Pick of the Literate

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

2012-02-08T10:02:00.003-05:00

This is a mystery that is complicated by the number of victims, perpetrators and participants.

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a small town that will be recognized by anyone who has lived in a small town. Ms. Collins does an admirable job in portraying small town life, where everyone knows your name and has their nose in your business.

The use of a trio of characters to narrate the story provides an interesting perspective to a murder mystery. This book is about ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. These are people that most likely would be described as the working poor. They struggle to make ends meet and that struggle is compounded by a serial killer.

Ms. Collins provides excellent background on the three protagonists. She makes them “real” people, who you may know or speak to regularly. Ms. Collins is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award winner but I did not feel that there was any proselytizing in the book. She merely presented characters that had a belief system.

The murders and mystery were presented in a folksy manner and were complicated and convoluted. I like that, I am disappointed when I can figure out the ending. I enjoy an author that can keep you guessing.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Body of work of Brandilyn Collins

Web Site: http://brandilyncollins.com/next.html

Injustice for all by Robin Caroll

2012-02-04T09:16:00.005-05:00

Sometimes book titles make no sense when you read the book. In this case the title of the book captures its very essence. The book is both a murder mystery and a tale of redemption.

Ms. Caroll does a great job intertwining and weaving character's stories into a complex tapestry of deception and murder. She provides a depth of character and overview of their lives that gives you sufficient insight as to their motivations. Some aspects of the book could be considered evangelical. There are definitive overtones of Christianity but they do not detract from the enjoyment of the book.

I don’t feel the author is proselytizing merely presenting a story using her particular point of view and creating a compelling read and a good mystery.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Robin Caroll

Web Site: http://robinmillerbooks.com/Newreleases.html

Sea of shadows by Jeff Edwards

2012-02-01T09:12:00.003-05:00

Jeff Edwards is going to be a force to reckon with in the genre of military fiction. I have always been fond of the down to the sea in ships war stories. Mr. Edwards crafts a plausible story considering the conditions of the Middle East and the world’s economic conditions.

In the US we are all aware of our dependence on foreign oil for energy needs. Mister Edwards uses energy dependency as the fuel for the plot of the story. There are clear underlying political considerations that make this plot so plausible and frightening. Although the underpinnings of the story have the ring of truth they in no way detract from the intense actions and heroic feats.

The book shows the complexity of a world economy and how economic conditions impact the closest of allies. This is an excellent action adventure story. It is not a political or economic treatise but it is clear that Edwards did a serious amount of homework to write this book.

I particularly enjoyed the character development and the depictions of real to life people. Edwards showed both heroic and normal behavior in a compelling style. The stresses of command decisions and the facing of loss were palatably portrayed as was the ponderous and pandemic motions of bureaucracy. One has to wonder how many military disasters were created by the lavish display of the “peter principle” and the dependency on rank as opposed to talent.

I really enjoyed Edward’s science fiction novel Dome City Blues and I am delighted to see he brought that expertise to the military fiction arena as well.

I highly recommend this book!

Body of work of Jeff Edwards

Web Site: http://navythriller.com/

The Yoga Club by Cooper Lawrence

2012-01-29T07:00:00.002-05:00

Four costumed Sarah Palins bond when faced with adversity after witnessing a heinous crime.

Ms. Lawrence background and exposure shows in this book. The characters, their behavior and the setting are so far beyond the bulk of the population that is smacks of fantasy or Science Fiction.

The plot and the characters could be lifted from practically any supermarket tabloid. The sad thing is that due to the antics of the wealthy and famous it is hard to not take the plot and characters as somewhat realistic.

I find it hard to believe that people behave the way the three Jills and a Jack-eline behave but apparently some folks do behave and live that way.

The book is practically a travelogue to another dimension beyond belief or at least as far as afternoon Soaps. I suspect it will be a huge hit with tabloid buyers and beach readers. I also suspect that most guys would find this a difficult read.

For the appropriate audience, I recommend it.

Body of work of Cooper Lawrence

Web Site: http://www.cooperlawrence.com/books.html

Killer Sweet Tooth by Gayle Trent

2012-01-26T07:00:00.003-05:00

This is a food oriented mystery in the fashionable “cozy” mystery genre. The protagonist finds herself embroiled in cake batter, Elvis impersonators and murder.

This book was a fun read. Much like cotton candy, it was tasty and certainly not filling. This was a mystery for those who want mystery without graphic and gratuitous violence. The protagonist, Daphne Martin, is a woman getting back on her feet from a disastrous and abusive marriage. She is an accomplished baker and returns to her home town to recover and start over. This quest is interrupted by dead bodies. Reference to previous bodies in other stories is alluded to but never fleshed out.

