Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: Hollywood, 1940.
First Sentence: Eddie Royce sat in Whistler's office on the sixth floor of the Meteor building and waited for the editor to look up from the galleys he studied, a smoldering cigar held between his thick lips and a look of quiet disgust on his face as the read.
A quote from the book: "If you had a dream, what would you do for the dream? Would you kill for it? Would you defy the laws of the universe?"
Eddie Royce has a dream. He wants to become a famous science fiction writer. It is 1940, at the beginning of the first Golden Age of Science fiction. Eddie has tried for a long time to write something good enough to be published. But he can't come up with any good ideas.
So he borrows some.
Eddie takes some of Shakespeare's plays and turns them into science fiction stories. And he begins to sell his stories to a pulp science fiction magazine.
Also writing for the magazine is Eddie's idol, Chester Blackwood. Eddie's writing has caught Blackwood's notice. Blackwood arranges to meet him. That's when Eddie learns that Blackwood has been borrowing plots as well. But, instead of getting his stories from long dead authors, Blackwood has found a way to travel into the future and steal stories that haven't been written yet.
Blackwood is now an incredibly successful author. And the future has been altered.
Writing in a style reminiscent of the black and white noir movies of the 30's and 40's, Levesque transports us into a time that never was. We have a private eye, some hired muscle, beautiful dames, a corrupt publisher, illicit drugs, hack writers, and time travel.
Can Eddie and his girlfriend stay one step ahead of the thugs, while they travel through time to find a future where they are both alive?
This novel was a fun read. While I read, I had visions of those old noir moves in my mind. I thought Levesque's idea of time travel was very creative.
The novel has many nods to those Golden Age authors such as Asimov and Heinlein. If you're a fan of those great science fiction authors of the Golden Age, you will enjoy this novel.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Back to Creative Writing School by Bridget Whelan
Genre: Writing Instruction
First Sentence: This book is about writing.
For me the hardest part of writing is beginning. The ideas seem to flow freely in my mind, yet it is often difficult to get them down on paper. That's the goal of Bridget Whelan's book - to help writers "defeat the blank page."
Her book consists of thirty exercises organized as lessons in a class on creative writing. In each lesson, Whelan has included an essay which describes a writing skill, and gives examples of its use. The exercises themselves are challenges which encourage creative thinking. I tried several of the exercises. In each exercise, I found that I could create a unique piece of creative writing.
I think that this book would be helpful for beginning writers as well as experienced writers. Beginners will find new ways to get their ideas down on paper. And experienced writers may find different ways to express their thoughts.
I recommend this book to all writers who wish to improve their skills.
First Sentence: This book is about writing.
For me the hardest part of writing is beginning. The ideas seem to flow freely in my mind, yet it is often difficult to get them down on paper. That's the goal of Bridget Whelan's book - to help writers "defeat the blank page."
Her book consists of thirty exercises organized as lessons in a class on creative writing. In each lesson, Whelan has included an essay which describes a writing skill, and gives examples of its use. The exercises themselves are challenges which encourage creative thinking. I tried several of the exercises. In each exercise, I found that I could create a unique piece of creative writing.
I think that this book would be helpful for beginning writers as well as experienced writers. Beginners will find new ways to get their ideas down on paper. And experienced writers may find different ways to express their thoughts.
I recommend this book to all writers who wish to improve their skills.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Motion Picture Review of Saving Mr. Banks
Genre: Motion Picture
Rating: PG-13 for a portrayal of alcoholism, an attempted suicide, and a character dying of tuberculosis.
For twenty years Walt Disney had asked P. L. Travers for the film rights for Mary Poppins. And for twenty years she had refused him. But, in the early 1960's Mrs. Travers found herself in financial trouble. The sales of her novels no longer provided with enough income to live on.
So she agreed to let Disney make a Mary Poppins movie.
She had many demands.
The plot of the Saving Mr. Banks moves between Mrs. Travers's childhood in Australia, and her interactions with Walt Disney and the script writers.
What confuses Disney and the scriptwriters is why Mrs. Travers is so protective of her novel and the character Mary Poppins. When Walt finally understands Mrs. Travers motivation, he is able to finally convince Mrs. Travers that he will treat her novel and Mary Poppins with respect.
I enjoyed this film. Tom Hanks did a great job of portraying Walt Disney. I liked Emma Thompson's portrayal of Mrs. Travers.
When you see this movie, stay through all of the credits. Mrs. Travers insisted that all of the script meetings be recorded. While the credits roll, we get to hear the tape of one of the meetings. And we hear Mrs. Travers voice.
Remember, when you go to see Saving Mr. Banks, bring some tissue.
Rating: PG-13 for a portrayal of alcoholism, an attempted suicide, and a character dying of tuberculosis.
For twenty years Walt Disney had asked P. L. Travers for the film rights for Mary Poppins. And for twenty years she had refused him. But, in the early 1960's Mrs. Travers found herself in financial trouble. The sales of her novels no longer provided with enough income to live on.
So she agreed to let Disney make a Mary Poppins movie.
She had many demands.
The plot of the Saving Mr. Banks moves between Mrs. Travers's childhood in Australia, and her interactions with Walt Disney and the script writers.
What confuses Disney and the scriptwriters is why Mrs. Travers is so protective of her novel and the character Mary Poppins. When Walt finally understands Mrs. Travers motivation, he is able to finally convince Mrs. Travers that he will treat her novel and Mary Poppins with respect.
I enjoyed this film. Tom Hanks did a great job of portraying Walt Disney. I liked Emma Thompson's portrayal of Mrs. Travers.
When you see this movie, stay through all of the credits. Mrs. Travers insisted that all of the script meetings be recorded. While the credits roll, we get to hear the tape of one of the meetings. And we hear Mrs. Travers voice.
Remember, when you go to see Saving Mr. Banks, bring some tissue.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Gabriel: Zero Point by Steve Umstead
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: The middle of the 22nd century, on Earth and on a space station.
First Sentence: Which one is he?
This novelette is a prequel to Umstead's Evan Gabriel series. The series currently consists of this prequel and three novels.
Evan Gabriel is the ultimate Black-Ops warrior. Like all military personnel of Umstead's future, Gabriel has neuretic brain implants which enhance his fighting and communication skills. Unlike most others, he is a survivor of the Human Augmentation and Microcellular Replacement Program (HAMR). This program is an extremely advanced technology which turns normal humans into super soldiers.
This novelette relates how Gabriel was selected for the HAMR program. We learn what he went through to receive his enhancements, And, we discover what makes Gabriel different from the other graduates of the program.
This was a fun read. It filled in some of the back story to the Gabriel series. In my opinion the novelette ended somewhat abruptly. I was hoping to find out more about Gabriel's first missions.
If you are interested in this series, this novelette would be a great place to start!
Check out my eBook:
Setting: The middle of the 22nd century, on Earth and on a space station.
First Sentence: Which one is he?
This novelette is a prequel to Umstead's Evan Gabriel series. The series currently consists of this prequel and three novels.
Evan Gabriel is the ultimate Black-Ops warrior. Like all military personnel of Umstead's future, Gabriel has neuretic brain implants which enhance his fighting and communication skills. Unlike most others, he is a survivor of the Human Augmentation and Microcellular Replacement Program (HAMR). This program is an extremely advanced technology which turns normal humans into super soldiers.
This novelette relates how Gabriel was selected for the HAMR program. We learn what he went through to receive his enhancements, And, we discover what makes Gabriel different from the other graduates of the program.
This was a fun read. It filled in some of the back story to the Gabriel series. In my opinion the novelette ended somewhat abruptly. I was hoping to find out more about Gabriel's first missions.
If you are interested in this series, this novelette would be a great place to start!
Check out my eBook:
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Gabriel's Redemption by: Steve Umstead
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: The year 2176, on Earth, in space, and on other planets.
First Sentence: Evan dove into the clear blue water, leaving the safety of the catamaran behind, and swam deep, adjusting his goggles as he kicked.
This novel is the first in Umstead's Evan Gabriel series. The series currently consists of three novels and a prequel novelette.
In this novel Umstead transports the black-ops thriller to the twenty-second century. It is a somewhat dystopian time of high technology, war, and organized crime. Our main character, Evan Gabriel, is a disgraced former black-ops team leader. He was held responsible for a massacre which cost the lives of his entire team and the lives of innocent civilians. In his darkest dreams he can still recall the shadowy figure who set him up.
As the story begins, Gabriel is hanging out in Jamaica, trying to forget the past, and trying to avoid being killed. Then, someone from his past, Admiral MacFarland, calls him in for one more mission. Evan is not big fan of the Admiral, but due to regulations he is forced to go on the mission.
Apparently, on a far-off planet, someone is making an illegal drug harvested from the brains of the local sentient species. Gabriel and his team are going in to shut down the operation.
What Gabriel discovers on that far-off planet has repercussions at the highest levels of government. Gabriel must avoid being the fall guy, keep his team alive, and get some sweet payback.
This was a great book. There was plenty of action and black-ops style intrigue. Umstead has created an interesting high-tech universe. I can't wait to get my own neuretic brain implants!
In the mean time, I suggest that you download this book, and enjoy.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: The year 2176, on Earth, in space, and on other planets.
First Sentence: Evan dove into the clear blue water, leaving the safety of the catamaran behind, and swam deep, adjusting his goggles as he kicked.
This novel is the first in Umstead's Evan Gabriel series. The series currently consists of three novels and a prequel novelette.
In this novel Umstead transports the black-ops thriller to the twenty-second century. It is a somewhat dystopian time of high technology, war, and organized crime. Our main character, Evan Gabriel, is a disgraced former black-ops team leader. He was held responsible for a massacre which cost the lives of his entire team and the lives of innocent civilians. In his darkest dreams he can still recall the shadowy figure who set him up.
As the story begins, Gabriel is hanging out in Jamaica, trying to forget the past, and trying to avoid being killed. Then, someone from his past, Admiral MacFarland, calls him in for one more mission. Evan is not big fan of the Admiral, but due to regulations he is forced to go on the mission.
Apparently, on a far-off planet, someone is making an illegal drug harvested from the brains of the local sentient species. Gabriel and his team are going in to shut down the operation.
What Gabriel discovers on that far-off planet has repercussions at the highest levels of government. Gabriel must avoid being the fall guy, keep his team alive, and get some sweet payback.
This was a great book. There was plenty of action and black-ops style intrigue. Umstead has created an interesting high-tech universe. I can't wait to get my own neuretic brain implants!
In the mean time, I suggest that you download this book, and enjoy.
Check out my eBook!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Ahuitzotl: A Novel of Aztec Mexico
Genre: Historical Mystery, Romance
Setting: The Aztec Empire before the European Colonization
FYI: Some adult content
First Sentence: We fear our Gods!
This novel is the story of Ahuitzotl who was one of the last Aztec emperors.
As the story begins our main character is an ambitious Aztec warlord. He is unhappy with the the emperor, his brother Tizoc, is ruling the kingdom. The Aztecs believe that they bring glory to the gods through the valor of their warriors and the sacrifice of their captives. They maintain their supply of sacrificial victims by waging war against neighboring tribes.
Tizoc wants to settle disputes with the vassal tribes in a peaceful manner. This is viewed as a weakness by the vassal states and the Aztec leaders.
When Tizoc dies unexpectedly, Ahuitzotl is selected to be the next emperor. He is determined to be the greatest emperor in Aztec history. To achieve his goal, Ahuitzotl wages total war against belligerent tribes. His win-at-any-cost strategies go against the Aztec's customary ways of waging war in which the goal was to capture, rather than kill, your enemy. Ahuitzotl ignores the priests who warn him that he risks offending the gods by trying to gain personal glory.
In his personal life, Ahuitzotl is passionately in love with the beautiful Lady Pelaxilla. Although he loves her, he is forbidden to marry her because she is not of the royal blood. However, the emperor must have a wife, so Ahuitzotl offers marriage to his brother Tizoc's widow, the Lady Tlulalca.
These two women are extremely jealous of each other. Ahuitzotl manages his relationships with them poorly. He is much too self absorbed to build a loving relationship with them. His mistakes will haunt him to the end of his days.
Throughout his life Ahuitzotl's megalomania leads him to make a series of poor decisions. In the end, Ahuitzotl learns that his quest for personal glory has cost him everything he holds dear.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It was an interesting story about a real person from history. I knew that Ahuitzotl's pride would lead him to great conquests and great errors. I kept reading to find out how he would gain glory, and then how he would throw it away.
I do believe that the novel would be greatly improved by a little more editing. This might improve the narrative and correct some odd misspellings.
Over all, for me, this was a fun read. If you are interested in historical fiction, and the Aztecs you might like it too.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: The Aztec Empire before the European Colonization
FYI: Some adult content
First Sentence: We fear our Gods!
This novel is the story of Ahuitzotl who was one of the last Aztec emperors.
As the story begins our main character is an ambitious Aztec warlord. He is unhappy with the the emperor, his brother Tizoc, is ruling the kingdom. The Aztecs believe that they bring glory to the gods through the valor of their warriors and the sacrifice of their captives. They maintain their supply of sacrificial victims by waging war against neighboring tribes.
Tizoc wants to settle disputes with the vassal tribes in a peaceful manner. This is viewed as a weakness by the vassal states and the Aztec leaders.
When Tizoc dies unexpectedly, Ahuitzotl is selected to be the next emperor. He is determined to be the greatest emperor in Aztec history. To achieve his goal, Ahuitzotl wages total war against belligerent tribes. His win-at-any-cost strategies go against the Aztec's customary ways of waging war in which the goal was to capture, rather than kill, your enemy. Ahuitzotl ignores the priests who warn him that he risks offending the gods by trying to gain personal glory.
In his personal life, Ahuitzotl is passionately in love with the beautiful Lady Pelaxilla. Although he loves her, he is forbidden to marry her because she is not of the royal blood. However, the emperor must have a wife, so Ahuitzotl offers marriage to his brother Tizoc's widow, the Lady Tlulalca.
These two women are extremely jealous of each other. Ahuitzotl manages his relationships with them poorly. He is much too self absorbed to build a loving relationship with them. His mistakes will haunt him to the end of his days.
Throughout his life Ahuitzotl's megalomania leads him to make a series of poor decisions. In the end, Ahuitzotl learns that his quest for personal glory has cost him everything he holds dear.
I enjoyed reading this novel. It was an interesting story about a real person from history. I knew that Ahuitzotl's pride would lead him to great conquests and great errors. I kept reading to find out how he would gain glory, and then how he would throw it away.
I do believe that the novel would be greatly improved by a little more editing. This might improve the narrative and correct some odd misspellings.
Over all, for me, this was a fun read. If you are interested in historical fiction, and the Aztecs you might like it too.
Check out my eBook!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Destroyermen: Storm Surge by Taylor Anderson
Genre: Alternate History
Setting: In an alternate version of Earth during the World War II time period.
First Sentence: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, High Chief of the Amer-i-caan Clan, Supreme Commander (by acclimation) of All Forces United Beneath (or beside) the Banner of the Trees, and Captain of the old Asiatic Fleet four-stacker destroyer USS Walker (DD-163, loved baseball.
This novel is the seventh in Anderson's Destroyermen alternate history series.
The series begins in the Western Pacific at the very start of World War Two. The USS Walker, attempting to evade a Japanese battleship, enters a strange storm cloud. The ship emerges in an alternate version of Earth. There they become involved in a war between two sentient species: the peaceful lemur-like Lemurians and the vicious, reptilian Griks.
At first the destroyermen believe that they are the only humans in this alternate world. They soon discover that the are several different groups of humans who have arrived at different times throughout Earth's history.
As the series has progressed, the scope of the "known" world has widened. At the beginning of this novel the destroyermen have encountered humans from the South American continent westward across the Pacific and Indian oceans to Africa.
Central to the plot of this novel is the battle against the evil Grik. The novel begins slowly as the author reintroduces us to the characters of the novel, where they are, and what they are doing. The Americans and their allies are gathering ships, planes and other technologies for a grand attack. Led by the traitorous Japanese admiral Kukokawa the Grik have been improving their weapons and battle tactics.
When the action of the battle begins, the pace of the novel picks up. Soon the pages fly by. Victory is not assured. It takes the might of the combined allied forces, along with some interesting surprises, to determine the outcome of the battle.
At the end of the novel, Anderson leaves us some interesting clues about several new human, lemurian, and reptilian cultures. Some may be friendly to the allied cause. Some may be friendly to the Grik cause. And some may have their own ideas about conquering the world.
I read this book voraciously. I like Anderson's writing style. The battle scenes are especially interesting to read. I can't wait for the next novel of the series.
If you are interested in the Destroyerman series, I strongly suggest that you begin with the first book: "Into the Storm". There are so many characters that starting in the middle of the series might be confusing.
It's a great well-written series. Check it out!
Check out my eBook!
Setting: In an alternate version of Earth during the World War II time period.
First Sentence: Lieutenant Commander Matthew Reddy, High Chief of the Amer-i-caan Clan, Supreme Commander (by acclimation) of All Forces United Beneath (or beside) the Banner of the Trees, and Captain of the old Asiatic Fleet four-stacker destroyer USS Walker (DD-163, loved baseball.
This novel is the seventh in Anderson's Destroyermen alternate history series.
The series begins in the Western Pacific at the very start of World War Two. The USS Walker, attempting to evade a Japanese battleship, enters a strange storm cloud. The ship emerges in an alternate version of Earth. There they become involved in a war between two sentient species: the peaceful lemur-like Lemurians and the vicious, reptilian Griks.
At first the destroyermen believe that they are the only humans in this alternate world. They soon discover that the are several different groups of humans who have arrived at different times throughout Earth's history.
As the series has progressed, the scope of the "known" world has widened. At the beginning of this novel the destroyermen have encountered humans from the South American continent westward across the Pacific and Indian oceans to Africa.
Central to the plot of this novel is the battle against the evil Grik. The novel begins slowly as the author reintroduces us to the characters of the novel, where they are, and what they are doing. The Americans and their allies are gathering ships, planes and other technologies for a grand attack. Led by the traitorous Japanese admiral Kukokawa the Grik have been improving their weapons and battle tactics.
When the action of the battle begins, the pace of the novel picks up. Soon the pages fly by. Victory is not assured. It takes the might of the combined allied forces, along with some interesting surprises, to determine the outcome of the battle.
At the end of the novel, Anderson leaves us some interesting clues about several new human, lemurian, and reptilian cultures. Some may be friendly to the allied cause. Some may be friendly to the Grik cause. And some may have their own ideas about conquering the world.
I read this book voraciously. I like Anderson's writing style. The battle scenes are especially interesting to read. I can't wait for the next novel of the series.
If you are interested in the Destroyerman series, I strongly suggest that you begin with the first book: "Into the Storm". There are so many characters that starting in the middle of the series might be confusing.
It's a great well-written series. Check it out!
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Ambassador's Wife by Jake Needham
Genre: Thriller
Setting: Singapore and Bangkok
First Sentence: When his cell phone rang, Inspector Samuel Tay considered ignoring it.
Inspector Tay is not your super sleuth detective. He is an overweight middle-aged policeman; an inspector for the Special Investigations Section of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Singapore police.
When a woman is found horribly murdered in an upscale hotel, Inspector Tay recognizes that there is something peculiar about the crime scene. Some one has set up the scene to make it difficult to identify the victim.
Eventually, Tay learns that the victim is the wife of the American ambassador. The Americans pat Tay on the head and tell him that they will handle the investigation. Tay, however, is not the small town policeman the Americans think he is.
When another woman, this time in Bangkok, is murdered in almost exactly the same way, Tay goes to Thailand to investigate.
Working slowly, gathering clues, Tay gets closer and closer to solving the case.
But when Tay's estranged mother dies in New York, the case and her death launch him into a midlife crisis. In the end Tay must decide what is more important: justice or truth?
In Inspector Tay, Needham has created a unique character. I like him. He seems like a real person. He has real problems. He sometimes doesn't know what to do or say. He probably needs to lose weight and stop smoking.
I enjoy Jake Needham's writing. He sticks to the plot. He has believable characters. His style of writing is very readable.
Two thumbs up for a terrific novel.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Singapore and Bangkok
First Sentence: When his cell phone rang, Inspector Samuel Tay considered ignoring it.
Inspector Tay is not your super sleuth detective. He is an overweight middle-aged policeman; an inspector for the Special Investigations Section of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Singapore police.
When a woman is found horribly murdered in an upscale hotel, Inspector Tay recognizes that there is something peculiar about the crime scene. Some one has set up the scene to make it difficult to identify the victim.
Eventually, Tay learns that the victim is the wife of the American ambassador. The Americans pat Tay on the head and tell him that they will handle the investigation. Tay, however, is not the small town policeman the Americans think he is.
When another woman, this time in Bangkok, is murdered in almost exactly the same way, Tay goes to Thailand to investigate.
Working slowly, gathering clues, Tay gets closer and closer to solving the case.
But when Tay's estranged mother dies in New York, the case and her death launch him into a midlife crisis. In the end Tay must decide what is more important: justice or truth?
In Inspector Tay, Needham has created a unique character. I like him. He seems like a real person. He has real problems. He sometimes doesn't know what to do or say. He probably needs to lose weight and stop smoking.
I enjoy Jake Needham's writing. He sticks to the plot. He has believable characters. His style of writing is very readable.
Two thumbs up for a terrific novel.
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
King's Gold by Michael Jecks
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: England, 1326 - 1327
First Sentence: Matteo di Bardi hurried up the lane.
This novel is the twenty-eighth in Jeck's Knights Templar mystery series.
King Edward II of England has been deposed. England is in turmoil. Some want to return Edward to the crown because he is God's anointed king. Some want his son to be crowned the new king. Many are angry at Edward because of his relationship to Sir Hugh le Dispenser. And some are looking to enrich themselves by gaining control over the king's gold.
As this novel develops, Jecks introduces a large cast of characters. There are the Florentine bankers who are trying to appease both sides of the conflict. Then there is the henpecked carter and his shrewish wife. Also, there are several knights and men-of-war who want to free Edward and return him to the crown. And there are those who wish to end the wars and bring peace to England.
The novel follows the various characters. Eventually, the plot brings them to Berkley castle where Edward is imprisoned. Along the way several of Jecks' newly created characters are murdered. There is not much mystery to these killings. We know or can quickly deduce who the murderers are.
The main characters of the series, Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock, do not make their entrance until the eighth chapter. They are mostly concerned with protecting Edward.
In my opinion, this novel is not a mystery. It is a well written historical novel about an interesting time in English history. I was disappointed that Sir Baldwin and Simon had such small roles in the plot.
The introduction of so many new characters made the beginning of the novel a little hard to follow.
I enjoy Jecks' writing style. So I enjoyed reading this novel. I think a reader new to this series might enjoy this book as an introduction to the series since it does not rely much on the action in previous novels.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: England, 1326 - 1327
First Sentence: Matteo di Bardi hurried up the lane.
This novel is the twenty-eighth in Jeck's Knights Templar mystery series.
King Edward II of England has been deposed. England is in turmoil. Some want to return Edward to the crown because he is God's anointed king. Some want his son to be crowned the new king. Many are angry at Edward because of his relationship to Sir Hugh le Dispenser. And some are looking to enrich themselves by gaining control over the king's gold.
As this novel develops, Jecks introduces a large cast of characters. There are the Florentine bankers who are trying to appease both sides of the conflict. Then there is the henpecked carter and his shrewish wife. Also, there are several knights and men-of-war who want to free Edward and return him to the crown. And there are those who wish to end the wars and bring peace to England.
The novel follows the various characters. Eventually, the plot brings them to Berkley castle where Edward is imprisoned. Along the way several of Jecks' newly created characters are murdered. There is not much mystery to these killings. We know or can quickly deduce who the murderers are.
The main characters of the series, Sir Baldwin and Simon Puttock, do not make their entrance until the eighth chapter. They are mostly concerned with protecting Edward.
In my opinion, this novel is not a mystery. It is a well written historical novel about an interesting time in English history. I was disappointed that Sir Baldwin and Simon had such small roles in the plot.
The introduction of so many new characters made the beginning of the novel a little hard to follow.
