Geralyn Magrady Reviews Cox Mystery

The Meaning of Night: A ConfessionAuthor: Michael Cox
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-0-393-33034-2
Originally Reviewed by Geralyn Magrady originally on her blog, The Roles of Writing
It's been a while since I read The Meaning of Night: A Confession by Michael Cox, but I placed it at the top of my favorite books list for a reason. The Meaning of Night is written in a style reminiscent of Wilkie Collins or Charles Dickens, taking the reader on a journey through the times and landscapes of mid-19th century London, and the mystery that is exposed on these pages is one of haunting excitement. It's a lengthy and gothic tale, one of frantic suspense filled with multi-layered characters and deep subplots that explore love and vengeance, sacrifice and entitlement, secrets and deceptions. The chapters read like the serials of years past, cliff-hanging, urging the reader to keep going.

The main character and narrator, Edward Glyver, is tormented and consumed with revenge. Readers will not connect with him at the start, thinking him cold and detached and plain-old unlikeable. The first line of the book (a "Confession") matter-of-factly states: "After killing the red-haired man, I took myself off to Quinn's for an oyster supper." As the plot unfolds, however, and Edward's story is revealed, the same readers are psychologically transformed against their wills to accept Edward, and then understand Edward, even sympathize, until they find themselves wanting desperately to shout out as his friend, "No, Edward! Don't!"

At some point in time, we all want to place blame anywhere but within ourselves for life's misfortunes. Sometimes there is truth and honesty in that charge; other times it is an excuse or crutch or, in Edward's case, a complete obsession. Phoebus Daunt, a life-long nemesis, is the target of Glyver's compulsion. As readers, we are well aware of calculations and plans for Phoebus' demise, but the author masterfully builds the tension throughout 700+ pages, creating an epic literary experience for all who pick up this highly recommended thriller.

The sequel, The Glass of Time: A Novel is equally as entertaining. Even though, in my humble opinion, it does not capture the depth of suspense which exists in the author’s first book, it too, is a worthwhile read. Tragically, Michael Cox passed away in March, 2009 after battling a rare form of cancer for five years, the same period he feverishly wrote these works. If you love Victorian mysteries with a Dickens flair, you won’t be disappointed. The only letdown is in the knowledge that another novel will not be offered by such a great writer.
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Inspired by The Secret, On Being God Takes You Beyond Your Life's Purpose!

In Carl Bozeman's profound and deeply compelling On Being God: Beyond Your Life's Purpose,  the author reveals an experience that changed his life and led to the inspiring revelations so beautifully described in his book. Bozeman puts forth the convincing belief that we are not a composite of the people, events and experiences beginning at birth, rather we are the "now" endowed with infinite creative energy as to make each of us gods. Knowing this, and fully recognizing what exists within us will direct us beyond the routines of life and into the realm of embracing our infinite and divine nature. Only then can we recognize that what we perceive as our reality is, in truth, only a small part of who we are.

The Book helps us find this true and exquisite authenticity, which brings purpose and joy into our lives. If you are a Seeker longing for a deeper spirituality, this book will inspire you!

The author says, "Our true purpose in life is to know God; in other words, our life-long intention is to know the higher form of existence we truly are."

Inspired by the movie, The Secret Carl Bozeman, leaves no doubt that he believes we are all God and God is within us all!. It is amazingly exciting to learn and realize that you are responsible for everything you choose to create in your life and if you choose, you can use your creative energy to create happiness and joy.

 

In this profound and deeply compelling book, On Being God: Beyond Your Life’s Purpose, the author reveals an experience that changed his life and led to his inspiring revelations. Bozeman puts forth the convincing belief that we are not a composite of the people and events and experiences beginning at birth, rather we are the “now” endowed with infinite creative energy as to make each of us gods. Knowing this, and fully recognizing what exists within us will direct us beyond the routines of life and into the realm of embracing our infinite and divine nature. Only then can we recognize that what we perceive as our reality is, in truth, only a small part of who we are. On Being God helps us find this true and exquisite authenticity, which brings purpose and joy into our lives. Read more: http://bit.ly/n01UJt

One reader said, " "On Being God" is not a flight of fancy, in it you will find very practical chapters on dealing with fear, on being non-judgmental, and on forgiveness. You will read this book twice; once to let it flow over you as it resonates with your deepest knowledge, and the second time with your highlighter in hand. But of course you knew that, after all, you are God."

