Required Reading

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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.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Broken Trust by W.E.B. Griffin

I particularly Griffin's books about Philadelphia cops as I live nearby.  This is another book set in the years when the term Killadelphia was applied to the city due to the number of murders in the city.   Matt Payne or Wyatt Earp is the main protagonist again.

I liked this book better than Deadly Assets which was the last Philly cop story I read from Griffin.   A disjointed aspect in that book decreased my affection for the story.   Broken Trust flowed better and it was much easier to follow.  

Griffin most definitely is familiar with Philadelphia and regardless of their names, political figures in the book are easily identified.   Sadly Griffin's cynicism does not seem at all far fetched.   Looking at the number of Philadelphia notables who have recently been convicted and incarcerated, his book smacks more of non-fiction than fiction.  This book is better than the last but still not up to  the standards of his past books. 

This book was an entertaining read with a sad but realistic commentary on politics.

Web Site:  http://www.webgriffin.com/home.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.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Growing Old: Aging Explained



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

Night School by Lee Child

Reacher is back and thank goodness it is a full blown book and not those short teasers I have been complaining about.   This story takes place while Reacher is still and MP Major.  The Cold War is over but remnants of the conflict still exist.   The story is about a terrorist threat that overlaps the historic aspects of the Cold War. 

Reacher's favorite Sgt., Neagley is tasked to Reacher for his current assignment.  Said assignment is top secret and supposedly is a school to teach interagency cooperation.  (If that were only accomplished, would wonders never cease.)  Reacher demonstrates his normal fly by the seat of his pants, lets use common sense and then thump someone.

This is a normal, must finish at all cost, Reacher book.

I really enjoyed it.

Web Site: http://www.leechild.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.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie by Mark Nolan


A mystery title that won't be terribly amusing to attorneys.   This was a mystery that involved a retired special ops agent, a laid off  Russian agent, a swarm of sleazy ambulance chasers and a mysterious cabal.

Jake Wolfe was the protagonist and from his description, the book would probably gather a larger female audience of his image was depicted shirtless on the cover.  Of course, then I won't have read it and that would be my loss.   The author did a superlative job putting together believable characters in a plot that on occasion had you rooting for the bad guy.

If you are a dog person, then perhaps having Cody on the cover would have garnered your attention.  I am not demeaning the cover, just looking at aspects of the book that will be appealing to special interests. 

I really enjoyed the book and the author appears to be setting up a series.

web: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14844422.Mark_Nolan


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

Friday, December 9, 2016

The Seventh Plague by James Rollins


This is a Sigma Force Novel.  Apparently the Sigma Force is a quasi-commando organization operating under the auspices of the DOD.  Regardless of whether you have read any of the series, this book is worth reading.  It stands alone very well.   This would be a great script for an Indiana Jones movie.   There are biblical references, strange phenomena and futuristic action.   A historic incident leads to a current devastating disease and an archaeologist's children and Sigma Force and responsible to find a cure. 

An aspect of the book that I found very interesting was Rollin's commentary at the finish.   He provided insight as to the inclusion of factors that made the book more interesting.   The addition of Mark Twain, Stanley, Livingston and Tesla was not done randomly.   Rollins did a great job in providing background and rationale for much of his work.

The story and plot were excellent.  The characterizations were not as satisfying.  I guess that Sigma Force fans will know the background of some of the protagonists and will be better able to empathize and identify with them.  I just found them a touch too superficial and would have liked more depth on what made them who they are.

Again the story line is excellent and I recommend the book.

Web: http://jamesrollins.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.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Fool Me Once By Harlan Coben


Maya is a down to earth, well as a special-ops pilot perhaps not down to earth but more rooted in reality of a nitty-gritty nature person who may be suffering from PSTD.   She is married to the scion of an enormously wealthy family and dealing with both a military snafu and the loss of her sister when further tragedy strikes.

The book highlights the difference between the well to do and the truly wealthy.  It also explored the dangers and need for whistle blowing.   The situation is not hard to imagine which is one of the reasons Coben's books are compelling.   They are often not too hard to believe. 

The plot was intricate and not immediately solvable.

This was a compelling book.

I highly recommend.



