As a lifelong Arthur Conan Doyle fan, I can unequivocally write that I love Doyle's writing and can't remember a time I didn't read his stories. Sure,As a lifelong Arthur Conan Doyle fan, I can unequivocally write that I love Doyle's writing and can't remember a time I didn't read his stories. Sure, I have read the Holmes books countless times. (There were 5 years in a row, when I read the 8 Holmes books together as a kind of January initiation into my reading year. I actually received the 8 books in a two-volume leatherbound from my Dad long ago.) So although Holmes was a personal hero, the Professor Challenger books were a very close second. The Poison Belt is book 2 in that series. I recently had an opportunity to listen to the audiobook, and although I was struck at how passive the main characters are, I still loved this story. The reason I dropped a star was the said passivity, waving of the white flag surrender, and some of the racially insensitive, misogynist language (which I don't hold too much as a critique because it was published more than 100 years ago when cultural sensitivities were exceedingly different). Challenger calls on his three Lost World friends and asks them to bring cylinders of oxygen. They do and Challenger locks them all in his home with his wife. The earth will pass through a cloud of ether and the entire world is destined to die. There's more, but why would I spoil it for you. Needless to say, I loved this story way back when and even more so now when I heard it as an audiobook....more
I always try to put my caveats up front, in order to communicate why and how I came up with my rating. Cards on the table, I think Jonathan Maas is a I always try to put my caveats up front, in order to communicate why and how I came up with my rating. Cards on the table, I think Jonathan Maas is a really good writer, all-around cool dude, and seems to be a fan of the Mustache and the Beard blog. We have had several interactions via email and I look forward to interviewing him one day on one of our YouTube videos, because his work is so good. In The Pax Neandara, Maas makes clear that he is constructing a world of stories that will intersect in the foreseeable future. Can't wait. I have several of his books that I have not gotten to reading yet, but I'm chomping at the bit. With this read-in-one-sitting novella, there is enough world-building that you get a sense of the historical setting (the Roman Empire at its zenith) and then where it diverts with a unique culture, a main character with mystique, and a painful plot that kicks you in the feels. There is some expert emotional manipulation transpiring here, and although I am a guy, I have to admit my emotions were manipulated. The story ends with a tease that there will be more to come. I believe him and I'm there, because I really liked it and wanted more. I love Decima, the main character....more
Most people understand that there's a certain rhythm and flow (dare I say, poetry) to the really great horror tale. Danny by Dirk Patton is one such sMost people understand that there's a certain rhythm and flow (dare I say, poetry) to the really great horror tale. Danny by Dirk Patton is one such story. Danny is a douchebag, an almost prototypical horror story villain in the old EC comics tradition, (cheating on his wife -- the story opens with this transgression -- is one of the least of his sins, trust there's more) but destined for his comeuppance. Yet, I read almost all of those EC comics and let me tell you, this denouement is definitely poetic. Here we have an infected zombie, apocalyptic narrative that is presently happening, and Danny does all the smart things that one would do to survive. He makes good choices to insure his survival, but he is clearly not an ethical person. Even the most self-serving individual would not behave this way. The story is a fast-paced, quick read that should be read in one sitting for maximum effect. Enjoy....more
Back in the 1980s, there were several movies that capitalized on the fact that teens were the major consumers of horror, by allowing the protagonists Back in the 1980s, there were several movies that capitalized on the fact that teens were the major consumers of horror, by allowing the protagonists to be the teens themselves: Lost Boys, Goonies, Fright Night, Gremlins, etc. The Lookyloo by Darryl Hughes is very similar in tone to those movies which makes it an almost perfect read for Halloween regardless of your age. The novel appeals to our nostalgia, because it reminds us of a simpler time when our monsters were a little more tenable, able to be combated by faith (a silver cross) and an inherent sense of good. Here, the Lookyloo is about a neighborhood werewolf and the children open-minded enough to discover the evil, wise enough to determine where it lives, and courageous enough to attempt to kill it. The youthful characters are engaging. The plot is believable. Most impressive of all is the very real terror and suspense of thinking that you are observing something from a distance, only to find out that while you were anonymously watching, you were being watched, yourself. I would call this a high recommend if any of these elements appeal to you....more
In the 17th book of the Sue Grafton Alphabet series, Q is for Quarry, Kinsey Millhone is enlisted by Lt. Conrad Dolan and Sgt. Stacey Oliphant to helpIn the 17th book of the Sue Grafton Alphabet series, Q is for Quarry, Kinsey Millhone is enlisted by Lt. Conrad Dolan and Sgt. Stacey Oliphant to help them solve an 18-year cold case. The aging and unwell detectives are approaching their retirement. They would love another crack at finding the murderer of a Jane Doe they were never able to identify. That haunting pathos hangs heavily over this novel like a graveyard pall. The novel is based on a real case with a real-life Jane Doe that intrigued Grafton so much that she invested her own money to attempt to find the Jane Doe of that case, real-life true justice. Clearly, she altered aspects of that case to fictionalize a resolution that evaded the non-fictional, true-crime case, but what is also evident is that the case seriously affected Grafton emotionally, which infuses this novel with that much more realism, and heart-break....more
It is often said that a character’s strength can only be judged by the menace of his enemies. Ernst Stavro Blofeld is introduced here in the ninth JamIt is often said that a character’s strength can only be judged by the menace of his enemies. Ernst Stavro Blofeld is introduced here in the ninth James Bond novel along with the organization of SPECTRE. Can you believe that it has taken 9 full books to get us to Bond's most iconic villain, and his henchman?
