In such good company I give 5 out of 5. I'm a huge Carol Burnett fan. I feel very lucky to obtain this book. Ms. Burnett is a dying bred of comedics and acting which is truly sad. I got so enamored lost in this book the way it is written it feel like you and Ms. Burnett sitting drinking coffee while she is telling stories. The stories felt nostalgic and I will read this book again. If you're homesick for the good ole' days take a trip down memory lane with Ms.Burnett she won't stir you wrong. As a side note anything to do with Vicki Lawrence is always a pleasure to visit.
Thanks NetGalley
A Ferret's Novel Tale
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Net Galley Reviews
Hello, All I know my posting lately has been Net Galley Reviews but I'm trying to wrap up reviews of books, so please bare with.
The Jolly Coroner
The Jolly Coroner
A downright quirky look at small-town life with Billy, the coroner, as a central character. Billy is an odd man who likes to create a world of ambiance with each death he examines, giving the families a good story. The deaths in the town weave in and out, winding Billy into an interesting position.
There is a lot of great description, strange stories, and a strange cast of characters in and out of Hokum. The language was a bit much at times, the author really seems to delight in using unusual wording or twenty-five cent words when a nickel word would do. In the beginning, I felt like he was intentionally messing with readers. The chapters jump around between stories and characters, and if you aren't paying attention, it can get confusing. But all in all, it is different, and that is a good thing. Definitely not mainstream reading
There is a lot of great description, strange stories, and a strange cast of characters in and out of Hokum. The language was a bit much at times, the author really seems to delight in using unusual wording or twenty-five cent words when a nickel word would do. In the beginning, I felt like he was intentionally messing with readers. The chapters jump around between stories and characters, and if you aren't paying attention, it can get confusing. But all in all, it is different, and that is a good thing. Definitely not mainstream reading
Public Library and Other Stories Ali Smith 4out of 5 stars
Why are books so very powerful? What do the books we’ve read over our lives—our own personal libraries—make of us? What does the unraveling of our tradition of public libraries, so hard-won but now in jeopardy, say about us?
The stories in Ali Smith’s new collection are about what we do with books and what they do with us: how they travel with us; how they shock us, change us, challenge us, banish time while making us older, wiser and ageless all at once; how they remind us to pay attention to the world we make.
Woven between the stories are conversations with writers and readers reflecting on the essential role that libraries have played in their lives. At a time when public libraries around the world face threats of cuts and closures, this collection stands as a work of literary activism—and as a wonderful read from one of our finest authors.
The stories in Ali Smith’s new collection are about what we do with books and what they do with us: how they travel with us; how they shock us, change us, challenge us, banish time while making us older, wiser and ageless all at once; how they remind us to pay attention to the world we make.
Woven between the stories are conversations with writers and readers reflecting on the essential role that libraries have played in their lives. At a time when public libraries around the world face threats of cuts and closures, this collection stands as a work of literary activism—and as a wonderful read from one of our finest authors.
Why are books so very powerful? What do the books we’ve read over our lives—our own personal libraries—make of us? What does the unraveling of our tradition of public libraries, so hard-won but now in jeopardy, say about us?
The stories in Ali Smith’s new collection are about what we do with books and what they do with us: how they travel with us; how they shock us, change us, challenge us, banish time while making us older, wiser and ageless all at once; how they remind us to pay attention to the world we make.
Woven between the stories are conversations with writers and readers reflecting on the essential role that libraries have played in their lives. At a time when public libraries around the world face threats of cuts and closures, this collection stands as a work of literary activism—and as a wonderful read from one of our finest authors.
The stories in Ali Smith’s new collection are about what we do with books and what they do with us: how they travel with us; how they shock us, change us, challenge us, banish time while making us older, wiser and ageless all at once; how they remind us to pay attention to the world we make.
Woven between the stories are conversations with writers and readers reflecting on the essential role that libraries have played in their lives. At a time when public libraries around the world face threats of cuts and closures, this collection stands as a work of literary activism—and as a wonderful read from one of our finest authors.
Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer Katherine Ramsland 4 out of 5 stars
In 1974, Dennis Lynn Rader stalked and murdered a family of four in Wichita, Kansas. Since adolescence, he had read about serial killers and imagined becoming one. Soon after killing the family, he murdered a young woman and then another, until he had ten victims. He named himself “B.T.K.” (bind, torture, kill) and wrote notes that terrorized the city. He remained on the loose for thirty years. No one who knew him guessed his dark secret. He nearly got away with his crimes, but in 2004, he began to play risky games with the police. He made a mistake. When he was arrested, Rader’s family, friends, and coworkers were shocked to discover that B.T.K. had been among them, going to work, raising his children, and acting normal.
This case stands out both for the brutal treatment of victims and for the ordinary public face that Rader, a church council president, had shown to the outside world. Through jailhouse visits, telephone calls, and written correspondence, Katherine Ramsland worked with Rader himself to analyze the layers of his psyche. Using his drawings, letters, interviews, and Rader’s unique codes, she presents in meticulous detail the childhood roots and development of one man’s motivation to stalk, torture, and kill. She reveals aspects of the dark motivations of this most famous of living serial killers that have never before been revealed.
In this book Katherine Ramsland presents an intelligent, original, and rare glimpse into the making of a serial killer and the potential darkness that lives next door.
This case stands out both for the brutal treatment of victims and for the ordinary public face that Rader, a church council president, had shown to the outside world. Through jailhouse visits, telephone calls, and written correspondence, Katherine Ramsland worked with Rader himself to analyze the layers of his psyche. Using his drawings, letters, interviews, and Rader’s unique codes, she presents in meticulous detail the childhood roots and development of one man’s motivation to stalk, torture, and kill. She reveals aspects of the dark motivations of this most famous of living serial killers that have never before been revealed.
In this book Katherine Ramsland presents an intelligent, original, and rare glimpse into the making of a serial killer and the potential darkness that lives next door.
Ramsland presents a large number of factors that likely contributed to Rader becoming a serial killer. Her research is truly excellent and, although it may seem like a lot to take in, she explains a large variety of the ingrediants that ultimately become the stew of a serial killer. All the explanations are another important component to making this book such an excellent read. She importantly points out that society's basic model on serial killers needs to be updated and that some of the widely accepted answers are not in fact the case. We learn more about the mindset of these killers as time goes on and things that were once deemed fact should now be seen as possibility to take into account. For instance, this book does a great job of explaining that not all sexual homicides actually need to involve some sort of sex with the victim. In Rader's case, (I never knew this prior to reading this book) he didn't have sex with any of the victims; he got his gratification and relief through viewing a victim in bondage. It was the ropes, the terror the victim was thinking about, the image of a person in bondage, and the strangling that brought about his sexual gratification.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime and serial killers. It is very thorough and well articulated. Rader's explanations and theories are mostly satisfying for the reader looking for a better understanding. Congratulations to Katherine Ramsland for adding an important chapter to serial killer literature that will likely go down in history as one of the best in the field.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime and serial killers. It is very thorough and well articulated. Rader's explanations and theories are mostly satisfying for the reader looking for a better understanding. Congratulations to Katherine Ramsland for adding an important chapter to serial killer literature that will likely go down in history as one of the best in the field.
Head in the Cloud: Why Knowing Things Still Matters When Facts Are So Easy to Look Up William Poundstone 3 out of 5 starsThe real-world value of knowledge in the mobile-device age.
More people know who Khloe Kardashian is than who Rene Descartes was. Most can't find Delaware on a map, correctly spell the word occurrence, or name the largest ocean on the planet. But how important is it to fill our heads with facts? A few keystrokes can summon almost any information in seconds. Why should we bother learning facts at all?
Bestselling author William Poundstone confronts that timely question in HEAD IN THE CLOUD. He shows that many areas of knowledge correlate with the quality of our lives--wealth, health, and happiness--and even with politics and behavior. Combining Big Data survey techniques with eye-opening anecdotes, Poundstone examines what Americans know (and don't know) on topics ranging from quantum physics to pop culture.
HEAD IN THE CLOUD asks why we're okay with spelling errors on menus but not on resumes; why Fox News viewers don't know which party controls Congress; why people who know "trivia" make more money than those who don't; how individuals can navigate clickbait and media spin to stay informed about what really matters.
Hilarious, humbling, and wildly entertaining, HEAD IN THE CLOUD is a must-read for anyone who doesn't know everything.
