William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

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Die Every Day by Gordon Bickerstaff – My Review!!

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If you follow my reviews, you know I reviewed a couple of Gordon Bickerstaff’s Lambeth Group Thrillers. When Gordon Bickerstaff released Die Every Day: For the Rest of Your Life, I added it to my TBR list. Read on for my review.

Die Every Day Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

A woman is murdered in a Glasgow city hotel room. Police have everything they need to charge a suspect. Caught at the scene, he confessed, and he’s filled with guilt and remorse. With undeniable evidence; the police expect him to plead guilty.

Rumours suggest the man will plead not guilty and tell his story. If he faces trial, the truth will cause international outrage and the government will fall.

Faceless mandarins in corridors of power are determined he will remain silent.

Lambeth Group agent, Zoe Tampsin, is ordered to make him plead guilty. What she discovers will crush her soul and place her next in line to be murdered.

Who is pulling the strings? What secrets are they hiding?

What I liked:

Just like the other Lambeth Group Thrillers, Die Every Day starts with a bang and keeps going. Zoe is back as the heroine, but she’s trying to juggle her own issues as well as Gavin Shawlin’s latest predicament. Despite the mission to make an alleged killer confess, she finds much more to the story. She faces personal demons and yet, in true Zoe fashion, comes out ahead! How? No spoilers from me, so read this one to find out!

What I didn’t like:

In spite of all the good things in the book, Gavin’s circumstances were a bit hard to believe. In addition, some of the background machinations were a stretch.

Overall impression:

Die Every Day by Gordon Bickerstaff is an excellent addition to the Lambeth Group thrillers. With good characters, nice plot, and tons of action, the book doesn’t disappoint. If you like thrillers, read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

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A Chance at the Moon by Linda Lee Greene – My Review!!

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I stepped outside my normal genres again and picked up A Chance at the Moon: Love. Betrayal. Murder. by Linda Lee Greene. Here are my thoughts.

A Chance at the Moon Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Was it chance or destiny’s hand behind a man and a woman’s curious encounter at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas? The cards fold, their hearts open, and a match strikes, flames that sizzle their hearts and souls. Can they have the moon and the stars, too? Or is she too dangerous? Is he? Can their love withstand betrayal?! Can it endure murder?!

Amid the seductions of Las Vegas, Nevada and an idyllic coffee plantation on Hawai’i’s Big Island, a sextet of opposites converge within a shared fate: a glamorous movie-star courting distractions from her troubled past; her shell-shocked bodyguards clutching handholds out of their hardscrabble lives; a dropout Hawaiian nuclear physicist gambling his way back home; a Navajo rancher seeking cleansing for harming Mother Earth; and from its lofty perch, the Hawaiian’s guardian spirit conjured as his pet raven, conducting this symphony of soul odysseys.

What I liked:

A Chance at the Moon was an entertaining book! Linda Lee Greene did a good job of creating her characters and touched just enough of the paranormal to add an element of intrigue. The story was part thriller, part romance, and part mysticism and all merged into a good tale. If you enjoy romance, intrigue, and a lush writing style, read this one!

What I didn’t like:

While I enjoyed the story, sometimes the flowery prose was a bit much for me. In addition, Koa’s mission seemed a little too contrived, and the ending left me wanting some closure.

Overall impression:

A Chance at the Moon: Love. Betrayal. Murder. was a nice read. Good characters, intriguing plot, romance, and a touch of the paranormal kept my attention. This would make a good rainy day, snowy day, or beach read!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Linda Lee Greene:

Find Linda Lee Greene on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page and her website. Discover her many books (and maybe buy a couple) and consider leaving a comment or a review!

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Household Spirits of Eastern Europe – My Review!!

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If you’ve read my blog, you know I write fantasy. As part of my research about mythical creatures, I ran across A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe by Ronesa Aveela. I added it to my TBR list (one of the few non-fiction books I’ve read for pleasure). Read on for my thoughts!

