Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Via Biff Bam Pop! Wanna Cook? The Complete Unofficial Companion to Breaking Bad

Before You Ask About A Review....

I remain pretty much closed to review requests at this time. I am still making the occasional exception for authors I have read and enjoyed before, and will make exceptions on a case by case basis for books that directly relate to my review column at Senior News.  The main way to be considered for my Senior News column is to be either currently living in Texas or having written a novel where the setting is here in Texas.

My refusal to accept your book for review is not a reflection of you, your talents as an author, or of the book,  or your mode of publication. It truly is not about you at all.

“Kevin’s Corner” is not a paid review site. I am just one guy doing the level best that he can.  I remain buried with several hundred books going back years. That fact, and the situations with my own worsening health issues and Sandi's terminal cancer, mean that just isn't possible for me to accept still more books beyond what I already have here. 

CrimeFictionWriter: USA Today

CrimeFictionWriter: USA Today: Along with the other contributors to Cowboy Heat, I'm quoted in this USA Today article: " Cowboy heroes: Can you feel the heat? &...

April 2014 Reads and Reviews

Below is the list for the “April 2014 Reads and Reviews.” My thanks again to Barry Ergang for all his help with the blog and for being a friend in good times and bad.


A Readers Book of Days: True Tales From The Lives And Works Of Writers For Every Day Of The Year by Tom Nissley
Too Late For Tears by Roy Huggins (FFB Review--Barry)
Cover of Snow by Jenny Milchman (Barry)
Wrecked by Tricia Fields
A Patchwork of Stories: 9 Tales from Sunny Side Up to Over Hard by Kaye George (FFB Review)
Stuffed: The Ultimate Comfort Food Book by Dan Whalen
Fast One by Paul Cain (FFB Review--Barry)
Destroyer Angel: An Anna Pigeon Novel by Nevada Barr
The Scent Of New Death by Mike Monson
The Education of H*y*m*a*n  K*a*p*l*a*n  by Leonard Q. Ross (FFB Review by Barry)
Miles To Little Ridge (Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles series) by Heath Lowrance
Sentinel’s Choice by Mike Witzgall
The Axeman of Storyville (Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles series) by Heath Lowrance

We roll forward into May with warmer weather and more…..

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Via Crimeculture-- A Night For Screaming

A short piece from Texas author Bill Crider on A Night For Screaming by Harry Whittington here.

Ed Gorman's blog: from Stark House Press Gil Brewer’s Glands by David Rachels

Ed Gorman's blog: from Stark House Press Gil Brewer’s Glands by David Rachels

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Update from Bob Randisi

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Update from Bob Randisi: The word has come down from Speaking Volumes that  the early Gunsmiths AND the Angel Eyes, Mountain Jack Pike and Tracker series have all ...

Mystery Fanfare: Cartoon of the Day: Best Murder Mystery Award!

 snicker......

Mystery Fanfare: Cartoon of the Day: Best Murder Mystery Award!: This is perfect for Edgars Week! HT: Ken Van Durand

The Education of a Pulp Writer: Miles to Go

The Education of a Pulp Writer: Miles to Go: Gideon Miles is getting some serious love this week. First, it's great to have Cullen Gallagher back from, well, wherever great reviewer...

Review: "The Axeman Of Storyville (Edward Grainger's Cash Laramie And Gideon Miles Series)" by Heath Lowrance

It is 1921 and former U.S. Marshall Gideon Miles is far from the Wyoming Territory and his old job. Miles is 67 now and these days he and his wife Violet run a jazz club in New Orleans. The “VioMiles Club” opened on Royal Street just a few months ago and business is good except for all the paperwork involved. Miles had quite a colorful career before retiring in 1910 and had done himself and the job
proud. But, that was then and this is now and the paperwork hurts him more than anything the outlaws ever did.

His frustration with the paperwork has to be set aside when two ladies of the District show up to see him before the club opens. Miles knows that means they are “soiled doves” and he has no want or need of prostitutes in his club. But, that is most definitely not what is on their minds. Miss Tilly and Celissa have come to ask Gideon to help in the wake of the brutal murder of a prostitute. Eva-Lynn worked in Miss Tilly's brothel and a man killed her last night before escaping the scene. Eva-Lynn is not the first in recent weeks and months to be killed by a man wielding an axe. Because the women have been prostitutes the local police have pretty much have done nothing to catch the killer. Miss Tilly desperately wants Gideon Miles’ help as she has nowhere else to turn if the former U.S. Marshal turns her down.

Turning her down is exactly what he does as Gideon is well aware of his age and responsibilities. Married with a club to run he simply does not do that kind of work anymore. However, other factors soon come into play, and he begins the hunt for The Axeman Of Storyville.

Written by Heath Lowrance, this latest in Edward Grainger's Cash Laramie And Gideon Miles Series is another good one. Highly atmospheric with complex characters and plenty of twists and turns the novella is a fast and highly entertaining read. Whether you are new to the series or not this read is a good one and highly recommended.


