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.

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.

What So Proudly We Hailed--James Howard

Normally I don't make a habit of posting the same review on all three of my blogs. But this is one work of fiction that I enjoyed so much that I want to do whatever I can to help the author. This is another one that I'll call a 'sleeper'. I mean that in a good way one of those kinds of books only available (as far as I know) at Amazon

What So Proudly We Hailed was a fun, suspensful book to read.

It is all about one families struggle to survice after a nuclear attack on the U.S. From the back cover: One family, one old boat, one test of faith to stay alive.

Here's a complete synopsis from the author's site:
Imagine what would happen if eighty percent of the United States were without power for three or four months.
All banking and commercial transfers locked up; funds inaccessible.
Wholesale and retail distribution shut down; no computers to manage sales.
Passenger and freight lines grind to a halt; no electricity for the fuel pumps.
No cell phone or landline service; systems down indefinitely.
And the worst aspect of all; a total breakdown of law and order.
This is the setting of James Howard’s novel, What So Proudly We Hailed.
The unthinkable has happened; a limited nuclear missile strike has destroyed the power grid beyond any immediate repair. Jason Ribault, sensing the societal breakdown to come, flees with his family in an old cabin cruiser to wait out the worst of the chaos behind the deserted barrier islands of the South Carolina coast. There they listen to unfolding events on a short-wave radio, not the least of which concerns a hostile political influence that seeks to seize control of a nation struggling to right itself once again. Pursued by their own immediate dangers, the family is pushed farther and farther into the desolate salt marshes where they find other families in hiding. Eventually, anxious to unite with a family member in danger, they turn back into the chaos, to see the full extent of what has happened to the America they knew.
Electric with page-turning suspense, What So Proudly We Hailed is an eye-opening book every American must read.

About the uthor: James Howard is a veteran of the US Navy where he worked with nuclear weapons. He has also spent the last twenty years working in various aspects of heavy industry, including electrical power generation and distribution, and has learned much about our nation’s power grid. These experiences, combined with his devoted study of Bible prophesy, world history, and Islam, make him uniquely qualified to write this novel.

A few endorsements from the Authors site:

Praise for What So Proudly We Hailed -
James Howard has taken some incredibly deep and complex Bible prophecy and with a masterful touch of the pen has unpackaged them in a gripping, modern day story that makes the concepts easily digestible and palatable to today’s readers.
- Michael Lewis, Senior Pastor, Cathedral of Praise church, Charleston, SC

I recommend this book…excellent story…timely and well thought out.
- Kirk Lowe, Screenwriter, Vice President of the Lowcountry Christian Fiction Writers

James Howard has an amazing way of holding a person’s interest. What So Proudly We Hailed is superbly written. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
- Mike Lowry, Associate Pastor, Northwoods Assembly Church, North Charleston, SC

Product information:
TITLE: What So Proudly We Hailed
AUTHOR: James Howard
PUBLISHER: CreateSpace
PAGES: 280
ISBN: 978-1453672433

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.

A Higer Court--John L. Betcher (marathon book 2)

To celebrate my birthday the author is offering a give a way . . . go here to enter!
One of my favorite authors (this year) has switched gears and given readers alot to think about!
A Higher Court is a fictional story about one man's search for the truth.
This one took me a while to read partly because there is so much data and detail.
It is a convincing story to say the least. Betcher did an amazing job of researching not only scientific data but historical and Biblical facts.
I promise you will be surprised by the ending. (don't cheat and read the end!)

As a believer this one was challenging for me. As a believer though we are challenged to share God's love and the Gospel of Christ. A Higher Court is a great tool for that effort. But some may have questions. (read on)

The story opens when the main character deals with the sudden death of his father. And then suddenly the story moves into the trial. The different characters (the witnesses) throughout the trial testify about either their belief or non-belief. There are a lot of different characters.

One imparticular the atheist Metal Worker shares his testimony in Chapter 13. Some readers might be bothered by the language that is used in this chapter. But for me I was able to read on past it and continue with the plot. The language used in this chapter made the character real.

For me I think that once again Betcher did an amazing job of developing the plot and characters into a great fictional story.

But, with this one I applaud him because it shared a message.

Why not check out the first chapter. Here's a link: A Higher Court.

Wondering why John Betcher is one of my fav's this year? Check out his site for info. on his other books. Or go here and here for my reviews. (on the edge of my seat waiting for the next Beck book!)

You can purchase A Higher Court at Amazon.

