Wednesday, June 29, 2011

So what's next John?

Yep I am waitin' I am waitin' for book #4 in the John L. Betcher "Becker" series . . .
I just finished the 3rd book . . .



Summary from Authors site . . . Former intelligence operative, James "Beck" Becker and his CIA code-cracking wife, Beth, have retired to Beck's hometown of Red Wing, Minnesota. Their retirement has already proven more exhilarating than they'd expected.But they could never have anticipated the new source of crime and intrigue in their small community. A Mexican drug cartel has set up shop a few miles down the road. And they're not just selling. The new meth production facility is the largest north of the Rio Grande.To complicate matters further, Terry "Bull" Red Feather's former comrade-in-arms has come to visit. And he's on a mission. His decades-long assault on the cartels is coming to a head with a plan to blow up the Minnesota meth plant ... if he can find it. He wants Bull to help.The Beckers' challenge? To dismantle cartel operations before a full-blown drug war breaks out in Red Wing.


Click here to visit the authors site and read the first chapter.

So what did I think . . . The Covert Element will have you on the edge of your seat from the beginning. Betcher does a great job of weaving an intriguing and thrilling story about current events or issues and making the story seem believable without being 'Hollywood'.


So, how do I rate . . . TheBold Cover Element as many stars as allowed. I really enjoyed it and all the "Beck" stories. And, I am waiting for the next one. And, well I just can't wait for a 'Beck' movie.



Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. I would recommend it actually for any age group. With parental guidance I think even a young adult would enjoy any of Betcher's work.



In case your wonderin' . . . don't worry if you haven't read any of the other Becker stories but I would recommend all 3 books. Each story stands alone and even if you start with #3 you'll still enjoy it!


So, check out the authors site let him know I sent you over!

Or run over to Amazon and order all 3 . . . I mean don't you need something to read while your Waitin'.














Friday, June 10, 2011

Boy have I been . . .

. . . doin some readin'.


O.K. I guess I am probably the only person on earth that hasn't read anything by Karen Kingsley. At least I was.


Because I am now on the last book in The Redemption Series.

I have just loved these books. There are 5 in this series.

It begins with this one . . .

I have really enjoyed each book. I have loved the stories. I have loved the characters. Although it is a series the author does an amazing job of 'fillin' the reader in on what was going on in the previous book. ItalicI think each book can stand alone.


But I recommend searching them out . . . getting the first one and reading them all the way through. Take a long weekend and enjoy some good scratch that Great reading.



One of the things that I think is so great is that Miss Kingsley does an amazing job of sharing her faith and introducing the reader into faith in God without being overly preachy. (at least in my opnion)


If you haven't run across these books check them out. Buy the group as a present for a friend, a present for yourself. They are great for any age! Here's a link to the authors website. . . click here Check them out!

Monday, February 21, 2011

The Innocent by Vincent Zandri

This was my first chance to read Mr. Zandri's work. But it won't be my last. But probably my last at least for while e-book. Wasn't a real easy way for me to read since most of my reading is done in the car! I kept wanting to grab a few minutes and read more!
This is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Here's the trailer:


Product Description (from Amazon)
Getting caught is simply not an option.It's been a year since Jack Marconi's wife was killed. Ever since, he's been slipping up at his job as warden at an upstate New York prison. It makes him the perfect patsy when a cop-killer breaks out--with the help of someone on the inside. Throwing himself into the hunt for the fleeing con, Jack doesn't see what's coming.Suddenly the walls are closing in. And in the next twenty-four hours, Jack will defy direct orders, tamper with evidence, kidnap the con's girlfriend--and run from the law with a .45 hidden beneath his sports coat. Because Jack Marconi, keeper of laws, men, secrets, and memories, has been set up--by a conspiracy that has turned everyone he ever trusted into an enemy. And everything he ever believed in into the worst kind of lie.Reviews for "The Innocent" (formally, As Catch Can)

And a few Editorial Reviews:
"If you want a novel that runs wild like a caged beast let loose, Zandri is the man."--(Albany)"Sensational...masterful...brilliant."--New York Post
"Probably the most arresting first crime novel to break into print this season."--Boston Herald"
A thriller that has depth and substance, wickedness and compassion."--The Times-Union (Albany)
An Engrossing Thriller...the descriptions of life behind bars will stand your hair on end."--Rocky Mountain News

Here's a link to the author's site for info. about his other work.

