The Titans Are At It Still In "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

Marketed for young teen readers, this series works well for adults as well. However, as is the case in most series, you really need to have read the earlier books in the series. That certainly is the case here so begin with "Percy Jackson And The Olympians, Book One: The Lightning thief." And by the way, this San Antonio, Texas author is also the writer of the Tres Navarre mystery series for adults. Those books are well worth the read too.

Percy Jackson And The Olympians, Book Three: The Titan's Curse
By Rick Riordan
http://www.rickriordan.com
Hyperion Books For Children
http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com
2007
ISBN # 978-142310145-1
Hardback
312 Pages

Percy Jackson knows from personal experience that it is hard to be a demigod. Especially one that has to be driven to where he is needed by his Mom. That is exactly what had to be done when Grover called for his help. Percy rounded up a couple of his fellow demigods, Annabeth and Thalia, and went on the eight hour drive from New York City to Bar Harbor, Maine in the sleet and snow. Their mission is to get to Westover Hall and help Grover who has discovered two half bloods at the isolated private school.

Grover has also found a monster on Campus operating in human form. At least it is for now and there is concern that more could be on the way or already present. Grover wants their help to safely rescue the two students, a boy and girl, ages ten and twelve. That rescue of the brother and sister goes horribly wrong and ultimately causes Percy to join another quest against the Titans.

This is the third adventure in the series and another entertaining read for young teens and up. Texas author Rick Riordan does little with regards to character development with Percy or changing the formulaic flow within the novel. Instead, he focuses on action and delivers plenty of it while also explaining how another set of the myths relate to modern times. He also uses the novel as a setup for the coming novel regarding Percy's fate which has been ordained by the oracle to happen once Percy reaches sixteen. With some of the Gods wishing him dead, the fourteen year old Percy continues to try and prove himself through word and deed that he isn't the type of person the Gods should fear.

As such, readers know from the fast moving start that questing will be involved, Percy and friends will battle monsters as they head to the West Coast in another race against time, and that along the way when things appear bleakest, Percy and friends will receive help in unexpected ways. That formula isn't changed here. Adult readers may notice, along with some of the humor that may not be as clear to young teen readers, that after two books in the series it is very obvious when catastrophe will strike. As usual, it strikes often and since it is clearly expected there is less suspense or need to turn the page to find out what is going to happen. While it wouldn't be fair to characterize this book or the series as being in a rut, the author might wish to consider shaking things up, especially in regards to sequencing so that the next works don't follow the exact same formula.

Still, while it does have that stylistic flaw, the novel does provide another entertaining read. Not only is it nice to know where Atlas is living these days and holding up the world, it is also nice to know that the Golden Fleece is still working well at Camp Half Blood. As a parent who really was into mythology while in school, it is really good to see a series such as this bringing mythology up to current times.

I just wish the writer in me had thought of it first!

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

"A Welcome Grave" by Michael Kortya is a great read

This latest novel featuring P. I. Lincoln Perry is the third book in the series which began with "Tonight I said Goodbye." Some may advocate this novel could be read as a stand alone. I would totally disagree. It would be well worth your time to start in the beginning and work your way forward.

A Welcome Grave
By Michael Kortya
http://www.michaelkortya.com
Thomas Dunne Books
http://www.thomasdunnebooks.com
July 2007
ISBN # 978-0-312-34011-7
Hardback
294 Pages

This latest read in the series is another noirish style read with Lincoln Perry dealing with his own past during a current case. Alex Jefferson was tortured and killed in a field near Bedford, south of Cleveland. With no suspects immediately apparent in the field standing over the body or running away from it, Detectives start looking into folks who knew Jefferson and might have held a grudge. People like Lincoln Perry.

Lincoln's grudge as the Detectives see it, would go back a few years ago when Lincoln was engaged to Karen who ended up working in Alex Jefferson's law firm. The boss started noticing her and gradually his efforts at seduction paid off. Lincoln found out they were sleeping together and after consuming a twelve pack of beer, went to Jefferson's country club and beat the living tar out of him. Lincoln left the man alive and was later stopped for drunk driving and eventually charged with assault. Jefferson recovered and married Karen and everyone went on with their lives. Despite keeping mementos from their relationship in a small box, Lincoln doesn't think about what happened much anymore.

That is until now when a few days later Karen calls wanting his help. While sitting in a leather chair in her mansion, Karen tells him that she wants to find Alex's son. The son, Matthew Jefferson, is due to inherit eight million dollars and no one knows where he is. Karen says she wants someone she can trust to find him and tell Matthew what has happened and for that, she is willing to pay Lincoln one percent or eighty thousand dollars. The amount is far in excess what should be paid which does bother Lincoln.

Still eight thousand dollars for a couple of days work would come in very handy right now. Cases haven't been coming in lately. The business is barely afloat and then there is the whole deal with Joe's medical expenses and rehabilitation after he was shot. Guilt is a powerful motivator and Lincoln feels plenty of it so he agrees.

Something that he will soon regret in a case that quickly becomes personal with his very life at stake. Author Michael Kortya once again pulls readers deep into the cynical world of Lincoln Perry in an intense mystery. Part hardboiled and part noir, the read is compelling and intense as it dwells in the shady land in between where Lincoln is at the brink.

While the novel continues character development especially in regards to Lincoln and seems to foreshadow a massive change in his relationship with Joe, it also works heavily with various items from previous novels. As such it is not only hard to discuss the book in great detail, it also strongly behooves those interested in reading the book to start from the beginning with "Tonight I Said Goodbye." In doing so, readers will be introduced to a majority of the characters in Lincoln's world as well as to plot threads that are dealt with in this intense novel by the Edgar nominated author.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Bosch is back in "The Overlook" by Michael Connelly

I have been a big fan of the author, especially in regards to this series, for quite some time. "The Black Echo" and "The Black Ice" which were his first two books in the series were, in my opinion, incredible reads. This latest read in the series can be read as a stand alone if you are new to Michael Connelly's work. If you are new, please go get the first two books. They are well worth it.

The Overlook
By Michael Connelly
http://www.michaelconnelly.com
Little, Brown and Company
http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com
May 2007
ISBN # 978-0-316-01895-1
Hardback
225 Pages

Detective Harry Bosch has moved to the "Homicide Special" unit of the Los Angeles Police Department. Gone are his days, at least for now, of working old cases. Operating out of Parker Center, the unit deals with cases that have political, celebrity, or media connections or cases that look very tough from the start. Lt. Larry Gandle, his new boss, calls in the middle of the night regarding such a case. Dr. Stanley Kent has been found dead at the overlook above the Mulholland Dam. Matter of death was execution by impact of two bullets into the back of the head.

Bosch and his new partner, Ignacio Ferras are assigned to the case. Not only are their cultural differences and a massive gap in ages, Ferras has a young family to support. New to working with each other, when the case quickly turns into fears of terrorism, Ferras doesn't trust that Bosch is handling things correctly. Dr. Kent was a medical physicist who worked with and had access to radioactive materials that are usually used to treat cancer patients. Since such materials could be used for other things, his name among many others from across the country was on a list maintained by the FBI. Reports of his death and the circumstances surrounding it have reached the FBI. As the federal government ramps up operations, Special Agent Rachel Walling from the Tactical Intelligence Unit returns to assist.

As has been made clear many times in this series, when the FBI arrives to assist, they usually mean to take over. Such events happen here and Bosch has to deal not only with conflict with his own command structure and the FBI, but with his partner as well who doesn't approve of Bosch's methods. Ferras has a lot to think about with his family and his career and Bosch's bulldozer style is not appreciated.

Originally serialized for the "New York Times Magazine" and then expanded for this 225 page novel, this isn't Bosch at his best. I never read the serialization which, according to the note about the author at the end of the book, was "considerably expanded" for this novel. Therefore, I can't address what changes were made.

With regards to the actual novel, there is a certain flatness to the read. A certain lack of humanity, of human feeling in Bosch though he tells readers he is feeling things. That lack of human feeling extends to the discussions of the recent shared past between Walling and Bosch and where they left things, Bosch's relationship with Ferras, Bosch's new job and in many other areas. While readers are constantly told that Bosch is feeling this or that, it is never shown through character action or showed any other way, resulting in an emotionally distant read.

At the same time, the case itself is a decent one that will keep a fair amount of readers guessing to the end. Those with a cynical bent or widely read in the mystery genre will pick up on clues hinted at early in the novel which will be borne out on the end with one final twist in regards to a suspect. While a less than stellar read, Bosch not at his best is still entertaining and readers familiar with the series won't want to let this one get by unread.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Interesting Reading

Authors should take a look at the article at http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?%20id=82r4mqsd3s6hhl4vl3fn550s1n3bhy1s While written for the non fiction folks, most of the information applies to fiction authors as well.

Food for thought.

Kevin R. Tipple (c) 2007

New Market: THE BACK ALLEY

While I have seen reports over the last month of several different markets folding, I have also seen reports that some are starting up. One of those coming to life is THE BACK ALLEY which is billing itself as a new short story site for hardboiled, PI, and noir mysteries.

The opening issue which is set to appear tomorrow has names that should be familiar to you if you read mysteries or lurk on any of several lists. In addition to works from G. Miki Hayden, Stephen D. Rogers, and Jack Bludis there is going to be a tale from Carroll Jon Daly and other things. Run by Richard Helms, the venture can be found starting tomorrow at http://www.backalleywebzine.com

Sounds interesting and I am looking forward to reading it. Now, if I can find to do that as well as all the other online reading I want and need to do.....

Kevin R. Tipple (c) 2007

Lee Henry Works Again In "Crosshairs" by Harry Hunsicker

I find myself in the role of having to confess another full and fair disclosure here. I first met Harry Hunsicker at the recent HHCC conference where I found him to be eminently approachable. Actually, he found me first as he reads my work. Just how cool is that? He graciously offered an ARC of his soon to be released novel and like the salivating dog that I am, I happily said yes. I'm glad I did though I do wish I had been a bit more witty and intelligent in his presence.


Crosshairs: A Lee Henry Oswald Mystery
By Harry Hunsicker
http://www.harryhunsicker.com
Thomas Dunne Books
http://www.thomasdunnebooks.com
ISBN #978-0-312-34851-9
ARC

This third novel in the series (Still River and The Next Time You Die) finds Lee Henry Oswald and Dallas at the dawn of the new millennium. Lee Henry Oswald is no longer a private investigator; his home is gone, as is his street radar and his moral compass. He's basically just sliding by and trying to avoid everything on every level. Now he tends bar and chases airline stewardess. One in particular, after sleeping with him a second time assumes that they have a relationship. With Lee Henry Oswald living at an extended stay motel near Dallas Love Field she is making a mistake.

So too does Olson shows up at the local bar expecting Lee Henry to come running to help. Also is one of the few living reminders of what went horribly wrong a few months ago. Olson and Lee Henry both were in a Ranger Unit during the first gulf war. Olson brings news that Mike Baxter, another member of their unit, is dying at the Dallas VA Hospital. He needs to see Lee Henry and thanks to Lee Henry's obnoxious boss, Lee Henry is suddenly free.

Ultimately, with his days numbered to a precious few, Mike wants Lee Henry to find his estranged missing daughter, Susan Baxter, and bring her to him. He wants to talk to her one last time. The last thing Lee Henry wants to do is work again as a P.I. but he owes Mike who very well might be dying because of what happened long ago in the desert. He agrees and then moments later gets handed another case by Anita Nazari, a research doctor in the hospital who desperately wants to protect her daughter and keep the police out of it for reasons of her own.

The result is Lee Henry, who wanted no part of the life again is forced back in via two cases that seem to have nothing in common. As the point of view shifts from the doctor, to the trained assassin known only as The Professor, and to Lee Henry author Harry Hunsicker begins to weave two separate tales that have readers knowing much more than Lee Henry. Even though readers do, as the pages pass, it becomes clear that the readers don't have much of an advantage if any at all.

While another enjoyable read in the series, once again one this reader feels like he has been dropped into the latest situation and somehow has missed a novel in the series. Much is hinted in regards to earlier events which seem to rise to the level of being a complete book in their own right. As such with so much change for Lee Henry as well as the stylistic changes such as use of less humor shifting POV, etc. it takes some time before it begins to feel like a Lee Henry Oswald novel.

And yet, after all the shifts, the rather clichéd idea of the assassins code name being "The Professor" the novel begins to churn along with the expected violence and dark outlook on life one expects from Lee Henry Oswald. Crosshairs,  as the others do in this series, rolls towards a violent confrontation where finally all the players are all identified. The novel delivers on its promise and once again author Harry Hunsicker delivers another dark and engrossing read regarding the man with the less than helpful name.



Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Ace is on the case in "Jasmine's Fate" by Randy Rawls

In the interests of fair disclosure, I first met Randy Rawls at the recent HHCC convention in Dallas. A friendly human being and a neat guy was my initial assessment and that never changed. I went away from the conference wishing I had been able to sit and talk to him about writing as well as life in general more than I was able to over those short two days. That same feeling held true while I read his latest novel which was the first book I had ever read by him. Reading his book was one of the few times in my life that it felt like the author was speaking directly to me and telling the story.


Jasmine's Fate
By Randy Rawls
http://www.randyrawls.com/
Hilliard and Harris
http://www.hilliardandharris.com/
2007
ISBN #1-59133-215-X
Large Trade Paperback
223 Pages

Dallas, home of the fictional Lee Henry Oswald written by Harry Hunsicker is also home to the fictional Arthur Conan Edwards, Ace to his friends and his writer friend, Randy Rawls. Stylistically opposite in extremes, both are always open to helping damsels in distress especially if it is a redhead as Ace has a weakness for redheads. Summoned by his good friend Clint Ravel, lead detective on a homicide case, Ace leaves his two cats, Sweeper and Striker, home alone to tear up the place while he drives over to meet his latest potential client, Jasmine Loverly.

Ace is divorced, drives a convertible Chrysler Sebring, has a good friend and neighbor, Mr. Harbinger (who keeps an eye out for him), knows a very good lawyer by the name of Candi Maladay, and the fore mentioned two cats and weakness for redheads. Jasmine Loverly is definitely a redhead and definitely beautiful. She is also definitely, a suspect in the murder of Doug Isendorf, III. He died from a kitchen knife being shoved deep into his chest and the beautiful Jasmine, who cries almost continuously, has his blood on her hands. His father is convinced she did it and wants her buried under the jail. When she isn't crying, she's gorgeous and before long, Ace is trying to clear her name while following a trail that leads from Dallas/ Ft. Worth to East Texas and back again.

Released through Hilliard and Harris, this latest novel in the series was a first for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having met and talked with Randy Rawls at the recent HHCC convention in Dallas, I found his book to read just like Randy talks. It’s a cozy style novel told from Ace's viewpoint with a cast of solid recurring characters and an intriguing mystery. Much like Randy, the work carries a quiet confidence that everything will turn out in the end. The result is a comfortable page turning read where the bad guys get theirs in the end, Ace has his girl and his cats, and all is right with the world. Pop a Killian, Ace's drink of choice, and sit back and enjoy.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Reacher returns in "Bad Luck And Trouble" by Lee Child

If you haven't picked up a novel from this series before, you can start here. While it does refer to a couple of things in earlier books, it won't hurt those reads if you read this one first. If you haven't read him—why not?

Bad Luck And Trouble: A Jack Reacher Novel
By Lee Child
http://www.leechild.com
Delacorte Press
http://www.bantamdell.com
May 2007
ISBN #978-0-385-34055-9
Hardback
377 Pages


"So, what's the plan, boss?" Dixon asked, and the question sent Reacher spinning nine years into the past, to the last time he had heard anyone ask it.
"Same as ever," he said. "We investigate, we prepare, we execute. We find them, we take them down, and then we piss on their ancestors' graves."(Page 110)

This has always summed up Reacher's attitude towards his enemies—foreign and domestic. That attitude isn't about to change in the eleventh novel of the series which does find him occasionally questioning some of the financial choices he has made since he left the service. Reacher is still a drifter with very little to his name and for the most part is content with his free floating lifestyle. Frances Neagley from his old CID team knows how he thinks and gets a message to him through his bank balance on his latest ATM receipt. Reacher makes his way to Los Angeles and knowing how she thinks, and knowing that she knows how he thinks, etc. quickly is able to find her and meet.

At least one of their old team has been brutally killed by being dumped from a helicopter at three thousand feet without a parachute and other members are not answering her messages. Frances and Reacher could be the only survivors as it appears that the entire team is being hunted and systematically eliminated. They don't know why or what they are up against and the clock is ticking against them. Their first stumbling forays into the investigation lead them into a maze of death and deceit, military weapons contracts, and plenty of action that always characterize a Jack Reacher novel.

With this being the eleventh novel in the series there is little new insight into the Jack Reacher character. Long time readers know most of the back story briefly covered in the novel and as such there are no real surprises just a couple of confirmations of previously implied events. Instead the focus is on the action as Reacher leads a mission that honors the old CID motto.

"You do not mess with the special investigators."

The result is a revenge and retaliation read that rockets along and focuses on action. Action becomes a secondary character always a page or two away and Reacher, never known for having patience or subtly, reacts hard at every turn. This isn't a deep thinking book as the brief moments that Reacher contemplates his financial situation are always short and resolved by him punching someone, driving cars through fences, or some other violent act that ultimately gets the job done. The job always gets done with Reacher on the case and one wouldn't want it any other way.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Men Are Often Bad in "Fringe Benefits" by F. M. Meredith

Sometimes one can't help joining a series after the first couple of books have come out. Such is the case here with Meredith's "Rocky Bluff Police Department" series.

Fringe Benefits
By F. M. Meredith
Tigress Press, LLC
http://www.tigresspress.com/
2006
ISBN # 0-9771601-9-X
Large Trade Paperback
184 Pages

The third novel in the Rocky Bluff Police Department series opens with base behaviors depicting bad men. A young mother is raped in her apartment building's laundry room on a Wednesday morning. Cal Sylvester is a training officer for the rookie Gordon Butler and he hates it though he admits that Gordon's wife makes it somewhat worthwhile. He fully intends to get intimately acquainted with her despite his own marriage and hers. Elsewhere in the small town, an out of control teenager plots his escape.