Thanks again John for allowing me the opportunity to check it out! And thanks for offering the give a way.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free directly from the Author. 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.

Hatteras Girl--Book Review

Call me weird but they had me from the cover. Doesn't this book look like fun? But before I tell you what I thought I have to say Welcome to my second marathon Book Review post of the evening. The first post is here over at My Journey Back.
I thought it would be fun to write a bunch of book reviews on all three blogs on Black Friday for all us guys that aren't so much into the shopping all night! Me. I spent the wee hours of the night reading.
And here's my thoughts on . . .
Alice J. Wisler's Hatteras Girl . . . I really enjoyed it once I got into it. It did take me a few chapters. But, I am glad I stuck with it. It was a fun and sweet story with just a little suspense in it. The author leaves the reader with just a few questions about just what is going on with the owner of the Bed and Breakfast that the heroine Jackie wants so much to buy.
I have to say that I kind of really 'got' Jackie as she struggles through the everyday life of a single woman looking for and waiting for "Mr. Right". She struggles with well meaning family that seem to spend too much time setting her up with would be candidates. And, she struggles with helping her best friend with her 2 year old son. I loved the sweet spirit that Jackie represents. And, I could relate to her 'getting ahead of God' as she wonders and ponders God's desire for her life and the Bed and Breakfast that she dreams of owning.

From the back cover:
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.

Here's what the author says about the book:
My third novel, Hatteras Girl, will be released by Bethany House in October. The cover has been completed and I'm excited.So what is the novel about? Read on.There are two things that journalist Jackie Donavan dreams about--marriage and owning a bed and breakfast in Nags Head, NC.But why is the bed and breakfast she desires deteriorating, and why won't her relatives behave so that she can go out with the handsome realtor? Filled with quirky friends and relatives that help and hinder Jackie to and from her goals, Hatteras Girl, is about uncovering the truth while finding the way to your dreams.
For more info. you can visit the authors blog. Click here.

This is one that I would recommend for any age audience. It is easy enough to read for the late teen through the older adult.

Hatteras Girl is available at Amazon and Christian Book (dot) Com.
Book Information:
ISBN:
978-0-7642-0732-7
ISBN-10:
0-7642-0732-6
Dimensions:
5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages:
320
Publication Date:
Oct. 10
Formats:
Paperback

Thanks for stopping in for my marathon Book Review weekend. For another great book you can go here to read the 1st review over at My Journey Back.

The 19th Element by John L. Betcher

Another Hooray for John Betcher and his character James "Beck" Becker. Beck is at it again fighting crime in Betcher's newest novel The 19th Element. This book is the 2nd in the James Becker Thriller series. You can go here to read my review of Betcher's debut novel. I loved it too. I was thrilled that Mr. Betcher enjoyed my review so much that he gave me a chance to read his 2nd book.I loved this one too. The story is about attorney James "Beck" Becker who just happens to be retired from government service. He and his wife Beth (who is also retired from government work) attempt life in the small town of Red Wing Minnesota. Unfortunately for Beth her husband seems to struggle with small town lawyering. I loved what she said at the end of the book..."Babe. You can't keep playing Rambo. I like our life here in Red Wing. And I'd really love for us to grow old together." Her voice was playful but poignant."Doll" I said. (reviewers comment. I would love to be called 'Doll'. ) "I can't stop being who I am. And part of that will always involve taking calculated risks. Would I be the same husband if I spent my days cooped up in that law office, or my evenings in front of the television?" I loved this one part to me it just so describes Beck. I love his character. He is charming. He is trustworthy and as described by Beth I see part Rambo and part ; oh darn who is the Bruce Willis Die Hard character? You know who I mean. And well maybe a little Mel Gibson thrown in.Betcher does a great job of telling a story. There is suspense and thrill and humor all rolled into one great book.I have to say though this book was a little more on the technical side than the previous book. And for me it was a little disappointing. But that is just me. What I missed was the "Beck" escapades. And the 'Beth' moments. But I was please to be introduced to one of their daughters. Of course Bull (Becks friend and stalwart companion in crime fighting) and Gunner (the county Deputy Sheriff) all played apart in solving the crime and getting the bad guys.And sorry to disappoint but I am just not going to give any more of the story away. You'll just have to buy the book. Trust me you'll enjoy it.I would highly recommend this book for all audiences. There was no foul language. And the only bedroom scene was at the very end and was not suggestive or explicit at all.This book and the first in the series (no need to read book one first) are available at Amazon.Go here to purchase The 19th Element. You can go here to read my review of The Missing Element and to read more info. about the author.Many thanks again to Bostick Communications for allowing the opportunity to review Mr. Betchers work. It has been a pleasure.

Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah here's a quote I found on the website . . . “Shades of Morning is magical! Full of the wonder of love, true love. It surprised me on every page. I loved it!” - Deborah Raney, author of Almost Forever and the Clayburn Novels

I couldn't say it better. I loved this book. If I had my ratings system established this book would definitely get a 5 plus stars. I couldn't put it down. As mentioned in the above quote it was lovely.

A little about the story:

Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. (from the back cover). Suddenly in a moment her quiet peaceful life suddenly becomes turned upside down when she receives a letter telling her that her sister has died leaving Marnie the sole guardian of her 15 year old nephew Emmit. (who Marnie didn't know existed) Marnie ends up having only a few days to prepare to receive her nephew and when he arrives Marnie is surprised to find out the boy has Downs syndrome. And if things couldn't be worse Marnie is forced to deal with her past when she has to begin communicating and working with her sisters estate lawyer Taylor who just happens to have a past with Marnie.

Shades of Morning is a beautifully told story. It is a sweetly beautiful love story. It is a beautiful story of faith, grace and redemption.

Here's what the author says: You’ll find threads of faith and wonder in all of my books. My latest release, Shades of Morning, is the third of my Love Stories With a Twist!. I think you’ll be captivated by this story of fun, quirky Marnie who finds herself the guardian of a Down syndrome teen. Come, meet Emmit … and fall in love!

About the author: Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of seven books, including her latest novel, Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist to create a new type of novel that she hopes will impact readers at their deepest levels.

Marlo’s other books include If Tomorrow Never Comes, Beyond the Night, Veil of Fire, a novel about finding hope in the fires of life, Empty Womb, Aching Heart- Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility, and Cry Freedom.

She’s had over 600 articles published in various Christian magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today’s Christian Woman, Decision, Moody Magazine, and Discipleship Journal. She has contributed to Dr. Dobson’s Night Light Devotional for Couples, Tyndale’s Book of Devotions for Kids #3, and Discipleship Journal’s 101 Small Group Ideas. She is a speaker and a regular columnist for Power for Living.

Marlo is also a California native, a small business owner, and a graduate of Stanford University (with a B.S. in Chemistry!). In addition, she has earned her Masters in Theology, with an emphasis in Biblical Studies, from Fuller Theological Seminary. Marlo lives with her husband and five young children in a log home in Central California. When she’s not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and speaking to groups about finding the deep places of God in the disappointments of life. Visit Marlo's website for more info.

I would recommend this book for any audience.

It is available at Amazon and at Waterbrook Multnomah.

Here's a special offer from the author . . . NEWS ALERT!! SPECIAL OFFER!! Buy SHADES OF MORNING by July 3 and I will send you a FREE e-booklet entitled “CRAZY KID MOMENTS – 10 Things Kids Taught Me about Life, God, and Living the Adventure” (in honor of Emmit, the Down syndrome boy in Shades of Morning) – so just send me an e-mail telling me where you bought the book and I’ll send you the free e-booklet as a thank you for supporting me and Shades of Morning in the first couple weeks of release!!***

Quicksand by Marilyn Randall

This book was provided for review by the author through Bostick Communications.

About the book: (from the back cover)

This newest book Quicksand allows her to share the sitory of Natalie and her interracial relationship with Randy, a black man who she fell completely in love with. She shares with us her abhorrence of bigotry and prejuidice using these fictional characters to tell this poignant love story between two seniors finding love at a later time in life and she uses her talent for writing poetry to intersperce powerful emotion throughout the book.

As the back cover teases the story is about an older woman who meets and fall's in love. Natalie whose husband dies ends up searching for love and meeting Randy on line. They meet and begin a relationship although they live states apart.

The story is easy to read. It is written from Natalie's perspective in first person throughout most of the book. Each chapter begins with poetry. Personally I didn't feel that poetry added much to the story. But I am not a fan of poetry. I really didn't have any difficulty actually reading this book but personally I really didn't like it.

What really bothered me most about the book was that the author really spent all her time on a soap box about bigotry and yet she negated the fact that Natalie ended up in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship.

For me personally this was a big negative.

In fairness because I really don't want to write a negative review I did read a couple of other reviews. You can go here to get another perspective.

This book is available at Amazon.