White House Down:The Movie

I don't usually review movies but since this movie has taken a bit of a beating in the reviews, I thought I would jump in and say my piece.   I liked the movie!   I don't know what people are looking for when they are so critical of entertainment.   It was unrealistic, it was violent, it was sappy sentimental but that's OK!   Movies are to entertain, this one did.   Lots of action, acting wasn't too shabby and one tough little girl!  

It isn't a best picture or an Academy Award nomination but it was a good flick, provided 2 hours of entertainment and frankly what the heck more can you ask?

The Ninja by Eric Van Lustbader

 I have tried reading Lustbader before.  I guess, considering his success, that it is me.  Sounds like a blow off for a relationship but his books sell well.   I just find them disjointed.   This plot features a Ninja which should be enough right there for excitement.  

I just found the jump from character to character just too much.   I did not finish the book.  I don't say that very often.   I pride myself on plowing through just to see the end.  I couldn't get interested enough to plow through.

Again, Lustbader sells a ton of books so somebody out there is captivated, I'm just not one of them.  

web site:  http://www.ericvanlustbader.com/thriller/content/index.asp     

http://www.ericvanlustbader.com/thriller/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.

The Chase by Janet Evanovich an Lee Goldberg

This is part of a series, The Fox and O'Hare Novels.  Fox is a master thief and O'Hare is a snake eater turned FBI agent.  The two are paired together as a secret FBI strike team out to catch those either too elusive or too well connected to be apprehended by normal means.   A former Presidential aid is the main target in this book.

Fox and O'Hare have the stereotypical love hate relationship with the requisite sexual tension found on many current TV shows.   Goldberg's roots as a screen writer are clear in both the plot and the characterizations.  One tends to think of the TV show White Collar. 

The book is a good mystery but it is a very fast read.  It is not mentally taxing or earth shattering, a good low key beach book.   I do enjoy O'Hare's father and his cronies, they bring a touch of humor to the story.   Black Rhino is modeled after Black Water which was featured in so many news stories.  Black Rhino is portrayed as a merciless mercenary group led by the main target of O'Hare and Fox.

A fun, non-taxing, relaxing read. 

web site:      http://www.evanovich.com/novels/fox-ohare-series/

                   http://www.leegoldberg.com/my-books/

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

King and Maxwell by David Baldacci

Baldacci has such enormous talent that one tends to forget how compelling his work is.  This rendition brings back Sean King and Michele Maxwell, the former Secret Service agents, who are now private detectives.  They unwittingly fall into the rabbit hole dug by a man bent on revenge.

Baldacci has a way of portraying his characters that you can almost reach out and pat them on the back.   They are believable.   They grab your attention and sate your appetite for thoughtful action.   Wack jobs exist and Baldacci paints them with meticulous detail and coats them with a veneer of reality. 

This was an excellent mystery, it started with nearly a bang and ended with a bang.   This is vintage Baldacci and I could not put it down!

I highly recommend it.

Web Site: http://www.davidbaldacci.com/web/

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

The Innocent by David Baldacci

Baldacci has another new hero, this one is an assassin.   This is a typical never boring cliff hanging, throat grabbing thriller.

Will Robie does his job without a lot of soul searching.   He believes in his government and assumes that the people he is assigned to assassinate deserve it, that they are a threat to national security.  

When Will is thrust into a situation that doesn’t fit his personal mission parameters he is faced with hard choices.   This novel is centered on the ramifications and repercussions of his choices.

The impact of big money on ordinary people and how it changes them is a recurring theme in Baldacci books.    Human interaction under pressure is another Baldacci characteristic.    Showcasing the ability of man overcoming complacency or base nature is one of the things I enjoy about Baldacci’s books. 

Once again Baldacci paints such a vivid picture.  He sets his stage with clarity and depth.   His characters are both larger than life and realistically human forcing you to read long beyond your appointed bed time.

I highly recommend it.

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

Web Site: http://www.davidbaldacci.com/web/

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

Under Oath by Margaret McLean

Another superb courtroom drama with volatile emotional context from Margaret McLean.

Annie Fitzgerald is prosecuting a despicable criminal figure in Boston’s infamous Charlestown section.   She has a personal ax to grind and is obsessed with getting a conviction.  She is assisted by homicide detective Callahan who is grinding his own ax.  Together they share the obsessed cause of convicting Billy Malone.  

Buddy Clancy would top the list of interesting people anyone has encountered.   He and his golden retriever, Rehnquist, both sport bow ties and both have a sweet tooth.   Buddy was more likeable in McClean’s previous book, Under Fire.    Buddy seems more contentious.  His folksy style fades against the counterpoint of the killer he is defending.  Buddy seems to undergo a crisis of conscience with his defense of what may be a multiple murder suspect.  

The plot is complicated and believable.   There are a wealth of seedy characters that provide grit and grime to the story line.  Sadly the story has a ring of truth which probably is the reason it is so captivating.   Charlestown exhibits many of the characteristics of small towns and insular communities.   Ms. McLean did an exceptional job in painting the atmosphere of this type of neighborhood.  

The murdered artist Trevor Shea tells his own poignant story through out the book.   The thread of his work is what ties this book so very neatly tight. 

This was a very good book and an outstanding courtroom drama. 

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Margaret McLean </a>

Web Site: http://www.margaretmclean.com/

No Remorse by Ian Walkley

This is a no holds barred international intrigue thriller. A Delta Force operator, Lee McCloud, finds himself facing not only drug dealing, child slavery but nuclear terrorism as well. He finds himself trying to decide who he can trust and if his own government is out to get him.

Lee McCloud (Mac) is a very uncomplicated protagonist. He has a steroid sense of right and wrong. He is astoundingly loyal and aggressively defends those who guard his back. In addition he is able to ruthlessly dispatch those who threaten his tasks and his friends. Frankly, I like that and it made the book more entertaining.

I’m not sure entertaining is the correct word to use as the book has so many horrific subplots. Mac has to deal with despicable types abducting children for sexual slavery and organ reaping while trying to avoid being stabbed in the back by the people who are supposed to be helping him. It isn’t exactly a relaxing book but it sure is exciting. Red Bull and Jolt should be so lucky to provide the rush you get reading this thriller.

Action, treachery, redemption and revenge abound in measures almost unbearable. I really enjoyed this thriller and the stalwart companions of Mac.

I highly recommend.

Body of work of Ian Walkley

Web Site: http://www.ianwalkley.com/

A Noble Cause by J. Gregory Smith

Greg’s first book, Final Price was a quarter finalist in the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest. After Greg self publishing the book, it was picked up by AmazonEncore and re-released. I mention this because I was lucky enough to read and review Greg’s first book and am proud to say I was able to read and review this advanced readers copy of A Noble Caus

Mark Noble’s estrangement from his parents takes a deadly turn when he finds himself caught up in the web of treachery wound about his father’s business.

This book is action adventure at it’s best. Greg Smith has portrayed believable characters facing unbelievable things. Mark, his main protagonist, is sympathetically shown as struggling to find his own identity. I particularly liked the courage and fortitude displayed by his friends. We should all be so lucky to have friends that stalwart.

There is some reflection of current events with the women missing in the Caribbean and the lack of success by local authorities in solving the mysteries.

This book has all the features of a good mystery, a black hearted villain, a loyal sidekick, a damsel in distress and a good hearted but occasionally clueless hero. It is a fun story to read and from my point of view, Greg has a home run with this book.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of J. Gregory Price

Web Site: http://www.jgregorysmithbooks.com/bio-personal.html

The Temple Mount Code by Charles Brokaw

In a snap shot of current events, Thomas Lourds’ linguistic talents have landed him in another intriguing mystery. A deadly grad student, a relentless Iranian zealot and a Saudi guardian angel make up the cast of Lourds addressing a mystery that may rock the Islamic wolrd. The forces of evil marshal to thwart Lourds in solving a linguistic nightmare that purports to change the world again.

