THE RASNER EFFECT
by Mark Rosendorf
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180849
Tradeback, 348 pages $18.95
Genre: Thriller
Two men, one connected to a terrorist group called the Duke Organization and the other hired to obliterate it, survive a bridge explosion while battling one another. Seven years later, Rick Rasner, an unwitting participant in a secret military experiment, has no memory of his life prior to the explosion. Jake Scarberry, living a mundane, unsatisfactory existence under the witness protection program, misses the excitement of his past life. Rick takes a job as a counselor at a children’s psychiatric residence where he connects with one of the patients, 15-year-old Clara Blue, whose volatile temperament keeps her in trouble with the sadistic director. Scarberry resides in a college town, working low-paying jobs and trying to stay out of trouble. Both men, feeling out of place and adrift, are unaware the Duke Organization is about to resurface, which will bring them full circle to their past adversarial positions, each intent on the destruction of the other.
Rosendorf delivers plenty of nail-biting suspense along with chillingly evil characters and a thrilling plot as two opposing forces clash and re-clash in a battle to the death. Is this good versus evil or evil versus evil? The reader will have to make that decision while enjoying a galvanizing psychological suspense.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
THE RASNER EFFECT
THE RASNER EFFECT
by Mark Rosendorf
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180849
Tradeback, 348 pages $18.95
Genre: Thriller
Two men, one connected to a terrorist group called the Duke Organization and the other hired to obliterate it, survive a bridge explosion while battling one another. Seven years later, Rick Rasner, an unwitting participant in a secret military experiment, has no memory of his life prior to the explosion. Jake Scarberry, living a mundane, unsatisfactory existence under the witness protection program, misses the excitement of his past life. Rick takes a job as a counselor at a children’s psychiatric residence where he connects with one of the patients, 15-year-old Clara Blue, whose volatile temperament keeps her in trouble with the sadistic director. Scarberry resides in a college town, working low-paying jobs and trying to stay out of trouble. Both men, feeling out of place and adrift, are unaware the Duke Organization is about to resurface, which will bring them full circle to their past adversarial positions, each intent on the destruction of the other.
Rosendorf delivers plenty of nail-biting suspense along with chillingly evil characters and a thrilling plot as two opposing forces clash and re-clash in a battle to the death. Is this good versus evil or evil versus evil? The reader will have to make that decision while enjoying a galvanizing psychological suspense.
by Mark Rosendorf
L&L Dreamspell
www.lldreamspell.com
ISBN: 9781603180849
Tradeback, 348 pages $18.95
Genre: Thriller
Two men, one connected to a terrorist group called the Duke Organization and the other hired to obliterate it, survive a bridge explosion while battling one another. Seven years later, Rick Rasner, an unwitting participant in a secret military experiment, has no memory of his life prior to the explosion. Jake Scarberry, living a mundane, unsatisfactory existence under the witness protection program, misses the excitement of his past life. Rick takes a job as a counselor at a children’s psychiatric residence where he connects with one of the patients, 15-year-old Clara Blue, whose volatile temperament keeps her in trouble with the sadistic director. Scarberry resides in a college town, working low-paying jobs and trying to stay out of trouble. Both men, feeling out of place and adrift, are unaware the Duke Organization is about to resurface, which will bring them full circle to their past adversarial positions, each intent on the destruction of the other.
Rosendorf delivers plenty of nail-biting suspense along with chillingly evil characters and a thrilling plot as two opposing forces clash and re-clash in a battle to the death. Is this good versus evil or evil versus evil? The reader will have to make that decision while enjoying a galvanizing psychological suspense.
