Recently I received an e-mail from Mark stating that the sequel to his very good first novel "Antler Dust" was ready and he was agent hunting. Unfortunately, his first publisher went under, which seems to be happening more and more to first time authors. Not only is that obviously a real shame for Mark it is also a real shame for readers.
All too often these days, there is a sort of cookie cutter mentality in publishing where if one book takes off, then within a few weeks or months, the look alike clones invade. While an obvious comparison here could be made to the work of C. J. Box, a favorite author of mine, this work is very different. Mark created a unique signature character and one that would quickly win fans far and wide, as has happened so far, if an agent and a publisher were smart enough to get on board.
Hopefully, they are.
So ,without further commentary from me, I offer this week's installment in Patti Abbott's long running series "Friday's Forgotten Books." The complete list for this week and others can be found at http://patti-fridaysforgottenbooks.blogspot.com/ No, it doesn't fit her mandated topic this week on story collections. Oh, well. This very good book is on my mind and so it runs .......
Allison Coil came out to Colorado’s Flat Top wilderness to leave memories of death and destruction behind. Which is somewhat ironic since her new chosen profession was to be a hunting guide where she would routinely see death. The concept of death and what death means has become an almost constant companion while she seeks solace in the beautiful Colorado Mountains and in the local area known as Ripplecreek. Hunting guides aren’t a rarity in the mountains but being a woman she stands out and once again has to prove herself—especially to the good old boy network. Of course, if the protest group “Fighting Animal Torture Everywhere” otherwise known as “FATE” has its way, nobody will be hunting in the mountains anymore.
As a snowstorm descends on the area, Alison Coil hears a gunshot. Certainly not unusual but the actions of who she thinks is the shooter when she catches a glimpse through the swirling snow make her wonder. She watches him or her over on the next ridge dragging something and then the snow thickens and she loses sight of what was happening. Something didn’t look right and she thinks about it as she works to guide herself and her horse, Bear, safely off the mountain. Her suspicions are further encouraged when she learns that a local hunting guide is missing as is one of the protesters. She knows something funny is going on and after being shoved aside once too many times when she spoke up, begins to investigate in her own way.
In a novel that shifts point of view through numerous characters, Author Mark Stevens weaves a compelling tale of greed and murder with the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies as his backdrop. Allison Coil is a strong complex character who quickly comes to life despite some of the other characters who seem to be little more than stock stereotype figures. A first novel from the author, it shows most tellingly in that a significant portion of the character depth is reserved for Coil. However, it is also clear that at least two of the secondary characters have definite possibilities should this work become part of a series.
Where the author showcases real talent is in the weaving of the various storylines as well as bringing alive the beauty of the setting. A theme within the work is the fact that responsible hunting is a necessary part of wildlife management today. That theme coupled with the concept of what it means to be a female guide in an area dominated by men could have become a series of information dumps that would preach to readers. Instead, showing real skill, the information is occasionally presented in the course of doing other things and never becomes the reason for anything.
Add in the scenic beauty and the at times harsh elements, good old fashioned greed with a thoroughly modern twist, along with several plot surprises in the last fifty pages and the result is a very good book. Author Mark Stevens has created a very good read that quickly becomes a real page turner and one well worth your reading investment.
Antler Dust: A Novel
By Mark Stevens
http://www.writermarkstevens.com/index.shtml
Paandaa Entertainment
March, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-9774188-1-7
Hardback
287 Pages
$24.95
Kevin R. Tipple © 2007, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Video Review: "Deadwood: Season One"
On one of the writing lists I am on, the subject of language has come up during the last few days. Not so much in the terms of cussing, but in whether or not it is appropriate anymore in fiction to use derogatory racist terms. Some responders felt very strongly that, no matter the time period the story was set in, modern day political correctness should take precedent and such language simply couldn’t and shouldn’t ever be used. Others seemed to feel that if the story was set in the distant past, such terms could be used though they went on to argue that if the story was set in the current time such terms could not be used to reflect a character’s beliefs.
I am not sure where I draw the line on the issue. It would be in one place as a reader, in another as a writer, and most likely in another if I was editing things again. I also believe the media platform has something to do with all this. I can see having a character say one thing in a book and having the same thing appear somewhat toned down online where those I work with and others can more easily find it and pass judgment. Many folks that aren’t creative don’t understand that just because we envision a character saying or doing something it does not mean that we personally are capable of saying or do something. It is called “Fiction” for a reason though many folks don’t seem to get that point.
Having recently watched “Deadwood: Season One” on DVD via my local library the online discussion was timely. What many would consider filthy language drives this series and can come as a bit of a shock at first to the viewer. Created by David Milch of NYPD fame, this is a series that never could have run on the over the air networks.
“A Hell Of A Place To Make Your Fortune” is the tagline as well as a very good description of the series and the camp known as Deadwood. Set in 1876 in South Dakota the land is harsh and so are the living conditions for nearly everyone. Men are men, women are usually prostitutes, and pigs do what they do best—get rid of the bodies.
Timothy Olyphant (starring these days in Justified on FX) is Seth Bullock. Once a lawman in Montana, he left and headed to Deadwood along with his friend and business partner, Sol Star (John Hawkes). Together they plan on leaving law enforcement behind in favor of running their own hardware store. Their primary customer will be the miners and others who are mining and panning for gold in the hills and streams outside the camp known as Deadwood.
In modern terms, Al Swearengen (played by Ian McShane) is basically the local crime boss and unofficial mayor of the camp. The camp exists on land owned by no one, controlled by no outside entity, a place where Al Swearengen is the lord and master of the manor and everyone else are his feudal servants. Al runs the local bar and brothel known as “The Gem” and suffers from the same problem Tony Soprano frequently went crazy over- competent help is so hard to find.
Further complications are added by Cy Tolliver coming to town bringing the game of craps, numerous prostitutes and an agenda of his own with the “Bella Union.” Not to mention an outbreak of smallpox, an elaborate con game involving the worth of a mining claim, the death of Wild Bill Hickok and numerous other secondary storylines and characters.
While some have commented quite favorably on the Calamity Jane character, I find her rather annoying and of little substance in the series. Instead Doc Cochran, played by Brad Douriff, intrigues me far more. There is a lot of understated acting in his role as well as complexity that, for this viewer at least, is far more interesting.
What makes this series work, among other things, is the fact that David Milch doesn’t allow clichés and stereotypes to rule the day. For example, Seth Bullock has always tried to do the right thing. After his brother was killed, he married his brother’s widow to take care of her and the son they had. In so doing, he has set himself up for incredible pain, when he begins to fall for, Alma Garret, who is quickly made a widow herself. Not to mention that his temper occasionally erupts when he has been pushed too far and in extremely violent ways. All that means that Seth is a flawed character at his core struggling to do the very best he can day in and day out with fate that ultimately he may be powerless to prevent much like a Greek tragedy.
I’ll leave it to others to address the historical accuracy of the series after pointing out that this is fiction and liberties are always taken. The cursing level in the series is extremely high along with frequent racial and gender slurs. The times weren’t politically correct and the series reflects that on a minute by minute basis. This is not a series for children and there are plenty of adults who will not be interested in watching it just because of the language.
I obtained my copy from the local library system. The complete first season set also contained a DVD of bonus material on the series discussing the making of the series, the language and other related items. Unfortunately there is not a blooper reel included. I would have very much like to have seen that as I expect there are some very funny outtakes. However, to have included that would be far different than the tone of the series which is usually somber and grim with very few wise cracks.
My wife and I first tried this a couple years ago and only made it about twenty minutes before giving up. Having been raised on westerns (both TV series and movies) I thought I knew what this series would be like going in. However, I didn’t and dumped it then instead of sticking with it despite her vehement objections.
Thanks to being home on medical leave and at my breaking point with day time television, at my request, my wife picked this up for me a few weeks ago with the understanding that she wouldn’t watch it. Since the point was to give me something to occupy my mind while everyone was gone each day, I gladly agreed. Once again, I noticed how slow things were to get going, but this time I resolved to watch at least the first several episodes to give it a real chance.
By the end of episode two I was hooked. If you can handle the often very harsh language and the occasional glimpse of female nudity, which may or may not be attractive depending on your own personal standards, I think you will quickly find yourselves hooked too.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
I am not sure where I draw the line on the issue. It would be in one place as a reader, in another as a writer, and most likely in another if I was editing things again. I also believe the media platform has something to do with all this. I can see having a character say one thing in a book and having the same thing appear somewhat toned down online where those I work with and others can more easily find it and pass judgment. Many folks that aren’t creative don’t understand that just because we envision a character saying or doing something it does not mean that we personally are capable of saying or do something. It is called “Fiction” for a reason though many folks don’t seem to get that point.
Having recently watched “Deadwood: Season One” on DVD via my local library the online discussion was timely. What many would consider filthy language drives this series and can come as a bit of a shock at first to the viewer. Created by David Milch of NYPD fame, this is a series that never could have run on the over the air networks.
“A Hell Of A Place To Make Your Fortune” is the tagline as well as a very good description of the series and the camp known as Deadwood. Set in 1876 in South Dakota the land is harsh and so are the living conditions for nearly everyone. Men are men, women are usually prostitutes, and pigs do what they do best—get rid of the bodies.
Timothy Olyphant (starring these days in Justified on FX) is Seth Bullock. Once a lawman in Montana, he left and headed to Deadwood along with his friend and business partner, Sol Star (John Hawkes). Together they plan on leaving law enforcement behind in favor of running their own hardware store. Their primary customer will be the miners and others who are mining and panning for gold in the hills and streams outside the camp known as Deadwood.
In modern terms, Al Swearengen (played by Ian McShane) is basically the local crime boss and unofficial mayor of the camp. The camp exists on land owned by no one, controlled by no outside entity, a place where Al Swearengen is the lord and master of the manor and everyone else are his feudal servants. Al runs the local bar and brothel known as “The Gem” and suffers from the same problem Tony Soprano frequently went crazy over- competent help is so hard to find.
Further complications are added by Cy Tolliver coming to town bringing the game of craps, numerous prostitutes and an agenda of his own with the “Bella Union.” Not to mention an outbreak of smallpox, an elaborate con game involving the worth of a mining claim, the death of Wild Bill Hickok and numerous other secondary storylines and characters.
While some have commented quite favorably on the Calamity Jane character, I find her rather annoying and of little substance in the series. Instead Doc Cochran, played by Brad Douriff, intrigues me far more. There is a lot of understated acting in his role as well as complexity that, for this viewer at least, is far more interesting.
What makes this series work, among other things, is the fact that David Milch doesn’t allow clichés and stereotypes to rule the day. For example, Seth Bullock has always tried to do the right thing. After his brother was killed, he married his brother’s widow to take care of her and the son they had. In so doing, he has set himself up for incredible pain, when he begins to fall for, Alma Garret, who is quickly made a widow herself. Not to mention that his temper occasionally erupts when he has been pushed too far and in extremely violent ways. All that means that Seth is a flawed character at his core struggling to do the very best he can day in and day out with fate that ultimately he may be powerless to prevent much like a Greek tragedy.
I’ll leave it to others to address the historical accuracy of the series after pointing out that this is fiction and liberties are always taken. The cursing level in the series is extremely high along with frequent racial and gender slurs. The times weren’t politically correct and the series reflects that on a minute by minute basis. This is not a series for children and there are plenty of adults who will not be interested in watching it just because of the language.
I obtained my copy from the local library system. The complete first season set also contained a DVD of bonus material on the series discussing the making of the series, the language and other related items. Unfortunately there is not a blooper reel included. I would have very much like to have seen that as I expect there are some very funny outtakes. However, to have included that would be far different than the tone of the series which is usually somber and grim with very few wise cracks.
My wife and I first tried this a couple years ago and only made it about twenty minutes before giving up. Having been raised on westerns (both TV series and movies) I thought I knew what this series would be like going in. However, I didn’t and dumped it then instead of sticking with it despite her vehement objections.
Thanks to being home on medical leave and at my breaking point with day time television, at my request, my wife picked this up for me a few weeks ago with the understanding that she wouldn’t watch it. Since the point was to give me something to occupy my mind while everyone was gone each day, I gladly agreed. Once again, I noticed how slow things were to get going, but this time I resolved to watch at least the first several episodes to give it a real chance.
By the end of episode two I was hooked. If you can handle the often very harsh language and the occasional glimpse of female nudity, which may or may not be attractive depending on your own personal standards, I think you will quickly find yourselves hooked too.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Reviewing: "Faces Of The Gone" by Brad Parks
Newark, New Jersey has seen senseless killings before. But, the latest is a new low and one made to order for media sensationalism. Four victims, each shot in the head, are left on public display in a vacant lot. The television media, always quick to go with visuals over story depth, quickly tag the victims as “The Ludlow Four.”
Carter Ross, an investigative reporter with the newspaper Newark Eagle-Examiner, is supposed to take a different tack to the story. Instead of profiling the victims like a couple of other reporters at his newspaper are doing, his editor wants him to take a look at why the killings happened. More of the societal angle with a focus on how society needs to change to prevent such a needless tragedy.
