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Recommend this book:
The Drop and the Glop
Sanjiv Saran
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
The Drop and the Glop by Sanjiv Saran is an engrossing novel that takes place in a part of the world in upheaval: The India-Pakistan war in 1965 and the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Against this turbulent period are intertwined lives that will come to define their existence as they journey to discover the fullness of their identities: Yara belongs to a nomadic shepherd tribe. She has all the trimmings of a young and innocent girl, but the war will turn her into a hardened soldier as she joins the Pakistan army. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is the Foreign Minister of Pakistan who rises to become the president of his nation, where he will be facing mounting challenges on both internal and foreign fronts. Vikram is a high school graduate who is treading the path of self-discovery, and as he faces a crucial exam, he discovers the concept of divinity and tries to affirm his belief in Christ.
The Drop and the Glop starts off well and it ends well. Sanjiv Saran fleshes out his characters so clearly that their dialogues read like you are actually listening to the voices of these characters right in front of you. It’s a character-driven story that gives you a feeling of a first-hand experience. Saran has written this story from the heart, the product of his six-month isolation in a Kashmir valley, and continues during the pandemic years. He takes extra caution to present the historical backdrop of his story to give his readers an authentic feel for the plot. At over 500 pages, The Drop and Glop is the sink-your-teeth-into type of novel that will present you with a long but engaging reading activity. It is a heartfelt work of historical fiction that deserves to be read.
The Drop and the Glop by Sanjiv Saran is an engrossing novel that takes place in a part of the world in upheaval: The India-Pakistan war in 1965 and the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. Against this turbulent period are intertwined lives that will come to define their existence as they journey to discover the fullness of their identities: Yara belongs to a nomadic shepherd tribe. She has all the trimmings of a young and innocent girl, but the war will turn her into a hardened soldier as she joins the Pakistan army. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is the Foreign Minister of Pakistan who rises to become the president of his nation, where he will be facing mounting challenges on both internal and foreign fronts. Vikram is a high school graduate who is treading the path of self-discovery, and as he faces a crucial exam, he discovers the concept of divinity and tries to affirm his belief in Christ.
The Drop and the Glop starts off well and it ends well. Sanjiv Saran fleshes out his characters so clearly that their dialogues read like you are actually listening to the voices of these characters right in front of you. It’s a character-driven story that gives you a feeling of a first-hand experience. Saran has written this story from the heart, the product of his six-month isolation in a Kashmir valley, and continues during the pandemic years. He takes extra caution to present the historical backdrop of his story to give his readers an authentic feel for the plot. At over 500 pages, The Drop and Glop is the sink-your-teeth-into type of novel that will present you with a long but engaging reading activity. It is a heartfelt work of historical fiction that deserves to be read.
Recommend this book:
The Flower from the Garbage
G. Edward Martin
2023 Silver Medal
417 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
From one reckless choice to another, Joe Palmer enjoys the spontaneity of a night out with his colleagues. However, he needed a break from his sales job, which had recently taken up much of his time and energy. Also, the situation at home with his wife is far from encouraging, with his wife grieving the loss of their unborn child. However, one arguably good outcome of his reckless decisions is meeting Frank, who offers him valuable advice on various subjects. Though Frank is homeless, he has a fantastic collection of books and a group of fans that stop to listen to him regularly. G. Edward Martin's The Flower from the Garbage follows Joe's transition from workaholism and marital issues to being more intentional at work and home. Will he turn his life around in time to save himself and his marriage?
The story is rife with intelligent, philosophical conversations that will make you think deeply about your life choices. One of my favorite questions helps you find your true self: "If the world didn’t see you, would you even like yourself?” The Flower from the Garbage also includes insightful discussions about family, forgiveness, charity, rules, honesty, and other topics. Furthermore, it weaves a captivating narrative around a reasonable number of characters and keeps us engaged by employing a moderate, natural pace. Frank is such an inspiring character, embarking on projects to help others and embracing people from different walks of life. Though G. Edward Martin's main story is engaging and deeply insightful, the book contains other minor stories built around various eye-opening philosophical topics. A must-read for fans of philosophical fiction and all seekers of wisdom!
From one reckless choice to another, Joe Palmer enjoys the spontaneity of a night out with his colleagues. However, he needed a break from his sales job, which had recently taken up much of his time and energy. Also, the situation at home with his wife is far from encouraging, with his wife grieving the loss of their unborn child. However, one arguably good outcome of his reckless decisions is meeting Frank, who offers him valuable advice on various subjects. Though Frank is homeless, he has a fantastic collection of books and a group of fans that stop to listen to him regularly. G. Edward Martin's The Flower from the Garbage follows Joe's transition from workaholism and marital issues to being more intentional at work and home. Will he turn his life around in time to save himself and his marriage?
The story is rife with intelligent, philosophical conversations that will make you think deeply about your life choices. One of my favorite questions helps you find your true self: "If the world didn’t see you, would you even like yourself?” The Flower from the Garbage also includes insightful discussions about family, forgiveness, charity, rules, honesty, and other topics. Furthermore, it weaves a captivating narrative around a reasonable number of characters and keeps us engaged by employing a moderate, natural pace. Frank is such an inspiring character, embarking on projects to help others and embracing people from different walks of life. Though G. Edward Martin's main story is engaging and deeply insightful, the book contains other minor stories built around various eye-opening philosophical topics. A must-read for fans of philosophical fiction and all seekers of wisdom!
Recommend this book:
Embracing the Darkness
Darkness Trilogy - 2
Cassie Sanchez
2023 Honorable Mention
376 Pages
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Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Embracing the Darkness is the second novel in The Darkness trilogy by Cassie Sanchez. An epic fantasy with heavy traces of politics, the story follows Jasce Farone as he battles a larger-than-life temptation. Jasce was once an assassin, but now he is a commander of the Paladin Guard. With his fiancée, Kenz, by his side, the only dark spot in his bright future is his missing sister Jaida. He wants to find her desperately. The opportunity arises when the Queen of Pandaren Kingdom decides to host the Gathering and invites delegates from five other kingdoms. Among them is Queen Evelina Siryn who seems to know where Jaida is. She may tell Jasce where Jaida is but Jasce must do something for her. Queen Siryn wants him to get the Empower Stone. But that is a temptation that Jasce would rather stay away from. His plate is already full looking for missing Spectrals and searching for Jaida. Can Jasce do it? What if the queen has a hidden agenda?
Action-packed and passionate, Embracing the Darkness had me hooked from the moment I read the first few lines. Jasce’s character is impactful and resonates with readers really well. The world-building is phenomenal, each aspect is crafted to perfection and you can tell author Cassie Sanchez worked hard on it. I was grateful for the character list in the beginning. For someone who is not familiar with the previous novel in the series, it helped me keep track of who was who. That being said, there was hardly a time when I was confused, and considering how complex this story is, it is a huge feat for the author. The subplots complemented Jasce’s quest and allowed me to feel connected to him. Kenz and Jasce’s chemistry was off the charts, even if they did struggle with communication. I found Shade Walking to be fascinating and Jaida’s psychic abilities very intriguing. It was a pleasure watching Jasce learn to trust himself. I highly, highly recommend this series.
Embracing the Darkness is the second novel in The Darkness trilogy by Cassie Sanchez. An epic fantasy with heavy traces of politics, the story follows Jasce Farone as he battles a larger-than-life temptation. Jasce was once an assassin, but now he is a commander of the Paladin Guard. With his fiancée, Kenz, by his side, the only dark spot in his bright future is his missing sister Jaida. He wants to find her desperately. The opportunity arises when the Queen of Pandaren Kingdom decides to host the Gathering and invites delegates from five other kingdoms. Among them is Queen Evelina Siryn who seems to know where Jaida is. She may tell Jasce where Jaida is but Jasce must do something for her. Queen Siryn wants him to get the Empower Stone. But that is a temptation that Jasce would rather stay away from. His plate is already full looking for missing Spectrals and searching for Jaida. Can Jasce do it? What if the queen has a hidden agenda?
Action-packed and passionate, Embracing the Darkness had me hooked from the moment I read the first few lines. Jasce’s character is impactful and resonates with readers really well. The world-building is phenomenal, each aspect is crafted to perfection and you can tell author Cassie Sanchez worked hard on it. I was grateful for the character list in the beginning. For someone who is not familiar with the previous novel in the series, it helped me keep track of who was who. That being said, there was hardly a time when I was confused, and considering how complex this story is, it is a huge feat for the author. The subplots complemented Jasce’s quest and allowed me to feel connected to him. Kenz and Jasce’s chemistry was off the charts, even if they did struggle with communication. I found Shade Walking to be fascinating and Jaida’s psychic abilities very intriguing. It was a pleasure watching Jasce learn to trust himself. I highly, highly recommend this series.
Recommend this book:
The Song of the Partisans
Kathryn Gauci
2023 Gold Medal
260 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Partisans is a military historical novel by Kathryn Gauci. The story follows the life of a young Parisian nurse, Simone, who helps the Resistance cause havoc against the German forces who have France under their control. She is first used for minor jobs of delivering to couriers or tending to wounded members of the Maquis but, seeing the potential in her, Jacques proposes a job far more dangerous and vital. From Paris, she has to relocate to the wine village of Verzenay in the façade of filling in the position of a live-in nurse and companion for an older woman, Madame Marie Legrande. While traveling, she meets one of the German officers, Oberstleutnant Bruno Albrecht. Little did she know this would be the start of the many meetings. The story outlines the bloodshed occurring on both sides, betrayal, loyalty, uncertainty, and a hardening of hearts, knowing only one thing; whatever happens, life moves on, even when war is waged.
Gauci's writing makes us travel with the Resistance. We can almost feel the tension of getting caught by the Nazis and French society's pressure. Narrated in the third person point of view, the story revolves around the protagonist, Simone. I adored Simone and how she hides her vulnerability yet rises to the occasion when called upon. Seldom letting her emotions take the upper hand, Simone is one true war hero who puts her country first but not without self-doubts. Simone has been adequately fleshed out and made remarkably relatable with different emotions. Simone's little romantic encounters leave us with a heavy heart, knowing nothing is certain in war, not even love. Gauci has a strong grip on military history and has effectively used it in this book. The details of how the Resistance would have worked, up to even the type of guns they used, are mentioned. Overall, Song of the Partisans by Kathryn Gauci is a true feast for readers of historical fiction.
Song of the Partisans is a military historical novel by Kathryn Gauci. The story follows the life of a young Parisian nurse, Simone, who helps the Resistance cause havoc against the German forces who have France under their control. She is first used for minor jobs of delivering to couriers or tending to wounded members of the Maquis but, seeing the potential in her, Jacques proposes a job far more dangerous and vital. From Paris, she has to relocate to the wine village of Verzenay in the façade of filling in the position of a live-in nurse and companion for an older woman, Madame Marie Legrande. While traveling, she meets one of the German officers, Oberstleutnant Bruno Albrecht. Little did she know this would be the start of the many meetings. The story outlines the bloodshed occurring on both sides, betrayal, loyalty, uncertainty, and a hardening of hearts, knowing only one thing; whatever happens, life moves on, even when war is waged.
Gauci's writing makes us travel with the Resistance. We can almost feel the tension of getting caught by the Nazis and French society's pressure. Narrated in the third person point of view, the story revolves around the protagonist, Simone. I adored Simone and how she hides her vulnerability yet rises to the occasion when called upon. Seldom letting her emotions take the upper hand, Simone is one true war hero who puts her country first but not without self-doubts. Simone has been adequately fleshed out and made remarkably relatable with different emotions. Simone's little romantic encounters leave us with a heavy heart, knowing nothing is certain in war, not even love. Gauci has a strong grip on military history and has effectively used it in this book. The details of how the Resistance would have worked, up to even the type of guns they used, are mentioned. Overall, Song of the Partisans by Kathryn Gauci is a true feast for readers of historical fiction.
Recommend this book:
The Hunt for the Peggy C
A World War II Maritime Novel
John Winn Miller
2023 Honorable Mention
264 Pages
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Fiction - Military
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
In John Winn Miller’s novel The Hunt for the Peggy C, Captain Jake Rogers commands a dilapidated cargo ship, the Peggy C, and solicits cargo and contraband to smuggle on his ship. During a violent storm, Jake and his crew rescue a group of sailors from a sunken ship. Upon their arrival in Amsterdam, Jake is surprised at the occupation by German soldiers. The crew loads a large crate onto the Peggy C. They are heading for Gibraltar when they are stopped by a German U-boat. Oberleutnant zur See Viktor Brauer is the U-boat’s commander. Jake and his crew manage to escape which leaves Brauer incensed and determined to hunt down the Peggy C and destroy her with her crew, no matter what it takes. It will take all the experience, skills and knowledge of the crew to save the Peggy C from destruction while protecting her human cargo.
