Showing posts with label Hoag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hoag. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

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.

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG   

Hashtag: #IWSG.


The awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine! 

Thanks so much for co-hosting.

 
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!

June 7 question - If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with? I didn’t even have to think about this one, I’d spend more time reading and gaming. Notice I didn't mention house or yardwork.
😊 What about you?

May/June Reviews in no particular order.

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

 

IN DARKNESS: THE SHARK by L. Diane Wolfe

 

This was such a fun read and a different twist on an old tale.

Jewels is a loner, her only interest, the ocean and marine biology. It’s not that she doesn’t like people but she’s been hurt and doesn’t want to be again. Then her life turns upside down and she cautiously learns to trust again when a shark becomes her new best friend.

Recommended for those who love sea life and a heartwarming ending. 

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

TRADs

 

HIGH PROFILE BY Robert B. Parker

This is the sixth in the Jesse Stone series.

A controversial talk show host is found hanging from a tree in Paradise and it’s not suicide. Shortly  thereafter, an unknown woman is also found murdered in Jesse’s town, giving him two perplexing crimes to solve.

Another good read. On to number seven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEA CHANGE by Robert Parker

This is the fifth in the Jesse Stone series. A body washes up on shore at Paradise which leads to an investigation that takes a turn into depravity. 

Spoiler Alert. This story touches on the uncomfortable topic of incest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci

 

David Baldacci is a world class author and after I got into it, this book held my attention with suspenseful twists and turns. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the opener. After reading three pages I put it down and would have never gone back to it if I’d had more reading material. The story is about a work from home mom and opens with the protagonist’s toddler hurling vomit chunks on her. Seriously? Been there. Done that. Not my idea of escapism reading.  AND a spoiler alert: there is mention of a cat being tortured. Something else I can do without reading.

Once past the opener though, and if it weren’t for the mention of the above spoiler alert, the story unfolded with a complex plot and interesting characters and turned in to an immersive read. If anyone else out there has read it, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

 

SAVING FAITH by David Baldacci

 

Lee Adams is a PI that finds himself on the run with a woman who the FBI desperately wants to interview for a corruption case.  Also chasing them is a killer who wants to silence them both.

I enjoyed this one. Though, there was one scene where the protagonist stopped just short of rape with the female character. I didn’t see where that added anything to the story, nor do I like it on general principal. Overall, though, a good read.

 

 

 

 

 

STONE COLD by Robert B. Parker

 

This is the fourth in the Jesse Stone series. Jesse is Chief of Police in Paradise, MA. He’s a cop and a darn good one. He has two addictions, alcohol and his ex-wife.

In this book, two serial killers come to Paradise. One of the people they kill is a woman Jesse dated and their next mark is Jesse himself.

So far, each book in this series has delivered and Stone Cold is no exception.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIGHT SINS by Tami Hoag

 

This is book one in the Deer Lake Series.  Like the last two books I read by Hoag the suspense is tight and tense. Unlike the other two, it has a steamy romance running through it. If you like your murder mysteries straight up with no romance this may not be the series for you. If you like your mysteries with heat, this is one you’ll probably enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUILTY AS SIN by Tami Hoag

 

The saga of a shattering kidnapping in a small Minnesota town continues. This time the story focuses on Ellen North, Assistant County Attorney and Jay Butler Brooks, a true crime writer.   

Of everything I’ve read by Ms. Hoag, I found Brooks’ character to be the most fascinating. His character packs a high dose of sex appeal even on the written page. As always Hoag’s writing is tense and tight. Even though I find the subject of kidnapping, especially where children are concerned disturbing, the book held my attention all the way.

 

 

 

 

 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS by Harlow Giles Unger

 

It’s always interesting finding out about our forefathers and what went on in the past. I’m a fan of Harlow Giles Unger and feel he does a good job of bringing the past to life. For me the last couple of chapters of this book were the most fascinating. John Quincy wasn’t a popular president but after he left office, he became  a congressman and the champion of the people. He was a patriot through and through and while in congress would challenge either side of the aisle if he felt they were wrong.   I got the impression if he’d put in half the time and energy into his marriage as he did politics, he would have made Louisa’s life much easier.

 

 

 

Got books? 



 

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

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.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Diane Burton, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!


May 3 question - When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Since my muse is regularly flitting off on vacay, I don't have an answer.
 

 

April/May Reviews in no particular order.

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

 

 

 

BEST SERVED COLD: A Tony Razzolito PI Story by Joe Congel

 

This is the fourth in the Razzman Series and every bit as good as the first three. Once again Razz and his partner are working with the police pro bono to solve a high-profile murder of a Charlotte Wildcats ball player. Adding to the drama, the M.O. is the same as another unsolved high-profile murder and a third with even less of a connection.

The mystery between the murders deepens as the story progresses.

The author has done a wonderful job of developing relatable, likeable characters. The Razzman is a gumshoe with a bit of an ego and a heart of gold, in love with one woman and loyal to his friends. My favorite secondary character is Vinnie with his Brooklyn accent, questionable dealings and love of pizza. He is also another character who is loyal to his friends.

The world building is spot on, making it easy to lose yourself on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The story line held my interest from beginning to end.

