"Dead and Gone", by John W. Mefford

Dark Horizon

Alex& Ozzie book #1

A new series with familiar characters for us to enjoy and I certainty did. In this fresh suspense mystery Mr. Mefford has Alex, an FBI veteran, teamed with her brother, Ozzie, in a new venture, their own PI firm in Austin.

A wicked new drug is on the loose and overdoses are running rampant. Alex and Ozzie are asked by an affected family to go after the drug dealers who gave their kids the pills. They did not hesitate but doing so may put their lives on the line…..

As always Mr. Mefford gave us suspense and teased us all along while Alex and Ozzie are on the job. I was so captivated with the comings and goings that I simply stayed and follow the heroes till the very end. The case is not only what is captivating squeezing some personal drama in the characters' lives was the right formulae.

Alex has doubts about Brad’s (husband) fidelity and navigates her personal drama while trying not to put her mission in peril. She is very conflicted but Ozzie gives her the support needed. But the past has a way to crush you……and the story ends with Brad on the run…..why?. And the drug situation?.....well….

Maybe the next installment “Dead Silence” will give us more….what a teaser.

Nicely done

Thank you, Mr. Mefford you made my day.

"The President is Missing", by Bill Clinton

A Political Thriller

Published in 2018, former U.S. President teamed up with the renown novelist James Patterson to give us a story that topped the best seller list for weeks. Although at the time some argued that the story missed the mark, commented negatively on the prose and the absurdity of the plot. Reading some years later I admit to have enjoyed every moment of this highly fictionized thriller. I took it for what it was…a fiction but could something similar happen today?

Told from the first-person perspective, the story follows U.S. president Jonathan Lincoln Duncan as he races against time to find a traitor in his cabinet, preventing a massive cyberattack from crippling the country’s economics, infrastructure and defenses. If “Dark Ages” is deployed it would destroy the United States. President Duncan will do everything for this not to happen.

Of course, this is the James Patterson we know too well but through the narrative we see the influence the former President had. The book is filled with knowledge of the American political system. Together they have weaved a story with all the essential ingredients to have us engaged for hours. I definitely had a hard time putting this book down even if it is somewhat farfetched. So much action, suspense and the well-rounded main characters and the diverse mix of supportive ones helped to push this story forward, not a dull moment from start to finish.

Reading “The president is Missing” is not taxing. The style is simply said in everyday words, the whole experience is read in short chapters and is wrapped up with no fanfare.

I like this story crazy has it sounds but can something like this happens one day?

"The Department", by Jacqueline Faber

A psychological thriller

The Department is a dark academic thriller, a story that delves into the mysterious disappearance of a college student and the secrets unearthed by a struggling philosophy professor.

This story is said through the dual perspectives of Lucia and Neil, the two important figures in this story.

Nothing is going well for Professor Neil Weber: his wife left him, his academic research is going nowhere and is prospect of tenure is on the line…..Until Lucia Vanotti disappears, a college student at Neil’s university. What happened to her and why does Neil care about finding her?....

From the campus classrooms to sex dens we follow how their world descend into obsession and delusion while they uncover what drive them to behave the ways they never could have imagined.

Although I enjoyed the insights and thought- provoking moments I found this story to be way too long and dragging too much, it moves at a slow crawl and keep this tempo till the very last page…I had a hard time keeping with it and was so happy seeing the end coming.

The characters have a dark past and nothing is positive. This story is a trip into the disturbed world of a illusioned professor and a female student…A story written and said many times…

Indeed I did not enjoy this thriller but maybe you will so don’t take my words for it, have a look for yourselves.

I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing for my thoughts: this is the way I see it

"Storm Warning", by Elizabeth Goddard

Hidden Bay book #1

This brand-new series by one of my favourite authors is one fast-paced drama that kept my attention till I flipped the last page.

The story in a few words:

After a disturbing accident that left photographer Remi Grant struggling to remember she needed to get away and focus on the now. The perfect place to hide is on the Rocky Washington coast working at a lodge. There, twice her life was saved by Hawke Beckett, a former military pilot, with a past of his own and both are forced into survival mode…who wants Remi and Hawk eliminated…..

