Saturday, October 31, 2015
Crime Watch: Review: GRAVE SILENCE
Crime Watch: Review: GRAVE SILENCE: GRAVE SILENCE by Rose Beecham (Bold Stroke Books, 2005) Reviewed by Megan Casey It occurs to me that a reader can bond with the style ...
Mystery Fanfare: Day of the Dead Crime Fiction: A List
Mystery Fanfare: Day of the Dead Crime Fiction: A List: Mystery Readers Journal had an issue a few years ago on Crime for the Holidays . What holiday could be more fitting to Mystery Ficti...
KRL This Week Update
Up this morning in KRL the final of our Halloween mystery
short stories, this one was in 2nd place and is by Dac Crossley http://kingsriverlife.com/10/31/goody-goody-halloween-mystery-short-story/
You can check out all of our Halloween mystery short stories that went up this month in our Terrific Tales section http://kingsriverlife.com/category/kings-river-reviewers/terrific-tales/
Also up this morning, reviews & giveaways of some more
perfect mysteries from Penguin authors for your Halloween morning-"Faux
Paw": A Magical Cats Mystery by Sofie Kelly, "Murder She Wrote: The
Ghost and Mrs. Fletcher" by Jessica Fletcher, Donald Bain and Renee Paley-Bain,
"Parchment and Old Lace" by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran,
and "Just Killing Time" by Julianne Holmes http://kingsriverlife.com/10/31/october-penguin-mysteries-magical-cats-ghosts-more/
We also have a review & giveaway of "The Silence of
the Chihuahuas" by Waverly
Curtis http://kingsriverlife.com/10/31/the-silence-of-the-chihuahuas-by-waverly-curtis/
And the latest mystery Coming Attractions from Sunny
Frazier http://kingsriverlife.com/10/31/coming-attractions-holiday-shopping-edition/
We also have a review & giveaway of "Nine Lives"
by Wendy Corsi Staub http://kingsriverlife.com/10/31/nine-lives-by-wendy-corsi-staub/
And perfect for Halloween morning, a review of the latest vampire mystery by
James Garcia Jr, "Dance on Fire Infernal", along with a giveaway of
all 3 of his books in that series, & a fun interview with James
http://kingsriverlife.com/10/31/infernal-by-james-garcia-jr/
And for sci-fi readers, over on KRL Lite a review &
giveaway of "Crossways" by Jacey Bedford
http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2015/10/crossways-by-jacey-bedford.html
--
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
Review: "The Eve of True Forms: A Witch Gone Wrong Kindle Short" by Shalanna Collins
Now that Rhiannon has her official
witch license making her legal she is almost ready to demon hunt. She
knows that her red dress is stunning even if the mirror rudely refuses to
confirm the fact. As soon as Howard Henry Spears, her boyfriend, shows up she
can tell him all about it her new license and more.
But, Howard has a little news of his
own. That is when he isn’t being a bit of a jerk. Things are about to get
heated and not in a good way in The Eve of True Forms: A Witch Gone Wrong
Kindle Short.
This short story by Shalanna
Collins, who also writes as Denise Weeks, is an entertaining fast read. A tad
spooky and a couple of surprises result in a solidly good tale.
The Eve of True Forms: A Witch Gone
Wrong Kindle Short
Shalanna Collins
Pandora Press
October 2015
ASIN: B016LTZ6IY
E-Book
19
Pages
$0.99
Picked
this up to read and review a couple of days ago when the author mentioned on Facebook that it was currently free at Amazon.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Lesa's Latest Contest---Western mystery giveaway
You really should enter for these very good books......
This week, I'm not only giving away a copy of Craig Johnson's Wait for Signs, but also two other mysteries set in the west. Someone could win copies of Terry Shames' A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge or Bill Crider's Between the Living and the Dead. Details on my blog at http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only, please.
This week, I'm not only giving away a copy of Craig Johnson's Wait for Signs, but also two other mysteries set in the west. Someone could win copies of Terry Shames' A Deadly Affair at Bobtail Ridge or Bill Crider's Between the Living and the Dead. Details on my blog at http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only, please.
Lesa Holstine
SleuthSayers: Old School, New Readers
SleuthSayers: Old School, New Readers: By Art Taylor A few years back, one of the professors in the English Department at George Mason University (where I myself teach) told m...
FFB Review: "Texas Noir: Volume 1" by Milton T. Burton
Tomorrow is Halloween and while the focus
is on scaring the heck out of folks, Halloween is also tied into honoring the
dead. Back in December 2011 the world lost one heck of a writer and I lost a
good friend. I had known that Milton was doing poorly at the time, but I
thought he was getting better. Sandi had been recently diagnosed with cancer and
things did not look good. Milton kept telling me she would be fine and in those
dark early days he calmed me down and
helped me more than I can ever say. Then Milton went and I knew I never would
ever hear again his gravelly voice across from his home in Tyler full of wisdom
and vigor. It seemed like everything was falling apart and never would be right
again.
Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by Patti Abbott is all about honoring books and the authors that create them. This week I honor my friend for all too short a time, Milton T. Burton. The review below originally appeared in September 2011…
Following up on three very good books, the most recent being Nights of The Red Moon Texas author Milton T. Burton has brought forth an intriguing collection of short stories. These noir stories, seventeen in all, can provide pleasurable reading for those who enjoy noir as well as those who enjoy tales of mystery and science fiction.
The book opens appropriately enough with “A Good Beginning.” The narrator’s trophy wife has become a bit of a problem.
“What I wanted was to get laid about twice a week and be left alone the rest of the time. Mistakes are made, you know.”
Another trip to Texas gives him an idea and equipment to take back to his home in New York. His home is an 18th century manor style place located in the Hudson Valley. He has work to do and the money to make it all happen.
Galveston is home of one of the “Adjusters” in “Fine Tuning.” Adjusters work hard to keep the parallel worlds in the past where they belong. If folks would just cooperate things would be settled. The job can be messy but the narrator loves saving the world in this time traveling story.
“Cherry Coke” is the title of the next story as well as the nickname of a gambler who won big one night while playing poker at Matty’s Truck Stop in Kilgore, Texas. Sam MacCord was there that night and wondered how somebody who claimed to have never played before could walk away the big winner. While Cherry keeps playing the next months and winning on a regular basis, Sam starts looking for answers.
Vampires don’t usually try to pick up women in trendy bars on lower Greenville Avenue in Dallas. Biology major Liddy is a vampire’s target for damn near anything in “Fangs.” Whether she has it in her to resist is the question.
Seemingly every Texas author has to write a story connected to the Kennedy assassination. It seems hard wired into the DNA of many Texas writers. Such is the case here with “Grassy Knoll.” The second shooter theory is alive and well and explained in this short story.
The problem with hitchhiking is you have to pretty much go with the ride you are offered. In “Hobby” Sam MacCord isn’t impressed with the two specimens of humanity in the van in front of him. Despite having the appearance of a harmless hitchhiker out in the middle of nowhere, Sam MacCord is none of that. He is a man on a mission to get back what slipped through his fingers years ago well as clean up the planet one person at a time.
Sheriff Bo Handel makes an appearance in “Old Ira’s Still.” The ATF is in Caddo County looking to bust Ira Blevins’ still and they expect Sheriff Handel’s full cooperation. It may be illegal, but Blevin is 76 and not making enough moonshine to matter to anyone except for two hot shot ATF agents. The ATF folks aren’t the only ones poking around as the DEA is back with their own agenda. Sheriff Handel has a plan to deal with all of it in order to send the assorted feds back where they come from.
The old Texas cattleman has made his first trip to New York because he wanted to see his only granddaughter. But, he got more than he bargained for when he saw a mob boss lose his head over at the next table in “The Collector.” Not that it bothered him since he saw much worse things in the war. He can also identify the suspect who is rolling a few more heads that night.
It’s back to Texas, Lubbock in particular, in “Quicklube: A Fable.” Some things don’t change and you take what you can get for services in this short and twisted tale.
It was a good thing that Father Cozart was at the theater that right. It was also a good thing the space alien showed up in “The Grays.” Also good that the alien was wearing cowboy boots, a colt frontier 45, as well as an authentic western hat. Also good that there is a witness to the frontier justice in the alley.
In what has to be one of the funniest stories I ever read anywhere, a shopper deals with a problem in “The Watchers.” This story can’t be explained without ruining it. It can only be read and enjoyed.
It is 1927 in Smith County in “Vessel unto Honor.” Reverend Booker T. Olmstead has gone to considerable trouble to get to a phone and the Sheriff takes the urgent request for help seriously. But, sometimes you just have to let folks help themselves when the law can’t.
Author Milton T. Burton takes readers further back in time in the next story, “Thrice Hanged Throckett.” 1878 is the year and Gabble, Texas is the place. Everyone knows how things work in Gabble, Texas. Even the governor. At least the biscuits down in the café are good. If the first hanging had worked, things would have been so much simpler.
A dream has significance in “The Day of the Hornet.” So too does the 1951 Hudson Hornet in the dream. The car is black, has the number D3 painted on its side, and is driven by a living skeleton. Years later the narrator sees the car and driver again and this time it is no dream.
The book follows with “The Gipper in Purgatory.” Or, at last, a story built around Ronald Reagan trying to explain a few things.
Breakfast once a month down at the old fashioned café on Elm Street was one of the high points of his life. Sam MacCord didn’t need it ruined by the whining fool at the next table that Friday morning in “The Apprentice.” So he joins the young man and his companion and offers to help.
The book ends with “The Question.” Answering the question may not change anything.
Skipping across time and around the country these tales tend to the dark with a hint of humor thrown in. They often feature characters that are mistaken for fools because of where they live and their folksy ways. The tales often twist back on the reader in unexpected ways and almost always feature a lesson on applying justice to those who deserve it. Every single story is good one and well worth your time.
Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011, 2015
Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by Patti Abbott is all about honoring books and the authors that create them. This week I honor my friend for all too short a time, Milton T. Burton. The review below originally appeared in September 2011…
Following up on three very good books, the most recent being Nights of The Red Moon Texas author Milton T. Burton has brought forth an intriguing collection of short stories. These noir stories, seventeen in all, can provide pleasurable reading for those who enjoy noir as well as those who enjoy tales of mystery and science fiction.
The book opens appropriately enough with “A Good Beginning.” The narrator’s trophy wife has become a bit of a problem.
“What I wanted was to get laid about twice a week and be left alone the rest of the time. Mistakes are made, you know.”
Another trip to Texas gives him an idea and equipment to take back to his home in New York. His home is an 18th century manor style place located in the Hudson Valley. He has work to do and the money to make it all happen.
Galveston is home of one of the “Adjusters” in “Fine Tuning.” Adjusters work hard to keep the parallel worlds in the past where they belong. If folks would just cooperate things would be settled. The job can be messy but the narrator loves saving the world in this time traveling story.
“Cherry Coke” is the title of the next story as well as the nickname of a gambler who won big one night while playing poker at Matty’s Truck Stop in Kilgore, Texas. Sam MacCord was there that night and wondered how somebody who claimed to have never played before could walk away the big winner. While Cherry keeps playing the next months and winning on a regular basis, Sam starts looking for answers.
Vampires don’t usually try to pick up women in trendy bars on lower Greenville Avenue in Dallas. Biology major Liddy is a vampire’s target for damn near anything in “Fangs.” Whether she has it in her to resist is the question.
Seemingly every Texas author has to write a story connected to the Kennedy assassination. It seems hard wired into the DNA of many Texas writers. Such is the case here with “Grassy Knoll.” The second shooter theory is alive and well and explained in this short story.
The problem with hitchhiking is you have to pretty much go with the ride you are offered. In “Hobby” Sam MacCord isn’t impressed with the two specimens of humanity in the van in front of him. Despite having the appearance of a harmless hitchhiker out in the middle of nowhere, Sam MacCord is none of that. He is a man on a mission to get back what slipped through his fingers years ago well as clean up the planet one person at a time.
Sheriff Bo Handel makes an appearance in “Old Ira’s Still.” The ATF is in Caddo County looking to bust Ira Blevins’ still and they expect Sheriff Handel’s full cooperation. It may be illegal, but Blevin is 76 and not making enough moonshine to matter to anyone except for two hot shot ATF agents. The ATF folks aren’t the only ones poking around as the DEA is back with their own agenda. Sheriff Handel has a plan to deal with all of it in order to send the assorted feds back where they come from.
The old Texas cattleman has made his first trip to New York because he wanted to see his only granddaughter. But, he got more than he bargained for when he saw a mob boss lose his head over at the next table in “The Collector.” Not that it bothered him since he saw much worse things in the war. He can also identify the suspect who is rolling a few more heads that night.
It’s back to Texas, Lubbock in particular, in “Quicklube: A Fable.” Some things don’t change and you take what you can get for services in this short and twisted tale.
It was a good thing that Father Cozart was at the theater that right. It was also a good thing the space alien showed up in “The Grays.” Also good that the alien was wearing cowboy boots, a colt frontier 45, as well as an authentic western hat. Also good that there is a witness to the frontier justice in the alley.
In what has to be one of the funniest stories I ever read anywhere, a shopper deals with a problem in “The Watchers.” This story can’t be explained without ruining it. It can only be read and enjoyed.