The police are putting out for public consumption that the four recently robbed a local bar and were killed as retaliation. Ross is able to slowly identify all four victims and realizes that they came from varied walks of walk, far different parts of the city, and gradually comes to the realization that the explanation generated by the Police doesn’t make sense. In digging into their backgrounds, Ross not only proves the bar theory wrong, he proves that a theory advanced by the feds doesn’t work either.
The search for the common link between the four murder victims and the truth drives the events of the novel. A novel that occasionally, as all crime/mystery books and a majority of thrillers seem to do these days, shifts into the point of view of the demented mastermind behind all the killings. Something that this reader is very tired of and yet, as long as all the writer advice out there seems to encourage the practice, the annoyance will continue.
Other than those weak moments which border on the clichéd (the name of the evil master mind is laughably named “The Director” for goodness sake) the novel rolls steadily along with a cast of somewhat over the top characters who are allowed to grow far from their stereotyped beginnings. That fact, along with an interesting central character in Carter Ross, plenty of humor and action make this a highly enjoyable debut mystery. The ending is a little too rushed and our hero is easily saved by outside forces and yet the overall read is good one.
Faces Of The Gone: A Mystery
Brad Parks
http://www.bradparksbooks.com/
Thomas Dunne Books (Minotaur Books)
http://thomasdunnebooks.com/
2009
ISBN# 978-0-312-57477-2
Hardback
330 Pages
$23.99
Material provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Carter Ross, an investigative reporter with the newspaper Newark Eagle-Examiner, is supposed to take a different tack to the story. Instead of profiling the victims like a couple of other reporters at his newspaper are doing, his editor wants him to take a look at why the killings happened. More of the societal angle with a focus on how society needs to change to prevent such a needless tragedy.
The police are putting out for public consumption that the four recently robbed a local bar and were killed as retaliation. Ross is able to slowly identify all four victims and realizes that they came from varied walks of walk, far different parts of the city, and gradually comes to the realization that the explanation generated by the Police doesn’t make sense. In digging into their backgrounds, Ross not only proves the bar theory wrong, he proves that a theory advanced by the feds doesn’t work either.
The search for the common link between the four murder victims and the truth drives the events of the novel. A novel that occasionally, as all crime/mystery books and a majority of thrillers seem to do these days, shifts into the point of view of the demented mastermind behind all the killings. Something that this reader is very tired of and yet, as long as all the writer advice out there seems to encourage the practice, the annoyance will continue.
Other than those weak moments which border on the clichéd (the name of the evil master mind is laughably named “The Director” for goodness sake) the novel rolls steadily along with a cast of somewhat over the top characters who are allowed to grow far from their stereotyped beginnings. That fact, along with an interesting central character in Carter Ross, plenty of humor and action make this a highly enjoyable debut mystery. The ending is a little too rushed and our hero is easily saved by outside forces and yet the overall read is good one.
Faces Of The Gone: A Mystery
Brad Parks
http://www.bradparksbooks.com/
Thomas Dunne Books (Minotaur Books)
http://thomasdunnebooks.com/
2009
ISBN# 978-0-312-57477-2
Hardback
330 Pages
$23.99
Material provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Author Radine Trees Nehring is back with "A Journey to Die For"
This novel marks the sixth installment of the “Something to Die For” mystery series as well a new publisher. Carrie and Henry King are an active retired couple who recently got married and occasionally help out small town police with peculiar cases. They have decided to celebrate their eight months of wedded bliss by taking a day trip to enjoy the historic excursion train from Springdale to Van Buren, Arkansas. They will spend the layover in Van Buren eating and shopping before they take the train ride back to Springdale.
They aren’t the only interesting people on the train. Among others are a reporter/anchor and cameraman for a travel program on public television in Arkansas. The fact that the media is onboard the train filming and interviewing the passengers seems to make the two gentlemen directly in front of Carrie and Henry nervous. Their occasionally suspicious behavior engages the attention of Carrie and Henry from time to time while the train travels to Van Buren.
It is only later, while looking at the sights in Van Buren, Carrie discovers the body of one of the two men from the train floating in the river. It wasn’t a simple accidental drowning as most people aren’t stabbed several times before falling into the Arkansas River. Using Henry’s background in law enforcement and Carrie’s natural curiosity, they manage to insert themselves into a murder case and a hunt for treasure from the Confederacy.
This well written cozy novel was the winner of the “2009 Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Unpublished Mystery Novel Competition” and is also a good read. Not only are Carrie and Henry interesting characters that quickly come to life for readers, there is plenty of interesting back story, action and romance and a recipe or three. Throw in crime, deceit, plenty of local history, and a nasty turn of events from time to time along with a hunt for treasure from the Confederacy, and one has a mighty good read. Such is the case here with this novel scheduled to be released next month from Wolfmont Press.
“A Journey to Die For: Something to Die For Mystery Series”
Radine Trees Nehring
http://www.radinesbooks.com/
Wolfmont Press
http://www.wolfmont.com/
ISBN# 978-1-60364-020-6
May 15, 2010
Paperback
$16.00
ARC
Material supplied by Tony Burton, owner of Wolfmont Press and subsidiaries, in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
They aren’t the only interesting people on the train. Among others are a reporter/anchor and cameraman for a travel program on public television in Arkansas. The fact that the media is onboard the train filming and interviewing the passengers seems to make the two gentlemen directly in front of Carrie and Henry nervous. Their occasionally suspicious behavior engages the attention of Carrie and Henry from time to time while the train travels to Van Buren.
It is only later, while looking at the sights in Van Buren, Carrie discovers the body of one of the two men from the train floating in the river. It wasn’t a simple accidental drowning as most people aren’t stabbed several times before falling into the Arkansas River. Using Henry’s background in law enforcement and Carrie’s natural curiosity, they manage to insert themselves into a murder case and a hunt for treasure from the Confederacy.
This well written cozy novel was the winner of the “2009 Oklahoma Writers’ Federation Unpublished Mystery Novel Competition” and is also a good read. Not only are Carrie and Henry interesting characters that quickly come to life for readers, there is plenty of interesting back story, action and romance and a recipe or three. Throw in crime, deceit, plenty of local history, and a nasty turn of events from time to time along with a hunt for treasure from the Confederacy, and one has a mighty good read. Such is the case here with this novel scheduled to be released next month from Wolfmont Press.
“A Journey to Die For: Something to Die For Mystery Series”
Radine Trees Nehring
http://www.radinesbooks.com/
Wolfmont Press
http://www.wolfmont.com/
ISBN# 978-1-60364-020-6
May 15, 2010
Paperback
$16.00
ARC
Material supplied by Tony Burton, owner of Wolfmont Press and subsidiaries, in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Reviewing: "A Handbook for Widows" by Corrine Jacobson and Rose M. Rubin
Having a spouse die unexpectedly is a shock and something that happens all too frequently. With no warning or planning, the widow or widower is left behind to deal with the aftermath as best they can. This small self published book offers guidance for widows as well as widowers on how to deal with all the things that have to be dealt with in the aftermath of the death of a spouse.
Broken into five sections, the book opens after the preface with a bullet point “The Immediate Things- A Quick Check List.” Those same items are covered in depth in the first section of the book titled “Section One: First Things First.” This is where the authors Corrine Jacobson (a resident of Fort Worth, Texas) and Rose M. Rubin go into more detail on what to do in the first minutes and hours after the death. From notifying friends and family, assigning someone to make sure the out of towners have a place to stay, involving family in what is important in the eulogy, to dealing with the funeral home, making sure someone is at your home during the funeral to keep it safe from thieves who read newspaper obituaries (a growing issue via online obituaries as well) to dealing with the actual funeral, each area and others are covered with compassion and clear directions. The resounding theme throughout this section is let friends and family help you while you do as much as you want to yourself.
At some point, after the immediacy of the funeral, everyone else will return to their normal lives leaving you behind to deal with things by yourself. That is the theme of the second section titled “Your Next Steps” which begins on page seventeen. The first night alone will be the hardest and some good advice as to how to deal with that leads off the section. After that first night, topics regarding cherishing memories and keepsakes, thinking positive and making sure you have positive people around you, focusing on what you are doing no matter how mundane the task, and staying in control through self discipline are some of the general ideas presented here.
“Section Three: Handling the Estate” follows and addresses items such as bank accounts, death certificates, how to deal with the spouse’s employer, social security and how dealing with the immediate financial situation is very important. You need to figure out what needs to be paid (mortgage, rent, utilities, etc) and what stocks, bonds, etc you own now. The main theme in this section is to educate yourself on the current situation and while you may seek advice, make sure that you retain all control over your financial situation. Basic estate terms such as probate, power of attorney, etc. are explained as well as the process needed to determine the value of the estate along with tips on Medicare and insurance claims of all types, dealing with Social Security and various other issues.
Beginning on page thirty-six, “Section Four: It’s Your Home” advocates staying where you are for at least a year. By doing so, you still have your support system as well as a familiar outdoor environment. Clearly, though it is your home it has fundamentally and massively changed. At some point, it will be time to deal with your spouse’s things and this chapter addresses how to deal with that, as well as dealing with the unneeded prescriptions, any medical alert system, and other items. Since this book is primarily aimed at widows, the chapter concludes with the idea that you may have to learn tasks that are unfamiliar to you such as changing the batteries in various remotes, changing the batteries in the smoke detectors, changing light bulbs, knowing where the fuse box is located, etc.
“Section Five: Your Own New Life” begins on page forty-one and urges the reader to think of the positives of being alone. Now you can control the thermostat without complaint, watch what you want, run fans or not, etc. Now is the time to embrace new projects and people, try things that for whatever reason you never tried before, decorate your home to recognize the season and/or holiday, take a trip, start exercising if you didn’t before (and if you did by all means keep going), bringing a pet home and numerous other ideas. The overall theme is to get back out there and live again in a new way as your life takes a new direction. Take care of yourself and your environment and have some fun along the way doing what you want to do. Make sure to repay in some small way all the people who have helped you in your time of need.
A list of references for the various sources that are quoted in the book, author bios, and a brief acknowledgements statement bring the fifty-six page book to a close.
This well written fifty-six page book is an excellent guide for both widows and widowers. While the book does not provide legal advice and the authors do not claim it does, it does provide excellent general advice on what to do at the time of death and in the immediate afterwards. Full of compassion, the book serves as both a guide as well as an excellent starting point on numerous issues for an incredibly painful time in life.
A Handbook for Widows
By Corrine Jacobson and Rose M. Rubin
http://www.handbookforwidows.com/
C. A. Bond, Publisher
2008
ISBN# 978-0-615-26424-0
Paperback
56 Pages
$7.99
Material supplied by author Corrine Jacobson in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Broken into five sections, the book opens after the preface with a bullet point “The Immediate Things- A Quick Check List.” Those same items are covered in depth in the first section of the book titled “Section One: First Things First.” This is where the authors Corrine Jacobson (a resident of Fort Worth, Texas) and Rose M. Rubin go into more detail on what to do in the first minutes and hours after the death. From notifying friends and family, assigning someone to make sure the out of towners have a place to stay, involving family in what is important in the eulogy, to dealing with the funeral home, making sure someone is at your home during the funeral to keep it safe from thieves who read newspaper obituaries (a growing issue via online obituaries as well) to dealing with the actual funeral, each area and others are covered with compassion and clear directions. The resounding theme throughout this section is let friends and family help you while you do as much as you want to yourself.
At some point, after the immediacy of the funeral, everyone else will return to their normal lives leaving you behind to deal with things by yourself. That is the theme of the second section titled “Your Next Steps” which begins on page seventeen. The first night alone will be the hardest and some good advice as to how to deal with that leads off the section. After that first night, topics regarding cherishing memories and keepsakes, thinking positive and making sure you have positive people around you, focusing on what you are doing no matter how mundane the task, and staying in control through self discipline are some of the general ideas presented here.
“Section Three: Handling the Estate” follows and addresses items such as bank accounts, death certificates, how to deal with the spouse’s employer, social security and how dealing with the immediate financial situation is very important. You need to figure out what needs to be paid (mortgage, rent, utilities, etc) and what stocks, bonds, etc you own now. The main theme in this section is to educate yourself on the current situation and while you may seek advice, make sure that you retain all control over your financial situation. Basic estate terms such as probate, power of attorney, etc. are explained as well as the process needed to determine the value of the estate along with tips on Medicare and insurance claims of all types, dealing with Social Security and various other issues.
Beginning on page thirty-six, “Section Four: It’s Your Home” advocates staying where you are for at least a year. By doing so, you still have your support system as well as a familiar outdoor environment. Clearly, though it is your home it has fundamentally and massively changed. At some point, it will be time to deal with your spouse’s things and this chapter addresses how to deal with that, as well as dealing with the unneeded prescriptions, any medical alert system, and other items. Since this book is primarily aimed at widows, the chapter concludes with the idea that you may have to learn tasks that are unfamiliar to you such as changing the batteries in various remotes, changing the batteries in the smoke detectors, changing light bulbs, knowing where the fuse box is located, etc.
“Section Five: Your Own New Life” begins on page forty-one and urges the reader to think of the positives of being alone. Now you can control the thermostat without complaint, watch what you want, run fans or not, etc. Now is the time to embrace new projects and people, try things that for whatever reason you never tried before, decorate your home to recognize the season and/or holiday, take a trip, start exercising if you didn’t before (and if you did by all means keep going), bringing a pet home and numerous other ideas. The overall theme is to get back out there and live again in a new way as your life takes a new direction. Take care of yourself and your environment and have some fun along the way doing what you want to do. Make sure to repay in some small way all the people who have helped you in your time of need.
A list of references for the various sources that are quoted in the book, author bios, and a brief acknowledgements statement bring the fifty-six page book to a close.
This well written fifty-six page book is an excellent guide for both widows and widowers. While the book does not provide legal advice and the authors do not claim it does, it does provide excellent general advice on what to do at the time of death and in the immediate afterwards. Full of compassion, the book serves as both a guide as well as an excellent starting point on numerous issues for an incredibly painful time in life.
A Handbook for Widows
By Corrine Jacobson and Rose M. Rubin
http://www.handbookforwidows.com/
C. A. Bond, Publisher
2008
ISBN# 978-0-615-26424-0
Paperback
56 Pages
$7.99
Material supplied by author Corrine Jacobson in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
Friday's Forgotten Books: "Dead Head" by Dr. Allen Wyler
Back early this year, Patti Abbott, asked me to submit a book review for her "Friday Forgotten Books" blog. I did and enjoyed doing it as well as the interest the review created. Since then, Patti has suggested I keep doing them, along with her regular contributors, every Friday.
It hasn't happened because I normally am at work when I suddenly realize that it is Friday and again I forgot to post an appropriate review. Currently, I am still home on medical leave which made it work today.
I offer for your friday consideration "Dead Head" by Dr. Allen Wyler. Having read his first novel "Deadly Errors" and this one, it is a tossup which one is better though the premise here is certainly a bit creepier. The review was originally published in 2007 and the book still is relevant today.
******************************
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 leave 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
ARC
ISBN #0-765-35596-5
Kevin R. Tipple © 2007, 2010
It hasn't happened because I normally am at work when I suddenly realize that it is Friday and again I forgot to post an appropriate review. Currently, I am still home on medical leave which made it work today.
I offer for your friday consideration "Dead Head" by Dr. Allen Wyler. Having read his first novel "Deadly Errors" and this one, it is a tossup which one is better though the premise here is certainly a bit creepier. The review was originally published in 2007 and the book still is relevant today.
******************************
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 leave 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
ARC
ISBN #0-765-35596-5
Kevin R. Tipple © 2007, 2010
Monday, April 05, 2010
Reviewing: "Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir And Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide To The Best In Cinema Thrills"
Written by John Howard Reid and self published through Lulu Books last year, this cinematic guide doesn’t waste time with an introduction, preface, or table of contents. It opens with the 1937 file “Accidents Will Happen.” According to the synopsis, the film is about “an insurance adjuster (Reagan) is hounded by his shrewish wife (Shelia Brornley) and a corrupt claims investigator (Lawler.)” Along with a detailed cast list and a production list is basic copyright and technical info on the film and a comment about the movie. The comment is a multi sentence mini review of the film and the Mr. Reid’s reaction to it.
This same format is followed throughout the first more than three hundred pages and ends with the 1933 film “Zoo in Budapest.” In between are many films including ones such as “a Bullet for Joey” staring Edward L. Robinson, “a Kiss Before Dying” staring Robert Wayner and over 180 other films. Ones listed are primarily from the 1930s to the 1950s and features a black and white still picture from the movie.
Starting on page 313 with an essay on the topic of “Noir, Crime and Mystery” various topics are considered in detail with additional movies covered and included. After discussing the topic in considerable depth for over 100 pages through examples and cinematic details, the author moves on to consider “The Best Sherlock Holmes” starting on page 419. This leads into an essay discussion on “The Thin Man Series” (Page 426), “Raymond Chandler on DVD” (Page 440), a two page essay on the 1984 Paramount Production “The Big Clock” (Page 447), and a five page essay considering the ultimate movie tough guys” Boggart Versus Ladd” (page 449) The book concludes with a short list of lesser known retailers that might carry these films, a list of the top thirty-six noir films according to the author and a eleven page index arranged alphabetically by movie title.
This no nonsense guide is a comprehensive and very detailed look at a period of cinematic history. Published by Lulu Books, the book is well worth the investment in both time and money for the reader seriously interested in the subject matter. Details and facts abound in the well written book. For serious movie lovers of the classics, this book is a fantastic resource and a welcome addition to the reference library.
Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir And Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide To The Best In Cinema Thrills
John Howard Reid
LuLu Books
http://www.lulu.com
ISBN#978-0-557-12223-3
Paperback
467 Pages
$24.50
Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Barry's Books
Barry Ergang has asked me to pass on the info that he has sold a number of books and has put up even more for sale. That means the items for sale found at:
http://barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/
and
http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6771
has changed. So, surf on over and check out what Barry is selling. Good stuff on both sites. I am sure you will find something you want.
Kevin
http://barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/
and
http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6771
has changed. So, surf on over and check out what Barry is selling. Good stuff on both sites. I am sure you will find something you want.
Kevin
Friday, April 02, 2010
Reviewing: "The Bricklayer" by Noah Boyd
Once again another book is shamelessly marketed as the new Jack Reacher. Once again the book is a pretender to the throne and the author is done a disservice by the comparison created by the sales department of the publisher. Once again the marketing hype is misleading at best. If one wants to read Jack Reacher, one reaches for the latest book in the series by Lee Child. There have been many pretenders to come along to claim the Jack Reacher throne and Steve Vail penned by Noah Boyd is just the latest.
Which is not to say it is a bad book. It is pretty good as long as you take it for what it is--sheer escapist reading. It isn't Reacher and it shows. As long as you don't take it seriously or expect too much, the book works.
Steve Vail used to be an FBI agent. A very good agent who had a reputation of getting the job done no matter what and in so doing annoying the bosses. A reputation of not caring about the political repercussions and not respecting authority—especially incompetent authority. His reputation is hard to understand by those with political aspirations in the bureau as is his current occupation as a brick layer.
His unwillingness to conform is exactly what the FBI needs right now. A group known as the “Rubaco Pentad” is killing public figures that could be construed as enemies of the FBI. At the same time, “Rubaco Pentad” is blaming the FBI for the killings and extorting increasing amounts of money from the FBI who is desperate to pay the money, stop the killings, and prevent the news of either getting out via the media. The FBI needs Vail to come back and one more time to find the bad guys and put an end to the madness.
This debut novel of a planned series is fairly good. It suffers, as do many thrillers, from an over inflated sense of the grand epic. A number of characters are introduced and readers watch the events through their point of view for a chapter or two before they are discarded for one reason or another. This issue is primarily in the first third of the book and creates situations where the reader just knows the character will die—just not how.
Like many books in the thriller and mystery genres these days there is the obligatory romance between the two central characters. In this case it is between Vail and newly promoted Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon. Guess what? She’s hot. Smart too and is willing to risk her career to get the bad guys. Years ago Steve and Kate sort of worked together and now, thrust together under the pressures of the case, the stress, a romance begins despite the baggage they both posses. This romance, along with several other plot points, brings a very formulaic paint by the numbers feel to the book that will be screamingly obvious to seasoned mystery and thriller readers.
While the book doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it does provide solid entertainment and escapist reading. Character development is very limited as just about everyone in here are two dimensional at best. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed in future books. For now take “The Bricklayer” for what it is—sheer escapist reading using a tried and true formula where the bosses are idiots, the bad guys are clever whack jobs, and the hero is a man of honor who just might get the hot babe in the end. On those points, author Noah Boyd, a pseudonym for Paul Lindsay, a former FBI agent, delivers fully on all aspects.
The Bricklayer
Noah Boyd
William Morrow (Harper Collins Publishers)
http://www.harpercollins.com/
February 2010
ISBN# 978-0-06-182701-3
Hardback
390 Pages
$24.99
Material provided at my request through the Amazon Vine Program.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Which is not to say it is a bad book. It is pretty good as long as you take it for what it is--sheer escapist reading. It isn't Reacher and it shows. As long as you don't take it seriously or expect too much, the book works.
Steve Vail used to be an FBI agent. A very good agent who had a reputation of getting the job done no matter what and in so doing annoying the bosses. A reputation of not caring about the political repercussions and not respecting authority—especially incompetent authority. His reputation is hard to understand by those with political aspirations in the bureau as is his current occupation as a brick layer.
His unwillingness to conform is exactly what the FBI needs right now. A group known as the “Rubaco Pentad” is killing public figures that could be construed as enemies of the FBI. At the same time, “Rubaco Pentad” is blaming the FBI for the killings and extorting increasing amounts of money from the FBI who is desperate to pay the money, stop the killings, and prevent the news of either getting out via the media. The FBI needs Vail to come back and one more time to find the bad guys and put an end to the madness.
This debut novel of a planned series is fairly good. It suffers, as do many thrillers, from an over inflated sense of the grand epic. A number of characters are introduced and readers watch the events through their point of view for a chapter or two before they are discarded for one reason or another. This issue is primarily in the first third of the book and creates situations where the reader just knows the character will die—just not how.
Like many books in the thriller and mystery genres these days there is the obligatory romance between the two central characters. In this case it is between Vail and newly promoted Deputy Assistant Director Kate Bannon. Guess what? She’s hot. Smart too and is willing to risk her career to get the bad guys. Years ago Steve and Kate sort of worked together and now, thrust together under the pressures of the case, the stress, a romance begins despite the baggage they both posses. This romance, along with several other plot points, brings a very formulaic paint by the numbers feel to the book that will be screamingly obvious to seasoned mystery and thriller readers.
While the book doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it does provide solid entertainment and escapist reading. Character development is very limited as just about everyone in here are two dimensional at best. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed in future books. For now take “The Bricklayer” for what it is—sheer escapist reading using a tried and true formula where the bosses are idiots, the bad guys are clever whack jobs, and the hero is a man of honor who just might get the hot babe in the end. On those points, author Noah Boyd, a pseudonym for Paul Lindsay, a former FBI agent, delivers fully on all aspects.
The Bricklayer
Noah Boyd
William Morrow (Harper Collins Publishers)
http://www.harpercollins.com/
February 2010
ISBN# 978-0-06-182701-3
Hardback
390 Pages
$24.99
Material provided at my request through the Amazon Vine Program.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Reviewing: "Beneath A Weeping Sky" by Frank Zafiro
It begins in March 1996 in River City, Washington. Evil lurks in the city and from time to time rears its ugly head. In this latest in the police procedural series written by Frank Zafiro, law enforcement must deal with a serial rapist. They start further behind then normal because the initial assault was not reported by the victim. For Detective John Tower the case is different than the norm and before long becomes an obsession for him. As the attacks mount and become increasingly violent, Detective Tower and the men and women of the River City Police Department must stop him before he begins killing his victims.
What has made this series so good, beyond the cases author Frank Zafiro depicts, are the off duty lives of the characters. These are flawed and realistic human being and not some caricature of super cops. Reminiscent of the old TV series “Hill Street Blues” that spent just as much time portraying the characters lives off duty and how it impacted their work and vice versa, the same is true in this series. Personal demons of varying severity haunt a number of the long running characters as do their successes.
The result is another complex read that is somewhat difficult to describe. The only negative criticism is the chapter towards the end of the book centered on the serial rapist. While readers frequently view events through his point of view throughout the book, this chapter brings the read to a screeching halt as the back story which caused the character to act the way he does now is revealed. Much of this is rather clichéd and stereotypical and most readers would have figured it out long before reaching this part. There is one rather shocking aspect of the back story which is revealed and one that could have been hinted at without going into such graphic detail.
The chapter primarily serves as unnecessary distraction from an otherwise very good book. The author continues to evolve from novel to novel and the tales steadily improve in complexity. Released from Gray Dog Press this month, this is a very good book well worth hunting down and reading. For maximum enjoyment, the earlier novels in the series, “Under A Raging Moon” (a revised and re-released book) and “Heroes Often Fail” should be read and are available through the same publisher.
Beneath A Weeping Sky: A River City Crime Novel
Frank Zafiro
http://frankzafiro.com/index.php?page=novels
Gray Dog Press
http://www.graydogpress.com/
March 27, 2010
ISBN# 978-936178-12-5
Paperback
$16.95
480 Pages
Material provided by the publisher at author request in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Reviewing: "Sassy Southern-Classy Cajun" by Sylvia Dickey Smith
Good food always brings diverse groups of people together. That is the theme of this small cookbook from author Sylvia Dickey Smith. Well known by her “Sidra Smart Mystery Series” (all of which are good reads) Sylvia has now brought a few of the recipes mentioned by Sidra Smart in the books to life along with a number of others from various people.
After a dedication to her mother, Ruth Thomas Dickey and an opening preface and listing of the recipe winners, the book gets going with “Appetizers.” “Cajun Bowties” which features the pasta not the pastry, “Orange, Texas Party Punch” and “Swamp Dip” are just a few recipes covered in this section. While there aren’t many pictures and there isn’t any nutritional information, the recipes are simple and the instructions are concise. This same format holds true through the small cookbook.
