Someone I Used to Know by David J. Bell

Release Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: NAL/Penguin
Author Website: http://www.davidbellnovels.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Nick Hansen's live was never the same after the loss of his college sweetheart in a terrible accident on campus. His only marriage fell apart, his connection to his step-son was lost and the only companion who withstood him was his dog. All this filled his time until the day he saw a young woman in the grocery store who was a carbon copy of his lost love. When he moved to talk to her, she bolted from the store and left him with a thousand different questions.

When the police arrived on his doorstep the following morning, Nick realized he was now in the middle of something far bigger than he ever imagined. As he followed his own leads, more pieces to the puzzle showed Nick that he may not have known the people he loved as well as he first thought. New questions about events in the past sent him into situations that threatened his mind and body. Can he discover who the mysterious woman in the grocery was before it's too late? Will he be able to free his name and reputation from the suspicions?


Review:
A good friend of mine introduced me to the author's work a year or so before NetGalley offered this title for reading and reviewing. Once I read the notice that this book was open for reviews, I immediately requested a copy. I honestly didn't know what to expect as the story unfolded with the main character, Nick Hansen, walking through his local grocery store after work. A regular, average person living a fairly boring life, Nick knew his day would end with a few brews and some quality time with his dog. That plan flew out the window when he noticed a young woman who was the spitting image of his college sweetheart. Now, that wouldn't be such a shock to the system except for the fact that his old college love had been dead for two decades.

Right away Nick's past came alive, impacting the present day in such a way that everything he experienced became a character itself. The ghost of his college love made her presence known in nearly every interaction that Nick had with someone else. Whether by name or recollection, she became central to the story in almost a "Six Degrees of Bacon" kind of way. Nick's attachment and reluctance to move on played major roles in his relationships. Most of the characters reacted as I expected they would, but a few of them felt a little flat. I'm not sure if I expected too much of them or if they were written that way on purpose. Possibly a bit of both.

Alongside the baggage Nick brought to the table, this book explored the depths of young love, its impact on the lives it touched, and how the effects last well past the expiration of the relationship. The way Nick's mind locked certain memories into place colored how he viewed the world and people around him. His outlook shifted into a black or white type of thinking. There was right and wrong, no matter what the circumstances that surrounded the choices. With such a narrowed world view, the new revelations shook his world and his confidence. Dark secrets revealed themselves and showcased how the consequences of a single action cascades over everyone tied to those involved. Those consequences came full circle as the book directed the reader through its maze of right or wrong choices.

Overall, I thought the book was really engaging from the first chapter. Once I started reading, I wanted to know more with the end of each chapter. Fewer principal characters made this story tight and kept it on course. For a majority of the book, I had an uneasy feeling that something major was hiding from view. It's similar to watching scary movies late at night with no lights on while you're alone. You just know someone's lingering in the shadows, but you can't quite make them out. There was a point when I began to suspect that I knew what was going to happen. Some of the theories I had in mind presented themselves, but I couldn't predict everything in the end. If you like a book full of twists and turns or want something to keep you guessing until that last paragraph, take a chance on this book!

Someone I Used to Know by David J. Bell is currently available in various forms at many online retailers and local bookstores. Copies can be purchased in paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle) formats. The following link provided below brings up the book's page at Amazon.
Someone I Used to Know by David J. Bell

Near Death by Glenn Cooper

Release Date: November 15, 2014
Publisher: Lascaux Media
Author Website:  http://www.glenncooperbooks.com

Rating: 3 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
FBI Special Agent Cyrus O'Malley must balance an unexpected serial killing case, a new, lethal drug released on the streets of the world, and spending time with his ailing daughter. With such heavy weight on his shoulders, he poured everything he had into his work and set his sights on the top suspects. What he didn't expect was the grain of truth in the rumors on the street.

With a new drug spreading across the globe, people were given a glimpse of what prophets and theologians speculated for centuries. The comedown of the drug left many despondent and disillusioned, pushing some to the extreme. When a messiah appeared promising deliverance to the masses at the end of a thirty day countdown, Cyrus must move quickly to uncover the truths or pay the highest cost.

Review:
This novel was the third in a list of books by the author recommended for me to explore by NetGalley. Each of the previous book featured their own adventures and characters which explored different parts of the world and the cultures therein. The only thing linking these three books together was their exploration of the spiritual, religion and a person's belief in each. Whereas the other books were explorations of the past's influence upon the present, this title took what the future may hold and used it upon today's modern life.

Right away the cast of characters revealed themselves and what roles they'd play in the overall story. Cyrus O'Malley wasn't the only character that was under a spotlight in the story, but I try to keep these reviews spoiler-free. The other one you'll have to find out for yourself. While the progression of the story focused on two key characters, there were several who shaped the story and gave it a sense of completion. Not only did the characters come from different areas of belief and religion, they came from all walks of life. Whether intellectual or uneducated, white-collar or blue-collar, they all seemed to have a part to play in the events of the book.

The action in the book took a little while to get rolling. There was a lot of little pieces to explore in the foundation of the story. Once everything was in place, a natural momentum appeared. The author took advantage of the rhythm, utilizing the pacing to unfold different aspects of the story at the optimal time. Much of the book revolved the scientific and medical communities, so there was a lot of terminology that if unexplained well could leave the average reader out in the cold. However, the author used the characters to explain the difficult concepts in an educational and uplifting way that left me (the reader) wanting to know more. He did the same with the theological arguments presented in the book, utilizing both sides of the issues in order to reach some sort of consensus that impacted the characters' decision making.

While I found the book very entertaining to the last page, some of the plot and events were predictable. Some of the twists were easy to guess chapters before they occurred, but I was pleasantly surprised by the thought-provoking aspect of this novel. The subject matter and actions of a few select characters opened doors to questions that everyday type of people might not consider in their usual routines. If given the opportunity, would we really want to experience what may be waiting on the other side of death before our time in this life is through? What would we pay or sacrifice in order to have that experience if we said yes? How would this type of drug impact our theologies, beliefs and connections with people in general? All of these were very intriguing questions that lingered in my head long after finishing the novel. If you love the thrill of the chase in a suspenseful book or enjoy speculating what may happen should a number of events take place in a particular sequence, this is a book you definitely need on your TBR list.

Near Death by Glenn Cooper is currently available at various online retailers. It can be purchased in paperback, audio-book or digital (Kindle) versions. Visit the book's Amazon page by clicking the link provided below.
Near Death by Glenn Cooper

The Devil Will Come by Glenn Cooper

Release Date: November 14, 2014
Publisher: Lascaux Media
Author Website:  http://www.glenncooperbooks.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Elisabetta Celestino was one of Professor De Stefano's brightest pupils, delving into the unearthed catacombs to find more proof of the early Christian Church near the outskirts of Rome until she was viciously attacked. She turned to the Church to heal her wounds, physically and mentally. Her entire life became a routine of prayer and devotion until ten years later when her professor showed up on her doorstep a second time.

After the Pope's death and a cave-in at an excavation site unearthed much of the area and unsettling discoveries, she found herself back on the trail she wanted to explore years earlier. When strange accidents and shadowy figures began following her, it became clear something more sinister was at work and trying to keep her from the truth. Elisabetta must find the answers before her time runs out. Can she thwart the unseen evil before disaster strikes the city? Can she solve the mysteries in time? 

