Out at Night
Susan Arnout Smith
Minotaur, Mar 2009, $25.95
ISBN 9780312368340
In Palm Springs, California, at an international agricultural symposium, protesters peacefully march against genetically modified crops. That is no violence until someone shoots an arrow into the chest of Professor Thaddeus Bartholomew. The assailant quickly follows up, while people watch in horror, by pouring gasoline on the professor and igniting it with a match; but before his death Thaddeus sends a text message: "FIND GRACE DESCANSO."
The FBI suspects the violent group Radical Damage killed the professor to cast a dark shadow on the conference and most likely to plan an even more ferocious assault during the closing ceremony. Grace a San Diego police crime lab technician is yanked back from her vacation with her daughter by her FBI Agent Uncle Pete. As the niece works with her uncle investigating the homicide and potential follow-up terrorism, another murder occurs and while the moment of truth draws closer, there remains too many suspects including Grace’s pregnant cousin to prevent an expected tragedy.
OUT AT NIGHT, the second Descanso police procedural (see THE TIMER GAME) is an exciting thriller from the moment an expecting to die Bartholomew sends his text message and never slows down until the final confrontation with agricultural terrorists. The gripping story line hooks the audience, but never quite explains why the professor picked Descanso and waits until the latter half of the tale to provide the actual terrorist threat and the rationale. Still fans will enjoy this enjoyable family affair.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Luke’s Story-Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Luke’s Story
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Putnam, Feb 9 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780399155239
In Syrian Antioch in 20 AD, Loukon (later called Luke) was owned by stoic Theophilus, who sees intelligence in his teen slave that he feels if fostered, could lead to the lad rising above his station. Theophilus’ belief is affirmed when Loukon saves a man’s life using knowledge he learned form a physician. Deciding to help his slave, Theophilus pays his tuition to attend the University of Tarsus while the other slaves angrily resent his special treatment. At the school, Loukon meets opinionated Saul who thought the gentile Greek slave was beneath him. Loukon studied hard and graduated; afterward he returned to his master’s’s estate to practice medicine encouraged by his owner-mentor.
Loukon soon provides medical care to the poor and at sea. He hears fables about a carpenter in Judea who preached a philosophy that was heretical to the Jewish powerbrokers. After this man’s murder, His Word spreads. Saul was rooting out these heretics until on the road to Damocles he witnessed a miracle. He buries Saul the killer of the faithful and becomes Paul the believer. He continues his travels, but now as a teacher of the Christ. When he and Loukon meet again, he converts him. Now calling himself Luke, he studies diligently Christ’s teachings starting with a series of dialogues with Paul and later with Mary. Although he never met the carpenter, he feels he knows Him and writes his story of Jesus even as the Romans persecute the followers of the Christ.
As they did with the insightful MARK'S STORY: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PETER the Left Behind team provides a deep biographical fiction of one of the Gospel authors. The newest Jesus Chronicle focuses on Loukon the stoic becoming Luke the believer; perhaps the first major figure who never met Jesus except in his heart. The ancient Mediterranean world comes alive as Luke and Paul travel spreading the word in spite of the danger. Although nothing new surfaces, the faithful will rejoice with this profound look at the only Gospel writer who never met the Christ in person.
Harriet Klausner
Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Putnam, Feb 9 2009, $24.95
ISBN: 9780399155239
In Syrian Antioch in 20 AD, Loukon (later called Luke) was owned by stoic Theophilus, who sees intelligence in his teen slave that he feels if fostered, could lead to the lad rising above his station. Theophilus’ belief is affirmed when Loukon saves a man’s life using knowledge he learned form a physician. Deciding to help his slave, Theophilus pays his tuition to attend the University of Tarsus while the other slaves angrily resent his special treatment. At the school, Loukon meets opinionated Saul who thought the gentile Greek slave was beneath him. Loukon studied hard and graduated; afterward he returned to his master’s’s estate to practice medicine encouraged by his owner-mentor.
Loukon soon provides medical care to the poor and at sea. He hears fables about a carpenter in Judea who preached a philosophy that was heretical to the Jewish powerbrokers. After this man’s murder, His Word spreads. Saul was rooting out these heretics until on the road to Damocles he witnessed a miracle. He buries Saul the killer of the faithful and becomes Paul the believer. He continues his travels, but now as a teacher of the Christ. When he and Loukon meet again, he converts him. Now calling himself Luke, he studies diligently Christ’s teachings starting with a series of dialogues with Paul and later with Mary. Although he never met the carpenter, he feels he knows Him and writes his story of Jesus even as the Romans persecute the followers of the Christ.
As they did with the insightful MARK'S STORY: THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PETER the Left Behind team provides a deep biographical fiction of one of the Gospel authors. The newest Jesus Chronicle focuses on Loukon the stoic becoming Luke the believer; perhaps the first major figure who never met Jesus except in his heart. The ancient Mediterranean world comes alive as Luke and Paul travel spreading the word in spite of the danger. Although nothing new surfaces, the faithful will rejoice with this profound look at the only Gospel writer who never met the Christ in person.
Harriet Klausner
Divine Fantasy- Melanie Jackson
Divine Fantasy
Melanie Jackson
Love Spell, Feb 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 0505528037
As a child her parents exiled her because of a heart defect that made her imperfect in their minds; Audrey Atheneum, which is not her “joyous” birth name, but instead her adult pen name as a biographer of the almost famous quirky people, was shipped off to boarding schools as out of sight out of mind was the mantra of her family. The worst time was holidays, which the other kids looked forward to while Audrey knew she would remain alone.
She met Max Ober and fell in love, but after a miscarriage they broke up partly because he turned to the big breasted Bavarian floozy efficient Gretchen. Needing time to heal and with no one to turn to as her parents are dead besides they were never there for her when she was alive, Audrey leaves Bavaria for Fiji where on Dolphin Island she meets author Ambrose Bierce, who allegedly died after vanishing in 1914. However, her fun in the sun turns even stranger when she and Ambrose battle zombies and ghouls while he uses his magic to keep her heart from failing.
This is a fascinating twist on the DIVINE FANTASY universe of Melanie Jackson as much of the story line is dialogue between the heroine and the author of The Devil’s Dictionary starting with their first Dr. Livingstone, I presume” encounter. There is plenty of action even with the discussions and musings of the A level lead characters and a great final spin. Fans seeking something different will appreciate this clever fantasy because in between the musings is war with zombies and ghouls.
Harriet Klausner
Melanie Jackson
Love Spell, Feb 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 0505528037
As a child her parents exiled her because of a heart defect that made her imperfect in their minds; Audrey Atheneum, which is not her “joyous” birth name, but instead her adult pen name as a biographer of the almost famous quirky people, was shipped off to boarding schools as out of sight out of mind was the mantra of her family. The worst time was holidays, which the other kids looked forward to while Audrey knew she would remain alone.
She met Max Ober and fell in love, but after a miscarriage they broke up partly because he turned to the big breasted Bavarian floozy efficient Gretchen. Needing time to heal and with no one to turn to as her parents are dead besides they were never there for her when she was alive, Audrey leaves Bavaria for Fiji where on Dolphin Island she meets author Ambrose Bierce, who allegedly died after vanishing in 1914. However, her fun in the sun turns even stranger when she and Ambrose battle zombies and ghouls while he uses his magic to keep her heart from failing.
This is a fascinating twist on the DIVINE FANTASY universe of Melanie Jackson as much of the story line is dialogue between the heroine and the author of The Devil’s Dictionary starting with their first Dr. Livingstone, I presume” encounter. There is plenty of action even with the discussions and musings of the A level lead characters and a great final spin. Fans seeking something different will appreciate this clever fantasy because in between the musings is war with zombies and ghouls.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Club-Sharon Page
The Club
Sharon Page
Dell, Feb 24 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780440244905
In 1818 Widow Lady Jane St. Giles enters the notorious gentlemen’s Club that welcomes couples. Run by Mrs. Brougham, Jane is a rarity as an unescorted lady of quality, but though she is prim and proper, she risks the scandal in hopes of finding her best friend Lady Delphina Treyworth who has gone missing. Del’s spouse insists his wife ran away with another man for France. Jane believes Treyworth is a liar and abuser. She blames Del’s brother Christian Sutcliffe, Lord Wickham, for fleeing overseas while his sister was forced into an odious marriage. Inside she is shocked by the depravity she witnesses until Christian becomes her escort; she was unaware that “Lord Wicked” is back in London.
As they work together to find Del, Christian feels guilty that he was not there for his beloved sister when she was forced to marry by their detestable father and Jane fall in love. Each fears for Del’s life as increasingly the evidence they find inside the Club points to foul play since other women have been murdered. As they continue their desperate search, they learn of four special club members whose abuse goes beyond the depravity of the normal couples who belong.
THE CLUB is an engaging erotic Regency romantic suspense starring two individuals who were in love as battling teens and remain in love as adults, but though they share the common goal of rescuing Del, they also remain combatants. The story line is at its best when a shocked Jane sees the goings on inside the Club. The investigation into the disappearance seems too easily resolved, but sub-genre readers will relish this page turner with a terrific final twist that is in the audience’s face, but most if not all will not see it coming.
Harriet Klausner
Sharon Page
Dell, Feb 24 2009, $6.99
ISBN: 9780440244905
In 1818 Widow Lady Jane St. Giles enters the notorious gentlemen’s Club that welcomes couples. Run by Mrs. Brougham, Jane is a rarity as an unescorted lady of quality, but though she is prim and proper, she risks the scandal in hopes of finding her best friend Lady Delphina Treyworth who has gone missing. Del’s spouse insists his wife ran away with another man for France. Jane believes Treyworth is a liar and abuser. She blames Del’s brother Christian Sutcliffe, Lord Wickham, for fleeing overseas while his sister was forced into an odious marriage. Inside she is shocked by the depravity she witnesses until Christian becomes her escort; she was unaware that “Lord Wicked” is back in London.
As they work together to find Del, Christian feels guilty that he was not there for his beloved sister when she was forced to marry by their detestable father and Jane fall in love. Each fears for Del’s life as increasingly the evidence they find inside the Club points to foul play since other women have been murdered. As they continue their desperate search, they learn of four special club members whose abuse goes beyond the depravity of the normal couples who belong.
THE CLUB is an engaging erotic Regency romantic suspense starring two individuals who were in love as battling teens and remain in love as adults, but though they share the common goal of rescuing Del, they also remain combatants. The story line is at its best when a shocked Jane sees the goings on inside the Club. The investigation into the disappearance seems too easily resolved, but sub-genre readers will relish this page turner with a terrific final twist that is in the audience’s face, but most if not all will not see it coming.
Harriet Klausner
Tempted by His Kiss-Tracey Anne Warren
Tempted by His Kiss
Tracey Anne Warren
Avon, Mar 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061673405
In 1809, Lord Cade Byron hides from his family and society due to a leg injury suffered when the French tortured him on the Peninsular. He wants no company even driving away his older brother Edward. His only solace is alcohol although at times the pain is so severe he uses laudanum.
Meg Amberley accompanied by her servant arrives at Cade’s isolated home during a blizzard. She asks for shelter for her and her “cousin”. Cade tells her to get lost, but she insists the roads are impassable. He acquiesces allowing her to stay one night. Cade feels guilty because he desires the visitor while it is only one year since his beloved fiancée and her family were tortured and killed by the French in an effort to make him tell them military secrets. With her parents dead, she is on her way to stay with an aunt whom she never met.
Several days later she is still at his home though he hides from her until she invites him to dinner; he agrees. Afterward she challenges him to a game of chess. If she wins he must socialize with her; if he wins she will no longer nag him. Meg checkmates him. Cade mentions his leg was hurt when he was caught spying in Portugal; Meg mentions her late parents. The next few days they play cards and chess. They walk outside together; when Cade kisses Meg, he feels guilty and flees. As they fall in love, his guilt mounts.
The relationship between the lead couple is terrific as he rejects his attraction for her having watched one beloved raped and tortured while she slowly brings him out of his despondency and self recrimination. Cade’s family is a strong support cast who want to do the best for him, but are frustrated and clueless as to how to help him; while the villain is diabolically clever. Though the final confrontation seems weak Regency romantic suspense fans will relish this character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Tracey Anne Warren
Avon, Mar 2009, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061673405
In 1809, Lord Cade Byron hides from his family and society due to a leg injury suffered when the French tortured him on the Peninsular. He wants no company even driving away his older brother Edward. His only solace is alcohol although at times the pain is so severe he uses laudanum.
Meg Amberley accompanied by her servant arrives at Cade’s isolated home during a blizzard. She asks for shelter for her and her “cousin”. Cade tells her to get lost, but she insists the roads are impassable. He acquiesces allowing her to stay one night. Cade feels guilty because he desires the visitor while it is only one year since his beloved fiancée and her family were tortured and killed by the French in an effort to make him tell them military secrets. With her parents dead, she is on her way to stay with an aunt whom she never met.
Several days later she is still at his home though he hides from her until she invites him to dinner; he agrees. Afterward she challenges him to a game of chess. If she wins he must socialize with her; if he wins she will no longer nag him. Meg checkmates him. Cade mentions his leg was hurt when he was caught spying in Portugal; Meg mentions her late parents. The next few days they play cards and chess. They walk outside together; when Cade kisses Meg, he feels guilty and flees. As they fall in love, his guilt mounts.
The relationship between the lead couple is terrific as he rejects his attraction for her having watched one beloved raped and tortured while she slowly brings him out of his despondency and self recrimination. Cade’s family is a strong support cast who want to do the best for him, but are frustrated and clueless as to how to help him; while the villain is diabolically clever. Though the final confrontation seems weak Regency romantic suspense fans will relish this character driven tale.
Harriet Klausner
Never Resist Temptation-Miranda Neville
Never Resist Temptation
Miranda Neville
Avon, Mar 2009, $6.99
ISBN 9780061715914
In 1816 London, Anthony the Earl of Storrington wants to court Lord Candover’s niece, Jacobin de Chastelux, over the objection of his dying father who loathes her uncle. However, Jacobin is not interested in his suit in spite of his being the catch of the season. Instead she runs from her home masquerading as Jacob Leon.
When hooligans assault Jacob, Anthony rescues him. Though he is a bit perturbed that he finds the lad attractive, he hires Jacob to serve on his staff as a pastry chef. When someone tries to kill Candover using poison in his food the evidence points towards Jacobin as the culprit. She, as a male, begins to investigate in an amateurish attempt to expose the culprit, but soon finds Anthony helping him, make that her.
This is a fun Regency romantic suspense starring a likable delightful duo. The debates between Anthony and Jacobin-Jacob are fun to follow as he begins to see the similarity in his-her pattern. Although happenchance allowed Anthony to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Jacob, fans will not care as they began to fall in love when she was his male chef.
Harriet Klausner
Miranda Neville
Avon, Mar 2009, $6.99
ISBN 9780061715914
In 1816 London, Anthony the Earl of Storrington wants to court Lord Candover’s niece, Jacobin de Chastelux, over the objection of his dying father who loathes her uncle. However, Jacobin is not interested in his suit in spite of his being the catch of the season. Instead she runs from her home masquerading as Jacob Leon.
When hooligans assault Jacob, Anthony rescues him. Though he is a bit perturbed that he finds the lad attractive, he hires Jacob to serve on his staff as a pastry chef. When someone tries to kill Candover using poison in his food the evidence points towards Jacobin as the culprit. She, as a male, begins to investigate in an amateurish attempt to expose the culprit, but soon finds Anthony helping him, make that her.
This is a fun Regency romantic suspense starring a likable delightful duo. The debates between Anthony and Jacobin-Jacob are fun to follow as he begins to see the similarity in his-her pattern. Although happenchance allowed Anthony to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Jacob, fans will not care as they began to fall in love when she was his male chef.
Harriet Klausner
The Coldest Mile-Tom Piccirilli
The Coldest Mile
Tom Piccirilli
Bantam, Feb 24 2009, $
ISBN: 9780553590852
Chase’s mom was murdered in a cold case unsolved and soon afterward his father committed suicide. His grandfather Jonah, a murderous con artist raised young Chase, mentoring the lad in a life of crime. Chase became a getaway driver until he met, fell in love with, and married cop Lila. After her death, he learned his grandfather sired a daughter currently two years old Kylie.
With Lila competing with Jonah for “talking” time inside his head, Chase believes he must rescue his two years old half-aunt from her father; who is his grandfather. He believes grandpa killed his mom years ago. Knowing he will need money to accomplish his goal, with the help of a friend, he obtains work as a chauffeur to the dysfunctional Langan crime family whose patriarch is dying. He plans to steal from a mob that has seen its better days. After he takes their money, the next stop is a confrontation with Jonah.
THE COLDEST MILE feels more like two novellas with part one involving Chase’s time up the Hudson with the Langan mob and part two involving his search for his grandfather and his infant half-aunt. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action whether it is with the hero shaking down the pathetic mob in New York or his inquiries in Florida. Though the exciting plot especially with the Langan family takes longer than necessary before reaching the anticipated reunion, fans will enjoy Chase’s latest escapades (see THE COLD SPOT) knowing an even arctic colder tale should follow.
Harriet Klausner
Tom Piccirilli
Bantam, Feb 24 2009, $
ISBN: 9780553590852
Chase’s mom was murdered in a cold case unsolved and soon afterward his father committed suicide. His grandfather Jonah, a murderous con artist raised young Chase, mentoring the lad in a life of crime. Chase became a getaway driver until he met, fell in love with, and married cop Lila. After her death, he learned his grandfather sired a daughter currently two years old Kylie.
With Lila competing with Jonah for “talking” time inside his head, Chase believes he must rescue his two years old half-aunt from her father; who is his grandfather. He believes grandpa killed his mom years ago. Knowing he will need money to accomplish his goal, with the help of a friend, he obtains work as a chauffeur to the dysfunctional Langan crime family whose patriarch is dying. He plans to steal from a mob that has seen its better days. After he takes their money, the next stop is a confrontation with Jonah.
THE COLDEST MILE feels more like two novellas with part one involving Chase’s time up the Hudson with the Langan mob and part two involving his search for his grandfather and his infant half-aunt. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action whether it is with the hero shaking down the pathetic mob in New York or his inquiries in Florida. Though the exciting plot especially with the Langan family takes longer than necessary before reaching the anticipated reunion, fans will enjoy Chase’s latest escapades (see THE COLD SPOT) knowing an even arctic colder tale should follow.
Harriet Klausner
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