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Showing posts with label 2017 TBR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2017 TBR. Show all posts

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Book Review: Who'll Stop The Rain: (Book One Of The Miami Crime Trilogy) by Don Donovan

This is well written, gritty but entertaining, noir fiction; there are no 'good guys'; only degrees of corrupt characters.
Who'll Stop The Rain: (Book One Of The Miami Crime Trilogy)
by Don Donovan
File Size: 1629 KB
Print Length: 482 pages
Publication Date: June 1, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B01FRPMZSW
Genre: Crime Fiction, Noir
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


"I slowed way down for the speed bumps on the narrow, wet street. The cemetery loomed in its eternal silence on our right, and I felt the eyes of the dead opening under heavy lids to watch us pass by in the rainy night, somehow knowing we were on our way to do murder, to send them some company."
From the mean streets of Miami, Hialeah, and Key West comes this sprawling noir novel of three hardened individuals:
LOGAN, career criminal from Key West who is fed up with his outlaw life, but can't escape it.
MAMBO DeLIMA, gambling boss of Key West, who is being muscled by out-of-town racketeers and is determined to face them down.
SILVANA MACHADO, the first female detective sergeant in the Miami PD's homicide division, who gets her results through violence and intimidation.
In this first entry in The Miami Crime Trilogy, Don Donovan has spun a tale of separate South Florida characters whose lives are woven together into a web of money, betrayal, and murder.
"... classic noir, written as noir was intended to be written."
-- David Beckwith, Key West Citizen


Review:
This “noir” fiction is different from my usual read. Mr. Donovan provides a very entertaining, if gritty, tale of thieves, local crime family leadership and corrupt cops. The setting was interesting as I lived in south Florida although I really had no contact with the criminal elements of these communities.

The story is told from three viewpoints; first person from Logan and third person for the others. Logan is a thief who was practically raised into crime. His current theft activities have resulted in more violence than he likes. He is planning to retire, with the continued encouragement of his longtime girlfriend, if only he can find a legitimate job that will allow them to continue to live their comfortable life.

Mambo is a local crime boss, happy with the profits of his gambling and drug networks. He struggles to prove himself to his grandfather, one the local ‘mob” leaders. His grandfather is just partnering with the other competing crime family in the Keys, working towards legitimate business endeavors. In spite of his grandfather’s instructions to shut things down, Mambo wants to protect his position against a racketeer from Little Havana who is hustling in on his territory.

Silvana Machado, is a tough officer who was raised in the streets but managed to work her way into a respected position. She is a successful homicide sergeant, known to get results through intimidation and violence rather than detective skills.

Silvana has uncovered clues that point to Logan as the possible killer of three scum criminals in Little Havana. No one would care about the deaths except the third victim was a teenage niece to a commissioner. Even though the girl was obviously where she didn’t belong, the family wants the killer found and brought to justice. Silvana’s other leads are tying the mess to a local racketeer who seems to be in a contest with the Key West crime boss, Mambo.

The author weaves the characters into a neat crisscross of crime connections and consistent action. The story is well plotted and skillfully written in a tight, direct style that is appropriate to the noir genre. The emotions of the characters and their reactions create interesting elements for the reader to contemplate. Although the story is full of grit, crime and corruption, it is entertaining in somewhat a perverse manner for a reader like me who prefers good forces and heroism. I recommend this to readers who enjoy crime novels and the darker edge of noir fiction.

I received this from the Author for an honest review. It qualifies for my Mount TBR Challenge and "W" for ebook in Alphabet Challenge.

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Book Review: Kalico Jack by Mike Nahorniak

This is a fun little read with a positive message.
Kalico Jack
by Mike Nahorniak
File Size: 3653 KB
Print Length: 34 pages
Publisher: First Edition Design Publishing (October 6, 2016)
ASIN: B01M8F0RSM
Genre: Children
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Kalico Jack is a little different from the other Jack Rabbits so much so that he is he is constantly ridiculed. As he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to embark on a journey to find where he fits in. This adventure takes him across the western part of the United States where he makes many friends and eventually figures out what his special purpose is.

Mike Nahorniak was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He is a self-taught artist who has enjoyed the adventure of living in various locations across the Western half of the United States. Some of his most famous paintings include, "Time," "Where the Antelope Play," and "Montana Moose."
He is retired from the Air Force where he served for 27 years. Mike is married with three children.


Review:

Kalico Jack is a jack rabbit with a difference – his fur is multicolored with orange and black stripes and splotches on white. Add to that two different eye colors and Kalico Jack was repeatedly made fun of by other rabbits. When he gets old enough, Kalico Jack decides to take travel west from his home in Chicago hoping to find a place where he fits in.

