"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