The Hunt for the Peggy C is a gripping historical WW2 novel filled with suspense and action. Author John Winn Miller has certainly done his research in producing his account of men forced to survive the most frightening events. Surprising, beautiful, and heart-warming instances make for a unique addition to the story. The descriptions of the crew members and the dialogue create a feeling of reality. I especially enjoyed learning about how the crew of a ship work together as well as the mechanics involved in sailing, including managing a U-Boat. All-round, a fantastic story that is highly recommended to all adults, young and old.
In John Winn Miller’s novel The Hunt for the Peggy C, Captain Jake Rogers commands a dilapidated cargo ship, the Peggy C, and solicits cargo and contraband to smuggle on his ship. During a violent storm, Jake and his crew rescue a group of sailors from a sunken ship. Upon their arrival in Amsterdam, Jake is surprised at the occupation by German soldiers. The crew loads a large crate onto the Peggy C. They are heading for Gibraltar when they are stopped by a German U-boat. Oberleutnant zur See Viktor Brauer is the U-boat’s commander. Jake and his crew manage to escape which leaves Brauer incensed and determined to hunt down the Peggy C and destroy her with her crew, no matter what it takes. It will take all the experience, skills and knowledge of the crew to save the Peggy C from destruction while protecting her human cargo.
The Hunt for the Peggy C is a gripping historical WW2 novel filled with suspense and action. Author John Winn Miller has certainly done his research in producing his account of men forced to survive the most frightening events. Surprising, beautiful, and heart-warming instances make for a unique addition to the story. The descriptions of the crew members and the dialogue create a feeling of reality. I especially enjoyed learning about how the crew of a ship work together as well as the mechanics involved in sailing, including managing a U-Boat. All-round, a fantastic story that is highly recommended to all adults, young and old.
Recommend this book:
The Prancestor Project
Christine Morse
2023 Honorable Mention
546 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Prancestor Project by Christine Morse is a work of contemporary speculative fiction with a strongly tied counterfactual history component as it delves into the discovery of a possible ancient indigenous hominid-type advanced civilization, one which ruled the planet before any meaningful knowledge of the earth's timeline existed. The revelation is made by anthropologist Professor David Denlon, so soft-pedalled and unassuming a man that a Little House on the Prairie slight is about the worst name he can initially level against anyone. Funding soon follows from a benefactor whose true identity is hazy and comes at a massive cost, as David is chased across the globe by the wealthy and power-hungry Patrick Veeder, a wolf in sheep's clothing who will stop at nothing to gain control of the secrets the planet holds on its pre-ancient history.
As I devoured The Prancestor Project by Christine Morse in record time for a book this hefty in size, I couldn't decide if it was more Dan Brown or Michael Crichton, or if at any moment Indiana Jones might leap out from the shadows holding a crystal skull. I came to the conclusion that Morse encompasses the best of all three, with ancient code in a Jurassic Park-style mineral, a dogged chase by a man with the motivation and resources of the Catholic church, and a crystal that holds the key to answer absolutely everything—sans the guy with a whip. Morse gives David a fantastic personal arc that encompasses the women in his life, including his mother who, at the height of intensity, does the most motherly thing ever by turning off the TV because they were saying “terrible things about my Davey.” For a plot with all the chops to have launched a series, it is the characters in the book that make it entertaining. The writing is clean and tight, the pacing is perfect, and everything clicks neatly into place without turning tropey. There are a couple of twists and a moment at the beginning on a train involving a white crystal that comes full circle that is patiently and perfectly executed, making for an excellent book sure to tickle the fancy of speculative sci-fi lovers.
