Review: Nameless River by Albert Crepet

 Genre: LGBT, Bildungsroman, Literary fiction, Historical fiction

Description:

An unfrocked Catholic monk looks back on his life as a lonely boy, teenager and young man, and makes up the life of his namesake great-granduncle whom he never knew.

Maurice returns to his childhood home (now derelict) in Normandy for most of December 1993. He squats in the old house, and writes this book. Maurice mines his memories deeply and the lives of the two Maurices become increasingly entwined. Both Maurices are gay. Neither found that easy, nor came to terms with their sexuality. But both find acceptance and peace within themselves as the younger Maurice recreates his own past and that of his imaginary, long-dead relative. I suspect there is a substantial element of autofiction in this book.

The novel is set in Normandy, Paris and Toronto during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, moving fluidly between times and places.

Author:

Amazon’s biography of Albert Crepet tells us he was “born in Normandy, France, then in 1978 made his home in Toronto. His first love was poetry. A number of his poems have been published in Compass Magazine and the New Times. Nameless River is a novel Albert carried in his heart and worked on for many years.”

When not working, Albert can be found gardening, or walking through a forest, or sitting by a lake.

Appraisal:

This is a fascinating book on a number of levels. And beautifully written. Perhaps oddly, it reminded me a little of Michael Carson’s ‘Benson’ trilogy. Set in the Sixties, written in the Eighties, those three books also deal with a catholic boy trying to make sense of his sexuality. This book is less pratfall funny than Carson’s work, but perhaps more empathetic.

I couldn’t put it down. I, a heterosexual woman born in Britain in the Fifties, nevertheless found many resonances with my own childhood in this book. Dear god – how did any of us turn out able to function at all?

It is set largely in France, but is not a translation. So there isn’t that clunkiness one often gets with work which started life in another language. Much of it is set in the French countryside and shows us the way of life there in the Fifties (when de Gaulle was in power, Communism was a real force in French politics, and to own a television was a mark of status). Plenty of French phrases are used, for colour, but each is translated (so you can practice your rusty French, secure in the knowledge that a proper translation is imminent). The placenames of the villages deep in la campagne are themselves a joy.

Women are not neglected in this book. Crepet draws the characters of Maurice’s sister, mother and grandmother deftly and with great tenderness. In the times in which the book is set, women had little conventional authority and had to make a niche for themselves however they could. I still shudder when I recall how little notice anyone took of women and girls in the Fifties and Sixties in Britain. It was no better in France.

At times the novel moves back further in time and to Paris, where the author draws a picture of gay life during the first decade of the Third Republic. In 1878, foreshadowing the younger Maurice’s exile from holy orders, great granduncle Maurice is sent away from his monastery at Saint-Benôit-sur-Orne and has to find a new place in the world. These searching sections become more frequent, longer and more intense as the book unfolds.

The book is profound in the questions it asks about gay men in the two time periods it switches between: how can, should, and must an individual conduct himself when society treats him as an outcast?

Towards the end the two threads (Maurice and great-granduncle Maurice) become so agitated and enmeshed that the only way to ride the flood to the end is to let go of one’s own sensibilities and just go with the flow.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

None. A beautifully written and presented book.

Format/Typo Issues:

No issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: Judi Moore

Approximate word count: 65-70,000 words

Review: Behind Closed Doors by E. S. Silversmith

 

Genre: Memoir

Description:

“Young, broke, in college.

What’s a girl to do?

Dive into this deliciously absurd and darkly humorous peek inside the world's oldest profession.

Told through a series of encounters with real clients, this unhinged nonfiction recounts the misadventures of a socially awkward college student as she fumbles her way through the salacious world of escorting.

While recalling unforgettable stories, Silversmith shares her unique insight into the business practices of call girl agencies and the everyday lives of American sex workers.

At times tragic, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, this is a book you won't be able to put down.”

Author:

The author has written just this book under this name, but has several short erotic short stories published under a different, but similar pen name, Essis Silversmith.