I enjoy Jecks' writing style. So I enjoyed reading this novel. I think a reader new to this series might enjoy this book as an introduction to the series since it does not rely much on the action in previous novels.
Check out my eBook!
Friday, October 18, 2013
Out of the Limelight by James Bagworth
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, England in 1879
First Sentence: She was alone now.
This novel is the first in a planned series featuring the main characters: Farrow and Flint. Billy Farrow and Norman Flint together form a music hall act. They are definitely not sleuths. But through tenacity and luck, they find a way to unravel the clues to solve a rather complex mystery.
In the first few chapters of this novel, the author introduces several parallel plot lines. The challenge for the reader is to discover how the seemingly random plots would intersect.
Farrow and Flint are falsely accused with murder. The fact that Farrow has the blood of the murder victim on his clothes is damning evidence.
Playing at the same theater as Farrow and Flint is a beautiful French chanteuse. Who is she running from? And why?
In the audience watching Farrow and Flint are two shady characters. They seem to be planning a spectacular assassination. Who could be the target of their explosive plans?
And how does the murder of an innocent young flower girl lead Farrow and Flint to discover the horrible secret that brings all the plot lines together in an action filled conclusion?
Along the way Bagworth has spiced up his novel with several unique characters. The interesting characters and unexpected plot twists made for an enjoyable read. I was interested to see how the author would resolve his plots. He did so in spectacular fashion. His conclusion was definitely unexpected.
For me, this novel was a fun read.
Check out my ebook!
Setting: London, England in 1879
First Sentence: She was alone now.
This novel is the first in a planned series featuring the main characters: Farrow and Flint. Billy Farrow and Norman Flint together form a music hall act. They are definitely not sleuths. But through tenacity and luck, they find a way to unravel the clues to solve a rather complex mystery.
In the first few chapters of this novel, the author introduces several parallel plot lines. The challenge for the reader is to discover how the seemingly random plots would intersect.
Farrow and Flint are falsely accused with murder. The fact that Farrow has the blood of the murder victim on his clothes is damning evidence.
Playing at the same theater as Farrow and Flint is a beautiful French chanteuse. Who is she running from? And why?
In the audience watching Farrow and Flint are two shady characters. They seem to be planning a spectacular assassination. Who could be the target of their explosive plans?
And how does the murder of an innocent young flower girl lead Farrow and Flint to discover the horrible secret that brings all the plot lines together in an action filled conclusion?
Along the way Bagworth has spiced up his novel with several unique characters. The interesting characters and unexpected plot twists made for an enjoyable read. I was interested to see how the author would resolve his plots. He did so in spectacular fashion. His conclusion was definitely unexpected.
For me, this novel was a fun read.
Check out my ebook!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
In Her Name: First Contact by Michael R. Hicks
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In a future time where humans travel through space to other planets.
First Sentence: Owen McClaren was extremely tense, although a casual observer would never have thought so.
This novel is the fourth in Hicks's In Her Name series. It is a prequel to the first three novels.
In this novel humans make their first contact with an alien civilization. Unfortunately, they meet the Kreelans. The Kreelans are so advanced that they could destroy all of humanity if they desired to. However, the Kreelans believe that they honor their Empress not by destroying their enemies, but by battling them on relatively equal terms.
So, the Kreelans give the humans fair warning about where and when the first battle will be.
The novel follows the preparations both sides make for the initial battle. The humans try to utilize their most advanced technology. And the Kreelans study ancient texts to build weapons and warships sufficiently primitive to compare with the humans.
And then there is the battle which takes place on the planet and in the vacuum of space. There are incredible acts of bravery by the humans. And there are inexplicable rituals of one-on-one combat orchestrated by the Kreelans.
Hicks's writing style moves the action along. We follow characters on both sides of the battle. There is enough description to visualize the action. And we understand the motivations of the characters.
In the Kreelans, Hicks has created a unique civilization. They are not mindless killing machines. Within their culture, their actions make sense. Their unusual sense of fair play, in the midst of battle, surprises and confuses the humans.
Readers of the first three books in the series will enjoy this return to the Kreelan universe. If you are new to the Kreelans, this novel would be a great place to start.
Check out my ebook!
Setting: In a future time where humans travel through space to other planets.
First Sentence: Owen McClaren was extremely tense, although a casual observer would never have thought so.
This novel is the fourth in Hicks's In Her Name series. It is a prequel to the first three novels.
In this novel humans make their first contact with an alien civilization. Unfortunately, they meet the Kreelans. The Kreelans are so advanced that they could destroy all of humanity if they desired to. However, the Kreelans believe that they honor their Empress not by destroying their enemies, but by battling them on relatively equal terms.
So, the Kreelans give the humans fair warning about where and when the first battle will be.
The novel follows the preparations both sides make for the initial battle. The humans try to utilize their most advanced technology. And the Kreelans study ancient texts to build weapons and warships sufficiently primitive to compare with the humans.
And then there is the battle which takes place on the planet and in the vacuum of space. There are incredible acts of bravery by the humans. And there are inexplicable rituals of one-on-one combat orchestrated by the Kreelans.
Hicks's writing style moves the action along. We follow characters on both sides of the battle. There is enough description to visualize the action. And we understand the motivations of the characters.
In the Kreelans, Hicks has created a unique civilization. They are not mindless killing machines. Within their culture, their actions make sense. Their unusual sense of fair play, in the midst of battle, surprises and confuses the humans.
Readers of the first three books in the series will enjoy this return to the Kreelan universe. If you are new to the Kreelans, this novel would be a great place to start.
Check out my ebook!
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Hawks of Delamere by Edward Marston
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Eleventh century England, after the Norman conquest.
First sentence: It took three strong men to help him into the saddle.
This novel is the seventh in Marston's Domesday Book series.
After gaining control of England, the Norman king ordered a recording of all the land in England. This record, the Domesday Book, detailed all of the parcels of land in England, and their rightful owners.
In Marston's novels, Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret lead a group of King's commissioners. Their duty is to visit the various towns and villages. There, the commissioners investigate inconsistencies and errors in the Domesday Book. The arrival of the commission is often a cause of concern for the local land owners. Many of whom claim ownership of land that is not legally theirs.
In this installment of the series, the King's commissioners have arrived at Chester castle near the Welsh border. The castle belongs to Earl Hugh. Hugh is a man with a large appetite and a short temper. Several untimely deaths in nearby Delamere Forest have convinced Hugh that the Welsh are planning an invasion. Earl Hugh is holding a Welsh prince hostage in the castle's dungeon.
Why would the Welsh endanger the life of their prince by rebelling?
Can Ralph and Gervase discover the truth behind the killings and avert a bloody battle?
This novel is another satisfying tale in Marston's Domesday series. I always enjoy the unique characters who people his novels. And I thoroughly enjoy his entertaining dialog.
Check out my eBook
Setting: Eleventh century England, after the Norman conquest.
First sentence: It took three strong men to help him into the saddle.
This novel is the seventh in Marston's Domesday Book series.
After gaining control of England, the Norman king ordered a recording of all the land in England. This record, the Domesday Book, detailed all of the parcels of land in England, and their rightful owners.
In Marston's novels, Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret lead a group of King's commissioners. Their duty is to visit the various towns and villages. There, the commissioners investigate inconsistencies and errors in the Domesday Book. The arrival of the commission is often a cause of concern for the local land owners. Many of whom claim ownership of land that is not legally theirs.
In this installment of the series, the King's commissioners have arrived at Chester castle near the Welsh border. The castle belongs to Earl Hugh. Hugh is a man with a large appetite and a short temper. Several untimely deaths in nearby Delamere Forest have convinced Hugh that the Welsh are planning an invasion. Earl Hugh is holding a Welsh prince hostage in the castle's dungeon.
Why would the Welsh endanger the life of their prince by rebelling?
Can Ralph and Gervase discover the truth behind the killings and avert a bloody battle?
This novel is another satisfying tale in Marston's Domesday series. I always enjoy the unique characters who people his novels. And I thoroughly enjoy his entertaining dialog.
Check out my eBook
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Silver Lies by Ann Parker
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: A mining town high in the Rocky Mountains during the Colorado Silver Rush of the 1880's.
First sentence: If there was an arctic version of hell, Joe Rose was living it in Leadville, Colorado.
This novel is the first in Parker's Silver Rush mystery series.
Leadville, Colorado during the silver rush was a dangerous town. A smart person did not go out alone or unarmed. Unfortunately, Joe Rose found himself inebriated and alone in an alley at night. The next morning his body was found behind the Silver Queen saloon. Apparently, Joe had been trampled to death by a horse. Finding the body near the Silver Queen leads the local marshal to think that the owners of the Silver Queen might know something about the murder. The Silver Queen is owned and operated by Inez Stannert and her negro partner Abe Jackson.
Inez is good friends with Emma Rose, the wife of the victim. In order to clear her name, and to help Emma, Inez begins to ask questions. As she gather information about the murder, she learns that many of Leadville's citizens have personal secrets. Secrets they keep hidden by telling lies.
Inez herself, along with Abe, and Inez's missing husband once were part of a counterfeiting ring. The handsome new minister may not be who seems be. The clumsy bar helper, Useless, once worked at the finest brothel in town. And even the legendary lawman Bat Masterson arrives to provide Inez with some important information.
Over all, I enjoyed this novel. The middle of the story seemed to drag a little. But the climax was very exciting.
This novel put me in mind of other historical mysteries. Similar novels have an independent female lead who forms a friendship with a male character. I enjoy reading about these women who solve mysteries, and do not require a man to save the day. If you are a fan of M. Louisa Locke or P. B. Ryan, you might enjoy this historical mystery.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: A mining town high in the Rocky Mountains during the Colorado Silver Rush of the 1880's.
First sentence: If there was an arctic version of hell, Joe Rose was living it in Leadville, Colorado.
This novel is the first in Parker's Silver Rush mystery series.
Leadville, Colorado during the silver rush was a dangerous town. A smart person did not go out alone or unarmed. Unfortunately, Joe Rose found himself inebriated and alone in an alley at night. The next morning his body was found behind the Silver Queen saloon. Apparently, Joe had been trampled to death by a horse. Finding the body near the Silver Queen leads the local marshal to think that the owners of the Silver Queen might know something about the murder. The Silver Queen is owned and operated by Inez Stannert and her negro partner Abe Jackson.
Inez is good friends with Emma Rose, the wife of the victim. In order to clear her name, and to help Emma, Inez begins to ask questions. As she gather information about the murder, she learns that many of Leadville's citizens have personal secrets. Secrets they keep hidden by telling lies.
Inez herself, along with Abe, and Inez's missing husband once were part of a counterfeiting ring. The handsome new minister may not be who seems be. The clumsy bar helper, Useless, once worked at the finest brothel in town. And even the legendary lawman Bat Masterson arrives to provide Inez with some important information.
Over all, I enjoyed this novel. The middle of the story seemed to drag a little. But the climax was very exciting.
This novel put me in mind of other historical mysteries. Similar novels have an independent female lead who forms a friendship with a male character. I enjoy reading about these women who solve mysteries, and do not require a man to save the day. If you are a fan of M. Louisa Locke or P. B. Ryan, you might enjoy this historical mystery.
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Cold Copper by Devon Monk
Genre: Steam Punk
Setting: A steam punk version of the Western United States in the late 19th century.
First Sentence: There were plenty of good ways to die.
This novel is the third in Monk's The Age of Steam series.
There is a power in the world. It is called the Strange. The Strange possesses terrible power which could destroy mankind.
There are unscrupulous humans who can control the Strange and use it to gain power and wealth. To control the Strange, evil humans have created a device called the Holder. Their goal is to overthrow the U.S. government and control the world. The Holder has been broken into seven parts. Our intrepid band of characters are following the trail of one of the pieces.
Our main character is Cedar Hunt. Cedar and his brother have been cursed by the Pawnee to destroy the Strange and find the Holder. To keep him true to the cause, on the night of the full moon, Cedar transforms into a wolf and roams the countryside looking for Strange to kill.
Travelling with Cedar is an eclectic group of people. Each has a unique talent for casting spells, inventing devices of sensing unseen phenomena.
