Book Review: “Old Money”, a Jake Crosby Thriller by Bobby Cole

“Old Money” is the third book in the Jake Crosby series. I have not read a ‘Jake Crosby” book, so I new to his world with no backstory or understanding of the deeper details other than what was hinted at in the current book.

The plot was good and well thought out. The characters are fleshed out and are engaging. The crispness of Jake being a Game Warden in Mississippi had a realness to it.I found the writing to be a bit stalling. Let me explain my reasoning for using the word. ‘stalling’. The novel seemed to drag out in certain parts of the story line as if the author was waiting for the characters initiate action, such as Jake’s ex-girlfriend.  She returned home and was remembering old times with Jake. Then as the book moved forward to its conclusion, she suddenly was not thinking about Jake and taking matters into her hands regarding her family life. But I did not feel her resolution to stop thinking about her old boyfriend nor did I believe she even made a decision. I felt the door had closed, and I never understood how she came to that conclusion.
Overall, I would recommend “Old Money” to anyone who enjoys mysteries and the South. Both are well played in this story. I will also state the book would make a great movie. The flow of words and motion even feels like a movie.
*I received the novel/ARC free for an honest review. My opinions are solely my own.

Book Review: “The Big Kitty” by Claire Donally

This book was my Cozy Mystery book for January 2016.

I almost gave up on this book. I am glad I did not.

I am not sure why but the book seemed to go at a snail’s pace in the first 120 pages. I will allow it could have been me and not the writing/book. So you may think, ‘wow! Why did you not give up on this book earlier than 120 pages?’ Here is your answer, I wanted it to get better. I wanted to like the characters sooner than later. And I did, finally, find my emotional attachment that we all seek when reading a book.

The setting is in Maine (many cozies are in Maine) yet the town is fictional. You won’t find trivia about a small town that you may have heard about nor will you have much to go on about how this building or that building looks. And maybe that was a part of what threw me off in the first 100+ pages. For me, it was hard to picture where Sunny was. An example, a park where Sunny goes to eat lunch. Okay, so describe the park to me. Make me understand ‘why’ this park is a park Sunny would want to eat her meal. That did not happen. I can only assume there was only one park, therefore, no other choice but to eat in that park. Even so, I would still like to see what Sunny saw/felt, etc.

I did like the book and will go on to the next book in the series. I am hoping the next book develops well and sooner.

Before I forget, there is Shadow. Shadow is certainly worth my attention. Cats are one of my favorite animals in cozies. So I was hoping Shadow developed quickly, and he did. By the end of the book, he was, oops, I can’t tell you as that will spoil it. Now you have to read and find out yourself.

Book Review: “WASP of the Ferry Command” by Sarah Byrn Rickman

When I saw the title and cover of this book, I had to read it as I had a conversation with a friend about a month ago about this very subject.

Ms. Rickman is complete and precise in her storytelling.  I could feel the times and even the cold air of some of the frigid conditions this hearty group of women went through.

You can tell there was a passion for flying and a love of country that drove the WASPs. I salute them, and I thank Ms. Rickman for telling their story so well.

Read this history book, you will be amazed at the heroic women you had never heard of before.

Book Review: “Dark River Secrets: Based on a True Story” by Don Britt

Powerful is the most singular word I have for this book. You feel the realness from the start. In fact, from the first words.

What makes this book hit its mark? The stark reality of life when things go wrong. You are on the journey of a lifetime.

Read this book and tell me your sleep is not disturbed. Read this book and tell me it did not make you look over your shoulder wondering if those two seconds are catching up with you.

*Disclaimer: I know Don Britt, the author, and am proud of him for writing this work. Knowing Don did not affect my review in the affirmative or the negative. This work stands on its own* ~kindle edition~

Dark River Secrets: Based on a True Story

Book Review: “Shivaree” by J.D. Horn

I have read J.D. Horn’s ‘Witching Savannah’ series, so when the opportunity to read/review his new book “Shivaree” came about, well I jumped at the chance.

The author has written a note before the story even begins, making you aware that this book is ‘a work of Southern Gothic fiction’. In case, you may not know what ‘Southern Gothic’ means, here is a definition: “Southern Gothic literature is a genre of Southern writing. The stories often focus on grotesque themes. While it may include supernatural elements, it mainly focuses on damaged, even delusional, characters.” Fair warning, indeed.

“Kudzu vine, rapacious and never sleeping, had nearly swallowed the old Cooper house whole.”  Shivaree has an ‘Edgar Allen Poe’ feel about it. You can feel the story beating like a ragged heart even though you do not see that heart clearly. It is in every little tidbit that you read. Each line brings you closer to knowing and understanding what lurks just out of your view. As you read deeper into the world that is Conroy, you realize that every person in the book has more than a casual knowledge of what goes on in this sleepy, dirty little Mississippi town.

“Fog, denser than any she had ever witnessed, had descended on the train, swallowing it whole.” Yes, I do recommend you leave a light on should you read at night.

If you like depth to your characters, and undercurrents that move you along at a steady

Shivaree by JD Horn

pace, read Shivaree.*I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review*

The review is also here, GoodReads Review ~ Shivaree by J.D. Horn