"One Last Shot", Susan May Warren

Alaska Air One Rescue book #1

Oaken Fox, a country music star, wants to boost his fan base and joins survivalist Mike Grizz’s new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness. It didn’t take long for tragedy to strike and have Air One Rescue on site, the experience was enough for Oaken call it quits but his producer has other plans for him...On the other side, Rookie EMT Boo Kingston is there to keep Oaken safe and is assigned to his training and safety.........and the story goes on when five women goes missing and Air One team uses all the skills to find them, Oaken needs to step up and be part of the team.

No lack of action in this one. If you like search and rescue activities in a mountainous environment you will be very happy with this story. We learn about ascender, carabiners, tension, knots and the many techniques used for a safe rescue. The narrative is very active I felt I was there with each step the characters took. The tension in vivid and intriguing in some ways, we never know what will happen next. Sure way to keep us turning the pages and interesting in the drama. Yes drama there is attraction between Boo and Oaken, tragedy: people getting lot or hurt, threatening others, you name it, you will find it here. What I like the best is the camaraderie played out between characters. They mess with each other and will go to no ends to help.

“One Last Shot” is all about ones last chance to start all over again, putting the past behind, forget and forgive and to look forward to a new beginning. Boo and Oaken’s characters show us how this is possible...

I received this ebook from Revell via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.

"Vanishing Angels", by Melinda Woodhall

Book#1, in Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery Thriller series

Melinda no doubt has found her perfect formulae and is sticking to it when it comes to giving us suspenseful and intriguing stories. In this new series we find the same beat her other series have given us. A heroine with a painful past who may or may not be an officer of the law, gruesome murders to pick interest, a vicious predator to hate, exciting plot full of action to please us and she never forgets to set the stage in a small town and always ads icing on the cake by introducing a smart dog and why not an handsome man to boot.....oh yes, not forgetting a plot that holds attention from start to finish and characters to die for....awe another winner.

In a few words:

FBI Special Agent Bailey Flynn is hoping that she and her search and rescue dog Ludwig can make a fresh start and start a new life in Belle Harbor. It was not meant to be: a vicious predator is stalking the coastal town. The life of someone dear to Bailey was taken..... Bailey needs to put the past behind and track down this killer before he strikes again.....

I was pinned to this story and I zipped through it in no time. Well-said, Well-done

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

"The Lies We Told", by Roberta Kagan

 Margot’s Secret Book #4

This is the final book in this wonderful series and it can be read on its own but I highly recommend you read this series in order in order to get the maximum pleasure of being immersed into the world of the characters. The stories are unputdownable.

In this last installment, Margot’s is a woman with a secret that could be deadly if uncovered. She becomes even more desperate when she meets Kurtis, a Nazi officer and soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies. Eventually she sees that be marrying Kurtis her hopes are that he will take care of her and that he will accept the child she is carrying as his own, ( of course he should never know the baby is not his). While in Berlin, her estranged sister, Trudy, has a dangerous affair with Peter, an SS officer. Their world clashes and all come to an end.

Although this story has much going on and you need to pay attention to follow all the coming and going. Of course if you read the previous installment it will be easier to put all the characters in the right place. Recurring characters have their own story and the few new ones add to the challenge of remembering them. Along the way we meet well known figures in history such Eva Braun and Hitler, and the usual Nazi conspirators. Along with these well-known personages we go to a party at Eagle’s Nest. So this story although fictional dabbles in some true events.

The story moves at a steady pace and is smoothly writing and very enjoyable to read. I loved this series and hate to see it end.

Well-said, well-done

I received this ARC from the Book Whisperer via Netgalley

"The Peace", by Roméo Dallaire

A Warrior’s Journey

Through the prism of his own life, General Roméo Dallaire takes us on a journey from the past wars through post-modern conflicts and toward his vision of lasting peace. Daillaire in good faith commanded the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Rwanda only to see the country abandoned and descend into hell of genocide. His experience has for ever marked him....

I read most of Mr. Dallaire’s books; they are deeply touching and told from the heart. In his latest he revisits in length his frustrations trying to prevent the 1994 catastrophe and is now more than determined to put a stop to the world disorder, abolish the use of child soldiers and intervene in conflicts. He is now working toward a better future. I wish him good luck in guiding us to a better place.

This is not an easy book to get into. A good 1/3 brings us back to 1994 and he expresses clearly once more the lack of support he received from the UN and the many countries that are members of this organization. One thing is said at the meeting but nothing comes out of it, Rwanda and its people are of inconsequential values..... Then he goes on to other conflicts from WW11 to the present and he does not mince his words.

I admit having a hard time with this book. Although the language is very polished I was not fond of harsh and severe tone in the narration.. After a while the negativity got to me and I started to read pages diagonally and skipping some passages and paying attention to others.

