FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEWS
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THE FMAM MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEW is the place to come
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write with the world! (Or, right in the world of write!) New reviews this month from: . Dr. Cynthia Clark . Harriet Klausner . Christine I. Speakman . Cerri Ellis . |
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October 2008
Saint
T.L. Gray
Electronic book Publication: April 2008
Cost $6.99
ISBN: 9781419915048
A Cerridwen Press Publication
www.cerridwenpress.com
Hidden demons. Haunted nightmares. Lost causes and nowhere left to turn.
This is just a little of the emotions contained within “Saint.” On the first level you believe you are reading a story of one woman determined to testify against the all powerful drug lord, who has justice on his payroll. Then, you’ll think you are reading a story of one man hiding behind a wall of grief over the brutal murder of his wife and unborn child. That this justice-seeking woman will bring the haunted man back to life. Maybe you are, but that doesn’t begin to explain the depth within T.L. Gray’s “Saint.”
When Maria’s handler could no longer keep her safe, he dumped her into the one lap that could…Seth Harris. Seth didn’t want the job. But, all the same, he called in his men to help. None of them expected that they would be the ones helped. This isn’t your normal romance-suspense.
“Saint” contains some very crude language. It contains some carefully worded violence. And there’s sex. Not explicit sex, not cruel sex, not a lot of sex, just very basic sex. But, there is also carefully described psychotic cruelty, the mind numbing cruelty that sometimes lasts forever.
The men in “Saint” drop everything to answer Seth’s call. Seth, the colonel, is the one man who does not question their demons. He allows them to keep their pride at the only thing they know how to do…survive at all costs. Each man’s demon is uncomfortable to read. I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish “Saint” because of one of these demons. Ms. Gray writes where very few romance-suspense authors go…the hidden torturous depths of humans forced to physically survive what their minds and souls revolt. Powerful and Masterful.
Some would say the ending was a cop-out, too neat and tidy, too innocent for such pain and damage. No. The ending is what this story needed, what Ms. Gray’s readers needed. A cleansing of sorts…a peace to a ride that ripped through me and leaves me haunted.
Brilliant, Ms. Gray, brilliant.
Wanderlust
Shelley Munro
Electronic book Publication: April 2008
Cost: $6.99
ISBN: 9781419913891
A Cerridwen Press Publication
www.cerridwenpress.com
Maybe thirteen is unlucky? That’s the thinking of Anna’s latest Wanderlust Adventures tour party.
Anna is the truck driver/tour leader for Trip OE68 through India. It is her responsibility to reach each destination on time while maintaining a smooth safe trip for her overly hormonal passengers. Their bed hopping isn’t her business…as long as they follow the local rules and don’t get into any trouble. Couple of problems, though (1) Anna’s casual lover has joined the tour, and he has more than sex on his mind (2) Anna’s legal-age sister has been forced on her via their bickering parents, and little sis isn’t Anna’s biggest fan (3) someone is sabotaging their tour and killing the passengers. Just a few little problems, nothing to worry about…right?
While “Wanderlust” is listed as a romance-suspense, I’m not sure it fits this genre. There is plenty of sex between Anna and her casual lover, Sebastian…a bit too much for my liking. And Anna’s little sister finds herself in a very different relationship…something mummy and daddy will not approve. And there is a very stalker-like mystery involved. However, it almost reminds me of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” as each passenger meets up with death…or is it just the murder game they are playing?
The mystery is extremely subtle. It took quite a bit of story before the mystery was obvious. By then, it wasn’t the mystery that kept me reading, but the characters and how they were going to make out in the end…not sexually make out, just personality clashes and such.
In the end, I did figure out the stalker’s identity. I have to admit to being a little disappointed. I also think the ending could have been a tad stronger based on the character of Anna and the quietness of the mystery as a whole. It ended a little fast for me.
I enjoyed the read. It kept my attention and I was more than slightly interested in solving the mystery. The descriptions of India and her culture was more than just a backdrop to this story. They were characters themselves and drew me into and through the story.
“Wanderlust” is a good afternoon or bedtime read. It will entertain its readers and leave them satisfied.
