"One Wish", by Laura Krieger Emack

A Tale of Reckoning After 9-11

This short read of 97 pages or so which I received via the first reviewer program was not what I expected. The story is mostly centered post 911 on 3 lives Sandra, a lawyer, who reluctantly agreed to spend ten days caring for her critical ill sister-in-law Janine, while her husband, Greg, is on an oversea clandestine assignment. Greg had assiduously studied Arabic…Sandra surmises that her brother investigation involved 9-11….

A great part of this book describes what happened on the home front, Sandra caring for Janine bringing her to doctors and eventually to her final days in palliative care till the day Greg came back home and shared confidential information about a certain foreign student. Then the book picked up speed and became far more interesting.

In a few words: 7/8 of the story is very slow and mundane till we reached the end by then it was too late to win my attention. I had no affinity or even cared for any of the characters even poor Janine fighting an unbeatable illness. Sandra and Greg are bland players; I didn’t care at all for them.

In a few words this book was not my cup of tea but it may be yours. I let you judge for yourselves…..

"A Medicine Game", by Jason Donville

Mostly set in 1992 during the peacekeeping mission in Sarajevo

Moose and Jonathan, infantry officers in the Canadian Army and best friends since their time at Royal Roads Military College are deployed to Sarajevo as peacekeepers and soon find themselves into a genocidal war. They had to confront the brutal realities of human violence where snipers target civilians often children while they are ordered to remain neutral.

Jonathan, a Mohawk soldier, carries with him something older than his uniform he wears: lacrosse- the Creator’s Game, known as the Medicine Game when played for healing. Moose, a white man, is very close to Jonathan and his culture.

Spanning continents and generations, from Canada’s Ouest coast to Sarajevo and living the traditions of Six Nations. This wonderful story brings to life the soldiers, civilians and moral uncertainties of a city under siege. The characters are people caught between competing forces- power and autonomy, love and fear, trauma and healing and who care deeply about one another. Jonathan and Moose are excellent representatives.

This is a wonderful read where we have a real sense of what Canada is: landscape, seasons and the heart of the people. Not a boring instant passing time with this well said story told with passion and compassion in a prose that is smooth and far from being condescending….

More than a war story “A medicine Game” is primary about friendship and is a gripping and captivating read from the first to the last page.

My thanks to Book Whisperer and Netgalley for this ARC

"The Lipetsk Conspiracy", by William Fernie

Tom Munro Aviation and Espionage Series Book #4

The story in a few words:

Berlin 1926

Germany conducts secret aviation trials at a remote airfield deep in Soviet Russia, laying the foundations of an air force that would later devastate Europe. The hidden collaboration between the Reichswehr and the Red Army remains one of the most extra ordinary military deceptions of the interwar years.

Captain Tom Munro, a pilot for Deutsche Luft Hansa, is determined to expose the truth by infiltrating Lipetsk, the Russian Air base….His plans go awry when he is forced to serve in a flying role.

My thoughts:

Although this is not my usual read, I was captivated nevertheless by the style, the language and how the story developed in a smooth and entertaining way. Getting into the base at Lipetsk was not an easy task. As a test pilot Tom risked his life…if caught he will be considered a spy.

By exploring this fascinating chapter of military history and the lesser-known chapters of Germany’s clandestine military build-up, I am even more curious to discover more. The story talks intensively about airplanes that were tested at the time: Ardo, Albatros, BFW, Heinkel, Dornier to name a few. The test pilots and their prowess in the sky. Tom was one of them….a spy but a darn good pilot first.

“The Lipetsk Conspiracy” blends real historical events with compelling fiction and technical authenticity and brings the interwar to life. The author’s builds his stories on real covert operations making reading more than interesting…never hurts to be a bit more knowledgeable at the end of the day….

At the heart of this series is Tom Munro: pilot and reluctant spy. In each installment we follow him into the dangerous world of espionage….

Excellent read: well-said and well-done.

My thanks to Book Whisperer and Netgalley for this ARC

"A Dead Lie", by John W. Mefford

Alex &Ozzie Dark Horizon, Book #7

The story is a few simple words

While Ozzie is trying to deal with the aftermath of Nicole’s brutal murder, he sets on the hunt for the man that killed her. Thus, striking a deal with the Giordano crime family is his only option…A favour that requested one in return…..

Meanwhile, Alex takes a routine missing-persons case one that turns out not so routine after all. Eventually her investigation collides with her brother’s shadow war where one wrong move means disaster…….and us as readers in the middle of action…..enjoy.

My thoughts

Mr. Mefford’s writing is like a fine wine that matured exceptionally well: skillfully balanced giving us a blend of family saga in a complex and intense journey while not forgetting to pepper his narrative with graceful and sophisticated words.

