Category Archives: reviews

Revolution and Witchcraft: The Code of Ideology in Unsettled Times by Gordon C. Chang Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

Author Gordon C. Chang takes readers on an academic journey to discover the powerful influence ideas and specifically “idea systems” have on people utilizing three powerful historical periods as examples in the book “Revolution and Witchcraft: The Code of Ideology in Unsettled Times”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Ideas influence people.  In particular, extremely well-developed sets of ideas shape individuals, groups, and societies in far-reaching ways.  This book establishes these “idea systems” as an academic concept.  Through three intense episodes of manipulation and mayhem connected to idea systems—Europe’s witch hunts, the Mao Zedong-era “revolutions,” and the early campaign of the U.S. War on Terror—this book charts the cognitive and informational matrices that seize control of people’s mentalities and behaviors across societies.  Through these, the author reaches two conclusions.  The first, that we are all vulnerable to the dominating influence of our own matrices of ideas and to those woven by others in the social system.  The second, that even the most masterful manipulators of idea programs may lose control of the outcomes of programmatic manipulation.  Amongst this analysis, sixty-plus central conceptual terminologies are provided for readers to analyze multiform idea systems that exist across space, time, and cultural contexts.

This is an open access book.

ABN Banner

The Review

I will be honest with you all and say this was one of the most profound, thought-provoking, and educational reads I’ve had the honor of reading. The author’s brilliance shines through every page, giving readers a glimpse into the scientific and philosophical findings of the author’s research that clearly showcases the various systems at work here in regard to how ideas impact people’s thoughts and viewpoints. While this is definitely a book for those looking to push themselves intellectually and philosophically, the author does a great job of writing in a way that allows all readers to get lost in the narrative the author developed. 

For me, it was the balance of historical accuracy and the sheer volume of detail the author provided that made this such a compelling read. The way author was able to showcase both the circumstances that allow these ideas to congregate together and inform how people behave or act and the means by which those who implement these ideas can quickly lose control over a situation. One of the best examples came in the examination of the Salem Witch Trials, which highlighted the combination of religious fervor in small-time settlements with the mistrust and politics that guided those in the town to launch this coordinated attack to get people to believe in the emergence of witches and demonic forces possessing people they all knew. The tragedy of so many people’s lives being lost to this idea system not only showcases the author’s theory and research perfectly but showcases how ideas like that can take a life of their own, spiraling out of control until it reaches a fever pitch. 

The Verdict

Enlightening, insightful, and thought-provoking, author Gordon C. Chang’s “Revolution and Witchcraft: The Code of Ideology in Unsettled Times” is a must-read nonfiction and educational book on sociological and psychological impacts of ideas and idea systems. The attention to detail, from graphs and terminology to in-depth discussions of the events that brought these theories to life throughout history, will create compelling education and fascinating conversations that will drive readers to pick up this book over and over again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Gordon C. Chang is Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Western Illinois University, USA. He has taught political and cultural sociology classes at both Western Illinois University and University of California, Davis. His works in discourse analysis have appeared in Pragmatics, Discourse and Society, and the Journal of Language and Politics.

https://www.codeofideology.com/

Advertisement

The North Star: Canada and The Civil War Plots Against Lincoln by Julian Sher Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Get FREE SHIPPING on all custom printed books at BookBaby.

Author Julian Sher shares an intimate look into the good and bad impact Canada had on the American Civil War in the book “The North Star: Canada and The Civil War Plots Against Lincoln”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

A riveting account of the years, months and days leading up to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, and the unexpected ways Canadians were deeply involved in every aspect of the American Civil War.

Canadians take pride in being on the “good side” of the American Civil War, serving as a haven for 30,000 escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. But dwelling in history’s shadow is the much darker role Canada played in supporting the slave South and in fomenting the many plots against Lincoln. 

   The North Star weaves together the different strands of several Canadians and a handful of Confederate agents in Canada as they all made their separate, fateful journeys into history.

