Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

The Eighth Circle of Hell – My Review!!

I really stepped outside my normal reading boundaries with The Eighth Circle of Hell (Atticus and Lucie Fox) by Gary Dolman. It was dark, disturbing, and not for the faint of heart. Read on for my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

In the 19th century, when the British Empire was approaching its zenith, the Victorians began to believe that, with their power and their fabulous wealth, they could do anything. Certain gentlemen became convinced that they could indeed do anything…and get away with it.

A noted Harrogate philanthropist is found murdered, the victim of a brutal and frenzied attack. His apparent killer, a frail and elderly workhouse ‘imbecile’, had fled his house as a child.

The Eighth Circle of Hell follows strands of lust, love and revenge as they twist together and stretch across that most notorious of times: the Victorian Defloration Mania.

What I liked about The Eighth Circle of Hell:

Despite the obvious horrible and disgusting subject of the book, the story was very well-written and didn’t sensationalize the material. Gary Dolman treated the villains as monsters and they deserved the loathing I felt for them. The victims drew my sympathy. Atticus and Lucy, our erstwhile detectives, were a civilized counterpoint to those they pursued. While I can’t truthfully say I enjoyed to story (the topic was much too disturbing for that), it does offer insight into the times and psychology of those who feel they are above the law.

What I didn’t like about The Eighth Circle of Hell:

I would have liked to have seen Atticus and Lucie more disturbed by their investigation than they seemed. Perhaps it was the stiff upper lip of the British, but they didn’t come across as appalled by the actions of the “gentlemen.” Outrage would have added some authenticity to the story.

Overall impression of The Eighth Circle of Hell:

The Eighth Circle of Hell (Atticus and Lucie Fox) is a story of brutal lust, predatory men, and revenge. It handled a horrible subject as delicately as possible, and had a few twists that kept me guessing the outcome. Well-written, the book was filled with characters I won’t soon forget. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fictional insight into the darker side of Victorian society. Beware, though, as I mentioned before, it is deeply disturbing and not for those under 18.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Gary Dolman:

What did you think of The Eighth Circle of Hell by Gary Dolman? You can tell me by leaving a comment. Consider letting the author know by leaving a review. You can also connect with Gary Dolman on his Amazon Author page or his website. Visit and find out more about him and his books! I’m sure he’d appreciate it.

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If you enjoyed your visit to my site and/or this review, subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss any posts. If you’re on the socials, connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Lastly, you can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I love to meet new friends!

e-Murderer (Jenna Scali Mystery, #1) – My Review!!

As a Georgia author, I like to read, review, and promote my fellow Georgia authors. I set a goal to read one of my colleagues’ books each month. I’m starting with e-Murderer (Jenna Scali Mystery, #1) by Joan C. Curtis!

Synopsis (from the author):

On this anything but typical Monday morning, Jenna Scali, who works part-time for a shrink, opens an email that depicts the brutal death of a young girl. On that same day the police uncover a dead coed two blocks from Jenna’s house. The e-murderer’s description creepily echoes the death described in the newspapers.

When Jenna receives other emails, she takes what she knows to the police and thus begins her journey in the path of the e-murderer. Her curious nature impels her from e-messages to dead coeds to a ring of prostitutes. With the help of her quirky friends, Jenna learns that she’s more than a conduit for the killer. She’s his target.

THE E-MURDERER is a race to find a psychotic killer before he kills again.

What I liked about e-Murderer:

First, many of you know I’m a huge University of Georgia fan. e-Murderer is set in the beautiful home of the Dawgs, Athens, GA. That was a great start! Secondly, Joan C. Curtis spun a nice mystery full of twists and turns, a little romance, and enough memorable characters to keep my attention. Lastly, it kept me guessing until about three-quarters of the book before I finally figured it out. All those things add up to an entertaining read!

What I didn’t like about e-Murderer:

A couple of the characters didn’t seem to have a reason to be in the story except as maybe a red herring. While I appreciate the attempt to keep me guessing, the eventual culprit made them seem unnecessary add-ons.

Overall impression of e-Murderer:

e-Murderer (Jenna Scali Mystery, #1) entertained me! Although I’m not a mystery fan in general, this book had enough twists and turns, interesting characters, and a style that seemed almost a cozy mystery. All in all, an excellent read!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with Joan C. Curtis:

Have you read e-Murderer by Joan C. Curtis? If so, please consider leaving a review. Reviews are important to authors and lets them know what readers think about their work. And don’t limit yourself to one book. Joan C. Curtis has more and you can find them at her website or her Amazon Author page!

Connect with me:

If you liked (or didn’t like) my review, leave me a comment and let me know. I appreciate the feedback. If you want to catch all my reviews, subscribe to the blog. in addition, I’m always open to connecting on the socials. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest and say hello!

Annwyn’s Blood (The Paladin of Shadows Chronicles, # 1) – My Review!!

I usually prefer my fantasy books to be a bit on the lighter side, but occasionally I will delve into the darker side of the genre. Annwyn’s Blood (The Paladin of Shadows Chronicles, # 1) certainly fits the bill. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

When Marianna was spirited away by unknown raiders, everyone expected a ransom demand to soon follow. Such was the peril of everyday royal life in the chaotic times following abandonment of the misty isles of Albion by indifferent Rome. But when weeks went by without word her father, High King Mattheus, dispatched teams of trusted warriors to find her and bring her assailants to account.

Young Erik, Scion of the House of Birkenshire, was one of these. Separated from his comrades and alone in hostile territories, he plunged headlong into forgotten vales and desolate coasts in pursuit, driven onward by precious memories of stolen tender moments. Then he stood before the grim fortress – wherein he found, not the innocent damsel of his youthful desires, but a terrifying beauty borne of an ancient evil that bound his soul to an even more primal force bent on regaining its place in the halls of human exaltation.

Now caught between two worlds, he must resist the temptations of his beloved-turned-succubus while protecting his family, his people and his world from the encroaching grasp of Arawn, Lord of Annwyn, Ruler of the Dead, Elder God of the Mabinogion. In this journey to regain his soul, the knight must find a way to strike the fatal blow against a resurgent primal darkness.

What I liked about Annwyn’s Blood:

Annwyn’s Blood has all the elements I like in a fantasy book! Evil, good, magic, and a quest to restore a soul all combine to make the book a great read. Erik, our protagonist, searches for Marianna, the daughter of the King. Unaware of the evil lurking where he finds her, he battles an evil being and loses his soul. But, enough, I won’t do spoilers! Suffice it to say, if you like dark fantasy, try this one!

What I didn’t like about Annwyn’s Blood:

I only had a couple of small issues with Annwyn’s Blood. First, it was difficult to follow exactly who was who and I found myself having to reread some parts for clarity. Secondly, Some of the interactions at the convent seemed out of sorts with the story.

Overall impression:

Annwyn’s Blood is an excellent start to The Paladin of Shadows Chronicles. Definitely not for children, the book is dark fantasy well-suited for adults. If you are a fantasy fan, read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

If you’ve read Annwyn’s Blood, what did you think? Leave me a comment and let me know. More importantly, consider leaving a review. It only takes a few minutes and I’m sure Michael Eging and Steve Arnold would appreciate it! If you want to contact the authors, find their Amazon Author pages here and here.

If you want to connect with me on the socials, find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. You can also email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to connecting with new friends!

Chain of Evidence – My Review!!

I wanted to read a gritty crime novel just to give myself a break from fantasy books and I chose Chain of Evidence by D. B. Corey. Here are my thoughts on the book!

Synopsis (from the author):

They say the evidence never lies, but don’t tell that to Moby Truax. He’ll tell you the evidence could be allowing a killer of women to roam the streets of Baltimore. The evidence is consistent-random female victims, each killed the same way with an identical concentration of cyanide. But Detective-Sergeant Moby Truax, a financially strapped cop nearing the end of his career, sees that the profile of the recent victims doesn’t match that of earlier targets. He suspects a copycat killer, but his rejection of the lone murderer theory puts him on the wrong side of his superiors.

As beautiful young women continue to die, Truax is saddled with a partner: FBI Special Agent Frances Vecchio. To Truax she is little more than an attractive distraction, but his bosses see her as a possible savior, turning a blind eye when Vecchio launches her own investigation to catch the monster the newspapers have dubbed the Cyanide Killer. With his pride and his pension on the line, Truax follows the facts no one else sees, but will this chain of evidence lead him to multiple killers, or a murderous deception even deadlier?

What I liked about Chain of Evidence:

D. B. Corey created a story that drew me in from the start. Moby Truax and his upcoming retirement set a great backdrop and the interaction with his new boss added good conflict to the story. Truax’s insistence a copycat killer was responsible, the FBI agent who shows up to help in the investigation and the twisted actions of Harvey all combine for a gritty, action-packed novel. In addition, the twisty ending added a lot to the story.

What I didn’t like about Chain of Evidence:

In spite of the A couple of things bothered me about this book. First, the relationship between Harvey and his mom was a bit cliché. Secondly, the ease with which Agent Vecchio inserted herself into the investigation seemed unreal. Minor points, I know, but they distracted me from the story.

Overall impression:

As advertised, Chain of Evidence by D. B. Corey was gritty, disturbing, and an entertaining read! Good pace, likable  characters (as well as some I didn’t like), and Truax’s frustration with his boss and his FBI partner made this book work. All in all, if you enjoy crime thrillers, this is a book for you!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with the author:

What are your thoughts about Chain of Evidence? Leave me a comment and let me know. While you’re at it, why not consider leaving a review for the book? It only takes a few minutes and I’m sure D. B. Corey would appreciate it. Since you’re leaving a review, visit D. B. Corey’s Amazon Author page and his website and find out more about the author and his books!

Connect with me:

Did you like my review? Leave me a comment and let me know. And don’t be shy! Find me on social media and let’s connect. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Or just email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to meeting each of you!