This was an excellent story with the suspense and mystery building throughout. The main character, Moretz’s editor who narrates the story, is well draThis was an excellent story with the suspense and mystery building throughout. The main character, Moretz’s editor who narrates the story, is well drawn. He’s cynical yet has a great sense of humor. Other major characters including Moretz remain just enough of an enigma to keep you guessing. Nicholson’s writing is excellent blending dialogue, action, and narrative in the right proportions to keep the story moving and the reader engaged.
Some of the minor characters, especially the police chief, lean toward being caricatures. This in itself is not necessarily that bad, but it leaves very few viable suspects. Despite this I was still kept wondering whodunit.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**
Merged review:
This was an excellent story with the suspense and mystery building throughout. The main character, Moretz’s editor who narrates the story, is well drawn. He’s cynical yet has a great sense of humor. Other major characters including Moretz remain just enough of an enigma to keep you guessing. Nicholson’s writing is excellent blending dialogue, action, and narrative in the right proportions to keep the story moving and the reader engaged.
Some of the minor characters, especially the police chief, lean toward being caricatures. This in itself is not necessarily that bad, but it leaves very few viable suspects. Despite this I was still kept wondering whodunit.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**...more
There was a time when I read a lot of true crime and noir, which is in many ways the fictional equivalent, in that both are chronicling the world’s daThere was a time when I read a lot of true crime and noir, which is in many ways the fictional equivalent, in that both are chronicling the world’s dark underbelly. Over time, I’ve gravitated away from both, but post-Kindle have added a little of both back into my reading diet. One of my favorite new discoveries has been Mike Dennis’ noir fiction.
This story uses the well-worn premise of “why is a girl like that even giving me a second glance,” and takes it in a direction that is a touch different … or is it? Harry knows he’s taking a risk, fantasizes about Petra while knowing his dreams aren’t likely to come true, and then we get a double twist ending. Not at all what you’ll expect, nor will it be what the things I’ve said might imply. A quick but fun read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
Although a novel, "Secrets of a Massage Therapist" reads like a memoir. That the author shares many characteristics with Angie, the protagonist, confuAlthough a novel, "Secrets of a Massage Therapist" reads like a memoir. That the author shares many characteristics with Angie, the protagonist, confuses matters even more. After I finished reading, I wasn't sure what to make of it.
If viewed as a memoir, Secrets almost works. The experiences and awkward moments Angie has are what you might predict. Many revolve around the confusion you would expect with people not making the distinction between a legitimate massage therapist, hoping to alleviate muscle aches and pains, and someone using massage as a cover for practicing the world's oldest profession. They are at turns humorous and titillating. However, if read as a memoir, it stretches credibility that one person would have had all of these experiences. On her website, the author says that, while she draws on her real life experiences, not everything in Secrets actually happened to her. That is credible.
But if we approach Secrets as what it is, a novel, it falls short. The reason for this is that the conflict Angie is trying to overcome or the goal she is trying to reach is vague. The only thing that fits is reaching a happily-ever-after ending with Marcus, but I never felt Angie had strong feelings about ending up with Marcus. These feelings could be against (with Marcus slowly winning her over) or she could be obsessed with catching Marcus. What they can't be, if the goal is a compelling novel, is wishy-washy. Unfortunately, the massage stories, while enjoyable, were so numerous that they diluted the romance storyline too much and left Secrets in the no-woman's-land between a romance and a memoir.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
I wish the author hadn’t used the “Thelma and Louise meets Lucy & Ethel” line in his description. Then in a rare burst of creativity, I could have (atI wish the author hadn’t used the “Thelma and Louise meets Lucy & Ethel” line in his description. Then in a rare burst of creativity, I could have (at least in theory), come up with the line myself. It’s the perfect description. Participating in some female bonding while on the run (like Thelma and Louise), the group of friends who call themselves The Ladies Temperance Club keeps getting into situations that are very much Lucy and Ethel. The murder hanging over their head provides conflict and tension, but the humor in the situations the ladies get into is what sets this book apart. When it’s all over, someone may have some ‘splaining to do.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
I’ve read a few linked short story collections in the past. Some were very good and others, not so much. As I looked back at what qualities made the dI’ve read a few linked short story collections in the past. Some were very good and others, not so much. As I looked back at what qualities made the difference, I realized that it could be illustrated using what is called “coupling” in computer science. (The computer geeks can read the Wikipedia entry, for others I’ll give my higher-level definition.) In simple terms, coupling is low if different modules or sections of a computer program mostly stand alone with a minimum number of links to other sections. Generally, low coupling is good, high coupling bad.
Those linked short story collections I didn’t like had too many things linking any one module (or story in this case) to many others. The stories were all clearly happening in the same short period, shared many of the same events and characters. In the worst cases, the reader ends up feeling as if they are reading a poorly structured novel with too many points of view.
In contrast, "In an Uncharted Country" has few linkages between the stories. A minor character in one is sometimes the main character in another. One story might reference a past event detailed in another story earlier in the volume. But each story stands alone with just enough links from one story to another to give the reader a little more knowledge about the current happenings. As knowledge and different perspectives accumulate, the reader immerses himself into the fictional town of Rugglesville, VA (where all the stories take place) and gets to know the people of the town a little better. By the time you finish the final story, you’ll feel like an honorary Rugglevillian.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
There was a lot to like about this story. It dealt with themes and emotions with which most of us can relate: love and loss. Friendship (not only whatThere was a lot to like about this story. It dealt with themes and emotions with which most of us can relate: love and loss. Friendship (not only what it means, but the responsibilities it brings). The consequences of decisions, past and present.
It was a story I enjoyed reading; however, numerous editing issues marred it. These were not only clear errors (discussed in more detail in the format/typos section), but a need for a bit more polishing of the prose and a little too much fat. With a good editor to help cut where the story drags and tighten up the prose, followed by a thorough copy edit, it would be a winner. As it stands, all but those with the most forgiving internal editors will have a hard time wading through to the end.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
Volume 2 continues in the same vein as the first installment of "Architects of Tomorrow." The twelve interviewees run the gambit from early pioneers (Volume 2 continues in the same vein as the first installment of "Architects of Tomorrow." The twelve interviewees run the gambit from early pioneers (Nolan Bushnell of Atari and Gordon Bell, the designer of the PDP-11, the first mini-computer) to those whose stories are still being written like Tim Westergren, the founder of music streaming service Pandora.
Just as in the first volume, I learned things about people whose stories I thought I would find very familiar. In the introduction, Van Winkle says about his interviewees:
"Their works have already influenced millions of people, but perhaps in each chapter, you’ll find at least one tidbit that speaks directly to you. Maybe you’ll read a phrase, connect a couple of concepts, and in some small way their words will ignite a new idea within your mind."
When reading both volumes, I found some nostalgia (both Atari and the PDP-11 minicomputer figured prominently in my life thirty-plus years ago) and some insights or ideas that combine well with others, whether with another interview or something I’ve learned elsewhere. This volume had one answer, from Westergren, responding to a question about success stories due to Pandora that I thought was applicable in many ways to eBooks, Indie authors, and the readers who gravitate towards them.
"People will say their iTunes sales spiked when their music showed up on Pandora. There’s a lot of that happening now in small ways, but it’s growing. Our goal is to build a musicians’ middle class. The music business is historically feast or famine. You either get signed to a label that will support you, and you hopefully put out a string of successful records, or you get to fight over crumbs with everybody else. For consumers, that means we get a pretty limited amount of music. Labels only have room for a small number of musicians every year. But on the Internet, there’s infinite capacity for playing a broad collection of music. So I think what music is for listeners will dramatically change. The experience will be much more personalized."
Anyone with an interest in technology, where it has been, and where it might be going, should enjoy this new volume.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. ** ...more
For years, scientists have argued about the effects of a global nuclear war, the best guesses saying there would be many human survivors, but the impaFor years, scientists have argued about the effects of a global nuclear war, the best guesses saying there would be many human survivors, but the impact on the world as we know it would be immense. Electromagnetic pulses from the bombs would render most electronic equipment useless. Fallout would have impacts on the food supply, both animals used as meat and crops.
