Psst---Want To Win?

Located in Transylvania is a castle with a dark history. Once ruled by Lord John Erdely the castle is now a haven for tourists.

Or is it?

His dark powers were legendary and continue to exert their influence today. Other forces are at work as well in a place where servants were once silenced with a curse and the land was ruled with an iron fist. Join authors Carol A. Cole, Kristin Johnson, Kevin R. Tipple, Christina Barber, Seana Graham and Donna Amato as they weave their tales under the editorial direction of Lea Schizas. What began in the first anthology, "The Carpathian Shadows Volume 1" were just a few of the possibilities…..

I am thrilled to be a part of the anthology and the reviews and comments from readers have been positive and gratifying. Like the previous book in the anthology series, recently the anthology was added to the Fictionwise catalog where you can also read a very brief excerpt: http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook77687.htm?cache

To celebrate the addition at Fictionwise, our publisher, Rob Preece, has graciously offered a Fictionwise gift certificate as a give away on my blog. To enter, all you have to do is send me an e-mail with "Anthology" in the subject line to me at kevinrtipple@verizon.net All entries must be in by midnight central time January 31, 2009.

That's it!

Then sit back and see if you won. And of course, if you can't wait to read the book, buy it at Fictionwise or direct from Rob at http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Reviewing: "Walks, Walls, & Patio Floors"

Okay, so somebody decided that the existing patio needs work. Or that a sidewalk has to be built. Or that a wall has to be built because what would make this yard really standout would be a conversation pit with a fireplace right over there. And because somebody doesn't want to hire it out, for whatever reason, you get to do it yourself. If you find yourself in that predicament this book just might be the one for you.




Written by Jeanne Huber and the editors of Sunset Books, this 194 page gem released last January aims to help you create the best patio, walk, and or garden wall you can. It opens with a chapter stressing having a good design, choosing the right materials, and exploring different types of materials whether it is stone, brick, poured concrete, lava, or something else. Planning is the key and that point is driven home repeatedly. Suggestions are also made concerning moving the materials (most are heavy) and getting and storing the materials using text and color photographs.

Chapter two is on "Building Paths and Patios" and goes from the simple to the complex. Material lists, techniques, plans, etc. are used to illustrate various options to change from what you have now to what you want to achieve long term. Drainage is of major importance and that issue is covered well with several different drainage possibilities thoroughly explored.

Concrete come in many different ways and can do many different design things as outlined in chapter three. Different types of concrete are explained, options, how to determine what to use and how much, along with how to make various designs are in this chapter.

"Garden Walls" is the theme of the fourth and final chapter. Different walls of types/styles are depicted along with explanations of them, plenty of pictures, plans and building techniques.

Credits, a short list of resources and a three page index brings this 194 page book to a close. Aimed primarily at those seeking to create within a lush and thickly covered landscape, those with a preference for low water use plants or settings get a very brief mention. Despite that fact, those in interested in such landscaping can still use much of the book while discounting the pictures of the finished product.

It might be a good idea to stock up on some pain reliever as well because nothing in this book is that easy to build. This type of work is easily back breaking no matter how easy it looks on the home improvement shows or how easy it seems in this book. So, you back will hurt and you will need the pain reliever if you do it yourself. Or better yet, hire that neighbor who always is offering advice on what you should do in your yard to build.


Walks, Walls, & Patio Floors
by Jeanne Huber and the editors of Sunset Books
Sunset Books
http://www.sunsetbooks.com/
ISBN#0-376-01709-0
January 2008
Paperback—Soft Cover
144 Pages
$16.95

Review copy provided by the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Barry's Reviews: "Small Game" by John Blades

SMALL GAME (1992)
By John Blades

Reviewed by Barry Ergang


Scott Ryan is a man besieged. His opponents include coworkers, fellow commuters, neighbors, and—above all—his house. Oh yes, and squirrels. Living in an area the police sometimes treat as if it’s under martial law, having to duck below window level when his commuter train passes through a Red Zone to avoid being shot, his urban dream has become an urban nightmare.

He and his wife Kathy have purchased a fixer-upper in a becoming-gentrified section of their unnamed city. With three small children and the burdens their new home has imposed, and despite Scott’s ascendancy in the market research company he works for, they’re in over their heads. Working on the house consumes the bulk of Scott’s time when he isn’t working. He still manages to fit in some tennis now and then, but reluctantly because the house has become his Circe, luring him inexorably back to it and demanding that he cater to its every need and want.

When he isn’t cheating on Kathy with several different partners, that is.

Scott’s first-person recounting of events seems at first reasonable, if sometimes edged with desperation. But the reader soon realizes that something is wrong, that he’s an utterly unreliable narrator, that he may or may not be seeing things that aren’t there, claiming to do things he really doesn’t.

Some of the neighborhood squirrels have invaded the house and taken up residence in the walls and attic crawl space. They become Scott’s obsession, and his attempts to eradicate them become steadily more frantic—and sometimes dangerous.

John Blades’ short serio-comic novel might well be described as Kafkaesque in its depiction of a man driven to fulfill but overwhelmed by the popular notion of the “American dream.” Crisply written, and peppered with evocative turns of phrase, its episodic structure builds to a memorable finish.


Barry Ergang © 2009

Formerly the Managing Editor of Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine and First Senior Editor of Mysterical-E, winner of the Short Mystery Fiction Society’s 2007 Derringer Award in the Flash Fiction category, Barry Ergang’s written work has appeared in numerous publications, print and electronic. For links to material available online, see Barry’s webpages.

Reviewing: "Maui" from the Lonely Planet

As a native Texan on a fixed income with steadily increasing bills, the idea of going to Hawaii has been a tantalizing dream but far from reality. This year, with the Left Coast Mystery Convention scheduled in Hawaii, the impossibility of going has been more obvious than ever. I suspect the issue has become even more pronounced for many possible attendees.

But, the dream lives on. Hence, the travel guides are always fun to look at while hoping for the lottery numbers to finally pay off. This one, released by "Lonely Planet" last September is another good one from the publisher full of lots of information and stunning color photographs.

The book opens with a short chapter on the "Best Maui Experiences." Suggestions for things such as the best location to luau "Old Lahaina Luau" or the best treats "Komoda Store & Bakery" and the best beach "Big Beach" along with the best hike "Sliding Sands Trail" and numerous other best things and best places are listed. In each case there is a color photo, a very short description and a page number that will take readers to the longer listing and explanation found elsewhere in the book.

"Island Itineraries" begins on page eighteen with suggestions for various mileage lengths or days available for exploration. Color maps are included and there are references to the additional itineraries at the start of each regional section that are in more depth.

The third chapter is on "Outdoor Activities & Adventures." It covers where you can do what in alphabetical format. From "at sea" to "ziplining" the book has got you covered with locations, types of activities, plenty of information and as always plenty of color photographs.

This leads to a ten page chapter on "Green Maui." Environmental issues are important on the islands and this is where readers learn about steps being taken, options available, and what can be done by tourists and others to protect the fragile environment of the islands.

Beginning with page fifty-one, the book is divided into regional sections. "Lahaina" begins this part of the guide book with a brief history on the culture, some maps, and suggested tours and things to do. This same format is used throughout the regional parts which are labeled as "West Maui, Central Maui, South Maui, North Shore & Upcountry, East Maui, The Road To Hana" and "Haleakala National Park." The park section includes many pictures of fascinating Sliding Sands Trail and the Volcano Crater.

The regional section concludes with a nearly thirty page chapter on "side trips" covering "Lana'i & Moloka'i." Lana'i is covered again as it was in the beginning of the regional section before moving on to location such as the "Polihua Road," the "Munro Trail," and "Kalaupapa National Historical Park" among others.

Short chapters on the "History & Culture" of the area, foods, "Festivals & Events" and planning your trip are near the end of the book. A directory of resources and general information along with an eight page index close out the travel guide.

Comprehensive and flashy, this book certainly creates the impression that it is outlining all the usual places and things and not covering real hidden gems that many tourists don't know about. Additionally, the type face is extremely small and as such is very hard to read. Both could be addressed simply by expanding the book somewhat.

Despite those concerns, this is a good book. Written by Glenda Bendure and Ned Friary, this travel guide is a colorful and highly informative book sure to help you plan and enjoy your trip. It may not be the only book you want for the trip but it certainly is a strong start.

Maui: Includes Moloka'i and Lana'i
by Glenda Bendure and Ned Friary
Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
September 2008
ISBN# 1741047145
Paperback
304 Pages
$19.99


As a member of the Amazon Vine Program this material was provided to me in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

Reviewing: "The Work From Home Handbook: Flex Your Time, Improve Your Life"

Maybe you want to work from home or maybe you need to work from home? Maybe your job has evaporated as have many others thanks to the current economy? Are you looking for a change? If so, working from home or "telework" as it is referred to in this book might be just the thing for you and your family.




Released last February by NOLO in partnership with USA TODAY this very simple and easy to read short handbook details the ins and outs of working from home. Both as an employee of a company where you can do your job from home or as a freelance consultant. Both types are considered in each chapter despite the fact that the two concepts are often very different.

After a very short opening chapter touting the advantages for you as well as any possible employer, the discussion moves onto whether or not you, the reader is a good candidate for working from home. Simply loving the idea of avoiding the commute isn’t enough. In the second chapter, planning such a move regarding child care, where the desk will go, how such a deal will change everyone's lives is considered among other ideas.

Chapters three and four address the questions of whether you can do your job at home and how to make your case to your boss and the corporate bureaucracy. Freelancing is again briefly mentioned, but the primary focus is on whether you can take the job you currently have and do it at home.

Chapter five addresses how to find a job that you can do from home as well as the many pitfalls and scams to avoid. The very common "medical claims processing" scam is mentioned along with the classic "product assembly" deal and the always popular "envelope stuffing" and quite a few others. This information, as well as much in the book, is also helpful to those seeking to have a second income while keeping day job.

Freelancing is covered in chapter six. Much of the information involves creating contracts, setting rates, and dealing with taxes as opposed to suggestions regarding what to freelance.

Chapter seven deals with taxes for your online job and defines deductions, working for an employer in another state, filling taxes, etc. Both of the authors are residents of California and have written this chapter with Federal Taxes in mind. State tax considerations and local tax issues aren't covered. As in any in any guide book, information is subject to change and one should always consult with your Tax Specialist or preparer for information.

Chapter eight covers how to succeed at working from home. Not only how to keep you involved in the workplace from home, but also how to stay motivated and making sure the work gets done. Not only do you have to make sure the boss sees your productivity you also have to make sure your friends and family know the limits and abide by them.

Setting limits on others was never an issue for me. My issue was setting my own limits. Whether it was some daytime talk show train wreck (is he the father of these six kids by five different women? They are all here today to prove he is the father) or important news, congressional hearings, sports stuff, etc. the television is a huge distracter. It has to stay off, for me to get any work done.

An index and catalog listing of titles available from NOLO along with numerous ads bring this small 160 page book to a close.

For those readers who know nothing about telecommuting this short easy to read book full of very general information and tips is a real good deal. It outlines the concepts and possibilities, various scenarios, and possible strategies to make the transition. For those freelance writers such as myself and others who have experience doing telework, this small handbook won't shed any new light on the subject and is of little help.


The Work From Home Handbook: Flex Your Time, Improve Your Life
By Diana Fitzpatrick & Stephen Fishman
NOLO
Paperback
ISBN # 1-4133-0701-9
160 Pages
$19.99


As a member of the Amazon Vine Program this material was provided to me in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2009

The Edgar Nominations

BEST NOVEL

Missing by Karin Alvtegen (Felony & Mayhem Press)
Blue Heaven by C.J. Box (St. Martin's Minotaur)
Sins of the Assassin by Robert Ferrigno (Simon & Schuster - Scribner)
The Price of Blood by Declan Hughes (HarperCollins – William Morrow)
The Night Following by Morag Joss (Random House – Delacorte Press)
Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz (Simon & Schuster)

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

The Prince of Bagram by Alex Carr (Random House Trade)
Money Shot by Christa Faust (Hard Case Crime)
Enemy Combatant by Ed Gaffney (Random House - Dell)
China Lake by Meg Gardiner (New American Library – Obsidian Mysteries)
The Cold Spot by Tom Piccirilli (Random House - Bantam)

Just two of several catagories. Every year the list of nominees is a good reference point of what to read in the genre. For more info, surf to http://www.theedgars.com/

Mystery Scene--Free Issue!

"For a limited time, US residents can receive a free issue of Mystery Scene!"

So stated on the website. The offer is limited to US subscribers only. I happen to be one of those for several issues now and I can attest to the fact that it is a mighty good magazine.

Even if they don't want any of my reviews or me.

So, take a look at the homepage found at http://www.mysteryscenemag.com/index.html and do what you need to do to get your free issue.

With the money you have left over, you could buy a book. Maybe an anthology? Hey, I know this guy who wrote something for this anthology and yes, he is weird, but the story is pretty good and......

"Death Song" for a series?

This eleventh novel in the series opens with the son of Kevin Kerney. Sergeant Clayton Istee is part of the Lincoln county sheriff's office these days and likes it much better than when he worked as a patrol officer for the Mescalero Apache Tribal police. Not only does he have plenty of interesting work, he also is the training officer for a newly hired deputy. Not that Tim Riley needed much training. Riley has been a police officer for a number of years so he passed his tests, checked out well, and is out on his first solo patrol. Unfortunately all that training didn't save his life.

The Santa Fe Police Chief, Kevin Kerney, is unaware that Tim Riley is dead. He knows that Tim is working over in Lincoln County and that his wife, Denise, has been reported missing. A report that he takes seriously since the reporting party is the sister and his long time assistant, Helen. The search of the home and surrounding landscape takes time, but, eventually Denise is found with her throat slashed. Clearly, somebody targeted the husband and wife for death.

The question is why?

Since the cases are linked, law enforcement in both jurisdictions join forces. Chief Kerney is due to retire soon and isn't about to back off until he helps solve this last major case. Sergeant Clayton Istee is just as determined especially since he believes he has a spiritual connection to the slain man.

Billed as a Kevin Kerney novel, this isn't one by any stretch of the imagination. Kerney makes a few appearances throughout the novel along with obligatory appearances by his war traumatized wife, Sarah and his precious son, Patrick. Instead, it is primarily a novel of Clayton Ishtee and of the many people who populate both their worlds.

As such, Kerney is frequently used to serve as introduction to people who Clayton would do well to know. Themes of his own, such as the pending loss of his job, the politics within his own department, the politics regarding the task force, and numerous other issues aren't explored to any depth.

One would think that if he would ignore such issues and primary use Kerney as a way to introduce Clayton Istee to folks, that would mean that author Michael McGarrity would go into depth regarding the Clayton character. That would be mistaken because the author chooses not to go into any depth in this case either. Here, there is another rich minefield of emotion waiting for work and it is, for the most part, ignored totally or only given superficial consideration. Not only does he not explore the fact that, for all intents and purposes, Clayton is losing his father again after only recently finding out about him, he gives lip service to the politics of the task force or the fact that Clayton is having dream visions of the dead. These issues and numerous others are ignored.

Instead, this novel slowly meanders through the point of view of numerous secondary characters and suspects. The constant pov shifts have little depth to them, add little to the story and further slow down a work that already moves very slowly.

