#NetGalley Book Review: Bark of Night by David Rosenfelt

I greatly enjoyed this fun mystery with Andy Carpenter and the team.
Bark of Night
by David Rosenfelt

File Size: 2596 KB
Print Length: 265 pages
Publisher: Minotaur Books (July 16, 2019)
ASIN: B07J4VJL3C
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Traditional Detective
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

“Bark of Night is a treat, especially for those who love thrillers and dogs.”
The next novel in David Rosenfelt’s witty, heartfelt mystery series featuring lawyer Andy Carpenter and his faithful golden retriever, Tara.
When defense lawyer Andy Carpenter’s veterinarian asks to speak to him privately at the checkup of his golden retriever, Tara, the last thing Andy expects is Truman. Tiny, healthy, French bulldog Truman was dropped off days ago with instructions to be euthanized by a man everyone thought was his owner. But now the owner is nowhere to be found.
Andy is furious. Who would want to euthanize a perfectly healthy dog with no explanation? He is willing to whisk Truman away to the Tara Foundation, the dog-rescue organization which is Andy’s true passion. They will find a home for Truman. But that’s not all the vet tells Andy. Thanks to Truman’s chip, it’s discovered that the man wasn’t Truman’s owner at all . . . Truman's real owner has been murdered.
It’s now up to Andy – with help from his loyal sidekick Tara, Truman and the rest of the gang – to solve this case. In the latest in the popular Andy Carpenter mystery series, David Rosenfelt’s charmingly clever wit and love of dogs are back and better than ever.

Review:
Andy Carpenter is a wealthy criminal lawyer who would rather enjoy time with his golden retriever, Tara, than working on a case. Especially, he doesn’t like getting dragged into a murder case where his skills stand between the accused and jail. On the other hand, he isn’t one to stand by and let an innocent young man be framed for murder.

Andy learns about the murder and the accused young man when his vet calls him in to introduce him to Truman, a tiny, French Bulldog. Truman was brought in by a man who paid to have him euthanized. However, the vet says Truman is perfectly healthy and they have learned the dog belonged to a recent murder victim, not the man who brought the dog in.

Andy, with the encouragement and support of his wife, Laurie, a former police cop and investigator, agrees to take on the defense of the accused young man. Andy’s team steps up to help, including Sam, the whiz accountant and computer hacker, and Marcus, the (mostly) silent, intimidating bodyguard. Even former client Willie, who now helps run Andy’s Tara Foundation, a dog rescue organization, joins Marcus on the streets for stakeouts.

The investigation is layered and twisting, starting with Truman and his murdered human, and moving to a dead mobster hitman and his wife. Somehow a local gang leader and a murdered homeless man are involved too. Andy and his crew have to race against the trial clock to connect all of the dots. I loved the twisty mystery plot and the wry, self-deprecating humor.

The author, David Rosenfelt, puts in enough detail to introduce each regular character without bogging down the story. This allows the story to be read as a stand-alone although I do recommend enjoying the series from the beginning! I have enjoyed reading or listening through Book 10. This book 19 revealed that I have missed events in between, including the adoption of a son, Ricky. I also enjoyed the fact that, having listened to many of the books narrated by Glover Gardner, I could hear the characters in my head as I read. It makes me want to get the next book on audio.

You don’t have to be a fan of dogs to enjoy this series, but it adds to the enjoyment. I recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries and detective mysteries.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Sunday Post November 10, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 11, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?

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 had a busy week with an interesting hearing at the end of the week. More hearings coming up this week.

We're starting to enjoy our lemons. This is the backside of the tree

Temperatures were nice during the week and then got cooler again at the end of the week. We are supposed to get one cold evening/night this Tuesday. Just in time for our local realtor party which is held outside each year.

I liked my reading/listening this week. I finished four books: three ebooks and one audio. I posted four reviews on the blog. Plus I posted my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Metaphors & Moonlight. Kristen is "a twenty-something who loves reading, writing, and rambling."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post November 3, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 4, 2019.

