Quality Book Reviews

Slaying the Mouse: A True Story of Healing in the Spiritual Realms

2007-04-29T12:06:00.000-05:00

Slaying the Mouse: A True Story of Healing in the Spiritual Realms
by Wendy Stofan Halley
Lulu
Lulu.com
Non-fiction, 144 pages, $18.00
ISBN: 1847283993
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Wendy Stofan Halley is a talented practitioner as well as a talented writer, she is a practitioner in the indigenous healing methods and has the unique ability to be in touch with another persons subconscious by spiritual means. Slaying the Mouse is a true story that will astound as well as amaze you. You will learn how Wendy was able to help a nineteen year old man whom she calls Jason in order to protect his identity his name has been changed. Wendy’s brother Tim is dating Jason’s sister and they need Wendy’s help, so Wendy’s father calls to ask for the much needed help. Her father does not quite understand exactly what she does but he has enormous faith in her abilities.

Jason has slipped into a deep coma and Wendy develops a spiritual connection with him to help him heal over the distance that separates them. Wendy’s ability allows her to spiritually connect with Jason, talk with him, and to help him begin to face and understand his fears and to overcome those fears. The story is an account of roughly a nine month spiritual healing process. Wendy’s is in constant contact with the family via email and is a very compassionate and caring lady. Have you ever wondered what patients know or hear while being in a coma state? What happens at the subconscious level? What experiences they may have while in the coma? Do they know you are there? Can they hear you when you speak to them?

Wendy Stofan Halley has penned a remarkable and miraculous story. She has developed a writing style that flows smoothly and includes vivid details which creates a powerful sensory image with the reader. The story is emotional, uplifting and a intriguing and engaging read. I found no faults and think both the concept and writing as a whole was excellent. The author writes the story in a first person narrative style which is superbly written.

I highly recommend Slaying the Mouse to everyone who has a desire to be amazed by a true story that will truly leave you in a state of awe.

Reading this title was a great pleasure!

Living The Truth

2007-04-29T12:04:00.000-05:00

Living The Truth
by Keith Ablow, MD
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 978-0-316-01781-7
Self-help, 307 pages, $25.99
Reviewed by Terry South for Armchair Interviews

Dr. Keith Ablow tells as well as shows us how ignoring or even burying painful memories and experience can affect every aspect of our lives negatively. In “Living The Truth” he presents strategies and exercises to help you transform the pain of the past into the power of your future.

In the beginning he describes this as “your journey” as being one of a working partnership with him. He presents you with exercises where you write down your thoughts and feelings as well as answering questions throughout the entire book. You are able to write your answers within the pages of the book itself as he has provided adequate space with lined pages. If you prefer to preserve your copy to pass onto a friend or family member I would suggest you record your answers within a journal or a notebook, plus this will provide privacy so no one else sees what you have answered.

Dr. Ablow’s core message is that no one has a perfect life and states that everyone has pain in which they must overcome. He has many strategies to help you overcome the negatives and to face your conflicts head on which will give you more control over your life experiences. He describes his book as his “most ambitious attempt to help people do what I finally did – face the truth about the past, however uncomfortable, sad, or frightening – and experience the remarkable power that comes from that journey.”

Living The Truth is a book that tells you as well as shows you how to change your life. This book is idea for the people who feel their lives are way off track, maybe feeling a little depressed, down on their luck, or even just the general down feeling, or the feeling of everything in your life is going wrong. Or for those of us that wish to make a positive change in our lives. He has a very easy reading style, while incorporating explanations, examples and simple steps to follow. He beams with positive energy. I highly recommend reading it and giving it a try, you have nothing to lose except maybe some pain.

Dr. Ablow is a powerful writer and he empowers you to embrace reality about the painful times of your life experiences. He describes to us how to face our own individual life stories and to feel the pain and then push forward and grow beyond the pain. This is a journey of self-discovery which he presents in such a concise way making one want to live the truth. I found the exercises to be very helpful and I have started Living The Truth. He is one of the leading voices in America on healing and delivering the message that no one has a perfect life. Why not start your self-discovery by choosing to Live The Truth today.

Keith Ablow, MD., psychiatrist and host of the Dr. Keith Ablow Show, and is a New York Times best-selling author. He graduated from
Brown University and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and is on the faculty of New England Medical Center in Boston, he has appeared on the Today show and many other shows numerous times, and is a leading authority in his field.

The Eye of Alloria

2007-04-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

The Eye of Alloria
by Rae Lindley
ISBN: 978-0-9793674-0-3
Illustrated Novella, 107 pages
www.raelori.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Eye of Alloria takes place in the late 21st century here on Earth. With new technological advances man has been able to create machines that merge with bodies of their fallen comrades.

After the banning of technology the ruler of Orland, Saron Bravewind learns his daughter has an incurable illness. Saron is now on the search of finding a higher life to help his daughter. Will he find what he is looking for or will he find something so unthinkable?

Lindley has penned a novella that encompasses both fantasy and science fiction. Her characters are interesting and distinctive. She has a great imagination as well as the ability to ignite the imagination of her readers. The Eye of Alloria contains two of Lindley’s talents; her artwork enhances the plot, each complimenting the other.

Rachel “Rae” Lindley is a writer, artist and filmmaker. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bridge of the Gods

2007-04-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

Bridge of the Gods
book 1 of 6
by Len Robertson
ISBN: 0-595-12418-6 $26.95
iUniverse
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Bridge of the Gods follows Mary Brown, a middle aged divorced mother that finds her life turned upside down. One Saturday morning she finds herself not only carjacked but kidnapped as well. She is taken into the world of Galatia. Here she finds herself in a new body with new abilities and a new fate that awaits her.

Mary learns she has been wisked away to this new world in order to save it. But Mary’s life becomes more complicated when she meets Fred as his expectations of her saving the world are stern. Will Mary be able to save this world with her new found abilities?

Robertson has developed a steady plot as well as some very interesting characters. Bridge of the Gods is an entertaining read, although the book has a few typos, it is very well written. I look forward to reading book 2.

Rant

2007-04-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

Rant: An Oral Biography of Buster Casey
by Chuck Palahniuk
Doubleday
ISBN: 978-0-385-51787-4
$24.95 319 pages
Review by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

I am having a really rough time writing a review for this one. I could sum the review up in 2 words or 20 pages. The 2 words are: Mind Blowing, this is one book that I will keep and add to my collection. Words just really cannot describe how I felt reading this. I have never read anything by Chuck Palahniuk and really had never heard of him until requesting this one for review, needless to say I am adding him to my favorite author list, and will be dishing out some major bucks to get all of his earlier books. (lol)

Will try to have the review up by this weekend, even if it is the two words above MIND BLOWING as this was one mind blowing experience and my head is still spinning and the wheels in my brain are ever so constantly turning.

As you can see the cover art is intriguing and enticing which originally drew me to read the blurb in the catalog before requesting this one for review.

The Sacred Bones

2007-04-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

The Sacred Bones
By Michael Byrnes
ISBN: 0061146072
$24.95 – Hardcover – 304 pages
Harper Collins Publishers
www.thesacredbones.comReviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Sacred Bones is set at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. An ancient artifact is stolen from a vault beneath the Temple Mount. The theft has left many soldiers and policemen dead, leaving the Palestinians angry; tensions run high between the Israelis and the Palestinians.Charlotte Hennesey, an American forensic scientist has been hired by the Vatican to examine the ossuary which contains the bones of an unknown man who was crucified. Charlotte is joined by Giovanni Bersei, an Italian anthropologist and together they uncover forensic and genetic data that lead them to wonder if the bones could be those of Jesus.

As Charlotte and Giovanni become closer to solving the true identity of the man in which these bones once belonged, the Vatican’s security begins to have a much greater watchful eye on her. Are the bones discovered those of Jesus? Will the Vatican allow the information on the discovering or keep the secrets hidden? With her identifying the man these bones once belonged to, will Charlotte be silenced?

Byrnes has penned a superbly crafted debut novel that tantalizes with a sense of drama and of suspense as the story races forward. It is evident that he has done a great deal of research which combines historical fact and protreptic fiction. Byrnes novel is powerful and opens an emotional vein in you leaving you with the desire to read through to the end.

Michael Byrnes currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters. Byrnes attended Montclair State University in NJ and earned his undergraduate degree in marketing, and later his graduate degree in business administration at Rutgers. The Sacred Bones is his debut novel.

This was one explosive and thrilling 5 star read and one genuine page-turner to the very end.

The Black Sheep

2007-04-25T22:33:00.000-05:00

The Black Sheep
by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout
ISBN: 978-1-4231-0156-7
YA, Fiction: Ages 12 and up
Hyperion Books for Children
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Black Sheep is a funny and entertaining read. The setting is New York and then off to California. It begins as Kendra Bishop a fifteen year old who has had enough of her parents and all their rules; they even keep a binder filled with these rules. There is a reality TV show that offers teens a chance to swap families, so Kendra decides to write to the show for her chance to get away from it all. The winner is chosen on the basis of the most pathetic letter written, Kendra is excited to find she has actually won.

Kendra is taken from her apartment in Manhattan to California to live with the Mulligan family. They are so different, the parents are both hippies, have five children and a pet ferret. Kendra learns quickly the chaos of sharing a bathroom with so many, having to watch her belongings, and living with a ferret that wants to sleep in her bed. But her biggest problem is the pushy producer who will do anything to get higher ratings. And to top all of this Kendra falls for one of the Mulligan’s, Mitch who is seventeen and despises everything this show stands for. Will Kendra win Mitch over or will things continue to decline for her?

Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout bring us a cast of characters who are engaging and winsome. The story is well crafted and pulls the reader into the conflicted feelings and reasoning of Kendra so well.

Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician

2007-04-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician
by Daniel Wallace
http://www.danielwallace.org/
ISBN: 978-0-305-52109-3 $21.95
Doubleday
Fiction, July 2007
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The stories setting is a rural southern one, and the story occurs in the middle of the twentieth century. It begins in May of 1954, Henry is just a boy and he meets with a devilish magician named Mr. Sebastian. Mr. Sebastian teaches Henry magic and all the secrets pertaining to the magic. But at what price will Henry have to pay for those magic lessons?

Daniel Wallace is a master story teller and we eventually learn the true identities of Henry and Mr. Sebastian and the tragic events that occurred throughout the story. The story is told by many of the different characters, and Wallace has a skill of using each of these characters in telling Henry’s story.

Wallace writes with impact and the story is superbly crafted with twists and turns leaving you with a great sense of anticipation, making this a real page turner. The conclusion is one that will leave you breathless.

Daniel Wallace was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Emory University and the University of North Carolina, and now lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with his wife and son. Daniel Wallace is the author of Four novels: Mr. Sebastian and The Negro Magician, Big Fish, Ray in Reverse and The Watermelon King. And Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician, will be published by Doubleday in July 2007.

The Opium Of The People

2007-04-25T22:31:00.000-05:00

The Opium Of The People
by J Alan Erwine
www.jalanerwine.com
Nomadic Delirium Press
ISBN: 1-4196-2588-8 $15.99
Fiction, 156 pages
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The Opium Of The People is the third edition of the novel to be printed. Along with corrections made to the two prior editions there was a change to the cover art, the cover is a piece from the artist Laura Givens entitled “Come to Jesus”.

The Opium Of The People’s basic premise of the novel was intriguing. This is a story of how the world as we know it could very well change. What if the American government was overthrown, what would we or could we do? The author tells a story of the American people falling under the control of what he calls “a radical right-wing fundamentalist christian government”. This new government is ruled by the Grand Patriarchs who take away freedom and enforces a law that we would never have imagined possible. He tells of a world full of gloom, torture and one filled with danger for all. He also tells of how the best of people must resort to extreme measures in an effort to regain control of their futures before its too late. Or is it too late? You will have to pick up a copy and read this one for yourself, as mentioned at the beginning of the review this is the third printing of the title and was originally written and published before the current crisis we face now happened.

J Alan Erwine has a plot line that is creative, and he exhibits excellent writing skills and can effectively tell a story. The characters are multidimensional and realistic. Although the book still has a few errors and typos, it is very well written.

J Alan Erwine currently resides in Colorado. He has published more than three dozen short stories and has published 2 short story collections.

Must Of Got Lost

2007-04-25T22:29:00.000-05:00

Must Of Got Lost
by Jerry Girard
ISBN: 978-1-59872-795-1
Reviewed by: Gary

This is one great book, if you love the music from the late 70s and early 1980s you will really want to pick this up and read it.

The author mentions alot of wonderful artists like Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Kiss ZZ Top, and many, many more. Reading this book brought back such great memories from a wonderful time in my life.

The book also tells the story of Mick and the split of his parents where at least he is able to turn to his friends and garage band members for support, like so many of us back in the day. That time in our lives when friends, girls, and rock and roll were what was the most important things to us rockers. Our music, concerts and fun and hanging out and listening to music and some of us even trying to be band members ourselves.

The author has a way of writing that will take you back to those days, remembering the great bands, the club life, and the greatest concerts of all time. I highly recommend this for all those who love the best music from the best years. And for all the rock and roll fans everywhere.

Jerry you rock!

Edgar Font's Hunt For A House To Haunt Adventure One

2007-04-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Edgar Font’s Hunt For A House To Haunt
Adventure One: The Castle Tower Lighthouse
by Patrick H. T. Doyle
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere. Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead. The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children’s aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China. The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather. Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime. Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery. As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children’s book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age. The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader. The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one. This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come. I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family. I cannot wait until Edgar Font’s Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July. I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com
http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story. Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett. Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone. It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation. A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended. I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

Lethally Blond

2007-04-21T10:22:00.000-05:00

Lethally Blond
by Kate White
ISBN-13: 978-0446577953
Bailey Weggins Mystery, 336 pages
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Lethally Blond is by Cosmopolitans magazine editor in chief Kate White. A Bailey Weggins Mystery.

Bailey Weggins is the Buzz gossip magazine reporter, she reports celebrity crimes. She is asked to hunt down a missing actor by an old friend. Tom Fain has disappeared and Chris Wickersham and Tom both are on the TV show called Morgue. But when Tom vanishes without a trace Chris contacts Bailey to help track Tom down.

