Thursday, February 7, 2019

Review of Book Trilogy by Martin Crosbie


The My Temporary Life Trilogy by Martin Crosbie



My Temporary Life-Book One


A wonderful story with great characters and honest writing.
As a reader, I was easily drawn into the world of a young Scottish boy named Malcolm and stayed with him during his journey to manhood. This is an excellent story that's written in the first person.

It's a story about finding a sense of home, overcoming obstacles in which there is no control and still coming out a good person. We watch young Mal develop his relationships, his struggle against bullies, his confusion as he tries to connect with his father, and the lack of having a real relationship with his mother. We never know what life will deal us, the only thing we can do is our best with a situation and make choices that are true to our own nature.

As an adult, Malcolm goes to the extreme for those he loves, proves to himself who he is and where his loyalties rest, his true home. This novel is a great journey written by Martin Crosbie and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy reading honest characters, and if you are not afraid to face horrible realities.

I also recommend an open heart and a few tissues. On to the next book about Malcolm's friend, Hardly.

My Name Is Hardly-Book Two


Hardly understands the meaning of friendship...
We follow Malcolm's friend, Hardly, and his spiritual growth after he's away from his abusive parents when he moves in with Malcolm's father after Mal leaves for Canada. We readers see his career in the military and his strange assignments.

This is a unique story with lovable characters who grow and become better people as they experience tough situations and survive. Their strong bonds of friendship keep them going.

The plot is unexpected, entertaining, suspenseful, and delivers a rewarding finish - I highly recommend this book.

All Good Men Must Fall-Book Three


The final book in the My Temporary life series brings it all together.

Read them all, these stories won't disappoint. FIVE STARS for them all!

Available at Amazon in Kindle, print and audio format.

Sunday, August 12, 2018

The Missing Ones Book Review

The Missing Ones (Detective Lottie Parker #1)

Review of book one in the series

written by Patricia Gibney 
Michele Moran (Narrator)

Amazon Link for book

Goodreads Link




One of the best stories I’ve experienced in a long time.

I listened to an audiobook as I traveled to visit my daughter. Arriving before the book was finished, I had to pull out my headphones to finish the book, had to know what happened next. The audio version was great, good voice and great pace, I think reading would even be better.

Dark, mysterious, and creepy - this is a riveting story of survivors. Abused as children by the horrors of a monster of the cloth, their story unravels as the threads pull apart and the protagonist, Detective Lottie Parker, is the only person who can pull the clues back into a tapestry that makes sense.

Lottie pushes everything to the max- her work, personal life, and even her health when it comes to doing her job. She is a complex character carrying many crosses but is determined to fix the things she can fix, which is solving crimes.

This storyline is fresh with believable characters who step off the page with heart-wrenching truths, and real-life drama. The crimes are as different as the detective herself and will keep you guessing and glued to the next page.

Definitely worth your reading time.Yes - 5 big stars.

Looking forward to reading or listening to the next in the series.



Keep Reading! Keep Writing!

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Mountain Of The Dead

World's Scariest Places Book Five

Obsession about a mysterious past event turns into an unexpected horror.

I could not have predicted the action scenes with the racing for your life kind of momentum, literally the story took me by surprise. As original and unseemly the characters who banded together were, the last few scenes were even more unexpected.

I enjoy and appreciate the writing style of Jeremy Bates, like his descriptive narrative, his casual voice, and I have read most of his novels, but this story leaps ahead of the others in the Scariest Places series due to the intense historical background that was cleverly added as a thread against the current day's story plot.

The true historical event that happened in the Russian mountains back in 1959 that was named the Dyatlov Pass Incident, was well researched and smoothly intertwined that tale (which Bates totally expanded creatively) with the main story of the protagonist's search for answers. It was more than a search though, the protagonist was obsessed with the original mystery, compelled to do the trip.

