Edie Dykeman - Reader, Writer, Reviewer

Reckoning and Ruin: A Tai Randolph Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:37:00 +0000

Reckoning and Run is the fifth in the popular Tai Randolph Mystery series by Tina Whittle. This story revisits Tai’s life in Savannah and Georgia’s Low Country during her childhood, while also spending time at her current hometown in the Atlanta area.
The unique, well-defined characters and strong sense of place give the suspense thriller a depth few authors are able to achieve and shows a strong sense of a way of life many of us can only imagine.

Through the eyes of the author, readers will appreciate this story is not for the squeamish, but is well worth the read.
If you are interested in checking out Reckoning and Ruin, it is available on Amazon.com.

The Shark Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 16:57:00 +0000

A serial killer called “The Shark” preyed on teen girls via a sick poker game to decide whether the girl would live or die. He also brutally beat them. When each of the bodies was found, five cards were in their pocket along with the word Loser.

Riley Tatum, a Virginia state trooper, was assigned to the case of a murdered teen that appeared similar to an experience she endured as a teen, although her memories are hazy.

Former FBI agent Clay Bowman now works for Shield Security. He is plagued by an unsolved murder case he believes was done by The Shark. When Clay realizes the one girl who survived was Riley, he knows he must catch the killer before Shark finishes the one who got away.

The Shark, The Forgotten Files, by Mary Burton is a romanic suspense thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. The tense thriller is full of twists and turns. It becomes especially strong as the action heats up in a race of life and death spiraling toward a powerful end.

The author teases readers by using the serial killers point of view, allowing tidbits to keep readers interested – especially those who like to guess the ending. If you are interested in purchasing The Shark, it is available at Amazon.com.

Irish Jewel Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 17:05:00 +0000

Amy Reid is an American from Sarasota, Florida. She is preparing for her wedding in March. Her fiancé, Michael Cambridge, is an Irishman who is the heir to the Cambridge gem business. Amy joins him at the family estate in preparation of the lavish ceremony.

Unfortunately, she soon learns that not all is well in Dublin, and she may not live long enough to consummate the marriage.

Irish Jewel is a well written spine-tingling thriller by Julie Ann James. The story grabs readers from the very beginning and it keeps the chills coming until the shocking end. Just when you think you have the answer another twist turns everything around and the chill factor increases.

This is a must-have read for suspense thriller fans by an author that knows how to captivate her readers. How the evil plan is carried out and by whom is one of the best mysteries I’ve read in a long time. If you are interested in purchasing Irish Jewel, it is available at Amazon.com .

Vulnerable Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:52:00 +0000

Georgia Morgan joined the Morgan family when she was five days old, after the disappearance of her mother thirty-two years ago. While she enjoys singing at Rudy’s, a honky-tonk in Nashville, her day job as a forensic technician with the Nashville Police Department keeps her busy.

Her brothers are also in law enforcement. Deke and Rick Morgan work for the Nashville Police Homicide Department, and Alex works at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Five years ago three high school students were walking in a park when they disappeared. Amber Ryder was found at the bottom of a ravine, but Mike Marlowe and Bethany Reader were never found.

Homicide Detective Jake Bishop joins Georgia (against her will) in the hunt for a killer who seems to have surfaced once more. Soon the Morgan brothers join them as the investigation becomes deadly.

As Georgia presses forward in her attempt to find the killer(s), the strong family unit of the Morgan’s has her back.

The solid family drama show they might not always agree, but they always stand united when someone attacks one of their own. As Georgia continues to focus on the case, her brothers are there when she becomes a target.

Vulnerable, by Mary Burton, is the thirteenth novel in the romantic suspense series, although she has written many other books. The author brings a detailed and organized account of what happened to the missing children. The story is intense and believable with plenty of stunning twists to cause readers to continue reading.

The tight plot will keep readers engaged, and in the midst of the most chilling and terrifying scenes they can pause once in a while to take a deep breath.

For me, revisiting the Morgan clan was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
If you are interested in purchasing Vulnerable, you can find a copy at Amazon.com.

The Trade List Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 20:17:00 +0000

The Trade List, A Hollis Morgan Mystery by R. Franklin James is the fourth book in this mystery suspense series. Hollis Morgan served time in prison for white collar crimes her husband committed. She was finally pardoned.

Now she is a probate attorney at a San Francisco Bay area firm. George Ravel, her manager, inherited a fortune from his newly found birth mother. Unfortunately her dead husband’s family wants all the money from his estate. Ravel has asked Hollis for help.