Bailey and Chris soon learn that Tom has been having an affair with the producers girlfriend and that he has recently withdrawn seven thousand dollars cash. Bailey turns up a lead which takes her to Tom’s family home in New York. What she finds is a deceased Tom, now it seems as if the TV show Morgue may be reality TV. What other disappearances are in store for Bailey from the Morgue? Will Bailey and Chris’s old flame re-ignite? What lies ahead for Bailey? To get the answers to these questions I post you will need to read Lethally Blond, you will not be disappointed.

Kate White has a good plot and the characters are detailed and believable. White writes with a flare for telling a story that is humorous and entertaining. This is a superbly crafted read and is a genuine page turner that offers a mix of romance and mystery.

Simple Genius

2007-04-21T10:20:00.000-05:00

Simple Genius

By David Baldacci
ISBN-10: 0446580341
ISBN-13: 978-0446580342
Washington Political Thriller, 432 pages
Reviewed by Terry South, Quality Book Reviews

The setting is Washington, D.C. and Virginia, and it all begins when Michelle Maxwell who is struggling with emotional problems and finds herself in the midst of a barroom brawl and ends up being arrested and put in jail. Michelle agrees to seek therapy in a psychiatric private clinic. Michelle has some demons that haunt her and she must seek help before it is to late, or before someone ends up dead.

Sean King is Michelle’s partner, they both are former Secret Service Agents, and as Sean watches Michelle’s decline he is in need of some very needed extra funds which he is lacking. Sean accepts an assignment from an old girlfriend at her Investigation Agency and takes on the new assignment which is to investigate a mysterious death in Virginia. His assignment takes him to a place called Babbage Town where he investigates the shooting near the CIA training center. As the investigation continues Sean begins to discover more accidents and apparent suicides that have taken place.

Michelle checks out of the psychiatric facility and teams up with Sean in Virginia. As the story continues to unfold Sean and Michelle are up against major corruption and must save an innocent girl before time runs out and they must expose the corruption that is occurring at the CIA training camp before it is to late. Will they be able to save Viggie, and will they unlock the hidden dangerous secrets that seem to be locked in her memory? What is this major corruption? Is our nation safe?

David Baldacci’s characters are finely tuned and are well developed, compelling and memorable. He has a gripping plot and incorporates twists and turns that will shock you. Baldacci has done a wonderful job in creating a thriller that is thought provoking and he manages to wrap everything up effortlessly so it all comes together. Reviewing this title was a great pleasure and is a highly recommended read.

Wish Club by Kim Strickland

2007-04-16T09:21:00.000-05:00

Wish Club
by Kim Strickland
Three Rivers Press
Crown Publishing Group
ISBN: 978-0-307-35282-8 (0-307-35282-X)
May 2007 | $ 13.95 Fiction
Reviewed by: Terry South

Wish Club is a zany and witty story that you are sure to love. It involves five women, Claudia, Lindsay, Gail, Mara and Jill who are members of a book club. Their book club seems just like any other book club, five women sitting around talking, drinking wine, and even discussing the book they have been reading. Things in their book club had been going rather well until one of the women in the group introduces a book on witchcraft. Being out of the norm, the women are intrigued and decide to go ahead and try their luck at casting a few spells. They start out with a small spell that is to chant and the rain will stop, so they begin chanting and the rain does indeed stop. So they then decide to cast a spell on a cat that is diabetic and the cat heals, its a miracle. So now they decide to embrace their new found powers, so they begin to pursue their new powers further. The women decide to just make wishes to help out themselves in their daily lives, they wish for money, creativity, a baby, time to themselves and a perfect man. This all should be harmless as they are only focusing in on positive thinking and making wishes right?

So now instead of being called the book club they are the wish club. Claudia is a school teacher and wishes to have a baby of her own as soon as possible, she also wants to write a novel; Gail is a housewife and a mother of three and she wishes to have peace and quite time and to get her life back; Lindsay is a socialite and has a trust fund, she wishes to lose weight and wants to be in the Women’s Foundation spring fashion show; while Mara, a former singer wishes for money and to resume her singing career once again; and Jill, an artist wishes for creativity and inspiration, and a perfect man in her life.

Now as the Wish Club members get all too consumed with casting spells in order to improve the various areas of their lives they find themselves in a web of wishes that have gone haywire. What started as an innocent and fun set of small spells has now turned their lives inside out, and everything is out of control. Now they turn to the only person they can think of who might be able to help them get their lives back under control and regain some normalcy, a real witch, someone who can undo what they have done, undo their spells, and finally return their lives back to normal.
Kim Strickland is a pilot for a major airline flying 767s. Kim Strickland lives in Chicago with her husband, her twin boys, two cats and a dog.

Kim Strickland has developed her characters so well and they are so believable and charming and funny. The story line is great, and I can find no faults with this novel. It has been very well written, (cleverly written) and is highly entertaining. Wish Club is an enchanting read, I am recommending it for our reading group. The story is funny, smart and so intriguing. This is a perfect book club read. It is a magical, intriguing, humorous story and give it an astounding 5 stars.

The Bone Whistle

2007-04-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

The Bone Whistle
by Eva Swan
Juno Books
ISBN 10: 0-8095-5792-4
ISBN 13: 978-0-8095-5792-9
208 pages, $12.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The setting is Lakota reservation in Greenview, South Dakota. Darly is a twenty year old and lives with her mother just outside of Denver. Every summer she accompanies her mother to an isolated cabin on the edge of Lakota reservation in South Dakota. This is no way for a college student to spend her summer vacation.

Darly is bored and has made the decision that this will be the last year she will accompany her mother to the reservation. Darly likes seeing Grandpa Jack and this year he gives her a bone whistle that has two blue feathers attached, he tells Darly when she gets good and bored to blow the whistle. She waits all of two weeks before blowing the whistle and learns the truth about her family and her father. She had believed her father was dead, but he is not dead nor human, but is wanaghi. Wanaghi are a shape changing people who left their tribes centuries before and now live in a magical land beneath the hill.

On the search for her father she is accompanied by Osni, but what she finds is a conflict among the wanaghi. Now she must choose her heart and feelings she has developed for Osni or her family. Will Darly be able to resolve the conflict between them? Before anything else she must discover own powers which puts her on a path of self-discovery.

Eva Swan combines both Native American and Celtic legends into a romantic fantasy. The author takes us through the story by different character perspectives. Her characters are believable and she maintains a good plot. This is Eva Swans debut fantasy novel, the only problem I found was that as a reader you need to pay attention as the author has point of view changes into different characters perspective which can cause some confusion while reading. I truly enjoyed the both the Native American and Celtic concepts she has incorporated into the story.

Eva Swan is the pseudonym for the author, editor, and artist, who is of Native American descent, who currently reside in England. I was unable to locate a website for the author to include with the review.

Gun Shy

2007-04-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

Gun Shy
by Ben Rehder
www.benrehder.com
St. Martin's
ISBN: 0-312-35752-4
Reviewed by: Terry South

Gun Shy is the fifth novel in this mystery series featuring game warden John Marlin. The setting is Blanco County, Texas and it begins as the National Weapons alliance and director Dale Stubbs gear up for the big rally. The rally is supporting Americans with the right to carry concealed weapons. This is a controversial subject to say the least, but the author has brought humor into the mix and makes light of both sides, remember this is a work of fiction. This rally is expected to be on a grand scale and the NWA's spokesman is none other than Mitch Campbell.

Mitch is hosting the rally at his Blanco County ranch and will be performing the NWA's anthem and his number one hit single "My Cold Dead Hands", but he is no real cowboy, in fact he is an impostor; his agent thought the persona would boost his record sales, deceitful yes. This deceit could end up in a disaster or could make Mitch a big hit. Mitch's true identity is that of Norman Klienschmidt from Middlebury, Vermont so he is not even from Texas. Will Mitch be able to keep up his hidden identity or will he falter and make a huge mistake?

Due to Mitch's devious actions and all too fake persona, he has turned to drugs to cope and the drugs are clouding his thinking. He soon becomes paranoid, believing his life is in danger and ends up shooting his gardener. But when the dead Mexican turns up, game warden John Marlin and law enforcement officials are on the case. As Marlin begins checking into the murder a new series of events begin taking place, these events may bring Mitch down as well as the NWA.

Rehder has well developed characters, a strong story line with a very good plot as well as sub-plots. He has created some unexpected twists that will keep you guessing. Rehder does not take an extreme position on questions of gun control and he pokes fun at both sides equally in the book. He presents a comical crime fiction series, that is humorous and entertaining.

It was a great pleasure to review such a witty crime fiction series. I now need to get the other four books in this series. This was the first title I have reviewed from this author and now am hooked. If your looking for a humorous and entertaining read I highly recommend picking up a copy of Gun Shy as it is an enjoyable read.

I believe this deserves a big star with 5 points, (here I am trying to be humorous). A definite 5 stars!

The Strangeling

2007-04-14T00:57:00.000-05:00

The Strangeling
by Saskia Walker
Juno Books
ISBN: 978-0-8095-5793-6 $9.95
Fantasy
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

www.saskiawalker.co.uk/
http://www.saskiawalker.blogspot.com/
http://ideaboutique.blogspot.com/2007/02/strangeling-by-saskia-walker.html

The setting is Edren a fantasy world created by the author who has a magical imaginative spark in storytelling.

The Strangeling is an erotic fantasy novel that revolves around Maerose, a beautiful young woman with magical powers. Maerose is the heroine and Bron is her hero. Bron is an elder and goes on the quest of rescuing Maerose from her captor, Veldor who is a former elder himself. Veldor’s intentions are malicious as he seeks to mate with Maerose in order to master the demons and rule the lands.

Veldor is knowledgeable on the prophecy made around 100 years ago; the prophecy is one of a chilling nature where the undead armies of Crondor and Yaxlan rise up from the underworld with great power. As the prophecy has foretold of a maiden that can save the forest and the elders all believe this to be Maerose due to the revelations revealed about the prophecy. Will good conquer evil or will evil prevail in this fascinating fantasy?

The Strangeling is a short fantasy novel that is packed with vivid details and a precise amount of action. Walker writes the story with impact and the story is a superbly crafted erotic fantasy. The characters are well developed with detail and the author manages to tie the characters together well.

This is the first of the author’s works I have had the pleasure of reviewing and have to admit I am hooked. I look forward to her new release next month which is also a fantasy entitled “Unveiling The Sorceress”.

Saskia Walker is a British author of erotic romance, fantasy and erotica. Her idea for this novel began at a tender age of between 8 and 9 when she first became interested in paganism and her parents took her to visit Stonehenge.

Saskia Walker earned her BA with honors from the University of Sussex, and has a MA in Literature and Visual Arts from the University of Reading. She currently resides north of London with her true love Mark.

A Magical 5 stars for The Stangeling!

A New Forum for Authors and Readers

2007-04-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

QBR (Quality Book Reviews) has just opened a new forum dedicated to and for authors as well as readers alike. I would like to invite everyone to drop by check it out and offer any suggestions to make this a better place for all. The new forum has a little of everything including a place where authors may drop in introduce yourselves, introduce your works, new releases, upcoming titles, and add links to your sites and blogs.

http://terrysouth.proboards83.com/

For readers we are developing a reading group, reading guides, open discussions, etc...

The forum categories added so far include:
General
Books & Novels
Bookshelves
Readers
Quality Book Reviews

Under each of the forum categories is a wide variety of sub-categories for everyone's enjoyment.

We have also added a live chat and as we grow further would love to schedule live chats between authors and their readers.

We also would like to add to our schedule interviews with various authors to be placed on the forum as well as our site so that their readers can learn more about their favorite authors.

Thank you and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Terry

Quality Book Reviews

Anatomy of Fear

2007-04-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

Anatomy of Fear
By Jonathan Santlofer
ISBN: 978-0-06-088197-9 $24.95
William Morrow
An Imprint of Harper Collins
10 East 53rd St., New York, NY 10022
www.HarperCollins.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

As an added bonus be sure to check out the video trailer starring the author Jonathan Santlofer and his artwork:
http://www.jonathansantlofer.com/anatomyvideo.html

(also on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaL97PkP1hs)

Also check out the HarperCollins sweepstakes where the winner gets their portrait sketched by Jonathan Santlofer:
http://www.harpercollins.com/features/anatomyoffear/

The setting is New York and Terri Russo a detective for the NYPD is called to the scene of a murder where she discovers a sketch of the victim alongside the body. Russo is aided in her investigation by Nate Rodriguez, the police sketch artist.

Nate’s father was an undercover narc for the NYPD, Nate still very much disturbed by his fathers death, has managed to avoid doing any on the scene police work. All this is about to change as Nate is drawn into the case, and maybe even further than he could have imagined. Nate begins piecing together the face of the killer and he himself then becomes a target.

The killer also sketches people, his victims, and he uses his abilities to turn the investigation in a different direction. You will find this story erupts with some explosive twists, so hold on for a heart pounding ride.

Jonathan Santlofer is also an artist and has his works displayed in several locations including museums. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute. Santlofer began writing in 1989 after a gallery fire claimed five years of his works. Anatomy of Fear contains both of his talents; his artwork enhances the strong compelling and intriguing plot, each complementing the other.

Santlofer has a steady flow of action and suspense with enough twists and turns to leave you with anticipation. The characters are distinctive and interesting with qualities that make them believable. The scenes are written with such a compelling impact that is gripping and makes this a genuine page turner to the end.

A guaranteed 5 star read.

Lost Echoes

2007-04-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

Lost Echoes
By Joe R. Lansdale
Crime thriller
ISBN: 978-0-307-27544-8 $13.95
Vintage Books
A Division of Random House Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
www.RandomHouse.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Lost Echoes is a story about a man named Harry Wilkes, who at the tender age of six came down with the mumps and developed a severe ear infection which affected his brain. Harry’s mind would fill with images of past crimes and he could see the events taking place as well as see the faces of the people involved in the crimes. Harry eventually develops a taste for alcohol as it helps him to suppress the images as well as the sounds contained within his mind.

