Book Review with Giveaway: The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence) by Timothy S. Johnston

This is another sharp, intense mystery with heart-pounding suspense.

The Freezer (The Tanner Sequence)
by Timothy S. Johnston

File Size: 542 KB
Print Length: 308 pages
Publisher: Carina Press (August 25, 2014)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
ASIN: B00KPJNL3E
Genre: Mystery, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 25, 2014
A Tanner Sequence Novel
2402 AD
CCF homicide investigator Kyle Tanner and his girlfriend are on their way to Pluto, en route to a new life together. Just one little death to check out in the asteroid belt first. But when you're as tangled up in conspiracy as Tanner is, a few hours on a case can change your life. Or end it.

The mystery is a strange one—one man dead, a cryptic message his dying breath. Still, Tanner's ready to wrap it up until another gruesome murder shakes him to his core. The discovery of a microscopic bomb near his own heart offers the first faint clue, but the clock is ticking. He has four days….

A desperate search for answers takes Tanner to The Freezer, an isolated facility on one of Jupiter's moons. With anti-CCF dissidents targeting the facility, a team of scientists conducting experiments the military would rather remain hidden, and a mysterious man in white hunting him on the ice, Tanner will have to choose his allies carefully. Putting his faith in the wrong person will leave him bleeding out in seconds.

Review:
Lieutenant Kyle Tanner has a reputation as one of the most persistent and best CCF homicide investigators. He used to be a lone wolf but, since his last case, The Furnace, he has been enjoying recently discovered emotions with his new girlfriend, Shaheen. They are traveling to Pluto to start a new life together when Tanner is assigned a new case that takes him to a base known as “The Freezer” located on an ice moon of Jupiter.

The case begins when a doctor is found dead having left a cryptic message accusing his murderer of 'having reached him'. Tanner learns that the man died of a microscopic bomb that erupted near his heart and a similar device has been found within Tanner. The clock is ticking as Tanner forces two other doctors and a civilian engineer to return to The Freezer where the connections lead.

Tanner and his companions aren’t particularly welcomed. The other scientists and the station leader are clearly hostile, frightened and hiding more than a murder. Tanner soon realizes that he is dealing with several Confederacy dissidents who should have been turned in by the leader but, for some reason, were not. This adds an additional layer of hostility among the scientists. A second murder and sabotage to communications result in making everyone a suspect and it is hard for Tanner to know who, if anyone, can be trusted.

Tanner is sharp and keenly observant as he puts together pieces of information to uncover the motive and murderer. Tanner is challenged not only by the uniquely dangerous surroundings and a deranged, superhuman opponent, but also by his own grief and exhaustion as he races against external and internal deadlines.

I really like the plot details and the non-stop, heart- pounding action of this series. Author Johnston uses finely crafted, unique twists and details to create the mystery and intertwine the characters. There is continual danger and suspense with surprises just as the reader thinks the situation is under control. The story is told in first person by Tanner sharing an interesting view of calm precision and dedication in his job mixed with rare glimpses of emotional turmoil. The wonderful deduction process is summed up showing how Tanner pieces the facts together. My final reaction at completion was somewhere between “whew” and “wow”! I definitely look forward to the next Tanner ‘roller coaster’ mystery!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This story begins with a great opening quote from Poe [“The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?...”], then slides into a good hook:

I left Mars on a Tuesday in a jumpship bound for Ceres and I didn’t know it at the time but by Saturday I would be dead.    (Location 8.)

I received this title from the author for an honest review.

The author has graciously offered the following for Giveaway:
a) Mobi format eBook copy of The Freezer (available after release 8/25/14) - open worldwide
b) Mobi format eBook copy of the first book The Furnace - open worldwide
c) Five signed covers of The Freezer - US and Canada only.


d) One TSJ Mug - US and Canada only. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for chance 

to win items a) through d)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR

visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open as noted: worldwide for ebook copies; US or Canada for swag items.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) August 23, 2014.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after August 23, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Book Review: Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy) by Anna Banks

This is an engaging sequel to book one.
Of Triton (The Syrena Legacy)
by Anna Banks

File Size: 932 KB
Print Length: 256 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; Reprint edition (May 28, 2013)
Sold by: Macmillan
ASIN: B00BCFZLQ0
Genre: YA, Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm. Syrena law states all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance in the Syrena world turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?
Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen’s points of view with humor, intrigue, and waves of romance.

Review:
Emma has learned that her mother, Nalia, is the missing princess of Poseidon. Syrenas, the mer-people, do not accept half-breeds and Nalia is afraid of what they will do to Emma so Nalia convinces her to run. Emma is reluctant as she doesn’t want to leave behind Galen who has gone to get his brother Grom, the Triton king and Nalia’s long ago fiance.

Grom is excited to discover that Nalia is alive but he has many complications to face. He has recently agreed to strengthen the relationships between Tritons and Poseidons by accepting Paca as a mate. Paca is a young woman who supposedly has the gift of Poseidon because she can direct dolphins with hand signs. When Grom returns with Nalia, Paca’s father, Jagen, and his friends question Nalia’s true identity. Jagen is a danger as he is challenging the royal family for control of the Syrena people.

Meanwhile, Galen still thinks that they should keep Emma’s exsistence as a half-breed a secret even though Emma clearly has the true gift of Poseiden. She can talk to all the fish and mammals of the ocean who are more than glad to play with her or follow her direction.

There are more fun moments with volatile Rayna, Galen’s sister, and her new mate, Toraf, the best tracker of the Syrena. Also there is much help from Galen’s faithful human assistant, Rachel. Although there is mutual, strong attraction, Gavin and Emma continue to honor their commitment to keep their relationship pure until they can mate.

The plot is very engaging with changes in several of the characters and danger from within and without the Syrena community. I found this to be a good sequel to book one, Of Poseidon, and a quick and enjoyable read. I am looking forward to listening to the final book for review.

I selected this story in eBook form to read before reviewing the third book.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway August 15, 2014

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Oh Sigh. Another busy week. It is almost hard to keep up with everything. :-) I just have to keep on keeping on!

[UPDATED NOTE - US entrants I prefer, please, that you pick a book as that is the first purpose of this giveaway - to find new homes for books. The GCs are for the international entrants because postage has jumped up.]

Thank you to all who entered the August 8 Pick. There was one automatic wins this week.  (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.) There was one title blocked.
Anita gets Wild Escapade

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from August 8 Pick:
Carol NW gets Primary Colors Tapes

Sue F gets the the Phyllis Whitney Pair

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, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

Just because it's back to school time doesn't mean we have to stop traveling does it?

Image found at Rio Grande Family.

New Book Group #50! August 8, 2014

PAIRS:
William J. Coughlin: The Court and The Judgment
Phyllis J. Whitney: The Ebony Swan and Woman Without a Past
SINGLES:
Maybe This Time by Victoria Barrett
The Commander by Kate Bridges
So Hard to Forget by Evelyn Crowe
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
Whirlwind Affair by Jacquie D'Allessandro
Let Darkness Come by Angela Hunt
Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione 
ChiefTain by Nan Ryan
A Place Called Home by Loir Wick
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose

New Book Group #49 June 27, 2014

PAIRS:
Sandra Brown:  The Thrill of Victory and Temperatures Rising
Beverly Barton: The Last to Die and Raintree: Sanctuary
SINGLES:
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Down by the Water by Caroline Upcher
Hawkes Harbor by S.E. Hinton
Savage Thunder by Cassie Edwards
Miracle by Deborah Smith
Desperate Alliances by Cory Daniells
Never Walk Alone by Paula Detmer Riggs
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
Running Blind by Lee Child
Dirty Sexy Knitting by Christie Ridgway
The Grey Beginning by Barbara Michaels
The Highlander's Bride by Michele Sinclair


New Book Group #48 May 30, 2014

PAIRS:
Karen Haper:  Black Orchid (spine creases) and Shaker Run
Elizabeth Lowell: Fever and The Color of Death
SINGLES:
After Dark by Phillip Margolin Audio Tapes
Dangerous by Debra Dier
First to Fight Anthology
Full Bloom by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mesmerized by Gayle Lynds
On the Edge by Susan Kearney
Safe by His Side by Linda Conrad

New Book Group #47 April 25, 2014

SINGLES:
Trey's Secret by Lois Faye Dayer
Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green
Once Upon a Moon by Julie Kistler
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy



New Book Group #46 March 15, 2014

SINGLES:
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain
Penhollow by Georgette Heyer
The Last Heiress by Bertrice Small (spine creases)
Strong Arms of the Law by Vicki Kennedy


New Book Group #45 January 31, 2014

SINGLES:
Out of Darkness by Lynn Erickson
Lord Braybrook's Penniless Bride by Elizabeth Rolls
Contract Dad by Helen Shelton
Hearts Are Wild by Laura Wright

New Book Group #44 December 14, 2013---(All gone)

New Book Group! #43 November 1, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #42 September 27, 2013 ---(All gone)

New Book Group #41 August 2, 2013

Singles:
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way

New Book Group #40 June 28, 2013

Singles:
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Singles:
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford

New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh

New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe

New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013 (All gone)

New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012---(All gone)

New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012
- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley

New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)

New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012--- (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011---(All gone)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20---(All gone)

3/25/11 Group #19---(All gone)
Primary Colors - audio tapes

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

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.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in four years I have posted 43 groups of 16 (688) books to find new homes! (as of November 2013).