    The book shines a spotlight on the stories of such intrepid figures as Anderson Abbott, Canada’s first Black doctor, who joined the Union Army; Emma Edmonds, the New Brunswick woman who disguised herself as a man to enlist as a Union nurse; and Edward P. Doherty, the Quebec man who led the hunt to track down Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

    At the same time, the Canadian political and business elite were aiding the slave states. Toronto aristocrat George Taylor Denison III bankrolled Confederate operations and opened his mansion to their agents. The Catholic Church helped one of Booth’s accused accomplices hide out for months in the Quebec countryside. A leading financier in Montreal let Confederates launder money through his bank.   

Sher creates vivid portraits of places we thought we knew. Montreal was a sort of 19th-century Casablanca of the North: a hub for assassins, money-men, mercenaries and soldiers on the run. Toronto was a headquarters for Confederate plotters and gun-runners. The two largest hotels in the country became nests of Confederate spies. 

    Meticulously researched and richly illustrated, The North Star is a sweeping tale that makes long-ago events leap off the page with a relevance to the present day.

ABN Banner

The Review

This was such an insightful and fascinating read. As a history buff, it was so interesting to get a look into how Canada played a role in the events of the American Civil War. The way the author balanced out the heroic actions of those who helped the Union with the shocking revelations of those who worked for or supported the Confederacy was so well done and helped highlight the complex nature of Canadian influence on the war. The biggest thing I always know about was Canada was a safe haven for runaway slaves. Learning of the agents that lived in and worked in Canadian terrorizes added a level of knowledge and shock that I never knew existed before. 

The author’s writing style and unique tone really did an excellent job of painting an image of the events of the stories found within this book. The book does a wonderful job of delivering the history of this book’s subject matter, and yet also adds a personal touch to the writing, giving readers a feeling of honesty mixed with powerful imagery to deliver an almost cinematic, documentary-style narrative that highlights the information in a fresh and exciting way. 

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Julian Sher’s “The North Star: Canada and The Civil War Plots Against Lincoln” is a must-read nonfiction history book and one of our most anticipated nonfiction reads of Spring 2023. The thoughtful approach to the subject matter and the rich amount of insight that the author’s work brings to this era of history will keep readers picking up this book over and over again as people’s perceptions of the impact our neighbors to the North had on the direction that bloody war took drastically change forever. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

MONTREAL, QUE.: November 2, 2022 — Julian Sher, the director a new documentary Kings of Coke about the Irish Mafia in Montreal, in Montreal’s Point St-Charles neighbourhood Wednesday November 2, 2022. (John Mahoney / MONTREAL GAZETTE)

JULIAN SHER is an award-winning journalist and the author of six widely-acclaimed books, including White Hoods: Canada’s Ku Klux Klan and “Until You Are Dead”: Steven Truscott’s Long Ride Into History. As an investigative reporter, he worked for the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. He was the Senior Producer of CBC’s the fifth estate, Canada’s premier investigative TV program, for five years. He has directed and written major documentaries, covering wars and intrigue across the globe. His documentary Nuclear Jihad, produced for the New York Times and CBC, won the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. His latest film, Ghosts of Afghanistan, won three top Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Documentary. He is also active in protecting media freedoms, as a Senior Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Free Expression and working with Journalists for Human Rights. More information at www.juliansher.com

The Tattoo Murder by Bob Brill Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A former US Army combat veteran takes on the injustices of his own hometown after witnessing too much injustice in the world in author Bob Brill’s “The Tattoo Murder”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis 

“The Tattoo Murder” is the story of a U-S Army combat veteran who became a police officer back in his home town after he’d seen enough injustice in the world.

A different kind of cop, Det. John Potenza travels to the tune of his own drum, the waves which he loves to surf, the women who occupy his life and the music which drives him. All this is secondary to getting it right when it comes to justice. An Italian-American who knows his way around the kitchen, the fit and trim with comic book hero good looks catches the eye of almost every woman he meets. If he were British he’d probably be in “her Majesty’s Secret Service” with a Double-O in his name.

Many of the characters in the book are derived from Bob Brill’s own past and acquaintances and friends and while the book is a work of fiction, the people are real – well sort of.

ABN Banner

The Review

This was a very cinematic, captivating crime thriller. The author does a great job of finding that perfect balance in character development with the buildup of the narrative overall. The gritty nature of the criminal underworld serves as a perfect juxtaposition to the almost dreamy vibes of the setting, and the tension that builds as the investigation goes deeper and deeper into elements of corruption and brutality will keep the adrenaline pumping as the narrative takes off. 

The core of this narrative has to be in the dynamic character growth in the story, especially with the protagonist. In many ways, John hits like a classic police procedural hero, in the same vein as characters from Lethal Weapon or Dragnet, with his proclivity for being a lady’s man and being much like a rock star on the force. Yet his dedication to the truth and fighting for justice speaks to his moral code and gives readers a new literary crime hero to root for in his quest to bring light into the shadows that criminals create for themselves.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author Bob Brill’s “The Tattoo Murder” is a must-read crime thriller. The nuanced way the author highlights the character’s journey and the almost noir elements of the narrative helped add depth to the twists and turns that will have readers eager for more of this modern-day gumshoe. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He’s currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.

Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX’s storm coverage in 2011.

A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at http://www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website http://www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.

Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.

He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.

Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he’s starred in television commercials. Bob authored “Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale” from Schiffer Publishing and “NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy.” His third book “Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist” is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. “Lancer; Hero of the West – The Prescott Affair” is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880’s, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.

http://www.bobbrillbooks.com/index.html

Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure by Peter Thomas Pontsa Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

Inspector William Fox must team up with an FBI agent to track down someone from his past who has stumbled into a massive treasure trove from 15th-century China and gets kidnapped by the Triads in author Peter Thomas Pontsa’s “Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Sometimes Inspector William Fox likes to go off script, like when chasing gangsters in his cigarette boat on the St. Lawrence River. For one case, the RCMP officer with a penchant for luxury fashion finds himself teamed up with FBI Special Agent Patrick Reilly, an Irish lad who prefers absinthe to Guinness. The pair travel overseas to track down members of a gang who have kidnapped Tracy Jordan, an American academic and archeologist with teenage ties to William. In China, Tracy has been stealthily searching for evidence of Admiral Zheng He’s 15th-century connections to the area that would later be known as Nova Scotia. It’s here that Tracy and her team discover what might be Ming dynasty artifacts transported by Zheng He’s “massive treasure ships” left behind on Mi’kmaq peoples’ ancestral land.

Outfoxed — a William Fox Adventure is a slick, globe-trotting adventure that involves the RCMP and FBI chasing the Foo Dog Triad operating in Hong Kong, mainland China, and New York City. Like Tracy and Kevin Steptoe, a Mi’kmaq lawyer, the gangsters are after the ancient Chinese treasures. Outfoxed is also a political thriller, diving deeply into the power struggles of the Communist Party of China and its shadowy operatives. It wades into the Fox family’s political past in South Korea, where a tragedy took place that still haunts William years later.

ABN Banner

The Review

This was such an incredible action thriller. The shifting perspectives between this cast of characters helped highlight the international intrigue that the narrative brought to life, and the fast-paced atmosphere kept the feeling of adrenaline pumping through the reader’s veins as the plot began to reveal itself. The tension was felt heavily early on, as with the protagonist’s encounter on his boat or when Tracy finds herself having to evade locals looking to imprison American travelers, especially those who begin to seek out information regarding ancient treasures.

However, for me, the heart of this thriller came from the balance of high-octane action with nuanced personal character development, especially when William Fox’s past and present began to collide. The way William’s previous life growing up begins to seep into his present and the conflict this brings into his life, as well as the intrigue, and the way the larger plot uses this personal development to add to the stakes at play made this so enjoyable to read as a fan of the genre. The imagery and emotional depth of these characters’ backstories and chemistry together allowed the reader to truly connect to the character and the journey as a whole. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, heart-pumping, and entertaining, author Peter Thomas Pontsa’s “Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure” is a must-read international mystery and suspense thriller filled with action, adventure, and romance. The twists and turns will keep the reader hanging onto the author’s every word, and the author does a wonderful job of leaving just enough breadcrumbs or loose ends to allow room for more adventures for fans of the next great international action hero in the literary world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Now retired from his dental supply business, Peter Pontsa enjoyed sharing his knowledge through writing techno-clinical articles. He was also president of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, where he helped develop the quality assurance program. Now he combines his passions-British cars and writing. During his tenure as president of the Headwaters British Car Club, Pontsa wrote numerous stories about cars in its newsletter, “British Driven.” He’s currently a member of the Wordsmiths, a writing group based in Alliston, Ontario, and is also a member of the Crime Writers of Canada.

