Jamie August, Journalist Detective, Star of Mystery Series

TITLE: Ocean City Lowdown: A Jamie August Mystery

By Kim Kash
LENGTH: 204 pages, 60-80k words
GENRE: Mystery
AUDIENCE: Adult
PUBLISHER: Capri House/Amazon Kindle
Buy it on Amazon
Find it on Goodreads
Like it on Facebook
Follow Kim on Twitter: @kash_kim
Explore Kim's website: kimkash.com

 

 

Reviewed  by Lynne Hinkey originally for Underground Book Reviews

THE RATING
4.5 stars  THE RUNDOWN
Jamie August covers "happy things, local people doing good, the latest rattan furnishings..." and other lightweight stories in Ocean City, Maryland for the lifestyle section of the community paper: The Weekly Breeze. But she aspires to cover real news as an investigative reporter. When her editor assigns her to write about the grand opening of Bayview Preserve, the flagship community for Ivory Enterprises, Jamie might have her chance as she uncovers more than just some interior design tips.

Arriving at Ivory Enterprises headquarters, Jamie is introduced to Jonathan Ivory, the scion of Ivory Enterprises, who will be taking her on a tour of the luxury gated community. He's also a previous evening's nameless one-night-stand. While touring Bayview Preserve, he lets his true colors slip through his polished exterior, and Jamie suspects he's hiding more than just a wife from her. Before long, a trail of fires and dead bodies lead Jamie into the dark underbelly of Ivory Enterprises long history of kickbacks, payoffs, blackmail, environmental degradation, and murder.

Early on, the story is slowed down by a glut of details on Jamie August's trailer-trash inspired outfits - and she seems to have a costume change for every scene. This initially might undermine reader confidence that the heroine will be able to pull off any serious investigative reporting. Although she does manage to get herself out of some harrowing situations, she often relies on men to come to her rescue, weakening what's otherwise, a strong female lead character. The action really takes off about one third of the way in, and after that, Jamie - and the story - really come alive.

Ocean City during the cold and desolation of the off-season plays nicely as a backdrop for the action. This is the first in a series of books, so introducing the setting and recurring characters in the semi-isolation of winter leaves a lot of potential for future installments to stir things up during the excitement of summer in this popular tourist destination.

The crisp, clean writing, superb editing and complex conspiracies involving real-estate tycoons, arsonists, and corrupt academics and politicians, make Ocean City Lowdownan action-packed thriller. While it takes some time to hit full stride, Kim Kash has written a resourceful and determined heroine in Jamie August. Ocean City Lowdown is fast-paced, well-crafted, edge-of-the-seat crime thriller to add to the summer reading list.


THE RECOMMENDATION
Fans of well-crafted crime and detective stories will enjoy Ocean City Lowdown with itswise-cracking, not-by-the-book investigator. Put away the notion that this book is aimed at female readers. Anyone looking for the mild-mannered lady detective usually found in G-rated cozy-mysteries won't find her here - Jamie August is no wallflower and has no problem using her sexuality to get what she wants. She can hold her own in the hardboiled detective tradition.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Medical Mystery Endorsed by Amazon Reviewer

Book Title: The Fragrance Shed By A Violet

Author: Lin Wilder

Author Web site: http://www.linwilder.com/

Genre: Medical Mystery

• ISBN-10: 1630632619
• ISBN-13: 978-1630632618

Purchase at Amazon.com

Use the 'look inside' to read 1st 3 chapters

Reviewed by Susan Toscani originally for Amazon

 

This book is a keeper.....a well-written, page-turning, thoughtful look at personal evolution, forgiveness, redemption. It's a mystery, a romance, and all-around great read. I loved it and, as a former career woman myself, identified with the main characters and many of the issues with which they grappled. Plus, getting to know Max was a treat in and of itself!

 

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Amazon Top Reviewer Loves New Mystery

Title: The Threshing Circle.

Author: Neil Grimmett
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Author's Web site: www.neilgrimmett.com
Available for Kindle
5-Star Amazon Review

Reviewed by B. Case, originally for Amazon
 

One of the major reasons I continue to read and write book reviews is because I look forward to the rare chance of being exposed to outstanding fresh literary talent. As an Amazon Top Reviewer (in the U.S.), I get solicitations to read and review thousands of books a year. Most of these solicitations do not appeal to me and I ignore them. However on occasion, a few catch my interest and I agree to read them in exchange for an honest review. Despite my discriminating selection process, I’m often sorely disappointed. Every now and then, I discover a genuine gem. “The Threshing Circle,” by Neil Grimmett, is a case in point.

This book is exceptional on so many levels. Most important, it’s one terrific story! It grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. The characters are authentic. The plot was challenging, complex, clever, and thoroughly entertaining; it is filled with every variety of intense human emotion. The writing was polished, the pacing almost perfect. And the ending…well, blew me away!

