Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A DOG'S PURPOSE

A DOG’S PURPOSE
by W. Bruce Cameron
Tor-Forge
75 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
ISBN: 9780765326263

Toby, a mixed-breed pup, lives a feral life with his mother, brothers and sister until they are rescued by a woman who takes care of abandoned dogs. When she’s forced to shut her rescue down, Toby, suffering an injury, is euthanized. He’s reborn as Bailey, a golden retriever who finds a happy home with a young boy and lives a full life sharing adventures with the boy. When he dies, he reincarnates as Ellie, a female German shepherd trained as a search and rescue dog. Toby’s next reincarnation is as Buddy, a black Lab. In this lifetime, Toby/Buddy realizes each life he lived has brought him to this one and understands his true purpose as a dog.

This wonderful book is joyously heartwarming, humorous, and at times sad, so keep tissues nearby. Told from a dog’s perspective, A Dog’s Purpose illustrates the love and affection dogs have for their human companions and the lengths they will go to to protect and serve. As a dog lover and rescue worker, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Those who have dogs will find themselves left with a deeper understanding of their dog’s behavior and mindset and hopefully those who don’t will understand how a dog can positively impact their life and decide to rescue a dog and save a life. Absolutely one of the best dog books out there.

NO SUCH THING AS A SECRET

NO SUCH THING AS A SECRET
by Shelly Fredman
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200
Bloomington, Indiana
www.authorhouse.com
ISBN: 978-1420843811

Brandy Alexander headed for LA after her cop boyfriend dumped her, where she landed a job as (what she considers) a puff-piece reporter for a local TV station. Four years later, she’s back in Philadelphia for the wedding of her best friend. Brandy’s happy to be back with family and friends, but these warm feelings are short-lived when her good friend Johnny’s boat blows up while he’s onboard. Brandy suspects this is no accident, since Johnny confided in her that he had evidence related to the recent death of a gay man which he turned over to the police, on top of which, he thought he was being followed. But the cops don’t have the evidence, nor does the DA’s office. If that isn’t bad enough, Bobby DiCarlo, Brandy’s ex, seems to be involved in the cover-up. Brandy, determined to find the murderer, plays amateur sleuth which gets her in a world of trouble with her ex and an axe-wielding mystery man who keeps trying to kill her. She joins forces with just-this-side-of-the-law Nicholas Santiago, who’s so hot, Brandy sizzles every time she’s around him. Bodies pile up and suspects abound but will Brandy survive long enough to reveal the murderer?

If book one in the Brandy Alexander mystery series is any indication of what’s to follow, this series is a guaranteed bestseller. Fredman excels at characterization and is adept at pulling the reader into the story so that they will feel as if they’re part of the gang, along for the ride. Brandy Alexander is a refreshing character, a girl-next-door type who doesn’t seem to realize the impact she has on others. No crazy diets for this girl, she’s a sweets-lover through and through and not afraid to prove it. Dialogue is so realistic, readers will think they’re in Philly enjoying all the great food and locales. First-person narrative is witty and entertaining, leading to lots of laughter. The chemistry between Brandy and Bobby and Brandy and Nicholas is teasing and fun. The plot is thick with suspects and readers will be challenged to solve the mystery. All in all, an outstanding debut for this entertaining series.

NO SUCH THING AS A SECRET

NO SUCH THING AS A SECRET
by Shelly Fredman
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200
Bloomington, Indiana
www.authorhouse.com
ISBN: 978-1420843811

Brandy Alexander headed for LA after her cop boyfriend dumped her, where she landed a job as (what she considers) a puff-piece reporter for a local TV station. Four years later, she’s back in Philadelphia for the wedding of her best friend. Brandy’s happy to be back with family and friends, but these warm feelings are short-lived when her good friend Johnny’s boat blows up while he’s onboard. Brandy suspects this is no accident, since Johnny confided in her that he had evidence related to the recent death of a gay man which he turned over to the police, on top of which, he thought he was being followed. But the cops don’t have the evidence, nor does the DA’s office. If that isn’t bad enough, Bobby DiCarlo, Brandy’s ex, seems to be involved in the cover-up. Brandy, determined to find the murderer, plays amateur sleuth which gets her in a world of trouble with her ex and an axe-wielding mystery man who keeps trying to kill her. She joins forces with just-this-side-of-the-law Nicholas Santiago, who’s so hot, Brandy sizzles every time she’s around him. Bodies pile up and suspects abound but will Brandy survive long enough to reveal the murderer?

