Genre: Thriller
Setting: Bangkok, Thailand
First Sentence: It began exactly the way the end of the world will begin.
Jack Shepherd is an American ex pat living in Thailand. In his past life he was a lawyer who specialized in esoteric financial deals. The kind that are often used to launder money. Now he is a college professor teaching finance and business law classes in Bangkok.
Out of the blue, he gets a phone call from a former acquaintance. There's just one small problem: the acquaintance is supposed to be dead. He was the object of an investigation into a failed bank who had been found at the bottom of a pool. An apparent suicide. Now he wants Jack's help finding tens of millions of dollars that have gone missing.
Soon Jack is being questioned by lots of people. Everyone seems to believe that Jack knows what is going on, and where the missing money is. There's just one small problem, he has no clue. His curiosity leads him into trying to unravel the mystery. Then, when two of Jack's contacts turn up dead it's obvious that the frame is on. Jack needs to get to the bottom of the mystery, to find out who is framing him and why, and find the missing money. Soon. Or Jack might end up dead too.
I really enjoyed this book. I know it's cliche, but is was a page turner. Needham's writing style just makes it a real pleasure to read. A novel based on finances, banking and contracts might be slow paced and dry, but Needham has crafted a fast paced exciting novel. Jack Shepherd is an interesting and believable character. The novel is written in a first-person point of view. We can see that Jack is just as confused as we are. It motivated me to keep reading and discover the solution to the mystery. Needham does a great job of describing Thailand and the city of Bangkok. He set the stage for each episode without slowing down the pace of the novel. I am looking forward to the second book in this series. I'll be reading it soon!
Laundry Man
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Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince by Rosanne E. Lortz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: England and France, 1346 to 1360
First Sentence: It was an unusual sight these fifteen years and more to see a man traveling the road alone - especially a solitary Englishman in the heart of the French countryside.
The Black Prince was a real person. He was Edward of Woodstock and the Prince of Wales. His father was King Edward III of England, and his son was King Richard II of England. He died one year before his father, and became the first Prince of Wales not to succeed his father. The action of this novel takes place about 20 years before Edward's death.
The main character of the story is Sir John de Potenhale. At the beginning of the novel, Sir John is searching for Lady Jeanne de Virgey. He is carrying a great treasure to give to her. He finds her deep in prayer. Before he can give her the treasure, Lady Jeanne asks him to explain by relating his story from the beginning. Sir John tells the story of his knighthood. Using the first person point of view, Sir John tells of his rise from squire to knight. He tells of how Prince Edward, the Black Prince, knighted him. Additionally, he tells of his service to the prince, and the many battles he and the prince fought in.
There is a mystery to be solved. What is the treasure and why is it so important for Sir John to bring it to Lady Jeanne?
There are two love stories. Both the Prince and John have woman that they love. They are prevented from marrying. So, as chivalrous knights, they behave honorably.
The concept of chivalry is an important theme of this novel. This is a time in history when knighthood was changing. Knights were no longer just armed warriors. Knights were becoming honorable, pious men. Often, they would treat vanquished enemies with kindness and friendship. Sir John learns about chivalry from Sir Geoffroi de Charney. During a battle, Sir John captured Sir Geoffroi. As was common in those days, high born prisoners were held for ransom. As Sir Geoffroi was waiting to be ransomed, he and Sir John become friends. From Sir Geoffroi's chivalrous actions in battle, Sir John learns a great deal about chivalry.
I enjoyed reading this book. I especially like the way the author used archaic English words to spice up the dialogue. I read this book on Kindle and I made copious use of the dictionary function.
The plot of this novel is interwoven with English and French history from this time period. The author does a great job of relating the history without becoming dry or long winded. In fact it was a nice easy read. I enjoyed it!
I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: England and France, 1346 to 1360
First Sentence: It was an unusual sight these fifteen years and more to see a man traveling the road alone - especially a solitary Englishman in the heart of the French countryside.
The Black Prince was a real person. He was Edward of Woodstock and the Prince of Wales. His father was King Edward III of England, and his son was King Richard II of England. He died one year before his father, and became the first Prince of Wales not to succeed his father. The action of this novel takes place about 20 years before Edward's death.
The main character of the story is Sir John de Potenhale. At the beginning of the novel, Sir John is searching for Lady Jeanne de Virgey. He is carrying a great treasure to give to her. He finds her deep in prayer. Before he can give her the treasure, Lady Jeanne asks him to explain by relating his story from the beginning. Sir John tells the story of his knighthood. Using the first person point of view, Sir John tells of his rise from squire to knight. He tells of how Prince Edward, the Black Prince, knighted him. Additionally, he tells of his service to the prince, and the many battles he and the prince fought in.
