D.L. BOLK - MOSTLY MYSTERY REVIEWS
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Prior to the release of her debut novel WHEN HEROES FALL (AmErica
House, ISBN: 1-58851-099-9) in November 2001, D.L.
Bolk was a technical writer for many years. |
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D.L.'s Reviews for July 2004
The
Latham Loop
(The Harold Gilbert Trilogy, Book 1)
Laura Mazzuca Toops
Amber Quill Press, 228 pp.
ISBN 1-59279-949-3
After three years of working the vaudeville circuit, Billings and Gilbert Jugglers Extraordinaire, hit rock bottom. Stranded in a train station just outside of Topeka, Kansas, Harold Gilbert decides it's time to give up vaudeville and get into the moving picture business.
Hal isn't the only young man trying to make it in Hollywood. Maurice (Max)
Rosenberg has dreams of becoming a moving picture executive. He wants
to be part of the wheeling and dealing behind the camera. Both men take
different routes but end up as partners.
Book 1 of the Harold Gilbert Trilogy centers on the creation of Emmenar Film Company, and the relationship between Max and Hal. It follows the growth of these two very different young men, and the people who populate their world. Topping the list is Maeve, a young starlet looking for love in all the wrong places. Baby Becky, who has more than a few secrets in her past. Jolly Times studio owner, Chester, is a schemer who manages to stay one step ahead of his bill collectors. Then there's Cedric Desmond, a powerful producer who uses Max in more ways than one. The van Arp
sisters, both young and beautiful, but they put their trust in the wrong people. The list goes on, but despite the many characters in this book, it is never confusing or crowded. Each character major and secondary adds to this intriguing Hollywood tale.
This reviewer has been a longtime fan of the silent movie era and the early talkies, and so it was with high hopes and a bit of trepidation that I began reading this novel. Trepidation because I feared it wouldn't stand up to my expectations. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. The author knows her era, cameo appearances by Max and Hal's peers (Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Fatty Arbuckle, just to name a few) added to the realism of the setting. If Slapstick and Little Umbrellas (Books 2 and 3 of the Harold Gilbert Trilogy) are as good as The Latham Loop readers are in for some exceptional reads.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Katie's
Gold
Tom Mitcheltree
Intrigue Press, 253 pp
ISBN 1-89076-848-0
Misfortune landed on Paul Fischer when he agreed to do a book on the Baker
sisters. Now, with the book research behind him, misfortune has remained his companion. His wife divorced him, and his two sons are becoming distant. Paul tries to make a new start by taking a teaching job in another state, but the past refuses to leave him alone.
His apartment is ransacked, and people associated with the Baker family are being intimidated. One of these people is Pam Livingston. A woman who tricked Paul into finding evidence to support her claim that she is a Baker.
Although Pam's deceit hurt Paul, he can't turn his back on her. He answers her call for help and returns to Rogue River Valley. His relationship with Pam becomes a minor problem when the first dead body appears.
Paul and Pam are forced to work together to try and solve the mystery behind Katie Baker's supposed hidden gold ... before a faceless killer, ends their treasure hunt forever.
Award winning author, Tom Mitcheltree, created a suspenseful mystery minus the gore, that had this reviewer flipping pages non-stop to uncover the killer.
Katie's Gold is a stand-alone novel, and although I haven't read Katie's Will (yet) I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that to fully enjoy Katie's Gold (which this reviewer found to be a top notch mystery) that you read both Katie's Will and Katie's Gold.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Bullets
Steve Brewer
Intrigue Press, 299 pp
ISBN 1-89078-50-2
Since her first hit at the age of fourteen, Lily Marsden, has managed to stay one step ahead of the police. But her luck goes south when she completes a hit in Vegas. Lily makes two mistakes. The victim is a Vegas hood (with two very mean brothers) and she repeated the pattern of a prior kill.
Now, the victim's brothers, and an ex-Chicago homicide detective are hot
on her trail. The brothers are looking for revenge. The cop is looking
to clear his reputation, (although never formally charged he took the
fall for the hit in Chicago).
Adding to Lily's grief is the owner of the casino where the hit took place. He wants to get the message out that you don't kill people in his casino.
By making use of a cast of quirky characters and wild situations, author Steve Brewer (in Quentin Tarantino style) manages to blur the line between good and evil. Brewer will no doubt leave most readers wondering exactly who they should be rooting for.
If you're looking for great dialogue, and a fast read that features bullets, blood, and a bodacious babe who puts Charlie's Angels to shame get yourself a copy of Bullets.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Stealing
For A Living
(Emma Price Mystery Series)
Naomi Rand
HarperCollins, 246 pp.
ISBN 0-06-019936-9
It's the week before Christmas and Emma Price's holiday spirit is
being put to the test.
Emma's life takes the adage, when it rains it pours, one step further, in that she can't even afford an umbrella. At forty-one, she is soon to be divorced. She has a nine-month-old daughter, and a teenage son, Liam, who is having problems dealing with her pending divorce. Her relationship with her lover, New York City detective, Laurence Solomon, is on shaky ground.
Then she has her job to deal with; Emma is the lead investigator for the Capital Defender's Office, she is in the process of trying to collect evidence that will save an accused murderer from death row, when she receives word that an old family friend has been murdered. The detective in charge of the case is Laurence Solomon.
The victim, Eleanor Hammond, was like a second mother to Emma. Emma and Josh (Eleanor's son) were closer than most brothers and sisters.
Because of an event in their past, (that involved Eleanor) Emma and Josh didn't part under the best of circumstances. As a result she hasn't seen him in many years. Eleanor's murder brings Josh back into Emma's life.
Past and present co-exist as Emma tries to piece together the circumstances surrounding Eleanor's death. Her conscience is the fence she is must walk as events surrounding Eleanor's murder unfold. Ultimately, love and friendship are put to the test when she is forced to choose between telling Laurence what she knows or protecting Josh, (who Laurence suspects, may have murdered his mother).
Who did it, is the engine that moved this story forward, interesting situations, involving characters with believable motivations is the fuel that kept it going. Author, Naomi Rand, penned in the usually suspects then totally surprised me when
she unveiled the murderer.
Emma is a great heroine with just enough flaws to make her lovable. This reader is extremely glad that Stealing for a Living is a series novel. I look forward to reading many more Emma Price mysteries.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Dead
Reckoning
Robert Furlani
Writers Club Press, 213 pp
ISBN: 0-595-21968-8
"You know I can't get on that bird, Captain. I'd be the one in the body bag if it weren't for Bobby taking point. I've got unfinished business out here. There's a reckoning that needs to happen."
-- Jimmy Taggert, Vietnam, 1968
Years later, Sheriff Jimmy Taggert is walking hand-in-hand with his wife,
Anne. He is just weeks away from retiring. They've been making plans for
the future. Before the day is over their plans will change drastically.
A bank robbery led by Michael Baker results in Anne's death, and for the second time in thirty years, Jimmy Taggert has a reckoning to settle.
Michael Baker has been on the FBI's most wanted list for many years. He sees himself as invincible. Sheriff Taggert is about to prove him wrong, with Annie's death, Baker and his gang secured themselves a place Taggert's list. And he won't rest until their names have been crossed off.
Dead Reckoning is one of those novels that no doubt causes booksellers to scratch their heads. Is it Horror, Suspense, Action/Adventure or maybe a Thriller? The truth is, it easily fits into all of the above genres.
The reviewers at Third Degree slipped it into the Thriller/Horror genre and honored author, Robert Furlani with a 2003 Bloody Dagger Award.
One thing is certain, if your reading tastes run toward, fast-paced, heart pounding, bloody tales, Dead Reckoning should make it to your reading list.
Move over Harry Callahan, there's a new cop in town, and he doesn't take prisoners.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Adverse
Impact
Phillip Tomasso III
Quiet Storm Publishing, June 2003, $25.95, 278 pp
ISBN: 097281848
Linda Genova has enough men in her life to start her own fan club. There's her ex-boy friend Joey Viglucci. Joey claims he still cares for her, but Linda's had enough of the hot-tempered bully.
Next is Jason Kenmore. He's filed a discrimination complaint against one of the clients that Linda's law firm represents. Kenmore makes it known that he's interested in getting to know Linda in an intimate way.
Meanwhile, back at the law firm, one of the partners, Patrick Bierman, makes his move. He's looking for more than just a professional relationship.
Then there's Ray Telfer, the new computer whiz at the law firm. He's attending AA meetings and trying to get his life back in order. Ray claims he's not looking for romance, but he's drawn to Linda.
Topping Linda's fan club is a secret admirer.
When Linda begins a relationship with Ray, her secret admirer isn't happy. Linda receives a sexually explicit note. She is shaken by the note, and contacts the police. She provides the police with a list of suspects, Joey, Jason, and Patrick, her unwanted fan club. Against the advice of her best friend, Patty, she refuses to add Ray's name to the list.
One-by-one the men on Linda's list are being murdered. And the notes from her secret admirer have changed in tone, making it clear that when the last fan is dead Linda will join the club.
If you enjoy novels that include a heavy dose of suspense, a touch of romance, a bit of a mystery, a bone-chilling villain, and a surprise ending, you can't go wrong with Adverse Impact.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Parental
Source
(Book One, The CCD Series)
Chris Freeburn
Quiet Storm Publishing
ISBN: 0-9728819-2-1
Rayven Forrester never imagined that a paper she wrote while in college (six years ago) detailing a fictitious law enforcement unit would land her the position of Chief of the newly formed Child Crimes Division (CCD). Nor did she imagine that the CCD's first case would place her in the spotlight. What she can imagine is that the CCD's first case could prove to be its last.
When the mutilated body of a teenage girl is reported Rayven is called to the scene. Within an hour of the body being discovered a major piece of evidence is ruled inadmissible because of improper police procedures. A second body is found. The teen victim has the same death markings as the first victim. However, the markings aren't the only thing connecting the victims. Both teens had incest cases
pending.
As the new kid on the block, the CCD has to prove its worth. Major problems occur when Rayven makes it known that she suspects a police officer may be responsible for the murders.
The main characters who populate Parental Source are not stereotypical law enforcement officers. As Chief of the CCD, Rayven has a lot to learn. She is not a larger-than-life, super hero. She was a social worker, who became a division chief,
a woman with heart who cares about the youth her unit hopes to help. Rayven has strong support within the unit, key personnel include her brother Quinton, who is appointed lead Counsel for the CCD, and Preston Richards (a long time friend and once boyfriend) who is selected to fill the position of Lead Investigator.
Parental Source follows the growth of this unit and the development of Rayven, Quinton and Preston as they move in on a serial killer, and establish the creditability of the CCD.
Parental Source is part murder mystery, part police procedural and total entertainment. Author Chris Freeburn has penned a powerhouse debut novel.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Generation
Without Souls
(Book Two, The CCD Series)
Chris Freeburn
Quiet Storm Publishing, 268 pp
ISBN: 0-9728819-3-X
Rayven, Quinton, and Preston (the lead characters introduced in Parental Source, Book One of the CCD series) are back. All three are a little more seasoned and ready to take on their second high profile case.
Ambers are cute and cuddly, but are they worth murdering for? Apparently,
someone thinks so, and so begins Chris Freeburn's Generation Without Souls,
the second book in the Child Crimes Division (CCD) series.
When a shipment of Ambers is delayed, Chief Rayven Forrester is called to the scene of a possible riot at a local toy store. Crowd control is achieved. When the truck of Ambers arrive, it is decided to pass them out in the parking lot. While the police are maintaining peace in the parking lot, inside the store, a killer claims the life of a teen clerk and a box of Ambers goes missing.
