Friday, June 30, 2017
Sandi in Rehab
Been a long and hard day but, Sandi is now in the rehab unit at the hospital. It is not home, but it is a step closer.
FFB Review: THE SIXTEENTH MAN (2000) by Thomas B. Sawyer -- Reviewed by Barry Ergang
For this final Friday in June, Barry Ergang is back
with another review for Friday’s Forgotten Books. Today he reviews The
Sixteenth Man by Thomas B. Sawyer. After you read Barry’s review, head over to Todd
Mason’s Sweet Freedom blog for
the full list of suggestions.
THE SIXTEENTH MAN
(2000) by Thomas B. Sawyer
Reviewed by Barry
Ergang
If and when you decide
to acquire a copy of this novel, I urge you to avoid reading the lengthy synopses at Amazon, Barnes & Noble,
and probably elsewhere, lest they spoil some of the tense and pleasurable
surprises you’ll encounter by reading the actual story.
A mystery thriller
featuring two timelines which ultimately converge, The Sixteenth Man opens in the present with archaeologist Dr. Matthew
Packard nearly killing himself in a motorcycle accident in Moab, Utah, where he
and his crew are on a dig. The accident results in his discovery of an ancient burial
site containing the bones of sixteen skeletons, fifteen of which are possibly a
hundred thousand years-old, and one of which still has some hairs attached and
silver fillings in its teeth—and a bullet in its forearm, rendering its demise
far more modern. When one of his crew is seriously injured and another
murdered, Packard realizes he’s stumbled onto something of archaeological,
historical, and—possibly—criminal significance. Now if he can only live long
enough to uncover who and why….
In November of 1963,
private investigator Charlie Callan, a man whose own personal and professional
issues are in a state of chaos, is contracted by a wealthy friend to obtain
evidence supporting his wife’s blatant infidelity. Charlie tails the woman and
her lover from Nevada to Texas, and it’s there that he stumbles into trouble
that includes a murder charge, a murderous conspiracy at the highest level of
government (note the time of this part of the story at this paragraph’s
beginning), and an opportunity to make a great deal of money for those he loves
despite the likelihood that he’ll be killed no matter what.
Beyond mentioning that
the way these two storylines play out and come together will keep readers
turning pages as they get to know some intriguing characters, their backgrounds
and relationships to others, lethal and otherwise, in a terrific page-turner, I
don’t want to say anything more lest I
spoil the fun and excitement.
Except to say: read it—unless those doing so find
graphic language and some sexuality disturbing or outright offensive.
While non-prudish
21st Century readers are at it, they should check out author Thomas B. Sawyer’s
qualifications—http://www.thomasbsawyer.com/—where
it should become immediately apparent that the man knows how to tell—and what
drives—a compelling story.
Recommended!
© 2017 Barry Ergang
Some of Derringer
Award-winner Barry Ergang’s work is available at Amazon
and at Smashwords.com
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 31 Writing Contests in July 2017 - No entry fees
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 31 Writing Contests in July 2017 - No entry fees: There are nearly three dozen free contests in July. They cover the full range of topics, styles and genres, from short stories, to essays...
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: CREEPZ IS AN INTENSE SUSPENSE THRILLER
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: CREEPZ IS AN INTENSE SUSPENSE THRILLER: Creepz by Ruth Bainbridge GENRE : Suspense Thriller MULTIPLE GIVEAWAYS VIA RAFFLECOPTER CREEPZ Blurb: June 2017...
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Dinner Made Simple
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Dinner Made Simple: Reviewed by Ambrea I decided to read Dinner Made Simple by Real Simple, a cookbook which shares the same name as the magazine, a...
Sandi Update 6/29/17
Blood work late last night and again this morning indicated things seem to have leveled out which is not what we wanted. She also had some increased confusion yesterday and again this morning. She is back sleeping more as well. SO, the plan now is to hold her where she is until Monday and then move her across the hospital complex to rehab then. She has qualified for all aspects of rehab and Medicare approved her, but she just is not ready yet to go do that. Hopefully, this is just a minor hiccup. They keep telling me this is normal and that things are on the right track overall, but I am worried.
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 36 Great Writing Conferences in July 2017
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 36 Great Writing Conferences in July 2017: Southampton Writers Conference I've said it before, and I will say it again - conferences are not only the best way to meet agents,...
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: A RANCHER'S REQUEST -- VICTORIAN AMERICAN WESTERN
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: A RANCHER'S REQUEST -- VICTORIAN AMERICAN WESTERN: My newest book is set partially in Virginia and partially in Wyoming shortly after Wyoming became a state. The fun part for me was being abl...
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Playing for Pizza by John Grisham: Reviewed by Ambrea Rick Dockery isn’t the luckiest guy in the world. After being transferred between teams numerous times a...
Mystery Fanfare: Summer Mysteries: Lazy, Hazy, Criminal Days of Sum...
Mystery Fanfare: Summer Mysteries: Lazy, Hazy, Criminal Days of Sum...: Summertime , and the living is easy. Or is it? So many mysteries taking place during Summer are filled with murder and mayhem -- on the B...
Sandi Update 6/28/17
Back home after making a run to the house and then going to see Sandi at the hospital. Today is a milestone that we could have done without as she has been hospitalized for a month as of today. She had a bit of a rocky afternoon yesterday leading up to the MRI. They did that and for awhile she was a bit better, but apparently she was again rather confused overnight. That extended into this morning and continued while we were there. A conversation with her today was a bit of a roller coaster as she kind do went in and out. It is very shard to explain in words, but those involved with her care repeatedly assured me what Sandi is doing is normal and not anything to get upset over.
The brain wave test apparently indicated everything was okay. The MRI was thought to be "good" as, though it showed the extensive damage from 2010 and 2011 when she had a number of strokes, it did not show new damage. That confirms the idea she did not have a stroke. If she had a seizure last week it did not do anything that was strong enough to do damage. That is also very good news.
The plan is to move her to rehab as soon as possible where she will be from ten days to two weeks. Medicare has to approve this so physical therapy and occupational therapists will come work with her today to write reports and submit them to Medicare. Everyone involved believes there is no question that Medicare will approve her moving to rehab. Apparently there is an inpatient rehab unit at Medical City Dallas Hospital that opened in the last year so they would move her there. They really want to get her there tomorrow, but I think it is more likely she would not move until Friday.
I am not thrilled about her having to change rooms again as she is still upset over the last move when she had to change rooms due to Medicare rules. She is still upset over that and feels like things were lost. that move comes up multiple times each visit. So, moving her again could trigger a new round of that complaint though she seems to understand that such a move will be necessary.
Once she successfully completed rehab, they would then move her back to the main hospital and do another round of chemo. This means, if everything goes right, she is most likely looking at another three weeks in the hospital. If I can orchestrate things here well enough, when she comes home she would go to the house and not back here to the apartment. I'd still have to pay out the lease till August 21st , but being on the ground floor would help her a lot.
The brain wave test apparently indicated everything was okay. The MRI was thought to be "good" as, though it showed the extensive damage from 2010 and 2011 when she had a number of strokes, it did not show new damage. That confirms the idea she did not have a stroke. If she had a seizure last week it did not do anything that was strong enough to do damage. That is also very good news.
The plan is to move her to rehab as soon as possible where she will be from ten days to two weeks. Medicare has to approve this so physical therapy and occupational therapists will come work with her today to write reports and submit them to Medicare. Everyone involved believes there is no question that Medicare will approve her moving to rehab. Apparently there is an inpatient rehab unit at Medical City Dallas Hospital that opened in the last year so they would move her there. They really want to get her there tomorrow, but I think it is more likely she would not move until Friday.
I am not thrilled about her having to change rooms again as she is still upset over the last move when she had to change rooms due to Medicare rules. She is still upset over that and feels like things were lost. that move comes up multiple times each visit. So, moving her again could trigger a new round of that complaint though she seems to understand that such a move will be necessary.
Once she successfully completed rehab, they would then move her back to the main hospital and do another round of chemo. This means, if everything goes right, she is most likely looking at another three weeks in the hospital. If I can orchestrate things here well enough, when she comes home she would go to the house and not back here to the apartment. I'd still have to pay out the lease till August 21st , but being on the ground floor would help her a lot.
Guest Post: Jeanne and Treadmill Books: Sunny and Shadow Mysteries by Claire Donally
These
are busy times for Jeanne of the Bookblog of the Bristol
Library so it has been a couple of weeks since she was last here with one
of these guest posts. But, the good news is the fact she is back today with her
latest Treadmill Books Review. For those who wish to read in order there are
five books in the series that began with The
Big Kitty published in May 2012.
Treadmill
Books: Sunny and Shadow Mysteries by
Claire Donally
Sunny Coolidge left a job in the big city to return
home to Kittery Harbor, Maine to take care of her widower father after he has a
heart attack. Jobs are few and far
between, so she ends up working for a local travel agency with a testy
boss. It doesn’t make for job
satisfaction, so when an elderly lady named Ada asks Sunny to help her find a
lottery ticket that she claims is worth a fortune, Sunny agrees to try to
help. But when she arrives at Ada’s
house, she finds the old woman dead at the bottom of the stairs. Was it an accident—or did someone else believe
the tale of the ticket?
So begins The Big Kitty, the first book in
the Sunny and Shadow Mysteries by
Claire Donally. Sunny soon picks up her
titular sidekick, Shadow, a big stray tomcat who harbors some deep suspicions
about humans. Sunny’s dad harbors some of the same misgivings about cats. Throw
in a couple of love interests (a cop for Sunny and a neighbor for her dad), the
aforementioned irritating boss, and you have the set up for the series.
Most of it is pretty standard cozy. Heroine returns
home, check; nasty character who exists to make life miserable for heroine,
check; attractive cop/fireman/lawyer with boyfriend potential, check; local
atmosphere, check. What gives the series
its spark is that part of the action is narrated from Shadow’s point of
view. Shadow’s perspective is
necessarily limited, but he’s a keen observer of action. Donally avoids many of the cat as character
traps and does succeed in making Shadow a strong character even if he doesn’t
sniff out the murderer. His descriptions of events are fun to read, if
occasionally confusing, and always make me consider how my own cats might view
situations.
I find the series to be a bit uneven; certain books
work quite well while others are forgettable. Donally does let her characters
do a bit of evolving which I appreciate.
Even Sunny’s boss has mellowed a bit.
However, this isn’t a series you have to read in order.
The latest entry, Catch As Cat Can, is one of
the better books in the series. There’s
a strong plot, good sense of place with some information about the local
fishing industry and some nice twists and turns along the way. As with all good treadmill books, it held my
interest and kept me walking. Shadow’s
thoughts were particularly amusing this time around, even as Donally made sure
he kept his “felinity.”
In short, a solid series, if not an outstanding one.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Fillet of Murder by Linda Reilly
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Fillet of Murder by Linda Reilly: Reviewed by Jeanne Talia Marby seems to have come full circle. As a teenager, she worked for the Lamberts in their fish ...
Sandi Update 6/27/17
Back home from the hospital where we found her much improved from yesterday. Sandi was awake and watching television when we walked into her room. She knew who we were and what was going on in the world. She could again have a conversation with us and did for a couple of hours. She has no memory of the last several days and that is just as well. It haunts me.
Her doctor and the treatment team came in while we were visiting her and they are all very pleased. her doctor tried again to explain what had happened. Basically, because her blood pressure was so high and her kidney function was so off in certain areas, the back of her brain and the surrounding area at the back of the head became inflamed and that caused her mental confusion and fatigue. Now that her BP is back to normal, sometime this afternoon they will do the MRI to make sure the diagnosis of what happened to her is correct.
Her blood pressure is back to normal and has been since sometime overnight. Her kidney function has improved massively. Her pancreas numbers are coming down a little bit more rapidly than the last few days. She still is having some on and off stomach pain and nausea. Because of her pancreas and the stomach issues, she remains NPO which means clear liquids only, but she is now aware that she would like some food.
So, all in all, while she is not out of the woods, she clearly is massively better. I am a bit relieved though I am well aware that things could easily swing back the other way again.
Her doctor and the treatment team came in while we were visiting her and they are all very pleased. her doctor tried again to explain what had happened. Basically, because her blood pressure was so high and her kidney function was so off in certain areas, the back of her brain and the surrounding area at the back of the head became inflamed and that caused her mental confusion and fatigue. Now that her BP is back to normal, sometime this afternoon they will do the MRI to make sure the diagnosis of what happened to her is correct.
Her blood pressure is back to normal and has been since sometime overnight. Her kidney function has improved massively. Her pancreas numbers are coming down a little bit more rapidly than the last few days. She still is having some on and off stomach pain and nausea. Because of her pancreas and the stomach issues, she remains NPO which means clear liquids only, but she is now aware that she would like some food.
So, all in all, while she is not out of the woods, she clearly is massively better. I am a bit relieved though I am well aware that things could easily swing back the other way again.
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: One-Pan Wonders: Fuss-Free Meals for Your Sheet Pa...
