Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Visualizing The Beatles: A Complete Graphic History of the World's Favorite Band by John Pring and Rob Thomas

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: Visualizing The Beatles: A Complete Graphic Histor...: Reviewed by Kristin I’ve read many Beatles books over the years, and Visualizing The Beatles was certainly a fresh take on a subject that...

Barry Ergang: The Play Of Light And Shadow

Barry Ergang’s excellent mystery, The Play Of Light And Shadow, is now available in both print and digital formats. Previously only available in digital format, Barry has made a print edition now available and both editions feature the new snazzy cover. You can find it on Amazon in both formats and digital only at Smashwords.

Synopsis:

A party at the home of a wealthy couple to celebrate the recent acquisition of a valuable painting results in the painting's theft from a locked room under constant observation, and the subsequent murder of one of the guests. Is the culprit a legendary master thief out for revenge? Darnell, a no-nonsense private detective and Alan Driscoll, a college professor turned bartender, team up to investigate in this whodunit/howdunit. Plus an article about how the novelette came to be written: "Writing THE PLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW."

KRL: King's River Life Magazine for 8/24/19

Up in KRL this morning a review and giveaway of "Grave Expectations on Dickens Dune" by Anna Celeste Burke

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/grave-expectations-on-dickens-dune-by-anna-celeste-burke/

And a review and giveaway of "Claws of Action" by Linda Reilly 

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/claws-of-action-by-linda-reilly/

We also have a review and giveaway of "Toxic Toffee" by Amanda Flower along with a fun guest post by her about bunnies

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/toxic-toffee-by-amanda-flower/

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Two Sleuths are Better Than One" by Gin Jones and Elizabeth Ashby

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/24/two-sleuths-are-better-than-one-by-gin-jones-elizabeth-ashby/

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and giveaway of "Cliff Hanger" by Mary Feliz 

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/08/cliff-hanger-by-mary-feliz.html

And a review and giveaway of "Booking the Crook" by Laurie Cass 

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/08/booking-crook-by-laurie-cass.html

Happy reading,

Lorie 

KRL This Week Update for 8/10/19

Up in KRL this morning a review and giveaway of "Bewitched and Betrothed" by Juliet Blackwell

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/10/bewitched-and-betrothed-by-juliet-blackwell/

We also have something a bit different and very fun! Mystery author Linda Reid shares about how she wrote a book featuring Sherlock Holmes and Star Trek and provides a link where you can download a free copy

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/10/elementary-my-dear-spock/

And a review and giveaway of "Deep Waters" by Linda Reid and Deborah Shlian, along with a very interesting interview with Linda

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/10/deep-waters-by-linda-reid-deborah-shlian/

And we have reviews and giveaways of a pair of mysteries with unique and fun settings-"Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody" by Barbara Ross, and the owner of a cookbook publishing company in "Risky Biscuits": A Sugar & Spice Mystery by Mary Lee Ashford

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/10/a-pair-of-unique-mysteries-for-your-summer-reading/

And a review and giveaway of "Wherever She Goes" by Kelly Armstrong

http://kingsriverlife.com/08/10/wherever-she-goes-by-kelley-armstrong/

Up on KRL News and Reviews this week we have a review and ebook giveaway of "Murder at Pope Investigations" by Kathi Daley https://www.krlnews.com/2019/08/murder-at-pope-investigations-by-kathi-daley.html

And a review of "Chocolate Covered Death" by Gemma Halliday and an ebook giveaway of the first book in the series "A Sip Before Dying"

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/08/chocolate-covered-death-by-gemma-halliday.html

And a review and giveaway of "The Marijuana Murders" by Mark Bacon

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/08/the-marijuana-murders-by-mark-s-bacon.html

Happy reading,

Lorie 

KRL This Week Update for 5/25/19

Up in KRL this morning an end of May catch-up of mystery reviews and giveaways-"Murder on Trinity Place" A Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson, "The Loch Ness Papers" A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige Shelton, "Murder in Midtown" A Louise Faulk series by Liz Freeland, and "Wed, Read & Dead" A Mystery Bookshop Mystery by VM Burns

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/25/end-of-may-mystery-catch-up/

We also have a review and giveaway of "Game of Bones" by Carolyn Haines along with an interesting interview with Carolyn

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/25/game-of-bones-by-carolyn-haines/

