Death Comes to Pemberley By P D James

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AppId is over the quota

I just realized that I hadn't reviewed this after seeing it for another week in the top 10 of the New York Times best seller list. Oops. Well I will do my best to get this out. I did read it a few weeks ago but can remember how brill it was. From the beginning of this story you are transported to a Jane Austen novel. That probably sounds really goofy but it is true. You are just transported to that time and place and if you've ever seen any of the television productions you can immediately imagine the scenery too. Ms. James has done another great job but this is extraordinary. I literally re-read the first few pages as I couldn't quite believe it. She is amazing. Anyone who has read Pride and Prejudice needs to read this even if you have never read a mystery or like the genre.

The author takes the main characters we know and love, and even those we love to hate, and tells the story of their lives in and around Pemberley. This is a mystery so there has to be some drama but I have to tell you it was so cool reading about Elizabeth and Darcy's continuing relationship and how P.D. James assumes it went. I always hate to give away too much of the actual plot but someone dies on the grounds of Pemberley and Darcy immediately assumes responsibility of the body and informing the local magistrate. Some of the characters who made us all so mad in Pride and Prejudice rear their ugly heads once again and make life a misery for Darcy especially. Right now I just want to spill all the details but I really shouldn't so I won't do that.

Elizabeth's sisters and parents also play somewhat of a part in this book. There is an annual ball at the house that Darcy's parents handed over to he and Elizabeth so that is the backdrop of the main story line. So while the preparations continue for this gala, the decision has to be made on whether or not they should continue after a pretty gruesome death on the grounds. Elizabeth does see her family quite regularly but especially Jane who lives very close by and she comes and stays at the house to help with the ball. Again this is so fab to 'catch up' with Jane and all that she has been up to. I really could go on and on but gushing is so uncouth. Read this beautifully written book and really enjoy the countryside and character development. I know you will be pleased and feel as if you know Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth even better than before.

You can find more of my book and movie reviews at: http://ukchica.com/

Trespasser by Paul Doiron - Mystery-Thriller Book Review - Asian Murder, ATV Adventure, and Amore

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AppId is over the quota

Twenty-five-year-old Mike Bowditch is a passionate Maine state game warden. It's been seven months since the ordeal with his father, Jack Bowditch at Rum Pond (consider reading Doiron's award-nominated debut novel, The Poacher's Son as a preface to Trespasser).

Bowditch responds to a dispatcher's call to investigate a deer/car collision on Parker Point Road. He arrives to find a damaged, red, rental sedan, and deer bloodstains in the middle of the road, but no driver, no deer.

What happened to the driver and the deer? Who anonymously alerted the authorities from the pay phone at Smitty's Garage two miles away about the accident?

The rental car agreement found in the glove compartment indicates the current driver as Ashley Kim, 23, from Cambridge, Massachusetts.

State trooper, Curt Hutchins arrives at the scene soon after Bowditch. He assures him that he'll continue pursuit of Kim, now that it's a state police matter. Bowditch is skeptical. Something's not right and Bowditch knows it.

Bowditch is compelled to do his own investigation of Ashley Kim's disappearance. He entails the help of town clerk, MaryBeth Fickett and legendary, retired warden pilot, Charley Stevens. Stevens befriended Bowditch during his search for his father.

Fickett discovers that Hans Westergaard owns a summer home not far from the accident site. Westergaard is also from Cambridge, Massachusetts and a Harvard Business School professor. The Kim/Westergaard connection is too close to ignore. Bowditch calls Westergaard's wife, Jill, and learns that Kim was her husband's research assistant. She informs him too, that Hans left for a conference the day before and hasn't been heard from since.

Bowditch and Stevens explore the capacious, oceanfront Westergaard home where they discover the mutilated corpse of Ashley Kim. The killer had carved the word SLUT on her body. With no sign of Westergaard, early suspicions focus on a romantic liaison between the two gone sour.

Seven years ago, Earland Jefferts, an affable, handsome, former lobsterman, was convicted of murdering twenty-year old, Nikki Donatelli. The crime occurred on a hot July night after drinking and seduction at the Harpoon Bar. Interestingly, Bowditch learns that Donatelli's body also had the word SLUT carved into her body.