Review:
The book was included in a special invite from NetGalley along with two other books by the author. I've already reviewed one earlier this year (The Resurrection Maker: A Thriller). While the two books were written by the same author, they were separate stories and covered different mythologies and symbolism. This particular book centered around the theme of good versus evil and spanned centuries from pre-Christian Rome to 16th Century England to modern times. It was easy to tell there would be good guys and bad guys from the beginning of the book, but as the story continued, the lines became blurred. The only constant was Elisabetta and her faith.

Much of the book focused on Elisabetta and her intimate knowledge of pre-Christian societies of Rome. Initially she and her professor pushed to excavate a section of unearthed burial grounds outside of the city. With a swift denial from the Vatican, her whole life changed. She put her focus and energy into helping others in a different manner. Very quickly did her life change once again when it became apparent that she was the only person who could interpret what was unearthed. The discoveries set into motion a chain of events that no one could've imagined or control. Each of the characters, whether primary or secondary, possessed a distinct personality and had something physical that set them apart. This helped to keep all the characters straight as their names sometimes sounded alike. One particular group of people had such a distinct characteristic that it shocked any and all who discovered the difference.

Changes happened quickly at times. Other changes came about through elaborately laid plans that took weeks, sometimes months or years, to come to fruition. Since the book covered different eras, there needed to be a common thread linking them all together. The author did a really good job of taking these different moments in history and uniting them through one of the most common themes - good versus evil. On one side of the aisle was the Vatican and all the goodness that it could represent. Lurking in the shadows of the other side was a secret society which embraced its uniqueness and its lack of empathy for anything or anyone. Their main goal was to gain and hold onto as much power as possible in order to bring about the destruction of their greatest enemy - the Church.

Now, this book wasn't a simple rehashing of good guys fighting bad guys. It delved deeper into the history of signs, symbols and written works that were long speculated to hold secrets within their innocent pages. I liked how the author wove different times in history together without it seeming disjointed. I knew that the book would be a wild ride with many twists and turns, deaths and even opening a few Pandora's boxes. But throughout the book, I was impressed by the main character's firm grip on her faith and how dedicated she was to maintaining that grip despite whatever came her way. Believe me, a lot was thrown at her. Yet she continued to believe. I can't say that I agree with everything she did, but I did admire her for that fact. If you love twisted tales through history that impact the way we live today or simply want a good thriller to keep you awake at night, put this book on your to-read list.

The Devil Will Come by Glenn Cooper is currently available in hardcover, paperback or digital (Kindle) formats from many online retailers. The following link will take you to the book's Amazon page for purchase.
The Devil Will Come by Glenn Cooper

The Bullet: A Novel by Mary Louise Kelly

Release Date: March 17, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Website:  http://www.marylouisekellybooks.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Caroline Cashion lived a normal life, taught French literature at Georgetown University, and went home often to see her parents and older brothers. They had the perfect life. That was before a constant, throbbing pain her wrist sent Caroline to the doctor. Tests discovered that she had a bullet buried in the tissue of her neck. With no memory as to how it got there, she pressed her family for information and stumbled on a dark secret buried for over thirty years.

Once the truth was told, she traveled to Atlanta to find answers. Everywhere she went, she was met with more questions than answers. Slowly truths began crawling from the past and laid to waste everything Caroline had known to be her life truth. The more she searched, the more risk she posed to a killer that didn't like loose ends. Will she be able to get what she needed for closure in her life? Will the events of the past pose too much of a threat for the present and future?

Review:
I saw this book as I looked through the offerings at NetGalley and immediately requested it. The synopsis sounded intriguing and a little different. I mean, how would you deal with a surprise such as finding a bullet in your neck after thirty-some years? I was about fifty pages into the story when I realized something seemed familiar with the tone and style of writing. It took me a minute longer than it should to remember that I read the author's debut novel, Anonymous Sources, during 2013. I liked that one a lot and hoped this current offering would make me feel the same way. Not long into the book, I was hooked by the secrets and a few of the characters themselves.

Caroline Cashion told her story through first person point-of-view. We, the readers, were privy to her thoughts, reasoning, and inner emotional battles as she went on this adventure to figure out what happened to her as a child. Along the way some key supporters revealed themselves and reaffirmed their relationship to her in the midst of the chaos. Her brothers, Tony and Martin, made me tear up when they each had a chance to show or tell Caroline how much she meant to them after a traumatic revelation nearly tore the family apart. It was refreshing to see that sometimes love and the word 'family' didn't have one meaning. Many of the secondary characters increased the believability of the story. Sometimes real people made really bad or really dumb decisions. These characters did the same thing. There were some actions that even I had a hard time rationalizing, but they worked to push the story forward and created a sense of drama on top of everything else.

The book started a little slow, like a gently rising amusement park ride. It took a little while to get you to the top of the ride before everything came crashing down around you, only to speed back up again. That's exactly how this novel operated. In the beginning all the foundation knowledge was presented as well as a likely problem that wouldn't go away. A short time later that problem tipped the story into an unknown piece of land that the characters must negotiate in order to resolve issues or serious consequences follow. Then the earth-shattering bit of information fell into their laps. Our ride took its first nosedive, picking up momentum and rising to another peak within seconds. Poor Caroline never really had much to think about everything she discovered or to deal with the sudden introduction and withdrawal of people in her life. That also came across very clearly in the writing.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There was a surprise visit partway through from a familiar face in the author's previous book. Not a huge difference maker in this particular story, but it was nice to see her come around again. Towards the end of the book, I thought I had a sense of how the story was going to tie everything together and Caroline was going to have a life - one way or another. But I did not see the very end coming. What I thought was the end would have tied everything up with a nice bow and sent the characters on with their lives. The author chose to add one more thrill ride at the reader at the last possible second. I have to admit, that last swerve definitely added more layers to the story. So many unanswered questions now. I wonder if the author planned to revisit Caroline at some point. Will the surprise visitor help to make things okay? So many questions!  For readers of mystery and suspense or for those who love face-paced books with many layers to discover, put this book on your TBR pile and pick up a copy today!

The Bullet: A Novel by Mary Louise Kelly is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores. It can be found in a variety of formats including hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle, MP3, etc.). Below is a link to the Amazon page for the book.
The Bullet: A Novel by Mary Louise Kelly

Shadow Ritual (Antoine Marcas #2) by Eric Giacometti, Jacques Ravenne

Release Date: March 25, 2015
Publisher: Le French Book
Translator: Anne Trager
Series: Antoine Marcas series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After giving a presentation at a lodge in Rome, Antoine Marcas accepted his friend's invitation to attend an elite-rich, celebrity-filled party at the Farnese Palace. With the gala in full swing, a murder took place upstairs in a manner few would recognize. Thousands of miles away in a high-tech lab, a similar murder occurred and the contents of the man's research stolen. Antoine Marcas was drawn into the mix by sheer luck of being present at the gala and being a detective in his native country, France.

Back on his home turf, Antoine was assigned to figure out who was behind the killings alongside Special Agent Jade Zewinski, a battle-hardened agent determined to avenge one of the deaths. Leads, more murders and ancient clues buried in long-forgotten manuscripts sent both of them on a hunt that collided paths with an underground society hell-bent on bringing about racial purity. What they discovered put them directly in the line of fire.

Review:
Another good find from NetGalley, this book piqued my interest from its synopsis. I'm a sucker for symbols, mysteries and adventure. This book had all of that and more. There were quite a few twists and turns that I didn't expect and some that I knew were coming from having read other similar stories in the past.  However, this book did a good job of stepping down other avenues while retelling familiar tales. It was refreshing to have another element added to the usual mystery or suspense type novel. There was a definite French and international flavor to the novel, due in large part to the authors, as well as many layers and conspiracies which played upon myths or legends within several regions of France.