It’s a mystery-suspense thriller set in modern-day Crete and that’s a significant part of its charm. The book so authentically captures that specific island culture, I honestly felt I was there…tasting the food, smelling the aromas, basking in the brilliant light, walking the ancient streets. The proud people and culture of Crete are definitely unique. The island is part of Greece, but it is an ancient culture of its own. The author is British, but has spent a great deal of time living in Crete. He obviously knows these people and this place intimately. More important, he has the skill to make us part of that world, too. This is one of the chief reasons I fell in love with this thriller.

The story begins during World War II when the Germans have occupied Crete and there is a strong underground resistance movement underway among the island citizens. A resistance fighter named Kapetanios Michaelis falls deeply in love with a stunning visiting English artist named Marianna. They marry and relocate to a small village where Michaelis hopes Marianna will be safe while he continues his clandestine resistance activities. There she gives birth to their daughter, Athena. Their love is ideal and pure; however, it is built on a perilous lie: Kapetanios Michaelis is already married. Marianna has no knowledge about her husband’s bigamy. Unfortunately, Crete is an island where everyone knows everyone else’s business and it is an island where family honor, blood feuds, and vendettas are paramount. Naturally, the family of Kapetanios Michaelis’ first wife is driven to avenge the loss to their family honor. They devise a cunning plot that will cause Marianna to be captured and killed by the Germans. It is successful, but Marianna’s death does not satisfy the blood feud. There are many loose ends to this convoluted affair that carry forward generations into the present day. What these complications are, and how they evolve over the years, form the mystery and drive the fast-moving action of this novel.

The central contemporary storyline focuses on two main characters: Kristy, a 36-year-old Scottish expat who owns a kafenion (a typical Greek café and gathering place) and Barba Yiorgos, the 71-year-old son of Kapetanios Michaelis, a colorful and beloved local citizen. Into this world come two foreigners, Eleni and Patrick, a loving young couple who tell everyone that they are on vacation. But this charming couple end up doing some strange snooping around that catches the attention of both families wound up in the multigenerational family vendetta that started with Kapetanios Michaelis and Marianna more than a half-a-century earlier. Soon, Eleni and Patrick disappear under extremely questionable circumstances and Krista and Barba Yiorgos become partners in trying to figure out the mystery of what might have happened to them. Are they kidnapped? Why? Where are they? Who has them? Can they be saved?

This is a powerful thriller with believable, authentic, and charming main characters. The writing is superb, strong, literary, but never gets in the way of the story; Neil Grimmett is a careful skilled craftsman.

As a woman, I loved this book, but I get the feeling that men might enjoy it even more because there are significant masculine thematic elements. Read it. I’m betting, you won’t regret it. It’s a first-rate mystery-suspense novel in every way.

See all of Case's reviews on Amazon.

----- The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

New Mystery at Right Price!

Title: Dismantling Vindictiveness

Author: Lillian R. Melendez

ASIN: B00FUB0A8Q

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Format, page count: e-book, 164 Pages

Genre: Mystery

Release date: 2013, Price: $3.99

 

Reviewed by Patricia K. Batta originally for Amazon

 

 

Christopher has made many enemies in his life, and one of them owns a competing architectural firm that is in financial trouble. Oscar lets Christopher buy a half share of his firm because he can see no other way out of his difficulties, but everyone warns him that Christopher will only hurt him again.

Then, as things start improving in Oscar’s firm, they start going wrong in Christopher’s; someone is tampering with the retirement funds. The financial troubles are followed by a hit-and-run murder and then other attacks on people close to Christopher. While dealing with these things and being confronted with people who resent his past actions and suspect he may be causing the new problems himself, he struggles to keep his heart condition hidden and under control.

The steps that Christopher takes to try and right the wrongs he has done in the past make all the difference. Some of the people who had the most reason to hate him end up being the ones who help bring the culprit to justice.

Settle yourself down for a nice afternoon read with this short novel. The twists and turns will keep you involved. You may guess who the bad guy is, but the ending will be a complete surprise.

 MOE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

PJ Nunn
Author of Angel Killer
www.pjnunn.com
http://breakthroughpromotions.net
http://bookbrowsing.wordpress.com

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Kirkus Gives Mystery Big Thumbs Up

Title: Messages
Genre: mystery/thriller/humor/general fiction
Author: Forrest Carr
Format: Paperback, eBook, 496 pages
ISBN: 1493593617
ASIN: B00ECK0DBK
Publication Date: December 11, 2013
Website: http://www.forrestcarr.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/forrestcarrauthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ForrestCarr1
Available in print from major online retailers, and for the Kindle via Amazon.com.
Print Edition from Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Messages-Forrest-Carr/dp/1493593617
Print from Barnes Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/messages-forrest-carr/1117689631
Print Edition from Books a Million:  http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Messages/Forrest-Carr/9781493593613
Ebook from Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Messages-Forrest-Carr-ebook/dp/B00ECK0DBK
Thumbs Up from Kirkus Reviews

Reprinted with permission from Kirkus reviews

Journalist Carr’s (A Journal of the Crazy Year, 2013, etc.) accomplished debut novel takes readers into the world of local newsroom politics, rendering that world in elaborate, Dickensian detail.

