"The Hitler Years", by Frank McDonough

Volume 1: Triumph 1933-1939

This is an intricate portrait of Adolf Hitler’s political rise and the Nazification of Germany. The author presents Hitler as a master of flexibility and improvisation in his takeover of the German government. The country’s economy was weakened after the Great Depression and the promises he made to end unemployment and to take a grip on the nation’s finances struck a chord with the middle-class. Hitler became chancellor in 1933. Mr. McDonough delves deeply into those years: from the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The volume #1 ends after the military defeat of Poland in 1939.

A chapter is dedicated to each year and chronicles the major events during that time the narrative presents an excellent overview. The book in whole covers a lot of ground from political to personal topics. Although the style is fluid I found this topic not to be an easy read, actually I had a very hard time keeping up with what was said. What a terrible beginning: the brutal violence was astonishing, heinous deeds began such as forced sterilization, aggressive zeal and passionate hatred towards groups I can go on and on this and the book tells all, no wonder it led to worst time. In some ways this is a fascinating book that highlights the aggressive arrogance of Hitler and his cohorts and how weak and slow were Britain and France to response to the brutality against the people of Germany.

I am a huge fan of non-fiction even fiction set during the war time but rarely had I the chance to read books during the pre-war years “The Hitler’s Years” opened my eyes with its breathtaking information, numerous photos and footnotes. If you want clarity on events leading to the war in Europe, this account is worth well giving it a try. But be ready lots is transmitted that can be overwhelming.....

I was given the opportunity to read this ARC from St-Martin Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

"The Chase" by Lisa Harris

US Marshal # 2

This second installment centers on a series of bank robberies and the hunt to catch the suspects. U.S marshal Madison James and her partner Jonas Quinn are assigned to the case. They have little leads to go on with but in no time they pick up the bank rubbers’ trail. As they pursue them from one hostage situation to another they pull us into never ending suspense and a thrilling read.

If you like soft mystery said in a clean language with a bit of romance without crazy sex scenes Revell is your publisher to look for. I like reading the author they take care of and Ms. Harris is at the top of their list. She is one with a pen that provides an exciting story in a moderate pacing and plots that are easy to follow.

Although bank heists are subjects often seen in books and in movies nothing really original there but what make this story different if how the author drives the narrative by giving us a chase where the protagonists not only face immediate danger and dramatic events but melts into the suspense a sweet side where they struggle with their inner selves.

I enjoy being a member of the first reviewer program and I wish to thank the publisher Revell for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"Trans-Express Express", by Warren Adler

I can never say no when I am offered the opportunity to read a story written by Mr. Adler I simply loved the more than 15 books I have read so far having said this I wish to thank the wonderful people at Stonehouse Press as well as Netgalley for providing us with a chance to enjoy some of his creation in exchange for an honest review. Mr. Adler, an author, playwright and poet passed away in 2019.

Set during the height of the cold war Trans-Siberian Express is a tale of love and intrigue set on the Russia’s Trans-Siberian Railway.

An American cancer specialist is sent by the president of the United States to Russia to prolong the life of the Secretary General of the Politburo and while there he accidentally discovers a plan to launch a nuclear strike against China and finds himself dispatched aboard the legendary Trans-Siberian Express. As the train lumbers east across snow-cloaked mountains, glimmering past the forest glow, Anna Petrovna Valentinova, Alex’s alluring traveling companion enchants him with love of her homeland, passionate romance and all this under the watchful eyes of the KGB.

Although this is a work of fiction, this story immerses us in the unique and exotic culture of Russia. The plot involves espionage, love and intrigue not forgetting terms such as Gulag, politburo, Taganka and some hard to pronounce even to remember Russian names. In order not to distract us too much from the plot and yet give us most importantly the cultural landscape and the exotic locations such as Lake Baikal and other curiosities one would encounter on the 7000 mile journey, the glossary is limited to just a few.

Like an old fashion train, the story chugs along and stay that way from start to finish. It is said that this latest edition has been enhanced but stayed true to the period; I would believe it to be. Mr. Adler style is skillful and he seemed to have known Russia well. Those who have read him in the past know that he is strong in character development and does not shy from incorporating numerous sex scenes between his main players. The buildout is in flashbacks revealing the psyche and motivations of those travelers in the same car as the protagonist and believe me we do have a large cast to get acquainted with. The train itself is by far the best character....after all passing long hours travelling in the Siberian wilderness is a total different world we find ourselves in.

I am happy to add this book to my library.

"Blood Ring", by John W Mefford

 

Booker book #4

I love this one it ticked all the right boxes. “Blood Ring” provides an intense although disturbing subject matter from start to finish. Those with a weak stomach may find this story a bit hard to swallow but no worries for those thriller seekers you will be so deeply into it that you will hate to put it aside. This is one of the best stories IMO in this series....Now to pique your interest just a tiny little bit.....

The story in a few words

Time ticks....

Natalie (Booker’s assistant) wild sister is missing and her long-time friend was tortured to death, her body found in mucky waters...could there be a coincidence here? Is there a sexual predator on the loose? Will Natalie suffer the same faith as her friend?.... No time to waste, Booker springs into action and the chase in on for this invisible executor....But will there be enough time before it is too late. Enough time to stop other girls from being plucked off the street to never be seen again.

I don’t want to spoil the fun so you will need to pick up and read this book for all the nitty-gritty details.

More from little old me (lol)

Following Booker is a roller-coaster ride from start to finish so much pulse-pounding thrills in this plot, so many insurmountable obstacles awaits Booker and so many hoops needs to be jumped....more and more sticks in the wheel for our hero to surmount...ouf, plus being dragged into seedy situations by the end Booker will succeed or die trying and we are left with a read that is more than satisfying.

Mr. Mefford has a very twisted imagination in this adventure. Fast-paced and well said “Blood Ring” provides a very intense story for us to enjoy.

Thank you, Mr. Mefford for giving us hours of enjoyment.

"The Clockmaker's Wife", by Daisy Wood

A Big Ben story

This novel skillfully navigates across two timelines: 1940 &2021. Set mostly in London when Britain was gripped by the terror of the Blitz. The story chronicles the fight of one woman (Nell) to save Big Ben from destruction after her husband (Arthur) a clock master responsible for Big Ben was taken prisoner. The present day comes in alternate chapters and explores granddaughter’s (Ellie) search for answers that no one in her family could provide, hoping everything will come clear once she meets relatives in the UK.

The timelines worked well in this novel. It is easy to situate who is talking and where we are. Although I admit to have taken a little bit of time not mixing Nell and Ellie, the two main characters. Although pretty consistent, the tempo is rather slow all through and what is particularly well done is how Ms. Wood vividly paints the scenes so they can be clearly printed in our mind. Not surprising that I preferred Nell’s story to Ellie’s, it is by far more interesting after all WW11 stories have captivated me for many years.

The secret war story behind Arthur and Nell is really what this novel is all about and what kept me turning the page. It is a poignant one that injects in drops some twists to keep us intrigued. Since the German of the time did not have the technology to hit key building this is a highly imaginative story but it is well said and presented.

I was given the opportunity to read this ARC from Avon Books UK via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

"Tightrope", by Ty Patterson

Zeb Carter Thrillers book # 8

Reading any book from this series is exhausting: the action never stops it goes on and on. After so many books I knew I was for a thrilling ride picking up this installment so I needed to time my choice at the right moment in order to enjoy it at its maximum : I did just that and I simply couldn’t put it aside and enjoyed every moment.

In a few words, this thriller has in store for us an exciting and captivating plot that brings Zeb and his team to Beijing China then to the mountains of Afghanistan in pursuit of dangerous leaders in the world. The talent of this team is amazing...ok they are a bit superhuman but after this time I came to expect all the farfetched action that smoothly floats through the pages. Great characterisation for action heroes of course they get their target and eliminate the threats. Mr. Patterson makes us travel to remote place with his characters whether the local geography is wright or not I wouldn’t know but definitely sounds good and a reason along with the action I kept furiously turning pages to see how they would manage to fool their adversaries with their schemes. They have more up their sleeves than I expected.

This thriller does not disappoint, no doubt Mr. Patterson hasn’t lost his touch and continues to entertain. Each story brings a fresh adventure, provides impressive travelling and gives us lots of bullets flying....”Tightrope” would make a great movie...

Once again thank you Mr. Patterson for providing a great story for our enjoyment