Genre: Detective Mystery
Setting: Virginia Beach, Virginia
First Sentence: "I don't know what to do," she cried.
This novel is the first in Blair's Preston Andrews mystery series.
Reading this novel reminded me of watching a one hour detective television show. It has all the ingredients. The main character Preston Andrews, Press to his friends, is rich and good looking. He has the reputation of being the best detective in Virginia. He carries the physical and emotional scars of a mysterious past.
Press's old partner has retired. He is breaking in a new rookie partner. Trace is young and smart, but he lacks experience.
There is the quirky medical examiner, Gladys. She is short and black, with a headful of dreadlocks. She knows her stuff, and all of the department gossip as well.
Press's supervisor, Lieutenant Wallace is an aging grizzled cop in a wrinkled suit. He knows when the rules need to be bent.
The murder victim is the young niece of a prominent Virginia Beach family. As Press and Trace investigate, they soon discover that a young Navy ensign is somehow involved with her death. It's not long before the FBI express an interest in the case. Part of the FBI team is beautiful Agent Rachel Wilding. With the entry of the FBI into the investigation, there is the expected inter-jurisdiction rivalry. And with the appearance of Agent Wilding, she and Press enter into a torrid affair.
As the investigation continues, Press becomes increasingly frustrated by the FBI's refusal to share information with him.
Will Press, Trace, and Rachel uncover the truth behind the young woman's death?
Just like a one hour detective show, we have mystery, action, a love interest, fun characters and a tidy solution. A fun, easy read. I enjoyed it!
Hard Press'd
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Iron Horse by Edward Marston
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: England, 1854
First Sentence: The accident could have happened to anyone but it was much more likely to befall Reginald Hibbert.
This novel is the fourth in Marston's Inspector Robert Colbeck series.
Inspector Robert Colbeck is known to the public as the Railway Detective. Whenever a crime occurs involving the railways, Inspector Colbeck is requested by the railway operators.
Early one morning, at Crewe station, a macabre discovery is made by an unlucky porter. While attempting to lift a hat box, he drops it to the platform. Out rolls a human head. And Inspector Colbeck is called to the scene.
It is just a few days until Derby Day at the famous Epsom Downs. This year there are three horses favored to win the race. Inspector Colbeck finds that the owners of all three horses have ties to the hatbox and its gristly contents. Lord Hendry originally purchased the box as a gift for his mistress, Kitty Lavender. Hamilton Fido is an unscrupulous bookmaker, and Kitty's current beau. And, Brian Dowd once was the murdered man's employer.
All three owners are sure that their horse will win the derby. Will one of them resort to murder to improve his chances of victory? Or is there someone else who has a motive for murder?
Marston's characters and his wonderful dialog make this novel a very pleasant read. Inspector Colbeck patiently gathers the clues. His supervisor, Superintendent Tallis hounds him to make a quick arrest. Colbeck is aided by his stalwart partner, Sergeant Leeming. And, of course, Colbeck's sweetheart, Madeline Andrews, adds a woman's touch to the investigation.
Over all, a pleasant day at the races and a very satisfying read. I recommend it.
The Iron Horse
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Setting: England, 1854
First Sentence: The accident could have happened to anyone but it was much more likely to befall Reginald Hibbert.
This novel is the fourth in Marston's Inspector Robert Colbeck series.
Inspector Robert Colbeck is known to the public as the Railway Detective. Whenever a crime occurs involving the railways, Inspector Colbeck is requested by the railway operators.
Early one morning, at Crewe station, a macabre discovery is made by an unlucky porter. While attempting to lift a hat box, he drops it to the platform. Out rolls a human head. And Inspector Colbeck is called to the scene.
It is just a few days until Derby Day at the famous Epsom Downs. This year there are three horses favored to win the race. Inspector Colbeck finds that the owners of all three horses have ties to the hatbox and its gristly contents. Lord Hendry originally purchased the box as a gift for his mistress, Kitty Lavender. Hamilton Fido is an unscrupulous bookmaker, and Kitty's current beau. And, Brian Dowd once was the murdered man's employer.
All three owners are sure that their horse will win the derby. Will one of them resort to murder to improve his chances of victory? Or is there someone else who has a motive for murder?
Marston's characters and his wonderful dialog make this novel a very pleasant read. Inspector Colbeck patiently gathers the clues. His supervisor, Superintendent Tallis hounds him to make a quick arrest. Colbeck is aided by his stalwart partner, Sergeant Leeming. And, of course, Colbeck's sweetheart, Madeline Andrews, adds a woman's touch to the investigation.
