Archive for the ‘Blog Tour’ Category

	Ebook Publisher: Alibi (August 5, 2014) Language: English	Order book here:

Characters:

Jules Landau – Chicago Private Eye.
Bernie Landau – Jules’ Father and an ex con.
Jimmy Kalijero – Chicago Detective.
Voss – Internal Affairs Officer.

Synopsis:

Jules Landau’s old friend Charles “Snooky” Snook has been murdered, his body left on a construction site. Bernie Landau, Jules’ father hires him to find out who murdered Snooky. Jules will find himself facing off against the local cop Jimmy Kalijero and being followed by an internal affairs officer named Voss. He’ll also find people trying to kill him to keep Snooky’s murder from being solved.

Review

I really found myself enjoying this book. It reminded me of the old private eyes like Mike Hammer and Philip Marlowe. There are plenty of twists, fist fights, and just all around fun private eye action. The plotline is well drawn out. The characters I found very likeable and 3 dimensional. Mr. Krulewitch helped fill in with some interesting background characters such as an old retired Gangster named Frownie.

The story kept my attention, to the point where I actually finished the book in a little over a day. I really look forward to more entries from Mr. Krulewitch in the Jules Landau series. For a modern take on the classic private eye, he’s done a very good job, and things can only get better.

About the Author

Marc Krulewitch grew up in the Chicago suburbs, although his crime novels take place in the Windy City, where he was born and where his family has lived for generations. Maxwell Street Blues is the first in what he hopes to be a long and enduring detective series. His great-grandfather once shared a headline with Al Capone.

*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.

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	Mass Market Paperback: 528 pages Publisher: Harper (May 27, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062122827 ISBN-13: 978-0062122827	Order book here:
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Characters:

Captain Turk Mako – U.S. Air Force Pilot.
Christine Todd – U.S. President.
Captain Parsa Vahid – Iranian Pilot.

Synopsis:

The U.S. has discovered that Iran may be secretly working on nuclear missile technology. A special department of the Department of Defense pulls in Captain Turk Mako to go behind Iranian lines and destroy the production facility. However, things are not as simple as they seem. While trying to destroy the factory, Turk must also avoid and fight off his Iranian counterpart Parsa Vahid.

Review

This was a fairly exciting novel with a lot of action sequences. For those who like Air Force type thrillers, air battles, and scientific weaponry, this is a thriller made for you. The writing style was very detailed and presented a visual image of Turk’s surroundings as he battled his way in and out of Iran.

The characters were well developed, and I found myself like Turk. While war novels typically aren’t a genre I read a lot of, I found myself enjoying this, and would definitely read of Turks adventures. If I had to put it into a category, I’d say fans of Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy will probably find a lot to love in this book.

I’d rate it PG-13 for teens and older due to the content. But for a fun, fast ride into and out of Iran, and some great air battles, pick up Drone Strike, and be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Former U.S. Air Force captain Dale Brown is the superstar author of 21 action-adventure “techno-thriller” novels: FLIGHT OF THE OLD DOG (1987), SILVER TOWER (1988), DAY OF THE CHEETAH (1989), HAMMERHEADS (1990), SKY MASTERS (1991), NIGHT OF THE HAWK (1992), CHAINS OF COMMAND (1993), STORMING HEAVEN (1994), SHADOWS OF STEEL (1996), FATAL TERRAIN (1997), THE TIN MAN (1998), BATTLE BORN, (1999), WARRIOR CLASS (2001), WINGS OF FIRE (2002), AIR BATTLE FORCE (2003), PLAN OF ATTACK (2004), ACT OF WAR (2005), EDGE OF BATTLE (2006), STRIKE FORCE (May 2007), SHADOW COMMAND (2008) ROGUE FORCES (2009), EXECUTIVE INTENT (2010) and A TIME FOR PATRIOTS (May 2011). Fourteen of his novels have been New York Times best-sellers. He is also the co-author of the best-selling DREAMLAND techno-thriller series and writer and technical consultant of the Act of War PC real-time strategy game published by Atari Interactive and the Megafortress PC flight simulator by Three-Sixty Pacific. Dale’s novels are published in 11 languages and distributed to over 70 countries. Worldwide sales of his novels, audiobooks and computer games exceed 12 million copies.

Dale was born in Buffalo, New York on November 2, 1956. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Western European History and received an Air Force commission in 1978. He was a navigator-bombardier in the B-52G Stratofortress heavy bomber and the FB-111A supersonic medium bomber, and is the recipient of several military decorations and awards including the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Combat Crew Award, and the Marksmanship ribbon. Dale was also one of the nation’s first Air Force ROTC cadets to qualify for and complete the grueling three-week U.S. Army Airborne Infantry paratrooper training course. He was also an Air Force instructor on aircrew life support and combat survival, evasion, resistance, and escape.