Much of the story followed Antoine Marcas, a French detective and Freemason, who found himself saddled with a partner who didn't like his fraternal order much. Jade Zewinski had experienced a lot in her young life and it all began with some bitter dealings with Freemason. This particular conflict gave way to some good dialogue as well as opened doors for further information to be put into the novel without weighing the conversation or reader down. Other characters filled the ranks on both sides of the chase, each one a little more disturbed/sane than the next. I liked the fact that the book had both a male and a female character that could not only take the lead but seemed strong, resilient even without the other present. In truth there were a couple of characters on the "bad" side that made me feel the same way. With their deep-rooted likes or dislikes, many of the characters seemed as real as you or I.

There were plenty of action scenes within the novel. While much of the book took place in modern or present day places and time, a few important scenes occurred in the past to set the stage for the book as a whole. With so much information to impart to the reader, the authors did a great job of sliding it into conversation or within manuscripts that the characters read on their own. The combination of the usual thoughts and feelings about one secret society versus another also added a new dimension to the novel. I really liked how they took what has become standard in regards to Freemason theology and put a new twist on their myths and legends. Though I could guess where the story led a few times, I was pleasantly surprised more often than not by the events that took place in the book.

Overall, this book wasn't a run-of-the-mill type of mystery novel that centered around symbols and myths. The authors took information that had been used many times before and displayed it in such a way that made it seem fresh and new. I did enjoy the fast-paced excitement of the chase as well as the slow unearthing of information as a few characters dug through ancient archives. While the book does lean toward French audiences, anyone can enjoy the hunt and the terror the authors put into the pages. If you're a lover of ancient myths and secret societies or simply enjoy a good mystery surrounded by the past, this book should be on your TBR pile!

Shadow Ritual (Antoine Marcas #2) by Eric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne is currently available at many online retailers. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback or Kindle (digital) formats. The link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
Shadow Ritual (Antoine Marcas #2) by Eric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne

Revival: A Novel by Stephen King

Release Date: November 11, 2014
Publisher: Scribner
Author Website: www.stephenking.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jamie Morton lived an uneventful childhood in a small, rural town in Maine until the moment his path crossed that of Charles Jacobs, a man whose faith was tested and his hobby turned into obsession. A cruel twist of fate launched them both down a dark path for many years until they reunited again in Tulsa. This time Jamie had a growing drug addiction and Charles had an electrical addiction. Little by little the secrets Charles harbored concerning his secret electricity trickled into Jamie's world, distorting and discoloring everything around him.

Years later after Charles led a revival show around the country and claimed to cure millions, Jamie realized there was something wrong with those miracle cures. The aftereffects became too much for many, putting fear into Jamie's own heart that he might be next. His devil's bargain with Charles came to bite him in the end as Charles needed Jamie for one last revival - one to know the secrets of the afterlife.

Review:
Given this book as a gift, I had to wait a little while to begin reading. Once I was able to crack it open, I knew that I would take every opportunity to delve into whatever world the author created in the pages. At first the world looked very much like the one in which you and I are currently wasting time. True to form the author threw in a twist or two, and the world was somehow completely different. He has a way of making me believe that what happened in the book took place in a parallel universe. Though many of the same events took place in the book as in the real world, there's always an undercurrent of something strange or otherworldly running through the world of whichever book I read.

From the very beginning the main character, Jamie Morton, divulged to the reader that the events he wrote about were his truth as he experienced them. The book became a biography of sorts for the Morton family, but particularly for the youngest son, Jamie. Jamie chronicled his life from early childhood until late adulthood, including several traumatic events that were punctuated by visits from what he called 'his fifth business', otherwise known as an agent of change in the form of Charles Jacobs. Each time that their paths crossed, something drastic happened to both of their lives. In the first third of the book, King used realistic situations in which to test the characters. For me this made the characters and their reactions genuine and real, especially in their reactions. I could understand how some of the traumatic events caused a few of the characters to self destruct, even though I'd never imagined one to go to the lengths he did in order to achieve his ultimate goal.

The fact that a large portion of the book dealt with circumstances and outcomes that very well could happen lulled me into a state of believing that the "Big Bad" in this book was going to be humankind itself. Oh, was I wrong. While humans and their poor decision making did play their parts as bad guys throughout the book, it was at the very end when the other shoe dropped and the real evil revealed itself. Not going to ruin the book for others, but I didn't really expect that type of ending after such an easy introduction into Jamie's world and steady descent into his personal version of Dante's Inferno. Once the tide began to turn against him, one thing after another had Jamie crawling back into Charles's clutches. Even when it was all said and done, there was a lasting hold that they had on each other which affected all those around them as well. No one was safe from the bad luck that followed either of the two characters.

All in all, I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. I was shocked by some parts because the depths the author visited to present the downfall of the characters was more than I expected at times. Just when I dared to hope that I'd seen the lowest Jamie or Charles could go, the next chapter brought something else to the table. I was easily sucked into the book by the second chapter. The grip didn't loosen until the last few moments of the final chapter. By the time I realized that some of the events were to fantastic to really happen, the trap had already sprung. I had to believe that it could happen in order for Jamie and his loved ones to survive. If you're a fan of Stephen King who relishes his depravity or simply a lover of books that twist and shape you with each cliff-hanger, then this is the book you should pick up next.

Revival: A Novel by Stephen King is currently available in many retailers, both online and stores where books are sold. It can be purchased in several formats including hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle). The following link is to the book's page at Amazon.
Revival: A Novel by Stephen King

The Resurrection Maker: A Thriller by Glenn Cooper

Release Date: November 14, 2014
Publisher: Lascaux Media
Author Website: http://www.glenncooperbooks.com

Rating: 3 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In his everyday life Arthur Mallory worked at a prestigious company as a chemist, but his passion was searching for treasure - especially the Holy Grail. His father and grandfather held the same passion as well as an extra rib, a gift descending from Thomas Malore, one of many who searched for the Holy Grail in order to protect it. A series of tragic events pushed Arthur to accept the challenge of finding the answers and maybe even the grail itself in order to keep it from the hands of those who would do otherwise.

Following his every move was a mysterious order who wanted the Grail. They occupied stately occupations and possessed a vast network of underlings who could their bidding without question. As they pursued Arthur, they relished each advance he made. Can Arthur thwart this cabal and retrieve the greatest of all treasures before they do? Will he be alive long enough to do so?

Review:
This title was one of three by the author offered through a special offer given to members of NetGalley. I was always a sucker for a good treasure adventure and quickly scooped up all three of them. This particular title dealt with Arthur Mallory and his search for the Holy Grail across Europe. Not only did the author present an exciting tale of adventure fraught with danger, but he humanized the search by using familial ties and emotions through the character of Arthur.

It was easy to root for Arthur because he seemed like the typical, everyman type of character who worked and played hard, but kept his emotions close to the vest on most occasions. Once he was on the hunt, the kid-like glee and excitement drove him further down the line and pushed until he reached the end of the line. There were his friends, The Loons, who met with him often to discuss the Grail and try to solve the puzzles surrounding it. Only one person really didn't fit until the last few chapters. I wasn't sure about her involvement at all, going back and forth on which side she truly stood. I still didn't know for certain and will have doubts. But out of all the characters, I think I liked Arthur's relative, Elizabeth, the best. She was sharp, witty and didn't let anyone or anything hold her back.