• MBS October 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: October Mourning: a Song for Matthew Shepard, by Lesléa Newman; Genre: LGBT issues, Poetry; Teen & YA; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• A2019- Audio Book Review: The Journals of Octavia Hollows: Books 1-6 by Stacey Rourke; Kate Angell; Allyson Charles; Genre: Cozy Mysteries, Supernatural Thriller, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• Two Highlights for November: #SciFiMonth and #Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 8, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 11/14/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Sackett's Land by Louis L'Amour; Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Fiction; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• eB2019- Book Review: Reasons to Kill God by I.V. Olokita; Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement November 10, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Bark of Night
by David Rosenfelt
I greatly enjoyed this fun mystery with Andy Carpenter and the team.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Christmas Eve, 1914
By: Charles Olivier
Narrated by: Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, Cody Fern, Damon Herriman, James Scott, John Beck, Lance Guest, Gabe Greenspan, Nate Jones
Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
This is heart-wrenching.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: December 2018 Free Audile Original.
About This Audible Original
"Gentlemen, maybe war takes a holiday today."
This mesmerizing audio drama takes you to the dismal trenches of World War I. It is here, under the constant threat of exploding shells and artillery, that British and German soldiers live in deplorable conditions. Braving the merciless cold and crushing exhaustion and hunger, the men conduct patrols and fight, often to the death, to advance mere inches in the frozen No Man’s Land that lies between them.
But on Christmas Eve, the Western Front gives way to a miracle of grace, as soldiers from both sides emerge from their trenches to greet each other, share their meager rations, and bury the dead for an unofficial and temporary truce. Drawing upon the unforgettable true story of history’s most transcendent ceasefire, this Audible Original, a finalist for the 2016 Audie Award for Best Audio Drama, commemorates an astonishing moment of peace—and celebration of man’s capacity for kindness—in the midst of total war. A full cast performance of a heart-wrenching script written by Emmy Award-winner Charles Olivier and produced by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing), Christmas Eve, 1914 is the perfect reminder of how holiday hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. At the story’s end, listeners will also enjoy a performance of the classic carol, "Il Est Ne" by Tom Tom Club.
The ensemble cast includes Damon Herriman, Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, James Scott, Lance Guest, Nate Jones, Cody Fern, John Beck, Gabe Greenspan, and Heiko Obermoeller.
©2014 Audible Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

One Wish
by Jodi Thomas
This is a rather unusual, sweet, western historical romance.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas takes you back deep into the Texas Panhandle, where the winters are long, the storms fierce—and the Yuletide nights are unforgettable . . .
It’s the week before Christmas in Kasota Springs and Maggie Allison is sweeping the floors before closing her shop for the night. But out in the cold darkness three men are keeping a close watch on her movements. Local farmer Sam Thompson is also there in the shadows, ready to step in if need be. Sure enough, when Maggie finds herself cornered by Boss Adler and his men demanding her money and more if she doesn’t cooperate, Sam comes to the rescue. Trouble is, Boss Adler gets away and everyone in town expects he’ll be back for revenge. Forced into hiding on Sam’s ranch, Maggie and Sam discover their distant memories of a childhood friendship promise something more in the present. But the Thompsons are famous for keeping to themselves, and Maggie knows it’ll take more than a moment under the mistletoe to bring Sam to his senses...

4. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)

The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law
by Nita Wick
This is a very quick, sweet read.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download.
Western romance holiday 5 minute quick read.
This very short story is offered as a sample of the author's work.
If you enjoy this, you might also like Nita Wick's award-winning historical western romance, The Wagonmaster.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

The Last Wish
By: Andrzej Sapkowski
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
Series: The Witcher Saga
Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
I have enjoyed the beginning stories in this collection.
There is 1.5hr left but I paused this for #HoHoHo titles.
Source: June 2018 Audible Sale.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (eBTBR)

Evergreen: A Christmas Tale
by Richard Taylor
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: 2012 Free Kindle Download.
A dying grandfather tells the story of the first Christmas tree to a family wrenched by strife.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Bring Me Home for Christmas
Written By: Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: October 2011
Duration: 7 hours 34 minutes
I like how this has started - even with contentious characters.
#Ho-Ho-Ho.
Source: December 2018 Audiobooks.com deal.
Summary:
RITA award winner Robyn Carr's Virgin River novels are beloved by countless fans. This newest edition to Carr's wholesome series will have listeners eagerly following each word as a new romance unfolds in the magical town of Virgin River-this time, during the holidays. 'Carr has hit her stride with this captivating series.'-Library Journal

I am participating in Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon 2019 which started 11/8. I expect this to help get closer to meeting my TBR goal for the year.
These are some of the books I may choose from:

Audios:
Christmas Eve 1914 1h13m (2018)
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: A Chronicles of St. Mary's Short Story 1h25m (2015)
Bring Me Home for Christmas (Virgin River #14) by Robyn Carr (2018)
eBooks:
Papa Abrams Special Christmas by Ruth Price (2014 Gift) 9
Evergreen A Christmas Tale by Richard Taylor (2012) 17pgs
The Sheriff's Mistletoe Law by Nita Wick (2012) 13
The Twelve Cats of Christmas (All the Creatures of Christmas Book 2) by Kevin Whitlark (2012) 17
Christmas Scandal...Not! by Jeanne Savery (2010) 22
A Bear of a Christmas by A.J. Cosmo 22pgs (2012) GR
A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson (2017) 16
Thomas & the Christmas Orange by Lewis Brech (2011) 17
Santa's Christmas Eve Blues by Douglas Lindsay (2012) 26
Ruth's First Christmas Tree (Ruth Galloway Series) by Elly Griffiths (2012) 29
Romy's Garden Adventures (Christmas City) by Rob Towner (Author, Illustrator) (2012) 30
12 Days of Christmas for the Hurting by Rachel Wojnarowski (2012) 43
A Christmas Feral (Magical Cool Cats #3) by Mary Matthews (2012) 56
Christmas Runaway (Single Title Series Book 3) by Mimi Barbour (2012) 58