Chili Con Corpses
J.B. Stanley
Midnight Ink, $13.95,
January 1, 2008, 275 pages
ISBN: 978-0738712598
This is the third installment of the Supper Club Mystery series with characters such as Librarian James Henry, Sheriff employee Lucy Hanover (who is desperately seeking to be on the force), mailman Bennett, and more. This delightfully overweight group meets to eat lean and reduce their weight, and oh yes, solve a murder or two. It seems that this group has an affinity for crime.
In this book, Lindy, another member of the Club suggests that the group take a weekly Mexican cooking class. After some debate, they agree. The teacher has a way around the kitchen and mesmerizes them with her cooking. A pair of twins new to town and the school and a reporter also join the class. The twins, well one of them upsets Lindy because it appears that she may be after the principal, the same one Lindy cares for. Lucy has become quite lean, and at the same time has become cold toward James (they have been dating).
James dads seem to have lost his muse (he is quite the talented painter).
Lindy organizes an art trip that requires just about as many chaperones as students. In the caves, the students will get to see lights, and growth like nowhere else. But instead of a great artistic venture, one of the twins is murdered. And when compiling all the witnesses, one is missing; one of the student’s grandfather. Thinking that it’s no big deal they’ll catch him at home, they are unconcerned until they meet the child’s real grandfather. Not the same man that was the chaperone. Hmmm? Who is this impersonator? Why was the twin killed? Will James’s dad get his muse back? Will the principal notice Lindy? Will James and the reporter get together? Will Lucy get on the with the sheriff’s department? Will Lucy and James go back together? So many questions. For these answers and so much more, read CHILI CON CORPSES.
As always, J.B. Stanley has written another charming story which incorporates real life characters with real life flaws and frailties, sadness, and joys. She incorporates delightful mysteries woven in a lyrical way that is witty and fun. It’s a whodunit with dash of fun, a pinch of scandal, a spoonful of love, and a sprinkle of friendship! CHILI CON CORPSES, a winner!
On a scale of 1 to 5, I give it a 5!
The Bride of Casa Dracula
Marta Acosta
Pocket Books,
September 2008, $14.00, 368 pp.
ISBN-10: 1416559639;
ISBN-13: 978-1416559634
Milagro de los Santos is back to entertain once again in the third book of the Casa Dracula series from author Marta Acosta. Planning a wedding is never simple, but throw in a busy plastic surgeon groom who happens to be a vampire, future blood-sucking in-laws that dislike her on principle, a best friend who tackles the task of wedding coordinator–without being asked, plus a thorough vetting by the Vampire Council, and it’s enough to make a girl get cold feet.
Into this mad mix comes the conniving, yet model-gorgeous Cornelia Ducharme. Assigned by the Vampire Council to guide Milagro through the ancient vampire marriage rituals, you just know things will go from bad to worse for Ms. Acosta’s heroine, especially if you read book two in the series, Midnight Brunch.
Meanwhile, Milagro’s writing career is near non-existent. In a last act of desperation to revive her dreams, she agrees to ghostwrite the memoirs of a nutty old man who claims to be a shapeshifting shaman. And temptation comes in the form of Cornelia’s delicious and mysterious brother, Ian, who always seems to know when Milagro is away from her beloved groom, Oswald.
Things turn deadly when a series of seeming accidents interrupts Milagro’s wedding plans. Oswald thinks bridal jitters are to blame, however Milagro isn’t so sure.
Ms. Acosta writes with an acerbic wit that is fresh and engaging. Smooth prose and a nice pace keep reader attention focused. The heroine’s unique charm and perspective is matched with a delightful cast of characters, forming a wickedly funny ensemble. If you’ve read the first and second books in the series, you know Milagro’s story is a madcap journey through life.
Yet as we all know, not everything in life is funny. This is the first of Ms. Acosta’s books that not only made me laugh out loud, but managed to touch me deeply. Read the dedication again after finishing the book and you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the author, as many of the passages in the book will take on additional meaning. If you are a dog lover, these sections will tug at your heartstrings and make you hug your own furry companion a little bit tighter.
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