And a review of the latest Hailey Dean Mystery movies on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/25/hallmark-movies-and-mysteries-trio-of-new-hailey-dean-mysteries/

And the latest mystery Coming Attractions from Sunny Frazier

http://kingsriverlife.com/05/25/coming-attractions-welcome-summer/

Up on KRL News this week we have a review and ebook giveaway of "Harlow" by Kathi Daley

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/05/harlow-by-kathi-daley-reviewgiveaway.html

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Mystery Night Murder" by Leslie Langtry

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/05/mystery-night-murder-by-leslie-langtry.html

And a review and giveaway of "Bad Pick" by Linda Lovely

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/05/bad-pick-by-linda-lovely-reviewgiveaway.html

And a review and ebook giveaway of "Magickal Mystery Lore" by Sharon Pape

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/05/magickal-mystery-lore-by-sharon-pape.html

Happy reading,

Lorie 

Only days left to win books and more from KRL

Only days left to win a copy of "Charity's Burden" by Edith Maxwell and while there check out an interesting interview with Edith

http://kingsriverlife.com/04/27/charitys-burden-by-edith-maxwell/

And to win a copy of "Trouble on the Books" by Essie Lang and while there check out an interesting guest post by Essie about the bookstores that inspired the one in her book

http://kingsriverlife.com/04/27/trouble-on-the-books-by-essie-lang/

Also to win a copy of "Saving Ferris" by A R Kennedy and while there check out an interesting guest post by AR about pets being family not property

http://kingsriverlife.com/04/27/saving-ferris-by-a-r-kennedy/

And on KRL News only days left to win a copy of "Cat Got Your Crown" by Julie

Chase https://www.krlnews.com/2019/04/cat-got-your-crown-by-julie-chase.html

And a copy of "Blood on the Chesapeake" by Randy Overbeck

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/04/blood-on-chesapeake-by-randy-overbeck.html

And to win an ebook copy of "Betrayal by the Sea" by Kathi Daley, and while there check out the player for our latest Mysteryrat's Maze podcast which features another of Kathi's books, "Boxes in the Basement" read by local actor Julia Reimer

https://www.krlnews.com/2019/04/betrayal-by-sea-by-kathi-daley.html

Happy reading,

Lorie

Review: Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2019

Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2019 opens with “K. O’Connor” by Mike McHone. Detectives Molly Fetterly and Jim Biggins were still in route to the hospital when the man died. Hospital staff has no idea who he was or who dumped his broken body outside their building so that he would be found. Fortunately, Detective Biggins knows who the deceased was and that gives them the name they need to start investigating the case.

Etta has just announced that she poisoned the soup in “Let’s Talk Toxins” by Martin Zeigler. This presents an interesting problem for her husband, Otto, as he sees it. It is also a pleasant change of pace from the usual boring things she wants to talk about at bedtime. It has been years since she had a sense of humor or pulled a prank, but tonight she is just full of wit delivered with a teasing smile.

Getting rid of a family member is also a point in the next tale, “Finishing Off Gammie” by Stan Dryer. In this case, Gammie is the mother-in-law and she has to go. Harry Fredder has decided she has outlived her usefulness as she has turned increasingly bitter and lonely. He has plans for travel and more with his wife, Martha, and Gammie is becoming and increasing problem that threatens their long planned retirement. That can’t happen.

The knife used by an unknown assailant killed Allison Browning at the District of Columbia War Memorial. She had been in the middle of taking a selfie when she was stabbed and collapsed trapping the cell phone beneath her. As people started converging the killer had no choice but to flee and could not hang around to look for the phone. In “A Flash Of Red” by BV Lawson, Scott Drayco is on the case thanks to her wealthy grandfather who desperately wants to know who killed her and why.

Long ago Vivee Driscoll starred in the classic movie, Girl on a Bike. These days she lives in Room 209 in the Whittier Hill Retirement Community. She is almost one hundred years old and the star of “Antiques” by Gregory L. Norris. An unwilling star as well as things are escalating in a dangerous way.

It is annoying when somebody parks in your parking space.  William is annoyed when he pulls into the lot at Fuller Engraving having come from burying his father to find a car in the spot. Things are going to get way worse. “In The Truth Of The Matter” by Gina Burgess secrets have a way of coming out for all to see.  