Those are just a few of the storylines in the slice of life police procedural style novel by F. M. Marilyn known to most as Marilyn Meredith. As the days pass and the cases intermingle, so do the lives of numerous officers depicted in this novel. Some will do the right thing as they serve and protect their community and each other. Others will dishonor the badge they wear and the oaths they took and slide downhill morally bankrupt. Stress is a common theme throughout all their lives and the way the characters cope with the demands of the job at work and off duty tells readers everything they need to know in this ongoing series.

The result is an entertaining read that holds reader interest with several twist and turns. While not as gritty or intense as other reads in this genre niche, this novel is interesting and enjoyably depicts police life in a fictional small town. The concepts covered are universal and apply not only to members of law enforcement but for any readers who work in high stress jobs. The book, though short on length, delivers a good tale told well and one that for the most part is completely resolved by the end of the book.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

No one really is in "Gun Shy" by Ben Rehder

Humor is a delicate thing and certainly that is true in mysteries. The author runs the risk of alienating readers in an attempt to be funny. Humor is subjective and those that swim happily in the politically correct ocean don't appreciate humor. I'm not one of those and if you still read my columns and reviews, I suspect you aren't one either. Neither is Texas author Ben Rehder and the book is funny as well as being very good.

Gun Shy
By Ben Rehder
http://www.benrehder.com
St. Martin's Minotaur
ISBN# 978-0-312-35752-8
May 2007
ARC


John Marlin has been a game warden in Blanco County, Texas for more than twenty years. He has stories to tell about the amazingly stupid things he has seen folks do and the things they have said to him. Like the day when a woman who had just recently moved down from Dallas called to complain about the wild deer in her yard eating her plants. She thought that if the deer crossing sign was removed from the street in front of her house the deer wouldn't show up in her yard anymore.

So when Ken Bell who has been around since just after World War II calls, he isn't too worried. That is until Ken explains that in an effort to run off the latest poacher on his land he left fly with some birdshot. Except his shotgun was loaded instead with buckshot and the man fell over and isn't moving. Ken is afraid to go take a look and thinks the man is dead. John Marlin quickly confirms that the young Hispanic man is dead. But, he wasn't killed by Ken Bell.

He's been dead for a couple of days and the scene was staged to make it look like a hunting accident. Ironic as in just a few days the National Weapons Alliance is set to rally in support of the right to carry guns for every American at the nearby ranch of current country and western superstar Mitch Campbell. A man that seems to have more in common with the late Elvis than anyone else and is a rolling freight train of disaster.

What follows is a cozy style mystery read packed with multiple secondary storylines, numerous characters, and plenty of pointed humor directed at both sides of the gun debate as well as other targets. Author Ben Rehder pulls no punches and by the end of the book, it isn't clear which side received more plates of heaping scorn. Along the way, he takes shots at the media, misguided celebrity worship, modern day marketing of music, and numerous other groups and individuals. It becomes tempting to try to link various characters and groups with their real life counterparts as often the fictional veil is very thin indeed.

However, the book is fiction and as such, the read is often laugh out loud funny. While the main storyline of the original killing involving game warden John Marlin is obvious, almost nothing else is which serves the overall purpose for keeping the reader interested and entertained. The result is a funny, occasionally coarse read, that works on every level and does so without the author drawing attention to himself.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Things To Support

Got this earlier today and I thought I would post about this worthy endeavor here.....



M E D I A R E L E A S E
Contact: Lea Schizas E-Mail: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca
Website: http://musingourchildren.tripod.com/

The Muse Reading and Writing Appreciation Week is coming to a school near you in October.

The Muse Reading and Writing Appreciation Week is a new initiative intended to reach school-aged children and parents across the world. Our goal is to introduce parents and children to local writers and authors who are passionate about creative writing and reading.

Delve into the imagination and bring a child with you!

Scheduled for the week of October 15-19, Reading and Writing Appreciation Week will reach around the globe. Authors, writers, and volunteers will visit schools and offer free handouts and informationto anyone who would like to be involved in helping children and parents understand the value of reading and writing.

If you are interested in having a volunteer come to your classroom to read or to speak about writing during the week of Oct 15-19 please contact/email Lea Schizas at museitupeditor@yahoo.ca .

Teachers, parents, and writers can remain updated throughout the yearwith tips, ideas, and readers' thoughts and suggestions on how we, as a community, can ban together to help children understand the benefits of reading and writing via the Musing Our Children website:http://musingourchildren.tripod.com/

Share the love of reading with a child or student and watch theirworld blossom! Anyone interested in volunteering to read to children or talk to them about writing during the week of October 15, can contact/email Lea Schizas at museitupeditor@yahoo.ca or check out http://musingourchildren.tripod.com/ for more details.

"The Secret Of the Lonely Grave" by Albert A. Bell, Jr.

The age old issues of racism and slavery along with the current sensitivity to bullying are all tough topics for kids. Rarely are they handled so well with such sensitivity as they are in this novel.

The Secret Of The Lonely Grave
By Albert A. Bell, Jr.
Ingalls Publishing Group
http://www.ingallspublishinggroup.com
ISBN # 978-1-932158-79-3
Large Trade Paperback
159 Pages


The story opens in a small town in Western Kentucky where Steve and Kendra can hardly wait for school to be out for the summer in another week. Everyday as they walk up and down a hill on the way to the school bus, they pass an old cemetery. Kendra often stops at the grave marker for her sister Moniqa. They also stop and look at a grave for a child that is set far away from all the others. The two middle school aged children have nicknamed it "the lonely grave." A grave that someone has suddenly started placing fresh flowers on with no explanation.

As the school year ends, the kids realize that someone is placing the flowers on the grave in a regular cycle. They hatch a plan to find out who is doing it and why. Catching the person who is placing the flowers is relatively easy. The real question then becomes why is the grave so far away from the others?

What follows is an entertaining story written primarily for young teens that deals tactfully with divorce and bullying as well as slavery, racism and the legacy of this nation's history. Steve, who is white, and Kendra, who is African-American, are forced to confront what their ancestors may have done long before they were born as well as their relationship with each other in today's America. Both are also forced to deal with bullying and why some children bully. The result is an entertaining read that delves deep into the past while teaching compassion and caring.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

The Series Continues in "Invisible Prey"

Well, it is back to work for me. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Hardboiled Heroes & Cozy Cats conference in Dallas thanks to publicist extraordinaire, PJ Nunn. I got to meet her as well as her fantastic husband (who may be as twisted as I am in the humor department) along with a bunch of other great folks. I also got to tell that Texan wannabe Earl Staggs how to drive as he gave me a ride both days to the convention. I won't bore you with the details as I always find those gushing deals a bit off putting myself. Suffice it to say, I had an absolute blast and thank once again PJ Nunn for making it happen. You are the best!

And now, back to the books with……


Invisible Prey
By John Sandford
http://www.johnsandford.org
G. P. Putnam's Sons
http://www.penguin.com
2008
ISBN #978-0-399-15421-8
Hardback
388 Pages

The latest installment of the "Prey" series written by John Sandford finds Lucas Davenport involved in the world of high value antiques. Early in "Invisible Prey" Lucas and his team are called to a home near Lucas' own home where two elderly women have been murdered. The mansion is in disarray in what appears to have been a simple robbery gone horribly wrong. However, Lucas with the help of others, begins to figure out it isn't and the chase for the clever killers is on in another enjoyable page turning read.

While Lucas and his team have no idea who the killers are, readers know from the beginning. It isn't long before their complete identities are known to the reader as well as most of their motivations for their crimes. As a result, this novel while enjoyable does not contain anywhere near the suspense found in other books in the long running series. Since Lucas almost always captures his suspects one way or another the only real question for readers is how he will do it. With characters long since fully formed there are no mysteries in that realm either.

The end result is a novel that is good, but not great. A novel that is enjoyable, but is one of the weaker ones in this strong series.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Reviewing: "The Blade Itself: A Novel" by Marcus Sakey

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 Blade Itself: A Novel
By Marcus Sakey
St. Martin's Minotaur
www.minotaurbooks.com
ISBN #0-312-36031-2
Hardback
307 Pages

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.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Mark Troy Needs YOUR Help!

I rarely post these sorts of things but being Mark Troy is not only a friend but one of the really good guys around, I figured I would. Take a look at his message below and see if you are interested.

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I'm looking for reviews of Hawaiian mysteries to put on my web site, The Hawaiian Eye. http://metroy.blogspot.com. You can find a list of Hawaiian mysteries on the Left Coast Crime, 2009 web site. http://www.leftcoastcrime.org/2009/hawaii.html. 250 to 500 words. To sweeten the deal, I'll send you a copy of my book, PILIKIA IS MY BUSINESS. If you plan to review a book, contact me first to find out if someone else is already writing a review of it. Tell me what beach you'd be laying on to read it and what you'd be drinking while you read it.If you are an author of a Hawaiian mystery, please contact me. I'd like to interview you.

Mark Troy
Hawaiian Eye Bloghttp://metroy.blogspot.com/

Texas sized violence in "Baby Shark" by Robert Fate

From time to time for months now, I have been reading on various lists how great this book was and that it was a must read. Well, that was fine and all that, but my local library wasn't carrying it. Then, I was offered an opportunity to receive a review copy of this one as well as the planned sequel. I jumped at the chance and am very glad I did. For once, the hype matches the book.