The result is not one of the Kevin Kerney novels we know and love. Instead, this is a novel of little style or substance, superficial characters and a distance that is off putting to the reader. A novel that may mark the passing of the New Mexico baton to Clayton Ishtee and a different and far less enjoyable style of writing.


Death Song: A Kevin Kerney Novel
Michael McGarrity
http://www.michaelmcgarrity.com/
Dutton (Penguin Group)
http://www.penguin.com/
January 2008
ISBN# 978-0-525-95036-3
Hardback
293 Pages
$24.95

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


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows
Volume 2
Print or E-book
http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html

Reviewing: "Jake's Burn" by Randy Rawls

For Arthur Conan Edwards it all began in this, the first novel of a very enjoyable series. Released in 2004 by the now very defunct Quiet Storm Publishing, this novel relates his first case and a tragedy that serves to haunt the series.

Both Arthur Conan Edwards, known to one and all as Ace, and Jake Adams grew up in Cisco, Texas. Cisco, located in Eastland County somewhere around halfway between Abilene and Fort Worth, was and is your typical Texas small town. Despite very different backgrounds, Jake and Ace became friends. That friendship endured despite Jake becoming rich and Ace eventually becoming first a Dallas police officer and later a private investigator. Occasionally Jake has steered work Ace's way, often by way of a 3am phone call, but nothing like this.

Jake used to have a rather nice home in Cisco but his ex wife Sheila got the place in the divorce. A divorce that wasn't as expensive as it could have been because Jake found out some dirt on Sheila during the divorce. Now, according to Jake, the house is nothing more than a pile of smoldering wreckage, Sheila is missing (no doubt sleeping somewhere with the stud of the month) and Jake wants Ace to investigate the arson. Considering Jake is willing to pay fifteen hundred a day plus expenses Ace is willing to come take a look. But, Ace and his investigative skills are not wanted by the folks of the local fire department. Jake talked way too much about Ace and how great he is and they are annoyed before he even drives in to meet with them. So is the local law who heard the stories. So too is just about everyone around including a killer, determined to make this Ace's last visit back home.

A weird case, charred bodies, a romance and plenty of action and suspense make this first book in this series a highly entertaining read. The legend of the watch cats, Sweeper and Striker, begins here as do numerous relationships that continue throughout the series. The same folksy story telling style that Randy Rawls uses later in the series, as well as in person is evident here. So too is his sense of humor and quick wit as well as thoughtful reflection. It might be a hard book to find but the read is well worth it.


Jake's Burn: Arson in Cisco
Randy Rawls
http://www.randyrawls.com/Index.htm
Quiet Storm Publishing
2004
ISBN# 0-9749608-1-0
Large Trade Paperback
262 Pages


Review copy provided by the author quite awhile back in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Dealing With The Pain

As a frequent knee pain sufferer who doesn't want surgery, I am always on the lookout at my local library for new books on the subject. When I saw this one in the New Arrivals section, I grabbed it and took it home. Written by a surgeon, this informative and easy to use book covers the treatment and reconstruction regarding the knee and the hip. Broken into four parts, this book teaches the reader general info regarding joints and surgical options as well as the procedures and expected results.

The sixty-seven paged Part One is composed of chapters covering the hip. Through various drawings and illustrations, the basic functionality of the hip is explained before delving into various issues. Topics regarding non surgical as well as surgical treatments are covered along with short chapters regarding home exercises and life after hip replacement.

Part Two is nearly sixty pages and covers the knee in detail. After opening with an explanation of the knee and how it is supposed to work; the section covers the various problems and treatments. Non surgical as well as surgical options up to and including total knee replacement is covered along with home exercises and life after knee replacement sections.

That leads into Part Three which is a general knowledge section titled "Before & After Joint Replacement Surgery." This nearly sixty paged section covers everything from initial diagnosis, to contemplating surgery, to having surgery, to what you will experience the month after surgery. This is a good section regardless of what surgical procedure you or a loved one may have because a lot of the info here crosses over into other areas.

Part 4 covers what happens when the surgeon has to go in and do it again either due to the failure of the replaced joint or bone loss around the joint. This eight page section also covers surgery needed from infection and other issues.

This is followed by several useful appendices regarding resources, office checklists, information on the author's practice, etc. Also included is a glossary of medical terms and an index.

This 216 page book is well written and easy to understand. That coupled with its numerous diagrams, illustrations, and x-rays make it a book well worth reading. The illustrations and x-rays clearly show both normal situations and situations that required treatment for the patient. The book lays out clearly what can happen in a variety of situations and what most likely will be the result. But the book is also a must read not just for the information regarding surgical procedures as it imparts a lot of information for preventive care. This is a book you will want to have in your library – especially when that twinge or ache just won't go away.


Hip And Knee Surgery: A Patient's Guide to Hip Replacement, Hip Resurfacing, Knee Replacement, &Knee Arthroscopy
Robert Edward Kennon, MD
Lulu
January 2008
ISBN# 978-1-4357-0732-0
Paperback/Workbook
$29.95


Review copy provided by the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Reviewing: "New Ideas for Today's Knitting" by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss

According to the authors in the introduction: "Today's Knitter is looking for glamorous – even daring – projects, and that is what we asked our designers to create for us. These edgy designs use the same knit and purl stitches we've always used, but oh what a different look these designers have achieved."