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 1, 2016

Mr. Waldorf Travels to the Huge Russia by By Barbara Terry, Beth Ann Stifflemire and Vladimir Kirichenko


As picture books for children go this offers more than just a pleasant reading experience.   This is the beginning of a series and said series provides information and education in a very entertaining and painless manner.   In addition, the oft used but still extremely effective act of, including a lost or hidden object turns the reading experience into a game, in this case Mr Waldorf's spectacles.

This specific book deals with a visit to Russia where Mr. Waldorf, a walking upright and talking Golden Labrador, discovers the sights and sounds of travel.  Russia provides abundant wildlife such as the sturgeon and Siberian Tiger.   The only other time I have heard of Irkutsk is the game of Risk.   Irkutsk is the closest city to the world's oldest and  deepest lake,  Lake Baikal.   The lake is over 400 miles long and has an astounding number of unique species inhabiting it.  All this information is due to the interest that the authors piqued with their picture book.  I see these books having a fairly wide age span as the older kids can be encouraged to Google the facts and find more in depth information.  Heck I did it and I am a really, really old kid.

Another feature that I particularly like is that the authors infuse the love of reading into Mr. Waldorf's character.  Encouraging children to read should be a goal of every author. 

I recommend the book.

Web: http://waldorfpublishing.com/category/childrens/

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, November 28, 2016

The Obsidian Chamber Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child


Quirky and dapper FBI agent Pendergast is back and plays a slightly small part in this book due to an involuntary commitment.  Diogenes and Constance are in this book and whenever Pendergast's brother is involved there is sure to be mayhem and skullduggery.

The story is parallel tales for awhile.  Pendergast is stuck in dire straits while someone leads his trusty houseman, Proctor on a chase.  

The  plot is intricate and one is reminded of some of the semi-occult aspects of the Pendergast books.  

Once again I repeat myself from past reviews of this dynamic writing duo, this book has plenty of action, social commentary and thought provoking plot lines to attract a wide variety of readers.

I highly recommend.

Web Site: http://www.prestonchild.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.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Black Friday Love


Get the reader in your life a reading shirt!



Black Friday WEEK Discount is BLACKFRILOVE


Tuesday, November 15, 2016

glialplay. com and Melekpdf .online are Stealing.


Piracy isn't just grabbing hostages off the coast of Africa or the plot for a Disney movie.  Piracy is also literary theft.

This morning I got another Google alert that informed me that once again another site is ripping off my books.   They are offering free downloads of  my books and many, many others without getting author permission.   Several of my books are on the site and I have not given them permission to give them away.   Somehow related is Melekpdf . online which is also coming up as giving away my books.   It is one thing for me to offer my books to my readers for free and it is an entirely different thing to find some website charging a fee for unlimited book, game and movie downloads and "giving" away my books.  This is theft, plain and simple.   Every dime I earn goes into producing more books.   My hope is my books help someone in some way.   These thieves are depriving me of income that could produce another book.   

Please DO NOT patronize these or any other pirate sites. 

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Unholy Code by Thomas Waite




This is a frightening thriller that builds on previous novels by Waite but stands alone quite well.   There are references to the previous books but no back store.  The head of a cyber security agency employed by the U.S. government, Lana, is targeted by  Steel Fist and Golden Voice, two cyber villains.  The villains want to bring discord to the country as well as carrying grudges focused on Lana.

Without the presidential election debacle of 2016 there may not have been as much believability of this book.   The divisiveness of that campaign showed how emotions can be stirred without regard to rational thinking or common sense.  The divide and conquer approach to war is clearly illustrated by the author's use of bigotry and bias.   Incitement of aspects of society to attack or deride other aspects of our society is used by Steel Fist.  Steel Fist is unaware that he may not be as much the master of his domain that he thinks. 

Waite includes Islamic extremists attacking the country due to un-natural disaster raising water levels and providing a disrupted coastline open to invasion.  

The story also includes some unlikely heroes and love interests.

This was a sadly frightening story based on recent divisive rhetoric and hacking attacks. 

It was, however, an exciting read.

Web: http://thomaswaite.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.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

The Whizbang Machine by Danielle A. Vann





This is a YA book that was interesting and will be viewed by older readers with a touch of skepticism.  An almost 16 year old girl and her grandfather are embroiled in a mystery that has a curse, mysterious deaths and possessed machines.