Appraisal:

Were it not for the need this book has for a through proofread, I’d have given it a four star, possibly even five star ranking. But the proofreading issues I had to trip over or reword in my mind as I read it far exceeded what I can ignore. The interesting contents is all that saved me from going with a two star ranking instead.

The story here when you get past the poor proofreading is interesting in many ways. The various experiences the author chronicles from her time spent working in what is often called “the world’s oldest profession” was interesting. It gives a different perspective on it from the standpoint of the worker. But it also gives some insight into her customers, both good and bad aspects. The book is arranged as a set of stories although following a rough chronological order so that as the author’s experiences and approach changed over time it was reflected in the stories. If you can get past the atrocious proofreading, there is a good read and lots of thought-provoking story here.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

It should be obvious, but this contains lots of adult content and language.

Format/Typo Issues:

While the story is well put together if this book received any significant proofreading, it fell extremely short. The issues I spotted were numerous, ranging from missing a word, having an extra word, using one name for a person in one place and another name a few paragraphs later, incorrect verb tense, and many others.

Rating: *** Three Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 115-120,000 words

Review: Political Party & Government Leadership & Succession Globally by Mandla Skhosana

 

Genre: Non-Fiction/Politics

Description:

“Hillary Clinton-Donald Trump, Trump-Biden (Part 1&2), the demand by niinenteen Democrats Representatives and one Senator for Biden's withdrawal as Democrats' presumptive nominee for the November5, 2024 presidential election, Rishi Sunak- Keir Starmer, Jacob Zuma-Cyril Ramaphosa (Part 1&2), Bolsonaro-Lula Da Silva, Uhuru Kenyatta-William Rutto (Part 1&2), fragmenting, fracturing and splintering political parties and countries like Sudan and the DRC, which are in ICU, become comatose and live off oxygen and await medics' decision to turn off the machine (their demise), and the military leaving the barracks for political office all share one thing in common: politicians involved in a fight to death gladiatorial contest for conquest of power within political parties, the engine of democracy, and governments, the voice of the people in a representative government, a government of the people by the people, regardless of consequences..

The gladiators' fight to death in the arena downplays and disregards completely the truism that whenever two elephants fight the grass suffers. It begs these questions: Why so much bloodletting? Is there no middle ground (third way)?Is the tail wagging the dog?

Should ordinary members of political parties and citizens (Joe Soap and Jane Soap) not come first in leadership and succession contests because politicians, political parties and governments were made for the benefit of rank-and-file members and citizens, and not vice versa?

Leadership and succession processes mimic the multi-headed Hydra Hercules had to conquer. The elephant in the room merits re-examination and re-setting to put people first.”

Author:

Through years of experience in different work environments Mandla Skhosana has observed how leaders approach leading. He is married with six children and five grandchildren.

Appraisal:

In this first of a planned five-volume series the political landscape in multiple countries on at least four different continents is explored. Both how they function and malfunction, from the US, to UK, to a few countries on the African continent, as well as Brazil, the author looks at different methods and ways power gets passed from one leader to the next. It is, as the subtitle of the book, “Ascension-Exit-Ascension-Exit-Never-ending-Cycle,” indicates, the same kind of things over and over again. I found this to be an interesting read. While intended to be aimed for an average person, not an expert in politics and related subjects, I did find the language to feel more like a textbook at times than the books I normally read, but also interesting and something a person like myself, who is interested in politics around the world, would learn and get some new perspectives from reading. For those who want to dig deeper than this goes or question one of the facts provided, extensive footnotes are included to point the way for digging deeper and validating the facts presented.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 15-20,000 words

Reprise Review: Swerve by Mike Markel

 Genre: Police Procedural

Description:

“The Central Montana State community has waited a year to learn whether Syclone Systems, a maker of self-driving car technology, will enter into a long-term R&D partnership with the university. At a live demo on campus, where the company is expected to announce its decision, its man on campus, Bryan Orville, is run down by one of his experimental cars. Whoever altered the car’s computer code to kill him also erased all the forensic evidence. Because Orville had some nasty habits--fooling around with grad students, stealing promising research ideas, and publicly humiliating professors who didn’t meet his standards--Seagate and Miner are swamped with suspects. When a second body turns up, and then someone hacks Syclone and threatens to put them out of business, the detectives devise a plan to lure the killer out of hiding with a phony reward for solving the hack. But the killer knows there is much more money to be made selling the company’s trade secrets on the dark web. Besides, the killer is quite busy planning one last murder.”

Author:

“Mike Markel writes the Detectives Seagate and Miner Mystery series, which is set in the fictional small city of Rawlings, Montana, home of Central Montana State University. That university is somewhat like Boise State University, where Mike taught writing, but in Rawlings the weather is colder, the football team less successful, and the murder rate much, much higher.

Mike lives with his wife in Boise.”

Appraisal:

I’ve read several of the Seagate and Miner book. I’ve liked all of them, but realized that my main reasons for liking each book has varied a lot. That’s a good thing. In some installments, in addition to the mystery at the heart of every book, I’ve been focused on Seagate and Miner’s relationship, how their flaws and idiosyncrasies tend to offset each other, making them a strong team. In other books, my focus is on something different. For Swerve that was the concept of self-driving cars and what some of the complications of these might turn out to be. But, as always, the mystery kept me guessing and Seagate and Miner kept me entertained as I tried to solve the case with them.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

While this is the eighth book in the Seagate and Miner Mystery series this can be read as a standalone.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 90-95,000 words

Review: Growing Season by Rebecca Hale

 

Genre: Poetry

Description:

“Growing Season is an introspective collection of poetry about the ups and down of teenage years and early adulthood. This book discusses themes such as self discovery, depression, abusive relationships, looking for love, and overcoming trials. This book is perfect for anyone who finds themselves in the middle of a messy growing season, when they're still trying to figure out who they will become and what kind of life they will live.”

Author:

“Rebecca is a wife, mom of two, and a writer. Besides writing and reading, Rebecca loves to bake, spend time with her family, work on her garden, and be outside. She lives in the desert of Southern Arizona with her family, two dogs and a flock of chickens.”

Appraisal:

If you like poetry this collection is one that should speak to almost anyone to some degree. While it is reflecting on the author’s experience growing up, so is likely to connect best with a younger female who has gone through these experiences recently, or maybe is still going through them. However, an elderly old man like me can remember similar experiences and feel the message in these poems, even though it was many decades ago when he passed through that phrase of life.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

As the author’s note puts it “there are mentions of depression, suicidal ideation, struggles with body image, and emotionally abusive relationships, which might be triggering topics for some readers.”

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 6-7,000 words

Review: The Last Beach Town by Deb Richardson-Moore

 

Genre: Thriller/Suspense

Description:

“Sloane Cheney has no intention of ever returning to the South Carolina island town where she grew up. She enjoys her life in the big city and teaching at the college there. The thought of revisiting the place where her mother deserted her family is too painful.

But when Aunt Millicent, town matriarch and owner of the family’s beachfront property, is murdered, Sloane must go back to sign off on the sale of the grand family home to developers. She soon finds that old friendships have shifted, as townspeople disagree over the development that would reshape their sleepy village. Sloane is directly in the line of fire, under suspicion by the police chief because of her inheritance and by her former neighbors who question her long absence.

With family members and old friends swirling treacherously around her, Sloane doesn’t know who to trust, especially after a nearly fatal accident in the beach house. She digs into her family’s history, uncovering new information about her mother’s disappearance. What she discovers raises questions: Was her aunt’s murder a simple case of greed? Or was it related to her mother’s long-ago vanishing?”

Author:

“Deb Richardson-Moore has worked as an award-winning newspaper journalist and as a pastor to homeless congregants. Her murder mysteries fall somewhere between cozies and gritty psychological thrillers and have twice been named finalists in Killer Nashville competitions.

Deb and her husband live in upstate South Carolina, where she enjoys gardening, volunteering, public speaking, and watching TV thrillers adapted from favorite books. She travels frequently to the beach.”

For more, check out her website.

Appraisal:

The dynamics that sometimes happen in small groups, whether family members or residents of a small town, can make for some interesting and entertaining stories. It can even be a bit of a mystery at times. We’ve definitely got all of that at work in this story. It seemed like just when I thought I might have a handle on how things were going to shake out and what the answer to the latest mystery was, that something else would happen or come to light making me question it. If you like suspense, this story is great read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

Review is based on an advanced reader copy and thus I can’t gauge the final product in this area.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 80-85,000 words

Review: Neodymium Apocalypse, Part 1 by Jen Finelli, MD

 Genre: Space opera

Description:

The macro premise here is that the galaxy in which the book takes place is being pushed towards heat death by Superbeings (who may be gods, or may be from another dimension). A small band of very young warriors is trying to prevent this. For much of the book some of them do not know that is what they are doing. But contact with a child-Messiah space-lemur brings them round. (That last sentence might be a spoiler, but you have to agree, it was too tempting to leave out.)

Author:

Finelli says of herself “I’m a physician and injured adventurer … I often write fantastical science fiction with a real life military, medical, or combat edge. When I’m not doing that, I play with trauma and pain and hope.” Of this Neodymium series she says it is, “something like a manifesto about hope, independence, diversity, and the question of suffering with free will.”

Her writing influences include C.S. Lewis, Kevin J. Anderson, James Beamon, and Alicia McCalla (with whom she wrote the SUPERHERO MEGA ANTHOLOGY). She podcasts. She has some 25 titles on Goodreads, a number of which are set in this Neodymium universe. However, her most popular title is Bleed.

She says you're welcome to download some of her stories for free at byjenfinelli.com/you-want-heroes-and-fairies, or join her quest to build a mobile indigent clinic for the forgotten at patreon.com/becominghero. Jen's a practicing MD, FAWM candidate, and sexual assault medical forensic examiner – but when she grows up, she wants to be a superhero.

Appraisal:

This is a book with interesting things to say about the way we live now, and the ways in which that might change in the future. It is wise about personal and societal gods, and how individuals and populations relate to them. It has interesting things to say about feminism, family, personal identity, and religion. As here:

‘“Is Njandejara [most people’s god of choice] angry with us?” Lark asked finally.
“You want him to be angry at those who’ve wronged or failed you,” Joshua said. “What should he do for the people you’ve wronged or failed?”
“That is a good question,” Lark said.’

Isn’t it though.

There are a lot of great ideas in this book.

The novel has a large cast (a list of whom are given at the back of the book, with no signpost to it at the beginning …). A number of important characters have pseudonyms and/or nicknames. Sometimes more than one.

There is a substantial subplot involving a small group of fellow combatants and/or brothers of Jaika, one of the major characters. They have been enslaved. Every so often Jaika bemoans the fact that saving the galaxy is delaying her freeing them. Every so often we step out of the plot (which is moving along very nicely) to visit them in their captivity, which I have to say I came to resent. Their situation does not change, as the book is galloping along elsewhere. This (rather baggy) book could have been tightened up considerably if the reader’s visits to the enslaved were removed and some back story provided for those who stumbled into this book believing it to be the first of a series.

But the thing which frustrated me the most about the book is that, as well as being Neodymium Apocalypse, Part 1 it is also, Book 4 (of 5) of The Neodymium Chronicles. This may be news to the author, but it does not stand alone. As a final confusion, it appears that Book 3 in the series is currently in space-dock having a major refit.

If you’re into space opera there is much here that is worthy of your time. The thoughtful passages have interesting things to say; the world-building is good and the sapient species are cleverly drawn; the action passages are exciting and clearly executed; the medical and technical material is convincing. All good. There is no real resolution at the end, but it is poised to leap into the final book with grappling hooks extended, so you know what is in store there, so it is satisfying enough.