Here are the petty turf wars over stories and bylines, the venal and greedy ad-people willing to do anything to increase the station’s revenue, the brainless and bullying newsroom bosses whose screw-ups make life miserable for the hardworking writers and reporters. Here are the pompous news-readers enjoying their local celebrity and the real stories reporters have to fight to get told. Arrow Henley, an ace reporter at WDIK-TV’s Action News in Knoxville, Tenn., had been told by his station’s general manager to go get sensational footage of a young man threatening to commit suicide by throwing himself off a bridge. Remembering the assignment sends Henley on a drinking binge, but his dilemma—an old-fashioned, story-oriented newsroom being taken over by ratings-and-numbers-driven mindless media—is shared by all of Carr’s main characters, including Dexter Drimmel, a caustic newsman from WIMP in Little Rock, who’s tired of seeing his station run preprogrammed “content” (bought in two-hour blocks from a West Coast company) rather than actual local news reported by actual local reporters. Reporter Dan Price, whose copy gets rewritten by his overbearing bosses and who dreams of somehow fighting back, feels the same way. These workplace stories are rendered by Carr in such intricate detail and with such smooth skill that readers will easily gain a vivid sense of what it’s like to work in a local newsroom—the technical problems, the industry jargon, the multitude of quick decisions that need to be made every day. Against this backdrop, Carr weaves a theme of corruption that provides most of the book’s considerable comic energy and fast-paced dialogue.

A spirited, lavishly detailed behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a newsroom.

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK
Notes of merit: 4.6 reader review score on Amazon.com.  Featured in Broadcasting & Cable, Tucson Weekly, KGUN9-TV's "The Morning Blend."

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Review of Novel Inspired by Music Greats

Title: Saving The Innocents
Author: Randall Kenneth Drake
Author’s Web site : http://rkdrake.com
Genre/category: Mystery/Suspense/Action
ISBN: 0-9747161-0-3
Only $5.99 only at author's Web site

Reviewed by Dianne Donovan originally for Midwest Book Review


Saving the Innocents is all about courage, strength, and personal effort;
and as it chronicles the life and efforts of one Mary Jane Chevalier (an
'everywoman' who feels powerless but in fact is powerful), it also reflects
modern society's milieu - and thus will resonate with readers looking for
positive stories about courage and determination in the face of impossible
odds.

But Saving the Innocents isn't a story without violence: indeed, the first
paragraph has Mary Jane facing death with little more than the snap of her
gum as a response: "She thought it funny . . . what went through her mind
while waiting for the bullet. Time slowed down in that moment. Several
thoughts and feelings flashed - alternating waves. Her body felt relaxed at
first, as though relief had finally come. Freedom. And she welcomed it."

The first striking thing to note about Saving the Innocents is its attention
to detail and description, which capture powerful images with a pen finely
honed by the moment: "The sound was like a bumblebee as it split the
smoke-filled air. She swung her body around with a gathering force, and
brought the cue from behind her like a broadsword - the way a Viking
marauder would in the long ago of Scotland. The wooden blade made a
thunderous crack into the side of the big man's knee, the cue splitting
apart."

Mary's passion for finding her father is only equaled by her determination
to save the weak who, much like herself, have limited choices when facing
violence. And so her very nature inevitably becomes linked to two very
special people who enter her life on the run and who create a double mystery
for her to pursue. True to her helpful nature, Mary Jane feels compelled to
assist; and that action in turn will transform her own life as she becomes
absorbed in a deadly manhunt,  determined to save the innocents she's
stumbled upon and, ultimately, herself.

Mary Jane feels like an unknown: while she makes efforts in life, she
largely feels her achievements are too little . or so her conscious says.
Her decision to search out an absent father who changed her life through his
actions is what results in the unexpected: the discovery of a man and a
little girl hiding out because they have seen too much.

Now, some notes on this novel's unusual roots: they were inspired by the
author's infatuation with movies and with the songs of Sarah McLachlan,
Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow. Parts of this story actually came to him
in a series of flashback-like scenes which he dutifully penned as they came;
but it was McLachlan's music that prompted a flood of inspiration prompted
by a realization that each line of one of her songs described one of the
scenes Randall Kenneth Drake was already writing.

And it was Morisette's song 'Mary Jane' and 'You Learn' combined with Crow's
lyrics in 'Am I Getting Through' which both contributed to the character of
Mary Jane Chevalier. Listen to this music for further insights into that
protagonist and her origins - at the risk of gaining advance insights into
where the plot is going. In fact - listening to the music of all three as
background to reading provides a kind of multimedia experience that any
singular song, artist or the book alone couldn't impart.

The scenes originated with a story Drake stumbled upon in a bar, of an
abandoned child left by her mother in front of the 'best house she would
like to live in'. And so psychological and physical abandonment are one
element in a novel that weaves a complicated story line powered by a woman
who is strong, but believes herself to be weak. It's unusual to find a
strong female heroine in a novel but Mary Jane IS that heroine, fighting for
the weak and making a difference not just in her world, but in the worlds of
others.

To add a dose of complexity, the protagonists all hold names indicative of
their underlying roles in the story line: thus Delphia acts as an oracle and
seer, Chevalier is actually a knight in disguise, and Mary Jane (much to the
reader's surprise) embodies ALL these qualities, exhibited during the course
of her quest.

It's all about a quest involving 'finding an angel', fantasies designed to
cope with soul-threatening encounters, issues of death and values in life,
and an epic quest disguised as a search for meaning. In this case not only
does Mary Jane find her cause and meaning from life, but events come full
circle in posing an angelic presence for Sera, the little girl who needs
rescuing.

Saving the Innocents is also about preparing for battle, caring for self and
strangers alike, and what motivates the deepest of emotions: "All her life
she had wanted to be noticed - to love and be loved - to be someone's
champion. The answers had come from the most unexpected sources. Nick,
Delphia, Jack, and Sera. An ex-fireman, a crippled, blind woman . . . an
odd, devoted, loyal man - and a little girl."

As protagonists join the story and begin their dance of interaction and
influence, readers are treated to much more than a mystery or crime story:
it's a story of courage, survival against all odds, and revelations that
change everyone involved. The heart and soul of Saving the Innocents lies in
Mary Jane's choices and determination which create a true heroine's journey
in which Mary Jane's emotions and observations act as a driving force behind
an epic quest for salvation that spills from the personal to (ultimately) an
entire circle of characters.

Any looking for a novel that wraps its reader in a cloak of complexity and
warmth will find Saving the Innocents filled with satisfying twists, turns,
and protagonist interactions that create scenarios of understanding,
connection and, ultimately, redemption.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Mystery Set in Texas Gets Nod from Kirkus

Title: The Fallen Body Author: Stone PatrickWeb site link: http://taylorsbookpub.com
Genre: Fiction/Mystery/General. A murder mystery set in Central Texas

ISBN: 978-1311651426

Smashwords profile: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tayman0522

Purchase on Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/402747

To purchase "The Fallen Body," please copy and paste the following link and choose your preferred format:http://taylorsbookpub.com/the-fallen-body 

 

 

 

Reprinted with permission of Kirkus Reviews 

 

In Patrick’s debut thriller, a small-town Texas lawyer may be getting too close to finding the killer who murdered her client’s husband.

When Texas Rangers arrest Sarah Baines for murdering her philandering husband, she’s already got a lawyer: Taylour Dixxon, a woman Sarah recently befriended who now has her first murder case. After Sarah is assaulted in prison while being tried, 

authorities place her in protective custody. That doesn't stop her husband’s killer, Roman Danshov, from looking for Sarah—and Taylour might be the way for Roman to find her. Patrick’s novel features a protagonist whose life outside of lawyering is often more intriguing: Taylour’s wayward nephew, Spencer, invites himself to live with her, and the boy’s father doesn't seem to mind; and other legal cases not relevant to the murder, such as homeowners in a dispute over a new fence and an Internet hookup gone wrong, leave more lasting impressions. Taylour is commendable as the lead, and she’s usually thrown into dramatic situations, as when she quickly earns Spencer’s respect by putting him to work or when she gradually falls for Philip Davidson, the Ranger keeping a close eye on Sarah—a connection that adds tension since Sarah also has feelings for her protector. Roman’s villainy is never in question; he’s determined to stop Sarah (for a reason not wholly revealed until the end), and his resolve leaves bodies in his wake and pages wrought with suspense. But he’s inexplicably omniscient, somehow knowing that Sarah is in protective custody and that, despite the case being over, Taylour is still looking into the murder. 

Similarly, for a hired gun not wanting to draw attention to himself, Roman is too conspicuous: He pulls his .22 on an annoying cabbie and is continually flashing wads of cash, even for something as simple as a clerk helping him find clothes to buy. Though the murderer’s identity is known from the beginning, Patrick throws in a surprise or two before the story’s over, and aside from a minor character whose fate remains uncertain, everything wraps up nicely.