The book was offered for review by Pump Up Your Books. I was not required to write a positive review.








Friday, February 18, 2011

Pursuit of Happiness-by Sheldon Greene


Filled with history. A little suspense. Some romance. Some intrigue. And some action to boot.
If your a fan of historical fiction you'll enjoy this one. If your looking for a book to settle in to enjoy over the weekend this is the one.
This one is self published and was sent to me by the author. (he even signed it) When I went to Amazon to post my review I noticed there were only 5 others and every other review gave 5 stars.
Check this one out.
Here's the link to purchase from Amazon.....Here's the link to the authors site.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Murder by Another Name by Jo Stone


Author Jo Stone takes on the FDA and breast implant manufacturers in her new thriller as Janet Stephenson, Denver trial lawyer, dodges corporate intrigue, murderous lackeys and attempted cover up while she seeks justice for a client who is dying of cancer from her silicone breast implant.Parker, CO - Nov 3, 2010 - Novelist Jo Stone announces the release of her new legal and medical thriller, Murder by Another Name. Crime and corporate intrigue propel this captivating murder mystery as noted trial lawyer Stone uses her experience trying silicone gel breast implant cases to provide palpable reality to her novel's courtroom suspense. Pamela Lawson just wants her figure back after childbirth. A plastic surgeon and the industry spokesman for the new Mammselle foam coated implant, Dr. Dan MacNamara is sure the Mammselle implant is perfect for his patient, but neither he nor Pamela know that the manufacturer has concealed the results of secret internal studies that show all animals they tested have developed liver cancer.Sherri Barker, a detail person for the manufacturer and Dr. MacNamara's mistress, has just delivered to MacNamara the details of these studies when she is killed by a car bomb, and soon Dr. MacNamara's life is also in danger from assassins hired by the silicone manufacturer and one of its corporate cohorts. Meanwhile a television reporter and an FDA investigator are preparing to air a special on the new implants.Denver trial lawyer Janet Stephenson must navigate the minefields of corporate machination and attempted murder while trying to bring a grand jury indictment against the manufacturer for her client Pamela Lawson, now awaiting a liver transplant for her liver cancer. The worlds of criminal and civil law merge within the thrilling legal twists and turns of the ensuing courtroom drama as Janet seeks justice for the lives lost or ruined by corporate greed.

Here's the video trailer . . .


What I thought . . .
. . . Keeps you on the edge of your seat. From page one your drawn in. I mean within the first pages there is a secret rondevou and a car bombing.
. . . This is one that I fell for each and every character from Janet the lawyer, Pamela the poor woman with cancer to the eccentric chemists.
. . . One think I really didn't like is it is looooooooong. Don't get me wrong I love a good long book but for me the story just kept going on and on. I couldn't wait to get to the end.
. . . And, would I spend the sugessted retail price? Maybe if I had a gift card. But otherwise I mean my word $25.95? I would suggest shopping around for a good deal.

Here's the product info:
ISBN: 978-1-4327-6562-0
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Date of publish: Oct 30, 2010
Pages: 504
S.R.P.: $25.95

For more info. visit the authors site. Click here. You can purchase the Kindle version at Amazon. And, it is available at Barnes & Noble. (click on the 'words in Blue' for the links)


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through Bostick Communications as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.






Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Heart Beat Away--Michael Palmer

Boasted as a Political,Medical, Suspense, Thriller is right on the mark for the newest book by Michael Palmer.

Here's the synopsis from the back cover:
The New York Times bestselling author and master of suspense delivers another novel at the crossroads of politics and medicine in this shocker of a thriller
On the night of the State of the Union address, President James Allaire expects to give the speech of his career. But no one anticipates the terrifying turn of events that forces him to quarantine everyone in the Capitol building. A terrorist group calling itself “Genesis” has unleashed WRX3883, a deadly, highly contagious virus, into the building. No one fully knows the deadly effect of the germ except for the team responsible for its development—a team headed by Allaire, himself. The only one who might be able to help is virologist Griffin Rhodes, currently in solitary confinement in a maximum security federal prison for alleged terrorist acts, including the attempted theft of WRX3883 from the lab where he worked. Rhodes has no idea why he has been arrested, but when Allaire offers to free him in exchange for his help combating the virus, he reluctantly agrees to do what he can to support the government that has imprisoned him without apparent cause.
Meanwhile, every single person in line for presidential succession is trapped inside the Capitol—every person except one: the Director of Homeland Security, who is safely at home in Minnesota, having been selected as the “Designated Survivor” for this event. With enemies both named and unnamed closing in, and the security of the nation at stake, Griff must unravel the mysteries of WRX3883 without violating his pledge as a scientist to use no animal testing in his experiments…and time is running out. Tense, thrilling, and entirely plausible, A Heartbeat Away will make you reflect, wonder, and be truly afraid.

What I thought of it?
I was drawn in. It was an interesting story fitting all the descriptions as boasted above . . . tense, thrilling a shocker. . . and a few more like suspenseful and engrossing. It is a long book. Plan yourself a long weekend to read it because you won't want to put it down!

Here's a link to the authors blog for a little more info. And you can go Here to read the first chapter.

I found it available at Amazon.

BTW. . . My label Adult means that it isn't a childrens book. An older teen would probably enjoy it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author in cooperation with Bostick Communications as part of their bloggers book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Monday, January 24, 2011

Russia's Prestige: Historical Architecture by KASHIF PARVAIZ

Interesting book filled with photo's and information about some amazing buildings.
Here's the video trailer from the publisher. . .




Here's the product discription provided by the publisher. . .
...Since medieval times, Russian architecture has reflected this powerful nation’s history.Take the author's journey through time, beginning with the tiny state of Keiven Rus’ and culminating with modern-day Russia, examine the lives of men who devoted everything to transform their dreams into architectural gems and how these structures related to the nation’s state of affairs.Look across the timeline of Russia’s main historical periods, their evolution and impact on the vision of Russia. The biographies of the architects included in the book enrich the readers experience by letting them get a feel for the environment that feed the architect's genius.Whether enjoying this book as an easy read or while using it in academics, you are bound to be swept away by the story. Rich, compelling and evocative, this book will enhance your imagination and pique your curiosity in the architecture of Russia. “Yet, however beautiful the vision drawn up by the words on a page, there is no substitute for the real adventure of Russia unless you visually experience it yourself. Enjoy the trip as much as I have.” - KASHIF PARVAIZ

Author Information...
With advanced degrees in both Architecture and Structural Engineering, his experience in the field of architecture and construction began humbly as a handyman while managing his father’s real estate empire. In 2007, Kashif started his own business, Riyaan Developers, a reputable construction firm located in Brooklyn, New York that handles a variety of full scale residential projects. His hobbies include music, photography, fishing and his vast collection of literature on the study of architecture.


Product details...
Paperback
Format: 5.5 x 8.5 paperback white, 412 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (Dec 06, 2010)
ISBN10: 1432766112
ISBN13: 9781432766115
Genre: ARCHITECTURE / Regional

Before I tell you where you can buy it here's what I thought . . .
It is a rather large paperback of 412 pages filled with some amazing photo's of some amazing buildings. But for this reader the cover price of $34.95 is way more than I think an average shopper would spend. And, way more than I would even consider. It is well put together and I think the attention to detail is great. The photo's are all black and white. The text is rather large so it makes me wonder if it is large just to make the book a little bigger to make it seem more worth the price.

I did not read this book. I did look at the photo's and, maybe if I had taken the time to read it I would have been able to offer a little more than just my opinion of the cost.

Here is a review I found on Amazon. . . A Fine Blend of History and Art: Finding Russiaby gradyharp
Customer Rating: See Detailed Ratings Kashif Parvaiz writes like a man possessed - and that is a compliment! He has obviously spent many hours of research to produce this excellent book that studies Russian history by examining the development of the architecture of that mysterious country. Parvaiz takes the reader as a fellow traveler on a journey that begins in the year 988 and ends with present day Russia. Much of the history of Russia...

This book is available at Amazon and I noticed when I check on it for the link that there are only 4 left in stock!
It is also available at Barnes and Noble and directly from the publisher.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free directly from the author through Bostick Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising