The Murder of Anton Livius by Hansojorg Schneider

Some stories translate well and others, not so well.  I found this book to drag.  I suspect it is more of a sub-genre issue than a translation issue.  A world-weary detective dragged into an international boundary murder investigation is the basis for the novel.   The only thing that I found interesting was the plight of Alsace in being torn between two nations and bordering a third. 

Inspector Peter Hunkeler is tired, of an undetermined age, and a self-perceived loner.   He does not appear to play well with others.   He does an almost uncanny ability to get suspicious provincials to divulge their hard-kept secrets.   Another factor of the story that I had to research was the definition of an allotment.   I was completely unaware of the existence of such a thing.

Living in a country that was never overrun by enemy troops it is difficult to appreciate how scarred the inhabitants might be, particularly those in an area like Alsace that has a long and difficult history.

Historically I’ve got family from that area and I can see why they left.

The story didn’t cut it for me but if you may want to try 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos Now Available

Porter Beck is the Sherrif in Lincoln County, Nevada.  The grizzly murder of an ex-FBI agent debuts this mystery.   Finding the killer leads to a history of atomic bomb testing and Russian spies. 

Borgos spins a believable tale with excellent characterizations.  He provides his characters with both strengths and flaws.  The characters are believable as is the tale.  

The story has abundant twists, plenty of mayhem, and heroics.

I enjoyed it and highly 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Survivor by Iris Johansen

This is part of a series so you are expected to know the relationship dynamics between characters.   I prefer an explanation of relationships to promote better reading as a stand-alone.  That may have prejudiced my liking of the book.   A semi-secret island with a herd of strange deer and rumored treasure from the Roman era is being attacked by a nefarious human trafficker and poacher.  Cade, a billionaire, and Riley his plus one are asked to help defend the island.

The premise of an ancient treasure and strange creatures generally grabs me.   This book didn’t.   Its not that it was bad but it rambled occasionally and expectations assumed by the characters didn’t always make sense.  The abilities of the characters were also a bit of a mystery.   

The book was okay and I expect readers who are part of the series fans will enjoy it more than I did.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Death Writes by Andrea Carter

This is a mystery set in Ireland.  I enjoyed the use of the occasional Irish vernacular although it was occasionally unclear.  Gavin Featherstone, a reclusive writer, is the center of the mystery.   His companions, family, and spurned lovers all compete for either money or love.

Ben O’Keeffe is a solicitor whose significant other is the senior police officer in their small town.   In addition to the controversy surrounding Featherstone is Ben’s concern for her grieving parents. 

Carter does a nice job juggling a subplot with the main line of the story.  Ben or Benedicta finds herself torn between her duties as an attorney and her loyalties to her friends.

I enjoyed the story and it had a complexity that made it thought-provoking.

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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Dizzy's Diary, A Fantasy Flight for The Pixies in Your World

Buy the book now!

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Remi Bone by William L. Myers

East Coast folks in the Philadelphia region will enjoy the vivid descriptions of Philadelphia.   There is a tiny bit of supernatural in the mystery of the notorious Mr. Smith.  Remi is given a fatal diagnosis and wants to provide a future for his daughter.   This leads Remi down a very unsavory path.

There is a lot of karma in this book.   You reap what you sow seems like a premise the author kept at the forefront of their creative process.   The descriptions of Philadelphia and its less savory elements will annoy some and have others nodding their heads in recognition of places and people. 

The book was entertaining and I enjoyed 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Have a Safe and Happy Independence Day