Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick September 16, 2011

Sorry this is late... the internet access can be iffy. I was hoping my secretary might get to it on Friday but she was busy with "real life" work. LOL

Thank you to all who entered September 9 Pick. There were THREE Automatic winners this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks).
Carol M who chose Dead Jitterbug
Lieder who chose The Burning Man
and
LuAnn who chose Firefly Summer

CONGRATULATIONS

to Winners from September 9 Pick:

Linda K chose Point No Point (persistence paid off!)

and
Maria chose Imitation in Death

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy +plus - I am currently low on just sweet. 

Friday we visited Dublin and today Belfast, Ireland!

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Double Set by Lori Copeland:
June (Brides of the West #2) (HeartQuest)
The Courtship of Cade Kolby (Avon Romantic Treasure)
Singles:
Rides A Hero by Heather Graham
One Night by Debbie Macomber
Tender Triumph? (I have to check) by Judith McNaught
Quentins by Maeve Binchy
Firestorm (Eve Duncan) by Iris Johansen
In the Prince's Bed (Royal Brotherhood) by Sabrina Jeffries
Everywhere That Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline
Legacy of the Dead (Inspector Ian Rutledge Mysteries) by Charles Todd
A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook
Cimarron Rose (Billy Bob Holland) by James Lee Burke
Lost Light (Harry Bosch Series #9) by Michael Connelly
A Maiden's Grave by Jeffrey Deaver
Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall


New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Dead Jitterbug by Victoria Houston

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

* Wolf to the Slaughter: An Inspector Wexford Novel (Mortalis) 

by Ruth Rendell

* Point No Point by Mary Logue

The Cheshire Cat's Eye by Marcia Muller

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell 

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

* Resort to Murder: A Henrie O Mystery by Carolyn Hart

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

Until We Meet Again by Christine McGuire (spine creased)

Bloody Good by Georgia Evans (spine creased)

* Undercover Pursuit (Love Inspired Suspense) by Susan May Warren

* The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

* Having Faith by Barbara Delinsky

* Easy On the Heart by Jodi Thomas

* Rogue Stallion (Montana Mavericks) by Diana Palmer

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Pairs:

Debbie Macomber 

Between Friends

Thursdays at Eight

Luanne Rice

Firefly Beach

Cloud Nine

Singles

Iced (Regan Reilly Mysteries, No. 3)by Carol Higgins Clark

A Price for Everything (Rosamunde Pilcher's Book Shelf) by Mary Sheepshank

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

S is for Silence (Kinsey Millhone Mystery) by Sue Grafton

Poirot Investigates - Volume 1 Agatha Christie - Audio Cassettes

Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy

Hope Everlastin' by Mickee Madden

The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

The Hope Chest: Yesterday's Magic\Today's Secrets\Tomorrow's Promise (Signature Select) Anthology

Susan, Kearney, Julie Kenner and Jacquie D'Alessandro

Once a Princess by Johanna Lindsey

Resistance: A Novel by Anita Shreve

Vanity by Jane Feather

3/25/11  I did get to set up a new group of books:
Group #19

Pair - James Patterson

1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)1st to Die (The Women's Murder Club)

Kiss the Girls (2nd Alex Cross Novel)

Singles

And Then Came You: Sam's Story

Second Chance: A NovelSecond Chance: A Novel

Disguised Blessing

The Italian (Mira Historical Romance)

Rhapsody: A Love Story

A Sight for Sore Eyes 

The Waterfall

Primary Colors - audio tapes

A Little Magic

See No Evil (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense #39) (black stripe on cover)

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are.  Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

John Grisham

Bleachers

The Last Juror

Jack Higgins

Touch the Devil (1983 Signet Edition)

Thunder Point (Sean Dillon)

Fern Michaels 

Final Justice: Sisterhood Series #5

The Jury: Sisterhood Series #4 (Revenge of the Sisterhood)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books!  And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

So far I have posted 22 groups of 16 books to find new homes!