There is a mystery to be solved. What is the treasure and why is it so important for Sir John to bring it to Lady Jeanne?
There are two love stories. Both the Prince and John have woman that they love. They are prevented from marrying. So, as chivalrous knights, they behave honorably.
The concept of chivalry is an important theme of this novel. This is a time in history when knighthood was changing. Knights were no longer just armed warriors. Knights were becoming honorable, pious men. Often, they would treat vanquished enemies with kindness and friendship. Sir John learns about chivalry from Sir Geoffroi de Charney. During a battle, Sir John captured Sir Geoffroi. As was common in those days, high born prisoners were held for ransom. As Sir Geoffroi was waiting to be ransomed, he and Sir John become friends. From Sir Geoffroi's chivalrous actions in battle, Sir John learns a great deal about chivalry.
I enjoyed reading this book. I especially like the way the author used archaic English words to spice up the dialogue. I read this book on Kindle and I made copious use of the dictionary function.
The plot of this novel is interwoven with English and French history from this time period. The author does a great job of relating the history without becoming dry or long winded. In fact it was a nice easy read. I enjoyed it!
I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince.
Check out my eBook!
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Bomb Vessel by Richard Woodman
Genre: Nautical Fiction
Setting: 1801, Aboard a British Naval Vessel during the Napoleonic Wars.
First Sentence: Nathaniel Drinkwater did not see the carriage.
This novel is fourth in Woodman's Nathaniel Drinkwater series. This series follows the career of Drinkwater as he progresses through the naval ranks. The series extends to fourteen novels.
At the beginning of the novel, Drinkwater is a lieutenant without a ship. His career has bogged down due to political issues. He is desperate for a command of any kind. He is assigned to the bomb vessel Virago. The Virago has not been to sea in years. It is in disrepair, but is structurally sound.
Drinkwater sees the Virago as a chance to gain positive notice from his superior officers. If he does well with the Virago, he may have a chance for advancement. In the British navy of the nineteenth century, it was important to have friends of high rank. Valor and success in battle was a very helpful way to get noticed.
The navy is preparing to sail to the Baltic. Who they will fight there has not been determined. It could be the Danes, the Swedes, or the Russians. Several bomb vessels are to be included with the fleet. The Virago is intended to be a supply ship for the bomb vessels, however it was originally designed as a bomb vessel. Drinkwater hopes to fight his ship and gain positive notice from his superiors.
Just as the fleet is ready to leave England, Drinkwater's brother Edward turns up. He has murdered both his former mistress and her new French lover. He begs Nathaniel to help him avoid the gallows.
Can Drinkwater find a way to save his brother, captain his ship, and help the fleet gain victory at sea?
I enjoyed reading this book. Woodman has woven an adventure story with the historical facts of the British navy. The events in this novel surround the battle of Copenhagen in 1801. While Drinkwater and the Virago are fictitious, Woodman's novel makes you believe that they could have been there.
The Bomb Vessel
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Setting: 1801, Aboard a British Naval Vessel during the Napoleonic Wars.
First Sentence: Nathaniel Drinkwater did not see the carriage.
This novel is fourth in Woodman's Nathaniel Drinkwater series. This series follows the career of Drinkwater as he progresses through the naval ranks. The series extends to fourteen novels.
At the beginning of the novel, Drinkwater is a lieutenant without a ship. His career has bogged down due to political issues. He is desperate for a command of any kind. He is assigned to the bomb vessel Virago. The Virago has not been to sea in years. It is in disrepair, but is structurally sound.
Drinkwater sees the Virago as a chance to gain positive notice from his superior officers. If he does well with the Virago, he may have a chance for advancement. In the British navy of the nineteenth century, it was important to have friends of high rank. Valor and success in battle was a very helpful way to get noticed.
The navy is preparing to sail to the Baltic. Who they will fight there has not been determined. It could be the Danes, the Swedes, or the Russians. Several bomb vessels are to be included with the fleet. The Virago is intended to be a supply ship for the bomb vessels, however it was originally designed as a bomb vessel. Drinkwater hopes to fight his ship and gain positive notice from his superiors.
Just as the fleet is ready to leave England, Drinkwater's brother Edward turns up. He has murdered both his former mistress and her new French lover. He begs Nathaniel to help him avoid the gallows.
Can Drinkwater find a way to save his brother, captain his ship, and help the fleet gain victory at sea?
I enjoyed reading this book. Woodman has woven an adventure story with the historical facts of the British navy. The events in this novel surround the battle of Copenhagen in 1801. While Drinkwater and the Virago are fictitious, Woodman's novel makes you believe that they could have been there.
The Bomb Vessel
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Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Course of Honor by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: Ancient Rome
First Sentence: Whatever was that?
In ancient Rome, the Course of Honor was the path a young man from a noble family took to gain political prestige. First, the young man would serve in the army. Upon his return, the young man would work in public service, marry well, and eventually get elected to the senate. There was one unbreakable rule. The young man could not marry a slave or a freed woman.
This is a story of two people who form a great friendship, and love. One is a slave girl working in the palace. The other is other is a young man just starting his course of honor. Caenis is a young woman with a head on her shoulders. She is not a great beauty. She is well educated, and has planned a future for herself that doesn't rely on men. Titus is a poor young noble planning a future in public service, the army and the senate.
When they meet they are attracted to each other. But they both understand that there can be no future in their relationship. They first form a solid friendship. This makes their love deeper and more true.
The novel describes how they move in and out of each other's lives. They both understand the realities of their relationship. They are honest with each other. And they accept what fate gives them, and make the most of their time together.
I don't usually read romances, but I enjoyed this novel. It is a nice story about two realistic people. It is not a story of a torrid romance in which lovers fall passionately, then regret it for the rest of their lives. This is a tale of two people who are prevented from marriage, yet who create a life long friendship and love.
Lyndsey Davis is one of my favorite authors. She is the author of the Falco historical mystery series. She has a nice readable style.
The Course of Honor
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Setting: Ancient Rome
First Sentence: Whatever was that?
In ancient Rome, the Course of Honor was the path a young man from a noble family took to gain political prestige. First, the young man would serve in the army. Upon his return, the young man would work in public service, marry well, and eventually get elected to the senate. There was one unbreakable rule. The young man could not marry a slave or a freed woman.
This is a story of two people who form a great friendship, and love. One is a slave girl working in the palace. The other is other is a young man just starting his course of honor. Caenis is a young woman with a head on her shoulders. She is not a great beauty. She is well educated, and has planned a future for herself that doesn't rely on men. Titus is a poor young noble planning a future in public service, the army and the senate.
When they meet they are attracted to each other. But they both understand that there can be no future in their relationship. They first form a solid friendship. This makes their love deeper and more true.
The novel describes how they move in and out of each other's lives. They both understand the realities of their relationship. They are honest with each other. And they accept what fate gives them, and make the most of their time together.
I don't usually read romances, but I enjoyed this novel. It is a nice story about two realistic people. It is not a story of a torrid romance in which lovers fall passionately, then regret it for the rest of their lives. This is a tale of two people who are prevented from marriage, yet who create a life long friendship and love.
Lyndsey Davis is one of my favorite authors. She is the author of the Falco historical mystery series. She has a nice readable style.
The Course of Honor
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Monday, May 7, 2012
In Distant Waters by Richard Woodman
genre: Historical Fiction, Nautical Fiction
Setting: 1808, Aboard a British Navy frigate during the Napoleonic Wars
This novel is the eighth novel Richard Woodman's Nathaniel Drinkwater series. This series, which reaches to 14 novels, follows the career of Captain Nathaniel Drinkwater. Drinkwater strives to carry out his orders. Yet he sometimes fails to live up to his own ideals Along the way, he has found loyal supporters and fierce enemies.
At the beginning of this novel, Drinkwater and his crew have just transferred to a new ship, the Patrician. Unfortunately, his first official act on board is to hang a deserter. This creates friction between himself and the crew.
The Patrician is ordered to the Pacific in order to prevent the Russians from increasing their presence in the Pacific Northwest. Unclear orders from the Admiralty make Drinkwater unsure of the true objective of his cruise. Is he to make war on the Spanish, the Russians, or both. To be sure, they both are dangerous, unscrupulous foes, as Drinkwater discovers.
The unrest of the crew causes problems. Several times crew members attempt to desert.
At one point there is sabotage. Someone has drilled a hole in the hull of the ship and caused a leak. This forces Drinkwater to beach the ship to repair the leak. In the process of repairing the leak, a large group of the crew deserts into the wilderness. And then the ship is attacked by the Spanish. Drinkwater and the Patrician are captured.
Can Drinkwater escape from the Spanish, recover his ship, gather his scattered crew, and fulfill his orders?
I really enjoyed this book. It is a well written sea yarn. Woodman tells a great story that is well plotted. His writing style moves the plot along. For me, this book was literally a page turner. I finished it in three days, which is fast for me. I will be reading the other books in the series.
In Distant Waters
Check out my eBook
Setting: 1808, Aboard a British Navy frigate during the Napoleonic Wars
This novel is the eighth novel Richard Woodman's Nathaniel Drinkwater series. This series, which reaches to 14 novels, follows the career of Captain Nathaniel Drinkwater. Drinkwater strives to carry out his orders. Yet he sometimes fails to live up to his own ideals Along the way, he has found loyal supporters and fierce enemies.
At the beginning of this novel, Drinkwater and his crew have just transferred to a new ship, the Patrician. Unfortunately, his first official act on board is to hang a deserter. This creates friction between himself and the crew.
The Patrician is ordered to the Pacific in order to prevent the Russians from increasing their presence in the Pacific Northwest. Unclear orders from the Admiralty make Drinkwater unsure of the true objective of his cruise. Is he to make war on the Spanish, the Russians, or both. To be sure, they both are dangerous, unscrupulous foes, as Drinkwater discovers.
The unrest of the crew causes problems. Several times crew members attempt to desert.
At one point there is sabotage. Someone has drilled a hole in the hull of the ship and caused a leak. This forces Drinkwater to beach the ship to repair the leak. In the process of repairing the leak, a large group of the crew deserts into the wilderness. And then the ship is attacked by the Spanish. Drinkwater and the Patrician are captured.
Can Drinkwater escape from the Spanish, recover his ship, gather his scattered crew, and fulfill his orders?
I really enjoyed this book. It is a well written sea yarn. Woodman tells a great story that is well plotted. His writing style moves the plot along. For me, this book was literally a page turner. I finished it in three days, which is fast for me. I will be reading the other books in the series.
In Distant Waters
Check out my eBook
Friday, May 4, 2012
Water Harvest by Eric Diehl
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Setting: On an arid planet.
Kast'ar is a unique planet. Most of its water is found in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Above the planet are two inhabited moons. Beneath the surface, there are large caverns. And emanating from the depths of these caverns is a mysterious energy.
For a thousand years, there has been strife between the governments of the planet and the lunar colonies. Water must be harvested from the atmosphere of Kast'ar. Like any commodity in short supply, there is legal harvesting and illegal harvesting.
Without warning, the Suaron, the rulers of the lunar colony attack Kast'ar. They want to gain control of the water harvest. This initiates a series of harsh battles. Along with their military might, the Suaron bring their mystical advisers. These Maesters use drugs to tap into the mysterious energy of the planet.
Our intrepid main character is Cairn. He is the prince of the greatest ruling house. He is in love with the princess of one of the lower houses. He is an active member of the military. Most of the plot involves following him through different adventures as he strives to defeat the off world attackers. And there is plenty of fighting. There are dogfights involving fighter vehicles, both in space and in the atmosphere. And there is plenty of sword fighting and head taking. Along the way, Cairn discovers the legendary creatures who live in the caverns below the surface. These beings assist Cairn in his quest.
I enjoyed this book. It is an action packed adventure. Diehl does a good job of moving the plot forward. The plot is a little convoluted, but so is real life. The prologue was a little confusing, and I would have liked more exposition at the beginning.
Over all, a fun Science Fiction Read.
Water Harvest
Check out my eBook
Setting: On an arid planet.
Kast'ar is a unique planet. Most of its water is found in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Above the planet are two inhabited moons. Beneath the surface, there are large caverns. And emanating from the depths of these caverns is a mysterious energy.
For a thousand years, there has been strife between the governments of the planet and the lunar colonies. Water must be harvested from the atmosphere of Kast'ar. Like any commodity in short supply, there is legal harvesting and illegal harvesting.
Without warning, the Suaron, the rulers of the lunar colony attack Kast'ar. They want to gain control of the water harvest. This initiates a series of harsh battles. Along with their military might, the Suaron bring their mystical advisers. These Maesters use drugs to tap into the mysterious energy of the planet.
Our intrepid main character is Cairn. He is the prince of the greatest ruling house. He is in love with the princess of one of the lower houses. He is an active member of the military. Most of the plot involves following him through different adventures as he strives to defeat the off world attackers. And there is plenty of fighting. There are dogfights involving fighter vehicles, both in space and in the atmosphere. And there is plenty of sword fighting and head taking. Along the way, Cairn discovers the legendary creatures who live in the caverns below the surface. These beings assist Cairn in his quest.
I enjoyed this book. It is an action packed adventure. Diehl does a good job of moving the plot forward. The plot is a little convoluted, but so is real life. The prologue was a little confusing, and I would have liked more exposition at the beginning.
Over all, a fun Science Fiction Read.
Water Harvest
Check out my eBook
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