Daphne is likeable as are her zany friends. The thrust of the plot is Daphne and her friend Myra trying to prove they had nothing to do with the murder of a philandering dentist.

This is beach reading in a low stress, un-taxing form.

Body of work of Gayle Trent

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

Gods and Fathers by James Lepore

2012-01-22T07:00:00.003-05:00

This is another excellent mystery from James Lepore. See my post of Sons and Princes review. This mystery aligns a hot tempered prosecutor against terrorists and criminals in an attempt to save his alienated son, ex-wife and new girlfriend from death and destruction.

Matt DeMarco is a good protagonist. He isn’t perfect, he has trouble controlling his temper and he has problems with relationships. In other words, his characterization is eminently believable. Pristine, perfect protagonists are no fun as they are so hard to identify with.

The story has plenty of twists and turns and a wealth of evil villains. I liked the fact that the main characters worked through their personal demons. Jade successfully faced her fears while Debra didn’t do as well. Another example of how Lepore both maintains interest in the characters but also gives a reality check that all can not be saved.

Having an old testament approach to justice myself, I appreciate Lepore’s willingness to delve out street justice in full measure. I’m aware of the rule of law and the need for it but there is some visceral satisfaction in seeing evil get it’s just deserts.

Lepore also clearly demonstrates how difficult parenting is in any circumstance, let alone in one fraught with peril.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Lepore

Web Site: http://jamesleporefiction.com/

Dreams Of the Dead by Perri O’Shaughnessy

2012-01-18T14:06:00.001-05:00

Nina Reilly is the main protagonist in this excellent mystery. It is the first story I have read featuring her as the main protagonist. It certainly won't be the last it was an excellent mystery full of twists and turns and a modicum of violence.

The two sisters that write the series do an excellent job of portraying an attorney who although she believes in the law also answers to a moralistic streak in her nature. Although this story stood alone quite well, I think that events in previous stories would provide greater enjoyment of the story.

The authors fleshed out the characters with enough detail and color to enable emotional attachment or visceral disdain. The scenes were set well the plot was certainly complex enough to capture the interest of the most discerning mystery reader.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Perri O’Shaughnessy

Web Site:http://www.perrio.com/~perrio/news

Eye of the witch by Dana E. Donovan

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

The book seemed like a typical murder mystery, however the smidgen of the occult that was added provided enough spice to lift it above the average murder mystery.

I particularly enjoyed the main protagonist being an articulate, dynamic retired person. It's always nice to see that retired people can still be seen as a viable and able to impact events.

This is the second book in a series. It was a good read as a stand alone but I suspect it would've been a better read if I have read the first book in the series.

The mystery plot was solid and enjoyable. There were enough twists and turns to maintain your interest. The characters were intricate and well portrayed. The touch of the occult was lightly done but it did spice up the story.

I enjoyed the book and I recommend it.

Body of work of Dana E. Donovan

Web site: http://dana-donovan.blogspot.com/2011/12/call-of-witch-book-cover.html

The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams

2012-01-11T07:00:00.005-05:00

A demented killer is leaving bodies all over Atlanta with no apparent rhyme or reason. An ex-FBI profiler and her unknown main squeeze combine efforts to stop the mayhem.

This is in some ways a tale of redemption, of the ability to hold demon alcohol at arms length start a new life. So there is a good message of perseverance and tenaciousness seen in Keye Street an ethnic oriental with a southern drawl. Keye is a surprising blend of personalities. She struggles every day with being a recovered alcoholic yet she has time for kindness to strangers and a self destructive bent for chasing unnecessary violence. I really enjoyed the complexity of personality written for this character.

Rauser on the other hand, could have been fleshed out a bit more. He was a good character but I felt his development could have had more depth. Ms. Williams portrays a hot and sweaty southern environment populated by a wealth of questionable characters. Entertaining and thought provoking while maintaining suspense and action are a lot of balls to juggle but Ms. Williams did it well.

This is the first book in a new series and I will look forward to reading more about Keye Street.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Amanda Kyle Williams

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

Amazon Detractors You Should Consider Celebrating Change

2012-01-08T08:00:00.000-05:00


I love the brick/mortar book stores, too.

Amazon sells books. Amazon sells lots of books and gasp, Amazon sells lots of digital books. There appear to be many Luddites in regards to books. Superficially I could appear to be one of those people since I still prefer to read a hard copy hard back book.

Did the advent of the paperback book cause the demise of the hard back book? I’m not old enough to answer that question but the advent of anything that disturbs the status quo often results in predictions of doom and gloom.

