing of these animals. Who knew, for example, that ponies have their legs wrapped to protect them when they are transported by trailer? Or that horses at shows with red ribbons on their tails kick out when you’re too close to them?
This is truly a lovely book for children who love animals. It’s one they will read many times because of both the story and the information it contains.
Finally, a tip-of-the-hat to the illustrator, Mirjana Bubevska, for some of the most charming illustrations I’ve seen anywhere.
Review by J L. Mitchell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Children’s Book. Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023. Such a cute little children’s book! Who doesn’t love a good motivational story encouraging kids to gain confidence in themselves and spread kindness to others!? Perfect read for those who love ponies and other animals!Check out other exciting books by talented author, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.
“The power of a young girl’s passion, perseverance, and determination and the effect of a family’s support, love and commitment, are celebrated in this remarkable true story of an extraordinary individual.
Deanie, pursued her dream with tenacity and persistence, and against many odds achieved success in the very demanding world of competitive horse shows.
This wonderfully inspirational story begins with a challenge to young readers that would make it difficult for them to put the book down. Deanie asks ‘Have you ever really wanted to be able to do something, but you came across a roadblock of some kind?’ and goes on to inquire ‘Are you going to follow your dream, or are you going to push it aside without even trying?”
My Life At Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.
What if you grew up on a horse farm and your single passion was to become a champion horseback rider?
The problem is, you were born with a disability. Doctors tell your parents you’ll never walk, let alone ride.
What will happen next?
What does her dad do that changes her life?
Will a failed racehorse and a handicapped girl become a winning team?
This is the author’s true story of her journey. Even if Deanie prevails, will she find exactly the right horse to help her win?
“Beautiful book and the illustrator did a marvelous job! We plan to give Wilbur much deserved exposure in the coming year.” ~Theodocia McLean, Book Marketing Global Network
Review by Emily Jane Hills-Orford (5 Stars): “This is Deanie’s story. My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses is a motivating memoir by a remarkable horsewoman, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne. The memoir is written to inspire readers of all ages to work towards their goals, their dreams, and to never give up…A powerful message of compassion and determination.” for Reader’s Favorite
Review by Christine, from Equus Education: “This story is a beautiful one of persistence and never giving up on your dreams. The fact that it is based on her real life is sure to inspire readers. As it says in My Life at Sweetbrier, Deanie wants children to remember never to give up on their dreams because anything is possible if you don’t give up… It includes some great photos of the people and horses in the book. My Life at Sweetbrier is a delightful read that is sure to inspire and encourage.”
5 Star Review by SonataSM: “The style is delightful, teaching lessons on owning a horse and on riding and jumping plus explaining terms as you go along. Definitions are woven into the story seamlessly. Along the way, you can’t miss the lessons in family love, encouragement and loyalty. The last chapter brings this all together with encouraging each child to persevere through all of life’s trial and tribulations. The pictures of the farm, you and the horses help the reader remember this is not a novel, but a true story of someone who overcame great odds. Your teacher mode came out with the questions and answers at the end. All aspects were well thought out and brought together so well. I highly recommend “My Life at Sweetbrier: A Life Changed by Horses”.”
Review by Literary Titans, Thomas Anderson: “I loved that the author included family photographs and pictures of the house and barns at Sweetbrier and the horses owned by the Humphrys Family while Deanie was growing up. There were also pictures of the Humphrys sisters jumping at various horse shows. This is an inspirational story that excellently conveys the moments and emotions of Deanie’s life. This book invites readers into a personal story, one that is told boldly, and I appreciated it.”
Review by Kris Miller, Top Shelf Magazine: “A children’s book that should be within every classroom.”
5 Star Review by Hollie Anne Marsh: “This book is truly inspiring and I couldn’t put it down. I think it is a lovely book for children, adults, horse lovers and people that love inspiring true stories.”
5 Star Review by K Nhin: “This book is great in that it incorporates the author’s lessons learned in life. Awesome book!”
5 Star Review by Meilssa Johns: “A story about a miracle, persistence and courage. Although the relationship between Deanie and her horses make for a charming children story, the greatest value the book offers is the idea of persistence. Deanie faced a lot of challenges, and though she cried at times, fell down many times, she was determined and had the heart of a champion. This book is a great chapter book for children 8 and older to learn about overcoming difficulty, adversity, sadness and rising above and never feel defeated. Each challenge makes us stronger. Life is truly a lesson. I think this is a great birthday or Christmas gift for any child. I really enjoyed reading it. I give this book 5 stars. It is well written, engaging, detailed, and nicely illustrated. Although the message was very clear, the author ensures the reader gets it by having a final chapter called Pearls of Wisdom and follows up with reading comprehension questions that the author calls a quiz, the answers so that children can check their understanding and the biography.”
5 Star Review by Debra Cox: “I was moved by this inspirational true story. My motto is also, ‘Never give up,’ and now, I’m certain, it’s definitely the right attitude to have in life. Children will be motivated to try their best, definitely recommending it!”
Review by Beth Kallman Werner: “This book is amazing. No wonder it won so many awards. If you have children or buy gifts for children, especially anyone who loves animals and horses, buy this book and the others by this author.”
5 Star Review by Tina Collins: “Deanie Humphrys-Dunne has written such a heart-warming true account of her life with her family and horses. With her family’s encouragement and the partnerships, she develops with her ponies, she works through the difficulties that come her way. It’s hard not to love this novel simply because of the will to succeed of its author. Such an inspiring read!”
5 Star Review by Debra Cox: “Life is tough, sometimes. But, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne proves to readers in My Life at Sweetbrier, that if they persevere, anything is possible. The author encourages children to set goals and reach for their dreams, as one day they may even beat the odds, like she did.”
Wilbur is very excited to present the second book in the Wilbur the Tractor series.
Review by Hollie Anne Marsh, Children’s Author: “A sweet story about Wilbur the cutest tractor, who faces an unknown future with patience and hope. This story features Wilbur’s adorable friend Hattie, who supports him along the journey into his new home.”
Review by J. Spina: Children will love adorable little Wilbur who is shy and has difficulty meeting new people. Wilbur will teach them to be patient and learn how to adjust to new people and places.
Review by Barbara A. Mojica: Will Wilbur find a new friend and a good fit for his skills? Read this adorable picture book to find out…A beautifully told tale appropriate for primary grade and beginning chapter book readers
Review by Grady Harp: Award winning Connecticut children’s book author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne writes enchanting stories that not only entertain youngsters and share insights into developmental life lessons, but by placing the stories with animal (and mechanical!) characters, the stories become more accessible for learning…. This is a fine story about friendship, about enjoying chores, and about changes that can open doors for new possibilities.
Review by G. Sedlmayer: What a perfect story for preschoolers and elementary students…Very well written with pretty artwork.
Review by MBK’s: “This second in the “Wilbur the Tractor” series is as fun and entertaining as the first volume and a must for every little child’s library. Highly recommended.
Review by Virginia Wright: Adorable story about a tractor…Recommended for your little one’s library.
Product Details: Paperback: 53 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (November 29, 2021) Author Connections LLC (Editor) Wanda L. Urabazo (Illustrator) Language: English Age Range: Beginner Readers Grade Level: Beginner Readers
Friendships Last Forever (Wilbur The Tractor Book One).
WILBUR is a small, shy tractor. He loves cutting the grass for Jim. But what happens when he must find a new home? Will Jim still be his friend? Who will the new owner be? WILBUR would love for you to take him home and read about his adventure. A Tractor Named Wilbur is the first in a fun series coming your way!
Jim McNab was proud that Wilbur stayed with him all his life. They met five years ago and they have been together since then. Wilbur was happy that Jim took good care of him and his red paint looked as shiny as the first day they met. They did lots of work together like mowing the grass and plowing snow in the winter. Jim planned to buy the lot across the street to have his own vegetable farm and he was not sure if Wilbur would get hurt mowing a big field like that. Wilbur was getting old and Jim decided to find him a new home where he would be loved. Wilbur was sad and he did not want to leave. Jim promised to visit him in his new home.
Would he be happy in his home and would he be able to make new friends?
5 Star Review by Reader’s Favorite reviewer, Mamta Madhavan: “A Tractor Named Wilbur: Friendship Lasts Forever by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a fun read about friendship and the story will bring a smile to the faces of young readers. It will also make them eager for the next book to read about Wilbur’s adventures in his new home. Holly Humphrys-Bajaj breathes life into the story with her wonderful illustrations and gives Wilbur a personality of his own. It is a lovely bedtime storybook and can be used in classrooms and school libraries for read-aloud and storytelling sessions. The questions at the end make the book interactive and fun, and perfect for classroom.”
5 Star Review by Grady Harp: “Award winning children’s book author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne writes enchanting stories that not only entertain youngsters and share insights into developmental life lessons, but by placing the stories with animal (and mechanical!) characters, the stories become more accessible for learning. This book A TRACTOR NAMED WILBUR is enhanced by the superb illustrations of Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, Deanie’s talented sister. This is a fine story about friendship, about enjoying chores, and about changes that can open doors for new possibilities. Children (and their reading parents) will have fun while learning important life lessons. There is a little quiz at book’s end to underline new knowledge. Recommended.”
Review by Literary Titan: “A Tractor Named Wilbur by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a short yet adorable children’s book featuring a little red tractor named Wilbur who lives in a barn. This book contains key elements of a good children’s book such as interesting characters children can relate to, integral moral values and entertaining illustrations to keep readers hooked. The theme of the book is lighthearted and cheerful, making it perfect for young kids’ enjoyment.”
Review by Hollie Anne Marsh (Children’s Author): “This is a lovely story about a tractor called Wilbur, that should appeal to both young boys and girls with not only an adorable red tractor, but also Susie squirrel and Hattie the chicken.
What I liked most about this story, is it’s an easy read, that brings the little tractor to life with adorable life-like traits, such as bouncing on his tires when he’s excited, flashing his headlights and sadly, when tears trickled down his headlights.
This book teaches responsibility and appreciation of owning something like a tractor, with the owner Jim meticulously caring for the tractor each day. Also, Wilbur’s excellent attitude to trying new jobs; such as raking leaves and plowing snow. The book also teaches children to see the bright side and that changes in life are not always bad. A lovely tale, that will capture children’s imagination and I am sure will become a night-time favourite.”
Review by Beth Kallman Werner: “New children’s book release! Super sweet and always with a simple but powerful lesson for young readers to learn.”
5 Star Review byKaren Smith: “Totally awesome. The pictures are great.”
5 Star Goodreads Review by Julie Flanders: “Another sweet story from Humphrys-Dunne! Wilbur is a darling little tractor and a character that is sure to appeal to children.
A Tractor Named Wilbur by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a short yet adorable children’s book featuring a little red tractor named Wilbur who lives in a barn….
This book contains key elements of a good children’s book such as interesting characters children can relate to, integral moral values and entertaining illustrations to keep readers hooked. The theme of the book is lighthearted and cheerful, making it perfect for young kids’ enjoyment.”
Un tractor llamado Wilburby Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.
las amistades duran para siempre (Spanish Edition).
Wilbur es un pequeño tractor tímido. Le encanta cortar la hierba para Jim. Pero, ¿qué pasa cuando debe encontrar un nuevo hogar? ¿Jim seguirá siendo su amigo? ¿Quién será su nuevo dueño? A Wilbur le encantaría que lo llevaras a casa y leyeras su aventura.”Una historia encantadora que capturará la imaginación de los niños y estoy seguro de que se convertirá en una de las historias favoritas a la hora de dormir.”
Book Review by Ana Morris: Este cuento es muy lindo. A los niños les encantará un tractor que habla y siente. Los diálogos con el granjero son muy cariñosos.”~ 5-stars~
Book Review by Jazz with Books: The illustrations are so cute and engaging! I would definitely recommend reading!” (5 stars)
Book Review by Melissa: Agradable cuento sobre el amor hacia las máquinas. Inusual tema que atrapa a los niños pequeños.” 5-stars~
Book Review by S. Jackson AKA Mary Schmidt: The relationship between human and tractor is like life, tears included and with feelings. Life lessons to be learned, great to stretch your wings past the point that you think you can’t go past. I loved the six questions in the back asking kids what they remember of this story. Wonderful illustrations. Perfect five-star book.”
Product Details: Series: Un Tractor Llamado Wilbur (Book 1) Paperback: 40 Pages Language: Spanish Age Range: Beginner Readers Grade Level: Beginner Readers Sleep Issues Spanish/Español
Charlie is an adorable young horse. He wants to be a famous racehorse like his dad, Charles the Great. But he doesn’t like to focus on his work. He’d rather munch on flowers.
Who helps him progress toward his big dream?
What happens when he has trouble on the racetrack?
Does he persevere? Does his dream come true?
Charlie’s story will help your child learn the importance of working hard, setting goals and persevering. Your child will enjoy this tale that Charlie narrates.
5 Star Review by Vernita Naylor (Reader’s Favorites): “I highly recommend Charlie the Horse by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne because children will be fully engaged while reading it. They will enjoy following Charlie and his adventures, and they will learn various types of lessons like doing your best no matter how you feel, as Charlie was told by his mentor, retired racehorse and legend in his own right, General Quick. Additionally, in reading Charlie the Horse, children will become involved and parents can gauge their understanding as they are asked questions about the story, which will in turn enhance their learning experience.”
Review by Sarah Mazor: “Teachers and librarians ought to introduce kids to Deanie Humphrys-Dunne’s lovely books. Ms. Dunne’s books are beautifully written and convey wonderful life lessons to children and their caregivers. Highly recommended!”
5 Star Review by Jim Lyons (Goodreads): “The first in a series of short books that are ideal for young (5-7) auditory learners.”
Review by Net Galley (Reviewer 348419): “Lovely book. My son loved me reading it to him. The targeted audience. It was easy to read and well written.”
5 Star Review by Patricia Daly-Lipe: “Charlie the Horse’ is a wonderful book not only for children but adults as well to learn about the road to the racetrack by thoroughbred horses. It is especially appropriate now that we are in the Triple Crown and summer racing season. Beautifully illustrated by the author’s sister, Holly, it is lovely book to keep forever in your library for enjoyment and reference.”
5 Stars Review by Ellie: “My name is Ellie and I’m 12. I really liked this book. I liked reading about the relationships between the horses, but I mostly liked it as an athlete. I’m an athlete just like Charlie (except I do gymnastics, not running), and I really liked the message that competing takes lots of practice, that it’s okay if you don’t always win, that you need to try your best and that sometimes you can have challenges that you just need to find a solution for (like blinkers); it doesn’t mean you have to give up.”
Review by Anne H., Bookseller (NetGalley): “Charlie the Horse is a coming-of-age tale with important lessons for all kids. The story follows Charlie from when he is a little foal until he is a great racehorse. There are important characters which help him along the way. The story also has a great lesson in the end about staying humble.”
5 Stars Review by Cheryl L. (NetGalley): “A well written lovely tale that tells all about what being a racehorse is like, this coming straight from the horse’s mouth of course (pun intended). For kids who love horses and animals, this is a cute and fun way to learn about their favorite animal. A lovely little educative package with great illustrations.”
Review by Maja V. (Net Galley): “This was such a lovely short story that I think the kids will really like to read about, especially since it’s about a horse’s journey to becoming the best racehorse. Also, the illustrations were quite nice and added that something special to the story. I would definitely recommend others to give this book a try.”
5 Star Review by Yossi Lapid: “Racehorse Magic – A Five Stars Read! I have limited experience with horses but I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating tale of hard work, perseverance and well-deserved success. The author does a great job of conveying some timeless messages about setting-goals and overcoming challenges through a highly entertaining, richly informative and perfectly paced story. The book is divided into easy-to-follow chapters and each chapter reflects a step in the evolution of the main character, Charlie the Horse. Told in a charming first-person voice, the story offers a unique glimpse into the life of a thoroughbred from the horse’s point of view. Readers will easily feel the horse’s emotions of fear and thrill as he struggles with difficult situations and overcomes them. Beautifully crafted illustrations complement the story. A splendid book that will delight readers of all ages.”
5 Star Review by K Nhin: “Love it when authors marry lessons with a storyline. And this book does not disappoint.”
Review by Patricia S. (NetGalley): “I sat down one night and started reading this book. I was looking for a story for my great niece. I really liked the way the author took us from Charlie being a foal up to his first big race. The moral of the story for me and I think for your children is that working hard and setting goals is a good thing. It also shows that if you persevere you will succeed. You young readers will love the story that Charlie tells us in his own words. I would get your kids to read it this summer.”
5 Star Review by Ellen (Goodreads): “It was amazing, A must-read book for parents and children. A wonderful tale that teaches children that teamwork, perseverance and determination will help you achieve anything you want in life.”
5 Star Review by Theodore J. Cohen: “Leaving home is the least of Charlie’s concerns. Overcoming his fears in preparing for the races into which he is entered present far greater challenges. Another horse by the name of The General–a mentor of sorts–guides Charlie, encouraging him never to give up, regardless of what life throws at him. This lesson, above all, is probably one of the most important “takeaways” a child can derive from reading this book (not that more than a few adults might benefit as well!). That the story is about a horse only enhances the book’s value for young readers, as do the beautiful illustrations by Holly Humphrys-Bajaj. Five STARS all the way.”
Review by Reviewer 98309 (Net Galley): “My daughter loved Charlie the Horse. We enjoyed reading it together. I give it five stars and highly recommend it.”
5 Star Review by Hagit Oron: “What a beautiful story! The plot follows Charlie the horse from the moment he’s born until he is a fully grown racing horse. The story is told via Charlie’s eyes and we share his thoughts, fears, and excitements. The black and white illustrations are artistic and delicate. They enrich the story. Any child with love to horses will surely enjoy this delightful story of Charlie the horse.”
Review by Denise W. (NetGalley): “Charlie the Horse is a very good children’s book that teaches cause and effect, sacrifice and gain, perseverance and hope. This is a great story to give children a chance to see how decisions, even small ones, can impact the outcome of your life.”
5 Star Review by Jim Lyons (Goodreads): “The first in a series of short books that are ideal for young (5-7) auditory learners.”
5 Star Review by Cheryl Ann L. (NetGalley): “A well written lovely tale that tells all about what being a racehorse is like, this coming straight from the horse’s mouth of course (pun intended). For kids who love horses and animals, this is a cute and fun way to learn about their favorite animal. A lovely little educative package with great illustrations.”
Review by Yossi Lapid (Children’s Author): “The author does a great job of conveying some timeless messages about setting-goals and overcoming challenges through a highly entertaining, richly informative and perfectly paced story. The book is divided into easy-to-follow chapters and each chapter reflects a step in the evolution of the main character, Charlie the Horse. Told in a charming first-person voice, the story offers a unique glimpse into the life of a thoroughbred from the horse’s point of view. Readers will easily feel the horse’s emotions of fear and thrill as he struggles with difficult situations and overcomes them. Beautifully crafted illustrations complement the story. A splendid book that will delight readers of all ages.”
Review by Jessica Dickstein, Author: “A wonderful story for both adults and children alike! Charlie is so likeable as a character and I found myself connecting with him as he trains for racing at the Sweetbrier Racing Stable. This is a story about the power of determination. Charlie knows what he wants and is persistent in achieving his goal.”
Review by Author Virginia Wright: “An adorable story, especially for horse lovers.”
Review by Rhonda Patton, Author: “An inspiring book for any child. It was a fun experience reading this book.”
Charlene the Star was born into a family of famous racehorses. Unlike her big brother, Charlie, Charlene decides she doesn’t like racing. How will she explain this to her mom? How does she show her trainers she doesn’t like racing? Will she become a model instead? Will Charlene discover her natural gift? Her career path takes many twists and turns before she finds her place to shine. You’ll love reading about Charlene’s adventures. She may surprise you with her unusual talent.
Charlene the Star is first in the series of Charlene the Star books. The others are Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes and Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog. In addition, she wrote an award-winning children’s autobiography, Tails of Sweetbrier and a fictional story, Charlie the Horse. Her books have won a number of awards and recognitions. A Gold Medal Cover Award Winner.
Voted One Of The “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” by TheAuthorsShow.com
“What a delightful children’s book! Charlene is born into a family of famous race horses but right from the onset she is concerned about her ability to be a race horse. She is tentative when she mentions this to her mother who encourages Charlene to give it a try nonetheless. She has the opportunity to do just that with her two good friends Ann and Blossom. She quickly realizes that she can’t keep up to them and is disappointed in her performance. Thank goodness that Charlene is given the opportunity to excel in another area. Her trainer suggests that she be moved to Jumping for Joy Farm to see how she does with jumping hurdles instead of racing. Elliot, her canine friend helps reassure Charlene and encourages her in bettering her jumping talents.”
5 Star Review by Delores Ayotte: “Author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne utilizes a creative approach to her writing that will definitely appeal to her younger reading audience. The animals are able to communicate with each other which gives the children the opportunity to feel compassion for Charlene’s challenges. I enjoyed the questions at the end of the book. They are an additional educational experience sure to provide food for thought. This talented author also demonstrates the benefit of recognizing and accepting the fact that we have different talents. Great lesson to be learned in life. Lovely cover to the book too.”
Review by Rich Linville: “This is a wonderful story for both adults and children. It is told from the viewpoint of a horse named Charlene the Star. She decides that horse racing is not for her. What will she do? Highly recommended.”
5 Star Review by HA: “Charlene the Star is adorable and endearing. The story is captivating for horse-mad children and it’s also a great book for a horse mad parent to share with their child. By having the animals tell the story, the author did a good job of bringing to life the animals’ feelings, which helps to teach children empathy and also general horse knowledge and care. The main message of the book was… be patient to find out your individual talents in order to reach your goals… told in an easy-to-understand way.”
Audio Book Review from Michelle: “What a truly wonderful story, I loved every second of it.”
Charlene The Star and Bentley Bulldog (Volume 3) by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.
Charlene the Star makes new friends in this exciting adventure. She hopes to win a special jumping award.
Will she succeed?
What happens when Hattie sees the headline in “The Gazette?”
Why is Cherish so upset?
Your child will be fascinated with this amusing adventure while learning valuable things.
5 Stars: Children’s Adventure Book!
Charlene The Star and Bentley Bulldog by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is the newest release in her children’s adventure books.
Among some of the characters in this enchanting adventure include Charlene The Star (a horse) from Jumping for Joy Farms who is a competitive jumper, Mary Harris who is Charlene’s owner and rider, Hattie the chicken who loves to wear bonnets, and Bentley the bull dog who learns a valuable lesson about bullying.
Charming animals with unique personalities teach children life lessons on having proper manners, the value of friendships, sportsmanship, accepting and owning our mistakes, apologizing and making amends when we have hurt someone, and even when winning there is always room for improvement.
Parents and teachers should know that at the end of the book there are 8 questions and answers that challenge the child to remember what they have read (enhancing reading comprehension) and congratulates them for what they do remember.
Delightful hand drawn illustrations by Holly Humphrys-Bajaj bring the story and characters to life.
Other adventures that are available include Charlene The Star, Charlie The Horse, Charlene The Star and Hattie’s Heroes and Tails Of Sweetbrier.
Charlene The Star and Bentley Bulldog and Deanie Humphrys-Dunne’s other books are educational tools with pure reading enjoyment for young impressionable minds.
Charlene The Star and Hattie’s Heroes by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne.
Charlene the Star was known for her jumping skills and ability to win in horse shows. But in this adventure, she wants something exciting to do in her spare time.
What will Charlene and her friends do for their new career?
What is Wooliam the sheep’s specialty?
Does his dream come true?
Young readers will enjoy this amusing tale, told by the adorable animal characters. This book highlights the value of friendship, helping others and teamwork.
Review by Hollie Anne Marsh: “Charlene the Star and Hatties Heroes is an encouraging and engaging story with an adorable set of animal characters that work together to face certain challenges. The story teaches young readers valuable lessons; about helping each other, working hard to achieve goals and also, about doing your individual best. The book is well written, with lovely illustrations and I just love the cute bonnet wearing chicken. I have no doubt that this book will become a firm favourite for any child!”
5 Star Review by Emily-Jane Hills Orford (Readers’ Favorite): “Deanie Humphrys-Dunne’s children’s early chapter book, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, is another joyful romp in the paddock type of story from the Charlene series. Like the other stories, this one provides young readers with lots of horse sense and excitement, as well as teaching them simple things about manners and respect. The animal characters are fun and enjoyable as they seek ways to help each other. The plot follows a plan to start a business that helps other animals overcome their fears and become the best they can be, while still sharing good manners and respect. This is a great story for horse and animal lovers.”
5 Star Review by Ann Ferri (Reviewer 348419): “What a wonderful book for children! It’s well written and will hold the child’s attention. I loved the way the author wrote the book with the animals talking and helping each other overcome problems and reach their goals.”
5 Star Review by Aimee Ann: “The synopsis of Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is gripping, glorious, and let’s not forget breath-taking. The novel has a plot that has surprised me more than once thanks to its captivating and absorbing nature. One thing is for certain when you read Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, and that is you will never be bored reading because it is a diverse all-consuming assault of brilliance that will keep you motivated to read until the very end. It is like the author has a binding spell on young readers and the only way to break this spell is to fully immerse yourself in the layers of the book.”
5 Star Review by Geri Ahearn: “Charlene The Star and Hattie’s Heroes is as funny as ‘Finding Nemo’, as entertaining as ‘Charlotte’s Web’, and as exciting as ‘Chicken Little’.”
5 Star Review by Aimee Ann, Red Headed Book Lover: “Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is an adorable story that will delight children from start to finish. One thing is for certain when you read Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, and that is you will never be bored reading because it is a diverse all-consuming assault of brilliance that will keep you motivated to read until the very end. It is like the author has a binding spell on young readers and the only way to break this spell is to fully immerse yourself in the layers of the book.”
5 Star Review by Linda Pennington Black: “Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is a beautifully written story of animal friends who have come together to encourage and help one another. Hattie loves her cute little bonnets and she prides herself on knowing what to do and when to do.”
5 Star Review by Theodore J. Cohen: “Children often feel they are the only ones facing challenges, things are always easier “for the other guy,” and they never are going to amount to anything. And of course, with children being children–which is to say, being capable of saying and doing cruel things (in the story, one horse kicks up mud in another’s face during a race) –situations involving competition can turn ugly fast. It’s easy for little ones to get discouraged under such circumstances, and here’s where they need all the encouragement they can get.
Reading a book such as this (and others in Ms. Dunne’s series) is the perfect tonic for brightening a child’s day and restoring their spirits. Who doesn’t love horses? Or a chicken that wears funny hats? Who can stay sad in the face of hearing about how friends can help friends overcome obstacles?”
Review by PSusan: “Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a delightful story where the animals take center stage. There are new challenges in which Charlene and her friends work together to support, encourage and learn determination. Teamwork is clearly shown in the character’s action as well as lessons in sportsmanship. The writing style is clear and flows well as the story unfolds. The characters are quite a mixed group, horses, a dog, a hen and a sheep, all with distinct personalities to appreciate. I loved the hat wearing hen.”
5 Star Review by Gigi Sedlmayer, Author: “Deanie Humphrys-Dunne did it again. What a lovely story about Charlene the horse and her friends, Hattie, the adorable chicken, the dog Elliot, the sheep Woolium. They all work together and help each other to get there, where they like to be. It’s a great book for horse lovers, and it is not only a story, it has the hidden meaning of “Never to give up and believe in yourself. Well done Deanie. Loved to read it.”
5 Star Review from Reviewer 98309: “I thought Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes was a cute read. I read it with my kids and they enjoyed it.”
Review from Penny G. (NetGalley): “This book was too cute! It is a wonderful children’s book about farm animals. My granddaughter enjoyed reading this together with me as her new ‘chapter book’. This story is told by the animals and is the second book in a series. We will be getting the rest to read.”
5 Stars Review from Kerrie H (NetGalley): “Several things I like about this children’s book. The illustrations are nicely done. The message is positive. (My paraphrase: set goals, be dedicated, don’t give up, team work, etc.) The story has a serious tone, but a lot of humor is sprinkled in. I loved all the characters! They were a sweet bunch of animals. One of the horses has blue eyes. When we raised miniature horses, we occasionally had a blue-eyed horse. I highly recommend this book.”
Amazon Review from SRM Reviews: “One way to positively influence our children is to expose them to good books that are engaging, entertaining and fostering healthy approaches toward life. This is exactly why I highly recommend Deanie Humphrys-Dunne’s lovely book “Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes,” which enchants and entertains while it promotes wonderful traits and virtues.”
Amazon Review by Sherry Ellis: “Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is a book that would appeal to young horse lovers and animal lovers…It’s about helping others, working hard, setting goals, doing your best, and being a gracious winner or loser. All of these are valuable life lessons.”
Amazon review by J. L. Mitchell: “Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes is a beautiful tale about animal friends who are determined to succeed. It is a fun book with lovable characters. Highly recommended.”
Amazon Review by Janice Spina, Author: “This is an exceptional story for children of all ages.”
About The Author: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne is a multi-award-winning children’s author of eight books: My Life at Sweetbrier–A Life Changed by Horses, Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog, A Tractor Named Wilbur and Un Tractor Llamado Wilbur and Wilbur’s new Home.. Many of her fictional books are beautifully illustrated by Holly Humphrys-Bajaj who also designed the covers for them. Wilbur’s new Home is wonderfully jointly illustrated by Holly Humphrys-Bajaj and Wanda L. Urabazo. The series of Charlene the Star books is told by the animal characters.
Deanie’s writing has earned the coveted Mom’s Choice Awards for My Life at Sweetbrier and A Tractor Named Wilbur. Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes won the Reserve Champion Winnie Award at the Equus Film Festival in Children’s Fiction. In that same contest, My Life at Sweetbrier won the Winnie Award in Equine English Biography. Other accolades include the Titan Review Silver Medals, Readers Favorites silver medals, and New Apple Solo (Gold) Medal, among others.
Deanie believes the message that perseverance is the key to accomplishing amazing things and has made it her mission to share this message, one that can benefit every child. Through her inspiring, real life and fictional works, children learn that anything is possible when they refuse to give up on their dreams. Deanie knows from her own life experience that we can attain much more than we ever imagined possible by never quitting.
Deanie’s stories remind readers that tenacity is the key to success. She shares proof that obstacles can be overcome. With the goal of being a positive role model for generations of children, Deanie loves to write entertaining stories that emphasize values that build self-esteem and confidence in young readers. She works tirelessly to create stories that appeal to children in an engaging manner.
Deanie has been featured on several author websites including TheAuthorsShow.com, and blogtalkradio.com with authors JD Holiday and Annette Rochelle Aben.
With three children on an epic voyage to seek justice for his murdered wife Jo Lee finds the perfect nanny, a mysterious woman with a magic about her that might even mend his broken heart. But what could a dragon know of love?
Anaxiunara is a swashbuckling adventure in a world of pirates and magic, where a man discovers his greatest power is the love in his heart and those with whom he shares it. The Great One has never known this grand new magic that humans call love. And if it can be said that a dragon has a weakness it would be curiosity.
Review by Judi Joy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful Book!! Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2022. Verified Purchase. I love this book and look forward to reading it again! I recommend it to everyone who likes reading about magic, mystery & adventure.
Review by jderosa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Entertaining First Edition! Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2022. I read this book throughout the editing process and found it to be very entertaining. While I’m not a big fan of fantasy, I thought to take a look at some of these budding young authors in this one got me to the end and I actually enjoyed reading it. It’s fun if you have a couple of hours.
Product Details: Paperback: 479 Pages Publisher: David DeRosa (June 24, 2022) Ms. Shannon MacDonald (Illustrator) Language: English Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy (Action & Adventure) Fantasy (Epic) Fantasy (General) Fantasy (Romance)
A war in the past where powerful human wizards fought for control of their realms had drawn the attention of other more powerful races. Only Jo Lee Validad stands between those greater powers and the total annihilation of his race. When he disappears so completely that even his lover, Anaxiunara, cannot find him, civil unrest is once again threatened by those who would oppose the rule of the commoner, Jo Lee.
Even the most powerful human wizards could not hide him from The Great One, the mother of dragons. But with Jo Lee now gone, the old war is certain to be rekindled.
Jo Lee is the greatest swordsman that ever lived. His lover is the greatest wizard the world has ever known. When Jo Lee disappears Anna (Anaxiunara) struggles with emotions that are foreign to her. Grief, anxiety, apprehension; what does the Great One know of these? In her search to find what it is to be human, Anaxiunara has forgotten what it is to be a dragon.
The story continues in this, Book Two of the Anaxiunara Saga. One Brief Eternity just wasn’t enough.
Product Details: Paperback: 300 Pages Publisher: David W DeRosa (August 18, 2023) Language: English Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy (Action & Adventure) Fantasy (Epic) Fantasy (General) Fantasy (Romance)
Jake’s life is merry mayhem around a militant mindset of misusing impossible science. He’s an extra-terrestrial teenager who accidentally marooned himself in the Bronze Age. He’s waited patiently for people to develop the technology he needs to build a way back to the stars. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, technology has advanced enough for Jake to make use of it. Lately, though, he’s been aware that he is being watched by people who know what he is and want what he knows.
Covert government operatives have their eyes on Jake, looking to exploit his highly advanced technical prowess. He’s let secrets slip before, and witnessed ensuing disaster. Now his greatest concern is keeping dangerous knowledge from being misused. His latest endeavor; Jake needs to build a time machine. But that sort of knowledge, in the hands of the unscrupulous, could be cataclysmic. He shares his unique and often fanciful observations of history and human nature with a few close friends that help him build a living computer, one that is capable of manipulating space/time and providing Jake a way home.
Product Details: Paperback: 314 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 19, 2010) Language: English Science Fiction (Action-Adventure) Fiction (Coming of Age) Fiction (Teens and Young Adults) Teens and Young Adults
The battle was ended. The last dragon put out the fires and divided the people into factions. Gemite and Sylvan he charged with responsibility of their world, saying, “I will not save you again, from your recklessness.” Then he made a prediction. “A wizard of mixed blood will end your separation when a warrior of human blood restores justice in her land.”
After many ages, human encroachment calls Gemite and Sylvan to examine this new race. Elves were once aggressive and violent. So now, humans fight each other with no regard for things destroyed. If they learn to conjure the magical fire, the world will again lie in peril. Sylvan and Gemite still have a few petty bigotries yet to overcome. So, while the last great dragon sleeps, it is up to the children of his prophecy to avert disaster.
Two children (Theo and Kynthia) on a journey to become the heroes of prophecy, find that even characters out of a legend need help to become heroes. Out of a land ruled by a tyrant, they are propelled toward a destiny that has been predicted. Predictions, however, are a funny thing. They never unfold quite the way you’d expect.
Product Details: Paperback: 268 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 21, 2010) Language: English Fantasy (Epic) Fantasy (General)
About David DeRosa: Born in November of 1959, David’s interest in writing began with music and poetry. It remains his first love, but storytelling in novels offers a broader range for character development. “The heroes we love and the villains we hate deserve the rich background that a book can provide.”
His appetite for books didn’t start until well after high school when his wife introduced him to fantasy novels. “Ya see, they didn’t have dyslexia where I went to school. They just called us stupid.” He didn’t believe that, of course, but reading was and remains an effort.
Reading for pleasure, he learned, is different than assignments. “There’s no time limit. I read what captures my imagination. Perhaps not as fast as the ‘A’ group, but fun is less so when it’s rushed.” He encourages kids with the same stigma to find something they enjoy, something that draws them in, and discover things that can only be imagined.
Now he reads history, fantasy, science, philosophy, poetry, comedy, and occasionally (just for fun) The Bawdy Bedtime Reader. It’s a big book of dirty limericks.
“The important thing is to find what you like and read, right?”
To some village folk, he was the Dragon Slayer. To the King of Zorgonia, he was their Guardian. To Liam himself, it was a mystery. He’d grown up with the dragons and he loved them.
King Garrin loves his prosperous country, and all its people. It is surrounded on three sides by high, jagged snow-capped mountains, but its way of life and prosperity has always made it a target for brigands and armies of thieves.
When Zorgonia is threatened again by a large army preparing to invade, the King knows that this time, the archers and unicorn army will be too small to handle the sheer size of the invasion.
The country needs the dragons, the most fearsome creatures in the world (or so the dragons think!) But other than looking fearsome, there is not much they can do.
Can Liam find a way to use the dragons and save Zorgonia?
Can he use them in a way that they can go beyond just looking fearsome to being fearsome?
If Zorgonia is to survive this threat he will need to do something bold.
Product Details: Print Length: 182 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 4, 2021) Language: English Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy (Epic)
For the dragons of Zorgonia, life will never be the same again after new encounters with more soldiers, mythical ape-like creatures and vicious flying beasts.
Scythe, defeated in battle by the dragons, unicorns and archers of Zorgonia, is captured by Liam and Meredith. Against Liam’s better judgement, Meredith persuades him to release her, believing she will not be able to survive the terrible dangers that lurk in the forests of Oceania.
But survive she does and not only that but driven by revenge against Liam who killed her lover Wilbur, in a fight, eventually returns to the village of Zizith, where the survivors of her previous attempt to invade Zorgonia have gathered.
Together, they raise a new, larger and more formidable army to return to Zorgonia, overthrow the Kingdom and establish Scythe as Queen of Zorgonia.
Nothing goes according to plan however and the army is detected and attacked by both Liam’s dragons and an unknown species of large, highly intelligent apelike creatures.
Between the apelike creatures and the dragons, they turn the army away from Zorgonia towards a new destination, where, unknown to Liam and Scythe, nightmares exist. Large, savage, flying creatures become everyone’s new enemy.
For the dragons of Zorgonia, life will never be the same again after new encounters with more soldiers, mythical ape-like creatures and vicious flying beasts.
Scythe, defeated in battle by the dragons, unicorns and archers of Zorgonia, is captured by Liam and Meredith. Against Liam’s better judgement, Meredith persuades him to release her, believing she will not be able to survive the terrible dangers that lurk in the forests of Oceania.
But survive she does and not only that but driven by revenge against Liam who killed her lover Wilbur, in a fight, eventually returns to the village of Zizith, where the survivors of her previous attempt to invade Zorgonia have gathered.
Together, they raise a new, larger and more formidable army to return to Zorgonia, overthrow the Kingdom and establish Scythe as Queen of Zorgonia.
Nothing goes according to plan however and the army is detected and attacked by both Liam’s dragons and an unknown species of large, highly intelligent apelike creatures.
Between the apelike creatures and the dragons, they turn the army away from Zorgonia towards a new destination, where, unknown to Liam and Scythe, nightmares exist. Large, savage, flying creatures become everyone’s new enemy.
Product Details: Print Length: 215 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (December 14, 2021) Language: English Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy (Epic)
When The Sun Blinked: Search For The Truth Series by David Harvey.
When The Sun Blinked by David Harvey.
Search For The Truth (Book 1).
All it took was 5 seconds for the world to change forever.
For 28 passengers, the end of the world arrived on the morning of October 08, 2015.
That morning, the unthinkable happened when several aircraft vanished from visual sight and radar in the vicinity of Cape Town International Airport, South Africa.
Alpha Intercontinental Flight AHA 113 was one of these. Despite extensive efforts, no wreckage or debris was ever found. It was as if Flight AHA 113 had simply never existed.
But … Flight AHA 113 had existed. It crashed into the sea and 28 survivors eventually made it to safety.
This is their story.
Review by Joy RS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great fun with lots of adventure. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018. Verified Purchase. I have just read both books (parts 1 and 2) and I found them very enjoyable. There are edge of your seat moments, sad moments, happy moments and I honestly found it hard to put them down at times. They also give the reader an interesting South African experience – so a bit exotic, if you like. I think they’re extremely good considering that this is a first-time author, and I am definitely reserving a copy of the third one
A world unimagined – the other side of the mountain range is as far removed from twenty-first century reality as a parallel universe. For the nine survivors the full extent of this pristine, wildlife-filled environment, is totally bizarre and an encounter with an unexpectedly large, but injured lion leaves them baffled – from a size perspective.
From the top of one of the numerous mountains, a puzzling sighting provokes more disturbing questions than answers. From another side of the same mountain, they can overlook the bay into which they crashed, but what they see, simply adds more confusion to the puzzle.
Making their way back to the other nineteen survivors, the information is shared, and a decision made to attempt to climb the massive mountain behind where they are living. If they can get high enough, it may bring the pieces of the puzzle together and either confirm or deny what they have seen.
What they see provides the answer to what they went looking for. And if it is correct, there is not going to be any rescue – ever – and this is their new world, for better or worse.
Searching for other survivors takes them down the coastline to the remains of another crashed commercial airliner.
Breaking into the hold enables them to scavenge enough supplies to enhance their current uncertain world.
During the days of scavenging, they become aware that they are being watched from one of the mountains by seven armed men, dressed in the tattered remains of camouflage uniforms. These men, however, seem reluctant to come down and meet them, which raises suspicions in the minds of the survivors.
When they finally do meet, their suspicions are confirmed. They are all soldiers, survivors of the same event which caused their helicopters to crash, but now they see the situation as an opportunity to take over the original group and re-populate the world according to their rules.
A situation that cannot possibly end well.
Review by Joy RS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fresh new read that kept me wondering. Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018. Verified Purchase. I have just read both books (parts 1 and 2) and I found them very enjoyable. There are edge of your seat moments, sad moments, happy moments and I honestly found it hard to put them down at times. They also give the reader an interesting South African experience – so a bit exotic, if you like. I think they’re extremely good considering that this is a first-time author, and I am definitely reserving a copy of #3.
Review by Pam Shelton-Anderson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent second book. Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2019. This second book is very, very good. Like the first, it is refreshingly a full-length book, none of the short episode volume tread so prevalent now. There are times that the interpersonal relationship stories get a bit bogged down, but that is how we come to know these people and I must admit that I have come to like quite a few. I suspected I knew what had happened to them and why the flora and fauna was so odd and I was pleased that Daniel and Benjamin agreed. This makes the story take on an Island in the Sea of Time (by SM Stirling) kind of vibe that adds some uniqueness to this story. I do like seeing bad guys get what is coming to them and it helped that these were not very bright bad guys. The ending has a small build up for the next book.
Ten square kilometers (six square miles). That’s approximately the total amount of beach that provides relative safety for the survivors although even that comes with nature’s brutal reminders.
At the top of the beach is a massive wetland. A wildlife paradise, but home to initially, five aggressive nomadic mountain lions. Down the beach from their camp, where they discovered the second aircraft wreck, a clan of hyenas has taken residence. And now that the orcas have left the bay on their annual migration route, the great white sharks are once again at the top of the aquatic food chain.
The five nomadic male lions explore their territory regularly and contact with the survivors is a frightening experience. Made even more so when the lions find mates and soon five becomes eleven lions living in the wetland.
In a long food chain, the lions are the absolute apex predators. Nature can be beautiful or brutal, depending on one’s position in the food chain, and out here, the survivors are somewhere near the bottom and the message is driven home repeatedly.
Carelessness costs lives – theirs.
Review by Joy RS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nail-biting. Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2019. Verified Purchase. After reading books one and two in the series I had to read this, the final one. Back to my old friends, with a compelling storyline and extra doses of tension. At times I couldn’t put it down, and at other times I was afraid to pick it up again. I really enjoyed this and didn’t see the end coming – which is one of the hallmarks of a great story. Thank you for the read!
Alexander Jack Lightfoot and Ethan Hunter experienced all kinds of hell in Afghanistan.
When they became targets of a drug syndicate based in Cape Town, South Africa, they resorted to the only thing they knew. Meet force with greater force.
First came the extortion.
Then the harassment.
Then it became personal.
Which was a serious mistake.
Because that’s how retribution started.
Review by Sean Paul 111: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. What a story. Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2021. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, think again! This no-frills thriller will take you on an epic adventure of highs and lows, ebbs, and flows. Buckle up for a page turner that will keep you hooked until the very end!
Cesar Quevedo’s life revolves around revenge. The Cape Town winter rains are starting when heads will be down and buried under umbrellas. That will be his time to strike.
Dimitri Alfieri also wants revenge but understands the value of waiting. In the meantime, he can’t stop niggling away at the Hout Bay family, despite being warned off.
With drug money missing, two psychopathic killers with a reputation for brutality are sent from Bogota to Cape Town to find it.
Needing fresh abalone suppliers, Cesar Quevedo unleashes his peculiar brand of brutality against an abalone poacher to simply make a point and later, meets Melissa Samuels, a key player in this world and surprises himself by succumbing to her charms.
While Cesar Quevedo and Dimitri Alfieri spend their time plotting revenge, the Hout Bay family carry out a pre-emptive ambush with military precision against them.
Dimitri learns a very painful and expensive lesson that leaves him in a hospital with a huge question mark. How could anyone know where he would be at a specific time and what he had in the boot of his car?
In an elaborate but deadly game of chess, the stakes are high and the longer this game goes on, the more dangerous it becomes.
Product Details: Paperback: 275 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 3, 2019) Language: English Action Adventure Fiction (Urban Life) Political Thriller
When Dimitri Alfieri was ambushed, he was shot twice as a lesson. The money he was carrying to be laundered, was stolen.
He never saw who it was, he can’t prove anything but he believes the Hout Bay family need the money, they have the military experience so they had to be behind it.
When a significant portion of the money is subsequently dumped in a public park, he becomes increasingly unravelled.
Cesar Quevedo, the abalone poacher, his ally and only friend, is no stranger to ruthless violence. But he has his own problems. His earlier killing of an abalone poacher to send a message comes back to haunt him when an attempt is made on his life, leading to more violence and deaths.
Now it is about to become personal. Dimitri Alfieri vs the Hout Bay family. He would like to believe that his friend Cesar, has his back. But Cesar is, inexplicably, in love and revenge is no longer part of his thinking.
Product Details: Paperback: 252 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (September 14, 2019) Language: English Action Adventure Fiction (Urban Life) Political Thriller
Benito Alfieri expands his cocaine empire with a new market in Central Asia.
His abalone market keeps growing, and other than the regular Hout Bay irritations, the world from his office is looking good.
Or so he thinks.
Until one of his trucks catches fire, destroying the contents, while a second one is hijacked and later torched, also destroying the contents.
Were they accidents, random events or something else? His Central Asian market feels the pinch of no delivery and they want payback.
When problems arise, the Alfieri family resolve them their way using kidnappings, torture, murder, and corruption.
Benito Alfieri is a very dangerous man, but the loss of the trucks with their loads of cocaine and the pushback from Central Asia are pushing him to the edge.
The real Dimitri Alfieri, Benito’s nephew, emerges and proves that he has no boundaries when it comes to barbaric violence and revenge.
Product Details: Paperback: 205 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (October 31, 2019) Language: English Action Adventure Fiction (Urban Life) Political Thrillers
In 2011 Columbian authorities closed down the Alfieri brothers drug empire, jailed Guido Alfieri for life and deported his brother Benito and Guido’s son Dimitri.
With Guido’s help from behind bars, they washed up on the shores of Cape Town, South Africa and promptly set up shop. Helped by the fact that they were now living in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Benito Alfieri quickly grasped existing crime syndicates by the throat and re-built the Alfieri drug empire.
By 2016, they controlled the Cape Town drug distribution market, the Cape Town nightclub world, the bulk of all racketeering and money laundering markets in the Western Cape, as well as bribing, bending and forcing a significant number of police and politicians onto their payroll. The size of their cocaine market was now larger than in Colombia.
When Dimitri Alfieri initially came to the Hout Bay business demanding monthly protection payments, they paid so that they would leave the business alone. The status quo would have maintained itself, but Alfieri made a mistake and threatened them.
Which wasn’t just a mistake. It was the biggest blunder the Alfieri cartel could ever make.
“These are not good people. They are psychopathic murderers and drug dealers.”
A story of crime, punishment and retribution.
Alfieri controls the Western Cape cocaine market, the Cape Town nightclub world and the bulk of all racketeering, money laundering and poached abalone markets.
Life, notwithstanding what he sees as a few complications, is all about more money.
While Alfieri plans expansion, corrupt politicians and police provide his protection and violence remains his problem eliminator. But, behind the scenes all is not going his way.
Using a lethal combination of technology, drones and explosives, the Hout Bay team intend to get Benito Alfieri’s attention.
Message from Author: “I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1951. I spent my early years in Linbro Park, a suburb of Johannesburg, on a small holding of peach trees, asparagus and rhubarb, exploring the long disused next-door cemetery, avoiding snakes and grandpa’s beady eyes. (And they were eyes that missed nothing).
From there the family relocated to a farm in Chingola, Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia).
Given the farm was carved out of virgin forest, it was back to avoiding snakes and other denizens of the thick bush – but all good learning curves.
From Zambia the family relocated to Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe) and from there I attended university in South Africa.
Somehow it seemed that all of my school years were spent at isolated boarding schools, buried deep in the bush in both Northern Rhodesia and Rhodesia, which may account for a lot of my quirks.
After the bush war, when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, I emigrated back to South Africa where I now live in Cape Town.
With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life—to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.
Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena. Now, she wants nothing to do with that world—or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory. But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny. . . and his unexpected gentleness too seductive to resist.
…H.O.L.T. Medallion Finalist, Orange Rose Finalist, Colorado Gold 2nd Place, Fool for Love 2nd Place, and Award of Excellence Winner. Previously published as “Ride a Wild Heart” …“Connie has a wonderful gift for making her characters come alive for her readers. A must read!” 4 ½ Rosesromance.com …Highly Recommended. Written by a gifted writer—a worthy addition to anyone’s book collection.” Under the Cover Reviews. …“Kiss-Ass heroine!” Reader’s Review @ Author’s Den …“Instant action/Sizzling attraction! This book kept the pages turning, and a box of tissues close at hand.” …“A rare find. A must read!” Word Museum.
5 Stars: Warm, Romantic Tone!
Lynx sets a warm, romantic tone for book one in Connie Vines’ Rodeo Romance Series. This is short, easy, lazy afternoon read. With strong characters like Lynx, Rachel, Dan and Charlene the Rodeo small town country environment breeds friendships, excitement, danger, attraction, reluctance and full-blown passion.
As a reviewer I read many genres and this is my first Rodeo romance. To my surprise this short story and colorful characters kept me turning the pages and refilling my coffee cup.
The fact that Connie’s father is from Texas and she spent summers in the Texas panhandle as a child is interesting. Her father rode broncs in amateur rodeo events while in high school. I’d like to imagine that the Texas setting is probably is some ways kin to the author’s real home environment set in the “quirky suburbs of Southern California” where she lives with her husband “in a butter-yellow house shaded by mimosa and magnolia trees”.
Lynx is a romance with a couple of Texas recipes thrown in for extra spice. This first book in the Rodeo Romance Series was selected as the H.O.L.T Medallion Finalist and the Orange Rose Finalist. Only time will tell us where the series will go and how many hearts will be won or lost.
Lynx (book one) in Connie Vines’ Rodeo Romance is for the romantic and young at heart.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Series: Rodeo Romance (Book 1)Paperback: 184 Pages Publisher: Books We Love Ltd. (August 11, 2014) Language: English Romance (Western) Romance (Suspense Thrillers) Romance (Contemporary)
Trouble is something hard-edged rancher, Brede Kristensen, knows all about. A widower with a rambunctious young daughter, a ranch to run and an ornery cook who has just runoff, Brede doesn’t need another problem. Yet in the midst of a violent storm, he finds an injured woman. The beautiful woman can’t recall her name or her past, but Brede vows to protect her from harm. What he hadn’t bargained for was her laughter and gentleness finding a way into the lonely corners of his heart.
If you enjoy the Caroline Fyffe Colorado Hearts series you’re going to fall in love with Brede. Beaten and left for dead, Amberlynn Maddox has no memory of her past. Accepting Brede’s offer as temporary ranch cook, the woman, now called Kate, discovers the sexy rancher with his protective nature and sizzling kisses has claimed her heart.
When a madman discovers Amberlynn’s hiding place, no one is safe from harm: not Brede, his young daughter—or Amberlynn herself! “Ms Vines has written a suspenseful romantic tale. Brede and Amberlynn are very strong and likeable characters. Brede’s daughter, Gretchen, adds a lot to the story. The ranch hands are very colorful and fun, especially Caldwell, the ornery cook. His elopement had me laughing out loud! This is a very entertaining story. Rating: 4 cups for “Brede” Rodeo Romance, Book 2 Maura, CoffeeTimeRomance and Find Out About New Books “’Brede’ is an emotionally involving thrilling suspense filled with passion and romance.
The characters a fully developed and will have the reader caring about the outcome. . .A wonderful heartfelt story that will thrill the readers. 5 Hearts Anita, The Romance Studio 4 Quills! A must read, Novelspot.com
“Marrying off Murphy” – (Light-hearted Romance). Like all Cajun fairy tales, it began harmlessly enough. A match-making columnist promises to turn a stuffy professor into a charming prince. So, why does this confirmed bachelorette suddenly wish she was dressed for the Ball?
“Love Potion #9” – (Contemporary Romance). Watch what happens when you mix a traditional Creole woman with a fun-loving Cajun man and throw in a Voodoo Love Potion—stand back! The Louisiana Bayou ain’t never gonna be the same!
“A Slice of Scandal” – (Mystery/Suspense). A producer finds herself embroiled in a mystery as hot as her Bayou Cooking Show. When an undercover cop, turned chef shows up and dishes up more heat than a bottle of Louisiana hot peppers. Can she prove her innocence before the real killer finds her? Or, will she become the main-course in a murder trial?
“1-800- FORTUNE” – (Paranormal). Garlic hangs for the rafters, but this sexy Loupe Garou isn’t looking for trouble, or a cure for what ails him. What’s a law-abiding werewolf to do when a gypsy woman shows up with mischief on her mind? T.A.R.A., 2nd place Winner, Paranormal Romance.
Review by Badass Lioness: 4.5 Stars! I enjoyed this taste of New Orleans in two short stories and two novellas with HEA endings. There are several recipes included.I enjoyed that each story was different, and that there was a romantic suspense. I liked the heroines and the heroes were hot.From the bachelor auction in the first story, the perfumery and marriage in the second one, the murder mystery in the third, and the paranormal romance in the final story, I felt that the author offered a range of stories, and all worked.One couple is mentioned in a different story in the anthology, and I hoped that would be the case for all of them, but it wasn’t.All of the heroines are in their 30s is implied, I think.
Product Details: Print Length: 122 Pages Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc. (April 10, 2021) Language: English Romance (Collections & Anthologies)
Alive, Steampunk novelist Meredith Misso worked hard at living the perfect SoCal celeb life. Now that she is a Zombie, it’s all about the make-up, non-vegan lifestyle, and her soon-to-be ex, who somehow managed to Velcro himself back into her life. Novella length: “Quirky, Sassy, and Fun!” By Authors Den Review
5 Stars: Zombie Walk Festival!
Meredith Misso, best-selling author of Steampunk romance novels and an unwilling sponsor of the annual Zombie Walk Festival in Long Beach realizes the event has gone terribly wrong when she wakes up in a body bag.
Meredith withdraws to a cabin in the small mountain town of Forest Falls to complete her novel before Valentine’s Day. Becoming a zombie and dealing with the entire raised from the dead issues isn’t easy for her. Pippa, her sister, soon-to-be-ex-husband Viktor, cute teddy bear hamster along with a small circle of friends consume her days.
Victor, who is intense and undeniably sexy knocks on her door and infuses himself right back into her life. Meredith senses that while still driven by his work, he seems more intense than he had been in the past. Puzzled by his behavior, she searches for a way to tell him her secret.
I invite you to come follow Connie Vines’ sassy, fun fantasy series which is packed with adventure and romance in another realm. Whether you are a zombie groupie or this is your first introduction to the zombie world like it was for me, you will get caught up in the fun characters and interesting story of the undead.
“Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow” by Connie Vines is a fun new series, novella in length, easy to read and entertaining.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 61 Pages Publisher: Books We Love Ltd. (October 7, 2014) Language: English Fiction (Holiday)
Tanayia
is alone in the world. Her village destroyed and her people murdered by a group
of revolutionaries who now hold her hostage. A daring escape on the edge of
Cochise’s stronghold saves Tanayia’s life, but she discovers her ordeal is only
beginning.
Forced to live in a government run boarding school, Tanayia is stripped of her identity. The headmistress is bent on destroying Tay, but Jacob Five-Wounds stands in her way. Jacob urges Tay to run away with him—but diphtheria strikes the school. Now, Tanayia must make a choice, a choice she knows may cost her both, Jacob and his love.
Review: “This well-researched novel is taunt with all the tensions and passions of any tale in which the characters are trapped. That Sister Enid eventually gets her comeuppance (and from a native doctor, too) is only just and satisfying, and an epilogue tells of both the compromises and the triumphs of Tay’s marriage to Jacob Five-Wounds (once a fellow inmate of the school.” A-! ~ The McQuark Review
Product Details: Series: Whisper Upon the Water (Book 1) Paperback: 186 Pages Publisher: Ebound Canada (January 10, 2018) Language: English Fiction (Historical) Fiction (Native American & Aboriginal) Fiction (Native American Literature)
About The Author: Connie Vines lives deep in the quirky
suburbs of Southern California with her husband, grown sons and a playful
poodle. Raised in a career Naval family, her writing reflects her diverse
background, numerous occupations, and her love of animals.
Often
giving a nod to an artistic family member (Band member of Louisiana 5/
Hollywood composer, Anton Lada; novelist, Clarence “Clancy” Carlisle;
Playwright/ songstress, Jackie Marx) in her books, Connie admits her writing is
greatly influenced by the summers she spent with her grandparents in the
panhandle of Texas.
Her
interests are varied: a kitchen decorated with a ‘gingerbread boy and
girl” theme; her paring of a Pioneer Woman teapot and her Royal Albert
teal poke-a-dot china cups and saucers. Her cinematic tastes, unique:
mashed-together cross-genre 2- and 3-star movies; and her most fav Canadian
sleeper-movie,” Powwow Highway” and the “Moose TV” sitcom.
Connie
has published over one hundred fiction and nonfiction articles, twelve genre
novels, educational student activity books, and has ghost-written two literary
novels and one screenplay. Under a pseudonym, Connie published with
Kensington/Zebra and is currently contracted with BWL Publishing, Inc.
Tanayia–Whisper
upon the Water, is available in the Spanish Tanayia–Un Murmullo Sobre el Agua.
Love,
Forever –This sampler collection of romance first chapters by established,
award-winning, and bestselling romance authors (Connie’s chapter is there, too)
is available for download. (FREE on my author central page).
Watch
for: Her Cajun anthology, “Gumbo Ya Ya–for women who like Cajun
romance,” The 2nd novella in her Fun & Sassy Supernatural Series: (set
in SoCal), titled: “Bell, Book & Gargoyle”.
Coming
in 2019: Book 3 of her Rodeo Romance Series and Book 2 of her Native
American/First People Series, published by BWL Publishing, Inc.
Awards:
Award of Excellence, H.O.L.T. Medallion, The Orange Rose, Independent E-Book
Award, Dream Realm Award. T.A.R.A Fool for Love, and Colorado Gold Award for
fiction writing.
Explore The Milijun Universe And Countless Others!
Milijun by Clayton Graham.
Book 1-Milijun Series.
5 Stars: Explores our deepest darkest fears!
Milijun: What Would Alien Interaction Really Be Like?
A tangled web of alien intrigue traps a mother and son in its deadly embrace …
When aliens capture Laura’s son, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back. After infiltrating a military research base, Laura discovers a terrifying secret: their plans to engineer humans for galactic exploration.
Laura battles to save Jason, several mothers-to-be, and herself from alien control. But she quickly realizes the aliens have their own mission for her. Soon she faces a choice, take a chance at an impossible escape or accept the aliens’ vision of a new humanity.
Milijun is the first installment of an action-packed sci-fi alien invasion story. If you like tales of first contact, secret military operations, and the people caught in the middle, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s fast-paced sci-fi thrill ride.
Buy Milijun to discover the future of evolution.
“Captured my interest from the very beginning, and never once let go.” Jenna – Indie Book Reviewers
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
5 Stars: Explores our deepest darkest fears!
Mankind has always had a fascination with extraterrestrials which dates from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings all the way to Milijun by Clayton Graham.
This well written novel explores our deepest darkest fears that as a planet we are not ready for an alien incursion, in fact we pretend our intellect can save us. However, in Australia 2179 AD main character Laura Sinclair is faced with the unimaginable when she and her son Jason witness aliens descending to earth.
It is earth’s exploration and mining on the lunar surface that begins the conflict that ultimately results in the alien incursion into the Australian outback. Laura and her son Jason are faced with alien-driven technology that severely tests a mother’s love and resolve to protect her offspring at whatever cost.
It is my intent to share a quote to show you the author’s writing style without spoiling the story.
… “It was almost 6:30 pm when Laura came across what would later be called the Rawlinna nest. The sun was dropping in the western sky as she staggered wearily to the top of a modest incline and surveyed the collection of old aluminum shacks spread out before her.
…She dropped to the ground, partly to avoid detection but also from sheer fatigue. Her face was covered with sweat and there were several dirt marks down both cheeks where she had attempted to clear bothersome flies from her face. Closing her eyes briefly, she sat in silence, not wanting to act in haste but acutely aware that time was crucial. Earlier, she had made a brief stop to drink water from the choppa’s emergency rations but now felt the need for more. She quenched her thirst then nibbled at a foul-tasting energy bar as she thought through her next move.”
I invite you to the Australia outback where things are not as you might imagine. Milijun is a striking name for this novel. I dare you to find its meaning. It is an Australian aboriginal word which also has a Serb-Croatian context.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Cheri Roan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Powerfully Exciting Sci-Fi Adventure!! Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016. Verified Purchase. Dust settled and the moon bathed the scene in quietude as if wishing not to remember the violence and invasion that had so abruptly occurred and just as swiftly vanished.”
Aliens have invaded earth as Laura and her fourteen-year-old son, Jason are embarking on a relaxing camping trip. As lights flash in the distance only within seconds seem to be upon the mother and son. Demanding that Jason doesn’t share with anyone the pictures that he took of the invasion, as she just wishes to forget it ever happened. However, that all changes when the next day Jason goes to the camp tourist center and uses the workstations to get a better look at his photos, he is abducted by an alien who has taken control of a ranger’s body. Laura rescues her son only to find themselves on the run from the police, military, and aliens, not knowing whose body has been invaded and just who can they trust.
Alien invasion stories are nothing new, however, this one is unique by keeping the story fresh, fast-paced and exciting without the usual predictability of most sci-fi fantasies. The amazing plot has not only blown me away, but the characters are outstanding in depth and realism. I was captivated by Laura’s strength, as she had to dig deep within herself to find the courage and fortitude to not only save herself and Jason, but others who are depending on her too. Powerfully exciting sci-fi adventure that is sure to quicken the heart more than once. Excellent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Colourful Fantasy. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021. Verified Purchase. I adore fantasy novels because they challenge the reader and this one in particular did it in an extraordinary way. The author, Clayton Graham, paints very well described scenes and fantastic characters that are worthy of holding attention through to the end. They are really great protagonists with unique personalities, each of them with their own quirks and memorable characteristics.
The story blew my mind as it is an interesting mix of science fiction, conflict, aliens and clandestine Earth forces filled with details. Anyway, the narrative is really easy to follow because the writer did a sublime work introducing the reader to the story by making them part of it.
I would recommend this piece of work to anyone who enjoys this kind of reading. It will fulfill any reader’s expectation in the same way it completed mine.
Review by JC in GA: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great futuristic science fiction novel. Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017. Verified Purchase. A great sci-fi read! It draws the reader in right away with the discovery of alien life hiding in a cave on the moon. There is a considerable amount of suspense and I instantly found myself rooting for Simon Cordell, hoping he would survive his ordeal. Does he? Read the book to find out.
The main draw for me, however, when we’re talking science fiction, is the world-building. I love this, especially in futuristic fiction. It was fascinating to read about Australia in the wake of what nearly turned out to be humanity’s final war. I was intensely curious to find out what life was like in Northern Australia, and wanted to know more of the history of how the country split into two parts. And the Milijun compound was so full of mysteries I just had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Oh, and there are aliens. Did I mention that? So on top of everything else we add in the mystery of how they arrived on earth and what they want now that they are here. And does Milijun have something to do with all of it? Again, read the book to find out. It’s a fascinating story with lots of suspense and surprising twists and turns.
An unbidden journey to a new world. A mind-bending search for intergalactic empathy. Will mankind ever understand the true meaning of the alien interactions with Earth?
Following their terrifying capture from their home planet, Laura Sinclair and son, Jason, lead a group of desperate humans in a bid to forge their own future, and that of the entire human race.
Aboard an alien space station, orbiting a mysterious planet in a strange new galaxy, they find themselves as collaborators in a breathtaking scheme of cosmic survival—for aliens and humans alike. But who can they really trust as they struggle to understand the challenging and hostile environment that holds them in a grip of iron?
To succeed, they must solve the puzzle of extraterrestrial races in the throes of a perplexing and historic conflict. But will that be a bridge too far?
If you like Close Encounters, Contact, and Arrival, then you’ll love Amidst Alien Stars, the standalone second book in a spellbinding new alien interaction series from Clayton Graham.
“There is world building of such depth and lush detail that you could almost feel it.” Kay Mack TOP 1000 REVIEWER
“Not only is this an exciting, action-packed page turner – I love the intelligence reflected, the witty dialogue, and the genuine depth in the characters’ emotions.” Meenaz Lodhi
“Admirable world-building and the unsurpassable, indefatigable, drive of the human spirit to not just survive, but to thrive, power this engrossing sequel to the author’s debut science fiction novel, Milijun.” Mallory A Haws
5 Stars: It will capture your imagination!
Milijun Book Two: Amidst Alien Stars is finally here. Laura Sinclair and her son Jason desperately try to navigate the dangerous planet where aliens threaten not only their survival, but the whole human race.
Chapter one finds Laura “studying the growth tanks” where each child will grow to maturity with her son’s DNA. Now in her forties, she finds herself grandmother to many, part human and part alien.
Here is a conversation between Jason and Helena Belmonte in Chapter Eight: “Helena Belmonte suddenly appeared from behind a nearby tree.
…As always, she was dressed in her Eucla clothing: a white dress blouse and dark uniform trousers. Her blond hair flowed free, and her face carried a nervous smile. She carried her tunic under one arm. She doesn’t look like someone trained to kill with one well-placed blow, Jason thought. Still, appearances are deceptive. He briefly wondered how she could have been so stupid as to succumb to the moronic advances of Simon Cordell.
…She took a step towards him. “Can we talk?”
…Jason shrugged and sat down with his back to the wall. Helena came and sat beside him, a metre distant, her slim legs almost up to her chin.
… “I suppose you heard about Simon?” Helena said.
…Jason glanced at her. Her eyes were red from crying. The smile was gone, and her face was a picture of misery.
… “I heard. Did Susan Carmody send you?”
…With tears threatening, she shook her head. “She told me what she had done to Simon, but she did not ask me to speak to you.”
… “I don’t know whether Simon Cordell deserved what he got, and maybe only you can answer that, but I don’t agree with what Susan did.”
…Helena looked into the distance, a faint tremor on her lips. “We were stupid. I was lonely and frightened of this place. It’s not natural. None of it.” She managed a faint smile. “They tell me the aliens will fix his injuries in next to no time.”
… “I don’t think he will bother you again,” Jason said.
… “I can heel-kick as well as any officer here,” Helena declared. “I do have some strength. I think Susan meant well. She was trying to protect me.”
… “One of her girls.”
…Helena almost laughed, then her face grew serious. “I said Susan didn’t send me. She didn’t. It was me who wanted to see you.” She appeared nervous. “You know the aliens more than anybody here. Can I ask you some questions?”
…Jason could feel the tension in her voice, see it in her aura. He just nodded. On Earth, he had been the First Seen. Chosen by the aliens, or, rather, by the RNasia. His vacation with his mother had been savagely interrupted, and he had been forced into adulthood more rapidly than seemed good for his mental well-being. But now, what storms had raged through his mind had abated. Turmoil still existed, but it was a gentle, thought-provoking turmoil, one that led him to accept his role among the human captors. Schooldays were a mere candle in the roar of a nuclear sun, a distant memory buried in a distant world. He remained the First Seen, and perhaps would always be so.
…Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens.
…I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us?
…Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
…The possibility that the Gliezans would repeat the hybrid experiment on this orbiting station disturbed him. He wondered whether it was the obvious thing for them to do—produce more hybrids with their captives, and never return to Earth at all. That would devastate everybody and would rule out the need for interplanetary collaboration.
…The thought made him sick to his stomach. The Milijun enhancements and direct contact with the aliens had matured him well beyond his fifteen years, somehow increased the power of his mind, but there were times when teenage naivety broke through.
… “I wish I could answer your questions,” Jason responded eventually, “but I can’t. I can only repeat what we have been told. We are part of an alien plan for future cooperation between our two worlds, and that might have a great and wonderful outcome, or it might turn out to be a genetic and spiritual disaster. We are, if you like, an experiment that will enable both worlds to explore the cosmos as allies.”
I encourage you to read ‘Milijun’ (Book One) and follow it up with ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (Milijun Book Two). Author Clayton Graham will capture your imagination, take you on an adventure with characters that are both human and alien, with a story so philosophical that it almost defies fiction.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Stephanie: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This book transports you to another world. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2020. Verified Purchase. Amidst Alien Stars thrusts readers into a foreign otherworldly setting where humans confront feelings of captivity by the Gliezan alien race while being housed on a space station orbiting an alien home planet known as Glieze. The story kickstarts readers into the confusions and tribulations of the humans being housed, allowing readers to slowly assess the backstory of situation that the humans currently find themselves in. Through a third person point of view, readers follow the story’s first protagonist, Laura Sinclair, and learn of the human’s perceived role in an alien-human hybridization program of which we find the humans to be extremely skeptical of to say the least. We discover that Sinclair’s son Jason, the story’s second protagonist, is what the alien race has termed as, “The First Seen,” and how this mother-son duo plays distinct and significant roles in mediating between the interaction and dissemination of knowledge amid the humans and aliens while the human space survivors complete their purported mission of collaboration in galactic exploration with the Gliezans, set for an unsuspected amount of time before they are returned to Earth. The mystery of truth and trust between the spiritually advanced alien races and human race poses a conundrum throughout, while readers gain a deeper sense of character development as the plot thickens and the pressure is placed on the development of the hybrid children to be both physically and spiritually compatible to prove the experimentation and the future of human survival a success.
The author, Clayton Graham, does a fine job in writing a compelling story with interchanging parts bathed in suspense and speculation with a New Age twist. Envisioning the different groups of characters – aliens, robots, and humans alike – was fascinating and I especially enjoyed the way that Graham portrayed the foreign entities as believable alien characters with a historical account of their own civilization. Although this is the second book in the Milijun series, I greatly appreciated Graham’s succinct preface and opening chapters which I felt was intelligently crafted to allow for the second book to hold strong as a standalone novel. The quality of writing in this book sparks enough intrigue and enjoyment to considering going backwards into the story and read the first book. I was impressed by the fact that while reading, my mind was begging for the storyline to be adapted into a motion picture. Graham’s descriptive writing in this outer-space Sci-Fi novel had me imagining how each scene, and the characters within, would look while interacting on the big screen. Thoroughly enjoyed, I highly recommend this novel especially if you are keen on being transported into another dimension.
Review by Ian J. Miller: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Reflective science fiction. Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020. Verified Purchase. This book is the second of a series, and there are several references to book 1 (which I have not read). I think it is sufficiently self-contained that it can be read as stand-alone, although the several references back to book one happenings that were not really relevant to the present issues were a little annoying. The background is that a number of Australians were abducted by an alien ship and sent to the planet Glieze, or more accurately, a space station above the planet that has a number of sections, each one devoted to one of the “nations” on the planet below. It turns out that the natural people of the planet cannot survive going “there and back” through space, but they had developed sentient robot-life forms to do that. What the humans were abducted for was to make hybrids; half-human half-Gliezan, to do that space travel. It was not clear to me why the Gliezans cared, as robots would be just as good as hybrids. However, the Gliezans were also scrapping between each other, and there was a fear the hybrids might be soldiers. The hybrids grew to the equivalent of 18-year-olds in tanks in a matter of weeks. Another oddity of these hybrids is they have a genetic human mother and father, so what was the alien part? That is not explained.
The level of science is fairly low, although the aliens are claimed to be able to access additional dimensions and some of what they do complies well with that. Well done there. The descriptions of the space station, the aliens and the planet are good. The humans gradually discover that the aliens have this conflict, at least between two lots of them, and the way the aliens try to hide this is well depicted. Gradually the aliens are drawn into the conflict, and they try to draw the humans in also. The characters are quite well-drawn. The action is well-described, but the action is also somewhat mild, and it is also a little repetitive in nature, i.e., the same sort of thing tends to repeat, and resolution tends to be “off-stage”. The aliens tend to be enigmatic, especially the Gerb who have a very truncated way of expressing themselves. Overall, a very imaginative story, if with a somewhat slow-moving reflective plot and with well-drawn characters in nature and emotion. My grading is somewhere between four and five stars, but I am starting the new year feeling generous.
Review by Retha: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great! Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020. Verified Purchase. The plot in the story along with the characters and their adventures were all so captivating! Most of the time I was kept on the edge of my couch, turning page after page; it kept me intrigued the whole time.
I actually came into the Milijun series starting with this book as well, so it goes to show that the novel is written in a way that both new readers and those coming back to the story can enjoy it. It has enough of an explanation to elaborate on the how’s and why’s of the story so far, but not too much to bore current fans of the series. Graham’s writing style does suit the sci-fi theme really well, rich in detail, making it easy for the reader to envision the characters, depicting their personalities oh so attractively. The depth in their thought processes and feelings is described amazingly, appropriate to each hurtle in the story line.
The plot entail’s themes of alien abduction; trust issues between humans and their abductors, and dealing with consequences of decisions made. The layering of the story is complex and so in this way, it would be ideal to read the first novel before this book, of course, as you would with a series. There’s tales of individual and group adventures, each tying in with one another as you would expect it to.
The book has enough momentum that builds to climax with the right pace and all of the wow moments at the perfect times. It starts off with a great introduction and the thought processes of the protagonists, allowing for ascension into more complex scenarios. It also has just the right amount of action and thrill to keep it suspenseful consistently and appropriately.
This book is perfect for those who like to take their time and enjoy what they are reading; taking in every single detail. The duration of the book is a decent amount too – not too long, not too short.
Overall, I can say that this is a really well written sci-fi novel that anyone could enjoy – a world that you can dive into straight away and be engrossed from start to finish. Clayton Graham really knows how to keep you wanting more!
Product Details: Paperback: 402 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
The battle for the minds and hearts of humans is on…
A hundred years after her abduction to the alien planet Glieze, Laura Sinclair returns to Earth on a mission to find out what happened to her long-lost husband. But she finds the planet in turmoil under the oppressive regime of the authoritarian Tellurians. Humans are confined to the surface of their world and all extraterrestrial activity is forbidden.
Laura is a member of an ancient organization, now led by her son, Jason, which pioneered alien collaboration. From their secretive Martian base, they must find a way to free mankind from brutal tyranny. But one dangerous man stands in their way, a man who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his domination of Earth.
Weapons of Mass Destruction have been forbidden on the planet for a century, but something strange is happening on the moon—and alien insurgents stand ready to take advantage of the chaos. The future of humankind hangs in the balance. With her alien allies and members of Earth’s Underground, Laura must find a way to defeat both the renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the Tellurian Empire.
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown that will decide the future of the Earth and that of the entire universe.
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion is the standalone third book in the Milijun series. Join the battle to save Earth from a fate that is crushing the planet’s will to survive.
Praise for the Series:
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
“This is a must-read for science fiction fans who appreciate a hard scientific foundation, in the tradition of Asimov, Niven, or Heinlein.” Patrick Dent
“Be prepared to leave the world as you know it behind and enter another where an alien could become your best friend or your worst enemy.” Artisan Book Reviews
“A superbly exciting sequel in the throes of deep space, which encompasses the best qualities of both space opera personal dramas and the hard science fiction of alien wars and political battles.” K C Finn Readers’ Favorite
“It was clever from start to finish, and no detail was left overlooked. A thoroughly impressive contribution to the genre, and a mind-bending experience for those already eager for the future.” Veritas Vincit
5 Stars: Engaging the Tellurian Empire!
Those of us who turned the last page of ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) have waited patiently to get our hands on the next deep space installment in the ‘Milijun’ series. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ is worth the wait. This captivating hard science fiction series continues to draw readers in with more suspense, as the battle for the fate of Earth and the entire universe hangs in the balance.
It is AD 2288. Laura Sinclair (mother of the First Seen) journeys to Earth from a secretive base on Mars hoping to find out what happened to husband Dek a century ago. She also needs to collect her thoughts, ground herself, and regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. Her son, Jason, has warned her that the home planet was in dire straits: that it was in retrogression. What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction?
Upon arriving, Laura is drawn into conflict. With the help of alien allies and the local Underground, she must find a way to defeat both renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the tyrannical Tellurian Empire.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 18 where Laura Sinclair is a part of a dedicated military team going to Earth’s moon to investigate the activities of the Tellurian Empire. Their mission is to negate any risk that the Tellurians pose to ACE (the Alien Collaboration Enterprise):
“She entertained no lofty ideals about the mission. It would be hazardous. Great stealth and cunning would be required. She had firsthand experience of how ruthless the Tellurian military could be. And that is why she had insisted on Nur (an advanced robotic alien) being with them…
…There were two contemporary editions of the Rbuzen sailships on board, sleek and shiny, their energy convertors now hidden within their glittering skins—maybe a design lesson learnt over the past century from study of the Rkem interplanetary craft. In all likelihood they would be sharing hangar space with a horde of dormant RNasia, which would be ready to play their part when the ship arrived at their destination.”
You will not want to miss the results of their mission.
If you love hard science authors like Alastair Reynolds, Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, and Frank Herbert, you will not want to miss Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion by Clayton Graham. Each book in this exceptional science fiction stands alone. I have enjoyed reading this series from the very beginning of ‘Milijun’.
‘Milijun’ (book one) explores our collective, deepest darkest fears. ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) will capture your imagination with its deep space intergalactic conflict. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ (book three) takes you further into the battle that threatens human existence as we know it. The characters are both human and alien, with a story so metaphysical, it almost defies fiction. I can’t wait to see what Author Clayton Graham comes up with next.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Reviews by Scarlett Jensen: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Grasp of Power in Intergalactic Cooperation. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. There is an abduction to Glieze; the return of the hybrids from the joint Terran-Gliezan base on Mars that returned to Earth, West Australia 2288. A lot happened since the abduction of Laura— During that time, hardly aged at all. Trepidation coursing through her veins, Laura reflected upon the nagib that were described as greys by the people of the past. They were the highly intelligent cybernetic partners, the Rkem. Of all the aliens she had encountered, they were the most mysterious of all.
Laura had finished being played by both humans and aliens alike. She had finished with travelling through interstellar space and time. Laura returned to Earth to regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. This despite her son Jason’s warning that the home planet was in dire straits and in retrogression.
What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction? She wanted to see, wanted to tread familiar territory—she wanted to visit the home where she and her husband, Dek, had raised Jason. Or at least what was left of it—what parody now stood in its stead over one hundred years later. Recollections of her pre-abduction days came flooding back, that is her life prior to all that devastation; family adventures and crumbling of marital love under the pressures of daily existence and the fight for survival in a world that still showed the scars of war.
Jason now commanded the joint Martian base. The Martian settlement had been championed and founded by Nomi, Major General Sebastian Ord’s mole at the outback research station called Milijun. Maybe they had got their hands on a copy of Nomi’s Milijun files and caught a glimpse of a future that scared them to death. They had, Laura reasoned, possibly seen that power could very well be snatched from their grasp.
Colonel Norma Millison at the time had been young, eager, and headstrong—and escaped from the research base, Milijun with all its secrets on file, including the alien ones! Intergalactic Cooperation had used Milijun’s powerful technology to spirit them. Nomi claimed knowledge of aliens and had the proof on file. But the spectrum technology was just as bad. The wars ran from 2218 to 2220. Short and sweet, as wars go. Everything was jammed. But where had she gone to? If not on Earth, at least close by on Mars, the aliens were with them, not just their abductors, the Rbuzen, but also their ancient enemy on Glieze, the Gerb.
Alien collaboration enterprise, ACE for short, was essentially involved in a communication technology war. Forward or backward. Inward or outward. Or maybe it was just an excuse for a power grab. Everything fell apart. Countless people perished. Millions.
The Tellurians puzzled Laura. She could understand them being against space exploration, in particular allegedly proven alien communication, but she couldn’t understand why they had chosen to strangle everything else that got in their way. She knew about the Tellurians and their technical expertise. Was working for the Tellurians meant to keep Earth beautiful—and to keep it safe from threats of an unnatural and devious nature? But absolute power corrupts and becomes addictive. This world was strangling itself, seemingly ruled by a fanatical technocracy, alien alliances.
Excerpt:“Earth’s star touched the horizon, sacrificing its perfect circularity to turn the distant sky to a blaze of orange and red. of human beings caught up in the result of predecessors’ wars and the soul-destroying repercussions.”
The whole spectrum. Research stemming from efforts centuries ago. No communications. Satellites and aircraft fell out of the “Insects and animals were hard hit. Got to their heads, you see, as well as us. No pollination. Not much reproduction.”
Thought-provoking. One realizes there are places so distant that could even be in other dimensions.
Review by Albert: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Science fiction in its purest form! Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2023. Verified Purchase. A good science fiction story in general terms, with a fairly well-developed story and plot and that, after all, I liked it and I had a good time reading it. I also have to say that as a general rule I tend to like this type of fiction centered in space and with characters of this type. In this sense, the story focuses on Laura Sinclair, the main protagonist, who must carry out a terribly dangerous mission in search of revenge but, at the same time, to save the fate of humanity. But all this, as we can well imagine, must be dealt by fighting against all kinds of aliens, robots and ultra-advanced technology that will do everything possible to ruin her existence and will take you through the development of an implausible story, with lots of action and tension until the end and with twists that perhaps you were not expecting.
A read that, in general, regardless of whether or not you have read the rest of the books in the saga, you can equally enjoy as a totally independent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written book. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. I found this book while I was looking for something on Amazon and I liked what I saw. The title caught my eye, and after reading the description I thought it might be a repetitive intergalactic science-fiction. I was totally wrong; it was much more than a simple adventure story. It’s a very exciting read, with non-trivial characters, an interesting development leading to an interesting planet, amazing settings and several twists.
Well worth the price to the point where I immediately bought the previous books in the series after finishing this one. I know I didn’t respect the stipulated order but anyway I enjoyed them all.
I recommend this excellent story cleverly written, with a great number of details.
…Readers’ Favorite Finalist 2021 …Literary Titan Book Award 2021 …Author Shout Top Pick 2021
Strap in, turn down the lights, and enter worlds that will stretch your imagination to the full…
From a stranded alien comedian to the darkest depths of the human psyche; from a mind-blowing galactic adventure to clandestine extraterrestrial behaviour on Earth. They’re all here in this spell-binding collection of short stories to keep you guessing at every turn.
With tales of alien invasion, deep space mystery, time travel, and dystopian future Earths, this is a collection which takes inspiration from the much respected ‘old masters’ of Science Fiction. Here be new realms to explore—can you cross the void and challenge your dreams?
Explore Looking for Life and escape to strange and wonderful new worlds. From the author of Milijun, Amidst Alien Stars, Saving Paludis, and Silently in the Night.
‘Clayton Graham’s book will have you excited, scared, sad, agitated, happy, and feel all sorts of things as you move from one story to the next.’ Aaron
‘I can recommend this book if you’re in for some Sci-fi that you can’t put down and want to start reading again!’ Dan
‘Graham knows how to keep his readers entertained and thrilled. Fantastic collection.’ Alex P
5 Stars: Science Fiction with the Paranormal
I have been privileged to have read Science Fiction Author Clayton Graham’s books, and have come to appreciate his skilled storytelling, and out of this world imagination. Graham has a unique way of interlacing Science Fiction with the Paranormal. “Looking for Life” is on par with what I have come to expect from Clayton Graham’s books. I think you will really enjoy this enthralling story collection.
Let me give you an excerpt/synopsis of each short story and let you decide.
WAITING FOR WATER: Farming is now futuristic. The government can send in a seeding drone to help with rainfall metrics. I quote from a government letter: “Failure to trigger the seeding, or failure of triggered seeding to produce rain, will unfortunately result in cancellation of your management permit and you will be required to leave your holding forthwith, as it will be deemed unsustainable.” How will this work out for Karl and Maria Kerr?
LOOKING FOR LIFE: “Now Charlie,” Alexander said, “you may wonder why you have been awoken at this particular point in time. I don’t know when it is—it could be a hundred or a thousand years from when I made this recording. Little matter. Your on-board Looking for Life computer is keeping Earth time.” Fantom decided to answer. “It’s plus 150 years.” Predictably, the image before him never flinched. “The fact is, your ship has detected life on a nearby planet. And you are now zeroing in on that life. Everything has been automated.” Alexander leaned further into the screen. “But once you hit that planet, Charlie, you are in charge. You go out there and explore, and capture something living for us.”
THE COMEDIAN: The story of a stranded alien who seeks the sound of applause, by any means. Will he survive in a strange new world?
THE SCORCHED GARDEN: Jay and Debb Svenson were the new pioneers. They were stretching the limits of man’s expertise to the farthest reaches of the solar system. Living a dream that few others shared. Will their groundbreaking new home survive, or will their new lives fall victim to Earth’s interplanetary wars?
MOTHER: A family of roo-dependant beings discover a terrible secret, after an alien artifact arrives by the river. Will they unearth their real purpose in life?
DESPERATE TIMES: Phil convinced himself he was in complete command even though this was the first manned time travel mission; the first with a human payload. Technically nothing could go wrong. Historically, socially, physically, there was lots of scope for error. But he could always return of his own free will, which was really good to know.
DAVE AND GOLIATH: Ulcon’s two moons were up, casting ghostly light over the expanse of the chilled plain. There was no sign of Goliath. Stars were out in their thousands. Was one of them the cargo ship? Dave sincerely hopes so.
THE SPECIAL FRIEND: Floppy’s burrow was on the moon. It was quite a long burrow with a large cave at the end. The cave was lit from above by strips of lights that ran its entire length. The walls were smooth, not cave-like at all. Most surprising of all, there were three other Floppy Rabbits operating strange machines.
EXCERPT FROM ‘AMIDST ALIEN STARS’: Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens. I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us? Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
THE DECADY ALIEN: Jan smiled and gestured him inside. “A brief briefing, I think.” Once inside, she closed the door, and they sat opposite each other across a low table. The cubicle, like all the station’s single quarters, was small: no more than three metres by four. The bunk currently lay snugly against the ceiling but could be lowered to just above the table when needed. A cream self-cleaning carpet ran from wall to wall, and several miniature oil paintings hung slothfully from an aluminum picture rail, as if unsure that the artificial gravity was sufficient to keep them in position. The bathroom was communal and situated further down the corridor, the quarters only being intended for temporary visits. One small window gave Jan a view to the stars and the endless, black sky. Karl managed a smile. “How’s my favorite veterinary for extraterrestrials?”
THE VISITOR: John Allan McClean sat snoring in his favorite chair. The glow from a single- bar electric heater warmed his feet. A retired miner from Broken Hill, Mac, as he used to be known, now lived a life of solitude. His old weatherboard was, for all intents and purposes, a hermitage; a bastion against the onslaughts of frenetic humankind and their infernal technologies.
TRIAL BY CONFESSION: Their voices soared into his confused mind like scouting vultures, eventually to settle amidst his memories, squawking and stabbing sharp beaks into his defenseless subconscious. He had to remember. He had to. It was now or never. His head swam with a message, something from the past, something from a crowded room. The subconscious mind is my data-bank for everything. It stores my beliefs, my memories, my skills. Everything that I have ever seen, done, or thought is held there. All I have to do is remember.
THE WHISPER OF WAVES: Tomas was working as a scientist and a researcher for the government. Or had been until the world grew cold. He was tall and angular, his once-short blond hair growing longer, it seemed, by the minute; his face covered by an itchy growth that drove him crazy. The cave was his home. There was no other. The generator provided power, and when it died, he would die with it. In addition to his bed, there was a table, a single chair, a refrigerator and freezer, a small oven and microwave, a chemical toilet that was past its use-by date, and very little else. On a small stand, in one corner of the cave, an audio and video intercom link to the surface stood neglected, as defunct as a hailstone in a heatwave.
OTHERS OF OUR KIND: For seventeen ship-days, the sphere led them a dance through the chosen star’s system until it eventually reached its destination. They arrived in orbit around an inner planet that lay bathed in mellow sunshine. The sphere hovered nearby and seemed to be saying: The next move is up to you. Below them, the new world apparently waited with open arms for the newcomer’s attention. Somewhere down there, Sean thought, there are intelligent aliens. The thought induced strange feelings: excitement, fear of the unknown, even hope—all mishmashed together in a cocktail of conflicting emotions.
WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION: They had found her and put her in a residential group home, and there she had remained until she was seventeen. She hadn’t minded it, mostly because it was there that she developed what she called her powers. For the most part, the other kids gave her a wide berth, especially when she started telling them about their inner secrets. It had been fun for a while, until she had gotten bored. And it was then that the Department picked her up.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Duane came to a green door. A black circle with a short, vertical line running up from the top was painted on the upper panel. It looked like an inverted helium balloon, the tether climbing up into the sky. He looked at the lock. This door was hand operated, unlike the one leading to the galley. Should I open it, or leave things as they are? The sounds inside seemed to answer, but they were dull and distant and meaningless, and perhaps not to be believed. He hesitated, finger poised over the door button, weighing whether to open the door. He was on his way back to Earth, safe and ready to join his family. On the other side of the door was an unknown quantity: something that could prove to be his Achilles’ heel, something untenable.
THE WEAK SHALL INHERIT: Standing, Chanuk moved over to the rail and looked at the water below. The reflections of the moons danced on the ever-changing surface of the ocean, and flickering patterns of untold fantasies gently invaded the metallic drabness of the floating city. His heart soared at the beauty of it all. The Corlens were a proud people, and Chanuk, in his own way, was very proud of them. Looking out over the glistening sea, he made out a dark shape on the horizon. That would be Tarn, their next stop on the harvesting journey. Tarn was an island that the Corlens had devoted to fruit growing, and was the last but one call on this trip. Far below deck, in the bowels of the floating city, the holds were already full of grains, frozen vegetables, dried fruit, sugar, spices, and other delicacies—all that they required for food during the coming year. As far back as history was written, the Corlens had never eaten creature flesh, though lore had it that they had once done so in the primordial ages before the floods.
I Encourage You To Read “Looking for Life”: I have read, and given 5 Stars, to Graham’s books “Milijun”, “Amidst Alien Stars”, “Saving Paludis” and “Silently in the Night”. Graham grew up on the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK and settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Benjamin W.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Immersive Sci-Fi Shorts. Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2020. Verified Purchase. Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories. I am a fan of both short stories and science fiction, and Clayton Graham’s book, Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories certainly hits the spot.
The writing style employed by Graham is unique and powerful. His wording is beautiful and well-crafted, making the act of slipping into the worlds that he creates an easy task. The characters, situations, and places are all created with care and depth. I loved the style of this author.
Another aspect of Looking for Life that I liked very much was the fact that each of the stories is completely new feeling. I often find that stories included in short story compilations are too similar. As a result, the stories tend to bleed into one another.
That was not the case with Graham’s book. Each story is unique and takes on a life of its own. The author builds and develops each story quickly and efficiently, and each feels as if it has been in development for quite a while.
Another thing that I enjoyed while reading this collection of short stories was the mix of styles that the author uses to tell the stories. While each of the stories has its own style, Graham uses many literary devices within each story as well. To top it off, he does it quite convincingly.
The storytelling through dialogue, scene descriptions, thought processes, and perceptions of the characters throughout the stories is intertwined to keep things moving at a good pace. One of my personal favorites from this collection is The Scorched Garden, but Trial by Confession is a close second.
I would recommend this title to anyone looking for an immersive read in the science fiction genre that won’t take too long to complete. I would also happily give Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories five stars out of five.
Review by Nela: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It will leave you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2020. Verified Purchase.
I enjoy many literature genres and I usually read science fiction novels, but this is the first science fiction book I read with short stories. I could not be happier about my decision! Not only because the length of the tales allows you to enjoy different world buildings and imaginary scenarios, but also for the amazing writing style of author Clayton Graham.
Every story in “Looking for Life” is skillfully constructed and masterfully written. From my point of view, in Science Fiction, it is really important to describe in detail the characters and objects, the landscapes and the scenes, so readers can really get into that imaginary world. And that is completely accomplished in this book. Whether it is about aliens, future science, space and time travels, paranormal facts, or dystopian futures; this author will really make you live that reality as you were there and leave you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page.
Review by Liz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A compilation of Science Fiction stories. Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020. Verified Purchase. Over the years the Science Fiction genre has become one of my favorite genres. “Looking for life” is a collection of short science fiction stories, written by Clayton Graham.
Throughout the book, Clayton presents us 17 incredible stories, which, in my opinion, one is better than another. The stories are varied and very interesting, and they all have something in common: new realms to explore.
Let me tell you that I really enjoyed this book. The author knew how to compile fabulous stories in one single book. He has also managed to capture the essence of science fiction.
The characters are vivid and well described. The descriptions of the scenes, I must admit, are great. Clayton is undoubtedly very creative. I also really liked the cover; it certainly shows what the book is going to be about.
I recommend this compilation of stories to fans of the science fiction genre. I hope you like it as much as I did.
Product Details: Paperback: 273 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 27, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction Short Stories (Anthologies).
Finalist in the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards.
An alien revolution centuries in the making will change humanity’s destiny forever …
Police agent Stefan Lattanzis never expected his planet to become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter. But when scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with Earth authorities, peace escalates to the brink of war in a hurry. It doesn’t help that the local aliens have a dangerous and mystifying agenda of their own. Meanwhile, a desperate human cult has its own plans to exploit the powerful new technology…
To keep his home world alive, Stefan must team with two strangers, a botanist and a mysterious seer. As embattled factions vie for control of the universe, the trio must trust in each other to keep the new technology from ripping time and space apart.
Saving Paludis is an electrifying sci-fi thrill-ride. If you like futuristic technology, alien political intrigue, and high-octane, paranormal action, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s interstellar adventure!
From the Author: Latest novel Saving Paludis is light years away from debut novel ‘Milijun’, but it occupies the same fascinating space between Science Fiction and the paranormal. The planet Paludis sits in the Pisces constellation, on the frontier of human exploration. It is a verdant planet, a beautiful planet. It has also been scarred by wars of colonization.
Human invaders control the planet and have done so for hundreds of years. Paludis is the planet’s Earth name; the indigenous population call their home Musk.
The Muskans are now restricted to a remote peninsula in the north-east of the main continent. Humans have taught the aliens their language and some of their ways, but the Muskans prefer the traditions of their ancestors. Or do they?
So, what can go wrong? Well, quite a lot actually.
Saving Paludis is not just an interstellar war novel. It reflects human nature in all its extremes: hate, jealousy, control, love and sacrifice. And what about the aliens – do they share these traits? In some ways yes, in others no. They are, after all, alien. But retribution is high on their agenda; an overwhelming desire to regain their planet. Quite how they attempt to do that must remain a secret!
I invite you to enter deep space, use the Einstein-Rosen bridges, and touch down on Paludis. Join Stefan and his friends to help save their world. You’ll love it!
5 Stars: A reminder of human nature!
If you think the book cover is intriguing, wait until you begin reading Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham. The author has shared two very interesting maps at the beginning of the book to help readers get a sense of this fertile planet called “Musk” by its inhabitants, and “Paludis” by Earth. Paludis is in the Pisces Constellation which is 143 light years from Earth.
The story begins in AD 3898 and we find that Earth invaders have taught the colonized population of Paludis their language and some of their customs. After Paludis scientists share a powerful new technology with Earth, it doesn’t take long for mysterious factions to exploit the technology and the planet moves to the brink of war. The race is on to save Paludis.
With believable characters, and storytelling that brings your imagination to the edge of space and time, Saving Paludis tells of strange cultures and traditions, alien politics, and cult-like paranormal phenomena. You cannot help but keep turning the pages of this fast-paced interstellar adventure. From a woman’s point of view, here is a glimpse into the story.
… “Rain was falling in a steady drizzle as Selma turned into the road that led to her domicile. It was not yet fully dark and the final vestiges of sunlight creeping through a solitary hole in the clouds had turned the aluminium domes of the dwellings to a blood red. The roadway, smooth and black and shiny, snaked like a ribbon through the glistening streetscape and dark, low clouds threatened to crush the buildings beneath their ponderous weight.
…Strangely, she’d encountered few individuals as she walked through the streets and, like on the drive south, very little traffic. It was as if a giant hand had been placed over the mouth of Kentucky, stifling its usual raucous behaviour. Selma assumed most people were indoors and she wondered if a storm was approaching.
…She stopped outside her home, unable to resist a glance back to that part of the road where she had been abducted by Serpentine. Serpentine! Where was he now? She palmed the switch, pressed the code buttons in the right sequence and her door slid open. Entering, Selma turned on the light and the door closed behind her. The rain suddenly increased in ferocity, and she heard it rattling on the dome of the house.”
I invite you to read Saving Paludis as it is a reminder of human nature, whether here on Earth, or on the planets that we might colonize in the future, or even invade while aliens struggle to save their own world.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Jen C.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging thrill ride of a plot. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019. Verified Purchase.
After reading Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham, it is easy to see why this novel was a finalist for the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Books Awards. This fast-paced science fiction novel is packed full of intrigued and adventure. Even though it is a lengthy novel, it didn’t feel like it. I kept turning the pages quickly wanting to find out what happens next. The basis of the novel is set 2000 years in the future and deals with a planet (Paludis) that Earth has colonized. What was once peaceful is now being threatened to be an all out war between Earth and Paludis. The main character, Stefan, has to team up with others to stop this intergalactic war from happening. In addition to an engaging thrill ride of a plot, the writer has also included fantastic well-developed characters and great dialogue. This is a novel any fan of science fiction will enjoy from beginning to end.
Review byM. Anderson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing Tale of a Far-Flung Future. Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018. Verified Purchase. “Saving Palidis” will appeal to science fiction fans who are more interested in story than explaining the science behind it. In this far future, humans use ‘bridges’ to cross space and colonize new worlds with a vengeance, wreaking havoc on the native populations. Paludis is one such world. Its lizard-like inhabitants have been decimated, the survivors confined to a small isolated portion of the planet. These seemingly primitive spiritual people live in harmony with nature. However, unbeknownst to the humans occupying Paludis for the last 300 years, in exploring the underground caverns of the area to which they’ve been confined, the natives have happened upon a crystal-driven technology that bends time and space, which they use to launch unexplained destruction on Earth. Earth assumes the humans on Paludis are the cause and war ensues.
I found the opening chapters a bit confusing, but the concepts were intriguing enough to keep me reading and I’m glad I did it. The book is well-written with interesting and believable characters. Some of them are well-worth despising, others admirable. Humanity on a whole is painted darkly, with aliens who are far more human than most of the humans. A recommended read.
Review by Bruce: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A complex tale that suggests human nature will never change. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2018. Verified Purchase. The most important component of any book is a story that you want to finish. Saving Paludis starts out by describing a planet where technically superior humans have been the aggressor, subjugating the natives in order to plunder the mineral wealth of the planet. It introduces a series of characters that appear somewhat separate, but their situations describe the state of play across Paludis.
From there we see how the humans (on Earth and on Paludis) spiral into a competition to see who can display the worst examples of the greed and stupidity that humans have repeatedly shown in the past, and, apparently will show in the future. It is this greed and stupidity is the weakness that can be manipulated by others for their own advantage.
There are a lot of characters to follow, and it takes some concentration to keep up with them all, but they all come together as the story comes to its conclusion.
It’s a story that will keep you reading to find out what will happen, and who will come out of it alive.
Review by Jimmy Ray: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Sci-fi battle for survival. Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018. Verified Purchase. Saving Paludis is s sci-fi thriller about the planet of Paludis which is a colony created by Earth. The native species to Paludis have been relocated to a small area of the planet. In this reverse alien invasion, Earth is trying to take over and force control to the new command on the planet. The battle begins and the natives will fight back. This is a fast-paced suspense filled story. As the battle escalates, you will keep reading to see what happens and who the ultimate successors will be. The characters are developed and the story line keeps you on edge wondering what will happen. If you like sci-fi supernatural adventures, you will enjoy this one. I found this story to be a refreshing new take on a space invasion. Check this one out people, it is a good time for sure.
Review by JoJo Maxson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I loved the multi-tiered events that unfolded. Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2018. Verified Purchase. Saving Paludis begins the futuristic tale of a planet we have taken over and began to strip of its inhabitants and natural resources. As one coveted mineral is becoming limited, officials decide to harvest a kelp that induces a natural sleep. Clayton Graham skillfully designs a web of events that lead to a central plot. People and aliens are disappearing. Equipment is being misplaced. And a police agent, botanist, and an alien seer team together to unfold the mysteries, hopefully before a war breaks out.
I found Clayton Graham a master of details and mystique. He keeps this science-fiction going at a fast pace while building up the intensity. Saving Paludis has everything a Sci/Fi reader is looking for and will not disappoint those who are just looking for an adventure.
A collection of tantalizing tales with more twists than Hampton Maze…
A plethora of enthralling plots that will suit fans of all ages and tastes, with stories varying from domestic not-quite-bliss, to an alternate Watership Down, a psychological thriller, a ghost story and a bit of ‘sci-fi not-so-funny after all’ to suit your every mood.
You can also sympathize with a doomed husband and connect with an altruistic robot. Explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.
From the light-hearted to the darkest depths of the human psyche. They’re all there in this smorgasbord of sixteen short stories to keep you guessing at every turn. From the author of Looking for Life, Milijun, Amidst Alien Stars and Saving Paludis.
“This anthology of clever, twist-in-the-tale short stories by Clayton Graham, is worthy of the genre master Arthur C. Clarke’s Tales of the Unexpected.” Rosemary K.
“I was really very impressed with this collection which left me feeling such a variety of emotions after each one. I am looking forward to reading more of Clayton Grahams work.” Maui Reader
“This collection reminds me of the stories collected in the old Twilight Zone Magazine that my mom used to subscribe to. Each tale is unique. You’ll find a bit of mystery, thriller, paranormal and sci-fi. Grab this book while you can and delve into the world that is Clayton Graham.” Helen V.
5 Stars: Thrilling!
For those of us who enjoyed The Twilight Zone, ‘Silently in the Night’ by Clayton Graham is just as thrilling. This book is a collection of tales where ordinary men and women are confronted with the unexpected.
I love each story and will return to read them again. One story titled Watering Down, sticks out in my mind. It centers on the calicivirus, which can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Probably because I am a cat lover, or because I have memories of the Dustin Hoffman 1995 film titled Outbreak, Watering Down made such an interesting and unexpected tale.
I suspect, everyone who reads Silently in the Night will come away with one or more favorites. If you enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make your heart stands still when aliens, artificial intelligence, death, the unexplained or unexpected interact with your reality; Silently in the Night should be top of your reading list.
I am fortunate to have read Author Clayton Graham’s science fiction debut novel titled Milijun. When aliens kidnap Laura’s child, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back.
I am looking forward to his upcoming release of Saving Paludis where “Nobody thought Paludis would become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter, but in the darkest of times a glimmer of light can shine, resolute spirits can triumph over brutality and the strangest of strangers can become friends.”
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Sandy V: 5.0 out of 5 stars Common response… What the??? Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018. Verified Purchase. This collection of 16 unique short stories was a treasure to read. The author was able to capture various moments in time and transform them into fun-size bites of entertainment.
Each story left me dumbfounded and in a state of shock. The first story, Silently in the Night, was a complete mystery. The unexpected twist at the end set the tone for the entire book. The final story, Trapped, told of an explorer trapped on an alien planet. The story ended with a type of closure that encompassed the entire book. All the stories sandwiched in between ranged from inevitability to satire to revenge.
After this taste of Clayton Graham’s writing talent, I will be adding a few of his titles to my “to be read” list. Thanks for sharing your book with me!!
Review by Helen V.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Intro to Clayton Graham. Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2018. Verified Purchase. Great collection of short stories that will quickly get you hooked on Clayton Graham. I follow him on Facebook and receive his newsletter, the latter of which usually includes a short story, too. This collection reminds me of the stories collected in the old Twilight Zone Magazine that my mom used to subscribe to. Each tale is unique. You’ll find a bit of mystery, thriller, paranormal and sci-fi. Grab this book while you can and delve into the world that is Clayton Graham.
Review by Luv2read: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable. Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019. Verified Purchase. A compilation of short stories, which I enjoyed. From mystery to Sci Fri, there’s something for everyone. A great little book to read on coffee and lunch breaks. Enjoyable.
Product Details: Paperback: 174 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (March 14, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
About The Author: As a youngster growing up in the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK, Clayton Graham read a lot of science fiction. He loved the ‘old-school’ masters such as HG Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham. As he left those formative years behind, he penned short stories when he could find a rare quiet moment amidst life’s usual distractions.
He settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982. A retired aerospace engineer who worked in structural design and research, Clayton has always had an interest in science fiction and where it places humankind within a universe we are only just starting to understand.
Clayton loves animals, including well behaved pets, and all the natural world, and is a member of Australian Geographic.
Combining future science with the paranormal is his passion. Milijun, his first novel, was published in 2016. Second novel, Saving Paludis, was published in 2018. They are light years from each other, but share the future adventures of mankind in an expansive universe as a common theme.
The sequel to Milijun, entitled Amidst Alien Stars was released on December 1 2019.
In between novels Clayton has published Silently in the Night and Looking for Life, two collections of short stories where, among many other adventures, you can sympathize with a doomed husband, connect with an altruistic robot, explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.
Construction worker Sam Pargeter and his younger brother, Ricky set out with two friends, Ken, and Brian, for a quiet weekend at a rented mountain cabin. But things aren’t as quiet as they hoped when mysterious and peculiar things start happening the minute they arrive. Windows change position, hallways lengthen, whole rooms disappear, and Ricky seems to be the target of a spectral woman in white. Frightened away from the cabin, Sam, Ricky, and Ken soon discover they didn’t leave the trouble behind. Not only do the weird things keep happening, but Ricky mentally reverts to childhood. He and Ken are still persecuted by the woman in white. The only one who doesn’t seem to be affected is Sam, and he is determined to find out what is behind all the paranormal activity and put a stop to it before it destroys his brother and best friend.
Review by Linda Jennings: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another keeps your attention book. Cherie’ Waggie, you did it again. This is the second book I have read of Ms. Waggie. This is an attention keeper, it’s hard to put down once you start it. I can see this becoming movie. I enjoyed the suspense and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I will certainly be looking for more of your books. Think I just found my new best author.
All Dakota Jennins wants after the murder of her husband and partner in their Private Investigations firm, is to spend her wedding anniversary alone in the mountains. The last thing she expects is to find herself immersed in the kidnapping of the international superstar, Eddie Tseung as his rescuer. Discovering the half-naked Eddie bound in a tarp and dumped in the desert, Dakota frees him. With the kidnappers following and closing in, she and Eddie begin the long, treacherous, and dangerous trip on foot across the desert to where she left her pickup. Frustrated by her predicament and to the interruption to her grief, she turns her anger on the talkative Eddie by doing her best to ignore him. Eddie isn’t easily dissuaded and Dakota finally gives in to his charm and finds not only is Eddie considerate and understanding, but someone she’s glad to have on her side when the kidnappers finally catch up to them.
Join Sneighd Arkon, a Denovan freighter pilot, on a wild adventure through the galaxy in this thrilling page-turner. Despite facing constant challenges to keep his battered ship flying, Sneighd refuses a tempting job offer from sinister Syndicate Boss Baquar Starka. However, when Sneighd accepts a loan from Starka to keep his vessel functional, he unwittingly becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Accused of a murderous crime he didn’t commit, Sneighd must rely on the help of friends and newfound allies, including Tendrite Portmaster Korbot Maka and Rhadurian pilot Haunalyn, to clear his name and evade the clutches of Starka and his cohorts. With danger lurking around every corner and a ticking clock threatening their mission, can Sneighd, Korbot, and Haunalyn find the real killer and prove Sneighd’s innocence before it’s too late? Don’t miss out on the action-packed journey of “Sneighd Arkon and the Rogue Marauder.”
Product Details: Paperback: 313 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (September 27, 2021) Language: English Fiction (Space Fleet Science) Fiction (Space Operas)
When a much-needed vacation to Hong Kong turns upside down, Washington Private Investigator, Philip Chandler finds himself involved in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. He and Hong Kong action star, Eddie Tseung are nearly blown to bits in an explosion in Eddie’s apartment.
Miraculously escaping the explosion, a fire, a near drowning, and an attempted poisoning, Eddie asks Philip for help, then mysteriously disappears, leaving Philip a suspected murderer in a manhunt by Hong Kong police. With the aid of Eddie’s eighteen-year-old son, Jai, Philip searches for clues to lead him to Eddie while trying to stay ahead of the Asian authorities.
After the death of her father, magazine editor, Olivia Gray has to get away for the holidays. The isolated coastal town of Pirates’ Point, Maine seems to be the perfect place.
Her first night at her friend’s beach house, she discovers Pirates’ Point has a night walker.
Chris Wu, a lonely man who lives in an ancient rock house on the cliff overlooking the ocean is a former international pop star who disappeared from public view eight years earlier after a tragic car accident. His home, Lucifer House, built by a notorious pirate captain, Jean-Paul Lucifer, is believed by the townspeople to be haunted by the ghost of 10-year-old Charity Lucifer.
After an accident temporarily cripples Chris Wu, Olivia moves in to help him and soon becomes convinced not only that Charity does haunt Lucifer House, but that she is trying to get a message to Chris concerning the car accident. It isn’t long before Olivia becomes convinced the accident wasn’t an accident and someone in Pirates’ Point wants Chris dead.
5 Stars:Paranormal ghost mystery set in Maine.
If you love paranormal, mystery, romance and suspense, you will find Lucifer House by Cherie’ Waggie hard to put down.
Author Cherie’ Waggie weaves a believable, multi-layered tale that keeps one foot in main character Olivia Gray’s world and the other in the lure of the past.
I love everything Maine (born on the coast of Maine), so the well-developed characters and descriptive writing kept me engaged, as the sleuth in me needed to know what happened in this coastal town.
Main Character Olivia Gray just needs some time away from the bustle of the city after the death of her father. Little does she realize what awaits her in the cold, damp, coastal, New England fog. I invite you to Pirates’ Point, Maine and specifically invite you to Lucifer House (built by a notorious pirate captain, Jean-Paul Lucifer) where the ghost of 10-year-old Charity Lucifer might just reach out of the mist and touch you.