My thought:

I know from the get-go that I would love this book Ms. Goddard never miss a beat and has a knack to keep me at the edge of my seat. This latest was no exception, so many things going on, so many twists and turns it is almost impossible to foresee the next move. The mystery is very suspenseful and exciting. Who wanted to kill Remi and what was her dark secret?

Although Hawke wanted to forget his botch mission crossing path with Remi was all he needed and all the reasons he shouldn’t be helping her…..and chemistry between the two couldn’t be better and nature did its course….awe…

I enjoyed the remote location, the diversions created by the villains, and the delightful whodunit saga for our enjoyment.

Another excellent story by a master storyteller. Well-said and done.

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

"Looking at Women Looking at War", by Victoria Amelina

A War and Justice Diary

With a foreword by Margarite Atwood

Victoria Amelia was writing a novel when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 2022. She became a war crimes researcher and the chronicler of women like herself who joined de resistance. The heroines in this book are a prominent lawyer Evgenia, Yulia a librarian and Olexsandra a Nobel Peace prize winner. Amelia was documenting the war, photographed ruins and recorded testimonies….till June 27th when a Russian cruise missile hit the restaurant where she had stopped for a bite…she died on July 1st at thirty seven….she left behind her unedited notes.

Written by a poet, this book is also a work of literature but foremost a powerful look at courage of resistance.

The first section of her diary was completed before her death and the second section consist of unfinished notes and paragraphs. The second part is very fragmented and very distracting to a point I skipped some passages. Having said this, it doesn’t remove that Amelia was one of Ukraine’s most celebrated young writers and her dairy is very honest and intimate.

It is a difficult read, poignantly detailed on the experiences by many Ukrainians and the atrocities suffered by the population during the conflict, Ms. Amelina brigs us up close to the reality of war.

Most reviewers loved this book well I am an exception for my part I stand on the fence still trying to evaluate my feelings. Not loving it yet not disliking it.

I received this ARC from St- Martin Press via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it..

"Origin", by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon Book #5

“Where do we come from? Where are we going?

Traveling to Spain at the request of Edmond Kirsh, Dr. Langdon finds himself once again wrapped up in a global-scale event that could have huge ramification on the world’s religions. At the Bilbao Museum he meets with futurist Edmund Kirsh (a friend) who plans to release a message that will change the face of science. But the event goes tragically wrong leaving Langdon to track down his friend’s discovery and unveil it to the world…..

“Where do we come from? Where are we going?

This story has extensive research on art, architecture and history plus gives us plenty of puzzles, clues, religious symbolisms and technological lingo. To entertain us Langdon even gets assistance from an AI that outdid Siri and Alexa by miles (km).

The format, style and tone are similar to Mr. Browns other books so if you liked him before you still will, otherwise you know what to do. I read all of his book and I will keep doing so when a new one comes out.

A bit frustrating, the author makes us wait the entire book for the “reveal” toying with us with the world religions’ extinction and the “forces” trying to suppress the message from coming out. “Origin” is a huge race against time to save the world from impending doom.

Although, it has an interesting premise it is really slow moving and being a huge book near 550 pages one has to generate excitement to the reader in order for him to stay tuned and interested to the end. Yes, we do have action, murders, conspiracy and suspense but the length and pacing doesn’t allow to stay riveted to every word and I was happy to flip the last page. Having say this…I still enjoy this conspiracy theory and Dan Brown is a master imagining this type of stories (prophecies).

"River of Lies", by James L'Étoile

Detective Emily Hunter Mystery book #2

In this second police procedural thriller, duo Detective Emily Hunter and her partner Detective Javier Medina are given a politically charged assignment: homeless encampments are being torched by men in black. But when a dead body found turned out to be the ex-major and at the scene of another arson another the body discovered not to be a homeless victim. What was happening? Things took a deferent spin….. Who wants to eliminate the homeless population, kill doing so and set fire to cover the crime scenes……Who stands to gain from burning the homeless out of their shelters….. By navigating intricate web of deceit one strand at a time this suspenseful story will explain every step the details taken to uncover the truth. Enjoy.

“River of Lies” is the perfect blend of political intrigue and personal drama.