I like hard back books, particularly the ones I hope to interest my children and grandchildren to read. They hold up better, they are more likely to have acid free paper and I just like them better. However as the prices have risen my ability and willingness to pay over $20.00 for a book decreased. Books from authors I truly love, I still try and get hardbacks. Any that I am not sure about, I get paper or now digitally at more affordable prices.

Baen Free Library offers a wonderful assortment of terrific books in digital format for FREE! I have downloaded them all, particularly since some of my all time favorite authors are represented. Interestingly I have since purchased some of the exact same stories in hard back and in paper because I enjoyed them so much. Some of those books are out of print and unavailable in the used market. I am thrilled to find them digitally and add them to my collection.

Admittedly I am a bit obsessed with books in all formats. I have stated my preference but I am not prejudiced regarding other formats. If my choice is no book or a book outside of my personal preference, I can guarantee you what my choice will be.

How does this relate to the title of this post, Amazon Detractors? Amazon is where my books are sold. My meaning, the books I have authored. Amazon’s market is enormous. I live in a small town, my local book store stocks my books and sells one on rare occasion. However my books sell consistently on Amazon. I’m self published, I don’t have the backing of a publishing house or an agent and yet my books are selling. I like to think it is because I have something worthwhile to say but I also recognize that no matter what you say if you get it in front of enough people, someone will buy it. Convenience store owners are known to believe that bags of dog crap will sell if you put it by the checkout. I frankly think my books are way better than dog crap but I sure haven’t been able to get my books near the register at the local book store. Amazon gives my books and many other unknown and known authors’ books, world wide visibility.

So once again, I don’t believe technology or new means of distribution are necessarily going to destroy a market. Change brings opportunities both positive and negative. Amazon and other on line vendors provide an opportunity for both authors and readers to have a much broader selection than any brick and mortar book store.

Is that the kiss of death for the local book stores, a la Borders?

If local bookstores don’t respond to the online challenge by maintaining or increasing customer service, adding the opportunity for downloading e-books for the technically challenged and providing the warm welcoming experience not available through the Internet they will fail.

As far as books are concerned, I take advantage of online and local businesses. As far as authoring books, there are opportunities galore for fledgling authors such as myself, primarily due to companies like Amazon. The world in general is in a tumultuous flux, how can the world of books be any different. Change is not always bad, sometimes we need to celebrate difference. I know that without my sales at Amazon, I probably would have only written my first book. With the sales at Amazon, I know have eight books in print with more to come, so for me, change in the world of books has been good.

A Noble Cause by J. Gregory Smith

2012-01-05T07:00:00.005-05:00

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

Lassiter by Paul Levine

2012-01-02T15:44:00.000-05:00

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

A Sword In Her Hand by Jean-Claude Van Rijkeghem and Pat Van Beirs

2011-12-30T07:00:00.003-05:00

In 1347 a surprisingly modern female protagonist was born in Flanders. Not Flanders N.J. but Flanders a region with a rich history in Belgium.

In the modern world it is entirely to easy to forget how important small and nearly unknown regions of the world had historic impact. Marguerite Van Male was the last heiress of the Count of Flanders. From the authors’ deductions she would have been burning her bra and marching on the Pentagon if she had been born 625 years later. I enjoyed the portrayal of a young woman unwilling to accept the stereotypes of her time period. The authors painted a grimly realistic portrait of poor hygiene, stringent social codes and devastating diseases culminating in an early demise for the bulk of the population.

Even the background setting of the story provided insight to how the wealth involved in sheep and woven goods was changing the fabric of a stagnant society both literally and figuratively. The supplanting of the power of hereditary nobles by the wealth of the rising guilds was a excellent backdrop for the coming of age of a feisty non-conformist.

This is a book that will go well in my list of butt kicking female protagonists.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Jean-Claude Van Rijkeghem

Body of work of Pat Van Beirs

Web Sites: http://www.annickpress.com/authors/vanbeirs.asp?author=574 http://www.annickpress.com/authors/vanRijckeghem.asp?author=573

The Start-Up! Episode 2: The Anti-Social Network by Sadie Hayes

2011-12-27T17:25:00.001-05:00

This is a follow up to The Start-Up, a short story on fledgling businesses and the geeky intrigue of Silicon Valley.

I reviewed the first episode and liked it. This picks up where episode one ended. Adam and Amelia, twins are the featured protagonists again. Amelia portrays a clueless coder who revels in technology. Adam is her more business focused brother. The both exhibit startling naïveté in the story, Adam more than Amelia.