They go on to write in the introduction that innovation is the concept of the book. They note that many of the designs are alluring and can be worn by only the most daring. They aren't kidding which becomes rapidly evident. Having established this isn't your grandmother's knitting pattern book; it opens with a "Mellow Yellow Faux Fur Coat." Along with pictures of a model wearing the coat in various ways, the authors give detailed directions on making it over the next six pages. They also include adjustments for medium and large sizes.

A sexy black dress layout begins on pages 12 and follows the same general format. The dress is a short one that ends just a little bit below the waist. Fringe is attached and that hangs to just about the ankle on the model. Like the fur coat, there isn't any explanation of the size of the model so one doesn't know which version is being depicted. Crisscross straps make up the open back of the dress and prove again this isn't your grandmother's knitting book. Chances are it isn't your Mom's either.

This same format continues with the "Softly Scalloped Nightie," the "Teeny Weeny Bikini" depicted in red, "The Summer Holiday" top which is also depicted in red, the "Cabled Tube Top" and all the other designs and instructions. In all there are 23 designs in this book with many covering four to six pages of model pictures and detailed instructions. In each case, there isn't any explanation of the actual size of the model or the garment being shown.

At the back of the book there are a list of abbreviations and symbols under the heading of "general directions." Considering the complexity of the outfits including this very basic info was a bit of a surprise. The general directions go on to define common knitting terms before leading into a one page index. At the front of the book there is a list of companies with their complete links that supplied the yarn for these designs if you are unable to purchase yarn locally.

I originally saw this book on the New Arrivals shelf at my local library and grabbed it for my wife. She knits, crochets, and does a number of other craft things and sells the results through her own business as well as donating some of the finished products to local charaties. Since she has been doing this sort of thing for over twenty years, I know she knows what she is doing in the craft world. I thought it might be a book she was interested in. She wasn't.

Beyond the fact that she wasn't seeing anything new or special design wise, my wife's biggest criticism of the book was that one needed to look like a model to wear many of the designs. While she felt they were possible to make, she felt that one had to be supremely confident in one's body, to pull any of these looks off. She felt the introduction understated the situation regarding the issue. Many of the designs show a lot of skin and she made a point of mentioning that to me along with other comments about the suitability of many of the designs.

I wisely kept any possible comment to myself. Having read the book, I agree with her assement. One would need to be supremely confident in one's own body to wear many of these designs. While that is noted in the introduction, there is nothing like seeing some of the models and what they are wearing.

Unlike the cookbooks where I do try out recipes, I won't be doing so with these designs. Therefore, those who read and rate reviews strictly based on hands on experience by the author of the review will no doubt feel compelled to criticize the review.

All I can say is that occasionally, along with being able to keep my mouth shut, I am aware of my limitations.


New Ideas for Today's Knitting
Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss
Sterling Publishing Co, Inc.
http://www.sterlingpub.com
2008
ISBN# 1-4027-2307-5
Hardback
128 Pages
$24.95


Review copy provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Reviewing: "Rough Weather" by Robert B. Parker

This latest one in the series opens, as many do, with Spenser gazing out his office window at the women passing below on Berkeley Street. Middle of September finds the women starting to display the fall fashions, the Red Sox out of contention, and the sky grayish but not overcast. His musings are interrupted by Ms. Heidi Bradshaw who would like to hire him.

She has a home off the coast on Tashtego Island. She wants to hire Spenser to be there for an event in late October and isn't at all specific as to why she wants Spenser around. "I want you to be the man I can turn to if I need something." (Page 9) As long as he can bring Susan, longtime girlfriend, Spenser is agreeable and takes the job.

Late October comes quickly and on the appointed day Dr. Susan Silverman, looking ravishing as always, and Spenser arrive at the island. Pearl the wonder dog had to be left back home and that is probably just as well. Everything is under tight control as it should be considering the monies under Heidi Bradshaw's control and her expensive tastes. After all, her only daughter is getting married. So things have to be perfect. But, Ms. Bradshaw can't control the fact that a hurricane is coming closer by the hour and the weather is worsening. She also can’t control the fact that multiple murders, a kidnapping, and the return of the notorious "Gray Man" will disrupt the wedding.

This latest Spenser plows absolutely no new ground in terms of character development, the characters themselves or plot. Entertaining enough as a story, the book dusts off numerous old associates that have made this journey many times before. The novel also dusts off many an old conversation between Spenser and Susan about what makes him different that the "Gray Man" or Hawk or several other returning characters. It also reaches a conclusion that is utterly predictable and as such borders on the clichéd. The minimalist prose continues so chapters are short, descriptions lacking, and the novel has a feel of a short story padded to novel length.

And yet, this is Spenser. One can't help overlooking the numerous weaknesses in the book simply because Spenser is an old favorite. As such, it is hard to be critical because it would be nice to be Spenser for a day. And if Susan Silverman was around, the night would be pretty good too.

Take it for what it is which is simplistic reliable entertainment that pleasantly diverts one's attention from the real world. Considering how most things are these days in the real world, that kind of mindless fun reading is a good thing. Especially since the Steven Seagall movies are so bad lately.


Rough Weather: A Spenser Novel
Robert B. Parker
Thorndike Press
http://gale.cengage.com/thorndike
2008
ISBN# 1-4104-0841-8
Hardback—Large Print Version
329 Pages

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

Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

"By The Light Of The Moon"



The Carpathian Shadows Volume 2
Print or E-Book

Cool News

My anthology as well as the earlier book in the series are both at Target.

https://www.target.com/gp/search/176-7860894-6613854?field-keywords=The+Carpathian+Shadows++&url=index%3Dbooks-ta&ref=sr_bx_1_16&x=17&y=9

Of course, like every book at the Target online, the order is actually filled by Amazon. But, still, it is cool to be listed there.


Kevin

This Might Explain It--Another Personality Test

Your Personality Is Like Cocaine

You're dynamic, brilliant, and alluring to those who don't know you. Hyper and full of energy, you're usually the last one to leave a party. Sometimes your sharp mind gets the better of you... you're a bit paranoid! At your best: You're confident, euphoric, and feel like you're on top of the world. What people like about being around you: You're intense and overpowering. What people dislike about being around you: You can be arrogant... and a bit of a jerk. How addicted people get to you: Incredibly addictive. And hanging around with you isn't cheap!

What Drug Is Your Personality Like?

Reviewing: "Winning Can Be Murder" by Bill Crider

It is no stretch to say football is the game and religion of Texas. Outsiders just don't understand how important football is to the people of Texas. Especially the people who live in small towns. The signs out the town's edge may get faded and rusted but for the people that lived in that town, the glorious championship just happened yesterday. Or, the heartbreaking loss for that matter.

Sheriff Dan Rhodes understands that concept and he remembers his glory on the football field that passed quickly. While he does lament that a little, he has moved on unlike many who hit their peak in High School and nothing was as good since. Trapped in the past of their youth they just can't help themselves. Now as Sheriff the fact that Clearview High is very close to a state championship games just means a lot more work. The last time they got close was 1949 and a lot has changed over the years. Rhodes isn't a kid growing up listing to his Dad talk about the blowout loss. Now he is a sheriff of a small department that will have to work crowd control at tonight's playoff game, fights at clubs in town, minor's drinking and a host of other issues. If the team wins again and they advance further into the playoffs, they will all have to do it all over again next weekend.

What Sheriff Rhodes didn't expect was a near riot at the game over a late hit. Emotions ran high and it took a lot to get both teams back to playing the game. He also didn't expect to see an assistant coach for Clearview High take a swing at the head coach. And he certainly didn't expect there to be a murder after the game.

But all that and plenty more happened in short order. Long before the body is cold Rhodes has the whole county pushing him to get the case solved. After all, a man is dead but the team has a state championship to win. The team doesn't need the distraction of having to wait for the killer of their assistant football coach to be caught. Football is the main priority for nearly every one and Rhodes isn't happy about that either.

Or the fact that Rapper is back in town and as low down mean as ever.

Eighth in a very good series this novel takes readers back to the East Texas countryside and Blacklin County, Texas. The county seat is Clearview, which is a small town. However, all the ills of the big city are present and others unique to country living which means Rhodes always has plenty to do with or without backup. Comfortably married to Ivy, despite her dietary choices which have kind of ruined food, Rhodes is a man that doesn't cave to outside pressures or uses new fangled technology to investigate cases.

Instead, he travels around the county asking lots of questions. Somebody sooner or later makes a mistake, the secret is out, and Rhodes catches them in a lie. One thing leads to another and behind all the dirt and worries about the latest scandal, Rhodes figures out the murder and arrests him or her. That same formula is at work here and makes for a mighty good read.

Those looking for graphic violence, gratuitous sex, or name dropping of expensive items won't find it here. Instead, one finds a simple and honest lawman, one that has his roots in the Texas of yesterday, taking care of business one step at a time.


Winning Can Be Murder: A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com/
Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press
1996
ISBN# 0-312-14072-X
Hardback
216 Pages

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

Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Tis the season for "Jingle's Christmas" by Randy Rawls

With over 350 books in my pile to be read and reviewed, I lost all semblance of control a long time ago. Now I just try to avoid looking at the mess, the fully loaded shelves in place, and walk softly so as not to disturb the slumbering beast. That means the stacks get bigger and bigger despite my best efforts. That also means that occasionally something happens in the space time reading continuum and a book comes spitting out of the beast. Such is the case here.




Published back in 2004 by the now very dead Quiet Storm Publishing it features Arthur Conan Edwards, (Ace) Private Investigator in a case perfect for the season. Ace normally drinks Killians, documents cheating spouses, and occasionally works something more interesting like arson, blackmail, kidnapping, etc. His latest case kept him up late and he isn't thrilled when the phone rings at 3 a.m. The fact that the caller is Jake doesn’t improve his mood. But, Jake gets him the occasional high paying client and he needs one these days.

Jake tells him about a meeting he setup for Ace the next day before quickly hanging up and turning on his voice mail. That means Ace can't ask any questions and that is annoying as well. Morning comes way too fast and soon he is at and all too soon he is at MeMaw's café in North Dallas awaiting his mystery client. The meeting spot isn't much, Ace's mood isn't much better, and the client is nowhere to be found. That is, until suddenly he is there. The fact that the client can't be more than 2 ft tall probably explains why Ace didn't see him walk inside even though he was looking or notice him earlier. Or how he vanished so fast.