Right away the reader was introduced to Arthur and his Grail-seeking passions. From that moment the adventure began. Layer upon layer of intrigue and action moved the story along at a steady clip. What set this story apart from other such books that I've read was the chapters in which the past was explored. Those chapters brought a sense of humanity to the origin stories that people have heard over the ages. Though we really can't know for certain what occurred with those specific people, it added an interesting, enjoyable flavor to the entire book.

Overall, I enjoyed the first title by this author and look forward to the other titles that are on my TBR list. Some might see this book as predictable or run-of-the-mill, but I liked the little things that separated the book from the others. Even as it used many of the well-known clues, the story lingered over little phrases or actions that could've been overlooked. Using these to weave everything together, the author brought forth a nicely entertaining story. For those who love myths and legends from long ago or enjoy a treasure hunt, this book should be on your list to read.

The Resurrection Maker: A Thriller by Glenn Cooper is currently available in either Kindle or paperback versions. It can be found at many online retailers including Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The following link will lead you to its Amazon page.
The Resurrection Maker: A Thriller by Glenn Cooper
 

Maxine Wore Black by Nora Olsen

Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jayla's world had never been an easy one for her to navigate. Despite all that she had to endure, the one thing she wanted most was simply to fall in love. Then came Maxine - a charismatic, good-looking woman who stated her genuine love for Jayla and all Jayla's differences. Unfortunately, Maxine already a girlfriend, Becky.

When something devastating happened during a July weekend at Becky's house, Jayla was drawn into a web of lies, contradictions and manipulation unlike anything she ever encountered. She needed to choose between truth and love, the hardest decision one could be asked to make. Could she navigate the murky waters of all Maxine told her in time? Or would she fall victim to the woman's strange spell over her forever?

Review:
With all the books offered at NetGalley, it was hard to pick a few each month in order to keep myself from being overwhelmed. However, when I read the description for this book, something about the description set it apart from the others. This particular book did cover subjects that may be hard for some readers due in large part to the theme of domestic violence.

In a weird kind of way, the domestic violence became a character in the story alongside all the others. Jayla was a transgender teen trying to find her way in a world that didn't do well in the acceptance department. She had a rock in her best friend, Francesca, and her Aunt Hope, but the rest of the world wasn't as eager to help. The author was able to present a wide range of people that one might find within the LGBTQ community in way which didn't make light of the the struggles they face - both internally and in society. The skepticism that members of the community face and the lengths that they must go through in order to be accepted within our society today were well presented. On top of all this, Jayla found the love of her life in a cisgender girl named Maxine who unfortunately had a girlfriend well-known in the Center. Maxine was someone from the richer side of the tracks and brought a whole other layer of conflict to the story. The secondary characters in that part of the world had their own neuroses that also didn't make things easy on Jayla.

From the beginning the author eased both the reader and Jayla into the story, smoothly continuing until there seemed to be no hope. It was easy to see how someone who wanted to experience a real sense of love and acceptance could fall victim to someone with less than good intentions. And let's be honest, I was halfway through the book when the thought that the book might have not been up my alley after all. In fact, I envisioned the Twilight level backlash on the obvious domestic violence/abusive relationship occurring before the reader's eyes in the novel without the author responding to it within the story. I began to wonder if I should stop reading when Jayla called attention to the issue herself. That's when the book turned into a better read for me. Not only did the novel present the limited resources and several legal issues that a person in Jayla's position could endure, it threw a spotlight on the fact that anyone anywhere can be involved such a relationship.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. No, I didn't enjoy a few of the characters, but that's okay because they weren't written to be liked. I could see the signs of an abusive relationship and kept hoping that Jayla would as well. When she finally got it, I wanted to cheer. The evidence that the author did her homework on the issues and procedures that many transgenders have to go through was plain to see from the beginning of the book. When I first met Jayla, I didn't know she was a transgender woman. I thought the book was about two young cisgender women who fall in love and then all hell broke loose. I'm happy to have read this book because it did open my eyes to a number of different things. Though I'm still learning, it was place to start. If you're looking for a mysterious love story that keeps those pages turning, then this is the novel you to put on your TBR pile.

Maxine Wore Black by Nora Olsen is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in either paperback or digital formats including Kindle. The link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Maxine Wore Black by Nora Olsen

 

Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

Release Date: April 16, 2013
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Jasper Dent series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jasper Dent and the people of Lob's Nod spent months recovering from an attack by a serial killer known as the Impressionist. Thanks to Jasper's unique status as being the only son of Billy Dent, one of the most notorious serial killers in his own right, the town was saved with only a few casualties along the way. The aftermath left Jasper reeling as information about his past, as well as his father, found ways to slip out of their cages.

When a new, vicious killer began stalking the streets of New York, Jasper was called in to help with the search. Although he hoped to escape the clutches of his father's legacy, what he found in the latest case only confirmed how far-reaching Billy's influence truly was. Jasper was now in a race to solve the New York case, but to figure out the strange clues to his past before something bad happened to him or those he loved the most.

Review:
I found this book on NetGalley shortly after finishing the author's first book in the series. I was interested in what happened in Jasper's world since the events of the previous book, so I requested the book. Needless to say, there was quite a lot that going on for many within Jasper's circle of friends and not just to Jasper alone. This book didn't start immediately after the conclusion of I Hunt Killers, but some months after all hell broke loose in the little town of Lob's Nod.

The main trio of teenagers were once again in the middle of the action as a serial killer in New York baffled the police and FBI alike. As a last resort, one of the detectives made his case for Jasper's help in stopping the guy before a state-wide panic ensued. While the previous focused more on Jasper, his background and how the other people around town interacted with him, this book split the main focus on several of the players. Of course, we were shown more insights into the way Jasper navigated the world, but the author also presented more of Connie's home life and way of thinking and Howie's deep devotion to Jasper. Other characters introduced in this book include more of Jasper's strange family, law enforcement officials who were affected by Billy's crimes, and an ever-widening circle of killers who all seem to be linked.

After the book began with a pair of gruesome  murders and introduced the reader to whatever game was being played as well as the unknown players. The level of brutality and a strange level of creativity grew as the book continued. Even things taking place in Jasper's town seemed to be a beehive of activity that only settled down as the crimes elsewhere picked up. As the leads were followed and the case drew to a close, there was a sense that everything happened at a fever pitch until that final reveal. Conflict upon conflict upon conflict drove the story forward as everyone battled something whether it was an inner war or battling with someone else. There were a few moments where I couldn't believe the character made that particular decision. (Now, you know that I don't give spoilers if I can help it! Go read the book!)

In all honesty, this book was a really entertaining read for me. Even though I knew from the get-go that the killers were playing some sort of game, I didn't put it all together which game they were playing before Jasper did. Man, it was a bit of a shock when I did. That twist put a smile on my face because once it was out, you could flip back to the beginning and see it. What happened to the other characters and the other revelations the book offered really made me wonder how the end was going to answer all the questions from this book and the previous one. The ending both frustrated me and had me wanting to know where it was going. If you're looking for a special kind of twisted way of thinking mixed with the worries and problems that fill a teen boy's mind, then you need to pick up a copy of this book.

Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores in either hardcover or digital versions including Kindle. Clicking the link below will open the book's Amazon page.
Game (Jasper Dent #2) by Barry Lyga

I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga

Release Date: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Series: Jasper Dent series, Book I

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jasper "Jazz" Dent was an unwilling celebrity in his small hometown of Lobo's Nod when the law discovered his father was the worst serial killer in history. With his father convicted and behind bars, Jasper spent the last four years trying to live a "normal" teenage life while living with his grandmother. His two closest friends, Connie and Howie, kept him ground when the dark thoughts threatened to overtake him.

