Reviewing: "Beneath A Weeping Sky" by Frank Zafiro

It begins in March 1996 in River City, Washington. Evil lurks in the city and from time to time rears its ugly head. In this latest in the police procedural series written by Frank Zafiro, law enforcement must deal with a serial rapist. They start further behind then normal because the initial assault was not reported by the victim. For Detective John Tower the case is different than the norm and before long becomes an obsession for him. As the attacks mount and become increasingly violent, Detective Tower and the men and women of the River City Police Department must stop him before he begins killing his victims.

What has made this series so good, beyond the cases author Frank Zafiro depicts, are the off duty lives of the characters. These are flawed and realistic human being and not some caricature of super cops. Reminiscent of the old TV series “Hill Street Blues” that spent just as much time portraying the characters lives off duty and how it impacted their work and vice versa, the same is true in this series. Personal demons of varying severity haunt a number of the long running characters as do their successes.

The result is another complex read that is somewhat difficult to describe. The only negative criticism is the chapter towards the end of the book centered on the serial rapist. While readers frequently view events through his point of view throughout the book, this chapter brings the read to a screeching halt as the back story which caused the character to act the way he does now is revealed. Much of this is rather clichéd and stereotypical and most readers would have figured it out long before reaching this part. There is one rather shocking aspect of the back story which is revealed and one that could have been hinted at without going into such graphic detail.

The chapter primarily serves as unnecessary distraction from an otherwise very good book. The author continues to evolve from novel to novel and the tales steadily improve in complexity. Released from Gray Dog Press this month, this is a very good book well worth hunting down and reading. For maximum enjoyment, the earlier novels in the series, “Under A Raging Moon” (a revised and re-released book) and “Heroes Often Fail” should be read and are available through the same publisher.



Beneath A Weeping Sky: A River City Crime Novel
Frank Zafiro
http://frankzafiro.com/index.php?page=novels
Gray Dog Press
http://www.graydogpress.com/
March 27, 2010
ISBN# 978-936178-12-5
Paperback
$16.95
480 Pages


Material provided by the publisher at author request in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

Reviewing: "Sassy Southern-Classy Cajun" by Sylvia Dickey Smith

Good food always brings diverse groups of people together. That is the theme of this small cookbook from author Sylvia Dickey Smith. Well known by her “Sidra Smart Mystery Series” (all of which are good reads) Sylvia has now brought a few of the recipes mentioned by Sidra Smart in the books to life along with a number of others from various people.



After a dedication to her mother, Ruth Thomas Dickey and an opening preface and listing of the recipe winners, the book gets going with “Appetizers.” “Cajun Bowties” which features the pasta not the pastry, “Orange, Texas Party Punch” and “Swamp Dip” are just a few recipes covered in this section. While there aren’t many pictures and there isn’t any nutritional information, the recipes are simple and the instructions are concise. This same format holds true through the small cookbook.

Breads of various types such as “Apple Corn Bread” and “Buckskin Bread” are part of the five recipes in the following section simply titled “Breads.”

Three recipes make up the section on “Breakfast” including a “Breakfast Casserole” using crescent rolls, sausage, green chilies, black olives, and cheese and eggs. Since it takes nearly an hour to cook once everything is assembled this might also be a really good brunch on the weekends. This also might be one of those recipes one really doesn’t want to know the nutritional information after all.

Surprisingly, the book next turns to “Desserts” starting on page 25. Expected ones such as “Green Tomato Pie” and “Peanut Butter Fudge” are here along with lesser known items such as “Peggie’s Iron Skillet Chocolate Pie” contributed by Peggy Mcadams and “Southern Hot Milk Cake” contributed by Carol Staggs spouse of author Earl Staggs. If, somehow, you have not read Earl’s mystery novel, “Memory Of A Murder” you really should.

“Main Dishes” begin on page 50 with “Aunt Annie’s Dirty Rice” and “Aunt Annie’s Chicken Dumplings” both recipes frequently made by the fictional Aunt Annie in Sylvia’s Sidra Smart Mystery Series. Also included is “Cajun Gumbo for Texans” contributed by Joan T. Hollier and “Crawfish Etouffe” among others.

“Vegetables” featuring such recipes as “Aunt Annie’s Corn Patties” begins on page 98. Beyond “Cajun Potato Salad” and “Fried Okra” there are also ones for “Onion Pie” and "Sidra Smart’s Sassy Pickles” among numerous others.

