"Five Ways to Disappear", by R.M. Greenaway

B.C. Blues Crime Series book # 6

This series has grown on me through the years of course being Canadian and reading a story colourfully penned by a Canadian author is one great pleasure I like to experience, especially when the drama is set in the very scenic British Colombia.

“Five Ways to Disappear” brings us up in the breezy heights of North Vancouver, in a drama that will bring RCMP officers Leith and Dion on a gruesome murder committed on Paradise Road: a craftsman has been spiked to his lawn by his own art work. While the two officers are deep into their investigation we are slowly lead into a secondary plot that has Dion befriends a young woman leading him straight into trouble.

This latest brings two haunted tales that like the previous novels dilly-dallies a lot but saying this is a positive we are slowly drawn into both mysteries as they are played out in alternate chapters. The intricately, tightly woven plots are well-written to give us drop by drop some suspense to keep us intrigue and guessing till the secrets are revealed... The two main characters have definitely won my heart, they are larger than life and so down to earth you may think they are real people with their many faults and qualities. The author knows how to make us love them while they go about their daily routine.

This book is smooth ready: style simple and nicely said. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

My thanks to Dundurn Press and Netgalley for this ARC these are my thoughts

"When Twilight Breaks", by Sarah Sundin

Munich 1938

This gripping story set during the rise of the Nazi Party and the Jewish persecution is told through the eyes of Evelyn Brand, an American foreign correspondent, who struggles to make a name in her male dominated field. Throughout her stay in Germany, the bureau chief at the American News Service she works for heavily edits her correspondence in order to smooth her words and not offend the host country. Doing benign interviews with college students Evelyn meets Peter Lang, a PhD candidate and together try to expose the oppression they observe but in doing so they attract unwanted attention, pulling them deeper in danger as the world marches toward war.

Ms. Sundin has penned an enjoyable historical romance/fiction story. Although the leading lady tries to prove herself in a male dominated industry, the struggles she faces do not take over the story, but just enough for us to know how hard a time she is having. Evelyn is a charming character with a big-mouth she does not shy away from topics that could have gotten on the wrong side of the Nazis along with everyone around her. Discretion should have been learned early on....but no...and then came Peter Lang, a man who became entwined in the adventure and danger.

1938 was a momentous year: Germany’s annexation of Austria, the Munich Conference and Kristallnacht are some of the important events reported by Evelyn...of course heavily edited. On the other side no one can dissuade Evelyn to change course: she is more creative in seeking angles and sources which lead to some interesting opportunities. But she needed to be careful, the German government had the right to expel foreign correspondents ...or make their life very hard....

In “When Twilight Breaks” we have interesting details that immerse us into an experience hard to belief it ever happened. The account is suspenseful and well said: not too graphic but enough visual effect to shock us. The characters main and secondary are interesting and well-rounded even the evil Nazis.

Being a Christian Publishing House, Revell’s books have a fair amount of prayers and Bible verses. This book has its share. But what stands out is the history, the drama, the action and the tender romance between Peter and Evelyn. Yes all ends well for the two lovebirds...Amen.

I received this ARC from the Publisher Revell via the First Reviewer Program for my thoughts this is the way I see it

"Greed Manifesto", by John W. Mefford

Greed series book #4

Michael Doyle has moved to San Francisco to reboot his life after losing his wife only to find himself embroiled into a more chaotic lifestyle. With Andi, his old intern by his side life does not stay peaceful and soon thing start to go haywire and dangerous on the street of Frisco. WOW, what a thrilling ride this duo gives us from page one till we reach the closing chapter.

To make the most of this book you really need to read the series in sequence although they all work well as stand-alone.

What a perilous adventure the author takes us with his characters, a plot filled with action, twists and turns you don’t see coming. The author knows how to combine visual effects in his writing to make an exciting and very absorbing read. Partly told from Michael’s point of view we move back and gradually forward in time to eventually reach the present day. This did not bother me; all chapters are well indicated to give a smooth transition. What a fast-paced, seat on the edge thriller filled with suspense, mystery and greed to enjoy. Oh yes terribly far-fetched....but a very captivating read nonetheless.

In a few words:

Captivating story, well said and executed by a range of rounded characters and we have quite a few to help Michael reach his goal...or not.... I am sad to see the last of Michael; “Greed Manifesto” brings an end to the Greed series.

Thank you Mr. Mefford for the hours of enjoyment