Required Reading

Life is complicated enough without getting into hotwater with federal agencies so: TAKE NOTE Many things I review I got at no charge in exchange for an honest review. Consider this as informing you that ALL things I review may have been gotten at no charge. Realistically about 60% but in order to keep things above board just assume that I got the stuff free. I do not collect information on my readers. If cookies or other tracking stuff is used on my blogs it is due to BLOGGER not ME. Apparently the European Union's new rules state I need to inform you if cookies are being use. If they are it isn't byu me, consider yourself INFORMED.
Words like, “sponsored,” “promotion,” “paid ad” or even just “ad” are clear ways to disclose that you’re being paid to share information and links so BE AWARE that some of what I write can be described as an AD by the government. BTW I will NEVER say a product is great, super or even acceptable if it isn't, whether I got it free or NOT!

Books I have authored.

Many times I receive books for FREE to give them an honest review. I do not get paid to give a good or bad review. Spotlights are promotional and should be regarded as advertising for the book spotlighted. Regardless of where or how I got a book, my review will be as honest as I can make it.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Artic Drift by Clive Cussler & Dirk Cussler


Cussler’s books are like my favorite maple glazed donuts, tasty not filling but oh so delicious. Global warming and unrestrained greed are addressed in this Dirk Pitt and kids book.

Cussler always does a terrific hook at the beginning of each book. He sets forth a mystery that you really want to explore and then carries you into the main story. Dirk Jr. and Summer have a side bar story that occupies about 20% of the book but ties tightly as the book winds down.

As all of Cussler’s work, action abounds, mysterious events occur and good triumphs. What more could you ask? This was a good take on greed and global warming without being preachy. An altogether entertaining book, I have to recommend.

I recommend highly.

Body of work of Clive Cussler

His site: http://www.clive-cussler-books.com/

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The two authors seems to thrive on bringing the psychopath and sociopath to the printed page.   A killer is recreating New York City’s most heinous crimes.  The big questions are what is the killers motivation and where or with whom will it stop.  

We met Michael Bennett in Worst Case.  

 Michael is a single parent and NY detective with a blended, multi-racial family of 10 kids.  His deceased wife was the motivator with the huge heart that led to the adoption of Michael’s “brood”.  The overwhelming aspect of parenting 10 children is further complicated by hostage negotiations and nefarious characters.   His family is Michael’s major motivator even as he strives to be a good cop.   The authors successfully portrayed his anger, frustration and satisfaction.   It may be formula writing but much like donuts, I am addicted.

This is entertainment at it’s fastest pace.   The short chapters and action provide a runaway, headlong plunge that makes it darn difficult to put the book down.  

Once again Michael Bennett demonstrates his humanity and passion.   I like the way the author’s show how deeply a man can care for his kids and still depict that same tender hearted father as a butt kicking manly man.  

Bennett is forced to make some interesting choices regarding his lack of a love life.   That too, provided realism and pathos in a story that is chock full of horror and rampant action.  I feel that Patterson and Ledwidge have created a solid series starring Michael Bennett.

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Redemption by Laurel Dewey



This is a suspenseful private eye novel with a strong female protagonist.

Jane Perry’s tenacity is her greatest strength. I always like a book with a strong female protagonist. Of course in Jane’s case bull headed and stubborn might also apply. Her inability to accept those who want to help her appears to be her biggest fault.

The story bogged down for me when what appeared to be proselytization occurred. The spirituality and mysticism weren’t strong enough to categorize the book as fantasy or speculative but it seemed to pull it out of main stream literature’s path of normalcy. However when you are dealing with fictional psychopaths one does wonder what is normal.

I think the book and series starring Jane Perry will cultivate a strong following. I won’t be one of them. I just had a hard time staying with the story. The characters were colorful and the plot was intricate but it just didn’t grab my attention. I had a hard time reading it. That being said, I do think it will be a success, this is why there is chocolate and vanilla.

Body of work of Laurel Dewey

Web site: http://www.laureldewey.com/

Monday, March 21, 2011

Free Book Reminder


The Dawn Country.
Go to Azure Dwarf to enter.
It’s a super easy contest.
Contest ends 3/31/11

Friday, March 18, 2011

The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer



A fast moving Intrigue set in Washington D.C. fraught with  treachery,  politics and unbridled loyalty.

Being overly fond of books I was delighted to see the major protagonist is an archivist in the National Archives.   Beecher White is not a man of action, more of a spectator than a participator in life when a female blast from his past, Clementine, storms into his life and turns it topsy turvey. 

The National Archives hold more than data, it holds secrets and those secrets prove deadly.    The characterizations are excellent and the personality quirks are believable and frustrating.   Political secrets are so believable because of all of the corruption and deceit we see in day to day real life in our elected officials.   The author’s premise is eminently believable.  

Meltzer did an excellent job and this book is right up there with Vince Flynn and David Baldacci, two of my favorite authors.  

I highly recommend the book.




Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Loch by Steve Alten

This is an excellent action adventure novel. The loch is Loch Ness and as you can guess the main character is Nessie the Loch Ness monster. Zack Wallace find the roots of his migraines and night terrors by returning to his roots while simultaneously solving multiple mysteries.

Zack is a believable character in his coping with his night terrors. An over achiever he must face his deep rooted fears. The popularity of the Loch Ness monster practically guarantees a successful book.
The author portrays the protagonist as a skeptic. That tends to make him for more believable. The friendship and family ties are complicated and convoluted just like the real world.

I enjoyed the action adventure aspects but the book is more complex than a simple adventure. It is also an excellent case study of personal redemption. The book is worth reading just for the character interaction. It has something for everyone, the Crusades, Knights, Templars, villains, monsters, murder, action, deception, evil, loyalty, friendship and redemption. Even reading my description I am surprised at how expansive the story line was.   This book truly is a must for the Loch Ness monster fans. 

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Steve Alten

Web site: http://www.stevealten.com/fast_loading.htm

Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Dawn Country by Kathleen O’Neal Gear & W. Michael Gear GiveAway

I’m hosting a giveaway for three free copies of
The Dawn Country.


The book is written by People of the Longhouse, bestselling authors and archeologists Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. The Dawn Country is the second book in their newest series.
The Dawn Country is the Gears’ 50th published novel.

They are famous for the Forbidden Borders series, Requiem for Conqueror, Relic of Empire and Counter Measures. In addition Star Strike, The Artifact and The Spider Series, The Warriors of Spider, The Way of the Spider and Web of Spider are among my favorite books.

Go to Azure Dwarf to enter. It’s a super easy contest.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Elder Gods by David and Leigh Eddings


This is your basic omnipotent evil villain vs. the good guys with minor gods assisting the good guys.

I haven't read any Eddings in awhile so I don't quite know how to feel. I wasn't as fond of this book as I have been with some of the past Eddings work. I always enjoy the banter and humor illustrated by the protagonists. The plot just didn't seem all that complicated. I guess it just didn't capture me like some of the other stuff they have written.

I do recommend it and plan on reading the rest of the series unless I get totally bummed out after all I bought the four book Dreamer series, I may as well read it.

Body of work of David Eddings


Sunday, March 6, 2011

Wall of brass by Robert Daley

This book was a little different than the regular cop novel. This is more about political intrigue and unchecked ambitions. Murder and mayhem ensue.

Bert Farber appears to be a cops' cop. Starting in the trenches he ends up as Chief of Detectives responsible for 3000 cops. He has faith in the system and loves being a cop but is not a very good politician. Bert is a deeply reserved man. Face with the death of an old acquaintance he has difficulty sharing the facts of the case. The sheer number of people who have good reason to want Harry Chapman dead is daunting.

Bert's tenaciousness forces him to discover the man he shared a squad car with was not the same man he once knew.

The book shows that police are no different than the rest of society in their hopes and ambitions.

The author does an excellent job painting characters with a deep and colorful brush.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Robert Daley

No web site found.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Not Just For Breakfast Anymore PV Lundqvist



A boy and his pet overcome being the new kids on the block and learn many laudable lessons.

I don’t know where to start, there were so many things I liked about this book. This would have been entertaining if it had been a boy and his dog but a boy and his pig makes it much more interesting.

Benny is so likeable because he is so normal. He shows the fears and insecurities that are ubiquitous to human beings let alone children. His parents are not perfect nor are they buffoons.

The conflict is not violent but it is believable. Bullying is a hot topic at the moment. Lundqvist paints a more realistic approach than many authors. He also show the impact a negative family life can have on creating bullies without in any way becoming preachy.

The friendship between Major and Benny and the impact reality has, particularly in hard economic times, is poignant. All of us have been there at some point in our lives.

So many laudable characteristics are exhibited that it would be tedious to list them all. Lundqvist painted real live people, showing emotions and empathy as well as pettiness and anger. Fletcher is icing on the cake. He brings humor and pathos into the story line.

The title is indicative of the humorous attitude of the author. He illustrates that humor and wisdom in his blog which is linked below.
I really enjoyed this book.

I strongly recommend the book!

Body of work of PV Lundqvist

Web site: http://pvlundqvist.blogspot.com/