I’m familiar with overly ambitious young entrepenurs and I think there was reasonable accuracy at depiciting the unscrupulous behavior where large dollar amounts are involved.

The story reads quickly, one sitting quickly and I read it on my beloved Droid X.

Worth reading.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Sadie Hayes

Web Site: www.TheStartUpBooks.com

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

May all your wishes come true this holiday season!
Merry Christmas!

The Temple Mount Code Giveaway Winners

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Marjorie from Ontario and
Kara from Indiana!
You have each one a copy of The Temple Mount Code.
Thank you to all the rest of you who participated.
Please stop back there are more GiveAways to come.
Merry Christmas!

Outrage by Robert K. Tanenbaum

2011-12-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

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 Temple Mount Code by Charles Brokaw

2011-12-16T07:00:00.007-05:00

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!

The Temple Mount Code Giveaway

2011-12-13T07:00:00.005-05:00

Interview with H.S. Toshack, Author of The Meerkat Wars

2011-12-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

Thank you to H. S. Toshack (‘The Meerkat Wars’) for his willingness to be interviewed and his insightful answers.

1.) Why did you write this book? What initiated this particular burst of creativity?

Basically because I so much enjoyed writing the first two books in the Paka Mdogo series. I should talk about them first of all.

I lived and worked in Africa for ten years, and still miss the continent. Mankind may or may not have originated there, but I felt during those years that I had returned home. Waking up in the Serengeti or the Selous and stepping out of your tent onto the savannah and into the early sunlight is to emerge once more into a very young, and very pure, world.

Then there was Sheena. She was our cat in the Caribbean, and a very special animal (I have stories to tell). So when we moved to Africa she had to come with us. We couldn’t take her on safari. But I fell to wondering (much later) – what if we could have done? What if she had got lost in a Game Park? What adventures might she have had?

So came the first story, Paka Mdogo – Little Cat. It told itself, or rather Sheena told it through me: I had the very strange experience of being not a narrator but a medium.

Why did I enjoy writing it, then? Because it took me back to Africa; and because it brought Sheena alive for me once more.

The second story, The Gradual Elephant, came as easily, and as joyfully.

My third ‘burst of creativity’ began with a great unhappiness. I watch and read the news, and ask myself, ‘Why do we do these things to each other?’

‘Because we see other people, other cultures, other nations as very different from us,’ I answer.

‘But they aren’t, really,’ another voice inside me said, last year…and it was Sheena speaking.

So she began to tell another story, about the time she befriended the Duwara, a meerkat tribe, and found they were at war with the Utongo, a rival tribe – for several reasons, none of which she could see as justifying the terrible things they were doing to each other. She decided to do something about that.

2.) All your books seem to be for kids, why did you choose this particular genre?

My earlier writing has largely been for older (pre-University) students – literature resources to help them prepare for those tricky things, exams. There’s been some travel poetry as well, including, of course, a collection of African poems. Writing for children, however…well that too is like stepping into a younger, purer world, where words are fresh and powerful for your readers, and there’s a good chance they will be amused by your jokes, however questionable.

3.) What was the most difficult part about writing a book?

These books? The research. I don’t find it easy to acquire or retain facts, so I had to make lots of notes. Then you have to be selective – there’s so much information out there. It’s easy to overburden your writing with detail. The story’s the thing.

4.) Do you have a favorite character in the book and if so why?

Obviously it’s Paka Mdogo – ‘Little Cat’ – Sheena. I’ve described her in the book blurbs as ‘a clever and cheeky little black-and-white cat’, and in my press release as ‘a cat for all seasons’; but only the stories can do her justice.

5.) What do you like the most about writing?

Enjoying the stories as they develop. Writing them is more like reading them: it’s an act of discovery. Then there’s putting together the words. And moving them around. And changing some of them. And giving them a last touch before ‘fixing’ them ready for printing.

6.) Where do your new story ideas come from?

Somewhere. Here’s a quote from Paka Mdogo, about Sheena: ‘She had a little dark place at the back of her mind where ideas were born.’ Me too.

7.) What advice has helped the most in your writing?

What I’ve taken from E. M. Forster’s Aspects of the Novel. The book is a direct, simple and authentic account of how fiction works.

8.) This seems to be your third book, do you have something new in the works?

More Paka Mdogo stories. I have a very clear idea of what the last book in the series will be about (it’ll be an enormously difficult one to write) – but I want to take Sheena to several places beyond Africa before that. Or rather, I’ll let her take me.

9.) Who is your favorite author and why?

Jane Austen, because of both her style (humorous, exact, elegant) and her narrative control (unfailing).

10.) What advice would you give for the want to be writer?

Enjoy your writing for its own sake.

Helping A Fellow Author Reach Her Star!

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

This missive is from a fellow blogger and author:

Recently, I received good news I just had to share! Two of my picture books were accepted in an online contest through MeeGenius.com!

Round 1 is currently underway! Please help me in voting for my stories by following the links below and clicking “Like”. (Voters must have a Facebook login). The Grand Prize Winner will have their story published online and on digital devices, receive $1,500, and a publishing contract!

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/weedem-and-reap-by-katie-sparks

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/the-double-trouble-twins-by-katie-sparks

Please note that Round 1 ends on December 18^th,so every vote counts! Should I make it to Round 2, my stories will be illustrated online in a second round of voting, leading to a Grand Prize Winner! Please feel free to share the above links with your readers and other bloggers.

I would very much appreciate it if you could help me reach my goal of publication!

Thank you in advance, and have a warm and cheerful holiday!

Best,

Katie Sparks

kathrynsparkswriter@gmail.com

Please follow me!

OnceUponASpark.blogspot.com

Twitter: @KathrynSparks

The Meerkat Wars by H. S. Toshack

2011-12-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

This book has a domestic cat acting as a mediator between two warring tribes of meerkats.

The book provides some very good lessons on helping others. It also shows that just because something is different than you doesn’t mean it is less or more than you, it is just different.

Sheena, the cat, finds herself on an unintended, hazardous adventure. The book demonstrates how philosophic differences, in this case the nature or belief of the One True Sun can turn creatures of similar nature against each other.

There a few well placed illustrations in the book and it reads easily. I like how the author demonstrates positive behavior without preaching about it. I think that will carry much more weight with the reader.

I liked the book, good messages while providing an entertaining read.

It should be readable by the advanced 2^nd grader and certainly enjoyed up to and including adults, particularly cat lovers.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of H. S. Toshack

Web site: http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=HST

(not really his web site but good info.)

Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson

2011-12-04T07:00:00.003-05:00

Alex Cross is once more in the cross hairs of a psychopath. This time national security and terrorism are assaulting the Cross family.

You have to give Patterson credit both for the pace of his books and the relevancy to current events. This book moved at a break neck pace and yet showed how life goes on even in the midst of a crisis.

Alex Cross shows a more conflicted moral sense in this book than in some of his others. Samson is still got Alex’s back but is more of a bit player in this book. The relationship to terrorism and the terroristic aspects of some crimes made some aspects of this book difficult to read. The difficulty was that it smacked too true of realism.

Do your self a favor and block out a couple of hours and read it at one sitting, it will save you some angst.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Patterson</a>

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

Help Some Kids and Get A Great Deal On A Good Book.

2011-12-03T15:45:00.003-05:00

Win-Win Christmas Gift

Whit Gentry wrote an excellent psycho thriller. I reviewed it on Pick of the Literate. This fall Whit’s grandson died suddenly. As a grandparent I can not imagine the pain that ensued from that sad event.

Whit has put his book on Smashwords.com which is a website that presents Ebook formats that can be downloaded to all ebook readers, PCs, laptops, and Ipads. Smashwords is a user friendly web-site, they will not be contacting you to buy items. He put the price of his book in ebook format at $0.99 (less than a dollar).

Whatever sales yield between now and Christmas will be donated to St Jude in the name of his grandson Cager Neal Gentry. He will post the money order that he will send to St Jude's for all to see what was achieved.

If you're interested, this will take you to the purchase page -- www.smashwords.com/books/view/109205

I am posting this wherever I can to promote both Whit’s excellent book but also to help honor the memory of his grandson.

Whit is one of the good guys which proves that adage that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Rather than bitterness he is trying to help other families and their children through his donation to St. Judes.

It’s less than a buck, do what you can!

Please pass this along if you are so moved. I certainly was.

Bill

Creep by Jennifer Hillier

2011-12-01T12:01:00.003-05:00

Do not give up after 25 pages! I had trouble getting into this book but once I got hooked, it was impossible to put down. This is a psycho thriller with plenty of emotional trauma, action and spooky people.

Sheila Tao is a psychology professor who has trouble practicing what she preaches. She has a wealth of personal issues and makes the mistake of becoming involved with one of her students with disastrous results.

This book has something for everyone, a pro-football player, homeless people, educationally elite, private eye, psychopath and much, much more. But wait! Buy it today and you will get group addiction advice, serial killers, murder and mayhem.

This was a disturbing but captivating book.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Jennifer Hillier

Web site: http://www.jenniferhillier.ca/