A Wanted Man by Lee Child

Reacher faces a mix of domestic and foreign terrorists leaved with domestic interagency incompetence and intrigue.   Once again when Reacher’s sense of justice is more focused on taking care of those who he has accepted rather than ideological issues, regardless or reason once violated, mayhem ensues.

Once again when Reacher is hitchhiking situations develop rapidly.   The interagency rivalry strikes a realistic chord.   One despairs over such bureaucratic nonsense when security is involved.  

The end game takes place in a truly interesting place.  A cursory search of the Web found a website worth checking out.  It isn't necessarily a spoiler but keep in mind it plays an integral part in the story's conclusion.   Amazon will strip the link so if you want to follow it go to my blog Pick of the Literate and check it out in the same un-stripped version of the review.

Reacher's blunt response to threat or threats to those he cares about is, again, clearly demonstrated.

This plot seemed more complex than many of the Reacher books.   Once again I enjoyed the book and I recommend the book.

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

            

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

Superbia by Bernard Schaffer

A cop and robbers book for the suburbs.   The relationship between two cops, their department and the perpetrators they handled.

The author claims authenticity in his story.  Not necessarily in fact of the cases or people but in the feel of the circumstances.

Schaffer made cops real live, fragile and strong people.   Post traumatic stress doesn't just plague those in the military but those who serve the public in many ways.   I don't know if Mr. Schaffer was proselytizating or not but I read a lot of humanity between the lines.  

We, the public, put enormous stress on those that we expect to protect us.  Personally I am grateful for those who are willing to give up their time, sometimes their relationships or even their lives so the rest of us can sleep at night.

Sadly Schaffer also points out the chickenshit that occurs in any organization, regardless of their laudable goals.   If nothing else besides a good story, this book clearly shows cops are as human as the rest of us and deserve more accolades than they get.

This book does have some graphic violence and gritty sophism when dealing with perpetrators.

BTW I enjoyed his book Guns of Seneca 6 too.

I recommend it.

Web Site: http://apiarysociety.typepad.com/

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

House of Jaguar by Mike Bond

  

This book was captivating but strange.   I'm not sure if it is an action novel or a treatise on the effects of war causing character deprivation.  Regardless of that it is certainly critical of our government's clandestine efforts at shoring up governments in the war on drugs. 

Joe Murphy is a veteran whose flying skills were honed in Vietnam.  He carries the scars of his tours on his body and in his mind.  Making a good living as a drug carrying pilot he is betrayed in Guatemala.  His betrayal ends with his friend dead and Murph fleeing while wounded.   A miraculous trip through implacable jungle leads Murph to Dona, the new love of his life.   Dona's calling is saving the peasants of Guatemala from their corrupt government and the orchestrations of the CIA. 

There is a lot of soul searching and somewhat confusing introspection in the book.   The main villain is the CIA liaison to the Guatemalan death squads.  He is a stark raving mad, true psychopath.   Lyman believes the world is out to get him and he feels he is a far better man than any he has ever met.  His self centered, poor me violent persona is absolutely dreadful.   They guy is a walking nightmare.

There is plenty of action and violence.   The implications of the story and the premise are truly sad.   What our government has done in the name of democracy and or the war on drugs defies imagination although Bond has certainly used his in this book.  I can't say I enjoyed the book but it certainly kept my interest.

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

Traitors Gate by Kate Elliott

Captain Anji and his Qin take the fight for the Hundreds to the false Guardians and their minions.   Whether the dauntless Captain is truly a mommy's boy is discovered.  Treachery on all fronts leads to the title of the book.

The main characters find their lives primarily wrapped up in this book.   The author definitely leaves the fate of the Hundreds open to a sequel.   The battle of good and evil is marked with various shades of gray.   Is order and peace a quantified good or can order and peace be characterized as benevolent dictatorship? 

The open question of the other races in the Hundreds is left as a question.  The potential for a series on each sub-group would be a welcome series.  Whether Wildlings, Mers or Firelings there lies a wealth of material for future stories.  

The author wrapped up the trilogy but leaves the reader famished for more.   I hope the Hundreds will appear again as a topic tackled by Elliott.   She creates believable characters and postulates interesting social conventions.  They may be historically based or purely subjective but they are believable.   If you question the believability, consider for a moment how wildly speculative it would have been twenty years ago to have marijuana legalized in some states.   Sociological theories run amuck in this series.

If you chose to look no further than the action and the adventure you will still be satisfied and possibly sated but if you want to ponder the implications of women's rights, sequesterization, homosexuality, might making right, legal prostitution, this series will  provide fodder for in depth introspection.

I highly recommend the book. 

web site: http://www.kateelliott.com/

  

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

Echo Burning by Lee Child

Reacher suffers a temporary bout of self doubt as his gullibility is tested by a desperate Latina seeking his help.  Set in Texas, this book questions the savage prejudice and ponderous justice system in south Texas.

After having read so many Reacher books, it was somewhat refreshing for him to have a bit of self doubt, it humanized him.   This has the typical Reacher plot of his reluctant entry into a dangerous situation and settling it with his normal, physical justice metering.

Texas was not portrayed as a hospitable place in this novel.   One can only hope that the rampant prejudice and self serving corrupt local justice system has improved in the twelve years since the book was published.   Lee Child does not hesitate to attack and depict social issues with Jack Reacher as the proponent of harsh justice.  I'm not sure head butting is the best solution for social issues but aside from the resulting head ache, I suspect that many of us find a vicarious pleasure in physically dominating perceived villains. 

As in all the Jack Reacher books I have read so far, there is non-stop action and lots of violence.  

I enjoyed the book and I recommend the book.

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

 

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

Redemption Day by Steve O’Brien

This book focuses on the Posse Comitatus’s actions to precipitate a government crisis. It is an action thriller that has some horrific overtones.

The sad thing about this book is that harsh economic times can drive normally law abiding citizens to behavior as exhibited in the book. Nick James is a believable analyst who is drawn into criminal events he is ill prepared to face. I enjoyed the way Nick stepped up and found his moment.

The behavior of the villains is too likely plausible based on the poor economy. Scapegoats are popular whenever large numbers of people find things contrary to their expectations. Even the current political campaigns are a good example of how people are more than happy to ascribe to fringe behavior when they are desperate.

This book had a frightening plausibility.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Body of work of Steve O’Brien

Web Site: none found

Lassiter by Paul Levine

A pseudo-loser tough guy attorney is a mouth full but if you add ex-pro-football player you have an apt description of this loose cannon protagonist with the attitude of a rabid pit-bull. Lassiter defends the unsavory, unwashed and unwanted with an unorthodox style that leaves him on the razor edge of disbarment in this mystery that reeks or the underbelly of south Florida and the porn industry.

Paul Levine does a masterful job in crafting a likeable character in Jake Lassiter. He humanizes him by carefully including his faults and then he highlights the man’s innate goodness. Familial patterns had little to do with creating this craggy Don Quitoic aging athlete. You find yourself wiping the sweat off your brow in the hot Florida sunshine so image invoking is Levine’s writing. Once again I am mystified that I was unaware of this author.

I liked the plot, the intricately woven web of deceit and betrayal that leaves a lingering odor of grimy back rooms and slimy ne’er-do-wells populating the silicon pumped porn industry. Levine succeeds in keeping your interest high with both morality and action in unlikely scenarios and characters. I can’t guess if you will be educated but you will most definitely be entertained with this book.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Paul Levine

Web Site: http://www.paul-levine.com/content/index.asp

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!

Thawed Out & Fed Up by Ryan Brown

Sam Bonham is a no account grifter who discovers internal depths he didn’t realize he had in himself in a pseudo western style.

There were some bizarrely interesting aspects to this book.   Interesting really doesn’t cover it.   Sam Bonham finds himself immersed in a culture he thought died out years before.   Sam is a disagreeable character that you see grown into a likeable human being.  

The set for this play is a western town held hostage by a gang of throw back thugs.   The premise is mildly preposterous and yet still entertaining.   John Wayne and the rest of the characters merely provide scene dressing for the personal redemption of Sam Bonham.  

I recommend it.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Ryan Brown </a>

Web Site: http://www.jennablack.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/

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/

Drop Shot By Harlan Coben

Again Coben’s Mryon Bolitar reminds me a bit of Parker’s Spencer in this novel. Although Win, Myron’s border line psychopath best friend only resembles Hawk in his ferocity and lethalness not his unsurpassed cool. A classic whodunit focused on the tennis world even though it is a tad dated still holds your interest. There is plenty of action, violence and wise assery to satisfy the most demanding hard boiled detective fan, in spite of the fact that Myron is an attorney and a sports agent not a detective. The who and the why are very satisfactorily saved for the last few pages. All in all, a very good mystery and I recommend it.

Body of work of Harlan Coben

Web Site: http://www.harlancoben.com/static/novels/nsc.htm

Review: http://www.revish.com/reviews/0440220459/abvr/

American Assassin by Vince Flynn

This is a prequel to the Mitch Rapp series. This book provides the details of what made Mitch Rapp into the man he is and what motivates his behavior. There is distinct political commentary on how we should be addressing terrorists.

Vince Flynn will never be criticized for lack of action. The book just jumps! Once gain Mitch Rapp shows his mettle. I really enjoyed the fleshing out of the details as to how Mitch became a government agent and the reasons behind that decision. The plot is right out of the daily paper. (or web)

Flynn creates memorable characters. Stan Hurley is unforgettable. The violence is graphic and not for the faint of heart.

I loved the book and I do lean in the direction of Old Testament justice which is epitomized by Mitch Rapp.

I highly recommend this book and anything else Vince Flynn writes.

Body of work of Vince Flynn

Web Site:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is despicable. It is dismaying to contemplate anyone subjected to violence let alone the horrific aspect of having someone you love and trust hurting you. The Pixel Project is sponsoring a project called Paint it Purple. I’ve recorded a YouTube video as per their program to show support for the end of domestic violence.


