#bookreviewer – Page 150 – Rosepoint Publishing

Robert B Parker’s The Hangman’s Sonnet – a Book Review

Title: Robert B Parker’s The Hangman’s Sonnet (Jessie Stone #16) by Reed Farrel Coleman

Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons

Publication Date: To be published September 12, 2017

Source: G. P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley

Title and Cover: Robert B Parker’s The Hangman’s Sonnet

Oh duh! Yes, of course, THAT Jessie Stone! I did recognize that name, but not having read any of Robert B. Parker’s books, nor recognizing the name of this author, Reed Farrel Coleman (sorry, Mr. Coleman!), I just didn’t connect the two until I went looking for a reason that Mr. Coleman was writing Parker’s books. This release will constitute his fourth Robert B. Parker Jessie Stone series, which he began writing in 2014. (Mr. Parker passed away January, 2010.) Continue reading “Robert B Parker’s The Hangman’s Sonnet – a Book Review”

#ThrowbackThursday – Bob Mayer author – Book Review

#ThrowbackThursday on It's Book Life blog Renee began the Throwback Thursday meme on her blog, “It’s Book Talk” to share some of her old favorites as well as sharing books published over a year ago. Sounded like a good reason to join! My TT posts will not come from current ARCs or new releases. Means I’ll be going back over some of my oldies from Goodreads, my favorite authors, and some of my favorite stories from authors you might not have previously experienced. Hopefully, you’ll find either a story or author that interests you and you’ll check them out.

This week I’m spotlighting Bob Mayer, prolific writer of several fast-paced series that include The Green Berets, The Presidential Series, and his #1 bestselling series Area 51, Atlantis. If he’s written it, I’ve probably read it, albeit some time ago now. I particularly love Cool Gus, his yellow lab who frequents Twitter. Cool Gus - cool yellow Lab

Chasing the Lost – Originally posted on Goodreads July 25, 2015 (Published August 25, 2013) Continue reading “#ThrowbackThursday – Bob Mayer author – Book Review”

Close to Home – The Tracy Crosswhite Series – a Book Review

Title: Close to Home – (The Tracy Crosswhite Series) by Robert Dugoni

Genre: Currently #1 on Amazon Authors Rank for Kindle eBooks, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery, Police Procedurals

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Publication Date: September 5, 2017

Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title and Cover: Close to Home – Boat, nautical theme suggests coastal location

Congratulations to Robert Dugoni today on his book launch of my first (but won’t be my last) Tracy Crosswhite novel, Close to Home, his fifth for this exclusive series.

Close to Home hits a home run with me! The novel employs a complicated cross-plot tying Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite with Navy JAG attorney Lieutenant Leah Battles after it is discovered that the 12 year old killed in a hit and run was hit by Navy Petty Officer Lazlo Trejo from the local naval base. Continue reading “Close to Home – The Tracy Crosswhite Series – a Book Review”

An Echo of Murder – a Book Review

Title: An Echo of Murder by Anne Perry

Genre: Currently # 62 on Amazon Best Sellers Rank in Books, Literature & Fiction, British & Irish, Historical

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: To be released September 19, 2017

Source: Ballantine Books and NetGalley

Title and Cover: An Echo of Murder – Attractive cover creates slight hint of historical quality

Having come into An Echo of Murder: A William Monk Novel by well-established author Anne Perry, I knew I’d missed something important when there were references to Mr. Monk’s amnesia. This being the 23rd of the series, the back story of Monk’s amnesia was obviously the plot of a previous book. This installment gets bits and snatches of it and I was left wondering how in the world then did he ever get to be Commander of the Thames River Police.

In this offering, there is an appalling series of murders of London’s Hungarian citizens. Yes, it is an historical fiction novel set in London. Hester Monk, his wife, certainly his equal and perhaps then some, has a strong history with the Crimean War in which she attended to front line casualties as a nurse. The end of the war precipitated an influx of alien citizens to the area. Continue reading “An Echo of Murder – a Book Review”

#ThrowbackThursday – The Lei Crime Series – Book Review – Torch Ginger

#ThrowbackThursday on It's Book Life blog Torch Ginger by Toby Neal Renee began the Throwback Thursday meme on her blog, “It’s Book Talk“ to share some of her old favorites as well as sharing books published over a year ago. Sounded like a good reason to join! My TT posts will not come from current ARCs or new releases. Means I’ll be going back over some of my oldies but goodies from this blog as well as my older reviews posted on Goodreads and/or Amazon. I gleaned many of these books from BookBub, including the one highlighted today, Torch Ginger. Hopefully, you’ll either find a story or author that interests you and you’ll check them out.

Originally reviewed November 15, 2014

Blood Orchids by Toby Neal The Lei Crime Series by Toby Neal began in December 2011 with Blood Orchids and bloomed into twelve titles ending with Bitter Feast in May 2016. The series is set in the Hawaiian Islands and features smart, independent female protagonist Detective Lei (Leilani) Texeira. Through the series, we follow a romance with Lieutenant Michael Stevens, transfers to adjacent islands, to the FBI, and back to Maui where she is most comfortable. In the meantime, we see the rise of Sophie Ang, ITT expert, which will spin off into a separate, equally successful series. For now, let me introduce you to Torch Ginger, #2 of the series.