Emily and Javier are a great pair. They have all the attributes needed to be good at their job: a perfect blend of smarts, empathy and care. Not only did Emily had to struggle to balance the high-stake investigation but taking care of her Alzheimer’s stricken mother at the same time. Javier was with her at every turn.

The author writes with deep knowledge of both the human nature and police procedures and by weaving all the elements of a true crime into a twisty drama he has giving us a real page- turning experience.

This story is not only intriguing but highly relevant in today’s world.

Note:

While this second installment can easily be read as a standalone, I would suggest reading the books in sequence to have a better knowledge of the characters and how they have developed.

What more can I say. I simply loved the way it is told and how the story kept my full attention. Well said, well-done.

A copy of this book was given by the publisher Oceanview Publishing for my thoughts: this is the way I see it

"His Fatal Vow", by Melinda Woodhall

Frankie Dawson P.I. book #3

Did I tell in the past that I am a huge fan of this author well I haven’t changed my mind; Ms. Woodhall is true to herself and once more has penned a very captivating story that held my attention from start to finish. I am please to share my thoughts with you.

What to expect in a few words:

P.I Frankie Dawson makes a horrifying discovery when he discovered the body of a popular teacher brutally murdered in the woods near the local school. After an initial investigation Frankie joins forces with the FBI and the local police to find the truth and brings the case to a resolution before the killer strikes again.

My thoughts:

This story was gripping from start to finish and following Frankie in his quest to flush the killer was very exciting. Even more was trying to guess who he was, I tried and failed. I like how this investigation moves along giving us snippets of what’s to come to keep us on our toes and riveted to the drama till the very last moments. This fast paced, filled with twists and turns mystery provides tension galore from cover to cover.

But is this a book a taxing read? Far from it. It is smoothly written and everything is neatly wrapped up by the end.

“His Fatal Vow” is a good addition to this series. It can also be read as a standalone so no worries if you start here.

Happy reading

I received an advance copy, and I am leaving this review voluntary

"Bali" by Ty Patterson

Cutter Grogan Thriller book # 9

Cutter Grogan does it again saving the day and helping those in trouble wherever he is, this time vacationing in Bali where he thinks a restful stay on a beach resort will revitalize him…no so. When Maya, his server goes missing and the next found dead, he could not stay idle…then he became a target with both those behind her murder as well as the law.

At the heart of this book is illegal gambling and the consortiums running the show. Where Grogan goes trouble will follow and soon, he will be deep into shady activities and will give us more hair-raising moments that no one else could. One way or the other he will find the truth and bring justice. But he will not do it alone his thrusted backup crew is there to give him support.

This thriller is filled with exciting action, sometime over the top but that expected from a good story. Mr. Patterson always delivers and action-packed thriller hard to put down. The Cutter Grogan series is my favourite not only is it active it also has a great story easy to follow. Is well written to keep us in tune with the drama and all the excitement it brings. Of course, no secret here our super hero will save the day and will entertain us once more next time…..till thriller 10 …enjoy “Bali”

Thank, you Mr. Patterson you did it again.

"Face of Greed", by James L'Étoile

The story in a few words:

Set in Sacrament, California the inspiration behind this series is drawn from experiences from murder cases.

It opens with a bang:

Homicide detectives Emily Hunter and Javier Medica are called to the scene where Roger Townsend, a business tycoon was murdered and his wife Lori, brutally attacked. After an initial statement both detectives felt that Lori was hiding something. They followed leads but soon discovered that the case was politically connected and were quickly shut down. The detectives refused to do so and discovered that the case also had ties to gang and crooked members of the legal community……

We follow Emily and Javier navigate and find the truth…..

My thoughts:

This story is my introduction to James L’Étoile and I glad I was given the opportunity to get to know his style. I love police procedural and this story was a very exiting one. The author knows how to set facts in a blunt way with no fuzz and without unnecessary words to muddle the drama. This mystery moves at a breakneck speed and is one hard to put down…

I love how the author paints Sacramento, a city bursting with good cops and crooked cops, bad men and seductresses. This story is first class suspense thriller and the dialogue buzzes with authenticity. Mr. L’Étoile long career as criminal justice lends veracity to this page-turner.

