Book #2, in the Deborah Jones Crime Thriller
Loved this one, “Dark Water” is a gripping read that has kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. The plot is captivating and is weaved with dynamic characters.
This fast paced story covers many aspects at times somewhat predictable but is so entertaining that I had a hard time putting it aside in fact it took me only two settings to finish it. Deborah, the main character is an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald and is in a relationship with her managing editor. They get involved in the apparent suicide of a young man, who obtained top secrets government documents by hacking into a cell phone of a high ranking employee. The victim contacted the reporter for a meeting…..Deborah had agreed to meet and soon finds herself caught in a drama she never could have imagined…..and reading the ramifications is a hell of a story.
The story is filled with geeky stuff and high tech gadgetry and is fun to read. The narration is smooth and plenty of good dialogue to move things along. We find a lot of intrigue to go with the suspense and a trail of murders and damage left behind as this hard headed journalist gets closer to the truth.
Did I say I loved this one……
Book # 3, in the Lewis trilogy
This final plot in the trilogy set on the island of Lewis featuring former policeman Fin MacLeod works perfectly well as a standalone novel. Although, newcomers will have plenty of backstory to assimilate but be assured it is neatly woven in the narrative that you will not feel lost at all. This is a story of love, friendship, loyalty and betrayal.
In a nut shell, Fin’s new job is head of security and is handed the job to putting a stop to poachers on a private estate. The main suspect is Whistler, his oldest friend. Their friendship is tested when the pair stumbles onto a light aircraft at the bottom of a dry drain with its pilot dead at the helm. The police is called to investigate the crash, Fin’s finds himself at the centre of it all. Rivalries, secrets and wrong-doing begin to surface…..and makes for quite an interesting read.
Mr. May shifts action back and forth and uses flashbacks as the story unfolds in both past and present. The story is good but what set it aside from others is how talented the author is in creating the sense of place for his readers in order to be absorbed into the life of his characters and into the landscape of the Hebrides. “The Chessmen” is good mystery novel with several obvious holes in the plot. Although Fin does find some resolution for the past tragedy, enough is left unsaid letting you wonder if really this is the end. This contrived ending has left me somewhat unsatisfied.
A Supernatural thriller short story
Although, this story may be short in words it nevertheless packs quite a bit in its 16 pages. “The Dark Queen” is the story of a sunken city, of lost goddess and of Lara who is determined to find her.
I am not a fan of short stories but honestly with Ms. Penn’s I make exception. In a few words she richly composes her fantasy, gives us decidedly a spooky and entertaining drama and propels her main character into a saga not many would want to live through…..Ms. Penn’s words captures your imagination and I was hooked from the start and wanting more by the end…..
I received a copy from Ms. Penn for my thoughts
