"The Dead Zone", by Peter Hogenkamp

Jade Stryker Thrillers, #3

This 3rd installments the two main characters Jade Stryker and her fiancé Mark Brand. The books stories vacillate between the two in alternative chapters and are said from the point of views of each one in the present tense. Both stories are very slow to kick off but when they do, the intensity is palpable and the experience wonderful.

Throughout this thriller we have extensive explanations I must say sometimes the details were overbearing but most of all it slowed the pacing down to a crawl: exp. boats maneuvers, medical terms, etc. Although I must note following Jade and Mark in different locations: the Caribbean and the Rockies we have an impressive sense of place.

Mr. Hogenkamp’s narrative is active, simple and very well done, most of all he knows how to paint characters in a positive way. Jade and Mark are wonderful characters you wouldn’t mind passing time with them and listen to their experiences and very exciting life…Well I guess I will have to wait for book #4 to see what comes next….. looking forward to it.

It is a must to have read the 2 previous books in order to understand Jade antecedent and how she came to be Mark’s significant other.

Now did I pique your interest, I hope I did “The Dead Zone” is a fine book.

Here is a snippet of what to expect:

Jade Stryker takes a trip to find her father she has never met. However, trouble is never far away. In the sunlit valley of the Rockies where he lives seems her father is the only thing preventing a corrupt sheriff from abusing his family. Jade decides to take the matter into her hands…..

While her fiancé Mark is looking forward to seeing his brother Mitchell he hasn’t seen over a decade…unfortunately, on arrival Mitch was abducted initiating a cascade of events….

Enjoy

Thank you, Mr. Hogenkamp for the hours of entertainment this story has given me.

"One Split Second", by Robert Dugoni

Tracy Crosswhite book #12

I simply love this author again he has provided a story filled with suspense, action, intrigue and of course some exiting courtroom scenes. This latest involves the shooting of an unarmed veteran, Anthony Alvarez, by Sheriff Jenny Almond who was later charged with first-degree murder. Jenny is Tracy best friend and along with her husband a lawyer they set out to prove her innocence. Decades ago, Alverez was the prime suspect in the unsolved disappearance of a teenage babysitter. Digging into both the past and present cases they need to find the truth before it is too late for Jenny.

Robert Dugoni excels as a storyteller one that know how to pull you in from the start and keep you engaged till you flip the last page. He draws well- developed characters and propels them into a compelling plot filled with tense scenes that keeps us on the edge of our seat, even biting our nails. The tempo is kept at a high level as he lets the mystery builds up in both his stories till the timelines intersect and the focus switch to the legal strategy. This story is well balance to give us police procedural and a realistic courtroom shenanigan.

Well said and well done

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for the chance to review this ARC

"A Journey of Insights", by James G. Ellis

Lessons in Leadership and Legacy

I stepped out of my usual genre to plunge into a book I would not normally read and surely would have passed over at a book store. I am grateful that Fauzia Burke form FSB Associates offered me the chance to open my mind by sending me this inspirational memoir written by Mr. Ellis former dean of USC’s business school who also had a long and distinguished career in business.

Synopsis:

“In trying to plot the roadmap for a successful business life, Ellis stories show illustratively the secrets or ingredients of how business schools and their students can prosper. At the core of his message is the central theme that listening to voices around you throughout life is the key to success. In essence, ears can speak louder than voices.”

In a few words:

Straightforward and conversational the book centers on career values including mentorship, preparation and risk taking. Most of all this journey of many insights and lessons will hopefully help us to become better partners, parents, siblings, children, bosses and employees…

Whether you are starting in life or at the twilight of it there is always a lesson to be learn.

I like how the book tempo flows: the sentences are not too long and explanatory with snippets of dialogue, sometime funny and at times serious all said in a warm tone of a person that loves people and wants them to be happy and succeed. He definitely doesn’t come across a person with a big ego.

A final note from the author:

“Every dark day is a learning experience for the next bright day, and we must look at it like that. Always look on the positive side and you will get through the dark days much faster. Devote yourself to your family, friends, and faith, and you will overcome most obstacles.”

Thank you, Mr. Ellis