Legacy of the Dragon by J. Gregory Smith

A Noble Cause was an improvement over Greg’s first book Final Price . I enjoyed both but Noble was better. Now this third book really vaults J. Gregory Smith into the professional arena. Dragon is a page turner than truly establishes Greg as a contender!

Paul Chang, the huge Chinese American detective is back but in the private sector. He and his quirky partner Nelson are running a private detective business that is floundering. Chang’s old boss and the commander of the Delaware State Police are making his life miserable. Paul never intentionally went out of his way to harm them but that isn’t stopping them from persecuting him. This book details that persecution and an unrelated but dark and life changing event in Paul’s past.

Greg did a masterful job in truly giving Paul Chang full, three dimensional characterization. The back story is well done and having read Final Price, some pieces that were missing are now put into play.

The twin prongs of a diabolically clever plot intermesh enough to provide questions but not confusion. The characters, overall, are well written and colorful. Action in a Smith novel is a given and is in abundance here.

I highly recommend this book!

Body of work of J. Gregory Price

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

Outrage by Robert K. Tanenbaum

It is always a treat to “discover” a new author. Sad but true with 20 plus books to his credit, Tanenbaum is hardly new but he is new to me. Described as a legal thriller, this book had good cops and robbers mystery aspects with some refreshing social commentary.

Butch Karp and his wife, Marlene are reoccurring characters in Tanenbaum’s books. Note this book stands alone quite well and there is no need to have read any preceding to catch up to the story. I suspect if you enjoy it as much as I did you will track down more of his books but that is another story.

I liked the shoot’em up parts as well as the defense of the defenseless but I most enjoyed the family dynamics of the Karp clan. I think the twins demonstrated a much needed example of how hard it is to buck the system.

I highly recommend the book, I enjoyed it.

Body of work of Robert K. Tanenbaum

Web site: http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/robert-k-tanenbaum.aspx

The Hum and The Shiver by Alex Bledsoe

This book features an insular clan of slightly askew folks whose talents for music dominate their lives.  A mysterious clan that chooses to avoid society at large and has secrets that are never to be told.

Bronwyn Hyatt is a likeable rebel in this book.  She tried to escape her fate and her family.  Her unwillingness to accept authority resonated with me and I’m sure with many others.   Her personal habits are meant to shock and yet if you flipped her gender her behavior would be lauded by many men.  

The premise of the book is very thought provoking.  This review is difficult because some of the more interesting factors would definitely be spoilers.  If you enjoy Thomas Tryon and some of Stephen King’s less flamboyant books, you will enjoy this music prone mystery.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Alex Bledsoe

Web Site: http://alexbledsoe.com/

Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp

Matthew Bannon, an aspiring artist, runs afoul of the Russian mob and some it’s most heinous contract killers. 

Say what you will about the formula aspects of Patterson’s work, I still love it.  I remember my first experience with an L-1 Vette, the slam of the gears and the sheer joy of the speed.   This book is reminiscent of that feeling.  With a pop of the clutch, you have difficulty breathing until that millisecond of air as you shift.   The characters were either exceptionally despicable or eminently loveable.  Sure it is a book of exclamation points but it is fun!  You are treated to a tour of the world, some dumps and some stellar spots.  

The comrade ship of the Marines was also likeable.  I’m lucky enough to have some Marines as friends, I am aware there are no ex-Marines, only those not currently on active duty.   Semper Fi sadly is not the hallmark of our nation any more but luckily there are still people out there who do their damndest to keep us honest and free. (In spite of the sewage like aspects of our elected officials, note I didn’t spare any political affiliation, sadly it seems like whatever stripe they claim, it all ends up on their back and they smell like skunks.)  However I digress but in all fairness, it is my blog and I’ll cry if I want to. (age related humor)

This is an exciting book, expect to devour it in several hours, it isn’t a book that needs a lot of pondering but it was darn good fun.

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

Body of  work of Marshall Karp</a>

 Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

One Summer by David Baldacci

This is NOT a Camel Club book with a complicated and convoluted conspiracy.  It doesn’t have the flavor of The Christmas Train either.   This is a Baldacci that demands a box of tissues.   A family is subjected to the ultimate stress of losing a member.  This is a story of how they cope with the emptiness that results and how they re-knit the fabric of their lives.