As in the Lucifer Code and Atlantis Code, Brokaw paints vivid characters with strong characteristics. His main protagonist, Thomas Lourds, is a world famous linguist of immense sex appeal who unlike Indiana Jones attempts to avoid any physical confrontation outside of the bedroom. Once again Lourds shows naïve good character and although he purports to be in good physical condition, he doesn’t seem to have the sense to duck a punch. So far this is pretty much the same description as his last two books. The formula is there is a secret that captures Thomas Lourds’ attention, he ferrets out the secret and is saved from harm by lethal females smitten with his boyish charm. It sounds simplistic but regardless of that, the stories move well, entertain and provide creative action.

As in the Lucifer Code and Atlantis Code, don’t anticipate a great deal of cerebral activity just lean back and relish the action.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Charles Brokaw

Web Site: http://www.charlesbrokaw.com/Charles_Brokaw/Welcome.html

Charles Brokaw author of
the Lucifer Code
and
The Atlantis Code
has a new thriller!
The Temple Mount Code is another action thriller featuring Thomas Lourds
the action linguist!
Two Copies of The Temple Mount Code will be given away this month.


Contest runs from December 13th to December 23, 2011
Nothing to buy or do except fill out the simple form. Comments on the Temple Mount Review will also earn an entry. Contest is open to all, no restrictions on shipping.
Good luck!
Temple Mount Code by Tom Brokow GiveAway!

Zero Day by David Baldacci

Baldacci has a new hero, a new ethos and another, never boring cliff hanging, throat grabbing thriller.

John Puller takes over for John Carr without a Camel Club or a gang of cronies.  Although Puller is dedicated Army, he runs without a safety net throughout the book.   The Army is his life and his passion is it’s Criminal Investigative Division.  He is an elite Army cop and he is thrown into a situation involving mass mayhem.  Every time he turns around there is another murder.  

Puller ends up partnering with Sam Cole and the two of them bond through their mutual desire to find the perpetrators’ of mayhem in an impoverished coal mining community in West Virginia.

Once again Baldacci paints such a vivid picture.  He sets his stage with clarity and depth.   His characters are both larger than life and realistically human.  

I worked in an impoverished Appalachian coal community years ago.  Baldacci accurately captures the poverty and despair that often results from long term un or under employment. 

One can only hope that we see more of John Puller.  He was a complex, likeable character.

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of David Baldacci </a>

Web Site: http://www.davidbaldacci.com/web/

Target of Opportunity by Jeffrey S. Stephens

A terrorist plot by plausible partners threatens the U.S.   Jordon Sandor of the CIA is the only thing standing between global financial chaos.

The economics of oil and resultant potential for economic blackmail give plausibility to this novel.   As an aside, this should help all of us to recognize the need for energy independence.   That may have not been the more subtle plot line but that is what I felt reading the book.

Sandor is a ruthless defender of liberty.   He is an excellent protagonist as he displays emotion and action.   The book is fast paced and the plot is complex enough to maintain interest throughout.  

The intricate nature of the plot is very well done and keeps you guessing until the end.   Mr. Stehphens does an excellent job portraying an able weapon but loose canon in the character of Sandor.  His irreverence is endearing but I suspect in the real world of bureaucratic nonsense, he would end up on the street. 

Sandor is a worthy James Bond clone with skills and warmth abounding.  He comes across as real which is often a difficult characterization.   Sadly the only downside to the book is the likelihood that some demented soul out there is striving to perpetrate a similar scenario in real life.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Jeffrey S. Stephens

Web Site: http://jeffreystephens.com/

Odd Jobs by Ben Lieberman

 Kevin Davenport is the main character in this story Kevin has had enormous tragedy in his life. The story is a coming-of-age in the seamier side of life.

