Broken Places by Tracy Clark ~ Book Review

Broken Places by Tracy Clark
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good ending

This book was real slow to start but has potential. The development of the characters was great. I understand where every party was coming from. I must say one of the good things about this novel was I didn’t solve the mystery at all before the last couple of chapters. But beyond that I really had high hopes for this novel it just took me entirely too long to get into it. There are 32 chapters and for me it did t start getting good until mid twentieth chapters.without giving anything away the ending was great I just wished it would’ve given me that same energy throughout the novel.

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Review: The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer

The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow just wow. The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer simply amazing. This book to me on a real adventure, I mean edge of the seat type of ride. I could not put it down and it's a big book. Meltzer did his research, I learned a lot about history. You know there were lots of bits of nuggets of knowledge that had me researching magicians, past wars, things of that nature.

I do think a military dictionary or glossary would have been nice to have just as an add-on to the back of the book. If you are non-military there are few phrases and words that may trip you up during the reading (but nothing too big that will leave you completely lost).

Zig is my absolute favorite character, his commitment to a cause, a person, doing what is right is commendable. I did not solve the who done it question of this big, I was completely off, but that is what really made this book good in my opinion. Meltzer keeps the reader on his/her toes and second guessing. The book does toggle between the present and past, but it is not confusing. Meltzer did it in a way that it makes sense and it helps to build Nola's character.

There is a lot of kicking butt and taking names so to speak in the novel, but what you can't lose sight as is the small nuances, that's what moves the story a long. This was my first Brad Meltzer novel and if the rest of his work is done like this one I will be reading a lot more of it.

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Book Review: Missing by Adiva Geffen

Missing by Adiva Geffen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Missing by Adiva Geffen was quite an interesting suspenseful mystery novel. It was a multifaceted novel that had many many layers. The best part of this novel was the development of characters. Geffen thoroughly delved into the psyche of each character. I greatly appreciated this it helped to push the story along and helped distinguished each character as well.

While the plot of Missing was well established, the beginning of the novel was a little slow. We start off with the murder of a young girl and then go back in time for how it happened. The premise is great but the delivery was lacking. The story for me did not really keep my attention until after chapter twenty-two. But once it took off it really took off.

As the reader, I really connected with Dikla and Sammy. Those women had total spunk and although they are a little rough around the edges, Geffen really makes you believe or start to believe in their cause. The conspiracy theory and cult-like atmosphere surrounding this mystery lead a sense of urgency to find out what happens to Daria and others like her.

Overall, this novel had great potential and despite the slow start, it was a real good read. If you are looking for a true mystery novel with a little action and snarky comebacks, Missing will fall right in line with you. While there is a small amount of romance in this novel it mainly falls in the mystery/thriller genre.

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Book Review: Crossing into the Mystic ~ D.L. Koontz

Crossing Into The Mystic by D.L. Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crossing Into the Mystic was an amazing read. I am not sure how to catagorize this piece as it could fall into many genres. It brings out mystery, science fiction, adventure with a hint of romance. Koontz's writing style is superb. You must love an author who can keep you on the edge of the next page, deliver you content that's crucial to the plot without being wordy and over explaining things.

Grace MacKenna's character represented a very strong young woman who when faced with the unbelievable still stuck to her guns and beliefs and tried her best to make things right. As all young teenagers do; she lied but she eventually learned that one she was a bad liar and two lying never really helps solve anything. I felt as though I was one of Grace's friends while reading this novel. I must admit the beginning is kind of slow but once you get past the initial setup and background (which you do need to understand the story) it all works itself out and truly becomes a page turner.

Not giving anything away but I truly cannot wait for Book #2 in this series.

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The Club X Series - Book 2: Book Review

Den of Desire by Shauna Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A dangerous route to love. Den of Desire by Shauna Hart was a very interesting book that kept me hooked from page to page. I absolutely loved Joe and Mara's story. The romance novelist (lol inexperienced)meets the sex club expert. At first I thought it would be a cliche dom/submissive story but it was way more than that. Shauna really brought a since of mystery and drama to the whole love story. It was definitely a roller coaster ride of who is after Mara or is it someone with a lustful eye for Joe causing this couple so much drama and literal pain. I will definitely have to back track and read book 1 in this series.



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The Disappearance of E.A.B. ~ Gwen E. Campbell

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

The Disapperance of E.A.B. by Gwen E. Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gwen E Cambpell's Disappearance of E.A.B was a great story. The main character Anne had to pull strength from her inner core to deal with her upbringing and her future. As always Campbell has a unique way of pulling the reader fully into the life of the characters; in a sense it's like you become a part of the story and not a some on the outside looking in. The Disappearance of EAB brings you drama, adventure and mystery. It did start a little slow but trust me when I say that beginning portion is well needed to understand the end. Stick it out it's well worth the read.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Entitlement ~ Mike Worley

Entitlement by Mike Worley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Entitlement: An Angela Masters Detective Novel by Mike Worley brings the Heat. Worley writes this novel like a movie script. It simply flows with mystery, suspense and action. Detective Angi is a powerhouse character, strong woman, good at her job and her hunches are pretty spot on. Worley provides background details at the beginning of the story, which I dearly appreciate. Erica, a young woman has gone missing and Detective Angi is on the case. This novel presents many twists and turns at times you think you know who did it and how, but Worley will throw a monkey wrench in your theory. This book is reminiscent of CSI and Law & Order wrapped up in one. But it is so much more than what you would experience in a 45 minute episode; Worley presents the reader with the whole picture looking at this missing person, a possible crime, all characters thoroughly defined in one novel. Great job Worley excited to see what comes up next.

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When Dogs Could Talk ~ David S. Wellhauser

When Dogs Could Talk by David S. Wellhauser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Dogs Could Talk by David S. Wellhauser is an interesting novel with many complex levels. I found the novel at first to be extremely wordy for lack of better words. It is a like I said before a complex novel, but I must encourage others to stick with it. It took me a couple of chapters to understand Wellhauser’s writing style but as I continued on the plot begins to thicken and the mystery and murders begin to really come together. Wellhauser definitely has a way with words and descriptions of the scenes and characters that are involved in When Dogs Could Talk. Following reporter Charley Harris research and “detective” style of deduction was quite an adventure. Wellhauser does not hold back on detail, I believe that wow factor of “Bam” in your face writing is what makes this novel flow. The grittiness of the novel gives it depth and overall it was a pleasant read.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Viable ~ R.A. Hakok

viable by R.A. Hakok
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

R.A. Hakok’s novel Viable was an intense book with bits and pieces of mystery, drama, and science fiction. A discovery of a rare blood type with potential to cure many ailments and diseases plaguing society would be great. That is what makes this novel interesting. Going on the journey that intertwines the lives of an up and coming scientists/professor Alison, small town Sheriff and a mysterious man Grant was a great adventure written by Hakok. Although the beginning of the novel dragged a little and was lacking much needed action to thrust it forward; if the reader sticks in for the long hold it pays off. The novel eventually picks up in pace and the puzzle pieces start to come together.

Hakok’s writing style is mixed in the beginning of the novel it seems to be just informational no action; an attempt to get the facts laid down. Towards the middle and end of Viable, Hakok’s writing style is influenced by many elaborate action and discovery scenes. The reader gets a better understanding of the main characters (Professor and Sheriff). Overall this was a pretty decent read. Great job Hakok.

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Broken by the Dark: An Edge of Your Seat Murder Mystery ~ Dennis Lively

Broken by the Dark: An Edge of Your Seat Murder Mystery by Dennis Lively
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dennis Lively produces a great action filled suspenseful mystery novel in Broken by the Dark. His ability to give you every bit of detailed and background information in as little words as possible was well appreciated. A quick synopsis, the main character is Jason, a man blinded during childhood who turns out to be a very good detective. Jason solves crimes for a living, he was blinded as a child by a man infatuated with his mother. Jason does not let "blindness" take over his life, he has learn to live it and has become a very successful detective. A series of crimes strike the town that start to bring back troubling memories from Jason's past. This novel tells the story of how Jason gets through the nightmares and handles some of the worst crimes against humanity.

Dennis Lively, plot and character development is amazing in the mystery novel. Yes there is small portion of romance but it does not overshadow the main plot, the mystery. Lively's writing style is simple yet his story really flows like a novel. It is written as if this is only a small portion of Jason's life. Lively could really make a long series with Jason as the main character.