What can I say I enjoyed Mr. Dallaire`s previous books but revising them in a new version was not what I expected. I really cannot do much in the global circle of things and I certainly will not go marching or rallying for any cause...... I will leave all this to those with influence to try... we see how good this those....look at Ukraine and Gaza today`s tragedies......

I did not like this book but this is my opinion you may feel differently so don`t take my words for it and read and judge for yourself.

This is the way I see it.

My thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for this ARC

"The Botanist's Tracks", by Michael Reit

Beyond the Tracks Book #3

In this installment we are taken to the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a sort ride from Auschwitz- Birkenau. You needed to be a valuable asset to survive the horrors that lies ahead. Felicia Hodak, a botanist with vital skills is assigned to tend to the plants needed for the Reich most ambitious experiment. While Sabina Kupka agreed to work for the resistance, what starts with significant roles soon propels her into a frontline one. By chance the women met and soon were engaged in a daring plan to arm the prisoners of Auschwitz.

Although part of a series this novel can be read as a stand-alone

Mr. Reit historical fictions mainly focus on lesser-known events and people in WW11. His books have usually provided us with information between facts and fiction, but this time not much is mentioned, so I presume at first the events and people were the fruits of his imagination till Mr. Google came into play. Yes the camp existed; Dr. Joachim Caesar was the head of scientists working in green houses although in the story the goal was to raise a substitute rubber plant.

In this story everything goes too neatly to sound real, the events are farfetched and I hardly believe clandestine meetings can always go so smoothly. With the help of an active narration, the plot has enough tension and drama to move along at a steady pace to keep us captivated and turning the pages. Unfortunately, the story leaves us questioning the whereabouts of the traitor, who was he (she) what a hole in the story to ponder on. I love the characters, Felicia and Sabina where innocent although smart. They played the male guards well to get to what they wanted....although the female guards were ruthless....the story tells us how much....

This latest may not be my favourite in the series but it was nevertheless a captivating read I enjoy passing time with.

This is an ARC which I received from NetGalley and the publisher for my thoughts

"Lines of Deception", by Steve Anderson

Kaspar Brothers book #4

West Germany, 1949

Munich nightclub owner Max Kaspar occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA so when his brother Harry ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist, Max sets out to locate him.....he never expected the treacherous quest he would face....

Many moons ago I had read the prequel “Lost Kin” but my memory failed me I had a hard time placing what had happened to bring us to this stage. Luckily I had my notes and the synopsis helped a lot. We have a lot going on, this author has packed more information that I could absorb in the first third of the book but I gradually got the hang of it and I truly couldn’t put this story down from then on. The quest brings Max to Vienna, Prague, Soviet Est Germany and Communist Poland. Once Harry was located, joining in the pursuit was dangerous operators, Harry’s former lover Katarina, an Israelis agent and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an East German Intelligence agent...and what about Stanley Samaras, the scientist? Was he really who he said he was.....food for thought and Mr. Anderson give us a mouth full. Along the way we are into an exciting saga. Hang on there, the pacing is relentless, not one minute of peace.

I appreciate the notes the author gives us at the end of the book it clarify so much and I understood and appreciated far more this fiction, By using actual events and characters to serve his story he introduces us to aspect little-know of history. The dramatization is well researched and is excellently and vividly said to give the “cold” atmosphere of place and time. Mr. Anderson definitely is a master when it comes to high adventure.

A big thank you Steve Anderson, do keep up giving us tit-bits of history

"The Royal Librarian", by Daisy Wood

This story has two timelines it goes back and forth between 1940 as the war rages and bombs rain down on Britain and present day Philadelphia with Lacey Turner digging into her great aunt’s family tree and coming across a book bearing the stamp of Windsor Castle’s royal bindery. Thus, begins a journey that will take Lacey from Buckingham palace in a quest to find out what is behind this mysterious book and the secrets Sophie Klein, her grandmother’s sister, has been hiding for so long.

The dual time line works seamlessly, the voices alternating between Sophie (1940) and Lacey (present day) as they tell us what is going on. It is a good story although the part in America was slightly boring and a bit too long. Once Lacey set foot in Britain and the two stories came together I was totally into it and flipping the pages to see what Sophie really was doing at the Palace. Escaping from Austria to take up a position in the Royal Library to translate letters written by the King to the Nazi regime...was she a spy? The past was definitely the more captivating story but the present brings closure.

This story is interesting we have no shortage of information of what was happening at the time. By featuring real people and their lives with fictional characters the author has giving us a tale that could be as true to life as possible. “The Royal Librarian” is an interesting recreation of a moment in time and is played out by wonderful and well-drawn characters. In whole this story is easy to stay with it, the pacing is steady and the narrative is quite engaging.

Most historical fiction enthusiast should love this one.