While this small 104 page cook book offers very few pictures (all black and white and small) as well as no nutritional information, the recipes are varied and will appeal to almost every taste bud. For the most part, the recipes are simple and easy to make and in every case the directions are clear and understandable. There is a lot of good eating in this book. Now you just have to make them and get some folks over to eat.


Sassy Southern-Classy Cajun
Sylvia Dickey Smith
http://www.sylviadickeysmith.com/
L & L Dreamspell
http://www.lldreamspell.com/
December 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60318-174-7
Paperback
104 Pages
$9.95


Material provided directly by the publisher in exchange for my objective review.


By the way, if you have not read Sylvia's "Sidra Smart Mystery Series," it begins with "Dance On His Grave" also from L & L Dreamspell. Good stuff and well worth your time as are the other books in the series.



Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

Review: "A Box Of Texas Chocolates: The Final Twist Anthology"

Anthologies are notoriously hard to review. The biggest issue is the fact that the story quality can fluctuate greatly. This book created by the Houston based writers group known as “The Final Twist” is a prime example of this problem. Containing fourteen stories with Texas settings in the genres of mystery, romance and science-fiction one would expect some variation in terms of complexity, depth of story, and enjoyment of martial. One does have to hunt hard for the good ones in this anthology.



“A Box of Texas Chocolates” by Linda Houle opens the book with a very clichéd setting. There is going to be a murder mystery theme party and, of course, one of the chocolate desserts is lethal. So much for the murder mystery party not killing anyone. Be sure not to miss the plugs for the recipe book and game based on the anthology at the end of the story or online at the publisher.

Pauline Baird Jones follows with her story “Getting a Clue.” Trapini comes from the wrong family, wrong everything, and Lieutenant Molony keeps dragging her in for questioning. Despite loving Molony at a far since first grade a romance between the two as far as Trapini is concerned. Instead of doing business the family way, she opened her own bakery and sometimes Molony brought items. Now, among other things, he wants to know who is buying chocolates from Trapini and anonymously sending then to his sister, Erin. Does romance have a chance?

Third in the book is Laura Elvebak who wrote the good mystery “Less Dead.” (The sequel, “Lost Witness” is currently in my burgeoning TBR pile.) In “Dying for Chocolate” Clarie is a child care provider who is doing a bit of her own investigating. She plans a confrontation with the mothers involved and will use chocolate to get the truth – one way or another. One of the far superior stories in the anthology, it sets up a final twist that many readers, including myself, will never see coming.

“The Invisible Hand Will Smear Chocolate on the Face of Tyranny” by Mark H. Phillips comes next. Beyond being the longest title in the anthology, this science fiction story is a pretty good one. We aren’t the only ones who love chocolate which makes it worth changing the future of humans and aliens.

Gretchen Schultz makes the best treats around. Everyone knows it and she is under constant assault from her friend’s schemes to get her recipes. In “A Recipe to Die For” by Sally Love, Gretchen means to finally put a stop to it.

Page 71 marks the opening lines of “The Bavarian Drop Killer” by Cherri Galbiati. With a friend dead, Rina manages to insert herself fully into the investigation by the local police of Sandy Creek, Texas. The chocolate candy killer may have struck again? Or is there another explanation?

The seventh story is “Bitter Sweet” by Cece Smith. Chocolate, deceit and romance drive this story of discovering the truth in different people in this tale that is part romance, part mystery.

Betty Gordon creates a good mystery with her tale titled “The Cowboy’s Rose.” Fort Worth’s stock show and rodeo is the backdrop to a modern day cowboy, a package he doesn’t have and a pair of varmints that want the package pronto.

“Books and Bon Bons” by Charlotte Phillips follows with a good tale of dispensing justice earned. You just better keep your eye on your waitress and mind your manners.

If you are in any relationship any length of time at all you know Valentine’s Day is important even if she says it isn’t. In “Valentine’s Day” by Diana L. Driver, Erin said it wasn’t and Gary believed her. It is about to blowup for the newlyweds and one wonders who will fix it?

Murder at a charity gala is the idea behind “Jadead” by Iona McAvoy. The supernatural also plays a role in this very enjoyable story about murder, deceit and family and, of course, chocolate.

