Recommendations and Reviews

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!

The Lazarus Succession – My Review!!

I love a good thriller with religious conspiracy connections. Ken Fry’s novel The Lazarus Succession fits the bill perfectly! Read on to discover my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

The Lazarus Succession takes readers to the ancient scene of Christ’s greatest miracle, to medieval Spain, and back to modern-day Europe. In typical Ken Fry style, nothing is as it seems and a surprise awaits at every turn of the page.

According to legend, Annas Zevi, an artist who witnessed the raising of Lazarus, was told by Christ to paint what he saw. Over the centuries, his completed works has vanished, along with every other painting depicting Lazarus’ resurrection. They were rumoured to be sacred icons with miraculous powers.

International Art Recovery Experts, Broderick Ladro and Ulla Stuart, are hired by a disgraced High Court judge, Sir Maxwell Throgmorton, to locate a long lost medieval painting by Spanish artist Francisco Cortez. Like Zevi, his work is said to be divinely inspired.

Throgmorton’s client, a wealthy Spanish Condesa, is terminally ill and the icon is her last hope. She will pay and do whatever it takes to find the missing work of Cortez.

Unbeknown to the Condesa, Throgmorton seeks to make a vast personal fortune from the discovery of the paintings, and use it to reclaim his place in society.

Ladro and Stuart learns of Throgmorton’s deceit and attempts to thwart his plans. As they delve deeper into the mystery of the missing Cortez painting, they discover a secret that changes their lives forever.

Just as it changed the lives of everyone it touched across the centuries. 

What I liked:

This story drew me in immediately! The story started with a bang and kept up a great pace throughout. Brody and Ulla were great, Throgmorton was an excellent though odious player, and the Condesa was the perfect sympathetic character. All told, I thoroughly enjoyed The Lazarus Succession! Full of religious symbolism, action, and a mystical end, the book entertained me!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaint was Throgmorton’s end. A little more mysticism would have played better to me given the way the story ended. I would say more, but then I’d have a spoiler and I don’t do that!

Overall impression:

The Lazarus Succession was everything I wanted in a religious-themed thriller. Great characters, plenty of action, mystical happenings, and great pace made it a most enjoyable read! Well done Ken Fry!!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

When do you plan to read The Lazarus Succession? Soon, I hope! If you do read it, please consider leaving a review and let Ken Fry know your thoughts. I’m sure he will appreciate it. If you want to check out Ken Fry’s other books, you can find them on his Amazon Author page or his website. Visit and maybe buy a book or three!

Connect with me:

If you want to comment on my review, leave a comment on the site, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com, of find me on the socials! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I welcome and appreciate shares, likes, and feedback!

Wham! (Timewalker Book 1) – My Review!!

I read the Heart of the Staff series by Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps and enjoyed it tremendously. When the duo released Wham! (Timewallker Book 1), it went on my TBR immediately! Read on for my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

When the World Alliance seized power from all the governments of the world, they said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary to unite all the nations of the globe under one banner in order to bring universal peace, equality and prosperity to the world.

To most families throughout the world, the rise of the Alliance and their grandiose promises meant little. They had long grown weary of the lies of the corrupt law-makers and heads of state and were far more concerned with their day-to-day struggles to survive.

The Greenwood family was no exception, and for a time life went on much as it had before the rise of the Alliance. In time, individual cultural and racial identity were outlawed. They said it was for the greater good. They said it was necessary to create a more harmonious, homogenous world community. The Greenwood family adapted.

But then they took away freedom. They made it mandatory for all households and public buildings to have skinwelers, crystal spying balls in every room, in order to watch the people’s every move. They said it was for the greater good, and they said it was necessary for public safety and civil order. And the Greenwood family adapted.

But then the state took their family farm and lands and moved them to Gollsport where they had built barracks for all the displaced citizens. They said it was for the greater good. They said the countryside had become contaminated by farm chemicals and the relocation was for their continued health and safety. Once again, the Greenwood family adapted.

But then they came in the night and took away seventeen year-old Tess Greenwood’s entire family. They said it was for the greater good. They said Tess would adapt and in time she would be far better for it.

But Tess cared not for the Alliance’s greater good. She did not adapt. She wanted her family back and vowed to do whatever she must in order to see them again. Little did she know, that to keep her vow, she would have to become a timewalker.

What I liked:

Wham! Brought back great memories of The Heart of the Staff series by tying the old with the new. Though the books are nothing alike, the familiarity was a great bridge. I liked the dystopian feel to the world, and Tess was an easy character to like. Nia was a sympathetic character in impossible circumstances, but found friends, an unlikely ally, and an uneasy relationship with the potentate. Add to the mix Maxi the troll (and an amazing hairdresser), and the stage is set for an enjoyable tale.

What I didn’t like:

Maybe it will come in future books, but I needed more background on how the world reached its current state. Additionally, the dialogue from Maxi was a bit hard to follow.

Overall impression:

I liked Wham! the start to the Timewalker books! As mentioned above, I liked the bridge to The Heart of the Staff series, and the characters were excellent. As with The Heart of the Staff series, Wham! (Timewalker Book 1), this is a series fantasy readers will enjoy!

My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the author:

When do you plan to read Wham! (Timewalker Book 1)? Soon, I hope! When you do, please consider leaving a review and let Carol Marrs Phipps and Tom Phipps know what you think. While you’re at it, consider leaving reviews for The Heart of the Staff books! You can find all of them on their Amazon Author page or their website.

Connect with me:

Thanks for reading my review. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about it. If you’d rather, connect with me on the socials (Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest), or email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

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Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality – My Review!!

Steampunk – not my normal genre – is an interesting world to visit. When you can add elements of science fiction and fantasy into the mix, it becomes intriguing. Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo has all that and much more! Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

The steam-powered civilization of Myrn is a thriving adolescent culture. But the rapid industrial development has given rise to greed, and the triumvirate of government, banks and industry leaders has lost sight of those it is supposed to serve and protect.

When a mysterious incurable illness sweeps through the impoverished masses, increasing the suffering to breaking point, rebellion seems unavoidable. Society is on the brink of revolution, and the planet is marked for destruction.

M’nacht, his son Kes, and his team of researchers investigate a legend about three sacred fossils that could save the people and rebalance Myrn. However, they are not the only ones looking. Where they see salvation, others see power, wealth and control.

Will the gifts from the goddess Navora be found in time to save their world, or will the sacrifice of innocents be lost under the weight of human depravity and corruption?

What I liked:

Holly Barbo’s steampunk world of Myrn was an intriguing construct. Part scifi and all steampunk, the blend of the two made for an interesting read. Kes and his father play their roles convincingly, and the greed and disregard for the populace portrayed by the elite fit into the narrative nicely. I liked the supporting characters Lastly, the fantasy elements of the sunstone and the connection with the goddess tied everything together.

What I didn’t like:

The general population’s treatment at the hands of the bankers and corporations was a bit too cliché for me. Additionally, the reaction of the populace to their circumstances was predictable. I would like more description of the goddess and how the sunstone brings about change. Improvement in those areas would make the story more real.

Overall impression:

Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo was an intriguing read. Cool steampunk gadgets, well-done characters, and a good storyline kept my attention throughout the book. All in all, a good read. I recommend this one to steampunk and fantasy readers!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

I hope you’ll check out Sunstone: A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo and consider leaving a review! And visit Holly Barbo’s Amazon Author page or her website to discover more of her books (and maybe buy a couple)! I know she will appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Speaking of reviews, what did you think of this one? Leave me a comment and let me know. If you’d rather, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com or connect with me on the socials. I am Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Don’t be shy, say hello! I always looking to meet new friends. As always, I greatly appreciate shares and likes!

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