The Prancestor Project by Christine Morse is a work of contemporary speculative fiction with a strongly tied counterfactual history component as it delves into the discovery of a possible ancient indigenous hominid-type advanced civilization, one which ruled the planet before any meaningful knowledge of the earth's timeline existed. The revelation is made by anthropologist Professor David Denlon, so soft-pedalled and unassuming a man that a Little House on the Prairie slight is about the worst name he can initially level against anyone. Funding soon follows from a benefactor whose true identity is hazy and comes at a massive cost, as David is chased across the globe by the wealthy and power-hungry Patrick Veeder, a wolf in sheep's clothing who will stop at nothing to gain control of the secrets the planet holds on its pre-ancient history.
As I devoured The Prancestor Project by Christine Morse in record time for a book this hefty in size, I couldn't decide if it was more Dan Brown or Michael Crichton, or if at any moment Indiana Jones might leap out from the shadows holding a crystal skull. I came to the conclusion that Morse encompasses the best of all three, with ancient code in a Jurassic Park-style mineral, a dogged chase by a man with the motivation and resources of the Catholic church, and a crystal that holds the key to answer absolutely everything—sans the guy with a whip. Morse gives David a fantastic personal arc that encompasses the women in his life, including his mother who, at the height of intensity, does the most motherly thing ever by turning off the TV because they were saying “terrible things about my Davey.” For a plot with all the chops to have launched a series, it is the characters in the book that make it entertaining. The writing is clean and tight, the pacing is perfect, and everything clicks neatly into place without turning tropey. There are a couple of twists and a moment at the beginning on a train involving a white crystal that comes full circle that is patiently and perfectly executed, making for an excellent book sure to tickle the fancy of speculative sci-fi lovers.
Recommend this book:
For the Minds and Wills of Men
Jeff Lanier
2023 Silver Medal
310 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Historical
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
For the Minds and Wills of Men by Jeff Lanier is set in Cold War America and revolves around a WWII veteran and insurance agent named Will Oxley. Will specializes in art insurance and is drawn into a perplexing case when a privately owned Jackson Pollock painting lent to New York's Museum of Modern Art disappears. Famed as he is in the 21st century, the 1950s Pollock was an outsider to the mainstream public consciousness. His work is also physically oversized, making Will’s investigation stranger still. Will's relationship with the daughter of the painting's owner flourishes but the few clues he has point to Cold War politics and the woman he may be falling in love with.
Jeff Lanier constructs a wonderfully deep set of layers that intrigue and entertain in For the Minds and Wills of Men. I loved the complexity of Will’s character, whose memories of war still haunt him and whose PTSD, which was then unknown, drives his immersion into the art scene. More than just a clever play on words, the title acknowledges this and reminds readers that the space between what we want to do, can do, and must do is extremely hazy. Liz Bower and the family business feed into this brilliantly; her character quickly earns the distrust of readers who still hold hope. There is only so much crushing of the heart and soul that Will can take. So whichever way her fortune falls, we want it to turn out positively. From a literary standpoint For the Minds and Wills of Men is written beautifully, and I would give it a whole bucket of stars if I could. I very highly recommend this story.
For the Minds and Wills of Men by Jeff Lanier is set in Cold War America and revolves around a WWII veteran and insurance agent named Will Oxley. Will specializes in art insurance and is drawn into a perplexing case when a privately owned Jackson Pollock painting lent to New York's Museum of Modern Art disappears. Famed as he is in the 21st century, the 1950s Pollock was an outsider to the mainstream public consciousness. His work is also physically oversized, making Will’s investigation stranger still. Will's relationship with the daughter of the painting's owner flourishes but the few clues he has point to Cold War politics and the woman he may be falling in love with.
Jeff Lanier constructs a wonderfully deep set of layers that intrigue and entertain in For the Minds and Wills of Men. I loved the complexity of Will’s character, whose memories of war still haunt him and whose PTSD, which was then unknown, drives his immersion into the art scene. More than just a clever play on words, the title acknowledges this and reminds readers that the space between what we want to do, can do, and must do is extremely hazy. Liz Bower and the family business feed into this brilliantly; her character quickly earns the distrust of readers who still hold hope. There is only so much crushing of the heart and soul that Will can take. So whichever way her fortune falls, we want it to turn out positively. From a literary standpoint For the Minds and Wills of Men is written beautifully, and I would give it a whole bucket of stars if I could. I very highly recommend this story.