The story follows Kalico Jack as he passes through St. Louis and journeys west all the way to the coast Along the way he makes friends with bullfrogs, cows, wolves, various desert creatures, Big Foot and even a Martian (near Area 51 apparently). He checks out several national parks and, as he nears Devil’s Tower, he makes a surprising discovery. He decides he must return to the city to use his newly found skills to help others. That isn't easy and he faces a fearsome enemy. He knows he still has lots to learn, but now he feels he has a purpose.

The story is cute and imaginative, if a bit wacky. The images are beautiful and fun and I am sure that a print version would be a delight for children. There is obviously a message regarding being different and finding a way to accept one’s differences and make them an asset. I enjoyed the story and think it would be a fun read with a young person who likes adventure.

I received this title through NetGalley. This qualifies for 2017 TBR Challenge, NetGalley Challenge and “K” on Alphabet Challenge.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Book Review and Rafflecopter Giveaway: The Remnant by William Michael Davidson

The author has created an interesting futuristic world where faith is equated with terrorism.
The Remnant
by William Michael Davidson
◊Release date: February 7, 2017
◊$15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 242 pages
◊Science Fiction (FIC028000) / Christian Futuristic Fiction (FIC0402020)
◊Print ISBN 978-1-939844-29-3
◊eBook ISBN 978-1-939844-30-9
◊Order through Ingram, Follett, or from the publisher
◊$4.99 eBook available in all formats

My Rating 4.25 of 5.0


One nation, without God…
Colton Pierce apprehends Abberants—those who display symptoms of faith—and quarantines them on a remote island to ensure public safety. Years prior, the government released a genetically-engineered super flu that destroyed the genes believed to be the biological source of spiritual experience in an effort to rid the world of terrorism. As an extractor with the Center for Theological Control, Colton is dedicated to the cause.
But Colton’s steadfast commitment is challenged when he learns his own son has been targeted for extraction. An underground militia, the Remnant, agrees to help Colton save his son in exchange for his assistance with their plan to free the Aberrants on the island.
Colton is faced with the most important decision of his life. Remain faithful to the CTC? Or give up everything to save his son?


Review:
Colton Pierce is a self-centered, arrogant extractor in the Center for Theological Control (CTC). He prides himself on being one of the best at capturing Abberants - those who display symptoms of faith, most often revealed by praying or even postures that look like prayer. Colton is pressing to become the next Director of his station. He feels he is the best extractor but his people skills are poor and he is competing against a handsome, slick, well connected co-worker, Ashton.

Recently a new woman at the station, Selma, has caught Colton’s eye but Colton is discouraged after he sees her in the company of Ashton. Colton doesn’t have much time to date or deal with that stress. Since his wife left him and then died, he has tried to be there for his son, Marty, now twelve. Colton and Marty don’t have much in common as Colton tried everything to get Marty into some type of sports. Instead, Marty’s interests are in the arts and Colton doesn’t understand his son’s sensitivities.

One afternoon the Extractors are called to round up a group of Abberants. Colton arrives on scene to realize that the home belongs to his son’s friend. He knows his son will be extracted, taken to jail, then sent to the island where the Abberants are quarantined. Suddenly Colton must choose between his career and his son. But even if he helps his son escape, how will they get away when they all have trackable chips?

Colton himself is ‘shanghaied’ by an underground group known as The Remnant. They have found a way to disable the government tracking and they are offering to help Colton save his son. The thing is – they have been waiting for Colton because they believe he will be able to help their plan to free all the Abberants on the island. The situation is almost too impossible to believe but they keep telling Colton that he may have to believe the impossible. Colton knows he shouldn’t trust the CTC who might make a deal for his son’s life. But can he trust these strangers who should hate him? Especially can he trust the mysterious ‘Gus’ who gives him directions through his chip implant?

Colton starts out as a rather obnoxious character but his strong love for his son shows there is more to him. He goes through a positive change before the story ends. Mr. Davidson has created an engaging story and I enjoyed how he weaves in several Biblical parallels. Clearly Colton can be compared to Saul, the chief Christian persecutor, who becomes Paul and one of Jesus’ disciples. There is a plan for “exodus” from the island and there is the promise of impossible things being possible. These and other parallels will be spotted by a believer and perhaps could be a draw for non-believers.

The writing is straightforward and the tension and suspense build nicely to some harrowing moments. The premise of eliminating and silencing faith is not so far fetched. This is clearly labeled as a religious/Christian sci fi and that is an appropriate audience. However, I encourage nonbelievers to take a chance and enjoy the story too.