(Longer books are likely to read after the readathon.)


November 10, 2019 - I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I plan to start a new study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed five books and five reviews. I have four to review from last week.
My NetGalley shelf just is at 10. I am still working on NG titles I received in July. [Plus I have 4 old titles (2012-13.)]
I still have three author titles as I forgot one added earlier this month. I'll finish them all this year.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
One new audio review title.
I picked up three audio titles this week.
13 free kindle titles this week. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received one Audio Download for review through Caffeinated PR Services..

Her Ruthless Protector
by Caitlyn O’Leary

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up one Daily Deal:
11/5/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95
Chase Darkness with Me
How One True Crime Writer Started Solving Murders
By: Billy Jensen, Karen Kilgariff - foreword
Narrated by: Karen Kilgariff, Billy Jensen
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins


I purchased two Chirp titles:
11/6/2019 Chirp Purchase $1.99
Fever
Written by Deon Meyer
Narrated by Will Damron
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Run time: 19 hours and 1 mins


11/5/2019 Chirp Purchase $2.99
Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions
Written by Sheila Grau
Narrated by Nate Begle
Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Free

I added 13 free Kindle titles to my Kindle 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 November 10, 2019

Our Sunday School teacher presented a video on the Revelation 12 Woman which many prophesy scholars believe appeared as an astrological sign in September 2017. We had lovely praise and worship to begin the service.

Pastor continued his sermon series, The Blessed Life, noting that the blessings often depends on our perspective. An example is when a young child is not impressed by his grandmother's handmade sweater gift, while his mother views it as treasure.

Perspective is important and sometimes we have to work hard to keep proper perspective and focus on eternity. Pastor asked: “Are we blessed but miss it while we are chasing after other things?” Do we recognize that Good is working?

Just imagine, the God of creation cares for us; He calls us His own. James 1:17-18.
Verse 16 says: “Don’t be deceived…” Satan works tirelessly to convince us that God doesn't care.
James also reminds us to be thankful even when we face trials and that God will give wisdom when we seek it in faith. James 1:2-5.
Being thankful is part of the blessing process – being thankful for the good and bad, even hardship.

THE POINT: Being thankful reveals God's blessing.

Being thankful and perceiving blessing, leads to satisfaction.
The God of the Universe really does see you, He knows you.
We can train ourselves to be thankful… in little and big things.
Choose to be thankful even when the plan is unclear.
We can train ourselves to see God's blessings AND give God credit for things we can be thankful for.
List three things you are thankful for and then add a fourth that is a difficulty that you are thankful for. Choose to be thankful.

Here was my list in the moments he gave us to note our choices: 1. Creation. 2. Family 3. Business.
4. Cancer and recovery and 5. Storm (hurricane Michael) and working to recovery.

I found this song and like how it fits the message.

Verses for Today:
James 1:16-18 (NIV)
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Lord- I am so blessed! Help me to remember to be thankful each and every moment, each and every day.

Book Review: Reasons to Kill God by I.V. Olokita

This is a dark story but speaks of compassion too.

Reasons to Kill God
by I.V. Olokita

Paperback: 140 pages
Publisher: Independently published (December 24, 2018)
Language: English (translated from Hebrew)
ISBN-10: 1729400302
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

“If you are able to write 180 pages of your memoir without putting the pen down, I might let you live…”
Klaus Holland loves no one other than himself. He victimizes people for being Jews or for just being alive.
He is an old Nazi criminal who escaped to Brazil and was caught and prosecuted. He is now forced to write his memoirs as part of his punishment – the same punishment he used to give Jews at the concentration camp. This punishment makes him remember and re-live his cruelty as the concentration camp commander and as a man.
Deus Esperanca learns from his mother that what he believed to be his family’s history, was just a bunch of lies. He discovers that his real father is Klaus Holland – the sadistic Nazi fugitive.
Having this information and his father being aware of what he knows, their lives intertwine and create chaos.