Settling in, Olivia Gray leaves her room to explore her surroundings and I quote. “Outside, the half-moon dangling over the ocean bathed the world in silver blue light. She went onto the deck to watch the waves play along the shore and movement caught her peripheral vision. She turned her head.
…Someone was walking along the beach, his hands in the pockets of his heavy coat, bare head bent, oblivious to the waves that seemed to wash over his feet. A solitary, lonely figure against the backdrop of the ocean and night, he passed the beach house and seemed to melt into the darkness.
…Olivia shivered. There were no such things as ghosts.
…Returning to her room convinced that the night walker must have been some local unable to go to sleep, she climbed back into bed. Maybe he lived in the house on the hill. And maybe the drive to Maine wore her out more than she thought. Maybe she imagined him. After all, who would walk-through ice-cold water in the middle of the night?”
…The night walker is only the beginning; Olivia finds all her senses fully awake and engaged as the mysteries surrounding Lucifer House beckons her to unravel the truth and bring peace to the spirits on Pirates’ Point.
After reading Lucifer House, enjoy her other books titled Without Warning: The Fireman; Look Back to Tomorrow; Twisting Dagger; Dakota’s Dragon; Once Upon A Weekend and No More Heroes: A Philip Chandler Mystery.
Message From Author: “I an Oklahoma Green Country, ranch raised, proud to be an American Veteran woman. I discovered my writing talent at age 10, and have been writing poetry, short stories, and books ever since. I’ve been married and widowed, and all my children have four legs. I love animals, have training as a veterinarian assistant, and graduated from college in 1986 with a degree in Drama. I live with my 87-year-old mother in an old farmhouse between Skiatook and Sperry, Oklahoma, like taking long walks with my year-old Schnauzer, Mahlah, and caring for our four cats, Goldman, Sunny, Happy, and David. We’re visited every night by our neighborhood racoons and opossums, and a sweet dog we call Bud, who comes by every morning.”
Master burglar Francis Hoyt is on the run. After walking away from his arraignment in a Connecticut courtroom, he’s now a fugitive who has to figure out what he’s going to do with the rest of his life.
And so, he heads west, to Los Angeles, where he meets Dakota, a young true crime podcaster who happens to be doing a series on Hoyt. At the same time, he’s approached by a mysterious attorney who makes Hoyt an offer he can’t refuse: break into a “mob bank,” and liberate the contents.
Praise for MAN ON THE RUN:
…One part heist movie, one part psychological thriller, three parts great character and blend. Salzberg’s superb Man on the Run will keep your head spinning from the first page to the last. By Reed Farrel Coleman
…Smart, sly and compelling, with a fascinating main character—the very definition of intelligent suspense. By Lee Child
…Man on the Run grips you from the opening page and doesn’t let go. The plot will leave you breathless with anticipation as a master burglar and a crime podcaster try to outwit and outmaneuver each other before an outrageous heist. There’s nothing better than smart characters, with smart dialogue, going head-to-head. You won’t want to miss a twist or turn. By Michael Wiley, Shamus Award-winning author of the Sam Kelson mysteries
…Francis Hoyt, Charles Salzberg’s brilliant burglar anti-hero from Second Story Man, is back on the prowl in Man on the Run. Old-school crime meets the podcast age as Hoyt tangles with a true-crime reporter as well as fellow felons and the law. Like his hero, Salzberg is a total pro who always brings it home. By Wallace Stroby, author of Heaven’s a Lie
…Charles Salzberg is a genius at not only crafting a helluva page-turner of a heist novel, but he also manages to make the reader care about Francis Hoyt, master burglar and pathological narcissist. Hoyt is the man on the run, and the story of how he eludes the law, the mob, and a retired cop who has become his personal nemesis packs a solid punch and leaves you rooting for the guy who’d steal your family jewels without breaking a sweat. By James R. Benn, author of the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series
…When it comes to Charles Salzberg’s work, you can expect a hard-edged story, crisp dialogue, and memorable characters. This is certainly true—and then some!—in his latest, Man on the Run. Featuring master burglar Francis Hoyt, a tough and intelligent criminal who can’t seem to turn down tempting criminal scores, despite the inherent danger, Man on the Run features a true-crime podcast host, a criminal fence, and an investigator hot on the trail of Francis Hoyt as his most challenging and dangerous burglary comes into play. Very much recommended. By Brendan DuBois, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author
…It’s a battle of wits and nerves as a cop, a robber, and a journalist dance around one another, weaving a tapestry of deceit and suspense. Salzberg’s dialogue flows like water until it finds truth in this most entertaining read. By Matt Goldman, New York Times bestselling author
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A highly enjoyable page turner you can’t put down! Mr. Salzberg has done it again with a cat and mouse page turner you simply cannot put down. This follow-up to Second Story Man chronicles the continuing exploits of master burglar Francis Hoyt, a cunning, smart, manipulative thief who does things his way or no way. This time out, he is in LA getting ready to nab a “mob bank” but his world is complicated by a true crime podcaster and Francis’ old nemesis, a detective from Connecticut who wants to nail him for his prior crimes. As their agendas collide, Francis, who is never surprised, gets the surprise of his life and in turn, must react in ways I am sure he ever expected. This is a true battle of wits between the cop, robber and journalist that will leave you breathless in the end!
Review by Elliot Ravetz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Charles Salzberg’s immersive and suspenseful new novel. If you’ve read any of Charles Salzberg’s previous novels, you know that you’ll get a cast of vividly drawn characters, smart and often darkly funny dialogue, and fast-paced stories that grip you and keep you gripped. This one, which Lee Child calls “Smart, sly and compelling,” involves a duel of wits and determination among three characters, each narrating the tale from their own perspective: the imperious master thief Francis Hoyt, who is planning a high-risk heist; his nemesis, the nimble-witted investigator Charles Floyd (both of them introduced in Salzberg’s enthralling “Second Story Man”); and the ambitious true crime podcaster Dakota Richards, who, using the skills she developed as an investigative journalist, is planning a series of podcasts through which she intends to expose the mysterious Hoyt, as the menacing burglar, who’s also a pathologically secretive control freak, has learned. “Man on the Run” is immersive and super-suspenseful.
Review by Nina C: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The mastermind burglar you wish you didn’t care about. Definitely a page turner. The only thing missing is the sequel.
Review by Samfreene (VINE VOICE): 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Hoyt at his best. Can you create an image or façade that is false and yet everyone believes what they see? Can you literally walk out of a courtroom before your arraignment and hide in plain sight? Two voices are heard throughout this novel: Francis Hoyt and Dakota. Dakota and Francis speak to us as if we are in the same room. The first scene takes them to an odd place where they meet, he approaches her, and it takes a while before she realizes who he is and that she knows him. Dakota started her own podcast and wants to interview him live on it. Conversations take different turns; she lets us know her innermost thoughts and how she hopes to snag him for the interview. He is dangerous and does not hesitate to let her know not to fool with him. But, in the end you will have botch one won the war of the words, the threats and if he agrees to do the podcast and will she show up?
Going back in time we meet both of them; Dakota lives with her parents and realizes it is time to move on and her mother does try to help but she wants more out of life. School, graduating from an Ivy League college , no name to be stated or divulged, she wants to become a reporter. How she manages to get her first job, why crime and why she does the night shift, enjoying the murders, break ins robberies, and more gives her an adrenal rush. Then after a few years she moves on to another paper, another town and realizes that the internet might be her ticket to getting out there and she now must decide where to go.
Francis Hoyt tells us how he walked out of the courthouse, how he finally feels free and the reasons why he feels he needs to escape. But, even more that is really noteworthy is how and why he stole his first truck, how he felt owning something he did not pay for and how it led to a life of crime. He loves robbing and invading homes and making people fearful. He loves stealing and taking from others because he can. He even teaches us how to deal with getting a new fence, dealing with the old one and enjoying his life of crime. But where will he decide to hold up? Where will he live at least for a while?
Alternating voices and wants and desires as Dakota decide on her calling and that is a podcast dealing with true crime. With the help of friends and hopefully someone to sell ads, she comes up with a name, a focus and takes classes to teach her what she needs to know and the people she needs to support her. Researching topics, she often over thinks which takes us to Francis before we come back to now. The author focuses on Dakota, her staff and her support, the topics for the podcasts, the research and the need for someone to help with the research, the bills, the dialogue and more. Then her prime goal is to get Francis Hoyt on her podcast which ends the chapters with a restless Francis who has not made a score, hit a homer and when he does the take is not that great but he will do better next time.
Dakota meets with him, and you can tell their conversation is like a sparring contest. Hoyt is methodical, he had OCD and it’s his way or no way at all. He is a master burglar, liar, manipulator and more. He even created three ways to complete robbing the mob bank given all the facts he needs, the money half before and half after but you won’t believe the end result.
Told on three voices each one with his or her own agenda and each one using the other for information, an interview or more. Dakota is tough in her own way but when Hoyt breaks into her apartment something snaps in her, and she becomes allied with Charlie, and you won’t believe why? Floyd convinces her to help take down Hoyt, but you believe the plan and is Dakota the decoy? The final scenes are unique as the author creates several unsolved mysteries, places Hoyt, Dakota and Charlie in the same place but in the end you won’t believe what happens. Hoyt learns a hard and fast lesson, deals with the man who put him on the Vince and the job that he was to do. In the end who will get the blame? In the end what about the podcast ? What about her relationship with Mark and with Charlie? What is next for all of them, and will our master burglar find out who was behind his fate? Is there more for Hoyt? A simple letter that he writes. Will she follow his instructions? How will that play with what she wanted to do on her podcast? Lives change and so do perceptions as author Charles Salzberg leaves us with his question: DOES CRIME PAY? DOES TRUE CRIME REALLY INTERST PEOPLE? Is FRANCIS ALWAYS GOING TO BE A MAN ON THE RUN?
Each voice is strong, has his or her own convictions and ideals, but in the end who wins?
Review by Enjoyingbooksagain: 4.0 out of 5 Stars. Crime thriller. My Thoughts–This story is told from the POV from the criminal and Dakota a young podcaster. There is a lot of twist and turns and secret plans to this story. The characters are all different and interesting. And the ending will surprise you. If you’re a person who enjoys crime thrillers I recommend this, this is my first Charles Salzberg book but will not be my last
Review by Joan N. (VINE VOICE): 4.0 out of 5 Stars. For readers who like mostly character thought.
This is a different kind of mystery. It is mostly character thought with very little action. It is an in depth exploration of the personality of an expert thief. He is the best there is and we are privy to all his planning. He was a difficult character to like. He is not a Robin Hood kind of thief. He has no qualms with setting up a patsy to take the fall for his work. He really doesn’t think very highly of anyone but himself. Besides, he calls himself a dedicated vegetarian when he eats an egg white omelet and fish tacos.
There are two other main characters in the novel and, interestingly enough, we get the thoughts of all three in first person narratives. One is a journalist with a crime podcast and the third is a retired detective who still has catching the matching thief on his back burner. I am not a fan of alternating first person accounts but they were clearly identified and easily understood.
Salzberg is a good writer. Even though I prefer action and dialogue over lots of character thought, this novel kept my interest. I really wanted to know how the whole gig worked out. I have to admit, I was disappointed by the ending.
This is a novel for readers who would like an intense character study of an accomplished thief and an inconclusive ending that begs for a sequel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Review by Jeannette Sanderson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A Real Page-Turner. I didn’t want to put this book down, which is how I ended up staying up until after midnight (which is well past my bedtime) to finish it. I was interested in all of the characters and the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Read the book, but consider yourself forewarned: don’t start it if you have to be up early the next morning.
“A Terrific Old School Crime Novel With A Machine Gun Pace.”
PI Pete Fortunato, half-Italian, half-Jewish, who suffers from anger management issues and insomnia, wakes up one morning with a bad taste in his mouth. This is never a good sign. Working out of a friend’s downtown real estate office, Fortunato, who spent a mysteriously short, forgettable stint as a cop in a small upstate New York town, lives from paycheck to paycheck. So, when a beautiful woman wants to hire him to find her husband, he doesn’t hesitate to say yes. Within a day, Fortunato finds the husband in the apartment of his client’s young, stud lover. He’s been shot once in the head. Case closed. But when his client’s check bounces, and a couple of Albanian gangsters show up outside his building and kidnap him, hoping he’ll lead them to a large sum of money supposedly stolen by the dead man, he begins to realize there’s a good chance he’s been set up to take the fall for the murder and the theft of the money.
In an attempt to get himself out of a jam, Fortunato winds up on a wild ride that takes him down to Texas where he searches for his client’s lover who he suspects has the money and holds the key to solving the murder.
Just Nominated for a Shamus Award for Best Paperback. The winners are announced at the end of August 2023.
Praise for Canary In The Coal Mine:
…Salzberg has hit it out of the park. Love the writing style, and the story really draws you in. As with Salzberg’s prior works, he has a knack for making his heroes real, which makes their jeopardy real, too. So, say hello to Pete Fortunato, a modern PI who thinks on his feet and has moves that read like the noir version of Midnight Run. By Tom Straw, author of the Richard Castle series (from the ABC show) and Buzz Killer
…Salzberg writes hardboiled prose from a gritty stream of conscious. Peter Fortunato is an old school PI to be reckoned with. By Sam Wiebe, award-winning author of Invisible Dead and Never Going Back
…Charles Salzberg’s Canary In The Coal Mine is everything a reader wants in a great crime novel, and then some. The rat-a-tat cadence of the noir masters, seamlessly blended with the contemporary sensibilities of an author thoroughly in control of his craft. I liked this book so much I read it twice. No kidding. It’s that good. By Baron R. Birtcher, multi-award winning and Los Angeles Times bestselling author
…Charles Salzberg has created a fantastic literary PI: Pete Fortunato. Rash, blunt and prone to violence, you can’t help but turn the page to see what Fortunato will do next. Canary In The Coal Mine is great! by James O. Born, New York Times bestselling author
Skip tracer Henry Swann cares little about anything but money, so when a beautiful Upper East Side woman shows up in his office and hires him to find her missing husband, he smiles and takes the cash. But when this seemingly simple missing-person case turns into homicide, Swann finds himself trapped in a complex web of connections and multiple identities that takes him out of New York City and across two continents.
Praise for SWANN’S LAST SONG
…Swann’s got the smarts and hard-boiled cynicism of Sam Spade, but he’s also got a wicked sense of humor that keeps things cool even when the action gets hot. By Brian Kilmeade, author of New York Times bestseller The Games Do Count
…Salzberg’s a hell of a writer. He delivers thrills, insight and plenty of laughs. Swann is a very cool take on the classic P.I. by Andrew Klavan, author of True Crime and Don’t Say a Word
…A veritable travelogue of suspense, SWANN’S LAST SONG grabs hold of the reader and doesn’t let go. Salzberg’s anti-hero is a soulful investigator and one of the most paradoxically endearing characters I’ve come across. I hope this isn’t Swann’s last song. By Joy Behar (co-host of The View)
…Salzberg defies expectations left and right in this subtly subversive, genre-twisting page turner. SWANN’S LAST SONG is where literature meets entertainment. By Mark Goldblatt, author of Africa Speaks
Swann Dives In is a mystery that goes deep and rarely lets the reader catch a breath.
Henry Swann’s last case nearly killed him, emotionally and physically. Now he’s sworn off his old profession and taken on a steady gig. But climbing stairs to hook poor people up to cable is hard on his knees… and not the kind of connections he’s good at making. So, when an opportunity arises to bring order to chaos for a price –his secret pleasure in life –Swann is pulled back in.
The case starts simply, with a call to find a burglary suspect who’s gone on the lam. But Swann is soon on the trail of a wealthy lawyer’s rebellious daughter, who’s disappeared along with her disreputable boyfriend.
Finding the beau leads him into the dangerous midst of cutthroat academics, sexy librarians, and killer book collectors, with a priceless first edition of Tender is the Night the surprising prize along the way.
When rare photos‚ a scandalous diary‚ and a beautiful woman all go missing at once‚ the stage is set for three challenging cases for Henry Swann.
It begins with an offer to partner up with his slovenly‚ unreliable frenemy‚ Goldblatt. The disbarred lawyer-turned- “facilitator” would provide the leads and muscle‚ while Swann would do all the fancy footwork. A lost diary by a free-loving Jazz Age flapper is worth enough to someone that Swann takes a beat down on an abandoned boardwalk.
Pilfered photos of Marilyn Monroe propel him deep into the past of an alcoholic shutterbug‚ his wife; and he’s hired to search for a lonely writer’s runaway girlfriend. The cases converge and collide in a finale that lifts the curtain on crucial‚ deadly facts of life for everyone—including Swann himself.
Praise for Swann’s Lake of Despair: Smart, satisfying, even profound, this is exactly what every mystery reader is looking for: A terrific story, full of wit and originality, and a master class in voice. Charles Salzberg is a true talent, and his Henry Swann is a classic, complex, hilarious, and completely charming. By Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mary Higgins Clark award winner for The Other Woman, Agatha winner for The Wrong Girl
A friendly poker game leads Henry Swann out to Hollywood where he tries to find the man, Rusty Jacobs, responsible for embezzling $1,000,000 from his client, and then bring back the dough. Swann finds Jacobs, but the mercurial wannabe film producer is involved in a “surefire” movie project aimed at the growing Christian market. And the money? Well, it seems to have vanished into thin air.
At the same time, thanks to his irrepressible partner, Goldblatt, Swann finds himself knee-deep in the New York City art world, as he tries to get justice for another client who’s possibly been defrauded on the purchase of a valuable painting that may or may not be a fake.
As if this isn’t enough to keep him busy, in the midst of these two troubling cases, Swann finds that the teenage son whom he hasn’t seen in a dozen years has run away from his grandparent’s Minnesota home and, chasing after a girl, has possibly become involved with a cult. And so, a guilt-ridden Swann has to take time out from his paying cases to find his son.
When Henry Swann is asked by his quirky partner, Goldblatt, to find a missing psychic who’s swindled his ex-wife out of a small fortune, he just can’t say no. Although he doesn’t actually expect to get paid, he figures it might give him a chance to finally learn more about his partner’s mysterious past. His search takes him into the controversial, arcane world of psychics, fortunetellers, and charlatans, while raising questions in his own mind about whether or not there is an after-life.
While working his partner’s case, he’s approached by a former employer, attorney Paul Rudder, to track down a missing witness who might be able to provide an alibi for his client, Nicky Diamond, a notorious mob hitman who’s scheduled to go on trial in a week for murder he claims he didn’t commit. Swann’s search for the missing witness, who happens to be the defendant’s girlfriend, takes him from Brooklyn to a small beach town across the bay from Mobile, Alabama. But what does she really know and will she even come back with him to testify for her boyfriend?
Praise for SWANN’S DOWN:
…From Manhattan to Coney Island to the steamy shores of Alabama, Charles Salzberg delivers a top-flight mystery with his latest Henry Swann outing. Highly recommended. By Tom Straw, New York Times bestselling author as Richard Castle
…Psychics, double-crosses, missing persons–Charles Salzberg’s latest Henry Swann book has it all. Swann’s Down is a gritty, no-frills PI novel that brings to mind greats like Reed Farrel Coleman’s Moe Prager and Michael Harvey’s Michael Kelly. Whether this is your first Swann adventure or the latest, you won’t want to miss the brass-knuckle punch that is Swann’s Down. Trust me. By Alex Segura, author of Blackout and Dangerous Ends
…Swann’s Down gives readers two intriguing mysteries for the price of one, as skip tracer Henry Swann pursues a woman who might alibi a murderer and a psychic who swindled the ex-wife of Swann’s partner. Swann’s wry wit, quotes from authors and philosophers, genius for questioning suspects, and dark past make him a character reader will follow anywhere as he seeks his quarry. This is another thrilling addition to this excellent series. By Rich Zahradnik, Shamus Award-winning author of Lights Out Summer
…Henry Swann dives in where others fear to tread in Swann’s Down. Fast. Funny. And smart. This time out, Swann crosses paths with a psycho hitman, a phony psychic and Swann’s mysterious partner, a disbarred lawyer. Who could ask for more? I hope we’ll see a lot more of Swann in the future and that this isn’t Swann’s swan song. By Paul D. Marks, Shamus Award-winning author of White Heat and Broken Windows
Francis Hoyt, arrogant, athletic, brilliant, manipulative and ruthless, is a master burglar. He specializes in stealing high-end silver, breaking into homes that seem impenetrable. He’s never been caught in the act, although he has spent some time in prison on a related charge, time he used to hone his craft and make valuable connections. (Hoyt is based on two real-life master burglars: the so-called Dinnertime Bandit, who only stole when his victims were home, and The Silver Thief, who was only interested in high-end silver). Hoyt follows the money. In the winter, he works down south, primarily in southern Florida and Georgia, around the Atlanta area. Summers, he moves back up north, where he plies his trade in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
One day, Charlie Floyd, brilliant, stubborn, an experienced investigator, who has recently retired from his job with the attorney general’s department for the state of Connecticut, receives a phone call from Manny Perez, a Cuban-American Miami police detective. Perez, who’s worked with Floyd previously, wants to enlist the former investigator in his efforts to put an end to Francis Hoyt’s criminal career. Floyd accepts the offer and they team up to bring Hoyt to justice.
Second Story Man, told in alternating chapters, representing Hoyt’s, Floyd’s and Perez’s points-of-view, develops into a cat-and-mouse contest between the two lawmen and this master burglar. As Floyd and Perez get closer to their prey, Hoyt finds out they are after him and rather than backing down, he taunts them, daring them to bring him in. As the story develops, the stakes get higher and higher, and Hoyt, who is always concerned about proving he’s the best at what he does, even resorts to murder. Eventually, the story climaxes in a confrontation between the three men.
In the ballroom of a sparsely furnished Connecticut mansion, police find a shocking sight: four bodies lined up next to each other, three teenagers and a middle-aged woman, each lying on a blanket, each shot once in the head. In an upstairs bedroom: an elderly woman and the family dog, both of them shot as well. The only person missing is the husband, father, son, and prime suspect, John Hartman, who’s got a three-week jump on the police.
Through the eyes of almost two dozen characters, including the neighbor who reports the crime, Hartman’s mistress, a dogged state investigator, the family minister, and some of the characters Hartman meets on his escape route, we piece together not only what happened and how these shocking murders affect the community, but how John Hartman evades capture, where he’s headed, and maybe even why he committed this gruesome crime in the first place.
Based on the notorious John List murders and already compared to works by Norman Mailer and Russell Banks, DEVIL IN THE HOLE is gripping, literate, and haunting.
Praise for DEVIL IN THE HOLE
…DEVIL IN THE HOLE is powerful stuff. Drawing on real events, Salzberg has crafted a mesmerizing tale in many voices. He masterfully drip-feeds the compelling story, funneling moments from disparate, scattered lives to define the personality of a madman. The overall effect is like slowly opening a beautifully wrapped box of poisoned chocolates. By Tim McLoughlin, editor Brooklyn Noir.
…Salzberg masterfully weaves together dozens of voices, including the killer’s, in an effort to find out why a man would murder his entire family and then disappear. DEVIL IN THE HOLE is a haunting meditation on the thin, wavering line between sense and senselessness. By Kaylie Jones, author Lies My Mother Never Told Me: A Memoir, and Speak Now
…The devil isn’t in the details, but in a tony Connecticut town. Charles Salzberg’s DEVIL IN THE HOLE is a fine piece of crime writing and a hell of a fun read. By Reed Farrel Coleman, three-time Shamus Award-winning author of Gun Church
…In this smartly constructed crime novel, Salzberg uses multiple viewpoints to portray an unlikely killer who methodically slaughters his family … an intriguing collage of impressions and personal perspectives for the reader to ponder. By Publishers Weekly
…Salzberg does an ingenious job of weaving together the various voices — each distinct in its own right — and giving us the story as told by the people who experienced it. It paints a psychological picture of a murderer, while also telling the story of those left in the aftermath and how they were affected as well. Brilliant and captivating storytelling. By Erica Ruth Neubauer, Crimespree magazine
…Salzberg has taken a true crime tale and made it into a compelling work of fiction that attempts to imagine the mind of a killer, not only through his own mind, but through the minds of many others. This is a novel which few readers will want to put down, turning pages mostly, I think, to find out how in the world the author pulls it off. ‘How,’ I kept asking myself, ‘how can he finish this story?’ The buildup becomes more and more absorbing because Charles Salzberg has a lot to say about human nature that is thought-provokingly wise and penetrating. By Duff Brenna, South Carolina Review
…I am typically not a fan of books written in this manner but Salzberg masterfully uses this technique to create a novel that is different in an extremely good way. The author effortlessly blends the different perspectives, viewpoints, and impressions of each character into a brilliant tapestry that envelops the reader, while peeking interest, and the desire for more information about the crime. DEVIL IN THE HOLE is one of the best books that I have read this year and I most highly recommend it. By Robin Thomas, New Mystery Review
Product Details: Paperback: 298 Pages Publisher: Down & Out Books (November 8, 2016) Language: English Thrillers and Suspense
About The Author: Charles Salzberg is a novelist, a journalist, and an acclaimed writing instructor.
His new novel, Devil in the Hole, a gripping work
of literary crime fiction based on the notorious John List murders, is on
shelves now.
He is the author of the Henry Swann detective
series: Swann Dives In; Swann’s Last Song, which was nominated for a Shamus
Award for Best First PI Novel; and the upcoming Swann’s Lake of Despair.
His non-fiction books include: On A Clear Day
They Could See Seventh Place: Baseball’s 10 Worst Teams of the Century; From
Set Shot to Slam Dunk, An Oral History of the NBA; and co-author of My Zany
Life and Times, by Soupy Sales; Catch Them Being Good; and The Mad Fisherman.
He has been a Visiting Professor at the S.I.
Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and has taught
writing at Sarah Lawrence College, Hunter College, the Writer’s Voice, and the
New York Writers Workshop, where he is a Founding Member. He is a consulting
editor at the webzine Ducts.org and co-host, with Jonathan Kravetz, of the
reading series, Trumpet Fiction, at KGB in New York City.
His freelance work has appeared in such publications as Esquire, New York Magazine, GQ, Elle, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, The New York Times Arts and Leisure section, The New York Times Book Review and the Los Angeles Times Book Review.
He also has a short story in the short story anthology ‘Lawyers, Guns and Money’, based on Warren Zevon songs and that collection is up for an Anthony Award for Best Anthology, which is given out at Bouchercon, the big crime writers conference which this year is in San Diego on Labor Day weekend 2023.
In the wake of the Great Cataclysm, a new predator will emerge from within Windemere’s shadow.
For fifty years, Clyde has been trapped beneath the earth while the vampire kingdom has been gradually losing its war against the Sun God’s followers. Only Mab believes that her partner survived his holy execution and is determined to bring him back to the city of Nyte.
Retrieving the vampiric thief is only the beginning as he comes out of the ground stronger, faster, and possessing abilities that their kind have never witnessed throughout their ancient history.
Thrown into the war, Clyde must be careful to hide his true nature while fighting alongside his old friends. Too bad he is having so much fun being free that keeping his secret might be the furthest thing from his mind.
Will anyone be ready for the inevitable rise of the Dawn Fangs?
5 Stars: Windemere Is Back!
For those of us who entered Windemere, it left its mark on our soul. Epic Fantasy Author Charles E. Yallowitz brings us a new series titled ‘War of Nytefall’.
In book one, War of Nytefall: Loyalty, a new predator emerges from within the shadow of Windemere.
The story begins in the courtyard surrounding the Temple of Durag, where preparation for an execution is under way. The Sun God followers of Durag has been under siege by a vampire kingdom. Vampire Mab is waiting in the shadows, she bids her time, planning to rescue her partner Clyde and retreat to the city of Nyte.
Unlike vampire stories of old, Author Charles E. Yallowitz has written a true epic fantasy where vampires are both heroes and villains. The author’s beloved descriptive writing and imagination bring these new fantastic characters to life with unexpected twists and turns that this author’s followers have come to expect.