However, if you want to give this series a go, do yourself a favour and start at the beginning.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

Review is based on an advance reader copy, so we can’t gauge the final product in this regard.

Rating: *** Three Stars

Reviewed by: Judi Moore

Approximate word count: 115-120,000 words

Review: Go See America by Matt Tory

 

Genre: Travel/Humor

Description:

“Want to explore America’s most wonderful, wild, and delightfully weird places — without nodding off halfway through a guidebook?

This is not your average travel book.

In Go See America, Matt Tory takes you on a humorous, heartfelt tour of 118 unforgettable places across the USA — according to a guy who went to them all. It’s part guidebook, part road trip diary, and entirely a celebration of what makes America… well, America.

Whether you love adventure, history, scenic views, or just a good laugh, Go See America isn’t just another bucket list: it’s an invitation to rediscover and fall in love with the country you thought you already knew – one memorable stop at a time.

Inside, you’ll find:

National parks, quirky attractions, scenic drives, and small-town surprises

A mix of must-see wonders and overlooked gems across all 50 states

A not-too-serious guide that feels more like exploring alongside a good friend

Photos of every location

Insider tips and personal stories that both celebrate and lovingly roast America’s greatest hits

It’s the perfect blend of inspiration and levity – whether you’re planning your next trip or just dreaming from the couch. Go See America isn’t about checking off boxes; it’s about embracing the wonder, charm, and occasional absurdity of this big, bizarre, beautiful country.

Get inspired. Get going. Go See America.”

Author:

“Matt Tory is a writer and filmmaker from Sacramento, California. He has written and directed a wide range of films, podcasts, and streaming series — including the comedy series The Beech Boys and the mockumentary We Make Movies, which was called ‘one of the best films of the year’ by Cinescape Magazine. He spends most of his time creating things that aim to make people laugh, feel encouraged, or – on a good day – both.

His latest book, Go See America was inspired by a lifetime of road-tripping across the country in search of its most beautiful, quirky, and unforgettable places.”

Appraisal:

I’ll start by saying that I’m an avid traveler and love to read travel books, so I was definitely solidly in the middle of the target audience for this. But I don’t think a person would need to be as big of a travel nut as I am to enjoy it.

As a general rule travel books fall in two categories. The first, I’ll call it a guidebook, is a list of potential places to visit. These might be specific kinds of things (scenic places or museums) or a mix of things to see and possibly focused on a specific geographical area or a broad area, but the key is that what they do is tell you about places for you to consider visiting yourself. The second category is the travel memoir. While these might inspire a fellow traveler to follow in the author’s footsteps, I see them more as a way to experience the trip vicariously. I’m never going to hike the length of the Appalachian Trail, but I’ve enjoyed experiencing that through the eyes of a couple people who have done it in the past, for one example.

Well, if a guidebook and a travel memoir had a baby … you might end up with something like this book. (And yes, you’ll find a few jokes like that one or probably better scattered through the book as well.) You’ll get the author’s take on what I like to call “The Shoshone Falls of the East,” or as you probably know it, Niagara Falls. He’ll also mention the taller and less known Shoshone Falls (which has been called “The Niagara of the West” by people more important than me). He’ll discuss places you might go along Route 66, although he doesn’t follow the instructions of the song of the same name since he forgets to even mention Winona. (To be fair, there isn’t much to do there.) You’ll get lots of travel ideas close to you (if you’re in the US) as well as some on the other side of the country, and get one man’s thoughts on how those places he chose to feature were for him. If you’re into hiking and the beauty mother nature often provides, you’ll find even more to like than the average reader as he often mentions optional hikes to consider, not to mention opportunities for a good meal or snack. (I won’t mention his obvious pie addiction, but if you’re into pie, you’ll find this inspirational.) An interesting and fun read with lots to recommend it.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 40-45,000 words

Reprise Review: The Last Deception by D.V. Berkom

 

Genre: Thriller

Description:

“In the Cold War, you knew who your friends and enemies were. In war today, there’s no difference.