Harry is in a bar one evening when he notices three men taking a drunk out through the back. Harry knows what is getting ready to happen and decides to step in. The drunk is Tad Peters and immediately he and Harry become friends. Soon after Kayla, Harry’s first love comes back into his life, now a police officer she is determined to find her fathers’ killers. With Harry’s ability he soon figures out that the men responsible for Kayla’s fathers’ death are connected to other unsolved murders.

Joe R. Lansdale has penned several novels in the genres of suspense, horror and westerns. He has won many awards throughout his career. He currently resides in Texas with his wife and children.

Lansdale writes scenes with high impact and vivid details and accounts. He incorporates the correct intrusive amount of twists and turns that leave you breathless and drawing you into the heart of the story. The characters are so believable and you feel as if you have known them for quite some time, he is descriptive and adds that human touch to his characters.

An indubious 5 star read.

Pattern of Vengeance

2007-04-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

Pattern of Vengeance
A Maria Sanchez Thriller
By C. Hyytinen
Echelon Press Publishing
9735 Country Meadows Lane 1-D
Laurel, MD 20723
www.echelonpress.com
ISBN: 978-1-59080-520-6 $12.99
April 2007 286 pages
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The setting begins in Minneapolis and then moves between LA, Minneapolis, as well as some scenes set in Florida. Agent Stan Bauer has been murdered and believed to have been a Mafia hit. Detective Maria Sanchez is on the case. Her partner is Tom Powders who is nearing retirement and he has been acting very odd lately, Maria is not sure what he is up too, but begins to speculate as the story continues. They believe there is a leak in the department and no one can be trusted. Special Investigator Joe Morgan is Maria’s husband of ten wonderful years.

Chief Sandra LaSalle is the new chief having moved from New York only a year ago, she is a petite redhead in her fifties and is not very well liked and has earned some names since arriving as the new Chief in Minneapolis. Due to the nature of the crimes being committed, the possibility of a leak within the department LaSalle has made the decision to assign the case to Sanchez and partners her with Morgan.

Maria was once married to Jack Sanchez known as The River Rat and was the father to her daughter Tess. He was also father to a boy named Tony, whose mother died and Maria and Joe adopted him, after all he and Tess are brother and sister. Tess is in college and is twenty years old, Tony is a teenager about sixteen. It is nearly Christmas and Tess has finished with finals and comes home to stay for a month, which is just in time as the case heats up for her parents. Will they finally be able to put an end to all the mafia’s crimes? Will anyone else die as a result of this investigation? Will the person responsible for leaking the information to Marco be discovered in time?

LaSalle brings in Etina Altmark a Russian from New York to go undercover as a runaway, she is twenty eight but looks as if she is only fifteen. Hyytinen has a way of leaving you on the edge of your seat, she has incorporated vivid details and accounts throughout the story, making this one that you have to read from front to back non-stop. The chapters are short and each chapter leaves an inevitable hook at the end leaving you with the desire to read one more and then another. The author has superbly written scenes with impact, with a steady flow of action and suspense. This story is so relentless, gripping and intriguing and a genuine page turner. The characters are so finely tuned, believable and real, you find yourself cheering them on, hoping for the best, and feel these are people you have known for quite some time. You will find yourself thinking of the characters long after finishing the book. The story erupts with explosive twists and delivers a powerful ending that will leave you breathless. This is a must read, I will warn there is mature themes including language, but I have no hesitation in saying I highly recommend reading The Maria Sanchez Thrillers. If looking for an explosive read you will not want to miss this one.

It has been a great pleasure to read and review Pattern of Vengeance and I truly cannot wait to read the first in the Maria Sanchez Thrillers, and look forward to all her new releases.

Toaster Pond

2007-04-10T13:55:00.000-05:00

Toaster Pond

By Peter de Witt

Fantasy/Adventure

ISBN: 1-933255-21-8

www.toasterpond.com

DNA Press

PO Box 572

Eagleville, PA 19408

www.dnapress.com

Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Toaster Pond is a wondrous adventure for children. The setting is a place called Waterville. In Waterville during the summer the teens are ready for their championship game of Hide and Seek. But this is not your normal regular game.

The story will captivate your child’s imagination. You can discover within the pages six toed fairies, as well as a wealth of different characters. The stories main characters include Doug, Skip, and Pierce, and they are on the Hide and Seek team termed the best team. Peter de Witt transports the game to a magical place of Sangerfiled, here the main characters must put their expert skills into action. Will they be able to save Sanger Castle? To find out you will need to pick up a copy of this great adventurous tale, you will not be disappointed.

Toaster Pond is a quick compact read, once your child has started they will not be able to put this one down. This is Peter de Witt’s debut and is an excellent creation and there will be a high demand for more. This is one enchanting and magical read that the entire family will want to read. This title will win the parents approval, and will be captivating families for generations to come.

Peter de Witt is an author, a adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY., and he is also has been teaching elementary school for eleven years. He currently resides in New York.

Ladykiller

2007-04-06T23:44:00.000-05:00

Ladykiller
By Lawrence Light and Meredith Anthony
ISBN: 1-933515-05-8 $23.95
Suspense/Thriller 240 pages
Oceanview Publishing
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Ladykiller is the debut suspense novel by Lawrence Light and Meredith Anthony, the husband and wife writing team, and what a unique writing team. They have penned a novel that is a must for crime enthusiast.

The setting is the streets of New York, and the year is 1991. Four women have been murdered from all different walks of life, including a cheerleader, stockbroker, a housewife and a prostitute. Homicide detective Dave Dillion of the NYPD is on the case and must solve these murders or risk losing his job. Dave encounters a beautiful social worker by the name of Megan Morrison, the two join forces in search for the serial killer, and romance ensues.

The press is calling the serial killer “Ladykiller”. The killer has left no clues and no trail behind to follow. The murders always take place in some out of the way place where no witnesses can be found. There are never any signs of the victim being taken against her will and no signs of a struggle with their attacker, and the murders all appear to be personal in nature. Will Dave find the killer before its too late?

Lawrence Light is an award-winning journalist and is currently the Wall Street Editor for Forbes magazine. He graduated from Columbia School of Journalism and is the author of the Karen Glick novels. He currently resides in Manhattan with his wife and co-author Meredith Anthony.

Meredith Anthony has written for a variety of sources including film, television, print and the web. She graduated from St. John’s College and also received a MA from The Johns Hopkins University.

Ladykiller is an intriguing, compelling and suspenseful crime novel packed with enticing twists and turns to keep you on the edge. The authors have created a powerful thriller that tantalizes with a sense of suspense and a steady flow of action. The characters are believable, finely developed and engaging. Ladykiller is superbly crafted with vivid detail that draws you into the story.

An astounding 5 stars!

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo

2007-04-06T23:41:00.000-05:00

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo
Written and illustrated by Ed Baker
www.kittencuckoo.com
ISBN: 1-933572-04-3
Centro Books
200 E. 90th St ., New York, NY 10128
www.centrobooks.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo, written and illustrated by Ed Baker is an endearing picture book with cartoonish characters that are simple yet adorable.

The story is for children of all ages, teaching children the concept of friendship. Ed Baker has developed a loosely rhyming poem to enrich this tale of an unlikely friendship. Kitten Cuckoo and a baby elephant named Paquile E. Derm are best friends, despite their obvious differences. The animals at the zoo would stare, giggle and make fun of the unlikely pair.

Paquile escapes from the zoo with Cuckoo and ends up being captured and sent to Africa. Cuckoo returns home to find Harrison Cruz has moved; now homeless he decides to do what any friend would do, travel to Africa to find his best friend. In the end he finds not only Paquile but Harrison Cruz too.

The story delivers the perfect idea of true friendship and will engage young children while teaching them not to give up on friendships formed.

You will find games, wall paper, art and other goodies located on their website at http://www.kittencuckoo.com/

The game located on their website is addicting to both children and adults alike.

The Chronicles of Virago

2007-04-06T23:39:00.000-05:00

The Chronicles of the Virago
By Michael K. Bialys
Publish America
ISBN: 1424133653
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The stories main character is Makenna, who is your typical 12 year old girl. The setting is Pasadena, California.

It all begins when Makenna is approached one evening by three fairies who tell her she is to protect her twin siblings from evil forces. The fairies arm her with an Armasword which is a powerful mystical weapon. Upon their visit they also tell her that she is the chosen one, the protector which they call the Virago. Her twin brother and sister are born with a gift of goodness and Makenna must protect them from evil, this is her quest and so the journey begins.

In this fantasy an earthworm reveals the evil force by name and that name is Sir Seaton. It is he who will be on his own quest to locate and destroy the twins preventing them from defeating pure evil in the future. Will Makenna discover Sir Seaton among the many disguises? Will she fail or prevail?

This is contemporary fantasy at its finest. A rich captivating story between good and evil with a picturesque ending where good prevails. It is both enchanting and a stimulating read for young readers, and offers vivid accounts and memorable characters. The story will excite your children and spark their imaginations, all while teaching family values. Your daughters will be cheering for Makenna, and your sons will be captivated and thrilled with the story filled within the pages.

This is a must for children, and highly recommended. It was a delightful pleasure reviewing this title and look forward to the next in the series.

The Naming Of The Dead

2007-04-04T01:08:00.000-05:00

The Naming Of The Dead
By Ian Rankin
Crime fiction 452 pages
ISBN: 978-0-316-05757-8
Little, Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group
237 Park Ave., New York, NY 10169
www.HachetteBookGroupUSA.com
www.ianrankin.net
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

The setting is Edinburg, Scotland, the year is 2005. And the story begins as everyone is watching for the upcoming G8 summit. Reinforcements are called in from all over the country as a few hundred thousand demonstrators have come to protest poverty aimed at the World leaders. Detective Inspector John Rebus is originally stay on the sidelines away from the scene, but as luck would have it a routine murder investigation turns up with a clue that throws him right in the middle of things.

Rebus and his partner Clarke are on the case and due to the clues they are turning up believe they may have a serial killer. All the while tensions are running high between Rebus and Special Branch Commander Steelforth. The investigation leads to many questions of suicide or murder. Crime fiction enthusiasts will not want to miss this one. This is an astounding 5 stars!

Ian Rankin was born in the Kingdom of Fife and graduated from the University of Edinburg. The first of his Rebus novels, “Knots & Crosses” was published in 1987. Rankin is the UK’s number one best-selling crime writer and lives in Edinburg with his wife and their two sons.

Naming of The Dead won the Worldbooks Crime Thriller of the Year Award. Ian Rankin has developed an intriguing plot that is loaded with twists and turns, and has created some very witty and memorable characters. Looking for a great read that holds your attention through to the end, that is difficult to put down and is a real page turner, then this is a must read, especially for the crime fiction enthusiasts every where. Reviewing this title was a great pleasure, and I look forward to all his works for years to come.

The Book of Air and Shadows

2007-04-04T01:06:00.000-05:00

The Book of Air and Shadows
By Michael Gruber
Fiction 464 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-087446-9
William Morrow
An imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
http://www.harpercollins.com/
http://www.michaelgruberbooks.com/
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

What would you do if you discovered a 17th century letter and a coded message? Would the quest for answering the coded message be plausible if not risky? It all starts with a fire at a used book store and a set of valuable books become damaged, two of the employees decide to take them home to see if they can be saved. Both Albert and Carolyn squabble over some manuscript pages which Albert finds and decides that the manuscript is a letter referring to an unknown Shakespeare play.

Carolyn and Albert take the manuscript to a Shakespearean scholar by the name of Andrew Bulstrode and he offers them a small price for the pages dismissing them as being credible. Later Bulstrode meets with Jake Mishkin, an attorney to inquire to copy write only to be found dead the next day. Now in fear of his own life Mishkin is on the run from the killers. Will Mishkin be next? Where will all the clues in this thriller lead?

Michael Gruber was born in New York City and attended Columbia, earning a BA in English Literature. Gruber now resides in Seattle, Washington with his wife and his very large dog.

This read combines suspense, thrills, humor, and mystery that provides twists and turns that engages you on the search to answering the clues. Gruber has developed a unique writing style that draws you into the heart of the story, which is engaging and surprisingly humorous at times; and contains vivid accounts and detail, and is a genuinely great read. His characters are well developed, compelling and memorable. Reviewing this title was a great pleasure and is a highly recommended read.

13 Bullets A Vampire Tale

2007-04-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

13 Bullets
A Vampire Tale
by David Wellington
Fiction 323 pages
Three Rivers Press an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group,
A division of Random House, Inc., New York
www.crownpublishing.com
ISBN: 978-0-307-38143-9 $13.95
www.davidwellington.net
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Do you really believe in vampires? Would you be willing to seek out their lair knowing that you were a sensitive? Such questions had never entered Laura Claxton's mind. Until she met US Marshall Jameson Arkeley, that would devastate her life as she knows it, her thinking and beliefs are all about to change.

The story begins in 1983; Special Deputy Jameson Arkeley and his partner Webster are on a stake out outside a diner where Piter Byron Lares is inside talking with the waitress. What happens next is rich with moments of terror and the horrifying events that follow will leave you breathless. Lares takes everyone in the diner out in a matter of seconds, Arkeley is in for a terrifying ride of his life. Lares takes Arkeley after killing most of the SWAT team, when Arkeley comes to he finds he is in a ships hold and focuses in on five coffins, only one is empty. The other four coffins contain decaying remains, Arkeley fight for his life, and removes Lares heart and as the sun comes up he burns the boat, believing he had killed them all.

But one single survivor remained, Justinia Malvern, who now has been kept alive at a sanitarium in Pennsylvania. Arkeley believed all the terror was over, he was dead wrong.

Now 20 years later, Arkeley travels to Pennsylvania as a US Marshall and meets with State Trooper Laura Caxton. Arkeley partners up with Caxton to exterminate all the vampires once believed to be extinct. Malvern is being kept alive by minimal life support, the sanitarium has installed special blue lights as she is sensitive to regular lighting, she is being fed fresh blood by her caretaker who has inserted a shunt into his arm to feed her. Why has Malvern been kept alive all these years? There are bizarre laws preventing her extermination, and she seems to be of no threat, until now.

Arkeley and Caxton are on a mission to find the vampires lair and exterminate them before they can get the blood Malverne needs. Then Arkeley is kidnapped in order to use his blood to replenish Malvern's powers, Caxton must now forge ahead and destroy them before they can unleash unspeakable horrors upon everyone.

David Wellington is the author of the Monster Island trilogy, and is no stranger to this genre.

13 Bullets is the first book in the trilogy by David Wellington, and is a tantalizing wild high octane ride. Wellington weaves his plot line together and has developed some very intriguing characters. This vampire tale is relentless, gripping, powerful and a genuine page-turner, that is horrifying and rich with moments of terror.

The reader is thrust into a state of uncertainty filled with nervous anticipation as the conclusion nears to find that we must wait for the next edition to this trilogy to tie up the loose ends.

13 Bullets is a blood curdling tale to sink your teeth into. I look forward to reading his novels for years to come. Reviewing this title was a frightening pleasure. I highly recommend it to the horror fans everywhere.

For A Few Demons More

2007-04-02T10:38:00.000-05:00

For A Few Demons More
by Kim Harrison
www.kimharrison.net
Harper Collins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
Fiction 456 pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-078838-4 $21.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews
Here is another wonderful exciting read from one of our myspace authors.

For A Few Demons More is the fifth installment in the Hollows series by Kim Harrison.

Rachel Morgan is a witch and freelance bounty hunter that is woken from her sleep to find a powerful demon wrecking her home and claiming she posses something of hers. Rachel resides in a sanctified church and in disbelief and being scarred that the demon can enter the church.

Rachel is an interspecies consultant for the police force which is run by humans; she is called down to the morgue to look at the bodies of murdered werewolves. Rachel starts piecing it all together and realizes the reason the women werewolves can not be traced is because they are not registered in the were registry. What does this mean, the conclusion must be they were not born as werewolves; they must have been humans that had been changed into weres.
Rachel recognizes that the Focus, which is a demon artifact she has been hiding, has been turning humans into weres spontaneously. If the artifact were to fall into the wrong hands it would start a new interspecies war between the vampires and the weres which would be disastrous for the entire world.

For A Few Demons More is an action packed fantasy delivering a mix of action, horror and imagination. And some of her characters from the series are back in this edition. Kim Harrison has introduced us to some intriguing and interesting new characters that hopefully will make appearances in future Hallows series. I will have to give praise to the author for taking risks with her characters, and with the killing of one of her main characters. Harrison has intriguing plot twists and incorporates taking her characters in such amazing directions to leave you with much anticipation of the next in the series.

Readers will not be disappointed. I look forward to reading all her novels for years to come. Reviewing this title was a delightful pleasure. I recommend it without hesitation and give it two thumbs way up. A definite 5 stars! I do highly recommend if you have not read the others in the Hallows series that you pick those up and start with the first in the series.

The Blue Zone

2007-04-02T01:09:00.000-05:00

The Blue Zone
by Andrew Gross
Fiction 352 pages
William Morrow an Imprint of Harper Collins
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-114340-3 $25.95
www.andrewgrossbooks.com
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Would you want to know your family secrets, and what skeletons lie hidden in the closet? Would you really want to know the truth if it would destroy everything you believed? What would you do if you learned your life had been a lie?

Kate Raab receives a devastating phone call from her mom, now the questions of family secrets and skeletons in the closet, and the truth enter her mind like a whirlwind. The words she heard "your father has been arrested, come quickly" made no sense to her at all. There must be some mistake, her father had no connections to the Mercado family and he didn't know anyone from Columbia, or did he? What lies ahead for Kate when the family secrets begin to unravel?
Kate soon discovers that her life has been a lie. Her family is placed into protective custody, but Kate refuses, and her contact with her family is limited as a result. Kate marries a year later and is working on regaining some normalcy to her life. She feels as if she is being watched, and is consumed by paranoia after her best friend is shot while they are leaving work. After all Kate is certain that she was the intended target, not her best friend. Kate's world is beginning to come apart.

Kate learns that her father has disappeared from the Witness Protection Program. Agents begin questioning her about her father, now she begins to think and is determined to find her family and learn the truth once and for all. Kate is surrounded by agents and wonders if they can even be trusted. Can she trust anyone? Her mind is consumed with possibilities that no one including her father and even her husband can be trusted. She decides to find out the truth and finds herself entangled in a deadly web, and is confronted with a truth that is more painful than she could ever imagined possible.

The Blue Zone is the term that the agents use when people in the Witness Protection Program come up missing. Kate has her own definition of the Blue Zone and believes that we all live within our own Blue Zone. Andrew Gross is the co-author of five bestselling thrillers with James Patterson. The Blue Zone is Gross's solo debut. I look forward to reading all his novels to come in the future.

Andrew Gross delivers an ingenious and intricately layered plot, while still creating convincing personal journeys for his characters. The Blue Zone delivers a tantalizing and intriguing story packed with shocking twists that will keep you guessing and begging for more.

The Blue Zone is a definite 5 stars and is highly recommended!

The New and Improved Vivien Leigh Reid: Diva in Control

2007-04-02T01:07:00.000-05:00

The New and Improved Vivien Leigh Reid: Diva in Control

by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

Another wonderful read from one of our myspace authors. Reviewing this title was a delightful pleasure!

Vivien, once again seems to be getting herself tangled up in some of the most bizarre situations. She is back on TV, now wearing a costume, but she is eager to prove that she can avoid the diva syndrome this time. In an attempt to reform her reputation, she is thrown into a challenging role that was not quite what she expected. In her new role she is required to perform her own stunts in costume which is complicated to say the least. To further add to her problems are her complicated relationships; her male co-stars don't want to work with her, her future step sisters are determined to make her miserable, and on top of all of this her mother is in the midst of planning her wedding. Now she is falling for one of her co-stars, will her life ever not be so complicated?

Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout have a strong imaginative plot from start to finish, and have developed memorable characters. This story is laugh out loud funny, down right hilarious, and is very entertaining. I highly recommend this one without any hesitation!

While reading the story my daughter wanted to know what I was reading and I began telling her about it and since she has taken the book home and has informed me she wants all of the deuts books to read. I am so thankful she has a new found love of reading. Thank you, maybe she will spend more time reading than watching TV. I must also admit that I quite enjoyed the book and will buy the prior books and read before passing along to my daughter.

Toni

2007-04-02T01:05:00.000-05:00

Toni

by Helen Leung

Here is another one of our myspace authors and with one that you will not want to miss. I read this in 1 day, I could not put it down. The story as the title entails is about a young girl, Toni, whose parents had wanted a boy but got a girl instead. Toni's parents were disappointed, and Toni felt they hated her.

Toni is dropped off a her uncle Steve's house by her parents and they tell her that they will be back a few weeks to get her. Well now here it is four years later, and a police officer finds Toni unconscious and bleeding in a closet at her uncles home. Toni has lived the past four years of her life trying to avoid upsetting her uncle and his terrible temper. The policeman, Matt McKay takes Toni and supports her and we then begin to see her grow. Toni grows into a independent young woman despite her past abuse, stuggles and conflicts.

The story delivers the message of teens struggling with various feelings from fear, hate, and guilt as well as numerous other feelings. I highly recommend this one, especially recommend that all teen girls read as it is sure to help them with the feelings that they too struggle with.

A definite 5 star read.

Exposed

2007-03-30T23:14:00.001-05:00

Exposed
by Helen Leung
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Here is another great book from one of our myspace authors.

Exposed is a story that will tug at your heart strings. This is a nice hard back book that is a quick read.

The story is that of the author’s, Helen Leung, and her disease known as Dermatomyositis, and Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. The disease, which has a somewhat severe onset, affects both children and adults. Females are more often affected than males, Dermatomyositis is characterized by a rash accompanying, or more often, preceding muscle weakness. Eventually, people have difficulty rising from a sitting position, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or reaching overhead. In some cases, muscles further away from the trunk of the body may be affected later in the course of the disease. Problems with swallowing (dysphagia) may occur. Occasionally, the muscles ache and are tender to the touch. Affected individuals may also feel fatigue and discomfort and experience weight loss or a low-grade fever. (Being a nurse had to explain a little of the facts of the disease so you can come to an understanding of this disease and its effects).

The story begins while Helen is at a young age, she discusses her somewhat abusive family life, her illness, and her diagnosis and the hardship and struggles and the attempts to cure her. She visited many physicians both in New York and China. As the years pass Helen begins to accept her illness. She is very courageous and overcomes her disease, even though she spends the high school years confined to a wheelchair. She is strong and her will to overcome all that she faces is amazing, she talks of other students starring and whispering, but determined to be strong she uses all their stares and whispers to full fill her dreams and desires to succeed against it all.

I highly recommend this compelling read, and commend such a strong lady, both her and her book get 5 stars, and her story is an inspiration to us all.

Happy Birthday to Whooo?

2007-03-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Whooo?
by Doris Fisher
Illustrated by Lisa Downey
Sylvan Dell Publishing
976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Ste. 3, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
ISBN: 978-0-9768823-1-2 $15.95
Reviewed by Terry South for Armchair Interviews

Happy Birthday to Whooo? A Baby Animal Riddle Book is designed for children ages 4 to 8, has a handsomely designed jacket displaying owls on the front cover and the back displays12 additional animals.

Doris Fisher effectively reaches her intended young audience. The book contains bold and vibrant images of illustrator Lisa Downey, the pages alternate with oil paintings of an animal family and a birth announcement. The birth announcements contain clues to the animal’s identity, offering facts of the weight and height and turn the page and you find more facts about the baby animal. The book contains riddles introducing 12 different animals and will engage and amuse the young reader. The book contains a section entitled “For Creative Minds” that everyone is sure to love, this section contains information about the animal families and fun facts about the 12 animals introduced in the birth announcements.

As for illustrator Lisa Downey, her page design is colorful, vivid and eye-friendly that transports the reader into the heart of the story.

You will find “Learning Links” and “Teaching Activities” on Sylvan Dell Publishing’s website that will help both teachers and parents expand the learning possibilities. The website is: www.SylvanDellPublishing.com

The book is addressed to children and young readers, but can be enjoyed by the entire family. The book will excite your children and they will want to read this one over and over again. As an added bonus in the back of the book there is a “Make Your Own Birth Announcement” great for a new baby in the family whether it be human or animal. I highly recommend this one and give it 5 stars!

Do You Know Why Butterflies Fly?

2007-03-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Do You Know Why Butterflies Fly?
By Tom McWhirter
Art work by Mary Meade
Chupp Road Press
ISBN: 978-0-9761853-0-7
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Do You Know Why Butterflies Fly? Is beautifully written, the hardback cover is amazing and with the movement of the book you can see the butterflies fly. The author Tom McWhirter has a great imagination and has produced a lovely children’s book for all to enjoy and treasure.

The story contains bold and vibrant imaginative images of illustrator Mary Meade, the art work is superbly done to ignite the imaginations of all. The story is for children of all ages and in the process is teaching children to have courage to face their fears and to have faith in themselves to change and become something much greater than they every imagined. It delivers the idea of not being afraid, to try new things and to pursue their dreams. The story is both engaging and amusing, although addressed to children and young readers, can be enjoyed by the entire family together.

The children’s book will appeal to both the young readers and their parents and will be a treasure to read together time and time again.

The author grew up in rural North Carolina, he had a country boy heart and soul, and his best friend was his imagination. His parents were concerned and gave him a stern lecture on his imagination and its proper place in reality. “Tom McWhirter took this discussion to heart and immediately shut down his imagination.” Years later he began a daily practice of meditation and rediscovered his imagination, and this book is full of his new re-found imagination.

I highly recommend this children’s book, it is a delight and a treasure to keep for generations to come.

This Year You Write Your Novel

2007-03-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

This Year You Write Your Novel
by Walter Mosley
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 978-0-316-06541-2
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

I found this to be short and to the point, and a recommended read for those who are wanting to break into writing. And highly recommend for new writers who want a precise short read, but not for those who are already practicing the art of writing. There were several useful tips throughout. The basis of the book was of course to write and write every day, nothing new that I found.

There are 6 chapters the first dealing with writer needs, the second is elements of fiction, there is a chapter dedicated to editing which is all packed within 103 pages.

Future Syndicate

2007-03-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

Future Syndicate
Edited by: J Alan Erwine
Nomadic Delirium Press, Denver, CO
ISBN: 1-4196-5459-4
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

Future Syndicate is a collection of eight stories about how crime in the future may be.
The collection contains the following:
“An Ingenious Adventure” by Jason Sizemore
“The Gallows on the Garden Path” by Bret Tallman
“One to Spare” by Jason Andrew
“Running Down on a Thousand” by Rebecca SW Bates
“A Torturous Wrong Turn” by J Alan Erwine
“Cell” by Lavie Tidhar
“Mina’s Kiss” by Bruce Horner
“Face Dances” by Rebecca m Senese

Future Syndicate is an anthology and begins with “An Ingenious Adventure” by Jason Sizemore. In the story Garwin Hayes is a flash genius, he can remember information at a glance, and however he is not very bright or smart. Garwin and his friends attend a Chez Cola parade when one of the employees with Chez Cola shows up to destroy the secret recipe to the cola. In the mist of the scuffle the recipe flies through the air to land at Garwin’s feet and he picks it up and with him a flash genius he gets a glimpse of the recipe, everyone knows that he remembers things in a flash, so now the pursuit begins. Garwin and his friends try to escape but end up being chased, this is a highly entertaining story you will not want to miss.

“The Gallows on the Garden Path” by Bret Tallman is a tale of revenge. A family of brutal criminals known as The Cray’s, & with a character named Wallace “Pants” Zybisco, they set off to pull a heist to punish the man who had Cray’s surrogate father killed.

“One to Spare” by Jason Andrew involves a character named Race, she is a motorcycle courier. Through this short story takes you on a motorcycle chase as Race tries to deliver her package.

“Running Down on a Thousand” by Rebecca S.W. Bates is also about a courier. A time traveler or prophecy courier who delivers hallucinogenic payloads to provide the receiver with a message.

“A Torturous Wrong Turn” by J Alan Erwine This short story is about a smuggler who is caught and the government that has captured him wants his information.

“Cell” by Lavie Tidhar Monk is taken throughout the prison searching for relics and signs of an ancient civilization.

“Mina’s Kiss” by Bruce Horner This short story is based on Kovit Correto who is a professional assassin that reads the minds and memories of those he kills.

“Face Dances” by Rebecca M. Sense is the final story. This short has a character named Nick who is a burglar that can change his faces. Nick is offered a job due to his unique skill, and this job is one that he cannot refuse. For this job he is assigned a partner, Casey and she has the same gift as Nick.

I normally do not read short stories, but I did enjoy all of the stories above, they were a change from the norm for me and was a delightful change.

Deep Storm

2007-03-28T00:10:00.000-05:00

Deep Storm
by Lincoln Child
Doubleday
www.doubleday.com
ISBN: 978-0-385-51550-4 $24.95
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

Do you enjoy a intriguing techno-thriller? Are you a sci-fi fan? The setting is in an Exploratory and Recovery Facility sixty miles off the coast of Greenland and two miles below the Atlantic Ocean. The facility is a cutting-edge research station which is twelve decks high and is surrounded by a titanium dome. The name of the facility is Deep Storm, which was designed to excavate the remains of what was believed to be the ancient civilization of Atlantis, what will they really uncover?

Peter Crane is a former naval physician who has been summoned to the facility in order to contribute his unique expertise in diagnosing rare diseases. Crane is sent to investigate a mysterious disease which is attacking the crew, but first he must agree to the high secrecy before he boards the submarine and is off to the facility. The mysterious disease is affecting the crew/workers both physically and psychologically, the symptoms are diverse, which include nausea, irritability, slurred speech, disorientation, hallucinations and dangerous behaviors. So what began as an archeological dig of the century may end in disaster. As Crane begins to piece all the facts together, the base commander seems to continue to push ahead with the dig in spite of this disease, and to add to everything else that is happening there is someone out to sabotage it all.

Deep Storm is fast paced, suspenseful, and combines techno-thriller, action and adventure packed with espionage, murder, a mysterious disease and pure madness. Lincoln Child has created vivid detail and a suspenseful plot. The characters are well developed and interesting. The story begins a little slow but quickly picks up and you find yourself engaged and not wanting to put this one down. The author provides excellent twist and turns, red-herrings, and a cliff-hanger for an ending, which I am hoping will lead to a sequel as it seems to have left the door open. I have read all of Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston’s books, this was the first Lincoln Child solo that I have read, and I must admit I am hooked.

A highly recommended read, especially for all you sci-fi fans out there, enjoy.

A Dirty Business

2007-03-27T22:23:00.000-05:00

A Dirty Business
by Joe Humphrey
Dakarma Publishing, New York, New York
ISBN: 978-0-9787871-0-3 $11.95
Reviewed by: Terry South for book pleasures (03/07)

Are you a crime novel enthusiast? A Dirty Business is the new debut crime novel written by Joe Humphrey, and a recommended read.

Upon recently returning to his home in New York City from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Kevin Bailey finds himself both broke and with no where to live. Kevin Bailey has a degree in criminal justice and is in dire need of a job, his friend offers a referral, and Kevin gets a position with Frank Givens detective agency. Kevin is thrown into the agency with his new boss being bombarded and up to his neck with cases. Kevin’s boss decides to give him a test case to start with which is an easy assignment involving a New York City socialite. The woman wants someone to dig up the dirt on her son’s fiancée as the woman believes she is only marrying her son for his money. The clients name is Selena Eldritch, her belief and confidence in Kevin is low from the start based on his appearance, but she confides in him anyway.

Kevin is determined to show both his client and his new boss that he has what it takes to get the job done and done well at that. Selena provides Kevin with a photo of her son Edward Eldritch and his fiancée Donna Greenwood. Kevin begins his investigation and starts following Edward in which he finds takes him hours outside of Manhattan. Kevin follows Edward to Cold Spring which is a small historical village where Edward meets with a brunette. Kevin then follows both of them into a local tavern, where he then learns that the brunettes name is Donna Greenwood. So who is the blonde in the photo? Why does Selena believe the blonde to be Donna Greenwood? What painful truths lie ahead?

As Kevin begins to dig deeper into the case he discovers some very intriguing facts. Kevin finds that the blond has been missing for a couple of years and discovers that the police have even deserted the investigation into Norma Vidon’s disappearance. Kevin keeps digging and discovers some weird obsessions in play, and dead bodies begin turning up. What seemed in the beginning to be an easy ordinarily simple assignment has now turned into a complex assignment and enough of one for Kevin to really prove himself. What else with he uncover along this path?

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout the entirety of the book. If you enjoy a touch of romance, mystery and suspense with your crime, you will love this debut novel. Joe Humphrey has a strong imaginative plot from start to finish, and has witty, memorable characters. A true page turner and a recommended read. I am in anticipation of the next one by Joe Humphrey.

Vrolok

2007-03-24T23:09:00.000-05:00

Vrolok
by Nolene-Patricia Dougan
Author House 1163 Liberty Dr., Ste. 200, Bloomington, IN 47403 9/28/06
www.authorhouse.com
ISBN: 1-4208-8163-9

Do you love a good vampire story? Do you find yourself sucked into the tale? Love adventure of the dark side?

The setting takes place in historic Eastern Europe Transylvania.

The story begins as Vlad Dracula having fought a battle with his enemies, and a young girl’s curiosity ignites her. A historic vampire tale, occurring over a time span of five hundred years. The story follows the protagonist, Isabella, as a young vampire. Isabella is rebelling as her father rejects her; he is unable to overcome the loss of his wife while giving birth to their daughter Isabella. Isabella travels to the castle of Vlad Dracula, where Vlad develops strong feelings, and falls in love with her. What else would a vampire who is in love do? Vlad turns Isabella into a vampire, his mate for life. Do not be fooled this is not a loving match, it is the opposite, they have a long love-hate relationship, spending more time apart than together. Over time Isabella can no longer deny her love for Vlad and upon his demise she vows revenge and to bring his killers down with the help of Nicolae. Isabella and Nicolae leave America and travel back to England to bring down the English Vampire hunters and avenge Vlad’s death.

Isabella struggles with her guilt and makes a vow to only kill those who deserve to die. She never allows anyone to hinder her revenge against those who have wronged her throughout time. Over the centuries of her existence she meets many famous historical figures. She encounters such historical figures as Napoleon, Bram Stroker, to the western figures of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, as well as many other figures throughout the selected eras. She travels throughout Europe and America. Nolene-Patricia Dougan has performed vast research and the historical figures mentioned in her book are remarkable.

Vrolok is a compelling and gripping tale of a young beautiful vampire’s dark journey through the centuries. Vrolok has a strong plot throughout, and the characters are so well developed and intensely interesting. This is no traditional vampire story; you may think well the story involves Vlad Dracula, it is like all the other stories, it is so very different, do not be fooled. This is a superior spine tingling dark fantasy written be a very imaginative author, her work embraces hundreds of years of history and maintains vivid descriptions of various people, places and events.

This book will hold your attention to the very end, and you will find it is very difficult to put down, a definite page turner well until the late night. I could find no fault in this tale. I highly recommend this story, it is unlike any other vampire story I have ever read. So if you are looking for a different twist from the norm, are seeking a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable read, look no further. All vampire enthusiasts as well as all Anne Rice fans will not want to miss this one, you will get lost in this adventure, and you will not be disappointed. I am looking forward to Dougan’s new release with anticipation. A definite 5 star read!

Murder Off the Books

2007-03-24T00:21:00.000-05:00

Murder Off the Books
by Evelyn David
Echelon Press Publishing
ISBN 13: 978-1-59080-522-0 $12.99
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

A definite 5 star whodunit

Do you enjoy a mystery with suspense and a touch of humor? What about a loveable hound? And how do you like your murder mysteries? With a Whiskey Chaser? If so “Murder Off the Books” is for you, it has it all. This is the first in the Sullivan Investigation Mysteries, and with this writing duet, hopefully many more to follow.

Mac Sullivan is a private eye, and a former DC cop who frequently visits his friend’s funeral home in order to pick up whatever vehicle is available at the time so he can conduct his stake outs with his loveable Irish wolfhound Whiskey. Mac has used vehicles ranging from a hearse to a pest control van which seems to be used frequently by him. Rachel Brenner is 42 and is recently divorced, she meets Mac Sullivan while he is staking out her house and following her to her new position at a funeral home. Mac and his sidekick Whiskey are looking for Rachel’s brother, Dan who is a suspect in the embezzlement of money and the murder of his boss. Rachel joins forces with the attractive Mac Sullivan and his loveable assistant to help prove her brothers innocence. Of course to add a little fun Mac’s wolfhound Whiskey hates cats and as luck would have it Rachel has a cat who also hates dogs.

Rachel finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation when her brother comes up missing and is a primary suspect in his bosses’ murder. Rachel finds herself being able to manage and cope in ways in which she never expected, but before the end of the investigation, Rachel is finding herself in conflict with not only the killers but also with Mac Sullivan. Will Mac Sullivan find the half million that is missing? Will Rachel’s brother Dan be cleared? Or did Dan take the money and kill his boss?

Murder Off the Books has fast paced action, a strong plot throughout; it provides witty believable and memorable characters. And it contains a loveable Irish wolfhound named Whiskey that has a taste for fast-food. This is such an exciting and fun book and the first in the series, I’ll be sure to pick up each one to follow in this series.

This read combines suspense, mystery, and humor and is packed with twist & turns, as well as plenty of surprises along the way. It is a real page turner and demands to be completed. I highly recommend this for everyone, a must read, I honestly can’t wait for the next one. So if you want a whodunit that contains non-stop action and humor look no further.

Bicycle Shop Murder by Robert Burton Robinson

2007-03-21T20:16:00.000-05:00

Bicycle Shop Murder
By Robert Burton Robinson
ISBN: 978-1-84685-611-2
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews (03/07)

Are you looking for adventure, romance and murder? “Bicycle Shop Murder” has all of that. This is the first in the Greg Tenorly mystery series.

The book begins with the death of Sam Spokane, the bicycle shop owner, later in the book it is revealed that he only has a few months to live due to a recent diagnosis of prostate cancer, so why would someone want him dead now?

The setting is Coreyville, Texas, a small town where everyone knows everybody. Greg Tenorly is a divorced music teacher, leads the choir at church, and is a marriage counselor, it all starts when a beautiful red head by the name of Cynthia Blockerman, vice president at First State Bank comes to see Greg. Cynthia is in her late 20’s and is married to Troy Blockerman, she has come to see Greg as her marriage is in trouble, her husband drinks a lot, is abusive and she finds herself in a loveless marriage. Troy’s normal routine is coming home from work, drinking beer and watching TV until he passes out in the living room. Cynthia usually sleeps in the marital bed alone, which is completely fine with her as she is afraid of Troy especially when he has been drinking.

As the story continues, Greg Tenorly finds himself being called up for jury selection and is then picked and called upon to be a juror in the murder trial of Sam Spokane. Little does Greg know what troubles lay ahead for him? The troubles all begin when one Buford Bellowin a high powered attorney in Dallas wants the black man accused of murdering Sam Spokane found innocent. Greg and Cynthia are thrown together and both their lives are in danger, there have already been several other murders relating to the murder trial, a witness for the prosecution has had a terrible accident and died, one of the jurors is murdered, and the wife of the bicycle shop is murdered. Who is committing these murders and why? Who will be the next target?

Greg and Cynthia are starting to piece together the murders and who is committing them, they think maybe a hit man or maybe 2 different hit men, after driving to Dallas to see Buford. On the way back to Coreyville, they discover they are wanted for murder, and they have a killer after them, things are going from bad to worse. Will they be murder victims or will they be found guilty of murder? You will want to find out the answer to all these questions.

Although the book has a few errors and typos, it is very well written. The characters are believable and common people that you fell as if you know them. “Bicycle Shop Murder” has enough action and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Robert Burton Robinson has done a wonderful job of bringing murder, mayhem and romance all into one book. I am anxiously awaiting the next one in the series.

Upcoming Book Reviews

2007-03-18T20:42:00.000-05:00

Over the next few weeks the following book reviews will be posted so be sure to check back often or subscribe to the blog to get the latest reviews as they are posted.

The following book reviews will be posted in the following weeks (not in any particular order):

1. Vrolok (finished, just need to post review)

2. This Year You Write Your Novel

3. Must of Got Lost by Jerry Girard

4. A Dirty Business by Humphrey (finished, just need to post)

5. One...Two...Buckle My Shoe by P.K. Paranya

6. Toaster Pond by Peter de Witt (finished, just need to post)

7. Altered by Colleen Curran

8. The Bone Whistle by Eva Swan (finished, just need to post)

9. The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross (finished, just need to post)

10. The Strangeling by Saskia Walker (finished, just need to post)

11. The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber (finished, need post)

12. Ladykiller by Lawrence Light & Meredith Anthony

13. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin (finished, need to post)

14. Murder Off the Books by Evelyn David

15. For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

16. Pattern of Vengenance by C. Hyytinen

17. Lost Echoes by Joe Lansdale (finished, just need to post)

18. Self's Deception by Bernhard Schlink

19. 13 Bullets by David Wellington

20. Wish Club by Kim Strickland

21. The Black Sheep by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

22. The New & Improved vivien leigh reid by Yvonne Collins & Sandy Rideout

23. Deep Storm by Lincoln Child (finished, just need to post)

24. Bicycle Shop Murder by Robert Burton Robinson

Just Finished Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill, Oh My! What to say on this one, WOW!!! A masterpiece thriller, I literally read this from front to back in one day, I just could not put it down, spine tingling, intriguing, enticing, , fascinating psychological ghost story.

This is a MUST READ!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait for the next one. The review will be posted here on my blog later this evening.

Terry
Quality Book Reviews

Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

2007-03-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

Heart Shaped Box
By Joe Hill
ISBN: 9780061147937 $24.95
William Morrow, February 13, 2007
Reviewed by: Terry South (Quality Book Reviews) 3/07

http://www.joehillfiction.com/

Do you believe in ghosts? Hold on for the spine tingling adventure you will discover in the Heart Shaped Box. There should be a warning label attached stating “Once started, demands to be finished.”

I am not going to give away spoilers in this review, as you will want to read this highly recommended thriller. This is a fascinating psychological ghost story which is packed with thrills and chills. Joe Hill has produced a work that is so vivid and comes to life, an extremely visual novel.

Judas Coyne is an aging rock star; he collects bizarre and macabre artifacts which include a used hangman’s noose, rare books on witchcraft, a snuff film, and artwork by a serial killer. When his assistant approaches him with the discovery of a ghost being auctioned off of the internet, Judas decides to place the highest bid in order to acquire this for his collection. The suit arrives a few days later via UPS in a heart shaped box. Unknowingly, the suit used to belong to an old preacher, Craddock McDermott. This haunting is it for meddling with the spirits? Or just by chance, or is it more sinister like a curse?

Heart Shaped Box is Joe Hill’s debut novel, and proves he is an excellent addition to the horror genre with his own style and voice. Hill is also the son of Stephen King, which should come as no surprise. His plot is strong throughout; he has executed excellent believable character development. This is a masterpiece thriller; I literally read this from cover to cover in one day, I just could not put it down. This story is packed, it is spine tingling, intriguing, enticing, and is fascinating. This book, in my opinion had no faults. I think the concept and the writing as a whole can have no blemish thrown its way.

This is a MUST READ! I cannot wait for the next one.

PSIence

2007-03-17T23:32:00.000-05:00

PSIence: How New Discoveries in Quantum Physics and New Science May Explain the Existence of Paranormal Phenomena

by Marie D. Jones

I have had the pleasure of reading another book from one of our authors here on myspace, and what a fascinating subject and a fascinating read, so thank you very much.

PSIence is phenomenal and a must read for all who have an interest in the paranormal or any curiosity of the subject. Marie D. Jones explains quantum physics in such a manner that makes it understandable and you will be able to grasp the concepts with no problem.

PSIence delivers the latest discoveries in quantum physics which may explain the existence of paranormal phenomena including UFOs, ghosts, apparitions, poltergeists, psychic abilities, etc...
Marie D. Jones is both a researcher and investigator of metaphysics and the paranormal, and has published hundreds of articles, essays, and short stories, and is the author of Looking for God In All the Wrong Places.

She has accomplished both clarity and an understandable style of writing. With such a fascinating read in PSIence, I would have to recommend that this is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered or had an interest in the paranormal.

Eldest

2007-03-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

Eldest

by Christopher Paolini

Knopf books

As promised, here is the review of Eldest, book two in the trilogy, the sequel to Eragon.

Eldest too is entertaining and adventerous as the first book was. The story continues with the life of Eragon and his dragon as they continue their efforts to defeat the evil empire. Eragon's cousin Roran is struggling to survive the mess Eragon has left behind. You will find there is alot happening in this story, there are a lot of secrets which are revealed, which helps us as the readers discover the pieces of history of Eragon, as well as many other characters in the story.

This is very well written, packed with information, and very entertaining. Now I am awaiting the third book, I can't wait to read it. This is another highly recommended trilogy, you must read.

5 stars

Eragon

2007-03-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

Eragon

by Christopher Paolini

Knopf Books

This is such a wonderful story, which is the reason children, young teens love it so much. This story is full of action, it also reminds me somewhat of Harry Potter, related to its theme and style. You are able to get lost in the adventures that transpire within the book. It provides magic, mystery, battles, elves, monsterous guys, dragons, were cats, sorcerers, etc all within its pages.

This is a must for all fantasy lovers, you will absolutely fall in love with this book. Astonishing is the fact that the author wrote Eragon at the tender age of 15. This is the first in the trilogy, next to follow in my blog is the review of Eldest which I will be posting next.

I would recommend this to everyone of all age groups not just the young adults. You will enjoy this book, it is a beautiful story of adventure and will wisk you away, even after finishing the book you will be thinking about its characters.

A definite 5 star read!

Sins and Secrets

2007-03-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

Sins and Secrets

by P.F. Kozak

Kensington Aphrodisia

ISBN: 0-7582-1418-9 $12.95

Category: Historical Romance

Release date: October 2006

www.kensingtonbooks.com

P.F. Kozak's erotic historical romance, Sins and Secrets is set in Victorian London and is a very unique choose your own sexual adventure. A sensual delight with blazing hot eroticism.
Set in Victorian London, as a time when people were proper, but yet indulged in their sensuality, passion and sexual inclinations behind closed doors. The author is so vivid in detail that we are transported back in time. In this erotic tale, we as the reader can choose to have either the male or the female dominate the sex scenes, this is quite a change from the ordinary.

Pamela Kingston wishes to indulge her fantasies with her guardian Peter Rennard, the man whom she has loved forever. And Peter has loved Pamela from the moment she was a child, working as the family barrister. When Pamela's father dies she becomes the ward of Peter. Pamela is blooming into a beautiful young lady and Peter's sexual attraction to her is becoming very strong. Peter sends Pameal off to boarding school in hopes to prevent his growing desires and to avoid the taking of her innocence. He must keep his promise to Pamela's father, as he promised to make sure Pamela would marry into someone of her own status.

Upon her return, she has fully blossomed into a beautiful woman and is discovering her sexuality and desires. They immediately recognize their sexual attraction has grown even stronger due to their seperation. Peter introduces Pamela to her hidden desires and her sexual fantasies. But as time continues, Peter realizes he must find someone to marry Pamela, but he cannot stand the thought of someone else touching her. Will Peter find someone for Pamela to marry, or will he marry her?

You will find wonderful characters, adventure, love, romance, and erotic sexual tension making this one hard to put down. This is a highly recommended historical romance read as it sizzles with passion and sexual tensions.

Quality Book Reviews

2007-03-10T23:38:00.000-05:00

A forum celebrating books - lots of reviews, the lowdown on what's new & hot in first time authors, bestsellers and everything in between, along with links to everything books!

I am often asked how I determine which books I am going to read and review. I get most of the catalogs from the major publishers and request review copies of books I have an interest in reading. I read several review sources on a regular basis.

I will read just about anything I can get my hands on, with the emphasis on fiction. I have a penchant for new authors, mostly because when I find an author I like, I tend to read everything they have ever written, which more or less forces me to find new authors.

Crime fiction comprises probably half of my reading time and is my guilty pleasure, but I also read chick-lit, contemporary fiction with a book club bent, tons of erotica, memoirs, compelling non-fiction, and works of horror, fantasy and sci-fi.I am a voracious reader, and read several books each week.I enjoy reading books, reviewing books, & promoting authors - especially new authors.

Grab a book & a cup of Java

2007-03-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

I would like to invite everyone to grab a book & a cup of Java and join me in reading and opening up our imaginations and seeing what adventures we may find today.

Read a book, open your inner imagination, sit back and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! That is what reading a book is to me, a great adventure from the comfort of my own home or where ever I am.

So take the time out of your busy lives this weekend and join the adventures of a lifetime, see where you go, what you experience, and then please feel free to share your great adventure with us.
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HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY DR SEUSS! NEA READ ACROSS AMERICA'S PROGRAM WHICH BEGAN ON MARCH 4! PASS ON THE JOYS OF READING & MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ALL TO EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC CONTAINED BETWEEN THE COVERS. JUST OPENING A BOOK OPENS THE MIND TO SO MANY NEW & EXCITING ADVENTURES... ... PLEASE REMEMBER TO GO BY AND SEND A BIRTHDAY CARD!!
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Books come in all shapes and sizes. There's usually something for everyone to enjoy. If I haven't read it I want to read it. My favorites are books that deal with true crime, suspense thrillers, mysteries, horror, or related to the paranormal such as Anne Rice's Witches and Vampire series. This is an ongoing work in progress, a labor of love I should say. But, I am finding a renewed interest in novels I haven't read in many years. Most are like fine wines, they only get better with age.

2007-03-10T00:55:00.000-05:00

Read a book, open your inner imagination, sit back and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime! That is what reading a book is to me, a great adventure from the comfort of my own home or where ever I am.

Some of my favorite authors include: Jefferson Bass (Jon Jefferson & Dr. Bill Bass), Anne Rice, Ann Rule, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, John Saul, John Grisham, Dean Koontz, Michael Ledwidge, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell, James Grippando, Tess Gerritsen, Janet Evanovich, Harlan Coben, John Sanford, J.K. Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, and many, many more.

One of my favorite quotes about books:

These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves. --Gilbert Highet

Butterfly Lullaby Fairytale by Sharon J. Bainbridge

2007-03-10T00:20:00.000-05:00

Butterfly Lullaby Fairytale
By Sharon J. Bainbridge
ISBN: 0-9554454-0-X
http://www.butterflylullaby.com/
http://www.butterflylullaby.co.uk/
Published by Butterfly Lullaby
Illustrated photographs by Sharon J. Bainbridge
Fairy costumes designed & made by Sharon J. Bainbridge
Story by Sharon J. Bainbridge

Brilliant & Delightful with vivid color and detail.
5 stars

Butterfly Lullaby Fairytale is very delicately done with bright vivid colorful illustrations of children in beautiful costumes set to the enchanting backgrounds.

Promotions include photographs where you can become one of the characters in the story. You have your photo taken in costume or you can send in your image and they will transform it into fairy art. They also talk of the characters visiting real places from the story which include Plantasia, Swansea, Wales, Castell Coch, Cardiff, Wales, Upwey Wishing Well, Weymouth, Dorset.

Butterfly Lullaby is the enchanting fairy story about a little Butterfly Fairy called Princess Melody. And a very jealous Prince puts the Princess under a magical spell. Princess Melody runs away as she is frightened for her mother’s safety.

The evil Prince leaves Wet Springs and destroys his new found land. Magical fairies are called upon, but can the spell be broken and will the Queen, Princess, and Fairyland be saved?

Butterfly Lullaby was written with special children in mind and in the heart of the author. The child’s name is Jodie, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. And the author Sharon J. Bainbridge has a special dedication to Jodie on page 3. Above that a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this storybook will be contributed to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in finding a cure.

Not only is this author very talented with the writing of this story, but to the photographs, the designing of the costumes, she also is a lady with a big heart wanting to help children with Cystic Fibrosis to find a cure. So I would like to highly recommend that everyone pick up a new copy of Butterfly Lullaby whether you have little ones or not, the story is very well written, the illustrated photographs are vivid and lively and so brilliantly colorful that everyone will want to add this treasure to their own collection.

A Must Have!

Soul Medicine - Book Review

2007-03-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

Soul Medicine, Awakening Your Inner Blueprint for Abundant Health and Energy
By Norman Shealy, M. D. PH. D. & Dawson Church, PH. D.
ISBN: 0-9710888-8-8 $24.95
Elite Books, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Reviewed by: Terry South

Both intelligent and intriguing
5 stars

Soul Medicine conveys that a vibrant spiritual connection is essential to wellness. The author’s contend that there is a spiritual connection which is established in the consciousness and through intention which they state can alter the bodies’ energy field. You will find these principles described in the book as well as many scientific studies that demonstrate the power of consciousness to heal.

Norman Shealy, M.D., PH. D. is a neurosurgeon and is the founding president of the American Holistic Medical Association. And Dawson Church, PH. D., is currently researching Quantum Medicine, which is the exploration of the newest studies on the effects of the consciousness on DNA.

The entire book is so intriguing and engaging, but I will have to say that my favorite chapter is Chapter 10 entitled “Your Personal Soul Connection Inventory”. The author’s state that “a healthy relationship with your soul, and using soul medicine as primary care, is the best thing you can do for your body”. In this chapter they list characteristics which they have found to be common to people with a vibrant soul connection. The characteristics include all the following: forgiveness, tolerance, serenity, faith, reason, hope, motivation, consistency, community, joy, gratitude, and love, all of which are explained in detail. You will also find within this chapter that they include a soul connection inventory of 50 items in which you add up your own personalized score and interpret your own results.

Being a nurse, I know that stress affects the body, the more stress a person endures and has in their life, they eventually begin to adapt, thereby reducing our threshold for new stress is lowered which eventually causes a cascading effect on us. Stress plays a major role in disease, all of which is explained within Soul Medicine. The holistic approach to medicine is on the rise in our nation and Soul Medicine brings to our attention the issues of consciousness and intention.

The authors explain that your consciousness holds the key to our own well being, and that even small shifts in energy and awareness can produce major shifts in our health. They continue on and include a look at the history of faith healers, and trace the factors that were and are common to healings they term as “miraculous healings”.

Soul Medicine is intelligent and engaging, and I found it difficult to put down. A very highly recommended read for anyone who is interested in their health and well-being.

Cracking Grace by Steven Stromp

2007-03-04T00:59:00.000-05:00

Cracking Grace
by Steven Stromp

Cracking Grace is amazing; I have never read anything quite like this before. Talking statutes? Wow, this is gripping. The story is told through the eyes of Audrey, a young girl who has lost her mother. Audrey’s father takes care of the cemetery and is very proud of the statues he has created; they include Mary, Jesus, and two gargoyles. You will also find an eccentric ghost, Mrs. Grant who is trapped in the cemetery after committing suicide, and you will even find a blue bird named Bluebell. The story unfolds after the death of Audrey’s mother; Audrey feels second best to her dead mother and doesn’t feel like she can compete with her dead mother for her father’s attention. Audrey’s father is slipping away due to being consumed by grief.

The novel focuses on grief and the coming to terms with both loss and death. A father unable to accept his wife’s death, a woman trapped in stone, and new found relationships for the daughter, and coming to terms with loss and grieving in different ways are all an intricate part of this story.

I highly recommend this story for everyone, and especially for those who have suffered a loss and are grieving. This is a wonderful story, and very different.

Absolute 5 star read!

Twisted Perception by Bob Avey

2007-03-03T22:34:00.000-05:00

Twisted Perception
By Bob Avey

The story begins with the murder of Lagayle Zimmerman, she is found in her vehicle with a shiny necklace hanging from the rearview mirror. Kenny Elliot is a detective in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is on the investigation of the murder of Lagayle. Kenny remembers a time back in Porter where a similar necklace hung from the mirror, where the bodies of his friends were found. He also remembers being a suspect in their murders, but the murders were ruled as murder/suicide, however, Kenny never believed this to be true. The reason Kenny was suspect in their murders is the night before the murders there had been an altercation between he and his friends, and Kenny was known to have a temper. Now with this new murder of Lagayle, Kenny is faced with the past and to finding the answers in order to find the true killer of this murder as well as his friends murders from years ago.

The characters are well developed and believable. It has an intricate plot, the story is full of detail, with twist and turns, and is loaded with surprises.

This is a must read for mystery fans. I highly recommend this book, not only is it a page turner, but will keep you guessing.

Quality Book Reviews gives Twisted Perception 5 stars.

The Thief Maker by David H Schleicher (Book Review)

2007-03-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

The Thief Maker
By David H Schleicher

William Donovan is a con man who steals from nursing home residents, and his girlfriend Alice, and the security guard Lucas Tolliver are his accomplices. They prey on the Alzheimer’s ward, knowing these patients cannot be witness to their crimes. Felice Morrison, the granddaughter to one of the nursing home’s residents and Marcus Pierce a private investigator are determined to put a stop to Donovan and his accomplices. The setting takes place on the streets of New York and Philadelphia.

As the story continues, the characters interact and then you become aware that Donovan and his accomplices have ties that you did not know about in the beginning. A great read for those who enjoy mysteries. This is not only a thriller and a mystery, but it also plays on the psychological aspects, including memory loss. The characterizations are engaging, and believable.

This was a wonderful book full of twists and turns and lots of surprises.

Coomacka Island, Anansi Jr. and the Mango Truck by Don P. Hooper (Book Review)

2007-03-03T19:47:00.000-05:00

Coomacka Island Anansi Jr And The Mango Truck
by Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by Darnel Degand

Check out their website at: www.coomacka.com
Great website for both you and your children to enjoy.

Coomacka Island, Anansi Jr. & the Mango Truck by Don P. Hooper is a Caribbean tale that involves Anansi Jr., a spider who loves mangoes and is a tale of learning a lesson in true friendship.

This is a enchanting, delightful, and stimulating read for young readers, it has bright colors, wonderful graphics & illustrations (Illustrated by Darnel Degand)which are so vivid they will have your children using their imaginations and asking questions.

I look forward to all the adventures to continue, and will honestly being collecting each one for my grandson Caden to enjoy. This is a wonderful book for all young readers and is highly recommended as a must for the children in your life.

A Definite 5 Star children's book!

Summer of Light by W. Dale Cramer (Book Review)

2007-02-26T16:15:00.000-05:00

Summer of Light
By W. Dale Cramer
Bethany House Publishers, 2007
ISBN: 0-7642-2996-6
Reviewed by: Terry South for Reader Views (02/07)

Contemporary Fiction at its finest
5 stars

“Summer of Light” is a story which addresses stay at home fathers. The main character, Mick Brannigan was an ironworker whom after a bizarre accident is thrown from his life in construction to that of a stay at home father. Layne, Mick’s wife urges Mick to stop looking for a job as their four year old son Dylan needs constant supervision. Due to Dylan’s special needs and a predictable daily routine, Layne urges Mick to stay at home and care for Dylan and their other two school-aged children. Layne returns to work as a paralegal at the law firm with mixed feelings, she would rather be the one at home tending to the chores and tending to the children as she is not confident that Mick is quite up to the task at hand.

Mick is unsettled as he wants to be the provider of his family, his father had left when he was a child and that disturbs him, and he yearns to remain the provider. Mick eventually agrees to stay home for awhile, so he begins to manage the house, the chores, the children, the animals and their five acres of land. During his year long journey of being a stay at home dad he makes discoveries about himself, his children, and his wife.

The stories setting takes place in Georgia, and the Brannigan’s neighbors are pesky to say the least. Mick has a gift of photography and he does not even realize he is great with the camera, but it catches the eye of one of his neighbor’s wife. In short, this is a story of more modern day families who are struggling through with everyday life, reversal of roles, and the circumstances in which we all face eventually. Mick finds faith and hope and through his photographs of his children, the country, and his work at a homeless shelter it reveals his beliefs.

Dale Cramer has a unique writing style, and he draws you into the story. His characters are so believable and the story contains vivid accounts and details. Cramer has a gift for telling a great story that is driven by his characters, which are engaging, strong in emotion and believe in what they are doing. They are so well-developed that by the end of the book, you feel as if you have gained new friends.

This is contemporary fiction at its finest, engaging and surprisingly humorous at times; it also is an emotional story and will touch your heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone whether male or female looking for a light but touching read. I enjoy this author’s work and he brings new elements into his story while still retaining his unique voice.

Summer of Light earns 5 stars and is a highly recommended read.

Quality Book Reviews: Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn (Book Review)

2007-02-26T08:04:00.000-05:00

Quality Book Reviews: Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn (Book Review)

Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting by Lynn Grabhorn (Book Review)

2007-02-25T12:13:00.000-05:00

Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting
By Lynn Grabhorn
Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc.
Self-Help Book
Reviewed by Terry South 2/24/07

I enjoyed most of this author’s work and she brought new elements into play pointing out negative and positive feelings. The author places a lot of personal examples throughout and makes it clear the distinctive differences between our negative wants and positive one’s. She is very enthusiastic and focuses on feelings throughout the entire book, and until now says we have been running our lives on a default setting.

Lynn Grabhorn stresses that our negative or positive feelings determine what happens during our daily lives. She points out that we send out vibrations in which others pick upon, so we need to focus on our feelings and keep them positive, in my opinion this is easier said than done. For me personally it is impossible to maintain constant positive feelings and not allow the negative ones to enter our minds. However, she incorporates simple steps to follow, so I plan to at least give it a try, I have nothing to lose except for maybe the negativity.

“Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting, the astonishing power of feelings” by Lynn Grabhorn is a book that tells you as well as shows you how to change your life. This book is idea for the people who feel their lives are way off track, maybe feeling a little depressed, down on their luck, or even just the general down feeling, or the feeling of everything in your life is going wrong. Or for those of us that wish to make a positive change in our lives.

This book instructs you to take back control of your life by switching your feelings and making them positive. She guides you through and tells you how to perfect the Law of Attraction which will bring the better things in life your way. She wants you to focus on the positive aspects and says “Anything it takes to get you to that place of feeling better than when you started’. She tells us to open that valve any way we can, and if we have tried and still nothing is working and all else fails, she tells us there is only one alternative left and that is to “look for anything within the situation, or in your immediate surroundings, to appreciate or feel good about”.

We need to start talking to ourselves, faking it, or even coning ourselves to pretty soon feel that click into Feel Good Energy or at least feel better and then the valve will begin to open slowly. So, she reminds us if we are mad, irritated at a situation to step back and take that negative and turn it into a positive, even if you have to find a positive in the situation, do all you can to muster a positive aspect. The author also says “The art of feeling good is not exactly something at which we are highly accomplished, so the goal is to learn how to do it on the spot.”

One of the weaknesses was the over usage of “feeeelings” throughout the entire book. Otherwise, this was a very interesting read, and the author writes with enthusiasm, and stresses to live a fulfilling life. Very easy reading style, while incorporating explanations, examples and simple steps to follow.

She has offered four fundamental principles for attracting what we desire most in life. She beams with positive energy. I highly recommend reading it and giving it a try, you have nothing to lose except maybe some negativity.

Fringe Benefits by F. M. Meredith (Book Review)

2007-02-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

Fringe Benefits
By F. M. Meredith
Tigress Press, 2006
ISBN10: 0-977-160-9-X $13.95
Reviewed by: Terry South

Cal Sylvester, a California police officer despises Gordon Butler, who is his rookie partner. Cal does however find his partner’s wife to be hot and has a plan to have her for more than a friend. Cal and Darcy begin a heated romance, after several months Darcy informs Cal she wants and expects more from her men.

In order to keep Darcy in the style she requires, Cal begins to plot the murder of his wife Lee Ann in order to get the money he needs to keep Darcy. He’s plan is to use his wife’s life insurance money, but what about their kids at home? Cal is completely obsessed with Darcy and now needs to fulfill his obsession. Will Cal continue with his plot to kill his wife?

While this book is compact, it delivers a complete read. It combines a luscious blend of police procedurals and thriller, and is a great read. In Fringe Benefits, F. M. Meredith brings a cast of engaging and winsome characters. And most definitely earns 5 stars, and is a must read. Hope there are many more on the way.

Calling The Dead by Marilyn Meredith (Book Review)

2007-02-22T01:48:00.000-05:00

Calling The Dead by Marilyn Meredith (Book Review)

Calling The Dead
by Marilyn Meredith
Mundania Press
ISBN: 1-59426-352-3
Reviewed by: Terry South (Quality Book Reviews)

Calling the Dead is an intriguing mystery which delivers suspense Native Americans who practice in calling back the dead. The story unfolds in Bear Creek California, where Deputy Tempe Crabtree is investigating two deaths. One of the deaths appear to be from natural causes and the other looks to be murder. She investigates these murders by using her insticts and her intuitions as well as investigative tools to solve these crimes. Upon further investigation things become complicated and now the question is was this a murder or an accident or suicide? Other questions arise concerning the two young people who actually reported finding the body, why did they give false names and addresses? And why did they flee so quickly? Then did the other death occur to natural causes or something else? As she continues her investigation into these deaths she is forced to gain answers by use of drastic measures, which puts her own life in danger as she comes closer to solving these deaths.

Marilyn Meredith has her own unique writing style which brings her readers in and allows them to put the pieces together like a puzzle, and to help solve the mystery as they are engaged in the reading of her work. This is a great story with good characterizations, and well developed plot. I highly recommend this book which can be read in a day or two.

The Will To Defy by Ken Myler (Book Review)

2007-02-21T19:50:00.000-05:00

The Will To Defy
By Ken Myler
ACME Publications
ISBN: 0-9774636-0-5
Reviewed by: Terry South (Quality Book Reviews)

The Will To Defy
By Ken Myler
ACME Publications
ISBN: 0-9774636-0-5
Reviewed by: Terry South

The Will To Defy is a gripping story filled with intrigue, it is a psychological tale that will send chills up and down your spine. Ken Myler draws you into the story with vivid accounts and detail.

Ben Pearce is a husband, a father, and a broker In New York who is thrown into a nightmare in this suspense/thriller. He is woven into a whirl of trying to prevent his own demise, when the daughter of an underworld mobster is accidentally killed. The underworld boss, Victor Draeken is out for revenge and Ben Pearce is set on a quest to keep his family safe as well as himself. Ben is faced with extraordinary experiences turning his life from a peaceful one into survival from a father's revenge. Ben even goes as far as to start planning his own funeral, but stumbles upon a one page document that may keep Victor Draeken at bay out of fear. So Ben decides to put a plan into motion using this one page document, but as with most plans things become complicated.

Ken Myler has developed a plot that will keep the reader on the edge of your seat. The story contains twist and turns, and just when you think you have it figured out, Wrong, he takes you in a different direction to keep you on the edge.

This is a definite page turner and demands to be finished, I would recommend starting it on the weekend as you will want to finish this in one weekend. The Will To Defy definitely earns 5 stars and is a Must read!

"If Truth Be Told" by Lynda Fitzgerald (Book Review)

2007-02-19T00:51:00.000-05:00

“If Truth Be Told”
By Lynda Fitzgerald
Five Star, June 2007
ISBN: 1-59414-568-7
Reviewed by Terry South (02/07) (Quality Book Reviews)

“If Truth Be Told” by Lynda Fitzgerald, WOW, I loved this book, this story touched me so deeply, this is an emotional and a great read.

The story is told through the eyes of one of the main characters “Christie”. The setting takes place between Cocoa Beach and Melbourne Beach, and the story begins in August of 1961. Christie is the youngest of the three O’Kelly sisters, and is 14 years old when she meets the boy of her dreams. His name is Todd, soon to be her step cousin. Her Uncle Jack is marrying Carly, Todd’s mother. After falling for Todd she decides to put away her teddy bear, which from time to time she takes back out of her closet for comfort. After four years of dreaming about her future with Todd, she is devastated from a letter to her aunt and uncle revealing that Todd is married.

The story progresses through eight years; Christie comes home to find that Todd had been to her place looking for her. Todd is determined to win Christie back, but Christie wants no part of being hurt and lied to again. Todd offers to be there for her as a friend due to her uncle’s illness, she does not believe him and calls her uncle, and it is true, he is sick.

They are thrown together time and again due to her uncle’s series of medical conditions. Christie finally gives in due to Todd’s persistence. They become engaged, and then suddenly her uncle dies.

Christie is confused she though he was doing better, and Carly’s behavior and actions around her are very different, almost as if she feels guilty about something. Christie is determined to find out the truth, she does not believe her uncle’s death was natural. So she begins asking questions, prodding for the truth, but is afraid this will be the end to her relationship with the man of her dreams.

The author mixes romance and a touch of mystery. The plot is intriguing, the characters are believable, and the story has vivid details. In my opinion the writing as a whole can have no blemish thrown its way. The story will tug at your heart and will bring tears to your eyes.

A fascinating read, I could not put this one down, highly recommended, a definite 5 star read.

Frank, Sammy, Marolon & Me by Eddie Sherman (Book Review)

2007-02-19T00:50:00.000-05:00

Frank, Sammy, Marlon & Me: Adventures in Paradise with the Celebrity Set
By Eddie Sherman
Watermark Publishing, 2006
ISBN: 0-9779143-8-0
Reviewed by Terry South for ------------ (02/07)

Fascinating memoir
4 stars

“Frank, Sammy, Marlon & Me: Adventures in Paradise with the Celebrity Set” is emotional, uplifting and a good read.

This book, in my opinion had no faults. I think the concept and the writing as a whole can have no blemish thrown its way. The book delivers Eddie Sherman’s tell all, behind the scene about smoozing with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars in Hawaii, which he calls their playground. The book is intended for the general audience, there are some uses of language which may not be appropriate for young readers.

The story is written through the eyes of the author, beginning at age 6. The first couple of chapters pull at your heart strings and will bring a tear to your eye. It all begins when Eddie’s mother Bessie is struggling to raise her son alone. She had divorced Eddie’s father and became a single mother all before any of this was acceptable. Eddie was placed into an orphanage in 1929. This was a difficult decision, however, Eddie would be provided with a place to sleep and food to eat. The orphanage closed when he was 13 and he was then placed into foster care. This takes place during the depression and foster parents took children in for monetary reasons. Eddie is placed with a family “The Green’s” and their children take priority over Eddie, where he is forced to wait for bathroom privileges, then he is faced with the decision of eating breakfast or using the bathroom. After awhile he develops a weak bladder and begins to wet the bed the foster mom is furious and punishes Eddie by using a dog strap and/or an iron poker. He recalls his teacher at that time Marjorie Ellis and describes her as the most beautiful person in the world, as she came to Eddie’s aid and saved him. Eddie would then go on to be placed into a total of 4 foster homes. Eddie never forgot Marjorie and once he became a successful columnist in Hawaii he arranged for her to visit. He provided her airfare and a 2 week stay at the Kahala Hilton. Marjorie’s favorite actor was Richard Boone with whom Eddie was good friends, so he arranged an evening filled with a dinner and a show and her surprise date being none other than Richard Boone.

The story progresses through the years, Eddie describes his trouble with his shoulder from fighting, he had been fighting since being introduced to it in the early days of being in the orphanage. The shoulder was repaired surgically and Eddie joined the Coast Guard, while in boot camp he re-injured his shoulder and received a medical discharged. He returned to Boston and had no job so he applied to the Boston Navy Yard as a sheet metal helper and was accepted, but not to work in Boston but Pearl Harbor. While in Hawaii, he tells of his experiences and applying as a radio announcer where he was rejected due to his Boston accent. He then went onto study radio and speech and would eventually reapply and retain the position. Then years later he goes onto become a premier columnist and then the big adventure begins.

This is where the story takes off and progress throughout the years and is filled with interesting and eccentric entertainment figures that are so ideally suited to the unfolding of the memoirs. The author tells all in this behind the scenes look. There are approximately 45 celebrities that Eddie covers; along with rare never before seen photos of celebrities which include Red Skelton, Marlon Brando, and Sammy Davis, Jr. all from his private collection. The author’s memoirs are what he calls the greatest moments in his life and attributes this book not to the celebrities but to Hawaii.

Eddie Sherman is donating all of his royalties to the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific. So you are getting a fascinating memoir as well as supporting a good cause.

The book is a highly enjoyable and greatly recommended read.

Still adding more companies for reviews

2007-02-15T01:41:00.000-05:00

I am still adding more review companies to my list
Current mood: chipper

I will be performing even more reviews as I have been contacted by BookPleasures.com, BookReview.com, Midwest Book Review, and Echelon Press Publishing, and CataReviews.
So please check back often as new reviews will be coming up very soon. As soon as one is completed be on the watch for the next to be posted within a few days, and so on.

We will only have a down time if we are not getting enough books in to be reviewed. But hopefully as many reviews that are usually needed we should be able to maintain a constant flow of Quality Book Reviews.

So please subscribe to our Blog to read all the reviews and please feel free to add comments.

My meeting with Dr. Bill Bass & Jon Jefferson tonight

2007-02-14T20:00:00.001-05:00

Meeting with Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson (Jefferson Bass)

What a wonderful Valentine's Day! I met with Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson the writing team known as Jefferson Bass. They are the author's of: "Deaths Acre: The Body Farm", "Carved In Bone" and "Flesh and Bone". What a wonderful set of men, Dr. Bill Bass arrived an hour early, so I got some alone time to talk with him. Dr. Bass has a wonderful out going personality, we talked about many things, he even was inquisitive of my being a nurse, a grandmother, and as my being a reviewer. He even made the wonderful comment "you do not look old enough to be a grandmother".

Jon Jefferson arrived 15 minutes before the scheduled time. They were conducting a book signing in Maryville, TN at Hastings. There were so many people that were there to meet them and to have their books autographed. Alot of the people were buying 2 of each of his books to have autographed. I of course already had all 3 books in my collection which I brought with me, but I only had the Body Farm in softcover so I bought the hardback version.

Dr. Bass told Jon Jefferson that I was a reviewer and he was very appreciative of what reviewers do and ask that I please keep up the good work. He even inquired if I had performed any reviews on any of their work and ask for the websites. I told them I was going to let everyone know about the meeting tonight and would be posting pictures.

Well I was in such a tizzy that I walked out and forgot my camera, so they arranged to have pictures made. I will be picking those pictures up in a few days and will be posting those as well.
I am a very big fan of their's and just love their new series, I would recommend that anyone who is a fan of Patricia Cornwell or Kathy Reichs add Jefferson Bass to their Must Have lists.

Terry

"Flesh And Bone" by Jefferson Bass - Book Review

2007-02-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

Flesh and Bone
by Jefferson Bass
Reviewed by: Terry South (Quality Book Reviews)

Dr. Bill Bass, is the legendary forensic anthropologist who founded the University of Tennessee's Body Farm, the world's first laboratory devoted to the study of human body decomp. Dr. Bass has once again teamed up with his writing partner, journalist Jon Jefferson (pseudonym: Jefferson Bass) for another thrilling suspense.

When a man is found hung from a tree, it is up to Dr. Bill Brockton to discover who this unfortunate man is and why he was so brutally murdered. Dr. Brockton and the Chattanooga medical examiner Jessamine Carter are thrown together to work on this case. Dr. Brockton, a widower and Carter who is divorced become romantically involved. Jess Carter is found murdered and of course Dr. Bill Brockton is the one who discovers her body, becoming the prime suspect in her murder. Dr. Brockton now has to use his own skills to prove his innocence before he is sent to jail, where some of the men he helped convict are housed.

"Flesh And Bone" is a great novel that offers romance, mystery and forensic science. The plot is intriguing, the characters are believable, and it brims with terrific forensic detail, solid science and a lovable protagonist. The team of Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson have created another great novel in the series, (this is the second in the series, the first was "Carved In Bone") and there are plans to continue the series. So the fans of this genre you need to be sure and add the writing team known as Jefferson Bass to your list.

This is a must read.

Bio

2007-02-10T18:31:00.001-05:00

My Bio from Reader Views:

Terry South, RN, BSN, LNC, DON, COS-C, CNSA

Born and raised in Kingsport, TN, graduated from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Started nursing career as a circulating nurse in the operating room and working my way up to Orthopedic Coordinator then to Surgery Shift Manager. Took up travel nursing for a few years and decided to relocated back to the Mountains of Tennessee, I now reside in Maryville, TN.

Have owned several businesses including Legal Nurse Consulting Services of America. Just retired last year from Director of Nursing, and now my time is spent with my wonderful 7 mo old grandson Caden. I am published: co-author of "Internet Medical Guidebook & CD, Sixth Edition", and have published several articles in Nursing Journals and Legal Nurse Consulting Newspapers and Newsletters. I am currently working on a novel. And of course do freelance writing.

My hobbies include quilting, sewing, cross-stitching, embroidery, NASCAR, my grandson, my 3 dogs & 3 cats, my husband Gary, my daughter Tiffany, and of course the big ones writing and Reading!! I have recently started a blog entitled Quality Book Reviews, and website Quality Book Reviews. I have been approached by several new and upcoming author's asking me for reviews. Of course, I love to read, I also believe a good reviewer is Objective and fair, and not everyone's taste in books is alike.

I have been an avid reader all my life, I enjoy discovering new authors and love to let other readers know about these exciting new works. My reading interest span nearly all genre's. I am looking forward to a long lasting relationship with Reader Views.

Meeting Dr. Bill Bass & Jon Jefferson (Jefferson Bass)

2007-02-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Meeting Dr. Bill Bass & Jon Jefferson (Jefferson Bass)

I am so excited I am going to get to meet Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson the writing team of "The Body Farm", "Carved in Bone", and "Flesh and Bone" on Wed. Feb 14th.

I will be toting all 3 of their books in hand with me to be personalized and autographed by both.
I think they both are amazing, but I have the utmost respect and admiration for Dr. Bill Bass and it has been a dream of mine to meet him for years.

I will be sure to post the happenings of that evening for everyone that would like to here more about my encounter with these amazing author's.

Terry

Busy organizing myspace

2007-02-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I have not written anything lately, as I have been busy trying to organize myspace. Wow, who would of thought what a time one would have, or maybe its just me. Everyone should start seeing more from me soon.

I am currently reading "If Truth Be Told" by Lynda Fitzgerald and the book review should be completed and up on this site within a few days.

Please check back often as more reviews will be coming in.

Thank you, and I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Terry

"If Truth Be Told" by Lynda Fitzgerald

2007-02-10T18:26:00.000-05:00

"If Truth Be Told" by Lynda Fitzgerald

I just received "If Truth Be Told" by Lynda Fitzgerald, am currently reading and will be posting my review within the next few days. So please check back to read my review.

Thank You,

Terry

More Reviews

2007-02-08T23:48:00.001-05:00

Well, I have some wonderful news, I have been contacted by several authors requesting I review their new works, also am performing reviews for Reader Views, Harper Collins, and a few others.

The bad news in all of this is the books I am reviewing for the companies do not allow me to post reviews elsewhere, so for those reviews you will need to go to the individual websites. I will however keep placing my own individual reviews here and for the author's requesting reviews with express permission.

Thank you all and keep checking back as I am working to get more up for your reading pleasure.

French Creek - Book Review

2007-02-05T00:09:00.000-05:00

French Creek
by Peter Rennebohm

The main character John Rule goes to a junk yard to buy the truck part he needs. He realizes he should not have gone to such lengths to find the part, as he goes to leave the owners of the junk yard have much different plans for John.

The story takes John through many threatening scenes. John looks at his hopes, his dreams, his failures and his successes and is determined not to give into his feelings of hopelessness.You will experience John's terror as he adventures through everything that is being thrown his way.

French Creek is an excellent novel; I could not put it down. Wonderful character development, unexpected story lines, terror, thrills and suspense are incorporated into the story. The novel jumps off the pages, you can visualize the characters and the action taking place as you read.

This is a must read.

Carved In Bone - Review

2007-02-04T23:04:00.000-05:00

Carved In Bone by Jefferson Bass

The author Jefferson Bass is a writing team of Jon Jefferson a journalist and Dr. Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist who founded the Body Farm in Knoxville, TN.

The character Dr. Bill Brockton is a forensic anthropologist, he is recovering from the death of his wife. Dr. Brockton is called upon by Sheriff Tom Kitchings to accompany him to a cave in the Appalachian Mountains, where he stumbles across a mummified body. Dr. Brockton's investigation is unwelcome among the residents, he encounters many obsticles from both the medical examiner and the sheriff.

The book contains vast forensic detail; crime fiction fans this is a must read.

The book offers excellent characters and offers a great plot, a real page turner, you won't be able to put this book down.

Co-author of Internet Medical Guidebook & CD, Sixth Edition

2007-02-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

Editorial Reviews
- Charles M. Cochrane, Attorney at Law."

...I have been able to find incredibly useful medical information. Every workers compensation lawyer should have this book" --This text refers to the Spiral-bound edition.

- Kara Watkins, RN, Texas Children's Hospital.

"It's a great wealth of knowledge and is helping me become a better surfer (and thus, educator and nurse)" --This text refers to the Spiral-bound edition.

- Dr. A.N. Malpani, MD Health Education Library for People, India.

"We look forward to utilising your reference materials...in order to improve the care and services we provide to our community" --This text refers to the Spiral-bound edition.

Alan Caruba, Bookviews Editor"

Filled with websites providing a wealth of information that can improve your health and maybe even save your life!"

From the Publisher

Currently sold in over 17 United States, this guidebook contains information and websites on medical/health-related topics A-Z, medically-related online print resources, online educational/hospital websites and information specific to physicians and nurses.
This is a first edition, future editions are planned. This edition is also available on diskette in Word'97 so that the user/reader may take advantage of Word'97 hyperlink feature and directly connect to listed websites.

From the Back CoverOver 1,200 Medical & Health Related Websites: Medical / Search Engines (page 25)Books / Newspapers / Magazines (page 52)Education / Hospital Sites (page 60)Specific Medical Health Topics (page 103)Resources for Nurses (page 172)Resources for Physicians (page 194)--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Thirty registered nurse and medical librarian author this 6th edition copy.

Get Reviewed!

2007-02-04T19:37:00.000-05:00

Submit your ARC, Novel or Book for Review.

We would be happy to review your book and to give you free publicity.

As with any reviewer, we do not give out good reviews, nor do we post or distribute bad reviews.

What we do with your book after review:
* keep your book in-house
* donate your book to the library
* use your book as a prize in one of our contests
* pass your book along to someone else for word-of-mouth advertising

Genres:
Mysteries/Crime Fiction, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Children's
Sub-genres:
Detective, Suspense, Thrillers, Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Forensic, etc...

Send all bound ARC's, Novel's or Books to:
Quality Book Reviews c/o Terry South 952 McBrayer Lane, Maryville, TN. 37801
* If there is a deadline for which you need a review back for marketing, please send us that information as well.

This journal is dedicated to quality book reviews, I myself am a published author, I have co-authored a medical book and written several articles which have been published in Nursing Journal's.

I have been an avid reader all my life but never analyzed the books. Now, I check for characterizations; without in depth characters, the book will not work. Then I look at the plot, is it interesting to me, and will it be of interest to other readers? Then I focus to see if the author has maintained a voice and style that carry throughout the book. Then the next focus is, is the book entertaining and informative. And last, is the book good? I believe a good reviewer must be objective. I find being a book reviewer is the help it gives me as a serious writer.

Book Review:
- Read the book for pleasure
Keep a notebook handy and jot down quotes and/or page numbers you think are important
- share those key points in your review
- do researchdo some background research on the author, the topic, the book and gather information you can incorporate into your review.
- provide links (provide links to the author's website)
- make your review unique (incorporate your personality and your expertise)
- Read literary criticism as much as possible, try to make this daily.
Publishers Weekly and the Sunday New York Times Book Review this will help you understand the sort of critical voice editors are looking for.
Send sample reviews and published clips to editors, start with your local papers and work your way up from there.

Good luck and I hope everyone enjoys this Quality Book Review blog.

Terry South, RN, BSN, LNC, DON, CNSA, COS-C