Monday, November 30, 2015
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: November 30 - December 6, 2015
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: November 30 - December 6, 2015: Bookish events in Texas for the week of November 30 - December 6, 2015: Special Events: Voces Americanas: Latino Literature in the United...
Monday With Kaye: "Treason at Lisson Grove" by Anne Perry (Reviewed by Kaye George)
Since back in February, Monday in these parts has
been made a little more bearable by it also being “Monday With Kaye.” Each week
she has brought another book our way to consider. Today marks the 42nd
of such posts and the first of the final three as Kaye has told me she is
running out of reviews. Not surprising since she is busy writing her own books
and doing other things.
It has been a privilege and an honor to bring these
reviews to you. In this season of giving thanks, I must once again express my
gratitude to Kaye for allowing me to run these reviews as well as the good
folks of Suspense Magazine for allowing them to appear here.
Enough from me… on to the review of a historical thriller….
Treason at Lisson Grove by Anne Perry
We're treated to a new Charlotte and
Thomas Pitt novel in this historical thriller. Lisson Grove is the location of
Pitt's organization, always called Special Branch. In the bang-up beginning, Pitt
and Gower, another agent, pursue a man they witnessed standing over a newly
dead body. The chase takes them
across the channel to St. Malo in France.
There, a plot seems to be gathering head, something boding of violence and a
fundamental change that, once done, may not be able to be undone.
Pitt is set adrift, cut off from his
employer and his family, not knowing who he can trust.
Back home, Victor Narraway, Pitt's
superior is floudering, running into charges and accusations that he can't
fight. When he informs Charlotte that Pitt has been suddenly called overseas,
and when she realizes what an awful situation Narraway is in, she feels she
must help him--partly for his sake, but also because Pitt's job depends on
Narraway's continued employment. The roots of the present-day plot seem intertwined
with an old episode that took place during a thwarted Irish uprising. So
Narraway and Charlotte, posing as half-siblings, take off for Dublin where
feeling still run deep against the English--and Narraway in particular. Now
it's Charlotte who doesn't know who she can trust.
To complicate things even more,
Charlotte's housekeeper, whom the family doesn't care for anyway, quits
suddenly and Charlotte must provide for someone to watch the children, Jemima
and Daniel. A charming new character, Minnie Maude, is introduced and saves the
domestic day.
Narraway's problems, it becomes evident,
are becoming looming problems also for Pitt. Disaster piles atop disaster and
the targets shift and remain unclear as Charlotte and Pitt, separately, try to
save their country from a treacherous, treasonous plot. Perry is still at the
top of her form.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Crime Watch: Review: FIELD OF BLACKBIRDS
Crime Watch: Review: FIELD OF BLACKBIRDS: FIELD OF BLACKBIRDS by Thomas Ryan (Thomas & Mercer, May 2015) Reviewed by Craig Sisterson A surprising debut delivering an enjoy...
Saturday, November 28, 2015
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Society Members' News
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Society Members' News: The following members sent in publication news this month: Peter DiChellis, "Soliciting Misery" , Over My Dead Body! (October 2...
KRL This Week Update
Up this morning in KRL a review & giveaway perfect for
Christmas time of "Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen" by Vicki Delany http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/rest-ye-murdered-gentlemen-by-vicki-delany/
Also up, another mystery perfect for your Christmas reading,
a review & giveaway of "The Bark Before Christmas" by Laurien Berenson
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/the-bark-before-christmas-by-laurien-berenson/
We also have the latest mystery Coming Attractions from Sunny Frazier along with a chance to win books by Sofie Kelly
& Kathi Daley http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/coming-attractions-visions-of-sugerplums-edition/
Also this week we have reviews & giveaways of 4 more
mysteries from Penguin authors perfect for your winter reading-"Writing
All Wrongs": A Books By The Bay Mystery by Ellery Adams, "Crowned and
Moldering": A Fixer-Upper Mystery by Kate Carlisle, "A Likely Story"
by Jenn McKinlay, and "Knot Guilty" by Betty Hechtman
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/more-penguin-mysteries-for-your-winter-reading/
And we have a never before published mystery short story by Gary
R. Hoffman http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/hell-hath-no-fury-a-mystery-short-story/
Also a review & giveaway of "Dying For A Donut"
by Cindy Sample
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/dying-for-a-donut-by-cindy-sample/
And a review of "Sherlock Chronicles", a perfect
gift for any Sherlock fan
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/sherlock-chronicles-by-steve-tribe/
We also have an interesting article on some of Raymond
Burr's many roles http://kingsriverlife.com/11/28/raymond-burr-more-than-mason/
And over on KRL Lite a review & giveaway of "The
Secret Life of Anna Blanc" by Jennifer Kencheloe
http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-secret-life-of-anna-blanc-by.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
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Lie Catchers -- Paul Bishop
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Lie Catchers -- Paul Bishop: Paul Bishop is former L.A. cop, a reality TV star ( Take the Money and Run ), and a writer. On the TV series Bishop used some of the inter...