I want to whet your appetite or blood lust without spoiling the story, so I will bring you into the story in Chapter 6.
…Driven by instinct, Mab soars through the darkness and comes dangerously close to colliding with another winged monstrosity. Veering to the side, she dodges its beak and flies near its foul-smelling underbelly. Rolling onto her back, the vampire jams her claws into the predator and eviscerates it as she escapes. The dark green blood pools around the thrashing beast like a liquid cloud, which attracts boney scavengers. Unable to stop, Mab struggles to head back to what she hopes is the entrance to this strange world. A chill running up her spine causes her to make a wide turn and she narrowly avoids crashing into a rocky orb that is releasing streams of acid. The bizarre obstacle spins in place and shows no sign of leaving, its fumes driving the vampire far from where she wants to be.
… “If you fall then you must climb,” a voice says from the shadows.
… “Where am I?” Mab asks, the question having been on her tongue since she woke up.
… “A world between worlds that everything holds a door to. Although, not everyone has the key. How did you get the key?”
I invite you to enter Windemere for the first time, or return as part of this author’s huge fan base. While we wait for book two ‘War of Nytefall: Lost’, I invite you to read or re-read the epic fantasy series titled ‘Legends of Windemere’.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 339 Pages Publication Date: April 6, 2018 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
War of Nytefall: Lost (Book Two) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 2 of 8: War of Nytefall.
As the Vampire Civil War of Windemere rages on in the shadows, a mysterious girl appears to deliver mayhem to both sides.
Rumors of old-world vampires disappearing and mortals being attacked by an army of humanoid monsters have reached Clyde’s ears. Still learning how to rule the city of Nytefall as a strong, but fair leader instead of a vicious warlord, the former thief assumes he has rogue agents on his hands. Instead, his people stumble upon Lost, a teenage Dawn Fang looking for her father and aided by a decrepit bunny that might be an animated corpse. Bounding from one side of the Vampire Civil War to another, this carefree girl will turn out to be more trouble than she looks as all of the demons of her past emerge to get what they have been promised. Yet, her chaotic actions are nothing compared to the secret of her creation, which will change the very fabric of the Dawn Fangs’ world.
It is time for the womb-born to be revealed.
5 Stars: Help Of Halflings!
In book two, ‘War Of Nytefall: Lost’ we are reminded the only other way to reach Nytefall by ship instead of magic is with the help of halflings who have become Dawn Fangs.
While the vampire civil war intensifies on both sides, no one pays much attention to the teenager girl that enters the tavern. Glancing up, the patrons see a barefoot Dawn Fang teenager, who is dressed only in sleepwear holding a stuffed rabbit. Assuming she is a homeless beggar, the patrons in the tavern turn away. The bartender strikes up a conversation with the teenager as the bar-stool she is sitting on, spins. Let’s listen in.
…She repeatedly tries to talk when she is facing the bartender, but she is moving too fast to get more than a single word out during each pass. Wanting the fun ride to stop, the girl slams her hand down to catch the bar and her fingers crunch into the solid wood as if it was paper.
… “Oops . . . Bunny will pay for that,” she says, holding her stuffed animal upside down. She shakes the toy until an emerald falls out, the gem dotted with a few flecks of blood. “He’s always eating things that he shouldn’t. That’s why I have to keep an eye on him. You don’t happen to have any tomatoes, do you? He likes those. By the way, I’m Lost and I’m trying to find my father.”
… “Sorry to hear that,” the barrel-chested man states as he cleans a mug. He knocks on the window behind him to get it open and reaches into the kitchen to grab a tomato. “If you’re lost then it’s better for you to talk to the sheriff. This town is in the middle of nowhere, so your old man probably only passed through. Nobody ever stays here for long unless they’re interested in the jade mines to the west. Were you traveling with him and got lost in that storm we had last night?”
… “No, I was on my own,” the girl happily claims. Offering the tomato to her bunny, she quickly gets frustrated and jams the food into its mouth. “Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever met my father. So, I’m following my mom’s scent to see if I can find him. That storm did get me turned around. Oh, are they playing Rodil darts? My friends and I used to play it all the time, but we had different rules. Mostly, you have to hit each other instead of missing. By the way, I’m not lost. My name is Lost. Although, I don’t know where I’m going, so I could be both. It’s best to only be one at a time, but I’m always Lost.”
Is Lost a harmless teenage wanderer or a powerful vampire?
Author Charles E. Yallowitz unleashes this new character within the shadows of Windemere, with all the intrigue and intensity that his readers have come to expect. I hope you had a chance to read book one ‘War Of Nytefall: Loyalty’ as it sets the stage for this new mid-teen to adult fantasy. No worries if you have not picked up book one, jump right into book two, ‘War of Nytefall: Lost’ and get lost in the pages and drama in this un-imagined (until now) vampire under world. Book three ‘War of Nytefall: Rivalry’ is next.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 295 Pages Publication Date: September 5, 2018 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Rivalry (War of Nytefall Book 3) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 3 of 8: War of Nytefall.
Seeking the pleasure of revenge, an ancient rumor will reveal herself to be a deadly legend.
Lurking within the shadows for centuries, the Vampire Queen has been drawn to the conflict that surrounds Clyde. Only whispers have been spread about this elusive figure, who has amassed a kingdom that can rival Nyte and Nytefall. All that she is missing is the strongest vampire to crown as her king. In one fell swoop, she has taken the most powerful of her kind, including Clyde and Xavier Tempest.
Hosting a tournament where the rules seem to change at her whim, the Vampire Queen threatens to shatter the already strained world that lurks beneath Windemere’s surface. Yet, there is more to her desires, which seep from a soul that is pulsing with fury. For her kingdom can never be complete until she holds the head of the one who wronged her centuries ago.
Can Mab stand against her ancient rival and save her beloved partner?
Product Details: Print Length: 298 Pages Publication Date: April 4, 2019 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Eradication (War of Nytefall Book 4) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 4 of 8: War of Nytefall.
As Dawn Fang vampires are found dead across Windemere, their infamous leader will remember what it is to be afraid.
With the truce between Nyte and Nytefall nearing its end, an old enemy has emerged to rekindle the vampires’ most ancient feud. A Duragian priest is on the move and he is wielding a weapon that can depower and kill Dawn Fangs. This follower of the Sun God has claimed enough victims that Lord Tempest wants the weapon for himself and Clyde is beginning to worry that his fledgling kingdom is in danger of extinction. When it becomes clear that the mysterious relic and Clyde’s transformation into the first Dawn Fang are connected, he will be forced to face a past that he can barely remember.
What can Clyde do to defend his people, his life, and the child he does not know is on the way from the terrifying Fist of Durag?
Product Details: Print Length: 313 Pages Publication Date: February 20, 2020 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Ravenous (War of Nytefall Book 5) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 5 of 8: War of Nytefall.
In the shadows of Windemere, fangs are sprouting from the least likely of maws.
News is spreading, that wild beasts with vampiric natures have been attacking mortals and carrying off random victims. With the Dawn Fangs still a secret from mortal society, Clyde fears that these strange creatures will reveal his peoples’ existence before they are ready.
Old enemies and trusted friends begin to disappear as the investigation goes deeper into a business that has been lurking in the shadows of Windemere for decades. Those who return are beholden to a new master whose cunning is matched only by her primal desires. As his allies disappear, Clyde is left with the one he trusts the most in all of the world to help him solve this mystery. Too bad Mab has her own secret that can cause more damage to Nytefall than any vampiric beast.
Is this how the Dawn Fangs will be revealed to Windemere?
Product Details: Print Length: 355 Pages Publication Date: September 2, 2020 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Savagery (War of Nytefall Book 6) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 6 of 8: War of Nytefall.
For the first time in over a century, Clyde will know what it means to feel powerless and weak.
Headless bodies appearing across Windemere is only the beginning as Clyde faces the terrifying vampire hunter, Alastyre. Able to match the Dawn Fang leader in power and ferocity, this new menace shows no signs of weakness or mercy. With both friends and enemies getting dragged into the battle, Clyde will have to find a way to become stronger. For that, he will have to accept an ancient challenge and pray that those he cares about and trusts can hold Alastyre at bay.
Which monster of Windemere will claim the top of the food chain?
Product Details: Print Length: 333 Pages Publication Date: April 7, 2021 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Anarchy (War of Nytefall Book 7) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 7 of 8: War of Nytefall.
The paladins of Windemere have had enough!
As the Vampire Civil War heats up, mysterious murders are being committed against members of every holy order. All signs point to the culprits being vampires, which has resulted in the creation of a unified paladin army. To protect his people, Clyde must find the killers before the holy warriors unleash their purifying crusade. It is a battle against frustrating obstacles as the war inches closer to mortal civilization and ambitious new allies join Nytefall.
One slip is all that is needed for the secret of the Dawn Fangs to be revealed.
Product Details: Print Length: 320 Pages Publication Date: September 2, 2021 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Eulogy (War of Nytefall Book 8) by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 8 of 8: War of Nytefall.
As his dreams of peace become a reality, Clyde faces his darkest challenge.
With the Dawn Fangs’ existence exposed, the time for negotiations has begun. Mortal rulers and the council of Nytefall gather to discuss terms, but chaos is already stirring. It does not take long for Clyde’s dream to become a nightmare as villages are slaughtered by a Dawn Fang who is rumored to be the newly crowned Vampire King. Bodies of friends and enemies pile up as this mysterious imposter reveals why mortals should fear Clyde. Will Clyde’s final adventure see his dream of peace fail before it is realized?
The truth is more horrifying than the Dawn Fangs ever imagined.
Product Details: Print Length: 302 Pages Publication Date: December 1, 2021 Language: English Vampire Fantasy Fantasy (Adult & College) Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age
Enjoy The ‘Legends of Windemere’ (Epic Fantasy Series)!
Beginning Of A Hero by Charles E. Yallowitz
Book 1 of 15: Legends of Windemere.
Luke Callindor was born into Windemere’s most decorated family of adventurers. Since his birth, he has been treated with the greatest amount of respect and awe. Now, with a lifetime of training and the reckless cockiness of youth, Luke has set out to prove that he deserves the admiration that comes from being a Callindor. Luke gets his chance when he convinces a royal messenger to hire him to protect the heir of Duke Solomon. This future leader is secretly attending Hamilton Military Academy, an esteemed school run by the former mercenary, Selenia Hamilton.
It is a dangerous secret mission requiring that Luke pretend to be an average student while keeping an eye out for any sign of danger. Unfortunately, Luke has no idea which student the heir is and a demonic assassin is already several steps ahead of him. Finding himself in over his head and constantly in trouble, the young warrior realizes that the only things he has on his side are some new friends and his unwavering courage. Can Luke find and protect the heir while keeping his own head attached to his neck? And, can he avoid being suspended long enough to see his mission through to the end?
Product Details: Print Length: 309 Pages Publication Date: February 24, 2013 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Luke Callindor and his friends are about to learn that the life of an adventurer can be brutally unforgiving.
Hungering for another adventure, Luke agrees to escort the heir of Serab along the L’dandrin River and into the safety of Gods’ Voice. A deadly gauntlet of cunning traps and savage creatures lay before the young warrior and his companions. Lacking the powerful magic needed to combat his enemies, Luke’s survival and victory may be in the hands of his newest ally. That’s if the temperamental Nyx doesn’t set him on fire first.
Luke will bravely face everything that is thrown at him, but how can he defend himself when he’s ignorant of the truth behind his mission?
Product Details: Print Length: 376 Pages Publication Date: July 30, 2013 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
The epic adventures of Luke Callindor and Nyx continue after their journey down the L’Dandrin River in Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower. Reeling from his failures in their previous adventure, Luke leads his surviving friends to his hometown. With his mind frayed and his confidence fractured, Luke must face the family and fiancée he left behind.
It is a brief homecoming when the vampire Kalam attacks the village, forcing Luke and Nyx to break into his lair for the key to resurrecting a fallen warrior. It is a quest that will force both young heroes to reach new heights of strength and power that they never knew they had. Can Luke and Nyx escape the lair of Kalam? And, what role will the orphaned gypsy Sari play in their looming destiny?
Product Details: Print Length: 553 Pages Publication Date: January 4, 2014 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
The magical adventure continues after Luke Callindor and his friends recover from their battles in Haven. Nyx still has nightmares about casting the genocide spell in Hero’s Gate. Every night her heart is gripped by the sensation of hundreds of goblins dying by her magic. By the request of Lord Highrider and Duke Solomon, she is returning to fix the damage she caused.
With Luke Callindor and Sari by her side, Nyx is ready to face the vengeful goblins and opportunistic thieves that plague Hero’s Gate. Yet, there is a darker threat that was born from her violated magic: The Krypters. It is another action-packed, character driven story that will reveal one of our heroes has been lied to for their entire life.
Product Details: Print Length: 547 Pages Publication Date: March 15, 2014 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Swords will clash and spells will fly in the newest adventure of young warrior Luke Callindor, Nyx the magic-flinging caster, and their friends. With Sari captured by their enemies, the champions of Windemere are determined to get her back and destroy the Lich’s castle. Little do they realize, their battles in the Caster Swamp are only the beginning of this adventure.
Trinity and her Chaos Elves have invaded the city of Gaia in search of a relic called the Compass Key. Rumored to be the key to rescuing Sari from a magical island, our heroes are in a race to find the mysterious artifact. Which side will claim the Compass Key? And, what will our heroes do when they’re faced with an enemy whose evil power overshadows anything they have ever faced?
Product Details: Print Length: 378 Pages Publication Date: August 7, 2014 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
After their battles in Gaia and surviving the Island of Pallice, the champions of Windemere are off on their next adventure. In his quest to be a hero and help others, Luke Callindor has jumped into danger countless times and would do so again without hesitation. So when he is infected by the toxic Dark Wind, it is up to his friends to find a cure and keep his courage alive.
With time running out and their enemies in the shadows, one ally will make the decision to share in Luke’s suffering and forge a bond that runs thicker than blood. Such a sacrifice might not be enough when the truth behind this living curse comes to light. Will Luke find the strength to defeat the Dark Wind? What ghosts from his past will appear during his weakest hour?
Product Details: Print Length: 284 Pages Publication Date: December 11, 2014 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 7 of 15: Legends of Windemere.
The final champion stirs and reaches out to any who can hear her voice. Yet all who heed her call will disappear into the misty fugue.
Awakening their new ally is only the beginning as Luke, Nyx, and their friends head south to the desert city of Bor’daruk. Hunting for another temple once used to seal Baron Kernaghan, they are unaware that the game of destiny has changed. Out for blood and pain, Stephen is determined to make Luke wish he’d never set out to become a hero.
By the time the sun sets on Bor’daruk, minds will be shattered and the champions’ lives will be changed forever.
5 Stars: Captures Your Imagination!
Experience for the first time or continue reading as the ‘Legends of Windemere’ captures your imagination as ‘Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue’ continues this epic fantasy with book 7 by Charles E. Yallowitz.
If you were mesmerized by the game ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ or enjoyed reading ‘The Hobbit’ series you will not want to miss the mystical inhabitants of Windemere! Author Charles E. Yallowitz weaves an intriguing tale in a world where good and evil collide and is quite often underestimated.
Well defined characters who add depth, personality and the ability to draw the reader into the fantasy world of Windemere will hold your attention as the drama unfolds in this mystical place. The creative thought process of the author brings Windemere to life with fast paced descriptive intrigue. I quote two sections below to show the author’s writing style without spoiling the story.
…“Several silent minutes after Gabriel disappears, Zaria lets out a musical sigh and merges with the mist. She weaves among the trees and cursed mortals, none of them noticing her presence. The goddess is near the edge of a clearing when a purple barrier appears and deflects her rapid approach. She returns to her solid form and gets as close to the powerful shield as she can. Sparks of magic burst from the glistening dome, leaving burn marks on her dress that she ignores. All of Zaria’s attention is on the canopy bed in the middle of the clearing where a cloaked form is sleeping.”
…“Only a matter of days now, Dariana,” the goddess whispers, wiping a pristine tear from her cheek. “Only a matter of days.”
I invite you to start reading the Legends of Windemere’ series today!
“Sleeper of the Wildwood Fugue” (Legends of Windemere Book 7) by Charles E. Yallowitz is an epic fantasy where the author’s imagination brings legends to life.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 334 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 7, 2015) Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
The Merchant of Nevra Coil by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 8 of 15: Legends of Windemere.
When the mischievous and random Goddess of Chaos gets angry, all of Windemere becomes her plaything. It all starts with a collection of toys that have taken the populace by storm. People of all races flood the marketplaces to gather figurines of the champions whose adventures are starting to spread across the land. Stemming from the flying city of Nevra Coil, these toys bring with them a terrible curse: Fame.
Every town becomes a mob of fans that hound their new idols and the delay is bringing the world closer to the hands of Baron Kernaghan. Perhaps worst of all, the creator of these toys forgot to include a certain exiled deity who is now out to earn herself a figurine. Who would have thought a bunch of toys could cause so much trouble and lead to the breaking of a champion’s confidence?
Product Details: Paperback: 290 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 6, 2015) Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Lost to his tribe in the Yagervan Plains, fear and shame have kept the former Mercenary Prince away from his homeland. With his confidence crumbling, he has decided to return and bring closure to his past. Reuniting with his old friends, Delvin’s timing could not be worse as a deadly campaign is brewing within Yagervan’s borders. Dawn Fangs are on the march and these powerful vampires are determined to turn the entire region into a graveyard.
To protect his family, friends, and two homelands, Delvin will have to push his doubt away and become the cunning Mercenary Prince once again.
5 Stars: Fans Yearning For Another Episode!
Follow-up ‘The Merchant of Nevra Coil’ with ‘The Mercenary Prince’ as it rings in 2016 for Author Charles E. Yallowitz’s loyal fans yearning for another episode in the Legends of Windemere. True to form the reader will be drawn even deeper into this mystical world of Windemere where each character casts you under a unique spell.
Delvin, given the title Mercenary Prince struggles within his mind as he sets out on a rigorous journey that will bring him back home, reunite him with old friends and bring reconciliation from his past. The warrior within comes to life as he runs through Visindor Forest. He instinctively focuses on the sound of his boots hitting the ground and the rhythm puts his mind into a trance allowing him to ignore his aching body.
I quote the section below to whet your appetite without spoiling the story.
…“The banyan tree sits among the maples and oaks, its horizontal branches with aerial prop roots giving it a unique appearance among the other plants. Delvin groans as he touches the smooth trunk with his forehead and he gladly let the metal orbs fall to the ground. Songbirds flit through the treetops and fill his ears with a soothing song, which nearly causes the warrior to fall asleep. Tearing strips off his shirt, he binds his bleeding hands and massages his arms to prevent them from getting stiff. He spends the next hour lifting the orbs like weights, stretching his legs, and using a low branch to do pull-ups. A skunk wanders over while Delvin is hanging from the tree, forcing him to remain in the air until the animal waddles out of spraying range. Dropping to the ground, his knees buckle and the forest seems to spin haphazardly around him. Expecting to find a waterskin, he reaches for his side, but the warrior realizes he left it behind in his rush to clear his mind.
…‘Guess it’s to the pond with me,’ he mutters as he gathers the orbs.
…Delvin grabs a fig off the banyan tree as he jogs to the west where he knows a decent-sized pond can be found. As he moves through the forest, his mind wanders to thoughts of his friends who he hopes are still recovering in Nevra Coil. He is struck by a pang of guilt for not letting them know that he arrived at Hamilton Military Academy. The warrior can only imagine how angry at least one of them might be considering it has been over a week since he left the other champions. His thoughts continue down a path of worry, so he is caught by surprise when he comes to the pond and finds a slender figure with short, black hair at the shore. Delvin sees pointy ears and what he thinks is a red shirt, which causes him to skid to a stop and nearly crash into the woman. His battle-honed reflexes are the only thing that allows him to spin to the side and avoid a humiliating collision.”
Whether this is your first or the ninth book in this epic 5 Star Legends of Windemere fantasy series; you will become one with this mystical world and you will follow the path where The Hobbit and Dungeons and Dragons once took you. Join with me and the band of followers that hunger for Legends of Windemere.
“The Mercenary Prince” (Legends of Windemere Book 9) by Charles E. Yallowitz is where the author’s imagination brings legends to life.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Paperback: 310 Pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 28, 2015) Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Timoran Wrath has a shameful secret that is about to see the light of day.
The noble barbarian has always been a constant source of strength and wisdom for his beloved friends. His loyalty has been unwavering and they know that he would never hesitate to lay down his life for them. Even in their darkest hour, the champions know that Timoran will come through and fight to the bitter end. Now they must return the favor as he reunites with his tribe and willingly faces the executioner’s blade.
Is it possible that the honorable Timoran was nothing more than an illusion?
5 Stars: Author Brings Legends To Life!
For all your loyal fans of the Legends of Windemere series, book ten titled Tribe of the Snow Tiger has just been released.
You will find yourself once again drawn into the imagination of the author who brings legends to life. I hope the following quotes will pull you back into the mystical world of Windemere.
The prologue finds: “Baron Arthuru Kernaghan rises from his throne and takes Trinity by the hand, she stares out at Shayd’s stony landscape, an emerald lightning storm in the distance mesmerizing her for several seconds. Groups of her people toiling in the dirt can be seen in every direction and the nearest ones risk a glance at their beloved queen.”
…The story continues, “Delvin yawns and rubs at his eyes, his fingers lingering on the dark circles that have appeared after several days of exhausting travel. Glancing out the tavern window, he watches waves of heat rise off the river that cuts through the coastal city. “It looks like Queen Ionia called in a favor to get us a ship,” Delvin says as he picks up his shield. Seeing a scrap of pie left, he spears it with his fork and eats it before the groggy drite can stop him.”
…“Now home he can put worries to rest for a while: “Sitting cross-legged at the cliff’s edge, Timoran enjoys the peaceful evening that has enveloped his homeland. The snow has melted to reveal crisp grass and rocky patches of earth, which lead to the lower mountains. Being on the southernmost cliff of the curved range, the mellow warrior can see the vast expanse of wilderness to every side, except behind him where the encampment sits among the stones. The grunt of a bear rumbles over the mountains, the large predator a faint shadow among a collection of boulders atop a distant rise. A herd of caribou are grazing to the west, the cautious beasts close enough for him to make out their antlers in the crimson moonlight. Huddled on a lower cliff is a snow leopard and her cubs, the family feasting on a recent kill that threatens to topple over the edge. The other goats have already galloped along the sheer cliffs to seek refuge within the craggy walls, only the occasional bang of butting heads revealing their presence. After watching the calming display of brutal nature for several hours, Timoran finds himself happy to be home and his worries remain shoved to the back of his mind.”
…What secrets are Timoran Wrath pushing to the back of his mind? How will this affect the champions?
…Adventure consumes them: “Lightning strikes the earth and thunder rumbles, causing the travelers to sprint along the flooded path. Risking the use of her powers, Sari runs along the top of the water while Delvin sloshes behind and waves for her to slow down. They take the crumbling stairs in twos as another bolt hits the top of the ruin, the electricity absorbed by metal veins that run along the stone structure. Desperate to get out of the storm, the trio burst into the building and are met by a wave of sweltering heat. They find themselves in a chamber where the gentle echoes of the rain hitting the roof bounce from corner to corner. A small dais is in the back with a large sconce built into the wall, a piece of moldy wood still set in the metal holder. Two wide stairwells are built into the floor, their shadowy entrances flanking the doorway. Bones and other signs of animals living in the ruin can be found in the unfurnished room, but the champions can only see a few snakes and a small tortoise. If there is a predator calling this building home then it is either downstairs or out on a hunt. Either way, the travelers are too tired to go searching for a new refuge.”
I invite you to read Tribe of the Snow Tiger and see for yourself how they fit into Windemere?
If you are just beginning your journey into the Legends of Windemere and you love fantasy, author Charles E. Yallowitz’s imagination and great story telling will keep you engaged. I encourage you to purchase and read all ten books in this 5 Star Series.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 419 Pages Publication Date: June 1, 2016 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
To make a champion fall, one must wound their very soul.
Nyx is leading the charge to rescue Delvin and Sari, who have gone missing in the southern jungles of Windemere. Battling through the local predators, the champions are surprised when they reunite in the Feykin city of Rhundar. Instead of captives, the missing heroes have become the city’s rulers and are on the verge of starting a war with those that want to exterminate their new followers. Even with such a noble cause, Delvin and Sari have changed into brutal warlords that may kill each other and their friends long before they step onto the battlefield.
Have Delvin and Sari really changed for the worst or is there a greater threat pulling the champions’ strings?
5 Stars: Jungles of Windemere!
Welcome to the jungles of Windemere where Delvin and Sari have gone missing.
Escape reality and enter into this mystical world where the author’s story telling will draw you into a fantasy world that you will never want to step out of.
The story opens with Baron Kernaghan surveying his kingdom from his balcony expecting visitors with gifts for his infant noble son.
Join Nyx in the jungle where the champions execute a plan to rescue Delvin and Sari. Without spoiling the story, let me draw you in with this quote.
…“With Dariana meditating on a log and the others sleeping in a sealed tent, Luke keeps watch from the branches. The end of summer heat has forced him to shed his shirt and boots, the damp clothes left on the ground with his friends. Unlike the trees of his homeland’s forests, the jungle flora is denser and their levels are much more distinct. At first, the half-elf tried to stay in the highest branches, but he quickly realized that he could not react to any danger below. Now Luke remains hidden among the leaves of the lower canopy, his sound sight and Stiletto’s borrowed sense of smell working hard to decipher every noise. The warrior’s eyes are practically useless in the thick darkness, which puts his nerves on edge. Only a single shaft of red and yellow moonlight is coming through the trees due to a hole in the network of branches that will be closed within a week. Even with the constant threat of an attack, Luke is in awe of the jungle’s natural beauty. The vivid noises and scents of life are intoxicating, every piece of the tapestry making him want to wander blindly into the wilderness. His excitement sours when he senses a fist-sized spider that has snared a bat only a few feet above his head.
…“So much for spending more time here,” Luke whispers, his dry throat quenched by a sip of water. Movement in the lower branches causes him to freeze, but he relaxes when a familiar voice curses under her breath. “Do I have to ask why you’re climbing a tree in the dark, big sister? You’re going to hurt yourself.”
…“I can see in the dark,” Nyx declares as she inches around the vine-covered trunk. The channeler’s eyes have become yellow and cat-like, which matches the retractable claws that help her cling to the tree. “Transformation isn’t something I do a lot, but small things are easy. I decided to imitate a calico, which wasn’t a great idea. I went too far and gave myself a tail that keeps tickling my leg. Makes me think those fuzzy caterpillars we keep seeing are crawling up my skirt, but I’m too tired to fix it. Anyway, I couldn’t sleep and you’re the only one awake. Do you want to talk or sit quietly?”
Important questions to answer:
Will they find Delvin and Sari?
What surprises will they encounter?
What threats do the Champions face?
I invite you read ‘Charms of the Feykin’. Each book in the Legends of Windemere series stands alone, so I invite you to read book one through book 11 so you will be ready for book twelve where the final temple will be challenged in ‘The Spirit Well’. This 5-star book series is worthy of the silver screen.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 389 Pages Publication Date: September 13, 2016 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Born from the light and darkness, Dariana can no longer avoid her fate.
The final corrupted temple stands between the champions and Baron Kernaghan having their great battle. Only one problem: the Compass Key refuses to work with Dariana, who long ago wiped all memories of the Spirit Well from her mind. Now, they are forced to follow a trail of clues that Dariana’s former self left behind centuries ago. It is a path that will lead the champions into a part of their friend’s past that could tear them all apart.
Will the bonds of friendship be stronger than the call of blood?
5 Stars: Mystical World!
Welcome back to the mystical world of Windemere where author Charles E. Yallowitz does an outstanding job transporting his readers from reality back into the story that in conjunction with all his stories will make the Legends of Windemere famous.
Let’s begin where “Arthuru claims he will conquer Windemere and contain us on Ambervale unless the Law of Influence is revoked.”
The story opens with a barrage of questions and accusations has brought the raven-haired Nyx to the edge of her temper.
Join the champions in a city of criminals as they approach Pazel Laufeia (Mayor of Rodillen). Follow the clues that left centuries before. With Dariana’s memories Gone, Can Friendship Prevail?
Careful not to spoil the story for all your fans, let me quote one passage and like a puzzle piece, I will let you read and find out how and when it fits into the story.
…“With a wide yawn, Delvin whistles and waves for his friends to join him near a mushroom- covered tree. He crosses his arms and leans against the old oak, making it clear that he is not moving until he gets to speak his mind. Kira grumbles and kicks at whatever is in front of her as she trudges back to the warrior, the impatient woman spinning her sabers. She is already starting to complain about the delay, but her venomous words are stopped when the brown-haired man tosses her the last of the cupcakes that Sari packed. The treat is skewered on the end of her blade and she quietly eats it, her lips and tongue coming dangerously close to the keen edge. Timoran is more appreciative of the break since the trio has been fruitlessly scouring the forest for the last five hours. The barbarian’s knees pop and his lower back aches as he stretches, which makes him consider that he is getting too old for the tedious part of adventuring. When they are all gathered around the tree, Delvin gestures for them to kneel and sit into an awkward huddle. With the warriors sweating in the unseasonal heat all day, the smell is distracting so they separate and give each other some space.
…“Being the least skilled tracker here, I have a few questions,” Delvin says, picking at the leaves on a small branch. He plucks one that is covered in ants, the insects crawling around his hand until they drop to the ground. “Do ghosts make any noise when walking? Do they create tracks in the dirt? Can they break branches or scuff trees when they pass? Do ghosts leave any evidence that they have come through an area?”
…“No,” his companions sheepishly answer in unison.
…“Then how in all of Windemere are we tracking Luke?”
I invite you read The Spirit Well (Legends of Windemere Book 12) by Charles E. Yallowitz. Each book in the Legends of Windemere series stands alone, so I invite you to read book one through book 12 so you will be ready for when book thirteen titled ‘Ritual of the Lost Lamb’ comes out.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 378 Pages Publication Date: December 7, 2016 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Death is a blessing that the Baron is not ready to bestow upon his precious guest.
In the aftermath of the Baron’s attack, Luke Callindor has disappeared and the only clue is a psychic scream of agony that Dariana cannot ignore. Fearing that a journey to Shayd will start their final battle before they are ready, the champions have devised another way to rescue their friend. With permission from the gods, Nyx has begun the long-sealed Ritual of the Lost Lamb.
It is a complicated and exhausting spell, which is made even more difficult by a new enemy whose only goal is to make all of the Baron’s enemies suffer. It is a race against time where every passing minute brings Luke Callindor one step closer to a fate worse than oblivion.
5 Stars: Restless Windemere Soul!
Let me begin where Author Charles E. Yallowitz starts and I quote: “The gods and goddesses of Windemere begin the unexpected council meeting with a flurry of heated arguments. It is no different than their normal gatherings, but they soon realize there is a blossoming strangeness to their surroundings. For some, it is merely that Ram the War God is not on his metallic throne, the stallion-headed primordial nowhere to be found on Ambervale.”
That quote should have stirred your restless Windemere soul as you have no doubt been waiting for book thirteen in this Legends If Windemere series titled ‘Ritual of the Lost Lamb’. I am so careful not to spoil the story for those of you who follow this series, but feel it is my task to bring your mind back to Windemere with the writing that you have come to appreciate and the main character that you know so well. I quote from chapter three.
…“Delvin stares out the window at the bizarre landscape that has become a combination of the Chaos Void and an evergreen forest. He can hear the others snoring from wherever they decided to sleep since Nyx and Zephyr have been given the bed. All attempts to get out of the pocket cabin have been met with failure, but the warrior considers it a good sign that there have been no violent outbursts from the magic that has them trapped. The worst they have seen is a spell getting reflected off the door and bursting into a swarm of butterflies. He still sees one of the insects fluttering around the ceiling, the others having left through a crack in the window that is no longer there. Delvin takes a sip of his drink before attempting to use a fraction of his fount powers to probe the trap. As with the previous times, his energy is redirected to another target, which turns out to be Kira. The heiress shifts against the wall as the crimson line along her spine heats up and leaves a temporary burn mark on the wood.
…“I do not believe we need to keep watch in here, but I assume it helps when one cannot sleep,” Timoran says as he joins his friend. The barbarian stands with his back to the window, his eyes locked on Nyx. “I am sure she is the key to getting out of here. Again, the fire sprite takes everything on her shoulders and leaves little for the rest of us. This worries me because it is becoming more common.
…The author’s cover creator creates these amazing the book covers where each one is its own snapshot of a legend theme within Windemere.
Besides reading, I have been noticing the movies scheduled to be released this summer and yawn. So many lack originality as film makers re-make old movies at great expense and try to motivate us to pay money to watch.
I challenge movie directors and investors to look at this Legend of Windemere series as it is an original adult fantasy series that would garner global interest. I can assure you that it would be worth your time and money.
Each book in the Legends of Windemere series stands alone, so I invite you to read book one through book 13 so you will be ready for when book fourteen titled ‘Path of the Traitors’ comes out.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 401 Pages Publication Date: May 10, 2017 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Hated and distrusted, Queen Trinity must leave the shadows and reach for redemption.
With their final battle on the horizon, the champions are faced with a long-lost piece of the prophecy. Unable to search for the crests that are rumored to be the key to survival, they must turn to a band of their former enemies for help. Sinister desires and hopes for redemption collide as Queen Trinity of the Chaos Elves leads the hunt and struggles to keep her companions on the path of heroism. Monsters, traps, mysteries, and their own pasts will rise up to stand in the way of these people who have spent their entire lives committing sins. Throughout it all, another old enemy is lurking in the shadows and determined to claim her own delicious prize.
By the end of their journey, those who survive will learn that being a hero is more than simply stepping into the light.
5 Stars: Beware Of The Chaos Void!
For all of you who follow Legends of Windemere, join Baron Kernaghan as he looks out ‘over the Chaos Void’ as the demons hide from his “palpable rage”.
Never wanting to spoil the story, let me whet your appetite with this quote: “Trinity wakes up expecting to see Altia or Quail, but is met by the long tongue of a cow that covers her face in slobber. Not wanting to scare the animal, she slowly sits up and looks around the animal cart for anyone who can answer her questions. Touching her neck, she finds an aching mark that is in the shape of a hand and immediately remembers every detail of her fight with Aeriel. Wanting to make sure everything works correctly, Trinity carefully moves each limb, presses around her torso, and whispers the alphabet. Satisfied that her mind and body are intact, she tries to stand and quickly collapses due to a pin and needle sensation in her legs. Dragging herself to a chair, she pulls herself up and gently massages her numb extremities. Hearing a snort to her right, she turns in time to get licked in the face by a horse. Spitting out a piece of damp hay, the chaos elf remains seated and blankly stares at the wall.
…“Kellia Solomon sends her thanks and regards,” Tzefira announces as she steps out of a large stall. Tightening her blue bandana, the mercenary tosses a scroll to Trinity and goes back to brushing a beautiful stallion. “That’s a peace treaty for you to sign if the champions are victorious. It’s the best she can do right now without her father’s permission. Sad to hear about the Duke. Hope he recovers, but we all have to make way for the future at some point. People like us never last forever.”
…Is a treaty possible?
I encourage those of you who have never read books one though fourteen of this series to jump in because Windemere will leave a mark on your soul. To us who follow Author Charles Yallowitz, he is working on the next book titled ‘Warlord of the Forgotten Age’ which will bring this original fantasy series to a conclusion.
Note to movie directors and investors who are on the search for the next fantasy to light up the silver screen or create a cult like following for a TV series, look no further than Legend of Windemere. It will be worth your investment.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 354 Pages Publication Date: September 15, 2017 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Warlord of the Forgotten Age by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Book 15 of 15: Legends of Windemere.
Whether in darkness or light, every path inevitably comes to an end.
As Gabriel, the Destiny God, determined centuries ago, his chosen will face Baron Kernaghan for the fate of Windemere. Through many victories and losses, the champions have stood together and prepared for this great battle. Now that the Baron’s influence stirs those with evil hearts, they have run out of time and must travel to Shayd. Yet, there are more secrets for them to uncover before entering a battle where the only way to survive is surpassing limits and putting everything they have on the line. Through it all, Gabriel’s statement that he made them destined to fight, but winning was not set in stone rings in their minds.
Will the champions usher in an Age of Heroes or become the sacrifices for an Age of Darkness?
5 Stars: Gift Of Adult Fantasy Storytelling!
For those of us who entered Windemere, it has left a mark upon our souls. We thank Author Charles E. Yallowitz for his gift of adult fantasy storytelling and hope he will enthrall us again soon.
Careful not to spoil this conclusion to The Legends of Windemere series, I chose this quote as a sneak peek into Warlord of the Forgotten Age.
Quote from Chapter 17:
…“Having lost contact with his friends, Delvin struggles to crawl through the rubble and reach the last place he sensed them. The magical arrow is still protruding from his eye and the infectious tendrils continue to push against his powers. His vision is a blurry mess due to the injury and his rising exhaustion, which make every movement pure agony. With his fount powers focused entirely on healing, the warrior feels as defenseless as an infant and worries that he might get killed before he can face the Baron again. For the countless time, he stops to grip the arrow’s shaft and gives a small tug to see if it can be removed. The painful headache that rockets through his skull causes Delvin to collapse and slide down the smoky remains of a house, which he unknowingly scaled. Rolling over the eave, he hits the cobblestones with his face and screams when the projectile is driven a bit further into his eye socket. Unable to continue moving, he gets onto his back and watches the sky for signs of his friends. Putting his shield on his chest and drawing his sword, the warrior is unsure if he is trying to appear ready for battle or pose for his funeral.”
Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end of this book as he explains how the series came about and evolved. He gives credit where credit is due and he appreciates those of us who invested our time in Windemere.
I encourage those of you who have never read one book in this series to jump in because Windemere will leave a mark on your soul. Note to movie directors and investors who are on the search for the next fantasy to light up the silver screen or create a cult like following for a TV series, look no further than Legend of Windemere. It will be worth your investment.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Print Length: 379 Pages Publication Date: December 21, 2017 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
Quest of the Brokenhearted by Charles E. Yallowitz.
From the pages of ‘Legends of Windemere’.
(From the pages of ‘Legends of Windemere’) As Windemere moves forward, a broken spirit falls into the shadows.
Two years have passed since Luke Callindor was lost during the champions’ battle against Baron Kernaghan. Many mourn the loss, but none have been hurt more than the fiancée he left behind, Kira Grasdon. Plagued by grief and determined to prove he is alive, she has sacrificed her business, her reputation, and her hope. Surviving on the streets of Gaia, she has become an emotional husk of her former self. It is only by chance that Kira crosses paths with an old friend and learns of a path, which will either end her suffering or revive her shattered soul. As the rumors state, hundreds of adventurers have flocked to Lacarsis and none have returned.
Will Kira meet her death in the City of Evil or will she thrive among the monsters?
Product Details: Print Length: 282 Pages Publication Date: June 30, 2018 Language: English Epic Fantasy Teen and Young Adult Adult and College Age Fantasy (Sword & Sorcery) Fantasy and Magic Epic Fantasy (Mid-Teens and Up)
The United States of America has been crippled. Violently contained by a global military force and left without its leaders, the country has become shattered and chaotic. A decade has passed since the first strike and a new landscape has emerged where survival is more important than anything else. Who will uncover the truth behind the attack and revive this once great nation?
It certainly won’t be Cassidy and Lloyd since they couldn’t care less about that stuff. She is a young woman on a mission to honor her mother’s dying wish, which is to toss her ashes off the Golden Gate Bridge. He is an infamous serial killer she broke out of Rikers Island since hiring a bodyguard wasn’t working out. Not the perfect plan, but having an insane, oddly charming murder-junkie on your side is a plus in the Shattered States.
Bullets and swear words are going to fly as Cassidy and Lloyd travel coast to coast, facing one challenge after another . . . including Nebraska.
5 Stars: Apocalyptic Action-Comedy Adventure!
Author Charles E. Yallowitz moves away from his usual epic fantasy novels to write this Apocalyptic Action Comedy Adventure. The Cover Design & Illustration is the creation of Jon Hunsinger.
Sixteen chapters of adventure where the characters are raw, rough and tough in a world where the United States is now under the control of a global military force where the borders are defined by a new meaning and the States are on their own.
Main character Cassidy is a young woman on a personal mission “tempted to draw her gun and make a stand, but she knows the prison guards are only doing their job.” She is among the escapees from Rikers’ Island. Even though they are all “Sadistic murderers and traitorous thieves though they may be, she broke them out for a reason.” “There is an air of tension and aggression that is growing stronger by the hour even though nobody has spoken since escaping Rikers Island.”
I quote Cassidy here, “Then you’re not going to like being out in the real world,” the young woman replies, her fingers tracing random designs on her mug’s condensation. Seeing the question on the tip of the man’s tongue, she runs her hands through her hair and taps at her forehead scar. “Money is useless in most of the Shattered States. That’s what the country is called now because every place has its own laws and systems. One of the few things that carries over the borders is bartering. For example, this meal is being paid for by a full set of silverware and two packages of pre-sliced pepperoni. It’s why we’re eating a full pie and can get another for the road. You’ll either figure things out or become a violent scavenger to survive. Everyone picks one way or the other at some point.”
Follow Cassidy and the others in this new world where law, order and survival take on a new meaning. “Standing at the street corner, Cassidy stares at the lakeshore building that is on the other side of a concrete clearing. A garden is in the center of the circular area, half of it an attempt at nurturing vegetables and the other an array of flowers. The distant structure is like nothing she has ever seen before with the more visible part a glass pyramid and a square tower on its backside. Blocky additions are on the right-hand side of the building, which has been covered in vivid pictures that make Cassidy think the residents keep changing their minds about the decorations. Coming off the left and sitting on Lake Erie is a circular structure that is adorned with a patchwork of old concert posters. With the warm and calm weather, there are people fishing along the shore and in small boats, which are meticulously tethered to pylons to avoid floating away. Far in the distance, the outlines of military vessels can be seen waiting to stop anyone from trying to escape into Canada. Not wanting to dwell on darker times and how the rest of the world is going on without her, Cassidy turns her gaze back to their destination.”
If you like reading action adventure and epic fantasy tales, please read Crossing Bedlam and all the novels in Charles E. Yallowitz’s Legends of Windemere series.
“Crossing Bedlam” by Charles E. Yallowitz is a new Apocalyptic Action Comedy Adventure where violence and language create an adult reading experience.
Bestiary of Blatherhorn Vale by Charles E. Yallowitz
Found in a battered notebook, these poems are the remnants of an expedition to the legendary Blatherhorn Vale. Cut off from human contact, the creatures of this mysterious land are nothing more than rumors. At this time, we cannot determine if these are true reports of unknown creatures or if they are the ramblings of a madman. You be the judge.
When trapped in an elevator together, Jeffrey and Darla learn that misery doesn’t always love company. With the screams of death and chaos echoing from outside, they find themselves slowly slipping into a world of fear and darkness they may never recover from. All the while, something is terrorizing the convention outside and turning the guests and celebrities into psychotic monsters.
Product Details: Print Length: 77 Pages Publication Date: October 26, 2013 Language: English Fantasy (General)
Humanity has been driven into the wilderness by the ‘Invaders’. They have been forced to live as colonies in the wilderness where survival is a daily struggle. Hope becomes harder and harder to hold onto as the years pass.
Then one day, a young man tells a story to an injured friend and the Hopeteller is born. Unsure of the power of his words, he finds himself moving the colony with his fairy tales. He will see his people through death and fear as they continue to fight for survival.
Enjoy this novella that is part post-apocalyptic journal and part fairy tales.
Product Details: Print Length: 36 Pages Publication Date: May 30, 2014 Language: English Fantasy (General) Science Fiction (General)
Ichabod Brooks And The City Of Beasts by Charles E. Yallowitz
In a time of heroes, a man will take any job to provide for his family.
Ichabod Brooks has earned a reputation for taking the jobs most men and women fear to challenge. This reputation has brought him to the charred remains of a small village nestled within the hills and forest of Ralian. The ruins are a source of strange monsters that terrorize the countryside and repeatedly elude the local guards and hunters. The few brave souls who have entered the creatures’ lair have yet to come out alive or dead.
The chances of survival are slim, but that generous payment is too much for Ichabod to resist. After all, a man and his family have to eat.
Product Details: Print Length: 36 Pages Publication Date: May 30, 2015 Language: English Science Fiction (General) Fantasy (General) Action and Adventure (General) Short Stories (General)
The Life And Times Of Ichabod Brooks by Charles E. Yallowitz.
Enter the world of Windemere with 11 action-adventure short stories featuring a man who is out to make an honest living.
Some heroes seek fame. Some seek fortune. Others simply want to save the world. Ichabod Brooks only wants to put food on the table for his family.
Known and respected as the man who can get any job done, Ichabod has seen his share of adventure. Most of which have been highly exaggerated by bards. Still, the man has his famous reputation for a reason. Whether it be climbing a temperamental mountain for eggs or escorting orphans to their new homes, Ichabod takes every job seriously and makes sure he is as prepared as he can be. Not that it helps since things always take a turn for the worse.
Product Details: Print Length: 343 Pages Publication Date: July 1, 2017 Language: English Fantasy (Adult & College) Fantasy (Anthologies & Short Stories)
About The Author: Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn’t working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. Truthfully, his tales of adventure are much more interesting than his real life, so skip the bio and dive into the action.
He’d rather save the Earth than exploit it. But buried bloodline secrets could force this man of peace into a life he dreads…
David Jones moved to Tuscany to claim some much-needed headspace. Hoping to focus on his philanthropic efforts and find love, he vows to steer clear of his family’s underworld business. But he’s dragged into an ugly web of organized crime when a good friend is heartbreakingly murdered…
Thrust into a leadership role, David navigates the treacherous mob world while becoming romantically entangled with a stunning young female intelligence agent. But even as he faces traitorous threats from within, his new love interest’s standing with Italian authorities might be his fatal undoing.
Will this struggling humanitarian get his happily ever after or end up sleeping with the fishes?
The Death of Me is the sweeping first book in the Legacy series of mafia thriller novels. If you like morally gray characters, expansive European settings, and edge-of-your-seat action, then you’ll adore Carolyn M. Bowen’s gritty tale.
Buy The Death of Me to settle old scores today!
Five Stars: Are Humanitarian goals in danger!
In the opening scene of book one in ‘The Death of Me’ (Legacy Series), humanitarian David Jones and his best friend Jason arrive at the Italian estate (inherited from David’s Mother) in Florence, Italy. The estate is the perfect back drop for David’s funding ideas and research into global climate change initiatives with the hopes of finding solutions that “would forever change the world’s environment and lead to credible steps for the estate’s continued production of excellent wines and olives”.
Jason is eager to study under the estate’s master vintner. The goal of “developing a hybrid by blending his native sea grapes with Tuscan vines. And build a distillery to take the indigenous plants and herbs and use them for making diverse flavors of liqueurs. This craftmanship would diversify the island’s spirit offerings. The apprenticeship would provide directions for his becoming a successful producer.
What is good organized crime fiction without a sexy spy named Lilia Siciliano, works for the Italian Intelligence Agency, The Agenzia Informazioni e Sicurezza Esterna known as AISE/AISI?
As David and Jason settle into their routines, David becomes increasingly distressed about his family secrets, kept even from his partner. Secrets buried in the Italian underworld. Romance and murder soon become the distraction that forces David to follow up on on all the Italian Clans. David’s dilemma ultimately hinges on how can the family safe, while maintaining their abilities to produce products and services the public has come to expect. Can this younger generation of bosses and clan members bring real change from within?
Author Carolyn M. Bowen has done the research to breathe a new perspective on the fictional portrayal of the Italian mafia. If you enjoy organized crime fiction, ‘The Death of Me’ is a great beginning to this ‘Legacy Series’. I enjoyed the characters and story that unfolded. I am looking forward to the development of this series, as the author promises more crime mysteries to come. I invite you to read ‘The Death Of Me’ and this author’s ‘Sydney Jones’ Psychological Thriller Trilogy.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Shirley: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Just Awesome! Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2023. Verified Purchase. The Death of Me has an intriguing premise with its aim to help fight climate change mixed with the mob world, along with romance. There’s a little something for most readers in this novel. The design of the book, from its covers to its page layouts, is beautiful and the book is easy to read. Short chapters make it easy to continue flipping through the book quickly.
Review by Elle Alouette: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Must read romantic murder mystery. Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2022. Verified Purchase. This is a thrilling close-up encounter with Italian culture in the shadows of the mafia. It’s a romantic murder-mystery with characters that grow and change over time. An adventure that twists and turns about the time you think you’ve got it figured out. An edge of your seat thriller and a must read for romantic mystery fans. 5 stars
Review by Rachel: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. For lovers of “The Godfather” Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022. Bowen eases you into the inner-workings of the Italian mob when the new heir to the Tuscany estate is forced to take command. You’ll find yourself rooting for David to win against family enemies. He’s capable of continuing the agricultural business he inherited, but the family secrets were much trickier with their links to organized crime.
You’ll experience Italian culture throughout the tale with emphasis on green energy to benefit the producing of their products. The global market was their forte with their olives and wines shipped domestic and abroad for generations.
The tug-of-war between mafia families with diverse interests has destructive power. David’s focus is challenged when his interest in a female foreign intelligence agent complicates his running of the family business.
You can expect twists and turns just about the time you’ve solved the puzzle. Keep reading for an unexpected stellar finish. A must-read.
Review by Kimber: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Kept me up past my bedtime! Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2022. This first book of the Legacy series found me turning pages well into the night. The in-depth character descriptions made me feel a connection to David and Lilia and I needed to see where the story lead, which was down a windy path in Tuscany involving the Italian mafia. Quite the page turner, this will be a favorite for any crime/mystery/romance lover to devour!
Review by Jotherynn Halterman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Read! Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2022. Very great world building along with interesting character development. An overall great read that will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!
Psychological Thriller: Sydney Jones Series Book 1.
Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.
Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.
Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.
Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.
Tapped for crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury, she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.
Review by Chick Lit Café: “Don’t miss out on this captivating, compelling and thrilling 5 Star read!” Highly recommended by Chick Lit Cafe.
Review by The Praires Book Review: “Bowen paints a compelling picture of good, everyday people becoming victims of financial frauds; the consistent gullibility and lack of caution on Sydney’s part create an imagery that will resonate with many readers.”
Review by Amazon Reviewer: “Bowen’s razor-sharp images and descriptive details draw you into the chilling pulse of the story.”
Psychological Thriller: Sydney Jones Series Book 2.
They took her lover. Getting him back could be the last thing she ever does…
High-powered Atlanta attorney Sydney Jones never backs down from a case. So, when her bodyguard and boyfriend is accused of murder, she’s determined to fight for him in court. Instead, the charges are suddenly dismissed, and he vanishes without a trace…
Suspecting CIA involvement, Sydney takes on a lawsuit with Chinese Black Society ties and finds a startling connection to her missing man. But as she digs deeper, she discovers that someone may kill to keep the secret.
Will this dangerous cat-and-mouse game reveal the truth or put a bullet in Sydney’s head?
Chance is the second book in the Sydney Jones psychological thriller trilogy. If you like fearless heroines, page-turning action, and shocking twists, then you’ll love Carolyn Bowen’s gripping story.
Buy Chance to board a wild roller coaster ride today!
Psychological Thriller: Sydney Jones Series Book 3.
A page-turning thriller for readers of Joseph Finder, Marisha Pessl, and James Patterson. One tells the story of an attorney who refuses to back down when seeking justice for her clients and answers to matters of the heart.
Expect to be blown away by Carolyn Bowen’s newest thriller in the Sydney Jones Series ‘ONE’.
Ace attorney Sydney returns in this gripping thriller that sends her into a chilling tailspin when enemies attack with vengeance. Will her desire for answers about her ex-military former lover be her undoing or will the hand of fate set her free to live and love again?
Book Description. Sydney’s daredevil attitude for taking on legal cases most would run from catches her in a snare. Will she use common sense and leave the past behind or is it too late?
Walker the father of her son is dead. She decides a summer vacation with her son in Barbados was warranted. Enemies from her past were already scouting out the island for their next move.
Godwin appears in Sydney’s life after booking a charter for her son’s first deep-sea fishing trip. His strong, yet gentle spirit was contagious. She realized his pragmatic attitude would benefit her son and encouraged their fishing expeditions.
Time passes and reality sets back in upon returning to Atlanta. A near-fatal bomb blast ends her life as Sydney Jones. After a lengthy hospitalization Director Thomason takes over her recovery and escorts her to the family estate in Tuscany.
In time, Sydney will reunite with her son in Barbados where he’s been taken care of by Daniela since the memorial service orchestrated by Director Thomason to protect her new identity. Meanwhile, Godwin acting as guardian for the family identifies the employer behind Sydney’s “murder” and is now targeting her son.
This prompts him to travel to Beijing to end the imminent threat. He plans to get in – and out with a single assassination but hears whispers of a deadly virus running rampant through China. His suspicions were confirmed when a US Senator, a personal client, confided a deadly virus of pandemic proportions was rapidly spreading. Godwin confirmed the news to the Barbados ministry. There were no options for protecting David, except the truth which could be as catastrophic as the world news.
This spellbinding new novel by the imaginative Carolyn Bowen will hold you in suspense until you turn the final page.
5 Stars: Premonition or An Omen Of Evil?
If you like Psychological Thrillers, this book needs to be your next read. I find myself reading the third book (easily read as a standalone) in the Sydney Jones series first. The prologue caught my immediate attention, as Sydney (main character) is experiencing a Native American dream state. The stage is set, is this a premonition or an omen of evil?
Sydney Jones rich Italian/Native American heritage and “dare devil” attitude mixed with her proven common-sense approach to life, gets her out of bed, dressed for another day in court (high-powered Atlanta Attorney), morning ritual with her son David as he prepares for school, and plans for their upcoming vacation in Barbados.
Their Caribbean vacation is going as planned. Sydney’s son David especially enjoys the laid-back life style, making new friends and deep-sea fishing. While relaxing, Sydney contemplates a career change, that might keep them on the island. While reading the local news, Sydney sees the headlines about a murder. The police found Judith Lambert from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, murdered in her penthouse suite. The woman posted to the front of the news release was Judith Garner, her old impostor friend. She wondered what she was doing on the island and who murdered her?
Sydney remembered what Daniela had said on their first trip to the island. “Locals didn’t commit most of the crime, but criminals attracted to this tourist destination”. She decided the island was safe enough for her and David to live on for the summer. Was it more or less safe than it was back home in Atlanta Georgia?
This fast-moving thriller will hold your attention, as no one is really safe. I invite you to read “One: Sydney Jones Series Book 3” by Carolyn M. Bowen. Mystery Author Carolyn M. Bowen “calls on her life escapades and an adventurous, imaginative spirit to inspire and entertain. Bowen uses travel as a muse to explore cultures and dialogue to bring her stories to life”. Her writing credits include “Primed For Revenge”: Sydney Jones Series Book 1 and “Chance”: Sydney Jones Series Book 2 by Carolyn M. Bowen by Carolyn M. Bowen is also available in print and e-book. This author has also published “The Long Road Home”: Romantic Murder Mystery, “Cross-Ties”: Historical Fiction Passages, and “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success”: The Power To Transform Your Life One Step At A Time.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Rob Bignell: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Thrilling Novel with Intriguing Main Character. Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021. Though this is Book 3 in the Sydney Jones series, it’s title (“One”) is apt: You could start reading the series with this book and not have to worry about missing a thing from not having read the other two books. In fact, that’s what I did. I like the standalone novel approach in a series. With that out of the way, I was able to really enjoy what the author is exceptional at: creating a suspenseful plot that makes you want to read the next chapter even though it’s way past your bedtime; interesting characters who you can root for; and a writing style that is easy to follow, compelling, and free of grammar errors that seem to plague so many books these days. I look forward to reading her first two novels in the series!
