FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEWS
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THE FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEW is the place to come
to find out what to read next. Want to know what readers are saying
(as opposed to critics) about the books you see around you? You’ve
come to the right place! And, if you appreciate a critical review
we’ll have those, too. Come in, sit down and see what’s
write with the world! (Or, right in the world of write!) New reviews this month from: . Dr. Cynthia Clark . Harriet Klausner . Christine I. Speakman . |
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August 2007
Fit To Die
J.B. Stanley
Midnight Ink
April 2007 $12.95 235 pages
ISBN: 978-0-7387-1067-9
FIT TO DIE rejoins the Supper Club of the dieting group the Flab Five in Quincy Gap. Lucy, while trying to shed pounds, is still trying to prove to her male counterparts in the sheriff's office that she is just as good as they are. James, known to many as the Professor is just as smart as usual, but slow in the romance department. Bennett, Gillian, and Lindy are the other three members of the fat fighting crime solving group. In this caper. A new woman has come to town with a new fitness center, Witness to Fitness. Veronica Levitt has an irritating way of embarrassing many into wanting to lose weight by sheer humiliation. And to test the Five even more, another newcomer to town, Willie Kendrick of the Polar Pagoda, opens a decadent ice cream parlor. He employs a retired townsman Pete to help in the store and to watch it at night. But when Veronica comes into the parlor to chase away all his customers with threats of cottage cheese thighs and more, Pete says to her, that he thinks he recognizes her from television. She dismisses it, and shortly thereafter, the Pagoda is burned to the ground and Pete’s body is found in the remains. James is immediately suspicious. Gentleman Jack isn't Pete’s drink nor does Pete smoke, he just chews tobacco, and cigarette butts are found at the scene.
To confuse things further another new person arrives in town, Carter, and Lucy seems to be interested. If only James could get up the nerve to ask her out?
Will James ask Lucy out? Who killed Pete? Did he recognize Veronica? And why does the food they serve in the weight program taste so boring? James. With the help of his friends get to the bottom of it all.
The Flab Five is a darling cozy with charming heroes and heroines that are not size 2 or male models. There is a warm feeling with a homey touch when reading J.B. Stanley. James and Lucy stand out, but the other three have their moments. Willie, I hope to be a new recurring character – he is a delight. James father has also gained some independence and a new zest for life, which I find encouraging. FIT TO DIE is a charming a cozy.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.6.
Cynthia Lea Clark , Psy.D.
The Jury Master
Robert Dugoni
Warner Books
482 pages $7.99
ISBN: 10-0-446-61707-5
David Sloane is a wizard in the San Francisco courtroom. He works magic with a jury no matter how bad his defendant seems to be. Across the country Joe Barrick’s body lay in a national park. A young police officer finds the body to be told by witnesses that Joe killed himself. But then the young cop disappears. Tom Molia investigates the Barrick case until Washington steps in and demands that he stop all investigation on the suicide. This does not sit well with Mole, Molia’s nickname, or with the coroner and they conduct a discreet autopsy before handing over the body. Mole is disturbed by the disappearance of the young officer.
Before Barrick died he placed calls to Sloane but Sloane was out of town. When Sloane returns from a brief vacation from yet another court win, he finds a ransacked apartment and a broken mailbox. What were they searching for and why had a man clear across the country just prior to his “suicide” called Sloane?
After Sloane’s good friend is murdered in his apartment, he goes underground to investigate Barrick and the envelope he was sent. What follows is a conspiracy spanning over 30 years complete with some wild twists and turns. Sloane has been having a recurring dream, a graphic, violent and sad dream. What does the dream have to do with all of this?
THE JURY MASTER is a legal thriller and political thriller expertly woven together. Robert Dugoni has woven an exciting journey through corruption and sprinkled it with charisma. Excellent!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.9.
Key Lime Pie Murder
Joanne Fluke
Kensington Books
March 2007 $22.00 339 pp
ISBN: 13—978-7582-1018-0
Hannah Swensen owns the Cookie Jar, a local bakery. She has agreed to be one of the three baked goods judges for the county fair. Hannah’s baby sister, Michelle is one of the contestants in the beauty pageant. Andrea, her other sister has entered the Mommy and Me competition, and who knows what their Mom is up to, but her behavior is odd even for her. She constantly spews forth regent romance jargon.
Willa Sunquist is doing double duty as baked goods judge and beauty contestant wrangler, that is until she is found murdered on the fairgrounds. Hannah finds her body. Mike, a detective and one of Hannah’s suitors rushes to take care of her and the crime scene but gives into having Howard drive Hannah home. Howard, the town dentist is Hannah’s other suitor. Mike and Howard vie for Hannah as she investigates not only Willa’s death but her life as well. Hannah learns that she did not know her friend at all.
Who killed Willa? Will he or she be caught before they kill again? And why isn't Hannah’s cat eating? Her cat is a side story, but one that is throughout the book. What has her cat so preoccupied it will not eat?
Between chapters are wonderful recipes of baked goods that one can make at home, so not only can you read about mouthwatering pastries but you can make your own. Umm Umm.
KEY LIME PIE MURDER is a charming little cozy, although personally, I was expecting the KEY LIME PIE to have a bit more importance, but you can't have everything. It is a fast, easy, quaint read, Maybe I have read too many romances, but I know what the mother is doing…LOL, and it seems to me one of the daughters should have been able to figure that out, but…..
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.8.
Nothing To See Here
David L. Post
The Becham Publications Group,
August 1, 2007, $14.95, 271 pp.
ISBN: 0931761298
Divorce is one of the most painful experiences one can suffer through. But what happens when going through divorce not only brings fights over custody and the house and alimony but also send one into the depths of a psychotic break. Many people going through a divorce fantasize about murdering their spouse, but they settle for trying to murder them in the courtroom.
Dr. Alan Sarnower is a psychiatrist. His marriage is precarious, his wife is bipolar and when she is off her meds, she is uncontrollable. The book starts with Cassie, Alan’s wife gone. She has stopped her meds and just taken off leaving Alan and Mitch to fend for themselves, but as suddenly as she left she returns and with a new man. To make matters worse, Alan comes home to find them in his bed making love; this infuriates Alan, so he kicks out the man, throws out his clothes and yells at Cassie who leaves. The next day she files for divorce and full custody.
What follows is a journey of internal terror, of struggle: not one of discovery but one of disintegration. What was once a cocky, self assured physician becomes a paranoid, crazed individual. You read before you the downward spiral that is terrifying.
Divorce is usually not pretty and this book shows the darker side of it, the sad side, the internal pain, the destruction. Do not read this book for hope or inspiration, you won’t get it. This is a journey into a psychotic break, and for that it did an excellent job. NOTHING TO SEE is not an easy read. Psychosis is not easy. Being a voyeur in someone else's terror is not pleasant, but is insightful. A very interesting read!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give is 4.75.
Sins of a Nation
Don McGraw
Bridgeway Books
June 15, 2007
$13.95 328 pages
ISBN: 978-1-933538-67-9
Janelle Harcourt thinks she is the luckiest woman alive. She has graduated Georgetown with her law degree, is being mentored by a wonderful Judge, Mariam Larson, and has landed a job with who could very well be the Republican nominee for President, John McCord. Everything seems to be typical until McCord’s strongest competitor is murdered and he is linked to the killing. Janelle receives photos that appear to show McCord paying the now dead hit man. And what's more there is a photo of her and the hit man. Faced with decisions, fears, and who to trust, Janelle’s best friend and Internet reporter Kinnard disappears. Kinnard had been working on the story of kidnapped victim Trent. Videos of Trent had surfaced and Kinnard and his crew were working hard and finding clues.
McCord is the only suspect in the murder of Brooks his rival but William Hogarth with the FBI feels that something just isn't right. He seeks out Janelle to get to the bottom of it all.
Did McCord kill Brooks? What does Trent have to do with Brooks or McCord? To find out, read SINS OF A NATION a political thriller. McGraw weaves a plausible tale of betrayal, blackmail, deceit, and lies. Who can be trusted? Who are the good guys? McGraw raises questions in a scenario that is fiction but gives pause for thought. SINS OF A NATION is an interesting and enjoyable read. If you like political thrillers, you'll enjoy this one!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.8.
All Creatures Great and... Dead
Mary Ann Chulick
Electronic book Publication: May 2007
Cost $7.99
ISBN 9781419908774
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
Which of the family killed the evil stepmom?
Travis is a simple vet in a quiet town where everyone knows everyone. Everyone loves his stepmom, except Travis. So who killed her, Travis didn’t that’s for sure.
This romance-suspense was more cozy mystery than romance. Okay, there is romance between Travis and new teacher JayBee; however, it doesn’t drive the story. Which is why “All Creatures Great and Dead” mixes very well with me.
I found Ms. Chulick’s writing easy flowing with each chapter rolling into the next making it unbearable to stop reading. I couldn’t stop because of how well crafted Ms. Chulick wrote her story. I had to know what happened next; I wanted to follow the characters to the natural conclusion. However, don’t think the conclusion was a giveaway. No, all the information is there for you to discover the answer yourself…if you can, if you believe the killer could possibly be…
Sorry, you’ll have to read “All Creatures Great and Dead” for yourself. Enjoy, I did.
I’m Okay, You’re Dead
Cheryl Dragon
Electronic book Publication: April 2007
Cost $6.49
ISBN: ISBN # 9781419911309
Publisher’s website www.thelotuscircle.com
Don’t miss this paranormal mystery! Don’t miss; what I hope will be a new series of spirited mysteries! Just don’t miss “I’m Okay, You’re Dead.”
Yes, it is that good. And just as funny and will completely spellbind you till the end. I started reading in the morning and didn’t stop till the last page scrolled by.
