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The Body Next Door
A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2
Gay Yellen
2017 Silver Medal
285 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery is a contemporary mystery novel written by Gay Yellen. Samantha was planning to raid the refrigerator and then collapse in the Houston condo her mysterious new love interest had loaned her when she finally got home from her all-nighter road trip. She was still reeling from the sequence of events that had led to the loss of her last job and the undue and unwelcome public exposure she was subjected to, but even more so, she was shattered by the loss of yet another loved one. She was on her way back from attending her friend's funeral in Nebraska. Yes, she should have made it a two-day trip or at least pulled over at a rest stop and indulged in a snooze, but she needed the security and sanity of home. She was dodging eighteen-wheelers on the highway when her phone lit up. It was nearly 5 a.m.; an odd hour for anyone to call her -- unless it was an emergency. Pulling over to the side of the highway, she took the call and was surprised to hear Gertie's voice on the other end. Gertie wasn't quite sure what to do with Samantha's neighbor, Brandy. She was drunk and hysterical, and she was also covered in blood.
Gay Yellen's contemporary mystery novel, The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2, is an entertaining and fast-paced novel about a woman whose midlife crisis is prematurely and unexpectedly forced upon her, and the hazards she must get past to reach the next phase of her life. Samantha is fierce and determined, and she has the ability to put away an incredible amount of ice cream if the situation warrants. Yellen's plot is finely woven, and her characters are vividly portrayed, from the strange elevator companions Samantha seems doomed to spend time with to the folks on her boyfriend Carter's ranch. Yellen also admirably addresses the difficulties those coping with loss may experience in forging new relationships. Armchair sleuths will appreciate the clues and red herrings judiciously scattered throughout this breezy and romance-laced mystery. The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2 is highly recommended.
The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery is a contemporary mystery novel written by Gay Yellen. Samantha was planning to raid the refrigerator and then collapse in the Houston condo her mysterious new love interest had loaned her when she finally got home from her all-nighter road trip. She was still reeling from the sequence of events that had led to the loss of her last job and the undue and unwelcome public exposure she was subjected to, but even more so, she was shattered by the loss of yet another loved one. She was on her way back from attending her friend's funeral in Nebraska. Yes, she should have made it a two-day trip or at least pulled over at a rest stop and indulged in a snooze, but she needed the security and sanity of home. She was dodging eighteen-wheelers on the highway when her phone lit up. It was nearly 5 a.m.; an odd hour for anyone to call her -- unless it was an emergency. Pulling over to the side of the highway, she took the call and was surprised to hear Gertie's voice on the other end. Gertie wasn't quite sure what to do with Samantha's neighbor, Brandy. She was drunk and hysterical, and she was also covered in blood.
Gay Yellen's contemporary mystery novel, The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2, is an entertaining and fast-paced novel about a woman whose midlife crisis is prematurely and unexpectedly forced upon her, and the hazards she must get past to reach the next phase of her life. Samantha is fierce and determined, and she has the ability to put away an incredible amount of ice cream if the situation warrants. Yellen's plot is finely woven, and her characters are vividly portrayed, from the strange elevator companions Samantha seems doomed to spend time with to the folks on her boyfriend Carter's ranch. Yellen also admirably addresses the difficulties those coping with loss may experience in forging new relationships. Armchair sleuths will appreciate the clues and red herrings judiciously scattered throughout this breezy and romance-laced mystery. The Body Next Door: A Samantha Newman Mystery, Volume 2 is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
 by Libby Kirsch is an exciting suspense novel featuring a Knoxville television reporter. While Stella is reporting on an arrest, she is stunned when the suspect confesses to the shooting on live TV. A few days later, the young man's mother is found dead in a burning building. An anonymous tipster e...){kind=link}
The Big Overnight
Stella Reynolds Mystery Series Volume 3
Libby Kirsch
2017 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
The Big Overnight (Stella Reynolds Mystery Book 3) by Libby Kirsch is an exciting suspense novel featuring a Knoxville television reporter. While Stella is reporting on an arrest, she is stunned when the suspect confesses to the shooting on live TV. A few days later, the young man's mother is found dead in a burning building. An anonymous tipster emails Stella, insisting that the shooting and the murder are connected, and urges Stella to look further into the crimes. The unidentified source indicates that the law enforcement isn't all that it seems and not to trust them. But how can that be? Crime statistics have never been lower. As she delves into the murder, the FBI is following her, and gang members are threatening her life. When police members who are her friends have dropped out of her life and aren't answering her calls, and the local authorities are quite possibly corrupt, Stella doesn't know whom to trust. With all the new murders, it seems that there may have been an error made in the poll on the criminal element in Knoxville. With no one to turn to for help, Stella has to make a stand for herself. Will Stella survive or will she be another statistic in the growing crime rate in the city?