Recommend this book:
The Alewives
A plague-era tale of murder, friendship, and fine ale
Elizabeth R. Andersen
2023 Bronze Medal
266 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Historical
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
The aftermath of the bubonic plague, dubbed the great pestilence, was a difficult time for everyone. It was especially tough for Appel and Efi, who lost their families to the plague. Lacking any means to feed her drunk husband and twelve children, Gritta faced a different obstacle. The trio decides to make a living by selling ale. However, in a male-dominated world, nobody tolerates three independent women. In the meantime, the women of Colmar are turning up dead. Although the Sheriff declares each death an accident, the alewives suspect that a more dangerous game is afoot. Can they convince the authorities that someone is murdering innocent women? Can they keep their little business afloat without male intervention? Why is a monk with unusual quirks suddenly interested in them? To know more, read The Alewives by Elizabeth R. Andersen.
In this slice-of-life novel set in the fourteenth century, Elizabeth R. Andersen transports us to an entirely different era. We get an authentic portrayal of how ordinary people lived. Andersen’s detailed and accurate descriptions, including the polluted water of the tannery, the public bathhouses, and the nightly reminders from the watchman to extinguish the fire, made the setting realistic. The novel opens our eyes to the plight of women at the time. An unmarried woman would be considered a sinner or accused of witchcraft, although no one would bat an eye if she faced domestic violence. While everyone quickly judged a woman for deviating from the set social norms, nobody cared if she died an unexpected death. I loved how Gritta, Appel, and Efi strived to create a place for themselves in such an adverse world. Their sharp business acumen, resourcefulness, and presence of mind helped them enormously. I loved their free spirits and the strong friendship that kept them together. Andersen has woven a thread of subtle humor into the storyline. Appel and Gritta’s playful banter and Efi’s antics kept me entertained. I recommend The Alewives to anyone wishing to read a perfect blend of a historical fiction novel and a cozy mystery.
The aftermath of the bubonic plague, dubbed the great pestilence, was a difficult time for everyone. It was especially tough for Appel and Efi, who lost their families to the plague. Lacking any means to feed her drunk husband and twelve children, Gritta faced a different obstacle. The trio decides to make a living by selling ale. However, in a male-dominated world, nobody tolerates three independent women. In the meantime, the women of Colmar are turning up dead. Although the Sheriff declares each death an accident, the alewives suspect that a more dangerous game is afoot. Can they convince the authorities that someone is murdering innocent women? Can they keep their little business afloat without male intervention? Why is a monk with unusual quirks suddenly interested in them? To know more, read The Alewives by Elizabeth R. Andersen.
In this slice-of-life novel set in the fourteenth century, Elizabeth R. Andersen transports us to an entirely different era. We get an authentic portrayal of how ordinary people lived. Andersen’s detailed and accurate descriptions, including the polluted water of the tannery, the public bathhouses, and the nightly reminders from the watchman to extinguish the fire, made the setting realistic. The novel opens our eyes to the plight of women at the time. An unmarried woman would be considered a sinner or accused of witchcraft, although no one would bat an eye if she faced domestic violence. While everyone quickly judged a woman for deviating from the set social norms, nobody cared if she died an unexpected death. I loved how Gritta, Appel, and Efi strived to create a place for themselves in such an adverse world. Their sharp business acumen, resourcefulness, and presence of mind helped them enormously. I loved their free spirits and the strong friendship that kept them together. Andersen has woven a thread of subtle humor into the storyline. Appel and Gritta’s playful banter and Efi’s antics kept me entertained. I recommend The Alewives to anyone wishing to read a perfect blend of a historical fiction novel and a cozy mystery.
Recommend this book:
After the Blue, Blue Rain
A. D. Price
2023 Finalist
327 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Historical
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
It's a slow day at the office for Kit Comfort at the Comfort and Company detective agency until Dina Harris walks into her life and offers her an assignment. She wants the company to track down her fiance who has been missing ever since he got on a train in Chicago. What Kit does not know is the simple matter of finding a missing partner is about to put her in the crosshairs of competing interests that span international boundaries. An escaped Nazi prisoner of war, A World War Two veteran with a bad case of memory loss, and a traveling radiologist are all on the cards as Kit and Henry race against time to find their man in A.D. Price's After The Blue, Blue Rain.
After The Blue, Blue Rain is a mystery novel by A.D. Price. Set in post-World War Two America, the storyline carries undertones of the prohibition era and the paranoia that engulfed the country at the end of the war. What impressed me was the way two seemingly unrelated plots with varied themes such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and crime are blended into a single fluid story. The character development is simple yet thorough, adequately covering how Kit got into her unusual position as the head of an investigative firm. What I would consider the icing on the cake is the way Price interprets events from Klaus' viewpoint. This is an exciting tale with a fast-paced plot that followers of the mystery genre will find too appealing to put down. An excellent detective story.
It's a slow day at the office for Kit Comfort at the Comfort and Company detective agency until Dina Harris walks into her life and offers her an assignment. She wants the company to track down her fiance who has been missing ever since he got on a train in Chicago. What Kit does not know is the simple matter of finding a missing partner is about to put her in the crosshairs of competing interests that span international boundaries. An escaped Nazi prisoner of war, A World War Two veteran with a bad case of memory loss, and a traveling radiologist are all on the cards as Kit and Henry race against time to find their man in A.D. Price's After The Blue, Blue Rain.
After The Blue, Blue Rain is a mystery novel by A.D. Price. Set in post-World War Two America, the storyline carries undertones of the prohibition era and the paranoia that engulfed the country at the end of the war. What impressed me was the way two seemingly unrelated plots with varied themes such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and crime are blended into a single fluid story. The character development is simple yet thorough, adequately covering how Kit got into her unusual position as the head of an investigative firm. What I would consider the icing on the cake is the way Price interprets events from Klaus' viewpoint. This is an exciting tale with a fast-paced plot that followers of the mystery genre will find too appealing to put down. An excellent detective story.
Recommend this book:
The Night of the Burning Car
A Mystery Thriller
Rob Lubitz
2023 Gold Medal
349 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Night of the Burning Car by Rob Lubitz is about Billy Dalton, who is on his way home and takes a shortcut through Kane County. Coming around a long bend, Billy saw a car speed off, and another car that was engulfed in flames. Running to the car, he helped a woman and her child to safety before the gas tank exploded. When he woke up in the hospital, nobody knew about the woman and child that he rescued. Billy is forced to plead guilty to drunk driving to avoid going to jail. Years later, a private detective contacted him and informed him that the woman and child he had saved wanted to thank him. For the first time, Billy had concrete evidence that he did rescue a woman and child and that it had not been just his imagination.
The Night of the Burning Car by Rob Lubitz is a mystery thriller set in Kane County where the Harkins family is the law. The action started in the first chapter and never stopped. It was unnerving that a family could do whatever they wanted and no one could stop them. The plot was original, compelling, and excellently executed. The twists and turns ensured that I never knew what to expect next. I just kept reading and could not put it down as I did not want to miss anything. The characters are authentic and well-defined. It was easy to follow the cast and their part in the story, which was well-written and intriguing. It surpassed all my expectations. The climax was extraordinary and it could not have ended in a better way.
The Night of the Burning Car by Rob Lubitz is about Billy Dalton, who is on his way home and takes a shortcut through Kane County. Coming around a long bend, Billy saw a car speed off, and another car that was engulfed in flames. Running to the car, he helped a woman and her child to safety before the gas tank exploded. When he woke up in the hospital, nobody knew about the woman and child that he rescued. Billy is forced to plead guilty to drunk driving to avoid going to jail. Years later, a private detective contacted him and informed him that the woman and child he had saved wanted to thank him. For the first time, Billy had concrete evidence that he did rescue a woman and child and that it had not been just his imagination.
The Night of the Burning Car by Rob Lubitz is a mystery thriller set in Kane County where the Harkins family is the law. The action started in the first chapter and never stopped. It was unnerving that a family could do whatever they wanted and no one could stop them. The plot was original, compelling, and excellently executed. The twists and turns ensured that I never knew what to expect next. I just kept reading and could not put it down as I did not want to miss anything. The characters are authentic and well-defined. It was easy to follow the cast and their part in the story, which was well-written and intriguing. It surpassed all my expectations. The climax was extraordinary and it could not have ended in a better way.
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