#fivestars – Page 5 – Rosepoint Publishing

Sea of Death by Mark Nolan #BookReview #TuesdayBookBlog

Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 8

Rosepoint Rating: Five Stars

We’ve not missed one book in this series and as it’s one we both enjoy, we chose this novel as another buddy read.

Book Blurb:

American covert operative Jake Wolfe cruises his motor yacht to Mexico’s Sea of Cortez and hunts for a rogue cartel assassin who will soon meet up with a narco submarine delivering military grade weapons to the Baja Peninsula. Jake’s mission is to find and capture the arms dealer, along with the supply of AK-47 rifles, armor-piercing ammunition, and rocket-propelled grenades destined for criminal gangs that will use them to terrorize local citizens.

Jake and his former war dog, Cody, search the city streets of La Paz and find shocking hidden criminal activity going on behind closed doors. When Jake shuts down one of the assassin’s trafficking enterprises, he sets off a war with the killer that can only end with one of them dead.

On this mission, Jake brings Dr. Sarah Chance, his girlfriend and Cody’s veterinarian, along for the wild ride. Although Sarah is in mortal danger every day, she wants to be Captain Jake’s First Mate on his motor yacht Far Niente and to help protect Cody.

Sea of Death is part of a series but may be read as a standalone novel.

My Review:

These are always fun to get into and never fail to deliver a fast, intelligent, and easy read.

This installment has Jake cruising in the Sea of Cortez with Sarah and Cody, his retired military K-9 on a mission to catch an assassin and a narco dealer delivering heavy-duty weapons to Baja. Jake is cooperating with Mexico, carries a US marshall’s badge, and connects with local authorities to help find the assassin, capture, and deliver the dealers and their cargo.

Jake is smart, combat experienced, and together with his equal on four feet and fur manage to stay a step ahead of his targets. These are multi-layered episodes and complex and there is always something to learn as they’ve been well researched.

Written simply, the storyline includes a sense of humor and emotion, balanced with a dollop of romance and travelogue experience. I do love Cody—such a special dog—and he can be formidable when he wants.

The installment is fast, can be violent, but rewarding as well and one could hope there might be these hardy individuals working to curb the influx of guns and drugs into our country—something both countries can agree on.

His Review:

Is there such a thing as a quiet cruise in the Sea of Cortez? With the large number of drug smugglers and opportunists, the answer is no. Cartels have become very sophisticated and they attempt to control all shipping through this area. This is the gateway to the very lucrative U.S. drug market.

Jake Wolfe is aboard his 60-foot motor yacht, Far Niente; parked at the marina in Cabo San Lucas. He has an agreement with the Mexican Government to assist in controlling the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. The drug dealers are well aware of his mission and there are multiple targets on his back; as well as bounties for the people who capture or kill him and put Far Niente out of business.

Mark Nolan’s writing style keeps the reader enthusiastically engaged and the book is hard to put down. With his girlfriend Sarah, along with Cody his retired service dog, they are usually only minutes ahead of his hunters. Each of the three characters has integral contributions to the outcome of the book. This makes the read very enjoyable. 5 stars – CE Williams

The duo of Jake and Cody (along with Sarah now) are engaging, intelligent, fast, cunning, and capable, but tender and generous at the same time! The CE read the last several and I figured it was my turn as I enjoy these action thrillers as well. These can be read as a standalone and all are recommended.

We received a review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are our honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery Action Fiction, Assassination Thrillers, Action Thriller Fiction
ASIN: B0DLFX6YL4
Print Length: 322 pages
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Source: Author

Title Links:

Sea of Death – Amazon-US

Amazon-UK

The Author: Mark Nolan is an Amazon bestselling novelist who writes exciting action-adventure thrillers about the reluctant assassin Jake Wolfe and his adopted war dog, Cody. Subscribe to his reader newsletter at marknolan dot com for updates, specials, and news. Click the FOLLOW button near Mark’s author photo, and Amazon will notify you when a new book is available.

#TuesdayBookBlog

Yesterday’s Paper: The Knocknashee Story by Jean Grainger #BookReview #TuesdayBookBlog

#1 Best Seller in Historical British & Irish Literature

Rosepoint Rating: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

As storm clouds of war gather over Europe, Grace Fitzgerald in Ireland and Richard Lewis in the United States find their lives irrevocably altered by the looming conflict.

Ireland’s neutrality offers little shelter from the war’s far-reaching impact, and across the Atlantic, Richard witnesses a nation divided on intervention. Meanwhile, in sleepy Knocknashee, a twelve-year-old mystery surrounding a stolen child resurfaces, shattering long-held beliefs.

Fate seems determined to keep Grace and Richard apart, thwarting their plans to meet, and the vast Atlantic is not the only thing separating them. From the gentle green hills of Ireland, to the busy newspaper rooms of New York, from a London bracing for war to a Paris on the brink of invasion, “Yesterday’s Paper” continues the sweeping saga of Grace and Richard as they navigate love, loss, and the turbulent tides of history.

In this gripping tale of resilience and romance, the personal and the political collide, weaving an unforgettable tapestry of lives caught in the crosswinds of a world at war.

My Review:

Totally caught up in the story of Grace Fitzgerald, school teacher and now headmistress of Knocknashee, Cork County, Ireland, and Richard Lewis of Savannah, Georgia, USA, I couldn’t wait for installment two of the series and this doesn’t disappoint.

From Lilac Ink we learned Richard is the privileged son of a wealthy Savannah family, expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and instead would prefer becoming a journalist. His best friend Jacob Nunez is an aspiring photographer and together they have been scheming on a way to get to Europe to write stories and submit pictures for the home papers regarding Hitler’s growing intrusion into “neutral” countries.

Richard had become a pen pal of Grace, when in a fit of despair with her despicable sister Agnes, wrote her frustrations about the situation and enclosed it into a bottle which, thrust into the ocean, found its way to Georgia where Richard found it. He finds a way to bend the story to his political purposes and gains an editor who sends both he and Jacob to Europe.

Grace had hoped she and Richard could meet in America when she accompanied Declan to New York, but they were two ships that passed in the night.

The author always manages to weave complex stories into her plots with multiple layers of interest and well-developed characters. Declan’s possible connection to family in America, meeting pen pal Richard, and the advance of Hitler and the entry to WWII are part of a focus brought forward from book one. A lot of research into the position of both countries, the growing fear of the people of Europe, and the stark differences in the lives of the people in both countries as well as the tension-filled atmosphere of France keep the reader flipping pages.

Will Grace and Richard ever meet up? Will Richard and Jacob make it home safely in the massive exodus of the Jewish community? What will happen to that piece of baggage left with them on the train in their escape from Paris?

After the death of Agnes and her indoctrination of Grace, can Grace ever come to peace with her appearance, put the onus of her gimpy polio leg behind her, and accept the advances of her newly recognized male suitors?

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Friendship Fiction, Historical British & Irish Literature, Historical Irish Fiction
ISBN:1915790778
ASIN: B0D27P1Y46
Print Length: 296 pages
Publication Date: November 10, 2024 Just released!
Source: Author

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK

The Author: Jean Grainger is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, acclaimed for her authentic portrayal of Irish life and history. Born in Cork, she draws from her experience as a history lecturer, teacher, and tour guide to craft engaging narratives. Grainger’s works span multiple series and standalone novels, covering significant periods in Irish history, including World War I, the 1916 Easter Rising, World War II, and the mid-20th century. Her stories often intertwine historical events with personal journeys, exploring themes of family, friendship, and human resilience. Grainger’s writing style, characterized by its warmth and authenticity, has earned her comparisons to renowned Irish authors like Maeve Binchy. Her dedication to research and character development has resulted in a loyal readership who feel deeply connected to her stories and characters.

Summit’s Edge by Sara Driscoll #BookReview #cozyanimalmystery

An FBI K-9 Novel #9

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

FBI handler Meg Jennings and her K-9 partner, Hawk, vie to rescue plane crash survivors from a Colorado mountain—and contend with a hijacker determined to escape justice.

As long as there’s hope of finding life, no mission is too dangerous for Meg Jennings and her colleagues in the FBI K-9 unit. But locating the wreckage of a hijacked private plane high in the Elk Mountains of Colorado is treacherous in a multitude of ways—some of them impossible for even a seasoned team to predict.

The plane, carrying the board of directors of Barron Pharmaceuticals, crashed on a rocky peak and was cleaved in two. Perilous weather means the rescuers have to ascend on foot, with their dogs unleashed in case of falls. It takes hours to locate the wreckage, but miraculously, Meg and Hawk find a number of passengers and crew still alive. The hijacker also survived, and has fled into the wilderness with the CEO’s son in pursuit.

As soon as day breaks, the K-9 teams set out to find both men, and the dogs quickly pick up a scent trail. Meg has used her connections with an investigative reporter to learn as much as she can about the hijacker, hoping to use it when they apprehend him. But first, they must contend with the mountain’s savage fury and an adversary who will destroy as many lives as possible rather than face justice . . .

My Review:

I really don’t remember if I discovered this series with book one or came in somewhere and decided I needed to read the rest, but I have read all in the series and never get tired of the relationship between Meg and Hawk and the other handlers and their K-9s as well.

Each could be read as a standalone and each is unique in location and mission, sometimes including support characters within the K9 community or that of her fiancé Todd Wells. He is a firefighter/emt and is experienced in rescue.

In this episode, she is joined by fellow K9 handler Brian with his dog Lacey. They are sent to the Colorado mountains to search and hopefully recover survivors of a downed corporate aircraft carrying members of Barron Pharmaceuticals. It had been hijacked and it is unknown whether or not any survived, including the hijacker.

The first problem of course is the altitude, being known as the thirteen or fourteeners, those mountains exceeding 14,000 feet. (Hubby and I climbed Mt Fuji while in Japan and at almost 12,390 feet, as tall as I’d want to go. I can tell you, it’s cold up there. We hiked it by moonlight, all night, reaching the summit at daybreak.)

“A wise man climbs Mt Fuji once, only a fool climbs it twice.” (Japanese proverb)

Besides the inclusion of those beautiful service animals, the author always includes lots of info about the locations and specific missions. This one includes mountain climbing, of course, as well as weapons, high altitude illness, and preparedness.

The episode hooks you immediately with the hijacking of the plane and continues with a fast-pace through their climb, search, perilous conditions, definitions of the skill and associated equipment. Also, strategies and care of the animals in extreme conditions.

First, it’s a nail-biter finding the crash site which then extends into the search for the hijacker and the son of the CEO who’s followed the hijacker into treacherous upper wilderness. The suspense ramps up in intensity as the team begins feeling the pace, altitude, cold, and desperate conditions.

Hard put to name my favorite book of the series, not sure I could, but this one would definitely be in an upper position and heartily recommended.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery, Cozy Animal Mysteries, Police Procedurals
Publisher: Kensington Books
ASIN: B0CWB7VWSS
Print Length: 302 pages
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Sara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9s and the NYPD Negotiators. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books, including the FBI K-9s, at http://www.saradriscollauthor.com.

Have a good week!

Going Dark by George K Mehok #BookReview #technothrillers

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

In the aftermath of 9/11, remnants of Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network quietly infiltrated the U.S. heartland, lying dormant for over two decades. On Thanksgiving Day, they strike—triggering a sinister cyber-terrorist plot poised to plunge America into unparalleled digital darkness. But it’s only the beginning.

Paul Knox, a seasoned NSA cybersecurity expert and former Air Force communications officer, is thrust into a clandestine conflict spanning generations. As Knox delves into a complex web of cyber intrigue, he must confront both the mission’s high stakes and personal demons, including the unwitting involvement of his daughter, Emma, a brilliant MIT computer scientist who holds the key to the next-generation internet.

The narrative intertwines with the origin story of the Liberty Unit’s first member, John “Jack” Jouett. In 1791, Jouett embarks on a perilous mission to deliver a critical message from Thomas Jefferson to General Henry Knox, altering the Revolutionary War’s trajectory.

As the lines between past and present blur, Knox races against time to save his daughter and unravel mysteries that could reshape history. Going dark won’t be a problem for a man who’s spent his life tracking the “worst of the worst” on the dark web. But in this game, every move could be his last.

His Review:

The Revolutionary War is cleverly juxtaposed against the current world stage. The culprits are a brother of General George Washington and Hassan from Damascus who sees the United States and its citizens as the enemy of the Islamic world and worthy of the most painful of deaths. Struggles are very personal during any war, be it the Revolutionary War in America or the struggle of the Islamic Revolution against the Western infidels.

Hate is a basic element of any conflict. Hassan sees the Americans who are the root of his country’s struggles and should die for their interference in his country’s business. He even kills his younger brother sending him to his reward in heaven to illuminate the injustice of the struggles.

General George Washington is the leader of the American Revolution and is leading the Revolutionaries in battle against the British Dragoons at various locations. He is the target of an extensive effort by the British to eliminate the struggle by a group of revolutionaries who object to the lack of representation in Parliament despite being heavily taxed and levied. King George III will entertain no delegation from “The Colonies”.

The plots are interesting and well developed. The action is fast paced and keeps the readers’ attention with suspense and questions. This is a fun historical read and a very well written dual plotted novel. 5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are my own.

Book Details:

Genre: Technothrillers, Terrorism Thrillers, Historical Thrillers
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
ASIN: B0DG72F3KY
Print Length: 398 pages
Publication Date: November 12, 2024
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble

The Author: George K. Mehok is an author, technologist, and entrepreneur with a distinguished career in designing software and leading high-performing teams in the financial services, telecommunications, and aerospace industries. His insights have been featured in prestigious tech journals and notable publications like the Wall Street Journal, CIO Review, and InformationWeek, covering wireless communications, cybersecurity, and data analytics. George’s expertise has earned him accolades, including Crain’s Business Magazine CIO of the Year award, and his work has been recognized in InformationWeek’s Annual Elite 100 ranking of the most innovative technology users in the United States. An avid storyteller, George weaves his real-world knowledge into gripping narratives, crafting thrilling plots that captivate readers. GOING DARK, the first in Mehok’s Liberty Unit series, combines his extensive technology background with historical intrigue, presenting a captivating blend of modern-day suspense and revolutionary-era secrets. When not reading or writing, George enjoys fly fishing and competitive US Masters swimming.

Happy Autumn

Rosepoint Reviews – September Recap – No More Tomatoes

Rosepoint Reviews-September Recap

Definitely flirting with inclement weather patterns when you wait until September in the Midwest to go on a road trip! That is becoming, however, our annual get-together time with our old Navy buddies from Texas. Last year we went to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Love those hot springs! This year it was Cherokee Village and Hardy, Arkansas. Why Arkansas? It’s approximately half way between the two of us—them coming from Texas.

The AirB&B was disappointing, but the area (seven lakes) was delightful and we lucked out with the weather, both coming and going and while we were there…home in time to miss the mess from Helene.

The Spring River area is absolutely lovely and the boys got in enough fishing to fill their hearts content—trout—a succulent feast. Regardless where we stay, we eat well! Lots of river and lake recreation from boating and fishing to swimming and rafting. We thought the fish were ours, the snake thought they were his. Kit and I were going to go kayaking until we saw the snapping turtles off the wharf where we stayed. And so much for swimming below the Mammoth Spring Dam (pic behind cover banner) when we got into a wrestling match for our trout left on the line in the water with a water moccasin. The snake got downright angry with me. (Pic cut from video.)