A bit lightweight as a thriller, but the family drama and an indelible protagonist give the narrative a decent amount of depth. -- Kirkus Reviews

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Coming of Age Story Impresses Reviewer

The Lady

By Judy Higgins

http://www.judyhigginsbooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/judyhigginsauthor

http://judyhigginsauthor.blogspot.com

Genre: coming of age/mystery (prize winning novel)

ISBN 978-0615878089

 

Reviewed by Jesse Sisken, author of Cavanila's Choices originally for Amazon

 

        "The Lady" tells the story of Quincy Bruce, a plucky, talented 16-year old girl who, in rural Georgia in the 1950's, dreams of becoming a concert pianist. But her fundamentalist parents and Aunt Mildred are more concerned about her soul than her aspirations. Quincy's salvation comes when her parents go to Africa as missionaries and leave her with her Aunt Addy who fosters her dreams and opens her eyes to a whole new world. But Addy has a mysterious past that, out of love, Quincy feels she needs to get to the bottom of. But what she finds is more than she bargained for.

       Higgins does an outstanding job of putting the reader into her scenes, capturing the speech and attitudes of the time and place. Her characters are well-rounded and believable. She writes well and has a nice voice. Once into the book, it's hard to put it down. And once finished, it's hard to get Quincy's story out of one's mind. I recommend this book very highly.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Ever Wondered About Miss Marple's Luck? New Author Takes On The Question

Twelve Days of Christmas Murder and Mayhem
Genre: Fiction: comedic mystery

By Aaron T Knight
ISBN 978-1494233358

Available Amazon or CreateSpace eStore: 

 

Miss Marble the famous amateur sleuth has amazed everyone for years with her insight into murder cases. Here you will learn some of the secrets of her success. Why a murderer has never thought of knocking her off when they learn she is on the case is a mystery. A group is formed to kill Miss Marble for rvenge at Christmas time in an old castle in northern England . A humorous mystery with many twists to the tale.

About the Author:
During the time author Aaron T. Knight spent on the road and living out of a suitcase, he found writing to be a great way to spend his evenings.  Writing fiction has been a hobby of his for many years now.  He tried his luck with traditional publishing but had no luck.  When self-publishing became an option, he dismantled the couch he had made out of rejected manuscripts and gave it a try.  Now he is learning the marketing side of the writing industry.

The Story
The author grew up reading Agatha Christie’s mysteries.  I own all of them, and each one has been read several times.  No criminal could get away with any wrongdoing if Miss Marple happened to be in the vicinity.  With her long history of solving crime, have you ever wondered why no criminal ever tried to do away with her?

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Former Journalist Pens 5 Star Mystery--Humor, Too!

Coda to Murder

Author: J.Q. Rose

Author's Web Site: http://www.JQRose.com
Genre: Christian romance and mystery
ISBN 978-1-77127-274-2

Reviewer: Sue Pernz 

Reviewer's Link: http://www.sueperkinsauthor.com/

Buy Link: Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/ap376tb

bn.com and major online booksellers.

 

 

Reviewed by Sue Pernz  originally published on amazon.com

5 star review

This review is from: Coda to Murder (Kindle Edition)

At first this seems like an ordinary murder with romance, but J.Q. Rose has brought in her usual (or should I say unusual) sense of humor. A cat, pig and kangaroo also take major parts in the story. Christine gets into all sorts of situations, both dangerous and funny, when she tries to solve the murder mystery.

I have read J.Q. Rose's books before and this is another good one. The author has that uncanny knack of putting together a serious situation with a touch of humor. Not too much, just enough to lighten the thread, without being insulting to the deceased. J.Q. Rose managed to make romance and murder a believable possibility and for this I commend her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which says a lot as I don't usually read inspirational books, but this is a definite "can't put it down" book. Well done Ms Rose, can't wait for the next book from your writing desk.

About J.Q. Rose

After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers, and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of fiction writing with her first published novella, Sunshine Boulevard, released by MuseItUp Publishing in 2011. Her latest mystery, Coda to Murder, was released in February. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. Spending winters in Florida with her husband allows Janet the opportunity to enjoy the life of a snowbird. Summer finds her camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her four grandsons and granddaughter.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Psychologist Pens First Psychological Mystery

Title: Shadow Play
Author: D.A. Lampi

Publisher: North Star Press

Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 0878396896

Purchase signed copies at author's Web site.

Also find it at
Barnes and Noble: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-play-d-a-lampi/1115165341?ean=9780878396894

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Play-Debbie-Lampi/dp/0878396896

Reviewed by Annelyse Blatch originally for Everything Books and Authors

Synopsis: Shadow Play: 

Psychiatrist Grace Rendeau struggles to make sense of her husband’s untimely death. Left a widow with two children, Grace forges a new life for her family, abandoning her private practice and moving to Minnesota to take on a prestigious position at the Rochester Forensic Center for the Criminally Insane, work that will allow her to spend more time with her children.

At the Center Grace is immersed in a maelstrom of lives in disarray, the anguish and struggle of the inmates to regain a footing in sanity and face the devastating consequences of their criminal actions. In striving to heal her patients, Grace herself finds healing, a new strength, and a sense of possibilities.

Among the possibilities is a budding romance with Alex Sawyer, a divorced doctor engaged in humanitarian work. Romance blossoms into love and Grace accompanies Alex on a medical mission to Indonesia. They return committed to a new life together.

But their joy is short lived. Grace returns home not to her children, but to an empty House – and a chilling kidnapper’s note. It makes no demands and holds out no hope for the return of the children. It is clearly an act of pure vengeance.

Suspects are legion: a disgruntled security guard at the center with a grudge against Grace; Alex’s bitter ex-wife; a recently escaped insane inmate. Enemies known and unknown haunt Grace’s every waking hour. Where are her children? What has happened to them? Who is attempting to destroy her?

Grace’s riveting story illuminates the hopes and fears of every wife or husband, mother or father, woman or man, caught in life’s turmoil and striving to overcome it.

Reviews: 

Bart King of crime Book Beat reviewed An Unfortunate Death and gave it a and a very favorable review, saying, "...it's a conventional wisdom that the kids of shrinks are whacked. Ms. Lampi knowingly examines such a case  using her protagonist to reveal the potentially malignant impacts of an analysts's own talents turned inward. The author does so in a 'lite' romantic style. She avoids excessive belligerence and eschews bump-and-grind intimacies. Rather, she builds her mystery, increases tensions and evolves relationships through cinematic-like crafting. I look froward to future installments."

 http://www.crimebookbeat.com/search/label/Debbie%20Lampi%20-%20Suspense

Other reviews: 

Everything Books and Authors, reviewed by Annelyse Blatch. 

http://www.everythingbooksandauthors.com/1/post/2013/05/book-review-shadow-play-by-da-lampi.html

I have been very lucky to receive some fantastic debut novels to review and I was not let down by Debbie Lampi's `Shadow Play'. This beautifully written novel deserves a lot of praise. Fast paced and not lacking in suspense, I would recommend this novel to any adult who likes quality time with a good mystery.

The characters are strong and well written with air of secrecy about all of them. They each have a past that laces them together even during conflict. Bud appears rough and malicious but is he really? Josie always has an excuse. What is her purpose? Is Alex really who he says he is?

Grace is a psychiatrist healing from the death of her beloved husband 2 years prior and raising her children, Dane the innocent 5yr old boy who loves dinosaurs and Caleigh, the typical moody teenager... or is she? Beginning a new job in a new town, Grace hopes this will be healing for them all as she is finding her place in the world as a widow, trying to put one foot in front in of the other and get to Dane's ball games on time. Earth shattering events take place that both full her with love and emptiness at the same time. Grace must overcome her fears and doubts if she is to have any future. From Minnesota to Indonesia and Puerto Rico, Debbie Lampi takes us on a journey of self-discovery entwined with the all-enduring mothers love. Can it conquer all?

Other Blurbs: 

“A gripping story of one woman’s struggle amid life’s best hopes and worst fears, full of drama, intrigue and suspense, and rich with insight into the complexities of the human spirit.”
Paul Negri, former president and publisher of Dover Publications, Inc.

“No author writing today knows the unexpected dark corners of the human mind like Debbie Lampi. Ms. Lampi proves this point with terrifying conviction in her page-turner Shadow Play, a new psychological thriller that puts the tenacious and vulnerable Grace Rendeau, MD in the cross hairs of a quietly individual. Miss a night’s sleep, but don’t miss this one!”
John Klawitter, Hollywood Writer/Director

D.A. Lampi probes the psyche of her characters in a voyeuristic and sensual way. Shadow Play is a novel (based) on the complexity, beauty, and darkness of the human soul.
Annelie Wendeberg
Author of The Devil’s Grin

AUTHOR BIO

 I attended New York University and The New School for Social Research where I earned a Master of Arts in psychology. I am a member of Sisters in Crime and the Twin Cities Sisters in Crime. My first novel, Shadow Play, was published by North Star Press in June 2013.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review and FREE Offer for New Crime Novel

South on Pacific Coast Highway
By Gary Paul Corcoran
Stargazer Press
ASIN: B00E4TQ3U4
338 Pages
Crime
http://garypaulcorcoran.com/

Reviewed by Joe Hempel, originally for Top of the Heap Reviewshttp://topoftheheapreviews.com/  

Crime novels can be tricky.  You have to keep the reader engaged the plot, and tell a smart and compelling story with characters that are relate-able.  How does Gary Paul Corcoran’s first foray into this complex genre fair? 

 

The first in a series of throwback crime novels, inspired by the Phillip Marlowe and Sam Spades of the author’s youth, Michael is himself a throwback private detective, preferring persistence to gadgetry and brains over guns and brawn. Operating a one man shop out of Laurel Lagoon, modeled after Laguna Beach, CA, South On Pacific Coast Highway is at once an affectionate ode to everything LA, from the cookie cutter communities to the seedy shops dotting the beach towns along that stretch of coastline, a portrait of the moral and cultural arc of Southern California from the sixties to the growing disillusionment of contemporary times, and lastly, on a personal level, it is simply the tale of a man haunted by a woman’s uncanny resemblance to the redhead he once loved.

Self described as a crime “throwback” novel, you can easily grab comparisons to Sam Spade and Phillip Marlowe.  From the way Michael Devlin draws his conclusions, his interactions with the other characters, and his internal monologues, you grab that smokey, gritty world of the under-paid and under-appreciated PI almost immediately.  That in itself is worth the price of admission here.  It pays respectful homage to crime novels of the past.

The plot in itself starts out fairly simple.  Michael Devlin’s friend is thrown in jail for murdering his wife, and he is out to clear his name.  What happens is a couple more murders, a romance between Devlin and a redheaded bombshell, and international arms dealers that stretches from Mexico to Russia.

How Gary connects point A to point B with all the twists and turns in between is something to read.  Usually first or even second time authors have trouble linking things together, and you have to make a leap of faith in order to accept the conclusion.  That doesn’t happen with this book.  Every move that is made is calculated, and makes logical sense.  By the time the finale happens you don’t have to wonder how Michael got there, it was well mapped out.

This is not to say that it’s not going to throw you along the way.  Each character has their own motives, their voice, and they are all interconnected in some way.  You’ll be second guessing yourself throughout the entire experience.

The characters are all brought out well.  Even the villains are a little likeable at times.  Gary is able to create separation and distinction to each character so you are never confused as to who is in what scene.

The romantic tension is done incredibly well.  There is no gratuitous sex, but you know that the sex is wild, loud and passionate without the book turning into erotica.  You feel for Michael as we wrestles with whether or not he should get involved, and you feel the consequences right along with him and his decisions.

The Bottom Line:  Quick wit, smart plotting, and prose that reflects his influences in crime, South on Pacific Coast Highway is one book that you’ll not want to put down.  When the final pages are turned, you’ll want to re-visit Michael in another book and follow him to find out if he finds peace, if he finds true love, and if he can come to terms with life around him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 Free Copies of South on Pacific Coast Highway!

That's right! The first 20 people to click on the "Contact" button of the author’s website and leave a brief hello, along with their name and e-mail address, will be gifted a free copy of South on Pacific Coast Highway! Be sure to specify the e-book format of your choice! And when they're gone, they're gone!   http://garypaulcorcoran.com/

Also, please note. It is the author's stated policy. No spam. No sharing of contact information with any third parties, for any reason and no unwarranted contacts going forward.

 

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

The product of an Irish/Italian family, Mr. Corcoran was transplanted as a boy from the clapboard New England of his youth to the cookie cutter, stucco subdivisions that began to litter the disappearing ranches and orange groves south of Los Angeles in the 1960s. True to his rebellious nature and the folk music/coffee house idealism that helped shape his early worldview, Mr. Corcoran chose to resist the Vietnam War, was a man without a country for several years as the result and can count incarceration in a Mexican prison as one of his many colorful experiences from that era.

Having pursued a love of reading and writing in various forms all his life, Mr. Corcoran finally sat down to take this passion seriously around the turn of the millennium and has dedicated the remainder of his days to authorship. As the result of his rough and tumble experiences in life and his undying affection for the fairer sex, adventure romance would best describe the character of Mr. Corcoran’s work.

 

Mr. Corcoran currently resides in Laguna Beach, California but fancies completing the circle one day soon and settling into a little cottage in the woods of New England.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Editor Is Fan and Reviewer for New Thriller

Title – "Breaking Limbo"

Author – Kelly O’Callan

Author's website link - http://www.facebook.com/kelly.ocallan?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

Publisher: Kelly O'Callan; First edition (September 1, 2013)

Genre or category – mystery & thrillers, suspense, paranormal

ISBN-10: 1490484744

ISBN-13: 978-1490484747

Available on Amazon

Kindle ASIN: B00EXBVFCE

Reviewer: Nina Meditz

I am Nina Meditz, editor and friend of the author, Kelly O'Callan. I have known Kelly a couple of years and had the privilege of reading some of her earlier work, which I loved. When she told me she needed an editor for her new book, Breaking Limbo, I immediately volunteered to help her with the process. To say that I am a fan of her work would be an understatement.

Breaking Limbo is unlike any book I have ever read before. Kelly tackles the unspeakable subject of teen suicide, an issue that is all too relevant in today’s world, from the perspective of eleven teens. These young souls have all taken their lives due to extremely difficult personal problems and end up together in a limbo-like, supernatural realm called Destaris. There they are introduced to Maree, a spiritual guide, whose mission it is to help them learn the lessons needed to leave this realm and move on to the next world. Maree, however, has her own reasons for wanting them to succeed. In order for her to be freed from this realm and reunited with her own soul mate, all eleven souls must leave Destaris. 

Kelly does a wonderful job of creating each of the characters with detailed background stories. The reader is allowed into the minds and personal circumstances of the teens and Maree prior to their arrival in Destaris. Her vivid description of this unusual realm makes all the supernatural events easy to visualize and quite believable. The element of surprise and constant unpredictability of the story keep the reader engaged page after page, chapter after chapter. The bottom line is that this is a unique and riveting story which makes it difficult to put down once you start reading it.

You can find Kelly’s book, Breaking Limbo, on Amazon in Kindle (currently being offered for free) and print format at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=breaking%20limbo%20kelly%20o'callan

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Atlantis Mystery Plays Out on Archaelogical Dig

Title – Travels in Elysium
Author – William Azuski
Author's website link -
Genre or category – metaphysical mystery/psychological thriller/literary fiction

ISBN-10: 3952401528

ISBN-13: 978-3952401521

Available on Amazon

Reviewed by archaeologist and historian Haighleagh Winslade for Travels in Elysium

A Story of Archaeology and Greek Culture That I Could Not Put Down

I started reading Travels in Elysium by William Azuski on a cold and wet spring day it proved to be the perfect tonic for such a dismal day. Travels in Elysium is the story of former student Nicholas Pedrosa who lands a position as assistant to archaeologist Marcus Huxley on Huxley's excavations of the lost settlement on the Greek island of Santorini (Thera) destroyed by the colossal eruption that occurred c. 3600 years ago during the time of the Minoan civilization.
Mr Azuski is a master at setting the scene and placing the characters and action in the landscape. After describing Nicholas Pedrosa's journey across Europe and the graphic account of the treacherous storm that blew up as the ship that he was travelling in crossed the Aegean Sea, on landing on Santorini the other main characters are introduced when Nicholas Pedrosa becomes entangled in the funeral procession of Benjamin Randal his predecessor who died on the excavation in mysterious circumstances. The funeral also provides the opportunity to introduce one of the main themes in the novel that of the Grecian burial rite of placing a silver coin in the mouth of the deceased to pay the boatman Charon for their journey across the river Styx to the afterlife.
The narrative of the excavation is cleverly entwined with the mythology of the afterlife and there is a good twist in the plot. Without giving anything away my favourite scene was where Nicholas Pedrosa is in Charon's boat and his barrage of questions and remarks to Charon about the journey across the Styx results in Charon pushing Pedrosa from his boat into the river! All in all an excellent book which I could not put down and a recommended read for anyone interested in Greek culture!

— Archaeologist and historian Haighleagh Winslade

 

Synopsis

It was the chance of a lifetime. A dream job in the southern Aegean. Apprentice to the great archaeologist Marcus Huxley, lifting a golden civilisation from the dead... Yet trading rural England for the scarred volcanic island of Santorini, 22‐year old Nicholas Pedrosa is about to blunder into an ancient mystery that will threaten his liberty, his life, even his most fundamental concepts of reality.

‘Then chalk it up to experience, Mr Pedrosa. Trust no one. Believe no one. Question everything. Remember, there is nothing here you can take at face value... No — not even yourself.’
An island that blew apart with the force of 100,000 atomic bombs... A civilisation prised out of the ash, its exquisite frescoes bearing a haunting resemblance to Plato’s lost island paradise, Atlantis... An archaeologist on a collision course with a brutal police state... A death that may have been murder... And a string of inexplicable events entwining past and present with bewildering intensity... Can this ancient conundrum be understood before it engulfs them all?

About William Azuski

William Azuski was born in the United Kingdom, and is of British and Yugoslav descent. Travelling widely through the Mediterranean since childhood, his frequent sojourns in Greece included several months on Santorini in the 1970s, an experience that provided firsthand experience for this exceptional novel’s local setting. Writing as William Miles Johnson, Azuski is also author of the critically-acclaimed The Rose-Tinted Menagerie, an Observer Book of the Year (nonfiction), and Making a Killing, an end of the world satire, both titles recently republished by Iridescent.

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.