Baby Shark
By Robert Fate
Capital Crime Press
http://www.capitalcrimepress.com
2006
ISBN # 0-9776276-9-1
Large Trade Paperback
270 Pages

Its October, 1952 as this often violent crime novel opens in Henry Chin's Poolroom situated in West Texas. Seventeen year old Kristin "Baby" Van Dijk is there with her father, a pool hustler. With her mom dead and her aunt living up in Oklahoma, it's pretty much her, her dad, and her dad's Coupe de Ville as they travel Texas with her dad playing pool for money and reading books for fun. That is until members of the "Lost Demons" motorcycle gang walk in.

When it's over, her dad is dead, Henry Chin's son is dead, a couple gang members are dead, and Kristin has been raped repeatedly and brutally beaten. Her jaw is broken, teeth are missing, ribs are cracked, her nose is broken and the list keeps going on and on. She was lucky she lived through it and waking up in the hospital in Abilene makes her almost wish she hadn't. Then she meets Detective Hansard and it is pretty much clear that the case is going to go nowhere. As Henry puts it, "No police justice. Henry knows more ways one skin cat." (Page 20)

Author Robert Fate launches the reader into a revenge tale that is so much more than simple revenge. Kristin who rehabs and follows her dad's career path as a pool hustler quickly earning the name "Baby Shark" is not a stereotypical vigilante. Yes, there are elements of that sort of thing in her character, but as he does with all the characters in this fast moving novel, author Robert Fate shows the other side of her. Revenge, retaliation, payback, call it what you will, it has consequences often in unexpected ways and he grippingly details that side of it for the reader.

In a torturous and violence filled path that goes back and forth across West Texas and reaches into Forth Worth and Dallas, author Robert Fate weaves a complex trail of not only revenge, but duplicity and mystery. While the opening may be cut and dried between the black hats and the white hats, it isn't long before nothing is that simple. The result is a powerful, often violent novel that does actually live up to the media hype.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Past and present collide in "Arizona Dreams" by Jon Talton

If you haven't had the please of reading Jon Talton you are missing an author who combines history with mystery. This is an author who not only weaves excellent mystery tales in his novels but includes little pieces of history not only regarding Phoenix and Arizona but other areas as well. Each book is a treat and this one is no exception.

Arizona Dreams: A David Mapstone Mystery
By Jon Talton
http://www.jontalton.com
Poisoned Pen Press
http://poisonedpenpress.com
2006
Large Trade Paperback


In this release last year from Poisoned Pen Press, Historian Deputy David Mapstone returns in another strong novel. It opens quickly with a killing just down the block from his 1924 Spanish Colonial home located in Phoenix, Arizona. After a quick survey of the scene by David and his wife, Deputy Lindsey Faith Mapstone, the two county deputies are happy to turn everything over to the city police.

And while the victim was killed with an ice pick which is interesting, David is more interested in the sudden shocking news that Lindsey has a sister. A sister, Robin, that David Mapstone knew nothing about before they meet her in the street outside the crime scene and one that Lindsey certainly doesn't want to talk about and isn't happy to see. A sister that complicates his relationship with Lindsey and a sister that clearly hides a few dark secrets.

But, secrets have a way of coming to light. So do bodies in the desert especially when David is led to the body by a former student. The body in the grave has no easy answers and as David Mapstone's personal world wobbles on its axis, serves as another marker that violence is aimed Mapstone's way.

The latest installment in the series has little character development in regards to David Mapstone. His character is firmly established and as such, the development in this novel deals with his wife Lindsey. Though back story and current conflict readers are exposed to many new pieces of information that raise multiple questions. Some are answered but many more are not.

The same general technique is used with David's boss, Maricopa County Sheriff Peralta. Long time fans of the series will remember, which is once again explained in this novel, that Sheriff Peralta is now divorced and that his former wife, Sharon is now working on the west coast. Peralta, adrift with out Sharon who steadied him, seems to be faced with a bit of a professional crisis as he senses that his world is changing and he may no longer have a place in it.

That same concept has been an underlying theme throughout the series and it extends here. Progress has Phoenix firmly in its grip and the author, through David Mapstone primarily, makes the point that the past matters and that those in the present who fail to pay attention to history, are ultimately doomed.

The result is another entertaining mystery that moves the series forward while retaining the flavor of the first novel. Culturally rich with a complex tale, the read entertains while it enlightens and educates. The author's clear love for the desert county comes through loud and clear as does his on going ability to weave a good story.



Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Warren Ritter is back!

If you are looking for a different kind of read, I would have to recommend this one. Not just in subject matter but in the author's enjoyable style of writing. While this could be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading the earlier novels in the series. They are "Eight of Swords" and "High Priestess."


The Star: A Tarot Card Mystery
By David Skibbins
Thomas Dunne Books
February 2007
ISBN # 0-312-36193-9
ARC


Warren Ritter returns in this third mystery of the series. It's been a tough year and with a week to go before Christmas, all he wants is some money in his pocket and a little peace. His bi-polar daughter Fran is about to destroy any chance of peace and quiet.

Warren knows quite a bit about being bi-polar as he has it as well. And while he may have passed that genetic legacy on, he knows very little about Fran since he didn't even know she existed until a few months ago. Spending the majority of your life on the run, because of being part of the radical underground back in the day, kind of ruins familial relationships. Especially, when everyone thinks you were blown up by a bomb you were making in 1970.

Warren also knows a thing or two about being a murder suspect. With her estranged husband Orrin now dead and Fran on the run, Warren is left behind to try and take care of his baby grandson. Along with dealing with that, working to clear Fran's name, his annoyed sister, his girlfriend who tolerates him and a host of other issues, he is contacted by a friend of his father's who has one huge secret to tell.

Once again, Warren describes the weirdness of Berkeley and his life while taking readers on a rollercoaster ride through murder, mayhem and tarot readings. The tarot remains a theme in the series though of somewhat lesser importance than earlier novels. So too is the humor with less of an emphasis on laugh out loud moments.

That being said author David Skibbins once again creates a twisting read that steadily entertains the reader. Warren again journeys through life dealing with the concept of unintended consequences and the rippling effects of his past. At the same time, he confronts current problems in a goofy way and despite his own medical issues, manages to keep a fairly level head. This latest entry in the series is another good installment and one hopes that the next one isn't far off.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Guest Reviewer EARL STAGGS on "Dance On His Grave"

Earl and I go wayback and I have been trying to bring him over to the darkside. Finally, he makes his debut appearance here. Earl keeps swearing off reviewing but I am hoping that this is the first of many appearances.

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Dance on His Grave
By Sylvia Dickey Smith
Published by: L&L Dreamspell
ISBN: 978-1-60318-006-1

Reviewed by Earl Staggs


Sidra “Sid” Smart bursts out of a tightly-wrapped cocoon when she divorces the man she married at the age of seventeen. After more than thirty years as the wife of a controlling Baptist preacher and being told what to do and think, how to dress and when to smile, she is determined to find out what kind of person she might have been.

First, however, she must travel from Houston to the east Texas town of Orange and dispose of the private investigation business willed to her by her brother, who was recently killed in a car accident.

When Sid visits her brother’s deserted office to plan how to get rid of it, a distraught young woman shows up. Jewell Stone has recurring nightmares and flashes of memory from thirty years ago when she was a child. She and her sister saw a woman being tortured and killed. The murderer also physically and sexually abused Jewell’s sister. The man was their father, Roy Manly, and both sisters live in mortal fear he will find them and silence them, even after all this time. Jewell hired Sid’s brother to find proof of his guilt and have him tried and convicted so she and her sister could live without fear of him and their terrifying nightmares would end.

Sid explains that her brother is dead and refers Jewell to another PI in the area. She may not be sure what she wants to do with the rest of her reclaimed life, but she is certain it will not be running a PI business, something she knows nothing about. The other PI, George Leger, a colorful bear of a man who speaks with a thick Cajun accent when it suits him, not only refuses to take over Jewell’s case, but convinces Sid to give the business a try under his tutelage.

The author did an excellent job of showing Sid as a woman balancing her desire to break away from the shackles of her previous life with a determination to see long overdue justice done. But it’s not only an internal struggle. Smith provides plenty of action, adventure and suspense along the way. In search of evidence against Roy Manly, she sends Sid traveling not only across Texas and to the island of Trinidad, but into the depths of an alligator-ridden swamp in search of a Cajun psychic. The search becomes more complicated when there are attempts on her life, and she uncovers evidence of other crimes involving someone in her ex-husband’s parsonage. Even the supposed accidental death of her brother becomes suspicious.

Smith has also surrounded Sid with an interesting and intriguing cast of characters. One is the local Police Chief who salivates at the thought of solving a thirty-year-old murder. Another is Sid’s wacky Aunt Annie, who arrives wearing a raspberry beret, a bright green pantsuit and gaudy costume jewelry with a large metallic-gold purse slung over one shoulder and a huge tabby cat named Chesterfield over the other.

The local DA is also highly interested, not only in the old murder, but in Sid personally. The attraction between them frightens Sid with feelings she doesn’t want. She is convinced all men want to control women, and she has to remind herself she can never let that happen to her again.

Author Sylvia Dickey Smith has skillfully woven a story of a woman driven to begin a new life on her own with a chilling tale of mystery and suspense. You’ll find yourself drawn to Sid Smart and cheering for her to succeed against past and present obstacles all the way to the knuckle-whitening climax. You’ll also find yourself, like me, wanting to see more of Sid in future novels.