I received this title from MC Book Tours for an honest review. Please enjoy the author guest post too. This qualifies for my 2017 TBR Challenge.


THE REMNANT is available to order in eBook form at the following sites:







The print format of the book is available at these sites:






Fiction DB
Be sure to add THE REMNANT to your bookshelf on Goodreads.

About the Author:

William Michael Davidson lives in Long Beach, California with his wife and two daughters. A believer that "good living produces good writing," Davidson writes early in the morning so he can get outside, exercise, spend time with people, and experience as much as possible.

A writer of speculative fiction, he enjoys stories that deal with humanity's inherent need for redemption.


For more on Davidson and his writing, connect with him on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon Author’s Page.

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to visit the other blogs on the tour for more chances to win. The schedule is located HERE.

GIVEAWAY
This is a tour-wide giveaway for two (2) print copies that are available to those living in the U.S. only and one (1) eBook copy available international.
The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, Feb. 26. You can enter to win at each stop of the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Audio Book Review: Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

Quick, engaging and thought provoking vintage sci fi. (ABB-Narrator)
Two by Vonnegut: The Big Trip Up Yonder and 2BR02B
Written by: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Narrated by: Kitty Hendrix
Length: 44 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-08-16
Publisher: Listen2aBook.com
Genre: Sci Fi, Vintage
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (1922-2007) was a prolific and genre-bending American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973).
These two short works, "The Big Trip Up Yonder" and "2BR02B", are science fiction tales originally published in the magazines Galaxy Science Fiction and If: Worlds of Science Fiction in 1959 and 1962.
©2016 Kurt Vonnegut (P)2016 Kitty Hendrix


Review:
These are two short sci fi stories that address aging in the future; or more accurately not aging. They reflect two different extremes which make them interesting as a pair.

The Big Trip Up Yonder tells of Gramps Ford, a 172-year-old, who is the head of his clan of children and grandchildren. They are all living together cramped into one three bedroom apartment where the head of the family gets the perk of the best bed in a private room. Gramps gets to dole out the use of the bedrooms as a reward to his favorite child, grandchild or great-grandchild of the moment, as well as changing his Will bequeathing his bed and couch anytime one heir falls out of favor. If Granps continues to take the special medicine that keeps him from aging and dying the family is stuck in this terrible routine. Everyone’s nerves are on edge and Gramps decides something has to be done. The solution is an ironic twist that I have seen so often in these vintage sci fi stories…and in the modern ones.

2BR02B is another satiric story that deals with death in a future world where government controls the population and a new child is only permitted if another person dies. I really liked the authors use of the wall mural to mirror the events that were happening.

I wouldn’t want a steady diet of these stories, but they are fun to read/listen to. I particularly like to compare the “vintage” tales of the future with the current day imaginings. Often the themes are similar and certainly the twists of irony are always present.


Audio Notes: Kitty Hendrix does an excellent job with the narration. This is not so much an issue of presenting character voices, although she does that well also. The plus is that the narration focuses on the story so the listener gets to think about the point that Vonnegut is making. I’m glad I received this audio for an honest review.

I received this audio title from the narrator in exchange for an unbiased review. This qualifies for 2017 Audiobook Challenge, 2017 TBR, Sci Fi Experience and Vintage Sci Fi.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Book Review: Forbidden by F. Stone

This is a gripping, page turner!
Forbidden
by F. Stone
File Size: 904 KB
Print Length: 385 pages
Publisher: Romance Under Fire (December 12, 2016)
ASIN: B01N2TNTS5
Genre: Suspense, Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Year 2047, City of Samarra, capital of the Republic of Islamic Provinces & Territories
Fifteen American travelers have vanished. Surrendering to Mayor Aamir's demands, a devout Muslim and police captain becomes the reluctant keeper of his city’s bloody secret – and the witness, Eliza MacKay. Captain Sharif is horrified to discover that if he exposes the cover-up, his family will suffer dire consequences.
The CIA has the lying Sharif in their cross hairs. Sharif’s only hope is to prove his country's government is free of guilt. Secretly, he hunts forensic evidence. Cryptic messages, backstabbing informants, and corruption threaten Sharif’s resolve to see justice served. When he discovers the shocking truth, he and MacKay become the targets of a ruthless killer.
Sharif is tortured by his attraction to the impetuous Eliza MacKay. In spite of her struggle with PTSD, he’s drawn to her vivacious personality. Islam forbids the intimacy he craves. In desperation to save Eliza, Sharif plots an act most forbidden and fatal.


