Archive for the ‘Thriller’ Category

Review: Bum Rap – Paul Levine

Thursday, July 16th, 2015
Bum Rap
Paperback: 334 pages
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer (July 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1477829865
ISBN-13: 978-1477829868
Order book here:

amazon

Order E-book here:
amazon

Synopsis:

NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter has had it with shifty clients, dirty prosecutors, and a legal system out of whack. It’s enough to make a man want to leave Miami and never look back—until he gets a call from Victoria Lord, the better half of hot local legal team Solomon & Lord. Her partner in life and law has been arrested for murder. What’s worse: the only person who can clear him has fled the city. Now it’s up to Jake and Victoria to track down the witness—a stunning “Bar girl”—before she’s roped in by the feds…or eliminated by the Russian mob.

Jake knows that if he doesn’t get to the witness first, his client’s case is lost. Luckily, he’s got some good advice from his college football coach: “Buckle your chin strap and hit somebody.” And sometimes, the only way to win a tough case is to do just that.

Characters:

Nadia Delova – Russian Immigrant and only witness to a shooting.
Steve Solomon – A man in prison for killing a Russian Mobster.
Jake Lassiter – Former NFL Player and current lawyer.
Victoria Lord – Jake’s Law Partner, and Steve’s Love Interest.

Review

I love a good Mobster thriller and this one filled that interest. At times I was reminded of the hardboiled heroes such as Mike Hammer and Sam Spade in the character of Jake Lassiter. I was bit disappointed in the character of Victoria Lord as her character seemed to be mostly there for window dressing, and to make a potential triangle for Jake and Steve. I’ve not read previous books, so that may just have been the character in this book, but she was the least memorable.

The plot was pretty strong and interesting, involving white slavery and Jewel Smuggling. As I said, a subplot involves a love triangle between the three protagonists.

Overall a good story, and definitely makes me interested in looking at others in the series. So check it out, and be sure to drop in and let us know what you thought. To enter to win a copy see our giveaway here.

About the Author

Paul LevinePaul Levine is best known for two series of legal thrillers: “Jake Lassiter” and “Solomon vs. Lord.” His newest novel, the national bestseller “Bum Rap,” brings together the protagonists of both series in an explosive murder case set on glitzy South Beach.

Levine’s first novel, “To Speak for the Dead,” introduced the world to Jake Lassiter, an NFL linebacker turned hard-nosed lawyer. Lassiter has been described by The Miami Herald as “having more charisma than Perry Mason ever did” and by Booklist as “one of the most entertaining series characters in contemporary crime fiction.”

In “Bum Rap,” Lassiter has had it with sleazy clients, shifty prosecutors, and a legal system out of whack. He’s about to hang up his shingle when Victoria Lord calls. Solomon has been arrested for murder. What’s worse: the only person who can clear him has disappeared. Now it’s up to Lassiter and Lord to track down the witness–a stunning Bar girl–before she’s roped in by the feds…or eliminated by the Russian mob.

Levine’s other series features squabbling lawyers – and lovers – Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord, who duel in and out of court. The Chicago Sun-Times praised “Solomon vs. Lord” as: “Remarkably fresh and original with characters you can’t help loving and sparkling dialogue that echoes the Hepburn-Tracy screwball comedies. A hilarious, touching and entertaining twist on the legal thriller.”

Levine has won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and has been nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award, the Macavity, the International Thriller Writers Award, the Shamus Award, and the James Thurber Humor Prize. A graduate of Penn State and the University of Miami School of Law, he was a trial lawyer before becoming a full-time novelist.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Lisa at TLC Book Tours 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.

Giveaway – Bum Rap – Paul Levine

Thursday, July 16th, 2015

Thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours, I”m able to offer my readers 1 printed copy of this book. To enter, follow these simple rules:Bum Rap

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 07/30/2015.
7) This giveaway is open to residents of US. No PO Box addresses (street mailing only).

See our review here.

Review: Blood Music – Jessie Prichard Hunter

Thursday, April 30th, 2015
Blood Music
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Witness Impulse (April 7, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062389270
ISBN-13: 978-0062389275
Order book here:

amazon

Order E-book here:
amazon

Synopsis:

A killer with a fascination with classical music is killing and raping women. Three people along with the cops become involved in trying to figure out who this killer is and stopping him before he kills again.

Characters:

Zelly Wyche – A young woman who has an almost dangerous obsession with serial killers.
John Nassent – A man whose sister was killed by a serial killer.
Madeleine Levy – A near victim of a serial killer, who managed to escape his clutches.

Review

This novel grabbed me from the very beginning. I could relate to the various characters. The character of Zelly, obsessed with serial killers, and always talking to anyone who’ll listen about them. John Nasent, whose sister was killed by the serial killer in this story, and is bent on avenging her. Then there is Margaret, who just narrowly escaped but is still shattered psychologically.

The author was a bit out of the box, I think on this story, as you know very soon into the novel who the killer is. But the big draw is watching all the other characters and their reactions as they begin to piece together the crimes, and figure it all out.

The scenes of the crimes themselves while violent aren’t as over the top as they could be. Even the fringe characters have full personalities and are not your typical stock characters. You also get to look back into the killer’s life, his childhood, and how he became a killer.

Overall a great psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages. If you’re a fan of the Psycho-Thriller, than you definitely want to pick this one up, and be sure to drop back by and let us known what you thought.

About the Author

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Larissa at Claire Mckinney PR 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.

Review: The Hydra Protocol – David Wellington

Thursday, October 23rd, 2014
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (May 13, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062248804
ISBN-13: 978-0062248800
Order book here:

amazon

Order E-book here:
amazon

Characters:

Jim Chapel – American Spy
Nadia Asimova – KGB Spy

Synopsis:

Jim Chapel is pulled into a secret mission with a Russian counterpart. They must infiltrate and destroy a Russian built computer program that if left to run, may set off all of Russia’s nuclear missiles.

Review

This was a great story. It was the second Jim Chapel story I’d read, and he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite spies. This story takes us around the world, through the desert, and pits him against all sorts of enemies. Some of these enemies are human, and some are the local animals. There’s plenty of twists, turns, and romance. Just what you’d expect out of a good spy novel.

If I had one complaint, it’s that Jim seemed to recover just a little too quickly from his broken relationship, and dive into the arms of another woman. I’d expect someone to be a little more shaken up, and not ready to just jump into another person’s bed, but of course this is the spy world.

Overall, a great spy story that keeps me looking forward to the next entry. Grab a copy, give it a read, and drop back by to let us know what you thought.

About the Author

David Wellington was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The acclaimed author is most famous for his online serialized zombie novel, the Monster Island trilogy, later published by Thunder’s Mouth Press. In 2006, he began serializing Thirteen Bullets, a vampire novel. He lives in New York City. His previous Jim Chapel missions include Chimera and Minotaur.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Ashley 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.

Review: Tracker – James Rollins

Thursday, July 31st, 2014
Print Length: 83 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13: 978-
Order e-book here:
amazon

Characters:

Tucker Wayne – Former U.S. Army Ranger
Kane – Military trained canine.

Synopsis:

Tucker Wayne and his faithful companion Kane are introduced in this kickoff to their own series. The story begins when they rescue a woman. This woman however has a secret tied to Nazi Germany. What secrets does she hold, and what dangers will Tucker and Kane face, to find out read Tracker.

Review

I really loved these characters. I’ve not read a lot of Mr. Rollins works, though I have friends who are devoted followers of his writing. However, the few books I’ve read I’ve found enjoyable. This one is no exception. The characters are well developed, and realistic. Unlike other stories, where the animal is merely there, Kane has an active part in the story and at times is a POV character. That is often some of the more interesting aspects of the story, seeing Kane and his training and thoughts.

Language is a minimum, so all ages will probably find this appropriate. At 83 pages, it can be read in an afternoon, and is a great kickoff to the Tucker and Wayne series, and a good companion series to the Sigma Force of which this is loosely tied. So for a great, quick adventure, pick up a copy of tracker and be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

James Rollins is the New York Times bestselling author of thrillers translated into forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the “top crowd pleasers” (New York Times) and one of the “hottest summer reads” (People magazine).

Acclaimed for his originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets—and he does it all at breakneck speed. Find James Rollins on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, and at www.jamesrollins.com.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Danielle 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.

Review: The Executioner: A Love Story – Melissa Silvey

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014
Print Length: 254 pages
Publisher: Melissa Silvey (June 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13: 978-
Order e-book here:
amazon

Characters:

Florian Desjardins – Secret Assassin.
Jordan Stewart – Technological Whiz
Agent Vince Argento – Federal Investigator

Synopsis:

A trained assassin finders herself as the target, when it’s discovered that someone is out to kill her. She ends up on the run with her next door neighbor, and a Federal Agent. What they find is how much they all three need each other.

Review

This book was a bit of a stretch outside my normal genres of reading. While I’ve done books on sexual themes before, I always find it a bit difficult relating to characters going through things I’ve not experienced. That being said, I found myself liking these characters. Each of the three primary characters seemed to have traits that the others depended on. That hold true in almost any relationship. My wife and I bring different strengths to our relationship, and Florian, Jordan, and Vince did the same to theirs. While I’ve never been involved in a polyamorous relationship, I can kind of understand it, and support it.

Due to the sexuality, this book may not appeal to all readers. It involves multiple pairings of sexuality from m/m, to m/f and m/f/m. But for some of the more open minded readers, I think you may find yourself enjoying the story. In the end it’s a love story about 3 people, all broken, and all needing something in each other to repair the cracks in themselves.

I’d rate it for adults due to the content. But I think it has its appeal to the modern reader and think you’d find it enjoyable. Be sure and check it out, and drop back by to let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Melissa Silvey is a West Virginia native currently residing in Alabama. She is a 43 year old mother and college student.

She’s taken several creative writing classes and workshops, and is actively trying every day to improve her writing. She still doesn’t know what she wants to major in, it changes every day but she’s leaning toward law.

The good thing about her mind changing every day is that she’s always thinking: what if. And what if usually leads to a new idea for a book. She’s been writing since she was a child, but only recently found an outlet in e-books.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Author 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.

Review: The Execution – Dick Wolf

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: William Morrow (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: ISBN-10: 0062064851
ISBN-13: 978-ISBN-13: 978-0062064851
Order book here:

amazon

Order E-book here:
amazon

Characters:

Jeremy Fisk – Detective, NYPD Intelligence Division
Cecilia Garza – Commandante of the Policia Federal also known as the Ice Queen.

Synopsis:

Twenty Three headless bodies are found on the U.S. Mexican Border. Commandante Cecilia Garza is called in to investigate and this puts her on the trial of a warlord known as The Hummingbird. Jeremy Fisk is pulled into the plot when similar bodies are found washed up in New York. The two officers must overcome their own strong personalities and find a way to catch the killer before tragedy strikes.

Review

Okay, in my review of the previous novel, my biggest complaint was character development. The characters this time around are a little more developed, they actually began to grow on me. In particular, I found myself really liking the tough as nails character of Cecilia Garza. Fisk himself showed a little more of an edge in this followup, then he did in the previous novel.

The drawback this time though, is the plot. While it’s a very strong plot, it’s almost redundant to the plot of the previous novel. Two detectives must stop an Assassin before he kills a major world leader at a highly publicized event. Slight details changed, but overall it was very similar to The Intercept.

That aside though, I did enjoy it because it was different enough in the finer details that it made a good story with interesting characters. Another great summer time read for all of you out there, but as previously, I’d put an older teen/adult warning on it for violence and adult situations.

About the Author
Dick Wolf, a two-time Emmy award-winning writer, producer, and creator, is the architect of one of the most successful brands in the history of television—NBC’s Law & Order, among the longest-running scripted shows.

Wolf has won numerous awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series (Law & Order) and Outstanding Made-for-Television Movie (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee); a Grammy; and an Edgar.

He is the New York Times bestselling author of The Intercept; The Execution is the second book in his Jeremy Fisk series. He lives in Southern California.

 

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Daniella 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.

Review: The Intercept – Dick Wolf

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: William Morrow; 1 edition (December 26, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: ISBN-10: 0062064835
ISBN-13: 978-ISBN-13: 978-0062064837
Order book here:

amazon

Order E-book here:
amazon

Characters:

Jeremy Fisk: NYPD Detective, Assigned to FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Krina Gersten : Fisk’s partner.

Synopsis:

A Passenger plane is hijacked midflight and in risk of being flown into New York City. Five Passengers and a Flight Attendant manage to overtake the Hijacker. As a result, they become media celebrities and involve in a plot larger than just a stolen plane.

Review

I enjoyed the story behind this. I found the plot fast paced and interesting, as well as reflecting current situations. This wasn’t surprising though, given the author is Dick Wolf of Law & Order fame. The plot seems like something that could have been yanked from the headlines, a plot by extremists to take out former President Bush as well as President Obama.

Jeremy Fisk is assigned to track down and stop the terrorists, while his partner, and unknown to anyone else lover, is assigned the minor task of guarding or in her thoughts, babysitting, these 6 passengers.

While the plotline is great, the characters to me felt a little flat. Unlike Law & Order where you’ve had multiple seasons to get to know each character, in novels you only get a limited number of pages. These characters seems a bit flat. I don’t know much more about Fisk or Gersten after I read the book, then I really knew about them before.

That’s my one complaint though, and Mr. Wolf’s stories have always been mostly plot and story driven rather than character driven to begin with, so look at this as an extension of Law & Order.

Overall, I found it enjoyable, but would would have had more of an impact if I’d cared about the characters. When characters are killed or injured in novels, I want to feel something for them, and unfortunately in this, I didn’t feel that.

Does that detract from the overall novel. For most people, probably not, but I’m a character person. I like to put myself into the skin of the character. While I enjoyed it, and would probably read more by Mr. Wolf, I would hope that the characters end up growing on me.

For fans of Law & Order, and fast paced plots and thrillers, grab this book. With summer coming up, it’ll be a great beach read. Older teens and adults for violence and adult situations.

About the Author

Dick Wolf, a two-time Emmy award-winning writer, producer, and creator, is the architect of one of the most successful brands in the history of television—NBC’s Law & Order, among the longest-running scripted shows.

Wolf has won numerous awards, including Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series (Law & Order) and Outstanding Made-for-Television Movie (Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee); a Grammy; and an Edgar.

He is the New York Times bestselling author of The Intercept; The Execution is the second book in his Jeremy Fisk series. He lives in Southern California.

 

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Danielle 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.

Giveaway – The Condor Song – Darryl Nyznyk

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

Thanks to Elaine at PR By The Book and the Author, I”m able to offer my readers 1 copy of this book. To enter, follow these simple 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 7/23/2013.
7) This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada. No PO Box addresses (street mailing only).

See our review here.

1 people like this post.

Review: The Condor Song – Darryl Nyznyk

Monday, July 1st, 2013
Paperback: 360 pages
Publisher: Cross Dove Publishing, LLC; 1 edition (May 28, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0965651398
ISBN-13: 978-0965651394
Order book here:

amazon

Order E-book here:
amazon

Characters:

Sean Michael Donovan – A Lawyer with his career on the skids.
Richard Wolf – Corporate Attorney

Synopsis:

Assassins, A fight for property, and an endangered species all come together in this Environmental Thriller as Sean Michael Donovan is pulled into a world where people are being killed in order to build a ski themed amusement park.

Review

This novel is inspired by a true life fight between Walt Disney and the Sierra Club in the 60s and 70s. Disney wanted to build a $35 Million ski resort in the Mineral King Valley of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Sierra Club took them to court and eventually lost. On April 19, 1972 the U.S. Supreme Court said in Sierra Club Vs. Morton that they could not stop the U.S. Forest Service from giving Disney permission to construct their ski resort.

In The Condor Song, Darryl Nyznyk introduces us to Sean Michael Donovan, a down on his luck lawyer just waiting for a break that will restore his legal career. Throughout the novel we see what caused Sean’s fall from grace and his possible redemption.

But the main story is about greed and how far we as a civilization in our willingness to destroy our environment for the sake of money will go.

The storyline was compelling. There was constant danger, and the conflict and suspense kept me turning the pages. The characters were well developed. Sean at first is an annoying, whining, little man that I had o sympathy for, but as his character unfolded and he grew throughout the story, I began to admire his courage in standing up for his convictions.

Overall I found it a good story with a timely message. Unfortunately it seems, that message hasn’t changed in the last 40 years. Maybe we’ll get it right in the next 40.

On July 1st, 2013 any copies of this novel purchased through Amazon (books and ebooks) will result in $1 being donated to the Sierra Club for the protection of public land and wildlife. So purchase a copy, get a good story, and support a good cause all at the same time.

About the Author

Darryl Nyznyk lives in Manhattan Beach, CA with his wife, Loretta. After practicing law for 20 years, Nyznyk became a full-time writer and teacher. He is also the author of the holiday novel, Mary’s Son; A Tale of Christmas. For more information, please visit www.crossdovepublishing.com.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Elaine at prbythebook 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.