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.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Snowzilla by Janet Lawler



Illustrated by Amanda Haley
This is a really cute book about a little girl who wants to build the biggest snowman in the world.  The entire family pitches in to build the giant snowman.   Family interaction is nicely illustrated by the way both little brother and mom and dad all work toward Cami Lou’s goal of a giant snow man.  The loose, rhyming verse makes the story easy to read to a small child.  

The snowman turns out beautifully and has many who enjoy it.  Sadly,  as a depressing reflection of our litigious society, lawsuits and petitions to get rid of Snowzilla are filed.   A judge decides against Snowzilla.   Cami Lou is gratified by the reaction of her snowman’s supporters and things turn out ok. 

I recommend the book.   

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Janet Lawler </a>
Web site: http://www.janetlawler.com/


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

A Super Stocking Stuffer Deadly Straits by Bob McDermott


Deadly Straits - A Great Stocking Stuffer at $1.49

I really enjoy Bob’s work and Deadly Straits was terrific!  Jump on this for a great and inexpensive holiday gift.

From Bob: for the next 7 days, Deadly Straits will be available on Kindle and Nook for only $1.49.
So why am I telling you, a previous reader of Deadly Straits? First, because I hope you'll help me spread the word about the sale, either by forwarding this email, or on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  And secondly, because at $1.49, Deadly Straits would make a great stocking stuffer.

So how do you give an ebook as a stocking stuffer? Actually, it's pretty easy.

On Amazon
1. Go to the Deadly Straits page at http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Straits-ebook/dp/B0057AMO2A

2. Click on "Give as Gift" in the upper right hand corner.

3. When the next screen appears, send the gift to your own email.

4. You will get an email with a redemption code and instructions for claiming the book. Just print this email out, fold it, and put it in the recipient's stocking.

(Note to Amazon UK users. I'm sorry but the 'gift' function doesn't seem to be there on Amazon UK.)

On Nook

1. Go to the Deadly Straits page at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-straits-re-mcdermott/1103871471?ean=2940012871121

2. Click on "Buy as Gift" just to the right of the orange "Buy Now" bar near the bottom center of the screen.

3. Follow the on screen prompts, and when the screen appears asking you where to send the gift, send it to your own email.

4. You will get an email with a redemption code and instructions for claiming the book. Just print this email out, fold it, and put it in the recipient's stocking.

(Full Disclosure - I've used the Amazon process before and it works well. I have no personal experience with the B&N gift process.)
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Carved in Memory Free eBook By Ethan Jones



  


Carved in Memory
Free on December 17-21


A Christmas Gift from author
Ethan Jones!


Friday, December 14, 2012

Without Sin by David McCabe



This is a tale of forbidden love, illegal immigration, drug trafficking and pedophilia.   This book pulls back the tattered cover of indifference to reveal the suffering of illegal immigrants.  

The book read like the diary of a Border Patrol Agent, Garrett Harrison.   Garrett, a Seal in his prior career, ends up guarding our Southern Border.  He develops a Romeo and Juliette relationship that develops into a full blown obsession.  His buddies and he see the depraved behavior of the coyotes (illegal immigrant guides) and drug traffickers.  

The author leads you to believe that his novel is based on observations of actual events.  A big part of the theme of the book is the irresistible lure of a better life in the “north”. This desire for a better life drives the poor of those south of our border to take dramatic risks to cross the border.   There are a lot of sociological implications to this book.  One of the problems in addressing the issue of prostitution among migrant workers is the differing mores of other cultures.   The book alternates by reminiscing by Garrett to the actual action of events.   The despicable behavior of many of the characters and even the questionable behavior by some of the protagonists did not make this an easy read.  I recommend reading the author’s afterword as well to get an idea of his motivation. 

I recommend this book. 

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > David McCabe </a>

Web Site: http://www.dsmccabe.com/docendo_discimus/Books.html


 


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Monday, December 10, 2012

Tripoli’s Target by Ethan Jones

 
This is the second book in the Justin Hall series.   Justin is a  Canadian Intelligence Service agent.   This action laden adventure details his involvement in Middle East terrorist activities with his partner Carrie O’Connor.

Justin is a volatile character and reacts to many situation emotionally.   Carrie, his partner, leavens his behavior with a little common sense.   The plot can be pulled right off of the CNN news wire.   Powerful Arabs trying to grab more oil wealth with out regard to who owns it or how many must die to wrest control is the plot summary.   Revenge also plays a part in the intricacies of the plot.

Ethan Jones has a future in the world of thrillers.  This book was an entertaining read.

I recommend it.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Ethan Jones </a>



This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Targets of Deception by Jeffrey S. Stephens




Jordon Sandor formerly of the CIA (see Target of Opportunity) finds himself facing a rogue agent who has gone to the dark side.   Traiman, once a mentor, is now a deadly enemy working closely with Islamic terrorists.


Sandor, covered by either Teflon or Kevlar, seems to avoid personal mayhem at all turns.   Seems like everyone wants a shot at Sandor and his sarcastic witticism earn him few friends.

I didn’t find Sandor as likeable in this book but that may be due to his cynicism level being through the roof.   He loses a lot of colleagues in his travels. 

I felt there was a little more philosophic bent to this book than the last.  Patriotism is contrasted against the profit motive and self interest.  Stephens clearly points out the need to look at the benefits for all as opposed to self interest.  This in no way detracts from the action.

I recommend it.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Jeffrey S. Stephens </a>

Web Site: http://jeffreystephens.com/
 


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

FREE R.J. McDonnell's eBook Rock & Rip-Off


R.J. McDonnell's


 Rock & Roll Rip-Off, named 2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year by Premier Book Awards, is free 12/4/12 through 12/6/12 on Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Rip-Off-My...

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Freak by Jennifer Hillier


 
I had trouble getting into Jennifer Hillier’s first book, Creep.  However once I got past the first twenty five pages I couldn’t put it down.   I didn’t have to wait for that many pages this time. This book has the same cast and characters just a short time down the road from Creep.   A psychopath renews the torment of former victims making the book more than a bit frightening.  

The exhibition of sociopathic manipulative skills is the most frightening aspect of this book.  My personal experience in graduate courses dealing with aberrant social behavior plus case work with career criminals first introduced me to the astounding manipulative skills of the sociopath.   This book characterizes those skills quite well.  

One wonders how victims of violent crime ever regain the equilibrium lost to horrific experiences.   Abby Maddox’s amoral behavior is almost hard to believe.  

Ms. Hillier leaves the door open for future books. 

This was a disturbing but captivating book. 

I highly recommend the book. 

Body of work of Jennifer Hillier 

Web site: http://www.jenniferhillier.ca/


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.