It is 1927 in Smith County in “Vessel unto Honor.” Reverend Booker T. Olmstead has gone to considerable trouble to get to a phone and the Sheriff takes the urgent request for help seriously. But, sometimes you just have to let folks help themselves when the law can’t.
Author Milton T. Burton takes readers further back in time in the next story, “Thrice Hanged Throckett.” 1878 is the year and Gabble, Texas is the place. Everyone knows how things work in Gabble, Texas. Even the governor. At least the biscuits down in the café are good. If the first hanging had worked, things would have been so much simpler.
A dream has significance in “The Day of the Hornet.” So too does the 1951 Hudson Hornet in the dream. The car is black, has the number D3 painted on its side, and is driven by a living skeleton. Years later the narrator sees the car and driver again and this time it is no dream.
The book follows with “The Gipper in Purgatory.” Or, at last, a story built around Ronald Reagan trying to explain a few things.
Breakfast once a month down at the old fashioned café on Elm Street was one of the high points of his life. Sam MacCord didn’t need it ruined by the whining fool at the next table that Friday morning in “The Apprentice.” So he joins the young man and his companion and offers to help.
The book ends with “The Question.” Answering the question may not change anything.
Skipping across time and around the country these tales tend to the dark with a hint of humor thrown in. They often feature characters that are mistaken for fools because of where they live and their folksy ways. The tales often twist back on the reader in unexpected ways and almost always feature a lesson on applying justice to those who deserve it. Every single story is good one and well worth your time.
Texas Noir: Volume 1
Milton T. Burton
Down and Out Books
July 10, 2011
ASIN: B005C2CK2W
Kindle E-Book
152 Pages
$4.99
Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2011, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: A Borrowed Man -- Gene Wolfe
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: A Borrowed Man -- Gene Wolfe: Gene Wolfe is an honored SF writer. He's won the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (1996) and been inducted by the Science Ficti...
Crime Watch: Review: THE CROSSING by Michael Connelly
Crime Watch: Review: THE CROSSING: THE CROSSING by Michael Connelly (Orion, 2015) Reviewed by Craig Sisterson Beyond reasonable doubt: Connelly's crafted one of the...
Review: "Dismal River (Lone McGantry Book 1)" by Wayne D. Dundee
Lone McGantry has done a lot of
things over the years and some of the jobs were difficult and nasty. The latest
job has the potential to be seriously annoying. He really does not want to be a
taking a bunch of wealthy English folks on an excursion from North Platte,
Nebraska out to the Sandhills. But, he got roped into this mess by Buffalo Bill
Cody himself. Telling Buffalo Bill no is a near impossibility and as a result
McGantry said yes when contacted by the foreign nobility. Even if he is increasingly
of the mind that this is a super bad idea, McGantry isn’t one to go back on his
word. There also a nice payday in store once all is said and done. As Buffalo
Bill pointed out in his telegram, the English folks have money and are willing
to spend it so at least some of it should come his way.
For Lone McGantry there are not a
lot of ways to make money in the Nebraska panhandle of the 1880s. An English
Lord by the name of Reginald Haddenforth, his wife, Lady Claire, and several
others in the party intend to sightsee and hunt Buffalo. Lord Haddenforth and
his wife have hunted boar in Germany’s Black Forest as well as gone on safari
to Africa three times. Lord Haddenforth writes books about his adventures and
intends to do the same regarding the Sandhill extension. All that is well and
good, but Lone McGantry is of the opinion that women should stay in town where
they belong and those going out on the expedition need to understand that the old
west is dangerous and needs to be taken seriously.
For Lone McGantry and his men, life
in the old west is not some grand adventure to be had before returning to a
plush chair to sip cognac by a roaring fire. For men of McGantry’s ilk,
the old west is their way of life and absolute reason for being. It is in their
soul. It comes with, at times, a brutal cost. It isn’t to be trivialized in
some book. A hard and painful lesson Lord Haddenforth and his party have
repeated opportunities to learn over the next few days.
Originally published several years
ago by Oak Tree Press, an e-book version was recently published by Bil-Em-Ri-Media.
First of a series, Dismal River is another example of why author Wayne D. Dundee is nominated for many awards and wins quite a few. Complicated characters,
plenty of action, and plenty of mystery in a western setting makes Dismal
River a mighty good read.
Dismal River (Lone McGantry Book 1)
Wayne D. Dundee
Bil-Em-Ri-Media
October 2015
ASIN: B0164ADFM4
E-Book
281 Pages
$1.49
Material was recently picked up to
read and review by way of funds in my Amazon Associate account.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The Truth Always Kills -- Rick Ollerman
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The Truth Always Kills -- Rick Ollerman: The other day I mentioned the sad condition of the Bouchercon dealers' room and the few small boxes of old paperbacks. One benefit of p...
Gravetapping: JOYLAND by Stephen King
I also thought this one was really good.....
Gravetapping: JOYLAND by Stephen King: Hard Case Crime recently released a new Stephen King novel—straight to trade paperback—titled Joyland . It is a short novel, probably not...
Gravetapping: JOYLAND by Stephen King: Hard Case Crime recently released a new Stephen King novel—straight to trade paperback—titled Joyland . It is a short novel, probably not...
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Paul Blart Mall Cop 2
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Paul Blart Mall Cop 2: Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 ~ The film seems to take the first few minutes to completely undo the happy endings of its predecessor, almost as ...
Short Story Review: "Cardiac Arrest (A Short Story)" by K. K. Chalmers
It is tough being a cop. Tough to be
a cop in a patrol car with a perfectionist. Tough to be married to a younger
woman who is also a cop. She gets the job and won’t let things go.
The result is a stress filled twenty
four hours for a certain male officer in Cardiac Arrest (A Short Story) by K.
K. Chalmers. As the hours pass and the tension rises in this fast moving and
complex tale more than one twist is a work. A very good read.
Cardiac Arrest (A Short Story)
K. K. Chalmers
Self-Published
ASIN: B007H38JQA
March
2013
E-Book
11
Pages
$0.99
According to Amazon I picked this up earlier this
year back in March. I have no idea now if it was purchased by way of funds in
my Amazon Associate account, by way of the author making it a free read, or
what.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Today in MYSTERY HISTORY: 10/27/1993 South of Sunset goes south
Today in MYSTERY HISTORY: 10/27/1993 South of Sunset goes south: October 27, 1993. On this date the private eye series South of Sunset made it's premiere on CBS. You may wonder why I am bothering...
Doctor News
Back home and Sandi is doing pretty well. Oral chemo sideffects have been manageable so far and her blood work has not taken much of a hit. The fact that her white blood cell count dropped a little bit as well as a couple of other things is not surprising and should go away once she is off the oral chemo pill. All her other bloodwork looked very good and it seems that, at least for now, the anemia issue has gone away and she has stabalized.
In view of all that, the doctor decided that we could skip coming next week and have a week off from coming in to be checked. So, the next appointment is in two weeks when she has bloodwork and a doctor visit.
Things seem to be going as well as we could expect. Hopefully, they really are.
In view of all that, the doctor decided that we could skip coming next week and have a week off from coming in to be checked. So, the next appointment is in two weeks when she has bloodwork and a doctor visit.
Things seem to be going as well as we could expect. Hopefully, they really are.
Review: "Concrete Angel" by Patti Abbott
Christine was twelve years old when
her mom, Eve Moran, shot her current boyfriend, Jerry Santini, dead in their
apartment. It wasn’t long afterwards before Christine once again took care
of her mom by claiming to have killed Jerry Santini. After all, cleaning up
after her mom was a job Christine had really gotten really good at by then thanks
to the fact she had lots of practice over the years.
Told in flashbacks of various lengths
through the book, Concrete Angel by Patti Abbott details eighteen years of
Christine’s life. From 1964 to approximately1982 in various locations in the Philadelphia
area Christine dealt with a life of quiet family chaos. While the book opens
with the shooting that in some ways did change things in other ways it was a
minor blip on a long and wide ranging continuum of the family dysfunction.
Such issues are frequent topics of
the author’s shorter fiction. While multiple crimes are present in the book,
the psychological relationships are the heart of Concrete Angel. Hence the
labeling of the book as “domestic suspense” in this age of making everything
fit a nice neat designation. Makes sense if you also believe that Faulkner is
domestic suspense as there is definitely a tone of Faulkner throughout the
read. Granted the book is set in the Northeast but the characters could have
easily come out of the Deep South. Right down to the neat freak bigoted
Grandmother who is all about appearances over everything and anyone else.
The relationship between Christine
and her mother takes precedence for a variety of reasons, but there are other familial
relationships at work here that don’t always have Christine’s best interests at
heart. The aforementioned Grandmother an obvious case in point, but there are
others just as guilty. This is not one of those families you wish to be born
into if your goal is a safe and nurturing environment. A mighty good book that
defies easy labeling, Concrete Angel is a complex read
that pulls you in deep and will haunt you long after the read is finished.
Concrete Angel
Patti Abbott
Polis Books
June 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1940610382
Paperback
(also available in audio and e-book formats)
320
Pages
$14.95
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Monday, October 26, 2015
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman: Reviewed by Ambrea Seraphina Dombergh is a gifted musician and a talented singer and, as the assistant music mistress in th...
Sweethearts Of The West: THE HAUNTED FORT WORTH TX STOCKYARDS!
Sweethearts Of The West: THE HAUNTED FORT WORTH TX STOCKYARDS!: Do you believe in ghosts? I do. This time of year, tales of hauntings appear to thrill or frighten us. Here is a replay of a guest post fro...
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: October 26 - November 1
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: October 26 - November 1: Bookish events in Texas for the week of October 26 - November 1, 2015: Special Events: The Edgar Allan Poe Victorian Festival (OkPoeberfe...
Monday With Kaye: "The Treasures of Montauk Cove" by Diane Sawyer (Reviewed by Kaye George)
My first thought when I was
setting this review up—when did Diane Sawyer of ABC write a book? A quick check
made it very clear this was a totally different person who has a number of
books out. It must make marketing the works an interesting challenge when one
shares the same name as a TV celebrity.
The Treasures of Montauk Cove by Diane Sawyer
Lilli Masters, on a stroll along
Grayrocks Beach, finds an unlabelled wine bottle, half buried and full of wine.
She’s in the area for the Convention on Long Island History, on assignment for
a magazine. The first person she visits after her beach stroll is Silas Jones,
proprietor of Nautical Treasures, a shop of new and old
merchandise. They’re
both looking forward to hearing his friend, Professor Thomas Reed, a marine
archeologist, speak the next morning. Little do they know that the sirens they
hear going past the shop are from police cars who have been called to the scene
of Professor Reed’s murder, the beach Lilli has just left.
Lillie is staying with friends, an older
couple, Margaret--whom she calls Gram--and her boyfriend, Bud. They provide
transportation and comic scenes throughout the story. She makes her way there
from the shop. When the body of Silas is
found behind his shop later the same day, Lilli meets up with the chief of
police, Hank Borden, a rather inept policeman. He repeatedly tells Lilli to
keep her nose out of his investigation, but she insists on sticking it in.
There are quite a few suspicious
characters running around at the conference. Lillie manages to attend a few
sessions, snapping photos all the while for her article. She picks up on the
tension between two factions. One side is in favor of donating to museums the treasures
that are retrieved from shipwrecks, usually by divers. The other side is for
finders keepers. Lillie gradually realizes that the wine bottle she found on
the beach is in the middle of this conflict, and also the murders.
She strives to solve the case, but not
before her life is threatened. Mysterious symbols and old documents hold
valuable information if Lilli can figure everything out in time. Puzzle solvers
will enjoy this.
Reviewed by Kaye George, Author of A Patchwork of Stories,
for Suspense Magazine
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Little Big Crimes: "Jewish Easter," by David Liss
Little Big Crimes: "Jewish Easter," by David Liss: "Jewish Easter," by David Liss, in Jewish Noir, edited by Kenneth Wishnia, PM Press, 2015. Full disclosure: I have a story in...
Market Call: "October 1: Strangely Funny III opens for submissions" (Mystery and Horror, LLC)
Sorry about the late notice as the deadline is Saturday, but I just found out about this one:
Market Call: "October 1: Strangely Funny III opens for submissions" (Mystery and Horror, LLC)
Market Call: "October 1: Strangely Funny III opens for submissions" (Mystery and Horror, LLC)
Mystery Fanfare: Halloween Crime Fiction: A List
Mystery Fanfare: Halloween Crime Fiction: A List: Happy Halloween! Here's my updated 2015 list of Halloween Mysteries . Let me know if I've missed any titles. I'd like to mak...
EuroCrime Update
Here are sixteen reviews which have been added to the Euro Crime website
today, all have appeared on the blog since last time.
If you like translated crime fiction then you may be interested in the International Dagger 2016 Speculation list of titles (http://eurocrime.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/international-dagger-speculation-2016.html).
NB. You can keep up to date with Euro Crime by following the blog and/or liking the Euro Crime Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/eurocrimewebsite).