Cinco Puntos Press: GIVE THE GIFT OF STORY, GIVE THE GIFT OF LITERACY
Cinco Puntos Press: GIVE THE GIFT OF STORY, GIVE THE GIFT OF LITERACY: Give the Gift of Story! Give the Gift of Literacy! Receive A 25% Discount Thru Christmas! Everybody lo...
Small Business Saturday and Sandi
Small business needs your attention year around to survive. Shopping small business one designated Saturday a year is a nice thought, but truly does not do much to help the small business survive. But, if this is your one day, please consider picking up something from Sandi's craft store at iOffer.
Not to mention her minion hats and slippers which seem to be very popular. These are too new to be others as she has not had the strength to fool with getting them added to her iOffer site.
All these items and others can be ordered direct from her by contacting me or her. Special orders can be done on request.
Not to mention her minion hats and slippers which seem to be very popular. These are too new to be others as she has not had the strength to fool with getting them added to her iOffer site.
All these items and others can be ordered direct from her by contacting me or her. Special orders can be done on request.
Lesa's Latest Contest-- Christmas mystery giveaway
Another Christmas mystery giveaway - Rhys Bowen's Away in a Manger or Sally
Goldenbaum's Trimmed with Murder. Details on my blog at
http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only,
please.
Lesa Holstine
Friday, November 27, 2015
FFB Review: "… A Dangerous Thing: A Carl Burns Mystery" by Bill Crider
Friday
means Friday’s Forgotten Books hosted by Patti Abbott on her blog.
As you surface from a turkey fog with criminal possibilities regarding certain
family members dancing in your heads, I offer you a mystery that blends some
humor, with plenty of suspects, and more than a dash of Texas flavor. A very good read from author Bill Crider (who
also happens to have a story in the new anthology TALES
FROM THE OTHERVERSE: STORIES OF ALTERNATE HISTORY and well worth your
time…
Professor Carl Burns knew the new dean
at Hartley Gorman College wasn’t going to work out when she got a goat. There
may have been good reasons to get a goat, but that is just not something that
is a big winner in the minds of many people. While some of the staff are
fixated on the goat and consider the new dean a “unreconstructed hippie” Professor Burns, who is also chairman of the
English Department, is much more worried about her other issues. Of course, if
Burns had just applied for the job, he most likely would have gotten it. Burns
had absolutely no desire to be the academic dean and that means everyone is
going to have to deal with Dr. Gwendolyn Partridge.
While she was highly recommended
nobody warned those at HGC that she was highly liberal. A conservative private
school located near the small south Texas town of Pecan City, Texas was not
ready for her kind of leadership. She has ideas that others would consider
radical. She has also brought in Professor Eric Holt who, as other employees
see it, is getting special treatment he does not warrant. Both Partridge and
Holt want to significantly shake up the curriculum and that is not helping
matters.
If that wasn’t enough, the death of
Thomas Henderson rattles the entire college. It is clear that he died after
impacting the ground due to a fall out of his third floor office window.
Landing on your head tends to kill you dead. It is also pretty clear he did not
voluntarily crash through the window to his death. Considering Burns’
reputation for solving such cases it is not surprising when Burns starts
investigating the situation in … A Dangerous Thing.
Rich with complex characters, humor,
as well as scenic details and atmosphere, this third read in the Carl
Burns mystery series is another excellent cozy style mystery.
Originally published in 1994 and recently made available again thanks to the
e-book format, the mystery does not follow the current fad of dropping a murder
victim in the first paragraph. Instead, it builds the situation as Texas author
Bill Crider weaves a number of threads together before getting to the heart of
the matter. A mighty good read, … A Dangerous Thing can be read as a
standalone if so desired as it just briefly references earlier events in one One
Dead Dean and Dying
Voices.
… A Dangerous Thing: A Carl Burns
Mystery
Bill Crider
Crossroad Press
January 2013
ASIN: B00AZ0YU6A
E-Book (estimated print length 176
pages)
$3.99
I got the hardback version of this
to read and review by way of the Plano Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Thanksgiving 2015
This is a bittersweet day for us as it was four years ago today when Sandi was first diagnosed with cancer. So, while the day is one to celebrate as we give thanks that she is still here with us, it is also a very hard reminder of what has gone on in recent years.
From all us Tipples thank you for being a part of our world. Happy Thanksgiving.....
From all us Tipples thank you for being a part of our world. Happy Thanksgiving.....
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Mystery Fanfare: Thanksgiving Mysteries
Mystery Fanfare: Thanksgiving Mysteries: Thanksgiving . I have a lot to give thanks for -- my family, my friends, and the wonderful mystery community. We'll be going to ...
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Fender Lizards --Joe R. Lansdale
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Fender Lizards --Joe R. Lansdale: A Joe Lansdale novel without any cussin'? Surely you jest. I'm not jesting, and don't call me surly. Fender Lizards is...
Monday, November 23, 2015
Writers Who Kill: Amazon and eBook Pricing
Writers Who Kill: Amazon and eBook Pricing: It will come as no surprise to any author who pays attention to Amazon and their pricing that they have a strong preference for ebooks pr...
A Bookseller Recommends: When a Scot Ties the Knot (A Book Set in a Differe...
A Bookseller Recommends: When a Scot Ties the Knot (A Book Set in a Differe...: Pro: It's an enjoyable Highland romance - what else do you want? Con: Nah. The Bottom Line: Fun romance to read in the...
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: November 23 - 29, 2015
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: November 23 - 29, 2015: Bookish events in Texas for the week of November 23 - 29, 2015: Special Events: NaNoWriMo , November 1 - 30 Voces Americanas: Latino ...
Monday With Kaye: "The Bone House" by Brian Freeman (Reviewed by Kaye George)
As one who used to work in the
public school system here, the premise on this one could easily happen.
The Bone House by Brian Freeman
Here's a psychological thriller done by
someone who knows how to write one. While basically a story of a man and wife,
the plot bleeds out to include a detective and and CSI analyst, some troubled
teenagers, and a terrible tragedy from the past. The tragedy, portrayed in the
breathtaking prologue, reaches lethal tentacles into the future and threatens
almost everyone involved.
Mark Bradley is having a tough time. He
and his wife, Hillary, moved to an idyllic island in rural Door County,
northern Wisconsin, from a Chicago suburb to live on their salaries as teachers
and raise a happy family. Mark, however, was accused of sexual harassment when
the mother of shy teenaged student, Tresa, read the torrid accounts of an
inappropriate affair in Tresa's diary. Tresa insisted her writings were all
fantasy, but Mark was fired anyway and has been out of a job for a year. His
wife, Hillary is still a dance coach at the high school, but her reception by
the locals has become increasingly chilly.
Mark accompanies his wife and her dance
students to Florida for a competition. It's supposed to be a relaxing getaway,
but Mark is accosted on the beach by Tresa's younger sister, Glory. When Glory
is found dead, a witness is found that saw Mark kissing Glory very late at
night. He insists they didn't kiss, and that he didn't kill the girl. Hillary
wants to believe him, but she's exhausted from standing by him during the
ordeal of the past year. And she's not quite sure he's telling the truth.
Cab (Born In One) Bolton, the unusual
detective assigned to the case, fights against his attraction to the lovely CSI
analyst, Lala. Like Hillary, he doesn't know who to believe. But he's Mark's
only hope. And he carries a horrific secret of his own from the past.
Reviewed by Kaye George Author of CHOKE: An Imogene Duckworthy Mystery for Suspense Magazine
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Rough Edges: Now Available: Tales From the Otherverse
Rough Edges: Now Available: Tales From the Otherverse: Other times, other places, other stories than the ones we know...These are the Tales From the Otherverse, where anything is possible and ...
Sunday Movie Review: "Tomorrowland"
There are movies that look kind of cool in the previews and then when you see them it all kind of falls flat. This is one of those movies.
Netflix Synopsis: Sharing the ability to perceive a utopian alternate dimension known as Tomorrowland, a reclusive inventor and a relentlessly curious teen begin a perilous quest to unlock the secrets of the magical world, which holds the promise of a brighter future.
Tomorrowland takes forever to get going as the first hour drags before things get going. Once it does, the wait really was not worth it. We call it three stars--but just barely.
Netflix Synopsis: Sharing the ability to perceive a utopian alternate dimension known as Tomorrowland, a reclusive inventor and a relentlessly curious teen begin a perilous quest to unlock the secrets of the magical world, which holds the promise of a brighter future.
Tomorrowland takes forever to get going as the first hour drags before things get going. Once it does, the wait really was not worth it. We call it three stars--but just barely.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Jessica Jones S01 E01: AKA Ladies Night
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Jessica Jones S01 E01: AKA Ladies Night: I guess I should probably make this confession up front. I came to the character of Jessica Jones late. When writer/creator Brian Micha...
KRL This Week Update
In honor of Thanksgiving this issue of KRL is filled with
food, and food mysteries.
First off we have reviews & giveaways of 5 new
mysteries
from Penguin authors-"Nuts and Buried" by Elizabeth Lee, "The
Chocolate Clown Corpse" by JoAnna Carl (paperback release of last year’s
hardback), "The Chocolate Falcon Fraud" by JoAnna Carl, "White
Colander Crime" by Victoria Hamilton, and "Olive or Let Die": A
Greek to Me Mystery By Susannah Hardy-Sadie Hartwell
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/food-mysteries-from-penguin-for-your-thanksgiving/
We also have a review & giveaway of "Goldy's
Kitchen Cookbook" by Diane Mott Davidson, where she not only shares
recipes from her books, but talks about her writing and her life
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/goldys-kitchen-cookbook-by-diane-mott-davidson/
We also have a fun profile on Diane Mott Davidson's
character Goldy Bear http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/catering-to-goldy-bear/
And we a Thanksgiving mystery short story by Cathy Ace http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/the-trouble-with-the-turkey-a-thanksgiving-mystery-short-story/
And another Thanksgiving mystery short story by Kathleen
Gerard http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/last-licks-a-thanksgiving-short-story/
Also up this morning, The Cozy Chicks-Ellery Adams,
Lorraine Bartlett, Duffy Brown,
Kate Collins, Mary Kennedy, Mary Jane Maffini, Maggie Sefton, and
Leann
Sweeney- share about their new cookbook, and you can enter to win a
copy http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/tea-cozy-by-the-cozy-chicks/
And we have a review & giveaway of "Diner Knock Out"
by Terri L. Austin, along with a fun Thanksgiving food related post from her
http://kingsriverlife.com/11/21/diner-knock-out-by-terri-l-austin
And over on KRL Lite we have a review & giveaway of "Sweetheart
Deal" by Linda Joffe Hull http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2015/11/sweetheart-deal-mrs-frugalicious.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
CrimeFictionWriter: Do you know the way to San Jose?