My thanks to Avon Books UK as well as Netgalley for this ARC

"Sandcastle Inn", by Irene Hannon

Hope Harbor book #10

This cute story of second chance brings warmth to the heart. Good people doing wonderful things to other without asking anything back. “Sandcastle Inn” will show us how this is possible.

Vienna Price returns for a passing visit home to Oregon after her career tanks she is there to nurse her wounds and chart a new course for the future. Matt Quinn on vacation takes a trip to Oregon to help his sister who has recently bought a dilapidated inn. Vienna and Matt cross path and luck is on his side, Vienna has just the skills to help him resuscitate the B&B....and find all the help they needed....and slowly they fall for each other....awe....

I enjoyed this fiction and how the characters matched so well. The atmosphere created is wonderful I wish this town wasn’t fictional I would like to meet the residents, of course these people are to idyllic to be real but one can dream. Through the pages we discover Matt’s tragic past and Vienna skills and how resourceful she is. The project brings in a wonderful couple Paige and Andrew who had lost everything and will do anything to start their lives again and getting a job as contractors at the Inn was a dream come true. For Vienna, Matt, Paige and Andrew all they needed was a second chance and Hope Harbor was there to help. This story keeps a slow and steady pace and is said with clean and active language.

And love is in the air......What a wonderful story, well- said and well-done.

Many thank you to the publisher Revell and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.

"Knife", by Jo Nesbo

Harry Hole book # 12

Hole is a legend in the Oslo police force and is notorious for his heavy drinking and by now his wife Rakel had enough and has kicked out, Harry is on his own.

“Knife”, is another dark twisted mystery by Nesbo. The opening scenes involve an old man at a hunting shop, a gruesome sexual assault and Hole waking up with blood on himself after a drunken night at a bar but even before he sobers up, he is hit by a tornado Rakel has been murdered. His colleagues want him to stay out of the case because they can’t rule him out as her killer. The preliminary evidence points to Svein Finne, a long career rapist and murderer. Staying out of this case is not an option,“ The only thing Harry can do is investigate murders and drink”.....and he will do just that....

This story takes most of 450 pages or so in order to tell us how these moments fit into the puzzle, so be patient it is a long and heavy read.....in the final 100 pages the many disparate threads are so cleverly pulled that it is hard to stop reading. “Knife” is real Nesbo and this story has everything I have come to expect by him: a layered plot, a gritty atmosphere, an immerse pacing, plenty of red herrings and our beloved trouble detective. This has to be Nesbo’s darkest story and the most emotionally affective. It is told with a razor- sharp prose and is populated by fully shaped psychologically believable characters.

Knife is brutal, raw and nerve wrecking.

"Never Fall Again", by Lynn H. Blackburn

Gossamer Falls book #1

A Romance Novel

This story is set in a fictional mountain town in North Carolina where Landry Hutton, a window and single mother to a five year old daughter, Eliza, set roots after moving from Arizona. They live at The Haven, an exclusive resort where Landry creates and set pottery. But what seemed to be a sweet and peaceful place at first glance may not prove to be so.....

Landry wants to give her daughter a safe home to grow up in and hires Callum Shaw to handle the construction. But in Gossamer Falls there is family feud between neighbours that is raging on and her arrival just adds fuel.....

I read a few books by this author and I enjoyed them quite a bit, this latest is a soft mystery that takes it merry time to move along and gives us a quick romance to spice the atmosphere. This town has a deep family history and the backstory alludes to a wide range of troubles between clans. The squabbles of the past are affected the present but eventually things worked out. Landry and Callum although had been hurt by their relationship in the past were attracted to each other and their slow romance was what made this story interesting. Of course the mystery was good to follow: strange and dangerous occurrences, including fire, break-in and kidnapping but who wanted to destroy “The Haven” and Landry’s studio? ...Finding out was a big surprise.... but what happened to the bad guy? No answer there...I didn’t see myself on the edge on my seat biting my nails here but rather keeping my mind from wandering too much. As for the characters I loved their sense of humour.

Although a good story it wasn’t my favourite by this author.

This ARC was provided by Revell via Netgalley

"Don't Ask, Don't Follow", by Mary Keliikoa

This mystery brings us in the world of Beth Ralston, a paralegal in Portland, Oregon; she is one that prefers working rather than partying with office colleagues anytime. But she is forced to assist and after making an appearance Beth returns to her office to find that her boss who had left the party moments before murdered...waiting for the police she noticed her sister Lindsay phone’s was left behind with a text message displayed...Don’t ask. Don’t follow....What was Lindsay, an investigative journalist doing in her boss office. What happened here? Beth is set to find out the answers.