Breads of various types such as “Apple Corn Bread” and “Buckskin Bread” are part of the five recipes in the following section simply titled “Breads.”
Three recipes make up the section on “Breakfast” including a “Breakfast Casserole” using crescent rolls, sausage, green chilies, black olives, and cheese and eggs. Since it takes nearly an hour to cook once everything is assembled this might also be a really good brunch on the weekends. This also might be one of those recipes one really doesn’t want to know the nutritional information after all.
Surprisingly, the book next turns to “Desserts” starting on page 25. Expected ones such as “Green Tomato Pie” and “Peanut Butter Fudge” are here along with lesser known items such as “Peggie’s Iron Skillet Chocolate Pie” contributed by Peggy Mcadams and “Southern Hot Milk Cake” contributed by Carol Staggs spouse of author Earl Staggs. If, somehow, you have not read Earl’s mystery novel, “Memory Of A Murder” you really should.
“Main Dishes” begin on page 50 with “Aunt Annie’s Dirty Rice” and “Aunt Annie’s Chicken Dumplings” both recipes frequently made by the fictional Aunt Annie in Sylvia’s Sidra Smart Mystery Series. Also included is “Cajun Gumbo for Texans” contributed by Joan T. Hollier and “Crawfish Etouffe” among others.
“Vegetables” featuring such recipes as “Aunt Annie’s Corn Patties” begins on page 98. Beyond “Cajun Potato Salad” and “Fried Okra” there are also ones for “Onion Pie” and "Sidra Smart’s Sassy Pickles” among numerous others.
While this small 104 page cook book offers very few pictures (all black and white and small) as well as no nutritional information, the recipes are varied and will appeal to almost every taste bud. For the most part, the recipes are simple and easy to make and in every case the directions are clear and understandable. There is a lot of good eating in this book. Now you just have to make them and get some folks over to eat.
Sassy Southern-Classy Cajun
Sylvia Dickey Smith
http://www.sylviadickeysmith.com/
L & L Dreamspell
http://www.lldreamspell.com/
December 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60318-174-7
Paperback
104 Pages
$9.95
Material provided directly by the publisher in exchange for my objective review.
By the way, if you have not read Sylvia's "Sidra Smart Mystery Series," it begins with "Dance On His Grave" also from L & L Dreamspell. Good stuff and well worth your time as are the other books in the series.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
After a dedication to her mother, Ruth Thomas Dickey and an opening preface and listing of the recipe winners, the book gets going with “Appetizers.” “Cajun Bowties” which features the pasta not the pastry, “Orange, Texas Party Punch” and “Swamp Dip” are just a few recipes covered in this section. While there aren’t many pictures and there isn’t any nutritional information, the recipes are simple and the instructions are concise. This same format holds true through the small cookbook.
Breads of various types such as “Apple Corn Bread” and “Buckskin Bread” are part of the five recipes in the following section simply titled “Breads.”
Three recipes make up the section on “Breakfast” including a “Breakfast Casserole” using crescent rolls, sausage, green chilies, black olives, and cheese and eggs. Since it takes nearly an hour to cook once everything is assembled this might also be a really good brunch on the weekends. This also might be one of those recipes one really doesn’t want to know the nutritional information after all.
Surprisingly, the book next turns to “Desserts” starting on page 25. Expected ones such as “Green Tomato Pie” and “Peanut Butter Fudge” are here along with lesser known items such as “Peggie’s Iron Skillet Chocolate Pie” contributed by Peggy Mcadams and “Southern Hot Milk Cake” contributed by Carol Staggs spouse of author Earl Staggs. If, somehow, you have not read Earl’s mystery novel, “Memory Of A Murder” you really should.
“Main Dishes” begin on page 50 with “Aunt Annie’s Dirty Rice” and “Aunt Annie’s Chicken Dumplings” both recipes frequently made by the fictional Aunt Annie in Sylvia’s Sidra Smart Mystery Series. Also included is “Cajun Gumbo for Texans” contributed by Joan T. Hollier and “Crawfish Etouffe” among others.
“Vegetables” featuring such recipes as “Aunt Annie’s Corn Patties” begins on page 98. Beyond “Cajun Potato Salad” and “Fried Okra” there are also ones for “Onion Pie” and "Sidra Smart’s Sassy Pickles” among numerous others.
While this small 104 page cook book offers very few pictures (all black and white and small) as well as no nutritional information, the recipes are varied and will appeal to almost every taste bud. For the most part, the recipes are simple and easy to make and in every case the directions are clear and understandable. There is a lot of good eating in this book. Now you just have to make them and get some folks over to eat.
Sassy Southern-Classy Cajun
Sylvia Dickey Smith
http://www.sylviadickeysmith.com/
L & L Dreamspell
http://www.lldreamspell.com/
December 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60318-174-7
Paperback
104 Pages
$9.95
Material provided directly by the publisher in exchange for my objective review.
By the way, if you have not read Sylvia's "Sidra Smart Mystery Series," it begins with "Dance On His Grave" also from L & L Dreamspell. Good stuff and well worth your time as are the other books in the series.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Review: "A Box Of Texas Chocolates: The Final Twist Anthology"
Anthologies are notoriously hard to review. The biggest issue is the fact that the story quality can fluctuate greatly. This book created by the Houston based writers group known as “The Final Twist” is a prime example of this problem. Containing fourteen stories with Texas settings in the genres of mystery, romance and science-fiction one would expect some variation in terms of complexity, depth of story, and enjoyment of martial. One does have to hunt hard for the good ones in this anthology.
“A Box of Texas Chocolates” by Linda Houle opens the book with a very clichéd setting. There is going to be a murder mystery theme party and, of course, one of the chocolate desserts is lethal. So much for the murder mystery party not killing anyone. Be sure not to miss the plugs for the recipe book and game based on the anthology at the end of the story or online at the publisher.
Pauline Baird Jones follows with her story “Getting a Clue.” Trapini comes from the wrong family, wrong everything, and Lieutenant Molony keeps dragging her in for questioning. Despite loving Molony at a far since first grade a romance between the two as far as Trapini is concerned. Instead of doing business the family way, she opened her own bakery and sometimes Molony brought items. Now, among other things, he wants to know who is buying chocolates from Trapini and anonymously sending then to his sister, Erin. Does romance have a chance?
Third in the book is Laura Elvebak who wrote the good mystery “Less Dead.” (The sequel, “Lost Witness” is currently in my burgeoning TBR pile.) In “Dying for Chocolate” Clarie is a child care provider who is doing a bit of her own investigating. She plans a confrontation with the mothers involved and will use chocolate to get the truth – one way or another. One of the far superior stories in the anthology, it sets up a final twist that many readers, including myself, will never see coming.
“The Invisible Hand Will Smear Chocolate on the Face of Tyranny” by Mark H. Phillips comes next. Beyond being the longest title in the anthology, this science fiction story is a pretty good one. We aren’t the only ones who love chocolate which makes it worth changing the future of humans and aliens.
Gretchen Schultz makes the best treats around. Everyone knows it and she is under constant assault from her friend’s schemes to get her recipes. In “A Recipe to Die For” by Sally Love, Gretchen means to finally put a stop to it.
Page 71 marks the opening lines of “The Bavarian Drop Killer” by Cherri Galbiati. With a friend dead, Rina manages to insert herself fully into the investigation by the local police of Sandy Creek, Texas. The chocolate candy killer may have struck again? Or is there another explanation?
The seventh story is “Bitter Sweet” by Cece Smith. Chocolate, deceit and romance drive this story of discovering the truth in different people in this tale that is part romance, part mystery.
Betty Gordon creates a good mystery with her tale titled “The Cowboy’s Rose.” Fort Worth’s stock show and rodeo is the backdrop to a modern day cowboy, a package he doesn’t have and a pair of varmints that want the package pronto.
“Books and Bon Bons” by Charlotte Phillips follows with a good tale of dispensing justice earned. You just better keep your eye on your waitress and mind your manners.
If you are in any relationship any length of time at all you know Valentine’s Day is important even if she says it isn’t. In “Valentine’s Day” by Diana L. Driver, Erin said it wasn’t and Gary believed her. It is about to blowup for the newlyweds and one wonders who will fix it?
Murder at a charity gala is the idea behind “Jadead” by Iona McAvoy. The supernatural also plays a role in this very enjoyable story about murder, deceit and family and, of course, chocolate.
It is clear from the opening paragraphs that a stalker lurks in the story “Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Autumn Storm. What isn’t clear is why and how Megan will survive this latest crisis in her life.
“Truffles of Doom” is the second story by Mark H. Phillips in this anthology and another good one. It opens with an interrupted strip poker game between Herbert and Eva thanks to a phone call. The phone call better be important and it was for Detective Eva Baum. Nobody is going to poison the homeless by way of chocolate and get away with it.
The anthology concludes with “A Bona Fide Quirk in the Law” by Cash Anthony. Jessie Carr is involved in a lot of things and soon gets herself involved in a case of a woman arrested for selling “martial aids.” Based on a Texas law that was finally struck down as unconstitutional a number of years ago, this story provides a fitting sweet treat to the end of the book.
Featuring 14 stories by thirteen authors, this 336 page book features a lot of variety in terms of themes, character development and genres. Overall the read is rather disappointing considering the many publishing success these authors have had with a variety of projects. One goes into this third annual anthology expecting more depth to the read and less reliance on so many clichéd characters and settings.
While seasoned readers may be disappointed over the quality of works presented here, there is enough to keep many readers involved and turning the pages. The few chocolate morsels in this book make up for the weak flavor of others and make the book a break even experience in the long run.
A Box Of Texas Chocolates: The Final Twist Anthology
Editor: Lisa Rene’ Smith
L&L Dreamspell
http://www.lldreamspell.com/
September 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60318-140-2
Paperback
236 Pages
$16.95
Book provided by the publisher in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
“A Box of Texas Chocolates” by Linda Houle opens the book with a very clichéd setting. There is going to be a murder mystery theme party and, of course, one of the chocolate desserts is lethal. So much for the murder mystery party not killing anyone. Be sure not to miss the plugs for the recipe book and game based on the anthology at the end of the story or online at the publisher.
Pauline Baird Jones follows with her story “Getting a Clue.” Trapini comes from the wrong family, wrong everything, and Lieutenant Molony keeps dragging her in for questioning. Despite loving Molony at a far since first grade a romance between the two as far as Trapini is concerned. Instead of doing business the family way, she opened her own bakery and sometimes Molony brought items. Now, among other things, he wants to know who is buying chocolates from Trapini and anonymously sending then to his sister, Erin. Does romance have a chance?
Third in the book is Laura Elvebak who wrote the good mystery “Less Dead.” (The sequel, “Lost Witness” is currently in my burgeoning TBR pile.) In “Dying for Chocolate” Clarie is a child care provider who is doing a bit of her own investigating. She plans a confrontation with the mothers involved and will use chocolate to get the truth – one way or another. One of the far superior stories in the anthology, it sets up a final twist that many readers, including myself, will never see coming.
“The Invisible Hand Will Smear Chocolate on the Face of Tyranny” by Mark H. Phillips comes next. Beyond being the longest title in the anthology, this science fiction story is a pretty good one. We aren’t the only ones who love chocolate which makes it worth changing the future of humans and aliens.
Gretchen Schultz makes the best treats around. Everyone knows it and she is under constant assault from her friend’s schemes to get her recipes. In “A Recipe to Die For” by Sally Love, Gretchen means to finally put a stop to it.
Page 71 marks the opening lines of “The Bavarian Drop Killer” by Cherri Galbiati. With a friend dead, Rina manages to insert herself fully into the investigation by the local police of Sandy Creek, Texas. The chocolate candy killer may have struck again? Or is there another explanation?
The seventh story is “Bitter Sweet” by Cece Smith. Chocolate, deceit and romance drive this story of discovering the truth in different people in this tale that is part romance, part mystery.
Betty Gordon creates a good mystery with her tale titled “The Cowboy’s Rose.” Fort Worth’s stock show and rodeo is the backdrop to a modern day cowboy, a package he doesn’t have and a pair of varmints that want the package pronto.
“Books and Bon Bons” by Charlotte Phillips follows with a good tale of dispensing justice earned. You just better keep your eye on your waitress and mind your manners.
If you are in any relationship any length of time at all you know Valentine’s Day is important even if she says it isn’t. In “Valentine’s Day” by Diana L. Driver, Erin said it wasn’t and Gary believed her. It is about to blowup for the newlyweds and one wonders who will fix it?
Murder at a charity gala is the idea behind “Jadead” by Iona McAvoy. The supernatural also plays a role in this very enjoyable story about murder, deceit and family and, of course, chocolate.
It is clear from the opening paragraphs that a stalker lurks in the story “Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Autumn Storm. What isn’t clear is why and how Megan will survive this latest crisis in her life.
“Truffles of Doom” is the second story by Mark H. Phillips in this anthology and another good one. It opens with an interrupted strip poker game between Herbert and Eva thanks to a phone call. The phone call better be important and it was for Detective Eva Baum. Nobody is going to poison the homeless by way of chocolate and get away with it.
The anthology concludes with “A Bona Fide Quirk in the Law” by Cash Anthony. Jessie Carr is involved in a lot of things and soon gets herself involved in a case of a woman arrested for selling “martial aids.” Based on a Texas law that was finally struck down as unconstitutional a number of years ago, this story provides a fitting sweet treat to the end of the book.
Featuring 14 stories by thirteen authors, this 336 page book features a lot of variety in terms of themes, character development and genres. Overall the read is rather disappointing considering the many publishing success these authors have had with a variety of projects. One goes into this third annual anthology expecting more depth to the read and less reliance on so many clichéd characters and settings.
While seasoned readers may be disappointed over the quality of works presented here, there is enough to keep many readers involved and turning the pages. The few chocolate morsels in this book make up for the weak flavor of others and make the book a break even experience in the long run.
A Box Of Texas Chocolates: The Final Twist Anthology
Editor: Lisa Rene’ Smith
L&L Dreamspell
http://www.lldreamspell.com/
September 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60318-140-2
Paperback
236 Pages
$16.95
Book provided by the publisher in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Epinions
For some time now I have been a member of Epinions and have placed my reviews on the site. Recently, on behalf of Epinions, I was asked to read and objectively review Andrea Camilleri’s new book “The Wings Of The Sphinx.” My exclusive review is at:
http://www1.epinions.com/review/Book_The_Wings_of_the_Sphinx_Andrea_Camilleri/content_506351685252
so surf on over and take a look when you get a chance. This book was something far different than normal for me.
Kevin
http://www1.epinions.com/review/Book_The_Wings_of_the_Sphinx_Andrea_Camilleri/content_506351685252
so surf on over and take a look when you get a chance. This book was something far different than normal for me.
Kevin
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Reviewing: 'Red, Green or Murder" by Steven Havill
This novel marks the return of what always made this series great- Bill Gastner. Several novels ago, Bill Gastner moved on to his job as a New Mexico Live Stock Inspector. The focus of the novels changed to Undersheriff Estelle Reyes Guzman and her family with Bill Gastner making the occasional brief appearance. This was also noted with the tiles as the series became “The Posadas County Mysteries.” Something was lost in that shift as the books were different in style, tone and read. It took some getting used to, at least for this reader, and the last couple have been pretty good.
Now Author Steven Havill reminds us of the past with this novel set several novels ago just after Gastner moved into his job as a New Mexico Live Stock Inspector. It is a perfect job for Gastner and allows him to roam the wide open spaces of Posadas County and get paid to do it. The novel begins out at the H-Bar-T ranch one beautiful September morning with Bill and the owner Herb Torrance eyeballing twenty-four head of cattle. Unlike the old days when cowboys simply drove a herd where they wanted when they wanted, these days the cattle had to be inspected first and cleared for travel before being loaded into a stock trailer, fees paid and paper work processed, and then they can be moved. While Bill is enjoying the scene straight out of the Old West, he is looking forward to lunch with good friend George Payton.
A lunch ultimately he won’t have because of a freak accident involving one of the ranch hands at the H-Bar-T that cause a postponement. Then news comes that George has died while eating the lunch the two of them would have shared. Elderly, George did have numerous health issues so his sudden death, apparently due to a massive heart attack, isn’t surprising. Still, Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman investigates the unattended death fully and slowly it begins to appear that the heart attack had a much more sinister cause.
While Bill is still in shock that George has died, the cattle that should have been on the new section of range land are found miles away on a country road wandering aimlessly. The range hand is missing having left his beloved dog behind and equally troubling is the fact that the very expensive truck and stock trailer are missing. Word comes that they were spotted crossing the border being driven by people unknown which means foul play is at work here. For Bill Gastner in his new job, this case takes precedence though Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman keeps him well involved in the investigation surrounding George’s death.
This 16th novel in the series is yet another strong mystery tale set in New Mexico. Author Steven Havill continues to create mighty good and dependable reads that aren’t full of profanity or graphic violence. While this novel sheds no new light on the central characters, that isn’t unexpected as Havill has fleshed out these characters long ago. He isn’t about to create some cheap theatrics just to shake up the world.
Instead, his books are rock solid and feature central characters that are average folks doing the best they can in their little corner of the world and people you would be glad to know and be able to count on in times of crisis. Along the way, much as Bill Crider does in his books or Milton T, Burton does in his, Steven Havill creates a fictional world that has a mighty good tale that pulls you in quickly. If you aren’t reading these folks you are really missing out.
Red, Green, or Murder: The Posadas County Mysteries
Steven F. Havill
Poisoned Pen Press
http://www.poisonedpenpress.com/
2009
ISBN# 978-1-59058-665-5
Hardback
275 Pages
$24.95
Book provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Now Author Steven Havill reminds us of the past with this novel set several novels ago just after Gastner moved into his job as a New Mexico Live Stock Inspector. It is a perfect job for Gastner and allows him to roam the wide open spaces of Posadas County and get paid to do it. The novel begins out at the H-Bar-T ranch one beautiful September morning with Bill and the owner Herb Torrance eyeballing twenty-four head of cattle. Unlike the old days when cowboys simply drove a herd where they wanted when they wanted, these days the cattle had to be inspected first and cleared for travel before being loaded into a stock trailer, fees paid and paper work processed, and then they can be moved. While Bill is enjoying the scene straight out of the Old West, he is looking forward to lunch with good friend George Payton.
A lunch ultimately he won’t have because of a freak accident involving one of the ranch hands at the H-Bar-T that cause a postponement. Then news comes that George has died while eating the lunch the two of them would have shared. Elderly, George did have numerous health issues so his sudden death, apparently due to a massive heart attack, isn’t surprising. Still, Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman investigates the unattended death fully and slowly it begins to appear that the heart attack had a much more sinister cause.
While Bill is still in shock that George has died, the cattle that should have been on the new section of range land are found miles away on a country road wandering aimlessly. The range hand is missing having left his beloved dog behind and equally troubling is the fact that the very expensive truck and stock trailer are missing. Word comes that they were spotted crossing the border being driven by people unknown which means foul play is at work here. For Bill Gastner in his new job, this case takes precedence though Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman keeps him well involved in the investigation surrounding George’s death.
This 16th novel in the series is yet another strong mystery tale set in New Mexico. Author Steven Havill continues to create mighty good and dependable reads that aren’t full of profanity or graphic violence. While this novel sheds no new light on the central characters, that isn’t unexpected as Havill has fleshed out these characters long ago. He isn’t about to create some cheap theatrics just to shake up the world.
Instead, his books are rock solid and feature central characters that are average folks doing the best they can in their little corner of the world and people you would be glad to know and be able to count on in times of crisis. Along the way, much as Bill Crider does in his books or Milton T, Burton does in his, Steven Havill creates a fictional world that has a mighty good tale that pulls you in quickly. If you aren’t reading these folks you are really missing out.
Red, Green, or Murder: The Posadas County Mysteries
Steven F. Havill
Poisoned Pen Press
http://www.poisonedpenpress.com/
2009
ISBN# 978-1-59058-665-5
Hardback
275 Pages
$24.95
Book provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Update----Barry's Selling Books
Barry Ergang passes on this update regarding the many books he has for sale....
I am continuing to add mysteries at http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?p=18683#post18683
I have also created a temporary site, http://barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/, where I've listed some additional mysteries along with a variety of other types of books. This is very new, so check it often if you read other than mysteries, because I'll be adding to it nearly every day.
Barry has some really good stuff here, so check it out.
Kevin
I am continuing to add mysteries at http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?p=18683#post18683
I have also created a temporary site, http://barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/, where I've listed some additional mysteries along with a variety of other types of books. This is very new, so check it often if you read other than mysteries, because I'll be adding to it nearly every day.
Barry has some really good stuff here, so check it out.
Kevin
Monday, March 08, 2010
Currently Reading
Currently reading: "Beneath A Weeping Sky" by Frank Zafiro. This is the third novel in his police procedural series set in River City, WA and so far is another good one. It follows "Under A Raging Moon"
and "Heroes Often Fail"
like most really good series, you need to have read the first two books to get the maximum enjoyment out of this new book as it builds on earlier issues and themes.
Kevin
and "Heroes Often Fail"
like most really good series, you need to have read the first two books to get the maximum enjoyment out of this new book as it builds on earlier issues and themes.
Kevin
Saturday, March 06, 2010
What a cover should look like!
They say don't judge a book by its cover, but anyone who ever worked in a bookstore will tell you book covers influence book buyers. More than jacket copy, paid for blurb ads on the back cover, book covers move books. Recently, Milton T. Burton dropped me a note about his latest book, "Nights Of The Red Moon" and told me he now had the cover art. I had the pleasure of reading a rough draft of this one awhile back before it was sent to the publisher and it is quite possibly Milton's best book.
Which is not to say that the others, "The Rogues' Game" and "The Sweet And The Dead" aren't good. They are very good. But, "Nights Of The Red Moon" is better. Sort of a cross between what Bill Crider does and what James Lee Burke does the novel just pulls you into a swirling storm of mystery and deceit.
Anyway, the cover art is done and incredibly good. If you surf over to Milton's Blog found at
http://obscuredestinies.blogspot.com/ you can take a look for yourself. You can also read part of Chapter One of the book that is the start of a new series.
If you aren't reading Miton T. Burton's stuff, you are really missing out.
Kevin
Which is not to say that the others, "The Rogues' Game" and "The Sweet And The Dead" aren't good. They are very good. But, "Nights Of The Red Moon" is better. Sort of a cross between what Bill Crider does and what James Lee Burke does the novel just pulls you into a swirling storm of mystery and deceit.
Anyway, the cover art is done and incredibly good. If you surf over to Milton's Blog found at
http://obscuredestinies.blogspot.com/ you can take a look for yourself. You can also read part of Chapter One of the book that is the start of a new series.
If you aren't reading Miton T. Burton's stuff, you are really missing out.
Kevin
Monday, March 01, 2010
Barry's Selling Books
and the link is http://jdcarr.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6771 Lots of good stuff on there and the list keeps changing. Check it out!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Reviewing: "Sworn To Silence" by Linda Castillo
Police Chief Kate Burkholder is sure it can’t be happening again and for a very good reason. Winter has gripped the small town of Painters Mill, Ohio and a serial killer is at work. Sixteen years ago he struck four times and Kate Buckholder is pretty sure he can’t be back now. The dead woman at the household of the Stutz place seems to belie that idea. Not only was she brutally murdered in the same savage way as before there are other signs linking the killings from sixteen years ago to the killings now.
Raised as Amish until she became rebellious and was, for all intents and purposes, disowned by her family, Kate Burkholder has seen quite a lot over the years. But, nothing prepared her for the sight of the dead woman with roman numerals carved into the skin of her stomach. Just as the killer did sixteen years ago.
Clichés and stereotypes exist for a reason. They do have a kernel of truth in them and resonate for readers both in terms of real life and in the world of fiction. They abound in this book in the form of Kate Buckholder and the outsider John Tomasetti of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Investigation. Both are flawed characters, hiding secrets from their past which could very easily destroy them, and both hold themselves apart from others. It isn’t surprising when the two make a connection on various levels and unite in a case that becomes increasingly violent and political.
This is one of those books that are hard to review. As a writer and editor, there were places in the book where it was stunningly easy to predict exactly what was going to happen. The same was true as a reader because I read so many books. For this reader, the who-dunit was no surprise once the triggering event became very obvious. It was also obvious where there were occasional continuity issues and plot point problems.
At the same time, despite the predictability and the clichés, Texas author Linda Castillo has created a highly suspenseful and atmospheric book. Much of the criticism that has noted the plot point problems and continuity issues will not impact the casual reader who allows the story to take over and doesn’t analyze the work. The book works because it is highly atmospheric, the main character isn’t run of the mill and the setting using the Amish in the area is a bit different. The author manages to hook the reader quickly and pull one deep into her world where it all does make sense and everything works.
Not only is the book, which is very violent and very graphic in several spots, worth your time and effort, it serves as the foundation of what could be an entertaining series. “Pray For Silence” is the second book in the series and is currently scheduled to be released this June.
Sworn To Silence
Linda Castillo
http://www.lindacastillo.com/
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
2009
ISBN#0-312-37497-6
Hardback
321 Pages
$24.95
Book provided by the good folks of the Plano Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Raised as Amish until she became rebellious and was, for all intents and purposes, disowned by her family, Kate Burkholder has seen quite a lot over the years. But, nothing prepared her for the sight of the dead woman with roman numerals carved into the skin of her stomach. Just as the killer did sixteen years ago.
Clichés and stereotypes exist for a reason. They do have a kernel of truth in them and resonate for readers both in terms of real life and in the world of fiction. They abound in this book in the form of Kate Buckholder and the outsider John Tomasetti of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Investigation. Both are flawed characters, hiding secrets from their past which could very easily destroy them, and both hold themselves apart from others. It isn’t surprising when the two make a connection on various levels and unite in a case that becomes increasingly violent and political.
This is one of those books that are hard to review. As a writer and editor, there were places in the book where it was stunningly easy to predict exactly what was going to happen. The same was true as a reader because I read so many books. For this reader, the who-dunit was no surprise once the triggering event became very obvious. It was also obvious where there were occasional continuity issues and plot point problems.