Earl Staggs © 2007

Dreams are not a good thing in "Bad Thoughts" by David Zeltserman

In the interests of fair disclosure it should be known that I consider David Zeltserman a good friend. Beyond providing a consoling e-mail from time to time concerning my Texas Rangers (the baseball team) David had me working for him a few years ago. For a number of issues of Hardluck, I did book reviews and interviews of authors as well as some fiction. Well, the fiction never was accepted but everything else was. A decent batting average all things considered.

Bad Thoughts
By David Zeltserman
www.hardluckstories.com
Five Star
Scheduled Release Date: July 18, 2007
ISBN# 1-59414-540-7
ARC


It is early November, 1997 as this complex and intriguing novel opens Billy Shannon awakens from a nightmare. His fingers on his right hand, the two that were mangled so badly nearly 20 years ago, are pulsing with pain while the rest of him is covered in sweat. The clock is ticking on another nightmare season and for Billy the bad news is that it is starting earlier this time.

As the anniversary of his mother's murder approaches, Billy Shannon continues as best as he can to work his job as a police officer at the Cambridge Central Square police Station. While his wife works in a law office in South Boston as a legal secretary Billy works homicide. Cases that begin to appear more and more like the way his mother died all those years ago.

The weeks pass and as the bodies begin to stack up the nightmares increase. What begins as a police procedural read turns into a psychological thriller bordering on a horror novel. Billy Shannon's world begins to unravel and readers are taken on a roller coaster ride through the increasing wreckage of his life. Not only is his mental stability at question, his very survivability as a human being is at stake in a conclusion that packs a powerful punch.

While some have compared it to "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" such comparisons are not applicable. A key component of "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" is humor and that novel pushes humor throughout the work. Dave Zeltsman's book hardly has a trace of humor. The basic theme of "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" is that some folks do need to be removed because they are a threat to society. That threat is uncontrollable and as such, since he has to kill anyway, he should use his twisted needs in a way to do the world good and kill those folks. That also isn't the case here. I could go on, but the point is clear.

This book is an often graphic and intense read that delves deep into the psychology of evil and sanity. It isn't lighthearted in any way as it deals with evil at a base level. At the same time, the author never forgets there is a mystery driving events and makes sure to keep the reader pulled y into solving the crimes. The result is a very good read from disturbing start to disturbing finish.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

The Return of MOE PRAGER in "SOUL PATCH"

It is 1989 as this novel, fourth in the series, opens and Moe remains haunted by his own actions in the police force years ago as well as in his dealings with his father-in-law. Moe still isn’t happy with the wine business that his brother Aaron and Moe run which began as a way for Moe to do something after his knee injury which ended his police career. Always a man with a rather cynical philosophy regarding himself and the world, Moe is aware not only time is passing him by but that he is also bored to the very fiber of his being. Nothing is the way he expected things to turn out and he isn't happy.

His general malaise is unshaken by the intrusion of Larry McDonald, a friend and fellow officer from his police days who is now the NYPD Chief of Detectives. Larry comes to a party celebrating the grand opening of the third liquor store run by Aaron and Moe. Larry, always a political animal before anything else, has come looking for Moe and hoping to make use of a friendship that isn’t as strong these days. Past transgressions have always been a major theme in Coleman’s work and the theme is strongly prevalent here as well as Larry has an audio tape with sinister implications. All he said he wanted was for Moe to listen to the tape but that was just the start of a tragic chain of events rooted deep in a shared history.

Moe has always been deeply philosophical, more of a thinking man’s detective who stumbles along in search of a truth he can live with for the moment. That is certainly true here as this book becomes part current case and part remembrance of things past. Those detailed remembrances bring to mind earlier books in the series for readers versed with the series and may dissuade new readers who may see them as telling all there is to know about the earlier novels.

Such readers would be sadly mistaken. As is Moe who spends an inordinate amount of time considering the past. Moe finds himself at a cross roads in many areas and one wonders how, and if it will, the series will continue. With so much mental contemplation, the action while violent at times, is limited and yet, provides a read that is fairly consistent with earlier books in the series.

Once again 1972 rears an ugly head for Moe and takes readers back in time. The read is dark and moving and ultimately, while not as satisfying as earlier books in the series, still a pretty good ride.

Soul Patch: A Moe Prager Mystery
By Reed Farrel Coleman
2007
Bleak House Books
www.bleakhousebooks.com
ISBN# 978-1-932557-35-0
ARC


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

MFOB Update

BJ Bourg is sending out the following message and I thought I would pass it on here.....

As we're wrapping up the June 2007 Issue of Mouth Full of Bullets, I'm already looking ahead to the September Issue. While all the slots for original (never before published) shorts, flashes, and poems have been filled, I'm still open to reprint submissions. So, if you have a reprint sitting around and you'd like to get a few more web miles out of it, just send it over and I'd be happy to consider it.

Before submitting, please visit the guidelines page here: http://www.mouthfullofbullets.com/submissions_guidelines.htm

Send all submissions to editor@mouthfullofbullets.com

Many thanks to all those who submit work to MFOB.

bjb
http://www.mouthfullofbullets.com

http://www.bjbourg.com


That is all he wrote, folks and as always direct all questions to BJ.

Kevin

"Map Of Murder" Update

Back in the middle of January I told you the anthology "Map of Murder" was a good one. Over the next few weeks I heard from a lot of readers of this blog and my reviews elsewhere that they agreed. They weren't the only ones. As one of the authors involved wrote elsewhere today:

"The Red Coyote Press anthology "Map of Murder" has won the short story fiction category in the National Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards."

My sincere congratulations to Frank Zafiro, Beth Groundwater and all the others involved in the project. Excellent work created an excellent read.

Kevin R. Tipple (c) 2007

February 2007 Senior News Column

A HECKUVA JOB: MORE OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION IN RHYME
By Calvin Trillin
Random House
ISBN# 1-4000-6556-9

In the sequel to his 2004 bestseller “Obliviously On He Sails” Author Calvin Trillin once again turns his sights onto the Bush Administration. Following an introduction where the author makes it abundantly clear how much he liked and respected his father, there are eleven short chapters of poetry and prose primarily covering the war in Iraq and the various anti terror programs. Combining cutting poetry as well as equally cutting commentary, the author delightfully skewers various areas while putting it all into his perspective. At 116 pages, this small hardback is a very quick read that will please many readers and annoy just as many with few in the middle ground.

RED HAT SOCIETY PLAYFUL PAPER PROJECTS & PARTY IDEAS
By Ruby Redhat
Sterling Publishing Co.
ISBN# 1-4027-3204-X

Entertaining certainly does not have to be hard and this book offers many different ideas for those times when the same old thing just will not do anymore. After a quick and colorful introduction, there are eight chapters detailing all sorts of various invitations, placemats, gift tags, and other items sure to please any hostess as well as any recipients. These chapters are about setting the mood for the party before, during and after and each chapter features clear and concise instructions as well as large pictures of the finished products. A glossary of terms, an index as well as several pages of templates used in the numerous designs bring this colorful 143 page book to a close. While not a cookbook, it is a party guide filled with easy to use ideas to make your next gathering a very special one.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Back in the Key West with Keely Moreno

Cold Case Killer: A Keely Moreno Mystery
By Dorothy Francis
www.dorothyfrancis.com
Five Star Publishing
April 2007
ISBN #1-5944-485-0

Professional foot reflexologist Keely Moreno returns in yet another enjoyable cozy style mystery. Her business in Key West continues as does her relationship with Punt Ashford. Punt continues looking for a more serious commitment from Keely. However, Keely's past history of bad relationships still haunts her dreams and makes her a bit skittish, justifiably so.

Despite her best intentions to stay out of the mystery solving business she begins to get threats regarding the Randy Jackson case. Randy Jackson was convicted of murder twenty years ago and was recently release from prison after DNA evidence finally proved his innocence. His mother, Maxine had asked for Keely's help a week ago and Keely didn't know where to begin. She also wanted no part of it. But the threats change things and before long once Punt knows, he throws the resources of his detective agency into the case.

What follows is another cozy style read where Keely and her boyfriend Punt search for clues and the future of their relationship. Old friends such as Consuela make another return engagement and foot reflexology is described in detail. Character development remains nearly stagnant as the past has a tight grip on Keely despite her occasional flashes of independence. While change is alluded to by the end of the novel, one can't say the character has actually grown or changed based on a couple of pages at the end of the book despite what you may read elsewhere.

This is another lightweight cozy style mystery heavy on the romance and slow in the mystery that provides another overall enjoyable read. Predictable in spots and with no real surprises, the read is primarily atmospheric in nature where the reader is once again carried away into the sights and sounds of the Keys.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

WLT--Dallas Chapter

The next meeting is Monday, April 16th at 7:00 PM Richardson Public Library basement meeting room. The speaker is Janet Harris, Ph.D who is currently editor for Brown Books. Her topic is: "Storytelling: The Path to Publication."

March Senior News Book Review Column

For those outside of Texas or folks who just could not find a copy in state, here is my column for last month in Senior News. Enjoy!

“Work Hard, Study….and Keep Out of Politics!”
By James A. Baker, III with Steve Fiffer
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
ISBN# 0-399-15377-2

Subtitled “Adventures and Lessons from an Unexpected Public Life” Texan James Baker recounts how he eventually ignored his grandfather’s advice and by the mid seventies was actively involved in politics. Through eighteen extensive chapters and over 460 pages, the author with the help of Steve Fiffer describes a life spent in service to his country at home and abroad. That wasn’t the plan and yet as he explains in detail the family history; it becomes clear that things couldn’t have happened any other way. While there aren’t any real surprises here as most of it has been reported on in one way or another over the years, the photographs as well as the behind the scenes details bring alive the nuances of the political process and create an interesting read.

My Father My President
By Doro Bush Koch
Warner Books
ISBN# 0-446-57990-4

The same theme of service to his country describes this book with the subtitle “A Personal Account Of The Life of George H. W. Bush.” Doro Bush Koch writes of the man she knows as her father first and president second in great detail. For those events that she was not present for, she relies on an extensive network of friends to fill in the gaps. The result is a moving and overall powerfully positive portrait of the man commonly referred to in the media as “Bush 41” and how he continues to serve his country today in various ways. Like Baker’s book, much of what is recounted here is already known and yet because of whom she is, the author is able to shed light on behind the scenes details throughout this heavily detailed and sourced 586 page read.

Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2007

CALL for the MUSES POETRY FESTIVAL

Saw this online today at my Poetry and Book Reviews group and thought I would share with you......



Wanted: Speakers
I. Do you want to be a speaker in Muses Poetry Festival?

1. Submit your topic of interest (related to poetry, publishing poetry, poetry techniques, etc.)
2. State in your resume if you want to be a volunteer speaker or a paid speaker.
3. Submit your resume, topic of interest to andrew@musesreview.org
4. Deadline of submission of resume/topics: June 30, 2007.
Note: If you are not a selected speaker, you can still be a speaker in future poetry festivals.

II. Do you want to read your poems in Muses Poetry Festival?
1. Submit the titles of your poem you want to read.
2. Explain the background of your poems. (max of 200 words)
3. Don't submit your poems yet.
4. Submit the titles of your poem and poem background to andrew@musesreview.org
5. Poems may either be published in your poetrybooks or not yet published.
5. Deadline of submission of title of poems and explanation of poems: June 30, 2007.6.
Take note: You don't have to submit your poems yet. I will contact the person who has the best explanation of their unsubmitted poems.7. Winners of past Muses Prize - Poetry are encouraged to join and to read their poems in the future Muses Poetry Festival.

AL Blanchard Short Crime Fiction Contest

I saw the below posted on a couple of lists so I am posting the message here as well for readers. Good luck!
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IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SUBMIT to the AL BLANCHARD SHORT CRIME FICTION CONTEST. The deadline is April 30, 2007, and right now we have only received twenty-some submissions, so the field is wide open! The story must be a crime story by a New England author OR be set in New England. It must also be previously unpublished (in print or electronically) and not more than 5,000 words. Story sub-genres include mystery, thriller, suspense, caper, and horror but with no torture or killing of children or animals. First prize is $100 plus publication in Level Best Books' 5th anthology of short crime fiction. The winner will be a guest of the Committee at the November 2007 New England Crime Bake, where the award will be presented.If we receive enough submissions, we will also award honorable mentions with plaques, as was done last year. If not yet published, you may submit the same story again; you may also submit more than one story, but no more than two, please. For submission guidelines, visit contest@crimebake.org. This is a blind contest and there is no entry fee, so you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!

"I'm Back" (I think)

At least I hope I am. The great switch took me out for quite some time but things are working today. Could it be that I will be able to write here again? I hope so. Time will tell.

And more importantly, do you remember me?

And do you believe everything you read about me?

I have left a couple of lists in the last few days because of utter nonsense--on and offlist. Its time to work more on projects that I have to do and very much want to do and less on dealing with stuff that does not matter.


Kevin R. Tipple (c) 2007

An MFOB Update

You may have seen the post below written by BJ Bourg, but the information is worth repeating. MFOB is rocking and rolling and time is rapidly running out to be considered for publication during year one.

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As January comes to a close, we're fast at work getting the March 2007 Issue of Mouth Full of Bullets finalized. Jack has edited all of the stories to perfection, Kevin is steadily reading books for the review section, and I'm getting set to send out the interview questions, while formatting the story and poem pages. We have another great lineup and I'm grateful to all the writers whosubmitted their work. For a peek at who will appear in the third issue of MouthFull of Bullets, check out the list that follows this message.

To read thecurrent issue, go to http://www.mouthfullofbullets.com and click on "CurrentIssue" in the left-hand column. For the first issue, click on "Archives" in theleft-hand column and then click on the cover.Thanks for reading and submitting!

Here's the AWESOME lineup (alphabetical by title):

FLASH

AN HONEST PROPOSAL by Jason G. Summers
BLAZE OF GLORY by Anita Page
DEAD EYE DICK by Sandra Seamans
FATAL FRIENDSHIP by Guy Belleranti
JIMMY CRICK by SF Johnston
THE FALL by Kaye George
VEE BEE by Jonette Stabbert
WHAT EVERY GUY WANTS by Sandra Ruttan
WHEN THE FAT LADY SCREAMS by Stephen D. Rogers

SHORT

A BRUSH WITH DEATH by Nancy Sweetland
A DEBT OF HONOR by Sam Douglas
CHIMERA REDUX by J.T. Ellison
CLOSING TIME AT THE RED BALL CAFÉ by Christine A. Verstraete
FADE AWAY by J.E. Seymour
FISH by Stephen Johnston
FLOSSIE LOCKS UP by Sara Hoskinson Frommer
IT'S A JOB by Albert Tucher
ON THE HOUSE by Herschel Cozine
PACKAGE OF PAIN by Kevin R. Tipple
PLAY TO WIN by Kevin R. Einarson
SEER SUCKERS by Barry Baldwin
THE MISSION by Herschel Cozine
WHEN THE FAT LADY SCREAMS by Stephen D. Rogers
POEMAN OUTLAW'S WIFE by Elizabeth Guy
MYSTERY REVIEW by Stephen D. Rogers
NEVER TOO LATE by John M. Floyd
NOIR-CROSSED LOVERS by John Chabot
NOTHING DEADLIER KNOWN TO MAN by John Weagly
PURPA TRAITOR by John M. Floyd
UP IN SMOKE by Guy Belleranti

SERIAL

FISH by Stephen Johnston - installment one of three

REVIEWS(all reviews by Kevin R. Tipple)

A REAL BASKET CASE by Beth Groundwater
DEAD HEAD by Allen Wyler
THE SILENCE OF THE LOONS by The Minnesota Crime Wave
(more to come)

INTERVIEWS(all interviews by BJ Bourg)
Sandra Ruttan - Featured Author
Beth Groundwater
Libby Hellmann
Martha Powers

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And that is just the start--we aren't telling you everything just yet!

Kevin R. Tipple (c) 2007

The Edgars

The 2007 Edgar Award Nominees list is out http://www.sarahweinman.com/confessions/2007/01/20007_edgra_awar.html and I have to admit that I have read very little of the list or have seen the television/movie candidates. Movies, I wait for them to be out on video so I don’t see them at the theater. I do like the ability to pause the movie when I need to and at home I don’t have to worry about some moron talking behind me. Then there is the fact that I am on extended basic on my cable so I don’t have access to HBO, Showtime, etc and get those via Netflix when they finally come out.

Shorts stories come in anthologies and since I don’t buy books and instead, rely on my local library, I don’t read that many anthologies. Though, I have been seeing more lately as some have been sent to me for review. I do recognize several names and wish I had seen the books they are in.

That leaves novels.

In the novel category, I have read only one and couldn’t even finish that one. I thought the book was hideous and had liked other stuff the author had done. So, maybe it was me.

Though, I think not.

So, if you have read any of the nominees and think I am missing something, please let me know. Either here or at kevin_tipple@att.net Tell me why I should move the book to the top of my list of reading material.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Reviewing: "A Real Basket Case" by Beth Groundwater

Claire Hanover is not very happy these days. Her husband Roger spends way too much time at work, the kids are grown and out of the house and her gift basket business isn’t much consolation. Rather bored and lonely, this wasn’t the way her life was supposed to go at all. Then, there is the fact that her close friends are divorced and generally bitter towards men in general. Men aren’t the good guys they may have been years ago and Roger is one of them.

Her good friend Ellen seems to believe that what Claire really needs is a good fling and suggests that Enrique is just the one to show her a good time. It won’t be serious and there won’t be strings and of course, it won’t hurt anyone. Beyond that, Enrique teaches a couple of exercise classes which is how Claire met him and gives a great massage. Even if it doesn’t lead to anything else, Ellen is convinced that a really good massage will help adjust Claire’s outlook on life. Backed into a corner by Ellen, Claire finally allows Enrique to come over to give her a massage.

Whether it could have led to something more, Claire will never know because Enrique is gunned down in her bedroom while giving her the massage. As it happens, Roger is home and there to hold the gun and for Claire and the police it initially appears that Roger did the deed.

Claire, slowly realizing what Roger must think she has done and what they stand to lose, begins to try to figure out the case. The police consider it an open and shut case since Roger was there holding the gun that fired the fatal bullet and she no doubt was committing adultery. They see it as nothing more than the husband gunning down his wife’s lover in a fit of rage. The fact that Roger also believes she committed adultery makes her finally realize how close she has come to losing him. She soon becomes determined not only to save her marriage but to save her husband. Unlike her basket making business, her blundering could get her killed and yet she soldiers on in her efforts to gift wrap the real killer for police.