Peter Pontsa lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, Angela, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee.

Welcome

Meth Murder & Amazon (A Humorous Real-Life Nightmare) by G.S. Gerry Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

ABN Banner

A family man goes to extreme links to buy low and sell high, and finds himself immersed into a world of drugs, assassins, and mayhem in the process in author G.S. Gerry’s “Meth Murder & Amazon”, the first book in A Humorous Real Life Nightmare series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

An urban legend is born when the body of an unidentified child is found under the bed during an open house. Alive or dead? Murder or myth?

Derald Grake destroys his life the moment he decides to sell the family home. After capturing the American dream, this father of 4 hopes to solve the complex formula of buying low and selling high. Witness one ‘normal’ family embark on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey involving, among other surprises, assassins, meth, murder, and the end of Amazon.

Wrapped inside this intriguing mystery are eye witness accounts and compelling evidence to separate truth from fantasy. Follow the clues, sort through the lies, and put the pieces together of this twisted reality.

From award winning author and visionary creator G. S. Gerry comes the critically acclaimed debut Meth Murder & Amazon.

A humorous, suspense filled roller coaster that goes downhill as quickly as a methamphetamine rush. This plot twisting symphony of laughter, absurdity, & betrayal will leave you speechless. Wondering how far one father will go to rescue his family from the unthinkable.

Author G. S. Gerry presents a witty, gripping read that will keep you guessing and pulls you to the edge of your seat until the very end. Quirky and utterly unique, Buying and Selling will never be the same again!

Fans of Hunter S. Thompson (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club, Stranger than Fiction) won’t be able to put down this adrenaline-charged thrill ride

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

The Review

This was a truly humorous and captivating read. The author’s use of outrageous modern-day horrors and criminal activity to mirror the process of selling a home, keeping your family together, and making a place in the world that is forever changing and becoming more and more cutthroat, made this a truly stellar read filled with imagery and atmosphere that made it easy to get lost in.

What stood out to me was the author’s unique writing style. Instantly the writing becomes unique, with purposely misspelled words and phrasing of the characters’ names and places that keep the world abstract while also giving readers a sense of relatability to the protagonists. The almost poetic style of writing also really spoke to me, as it showcased the artistry and connectivity of both the narrative and the themes themselves.

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and engaging, author G.S. Gerry’s “Meth Murder & Amazon” is a must-read suspense thriller that meets humorous dark comedy with a PG feel to the narrative. The twists and turns in these characters’ journeys and the poetic nature of the author’s writing style really keep the reader invested in these powerful themes and moving words. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

G. S. Gerry is the award-winning author of Meth Murder & Amazon. He is a father of 5, Navy veteran, cybersecurity expert, and tattoo enthusiast that is reinventing the art of storytelling and writing wrongs along the way. Gerry’s original writing style has been compared to the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Chuck Palahniuk and Lemony Snicket. His books are quirky and utterly unique, jam-packed with humor, suspense, and satire. Gerry grew up in the world of books working for his father’s book bindery business when he was just a child. Little did he know the literary universe had something more in store for his life.

G. S. Gerry’s creations offer an escape from life’s harsh realities by providing a hilarious perspective in turning lemons into lemonade. Constructing a world where the unbelievable seems made up and yet, oddly relatable. Gerry’s visionary approach towards life, laughter and entertainment bridges comedy and originality with memorable creations, leaving no stone unturned to help others laugh their way to a better today.