Here, Emilio Largo has managed to steal two atomic missiles and sequestered them beneath the sea. It is James Bond’s responsibility along with CIA agent Felix Leiter to find the missiles and prevent them from being launched, threatening to cast the worlds super powers in yet another world war. The characters are all strong. The mission is sufficiently urgent to cause suspense. This is really one of the stronger more suspenseful and urgent novels....more
As the final entry for the Caribbean Cruise Cozy mysteries by Susan Harper, this one ties the series with a nice little bow. There’s a part of me thatAs the final entry for the Caribbean Cruise Cozy mysteries by Susan Harper, this one ties the series with a nice little bow. There’s a part of me that objects to the contrived stories that were clearly plotted to arrive at a happy outcome with all the minor subplots and satellites fitting into a comfortable ending. However, there was a lot of heart in these cozies that despite the pall of murder and death there appears to be a great deal of emphasis placed on family and love.
Here the entire family is involved, and the Final Piece painting is the McGuffin that holds it all together. Despite some rocky plot design sometimes holding together rather precariously, it was a fun cozy series to read. I would recommend it highly....more
This is a unique murder mystery that takes place just before a group of retirees are to set off on a tour of the old Santa Fe Trail. Jim Dandy (formerThis is a unique murder mystery that takes place just before a group of retirees are to set off on a tour of the old Santa Fe Trail. Jim Dandy (former physical therapist) and his lady friend, artist Dodee Swisher are participating, but just before they depart Jim witnesses a Native American Indian lady fall from a Denver building to her death. Jim has a strong inclination that she was pushed.
Along the tour, Dodee paints some of the vistas that she sees, and miraculously the Native American lady shaman appears in her work. One of the seniors who is along on the tour claims to be a spiritual medium, and she believes that the shaman is trying to speak. The story is fascinating, and fun. I like the bold choice to flavor the mystery with a touch (maybe) of the supernatural....more
I am generally a jaded hardcore horror fan, but I like to read other things too, in order to have a healthier literary diet. Purchasing these twelve CI am generally a jaded hardcore horror fan, but I like to read other things too, in order to have a healthier literary diet. Purchasing these twelve Caribbean Cruise cozy novellas by Susan Harper has been a real treat. The storylines are predictable, short, and stretch the borders of believability, but these novellas have heart embedded in these stories with a clear objective in mind. They are entertaining and likeable.
In this eleventh story, Hope and Esperanza make their way to Mexico to meet with Hope’s biological family and another murder occurs where Hope is the initial suspect. More sleuthing becomes necessary and adds to the overall kick I have gotten from these stories. (I just wish that Harper would have done her part to make these cozy mysteries at least a little bit believable.)...more
Proud Helios is a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel #9 written by Melissa Scott about the TV series characters and space pirates that have a cloaked veProud Helios is a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine novel #9 written by Melissa Scott about the TV series characters and space pirates that have a cloaked vessel that has stalked shipping lanes near the Bajoran wormhole, raiding vessels, and killing their crews. Upon receiving a distress signal, Major Kira and Doctor Bashir use a Federation runabout to attempt a rescue, but the vessel is destroyed by Helios before they arrive. Intrepidly the personnel of DS9 try to stop Helios, but the Cardassians are interfering, and the incident may result in war. Helios seems to have its share of Cardassian spies that may or may not have motives counter to the Federation. This is a solid story that fits well within the continuity, but hints at the possibility that there are some espionage groups which the Federation supports. To my mind, this is a clear example of an author who can write action, thrills, and suspense. To that end, I would say that this is my first Melissa Scott book, and I was extremely impressed with her ability to write a Trek novel that included such disparate elements knit into a cohesive and exciting novel....more
The tenth novella in the Caribbean Cruise Cozy mystery series by Susan Harper has Felix’s overprotected younger sister, Amelia, arrive on the CaribbeaThe tenth novella in the Caribbean Cruise Cozy mystery series by Susan Harper has Felix’s overprotected younger sister, Amelia, arrive on the Caribbean Honey to enjoy a vacation with her supposed friends, but the reader learns quickly that they are not very good friends. They seem to belittle her for not being sufficiently affluent.