I guess as a grandfather my skepticism is based on the fact that I would never expose my granddaughter to the dangers Jack, the grandfather in the book, exposed his granddaughter to.   Jack initiated many really bad examples and led his granddaughter into multiple illegal activities.   Jack also set his granddaughter up to lie to her mother.   It is possible that I may be a touch provincial regarding grand parenting but Jack was seemingly out of control.   Elizabeth on the other hand was willing to swallow just about everything Jack suggested.   Sadly I suspect that I have grandchildren who would accompany me on ill advised adventures but hopefully I have more common sense than the fictional grandfather. 

I know it is fiction and far more preposterous things have been written.   My proclivity for my g-kids most definitely colored my opinion of the book.   Naïveté was named Elizabeth.  

If I can suspend my outraged responsibility factor, it was an entertaining adventure.   Considering one of my all time favorite stories as a child had a space ship fueled by the explosive power of popping corn, one would think I would be well practiced in stretching the imagination.

Web: http://authordanielleavann.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, November 1, 2016

Mr. Waldorf Travels to the Mysterious China by By Barbara Terry, Beth Ann Stifflemire and Vladimir Kirichenko



As picture books for children go this offers more than just a pleasant reading experience.   This is the beginning of a series and said series provides information and education in a very entertaining and painless manner.   In addition, the oft used but still extremely effective act of, including a lost or hidden object turns the reading experience into a game, in this case Mr Waldorf's spectacles.

This specific book deals with a visit to China where Mr. Waldorf, a walking upright and talking Golden Labrador, discovers the sights and sounds of travel.  Not many children's books entice me to Goggle aspects of the book.   I was unfamiliar with River Dolphins and was sadden to discover that they are functionally extinct according to the World Wide Fund for Nature.  I also did not know that the Yangtze River was the longest river in Asia.   Fun facts encourage kids to read and research more.

Another feature that I particularly like is that the authors infuse the love of reading into Mr. Waldorf's character.  Encouraging children to read should be a goal of every author. 

I recommend the book.

Web: http://waldorfpublishing.com/category/childrens/This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Final Exit by Lena Diaz


This is labeled as an Exit Inc. thriller.  One must assume that there are others in the series that preclude this book.  Keeping that in mind I shall endeavor to be circumspect and not provide spoilers.   This book focuses on an FBI agent who is tracking an female assassin.  Said agent is stalwart and honest and truly perplexed as to how he can find an assassin so attractive.   The romantic interplay does not get in the way of the violent action.

Diaz put together a good plot and had likeable characters.   She also imbues the story with questions that make you wonder if the good guys are bad and the bad guys are good.   The conflict resolution adds to the complexity of the plot.

Diaz put together some reasonably steamy scenes that felt somewhat out of place in a thriller but fit with the plot.  After I checked her website I discovered that Ms. Diaz has acquired the moniker of romantic suspense author so the steaminess was appropriate.

I enjoyed the book.

Web: http://lenadiaz.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, October 25, 2016

Spotlight on A Pawn for Malice by Cynthia Roberts





















Does an ex-cop ever lose his "nose" for investigating? Freshmen Senator, Bryon Gallagher, certainly hasn't, when the love of his life, Jessica, is kidnapped by a mad man. No stone is left unturned, as he plays the role of senator by day and rogue detective by night, calling in favors and working his past snitches to the bone to find her. The only problem is, who does he focus his efforts on ... her deranged, former father-in-law who lusts after her, a crazed felon hell-bent on revenging the execution of his brother put to death under the Senator's newly passed Death Penalty Bill, or an unknown psycho, looking for his "moment of fame"?

Pawn for Malice is a thrilling and passionate love story that is a blend of crime action, suspense, and self-discovery, or one could even say, a cross between Safe Haven meets Criminal Minds.

The book launches on Nov. 6th.  Ms. Roberts is offering a 60% discount prior to that launch date, the chance to read the first two chapters on her website, and entry into a contest to win one of (2) $25 Amazon Gift Cards, if you register to subscribe to her email list.

Check it all out at:    Romance Author Cynthia Roberts




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

Sunday, October 23, 2016

My Dad The Policeman by William G. Bentrim

I received an email today regarding my book, My Dad The Policeman. 