New Reviews
Michelle Peckham reviews Sharon Bolton's 'Little Black Lies', set in the Falklands;
Susan White reviews James Carol's 'Prey', the third in the Jefferson Winter series set in the US;
Amanda Gillies reviews Chris Carter's 'I Am Death', the seventh in his Robert Hunter series set in LA;
Guest reviewer Bob Cornwell reviews the Dutch thriller 'Mr. Miller' by Charles Den Tex tr. Nancy Forest-Flier;
Rich Westwood reviews Martin Edwards's 'The Golden Age of Murder' - a fascinating history of the Detection Club;
Terry Halligan reviews Dolores Gordon-Smith's 'The Chessman', the ninth in the 1920s Jack Haldean series;
Terry also reviews 'The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins' by Antonia Hodgson, the sequel to the award winning 'The Devil in the Marshalsea';
Geoff Jones reviews J Sydney Jones's 'The Third Place', the sixth in the Viennese mystery series;
Geoff also reviews Jim Kelly's 'Death on Demand', the sixth in the Shaw & Valentine series set in North Norfolk;
Lynn Harvey reviews Henning Mankell's 'An Event in Autumn' tr. Laurie Thompson;
Michelle also reviews Liza Marklund's 'Without a Trace' tr. Neil Smith - the tenth and penultimate entry in the Annika Bengtzon series;
Lynn also reviews Thomas Mogford's 'Sleeping Dogs' which takes Gibraltar-based lawyer Spike Sanguinetti to Corfu;
I review parts Three, Four and Five of 'Murder House' by James Patterson and David Ellis
and Ewa Sherman reviews Gunnar Staalesen's 'We Shall Inherit the Wind' tr. Don Bartlett which is the sixteenth in the PI Varg Veum series though only six are currently available in English and is the first of three from Orenda Books.
http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/review_list.html or via the blog: http://eurocrime.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-roundup-bolton-carol-carter-den.html.
Previous reviews can be found in the review archive (http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/review_list.html)
Forthcoming titles can be found by author or date or by category, here (http://eurocrime.co.uk/future_releases.html) along with releases by year.
best wishes,
Karen M
@eurocrime
If you like translated crime fiction then you may be interested in the International Dagger 2016 Speculation list of titles (http://eurocrime.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/international-dagger-speculation-2016.html).
NB. You can keep up to date with Euro Crime by following the blog and/or liking the Euro Crime Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/eurocrimewebsite).
New Reviews
Michelle Peckham reviews Sharon Bolton's 'Little Black Lies', set in the Falklands;
Susan White reviews James Carol's 'Prey', the third in the Jefferson Winter series set in the US;
Amanda Gillies reviews Chris Carter's 'I Am Death', the seventh in his Robert Hunter series set in LA;
Guest reviewer Bob Cornwell reviews the Dutch thriller 'Mr. Miller' by Charles Den Tex tr. Nancy Forest-Flier;
Rich Westwood reviews Martin Edwards's 'The Golden Age of Murder' - a fascinating history of the Detection Club;
Terry Halligan reviews Dolores Gordon-Smith's 'The Chessman', the ninth in the 1920s Jack Haldean series;
Terry also reviews 'The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins' by Antonia Hodgson, the sequel to the award winning 'The Devil in the Marshalsea';
Geoff Jones reviews J Sydney Jones's 'The Third Place', the sixth in the Viennese mystery series;
Geoff also reviews Jim Kelly's 'Death on Demand', the sixth in the Shaw & Valentine series set in North Norfolk;
Lynn Harvey reviews Henning Mankell's 'An Event in Autumn' tr. Laurie Thompson;
Michelle also reviews Liza Marklund's 'Without a Trace' tr. Neil Smith - the tenth and penultimate entry in the Annika Bengtzon series;
Lynn also reviews Thomas Mogford's 'Sleeping Dogs' which takes Gibraltar-based lawyer Spike Sanguinetti to Corfu;
I review parts Three, Four and Five of 'Murder House' by James Patterson and David Ellis
and Ewa Sherman reviews Gunnar Staalesen's 'We Shall Inherit the Wind' tr. Don Bartlett which is the sixteenth in the PI Varg Veum series though only six are currently available in English and is the first of three from Orenda Books.
http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/review_list.html or via the blog: http://eurocrime.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-roundup-bolton-carol-carter-den.html.
Previous reviews can be found in the review archive (http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/review_list.html)
Forthcoming titles can be found by author or date or by category, here (http://eurocrime.co.uk/future_releases.html) along with releases by year.
best wishes,
Karen M
@eurocrime
Samuel L. Jackson Has Another Plane Problem--BIG GAME
Samuel L. Jackson has a serious problem with planes and one would think that after all that snake stuff he would not fool with them. But, when you are the President of the United States you do have to fly overseas. Headed to one of those pesky economic summits in Helsinki things take an explosive turn.
This was way better than I thought it would be. Plenty of action and stunts that include a few that are totally unbelievable and should come with a warning not to try this at home (see freezer stunt as one example) against the backdrop of some incredible and stunning scenery. Fun flick and don't take it seriously.
Netflix description--- In the rugged countryside of Finland, a young thirteen-year-old embarks on a traditional quest to prove himself by spending twenty-four hours alone in the wild, armed with only a bow and arrow. After witnessing a spectacular crash, he discovers the escape pod from Air Force One, containing the President of the United States. When they realize a group of kidnappers is hot on their trail with the intention of taking the president, this unlikely duo must escape their hunters as they search for the American Special Forces team sent out to find them.
This was way better than I thought it would be. Plenty of action and stunts that include a few that are totally unbelievable and should come with a warning not to try this at home (see freezer stunt as one example) against the backdrop of some incredible and stunning scenery. Fun flick and don't take it seriously.