Household Spirits Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Eastern European mythology and folklore contain a rich, colorful blend of Christian and pagan tales, customs, and rituals. Many have lost their original significance, but others are still practiced—especially in remote, rural locations.

House Spirits, the first in a series of books, will take you on a journey to discover nine fascinating house spirits you may never have heard of. Here are a few tidbits about what you can expect to find within the book’s pages:

– Unusual noises at night in your attic may be a Talasum or a hungry Stopan.
– Sacrificing a black hen and sprinkling its blood in the foundation of a new home keeps the building and occupants safe from evil spirits.
– Builders often measure passersby with string or “capture” their shadow in the mortar of a wall to make structures strong.
– Forgetting to wash your dishes at night and leaving your house messy anger a Kikimora, and she’ll get her revenge.
– Don’t kill a snake because it may be the spirit guardian of your home.
– Have you heard of the Bannik? Taking a steam bath will never be the same again after you learn about his habits.

That’s not all. You’ll learn historical facts, discover fascinating and horrifying stories, and enjoy beautiful illustrations to gain a complete experience of these elusive house spirits.

What I liked:

A Study of Household Spirits or Eastern Europe was a fun read! I learned much about the spirits and their quirky ways. I also learned how to attract the spirits (or at least get them to move with you) and how to get them to leave. All told, it was an entertaining learning experience!

What I didn’t like:

There wasn’t much to dislike about the book except many of the spirits had similar characteristics. Combining them might make it an easier read.

Overall impression:

If you want to learn about Eastern European household spirits and their interesting and sometimes terrifying ways, read this book! If nothing else, if you don’t live in Eastern Europe, you’ll be happy they aren’t in your neighborhood!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Ronesa Aveela:

Find out more about Ronesa Aveela on her Amazon Author Page or her website. While you’re there, consider leaving a comment or review and maybe pick up a book or two!

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Trouble at Clenchers Mill by Diana J. Febry – My Review!!

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I’ve read a couple of Diana J. Febry’s books and enjoyed them. I saw Trouble at Clenchers Mill and added it to the TBR list. Here are my thoughts.

Trouble at Clenchers Mill Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Somebody wants Richard Fielding dead.
Richard was looking forward to making a fresh start with his new wife, Alicia when they moved into Clenchers Mill. Then the attacks started.
Detained in the hospital after an unusual accident, he dismisses the claim his new wife is trying to harm him. He’s convinced the property attacks are the childish pranks of locals annoyed by his plans for Clenchers Mill. As a successful property developer, he’s seen it all before. Mindful of Alicia’s reluctance to involve the police he instructs Kate and Simon to make discreet inquiries.
Kate and Simon are keen to find the culprit, but are inexperienced and blissfully unaware they are dealing with a determined killer toying with their prey before they strike. Their first case may prove to be their last.

What I liked:

As with Diana Febry’s other books I’ve read, Trouble at Clenchers Mill was a well-written mystery. In keeping with the cozy mystery genre, there isn’t any graphic violence, which is enjoyable for me. The author did an excellent job of spinning the tale and hinting at blossoming romance between Kate and Simon. The secrets uncovered and the peril the characters encountered added a lot to the novel. Very entertaining!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint about Trouble at Clenchers Mill was the conflict between the pro-hunt and anti-hunt groups. It added a bit to the story, but if further developed could enhance the mystery.

Overall impression:

Trouble at Clenchers Mill was an entertaining read! Good characters, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of suspects made the book a fun read. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, read this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Diana J. Febry:

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Torn (The Dothan Chronicles #1) by Charissa Dufour – My Review!!

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Torn – My Review!!

Torn Cover

I wanted to get back to fantasy books and picked Torn (The Dothan Chronicles #1) by Charissa Dufour. It’s nice to come back to my favorite genre. Read on for my thoughts! Note that the author advises the following: Due to scenes of intense violence, reader discretion is advised.

Synopsis (from the author):

King Wolfric Eberhand battles the last nation to stand against his raging armies. With help from the deadly knight, Sir Erin Caldry, he hopes to conquer the land of Dothan once and for all. Using his wealth and power, he has formulated the perfect plan to finally take their rich land. What he doesn’t realize, is the youngest Dothan princess is currently a slave within his very own castle walls.
While out visiting the remote estate of a relative, Princess Bethany Kavadh is kidnapped by slavers. Bedraggled and weary, she finds herself sold into slavery. To her horror, she soon discovers that her new owner is none other than her family’s worst enemy, King Wolfric. To fight her rising despair and to keep what little sanity she possess, Princess Bethany begins to fight back, sabotaging the efficient running of the House and function of their Armies.
But what happens when they realize her true identity?
Will they ransom her for the wealth of her nation?
Will they keep her as a slave? Or will they inflict an even crueler punishment?
The only things for certain are: The war between two nations will escalate, and one young princess’s life shall forever be TORN.

What I liked:

I liked Bethany’s toughness, resilience, and her attempts to sabotage her captors. I also liked that her actions had consequences – both good and bad. Caldry was a good character. The family of the King was perfectly despicable in their treatment of each other and others. The story itself intrigued me and kept me involved in the tale. The harsh treatment of the slaves and the indifference of the slaveholders was intense at times, so be prepared. Overall, though, Torn was a good read!

What I didn’t like:

The biggest complaint I have about Torn was that it was much more of a romance than a fantasy novel. Not in a bad way, but it didn’t have the fantasy elements I hoped for in the book.

Overall impression:

Torn (The Dothan Chronicles #1) by Charissa Dufour was a good read! Bethany’s trials as a slave and her efforts to impede the King’s military conquests made for an entertaining novel. I thought it was more romance than fantasy, and the treatment of Bethany was difficult to read at times, but I truly enjoyed it. Read it and let me know what you thought!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with Charissa Dufour:

Visit Charissa Dufour’s Amazon Author Page or her Goodreads page to find out more about Charissa and her many books! While you’re there, consider leaving a review or a comment (and maybe pick up a book or two).

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Lights Out (Lights Out #1) by Joey Paul – My Review!!

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I decided to dip my toes into the dystopian genre for my latest read and chose Lights Out (Lights Out #1) by Joey Paul. Read on for my thoughts!

Lights Out Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Ever since the war ended, the United English Cityships have had equality. The rules are clear. You are born, you live and the day following your sixtieth birthday, you are sent off for your final sleep.

Lock is a firm believer in the system. It means that everyone is truly treated equally. It’s only when she checks in an attendee who claims to be younger than her chip says that Lock starts to realise there may be someone gaming the system.

The problem is the corruption goes higher than Lock could even begin to imagine. As her belief in the world she lives in starts to crumble, Lock finds herself wanting justice for those who have gone before their time.

Can she do it? Or will they silence her before she can get the word out?

What I liked:

Lights Out was an interesting read and there are many things in it that could apply to today’s world.  However, that is not the focus of my review. Lock, our protagonist, is a good character. There was ample diversity in the book and I liked the idea of everyone treated the same. But, as with most “utopian society” ideas, it really isn’t fair. The mystery is who makes the decision and how can it be stopped? And, does society even want it stopped? No spoilers from me, so you’ll just have to read it to find out!

What I didn’t like:

For me, the story dragged in a few places and it took a while to get to the heart of the story. Some of the characters were a little underdeveloped (Chris, for example), and there was too much repetition in the characters’ mannerisms.

Overall impression:

Lights Out by Joey Paul had many good elements. Lock’s character was good, the storyline intriguing, and the mystery behind who was gaming the system added a nice touch. If you enjoy dystopia, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Joey Paul:

Find Joey Paul on her Amazon Author Page or her website and discover this prolific author and her many books (and maybe pick up a few). While you’re there, please consider leaving a comment or a review!

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