It is clear from the opening paragraphs that a stalker lurks in the story “Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Autumn Storm. What isn’t clear is why and how Megan will survive this latest crisis in her life.

“Truffles of Doom” is the second story by Mark H. Phillips in this anthology and another good one. It opens with an interrupted strip poker game between Herbert and Eva thanks to a phone call. The phone call better be important and it was for Detective Eva Baum. Nobody is going to poison the homeless by way of chocolate and get away with it.

The anthology concludes with “A Bona Fide Quirk in the Law” by Cash Anthony. Jessie Carr is involved in a lot of things and soon gets herself involved in a case of a woman arrested for selling “martial aids.” Based on a Texas law that was finally struck down as unconstitutional a number of years ago, this story provides a fitting sweet treat to the end of the book.


Featuring 14 stories by thirteen authors, this 336 page book features a lot of variety in terms of themes, character development and genres. Overall the read is rather disappointing considering the many publishing success these authors have had with a variety of projects. One goes into this third annual anthology expecting more depth to the read and less reliance on so many clichéd characters and settings.

While seasoned readers may be disappointed over the quality of works presented here, there is enough to keep many readers involved and turning the pages. The few chocolate morsels in this book make up for the weak flavor of others and make the book a break even experience in the long run.


A Box Of Texas Chocolates: The Final Twist Anthology
Editor: Lisa Rene’ Smith
L&L Dreamspell
http://www.lldreamspell.com/
September 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60318-140-2
Paperback
236 Pages
$16.95



Book provided by the publisher in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

Epinions

For some time now I have been a member of Epinions and have placed my reviews on the site. Recently, on behalf of Epinions, I was asked to read and objectively review Andrea Camilleri’s new book “The Wings Of The Sphinx.” My exclusive review is at:
http://www1.epinions.com/review/Book_The_Wings_of_the_Sphinx_Andrea_Camilleri/content_506351685252



so surf on over and take a look when you get a chance. This book was something far different than normal for me.

Kevin

Reviewing: 'Red, Green or Murder" by Steven Havill

This novel marks the return of what always made this series great- Bill Gastner. Several novels ago, Bill Gastner moved on to his job as a New Mexico Live Stock Inspector. The focus of the novels changed to Undersheriff Estelle Reyes Guzman and her family with Bill Gastner making the occasional brief appearance. This was also noted with the tiles as the series became “The Posadas County Mysteries.” Something was lost in that shift as the books were different in style, tone and read. It took some getting used to, at least for this reader, and the last couple have been pretty good.



Now Author Steven Havill reminds us of the past with this novel set several novels ago just after Gastner moved into his job as a New Mexico Live Stock Inspector. It is a perfect job for Gastner and allows him to roam the wide open spaces of Posadas County and get paid to do it. The novel begins out at the H-Bar-T ranch one beautiful September morning with Bill and the owner Herb Torrance eyeballing twenty-four head of cattle. Unlike the old days when cowboys simply drove a herd where they wanted when they wanted, these days the cattle had to be inspected first and cleared for travel before being loaded into a stock trailer, fees paid and paper work processed, and then they can be moved. While Bill is enjoying the scene straight out of the Old West, he is looking forward to lunch with good friend George Payton.

A lunch ultimately he won’t have because of a freak accident involving one of the ranch hands at the H-Bar-T that cause a postponement. Then news comes that George has died while eating the lunch the two of them would have shared. Elderly, George did have numerous health issues so his sudden death, apparently due to a massive heart attack, isn’t surprising. Still, Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman investigates the unattended death fully and slowly it begins to appear that the heart attack had a much more sinister cause.

While Bill is still in shock that George has died, the cattle that should have been on the new section of range land are found miles away on a country road wandering aimlessly. The range hand is missing having left his beloved dog behind and equally troubling is the fact that the very expensive truck and stock trailer are missing. Word comes that they were spotted crossing the border being driven by people unknown which means foul play is at work here. For Bill Gastner in his new job, this case takes precedence though Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman keeps him well involved in the investigation surrounding George’s death.

This 16th novel in the series is yet another strong mystery tale set in New Mexico. Author Steven Havill continues to create mighty good and dependable reads that aren’t full of profanity or graphic violence. While this novel sheds no new light on the central characters, that isn’t unexpected as Havill has fleshed out these characters long ago. He isn’t about to create some cheap theatrics just to shake up the world.