Review:
The story opens as Klaus Holland is required to write his own memoir – which is a punishment he used to give Jews before killing them. Klaus was a sadistic Nazi officer who didn’t blink at the cruelty of the concentration camps where he was a commander. He escaped from Germany at the end of the war and was able to hide himself in Brazil. He continued to be a self-centered, crude man who holds himself out as a rich man above all others who are there for his pleasure and use.

Klaus wasn’t initially aware that he fathered a son by his regular prostitute who died giving birth. On her deathbed, the mother named her son “Deus”. Several years later, the head of the orphanage shows up at Klaus’ door to tell him to come collect his son. He brings Deus home and announces that the woman who currently ‘services’ him will be the child’s mother.

Deus and Klara grew close as they suffer abuse at the hands of Klaus. When Klara realizes she is dying she tells Deus the truth about his mother and father. She explains that Klaus is one of the last uncaptured Nazi criminals. Deus sets out to meet an American professor who once specialized in hunting Nazi war criminals. Before flying to America, Deus leaves a letter telling his father what he knows.

When Deus returns to Brazil he doesn’t realize that his visit has triggered those who want to find Klaus and bring him to justice… or some other punishment. There is a sudden clash as Deus and Klaus reach the conclusion of their strange connections.

The format of this novel is a little difficult to follow. I found the point of view (pov) confusing to accept as Klaus writing his memoirs even as chapters are presented from the pov of other characters (particularly his American pursuer) and the journey of his son while he is away in America. The author manages to weave in twists and raise questions as to how a son might react to learning his father is a war criminal. This is also a novel that is difficult to read emotionally due to history and the horrendous cruelty and gritty situations. I can only take deep breaths and ponder how someone (many someones) could be so evil and view themselves as God.

This story is darker than most, but I found it a worthwhile, engaging read. I recommend it to those who are interested in Nazi history from the perspective of the criminal and a son.

Source: Author Review Request. This qualifies for Author review goal.

Audible Book Review: Sackett's Land by Louis L'Amour

I loved this adventure!
Sackett's Land
The Sacketts, Book 1
By: Louis L'Amour
Narrated by: John Curless

Series: The Sacketts, Book 1
Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 12-15-99
Language: English
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio
Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
After discovering six gold Roman coins buried in the mud of the Devil's Dyke, Barnabas Sackett enthusiastically invests in goods that he will offer for trade in America. But Sackett has a powerful enemy: Rupert Genester, nephew of an earl, wants him dead. A battlefield promise made to Sackett’s father threatens Genester’s inheritance. So on the eve of his departure for America, Sackett is attacked and thrown into the hold of a pirate ship. Genester's orders are for him to disappear into the waters of the Atlantic. But after managing to escape, Sackett makes his way to the Carolina coast. He sees in the raw, abundant land the promise of a bright future. But before that dream can be realized, he must first return to England and discover the secret of his father's legacy.
Don't miss other titles in The Sacketts series.
©1974 Louis L'Amour (P)2010 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio

Review:
As a man of the Fens in 1599, Barnabas Sackett, doesn’t have a lot of opportunities to advance himself. His life changes when he discovers six gold Roman coins buried in the mud. Barnabas plans to sell the coins for goods to trade in America. Before he can get to the ship, Barnabas stumbles into a man who becomes a powerful enemy. Barnabas doesn’t know Rupert Genester, but Rupert’s uncle, a wealthy earl, has a special interest in Barnabas and Rupert views Barnabas as a threat.
Barnabas has made a couple of friends who have agreed to tie their fortunes with their interesting new friend. The goods and friends have boarded the ship when Barnabas is highjacked by a ‘pirate’, black-hearted captain.

Barnabas survives and escapes, with the help of two new friends, to the unknown (Carolina) American shores. Now they must survive the natives and hope they can begin the trading opportunities Barnabas seeks. Barnabas hopes his friends on the firsts ship will find him before the evil captain manages to track and kill him. Barnabas finds himself having to escape one near-death situation after another.

I loved Barnabas’ feisty intelligence and determination to make his own way rather than accept a possible boon. I have read works by Louis L'Amour and have always thought of him as a great storyteller of westerns. This wonderful adventure shows he is a great storyteller creating likable characters and adventures in other times and places. It appears there is a long line in this series which will follow Barnabas to America and eventually follow his heirs as they make their way in the ‘new world’. I recommend this to fans of strong characters who survive exploring adventures.

Audio Notes: I totally enjoyed the narration by John Curless. The English accents are wonderfully rich and kept me turning this on whenever I could. I would love to listen to more.

(I am a little sorry that the sequels are priced in the midteens which is the range I hesitate to use my credits on. Still, I have added book 2 to my Wish List and will be glad to pull it when I need another fun adventure.)

Source: 2003 Audible title. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.