On an excursion, one of their number gets murdered and Felix and Hope must intercede on Amelia’s behalf to discover the culprit. Despite the author’s over-reliance on coincidence and contrivance I find myself enjoying the entire series and I’m certain to finish all 12 novellas, regardless. However, I think the stories would have felt less gimmick-ridden had they been spaced out over the course of a year....more
I have thoroughly enjoyed these cozy mysteries which have up until this book felt like chewing bubble gum: enjoyable, but not very filling. The storieI have thoroughly enjoyed these cozy mysteries which have up until this book felt like chewing bubble gum: enjoyable, but not very filling. The stories and the characters have not felt particularly profound, but in this one the ninth in the series of Caribbean Cruise Cozy mysteries, Hot Bids and Cold Bodies, Susan Harper gives readers a human trafficking subplot, a shipboard auction, and yet another murder. (I've lost track of how many murders occur on this ship over the course of a year.)
There is more danger in this one, which feels real, and in your face. Hope and Felix are behaving more like adults as opposed to children having a fling. The plot seems to move in a way that sets up real future storylines. I look forward to completing the series....more
In Chaos at the Casino, the 8th Caribbean Cruise Cozy mystery in the series by Susan Harper; Hope and Felix have returned to the ship from their suspeIn Chaos at the Casino, the 8th Caribbean Cruise Cozy mystery in the series by Susan Harper; Hope and Felix have returned to the ship from their suspensions and have resolved to be better employees, but Felix’s younger brother, Junior, has decided to take a cruise with some of his spoiled, wealthy friends.
When one of them is shot and killed, Junior becomes the prime suspect, but does he have blood on his hands or is he being set-up in a yet-to-be-revealed scam. My annoyance is exacerbated by the incessant nature of the plots that seem designed like mysteries of the week rather than organic happenstance. I do not understand why these mysteries could not be spread out over the course of months with some downtime between novellas. It would, at least demonstrate an attempt at making these incidents more believable....more
This novel was an absolute slog, and it should not have been. The End of the Pier is only 240 plus pages and where characterization should have bulkedThis novel was an absolute slog, and it should not have been. The End of the Pier is only 240 plus pages and where characterization should have bulked the book, instead the reader is treated to stream of conscience drivel. The murder mystery that after all is the reason one reads the story, is treated as an afterthought.
Sam De Gheyn, the sheriff protagonist, is not the star of this show. Maud Chadwick, the waitress that crushes on the married sheriff is treated as the star, and her profound reflections are no more than gazing at belly button lint. Her thoughts are held as sacrosanct by Martha Grimes, which would not be so bad except that she rambles for pages upon pages. It really does not make sense or hold together well.
I got this book at a thrift store for pennies and still feel, I got ripped off. Clearly, I'm not impressed by this writer, and I will never read her work again. The first ten pages gives the mystery 220 pages are stream of conscience gossip and the final ten pages are resolution. This could have been an unsatisfactory short story instead of an unsatisfactory novel....more
As I read deeper into the series the implausibility of situations mount. Hope moves from one murder mystery to another with very little passage of timAs I read deeper into the series the implausibility of situations mount. Hope moves from one murder mystery to another with very little passage of time between. (I recognize that a suspension of disbelief is required, but there should at least be weeks between novels.)
Here, in Body at the Banquet, Felix and Hope are both suspended for two weeks, and they both manage to find themselves in Washington DC. A banquet is occurring, and Hope’s parents attend along with Hope, Felix, and his stepfather. It is clear that a connection is building between Hope and Felix, but to have parents urging the relationship prematurely is kind of icky. Again it is not implausible, it just feels seedy.
The situations feel contrived, and despite the entertaining read, I still find myself thinking “Too much, too fast.” Still I have enjoyed these cozies, although Hope sometimes feels over-the-top, in-your-face....more
Layla, Cricket, and Amelia have made a way forward for their respective subgroups in this apocalyptic world that is a mash-up of zombie horror and fanLayla, Cricket, and Amelia have made a way forward for their respective subgroups in this apocalyptic world that is a mash-up of zombie horror and fantasy characters: kitsune, vampires, fae, witches, zombies, chicks with swords, and metamorphs. In this last chapter of The Harvesting series, the world quite literally is being torn apart by the keepers of the earth as they punish humanity with a plague of the walking undead.
The three main characters must cooperate to find a safe place that will not only allow humanity to survive, but thrive as well. This is a strong finish to an odd take on the zombie apocalypse that I call a “kitchen sink” type of story (because it seems to consist of a disparate bunch of tropes combined to create a unique alchemy of a tale). I recommend it highly....more
Hope and her roommate, Dae-un just so happen to get the day off together while the ship stops in the Bahamas. Because it is a rarity, they decide to mHope and her roommate, Dae-un just so happen to get the day off together while the ship stops in the Bahamas. Because it is a rarity, they decide to make a day of shopping and beach activity, and who also gets a day off? Felix Fitter, the new event coordinator in training, also has a day off, but because he has not made many friends Hope decides to invite him to tag along.
While ashore, they meet up with passengers of the cruise ship that paid for an excursion where half their number have opted out. The passengers invite them to come swim with dolphins and get caught in a storm, oh and do not forget the dead body.
Yeah, we have another mystery while on an excursion, and Felix and Hope investigate. Formulaic, yes. Book #6 in fact. Thoroughly entertaining, and as I continue to read these stories, I begin to like the characters more....more
Despite not loving Hope Harper as a character, I have truly enjoyed the Caribbean Cruise Cozy Mystery series and Violence on Vacation is no different.Despite not loving Hope Harper as a character, I have truly enjoyed the Caribbean Cruise Cozy Mystery series and Violence on Vacation is no different. It is the 5th novella of the series. I do not care about the improbable scenario of several murders occurring on a cruise line over the course of a few months. In order to have a cohesive series with a similar thread running as a through line, we mystery fans go with it (think of Cabot Cove with a younger Jessica Fletcher.)
Here, Hope’s sister Morgan brings along a group of her college friends to enjoy the luxuries aboard the Caribbean Honey. When one of them dies, Hope with Felix at her side, undertake to determine who is the murderer, but did they already capture the murderer while Morgan sits in the brig?
These stories are designed to be read in two hours with a cup of coffee or tea just before bedtime. The problem with Hope so far is that she is embittered due to not receiving a promotion she expected. Disappointment is a fact of life. Be mad, sure; but then either quit and get another job or go back to work redoubling your efforts....more
I really hate trashing anybody’s work. Who am I but a consumer of stories and an ardent reader? Especially, most importantly since I got it for free, I really hate trashing anybody’s work. Who am I but a consumer of stories and an ardent reader? Especially, most importantly since I got it for free, I do not want to bite the hand. . . Sodium Harbinger is an alien invasion story kind of on the level of Predator. It is Book 1 of the SODIUM series. Sure there’s a lot of action as the protagonists, humans, fight the alien robotic creatures, but because Terminator, Predator, and Alien are so much more memorable, they make this story redundant, and a whole lot more forgettable.
The plot is not bad, but not terribly original. (Refer back to point about Predator, Alien, and Terminator.) The ending is a whole other matter, but I think you can probably get the gist of what I'm saying. The novel is OK, but just OK. Disappointing because I wanted more of a story that maybe collided with the tropes and transformed them in unique and disparate ways. That did not happen. Sad to say....more
In this fourth installment of The Harvesting, the genre bending, zombie apocalypse, horror-fantasy titled Witch Wood, written by Melanie Karsak, our cIn this fourth installment of The Harvesting, the genre bending, zombie apocalypse, horror-fantasy titled Witch Wood, written by Melanie Karsak, our cast of characters is once again left in a state of suspension while the reader learns of another set of characters, and how they have fared in this apocalyptic world.
Like the novel between the first and the second books, the half designation is used as an opportunity to prologue and write about characters that will become important in the subsequent book. Luckily, I acquired all five installments at one time, or I might have had a difficult time following along. I continue to love the mixture of characters which is a hodge-podge mix of human, fantasy, horror tropes: fae, vampires, zombies, and more.
The Harvesting is a kitchen-sink type of series which has led to an innovative mix that I have found fantastic because of its distinctive take on the zombie apocalypse. This novella was too short in length, but almost perfect story-wise....more
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