Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Writerly and IWSG Wednesday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.   

 

February/March Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

VIRTUALLY GONE A Julie Crenshaw Murder/Mystery by Jacquie Biggar

A steamy romantic suspense.

Once again, the author has written a tense romantic thriller that was hard to put down and kept me reading into the wee hours of the night.

Julie Crenshaw is an investigative reporter who is on the trail of a serial killer. The same serial killer that her cop boyfriend and his partner are after. All racing to discover the killer’s identity before he murders again and stepping on each other’s toes in the process.

Reading about the technology available to criminals and police alike both horrified and fascinated me.

As always, the author delivered. If you’re a Jacquie Biggar fan, like I am, or just appreciate an edge-of-your-seat yarn, you’re sure to enjoy this one. Just be sure to put the coffeepot on.

Available at Amazon

 

 

THE CLOCK IN MY MOTHER’S HOUSE and other stories by Annalisa Crawford

 

Exceptionally well-written shorts.

This was the first time I’ve read anything by this author and was amazed by her storytelling and writing abilities. She takes topics not frequently touched on and delves deep into the psyche of the characters. Several made me realize just how lucky I am to be alive and in decent health. For instance, Adventures in my Own Backyard: A story told from the perspective of a paraplegic who can’t speak.

Many of the tales are paranormal and take a dip in the dark side. Her well-crafted use of words creates fully developed characters and worlds a reader can easily step into. The stories flow seamlessly. All in all, a great read that I highly recommend.

Available at Amazon

 

 

ONE SOUL’S JOURNEY by Barbara Daniels Dena

 

As with the first book in the series, these offerings are drawn from the author’s life experiences and woven into fun fiction. They run the gambit from animal stories, to florist experiences, to shopping. The adventures ranging geographically from Illinois to Colorado. I particularly enjoyed the brief blurbs at the end of each tale explaining the origins of the story. If you loved Ms. Dena’s first work, you’ll relish this one. 

Available at Amazon


 

 

 

 

MUSIC SHALL UNTUNE THE SKY by Lou Kemp

 

The author takes an intriguing concept and turns it into an adventure-filled journey centered around an immortal magician, a professor and an automat, where murder and mayhem follow.  Both Jules Verne and Captain Nemo figure into the story.

For me the best part of this tale was the rich imagery. The author created an amazing backdrop that plopped the reader directly into the story. Such as: “The sun rose, glinting off the ornate cornices and brass crossbeams of the Prague Opera House.” And “In an alcove near the entrance, an elegant woman played a viola, and the music floated like errant flowers in the wind above the hushed tones and murmurs of the diners.”

For those that love steampunk this is a treasure.

Available at Amazon 



 What's your synonym for:

There is more than one meaning for this particular word.


 

 

25 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandra - teethly ... cheers Hilary

Andrew said...

I had to look up the word. I suggest nonsense, no toothy.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I had to look up the word too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That Voodoo you do!

Donna said...

At a loss here...lolol
That HooDoo you Do...? Lolol
hugs
Donna

diedre Knight said...

Hmm, bedeviled or bewitched?
Happy March, Sandra!

Valerie-Jael said...

Hmmm - like I feel just now! Hugs!

Christine said...

new to me

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I just got a kick out of the visual. Day of the Dead two months early.

Computer Tutor said...

Hoodoes... That's my word...

cleemckenzie said...

I thought it was a ritual practice based on folk magic probably from Africa. Love the colorful skulls. They remind me of El Die De Los Muertos.

Birgit said...

Hoodoo that you do thst voodoo so well...I need to make a doll and stick pins in it. I try it on putin.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Well done! You didn't miss it.

Christine said...

And good reviews

Sandra Cox said...

Hils, Definitely a toothy pic, isn't it?
Andrew, Good on you for looking it up. Nonsense, I get it:)
Natalie, Good on you too, for looking it up:)
Alex, Heh. Good one.

Lee said...

Thanks for the heads up! :)

Sandra Cox said...

Diedre, Both good choices.Happy March to you.
Donna, Heh. Hugs
Val, Have they been sticking needles in you again?
Christine, A new word for ya.
Elizabeth, Heh. Glad you like it.

Denise Covey said...

Doesn't hurt to look up words, does it? Thanks for the reviews. You shame me into writing some overdue ones.

Sandra Cox said...

Di, Definitely.
Lee, Good job. Glad you like the pic.
Birgit, I like it:)
Heh. Thanks, Alex;)
Christine, Thanks;)
Lee, Heads up. Heh.
Jacqui, And a good word it is too:)
Hey Denise, It sure doesn't:) Thanks for stopping by.

ashok said...

Good reviews

Sakuranko said...

Oh very interesting books

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thank you for mentioning my collection!

Sandra Cox said...

Thanks, Ashok.
They were all good, Sakuranko. Thanks for stopping by.
Entirely my pleasure, Annalisa. It's a great book.

Jeanie said...

Well. you are sending me to the dictionary! I've heard it a lot -- but I couldn't tell you a real definition!

J.Q. Rose said...

I'm here late, but better than never! What a great bunch of books--such a variety. And your reviews sure make me want to read every one of them! Thanks for sharing!