The Axeman Of Storyville (Edward Grainger's Cash Laramie And Gideon Miles Series)
Heath Lowrance
Beat To A Pulp
December, 2011
ASIN: B00JJTV8Y0
E-Book
76 Pages (estimated)
$0.99

Material was purchased to read and review by me using funds in my Amazon Associate account.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Via Huff Post Tech-- Google+ Isn't Dead. It's Just In A Coma And On Life Support

Rough Edges: Renegade's Revenge - Jack Badelaire

Rough Edges: Renegade's Revenge - Jack Badelaire: I've enjoyed Jack Badelaire's action and war novels, so I was eager to read his first Western. RENEGADE'S REVENGE is a short ...

FROM DUNDEE'S DESK: Interview: Richard Prosch (author of ONE AGAINST A...

FROM DUNDEE'S DESK: Interview: Richard Prosch (author of ONE AGAINST A...: In the past couple of years, Richard Prosch has become one of my favorite contemporary writers. Maybe that's partly because I know...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: King of the Weeds -- Mickey Spillane & Max Allan C...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: King of the Weeds -- Mickey Spillane & Max Allan C...: This is another in the series of posthumous collaborations between Collins and Spillane, and it finds Mike Hammer getting close to Medicar...

Via Criminal Element-- 15 Fierce Female Roles: Women in Westerns

Edward A. Grainger's latest column --15 Fierce Female Roles: Women in Westerns

Do Some Damage: Is My Book Too Dirty? by Mike Monson

 This is a posting by the author regarding my review of last week and the warning I included concerning the content of the book. While I have no issue at all with the blog posting, I have made a comment on the Do Some Damage blog explaining my position.

If you missed my review you should read that first and it is here:

 
Do Some Damage: Is My Book Too Dirty? by Mike Monson: by Mike Monson The Kindle edition of my new novella, The Scent of New Death , was released on April 21. That day, a review appear...

Review: "Sentinel’s Choice" by Michael E. Witzgall

It is a cold February night in Dallas, Texas and the body of Father Robert Lanton has been found on Jefferson Street near I-35. Homicide Detective Renee LaFleet and his partner Danny “Tex” Beers have been assigned to the case because of Assistant Police Chief Harold “Harry” Wong. Wong is not only very good at his job; he is tough on the officers below him. Chief of Police Chief William Smyth III wants the case solved fast and though the body has just been found in the last hour he is already pushing Wong hard to get results.

Despite the fact that both Wong and Smyth are despised by most, LaFleet likes them and respects them. The Chief of Police knew the victim, Father Robert Lanton, and believes a Catholic, even one who has fallen away from the church a bit, should work the case. LaFleet has done some volunteer work with two of the department chaplains. Taken all together that means he and his partner, Tex, have the case whether they want it or not. A complicated case that will eventually lead to a final showdown in an ice covered Cotton Bowl.

Buried in this book self-published by the author’s own police tactical company, Charlie-Mike Enterprises is an interesting story. At nearly every point through Sentinel’s Choice the story is bogged down with overly long and unrealistic conversations between characters as well as long descriptions of situations. Frequently when a one or two sentence paragraph or comment from a character would work far better, the author choose to give a multi sentence paragraph result in a text that is overly wordy from start to finish. While the large paper back is only 314 pages, the read seems considerably longer as the author shows off his extensive military and police experience as he slowly takes readers through various things point by laborious point.

That being said, there is a story here worth reading beyond the noted issues with the book. The many characters are interesting and a fair number of them are fully developed. The action scenes work well as do the various complicated angles to the case. The moral quandary at the heart of the novel is a difficult one with no easy answers.

A small sample of the next one in the series titled Sentinel's Dilemma is included at the end of the book.



Sentinel’s Choice
Michael E. Witzgall
Charlie-Mike Enterprises, Inc.
December 2013
ISBN# 978-0615938905
314 Pages
Large Paperback (e-book also available)
$13.95


Material supplied by Publicist PJ Nunn of BreakThrough Promotions for my use in an objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Upcoming Reviews

Below in order of appearance is just some of what is currently scheduled in coming days here on the blog……

Sentinel’s Choice by Mike Witzgall
The Axeman of Storyville (Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles series) by Heath Lowrance
Fast Track by Bill Crider and Ed Gorman
Strange World: A Biff Bam Pop Anthology (various)


Big thanks to my son, Scott, who has been typing out all the reviews that I write in longhand.

Mystery Fanfare: SPOTTED OWL AWARD

Mystery Fanfare: SPOTTED OWL AWARD: Friends of Mystery in Portland, OR, have awarded Mike Lawson the Spotted Owl Award for House Odds . The Spotted Owl Award is given f...

RTE This Week--- New Crime Fiction Reviews at RTE - A Milestone Issue

As posted elsewhere earlier today and sharing here with sincere heartfelt congratulations on an epic achievement....

 At RTE this week we celebrate posting our 10,000th review, all of which are archived and available - just use our search function. But we also have

Fifteen new crime fiction reviews:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com

Lev Raphael in the 'Sixty seconds with . . .' interview hot seat:

http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/interviews.html?id=180

Reviews this week:

TITLE                    AUTHOR                REVIEWER
SECRECY    Rupert Thomson    Yvonne Klein       
Zummo, a late 17th century sculptor in wax, arrives in Florence and is employed by Duke Cosimo III to sculpt a life-size woman to replace his absent wife.

