Book Review: Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan

This is a page-turner thriller with full on action and a good dose of humor.

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1)
by Mark Nolan

File Size: 4886 KB
Print Length: 642 pages
Publication Date: January 1, 2016
ASIN: B018SCGDWK
Genre: Suspense Thriller, Mystery Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

A mysterious killer who calls himself The Artist is assassinating wealthy lawyers in San Francisco. When war veteran Jake Wolfe accidentally takes his picture during a murder, The Artist adds Jake to his kill list and he becomes a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse that only one of them can survive. How far would you go to protect your loved ones from a killer? Jake wants to leave his secret, violent past life behind him. But the reluctant, flawed hero can't ignore his duty and his personal moral compass.
This gripping thriller is full of suspense, plot twists and surprises. It features a cast of interesting characters, including several strong-willed women, two wise-cracking San Francisco Police Homicide Inspectors, one highly intelligent dog, and a philosophical killer who shares Jake's admiration for Van Gogh paintings but still plans to kill him anyway. As Jake gets closer to unraveling a merciless conspiracy, his life gets turned upside down and the danger level increases, adding to the growing suspense. This entertaining page-turner starts out as a murder mystery and then shifts gears into a high-speed action thriller that takes you on a roller-coaster ride to the riveting ending. A good read for those who enjoy mysteries, suspense, action and adventure, vigilante justice, unique characters, witty dialogue and a little romance too. Now on sale in over a dozen countries around the world. Be the first among your friends to read it.

Review:
Jake Wolfe, a former Marine, is now an investigative, photo journalist. He is a tough veteran who still carries the protective mode for those in need or distress. He was a dog handler in the service and realizes he must help a military dog who has PTSD and is distraught when the another former Marine friend of Jake's is buried. Now he has Cody as a constant companion which eventually brings him into contact with a lovely, but beleaguered, veterinarian, Sarah.

Jake’s best friend, Terrell, a former Infantry Rifleman, is now a Police Homicide Inspector with the San Francisco Police Department. When Jake witnesses a sniper murder of a local attorney he quickly texts Terrell who heads up the investigation. Jake is never far away and will need Terrell to have his back since he has become a target for the sniper, “The Artist”.

The Artist takes pride in planning unique and precise hits. He has gained renown for his skills but knows that some of his employers consider him replaceable. But he will prove them wrong, as long as his manic swings don’t push him into making a mistake.

The banter between Jake and Terrell reminded me of the super fun dialog between 'Riggs' (Mel Gibson) and Roger (Danny Glover) in the 1987 Lethal Weapon series. Mark Nolan does a great job creating all of these characters: Jake, Terrell, The Artist, Sarah and even the crazed officer, Denton, who wants to remove Jake from her world. I enjoyed how Nolan used humor to ease difficult situations.

I was really surprised at the wide range of topics the author covered including corporate corruption, police jealousies, PTSD, cancer and pregnancy, military dogs and more. At one point I thought there might have been too much in one story but it all worked in the plot plan. Nolan uses the story development to reveal Jake’s talents, connections and skills that make him the one man who might be able to stop The Artist. There were several good twists and I loved the intense, non-stop action. The writing could use a sharp editing but still the package and pacing kept the book moving along with good entertainment. Anyone who enjoys a fast paced, murder chase thriller should make a point to read this one. I hope to read more adventures for Jake, Cody and Terrell.

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

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 16, 2016

Happy Friday!
Friday again?? Whew! These weeks are sipping by too fast.
Looks like Hubby is finally stabilizing and is ready to do more PT starting next week.
I just keep plugging away at work.
I keep forgetting to take my camera to work for book picture. Maybe this Saturday.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the September 9 Pick. This week there were no automatic wins again. Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: none

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from September 9 Pick:
Nikki gets a GC

Becky gets Mistress of Mount Fair

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.}

I certainly am! :-)

Image found at Pinterest Sfichtelberg Quotes.

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016
(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
PAIRS:
Into the Night (book 5) and Gone too Far (book 6) by Suzanne Brockmann
The Wedding Night of an English Rogue: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 3) and The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel (A Boscastle Affairs Novel Book 4) by Jillian Hunter
SINGLES:
*Bloodstone by Lynn Benedict (1973 - yellowed)
*The Brittany Stones by Lynna Cooper (1974 - yellowed; corner of cover cut)
Her Scoundrel by Geralyn Dawson
In Search of Lucy: A Novel by Lia Fairchild
No Place for a Lady by Katherine Greyle
Wicked by Beth Henderson
To Die For: A Novel (Blair Mallory Book 1) by Linda Howard
The Inheritance by Joan Johnston
A Dark Champion by Kinley MacGregor
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)
Mysterious: The Right Path / This Magic Moment / The Search for Love by Nora Roberts (2008)
The Spitfire by Bertrice Small


New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
Sandra Brown: Above and Beyond and Honor Bound (my copy is 1986 edition with a different cover
Joan Johnston: Faron & Garth: The Cowboy and the Princess / The Wrangler and the Rich Girl and Sweetwater Seduction
SINGLES:
Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews (new- hardcover)
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
*Witch’s Hammer by Caroline Farr (a 1967 yellowed pages - different cover)
*Mistress of Mount Fair by Jane Gordon
Once an Angel by Tammy Hilz
Bound By Temptation by Lavinia Kent
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell
On Fire by Carla Neggers (1999 version with different cover)
Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Waiting for Nick & Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
*She Came Back by Patricia Wentworth (1981 yellowed pages)
Freedom's Stand by J. M. Windle


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016

SINGLES:
A Dangerous Fancy by Tracy Cozzens
The Champion by Heather Grothaus
So Wild A Kiss by Nancy Richards-Akers


New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016

SINGLES:
Short Straw (Ed Eagle Novel) by Stuart Woods Hardcover
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette
N is for noose by Sue Grafton -Cassettes
Regretsy: Where DIY Meets WTF by April Winchell


New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016

SINGLES:
Wayward Winds by Michael Phillips - Audio Tapes

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

SINGLES:
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone


New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- 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
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
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.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


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 almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 997+ 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. 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!

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 $7.00 and $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)

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!

Audio Book Review: Tarah Woodblade: The Bowl of Souls Book 6

Good action, strong characters, an interesting plot and good narration work together to make this an engaging listen.
Tarah Woodblade: The Bowl of Souls Book 6
Written by: Trevor H. Cooley
Narrated by: Andrew Tell


Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
Series: The Bowl of Souls, Book 6
Series: Jharro Grove, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:01-29-16
Publisher: Trevor H. Cooley
Genre: Fantasy, Epic
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The war is over, but there is a void of power that must be filled and no shortage of souls eager to fill it.
Tarah Woodblade was the best guide and tracker in the land, but she ran away from the war. She returns to Dremaldria expecting to be labeled a coward, but finds herself lauded as a hero. It seems a hero is needed too, because someone is hunting rogue horses....
©2013, 2015 Trevor H. Cooley (P)2016 Trevor H. Cooley

Review:
Tarah Woodblade drags herself back to her home town expecting to be scorned because she ran when war broke out. She is surprised when she is hailed as a hero. After all she did lead many people to safety that fateful night before she disappeared. Now she just has to reconcile with her own guilt.

Before she can even make it to her off the path home, she is pulled in for a new assignment. The local guild hires her to work for them to track rogue horses. Tarah is one of the best trackers around even though she carefully hides the secret of her success.

Rogue horses are not really horses. Well, parts of them might be. But other parts are gorilla or lion or unicorn or many other creatures. They are rogue because they have been constructed by the magic of a fierce magician who is no longer around to create more. The few rogue horses still hiding possess great power and are extremely valuable for more reasons than suspected. Tarah is more than willing to track these wondrous creatures to try to get them away from the bandit dwarves who are selling them knowing they will be slaughtered.

Tarah is teamed with Djeri (Jerry with a D) and neither is thrilled with the teaming at first. But as they move forward they begin to recognize and appreciate each other’s skills. I enjoyed how their reluctant pairing grew to a caring team. Djeri stands by Tarah and supports her as she faces current danger and trauma and deals with the dark emotions of her past. Most important, he believes in her and helps her change her attitude.

Tarah is an annoying character at first. It is clear she has spent a lot of time alone as she is constantly speaking to herself within her head. She especially repeats dialogue from her steady and logical father which is offset by the crafty strengths of her grandfather. I enjoyed how Mr. Cooley ‘grew’ Tarah’s character through the book. I really liked her tracking skills and the fighting skills of both Tarah and Djeri which were displayed through plenty of action.

Tarah Woodblade is the 6th book in the Bowl of Souls series but the first in The Jharro Grove Saga. I was worried about coming in at the 6th in a series but the book stands well on its own. There was enough backstory that I felt I got a sense of some of the adventures that must be covered in the earlier books. There are moonrats whose queen was apparently killed by Tarah. But the spirit or essence of the queen lives on in a bizarre location. There are nasty wizards and dwarves who are a threat to the horses and a threat to Tarah and Djeri.

This is good fantasy with magic, dwarves, gnomes, and an assortment of creatures. I would definitely be interested in reading or listening to more in the series as this was fun and engaging.

Audio Notes: Andrew Tell did an excellent job with this narration. He provided different voice accents and emotional levels that fit the characters, even the female protagonist. His narration was clear and flowed well. It added to my enjoyment of the story.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom for an honest review. It qualifies toward my 2016 Audio Challenge.

Sunday Post September 11, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 12, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I am sitting here and sighing. It seemed like a short week for me. I didn't get to do an August Wrap-Up post yet and I had two busy days working on publishing tasks. Work was busy still juggling with Heather out.
We had a nice, if too quick, visit from my sister and brother-in-law, on Friday night through Saturday lunch.
Hubby is still having some pain and now exercise yet. We visit his doctor for 'release' and update on Tuesday.

I enjoyed my reading/listening although it was slow again this week. I finished one ebook and one audio book. I posted two reviews and the usual memes.

I barely got to visit early in the week - not as I had hoped. I plan to do better this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post September 5, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday September 5, 2016.

• Book Review: Second Chances - A "Chosen" Short Story by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef; Paranormal, Short story; my rating 3.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway September 9, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/15/2016.

• Audio Book Review: Apocalypse Machine by Jeremy Robinson; Sci Fi, EOTW Thriller; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #269 Comment Giveaway September 10, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 9/17/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement September 11, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1)
by Mark Nolan
This is very engaging! Review to post this week (I hope).
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (Narrator)

Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1
Written by: Linda Bridey
Narrated by: Mary Ann Weathers
Sweet historical set in days of WWI.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:
1. Print (Candence Marketing Group)

FRIENDS OF THE WIGWAM: A Civil War Story
by John William Huelskamp
I am several chapters in and enjoying this.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Grave Surprise: Harper Connelly Mysteries, Book 2
Written by: Charlaine Harris
Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan
This is from my Audible Library - 2012. I am reading it for TBR and Audio "G" in Alphabet Challenge.
Publisher's Summary
Twenty-something Harper Connelly has a gift. After being struck by lighting as a child, she discovered an eerie ability to locate the deceased.
In Memphis, skeptical Professor Nunley wants her to demonstrate her skill at an ancient cemetery. There, Harper stands atop a grave and says there are two bodies entombed: one centuries old, but the other, a young girl named Tabitha.
Her assertion holds water. Tabitha has been missing for two years - and now the police are suspicious of Harper. So with her loyal stepbrother, Tolliver, Harper begins to amass clues that will solve the case.
©2006 Charlaine Harris Inc; (P)2007 Recorded Books

September 4, 2016 - I am back up to date with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted two reviews, which leaves me still with three to complete.

I am still accepting new audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I have been reading author titles so I was down to four; but I did have three more noted last week so back to seven.
My NetGalley shelf is still at four but I hope to pull up one of those this coming week.
Here it is September! I am still hoping to read SOME TBRs this month but right now I want to get the author and NetGalley titles completed.
I am planning more TBRs for November when I will participate in Sci Fi Month, November 2016.

I am still working on additional releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
This title is now available for review:
Murder Crosses the Pond
by Shelly Frome
A transatlantic village mystery in a traditional style. Cozy Mystery.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I did not pick any new books this week.
Again, I didn't purchase any kindle titles but picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE yet - I will be making my Audible selections this week for my two August credits.

Free

I added 44 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement Septmeber 11, 2016

Our substitute Sunday School teacher spoke about how we are at war spiritually but many current day prophets are saying there is an awakening coming to America. I will share more of this on another day.

Pastor shared a remembrance video on 9/11 (this is not the video but similar) that talks about firemen who saw one cross and others saw four crosses in the rubble – signs of hope and healing. This is appropriate for today as the “BE” series continues with: BE Healed.

We were changed by the 9/11 attacks and losses but even 15 years later the story continues. Some loved ones are gone. We can react with anger and bitterness or acknowledge our sadness but trust in hope for the future. Our lives are marked by pain and injury. We need to be healed individually and as country. We rejoice when prayers for healing are answered but some become angry when they are not.

What can we expect from God about healing? Healing is restoration. Jesus ministry on earth was healing. He healed but did not remove or eradicate disease.

We can expect from Him full, complete healing but it may not be complete until ‘the other side’ of this mortal life. We all have a time limit on earth; our bodies will wear out. But we are promised new bodies and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:19-23.) Our bodies will be buried in brokenness but raised to glory. (1 Corinthians 15:42-46; 51-58.)

What is expected from me to be healed?
1. Seek the Healer -- this happens in pain or crisis when many cry out to God. But we need to seek Him and praise Him in all times, good and painful.
2. Trust Him. Healing is a gift; Faith is not a prerequisite to healing as some might claim! You do not have to have ‘enough faith’. You do need to recognize that healing is God’s gift. Sometimes it is immediate and other times it is delayed. He knows a bigger plan.
3. Begin with spiritual correction and restoration. Forgiveness may be part of the release that leads to healing. Controlling out own bad, sometimes sinful actions, may be required to gain healing.
4. Rejoice and praise God no matter the immediate outcome (see #2 above).

God alone can bring emotional healing but that starts with surrender to Christ; acceptance of the sacrifice He made upon the cross.

This is one of the praise songs we sang this morning.

I think it fits well with the message as it speaks of being restored.
(Also I love the phrases: It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise!"

Verses for Today:
1 Corinthians 15:51-54 NIV
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

Lord, I give thanks each day for my healing and for healing for my husband. I know that the healings may not be complete in our 'golden' years but I trust you and praise you that they will be complete when we meet you face to face.