And, in addition to this amazing book, you'll receive dozens of amazing downloadable bonus gifts donated by the author's friends and colleagues. Check out the book: http://bit.ly/n01UJt

~Book tour by Denise Cassino, publicist and book marketing specialist,
www.wizardlywebdesigns.com
www.spiritoftheseasoncatalog.com
www.mybestsellerlaunch.com
Follow me on Twitter @DeniseCassino

Friend me on Facebook Denise.Cassino

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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Western/Historical Fiction Reviewed

Title: Santa Fé mi casa, June 2011, Western Trail Blazer

Author: Harlan Hague
Web site: http://softadventure.net
Genre: historical fiction/western
ISBN: 978-1463601140

Reviewed by  George Aubrey, originally for Amazon  

Dr. Hague has written a unique novel. It contains romance, adventure, human suffering set in the background of the broader conflict of the Mexican-American War. He follows the protagonist, John Henry, from blissful first love in Santa Fe, across the brutal terrain of the southwest deserts and mountain passes to the coastal plain of disputed California. The reader’s heart will ache with the young man's misery of body and soul. The action gradually picks up reaching a perfect crescendo at the end of the book. The writing is spotless and the dialogue crisp and believable. This is a book that is unlike most others, and hard to pin down to one genre, as it contains the best elements of several. I highly recommend this book and look forward to what this erudite author may have in store for us as screen plays.

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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Joy Smith Reviews Sci-Fi

Rescuing the Future: A Naomi Kinder Novel (e-book)
By Vincent Miskell (Smashwords, 2011)Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/76371
Genre: Science FictionISBN 978-1-4659-5330-8

Reviewed by Joy V. Smith originally for Joy's Live Journal and at Smashwords

Reviewer's rating: 5 stars

Naomi Kinder is back with her friend Bonnie and her friend and lover, Leo, plus some new friends she makes along the way. This adventure is even more complicated for Naomi because it involves time travel and how they became the stuff of legends--or at least a children's story (dating back to their tussle with a black hole in Godspeed Inc)--and nanobots (the little dickens).

I loved the characters (the Medusan Marines were outstanding!), and I really enjoyed the story; as a matter of fact I finished it in one reading because I had to know what happened to everyone, including the main characters, the infested people, and especially Earth! (I did take breaks--to take the dog out, etc.--because reading for pleasure at the computer is something l rarely do. For the first time I saw a reason for buying a reader like Kindle or Nook.) I recommend this book because it's a great story, the quality of the writing is excellent, and the beauty and science of the background don't interrupt the story.

Note: Adult content

 

~ The reviewer blogs media tidbits and more at http://pagadan.livejournal.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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Josh Hathaway Reviews Guide Book for TV Program

Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.

By Barbara Barnett

Author's Web site: http://barbarabarnett.com
Genre: Adult non-fiction
ISBN: 1550229559

Reviewed by Josh Hathaway originally for Blog Critics

House M.D. returned for its seventh season this week and not a moment too soon for the millions of fans worldwide. The award-winning show is one of the richest in recent television history, preparing to traverse a minefield this season that has torpedoed many acclaimed shows before it (I'll refrain from being more specific than that for those wishing to avoid spoilers). The show has sailed dangerous waters before with mixed results but through it all has flourished due to a magnetic force at its center. As Season 7 debuts, now is the perfect time to reflect on how the show reached this pivotal moment in its history and there is a new book that is perfect to do just that.

Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D. by Barbara Barnett is an outsider's look at the inner workings of one of the best shows that has ever hooked me. I say outsider because Barnett was not hired by the studio that produces the show (NBC Universal) nor has she ever worked for the show in any capacity, but she has gotten access to several of the show's writers, producers, and actors and used that access to help craft as comprehensive a look at the show as you're likely to find anywhere.

Before we leave that idea of access behind, now would probably be a good time to disclose the fact that a significant part of the evolution Chasing Zebras happened here at Blogcritics, where Barnett is a writer and editor. Before any of you start screaming conflict of interest, know this: neither Blogcritics nor I are getting cut in by the author or the publisher. Remember, writers and reporters who have worked for the New York Times or Washington Post have had their books reviewed by their home paper. Legendary journalist Bob Woodward just completed a book about President Obama and the war in Afghanistan. You'll probably read mention of it in thePost. My point is this: the work of Chasing Zebras is entirely that of Barnett and the review you're about to read is solely my opinion with no pressure to do anything other than review the book. With that out of the way, let's discuss Chasing Zebrasand House M.D.

One of Chasing Zebras' strengths is its structure. It is structured in a way that allows for a long read in one sitting but can also be used for picking and choosing your topic of interest or to quickly refer back to notes on a particular episode. There is more to the guide than simply recapping episodes. Barnett traces the evolution of characters and storylines, how they relate to one another, and like the show's main character brilliantly portrayed by the amazing Hugh Laurie she assembles the clues and does her own differential diagnosis.

It becomes clear throughout the guide Barnett is relentlessly enthusiastic about the show and obsessive about it, but that doesn't prevent her from offering criticisms or recognizing criticisms of other House fans about different aspects of the show and its workings. She discusses casting changes and how those were resolved and fan issues with them. She also notes a storyline in Season 3 that introduced a new foil for Dr. House was not entirely well received. She also looks into technical features such as how changes in the Fox network's commercial breaks caused the writers to structure and pace the show differently and the challenges that presented.