Review:
Eliza, a Canadian paramedic, traveled to the City of Samara to work with an American Habitat team. Eliza struggles with crippling PTSD episodes as she tries to recover from a traumatic loss a few years past. The Habitat convoy is diverted to a police compound where they are massacred. The real police engage the terrorists at the last minute, rescuing a terrified Eliza. Captain Sharif, a devout Muslin, takes Eliza into custody, first to confirm she wasn’t part of the attack and then to keep her safe.

Sharif’s superiors threaten his family if he doesn’t cover-up the killings and silence the sole surviving witness. Sharif struggles to find a way to save Eliza, even acting behind her back. Eliza respects Sharif’s dedication to his faith and to his duties as an officer of the law. She knows that he is trying to protect her but she doesn’t appreciate not being privy to the plans to hide her away.

Sharif is forced to lie to the CIA agent who arrives to find the bodies of the Americans and bring in the killers. Sharif must intensify his efforts to obtain proof of the corruption in his own government as the CIA agent holds him under suspicion.

Sharif and Eliza grow in friendship as they share close spaces and learn of each other’s vulnerabilities. Eliza knows that she does not fit in Sharif’s world and any relationship between them is forbidden. Sharif, who has convinced himself that he is not worthy of love, struggles to maintain his strict code of honor even as he is drawn to the brave, impetuous Eliza. Can they find the strength to acknowledge their love, assuming they can survive the multiplying threats to their freedoms and their very lives?

The plot is wonderfully crafted with well-developed characters, nonstop suspense and a good twist to the ending. The setting and political environment make an effective backdrop and I found the Muslim elements very interesting. Ms. Stone adds to this an improbable but beautiful romance.

The primary characters are real, flawed and courageous. It was natural to root for them to beat the enemy and accept their love for one another. I also liked the secondary characters and would like to read more about all of them. There were some typographical errors but the story is well worth reading. I hope to try more of Ms. Stone’s work very soon. I highly recommend this story to readers who like action packed suspense with romance.

I picked this up in December from a source new to me: Reading Deals. This qualifies for 2017 TBR and “F” in 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Book Review: Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery by Kate Kingsbury

As I hoped, this is a light, enjoyable cozy mystery.
Dead and Breakfast: A Merry Ghost Inn Mystery
by Kate Kingsbury

File Size: 2222 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (January 10, 2017)
ASIN: B01NAH09KG
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Melanie West is getting her life back on track after a messy divorce when her grandmother, Liza Harris, asks her to open a B&B with her. Together, Liza and Melanie purchase a purportedly haunted mansion on the Oregon coast and jump right into clearing out the cobwebs. But while attempting to remove wallpaper in an upstairs bedroom, the new B&B owners stumble upon a very real skeleton in their closet.
The police suspect the skeleton is that of the wife of the previous owner of the B&B, but no one in town seems to want to say much about her. As the inn owners try to juggle renovations with their own amateur investigations, their grand opening looms closer and closer--and a friendly ghost in their walls starts playing tricks. But it all comes crashing to a halt when a new body is found stabbed to death on the beach below the inn--the victim chillingly close in resemblance to Melanie herself.
It seems someone doesn't appreciate newcomers prying into the small town's past, and now it's up to Melanie and Liza to get to the bottom of these murders to save their business...and their lives


Review:
Melanie has moved away from the city and a stressful divorce. She has joined her grandmother, Liza, to open a B&B in a purportedly haunted mansion in a small town on the Oregon coast. Rumor is the ghost is a laughing ghost, causing Liza to pick the name: The Merry Ghost Inn. There is plenty of remodeling to complete but as they begin to remove wallpaper they discover a hidden closet with a skeleton.

The police think the victim might be the wife of the previous owner, a woman who has been missing for many years. Before the lead detective can get very far into the investigation he is called away to a current day murder. Melanie and Liza are juggling the renovations hoping they can complete them within their tight budget and in time to open for the upcoming season. The closed off room is off limits and might impede their efforts to have the Inn ready on time.

Liza and Melanie decide to do some sleuthing on their own. They discover that the town folk are rather tight lipped about the missing woman. Still, when they discover one lead, it leads into more and before long they have several suspects. The situation becomes more difficult as Melanie spies her ex-husband driving in town and runs into him at a party where he makes it clear he wants her back. Melanie begins to have some near miss accidents from a car that is suspiciously like her ex’s. Then a woman who looks a lot like Melanie from the back is killed on the beach near the Inn.