This cozy style mystery is a real treat to read. Claire quickly becomes a character the reader cares about and one alive in every sense of the word. As her character development continues to grow throughout the novel it becomes clear that Claire is relying on inner resources she never knew she had. At the same time, several of the secondary characters also grow and change and none are given short shrift in terms of plot or development. While the focus is primarily on Claire, the other characters play major roles and contribute to the overall read.

Full of twists and turns along with plenty of suspects, the book currently scheduled to be released on March 21, 2007, is sure to keep readers entertained all the way to the end. Clearly the start of a series and a good one at that, this is a book that is sure to please a lot of readers.

A Real Basket Case
By Beth Groundwater
http://www.bethgroundwater.com
Five Star
http://www.galegroup.com/fivestar/
ISBN #1-59414-547-4
ARC

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Anthology Reviewing: "Map Of Murder"

With an anticipated publication day of February 15, this anthology show cases murder at various locations across the country. Edited by Susan Budavari and Suzanne Flaig, each story is complex and interesting as the involved authors took the mission concept in different ways. Of course, it really isn’t possible to go into any depth about any of the stories without ruining the story for the reader. Suffice it to say, there isn’t a bad one in the bunch and each weaves its own spell upon the reader. With 20 stories involved, hopefully the ones I have chosen below will reflect accurately the scope and breadth of this engrossing anthology.

In Robert L. Iles’ story “Fast Eddie”, Eddie has a plan. Help the young female traveler store her luggage at the Vegas bus terminal and then lift it from the storage locker later. He’s a small hustler and thief who get far more than he thought when he grabbed the suitcase.

We have all had those days where one bad thing happens after another so has a Vegas show girl named “Stella” in “An Off Day” by S. J. Smith. You will get a kick out of this one.

Frank Zafiro brings the border country near El Paso a live “In the Shadow of El Paso.” A beautiful bartender causes problems and pulls a lawman along a journey of love, hate, desperation and despair. This is a powerful story and one that packs quite a punch.

Another favorite, and not just because it is set on the Texas Gulf Coast, is Carole Kilgore’s “Bunuelos for the Beach.” Pete is dead, Gina is heartbroken at the death of her friend and Detective Cantu is on the case.

Heading east and north and a few stories later, readers find themselves deep in the Smoky Mountains in Deborah J. Ledford’s “Smoky Mountain Inquest”. The middle of the night makes for the best time to detect and it is a salvation for Edgar Marconi working a case in the Swain County Sheriff’s Department substation. Heavily atmospheric with a complex character I would like to see more of, this is an excellent inclusion.

No one really wants to find a body. Especially, early in the morning, which is what happens to Sarah in “Death at the Dumpster” by Suzanne Flaig. Good thing a cop is close to help her as the cop is married to her best friend, Marie. Too bad she quickly becomes a suspect.

Beth Groundwater weaves a twisting tale up into the Colorado Mountains in her tale “The Murder Cache.” When you are a good parent, there isn’t anything you won’t do for your child.

Having read and enjoyed Simon Wood’s work before, I was pleased to note his inclusion in this anthology. His story “Prove It” is well worth it and involves a con having to prove what he did on the outside to stay alive in San Quentin.

This anthology also includes stories by Kris Neri, R. L. Coffield, Alan M. Petrillo, Larry D. Sweazy, Dean Wagner and Debi McKay, Judy Starbuck, Robin Merrill, Susan Budavari, Nancy Nielson Redd, Connie Flynn, Rachelle N. Yeaman and Sybil Yeaman and last but not least John Randall Williams. While each story occurs in a different location, each story features complex characters involved in complex cases that lead the reader through a delightful tale. The result is an excellent criss cross trail across America full of murder, deceit, and betrayal.
Map Of Murder: Original Stories of Mystery and Suspense
Editors: Susan Budavari and Suzanne Flaig
Red Coyote Press
www.redcoyotepress.com
ISBN# 0-9766733-3-9
ARC

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007

Reviewing: "Dead Head" by Dr. Allen Wyler

Following up on his novel “Deadly Errors” the author has crafted yet another superb and at times very disturbing medical thriller. For neurosurgeon Russell Lawton, the conference where he has presented his paper on connecting a robotic hand to the neurons in a monkey’s brain by way of on interface between the two has been routine though the material isn’t. If it works, some day paralyzed humans might be able to move their limbs by way of thinking it to happen. What has been a concept deep in the realm of science fiction is gradually becoming modern reality.

Stopped after his speech by a beautiful woman masquerading as a reporter, he agrees to be interviewed and follows her willingly outside of the Moscone Convention Center. That will be the last willing thing he does as he is soon grabbed and removed from the street by Islamic terrorists. Before long, he is in the air in a private jet on his way back to his laboratory at the National Institutes of Health.

With his young daughter a hostage and faced with death, Dr. Russell Lawton has no choice but to cooperate. The terrorists are demanding his help and they are proposing something so unthinkable at every level that Dr. Russell Lawton is revolted to the very core of his being. Beyond the incredible medical challenges, the very idea they insist will be done raises huge moral and ethical challenges. And yet, Dr. Lawton has no choice if he wishes to save his life, his daughter’s as well as other potential victims.

What follows is an incredible read that propels the reader on an emotional roller coaster. Dr. Allen Wyler again uses his extensive medical background to bring forth insight into a complex medical problem. Those very detailed bits of medical information are skillfully woven into the story and do nothing to slow it down.

At the same time, unlike most thrillers, the main characters in this book soon to be released are rich and detailed. Dr. Lawton’s emotional agony both in terms of his daughter as well as what he has been asked to do come alive for the reader. This is also true of other characters unwittingly drawn in such as FBI Special Agent Sandra Phillips who is part of the secondary and independent storyline of the kidnapping of Lawton’s daughter.

The result is an excellent fast paced read full of medical information and surgical procedures, action, and deep moral questions. This thriller with a currently scheduled release date of February 6, 2007 written by Dr. Allen Wyler is not easy to put down once finished and sure to leaven the reader with a lot of imagery and questions about the possible medical break through and its meaning.

DEAD HEAD
By Allen Wyler
www.allenwyler.com
Tor/Forge
ISBN #0-765-35596-5
ARC

Kevin R. Tipple © 2006

Reviewing: "The Silence Of The Loons" by The Minnesota Crime Wave

While writers of the southwest in particular write of the broiling heat of summer, writers of a Minnesota background seem to write about the brutal cold of the winter. That brutal cold of the winter is certainly a factor in a number of stories here but not in all of them. The stories do share a number of clues that had to be encompassed in each story. I’m not going to ruin the clue list by explaining it here but it’s a good one. So too are the stories in this anthology.

Carl Brookins who, among other things, wrote the excellent comedic mystery novel The Case Of The Greedy Lawyers which I have reviewed here and elsewhere contributes “A Winter’s Tale.” For the recluse, the snowstorm is bad enough but he really doesn’t need to find the lost traveler nearly dead in his barn.

For Kaye Brock, her past is known by all in “Take Me Out” by Lori L. Lake. Being an ex-con has its burdens as does living up to expectations of others.

Then, there is David Housewright’s tale “A Domestic Matter”. Jack is convinced his wife wants him dead. Reporter Dan Thorn doesn’t believe his old friend at first and then follows the reporter’s credo to take lots of notes as it’s going to be important later.

This anthology also features stories by M.D. Lake, Mary Logue, William Kent Krueger, Judith Guest, Monica Ferris, K. J. Erickson, Ellen Hart, Deborah Woodworth, Kerri Miller, and Pat Dennis. In each of the thirteen stories, some of the clues are the same and yet each author goes in very different directions. While the stories share clues, they also share the fact that almost all of them are highly atmospheric noir style reads. Maybe it’s the cold. Maybe it’s the short daylight hours. But this is a dark read that should be savored in front of a roaring fireplace. Just make sure you can keep an eye on your surroundings while you are reading.


The Silence Of The Loons
By The Minnesota Crime Wave
Nodin Press
ISBN# 1-932472-36-3
2005
Large Trade Paperback
225 Pages


Kevin R. Tipple © 2006

Happy New Year 2007

And a belated Happy New Year to one and all! I’m just a few days late so hopefully you will forgive my recent long absence. Bacterial Bronchitis is an evil, evil thing. Yes, I know there are worse things but it was pretty rough and very gross for awhile there. I’m glad it is over. So is the family as well.

Been reading a lot the last few weeks and have to write a number of reviews. I don’t do New Year’s resolutions per se, but one of the things I am working on is getting my review pile cut down a bit. So, if you have sent a book and you know who you are, trust that I am working on it or will be very soon. And of course, if you have a question about your book’s status, drop me a line at kevin_tipple@att.net and I will try to explain where I am in relation to your book.

In the meantime, below is my December column for SENIOR NEWS edited by Michael Bracken. I’m lucky that I have a several great bosses to work for and he is most definitely one of them. The newspaper is available across newsstands in Texas, many Whole Foods stores, as well as in doctor’s offices and the like. It’s also available by mail for those so inclined.

***********

THE SEA OF MONSTERS: PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS BOOK TWO
By Rick Riordan
Hyperion Books For Children
ISBN# 0-7868-5686-6

San Antonio Author Rick Riordan has penned another enjoyable entry in this series based on Greek mythology. Seventh grade has been a pretty good year for Percy Jackson. That is until the last day of school when the resulting chaos leads him back to Camp Half-Blood. The camp is not a sanctuary this time around as the camp is under serious attack and the magical defenses are failing. Another quest is needed and this one should be as difficult as the first. This young adult novel follows “The Lightening Thief” which should be read first before this exciting sequel. Both books are guaranteed to appeal to young and old readers alike.


13 DAYS: THE PYTHAGORAS CONSPIRACY
By L. A Starks
Brown Books Publishing Group
ISBN # 1-933285-45-1


Executive Vice President Lynn Dayton convinced her bosses to buy Centennial Refinery right before it landed in bankruptcy court. They did and Lynn Dayton and her company is somewhat resented by the employees. That isn’t her concern though as she has just four short weeks left to finish the refit and prove to the board that her argument to buy the plant was worth it to the bottom line of the parent company.

Then people start dying. Not just employees at her refinery but at other ones up and down the Houston Ship Channel as a series of what appears to be freak accidents begins. The casualties in terms of the dead and injured and losses in production steadily mount while all involved are unable to stop it. As hurricane season brings a storm of steadily increasing strength on a deadly course towards Centennial, Lynn Davis is forced to not only save her employees and her refinery, she is also forced into a life or death struggle to save her family in this enjoyable, though at times excessively technical, thriller.

*******

The January issue, now available, has my reviews of “Cooking With Texas Highways” and “Delayed Legacy.” Both books are good and they were a pleasure to read and review. And speaking of reviews, I guess I better get back to work as I just don’t type that fast.

Watch this space as more reviews start to come in and don’t forget to head over to Mouth Full Of Bullets at www.mouthfullofbullets.com for more reviews and make sure you check out the new review area---Small Caliber Reviews.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2006

Been Awhile....

Yes, it has been awhile since I have been around much sharing reviews and stuff with you. Frequent readers know that I usually get sick every year for my birthday which is just a few days before Thanksgiving. The same was true this year and this time it resulted in that plague known as bacterial bronchitis. I will spare you the details as it was disgusting and is only slightly less so now. Is five days of antibiotic good enough? I kind of doubt it but one hopes that past history is proven wrong.

So, I haven’t been able to work my day job for three weeks now nor have I been able to do much reading for review. For the most part, what little I could get done went straight into stuff for “Mouth Full Of Bullets.” Issue two hits the World Wide Web on December 5 and yours truly will have another “Target Shooting” Column, a number of book reviews and a couple of other items of interest. BJ allowed me to bring in a couple of new features so I hope you will take a look at it when the issue goes live by clicking on www.mouthfullofbullets.com I remain extremely proud to be a small part of BJ’s fantastic endeavor and amazed at the support that has been generated in the mystery community.

In the meantime, its back to the recliner with the remote in hand, a box of tissue and the vaporizer running nearby while sleet and snow bounce off my Plano apartment windows. Take care whether you are and feel free to drop me a note here or to my e-mail at kevin_tipple@att.net

Kevin R. Tipple © 2006

Reviewing: "Death Is Not An Option" by Gary R. Hoffman

Prescott “Rawhide” Hunters works and lives in Mexico Beach, Florida. His boss, who owns an RV park there is Jimmy Rangus. Fleeing a messy divorce five years ago, Prescott had ended up parking his small trailer at the rear of the lot where it has pretty much sat ever since. In exchange for rent for his spot and a small paycheck, Prescott washes and preps RV’s as well as minor repairs and runs errands for parts and drives them as needed. In short, his job is a gofer which allows him plenty of time to think as well as pursue his other occupation.

He also works part time as a Bounty Hunter. As it happens, two former RV customers are wanted for bank robbery and there is a 20k reward for their capture and conviction. Before long, in a borrowed RV, Prescott Hunter is on the trail looking for the wanted pair. By doing so, he ultimately puts not only himself but also his girlfriend into the target sights of a former arrestee who is plotting his own form of revenge.

The result is an interesting read that moves slowly forward as readers follow a multi layered character through his daily life. Actual bounty hunting makes up a small part of the 213 page novel released through PublishAmerica. Instead, most of the story involves Prescott’s various experiences as a worker at the RV park and the occasional occurrence that seems to possibly indicate someone is stalking him. Those readers expecting more of a TV style bounty hunting experience may be solely disappointed by a novel that features very little bounty hunting and is more focused on relationships and one man’s persistent endurance each day.


DEATH IS NOT AN OPTION
By Gary R. Hoffman
PublishAmerica
www.publishamerica.com
2006
ISBN 1-4241-0956-6
Large Trade Paperback



Kevin R. Tipple © 2006

Reviewing: "Fools Rush In" by Sunny Frazier

The heat is on in the San Joaquin Valley which includes the area around the small town of Kearny and its local law enforcement is feeling it. Not just in the terms of the summer weather but in terms of crime and the reports that are generated each time an incident occurs. For Office Assistant III Christy Bristol of the Sheriff’s Department, it means more and more paperwork to process. The last thing she really needs is for her old boyfriend James “Wolfman” Wolfe showing up at work to see her.

Wolfman has recently been reassigned to the undercover narcotics unit and isn’t paying her a social call. His snitch, Johnny Blue, is missing and most likely dead. Wolfman is trying to build a case against a major Methamphetamine dealer named Lloyd Parr. Without his snitch the case is in deep trouble and Wolfman is desperately trying a different angle. He wants Christy to do Parr’s astrological chart. Astrology is important to Christy as she has the gift and appreciates its power. Astrology became a huge issue when Wolfman and Christy were dating and in large part, his lack of respect for it and ultimately her caused their relationship to collapse. Now six months after their breakup, Wolfman focused on his needs only, has waltzed back into her life and expects her to grant him a favor of doing Parr’s horoscope. Not only does he want her to do it, he wants her to make up some stuff to go along with what she really sees to scare Parr.

Offended and disgusted, Christy refuses initially but eventually creates one and assists in the delivery to Parr. Her eight years of working in the Sherriff’s Department as an office assistant never prepared her for being kidnapped by Parr’s crew as he acts on her message from the stars.

This is an enjoyable lightweight cozy mystery that is far as it possibly could be from the Hollywood style image of wealthy drug dealers or the dark world of noir mystery. Flashy images, strings of vulgarities and obscenities, or detailed brutal murders are not the focus here and rarely will one encounter in fiction such well spoken drug dealers. This can not be considered a graphic read on any level and instead focuses on interpersonal relationships of characters and how lives are wasted in false pursuit of drugs and money.

As in her other works, author Sunny Frazier focuses more on the lives of the characters involved and as such, the novel turns on character development, or lack of same, as she illustrates that some characters, just like some people in real life, never had a chance to do anything different with their lives. While some characters never had a chance, her main character, Christy Bristol, finds out far more about herself after her week in captivity than she ever thought possible.

This enjoyable cozy style mystery doesn’t follow the Hollywood or noir formats and as such is a read that works for readers of almost any age. The characters are complicated, the heroine is genuine and interesting as are the sections involving Astrology, and the story moves forward at a stead pace. The result is a good read for the start of a planned series and worthy of your consideration.


FOOLS RUSH IN: A CHRISTY BRISTOL ASTROLOGY MYSTERY
By Sunny Frazier
www.sunnyfrazier.com
Wolfmont Publishing
www.wolfmont.com
November 2006
ISBN # 0-9778402-5-5
Uncorrected Proof

Kevin R. Tipple © 2006

Reviewing: "Tin Soldiers" by Mark Leonard

Seventeen year old Captain Richard Arthur attends the Maxwell Military Academy in New York state. Vietnam is percolating right along and those attending the academy know that before too much longer they will be over there. It’s a closed warped world, as any military academy is, and they handle everything internally and remain for all intents and purposes, closed off from the public. Even when a cadet falls to his brutal death from the roof off one of the barracks.

Ted Sheridan took a short and very quick fatal dive off the roof. Before long, the often wittily sarcastic Captain Arthur, known by the obvious nickname of “King” to one and all, is placed in charge of the investigation by the brass. An investigation that is rigged from the start and King is very well aware that, like the last time, he is supposed to arrive at the preconceived conclusion acceptable to those in charge. While he knows what the mission is, he doesn’t agree and besides that he really does have his hands full with some of his fellow students who are cracking under the pressure. And what does Ted’s incredibly hot sister want with him and why does she keep showing up in the strangest of places?

What follows is a very twisted novel, part mystery, part humor and completely engrossing. There are parts that are just laugh out loud funny and are guaranteed to definitely offend some folks as this author has absolutely no concerns about the concept of political correctness. That fact along with his repeated use of obscenities both in dialogue and in narration will surely annoy some readers.

However, if you like your reads a little different than the normal run of the mill and don’t mind embarrassing yourself by laughing out loud in public, then this mystery is sure to work for you. Not only is this book certainly not politically correct, it contains a twisting case that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in crime and solving the case. Arthur may be a foul mouthed Sherlock in a military uniform at times, but it is well worth it to tag along for this very good read.


TIN SOLDIERS
By Mark Leonard
Zumaya Publications
www.zumapublications.com
2006
ISBN # 1-55410-268-5
Large Trade Paperback
265 Pages

Kevin R. Tipple © 2006