YET ANOTHER DEATH IN VENICE    Tim Heald    Christine Zibas       
British Board of Trade detective Simon Bognor tries to find out who shot a UK film director with a crossbow while he was on a visit to Venice.

THE LONG SHADOW    Liza Marklund    Barbara Fister       
Swedish reporter Annika Bengtzon heads to Spain to cover the murder of a Swedish family in a part of the Costa del Sol that is home to luxury-loving Swedes – and a lot of corruption.

DEAD PEOPLE    Ewart Hutton    Sharon Mensing       
Sergeant Capaldi discovers a series of dead and buried bodies in the vicinity of a new wind farm and must fight both the murderer and the police establishment to uncover the truth.

THE RED ROAD (Audio)   Denise Mina    Karla Jay       
The latest in the Alex Morrow series offers a searing view of contemporary Glasgow through the lens of two murders that took place in the 1990s.

DEATH MONEY    Henry Chang        Yvonne Klein       
Called uptown to aid in the investigation of the death of a young Asian man, NYPD detective Jack Yu has trouble even identifying the victim, let alone discovering why he was killed.

DEATH ON BLACKHEATH    Anne Perry    Anne Corey       
The mutilated corpses of attractive young women which keep turning up in a gravel pit near the home of a scientist doing important government work may not be what they appear to be and create a challenging situation for Thomas Pitt, who must solve the crimes and discover what is really at stake.

THE MARATHON CONSPIRACY    Gary Corby    Sarah Dudley   
Nicolaos must solve the murder of a missing school girl, locate another missing daughter and solve the murder of a tyrant, who was believed to have died in battle but whose skeleton was located in a cave near the Sanctuary of Artemis

EVERYTHING TO LOSE    Andrew Gross        Diana Borse   
Hilary Cantor, divorcee with deadbeat ex, newly unemployed and caring for a handicapped child, discovers and steals half a million dollars that she finds in the wrecked car of the dead driver she meant to help -- lots of others want the money, many of them really bad people.

WARRIORS    Ted Bell    Christine Zibas       
Counterspy Alex Hawke must rescue a kidnapped American scientist as the United States and China move dangerously close to all-out nuclear war in this adrenaline-fueled thriller.

BLOOD ALWAYS TELLS  Hilary Davidson    Paris Abell       
Dominique Monaghan comes up with a plan to exact revenge on her cheating ex, but then the tables are turned on them both, leaving her brother, Desmond, to find out what truly happened.

WITHOUT WARNING David Rosenfelt     Anne Corey       
The opening of a buried time capsule begins a series of murders that directly involve small town police chief Jake Robbins, who is either a demonic killer or the victim of an elaborate revenge plot.

THE POOR BOY'S GAME    Dennis Tafoya    Cathy Downs   
Frannie and Mae Mullen's father, a thug in the protection racket in Philadelphia, burned their mother to death when they were children; now he has escaped prison and is hunting down his daughters.

MORIARTY RETURNS A LETTER  Michael Robertson     Meredith Frazier
Reggie Heath and Laura Rankin's trip to announce their engagement is interrupted by a schizophrenic murderer with possible connections to a crime dating back to 1893, as well as more recent evils

We post more than 900 new reviews a year -- all of them are archived on the site -- as well as a new interview with a top author every issue.

Yvonne Klein
Editor: ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com

Mystery Fanfare: Cartoon of Day: Crime Scene

Mystery Fanfare: Cartoon of Day: Crime Scene

Sample Sunday: Excerpt "SIBYL DISOBEDIENCE" from "PUN-ishing Tales: The Stuff That Groans Are Made On" by Barry Ergang

Barry is back this week with another excerpt from PUN-ishing Tales: The Stuff That Groans Are Made On. His work FEEDWAY from the book can be sampled here.

SIBYL DISOBEDIENCE
by Barry Ergang

Her people clamored against its oppression, but the provincial government responded savagely, killing hundreds. She made it her mission to find an inspirer to unify and lead the protesters.

“I’ve written to a prophetess in Manchuria I’ve read about,” she said, “who follows the peaceful precepts of Mahatma Gandhi. I’m meeting with her to beg her assistance in our cause.”

“That’s dangerous and probably futile,” her betrothed said. “I won’t allow you to risk your life.”

“I’m going. You can’t stop me.”

          He nodded, scowling.


             “All right. But don’t expect me to approve of the Manchurian Gandhi date.”

 Barry Ergang © 2013
 PUN-ishing Tales is available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Via Randy Johnson-- For A Few Extra Dollars (Per Pochi Dollari Ancora (1966)

For A Few Extra Dollars(Per Pochi Dollari Ancora(1966)

The Non-Gamer's Gamer's Blog: Whatever Happened to the Arcade?

The Non-Gamer's Gamer's Blog: Whatever Happened to the Arcade?: Whatever happened to the arcade? I could just as well ask whatever happened to the mall, as for the most part, that's gone as well, ...