Meanwhile, Hollis wonders why a dead woman she doesn’t know has an old business card of hers. Come to find out she knew the woman under a different name when in prison. Now the woman has information that could end the careers of several public officials and prominent businessmen.

Someone believes Hollis has a copy of the list of names and they are willing to do anything to get that list. Hollis turns to her Fallen Angels Book Club for help.

The Trade Lists' two story lines are strong, detailed, with plenty of twists to keep readers turning pages. The unique concept of the Fallen Angels Book Club provides continuity and shows growth in her characters as they look into real life mysteries.

A strong use of details throughout the book gives readers a feeling they are a part of the story.

Although readers can start with any of the books in the series, some may want to start at the beginning, or catch up at a later date, to fill in the background of this interesting and fulfilling mystery.

If you are interested in obtaining any of the books in this series, they are available at Amazon.com.

When Bunnies Go Bad Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:53:00 +0000

Animal behaviorist Pru Marlene and her main squeeze Jim Creighton joined avid fans eating dinner at their favorite restaurant on Saturday night after five weeks of snow storms in Bellville, Massachusetts.

Unfortunately, a wealthy obnoxious diner at the next table spoiled their rare evening out. Teddy Rhinecrest was drunk and abusive to the staff and his girlfriend. When he was found dead the next day, Pru took in the girlfriends’ high maintenance spaniel, as she also looked into the murder. She hears from her cat, Wallis, and the spaniel, Pudge. She also deals with a museum art heist, and her off and on relationship with Detective Jim Creighton.

When Bunnies Go Bad by Clea Simon is the sixth in the popular Pru Marlowe Pet Noir Mysteries series. The prolific author has also penned the Theda Krakow Series, the Dulcie Schwartz Series as well as several nonfiction books.

Animal cozy fans will enjoy this latest novel about the animal behaviorist who can hear what animals are thinking and feeling; fear, lust, hunger, etc. as she takes on the murder investigation. Believable animals strengthen the storyline and add a layer of depth to the mystery. Humor and solid writing will keep readers turning pages and keeping an eye out for the next installment.

If you are interested in purchasing or When Bunnies Go Bad any of the Pru Marlowe Pet Noir Mysteries, they are available at Amazon.com.

Rain Dogs Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 19:11:00 +0000

Detective Sean Duffy was angry because he was called out on a Sunday, his day off, for a theft of 20 quid taken from a wallet in a room at the Coast Road Hotel.

The next afternoon he was called out again. A young woman died at Carrickfergus Castle went she went over the roof, and Detective Duffy was called to find out whether it was an accident, a suicide, or murder.

Rain Dogs: A Detective Sean Duffy Novel by Adrian McKinty reveals a slice of life in Northern Ireland in the 1980’s, and the struggles that have affected the area for many years. Dark, gritty humor adds strength to an already powerful page-turner.

Strong sense of place allows readers to feel as if they walked into the story line as it plays out.

Rain Dog is the fifth book in this series, and we are hoping for many more.

You can pick up a copy by clicking this link - Rain Dogs: A Detective Sean Duffy Novel

Dying for a Taste Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 20:23:00 +0000

Former lawyer Sally Solari currently worked with her father in his Italian restaurant on the pier in Santa Cruz, California.

In the midst of a busy day at work, Sally received the bad news that Aunt Letta, her dad’s sister and the owner of a Polynesian-French restaurant in the area, was stabbed to death while at work.

After the death of her aunt, Sally took over her restaurant while also continuing to help out her dad. She was also determined to find out who the killer was and why her aunt was targeted. She soon found that she was also a target.

Dying for a Taste, A Sally Solari Mystery, is the first novel by Leslie Karst. The strong debut mystery will quickly engage readers. A fast-paced solid plot with numerous twists and turns will keep readers turning pages long into the night.

The beautiful setting of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf over looking the sea adds to the engaging atmosphere as Sally amps up her mystery skills before more people die.

A likeable heroine, strong family ties, and a cast of characters we would like to hang with – both family and employees – has us looking forward to the next culinary mystery from this refreshing newcomer.

Dying for a Taste is available at Amazon.com.

Isolation Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Sat, 09 Jul 2016 20:16:00 +0000

Archaeologist Faye Longchamp-Mantooth and her husband Joe Wolf Mantooth live in an old plantation home on Joyeuse off the Gulf coast of Florida. After a shattering personal loss, Faye has spent much of her time while Joe cares for their toddler son, Michael.