I am continuing to include the full list updated with chosen books crossed off until I get around to deleting the crossed off books.  You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!  I am happy to say that so far about 226 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the correct number sent out.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00.  If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.   
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY  NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings before the next Pick post. 
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com.  I will confirm receipt of the addresses.  If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so.... 

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List 
#17

Scavenger by David Morrell
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger
Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Four to Score (Stephanie Plum, No. 4) by Janet Evanovich
Turbulent Sea (Drake Sisters, Book 6) by Christine Feehan
Saving Faith by David Baldacci

12/3/10  Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart

Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (small tear on cover)

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

Double Exposure (Brio Girls) by Kathy Wierenga

Wicked Widow  by Amanda Quick

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

Silver Falls by Anne Stuart

Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller

List #14

The Cobra Event by Richard Preston

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Off Season by Jack Ketchum

The Color of Law: A Novel by Mark Gimenez
Depraved Indifference by Joseph Teller
Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Must the Maiden Die (Seneca Falls Historical Myster) by Miriam Grace Monfredo
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom
The Summons by John Grisham - Audio CDs

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Anansi Boys by Neil Gairman

The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read.  Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!"  Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

First King of Shannara (Shannara Trilogy, Prequel)  by Terry Brooks

Seal Team One by Dick Couch

Motion to Suppress by Perri O'Saughnessy

Presumption of Death by Perri O'Saughnessy

Pandemic by Daniel Kalla

Lethal Practice by Peter Clement

The Undertaker's Widow by Phillip M. Margolin

The Burning Man by Phillip M. Margollin

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods - CD Audio

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann

The Crush by Sandra Brown

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

Montana Bride by Barbara Clark (A)

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

Jake's Return by Liana Laverentz (A)

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

A Kiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney (SC)

Pick #6

Tin Man by Dale Brown

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith - Audio Cassette

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Mistletoe and Mischief by Patricia Wynn

Pick #7

In Her Defense by Stephen Horn - Audio Tape

A Perfect Gentleman by Barbara Metzger (slightly creased)

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

The Path to Her Heart by Linda Ford (Personally Autographed)

X-Men 2

Hunted by William W. Johnstone (spine frayed at top)

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Stormy Weather by Carl Haasen - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

Into the Forest by Jean Hegland - Audio Tapes (box creased but tapes good)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Vertical Run by Joseph R. Garber (sc)

Pick #9

Spyder Web by Tom Grace - Audio Tapes

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

Final Appeal by Lisa Scottoline (spine creased)

The Lost World by Michael Crichton - Audio Tapes

Evil Whispers by Owl Goingback

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Runaway Heart by Stephen J. Cannell

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Mrs. Pollifax and the Second Thief by Dorothy Gilman - Audio Tapes

The Trouble with Mary by Millie Criswell

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Q&A Interview with Shana Galen, Author of Lord and Lady Spy

Today I welcome Author Shana Galen, Author of Lord and Lady Spy, for Q&A Interview at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf:

First let me say thank you for this very fun read! I have read some of your backlist books too and I enjoy your writing style.

1.     What makes a romance novel a great love story?

SG: Thank you so much for having me here today, Martha!

A great love story is all about the characters, in my opinion. Rhett and Scarlett, Jamie and Claire, Han and Leia. These characters have personalities that jump off the page (or screen). I have a little note on my desk that says, “It’s the characters, stupid!” Plot is all well and good—and kind of essential—but a great plot populated by flat characters does not make for a good or even a great book.

I guess I can agree as I have read good plots where the characters were flat and didn’t make it work as well as it could have.

2.     Who are some of your favorite authors to read and did any of them inspire your writing?

SG: There are so many authors I love to read. I enjoy historicals by Julie Garwood, Marsha Canham, Julia Quinn, Sophie Jordan, Ashley March, Robyn DeHart, and Sarah MacLean to name a few. I like contemporaries by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Janet Evanovich, and many more. Julie Garwood and Marsha Canham are definitely my biggest inspirations. I love Garwood’s humor, and no one does historical adventure romance like Marsha Canham.

