Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

	Paperback: 416 pages Publisher: Witness Impulse (January 27, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062351540 ISBN-13: 978-0062351548	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

Harland Rath is pulled into the investigation when a young girl disappears. He begins to suspect a serial killer, but no one else can be convinced.

Characters:

Frank Rath – Former Police Detective, now Private Investigator.
Harland Grout – Newly promoted Detective on the Canaan Vermont Police Force.

Review

This was a very involving novel. There’s the one main plot involving Rath, there’s a subplot involving his missing daughter, and a lead-in plot obviously for the next novel involving a man he put in prison for serial killing. The action was pretty well paced out, and the plot was interesting, and a little more planned out then in a lot of novels lately.

You could to witness the characters grow and change. Rath learning to trust his daughter more. Grout learning to be a better detective. This is definitely not a novel though for the easily offended. The main plot line involves a very controversial subject that some readers might find offensive. That would be on the subject of abortion, abortion protestors, and all that is connected.

If the subject matter, and the strong language and content doesn’t offend you though, you’ll find it’s a well written, well planned out novel. I recommend it to all thriller fans out there. Be sure to drop in and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Eric Rickstad is the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Globe & Mail Bestselling author of THE SILENT GIRLS, a #1 bestselling Nook and Kindle novel heralded as intelligent and profound, dark, disturbing, and heartbreaking. His latest novel is LIE IN WAIT. His first novel REAP, a literary suspense novel, was a New York Times Noteworthy Novel. He lives in his home state of Vermont with his lovely wife, daughter, and son.

He is represented by Philip Spitzer of the Philip G. Spitzer Literary Agency.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Lauren at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

1 people like this post.

Like 

Since it’s been a long time we’ve given away anything, I thought I’d kick off the New Year with a big Giveaway.  One lucky winner will receive not one, not two, but all four of Tonya Kappes Ghostly Southern Mysteries.  This is to date the whole series.  So how do you win?  Simply follow the below rules.

1) One Entry if you’re a follower [You can follow through Google Friend connect to the right, you can also sign up to follow through Twitter or Facebook].
2) An Additonal Entry if you blog about this contest.
3) An Additonal Entry if you’re a new follower.
4) One entry each for posting on facebook and/or twitter.
5) Must leave a comment letting me know how you follow me, blog link to this post, facebook/twitter link, etc.
6) Contest will continue until 01/31/2016.
7) This giveaway is open to residents of US only. No PO Box addresses (street mailing only).

If you’re the lucky winner you’ll receive:

A Ghostly Undertaking
A Ghostly Grave
A Ghostly Demise
A Ghostly Murder

Good Luck.

2 people like this post.

Like 

	Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Witness (September 29, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062374931 ISBN-13: 978-0062374936	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

Once again Emma Lee finds herself trying to help a recently departed spirit solve their murder in order to cross over.

Characters:

Emma Lee Raines – Undertaker and communicator with the dead.
Mamie Sue Preston –

Review

This is the fourth and unless things change, final entry in Ms. Kappes Ghostly Southern Mysteries, and like all the rest was a blast to read. As a reader of the whole series, I’ve been able to watch the characters grow. The Emma in this book has much higher self esteem and is more comfortable in her role.

Each of these books, while connected, can also be read as standalones. However, each book will kind of spoil the one prior by mentioning some of the events that occurred, so if you get the chance to read them in order, I’d do so.

I’d rate this for all ages, as there doesn’t seem to be much objectionable outside of the murder, and the violence from those attempting to stop Emma’s investigations. However, none of the violence is graphic, and is more along the lines of what you’d find in a Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew story.

If you like cozy mysteries with a sense of humor, grab this series. Be sure to drop back in and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

For years, USA today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been self-publishing her numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plotlines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Lucy at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

2 people like this post.

Like 

	Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Witness (August 25, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062374915 ISBN-13: 978-0062374912	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

Once again Emma Lee finds herself trying to help a recently departed spirit solve their murder in order to cross over.

Characters:

Cephus Hardy – Recently departed.
Emma Lee Raines – Undertaker and communicator with the dead.

Review

This is the third entry in Ms. Kappes Ghostly Southern Mysteries, and like all the rest was a ton of fun. Emma Raines, and the cast of characters are just enjoyable, and the humor just adds to the storyline. As a reader, I really get the feel of this small town, and really like all the oddball characters.

Like all the rest, there are various subplots involving Emma’s grandmother, her run for mayor, and someone trying to sabotage her campaign. The grandmother out of all the characters, is one of the most fun. None of the characters are really cookie cutter, but each has their own distinct appearance and likeability factor.

If you are into cozy mysteries with a sense of humor, you’d love this series. I can’t think of anything objectionable in it. So check it out and be sure to let us know what you thought.

About the Author

For years, USA today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been self-publishing her numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plotlines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Lucy at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

1 people like this post.

Like 

	Mass Market Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Witness Impulse (September 1, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062441426 ISBN-13: 978-0062441423	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

A CIA Veteran is captured by terrorists. They threaten to kill him if a specific prisoner is not released within a given time frame.

Characters:

Will Cochrane – Special Agent
Patrick Bolte – Director of a join CIA-MI6 task force.

Review

When two people are captured and threatened with death by Terrorists, Patrick Cochrane is forced to seek help to find them. He pulls Will Cochrane into his plans. Cochrane’s journey then takes him across the continent of Europe and into Russia.

I’m not 100% sure what I think of this book. While it seemed a very accurate spy novel, I just didn’t get it. Perhaps my mind was on other things at the time. The author is apparently very well qualified to write about the subject of spies, as he was involved in that type of job.

I have another in this line to read, and perhaps I will be able to better follow it. I didn’t hate this novel. I like the characters. The story seemed a bit cliché’d but then in the end had an unexpected twist. Perhaps the length of this story made things move a little too fast. It was technically a novella, and was only about 178 pages in length. It wasn’t until about the last 20 or 30 pages where I began to understand what the whole point of the story was.

While I didn’t fall in love with this, I do intend to give Mr. Dunn’s novels a second try with The Spy House. I think for fans of real life spy type novels, they’d probably love this. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. I was just kind of left neutral.

But check it out if it’s your type of genre, and let us know what you thought about it.

About the Author

As an MI6 field officer, Matthew Dunn recruited and ran agents, coordinated and participated in special operations, and acted in deep-cover roles throughout the world. He operated in highly hostile environments, where, if compromised and captured, he would have been executed. Dunn was trained in all aspects of intelligence collection, deep-cover deployments, small-arms, explosives, military unarmed combat, surveillance, and infiltration.

Medals are never awarded to modern MI6 officers, but Dunn was the recipient of a very rare personal commendation from the secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs for work he did on one mission, which was deemed so significant that it directly influenced the successful conclusion of a major international incident.

During his time in MI6, Dunn conducted approximately seventy missions. All of them were successful. He lives in England.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Pamela at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

0 people like this post.

Like 

	Paperback: 528 pages Publisher: Witness Impulse (October 6, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062417703 ISBN-13: 978-0062417701	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

In a future society, people are chipped according to their health status. Those who don’t meet a certain standard are lesser citizens. But Reverand Charles Mitchell has a plan to overthrow all that. He will use any means necessary.

Characters:

Dr. Cole Fitzgerald – Chief of Emergency Medicine, Masschusetts General Hospital
Steven Hudson – Owner of Hudson Funeral Homes.
Sebastian Diaz – FBI Special Agent.
Chris Renner – Diaz’s partner.
Charles Mitchell – A Fundamentalist Minister with a dark past.

Review

I found this to be a very well developed and plotted novel. It shows one direction a country can go if it bends to religious fanaticism. Charles Mitchell is under suspicion by the FBI for suspected involve in previous acts of terrorism. Agent Dr. Cole is assigned to go under cover in Mitchell’s Patriot church.

At the same time, Dr. Cole Fitzgerald is trying to find a way to stop the government from implanting the chips in people. His wife was forbidden entry into another country as she didn’t match the proper limits for good health based on her chip and ratings number.

Fitzgerald and Diaz are brother in laws, and will soon find themselves having to work together to stop Mitchell’s dark plans. But how many people will die before they succeed, to find out read Enemies of the Nation.

This book may offend some religiously inclined as it doesn’t look favorably upon the fictional church within it. There is also some strong language, and violence that would not be appropriate for young children, so like most books I review, this one is for older teens and adult audiences.

Overall, I’d recommend this novel. It definitely had one of the most interesting plots of anything I read recently.

About the Author

H.A. Raynes was inspired to write NATION OF ENEMIES by a family member who was a Titanic survivor and another who escaped Poland in World War II. Combining lessons from the past with a healthy fear of the modern landscape, this novel was born. A longtime member of Boston’s writing community, H.A. Raynes has a history of trying anything once (acting, diving out of a plane, white water rafting, and parenting). Writing and raising children seem to have stuck.

Nation of Enemies

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Anwesha at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

0 people like this post.

Like 

	Hardcover: 264 pages Publisher: Waldorf Publishing; 1st edition (August 1, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 1634432649 ISBN-13: 978-1634432641	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Charles Connor played with some of the legendary names in Rock & Roll and Soul. One of his jobs was as drummer for Little Richard. In Keep on Knockin’, Mr. Connor details his life on the road with Little Richard and his band the Upsetters. Like you’d expect with modern bands, with the bands of the 50s and 60s, it was still a lot of rough living and days of sex, drugs, and alcohol.

The book spans Mr. Connor’s life from when he first started playing drums, against all those saying he’d never make it, through time with such people as Professor Longhair. He covers his relationhips, life on the road, and in general just gives a great picture of the life of a band during the early days of rock & roll.

For those with a love and passion for music, an interest in the music history of the 1950s, or just in the mood for a very interesting biography, you should big up Keep A Knockin’. It’s well written, and Mr. Connor Kept me involved in the story. I’d never heard of him prior to reading this story, but through this book I found him a very likeable and engaging person. I’d definitely recommend this book.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Barbara at Waldorf Publishing for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

0 people like this post.

Like 

	Hardcover: 400 pages Publisher: LucasBooks; Original edition (September 4, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 034551162X ISBN-13: 978-0345511621	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

The second death star has been destroyed. The people of the galaxy are free, or are they? Wedge Antilles is on a mission when he is captured. A ragtag bunch is tasked with rescuing him and discovering what the secret meeting of the Empire is all about.

Characters:

Norrra Wexley – Survivor and veteran of the Battle over Endor.
Wedge Antilles – Pilot and General of the Rebel Alliance
Rae Sloan – Imperial Captain of the Ultimatum

Review

If you look at Amazon you’ll see many negative reviews of this book. Many people are upset that the Expanded Universe all Star Wars fans knew was trashed in favor of a new Canon. This novel which essentially negates a fan favored series, therefore was not well received. However, I think those reviews are unfounded. I found this book to be a lot of fun. While there were none of the major characters we’ve grown to love, with the exception of Wedge Antilles, there were a lot of new characters.

These new characters are placed into the Star Wars universe, and fit well. One of the most memorable is a repurposed battle droid. All of the characters were fun, and there were some interesting and exciting action scenes.

One of the interestng aspects was seeing how the defeat of the Empire is seen throughout the galaxy. There is a lot of denial left in all those who served the Empire. They refuse to believe the stories of the Emperor’s death. For those who’d lived life under the thumb of the Empire, it’s as if they are living in a dream too good to be true, and they also have their doubts. This is covered well in the thoughts and feeling of the characters.

Overall, for a kickoff and bridging novel between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, I thought this novel did a great job. As the first book in what is supposedly a trilogy, I liked it and look forward to the next two. There are some things that may be objectionable to some audiences, such as the introduction of a gay character. However it is done subtly.

If you’re a fan of Star Wars and want to find out what occurred after Episode VI, then check out Aftermath. Be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Chuck Wendig is the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, as well as the Miriam Black thrillers, the Atlanta Burns books, and the Heartland YA series, alongside other works across comics, games, film, and more. A finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer and the cowriter of the Emmy-nominated digital narrative Collapsus, he is also known for his popular blog, terribleminds.com, and his books about writing. He lives in Pennsylvania with his family.

You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

0 people like this post.

Like 

	Hardcover: 192 pages Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press (September 4, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 1484724968 ISBN-13: 978-1484724965	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

Set between Episodes IV and VI, this story involves Luke Skywalker seeking out a lost Jedi Temple.

Characters:

Luke Skywalker – Rebel and Jedi in Training

Review

I liked this one. Like others, it was the third in the standalone stories featuring the original 3 characters. It’s geared towards young adults, like others in the series. While I liked it, there were parts that were rather confusing. I think the most blaring is that it seems as if Luke hasn’t met Yoda at this point, yet he is undergoing Jedi training, and seems way more powerful than he did in Return of the Jedi. That to me is a major drawback in the story.

Other than that, I think it was a good Star Wars story featuring Luke and filling in some of those spots between movies. I’d rate this as safe for all ages, and it would definitely appeal to the Star Wars fan both old and new. Drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

I’m the author of The Jupiter Pirates series, published by HarperCollins. In the first book, Hunt for the Hydra, we meet Tycho, Yana and Carlo Hashoone. They’re crewers above the privateer Shadow Comet, siblings and competitors. Each wants to be the next captain of their family’s starship — but only one of them will be chosen.

The Jupiter Pirates is part high-seas adventure and part space-age epic — I’ve had a blast writing the series and can’t wait to share it with people. Officially the Jupiter Pirates books are for kids 8-12, but readers far older than that will enjoy them too.

As for me, I’m a writer, editor, and occasional journalism consultant based in Brooklyn, N.Y, where I live with my wife Emily, my son Joshua and about a metric ton of baseball cards and Star Wars stuff. I’ve written more than two dozen Star Wars books and short stories for publishers including Random House, DK, Scholastic and Disney Books. Before striking out on my own as an independent writer, I spent more than 12 years at The Wall Street Journal Online, where I wrote the Real Time column about technology and co-wrote The Daily Fix, a daily roundup of great sportswriting. I co-write Faith and Fear in Flushing (www.faithandfearinflushing.com), a blog about the New York Mets, with my friend Greg Prince.

If that seems like an odd mix, well, I think so too. But one way or another, I’ve written or worked with writers nearly all my life. It’s all I ever wanted to do, and I’m profoundly grateful that I’ve been able to do it.

Whether you’re writing about a far-off galaxy, a nearby baseball team or the promise of technology, the path to becoming a successful writer is the same: Write every day, learn from other writers and from good editors, push your writing to make sure it’s as clear and engaging as possible, and value every form of writing you get to do. And be nice.

For more on the Jupiter Pirates, drop by jupiterpirates.com. For more about me, see my personal page at www.jasonfry.net or visit my Tumblr at jasonfry.tumblr.com. Thanks for reading!

You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

0 people like this post.

Like 

	Hardcover: 240 pages Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press (September 4, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 1484724976 ISBN-13: 978-1484724972	Order book here:
		Order E-book here:

Synopsis:

Set just after Episode V, Princess Leia leads a team of rebels on a Decoy mission while the rebel fleet groups near the second Death Star.

Characters:

Princess Leia Organa – Rebel Leader.
Nien Nunb – Sullustan Pilot

Review

This was another in the series geared towards younger readers. I comes in at about 135 pages. I thought it was very interesting to see some details on what was going on as they prepared the attack on the 2nd Death Star. This gave you a glimpse in some of the rebel missions, and some of the other characters behind the scenes.

Being as it’s geared towards a younger audience, I’d say it’s appropriate for all ages. For Star Wars fans, or new fans, this is one you’ll enjoy.

About the Author

I’m the author of The Jupiter Pirates series, published by HarperCollins. In the first book, Hunt for the Hydra, we meet Tycho, Yana and Carlo Hashoone. They’re crewers above the privateer Shadow Comet, siblings and competitors. Each wants to be the next captain of their family’s starship — but only one of them will be chosen.

The Jupiter Pirates is part high-seas adventure and part space-age epic — I’ve had a blast writing the series and can’t wait to share it with people. Officially the Jupiter Pirates books are for kids 8-12, but readers far older than that will enjoy them too.

As for me, I’m a writer, editor, and occasional journalism consultant based in Brooklyn, N.Y, where I live with my wife Emily, my son Joshua and about a metric ton of baseball cards and Star Wars stuff. I’ve written more than two dozen Star Wars books and short stories for publishers including Random House, DK, Scholastic and Disney Books. Before striking out on my own as an independent writer, I spent more than 12 years at The Wall Street Journal Online, where I wrote the Real Time column about technology and co-wrote The Daily Fix, a daily roundup of great sportswriting. I co-write Faith and Fear in Flushing (www.faithandfearinflushing.com), a blog about the New York Mets, with my friend Greg Prince.

If that seems like an odd mix, well, I think so too. But one way or another, I’ve written or worked with writers nearly all my life. It’s all I ever wanted to do, and I’m profoundly grateful that I’ve been able to do it.

Whether you’re writing about a far-off galaxy, a nearby baseball team or the promise of technology, the path to becoming a successful writer is the same: Write every day, learn from other writers and from good editors, push your writing to make sure it’s as clear and engaging as possible, and value every form of writing you get to do. And be nice.

For more on the Jupiter Pirates, drop by jupiterpirates.com. For more about me, see my personal page at www.jasonfry.net or visit my Tumblr at jasonfry.tumblr.com. Thanks for reading!

Small Girl. Big Party. Author of the novels Stone in the Sky, Tin Star, Odd Duck, The Year of the Beasts, First Day on Earth, Rose Sees Red, Grandma’s Gloves, Boy Proof, The Queen of Cool, Beige and The Plain Janes/Janes in Love. Former indie rocker known as Nerdy Girl and Cecil Seaskull. DIY filmmaker. enfant terrible. modern 21st century flapper.

You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

0 people like this post.

Like