At the same time, despite the predictability and the clichés, Texas author Linda Castillo has created a highly suspenseful and atmospheric book. Much of the criticism that has noted the plot point problems and continuity issues will not impact the casual reader who allows the story to take over and doesn’t analyze the work. The book works because it is highly atmospheric, the main character isn’t run of the mill and the setting using the Amish in the area is a bit different. The author manages to hook the reader quickly and pull one deep into her world where it all does make sense and everything works.
Not only is the book, which is very violent and very graphic in several spots, worth your time and effort, it serves as the foundation of what could be an entertaining series. “Pray For Silence” is the second book in the series and is currently scheduled to be released this June.
Sworn To Silence
Linda Castillo
http://www.lindacastillo.com/
Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.minotaurbooks.com/
2009
ISBN#0-312-37497-6
Hardback
321 Pages
$24.95
Book provided by the good folks of the Plano Texas Public Library System.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Mark Troy and the value of sidekicks
http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/2010/02/sidekicks-by-mark-troy.html
Seems to me that concept is pretty much part of the basic foundation of every mystery novel (as well as the whole buddy action film concept). The only real question is how involved the sidekick is in the plot and storyline.
Having had the privilege of reading some of Mark's published as well as unpublished stuff over the last few years, I must add that Ava Rome seriously scares me. I figure you just shoot Moon on sight and that solves the problem with him. But then, Ava would come unglued and I have a feeling that wouldn't be pretty.
Seems to me that concept is pretty much part of the basic foundation of every mystery novel (as well as the whole buddy action film concept). The only real question is how involved the sidekick is in the plot and storyline.
Having had the privilege of reading some of Mark's published as well as unpublished stuff over the last few years, I must add that Ava Rome seriously scares me. I figure you just shoot Moon on sight and that solves the problem with him. But then, Ava would come unglued and I have a feeling that wouldn't be pretty.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Barry Ergang has Books FOR SALE!
Barry Ergang, my friend who also occasionally allows me to post one of his book reviews, has some very neat books for sale. The main link is at http://www.barryergangbooksforsale.yolasite.com/ and you ought to check it out.
Kevin
Kevin
Friday, February 05, 2010
EVENT: Poetry Meeting in Garland Tomorrow
The Garland chapter (Bea Land/Phoenix) of the Poetry Society of Texas will meet tomorrow, Saturday, Febuary 6, 2010. The meeting is ususally held in room five at the South Branch Garland Library. Meeting begins at ten.
Bring one or two of your own poems to read, or bring poems you like. Theme for this meeting is "Birth/Rebirth"--literal or figurative.
Bring one or two of your own poems to read, or bring poems you like. Theme for this meeting is "Birth/Rebirth"--literal or figurative.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Reviewing: "Doubleback" by Libby Fischer Hellmann
“DOUBLEBACK” marks the return of P. I. Georgia Davis as well as another very good book by Libby Fischer Hellman. It also unites Georgia and Ellie Foreman (An Eye For Murder and others) in a case that resonates for parents everywhere.
It is a morning like any other in June when Molly Messenger is kidnapped. The mother, Christine Messenger, calls a friend who in turn calls Ellie for help. The eight year old vanished from a day camp in the Chicago area. The kidnappers have threatened to kill Molly if law enforcement becomes involved and Mom is a shattered wreck. Ellie can’t help but respond to her and asks Georgia Davis to look into things. They go back and Georgia knows if Ellie’s asking for help it is a bad sign.
From the start, Georgia doesn’t want the case. The Police, The FBI, etc, should be involved but they aren’t. Christine Messenger is clearly hiding something and her various explanations don’t really explain things. In a matter of three days little Molly is back home and while the case isn’t solved, the parents ordeal is over. The police, who were working the case, have zero leads and zero reasons as to why Molly was kidnapped and with her return are moving on to more current matters. Just when all consider it over, Mom is killed in a freak accident leaving behind a motherless daughter, devastated ex-husband and some bizarre circumstances involving her job at a major bank. Wanting answers to everything, the ex-husband hires Georgia to investigate in a case that will lead her across state lines before finally coming home.
Much like “Easy Innocence” there are dark nebulous forces at work through out the novel. Slowly, author Libby Fisher Hellman reveals clues in a tale that has links to both national and local human interest stories. By using two different major series characters, the author provides an interesting and very different personality driven take on events through each of the characters. Ellie is, for the most part calm and controlled, while Georgia has a passion that drives her into dangerous and violent actions and situations. This device also turns into a drawback at different times in the novel as suspense with one character is pushed back for a chapter while the other major character is brought up to speed. The result, from a storytelling angle designed to build character nuance and complexity, does work. However, from a reader standpoint, the tactic became occasionally annoying and interrupted the natural flow of the novel.
Despite that flaw which will affect readers in different ways, the overall novel is a very good one where the author pulls you deep into her fictional world where everything becomes all too real. Billed and written as a sequel of sorts to the very good “Easy Innocence” it can easily be read as a stand alone.
DOUBLEBACK
Libby Fischer Hellmann
http://www.libbyhellmann.com/
Bleak House Books
http://www.bleakhousebooks.com/
October 2009
ISBN# 978-1-60648-053-3
Paperback
300 Pages
$14.95
ARC
Review copy provided by publicist P. J. Nunn, owner of BreakThrough Promotions, in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
By the way, if you have not read "EASY INNOCENCE" you should.
It is a very good book, though the material is dark and disturbing at times. Most really good books are.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday's Forgotten Books and Patti Abbott
Back last November, I was asked by Patti Abbott if I wanted to be a part of her "Friday's Forgotten Books" blog postings. I said yes, without reservation, and the piece on Milton T. Burton and his excellent novel "The Sweet And The Dead" ran yesterday. With additional commentary from Patti Abbott on other authors/books and comments on my review it is at:
http://pattinase.blogspot.com/2010/01/fridays-forgottten-books-january-29.html
For those who would prefer to read the piece here, I have posted it below:
Milton T. Burton broke onto the crime scene a few years back with his powerful debut novel, “The Rogues’ Game.”
Set in an unnamed West Texas small town, the book tells the tale of an unnamed narrator who arrives in town to play cards and carry out an act of revenge. The con is the thing and the heavily atmospheric and complex book twists and turns all the way to the end. While I really enjoyed that book, I think his second novel, which came out in 2006 is a bit better.
Titled “The Sweet And The Dead” the book is set in the fall of 1970 in Mississippi where Manfred Eugene "Hog" Webern is deep undercover in Biloxi.
Hog is a retired Dallas County Deputy Sheriff, a good man, and a damn good cop despite the word on the street. It is coincidence and nothing more that he got into some money at approximately the same time his former partner was gunned down and a couple of other nasty things happened. The word on the street is that Hog is dirty which makes him a perfect candidate to investigate from the inside the group dubbed the "Dixie Mafia."
Bob Wallace is a Texas Ranger and a man that Hog has worked with before more than once and a man that Hog trusts without question. Wallace tells him that Curtis Blanchard, one of the chief felony investigators for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety wants Hog to come to Mississippi, hook up with Jasper Sparks, head of the aforementioned Dixie Mafia, and gather enough evidence to bring Jasper and as many others as possible down. Hog agrees for several reasons and before long finds himself deep undercover in a twisting case that seems to know no end.
In both of Milton’s books, the tales twist and turn on themselves and features a main character full of internal demons and unresolved guilt who is seeking his own form of justice. A dark hero who finds a brand of honor in the criminal element and one isn’t sure about the character’s motivations until the final word on the last page.
Books that I simply can’t say enough good things about or do justice to in reviews. The author, like his characters, goes quietly about his business and eschews the limelight and self promotion that so many routinely engage in on every forum possible. Milton T. Burton deserves considerably more acclaim than he is getting and his books deserve a place on your reading list.
Kevin
http://pattinase.blogspot.com/2010/01/fridays-forgottten-books-january-29.html
For those who would prefer to read the piece here, I have posted it below:
Milton T. Burton broke onto the crime scene a few years back with his powerful debut novel, “The Rogues’ Game.”
Set in an unnamed West Texas small town, the book tells the tale of an unnamed narrator who arrives in town to play cards and carry out an act of revenge. The con is the thing and the heavily atmospheric and complex book twists and turns all the way to the end. While I really enjoyed that book, I think his second novel, which came out in 2006 is a bit better.
Titled “The Sweet And The Dead” the book is set in the fall of 1970 in Mississippi where Manfred Eugene "Hog" Webern is deep undercover in Biloxi.
Hog is a retired Dallas County Deputy Sheriff, a good man, and a damn good cop despite the word on the street. It is coincidence and nothing more that he got into some money at approximately the same time his former partner was gunned down and a couple of other nasty things happened. The word on the street is that Hog is dirty which makes him a perfect candidate to investigate from the inside the group dubbed the "Dixie Mafia."
Bob Wallace is a Texas Ranger and a man that Hog has worked with before more than once and a man that Hog trusts without question. Wallace tells him that Curtis Blanchard, one of the chief felony investigators for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety wants Hog to come to Mississippi, hook up with Jasper Sparks, head of the aforementioned Dixie Mafia, and gather enough evidence to bring Jasper and as many others as possible down. Hog agrees for several reasons and before long finds himself deep undercover in a twisting case that seems to know no end.
In both of Milton’s books, the tales twist and turn on themselves and features a main character full of internal demons and unresolved guilt who is seeking his own form of justice. A dark hero who finds a brand of honor in the criminal element and one isn’t sure about the character’s motivations until the final word on the last page.
Books that I simply can’t say enough good things about or do justice to in reviews. The author, like his characters, goes quietly about his business and eschews the limelight and self promotion that so many routinely engage in on every forum possible. Milton T. Burton deserves considerably more acclaim than he is getting and his books deserve a place on your reading list.
Kevin
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Interesting Blog Reading Elsewhere
Just a couple of things I cam across this Saturday morning while playing catch-up on my e-mail.
First, a blog on reviewing and while it is aimed at poetry books it has mass appeal. AN ongoing series titled "10 Questions on Reviewing" can be found at:
http://lemonhound.blogspot.com/
Second, for some time now I have felt that the John Sandford books the last couple of years didn't read like earlier ones and from time to time noted that in my reviews. Peg Brantley mentioned the issue in connection with her reading "Dark Of The Moon" and John Sandford's son responded. The Blog, with comments can be found at:
http://www.suspensenovelist.blogspot.com/
While addressing the Virgil Flowers books issue is great, it doesn't explain why the other books have changed. Clearly, addressing that wasn't part of his response. I am just still wondering about that because it could be a variety of reasons.
Anyway, just a couple of interesting things I found this morning. I hope you find them as interesting as I did. For me, at least, it beats reading again my latest publisher royalty statement that details just how bad sales still are for the anthology. Downright depressing stuff.
First, a blog on reviewing and while it is aimed at poetry books it has mass appeal. AN ongoing series titled "10 Questions on Reviewing" can be found at:
http://lemonhound.blogspot.com/
Second, for some time now I have felt that the John Sandford books the last couple of years didn't read like earlier ones and from time to time noted that in my reviews. Peg Brantley mentioned the issue in connection with her reading "Dark Of The Moon" and John Sandford's son responded. The Blog, with comments can be found at:
http://www.suspensenovelist.blogspot.com/
While addressing the Virgil Flowers books issue is great, it doesn't explain why the other books have changed. Clearly, addressing that wasn't part of his response. I am just still wondering about that because it could be a variety of reasons.
Anyway, just a couple of interesting things I found this morning. I hope you find them as interesting as I did. For me, at least, it beats reading again my latest publisher royalty statement that details just how bad sales still are for the anthology. Downright depressing stuff.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Reviewing: "Death Will help You Leave Him" by Elizabeth Zelvin
Having first appeared in “Death Will Get You Sober” Bruce Kohhler and the gang return in the sequel “Death Will Help You Leave Him.” A title that certainly fits the book very well despite the fact that this novel never comes close to the first book in terms of mystery, humor, or engaging story.
As the book opens, recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohhler is dragged out in the rain in New York in the middle of the night by his friend Barbara. Barbara works as an addictions counselor and is sponsoring a woman, Luz, in Al-Anon. Luz was being abused by her drug dealing boyfriend, Frankie, who was also a married man with kids. Luz came home to find him dead on her kitchen floor. At some point after finding the body, Luz made a semi hysterical call to Barbara telling her about the death and that the cops think she did it. So, Barbara is riding to the rescue and dragging her boyfriend, Jimmy, and Bruce along with her.
Frankie had a history of mentally abusing Luz and most likely physically abusing her which would clearly give Luz motive. Beyond the fact that the guy had the bad grace to die in Luz’s apartment, it also appears that Frankie knew his killer and let him or her in. Then there is the whole adultery angle that she was having sex with a man she knew to be married and wanted him to leave his wife. These points and numerous others make Luz the obvious suspect.