Very well said and done

.I enjoyed passing time reading this mystery, I was so deeply immersed I actually didn’t see the time pass.

I received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing for my thoughts: thank you so much.

"Hold Strong", by Robert Dugoni

Pacific Theater during WW11

Based on true events, real figures and fictional characters the authors brought to life events that happened after the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. It tells the stories of ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations. How they showed bravery, courage and sacrifice.

The story:

Sam Carlson and Sarah Haber are the main players.

After the attack Sam was enlisted and sent to the Philippines where he soon became one of many prisoners brutalized in the POW camps. Even with the harsh conditions Sam managed to survive the Bataan Death March. As the war progressed, along with 1800 starved and weakened prisoners Sam was herded into the cargo hold of the Arisan Maru freighter shipped to who knows where and left to their demise. On October 24,1944, the ship was torpedoes by an American submarine and sank, onboard was 1781 POW …Sam survived.

While in the States Sarah was recruited to Washington where her maths skills were highly sought in code breaking.

My thoughts:

The story shows the barbaric treatment of POWs in details. The style and words are so dramatic and visual I thought I was at a movie theater full blown picture and sounds:

“AH-OOG-Ah” “Dive, dive” my preferred chapters were when the submarine was put into action. So well done.

Of course, the sinking of the Arisan Maru and those prisoners pinned in, trying not to drown and escape. Bullets cutting them down and the swords slashing them was chilling. Those who escaped jumped in the sea only to die later on…..Chilling is not the word.

With lots of courage and determination Sam managed to reach China and the Americans and eventually returned home.

Wonderfully writing and vividly detailed this novel inspired by true events is exceptionally well researched and well though out.

A big kudo to the authors for their excellent work and to Lake Union Publishing for the privilege of receiving an ARC.

" Shallow Depths", Milan Skrecek

Tides of Temptation series

“Shallow Depths” is the first in a six-book series

Inspired by real events that happened during the time Milan Skrecek was working as a shopping guide on cruise ships sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. The story dives into a world of hidden agendas and dark secrets, where temptation runs deep.

Christina Delgado Is a veteran shopping guide who navigates the seductive Caribbean cruise circuit but she is weighed down by debts and doesn’t hesitate to take risky decisions to get out of her predicament. Beneath the surface of her glamorous job, Christina runs an exclusive escort service for cruise guests.

Her journey is one of high- stakes survival and pulls us readers into the seductive and treacherous world of high-sea intrigue. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, tension and adventure.

I was pleasantly surprised how fast I was immersed into this seedy underbelly of the industries tied to cruise tourism and of Christina’s internal battle and her relentless pursuit of debt freedom. Set against the backdrop of luxury and tropical beauty the story unfolds into a gripping exploration where paradise is just a façade.

I couldn’t say it better: taken from the synopsis

“Anyone who enjoys deliciously beautiful Caribbean Island vistas blended with generous portions of flawed characters, garnished with a merciless diamond store mogul alongside a perilously unhinged Cuban pimp, will find this series utterly enthralling.”

Quite something deferent than my usual genre. I loved stepping out of my comfort zone and navigate with Christina a world which I will never be part of.

“Shallow Depths” a very captivating read I enjoyed immensely; I am so looking forward to book #2

I received a copy of this book from the Early Reviewers Program for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.

" The Sower of Black Field", by Katherine Kock

Inspired by the true story of an American in Nazi Germany

The story in a few words:

The Sower of Black Field by Katherine Koch is a historical fiction novel set during the final days of Nazi Germany. The story follows Fr. Viktor Koch, an American priest of German heritage, who is deeply conflicted as he tries to guide his parishioners through the horrors of the Third Reich.

My thoughts:

I found this story hard to get into, the accurate depiction of Nazi Germany was heart-stopping from the beginning till I flipped the last page not a moment where I didn’t have chills running down my spine. The author captured the tyrannical Nazi regime expertly as well as the struggles and fear of the ordinary Germans, while the tenacity of Fr. Koch to help his parishioners never wavered. The novel is populated with a host of historical figures mixing in with the fictional ones. We have a lot of German words and names making dialogue and narrative a bit difficult at time to comprehend but in whole we get the drift and able to carry on.

What was driving Fr. Koch to stay in the Third Reich? Was he following a higher plan?

While his parishioners grow restless under the Nazi rule Fr. Victor relied upon his ingenuity to keep them safe and out of prison. With the help of a Nazi charity worker, he managed to do so. Fr. Koch was an exceptional in all manners.

To summarize:

“The Sower of Black Field” is a gripping novel that explore human resilience, faith and braveness.

I received a copy of this book from the Book Whisperer for my thoughts” this is the way I see it.

"The Boundaries We Cross", by Brad Parks

If you want to be held hostage until the last page, get this twisty and clever thriller. It starts at a sprint and keeps relentlessly high tension until the shocking conclusion. It is the story of Charles Bliss, a teacher of an elite boarding school who was accused of engaging in a romantic relationship with Hayley Goodloe a student who happens to be the daughter of a state senator, granddaughter of an ex-governor and heiress to a massive fortune. When Hayley disappears under suspicious circumstances all evidence points to Charles….in order to clear his name Charles needed to find her……

The presentation is quite original : the book is said with chapters alternating between Charles, excerpts from Hayley’s journal and 10 “midlogues” where the author clarifies what he wrote. We have sharp dialogue, vigorous pacing and a fresh angle on a well-known subject. This story is an unexpected treasure giving us complex characters, an excellent plotting, emotional deepness and much more...

Is Charles Bliss a villain or a victim? To find out is the fun here. I for one had a terrific time finding out. There are so many unpredictable twists and shocking surprises that this story grabbed my complete attention…. excellent read.

Well-said and well-done. “The Boundaries We Cross” gets high marks from me…simply loved it.

I Received a copy of this book from Oceanview Publishing

"A Dangerous Game", by Mandy Robotham

In the 1950’s the city of London is vibrant once again.

This story brings Dexie Dexter an officer in the London Metropolitan Police presently stuck intervening in domestics cases when she is teamed up with ex Nazi, Harri Schroder, from Hamburg police. They clicked immediately and when Harri was tasked with hunting down, a Nazi war criminal. Joining him was Dexie and soon they set on a dangerous hunt for this shadowy figure….and the fun is on….enjoy.

Mandy Robotham is a stellar author. Her stories are well-written, powerful, intense, very suspenseful and historical fact-based of course to make the reading enjoyable she also uses her creative mind for our pleasure. In her latest she not only touches the hunt for Nazi war criminals but also dabbles beautifully in WW11 post war London, the Cold War as well as setting her story during the Great Smog that paralysed this bustling metropolis.

What an engaging story this turned out to be. Following Harri and Dex on their harrowing mission filled with twists and turns just kept me glued to every words. I couldn’t help but rooting for them wanting so much for them to succeed. A real page turner it turned out to be.

Well-said and well-done once again. “A Dangerous game” is a winner no doubt…

My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC.

"The Game of Hope", by Sandra Gulland

This historical fiction is set shortly after the French Revolution ended. Although this novel is fiction the events actually happened and people mentioned were real historical figures. “The Game of Hope”, chronicles the life Hortense de Beauharnais, whose stepfather was Napoleon Bonaparte. Hortense has lost her father, guillotined during the Reign of Terror.
The story involves a fortune-telling card deck. Each chapter opens with a card from the game which gives us an idea on what will come in that section.

Hortense every experience is noted from her time she is in school, at the estate and palace to her first twinkle of love in a form of a dashing officer to her rapport with friends, relatives, teachers and nobility. Hortense views and feelings and the way she reacts to some situation can be harsh but knowing her upbringing and her father’s horrific death we can soon see why her perspective is the way it is.

The portrayal of Hortense was risky one but she turned out to be invaluable protagonist to helped us immerse ourself not only in the time but also in the attitudes and context. Ms. Gulland fidelity to historical accuracy achieved to give us this. Hortense life may be dramatic but she handles well what she is facing. Even with the supporting characters the narrative was firmly Hortense’s and stayed such till the very end.

