Review-Every Precious Thing by Brett Battles

2011, Kindle ebook


Alan and Sara Lindley were supposed to be enjoying their life as newlyweds. While on honeymoon in Mexico, things changed, and Sarah disappeared. Armed with only a note, Alan vows to find his wife. Alan's attorney knows the perfect man for the job....Logan Harper.







Harper is a former defense contractor with the government, and now works in a garage with his father. And when duty calls in a situation to find a missing woman, Logan can't resist. Logan, his father, and his father's friend Barney Needham begin a search that leads them to discover there is whole lot going on besides finding a missing woman. And they aren't the only ones looking for her.




Dr. Erica Paskota is also interested in finding the missing woman, but for reasons that defy any sense of normalcy. She is wicked, motivated, and will let nothing stop her in the path of locating Sara. When Erica and Harper's paths cross, it makes for an interesting race to the climax that will tell the tale of Sara Lindley.




This is the second Logan Harper thriller in the series. LITTLE GIRL GONE was the first time that readers were introduced to Logan Harper. Harper is a character that the reader can enjoy. I got the sense that Logan isn't really interested in the life as an investigator, or expert in finding missing people. He just wants to work in his father's garage. As the story unfolds, I found myself becoming very interested in the relationship, and the bond between Logan and his father.

Brett Battles is high on my list of authors to watch. He was featured in the KILLER YEAR anthology of stories in 2008, and he is also the author of the Jonathan Quinn series.

You can purchase EVERY PRECIOUS THING in ebook form for $0.99 on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Little-Logan-Harper-Thriller-ebook/dp/B004TGUUVA

4.5 out of 5 stars

Review-$200 and a Cadillac by Fingers Murphy

Recently, I published a blog post with a list of my top 3 indie crime writers. Fingers Murphy was at the top of that list. With $200 and a CADILLAC, Fingers does not disappoint, and in my opinion is the best upcoming thriller writer out there today. If you are looking for a unique gift for the holidays, you can not go wrong with a $2.99 read that will leave the reader thanking you later. Seriously, nobody wants another holiday tie or sweater. Get this instead.

Hank Norton is a killer. A killer hired by the mob. A killer that likes his jobs simple and uncomplicated. Get in, and get out. 'Simple and uncomplicated' comes to a screeching halt when traveling to his next job. While driving his rental car, Hank slams into an unexpected obstacle in the road. A coyote.......carrying a human leg. Suddenly his world is turned upside down, and he must report the accident to the police. Soon after arriving in the small town Nickelback, California, Hank's presence is no longer invisible. Everyone knows of the man that hit the coyote.

Hank's target is Howie "Homerun" Lugano, a former tough guy that now lives his life as a Little League coach and worker at Southern Petroleum's Monarch oil station. Howie is living in town under the alias Ron Grimaldi. Before leaving New York, Howie sold out the mob and escaped unscathed. Life doesn't seem normal for Howie without the benefits of conducting a quick score. So, Howie orchestrates a crime that seems simple and profitable. Stealing from the oil company. Howie and his band of misfits, Eli and Eddie, team up to create an oil leak in the pipeline. And selling it back to the oil company is going to make them a ton of dough.

Mickey O'Reilly is the small town aging sheriff. Mickey trusts no one, and likes to let instinct lead him in the right direction. After arriving on the scene of the car accident, Mickey's instincts take over, and quickly realizes that something doesn't seem right about Hank.

Victor Jones is the ex FBI agent that currently holds the job of Chief Securtiy Officer of Southern Petroleum in Long Beach, CA. An unforeseen accident caused Victor to leave his job at the FBI as an expert in organized crime. Southern Petroleum has discovered that their is an oil leak somewhere, and it is his job to find the source of the leak. And we quickly learn, that Victor still has a passion for hunting down criminals.

As the novel unravels, we are introduced to a series of other characters that add the life of the story. Janie Gates is the small town beauty queen real estate agent. Eli and Eddie are the unemployed pot smokers looking to make some fast cash. Tom Crossly is assisting Victor in solving the oil leak, and is a little wary of Victor's rogue personality.