CURSE OF THE SPELLMANS
CURSE OF THE SPELLMANS
by Lisa Lutz
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 9781416532415
Hardback, 410 pages, $25.00
Genre: Mystery
Izzy Spellman works for her parents’ private investigative service, where family members are acting strangely. Izzy’s brother, David, a lawyer, has resorted to staying home, watching TV in his pajamas and eating junk food. Her father, Albert, is sneaking out of the house at all hours, returning with wet hair, while her mom, Olivia, is sneaking out of the house in early-morning hours and wreaking havoc on a motorbike. Her sister, Rae, runs over SFPD Inspector Henry Stone, her one and only friend. When a good-looking man moves in next door to her parents, Izzy intends to make him ex-boyfriend number 11. The two begin dating, but Izzy is intrigued by the man’s common name, John Brown, and that he keeps a room in his apartment locked. Izzy decides to investigate Brown and becomes suspicious that she can’t find out any real information concerning him. She manages to convince herself he’s up to no good and begins following him and breaking into his apartment, which lands her in jail four different times, although she claims two don’t count.
The Spellmans are a hoot, and although this is considered a mystery, it’s actually more about the characters and their interactions. This is a fast read, with short chapters, written from Izzy’s point of view. The Stone and Spellman Show Episodes are hilarious and the footnotes are ingenious, as is the Appendix. A refreshing take on the mystery genre, and a book guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs.
by Lisa Lutz
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 9781416532415
Hardback, 410 pages, $25.00
Genre: Mystery
Izzy Spellman works for her parents’ private investigative service, where family members are acting strangely. Izzy’s brother, David, a lawyer, has resorted to staying home, watching TV in his pajamas and eating junk food. Her father, Albert, is sneaking out of the house at all hours, returning with wet hair, while her mom, Olivia, is sneaking out of the house in early-morning hours and wreaking havoc on a motorbike. Her sister, Rae, runs over SFPD Inspector Henry Stone, her one and only friend. When a good-looking man moves in next door to her parents, Izzy intends to make him ex-boyfriend number 11. The two begin dating, but Izzy is intrigued by the man’s common name, John Brown, and that he keeps a room in his apartment locked. Izzy decides to investigate Brown and becomes suspicious that she can’t find out any real information concerning him. She manages to convince herself he’s up to no good and begins following him and breaking into his apartment, which lands her in jail four different times, although she claims two don’t count.
The Spellmans are a hoot, and although this is considered a mystery, it’s actually more about the characters and their interactions. This is a fast read, with short chapters, written from Izzy’s point of view. The Stone and Spellman Show Episodes are hilarious and the footnotes are ingenious, as is the Appendix. A refreshing take on the mystery genre, and a book guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs.
DEATH'S WITNESS
DEATH’S WITNESS
by Paul Batista
Sourcebooks Inc.
P.O. Box 4410
Naperville, IL 60567-4410
www.sourcebooks.com
ISBN: 9781402206658
Hardback, 313 pages, $24.95
Genre: Mystery
Former Heisman winner turned lawyer Tom Perini is shot at close range while jogging in Central Park. Perini had been part of the defense team for Congressman Danny Fonseca, who is being tried on charges of bribery. Perini’s wife Julie is questioned by FBI agent John McGlynn, who leaves Julie with the impression that he is not willing to put much effort into finding her husband’s killer. Julie decides to use her skills as a journalist to begin her own investigation into her husband’s death and starts with his case files. Subsequently, Perini’s client Selig Klein, an alleged mobster, is gunned down, and Julie is sure the two murders are connected and that somehow McGlynn is involved. When the FBI subpoenas her husband’s files, hinting they believe he was involved with money laundering, Julie implores Tom’s defense partner Vincent Sorrentino to help her stop McGlynn from ruining her husband’s reputation. What the two discover is not only shocking but may be the only way to save the lives of Julie and her daughter.
Death’s Witness is the debut novel for Paul Batista, criminal defense attorney and media pundit. The mystery, although easily solved, is filled with twist and turns, and Batista entertains the reader with an onslaught of red herrings to consider. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, this is overall a good read.
by Paul Batista
Sourcebooks Inc.
P.O. Box 4410
Naperville, IL 60567-4410
www.sourcebooks.com
ISBN: 9781402206658
Hardback, 313 pages, $24.95
Genre: Mystery
Former Heisman winner turned lawyer Tom Perini is shot at close range while jogging in Central Park. Perini had been part of the defense team for Congressman Danny Fonseca, who is being tried on charges of bribery. Perini’s wife Julie is questioned by FBI agent John McGlynn, who leaves Julie with the impression that he is not willing to put much effort into finding her husband’s killer. Julie decides to use her skills as a journalist to begin her own investigation into her husband’s death and starts with his case files. Subsequently, Perini’s client Selig Klein, an alleged mobster, is gunned down, and Julie is sure the two murders are connected and that somehow McGlynn is involved. When the FBI subpoenas her husband’s files, hinting they believe he was involved with money laundering, Julie implores Tom’s defense partner Vincent Sorrentino to help her stop McGlynn from ruining her husband’s reputation. What the two discover is not only shocking but may be the only way to save the lives of Julie and her daughter.
Death’s Witness is the debut novel for Paul Batista, criminal defense attorney and media pundit. The mystery, although easily solved, is filled with twist and turns, and Batista entertains the reader with an onslaught of red herrings to consider. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, this is overall a good read.
STRANGER IN PARADISE
STRANGER IN PARADISE
by Jackie Griffey
Five Star
295 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Waterville, Maine 04901
ISBN: 9781594147531
Hardcover, 258 pages, $25.95
Genre: Romance
Raised by her Aunt Sophie, Laura Carroll lived a sheltered life until her aunt’s death, at which time, Laura is shocked to learn her aunt’s will stipulates that Laura must take an exotic vacation for a minimum of two weeks After much debate, Laura decides to go to Isla Verde, a tiny island off Puerto Rico. There, she meets Esteban, a man she is attracted to who does not speak English. The two manage to overcome this barrier using hand signals and speaking the few foreign words they know. In a short time, they realize they are in love but Esteban receives a mysterious message and signals to Laura he must go but will return. When Laura’s stay is up, she has not heard from him and returns home, determined to get over her love for Esteban. Circumstances take her to Hawaii, where she meets a man she recognizes from Isla Verde and finds her life in danger due to her relationship with Esteban.
Jackie Griffey delivers a sweet romance touched with a bit of mystery and topped off with thrilling adventure. The chemistry between Laura and Esteban is nicely portrayed, and the reader will root for the two lovers to find a way to be together. The story moves along at a nice pace, allowing the reader to experience the exotic locale and fall in love with the very likeable characters.
by Jackie Griffey
Five Star
295 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Waterville, Maine 04901
ISBN: 9781594147531
Hardcover, 258 pages, $25.95
Genre: Romance
Raised by her Aunt Sophie, Laura Carroll lived a sheltered life until her aunt’s death, at which time, Laura is shocked to learn her aunt’s will stipulates that Laura must take an exotic vacation for a minimum of two weeks After much debate, Laura decides to go to Isla Verde, a tiny island off Puerto Rico. There, she meets Esteban, a man she is attracted to who does not speak English. The two manage to overcome this barrier using hand signals and speaking the few foreign words they know. In a short time, they realize they are in love but Esteban receives a mysterious message and signals to Laura he must go but will return. When Laura’s stay is up, she has not heard from him and returns home, determined to get over her love for Esteban. Circumstances take her to Hawaii, where she meets a man she recognizes from Isla Verde and finds her life in danger due to her relationship with Esteban.
Jackie Griffey delivers a sweet romance touched with a bit of mystery and topped off with thrilling adventure. The chemistry between Laura and Esteban is nicely portrayed, and the reader will root for the two lovers to find a way to be together. The story moves along at a nice pace, allowing the reader to experience the exotic locale and fall in love with the very likeable characters.
STRANGERS IN DEATH
STRANGERS IN DEATH
by J. D. Robb
G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Group
New York, New York
ISBN: 9780399154706
Hardback, 356 pages, $25.95
Genre: Mystery
Lt. Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Department is called to the scene of a murder where it appears philanthropist Thomas Anders died during a kinky sexual encounter. Evidence suggests the victim was sedated at the time of his demise and a lapse in the security system’s recordings signifies this was not an accidental death. Eve quickly hones in on a suspect but can find nothing to connect the killer to Anders at the time he died. But this doesn’t stop the lieutenant, who uses everyone at her disposal, including husband billionaire Roarke, as she meticulously unravels the mystery being Anders’s death.
This series attracts many fans, and for a good reason. Robb’s writing is tight, flows well, and she offers characters her fans have grown to love. The mystery is a good one, with plenty of twists and turns, and, as always, Eve Dallas’s intense personality and mindset pull the reader along with her as she seeks to resolve a mystery she takes personally.
by J. D. Robb
G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Penguin Group
New York, New York
ISBN: 9780399154706
Hardback, 356 pages, $25.95
Genre: Mystery
Lt. Eve Dallas of the New York Police and Security Department is called to the scene of a murder where it appears philanthropist Thomas Anders died during a kinky sexual encounter. Evidence suggests the victim was sedated at the time of his demise and a lapse in the security system’s recordings signifies this was not an accidental death. Eve quickly hones in on a suspect but can find nothing to connect the killer to Anders at the time he died. But this doesn’t stop the lieutenant, who uses everyone at her disposal, including husband billionaire Roarke, as she meticulously unravels the mystery being Anders’s death.
This series attracts many fans, and for a good reason. Robb’s writing is tight, flows well, and she offers characters her fans have grown to love. The mystery is a good one, with plenty of twists and turns, and, as always, Eve Dallas’s intense personality and mindset pull the reader along with her as she seeks to resolve a mystery she takes personally.
THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR
THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR
by Dean Koontz
ISBN: 9780553804829
Bantam Books/Random House
www.randomhouse.com
Paperback, 480 pages, $7.99
Genre: Thriller
Amy Redwing, former victim of an abusive relationship, devotes her life to running a
rescue organization for golden retrievers, where she searches for the perfect forever home for the abandoned ones and seeks treatment and rehabilitation for the abused and neglected ones. When Amy and her boyfriend, architect Brian McCarthy attempt to rescue a golden named Nickie, they find themselves in the middle of a domestic dispute. Amy senses a connection to Nickie and decides to keep her, unknowing that a chain of events are occurring which will lead Amy and Brian back to traumatic events of their past lives and into extreme danger, and that Nickie may be the only one to save them.
Koontz has been described as a master storyteller and this reviewer agrees. His love for dogs shines through with this book and enhances the story. The plot moves at a fast pace, with plenty of evil characters to entertain thrill-seekers, buffeted by Amy and Brian’s love for one another and for dogs. Excellent book.
by Dean Koontz
ISBN: 9780553804829
Bantam Books/Random House
www.randomhouse.com
Paperback, 480 pages, $7.99
Genre: Thriller
Amy Redwing, former victim of an abusive relationship, devotes her life to running a
rescue organization for golden retrievers, where she searches for the perfect forever home for the abandoned ones and seeks treatment and rehabilitation for the abused and neglected ones. When Amy and her boyfriend, architect Brian McCarthy attempt to rescue a golden named Nickie, they find themselves in the middle of a domestic dispute. Amy senses a connection to Nickie and decides to keep her, unknowing that a chain of events are occurring which will lead Amy and Brian back to traumatic events of their past lives and into extreme danger, and that Nickie may be the only one to save them.
Koontz has been described as a master storyteller and this reviewer agrees. His love for dogs shines through with this book and enhances the story. The plot moves at a fast pace, with plenty of evil characters to entertain thrill-seekers, buffeted by Amy and Brian’s love for one another and for dogs. Excellent book.
THE HUSBAND
THE HUSBAND
by Dean Koontz
Bantam Books
www.bantamdell.com
ISBN 9780553804799
Hardback, 400 pages, $27
Genre: Mystery
Mitchell Rafferty’s happy living a middle-class life. He owns his own landscaping company and is deeply in love with his wife Holly. Mitch is somewhat amazed everything seems so normal for him, considering the way he and his four siblings were raised by his nontraditional parents. But his world tilts off balance with one phone call, the man on the other end of the line telling him he has his wife and she will be killed unless Mitch can raise two million dollars within 70 hours. Mitch knows he can’t go to the cops because the kidnappers seem to know his every move, so turns to his older brother Anson. Anson assures Mitch he can get the money, but Mitch’s world crumbles when Anson betrays him. From that point on, Mitch is on his own and will do whatever it takes to return Holly safely to him.
From page one, the book is packed with suspense and action, keeping the reader riveted to the story and rooting for Mitch to overcome obstacle after obstacle as he tries to find a way to save Holly. As always, characterization is excellent; no one does evil characters better than Koontz, nor the sweet romance between a good man and woman. Consider this another great book by the master of fiction.
by Dean Koontz
Bantam Books
www.bantamdell.com
ISBN 9780553804799
Hardback, 400 pages, $27
Genre: Mystery
Mitchell Rafferty’s happy living a middle-class life. He owns his own landscaping company and is deeply in love with his wife Holly. Mitch is somewhat amazed everything seems so normal for him, considering the way he and his four siblings were raised by his nontraditional parents. But his world tilts off balance with one phone call, the man on the other end of the line telling him he has his wife and she will be killed unless Mitch can raise two million dollars within 70 hours. Mitch knows he can’t go to the cops because the kidnappers seem to know his every move, so turns to his older brother Anson. Anson assures Mitch he can get the money, but Mitch’s world crumbles when Anson betrays him. From that point on, Mitch is on his own and will do whatever it takes to return Holly safely to him.
From page one, the book is packed with suspense and action, keeping the reader riveted to the story and rooting for Mitch to overcome obstacle after obstacle as he tries to find a way to save Holly. As always, characterization is excellent; no one does evil characters better than Koontz, nor the sweet romance between a good man and woman. Consider this another great book by the master of fiction.
THE SUREST POISON
THE SUREST POISON
by Chester D. Campbell
Night Shadows Press
8987 E. Tanque Verde #309-135
Tucson, AZ 85749-9399
www.nightshadowspress.com
ISBN: 9780979916786
Tradeback, 272 pages, $15.95
Genre: Mystery
Former police chief turned private investigator Sid Chance is hired by a businessman who’s being sued for a chemical spill on a piece of property he owns. People in the surrounding area have been suffering from physical disorders and the water supply has been polluted. The businessman, however, claims the spill was left by a former company that occupied that parcel. With the help of his good friend, business owner and computer whiz Jaz LeMieux, Sid tries to find the owners of an auto parts rehab business that operated at that location for several years, but everyone seems to have disappeared, including former employees. And the few employees he does manage to unearth either die suspiciously or are too terrified to speak to him. As Sid doggedly pursues the case, he is threatened to back off, but when he doesn’t comply, finds his life in mortal danger.
The pairing of Sid and Jaz makes for a dynamic investigative team. Both have their own unique talents and skills to bring to the table, and their chemistry as a team is appealing. Campbell delivers a tough-to-solve mystery, with plenty of red herrings and enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages.
by Chester D. Campbell
Night Shadows Press
8987 E. Tanque Verde #309-135
Tucson, AZ 85749-9399
www.nightshadowspress.com
ISBN: 9780979916786
Tradeback, 272 pages, $15.95
Genre: Mystery
Former police chief turned private investigator Sid Chance is hired by a businessman who’s being sued for a chemical spill on a piece of property he owns. People in the surrounding area have been suffering from physical disorders and the water supply has been polluted. The businessman, however, claims the spill was left by a former company that occupied that parcel. With the help of his good friend, business owner and computer whiz Jaz LeMieux, Sid tries to find the owners of an auto parts rehab business that operated at that location for several years, but everyone seems to have disappeared, including former employees. And the few employees he does manage to unearth either die suspiciously or are too terrified to speak to him. As Sid doggedly pursues the case, he is threatened to back off, but when he doesn’t comply, finds his life in mortal danger.