Mowing the neighbor’s yard led to one thing and then another in “A Case Of Southern Discomfort” by C. L. Cobb. While there is some carnal southern hospitality, there are some serious issues as well. There is also a clear need for a gun as it is the South after all.

Heather enjoyed her walk in “A Flap Over A Ring” by Jenna Weart. In the “A-You-Solve-It” mystery, her ring is now missing and she needs your help to identify the thief among her fellow vacationers at the Daisy View Lodge.

The answer to the February 2019 “A-You-Solve-It” mystery titled ‘Stair Case” by Laird Long closes out the issue.

As has been the case in previous issues, Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2019 features a nice mix of stories and styles. None of the tales is over the top in terms of language or graphic scenes and none of them are noir in style or tone. All are solidly good mysteries that don’t push the boundaries or sensibilities of any reader, but do provide plenty of reading entertainment. 

Mystery Weekly Magazine: March 2019

http://www.mysteryweekly.com

February 27, 2019

ASIN: B07PBYLYF4

eBook (also available in print)

116 Pages

$2.99

For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review. I read and review each issue as I can. To date, I have never submitted anything to this market and will not do so as long as I review the publication.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2019

Review: Mystery Weekly Magazine: July 2018

Mystery Weekly Magazine: July 2018 opens with “Cap Device” by Jim Doherty. Dad’s lesson long ago along with attention to detail play a major role in this tale set in Berkley, California. Officer Dan Sullivan saw the car pull into the parking lot long after the restaurant had closed and decided to check it out.

Ellie wanted to the lakeside cabin in the Canadian wilderness though her husband was considerably less interested. Two weeks at a cabin just outside Good Springs, Canada at Paradise Lake is not exactly what Henry wants to do in “Black Bear Country” by Rosemary McCracken. Bugs, a toilet that won’t flush, no television, are just some of the issues and that was before the bears came calling. Somebody is using their cabin to bring in bears by way of bear bait. Henry is not pleased, Ruth is scared, and her birthday plans are being ruined.

“Faders Crates” by Caroline Misner comes next and this short story also served as inspiration for the cover art. It is early 1959 and Eustace is up early and making far too much noise. He is hard at work and having a lot of fun as he has been told he will be paid for his wooden crates. Eustace is special needs and his family, especially Brent and Dana, know somebody is very possibly taking advantage of him. They need to figure out who and why as fast as possible, but soon get sidetracked due to the disappearance of Veronica Dubois.

He needs to wash his clothes, but he has no money on him in “No Quarters” by Leslie Elman. Fortunately, May is there in the laundromat to help him. Considering everything he is dealing with, he needs all the help he can get right now.

The flooded hallway was one thing. Judy from housekeeping could have handled that on her own in “Rock On The Rocks” by Lance Dean. The body floating face down in the bloody waters of the overflowing bathtub was an entirely different matter. Good Thing Mr. Chance is there to take charge of this situation and any other surprises.

Dawson Roarke was arrested for murder by Jasper County Sheriff Melvin P. Weemly. The good sheriff is sure that this is a case of one ex con killing another. After all Dawson Roarke knew Grady Tyrell Johnston inside at Statesville. Roarke claims they were friends. Maybe they were. Maybe he hid it and they have locked up the right man in “Locked Tight” by Peter DiChellis.

Clearly somebody came in through the front door to kill Lee Prather. The question is who in the ‘You-Solve-It “mystery titled “The Sound Of Silence” by Laird Long. Detectives Dean Trevis and Tricia Sampson are on the case that has at least three suspects.

The solution to the “You-Solve-It” for June 2018 titled, “In The Crosshairs” also by Laird Long brings the issue to a close. (My review of the June 2018 is here.)

The label of “mystery” covers a wide range of flavors and Mystery Weekly Magazine delivers each month. The July 2018 issue is no exception as from start to finish it is a good read. These tales feature interesting cases, twisted clues, and characters that may exist in your head long after the tale is done.

Mystery Weekly Magazine: July 2018

http://www.mysteryweekly.com

June 28, 2018

ASIN: B07FHTJ68T

eBook (also available in print)

77 Pages

$2.99

For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review. I now read and review each issue as I can. To date, I have never submitted anything to this market and will not do so as long as I review the publication.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018

Review: Mystery Weekly Magazine: June 2018

The cover story “Lady Dick” starts off the Mystery Weekly Magazine: June 2018 and it is a good one. After WWII a woman has to put her war time earned skills to work at home in this tale by Tony Parker. It is 1947 and “DC coppers object to me ventilating mugs for adultery.” Well, it is Washington after all.

