Sunday, June 07, 2015

Book Review of Bulletproof (Clay and Tanner Thomas series Book 3) by Jeff LaFerney


Book Title: Bulletproof (Clay and Tanner Thomas Series #3)
Genre: Paranormal Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 276
Author: Jeff LaFerney
Date Published: (First Edition) 25 April 2012
(Second Edition) 6 July 2013

Synopsis:

Father and son team, Clay and Tanner Thomas, have already used their parapsychological abilities to solve crimes, but never before to keep themselves out of trouble. After a devastating injury to his father, Clay Thomas is abandoned by two people closest to him while being pursued by the local police chief for crimes he didn’t commit. While they investigate to discover the actual culprit perpetrating a series of local robberies, the spirited ghost of Bosley Pemberton appears, seeking their help to solve his eleven-year-old murder. With unexpected assistance from a rank-smelling midget, a bad-tempered giant, a gossipy curator, and a rule-bending coroner, Clay and Tanner incorporate their unique mind-control abilities to dig up dirt on Bosley as well as the numerous suspects who had motive and opportunity to put him to death. The plot unwinds, exposing the mystery about the real thief and putting an unexpected spin on broken relationships that need mending.

Review:


BulletproofBulletproof by Jeff LaFerney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the third book in the Clay and Tanner Thomas Series. I absolutely LOVED it!

Clay and Tanner Thomas are both fantastic characters. Clay has become more at ease with using his special abilities of telekinesis and being able to communicate with the dead. His son, Tanner, also has special abilities such as being able to hypnotize people or influence them just with a thought. These abilities are caused through a genetic anomaly within their brain and come in handy when solving mysteries, but this one becomes personal when a robbery goes wrong and Clay's father is accused of committing it.

I have been wanting to read this book for some time, but due to the length of my reading list, haven't been able to until now. I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner, because I really love this series and the characters within the pages. I picked up the book and started to read; I did not put it down until I had finished it in one sitting. The story is told through various points of view, but as Clay and Tanner are the main characters, they have the most say. I am not a huge sports fan, but I love the way the author has woven his love of sport into this story. His attention to detail made the games come alive and I felt like I was there, watching the games from the bleachers too. I also love the paranormal (or is it supernatural) aspects of the tale; I love a good ghost story!

It was also wonderful to meet some old faces again, as well as some new ones. Jasper, Clay's friend and lawyer, happens to have a short temper to go with his short stature (he's one of the little people or, if you want to be politically incorrect, a midget). In a way, this character is one of my favourites, because he's more bark than bite, though he can get rather violent when riled. This also leads to almost comical events that made me smile and, on occasion, giggle over.
Zander Fauss is a character I liked from the start. He is a neurosurgeon and one of Clay's friends. He has been studying the Thomas's abilities in the hopes of understanding why they have manifested.
There are more than a couple of new characters introduced, but I really liked Sherman "Septic" Tankersley. He's a plumber, who happens to be a little intimidating due to his large size. He has many issues, but as I got to know this man a bit better, I realised that he is a gentle giant hiding behind a gruff facade to hide his loneliness.

This story is another fantastic mystery/thriller, full of twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. There are some quite dark moments within the story that made me shiver, but the author also added some lighter moments which had me giggling or laughing out loud. There is mention of religion which may upset some readers, but it is not written in a preachy way. This is a fast paced, roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I hope that there will be more books in this series in the future.

Jeff LaFerney has written a fantastic mystery/thriller. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and exciting, and the flow is wonderfully fluid; each scene flows into the next seamlessly. He is one of the few male authors who has made it onto my favourite authors list and I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

I highly recommend this as a "MUST READ" to everyone who loves paranormal thrillers or mysteries. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book, Loving The Rain, first. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:



Jeff LaFerney is currently a full-time language arts teacher where he lives in Davison, Michigan. After coaching basketball for most of his career, he decided to write books instead and took on his new hobby. Now he spends his free time reading, writing, and editing books. He and his beautiful wife have two young adult children. His Clay and Tanner Thomas series focuses on a father and son team who use parapsychological abilities to solve mysteries. Jumper is a time-travel science fiction adventure. He also has a blog called The Red Pen where he usually infuses humor to share about himself or to give inspiration or writing tips.