I love Garwood too and several others you mention.  I will have to try Marsha Canhan.

3.     Do you have any hobbies or live interests that influence your writing?

SG: No, but I have a few that take away from it! I have a toddler, and she’s pretty much my full time job outside of writing. I also enjoy reading and being part of a book club, singing with the band at church, and I just started a fitness boot camp. But that’s more torture than hobby.

Ah yes - other real life activities, especially a toddler, can certainly take time away from writing.

4.     How do you find/develop your characters and their personalities?

SG: I’m not a writer who does a lot of agonizing and soul searching at the beginning of a manuscript. I have an idea, and I have two characters I sort of know, and I just start writing. I find it stifles me if I think too much about a story when I begin. There’s time for analysis later. The main thing is to get some words on paper.

As I write, I come to know my characters. Writing their words and their thoughts as part of the story helps me discover who they are, what’s important to them, and what they want and need. At a certain point in the manuscript I feel like the characters are friends and can go back and refine the beginning of the book and layer in more character development. Sometimes I have a good sense of character early on. And sometimes it takes longer. I was 45K words in to my current book before I realized it was the hero’s book and what he needed. Let me tell you, once I figured that out, the writing wasn’t such a struggle. Until then I just kept on going, hoping it would eventually come to me.

Lord and Lady Spy was that kind of book as well. I wrote 50 pages, and then I didn’t know what to do. The book wasn’t working. It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I realized the deep underlying issue keeping these two apart. That’s when I finished the book.

That sounds like a system that would work - defining the character and building from there.

5.     I have to ask: Was this story influenced by a certain movie?

SG: Why, yes! Yes, it was. Mr. and Mrs. Smith was the catalyst for Lord and Lady Spy. I was watching the movie and started thinking, what if the year wasn’t 2005 but 1815? And what if the characters weren’t assassins, but spies? And I went from there. I was so intrigued by the idea of a married couple not knowing the other spouse’s real identity. I had to write it. It took me years, but here it is! And the book really isn’t much like the move.

You are right that Lord and Lady Spy is deferent than the movie. I enjoyed the comradrie and team work of the book much better than the antagonism of the movie.

6.     What is something your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying?

SG: Oh, Sophia would never say, “I give up.” She would never admit defeat. Personally and professionally, she is determined and relentless. She will complete her mission at almost any cost.

Yes - that determination is clear in Sophia’s personality!

7.     Which scene do you like most and would never cut?

SG: My favorite scene in Lord and Lady Spy is the scene in Adrian’s brother’s garden where he and Sophia compare battle wounds. I knew I would have to have a scene like that, if I wanted to have some fun with the Mr. and Mrs. Smith connection. That scene, when I finally got to write it, was so such a joy to work on! It’s funny, poignant, and sexy.

That is a fun scene and turns even sexier. J

8.     Is there an ancillary character you had the most fun with?

SG: I had a lot of fun with Blue, who is another agent both Adrian and Sophia have worked with in the Barbican group. I have a whole back story for him in my head. He’s led a very interesting life! I’d love to write another book and feature him more prominently. He’s not a hero, but he’s a fun secondary character.

Blue was an intriguing secondary character and I would like to read more about him. This book seemed like it ended at a good spot for a sequel and I hope there will be one.

9.     Do you have any strange habits when you write?

SG: Not really. As I said, I have a toddler, so I can’t afford to make sure I have the right drink or candle or music. I just have to write when I can. In fact, I’m writing this at 6:15 a.m. because this is when I have time today! I will say that far too often I’ll get stuck on a page and click over to the internet to check Facebook or Twitter. That’s a really bad habit.

We can spend way too much time on the social networks if we aren’t careful but for an author today it is a necessary promotional tool.

