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 . . . The 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'.

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.

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.

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.