“A Ship Called Pandora” by Melodie Campbell follows next. A touch of science fiction, a damsel in the need of relocation through the witness protection program, and Tosh Malloy is on the job. Tosh is a very good at safely disappearing witnesses into their new lives. Not a single failure yet. He intends to make very sure that Crystal Starlight will not be his first.

Working the graveyard shift at the Donnelly Street subway station is never a good thing. Even worse when Tucker Clark is in town doing a concert. His brand of country rock seems bring in folks who think it is okay to trash the city.  In “Mop Jockey” by Michael Ayoob, things are starting to escalate in a negative way with long lasting repercussions.

Family is not always as great as it is cracked up to be. Molly Sullivan has no interest in going back to Uncle Raymond’s farm in “A Detour Down Memory Lane” by John H. Dromey. When they were kids Liz was no fun then and was pretty much a bully. Molly is pretty sure things have not changed even though they both are adults now.  Liz was never was one to take no for an answer and is very much motivated to get Molly to come visit.

The job has gone very wrong and now the man known as “Tank” is in real trouble. At least Tank still has the drugs and the cash if he can make it out of there in “Stars” by Peter W. J. Hayes. Even if he can, the aftermath is sure to be no party.

The body in the dumpster at the Harborside Motor Court was not supposed to be found by Betty. But, she was the one to find it in “The Motor Court” by Jennifer Collins Moore. It is August and all that entails for the body in a dumpster which, in this case, was and is the late and not so lamented Ronnie Murphy. Did the real estate deal with the place get him killed? Maybe so.  Maybe not.

The last view Tommy Cevic had was of the wooded valley below. Chances he did not see his killer who was about to fire the fatal shot through the widow. Detective Perkins, as well as the reader, is left to figure it out in the “You-Solve-It” puzzle, “In The Crosshairs” by Laird Long.

Mr. Long also provides the solution to the previous “You-Solve-It” titled “Kidnapped” found in the May 2018 issue. My review of that issue can be found here.

From the striking cover all the way to the last page, Mystery Weekly Magazine June 2018 is another solidly good magazine. Mystery in all its many splendid flavors is welcome in this publication and that is certainly true with this issue as readers are even taken to space in the form of a tale set in a science fiction setting. Full of mystery, Mystery Weekly Magazine: June 2018 is another solidly good issue well worth your time.

Mystery Weekly Magazine: June 2018

http://www.mysteryweekly.com

May 29, 2018

ASIN: B07DF6T315

eBook (also available in print)

86 Pages

$2.99

For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review. I now read and review each issue as I can. To date, I have never submitted anything to this market and will not do so as long as I review the publication.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018

Review: Mystery Weekly Magazine: May 2018

Mystery Weekly Magazine: May 2018 opens with “Siren’s Song” by Troy Seate. Set in 1950, Detective Sam O’ Donnell is haunted by the memories. Those memories, especially what happened at a certain pier a few years ago are a major reason why he drinks. He will need to be sober for what is going to happen this time there.

Our main character is on a mission. The guy and the guy known to all as “The Sicilian” is just one small piece of the mission. He works for Don Calabresi and everyone knows that if they live anywhere near Chicago. Our narrator just needs a little more info from The Sicilian. Promises are always kept in “Line of Doodee” by Jazz Lawless.

The following story, “The Zombie Dongle” by Cecily Winter is a science fiction style story set in the near future. Artificial intelligence controls cars (think Knight Rider) and those AIs can be very valuable and thus sought after. A bounty hunter is only as good as her car.  Fortunately, Dixie, the car, is really good. She will need to be to help fulfill their latest contract.

Sean never thought he would be a house husband, but he is in “Jump Cut” by Craig Terlson. His partner, Debbie, is the one who brings home the bucks. He does the worrying for both of them as he has a very active imagination as to how things would go wrong. Considering her line of work, there is plenty to worry about.

