Silencing Sam by Julie Kramer

A nosy reporter finds herself more immersed in her stories than she had ever feared. 

This was a good mystery with clues evident at the conclusion but totally masked by plot and subterfuge.  Riley Spartz was likeable as the somewhat ditzy protagonist.   Her character was very real including her ineptness in personal relations.   I particularly enjoyed her interaction with her parents.

This was not a figure it out on the first page mystery.   Ms. Kramer kept you thinking through out the book.   The perspective on journalism was a tad harsh but played well with the plot.   The bad guys were thoroughly despicable but that was only discovered over the length of the story. 

The characterizations of the farm community rang true.  Outsiders are viewed with skepticism.  The whole story had an authentic feel with strong connections to current events. 

I recommend it. 

Body of work of Julie Kramer

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

My Own Kind of Freedom (A FREE Firefly Novel) by Steven Brust

Firefly was one of the better scifi shows that never made it. The theme was reminiscent of the Confederate soldiers who headed west looking for freedom from the winning Union soldiers after our civil war. The show had great characters, lots of good action and not a lot of cheesy aliens. Apparently Brust was a fan as well and wrote a FREE novel following the Firefly show. His characters ring true to the ones in the show and it is an entertaining story. For you disappointed Firefly fans, here is a chance to catch up with Mal and crew. You can download the story for FREE at Brust’s site listed below. Enjoy!

Body of work of Steven Brust

Serenity Ship Photo from http://praxeology.net/unblog05-05.htm

Firefly Cast Photo from: http://www.crazyabouttv.com/

Website: http://dreamcafe.com/