KRL This Week--- Clea Simon, Melissa Bourbon, Ann Purser, Coming Attractions, giveaways, video interview & more in KRL

As posted elsewhere late this afternoon...


Up this morning in Kings River Life Magazine the latest Coming Attractions column by Sunny Frazier, along with some ebook giveaways of "The Undercover Genius" by Patricia Rice, "The Libra Affair" by Daco Auffenorde, & "The Murder House" by Nancy Jarvis http://kingsriverlife.com/04/26/coming-attractions-in-may/

We also have reviews & giveaways of 4 more fun mysteries from Penguin-"A Killing Notion" by Melissa Bourbon, "A Roux of Revenge" by Connie Archer, "The Blackwoods Farm Enquiry" by Ann Purser, and "A Second Helping of Murder": A Comfort Food Mystery by Christine Wenger, & we have a video interview with Connie Archer as well! http://kingsriverlife.com/04/26/more-april-penguin-mystery-fun/

Also up, a review & giveaway of a new animal related mystery by Clea Simon, "Panthers Play for Keeps" http://kingsriverlife.com/04/26/panthers-play-for-keeps-by-clea-simon/

And we also have a review & giveaway of "Blood Tango" by Annamaria Alfieri http://kingsriverlife.com/04/26/blood-tango-by-annamaria-alfieri/

And a review & giveaway of another pet related mystery, "A Taste Fur Murder" by Dixie Lyle & an interview with Dixie http://kingsriverlife.com/04/26/a-taste-fur-murder-by-dixie-lyle/

Lastly, for those who enjoy some vampires with their mystery, a review and giveaway of the latest Chicagoland Vampires book by Chloe Neill, "Wild Things" http://kingsriverlife.com/04/26/wild-things-by-chloe-neill/

As always, you can find all of these and much more by going to our home page and scrolling down http://KingsRiverLife.com
Lorie

--
KRL is now selling advertising & we have special discounts for
mystery authors & bookstores! Ask me about it!
Mystery section in Kings River Life http://KingsRiverLife.com
Check out my own blog at http://mysteryratscloset.blogspot.com/

Death by Killing: All Due Respect Issue 2: Featuring Owen Laukkanen

Death by Killing: All Due Respect Issue 2: Featuring Owen Laukkanen: We're proud to have thriller author Owen Laukkanen on board for issue 2. He has a hell of a story about deep sea fishing, plus an inter...

Review: "Miles To Little Ridge (Cash Laramie & Gideon Miles Series)" by Heath Lowrance

It was just a strange twist of fate that bought U.S. Marshall Gideon Miles to Little Ridge. He is looking for Edward Gandy who is wanted for bank robbery in two states. According to the local
Sheriff from what little Miles could get out of him, Gandy has been a farmer in the area for the past three years, has a daughter, and is a good guy. The idea that Gandy could have ever done bank robbery is unthinkable to the Sheriff.

Whether or not Gandy was ever a bank robber is not an issue for Miles. He has been told to bring him back and that is what he will do. The Sheriff is going to be useless with the arrest of Gandy and that might be just as well as considering his attitude about U.S. Marshals and African American ones in particular. He is also most likely going to be worthless regarding other potentially dangerous events involving Miles in Little Ridge.

Like others in this series Miles To Little Ridge is another solidly good western. Interesting characters, plenty of twists, and turns along with lots of action makes the series as well as this one good.



Miles to Little Ridge (Cash Laramie & Gideon Miles Series)
Heath Lowrance
Beat To A Pulp
December, 2011
ASIN: B006K5QR88
E-Book
33 Pages (estimated) 
$0.99


Material was purchased to read and review via funds in my Amazon Associates Account.



Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Friday, April 25, 2014

Lesa's Latest Contest-- Women of Crime Giveaway

As posted far earlier today.....
 
Giving away 2 crime novels this week, Alafair Burke's If You Were Here, and Maggie Barbieri's Once Upon a Lie. Details on my blog, http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only, please.

-- Lesa Holstine

 

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Savage Harvest by Carl Hoffman

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Savage Harvest by Carl Hoffman: Reviewed by Jeanne For decades, the name “Rockefeller” has been synonymous with wealth and power. John D. and William Rockefeller es...

Ed Gorman's blog: Now Available from Rough Edges Press: Fast Track - Ed Gorman and Bill Crider

With Sandi in bed asleep after a very long day for us down at Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas Hospital where she got her third IVIG infusion, I am sitting on my back porch working on an upcoming review of this book. If you have not already read FAST TRACK you truly should as it is a good one.


Ed Gorman's blog: Now Available from Rough Edges Press: Fast Track - Ed Gorman and Bill Crider

Via Sweet Freedom Blog-- FFB: THE LOVED ONE by Evelyn Waugh and some other Funny Books...

FFB: THE LOVED ONE by Evelyn Waugh and some other Funny Books...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: FFB: Nelson Algren's Own Book of Lonesome Monsters...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: FFB: Nelson Algren's Own Book of Lonesome Monsters...: Did you ever buy an anthology just for one story?  I wouldn't be surprised if some of you had done that very thing.  Almost exactly five...