The J-Team, led by Jeffert's aunt, Lou Bates, is determined to win him a new trial; convinced the prosecution did a botched job of presenting the evidence. They approach Bowditch about joining their mission. He initially declines. But, given the similarities between the Kim/Donatelli murders, he finds himself drawn into investigating Jeffert's conviction.

Danica Marshall is the Assistant Attorney General who helped prosecute Earland Jefferts. Often referred to as a "courthouse sex symbol," and "Black Widow," she warns Bowditch to stop investigating Ashley Kim's death, and revisiting the details of Jeffert's conviction.

The Square Deal Diner is the town's gossip hub. Upon entering, Bowditch has been the topic of conversation, both during his father's disappearance and Ashley Kim's murder.

Adventure accentuates Trespasser, as Bowditch engages in a death-defying ATV chase on an ice-filled, snow-driven night to lure local Calvin Barter. Bowditch is sure he's the culprit whose ATV tracks have been ruining neighbor, Hank Varnum's property: " I shifted into a lower gear and gassed it, aiming for as much momentum as possible and hoping to hell my wheels didn't lose traction on the icy surface."

Bowditch met his live-in girlfriend, Sarah, during college. Despite her affluent upbringing, she was attracted to his raw, love for the outdoors. "She recognized something feral underneath my clean-cut exterior, and like many good girls from proper families, she was aroused by the scent of danger."

His affinity for danger, both during the search for his father and now in the Ashley Kim murder investigation, have take its toll on their relationship. Her tolerance for his availability, both physically and emotionally, have peaked, especially now that she's secretly pregnant.

Well-written fiction mirrors reality, often presenting insightful dialogue. One of the best lines in Trespasser worth contemplating is "You never really know someone until they're no longer in your life."

If you enjoy reading crime fiction, you'll appreciate Doiron's newish voice. It's one that's sure to become more recognizable over time.

The 2012 Bouchercon World Mystery Convention is being held in Cleveland, Ohio, October 4-7. To learn more about this gathering of some of the world's best crime fiction writers, visit: http://bouchercon2012.com/

Timothy Zaun is a blogger, speaker and freelance writer. Visit him online at http://timzaun.com/.

A Lost Journal And A Murder Draw An Investigator Into A Spiritual Awakening With Sex And Secrets

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AppId is over the quota

Rinella's first novel is a triumph of erotica, intrigue and mysterious secrets. Well researched yet still remaining intriguing, the book follows Ben Kramer on a journey of self-discovery and inclusion into a hidden mystery religion. This eventually leads him to some intense sexual encounters, solving a murder and further threats of violence, and truly intense enlightenment through ecstatic experiences.

Ben finds a mysterious box in his mother's attic when she moves to Florida for retirement. The journals contained therein reveal much about his reclusive and, at least to Ben, largely unknown uncle, Jonathan. Ben is reminded of a strange theology book this uncle gave him 25 years previously. In the intervening years Ben has developed a career as an investigator but also as a spiritual seeker. His uncle's journals from the box lead him into new situations with the "cult" his uncle and apparently many others close to him have been involved with.

Richard Ceznat is the outer voice of a secret religion, a cult in the positive form of a belief system hidden from public view. Thomas is the monk of this order that is brought in to guide Ben but eventually becomes much more. Cynthia is the priestess brought in to replace the murder victim. She also becomes more to Ben and their relationships all become more entwined in the course of the investigation into the murder. There are other characters and many situations where Ben learns about ecstatic religious practices, odd terrorists and himself. He seeks and finds more information and then enlightenment through these persons and some others that surprise him and the reader equally. Ben finds himself skeptical and doubtful of the veracity of what he reads and finds out. But the investigation becomes more of a journey of discovery for him.

The characters are all memorable. The situations and the religion described here are believable and uplifting for any in alternative sexualities. Such a religion would fulfill many dreams for those who live their lives as gay, lesbian, power exchange and even simply kinky relationships.

Highly recommended for any adult reader looking for light erotica, decent mystery and perhaps even personal enlightenment, the book is well written and very readable. In the genre of BDSM erotica it is a stellar beginning for Rinella, who has made a great first entry in the fiction market, he should write more.

Published by Rinella Editorial Services, 2011. ($19.95 USD SRP/Amazon $19.95 USD)

Reviewer received book from author.

Reviewed by Chris Phillips

No Cure For Murder Written By Lawrence W Gold, MD

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AppId is over the quota

Marvelous story that combines mystery in Brier Hospital, its patients, doctors, nurses, and other workers. There is murder in Brier Hospital, but who is doing the killing? How safe are patients in their room, some in a difficult medical state of health where they are not able to think straight, and some in a very delicate state near the end of their life? Dr. Jacob Weizman and his wife, Lola, were Holocaust survivors well up in years; Jacob was eighty-eight years of age and Lola eighty-five. Jacob was so very highly thought of in the medical world of Brier and beyond for many reasons. He told it like it was but always had compassion for his patients. That, along with his expertise towards almost any health problem, made him so very valuable and trustworthy in the medical field. Lola was also still active in her practice as a psychotherapist despite her age. She and Jacob would be lost without their professions and each other.

There is usually a person on most any hospital staff who has their problems with others in that hospital and that was the case with Jacob with a few thinking he was too darn old to practice medicine, but these same people had to admit he was the best and wisest in the hospital despite his age. When a friend of Jacobs called him and told him of a young doctor, Zoe Spelling, who was looking for an office in which to practice, Jacob asked that she come and see him. Jacob did hire Dr. Zoe Spelling. He knew he was getting old and could use someone to help him. Dr. Spelling was a bright young woman who seemed very capable and Jacob, despite his complaints about some things she did or didn't do, thought she was a good fit as his partner.

A few patients died when they should not have and every one of these deaths was deeply investigated and autopsied. At first it was thought they might have died of natural causes but some were not convinced of that. Another employee was stealing drugs and selling them. He worked at Brier as a regular so he could work freely around the hospital as well as sneak into the locked drug supply room. Eventually the police were brought into the investigation, first with an undercover cop with nursing experience. Shelly fit in well but found nothing for sure as far as a killer.

Jacob and Lola was such a happy couple. Jacob worked such long hours but he knew his beloved Lola was there for him at home regardless. Lola and Jacob would discuss each other's patient problems some times and they really complimented each other in that way. They hated to see so many of their friends passing away, especially after going through the Holocaust, losing so many family and friends during that. The police action intensified as the killings continued with all on the hospital staff being suspects.

I look forward to any future books by Dr. Gold. He writes in a common persons language, which a person in the medical field doesn't always do. You will love this book and you may suspect certain people but in the end you will probably be surprised. Enjoy it and thanks Dr. Gold.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman of a book supplied by the author.

In Her Sights Written By Robin Perini

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AppId is over the quota

Jasmine "Jazz" Parker was an expert with a rifle. She was the lead sniper for the Jefferson County Police Department, recently won by her talent, but bitterly fought by others in the department. This story is excellent as it gives us a glimpse of law enforcement in a small county police force and the politics that go with the positions within the force. The author has to know a lot about the subject as she has written such an excellent story telling in interesting detail this very plausible story. Jazz was raised in the home of an alcoholic father who would beat her and her mother to a pulp before taking off and disappearing for a long time, until he beat his wife so badly that he killed her. Jazz was used to running and hiding to avoid the beating she knew was coming from her father.

The story opens with Jazz having her scope and rifle sighted on the person that had kidnapped the daughter of the Governor. She had this man in her scope sight for some time awaiting the perfect shot and the approval to take her shot. Gabe Montgomery was also on the county police force and was one in on the current situation. His brother, Luke, was a writer who just had to have his news story before the news occurred, if you can understand the mindset of a person such as Luke. Luke felt there was something wrong in the Jefferson County Police Force and he was determined to find out what no matter whom he hurt along the way. He and Gabe were entirely two different types of men and Luke was in love with Jazz, which plays a part in the further parts of the story. Jazz finally received the order to shoot and she nailed the culprit and saved the Governors daughter. At the mini-celebration in the bar after the scene was cleaned up, Luke and Gabe got into it pretty good as Luke had to put in his two-cents worth about the shooting and the entire police force. This banter between the two brothers never did end all through the story and it is a good part of the book.

Another "villain" on the police force was Brian Tower, the son of the Sheriff. He had it in for Jazz and had reported her to Internal Affairs for investigation. After she had saved the life of the Governor's daughter she thought she would receive an advance in position, not be investigated. Between Luke and Tower, Jazz didn't know which was giving her the roughest time. When the next chance arrived for the team to need a sniper, Jazz lined up her shot but when she took it, she missed quite badly and wounded Gabe in the process. This gave more ammunition to Luke and Tower to show up Jazz. Jazz knew she couldn't have missed, much less that badly. She felt someone had sabotaged her scope and/or her rifle. This she tried to prove on the practice range but no one would listen to her side. Jazz was relieved of her lead sniper position, which made her search deepen to find out who or what caused her miss.

The entire story is great. Robin Perini did a fantastic job in writing this book. It has police actions, love encounters, violence and close completion between the police force, sex, and much mystery. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story. When I read a book, and believe me I read hundreds, once in a while I will tell my wife she would enjoy a particular book. This book is one of those.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman of a book supplied by The Amazon Vine Program.

Worst Case Written By James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

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AppId is over the quota

This book is excellent. Some of Patterson's books lately have been only fair, especially the ones written with another author. In "Worst Case" I think the story is very well written and in today's world of not knowing what to expect, it is very plausible. This book features Detective Michael Bennett of the NYPD, who has been featured in a few other books by James Patterson. Bennett has 10 children, all adopted and of all origins. He has a nanny to take care of this brood when he has to work, which is quite a bit of time. Since his wife had died several years earlier, the children give Michael Bennett quite a problem of balancing his work and his personal life. In this story he is teamed with an FBI agent, Emily Parker, who, while working close with Bennett, has made both of them open their eyes toward each other.

Children of rich people disappear, followed by a phone call to the parents. When the police get involved, Bennett and Parker along with their teams, at first the culprit says he does not want any ransom but tells them where the child can be picked up. After leading them on a wild goose chase, the body of the first child is found. This is repeated several times with some variation on the kidnappers method of operation. Since all the parents are rich and very influential the police can't make a connection as to why certain children are taken and with different variants involved, how do they get to the whys and wherefores?

As the police are led in circles, or so it seems, they get no closer to finding this dangerous person. Many other aspects are brought into the story such as parents that think they are above all others, priests that don't seem to have any connection, and chases, some of which lead no where. The story is good, well written and has a good flow. The last part of the book will have you wondering what this guy is thinking and when it all comes together you will be very surprised. You might be glad you don't have children in such a mess!

If James Patterson would continue writing this suspenseful type of story, he would remain the best. He, like some others, try to write too many and think that bringing another author into the book helps thihngs along. Not always the case.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman. reviewer of many types of books.

The Falls By Ian Rankin

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AppId is over the quota

I am not quite sure when this book was written but it was a while ago - I just hadn't read it yet. This mystery has a certain eerie quality to it which I am not usually fond of but, because Rankin is a master of weaving stories, was very enjoyable. The beginning of the book has us meet a university student who is worried because his girlfriend has gone missing. We immediately think the worst, because this is a murder mystery, but there is no body.

Detective Inspector John Rebus has the case and members of the girl's family and her boyfriend's family immediately try to bully our John. He isn't having any of it and succeeds in annoying the higher ups at work as well as many people who seem involved in this girl's life. At first, of course, everyone paints a delightful picture of her but as the time wears on a little more information is given and Rebus and his team begin to see a different story behind the 'perfect' daughter and friend. Meanwhile it seems as though Rebus has a little romance in his life. A curator at the museum returns an interest in him and he is finally going out with someone other than his murder team. She proves helpful to the case as well because there are items in her museum which show up in places that seem to make no sense to anyone.

The Falls comes to play as a miniature coffin is found by them and the lady who calls in the story is only too happy to share her information with not only the police but also the local reporter. She becomes a definite burden for the force as they are trying to keep some information quiet about the details of the disappearance and amazingly the press themselves seem to be getting hold of pertinent details. The actual area known as the Falls is interesting too as it is really only slightly faster moving water with some elevation drops and hardly what one would call a fall but it has been known as the falls for as long as anyone can remember and just so happens to be very near to where the missing girl grew up.

Here is where the plot thickens, literally. The girl's mother seems remote and suspicious, her father bombastic and overly dependent upon a friend as opposed to his wife and a little background history which would give more than one person a great motive to want to punish their family. Typical Rankin right!

This is excellent stuff and a story that is guaranteed to confound you. I thought I had it figured out several times only to be surprised yet again.

You can find more of my book and movie reviews at: http://ukchica.com/