In the dead of winter, Cedar has followed the scent of the Holder, and led his fellow travelers to Des Moines. The mayor of Des Moines, Killian Vosbrough, has used his family's wealth and influence to gain control of the city. There he has been amassing metal, machines, and even the power of the Strange, for some nefarious purpose.
Somehow connected with this gathering of evil is the mystery of the missing children. Many of the children of Des Moines have simply vanished. It is up to our intrepid protagonists to find the Holder, solve the mystery of the children, and to defeat the evil Mr. Vosbrough.
I enjoyed reading this novel. There is lots of action in every chapter. In each chapter the characters are taking chances, defending themselves, or running for their lives. For me, from the first page, it was suspend disbelief and hang on for the ride!
Although this novel could be read by itself, most readers would enjoy it more if it were read in sequence. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: A steam punk version of the Western United States in the late 19th century.
First Sentence: There were plenty of good ways to die.
This novel is the third in Monk's The Age of Steam series.
There is a power in the world. It is called the Strange. The Strange possesses terrible power which could destroy mankind.
There are unscrupulous humans who can control the Strange and use it to gain power and wealth. To control the Strange, evil humans have created a device called the Holder. Their goal is to overthrow the U.S. government and control the world. The Holder has been broken into seven parts. Our intrepid band of characters are following the trail of one of the pieces.
Our main character is Cedar Hunt. Cedar and his brother have been cursed by the Pawnee to destroy the Strange and find the Holder. To keep him true to the cause, on the night of the full moon, Cedar transforms into a wolf and roams the countryside looking for Strange to kill.
Travelling with Cedar is an eclectic group of people. Each has a unique talent for casting spells, inventing devices of sensing unseen phenomena.
In the dead of winter, Cedar has followed the scent of the Holder, and led his fellow travelers to Des Moines. The mayor of Des Moines, Killian Vosbrough, has used his family's wealth and influence to gain control of the city. There he has been amassing metal, machines, and even the power of the Strange, for some nefarious purpose.
Somehow connected with this gathering of evil is the mystery of the missing children. Many of the children of Des Moines have simply vanished. It is up to our intrepid protagonists to find the Holder, solve the mystery of the children, and to defeat the evil Mr. Vosbrough.
I enjoyed reading this novel. There is lots of action in every chapter. In each chapter the characters are taking chances, defending themselves, or running for their lives. For me, from the first page, it was suspend disbelief and hang on for the ride!
Although this novel could be read by itself, most readers would enjoy it more if it were read in sequence. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.
Check out my eBook!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Tempest at Dawn by James D. Best
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1787
First sentence: Anxiety woke me before dawn.
This novel is a fictional retelling of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The first attempt at a national government for the United States, the Articles of Confederation, was a failure. Congress called the convention so that the political leaders of the thirteen states could improve the Articles. These leaders were savvy enough to realize that a new system of government was required.
The leaders of the convention understood that the delegates needed to be free to debate without the pressure of public opinion. They had the windows of Independence hall nailed shut, and were sworn to secrecy.
Thus, there are no verbatim records of the debates. Best used the existing records and some creative license to craft a novel that recreates the creation of the constitution.
In this novel, Best follows two main characters: James Madison and Roger Sherman. Madison was the author of the Virginia plan. Before the convention, he had spent a year researching the history of republican governments. He believed in proportional representation based on the populations of the states. Roger Sherman was the leader of the small states. The small states wanted each state to have equal representation in congress.
All of the delegates came to the convention ready to defend the interests of their states. Many came with set ideas and beliefs. Best's novel shows us how the delegates used their political skills. Best shows us the debates in the convention hall. We also see the discussions, deal making and arm twisting that took place in hotel rooms, taverns and public parks around Philadelphia.
I especially enjoyed how Best portrayed the influence that George Washington and Ben Franklin had on the progress of the convention. Washington, as president of the convention, did not take part in the debates. Yet, his leadership and back room deal making, brought the convention to a unanimous conclusion. Franklin was the paternal leader of the convention. His well-timed observations helped to move the debate forward.
In my opinion, this novel can teach us some valuable lessons. Although we believe in transparent government, politicians sometimes do their best work when they are away from the media and the glare of public opinion.
In recent years the concept of compromise seems to have fallen out of favor. Yet, it must be recognized that, without compromise, the constitution would never have been written.
Many of the delegates recognized that the Constitution was not perfect. It was the best they could do at the time. After it was written, they all firmly defended it.
This is an unusual novel. There is very little action, and there is a great deal of dialog. Most of the dialog consists of characters debating political points. However, I found this novel to be an interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1787
First sentence: Anxiety woke me before dawn.
This novel is a fictional retelling of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The first attempt at a national government for the United States, the Articles of Confederation, was a failure. Congress called the convention so that the political leaders of the thirteen states could improve the Articles. These leaders were savvy enough to realize that a new system of government was required.
The leaders of the convention understood that the delegates needed to be free to debate without the pressure of public opinion. They had the windows of Independence hall nailed shut, and were sworn to secrecy.
Thus, there are no verbatim records of the debates. Best used the existing records and some creative license to craft a novel that recreates the creation of the constitution.
In this novel, Best follows two main characters: James Madison and Roger Sherman. Madison was the author of the Virginia plan. Before the convention, he had spent a year researching the history of republican governments. He believed in proportional representation based on the populations of the states. Roger Sherman was the leader of the small states. The small states wanted each state to have equal representation in congress.
All of the delegates came to the convention ready to defend the interests of their states. Many came with set ideas and beliefs. Best's novel shows us how the delegates used their political skills. Best shows us the debates in the convention hall. We also see the discussions, deal making and arm twisting that took place in hotel rooms, taverns and public parks around Philadelphia.
I especially enjoyed how Best portrayed the influence that George Washington and Ben Franklin had on the progress of the convention. Washington, as president of the convention, did not take part in the debates. Yet, his leadership and back room deal making, brought the convention to a unanimous conclusion. Franklin was the paternal leader of the convention. His well-timed observations helped to move the debate forward.
In my opinion, this novel can teach us some valuable lessons. Although we believe in transparent government, politicians sometimes do their best work when they are away from the media and the glare of public opinion.
In recent years the concept of compromise seems to have fallen out of favor. Yet, it must be recognized that, without compromise, the constitution would never have been written.
Many of the delegates recognized that the Constitution was not perfect. It was the best they could do at the time. After it was written, they all firmly defended it.
This is an unusual novel. There is very little action, and there is a great deal of dialog. Most of the dialog consists of characters debating political points. However, I found this novel to be an interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Check out my eBook!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Paradise Alley by Kevin Baker
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: New York City, during the draft riots of 1863
First Sentence: He is coming.
The draft riots of 1863 in New York City are considered by many to be the largest civil uprising in U.S. history outside of the Civil War. The riot, which started as a protest against the draft, turned into a race riot which lasted three days. At least 100 black people were killed by the mostly Irish white rioters. In the end, Army troops were called in to quell the riots.
Baker uses this riot as the backdrop for his novel. In the novel, he tells the stories of several different characters whose lives intersect in Paradise Alley during the dangerous days of the riot.
Through the use of flashbacks, we learn the histories of each character. We learn the hardships and struggles which led each character to be in Paradise Alley on the days of the riot.
Dangerous Johnny Dolan is a a ruthless, remorseless criminal who found a way to escape the Irish potato famine.
Ruth Dove watched her entire family starve to death, and followed Johnny to New York.
Billy Dove is an escaped slave who is a skilled shipbuilder. But the only work he can find is as a janitor in an orphanage for black children.
Deirdre O'Kane is Johnny's older sister. She escaped the famine in Ireland and found a good life as a domestic in New York.
Tom O'Kane is Dierdre's husband. He enlisted in the Army as part of Dierdre's plan to mold him into a more respectable husband.
Maddy Boyle is a young Irish prostitute. She brazenly serves both white and black clients.
Herbert Willis Thompson is a newspaper reporter. He is also Maddy's lover.
Baker builds his story slowly as he gradually reveals each character's past. As the riot grows in intensity, the tension of the story mounts. I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot as Baker brought all of the characters together in Paradise Alley. I kept reading to discover how each would endure the danger of the riot.
I really enjoyed this novel. I like Baker's writing style. For me, the reading is effortless, and the story flowed. His use of flashbacks mixes up the story timeline and keeps the reading interesting.
Also, if you liked the movie "Gangs of New York" you might like this novel. Both stories are set in New York during the Civil War.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: New York City, during the draft riots of 1863
First Sentence: He is coming.
The draft riots of 1863 in New York City are considered by many to be the largest civil uprising in U.S. history outside of the Civil War. The riot, which started as a protest against the draft, turned into a race riot which lasted three days. At least 100 black people were killed by the mostly Irish white rioters. In the end, Army troops were called in to quell the riots.
Baker uses this riot as the backdrop for his novel. In the novel, he tells the stories of several different characters whose lives intersect in Paradise Alley during the dangerous days of the riot.
Through the use of flashbacks, we learn the histories of each character. We learn the hardships and struggles which led each character to be in Paradise Alley on the days of the riot.
Dangerous Johnny Dolan is a a ruthless, remorseless criminal who found a way to escape the Irish potato famine.
Ruth Dove watched her entire family starve to death, and followed Johnny to New York.
Billy Dove is an escaped slave who is a skilled shipbuilder. But the only work he can find is as a janitor in an orphanage for black children.
Deirdre O'Kane is Johnny's older sister. She escaped the famine in Ireland and found a good life as a domestic in New York.
Tom O'Kane is Dierdre's husband. He enlisted in the Army as part of Dierdre's plan to mold him into a more respectable husband.
Maddy Boyle is a young Irish prostitute. She brazenly serves both white and black clients.
Herbert Willis Thompson is a newspaper reporter. He is also Maddy's lover.
Baker builds his story slowly as he gradually reveals each character's past. As the riot grows in intensity, the tension of the story mounts. I found myself becoming more engrossed in the plot as Baker brought all of the characters together in Paradise Alley. I kept reading to discover how each would endure the danger of the riot.
I really enjoyed this novel. I like Baker's writing style. For me, the reading is effortless, and the story flowed. His use of flashbacks mixes up the story timeline and keeps the reading interesting.
Also, if you liked the movie "Gangs of New York" you might like this novel. Both stories are set in New York during the Civil War.
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
The Jupiter Myth by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Londinium, Britannia, - London, England 75 AD
First Sentence: "It depends what we mean by civilization," the procurator mused.
This book is the fourteenth novel in Davis's Falco mystery series.
In the previous Falco novel, Falco has been sent to Britannia by the emperor. Traveling with Falco are his wife Helena, their young daughters, Falco's sister Maia, her children, and Falco's pal Petro. The emperor wanted Falco to investigate the finances of the local tribal king's new palace. As part of the solution, a warrior named Verovolcus is exiled to Gaul.
On the way home, the entourage has stopped in Londinium to visit Helena's aunt. Unfortunately, a British warrior has been found dead. It seems that the deceased warrior "accidentally" drowned in a well near a bar. I turns out that the victim is Verovolcus. Of course, Falco is asked to investigate.
As Falco begins to investigate the case, he begins to feel that he is being stonewalled. But he keeps his eyes open. Soon he begins to notice that Roman mobsters have been operating in Londinium. Some how the warrior's death is connected to the mobsters' activities. So Falco begins to gather the evidence needed to arrest the criminals.
During his investigation, Falco renews his acquaintance with a female gladiator named Amazonia. Once, Falco and Amazonia were lovers, long before he and Helena met. Of course, that doesn't keep Helena from feeling jealous.
This novel reads more like a thriller than a mystery. For most of the story, we are following Falco as he learns about the gangsters. There is lots of action and danger. There is a gladiator style battle to the death in the arena. And in the end the characters have to live with a less than perfect conclusion.
In this novel, Davis introduces the character Albia. Albia is a British orphan. In future novels she becomes part of Falco and Helena's family. She is also the main character in "The Ides of April", the first novel in another historical mystery series by Lindsey Davis.
I like Davis's writing style. In Falco she has created a great character. And I enjoy reading about him.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Londinium, Britannia, - London, England 75 AD
First Sentence: "It depends what we mean by civilization," the procurator mused.
This book is the fourteenth novel in Davis's Falco mystery series.
In the previous Falco novel, Falco has been sent to Britannia by the emperor. Traveling with Falco are his wife Helena, their young daughters, Falco's sister Maia, her children, and Falco's pal Petro. The emperor wanted Falco to investigate the finances of the local tribal king's new palace. As part of the solution, a warrior named Verovolcus is exiled to Gaul.
On the way home, the entourage has stopped in Londinium to visit Helena's aunt. Unfortunately, a British warrior has been found dead. It seems that the deceased warrior "accidentally" drowned in a well near a bar. I turns out that the victim is Verovolcus. Of course, Falco is asked to investigate.
As Falco begins to investigate the case, he begins to feel that he is being stonewalled. But he keeps his eyes open. Soon he begins to notice that Roman mobsters have been operating in Londinium. Some how the warrior's death is connected to the mobsters' activities. So Falco begins to gather the evidence needed to arrest the criminals.
During his investigation, Falco renews his acquaintance with a female gladiator named Amazonia. Once, Falco and Amazonia were lovers, long before he and Helena met. Of course, that doesn't keep Helena from feeling jealous.
This novel reads more like a thriller than a mystery. For most of the story, we are following Falco as he learns about the gangsters. There is lots of action and danger. There is a gladiator style battle to the death in the arena. And in the end the characters have to live with a less than perfect conclusion.
In this novel, Davis introduces the character Albia. Albia is a British orphan. In future novels she becomes part of Falco and Helena's family. She is also the main character in "The Ides of April", the first novel in another historical mystery series by Lindsey Davis.
I like Davis's writing style. In Falco she has created a great character. And I enjoy reading about him.
Check out my eBook!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
The Ides of April by Lindsey Davis
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Rome, 89 AD
First Sentence: Lucius was three years old when his mother took her eyes off him and he ran out of the house to play.
Lindsey Davis is one of my favorite authors. She is the author of the twenty novel Marcus Didius Falco historical mystery series. Set in the first century AD, these novels feature a most unique main character. Falco is an informer, what we would call an investigator. He is Rome's version of Sam Spade: tough, with an eye for detail, and a sense of justice.
Flavia Alba, the main character of this novel, is the adopted daughter of Falco. Unlike most Roman women, she lives by herself and is self supporting. Like her father she too is an informer. She also has a tough spirit and keen sense of justice.
The action of this novel takes place twelve years after the Falco novel "Nemesis." One of Flavia's clients has died under mysterious circumstances - suddenly and without obvious wounds. After making some inquiries, Flavia finds that several other people have died under similar circumstances.
Flavia then learns that the authorities are aware of the mysterious deaths. At first, they ask Flavia to stop investigating the case. The authorities are afraid of frightening the populace. Soon, the authorities learn that Flavia's investigations are helpful in solving the case.
While working on the case, Flavia makes some visits to her interesting family, and she acquires a friend/love interest.
As she gets closer to solving the case, Flavia learns that she and her brother are at risk.
Will Flavia discover the identity of the murderer before she and her brother become victims?
I enjoyed this mystery. I was successful in identifying the culprit before the reveal. And the action surrounding the capture of the murderer kept my interest to the very end of the novel.
If you are a fan of Falco, you will enjoy this novel. It is written in a similar easy to read style. If you haven't read the Falco books, this novel is a good introduction to Davis's writing style. It's a stand-alone novel that introduces a great new character. I look forward to reading more novels about Flavia Alba in ancient Rome.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Rome, 89 AD
First Sentence: Lucius was three years old when his mother took her eyes off him and he ran out of the house to play.
Lindsey Davis is one of my favorite authors. She is the author of the twenty novel Marcus Didius Falco historical mystery series. Set in the first century AD, these novels feature a most unique main character. Falco is an informer, what we would call an investigator. He is Rome's version of Sam Spade: tough, with an eye for detail, and a sense of justice.
Flavia Alba, the main character of this novel, is the adopted daughter of Falco. Unlike most Roman women, she lives by herself and is self supporting. Like her father she too is an informer. She also has a tough spirit and keen sense of justice.
The action of this novel takes place twelve years after the Falco novel "Nemesis." One of Flavia's clients has died under mysterious circumstances - suddenly and without obvious wounds. After making some inquiries, Flavia finds that several other people have died under similar circumstances.
Flavia then learns that the authorities are aware of the mysterious deaths. At first, they ask Flavia to stop investigating the case. The authorities are afraid of frightening the populace. Soon, the authorities learn that Flavia's investigations are helpful in solving the case.
While working on the case, Flavia makes some visits to her interesting family, and she acquires a friend/love interest.
As she gets closer to solving the case, Flavia learns that she and her brother are at risk.
Will Flavia discover the identity of the murderer before she and her brother become victims?
I enjoyed this mystery. I was successful in identifying the culprit before the reveal. And the action surrounding the capture of the murderer kept my interest to the very end of the novel.
If you are a fan of Falco, you will enjoy this novel. It is written in a similar easy to read style. If you haven't read the Falco books, this novel is a good introduction to Davis's writing style. It's a stand-alone novel that introduces a great new character. I look forward to reading more novels about Flavia Alba in ancient Rome.
Check out my eBook!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Bloody Rain by Rick Spilman
Genre: Short Story
Setting: Aboard the Queen Charlotte, a three masted iron bark, in India during the 1880's.
First sentence: The Queen Charlotte was anchored fore and aft off the Calcutta wharves in the Hoogly River, waiting for cargo.
Captain John McPherson is a cruel taskmaster. He treats his crew harshly, and is not above using physical violence to enforce his rule.
When he kills one of his crew members, he descends into madness.
Ultimately, the captain's own harshness brings about his own punishment.
I liked this short story. It reminded me of other "guilty conscience" type stories. For me, it provided a nice break between heavier tomes.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Aboard the Queen Charlotte, a three masted iron bark, in India during the 1880's.
First sentence: The Queen Charlotte was anchored fore and aft off the Calcutta wharves in the Hoogly River, waiting for cargo.
Captain John McPherson is a cruel taskmaster. He treats his crew harshly, and is not above using physical violence to enforce his rule.
When he kills one of his crew members, he descends into madness.
Ultimately, the captain's own harshness brings about his own punishment.
I liked this short story. It reminded me of other "guilty conscience" type stories. For me, it provided a nice break between heavier tomes.
Check out my eBook!
Hostile Shores by Dewey Lambdin
Genre: Nautical Fiction
Setting: 1805-1806, at sea, in England, and in foreign lands during the Napoleonic Wars.
First Sentence: A jaunt ashore would clear his head and provide a brief but welcome diversion from his hew responsibility and worry, he was sure of it.
FYI: Some adult content.
This novel is the nineteenth in Lambdin's Alan Lewrie Naval Adventure series.
In the grand tradition of naval fiction, the author follows his main character as his career progresses from midshipman to captain during the Napoleonic wars. In Captain Sir Alan Lewrie, Lambdin has created a unique and memorable main character.
Lewrie is a bold captain who will lead his crew into battle. Even if he is against long odds. His crew likes him because he rarely uses the cat to enforce discipline.
At the beginning of this novel, Lewrie is the commanding officer of the British Navy's small contingent protecting the Bahamas. There is a rumor that the French fleet is in the area. When a squadron of warships approaches, Lewrie leads his small group of vessels in a suicidal mission to defend the port. At the last moment, just before Lewrie opens fire, the approaching ships identify themselves as British. Lewrie's reaction to this ill-conceived jape puts him in bad graces with the new commander.
Thus, Lewrie gets orders to return to England to have his ship refitted. Lewrie's unexpected arrival, and lack of further orders, makes his ship a low priority.
Fortunately, Lewrie knows how to navigate the bureaucracy of the Admiralty offices. He finagles orders to join a combined navy and army force headed to South Africa to take the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town from the Dutch.
After a month of refitting and visiting with his love interest, the Lady Lydia Stangbourne, Lewrie joins a convoy headed to Africa. Along the way, Lewrie learns about the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson.
After the conquest of Cape Town, Lewrie's ship becomes a part of an expeditionary force organized by Commodore Popham. Popham has a grand idea to become the next great naval hero. Acting without orders, he sails to Argentina to "liberate" the Argentinians from Spanish control. Lewrie knows that this invasion is a fool's errand.
Can Lewrie find glory for his ship and crew without becoming entangled in what is sure to be a failed mission?
In Lewrie, Lambdin has created a unique hero. And in this novel, Lambdin tells a realistic tale of a ship's captain.
I enjoyed reading this novel. And, I enjoyed reading about the exploits of Captain Lewrie.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: 1805-1806, at sea, in England, and in foreign lands during the Napoleonic Wars.
First Sentence: A jaunt ashore would clear his head and provide a brief but welcome diversion from his hew responsibility and worry, he was sure of it.
FYI: Some adult content.
This novel is the nineteenth in Lambdin's Alan Lewrie Naval Adventure series.
In the grand tradition of naval fiction, the author follows his main character as his career progresses from midshipman to captain during the Napoleonic wars. In Captain Sir Alan Lewrie, Lambdin has created a unique and memorable main character.
Lewrie is a bold captain who will lead his crew into battle. Even if he is against long odds. His crew likes him because he rarely uses the cat to enforce discipline.
At the beginning of this novel, Lewrie is the commanding officer of the British Navy's small contingent protecting the Bahamas. There is a rumor that the French fleet is in the area. When a squadron of warships approaches, Lewrie leads his small group of vessels in a suicidal mission to defend the port. At the last moment, just before Lewrie opens fire, the approaching ships identify themselves as British. Lewrie's reaction to this ill-conceived jape puts him in bad graces with the new commander.
Thus, Lewrie gets orders to return to England to have his ship refitted. Lewrie's unexpected arrival, and lack of further orders, makes his ship a low priority.
Fortunately, Lewrie knows how to navigate the bureaucracy of the Admiralty offices. He finagles orders to join a combined navy and army force headed to South Africa to take the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town from the Dutch.
After a month of refitting and visiting with his love interest, the Lady Lydia Stangbourne, Lewrie joins a convoy headed to Africa. Along the way, Lewrie learns about the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson.
After the conquest of Cape Town, Lewrie's ship becomes a part of an expeditionary force organized by Commodore Popham. Popham has a grand idea to become the next great naval hero. Acting without orders, he sails to Argentina to "liberate" the Argentinians from Spanish control. Lewrie knows that this invasion is a fool's errand.
Can Lewrie find glory for his ship and crew without becoming entangled in what is sure to be a failed mission?
In Lewrie, Lambdin has created a unique hero. And in this novel, Lambdin tells a realistic tale of a ship's captain.
I enjoyed reading this novel. And, I enjoyed reading about the exploits of Captain Lewrie.
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Hell Around the Horn by Rick Spilman
Genre: Nautical Fiction
Setting: Aboard the Lady Rebecca, a sailing ship, in 1905.
First Sentence: Captain William Jones paused on the bridge wing as the MormacMar steamed up the River Plate.
This novel is based upon real ship and its passage around the Horn in 1905.
As Captain William Jones is bringing his ship into port in Uruguay, he spies a rusted hulk beached on the shore. He recognizes the abandoned derelict. It is the Lady Rebecca. The Lady Rebecca was one of the last of a dying breed, a square rigged sailing ship still operating at the beginning of the 20th century. She was a steel hulled, three masted windjammer.
It was in this ship that Captain Jones took his first sea voyage as an apprentice.
On June 11, 1905, the Lady Rebecca left Cardiff, Wales carrying a load of coal, bound for the port of Pisagua, Chile. On board are twenty able seamen, four apprentices, the ship's officers, and the captain's wife and two children.
After 139 days at sea, the ship finally arrives at her destination. Along the way there have been terrible hardships. There was a fire in the cargo hold. They spent 71 days battling freezing weather and contrary winds while rounding the horn. Four seamen lost their lives. Many were injured or sick. And there was the threat of a mutiny.
The tale of this voyage makes for a thrilling story of adventure on the high seas. Spilman tells the tale of this fateful voyage through the eyes of William, the Captain, his wife, and an American sailor. Through their experiences we get a glimpse of the realities and hardships faced by sailors during the Age of Sail.
