"Malibu Burning", by Lee Goldberg

 

Sharpe & Walker #1

Although this story is a work of fiction it is a real possibility it could happened. “Malibu Burning” is all about firefighting and investigating the cause and finding the culprit and is the exciting and very captivating new series around police procedural staring Andrew Walker an ex US Marshall and senior investigation Walter Sharpe. This installment has Danny Cole, a prisoner, who joins an unconventional prison release firefighting program where he is teamed up with elite firefighters. But Danny Cole has one thing in mind...his next heist. The plot centers mainly on Danny the con man and what he is planning. The other part deals with the two wisecracking detectives.

The story is written in two different timelines and the chapters shift back and forth between characters I found it difficult to follow a first but when I got the hang of it I understood better what was going on. The banter between the investigators is something else I needed to get used to but eventually I did and found Walker and Sharpe hilarious and in the long run I enjoyed following them. Yes the dialogue is bit tacky at times but also entertaining. Of course the moving plot is over the top it is actually an adrenaline ride one can enjoy once into it. There is so much going on: fire everywhere, drones and ping-pong balls, trees and bushes and houses in flames....vividly said ...what a picture it leaves in your mind especially these hot summer days with all the fires raging around the world.....

I am pleased to have received this ARC from Thomas& Mercer via Netgalley

"Crossroads of Granite", by Michael Reit

Orphans of War book #3

“Crossroads of Granite” continues where “They Bled Orange”, left and is the final chapter in the trilogy. In alternate chapters and from the point of view of Christiaan, Lisa and Nora narrate their life during the last years of the war.

In a few words:

Christiaan was in the resistance till he was captured and sent to Mauthausen, a concentration camp, where he struggled to survive. While, Lisa at the front with General Patton’s army is caring for the wounded, Nora is interned in a concentration camp hoping to stay alive while helping those around her. As the noose begins to close around the Germans, life became dangerous for all. The physical and emotional stresses took a toll.... Too much horror and too much uncertainty....Quite a venture into a tapestry of courage, sacrifice and love...

My thoughts:

The events are based on true accounts from prisoners and survivors. The author does honors in representing them. The well-crafted chapters paint a vivid and poignant picture of what life was during the war. The dialogue is authentic and active. Mr. Reit doesn’t shy away from telling us the horrors the prisoners suffered at the hands of their captors but does this with tact. This story has a lot going on that is captivating to no end so much so I read it in two settings so eager to see what will come next and if the three heroes would manage to survive. The energy in this historical fiction is far more that I had expected. So well- said, so well- researched. Michael Reit is a powerful story teller and one of my preferred in historical fiction.

I received this ARC from The Book Whisperer via Netgalley

"Into the Fire", by Irene Hannon

Undaunted Courage book #1

A romantic suspense novel

This first experience reading Ms. Hannon was provided through the first reviewer program and I am glad they gave me the chance to read this wonderful story.

Arson investigator and a former smokejumper Bri Tucker, knows all about fires. When she inherits unfinished business from her predecessor she joins forces with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to track down a serial arsonist and murderer who will stop at nothing to carry out is plan.

It took a little while to get in the swing of things, we have a lot of key players to get to know but once all of them are placed the story grabs you and doesn’t let go. This clean tale is filled with excitement and nerve-raking scenes right up to the very end. I was pinned down enjoying every word. The emotions run high especially when it comes to the arsonist and what he is up to. The investigators suspicion on who this person may be and how they can stop him is so varied I was guessing trying to picture who it might be. Curiosity and anxiety took hold till the surprise was revealed at the end. It was a big puzzle from the get-go and a very well written one. Being a romantic story we gradually have Bri and Marc developing a relationship and a wonderful ending comes out of it.

This plot is well construction and excellently written. The simple and clear narration and vividly said dialogue by well-tuned characters is a reason I can say this story is one I enjoyed immensely.