Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Tegen Justice (Tegens Book 2) by Inge-Lise Goss



An intense thriller including suspense, organized crime, double identity, and forbidden love keeps Goss’s readers engaged in her sequel.

Sally/Sara Jablon is a new Tegen possessing the skills and powers of spiders. Using a double identity, her goal is to end the organized crime operation headed by her former boyfriend, Conner. Sally applies her Tegen talents in dangerous situations. Aware Conner is a murderer who destroys lives means little when it comes to feelings of the heart.

Life-threatening drama fills every page of Tegen Justice. When Sally harbors a sought after Tegen throughout the story, does she suffer consequences?  Does love conquer all with Conner and Sara?

If you enjoy action fantasies, you’ll enjoy Tegen Justice by Inge-Lise Goss.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Cut In Three The Raw Allure of Revenge by Derek Haines

Know your friends

 
What does one do when your friends screw you over? Poor Sam goes through hell in the midst of getting a divorce. He’s not exactly innocent. He had an affair with a sexy co-worker, Susannah, some ten years prior, but his wife, Beckie, never forgot or forgave him.

Beckie festered over this indiscretion for ten years when she suddenly threw it in Sam’s face. Out the door he went, and into a flea bitten dump to lick his wounds.

Sam was a nice guy who worked for an insurance company. He didn’t revel in his present surroundings, which made him feel sad, alone, and confused. This was not a good time to start a new relationship, but that is exactly what he did.

He met Gail when she hit his car in a parking lot. After a quick tea in a diner to exchange insurance information, Sam thought nothing more of it. Gail called the next day wanting to see Sam where she fell head over heels in love with him.

Sam couldn’t say no to Gail as she protested her love for him often. He went along for the ride taking some kind of solace in seeing Gail. It took his mind off his divorce and neurotic wife, Beckie.

Sam also couldn’t say no when Susannah called and asked to see him. They picked up where they left off like it was ten years ago. Poor Sam wasn’t aware Susannah’s husband was sleeping with Beckie! He doesn’t put two and two together and realize that is the reason Beckie decided to throw his long ago affair in his face out of the blue.

If that isn’t dark enough, what followed Sam I won’t spoil for the reader. Suffice to say he went through hell. During his cut in three spell - was anyone there for him?

Nothing is predictable in Derek Haines’ novella, Cut In Three. While being a dark story about relationships and so-called friends, it remains a great read.

As always, Derek develops his characters so well you can’t put down any of his books once you start reading. None of us wants to live through what Sam lived through, that is if he lived after Cut In Three.

If you love a great mystery packed with suspense pick up a copy of Cut In Three by Derek Haines.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Cisco Bandits by Inge-Lise Goss


A suspense thriller to include all the elements of a murder mini-series is contained in Cisco Bandits. Intriguing characters keep the reader engaged throughout the story.

The investigation starts with the murder of Arne Boden. Intertwined with ownership and interest in oil wells, you can imagine the high stakes involved, both legal and illegal.

The author adds treacherous conspiracy to the plot, which of course leads to sex and deception.

If you like whodunit crime novels, I recommend Cisco Bandits by Inge-Lise Goss.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Shelter Me by Judy Shine Logan


Domestic violence and becoming a widow: Two heartrending topics the author tackles in her novel. Logan tells the story with believable characters, Terry, who lives through the hell of a battered wife and mother, and Anne, who’s alone after losing her husband. Two women from different backgrounds form a lasting friendship during these tumultuous times. This bond helps comfort both in time of need.

While Terry and Anne attempt to deal with adversity, readers accompany both on their emotional journey. Each deals with current circumstances as best they can, learning daily how to cope and help one another.

Shelter Me is a book that can offer help for women suffering a life similar to Terry and Anne, or as an eye-opener for others into a world of abuse and loneliness. Either way, Judy Logan provides hope in difficult situations with responsible writing.

Monday, February 16, 2015

BEING WITH BECKY by Lisa Binkowski


True stories create great books.

Being with Becky is a memorial to the author’s sister, Rebecca Binkowski. Murdered by David Stappenbeck, a mentally unstable man that Becky knew well, made this particular story heartrending.

Becky worked as a social worker, and the man who brutally attacked her was the product of a poor mental health system. Had Becky been aware of his sordid past mental history, she would not have given him a ride on that ill-fated day in February 1993.

Being with Becky described the Binkowski family’s closeness throughout the years. Lisa and Becky were thirteen years apart, yet shared a special bond in their large Catholic family. She wanted readers to appreciate Becky for her remarkable qualities. This book conveys that message with elegance.