Returning home, I discovered the tomatoes had given up for the season, the garden looking very sad, with only a couple viable peppers remaining. Horrible garden year. Never did get my fill of fresh tomatoes and one or two paltry cucumbers didn’t make more than one or two salads. The squirrels wouldn’t leave my fresh greens alone either. I’ll try again next year.

Update on Punkin the Pomeranian: She’ll officially have been adopted a year on the eighth of October. She has now (1) bonded with the CE, (2) bonded with our son (who is still staying with us), (3) beginning to enjoy treats, (4) going on two-mile walks with the CE). She is still not tolerating my advance to her (runs back to her kennel) and although doing better, can’t say she is house trained yet. She is inconsistent with letting us know she needs to go out to do her business and we don’t always catch her. UGH. It’s good she’s cute.

I realized after I’d left that I should have left a note on the blog that I would be gone and apologize for all the stacked-up emails, notes, comments, and likes that were not acknowledged. I won’t make that mistake again. I tried to schedule some reviews but then was unable to connect with my little tablet and answer, respond, or post on social media.

Reduced activity on the blog in September, although I did get some reading done. I continue to get books from NetGalley as well as author and publisher requests, and my local library, both ebooks and audiobooks. Together we read or listened to eleven books. As always, links on titles are to our reviews that include purchase or source information.

Rosepoint Publishing - September Recap

Battle Annie by Trish MacEnultyBattle
You’ll Never Find Me by Allison Brennan (audiobook)
The Second Smartest Dog That Ever Lived by Will Pass (CE review)
Saving the Guilty by Liz Milliron
Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs (audiobook)
Death Stake by Andrew Mayne (CE review)
Running on Empty by Karin Fitz Sanford
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins (audiobook)
Color Me Dead by Teresa Trent
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth (audiobook)
In Too Deep by Lee Child, Andrew Child (CE review)

Favorite Book of the Month

While I enjoyed that little surprise at the end of The Heiress, I gave Battle Annie five stars. The CE gave Death Stake five stars. Still, Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth kept me hanging on every word on the audiobook.

**Favorites for September – Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth**

My Reading Challenges page…obviously been too crazy around here lately but I think I might see light at the end of the tunnel now. My Goodreads Challenge is at 97 towards a goal of 130 at 75%. As for the rest, I’m still catching up from the vacation.

Thank you new subscribers—welcome! Appreciate those of you who continue to monitor, read, and comment on my posts. That’s what keeps me plodding forward!

#TuesdayBookBlog

Darling Girls: A Novel by Sally Hepworth #AudiobookReview #mysteryactionfiction

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Sally Hepworth can really write deeply flawed characters that come alive on the pages!

Book Blurb:

For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.

But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects?

A thrilling suspense of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

My Review:

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia grew up in a foster home at Wild Meadows, viewed from the outside as the ideal. A beautiful property, lovely home, and anything but a loving mother. Miss Fairchild is the epitome of the horrors of foster care.

Sisters by their shared experience, they manage to survive the dreadful conditions until they manage their escape. Close as any biological sisters could be, they are brought together in adulthood again following the discovery of human remains on the property. With their heads together, they revisit the possibilities. Who could the remains belong to? Law enforcement also wants to know and they are called back to be interviewed.

Are they withholding information or sharing a secret each has vowed never to divulge?

Yes, the book will hook from the beginning and describe the background of each of the girls. The characters, both the girls and Miss Fairchild are very well developed. It’s easy to invest in the girls, root for them to survive the latest “discipline.”

There are twists and turns, flips between the present and the past. There were sub-levels of plot. There is a shocking disclosure in the conclusion. Psychological impact of the girls’ past is interwoven in their stories, the way each girl handled the situation, and their fit in the sisterhood. Miss Fairchild is a deeply flawed main character dealing emotional as well as physical abuse on her foster girls.

I read The Good Sister in June 2022 and loved it. This one hooked quickly and became a page-turning thriller, engaging, and fast paced. The narrator did a terrific job of driving the suspense. Recommended.

I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery Action Fiction, Action Thriller & Suspense, Domestic Thrillers
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
ASIN: B0C3N8Z9FB
Listening Length: 9 hrs 6 mins
Narrator: Jessica Clarke
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
Source: Local Library (Audiobook Selections)
Title Links: Darling Girls – Amazon-US
Amazon-UK
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

The Author: Sally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including The Good Sister and The Soulmate. Her latest novel, Darling Girls, was released in Australia in September 2023, and will be released in North America in April 2024.

Drawing on the good, the bad and the downright odd of human behaviour, Sally writes incisively about family, relationships and identity. Her domestic thriller novels are laced with quirky humour, sass and a darkly charming tone. They are available worldwide in English and have been translated into twenty languages.

Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her three children and one adorable dog. She has recently taken up ocean swimming (or to put it more accurately, ocean dipping.

Happy Listening!

Death Stake by Andrew Mayne #BookReview #financialthrillers

Trasker Book 2

Rosepoint Publishing: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

The trail of missing coders leads a spy into an international underworld of treachery, double agents, and digital espionage in a propulsive thriller by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Retired intelligence operative Brad Trasker heads security at a remote aerospace facility when there’s a major breach. A photo of their top-secret AI-designed hydrogen engine has surfaced online. Trasker’s investigation into who did it soon leads to a start-up in Bangkok, where its three software developers have disappeared, along with nearly a million dollars in investment money.

Following their tracks, Trasker hits a dead end. The start-up’s HQ is a padlocked crime scene. No one—not the cagey locals, the mobbed-up gangs, or the Royal Thai Police—is keen on answering Trasker’s questions. But their message is clear: get out of Bangkok or die.

Hunted by assassins, Trasker is drawn into the same complex high-tech underworld of cryptocurrency, digital espionage, and betrayal that swallowed up the runaway coders. As the line between ally and enemy blurs, and the stakes become life and death, Trasker must navigate the dangerous intersection of modern intelligence and old-school spy games to survive.

His Review:

This book reads like a primer for espionage. With the advent of crypto-currencies, the world has been besieged by crooks who are very computer savvy. Getting into the system and emptying crypto accounts is resulting in billions of dollars in crypto-currency suddenly vanishing. The crimes are being perpetrated against some of the world’s foremost crime syndicates and they are not amused.

A group of young American students have mastered the system of infiltrating these crypto accounts and emptying them. However, any computer hacker knows that using a computer always leaves a trail. Three of four young men are found brutally murdered in an apartment in Thailand and a fourth computer whiz is on the run and hiding. Trasker must find him before the owners of the accounts do.

I found this story extremely informative and educational. The monetary and crypto world has become so sophisticated that Harvard graduates have difficulty figuring out what is going wrong. The FBI, CIA, MI6 and other governmental agencies are searching for these criminal masterminds, but finding them brutally slaughtered is a waste of governmental resources.

Who are the good guys and bad guys? The water gets very murky in this novel. The players are often not what they seem. Staying in a country like Thailand is not easy because their law enforcement agencies are sometimes as corrupt as the criminals. I learned a great deal as I read this book. Crime is not always by the criminals and law enforcement is often jaded and corrupt. Staying alive and trying to solve the crimes can be very difficult. I enjoyed this book and the can of worms it opens. 5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These thoughts are my own.

Book Details:

Genre: Financial Thrillers, Espionage Thrillers, Political Thrillers
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
ASIN: B0CKJ9CN3P
Print Length: 311 pages
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble

The Author: Andrew Mayne is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose books include The Naturalist, a Thriller Award finalist and Black Fall an Edgar Award finalist Black Fall. He’s the star of the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week special Andrew Mayne: Ghost Diver, where he swam alongside great white sharks using an underwater invisibility suit he designed and also was the star of A&E’s Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne. He currently serves as the Science Communicator for OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT and GPT-4.

@AndrewMayne
AndrewMayne.com

Have a good one

Battle Annie by Trish MacEnulty #BookReview #TuesdayBookBlog

The Queen of Hell’s Kitchen

Rosepoint Rating: Five Stars

Book Blurb:

No woman in Hell’s Kitchen is as tough as Battle Annie. Known as the sweetheart of the notorious Gopher gang, Annie makes a living as a brick hurler and brawler, always working for the highest bidder during the railroad strikes of the 1890s. An orphaned girl named Cora endures the brutal life of a guttersnipe on the street. Her only hope for survival is serving as Annie’s helper during the brawls.

After an encounter with the famous socialist Eugene Debs, Annie has second thoughts about hurling bricks against striking workers. Those second thoughts lead to trouble when a rival comes for Annie’s throne and a powerful railroad executive wants more from Annie than he’s paid for. When she’s falsely accused of murder, Annie flees New York with Cora in tow. Hiding in plain sight, they pass themselves off as a respectable milliner and her orphaned niece. But eventually Annie’s past catches up to her and she must run again or face the electric chair. Cora will need to shed the trappings of her new life in order to save Annie, but Hell’s Kitchen is in her blood. Without anyone around to guide her, will she abandon Annie and return to a desperate life in the rookery where she was once a guttersnipe? And will Annie be executed for a crime she didn’t commit?

My Review:

Absolutely loved this unique novel showcasing Battle Annie (Annie Walsh), who becomes queen of the Battle Row Ladies (Lady Gophers) Social and Athletic Club of Hell’s Kitchen of New York. She organized other women of the streets in the job of brawling—throwing bricks and creating general mayhem. Annie sells her business to the highest bidder in the battle between the unions and the railroad barons. She learned from the best, her pa, convicted and sent to prison for a murder he didn’t commit.

Annie has a smart, fighting spirit and living in the rookeries has organized a gang of hundreds of women. They speak in a special lingo.

Life takes a risky turn when she meets Eugene Debs, honorary member of the union.

“Mr. Debs, you can’t squeeze blood out of turnip and you can’t squeeze pity out of a tenement rat..”

“Annie, I do have to present myself in a certain way to accomplish union business, but believe this: While there is a lower class I am in it, while there is a criminal element I am of it, while there is a soul in prison I am not free.”

He talks her into brawling for the union side against Webb and the railroad. Webb proves to be a powerful enemy, particularly when she refuses his favors. Discovery of his body leads the police back to Annie. With the help of Debs, she manages to escape, taking with her one of her guttersnipes, Cora, desperate for Annie’s food, protection, and street knowledge.

Relocated to Baltimore, she has a new name and assumes the role of respectable society lady. And that disguise works well years enough that Cora grows into a beautiful young woman and has learned to love the new respectable society their successful millinery has brought.

“The main rules here are never swear, never get angry, always be cheerful.”

POVs switch from Annie to Cora and Cora divulges she’s on the search for her sister—separated when they hit the streets.

But can the Pinkerton’s be far behind?

No sag in this narrative. It’s descriptive of both locations to the point where it’s easier to breathe once out of the slums of Hell’s Kitchen. I loved the support characters in Baltimore, and both Annie and Cora are well-developed, defined in their roles. Humorous to watch how awkwardly Annie assumes the role of milliner and devoted aunt to Cora who quickly discovers she loves the new well-heeled society. Very well-researched and further explained in Author’s Notes following a satisfying conclusion.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you can’t help but love this one and if you don’t, it’s an absorbing and entertaining story. You’ll enjoy it either way.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.

Book Details:

Genre: Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Fiction, Historical Mysteries
ASIN: B0D3J28Q2S
Print Length: 212 pages
Publication Date: September 3, 2024 Happy Publication Day!
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble

The Author: Trish MacEnulty grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and earned degrees from the University of Florida and Florida State University. For 20 years, she lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was a Professor of English at Johnson & Wales University, teaching writing and film classes. She now lives in Florida with her husband, cat, and two dogs and teaches journalism. In addition to her historical novels, she has written novels, stories, plays, and a memoir under the name “Pat MacEnulty.” She currently writes book reviews and features for The Historical Novel Review.

Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://trishmacenulty.com.

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