The author does a great job of integrating actual maritime vocabulary into his telling of the story. He has also added a glossary of nautical terms to help the reader understand that colorful jargon.
In my opinion, this novel would be a great place to start if you're interested in trying out nautical fiction. And for those who are experienced readers of this genre, it's an exciting ocean going yarn.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Aboard the Lady Rebecca, a sailing ship, in 1905.
First Sentence: Captain William Jones paused on the bridge wing as the MormacMar steamed up the River Plate.
This novel is based upon real ship and its passage around the Horn in 1905.
As Captain William Jones is bringing his ship into port in Uruguay, he spies a rusted hulk beached on the shore. He recognizes the abandoned derelict. It is the Lady Rebecca. The Lady Rebecca was one of the last of a dying breed, a square rigged sailing ship still operating at the beginning of the 20th century. She was a steel hulled, three masted windjammer.
It was in this ship that Captain Jones took his first sea voyage as an apprentice.
On June 11, 1905, the Lady Rebecca left Cardiff, Wales carrying a load of coal, bound for the port of Pisagua, Chile. On board are twenty able seamen, four apprentices, the ship's officers, and the captain's wife and two children.
After 139 days at sea, the ship finally arrives at her destination. Along the way there have been terrible hardships. There was a fire in the cargo hold. They spent 71 days battling freezing weather and contrary winds while rounding the horn. Four seamen lost their lives. Many were injured or sick. And there was the threat of a mutiny.
The tale of this voyage makes for a thrilling story of adventure on the high seas. Spilman tells the tale of this fateful voyage through the eyes of William, the Captain, his wife, and an American sailor. Through their experiences we get a glimpse of the realities and hardships faced by sailors during the Age of Sail.
The author does a great job of integrating actual maritime vocabulary into his telling of the story. He has also added a glossary of nautical terms to help the reader understand that colorful jargon.
In my opinion, this novel would be a great place to start if you're interested in trying out nautical fiction. And for those who are experienced readers of this genre, it's an exciting ocean going yarn.
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Behold a Pale Horse by Peter Tremayne
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Northern Italy, A.D. 664
First Sentence: The elderly man was obviously a religieux.
This novel is the 22nd book in Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series. In the chronology of the series, the action in this novel takes place immediately after The Shroud for the Archbishop.
Sister Fidelma is a religieux, essentially a nun. In Ireland she is a highly trained and respected lawyer. She is also a princess. Her father was the king, and her brother is the heir apparent to the throne of Muman, in Ireland.
In this novel, Fidelma is returning to Ireland. She had been in Rome. There she solved a mystery with the help of a Saxon monk named Eadulf.
On her way home, her ship is damaged. While she is waiting for another ship, Fidelma helps to save an elderly religieux from an attack. While talking to the elderly religieux she discovers that a former tutor and mentor of hers is sick and near death in a nearby abbey. Fidelma decides to go to the abbey to visit him.
Once at the abbey, Fidelma finds herself in an unsettling situation. The local warlords are planning attacks. The local clergy are threatening each other over competing religious beliefs. In addition, several people, including her old tutor, warn her that there is evil in the abbey and advise her to leave.
When Fidelma's tutor dies, she knows that he has been murdered. Fidelma begins to gather clues, however her investigation is made difficult because Fidelma is just a visitor to the abbey, and has no authority to investigate. In the end, six people have been slain. Among them are a shepherd boy, his mother, a monk, and a prince's nurse.
Who is the murderer, and why is he killing his victims? As the warlords plan their attacks, can Fidelma unravel the mystery in time to avoid more unnecessary deaths?
This mystery had me stumped. I didn't know the identity of the culprit until the author revealed it. This novel was a great read - a fine addition to a very good historical mystery series.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Northern Italy, A.D. 664
First Sentence: The elderly man was obviously a religieux.
This novel is the 22nd book in Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series. In the chronology of the series, the action in this novel takes place immediately after The Shroud for the Archbishop.
Sister Fidelma is a religieux, essentially a nun. In Ireland she is a highly trained and respected lawyer. She is also a princess. Her father was the king, and her brother is the heir apparent to the throne of Muman, in Ireland.
In this novel, Fidelma is returning to Ireland. She had been in Rome. There she solved a mystery with the help of a Saxon monk named Eadulf.
On her way home, her ship is damaged. While she is waiting for another ship, Fidelma helps to save an elderly religieux from an attack. While talking to the elderly religieux she discovers that a former tutor and mentor of hers is sick and near death in a nearby abbey. Fidelma decides to go to the abbey to visit him.
Once at the abbey, Fidelma finds herself in an unsettling situation. The local warlords are planning attacks. The local clergy are threatening each other over competing religious beliefs. In addition, several people, including her old tutor, warn her that there is evil in the abbey and advise her to leave.
When Fidelma's tutor dies, she knows that he has been murdered. Fidelma begins to gather clues, however her investigation is made difficult because Fidelma is just a visitor to the abbey, and has no authority to investigate. In the end, six people have been slain. Among them are a shepherd boy, his mother, a monk, and a prince's nurse.
Who is the murderer, and why is he killing his victims? As the warlords plan their attacks, can Fidelma unravel the mystery in time to avoid more unnecessary deaths?
This mystery had me stumped. I didn't know the identity of the culprit until the author revealed it. This novel was a great read - a fine addition to a very good historical mystery series.
Check out my eBook!
Friday, June 28, 2013
Five of my Favorite Children's Novels
I was an elementary school teacher for thirty years. I always made time to read novels to my classes. These are five of the novels that I really enjoyed reading to my students. Of course, adults can read them too!
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
By: Robert C. O'Brian
Mrs. Frisby is a mouse living in Mr. Fitzgibbon's garden. She is a widow with several young children. At the end of Winter, just before the the time for Spring plowing, her frailest child becomes ill and cannot be moved. Mrs. Frisby must find a way to save him from from Mr. Fitzgibbon's plow. Her search leads her to the rats where she learns the secret shared by the rats and her poor dead husband.
Running Out of Time
By: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Jessie and her family live in the small town of Clifton, Indiana in the year 1840. As she has grown up, Jessie has noticed odd things about the town. There are words they are not allowed to use, and places they are not allowed to go. Although there is a doctor in Clifton, people often ask Jessie's mother for medical help. When an epidemic threatens the lives of several young children, Jessie's mother decides to send Jessie for some modern help. That's when she reveals the truth about Clifton.
The Seventh Princess
By: Nick Sullivan
On the bus to school, Jennifer is upset. Her homework is not done. She was supposed to write about her most fantastic dream, and she couldn't think of anything to write about.
Then there is a jolt, and Jennifer is in a horse drawn carriage. The carriage delivers her to a castle where she meets Duke Rinaldo. Soon, Jennifer is adopted by the king as the Princess Miranda.
It is an open secret that Jennifer is not really the Princess Miranda. Then we learn that she is the seventh princess. There is an evil witch who demands the tribute of a princess every year. What has happened to the previous six princesses?
I love this book because it is so well written. The description of the harpy attack is an excellent example of fantastic writing.
A Door in the Wall
By: Marguerite De Angeli
Robin is the son of a knight. He hopes one day to fallow in his father's footsteps. As the story begins, Robin's father is in the North fighting with the king. His mother has left to serve as a lady in waiting for the queen. After his mother leaves, Robin is taken ill and can no longer move his legs. The man who is supposed to take Robin to his father never arrives. Eventually, the entire house staff has either succumbed to the plague, or departed in fear. Robin is left alone.
Kindly Brother Luke takes Robin to the hospice of St. Marks. There Brother Luke takes care of Robin both body and soul. Robin learns to adapt to his disability, and he learns to be a better person.
The Green Book
By: Jill Paton Walsh
Pattie's family is leaving Earth. There is something wrong with the sun. Because they are among the last to leave, their spaceship is not very powerful. So each person is allowed to bring only one personal item. Pattie brings a green book. The others make fun of Pattie when they discover that Pattie's book is just a blank journal.
The novel tells the story of Pattie and her family's trip aboard the ship, and their experiences on their new planet, Shine.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
By: Robert C. O'Brian
Mrs. Frisby is a mouse living in Mr. Fitzgibbon's garden. She is a widow with several young children. At the end of Winter, just before the the time for Spring plowing, her frailest child becomes ill and cannot be moved. Mrs. Frisby must find a way to save him from from Mr. Fitzgibbon's plow. Her search leads her to the rats where she learns the secret shared by the rats and her poor dead husband.
Running Out of Time
By: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Jessie and her family live in the small town of Clifton, Indiana in the year 1840. As she has grown up, Jessie has noticed odd things about the town. There are words they are not allowed to use, and places they are not allowed to go. Although there is a doctor in Clifton, people often ask Jessie's mother for medical help. When an epidemic threatens the lives of several young children, Jessie's mother decides to send Jessie for some modern help. That's when she reveals the truth about Clifton.
The Seventh Princess
By: Nick Sullivan
On the bus to school, Jennifer is upset. Her homework is not done. She was supposed to write about her most fantastic dream, and she couldn't think of anything to write about.
Then there is a jolt, and Jennifer is in a horse drawn carriage. The carriage delivers her to a castle where she meets Duke Rinaldo. Soon, Jennifer is adopted by the king as the Princess Miranda.
It is an open secret that Jennifer is not really the Princess Miranda. Then we learn that she is the seventh princess. There is an evil witch who demands the tribute of a princess every year. What has happened to the previous six princesses?
I love this book because it is so well written. The description of the harpy attack is an excellent example of fantastic writing.
A Door in the Wall
By: Marguerite De Angeli
Robin is the son of a knight. He hopes one day to fallow in his father's footsteps. As the story begins, Robin's father is in the North fighting with the king. His mother has left to serve as a lady in waiting for the queen. After his mother leaves, Robin is taken ill and can no longer move his legs. The man who is supposed to take Robin to his father never arrives. Eventually, the entire house staff has either succumbed to the plague, or departed in fear. Robin is left alone.
Kindly Brother Luke takes Robin to the hospice of St. Marks. There Brother Luke takes care of Robin both body and soul. Robin learns to adapt to his disability, and he learns to be a better person.
The Green Book
By: Jill Paton Walsh
Pattie's family is leaving Earth. There is something wrong with the sun. Because they are among the last to leave, their spaceship is not very powerful. So each person is allowed to bring only one personal item. Pattie brings a green book. The others make fun of Pattie when they discover that Pattie's book is just a blank journal.
The novel tells the story of Pattie and her family's trip aboard the ship, and their experiences on their new planet, Shine.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Chalice of Blood by Peter Tremayne
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Ireland, A.D. 670
First Sentence: The snow had begun to descend in thick icy flakes, driving into their faces, cold and clinging, obscuring the path along the river bank and adding another coating to the already whitened landscape.
This novel is the 21st book in Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series.
In Tremayne's novels, the Ireland of the 7th century is in the early stages of incorporating Christianity into Irish society. Traditional customs and laws often come in conflict with the new religion.
Ireland of the 7th century was a unique place for women. They had almost complete equal rights with men. Women could be highly educated and could hold secular leadership positions.
This is the Ireland in which Fidelma lives. Fidelma is a religieuse, essentially a nun. She is a highly trained lawyer who is famous throughout the kingdom for her ability to solve mysteries. Fidelma is also a princess. Her brother is the king.
Fidelma is a strong willed woman who doesn't mince words. This makes life especially difficult for Eadulf. In the 7th century, clergy was allowed to marry. Fidelma is married to Eadulf, a Saxon monk, and together they have a young son.
Each of Tremayne's novels about Fidelma stand alone as a complete story. Running through all of the novels is the continuing story of Fidelma's relationship with Eadulf. Eadulf plays "Watson" to Fidelma's "Sherlock". By herself, Fidelma can solve most mysteries. Yet, Eadulf often provides an important fact or legal reference which helps Fidelma prove her case.
Fidelma has recently decided to leave the religious life and devote herself completely to practicing the law. Eadulf, on the other hand, would rather enter an abby and lead a quiet life with Fidelma and their son. This disagreement threatens to destroy their marriage.
In this installment of the series, Fidelma and Eadulf are asked to investigate the murder of a young monk. The monk has been found dead in his locked chamber. Even before Fidelma and Eadulf arrive, they are attacked by unknown warriors.
As they investigate, Fidelma and Eadulf uncover a tangled web of clues. Secrets, revenge, heresy, and madness combine to make this case an especially difficult one for Fidelma to solve. In addition, there have been new attacks by the unknown warriors in the area. Soon, the whole region could be thrown into bloody conflict.
Fidelma's high standing in the kingdom, allows her to lead conflicting leaders to a lawful solution. When Fidelma eventually puts all the pieces together, her solution forms an interesting counterpoint to Fidelma's personal issues.
I really enjoy reading about Fidelma. Tremayne does a great job of leaving clues and red herrings. I am often surprised when Fidelma reveals the solution in the courtroom scene in the final few chapters.
I hope Fidelma and Eadulf can find a resolution to their differences in future episodes of the series.
I definitely recommend this enjoyable book!
Check out my eBook
Setting: Ireland, A.D. 670
First Sentence: The snow had begun to descend in thick icy flakes, driving into their faces, cold and clinging, obscuring the path along the river bank and adding another coating to the already whitened landscape.
This novel is the 21st book in Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series.
In Tremayne's novels, the Ireland of the 7th century is in the early stages of incorporating Christianity into Irish society. Traditional customs and laws often come in conflict with the new religion.
Ireland of the 7th century was a unique place for women. They had almost complete equal rights with men. Women could be highly educated and could hold secular leadership positions.
This is the Ireland in which Fidelma lives. Fidelma is a religieuse, essentially a nun. She is a highly trained lawyer who is famous throughout the kingdom for her ability to solve mysteries. Fidelma is also a princess. Her brother is the king.
Fidelma is a strong willed woman who doesn't mince words. This makes life especially difficult for Eadulf. In the 7th century, clergy was allowed to marry. Fidelma is married to Eadulf, a Saxon monk, and together they have a young son.
Each of Tremayne's novels about Fidelma stand alone as a complete story. Running through all of the novels is the continuing story of Fidelma's relationship with Eadulf. Eadulf plays "Watson" to Fidelma's "Sherlock". By herself, Fidelma can solve most mysteries. Yet, Eadulf often provides an important fact or legal reference which helps Fidelma prove her case.
Fidelma has recently decided to leave the religious life and devote herself completely to practicing the law. Eadulf, on the other hand, would rather enter an abby and lead a quiet life with Fidelma and their son. This disagreement threatens to destroy their marriage.
In this installment of the series, Fidelma and Eadulf are asked to investigate the murder of a young monk. The monk has been found dead in his locked chamber. Even before Fidelma and Eadulf arrive, they are attacked by unknown warriors.
As they investigate, Fidelma and Eadulf uncover a tangled web of clues. Secrets, revenge, heresy, and madness combine to make this case an especially difficult one for Fidelma to solve. In addition, there have been new attacks by the unknown warriors in the area. Soon, the whole region could be thrown into bloody conflict.
Fidelma's high standing in the kingdom, allows her to lead conflicting leaders to a lawful solution. When Fidelma eventually puts all the pieces together, her solution forms an interesting counterpoint to Fidelma's personal issues.
I really enjoy reading about Fidelma. Tremayne does a great job of leaving clues and red herrings. I am often surprised when Fidelma reveals the solution in the courtroom scene in the final few chapters.
I hope Fidelma and Eadulf can find a resolution to their differences in future episodes of the series.
I definitely recommend this enjoyable book!
Check out my eBook
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Dust by Allison M. Dickson
Genre: Science fiction short story.
Setting: Earth in the near future.
First sentence: The dust eats the living and buries everything else.
The space program has staged a return trip to the Moon. There they find something unexpected.
After the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, Clyde Johnson built a terrorist resistant safe room. From his bunker, he watches the dust.
This is a very good short story. I was completely surprised by the ending.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: Earth in the near future.
First sentence: The dust eats the living and buries everything else.
The space program has staged a return trip to the Moon. There they find something unexpected.
After the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, Clyde Johnson built a terrorist resistant safe room. From his bunker, he watches the dust.
This is a very good short story. I was completely surprised by the ending.
Check out my eBook!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The Silver Locomotive Mystery by Edward Marston
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: England, 1855
First sentence: Nigel Buckmaster knew how to make an entrance.
This novel is thesixth in Marston's Railway Detective series.
A silversmith's assistant is given the task of delivering a silver coffeepot shaped like a locomotive to a customer in Cardiff. The assistant is traveling alone on the South Wales Railway. The next day, he is found horribly murdered at the Railway Hotel. And, the silver locomotive is missing.
Once again Inspector Robert Colbeck, the Railway Detective, is on the case. Assisting him, as always, is the intrepid Sergeant Victor Leeming.
As Colbeck and Leeming investigate, they uncover a wonderfully entangled web of clues. In Cardiff, they find several individuals whose lust for silver could lead to robbery and murder. Among the suspects are members of an acting troupe, a professional mistress, and some of Cardiff's well-to-do upper crust. Even the silversmith's son is under suspicion.
With Colbeck and Leeming's hard work and persistence, the culprits are sure to be apprehended. But, just when they seem to have solved the case, the discovery of one important clue forces our investigators to re-examine their conclusions.
Can the Railway Detective one again find the solution to the mystery?
Edward Marston is one of my favorite authors. His prose is enjoyably readable. The pages fly by and, too soon, you've reached the end of another great book.
I highly recommend all of Edward Marston's novels!
Check out my eBook!
Setting: England, 1855
First sentence: Nigel Buckmaster knew how to make an entrance.
This novel is thesixth in Marston's Railway Detective series.
A silversmith's assistant is given the task of delivering a silver coffeepot shaped like a locomotive to a customer in Cardiff. The assistant is traveling alone on the South Wales Railway. The next day, he is found horribly murdered at the Railway Hotel. And, the silver locomotive is missing.
Once again Inspector Robert Colbeck, the Railway Detective, is on the case. Assisting him, as always, is the intrepid Sergeant Victor Leeming.
As Colbeck and Leeming investigate, they uncover a wonderfully entangled web of clues. In Cardiff, they find several individuals whose lust for silver could lead to robbery and murder. Among the suspects are members of an acting troupe, a professional mistress, and some of Cardiff's well-to-do upper crust. Even the silversmith's son is under suspicion.
With Colbeck and Leeming's hard work and persistence, the culprits are sure to be apprehended. But, just when they seem to have solved the case, the discovery of one important clue forces our investigators to re-examine their conclusions.
Can the Railway Detective one again find the solution to the mystery?
Edward Marston is one of my favorite authors. His prose is enjoyably readable. The pages fly by and, too soon, you've reached the end of another great book.
I highly recommend all of Edward Marston's novels!
Check out my eBook!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Supervolcano: All Fall Down by Harry Turtledove
Genre: Fiction
Setting: The near future, after the Yellowstone supervolcano has erupted.
FYI: Some adult content.
First Sentence: Colin Ferguson called upstairs to hi wife: "You ready?"
This novel is the second in Turtledove's supervolcano series.
The title of this novel, and the graphic on the dust cover, led me to believe that there would be plenty of action due to increased volcano activity. Perhaps some of the main characters lives would be put in peril. After reading the novel, I was disappointed to find that the volcano is actually a very minor player in the plot. The one character who is a geologist, and an expert on the Yellowstone supervolcano, visits the volcano once. She spends more time in this novel getting pregnant and having a baby than studying the volcano.
The novel is the tale of the Ferguson family and how they adapt and survive the effects of the eruption. Most of the family is based in Southern California with others in the Great Plains and in Northern Maine. Life is tough but they all seem to survive, get jobs, find love, and have babies while the snow falls, food gets scarce, and the price of gas goes up.
None of the family members seem to "fall down".
Turtledove uses an easy to read style. He includes pop culture references and word play to keep the novel fun to read. However some of his puns are real groaners.
To be sure, this novel is not one of Turtledove's best. If you are a big fan of his you might enjoy it.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: The near future, after the Yellowstone supervolcano has erupted.
FYI: Some adult content.
First Sentence: Colin Ferguson called upstairs to hi wife: "You ready?"
This novel is the second in Turtledove's supervolcano series.
The title of this novel, and the graphic on the dust cover, led me to believe that there would be plenty of action due to increased volcano activity. Perhaps some of the main characters lives would be put in peril. After reading the novel, I was disappointed to find that the volcano is actually a very minor player in the plot. The one character who is a geologist, and an expert on the Yellowstone supervolcano, visits the volcano once. She spends more time in this novel getting pregnant and having a baby than studying the volcano.
The novel is the tale of the Ferguson family and how they adapt and survive the effects of the eruption. Most of the family is based in Southern California with others in the Great Plains and in Northern Maine. Life is tough but they all seem to survive, get jobs, find love, and have babies while the snow falls, food gets scarce, and the price of gas goes up.
None of the family members seem to "fall down".
Turtledove uses an easy to read style. He includes pop culture references and word play to keep the novel fun to read. However some of his puns are real groaners.
To be sure, this novel is not one of Turtledove's best. If you are a big fan of his you might enjoy it.
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Lord of Mountains by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: In a post-apocalyptic version of North America in the year 2023AD, 25 years ofter the change.
First Sentence: He is coming!
This novel is the twelfth in Stirling's Change series.
When I started reading this novel, I was hoping for the big battle of good versus evil. As the novel opens, Rudi's followers, the army of Montival, are massing to fight a battle with the larger army of the Church Universal and Triumphant. Rudi, with the help of the magical Sword of the Lady, must plan the battle well in order to defeat a much larger foe.
Before we reach the battle scenes the novel plods along with Stirling's extensive descriptions of clothing, food, castles, and familial relationships. The pace picks up as the battle ensues. Yet the evil Prophet Sethaz only appears in one brief scene.
After the battle ends, it's time for Rudi to solidify his standing as High King for the newly created Kingdom of Montival. The kingdom is a confederation of several different groups. Some of which, most notably the Portland Protective Association and the Clan Mackenzie, have recently been sworn enemies. Rudi must find a way to stage a coronation that will satisfy all of the various religious and political groups of Montival.
Fortunately, the solution comes to Rudi in a dream. He must take the Sword of the Lady to the Lost Lake, and there commune with the spiritual powers of good.
The novel fades slowly to the end with a "they lived happily ever after feel." Yet the war versus the evil Prophet is not over. I was waiting for an unexpected attack from the prophet and his evil minions, but it never came.
I don't know if I'll read the next novel of the series. If you are interested in medieval clothing, food, and armaments you might enjoy this novel more than I did.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: In a post-apocalyptic version of North America in the year 2023AD, 25 years ofter the change.
First Sentence: He is coming!
This novel is the twelfth in Stirling's Change series.
When I started reading this novel, I was hoping for the big battle of good versus evil. As the novel opens, Rudi's followers, the army of Montival, are massing to fight a battle with the larger army of the Church Universal and Triumphant. Rudi, with the help of the magical Sword of the Lady, must plan the battle well in order to defeat a much larger foe.
Before we reach the battle scenes the novel plods along with Stirling's extensive descriptions of clothing, food, castles, and familial relationships. The pace picks up as the battle ensues. Yet the evil Prophet Sethaz only appears in one brief scene.
After the battle ends, it's time for Rudi to solidify his standing as High King for the newly created Kingdom of Montival. The kingdom is a confederation of several different groups. Some of which, most notably the Portland Protective Association and the Clan Mackenzie, have recently been sworn enemies. Rudi must find a way to stage a coronation that will satisfy all of the various religious and political groups of Montival.
Fortunately, the solution comes to Rudi in a dream. He must take the Sword of the Lady to the Lost Lake, and there commune with the spiritual powers of good.
The novel fades slowly to the end with a "they lived happily ever after feel." Yet the war versus the evil Prophet is not over. I was waiting for an unexpected attack from the prophet and his evil minions, but it never came.
I don't know if I'll read the next novel of the series. If you are interested in medieval clothing, food, and armaments you might enjoy this novel more than I did.
Check out my eBook!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Murder on the Brighton Express by Edward Marston
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: England, 1854
First Sentence: Hands on hips, Frank Pike stood on the platform at London Bridge station and ran an approving eye over his locomotive.
This novel is the fifth in Marston's Railway Detective series.
Inspector Robert Colbeck is known by reputation as the Railway Detective. While employed by Scotland Yard, rather than a railway company, Colbeck has shown a knack for solving crimes associated with the railroad. He is aided in his investigations by the very capable Sergeant Victor Leeming.
There has been a terrible accident on the Brighton Express line. The train has jumped the track and collided with another train. Many passengers have been injured, and there were several fatalities. Colbeck has been asked by the railroad company to aid the company's own Inspector General in investigating the accident. The Inspector General jumps to the conclusion that driver error has caused the collision. Colbeck is not so sure. Soon he and Sergeant Leeming find clues that lead to a more sinister conclusion: Someone caused the accident in order to murder one of the passengers on the train.
Will Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming find the evidence needed to exonerate the train driver and implicate the murderer before he strikes again?
Edward Marston is one of mu favorite authors. He writes in as extremely readable style. He creates unique and interesting characters. His plots move forward with just the right amount of description. And, for me, his dialogue is a joy to read.
I enjoyed this novel. If you are looking for a nice, pleasant read, give Marston a try!
Check out my eBook!
Setting: England, 1854
First Sentence: Hands on hips, Frank Pike stood on the platform at London Bridge station and ran an approving eye over his locomotive.
This novel is the fifth in Marston's Railway Detective series.
Inspector Robert Colbeck is known by reputation as the Railway Detective. While employed by Scotland Yard, rather than a railway company, Colbeck has shown a knack for solving crimes associated with the railroad. He is aided in his investigations by the very capable Sergeant Victor Leeming.
There has been a terrible accident on the Brighton Express line. The train has jumped the track and collided with another train. Many passengers have been injured, and there were several fatalities. Colbeck has been asked by the railroad company to aid the company's own Inspector General in investigating the accident. The Inspector General jumps to the conclusion that driver error has caused the collision. Colbeck is not so sure. Soon he and Sergeant Leeming find clues that lead to a more sinister conclusion: Someone caused the accident in order to murder one of the passengers on the train.
Will Inspector Colbeck and Sergeant Leeming find the evidence needed to exonerate the train driver and implicate the murderer before he strikes again?
Edward Marston is one of mu favorite authors. He writes in as extremely readable style. He creates unique and interesting characters. His plots move forward with just the right amount of description. And, for me, his dialogue is a joy to read.
I enjoyed this novel. If you are looking for a nice, pleasant read, give Marston a try!
Check out my eBook!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Supervolcano: Eruption by Harry Turtledove
Genre: Fiction
Setting: North America
First sentence: Colin Ferguson woke up with a hangover, alone in an unfamiliar double bed.
This novel is the first in Turtledove's Supervolcano series.
Sitting under Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. That's why there are so many geysers and other geothermal effects in that area. Some geologists believe that Yellowstone is over due for an eruption.
What would happen if the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted?
That's the premise of Turtledove's novel. The author follows the members of a family as they cope with the effects of the eruption. The characters are spread out over different parts of North America from California to the Midwest to Northern Maine. As Turtledove moves from character to character, he tells the tale from each character's point of view. The characters must struggle with the ashfall from the volcano as well as the changing climate. They must also deal with their own personal issues. And to complicate things, some countries in the Middle East have chosen this time to use nuclear weapons.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Turtledove has a writing style which is very readable. Along the way he slips in some clever word play and some pop culture references.
Since this is the first novel of the series, there is no conflict resolution. And it looks like things are just going to get worse. Which means I'll be reading the next book in the series soon!
Check out my eBook!
Setting: North America
First sentence: Colin Ferguson woke up with a hangover, alone in an unfamiliar double bed.
This novel is the first in Turtledove's Supervolcano series.
Sitting under Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. That's why there are so many geysers and other geothermal effects in that area. Some geologists believe that Yellowstone is over due for an eruption.
What would happen if the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted?
That's the premise of Turtledove's novel. The author follows the members of a family as they cope with the effects of the eruption. The characters are spread out over different parts of North America from California to the Midwest to Northern Maine. As Turtledove moves from character to character, he tells the tale from each character's point of view. The characters must struggle with the ashfall from the volcano as well as the changing climate. They must also deal with their own personal issues. And to complicate things, some countries in the Middle East have chosen this time to use nuclear weapons.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Turtledove has a writing style which is very readable. Along the way he slips in some clever word play and some pop culture references.
Since this is the first novel of the series, there is no conflict resolution. And it looks like things are just going to get worse. Which means I'll be reading the next book in the series soon!
Check out my eBook!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Harry Turtledove
One of my Favorite authors is Harry Turtledove. He is a prolific author who has written over one hundred novels. His novels cover a wide range of genres from historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history. I have read over forty of his novels.
I especially enjoy Turtledove's alternate history novels. In fact, Turtledove has been acclaimed as the Master of Alternate History. In these novels, the author changes a critical point in history and explores how history would have evolved differently.
Turtledove's writing style is very readable. He often slips clever word play into his narrative. Instead of following a main character, Turtledove follows a cast of characters. This allows him to tell the story from several different points of view.
Below are some of my favorite Turtledove novels:
The Two Georges (With Richard Dreyfuss) - A mystery story set in an America that did not experience a revolution.
The Guns of the South - Set during the American Civil War, how did the Confederate Army get AK-47s?
How Few Remain - What if the South won the Civil War? (first book of an eleven book series)
In the Balance - What if the aliens landed during WW II? (first book of an eight book series)
Days of Infamy - What if Japan had successfully invaded Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor bombing? (first book of a two book series)
Opening Atlantis - What if English explorers had discovered and colonized the continent of Atlantis? (first book of a four book series)
Hitler's War - What if Hitler had prematurely started WW II in 1938? (first book of a five book series)
I especially enjoy Turtledove's alternate history novels. In fact, Turtledove has been acclaimed as the Master of Alternate History. In these novels, the author changes a critical point in history and explores how history would have evolved differently.
Turtledove's writing style is very readable. He often slips clever word play into his narrative. Instead of following a main character, Turtledove follows a cast of characters. This allows him to tell the story from several different points of view.
Below are some of my favorite Turtledove novels:
The Two Georges (With Richard Dreyfuss) - A mystery story set in an America that did not experience a revolution.
The Guns of the South - Set during the American Civil War, how did the Confederate Army get AK-47s?
How Few Remain - What if the South won the Civil War? (first book of an eleven book series)
In the Balance - What if the aliens landed during WW II? (first book of an eight book series)
Days of Infamy - What if Japan had successfully invaded Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor bombing? (first book of a two book series)
Opening Atlantis - What if English explorers had discovered and colonized the continent of Atlantis? (first book of a four book series)
Hitler's War - What if Hitler had prematurely started WW II in 1938? (first book of a five book series)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Tears of the Sun by S. M. Stirling
Genre: Fantasy, Alternate History
Setting: A fantasy version of Western North America
First Sentence: Rudi Mackenzie -
Artos the First, High King of Montival though yet to be formally crowned - finished the last crusty bite of the ham sandwich, savoring the smoky taste of the cured meat and sharp cheese, and washed it down with the last swallow in the clay crock of beer.
This novel is the eleventh in Stirling's Change series.
Twenty-five years ago and event occurred which changed life on Earth forever. The people living on or near the island of Nantucket were transported thousands of years into the past. Their struggles to survive formed the first three novels of Stirling's Change series.
For the rest of the planet, the laws of physics were drastically changed. Almost all technology created after the Industrial Revolution were rendered useless. The struggles of humans to survive and adapt to a new reality form the plot of the next three novels in the series.
In the ensuing four novels, the plot follows characters born after the change event. They trek across the North American continent to the island of Nantucket. There they encounter powerful supernatural forces. And Rudi acquires the magical Sword of the Lady. In these novels we learn that there is an evil which wishes to destroy the powers of good. As Rudi Mackenzie and his band return to Montival they gather warriors to join them in the fight.
In this novel, the focus of the plot has returned to the Kingdom of Montival. Rudi is now recognized as the High King. He possesses the powerful Sword of the Lady. It is believed that the sword will give Rudi and his followers an advantage in the decisive battle against the evil Church United and Triumphant (CUT) and its evil prophet. Montival is marshaling all of its forces to fight against the evil CUT. And even the most skeptical leaders of Montival have come to realize how truly evil and supernatural the CUT and its prophet are.
The first half of this novel was a struggle for me to get through. The novel is heavy on exposition as the author reintroduces us to a host of characters who have been waiting in the wings for the last four novels of the series. In the last half of the story, the action picks up, and the book becomes more enjoyable to read.
Stirling uses a third person omniscient point of view to relate the story. One of his devices is to reveal not only the thoughts of his characters but their inner self-talk. He uses this device to deliver much of the exposition. I found this device to be somewhat distracting.
The author moves back and forth between characters. He also has his characters relate in flashbacks action that occurred when the focus of the plot was on the quest for the sword. For me, the large cast of characters and the number of flashbacks made the plot a bit confusing at times.
Stirling can be heavy on detailed description. I found the detailed descriptions of entrees and side dishes at every meal, of each character's apparel, of the many heraldic coats of arms, and of the swept out and beflowered fireplaces (including a list of every bloom on display) in each baron's solar to be unnecessary.
I didn't dislike this book. For me this novel felt like a set up for the finale. The author is putting all his characters in place for the final battle. And, I will be reading the next book to find out what happens next.
If you are interested in this book, I suggest you go back to Dies the Fire and read the books in order.
Check out my eBook!
Setting: A fantasy version of Western North America
First Sentence: Rudi Mackenzie -
Artos the First, High King of Montival though yet to be formally crowned - finished the last crusty bite of the ham sandwich, savoring the smoky taste of the cured meat and sharp cheese, and washed it down with the last swallow in the clay crock of beer.
This novel is the eleventh in Stirling's Change series.
Twenty-five years ago and event occurred which changed life on Earth forever. The people living on or near the island of Nantucket were transported thousands of years into the past. Their struggles to survive formed the first three novels of Stirling's Change series.
For the rest of the planet, the laws of physics were drastically changed. Almost all technology created after the Industrial Revolution were rendered useless. The struggles of humans to survive and adapt to a new reality form the plot of the next three novels in the series.
In the ensuing four novels, the plot follows characters born after the change event. They trek across the North American continent to the island of Nantucket. There they encounter powerful supernatural forces. And Rudi acquires the magical Sword of the Lady. In these novels we learn that there is an evil which wishes to destroy the powers of good. As Rudi Mackenzie and his band return to Montival they gather warriors to join them in the fight.
In this novel, the focus of the plot has returned to the Kingdom of Montival. Rudi is now recognized as the High King. He possesses the powerful Sword of the Lady. It is believed that the sword will give Rudi and his followers an advantage in the decisive battle against the evil Church United and Triumphant (CUT) and its evil prophet. Montival is marshaling all of its forces to fight against the evil CUT. And even the most skeptical leaders of Montival have come to realize how truly evil and supernatural the CUT and its prophet are.
The first half of this novel was a struggle for me to get through. The novel is heavy on exposition as the author reintroduces us to a host of characters who have been waiting in the wings for the last four novels of the series. In the last half of the story, the action picks up, and the book becomes more enjoyable to read.
Stirling uses a third person omniscient point of view to relate the story. One of his devices is to reveal not only the thoughts of his characters but their inner self-talk. He uses this device to deliver much of the exposition. I found this device to be somewhat distracting.
The author moves back and forth between characters. He also has his characters relate in flashbacks action that occurred when the focus of the plot was on the quest for the sword. For me, the large cast of characters and the number of flashbacks made the plot a bit confusing at times.
Stirling can be heavy on detailed description. I found the detailed descriptions of entrees and side dishes at every meal, of each character's apparel, of the many heraldic coats of arms, and of the swept out and beflowered fireplaces (including a list of every bloom on display) in each baron's solar to be unnecessary.
I didn't dislike this book. For me this novel felt like a set up for the finale. The author is putting all his characters in place for the final battle. And, I will be reading the next book to find out what happens next.
If you are interested in this book, I suggest you go back to Dies the Fire and read the books in order.
Check out my eBook!
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