The CCD discovers that the Ambers have a high dollar value and are a popular draw for local teen gangs. To solve the murder the CCD must find out why the toy is in demand.
One fact is certain, gang war is in the air and the Ambers are the detonation devices that could set off the explosion.
By staying true to her characters, author Chris Freeburn has struck gold a second time with Generation Without Souls.
One of the most interesting aspects of this novel is that it brings parenting techniques front and center. Mirroring life, parents slip into the role of friends and rush to their children's defense with "My child is perfect." However, this declaration does not over shadow the obvious ... tough love isn't always bad ... sometimes the right answer is no.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Obsessions
Janet Lane Walters
Hard Shell Word Factory
ISBN (paperback): 0-7599-0091-4
ISBN (ebook): 1-58200-523-0
Pgs: 194
The death of her husband eighteen months prior forces Susan Randall to take a long, hard look at her life. She doesn't like what she discovers. She allowed her overprotective husband to dictate her every move and became totally dependent on him. As she begins her thirteenth year as a nurse at Bradley Memorial Hospital she is determined to control her own destiny.
Susan's determination is put to the test when the hospital becomes a hotbed of violence, starting with the death of the hospital gossip queen. A string of murders follow. After every murder Susan receives a gift from an unknown admirer. It soon become obvious that the gifts are tied to the murders and that she is being stalked by the killer.
Susan's longtime friend, Patrick, is in love with her. Although he knows nothing about the gifts, he worries for her safety.
Susan finds herself battling obsession on two fronts, from her inner struggle for independence and from an unknown stalker.
It is clear from the first page that Walters is at home with her setting. The mini-dramas that are part of the everyday routine of the doctors and nurses associated with the hospital make for interesting reading.
Walters characters are top-notch. She takes the reader inside the head of the both the murderer and victim. And although the killer clearly places no value on human life, he too is a victim and you can't help but to pity him.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Death of a Domestic
Diva
Sharon Short
Avon, 258 pp
ISBN: 0-06-053795-7
Josie Toadfern takes matters into her own hands when her hometown, Paradise, Ohio (population - 2,617) is left off the Official Ohio State Map.
Josie cooks up a plan to get a spot on the Tyra Grimes Home Show. Tyra is a home decorating and lifestyle expert, (with a cable TV show), Josie is a laundromat owner, and self-proclaimed stain removal expert, the perfect guest for Tyra's show. Josie figures that if she can get Tyra to film her show in Paradise the publicity from the show will make up for being left off the map.
What Josie doesn't figure on is the opposition she receives from several of Paradise's citizens. Josie is warned that blood will flow if Tyra comes to Paradise.
Josie Toadfern's motto is 'Always a Leap Ahead of Dirt', with Tyra's arrival in Paradise, Josie finds herself one leap behind a murder, and hopping fast to catch the killer.
Sharon Short has created a cast of characters that will have the reader laughing and scratching their heads in wonder. This reviewer eagerly awaits another trip to Paradise.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
The
Perils of Marie Louise
DeLoris Stanton Forbes
Gale Five Star, 232 pp
ISBN: 1-59414-083-9
"I was eight years old when I discovered the meaning of murder."
-- Marie Louise DelOrio
And so begins The Perils of Marie Louise, an intriguing new novel by Deloris Stanton Forbes.
Marie Louise should have realized on her thirteenth birthday, when Grandmere Snodgrass presented her with the family treasure, the Snodgrass Girdle, (a golden chastity belt, handed down through four generations) and proclaimed her the "keeper of the seed," that her future would be unusual.
Every family has its secrets, but in the case of the Snodgrass family there are enough to fill a graveyard. Ultimately, Marie Louise will uncover as many secrets as she will create.
As the story unfolds the reader will discover that Snodgrass women are unique and Marie Louise just might prove to be the most unique of all. One thing is certain, when the last secret is told Marie Louise secures her place in the Snodgrass family history.
If you're looking for story that will hold your attention from the first page to the last, look no further. The Perils of Marie Louise will have you burning the candle into the wee morning hours.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Dorothy From Kansas
Meets the Wizard of X
Linda Alexander
PublishAmerica, 271 pp
ISBN: 1-4137-0272-4
Although this is not your standard mystery read, I believe the greatest
mystery of all is life. The choices people make, and the paths they
choice to follow are often mind boggling to those of us who choice a
different path.
Dorothy from Kansas meets the Wizard of X offers the reader a journey
behind the scenes of the Adult Entertainment Industry. Despite its subject
matter this is by no means a pornographic novel.
Author Linda Alexander puts to rest some of the myths associated with
the industry, and delves into the hearts and minds of people she interviews.
The questions are hard hitting, and the answers often surprising.
Eric Edwards, an industry Icon since the sixties, holds center stage
amid a cast of unusual characters. The reader follows his life, from
his introduction into the world of Adult Entertainment to the present.
However, one can't help but to be left with the feeling that Edwards
is a chameleon whose true color is never revealed. He provides bits
and piece of his life, and grants the reader a glimpse at his soul,
but the true Eric Edwards is never totally exposed.
For those readers who never left Kansas, and for those who did and still
wonder what Oz is really like, Dorothy from Kansas Meets the Wizard
of X is an intriguing not to be missed read.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Triple
Threat
(Book Three, Taylor Madison Mystery Series)
Elizabeth Dearl
NovelBooks, Inc., 273 pp
ISBN: 1-59105-172-X electronic version
ISBN: 1-59105-197-5 trade paperback
Triple Threat (the third book in the Taylor Madison Mystery Series) is a double delight in that it provides the reader with two Taylor Madison mysteries.
Trouble is afoot in the small town of Perdue, and Perdue's newest citizen, mystery writer and amateur sleuth, Taylor Madison finds herself right in the thick of it.
It takes the death of their father to bring triplets Iris, Rose and Lily together. Iris left town five years prior, on the eve of Rose's wedding. Rumor had it that Iris just couldn't stand to watch her high school sweetheart marry her sister.
If not for the codicil in their father's will, Iris never would have returned to Perdue. It is far from a happy reunion, and the sisters demonstrate that blood isn't thicker than water.
Although there is no love lost between the triplets, Taylor can't understand the lack of concern from displayed by Rose and Lily when Iris turns up missing.
When Iris's body is discovered, Taylor suspects foul play. Now, she just has to convince everyone else in town that Iris was murdered, but first she has to prove it.
In Buyer's Remorse, Taylor Madison is in for some ghostly surprises when she volunteers to help her friend, Paula, fix-up her new home. Taylor's first night in Paula's house brings her face-to face with Abe Fisher, the last owner of the house. Which causes a major problem because ... Abe is dead.
The situation heats up even more when Hazel Taylor's, pet ferret, unearths bits and pieces of Abe's journal. The journal creates more questions than answers.
Abe had a deadly secret. A secret that Taylor, (with help from her steady-guy, Cal, who also happens to be the sheriff, and the spoiled but lovable Hazel) is determined to uncover.
If you're looking for novel that contains just the right mixture of humor and drama, great dialogue, refreshing characters, a terrific heroine, and an animal sidekick who puts Lassie to shame ... look no further, the Taylor Madison Mystery Series has it all.
It only takes a few pages to discover why Elizabeth Dearl is an award winning author. Two Taylor Madison novels just aren't enough for this reader, Diamondback and Twice Dead (the first and second books in the series) have been added to my must read list.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
The
Burger Barn On Sunset (A Streets Of Hollywood Suspense)
Thomas H. Griffith
VirtualBookworm.com, 273 pp
ISBN: 1-58939-445-3 Electronic version
ISBN: 1-58939-444-5 Hardcover
Ron Jobeman's life takes a major detour when he goes from being a pastor to managing a hamburger fast food restaurant. Ron is a lost soul, hiding and healing, and hoping to once again find the faith that he lost when his wife left him and
his congregation turned against him.
Ron's troubles multiply when he is transferred to the Burger Barn on Sunset.
His first day as manager one of his staff members is murdered. A visit
from the local police ends in a threat that his restaurant is under surveillance.
The cops suspect that the restaurant is part of a major drug ring.
All is not doom and gloom for Ron. A new lady enters his life, and the faith he thought he was losing is restored when he least expects it.
Thomas H. Griffith has created a hero who isn't made of steel, but rather a flesh and blood man, who cries, laughs and ultimately triumphs.
The Burger Barn On Sunset is a hard novel to categorize, in that it is part mystery, part suspense, and part romance. However, there's no doubt in this reader's opinion that it is totally entertaining.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Death
Warmed Over
Cindy Daniel
Quiet Storm Publishing, 206 pp
ISBN: 0-9728819-9-9
" ... there are a lot of problems with living in a small town; everyone knows your business, everyone gets involved with your business, and everyone tells your business."
-- Hannah Fogarty
After divorcing her skirt-chasing husband, all Hannah Fogarty wanted to do was settle down in her hometown, of Destiny, Texas (population -- damn near nothing) and raise her daughter.
But while Hannah is busy minding her own business, washing toilets, and dreaming about opening a book store, her sister Ruth (who knows what brand of underwear most of the men in town wear) is busy getting herself framed for murder.
Hannah didn't set out to become a sleuth, but she wasn't going to let her little sister take the rap for the murder of a local has-been beauty queen.
While trying to juggle a budding romance with the town sheriff, Hannah finds herself chasing after the town gossips who are unwittingly helping someone get away murder.
Destiny, Texas is the stomping ground for a collection of colorful small town personalities, from the snakeskin-booted lawyer to the girls at the soda shop. Hannah is heroine with a passion for chocolate, and gift for solving murders.
Trashy but sweet Ruth is the bad-girl with the heart of gold.
If you're looking for a fast, fun read, pick up a copy of Death Warmed Over and stay a spell in Destiny, Texas.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Sara's
Search
Jan Christensen
Quiet Storm Publishing, 340 pp
ISBN: 0974960837
Sara Putnam discovers that blood may not be thicker than water when she stumbles across the body of a man she's been trying to locate for two years, her biological father.
Sara is determined to find out who killed her father, and why. Catching a killer isn't the only item on Sara's agenda. Her best friend is suffering from a strange illness, her roommate has gotten into the habit of sleepwalking, and on top of all of this, Sara has to deal with sexual harassment on the job.
The more Sara digs the deeper the mystery becomes, her list of suspects include a half brother she never knew existed, her father's slightly off-balanced business partner, her father's ex-wife, and her own adopted mother.
As she unravels the circumstances surrounding her father's death, she soon finds herself in danger of becoming the next victim.
Author Jan Christensen had written plenty of twists and turns into this who done it, nail-biter that will leave the reader guessing until the very end.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Prophecy:
The Awakening
A.M. Scott
Twilight Times Publications, 282 pp
http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com
ISBN: 1-931201-32-3
"Through the mists of ages they come, dark and light alike. All six from separate flows of demonic hatred, filled with the might of angelic love."
-- From The Prophecy
Monitored by the Gods, the Battle between good and evil, light and dark raged on through the centuries. Evil has taken the lead, The Nameless One is growing in power. It's time for the Awakening, a ritual that begins with the calling of Kryla, the Gate.
Kryla joins with Andrea a mortal woman, although they are two separate beings they will share the same body. Kryla's mission is twofold, she must help Andrea realize her full potential, and she must assist in the massing of the remaining mortals who have been chosen to aid in the battle.
With Kryla's help Andrea discovers the many layers of her being. She learns how to cope in two very different worlds. In one world she is a foster mother to troubled kids, and wife to an unfaithful husband. In the other world she is a warrior -- training for the battle of her life.
A.M. Scott skillfully pulls the reader in a world of magic and "what-if" and still manages to stay in tune with reality. The reader is taken on a journey into the supernatural and into the heart and soul of two unique women. Andrea and Kryla, thousands of years and memories separate them, yet, from the start a common bond unites them. Mortal or God the heart of a woman endures. One body containing two minds think as one, two hearts that beat in unison, two souls that will battle with their last breath for what they believe in and those they love.
Whether the genre of choice, is New Age Fantasy, Romance, Suspense or Action/Adventure -- PROPHECY: THE AWAKENING will no doubt engage the senses and leave the reader eagerly awaiting Prophecy: DECISION AT KALNTASIA the sequel to PROPHECY: THE AWAKENING.
RATING: 5 - Collector's Treasure
SENSUAL RATING: Sparks - Sweet no graphic sex scenes.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Tidal
Trap
Derek Hart
iUniverse, 264 pp
ISBN: 0-595-31558-5
Trust does not come easy to Ex-Navy SEAL, and former Navy Captain, Jefferson Parker. He has reason to be leery, while in the Navy, Parker was wrongfully accused of a series of crimes. Bound by honor he refused to reveal the truth that would clear his name. Unwilling to break his code of silence, he cut a deal, rather than face Court Martial he agreed to resign from the Navy.
Now a civilian Parker is the Skipper of his own schooner. His crew consists of his former first mate, Jock Fowler and the woman he had once hoped to marry, Carla Gianni. A series of misunderstanding separated them. Carla she is determined to get Parker back. To do this she must compete with the new woman in Parker's life, Taylor Stephenson.
Although Parker doesn't know it, an incident in his past links him to Taylor. Their original meeting was not by chance; Taylor has a secret agenda, which could result in Parker's death.
Through a series of mysterious events, that began with an invitation from Captain Malcolm Wright, Commanding officer at Schoodic a Naval base in Maine, Parker (working outside normal channels) volunteers to lead a covert mission.
Things go awry when the Naval base is attacked and Wright disappears. Wright manages to leave Parker enough information to continue with the mission, but with Wright missing, Parker has no backup unit, and the original plan drawn up by Wright
must be altered. Nothing is as it seems. Parker and his crew are headed for trouble.
Jefferson Parker's sense of honor and duty make him an unforgettable hero. Non-stop action, and unexpected plot twists make TIDAL TRAP a must read for fans of military fiction.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
Junk
Michael Goodwin
iUniverse, 188 pp
ISBN: 0-595-2768-2
Martin Stallworth, a Wall Street junk bond salesman, finds himself
on the wrong end of the deal when he becomes the prime suspect
in a case involving espionage and murder.
Author Michael Goodwin's expertise with Wall Street and junk
bondsmen is apparent from the start as he takes the reader on
a behind the scenes tour of the fictional investment firm of
Whorman Skeller & Company.
Although this reader learned a great deal about junk bondsmen,
I never once felt the author was beating me over the head with
a learning stick. Goodwin's easy flow and armchair writing style
made this novel a pleasure to read.
For those seeking a novel with a great cast of characters, a
plot that remains solid from beginning to end, and a darn good
thriller, I highly recommend you get a copy of Junk.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
A
Favor for FDR
Derek Hart
iUniverse, 199 pp
ISBN: 0-595-31133-4
Michael Brock never really knew his father. As an adult Michael grew closer to his father, but Robert Brock's past remained a mystery to him.
When Michael's father dies, a pastor recommends that Michael pay a visit to the Little White House, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's private hideaway.
It is here that Michael finds a doorway that opens to his father's past, a past that began with a promise from his father to President Roosevelt.
Once again with a whisper of facts and a healthy dose of "what-if" author Derek Hart provides the reader with an entertaining read. History buffs and fans of military fiction will want to add A Favor for FDR to their libraries.
Reviewed by D.L. Bolk
www.dlbolk.com
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