Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: England, in the years after the conquest by King William.
First Sentence: The two men were courting danger.
This novel is the fourth in Marston's Domesday Book series.
In the years after the conquest, King William of Normandy had his clerks compile a listing of all the properties in England and their rightful owners. This listing was called the Domesday Book.
In Marston's novel, we follow a group of the King's commissioners as they travel the country settling irregularities in the Domesday documents. Obviously, their arrival is often not met with joy. In each town, there are those who those who control lands that they do not have legal title for. Some resort to murder in order to keep their ill-gotten property.
This installment of the series takes our intrepid commissioners to York. The owner of the castle at York keeps two lions as pets. Prior to the commissioners' arrival, an unidentified young man had been mauled to death by the lions.
Soon after the commissioners begin their work, one of the commissioners is killed. As the commissioners investigate they learn that the two deaths, a particularly difficult property case, and an outlaw named Olaf Evil Child are somehow related.
Will the lions of the North find another victim before the killer is discovered?
This novel is another example of why I like Marston's novels. Each has a twisty plot, plenty of action, and witty dialog. For me, this book was a very enjoyable read.
Each of Marston's books is a stand alone novel. However, there are some plot lines which carry over from book to book.
The first book in the series:
Friday, May 23, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Destroyermen: Deadly Shores by Taylor Anderson
Genre: Alternate History
Setting: An alternate version of Earth during the World War II era, the action takes place mainly in the Indian and South Pacific oceans.
First Sentence: Ten days after the great battle that drove General Hisashi Kurosawa and the tattered remnants of his once-mighty fleet from Madras, only two of his little squadron of Grik-built cruisers, Nachi and Tatsuma, remained to steam into the port of Cochin.
This novel is the ninth in Anderson's Destroyermen alternate history series.
During a fierce sea battle, the USS Walker steamed into a strange storm cloud, and emerged into an Earth very different than the one she had left. Soon the destroyer and her crew were embroiled in a war between the peaceful sentient mammals called Lemurians, and the vicious reptilian creatures called the Grik.
As the Destroyermen novels have progressed, we have learned that throughout history different groups of humans have some how been transported to this alternate Earth. There have been 15th century Spanish missionaries, 18th century English explorers as well as World War I Germans and a World War II Japanese battleship.
In this installment of the series, the author reveals that some of the humans have arrived from different versions of Earth, with different time lines.
As the novel begins, the Allied forces of Lemurians and humans are now strong enough to take the fight to the homelands of their two main enemies. To the East is the Holy Dominion. The Dominion is a culture formed from the blend of the Spanish Inquisition with the ancient Aztec religions. To the West is the Empire of the Griks. The Griks are the mortal enemies of the Lemurians. Until the Destroyermen arrived, the Lemurians had no chance of defeating the Grik.
Captain Reddy, the commander of the Walker, has proposed a raid on the Grik capital reminiscent of General Doolittle's raid on Tokyo during World War II. Although he views the plan as a raid, the Lemurians perceive the raid as a chance to regain their ancient ancestral home.
Will the Allied forces be victorious in their attacks?
As they explore this alternate Earth, what other groups of humans will they encounter?
In my opinion, this novel is a satisfying return to the Destroyerman universe. This is the offensive battle that we have been waiting for. The grand battle scene is exciting with lots of action. And once again Anderson's great character, Silva, goes off on a heroic expedition.
I enjoyed this book. And since the author dropped many tantalizing hints for the surprises in upcoming installments, I eagerly await the next novel.
If you are interested in reading the Destroyermen series, I strongly suggest that you read them in order.
Setting: An alternate version of Earth during the World War II era, the action takes place mainly in the Indian and South Pacific oceans.
First Sentence: Ten days after the great battle that drove General Hisashi Kurosawa and the tattered remnants of his once-mighty fleet from Madras, only two of his little squadron of Grik-built cruisers, Nachi and Tatsuma, remained to steam into the port of Cochin.
This novel is the ninth in Anderson's Destroyermen alternate history series.
During a fierce sea battle, the USS Walker steamed into a strange storm cloud, and emerged into an Earth very different than the one she had left. Soon the destroyer and her crew were embroiled in a war between the peaceful sentient mammals called Lemurians, and the vicious reptilian creatures called the Grik.
As the Destroyermen novels have progressed, we have learned that throughout history different groups of humans have some how been transported to this alternate Earth. There have been 15th century Spanish missionaries, 18th century English explorers as well as World War I Germans and a World War II Japanese battleship.
In this installment of the series, the author reveals that some of the humans have arrived from different versions of Earth, with different time lines.
As the novel begins, the Allied forces of Lemurians and humans are now strong enough to take the fight to the homelands of their two main enemies. To the East is the Holy Dominion. The Dominion is a culture formed from the blend of the Spanish Inquisition with the ancient Aztec religions. To the West is the Empire of the Griks. The Griks are the mortal enemies of the Lemurians. Until the Destroyermen arrived, the Lemurians had no chance of defeating the Grik.
Captain Reddy, the commander of the Walker, has proposed a raid on the Grik capital reminiscent of General Doolittle's raid on Tokyo during World War II. Although he views the plan as a raid, the Lemurians perceive the raid as a chance to regain their ancient ancestral home.
Will the Allied forces be victorious in their attacks?
As they explore this alternate Earth, what other groups of humans will they encounter?
In my opinion, this novel is a satisfying return to the Destroyerman universe. This is the offensive battle that we have been waiting for. The grand battle scene is exciting with lots of action. And once again Anderson's great character, Silva, goes off on a heroic expedition.
I enjoyed this book. And since the author dropped many tantalizing hints for the surprises in upcoming installments, I eagerly await the next novel.
If you are interested in reading the Destroyermen series, I strongly suggest that you read them in order.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The King's Evil by Edward Marston
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, 1666, after the Great Fire of London.
First Sentence: The month of September had scarcely begun when a new disaster struck an already beleaguered city.
This novel is the first in Marston's Christopher Redmayne mystery series.
In my opinion, in the first novel of a series an author has two important tasks. Primarily, the author must introduce interesting characters that the reader will like, and like following. And then, the author must engage us with an interesting plot. In this novel the author succeeds with both tasks.
The characters:
Christopher Redmayne is a young architect, and a perfect English gentleman.
Henry Redmayne, his brother is a rake more interested in pleasure than work.
Jonathan Bale is a London constable. He is a Puritan, and he is unhappy with the restoration of the British monarchy.
Penelope Northcott is the daughter of the murder victim. She promises to be Christopher's love interest in future installments of the series.
The plot:
Sir Ambrose Northcott has engaged Christopher to design and build a house in London. When his lifeless form is found in the cellar of the unfinished house, Christopher feels responsible. Christopher decides to discover the identity of the culprit. His investigation uncovers a tangled plot which may even threaten the King himself.
Edward Marston is the pseudonym of Keith Miles. Early in his career Miles was a script writer for television and radio. I believe this experience is what makes Marston's novels such fun to read. And what I enjoy the most is the fantastic dialogue between the characters.
This was a great read, a page turner, and over too quickly. Another Marston novel is already on my to read list.
Setting: London, 1666, after the Great Fire of London.
First Sentence: The month of September had scarcely begun when a new disaster struck an already beleaguered city.
This novel is the first in Marston's Christopher Redmayne mystery series.
In my opinion, in the first novel of a series an author has two important tasks. Primarily, the author must introduce interesting characters that the reader will like, and like following. And then, the author must engage us with an interesting plot. In this novel the author succeeds with both tasks.
The characters:
Christopher Redmayne is a young architect, and a perfect English gentleman.
Henry Redmayne, his brother is a rake more interested in pleasure than work.
Jonathan Bale is a London constable. He is a Puritan, and he is unhappy with the restoration of the British monarchy.
Penelope Northcott is the daughter of the murder victim. She promises to be Christopher's love interest in future installments of the series.
The plot:
Sir Ambrose Northcott has engaged Christopher to design and build a house in London. When his lifeless form is found in the cellar of the unfinished house, Christopher feels responsible. Christopher decides to discover the identity of the culprit. His investigation uncovers a tangled plot which may even threaten the King himself.
Edward Marston is the pseudonym of Keith Miles. Early in his career Miles was a script writer for television and radio. I believe this experience is what makes Marston's novels such fun to read. And what I enjoy the most is the fantastic dialogue between the characters.
This was a great read, a page turner, and over too quickly. Another Marston novel is already on my to read list.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Peace Warrior by Steven L. Hawk
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: Earth, some time in the future.
First Sentence: Death was not lonely.
This novel is the first in Steven Hawk's Peace Warrior trilogy.
For years, Earth had been wracked by wars. Then there came a time when humanity gave up war and violence. People lived in peace and harmony. Anyone who acted or spoke in a violent manner was sent to prison for life.
When the cruel and war-like aliens known as the Minith arrived Earth had no defense and was quickly subjugated.
Earth needed a warrior who could lead humanity's revolt against the Minith.
600 years before the arrival of the Minith, Earth was at war. Sergeant Justice was one of the best soldiers on the planet. As luck would have it, Sgt. Justice died in a manner that enabled future scientists to resurrect and reanimate him.
In Sgt. Justice, Earth now had a warrior to lead the revolt. Now they need an army. What better place to find violent fighters than the prison for violent offenders?
Now it's up to Justice and his rag-tag army to rebel against the Minith and regain Earth's independence.
This novel is a good human vs. alien sci-fi story. The aliens are cruel. The humans are the victims of their violence. And humanity learns that sometimes you need to use violence to protect your independence.
I enjoyed this easy, fun read.
Setting: Earth, some time in the future.
First Sentence: Death was not lonely.
This novel is the first in Steven Hawk's Peace Warrior trilogy.
For years, Earth had been wracked by wars. Then there came a time when humanity gave up war and violence. People lived in peace and harmony. Anyone who acted or spoke in a violent manner was sent to prison for life.
When the cruel and war-like aliens known as the Minith arrived Earth had no defense and was quickly subjugated.
Earth needed a warrior who could lead humanity's revolt against the Minith.
600 years before the arrival of the Minith, Earth was at war. Sergeant Justice was one of the best soldiers on the planet. As luck would have it, Sgt. Justice died in a manner that enabled future scientists to resurrect and reanimate him.
In Sgt. Justice, Earth now had a warrior to lead the revolt. Now they need an army. What better place to find violent fighters than the prison for violent offenders?
Now it's up to Justice and his rag-tag army to rebel against the Minith and regain Earth's independence.
This novel is a good human vs. alien sci-fi story. The aliens are cruel. The humans are the victims of their violence. And humanity learns that sometimes you need to use violence to protect your independence.
I enjoyed this easy, fun read.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Regarding Ducks and Universes by Neve Maslakovic
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In an alternate version of San Francisco and the bay area.
First Sentence: The DIM official had just asked, "Reason for crossing to San Francisco B, citizen - business, family visit, or pleasure?"
Thirty-five years ago something happened which caused the universe to split into two parallel universes. The scientist involved in the split learned how to remain in contact with the alternate universe. Eventually travel between the two universes become possible.
Everyone alive on the day of the split had an alternate version of themselves in the other universe.
As the years went by, each universe became very different places. And the people in one universe often lead vastly different lives than their alternates.
The governments created a strict set of rules which governed travel and the flow of information between the two universes.
Felix Sayers of universe A has recently learned that he was born before the universes split. He has decided to travel to universe B to learn what he can about his alternate, Felix B.
When Felix A arrives in universe B he discovers a group of researchers who are studying the events leading up to the split. To his dismay, he learns that the researchers believe that something Felix did when he was six months old started the causality chain which triggered the creation of the alternate universe.
As Felix A and his friends investigate, the author shows us an alternate version of San Francisco and the bay area. Along the way we learn how small events can lead to huge effects.
Along with the science fiction story, the author treats us to an homage to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, two well known mystery writers.
Will Felix A and his friends discover the prime event which caused the universes to split?
This is a quirky sci fi novel. Not so much action, but lots of philosophical discussion about causes, effects, and causality chains.
In my opinion, a good first novel. I liked it.
Setting: In an alternate version of San Francisco and the bay area.
First Sentence: The DIM official had just asked, "Reason for crossing to San Francisco B, citizen - business, family visit, or pleasure?"
Thirty-five years ago something happened which caused the universe to split into two parallel universes. The scientist involved in the split learned how to remain in contact with the alternate universe. Eventually travel between the two universes become possible.
Everyone alive on the day of the split had an alternate version of themselves in the other universe.
As the years went by, each universe became very different places. And the people in one universe often lead vastly different lives than their alternates.
The governments created a strict set of rules which governed travel and the flow of information between the two universes.
Felix Sayers of universe A has recently learned that he was born before the universes split. He has decided to travel to universe B to learn what he can about his alternate, Felix B.
When Felix A arrives in universe B he discovers a group of researchers who are studying the events leading up to the split. To his dismay, he learns that the researchers believe that something Felix did when he was six months old started the causality chain which triggered the creation of the alternate universe.
As Felix A and his friends investigate, the author shows us an alternate version of San Francisco and the bay area. Along the way we learn how small events can lead to huge effects.
Along with the science fiction story, the author treats us to an homage to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, two well known mystery writers.
Will Felix A and his friends discover the prime event which caused the universes to split?
This is a quirky sci fi novel. Not so much action, but lots of philosophical discussion about causes, effects, and causality chains.
In my opinion, a good first novel. I liked it.
Friday, May 2, 2014
The King of Macau by Jake Needham
Genre: Thriller
Setting: Present day Macau and Hong Kong.
First sentence: No, it can't begin that way.
This novel is the fourth in Jake Needham's Jack Shepherd series.
Jake is a lawyer who specializes in solving legal and financial problems that no one else wants to touch. In this novel, Jack has two problems to solve.
To begin with, the chief of security at a Macau casino has asked Jack to investigate a cash flow problem at the casino. It seems that there has been an unusual amount of cash coming into the casino. It's possible that the local gangs in Macau have been laundering money through the casino. For years, many have believed that the owner of the casino has been cooperating with the gangs.
At first, Jack is reluctant to take the case. But when the casino owner's beautiful and extremely wealthy daughter asks for his help, Jack decides to get involved. The casino owner is very elderly and the daughter wants to solve the case in a way that clears her father of any connection to the gangs.
In addition, Jack has been asked to do a favor for an acquaintance. The acquaintance has a mysterious friend named Freddy who would like to get political asylum in Hawaii. Although Jack usually does not handle asylum cases, he promises his friend that he'll see what he can do.
As Jack begins investigating both cases, things become a little more interesting when people start sending bullets in his direction. Apparently, Jack's activities have attracted someone's attention.
Will Jack discover the source of the cash flow spike at the casino?
Will Freddy get his asylum in Hawaii?
And, what about the casino owner's beautiful daughter?
I am a big fan of Jake Needham and I really enjoyed this book. Jack is a unique hero. He uses information and investigation, rather than firearms and violence to solve his cases. Don't look for a fairy tale happy ending. Needham ends this book in a realistic, believable, and unexpected way.
Another great read from Jake Needham.
Setting: Present day Macau and Hong Kong.
First sentence: No, it can't begin that way.
This novel is the fourth in Jake Needham's Jack Shepherd series.
Jake is a lawyer who specializes in solving legal and financial problems that no one else wants to touch. In this novel, Jack has two problems to solve.
To begin with, the chief of security at a Macau casino has asked Jack to investigate a cash flow problem at the casino. It seems that there has been an unusual amount of cash coming into the casino. It's possible that the local gangs in Macau have been laundering money through the casino. For years, many have believed that the owner of the casino has been cooperating with the gangs.
At first, Jack is reluctant to take the case. But when the casino owner's beautiful and extremely wealthy daughter asks for his help, Jack decides to get involved. The casino owner is very elderly and the daughter wants to solve the case in a way that clears her father of any connection to the gangs.
In addition, Jack has been asked to do a favor for an acquaintance. The acquaintance has a mysterious friend named Freddy who would like to get political asylum in Hawaii. Although Jack usually does not handle asylum cases, he promises his friend that he'll see what he can do.
As Jack begins investigating both cases, things become a little more interesting when people start sending bullets in his direction. Apparently, Jack's activities have attracted someone's attention.
Will Jack discover the source of the cash flow spike at the casino?
Will Freddy get his asylum in Hawaii?
And, what about the casino owner's beautiful daughter?
I am a big fan of Jake Needham and I really enjoyed this book. Jack is a unique hero. He uses information and investigation, rather than firearms and violence to solve his cases. Don't look for a fairy tale happy ending. Needham ends this book in a realistic, believable, and unexpected way.
Another great read from Jake Needham.
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