Book 1, in the Beatrix Rose: Hong Kong Stories (trilogy)
In this story (84 pages novella) Beatrix is in Hong Kong to find some needed cash for the search in her beloved daughter Isabella who disappeared without a trace. The opportunity presented itself unexpectedly when her particular skills were needed by the Triad.
Intriguing and action-packed this fast paced mystery is a great read. It may be short, to the point with no frills and unnecessary words but the author knows how to place the right amount of punch to push the excitement to the limit.
This little book is unputdownable
A Mémoir
“Adios Havana” is a true account intended to remind us of the fragility of freedom. Cuba was an island paradise and Havana, its capital, a crown jewel internationally renowned till the Revolution. The aftermath brought powerful domestic and international repercussions. This mémoir paints the author’s struggle, along with his wife, to escape the communists at any cost.
The author opens his book by vividly describing life in Cuba before Castro. He doesn’t sugar coat his words when the revolution came and subsequently life in the country accelerate from zero to tyranny practically overnight. He touches some of the barbaric practices Castro’s goons did but this was a small part in the book what he mainly covered is his quest to escape to Florida and how he managed to do so. As a “Cuban exile” the Rodriguez did not think like most refugees that the new government would not last long and wanted to make the USA their permanent home and leave a legacy for the future generations. With a bit of help from sponsors and charitable organizations they started their new life and through the years became highly regarded US citizens.
Being a memoir one can only read what the author wishes to say after all it is his own souvenirs. It has some very touching moments.
“Adios Havana”, is also a love story of his unswerving love and devotion to his wife. He writes about how he met her, his courtship, his marriage, their escape and their arrival penniless and with little knowledge of English to a country that greeted them with open arms…
This is a real heart-warming story I enjoyed very much.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This is the Way I see it.
Book 3, in Detective Inspector Joona Linna series
Before you read this novel be warned it is one of those rare stories that are truly difficult to put down. Once started you will be reading till the wee hours….This pulse-pounding third outing sends Joona to
a home for troubled girls where one of them was brutally murdered, one girls is gone missing and one girl claims to have witnessed it all.
The story weaves puzzles into puzzles and is as dark, gritty and as brutal as you can imagine. It starts slowly at first but fast gain momentum. Brilliantly written in short and exciting chapters combined with a present tense narration the action is largely centered on trying to find the prime suspect, the missing girl. Giving us only the information we need, no long back stories the author’s proceeds in giving clues as the investigation moves along and draws us deeper and deeper. In every turn there is a reversal of fortunes and the horrendous set of circumstance is what kept me glued to every single page till I reached the conclusion.
“The Fire Witness” has a more violent side than the previous installments. What brings this page-turner to new heights is the mystery behind the issues covered, the minutia of the details, the originality in which it is delivered and not forgetting the intriguing characterization.
Although part of a series “The Fire Witness” can easily be enjoyed on its own.