CrimeFictionWriter: Do you know the way to San Jose?: I spent Saturday in San Jose, Calif., leading "Write Short Fiction for Fun & Profit," a one-day writing workshop for South B...
Saturday Movie Review: "Inside Out"
Both Sandi and Scott really wanted to see this movie so they were thrilled when it appeared on hold for us at the library earlier this week. We spent part of Friday afternoon watching this flick.
Netflix Synopsis-- When her family relocates across the country, tween Riley Anderson struggles with the stress of her new situation and her animated emotions get carried away -- quite literally -- on a fantastic journey through her mind.
The general consensus of the viewership here is that the movie was just okay. The overall tone was kind of sad though there are a few funny moments. One scene in particular when we slide into the minds of both parents as well as a closing credit deal where we slide into the mind of various people including a teacher were funny. But, overall the tone is kind of sad in several different ways.
If one were going with a star rating thing where one star is bad and five stars is great, this one would be a three star flick.
The movie came with a short feature titled "Lava" which we three did NOT like at all.
For another take on the movie make sure you read Glenn Walker's review at his "Welcome To Hell" blog. His review also illustrates the fact that the DVD is a bit different than what was shown in theaters. For example, the library DVD did not have any introduction by the director, Pete Docter. Whether this is something included on the bought version as opposed to the library or rental version I do not know.
Netflix Synopsis-- When her family relocates across the country, tween Riley Anderson struggles with the stress of her new situation and her animated emotions get carried away -- quite literally -- on a fantastic journey through her mind.
The general consensus of the viewership here is that the movie was just okay. The overall tone was kind of sad though there are a few funny moments. One scene in particular when we slide into the minds of both parents as well as a closing credit deal where we slide into the mind of various people including a teacher were funny. But, overall the tone is kind of sad in several different ways.
If one were going with a star rating thing where one star is bad and five stars is great, this one would be a three star flick.
The movie came with a short feature titled "Lava" which we three did NOT like at all.
For another take on the movie make sure you read Glenn Walker's review at his "Welcome To Hell" blog. His review also illustrates the fact that the DVD is a bit different than what was shown in theaters. For example, the library DVD did not have any introduction by the director, Pete Docter. Whether this is something included on the bought version as opposed to the library or rental version I do not know.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Where It Hurts -- Reed Farrel Coleman
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Where It Hurts -- Reed Farrel Coleman: Gus Murphy is the narrator of Reed Farrel Coleman's new novel, and his life is a mess. The sudden and unexpected death of Murphy's ...
Lesa's Latest Contest--Christmas Mystery Giveaway
Hard to believe, but it's time to give away Christmas mysteries. This week,
it's Death with All the Trimmings by Lucy Burdette and Murder, Served
Simply by Isabella Alan. Details on my blog at
http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only,
please.
Lesa Holstine
Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers: BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR EARL STAGGS
Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers: BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR EARL STAGGS: Today we’re joined by Earl Staggs, a two-time Derringer Award winner for Best Short Story of the Year. Earl previously worked as managin...