To add to the mix, Joe’s father was just let out of prison without telling Joe why he was incarcerated and for how long. A short time later a shocking murder at the Marina’s boat ramp across the way from the Mantooth home rattled the close-nit members in the area, the first of crimes against women in the area.

The Mantooth family and their friends are stunned at the seriousness of the problems, both on their island and on the mainland. Joe try to work with local law enforcements and environment officials although they feel like they are being invaded and their way of living threatened.

Isolation, A Faye Longchamp Mystery by Mary Ann Evans is a powerful look at a family under siege. It seems like no one is unaffected and the strongest of the people among them must hang on in order to help those who are struggling.

This is a story of strong love and long-held values that are bumping up against the current actions that are turning their life up-side-down. Not an easy read at times, Isolation leads readers on a harsh ride where love and hate war against one another as we hope for the best for the family.
The characters are well-formed and play an important part in carrying the plot.

Isolation is the ninth Fay Longchamp Mysteries and those who enjoy this story will want to begin at the first novel, Artifacts, to catch up with the history of how Faye and her family came to this point in life.

Isolation, is available at Amazon.com.

Changing Times

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:39:00 +0000

Times they are a-changing. I've closed all my websites and am returning to Blogger. Keeping life simple is my main agenda at the moment.

I am also leaving BellaOnline Mystery Books after eight years. I've enjoyed every minute and every book I've reviewed.

I'm still reviewing mystery books, but the main written reviews will be placed on this site and a couple of other sites as well.

I learned how to read at a very young age according to my mother. She said I was six-weeks old when I visited a library for the first time, although it took me longer to learn how to read. The library was across the street from our home, and my mother couldn't wait any longer to grab a few new books.

As many of you know, I am contacting the wonderful book publishers and promoters to let them know of the change, and that we always welcome a good story.

I'm also in the midst of changing the look of this site and hope we can get settled in as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Take care.

Caregiver Burnout Published

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:48:00 +0000

This is so exciting! My latest Kindle book - Caregiver Burnout - is live on Amazon. This book is the second in the Caring for Aging Parents series and is the most indepth book I've written yet. A third book will follow, although possibly after I finish up and publish a couple of fiction stories that are waiting in the wings.

I've been online since 1997, and I have never been this excited about anything. In fact, I was getting rather burned out with all the sameness of the work I was doing. Now I feel invigorated!

It's going to be interesting to see how this book does as it is a more popular topic than Sundown Syndrome, but will also lead into the next one as well. I've thought about combining all three into a print version, and may do that sometime in the future.

If you are interested in checking out Caregiver Burnout, click on the link and it will take you to the Amazon sales page. If you do purchase and read the book, I would very much appreciate a "Like" located just under the title. An honest review would also be appreciated.

After the book has been out for a while and I get a couple of reviews, I will have a couple of free days for those who want to pick it up then - I will let you know when those dates are. Here is the link to Sundown Syndrome if you are interested in that topic.

Sundown Syndrome Published

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:25:00 +0000

I'm so excited to announce that I am finally a published author. While I have numerous fictional short stories on various sites around the web, Sundown Syndrome is my first book on Amazon.com. Sundown Syndrome was written as a result of my stint as a caregiver to my elderly father and my sister's eight years as a caregiver to our mother.

We noticed for a period of time that Mom would get agitated late in the day and several times left the house as if she were searching for something or someone. Both of these behaviors are associated with Sundown Syndrome that is closely tied to dementia. Mom had TIA dementia and Dad has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

This book was written so that others who are caring for their family aging parents or are at least seeing these symptoms will understand what is happening. As of this post, Sundown Syndrome is only available on Amazon.com. There are further books in the Caring for Aging Parents series coming very soon.

You can also join us at my website Elder Care Cafe for further information about caring for the elderly. We welcome your comments and questions regarding our book(s) and caring for aging parents. Hope to hear from you soon.

Agatha Christie - September 15th is 120th Anniversary of her Birth

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:02:00 +0000

September 15th was the 120th anniversary of the birth of Agatha Christie, and there were celebrations literally around the world. Decades later, and her popularity has not waned. If anything, she is more popular now than ever. There are a number of websites that highlight her writings and her life, as well as numerous blogs and sites that celebrate her birthday each year.

One such site is here on Blogger, and has a Google Doodle banner that someone from Google created and placed on their search engine in the United Kingdom in honor of Mrs. Christie. Here is a link to the site where you can see the Agatha Christie Google Doodle.

I have found that mystery fans are very loyal to the authors that they love. Years later, there are still celebrations going on, new fan-based websites being created, and numerous visits to her home/museum in the United Kingdom.

That Agatha Christie left readers a wonderful legacy through her numerous stories and books is without a doubt. Many have been translated into movies and TV shows as well.

I hope this week that you will take a few moments and watch your favorite movie or read your favorite mystery story written by this prolific and endearing author.

Completely Restored Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:10:00 +0000

Have you ever longed to live in another time and place? Joe and Linda Murphy found a beautiful 3-story Victorian house that they decide to restore to its original splendor. As the restoration continued, the family decided that maybe 1909 was a better place to live than where they were now.

Three years later, the day after they installed the last item bringing their renovation to completion, they were shocked to find that they really had traveled back to 1909, when the house was built.

They could remember their lives in 2009, but were living in the same house in the same town in 1909.

Completely Restored is a wonderful story by Robert Kerr that shows what happens when a family who has drifted apart must either pull itself together or continue its downhill slide.

Filled with historical facts and people, Completely Restored was a fairly easy read and one I had trouble putting down. I hope you get a chance to read this book. If you are interested at all in time travel, you will love the care that Mr. Kerr took in recreating 1909 Marshalltown, Iowa and its inhabitants. You may also find someone you recognize.

Book Reviews Offered on This Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Recently I decided to open this site to non-mystery books related book reviews, mostly in the contemporary or romance area. Still fiction, but just not the mystery/murder/police procedural/cozy mysteries I have been doing as Mystery Books Editor on BellaOnline and the reviews I post on Amazon.

If anyone is interest in having a book reviewed on this site, with a similar review on Amazon, please let me know. I enjoying reading and writing, and writing a book review helps me do just that.

In the meantime, I'll also write about writing and anything to do with how to write, when, where, etc. Basically, whatever ideas come to mind that have to do with the craft of writing. I know there is a ton of information on the web, so I hope that I can offer something unique in some way.

I feel like this blog keeps changing gears every once in a while, but ultimately, it will end up where it is supposed to go.

Take care, everyone. Hope to hear from you soon.

Becoming a Better Blogger and Writer Through the Creation Process

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:00 +0000

As I travel around my Blogger blogs today, I see I have failed to update the sites with posts and images. Part of the reason is the numerous niche sites I have been working on such as How to Throw a Party. With Halloween coming up this weekend, I have added a number of posts about Halloween, costumes, party ideas, and much more.

On the sidebar you will find a link to The Niche Blogger. Also, a post not to long ago gives a more detailed explanation of this great learning tool. Amy Bass has done a great job in leading us, day by day, through the challenge of setting up our own niche website and quickly beginning to earn money from that site.

Besides my main website, Elder Care Cafe.net, I now have four niche sites and will link them on the sidebar as they are ready for public viewing. Hopefully, by this time next year I will have more.

Through this whole process, I find I enjoy creating new websites. What a blast to start from scratch and watch something grow into a beautiful creation that hopefully helps others in some way. All of my niche sites are geared toward helping others and that seems to be part of the fun for me.

Hopefully, I will return here often as I would like to write more about writing, blogging, reviewing books, and other areas of writing that I am involved with.

I really hope, if you are reading this, that I can encourage you to step out and try something new. Looking at the past two years reminds me how far I have come as a writer, and certainly how much farther I need to go and can go to become ever better. As much as I love blogging, I seem to love the process of learning how to be a better blogger even more.

That's it for now. My hope is that I can come back often to update this blog and let everyone know what is happening. If you get the chance, you can visit:

How to Throw a Party

I will add more as they become viewer-friendly. All are in various stages of growth.

If you are interested in creating your own niche website, don't hesitate to check out Amy Bass and The Niche Blogger by clicking on the ad on the sidebar. You will be glad you did when you see what you can create in just days and weeks. I had my first niche blog up and running within a week or two - no kidding. I just started The Niche Blogger course in June of this year and already have four sites.

I am also still writing with BellaOnline Mystery Books and you are welcome to join me there as well. We have a growing number of book reviews in all mystery book categories. Sign up for the newsletter and join us in the forum while you are at it.

Please leave a comment and let us know what you are working on, and hopefully we will see you again very soon.

The Second Savior

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Just as Kinks, a Crip drug kingpin, exits a local convenience store, he is apprehended by LAPD homicide detectives Rick Dover and Falcon. Suddenly, a drive-by staged by a rival gang, the Bloods, leaves one dead and several wounded. Dover's life is saved by one of the carpenters who took three bullets in the back.

Before the detectives can figure out who the carpenter is, he walks out of the hospital and disappears. As Kinks lies near death, Dover and Falcon continue their search for those responsible for the shootings.

When their key witness, Kinks, is boldly assassinated in his hospital room before they can interview him, the detectives are stunned.

Eventually they locate the missing witness and he agrees to help them out and the pieces start to fall in place. However, before they can put the case to rest everything goes awry during a climatic shoot-out. The witness again mysteriously disappears leaving behind two surprised detectives.

Author Mark Bouton is a former FBI agent whose years of experience bring much to the story. The Second Savior is a true page-turner that stays on pace throughout. The well-developed rapport between Dover and Falcon shows Bouton’s love towards his characters.

He allows the reader to understand the motives of those on both sides of the law, no matter how vile the characters may be. It is obvious the author took the time to get to know his characters and understand their motives. Even the bad guys have a depth not usually seen in this type of novel.

Because the story is set in LA, Bouton takes the opportunity to insert a touch of humor by allowing the detectives to drop the names of the rich and famous with abandon throughout the book.

The Second Savior is a worthy follow-up to Cracks in the Rainbow. Here’s hoping for more stories starring the homicide detective duo, Dover and Falcon.

You can purchase The Second Savior at Amazon.com.

Blogging Money - Full Time Passive Income Is Easier Than You Think

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:37:00 +0000

Earning blogging money is a lot easier than you think. Your first, and most important, step is to create a solid plan of action if you truly desire to make a good income from your blogs.

Many people think it's enough to just place a blog on the internet and the money will start flowing into their bank account! Not so.

So, how do you go about finding a plan of action so that you, too, can earn as much money as possible?

The fact is, one of the best sources I've found is called "The Niche Blogger!" This is a unique and complete program that was created to help people new to blogging to get their start.

This easy to follow course will cut down on your learning time and help make sure you don't make mistakes that will prevent you from making money.

When you join The Niche Blogger, you will need to dedicate your time and energy to complete the course, but when you do, the results are well worth it!

One of the problems people have when trying to earn money by blogging is that there are so many different methods available. Do yourself a favor and don't fall for the get rich quick schemes.

If you choose a good blogging model right up front, you will save yourself hours of frustrating and fruitless time and energy. It will be easy to dedicate yourself to the model because you know you will be able to succeed.

You should also realize that even though you can start earning money very quickly, you won't become rich overnight.

Blogging money will no doubt start trickling in and then will build upon itself over time. Before you know it, you will be earning a great part or full-time income from your blogs.

The great thing about blogging is that once you get your blog set up, it is a realitively pass income stream.

Every once in a while you may need to tweak your blog site and add posts along the way, but for the most part, your blogs will be your 24 hours a day, seven days a week "salespeople."

Earning money from blogs can literally change your life for the better. In fact, you might find you can quit your day job and become a full-time blogger.

All you need to do is to make sure you follow The Niche Blogger instructions, and that you dedicate yourself to it until you are successful. You will be glad you took the first step.

Here is a link so that you can get started today. You really will be glad you gave it a try.

The Niche Blogger - Make Money Blogging

Paper Butterfly Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:11:00 +0000

Paper Butterfly is the second novel in the Mei Wang series written by Diane Wei Liang. Liang was born in Beijing of parents who were consigned to a remote labor camp during part of her childhood. In 1989, she was involved in the protest in Tiananmen Square. Those two experiences provided her with insider knowledge put to good use in Paper Butterfly.

The story begins with Lin, sentenced to eight years in a work camp in Gansu Province at the age of twenty due to betrayal by a childhood friend. His time at the camp cost him his youth, his sweetheart, and almost cost him his life. He served his time and was released with very little: the clothes on his back, a brand new Mao jacket, and a small amount of money. The reader follows his trail as he slowly makes his way back, physically and emotionally, to civilization.

When Mei Wang suddenly resigned from the Ministry for Public Security, she decided to open a detective agency. Although private detectives were banned in China, her title “information consultant” brought her great success with a nice apartment and new car. At thirty-one, she was still not married, a situation she heard much about due to the oft- vocal disappointment of her mother and highly successful, and very married, sister, a TV talk show host.

The president of a record company hired Mei to find a rising pop star who has gone missing. Kaili had disappeared for several days when Mei agreed to a discreet search into the troubled singer’s life. Although the police think her disappearance was related to robbery, Mei began to search into Kaili’s past. As she searched Kaili’s apartment, she found a stack of love letters tucked away years ago signed only by “L” and a homemade paper butterfly. She had no idea they might hold the key to the case.

After Kaili was found dead, Mei was dismissed from the case. Unable to let go of Kaili’s life, Mei decided to continue on her own. She soon found herself receiving threats and her life at risk. As Mei traveled throughout the city, the reader was drawn into her world, a world of promise and of danger.

Paper Butterfly was written by Diane Wei Liang, a woman who has strong insider knowledge of Beijing, its history and politics. A woman who brings her past and present into the story by deftly weaving personal experience into the narrative providing a heartbreaking tale of love lost due to the political strife of the times. The author shows how once one’s course is set, it is almost impossible to return to the old way of life.

Liang writes with poignancy, drawing on the sights, sounds, and smell of a city teeming with life. She has created a modern day female detective struggling with a mix of the new ways and the old traditions of her family. This unique mixture together with Liang’s life experiences combine genuine mystery and mystique into one thoroughly enjoyable story.

You can buy Paper Butterfly at Amazon.com.

Wife of the Gods Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:07:00 +0000

When the body of a popular young woman was found in the forest near Ketanu in the Volta Region of Ghana, local police quickly realized the sensitivity of the situation and called for regional help. Little did they know their request would be kicked up to Headquarters in the capital city of Accra. Maverick Detective Inspector Darko Dawson was assigned the case because he could speak the local Ewe language.

Treated as an accidental death by the locals, when Dawson realized the beautiful young volunteer for the Ghana Health Service AIDS outreach program was murdered, local authorities quickly arrested a young man for her murder. Although Samuel adamantly denied having anything to do with her death, he was jailed and repeatedly beaten until he was willing to confess.

The assignment brought Dawson in contact with family members who still lived in the area where his mother had disappeared twenty-five years before. Her body was never found. Dawson often found himself struggling with dreams that she was trying to reach him.

Dealing with anger issues, and the mishandling of the case by local authorities, Dawson doggedly probed into the murder. Frequently clashing with the locals and their superstitious ways, the local fetish priest, and the outdated religious customs of the region, Dawson found support in surprising places as he struggled with unexpected challenges.

Dawson is admittedly a flawed man who has a penchant for marijuana. He also has a strong wife and a sickly son who love and support him no matter what the circumstances.

Wife of the Gods probes the horrifying practice of families offering their young daughters to fetish priests as trokosi, or Wives of the Gods, essentially becoming slaves to the priests for the rest of their lives.

Wife of the Gods author Kwei Quartey takes an intriguing look at the life of a man who lives in a large urban area, and who struggles with the belief systems and centuries-old rituals found in the rural Ghana. It quickly becomes apparent to the reader that Quartey has firsthand knowledge of the area.

Using the scenic beauty of Ghana as a backdrop, Quartey brings his characters to life. The plot sizzles and the pace never slows providing a surprising finish. Hopefully, we will see more of the intriguing and likeable Detective Inspector Darko Dawson.

You can order Wife of the Gods from Amazon.com.

Last Passage to Santiago

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Sun, 17 May 2009 09:48:00 +0000

Last Passage to Santiago opens with a daring kidnapping, and continues with a tantalizing tale through the historic streets of Buenos Aires and beyond.

Stephanie Ably-Ranier and her husband Ben are on a three week vacation. After spending a week at a beautiful hotel in Argentina, they are booked for a two-week luxury cruise heading around South America visiting Uruguay, the Falklands, and ending up in Santiago.

Stephie is excited to walk the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, visiting the many historic sites, feasting on the local restaurant fare, and immersing herself in the enticing beat of the tango-loving city. Ben, however, has other ideas. Unbeknownst to his wife, he has brought his mistress along, daringly ensconcing her in the same hotel and later on the cruise ship so that he can visit her anytime he wishes.

As Stephie finds that she is increasingly alone, she begins to realize someone is following her on her daily walks. She senses the movements of a dwarf who seems to appear where ever she goes. Due to her position with the ultra-secret National Security Agency, she begins to wonder if the apparent stalker is job-related.

During their visit in the South American city, they run into an eclectic group of fellow passengers headed for the same cruise. As they prepare to board the ocean liner for the next portion of their trip, Ben realizes his passions now rest elsewhere as Stephie senses the breakdown of their marriage.

On the cruise ship, Stephie attends a talk given by the ship’s naturalist, Mike Lambert, and finds herself increasingly drawn to the region’s penguin rookeries. While unexpectedly stranded in the Falkland Islands while her husband and the rest of the passengers continue their journey, she finds herself spending time getting to know the handsome Lambert. It does not take her long to realize what is missing from her life.

Last Passage to Santiago is a riveting story of love and betrayal, trust and deceit. Stephanie and Ben never expected their three-week vacation would threaten their very existence and change their lives forever.

John F. Rooney has created vivid characters and beautiful scenic locales bringing the story to life with ever increasing speed. Last Passage to Santiago simmers with passion and lust, and proves difficult to put down as it heads toward an ending the reader suspects, but is still surprised by the unexpected.

This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys passionate love stories intertwined with international intrigue, seductive secrets, and gripping hot, tropical romance.

You can buy Last Passage to Santiago at Amazon.com.

A Breed Apart Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:09:00 +0000

Every once in a while a book comes along that is so much fun to read that I have to share it here. A Breed Apart is an emotional romp that I did not want to end. I would love to see what happens to Holt, Kira and Zoe further on in their lives. Here is the review I wrote for Night Owl Romance:

When Kira McGovern graduated from veterinarian school, she knew her life was about to change forever. Due to the recent death of her sister and brother-in-law, Kira became sole provider for her infant niece. Unfortunately, if she did not find a permanent job and a place to live within three months, her niece would go into foster care.

Arriving at the ranch where she was to work, she was quickly fired by the son of the man who hired her. Desperate, she stood her ground and kept the job.

Holt Crockett took one look at the tall blond and tried to brush her off, thinking she was there to visit his womanizing brother, Treat. When he found out his father had hired Kira as ranch veterinarian to solve the puzzle of the sick cattle, Holt was furious.

As ranch manager, he was in charge of hiring and firing. Instead, his father had not only gone behind his back, but also hired a woman no less. He was particularly upset with the incentives his father had promised her if she found a cure, including a percentage of his ranch, and Holt did everything he could to drive her away.

Tension mounted as Kira raced to find a cure, and Holt had to destroy a growing number of his diseased herd. Time was of the essence or Holt would soon lose all his cattle and the ranch.

A Breed Apart begins with high emotion and never lets the reader down throughout this fast-paced and captivating story. Two people are struggling with unexpected life situations, unable to trust their feelings and unable to trust one another, yet both needing to work together for the greater good of both. Emotions are raw and tension is high. Several unexpected events fail to diminish the growing emotional powder keg between the two antagonists.

Charlotte Raby has written a powerful novel with strong characters that are facing life-changing situations. A strong supporting cast adds depth to a story whereby the only disappointment is that it comes to its inevitable conclusion. The reader will certainly hope more stories are forthcoming from this insightful writer.

What book have you read lately that has made a strong impression on you?

Winter in Madrid Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:53:00 +0000

C. J. Sansom’s Winter in Madrid is a period novel set in the later years of 1930s to 1947 in Franco’s Spain. Three men, who had attended prestigious Rookwood School in Great Britain and had become childhood friends, proceeded along divergent roads as adults.

Bernie Piper became a Communist and fought in the Spanish Civil War that broke out in 1936. During the war, he was reported missing and presumed dead. At the request of his parents, his friend Harry Brett traveled to Spain seeking information. The Russians, then in control, thought he was a spy and gave Harry 24 hours to leave the country. The Civil War ended in 1939.

Shortly thereafter, Harry, with great reluctance, was recruited by the Secret Service and sent to the British Embassy in Spain as a translator to spy on a third Rookwood alumni Sandy Forsyth. Forsyth had become a Madrid businessman who was under intense scrutiny by the British for his shady practices and association with Franco.

Add to the mix Sandy’s girlfriend, Barbara Clare. She had fallen in love with Bernie when she was a Red Cross nurse during the civil war, but now lived with Sandy. She was intent on finding out whether or not Bernie was still alive and if so, where he was held.

After an intriguing prologue, Winter in Madrid seemed to lag until about mid-way through the novel when the story picks back up again. The novel finishes with a stunning and unexpected ending.

The story is told from varying points of view that at times can be a little distracting. However, the main characters have the necessary depth to support their motivations and carry the story forward. All characters are provided ample opportunities to play their respective role in history.

The author ably paints a vivid portrait of post-civil war Spain; the grit, the devastation, the muddled politics.

Mr. Sansom seems well prepared in the necessary historical detail of the time in order to write such a strong, sweeping, political thriller. History buffs are sure to appreciate his intensive research. Part historical novel, part romance, part thriller, Winter in Madrid provides a thought-provoking look at a troubled time in Spain’s history.

You can buy Winter in Madrid at Amazon.com.

A World I Never Made - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Pat Nolan flies to Paris to identify the body of his estranged daughter, Megan. She seemed fine when he spoke to her on Christmas Day, and her suicide several days later does not make sense.

When Pat arrives in Paris, he discovers it is not his daughter’s body. Believing she is in danger and the suicide note holds important clues to her whereabouts, he identifies the body as Megan and has it cremated the same day as requested in the note. He then begins a search for his missing daughter that takes him farther, physically and emotionally, than he ever thought possible.

With very few clues, and the help of beautiful French detective Catherine Laurence, Pat travels across France to such places as Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangiers, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Along the way, he becomes a target of the French police and a band of international terrorists.

While the reader follows Pat and Catherine on their increasingly dangerous journey, the author tells Megan’s story beginning a year before her alleged suicide. She spent the previous ten years traveling throughout Europe as a writer while meeting men willing to pay for her companionship. Along the way, she meets Abdel Lahani, a Saudi businessman. Lahani, it turns out, is not the typical mark and Megan becomes involved in a game far more dangerous and widespread than she could ever imagine.

A World I Never Made includes an interesting and diverse cast of characters. Besides those already mentioned, others include French Deputy Chief Inspector Genevieve LeGrand; Marie Sancerre, a 14 year-old street flower vendor who keeps popping up in strange places; Daniel Pelletier, Catherine’s beloved uncle and retired French gendarme (police officer); Annabella Jeritza, a Gypsy fortuneteller who befriended Megan; Annabella’s grandson Doro; Abdullah al-Azim, a Syrian pharmacist who helps Megan when she needs him most; and Max French, an American FBI agent.

James LePore has written a fascinating suspense story of power and treachery, broken relationships and redemption. Interweaving the two story lines throughout the book can sometimes cause the reader to lose track of the relationship between characters if one is not paying close attention. However, telling Pat and Megan’s stories at the same time adds impact as they head towards a stunning and unexpected conclusion.

An attorney for over twenty years, LePore’s first novel is an impressive start to a great second career. I highly recommend the compelling suspense story of vivid characters and haunting storyline that will stay with the reader long after the final page.

You can buy the Kindle edition of A World I Never Made at Amazon.com.

Starvation Lake - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Edie Dykeman) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:59:00 +0000

Jack Blackburn, Starvation Lake’s legendary junior hockey coach, disappeared when his snowmobile fell through the ice on Starvation Lake; his body never found. Ten years later, pieces of his snowmobile surfaced on another lake five miles away.

Gus Carpenter was the team’s star goalie until he left town in shame after blowing the one opportunity the team had to win the state hockey championship. He recently returned to Starvation Lake after a failed attempt at a career with a major Detroit, MI newspaper to become the editor of the Pilot.

Determined to solve the mysterious disappearance of his longtime hockey coach, Gus uses his investigative skills to sort through the myriad rumors, false leads, and taunts by those in town who have secrets of their own. The deeper he digs into the past the more obvious it is someone does not want him to succeed.

At the same time, he finds himself embroiled in a possible lawsuit and prison time when he will not reveal his source in a series of investigative stories he wrote while at the Detroit paper.

Bryan Gruley, award-winning Chicago bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, has written a highly entertaining first novel. His insider knowledge into the world of journalism is apparent in the vivid descriptions and attention to detail.

Starvation Lake is a violent novel of betrayal and pain, and an example of how far some people will go to bring a dying town back to life. Frequent flashbacks to hockey scenes of the past may bother some people, but they contain important information into the motives and behavior of the players and town people years later.

Starvation Lake is a haunting story of harsh reality in a small town. The well-developed characters make it easy for the reader to become embroiled in their lives. What becomes of the small town and its people in the aftermath of the scandal? Not only does one hope that there will be another Gus Carpenter tale, but that this is only the first of many fine Bryan Gruley novels.

You can buy Starvation Lake at Amazon.com.