In a few words, my thoughts:

Murder, dark family secrets, and the bond of sisterhood

When it is well done the first person narrative brings you in the characters’ mind and slowly you will be following them through their heartaches and joys. This mystery starts out with a bang but slows down a bit as it went along, although it did not deter me from enjoying the story at its maximum. We have a few twists and turns keep the suspense going and push the drama forward and with its many great layers to follow, it is imperative to stay with it. I particularly loved how Beth retraced Lindsay’s steps into the adoption scheme. Trying to guess the outcome is almost impossible and what a surprise the author spring on us at the end. I made so many hypothesizes of course all of them wrong.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Follow”, has a unique theme with legal intricacies woven throughout and provides us with an engaging “who-done- it” plot played out by strong characters.

This is a pulse-pounding read I enjoy quite a bit.

My thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss and Oceanview Publishing for this ARC

"Once Upon a Villa", by Andrew Kaplan

Adventures on the French Riviera

This is a LOL hilariously funny true account written by Andrew Kaplan telling us what it was like when he, his wife and two year-old son decided to leave everything behind and live the fantasy life on the Cote d’Azur. In the French Riviera the Kaplan matched wits with French bureaucrats, searched for the perfect French cuisine, met with con men, eccentric ex-pats, Monaco’s royals, attended Onassis’ parties, made friends with a police chef and had adventures with the rich and famous.....as the story goes....pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy this wise, warm and witty story.

For most parts I loved this account. It is written to bring us into his world and makes us feel we are sharing a meal, playing at the casino, partying with the rich and famous along with him. Also interesting is the journey getting to the Riviera and the struggles to find housing and trying to fit in. The Kaplan did well and even managed to rent Roman Polanski’s estate. Of course being in France it is inevitable the French language is spoken and Mr. Kaplan makes great use of his knowledge and seasoned his thoughts throughout with words and long sentences. If you know some French, you will feel right at home.

It is evident that rubbing shoulders with the upper class Mr. Kaplan is well-off and is used to the finer things. But ¾ into, I lost interest in the excessive partying, drinking, eating, and the name dropping of designer clothes and of famous people.....enough was enough. Mr Kaplan is clever, along the way why not promote his other books and he did so with finesse simply slide this in during a conversation....Ok...I am interested.

The author touches panoply of subject that happened during his stay that brought back events that happened a long time ago: ex. the Challenger disaster and Chernobyl and the bombing of Libya. He expresses mostly the widespread sympathy from people around him.

It is a good book although the beginning was by far much more captivating then the last ¼.

This ARC was provided by The Book Whisperer via Netgalley for my thoughts.

"Watching the Dark", by Peter Robinson

Inspector Banks #20

I dung out an old book hiding deep into my library “Watching the Dark” was first published in 2012, it was far time to give it a go. This book is my introduction to this author and now I know why people say he is a grandmaster of mystery fiction. Everything is smoothly said and the story immediately pulls you in. This installment was an excellent place to begin.

It kicks off with the murder of a policeman DI Bill Quinn convalescing at a treatment center and found dead on the grounds, pierced through the heart with an arrow. Bank is brought in to investigate and soon discovers compromising photos of Quinn with an underage woman....Working the case not only with his partner DI Annie Chabot but also imposed to him is the enigmatic Joanna Passero from the Professional Standards...her presence is anything but welcome....One search brings another and DI Bank ends up in Estonia to unravel not only this mystery but also one that crossed his path decade ago and has haunted him ever since.

I zipped through this story in no time; it is very active and moves along without needless violence and meaningless sex scenes. The mystery develops bit by bit and teases us along while offering several clichés of people in high places. Well a bit of humour well placed is refreshing. The author has written a very believable scenario of human trafficking and immigrant slave labour into an intriguing police procedural and has set his drama both in the UK and in Estonia. As a Canadian some expressions was a challenge at first but I overcame this and soon was immersed into this excellent story and enjoyed every moment.

In brief: An excellent story, great characterization and well described settings.

"Chained Guilt", by Terry Keys

Hidden Guilt book #1

This is the kind of page-turner thriller I love to pass my time with. It pulls you in from the start and never let’s go. Some even say this story is in the tradition of James Patterson., it may be so but Mr. Keys has his own style and as a first time reader of his, I definitely could say he has penned a very captivating story peppered with twists and turns and provided us with suspense galore to satisfy the most committed thrill seekers. What a drama he gave us. The characters are realistic and well- developed. The prose makes everything flow smoothly and in a logical manner.

There is nothing complicated in what is said, so I let myself be transported into the world of Detective David Porter as he come to face the harsh reality that a loved one is missing. As a Detective is primary task is chasing a cunning serial killer who brutally murders every child he could get his hands on. So his skills are put to test in this fast-paced cat and mouse game. But the killer was an expert....

I love this story but leaving us hanging at the end so we buy the sequel is something that annoys me to no end....

"Embers in the London Sky", by Sarah Sundin

If you want a WW11 historical fictions with mystery, lots of suspense and a little bit of romance you will enjoy this one.

Germany and London in 1940

As Germany invades the Netherlands Aleida Martens escapes to London to wait out the occupation. In the confusion she has been separated from her three year old son, Theo, who was born with a congenial limb defect. In London Aleida finds a job at the ministry of health which brings her in contact with Hugh Collingwood, a BBC correspondent. Hugh is determined to tell the human stories of the Blitz and the heartbreaking search for the missing Theo. Thus a romance starts.....

With the war raging in the background, this story tells more about the life of two individuals trying to do their best under the harsh circumstances. Aleida does all that she can to locate her son. She knows he has been taken to London but where and how to find him takes most of this story. Her struggles and her disappointments are heartbreaking, very poignant. Crossing path with Hugh was what she needed. As a correspondent he had contacts and wanted to help and be with her. But he had his own story to say and does it with interest. With time they came closer even fell in love. The plot doesn’t leave us without having some of the characters murdered and looking for the killer also took a good part of this captivating story, the tension left me on the qui vive till everything wrapped up. The story is very well-said and well-done.

Thank you Revell and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book.

"Rio", by Ty Patterson

Zeb Carter, book # 13

The story in a few words parts I have copied from the overview.

Zeb and his team are unwinding in Rio during the carnival. Their vacation is upended when the parades are disrupted by a deadly shooting. What was a well-deserved R&R in the most welcoming city in the world turns into a deadly race for survival against the deadliest assassins in the world.

My thoughts:

Although the suspense could have pulled me through the streets of Rio with its beautiful sceneries, this story if there was one lack in depth, apart from endless action and the presence of powerful criminal gangs, Cartels and Bondes and gloom and core with endless shooting, kidnapping and wild action scenes such as leaping from branches and off roof top, we have total nonsense. After 12 thrillers of action packed Zeb Carter and his team doing extraordinary tasks I think enough is enough time to put more efforts into a plot with less action and more diversity and give us a story that won’t be forgotten the moment we reach the last page.

Yes I am harsh in my assessment but I do give the author high marks for the action scenes he knows how to pen them with aplomb and doesn’t hesitate to shock us at every pages. So to be fair I will stay on the fence with this one and hope that the next Zeb carter will be more to my taste.

Some story are meant to please and other not so much.

"Fatal Witness", by Patricia Bradley

Pearl River #2

Hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years Dani Bennett has no recollection of her past. As a child she had witnessed the brutal murder of her parents and has no memory of the incident or her true identity. After receiving a call from Officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs who track her down telling that Mae Richmond, her grandmother, was looking for her. Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the truth.

I like this soft romantic suspense and enjoyed the cold case this story spins and particularly how it teases us to guess the whodunit from the time Dani reaches Pearl Springs till we finally have the answer at the closing page. What a surprise finding out. The characterization is well done and the romance is very clean, no graphic sex. The language is polished and the smooth prose moves along with a steady stroke. Mixed with the suspense and romance is a message of faith as well. Of course why not please animal lovers; we have 2 loveable K9 to entertain us: one a police dog and the other a loveable mutt. Every page is filled with exciting action

Of course my thoughts are only a snippet of the activities going on. The experience is entertaining and passing time with this story enjoyable. It’s a page turner and not a taxing read. Well-said and well-done.

This ARC was provided by Revell via Netgalley

"The Woman", by Kristin Hannah

In Vietnam and in the USA in late 1960s and beyond

In vivid details this drama brings to life aspects rarely discussed of the Vietnam War: The experiences of those brave women who joined the Army Nurse Corps and serve their tours of duty in Vietnam, in the public eyes they were never there and their service to the nation never recognised.

After her brother’s death, Frankie McGrath enlists as an Army nurse and sets off for Vietnam and this turn of events was just the beginning of a roller coaster ride. The first part of the book is set in gore-drenched hospital wards, terrible housing conditions and boozy officer’s clubs. Frankie fast turns into a crack of a surgical nurse and was highly regarded. Inevitable a lone woman among thousands of men Frankie started a platonic romance with a married man but it was not to be and all ended when his helicopter was shut down and he returned in a body bag. Soon her passion brings her into a wild affair with her brother’s best friend. In the background is a war raging and men returning to camp mangled or dying. In the second part Frankie is home where the population is rioting and war vets are spit and yield at. USA is against the war and wants its men back...forget about the women they were never there. Home is not fun, her father is ashamed of her service, her mother is a pill- popping individual and Frankie’s passion brings various love interests.....But most of all Frankie will discover the true value of female friendship and the heartbreak that love can cause....

The is a masterfully constructed story that will trigger memories of the time and place in all its sadness....what were the Americans doing in Vietnam, why were they treated badly on their return and why insist women were never there. Finally in March 1982 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honored the service members of the US armed forces.

This novel hooked my attention from start to finish. It is well said and the events vividly described. I loved it...

Thank you St- Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC

"Margot"s Secret", by Roberta Kagan

Margot’s Secret book #3

Warning:

Before you pick up this book you need to have read the previous books, “The Secret They Hid” and “An Innocent Child” first to enjoy this one at its fullest. “Margot’s Secret” continues where book #2 finishes and gives us only snippets of what happened previously letting our imagination roam in order to piece things together.

The story in a few words:

Margot, now a fugitive and grieving a lost pregnancy, is hiding both from the Nazis and her own sister who is threatening to expose her as a Jew. She seeks solace with Ben, a Jewish man she has always loved. As the war peaks, the characters face critical choices between love, loyalty and survival.....

My thoughts:

This book was engaging although I found it to be repetitive in many ways. I mostly dislike the abrupt ending that leaves us hanging...so many questions are unanswered.... The story is a real melodrama set during war time with some murders, family squabbles, sexual hanky-panky, and some atrocities. Ok soap opera it is but set this aside and let your imagination be transported into the lives of the well- drawn characters some good, bad and very evil we inevitably cross path with. They do entertain us from the opening sentence telling us from their own perspective what is going on. The pacing is steady and smoothly moves along with no dull moments to let our mind get off the track....

In all, the story appealed to me and I enjoyed the many hours I spent reading it. I almost did not accept the invitation to read this novel from Book Whisperer, the publisher, in retrospect I am happy I did. Thank you.

"A Promise" , by Amelia Martin

Germany:

This historical fiction opens in years leading to WW11 and moves along during the war and some years later. It tells us the story of three friends: Elizabeth, Adam and Hannah who sought comfort in each other as they grew up during these turbulent times. They lives will ever by changed with the rise of Adolf Hitler.

In alternate chapters, the voice of each character brings to life their experience as they try to survive the horrors imposed by the Nazi to the German population. This story is very touching but very predictable I read multiple books from that time so imagining the outcome was easy. Of course it still a difficult read, the story through the characters dabbles in a multitude known evens such as the ocean liner that was denied entry to Central and North America to its Jewish passengers and the organization that took Jewish children to safety as examples, you will find more cringing accounts as the story moves towards its conclusion. Not all outcomes were good, not everyone survived. Years later, some of the survivors found each other and “A Promise” to stay in touch was made. Their friendship will last for ever....

Although this subject is one of my favourite I admit to have struggled staying with it. The writing style and presentation somewhat choppy: short and disjointed paragraphs at time, some even read like a chopping list. It did not flow smoothly and this distracted me. As for the characters Ms. Martin penned them with a solid stroke, they are we well rounded, charismatic and brilliantly represent those who were present during this terrible time. So I can’t say I love this novel but I also can’t say I hated it, so I stand on the fence and will let you enjoy it. Don’t take my words for it judge for yourselves.

My thanks to the publisher Book Whisperer and Netgalley for this ARC

"His Heart of Darkness", by Melinda Woodhall

Frankie Dawson, P.I Mystery book #2

Has Frankie begins his new life in Memphis, he takes a cold case of a young reporter who had vanished decades earlier and soon finds himself at the heart of a serial murder and he needs to take him into custody before he strikes again.

This prolific writer knows how to spins a tale that keeps her reader riveting to the plot. Her stories are well-written, exciting and hard to put down. In this latest we have Frankie discovered a link between his present investigation and past crimes and the disappearance his father many years ago. While he investigates he jumps through hoops to get his answers and while he does that we are kept entertained. Along the way, Frankie crosses paths with FBI task force and the local police and soon rekindles with Peyton, his estranged wife. Josie, his biological daughter plays a good part in this mystery and adds a touch only a teenager can do. The pacing is steady and more intense than some of her books but this only had to the excitement the story provides. I also like the characterization: the players are well defined and have good roles.

In a few words: the plot is solid and entertaining. The action packed and filled with drama, twists and turns...

Well-done as usual.

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

"The Diabolical", by David Putnam

Bruno Johnson # 11

I discovered this author not long ago and I fast became a huge fan. I simply love how he tucks in some soft humour between the lines while he keeps the suspense moving at a fast pace. This is a twisty ride that had me on the edge of my seat from the opening page...I simply loved it. The plot is well crafted and with its well-developed characters: Bruno, ex-cop/ex-con now a bartender at a trendy hotel, in Costa Rica, has a lot to content with especially his boss the Ice Queen, my favourite character is Waldo, a Rottweiler with a mind of his own....with the many drunken tourists we have a lot to keep us fascinated. Of course Bruno has a lovely family his wife Marie and his thirteen children there to support him. he also has to content himself with a chief of police that is shady and to spice the story and gives us the shivers Mr Putman makes him face Russian gang and a few general thugs...What a complicated and unpredictable development Mr. Putnam penned in “The Diabolical”.

It opens as a shooting just occurred at El Gato Gordo nightclub, the victim is a prominent local figure and Bruno’s close friend. Bruno is asked to help by the chief of police finding the shooter and if he doesn’t, the chief will turn him over to US authorities.

Don’t drop the ball Bruno or you are out....

This series can be read in any order all books stand on their own and can be read in any order.

My thanks to Oceanview Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC

"Mission Churchill", by Alex Abella

Inspired by another book written by Warren Adler “Target Churchill”, this thriller involves the assassination attempts against Winston Churchill in 1933 Cuba and during the German Blitz on London by IRA sharpshooter, Marcus Riley, who was looking for revenge for the poor treatment of the Irish by the British. His orders came from Germany. But Winston was never alone, everywhere he went, tenaciously shadowing him was Walter Thompson, his thrusted bodyguard.

This intriguing plot explores the lack of popularity of Churchill and the plans assassinations on his life. It read much as nonfiction however it is definitely fiction, although multiple attempts were made during his time has Prime Minister, those describes in this story did not occurred.

Following Thompson trying to find Riley is quite a ride, action packed and exiting and the gripping narrative brings everything alive and is a joy to read. The author recreated scenes in England during the Blitz that is chilling and heartbreaking. The atmosphere, characterization and the presentation are top notch.

This taut thriller should please most historical fiction buff. I for one was glued to every word as the story unfolded eager to see if Riley would reach his target and end his mission...I like this determined villain...

Thank you to the Book Whisperer for providing me with this ARC

"Churchill's Triumph", by Michael Dobbs

A novel of Betrayal

The most powerful men in the world: Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met in a Russian Resort town of Yalta, Crimea, these Allies leaders were to make important decisions regarding the future progress of the war and the postwar world. The place where they preceded to divide up Europe....the future of Germany, Eastern Europe and the United Nations...

This fictional account brings to live one of the chilling moments when the fate of Europe was decided. Mr. Dobbs takes us behind the scenes and brings us into the mind and hearts of the big three leaders. This drama traces as well the human side of the leaders and reminds us that war is about people.

Joseph Stalin’s mission is to expand the Soviet Empire while the ailing and fragile Roosevelt is willing to make compromises to bring Stalin into the Pacific campaign and Churchill, the least powerful, could not count on Roosevelt as his ally and could not tame the avaricious Russian. Reading what went on during these monumental negations was an eye opening, totally outraged by their attitude. . With their bellies full they had no regards towards the heroic struggle of millions who died and fought in the war... The statesmen fiddled while the tragedy in Poland was going on. Mr. Dobbs writes about the country with passion, transferring to his fictional village Piorun, the rape, murder and savage enforcement by the Germans and Russians. These events actually happened. His words are powerful and furiously told and compelling but he rambles a lot...

On the down side not only that the title is misleading I couldn’t find anything coming close to a triumph. We have a sub-plot: a Polish storyline that is interesting on its own but add little to nothing here. But what I found most annoying is the picture left in my mind of our supreme leaders: what was done at Yalta I am certain it still happening these days...A big party with lots of food, champagne, caviar and luxury accommodation...not to mention the extra service rendered.....

I read Mr. Dobbs before and have enjoyed his spin on history but this one written some years back left me cold and “Churchill’s Triumph” was less than enjoyable.

"The Conductor", by John W. Mefford

Jack Whitfield Thriller book # 7

This is another high-stakes thrill ride that kept me on my toes till I flipped the last page. Action packed as always and an exciting puzzle to plunge our teeth into and try to solve.

A coded letter.
A hit team.
And a shocking revelation.

The story in a few words:

When Karman learns of her father death ruled as a suicide she is certain it is not the case her dad definitely did not commit this act, she is positive he was murdered. She asks CLASS to investigate and to prove she is right. Jack looks into it and his research brings out another questionable death in Washington DC that may be linked to the days of the Cold War. Off he goes on a journey of intrigue, discovery, subterfuge and death.....

More thoughts:

Not a dull moment, action packed till the very end. It seems that someone is killing Russian defectors but where does Karman’s father’s death come in to play, we eventually find out. I found this saga to be very captivating following every movement with its many twists and deceptions was very hard not to be pulled in, it moves along so fast and has so many surprises for us it is difficult not to enjoy the comings and goings....The narration fast and furious just like the action.

Another great addition Mr. Mefford keep them coming. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment.

"Double Take", by Lynette Eason

A romantic suspense novel

Lake City Heroes book #1

This is the story of Lainie Jackson who ended shooting her ex after he attempted to kill her. But when it appeared he had survived and is now set to finish the job, Detective James Cross sprang into action and together, he and Lainie must find out whom is after her and why he wants her dead.