Dale supports a number of organizations to promote law enforcement, education, and literacy. He is a Life Member of the Air Force Association, U.S. Naval Institute, and National Rifle Association. He is a command pilot for Angel Flight West (www.angelflightwest.org), a group that donate their time, skills, and aircraft to fly medical patients free of charge. He is also a mission pilot with the Civil Air Patrol, flying a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Air Force and other federal agencies. He is a multi-engine and instrument-rated private pilot and can often be found in the skies all across the United States, piloting his Piper Aztec-E airplane. On the ground, Dale enjoys tennis, scuba diving, and soccer. Dale, his wife Diane, and son Hunter live near Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Megan 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.

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	Hardcover: 368 pages Publisher: William Morrow; First Edition edition (February 19, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0061990639 ISBN-13: 978-0061990632	Order book here:
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Characters:

Duncan Kincaid – Police Investigator
Emma James – Police Inspector
Melody Talbot – Detective
Andy Monahan – Inspiring Musician

Synopsis:

When a man is found bound and gagged, dead in a motel room, the main suspect becomes a young Up and coming musician who was one of the last people to have contact with the man. But the true answers will lie in the past.

Review

This was truly a book I couldn’t put down. From the time I picked it up, to the next day I was almost constantly reading it. The characters pulled me in, the story grabbed me, and seeing the history unfold and the events lead up to where the past and present connected proved to be very interesting. While I believe this is #15 in a series, I hadn’t read any of the prior series before receiving a copy of this. This is one I’ll definitely go back and check out previous entries on.

The author, born and raised in Texas does a very good job, in my opinion, of capturing the feel of England. I didn’t know until I had gotten to the end of the book that the author was not British. She really knows her stuff, and how to spin a great tale and create great characters.

On a scale, I’d say for older teens and adults due to some dark imagery and the content, although there aren’t a whole lot of objectionable material, there is enough that fans of the cozy mystery might not find it as appealing. But for those who want to read a great thriller, go out and grab The Sound of Broken Glass, and be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Deborah Crombie was born in Dallas and grew up in Richardson, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas, second child of Charlie and Mary Darden. A rather solitary childhood (brother Steve is ten years older) was blessed by her maternal grandmother, Lillian Dozier, a retired teacher who taught her to read very early. After a rather checkered educational career, which included dropping out of high school at sixteen, she graduated from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, with a degree in biology.

She then worked in advertising and newspapers, and attended the Rice University Publishing Program. A post-university trip to England, however, cemented a life-long passion for Britain, and she later immigrated to the UK with her first husband, Peter Crombie, a Scot, living first in Edinburgh, Scotland, and then in Chester, England.

After returning to Dallas and working for several years in her family business (manufacturer’s reps for theatre concessions) while raising her daughter Kayti, she wrote her first Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid/Sergeant Gemma James novel. A Share in Death [Scribner, 1993], was subsequently given Agatha and Macavity nominations for Best First Novel of 1993. The fifth novel, Dreaming of the Bones (Scribner 1997), a New York Times Notable Book for 1997, was short-listed by Mystery Writers of America for the 1997 Edgar Award for Best Novel, won the Macavity award for Best Novel, and was voted by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association as one of the hundred best mysteries of the century. Her subsequent novels have been received with critical acclaim and are widely read internationally, particularly in Germany.

In 2009, Where Memories Lie won the Macacity Award for Best Novel. In 2010, Necessary as Blood received a Macavity nomination for Best Novel.

Crombie’s novels are published in North America, Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Spain, Romania, Greece, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and numerous other countries.. The latest novel in the series, No Mark Upon Her, will be published in August, 2011 by Pan Macmillan in the UK, and in February, 2012 by William Morrow in the US.

Although she travels to England several times a year, Crombie now lives in McKinney, Texas, an historic town north of Dallas, sharing a 1905 house with her husband, Rick Wilson, two German shepherds (Hallie and Neela), and three cats. She is currently working on her fifteenth Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James novel, as yet untitled.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Andrea 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.

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	Hardcover: 480 pages Publisher: Liveright (February 3, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 0871404273 ISBN-13: 978-0871404275	Order book here:
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Characters:

Abraham Lincoln – Sixteenth President of the United States.
Mary Todd Lincoln – First Lady.

Synopsis:

Lincoln’s life told from a first person perspective and in the form of a historical novel.

Review

Jerome Charyn is mostly known by me for his Isaac Sidel police novels. This one was a great change of pace, and was about one of my own personal heroes. The novel covers Lincoln’s life from working in a general store all the way up through his election and subsequent assassination.