Just when you think you have David Baldacci’s modus operandi well in hand you discover unseen depths and different directions.   Although this book seems more appropriate in the Harlequin genre, it grabs your attention and emotions in typical Baldacci fashion.   You do not want to put  it down, you want to know what else can possibly go wrong.

Succinctly (I know not my normal MO) this book is a in-depth revelation of family turmoil and reconciliation amidst a devastating tragedy.   Most frequently in Baldacci’s work and other action adventure authors’ work we become immersed in the fast pace and thrilling circumstances.   This book forces you to think about the impact of death on normal folks, not action heroes but perhaps the next door neighbor.  

David Baldacci has a breadth of talent that is awe inspiring.   This book is akin to a reverse 180 while cruising along at autobahn speeds.   It is a major change of pace but certainly a winner.  

                                                                                                       

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of David Baldacci </a>

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

The Kid Table by Andrea Siegel: Guest Post by Naida Jones

It's something that almost anyone, whether young or old, can empathize with—having to sit at the so-called "kid table" during family gatherings. When I first picked up Siegel's YA novel, just the cover of the book was able to "take me back" to those days, when you approach a certain, transitional age in which you may just be considered for the adult table. The Kid Table is a remarkable book, mostly because of its blunt treatment of serious, coming-of-age issues, and its poignant ability to portray a family, that, like all families, is anything but perfect.

The Kid Table tells the tale of a family beset with problems of various kinds. The novel is narrated from the point of view of Ingrid, one of five cousins who share the notorious "kid table." Ingrid is sixteen years old in the novel, and is mired in the usually perils and pleasures of being that age. Her cousin, Brianne, is a sophomore in college, studying psychology. Brianne convinces others in the family that Ingrid is a "psychopath", but as the story progresses readers become aware of more than just one skeleton coming out of the family closet. The family saga unfolds over the course of five separate family events, and the drama heightens after Ingrid kisses Brianne's boyfriend, not being aware who he is.

The first vignette of the novel is set at a family Bar Mitzvah, in which the theme of the kid table is set:

"Over the years, the Baby Table had evolved into the Kid Table, even though it now had a baby again: my four-year-old cousin (barely) Katie, illegitimate child of my half-uncle Tobias and his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Brooke. For some reason, my extended family stopped having children after our gang. Either we were enough for them, or we hadn't been enough to encourage more."

And so the stage is set for a riveting story that deals with very adult issues in a manner that doesn't sugar coat, but at the same treats these more serious topics with a certain child-like wonderment and confusion that typifies the best Bildungsromans out there.

For parents who are looking for books for their children, be forewarned that the book may not be appropriate for children who are younger than 15. At the same time, it's a wonderful recommendation for a precocious teenager who may be experiencing the same growing pains that the book's characters endure.

Author Bio:
This is a guest post by Nadia Jones who blogs at online school about education, college, student, teacher, money saving, movie related topics. You can reach her at nadia.jones5 @ gmail.com.

Cross Fire by James Patterson

Kyle Craig is back.  If you have read any of the Alex Cross books, that four word sentence is enough for you to want to read this one.    Multiple plots, multiple villains and an intense climax make this a speedy read.

Alex is in love again.   This Time Bree Stone is the object of his affection.   This guy has had more deep loves than Jacque Cousteau.  A wedding is planned and surprisingly Nana is on board.   The kids are also in favor of Bree.   Sounds like a love story but then add Kyle Craig, the monomaniac ex-FBI serial killer.   That provides a heady mix and an intoxicating brew.   Typically fast paced with the characteristic 2 and three page chapters the book moves really fast. 

An ethical dilemma that plays well in today’s distrustful environment complicates an already involved plot.   High profile sleazoids are being killed.   Mortgage brokers defrauding home owners, oil speculators, people who are widely hated for their self serving behavior are being killed and the killer is seen as a dispenser of justice.   This  adds difficulty to Cross and Sampson when they investigate.   Who wants a “patriot” to be caught?

This Patterson was a bit more thought provoking than many.   Don’t get me wrong, I most often enjoy them but they seldom cause me to ponder.   The ethical issues in one case, in this book, let me to ponder my own feelings on the situation.   It was an extra added bonus on top of the light speed, cotton candy read that I usually expect from Patterson. 

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

 Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

Sons and Princes by James LePore

This is a swan dive into the cesspool of organized crime, a journey of re-invention of a decent human being caught in the currents of violence, revenge and even honor.