This story is packed with action and the suspense is skillfully maintained throughout. The emotional depth is touching: James and Lainie not only needed to face the external threats but also their personal struggles. I came to sympathized and understand the challenges they both faced. To add a layer of complexity James is Lainie’s best friend’s brother and since childhood has a crush on him. They play this little attraction game from the get-go and witnessing how this develops is heartwarming. The game of cat and mouse is well played out, not knowing who the villain actually is for a great part of the novel leaves us in suspense till drop by drop the clues are revealed and we know the motives and identity of the antagonist. The narrative is very active and definitely has kept my attention till I flipped the last page. Well said and well played out.

Nicely done

This ARC was provided by the publisher Revell via Netgalley for my thoughts.

"Trans-Mongolian Express", by David l. Robbins

This story brings an immense train journey across Asia, Chernobyl, China, Mongolia, the USSR, and Chechnya it also dabbles into nuclear fission. It is a kind of thriller-adventure-travelogue-comedy-action-romance-mystery...you take your pick this novel brings a little maybe even more to the plate. According to M. Robbins his story roots was inspired by Warren Adler “Trans-Siberian Express” and he simply added his own personal touch after doing intense research.

In the harrowing aftermath of Chernobyl’s meltdown in 1986, the fate of Eastern Europe hangs by a thread. Scientist Lara, a thorn in the Russian mob is drawn back to the Soviet Union on the Mongolian Express. She is not alone Anton, a Soviet scientist exiled for predicting the catastrophe, Timur, a Chechen , plots to destroy the Soviet Union, Gang, a reluctant assassin is also among them and joining the group are a Chinese, Swedish and English personalities. All assigned to the same compartment...Till suddenly, a murder trusts them into a deadly cat and mouse game...and Chief Sheriff Bat races to solve the murder.

This is quite a hard book to read, it moves very slowly as the “Express” stops at many locations across the continent 9,289 km of railway line, about 60 stations from Beijing to Moscow, a 5 day journey. The conversations between the characters are rehashed at every stop and are so packed with technical stuff about fusion and particles fallout and some other technical and political language I find staying tuned was overwhelming. Although quite interesting, along the way we are treated with detailed descriptions of the territory. The plot got better when it escalated into a seemingly exciting one after the body of a Russian overseer was found and Mongolian Sheriff Bat joined the group....“Trans Mongolian Express” is not your standard mystery you know what the crime is, who got murdered and who did it but most of all you are into one of those very slow burning plot.

I stay on the fence with this one...at times in felt like simply closing the book and other times so deeply engaged I simply couldn’t abandoned it. I stuck with it till the end.

I received an ARC of this book from The Book Whisperer via Netgalley

"Firetrap", by Otho Eskin

Marko Zorn book #3

A more deadly narcotic than fentanyl spreads across Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn search for whom is behind this off-label drug brings him to a Big Pharma company run by psychopathic brothers with killer instincts. Marko will need all his wits and skills to shut down the brothers’ criminal drug empire.

While this novel stands on its own I am told the novels in this series can be read in any order. “Firetrap” is my first experience reading Eskin Otho and it will not be my last.

This story has a little bit of everything: action galore with many twists and turns, police forensics to educate us, lots of suspense and intrigue to keep us on our toes, played out by a compelling and brilliant protagonist who is also witty, wise and eloquent. The story is also filled with clever personalities and shady power players .With its fast and furious pacing, a tempo that never let go it was hard not to stay captivated from the get-go. “Firetrap” is a chilling political drama hard to put down and quite a page-turner. I could go on and on, but no spoilers from me.

Excellently written, entertaining story well played out by great characters. What is not to like....

My thanks to Oceanview Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy

"Broadcast Blues", by R.G. Belsky

Book#6 in the Clare Carlson Mystery

This mystery about a TV newswoman Clare Carlson held me captive from the opening pages. What a refreshing and captivating read. It starts with a bang when an explosive device planted in a car detonates killing Wendy Kyle, a private investigator catering to women who suspected their husbands of cheating. Undoubtedly Wendy had angered many people with her work: the list of suspects is endless. Clare knows it will be a huge story for her and sets out to find the truth.

What a page-turner this turned out to be, once started I simply couldn’t put it down. The story is witty, clever and mostly engaging. We are taken on a wild cat and mouse chase through the streets of New York while a television reporter provides us with a fascinating lens into the media along with the murder case. The pacing and plotting are excellent. In fact you couldn’t ask for a more exciting drama. Clare is smart, spunky and persistent: once she gets a scoop she is like a Pitbull she will never let go till she says so. I like the tone it makes you feel part of the TV newsroom with all its craziness and back stabbing.

With its snappy dialog and exciting plot “Broadcast Blues” is one of my favourite mysteries I read this year. Have no fear if you haven’t read the previous installment this one stand solid by itself.

This ARC was provided by Oceanview Publishing via Netgalley