Over all, a pleasant day at the races and a very satisfying read. I recommend it.
The Iron Horse
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Sunday, November 18, 2012
Season of the Harvest by Michael R. Hicks
Genre: Science Fiction Thriller
Setting: Earth in the near future.
First Sentence: Sheldon Crane ran for his life.
This novel is the first in Hicks's Harvest Trilogy.
There are others among us. Strange beings with an innate understanding of genetic modification. They have been here for years. And in that time they have gained control of the genetic modification industry. These others are shape shifters who have used their powers to assemble a group of powerful human collaborators. Their goal is to gain control of Earth, and to change the planet's biome to suite their needs. If they are not stopped, humans will become their food, and their spawn.
FBI agent Jack Dawson knows nothing of these others. Then they change his life. First, his best friend is slaughtered while infiltrating a genetics lab illegally. Then, his former girlfriend, a scientist in the FBI's DNA lab, is killed when the lab is blown up. To top it off, he receives a cryptic warning on his cell phone from a known eco-terrorist: "they r cmng 4 u, jack."
Soon Jack finds himself with the Earth Defense Society. Instead of being eco-terrorists, the EDS has been fighting the others whom they call harvesters. They reveal the true nature of the harvesters to Jack. And he joins the fight against the harvesters.
Can Jack and the EDS stop the harvesters before they can unleash their terrible genetic attack?
I really enjoyed this novel. It is a fast paced scifi thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As in the tradition of thrillers, the good guys are surrounded by enemies. Just when you think it's safe, a new threat emerges. Hicks does a great job of managing the suspense. And there are some great battle scenes.
In my opinion, a very good read!
\
Season of the Harvest
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Setting: Earth in the near future.
First Sentence: Sheldon Crane ran for his life.
This novel is the first in Hicks's Harvest Trilogy.
There are others among us. Strange beings with an innate understanding of genetic modification. They have been here for years. And in that time they have gained control of the genetic modification industry. These others are shape shifters who have used their powers to assemble a group of powerful human collaborators. Their goal is to gain control of Earth, and to change the planet's biome to suite their needs. If they are not stopped, humans will become their food, and their spawn.
FBI agent Jack Dawson knows nothing of these others. Then they change his life. First, his best friend is slaughtered while infiltrating a genetics lab illegally. Then, his former girlfriend, a scientist in the FBI's DNA lab, is killed when the lab is blown up. To top it off, he receives a cryptic warning on his cell phone from a known eco-terrorist: "they r cmng 4 u, jack."
Soon Jack finds himself with the Earth Defense Society. Instead of being eco-terrorists, the EDS has been fighting the others whom they call harvesters. They reveal the true nature of the harvesters to Jack. And he joins the fight against the harvesters.
Can Jack and the EDS stop the harvesters before they can unleash their terrible genetic attack?
I really enjoyed this novel. It is a fast paced scifi thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As in the tradition of thrillers, the good guys are surrounded by enemies. Just when you think it's safe, a new threat emerges. Hicks does a great job of managing the suspense. And there are some great battle scenes.
In my opinion, a very good read!
\
Season of the Harvest
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Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sharpe's Trafalgar by Bernard Cornwell
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: 1805 in India and at sea.
First Sentence: "A hundred and fifteen rupees," Ensign Richard Sharpe said, counting the money onto the table.
This novel is chronologically the fourth in Cornwell's Sharpe series.
Cornwell's main character, Ensign Richard Sharpe, came up through the ranks. He was awarded an ensign's commission due to his heroism in battle. Because he has not been schooled as a gentleman, he is looked down upon by his fellow officers. The enlisted men do not respect him because he was once like them. Sharpe is determined to make his own way. He is brave and treacherous. He does not suffer fools. And when someone has treated him unfairly, he holds a grudge, and takes his revenge when the opportunity comes.
In this installment of the series it is 1805. England, France, and Spain are battling for supremacy of the ocean. In the seas around India, the French warship Revenant has been been harassing English shipping. The English warship Pucelle has been assigned to stop the Revenant. Sharpe is on his way home to England. Before leaving India, he helps the Pucelle's captain to regain some purloined goods.
Sharpe has booked passage on the Calliope, an East India cargo ship. Traveling with him are several well to do merchants, Lord William Hale and his beautiful young wife Lady Grace.
As the Calliope sails eastward, Sharpe and Lady Grace become attracted to each other. Soon they are conducting a clandestine affair. Unfortunately, fate intervenes. The captain of the Calliope believes that England is doomed to lose the war. He arranges to have his ship captured by the Revenant. In doing so, he steals his passengers prized possessions, including Sharpe's valuable collection of gemstones. Also, Sharpe and Grace's affair has been discovered by Lord Hale's personal secretary. The secretary attempts to blackmail Sharpe and Grace.
Eventually, Sharpe, Grace, Lord William and his secretary are saved by the Pucelle. The Pucelle is pursuing the Revenant. As they chase the Revenant around the Cape of Good Hope and north toward Europe, Sharpe and Grace continue their affair. Just as they catch up to the Revenant, they find the British, French and Spanish fleets gathered for what will become the Battle of Trafalgar.
As the battle rages around the ship, Sharpe fights for his life. Deep in the bowels of the ship, Grace also fights to survive. Lord William reveals to Grace that he knows about the affair. The climax of the novel reveals who will survive this day of terror and treachery.
The last 60 pages of the novel describe the terrible sea battle that was Trafalgar. The pages fly by as Cornwell's description of the fighting draws you into the battle. You are there with Sharpe as he participates in the desperate struggle. Sea battles of this time were not fought as they are today. In this era ships fought side by side. Sharpe battles in a hailstorm of musket balls, grape shot and cannon balls. Cornwell's prose keeps you reading to learn the fates of Sharpe, his shipmates, and his lover.
In my opinion, "a real page turner" is an often overused phrase used in book reviews. For me, I found that this description of Cornwell's novel was literally true.
I enjoyed this book. It was a real page turner. And I highly recommend it.
Sharpe's Trafalgar
Check out my eBook!
Setting: 1805 in India and at sea.
First Sentence: "A hundred and fifteen rupees," Ensign Richard Sharpe said, counting the money onto the table.
This novel is chronologically the fourth in Cornwell's Sharpe series.
Cornwell's main character, Ensign Richard Sharpe, came up through the ranks. He was awarded an ensign's commission due to his heroism in battle. Because he has not been schooled as a gentleman, he is looked down upon by his fellow officers. The enlisted men do not respect him because he was once like them. Sharpe is determined to make his own way. He is brave and treacherous. He does not suffer fools. And when someone has treated him unfairly, he holds a grudge, and takes his revenge when the opportunity comes.
In this installment of the series it is 1805. England, France, and Spain are battling for supremacy of the ocean. In the seas around India, the French warship Revenant has been been harassing English shipping. The English warship Pucelle has been assigned to stop the Revenant. Sharpe is on his way home to England. Before leaving India, he helps the Pucelle's captain to regain some purloined goods.
Sharpe has booked passage on the Calliope, an East India cargo ship. Traveling with him are several well to do merchants, Lord William Hale and his beautiful young wife Lady Grace.
As the Calliope sails eastward, Sharpe and Lady Grace become attracted to each other. Soon they are conducting a clandestine affair. Unfortunately, fate intervenes. The captain of the Calliope believes that England is doomed to lose the war. He arranges to have his ship captured by the Revenant. In doing so, he steals his passengers prized possessions, including Sharpe's valuable collection of gemstones. Also, Sharpe and Grace's affair has been discovered by Lord Hale's personal secretary. The secretary attempts to blackmail Sharpe and Grace.
Eventually, Sharpe, Grace, Lord William and his secretary are saved by the Pucelle. The Pucelle is pursuing the Revenant. As they chase the Revenant around the Cape of Good Hope and north toward Europe, Sharpe and Grace continue their affair. Just as they catch up to the Revenant, they find the British, French and Spanish fleets gathered for what will become the Battle of Trafalgar.
As the battle rages around the ship, Sharpe fights for his life. Deep in the bowels of the ship, Grace also fights to survive. Lord William reveals to Grace that he knows about the affair. The climax of the novel reveals who will survive this day of terror and treachery.
The last 60 pages of the novel describe the terrible sea battle that was Trafalgar. The pages fly by as Cornwell's description of the fighting draws you into the battle. You are there with Sharpe as he participates in the desperate struggle. Sea battles of this time were not fought as they are today. In this era ships fought side by side. Sharpe battles in a hailstorm of musket balls, grape shot and cannon balls. Cornwell's prose keeps you reading to learn the fates of Sharpe, his shipmates, and his lover.
In my opinion, "a real page turner" is an often overused phrase used in book reviews. For me, I found that this description of Cornwell's novel was literally true.
I enjoyed this book. It was a real page turner. And I highly recommend it.
Sharpe's Trafalgar
Check out my eBook!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Maids of Misfortune by M. Louisa Locke
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: San Francisco, 1879
First Sentence: Annie Fuller gasped, shocked at even allowing such an unladylike expression to enter her mind.
This novel is the first of a sereies based on the occupations of women in the 19th century.
Annie Fuller is a widow living in San Francisco in 1879. Her husband committed suicide several years ago leaving Annie penniless. Fortunately, she inherited a house in San Francisco from an aunt. To make ends meet, Annie runs a respectable boarding house. For additional income, Annie poses as a clairvoyant. She reads palms, and gives personal and financial advice. Although she does not believe in spiritualism, her palmistry and personal advice are accepted because she is a good judge of character. Her financial advice is generally very good because he father had educated her so well in finance and stock trading. A very unusual education for a woman in the late 1800's.
Then one of her clients, Matthew Voss, is found dead. The police believe that he committed suicide due to his poor financial situation. Annie knows better. Following her advice, Matthew had rescued his finances. He was about to cash in some stock and realize a large profit.
Frustrated with the direction of the police investigation, Annie decides to see what she can uncover. She does this by taking a position as a maid in the Voss household. The Vosses are unaware that she is investigating Matthew's death. Working as a maid, Annie gains insight into the private relationships of the Voss family and their household staff. As she gets to know the family better she learns that several family members had both the motive and the opportunity to murder Mr. Voss.
Annie is aided in her investigations by Nate Dawson. He is a young lawyer working in the law offices of the Voss family's attorney. He is trying to discover the whereabouts of the missing Voss fortune. Working together they begin to piece together the clues which may lead them to the killer.
Will Annie and Nate discover the identity of the murderer? Will Annie's deception put her in danger? And where is Matthew's missing fortune?
This was a pleasant book to read. I enjoy reading stories with independent female characters. In this novel Annie proves that she can stick up for herself. In the late 1800's, a common view was that women were the weaker sex. Men needed to defend and protect them from the outside world. Annie shows that she doesn't need Nate to protect her, and that she can work with him as an equal.
Overall, a fun historical mystery.
Maids of Misfortune
Check out my eBook!
Setting: San Francisco, 1879
First Sentence: Annie Fuller gasped, shocked at even allowing such an unladylike expression to enter her mind.
This novel is the first of a sereies based on the occupations of women in the 19th century.
Annie Fuller is a widow living in San Francisco in 1879. Her husband committed suicide several years ago leaving Annie penniless. Fortunately, she inherited a house in San Francisco from an aunt. To make ends meet, Annie runs a respectable boarding house. For additional income, Annie poses as a clairvoyant. She reads palms, and gives personal and financial advice. Although she does not believe in spiritualism, her palmistry and personal advice are accepted because she is a good judge of character. Her financial advice is generally very good because he father had educated her so well in finance and stock trading. A very unusual education for a woman in the late 1800's.
Then one of her clients, Matthew Voss, is found dead. The police believe that he committed suicide due to his poor financial situation. Annie knows better. Following her advice, Matthew had rescued his finances. He was about to cash in some stock and realize a large profit.
Frustrated with the direction of the police investigation, Annie decides to see what she can uncover. She does this by taking a position as a maid in the Voss household. The Vosses are unaware that she is investigating Matthew's death. Working as a maid, Annie gains insight into the private relationships of the Voss family and their household staff. As she gets to know the family better she learns that several family members had both the motive and the opportunity to murder Mr. Voss.
Annie is aided in her investigations by Nate Dawson. He is a young lawyer working in the law offices of the Voss family's attorney. He is trying to discover the whereabouts of the missing Voss fortune. Working together they begin to piece together the clues which may lead them to the killer.
Will Annie and Nate discover the identity of the murderer? Will Annie's deception put her in danger? And where is Matthew's missing fortune?
This was a pleasant book to read. I enjoy reading stories with independent female characters. In this novel Annie proves that she can stick up for herself. In the late 1800's, a common view was that women were the weaker sex. Men needed to defend and protect them from the outside world. Annie shows that she doesn't need Nate to protect her, and that she can work with him as an equal.
Overall, a fun historical mystery.
Maids of Misfortune
Check out my eBook!
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