When bodies began piling up in the small town for a second time, Jasper couldn't shake the feeling that his special knowledge was important to the investigation. If he didn't help, more people would die and the blood would be on his hands. What he didn't know was how far the killer would go to protect his work. Can Jasper find the killer without giving in to the dark desires? Will he be able to survive at all?

Review:
A late-night scouring of the available titles at NetGalley led me to requesting this title by Barry Lyga. Intrigued from the beginning, I was glad to discover that this book didn't disappoint. I often wondered what became of the children born to those so evil. This book took one of the paths available and explored as many nooks and crannies as possible. From the beginning, it was apparent how special of a kid Jasper truly was. I do mean special in a weird and intriguing way.

Most of the book was centered around Jasper and his attempts to find his place within the small, backwoods town that he called home. Being a teenager was hard under the most normal of circumstances, but when you were the son of a famous serial killer, life was unbearable. The only bright spots in his life were his girlfriend, Connie, and his best friend, Howie. They kept him centered when the lessons his father taught him threatened to push him over the edge. While dealing with all this, a gnawing feeling that a second serial killer at work in their town kept him awake at night and in trouble with the local sheriff.

Right away the conflict within Jasper and with the world around him permeated the story. It was a bit odd to start reading and see a teen with night-scope binoculars watching police investigate a body found in the middle of a farm field. There wasn't much of a change in pace as it was full on from the first chapter. Each interaction between the characters dropped tidbits of information that kept me turning the pages. Not only did this book explore the theory of nature versus nurture in relation to Jasper going up to be a serial killer or not, the entire story explored the meaning of family and whether being bond by blood was the only acceptable definition of family. Now, I don't give spoilers in my reviews if I can help it, but what happened at the end of the book threw everything on its head.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a refreshing twist on the serial killer genre and put a spotlight on the part of a serial killer's life that's often fallen by the wayside - the family. I liked how honest Jasper was with himself about the desires and remorse that he felt and the lengths he went to in order to stay grounded. It was admirable to see him face down his inner demons and use his knowledge to help instead of destroy. I'm anxious to see how future books play out and whether Jasper is ever tempted to take that one little step into the darkside. If you love a twisting, turning, strangely enduring and unique type of serial killer story, I would definitely put this book on your TBR list!

I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga is currently available at many retailers in various formats including hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital including Kindle. The link provided below leads to the book's Amazon page.
I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga

Casting Shadows Everywhere by L.T. Vargus

Release Date: May 12, 2013
Publisher: Smarmy Press

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Life as a teen is hell, especially for 15 year-old Jake who sees himself as weak and at the bottom of the high school food chain. He can't find the courage to stand up to the daily torment he receives from bullies, can't make a move on the girl of his dreams, and definitely can't find his place in the world. Sensing that he needs to change, he turns to his older, world-wise cousin, Nick, for the answers.

At Nick's side Jake learns the cold, hard truth about the world at large. He begins to channel his anger into confidence and leans more to Nick's lessons until he discovers a terrible secret that throws everything he knew into chaos. Does anything he knew before or after these lessons still hold water? Or has it all been a lie - one that could cost Jake everything?

Review:
This book came onto my radar as I spent time on Twitter one day. I honestly cannot remember exactly who had shared the tweet, but I went to the author's page to follow the link to the book's page at Amazon. Since I found the description of the book intriguing, I added the title to my Kindle and the ever-growing TBR list. I truly didn't know what to expect from this book as I began reading. It took reading until the very end to figure out everything.

Jake's coming-of-age story was written from his point-of-view in a journalistic style. He gave the reader a sense of what it was like to be in high school, conjuring up a view that many in this day and age could remember from their early years. Things began to take a different path right away when he wrote about his cousin, Nick, and the lessons about life that Nick taught him. As these lessons became harder and more intense, Jake's view of the world around him changed. It wasn't always for the better. The one bright spot in his otherwise invisible existence was Beth, the girl who paid more attention to him than anyone else. But even this positive relationship was tarnished by the darkness welling inside Jake as he struggled to find himself.

The story began with an action-packed scene, but remained a little slow on take-off for me. I think it was shifting gears into journal-reading mode on my behalf. Not more than a page or two after the opening scene, events began happening in rapid succession. Both Jake and the reader became stuck in Nick's web of lies and philosophy without realizing it until the final lesson was taught. To be honest, I was surprised by some of the later chapters (no, I'm not going to give spoilers) because I was too busy thinking about Jake figuring out his life to notice that someone around him wasn't all he/she presented to be. When I reached the turning point, I was both puzzled and excited, wondering what was going to happen next.

All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I anticipated. Because the author eased the entry into Jake's world, it was easy to get caught up in the little things that Jake thought important and miss the huge red flags that something was going on in the background. I really liked how honest Jake was in his journal. The confusion he was feeling came through the words, especially when he wrote about his dreams and struggled to find meaning in them. Kernels of truth about the world and society at large were woven into the fabric of the story. I think that's why it was easy to become snared by Jake's dilemma. If you're a fan of mysteries or simply love a good story where the boogey-man is quite real, then this is the book you should have on your TBR list!

Casting Shadows Everywhere by L.T. Vargus is currently available in both paperback and digital formats such as Kindle from various online retailers. The link provided below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Casting Shadows Everywhere by L.T. Vargus

Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill

Release Date: February 18, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishing

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Ignatius "Ig" Perrish came from a very well-to-do family but often found himself on the fringes of acceptance, both at home and everywhere else. The youngest child who spent many of his days fighting his asthma, Ig wasn't able to continue the family's musical legacy as his father and older did. There seemed nothing special in his life until the day he met Merrin. Inseparable from their first meeting, the young couple appeared to have everything planned with nothing but good futures ahead of them.

So it was until the night Merrin was found dead beneath a tree where everyone used to play as children. With fingers pointed at him, Ig weathered the brutal storm of accusations and prejudice as he struggled to find his way in life without the goodness Merrin brought to his life. After having a horrible hangover on the anniversary of his beloved's death, Ig discovered something about him was different and it directed his feet on the path to discover the truth behind Merrin's death and his new lease on life.

Review:
I have wanted to read Hill's books for some time now, but I wasn't able to afford them for a period of time. When I discovered this book on sale, I wasted no time in picking up a copy for my Kindle. The book's description intrigued me from the first paragraph, so I was excited when I entered Ig's part of the world. There's a sense of something stolen from Ig in the beginning of the book as the foundation of the story was being built. With each passing page it became clear how deeply he felt the absence of Merrin and how much of a toll the loss had taken on Ig and their circle of loved ones.

In the first part of the novel, a small cast of characters were introduced, but the spotlight shone brighter on a trio which included Ig, Merrin and Lee. The story followed the blossoming friendship between the three of them as well as the romance between Ig and Merrin. Even as their lives progressed into adulthood, the ties between the three of them wove their paths in and around one another until the night Merrin was killed. Ig's world shattered in more ways than one. What was good inside him died the night Merrin was murdered. Every day after was one day closer to revealing his true nature and helped prepare him for his biggest test. While not all of the characters were given a lot of time in the spotlight, they did feel real to me. Their emotional reactions to the events in the story made it easy to empathize with them, cheering some along while despising others.

