Senior News---February 2013 Column

For some time now I have been writing a monthly book review column for the Senior News newspaper. The Senior News is aimed to the 50 and over crowd with news relevant to seniors regarding various issues, humor pieces, and my review column among other things. The newspaper is a giveaway at doctor offices, stores, etc. and can be received by mail via a paid subscription. There are multiple editions across the state of Texas and therefore there is some fluctuation in content in each edition.

My column every month focuses on books of interest to the Texas audience. Therefore books selected for the column, fiction or non-fiction, are written by Texas residents, feature Texans in some way, or would have some other connection to the Texas based readership. At least two books are covered each month in the short space I am given.

Below is/was my February 2013 column with the addition here of the relevant book covers……

Rachel Nelson-Smith’s Bead Riffs: Jewelry Projects in Peyote & Right Angel Weave

Rachel Nelson-Smith

Lark Crafts (imprint of Sterling Publishing Co.)

ISBN# 978-1-60059-783-1

Hardback

128 Pages

Blending a love of jazz and a love of beading seems to be a perfect idea as the author, Rachel Nelson, points out in the introduction.  As in jazz, improvisation in beading is something to be celebrated and embraced. The 128 page book is built around 23 of the author’s beaded jewelry designs based on right angle weave and variations of tubular peyote stitch. Hence the distinctive subtitle of Jewelry Projects in Peyote & Right Angel Weave.

The book is roughly divided in two parts. The first part is all about the materials needed, techniques needed, etc. The second half of the book is all about the actual projects. Interspersed throughout the entire book are plenty of pictures so that you can easily see what points the artist is making.

This 128 page book that also bears the logo “Lark Jewelry & Beading--Beadweaving Master Class” is clearly not for beginners. These projects are based on the idea that users have some experience in beading. Visually appealing with numerous detailed projects, Rachel Nelson-Smith’s Bead Riffs is a book that will serve its intended audience very well.

SLOW FALLING: A Bill Travis Mystery

George Wier

Flagstone Books (CreateSpace)

E-Book

Estimated print length 160 pages

A man covered in dirt from head to toe looking like he just barely crawled out of a grave is never a good thing. It gets worse when the guy dies on the oak floor in a bar.  The bar owner, Sonny isn’t worried about why the guy died in his bar. What is bugging him is why the guy distinctly said “The Falling” right before he died.  Sonny isn’t going to let it go so Bill reluctantly agrees to ask around about it.

He really should steer clear of this. Even folks from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission are quickly involved so he really should steer clear. Of course, Bill is not about to stop poking around in a case that will take him and others out to far West Texas and a fantastic discovery.

With a clear nod of appreciation to the legendary pulps he grew with, Texas author George Weir blends technology, archeology, and plenty of action into this fast paced mystery tale. A series that began with The Last Call and continues here in Slow Falling is once again very good.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013

Review: "SLOW FALLING: A Bill Travis Mystery" by George Wier

A man covered in dirt from head to toe looking like he just barely crawled out of a grave is never a good thing. It gets worse when the guy dies on the oak floor in a bar. Not that Bill cares one way or another right then what Sonny, the bar owner, is talking about as Bill’s wife, Julie, is in labor and Bill has more important things to think about and do.  Like getting to the hospital in time and in one piece.

He makes it to the hospital just in time to see his latest addition to the family, Michele LeAnn Travis, arrive in the world.  When he comes out of the delivery room he finds Sonny waiting for him. Sonny isn’t worried about why the guy died in his bar. What is bugging him is why the guy distinctly said “The Falling” right before he died.  Sonny isn’t going to let it go so Bill reluctantly agrees to ask around about it.

His first act is to call a friend of his, Patrick Kinsey, who works as a Sheriff’s deputy. Patrick and Bill go back a few years so Patrick knows about Bill’s tendency to get himself into the middle of things. After warning him to stay out of it over the phone and being ignored, Patrick comes to the hospital to tell Bill directly. He has good reason to tell Bill to stay out of things as The Nuclear Regulatory Commission people have taken over every aspect of the situation. Of course, Bill is not about to stop poking around in a case that will take him and others out to far West Texas and a fantastic discovery.

With a clear nod of appreciation to the legendary pulps he grew with, Texas author George Weir blends technology, archeology, and plenty of action into this fast paced mystery tale. A story that barely slows down at all for the addition of more back story further developing the Bill Travis character. A character that can’t stop poking around despite his steadily growing family.

In a series that began with the very good The Last Call and continues here in Slow Falling, Bill Travis once again lives up to his namesake. He also manages to have some fun along the way in this latest mystery.

SLOW FALLING: A Bill Travis Mystery

George Wier

http://www.georgewier.com

Flagstone Books

March 2012

E-Book

(Estimated print length 160 pages)

$3.99

Material provided by the author some time ago in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012

Author of the e-book short story collection Mind Slices available at Amazon and Smashwords in a variety of formats.