Instead, his books are rock solid and feature central characters that are average folks doing the best they can in their little corner of the world and people you would be glad to know and be able to count on in times of crisis. Along the way, much as Bill Crider does in his books or Milton T, Burton does in his, Steven Havill creates a fictional world that has a mighty good tale that pulls you in quickly. If you aren’t reading these folks you are really missing out.


Red, Green, or Murder: The Posadas County Mysteries
Steven F. Havill
Poisoned Pen Press
http://www.poisonedpenpress.com/
2009
ISBN# 978-1-59058-665-5
Hardback
275 Pages
$24.95



Book provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

Update----Barry's Selling Books

Barry Ergang passes on this update regarding the many books he has for sale....

I am continuing to add mysteries at http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?p=18683#post18683

I have also created a temporary site, http://barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/, where I've listed some additional mysteries along with a variety of other types of books. This is very new, so check it often if you read other than mysteries, because I'll be adding to it nearly every day.



Barry has some really good stuff here, so check it out.

Kevin

Currently Reading

Currently reading: "Beneath A Weeping Sky" by Frank Zafiro. This is the third novel in his police procedural series set in River City, WA and so far is another good one. It follows "Under A Raging Moon"

and "Heroes Often Fail"


like most really good series, you need to have read the first two books to get the maximum enjoyment out of this new book as it builds on earlier issues and themes.

Kevin

What a cover should look like!

They say don't judge a book by its cover, but anyone who ever worked in a bookstore will tell you book covers influence book buyers. More than jacket copy, paid for blurb ads on the back cover, book covers move books. Recently, Milton T. Burton dropped me a note about his latest book, "Nights Of The Red Moon" and told me he now had the cover art. I had the pleasure of reading a rough draft of this one awhile back before it was sent to the publisher and it is quite possibly Milton's best book.

Which is not to say that the others, "The Rogues' Game" and "The Sweet And The Dead" aren't good. They are very good. But, "Nights Of The Red Moon" is better. Sort of a cross between what Bill Crider does and what James Lee Burke does the novel just pulls you into a swirling storm of mystery and deceit.

Anyway, the cover art is done and incredibly good. If you surf over to Milton's Blog found at
http://obscuredestinies.blogspot.com/ you can take a look for yourself. You can also read part of Chapter One of the book that is the start of a new series.

If you aren't reading Miton T. Burton's stuff, you are really missing out.

Kevin

Barry's Selling Books

and the link is http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6771 Lots of good stuff on there and the list keeps changing. Check it out!

Practicing Writing: Book Reviewing is NOT the Same as Sitting on the Couch Watching Bad TV

Interesting article and very true.

Practicing Writing: Book Reviewing is NOT the Same as Sitting on the Couch Watching Bad TV

Reviewing: "Sworn To Silence" by Linda Castillo

Police Chief Kate Burkholder is sure it can’t be happening again and for a very good reason. Winter has gripped the small town of Painters Mill, Ohio and a serial killer is at work. Sixteen years ago he struck four times and Kate Buckholder is pretty sure he can’t be back now. The dead woman at the household of the Stutz place seems to belie that idea. Not only was she brutally murdered in the same savage way as before there are other signs linking the killings from sixteen years ago to the killings now.

Raised as Amish until she became rebellious and was, for all intents and purposes, disowned by her family, Kate Burkholder has seen quite a lot over the years. But, nothing prepared her for the sight of the dead woman with roman numerals carved into the skin of her stomach. Just as the killer did sixteen years ago.

Clichés and stereotypes exist for a reason. They do have a kernel of truth in them and resonate for readers both in terms of real life and in the world of fiction. They abound in this book in the form of Kate Buckholder and the outsider John Tomasetti of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Investigation. Both are flawed characters, hiding secrets from their past which could very easily destroy them, and both hold themselves apart from others. It isn’t surprising when the two make a connection on various levels and unite in a case that becomes increasingly violent and political.

This is one of those books that are hard to review. As a writer and editor, there were places in the book where it was stunningly easy to predict exactly what was going to happen. The same was true as a reader because I read so many books. For this reader, the who-dunit was no surprise once the triggering event became very obvious. It was also obvious where there were occasional continuity issues and plot point problems.

At the same time, despite the predictability and the clichés, Texas author Linda Castillo has created a highly suspenseful and atmospheric book. Much of the criticism that has noted the plot point problems and continuity issues will not impact the casual reader who allows the story to take over and doesn’t analyze the work. The book works because it is highly atmospheric, the main character isn’t run of the mill and the setting using the Amish in the area is a bit different. The author manages to hook the reader quickly and pull one deep into her world where it all does make sense and everything works.

Not only is the book, which is very violent and very graphic in several spots, worth your time and effort, it serves as the foundation of what could be an entertaining series. “Pray For Silence” is the second book in the series and is currently scheduled to be released this June.


Sworn To Silence
Linda Castillo
http://www.lindacastillo.com/
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
2009
ISBN#0-312-37497-6
Hardback
321 Pages
$24.95

Book provided by the good folks of the Plano Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

Mark Troy and the value of sidekicks

http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/2010/02/sidekicks-by-mark-troy.html

Seems to me that concept is pretty much part of the basic foundation of every mystery novel (as well as the whole buddy action film concept). The only real question is how involved the sidekick is in the plot and storyline.

Having had the privilege of reading some of Mark's published as well as unpublished stuff over the last few years, I must add that Ava Rome seriously scares me. I figure you just shoot Moon on sight and that solves the problem with him. But then, Ava would come unglued and I have a feeling that wouldn't be pretty.

Barry Ergang has Books FOR SALE!

Barry Ergang, my friend who also occasionally allows me to post one of his book reviews, has some very neat books for sale. The main link is at http://www.barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/   and you ought to check it out.

Kevin

EVENT: Poetry Meeting in Garland Tomorrow

The Garland chapter (Bea Land/Phoenix) of the Poetry Society of Texas will meet tomorrow, Saturday, Febuary 6, 2010. The meeting is ususally held in room five at the South Branch Garland Library. Meeting begins at ten.

Bring one or two of your own poems to read, or bring poems you like. Theme for this meeting is "Birth/Rebirth"--literal or figurative.

Reviewing: "Doubleback" by Libby Fischer Hellmann

“DOUBLEBACK” marks the return of P. I. Georgia Davis as well as another very good book by Libby Fischer Hellman. It also unites Georgia and Ellie Foreman (An Eye For Murder and others) in a case that resonates for parents everywhere.

It is a morning like any other in June when Molly Messenger is kidnapped. The mother, Christine Messenger, calls a friend who in turn calls Ellie for help. The eight year old vanished from a day camp in the Chicago area. The kidnappers have threatened to kill Molly if law enforcement becomes involved and Mom is a shattered wreck. Ellie can’t help but respond to her and asks Georgia Davis to look into things. They go back and Georgia knows if Ellie’s asking for help it is a bad sign.

From the start, Georgia doesn’t want the case. The Police, The FBI, etc, should be involved but they aren’t. Christine Messenger is clearly hiding something and her various explanations don’t really explain things. In a matter of three days little Molly is back home and while the case isn’t solved, the parents ordeal is over. The police, who were working the case, have zero leads and zero reasons as to why Molly was kidnapped and with her return are moving on to more current matters. Just when all consider it over, Mom is killed in a freak accident leaving behind a motherless daughter, devastated ex-husband and some bizarre circumstances involving her job at a major bank. Wanting answers to everything, the ex-husband hires Georgia to investigate in a case that will lead her across state lines before finally coming home.

Much like “Easy Innocence” there are dark nebulous forces at work through out the novel. Slowly, author Libby Fisher Hellman reveals clues in a tale that has links to both national and local human interest stories. By using two different major series characters, the author provides an interesting and very different personality driven take on events through each of the characters. Ellie is, for the most part calm and controlled, while Georgia has a passion that drives her into dangerous and violent actions and situations. This device also turns into a drawback at different times in the novel as suspense with one character is pushed back for a chapter while the other major character is brought up to speed. The result, from a storytelling angle designed to build character nuance and complexity, does work. However, from a reader standpoint, the tactic became occasionally annoying and interrupted the natural flow of the novel.

Despite that flaw which will affect readers in different ways, the overall novel is a very good one where the author pulls you deep into her fictional world where everything becomes all too real. Billed and written as a sequel of sorts to the very good “Easy Innocence” it can easily be read as a stand alone.


DOUBLEBACK
Libby Fischer Hellmann
http://www.libbyhellmann.com/
Bleak House Books
http://www.bleakhousebooks.com/
October 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60648-053-3
Paperback
300 Pages
$14.95
ARC


Review copy provided by publicist P. J. Nunn, owner of BreakThrough Promotions, in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

By the way, if you have not read "EASY INNOCENCE" you should.


It is a very good book, though the material is dark and disturbing at times. Most really good books are.

Friday's Forgotten Books and Patti Abbott

Back last November, I was asked by Patti Abbott if I wanted to be a part of her "Friday's Forgotten Books" blog postings. I said yes, without reservation, and the piece on Milton T. Burton and his excellent novel "The Sweet And The Dead" ran yesterday. With additional commentary from Patti Abbott on other authors/books and comments on my review it is at:
http://pattinase.blogspot.com/2010/01/fridays-forgottten-books-january-29.html

For those who would prefer to read the piece here, I have posted it below:


Milton T. Burton broke onto the crime scene a few years back with his powerful debut novel, “The Rogues’ Game.”

Set in an unnamed West Texas small town, the book tells the tale of an unnamed narrator who arrives in town to play cards and carry out an act of revenge. The con is the thing and the heavily atmospheric and complex book twists and turns all the way to the end. While I really enjoyed that book, I think his second novel, which came out in 2006 is a bit better.

Titled “The Sweet And The Dead” the book is set in the fall of 1970 in Mississippi where Manfred Eugene "Hog" Webern is deep undercover in Biloxi.

Hog is a retired Dallas County Deputy Sheriff, a good man, and a damn good cop despite the word on the street. It is coincidence and nothing more that he got into some money at approximately the same time his former partner was gunned down and a couple of other nasty things happened. The word on the street is that Hog is dirty which makes him a perfect candidate to investigate from the inside the group dubbed the "Dixie Mafia."

Bob Wallace is a Texas Ranger and a man that Hog has worked with before more than once and a man that Hog trusts without question. Wallace tells him that Curtis Blanchard, one of the chief felony investigators for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety wants Hog to come to Mississippi, hook up with Jasper Sparks, head of the aforementioned Dixie Mafia, and gather enough evidence to bring Jasper and as many others as possible down. Hog agrees for several reasons and before long finds himself deep undercover in a twisting case that seems to know no end.

In both of Milton’s books, the tales twist and turn on themselves and features a main character full of internal demons and unresolved guilt who is seeking his own form of justice. A dark hero who finds a brand of honor in the criminal element and one isn’t sure about the character’s motivations until the final word on the last page.


Books that I simply can’t say enough good things about or do justice to in reviews. The author, like his characters, goes quietly about his business and eschews the limelight and self promotion that so many routinely engage in on every forum possible. Milton T. Burton deserves considerably more acclaim than he is getting and his books deserve a place on your reading list.


Kevin

Interesting Blog Reading Elsewhere

Just a couple of things I cam across this Saturday morning while playing catch-up on my e-mail.

First, a blog on reviewing and while it is aimed at poetry books it has mass appeal. AN ongoing series titled "10 Questions on Reviewing" can be found at:

http://lemonhound.blogspot.com/


Second, for some time now I have felt that the John Sandford books the last couple of years didn't read like earlier ones and from time to time noted that in my reviews. Peg Brantley mentioned the issue in connection with her reading "Dark Of The Moon" and John Sandford's son responded. The Blog, with comments can be found at:

http://www.suspensenovelist.blogspot.com/

While addressing the Virgil Flowers books issue is great, it doesn't explain why the other books have changed. Clearly, addressing that wasn't part of his response. I am just still wondering about that because it could be a variety of reasons.

Anyway, just a couple of interesting things I found this morning. I hope you find them as interesting as I did. For me, at least, it beats reading again my latest publisher royalty statement that details just how bad sales still are for the anthology. Downright depressing stuff.

Reviewing: "Death Will help You Leave Him" by Elizabeth Zelvin

Having first appeared in “Death Will Get You Sober” Bruce Kohhler and the gang return in the sequel “Death Will Help You Leave Him.” A title that certainly fits the book very well despite the fact that this novel never comes close to the first book in terms of mystery, humor, or engaging story.

As the book opens, recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohhler is dragged out in the rain in New York in the middle of the night by his friend Barbara. Barbara works as an addictions counselor and is sponsoring a woman, Luz, in Al-Anon. Luz was being abused by her drug dealing boyfriend, Frankie, who was also a married man with kids. Luz came home to find him dead on her kitchen floor. At some point after finding the body, Luz made a semi hysterical call to Barbara telling her about the death and that the cops think she did it. So, Barbara is riding to the rescue and dragging her boyfriend, Jimmy, and Bruce along with her.

Frankie had a history of mentally abusing Luz and most likely physically abusing her which would clearly give Luz motive. Beyond the fact that the guy had the bad grace to die in Luz’s apartment, it also appears that Frankie knew his killer and let him or her in. Then there is the whole adultery angle that she was having sex with a man she knew to be married and wanted him to leave his wife. These points and numerous others make Luz the obvious suspect.

Before long, with the police focused on Luz, Barbara and Jimmy are wading to help investigate and dragging Bruce right along with them. As if Bruce doesn’t have enough to deal with concerning his own sobriety. His ex-wife, Laura, is in heavy contact with Bruce, seems to be deep in her own abusive relationship with another man in her life, and apparently off her meds for her bipolar disorder while making various plays for Bruce’s attention.

The second book in a series is frequently not as good as the first series and that certainly is the case here. While the first novel stayed away, for the most part, from jargon this one does not. It also moves far slower than the first novel. However, the biggest problem is the twin storylines of abuse.

Abuse and issues relating to abuse do not lend themselves to humor or enjoyable reading in a novel that ultimately concludes in a depressing and not at all unexpected ending. “Death Will Help You Leave Him” is a mystery that isn’t much of a mystery and therefore relies on the internal conflict Bruce has dealing with his ex-wife. This extremely slow moving sequel illustrates all too well the dangers with destructive relationships. It also clearly illustrates the long history of the experience the author has as a New York City Psychotherapist.


Death Will Help You Leave Him
Elizabeth Zelvin
http://www.elizabethzelvin.com
Thomas Dunne Books (Minotaur/St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.thomasdunnebooks.com
October 2009
ISBN# 978-0-312-58266-1
Hardback
275 Pages
$25.95


Book provided directly by the author in exchange for my objective review.



Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

Book Signing Tonight--Robert Crais

Author Robert Crais will be signing his new book, FIRST RULE, at

Borders
10720 Preston Rd.
Suite 1018
Dallas, TX 75230

at 7pm. If you are familiar with his work, this is a novel that focuses on Joe Pike.



Synopsis (per Amazon)

The organized criminal gangs of the former Soviet Union are bound by what they call the thieves' code. The first rule is this: A thief must forsake his mother, father, brothers, and sisters. He must have no family-no wife, no children. We are his family. If any of the rules are broken, it is punishable by death.

Frank Meyer had the American dream-until the day a professional crew invaded his home and murdered everyone inside. The only thing out of the ordinary about Meyer was that- before the family and the business and the normal life-a younger Frank Meyer had worked as a professional mercenary, with a man named Joe Pike. The police think Meyer was hiding something very bad, but Pike does not. With the help of Cole, he sets out on a hunt of his own-an investigation that quickly entangles them both in a web of ancient grudges, blood ties, blackmail, vengeance, double crosses, and cutthroat criminal­ity, and at the heart of it, an act so terrible even Pike and Cole have no way to measure it. Sometimes, the past is never dead. It's not even past.


I haven't read it yet as I am pretty far back in the line of folks wanting it from the Plano Library System. That means I can't tell you what I think about the book. But, Robert Crais is a favorite of mine and I just might try to rearrange things to make the drive down tonight.

Kevin

Event--Writer's Guild Of Texas Meeting: Monday, January 18, 2010

Standard Disclaimer-----I post this as a general service to my readers and receive no financial inducement to do so. Furthermore, I know nothing more about the event than what is posted here so if you have any questions, please contact those involved directly.

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Please forward to all writers and writing groups

Mark the third Monday of every month for the Writers' Guild of Texas meeting.

Monday, 18 January 2010
7-8:30 p.m.
Topic: Write Naked
Speaker: Wendy Lyn Watson

Richardson Public Library
900 Civic Center Dr.
Richardson TX 75080
Basement Room

We hear it all the time from editors and agents: “I love your voice,” or “I’m looking for a strong voice.” They rarely take the time, however, to explain what they mean by “voice.” A writer’s voice is a combination of style (the mechanics of writing like grammar, sentence structure, and word choice), tone (the mood you set with your writing), and theme (the broad issues you tend to address, like friendship or betrayal or destiny). Voice is not your story, it’s the way you tell it. The great thing about voice is that everyone has one (really!) and each one is unique. The trick is to define your voice, to develop it, and to make sure it shines through in your story. In this interactive workshop, we’ll use a variety of writing exercises to pin down the essence of our unique writing voice. You’ll also learn a number of exercises that will help you continue developing your voice after the workshop ends.