More people know who Khloe Kardashian is than who Rene Descartes was. Most can't find Delaware on a map, correctly spell the word occurrence, or name the largest ocean on the planet. But how important is it to fill our heads with facts? A few keystrokes can summon almost any information in seconds. Why should we bother learning facts at all?
Bestselling author William Poundstone confronts that timely question in HEAD IN THE CLOUD. He shows that many areas of knowledge correlate with the quality of our lives--wealth, health, and happiness--and even with politics and behavior. Combining Big Data survey techniques with eye-opening anecdotes, Poundstone examines what Americans know (and don't know) on topics ranging from quantum physics to pop culture.
HEAD IN THE CLOUD asks why we're okay with spelling errors on menus but not on resumes; why Fox News viewers don't know which party controls Congress; why people who know "trivia" make more money than those who don't; how individuals can navigate clickbait and media spin to stay informed about what really matters.
Hilarious, humbling, and wildly entertaining, HEAD IN THE CLOUD is a must-read for anyone who doesn't know everything.
Head in the Cloud begins with incompetent bank robber McArthur Wheeler, who smeared lemon juice on his face to make himself invisible to security cameras. Wheeler knew that lemon juice is an invisible ink, so he reasoned that it should render him invisible. It didn't work, and he was quickly apprehended. Wheeler was the inspiration for the Dunning-Kruger effect, that says that the ignorant don't know how ignorant they are. Head in the Cloud presents a case that over-reliance on the Internet can make the Dunning-Kruger effect worse. We don't know how ignorant we are, but knowing what we don't know is essential to using the Internet. You'll find a lot to laugh at in Head in the Cloud, and it will definitely make you think.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Net Galley Reviews
Hello, all here is my review for Net Galley. So, let jump in shall we?
Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd: A Flavia de Luce Novel
I absolutely love this series. I will be purchasing this hardback for my collection. Flavia de Luce. and Alan Bradley never disappoints. Hope Mr. Bradley continues writing this series. Christmas is coming so buy it for the mystery lover in your life. here is the synopsis: In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core.
Choose Your Own Misery: Mike MacDonald The Holidays Here is another great Christmas gift. I loved the uniqueness of this book. I loved the choose your own adventure book as a kid, so this didn't disappoint. I will be picking this up in print form. I did notice Mr. MacDonald has another book in this format called The Office I hope he continues writing this format. Here is the synopsis: This is the year you’re going to do it: you’re going to avoid Christmas completely!
...or you were, until your island getaway got washed out by a hurricane. Now you have to choose: should you spend the holiday with your shrewish sister and her Europhile husband, or endure your new girlfriend’s family for a week? Help chop down a tree even though it might throw out your back, or endure the icy judgment of a woman who thinks only children and pussies help bake cookies? Jet off to the glamorous slums of Kingston, Jamaica, or accept the offer of a ride from a man who never stops smiling...and is probably going to turn you into a skin suit?
From the writers who brought you the hilarious parody Choose Your Own Misery: The Office comes a second helping of misery with a festive twist. Christmas is full of fun surprises for kids, but for adults, it’s just an endless series of aggressive crowds, overwhelming credit card debt, and pretending to like the people you’re forced to spend it with.
Once you unwrap all the holiday misery hiding in these pages, the blackness of your heart will rival any lump of coal.
Just Life Neil Abramson
America is full of strays: dogs, cats, people. It seems far too easy for beings to “fall through the cracks.” Yet there are people who care, who reach out to these lost creatures, and try to make them whole. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell who’s the rescuer, and who’s the rescued, as the act can heal both. “Just Life” delves into several such stories -- a woman estranged from her scientist father; a priest losing his faith and more; a young man damaged by foster care. In each case, saving a canine life saves them.
At the same time, America is full of people who deeply love their pets, thinking of them as one of the family. “Just Life” poses the question: How far would you go, to protect your animal from a government looking for easy answers?
Veterinarian Samantha Lewis and her team are dedicated to providing a sanctuary for unwanted, abused, and abandoned dogs in New York City. But every day it gets harder to operate her no-kill shelter. Sam is already at her breaking point when she learns of an unidentified, dangerous virus spreading through their neighborhood. The medical community can only determine that animals are the carriers. Amid growing panic and a demand for immediate answers, suspicion abruptly falls on dogs as the source. Soon the governor is calling in the National Guard to enforce a quarantine--no dog may leave the area.
Samantha knows from her own painful history that, despite the lack of real evidence against the dogs, a quarantine may only be the beginning. As questions about the source of the virus mount and clash with the pressure for a politically expedient resolution, Sam is forced to make life-altering choices. She finds allies in a motley crew of New Yorkers--a local priest, a troubled teen, a smart-mouthed former psychologist, and a cop desperate to do the right thing--all looking for sanctuary from their own personal demons. But the person Sam needs the most to unravel the mystery of the virus and save the dogs is the last one she'd ever want to call on--because contacting him will mean confronting the traumatic past she has fought so hard to escape.
Thank You Net Galley
A Ferret's Novel Tale
Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd: A Flavia de Luce Novel
I absolutely love this series. I will be purchasing this hardback for my collection. Flavia de Luce. and Alan Bradley never disappoints. Hope Mr. Bradley continues writing this series. Christmas is coming so buy it for the mystery lover in your life. here is the synopsis: In spite of being ejected from Miss Bodycote’s Female Academy in Canada, twelve-year-old Flavia de Luce is excited to be sailing home to England. But instead of a joyous homecoming, she is greeted on the docks with unfortunate news: Her father has fallen ill, and a hospital visit will have to wait while he rests. But with Flavia’s blasted sisters and insufferable cousin underfoot, Buckshaw now seems both too empty—and not empty enough. Only too eager to run an errand for the vicar’s wife, Flavia hops on her trusty bicycle, Gladys, to deliver a message to a reclusive wood-carver. Finding the front door ajar, Flavia enters and stumbles upon the poor man’s body hanging upside down on the back of his bedroom door. The only living creature in the house is a feline that shows little interest in the disturbing scene. Curiosity may not kill this cat, but Flavia is energized at the prospect of a new investigation. It’s amazing what the discovery of a corpse can do for one’s spirits. But what awaits Flavia will shake her to the very core.
Choose Your Own Misery: Mike MacDonald The Holidays Here is another great Christmas gift. I loved the uniqueness of this book. I loved the choose your own adventure book as a kid, so this didn't disappoint. I will be picking this up in print form. I did notice Mr. MacDonald has another book in this format called The Office I hope he continues writing this format. Here is the synopsis: This is the year you’re going to do it: you’re going to avoid Christmas completely!
...or you were, until your island getaway got washed out by a hurricane. Now you have to choose: should you spend the holiday with your shrewish sister and her Europhile husband, or endure your new girlfriend’s family for a week? Help chop down a tree even though it might throw out your back, or endure the icy judgment of a woman who thinks only children and pussies help bake cookies? Jet off to the glamorous slums of Kingston, Jamaica, or accept the offer of a ride from a man who never stops smiling...and is probably going to turn you into a skin suit?
From the writers who brought you the hilarious parody Choose Your Own Misery: The Office comes a second helping of misery with a festive twist. Christmas is full of fun surprises for kids, but for adults, it’s just an endless series of aggressive crowds, overwhelming credit card debt, and pretending to like the people you’re forced to spend it with.
Once you unwrap all the holiday misery hiding in these pages, the blackness of your heart will rival any lump of coal.
Just Life Neil Abramson
America is full of strays: dogs, cats, people. It seems far too easy for beings to “fall through the cracks.” Yet there are people who care, who reach out to these lost creatures, and try to make them whole. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell who’s the rescuer, and who’s the rescued, as the act can heal both. “Just Life” delves into several such stories -- a woman estranged from her scientist father; a priest losing his faith and more; a young man damaged by foster care. In each case, saving a canine life saves them.
At the same time, America is full of people who deeply love their pets, thinking of them as one of the family. “Just Life” poses the question: How far would you go, to protect your animal from a government looking for easy answers?
Veterinarian Samantha Lewis and her team are dedicated to providing a sanctuary for unwanted, abused, and abandoned dogs in New York City. But every day it gets harder to operate her no-kill shelter. Sam is already at her breaking point when she learns of an unidentified, dangerous virus spreading through their neighborhood. The medical community can only determine that animals are the carriers. Amid growing panic and a demand for immediate answers, suspicion abruptly falls on dogs as the source. Soon the governor is calling in the National Guard to enforce a quarantine--no dog may leave the area.
Samantha knows from her own painful history that, despite the lack of real evidence against the dogs, a quarantine may only be the beginning. As questions about the source of the virus mount and clash with the pressure for a politically expedient resolution, Sam is forced to make life-altering choices. She finds allies in a motley crew of New Yorkers--a local priest, a troubled teen, a smart-mouthed former psychologist, and a cop desperate to do the right thing--all looking for sanctuary from their own personal demons. But the person Sam needs the most to unravel the mystery of the virus and save the dogs is the last one she'd ever want to call on--because contacting him will mean confronting the traumatic past she has fought so hard to escape.
Thank You Net Galley
A Ferret's Novel Tale
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Net Galley Reviews
Listen Like A Dog Jeff Lazarus was fun and a great book on listening. Listen Like a Dog is not just for dog lovers. It's my new listening handbook for business and personal life. I've always believed we humans could definitely take a page out of animals book. If we acted more like animals the world would be a better place. https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Like-Dog-Make-World/dp/0757318983/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
War Orphans Lizzie Lane Joanna is a determined little girl, who is abominably treated by her stepmother, and finds comfort in an equally determined puppy. Despite her deprivations and the very poor conduct of her stepmother, she keeps her strength and spirit to help her puppy survive – making new friends along the way. On the subject of the writing, I think that Lizzie Lane is a fantastic author. She captures you in every moment of the story and you really feel that you are with Joanna every step of the way and as a reader you really go into the book. I loved Lizzie’s writing style as it was really easy to follow and the story flowed beautifully. This is a great read for anyone, especially preteens. I know my niece is gonna love it that is why I like to reviewing for Net Galley I find great books to buy for friends, family and me. https://www.amazon.com/War-Orphans-Lizzie-Lane-ebook/dp/B01CHNX9OG/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474578248&sr=1-3&keywords=war+orphans
Death By Pumpkin Spice Alex Erickson Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .
As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .
With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . . this was what I needed #cravingfall https://www.amazon.com/Death-Pumpkin-Spice-Bookstore-Mystery/dp/1617737550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474579919&sr=8-1&keywords=death+by+pumpkin+spice+by+alex+erickson
Thank You Net Galley and Authors I received all books for a honest review.
War Orphans Lizzie Lane Joanna is a determined little girl, who is abominably treated by her stepmother, and finds comfort in an equally determined puppy. Despite her deprivations and the very poor conduct of her stepmother, she keeps her strength and spirit to help her puppy survive – making new friends along the way. On the subject of the writing, I think that Lizzie Lane is a fantastic author. She captures you in every moment of the story and you really feel that you are with Joanna every step of the way and as a reader you really go into the book. I loved Lizzie’s writing style as it was really easy to follow and the story flowed beautifully. This is a great read for anyone, especially preteens. I know my niece is gonna love it that is why I like to reviewing for Net Galley I find great books to buy for friends, family and me. https://www.amazon.com/War-Orphans-Lizzie-Lane-ebook/dp/B01CHNX9OG/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474578248&sr=1-3&keywords=war+orphans
Seven-year-old Cora, recovering from a serious illness in a hospital, has a secret visit from her mother. Biddy manages to pass her daughter a gift—a gingerbread man—that Cora is to always treasure. When Biddy dies, Cora and her little sister are lovingly cared for by Eliza, their mother's friend. Cora's feckless father—whom she hardly knows—is unaware of the tragedy. Just before World War II, with the children secure and enjoying a good life with Eliza, their father unexpectedly reappears wishing to make amends. And as Cora grows up, she is irresistibly drawn to a man very much like her father. Will fate repeat itself?
Death By Pumpkin Spice Alex Erickson Bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock would rather spend Halloween serving pumpkin goodies than wearing costumes with Pine Hills’ wealthiest at Yarborough mansion, especially when the soiree shapes up to be more trick than treat . . .
As if a run-in with an old flame and a failed marriage proposal weren’t enough to horrify Krissy for one night, a woman is found strangled to death in a room filled with ominous jack-o’-lanterns. All signs suggest a crime of passion—but when the hostess’s jewelry disappears, malevolent intentions seem way more likely . . .
With the estate on lockdown and a killer roaming the halls, Krissy must help Officer Paul Dalton investigate each nook, cranny, and guest for answers—while also confronting a few demons of her own. Someone has lots of skeletons in the closet, and Krissy better tread lightly to expose them . . . this was what I needed #cravingfall https://www.amazon.com/Death-Pumpkin-Spice-Bookstore-Mystery/dp/1617737550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474579919&sr=8-1&keywords=death+by+pumpkin+spice+by+alex+erickson
Thank You Net Galley and Authors I received all books for a honest review.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Hello, Everyone I know it's been a while since my post. Living where I do the weather can charge drastically from day to day. Lately, that has been the case we were in the upper 90s with heat index in the triple digits, the next day would rain and the next cool weather. As a result my sinuses went hay wire and I got a ear infection so bad my right ear drum was on the verge of rupturing. This is why I have been a way I'm still stick but slowly better. I have read Through the Mirror, Darkly from Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank You Crystal Lake for sending me this book for review. I Love the concept of this publishers they are a horror genre. I love the fact the company name is after Friday the 13th.
Through the Mirror, Darkly by Kevin Lucia is the second book in the Clifton Heights Saga . This is a anthology
Here is the synopsis: Arcane Delights. Clifton Heights' premier rare and used bookstore. In it, new owner Kevin Ellison has inherited far more than a family legacy, for inside are tales that will amaze, astound, thrill...and terrify. An ancient evil thirsty for lost souls. A very different kind of taxi service with destinations not on any known map. Three coins that grant the bearer's fondest wish, and a father whose crippling grief gives birth to something dark and hungry. Every town harbors secrets. Kevin Ellison is about to discover those that lurk in the shadows of Clifton Heights." "Kevin Lucia writes my favorite kind of horror, the kind not enough folks are writing anymore." - Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Turtle Boy and Kin. "THROUGH A MIRROR DARKLY serves as Kevin Lucia's early-warning system to the horror field - Brace yourselves, folks." - Gary A. Braunbeck, Bram Stoker Award-winner of To Each Their Darkness, Destinations Unknown, and the forthcoming A Cracked and Broken Path "Literate and stylish, yet fast-paced and accessible, Through a Mirror, Darkly is a thoroughly engrossing read. Kevin Lucia is a major new voice in the horror genre." - Jonathan Janz "Through a Mirror, Darkly earns Kevin Lucia a literary place alongside these enduring philosophical horror crafters." - Mort Castle "He is a skillful guide through Clifton Heights, telling tales of mystery and horror in a town where dark secrets and ancient evils lurk to prey upon those who read THROUGH A MIRROR, DARKLY." - Rena Mason, Bram Stoker Award® winning author of THE EVOLUTIONIST. "With Through a Mirror, Darkly, Kevin Lucia proves once again that it's only a matter of time before he's one of the genre's biggest names." - James Newman (author of The Wicked and Animosity. It's a collection of shared theme short stories with a thin wrapper for some dark secrets in the town of Clifton Heights. The wrapper felt underdeveloped, so the meat was in the short stories and they're decent stories. They cover some classic horror situations, although they were of varying quality.
The first story concerns an Iraq veteran Chaplain recovering from a supernatural sighting while on tour, only to have the horror seemingly follow him home. This was a predictable story with no real surprise - even for the reveal at the end, but quite well told. It did introduce me to an aspect of the authors writing that impacted my enjoyment of the stories - repetition.
Repetition can be a powerful tool in story telling, it can lull the reader into false assumptions, it can reinforce core concepts, but it needs to be used sparingly. That isn't the case here, it is used far too often and isn't just repetition of concepts, but actual repetition of the same phrase - over and over again, It really spoiled the flow of the stories, and gave them an odd pacing. It also made them longer than they needed to be.
Overall it was worth reading, but felt that it needed much tighter development to really stand out.
There is a bit too much vulgar language for my liking. You can have a horror novel with less strong language. I don't mine some language but don't use it as a dialect. I give this book 3stars because I like the concept of this book and I love the fact the authors of Crystal Lake Publishing think out side the box. I wont be going on with the series but do recommend horror lovers give it a try. It may be the novel for them. Please check out Crystal Lake Publishing.
Happy Reading!
A Ferret's Novel Tale
http://www.crystallakepub.com/
www.kevinlucia.com
Through the Mirror, Darkly by Kevin Lucia is the second book in the Clifton Heights Saga . This is a anthology
Here is the synopsis: Arcane Delights. Clifton Heights' premier rare and used bookstore. In it, new owner Kevin Ellison has inherited far more than a family legacy, for inside are tales that will amaze, astound, thrill...and terrify. An ancient evil thirsty for lost souls. A very different kind of taxi service with destinations not on any known map. Three coins that grant the bearer's fondest wish, and a father whose crippling grief gives birth to something dark and hungry. Every town harbors secrets. Kevin Ellison is about to discover those that lurk in the shadows of Clifton Heights." "Kevin Lucia writes my favorite kind of horror, the kind not enough folks are writing anymore." - Kealan Patrick Burke, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Turtle Boy and Kin. "THROUGH A MIRROR DARKLY serves as Kevin Lucia's early-warning system to the horror field - Brace yourselves, folks." - Gary A. Braunbeck, Bram Stoker Award-winner of To Each Their Darkness, Destinations Unknown, and the forthcoming A Cracked and Broken Path "Literate and stylish, yet fast-paced and accessible, Through a Mirror, Darkly is a thoroughly engrossing read. Kevin Lucia is a major new voice in the horror genre." - Jonathan Janz "Through a Mirror, Darkly earns Kevin Lucia a literary place alongside these enduring philosophical horror crafters." - Mort Castle "He is a skillful guide through Clifton Heights, telling tales of mystery and horror in a town where dark secrets and ancient evils lurk to prey upon those who read THROUGH A MIRROR, DARKLY." - Rena Mason, Bram Stoker Award® winning author of THE EVOLUTIONIST. "With Through a Mirror, Darkly, Kevin Lucia proves once again that it's only a matter of time before he's one of the genre's biggest names." - James Newman (author of The Wicked and Animosity. It's a collection of shared theme short stories with a thin wrapper for some dark secrets in the town of Clifton Heights. The wrapper felt underdeveloped, so the meat was in the short stories and they're decent stories. They cover some classic horror situations, although they were of varying quality.
The first story concerns an Iraq veteran Chaplain recovering from a supernatural sighting while on tour, only to have the horror seemingly follow him home. This was a predictable story with no real surprise - even for the reveal at the end, but quite well told. It did introduce me to an aspect of the authors writing that impacted my enjoyment of the stories - repetition.
Repetition can be a powerful tool in story telling, it can lull the reader into false assumptions, it can reinforce core concepts, but it needs to be used sparingly. That isn't the case here, it is used far too often and isn't just repetition of concepts, but actual repetition of the same phrase - over and over again, It really spoiled the flow of the stories, and gave them an odd pacing. It also made them longer than they needed to be.
Overall it was worth reading, but felt that it needed much tighter development to really stand out.
There is a bit too much vulgar language for my liking. You can have a horror novel with less strong language. I don't mine some language but don't use it as a dialect. I give this book 3stars because I like the concept of this book and I love the fact the authors of Crystal Lake Publishing think out side the box. I wont be going on with the series but do recommend horror lovers give it a try. It may be the novel for them. Please check out Crystal Lake Publishing.
Happy Reading!
A Ferret's Novel Tale
http://www.crystallakepub.com/
www.kevinlucia.com
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Pawper to Pedigree - Angel M
Hello, Y'all this is a special post I recently meet Angel M. through Twitter I saw she was a writer, the cover of her book Pawper to Pedigree (P2P for short) is super cute so a requested a copy for review, Angel graciously agreed. When I saw the cover I thought it was a cozy mystery. It turns out it is a fiction novel a fun summer read to beat the heat and that's just what I need because our average temp. has been 103° Yuck😣 This novel is a Dr. Doolittle with a Stephanie Plum fun feel to it. Here's the synopsis:
Trying to build a mobile dog grooming business can be difficult when your bus is most likely stolen, your flamboyant cosmetologist keeps people guessing as to his sexual orientation, you are dating the cop who arrested your last boyfriend, and you can hear what dogs are thinking. Luckily for Marnie, her clientele has eclectic tastes and she discovers there is a lucrative market for her dog whisperer gift.
From country dogs to city dogs, pedigrees to mutts, Marnie and Aaron take on new clients while helping owners reach a deeper connection with their pets.
This book makes me want to read more from the author. You can tell Angel has done research or already had the knowledge of animals because she was informative about the animals and questions that may have been in reads minds.
This author shows originality and creativity from the way she names the animals to the way she gives her characters quirky personalities and descriptions. This is a 4 star 5 book for me. I didn't give it a 5star because I would have like to see more interactions with people characters as much as animals characters. The book is phenomenal with Marnie and Aaron interactions with one another. I would also like to say I hope Angel considers turning P2P into a series I think it would be a big hit if she did😀 Thank You Angel for sending me the book for review and most of all for a new friendship. Wishing all the best in your endeavors. Remember to try new authors because the most famous author was unknown once, you may be the one who discovers the next great. How Cool that would be?😊
http//:angelm.net
Check out Angel M. (@AngelM_Author): https://twitter.com/AngelM_Author
Trying to build a mobile dog grooming business can be difficult when your bus is most likely stolen, your flamboyant cosmetologist keeps people guessing as to his sexual orientation, you are dating the cop who arrested your last boyfriend, and you can hear what dogs are thinking. Luckily for Marnie, her clientele has eclectic tastes and she discovers there is a lucrative market for her dog whisperer gift.
From country dogs to city dogs, pedigrees to mutts, Marnie and Aaron take on new clients while helping owners reach a deeper connection with their pets.
This book makes me want to read more from the author. You can tell Angel has done research or already had the knowledge of animals because she was informative about the animals and questions that may have been in reads minds.
This author shows originality and creativity from the way she names the animals to the way she gives her characters quirky personalities and descriptions. This is a 4 star 5 book for me. I didn't give it a 5star because I would have like to see more interactions with people characters as much as animals characters. The book is phenomenal with Marnie and Aaron interactions with one another. I would also like to say I hope Angel considers turning P2P into a series I think it would be a big hit if she did😀 Thank You Angel for sending me the book for review and most of all for a new friendship. Wishing all the best in your endeavors. Remember to try new authors because the most famous author was unknown once, you may be the one who discovers the next great. How Cool that would be?😊
http//:angelm.net
Check out Angel M. (@AngelM_Author): https://twitter.com/AngelM_Author
Ghost From Our Past
One thing you should know is that this book is written in perspective of the two leading women of the new Ghostbusters movie, and sometimes it seems if they refer to themselves in third person but not in a weird way, as it fits humorously.
Erin Gilbert and Abby L. Yates are the needy ghost-loving girls at their school who, by chance find each other and set off on this journey to find the truth and prove existence, through science, of paranormal entities, including ghosts, phantoms, demons and more. So the first half, the history and background of the history of paranormal research and interest.
The way it is written is very humorous.
They even showed off their equation for the Spectral Field Theory, and it filled the page.
I do have to say, that for anyone who has not heard of either Ghostbusters movies, or does not know that these people are fictional characters, this book could feel very real to them. With all the classifications, theories, scientific language and equations, as well as the history combined with their personal accounts and clarifications, it could read like a real accounting of real ghost busting paranormal investigators. Which is why I love it so much. Those who love to read, read because we dive into a book and if the book is well written, then the people, places, situations, etc, become real to us. Without knowing that this is a fiction book, this book sounds real, authentic and informative.
It even includes a glossary, bibliography for future research, pages for you to write your own notes and sample forms. Overall, entertaining 3 stars☺
Erin Gilbert and Abby L. Yates are the needy ghost-loving girls at their school who, by chance find each other and set off on this journey to find the truth and prove existence, through science, of paranormal entities, including ghosts, phantoms, demons and more. So the first half, the history and background of the history of paranormal research and interest.
The way it is written is very humorous.
They even showed off their equation for the Spectral Field Theory, and it filled the page.
I do have to say, that for anyone who has not heard of either Ghostbusters movies, or does not know that these people are fictional characters, this book could feel very real to them. With all the classifications, theories, scientific language and equations, as well as the history combined with their personal accounts and clarifications, it could read like a real accounting of real ghost busting paranormal investigators. Which is why I love it so much. Those who love to read, read because we dive into a book and if the book is well written, then the people, places, situations, etc, become real to us. Without knowing that this is a fiction book, this book sounds real, authentic and informative.
It even includes a glossary, bibliography for future research, pages for you to write your own notes and sample forms. Overall, entertaining 3 stars☺
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