Waking up in the classic position of naked in a bath tub full of ice is bad. At least he still has his kidney. He is missing a hand. According to the young guy hanging out in the bathroom, he owed money to some guy by the name of Beaver Jones. He can’t remember any debt or much of anything else in “A Helping Hand” by Jody Wenner.

She was a lonely mom missing her son lost in the war. He was drifter who looked so much like her son. Invited to her home for a meal, they begin an elaborate relationship in “Armistice” by Edward Musto.

The “You-Solve-It” this month is by Laird Long titled “Kidnopped.” Justice Tate’s daughter, Julie, has been taken for ransom and he needs Turner’s help to get her back.  Since Turner is a private investigator and knows bad people doing bad things Justus Tate is sure he can get her back.

The answer to the April “You-Solve-It” puzzle, “Cash Out” also by Laird Long closes out this issue. (April issue reviewed here.)

As always, this issue of Mystery Weekly Magazine is an interesting and enjoyable blend of mystery stories. With tales set in the past, present, and the future, stories in the Mystery Weekly Magazine: May 2018 all feature characters caught in the web of trying to survive. Some characters just appear to be heaving an easier go of it than others. As any seasoned reader knows, appearances are always deceiving.  

Mystery Weekly Magazine: May 2018

http://www.mysteryweekly.com

April 28, 2018

ASIN: B07CR46PC6

eBook (also available in print)

78 Pages

$3.99

For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review. I now read and review each issue as I can. To date, I have never submitted anything to this market and will not do so as long as I review the publication.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018

Review: Mystery Weekly Magazine: April 2018

Mystery Weekly Magazine: April 2018 opens with the western tale,  “The Gunfighters” by Michael Cebula. Like most really good westerns there is a strong mystery element at work. In this case the mystery is the events that led up to the just concluded gun fight. This tale also inspired the intriguing cover art for the issue.

Legalizing marijuana was a business opportunity for many folks including Burt Booker. A former community college teacher, Bart Booker put all of the family savings into creating a grow room behind their rented house after marijuana became legal in California.  He hit pay dirt---literally --- and has evolved his business into a store front operation. He knows he has done all the paperwork and everything should be fine even with a compliance visit by Detective Sandy Swift of the LAPD Narcotics division. She has far more than legal compliance on her mind in “Smokin Hot Cash” by David M. Hamlin.

The new neighbor is a problem in “Kindness” by Tom Hallman, Jr. The house across the street is no longer the Anderson’s place. The entire neighborhood is suffering for that. Something needs to be done.

Readers are next taken to a place that was once filled with the horrors of death and destruction and these days stands as a calm symbol of peace and tranquility. A peaceful place just marred by the cry of terror that William just heard just heard somewhere in the area surrounding the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It is very early on this August morning in “The Cry” by M. H. Callway and William knows what he heard. At least, what he thinks he heard as “Lately sounds conspired against him.”

In a tale with origins that that will be familiar to many of us, Gregory Cioffi explores the reality of publishing today in “The Wrath of a Writer Wronged.” Karma is something. To say more, other than the fact no reviewer was implicated or injured in this tale, would create spoilers for this enjoyable read.

Mr. Hutchins has now really gone and done it while staying at the Shady Pines Motor Lodge. Hopefully, the crime was worth it in “The Price of Friendship” by Mike Murphy.

As happens in each issue, a new “You-Solve-It” as well as the answer to the “You-Solve-It” for the previous issue closes out the current issue.

In this case, Laird Long offers “Cash Out” for the current puzzle. Wendi has finally arrived at Brad’s apartment so poker night can finally get underway. There is money to be had and everybody involved needs the money in a desperate way.

The solution to the “You-Solve-It” puzzle for March 2018 titled “Mimic To A Crime” by Rhonda Howard brings things to a close.

Mystery Weekly Magazine: April 2018 features several very good tales of complicated characters doing the best they can to deal with the reality of difficult situations. Average folks just doing the level best they can in their lives. While the settings of the tales vary, the complexity of the characters and their situations make for some compelling mystery reading.

Mystery Weekly Magazine: April 2018

http://www.mysteryweekly.com

March 30, 2018

ASIN: B07BTZBBST

eBook (also available in print)

92 Pages

$3.99

For quite some time now I have been gifted a subscription by the publisher with no expectation at all of a review. I now read and review each issue as I can. To date, I have never submitted anything to this market and will not do so as long as I review the publication.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2018