I think what makes this novel compelling is the depth of the personalities in all of the characters. Not only are the characters full of life, but each of the main characters has a very distinct background that allows you to care about why they are in the story, and how they got there. And, I found myself wondering, who am I rooting for in this novel? The greedy oil company? No. The hit man? The sheriff? Or, the mobster? Fingers also adds the element of unique situations, and settings in his books. Who can forget a coyote carrying a human leg?

All of these characters come together in forming a thrilling story that races to answer the question, who is going to come out on top? And, who is going to survive?

My rating 5 out 5 stars.

Fingers Murphy is the author of 3 ebooks that you can find on Amazon. FOLLOW THE MONEY, and THE FLAMING MOTEL are excellent Ollie Olson legal thrillers. $200 and a CADILLAC is his first stand-alone thriller.

$200 and a Cadillac can be found at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/200-Cadillac-ebook/dp/B006CQXFYO/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1322096951&sr=1-3

Visit his site at http://www.fingersmurphy.com/

Joseph-Beth Booksellers, A New Store Opens

Joseph-Beth Booksellers Crestview Hills, KY

Few things in life give me as much enjoyment as walking into a bookstore, especially a new bookstore. A new bookstore to me is like Disney World to a 6 year old. I like the smell of books. I like being around books. And, I like to hunt for those treasures in a store that I least expect to find. When our Borders closed, myself and a whole lot of others in the area were not happy. The Borders here did very well, and had a very loyal base of shoppers. When news was announced that Joseph-Beth would be occupying the space that formerly belonged to Borders, I could barely contain my excitement. Bookstores do more for a community than any other type of store that I can think of. I certainly didn't want to see some fashion boutique occupy the space. And, I was already familiar with the JB bookstore in Cincinnati so I knew that this wasn't going to be any ordinary bookstore. So shortly after work, I rushed to see what the new store was all about. Here is a few pros and cons from my observations in the hour that I spent browsing the place.

Pros:

1. The layout of the store is great. A lot of awesome artwork on the walls highlighting other independent stores of the world graces the entrance to the store. The cafe is in the back, and the sections seemed to be evened out well.

2. The crime fiction/mystery/thriller section is awesome. JB bookstores always seem to offer a great selection for crime fiction fans. I knew I would see James Patterson, David Baldacci, and Stuart Woods. But, I was looking for the wide selection of Ken Bruens, Don Winslows, John Lawtons, and Declan Hughes. And, that is exactly what I found.

3. The cafe was much better than expected. The other JB store in Cincinnati offers up a restuarant/bistro of full course meals. I knew the store would be too small too offer this, but the selection was good. Yes, you can get a coffee, tea, or pastry, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads that you can order. And, the cafe workers will bring the food out once it is ready on a full sized plate. Not, one of those paper plates or bags that other places may have.

4. Friendly staff. Everyone on staff that I talked to asked me what I thought of the new store. They all seemed to be excited as I did.

5. A different atmosphere. JB prides itself on a motto that claims that they are "much more than a bookstore." I absolutely agree. The place is very inviting for browsing, or sitting at a table and having a conversation with a friend. It's a place to hang out and enjoy the surroundings of friendly people, books, and (hopefully) good food. I didn't try the food yet!

6. A huge magazine section. If you are in to buying magazines, the store has every kind of magazine imaginable.

Cons:

1. The shelves didn't seem to be 100% stocked, and this was to be expected. I would put it at about 90%. I think I saw 2 empty tables that I am sure will be filled with books as the store continues to grow.

2. The cashiers were having a little trouble with the computer/register system. On opening day a few glitches here and there are going to pop up.

3. No staff picks. I didn't see a section for staff picks, but I am sure as other things are tackled first in the store, they will be up. Sometimes I like to see what others are reading, and if something looks interesting enough, and was read by a staff member, I may get it.