Netflix description--- In the rugged countryside of Finland, a young thirteen-year-old embarks on a traditional quest to prove himself by spending twenty-four hours alone in the wild, armed with only a bow and arrow. After witnessing a spectacular crash, he discovers the escape pod from Air Force One, containing the President of the United States. When they realize a group of kidnappers is hot on their trail with the intention of taking the president, this unlikely duo must escape their hunters as they search for the American Special Forces team sent out to find them.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
KRL This Week Update
This week the mystery community lost a great lady, Joyce
Lavene. Up in KRL this morning we have a review & giveaway of hers and her
husband Jim's latest mystery "Looking For Mr. Good Witch", along with
a guest post by them about writing paranormal mysteries http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/looking-for-mr-good-witch-by-joyce-jim-lavene/
Also up this morning, the winner of our Halloween mystery short
story contest, The Halloween Alibi by Mitzi Flyte http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/the-halloween-alibi-halloween-mystery-short-story-winner/
We also have a review & giveaway of another perfect
mystery for Halloween, "The Skeleton Haunts a House" by Leigh Perry
http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/the-skeleton-haunts-a-house-by-leigh-perry/
And we have a review & giveaway of another mystery
perfect for Halloween, "Knock on Wood", a Superstition mystery by
Linda O. Johnston, along with a guest post from Linda about Halloween
superstitions http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/knock-on-wood-by-linda-o-johnston/
We also have a review & giveaway of" Look Both Ways"
(A Witch City Mystery) by Carol J. Perry http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/look-both-ways-by-carol-j-perry/
And we have a review & giveaway of "The Stitching
Hour" by Amanda Lee, another perfect mystery for your Halloween reading
http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/the-stitching-hour-by-amanda-lee/
Also up in KRL this weekend another article perfect for
Halloween,The Best Films of the Undead http://kingsriverlife.com/10/24/the-best-films-of-the-undead/
For those who enjoy fantasy with their mystery, over on KRL
Lite a review & giveaway of "Wish
Bound", A Grimm Agency Novel by JC Nelson
kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2015/10/wish-bound-grimm-agency-novel-by-j-c.html
--
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
New issue of Crime Review
In our new edition of Crime Review (www.crimereview.co.uk) this week we have 16 reviews, together with Jeff Abbott in the Countdown interview hot seat: Crime Review may be followed on Twitter: @CrimeReviewUK Linda Wilson may be followed on Twitter: @CrimeReviewer Sharon Wheeler may be followed on Twitter: @lartonmedia This week’s reviews are: THE CARTEL by Don Winslow, reviewed by Arnold Taylor When drug overlord Adan Barrera is allowed to escape from a Mexican prison, the man who put him there, DEA agent Art Keller, vows to do whatever is necessary to bring him to justice again. BLOOD SALT WATER by Denise Mina, reviewed by John Cleal The body of a woman surfaces in Loch Lomond. DI Alex Morrow must tie the crime to a drugs and money-laundering ring, the disappearance of a second woman and deadly tensions in what seems a chocolate-box town. FOR VALOUR by Andy McNab, reviewed by Linda Wilson When a young trooper is shot in the head during an SAS exercise, it seems a clear-cut case of the negligent discharge of a weapon. But that doesn’t stop Nick Stone wanting to do some digging, especially as the accused soldier is the son of a close friend. BRUSH BACK by Sara Paretsky, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler Chicago private investigator VI Warshawski is reluctantly drawn back to her old neighbourhood to investigate whether the unpleasant mother of a former boyfriend was framed for the murder of her daughter COCAINE (three short stories) by Massimo Carlotto, Gianrico Carafiglio and Giancarlo de Cataldo, reviewed by Chris Roberts Three stories by Italian writers look at the trade in cocaine from the perspective of individuals within Italian law enforcement. REYKJAVIK NIGHTS by Arnaldur Indridason, reviewed by Ewa Sherman A homeless alcoholic man is found drown in a shallow pond on the outskirts of Reykjavik. A young woman disappeared while walking home from a club. Erlendur Sveinsson is just a traffic cop … THE DEVIL’S ANVIL by Matt Hilton, reviewed by Linda Wilson Billie Womack’s ex-husband stole $80 million and the people he stole it from think she’s the key to getting their hands on the money. It’s Joe Hunter’s job to keep her safe. THESE ARE THE NAMES by Tommy Weiringa, reviewed by Chris Roberts Migrants end up in a small border town on the Russian steppes, where Police Commissioner Pontus Beg ponders his heritage. A KILLING MOON by Steven Dunne, reviewed by Madeleine Marsh Weeks after the disappearance of an Irish student in Derby, the body of a Polish girl is found in the back of a burnt-out van. Detective Inspector Brook thinks the two are linked, but he has to navigate the complex world of organised crime in order to find out how. DEAD GIRL WALKING by Chris Brookmyre, reviewed by John Cleal Disgraced journalist Jack Parlabane is hired to find a missing pop diva. His search takes him across Europe, into the murky backstage world of rock – and into danger. BULL MOUNTAIN by Brian Panowich, reviewed by Chris Roberts For generations, Bull Mountain in Georgia has been home to the Burroughs family and a base for their illegal activities, but law enforcement agencies are planning to close them down. THE FATHER by Tom O Keenan, reviewed by John Cleal Sean Rooney, an alcoholic and mentally-disturbed former forensic profiler, is dragged out of retirement by his DCI ex-wife to help her solve the gruesome murders of a whole family. DEATH ON DEMAND by Jim Kelly, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler Norfolk DI Peter Shaw would rather be surfing, but he has to deal with the murder of a 100-year-old woman, threatened unrest on a pilgrimage and the murky history of an almost-derelict estate DARK HEART by Tony Park, reviewed by John Cleal A former British Army doctor and two of his lovers, a South African photographer and an Australian lawyer, were all damaged by their experiences of the Rwandan genocide. Years later, a mystery photograph puts them at risk. THE SNAKE TRAP by Kevin Brooks, reviewed by Linda Wilson Travis Delaney has been kidnapped by terrorists and has to work with a man he hates in order to survive. NIGHT SCHOOL by CJ Daugherty, reviewed by Linda Wilson When teenage rebel Allie Sheridan is arrested for the third time, her parents have had enough, and she’s packed off to the exclusive and mysterious Cimmeria Academy, where nothing is quite what it seems. Best wishes Sharon
Friday, October 23, 2015
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Run for Your Lives! Old Horror Movies
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Run for Your Lives! Old Horror Movies: By Jeanne Recently, The Tales of the Lonesome Pine Bookstore in Big Stone Gap offered some 50s B-Movies of the horror genre for sa...
Lesa's Latest Contest--- A Ghostly Giveaway
This week, I'm giving away ghostly mysteries, Heather Blake's Ghost of a
Potion and Carolyn Hart's Ghost Wanted. Details on my blog,
http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only,
please.
Lesa Holstine
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Highlights from the 20th TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Highlights from the 20th TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL: A few photos from the 20th annual Texas Book Festival, held in Austin, October 17-18, 2015. Such fun! With Jeff Guinn, author of Buffalo...
FFB Review: "Murder Takes A Break: A Truman Smith Mystery" by Bill Crider
In this fifth and final Truman
Smith mystery, Galveston Private Investigator Truman Smith still has no
interest in looking for anyone. Dino wants him to quit trying to figure why
alligators and birds get killed and get back to finding people. Because of the backstory
that series readers are familiar with, Truman is not remotely interested. Dino
has pushed this same idea before, but this time he swears things will be
different and wants Truman to trust him.
Truman knows better than that having
heard the “trust me” line before. Instead of looking for folks, these days
Truman works as a freelance contractor of sorts running a credit check or
background on folks. It is the middle nineties and he can easily accomplish
both from home when he is not reading a book. But, Randall Kirbo had come to
Galveston back in March for spring break and vanished. Nine months later the son of Jack Kirbo, who
used to play football at the same time Truman and Dino did back in day, is
still missing and Galveston PD has gotten nowhere. Jack and Dino were friends on
the football team and still are as well and have had some business dealings
that have worked out well for both parties. Because of all that and more, Dino
wants Truman to see if he can find the kid.
December on the island means it is
time for the annual “Dickens on the Strand” and the accompanying throngs of
tourists and traffic. Certainly not two of Truman’s favorite things and neither
are Mr. and Mr. Kirbo. Definitely not the boorish Jack Kirbo. His wife is devastated
and just needs some sort of answer as to what happened to her son. It is
because of her that Truman agrees to investigate the situation. That
investigation will lead him to the underground party scene, a murder, and a lot
more in Murder Takes A Break: A Truman Smith Mystery.
Fifth in the series that began with Dead
on the Island, the character of Truman Smith is pretty well fleshed out
as is his occasional sidekick, Dino. Readers know what makes Truman tick and
what demons continue to haunt him. That leaves the book to be about the mystery
and several are at work here in this complicated tale. As expected regarding
anything from Texas legend and author, Bill Crider the book works on all
levels. The twists and turns are many, the humor is occasional, the action is
frequent, and the read is mighty good from start to finish.
Murder Takes A Break: A Truman Smith Mystery
Bill Crider
Walker And Company
October 1997
ISBN# 0-8027-3308-5
Hardback (also available in audio
and e-book formats)
184 Pages
$21.95
Material supplied by the good folks
of the Plano Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
For more reading suggestions today make sure you check out Patti Abbott's blog.
For more reading suggestions today make sure you check out Patti Abbott's blog.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The Machineries of Mars -- Charles Gramlich
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: The Machineries of Mars -- Charles Gramlich: Another book (novella, actually) that I read on my Bouchercon flight was The Machineries of Mars . It's a sure-footed homage to Edgar R...
Guest Post: Imitation is Much More Than Flattery (Writer Beware)
Very glad to see the return of Writer Beware.....
Guest Post: Imitation is Much More Than Flattery (Writer Beware)
Guest Post: Imitation is Much More Than Flattery (Writer Beware)
Pulp Hack Confessions: A Petty Crime Road Trip Fueled by a Desire for Soc...
Pulp Hack Confessions: A Petty Crime Road Trip Fueled by a Desire for Soc...: Has#tag By Eryk Pruitt (280 Steps; May 26, 2015) $3.99 for Kindle; $14.99 paperback ISBN-10: 8293326506 ISBN-13: 978-829332650...
Rough Edges: Now Available: Weird Menace Volume 2
Rough Edges: Now Available: Weird Menace Volume 2: The Shudder Pulps are back! In fact, it's like they never left in this second great collection of new stories inspired by the classic...
Short Story Review: "Happy Hour: A Short Story (An Interplanetary Voyage with Cookie Sullivan on the Linda Rae)" by Kate Thornton
Captain Cookie Sullivan of the spaceship Linda Rae has a major problem. Her
co-pilot, N’Doro is missing. She has booked cargo for the return trip to
Toshiba Station and needs to leave right away. Not everything is listed on the
manifest so speed is of the essence.
Captain Sullivan is used to checking the bars to
find N’Doro on shore leave so once the ship is loaded and ready for flight she
heads to the nearest bar. Lucky for her N’Doro was there. Unlucky for her he
did something major and has been taken to the Corporation Detention Facility on
the other side of town. Getting him released and back to the ship is just one
of the many problems she has to deal with in the excellent short story, Happy Hour.
This is just one of several tales featuring Captain
Cookie Sullivan of the spaceship Linda Rae. As she did with her short story collection
Inhuman
Condition author Kate Thornton blends some mystery with some adventure,
adds a dash or two of humor, and brings it all together in a satisfying read that
hits the mark no matter the genre. Happy Hour: A Short Story is flat
out good and very much worth your time.
Happy Hour: A Short Story (An Interplanetary Voyage with Cookie Sullivan on the Linda Rae)
Kate
Thornton
Self-Published
July
2015
ASIN: B011J4T5W4
E-book
18
Pages
$0.99
Material picked up back in July via Amazon Associate
funds to read and review.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Market Call: Flash Bang Mysteries
Currently open to submissions for the January 2016 issue. Details at the website.
It is purely my opinion: The Company She Kept: A Joe Gunther Novel by Arche...
It is purely my opinion: The Company She Kept: A Joe Gunther Novel by Arche...: First Sentence: “Pull over, Doug. I want to get a shot of this.” The body of a Vermont State Senator, with the word “dyke” carved in her ...
MAKE MINE MYSTERY: Just Whose Side Are They On, Anyway?
MAKE MINE MYSTERY: Just Whose Side Are They On, Anyway?: by Janis Patterson I’m angry. Again. But this time it is something that really affects all of us and our industry. The New York Di...
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Members' Publication News
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Members' Publication News: The following members sent in publication news this month: M.H. Callway, "Glow Grass", Thirteen O'Clock , also featuring sto...
Jen's Book Thoughts: Win Wait for Signs!
Jen's Book Thoughts: Win Wait for Signs!: I t's getting to that time of year when we start thinking about holiday gifts. Well let me help you a little. Here's my list...no, n...
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Spyfall -- John Hegenberger
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Spyfall -- John Hegenberger: I read Spyfall on the plane on my return from Bouchercon, and I couldn't have picked a better book for the trip. It was the right lengt...
Doctor Day Update
Other than her blood pressure was a bit elevated, everything went very well at Texas Oncology today. All her bloodwork was really good. Every category they measure, and there are a lot of them, looked almost normal. It has been years since Sandi's numbers were this good across the board. So, she has been fully cleared to start the oral chemo pill at dinner time tomorrow.
Assuming nothing happens her next appointment for lab work and a doctor visit is next Tuesday.
Assuming nothing happens her next appointment for lab work and a doctor visit is next Tuesday.
Review: "Dark Corners, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Dark Corners Pulp Magazine)" Edited by CT McNeely, Emily J. McNeely and Steve Gallagher
The inaugural issue of Dark
Corners begins with an introduction that makes it clear that all genres
are welcome as everything and anything goes in this pulp fiction reading fest.
Along with fiction that goes anywhere and is often a bit surreal, there are
interviews, reviews, and essays on various topics. That introduction by CT McNeely
is followed by additional introductions by Emily J. McNeely and Steve Gallagher
before one finally gets to the stories.
In “Company Man” by Tom Pitts, Jerry
does not believe he is a serial killer. Rico would disagree and does though he
does not push it as one does not push Jerry where he is gearing up for a job.
All Rico wants to do is point out the guy to Jerry and be done with it, but
that isn’t going to be nearly enough.
Cameron knew the creative writing
instructor had to die “Short and Choppy” by Will Viharo. It wasn’t just because
Sean, the writing instructor, is a condescending prick who wrote crap, got
famous, and now gets paid to look down at everyone else literally and figuratively
that makes the mistake of taking his class. But, that is one very good reason.