But, it doesn’t explain how he knew where Ace lived. Or what happened when he was a kid. Ace, 42 and a ten year veteran of the Dallas P. D. before getting out because he was so fed up with the politics, has seen a lot of things over the years. But, he had never met an elf before, let alone Santa's Chief Elf for North Texas operations. Toys are missing and the clock is ticking and the Elf needs help before the big guy finds out.

If you can accept the premise, this is a very funny book. Ace, much like his creator Randy Rawls, is a blast and full of entertainment. Sweeper and Striker, his opinionated cats, are back and in rare form as are a number of recurring characters from the series. There are quite a few thugs, occasionally amusing in their own right, as well as complexities to the case and a very overeager client who wants to help in everyway possible.

The result is a read that works on all levels and provides a fun time perfect for the season.

Jingle's Christmas
Randy Rawls
http://www.randyrawls.com/Index.htm
Quiet Storm Publishing
2004
ISBN# 0-9758571-6-9
Large Trade Paperback
195 Pages

Review copy provided quite some time ago by the author in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

Chasing the "Rabbit In The Moon"

The secret of longevity has been a puzzle that has a haunted scientists. While life spans have elongated due to better healthcare and nutrition as societies have evolved, scientists have long searched for the secret key to increase life spans even more. The search for the magical exlir has been unsuccessful.

Until now.

Dr. Ni-Fu Cheng has found the secret. He has created a potion that can easily double the human lifespan while also improving the overall health of the test subjects. Working at the Xian Institute, Dr. Ni-Fu Cheng isn't sure that he should go public with his knowledge. A "guest" of the Chinese government, he isn't going to be freed until he tells his secret. The elderly leaders of the government, desperate to retain power, have concocted a plan.

Their plan is to entice his American born granddaughter, Dr. Lili Quan, to come to the Institute. They will orchestrate events and offer her a fellowship so that she leaves her current position and travels to mainland China. Once in China, they will inform her that her grandfather, who she has long thought was dead, is alive. They will give her plausible explanations of why they couldn't tell her until she was in China and then arrange a family reunion. After her family reunion, they will use his grand daughter as leverage against Dr. Ni-Fu Cheng to make him give up the formula. But, the Chinese government is not the only one who wants the secret as there are many players in this game and everyone has a plan leading to cross and double cross and even triple cross.

Set against the backdrop of the seven weeks in 1989 that culminated in the Tianamen square massacre, the novel is both highly political and one person's journey back to her home land. Dr. Quan is Chinese only by genetics at the start of the novel having been born in America and having strongly resisted her heritage every step of the way. It is only through her journey home, both in terms of place as well as meeting her grand father, that she is able to heal her psyche and become at peace with who she is. She is a complex character that evolves significantly throughout the novel and yet is still left with major life questions at the end of the work.

Rich in characters and settings, this novel often moves at a slow pace despite its "thriller" designation. "A novel of suspense" would be more appropriate as the thriller components seem only to be the science, exotic locales, and the involvement of government agencies at home and abroad. It certainly can't refer to the pace which is often little more than glacial. Point of view shifts through the many characters, often for a few paragraphs at a time, further slows the pace of a work that needs some serious streamlining to fit the thriller genre or a major increase in action. It is only the last 70 pages or so, where bodies begin to fall and thereby eliminate some of the "meanwhile, back over here" point shifts that the pace increases dramatically. Even then it doesn't come anywhere near classic Robert Ludlum or David Morrel who have both touched upon the longevity issue from time to time and wrote actual thrillers.

Despite the fact that it is an "Award-Winning Finalist in the Fiction & Literature: Thriller/Adventure category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards," the novel is a good read that could have been better. As it is, the work is an overall interesting read that is filled with complex characters, plenty of intrigue, and numerous exotic locals. One can't help but believe there has to be a movie deal in the works.


Rabbit in the Moon: An International Thriller
Deborah & Joel Shlian
Oceanview Publishing
http://www.oceanviewpublishing.com/
June 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-1-933515-14-4
376 Pages
ARC


This material was provided in ARC form by publicist Maryglenn McCombs in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008
"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows Volume 2
NOW IN PRINT!!

The Chat

is now over and it went really well. We talked about the book, the writing process of it as well as writing in general and themes in our works. That and a bunch of other stuff. It was a blast and if you missed it, you missed a really good time.

Kevin

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows Volume 2
Print or E-book
http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html

Meet the Authors! (Including me)

December 7 at 7pm EST
at the Writer's Chatroom, hosted by Audrey Shaffer
http://writerschatroom.com/
Come meet the authors of The Carpathian Shadow: Volume Two
Released October 31st, 2008.
Doorprize: two e-book copies of The Carpathian Shadows: Volume Two

Come and meet:

Carol Cole is a pediatric physical therapist and has worked for the past twenty-five years in a Virginia school system. Always a voracious reader, Carol began writing six years ago. Her stories have been published in over thirty-five online and print magazines. She has storied in two other anthologies, "By the Chimney With Care" and "Aleatory's Junction" She lives with her husband and twenty-one year old son, in Vienna, Virginia. She can be reached at http://www.carolacole.com.

Christina Barber is an award-winning author of speculative fiction works noted for their dark tones. When Christina's not scanning dusty old books for interesting tidbits of mythology, she's off writing in her dark fantasy worlds. Encouraged by her fourth grade teacher, Christina has always been captivated by the craft of writing, and recently made the move to full-time writer. Christina's published books include Seely's Pond (Dark Urban Fantasy, March 2008), Ghosts of Southern Crescent, Georgia (Non-Fiction, Summer 2008) and Greystone (2006 Speculative Romance). She has short stories appearing in magazines and anthologies across the writing spectrum. While Christina spent most of her life growing up in the suburbs of New Jersey, she currently resides in Newnan, Georgia with her husband and daughter. She happily shares her home with three dogs, and two cats. To learn more about Christina, visit her website at www.christinabarber.net

Donna Amato is a nurse who works with transplant patients. Her stories have been published in a variety of online and print magazines and two anthologies. She lives with three of her children in Shreveport, Louisiana and is currently working on her first novel. She can be reached at http://luvs2writela,tripod.com/

Kevin Tipple In addition to having been the editor or assistant editor of several different zines, my book reviews appear extensively online and I am the book reviewer for the Texas edition of the newspaper "Senior News." My short fiction has appeared in magazines such as "Lynx Eye," "Starblade," "Show and Tell," and "The Writer's Post Journal" among others and online at such places as "Mouth Full Of Bullets," "Crime And Suspense," "Mysterical-e" and others.

Kristin Johnson is an award-winning short story writer and poet, a produced screenwriter (PIRATES OF GHOST ISLAND) and an animation writer for Dotcomers.tv. She is a book reviewer, journalist, novelist and (no pun intended) a ghostwriter. Her story "Quicksand" appeared in the MuseItUpClub anthology Aleatory's Junction.

Lea Schizas is an award-winning author and editor and founder of The Muse Online Writers Conference and The MuseItUp Club, both Writer's Digest top 101 Writing Sites. For more information on Lea Schizas: http://www.leaschizas.com

Seana Graham's short stories have appeared in a variety of magazines and literary journals, the most recent ones being Ping Pong and Salamander. Her story "The Pirate's True Love" was recently anthologized in The Best of Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet, and "Marina" was granted the seventh annual Zone 3 fiction award. She has also co-authored a trivia book on Southern California with Lisa Wojna for Blue Bike Press. You can find her at seanagraham.blogsp

***************
All of us involved are looking forward to it and hope you will be there!

Kevin

Reviewing: "Murder Most Fowl: A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery" by Bill Crider

Progress has come to Blackstone County, Texas. Hack got his computer at the jail. The computer is nice and all that and though he feels vindicated he isn't satisfied. They need televisions in the jail. And he wants cameras for the patrol cars. Considering how many times Sheriff Rhodes has had a physical alteration next to his county car, cameras might be a good thing.

What isn't a good thing in the minds of many is that Wal-Mart has set up right outside Clearview. As has happened across the country in numerous small towns, the arrival of the big chain has destroyed the small downtown area of Clearview. A once thriving downtown is now vacant and virtually empty of any pedestrian traffic. The arrival of the store has caused the closing of most of the Mom and Pop stores as well as driving off some of the smaller chains. Elijah "Lige" Ward used to have a hardware store. These days he chains himself to the front doors of Wal-Mart in protest demanding the store to close.

Of course, Sheriff Rhodes has to go out and deal with that situation. Emus have also come to the county and as a result there are now thefts of Emus instead of cattle. While cattle rustling can be tracked and dealt with, Emu theft is a bit trickier. The old standby, chickens, is still around and still being raised to fight by some on the county. You know with all this going on, there will be another murder and Rhodes will soon be working the case, chasing suspects, and dealing with a host of other issues in the county.

At least it is early June and election season is far off. He's going to lose a few votes by finding out all the dirt on his neighbors. Sheriff Dan Rhodes wouldn't have it any other way. Well, he would like not to get in some many brawls with suspects and he probably would like to be home for dinner on a more regular basis.

Released in 1994, this novel takes readers back to Blackstone County for another adventure in an idyllic setting. The recurring characters, except his daughter, Susan return. Ivy makes a couple of appearances to bounce ideas of as well as to provide dietary comedic life. Marrying Ivy has changed the sheriff in many ways, including his pantry. It also seems to have regulated her to a role less on stage which is too bad because she is interesting and a character worth having around.

Another solidly good outing that keeps the series going and provides an interesting case for the good sheriff. Cozies don't get much better then this and it is a good one.

Murder Most Fowl: A Sheriff Dan Rhodes Mystery
Bill Crider
http://www.billcrider.com/
Thomas Dunne/St. Martin's Press
September 1994
ISBN# 0-312-11387-0
Hardback
200 Pages

This book was provided by the good folks of the Plano, Texas Public Library System.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2008

"By The Light Of The Moon"
The Carpathian Shadows
Volume 2
http://www.booksforabuck.com/sfpages/sf_08/carpathian_shadows2.html