If someone you know is abused or abusing, they can find help at NOVA. NOVA stands for the Network of Victim Assistance and although they are local to Bucks County Pennsylvania, they do not limit their toll free help line to local residents. If you are in trouble, afraid for yourself or others, find help. NOVA 24 hours a day hotline #800-675-6900

The Lucifer Code by Charles Brokaw

Thomas Lourds’ linguistic talents land him in another intriguing mystery. A voluptuous colleague, a nubile IRA assassin and a secret society assist Lourds in solving a mystery of biblical proportions. The forces of evil marshal to thwart Lourds in solving a linguistic nightmare that purports to change the world.

As in the 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. Lourds avoids being a caricature by being rescued from harm by his female companions. Although Lourds seems to be in good physical condition, he doesn’t seem to have any self defense abilities. Brokaw is often compared to Dan Brown in his story telling. Brokaw paints his verbal portrait with a broader brush and less detail. That does not detract from the enjoyment of the story. My only complaint is that he could add another 50 pages or so and add a little more detail.

As in the 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:

Think Of A Number by John Verdon

Dave Gurney is retired, or so he thinks. A highly decorated homicide investigator discovers retirement may be as fraught with danger as his former employment as he engages in a battle of wits with a serial killer.

Dave Gurney’s struggle with his past and his concerns about his relationship both to his wife and his father, paint him as a very real, pathos driven character. Madeleine his wife vacillates between too good to be true and Dave’s harshest critic. This is a thought provoking mystery that provides the reader with clues throughout. As the reader you are in a competition with Dave to see who figures out who the villain is first. I thought it started slow but keep with it as it certainly doesn’t remain slow.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of John Verdon

Web Site: none found

The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline

A murder in south Philly wasn’t what it seemed. It wasn’t a murder it was a vendetta execution. The courtroom isn’t the only place this unusual murder case is fought. The streets and pigeon coops of south Philadelphia provide the setting for an intriguing mystery.

I found Scottoline’s characters spot on. She captured the essence of the Italian community. Since I don’t know south Philly I can’t testify to the accuracy of her portrayal of that area but she nailed the ethnic culture from my own experience in the community I grew up in. The impetuous nature of Judy Carrier was a bit far fetched. I know a lot of attorneys and I can’t say I have met one with that level of impetuousness. The relationship between Pigeon Tony’s grandson and Judy was a bit predictable. I liked the way Scottoline showed the historic nature of the featured vendetta. I thought she did an excellent job portraying the depth of feeling and the length of animosity for perceived wrongs. The book was entertaining.

I recommend this book, particularly if you enjoy off beat courtroom drama and if you have a friend of Italian heritage, you have probably met some of the books more loveable characters.

Body of work of Lisa Scottoline

Review: http://www.themysteryreader.com/scottoline-vendetta.html

Web site: http://scottoline.com/Site/

Buy Back by Brian M. Wiprud

An entertaining look at a criminal subculture in Brooklyn, NY features 6’6’’, 270 pound Tom Davin as a pseudo insurance investigator. Davin’s search for answers in a caper gone awry provides action, adventure and suitable twists and turns for the most jaded mystery reader.

Davin is a highly likeable character who has a unique outlook on what he considers criminal. He has a very ethical personality based on his skewed outlook on life in general and Brooklyn life in particular.

Davin’s vulnerability is captured and is juxtaposed with his size, temperament and career moves. The mystery and action are very well done and provide plenty of raw material for thoughtful speculation.

I really enjoyed the book and the quirky characters.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Brian M. Wiprud

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

Instinct by Jeremy Robinson

This is the first of the Chess Team books I have read. A weaponized virus threatens the world. The Chess Team is sent in to discover a cure. This Chess Team is substantially different than the one you had in high school. Monsters, mental illness, mysteries and politics characterize the story.
To say this was a rousing adventure is to truly understate the velocity that surrounds this story. Fast paced action threatens to overwhelm you page to page. I felt the characters needed more background but that may have been provided in the first book of the series. I intend to get that book as I really enjoyed this book. The plot was fantastic as was the setting. I’m not sure how to classify this book. It is speculative but not grossly far fetched. Coonts and Cussler come to mind when I try to think of comparable stories.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Jeremy Robinson

Web Site:

Skin and Bones by D.C. Corso

If you like creepy, you will love this book. The mysterious disappearance of young girls turns a small community upside down. The resolving of the mystery and the developing relationship between characters is well done.

Severin Ash is an FBI agent with shackles of empathy for the victims he has to see in his daily work. His anguish and frustration is clearly portrayed. Parker Kelly has ghosts in her past that slink back to the present under the cover of new crimes. The relationship between Ash and Kelly is well portrayed. I liked the author’s style and the knife edge of anxiety that is evoked.

Corso also portrays the wicked as very wicked. Parts of the book will most definitely make you squirm. Abduction of kids is hard to portray in any way but disturbing. If you like this kind of book, I think you will like this one.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of D. C. Corso


Web Site: