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Showing posts from March, 2023

Riddle Island An Alex McKnight Short Story by Steve Hamilton

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  There are spoilers but written separately after the story review as a footnote. Please read keeping this in mind. ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐   Stars Book Blurb FOR 45 YEARS, OVER 200 FBI AGENTS HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR JIMMY HOFFA. ALEX MCKNIGHT HAS JUST FOUND HIM. About the Author - Steve Hamilton Steve Hamilton is one of only two authors to win Edgars for both Best First Novel and Best Novel. His Alex McKnight series includes two New York Times notable book, and he has either won or received multiple nominations for virtually every other crime fiction award in the business, from the Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award to the Anthony to the Barry to the Gumshoe.  His standalone The Lock Artist made publishing history, his first book to win an Edgar for Best Novel, a CWA Steel Dagger for Best Thriller in the UK, and an Alex Award.  His first book, A Cold Day in Paradise,1998, won the Private Eye Writers of America/St. Martin’s Press Award for Best First Mystery by an Unpublished Writer.  Riddle Is

FIREBRAND by CLAUDIA BLOOD

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⭐⭐⭐    Stars From the Book Blurb   A druid apprentice with a black thumb; A final test. Will Rex  discover the truth before Spring is lost forever? FIREBRAND the Review I received a free copy of this book and my thanks to the author, Claudia Blood and the team of BookSirens for the copy. All views expressed in this review are my own and based on my reading of this book. Some of the initial comments were made as I progressed in this book and I have not tried editing them as it expresses my contiguous thoughts as I proceeded with the story. I had picked this book of an author whose works I had never read and liked what the blurb mentioned. The book cover has also been designed well and creates an interest for the book.  This is a short story and possibly a part of a larger tale but this review will only talk about the story at hand. The story in totality is something which would be a 4 star reading but for the fact that the starting part of the book which appeared disjointed for me and fe

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone BY J K Rowling (The Illustrated Kindle in Motion version)

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From the Back Cover A specially designed Kindle in Motion edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone as illustrated by Jim Kay. Prepare to be spellbound by this dazzling depiction of the wizarding world and its much-loved characters in this exclusive Kindle in Motion edition of one of the world's favorite books - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Brimming with rich detail and humor that perfectly complements J.K. Rowling's timeless classic, Jim Kay's glorious illustrations will captivate fans and new readers alike. In this Kindle in Motion edition, Jim Kay’s illustrations are available for the first time in a beautifully designed digital reading experience, with the artist’s interpretations of much-loved locations, characters and magical creatures newly animated to come alive on your device. See the smoke from the Hogwarts Express billow around Platform 9 ¾, experience the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley, and witness the enchanting spectacle of the So

The Mill House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji Translated by Ho-Ling Wong

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Description A hugely enjoyable, page-turning classic Japanese mystery with an ingenious conclusion from the author of The Decagon House Murders, translated into English for the first time Don’t miss this beautifully constructed, highly entertaining and atmospheric murder mystery--its propulsive plot makes for a compelling, page-turning read. As they do every year, a small group of acquaintances pay a visit to the remote, castle-like Water Mill House, home to the reclusive Fujinuma Kiichi, son of a famous artist, who has lived his life behind a rubber mask ever since a disfiguring car accident. This year, however, the visit is disrupted by an impossible disappearance, the theft of a painting and a series of baffling murders. The brilliant Kiyoshi Shimada arrives to investigate. But will he get to the truth, and will you too be able to solve the mystery of the Mill House Murders? About the Author -  Yukito Ayatsuji  Naoyuki Uchida  who writes under his pen name " Yukito Ayatsuji'

Bill Willingham's Fables Cinderella #2 - Cinderella: Fables are Forever

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This is an adult rendering of the fables in comic(s) and is not for children. From the Back Cover Fashionista, socialite,…spy? Hey, if the shoe fits... She poses as a haughty socialite in glass stilettos by day--and okay, sometimes by night. But Cinderella is actually Fabletown's master spy. Tasked with doing jobs too dirty and deadly for the average Fable, Cindy's faced down dangers from a dozen worlds and lives to tell tales (over cocktails in a hot tub, if you're lucky). But every secret agent has one annoyingly ruthless archnemesis, and Cindy is no exception. Back in the Big '80s, Cindy encountered her dark mirror, a rogue American Fable, who was in league with the mysterious Shadow Fabletown. Cindy thought she'd destroyed her rival years ago. But when a powerful magician turns up dead and another seeks her help, Cindy's hunt for her old enemy begins anew. From the frigid back alleys of Russia to the steaming desert, Cindy will follow the clues down the bloo

Looking for Humboldt by Erika Schelby (Non-fiction)

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This is a book that would be of interest to people who would like to know the history of the presence of Germans in America and to people like the author who want to know more about their roots in the area.  From the Book Blurb As a German-American explores the colorful landscape of the American Southwest, its adventure-rich past, and the roles played by Humboldt and a handful of German participants and immigrant soldiers come alive. Early on, Spanish and English methods collide. With exquisite detail and stark honesty, Erika Schelby expertly weaves a story of culture, conflict, and belonging in this beautiful narrative. To gain insight, layers of history are pulled back and scrupulously examined. Looking for Humboldt is focused on the Southwest but finds the connections to a larger world in good Humboldtian fashion, with brief cameo appearances by persons ranging from Thomas Jefferson, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon to Adalbert von Chamisso, Eugene Debs and Al Sieber, Chief of Scou

Cry To Me by J. A. Schneider

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Book Blurb Liddy Bell shot her husband - or did she? In the middle of a party she's giving with her guests just feet away? Liddy's sister Kim, a true crime writer, struggles to prove her sister innocent - and avoid falling for a man who might be dangerous...while trapped with five people in a house at night, without power in a hurricane. Wyatt Bell was a powerful tech CEO; the party was to celebrate the purchase and restoration of his and Liddy's 1920s mansion. No one heard the shots that killed him and wounded Liddy. The band was loud and guests were scattered. When the police declare the crime a failed murder-suicide attempt and Liddy as their suspect, her sister Kim is devastated and insists it's a setup. Wyatt's handsome brother David and Liddy's closest friends try to help Kim investigate...but questions arise. Could Liddy have only pretended to be happy, snapped, and shot her husband? Above all, Kim's worst anguish is wondering if she ever really knew