The pairing of Sid and Jaz makes for a dynamic investigative team. Both have their own unique talents and skills to bring to the table, and their chemistry as a team is appealing. Campbell delivers a tough-to-solve mystery, with plenty of red herrings and enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages.
REAL COUNTRY: FROM THE FAST TRACK TO APPALACHIA
REAL COUNTRY:
FROM THE FAST TRACK TO APPALACHIA
by Leslie Brunetsky
Mill City Press
212 3rd Avenue North Suite 570
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.millcitypublishing.com
ISBN: 9781934937488
Tradeback, 172 pages, $13.95
Genre: Humor
Life partners Leslie and Hope lived a busy life near Washington DC, working long hours and spending much of their commuting time stuck in traffic. Leslie had always dreamed of living in the mountains so the two decided to find property on a mountain and build a log cabin there once Leslie retired. After much research, they settled on the Appalachian region in North Carolina and spent the next five years counting the days. Once Leslie retired, they moved to a temporary house while their own log cabin was being built, and Leslie began sending epistles to family and friends updating them on the progress of their dream home and their transition to living in the Bible Belt surrounded by Republicans.
The two, unused to Southern speak, struggle to understand what is being said to them while trying to acclimate to a more leisurely lifestyle. Nicknaming themselves the Two Stooges Construction Company, they are challenged with trying to figure out how to put furniture together and put up a mailbox while dealing with mice that have taken up residence in their attic. On top of which, their new home seems jinxed, with a washing machine that won’t stop dancing and an oven that quits in the middle of baking.
Real Country is based on the real-life experiences of two Northern women trying to blend into the Appalachian way of life and be accepted by its populace. The author’s witty style will bring plenty of laughs via her characters’ reactions to a totally unfamiliar culture and its divergent perspectives relating to most aspects of life, including religion, politics, and social dynamics. Highly recommended.
FROM THE FAST TRACK TO APPALACHIA
by Leslie Brunetsky
Mill City Press
212 3rd Avenue North Suite 570
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.millcitypublishing.com
ISBN: 9781934937488
Tradeback, 172 pages, $13.95
Genre: Humor
Life partners Leslie and Hope lived a busy life near Washington DC, working long hours and spending much of their commuting time stuck in traffic. Leslie had always dreamed of living in the mountains so the two decided to find property on a mountain and build a log cabin there once Leslie retired. After much research, they settled on the Appalachian region in North Carolina and spent the next five years counting the days. Once Leslie retired, they moved to a temporary house while their own log cabin was being built, and Leslie began sending epistles to family and friends updating them on the progress of their dream home and their transition to living in the Bible Belt surrounded by Republicans.
The two, unused to Southern speak, struggle to understand what is being said to them while trying to acclimate to a more leisurely lifestyle. Nicknaming themselves the Two Stooges Construction Company, they are challenged with trying to figure out how to put furniture together and put up a mailbox while dealing with mice that have taken up residence in their attic. On top of which, their new home seems jinxed, with a washing machine that won’t stop dancing and an oven that quits in the middle of baking.
Real Country is based on the real-life experiences of two Northern women trying to blend into the Appalachian way of life and be accepted by its populace. The author’s witty style will bring plenty of laughs via her characters’ reactions to a totally unfamiliar culture and its divergent perspectives relating to most aspects of life, including religion, politics, and social dynamics. Highly recommended.
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