LePore writes a captivating story nearly impossible to put down.   His characters are both memorable and frightening.   Each one of us may carry the seed of violence that can blossom into the fruit of death.   The trigger for response is as uniquely individual as a finger print.   Chris Massi finds within himself family ties he didn’t know existed.   LePore masterfully depicts a conflicted soul driven to acts of desperation for the noblest of virtues.  

There are some scenes so clearly depicted that you feel the need to whip out the hand sanitizer before you turn another page.   Equally honor and courage show up in surprising places.   A disbarred lawyer, Chris must make decisions that will impact both his life and his soul.   LePore does an amazing job at portraying the struggles of a man to master the cascade of torment heaped upon his head.  The depiction of the mob and it’s members was colorful and depressing.   One has to wonder how far you personally would go to save family, friends and self respect.   This is an outstanding book, destined to be a classic.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of James Lepore

Web site:  http://jamesleporefiction.com/

Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The two authors seems to thrive on bringing the psychopath and sociopath to the printed page.   A killer is recreating New York City’s most heinous crimes.  The big questions are what is the killers motivation and where or with whom will it stop.  

We met Michael Bennett in Worst Case.  

 Michael is a single parent and NY detective with a blended, multi-racial family of 10 kids.  His deceased wife was the motivator with the huge heart that led to the adoption of Michael’s “brood”.  The overwhelming aspect of parenting 10 children is further complicated by hostage negotiations and nefarious characters.   His family is Michael’s major motivator even as he strives to be a good cop.   The authors successfully portrayed his anger, frustration and satisfaction.   It may be formula writing but much like donuts, I am addicted.

This is entertainment at it’s fastest pace.   The short chapters and action provide a runaway, headlong plunge that makes it darn difficult to put the book down.  

Once again Michael Bennett demonstrates his humanity and passion.   I like the way the author’s show how deeply a man can care for his kids and still depict that same tender hearted father as a butt kicking manly man.  

Bennett is forced to make some interesting choices regarding his lack of a love life.   That too, provided realism and pathos in a story that is chock full of horror and rampant action.  I feel that Patterson and Ledwidge have created a solid series starring Michael Bennett.

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

Body of  work of Michael Ledwidge son</a>

 Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

Run For Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

A dysfunctional family provides fuel for a sociopath. The killer’s agenda runs awry of Michael Bennett. Once again, the wealthiest NY families are terrorized by a psychopath or is it a sociopath or both.

I met Michael Bennett in Worst Case.

Michael is a single parent and NY detective with a blended, multi-racial family of 10 kids. His deceased wife was the motivator with the huge heart that led to the adoption of Michael’s “brood”. The overwhelming aspect of parenting 10 children is further complicated by hostage negotiations and nefarious characters. His family is Michael’s major motivator even as he strives to be a good cop. The authors successfully portrayed his anger, frustration and satisfaction. It may be formula writing but much like a donut, I love it.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Patterson
Body of work of Michael Ledwidge son

Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

Stash by David Klein

This a sobering look at how insipid decision making can change your life. A woman’s indecisive behavior leads her into both legal and marital discord.

I found this book rather sobering with no pun intended. It seemed entirely too realistic. It is easy to see how a nostalgic longing for past excitement and a reaffirmation of sexual identity could lead to bad decisions. The scary part was that bad decisions don’t need to be grotesquely bad but can mount incrementally to horrendous conclusions.

I admired Brian’s spousal loyalty as I deplored his, all to common, work above all attitude. The book aptly illustrated the hard charging, must get ahead at all costs attitude of a surprising number of the 30 something generation. I found Gwen’s lackadaisical attitude regarding personal responsibility and her over the top remorse for her thoughtless behavior a bit confusing but believable. People often continue bad behavior or flat out stupidity in spite of negative consequences, this is the hallmark of Gwen’s behavior. The ironic aspects of Jude’s role were well portrayed without being overly obvious.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of David Klein

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

The Wolves Of Fairmount Park by Dennis Tafoya

This book chronicles the events that surround a drive by shooting that traumatizes two families and where collateral damages purges a portion of the Philadelphia drug scene.

Dennis Tafoya writes a complicated mystery. You may figure out the who but the why may escape you. He maintains your interest by providing in depth characterizations. Be prepared for some un-likeable characters. Cop cultural clashes with junkie culture and family values. Chris Black, muscle for hire, was both one of the saddest and yet eventually redeemable personalities in the book.

The insular nature of a chunk of urban society was well illustrated by Tafoya. It may be a little hard to believe unless you have urban friends. Years and years ago we took a Philadelphia friend to a Bucks County Inn for dinner. The terrific dinner didn’t hold a candle to his reaction to being so far out in the country. The lack of street lights, street signs and stop lights was only surpassed by his amazement that there were real cows just standing around in fields.

This author did an excellent job capturing the dismaying aspects of both the drug culture and the insular urban despair. The moving frustration of cops, overwhelmed by insurmountable problems, was movingly poignant.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Dennis Tafoya

Web Site: http://dennistafoya.blogspot.com/

Purged by Darkness by Michael Estepa Author

Life in a gang is depicted in an almost text book manner. The rise and subsequent disillusionment of a “boss” is depicted. Kai’s struggles with his self identity and his life goals smash against tradition’s harsh walls.

The book was hard to like. Estepa paints a sad portrait of young men pulled into a life by tradition and greed. The love and loyalty they have for each other and the disillusion with the life style provide a counterpoint to the casual acceptance of lethal violence as a business tool. Kai’s introspection and his eventual personal redemption by his own hand show the stark reality of how youthful indiscretion can lead to adult despair.

I recommend the book, it isn’t an easy read but it may provide better insight to the motivation of the young men who fill the ranks of gangs worldwide regardless of their society.

Body of work of Michael Estepa

Review

Site:

I,Alex Cross By James Patterson

Alex Cross faces yet another threat to his family. Set in the real world of political intrigue and back stabbing, Alex faces the seamy side of Washington D.C. that directly impacts his family.

Alex Cross loves his family passionately. I like that aspect of his character. He jumps in with both feet and treads where angels would fear to tread. Alex bows to no authority, none whatsoever. In this book he faces political pressure beyond belief and stands solid. A foe he can’t face attacks one of his most beloved relatives and he sits on the sidelines watching others fight that fight for him. The mystery was intriguing with plenty of disturbing action. This was a masterful and classic Patterson.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Patterson

Review of the book:
Site:

The Cutting by James Hayman

A celebrated NYC homicide detective moves to Portland, Maine to leave his past behind. A series of horrific homicides forces him to accept that there is bad everywhere. Mike McCabe works through his personal demons and works with his partner to solve a daunting mystery.

Hayman portrays a likeable and realistic character. Mike McCabe isn’t the superhuman detective with no foibles so frequently illustrated in contemporary mysteries. McCabe demonstrates powerful love and emotions which elicit not sympathy but empathy. His concern for his daughter was poignant and rang true. The details of the crimes and the devious nature of the villain was welcome. I suspected the true villain but there was enough mis-direction to keep you guessing until the end. As usual, I enjoyed the character interaction more than the blood and guts of the crimes.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of James Hayman

Review

Web Site:

9 Dragons by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch is once again on the ropes with his peers. Harry seldom plays well with others. There is a murder, Harry takes is personally. The results involve Harry and his family, the cities of LA and Hong Kong and a diverse cast of characters.

Connelly always does a nice job setting the stage. Bosch is a hero who is hard to like. Prickly doesn’t begin to describe him. Harry’s passionate love of his daughter is one of his few redeeming characteristics. I found my self reading as I walked, went down the stair, brushing my teeth, this book should be declared a health hazard. Calling it captivating and action packed hardly does it justice.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Michael Connelly

Review

Web Site

Honor Our Armed Services

My wife got this email as one of those ubiquitous forwards we all receive. She usually deletes them on my advice as so many forwards have been contaminated by malware. She opened this one, read it and thought I would want to read it. She forwarded it to me, I did read it. I pulled it out of the email, cleaned up the formatting and am posting it. I don’t know who wrote it. I don’t know if it is true or not. Even as fiction, it makes a good point. I am not sure I agree with the author as to the disappearance of honor. His actions defy his assertion. Many, perhaps most people today respect the sacrifices our troops and their families are making. We may not agree with why they are in foreign locales but we HONOR their willingness and commitment.

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read, perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought. Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan. After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base, his friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill.
'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.' Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars. Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars! Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'