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.
Twitter handle: @TheIWSG
Hashtag: #IWSG
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The
awesome co-hosts this month are: Shannon Lawrence, Olga Godim, Jean Davis, and Jacqui Murray!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post.
These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience
or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it
inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional
Since I didn't post last month, and I don't think that's every happened before, I'm posting last month's question: December 3 question - As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?
My best gift was from good bud, D.L. Finn. What a fun gift.
November/December/January
Reviews in no particular order.
*
Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor
them into my review.
THE
HOUSE AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Dean Koontz
I
avoid horror which is one of the reasons I’ve stayed away from Dean Koontz. My
mistake😊 This is the second
book of his I’ve read and it was amazing.
I’d definitely classify this as a suspense thriller, with maybe a tad
bit of horror thrown in.
The
premise is based on a young woman who moves to a fortress-style home to be
alone after suffering a devastating loss only to find herself in a life and
death battle that if she and a young friend lose, so could the world.
What
really impressed me about the read was what a satisfying ending this story
had. It’s one of those rare books that
leaves you feeling good when you finish it.
It’s so much more than I was expecting.
I fully intend to read more of Koontz’s work.
Available at Amazon
A
KILLING IN RIO VISTA by Peter Bradbury
Julie
Morales is a police officer in the small town of Rio Vista. When a gruesome
murder is discovered, it’s left to her and her partner to solve the crime.
I
didn’t realize this wasn’t the first in the series when I purchased it, but it
turned out to be a great stand alone. I had no problems with following the plot
or the characters—which by the way are fleshed out and well-developed.
I
enjoyed the read and recommend it for folks who like small town murder
mysteries, police procedurals and women sleuths. Kick back and enjoy.
Available at Amazon
THE
SHIP by MK Alexander
This
is the first in a series of five steampunk/sci-fi/space fleet fiction AND a fun
read.
After
their ship is attacked, Ensign York must journey from the bowels of the ship—one
of the largest in the known world—to the bridge. In what should be a straight
forward trek, he and a fascinating young woman encounter intruders, saboteurs
and people in need of rescuing, while trying to reach the captain.
As
with all MK’s books, the characters are well-rounded and developed. The conversation witty and tinged with humor,
and the world building top notch.
THE
SHIP is recommended for all MK Alexander fans and readers of steampunk and
fleet fiction.
I
look forward to the next in the series.
Available at Amazon
SILENT
HEROES by Patricia Furstenberg
A
tale steeped in history and heroes.
This
is the second book of Ms. Furstenberg I’ve read and what has struck me about both
narratives is the amount of painstaking research that goes into her stories. In HEROES, there is vast quantities of
information on not only Afghanistan and Afghan culture, but on the U.S.
military and the working and training of their service dogs. A fiction told
with much heart, it gives the reader a window into the world of the people
caught up in the horrors and brutality of war. It also shows the deep love
between the marines and their dogs and the comradery shared among the soldiers
even in times of terror.
Recommended
for those who are fascinated by history, different cultures, military history
and military dogs. Available at Amazon
NASH
FALLS by David Baldacci
My
rant review
This
may be his best book yet. It’s riveting, keeps you turning pages and has at
least one twist that I’d be surprised if you saw it coming. That said, it
doesn’t have closure and leaves you hanging until the next book is released. I
can’t begin to say how much I loathe that. I don’t mind if the author dangles
some information that makes me want to read the next book at the end, but I
want closure when I finish a book and it ain’t-a-happening with this one. The
only thing I can think of that makes a cliffhanger (with no) ending acceptable
is if the author has so much to say in the story he just can’t get it done in
one book. Doesn’t mean I have to like it
though😊 Available at Amazon
AND
SOME DEBTS
ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD, but this one is written on the heart and, no matter the
danger, Alex will honor it.
Book Three of the Silverhills Series is available for preorder at Amazon
AND
Did you know, that before literary fame came calling, Harper Lee author of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, worked as an airline ticket clerk?
10 Facts About Harper Lee | History Hit