A well-rounded enjoyable read, that I can highly recommend. Mr. Congel, when can we expect number five? 

Available at Amazon

 

 

IN THE TREE’S SHADOW By D. L. Finn

 

In this collection of paranormal shorts, the author shows her versatility as she weaves through a variety of subjects with ease. Her stories include humans, creatures and aliens; encompass Christmas gifts and monsters and many what ifs, including tales of civil war. A scary subject given today’s environment.

Out of the many offerings, I had several favorites:  The Bike. The Dolphin. This Journey. The Bench. AND End of the Road had a surprise ending that made me chuckle.

One of my favorite descriptive sentences was in It’s Only a Dream: ‘Dark blood flowed out in all directions on the beige carpet like a malicious flower.’

If you are ready to be entertained and awed, as I was, I suggest you put the coffee on, your feet up, kick back and enjoy

 Available at Amazon

 

 

CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE by Jacquie Biggar

 

An alpha male and a sassy female.

Sophia left the ranch behind, for a degree and the big city, to prove to her brothers and the man she loved she could stand on her own two feet. Now she’s back and determined to save the ranch, which the family is in jeopardy of losing.

Told with her usual warmth and style, Ms. Biggar once again explores human relationships and gives us a heartwarming tale in the process. Another winning Biggar romance.

This is the second in the Gambling Hearts series but can be read as a stand alone.

Available at  Amazon

 

 

 

 

REDEMPTION by Gwen Plano

A psychological thriller

 

A psychological thriller, this story centers around a sister and brother trying to discover who murdered their father and why. As layers are peeled away, they make shocking discoveries about him and learn heartbreaking secrets about their mother. But above all they learn about redemption.

With no unnecessary verbiage to slow it down, the author keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. Her characters are well-developed. And her world building is spot on.

REDEMPTION is told in third-person, present-tense.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

SEVEN SISTERS, #1 in Series, by M. L. Bullock

This is the first book in the Seven Sisters Series.

Carrie Jo has a unique talent, or curse. She revisits history in her dreams. And now that she is working in a Southern antebellum mansion, the nightmarish dreams of a missing heiress are coming hard and fast.

I found the book to have an interesting premise and the way that the protagonist falls back in time in the dreams is well handled. My only complaint is that it ends on a cliff-hanger with no closure. If you want the answer, you have to buy the next book. This is just a personal nit of mine. I know a lot of authors set up their series this way. I just prefer closure with something intriguing enough to pique my interest for the next story, but that aside it’s a good read with over five thousand ratings.

Available at  Amazon

 

REVELATION OF LOVE (Influenced Book 3) by Patricia Lynne

 

Life needs the dark to balance the light. Angels and devils sit on our shoulders and influence our decisions.

When Kemuel sacrifices his angelic powers to go to earth and check on the influencers, he soon realizes that maybe not all demons are bad and that just maybe the angels are out of touch.

A fun, whimsical read. Recommended.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMEGA QUEEN, Box Set 1-3 (Omega Queen Series) by W. J. May

 

Three best friends, a princess, a fae and a vampire, leave safety and home to fulfill a prophecy and save their world. The first three books are: Discipline, Bravery and Courage. This has been a well-received YA fantasy series. My only complaint, and complaint is too strong a word, I would have liked just a little more showing and less telling, but nonetheless an enjoyable read. Recommended.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRADS:

 

DARK HORSE by Tami Hoag

When it comes to thrillers Tami Hoag is a master. Some of the scenes are a little more graphic than I’d like but she certainly holds my attention and makes for a read that’s hard to put down. 

A former police officer who is working as a groom and fighting her own demons, finds herself in the middle of a murder that takes places in the luxurious Palm Beach horse world. The story builds to an exciting climax as the reader and heroine try to discover the killer. 

Available at Amazon 

 

ALIBI MAN by Tami Hoag

 

Protagonist Elena Estes story picks up where Dark Horse left off. Once again there’s a murder to solve and in the process, as usual, she manages to alienate friends and foes alike. As she did in Dark Horse, Hoag stomps down on the excitement pedal and doesn’t let up until the story’s end. Another edge-of-the seat read that kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. 

Available at Amazon

 

NIGHT PASSAGE by Robert B. Parker

 

This is the first in a series of twenty some-odd books centered around Chief of Police Jesse Stone, who cares too much and sometimes drinks too much. He’s got two addictions, alcohol and his ex-wife.

Jesse has been fired from his position on the LA police force for drinking. He applies for a position as Chief of Police in Paradise, MA. He shows up drunk for the interview and still gets the position and begins to wonder why. Instead of the easy gig—at least compared to LA—that he’d anticipated, he’s suddenly embroiled in mystery and murder and the murderer is coming next for him.

This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Parker. As soon as I finished it, I ordered the second in the series. He’s developed an excellent character that we can root for, a flawed human with heart, courage and a backbone of steel.

Available at  Amazon

 

TROUBLE IN PARADISE by Robert B. Parker

This is the second in the Jesse Stone Series and another winner. On to book three.

Available at Amazon

 

DEATH IN PARADISE by Robert B. Parker

Every bit as good as the first two.

Available at Amazon

 

What have you been reading (or writing)? See anything that appeals?