Kevin was a likable character in spite of his many faults. I think because of the characterization and the language he truly represented a guy his age dealing with some pretty major problems. I think this seems represented in the factory where he was being hazed by the guys were true to life. Any college kid that has worked in a factory for a summer job has discovered that there oftentimes is resentment of the fact that they're in college and their peers aren't.

It is a sad reality of life the crime does exist. Most of us are fortunate enough not to have been exposed to it.  The book was pretty fast-paced and highly compelling. I think the author did an excellent job at the end in explaining the negative side effects of seeking revenge. If you get put off by violence and graphic action you may want to avoid this book.

I recommend book.

Body of work: Ben Lieberman

website:  http://benliebermanbooks.com/

Deadly Promises by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, Cindy Gerad and Laura Griffin

Romantic suspense was a surprising genre for me.   My introduction was fairly recent.   The three stories in this book have a commonality of action and sexual tension.   The guys are all hunks with soulful eyes, gentle hands and the smell of danger.  

My only complaint about this book is that there doesn’t seem to be any normal kind of guys who rise to heroic deeds.   The male protagonists are way larger than life, reveling in physical mayhem and then showing up in a silk shirt with passionate plans.

The stories are harder to believe than the sword and sorcery or space operas that I prefer.   That doesn’t mean that the books won’t cause heaving bosoms and shortness of breath in the gender targeted audience.  (I don’t think I have ever typed the word bosom before.)

What is truly dismaying is that I didn’t find the book repugnant.   I enjoyed the stories.  I can’t decide if this means that I am a manly man in touch with my feminine side or a major woos.   (Word defined woos as to woo, but the Urban dictionary clearly states woos is a synonym for wimp.)  I am sure you can guess which description I favor. (at least in my own mind.)

I recommend the book.  

Body of work of Sherrilyn  Kenyon

Body of work of Dianna Love

Body of work of Cindy Gerad

Body of work of Laura Griffin

Web Site: http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/

http://www.authordiannalove.com/

http://www.cindygerard.com/

http://www.lauragriffin.com/

The Ark by Boyd Morrison

 

Is Noah’s Ark  a bible parable or a true story?  A misanthrope, an archeologist and a MacGyverish engineer are ingredients in a tasty action adventure.

Morrison provided good strong characterizations.  He gave a good background story on all of the major players.   I enjoyed the interaction between Tyler and Grant who certainly were different in personality.   I also enjoyed the corporate ethics of Gordian, Grant and Tyler’s employer.   People with disabilities were show cased in responsible positions and demonstrated that a disability is not necessarily a handicap.   I like a dose of moral values in an action adventure.  

Dilara Kenner’s portrayal was a bit hard to believe.   She responded astoundingly well being thrust into dangerous situations, more so than I could easily swallow.   I do enjoy strong female protagonists and this lady was nobodies victim.  

Ulric the messianic billionaire’s obsession with godhood was sadly reflected by some current event figures.   He was thoroughly dislikable.  I saw some positive comparisons to Clive Cussler, whose books I also enjoy.    

I recommend the book.

Hot Mahogeny by Stuart Woods

One of the joys of reading Stuart Woods is the reoccurring characters. This novel is focused on the renowned Stone Barrington and his fascinating and complicated life.

Holly Barker the small town sheriff is back in a cameo role in her new CIA persona as is Lance Cabot who is now a deputy director at the CIA. Dino and Elaine, stalwart friends and side kicks are also in the book. There is reference to Will Lee who was the main stay of several of Wood’s books. You have the feel of history or camaraderie and feel as if you are running into old friends.

Stone Barrington is a likeable character regardless of the fact that he has remarkable success in bedding an enormous assortment of gorgeous and somewhat amoral women.

No jealousy is implied as I am cognizant that he is a character in a book but even so most guys would have a modicum of envy for Stone’s successes.

This is not a book to teach or moralize. It isn’t a missive of monumental impact. As you read it is like someone you know and you are just catching up. Perhaps an apt description is it is a perfect beach book, not demanding, it doesn’t tax your faculties but it is eminently enjoyable.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Stuart Woods
Web site: http://www.stuartwoods.com/index.html

Murder On The Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young

When I read Buying Time I thought it was Ms. Young’s first book.  Apparently this story was her first. It is a tale of deceit and fear. On the down low refers to black men having sex with black men but not considering themselves as homosexual but as freaks. Hiding their behavior, these same men profess strong masculinity and infect their female sex partners with HIV. This tale of treachery and deceit leads to death and murder.
This is a topic that is bound to raise eyebrows. It is addressed frankly and with no holds barred. Ms. Young makes an appeal at the end of the book for more tolerance and understanding of the gay community and more help with those who are confused about their own sexual identity. The incidence of HIV in African-American and Latina women is appalling greater than the norm. Ms. Young suggests that a major mind set change is necessary for these women to accept responsibility for safer sex and to insist on testing for both themselves and their partners. The novel was interesting but is truly a side bar for the message.

There is a clear directive that vigilante behavior is counter productive and personal responsibility needs to be enhanced. I found the story and the message sobering. I thought a very volatile topic was handled tactfully while still expressing a very clear cautionary message.


I highly recommend the book.


Body of work of Pamela Samuels Young

Web Site:

Portrait in Death by J. D. Robb

The not too distant future is the setting for Lt. Eve Dallas and her adventures. The entire series I have read so far is focused on homicide and the mystery that surrounds each murder. The image portrayal of each victim leads Dallas on a nasty chase through the August heat of NY. Her husband Roarke, discovers some answers  a mystery he didn’t realize existed.

Nora Roberts’ work as J.D. Robb is always entertaining. There is no mental stretching or need for personal change or improvement. She provides entertainment, enjoyable and disturbing simultaneously. I enjoy Eve Dallas’ relationships. Her relationship with Roarke is believable. I also like her hard ass attitude. This author deals well with emotions and successfully elicits an emotional reaction to her writing.

I recommend the book and the series.

Body of work of J. D. Robb

Web site:

Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire, the only one in Chicago’s Yellow Pages.
His latest client is Mab, the Winter Queen of Faerie. She makes Harry an offer he literally can’t refuse. Harry has to find out who killed the Summer Knight or die trying.

Butcher does an exceptional job making wizardry seem normal. His characters are quirky and surprisingly believable. I enjoy his plots, I have yet to figure out before hand who did what. Harry has ethics and a strong moral compass. He is an eminently likeable protagonist.

I highly recommend the entire series. You will be seeing more as I have finally purchased all the ones that have currently been printed.


Body of work of Jim Butcher

Web Site:

Boiling Point by K.L. Dionne

Scientists deal with their ethics, morals and personal frailty as they tackle pollution, volcanic eruption and global warming.

This is not a tale for any with a weak heart. Ms. Dionne plunges into contemporary controversy and personal relationships from page one. She uses the issue of global warming and possible scientific solutions to set her stage and then uses an erupting volcano to add drama. It sounds complicated but it works very well. You are draw into the characters concerns and personalities while the action is fueled by the awesome power of a volcanic eruption.

This book forces you to ponder the questions of global warming and the ethics behind individual responsibility for both creating and solving such dramatic issues.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of K. L. Dionne

Web site: http://berkleysignetmysteries.com/author421

For Love of Mother-Not by Alan Dean Foster

This is the first of the Pip and Flinx stories. Pip is an Alaspinian mini-dragon. Flinx is an orphan with interesting talents. Flinx is the unwitting target of both law enforcement and an underground outlaw group. Avoiding entrapment by either group is the gist of the story.

I have enjoyed the Pip and Flinx stories over the years and have carefully kept them for my grandson. I was delighted to find this first volume to set the scene for the later books.

Flinx and Pip have a relationship that is beyond the boy and his pet type. They are interdependent, more so than Flinx realizes. The story is the beginning of a coming of age saga. It is classic, old school scifi and I really liked it.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Alan Dean Foster

Web Site: