"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

"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

"The Taken Girls", by Glenn Cooper

The story in a few words:

This gripping thriller follows a family whose daughters, Victoria and Elizabeth, were abducted and returned four years later, appearing unchanged. At the same time their parents vanished and haven’t been seen since.

Retired CIA officer, Marcus Handler, is hired to investigate. His search will lead to unexpected and disturbing truths….

My thoughts:

The plot follows the investigation journey of Marcus and is divided in 3 parts said with 3 points of view. The narrative’s tone between sci-fi and medical thriller is attention grabbing, tense and quite addictive. The medical jargon is fascinating although the study and tests performed on the children were hauntingly disturbing…..manipulating kids to trust them so they can easily experiment on them…depressing.

This thriller is fast-paced, goes straight to the point clear and firmly. It is cleverly managed with twists and turns to keep us flipping the pages. A touch of extraterrestrial to tease us is a plus.

Mr. Cooper tackles the most unique subject and has a way with words that pulls us in and keeps us glued to his subject.

Although, this story is far-fetched and not very believable yet I was highly entertained and enjoyed every hour I spent reading this crazy story. I was hooked from the start.

Well said and well done

Thank you, Lascaux Media/ Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the copy of this book

"Colombo", by Ty Patterson

Cutter Grogan book #11

Cutter in on vacation so he thought till an American tourist dies. The local police ruled the death natural. The family wants a private investigator to confirm the details…Cutter was on location ready to help. Asking questions brought the wrong people around, the kind that shoots first and ask questions later….Cutter becomes a target….and the fun begins….enjoy

Typical Ty Patterson action pack story with lots of Bing Bang and excitement. It so well written I could visualize every movement and enjoyed every bit of it. There are always surprises to reroute everything, that is the fun of Ty’s you know there will be danger and the hero will give a great go thwarting the bad guys plans and along the way entertain us.

So much going on I had a hard time setting it aside. I love Cutter, he is my favourite of all Ty’s characters. In this latest we have the participation of some great players from the past series adding their touch with all their expertise needed to help and to top all this a new crew member joins the lineup, what a great addition in Perara. You will like her no nonsense attitude, I did.

In a few words:

Action pack, fabulous story, very well-written and great characterisation

Keep up the good word Ty and thank you for the hours of enjoyment.

"Ax Rising", by Travis Colter

A Vigilante Suspense Thriller

The Handyman Series Book #1

This story is short and sweet 114 pages I zipped through it in no time. In this new series we are introduced to Ax Hawke, a handyman who fixes houses in Calder, California where he is well known….We soon find out that Hawes isn’t really a handyman…..

“When a few of his new friends are threatened by someone from the outside, Ax's past resurfaces, his old secret friends Zeb Carter and his team come to help him as well. “.. and the fun commences….enjoy.

This book is based on characters created by Ty Patterson. Although you will recognize landmarks and some characters, this story is pure fiction. Those who know Ty will recognize that this story mirrors his technique...This story reads in short sentences at a staccato rhythm with never ending action. It is far from being boring and in no time the finale is there. In fact, I must say this is the best short story I read so far this year. A great start for a new series.

"Purranormal Activity", by Cate Conte

A Cat Mystery Café Mystery book #10

A Cozy mystery

I enjoyed my first experience reading this author and her charming story set off the coast of New England which features Maddie the cat café owner and JJ the cute little fur ball. I had not trouble fitting in at this stage although I am deeply curious …. What excitement did I miss not having read the previous installments….

This story in a few words:

Maddie recent customer booked her for a birthday party featuring her adorable kitties. Olivia, the customer was Maddie’s mother high school friend who had left the island a long time ago, astonished to see her back they both head over to her home. When they arrived, the door was ajar and a gorgeous long-haired white and gray cat lead them to a secret room where they found Olivia dead in a pool of blood…….and the mystery kicks off…..enjoy.

My thoughts:

This is a fun story full of charming characters and the touch of a ghost cat added intrigue and speculation. In a few words, this story is surrounded by a close-knit community assembling together in order to solve a murder, all this while cats are set free to roam around helping humans in their quest. Quite a deferent spin.

It is a fast read keeping a steady pace throughout and is well said to keep us engaged till the very last page. No dramatic red herring to shocks us just smooth sailing from start to finish. The touch of purranormal was at a minimum just purrrrrrrrrrrfect.

My thanks to St-Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC

"Barbara's War", by Fenella J. Miller

Barbara’s War book #1

First published in 2012

This is a tale of a young woman in wartime changing the course of her unhappy life as the war rages over Europe. Barbara Sinclair is desperate to escape from her home and wants to find her paternal grandparents who know nothing about her. He grandfather Dr Edward Sinclair is delighted to welcome her and it took time for her grandmother to defrost but she nevertheless did and Barbara enjoyed life with them….The story will tell the ups and downs and how her life changed forever.

Really, this story is not what I expected. Although is set against the background of the war, it doesn’t cover any of the hostilities rather the dramatic events surrounding Barbara’s life: her unhappiness and the why, the love for her brothers, the caring and loving nature of her friend John, the many people that crosses her path… etc….

Barbara is definitely the driving force of this story one said in a very meandering way, quite gently and peppered with pathos. Oh! Boy does it rattle on and on….Not really anything happens for 99% of the story and finally yes something…a murder.

Barbara plays well her part so as all the characters but they are dull and uninteresting.

In whole this story is too simple and is somewhat boring.

"I Have a Secret", by Cheryl Bradshaw

Sloane Monroe #3

First published in 2012

Private detective Sloane Monroe is on the haunt for a killer who stabbed to death a classmate on their 20-year high school party reunion. The investigation brings her back to her hometown where no one is ready to talk…This small town is soaked in secrets and to unravel the mystery of the present lie in the past……

This story is engaging and has kept my attention from start to finish with its many twists and turns. Sloane is a unique and complex protagonist I loved to follow as she was digging deep for answers.

This is quick read and really entertaining, the creative writing gives the plot character and is so easy to follow. The players are engaging and dialogues sounded real, quite witty and humorous. Sloane is a great heroine hard not to be rooting for her success. Well, I also like her love interest Giovanni quite a deferent person to pair up with a P.I.

Well written and fun to read

"Kill Shot", by Cameron Blake

Adam Kinkaid Book #1

Published in 2017, a short book of 214 pages

In a few words:

Ex-Navy Seal Abram Kinkaid is recruited by a rogue group to assassinate the Prime Minister of Canada claiming it is in the best interests of the United States… caught between truth and death, Abram must make a choice…..he is then thrust into a world of espionage and murder…..what will come out of this?

My thoughts in a few words:

A very long introduction to the main character and a very tedious process depicting his indoctrination into the group and how they proceed with is training: long winded words put together that went on and one for many chapters. Too much… although once past this stage the pacing picks up and the drama comes to life and the mystery starts to be interesting. However, the story line appears convoluted and the changing scenario definitely will keep the reader on his toes. As for Kinkaid, although his character is well defined, I didn’t care much for him, or maybe the mission he was sent to do hit home too much, especially now in 2026….

Interesting ending leaving the door open and many questions.

Not my cup of tea but not that bad.

"The Lightning Girl", by Sam Ripley

 Sarah returns to her hometown after her father’s death only to find that old memories of thirty years ago will haunt her. Her best friend Genevieve survived being struck by lightning had proclaimed to be a witch and that this event had given her power.

Till one night Genevieve slipped and fell of a cliff to the sea and met her end…she has never been recovered or seen since…..Where is she…..

Returning home, Sarah thinks more and more about her friend especially the last night she was alive. She begins to question the story she’s believed for many years …. Then Genevieve reached out…..and as readers we fall in a psychological tug of war…what is real and what is not……..

My thoughts:

I admit that after the first 5 chapters I didn’t think I would push on. Not really my style but lo and behold a was struck by a magical spell and from then on, I was hooked.

What a mystery this turn out to be. Gen keeps popping up and talking to Sarah. Not frightening but definitely disconcerting. What happened to Gen, was she murdered and by whom…. Gen will divulge tidbits to Sarah just enough to push her to uncover the truth and this goes on and on, a teaser well done till the very end. This uncertainty kept me engaged and questioning Sarah’s interpretations of events. I enjoyed this and played along.

Some may say there is a supernatural element here but I think it is more a psychological brain game. Guilty conscience plays tricks on you: Sarah sees and hears her friend and talks to her….but is she really there talking back.

The pacing is steady giving us enough twists and clues for us to keep turning the pages. Sarah is a good character as is the ghost Gen….

If you like a mystery with originality you may like this one. I know I did.

My thanks to Atria Books as well as Netgalley for this ARC

"Nightmare in Summerset", by Melinda Woodhall

A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book# 11

When a book from Melinda comes out, I can’t resist. Even if this is the 11th book in the series the story is fresh and as expected filled with suspense and many unexpected twists that will derail us and keep us on our toes. This fine plot inevitably played out by charming and villain characters has a way to hook us and keep us captive till the closing chapter. As always, I was immersed in the story and I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it.

Well said and well done and most of all entertaining

The story in a few words:

Special Agent baily Flynn is investigating a horrific murder of a would-be actress who had vanished without a trace from the Scorched Pine Studios. Bailey while on the task finds chilling clues to the murderer’s twisted motive and is soon lured into his nightmarish fantasy.

Enjoy.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review