With a steady pace, the story easily carried me along its tracks. Although I did expect it, I found the beginning a little slow until I reached the middle of the first chapter. That's when the first of many, many weird things began to take place and the story had its hooks in me. Each passing chapter introduced another level of either weirdness or background. Around the middle of the book, I thought I had everything figured out and tried to guess what was going to happen in the next chapter. Boy, was I ever wrong to try and do that. Nothing I guessed came to pass how I envisioned it. I'll just sit in the ride and follow along with the next book of Hill's that I read.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of little jokes, cliches and interesting twists that I didn't find myself bored for a moment. I so wanted an ending that wasn't really feasible, but the one given wrapped up all the ends neatly and very creatively. I am looking forward to reading more of Joe Hill's books in the future. If you are a lover of the strange, the slightly outside-the-box or a time-defying love, this book is one you need to look into reading.

Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill is available at many online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback, Kindle/e-book and audio book formats. Below is a link to the book's Amazon page.
Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill

Wrecker by Dave Conifer

Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Self-published

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jane knew she had a pretty good life. Both she and her husband had good jobs, a beautiful home, top-of-the-line cars and a child to complete the blissful picture. But something was missing for Jane. She spent much of her time feeling unfulfilled.

When her husband, Steve, hired a contractor to do manual labor around the house, Jane was intrigued by the man's unnatural physique. Innocent questions soon turned into something more than either Jane or Steve could handle. They were face to face with unexpected truths and accusations. Can they unravel the past before it's too late?


Review:
Okay, I admitted it once before and I'll do it again. I have a thing for mysteries. It has to be my favorite genre, so whenever I see a book with a bit of a mystery in it, I have to read it. I stumbled across this book while looking for a different title. Of course, I had to find out what happened to Jane and her family. When I started reading this book, it didn't seem like it would be a mystery of any kind. Truthfully, I thought I had been duped into buying a romance. Pushing myself to keep reading, I finally reached a point where the road turned back toward Mysteryville and I wasn't expecting the ending.

Jane and Steve were the typical modern family, complete with their own set of problems and flaws that impacted their relationship with each other. Though the story went back and forth between Jane's and Steve's point-of-views, the bulk of the story centered around Jane. It was easy to identify with her, especially with the way her husband was treating her a lot of the time. I could see why she felt intrigued about the contractor's history. Something so innocent as getting to know someone went downhill very fast for her and her family. I almost felt sorry for a few of the other characters when their histories were laid out, but my sympathy was tempered by their recent actions.

I felt the book started off slowly and didn't reach a steady pace until I reach the third or four chapter. Setting the scene took time, which I began to suspect as I continued turning the pages. The more I read, the quicker the pace became. By the two-thirds mark of the book, the action had propelled the pace toward resolution with a strong grip on the reader, aka me. The resolution was a little tidy for me but I feel it was a good way to leave the story. Some of the characters were never going to be the same after what they experienced. I do wonder what will become of them.

Overall, I have to say that I liked the story more than I anticipated at the beginning. It became much more involved as I kept reading. There were plenty of layers and questions that needed answering to keep me turning the pages. I'm happy I kept going until the end. More than likely, I will add some more of the author's books to my TBR pile. A great way to fill a sleepless night, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries and putting together the pieces as they read.

Wrecker by Dave Conifer is available for purchase at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle format. Clicking the link below will allow you to visit the book's page at Amazon.
Wrecker by Dave Conifer
 

Ruin Falls by Jenny Milchman

Release Date: April 22, 2014
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Liz Daniels knew her family as well as she knew the farm she worked every day to provide for their homegrown company, Roots. Living a wholesome life in a preservative-laced world wasn't easy, but she and her husband, Paul, made it work. When he suggested a family vacation to visit his parents in a city miles away from their home, Liz thought the idea odd but went along with him wishes anyway.

Before she knew it, her world was torn upside. Her worst fears came alive and taunted her every second of every day. Nowhere to turn, Liz grasped at small clues and looked for the one thing that would make all the pieces fall into place. The moment the big picture became clear, she realized that was up against something much bigger than even she expected. Can she recover what had been taken from her? What will she sacrifice to get it?


Review:
Offered by NetGalley, I requested this book because I thought the synopsis on the description page intriguing. I have always thought that losing one's children, in any fashion, was a parent's worst nightmare. However, I was drawn in by the lengths in which the main character, Liz, went through in order to find out the answers to why her children where taken and where they were hidden.

There was a great deal of tension in the atmosphere of the book from the very beginning. Liz's family rarely left the safety of their home in the mountains for a myriad of reasons. The weight of uncertainty and worry mixed with a series of events created an even greater level of paranoia and uneasiness within Liz. For me, this related well with the age-old theory that a mother knows when something isn't right. Even at a base level, there were signals that something sinister lurked around the darkened corners. As I delved deeper into the book, it was quite clear that Liz wasn't the only mother being put to the test. Others were wading through their own situations and clearly felt they were in over their heads.

Liz was one of a few well-defined characters in this story. Because of a jarring incident near the beginning of the book, the pacing felt frantic to me at times and left little time to really get to know a lot about some of the fringe characters. The reader was set up to be alongside Liz as she uncovered the truth behind her husband and a few of her closest friends. As a result, the story seemed to bounce from one place to another. There were a few moments when I really didn't understand the necessity of certain scenes or what they really brought to the story. One that stood out the most was an intimate moment between Liz and another character that seemed somewhat out of place. Although I can understand the notion that people do weird things in an overwhelming moment of crisis, the scene didn't advance the story at all or helped to clarify anything. It felt as though it was there as a filler.

Overall, the story was a good one and highlighted the determination and perseverance a parent, especially a mother, can have when faced with such a frightening situation. Though I expected a show-down at the end of the book, the one that took place wasn't really the one I had thought would happen. At least, the people involved with it weren't the ones I had picked. It was good to see Liz come into her own and gain a sense of confidence throughout the process even as I wished for a different resolution. If you're looking for a who-done-it with a brisk pace and can face the situation a parent never wants to happen, then this is the book you're looking for.

Ruin Falls by Jenny Milchman is available at many online retailers. It can be purchased in a variety of forms including hardcover, Kindle and audio-book. Pick up a copy today by clicking the link below.
Ruin Falls by Jenny Milchman

Scraps of Evidence: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #14) by Barbara Cameron

Release Date: January 21, 2014
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Series: Quilts of Love series, #14

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
A new promotion. New responsibilities. A new partner. All these things added up to a whirlwind of change for Tess. She was a professional at handling the duties that came with being a detective in St. Augustine, Florida. It was the mixture of emotions she felt when looking at her new partner and the return of a long-dreaded killer that turned her world upside down.

While juggling the stress from all sides, Tess found a small bit of peace within her quilting and her faith. As she and her new partner poured over the old case files, new clues came to light and lead in a direction no one thought possible. Can she keep those she loves safe from the killer in her past?

Review:
This book was a fun, quick read to fill a pleasant afternoon while sitting on my porch and enjoying the sunshine. I purchased it from Amazon during a promotional period but that doesn't take away from the story in any way, shape or form. This story had a bit of everything in it - faith, romance, mystery and even a bit of action. Added all up, the book was a treat to read.

Much of the story was centered around the leading woman, Tess, and her experiences while being a police detective in St. Augustine, Florida. The core group of supporting characters in the story were known to her intimately as she was born and raised in the small city. Many were family or friends who as close to her as family. The only outsider to have any sort of impact on her world was her new partner, Logan, who arrived from Chicago. I enjoyed seeing how uncomfortable Logan was when put in situations where Tess felt at home.

With the pacing steady from the first word, there wasn't a sense of increased anxiety in the beginning as the story builds up. The reader is already in the middle of an overwhelming situation by the end of the first chapter and will be there until the matter was resolved. I liked the amount of twists and turns as well as the emotional situations that were heaped upon the characters. I did wonder a time or two how things were going to come to a close when my predictions were proved wrong. That made the book a good one for me, the not always knowing despite reading dozens in similar genres.

Overall, I did enjoy the book more than I anticipated. Not only was the element of creating woven into the story, but the basic story was well-written and layered with details to keep me interested. Though this book was in the Christian genre, I was pleased to see that it didn't overwhelm the story. In fact, the moments where their faith was mentioned helped to shape the story and the characters themselves. The only drawback was the quickness in a certain situation. I can't reveal anything else without spoiling the story completely. I know it can happen that way. I just see it happening that often. If you're looking for a great, interesting way to spend an afternoon (or any other time), this book needs to be on your list!

Scraps of Evidence: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #14) by Barbara Cameron is currently available online at many retailers in either paperback or Kindle form. Click the link provided below to get your copy from Amazon today.
Scraps of Evidence: Quilts of Love Series (Quilts of Love #14) by Barbara Cameron

Dying for Murder: A Cordi O'Callaghan Mystery by Suzanne F. Kingsmill

Release Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Dundurn
Series: A Cordi O'Callaghan Mystery (Book 3)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Zoologist Cordi O'Callaghan is at it again, tracking a murderer on her own turf - a biology research station on a barrier island off the eastern coast of the United States. Having traveled to the station to record some birdsong for her latest zoological studies, Cordi finds herself in the midst of a nightmare when the director of the station is found dead. Meanwhile, a hurricane is raging on the coast, stranding all the researchers on the island.

Cordi sets out to investigate the troubling circumstances of the death, and while doing so gets a crash course on the life habits of bats, sea turtles, and rattlesnakes - not to mention how to survive a murderer's wrath. But she never sees the surprising solution to the mystery until she nearly dies solving it.

Review:
Granted permission to read an advance copy through NetGalley, I was introduced to the Cordi O'Callaghan series. The author does an excellent job of creating a series out of the books and yet keeps the stories as stand-alone books as well. The events of the prior books are alluded to throughout the book but they're not necessary to read in order to enjoy this particular book.

From the beginning it is apparent that the main character is a forced to be reckoned with as she chases down a would-be car thief in order to obtain her research material. The reader is then reintroduced to Cordi and her core group of friends as well as their occupations within the scientific community. What should have been an easy, enjoy answer to her dilemma comes around to bite her in the bum - big time.

Quite suddenly the small cast of characters expands to include a whole host of other scientists and researchers as a research facility off the eastern coast of the United States. Cordi hopes to find replacement data and lands smack dab in the middle of a turf war between the islanders and the scientists. Making matters worse, there's a level of animosity between the scientists themselves that puts Cordi and her small cast of supporters on edge.

Though there are a lot of characters and motives to keep straight, the author does a brilliant job of weaving together past and current transgressions as the fingers are pointed at possible suspects. When the reader feels that he or she has a handle on the case, another clue is dropped into their lap. Everything learned to that point is questioned. Nearly everyone on the island is a suspect - with good reasons.

I truly enjoyed the various lines of investigation and felt the author did a wonderful job of including the reader into the research fold. The science parts were explained in layman's terms though felt less overwhelming or preachy. It was more of a teaching type of feeling that I felt as I read what the many scientists did and their explanations for certain actions. Speaking of action, once the pace began to pick up, there was no stopping until the very last page of the book. Ups and downs, twists and turns - all were present in this story.

Overall, the book was a fairly quick and thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters definitely had their quirks which paid off toward the end of the book. If you are looking for mystery-filled thrill read with a surprise ending, this book needs to be on your TBR list.

Dying for Murder: A Cordi O'Callaghan Mystery by Suzanne F. Kingsmill is available for purchase in paperback form. By clicking the link below, you can purchase your copy from Amazon.
Dying for Murder: A Cordi O'Callaghan Mystery by Suzanne F. Kingsmill

Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King

Release Date: September 24, 2013
Publisher: Scribner
Series: The Shining series, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Dan Torrance witnessed many horrors as a child, but the worst took place at the Overlook Hotel. The memories and ghosts from that traumatic experience haunted Dan throughout his adolescence.Though his closest friend, Doc, taught him how to cope with some of the monsters, there were many left which drove him straight into becoming an alcoholic. After reaching his "rock bottom," Dan found himself in a small town where he battled his demons and came to terms with some of his past.

A young girl with an impressive "shining" stumbled into Dan's life and into the path of the True Knot, a group of wanderers who seek out those children with the shine and take it from them. Dan did his best to pass down the knowledge given to him by Doc, but when her own life was threatened by the True Knot members, Dan must face down everything from his past in order to keep her and others like her safe.

Review:
Books by Stephen King were among the first books I ever read on my own and will continue to find places upon my shelves. Many of his books are among those I consider my favorites. This book was definitely a treat to read. Not only did it answer many of the questions surrounding the fate of Danny and his mom after the events of The Shining, but it also maintained its own edge and relation to the current generation while visiting the past.

It was a bit difficult to get close to a few of the characters in this book. Some were written with sharp edges like many of the True Knot members. Others were decent people in the core of their being but had made so many bad decisions that the consequences wrapped around them like a thick, prickly skin of sorts. Most of the time, I was rooting for Dan despite the erratic behavior and the dumb decisions. Over the course of the novel, he proved time and time again that he was much more than a guy with a little something extra.

I think a lot of the True Knot members were interesting as well. There's no telling what they would have been if their natures hadn't been destroyed by their "turning" and assimilation into the wandering gang. Many of the members had unique gifts of their own. Rose was the most powerful and possessed many gifts including telepathy, locating others with her mind, invading a person's mind and charming others into doing what she wanted. Snakebite Andi was able to put people into a deep sleep whenever she wanted. Like a traveling carnival of horror, they possessed nicknames and gifts to suit their needs.

For much of the book, there was the typical back and forth between characters in different locations that I've come to expect with King's work. Within one chapter, there might be four or five mini-chapters and the actions of the characters in one affecting the characters in another. It was a little confusing during the middle of the book when there was a lot going on both with the characters and in the world itself. But things became much clearer as the story continued to unfold. The action and steady pace of the novel kept me turning the pages even when I needed to stop!

Overall, this was a really good book. It held many answers for lingering questions as well as new questions for the future generation to answer. I truly hope that we might see one more appearance from Dan Torrance before it's all said and done. If you love a story that's a little more out there than usual or filled with weirdness one expects of Stephen King, don't hesitate to pick up a copy of this book.

Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King is currently available for purchase at many retailers, both in-store and online. It can be purchased in a variety of formats including hardcover, paperback and Kindle. Click the link below to visit the book's page at Amazon.
Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King

Asylum (Birch Harbor #1) by Kristen Selleck

Release Date: October 27, 2011
Publisher: Brother Maynard Publications
Series: Birch Harbor series

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Chloe Adams wanted a place to start her life over. After dealing with a less than ideal life at home and school, she picked a college in a little town called Birch Harbor, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With no one from her past around, Chloe began to find a place for herself among the other college freshman and became best friends with her dorm roommate. It didn't matter much that the college was once intended to be used as an insane asylum.