"we were floored reading My Dad the Policeman....Me, literally in tears, You got it!!!! You nailed it!!!! "

The email was from two retired cops, a couple who have seen it all. Their email made my day. This is why I write. To impact someone, to make someone know they are understood, that they mean something. They will remain anonymous 
but they have my thanks for their kind words.


Friday, October 21, 2016

The Black Widow by Daniel Silva


Gabriel Allon takes a back seat in this novel.  Natalie, a naive young physician, is recruited by Gabriel to infiltrate ISIS.   This book is frighteningly on target in regards to current events.

Gabriel has been the first person shooter in so many of Silva's books that it was a bit strange to find him pulling strings instead of triggers.  Ari's goal of getting Gabriel to take the head of the "office" looks to be finally bearing fruit.   But a series of attacks in France puts that "promotion" on hold until a villain of the first order can be neutralized.  

Silva's books have always had a feel of reality to them but this one in particular was practically predictive of ISIS behavior.   Silva chronicles events in fiction that are far to close to fact for this to be a comfortable read. 

The Kill Artist and The Heist and finally The Mark of the Assassin  all illustrate the style of Silva as well as the character Gabriel Allon, an Israeli assassin who is being promoted out of the field into the bureaucracy.  However Gabriel makes it clear he is going to be a very proactive head of the office.

I highly recommend.

Web: http://danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp

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, October 18, 2016

Troubles at Plantasy Land by Vicki Marquez



Author Vicki Marquez
This book features veggie kids called rootlets with characteristics of their respective veggies.  Their favorite amusement park is threatened by a semi-nefarious character.

The illustrations are colorful and cute, very appealing to the addressed age group.  The characters are well appointed and very likeable.

The author did a nice age appropriate plot and makes veggies palatable to a group that may be resistant to the acceptance of veggies in any form.

The author has a very informative website with a club for her readers.

web: http://www.therootlets.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.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Adolofo Kaminsky:A Forger's Life by Sarah Kaminsky


This is one of those books that has all kinds of accolades.  I found it interesting but not compelling or captivating.  I'm sure all the notables who raved about this book had good reasons to rave.  I found myself interested but not enthralled.  The book chronicles the life of a forger who happens to be Jewish.   His religion led him to forge documents during the occupation of France during WWII.  His forged documents most likely saved thousands of lives while endangering his own.

Kaminsky was unable to go "straight" after WWII.  He became an activist for Algerian independence despite his claims of trying to get France to accept a friendly accommodation of the Algerians. 

It is both laudable and questionable how Kaminsky lived.  The saving of lives during WWII was highly laudable, the methods used to support his later causes seem somewhat questionable.  It seems like Kaminsky always had good intentions but there is a question in my mind if some of his work didn't lead to unintended consequences. 

The book was interesting.

https://www.ted.com/speakers/sarah_kaminsky



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, October 13, 2016

My Pancakes Taste Different Today by Heather Wood Galpert and Bruce Galpert



This is a very thoughtful book for children.   It shows a clear path from pollution to consequences.   Ethan learns about what makes his life better, in his case, great pancakes, and what can cause his life to change.

The authors draw obvious and simplistic conclusions which are completely appropriate for this type of book.   If only real life solutions to a cleaner environment could be implemented with such ease.

A very well done and worthwhile book.
http://www.thepancakesbook.com/
Buy Here: Amazon:,B&N:,BookMasters:









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

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva



Gabriel Allon is targeted by an elusive, perhaps mythical character.   Things are not always as they seem and the targeted can sometimes be the one doing the targeting.  

The Kill Artist and The Heist and finally The Mark of the Assassin  all illustrate the style of Silva as well as the character Gabriel Allon, an Israeli assassin.  This book holds true to the style and as the others keeps you on the knife edge of frustration in your inability to turn the pages fast enough to determine what the heck is going to happen next. 

This book relates to real events as did the others.  The deceased, Yasir Arafat being one of the most infamous of the real life people.  Silva does not pontificate in the book but does let you know his feelings in the author's notes.

The excitement and action are non-stop and as always just when you think you have it figured out, Silva tosses in a game changer.

I highly recommend.