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. 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 696+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

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 $7.00 and $6.00 $10.00 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 too. :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 with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
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- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] 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--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4---(All gone)

Pick #5---(All gone)

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Pick #8
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Audible Book Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6 by Darynda Jones

"I have a perfect body; it’s in my trunk." T-Shirt.

Sixth Grave on the Edge: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 6
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:05-20-14
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Paranormal
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Sometimes I wrestle my demons. Sometimes we just snuggle. (Bumper Sticker)
Most girls might think twice before getting engaged to someone like Reyes Farrow - but Charley Davidson is not most girls. She’s a paranormal private eye and grim-reaper-in-training who’s known to be a bit of a hell-raiser, especially after a few shots of caffeine. Her beloved Reyes may be the only begotten son of evil, but he’s dark and sultry and deeply sexy and everything Charley could hope for. Really. But when the FBI file on Reyes’ childhood happens to land into her lap, she can’t help herself: She opens it...and then the real fun begins. First, Charley finds a naked corpse riding shotgun in her car. Then, a man loses his soul in a card game. Throw in a deaf boy who sees dead people, a woman running from mobsters, and a very suspicious Reyes, and things can’t get any worse for Charley. Unless, of course, the 12 Beasts of Hell are unleashed.
©2014 Darynda Jones (P)2014 Macmillan Audio

Review:
Once again Charley, a paranormal PI who not only sees the dead but is a grim reaper who allows them to pass, sets off to help a client resolve an unusual issue. It seems the man has gambled away his soul to a ‘demon’ dealer. Charley’s “almost fiance” (she just has to say “yes”) Reyes, the sexy son of Satan, doesn’t want Charley getting close to any demons. Of course that won’t stop her. At least she enlists the help of another sexy friend, Garret.

Garret is trying to help decipher the prophecies regarding Charley, the daughter of light, and Reyes, the son of dark. He now thinks there are twelve hell-hounds who may be after Charley so she needs to be extra careful.

While challenging the ‘demon’ dealer, Charley is also researching a cold FBI kidnapping case that involves Reyes’ childhood. Reyes would just as soon she stay out of his past but, again, that won’t stop Charley.

Between research for the jobs, Charley is playing match-maker for her employee/across the hall neighbor/best friend, Cookie, and Charley’s beloved Uncle Bob. Charley’s plan is to make Uncle Bob jealous by having Cookie go out on ‘fake’ dates. Meanwhile someone is tailing Charley and there is a scare for Cookie’s twelve year-old daughter, Amber, who sneaks off to play hooky with Quentin, Charley’s deaf, teenage friend, who also sees ghosts.

Readers get to learn more about Angel’s background and also to enjoy all the usual Charley sass including a visit with Rocket. The t-shirt or bumper sticker slogans that introduce each chapter continue to bring smiles to my face. The relationship between Charley and Reyes is warm and sensual with a few nice surprises. Occasionally I am frustrated by Charley’s ‘ditziness’ but - hey - it fits her character. And of course there are some twists and surprises at the end of this installment’s dangers that left me eager for the next book - Seventh Grave and No Body releasing in October, 2014.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a great job with this series. She captures the voices of the characters and conveys danger, sensuality and, of course, the snarky humor. This is a fun series to listen to.

I downloaded this from my own Audible Library.

Winners: Christmas in July, July Kindle, Every Time I Love You and Priceless

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS!

Giveaways Ended August 9, 2014

Giveaway: Priceless by Christina Dodd
WINNER: JESSICA

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaways Ended August 2, 2014

Giveaway: Every Time I Love You by Heather Graham
WINNER: RITA








~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaways Ended July 31, 2014

July Kindle Fire Giveaway.
WINNER:  Entry #37886 Laura

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christmas in July Giveaway Hop
WINNER: Entry #67 Summer L.







ALL WINNERS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]