Just when former assassin Leine Basso thinks she’s free from the business of murder and deception, a desperate call from a friend drags her back into the dark world of espionage and arms dealers.

Leine uncovers information that implicates a well-known Russian businessman in a horrendous deception that affects national security and could have global repercussions. It’s up to the former assassin to persuade the powers that be to ignore the obvious and trust her, or disregard the information and bring the world to the brink of a devastating war. Can she make it in time to warn them before The Last Deception?”

Author:

“DV Berkom is the USA Today best-selling author of two action-packed thriller series featuring strong female leads: Leine Basso and Kate Jones. Her love of creating resilient, kick-ass women characters stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, mysteries, and thrillers, and longing to find the female equivalent within those pages.”

Appraisal:

From book to book it’s hard to predict what kind of situation Leine Basso is going to find herself involved in. That she’s going to acquit herself well, dealing with whatever unexpected twists life throws at her, is the only predictable part of Leine’s life. In this latest installment of the series, Leine finds herself embroiled in a situation that, if it doesn’t go well, could have serious repercussions for much of the world.

As with any good story of this type, action was fast-paced. The reader is kept guessing at what’s going to happen next, and the tension is high. If you’re a thriller reader, especially if you like espionage or spy thrillers, The Last Deception is your kind of book.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

Review: Murder in the Monashee Mountains by JP Behrens

 Genre: Supernatural Thriller/Historical Fiction

Description:

After barely escaping the haunted streets of Arkham and Miskatonic University, Travis Daniels is on the run with his ward, Leslie Owens. Seeking refuge in the remote woods of Monashee Mountain, their lives take another dark turn when they witness a brutal, savage murder. Now, they're thrust into a web of deceit, danger, and old grudges as they are drawn into a conflict between warring factions in the small town of Tonasket.

Travis must navigate the escalating tension between the town’s residents, the Native American tribes, and the ancient, shadowy creatures that dwell in the wilderness. The clock is ticking as dangerous rivalries between Sasquatch and werewolves threaten to erupt, and the local logging operations are sabotaged by forces more sinister than anyone can imagine.

As Travis works to uncover the truth behind the murder, he must decide who he can trust before it's too late. With danger closing in, only one thing is certain: the truth will come at a cost.

Author:

“A storyteller most of his life, JP Behrens has weaved an intricate web of bold faced lies, some of them in the form of stories. Everything in one's life is a learning experience, and he's tried to learn from both wondrous successes and miserable failures. Though JP has managed to fib less often, he still tells the occasional exaggerated tale here and there.”

Appraisal:

I read the first book in the series and really liked it for its combination of historical fiction and supernatural elements in a detective novel. This second volume is more of the same and I liked those aspects as well. The main characters are on the other side of the country in rural Eastern Washington in this book which is a different part of the US from the first book. This is because they had to flee and not stick in one place for long to avoid being found which, if you have read the first book, you’ll understand. The supernatural issues that need to be dealt with in this story are much different than the first. This is good, in that it avoids getting in a rut and the reader is kept guessing where the story is going to go. However, I found that the occasional use of non-English words that, based on the acknowledgements at the end, are apparently from a language once used by natives in this part of Washington, tripped me up. While possible to determine what they meant, going through those steps threw me out of the story. Others might react to this aspect in a better way than I did, but I found it to be an irritant in an otherwise good read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

This is the second book in a series. While much of the story would be understandable reading it as a standalone, I think reading the first book in the series first would be the better route to get the full history and backstory of the main characters.

Format/Typo Issues:

Review is based on an ARC (advance reviewer copy) so I can’t gauge the final product in this area.

Rating: **** Four Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 35-40,000 words

Review: When the Dogwoods Bloom Again by Robert Hays

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Description:

“When young Gil Bennett is drafted into military service in mid-World War II, he knows his life will be different. But one thing that won’t change is his love for Annie, who accepts his marriage proposal and vows to be waiting when he comes home. While Gil endures the horrors and suffers the wounds of war in Europe, Annie must bear the challenges faced by a lonely young woman yearning for companionship. If they are to be together again, can things be as they were before?”

Author:

“Robert Hays has been a newspaper reporter, public relations writer, magazine editor, political campaign manager and university professor and administrator. A native of Illinois, he taught in Texas and Missouri and retired from a long journalism teaching career at the University of Illinois. He also has spent a great deal of time in South Carolina, the home state of his wife Mary, and was an active member of the South Carolina Writers Workshop. He served in the U.S. Army and holds three degrees, including an interdisciplinary Ph.D., from Southern Illinois University. His publications include academic journal and popular periodical articles and 12 books (one of these a re-titled paperback edition). His most recent non-fiction book is a biographical memoir about his close friend and collaborator, Gen. Oscar Koch, who was World War II intelligence chief for Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. Three of his five novels have been honored with Pushcart Prize nominations. Robert and Mary live in Champaign, Illinois. They have two sons and a grandson.”

Appraisal:

This was a good read. Imagining how it would feel to be in the position of the main characters, Gil and his fiancée Annie who are not only separated from each other, but with Gil serving in the military during World War II, how things are going to turn out for him is impossible to predict. This is the kind of book where I feel like it helps me understand the experiences of people I know who have gone through similar experiences. How it all turns out is something you’ll have to find out by reading the book yourself, but regardless of the answer the vicarious adventure makes for a good read.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

A small amount of adult language.     

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 70-75,000 words

Review: The Perfect Algorithm - The Pleasant Lake Mysteries: Book 1 by Ken Scudero

 

Genre: Technothriller

Description:

“Dane Gilbert knew he was a great psychiatrist. What else could explain his ability to cure patients to the point they never came back? Life at home was another story...

Dane and his wife, Janie, lived in the wealthy community of Pleasant Lake, NY - a place with more secrets than sunsets. When Janie, an artist, vanishes on the lake after an argument, Dane becomes the top suspect due to his violent past.

In the midst of searching for his wife and proving his innocence, Dane discovers a haunting conspiracy involving artificial intelligence. He ends up on a wild goose chase encountering suspicious neighbors, FBI agents, and a mysterious tech company called Lucas Corp. Dane's own sanity is tested when he questions who he is actually searching for - his wife, the people framing him, or the CEO of Lucas Corp.”

Author:

“Ken Scudero found his calling as an author in the 5th grade when he wrote a short story about a boy who learned how to blend dreams with reality. After years of tedious work in Corporate America, Ken finally took the leap to writing full time. He's passionate about crafting unique mysteries with unforgettable twists. His writing style sits somewhere between psychological thriller and small town mystery.

Ken is guilty of having too many hobbies and interests when he's not dreaming up plot twists. He's a movie buff, a music lover, a sports talk radio fanatic, a wine maker, a fisherman, a golfer, a chicken cutlet connoisseur, a handyman, and on occasion, a gardener. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and two sons.”

Appraisal:

This novella is a quick, intense read that kept me guessing how it was going to turn out. That there was strange stuff going on with protagonist Dane’s wife was obvious from the start. Whether Dane was going to figure it out or convince the authorities it wasn’t him so they would figure it out kept things tense, for Dane and the reader. Dane’s already hard struggles with himself become even harder with this going on. Just when I thought I had it all figured out and things were coming to a head, I found out how wrong I was. Maybe you’ll figure things out better than I did or maybe not. Either way if you’re in to intense thrillers this one delivers.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

Review based on an advance reviewer copy, so I can’t gauge the final product in this area.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 25-30,000 words

Review: Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters by Michael Swerdloff

 

Genre: Memoir

Description:

“This is a story about a boy who wanted to be kind and loving but was raised by wolves and monsters who taught him to choose violence and aggression. As the boy grew to be a man, he wanted to be a protector of women but ended up being what girls and women needed protection from. He lied, cheated, and scammed his way through life until he couldn't.

This memoir is his moving account of discovering healthy masculinity from the inside out. His journey has been sensational at times and unbelievable at others, but for many readers, it has been absolutely inspiring. Will the hungry wolves outlast the desire to be loving and beautiful? Can men truly change?