History unfolds through the eyes of Lincoln and the reader gets a chance to see into Lincoln’s head as he reacts to the events going on around him. We get to witness the death of his sons, his wife’s descent into mental health, and the struggles he dealt with in trying to hold together the republic. The reader also gets a glimpse into the seldom looked at element of Mr. Lincoln and that is his struggles with depression. This aspect of the novel really gives him a humanity and brings the character to life, and is very relatable to the reader.

I actually learned quite a bit about Lincoln while reading this. For example, I’d never heard of the Clarys Grove Boys until reading this. A lot of the information seemed consistent with historical fact, though I think the author may have taken some artistic license in recreating conversations.

Overall though, I found it very enjoyable and I think it would appeal to the history fans and those who are fans of historical fiction. So check it out, and be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Jerome Charyn (born May 13, 1937) is an award-winning American author. With nearly 50 published works, Charyn has earned a long-standing reputation as an inventive and prolific chronicler of real and imagined American life. Michael Chabon calls him “one of the most important writers in American literature.”

New York Newsday hailed Charyn as “a contemporary American Balzac,” and the Los Angeles Times described him as “absolutely unique among American writers.”

Since the 1964 release of Charyn’s first novel, Once Upon a Droshky, he has published 30 novels, three memoirs, eight graphic novels, two books about film, short stories, plays and works of non-fiction. Two of his memoirs were named New York Times Book of the Year. Charyn has been a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. He received the Rosenthal Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and has been named Commander of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture.

Charyn was Distinguished Professor of Film Studies at the American University of Paris until he left teaching in 2009.

In addition to his writing and teaching, Charyn is a tournament table tennis player, once ranked in the top 10 percent of players in France. Noted novelist Don DeLillo called Charyn’s book on table tennis, Sizzling Chops & Devilish Spins, “The Sun Also Rises of ping-pong.”

Charyn lives in Paris and New York City.

Jerome Charyn’s web site:
http://www.jeromecharyn.com/

Jerome Charyn’s Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/jerome.charyn

Jerome Charyn’s Twitter:
http://twitter.com/jeromecharyn

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out Nicole at Tribute 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.

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	Paperback: 302 pages Publisher: Alala Books (May 9, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0615710808 ISBN-13: 978-0615710808	Order book here:
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Synopsis:

A poignant memoir of a young girl forced into the Foster Care system after the death of her mother.

Review

I don’t know where to begin on this book. I got halfway through it, and didn’t know whether I could finish it. The young woman’s story hit me on very personal levels and I could feel the pain seeping from the pages. But I owed it to her, to the readers of this website, and myself to find out how her story ended, at least insofar as this book.

It’s not just a look at the Foster Care system itself, but it’s a story of survival. Like the author, I also grew up in the Foster Care system, but my experiences were much different than hers. In 2011 alone, there were an estimated 400,000 kids in the Foster Care system. Almost 50% of those were in the homes of strangers.

Her story is one of group homes, juvenile centers, and private foster care homes. I would hope that her experience was unique, but from I’ve personally seen, her background is more of the rule than the exception.

The book was beautifully written, and really grabbed your attention. It’s not for the weak of heart though. It details childhood sexual abuse, drug abuse, and many of the reactions that come as a result of a painful background.

But for a glimpse into her life, and into the life of a Foster child, I heartily recommend that you pick this book up. The author has informed me that she has two more in the works, which I look forward to reading to see how her life advanced after her time in Foster Care.

About the Author

Georgette Todd has a BA in English and Journalism, attended law school and has a MFA in English, Non-Fiction Creative Writing from Mills College. Her writing has been featured on National Public Radio, in San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento News & Review and other publications.

In 2011, Georgette was honored for her work in co-creating the first full-time youth advocacy program in America, a pioneering achievement in child welfare history. At present, Georgette is completing one of the two “Foster Girl” sequels, “Interviewing My Last Mother.”

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Georgette Todd at 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.

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	Print Length: 64 pages Publisher: William Morrow Impulse (October 22, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: n/a ISBN-13: 978-n/a	Order e-book here:

Characters:

Arthur Crane – A reporter investigating a mysterious series of Deaths and looking for his brother Christian.
Officer Miller – Police Officer performing security at a funeral.

Synopsis:

Reporter Arthur Crane is investigating a group known as the Belial. An orchid is left in his room, and leads him to a series of brutal murders. He’s also concerned with the disappearance of his brother Christian. How are all these events connected?

Review

I’d never read James Rollins before. Religious based fiction has never been a huge draw to me, but I found myself pulled into this story and wanted to know more. It was an excellent leadin to the followup novel Blood Innocent.  For such a short story, the authors managed to pack a lot of action and story into the pages.  It definitely accomplished its purpose of making me eager to read the followup novel, which I also review.

About the Authors

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.

Rebecca Cantrell’s Hannah Vogel mystery novels have won the Bruce Alexander and Macavity awards and have been nominated for the Barry and RT Reviewers Choice awards; her critically acclaimed novel, iDrakula, was nominated for the APPY award and listed on Booklist’s Top 10 Horror Fiction for Youth.

She and her husband and son just left Hawaii’s sunny shores for adventures in Berlin. Find Rebecca Cantrell on Facebook, and Twitter, and at www.rebeccacantrell.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.

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	Hardcover: 448 pages Publisher: William Morrow (December 10, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: ISBN-10: 0061991066 ISBN-13: 978-ISBN-13: 978-0061991066	Order book here:
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Characters:

Christian Crane – A Member of the Sanguines
Dr. Erin Granger – A College Professor of Archaeology.
Sergeant Jordan Stone – A Military Forensics Expert.

Synopsis:

Father Ruhn Karza has disappeared. Dr. Erin Granger and Sgt. Jordan Stone are pulled back into action against the forces of evil. A mysterious figure known as Damnatus and a woman involved in the disappearance of Father Kuhn join in a race against time to either bring about or prevent the end of the world.

Review

This was a great adventure. There was the introduction of many figures from history. While it started out a little slow, once I got into the swing of the story, I couldn’t quit turning the pages. While it’s not exactly my cup of tea, I found myself enjoying it. For the average fantasy fan, you may find it a bit to religousy, but for fans of religious fiction and fans of the author(s), I’m sure you’d love every minute of it.

Much of the plot tied to the book of Revelations. As it does touch on dark topics, it would be way too dark for young readers so I’d say adults and 17 or over is the most likely audience. I was surprised at how something listed as Christian Fiction could actually be so dark, but I found myself really enjoying it, and want to go back and read more about the Sanguines and the Belial’s. There is also one scene of sex that may offend some with more prudent tastes. Overall though, I found the book enjoyable and would recommend it.

About the Authors

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.

Rebecca Cantrell’s Hannah Vogel mystery novels have won the Bruce Alexander and Macavity awards and have been nominated for the Barry and RT Reviewers Choice awards; her critically acclaimed novel, iDrakula, was nominated for the APPY award and listed on Booklist’s Top 10 Horror Fiction for Youth.

She and her husband and son just left Hawaii’s sunny shores for adventures in Berlin. Find Rebecca Cantrell on Facebook, and Twitter, and at www.rebeccacantrell.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.

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Thanks to Teddy at Virtual Author Book Tours I”m able to offer my readers a copy of this book in their choice of printed or ebook. 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 12/19/2013.
7) This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada. No PO Box addresses (street mailing only).

See our review here.

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Thanks to Teddy at Virtual Author Book Tours I”m able to offer my readers 1 print or ebook 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 12/05/2013.
7) This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada. No PO Box addresses (street mailing only).

See our review here.

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	Paperback: 84 pages Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 4, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1491082321 ISBN-13: 978-1491082324	Order book here:
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Characters:

Chloe Miller –
Jacob Miller – Six or seven year old boy.
Emily Miller – The eldest of the Miller Siblings.

Synopsis:

Three young children, bored, and tired of living at home set out for the imaginary land of Galumphagos Island. Once there they learn that sometimes getting what you want isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Review

I found this to be a very cute little story. At just 84 pages it can be read in one or two nights. While I don’t have kids, it’s aimed at the third grade and above level, and I think kids at that level will find it a very enjoyable story. The more timid kids though may find themselves having nightmares of the Galumphers. However the book I think is very good at teaching cooperation, thinking creatively, and never giving up. It is both entertaining, and educational and for that alone I’m happy to recommend it to anyone with children or grandchildren.

Thanks to Teddy we are able to offer 1 copy of Journey to Galumphagos to a lucky reader. Simply go here and enter.

About the Author

Seth Eisner was an unemployed English professor who wrote a 400-page dissertation on Jane Austen before he gave up trying to be poor and went to law school. He spent most of his career as inside counsel at Kraft Foods. He retired as Vice President and Associate General Counsel.

Seth has been married to Rosalind for 44 years during which she has shown almost infinite patience. They have three adult children, three children-in-law, and six grandchildren, none yet old enough to read Journey to Galumphagos, but they will be by the time the sequel comes out next year.

Seth Eisner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seth.eisner.98?fref=ts

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Teddy at Virtual Author 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.

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