Review: The Final Account by Jeff Cooper

 

Genre: Legal Thriller

Description:

“Jack Collins’s upstart law firm is struggling to make ends meet. His solution is to bring in a new senior partner, a seasoned estate-planning lawyer well connected with the Greenwich elite. Unfortunately, his new partner is hiding a secret that could bring down the entire firm.

When Jack catches the lawyer embezzling funds from a millionaire’s estate, he thinks he’s uncovered an isolated crime. But as he slowly connects the clues, he stumbles into a far larger conspiracy involving some of Connecticut’s most powerful figures.

The people behind this financial scheme are ones Jack would never suspect. And they will do whatever it takes to keep him from exposing them.”

Author:

Jeff Cooper is a lawyer, a law professor and one time was even a candidate to be president of the US. Yeah, that last one is a bit strange. A bit of Googling uncovered this news story with a bit of an explanation. Cooper has written some in the past in law journals and other venues aimed at his fellow lawyers. Of more potential appeal to most of us he has also written one other legal thriller, also featuring Jack Collins, the protagonist of the book featured in this review.

For more about Jeff Cooper, check out his website.

Appraisal:

Some thrillers have a lot of mystery to them while others don’t, at least not in the same way. This one didn’t, at least not in the sense I’m thinking of. Who the good guys are and who the not-so-good guys are is pretty apparent early on and only gets solidified as the story continues. What the bad guys are doing is also no secret. Whether the good guys will manage to remain relatively unscathed and how or even if the not-so-good guys will receive their comeuppance and how what they’ve been doing will come out is what makes it a thriller. This is definitely a thriller. I used to be an avid reader of John Grisham and other big name legal thriller authors. Reading this took me back to those days. This was an incredibly good read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 60-65,000 words

Review: I Put a Spell on You by Michael Hayes

 

Genre: Hard-Boiled/Mystery

Description:

“Private eye, Tom Sharp, and his faithful AI assistant, Frank, investigate the death of an unlucky man hit by a bus. It looks like an accident, but the victim’s elderly mother believes her son was cursed.

It’s Los Angeles, 2055, where life is cheap, the tech is glitchy, and magic is real. The kicker: Sharp is the only one in this world immune to magic. As he’s often reminded by friend and foe alike, he’s not immune to bullets. Welcome to the Peaceable Kingdom.”

Author:

A resident of Los Angeles, Michael Hayes has a Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. He continued his education by attending Brown University where he got a Masters Degree in Creative Writing. I Put a Spell on You is the first of two novellas Hayes has written and released, at least thus far, featuring private eye Tom Sharp that take place in the near future.

Appraisal:

This book and the world where Tom Sharp operates isn’t like today’s world, but it is close. While it might be a stretch to call it science fiction, fantasy, or the umbrella genre that includes both, speculative fiction, it definitely has aspects of them in the story. The part I’ll call fantasy is what Sharp describes as “Magic.” It is something that he, unlike most people, is immune from, but involves some people being able to put a spell of some kind on another person with various repercussions. Then we’ve got holograms popping up, my favorite being a small little thing called Frank who is Sharp’s assistant. He’s smart … make that intelligent. But it is artificial. Frank is more advanced than current AI apps, but still doesn’t’ know everything. Frank weighing in and helping Sharp certainly adds a bit of a near-future science fiction twist to the story. All of this adds some additional dimensions to what you’d normally expect from a private eye trying to solve a case. As with all good mysteries, what the private eye finds to be the answer to the mystery will keep you guessing right up to the very end. This was definitely a different read for me, but one that was a lot of fun trying to figure out not only the mystery, but the story world it happens in kept me on my toes as well.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

A small amount of adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 18-19,000 words

Review: Legal Tender (The Reluctant Hustler, Book 5) by J. Gregory Smith

 

Genre: Thriller/Crime Fiction

Description:

“Hustlers still need rules.

Chaos reigns across Philadelphia as lawlessness spreads like a disease. Even the Philly Irish Mob is unable to combat the rampant crime wave that hits businesses under their protection.

For some reason, the authorities refuse to curtail the growing violence and if Kyle Logan and his crew of misfit hustlers cannot find out why and then stop it, the city will be consumed by mobs and vigilantes warring for control and survival.”

Author:

J Gregory Smith is the author of several thrillers, some self-published and some published by Thomas & Mercer. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife and son.

Appraisal:

This is the second book I’ve read in The Reluctant Hustler series and I’m struck by the interesting place that Kyle, the protagonist, has positioned himself. He’s obviously a criminal by any reasonable definition, frequently breaking the law in various ways, the hustler part of the series title. However, as the rest of the name of the series indicates, he is reluctant about this. He has his limits and much of what he does, even when breaking the law, is doing something aimed at making things better in some way for others. It’s an interesting juxtaposition and I think sets the reader up to overlook more borderline actions from Kyle without questioning them than they might typically do for a protagonist. It also makes for a intense read that had me pulling for Kyle and his cohorts and never being quite sure where things were going or how it was all going to end. Definitely a fun and thought-provoking read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

A small amount of adult language.

While the 5th book in a series that I’ve only read one other book in, each book stands alone and reading earlier books before this one is not necessary to understand what is going on.

Format/Typo Issues:

A small number of proofing misses.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 90-95,000 miles

Reprise Review: Foreign Relations by Rebecca Forster

 Genre: Mystery/Police Procedural

Description:

“Traffic in downtown Los Angeles turns hellish when a woman hurtles from an overpass and crashes through the windshield of a car on the 110 Freeway. Narrowly escaping death in the epic pile up, Detective Finn O’Brien and his partner, Cori Anderson, throw themselves into the fray: Cori to triage and Finn rushing toward the flaming car in a desperate bid to save the woman. But survival is not an option. As the car explodes in a fireball, she dies in his arms. When her autopsy reveals a gruesome secret, Finn is determined to prove her death was no accident. Together with Cori, he follows a twisted trail that leads into the veiled and exotic world of L.A.'s exiled African community, the luxurious enclaves of Hollywood and finally to the doorstep of a third world despot whose cruelty knows no bounds and whose influence has a stranglehold on the City of the Angels.”

Author:

The author of numerous thrillers in multiple subgenres, USA Today bestseller Rebecca Forster lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Appraisal:

This is only the second book in the Finn O’Brien Thriller series and already I feel like I’ve turned into a raving fan. In my mind, the case Finn and his partner Cori are working on doesn’t matter. They’re the reason I’m reading. The police procedural series that I’ve liked the most drew me in because of the appeal of the regular characters. That’s the solid foundation that’s needed for any series to succeed. Here, it’s not only the positive attributes Finn and Cori bring to the table (integrity, doggedness, and loyalty to name a few), but their imperfections as well, which lay that foundation. Not being able to tell the other how they feel about them is just one imperfection both share.

Of course, the story still has to work, and this one does. It combines international intrigue and Hollywood in the kind of story that could only take place in Los Angeles. Multiple story threads take unexpected twists before they all come together as Finn and Cori nail the culprit. I’d like to claim I saw it coming. The clues were there. But nope, that’s not who I would have guessed was whodunit.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

While the second in a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

Format/Typo Issues:

My review is based on a pre-release ARC and I can’t judge the final product in this area.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 95-100,000 words

Review: Humdrum by Mitchell Brockman

 

Genre: Literary Fiction/Psychological Thriller

Description:

“How long can someone endure the silence? For David, the answer’s not long enough.

In the hum of an office filled with laughter and camaraderie, David Clark exists on the edges unseen, unheard, and trapped in a cycle of quiet isolation. Nights in his empty apartment feel endless, and the world outside his window moves on without him.

When a coworker’s kindness cracks open the walls he’s built, and a sudden tragedy shakes his fragile existence, David is forced to confront the silence he’s lived with for too long. As his carefully guarded life unravels, he must decide: will he take the risk to finally connect, or retreat further into the safety of solitude?”

Author:

“Mitchell Brockman is a storyteller at heart, diving into whatever genre sparks curiosity and creativity. With an adventurous approach to writing, his debut novel, Humdrum, captures readers with its unique blend of wit, depth, and unpredictability. When not writing, Mitchell enjoys exploring the world, whether through books, conversations, or the occasional daydream. Passionate about weaving tales that connect with readers on a personal level, he believes every story is an opportunity to discover something new. Humdrum is just the beginning, with plenty more stories waiting to be told.”

Appraisal:

I’m struggling with what to say about this book. If you’re wondering why, it’s hard to explain without giving away too much of what happens. I’m also struggling with what to think of it. Before I started reading I wasn’t sure what I expected from the story or where I thought it might go. For almost all of the book I had no idea where things were going or even, of the potential directions things could logically go, which path I was hoping for, as often none of the realistic choices were very enticing. However, odds of taking something positive from this story in the end are good. Hopefully it will get you wondering about the people around you that you often ignore. That could be good for both of you.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Only one use of an adult word, but definitely aimed at older teens or adults based on other content.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 45-50,000 words

Review: Red Dirt Unplugged by Josh Crutchmer

 Genre: Non-Fiction

Description:

“Red Dirt Unplugged is the view from the wings as the Red Dirt music scene reaches heights never-before thought possible. At the crossroads of country, roots rock, and Americana, artists in the scene are enjoying sustained worldwide attention at a large scale for the first time in history. Wyatt Flores, Kaitlin Butts, Southall, Josh Meloy and more are walking through the doors opened by The Turnpike Troubadours and all the artists before them who first put the cracks in those same doors”

Author:

Currently the print planning editor at the New York Times, Josh Crutchmer has a long history in journalism having worked for several newspapers around the country before landing at the Times. During that time his specialty has often been  music journalism which he still does on the side, reporting at times for various newspapers as well as Rolling Stone magazine. He has Two prior books. For more, visit his website.

Appraisal:

This is Josh Crutchmer’s third book. The first, Red Dirt, explored the history and current state of the Red Dirt music scene, basically the Oklahoma music scene with comparable music from elsewhere, especially Texas, getting mention when it makes sense. His second book was much the same, but covering the music scene of the mountain states, mainly music with its roots in Idaho. This book picks up the red dirt scene, exploring changes that have happened after the period covered by the first book right up to just barely before the book was released. For those who are fans of red dirt music, especially if you read and liked Crutchmer’s prior books, getting this is an easy decision. The structure is much the same as the prior books with each chapter discussing a specific artist, often including an interview with the artist to understand their musical history (if they’re fairly new to the scene) or what’s new with them, if they’re old-timers. You’ll also find a bit of foreshadowing if you’re curious as to what Crutchmer’s fourth book is going to explore.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

A small number of typos and proofreading misses.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 65-70,000 words

Review: Little Brother by Adam Cosco

 

Genre: Horror/Supernatural

Description:

“Leslie Adams is losing time. Waking up with scars she can’t explain and haunted by blackout spells she doesn’t remember, Leslie is diagnosed with depression and self-harm. But deep down, she knows the truth is far more sinister.

As her mental state unravels, disturbing visions and erratic behaviors consume her, convincing her that something evil has taken root inside her. Her struggle to maintain control pits her against a dark force she can't understand—until a terrifying revelation shatters everything she believes.

Little Brother is a chilling psychological horror novella that blends supernatural suspense with a shocking twist, perfect for fans of The Silent Patient and Hereditary.”

Author:

“Canadian-born Adam Cosco discovered his passion for storytelling at the renowned American Film Institute, where he sharpened his skills in filmmaking and screenwriting. Today, Adam channels his creative energy into writing novels that explore the darker sides of humanity, specializing in horror, psychological thrillers, and dark comedy.”

Appraisal:

This is a wild story. Horror with a touch of a supernatural feel with a unique resolution that I certainly didn’t see coming. It’s a quick read that should keep you engaged, trying to figure out what is going on. As a note prior to the beginning indicates, the book is based on what was originally a screenplay the author wrote and as I read it the feelings I got were often like what I get watching a movie.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 30-35,000 words

Review: Rebel Mine by Lyn Horner

Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance

Description:

“This enemies-to-lovers romance opens in the winter of 1798, when Ireland is on the verge of rebellion against British rule. Colin Wainwright is a son of Anglo-Irish aristocrats and a former captain in the British Army. He deplores how the native Irish are treated yet feels a grudging loyalty to the crown.

Brenna O’Hanlon is a daughter of tenant farmers. As a young girl living on the Wainwright estate, she adored Colin from afar. Until her brothers attempted to kill his father, Squire Wainwright, for seducing their older sister. The family fled to Dublin, where Brenna became a housemaid.

Ten years later, Colin meets the new housekeeper, none other than Brenna—hired under a false name by his father. Judging her far too young for such a post, he accuses her of being his father’s latest doxy. Her temper flares, but she convinces him she is no such thing. Colin hatches a plan, making it appear that the two are lovers in order to thwart the squire’s wicked plans for Brenna. Although she hates this shameful deception, it inevitably feeds the growing attraction between her and Colin.

However, Brenna has a secret. She’s a spy for the United Irishmen, a society dedicated to Irish liberty. She means to intercept messages between Squire Wainwright and a high-placed militia officer. Her brothers, Rory and Kevin, followed her north to pass on any information she obtains. She has little success, but takes guilty pleasure in romantic, sometimes humorous interludes with Colin.

Their story takes a dark turn when an incident involving loyalist bullies infuriates Colin. Upon discovering Brenna’s true identity and mission, he comes to a decision that changes both of their lives. Intrigue and violence dog their steps as the country rushes toward war. In spite of such harrowing circumstances, or perhaps because of them, the flames of desire and a deepening love bind the unlikely pair tighter and tighter.

Rebellion breaks out on May 23rd. Brenna and Colin are caught up in the fighting. Will they attain a very personal victory in the midst of war?”

Author:

Lyn Horner resides in Texas with her husband and several beloved cats. Trained in the visual arts, Horner worked as a fashion illustrator and later as an art instructor for Art Instruction Schools (famous for their "Draw Me" heads.) After quitting work to raise her children, she took up writing as a creative outlet. This hobby grew into a love of historical research and the crafting of passionate romances based upon that research.  She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Yellow Rose Romance Writers, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.

To learn more about Lyn Horner visit her website, or Facebook page.

Appraisal:

This book has a relationship that fits what you’d expect from a book in the romance genre. Throw in the historical setting and you could call it a historical romance or historical fiction and it would be tough to argue with either description. If you’re into historical romance or Irish history this is a good fit. If you’re into both, it’s a no-brainer. I found both aspects drew me in, but there is also lots of adventure as a rebellion for Irish independence kicks off, drawing our two main characters into this conflict. It all made for an engaging adventure that kept me hanging on every word.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some mild adult content.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 95-100,000 words

Reprise Review: Molten Dusk by Karissa Laurel

 Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mythology/Romance

Description:

“While recovering from a devastating betrayal, Solina becomes increasingly drawn to Thorin as he helps her hunt down Skoll, the mythical wolf who vowed to kill her. If she can find and destroy the beast, she’ll bring a swift and brutal end to her enemies’ schemes. But nothing ever goes as planned in Solina’s strange new world.

During her search for Skoll, Solina uncovers a plot to unleash a battalion of legendary soldiers and launch an apocalyptic war. Before she and her allies can locate the fabled army, several ghosts from her past return to haunt her. Solina must fight for life and the fate of the world, or her hopes for love and a peaceful future will go up in flames.”

Author:

“Karissa lives in North Carolina with her kid, her husband, the occasional in-law, and a very hairy husky. Some of her favorite things are coffee, chocolate, and super heroes. She can quote Princess Bride verbatim. She loves to read and has a sweet tooth for fantasy, sci-fi, and anything in between. Sometimes her husband convinces her to put down the books and go to the flea market to find something rusty to reuse and purpose.”

To learn more about Ms. Laurel stalk her on Facebook.

Appraisal:

WOW! Karissa Laurel is a wonderful storyteller. All of her characters are authentic and well written with depth. The plot is riddled with twists that keeps the tension and intrigue high. There is double-crossing as well unexpected help when you least expect it. And epic battles with mindless soldiers that Solina’s fire can’t harm.

Solina’s journey is enhanced by a vision quest, which helps her sort out the nightmares she is having and the guilt she feels about her brother’s death. Thorin also shares some of his fond memories as well as heartbreaking times of his past with Solina.

Through it all Solina remains true to herself, meaning she still defies Thorin occasionally. Despite that, they both do their share of saving each other in dire times. Solina knows how Thorin feels about her, but she is strong-willed and won’t admit her emotional walls are crumbling.

There is so much more I haven’t mentioned and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in Molten Dusk. All plot points are tied up nicely with a satisfying ending. I’m not sure if this series is finished though, I can see other stories stemming from this solid foundation.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Molten Dusk is book three in THE NORSE CHRONICLES. I would recommend reading this series in order starting with Midnight Burning then Arctic Dawn.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant proofing errors.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: ? wazithinkin

Approximate word count: 90-95,000 words

Review: Theft of Fire: Orbital Space #1 by Devon Eriksen

 Genre: Science-Fiction

Description:

In a post-government post-Terran world, space-based humanity is beholden to mega-corporations. The life style is largely based on alien tech, found on Sedna (once a planet, now demoted). Said tech caused the Artifact Wars between corporations ‘mining’ the alien tech discovered on Sedna. Now, life goes on between planets and hubs. People eat ersatz food and breathe recycled air. The rich get ridiculously rich and everyone else scrapes a living. Sound familiar? Eriksen draws good parallels with the way we live now.

Author:

Eriksen is a retired engineer who has consumed SF all his reading life. Back in the day, he says, SF was about what marvels await us (and, as anyone of a certain age interested in SF knows, quite a lot of science started life as fiction). But now, says Eriksen, too much SF is about how we’ve messed up and just how bad our failure is going to hurt. So he has set out to write stories to give his readers something to love.

This is his first novel. (I look forward to more.)

Appraisal:

Eriksen’s first novel has won several awards in the genre. And he has a ridiculous number of reviews on Amazon for a self-published author. I agree with the awarders and fellow reviewers: he has got the goods. This is a fine, pacy read.

The nub of the book – as trailed by Eriksen in his publicity – is a hidden treasure at the furthest edge of our solar system. Three beings are thrown together to go get it. They hate each other. (Not a lot of subtlety about this book). And the getting of the McGuffin turns out to be way more difficult than they imagined. (Of course.) But they persevere. 500 (or so) pages later the outcome of this particular adventure is certain. A sequel MUST follow!

There are little problems with the book: it could be shorter (there is a lot of repetition), there could be less ‘will they won’t they’ about two of the characters, there could be less swearing (I’m good with Anglo-Saxon, but in the end it began to wear even on me. The amount of effing and blinding is particularly unfortunate as, in his Afterword, Eriksen encourages readers to suggest it for their book groups.)

But these things will only occur to you after you finish the book. This is a space romp. The space ship has wonderful fictional widgets and gadgets welded together by a man whose background in engineering shines through. His world-building is first class. His AI and computer extrapolations are too.

If you enjoy hard SF you will like this book.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

A LOT of swearing.

Format/Typo Issues:

I wasn’t clear if this was an ARC or not. There are some proofing infelicities which may have been caught at a later stage, some of which do affect sense.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: Judi Moore

Approximate word count: 150-155.000 words