I can't wait to go back! The Grand Opening celebration will be this Saturday with raffle drawings, and free coffee. Visit the site at

http://www.josephbeth.com/crestviewhills/ch.html

Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review-Second Violin by John Lawton

John Lawton's SECOND VIOLIN is a historical mystery that features the young Inspector Frederick Troy. It is the sixth book in the series.

This is the first book that I have read by Lawton. I happened to see it on display in a bookstore, and was intrigued. Many of the booksellers gave it positive reviews so I gave it a shot. I am happy to report that I will be picking up the other books in this awesome series.

I like historical fiction. Lawton's mystery however is more of a commentary on the social aspects of the time. The book begins in 1938 with the threat of Nazi Germany on Austria, Poland, England, and other countries. Frederick Troy as just been promoted to the special Murder Squad, a division of Scotland Yard. As the novel moves, a series of deaths occur among rabbis in London. The deaths seem to be related, and Troy looks into the matter. Meanwhile, Troy's brother Rod is deported from London with other foreign refugees to a remote location on the Isle of Man. Soon, the German bombs start to fall on the heart of London. The city is grappling with blackouts, mysterious deaths, and a paranoia.

The novel features an interesting cast of characters, war time settings, and even some appearances by famous individuals. Lawton has a feature at the end of the novel that differentiates between fact and fiction, which I like. If historical fiction is your fancy, give this series a try. I look forward to seeing how Lawton continues to use history as a backdrop to some thrilling stories.

Some blurbs on the back of the book:

Selected by Time Magazine as one of "Six Detective Series to Savor"

Named by The Daily Telegraph as one of "Fifty Crime Writers to Read Before You Die"

4.o out of 5.0 stars

Review-Obedience by Will Lavender

"What choice do you have when your world has been turned upside down by a cruel game? What do you do, Brian wondered, when all the clues and signs point to one solution? What do you do when place, time, motive, and circumstance point to one man?

You turn around. You go back to finish it." -My favorite lines in OBEDIENCE

I met Will Lavender at the Books by the Banks Cincinnati book festival in October. I didn't know he was going to be there. I was there to see another author. Walking from table to table looking at books, I bought his book (and it was nice for him to sign it for me). And boy am I glad that I did. It is those times when finding an unexpected treasure that makes reading so much fun. Here is a synopsis of the book.

Winchester University is at the center of a small town in Indiana. In the beginning of the new semester, a group of students sit down in the philosophy class of Professor Leonard Williams. The students are confused, and shocked when Professor Williams begins the class with the statement "There's been a murder."

From there, Professor Williams unveils a series of clues to the class of the hypothetical murder. He explains to them that they have six weeks to solve the murder. As Mary, Brian, and Dennis continue with the class, the line between reality and a hypothetical murder becomes blurred. The three of them begin to experience events in their lives that are strange, and maybe related to Professor Williams class. Is Williams setting this all up? Are these real clues to a murder that may happen, or has already happened?

As the events that fall within the class begin to unravel, a search for the truth begins.

This is not your ordinary thriller. There are no assasins, spys, or detectives. It is a breath of fresh air. Lavender presents an intricate puzzle with twists and turns that will make you guessing to the end. OBEDIENCE was a golden treasure find, and ranks as one of my most favorite reads so far this year.

Will Lavender's second novel DOMINANCE is out now in hardcover published by Simon and Schuster. Visit his site at http://www.willlavender.com/

4.5 out of 5 stars

Review-The Devil Colony by James Rollins

SIGMA Force is a secret spy organization that protects the U.S. from various threats. It is made up of a group of scientists and spies that is led by Painter Crowe. THE DEVIL COLONY is the seventh book in the SIGMA FORCE series .

To me, James Rollins is a mix of Michael Crichton and Dan Brown. He weaves this story around science, history, and a little bit of religion. THE DEVIL COLONY is a novel that looks at another angle into the founding of the U.S. Thomas Jefferson and a group of Native Americans are said to have possibly considered an idea for a fourteenth colony. Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark out west, and history is unraveled. Secret gold plates are hidden within the United States that contain information to the location of the fourteenth colony. This secret fourteenth colony is also the home of an ancient technology that can destroy life on Earth.