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Crime Review Update---New Issue
In our new edition of Crime Review (www.crimereview.co.uk) this week we have 16 reviews, together with Sharon Bolton in the Countdown interview hot seat: We’re on Twitter at: Crime Review: @CrimeReviewUK Linda Wilson: @CrimeReviewer Sharon Wheeler: @lartonmedia This week’s reviews are: FRIENDS OF THE DUSK by Phil Rickman, reviewed by Linda Wilson A severe storm uncovers an unusual burial near the cathedral in Hereford and brings problems for Frannie Bliss, while Merrily Watkins has to contend with a modernising bishop. THE HOUSE ON COLD HILL by Peter James, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler Ollie and Caro Harcourt buy a dilapidated mansion in the Sussex countryside. But it soon becomes apparent that the house has a sinister history and somebody or something doesn’t want them there THE LAST CONFESSION OF THOMAS HAWKINS by Antonia Hodgson, reviewed by John Cleal Gambler and rake Tom Hawkins has survived Marshalsea prison only to be convicted of a murder he did not commit. He’s mixed up in the affairs of two ‘courts’, that of George II and the criminal overlord of London’s grim St Giles. Can any of his friends or patrons save him? THE SILENT ONES by Ali Knight, reviewed by Madeleine Marsh Ten years after Olivia Duvall confessed to the murder of five girls, the brother of one of her victims fakes his identity and gets a job at the secure hospital where Olivia is serving her life sentence, determined to get answers. LIVES LOST by Britta Bolt, reviewed by Chris Roberts When a young man is found dead from a blow to the head, the woman who gave him shelter is arrested for his murder. But Pieter Posthumus uncovers a few details which tell a different story. DEATH OF AN AIRMAN by Christopher St John Sprigg, reviewed by John Cleal An Australian bishop, on leave in England, decides he must learn to fly to get around his huge bush diocese. When an instructor crashes and is killed he suspects there is more to it than accident and with the help of a local policeman and a Scotland Yard detective, uncovers an international drugs ring. THE LYING DOWN ROOM by Anna Jaquiery, reviewed by Arnold Taylor Commandant Morel is called to investigate the case of an old woman found dead in her bed. It doesn’t take him too long to come to the conclusion that she did not die a natural death. ONE UNDER by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler The death of a London teenager on a country road looks like an accident. But DCI Bill Slider isn’t so sure – and puts his career on the line as he investigates THE STARLINGS AND OTHER STORIES edited by Ann Cleeves, reviewed by Linda Wilson Twelve short stories inspired by the stark, evocative black and white photography of David Wilson. THE SECRET LIFE AND CURIOUS DEATH OF MISS JEAN MILNE by Andrew Nicoll, reviewed by John Cleal The torture and brutal killing of a wealthy spinster in a quiet Scottish seaside town baffles police. THE WAYS OF THE DEAD by Neely Tucker, reviewed by Chris Roberts The daughter of a judge is found with her throat cut. Is it a random crime, a revenge attack on her father, or the work of a serial killer? TOM ADAMS UNCOVERED: THE ART OF AGATHA CHRISTIE AND BEYOND by Tom Adams and John Curran, reviewed by Linda Wilson The story of artist Tom Adams is told through his Agatha Christie paperback covers from the 1960s and 1970s, as well as a variety of other art and illustrations. THE FLEMISH HOUSE by Georges Simenon, reviewed by Chris Roberts During a windswept January, Maigret makes an unofficial trip to the Belgian border to investigate the disappearance of a young woman. THE BLOODING by James McGee, reviewed by John Cleal Matthew Hawkwood, former soldier, Bow Street Runner and spy, attempts to escape America, with which Britain is at war, but uncovers a plot to invade Canada. THE FEW by Nadia Dalbuono, reviewed by Sylvia Maughan Detective Scarmarcio of the Rome police force is given a job secretly by his boss and told to deal with it without telling anyone else. Then a young man is found dead and a young girl goes missing on Elba. HIGH STAKES (audiobook) by Meg Cabot, reviewed by Linda Wilson When a hysterical ghost appears in her bedroom in the middle of the night, Suze Simon isn’t terribly pleased, especially when the woman wants a job doing, but doesn’t provide much in the way of helpful information. Best wishes Sharon
The Education of a Pulp Writer: A Conversation with Andy Henion
The Education of a Pulp Writer: A Conversation with Andy Henion: David Cranmer : So, what is Andy Henion reading? Andy Henion : At the top of my print stack is Best American Mystery Stories 2015 , edited...
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Terminator Genisys
I also reviewed this a few days ago here. When I was setting up my review I looked in vain for one from Glenn. I was sure he had reviewed it, but I could not find it. Now, he has and showcases why he is way better at a movie review than I am.
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Terminator Genisys: Terminator Genisys ~ There's a joke we have frequently when I run superhero role-playing games, because it's a storytelling dev...
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Terminator Genisys: Terminator Genisys ~ There's a joke we have frequently when I run superhero role-playing games, because it's a storytelling dev...
Review: "High Country Nocturne: A David Mapstone Mystery" by Jon Talton
The latest David Mapstone mystery
finds Mapstone lamenting a city that is no more as well as wondering what the
heck is going on with his business partner, Mike Peralta. The former Maricopa County
Sheriff and Mapstone run a private investigator business that does the
occasional security type job such as transporting diamonds. Peralta was on one such job earlier in the
day.
A job that went very strange as Peralta
apparently shot the guard that he was working with and stole the diamonds. In the
hours since a major investigation spearheaded by the FBI has been launched and
a manhunt is underway. All the FBI has managed to do so far, after grilling
both Mapstone and Peralta’s wife, Sharon, and doing a lot of searching is finding
a business card that has a note on it from Peralta stating that Mapstone had
nothing to do with the theft and for him to stay out of it.
As if that would ever happen.
This is just the tip of a multi tentacled
octopus that has Mapstone and his wife, Lindsey in the crosshairs. The result
is one of the best books in the series in years as it has plenty of action,
complexity, and suspense. No review will do this book justice. In the series
that began years ago with Concrete Desert author Jon Talton
takes readers on one incredible ride in High Country Nocturne: A David Mapstone
mystery.
Very much recommended.
High Country Nocturne: A David
Mapstone Mystery
Jon Talton
Poisoned Pen Press
2015
ISBN#978-1-4642-0398-5
Hardback (available in e-book, paperback,
and audio formats)
326 Pages
$24.95
Material obtained by way of the
Plano Public Library System.
For another take on the book head
over to Carl
Brookins’ review at Buried Under Books.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Fate of the Union -- Max Allan Collins with Matthe...
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Fate of the Union -- Max Allan Collins with Matthe...: Fate of the Union is the sequel to Collins and Clemens' bestselling Supreme Justice, in which FBI agent Patti Rogers and security consu...
Chemo Wednesday
Finally home after Sandi had her multi hour infusion of IV chemo. Tonight she will start the oral chemo pill for this cycle. Her bloodwork seems to indicate that for now things are stable.
Her next appointment is December 1.
Her next appointment is December 1.
Review: "Miles To Lost Dog Creek (Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles Book 11)" by Ron Scheer
U. S. Marshal Gideon Miles is in
Overton, Nebraska ostensibly on vacation. It should be a peaceful time as he is
in town to visit family who has finally come back from Ontario, Canada. Fifteen
plus years after the Civil War his aunt and her husband are finally back where
he can visit. Miles intends to do just that and nothing else.
The problem is that soon Way Gunn
and Kit Kale, a couple of hard guys up from Kansas, and looking to cause
trouble arrive in town. Thanks to their latest criminal efforts, they wind up
in the local jail. Unfortunately, one way or another, they got a local lad with
troubles of his own, involved in their breakout scheme. Gunn and Kale make good
their escape and have the young boy with them as either a hostage or a witting
accomplice.
Either way, the local law needs his
help and before long Miles is on their trail. He seems himself in the boy and
hopes to help him while taking Gunn and Kale back into custody. Miles isn’t the only one on the trail.
Everyone involved is being tracked by a man who is leaving bodies in his wake.
This tale by the late Ron Scheer is
a good one. Filled with plenty of action it holds true to the western canon set
for this series long ago. The ending is a bit open making it clear that a
potential sequel was in mind and unfortunately not completed.
Also included in the book is the
short tale, “Origin of White Deer” written by Edward A. Grainger and Chuck
Tyrell. This tale explains the backstory of Cash Laramie. It can also be
found in the short story collection Adventures
of Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles: Volume II.
Billed as the eleventh entry in the
series, Miles To Lost Dog Creek is a very good western novella. The
story features all the elements that make the Cash Laramie and Gideon Miles
series so very good. It also proves once again that, though the authors many
change from time to time, the essence of spirit of the series flows seamlessly
from one book to the next. This series is a very good one and well worth your
time.
Miles To Lost Dog Creek (Cash
Laramie and Gideon Miles Book 11)
Ron Scheer
Beat To A Pulp
September 2015
ASIN# B015RQ42LO
E-Book
(also available in print)
86
Pages
$1.49
Material
to read and review was obtained via funds in my Amazon Associate account.
For
another take on the book head on over to Bill Crider’s review.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: X - The Man with the X-Ray Eyes
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: X - The Man with the X-Ray Eyes: X - The Man with the X-Ray Eyes ~ This is one of those films, much talked about and rarely seen (at least by me). As a longtime listen...
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Diabetes Doc Visit
Sandi had her every three months or so visit with the endocrinologist down at the hospital today. Things are as good as they could be with the cancer situation. Her insulin dosage is to remain the same.
Chemo tomorrow for the day.
Scheduled to see the endocrinologist next in mid February.
Chemo tomorrow for the day.
Scheduled to see the endocrinologist next in mid February.
The Non-Gamer's Gamer's Blog: Spacewar Simplicity
The Non-Gamer's Gamer's Blog: Spacewar Simplicity: Just as videogames were advancing past simple lines like Asteroids and Combat , and moving past more complicated stuff like Space Invade...
Review: "Played To Death: A Scott Drayco Mystery" by BV Lawson
Crime consultant Scott Drayco is in
Cape Unity this Monday morning in mid-march to meet a client at the old Opera
House. A building that has not been used in years and one that Scott Drayco now
owns. It wasn’t something he expected, but he inherited it thanks to the fact
that the recently deceased Horatio Rockingham assigned it to him by way of his
will.
Sine he had to come look at the
place anyway he had arranged with his potential client, Oakley Keys, to meet
him at the Opera House at 7 in the morning. Keyes never got into specifics, but
he definitely had wanted to meet and hire Drayco. That meeting isn’t going to
happen as the man is very much dead on the stage in the old opera house. While
the bullet to the head probably killed him the meaning of the carving on the
chest of Oakley Key is far harder to determine. He has been dead for hours and probably was already
dead when Drayco climbed into his Oldsmobile Starfire and headed out of
Washington, DC.
The plan had been for a quick sale
of the Opera House followed by a much needed vacation. Not only is Drayco haunted
by the nightmare of his last case, he suffers daily from Chromesthesia. He
hears sounds and his brain translates that to colors, shapes, and textures.
While it does not debilitate him, that ability along with his deep love of
music, allows him to see investigations in a different way than most.
Fortunately, the local sheriff is willing to indulge him and welcomes his
assistance in a case where there are almost as many motives as suspects.
First in the Scott Drayco mystery
series, Played To Death by BV Lawson is very good. Filled with complex
characters, multiple motives and agendas, and a lot of small details that build
the atmosphere, this cozy style story works the suspense angle while Drayco tries
to figure out what happened. That isn’t easy and the problem does not get
simpler when the body of a second victim is found. Plenty of twists and turns
as the case goes along makes figuring out who did it as well as why in Played
To Death quite the challenge.
Played To Death: A Scott Drayco
Mystery
BV Lawson
Crimetime Press
July
2014
ISBN-13: 978-0990458227
E-Book
(also available in hardcover and paperback)
312
Pages
$3.99
(Free at this time)
Material
supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin
R. Tipple ©2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
RTE Update--November 14 Issue of RTE
The November, 2015 issue of RTE is out and includes fifteen new reviews
as well as a new interview:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com
Plus
Alexander McCall Smith in the 'Sixty seconds with . . .' interview hot seat:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/interviews.html?id=213
Reviews this week:
DARK CORNERS Ruth Rendell Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
A young aspiring novelist is driven to acts of desperation by his blackmailing tenant in Ruth Rendell's final novel.
EVEN DOGS IN THE WILD Ian Rankin Reviewed by Jim Napier
Rebus is called out of retirement once more to help Siobhan and Fox solve a couple of puzzling murders and an attempt on the life of his old nemesis, Big Ger Cafferty
THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB (Audio) DAVID LAGERCRANTZ Reviewed by Karla Jay
Social misfit Lisbeth Salander and crusading journalist Mikael Blomkvist team up again to try save a genius of artificial intelligence and his autistic son.
THOSE GIRLS Chevy Stevens Reviewed by Sharon Mensing
Three sisters escape their abusive father only to fall into greater depths of abuse.
KATHERINE CARLYLE Rupert Thomson Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
Abandoning her place at Oxford, nineteen-year-old Katherine Carlyle embarks on a random journey across Europe, seeking either reconcile with or punish her father, that takes her to Germany, then to Russia, to wind up finally in Norway, in the world's most northern town.
CRUCIFIXION CREEK Barry Maitland Reviewed by Barbara Fister
In a Sydney, Australia, neighborhood dominated by a fortified biker compound, strange things are happening, and detective Harry Belltree's brother-in-law seems to be mixed up in it.
DARKNESS THE COLOR OF SNOW Thomas Cobb Reviewed by Christine Zibas
A young man is killed by a hit-and-run driver while being taken into custody by a new police officer, who was also his estranged friend. Was it an accident or murder?
THE ADVENTURESS Tasha Alexander Reviewed by Cathy Downs
An American husband and wife bring their daughter overseas to catch a duke, but a strange series of misadventures keeps interrupting the engagement party.
IN BITTER CHILL Sarah Ward Reviewed by Barbara Fister
When a woman commits suicide, it reopens a cold case: the kidnap and disappearance of her daughter, of interest both to the police and to a genealogist who, as a girl, escaped the kidnappers.
ONE MAN'S FLAG David Downing Reviewed by Anne Corey
Jack McColl, a WWI British spy, is sent on dangerous missions behind enemy lines, while Caitlin Hanley, an Irish-American journalist he loves but has betrayed, becomes involved with the Irish Rebellion and various women's rights issues.
THE SPY HOUSE Matthew Dunn Reviewed by Christine Zibas
When the Israeli Ambassador to France is taken out by a sniper on the streets of Paris, the Israelis conclude it's the work of Hamas, something they're willing to go to war over. However, it's not clear
whether Hamas is behind the assassination or not.
GHOST SHIFT John Gapper Reviewed by Anne Corey
Song Mei, a Chinese student being trained by the Commission for Discipline, must investigate the murder of a young woman who may or may not be her twin sister and in doing so uncovers an international spying scheme.
THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2015 James Patterson and Otto Penzler, eds
Reviewed by Lourdes Venard
LOUISE BROOKS: DETECTIVE Rick Geary Reviewed by Ben Neal
Former film star Louise Brooks moves back to Kansas and uncovers a murder
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
Alexander McCall Smith in the 'Sixty seconds with . . .' interview hot seat:
http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/interviews.html?id=213
Reviews this week:
DARK CORNERS Ruth Rendell Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
A young aspiring novelist is driven to acts of desperation by his blackmailing tenant in Ruth Rendell's final novel.
EVEN DOGS IN THE WILD Ian Rankin Reviewed by Jim Napier
Rebus is called out of retirement once more to help Siobhan and Fox solve a couple of puzzling murders and an attempt on the life of his old nemesis, Big Ger Cafferty
THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB (Audio) DAVID LAGERCRANTZ Reviewed by Karla Jay
Social misfit Lisbeth Salander and crusading journalist Mikael Blomkvist team up again to try save a genius of artificial intelligence and his autistic son.
THOSE GIRLS Chevy Stevens Reviewed by Sharon Mensing
Three sisters escape their abusive father only to fall into greater depths of abuse.
KATHERINE CARLYLE Rupert Thomson Reviewed by Yvonne Klein
Abandoning her place at Oxford, nineteen-year-old Katherine Carlyle embarks on a random journey across Europe, seeking either reconcile with or punish her father, that takes her to Germany, then to Russia, to wind up finally in Norway, in the world's most northern town.
CRUCIFIXION CREEK Barry Maitland Reviewed by Barbara Fister
In a Sydney, Australia, neighborhood dominated by a fortified biker compound, strange things are happening, and detective Harry Belltree's brother-in-law seems to be mixed up in it.
DARKNESS THE COLOR OF SNOW Thomas Cobb Reviewed by Christine Zibas
A young man is killed by a hit-and-run driver while being taken into custody by a new police officer, who was also his estranged friend. Was it an accident or murder?
THE ADVENTURESS Tasha Alexander Reviewed by Cathy Downs
An American husband and wife bring their daughter overseas to catch a duke, but a strange series of misadventures keeps interrupting the engagement party.
IN BITTER CHILL Sarah Ward Reviewed by Barbara Fister
When a woman commits suicide, it reopens a cold case: the kidnap and disappearance of her daughter, of interest both to the police and to a genealogist who, as a girl, escaped the kidnappers.
ONE MAN'S FLAG David Downing Reviewed by Anne Corey
Jack McColl, a WWI British spy, is sent on dangerous missions behind enemy lines, while Caitlin Hanley, an Irish-American journalist he loves but has betrayed, becomes involved with the Irish Rebellion and various women's rights issues.
THE SPY HOUSE Matthew Dunn Reviewed by Christine Zibas
When the Israeli Ambassador to France is taken out by a sniper on the streets of Paris, the Israelis conclude it's the work of Hamas, something they're willing to go to war over. However, it's not clear
whether Hamas is behind the assassination or not.
GHOST SHIFT John Gapper Reviewed by Anne Corey
Song Mei, a Chinese student being trained by the Commission for Discipline, must investigate the murder of a young woman who may or may not be her twin sister and in doing so uncovers an international spying scheme.
THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2015 James Patterson and Otto Penzler, eds
Reviewed by Lourdes Venard
LOUISE BROOKS: DETECTIVE Rick Geary Reviewed by Ben Neal
Former film star Louise Brooks moves back to Kansas and uncovers a murder
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
Writers Who Kill: Lazy Writing
Writers Who Kill: Lazy Writing: by Linda Rodriguez My husband and I have been binge-watching Prime Suspect on Netflix lately. Helen Mirren is awesome, as alwa...
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: November 16 - 22, 2015
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Monday With Kaye: "The Trial" by Larry D. Thompson (Reviewed by Kaye George)
With all the medical stuff we
have gone through the last several years, medical dramas and medical thrillers
are a definite and automatic no go for this reader. If they are still on your
reading radar Kaye George’s pick this week might be down your alley.
The Trial by Larry D. Thompson
This thriller exposes some lethal
potential problems in the way pharmaceuticals are policed and approved. The
reader needs to suspend a bit of disbelief to go along with the complete
scenario, but, if you can do that, there are enough plot turns to keep you
going here.
The relationship between attorney Luke
Vaughan and his daughter creates a dilemma for the lawyer when he's caught
between his love for his daughter and his budding love for the woman he knows
could make him happy.
The first part of the novel felt
compressed, maybe hurried, in getting to the legal portion of the plot, the
actual trial that the first half led up to. In this section, there was some
confusion about time, about what was backstory and what was unfolding. The
whole scenario could have been avoided by the main character's shocking neglect
to provide insurance coverage for his daughter. But, given that, most of the
rest of the story was plausible.
This reviewer is familiar with the
locales, which gave me a special interest in the book. Vaughan was born and
raised in San Marcos and graduated from the University of Texas, the area where
I've lived for the last six years.
After quitting his high-powered job
because of the physical problems he is having, Vaughan moves back to his
hometown and encounters a woman who had a crush on him in high school, Sue
Ellen Taggert. They are both unmarried at the time and each has one child, and
a relationship begins to develop. An interesting character, the motorcycle riding
Professor Whizmo, enters their lives and, later, they're all glad he's around.
Vaughan's daughter's troubles begin with
a drug trial which may cost her her life.
The trial threatens Vaughan's
relationships with his daughter as well as with his new love, and also
threatens their very lives as Vaughan races against time to expose the dirty
dealings of an almost unbelievably corrupt drug company, which will stop at
nothing to win, and a crooked FDA official, who is looking out for number one.
Reviewed by Kaye George, Author of A Patchwork of Stories for Suspense Magazine