FFB Review-- "The Education of H*y*m*a*n K*a*p*l*a*n " (1937) by Leonard Q. Ross (Reviewed by Barry Ergang)

Friday means Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by Patti Abbott here. Barry is back today with his review of   The Education of H*y*m*a*n  K*a*p*l*a*n  by Leonard Q. Ross.


THE EDUCATION OF H*Y*M*A*N  K*A*P*L*A*N (1937) by Leonard Q. Ross

Reviewed by Barry Ergang

During the 1930s, Leo Rosten, under the pseudonym Leonard Q. Ross, wrote a series of comical short stories published in The New Yorker about Hyman Kaplan, an immigrant attending Mr. Parkhill's class at the American Night Preparatory School for Adults ("English—Americanization—Civics—Preparation for Naturalization").

Why the stars between the letters of Kaplan's name? Because that's the way he writes it on the assignments he turns in, as explained in "The Rather Difficult Case of Mr. K*a*p*l*a*n," the first story in the book: "[Mr. Parkhill] turned the page over and read the name. It was printed in large, firm letters with red crayon. Each letter was outlined in blue. Between every two letters was a star, carefully drawn, in green." It isn't long before Parkhill realizes that Kaplan's will be a challenging case, as demonstrated by his efforts in Recitation and Speech, and in English composition. In the former categories, for instance, he says the "most famous tree American wriders" are "Jeck Laundon, Valt Viterman, and the author of 'Hawk L. Barry-Feen,' one Mocktvain. Mr. Kaplan took pains to point out that he did not mention Relfvaldo Amerson because 'He is a poyet, an' I'm talkink abot wriders.'" The remainder of the story, which will definitely elicit readers' smiles and, possibly, out-and-out laughter,  concerns the meaning of the word "vast" and Parkhill trying to answer Kaplan's question about the meaning of what "sounded, in Mr. Kaplan's rendition, like 'a big department.'"

In "Mr. K*a*p*l*a*n, the Comparative, and the Superlative," Parkhill has delayed calling upon Kaplan for two weeks to present his composition for an analysis by the class. But everyone else has written his or her hundred-word composition entitled "My Job," so Parkhill can't put it off any longer. The comments, corrections and debates between Kaplan and Parkhill and Kaplan and classmates lead to a comical lesson about positive, comparative, and superlative forms of adjectives.
"Mr. K*a*p*l*a*n's Hobo" has our hero once again participating in a Recitation and Speech session, this time talking about the joys of a vacation: "De sky! De son! De stoss! De clods. De frash air in de longs. All—all is pot from Netcher!" He prefaces this by explaining his "hobo," which leads to corrections by Parkhill and Miss Mitnick, and arguments with Mr. Bloom, and Mrs. Moskowitz. (No, I'm not going to reveal what "hobo" actually means.)

By now you get the idea, sparing me the need to mention the premise of every story: each of the fifteen concerns Mr. Parkhill (whom Kaplan addresses as "Mr. Pockheel") calling on various students to present compositions or to answer questions about assignments, and Kaplan presenting in his own unique manner his takes on said assignments, usually with bizarre logic and comical results. I'd be remiss, however, if I didn't single out the must-read "Mr. K*a*p*l*a*n and Shakespeare," in which Kaplan presents his interpretation of the "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow" speech from Macbeth—as perceived by "Julius Scissor."

If you love the English language and wordplay, and have a sense of humor, you'll definitely grin your way through The Education of H*y*m*a*n  K*a*p*l*a*n and, most likely, laugh out loud more than a few times as I did. Highly recommended.    


Barry Ergang © 2014

Derringer Award-winner Barry Ergang's own collection of stories featuring wordplay, PUN-ishing Tales: The Stuff That Groans Are Made On, is one of several of his works available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Via Randy Johnson-- FFB: The Coming Race – Baron Edward Bulwer-Lytton

FFB: The Coming Race – Baron Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Cancer Doc Friday--We Try Again

Assuming the disaster caused by switching Sandi to COBRA at $900 bucks a month to maintain her coverage has been fixed this week and her insurance coverage has been fully restored in all the computer systems, we have a very long day planned tomorrow at the hospital. She will have blood work and an evaluation by the cancer doctor. Assuming permission is granted, they then will move her to the infusion room for the multi-hour IVIG infusion.

Apparently my long standing idea to cut the top of the bag and have Sandi drink it straight is not an approved medical technique. It would save considerable time though.

Since moving her over to infusion and starting her anti nausea meds and saline drip through the port may not happen until around noon tomorrow it means that what normally gets started around 10 most likely will be starting at least two if not three hours later. One hopes it goes well and there are no complications.

Hopefully, if all goes well, by sunset we can go back to UTD and pick up Scott who will have been out since noon from his classes. Once we have picked him up we can finally come home.

Scott's Foot

If you have been following the saga of Scott's latest foot injury in recent weeks, he had a checkup with the podiatrist today. The doctor says his foot is fully healed and Scott no longer has to wear the walking boot. Needless to say my son is extremely pleased with this news.