Deanna Oscar sees dead people. She grew up thinking all invisible friends were real, too bad her parents didn’t approve. While traveling through New Orleans, job-hunting, she meets her grandmother…her dead grandmother. Okay, no one told her that her grandmother saw dead people, too. Not only has Deanna inherited her grandmother’s estate; she’s now in the middle of stopping a serial killer. A killer who’s being spurred on by a ghost.
Thankfully, the Oscar name carries some weight in New Orleans or someone will be carting Deanna off to the funny farm. Let’s see, Deanna can talk to ghosts; her grandmother’s come back to help; her deceased grandfather wants to make up to her; the house is kept clean by a ghost maid; haunted objects are kept in the storeroom; dangerous ghosts are locked in the attic, and we can’t forget about Deanna’s vision of a sea foam green ‘big as a boat’ car. At least Gran’s friends…ex-priest Greg and his drag queen cousin Ivy…believe in Deanna.
And so do I. I loved the quickness of the story telling, no boring parts of ‘so do you believe me or not.’ Simple writing makes for a clear story that lacks nothing. I was inside the story. The characters are wonderful new additions to my long list of favourites.
I WANT MORE!
No Place for Gods
Gerald Mills
Electronic book Publication: 2004
Cost: $5.50 eBook; $19.50 Trade Paperback
Publisher’s website: http://twilighttimesbooks.com
BEST SUMMER READ!
We all the know the phrase “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Well, in “No Place for Gods,” not only are minds not wasted some are turned into weapons. Listed as a paranormal thriller, but not so far fetched as to be unbelievable.
Back in Boston, circa 1970, Gordon Whittier, a “doctoral candidate in psychology,” witnessed a strange event. A child won a sailboat race on a windless day. How? This question will drive Whittier throughout his career…right up to a Presidential Committee.
Same era, Moscow, First Scientist Nina Rubinova is studying the human mind. Harmonizing telepaths into the perfectly directed weapon.
Current time. Las Vegas has been decimated by an unknown source. The President has twenty days to hand over the USA to Moscow.
Now what?
Now what, is a fast-paced, can’t-be-put-down, edge-of-your-seat page-turner. I haven’t read quite a roller coaster book since reading Brian Lumley’s “Necroscope” series. Each of these stories sets a single person (with mind-blowing abilities) against government agencies…theirs and ours. And like Lumley, author Mill’s hero (James Foster) is a loner who demands we cheer for them.
Which all leads to the talent of the author. Mr Mills has crafted a story that, while uses the whoo-hoo element is still very much an overall thriller. His writing is clear and simple. Characters are easily pictured in the mind, and draw you into their world. The sex descriptions and rape scene are graphic; however, they are used sparingly and only as fuel to further our distaste of certain characters. And not all characters are as black and white as we would like them; human flaws live and enhance their believability.
Truly enjoyable.
I’m starting the second book of this series as soon as I finish here!
Speechless
Elissa Abbott
Electronic book Publication: May 2007
Cost $5.95
ISBN 9781419909221
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
WARNING: Graphic Sexual Content
“Speechless” is listed as Romance-Suspense. Is that oh-ohs I’m hearing? You guessed right, “Speechless” and me did not mix well. If you’re looking for a lusty romance, then “Speechless” is for you. If, like me, you need a more suspense than romance, then stay away.
Eva is a mute; her vocal cords have not worked since birth. She’s a scientist who literally falls for Stone. Stone is hiding in a remote cabin when he finds Eva with a broken leg. He’s hiding for his life, and dares not tell Eva anything. For some unknown reason, Eva is sometimes able to mentally ‘talk’ with those she’s emotionally attached to…Stone is now one of those. Now starts an unbelievable lust affair.
I’m not the best to judge strong romance stories, definitely not ones with such sexual content. I can tell you that Ms. Abbott is a clear and easily read writer. I might have enjoyed her story more if it was filled out with more action/suspense between the love scenes.
“Speechless” is for those looking for a lusty quick-fill read.
Swift of Heart
Janet Davies
Electronic book Publication: April 2007
Cost $5.95
ISBN 978141998255
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
Mix a little Harlequin-like romance, dimensional time travel; with just a dash of rugged maleness and a whole lot of hot-tempered red-headed femaleness and you’ve got “Swift of Heart.”
A little over a year ago Mackinley Swift walked out of Stephanie’s life. Even all the chocolate in the world didn’t help her get over him. Now he’s back and no matter how many times Stephanie slams the door in his face he won’t leave. And what’s this story of fighting a war on his world…he’s on a different world? No, same world just a different dimension, yeah right. Did someone just blow Stephanie’s house up?
This is a truly hilarious little romance adventure. And, I think there’s going to be more.
I liked this story for it’s quickness, it’s humour, it’s funny strong leading lady, and it’s shortness. It’s a fine quick summer read on either sunny days or rainy days.
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