FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEWS
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THE FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEW is the place to come
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January 2008
Ranch Hideout
Julia Daniels
Electronic book Publication: September 2007
Cost $5.95
Genre: Romance-Suspense
ISBN 9781419911002
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
Wanted: Ranch Cook
Not Wanted: Female Trouble
Caleb Kirkpatrick needs a cook who will feed his men and hopefully clean after future ranch guests.
Laura Marshall, born Sabrina Marconi, is running from the Mob.
Brother Josh Kirkpatrick’s idea of a month long cook-off between online cook applicants not only satisfies both Caleb’s and Laura’s needs, but brings them what they didn’t even know they needed.
“Ranch Hideout” is a romance-suspense heavy on the romance. True, I don’t normally mix well with romance; however, this story comfortably fit into my reading need. I was looking for something short (141 pages) easy telling, and without silly characters.
It’s a simple story without being simple…if that makes sense. The characters are entertaining and level-headed, the ranch setting clear and welcoming. The plot friendly romance, but could have been just that bit more if Ms. Daniels had delved more into Laura’s past.
While not my favourite mix, definitely will recommend this to those who want strong romance with a touch of suspense.
Deadly Climb
Teri Thackston
Electronic book Publication: October 2007
Cost $6.49
ISBN 9781419910531
Publisher’s website www.cerridwenpress.com
You can hide behind your fears, but love will still find you.
Yes, another romance-suspense. However, “Deadly Climb” is jammed with action, danger, guts and good old human emotions. The opening prologue will have you laughing out loud, the ending holding your breath. The middle? Well, prepare for a roller coaster ride.
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed “Deadly Climb.”
Deputy Marshal Laura Killen loves to climb. No, she was born to climb. Whether it’s mountains or out of buildings to bring in bank robbers, she has no fear. Until, that is, a high-rise fall nearly kills her, and does kill her suspect. Now, she can’t even face the stairs leading out of her apartment.
John MacLean needs Laura. Whether he’s the good guy or a villain himself, no one knows. What Laura does know and believe is he loves his nephew, Ryan, and will do anything to keep him alive.
Laura was the Deputy Marshal assigned to protect Ryan and his family while they testified against mobster Nicholas Griffen. Griffen who’s been released from custody and swore revenge; the same Griffen who may have a direct source in the United States Marshals Service. The same Griffen who may have just killed Ryan’s family, and will try for him next.
From the moment John abducts Laura to the showdown between them and Griffen, “Deadly Climb” is no nonsense, non-stop, adventure. Having a phobia, myself, Ms. Thackston writes Laura’s fear of falling with such a passion I wonder if it’s Ms. Thackston’s own fear. I actually warmed to the John character faster than to Laura. And it wasn’t because I knew he had to be the hero of the story. The length he was willing to go for his nephew and his internal battle for asking for help…help that appeared to have a personal cost to him…struck fast and hard at the heartstrings.
These are strong characters battling internally, externally, together and against each other.
The support characters are interesting and diverse. Their history with the main characters were pleasant surprises and added depth to the overall tale.
I wouldn’t mind revisiting “Deadly Climb.” Well done, Ms. Thackston.
Something in Common
John Lindermuth
Electronic book Publication: 2006
Cost $5.99
ISBN 1-59374-500-1
Publisher’s website WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.
Look out there’s a new ex-Chief in town.
“Something In Common” is the start of the Dan ‘Sticks’ Hetrick mysteries. He’s the ex-police chief of Swatara Creek in Pennsylvania. And as in all new mystery series, this first book introduces us to the feel and characters of Swatara Creek.
I’m still trying to decide if it’s a strong positive that I warmed to some characters and other characters I’m still not sure about. There were a few background characters that turned me off…gossipy men in Grumbine’s store. Even Sticks Hetrick is a little gruff and not the quick-to-like-teddy bears of other mystery series.
However, isn’t that what a writer should do? Create characters and stories that keep your interest with a variety of differences and not stay locked with stale caricatures. Mr. Lindermuth has done this. His mystery was involved and surprising. His characters flawed and distinct, each voice was quite clear.
No, I didn’t solve the mystery. Actually, I was quite shocked at the ending – like the townsfolk themselves. Nicely done.
I have Sticks Hetrick’s next mystery all ready to start, and am looking forward to visiting Swatara Creek again.
So, Mr. Lindermuth has created a world with out of the ordinary characters and has a story telling style that holds the reader’s interest. What more can you ask for?
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