In "Half Past Midnight," author Jeff Brackett has imagined what it would be like in this post-nuclear-war world and how families like his own would survive. His protagonist, Leeland Dawcett, has thought about this eventuality and is more prepared than most, but soon finds that you can’t plan for everything. As the Dawcett family adapts to the changing world, they discover what is important and what it takes to survive.
I found "Half Past Midnight" entertaining, not only as a vicarious adventure, but also as a thought exercise. How would I do in this situation? (Not very well.) How prepared would I be if it did happen? (Hardly prepared at all.) Books give us a chance to imagine experiences we’d like to have and those we’d rather not. I’ll pick option B this time.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
In his dual protagonists, Henrietta Fox and Cass Farraday, Ron Morgans has given us two eccentric characters who work well together. Fox is successfulIn his dual protagonists, Henrietta Fox and Cass Farraday, Ron Morgans has given us two eccentric characters who work well together. Fox is successful as a paparazzo. She’s built up contacts that are valuable for information gathering and is proud of her success, yet seems at least a touch conflicted by what she does. This makes her more than willing to take assignments that involve more than snapping pictures of ill-behaving celebrities. She is a thrill seeker who likes to be in control. Farraday is a tabloid journalist who loves the trappings of success, but, like Fox, wishes his stories were about things that truly mattered.
In the most important things, like their drive to get the story, Fox and Farraday are a perfect team. In the little things, they aren’t. These little things add some minor conflict between the two main characters, which makes for a better story. Morgans’ characters should make for some fun and entertaining reads. They did in "The Deadline Murders," and I expect the same from the other books in the series.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
Although not folkloric, both "Candy Wars" books have the qualities of a fairy tale as I think of them. The experts are still arguing over a definitionAlthough not folkloric, both "Candy Wars" books have the qualities of a fairy tale as I think of them. The experts are still arguing over a definition. The setting is (mostly) in a magical enchanted land populated with mythical beings. The characters experience adventure and in the process are transformed.
Cordiner’s distinctive style uses made up words for sounds. Whether intended or not, I see this as a nod to the oral tradition of fairy tales and other folkloric stories. It makes them fun to read aloud and readers in the prime age range for this book have fun making the sounds while getting practical practice in “sounding out” words.
Another quality I imagine is (or should be) in the definition of a fairy tale is that they teach their audience something by example. Where the original "Candy Wars" had lessons about war and family, "Sweet Revenge" has lessons about friendship and responsibility. My eight year-old granddaughter just ate this book up. I think your kids will like it too.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
The description of "Caribbean Moon" some places says it is “written in the tradition of Connelly, Patterson of old, and JA Konrath.” I was on the vergThe description of "Caribbean Moon" some places says it is “written in the tradition of Connelly, Patterson of old, and JA Konrath.” I was on the verge of writing this off as marketing hype; Murcer’s book is good, but not at the level of those three, nor, if you evaluate the words, is that claim being made. Then I realized that the statement does give a hint of what Murcer is aiming for and, in the JA Konrath comparison, is the hook to describe the qualities of this book.
Konrath’s "Jack Daniels" series is nominally a police procedural. The main character is a member of law enforcement whose goal is to solve a crime, typically one or more murders. Yet Konrath’s books have several elements that aren’t typical of the standard police procedural, all of which are shared by "Caribbean Moon." The first of these is the case becomes much more personal than a normal police procedural when the detective (Jack Daniels or Manny Williams) is at risk after they determine that they or someone close to them is the likely next target of the murderer, who is almost always a serial killer. The murders are consistently grisly, yet described in a way that isn’t very explicit, giving horror fans the chance to let their mind run free while allowing those who are more squeamish to overlook the blood and gore. The last quality Murcer shares with Konrath is that, despite the seriousness of the crimes depicted, they both sprinkle humor, helping to keep the book (and the reader) from descending too far into the dark.
This is a formula that has worked well for both. "Caribbean Moon" is a worthy first novel and an excellent series introduction. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
Dee DeTarsio may write Chick Lit, but her books are never just that. They always include elements you’d expect in other genres and almost never see inDee DeTarsio may write Chick Lit, but her books are never just that. They always include elements you’d expect in other genres and almost never see in Chick Lit, like action-adventure (which features in both of her books I’ve read ) or even a science fiction element, as in the alien this book is named after. These additions are fun and entertaining. They allow DeTarsio to take the story in directions you wouldn’t typically see in Chick Lit.
Pushing the genre boundaries is fun, but what stood out for me in this book was the sense of humor of the main character, Micki. At least in the beginning, she seems to be lacking in self-esteem and is unhappy with life. She lets people run over her which results in her ex-mother-in-law (who is in a mutual-loathing society with Micki) being dumped on her. But Micki’s inner dialogue is always funny and witty, as in this snippet involving Rhoda, her ex-mother-in-law:
“No go,” Rhoda said. “I think there was a murder in that bathroom. Something died in there. I could not use it. I would not go.” And now she’s Dr. Seuss? Could you, would you, in your pants? I wanted to scream.
I found Micki’s “voice” to be unique from that of Julie Fraser (the protagonist in "The Scent of Jade," the other book of DeTarsio’s I’ve read), which is something most authors have a hard time doing this well for characters who are so different. If you’re a fan of Chick Lit and not afraid of the boundaries getting stretched a little, the story of Ros would be a perfect choice.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
A murder mystery in the world of the New York fashion industry, "Dead is the New Black" has all the elements of a good mystery: unique characters, pleA murder mystery in the world of the New York fashion industry, "Dead is the New Black" has all the elements of a good mystery: unique characters, plentiful suspects, and several clues that seem to point in different directions until they are all fit together like puzzle pieces. The book also has all the elements of good chick lit: a good dose of humor and a protagonist who has some goals, in this case both romantic and professional, that are met in the end — not necessarily in the way they desired, but in a way that is satisfying.
Although I’m not a follower of the fashion industry (I might even be called an anti-fashionista), I’m always interested in finding out about new things. A bonus for me was a glimpse into how the fashion industry works. The author gives just enough of this to provide context and spice, but doesn’t overdo it.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
"Pentecost" combines the ancient (traditional religious history along with some purely fictional additions) with secret organizations, a touch of acad"Pentecost" combines the ancient (traditional religious history along with some purely fictional additions) with secret organizations, a touch of academia, and some cutting-edge science, to construct a thriller plot that feels like a Dan Brown creation.
The protagonist, Morgan Sierra, splits her time between private practice as a clinical psychologist specializing in issues related to religion and as an academic, lecturing at Oxford University. She is happy with her life and only reluctantly pulled in to assist a secret government organization who needs her expertise. Morgan takes the reader on a fast-paced quest around the world as she struggles to meet an immovable deadline. The author does an excellent job with a plot that weaves a broad range of the world’s religious history and settings from around the world into story that, while far from simple, doesn’t overwhelm the reader with its complexity.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
The cozy mystery is a sub-genre I couldn’t have defined or even known had I seen it. Luckily Wikipedia purports to answer all my questions. Among otheThe cozy mystery is a sub-genre I couldn’t have defined or even known had I seen it. Luckily Wikipedia purports to answer all my questions. Among other things, Wikipedia says cozy mysteries are built around the inhabitants of a small, insular community (a London neighborhood in this case), with characters that are often eccentric and provide comic relief. The emphasis is on puzzle solving, with the protagonist using their intelligence and knowledge of the community dynamics to solve the mystery. Examples of the genre given included Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple books and the American television series, "Murder, She Wrote."
Having read several of Helen Smith’s books, it struck me how well the cozy mystery sub-genre plays to her strengths as a writer. Her prose is comfortable (dare I say cozy?) while still feeling more literary than a typical genre book. Her books are full of humor, but it is subtle — if you aren’t paying attention, it will fly past and you’ll miss it. More Woody Allen or Steven Wright than Mel Brooks or Benny Hill. More intellectual (or assuming intelligence on the part of the reader) than slapstick.
If I had any complaint with "Three Sisters," the first book in this series, it would be that I was well into the book before finding out what the “mystery” was. This isn’t an issue with "Showstoppers," as we find out about the mystery (or at least the initial mystery) early on. As Emily works toward the solution, we meet plenty of those quirky characters and Smith gives us numerous puzzle pieces to decipher along with Emily.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **...more
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