There are several more.
Bump hasn’t been around Kristos very
long so he didn’t know what to expect. The last couple of hours have been a
real criminal education in “Columbus Day” by Alec Cizak.
Telling you parents about your
addiction and rehab is tough. At least they seem supportive once the shock
wears off in “Domestic Tableau” by Warren Moore.
Fiction quickly becomes reality in
“The Husband Killers” by Deborah Lacy. Lilly Forrester did the actual writing,
but because of the way the book came about is forced to share credit. Three
authors were involved in the collaborative effort that is about to become all too
real.
It is 1955 in “Cold War Cowboy” by
Jenean McBrearty. Carol Simmons is real
trouble and Mike had no idea the kind of ride she had in mind once they get to
California.
Somebody keeps nailing dead critters
to the apartment door in “Another Night in the Life of the Lonely” by Angel
Luis Colón. The person hanging them on his door is probably not the old biddy downstairs
who keeps calling noise complaints while Ian is at work.
When Kayla was born, things seemed
to be good for Norman and his wife. When they go bad, they go very bad in
“Don’t Call Me Daughter” by Thomas Kearnes.
It is very cold in Pittsburgh as
“The Men in the Room” by Michael McGlade begins. Isabelle Shaw has agreed to
meet Jacob Weitz in the downtown diner to hear what he has to say. He already
hasn’t been doing what she told him to do to stay safe. Yet another guy who
won’t listen. She meets a lot of them in her time of work.
Seven years later Collins didn’t
recognize Ellen or Parker at first. “This Business of Revenge” by Joseph
Goodrich explains what happens next in the Texas heat.
He had a damn good reason to stab
his wife in “Adele” by Vito Racanelli. Frank Sommers is a NYPD officer in the
NYPD in the 76th folks are inclined to believe the story he tells.
Things are far more complicated then what he tells investigators.
These days the Baltic in downtown
Vancouver is long past its prime. Ellen Teague runs the place and called in Mr.
Wakeland to talk to one of the tenants in “Next to Nothing” by Sean Wiebe.
Wakeland is a private detective who once knew Mr. Jacks’ son and by extension
knew Mr. Jacks. Teague would much rather Wakeland handle whatever problem is
going on rather than the police as they can create other issues.
Rona messes with him in every way
possible in “No Rest for the Wicked” by Scott Grand. Estelle is also a problem.
The man in black has a solution for everything.
“Voice of God” by Andrew Hilbert
comes next where the urge to kill just keeps getting stronger. That urge begins
with a bird and Geni and her husband are forever changed.
The guys have a long standing tradition
on the wedding night. The one known to
all as Thumper should have known what was up in “The Nantahala Kidnapping” by Gary L. Robbe. Maybe he did
remember and thought it didn’t matter anymore as he doesn’t want to be called
Thumper either. For a smart guy he just doesn’t get it and that is too damn
bad.
John Jersey is always in the break
room at 10:30 at night before his shift begins at 11. His dietary habits are just
one of the issues at play in “Milk and Turpentine” by Chuck Regan.
Harper is very neurotic in “Off,
Park and Up” by Martin Zeigler. His behavior is really screwing up plans for
movie day.
How much it cost is calculable in
“And We Bestowed Upon it The Name of Vengeance” by Ryan Sayles. It is clear the
cost was huge for the volunteer and the scientists.
Clint and Cole were broke in “Pig’s
Eye” by Mark Rapacz. It was a bad plan hatched by way too much alcohol and far too much desperation. Clint is lucky to be
alive afterwards.
The bank has been robbed and Sheriff
Henderson has a plan and urges all to be calm. He might not be so calm if he
knew what really has happened in “Horse Sense” by Bruce Harris.
A man has died on the assembly line
in “Witch’s Hat Trick” by William E. Wallace. Safety Officer Yuri Kuznetsov
needs to make sure because just maybe he is still alive. Yuri has a gift, but
it is one that can also make his life very complicated.
Part one of a novella titled “The
Burning Lungs of Avalloch: A Fist and Planet Novella” by CT McNeely comes next.
Logan Pike is far from home or anything he recognizes. The only thing he knows
for sure is that he is no longer in California. When he intervenes in an
altercation he soon makes himself an enemy of powerful local who seems to be in
charge on everything and everyone. Logan Pike is a stranger in a strange land and
has no idea who to trust.
Nate Gelder once was a wizard to be
reckoned with in “The Wizard of Odds” by Joe Kraus. His power has weakened. Now
he has made a possibly fatal mistake.
Father Pablo Martinez has been
watching the lone rider approaching on horseback
for almost a half an hour. Nobody comes to the old Spanish mission without
making a serious effort. That is what bought Martinez there years ago in “Pups
and Hounds” by Chris Leek.
The stories are followed by an
interview with Chris Leek that concentrates in large part on his book Gospel
of the Bullet. That leads into a review of the book by CT McNeely.
That leads into an essay on Zelmer
Pulp which is a collection that includes some authors in this premier issue of Dark Corners.
CT McNeeely charts the history of Zelmer Pulp and details the backgrounds of
those involved.
That is followed by an interview
with Mark Rapacz. Tongue-Cat Ninja is a major subject of the interview before
being reviewed by CT McNeely. That leads into Ct McNeely’s reviews of Buffalo Bill in the Gallery of the Machines
as well as City Kaiju both by Mark Rapacz.
Chris Rhatigan comes next with a
reflective piece in “My History in the Crime Fiction Scene.”
CT McNeely is up next with a piece
of “Will Viharo: Unsung Hero of the Pulps.” McNeely gives some of the
background on the author who contributed “Short and Choppy” to this issue.
CT McNeely then reviews Broken
Glass Waltzes by Warren Moore as well as The Last of the Independents
by Sam Wiebe.
Greg Barth reviews The
Deep Blue Good-by by John D. McDonald.
Dyer Wilk reviews “The Executioners”
by John D. McDonald.
Short bios of the contributors bring
the issue to a close. Filled with interesting and, at times, surreal stories
that cross genre lines, reviews, interviews, and quite a lot more, the first issue of Dark Corners is a pot
luck pulp fest. Graphic at times in terms of language and descriptions, it
certainly isn’t something for all readers. If you like your tales with a bit of
an edge and prefer them not to fit inside easily labeled categories, this 272
page zine might be the one for you.
Dark Corners, Volume 1, Issue 1
(Dark Corners Pulp Magazine)
Edited by CT McNeely, Emily J. McNeely
and Steve Gallagher
Self-Published
ASIN: B00NYOHW64
September
2014
E-Book
(also available in print)
272
Pages
$0.99
I picked this up back in August to read and review using funds in my Amazon Associate account.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
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