More important, the old mystery was intriguing by itself, then add the current story of an obsessive man trying to come to grips with demons by throwing his all into a crazy expedition, dragging his BFF along, meeting up with unlikely climbing mates, who of course all have a reason for being there as well, and it makes for a stew of explosive scenes. There were moments I felt sorry for his dearest friend who faithfully followed Whitey and hoped things hadn't turned out the way they did for him, but .... it is a horror story.

There were extra horrors added to the story when the main character and friends stumbled across additional mysterious and deadly places, while on their way to the final peak/pass.

I enjoyed reading this story very much and highly recommend this novel.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The Likeness by Tana French

The Likeness: A Novel

byTana French


A Good Story but . . . 

not as good as the first in the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, 'In The Woods'. The Irish murder squad worked a compelling plot, actually it was more like two plots that intertwine - it was excellent!

Anticipating the same type of plot movement in book two, I started 'The Likeness' and was quickly disappointed. French did a good job with setting and character development, however, the plot wasn't very suspenseful.

It was all based on the nervousness of being undercover and trying to fool the other characters (trick four close friends of the murder victim - unlikely).

The author used the writing style or technique (for lack of other words to use here) that other current authors are doing as of late; French was in the head of the protagonist most of the time. . . not my favorite type of writing POV.

Once in awhile being inside their thoughts in a tense situation is good, but when it's done too often, it takes away from everything else and it makes a poor substitute for a good plot. I was disappointed but will read Tana French again because her first book was excellent. I think this one was just a bit flat, it happens. Still, not a bad read, it will be appreciated by those readers who enjoy psychological thrillers without a lot of action. 

Keep reading!

Monday, January 29, 2018

A Serial Killer's Gruesome Tale



I've mentioned this book in a post when I finished reading it, but never blogged a review for one of the best horror stories I've read in the past few years!

Warning - Only read it if you don't mind getting into the details of one sadistic and twisted serial killer. The book is graphic but also reveals an original plot, as we follow two threads until they meet,  two sides that basically reveal the extremes of good vs. evil.

Mr. Midnight written by Author Allan Leverone 


This story is told from the dark side, a horrific thriller (in a good way) revealing the antagonist's perspective completely. Again - warning - nothing is held back.

It's a winner for horror readers, a tale filled with unexpected twists, some expected suspense, and not withholding any of the gore. Fans of Criminal Minds or the various CSI TV series will enjoy the look deep inside of the killer's psyche.

The paranormal ability shared by the protagonist and the killer is an interesting new perspective, as they both experience 'flickers'. There is not a doubt, he is a  monster, and as I read the story I felt real horror and fear for Caitlyn, the good protagonist turned victim. 

This book is a page turner for sure.
Here's part of the book's description:
 "Given up for adoption just hours after her birth, thirty-year-old Caitlyn Connelly has longed her entire life to uncover her family history. Subject to bizarre and inexplicable visions, Cait is desperate to learn whether her biological mother can provide any insight as to the origin of her unusual ability.
When a local investigator learns Cait was born in a Boston suburb, the Tampa lawyer wastes no time booking a flight to the East Coast. In Boston, with the city under siege by a killer known as "Mr. Midnight," Cait's visions intensify, morphing from merely annoying to graphic and terrifying.
Worse, Cait begins to realize she shares a strange psychic connection with the depraved sociopath; a connection that may just get her killed.
As Cait and the murderer are drawn inexorably toward a violent confrontation, unraveling a decades-old mystery might be the only thing that prevents her from becoming the next victim...of Mr. Midnight."
 The author, Allan Leverone, has penned a few other books in the supernatural/paranormal genre but by far this is the scariest. Leverone has also penned a suspense thriller and spy series starring the character Tracie Tanner, a cold-war time piece.
Look for all his other titles and follow this NY Times best seller's new works.

Keep reading - Keep writing!


Monday, January 22, 2018

Gripping Thriller With Heart: Short Review of A River Is Dark

A heartbreaking thriller book that you should read.

The River Is Dark (A Liam Dempsey Thriller Book 1) will keep you suspended in a web of doubt, have you questioning what is normal, and you might end up shedding a tear or two by the end.

The River Is Dark
- A Thriller - written by Joe Hart


A great book to read, the best plot I've read in awhile, and an excellent thriller. 
The writing is crisp and authentic.

The prologue takes the reader into the scene of a murder and instantly thrown into the story. A confused young boy is traumatized by his witness to the murder of his parents.

Then in chapter one, we meet the protagonist, the haunted Liam Dempsey, who travels to Tallston to find out about his brother's murder only to discover there have been other murders in the small city.

The mystic of the story mounts as we are introduced to an array of interesting characters, all with difficult situations, and some sad circumstances. This well-paced story will keep you turning pages. The more we learn about Liam, his problems and shortcomings, the more we appreciate his strengths. The most revered is his ability to love even after being rejected, perhaps that's why he is able to accept others around him who are far from perfect.

As I have said, this is not only a conspiracy thriller, it also is a heartbreaker. You'll jump in your seat and then later grab the tissues. This book evokes the reader's empathy, you will think. After reading this story you will reconsider the definitions of normal and beauty. You may even re-discover the meaning of true unconditional love.

I highly recommend this book.

Check out the other books by Joe Hart
Sign up to his mailing list at his website. http://www.joehartbooks.com/


Keep Reading - Keep writing!

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

My Review of ~ The Chemist

Intelligent protagonist evolves into a better person while facing death daily


I gave this book 5 stars.

An excellent story, written with a great pace and the narration was spot on. The female protagonist, Alex, evolves into a better survivor than she thought possible. The character is an original (ex-government operative who worked to retract information via a lab) and she (many aliases at first) kept on developing as the plot evolved.

Alex, her true identity, has unique skills but meets someone who can actually challenge her in ways she never thought possible. After a difficult past, Alex now faces a difficult romance which evolves after some unfortunate events. The characters accept the situation and move past issues, but that's only one side of the novel.

The danger piles on and the characters struggle to survive, both killers and nature. They move from place to place while on the run and meet unusual accomplices. The four-legged assistance is a nice addition to the character list.

This book is packed with twists, unexpected solutions showing off the character's strengths, and has a great ending. I may listen to it again, or perhaps read it this time. I'll be watching for more Alex stories.


If you've read Stephenie Meyer's Twilight books and think that she's only about teenage love, think again. Like in her book, The Host, The Chemist is a solid read, good writing with tension, developed characters, and compelling story. I highly recommend this book.


Add a copy to your library - the audio version was excellent. Available in other formats as well.



The Chemist  Audiobook – Unabridged

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

IN THE WOODS Murder In The North East Kingdom by Zguta

Book Release Today!

I am happy to announce that my novel
IN THE WOODS Murder In The North East Kingdom is now available in eBook format. #MurderMystery #thriller 

I worked on this story for years, it actually started out as a blog post which I abandoned, and later I was inspired to change the location and develop the character into the novel it is today.

The main protagonist is a strong female role model, no fancy fighting and far from perfect, but she does do battle within herself while she investigates a death.

A role-playing game staged in the remote woods of the North East Kingdom, turns into a deadly pastime when a killer uses the game as a means to seize his victims. 

A dead body is discovered in the woods by Samantha Tremblay, a Forest Ranger who works at Maidstone Lake. The locals call her Sam. She swears to bring the killer to justice for the victim but soon finds herself in over her head, as she works alongside New Hampshire Trooper Zachary Gerard assigned to the case. More bodies turn up and motivation to solve the crimes mount. 

Old secrets get in Sam’s way, and she isolates herself from others. Haunted by unanswered questions about the past, she lives with cracked relationships—between herself and her father—her friends. Mourning her mother, Samantha feels a pull toward her heritage, the Abenaki tribe, but is afraid to open that doorway. Could the tribe help discover the answers to her quest for the truth?

Pulled emotionally from all directions, Samantha Tremblay searches for answers to find a killer, and to discover herself.


I hope you grab a Kindle copy HERE and enjoy the book. 

Also available here at Smashwords. For those who prefer a more physical reading experience ⤍ the paperback will be available soon.

Help me spread the word and Thank you for sharing my news! 

Keep Reading - Keep Writing!

Friday, September 1, 2017

Book Review of Island of the Dolls - One Scary Tale

Island of the Dolls

by Jeremy Bates 




If you enjoy horror stories involving creepy places then you'll enjoy this tale and all the other stories written by Jeremy Bates. I am a fan of Bates, and all the books I've read by this author pull the reader into the suspense, drench you into the scene, and keep your heart pumping while emerging into the action that lurks around the next corner. In this story the protagonist is very human, vulnerable and in the end gains something. There is also another story thread that relates to the present story and the switching back and forth was smooth and placed in the appropriate moments on the timeline...





 The setting is the Island, a horrific place where childhood tragedy is glorified, as if that could ever help, and invokes the slanted surreal feeling to everything that happens at that place. The details are creepy. The pace of the action is intense (some fights, some sex) but the characters unfold slowly, peeling away layers of themselves the more you read on, until the deeper troubles and reality surfaces, and the reader will say, "yes, that makes sense". Something different in this story from other books written by Bates is the happy ending. But after the whirlwind of horrific cruelty that some of the characters had to endure, I think it is wise to give the guy a break.
I recommend all the Jeremy Bates books, especially this one. But be forewarned - you'll never look at a doll in the same way again.
Read more thriller and horror stories by award winning Jeremy Bates, a USA TODAY bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and novellas 



Find them here: Books by Jeremy Bates








Friday, March 24, 2017

Outlander Book Series - My Reviews

I have already posted a review for The Outlander Book 1

and you can read it here:  https://elisabethzguta.blogspot.com/2016/04/outlander-book-review.html

Here are a few more thoughts of mine about the books. I hope you find my short reviews an enticing glimpse and encourages you to read them if you haven't already. I know some fellow readers who began the series and gave up after a few books. It is a long series, but I found the payoff worth every word. You may notice that toward the end I began listening to the books via Audible. The experience was better while reading, however, the audio books were done well. (I missed reviewing book 5, but it was as good as the others)

Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander, Book 2) (Paperback)

Great Character-Driven Story

After reading the first book we have come to expect a story with in-depth characters and meandering plot, and this book delivers. The pace is character driven and very creative. Excellent time and setting descriptions, and very enjoyable travels. Bravo, looking forward to next story in the series.

Voyager (Outlander, Book 3) (Paperback)

Captivating Suspense

The suspense continues with book three Voyager. The story goes from the 1700's to the 1960's and then back again. The reader experiences the troubles of Jamie and his tribulations after the battle of Culloden. Lots of pain and dark thoughts are touched, so not for the faint of heart. Also, the reader is plunged into the world of Claire and daughter Brianna in the 1960's. We see their relationship with each other and follow their search to find answers in the written history of Scotland.

It is a precarious situation, balancing the truth with what the heart yearns. The pace is often fast, yet the author is laborious with words, at time verbose, but I could not skip a sentence. Every character and new place is described in detail and lends to the reason I became so involved with the story of their lives.


This is not a quick read, nor a book to skip through parts because each detail quickly propels into a turn of events. Suspenseful, emotional and heart rendering situations throughout. The ending reveals clues to future scenarios and definitely hooks the reader into the next book, which I am currently reading. Well done and captivating characters.


Drums of Autumn (Outlander, Book 4) (Paperback)    

Unexpected situations - New friends & enemies

The book Drums Of Autumn opens in Charleston, June 1767 with scorching sun and new troubles to overcome. Claire and Jamie drench the reader with a wide-screen description of new places with their travels. The humid weather and torturous journey, plagued with escaped criminals, theft, and humbled introductions, lands them on the doorstep of Jamie's aunt from the McKenzie side. Then chapters bounce forward to the late 1960's for a bit, and the other story thread of Brianna and Roger, not quite the mirror image of her parents' love story, however similar in some ways. The influence her parents had on her relationship in itself could be a long discussion.