Via The Rap Sheet-- Not Only Spotted, but Saluted

Not Only Spotted, but Saluted

WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Superman Unbound

WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Superman Unbound: Superman Unbound ~ I was not expecting to like this. Many of the recent DC animated flicks have been just okay, significantly altered ...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The future of the library

Make sure to read the link in the comment section on Bill's blog...
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The future of the library: The future of the library: How they’ll evolve for the digital age.

The Business Rusch: All Good Things

 Can't say I blame her.....

The Business Rusch: All Good Things

Market Closed--- Ladies Home Journal Shutdown

Ladies Home Journal Closes The Doors.

Senior News Book Review Column--- April 2014

For several years now I have been writing a monthly book review column for the Senior News newspaper. The Senior News is aimed to 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 April 2014 column ……




The Last Death Of Jack Harbin: A Samuel Craddock Mystery
Terry Shames
Seventh Street Books (imprint of Prometheus Books)
ISBN# 978-1-61614-871-3
Paperback (also available as an e-book)
250 Pages


Back in the day just before the first Gulf War, Jack Hardin was quarterback of the Jarrett Creek High School Panthers and he was the man. He wasn’t when he came home after serving in the first Gulf War. Blind, crippled and confined to a wheelchair, abandoned by his mom and many others, Jack primarily relies on his father Bob Harbin to take care of him. The same Bob Harbin who just died of an apparent heart attack on the street in front of his house in the opening pages of The Last Death Of Jack Harbin: A Samuel Craddock Mystery arbin who has just died on the street in front of his house in the opening pages of “Thwe Last Death of JAck Harbin” by Terry Shames.

Bob Harbin’s death is just one of the many events going on in this second book of the series. As he was in A Killing At Cotton Hill Samuel Craddock, retired police chief, is the only real person around with actual law enforcement experience and training. The past may have been buried, but it coming back to life and taking a heavy toll on the town folk of Jarrett Creek, Texas in so many ways and Samuel Craddock might be the only one who can figure it out and stop those responsible.



Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World
Edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman
Storey Publishing
ISBN# 978-1-61212-042-3
Paperback (also available in e-book format)
288 Pages


As the subtitle 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World makes clear, variety is very much at work here in this nearly 300 page book. The projects are divided up into seven categories reflecting the weight of the skein. The explanation of those weights can be found in the glossary as are explanations of the techniques needed, abbreviations used, and other helpful information.  Instead of being at the front of the book as usually happens that informative stuff is at the back so that Crochet One-Skein Wonders begins immediately with the projects.

Featuring project diversity and variety in skill levels, the 101 projects in Crochet One-Skein Wonders are sure to work for you as well as your family and friends. The projects selected by editors Judith Durant and Edie Eckman can be made for recipients of all age levels and would be treasured gifts.

Kevin R Tipple ©2014

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Dallas is Rocking!

Dallas is rocking tonight as the Mavericks beat the Spurs and the Stars beat the Ducks. Both series are now even! Good night for the hometown guys.

Via Lee Goldberg--- James Strauss and his Fake Writing Credits

James Strauss and his Fake Writing Credits

Via Dave Zeltserman--- THE INTERLOPER now available -- paperback and ebook!

THE INTERLOPER now available -- paperback and ebook!

Via Criminal Element-- The Poor Boy's Game by Dennis Tafoya

The Poor Boy's Game by Dennis Tafoya is reviewed here.

Mystery Fanfare: Cartoon of the Day: Genre

Mystery Fanfare: Cartoon of the Day: Genre

Review: "The Scent Of New Death" by Mike Monson

One simply can’t judge a book by the cover. That is certainly the case here with a picturesque cover that conceals an intensely brutal novella that has, among other elements, incest, bondage, rough sex, and plenty of violence and bloodbaths on nearly every page. Overall, this read is a good one featuring a large cast of characters, a number of backstories for each one, and multiple intense storylines. However, readers are warned that The Scent Of New Death by Mike Monson is very much an adult novel that will offend and horrify some readers.  



It has been a bad June afternoon for Phil Gaines. After robbing a Wells-Fargo Bank branch in Pleasanton near San Francisco, his partner Jeff successfully drove them away from the bank and to a planned rendezvous with Phil’s wife, Paige. Then Phil’s meticulous plan went out the window and things went wrong in so many ways. Phil may practice “Zazen” (a form of mediation) and strive to live an ordered life so as to not draw attention to himself, but that is easier said than done. Zen training does not solve everything.

What follows is a hardboiled multilayered novella that is very graphic in terms of language, sexual situations and descriptions, and near constant violence.  Shifting between Phil, Jeff, Paige, and numerous other characters, author Mike Monson weaves multiple complicated backstories of the various characters into a very complicated present day situation.  An incredibly violent tale of lust and betrayal in and out of the bedroom, The Scent Of New Death builds to a dark climax that changes all who survive the final showdown.

Readers are again cautioned that storylines involving incest of a child of the age of 18, bondage, rough sex, as well as frequent brutal and bloody murders are present throughout the book. This is not a cozy style read in any way possible as everything is fully on the stage for the reader to see and experience. It simply can’t be stressed strongly enough that this is very much an adult read and only suitable for adult readers.


The Scent Of New Death
Mike Monson 
http://mikemonson.org/ 
Out Of The Gutter 
http://www.gutterbooks.com/ 
April 21, 2014 
ASIN: B00JUCXK4C 
E-Book (print also available)
$2.99
Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Via Patti Abbott--- NEEDLE MAGAZINE

I never have read one of these as they have always been way more than I could afford. But, I hear lots of good things. Spring issue details here.


2014 Tony Hillerman Writers Conference

So wish I could go do this, but it is just not possible.

TONY HILLERMAN WRITERS CONFERENCE 2014

Rough Edges: Rough Edges Press Website

Rough Edges: Rough Edges Press Website: Livia's put together a website for Rough Edges Press with information on all the books we've published so far. The last time I co...

Brings Barry Ergang To Mind

Just saw this and it immediately brings Barry Ergang to mind.....


Among other books Barry has written is PUN-ishing Tales: The Stuff That Groans Are Made On available at Amazon and Smashwords.

Lady Sandra: Crochet project finished from the end of MARCH unt...

 This is her most recent stuff......

Lady Sandra: Crochet project finished from the end of MARCH unt...: I made a whole bunch of slipper for the shelter. See below and  and   I made a pair of slippers for my neigh...

Via Crime Time Preview: Poker in TV Crime dramas

 Poker used to make an appearance in CASTLE from time to time....

Crime Time Preview: Poker in TV Crime dramas: WHEN is it appropriate to reference a high-stakes poker game in a TV series? When the stakes are high, of course. While there are certainly...

Monday, April 21, 2014

CrimeFictionWriter: Published

CrimeFictionWriter: Published: My essay "Eat Fresh" appears in the May/June 2014 issue of Texas Gardener.

Ed Gorman's blog: Lawrence Block's Borderline from Hard Case Crime spelling corrected

Ed Gorman's blog: Lawrence Block's Borderline from Hard Case Crime spelling corrected

Via The Rap Sheet-- Bullet Points: Post-Easter Bunny Edition

Bullet Points: Post-Easter Bunny Edition

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Books Every Writer Needs to Read

I admit to not having read any of these.....

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Books Every Writer Needs to Read: Books Every Writer Needs to Read

Winning Writers--- Contests and Services to Avoid

Saw this thanks to a mention by C. Hope Clark this morning...

Contests and Services to Avoid

Via The Passive Voice--- Suing e-book reviewers and being a public jerk: Two bad ideas in one

I have noticed more and more authors advocating that reviewers should be sued for a review the author did not like......

Suing e-book reviewers and being a public jerk: Two bad ideas in one

The REAL Sam Houston National Forest

Last night the CBS show THE MENTALIST allegedly went to the Sam Houston National Forest to work a case. The first and most obvious problem was, upon arrival at the site, they showed land with mountains on it. Since the real life Sam Houston National Forest is just a little bit north of Houston anyone doing anything on the show should have known better.

Been there years ago and it was/is a great place. You can read more about the real place here.

Via Lesa's Book Critiques-- May Mysteries from Penguin's Berkley Prime Crime & Obsidian

May Mysteries from Penguin's Berkley Prime Crime & Obsidian

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Comic Strip of the Day

 Well worth reading....

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Comic Strip of the Day

Via Erika Dreifus (The Practicing Writer) -- Monday Markets for Writers

Monday Markets for Writers

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: San Jacinto Day!

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: San Jacinto Day!: Battle of San Jacinto - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia : The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Harris County...

Via Randy Johnson-- Antiques Con – Barbara Allan

Antiques Con – Barbara Allan

Your Monday Could Be Worse


Sunday, April 20, 2014

Via io9--- The Farscape Movie is Officially Happening

The Farscape Movie is Officially Happening

Little Big Crimes: Hunters, by John M. Floyd

Little Big Crimes: Hunters, by John M. Floyd: "Hunters," by John M. Floyd, in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, May 2014. So, where do you get your ideas?  That's ...

A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: KILLING SECRETS . . .SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER LEFT ...

A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: KILLING SECRETS . . .SOME SECRETS ARE BETTER LEFT ...: Quick Facts                                          R elease Date:  April 17, 2014                   Genre:  Romantic Suspense ...

KRL This Week-- Easter mystery short story & much more in KRL's Earth Day & Easter issue

As posted elsewhere yesterday.....