Wendy Lyn Watson writes deliciously funny cozy mysteries with a dollop of romance. Her Mysteries a la Mode (I Scream, You Scream (October 2009) and Scoop to Kill (September 2010)) feature amateur sleuth Tallulah Jones, who solves murders in between scooping sundaes. While she does not commit--or solve--murders in real life, Wendy can kill a pint of ice cream in nothing flat. She’s also passionately devoted to 80s music, Asian horror films, and reality TV. (http://www.wendylynwatson.com/)

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A MESSAGE FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE WRITERS' GUILD OF TEXAS:The Guilded Pen, a social network developed for writers, offers an open forum that welcomes writers of all levels and writing mediums. Come join the fun. Create, develop, and promote your work. Get support and inspiration and share in an open, non-threatening environment. Be a resource for those looking for collaborators for joint works. Friends of the Writers’ Guild of Texas.

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Kat Smith, Membership Chair, is developing a membership directory to help members find members with similar interests, etc. to partner for critique or support. The membership form will provide a clear picture of each member's profile. Take the opportunity to talk to her at the next meeting.

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Annual 2010 WGT dues of $20.00 can be paid at the January meeting.

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All WGT events located at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. For information on the sponsoring organization, visit http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/.

Monday, 15 February 2010. Regular meeting: Shirley Duke. Children's Author. Tips and Tools: Navigating the World of Children's Writing.

Monday, 15 March 2010. Regular meeting: Terry Burns, Hartline Literary Agency: Agent Q & A. Listed as number three on the Publisher's Marketplace list of agents helping debut authors to publish. More at http://www.terryburns.net/program_page.htm.

Saturday, 27 March 2010: Saturday workshop

Monday, 19 April 19: Regular meeting. TBA

Monday, 17 May 2010. Regular meeting: Rosemary Clement-Moore. Topic: TBA

Monday, 21 June 2010. Regular meeting. WGT All-Stars' Read In.

All Writers' Guild of Texas events held at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. Visit WGT's website: http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/. ================================================================

Writers' Events Calendar (contact shurlock@flash.net to have your conferences, meetings, or other writing-related event listed here--no individual book signings, please):

16 January and 23 January 2010. Saturdays. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Denton County Writers Workshop. LaRee Bryant. The Creative Side of Writing (first Saturday); The Business Side of Writing (second Saturday). North Branch Library, Denton. Contact Carmen Grant, carmengrant@cityofdenton.com.

19 January 2010. Tuesday. FW SPJ: Authors Night. 6 p.m. Mike Cochran, Carlton Stowers, Johnny Hughes. Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth. $17 members, $25 non-members, $10 students, free if you join SPJ on the spot. mkpirtle@yahoo.com.

6 February 2010. Saturday. Dallas MWASW. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dr. Jeffrey Barnard, Chief Medical Examiner, Dallas. Autopsy--the Real Deal. $20/cash only. rlwriter@yahoo.com.

19-21 March 2010, North Texas Romance Writers of America. North Texas Two Step, A Writers Conference. Screenwriter Michael Hauge, plus agents and editors. http://www.ntrwa.org/

10-11 April 2010, DFW Writers' Conference 2010! Grapevine, Texas. http://dfwwritersworkshop.org/

Second Saturday each month: North Texas Speculative Fiction Workshop. http://www.ntsfw.com/

Visit http://www.writersleague.org/programs/classes.html for up-to-date information on Writer's League of Texas workshops held in Austin TX.

Visit http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/ for guidelines to participate in the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. =========================================================

The Writers' Guild of Texas is a nonprofit professional organization whose primary purpose is to provide a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers; to help members improve and market their writing skills; and to promote the interests of writers and the writing community.If you don't wish to receive these announcements, please let me know.Permission to forward this email is not only granted, but encouraged. Let's get the word out to as many in the writing community as possible.

Carol Woods, Communications
Writers' Guild of Texas