There is hope in witnessing the depth and commitment of a person willing to try to be better without knowing exactly how. This memoir captures one man’s struggle to transcend his past and imagine an entirely new future for himself premised on compassion, care, and advocacy.”

Author:

“Michael Swerdloff is an Ordained Minister of Natural Healing from The Seminary Training Program and a Reiki Master. His work is Brief Holistic Counseling/Coaching. Michael has received training from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Gottman Institute, and other revered teachers and healers. He has been a counselor, coach, social worker, community organizer, educator, writer, and DJ for more than twenty-five years. Along with his private practice, Michael is the Program Manager at Dance New England, a volunteer-centered non-profit that hosts dance events that cultivate a vibrant multi-generational community. Michael facilitates retreats in New England and globally. He lives by the water in Rhode Island, which is not an island.”

Appraisal:

For a decent portion of this book, especially in the beginning, it’s hard to see how Michael is going to end up a decent person. That’s in spite of knowing from the book description that this is going to happen. To say he’s not a good person in his younger years would be an extreme understatement. Issues with misogyny, lots of criminal actions, and extreme drug use all figure into the story. Needless to say, the change takes a long time and doesn’t happen all at once.

Although he mentions in the introduction things he did to keep the story shorter than it might have been, the result is still a book that is much longer than you might expect (almost double the length of an average novel). That length is the one tweak I’d like to see, but I suspect that the parts I’d suggest might be cut are those that other will find the most inspirational, so I see why it didn’t happen. I can see this as a good and inspirational read for both men and women, but for different reasons.

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

Some adult language.

Format/Typo Issues:

No significant issues.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: BigAl

Approximate word count: 150-155,000 words

Reprise Review: True Shifter (TOTEM Book 9) by Christine Rains

 

Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Mystery/Mythology

Description:

“Saskia Dorn can't bear to lose anyone else. But when the only man she's ever loved turns his back on her, she runs off to sacrifice herself to the totem quest.

With a disgusting kiss, a dying house spirit grants her the power to shift into any creature. Yet she has neither the time to train nor the imagination to utilize the gift to its fullest. How will she manage to defeat a villain who has mastered the ability and made her the person she is? Saskia only has a few freakin' hours to figure it out. After all, the fate of every shifter in the world depends on her victory.”

Author:

“Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not reading or writing, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of S.C.I.F.I. and Untethered Realms. She has one novel and several novellas and short stories published. Her newest urban fantasy series, Totem, is almost complete at nine books.”

To learn more visit Ms Rains’ Facebook page.

Appraisal:

True Shifter, as far as I know, is the finale of the TOTEM series. And it packs a wallop! The tension and suspense ran high all through this novella. Saskia is faced with many challenges and conflicts, she’s intelligent and approached things in a logical manner. However, she is hard-headed, and still carries some insecurities. Watching her navigate the mysteries they are faced with to gain the remaining tokens is well written and enthralling.

Family and relationship dynamics play heavily in the plot as the story twists and turns back on itself. It turns out to be an emotional journey for the whole group. I was extremely satisfied with the captivating images painted by Ms. Rains, and the heart-warming climax of this series.

I’m hoping we get to hear further stories about the Dorn sisters and their chosen mates in the future. After all Lucky and Ametta need a new house spirit (domovoi) for the manor, and the kikimora, domovoi’s wife, has been charged with finding one. Then there is Berton Ellsworth, the vampire, who is inviting a water dragon to his castle. Seems like a lot of fun times ahead to me. :)

Buy now from:            Amazon US        Amazon UK

FYI:

True Shifter is book nine in the TOTEM series. It is important to read this series in order as events build, and the characters grow through the previous books in the series.

Be warned, there are several F-bombs dropped.

Format/Typo Issues:

I came across no significant issues in proofing or formatting.

Rating: ***** Five Stars

Reviewed by: ?wazithinkin

Approximate word count: 30-35,000 words