"The Girl in the Stripped Dress", by Ellie Midwood

WW11, Auschwitz

This fictional story recreates the true story of an SS guard and a Jewish inmate. This powerful tale of forbidden love is brought to life in a heartbreaking and gripping WW11 page-turner.

1947, the trial and 1942, behind the barbed wires

It opens at the denazification hearing of Frank Dahler the SS guard in charge of the Kanada warehouses in Auschwitz concentration camp. He is facing charges of crimes against humanity. Novak, a former inmate, is one of the plaintiffs accusing him of being evil, cruel and very abusive. By his side during the proceeding is, Helena, his wife also a former inmate who worked under his commands.

In alternate chapters and in alternate times, the voice of Helena is heard recounting her experiences during her days in Auschwitz while Frank tells his version of events in turn. Novak adds his say, recounting what he saw insisting that Helena was forced by Dahler, who beat her into submission to completely have her under his control. What he failed to see was the strong attachment the two had for each other. Helena, Frank and Novak stories are completely different. To the observers Helena is not afraid of her husband and both seemed to be truly in love.

This story is wonderfully said. We can visualize every aspect described: bodies burning, human skeletons, the cold the starvation, the terror and the strong attachment between Helena and Frank. Ms. Midwood does a phenomenal job in capturing the time and events in words that brings to life this unusual love story. Undeniably, much effort, thoughts and research went into this book to ensure her story is close to reality as much as possible.

What a story

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley I had the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my thoughts

"Steal Her Breath:, by Melinda Woodhall

A Detective Nessa Ainsley Novella

A Mercy Harbor Thriller

This novella is a prequel to the Mercy Harbor series where we met Nessa. For those who have enjoyed the Mercy Harbor books as well as the Veronica Lee ones you will remember that Nessa Ainsley plays a significant role in both. This short story brings us back in time to the beginning of Nessa’s career when she was promoted to detective in the major crimes division of Rosewood police department.

The story follows Nessa and her partner, Theo, on a case involving the murder of two young college students strangled to death. In its 70 pages or so, this little gem covers a lot. With the investigation, it is so easy to be caught up in the intrigue and be lead into the mind of a twisted killer....There’s plenty of action and the suspense is tense but being a novella things is cut short and the conclusion comes way to soon.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

"Faux Friends", by A.J. McCarthy

The story in a few words:

This mystery brings Chantal Pouliot of the Quebec police force working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in a white-collar-cyber-crime. The safe, tedious job she envisioned swiftly becomes a murder case with possible link to organized crime......

Chantal undercover detective status was put on hold after her last case terribly went wrong six months earlier. She is now back on the saddle and thrown into the life she wanted.....

My thoughts:

Ms. McCarthy pens a suspenseful story with many twists one that kept my attention trying to unravel the truth behind the crime. The investigation leads Chantal and her partner Jeff Lafond on an unexpected adventure through the streets of Quebec City, deep into the criminal underworld and through a mine field of violence. This mystery is a rollercoaster ride of police procedural where no one really trusts anyone. It starts with a bang and never lets up.

In general the characterisation is good but I am not too fond of Chantal, the protagonist. In my eyes she is a spoil brat, always mad and one that doesn’t get along with her male counterpart, a frustrated b...in other words. Too bad Chantal get a grip on yourself.

As for the supporting cast, the players are well defined and play expertly their part whether they are mafia thugs or police officers. Having said this I still love how they interact with each other including all the shenanigans they bring to the table. The story is set in a French environment so a mix of the French language from time to time gives the experience a tad of flair and reality. Well-done and well timed.

“Faux Friends” is a fun and twisted read I enjoyed quite a bit.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

"A Flight of Broken Wigs", by Nupur Chowdhury

A Fantasy novel

Book #1, in the Aeriel Chronicles

This is a story with interesting concepts that pulled me right out of my comfort zone. I am not a huge fan of fantasy/sci-fi but from time to time I give this genre a go and let my mind be transported in an imaginary world right out of the twilight zone.

“A Flight of Broken Wings” narrates the story of a world in which Aeriels (winged immortal beings of energy) and Humans (Hunters) are enemies. It is said in the third person and shift points of views throughout the story. It opens rather slowly and follows Ruban Kinoh, a well-respected Hunter, on his mission to protect the new, enhance weapon formula from Tauheen and her minions.

The author builds the story and the characters in details and keeps a steady pace throughout adding new characters, events and many chases along the way. The dynamic character development creates clear heroes and adversaries. Ms. Chowdhury's vivid description brings her creation to life, everything is magical: towns, cities, the adventure, and the characters we meet. There is also a darker side, horror and brutality is hinted throughout.

At times, the narrative is really long and with the unfamiliar names and locals keeping focus and interest was a challenge. If it weren’t for the action and the unravelling of Ruben’s investigation and how all ties together I might have given up mid-way.

This mix of fantasy with element of Indian culture, sci-fi and mystery is not for everyone but is you like a good fantasy with Aeriels coming from another realm in the sky with beautiful wings waging on earth a centuries old war, this book is for you. For myself this story left me with mixed feelings at times loving it and in other letting my mind meander....

"Blue Madagascar", by Andrew Kaplan

This is one entertaining story I thoroughly enjoyed I am grateful to Smuggler Lane Press and Netgalley for bringing this tittle to my attention and for the opportunity to read and review this book.

If you were or are a fan of Robert Ludlum thrillers and of authors with similar genre you will love “Blue Madagascar”. Along with its characters the plot takes us through the most dangerous locations. The focus is on Casey Raminez, she is fearless and very talented. Homeland Security counts her among their best investigators and do not shy from sending her to help or delay any investigation. She is a fascinating character, well-drawn to play an exciting role. Her latest mission is to find out who was the American killed during a botched jewel heist in Nice, France. Her involvement starts a worldwide hunt and soon a trail of bodies follow her every move to places and where people are more dangerous than she could have believed. But where does Blue Madagascar fit into this ....Looking for it is the thrill of the chase and what makes this thriller one of the best.

The opening is taut, very effective and frightful. There is a lot to sink our teeth in. A lot goes on and many characters pop in and out so it is important to stay focus on the few main characters that repeatedly show up. I enjoyed the ride and the constant intrigue and twists and the many bad guys clashing with each other. The story gives us a lot from car chases, murder and deadly threats ...what a cat and mouse game and what an adrenaline rush the story gives us.

“Blue Madagascar” is intense, fast-paced, and dynamic and most of all very entertaining.

"Her Darkest Night", by Melinda Woodhall

A Veronica Lee Thriller book #6

I must have said this before...I am a huge fan of this author...This is my 10th book I read and all of them have kept me on my toes so captivated to see how the drama would develop and how the intensity in the action would totally immerse me that I would hate to put it aside and so far none were a disappointment. “Her Darkest Night” is on top of the list not only for its exciting build-up and the many twists we find but also for the dynamic and well-drawn characters that populate the pages some are recurring characters which play predominant roles and some new players to add to the thrill. Of course, each thriller has a fresh story and all are set in Willow Bay. Ms. Woodhall’s books are really addictive so be warned.

A little bit of the story

When a vulnerable girl goes missing from Belmore Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, reporter Veronica Lee uncovers a serial killer is behind the disappearance and chief of police is called to investigate the link between the disappearance and a violent fugitive on the run....I will not reveal more I hate when too much is given it tends to spoil the enjoyment (IMO).

Well-written, exciting story and a wonderful cast of good and evil characters what more can we ask...Another winner.

I received a free copy of this book and I leave a voluntary review, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

"Audrey", by Sean-Paul Thomas

Mr. Thomas has an unimaginable range of style and topics from mystery to romance, from books for young adults to some not meant for immature person. You name the genre and for sure you will find one in his library that will catch your fancy. I am honoured to have received this latest from Sean-Paul to read and provide my honest and unbiased thoughts. Thank you.
Short Blurb

“Just out of prison, a young Scottish builder and aspiring writer, meets a washed-up, heavy-drinking, chain-smoking, middle-aged French film actress who tries to help him win back his estranged daughter by getting his screenplay made into a movie in Paris.”

My thoughts

This story was a pleasure to read. Elegantly written “Audrey” pulled me in from the get-go and kept me captive till the very last word. We have three players in this romantic fiction: Joe, the main character with Audrey Beart, the actress, and as supporting cast, Colm, his true friend. Similar to a screenplay this sweet romance spins a tale of someone out of his league seeing the opportunity to realise his dreams and gambles to get it....Every piece , movement, action, expression and dialogues are vividly describes to express the characters feelings. This story can definitely be a blue print for a movie.

“Audrey” is full of unexpected delights and a riot in many ways. We have an introvert meeting an extrovert in a crazy relationship that can never last. Along the way we travel the streets of Paris visiting multiple establishments, we drink a lot, smoke a lot, swear a lot and yes lots of hanky-panky.

What a journey “Audrey” gives and the best fiction I read from this author so far, hopefully there will be more to come.

Well done, well said.

"The Forest of Vanishing Stars", by Kristin Harmel

Eastern Europe during WW11

All WW11 stories, true or fiction are heart breaking, Kristin Harmel spins a beautiful and enlightening tale one that represents the 1000’s of Jewish people who fled the ghetto. It also the story of Yona , a young woman who was taken from her family when she was only two to be raised in the forest by a woman who teaches her how to survive in the wilderness. Her skilled came handy when she connects with a group of refugees.

This is one stirring adventure that is captivating from start to finish. Inspired by incredible true stories of survival “The Forest of Vanishing Stars” is a powerful account of a young woman effort to teach a group of Jewish refugees she encountered in the woods how to evade the Nazis and survive the harsh winters. In turn they teach to open her heart.

Not only is it a unique story colourfully written around facts it also provides us with suspense, thrills and a bit of romance. Most captivating part is when the Nazis were tracking the group then the narrative slowly culminates till we reach the terrifying climax. So well said. Also fascinating is the depth in the personal interaction between the characters and there are a lot of people crossing Yona’s path. The story is told from her point of view.

Ms. Harmel did her extensive research to stay true to the facts but has enhanced the experience with her fertile imagination to give us a more palatable read to enjoy. In her notes at the end of the book is a detailed list of books, documents, notes. etc including an interview with a survivor.

I am a huge fan of this time in history whether the story is fiction or not so not surprising that I loved this story although I admit this one particularly will stay in my mind a little longer.....

Well done

I received a copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Canada via Netgalleys in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

"The Secret War", by Louise Burfitt-Dons

Karen Anderson book #3

This is a work of fiction set during the global pandemic and combines murders, grand conspiracy, a threat to world peace, fake news, grand conspiracy and of course the role played by social media.

When renowned Liverpool Professor Nakamura died of COVID-19 his distant cousin Haruto steps up to straighten out his affairs, he discovers something out of character for the old recluse.... the allegation of sexual assaults and creation of bio-weapons and espionage didn’t sit right with him. With his friend investigator Karen Anderson they set out to find the truth.

Ms. Burfitt peels the layers of her mystery in 5 sections and teases us by revealing slowly, drop by drop in multiple short chapters new information to keep us on our toes wondering what will come up next. The plot development is impressive and suitable for lovers of action. This is a riveting story that includes in parts a Transatlantic crossing on one of the most luxurious ocean liners where most of the action takes place.

The theme running through this story is the world’s vulnerability to bioterrorism where someone deliberately manufactures a lethal virus and plans to release on an unsuspecting city, in this story the target is New York City. Ms. Burfitt-Dons created a modern spin and gave us excellent characters to play different roles in. This tense drama concludes with a satisfying yet unexpected final twist one I did not see coming.

Most of all “The Secret War” is an exciting mystery to pass time with. Well done and well-said.

Thank you, Ms. Burfitt-Dons for providing a copy for my enjoyment in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts.