Friday, July 15, 2011

Book Reviews by Gary Roen

The Collectibles
James J Kaufman
Downstream Publishing

An attorney tells his client that he wants him to promise to do something for him in the future that will change the client’s life forever. Once he performs the task it will also change the people’s lives he comes in contact with. “The Collectibles” has an interesting premise that is told with realistic characters and a style that moves the story along to its interesting conclusion. James Kaufman’s first time novel reads like a seasoned pro and gives hints that this author is one who is going to be around for a long time. “The Collectibles should please any fan of Grisham.



The Happy Hollisters At Sea Gull Beach
by Jerry West; illustrated by Helen S. Hamilton
The Svenson Group, Inc.
www.TheHappyHollisters.com

The Happy Hollisters in the third novel “The Happy Hollisters At Sea Gull Beach” are on a quest to find buried treasure and they solve a series of mysteries. Joey Brill shows up in the beginning still doing his devious deeds. As the story unfolds the Happy Hollisters also encounter another devious boy like Joey Brill. His name is Homer Ruffy and he is much worse that Joey. Ruffy doesn’t care who he harms and is a constant threat to the Happy Hollisters. “The Happy Hollisters at Sea Gull Beach,” like all the other books in the series are bound to please the many generations of readers who have read “The Hardy Boy” or “Nancy Drew” mysteries.



Don Pendleton’s The Executioner Deadly Command
Gold Eagle
www.readgoldeagle.blog.com

The Executioner has always delivered great action adventure and “Deadly Command” continues that tradition. Mack Bolan is on a mission that begins in Miami, Florida then races across the United States in search of a ruthless group of criminals who do not care who gets in their way. It’s up to Bolan to stop their evil plan. The writing is fast and furious as the story unfolds with great battles all the way through. “Deadly Command” is for anyone who wants great escapism reading.



The Fire and The Light
Tracy A Akers
Ruadora Publishing
www.soulsofaredyrah.com

The first thing that made me want to read “The Fire and the Light” was the cover. The artwork had me wondering about the three characters enticing me to know more about them. The tale is filled with multi dimensional characters that add to the fast paced novel that is the first in a series. Though geared to a YA audience “The Fire and the Light” is for anyone who wants a good fantasy to read.



The Amazing Captain Tag Book Vs The Evil Stick Man
Art & Story by Don and Lisa Eppersom II
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com

Captain Tag is back in action in “Captain Tag Vs The Evil Stick Man; the fifth installment of the series of books about his adventures. This time out a stick figure comes to life and causes havoc among the town’s people. It’s up to Captain Tag to put a stop to Stick Mans reign of chaos. “The Amazing Captain Tag Vs the Evil Stick Man” like all of the other titles in the series, is fun reading for all ages who like good comic books.



Save Me
Lisa Scottoline
St Martins Press
www.stmartins.com

I’ve read Lisa Scottoline’s novel for many years and I have to say that “Save Me” is very different from her previous novels. It is the story of a mother who protects her daughter from other kids who are bullying her just because she is disfigured. Rose McKenna endures the wrath of many people at the school when she was there to volunteer to help take care of the children. Something happens where one of the children is harmed and McKenna is blamed for it. Scottoline has always written a good novel, normally a legal thriller but this one is different with a powerful story of what a mother will do to protect her child. The story is a fast paced character driven tale that ends with a satisfying conclusion. Readers of Barbara Delinsky will love this fine tale.



The Skinvestigator Book One of the Sunshine State Trilogy Tramp Stamp
Terry Cronin
www.3boysproductions.com
www.studentsoftheunusual.com

Cronin who has written comic books and YA novels now tells an adult tale of illicit cosmetic surgery, tattoos, and murder. The “Skinvestigator Book One” is filled with great writing and memorable characters and fast pacing that delves into an underground world that is part of the Sunshine State. The medical aspect is realistic because the author is a physician who deals with some of the conditions he details. “The Skinvestigator” is for page turner mystery fans.



DoppelGangster
Laura Resnick
Daw
www.dawbooks.com

Resnick began her career as a romance writer who later changed and started writing fantasy and science fiction. We are so fortunate she did. In “DoppelGangster” she is in top form with a story that is a fast paced fun filled fantasy novel. She introduces Esther Diamond, a Stephanie Plum type of character who gets involved in all kinds of strange things that make the book so much fun to read. “DoppelGangster” is for anyone who wants a light hearted fantasy novel with great characters that hopefully will be around for a long time in many sequels.



You Found Us
Nan Rigotti, Fred Rigotti and Judi McLean
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com

The three authors of “You Found Us” tell their side of the story of a daughter re-united with her parents after so many years. The parents found having a child would be too much of a hardship at their early stage of adult life. They decided to put their baby up for adoption. Later they come together and tell their story of their lives. The only problem with this book is that it is too short. The authors tell an inspirational journey of three people who found each other after so many years of being separated. . “You Found Us” should be read by anyone looking for a true story with a positive ending.



And Furthermore
Judi Dench
St Martins Press
www.stmartins.com

For many years Judi Dench has performed in many forms of entertainment. Now she tells all about her life in the entertainment world in “And Furthermore.” Dench tells many interesting things like how she got her start in the business, behind the scenes stories about her co-stars in film and on stage, the TV shows she has been a part of and how she became M in the James Bond series. “And Furthermore” is a positive fun filled memories by one of the worlds great actresses about her life that should appeal to anyone who wants to know more about Judi Dench.



Don Pendleton’s The Executioner Kill Shot
Gold Eagle
www.readgoldeagle.blog.com

A terror begins with ruthless precision in cities along the east coast. Innocent Americans are being targeted by assassins while helpless law enforcement agencies struggle to contain the situations throughout the nation. Mack Bolan has to locate and exterminate the radical faction that is a growing threat to the country. “Kill Shot” is another fast paced action thriller that shows why this series has been so popular for so many years.



A History of Collectible American Record Sleeves Volume I
Jeff Marcus Foreword by Perry Cox
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com

I was surprised when I read “A History of Collectible American Record Sleeves” how many performers the author left out for this era. Among them were, Fabian, Blood Sweat and Tears, Spanky and Our Gang, America, Freddy and the Dreamers, and Grand Funk Railroad were a few of them. Otherwise the author has told many interesting things about the covers of the records and the artists that are little known facts that make the book fascinating reading. I hope there are many more volumes by this author about record sleeves and the singers. “A History of Collectible American Record Sleeves is for anyone who wants to know more about the groups and singers of the 1950s and 1960s and for fans of these performers



Living Shells
Charles E Rawlings MD JD
Ivy House Publishing Group
www.ivyhousebooks.com

I had no idea how interesting shells could be until I looked over the book “Living Shells.” Rawlings brings to life with his writings and the incredible pictures of different types of shells and the animals inside them. The photography is stunning and the pieces are educational of a world many of us will never see. “Living Shells” is a perfect coffee table book that should be on everyone’s table.

Book Reviews by Gary Roen

Toys
James Patterson & Neil McMahon
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com

“Toys” is not the usual novel Patterson fans are used to reading. It is a science fiction novel in which humans are the target of extinction from man made beings that are out of control. The subject is reminiscent of “Logan’s Run” and other science fiction novels that show what happens when technology is out of control. The problem with this one though, is there is too much confusion. It is a great subject but it is not handled very well. Toys” is a very disappointing science fiction novel.



The Confession
John Grisham
Doubleday
www.doubleday.com
www.jgrisham.com

Grisham has always told a good story but with “The Confession” he outdoes himself with a novel that is very timely on the issue of capital punishment. A death row inmate is to be executed for a crime he says he never committed. A man contacts a priest and tells him that he is the killer. The priest wrestles with what he should do because of his oath to the church that what is told to him is confidential. The inmate also has an attorney who will do anything for his client to prove his innocence. The novel races along with finely drawn characters and a tense pace to its final pages. “The Confession” is a commentary on a social problem as well as a great tale for any reader.



Long Lost
Harlan Coben
Signet
www.penguin.com

Coben is back with “Long Lost” another rapid fire thriller. This time Myron Bolitar is roused from his sleep by a phone call from an old flame who is in Paris France. She tells him she needs him to come and help her. He meets with her and is told about her child she thought was killed in a car accident. She then tells him that she saw her daughter and they need to find her again. The story is a tense complicated weaving of generous doses of suspenseful situations that are resolved at the end of the novel. “Long Lost” is for anyone who wants a good suspenseful yarn that will keep the reader turning the pages.



Sixkill
Robert B. Parker
www.penguin.com

“Sixkill” is the last Spenser novel written by Robert B. Parker. Unlike Donald E. Westlake or several other authors whose last works were very disappointing this one is a great one to leave behind. It has all of the elements that made this series so much fun to read. Parker was the master of snappy dialogue and interplay between Spenser and other characters. “Sixkil” l is a good mystery to end the series of popular Spenser novels and any fan of Parker should be pleased.



I’ll Walk Alone
Mary Higgins Clark
Simon & Schuster
www.simonandSchuster.com

In “I’ll Walk Alone” Mary Higgins Clark delivers a tense nail biting thriller that races along to its final revealing ending that shows why she is the number one lady of the suspense novel. Clark tells a story of a woman who has lost a child but refuses to believe even after five year that her child is dead. The issue of identity theft is also a part of the novel that further complicated matters. The writing is fast paced with believable characters caught up in the web of suspenseful situations. “I’ll Walk Alone” should please anyone who is looking for a good fast paced summer read.



100 Great Poems for Boys
Edited by Leslie Pockell
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com

Some of the poems in this collection are “Paul Revere’s Ride,” “Old Ironsides,” “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and “Richard Corey.” The pieces are geared to a male audience and might get boys to read them because of the subject matter that might be more appealing to them. Poetry with boys has not been very popular possibly because of the way it has been taught in school. 100 Great Poems for Boys is for anyone who wants to read some interesting poetry.



100 Great Poems for Girls
Edited By Celia Johnson
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com

“Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear,” “Jack and Jill,” “The Bells,” and “Little Bo Peep,” are some of the poems in “100 Great Poems for Girls.” The pieces are interesting and fun for girls to learn to appreciate poetry. “100 Great Poems for Girls” and “I00 Great Poems For Boys” are two great collections of poems for males and females of all ages to enjoy.



The Happy Hollisters On a River Trip
by Jerry West; illustrated by Helen S. Hamilton
The Svenson Group, Inc.
www.TheHappyHollisters.com

Jerry West who also wrote many of the popular “Hardy Boys” series brought that same kind of writing to the Hollister novels.. “The Happy Hollisters on a River Trip” is another delightful story that moves along with great characters and fun situations. This time out the Hollister kids have to solve the mystery of why a friend of theirs ran away. They trail him and have many different adventures along the way. Also back is Joey Brill who once again is causing lots of trouble. “The Happy Hollisters on a River Trip” like the first novel “The Happy Hollisters,” are bound to find many new readers young and old who want to read good writing and interesting plots



The Underwear Dare
The Nardini Sististers
Sorelle Publishing Inc
www.nardinisisters.com

I don’t know why writers feel they have to fill a novel, TV show, or movie with so much toilet humor. That is the case with “The Underwear Dare,” too much off color bathroom subject matter and not enough story line. The authors have two boys in the fifth grade who for many years did not get along from single parent homes. Then the two parents get married. Now the two boys are forced to become step brothers. There’s also the fact that one of them will take over a room in the attic that is being converted into a bedroom. To decide which one gets the room the two stepbrothers come up with several bets before it is decided. At least the authors have on the back of the book a warning to the reader of what is inside making their choice to pursue. Series like The Happy Hollisters, Wizard of Oz, The Kipton Mysteries, The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and Harry Potter do not resort to this offensive subject matter because it is not needed to tell the story “The Underwear Dare” misses its mark of young adult readers because it is just too disgusting . I hope these authors do a better job in their next novel of these characters.



Portfolio Volume III
Jasmine Becket-Griffith
www.strangelin.com

“Portfolio Volume III” picks up where Volume II left off with many charming pieces by a very talented artist. Most striking are two things: the remarkable colors and the eyes of the girl in each of the depictions that are all so different. Many of the pieces in the volumes also show up in her card series “Oracle of Shadows & Light” With the cards there is a little book inside the box of cards that tells a little more about the works. “Portfolio Volume II and “Oracle of Shadows & Light” are bound to please the Sci-fi/ Fantasy fans attending conventions who are always looking for different works of art to purchase.




Lucky’s Collectors Guide to 20th Century Yoyos History and Values
By Lucky J. Meisenheimer M. D.
Lucky J’s Swim & Surf Inc
www.ljsspublishing.com

“Lucky’s Collectors Guide to 20th Century Yo Yos” is the place to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Yo Yos. The author talks about Duncan and every other company who make the toy. There are also price guides based on condition of each brand. I learned a lot more than I ever thought I could. “Lucky’s Collectors Guide to 20th Century Yo Yo's is for anyone who wants to know more about the kid’s toy or for any collector.



L RON HUBBARD PRESENTS WRITERS OF THE FUTURE VOLUME XXVII
Edited by K.D. Wentworth
Galaxy Press
www.Galaxy-Press.com

When this series began, no one ever believed it would last this long. This twenty seventh volume shows that Writers of the Future program will be around for a lot longer. This newest installment continues the yearly collection of novice writers who for the first time get a chance to be published. Like all other volumes in the series there are also some great editorials by many noted writers in the field of fantasy and science fiction. Some are former contest winners themselves. Galaxy Press and “Writers of the Future “ continues to be one of the biggest contributors to the field of science fiction and fantasy and carries out the mission author Hubbard set forth to bring new talent to the genre.




Abner The Clown
Jeffrey Breslauer
Illustrations by Linda Campbell
Helm Publishing
www.publishsdrive.com

The message in “Abner the Clown” is be happy with who you are. At the beginning of the book Abner is not so pleased with his name and wants to change it to something else. What he finds is that his is a special one and each is unique. Breslauer tells his story well and the boldly colored artwork by artist Linda Campbell adds another dimension to the delightful kid’s tale. ”Abner the Clown” has a new publisher and a much cleaner more professional look that should appeal to readers of all ages.



Face of Betrayal
Lis Wiehl with April Henry
Tor
www.tor-forge.com

“Face of Betrayal” is the first novel in a series by these two talented writers. A seventeen-year –old senate page goes missing while out walking her dog. So begins this tense complicated thriller that races along with believable characters and fast paced writing. “Face of Betrayal” is a sure fire hit for anyone who wants a tense page turner novel.



In Desperation
Rick Mofina
Mira
www.RickMofina
www.MIRABOOKS.com

This time the story is personal for journalist Jack Gannon. His estranged sister Cora frantically reaches out to him to help find her eleven-year-old daughter who has been kidnapped. “In Desperation” is the best of the series of novels about Jack Gannon. The tale races along with believable characters caught up in a web of deception. “In Desperation is a page turner that will please anyone who is looking for a suspenseful read.



Diamonds to Dust, The Life and Death of Jayne Mansfield
Frank Feruccio
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

Ferruccio delves further into the world of Jayne Mansfield in “Diamonds to Dust.” There are plenty of pictures and more interesting things of her very sad life. Mansfield was always competing to be a number a #1 sexy bombshell actress. She worked so hard but just never seemed to make it. “Diamonds to Dust” should appeal to anyone who wants to read more about a tragic stars life.



A Turn in the Road
Debbie Macomber
Mira
www.DebbieMacomber.com
www.MIRABOOKS.com

Debbie Macomber’s “A Turn in the Road” is another delightful read from a master story teller who keeps getting better. Ruth plans to drive from Seattle to go to her 50th high school reunion in Florida. She takes along for company Bethanne Hamlin her former daughter in law and Bethanne’s daughter Annie. The three women encounter many different and interesting characters along their trip to Florida that make the novel so enjoyable to read. The writing is easy and conveyed the same feeling of the TV show “Brothers and Sisters.” Fans of Maccomber will love “A Turn in the Road.”



How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?
Reclaim your Health with Humor , Creativity, and Grit

Carla Ulbrich The Singing Patient
Tell Me Press Inc
www.thesingingpatientcom
www.tellmepress.com

What is most impressive about “How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This?, is how the author uses humor to help her fight her condition. She says that medical professionals do not always know what they are talking about. She talks about how she is misdiagnosed. One says she has one kind of disease and another says something else. What she shows is that with humor you can help treat yourself more than any drug because they only treat the condition not the cause and they have side effects. Laughter and positive mental attitude are two very important things she shows. She also has out several CDs that are written in her book. They are Sick Humor the Lighter Side of Illness, Carla U. and Live From Outer Space. These three CDs give you a chance to hear her music that is the basis of so much of what she is talking about. They can be purchased at the author’s website. The picture on the cover of two rabbit slippers is an example of how anyone’s life can be happy or sad, you pick How Can You NOT Laugh at a Time Like This? “ is for anyone who needs to know an alternative way to treat a disease. It is also for anyone who wants to be a more positive person



Fandemonium Selected Short Stories & Poems from Talented Facebook Writers
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

Fandemonium Selected Short Stories & Poems from Talented Facebook Writers” is a first of its kind. Writers on Facebook were asked to participate and this collection is the end result. There are many talented authors with short stories and poetry that fill the pages of this book. Proceeds for this collection are being donated to the American Red Cross on behalf of Outskirts Press and its Facebook Fans.



American Due Process
Dr. Paul A. Jones
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

“American Due Process” has a lot of interesting ideas on how to reform the criminal justice system of this country but I did not agree with any of the proposals the author presents. He wants to do away with many of the things that presently enable the process to convict many offenders. He also does not do much for the victims of crimes and his ideas are not as well thought out as they could have been. “American Due Process” is a book that courses of law and criminology should overlook because his ideas are too farfetched.

Book Reviews by Gary Roen

Hannah’s List
Debbie Macomber
Mira
www.DebbieMacomber.com
www.MIRABOOKS.com

On the one year anniversary of the death of Dr. Michael Everett’s wife Hannah, he receives a letter from his brother in law. Written by Hannah, it tells Michael that she wants him to consider one of three women to marry because she does not want him to be alone the rest of his life. He at first does not believe he can ever find anyone to replace the only love of his life. With some coaxing by his brother-in-law and others, he does carry out his wife’s last request. Macomber based “Hannah’s List” on a situation that was told to the author by some friends. Macomber makes the story come alive with believable characters and realistic conflicts that drive the story along. “Hannah’s List though marketed as a romance, is a character driven tale that should please any reader who wants a fast paced enjoyable read. It is easy to see why Macomber has such a huge following because she tells a great story that is filled with memorable characters.



Did Success Spoil Jayne Mansfield?
Frank Feruccio with Damien Santroni
Foireward by Kimmie Rosenthal founder of the Jayne Mansfield Online Fanclub
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

Did Success Spoil Jayne Mansfield? tells the tragic story of one woman’s sad life to become a major star. Mansfield would do almost anything to gain the fame she sought. Her life was a series of tragedies unlike other women who were placed on a higher level. The author tells many things Mansfield did to compete against other leading sex symbols. even dying her hair blonde. She wanted fame and fortune and she worked hard to get it, unlike others who had it all handed to them and did not value what that had. Her unfortunate death in a massive car collision that could have been avoided was tragic. The title of the book was a play on words of one of her major movies “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” Ferruccio, a fan of the actress, has done a great job of telling her story. “Did Success Spoil Jayne Mansfield? will appeal to anyone who wants to know more about this actress.



The Happy Hollisters
by Jerry West; illustrated by Helen S. Hamilton
The Svenson Group, Inc
www.TheHappyHollisters.com

Jerry West originally wrote “The Happy Hollisters” and 32 other novels in the series back in the 1950s and the 1960s. Like many books of that time, they have been out of print until now when the Svenson Group has begun to re publish the novels and they plan to bring back all 33 books. So far there are three back in print. “The Happy Hollisterrs” is a fun book with a series of mysteries that Pete, Pam, Ricky, Holly, and Sue help solve. Also there is Joey Brill the neighborhood trouble maker. The writing is fast with believable characters and fun situations. “The Happy Hollistes and the 32 other novels now have a whole new audience, to appeal to of young adults and adults who read them as children.



The Beatles Discography Volume One The 60’s
Stephen E Donnelly
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

Donnelly has researched every disc of the Beatles from the very beginning to the year 1970. “The Beatles Discography”is the most complete guide to every record recorded in that time frame. There are pictures of the covers of albums, lists of songs, year it was released and lots more info. No Beatle fan should miss “The Beatles Discrography.”



Now You See Her
Joy Fielding
Atria
www.simonandSchuster.com

Fielding is back with “Now You See Her,” another great rollercoaster thrilling ride of suspense. Marcy Taggart’s life is a shambles. Two years she lost a daughter in a freak accident. Now divorced she is in Ireland, when she is convinced she has seen what appears to her to be her daughter. She cannot get anyone to believe her. No one wants to believe it is at all possible that her daughter could be alive. Fielding builds the suspense in generous doses and readers will not be disappointed. Fielding once again shows why she is at the top of the list. Fans of suspense novels will love “Now You See Her.”




Playing for Pizza
John Grisham
Dell
www.bantamdell.com
www.jgrisham.com

“Playing for Pizza” starts with a quarterback who played for the Cleveland Browns until they lose in the AFC championship game to Denver. His career is now coming to an end. He hears there is a team in Italy that is looking for a player in the NFL to take the helm of the team and lead it. Grisham shows why he is considered to be one of the best master story tellers with this great novel. It is not a legal thriller but a very good story with likable characters and a very fast paced writing style. “Playing for Pizza” is an often overlooked novel that should please both sports fans and readers of Grisham.




Unforgettable At Any Speed
Quixote Press
Marknewhousebooks.com

We have been in love with the automobile since it was created. In “Unforgettable At Any Speed” 111 tales by the 60 authors show us why that is still true. The stories are funny and revealing by many talented authors who have many different perceptions that all are pleasurable reading. Any car buff or fan of “Car Talk” on NPR should love reading “Unforgettable At Any Speed.”




10th Anniversary
James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com

Lindsay Boxer gets married in10th Anniversary” and is on a new case. Meanwhile Yuki Castellano is prosecuting her biggest case and she is determined to win it no matter what. These are two of the women in the Women’s Murder Club. There are also new conflicts between several of the members and the writing once again is fast paced that rushes the story along to the exciting end. Fans of Patterson and his other writers will love “10th Anniversary.”




The Panic Zone
Rick Mofina
Mira
www.RickMofina
www.MIRABOOKS.com

I’ve read other books in the series and “The Panic Zone” is another great read. Mofina is a great story teller with page turning suspenseful tales that grab the reader from the first page and lead all the way to the end. Jack Gannon is back pursuing the clues that take him to South America. The story unfolds quickly and the conflicts and characters drive the story along until the page turning end. “The Panic Zone is for anyone who wants a fast and furious suspenseful novel.




Race War America’s Worst Nightmare
La-Temus Marshall
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

The author tells in “Race War America’s Worst Nightmare” a what if novel that is a cautionary tale which hopefully will never happen. The United States has fallen on hard times. To fix the problems a politician decides to put the races and ethnic groups into separate zones of the country. The idea for the novel is not so far fetched as many readers might think. I won’t tell what happens but the author has thought out his tale very well with a convincing argument why this kind of thinking would not work. The work moves along to its conclusion. “Race War Americas Worst Nightmare” is for the nay sayers who believe this could never happen.




Parent Talk The Nine Conversations to Have with Your Aging Loved Ones
G Scott Middleton
Xulon Elite
www.xulonpress.com

As our loved ones get older we are faced with many different things we are going to have to do for them. “Parent Talk” gives us many different options we need to be aware of to take care of loved ones as they age. Some of the issues the author tosses out are when is it time for an elder person to stop driving, nursing homes and health care options, brining in someone to help at home, how to try to stay healthy, acovers. The author also provides a glossary of terms and agencies that can be very helpful. The writing is in easy to understand terms and there is a lot of helpful information provided. “Parent Talk” is an excellent resource for anyone facing this type of situation.




Ghosts of St. Augustine
Dave Lapham
Pineapple Press Inc
www.pineapplepress.com
www.davidlapham.com

America’s oldest city is filled with stories of supernatural things going on. “Ghosts of St. Augustine” is one of a series of books from Pineapple Press that details many bizarre encounters with ghosts in different locations throughout the city. Most of the meetings are harmless but all are very interesting and they all give a new perception that St Augustine is a ghost ridden town. Lapham has researched thousands of accounts and tells the stories in easy to read tales. “Ghosts of St. Augustine” is great research material for anyone writing fictional horror stories or any fan of ghost stories.




Remembering Fort Myers The City of Palms
Prudy Taylor Board
The History Press
www.historypress.com

Prudy Taylor Board reveals many different little known facts in “Remembering Fort Myers.” Some of the things she exposes are how the city was named, the many movers and shakers who built the city, historical homes of interest, and famous people who lived there. The writing style is easy to read and readers will enjoy learning the history of the city. “Remembering Fort Myers is a valuable resource for those who want to know about that part of the state of Florida or for anyone who is thinking about moving to the area.




Portfolio Volume II
Jasmine Becket-Griffith
www.strangelin.com

“Portfolio Volume II” picks up where Volume I left off with many charming pieces by a very talented artist. Most striking are two things: the striking colors and the eyes of the girl in each of the depictions that are all so different. Many of the pieces that are in the volumes also show up in her card series “Oracle of Shadows & Light” With the cards there is a little book inside the box of cards that tells a little more about the works. “Portfolio Volume II and “Oracle of Shadows & Light” are bound to please the Scifi/ Fantasy fans who attend conventions and are alway looking for different works of art to purchase.




Mr. Monk on the Road
Lee Goldberg
Signet
www.penguin.com

The Monk brothers are on a road trip that is just hilarious . The two siblings with all their quirks are traveling in an RV. Along the way Adrian and Ambrose solve some cases and find out all about life in the newest installment of this popular series of novels. “Mr. Monk on the Road” is another laugh out loud mystery bound to please the millions of Monk fans.




An Agent Speaks a Primer for Unpublished Writers
Joan West
Fireside Publications
www.firesidepubs.com

Joan West who is an author, publisher, agent gives in “An Agent Speaks a Primer for Unpublished Writers” practical advise to novice writers who need to know about this industry. West explains the process of getting an agent, finding the right agent, self publishing a book, marketing, and lots of other things new writers do not know. “An Agent Speaks a Primer for Unpublished Writers is a wealth of information for new writers to help them avoid making costly mistakes.




The Highly Effective Habits of 5 Successful Authors
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

The tips by the authors are insightful and practical ways to market their works to different audiences. One thing one of the authors forgot is, it is not all done alone. Those who helped you are to be recognized for their contributions. “The Highly Effective Habits of 5 Successful Authors” is a book that all authors should read about how to effectively market their books.




Echo Nouveau The Art And Life of a Working Girl 1995-2010
All art and text by Echo Chernik
www.echo-x/echonouveau

“Echo Nouveau The Art and Life of a Working Girl 1995-2010” is a three level book by a very talented artist. On one degree it is the story of one woman’s journey to being an award winning artist. On another it is a profile of the work of advertising campaigns that she has done. Many of them are very familiar to readers. The last stage is a book for novice artists to learn how and where to market their artwork. “Echo Nouveau The Art and Life of a Working Girl 1995-2010”shows the remarkable achievement of one artist and is a title that is a perfect fit for anyone’s coffee table.




The Seeker Is the Sought. Poems of Lovers’ Joys, Lovers’ Empowerments
Marvin Richard Montney
Outskirts Press Inc
www.outskirtspress.com

“The Seeker Is the Sought” is a great title but I did not understand one single poem the poet has in this collection. Some of them I read several times to try to get some idea of what he is saying and could not get anything from any of his work. “The Seeker is the Sought” is sure to find an audience in the literary circuit because there is so much symbolism.

Book Reviews by Gary Roen



Life

Keith Richards
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com

I did not know too much of the behind the scenes of the Rolling Stones group until I read this book. It is amazing that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have for so long produced excellent rock n roll hits, and they are not really close friends. Richards depicts Jagger as a control freak and very competitive on who’s songs get on an album. I was amazed how candid Richards is about his constant drug use. Richards has also had an amazing life of situations that could have killed him. All I can say is someone is really looking out for this guy.



Batman Murder at Wayne Manor
Written By Duane Swierczynski Illustrated by David Lapham
Quirk Books
www.quirkbooks.com

This is another tale of Batman that has different clues throughout the book to help readers solve the crime that takes place in the story. The novel moves at a very fast pace to its final revealing ending. I had a lot of fun trying to solve the case.



Cross Fire
James Patterson
Little Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group USA
www.HatchetteBookGroupUSA.com

As Alex Cross plans to get married, he puts his plans on hold when he is called into a case. Also some past enemies return to taunt him and he has a fight with an FBI agent on whose jurisdiction the case falls under. As always, the pace is rapid with interesting characters and many conflicts for Cross to resolve. Patterson is at the top of the list of thriller writers.



Rockhound Science Mysteries 10th Anniversary Collection
Mark H Newhouse
Marknewhousebooks.com

For the first time books 1, 2, and 3 of the series are together in one collection. The nine stories are mysteries for kids that are designed to have them think and find the clues of the story that lead detective Rockhound to solve the case. The tales are enjoyable reading for adults as well, who can also take the tests to see if they can find the clues as. I would love to see more tales of detective Rockhound.




Dead Air
Mary Kennedy
Obsidian Mystery
www.penguin.com

This is the first of a series of novels about talk show host Maggie Walsh. She is a psychologist who begins a radio program on a South Florida radio station. She works also with the police department to solve cases that happen to people she becomes involved with. The story is a light hearted mystery that moves along at a steady pace with lots of interesting characters.



The Amazing Captain Tag Book # 3
Art & Story by Don and Lisa Eppersom II
Legacy Publishing Services Inc
www.LegacyBookPublishing.com

This is the third installment of the delightful series of Captain Tag. Like the other two books, it is a fun read that has an amusing lead character who gets into all kinds of situations



The Midnight Room
Ed Gorman
Leisure Books
www.dorchesterpub.com

Gorman is back with a terrific thriller that moves along to its final pages with great writing and fully developed characters. Gorman is one of the best writers around today



Heat Wave
Richard Castle
Hyperion Books
www.HypoerionBooks.com

This is the first of a series of novels about the hit TV series. The novel races along the same way as the show, and is a very enjoyable fast paced fun mystery.



The Tickle Tree
L. W. Lewis
Red Pumpkin Press
LWLEWISPOETRY.com

These are funny poems written for and about kids and their everyday lives. The writing is so good that not only children should read and enjoy them. Adults can have a great time too, laughing out loud at the entertaining perceptions the author has.



Poop Butt Booger & Snot Poem Jokes You Will Like a Lot
L. W. Lewis
Red Pumpkin Press
LWLEWISPOETRY.com

I have to admit I was not too enthusiastic about the title but inside like her “Tickle Tree” collection there are some wonderful poems for people of all ages to enjoy about a lot of simple subjects and yes, there are some that apply to the title so if the reader wants to pass on those that’s perfectly ok.

Book Reviews by Gary Roen

Angry Candy
Harlan Ellison
Plume
www.penguin.com

In the 1960’s a different type of science fiction genre emerged. It was called New Wave because numerous authors wrote about new concepts such as sex in science fiction that had not been touched on before. Three names are identified with this group of writers. Norman Spinrad, Philip Jose Farmer, and Harland Ellison. This is another great collection of short stories. There is a vast wealth of short fiction here. Twelve of the seventeen stories have only been published in this collection. The others have been in collections and magazines such as Gallery, Playboy and Omni. There are stories of science fiction, horror, fantasy, and other genres. In “Paladin of the Lost Hour” a young Vietnam vet saves an old man’s life as muggers attack in a cemetery. In “When Auld Acquaintances is Forgot” a man becomes overdrawn at a memory bank Ellison is a master storyteller who blends into one collection some of the best stories anyone can ever read.



Blood Legacy
Prudence Foster
iuniverse
www.iuniverse.com
www.prudencefoster.com

This is a chilling tale of a vampire who comes to a Florida city and preys upon the people who live there. The vamp is in search of one woman and won’t leave until he has her. Foster is a very talented master of the genre. Her writing comes alive as the dialogue crackles. She spins her web very craftily. “Blood Legacy” is a thrilling shivering gem of horror excitement that should be read with all of the lights on or the demons will come and get you.



Computer Legends, Lies & Lore
Iris Forrest Editor
Ageless Press Sarasota, Florida
e-mail irishope@comcast.net

Computes are the target and 37 authors take their creative potshots at them in a great collection of short stories. Some read like tales from the “Twilight Zone” to warnings to readers to beware of the effect of the machines on our society. This is a fun collection that is perfect for any occasion



Murder A La Carte
Prudy Taylor Board
Worldwide Mystery
www.prudencefoster.com
www.eHarlequen.com

I’ve read Ms. Board’s horror novels and am delighted to say that this is a darling tale that is the first of a series of Clyde Colby mysteries. The novel is fun reading fare for genre fan. But also encompasses the fine art of cooking. The novel is told on several different levels with wonderful likable characters and a plot that just moves along to its revealing end. One of the things I very much enjoyed is that we get to see what it takes to produce a cooking show for television, while at the same time former journalist Clyde Colby now TV star has her crime reporter skills kick in at the first murder and all through the rest of the story as the bodies pile up. As and added bonus there are numerous recipes and they appear to be quite delightful. Board and Colby are off to a wonderful start with this charming first book.



Fresh and Saltwater Gamefish Cookbook
Robert Anderson
Winner Enterprises

In the search to be healthy Americans are paying more attention to an often overlooked food source: fish. Fish offers a nutritional diet that is low in calories and saturated fats. Accompanied with fresh fruits and vegetables it makes a truly wonderful weight reducing plan that is not a fad but a whole new way of eating. The author states that the old expression “Eat Seafood, live longer” has new meaning today. The book deals with the proper amount of protein, minerals, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates that he human body needs on a daily basis. Fish is one that fills the fill for all the body can use. The book names all types of fish, telling the calories, content, where it swims, whether a fresh water or saltwater kind. There are also cooking suggestions such as deep frying, broiling, microwave or barbecuing. But no book on the subject would be complete without recipes. Some of them are the author’s own creations; others are from restaurants and kitchens from all over the country



Justifiable Homicide
Mark Osterman

Osterman, a former police officer with the Detroit department, writes about a cop who becomes a vigilante against crime. The tale is a nail biting story of suspense.



When All Reason Fails
Richard Sebastian
Publish America
www.publishamerica.com

This is a masterfully written novel of how relationships slowly fall apart. Sebastian has created a very clever story that flows along to its shattering conclusion where you have to read carefully or its impact is completely lost and it’s a doozy of an ending that is one of the most memorable to recent fiction. Told in multi levels that complement each other, the book has a lot to say about men, women, and how we are so different about most things in life. Robert the protagonist, is a complex character. On the one hand the reader can not stand him at all because he is on a conquest to have sex with as many women as he can. On this he is very similar to Victor Newman of the hit CBS soap “the Young and the Restless.” Newman has married just about every woman on the show, then tosses her aside in search of the next catch. No female can hold his interest for very long. Robert is very similar. He seems crude and disgusting on his quest. Anything dealing with sex is graphic. Robert is such a low life character that he asks women he has been to bed with about other sexual aspects of their lives. He wants all the details in as graphic terms as they will tell him. But Robert is also very much like Harry Angstrom of the John Updike novels of the “Rabbit” series of novels, where by the last book “Rabbit at Rest” the reader has very mixed emotions for the Harry Angstrom character. On the one hand, you hate him on the other you like him such is the case here with Robert, because of his journals that are spread throughout the novel. It is in these writing by the character that make him more complex. He does have emotions, is worried about getting older, wants a relationship, and wants to know different things about women that most men ignore about women. There also are religious undertones that some readers will pickup, but the beauty of this novel is that it is written by a man who has great insight into how women feel and what they want in a relationship. “When All Reason Fails is a book that is bound to brew a lot of controversy. It also would make a very fine movie.



There’s Gotta be a Better Way: Discipline That Works
Dr. Becky Bailey
Learning in Action Books

Good parents today are often confused on how to raise their children. One of the reasons is there is so much bad information being given that adults cannot tell which is good or bad or what will work or what won’t. Proper behavior so that the child can fit in with society is the ultimate goal but the author does not ever really show how to achieve it she talks about the parent who is too strict, or the one who just lets the young one control the household or situation with now equal doses of love and discipline. One of the most glaring points the writer makes is that you never tell the child he/she has done bad because that will affect their self image for the rest of his/her life. that , to put it mildly is just plain garbage because the message being sent is that the child’s behavior is ok, when the parents must be allowed to tell the little one that it won’t be tolerated. Though bill Cosby’s material on his tapes was funny about the differences between the father’s and the mother’s approach, there is a lot of truth in what he said even if it was for comedy purposes. Here is another example of where Dr. Bailey makes a point about how to deal with students in school. “Research on older students has indicated that this authoritarian style does seem to increase the amount of work produced by learners: however, the side effect is student aggression toward the teacher” What is lost here is the fact that if the teacher makes the course interesting most students will want to learn. Techniques from the past do work but have been put aside because it is felt that to raise children it must be done as a psychological science. Today there too many of the Dr. Bailey types who usually have no children of their own and just have contact with kids through the school system. There is no mention that Ms. Bailey has any children of her own but she has dealt with kids in schools across the country. “you can’t know what I have been through if you have not experienced it yourself” is so true in this case.



Night Beasts
T.W.Stetson
Pinnacle Fiction Kensington Publishing Corp
www.kensingtonbooks.com
http://www.tedstetson.com

Author Stetson has created a new kind of creature. It started as a genetic warfare experiment but something went wrong causing the creatures to seek a new food source….humans. They are called Warbeasts. Stetson utilizes a real situation of germ warfare to create a very terrifying monster. His characters are believable in a horrific situation of nature in a collision with mankind. The novel is a chiller full of biting suspense: but it seems to have a much deeper message about man interfering with the genetic code of animals.



Bimbos of the Death Sun
Sharon McCrumb
978034541257
www.amazon.com


The novel falls into the category of mystery fiction, but science fiction fans will have a very good time with it because it takes place at Rubicon, science fiction convention. One of the guest authors is killed. The mystery is finding who would want to kill him, and why. Half the fun of this novel is reading about the numerous people who also attend this event. Rubicon is surely the most memorable gathering of science fiction fans ever to be written about.