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Review: Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1 by Terry W. Ervin II
Relic Tech Class 4 Transport
Security Specialist Krakista Keesay has a significant problem. Actually, he has
several problems and they are all very significant. Employed by the Negral Corp
and assigned to the transport ship Kalavar,
Keesay has been seriously injured as Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume 1
by Terry W. Ervin II begins. He has no memory of how he sustained those
injuries. He has no memory of ever being onboard the Kalavar.
He is accused of
numerous crimes, including treason, and is accused of being responsible for the
deaths of over 100 military and corporate personnel. He has no memory of any
such actions either. Due to his injuries as well as the fact he is heavily
restrained, fleeing is not an option. With no memories, he is unable to refute
the charges against him. He also does not care for the option strongly suggested
by his appointed legal counsel to plead guilty because the evidence against him
is insurmountable.
He is aware that
things are not right though he has no real clue as to what is wrong. His only
option is a very dangerous plan using alien technology. An ancient alien race
known as the Umblegarri assisted mankind years ago with becoming part of the
intergalactic community. This was before the Silicate War. One of their
capabilities is an A Tech-- or advanced technology – machine known as Cranaltar
IV. A brain scanning instrument that has the ability to retrieve and store the memories
of the subject in the machine. These memories can then be displayed through
various means. It also has a tendency to scramble the brains of human test subjects.
Keesay, by invoking
his right to be scanned may prove his innocence, but he could also be permanently
damaged if he survives the encounter. He might prove his innocence, but he also
could easily have no mind left afterwards. It is a risk he is willing to take.
Assuming he makes it alive to the small moon of Io to undergo the scanning.
Between his health and the forces against him that need him dead to keep the
secrets in his head hidden nothing is assured.
Published in 2013 the
first book of a new series by author Terry W. Ervin II, Relic Tech: Crax
War Chronicles Volume 1 is a combination political/ espionage and science
fiction alien invasion war book. While plenty of reviews note the western style
aspects of the read, those same reviews seem to miss the political/espionage elements
also strongly present in the book. Blending science and history along with
plenty of creatures one never wants to meet, Terry Ervin has created a far
flung space opera style science fiction read set far in the future with plenty
of mystery and thriller elements along with the previously mentioned elements.
While it is clearly science fiction, like many of the author’s other works, the
tale has elements of nearly every other genre heavily present throughout the
work. At over 400 pages, the book certainly isn’t a fast read, but there is
plenty of action, intrigue, and various attacking creatures as well as plenty
of other things to keep the reader turning pages. You won’t be bored.
Like the very good Flank
Hawk series that I also strongly recommend, Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles
Volume 1 is a very good read and well worth your time.
Relic Tech: Crax War Chronicles Volume
1
Terry W. Ervin II
Gryphonwood Press
November 2013
ISBN# 978-1940095-10-3
Paperback (also available in e-book and
audio formats)
452 Pages
$13.99
Material provided by the author long
ago in exchange for my objective review. The second book in the series, Relic
Hunted is in my TBR pile.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
Sandi Update 6/26/17
Back home from spending time at the hospital with Sandi. The last several days she has been sleeping a lot and very confused and out of it when she was awake for very brief periods. Sunday was very scary as it seemed like something irreversible had happened and would be devastating for her. I deliberately did not say anything publicly as I feared the worst and wanted to know for sure before I said anything. Based on the doctor who is a bit more optimistic than he has been the last few days, I think I can safely say something now with the understanding things could easily change.
Tests have been run and more tests are planned for today.
At this point, they have ruled out a stroke and do not believe this is a cancer related issue or an infection. There is a possibility she had a seizure of some type late last week and she is on anti seizure meds as a proactive measure. The main working theory is that her kidneys and her high blood pressure are causing the mental confusion. I don't really understand how this works so I can only repeat what I was told. In some cancer patients, when the blood pressure is elevated and resisting control and the kidneys are not functioning as well as they should, this syndrome sets up in the patient. Takes about a week to ten days to run its course as they medicate for blood pressure and kidney function.
That is being done and she was somewhat more present this morning. She does know what year it is, where she is at, that sort of thing. But, right now she is very confused as to various family things and is extremely repetitive in her questions and statements. She gets agitated very easily and at times for apparently no reason. As bad and out of touch as she is, today was a slight improvement over the weekend.
A brain wave scan as well as an MRI are planned as soon as possible. If those tests back up what the doctor currently believes, she hopefully will be better by the end of the week.
Tests have been run and more tests are planned for today.
At this point, they have ruled out a stroke and do not believe this is a cancer related issue or an infection. There is a possibility she had a seizure of some type late last week and she is on anti seizure meds as a proactive measure. The main working theory is that her kidneys and her high blood pressure are causing the mental confusion. I don't really understand how this works so I can only repeat what I was told. In some cancer patients, when the blood pressure is elevated and resisting control and the kidneys are not functioning as well as they should, this syndrome sets up in the patient. Takes about a week to ten days to run its course as they medicate for blood pressure and kidney function.
That is being done and she was somewhat more present this morning. She does know what year it is, where she is at, that sort of thing. But, right now she is very confused as to various family things and is extremely repetitive in her questions and statements. She gets agitated very easily and at times for apparently no reason. As bad and out of touch as she is, today was a slight improvement over the weekend.
A brain wave scan as well as an MRI are planned as soon as possible. If those tests back up what the doctor currently believes, she hopefully will be better by the end of the week.
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: TEXAS LITERARY CALENDAR 6/26-7/2
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: TEXAS LITERARY CALENDAR 6/26-7/2: Bookish events in Texas for the week of June 26-July 2, 2017: Special Events: 2017 National Federation of State Poetry Societies Convent...
Aubrey Hamilton Reviews: Bad Country by C. B. McKenzie
Back in March 2015 I reviewed
Bad Country by C. B. McKenzie. I thought it was a very good read. Today on this
final Monday of June, Aubrey Hamilton is
here with her review of the book. Make sure you check out her other reviews on
these pages.
Bad Country by C. B. McKenzie (Minotaur, 2014) is the story
of a former rodeo cowboy who fell into a second career of private investigator
in the stark Arizona desert around Tucson. Someone is killing the Indians who
live in the area and Rodeo Grace Garnet returns from a brief vacation to find a
body of one of them near the entrance of his remote home. He’s offered a day’s work to investigate the
death of another one and, since he’s always in desperate need of money, takes
it even though the person retaining him is strangely uninterested in the
outcome of his research. The body count rises considerably before he can
identify and stop the killer.
I found this book intriguing in its original characters and
matter-of-fact presentation of gritty details. No drama here, just the facts.