Chasing Zebras' greatest strength is its ability to be a primer for fans new to the show who want to catch up or delve deeper as well as rewarding obsessives like me who have seen every episode multiple times. I was continually amazed as I read through the examinations of the individual episodes and the broader themes at all the things I missed or never clued in to because I was following the horse, not the zebra. Barnett has spent a lot of time pouring over these episodes and connecting dots in a compelling way, and that's important because even if you don't reach the same conclusion on this point or that, she makes her case persuasively throughout.

Over the course of the guide, we learn interesting tidbits about how art imitates life and life imitates the art of House. We get examinations of the principle characters using Barnett's critical eye and in many cases through the eyes of the actors who portray and experience these characters and the writers who put words in their mouths. The music, settings, and ethical dilemmas that are so much a part of what makes the show great are also dissected. We become aware of things we've missed as we read these sections and also understand how they add to the impact of the more obvious dynamics in the show.

There is also a section devoted to recapping each episode through six seasons. The medical puzzle is discussed as are major plot points that are developed over multiple episodes. The book also identifies the "Eureka" moment, when some seemingly trivial piece of dialog or random occurrence leads House to the solution to the puzzle. My wife refers to this as the "Ham Sandwich moment," as House could seemingly find a cure for some obscure, infectious disease by looking at or eating a ham sandwich. It's a favorite moment of many of the best episodes and it's always fun to see the look on House's face when the final piece of the puzzle is put in place and to follow him to the end of that conclusion to episode's end.

Chasing Zebras

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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Free Posters for Reader 'n' Writers

My friend (and the designer of the new book cover for 2^nd Edition of The Frugal Book Promoter!) has a new kind of club going. It is marketing genius, a way to introduce people to his graphic talents. He is Chaz DeSimone, www.chazdesimone.com.

His typographic design project features what he considers the most interesting and beautiful character, the ampersand.  He says,

• “Did you know that the ampersand used to be the last letter in the English alphabet?
• “And do you know how it got its name?
• “In fact, did you ever wonder why it is the shape it is, and why it has been designed in so many different configurations, most of which are valid and express exactly the same meaning? (Some are not true ampersands, probably because the "designer" did not know what the symbol is supposed to represent.)

“I will be explaining (and maybe surprising) you with the answers to the above questions, as I send you each AmperArt poster in the series. You'll also get some creative ideas from other subscribers on how they display their AmperArt pieces.

Right now, however, let's start your AmperArt collection with the first poster in the series, "Art & Design."

After you’ve signed up, your art comes to you with printing suggestions, etc. I can see this one in the office where I writer (it has yellow furniture!). Subscribe here: http://forms.aweber.com/form/91/119176491.htm

Visit Chaz's blog to see how he publicizes his clients and a little more on this poster project: http://chazdesimone.wordpress.com

Wait until you  see his first few designs in this future. You'll want to spice up your office for sure! And watch for the cover he did for me on my soon-to-be-released book!

~Chaz DeSimone may be reached at  Chaz DeSimone Graphic Design, 12228 Venice Blvd. #156, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA

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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Dr. Bramhall Battle for Tommorrow Highly Recommended

Title: The Battle for Tomorrow: a Fable

Author: Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall

Website: www.stuartbramhall.com

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

ISBN: 978-1-61204-219-0

Genre: Fiction

 

Reviewed by Cecilia Lee for Allbooks Review International

 

In “The Battle for Tomorrow: A Fable”, you will read about current catastrophes facing our world from a totally different perspective.

This fascinating tale is about a vivacious 16-year-old girl who is headstrong and clearly independent. She has been through a lot - two pregnancies, and an equal number of abortions. She has to care for a disabled mother because the caregivers rarely last more than a few months. However, her little world is shattered when she develops a relationship with a 23-year-old nurse-cum-activist. He exposes her to his political and environmental ideals - combating the way the government deals with climate change and the downward spiraling economy. Soon, she believes in her boyfriend’s ideals as much as he does, even joining him on her first protest march! She becomes concerned about the effect these issues will have on young people like herself. In fact, she is so concerned about them that she leaves her home in Seattle and makes the long journey to Washington, D.C. She journeys that far for a non-violent resistance- training course - basically code for getting-arrested-for-civil-disobedience training. Not that she really wants to be arrested. Nevertheless, she jumps at the chance to be totally independent and is soon off on a journey that will change her life forever.

Dr. Stuart Jeanne Bramhall strikes me as a superb author, showing remarkable insight into the mind of this 16-year-old activist. This award-winning book will captivate and inspire the inner activist in all who read it!

Highly Recommended by reviewer: Cecilia Lee, Allbooks Review International, www.allbooksreviewint.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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :