Monday, August 31, 2015
Market Call: Mystery Weekly
I received the below unsolicited and am passing it on as requested....
Hi Kevin,
Please consider this for inclusion in your Markets for Writers list.
Mystery Weekly is a new short mystery e-zine that is looking for stories between 1000-8000 words in length for publication in our email newsletter. We offer a modest per-word compensation and only require exclusive online rights for a period of six months. Submission response time averages 1 to 2 weeks.
Website: http://mysteryweekly.com
Online Submission System: http://mysteryweekly.com/submit.asp
Sincerely,
Kerry Carter
Hi Kevin,
Please consider this for inclusion in your Markets for Writers list.
Mystery Weekly is a new short mystery e-zine that is looking for stories between 1000-8000 words in length for publication in our email newsletter. We offer a modest per-word compensation and only require exclusive online rights for a period of six months. Submission response time averages 1 to 2 weeks.
Website: http://mysteryweekly.com
Online Submission System: http://mysteryweekly.com/submit.asp
Sincerely,
Kerry Carter
Monday With Kaye: "Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron" by Stephanie Barron (Reviewed by Kaye George)
This week Kaye George considers a book set in a
bygone era……
Jane and the Madness of Lord Byron by Stephanie Barron
To read this series is to be transported
to Regency England, to the decadence of the Prince Regent that flourished
alongside the strict morals professed by the proper folk. It's as if Stephanie
Barron time-traveled to 1813 to absorb every nuance of custom and conversation,
then hurried back to set it all down for us. The fascinating, bizarre cast
includes the Prince Regent, of course (Prinny), Lord
Byron, and Lady Caroline
Lamb. These last two dissolute characters, the author says, were actually tamed
down in her version, and they're wild!
In its leisurely, elegant way, the novel
brings us to the death of Jane Austen's beloved sister-in-law, Eliza, Comtesse
de Feuillide, and the wife of her brother, Henry. The dying woman seems to
whisper something to Jane as she expires. Regret?Jane
isn't quite sure what she heard. She is writing her third novel, Mansfield Park, and plans to publish it
anonymously, as she has her first two. Miss Austen is not as absorbed in it as
she would like, though, and agrees to accompany Henry to Brighton to dispel the
gloom caused by Eliza's death.
On their way, Jane rescues a girl of
fifteen, Catherine Twining, who has been abducted, bound and gagged, from the
coach of Lord Byron! Byron, otherwise known as George Gordon, has just
published his epic poem, Childe Harold's
Pilgrimage, and every woman in England swoons when he draws near. Every
woman but Catherine, with whom Byron is obsessed. Even Jane has to fight a
physical attraction to see clearly whether or not he's guilty of the murder
with which he's charged. The corrupt officials want to say the crime is solved,
but have no interest in uncovering any facts, or even questioning anyone. It's
up to Jane to see that justice is done.
A most satisfactory trip through
springtime madness on the coast of England in a bygone time.
Reviewed by Kaye George author of A Patchwork of Stories for
Suspense
Magazine
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Little Big Crimes: Solo for Shoehorn, by John H. Dirckx
Little Big Crimes: Solo for Shoehorn, by John H. Dirckx: "Solo for Shoehorn," by John H. Dirckx, in Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, October 2015. For many years Dirckx has be...
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: The SMFS at Bouchercon 2015 (Raleigh, NC, Oct. 8-1...
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: The SMFS at Bouchercon 2015 (Raleigh, NC, Oct. 8-1...: Bouchercon , the World Mystery Convention, takes place October 8–11, 2015 in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and th...
Lisa Ks Book Reviews: BASKET CASE by Nancy HaddockALL SALES FINAL by Jo...
Lisa Ks Book Reviews:
BASKET CASE by Nancy HaddockALL SALES FINAL by Jo...: BASKET CASE by Nancy Haddock ALL SALES FINAL by Josie Belle BASKET CASE Book 1 in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series ...
BASKET CASE by Nancy HaddockALL SALES FINAL by Jo...: BASKET CASE by Nancy Haddock ALL SALES FINAL by Josie Belle BASKET CASE Book 1 in the Silver Six Crafting Mystery series ...
Mr. Cizak's Writing Tips #4 -- The War on Adverbs! (No Moral Center Blog)
I came across Mr. Cizak's blog while working on a review of his recent book, BETWEEN JUAREZ AND EL PASO (The Drifter Detective Series Book 6). The review will run Tuesday, but I thought I would draw your attention to this today.
Mr. Cizak's Writing Tips #4 -- The War on Adverbs! (No Moral Center Blog)
Mr. Cizak's Writing Tips #4 -- The War on Adverbs! (No Moral Center Blog)
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Update
Sandi had her shot and, as it usually does, it made her sick. This time seems a bit worse than normal so hopefully nothing serious is going on.
Crime Review Update--- 50th issue of Crime Review
Please join us in celebrating the 50th issue of Crime Review. In the new edition, (www.crimereview.co.uk) this week we have 16 reviews, together with Deon Meyer in the Countdown interview hot seat. Crime Review can be followed on Twitter: @CrimeReviewUK Linda Wilson can be followed on Twitter: @CrimeReviewer Sharon Wheeler can be followed on Twitter: @lartonmedia This week’s reviews are: THE DYING SEASON by Martin Walker, reviewed by Linda Wilson Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges is caught in the middle of a row between hunters and conservationists in the Dordogne town of St Denis, as well as having a suspicious death to investigate. A SONG FOR THE DROWNED SOULS by Bernard Minier, reviewed by Chris Roberts A young man is found at the house of a teacher, brutally murdered. His mother asks Commandant Servaz for help. Servaz fears that an escaped serial killer may have been involved. TENACITY by JS Law, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler Lieutenant Danielle Lewis, a Royal Navy special branch investigator, finds herself in the insular world of a nuclear submarine as she investigates the suicide of one of its crew. THE INVENTION OF FIRE by Bruce Holsinger, reviewed by John Cleal Sixteen corpses have been dumped in a London midden bearing wounds not seen before. John Gower, poet and trader in secrets, investigates despite official reluctance and struggles against failing vision, deception and treachery to prevent an even more devastating massacre. TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN by Arne Dahl, reviewed by Ewa Sherman It’s summer in Stockholm. The A-Unit has been disbanded, and its former members are disillusioned. Detective Paul Hjelm and his team race against time while investigating three separate cases. AFTER THE FIRE by Jane Casey, reviewed by Linda Wilson After a devastating fire in a London tower block, DC Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent have to uncover the secret world of the 11th floor. BOXES by Pascal Garnier, reviewed by Chris Roberts Brice Casadamont moves to the countryside in a move planned by his wife, now absent. As his life falls apart, he spends more and more time with Blanche, a local who also has some problems. THE WHITE SHEPHERD by Annie Dalton, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler Anna Hopkins has led a solitary life. But when her dog Bonnie finds a body in Oxford’s Port Meadows, Anna finds a support network as they attempt to trap a murderer. UGLY BUS by Mike Thomas, reviewed by John Cleal Newly-promoted young sergeant Martin Finch struggles to control a group of veteran policemen under the pressures of a football riot and violent demonstrations. THE COLD DISH by Craig Johnson, reviewed by Chris Roberts Cody Prichard’s murder looks like revenge for the rape of a local Cheyenne girl. Sheriff Walt Longmire needs to find the shooter to prevent further deaths. THE SAINT-FIACRE AFFAIR by Georges Simenon, reviewed by Arnold Taylor An anonymous message Maigret receives predicting a death during the mass on All Souls Day prompts him to return to the village in which he was born. THE FIFTH SEASON by Mons Kallentoft, reviewed by John Cleal A woman’s mutilated body found in a forest shows signs of the most appalling torture. Inspector Malin Fors sees similarities to the case of a young woman found raped and beaten years before and still in a psychiatric unit. THE GOOD SUICIDES by Antonio Hill, reviewed by Maddy Marsh After a team-building event, one of the staff members kills his family before taking his own life. Three years later, another member of that event kills herself. It’s up to Inspector Salgado of the Barcelona police to find out why. THE WHITE VAN by Patrick Hoffman, reviewed by John Cleal Drifter Emily Rosario is plunged into a world of confusion and fear when she is used as a pawn in a bank raid. As she struggles to escape, she is pursued by a desperate policeman who sees the stolen money as the solution to his own problems. LOCKWOOD AND CO: THE SCREAMING STAIRCASE by Jonathan Stroud, reviewed by Linda Wilson London’s most ramshackle psychical detective agency are on the verge of going broke and have no option other than to take on the case that no one else wants. URBAN OUTLAWS by Peter Jay Black, reviewed by Linda Wilson A group of kids go up against some formidable opposition in a bid to stop an advanced super-computer being misused. Best wishes Sharon
The Writing Bug: The Trouble With Being a Writer
The Writing Bug: The Trouble With Being a Writer: Bill Watterson By Sarah Reichert We're alcoholics and psychotics. We're sufferers of depression and anti-hubr...
KRL This Week Update
Up this morning in KRL reviews & giveaways of 4 more new
mysteries from Penguin & Kensington authors-"Murder on the Horizon"
by M.L. Rowland, "Better Homes and Corpses" by Kathleen Bridge, "In
the Drink" by Allyson K. Abbott, and "Loom and Doom" by Carol
Ann Martin http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/end-of-summer-penguinkensington-mysteries/
Also up a review & giveaway of "Plantation Shudders"
by Ellen Byron, along with an interesting interview with Ellen, which includes
mentions of her work on TV as well http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/plantation-shudders-by-ellen-byron/
And a review & giveaway of "Black Cat and the
Accidental Angel" by Elaine Faber http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/black-cat-and-the-accidental-angel-by-elaine-faber/
We also have the latest mystery Coming Attractions from
Sunny Frazier, along with giveaways of books by Jinx Schwartz & Kay Kendall
http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/september-coming-attractions/
You can also enjoy a never before published mystery short
story by P.A. DeVoe http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/double-trouble-from-judge-lus-ming-dynasty-case-files/
And a review & giveaway of "Fatal Choice" by
Dorothy Howell http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/fatal-choice-by-dorothy-howell/
For our readers who also enjoy fantasy, we have a review
& giveaway of "Veiled" by Benedict Jacka http://kingsriverlife.com/08/29/veiled-by-benedict-jacka/
And on KRL Lite a review & giveaway of "Death of a
Bride and Groom" by Allan J. Emerson
http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2015/08/death-of-bride-and-groom-honeymoon.html
Happy reading,
Lori
--
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/
mystery authors & bookstores! Ask me about it!
Mystery section in Kings River Life http://KingsRiverLife.com
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Heroes Reborn: Dark Matters
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Heroes Reborn: Dark Matters: So many television series are returning from the dead, " Twin Peaks " and "The X-Files" are probably the most high pr...
Lesa's Latest Contest---Historical mystery giveaway
Giving away a terrific debut historical mystery, 2 copies of Nancy
Herriman's No Comfort for the Lost, set in 1860s San Francisco. Details on
my blog, http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S.
only, please.
Lesa Holstine
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Update on Flash and Bang: An SMFS Anthology
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Update on Flash and Bang: An SMFS Anthology: On March 26, 2014, interested Shortmystery members formed a subgroup to explore publishing SMFS-themed anthologies . The subgroup came to...
Friday, August 28, 2015
Submission Opportunity: The William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers
From one of my lists......
The William F.
Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers is open to
submissions of manuscripts in the traditional mystery genre. The grant
award is $2,500 and includes a comprehensive registration to the 2016
Malice Domestic convention in May, 2016 in Bethesda, Maryland and a
two-night stay at the host hotel. Each year, one partial manuscript is
chosen. For complete details, visit
www.maicedomestic.org and click on Grants.
Harriette Sackler
Grants Chair
Malice Domestic, Ltd.
Sandi is Home
Late this afternoon Sandi was sent home having completed the fourth round of chemo. We have to be back at the hospital early tomorrow morning to have Sandi's shot. We next go back after that on Tuesday for the usual blood work and doctor visit.
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Fall's Bounty of Books!
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Fall's Bounty of Books!: Survey by Jeanne Elly Griffiths , author of the mystery series featuring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway, is starting a new se...
New Reviews at Flash Bang Mysteries
Two new reviews are up at BJ Bourg's Flash Bang Mysteries. They are:
AND
FFB Review: "THE JULIUS CAESAR MURDER CASE (1935) by Wallace Irwin (Reviewed by Barry Ergang)
Friday means Friday’s
Forgotten Books. Before you go take a look at the complete list over at Patti
Abbott’s blog, consider The Julius Caesar Murder Case by
Wallace Irwin. Not only did Barry review it today, but Patrick Ohl offered his
take on this book back in 2013 for FFB.
THE JULIUS CAESAR MURDER CASE (1935) by
Wallace Irwin
Reviewed by Barry Ergang
Forget about what you know
from history lessons or Shakespeare’s drama. Julius Caesar’s demise did not
occur as accounts have described it elsewhere. No, it is only through the unremitting
pursuit of truth by one Publius Manlius (Mannie) Scribo, ace reporter and sports columnist for the Evening Tiber, that we know what
actually occurred on that fateful Ides of March. It begins with the murder of
J. Romulus Comma, a producer at Pompey’s Theater, a crime Q. Bulbus Apex, “city editor and owner” of the tabloidium and Mannie’s boss, does not
want Mannie to investigate. Nor do the famous General Mark Anthony, “Julius
Cæsar’s dummy Consul, the Administration’s handshaker,” and Chief of Police
Kellius. But pursue the case Mannie does, despite opposition from those
and other quarters, and in the course of things uncovers a conspiracy to do in
Caesar himself.
In addition to the
aforementioned Caesar and Anthony, Mannie’s investigation puts him into the
presence or orbits of significant figures including Cleopatra, Brutus, Cassius,
Casca, Cicero, and Caesar’s former wives. Along with his faithful and canny
British slave Smithicus, he also encounters the acting troupe from Pompey’s
Theater and must contend with his conflicted feelings for the unpredictable
Romula, daughter of J. Romulus Comma.
The book has been reissued in
both print and electronic editions by Ramble House. I read the electronic
edition, which is not without some typos here and there—e.g., J. Romulus Comma
at least once called Q. Romulus Comma, and multiple varied misspellings of
Caesar.
The book is a humorous
whodunit. Or, at any rate, is meant to be. But humor is a very subjective
matter. While the puzzle and solution were well-handled, and though I smiled
and even chuckled aloud in a few spots, I thought the overall result was too
self-consciously “cute”—the author’s “Look, folks, I’m being clever and comical!”
affectation.
In his introduction to this
edition of the novel, Richard A. Lupoff points out that “Through the eyes and in the voice of
Mannie Scribo he goes out of his way to lampoon craven editors, ruthless
publishers, and Roman politicians,” adding “He also manages to include
offensive caricatures of blacks, Greeks, Jews, Britons, gays, Chinese, and
little people. If Wallace Irwin was a bigot, at least he was an
equal-opportunity bigot.”
If
a character in a story or novel uses, whether in thought or dialogue, a racial
or ethnic slur, the reader can assume the author wants him to understand this
bigoted aspect of that character’s personality. It’s a different matter when
the author resorts to such slurs, as Wallace Irwin does, in what are ostensibly
objective portions of his narrative. I don’t mean to come across as
holier-than-thou; I’m well aware that novels often reflect the attitudes of
their times and authors. But I found Irwin’s slurring and stereotyping a long
way from funny.
My
suggestion is to read some or all of the first chapter at the Ramble House
website to decide if The Julius Caesar
Murder Case is your kind of mystery. You can read Richard A. Lupoff’s
introduction there, as well.
© 2015 Barry Ergang
Derringer Award-winner Barry Ergang’s written work has
appeared in numerous publications, print and electronic. Some of it is
available at Amazon
and at Smashwords. His website is http://www.writetrack.yolasite.com/.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Update on Chemo: Round 4
After a series of serious setbacks involving her kidneys and blood work that delayed resumption of chemo until late yesterday, Sandi is back on track today and doing okay. They are pushing a continuous flow of saline solution and steroids into her trying desperately trying to keep her kidneys functioning despite everything. She has also had to have another blood transfusion which made things more complicated.
I spent the day with her today and she was able to crochet some though her hands are hurting her quite a bit as is as well as her left shoulder. X-rays have been taken of the shoulder and they are negative. I suspect, since the x-rays were negative, they may chalk it up to her worsening arthritis and just watch that situation. I am not sure if they intend to do anything for now to chase the source of her pain or why her arm is losing mobility.
For now, she is doing okay and hopefully the worst of this round of chemo is behind her. On the current pace she most likely would not come home until sometime late Saturday.
I spent the day with her today and she was able to crochet some though her hands are hurting her quite a bit as is as well as her left shoulder. X-rays have been taken of the shoulder and they are negative. I suspect, since the x-rays were negative, they may chalk it up to her worsening arthritis and just watch that situation. I am not sure if they intend to do anything for now to chase the source of her pain or why her arm is losing mobility.