I am baffled to know where does all this imagination comes from always giving us a fresh story book after book, 47 of them I read up to now and I am still looking forward to the next installment. I admit some I like better than others although all are excellent…this one is top notch.

Thank Mr. Mefford keep up entertaining us I enjoy your books immensely.

"Knit Happens...then Murder", by Tessa Aura

Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery Book#12

A cozy mystery

This engaging story delivers a witty, clean and cozy mystery set in a charming small-town and features Penelope Sinclair. The story centers on the murder of a yarn shop owner Evelyn Harper and the investigation that follows. Oh! I must not forget the Chihuahua sidekick, Teo.

I was offered this book by the author and wish to thank her many times. This mystery was a good introduction to Ms. Aura witty writing and twisty yet cozy mystery genre. Definitely this is a puzzle driven story that has some humour and warmth into it and a satisfying whodunit. The author has a knack to keep her reader guessing till the very last chapter.

The characters make this story come to live, they are dynamic and simply love their interaction especially during the knitting sessions...:) not what to love when a new member, a detective, looking for answers pretends to love knitting…

I zipped through this story in no time. With its light style and its 180 pages it was smooth sailing all through.

If you pick up this series mid-way no fear you will blend in no problems

"Library of Forbidden books", by Mario Escobar

Based on the heroic true stories of librarians that fought back.

Berlin 1933

“Library of Forbidden Books”, follows Helene Nathan, one of the first female librarian, as she works at a prestigious German Library to save ahead of the systematic purge of literature the books targeted to public burnings. Helene and her colleagues embark on a perilous mission secretly collecting and hiding the very books slated for destruction…..this is her story.

The book is divided in three sections and an Epilogue.

This story goes from feeling fiction to slightly academic at times, no doubts it is well researched. The first part of the book focuses on Helen’s upcoming marriage to Derek, an Aryan army officer, and the rise of Nazim. The tempo soon picks up as Helen faces consequences for hiding the books. A dangerous act of defiance in a city where neighbors could be an informant and the Gestapo are a constant threat.

The chapters are short and the story is easy to follow and very engaging. I am fond of the author’s writing style: no- nonsense, no filler words and well-said.

Mr. Escobar has penned a gripping tale of courage and the profound power of literature as resistance and delivered this wonderful story with vivid although sad words. Be sure after reaching the end to read the Clarifications From History and the timeline of events.

I enjoy reading this author he is one of my favourites

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Sufi Surfer", by Sharif Khan

Amer Fateh, an eccentric surfer living in a tent in the Big Sur coastal wilderness is on a quest for his divine double. A job offer by Guru Don at a mountain sight retreat is just what he needed and Amer happily accepts, unaware he just joined a cult… and the journey commences for this mystic misfit Sufi surfer…

My thoughts:

Honestly this story was not for me, I simply couldn’t get into it. It is said to be some kind of comedy but I couldn’t see the humour at all, or was it my state of mind wasn’t into it. I really don’t have a great sense of humour I suppose. To make reading difficult there are too many words and expressions in foreign language spread throughout without no translation, that didn’t help to keep my mind to stay with it....This story is heavily focussed on fart and poop jokes, is that funny?

This story is the wackiest and wandering one I ever read. Didn’t like the story nor the characters….end of my thoughts….please forgive me Mr. Khan.

I may not have liked this story but maybe you will so don’t take my words for it, judge for yourself.

My thanks to the author for this ARC

"Tis The Season To Be Scary", by Vicky Delany

A Year-Round Christmas Mystery, book 9

A cozy mystery

In a few words:

It’s Halloween and the forks of Rudolph all decked up in their costumes are celebrating at the Yuletide Inn, a grand fundraising gala in support of the local hospital. As drinks flow, the guests dance and canapés are served…. then things begin spiraling out of control……curious?....pick up this book at your favourite store….enjoy

My thoughts:

One cozy mystery indeed, it moves at a sail pace and keeps this way till the very end. Having said this, it may be slow but far from boring. It is quite a perfect story to spook us and to kick off the season with Halloween folklore, goodies and extravagant costumes….not forgetting the help from the great unknown….

It would not be a mystery without a murder and of course during the gala someone studently collapses setting off a string of speculations and Merry Wilkinson at the thick of the action. Strangest things are going on and Merry is determined to find out.

This story is well-written: clean and clear. The characterization is on the spot and the atmosphere is great…..love all those spooky faces

We have wonderful sweets all along this story and recipes to try making at the end

If you enjoyed a story that is not taxing this one is for you.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Book and Netgalley for this ARC