The Big Overnight (Stella Reynolds Mystery Book 3) by Libby Kirsch is a thrilling suspense murder mystery. The aspect of crime solving from a reporter's point of view piqued my interest. The story has a marvelous plot and delivers a satisfying conclusion. As this is the third book in a series, I found all the characters and how they correlated to be confusing in the beginning, but as the story progressed, I was able to connect their relationships and discern their dynamics. I enjoyed this book very much and am now a Stella Reynolds fan. I am looking forward to reading more about Stella's exploits and her amateur sleuthing. This novel is an excellent read for those who are fans of suspenseful murder mysteries.
The Big Overnight (Stella Reynolds Mystery Book 3) by Libby Kirsch is an exciting suspense novel featuring a Knoxville television reporter. While Stella is reporting on an arrest, she is stunned when the suspect confesses to the shooting on live TV. A few days later, the young man's mother is found dead in a burning building. An anonymous tipster emails Stella, insisting that the shooting and the murder are connected, and urges Stella to look further into the crimes. The unidentified source indicates that the law enforcement isn't all that it seems and not to trust them. But how can that be? Crime statistics have never been lower. As she delves into the murder, the FBI is following her, and gang members are threatening her life. When police members who are her friends have dropped out of her life and aren't answering her calls, and the local authorities are quite possibly corrupt, Stella doesn't know whom to trust. With all the new murders, it seems that there may have been an error made in the poll on the criminal element in Knoxville. With no one to turn to for help, Stella has to make a stand for herself. Will Stella survive or will she be another statistic in the growing crime rate in the city?
The Big Overnight (Stella Reynolds Mystery Book 3) by Libby Kirsch is a thrilling suspense murder mystery. The aspect of crime solving from a reporter's point of view piqued my interest. The story has a marvelous plot and delivers a satisfying conclusion. As this is the third book in a series, I found all the characters and how they correlated to be confusing in the beginning, but as the story progressed, I was able to connect their relationships and discern their dynamics. I enjoyed this book very much and am now a Stella Reynolds fan. I am looking forward to reading more about Stella's exploits and her amateur sleuthing. This novel is an excellent read for those who are fans of suspenseful murder mysteries.
Recommend this book:
The Maltese Pigeon
A Matt Kile Mystery
David Bishop
2017 Honorable Mention
380 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Neil A White for Readers' Favorite
The Maltese Pigeon by David Bishop is the most current installment in the successful Matt Kile Mystery novels. And although this is the fifth book in the series, those readers only just jumping aboard need not worry; The Maltese Pigeon reads very well as a stand-alone novel and will have many furiously searching out the first four while salivating over the release of a sixth.
Bishop’s creation, Matt Kile, is a wise-cracking ex-homicide cop, ex-con, part-time private investigator and wanna-be author. In The Maltese Pigeon, Kile is hired by Catherine Martin, who has just inherited an original and priceless Faberge egg from her grandmother, to both find a buyer and to provide protection. Enter, stage left, a shady character (and requisite muscle) that will do anything to add the egg to their private collection. Add a subtle link to the last of the Romanov family, the last Czar of Russia, and a backup team employed by Kile of mischievous ex-cons. The rollicking adventure quickly builds up a good head of steam.
David Bishop’s Matt Kile is a light-hearted homage to the gritty L.A. noir books of the 1950s, featuring a delicious dash of humor that keeps the storyline moving swiftly along like an L.A. county culvert after a heavy downpour. Needless to say, all is not how it seems, and a clever plot twist leaves Kile with a weighty decision to ponder. At just over 180 pages, The Maltese Pigeon is a quick read and will have the reader thirsting for more.
The Maltese Pigeon by David Bishop is the most current installment in the successful Matt Kile Mystery novels. And although this is the fifth book in the series, those readers only just jumping aboard need not worry; The Maltese Pigeon reads very well as a stand-alone novel and will have many furiously searching out the first four while salivating over the release of a sixth.