Web: http://danielsilvabooks.com/content/index.asp


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

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Alliance of Shadows by Larry Correia and Mike Kupari


 Alliance of Shadows is the final book in the trilogy that began with Dead Six, and was continued in Swords of Exodus.  I have not been lucky enough to read either of the preceding books so I can't comment as to how this fits with them.   This is an action adventure that takes place primarily in Europe.   International groups such as Exodus, Majestic and the Illuminati are part of the cast.  The only one with much back story is the Illuminati.   A renegade Illuminati is running amuck.  Nuclear weapons are missing and a band of misfits from several organizations end up being the only defense the world has even if they don't even know the misfits are involved.

Michael Valentine and Hector Lorenzo who have apparently been at each other's throats in previous books are allies in this book.   The Oracle and Sala Jihan are the only whoowhoo factors in the story.  Whoowhoo being supernaturally related.  The rest of the story seems pretty straight forward pseudo-military action adventure.   Character interplay is entertaining and the plot is convoluted enough to maintain interest.

I recommend.

Web Site: http://monsterhunternation.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.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Mr. Waldorf Travels to the Wild State of Alaska by By Barbara Terry, Beth Ann Stifflemire and Vladimir Kirichenko


As picture books for children go this offers more than just a pleasant reading experience.   This is the beginning of a series and said series provides information and education in a very entertaining and painless manner.   In addition, the oft used but still extremely effective act of, including a lost or hidden object turns the reading experience into a game.

This specific book deals with a visit to Alaska where Mr. Waldorf, a walking upright and talking Golden Labrador, discovers the sights and sounds of travel.  The inclusion of gold panning and caribou as well as Eskimos should keep the young reader engaged.   Another feature that I particularly like is that the authors infuse the love of reading into Mr. Waldorf's character.  Encouraging children to read should be a goal of every author. 

I recommend the book.

Web: http://waldorfpublishing.com/category/childrens/

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

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

The Family Plot by Cherie Priest


Music City Salvage doesn't immediately intrigue you.  What does it even mean?   A family business is on the ropes and a old money estate may provide it with a second chance. 

Chuck Dutton's salvage business is struggling so when he is offered a deal that is too good to be true he ignores his gut feelings of wrong and signs up to salvage the Withrow estate.  

Over the years I have had the opportunity to dismantle a business or two.  As grunt teenage labor, salvaging a garage, it was a thrill to find dollar bills used as bookmarks in parts catalogs.  Even more thrilling was the boss, my buddies Dad, let us keep the cash we found.   So I can appreciate how the author imbues excitement and curiosity in her characters.  Some of her characters are not actually there or are they?

The author builds tension in the story and is annoyingly reticent with her clues.   This, of course, feeds the fires of interest and makes this book a page turner.

The relationships of the characters ring true, particularly for anyone who has worked in a family business.

This was a good book and I recommend it.


web:http://www.cheriepriest.com/order-the-book/


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

Saturday, September 24, 2016

The Secret Affair by Ethan Jones




Kudos to Ethan Jones for diving into the uncharted waters of a new genre.   New genre in that Jones' prior books were action thrillers and this is a chick lit romantic suspense.   No doubt my characterization will offend someone, practically anything you say, offends someone these days but a romantically oriented book with a feminine focus and mild references to reproductive actions and moderate violence but not terribly action oriented and a good story line regardless of those limitations seems like it is much more wordy than a chick lit romantic suspense.

This book showcases personality differences and how they can impact a business relationship.  It also is a launching platform for a new series.

I recommend it.


 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, September 20, 2016

The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch  sees a lonely coyote off of his deck and that provides the book it's title.  Harry is as rigid and stiff neck as usual.  Once again this lone ranger rides against both crime and politics.  This time it's more personal than usual.

Harry Bosch has a slogan everybody counts or nobody counts.  His personal code of ethics once again gets him into trouble.  Harry seems to epitomize the "shooting yourself in the foot" slogan.   He seems to go out of his way to alienate people.   He pays the price of personal pain when some of his smartass antics lead to the demise of not necessarily innocent but not necessarily responsible people. 

Harry shows a vulnerability in a case that leads him to identify where some of his drive and fears originate. Once again Connelly writes a fast moving, entertaining and sometimes horrific story.
I recommend it.