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The Bones of Others ~ Vickie McKeehan

The Bones of Others by Vickie McKeehan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Bones of Others took me completely by surprise. The subject of pedophiles and children is always touchy and wrenches the heart muscles. McKeehan crafted a really good novel exploring how a victim becomes the heroine. Skye's journey and strength in this novel fueled me to continue to read on, being a victim of such violence at a young age and then turning that experience in her life to a fuel source to help others is nothing short of remarkable. This novel not only had a drama it also had a little romance. I was thankful for the small breaks in emotion that the romantic story line placed strategically in with the hunt for justice. McKenna, does not make it sappy or something dropped out of a chick literature; but it is slight mention that reminds us that the main character is still woman and human.

McKenna expands a little on native american heritage and has a small sense of paranormal-ism with the Spirit Wolf. The Spirit Wolf was a nice touch to the novel that helped explain Skye's cultural background, which is mentioned throughout the novel. McKenna did a wonderful job, although the novel is a little long I quite enjoyed the read immensely. I cannot wait for the second novel coming out Summer 2013.

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A Death Displaced (Lansin Island Series #1) - Andrew Butcher

A Death Displaced by Andrew Butcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Death Displaced is quite a paranormal drama normal with a hint of romance here and there. This book starts off slow but readers still need to pay attention to the facts of the story and keep reading. A little before midway the book picks up. Although I do wish the meat of the story and action per se would have picked up faster.

Butcher‘s style of writing is good, he’s able to tie in today’s life, with the past and also bring a sense of supernatural mystery to the story. The main characters are young but they have a maturity about them that quite frankly surprised me. Although the novel did take a while to get started in my opinion, once the action started it became an easy read.

I am glad that Butcher decided to make this a series piece, I can see at least 3 more books off of the characters introduced in this first novel alone. If a reader is looking a leisurely read that dabbles into witches, future seers and the likes, this book definitely delivers. Although the book is set in present day, it does make many references to the past and the history of the town; Butcher did an excellent job setting up the background story.

Quite enjoyed this read and I am looking forward to the next book A Body Displaced in 2013.


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The Lost Pearl

The Lost Pearl by Lara Zuberi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

They lost Pearl takes one on journey through times not too long ago in one girls transition to womanhood with a secret, an emotional childhood, and a fear that has followed her through adulthood.

Zuberi, brings such a wonderful masterpiece in the sense of words that tell a very captivating story. I have never read anything fiction/novel regarding Pakistan and the struggle of that country. It was quite an eye-opening experience with a great story-line.

The author has a very good choice of words display the memories of a child's first interaction with her sibling. The word phrasing or artistry of words that the authors chose to use displayed an incredible amount emotion that was going on at the time.

The raw emotions that the author presents in her life for her friends and her love is astounding and really touches gives a vivid picture to the reader of how things were for Pakistani woman in those times of war. The nervousness, the pain, the remembrance is emoted through the authors words; I felt that this book displayed itself just as if it were a movie. There are no dull points in the book; it grabs you at the beginning and is simply an exciting ride through the very end. Simply amazing!

I didn't want to put this book down. The raw emotion that Zuberi wrote had me truly captivated. Watching the main character grow and how all the puzzle pieces of the troubled family, to experiencing true friendship, a love life and having to go through all this with a mystery in the background. Simply amazing and I cannot wait to experience more writings from Lara Zuberi in the future


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Betrayal in Brooklyn - W. J. Reeves

Betrayal in Brooklyn by W. J. Reeves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

W.J. Reeves "Betrayal in Brooklyn" is an easy read. Right off the bat, action greets you within the first few pages. Being a southerner, upon reading the first chapter or so it did take some getting use to the sayings of the slang used in New York. But looking past that Reeves really displayed the knowledge he obtained as detective fiction author.

"Betrayal in Brooklyn," is reminiscent of our tv's CSI and Law and Order with a tad bit of humor and drama involved. Reeve's character professor Richard Bucceroni , provides the narrative in this story. Reeve's portrayed Bucceroni as an older gentleman but by no means a nice safe gentleman, which I like. Bucceroni grew up in that hard life moved out of it but in some ways still kept his street mentality. His sidekick Candy was in my opinion a needed character to enhance Bucceroni's character and make sense in my opinion is motives. They complement each other well.

Reeves definitely wrote a good detective novel from beginning to end. The story line starts off with a bang literally in the first pages and intertwines college life, gangs, University office politics and not to mention murder successfully. The read was straight forward, entertaining and captivating. It grips the reader from the start and provides just enough twists and turns that leaves one guessing who did and how.

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