10.  What do you hope your readers get out of your books?

SG: I want people to enjoy them. Sometimes I get letters from people who have read my books when they’re in the hospital with a sick relative or when their husband is overseas with the military, and they say they laughed or forgot their troubles for a little while. That’s what I hope readers take away from my books—laughter, adventure, and romance.

Wonderful objectives and you succeed at them.

11.  If you could have readers finish a sentence what would it be.

SG: I know why I read historical romance. I love the escape and the past seems like such a glamorous time—the ball gowns, the carriages, the dances and dinner parties. I always wonder what readers enjoy the most. So I would ask readers to finish this sentence: My favorite thing about historical romance is*******

Great question!

Thank you for sharing with me and my blog readers.

Martha

LORD AND LADY SPY BY SHANA GALEN – IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2011

No man can outsmart him...

Lord Adrian Smythe may appear a perfectly boring gentleman, but he leads a thrilling life as one of England’s most preeminent spies, an identity so clandestine even his wife is unaware of it. But he isn’t the only one with secrets...

She’s been outsmarting him for years...

Now that the Napoleonic wars have come to an end, daring secret agent Lady Sophia Smythe can hardly bear the thought of returning home to her tedious husband. Until she discovers in the dark of night that he’s not who she thinks he is after all...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shana Galen is the author of numerous fast-paced adventurous Regency historical romances, including the Rita-nominated Blackthorne’s Bride. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Japan, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and the Netherlands, and have been featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She’s a wife, a mother, and an expert multi-tasker. She loves to hear from readers: visit her website at www.shanagalen.com or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Lord and Lady Spy by Shalen Galen

This is a fun and entertaining read.

Lord and Lady Spy

By Shana Galen

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402259077
• ISBN-13: 978-1402259074

Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Product Description:
No man can outsmart him...
Lord Adrian Smythe may appear a perfectly boring gentleman, but he leads a thrilling life as one of England's most preeminent spies, an identity so clandestine even his wife is unaware of it. But he isn't the only one with secrets...
She's been outsmarting him for years...
Now that the Napoleonic wars have come to an end, daring secret agent Lady Sophia Smythe can hardly bear the thought of returning home to her tedious husband. Until she discovers in the dark of night that he's not who she thinks he is after all...

Review:  This has likeable characters with a good plot.

Lady Sophia is an unremarkable, rather mousey, lady of the ton. But that is just a disguise so no one will suspect that she is an intrepid, intelligent and intuitive spy for the Crown.  She hasn’t had a lot of time for home and husband since she has been busy on her missions. Besides she has had her own heartaches at home.

Lord Adrian appears to be the normal Englishman spending time at his gentleman’s club and other manly pursuits. The truth though is that he has been off on his own missions spying for England. He married Sophia thinking that she would be an easy woman to leave at home. He thinks she is busy with various community causes.   Although they have passion, Sophia closed him out of her room and personal life.

Imagine their surprise as they meet each other when called to a clandestine meeting with their superior.  Sophia has had fantasies of meeting the incredible Agent Wolf who is now revealed to be her own husband.  Adrian knows that Agent Saint is one of the top spies of the Barbican group and he never suspected it might be his own wife. 

Sophia and Adrian have been told separately that their services are no longer needed since the war with France is over. They each wonder what they will do with their lives. They are asked to investigate the recent murder of the prime minister’s brother.  Whoever discovers the murderer first can have the one open position back with the elite spy group.

Even though they are competing for the same position, Sophia and Adrian find that their skills compliment each other. Not to mention the extreme passion that is renewed, especially when Sophia sheds her meek disguise and begins to reveal the true beauty she is. But can they trust each other to really share the clues? More importantly, can they trust each other to share their hearts?

This book is full of fun dialogue and plenty of action.  I loved how the two spies discover each other’s skills and reveal their fears and needs. The sexual encounters are steamy but nicely full of warmth and love.  Although this story has some similarities to the movie of a similar plot, the presentation is decidedly different. This book is presented with a view to developing team work and there is much more warmth between Sophia and Adrian. The book ending leaves the story open for a sequel and I would love to read more.  