Before long, with the police focused on Luz, Barbara and Jimmy are wading to help investigate and dragging Bruce right along with them. As if Bruce doesn’t have enough to deal with concerning his own sobriety. His ex-wife, Laura, is in heavy contact with Bruce, seems to be deep in her own abusive relationship with another man in her life, and apparently off her meds for her bipolar disorder while making various plays for Bruce’s attention.
The second book in a series is frequently not as good as the first series and that certainly is the case here. While the first novel stayed away, for the most part, from jargon this one does not. It also moves far slower than the first novel. However, the biggest problem is the twin storylines of abuse.
Abuse and issues relating to abuse do not lend themselves to humor or enjoyable reading in a novel that ultimately concludes in a depressing and not at all unexpected ending. “Death Will Help You Leave Him” is a mystery that isn’t much of a mystery and therefore relies on the internal conflict Bruce has dealing with his ex-wife. This extremely slow moving sequel illustrates all too well the dangers with destructive relationships. It also clearly illustrates the long history of the experience the author has as a New York City Psychotherapist.
Death Will Help You Leave Him
Elizabeth Zelvin
http://www.elizabethzelvin.com
Thomas Dunne Books (Minotaur/St. Martin’s Publishing Group)
http://www.thomasdunnebooks.com
October 2009
ISBN# 978-0-312-58266-1
Hardback
275 Pages
$25.95
Book provided directly by the author in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Book Signing Tonight--Robert Crais
Author Robert Crais will be signing his new book, FIRST RULE, at
Borders
10720 Preston Rd.
Suite 1018
Dallas, TX 75230
at 7pm. If you are familiar with his work, this is a novel that focuses on Joe Pike.
Synopsis (per Amazon)
The organized criminal gangs of the former Soviet Union are bound by what they call the thieves' code. The first rule is this: A thief must forsake his mother, father, brothers, and sisters. He must have no family-no wife, no children. We are his family. If any of the rules are broken, it is punishable by death.
Frank Meyer had the American dream-until the day a professional crew invaded his home and murdered everyone inside. The only thing out of the ordinary about Meyer was that- before the family and the business and the normal life-a younger Frank Meyer had worked as a professional mercenary, with a man named Joe Pike. The police think Meyer was hiding something very bad, but Pike does not. With the help of Cole, he sets out on a hunt of his own-an investigation that quickly entangles them both in a web of ancient grudges, blood ties, blackmail, vengeance, double crosses, and cutthroat criminality, and at the heart of it, an act so terrible even Pike and Cole have no way to measure it. Sometimes, the past is never dead. It's not even past.
I haven't read it yet as I am pretty far back in the line of folks wanting it from the Plano Library System. That means I can't tell you what I think about the book. But, Robert Crais is a favorite of mine and I just might try to rearrange things to make the drive down tonight.
Kevin
Borders
10720 Preston Rd.
Suite 1018
Dallas, TX 75230
at 7pm. If you are familiar with his work, this is a novel that focuses on Joe Pike.
Synopsis (per Amazon)
The organized criminal gangs of the former Soviet Union are bound by what they call the thieves' code. The first rule is this: A thief must forsake his mother, father, brothers, and sisters. He must have no family-no wife, no children. We are his family. If any of the rules are broken, it is punishable by death.
Frank Meyer had the American dream-until the day a professional crew invaded his home and murdered everyone inside. The only thing out of the ordinary about Meyer was that- before the family and the business and the normal life-a younger Frank Meyer had worked as a professional mercenary, with a man named Joe Pike. The police think Meyer was hiding something very bad, but Pike does not. With the help of Cole, he sets out on a hunt of his own-an investigation that quickly entangles them both in a web of ancient grudges, blood ties, blackmail, vengeance, double crosses, and cutthroat criminality, and at the heart of it, an act so terrible even Pike and Cole have no way to measure it. Sometimes, the past is never dead. It's not even past.
I haven't read it yet as I am pretty far back in the line of folks wanting it from the Plano Library System. That means I can't tell you what I think about the book. But, Robert Crais is a favorite of mine and I just might try to rearrange things to make the drive down tonight.
Kevin
Monday, January 11, 2010
Event--Writer's Guild Of Texas Meeting: Monday, January 18, 2010
Standard Disclaimer-----I post this as a general service to my readers and receive no financial inducement to do so. Furthermore, I know nothing more about the event than what is posted here so if you have any questions, please contact those involved directly.
****************************************
Please forward to all writers and writing groups
Mark the third Monday of every month for the Writers' Guild of Texas meeting.
Monday, 18 January 2010
7-8:30 p.m.
Topic: Write Naked
Speaker: Wendy Lyn Watson
Richardson Public Library
900 Civic Center Dr.
Richardson TX 75080
Basement Room
We hear it all the time from editors and agents: “I love your voice,” or “I’m looking for a strong voice.” They rarely take the time, however, to explain what they mean by “voice.” A writer’s voice is a combination of style (the mechanics of writing like grammar, sentence structure, and word choice), tone (the mood you set with your writing), and theme (the broad issues you tend to address, like friendship or betrayal or destiny). Voice is not your story, it’s the way you tell it. The great thing about voice is that everyone has one (really!) and each one is unique. The trick is to define your voice, to develop it, and to make sure it shines through in your story. In this interactive workshop, we’ll use a variety of writing exercises to pin down the essence of our unique writing voice. You’ll also learn a number of exercises that will help you continue developing your voice after the workshop ends.
Wendy Lyn Watson writes deliciously funny cozy mysteries with a dollop of romance. Her Mysteries a la Mode (I Scream, You Scream (October 2009) and Scoop to Kill (September 2010)) feature amateur sleuth Tallulah Jones, who solves murders in between scooping sundaes. While she does not commit--or solve--murders in real life, Wendy can kill a pint of ice cream in nothing flat. She’s also passionately devoted to 80s music, Asian horror films, and reality TV. (http://www.wendylynwatson.com/)
==============
A MESSAGE FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE WRITERS' GUILD OF TEXAS:The Guilded Pen, a social network developed for writers, offers an open forum that welcomes writers of all levels and writing mediums. Come join the fun. Create, develop, and promote your work. Get support and inspiration and share in an open, non-threatening environment. Be a resource for those looking for collaborators for joint works. Friends of the Writers’ Guild of Texas.
================================================================
Kat Smith, Membership Chair, is developing a membership directory to help members find members with similar interests, etc. to partner for critique or support. The membership form will provide a clear picture of each member's profile. Take the opportunity to talk to her at the next meeting.
==============
Annual 2010 WGT dues of $20.00 can be paid at the January meeting.
================================================================
All WGT events located at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. For information on the sponsoring organization, visit http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/.
Monday, 15 February 2010. Regular meeting: Shirley Duke. Children's Author. Tips and Tools: Navigating the World of Children's Writing.
Monday, 15 March 2010. Regular meeting: Terry Burns, Hartline Literary Agency: Agent Q & A. Listed as number three on the Publisher's Marketplace list of agents helping debut authors to publish. More at http://www.terryburns.net/program_page.htm.
Saturday, 27 March 2010: Saturday workshop
Monday, 19 April 19: Regular meeting. TBA
Monday, 17 May 2010. Regular meeting: Rosemary Clement-Moore. Topic: TBA
Monday, 21 June 2010. Regular meeting. WGT All-Stars' Read In.
All Writers' Guild of Texas events held at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. Visit WGT's website: http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/. ================================================================
Writers' Events Calendar (contact shurlock@flash.net to have your conferences, meetings, or other writing-related event listed here--no individual book signings, please):
16 January and 23 January 2010. Saturdays. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Denton County Writers Workshop. LaRee Bryant. The Creative Side of Writing (first Saturday); The Business Side of Writing (second Saturday). North Branch Library, Denton. Contact Carmen Grant, carmengrant@cityofdenton.com.
19 January 2010. Tuesday. FW SPJ: Authors Night. 6 p.m. Mike Cochran, Carlton Stowers, Johnny Hughes. Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth. $17 members, $25 non-members, $10 students, free if you join SPJ on the spot. mkpirtle@yahoo.com.
6 February 2010. Saturday. Dallas MWASW. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dr. Jeffrey Barnard, Chief Medical Examiner, Dallas. Autopsy--the Real Deal. $20/cash only. rlwriter@yahoo.com.
19-21 March 2010, North Texas Romance Writers of America. North Texas Two Step, A Writers Conference. Screenwriter Michael Hauge, plus agents and editors. http://www.ntrwa.org/
10-11 April 2010, DFW Writers' Conference 2010! Grapevine, Texas. http://dfwwritersworkshop.org/
Second Saturday each month: North Texas Speculative Fiction Workshop. http://www.ntsfw.com/
Visit http://www.writersleague.org/programs/classes.html for up-to-date information on Writer's League of Texas workshops held in Austin TX.
Visit http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/ for guidelines to participate in the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. =========================================================
The Writers' Guild of Texas is a nonprofit professional organization whose primary purpose is to provide a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers; to help members improve and market their writing skills; and to promote the interests of writers and the writing community.If you don't wish to receive these announcements, please let me know.Permission to forward this email is not only granted, but encouraged. Let's get the word out to as many in the writing community as possible.
Carol Woods, Communications
Writers' Guild of Texas
****************************************
Please forward to all writers and writing groups
Mark the third Monday of every month for the Writers' Guild of Texas meeting.
Monday, 18 January 2010
7-8:30 p.m.
Topic: Write Naked
Speaker: Wendy Lyn Watson
Richardson Public Library
900 Civic Center Dr.
Richardson TX 75080
Basement Room
We hear it all the time from editors and agents: “I love your voice,” or “I’m looking for a strong voice.” They rarely take the time, however, to explain what they mean by “voice.” A writer’s voice is a combination of style (the mechanics of writing like grammar, sentence structure, and word choice), tone (the mood you set with your writing), and theme (the broad issues you tend to address, like friendship or betrayal or destiny). Voice is not your story, it’s the way you tell it. The great thing about voice is that everyone has one (really!) and each one is unique. The trick is to define your voice, to develop it, and to make sure it shines through in your story. In this interactive workshop, we’ll use a variety of writing exercises to pin down the essence of our unique writing voice. You’ll also learn a number of exercises that will help you continue developing your voice after the workshop ends.
Wendy Lyn Watson writes deliciously funny cozy mysteries with a dollop of romance. Her Mysteries a la Mode (I Scream, You Scream (October 2009) and Scoop to Kill (September 2010)) feature amateur sleuth Tallulah Jones, who solves murders in between scooping sundaes. While she does not commit--or solve--murders in real life, Wendy can kill a pint of ice cream in nothing flat. She’s also passionately devoted to 80s music, Asian horror films, and reality TV. (http://www.wendylynwatson.com/)
==============
A MESSAGE FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE WRITERS' GUILD OF TEXAS:The Guilded Pen, a social network developed for writers, offers an open forum that welcomes writers of all levels and writing mediums. Come join the fun. Create, develop, and promote your work. Get support and inspiration and share in an open, non-threatening environment. Be a resource for those looking for collaborators for joint works. Friends of the Writers’ Guild of Texas.
================================================================
Kat Smith, Membership Chair, is developing a membership directory to help members find members with similar interests, etc. to partner for critique or support. The membership form will provide a clear picture of each member's profile. Take the opportunity to talk to her at the next meeting.
==============
Annual 2010 WGT dues of $20.00 can be paid at the January meeting.
================================================================
All WGT events located at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. For information on the sponsoring organization, visit http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/.
Monday, 15 February 2010. Regular meeting: Shirley Duke. Children's Author. Tips and Tools: Navigating the World of Children's Writing.
Monday, 15 March 2010. Regular meeting: Terry Burns, Hartline Literary Agency: Agent Q & A. Listed as number three on the Publisher's Marketplace list of agents helping debut authors to publish. More at http://www.terryburns.net/program_page.htm.
Saturday, 27 March 2010: Saturday workshop
Monday, 19 April 19: Regular meeting. TBA
Monday, 17 May 2010. Regular meeting: Rosemary Clement-Moore. Topic: TBA
Monday, 21 June 2010. Regular meeting. WGT All-Stars' Read In.
All Writers' Guild of Texas events held at the Richardson Public Library are free and open to the public. Visit WGT's website: http://writersguildoftexas.org/joomla/. ================================================================
Writers' Events Calendar (contact shurlock@flash.net to have your conferences, meetings, or other writing-related event listed here--no individual book signings, please):
16 January and 23 January 2010. Saturdays. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Denton County Writers Workshop. LaRee Bryant. The Creative Side of Writing (first Saturday); The Business Side of Writing (second Saturday). North Branch Library, Denton. Contact Carmen Grant, carmengrant@cityofdenton.com.
19 January 2010. Tuesday. FW SPJ: Authors Night. 6 p.m. Mike Cochran, Carlton Stowers, Johnny Hughes. Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant, 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth. $17 members, $25 non-members, $10 students, free if you join SPJ on the spot. mkpirtle@yahoo.com.
6 February 2010. Saturday. Dallas MWASW. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dr. Jeffrey Barnard, Chief Medical Examiner, Dallas. Autopsy--the Real Deal. $20/cash only. rlwriter@yahoo.com.
19-21 March 2010, North Texas Romance Writers of America. North Texas Two Step, A Writers Conference. Screenwriter Michael Hauge, plus agents and editors. http://www.ntrwa.org/
10-11 April 2010, DFW Writers' Conference 2010! Grapevine, Texas. http://dfwwritersworkshop.org/
Second Saturday each month: North Texas Speculative Fiction Workshop. http://www.ntsfw.com/
Visit http://www.writersleague.org/programs/classes.html for up-to-date information on Writer's League of Texas workshops held in Austin TX.
Visit http://www.bulwer-lytton.com/ for guidelines to participate in the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest. =========================================================
The Writers' Guild of Texas is a nonprofit professional organization whose primary purpose is to provide a forum for information, support, and sharing among writers; to help members improve and market their writing skills; and to promote the interests of writers and the writing community.If you don't wish to receive these announcements, please let me know.Permission to forward this email is not only granted, but encouraged. Let's get the word out to as many in the writing community as possible.
Carol Woods, Communications
Writers' Guild of Texas
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Upcoming Writers Event--MARCH 2010
I post this as a general service to my readers and receive no financial inducement to do so. Furthermore, I know nothing more about the conference than what is posted here so if you have any questions, please follow the directions at the bottom of the posting and don't ask me.
***********************************************
North Texas Two Step
A Writing Conference
March 19-21, 2010
NTRWA presents
STORY MASTERY with Michael Hauge
Best-selling Author of Writing Screenplays That Sell and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds:The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read.
During this special all-day seminar, Hollywood script and story consultant Michael Hauge, will present his unique approach to creating compelling fiction and to eliciting emotion in your readers. Using clips from recent blockbuster love stories and romantic comedies, along with hands on exercises, Michael will help you strengthen your story concepts, plot structure, love stories, character development and themes.
As an added bonus, on Sunday morning Michael will do an in-depth analysis of the film LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, illustrating the essential principles of story structure, character arc, love stories and romantic comedies.
Topics covered will include:
• The primary goal of all story
• The power of desire, need, longing and destiny
• The essential conflict all characters must face
• Turning plot structure from a complicated concept into a simple, powerful tool you can easily apply to every story
• The single key to creating character arc and theme
• Creating unique, believable and fulfilling love stories
• The unique rules of romantic comedy: fantasy, duality, deceit
• Adapting your novel to film
If you want to elevate your fiction writing to the highest possible level, this event is a must. Also attending:
Adam Wilson, Associate Editor, MIRA and Harlequin Teen
Holly Blanck, Assistant Editor, St. Martin's Press
Joy Azmitia, Agent, Russell and Volkening
Becca Stumpf, Agent, Prospect Agency
NT Members - 12/15/09 - 1/16/10 Cost: $95; 1/17/10 - 2/27/10 Cost: $155
Yellow Rose & DARA - 12/15/09 - 1/16/10 Cost: $125; 1/17/10 - 2/27/10 Cost: $155
General Registration - 12/15/09 - 1/16/10 Cost: $155; 1/17/10 - 2/27/10 Cost: $185
Late Registration - 2/28/10 - 3/20/10 Cost: $215 for everyone
For registration details please check the conference page on the website:_www.ntrwa.org_ (http://www.ntrwa. org) . For questions contact Marty Tidwell:_conference@ ntrwa.org_ (mailto:conference@ntrwa. org)
***********************************************
North Texas Two Step
A Writing Conference
March 19-21, 2010
NTRWA presents
STORY MASTERY with Michael Hauge
Best-selling Author of Writing Screenplays That Sell and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds:The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read.
During this special all-day seminar, Hollywood script and story consultant Michael Hauge, will present his unique approach to creating compelling fiction and to eliciting emotion in your readers. Using clips from recent blockbuster love stories and romantic comedies, along with hands on exercises, Michael will help you strengthen your story concepts, plot structure, love stories, character development and themes.
As an added bonus, on Sunday morning Michael will do an in-depth analysis of the film LARS AND THE REAL GIRL, illustrating the essential principles of story structure, character arc, love stories and romantic comedies.
Topics covered will include:
• The primary goal of all story
• The power of desire, need, longing and destiny
• The essential conflict all characters must face
• Turning plot structure from a complicated concept into a simple, powerful tool you can easily apply to every story
• The single key to creating character arc and theme
• Creating unique, believable and fulfilling love stories
• The unique rules of romantic comedy: fantasy, duality, deceit
• Adapting your novel to film
If you want to elevate your fiction writing to the highest possible level, this event is a must. Also attending:
Adam Wilson, Associate Editor, MIRA and Harlequin Teen
Holly Blanck, Assistant Editor, St. Martin's Press
Joy Azmitia, Agent, Russell and Volkening
Becca Stumpf, Agent, Prospect Agency
NT Members - 12/15/09 - 1/16/10 Cost: $95; 1/17/10 - 2/27/10 Cost: $155
Yellow Rose & DARA - 12/15/09 - 1/16/10 Cost: $125; 1/17/10 - 2/27/10 Cost: $155
General Registration - 12/15/09 - 1/16/10 Cost: $155; 1/17/10 - 2/27/10 Cost: $185
Late Registration - 2/28/10 - 3/20/10 Cost: $215 for everyone
For registration details please check the conference page on the website:_www.ntrwa.org_ (http://www.ntrwa. org) . For questions contact Marty Tidwell:_conference@ ntrwa.org_ (mailto:conference@ntrwa. org)
Friday, January 08, 2010
Do Your Part
Point to ponder---Remember, only you can prevent so called "reality stars" from making fools of themselves. Save them by reading a book this week.
I'm doing my part by currently reading "Doubleback" by Libby Fischer Hellman. I am enjoying it very much.
I'm about eighty pages from the end in an ARC recently provided by owner PJ Nunn of BreakThrough Promotions. The book has been out awhile, but if it wasn't for PJ Nunn, I probably wouldn't be reading this sequel to the very good "Easy Innocence"
because BLEAK HOUSE, the publisher, has decided to no longer provide print copies of their ARCs.
Yes, I am serious. Like all bad ideas, this one is probably highly contagious, causes all orifices to weep, drool and dribble, creates projectile vomiting with low back pain, and the infection spreads easily from business to business. Unfortunately, there is no shot to inoculate anyone from business stupidity.
(There are federal bailouts, but, that is another rant.)
If you want to read a book via a PDF, they will gladly provide an ARC review copy. But, if you are a reviewer like me who wants and NEEDS the print copy, the new policy is worthless and makes their books impossible to review in advance of publication.
A stunningly stupid decision as far as I am concerned and one that I think long term they will regret. Seems to me, considering the sad state state of publishing today, the folks in charge at Bleak House would want to do everything possible to get their books out to reviewers so that they can be reviewed. I made this argument in a letter back to them awhile back and never heard another word.
It is too bad as they were always a publisher I could count on to deliver quality books that appealed to me. With the ongoing cutbacks at my local library system, getting their books once I know about them will be increasingly difficult. Hopefully, they will change their minds one of these days.
Kevin
I'm doing my part by currently reading "Doubleback" by Libby Fischer Hellman. I am enjoying it very much.
I'm about eighty pages from the end in an ARC recently provided by owner PJ Nunn of BreakThrough Promotions. The book has been out awhile, but if it wasn't for PJ Nunn, I probably wouldn't be reading this sequel to the very good "Easy Innocence"
because BLEAK HOUSE, the publisher, has decided to no longer provide print copies of their ARCs.
Yes, I am serious. Like all bad ideas, this one is probably highly contagious, causes all orifices to weep, drool and dribble, creates projectile vomiting with low back pain, and the infection spreads easily from business to business. Unfortunately, there is no shot to inoculate anyone from business stupidity.
(There are federal bailouts, but, that is another rant.)
If you want to read a book via a PDF, they will gladly provide an ARC review copy. But, if you are a reviewer like me who wants and NEEDS the print copy, the new policy is worthless and makes their books impossible to review in advance of publication.
A stunningly stupid decision as far as I am concerned and one that I think long term they will regret. Seems to me, considering the sad state state of publishing today, the folks in charge at Bleak House would want to do everything possible to get their books out to reviewers so that they can be reviewed. I made this argument in a letter back to them awhile back and never heard another word.
It is too bad as they were always a publisher I could count on to deliver quality books that appealed to me. With the ongoing cutbacks at my local library system, getting their books once I know about them will be increasingly difficult. Hopefully, they will change their minds one of these days.
Kevin
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Review: Hostile Takeovers: A Leal And Hart Novel by Michael A. Black
In this sequel to Random Victim Sergeant Francisco Leal is more than a little annoyed that his partner, Olivia (Ollie) Hart isn’t back working with him. Instead, when she isn’t working for her upcoming competition as a female body builder, she is stuck on some sort of special detail over in Robertsville, Illinois. Years of corruption have caused the local police force to be dismissed, and for now until the first class graduates from the academy, Cook County Sheriff’s Police are pulling patrol duty in Robertsville.
That leaves Leal running a major surveillance operation involving a snitch without help that he can really count on. The snitch, known as the “Lip” is supposed to make a controlled buy in front of Leal and his team. With the snitch being closely connected to a powerful and very successful drug dealer there is potential of rolling up quite an operation. Unfortunately for Leal and the snitch, the snitch’s cover is blown and he is killed. This sparks retaliation and despite numerous characters and many storylines, eventually Leal and Hart begin to deal with the escalating turf war.
A police officer himself, Michal Black clearly knows his subject well and uses every detail and nuance possible in the novel. An extremely slow moving police procedural, the read spends considerable time off on various secondary storylines where readers are subjected to often actions and characters that have little or nothing to do with the main storyline of the execution murder of the snitch, politics and the drug war. Such sideways trips far from the main storyline have the capacity to bore the reader considerably who should be forgiven for frequently muttering “get on with it.”
When Author Michael A. Black focuses on the main storyline in “Hostile Takeovers” he delivers a solid tale which somewhat salvages the book despite being devoid of human emotion. Even the health scare of Olivia which is a classic cliché and should bring out some realistic character emotion for the reader comes across entirely flat. In this case and others throughout the meandering novel, the characters spend considerable amounts of time telling readers how they feel with little time actually showing readers real human emotion. There is a distant flat quality of writing throughout the 353 novel that reminds one of the sterility of reading a law document.
Despite the theoretically complimentary comparison to Joseph Wambaugh in some reviews, the only thing these two authors actually in common is that they both use their law enforcement backgrounds to write police procedurals. Regarding character development, use of plotlines and emotions, as well as style of writing and a myriad of other issues, these two authors are as opposite as they possibly could be. Such a contrived positive comparison does a huge disservice to both authors with readers hurt by making buying and reading decisions based on such faulty comparisons.
Hostile Takeovers: A Leal And Hart Novel
Michael A. Black
http://www.michaelablack.com/
Leisure Books (Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc)
http://www.dorchesterpub.com/
ISBN# 0-8439-6272-0
Mass Market Paperback (eBook available)
353 Pages
$7.99
Book provided by PJ Nunn, publicist and owner of BreakThrough Promotions in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2009
That leaves Leal running a major surveillance operation involving a snitch without help that he can really count on. The snitch, known as the “Lip” is supposed to make a controlled buy in front of Leal and his team. With the snitch being closely connected to a powerful and very successful drug dealer there is potential of rolling up quite an operation. Unfortunately for Leal and the snitch, the snitch’s cover is blown and he is killed. This sparks retaliation and despite numerous characters and many storylines, eventually Leal and Hart begin to deal with the escalating turf war.
A police officer himself, Michal Black clearly knows his subject well and uses every detail and nuance possible in the novel. An extremely slow moving police procedural, the read spends considerable time off on various secondary storylines where readers are subjected to often actions and characters that have little or nothing to do with the main storyline of the execution murder of the snitch, politics and the drug war. Such sideways trips far from the main storyline have the capacity to bore the reader considerably who should be forgiven for frequently muttering “get on with it.”
When Author Michael A. Black focuses on the main storyline in “Hostile Takeovers” he delivers a solid tale which somewhat salvages the book despite being devoid of human emotion. Even the health scare of Olivia which is a classic cliché and should bring out some realistic character emotion for the reader comes across entirely flat. In this case and others throughout the meandering novel, the characters spend considerable amounts of time telling readers how they feel with little time actually showing readers real human emotion. There is a distant flat quality of writing throughout the 353 novel that reminds one of the sterility of reading a law document.
Despite the theoretically complimentary comparison to Joseph Wambaugh in some reviews, the only thing these two authors actually in common is that they both use their law enforcement backgrounds to write police procedurals. Regarding character development, use of plotlines and emotions, as well as style of writing and a myriad of other issues, these two authors are as opposite as they possibly could be. Such a contrived positive comparison does a huge disservice to both authors with readers hurt by making buying and reading decisions based on such faulty comparisons.
Hostile Takeovers: A Leal And Hart Novel
Michael A. Black
http://www.michaelablack.com/
Leisure Books (Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc)
http://www.dorchesterpub.com/
ISBN# 0-8439-6272-0
Mass Market Paperback (eBook available)
353 Pages
$7.99
Book provided by PJ Nunn, publicist and owner of BreakThrough Promotions in exchange for my objective review.
Kevin R. Tipple © 2009
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