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/

Not Just For Breakfast Anymore PV Lundqvist

A boy and his pet overcome being the new kids on the block and learn many laudable lessons.

I don’t know where to start, there were so many things I liked about this book. This would have been entertaining if it had been a boy and his dog but a boy and his pig makes it much more interesting.

Benny is so likeable because he is so normal. He shows the fears and insecurities that are ubiquitous to human beings let alone children. His parents are not perfect nor are they buffoons.

The conflict is not violent but it is believable. Bullying is a hot topic at the moment. Lundqvist paints a more realistic approach than many authors. He also show the impact a negative family life can have on creating bullies without in any way becoming preachy.

The friendship between Major and Benny and the impact reality has, particularly in hard economic times, is poignant. All of us have been there at some point in our lives.

So many laudable characteristics are exhibited that it would be tedious to list them all. Lundqvist painted real live people, showing emotions and empathy as well as pettiness and anger. Fletcher is icing on the cake. He brings humor and pathos into the story line.

The title is indicative of the humorous attitude of the author. He illustrates that humor and wisdom in his blog which is linked below.

I really enjoyed this book.

I strongly recommend the book!

Body of work of PV Lundqvist

Web site: http://pvlundqvist.blogspot.com/

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:

We Are Never Alone, A Guest Post byRolf Hitzer, author of "Hoodoo Sea"

For a writer it all begins with an inspirational thought. We nurture our idea with our pen or keyboard, most of the time in complete isolation. It is a choice we make…to be alone with our scrawl. Physically, mentally we cushion ourselves from the rest of the world.
I’d like to think this is true, and to some degree it is fact, but we need the help of so many others as is the way with most things in life. To do my work I rely on the unquestionable support of my spouse and our family. I cannot concentrate or think free if I harbor guilt because I’m immersed in my work.
My Editor, he embraced my manuscript, and for good reason. Apparently he enjoys a challenge and my scribble did not let him down. My Literary Agent, I depended on her wealth of experience and her network of publishers and negotiation skills to represent my best interests for my first novel. My Publisher, they were willing to take the risk with an unknown author packaging the book to put the story’s best foot forward with blind faith that people will by the book.
Finally, my Public Relations expert taking Hoodoo Sea on a virtual book tour with a precise strategy. I am far from being alone, aren’t I?
Irma Hitzer, Norm Asher, Johanna Bates, Anne Bougie, Ardis and Joe Clark, and Tracee Skrepenski Gleichner, without all of you my first novel would have never seen the light of day. Thank you, I am forever grateful to you all.