Senior News Column--February 2014

For several years now I have been writing a monthly book review column for the Senior News newspaper. The Senior News is aimed for the 50 and over readership with news relevant to seniors regarding various issues, humor pieces, and my review column among other things. The newspaper is a giveaway at doctor offices, stores, etc. and can be received by mail via a paid subscription. There are multiple editions across the state of Texas and therefore there is some fluctuation in content in each edition.

My column every month focuses on books of interest to the Texas audience. Therefore the books selected for the column, fiction or non-fiction, are written by Texas residents, feature Texans in some way, or would have some other connection to the Texas based readership. At least two books are covered each month in the short space I am given.

Below is/was my February 2014 column …

Bead Bugs: Cute, Creepy, and Quirky Projects to Make with Beads, Wire, and Fun Found Objects

Amy Kopperude

Creative Publishing International

ISBN# 978-1-58923-732-2

Paperback (also available as an e-book)

128 Pages

Bead Bugs by Amy Kopperude isn't so much about making a fashion statement or creating a style as it is about doing something different and fun. The 128 page book contains 23 projects. Each project has detailed instructions, plenty of close up color pictures, and ideas that strongly encourage personal creativity. While the skill levels needed to fashion something close to what is depicted will vary, they all are fun and very creative.

This colorful book also includes a section on tools and resources, and plenty of information so that you can make something truly unique. “Bead Bugs” will show you how to use beads as well as found objects in your home in clever ways while unleashing a lot of fun and creativity.

Hell Up In Houston: A Jack Laramie Beat

Garnett Elliott

Beat To A Pulp

ASIN: B00F565UP4

Kindle E-Book

Approximately 57 Pages (includes author bio and ads for other books)

Private Detective, Jack Laramie, is back in another gritty fast moving tale that is also very good. First seen in The Drifter Detective Jack makes his money by drifting from city to city across Texas doing work as a private detective while living out of the horse trailer he tows with his Desoto. The grandson of legendary US Marshal Cash Laramie is headed to Galveston to deal with a client as Hell Up in Houston opens. That mission is temporarily stopped thanks to mechanical problems with the old Desoto requiring him to stay for at least a few nights at “The Fulton” in Houston. In 1946 The Fulton is one of the few places with air conditioning and that may be the only point in its favor.

The house detective, Frank Grogan, wants Jack to do some work for him and will pay. Considering the repair bill for the Desoto, Jack doesn't really have a choice. Frank said the work should be easy. Too bad Frank lied.

This latest installment in the series is another good one. Reminiscent of the hard boiled pulp of yesteryear, Jack Laramie is a man's man who gets his hands and boots dirty while fighting the good fight. As in the preceding book, the read here has plenty of action, deceitful characters, and a twisting storyline to keep readers very entertained. You certainly don't have to read the very good The Drifter Detective before reading Hell Up in Houston but, I highly recommend doing so. You won’t regret it.

Kevin R Tipple ©2014