###

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book for reading and review and for providing two copies for Giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting.This is required for entry.

2. For two extra entries, comment on the Author Interview.

3. For another two entries, complete the Author's sentence at Interview Q11.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 30 , 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 1- 3 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winner's form linked in the announcement.

Audiobook Review: Crescent Lake by David Sakmyster

This is a good audio of a tale of suspense and horror.

Crescent Lake - Unabridged Audiobook
$34.95 $12.99
Save: 63% off
Crescent Lake
By David Sakmyster
Unabridged narration by Corey Snow 9 hours 50 minutes
Genre: Horror, Thriller
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Unabridged narration by Corey Snow 9 hours 50 minutes

What if your darkest sins materialized, seeking your annihilation? And what if your only salvation was to accept the touch of forgiveness from someone who could then claim your soul? This is the terrifying power Reverend Zachary Bright has over the townspeople of Silver Springs, Washington.

In CRESCENT LAKE, Nick Murphy, a mob informant trying to atone for his crimes–and his role in a tragic accident that killed his wife and daughter–is placed into a witness-relocation program and sent to a small, scenic town believed to be the perfect hideout. But from his first day in Silver Springs, he finds himself in a different kind of life-and-death struggle, one where his past sins have come back to haunt him. He and FBI agent Audrey Harper are quickly caught up in supernatural events and bizarre miracles, and must contend with a town besieged by religious fanaticism – and an enemy that can raise the dead.

And while a ruthless mob assassin closes in on Nick’s location, Reverend Bright plans to expand his dark ministry across the country. Nick and Audrey must overcome their own dredged-up sins, and then rally the few residents that have somehow resisted the Reverend’s influence. They will make a last stand against the whole town; but first, they must confront what rests at the bottom of the nearby lake–the source of the Reverend’s unholy power.

Review: Nick Murphy was slowly drawn into the world of mob power and wrong doers through his Aunt, Senator West.  When he decides to “exit” he agrees to work with the FBI to tape conversations that will bring the organization down.  Those to fall will include Irish mob lord, O’Neal, and his main lynch man, Lloyd, who are very wicked men to cross. Nick is sweating the meeting knowing that after gaining the condemning evidence, he has to go into witness protection if they have any hope of keeping him alive to testify at the ultimate court proceedings.

Nick is sent to a hidden house outside a little known community North of Seattle called Crescent Lake. Nick is alone but haunted by memories of the accident that killed his wife on the way to the hospital to give birth to their child.  There is only one man in the main FBI office who, with his local contact, knows where he is hidden.

Nick soon learns that there are strange things going on in the community where the people are committed to the local charismatic Reverend Zachery.  A town’s mysterious librarian, Grant, is one of the few who is considered outcast for failing to attend services. Grant sneaks a meeting with Nick to give him some obscure warnings. He explains that a small child is thought to be possessed because she fell into the lake near Nick’s house and after almost an hour she was pulled out alive.

The reader learns that the lake has filled those who have had contact with strange creatures and strange and dangerous powers. Nick and his FBI handler, Audrey, slowly begin to grow closer as they struggle to remain hidden from Lloyd who is pursing them leaving death and mayhem behind him. Meanwhile they are also trying to survive the horrifying, accusatory and drowning nightmares of the guiltiest moments from their pasts.

The story starts out with suspense and tension that shifts to a horror story that builds to a climatic battle with Lloyd the assassin joining forces with the twisted evil of the Reverend. Can Nick and Audrey survive the forces of evil that are taking control around them? What is the government secret behind the dangers and powers of Crescent Lake?

The narrator did a very good job with the emotional suspense and a descent job of different voices to distinguish the characters.  This was an easy and enjoyable listening experience. I would be glad to read more by this author and hear more from this narrator.

I received this book from Crossroad Press through the Review Program at Audiobook Jukebox.