Check out G. S. Gerry and exclusive M.M.A. content on https://grakeden.com 

Life at the Coffin Joint (Deadwood Undertaker Series Book One) by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An undertaker must team up with two men searching for their uncle and discover a town of cutthroats and enemies galore in authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Life at the Coffin Joint”, the first book in the Deadwood Undertaker series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Deadwood (late 1876) … A rowdy and reckless undertaker’s delight. What better place for a killer to blend in? Enter undertaker Clementine Johanssen, tall and deadly with a hot temper and short fuse, hired to clean up Deadwood’s dead … and the “other” problem. She’s hell-bent on poking, sticking, or stabbing anyone that steps out of line. But when a couple Santa Fe sidewinders ride into town searching for their missing uncle, they land neck deep in lethal gunplay, nasty cutthroats, and endless stinkin’ snow. Their search leads them to throw in with Clementine to hunt for a common enemy. What they find chills them all to the bone and sends them on an adventure they’ll never forget. From the bestselling, multiple award-winning, humorous Deadwood Mystery series comes a new herd of tales set in the same Deadwood stomping grounds, only back in the days when the Old West town was young.

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

The Review

This was such a compelling blend of old-west tales meeting chilling occult horror novels. The fact that this book serves as a prequel to the author’s original Deadwood Humorous Mysteries series set in the modern day and a first in a brand new series made this even more compelling and had me eager to get into the true history of this infamous town. The powerful imagery helped bring the elements that the characters were forced to survive in and the town itself to life beautifully, underscoring the horror lurking just below the surface. 

What really stood out was on top of all of the amazing world-building and character development, the author also infused some amazing humor and romance into the narrative to make this a brilliant and well-rounded narrative. The mythos surrounding the Slayers and protagonist Clementine’s Norwegian heritage mix with the American North West mythos and occult horror aspects that the creatures and ghouls bring a sense of accomplishment and grandiose storytelling that keeps the reader invested in the journey itself, and the vast nature of Deadwood as a town and its significance historically in the series made this a thrilling ride. 

ABN Banner

The Verdict

Haunting, thrilling, and engaging, authors Ann Charles and Sam Lucky’s “Life at the Coffin Joint” is a must-read western occult horror novel and the best (and first) entry into the Deadwood Undertaker series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the hilarious interactions the characters have with one another, the surprising romances, and the shocking horrors they all face will keep readers coming back, eager for more in this new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Authors

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun. 

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series. 

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery); 

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2); 

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books); 

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4); 

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category; 

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books); 

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

(Book 13 coming in early 2023)

Also available from Ann are the first five books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series: 

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)–coming in Fall 2022

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and a book in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

Home

Sam Lucky likes to build things—from Jeep engines to Old West buildings to fun stories. When he is not writing, feeding his kids, attempting to seduce his wife, or tending the goldurn cats, he is planning food-based booksigning/road trips with his wife and working on one of his many home-improvement projects.

He writes the Deadwood Undertaker Series with Ann Charles.

Killer with a Heart (Killers Book 1) by J.L. Hill Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

ABN Banner

The gritty streets of 1970s New York comes under fire when rival gangs and mobsters find themselves locked into a gang war that will soak the streets in blood in author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with a Heart”, the first book in the Killers series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Explore the workings of criminal masterminds in Killer With A Heart, a captivating action and suspense novel. In this heart-pounding tale, you will be taken to the feisty and intriguing world of the mafia. Discover the exhilarating turn of events as gangs struggle to rise up to power, a mafia boss craves for a beautiful sexy firebrand and an upcoming mob war unleashes hell’s fire on the streets of New York. An intoxicating must-read that will keep you hanging on the edges of your seats, this work features a dark, dangerous and deviant setting in which everything is not what it seems.

A raw in your face story of teenage love, lust, murder, and revenge set in the Bronx in the early seventies, where the cold business world of organize crime melds with the brutality of street gang warlords that ignites a winner takes all battle for underworld control.

Nicky ‘Nails’ Rocci’s gang is thick as thieves, but stealing mob money leads to murder. However, failing to kill Morris ‘Mojo’ Johnson is a costly mistake for the Banoa family that adds to Morris’ mystique.



Maria Marino is a bewitching beauty, a sexy firebrand that has captured the heart of the feared warlord, Morris.



Joey Banoa’s lust for Maria, Morris Johnson’s desire for vengeance, and Nicky’s aspirations to lead his gang to the top of the criminal scene will ignite a mob war and unleash Hellfire on the streets of New York.

Mafia Book Portrays the Deviant Face of Sex, Drugs and Violence. With an eclectic blend of romance, deception and seduction set in the elusive and complicated world of mob rule, this story leads one out of the complacency of ignorance and sets awareness on what truly goes on in an unconventional world, where money, power, and vengeance become the ultimate dictator of human survival. Employing a fascinating set of diverse characters, this story reflects how interracial influences come into play in a setting where connections and alliances are put on high regard. This work shows how people of different backgrounds can come together for a common goal, demonstrating how they forge a true friendship at a time when interracial relations were taboo.

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

The Review

As someone who has read the other books in this series as standalone stories, this first entry in the series not only provides some much-appreciated background info but allows the reader to connect the series into a more cohesive story. The author does a great job of establishing this world of mobsters and gangsters, bringing the seedy underworld of 70s-era New York City to a gritty pulp noir genre setting. The reader will definitely need to know about some of the more abrasive and harsh language used by all of the characters in this book, as racism, sexism, and violence run more rampant than ever before. 

The character development was entirely engaging in this book and helped to cement the action and suspense that this crime thriller brought to life. There was definitely a great establishment of iconic storytelling elements within this noir, from the conflict brewing between this gang and mob factions, the beautiful woman who has captured the attention of two rival gang leaders, and the brutality that each leader finds themselves capable of helps to establish the brutal future of these prominent characters in the series.

The Verdict

Memorable, visceral, and entertaining, author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with a Heart” is a fantastic start to this crime thriller series and a must-read for any fans of pulp noir era crime stories. The brutal reality of both the violence and societal aspects of life in the mob and gangs elevated the romance and action that brewed in this gripping thriller, making this a book readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html

Why Are You Sick?: Practical Tools For Wellness by Francie Soito Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

Author and Reiki Master Francie Soito help guide readers to discover the origins of the pain in their life and how we are connected to our energy selves in the book “Why Are You Sick?” Practical Tools For Wellness”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Why Are You Sick? Practical Tools For Wellness

Are you tired of being told it’s all in your head? And even though you feel awful, doctors are telling you there is nothing wrong with you? You are not alone! For nearly a decade, Reiki Master Francie Soito, saw similar patterns in her clients who struggled to find the source of their problems. Using her high-tech market research skills, Francie began to draw patterns between physical illnesses and the emotional and mental root causes behind them. Join Francie as she illustrates the mind-body connection like never before and learn about your energy body, chakras and most importantly, gain the practical tools on how to be well and whole again.

Step 1: Identify the point of impact

Where in your body are you experiencing pain or are you storing your stress? It will be the first thing that comes to mind. You might have more than one place pop up, just focus on the one that comes up first. If you have cancer, where did the first tumor originate? For example, if you have breast cancer the answer would be in your heart area, if it is sinuses it would be in your nose, if it’s back pain it would be lower, middle or upper back. If you have an all over body disorder like a blood disorder, inflammation, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, etc. start with the root chakra and work your way up.

Step 2: Pinpoint the source

Ask yourself what was going on in your life at the time the pain, stress first started or you received your diagnosis? What was going on in your life two years leading up to the first symptom? Take notes on the first things that come into your head. Examples to look out for are major life events like a death, job loss, divorce, car accident, relocation, break-up, etc. When you think about these events do you feel your body change physically? And if so, is it in the spot that you are having issues?

Step 3: Find the corresponding chakra

Match that part of your body from Step 1 with the Chakra Illustration Figure . Does the description of that chakra resonate with your feelings from Step 2 above?

Step 4: Jump to that chakra chapter

Step 5: Follow the steps to healing

Use the examples and the tools in the chakra chapters to help you be whole again.

ABN Banner

The Review

This was a thought-provoking and insightful guide. The author did an amazing job of balancing out the personal stories that put her on the path of Reiki and the instructional moments that guided the reader toward the issues they are facing in life and the corresponding chakras they are associated with. The relatability and the emotional connection the author is able to make to the material in the book helped keep the reader engaged with the guide. 

The way the author is able to connect spirituality and energy work to modern-day health concerns was truly thoughtful. As someone with multiple autoimmune diseases, it was interesting to see how the author was able to relate each chakra to various areas of the body and how the chakras connected to those areas as well. The way the author was able to relay the history of Reiki and energy work was so fascinating as well. 

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and engaging, author Francie Soito’s “Why Are You Sick?: Practical Tools For Wellness” is a must-read nonfiction book on health and spirituality. The enlightening way the author is able to relay this guide to readers and the emotional weight of the impact this will have on readers with health struggles who are searching for new ways of confronting their health issues and connecting to a higher energy self in the process made this an amazing book to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Intuitive Empath / Healing Facilitator / Teacher / Author

Francie Soito has been practicing and teaching professionally since 2009. She has personally given over 2,000 healing sessions and has worked in medical clinics, cancer centers and homeless shelters. She teaches all levels of Reiki including additional workshops on Psychic Development, Mediumship, Angels, Chakras and more.

Francie is an Usui/Holy Fire II/Karuna® Reiki Master, a Certified Doreen Virtue Angel Card Reader™, an EFT Level 1 Practitioner, a Light Language Practitioner and a psychic medium. She has studied Mediumship with Leanne Thomas, Gordon Smith, Simone Key and Tony Stockwell. Francie completed year-long programs on Advanced Spirit Worker and Psychic Detective with Tony Stockwell.

She is also the author of Why Are You Sick? Practical Tools for Wellness.

Francie has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley where she studied Sociology, Anthropology and Physics.

Francie worked for nearly two decades in market research and data strategy for such high-tech companies as Macromedia, Yahoo and Facebook. She holds a patent for her work in data segmentation, is an author and public speaker.

She has been married for over twenty five years to the love of her life Mark. Francie has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, plays the drums, guitar and is the mother of three furry babies and lives walking distance from the Pacific Ocean in coastal California. You can reach her at http://www.franciesoito.com 

Wounded Hearts Take A Chance by Debbie Quigley Review

Leave a reply

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

A woman must open her broken heart up to the possibility of love once more in author Debbie Quigley’s “Wounded Hearts Take a Chance”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

“It all started one fine summer’s day when a first-glance attraction walked into her yard . . .”

This little book takes you along the poetic, romantic path of a woman opening her broken heart to the possibility of loving again.

To do so, she must tear down the protective walls of aloneness she has built around herself, walls of safety thrown up in the wake of infidelity and betrayal.

Letting a man into her heart again, daring to trust and to feel love and passion once more, opening herself to the risk of suffering more pain, is a big leap . . . but it’s one worth taking, and one she’ll never regret.

ABN Banner

The Review

This was a quick yet profound collection of poetry. The author and poet do a spectacular job of crafting a collection that speaks volumes emotionally and lovingly in just a short compact read. The imagery and sparks that each poem brings to life echo the heartfelt emotions that the author hoped to relay to readers and inspire them. 

To me, what made this book really just sing was the balance of emotional depth and storytelling that each poem seemed to deliver. The author wrote this book to feel very much like a short film, capturing the fear, thrill, and hope that new love often stirs up inside us all. Yet on the other hand, the powerful message of overcoming heartbreak to accept love into one’s heart again came through as well and allowed the reader to truly connect to the author’s emotional journey which was both relatable and engaging.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and heartfelt, author Debbie Quigley’s “Wounded Hearts Take a Chance” is a must-read short collection of poetry. The depth and quality of each poem were equally balanced with the story and emotional journey that the poems collectively formed to keep the reader invested in this quick yet powerful read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Debbie Quigley, born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, is also the author of the poetry collection Wind Whispers. A retired healthcare worker, she lives in a small hamlet surrounded by nature and wildlife. She loves to garden. Debbie’s “whisper-art” poetry is simple and real, telling a story. She has contributed to Spiritual Writers Network publications, and her poetry can also be found on Author’s Den.