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Words To Live By

 

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KRL This Week Update for 2/27/2021

Up in KRL this morning reviews and giveaways of another fun group of mysteries-"A Catered Book Club Murder": A Mystery with Recipes by Isis Crawford, "A Lady Compromised": A Rosalind Thorne Mystery by Darcie Wilde, "Wine Tastings Are Murder": A Poppy McAllister Mystery by Libby Klein, and "Murder With a View": A House-Flipper Mystery by Diane Kelly https://kingsriverlife.com/02/27/end-of-february-mystery-catchup/

 

And a review and giveaway of "Valentino Will Die" by Donis Casey along with a fun interview with Donis https://kingsriverlife.com/02/27/valentino-will-die-by-donis-casey/

 

We also have the latest mystery Coming Attractions from Sunny Frazier, along with a giveaway of "Shucked Apart" by Barbara Ross https://kingsriverlife.com/02/27/coming-attractions-faith-and-begorra-edition/

 

And a mystery short story by Guy Belleranti https://kingsriverlife.com/02/27/mystery-short-story-body-of-evidence/

 

For those who prefer to listen to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast directly on KRL you can find the player here for the new episode featuring the mystery short story "Still Life" written by Lori Rader-Day, and read by local actor Cha Yang https://kingsriverlife.com/02/27/mysteryrats-maze-podcast-still-life-by-lori-rader-day/

 

Up during the week we posted another special midweek guest post, this one by mystery author Kaye George about friends and sidekicks. You can also enter to win an ebook copy of her new book coming out next month "Into the Sweet Hereafter"

https://kingsriverlife.com/02/24/friends-and-sidekicks/

 

And Ellen Byron about a bracelet and a character in her new book "Long Island Iced Tina" as Maria DiRico. You can also enter to win a copy of the book

https://kingsriverlife.com/02/24/a-jewel-of-a-rainbow/

 

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week a review and ebook giveaway of "Kiss 'N Tell" by Kathi Daley https://www.krlnews.com/2021/02/kiss-n-tell-by-kathi-daley.html

 

And a review and giveaway of "Closely Harbored Secrets" by Bree Baker https://www.krlnews.com/2021/02/closely-harbored-secrets-by-bree-baker.html

Happy reading,
Lorie

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FFB Review: The Blade Itself: A Novel by Marcus Sakey

 After you read my reminder review today, make sure you check out the reading suggestions from Patti Abbott and Aubrey Hamilton.

 

This is a case where the basic premise has been done to death. Two young men living a life of crime when one is caught and serves jail time. He comes back home and expects things to resume where they left off. The other has been scared straight, as it were, and isn't interested in going back. Such is the case here. Yet, the execution of the story is how it works for the reader.

 

The years have passed and Danny has tried to forget the past which is never far away. Once Danny, Evan and Patrick among others were part of a gang of young toughs who considered themselves invincible. With instincts honed by working the streets, they moved from score to score taking what they wanted and not worrying about the consequences. Danny usually worked with Evan as he did that fateful night.

 

That one night cost Danny in ways he won't talk about and cost Evan a long term sentence in Statesville maximum security. While Danny still hangs around Patrick, Danny has become what they referred to as a "civilian." He has changed his ways and isn't about to go back and risk losing it all including the love of his life, Karen. Then, Evan returns and is looking for pay back and gratitude for Evans not talking to the cops. Danny's house of cards perfect life begins to teeter and Evan plans to bring it all down.

 

In what is billed as a debut novel and certainly does not read like one, author Marcus Sakey skillfully weaves a complex tale. A tale that is on first glance, stereotypical in the idea of the con coming back home and looking to be rewarded. And yet through back story, flashbacks, etc. The novel quickly becomes much more. Evan is portrayed as evil initially and yet overtime is seen to have an element, not exactly of goodness, but of something more positive. Danny, a flawed hero, is carried forward not only by the love of a good woman but by memories of what he caused as well as the life his father led.

 

If has become clichéd to believe and live up to the standards that our parents raised us to. That is exactly what happens in this novel. Forces set into motion in childhood rippled forward through their lives and ended in a violent climax in a Chicago construction yard. The past is never really past and everything influences our actions each and every day.

 

The result is a complex read that touches on social issues while at the same time providing a heck of a good tale, at a fast pace with deep characters. This is a good stuff and well worth your time.

 

  

The Blade Itself: A Novel

Marcus Sakey

St. Martin's Minotaur

ISBN #0-312-36031-2

Hardback (also available in eBook and paperback formats) 

307 Pages

 

 

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007, 2012, 2021

Crime Watch Review: THE CUT by Chris Brookmyre

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