Bishop’s creation, Matt Kile, is a wise-cracking ex-homicide cop, ex-con, part-time private investigator and wanna-be author. In The Maltese Pigeon, Kile is hired by Catherine Martin, who has just inherited an original and priceless Faberge egg from her grandmother, to both find a buyer and to provide protection. Enter, stage left, a shady character (and requisite muscle) that will do anything to add the egg to their private collection. Add a subtle link to the last of the Romanov family, the last Czar of Russia, and a backup team employed by Kile of mischievous ex-cons. The rollicking adventure quickly builds up a good head of steam.
David Bishop’s Matt Kile is a light-hearted homage to the gritty L.A. noir books of the 1950s, featuring a delicious dash of humor that keeps the storyline moving swiftly along like an L.A. county culvert after a heavy downpour. Needless to say, all is not how it seems, and a clever plot twist leaves Kile with a weighty decision to ponder. At just over 180 pages, The Maltese Pigeon is a quick read and will have the reader thirsting for more.
Recommend this book:
The Finest Hat in the Whole World
Colleen A. Parkinson
2017 Honorable Mention
396 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson follows a family's journey through the years 1917-1937, from the Great War to the Great Depression. Des Stewart is the responsible member of his family, having never married or left home and devoting his life to caring for his younger sister and ailing mother. Both of his brothers lead opposite lives with fractured marriages and children. His family has been haunted by a past of death, guilt, and secrets. All of this changes for Des when his older brother insists he take in nine-year-old Phena after her parents tire of her insolent behavior. As Des tries to steer Phena onto the right path, their unbreakable bond ends up saving them both.
Though the events take place during significant time periods such as the Great Depression and the flu pandemic, the story primarily remains focused on the characters and leaves most of the historical context largely in the background. Redemption is a key factor in several of the characters' lives. Des finds his second chance in life when he gets custody of Phena. He finds fulfillment in his life by giving her a better chance at a future. She's a spit-fire, attacking when she feels attacked, and calling out what she finds to be wrong, but her second chance with Des makes her a stronger character. He teaches her kindness and forgiveness, and gives her a real chance at a happy life. The characters are deeply flawed, but very real with some redeeming themselves along the way while others don't change at all.
The most shocking change is found in Des's younger brother's journey from a drunk bored with his marriage after week two to someone who has some redeeming qualities. Phena has the most significant change as she experiences a coming of age journey going from childhood to adulthood. Colleen A. Parkinson writes a realistic and human story about family and second chances. There's a lot of tragedy, but also a lot of heart as this family may be estranged, but love is still there. Secrets are revealed in this emotional read about how a fractured family becomes whole. The Finest Hat in the Whole World is a story of past regrets and second chances in a journey of love and loss.
The Finest Hat in the Whole World by Colleen A. Parkinson follows a family's journey through the years 1917-1937, from the Great War to the Great Depression. Des Stewart is the responsible member of his family, having never married or left home and devoting his life to caring for his younger sister and ailing mother. Both of his brothers lead opposite lives with fractured marriages and children. His family has been haunted by a past of death, guilt, and secrets. All of this changes for Des when his older brother insists he take in nine-year-old Phena after her parents tire of her insolent behavior. As Des tries to steer Phena onto the right path, their unbreakable bond ends up saving them both.
Though the events take place during significant time periods such as the Great Depression and the flu pandemic, the story primarily remains focused on the characters and leaves most of the historical context largely in the background. Redemption is a key factor in several of the characters' lives. Des finds his second chance in life when he gets custody of Phena. He finds fulfillment in his life by giving her a better chance at a future. She's a spit-fire, attacking when she feels attacked, and calling out what she finds to be wrong, but her second chance with Des makes her a stronger character. He teaches her kindness and forgiveness, and gives her a real chance at a happy life. The characters are deeply flawed, but very real with some redeeming themselves along the way while others don't change at all.
The most shocking change is found in Des's younger brother's journey from a drunk bored with his marriage after week two to someone who has some redeeming qualities. Phena has the most significant change as she experiences a coming of age journey going from childhood to adulthood. Colleen A. Parkinson writes a realistic and human story about family and second chances. There's a lot of tragedy, but also a lot of heart as this family may be estranged, but love is still there. Secrets are revealed in this emotional read about how a fractured family becomes whole. The Finest Hat in the Whole World is a story of past regrets and second chances in a journey of love and loss.
Recommend this book:
Playing for the Save
Rachelle Ayala
2017 Gold Medal
332 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Playing for the Save by Rachelle Ayala is book three in the Men of Spring series, a well-crafted romance that will delight fans of Nicholas Sparks. Meet veteran relief pitcher, Ryan Hudson, a professional baseball player who keeps to himself and who doesn’t want his life entangled in any way by a woman or a family. Jamie Rush is a single mom committed to the care of her two boys, one of whom is autistic. She works very hard to provide for them, without the support of her ex-husband. She is the kind of woman who wouldn’t like her already difficult life to get more complicated with another relationship. But things change when her two sons “win a day” with baseball player Ryan Hudson. A powerful bond seems to happen between the baseball icon and the kids, and although she can’t trust him, Jamie can’t help but fantasize about him. On his part, Ryan feels an irresistible attraction for the devoted mother, but can he muster the courage to face it?
Here is a story that captures the finest feelings of humanity, exploring themes like solitude, motherhood, autism, and love. Although I haven’t read a previous book in this series, I found this one complete and masterfully crafted to read as a standalone story. The themes — sports, being a single mom, solitude, love, and courage — are so beautifully woven into the plot that readers are well-informed as much as they are entertained. The pace is steady and the writing is filled with insightful and emotionally charged passages. Playing for the Save is a novel for those readers who enjoy love stories that are well-fleshed out, with characters that are real and memorable. Rachelle Ayala has won a place as one of the best storytellers to feature on my library shelves.
Playing for the Save by Rachelle Ayala is book three in the Men of Spring series, a well-crafted romance that will delight fans of Nicholas Sparks. Meet veteran relief pitcher, Ryan Hudson, a professional baseball player who keeps to himself and who doesn’t want his life entangled in any way by a woman or a family. Jamie Rush is a single mom committed to the care of her two boys, one of whom is autistic. She works very hard to provide for them, without the support of her ex-husband. She is the kind of woman who wouldn’t like her already difficult life to get more complicated with another relationship. But things change when her two sons “win a day” with baseball player Ryan Hudson. A powerful bond seems to happen between the baseball icon and the kids, and although she can’t trust him, Jamie can’t help but fantasize about him. On his part, Ryan feels an irresistible attraction for the devoted mother, but can he muster the courage to face it?
Here is a story that captures the finest feelings of humanity, exploring themes like solitude, motherhood, autism, and love. Although I haven’t read a previous book in this series, I found this one complete and masterfully crafted to read as a standalone story. The themes — sports, being a single mom, solitude, love, and courage — are so beautifully woven into the plot that readers are well-informed as much as they are entertained. The pace is steady and the writing is filled with insightful and emotionally charged passages. Playing for the Save is a novel for those readers who enjoy love stories that are well-fleshed out, with characters that are real and memorable. Rachelle Ayala has won a place as one of the best storytellers to feature on my library shelves.
Recommend this book:
AFTER THE GOODE
The Jake Roberts Series, Book 3
Cary Allen Stone
2017 Silver Medal
298 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Tyler F. Hosea for Readers' Favorite
After the Goode is Cary Allen Stone’s first novel since living in Arizona. He continues to incorporate his surroundings into his writing, since he writes what he knows. The reader gets a complete picture of Atlanta, or in this case, Phoenix, airplanes, flying, comedy clubs, and the human condition. I thoroughly enjoyed creating a picture in my mind of the surroundings in the book. I also enjoyed reading detailed police procedure, something else that the author does extremely well. It is very evident that Stone spends a great deal of time researching his material before beginning to write.
As a reader, I know and love Stone’s lead character, Jake Roberts. I look forward to each new novel with excitement rivaling the release of Apple’s newest iPhone! In After the Goode, readers are treated to a plethora of new characters. Phoenix Police Department’s Wynter Williams and her father, comedian Bobby Goode, airline pilot and Jake’s best friend, Fred, Fred’s loving supportive girlfriend, Andrea, are all new to the mix. I’ve had a difficult time deciding which new character I enjoy most. I really find the relationship between Fred and Jake so special. What a beautiful friendship. It leaves the reader wishing that they had a best friend just like that. I can't think of any real people I like as well as Stone's characters. The events of this book will leave readers wondering how many new scars Jake’s psyche can withstand. Be ready for an emotional and exhilarating ride.
After the Goode is Cary Allen Stone’s first novel since living in Arizona. He continues to incorporate his surroundings into his writing, since he writes what he knows. The reader gets a complete picture of Atlanta, or in this case, Phoenix, airplanes, flying, comedy clubs, and the human condition. I thoroughly enjoyed creating a picture in my mind of the surroundings in the book. I also enjoyed reading detailed police procedure, something else that the author does extremely well. It is very evident that Stone spends a great deal of time researching his material before beginning to write.
As a reader, I know and love Stone’s lead character, Jake Roberts. I look forward to each new novel with excitement rivaling the release of Apple’s newest iPhone! In After the Goode, readers are treated to a plethora of new characters. Phoenix Police Department’s Wynter Williams and her father, comedian Bobby Goode, airline pilot and Jake’s best friend, Fred, Fred’s loving supportive girlfriend, Andrea, are all new to the mix. I’ve had a difficult time deciding which new character I enjoy most. I really find the relationship between Fred and Jake so special. What a beautiful friendship. It leaves the reader wishing that they had a best friend just like that. I can't think of any real people I like as well as Stone's characters. The events of this book will leave readers wondering how many new scars Jake’s psyche can withstand. Be ready for an emotional and exhilarating ride.
Recommend this book:
AFTER THE EVIL
The Jake Roberts Series, Book 1
Cary Allen Stone
2017 Bronze Medal
282 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
After the Evil by Cary Allen Stone is another in his exciting series of crime-based fiction surrounding the actions and reflections of his protagonist, policeman Jake Roberts. Cary Allen Stone introduces a lot of characters, including the perpetrator, within the first 10-15 pages of the book. Each of the characters grabs the reader from the get-go. Some readers may find themselves a bit confused by this quick onslaught of characters, wondering who all these people are and where this is all going. But Stone pulls them all together very neatly as the story unfolds into one of those books you just can't put down. Jake and his dedicated group of policemen, led by the talented and beautiful FBI profiler, Mika, take us down a trail of murder, mutilation, sexual aberrations, abuse, romance and mysogynism that still has you thinking about what happened once After the Evil is finished.
While readers may initially feel a bit disoriented by tense changes and unexpected switches between first and third person narration, they will get used to hearing Jake interrupting the narration of events. Well thought out characters and lots of twists and turns as the police desperately try to find a nasty serial killer keep readers turning the pages and leave them wondering what will happen in Cary Allen Stone's next thriller. Readers will also appreciate the realistic look the author gives into human nature. Allen is superb at showing that none of us is all evil or all good: even the killer is lovable, if quite insane ... all good reasons for picking up After the Evil by Cary Allen Stone.
After the Evil by Cary Allen Stone is another in his exciting series of crime-based fiction surrounding the actions and reflections of his protagonist, policeman Jake Roberts. Cary Allen Stone introduces a lot of characters, including the perpetrator, within the first 10-15 pages of the book. Each of the characters grabs the reader from the get-go. Some readers may find themselves a bit confused by this quick onslaught of characters, wondering who all these people are and where this is all going. But Stone pulls them all together very neatly as the story unfolds into one of those books you just can't put down. Jake and his dedicated group of policemen, led by the talented and beautiful FBI profiler, Mika, take us down a trail of murder, mutilation, sexual aberrations, abuse, romance and mysogynism that still has you thinking about what happened once After the Evil is finished.
While readers may initially feel a bit disoriented by tense changes and unexpected switches between first and third person narration, they will get used to hearing Jake interrupting the narration of events. Well thought out characters and lots of twists and turns as the police desperately try to find a nasty serial killer keep readers turning the pages and leave them wondering what will happen in Cary Allen Stone's next thriller. Readers will also appreciate the realistic look the author gives into human nature. Allen is superb at showing that none of us is all evil or all good: even the killer is lovable, if quite insane ... all good reasons for picking up After the Evil by Cary Allen Stone.
Recommend this book:
Stainer
A Novel of the 'Me' Decade
Iolanthe Woulff
2017 Honorable Mention
344 Pages
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
This engaging novel begins on the twenty-first birthday of Ben Steiner, a Jewish student at Columbia University, in May 1975. Living a comfortable life in Beit Yitzhak, or the “B”, a communal house for Jewish students, seemed boring to Ben. He was ready to find some excitement, and hopefully an attractive girlfriend. The title of Part One, “Whatever a Man Soweth….,” lays the groundwork for the fascinating novel, Stainer: A Novel of the ‘Me' Decade, written by Iolanthe Woulff. That evening, Ben met the girl of his dreams, Rebecca Glaser. But, his acquaintance with P.T. Deighland, a student from Princeton, was the beginning of Ben living out the Me Decade. When Becky left for a summer in Israel, Ben explored the wilder life. Deighland was cool, mocking traditional beliefs and Ben’s life; he offered Ben seemingly exciting adventures, including drugs and crazy parties. He also introduced him to a beautiful model named Anthea Montague. It was quite a summer, and his relationship with Becky is challenged when she returns.
The author is an excellent storyteller and has crafted an easy-to-read novel. The reader is uncertain until the last pages as to how Ben will manage the two divergent lifestyles. The way Ms. Woulff captured the decade of the 1970s, through descriptions of fashion, speech, and other details, is amazing. Anyone who lived during that era (especially as a college student or young adult) will be reminded of things they may have forgotten. Also, the characters are realistic and the dialogue is authentic. Author Iolanthe Woulff has written a wonderful book in Stainer: A Novel of the ‘Me' Decade. This is truly a gem!
This engaging novel begins on the twenty-first birthday of Ben Steiner, a Jewish student at Columbia University, in May 1975. Living a comfortable life in Beit Yitzhak, or the “B”, a communal house for Jewish students, seemed boring to Ben. He was ready to find some excitement, and hopefully an attractive girlfriend. The title of Part One, “Whatever a Man Soweth….,” lays the groundwork for the fascinating novel, Stainer: A Novel of the ‘Me' Decade, written by Iolanthe Woulff. That evening, Ben met the girl of his dreams, Rebecca Glaser. But, his acquaintance with P.T. Deighland, a student from Princeton, was the beginning of Ben living out the Me Decade. When Becky left for a summer in Israel, Ben explored the wilder life. Deighland was cool, mocking traditional beliefs and Ben’s life; he offered Ben seemingly exciting adventures, including drugs and crazy parties. He also introduced him to a beautiful model named Anthea Montague. It was quite a summer, and his relationship with Becky is challenged when she returns.
The author is an excellent storyteller and has crafted an easy-to-read novel. The reader is uncertain until the last pages as to how Ben will manage the two divergent lifestyles. The way Ms. Woulff captured the decade of the 1970s, through descriptions of fashion, speech, and other details, is amazing. Anyone who lived during that era (especially as a college student or young adult) will be reminded of things they may have forgotten. Also, the characters are realistic and the dialogue is authentic. Author Iolanthe Woulff has written a wonderful book in Stainer: A Novel of the ‘Me' Decade. This is truly a gem!
Recommend this book:
The Last Detective
Brian Cohn
2017 Bronze Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
The first superlative technique that strikes the curious reader of Brian Cohn’s science fiction/mystery, The Last Detective, is the author’s masterful use of descriptive prose, something seen less and less these days, but guaranteed to place one forcefully and engagingly in a most dramatic present. This uniquely creative future moment deserves precisely such a pleasing and powerful ploy, for we find ourselves taken over by mysterious, condescending aliens – slickly referred to as 'slicks' - and immersed in an old school investigation of one particular alien’s bold and inconceivable murder. If that is not enough to catch any jaded sci-fi or mystery reader’s rapt attention, one should check that reader’s pulse for proof of life.
Detective Adrian Grace is the unduly harried flatfoot in this remarkable book, and he is the narrative magnet through whom Brian Cohn expertly unfolds his desperately fascinating plot in The Last Detective. Grace hates the slicks. Loathes them, actually. But they have an irresistible inducement with which to ensure his cooperation and participation: a displaced family with whom the detective longs to be reunited. Written in the style of exquisitely dark and sometimes morbid humor so loved by classic mystery readers, and with a gene pool of realistically portrayed otherworldly beings – the kind you love to hate, so human is their inhumanity – The Last Detective is that truly wonderful of finds: a smart book to transport you and distract you from the real world it so ironically mirrors. Mr. Cohn has done his job with great finesse and style, mixing genres so seamlessly that the reader forgets in which one he might be so thoroughly absorbed. He is absorbed in both. Cliché time: an unforgettable, great read!
The first superlative technique that strikes the curious reader of Brian Cohn’s science fiction/mystery, The Last Detective, is the author’s masterful use of descriptive prose, something seen less and less these days, but guaranteed to place one forcefully and engagingly in a most dramatic present. This uniquely creative future moment deserves precisely such a pleasing and powerful ploy, for we find ourselves taken over by mysterious, condescending aliens – slickly referred to as 'slicks' - and immersed in an old school investigation of one particular alien’s bold and inconceivable murder. If that is not enough to catch any jaded sci-fi or mystery reader’s rapt attention, one should check that reader’s pulse for proof of life.
Detective Adrian Grace is the unduly harried flatfoot in this remarkable book, and he is the narrative magnet through whom Brian Cohn expertly unfolds his desperately fascinating plot in The Last Detective. Grace hates the slicks. Loathes them, actually. But they have an irresistible inducement with which to ensure his cooperation and participation: a displaced family with whom the detective longs to be reunited. Written in the style of exquisitely dark and sometimes morbid humor so loved by classic mystery readers, and with a gene pool of realistically portrayed otherworldly beings – the kind you love to hate, so human is their inhumanity – The Last Detective is that truly wonderful of finds: a smart book to transport you and distract you from the real world it so ironically mirrors. Mr. Cohn has done his job with great finesse and style, mixing genres so seamlessly that the reader forgets in which one he might be so thoroughly absorbed. He is absorbed in both. Cliché time: an unforgettable, great read!
Recommend this book:
The Zeta Grey War
New Recruits
D F Capps
2017 Finalist
439 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
I liked The Zeta Grey War: New Recruits by DF Capps. It has a lot of the elements necessary in a good, action based science-fiction, military style novel. The science is good. The aliens are believable. They are not monsters but intelligent beings who happen to have an agenda that puts them in direct conflict with humanity. There is also the fact that there are two different types of aliens involved in the conflict. One group is out to dominate and use us, and another is willing to secretly help us and, believe me, we need their help. The cards are stacked against us. Rosaq and the Zeta Grey Earth Acquisition Force have all the advantages in this war. They are more technologically advanced. After all, they crossed the stars to come to us. They are experienced. They have done this type of thing before, and on top of that they are telepathic and know much more about the mind than we do. A huge advantage in and of itself. It’s going to be a long, hard war.
The Zeta Grey War reminds me of that hit television show from a few years back, V. I think the V stood for visitors. This book is much better than the show. It might just be the medium. I prefer books to movies or TV most of the time. But I also think it may be the writing of DF Capps. He tells the story well and he has plotted out the sequence of events like a master. The characters are great. I loved the Zadanski family. They represent all that is good about humanity and they make the story much more personal and real than your average alien invasion story. The writing is good. The plot is logical and the tension is real. This is going to be a great series.
I liked The Zeta Grey War: New Recruits by DF Capps. It has a lot of the elements necessary in a good, action based science-fiction, military style novel. The science is good. The aliens are believable. They are not monsters but intelligent beings who happen to have an agenda that puts them in direct conflict with humanity. There is also the fact that there are two different types of aliens involved in the conflict. One group is out to dominate and use us, and another is willing to secretly help us and, believe me, we need their help. The cards are stacked against us. Rosaq and the Zeta Grey Earth Acquisition Force have all the advantages in this war. They are more technologically advanced. After all, they crossed the stars to come to us. They are experienced. They have done this type of thing before, and on top of that they are telepathic and know much more about the mind than we do. A huge advantage in and of itself. It’s going to be a long, hard war.
The Zeta Grey War reminds me of that hit television show from a few years back, V. I think the V stood for visitors. This book is much better than the show. It might just be the medium. I prefer books to movies or TV most of the time. But I also think it may be the writing of DF Capps. He tells the story well and he has plotted out the sequence of events like a master. The characters are great. I loved the Zadanski family. They represent all that is good about humanity and they make the story much more personal and real than your average alien invasion story. The writing is good. The plot is logical and the tension is real. This is going to be a great series.
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