For now, she is doing okay and hopefully the worst of this round of chemo is behind her. On the current pace she most likely would not come home until sometime late Saturday.
Review: "Uncle Dust: A Novel" by Rob Pierce
Dustin, aka Dusty, tends to be a
loner. At the same time he sort of wants a family. Not a 24 hour 7 day a week
family, but a family he could use as sort of cover in between jobs. Teresa and
her son Jeremy fit that bill.The problem with inserting yourself
into a family is that, if you are not very careful, their
issues and problems
become your problems and issues. Teresa’s problem, even if she does not know it
is her old boyfriend, Davis. Jeremy’s problem is that he is a fourth grader
getting seriously bullied at school, and looking for a father figure.
Dusty can help with those problems
but he demands total and complete loyalty. That means the person who took
Dusty’s hard earned money out of the suitcase stashed in the hall closet better
return it quickly. Dusty is between bank jobs and there wasn’t enough for
someone to go lifting a few bills out in the first place. It is also a matter
of respect as what Dusty has is his and he has total and last say over it.
The search for the missing money is
the first step on an intriguing trail in the life of Dusty, career criminal.
Robbing banks and collecting on debts is just part of what he does. Violence
fueled by many factors is just part of his personae. While the bank robbery
brings a sense of adrenaline and purpose, something he rarely finds in other pursuits,
it also serves as a means of peace and taking the edge of off the day to day
stressors. A complicated man who finds a few minutes peace when he can find it
whether it is with a bottle, a woman, or by beating the heck out a loser who
didn’t pay his gambling debts, Dusty is constantly in
search of something
better. That search has ramifications for him as well as everyone he has any
contact with in Uncle Dust: A Novel by Rob Pierre.
This is a very complicated read that
features a rather unlikeable hero. Dusty craves the rush of what he does and
has a grasp, at least to a certain point, on why he does it. Prone to violence
and yet the violence is often on behalf of or because of someone he cares
about. It is a bleak life and yet some of his most violent moments when he is
using or abusing people are when he feels the most alive. He claims to not
cares about others and yet is often is doing things to help others.
The result is a complicated trip in
the hard boiled mind of a criminal who is fairly aware of his behavior and is
unable to change. There is a certain redemptive quality at points in the read
and which is often destroyed by the choices Dusty is later compelled to make.
Published by All Due Respect Books, this is not a light or easy read and certainly
is not for everybody. Uncle Dust is a very good read as well as an intriguing
character study. When so many authors take the clichéd angle in such
situations, Rob Pierce has done something truly different and well worth
reading.
Uncle Dust
Rob Pierce
All Due Respect Books
January 2015
ASIN# B00SGGKHOE
E-Book
(also available in paperback)
314
Pages
$2.99
Material
supplied by the publisher at time of publication in exchange for my objective
review.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: THE LAND OF RAIN SHADOW: HORNED TOAD, TEXAS
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: THE LAND OF RAIN SHADOW: HORNED TOAD, TEXAS: My review of The Land of Rain Shadow: Horned Toad, Texas ( Texas Tech University Press ) by Joyce Gibson Roach was published in Lone Star...
Review: "The Truth about Nature: A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about the Great Outdoors" by Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer
When I was a kid we went camping all
the time during breaks from school. Not only did my parents love the outdoors,
they thought being out in nature was as important as anything we learned in
classrooms when school was in session. That important idea was passed along to
my sons. That same important idea is behind the very cool book The
Truth about Nature.
It is a book designed to get kids
outside in the real world learning about nature and their role in it. As the
subtitle makes clear this book is A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about
the Great Outdoors.
Broken into four sections based on
the seasons the book opens with Spring. The first myth is that “Birds sing
because they are happy.” The myth is busted as birds don’t have emotions like
humans and are singing because that is what they do. Bird song is their way of
communication.
Over the next fifty pages in the Spring
section are considered such as “Turkeys will drown in rain” (myth 14 on page
19), “Tornados turn clockwise” (myth 22 on page 31) and “Snapping turtles can’t
let go after they bite” (myth 36 on page 51) among others. Each myth is rated
on a 1 to 3 scale with 3 being absolutely totally false. Along the way there
are pages titled “Stranger Than Fiction” with interesting information as well “Be
A Scientist” pages geared towards fun experiments kids can do. For example, one
can earn how to make a rainbow using a cd, a glass of water, a flash
light, and a while piece of paper on page 36 or “Grow Your Own Mold” on page 49.
The ideas on the “Be A Scientist” pages might be a good starting point for
those science fair projects.
This same informative text is
continued through the Summer, Fall, and Winter sections. We learn that the idea
that “Mouthwash will keep mosquitoes away” (myth 62 on page 89) is massively
false as is that “Beavers eat fish” (myth 85 on page 120) or that “The brain is
the largest organ” (myth 130 on page 186.) According to the book the brain is
the third largest organ, coming in behind the liver at number two and skin at
number one. The idea that “Ostriches bury their heads in the sand” is myth 135
and can be found on page 193.
While the various myths may not
really fit the season section they are in, the myths are all informative and
interesting. All of the preceding leads
up to a five page index and a one page of author bios that bring this highly
entertaining book to be a close.
Filled with tips, fun facts and more
The
Truth about Nature: A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about the Great Outdoors
is a colorful and fun book designed to make learning about a lot of things fun.
Published by “Falcon Guides” the book is a great way to teach kids as well as
adults about nature and our place in it while doing so in a fun way. Fun and
very cool, The Truth about Nature: A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about the Great
Outdoors makes learning fun in many ways.
The Truth about Nature: A Family’s Guide
to 144 Common Myths about the Great Outdoors
Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer
Falcon Guides (imprint of Rowman
& Littlefield)
October 2014
ISBN# 978-0-7627-9628-1
Paperback (also available in e-book)
232 Pages
$18.95
Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano
Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Chemo: Round 4 is Underway
Earlier this afternoon Sandi was admitted to Medical City Dallas Hospital for the fourth round of chemo. Her bloodwork showed slight improvement over what the numbers were last week so they went ahead and admitted her. If things go right she should be out late Friday afternoon.
While in the hospital they plan to do a series of x-rays of her left shoulder to try and determine why she is having increasing pain in it and loss of mobility. The shoulder pain is thought to be something totally unrelated to the diabetic nueropathy. Exactly what is unknown right now. Between that and the pain she has in her hands as well as her lower legs and feet, Sandi is hurting pretty bad. The shoulder and hand pain is seriously affecting her ability to crochet and that makes for a very unhappy camper.
The plan remains for her to have chemo this week and that will be the last one for awhile as they watch her and see what happens. We know for sure there will be more all day blood transfusions within a few days to a week after chemo ends. Hopefully, she can otherwise be left alone a bit to let her body recover and gain a little strength back.
 |
| Sandi at Texas Oncology today being prepped for chemo |
While in the hospital they plan to do a series of x-rays of her left shoulder to try and determine why she is having increasing pain in it and loss of mobility. The shoulder pain is thought to be something totally unrelated to the diabetic nueropathy. Exactly what is unknown right now. Between that and the pain she has in her hands as well as her lower legs and feet, Sandi is hurting pretty bad. The shoulder and hand pain is seriously affecting her ability to crochet and that makes for a very unhappy camper.
The plan remains for her to have chemo this week and that will be the last one for awhile as they watch her and see what happens. We know for sure there will be more all day blood transfusions within a few days to a week after chemo ends. Hopefully, she can otherwise be left alone a bit to let her body recover and gain a little strength back.
The Non-Gamer's Gamer's Blog: Freemium, Flintstones, and Family Guy
The Non-Gamer's Gamer's Blog: Freemium, Flintstones, and Family Guy: Regular readers here know of my addiction to Simpsons Tapped Out , but that's not the only freemium game of that type out there, nor ...
Review: "Bad Men" by Graham Powell
Bad Men by Graham Powell delivers the goods. The cover mentions the
fact this collection is filled with “crime stories.” They definitely are crime
stories. There are plenty of crimes, some mayhem, and a number of mysteries at
work in these seven short stories. Short stories where people do what they do
to survive and deal with the world as they see it.
“Grace, Period” opens the book where
Tommy Roccaforte is being forced to relocate to an apartment far from where he
used to live in Staten Island. Forced to give up his heavy oak and Italian
leather furniture along with his old life to move to Tucson, all he has left is
his wife Marie. That, a new job in a book store, and his old habits and urges
which were not left behind when the Feds relocated him to save his life.
The man known to many as “Duke” for
reasons that become clear was tending bar when Steven came in to talk that
Wednesday night. Steven is just a college kid and out of place in the biker
bar. But, he wants a job done and his money is good in “Payday.”
A job is also a major point in the
next story titled “Cold Storage.” Dave Dewberry has a job in mind and wants Al
to be involved. It involves a bank, a guy named Eugene Bosco, and the city of
New York in its winter time glory.
The setting moves to Kentucky in
“The Leap.” Specifically, the Kentucky State Correctional Center at Paintsville
where new inmate Kenneth Pennywell has just arrived as the story opens.
Assigned to the third room in dorm four, Pennywell has a plan for a certain
inmate. The reason why is based on recent events told through flashbacks.
The truck may not be real and the
narrator may not be stable in “The Ins And Outs.” Then again, they really
could be after him. He takes his medication and waits knowing if they find him
they won’t make him wait long.
Crime Boss Bobby Gianetti was nabbed
with a suitcase of money destined for one Tony Lambrusco. How the cops found
out and what his bodyguards are going to do about it are a couple of things at
work in “Cutting Diamonds.”
“Ken Bruen Is Dead, Alas” is the
closing story of the book. A story that has its own story according to the
preface. It is all best explained by reading it in the book. This is an
incredibly funny read and a real highlight of the book.
Bad Men by Graham Powell is filled with plenty of crime, mystery, and
certainly the possibility of bad men.
Ignoring the whole nature/nurture argument, these are seven short tales where the
guys involved are doing what comes naturally. Whether or not they are truly bad
men really depends on your moral compass …. assuming you have one.
Bad Men
Graham Powell
Self-Published
ASIN# B006Y2USGE
January
2012
E-Book
94
Pages
$0.99
Material
was purchased to read and review using funds in my Amazon Associate Account.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Monday, August 24, 2015
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Star Trek Morning Coffee
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Star Trek Morning Coffee: This past Friday I had the opportunity to speak with friend, fellow writer , and TV host Kristin Battestella at the RadioVision Network ...
Updated Review News at Flash Bang Mysteries
The second review is now up on BJ Bourg's new venture. The review is of the short story collection Scorched Noir: A Collection Of Southwestern Crime Tales by Garnett Elliott. You can read the review at: http://flashbangmysteries.com/newsreviews
The Southwest Armchair Traveler: Western History Mysteries
The Southwest Armchair Traveler: Western History Mysteries: Author Earl Staggs has started a series of articles called “History’s Rich With Mysteries” at Kevin’s Corner (“Book Reviews and More”)...
Rough Edges: The Lawyer: The Retributioners - Wayne D. Dundee
Rough Edges: The Lawyer: The Retributioners - Wayne D. Dundee: THE RETRIBUTIONERS is the second entry in the Lawyer series, created by Edward A. Grainger and written by Wayne D. Dundee. Like the fir...
Bookish events in Texas for the week of August 24 - 30, 2015 (Texas Book Lover Blog)
Includes Jenny Milchman's book signing events in Austin (Monday) and Houston (Tuesday) as well as Bill Crider with his daughter Angela Crider Neary joint book signing event in Houston on Saturday.
Bookish events in Texas for the week of August 24 - 30, 2015 (Texas Book Lover Blog)
Bookish events in Texas for the week of August 24 - 30, 2015 (Texas Book Lover Blog)
Monday With Kaye: "Funerals Can Be Murder" by Susan Santangelo (Reviewed by Kaye George)
Please welcome back Kaye George with her latest
installment of her “Mondays With Kaye” reviews. This week she considers Funerals Can Be
Murder by Susan Santangelo. This
series began with Retirement Can Be Murder published back in January of 2011. The author is also part of the
anthology Bake, Love, Write: 105 Authors Share Dessert
Recipes and Advice on Love and Writing published last year.
Funerals Can Be Murder by Susan Santangelo
This is the
fifth in the Carol and Jim Andrews Baby Boomer Mystery series. Santangelo
doesn’t let up the pace or the humor on this one.
Carol and Jim
start out with a domestic, but that’s understandable since Jim is newly
retired. Carol does consider, though, that she’s fortunate that she’s not like
her friends: Mary Alice is a widow, Nancy’s husband cheats, and Claire is
married to a crashing bore.
Since Jim
recently had a mild heart problem, and now has a cold, Carol would like him to
forego taking care of the lawn. He insults her to the point that she insists
she can do it. She manages to start the riding mower, but takes out part of the
fence when it gets away from her. Will Finnegan turns up everywhere as the
owner of Finnegan’s Rakes. He excellent yard work. He has an excellent
physique, too. He turns up just as Carol needs him, luckily, to fix the fence
and the yard.
Some of the
other neighbors use Will also. However, just as he becomes indispensable, he suddenly
dies. Something very odd happens at his wake. Carol and her daughter, Jenny,
enter Slumber Room A to pay their respects. They are, however, alone with the
body. Which has a pair of scissors sticking out of his chest. Someone hated him
enough to mutilate his body after he was very much dead.
Carol romps through the aftermath
of Finnegan’s Wake with the help of Lucy and Ethel, psychic dogs who give coded
advice on solving puzzles.
Eventually, everyone
who was a customer (which seems to be most of the Long Island neighborhood) is
a suspect. Will, as well as a lot of other people, have secrets that will be
uncovered, if Carol and her crew have anything to say about is.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Ed Gorman's blog: New Book Post Between the Living and the Dead Bill Crider
Poking around tonight while I am awaiting the start of the Cowboy game (God, I hate the 49ers) and came across this from a few days ago....
Ed Gorman's blog: New Book Post Between the Living and the Dead Bill Crider
Ed Gorman's blog: New Book Post Between the Living and the Dead Bill Crider
RTE Update-- August 22 issue of RTE
The August 22, 2015 issue of RTE is out and includes fifteen new
reviews as well as a new interview:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com
Plus
Giles Blunt in the 'Sixty seconds with . . .' interview hot seat:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/interviews.html?id=207
Reviews this week:
THE HESITATION CUT Giles Blunt Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
A young Benedictine monk abandons his vows and flees the monastery after falling in love with a suicidal young woman author.
IN THE DARK PLACES Peter Robinson Reviewed by Anne Corey
DCI Banks must solve a rural theft that initially seems insignificant but quickly becomes linked to murder and international crime.
THE STORM MURDERS John Farrow Reviewed by Jim Napier
The cold-blooded murders of four people, including two SQ police officers, lures ex-Sergeant-Detective Emile-Cinq-Mars out of retirement and leads him to New Orleans in search of a killer.
QUOTA Jack Serong Reviewed by Karen Chisholm
A disgraced lawyer doing penance in small-town Australia looks into a murder case in Victoria, Australia and so finds out much about life in coastal fishing villages.
BLACK RUN Antonio Manzini Reviewed by Diana Borse
Recently transferred because of his various infractions from his home in Rome to a small ski resort town, Rocco Shiavone is serving his punishment as the Deputy Chief of Police. A bizarre death is recognized as murder and Rocco's huge investigative skills are matched only by his misery in this freezing and icy landscape.
SMALLER AND SMALLER CIRCLES F.H. Battacan Reviewed by Cathy Downs
Mutilated young boys' bodies are found in a garbage dump near Manila, the Philippines; despite interference from corrupt government officials, Jesuit priests Father Lucero and Gus Saenz work to track down a serial killer before he kills again.
THE TOY TAKER Luke Delaney Reviewed by Meredith Frazier
Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan and his team have been idle since their last terrible case that left them physically and mentally wounded. Suddenly made part of Scotland Yard and forming a new unit, they're handed a child abduction case that pushes them all to their limits as they try to navigate Yard politics and save an increasing number of missing children.
LITTLE BEASTS Matthew McGevna Reviewed by Lourdes Venard
Inspired by a real-life 1979 murder, this tells the story of a teenager who kills a child—and how that one act changes several lives.
THE 3RD WOMAN Jonathan Freedland Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
When her younger sister is murdered, journalist Madison Webb uses all her investigative skills to uncover the killer in a corrupt LA of the near future in which China rules the roost.
DRAGON DAY Lisa Brackmann Reviewed by Christine Zibas
When billionaire Sidney Cao asks his American art dealer Ellie McEnroe to help investigate his children's behavior, Ellie can't say no. She knows it could lead to unwelcomed danger, and she couldn't be more right.
THE ASSASSINS Gayle Lynds Reviewed by PJ Coldren
A group known collectively as The Assassins are being killed one by one; who is doing it and what is the motive?
