Frag Box
Richard A. Thompson
Poisoned Pen, Nov 2009, $24.95
ISBN 9781590586785
In St. Paul, Minnesota, bail bondsman Herman Jackson is stunned to learn one of his repeat customers, homeless Vietnam vet Charlie Victor was brutally murdered. The only reason Herman learned of Charlie’s death is the tortured soul left him a mysterious box.
The FBI visits Herman to learn what he knows about Charlie, which the bondsman finds odd. That is followed by an invasion by armed militia who want to know what he knows about Charlie. When the police close the case, Herman takes over the investigation with help from newspaper reporter Anne Packard although the threats rise dramatically as they follow tenuous vague clues.
This is an entertaining Twin City Noir starring a hero who in some ways feels like a throwback to the 1950s wisecracking head cracking (including their own) sleuths. The story line is fast-paced as Herman finds himself the target of cops, thugs, and Feds even before he investigates the homicide with his Girl Friday reporter sidekick. His reaction to his sudden status as a person of interest is to laugh at those trying to strong arm him. Fans will enjoy FRAG BOX and seek his previous walk down the mean streets of St. Paul (see THE FIDDLE GAME).
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, September 3, 2009
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Kills You-Robert J. Randisi
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Kills You
Robert J. Randisi
Minotaur, Sep 15 2009 $24.99
ISBN: 9780312376437
In 1962 in Las Vegas, the Rat Pack turns to Sands Hotel pit boss Eddie Gianelli to get them out of embarrassing situations as he has done for them before (see HEY THERE, YOU WITH THE GUN IN YOUR HAND). Dean Martin asks Eddie to help a remorseful and frightened Marilyn Monroe; the sex symbol fears she drove Clark Gable to an early grave during the shooting of The Misfits while also believes someone is stalking her.
Dino further explains MM is a child in a woman’s body so suggests he treat her as such. Eddie investigates Marilyn’s claim of being followed. Soon he runs into some nasty thugs though neither he nor his associates can figure out who these punks work for and why Miss Monroe is the target. He detours to the East Coast while one of Eddie’s buddies P.I Danny Bardini vanishes and the other Jerry is beaten and has to be hospitalizated at a time when JFK is coming to Palm Springs allegedly to see Frank.
This is a fun Rat Pack tale as the expatriate Brooklyn dodger Gianelli once again protects the extended “family” of the famous drinking buddies. The story line is fast-paced, but predominantly focuses on Eddie and his two associates as they protect the eldritch like Miss Monroe from her troubles; many of which are in her head. The Rat Pack mostly plays cameo roles, but fans of the series know that they will relish another fine historical mystery as the Brooklyn Bums continue to take star billing over the Rat Pack in Vegas.
Harriet Klausner
Robert J. Randisi
Minotaur, Sep 15 2009 $24.99
ISBN: 9780312376437
In 1962 in Las Vegas, the Rat Pack turns to Sands Hotel pit boss Eddie Gianelli to get them out of embarrassing situations as he has done for them before (see HEY THERE, YOU WITH THE GUN IN YOUR HAND). Dean Martin asks Eddie to help a remorseful and frightened Marilyn Monroe; the sex symbol fears she drove Clark Gable to an early grave during the shooting of The Misfits while also believes someone is stalking her.
Dino further explains MM is a child in a woman’s body so suggests he treat her as such. Eddie investigates Marilyn’s claim of being followed. Soon he runs into some nasty thugs though neither he nor his associates can figure out who these punks work for and why Miss Monroe is the target. He detours to the East Coast while one of Eddie’s buddies P.I Danny Bardini vanishes and the other Jerry is beaten and has to be hospitalizated at a time when JFK is coming to Palm Springs allegedly to see Frank.
This is a fun Rat Pack tale as the expatriate Brooklyn dodger Gianelli once again protects the extended “family” of the famous drinking buddies. The story line is fast-paced, but predominantly focuses on Eddie and his two associates as they protect the eldritch like Miss Monroe from her troubles; many of which are in her head. The Rat Pack mostly plays cameo roles, but fans of the series know that they will relish another fine historical mystery as the Brooklyn Bums continue to take star billing over the Rat Pack in Vegas.
Harriet Klausner
Deep Kiss of Winter-Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter
Deep Kiss of Winter
Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter
Pocket, Oct 209, $21.99
ISBN: 9781439159668
“Untouchable” by Kresley Cole. In New Orleans, vampire Murdoch Wroth helps his brother Nikolai who is weak as he underestimated the strength of his Valkyrie Bride. He warns his sibling not to repeat his error which after five years will be corrected tonight. Murdoch vows to make Daniela the Ice Maiden Valkyrie his Bride as she has brought his silent heart back to life after three centuries of being dormant. However, although Dani wants Murdoch too, her ice fey frozen skin does not allow anyone but her clan to touch her; which means he will be just like his sibling dying from the lack of blood from his beloved Bride.
“Tempt Me Eternally” by Gena Showalter. Aleaha Love has the uncanny skill of turning physically into any essence she touches. The ultimate shapeshifter, she has recently become an alien investigator and removal agent better known as an AIR head as only an idiot would fight the monsters she and her teammates do on the streets of New Chicago’s “Whore’s Corner. Her mission is to capture otherworldly warriors invading the city. Instead their gold skin Commander Breean captures Aleaha. Not afraid of being a POW or dead, Aleaha fears her attraction to Breean because ironically though he seems to reciprocate, she wants him attracted to the real Ms. Love; if she remember who and what that is.
These are two enjoyable exhilarating romantic urban fantasies with terrific twists that add tension to the two thriller story lines. Fans will enjoy walking on the wild side with Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter as their guides.
Harriet Klausner
Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter
Pocket, Oct 209, $21.99
ISBN: 9781439159668
“Untouchable” by Kresley Cole. In New Orleans, vampire Murdoch Wroth helps his brother Nikolai who is weak as he underestimated the strength of his Valkyrie Bride. He warns his sibling not to repeat his error which after five years will be corrected tonight. Murdoch vows to make Daniela the Ice Maiden Valkyrie his Bride as she has brought his silent heart back to life after three centuries of being dormant. However, although Dani wants Murdoch too, her ice fey frozen skin does not allow anyone but her clan to touch her; which means he will be just like his sibling dying from the lack of blood from his beloved Bride.
“Tempt Me Eternally” by Gena Showalter. Aleaha Love has the uncanny skill of turning physically into any essence she touches. The ultimate shapeshifter, she has recently become an alien investigator and removal agent better known as an AIR head as only an idiot would fight the monsters she and her teammates do on the streets of New Chicago’s “Whore’s Corner. Her mission is to capture otherworldly warriors invading the city. Instead their gold skin Commander Breean captures Aleaha. Not afraid of being a POW or dead, Aleaha fears her attraction to Breean because ironically though he seems to reciprocate, she wants him attracted to the real Ms. Love; if she remember who and what that is.
These are two enjoyable exhilarating romantic urban fantasies with terrific twists that add tension to the two thriller story lines. Fans will enjoy walking on the wild side with Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter as their guides.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Transformation-Terri Kraus
The Transformation
Terri Kraus
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9780781448673
In Shadyside on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, real estate developer Samantha Cohen plans to renovate the historic Blue Church into an in crowd restaurant and nightclub. She hires contractor Oliver Barnett to help her change the religious site. His pious mother is upset as she sees this as blasphemy by her son and that Jewish woman.
Samantha and Oliver are attracted to one another, but he is a Christian while she is Jew. Christian not only is a believer, he would never hurt his mom by bringing home someone of another faith. Meanwhile his mom encourages his kind likable former girlfriend Paula to go after Oliver who is in love with Samantha.
The latest Project Restoration tale (see THE RENEWAL) is an interesting contemporary religious romance that in some ways is the gender bending retelling of the biblical story of Ruth. The lead couple is a delightful pairing as each has religious issues and family tsuris to overcome if they are to forge a loving relationship under God; but who’s God. With a strong cast complementing the prime duet, Terri Kraus provides a strong look at love and religion in the modern world.
Harriet Klausner
Terri Kraus
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9780781448673
In Shadyside on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, real estate developer Samantha Cohen plans to renovate the historic Blue Church into an in crowd restaurant and nightclub. She hires contractor Oliver Barnett to help her change the religious site. His pious mother is upset as she sees this as blasphemy by her son and that Jewish woman.
Samantha and Oliver are attracted to one another, but he is a Christian while she is Jew. Christian not only is a believer, he would never hurt his mom by bringing home someone of another faith. Meanwhile his mom encourages his kind likable former girlfriend Paula to go after Oliver who is in love with Samantha.
The latest Project Restoration tale (see THE RENEWAL) is an interesting contemporary religious romance that in some ways is the gender bending retelling of the biblical story of Ruth. The lead couple is a delightful pairing as each has religious issues and family tsuris to overcome if they are to forge a loving relationship under God; but who’s God. With a strong cast complementing the prime duet, Terri Kraus provides a strong look at love and religion in the modern world.
Harriet Klausner
Three Weddings And A Bar Mitzvah-Melody Carlson
Three Weddings And A Bar Mitzvah
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9781589191082
At 86 Bloomberg Place, several weddings are being planned, but there are problems trying to work out the scheduling logistics. Each of the couples want their nuptials there way, but families have other ideas.
Lelani and Gil want a simple wedding while his Latino family wants to throw the ceremony of the decade. Kendall and Kiliki want to be married before she gives birth so they select a coming soon weekend, but end up picking a weekend that could prove too late. Marcus is in Africa leaving behind a concerned Megan while Anna fears she lost Edmond.
Although the plot is stretched very thin through three books (see 86 BLOOMBERG PLACE and I HEART BLOOMBERG), the final tale is a frantic fun finish as the frenzied occupants find love and God helping them prepare for two weddings on the same day. The cast is solid as each of the women and their men (even Marcus in Zambia) are fully developed. Fans will enjoy prolific writer Melody Carlson’s enjoyable race to the weddings.
Harriet Klausner
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9781589191082
At 86 Bloomberg Place, several weddings are being planned, but there are problems trying to work out the scheduling logistics. Each of the couples want their nuptials there way, but families have other ideas.
Lelani and Gil want a simple wedding while his Latino family wants to throw the ceremony of the decade. Kendall and Kiliki want to be married before she gives birth so they select a coming soon weekend, but end up picking a weekend that could prove too late. Marcus is in Africa leaving behind a concerned Megan while Anna fears she lost Edmond.
Although the plot is stretched very thin through three books (see 86 BLOOMBERG PLACE and I HEART BLOOMBERG), the final tale is a frantic fun finish as the frenzied occupants find love and God helping them prepare for two weddings on the same day. The cast is solid as each of the women and their men (even Marcus in Zambia) are fully developed. Fans will enjoy prolific writer Melody Carlson’s enjoyable race to the weddings.
Harriet Klausner
Stretch Marks-Kimberly Stuart
Stretch Marks
Kimberly Stuart
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9780781448925
In Chicago social worker Mia Rathbun and her boyfriend Lars enjoy their carefree life together. All is perfect in their world until Mia becomes pregnant. Lars wants nothing to do with a baby or for that matter a pregnant woman; he deserts his girlfriend. The neighborhood rallies around Mia to assist her especially her BFF Frankie.
Still Mia feels abandoned and afraid, but rejects abortion or adoption as she plans to raise her child. Her estranged mother, Babs, arrives to help her daughter raise her grandchild. Although filled with good intentions, mother and daughter argue, fuss, and fight as Mia does not appreciate Babs' efforts especially as Babs still has meltdowns at inopportune moments.