There is a large cast of characters, and the reader sees each of their growth as they plow their way through perilous situations with action. The characters old and new are larger than life. We meet Jamie's Aunt Jocasta and her glorious estate which also causes personal dilemma to our heroes when faced with the immorality of slave owning. They retreat to the mountains and stake a claim, and create their own homestead. Old friends come to visit. The reader is drawn to Jamie and Claire just as they are. Once again, Claire heals all and survives despite herself while Jamie shows his physical and moral strength and leadership qualities. . . Until he messes up big time. 

Finally, Jamie sees his illegitimate son again and spends some time comforting him after losing his mother. Also, he meets his daughter, Brianna. Even though they are miles apart and from different times, their shared sensibilities are evident. When Jamie assumes Roger a rapist due to a name mix-up, he condemns him to be a slave for the local natives.
 
From the midpoint of the book until the end terrible situations happen and the pace quickens. Each main character, Jamie, Brianna, and Roger, being strong willed and dynamic in their own right, bring lots of action packed adventure. Also some heroic acts by the other characters like Ian and John Grey. One of my favorite scenes took place at a Mohawk camp where they were holding a Jesuit. I would have liked to have read more story about Father Alexandre. He was an interesting new character; however his presence was short-lived, so there will never be more to learn about him. I also liked the scene when Brianna faced Bonnet and the scenes where John Grey gave her emotional support. It's refreshing to read about characters living by their high morals.


This story had many character arcs and some unexpected situations which kept me reading. The author does get a bit long-winded in some of the scenes; however, it's worth the time for the overall story. The ending was a trite too Pollyanna-ish. But after everything the cast went through, they deserved a happy moment. Very exciting book - I'd recommend it to anyone who likes action adventure and/or historical fiction. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
  

A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander, Book 6) (Paperback)

Still Gives Thrills & develops the relationship

 This novel is exactly what fans expect from Diana Gabaldon's books. Well developed characters fill the pages with plenty of family drama, insightful and heartfelt moments, as well as developed settings based on intense historical research. While reading there is no skipping over scenes because the next exciting incident and plot twist can happen in a flash. This story reads authentic and tells of the challenges faced in the times while continuing our favorite couple's journey. Claire and Jamie Fraser's adventure of life in the wilderness (Fraser's Ridge) is filled with compassion and drenched in realism. Definitely an exciting book to read.

An Echo in the Bone: A Novel (Audible Audio Edition)

Intense Drama Continues - Book 7

More drama as Jamie and Claire try to get back to Scotland to retrieve his printing press. Detoured, they land in the middle of battles for the Revolution in New York, where Jamie is once again leading the soldiers but this time he has worries for the survival of the other side as well.

More characters are introduced along the way as well as more insight into William, Jamie's illegitimate son. We say good-bye to some of the favorite characters that we've grown fond of as well. Drastic measures are taken, as always in these books, and the ending left me wanting to reach out for the next book in line.

Great drama, though the writing is a bit verbose at times.

Written in My Own Heart's Blood: Outlander (Audible Audio Edition)

Best Saved for Last - Enthralling Last Look- Book 8

So this is the last book (so far as we know) of the Outlander series "In My Own Heart's Blood" which ended the family saga while the reader could still imagine more drama in their futures. I like when an author leaves an opening for our imaginations instead of leaving with an absolute ending. We know by the previous books that the Fraser family have a lot more to do and given the strong characters we've read so far, the reader can infer that more of life's drama awaits them with open arms.

The Outlander series is a great story line, each novel gave details of personal tragedy and happiness, and this last book was filled with the same: lots of plotting, strong dialogue, deep character development, and visual scenes that the reader can embrace. Of course, the scenes are packed with history as well. However, I didn't feel compelled to check them to know for sure accuracy. It doesn't matter because it's a fantasy story that will pick up the reader and carry one away to another world, just as we like our stories to do.

I recommend this book - if anyone gets stuck on a previous books, I implore you to keep reading.

The ending is worth the hours spent. Who knows, someday the author might pick up the story line again, it is a possibility, or we can just continue to let our imaginations go on with our own made-up scenes . . .

I Hope you enjoyed my reviews - You can find the books here: OUTLANDER

Keep Reading - Keep Writing! 


Thursday, March 16, 2017

Review of A True Gothic Tale

Within The Glass Darkly: Volume 1 of the Glass Darkly Gothic Vampire Series
written by William Gareth Evans
 
 
This book is truly written with Gothic flare but can pass muster for today's discerning horror thriller reader. The atmosphere is an extra character, and the plot is well paced and challenges the nerves.
 
It has been awhile since a book in the Gothic genre has entertained me so well. The story rings true, all the expectations of an old-fashioned horror tale are met. Unlike the old books, this story held nothing back. The macabre was presented to the adult reader in an honest manner while adhering to the conventions of a real Gothic horror. Great scenes and descriptions of churches and Paris streets, developed characters with love interests and secrets, and let's not forget the heroes and villains who jump off the page.

Don't read this book in the dark.

I first read the short story Carmilla by J.S. Le Fanu since the author did get inspiration from that short story and used the character General Spielsdorf, as his protagonist, and the Karnstein brother and sister as antagonists. The author, William Garrett Evans, breathed new life into these characters and submerged them into a twisting plot that kept a good pace. The horrors were over the top, just the way we like our Gothic fiction.

I will begin the second book in the series, compelled to see what develops for General Theodore Spielsdorf and his new associates introduced at the end of the first tale. It suggests an even deeper, mystery with much more to come . . .
 
I'm looking forward to reading book two.
 
More about the author:

William Gareth Evans is from Wales and trained as a professional actor, he has worked in theater and television. He has written, produced and directed touring shows with his own company, and now is an associate director of a successful London based management for professional performers. 'Within The Glass Darkly' is his first novel. As a writer/lyricist, he has been involved in many musical theater productions, including two previous shows that were broadcast on BBC and independent radio in the UK.
 
'Dracula' was his first collaborative musical theatre project this century. The professionally produced CD is available from the Dracula musical website http://www.dracula-uk.com/ and other online stores. The professionally directed video of "Within My World" from the musical has been continuously broadcast on the O-Music channel during 2009. It is also available to watch via the internet.
 
 
 
 
William's company co-produced a feature length horror movie by an established and award winning screenwriter/director which was released in 2010. William is currently working on another novel and has just written new material for the complete Dracula musical recording.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Quick Review- Letters To The Damned by Austin Crawley


Letters To The Damned by Austin Crawley

This book is an old fashioned creepy tale that will immerse you into the world of an old village and pumps the imagination with pictures that move, disappearing sounds, magic ceremonies and vague threats by bulls.

The author brings dimension to the character Cris Lopez, not the usual type to be venturing into an English village alone on vacation. There's charm in the details of the village, and definitely loads the atmosphere with mystique.

The story has an authentic Gothic feel to it for those who like the old fashioned tales. It doesn't have a fast pace but it didn't lag either.

A few elements in the story were confusing, and maybe they were meant to remain that way, or maybe a follow up book - perhaps. In my opinion, there were some chances missed in the story to build up the suspense. The characters' emotions could have been shown more intensely, and then this would have been a terrifying tale. At times the small everyday minutia became a little redundant and took the focus away from the protagonists emotional pull, but not long enough for me to give up on the story. I wanted to finish the book and find out how it fleshed out.

Over all, a good read. If you enjoy pondering what lies in the mist, and don't worry about perfection with an author, then this story is for you. I think this author is someone to watch for future books.

Keep reading - Keep writing!