Author Links:


Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Aaron Paul Lazar presents Double Forte

 
http://www.amazon.com/Double-Fort%C3%A9-LeGarde-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B007F2HHGQ/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433248786&sr=1-7&keywords=Aaron+Paul+Lazar
 
Click on the pic to get your copy from Amazon
 
The title, the irony is supreme.
I love good titles, very few turn out to be good, they may look good but fall flat in the plot or sub plot.  Not so this title.  The title alone needs to get a 5 start review but you will only get why I say this if I write a bunch of spoilers or if you take my word for it.  I suggest, take my word for it and read this book for yourself.
 
The cover.  Not one I would choose off the rack in a book store.  And after reading this book I know what a horrible mistake that would be but still, the cover does not work for me. So for the cover a 2 star.
 
Plot, sub plot and flow.
Superb enough to force up the cover to a 3 star since the flow is a 6 star all on it's own.  The plot is fast and a mix between a thriller, a mystery and a romance, light on romance heavy on the thriller as I like my romances.  The sub plot is rich and runs throughout the plot hardly noticeable until the very end.
 
The story itself, a grandad, one who loves his grandson to bits, adores his daughter misses his wife, a real life hero who does not know how to drop kick an assaillant, one who does not know how to short out an alarm system but can play Chopin like it is nobodies business and then with love fly his cape accross the landscape of so many peoples lives that the story full of hidden gems.
 
The end.  Oh my gimme another 5 stars. 
I will be reading more by this author, I suggest you get a copy yourself.
WaAr
 
Read more about the author here

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Dont Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Turn-Around-thrilling-page-turner-ebook/dp/B00V6DTAYM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433247189&sr=1-1&keywords=Caroline+Mitchell
 
Click on the pic to get your copy via Amazon
 
 
You don’t know him. But he knows you.

Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him.

As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave.
When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murders mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper – from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict.

Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play …

With her mother’s terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer – but to save herself and those she loves.
 
My thoughts on this book....
 
The title and cover grabbed my attention.
The story and writing style kept me glued to the pages.

The story has a rather unique edge to it, combining thriller and paranormal is not new, combining paranormal where the protagonist is not the strongest which in 300 years, the best warlock in 50 generations etc, that is new.
Our DC is very human and tries to run from the voices in her head as fast as from her past which is all coming to a rather heart stopping cliff end with a serial killer known as the Grim Reaper.

This book is an easy read. Given at times the writing is a bit disjointed especially in the last part of the story but this is nothing that cannot be fixed or even overlooked. I am usually a stickler for flow and the bit of disjointedness faded against the very strong plot and subplot line.

A good read. Try it and I am sure you will agree.

WaAr
 
A four pup read all the way!
 
 
Oh and she lives in Ireland, that wins her more points.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Click on the pic to read more about the author on Goodreads
 
 

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Audio/Book Review of Shadows Of The Past (Others of Edenton Book 2) by Brandy L Rivers


Book Title: Shadows of the Past (Others of Edenton Book 2)
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Pages: 288
Audio Run Time: 8 Hrs 25 Mins
Author: Brandy L. Rivers
Date Published: 29 September 2013 (E-Book)
20 March 2015 (Audio Book)

Synopsis:

18+ Adult content

Haunted by memories of her past, Amethyst Lakes left her home to come to Edenton. She was ready to start a new life on her own after being stalked relentlessly.

Hayden Hunter is too busy being Sheriff to take interest in a woman.

That is until his officer drags Amethyst into his life. For the first time he wants to protect and claim.

There’s instant attraction between the two, but Amethyst isn’t ready for anyone since she found out her ex killed himself after she sent him away for good.

Preston has always protected Amethyst, and when he finds out something of legend and nightmares is coming for her, he’ll do everything he can to keep her safe.

Amethyst is either the catalyst to bring nightmares fully into this realm, or the one to end them. Can she find the power to stop the darkness, or will she wind up its prey?

Pretty little nymph, suspicious but sexy earth fae, cocky mage, and a nightmare of old.

Review:


Shadows of the Past (Others of Edenton, #2)Shadows of the Past by Brandy L. Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary audiobook code from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Others of Edenton series. I really enjoyed it!

This book is again narrated by Kelley Hazen Story Teller Productions. I really enjoyed her interpretation of the characters. Kelley Hazen's reading voice is lovely to listen to. I love her diction and she gave each character their own voice, which brought them to life. This helped me see them clearly in my mind's eye. I would definitely listen to more books narrated by this lady in the future.

Hayden Hunter is a very enigmatic character. I wasn't sure whether I liked him or not when I met him in the first book of the series, In Too Deep. He is extremely taciturn and mysterious, so I was looking forward to getting to know him a little better. He is a powerful Earth Fae, but doesn't seem to use his magic much. Being the Sheriff of the town of Edenton is not an easy job, but he makes it look like it is. He is well respected by the residents and, by the end of the book, I respected him too. When he meets Amethyst, attraction sparks fly.

Amethyst Lakes is a Water Nymph. I liked her, but on occasion found myself wanting to shout at her and tell her to pay better attention about things happening around her! She can be a little self-centered and a little self-pitying, but she has a good heart. Because she is a nymph, her power comes from sex and lust. She is not ready for a new relationship so soon after her ex killed himself, but after meeting the sexy Sheriff, he is a temptation she is determined to avoid. However, fate (or destiny) has other plans.

Having listened (as well as read) In Too Deep, I was eager to continue the series. I started to listen and was quickly hooked! I must admit that I was a little confused at first, because the story started by following a character called Sapphire, who was a very powerful Water Nymph. But, then I realised that it was a backstory for one of the characters and gave both Hayden and Amethyst a connection, even though remote. The story is told from several characters' point's of view, which gave it an interesting twist. We also get to know Preston, one of the council members, a little better. I must admit that I did feel sorry for him as the story unfolded. He is a really nice guy, who deserves to find happiness. I hope he does in the future. Carl, Amethyst's ex, is (or was) a warlock and a real piece of work. *SPOILER ALERT!!!* His "death" allows a Shadowfae to escape the prison Sapphire had imprisoned him in hundreds of years previously, and sets off a series of events that endanger the lives of several of the Edenton residents.

This story is just as fast paced as the first. There are several surprising twists that I didn't see coming and danger lurks in the corners. However, the only issue I had with this story was with the dialogue. I still felt that the dialogue was a little too "teen/angst ridden" for supposed adults and I found myself rolling my eyes on occasion. Yes, Amethyst is a young nymph, but I felt that some of her dialogue made her seem rather naive and a little immature for being in her early twenties. However, she does grow as a character and it was nice to watch her bloom. This story took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion, with lots of danger and action. I loved how the final showdown between Amethyst and the Shadowfae unfolded. It was extremely exciting and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat! The ending left me looking forward to continuing the series and will read or listen to the next book in the series, Falling Into Place as soon as possible.

Brandy L. Rivers has written an intriguing sequel in the series. I loved her fast paced writing style, and the flow was wonderful. Unfortunately, the melodramatic dialogue was the only thing that let this story down in my opinion. However, with that being said, I would definitely read more of her books in the future.

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic paranormal romances full of werewolves, vampires, fae, druids etc. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


            

About The Author:



I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.

For more about me and my books, please visit:

Author Links:



Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Maze Runner

Read the first book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent. The Maze Runner is now a major motion picture featuring the star of MTV's Teen Wolf, Dylan O’Brien; Kaya Scodelario; Aml Ameen; Will Poulter; and Thomas Brodie-Sangster and the second book, The Scorch Trials, is soon to be a movie, hitting theaters September 18, 2015! Also look for James Dashner’s newest novels, The Eye of Minds and The Rule of Thoughts, the first two books in the Mortality Doctrine series.

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.
 
James Dashner

website

genre
 


About this author
 

James is the author of THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE 13TH REALITY series. He also published a series (beginning with A DOOR IN THE WOODS) with a small publisher several years ago. He lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.
 
My review
 
With an easy and early hook, this book grabbed me and kept me entertained.
I loved the story, felt bad for the lossess, and now am looking forward to the movie. 
This is a middle grade YA novel but at 42 I really enjoyed it so I guess it is more of an all age novel than most.
The book is good. 
You will not regretting reading it.
WaAr

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Relic

The authors
 
 
 
Douglas Preston
born
in Cambridge, Massachusetts, The United States   
website
genre
member since
April 2014
 
Lincoln Child
   
born
Westport, Connecticut, The United States

website
genre
 
The blurb
 
Just days before a massive exhibition opens at the popular New York Museum of Natural History, visitors are being savagely murdered in the museum's dark hallways and secret rooms. Autopsies indicate that the killer cannot be human...

But the museum's directors plan to go ahead with a big bash to celebrate the new exhibition, in spite of the murders.

Museum researcher Margo Green must find out who-or what-is doing the killing. But can she do it in time to stop the massacre?
 
My review
 


 Here is the short and long of it.
For characters you love to hate, read this book.
For characters you root for from the start, read this book.
For an old fashioned type of horror, read this book.
I listened to this on audible and I have to say I adore the narrator, he made Pendergast and Augusta come alive for me and those who moaned and and and I felt I could strangle them.
For entertainment level alone, this is well worth the read and I will most assuredly be investing in more books written by these authors.



Count the pupts to see my rating
 

Book Review of Cisco Bandits : A Gwynn Reznick Novel by Inge-Lise Goss


Book Title: Cisco Bandits: A Gwynn Reznick Novel
Genre: Crime Thriller
Pages: 304
Author: Inge-Lise Goss
Date Published: 22 April 2015

Synopsis:

Newly trained and ready to rock her first assignment, Gwynn Reznick is about to go undercover for the first time. She will investigate one of the highly private companies who call on Ruben Dordi’s Investigation Group. Ruben is the boss—and he also happens to be Gwynn’s boyfriend.

When Ruben gives Gwynn her assignment—to pose as an accountant for the Prudell Energy Company—Gwynn resists asking exactly what she’s supposed to be investigating. She knows Ruben has his reasons—she’s just not sure why they require her to go two months without even a hint as to why she’s there.

But things change quickly when Gwynn witnesses the death of a Prudell employee. It’s made to look like an accident, but when Gwynn learns that another employee died just before she arrived, it seems like a little too much of a coincidence.

When the CFO tells Gwynn about missing project files and data that just doesn’t add up, Gwynn finds herself suddenly in over her head. Will she be able to maintain her cover, follow Ruben’s orders, and get to the bottom of the mystery? Or will the killers get to Gwynn before she cracks the case?

Review:


Cisco Bandits: A Gwynn Reznick NovelCisco Bandits: A Gwynn Reznick Novel by Inge-Lise Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Gwynn Reznick series. I loved it!

Gwynn Reznick is a wonderful character. I really liked her when I first met her in The Cost Of Crude. However, I still wanted to shake some sense into her when she took unnecessary risks. I'm surprised that Ruben's temper didn't flare more often at her recklessness. But, saying that, she is quite resourceful and thinks quickly on her feet when in stressful situations.

Having read a couple of other books by this author, I couldn't wait to read this one. I started to read and didn't put it down until I reached the end. The action starts right from the beginning and doesn't let up. There are several surprising twists full of danger and excitement. This is a fast paced roller coaster ride of suspense, mystery and action. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat during certain scenes. The story is told through mostly Gwynn's point of view, but a few other characters have their view shown too, especially Ruben and Holly.
It was nice meeting some of the members of Ruben's team again. I liked Holly, who certainly got the town talking! However, don't underestimate her, she's extremely deadly to boot! It did disappoint me that Ruben was not as prominent in this story, but I can understand why he wasn't.
I loved the way Gwynn has grown as an investigator, but she still has a lot to learn and I hope to find out what she has learnt in the next installment of the series.

Inge-Lise Goss has written an intriguing thriller full of danger, mystery and suspense. This is the third book I have read by this author, and I find her writing greatly improved compared to her first book. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow of the story was wonderful. I am now looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Due to some violence, although not too graphic, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love thrillers full of mystery, suspense, danger, action, adventure and romance. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I would definitely recommend you read The Cost of Crude first. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


          

About The Author:



Inge-Lise Goss loves the journeys where her characters take her, and she hopes her readers do too. She was born in Denmark, raised in Utah and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah. She is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in that field for over twenty years. She now lives in the foothills of Red Rock Canyon with her husband and their dog, Bran, where she spends most of her time in her den writing stories. There, with her muse by her side, imagination has no boundaries and dreams come alive. When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard she can be found reading, rowing, or trying to perfect her golf game, which she fears is a lost cause.