If book one in the Brandy Alexander mystery series is any indication of what’s to follow, this series is a guaranteed bestseller. Fredman excels at characterization and is adept at pulling the reader into the story so that they will feel as if they’re part of the gang, along for the ride. Brandy Alexander is a refreshing character, a girl-next-door type who doesn’t seem to realize the impact she has on others. No crazy diets for this girl, she’s a sweets-lover through and through and not afraid to prove it. Dialogue is so realistic, readers will think they’re in Philly enjoying all the great food and locales. First-person narrative is witty and entertaining, leading to lots of laughter. The chemistry between Brandy and Bobby and Brandy and Nicholas is teasing and fun. The plot is thick with suspects and readers will be challenged to solve the mystery. All in all, an outstanding debut for this entertaining series.

THE NIGHT KILLER

THE NIGHT KILLER:
A DIANE FALLON FORENSIC INVESTIGATION
by BeverlyConnor
Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
http://us.penguingroup.com
ISBN: 978-0451229601

Forensic anthropologist Dr. Diane Fallon, director of the RiverTrail Museum of Natural History and the Rosewood, GA crime lab, is returning from a trip to the mountains of Rendell County, Georgia where she arranged for the loan of an arrowhead collection from Roy Barre. Diane’s SUV is struck by a tree during a storm and a skeleton rolls across the hood of her car. Unsettled by this, Diane gets out of her vehicle and is accosted by a stranger. She escapes into the forest, pursued by the stranger’s dogs. Diane meets up with a man who tells her he had been taking photographs when he heard the commotion and offers his aid. When Diane refuses his help, he loans her his poncho and knife and agrees to call the police. Diane makes her way back to the Barre place, only to find Roy Barre and his wife have been brutally murdered. From that point on, Diane is involved in two separate cases: identifying the human bones in the tree that hit her SUV and finding the murderer of the Barres. But the sheriff of Rendell County isn’t making things easy for her when he orders her out of his county and off the case. Even worse, the killer soon murders another couple and appears to have targeted Diane.

Beverly Connor’s versatile thriller will appeal to readers on many levels. Her incorporation of forensics, geology and anthropology into an intriguing plot creates an excellent whodunit. Connor tackles complicated forensics in several different fields, but her straightforward, didactic narrative not only proves intriguing and entertaining but easy to follow and understand. Connor’s smart writing, evolving characters, captivating storylines, and fascinating forensics ensure this series’ continued popularity.

MERRYWINDS

MERRYWINDS
A DOWRY GIRLS ADVENTURE
by Jackie Griffey
Five Star
ISBN: 9781594149207

Good friends Gwenneth Hume and Patience O’Connor are fast approaching marrying age but there are no acceptable suitors in their small English community. Gwenneth’s father owns an inn, where Gwenneth helps out, and Patience, an orphan, lives in a convent, where she trained as a midwife but must leave within the year. When they hear of an offer for young women to sail to America for free passage in exchange for marrying within a specified time limit, they sign up with a French shipping company and set sail on the Merrywinds to the New World. During the voyage, the young women’s skills are put to good use: Gwenneth takes over when the cook falls ill and Patience helps treat the sick and injured. Before they reach their destination, each young woman has met the man she wishes to marry but will the seas keep them apart?

Jackie Griffey has penned an enchanting historical romance. Dialogue and characterization are realistic as to the time period and the plot heartwarming and entertaining. Griffey adds a bit of adventure and suspense to the story, which readers will enjoy as they join Gwenneth and Patience on their journey to a new world and new life.