LET ME DIE IN HIS FOOTSTEPS (Audio) Lori Roy Reviewed by Karla Jay
In 1952, Annie discovers Mrs. Baine's body by a well that turns out to belong to a long-time enemy of her family; in 1936, Sarah and Juna's younger brother dies mysteriously while out in the field.
PLANTATION SHUDDERS Ellen Byron Reviewed by Caryn St Clair
When Maggie Crozat's New York life falls apart, she returns home to Louisiana to help her family with their bed and breakfast. The Inn is fully booked for the local food festival, but when a couple of guests end up dead, things start going downhill for the Crozat family.
DECOMPRESSION Juli Zeh Reviewed by Sharon Mensing
A diving instructor is caught in a web of deceit by his rich clients in the Canary Islands.
THE WRONG MAN Kate White Reviewed by Sharon Mensing
Kit Finn tries to keep her business operating as she attempts to stay alive in the face of a murderous financial scheme
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
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com
Plus
Giles Blunt in the 'Sixty seconds with . . .' interview hot seat:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/interviews.html?id=207
Reviews this week:
THE HESITATION CUT Giles Blunt Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
A young Benedictine monk abandons his vows and flees the monastery after falling in love with a suicidal young woman author.
IN THE DARK PLACES Peter Robinson Reviewed by Anne Corey
DCI Banks must solve a rural theft that initially seems insignificant but quickly becomes linked to murder and international crime.
THE STORM MURDERS John Farrow Reviewed by Jim Napier
The cold-blooded murders of four people, including two SQ police officers, lures ex-Sergeant-Detective Emile-Cinq-Mars out of retirement and leads him to New Orleans in search of a killer.
QUOTA Jack Serong Reviewed by Karen Chisholm
A disgraced lawyer doing penance in small-town Australia looks into a murder case in Victoria, Australia and so finds out much about life in coastal fishing villages.
BLACK RUN Antonio Manzini Reviewed by Diana Borse
Recently transferred because of his various infractions from his home in Rome to a small ski resort town, Rocco Shiavone is serving his punishment as the Deputy Chief of Police. A bizarre death is recognized as murder and Rocco's huge investigative skills are matched only by his misery in this freezing and icy landscape.
SMALLER AND SMALLER CIRCLES F.H. Battacan Reviewed by Cathy Downs
Mutilated young boys' bodies are found in a garbage dump near Manila, the Philippines; despite interference from corrupt government officials, Jesuit priests Father Lucero and Gus Saenz work to track down a serial killer before he kills again.
THE TOY TAKER Luke Delaney Reviewed by Meredith Frazier
Detective Inspector Sean Corrigan and his team have been idle since their last terrible case that left them physically and mentally wounded. Suddenly made part of Scotland Yard and forming a new unit, they're handed a child abduction case that pushes them all to their limits as they try to navigate Yard politics and save an increasing number of missing children.
LITTLE BEASTS Matthew McGevna Reviewed by Lourdes Venard
Inspired by a real-life 1979 murder, this tells the story of a teenager who kills a child—and how that one act changes several lives.
THE 3RD WOMAN Jonathan Freedland Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
When her younger sister is murdered, journalist Madison Webb uses all her investigative skills to uncover the killer in a corrupt LA of the near future in which China rules the roost.
DRAGON DAY Lisa Brackmann Reviewed by Christine Zibas
When billionaire Sidney Cao asks his American art dealer Ellie McEnroe to help investigate his children's behavior, Ellie can't say no. She knows it could lead to unwelcomed danger, and she couldn't be more right.
THE ASSASSINS Gayle Lynds Reviewed by PJ Coldren
A group known collectively as The Assassins are being killed one by one; who is doing it and what is the motive?
LET ME DIE IN HIS FOOTSTEPS (Audio) Lori Roy Reviewed by Karla Jay
In 1952, Annie discovers Mrs. Baine's body by a well that turns out to belong to a long-time enemy of her family; in 1936, Sarah and Juna's younger brother dies mysteriously while out in the field.
PLANTATION SHUDDERS Ellen Byron Reviewed by Caryn St Clair
When Maggie Crozat's New York life falls apart, she returns home to Louisiana to help her family with their bed and breakfast. The Inn is fully booked for the local food festival, but when a couple of guests end up dead, things start going downhill for the Crozat family.
DECOMPRESSION Juli Zeh Reviewed by Sharon Mensing
A diving instructor is caught in a web of deceit by his rich clients in the Canary Islands.
THE WRONG MAN Kate White Reviewed by Sharon Mensing
Kit Finn tries to keep her business operating as she attempts to stay alive in the face of a murderous financial scheme
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
Annual Call For Donations (Crimespace)
Hey folks,
As you may be aware, Ning.com, the company who provides the servers and service for Crimespace to run on, charge an annual fee.
The fee is $USD 239.90, and although I do receive donations at times, I'm well short of that target this year. Most years I've been a little short but I don't run this for profit so it's not usually a problem.
So please consider making a donation towards the running costs if you use and enjoy Crimespace. There's a donation box at the bottom of the front page. Any amount is welcome.
Thanks to everyone who has donated along the way, it's much appreciated.
Cheers,
Daniel Hatadi aka Crimespace Creator
As you may be aware, Ning.com, the company who provides the servers and service for Crimespace to run on, charge an annual fee.
The fee is $USD 239.90, and although I do receive donations at times, I'm well short of that target this year. Most years I've been a little short but I don't run this for profit so it's not usually a problem.
So please consider making a donation towards the running costs if you use and enjoy Crimespace. There's a donation box at the bottom of the front page. Any amount is welcome.
Thanks to everyone who has donated along the way, it's much appreciated.
Cheers,
Daniel Hatadi aka Crimespace Creator
The Obligatory Hugo Awards Recap Post (TerribleMinds Blog)
The Obligatory Hugo Awards Recap Post (TerribleMinds Blog)
Adult language warning.....if you are offended by adult language you should not read Chuck Wendig's blog. He calls it like he sees it and sometimes that involves adult language.
Adult language warning.....if you are offended by adult language you should not read Chuck Wendig's blog. He calls it like he sees it and sometimes that involves adult language.
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: WINNERS: 2015 Hugo Awards and John W. Campbell Award ...
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: WINNERS: 2015 Hugo Awards and John W. Campbell Awa...: WINNERS: 2015 Hugo Awards and John W. Campbell Award
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Review News at Flash Bang Mysteries
Some of my reviews will now appear on Flash Bang Mysteries owned and operated by author BJ Bourg. I am thrilled with the opportunity. The first review up is of the short story IT DOESN'T TAKE A GENIUS by Kate Thornton. You can read the review here on the Flash Bang Mysteries site along with some other cool stuff.
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The Combat Zone -- Jed Power
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The Combat Zone -- Jed Power: A couple of years ago I reviewed the first novel in Jed Power's Dan Marlowe series . Now Power's back with a new series about a Bos...
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Fear the Walking Dead
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Fear the Walking Dead: New territory. That's what AMC's " Fear the Walking Dead " is about. More than the bottom line of greed and money and...
KRL This Week Update
Up this morning in KRL a review & an ebook giveaway of "Code
Grey" by Clea Simon http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/code-grey-by-clea-simon/
Also up reviews & giveaways of 3 more Golden Age
mysteries from Penguin-"The Royal Assassin" by Kate Parker, "Gilded
Grave" by Shelley Freydont, and "No Comfort for the Lost" by
Nancy Herriman http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/more-golden-age-mysteries/
And up a review & giveaway of "Isolation" by
Mary Anna Evans http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/isolation-by-mary-anna-evans/
We also have a mystery short story by Elizabeth
Zelvin http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/death-will-tie-your-kangaroo-down-a-mystery-short-story/
Also a review & giveaway of "A Little Night Murder"
by Nancy Martin http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/a-little-night-murder-by-nancy-martin/
Anyone remember the old cop show "Kojak"? Learn
about it in a flashback article in KRL this morning http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/kojak-a-character-to-remember/
And for our fantasy readers, we have a review & giveaway
of "Magic Shifts" by Ilona Andrews http://kingsriverlife.com/08/22/magic-shifts-by-ilona-andrews/
Over on KRL Lite we have a review & giveaway of "The
Black Band" by Albert Vande Steeg http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-black-band-by-albert-vande-steeg.html
Happy reading,
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/
mystery authors & bookstores! Ask me about it!
Mystery section in Kings River Life http://KingsRiverLife.com
Cookbook Review: "Grill it, Braise It, Broil it, And 9 Other Easy Techniques For Making Healthy Meals" by American Heart Association
There are 175 recipes in Grill
It, Braise it, Broil It, and 9 Other Easy Techniques For Making Healthy Meals.
Unlike a lot of cook books that organized by meals or types of meats, this one
from the American Heart Association is organized by cooking techniques. That
isn’t the only thing this cookbook does that is different from the norm.
After some introductory pages
regarding shopping trips, what to eat and what to avoid, as well as a number of
lifestyle suggestions, it is on to cooking techniques. The first one is “Slow
Cooking” and begins on page 6 with a listing of 14 recipes. Along with various
soups, stews, and gumbos, there are also recipes for “Rosemary Steak Smothered In
Onions” (page 19) and “New Mexican Meat Loaf” (page 22-23). Each recipe has a
detailed ingredient list, detailed instructions, one or more bulleted cooking
tips, and detailed serving info regarding calories, various types of fat,
sodium, cholesterol, and more. Some information regarding preparation time is
included in the more complicated recipes, but there is no overall estimate on
each one how long it should take start to finish.
This same recipe format continues
through the rest of the chapter sections. There are additional sections
covering Microwaving (starting on page 29), “Blending” (page 50), “Grilling”
(page 69) among others including “Broiling” (page 199), “Roasting” (page 220)
and “Baking” (page 247). A classic “Herb Roasted Chicken” recipe can be
found on page 232 and it includes how to make gray from the pan. The simple act
of making gravy from pan drippings continues to confound me.
After the recipes it is on to the
interesting information such as stocking a heart healthy pantry (pages 272-
275). This includes pantry items as well as perishable items in terms of
produce and more. So, it is not just pantry items as one would think of as it
includes refrigerator and freezer items among other things.
Advice on kitchen safety and working
with food, basic kitchen equipment, as well as serving size by calories
level is included before leading up to the eight page index that concludes the
book. The eight page index is organized by ingredient as opposed to recipe.
An anomaly with the cookbook is the
8 pages of random colorful pictures of dishes inserted between pages 58-59 in
the book. Each picture of a dish has the name of it as well as the page number
location for the dish. This is the kind of random cluster of photographs one
normally sees at the very beginning of a cookbook. Instead, it is inserted here
in the middle of the section on “Blending.”
Also worth noting is the fact that
much of the information in small type has been placed inside of grey background
boxes. This can be hard to see on older eyes.
Grill It, Braise It, Broil it, And 9
Other Easy Techniques For Making Healthy Meals is not a flashy and colorful paperback cookbook. It is a plain
barebones cookbook packed with detailed information. Whether it works for you
and yours is something you will have to determine. If you need a cookbook that will
tell you exactly what is in the food you are preparing, this one is for you.
Grill It, Braise It, Broil it, And 9 Other Easy Techniques For Making Healthy Meals
American Heart Association
Clarkson Potter/Publishers (Crown
Publishing Group)
June 2015
ISBN# 978-0-307-88809-9
Paperback (e-book version also
available)
304 Pages
$19.99
Material supplied by the good folks
of the Plano Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
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