Then strange things began happening on her dorm floor. Flickering lights, whispers in the night and strange writings were enough to scare the most practical person. But for Chloe, each instance had a particular meaning - a reminder that she can't outrun her past. Will she flee from Birch Harbor, the only place she felt safe? Will she stand and fight against those wanting to drive her mad?


Review:
I bought this book for my Kindle when I was playing around at Amazon one day. I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book because I wondered exactly what would happen if a woman, formerly of a mental hospital, were to begin classes in a building slated to be a mental hospital. If you tossed a bit of romance, freshman year of college and liberal amounts of paranormal activity, you'd have this book in a nutshell. But that wasn't all the book had to offer, as I found out the further I read.

Part of me identified with Chloe. No, it wasn't the certifiable part either. I was a shy, bookish type of girl in school that found it difficult to make friends. On that level, I related to her very well. Of course, other characters filled the stereotypical cast found at many colleges nowadays including the go-to party girl, the uber jocks, and even the one weird professor that nearly everyone misunderstands. They each brought their individual elements to the book and their interactions kept the story moving forward.

It did take a few chapters for the book to find its footing. I was happy that the pacing of the book slipped into a steady rhythm. I would have devoured this book in a day or two if I had no other obligations to attend to. I still found it to be a fairly quick read that ended with a good resolution. There were some doors left open for the next offering in the series but I felt that there were enough answers to keep me satisfied for the time being.

There were only a few issues that kept me from completely enjoying the book. Within the first few chapters of the book, I came across several grammar mistakes such as using commas in place of periods or not capitalizing the first word of a sentence. While I understand that some of these issues can be explained by their being used within dialogue, it was confusing for me to read four or five sentences connected by commas. It made that part of the conversation seemed rushed, almost like Six, the best friend from Blossom, was trying to speak for the character instead.

Overall, I liked the story and the place where it lead the characters. The idea was a great one for many other stories to come. In my honest opinion, if this book were to have a thorough editing, it would be a much bigger hit. In the end, it was a great way to pass the time. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good ghost story mixed with a bit of adventure and possibly reliving that dreaded freshman year of college!

Asylum (Birch Harbor #1) by Kristen Selleck is available at several online retailers in either paperback or Kindle form. You can get a copy from Amazon by clicking the link provided below. 
Asylum (Birch Harbor #1) by Kristen Selleck

The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Bantam

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Everyone has a secret. Some are darker than others. Eve Lattimore rarely gave any thought to how well she knew her children. They were her life - especially after her son was diagnosed with a rare disease. Each day was a battle between keeping him alive and allowing him to live a normal life.

Then everything changed. A young girl, one of her son's only friends, went missing. As the search for her continued, secrets began working their way to the surface. It became apparent that the idyllic life everyone knew wasn't very idyllic after all. Will Eve be able to protect her children from the fallout? Will anyone's life be the same?

Review:
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. In the beginning the reader was given the layout of the neighborhood, showing who lived in which house and some of the residents quirks were offered. The novel largely revolved around the Lattimore family, Eve and David as well as their two children, Melissa and Tyler, and the way they dealt with Tyler's disease. He was diagnosed with XP, or Xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare disease where the person has a severe sensitivity to ultraviolet light.

Besides the Lattimore, several neighbors were introduced as the story progressed. Many were long time residents of the little cul-de-sac and everyone felt they knew the other quite well. This assumption became the basis for a whole host of problems and kept me turning the pages. Because the neighbors interacted with one another so closely, the story had more depth and layers than I anticipated. While I expected some dreadful revelations, there were a bunch of moments when I was really didn't want to turn the page. I didn't want to know if my guesses were correct or not, but I felt compelled to know the entire story.

I found the beginning of the story a little slow, but it picked up within a few chapters. I should say sub-chapters as the book was divided into days, noting the sunrise, sunset and other astrological information, and then into chapters denoting which character was the main focus of the pages that follow. Once the devastating events began, tough decisions and irrational fears came crawling out of the woodwork. With so many possible perpetrators to so many crimes, large and small, it's hard to see the world in black and white terms of right and wrong.

Overall, this story captivated me and really left me wondering what I would have done in each of the scenarios presented. It was easy to slip into any of the characters and see their point-of-view because the author was able to make them realistic and empathizing with them was easy. Heart-breaking as much of the story was, I still enjoyed how well the author explored the darkest secrets that a neighbor, a wife or husband, a brother or sister, or a stranger held and how it affected the bigger picture. If you're looking for a completely engrossing and soul-grabbing type of story, this is the one I would recommend. You will have trouble putting it down once you start.

The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley is now available at many retailers including those online. It can be purchased in harcover, Kindle and audio-book. Click the link below to get a copy from Amazon.
The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley

Blood Wine: A Quin and Morgan Mystery by John Moss

Release Date: June 17, 2014 (paperback)
Publisher: Dundurn
Series: Quin and Morgan Mystery

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When Detective Miranda Quin wakes up to find the bloody body of her lover in her bed, she turns to her partner, Detective David Morgan, for support and guidance. She is unable to remember how she became the prime suspect in the investigation as both she and Morgan try to piece together the fragments of her memory.

What begins as an unofficial investigation turns into something much larger than either of the detectives could have ever imagined. After being shot at, nearly blown to bit pieces or drowned in a vat of wine, waking up with a dead body is the least of Quin's worries. Both she and Morgan are faced with an unknown yet resourceful enemy. Can they solve the investigation without one or both of them becoming victims? What do all the pieces mean for the world at large?

Review:
As a lover of mysteries and thrillers, I requested to review this book from NetGalley. There were many things that I enjoyed about the story but I was also confused at few points in the book. It very well may be a case of not having read the other books in the Quin and Morgan Mystery series. As this is the fourth book, most of the groundwork has already been written in the others.

The pacing of the book was pretty fast and steady, even in the confusing places. A lot of action scenes helped to keep my attention. There were a lot nail-biting moments for the main characters, as well as some of the supporting characters, that I felt added layers of vengeance and anxiety to the already heightened sense of paranoia both detectives were feeling.

Much of the interaction between characters seemed to be realistic to me. There were a few scenes where I felt confused and couldn't see why the people involved took the actions that they did. Truthfully, I'm one of the type of person who regularly suspends belief in order to really get into a book or a movie. I didn't have a problem with many of conversations or interactions where I was left thinking something was off. It was a mystery after all. We don't get everything laid out right at the beginning.

One scene in particular struck me as quite strange. Not long after the body was found in Quin's bed, she was back at home, alone and restless, when there was a knock at her door. Thinking it was her partner, she opened it without hesitation to find a traumatized woman on her doorstep. From the point where Quin begins to care for her to the arrival of both Morgan and another character was where the scene lost me. Quin refuses to let this stranger be taken from her home and instead cuddled with her in Quin's own bed after ushering her coworkers from her home. It didn't make sense with the events before or after that Quin would be so attached that quickly to a stranger.

Despite the confusion of that scene and a few other interactions, I found the story to be well thought out and engaging. The deeper I read, the larger the danger became. For me, that kept me turning pages to found out where all the connections were and how it was going to work out for everyone involved. Overall, it was a fast-paced thriller that nearly spanned the globe and was full intrigue and danger at the highest level. If you have read the previous books in the series or love multi-leveled mystery thrillers, then this is one book you should definitely consider adding to your reading list.

Blood Wine: A Quin and Morgan Mystery by John Moss will be available at many online retailers in June 2014. You can pre-order a copy from Amazon by clicking the link below.
Blood Wine: A Quin and Morgan Mystery by John Moss