STRETCH MARKS is an amusing yet deep relationship drama starring two beloved enemies who apparently need to be on opposite sides of the continent. The story line is fast-paced though a bit thin as mother and daughter war and love while neighbors like Adam try to charm both ladies into a peaceful coexistence. Fans will enjoy this fine character study of a mother and daughter reunion with the next generation on the way.
Harriet Klausner
Kimberly Stuart
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9780781448925
In Chicago social worker Mia Rathbun and her boyfriend Lars enjoy their carefree life together. All is perfect in their world until Mia becomes pregnant. Lars wants nothing to do with a baby or for that matter a pregnant woman; he deserts his girlfriend. The neighborhood rallies around Mia to assist her especially her BFF Frankie.
Still Mia feels abandoned and afraid, but rejects abortion or adoption as she plans to raise her child. Her estranged mother, Babs, arrives to help her daughter raise her grandchild. Although filled with good intentions, mother and daughter argue, fuss, and fight as Mia does not appreciate Babs' efforts especially as Babs still has meltdowns at inopportune moments.
STRETCH MARKS is an amusing yet deep relationship drama starring two beloved enemies who apparently need to be on opposite sides of the continent. The story line is fast-paced though a bit thin as mother and daughter war and love while neighbors like Adam try to charm both ladies into a peaceful coexistence. Fans will enjoy this fine character study of a mother and daughter reunion with the next generation on the way.
Harriet Klausner
In The Arms Of Immortals-Ginger Garrett
In The Arms Of Immortals
Ginger Garrett
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9780781448888
In 1347, a ship arrives in Sicily containing a deadly cargo. Soon the villagers are falling ill in rapid succession with most dying.
The locals react differently to the Black Plague that is killing so many. The Baron's daughter Panthea Campaigna ignores the villagers with her focus totally on increasing her wealth as the killings would never touch her and besides her only fear is being poor like the villagers. An outcast due to her healing skills, Gio tries to help those ailing and dying although some look at her as the cause. From a distant future place and era Mariskka Curtis, not in the Book of Life in her time, recognizes the Black Plague and assists Father Lazarro by offering comfort to those receiving the last rites as the true Blood Month has begun.
The second Chronicles of the Scribe tale (see IN THE SHADOW OF THE LION) is an incredible historical thriller that looks deeply at the Christian religion in Sicily during the worst of the Black Plague when beliefs apparently failed those praying for a miracle. The first night over half of the residents are dead by morning; they are the fortunate ones. Contrasting lifestyles of the indifferent rich vs. the beleaguered poor that seem relevant today with the health care debate, Ginger Garrett provides a powerful look at a pivotal moment in Christian history when the belief in Jesus and God teetered under the wrath of the Black Plague.
Harriet Klausner
Ginger Garrett
David C. Cook, Sep 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9780781448888
In 1347, a ship arrives in Sicily containing a deadly cargo. Soon the villagers are falling ill in rapid succession with most dying.
The locals react differently to the Black Plague that is killing so many. The Baron's daughter Panthea Campaigna ignores the villagers with her focus totally on increasing her wealth as the killings would never touch her and besides her only fear is being poor like the villagers. An outcast due to her healing skills, Gio tries to help those ailing and dying although some look at her as the cause. From a distant future place and era Mariskka Curtis, not in the Book of Life in her time, recognizes the Black Plague and assists Father Lazarro by offering comfort to those receiving the last rites as the true Blood Month has begun.
The second Chronicles of the Scribe tale (see IN THE SHADOW OF THE LION) is an incredible historical thriller that looks deeply at the Christian religion in Sicily during the worst of the Black Plague when beliefs apparently failed those praying for a miracle. The first night over half of the residents are dead by morning; they are the fortunate ones. Contrasting lifestyles of the indifferent rich vs. the beleaguered poor that seem relevant today with the health care debate, Ginger Garrett provides a powerful look at a pivotal moment in Christian history when the belief in Jesus and God teetered under the wrath of the Black Plague.
Harriet Klausner
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