Highlighting a flawed mental health system in hope of change is a promise from the author, Becky’s sister, Lisa Binkowski. I wish the best in her effort to avert Becky’s death be in vain.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Newborn Nazi by Rhoda D’Ettore


A family saga, German style, best describes Newborn Nazi.

Dual citizenship, family secrets - selling secrets, treason, murder within the family, Nazi Intelligence, Nazi spies, FBI, double agents, romance, death camps, money, and apple strudel. Just a smidgeon of intrigue Rhoda D’Ettore covers with brilliance in this intense WWII story.

Escaping death is the main goal of this family during a tumultuous time in history. How they accomplish the objective is incredible and shocking.

I recommend Newborn Nazi for those who enjoy reading stories about family and history.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Harry's Last Stand: How the world my generation built is falling down, and what we can do to save it.


A relative of Harry’s said, “The world has changed a lot since you were a boy.” Harry didn’t want to disagree, but thought the problem is that it hasn’t changed enough. He feels it is easy today, to ignore or misunderstand the lessons the past can teach us about today’s world.

Harry Leslie Smith is a ninety year old RAF WWII veteran, who lived through hell and wants to leave this earth sharing his ideas for a better world. Besides taking readers through his life’s journey, he talks about politics, business, health care, citizenship, and education of his home country of England; however, he includes the United States.

Harry’s three main points on education: “Performance based education will only encourage the flight of the best human capital to private institutions.”

“We have to make ensure that our education system is more than just a factory to turn out obedient workers.”

“We need a national service that obliges all young people during their gap year to travel the country and learn about their neighboring regions.”

His points on business: “If no one felt they were better than anyone else, and each person understood their efforts built a better company and a better life for themselves, then this would create an almost perfect system of work. Small businesses that may not be able to afford to implement the living wage should opt to make written contracts with their employees that allow for fair profit sharing.”

On health care: “Humanity cannot evolve when its rulers are only interested in the profit and loss of their most affluent constituents and ignore the rest of their citizens.”

On politics:  “Defeat social inequality by establishing a social welfare state.”

On citizenship: “Being engaged and part of a vibrant democracy is one way to ensure that you matter, regardless of where you stand on society’s ladder.” In other words, vote. In addition, Harry thinks the voting age should be seventeen years of age.

There are more stories and opinions Harry Smith leaves his readers. To understand all his points of view, read Harry’s Last Stand. He ends the book saying, “So, before we are no more, we should aspire to do something that makes us a better human being.”

Thank you, Harry, for this book of wisdom and considerations for a better world.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Dream Brother by Brian Marggraf


Toxic Combinations
 
Returning home for Jacob Gavel was bittersweet. Leaving New York and a failed marriage, Jacob reluctantly goes back home to San Francisco only to learn a deep, dark family secret. His parents remained dysfunctional, and became unglued when Jacob read his mother’s journal revealing he had a twin brother who died in her womb. The shocking news added to Jacob’s sad reality of being alone and broke. He accepted a job in a mental health facility, where his mother visited as a patient, but the money didn’t pay as well as his friend’s job offer in the drug world. Jacob’s daily drug use prompted childhood memory dreams and all he wanted to do is find love and seek revenge.

I would call Dream Brother a psychological thriller. The story is full of suspense, which kept me engaged from beginning to end. Without giving away the ending, I must say it was totally unpredictable. Brian Marggraf mastered the skill of storytelling while dealing with complicated issues involving the inner workings of the brain. I appreciated taking the journey with Jacob through his drug induced mania.

Aoleon The Martian Girl: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Saga - Part 1 First Contact


As a retired middle school teacher, I can attest that Aoleon The Martian Girl is an incredible science fiction adventure for this targeted age group. The superb writing and exquisite illustrations are more than enough to keep students engaged.

Young teenagers always complain about being bored. Reading and sharing Gilbert Sullivan’s escapades when his boring life changes after meeting a Martian girl named, Aoleon, is priceless. The friendly alien takes Gilbert for a ride in her flying saucer. What student wouldn’t enjoy such a fantasy?

The graphic illustrations not only captivate readers, but vastly enhance the story. The example set for students for writing their own adventures, and creating their own art, is invaluable.

While this is science fiction, the story integrates true science vocabulary along with made up terms. I appreciate Brent LeVasseur included a Glossary; however, to be listed in the table of contents would complement a teacher’s instruction.