Book Blurb:

The island of Kaua`i is remote jungle, golden beaches and ancient culture–but transients are disappearing in paradise, and only Detective Lei Texeira notices. Fleeing a failed engagement, Detective Lei Texeira transfers to the island of Kaua`i, where she uncovers a pattern of disappearances that may be related to a bizarre cult–or is it just one madman at work? In Lei’s world, everyone is guilty until proven innocent. In Blood Orchids Lei battled her personal demons and won–but now they’ve come roaring back with reinforcements, including charming real estate magnate Alika Wolcott and former fiancé Michael Stevens. In the midst of the biggest case sleepy Kaua`i has ever seen, Lei must also discover who she loves. “Lei Texeira is both tough detective and a vulnerable woman in a winning Hawaii crime series created by novelist Toby Neal.” –David Bishop, mystery author Continue reading “#ThrowbackThursday – The Lei Crime Series – Book Review – Torch Ginger”

An American Cage – a Book Review

Title: An American Cage by Ted Galdi

Publisher: Precipice Books

Publication Date: To be released September 15, 2017

Source: Request from author and ARC from NetGalley

Title and Cover: An American Cage – Disturbing cover, Texas in red

Good grief, why isn’t this thing a subscription TV serial because there is NO WAY you could not go back each week to watch the explosive scenes from An American Cage, a sophomore release by Ted Galdi scheduled for September . Continue reading “An American Cage – a Book Review”

Fender – a Book Review

Genre: Currently #2657 on Amazon Best Sellers Rank for Kindle Store, Kindle eBooks, Literature & Fiction, Literary Fiction, Sagas

Sold By: Amazon Digital Services, LLC

Publication Date: To be published August 21, 2017

Source: ARC submitted by author for review

Title and Cover: Fender – Cover is immensely appealing

Brent Jones has exceeded expectation that his sophomore novel, Fender, might best the debut. This emotionally packed literary saga of Brennan Glover, a protagonist who suffers unspeakable loss, will have you grabbing for a hankie. Fender is a Beagle, but he is no ordinary dog. He manages to (albeit unintentionally) save the life of his human counterpart–his beloved man human–part of his second family. The author skillfully conveys Fender’s conversations with Brennan, who has lost his wife and daughter in the horrific accident in which Fender alone survived. Jones skillfully maneuvers Brennan’s journey through the heartbreaking process of grief from denial and anger to acceptance. (And anyone who has suffered profound loss would have no problem identifying the steps: (1) Denial, (2) Anger, (3) Bargaining, (4) Depression, and finally (5) Acceptance.) Continue reading “Fender – a Book Review”

#ThrowbackThursday – the Caribbean Gold series – Book Reviews

#ThrowbackThursday on It's Book Life blog Renee began the Throwback Thursday meme on her blog, “It’s Book Talk” to share some of her old favorites as well as sharing books published over a year ago. Sounded like a good reason to join! My TT posts will not come from current ARCs or new releases. Means I’ll be going back over some of my oldies but goodies, some of my favorite stories and authors you might not have previously experienced. Hopefully, you’ll find either a story or author that interests you and you’ll check them out!

Originally posted January 2015.

“The Treasure of Tortuga was originally published in 2001 as the first half of a novel called Brothers of the Sword/Children of Time.” It was my introduction to the author Michael Reisig and I’ve been a fan ever since. With encouragement from his friends, Reisig rewrote and republished the original novel split in volumes. The Treasure of Tortuga became Volume 1 of the series called Caribbean Gold.

Book Blurbs:

Volume 1 of the Caribbean Gold series

“The Treasure of Tortuga draws you into an era of dark-hearted men, captivating women, and a seafaring adventure so real you’ll taste the salt spray. The year is 1668. Englishman Trevor Holte and the audacious freebooter Clevin Greymore, sail from the Port of London for Barbados and the West Indies. They set out in search of adventure and wealth, but the challenges they encounter are beyond their wildest dreams…some treasures outlive the men who bury them…”

Volume 2 of the Caribbean Gold series

The Treasure of Time – “In the spring of 1980, three adventurers set out from Key West in search of a lost treasure on the Isle of Tortuga, off the coast of Haiti. Equipped with an ancient parchment and a handful of clues, they embark on a journey…discover the power of friendship and faith, and the unflagging capacity of spirit, and come to realize that, some things are forever…”

Volume 3 of the Caribbean Gold series

The Treasure of Margarita – “Historical and modern adventure, sizzling romance, and Caribbean intrigue… The Treasure of Margarita spans three centuries of high adventure. Beginning in 1692, in the pirate stronghold of Port Royal, it carries the reader across the Southern Hemisphere in a collage of rip-roaring escapades. Then it soars forward five generations, into modern day intrigue and romance in Key West and the Caribbean. A staggering fortune of Spanish black pearls and a 300-year-old letter with a handful of clues set the course that Travis Christian and William Cody embark upon. But it’s not an easy sail…”

Irresistibly drawn to tales of treasure hunting, swashbuckling pirates, sailing ships, their courageous crews and the bawdy women who entertained them, I discovered “Brothers of the Sword/Children of Time” written by Michael Reisig in 2001. Envisioning a modern day Stanley McShane, off on another adventure, I witnessed my grandfather’s travels again through Reisig’s historical 17th century multi-masted sailing craft, experiencing much of the same kind of treasure hunting in the Caribbean, as did my grandfather in the South Pacific more than a century later.