FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEWS

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 will be posted on FMAM the 1st day of each month. Reviews will be kept on the FMAM website for 12 months.

New reviews this month from:

. Dr. Cynthia Clark . Harriet Klausner .

January 2012

The Severance
Elliott Sawyer
November 2010, 237 pages, $23.95
Bridge Works Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-981617534

Captain Jake Roberts, a platoon leader and his men stumble on a large cache of money. Feeling used by system, he and the platoon stash the money figuring they will return for it when it is time to return to the States. Somehow they will smuggle it in. They are calling it their “severance package.” But others have learned about severance package are on a quest to find and liberate their package.

Not only is Jake’s platoon fighting the Taliban but now they are fighting an unknown foe, perhaps someone they trust. Who is this other enemy? Is it another soldier? One of his own men? His lover, a nurse on the base?

Read THE SEVERANCE to find out and not only will you have the answer but you will be treated to an action adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat as we are Jake and his platoon as he hunts the Taliban and those who want his hidden treasures. Elliott Sawyer, an officer who served our country knows how to vividly portray the hunt and the military arena. Excellent job!

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.8.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

A Dark Dividing
Sarah Rayne
June 2011, $14.80, 480 pages
Felony & Mayhem Press
ISBN: 978-1-934609804

Simone Anderson has some disturbing photographs on display at an art gallery. They are compelling and have journalist Harry Fitzglen curious. There is something about these photos that tells Harry that the artists, Simone has a past and it must be quite a past!

He soon discovers she was a twin and that twin is gone. What happened to that twin? And is her disappearance in any way connected to another twin disappearance that occurred one hundred years earlier? The more Harry investigates the more questions he finds. But they seem to guide him to an old mansion now in ruins – the Mortmain House. The deeper he goes into research the more twisted and interrelated a series of relationships become. And the grimmer things get.

A DARK DIVIDING is a wonderful romp between thriller and horror – a cross genre. Love it! An intricate web of stories in the vein of Steven King, Sarah Rayne has done an excellent job.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.9.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

One Voice Too Many
Paul Martin Midden
September 15, 2011, 436 pages, $21.00
AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-46341326-2

Jeremy Walker appears to be hardworking, polite, nice, etc. but he is hiding a secret. He meets Macy Caldwell and his world turns upside down. She is everything he wants. Their courtship seems to rush its way down the aisle. Jeremy is thrilled but in the back of his head is his past – will it interfere with his future?

But when they marry, Jeremy’s past begins to catch up to him and attacks his new happy life.

Can Jeremy keep it together and fight the evils of his past? Can he fight the terror?

ONE VOICE TOO MANY is a psychological thriller that takes us on a wild ride of past meets present – who wins? Read it to find out!

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

Last Call
JD Seamus
September 1, 2008, 304 pages, $14.95
Capital Press
ISBN: 978-0-980225600

Jimmie Collins was quite the character in his own way; petty criminal on one hand but a good family member and friend on the other. Doing various low crimes for the Mafia, he was able to by his dream bar but that dream came to an end when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jimmie had hidden his family in Florida for their safety as well as quite a fortune off shore. Now he had a dilemma, how to get his fortune for his family as he was dying.

A small time bookie swore he was the right man to do this but instead he set off to get the funds but never returned. Jimmie passed on and his friends from the bar realize that the bookie did not return. They rally together to save the day. But they are a hapless group and what ensues is a fun romp of some “detecting” and a lot of luck.

LAST CALL is a madcap mystery that blends humor with action and mystery to keep us involved and interested to the very end. JD Seamus has done an excellent job.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.9.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

The Lover
Laura Wilson
November 2011, 336 pages, $14.95
FELONY & MAYHEM PRESS
ISBN: 978-1-934609-88-0

THE LOVER is based on a true story. In the fall of 1940, in London there was a serial killer. It was the Blitz and so much was being destroyed. Every night the residents would hide in shelters, underground, or anywhere to avoid potential bombs.

Like Jack the Ripper, this time had a similar killer who also stalked and killed prostitutes. “He” was known as the Blackout Ripper. But unlike Jack the Ripper, there is resolution in this book – I won’t say who, you will have to read it for yourself…

A fascinating look at a serial killer and the events that transpired in 1940. If you enjoy history, crime, serial killers, this book is for you!

Fascinating and enjoyable read.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 5.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

The Burning Lake
The Fourth Volk Novel
Brent Ghelfi
May 3, 2011, 306 pages, $22.95
ISBN: 978-1-590589267

Russian agent Alexei Volkovoy is haunted by the murder of journalist Kato. Others just disregarded her death as just another journalist shot to death but to Alexei, her death stirred up old memories and haunts such that he felt compelled to avenger her death.

As he investigates her death, he journeys to Mayak, a nuclear processing plant where in 1958 there had been a massive explosion. From there he goes to Las Vegas. His investigation of Kato’s death puts a strain on his relationship with his lover Vlaya.

But others have reasons to protect secrets that might provide answers to Kato’s murder. American Grayson Stone and French assassin Jean Louis are both hiding secrets and will protect those secrets at all costs.

What was Kato on the trail of? What was so important it cost her her life?

THE BURNING LAKE takes us on an international ride through espionage, mystery, and personal demons and memories to weave a thriller worth reading. Brent Ghelfi’s characters are intricate and fun to read. Worth the read!

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.9.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

Death's Door
Gail Lukasik
2009, Tekno Books
ISBN 978-1594147142

Twenty three years prior, a young girl age fourteen goes missing. One minute she is sitting in her uncle’s car the next she is gone. Ashley disappeared.

In the present time, Jake Stevens the editor of the Door County Gazette is having a secret (not so secret) relationship with his reporter Leigh, when he gets the call that a young girl is missing. At the same time Leigh has been working on a story of the number of sex offenders their community has.

Janell had gone just across the street to see her friend but poof she is gone. Leigh goes across the street to talk to Janell’s friend Stephanie and learns that Stephanie claimed they weren’t that close because in the past she had been covering for Janell and an older man. But when Leigh joins the search team, one that requires canoes, she spots something red. A backpack. Is it Janell’s? She and her rescue partner separate and she comes upon a body. But it’s not Janell, it’s Stephanie. Stephanie? She just spoke with Stephanie? How did Stephanie get out here? Who murdered Stephanie? And where is Janell?

As Leigh searches for answers more questions pop up.

DEATH’S DOOR is an exciting read through amnesia, lost children, lies, deceit, and more. Gail Lukasik was weaved a delicious tale of suspense. Highly enjoyable.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 4.9.

Reviewed by Dr. Cynthia Lea Clark, Psy.D. MHt.

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