Although it is a good story I think the characters were underdeveloped and the plot was rather choppy. I was quite hard to remain invested in this one. I read better constructed stories from Ms. Gulland in the past.

"Friendly Fire", by Paul Rousseau

“A Fracture Memoir”

This memoir is thoughtful, hopeful, unvarnished and is one of the best written. It tells the story of a man who was accidently shot by his long-time college roommate and best friend. We are allowed to process his experiences along with him. His scattered thoughts are full of emotions.

“Friendly Fire” is one of those stories that will grab your interest from the get-go and will not let go till the very end. Mark has accidently shot Paul in the head days before their last semester of undergrad studies. Paul brain injury is classified as TBI (traumatic brain injury) and from this PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), the book touches on this through Pauls’ eyes.

Most of the story is said in short chapters and done through flashbacks and present day. The author writes in a sparse tone in order for us to process his experiences along with him. Surgery and recovery are crucial but the define moment is when he realized that he qualified as Disabled…..We have a lot of emotional moments throughout this narration but the most of the heart moment is Paul’s letter to his once- friend Mark. It has brought tears to my eyes.

This book is written with amazing details it also touches gun violence, personal injury lawsuits and the injustices in our system towards victims.

It may be a difficult subject matter but Paul’s journey and how he faced it is none other than inspiring.

I received a copy of this book from the first reviewer program for my thoughts.

"Serial Burn", by Lynette Eason

Lake City Heroes #3

If you like a blend of fast-paced action with heartfelt spiritual themes you will be pleased with this one. Lynette Eason shines in her ability to balance tension with human emotions.

Jesslyn McCormick lost her parent and two younger sisters in a devastating house fire when she was just seven years old. Now a marshal of Lake City she is more than determined to find the person responsible… A string of fires on the 25th anniversary of their deaths brings up old memories…..and more. But when FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to assist the local police and work with her then her future may turn for the better….

This story captured my interest from the first page. It didn’t take long before I was immersed in the tumultuous world of Jesslyn. Ms. Eason is a fabulous writer who knows how to create a rich tale of suspense and give us captivating twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seat till the very end. When it came evident that Jesslyn was the target and treat mounted Nathan became increasingly protective and nature kicked in….awe…..

What a thrill ride worth taking.

I received this ARC from Revell via Netgalley

"Dangerous Lover", by Lisa Marie Rice

The Dangerous Trilogy book #1

Synopsis literally taken from Goodreads: Riddled with medical expenses after the death of her young brother, Caroline Lake desperately takes in boarder Jack Prescott, a seemingly down-on-his-luck stranger with a high-stakes past who awakens previously unexplored passions in Caroline.

My thoughts:

This story was so out of my comfort zone it wasn’t even funny…. Give me a story with a backbone something that will not only entertain but will keep me wanting more. This story was so boring rehashing the same things over and over again pages after pages of mediocre sex scenes and not much else.

I sum up the story as such

Lust, sex,sex,sex and a very poor story line.

Conclusion:

Since this book was given by the publisher, I felt obliged to read it to the end but my verdict is: Not worth the time.

"No Way Out", by John W Mefford

Jack Whitfield Thriller book # 10

The story in a few words:

In the past one of Jack’s s rich friends, Sokol, saved his daughter who had been kidnapped. It was time to return the favour now. His new mission sends him in the middle of the El Salvadoran forest where he will need to pull of one highly dangerous rescue..And the mayhem begins..enjoy.

My thoughts in a few words:

I loved ¾ of this book immensely, reading it brought flash back of the terrible effects mining can bring to a remote area: water is sucked out of region, threatening water resources by dumping pollutants and affecting the lifestyle of indigenous communities, thus, leaving the population in fear of disappearing.

This story touches some of this but Mr. Mefford expertly added his own spin by having Jack taken prisoner and becoming along with the mine workers unwilling participant in mind altering experiences. But Jack is Jack and after 10 thrillers we know he will come out safe and sound but in the mean time the last ¼ of the story is never ending action…Maybe a bit unbelievable but fun to read.

The author doesn’t miss a beat and once more gave us in “No Way Out” a tense, existing, well- plot out story hard to put down.

Thank you, Mr. Mefford, you once more given me hours of enjoyment.