Rollins includes many different locales in the story from Utah (where most of the story takes place) to Iceland, to Kentucky, Tennessee, and one very famous national park. As the story unfolds, a cave in Utah is the scene of a group of dead bodies that dates back to ancient times. These people are possibly linked to the ancient Israelites that may have been buried to protect the knowledge of the deadly technology that could threaten the world. SIGMA Force is teamed up with Hank Kanosh, a Mormon anthropologist to solve the mystery of the cave. Painter Crowe is personally tied to the investigation as a relative is part of the explosion that occurs at the cave in Utah.

One of my favorite characters in the book is the villain. Rafael Saint Germaine, a member of The Guild, is your classic bad guy with some flaws. He walks with a cane, is surrounded by people he may or may not trust, and is headed down a path that will decide the future of the planet.

The book has all of the ingredients of an action novel. Gunfights, a sexy female assassin, intriguing settings, artifacts that contain clues, and a bit of history all are added to make the book soar to the climax. At the back of the book, Rollins adds his commentary that separates fact from fiction on important religious, historical, and scientific topics in the book. It simply is a good, fun, read that will leave you wondering how soon you can get your hands on the next one.

Rated: 4 out of 5 stars

Top 3 Indie Crime Fiction Authors

Ever since I have received my Kindle for Christmas two years ago, I have discovered the world of Indie authors. These talented authors are writing quality novels, and are selling them at affordable prices. And, they are selling them by the loads!

Their are three particular authors in the crime genre that have caught my attention, and I think it would be disservice to the crime fiction world if these particular authors were not recognized. As of now, these three authors are my top 3 indie authors in the crime fiction genre.

1. Fingers Murphy

Yes, that is correct. His name is Fingers. That, of course, is not is real name. Mr. Murphy is a high profile international lawyer that chooses to use a pen name for his books. Fingers has self published 2 novels, FOLLOW THE MONEY and THE FLAMING MOTEL. A third, $200 AND A CADILLAC (a standalone novel) is due out sometime in November. Ollie Olson is the protagonist in the first two novels. Ollie is a lawyer that begins his career working for one of the big firms in FOLLOW THE MONEY, when things suddenly go wrong in his investigation of a 12 year old murder case. THE FLAMING MOTEL is the second in the series. The murder of a adult film maker on Halloween turns into a twisted story involving multiple women, and shady characters.

As I mentioned, Fingers' third novel is due out this month. His novels are witty, fun, and packed with twists and turns. I can't wait to get my hands on $200 AND A CADILLAC. Check out his site at http://www.fingersmurphy.com/

2. Vincent Zandri

Mr. Zandri, in my opinion, has been a pioneer in the digital movement of books. Zandri has reached the #1 spot on Amazon for downloads, and has written gut wrenching thrillers such as THE INNOCENT, THE REMAINS, GODCHILD, and MOONLIGHT FALLS. THE REMAINS will scare the pants off of you. Two sisters were abducted by a mad man. One of the sisters passes away from cancer, and thirty years later the kidnapper is out to see the other one dead. In October of 2011, Zandri signed a major deal with Amazon for the publication of his new novel, MURDER BY MOONLIGHT .

Check out his site at http://www.vincentzandri.com/

3. John Locke

John Locke is one of eight authors to have over one million ebooks downloaded. Yes, that is not a typo. One million! He joins the likes of Lee Child, James Patterson, Stieg Larsson, and Nora Roberts. He is best known for his Donovan Creed series. Creed is a former CIA assassin that certainly finds himself into some interesting situations. LETHAL PEOPLE is the first in the series as Creed gets a call from his daughter who is concerned about the guy that is dating Creed's ex wife. As the story moves on, Creed also investigates a fire that is possibly a result of arson. The book is filled with quirky characters, non stop action, and Locke does an excellent job of adding lots of humor to this thrilling story.


Check out Locke's site at http://donovancreed.com/

Do you know of any other great indie authors? Let us know, and spread the word!