Review by Rhonda: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Is she dead or alive? Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2020. A very interesting book! I read this in one setting I could not put it down! She’s a brilliant lawyer and has a teenage son. Life appears awesome. Is the new boyfriend trustworthy? Murder! Who tried to blow her up? Is she dead or alive? Plus, more that will draw you in. This is a must-read book!!!
Kate’s life was in turmoil after the death of her parents. She’d always been protected and sheltered by them.
Suddenly she finds herself with a conniving fiancé living under her roof, a powerful businessman with terrorist ties from across the ocean trying to kill her and more family secrets than most American politicians.
She was also unaware that a half-brother she knew nothing of was about to enter her life. Her situation was getting precarious right at the moment she was least able to cope with it.
Reviews: “A fast, riveting mystery thriller you’ll not soon forget!” “A complex plot sprinkled with romance and loaded with southern charm!” “The action-packed plot of this novel delivers a powerful, long-lasting punch.” “You’ll be instantly taken on a journey with Kate as love, lust, and revenge, money and murder show their faces.” “Bowen’s characters are credible and well-defined, especially Kate, Jake, AJ, and Nap. Bowen’s plot is taut and twisty, and she gives plenty of red herrings for armchair sleuths. The Long Road Home is highly recommended.” 5 Stars – Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
Reviews by BTS: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Exciting Page-Turner. Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2017. Verified Purchase. Oh, how I enjoyed reading, The Long Road Home. It was one way for me to sit and relax reading a story full of suspense, and everyday drama that many have endured in ‘real life.’ Oh, the secrets, deceits, and suspense kept me ‘on my feet’ – Yes, another page-turner.
I also loved how there were no unnecessary interruptions between scenes. It takes a highly skilled writer who can craft a story such as this one with so many categories (suspense, drama, action, mystery and deception) all rolled into one, and the reader never misses a beat. Yes, I believe the story flowed well without scene divisions, and I was very happy to plunge right through reading along as I was able to keep up with the story line, characters, and their motives within this well-written story.
I’ll have to share with you, however, that I held my breath toward the end hoping for the story to end my way, and without spoiling it for you, it certainly did!
Review by Rice Family: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. She’s rich so that’s easy enough. The problem is that her inheritance comes … Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2017. Verified Purchase. After her parents killed in a car wreck, Kate then finds out that the man she is going to marry is cheating on her. She decides to make a new start and goes to live at her grandmother’s Florida plantation home which needs a lot of work. She’s rich so that’s easy enough. The problem is that her inheritance comes with a secret that puts her at great risk. When we meet AJ, his reasons for helping Kate are shrouded in mystery. Murder, stalking, and international intrigue give the story plenty of twists and turns. A dash of romance spices things up for us. Great story, characters, and settings. A very good read.
Review by Viv Drewa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I can’t wait for another book from Carolyn M. Bowen! Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2018. Verified Purchase. I could not put this book down!!! I just had to see what was going to happen next for Kate; who is a strong woman, had more issues heaped on her that I was surprised didn’t break her.Bowen’s characters are very well developed, and I love how they interact with each other; even the bad guys.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Exciting Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2019.Verified Purchase.This story weaves together all of the elements I love to experience when reading a novel: exotic places, romance and suspense. My interest was piqued from the beginning and throughout. Enjoy!
Review by yop: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Death, inheritance, and crime…what more do you need? Reviewed in Spain on June 19, 2021. Verified Purchase. When Kate’s parents die a sudden death, her once protected and sheltered life is thrown to the wolves.
Her fiancé isn’t the man she thought he was. He has wormed his way into her father’s law firm and appears to have been cheating on her via the internet. She discovers that someone is out to kill her, and her dad has another shocking secret that will change Kate’s opinion of him forever.
Scared for her life she runs away to her grandmother’s plantation in Florida and turns to her father’s friend in the law firm to help her sort out her problems. However, the firm is crawling with slippery characters and practically everyone has an ulterior motive in regards to her inheritance and the business.
Enter AJ, a man of mystery, who sort of stays in the background, but manages to keep Kate safe and solve most of her problems. When she hires a builder to reform the plantation, romance blossoms and AJ convinces the hunky guy to help protect the grieving Kate.
To say any more would only result in spoilers, so I would just say that it makes an interesting read. Why don’t you give it a try?
Product Details: Paperback: 171 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (March 28, 2020) Language: English Women’s Literature Women Sleuths Romance (Comedy) Romance (Contemporary)
A page-turning epic of adventure, suspense, and romance that crosses the chasm of societal rules.
Leah is a rebel. As a mixed-race female intent on escaping the constraints of 19th-century English society, she bucks her single father’s control and embarks on a daring journey from England to the Caribbean and then frontier America.
As she navigates the treacherous seas and sidesteps the constant threat of pirates, Leah forges a strong character and hones fierce independence.
Follow along as she explores scenic countries, immerses herself in native cultures and tastes local cuisines.
Along the way, Leah faces hurtful prejudices, learns who her true friends really are and ultimately recognizes and embrace love, even if it’s against the law.
Reviews: “A great tale of someone overcoming the odds and stepping out of her comfort zone to grow as a person.” Amazon Reviewer “Great epic story of love, life, and loss.” Amazon Reviewer
Review by Lucidity: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I must say that it turned out to be a great decision. I could see early on. Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2016. Verified Purchase. Wow, what an adventure! Admittedly, I’m usually not a big fan of these kinds of books (I tend to stick to the sci-fi and romance genres) but I decided to give “Cross-Ties” a chance and go into the read with an open mind, and I must say that it turned out to be a great decision. I could see early on, within the first few chapters, that the author is truly talented when it comes to weaving words into stories. The prose flows in a very smooth manner while conveying everything in very vivid way – I personally found it easy to visualize many of the scenes and also empathize and understand the feelings of Leah, the protagonist. I highly recommend ‘Cross-Ties’ to readers looking for a genuinely immersive and adventurous read. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases by Carolyn M. Bowen.
Review by Viv Drewa: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fantastic book! Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2017. Verified Purchase. Bowen keeps you interested in the story in “Cross-Ties”. I read it in two days; I just couldn’t put it down.You feel for Leah on her amazing journey to find not only love but herself.This book holds remarkable adventurers, and I highly recommend it!
Product Details: Paperback: 118 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (March 16, 2020) Language: English Fiction (Sea Adventure) Romance (Action Drama)
About The Author: Carolyn M. Bowen is a mystery author who calls on her life escapades and an adventurous, imaginative spirit to inspire and entertain. Bowen uses travel as a muse to explore cultures and dialogue to bring her stories to life.
Her writing credits include Cross-Ties (a romantic adventure); The Long Road Home (a contemporary crime fiction mystery), Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success; Primed For Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series Book 1, Chance: Sydney Jones Series Book 2, and One: Sydney Jones Series Book 3).
The pall of death hangs over two distinctly different valleys separated by eighteen-hundred miles. One a modest, unknown channel drained by a small cool-water stream and the other a magnificent gorge carved by a roaring river that separates two states.
Unknown to a man, tormented by loss and intensifying anger, both valleys hold his fate. A bloody mist suddenly fills a truck cab. It is not the shot but the seconds after that begins change for criminal investigator CJ Hand. Beset with his recent loss and pent-up anger he takes leave from a tangled bureaucratic mess. Trying to find self-worth he agrees to help friends by probing the accidental drowning of a friend’s son.
The image of an uncomplicated investigation is quickly shattered. CJ encounters a maze of deadly circles surrounding the death. He begins unwinding hidden tentacles of political power and personal greed gripping Elm Creek valley.
Affecting his personal life are two intellectual and intuitive women who help him come to grips with what he has been running from, or toward, for a decade. DEADLY CIRCLES is a fast-paced novel exposing the ugly underbelly of insidious criminal activity.
5 Stars: Crime Mystery That Enchants Readers!
Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel is a fast-moving fiction crime mystery that enchants the reader with breath taking descriptive beauty with possible environmental struggles within the Great Plains of the USA.
The main character, CJ Hand was born in Hand County, South Dakota. As a criminal investigator CJ Hand takes the reader on a vivid pictorial trip down the winding rural roads of Nebraska into the small towns where life and love among other things thrive with a cast of over 40 characters. The dialog flows very smooth and this reviewer can visualize this book series becoming an excellent made for TV series.
Enjoy the descriptive beauty of the landscapes and relate with the rural folks going about their daily lives. Just keep in mind that nothing is perfect and even here there festers a quiet under tone of mystery, personal and political greed, crime and an unexplained death.
Haberman weaves a tale that keeps the reader turning the pages with descriptive artistry like in this quote: “A breeze whispered through the pine and cedar trees as he entered the small acreage. Colored lichens dotted gravestones and the stately old trees. He moved from grave to grave reading the inscriptions. Several large round, prairie-hay bales rested in the warm autumnal sunshine in the east half of the cemetery, devoid of headstones. CJ squatted down, grasped a handful of loose hay, examined the dried vegetation, and rolled it between his palms. The earthy, redolent grass brought a melancholy rush. The death of a friend’s son brought him here and a tragic farm accident united him with the woman he loved. He stood in the earthly solitude, stillness within him. A wind gust interrupted the moment. An important task lay ahead.”
I encourage you to read Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 1). You can follow this book up with Mill Creek Malice (Volume 2) as the series continues to unfold under the mastery of Author C. G. Haberman.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Lynn R.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing. Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2013. Verified Purchase. Deadly Circles is a great read if you like mysteries. While the mystery is a great story, I enjoyed meeting the characters in C.G. Haberman’s book. The book is set in south central Nebraska and Haberman does a wonderful job describing the miracles of the prairie. If you are familiar with the sights, sounds and feel of the prairie you will enjoy this…if you are not familiar, you are also in for a treat. C. J. Hand is the charming main character in Deadly Circles and I look forward to following him in the next book.
Review by Lonnie Fehrenbacher: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Five Stars. Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2017. Verified Purchase. I very much liked the familiar areas and topic.
Review by Jerrell R. Johnson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A well-told, fast-paced tale. Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2013. Deadly Circles introduces us to C J Hand, a solid citizen who finds himself in the midst of mysteries and with a talent to unravel those mysteries. The book also introduces us to Haberman’s style of fast-paced story telling draws you to read just one more chapter before putting the book down, again and again until C J reaches his conclusion and you are reaching for another of his tales. The setting of the book adds much to the story as Haberman paints vivid pictures that place the reader at Hand’s side in the small towns and country roads of rural Nebraska.
Review by Bruce A. Morrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Riveting! Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2013. Deadly Circles was impossible to put down; one of those stories you find yourself drawn into! The story takes you on a fast pace through an intertwining plot in the best way – don’t second guess this one! C.J. Hand is someone I hope to see more of! A great read!
The animal stench triggers Dawn’s gag reflex. The constant grinding of stone on stone irritably attacks her frayed nerves, and abruptly stops. Odd scratching sounds echo in her half-conscious state. She pulls herself into a sitting position and stares at a cage door. She gasps at the thing peering into her eyes.
A year before CJ Hand arrives as the new instructor at Loess Hills Community College the former professor inexplicably disappears. With the case going cold local law enforcement officers seek help. Investigators run into problems with the strange case involving native plants and seek CJ’s expertise.
CJ is thrust into a world of pharmaceutical collusion when he finds the rare plant in question, but he also discovers an old ammunition box. When he opens it a nightmare begins! A geocache note inside written in a riddle, places him in the grip of matching wits with a killer. Key to the investigation, and the game, are–a small reptilian creature and the rare plant.
The new General Education Dean adds to CJ’s mental and physical anguish, suggesting the violation of his teaching contract. The summer class begins in two weeks and CJ has a choice to make: stop his part in the investigation or resign from his contract.
Review by Bruce A. Morrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Mill Creek Malice. Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2013. What a wild ride! And a fun one too…a well woven story with plenty of anticipation and suspense. A great diversion; and even better read!
For CJ Hand, the corral bathed in the morning sunlight is a false sign of the day to come. Minutes after starting his run up Deadman Road, a dense fog shrouds the canyon. In the heavy, gray mist a hushed purr from the road bend behind him forces CJ to take cover in the stand of ponderosa pine and cottonwoods.
He waits for the danger to pass. An hour later he stares at a dead man, blood covering the understory of brown pine needles and yellowing cottonwood leaves. The second death lay in front of CJ. The mountain lion is the focus of the first death, but the local County Sheriff realizes something other a mountain lion lurks in Dead Man’s Canyon. CJ Hand and Tom Thies join the county sheriff, investigating the deaths.
A Black Hills mining geologist who traveled to the Nebraska Pine Ridge is the key. The first dead man might be the answer. What they find hints at far-reaching impacts for the area and the United States.
Review by Bruce A. Morrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Dead Man’s Run. Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2013. Where will C.J. Hand and friends find themselves next??!! Another great mystery/crime novel set out on the Great Plains…don’t second guess, let the story unwind and enjoy the ride!
Two teenage boys on a deer hunt in northwest Iowa watch as a trophy buck flees before either can release an arrow. Something in the crumbling cellar frightened the animal. Curious to know what disturbed the deer they open the shelter door and hell erupts. The sudden failure of an outstanding student, his fiancée’s new job opportunities, and a personnel action weigh on CJ Hand. His daughter calls with news of his former wife. A disturbing past leads him back to Lincoln, Nebraska to confront demons. At semester’s end on an icy and snowy morning, his life would change once again. Dr. Trisha Baker becomes the hunter with the intent to destroy a predator. The revenge is for her friends and herself, and to erase the painful memory of losing her fiancé.
5 Stars: Hard To Put Down!
Main character CJ Hand uses his love for, comfort of and the serenity of the back roads from Iowa to South Dakota to capture its breathtaking beauty through his camera photo lens which illustrates lessons that he shares with his ecology and botany students.
Intuitive moments and detailed memories have become part of his life since working for the Department of Justice. While forcing himself to move forward, CJ’s past is never far behind. The news hits him hard when the parole board releases Tom Vaughn and he knows someone must warn Tom’s wife Donette to stay alert.
A call from his daughter Meaghan stirs some of the personal demons that haunt him. A trip down memory lane brings him back to the lake where he and his wife Marnie had spent countless, glorious hours together. He sits and stares out across the lake to the shoreline where the shadows still hold remnants of ice and watches as several boys cast their fishing lines into the cold water with hopes of catching a catfish. The ring of his cell phone brings him back to the present.
His life with his fiancée Dee, his many influential friends and co-workers find their world mostly centered on the Mill Creek State University and the surrounding communities. CJ reluctantly confides in psychologist Dr. Adriane Peterson. Like all psychologists she asks a lot of questions, like “You said there were other students, especially female nontraditional students with sudden grade drops, correct?” He nodded. “The question is: why the focus on Tammy Day?”
Two boys brave the frigid temperature at the southern edge of an abandoned farmstead in hopes to “get the biggest damn buck you ever did see.” Hiding in silence they hold their bows taught with arrows when the approaching deer notice something and their heightened awareness and instincts cause them to bolt. Understandably upset the boys strike out on a new hunt for the source of the hunting debacle and what they discover makes them gag.
It is more than Dr. Trisha Baker who works at Mill Creek State University in the Psychology Center can stand. She sets out to seek revenge for her fiancé, friends and most importantly to “destroy a predator”.
I encourage you to read ‘Lake Of Lies: A CJ Hand Novel’ by C. G. Haberman. Each book in the CJ Hand Novels crime, fiction, mystery series stand alone. I also have the privilege of reading and reviewing ‘Deadly Circles: A CJ Hand Novel (Volume 1)’. I encourage you to read all the CJ Hand Novels. Enjoy the written mastery of author C. G Haberman.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Bruce A. Morrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another great CJ Hand! Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2015. “Lake of Lies” – another great C.J. Hand novel! CJ is finding himself swept into twists and turns that take him by surprise…once it starts, hang on! A new favorite – don’t miss it!
After proving his reputation as the top sharpshooter in the world, Ivan Talcott settles in China. Here, he plans to achieve his goal of becoming a multimillionaire by the age of forty. Suddenly, and without warning, he’s told to leave China, and never return. Undaunted, he will aim for his goal in the USA.
While on a hunting trip in Nebraska, the sharpshooter agrees to a proposal that will fulfill his goal. The hunt becomes his final challenge before he begins a new life. The result of his grisly kills uncovers dark secrets long hidden in the halls of the U.S. Congress.
CJ Hand returns to Lincoln, Nebraska after surviving a brutal attack that left him a battered man. His wife, Dee, encourages him to complete a doctoral degree and form the Great Plains Consulting firm. This new challenge, they hope, will lead him away from a turbulent path to a stable life.
His company gets the boost it needs when he signs a contract for work along the 100th meridian. The study leads him to the deadly path he left years before. The discoveries, while using drones, leads his field and office crew into a threatening, dark world. The people he admires, and to whom he owes his success, return to help. They again face the evil they once thought erased.
The peaceful, rural prairie holds secrets that turn violent. The deadly hunt begins, spilling blood across the western United States.
5 Stars: Fans Have Been Waiting For This!
For those of us following criminal investigator CJ Hand, this is what we have been waiting for, and you won’t be disappointed with ‘The 100th Meridian Murders: Volume Five by C. G. Haberman.
Realistic characters, descriptive writing that transport you to the Mid-West, USA, and a well-constructed mystery will keep you engaged all the way to the end of the 60th chapter.
Let me begin by telling you that character Ivan Talcott has studied people well for years and blends into each crowd with ease. He is a businessman by degree with a life goal of “building an empire of wealth without government interference”. His professional skills as the top sharpshooter in the world help him secure funds to offshore accounts and keep him on track to become a millionaire by age forty. Called back to the US from China, he accepts a proposal.
Investigator CJ Hand who now suffers from PTSD after recovering from being beaten nearly to death and left to die three years ago returns to Lincoln, Nebraska. His wife Dee stands by his side and encourages him to completes his doctoral degree. He is challenged by his entrepreneurial spirit to form his own consulting firm. One of his first consulting contracts leads him into familiar territory that he thought he had left behind when a man in Keya Paha County finds a human skeleton.
An environment activist group that stumbles into the 100th meridian study wants to know who or what group sponsored the study?
Like any good mystery, it is the readers job to relate to one or more of the characters. Join CJ Hand as crime comes in a secretive fury like the tornadoes that thunder across the Great Plains of the US.
I encourage you to read “The 100th Meridian Murders” and all books by C. G. Haberman.
The Hayman Family Saga: Historic Novels Volume 1-3 by C. G. Haberman.
The Naturalists: A Historic Novel by C. G. Haberman.
The Hayman Family Saga: Historic Novel Volume 1.
Where is Nebraska? The measure lies in locating Chicago and Denver, then calculating the midpoint between the two. There exists land called the Rainwater Basin. To find the remains of the best basins requires a calling, the calling to understand the startling dependency of life. In the heart of the United States the last of the Hayman lineage, Chance Hayman, experiences the nibbling erosion and decimation of this North American keystone.
The Naturalist begins in the 1820s with a minister full of desire to serve his God. Reverend Abner Hayman is not the normal German Reformed minister. His ministerial sincerity and verve excite his Pennsylvania congregation. As with many successful men he will gain fame and follow a path fraught with temptation, deception, and loss. His path across the rapidly expanding nation leads him to Illinois. There he loses a son to a calling of his own.
John Hayman does not scorn the country known as the Great American Desert. Abner Hayman’s son finds a land that fills his spiritual yearning, a land of grass and marshes that is unyielding, but teems with life and promise. It is this young man, the naturalist, who finds love of life, land, and women who is the taproot for the future Hayman families who fight to save the rainwater basins from extinction.
Review by Bruce A. Morrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars and the era depicted has been one of great interest personally. Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2015. The Naturalist was an extremely interesting trip back in time, and the era depicted has been one of great interest personally. I considered John Hayman as the most interesting character of this novel and am even more interested in seeing how his great grandson Chance Hayman shakes out in Volume 2.Loved John’s adventures in the marshes on the Nebraskan prairie…John’s life was a “page turner”!
The Naturalists A Historic Novel by C. G. Haberman.
The Hayman Family Saga: Historic Novel Volume 2.
Gripped by a spiritual call, John Hayman found the land of his dreams. The land tested him, but he learned to live with it and survived to foster a land ethic.
In the second volume of The Naturalists, the new era of John’s three sons unfolds, and they are as diverse as the land. The youngest, Henry, focuses on what his father dreamed about: a peaceful land covered with grass and marshes. As more people settle the area, Henry faces changing land use that gives little thought to the effects. His life is not without personal heartaches and devastating emotional discoveries.
Over the first half of the 20th century, he and his youngest son, Jacob, follow the path recorded in journals that have become the focus for future Hayman naturalists. A deep family unrest threatens to forever change the Haymans and the land on which they thrive. Out of this turmoil, Jacob emerges to face the trying task of altering the path that threatens the Rainwater Basin and his family.
Will Jacob’s son inherit a tranquil path to the 21st Century?
Review by Bruce A. Morrison: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Naturalists – A historic Novel of the Hayman. Family Vol.2. Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2017. Verified Purchase. The Hayman family story continues; a trip definitely worth the ride! The Naturalists Vol. 2 is the continuing story of the Haymans- a family I could identify with in their love for the land, their roots in the untouched and wild wetlands, with reverence for thisheritage they’ve come to deeply respect and love.Touching, sometimes heartbreaking, and full of hope in the same moment – I am grateful for being among the marshes with Henry,Walker…Will and Jacob – all the Haymans and their brethren; looking forward to Volume 3!
The Naturalists: A Historical Novel by C. G. Haberman.
The Hayman Family Saga: Historic Novel Volume 3.
His great-grandfather, John Hayman, came to this gently rolling grassland filled with marshes teeming with life, in 1855. Now Chance Hayman, the lone heir to the Hayman acres, deals with the vanishing marshes that his parents and grandparents lovingly tended. The entire area has succumbed to the plow, earth-moving machines, irrigation, and natural disasters such as fowl cholera. Since farms such as his are not protected as federal wetlands there is a fear that they could fall into the hands of special interests claiming they are needed to ‘feed the world.’
The infamous Hayman journals fuel his desire to ensure the wetland loss will cease. A long-forgotten file containing high altitude photography has come to Chance’s attention via his close friend, the governor. Together they provide the support to preserve and restore the marshes of this unique land. A complex web of life that once offered refuge for waterfowl and shorebirds that amassed in great numbers during the spring and fall migratory seasons has nearly vanished.
Can Chance convince his neighbors to bring back some of the small wetlands that form an ecosystem? The last volume of the Hayman family brings to the forefront the issues how they impact him and his friends. The following quote starts the story. “The future belongs not to those who have the most, but to those who do the most with what they have. Eugene P. Odum.”
The Secrets of Riverbottom Road by C. G. Haberman.
Stand-Alone Novel (Not In Series).
For Jack Wiley, a respected writer, hell begins during a contentious meeting with his new supervisor. The hellfire continues with an emotionally charged trip to his hometown, where battering and bettering change him but does not prepare him for the fateful night that nearly destroys him.
From the moment Jack Wiley leaves his home in Loveland, Colorado, the odd feelings begin. His emotions of anger, annoyance, contempt, and sadness ebb and flow until he reaches his first stop in Kansas, where he begins to feel at home after thirty years away. The next day, as Jack descends into the river valley south of Lohfton, Nebraska, nostalgia grips him.
The latent images of friends and adversaries come into focus as he leans against his vehicle parked at the highway and Riverbottom Road intersection. In the next four days, Jack is welcomed, buffeted, denigrated, wined, dined, and humbled. Each day builds strength and love for his family, friends and unlocking the secrets of Riverbottom Road. The last night explodes with a fury that leaves him at the mercy of the reliable, decisive friends in his life.
5 Stars: Reflecting On Life!
Chapter One opens with Jack Wiley (writer) reflecting on his life, his wife Elise and the swing set standing empty in the yard, as his two grown daughters are now attending the college of their choice. He has the privilege of using his home office for his work, when he is not traveling. Miriam Mason, administrative assistant for the Public Information Office, reminds Jack of a staff meeting at one o’clock in the Denver at the Reclamation Bureau’s Conservation Division Office in Denver, 60 plus miles from his home in Loveland, Colorado.
Jack was recognized, within and outside the agency, for his positive impacts on water and land conservation practices in the western United States. His supervisor Nick Miller had abruptly resigned. Today would bring Jack great sadness and a contentious meeting between himself and Bertram C. Harvey (new supervisor). This day would set Jack on a path that nearly destroys his life.
October was the beginning of something new and something old. Elise packed her bags for a new career as Hospice Coordinator for the eastern slope of New Mexico border to the Wyoming border. Jack packed his bags for the two-week excursion through the Republican River Valley. After thirty years away from Lohfton, Nebraska. His visit will reflect some nostalgia, but the secrets of Riverbottom Road will reveal who his friends and enemies are.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 18:
…Most rural communities in south-central Nebraska had survived periodic economic downturns over the past two decades. A few towns made small industrial gains, but Lohfton remained in good health, grounded in the rural culture. As Jack strolled southeast, a question entered his mind: Why live in this part of the country? The answer: a slower life and an excellent place to raise a family with few worries.
…The community center and surrounding grounds occupied a full square block. The entrance faced southwest, providing a good view of the river and the trees adorned in various gold shades. A large river bend, cut off by the historical high flows, became an oxbow filled with water, seeping from the slow-flowing river. The U-shaped area became the center of attention by the town council, and eventually, a park with walking paths surrounded the new water body. Jack and Lori had spent many summer evenings on the trails talking about their futures.
…As Jack neared the building entrance, he noticed a Chevrolet Silverado pickup with a huge black Labrador retriever seated in the bed behind the club cab, eyes following his approach. A logo with pheasant and quail in flight covered the pickup doors. Stenciled beneath the birds: telephone and P.O. Box numbers. Arching over the game-bird logo were bold green words “Hunter’s Haven.” The big retriever stood as Jack neared the expensive pickup. When Jack walked in front of the truck, the dog moved to the other side, nostrils flaring as it sampled the unfamiliar scent.
…The community center glass door swung open; Walt Johnson stepped out. “Bart, sit.” Walt smiled at Jack and held out his hand. “You’ve changed little over all these years, Jack.” His head turned toward the pickup. “Bart!”
…Jack turned to look at the big Lab, tongue lolling out its slightly graying muzzle.
…“Not many people try to approach the truck,” Walt stated.
…“I wonder why,” Jack chuckled.
…He’s friendly, but you never know what an old dog might take a mind to do. Kinda like old farmers.”
…Would this black Labrador retriever be an Omen of what dangers lay ahead?
This is the 4th novel that I have read and reviewed by Author C G Haberman. I encourage you to read ‘The Secrets of Riverbottom Road’. This is a well written fictional literary mystery where the past, and the present intersect, to change Jack Wiley’s life forever.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Product Details: Stand Alone Book Paperback: 362 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (November 4, 2020) Language: English Mystery (Literary Fiction) Fiction (Literary Mystery)
About The Author: C. G. Haberman was born and raised in south-central Nebraska.
For ten years he taught the biological
sciences in two Nebraska high schools. He left education to take a position
with the Nebraska environmental agency and over the next ten years moved
through the ranks. His positions took him throughout Nebraska while working on
surface and groundwater quality issues, wetlands, and a uranium mining
proposal.
After Nebraska, C. G. worked in Washington
and South Dakota, expanding his environmental work into the areas of
enforcement, air quality and hazardous and solid waste. Before retiring he
returned to teach for ten more years as a community college instructor and as
an adjunct at a liberal arts college in Hastings, Nebraska.
Using his education and experience, he
involved students by presenting real-life issues through Problem-Based Learning
and hands-on field experiences.