In celebration of Earth Day Kings River Life Magazine is only featuring ebooks this week. We have reviews & giveaways of 5 mystery ebooks-"Unholy Matrimony": a Lucille Mystery By Peg Cochran, "Sketcher in the Rye": A Portrait of Crime Mystery By Sharon Pape, "The Sleuth Sisters" By Maggie Pill, "Twisted" By Laura K. Curtis and "Grand Delusion" by Matt Witten http://kingsriverlife.com/04/19/celebrate-earth-day-with-5-mystery-ebooks/

Also up an interview with one of the founders of Untreed Reads, a leader in ebook publishing & publisher of many great mystery novels & short stories http://kingsriverlife.com/04/19/digital-first-publisher-untreed-reads/

Also this morning we have a review & giveaway of another mystery ebook- "Killer Blonde" by Elaine Viets http://kingsriverlife.com/04/19/killer-blonde-by-elaine-viets/

And we have a review & giveaway of a fun enovella mystery, "Dummy of a Ghost" by Sue Ann Jaffarian http://kingsriverlife.com/04/19/dummy-of-a-ghost-a-ghost-by-sue-ann-jaffarian/

Don't miss this fun Easter mystery short story by Gail Farrelly http://kingsriverlife.com/04/16/in-your-easter-bonnet-an-easter-mystery-short-story/

Lastly this week in KRL check out this fun article by Sharon Tucker about Susan Wittig Albert's mysteries about herbalist China Bayles http://kingsriverlife.com/04/19/celebrate-the-rites-of-spring-with-three-mysteries-by-susan-wittig-albert/

As always, you can find all of these and more, including a bunch of fun Easter & Earth Day articles this week, by going to our home page and scrolling down http://KingsRiverLife.com

Happy Easter & Earth Day,
Lorie

KRL is now selling advertising & we have special discounts for
mystery authors & bookstores! Ask me about it!
Mystery section in Kings River Life http://KingsRiverLife.com
Check out my own blog at http://mysteryratscloset.blogspot.com/

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: PimPage: An Occasional Feature in Which I Call Att...

Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: PimPage: An Occasional Feature in Which I Call Att...: Amazon.com: How the West Was Written: Frontier Fiction, 1880-1906 eBook: Ron Scheer: Kindle Store : The chapters of How the West Was Written...

Via Writer Beware®: The Blog-- Take the Money and Run: Kerry Jacobson, "Book Publicist"

Writer Beware®: The Blog--Take the Money and Run: Kerry Jacobson, "Book Publicist"

Via The Passive Voice---What’s Barnes & Noble’s Survival Plan?

 In the early 90s Barnes and Noble bought the chain I was working for called Bookstop. I still remember a 7 am staff meeting where we were introduced to Riggio who, among lots of things that were flat out wrong, proceeded to tell us all that we had been doing everything wrong to sell books. All books were created equal and could be sold like potatoes as all potatoes were equal. That was when I first was introduced to his mantra--"a potato is a potato is potato and a book is a book is a book." I never thought it was remotely true about potatoes, but I knew for sure he was totally wrong about books.

It is just unfortunate that those many of us who loved books and knew something were marginalized by those in charge who wanted nothing more than larger salaries, more and more perks, and fancy job titles while they drove the company right off the damn cliff.


What’s Barnes & Noble’s Survival Plan?

Sample Sunday-- Excerpt from "Bartholomew Mortiman" in "Mind Slices: A Collection Of New And Previously Published Stories"

Since this is Easter Sunday and a small part of the story, I thought I would share a sample from “Bartholomew Mortiman” today. Some of the themes that run through a lot of my work appear in this story which was first published long ago in Starblade Magazine.

BARTHOLOMEW MORTIMAN
STUDENT BARTHOLOMEW MORTIMAN
PRESUMED DEAD, FIRE UNEXPLAINED.
  COMPILED FROM AP, UPI WIRE REPORTS. . .

Today, fire fighters recovered the remains of a journal from the destroyed apartment of Bartholomew Mortiman. Mr. Mortiman, undergraduate at City College, is believed to have perished in the intense fire, even though his body has not been recovered. While known for his odd behavior in a neighborhood famous for eccentricity, in recent weeks his personal torment had apparently grown. Fellow students said that the troubled Mr. Mortiman had caused several outbursts recently in classes. While he had always questioned the usefulness of the college experience and his course work, recently he had become more agitated and prone to wild accusations. According to classmates, his quality of work declined at the same time his comments about “something evil coming for him” grew.

Reporters were shown some of the recent artwork that Mr. Mortiman had created in the last weeks before his apparent death. The dark images seem to make use of a considerable amount of blood, gore, and a figure in various paintings that may be a representation of Satan. Neighbors and friends dispute the suggestion by Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents that Mr. Mortiman was a collector of firearms and possibly a known drug dealer and user.

However, a portion of his personal journal, released by ATF agents, seems to confirm the ATF position. ATF agents say that part of the journal was covered by a large cross and accompanying rosary, which may have protected it from burning. Despite the intensity of the fire, these few pages are almost perfectly intact and do not show any signs of singeing or water damage. The following is, according to the ATF, the complete portion of the journal that survived the fire.

Friday, April 9th

Sarah had asked me to attend her church tonight. Despite my long-standing personal misgivings about religion, I said yes. I never should have gone with her. Many questions have been answered, but the burden of such knowledge is almost more than I can bear. Now I have a responsibility to try to stop something that I may not survive. Since I have been led to this confrontation all my life, it is my hope that I will survive. Hopefully, the ancient legends and stories are true. If not, I leave this record as witness to my plans in the hope that others will follow in the battle…..



The very positively reviewed book is  available for $2.99 at the following sites….
I hope you will take a look.

Kevin