His lack of money for instance: he
visits the local store which serves as a pawn shop and notes to himself that
several of his possessions are on display, implying he’s had to pawn them for
cash. I especially liked Rodeo’s kindness. He keeps water and food in a cave
that he knows is used by undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S. border from
the south, saying he can’t stand the thought of people dying in his back yard. His
devotion to the old dog he won in a poker game is wonderful, spending money he
doesn’t have on medicine and vitamins for him.
However, the author’s aversion to quotation marks made it a
challenging read, as I could not always tell when dialog stopped and narrative
began. The reason for omitting standard punctuation is not clear. The story
would have been just as compelling with it.
I love books set in the Southwest United States. Steven
Havill’s Posada County books are a particular favorite. Why I, a child of the
lush green Ohio Valley and a long-established transplant to rolling Virginia
hills, should be so enthralled by printed descriptions of sand and unbearable
heat is a mystery. I am looking forward to more from this author.
This book won the Tony Hillerman Prize and the Spur Award
for Best Western Contemporary Novel. It was shortlisted for a New
Mexico-Arizona Book Award, for the Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel, and
for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Kirkus starred review.
- Hardcover: 304 pages
- Publisher: Minotaur Books; 1St Edition edition (November 4, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1250053544
- ISBN-13: 978-1250053541
Aubrey Hamilton © 2017
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian
who works on Federal IT projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Cars 3
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Cars 3: Cars 3 ~ Once you get past the truly dark first teaser trailer that led children, and some adults, to believe Lightning McQueen was dea...
Saturday, June 24, 2017
FROM DUNDEE'S DESK: Noteworthy Reads: CHIRICAHUA BLUES
FROM DUNDEE'S DESK: Noteworthy Reads: CHIRICAHUA BLUES: This third installment of Frank Leslie's "Bloody Arizona" quartet of Yakima Henry tales is once again an action-pack...
Bitter Tea and Mystery Review: The Janus Stone: Elly Griffiths
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Not Deflating At All!!
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: It's a Scientific Fact!: Study: Cowboys top Patriots as team with the NFL's best fans, Chiefs rank dead last
KRL This Week Update for 6/24/17
Up in KRL this morning a review & giveaway of "Yews with Caution" by Kate Collins along with a fun guest post by Kate about yews http://kingsriverlife.com/06/24/yews-with-caution-by-kate-collins/ Also up reviews & giveaways of several mysteries for your summer reading fun-"A Just Clause": A Booktown Mystery by Lorna Barrett, "Trumpet of Death": Martha’s Vineyard Mystery by Cynthia Riggs, "Antiques Frame": A Trash ’n’ Treasures Mystery by Barbara Allan, & "Dead and Berried": Cranberry Cove series by Peg Peg Cochran http://kingsriverlife.com/06/24/summer-reading-mystery-catch-up/ And up, perfect for your 4th of July reading, a review & giveaway of "Blood Red, White and Blue" by Kathleen Delaney http://kingsriverlife.com/06/24/blood-red-white-and-blue-by-kathleen-delaney/ Also up a review & giveaway (of a signed copy) of "The Spy Across the Table" by Barry Lancet http://kingsriverlife.com/06/24/the-spy-across-the-table-by-barry-lancet/ And a review & giveaway of "Ivy Get Your Gun," another fun theatre related mystery by Cindy Brown, along with an interesting interview with Cindy http://kingsriverlife.com/06/24/ivy-get-your-gun-by-cindy-brown/ And the latest mystery Coming Attractions from Sunny Frazier http://kingsriverlife.com/06/24/coming-attractions-fun-beach-reads-ahead-for-a-great-summer/ And over on KRL Reviews & News a review & giveaway of "Too Lucky to Live" by Annie Hogsett http://krlreviews.blogspot.com/2017/06/too-lucky-to-live-by-annie-hogsett.html Happy reading, Lorie
Lesa's Latest Contest: Give Me a "C" Giveaway
This week, I'm giving away ARCs of Ann Cleeves' Cold Earth and Julia
Chapman's Date with Death. Details on my blog at
http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries from the U.S. only,
please.
Lesa Holstine
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 13 Outdoor and Environmental Magazines that Pay Wr...
Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity: 13 Outdoor and Environmental Magazines that Pay Wr...: If you love the great outdoors and are passionate about conservation, you can get paid for writing about it! Hiking and climbing enthusias...
Friday, June 23, 2017
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Too Lucky to Live by Annie Hogsett
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Too Lucky to Live by Annie Hogsett: Reviewed by Brenda G. Using numbers he and Rune, an impoverished young boy, choose, Tom Bennington III, a well-edu...
Joan Reeves: If Only I'd Known: Writing Lesson by Caroline Clemmons
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Two Ends of the Pen: #Review: THUNDER WELLS by Terry W Ervin II
Two Ends of the Pen: #Review: THUNDER WELLS by Terry W Ervin II: 5 of 5 stars I've been a fan of Mr. Ervin ever since I read his first book, "Flank Hawk." Mr. Ervin is a ta...
Sandi Update 6/23/17
After dropping off a load at the house Scott and I went to the hospital to see Sandi. We found her sleeping and she woke up a few minutes after we arrived. She was extremely out of it. We stayed for a little while and then left so that she could sleep in peace.
FFB Review: DARK PASSAGE (1946) by David Goodis -- Reviewed by Barry Ergang
Barry is back with a new review today as he reviews
Dark Passage by David Goodis. This is not the first book by David Goodis he has
reviewed here as he notes in the review below. After you read what Barry has to
say make sure you head over to Patti Abbott’s blog for the full list of FFB review suggestions.
DARK PASSAGE (1946)
by David Goodis
Reviewed by Barry
Ergang
Imprisoned for life for the murder of his wife—a
crime he didn’t commit, believing instead that she died accidentally, despite
the rhyme and meter at the beginning of this sentence—and that’s not a spoiler because you find it out in
the second sentence on the first page—Vincent Parry manages an escape from San
Quentin, his ultimate aim being to escape from the United States, having begun
“remembering pictures he had seen in travel folders long ago. Places that
looked out upon water. Lovely beaches. One was Patavilca, Peru.”
(I’ve no idea what Peruvian folders Parry or his
creator may have seen, but when I looked up Patavilca to see if it actually
exists, I discovered that it’s an inland rather than coastal town. However, if you look at the Wikipedia site, you’ll see
that the town is spelled Pativilca
and is shown as being coastal. I’m sure geography buffs and experienced
travelers will help clarify this point, despite its ultimate insignificance to
the thrust of the storyline.)
Unexpectedly and unwittingly the Blanche DuBois of noir fiction, Vincent Parry becomes
dependent “on the kindness of strangers.” The first one, the driver of a
Studebaker, seems inordinately curious about his passenger and eventually
proves problematic. The second, Irene Janney, has reasons of her own for
helping a man she knows to be an escaped convict. The third is an anonymous cab
driver whose motives are far more ambiguously altruistic, as are those of the
doctor to whom the driver takes him.
Beyond mentioning that when Parry’s best friend,
George Felsinger, is murdered and Parry becomes the prime suspect, I don’t want
to say anything more about the plot lest I ruin a classic novel for those who
have neither read it nor seen the equally classic film from 1947 starring
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
I’ve read and enjoyed Goodis’s Black Friday, Shoot the Piano Player, Nightfall, Cassidy’s Girl, and Night Squad over a number of years,
and I’ve seen the film version of Dark
Passage God knows how many times, having been a hardcore Bogart fan since I
was 12 or 13. I was curious about how the movie compared with its source, and
can finally report that it is extremely faithful to the novel.
For fans of noir
fiction, it’s a definite case of “Read the Book, See the Movie.”
© 2017 Barry Ergang
Thursday, June 22, 2017
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: ESCAPE TO INDIGO BAY -- SIX AUTHORS, SIX SWEET ROM...
A Writer's Life....Caroline Clemmons: ESCAPE TO INDIGO BAY -- SIX AUTHORS, SIX SWEET ROM...: $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Escape to Indigo Bay… Six authors. Six Sweet Romances. One small South Carolina beach to...
Crime Review Update
We feature new 20 reviews in each issue of Crime Review ( www.crimereview.co.uk), together with a top industry interview. This time it’s author Susan Wilkins in the Countdown hot seat: http://crimereview.co.uk/page.php/interview/4950 We’re on Twitter at: Crime Review: @CrimeReviewUK Linda Wilson: @CrimeReviewer Sharon Wheeler: @lartonmedia This week’s reviews are: THE LONG DROP by Denise Mina, reviewed by Arnold Taylor William Watt, a Glasgow businessman widely suspected of murdering his wife, daughter and sister-in-law, has arranged a meeting with a known criminal, Peter Manuel, who claims to have information that will establish Watt’s innocence. THE BEAUTIFUL DEAD by Belinda Bauer, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor Eve Singer, crime correspondent for iWitness News, needs murder: it pays the bills. For the killer who stabbed Layla Martin to death behind a glass door, murder is his art. Eve would say they are worlds apart. The killer wouldn’t. THE RESTLESS DEAD by Simon Beckett, reviewed by Linda Wilson Forensic anthropologist Dr David Hunter is called to give advice on a body washed up on the Essex marshes. The police seem to want an easy resolution to the case of a missing man, but Hunter isn’t convinced by the evidence and wants to delve deeper. BRIGHT SHINY THINGS by Barbara Nadel, reviewed by John Cleal Former soldier-turned-PI Lee Arnold enlists his Muslim assistant, Bangladeshi psychiatry graduate Mumtaz Hakim, in a daring deception to bring a self-confessed ISIS terrorist to the West. THE PLEDGE by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, reviewed by Chris Roberts A detective becomes fixated with a serial killer of young girls, and sacrifices his career and mental health in an attempt to bring the man to justice. FIRESIDE GOTHIC by Andrew Taylor, reviewed by John Cleal A trio of supernatural, eerie and haunting Gothic novellas. THE BURIAL HOUR by Jeffery Deaver, reviewed by Linda Wilson Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs travel to Italy on the trail of a serial kidnapper who likes to torture his victims in pursuit of some unusual goals. SWEETPEA by CJ Skuse, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor Rhiannon is an editorial assistant on a provincial newspaper, and despises her invisibility – except when her lofty morals drive her to kill.
STRANGE TIDE by Christopher Fowler, reviewed by Jim Beaman Bryant and May of the Peculiar Crimes Unit investigate when the body of a woman is found chained to a post in the River Thames. PURITAN by David Hingley, reviewed by John Cleal Mercia Blakewood hopes her search for Charles II’s missing paintings, which has taken her to America, has gained enough leverage to reclaim her family home. But when a new friend is murdered, she will not leave until the killer is found. THE BINDING SONG by Elodie Harper, reviewed by Linda Wilson Newly-appointed lead psychologist Janet Palmer is faced with a spate of suicides amongst the prisoners and a worrying climate of secrecy amongst the staff at Halvergate Prison. HERETICS by Leonardo Padura, reviewed by Chris Roberts Retired Cuban detective Mario Conde helps to trace the chain of possession of a Rembrandt portrait that was stolen and disappeared for 70 years. THE LAST DAYS OF NIGHT by Graham Moore, reviewed by John Cleal Brilliant novice lawyer Paul Cravath must help his first client withstand a $1 billion dollar patent suit – with the very future of electric light itself at stake. THE ROAD TO ITHACA by Ben Pastor, reviewed by Chris Roberts Wehrmacht officer Martin Von Bora lands in Crete immediately after the 1941 German invasion and is handed the investigation into a possible war crime. ROOTED IN DISHONOUR by Christina James, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor When an 18-year old girl disappears days after she meets her husband-to-be, DI Tim Yates is convinced this is his first encounter with an honour killing. THE NIGHT VISITOR by Lucy Atkins, reviewed by John Barnbrook Professor Olivia Sweetman, a noted historian, has used a Victorian diary to write the biography of one of the earliest women to become a doctor. But in the background is the ominous presence of the woman who gave her the diary, who could destroy her hard-earned reputation. GOOD GIRLS DON’T TELL by Liselotte Roll, reviewed by Ewa Sherman A tortured body of a man is found in an allotment shed. Inspector Magnus Kalo and his team are mystified, especially due to the lack of information about the victim. Eventually they find a connection to a past event in Argentina. LITTLE BONES by Sam Blake, reviewed by John Barnbrook Zoë Grant is an aspiring artist on the verge of a breakthrough with a local gallery. Garda Detective Cathy Connolly is called to investigate a break-in at Zoë’s home and discovers an old wedding dress, ripped open, with baby’s bones hidden in the hem. A NECESSARY EVIL by Abir Mukherjee, reviewed by Chris Roberts India 1920: Captain Wyndham and Sergeant Banerjee of the Calcutta police force visit the native state of Sambalpore to investigate the assassination of a Maharajah’s son. URBAN OUTLAWS: SHOCKWAVE by Peter Jay Black, reviewed by Linda Wilson The Urban Outlaws have been infected with a deadly virus and now their arch-enemy Hector Del Sarto is threatening to infect the whole of London – and the rest of the country – as well. He also has the antidote, and the Outlaws need it, fast. Best wishes Sharon
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Guest Post: HOW JOURNALISM GUIDELINES CAN HELP FIC...
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Setback--Sandi Update 6/22/17
Just came home from spending most of the morning with Sandi and meeting with the doctor. She has had a significant setback from yesterday as the bad numbers have soared in several areas. This is especially true of her pancreas. The abdominal pain started again late yesterday and they are addressing that.
Today they are again working on trying to get the bad numbers down while also giving her another blood transfusion. They already are planning to do more blood transfusions tomorrow and most likely through the weekend. Coming home early next week is pretty much out the window at this point.
Today they are again working on trying to get the bad numbers down while also giving her another blood transfusion. They already are planning to do more blood transfusions tomorrow and most likely through the weekend. Coming home early next week is pretty much out the window at this point.
FROM DUNDEE'S DESK: Noteworthy Reads: SHADOW MAN by Andrew McBride
FROM DUNDEE'S DESK: Noteworthy Reads: SHADOW MAN by Andrew McBride: SHADOW MAN is the second novel in Andrew McBride's Calvin Taylor series, though you needn't have read the previous title to thoro...
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nevermore: Islam, The Risen, Iris Grace, Wanderer...
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Nevermore: Islam, The Risen, Iris Grace, Wanderer...: Reported by Ambrea Nevermore discussed The Islamic Enlightenment: The Struggle Between Faith and Reason, 1798 to Modern Times ...
Sandi Update for 6/21/17
Spent part of the morning today at the hospital and have seen her doctor. Though she is very out of it from the meds, things seem to be on the right track. She remains on a liquid diet as they want her pancreas numbers. Those finally seem to be trending in the right direction. She was moved to a new room yesterday, as required by Medicare, and will remain there through the weekend.
The current plan is that Sandi might be coming home the early part of next week. Once home, she will have about a week here. After that week off, they will readmit her and start the next round of chemo over five days.
The current plan is that Sandi might be coming home the early part of next week. Once home, she will have about a week here. After that week off, they will readmit her and start the next round of chemo over five days.
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Why Worry?
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Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Gravetapping: COLD HIT by Stephen J. Cannell
Gravetapping: COLD HIT by Stephen J. Cannell: Cold Hit (2005) is Stephen J. Cannell’s fifth novel featuring LAPD Detective Shane Scully and the second I’ve read. The first title I r...
WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigo...
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Monday, June 19, 2017
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: No Cats Allowed by Miranda James
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: No Cats Allowed by Miranda James: Reviewed by Jeanne Librarian Charlie Harris has enjoyed working as an archivist at Athena College, usually accompanied by hi...
Sandi Update 6/19/17
Took one load over today and then went to the hospital. She is doing a little better. They took the cath out and she had a shower with a lot of help. She is having more blood today so she was falling asleep when we arrived. We hung out a little while with her and then headed out. Came here and boxed some more of my many books. After unloading and boxing another bookcase, we are calling it quits for today. There is lots to do here and at the house, but I have to get smarter about pacing myself as well as Scott who is doing all the heavy lifting.
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: TEXAS LITERARY CALENDAR 6/19-25
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Aubrey Hamilton Reviews: Alive! A Valentino Mystery by Loren D. Estleman
Alive! A Valentino Mystery (Forge Books, 2013) is Loren D.
Estleman’s third full-length book about UCLA film archivist Valentino, I’m not
sure his first name is ever mentioned. A collection of short stories is
available in ebook. Valentino spends his days tracking down rare film footage and
artifacts from the golden days of Hollywood on behalf of the university while
fending off collectors with deeper pockets.
A friend from the past calls, claiming to have found the long-lost
Bela Lugosi screen test for the part of the Frankenstein monster in the 1931
movie, a part that went to Boris Karloff and made him famous. Valentino doesn’t
believe him and doesn’t follow up. Within 24 hours the friend is dead and the
police are questioning Valentino. The police think they’ve found the killer but
Valentino knows they haven’t and delves into the case for the sake of self-preservation.
Along the way the acting careers of Lugosi and Karloff are described and the not-quite-sane
acquisitiveness of collectors is fully illustrated.
Valentino is no stranger to collector obsession; he has
purchased a defunct movie theatre with the intent of returning it to its full
1920s glory and is selling some of his own movie memorabilia to pay for the
restoration. His efforts to establish the exact shade of blue paint used in the
original theatre demonstrate just how far over the edge he has gone.
In this adventure Valentino finds a sidekick in his intern,
who educates Valentino on the world of steampunk. The intern and his friends
come to Valentino’s rescue at the Hollywood wax museum in a frantic resolution
scene. Film lore, steampunk, historic building renovation, all wrapped into a
carefully plotted mystery; there’s something for everyone in this entertaining
book.
- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Forge Books; 1 edition (April 2, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0765333317
- ISBN-13: 978-0765333315
Aubrey Hamilton © 2017
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian
who works on Federal IT projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Sandi Update 6/18/17
After yesterday's scare when her heart rate and BP soared during the second transfusion causing them to put Sandi on a heart monitor and inject multiple drugs into her, today has been a bit calmer. No blood transfusion today helped that situation. She is still NPO which means a clear liquid diet. She also says that her hair, which was evacuating her head a bit the last couple of days thanks to the aborted chemo, is now all gone as the nurses took care of that today.
Scott and I stayed home as the heat yesterday did a bit of a number on me. Been out in it way too much these past couple of weeks and it has played havoc with my own health issues. I hate the summer. So we stayed home today only to have the AC unit upstairs pretty much go out on us this afternoon. Blowing a little cold air, but nothing like it should. So, after trying to box some things upstairs in our bedroom, I retreated to the lower level and have spent much of the day the floor in front of the box fan watching television. Not very productive, especially with so much to do here, but the body was not going to be cooperative on so many levels.
Scott and I stayed home as the heat yesterday did a bit of a number on me. Been out in it way too much these past couple of weeks and it has played havoc with my own health issues. I hate the summer. So we stayed home today only to have the AC unit upstairs pretty much go out on us this afternoon. Blowing a little cold air, but nothing like it should. So, after trying to box some things upstairs in our bedroom, I retreated to the lower level and have spent much of the day the floor in front of the box fan watching television. Not very productive, especially with so much to do here, but the body was not going to be cooperative on so many levels.
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Gi...
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The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog: Guest Post: STAGES OF WRITING A SHORT STORY by Jan...
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WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Suicide Squad
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At the Scene of the Crime: Signed in Blood
At the Scene of the Crime: Signed in Blood: Mrs. Wentworth came to see Father Bredder with a very disturbing story. She was terrified of being murdered – burned to death – by her hu...