Melanie adopts the murdered woman’s dog, Max, who was with his mistress on the beach and now has his own traumas to recover from. It appears that someone may be trying to scare the ladies off the investigation, and if that doesn’t work maybe fire will. Meanwhile someone -- or maybe the merry ghost -- is laughing and playing tricks by moving objects in the house.

Liza, in her mid-fifties, and Melanie, in her early thirties, make a good pair and likeable characters. Max is a nice addition and there may be some romance in the future as Liza is playing at a little match making.

The story moves along at a quick pace, with light humor and hints of the ghost mystery. The killer was not my first (or second) guess, which I thought was well done by the author. This is a fine example of “cozy mystery” and I recommend it to those who enjoy the genre. I would like to read more in the series and learn more about the Merry Ghost.

I received this title in December from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley Challenge, 2017 TBR and “D” in my 2017 Alphabet Challenge.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Book Review: The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping by Alla Campanella and Ken Massey

I found this to be a difficult read but it does conclude with a positive message.
The Skeleton Code: A Satirical Guide to Secret Keeping
by Alla Campanella and Ken Massey

File Size: 1868 KB
Print Length: 230 pages
Publisher: Morgan James Publishing (October 25, 2016)
ASIN: B01M09DBMM
Genre: Satire, Self Help
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Buy the Book:


Early in life, we learn to exaggerate our positive personal qualities and hide or deny our failures and weaknesses. The Skeleton Code is a satirical and humorous look at the many ways we protect our public personas by closeting our personal secrets, an ultimately self-deluding way of life. As a parody of the self-help “success” genre, the book presents facetious strategies about how to cover up our silly and scandalous secrets before turning to The Skeleton Cure.


Review:
I had to keep reminding myself this was satire. And as satire, for 80% of the book, the authors do a very good job. Alla Campanella and Ken Massey rightly note that almost everyone has skeletons in their closets – secrets we just don’t share. But then we worry about keeping those secrets from popping out, or being found out or outed by someone else. The authors are careful to provide a disclaimer that they are not promoting immoral, unethical or illegal behavior. They then proceed to present several chapters of tricks for protecting your secrets: dressing for diversion, mimicking the masters, taking the offensive. There are several chapters sharing methods to encourage fear and help prepare a response in the event of exposure, either accidental or purposeful. There can be an art in self disclosure that minimizes the potential for negative impact. The authors provide a fitting quote from Sidney Poitier: “I know how easy it is for one to stay well within moral, ethical, and legal bounds through the skillful use of words—and to thereby spin, sidestep, circumvent, or bend a truth completely out of shape.” The authors also do a nice job of summarizing the techniques and testing the progress of the reader.

I really had difficulty sticking through this to the end. I knew it is satire but that didn’t help stop my feeling that what they were describing was somewhat ‘slimy’. Still, it just didn’t feel right or good and I didn’t want to read it. This made me feel like when I stop reading a book because the language used is just too foul – it makes me feel uncomfortable and unhappy.

I knew there was a better message but that isn’t shared until the last two chapters. The closing points note that hiding secrets may cause physical pain as well as emotional illness. It is healthier to uncover the secrets, face them and remove the skeleton from your life. This did make me feel better. The closing remarks reminded me of the Transactional Analysis course I took in my late twenties which featured resource books like I’m Ok - You’re Ok and Games People Play.

The book is well written and laid out in an easy to follow fashion. I think the authors’ introduction tried to reassure the reader that the ultimate message was positive… and it is. I just think there could be more positive ways to present the message. This one wasn’t real comfortable for me but could be very useful for the right people, right situation.

I received this title from ProBook Marketing through iRead Book Tours for an honest review. Please watch the video below for a positive view of the book. Also, see other reader/reviewer thoughts on the Blog Tour found here. This qualifies for my 2017 TBR Challenge.

Author Bios:
Ken Massey is a public speaker, author, humorist and minister enjoying the second and truer half of life. He holds two graduate theological degrees and is trained as a life coach, conflict manager and transition specialist. He enjoys golf, and traveling, but finds his greatest fulfillment helping other people discover their true worth as human beings. Ken, a native Texan, loves the beauty and the people of North Carolina, where he and Alla reside.

Alla Campanella, after traveling throughout the world, has lived in the US since 1992. A longtime student of the arts and humanities, she enjoys her work as an artist and photographer. Alla was inspired to write this book because she heard so many personal and painful secrets from her clients about their failures and foibles and wanted them to face these realities rather than hide from them.

Connect with them: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook


Ken Massey talking about The Skeleton Code to WTVR CBS 6 News. This is a great interview summarizing the book well.

Youtube Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW81AcUlON0

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