Book # 3 in the Jenny Wilson Mystery
Although part of a series this book stands very well by itself. Not having read the two first installments I found the author did a marvelous job situating his readers with small background snippets of whom and where his protagonist Parks Canada warden Jenny Wilson and secondary players come from. In this latest Jenny left Canada to join an American colleague in Namibian to assist the authorities in stopping the loss of rhinos to poaching.
Namibian is an important part of this story, its well-researched social and political climate at the forefront. The narrative is rich in knowledge of the place, its people and animals. All is said in a good pace with plenty of action. “In Rhino We Trust” is a plight of wildlife to be saved from those who are being supplied by international criminal gangs with equipment to track and kill them for their horns. The scarcity of rhinos today drives the price higher and higher, what an incentive for those wanting to pad their pockets at the expense of wildlife ….This story of an anti-poaching team who put their lives on the line to protect these animals is heartwarming. Mr. Butler in his tone shows the love he has for wildlife and has penned an original and suspenseful story populated with a strong cast of characters to tell us.
This fiction leaves a strong message behind its words….well-said
I receive this ARC from the publisher DunDurn Press via NetGalleys for my thoughts.
Mapwalkers book #2
Ms. Penn’s stories are a blend of psychology and the supernatural written in a fast-paced style. No doubts in my mind, she is in her elements writing dark fantasy thrillers. “Map of Plagues” chronicles further the journeys started in “Map of Shadows”, although you could easily fit right in if you start with book#2, it would be preferable to read book #1 first.
Leave all your believes behind and let yourself be transported along with the Mapwalker team across the Borderlands in a race against time to find the missing pieces of a map before the Shadow Cartographers get a hold of them and use their power against Earthside.
I am not a huge fan of fantasy and I usually stay away from reading them but what pushes me to read books written by this author is the richness of her words. Each movement is vividly painted, dark and full of lively descriptions. The author definitely has some wicked creative skills. Did I like this story, not really, too weird and way over the top for my enjoyment. Having said this, you may want to be pulled into a world filled with blood, gore, human sacrifice and creepy characters “Map of Plagues” provides all the elements to do so. Be careful, the world Ms. Penn has created weaves a spell that will hold you captive till you turn the last page….whether you love the story or not.
For myself I stay on the fence with this one.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable romantic suspense set in the mountainous region of north-eastern Afghanistan and tells the story of a snow leopard biologist (Axelle Dehn) who becomes the prey when cold war secrets threaten to expose a modern-day spy ring, and it is also of an elite British soldier (Ty Dempsey) who is forced to choose between his country and his heart.
With flash-backs to the Russian occupation and terrorist attacks in Northern Ireland during the 1970’s the story sails smoothly through its mix of action, military manoeuvers, love and most of all danger. The rhythm is steady and the tone is chilling at times especially when Axelle needs to end the poaching of her beloved snow leopard. At the same time, Ty and his team are on the hunt for one of the most sought after Russian terrorist. And then their paths crosses….and we are into a harrowing fight for survival with many twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our seat.
The chemistry between Ty and Axelle is entertaining… really boy meet girl and awe love is the air…..nothing special….but hey it make for a good read. I admit Axelle got on my nerves at times….but she finally got her act together and I did not dislike her by the end. Ty, well he is the macho military and a guy in love with a damsel in distress who will go to no end to make sure she is safe…awe budding romance.
Overall this story is worth passing time with if you like a soft mystery with a tad of mushy romance…and accept the many clichés along the way you will also enjoy it….……