KRL This Week Update for 6/17/17
Up in KRL this morning a review & giveaway of "The
Right Side" by Spencer Quinn along with an
interesting guest post by Spencer about how he came to write this book
http://kingsriverlife.com/06/17/the-right-side-by-spencer-quinn/
And a review & giveaway of "Watching the
Detectives" by Julie Mulhern
http://kingsriverlife.com/06/17/watching-the-detectives-by-julie-mulhern/
Also a review & giveaway of "Treble at the Jam
Fest" by Leslie Budewitz, along with an
interesting interview with Leslie
http://kingsriverlife.com/06/17/treble-at-the-jam-fest-by-leslie-budewitz/
And a mystery short story by Gail Farrelly with an
interesting twist
http://kingsriverlife.com/06/17/double-trouble-mystery-short-story/
We also have a review of the latest Hallmark Movies &
Mysteries channel movie, "Site Unseen" based on the books by Dana
Cameron
http://kingsriverlife.com/06/17/site-unseen-on-hallmark-mysteries-movies-tv-review/
And a review of the Sweetland Witch mystery series by Zoe Arden, a giveaway of the first book in the series, &
an interview with Zoe
http://kingsriverlife.com/06/17/sweetland-witch-series-by-zoe-arden/
Over on KRL Lite we a review & giveaway of "A
Perfect Manhattan Murder" by Tracy
Kiely
http://kingsriverlife.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-perfect-manhattan-murder-nic-nigel.html
And on KRL's new blog, KRL Reviews & News, a review
& giveaway of "Marriage is Pure Murder" by Staci
McLaughlin http://krlreviews.blogspot.com/2017/06/marriage-is-pure-murder-by-staci.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
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Lesa's Latest Giveaway - Darker mysteries
This week, I'm giving away copies of Larry D. Sweazy's Where I Can See You,
and Adrian McKinty's Police at the Station and They Don't Look Friendly.
Details on my blog, http://www.lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com. Entries
from the U.S. only, please.
Lesa Holstine
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Review: IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN by Andy Davidson
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WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Inside Comedy on Cable
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Bookblog of the Bristol Library: She's No Princess by Laura Lee Guhrke
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CrimeFictionWriter: The Digest Enthusiast, Espionage, and Me
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Fire Star Press: The Case of the New Year Dragon by Angela Crider Neary
Fire Star Press: The Case of the New Year Dragon: I’m thrilled to announce that the second book in the Li’l Tom and the Pussyfoot Detective Bureau series, The Case of the New Year Dragon , ...
Sandi Update 6/17/17
Been to the house with a load and then went and saw Sandi for a bit. Nothing new to report as she remains very unhappy and nothing has improved. Again today they are pumping units of blood into her and keeping her on a clear liquid diet.
So, she is not any worse right now, but she certainly is not any better.
So, she is not any worse right now, but she certainly is not any better.
Mystery Fanfare: Father's Day, Fathers & Sons , Fathers & Daughters...
Mystery Fanfare: Father's Day, Fathers & Sons , Fathers & Daughters...: Father's Day. My father passed away 14 years ago, but I still think about him every day. He encouraged and supported me throughout ...
Friday, June 16, 2017
NO FFB Review This Week 6/16/17
Between trying to box and move stuff to the house and with Sandi in the hospital and her not doing well at all, I don't have anything for you for FFB again this week. I'm sorry. Patti Abbott is back collecting the links so go find good stuff to read at her blog.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Sandi Update 6/15/17
No good news to report. She was give lots more blood today. Despite transfusions all week, her blood numbers continue to get worse and worse. They don't know why. She started having occasional dizzy spells this afternoon and evening. They don't know why for that either.
In short, our anniversary today was not a good day for her.
In short, our anniversary today was not a good day for her.
Western Fictioneers: WESTERN FICTIONEERS ANNOUNCES THE 7TH ANNUAL PEACE...
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Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Buy Early and Often!
Bill Crider's Pop Culture Magazine: Buy Early and Often!: Eight Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Kindle edition by Bill Crider. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Available for th...
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Sandi Update for 06/14/17
I have held off saying anything as I was hoping the news was better. Things looked good on Saturday and have slid downhill since then.
Monday afternoon they rushed Sandi into blood dialysis and did it as her numbers continued to worsen. After that happened they had to do a blood transfusion, followed by more yesterday, and yet more blood transfusions today. She is also off and on running a fever of up to 102. Since her normal is 97.2 a fever of 102 for her is really high.
She is back NPO which means her diet is clear fluids only. They have her on more powerful antibiotics and are running numerous blood tests as they try to determine what is happening to her. She is not feeling well and is very unhappy that she will not be home for our 32nd wedding anniversary tomorrow.
So, the news is not good. Will update as I know things and hopefully the news will be good.
Monday afternoon they rushed Sandi into blood dialysis and did it as her numbers continued to worsen. After that happened they had to do a blood transfusion, followed by more yesterday, and yet more blood transfusions today. She is also off and on running a fever of up to 102. Since her normal is 97.2 a fever of 102 for her is really high.
She is back NPO which means her diet is clear fluids only. They have her on more powerful antibiotics and are running numerous blood tests as they try to determine what is happening to her. She is not feeling well and is very unhappy that she will not be home for our 32nd wedding anniversary tomorrow.
So, the news is not good. Will update as I know things and hopefully the news will be good.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Crime Watch Review: DRY BONES by Craig Johnson
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WELCOME TO HELL ~ by Glenn Walker: Remembering Adam West
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Monday, June 12, 2017
Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel
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Writers Who Kill: First Steps toward Publishing Your Novel
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Crime Review Update
We feature new 20 reviews in each issue of Crime Review ( www.crimereview.co.uk), together with a top industry interview. This time it’s author Brad Parks in the Countdown hot seat: http://crimereview.co.uk/page.php/interview/4894 We’re on Twitter at: Crime Review: @CrimeReviewUK Linda Wilson: @CrimeReviewer Sharon Wheeler: @lartonmedia This week’s reviews are: THE NATURE OF THE BEAST by Louise Penny, reviewed by Chris Roberts Chief Inspector Armand Gamache has retired to the small village of Three Pines. He goes back to work when a nine-year-old boy disappears, and discovers something in the woods that represents a threat to world safety. MISSISSIPPI BLOOD by Greg Iles, reviewed by John Cleal Dr Tom Cage is on trial for the murder of his former black nurse and lover, but refuses help from his lawyer son Penn. Meanwhile the whole Cage family is under threat from the Double Eagles, a savage KKK splinter group. LOVE LIKE BLOOD by Mark Billingham, reviewed by Linda Wilson The usually straitlaced DI Nicola Tanner teams up with archetypal maverick DI Tom Thorne to investigate a series of killings. THE LEGACY by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, reviewed by Ewa Sherman Out of his depth detective Huldar and the child psychologist Freyja must work together to get any information from seven-year-old Margrét, the only witness to her mother’s horrific murder. SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL by William Shaw, reviewed by John Cleal A prostitute with an influential client list is murdered. DS Cathal Breen finds himself blocked as the case assumes international importance. Meanwhile, his pregnant girlfriend, former WDC Helen Tozer, brings her intuition to the investigation – wanted or not! DEADLY GAME by Matt Johnson, reviewed by Linda Wilson Special Forces soldier-turned-police officer Robert Finlay is seconded to a unit investigating the trafficking of young women from Eastern Europe into sex slavery in the UK. THE WOLF CHILDREN by Cay Rademacher, reviewed by Arnold Taylor It’s 1947 and the long, freezing winter is over. The discovery of the body of a young boy, lying across an unexploded bomb in the ruins of Hamburg shipyard, sparks off an investigation which turns up further young victims. TATTLETALE by Sara J Naughton, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor Mags Mackenzie hasn’t spoken to her brother Abe for years, but she flies to his bedside after he falls down four flights of stairs. It looks like suicide, but something doesn’t ring true.
STASI WOLF by David Young, reviewed by Chris Roberts Oberleutnant Karin Muller is drafted south to assist in the recovery of two infant twins who have been abducted, a search that eventually becomes very personal. RECONCILIATION FOR THE DEAD by Paul Hardisty, reviewed by John Cleal Former SADF paratrooper Claymore Straker returns to South Africa to testify before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and seek absolution for his unwitting part in a horrifying act of inhumanity. THE WHITE ROAD by Sarah Lotz, reviewed by Linda Wilson Simon Newman has a bad reputation to live down. When he made a clandestine trip into a Welsh cave with another man, only Simon came out alive. Now he intends to make an attempt on Everest, the world’s highest mountain. THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF A BOLLYWOOD STAR by Vaseem Khan, reviewed by Chris Roberts The Baby Ganesh Detective Agency is called into action once again when an actor vanishes, disrupting the filming of a big-budget Bollywood spectacular. THE STOLEN CHILD by Sanjida Kay, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor Evie is the stolen child, the little girl artist Zoe Morley and her husband Ollie adopted. The little girl whose father wants her back. THE SALT MARSH by Clare Carson, reviewed by John Cleal Sam Coyle’s father lived and died in the shadows of undercover policing among the criminals, spies and radicals of Cold War London. He left nothing to his daughter but tradecraft, paranoia and enemies. THE HIT by Nadia Dalbuono, reviewed by Sylvia Maughan A television executive and his family are involved in a car accident. But things are not necessarily what they seem. DARKNESS by Karen Robards, reviewed by Kati Barr-Taylor Gina watches in horror as a plane explodes and debris crashes into the icy water around her. But her nightmare has only just begun. HER DARKEST NIGHTMARE by Brenda Novak, reviewed by John Barnbrook As a teenager, Evelyn Talbot was abducted, tortured and left for dead by her psychopathic boyfriend. Now, as an adult she has established a mental health facility in Alaska, specifically to research psychopaths. When the murders start suspicions and fear grow in the isolated community. THE KEEPER by Alastair Gunn, reviewed by Jim Beaman DCI Antonia Hawkins believes that the victims of a serial killer have all been kidnapped and then hunted down in a twisted game. AMNESIA by Michael Ridpath, reviewed by John Barnbrook Clémence is asked by her aged great aunt to look after an old friend, an octogenarian, who has lost his memory in a fall and is living in an isolated cottage in the Scottish Highlands. Helping him find his lost memories opens many unwelcome doors. THE AMATEURS by Sara Shepard, reviewed by Linda Wilson Case Not Closed is a website devoted to solving cold cases. When Aerin Kelly posts there about her sister’s disappearance and murder, several members decide to help. Best wishes Sharon
Sandi Update for Monday 06/12/17
After taking a load of stuff to the house, we headed over to the hospital where the news was not as good as it had been. Her numbers on her kidneys, liver, and pancreas have all climbed in the wrong direction. That means she definitely will be having another blood dialysis treatment. Most likely tomorrow.
Otherwise, she is doing okay and remains unhappy with some members of her kingdom. Thankfully, unlike days of old, those who have screwed up at the hospital the last 24 hours will not be losing their heads.
Otherwise, she is doing okay and remains unhappy with some members of her kingdom. Thankfully, unlike days of old, those who have screwed up at the hospital the last 24 hours will not be losing their heads.
TEXAS BOOK LOVER: Monday Roundup: TEXAS LITERARY CALENDAR 6/12-18
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Aubrey Hamilton Reviews: The Gentlemen’s Hour by Don Winslow
The Gentlemen’s Hour by Don Winslow (Simon & Schuster,
2011) is the second book about Boone Daniels. Boone is a former police
detective turned private investigator and part of a close group of early
morning surfers who begin each day at their favorite part of the San Diego
beach before they go to their workplaces. Changes have come to the San Diego
surfing scene, as all up and down the beach newcomers are arriving to take
advantage of San Diego’s beautiful geography and a vocal group of residents is
determined to drive the intruders away, destroying the sense of idyllic
community that Boone loves.
A surfing legend is killed in a confrontation with some of
these resident ruffians, and the perennially broke Boone is pulled into helping
with the accused killer’s defense. His friends are aghast and turn against him,
while he begins to question the statements of the witnesses who say they saw
the incident. The defendant is singularly unlikeable and uncooperative, leaving
Boone nothing to go on but his instinct that the attack did not go down as
described.
Fast-moving, well-written, logical wrap-up to the plot
threads which have some nicely intricate twists. Underneath the
straight-forward detective story is a plaintive lament about the inexorability
of change that will resonate with almost everyone.
Anyone unfamiliar with surfing will find an unofficial
introduction to the sport woven in among the investigation of crime. Lots of surfing buzzwords. I tended to skim
over some of it but it was not unduly intrusive to the main story and water
sports fans will love it.
This story reminds me of the Rockford Files, including the
not particularly suitable love interest. Kirkus starred review, Booklist starred
review.
- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster; First Edition (August 2, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1439183392
- ISBN-13: 978-1439183397
Aubrey Hamilton © 2017
Aubrey Hamilton is a former librarian
who works on Federal IT projects by day and reads mysteries at night.
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