Book Review Hollow Bones Erica Wright reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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The inequities of life are explored in this literary mystery,Book Review Hollow Bones Erica Wright reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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The inequities of life are explored in this literary mystery, highlighting the ever-present truism that power corrupts. Erica Wright masterfully reimagines Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure in the setting of the small town of Vintera, West Virginia. The lives and actions of three women are pitted against unsettling obstacles, both mundane and catastrophic.
The central protagonist is twenty-year-old Essa Montgomery, the docile daughter of the deceased preacher of the New Hope Pentecostal Church, who was bitten while handling a serpent in the course of pursuing his religious dogma. Essa now lives in the rectory across from the church, a constant daily reminder of what was. She must observe the charismatic, yet smarmy, new pastor, Micah Granieri, as he enchants his burgeoning congregation with less-than-honest sermons, falsely wielding the serpents. He champions himself as a prophet and savior to the drug-addicted, promising relief for his “true” followers. Essa has worked at the Vintera Wildlife Investigation Lab for the past four years under the watchful eye of Dr. Wick Kester, who has fostered a welcoming life for her with the possibility of education and advancement.
Essa is approached by the local police. Earlier that morning, the church was destroyed by a massive fire that not only consumed the building but also took the lives of two teenagers (apparently caught unaware during a tryst). The police seek Essa’s help in coaxing a confession from her brother Clyde, the only suspect. It is common knowledge that Clyde angrily confronted and even cut Micah in the past. This event draws other women into the web of deceit. Juliet Usher, who scratches out a living as a medium, is the pregnant girlfriend of Clyde and will do anything to protect her evolving family. She is both assertive and ruthless—the polar opposite of Essa. Covering the fire and hoping to discredit Micah Granieri is the opportunistic and ambitious journalist Merritt Callahan. There is no barrier she wouldn’t hurdle to advance her career, and this may be the story to cement her future.
Micah has been infatuated with Essa from afar for years. She is made to feel it’s absolutely necessary to confront the pastor and beseech him to approach the authorities to clear Clyde of any involvement in the fire. He agrees but adds, “I only need one favor in return. Can you guess what it is?”
Erica Wright masterfully weaves together these twisted plotlines into an engaging mélange of escalating tension and intrigue, culminating in a meaningful denouement. The multiple points of view are presented in alternating chapters of the four main protagonists, gradually revealing their motivations, expectations, and fears. Wright propels the narrative and character development with almost magical, lyrical prose, exploring the universal presence of exploiting weakness and inequality to propagate power and fame.
Thanks to Erica Wright for providing an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review. Although this is my first foray into the oeuvre of Erica Wright, it certainly won’t be my last. ... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com .........more
THE LAST MAGIC SHOW: AN EXTREME HORROR NOVELLA Published: 5 26/2024 Page Count: 96
Noted author of extreme horror, Sam West returns with another novellaTHE LAST MAGIC SHOW: AN EXTREME HORROR NOVELLA Published: 5 26/2024 Page Count: 96
Noted author of extreme horror, Sam West returns with another novella, punctuated with her usual dark, gritty horror, overflowing with perverse gore . Not for the weak of heart. The premise this time: British magician, Arnold Baxter is well past his prime. He no longer has a fanbase and no longer fills up venues. In an attempt to regain his lost status and revive his career, he stages an unexpected show at his hometown of Broadgate, England. He touts this show will be a masterpiece to reestablish his legacy. Toward the end of his career, his shows became darker and more perverse, and less attended. What type of deal has he made with unseen forces to assure himself a mesmerizing show ? He hopes this will draw in his estranged daughter of twenty years to attend, along with her friends. Sam West supplies her usual dark tale, filled with buckets of blood and gore. Although satisfying, it falls short of her usual outing. Recommended only for completist fans. Rating: 3 Stars …....more
Negative Girl Libby Cudmore reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and murder formulate the matrix of this imm Negative Girl Libby Cudmore reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, and murder formulate the matrix of this immersive noir mystery thriller, delving into the far-reaching ramifications of addiction and deceit. It offers an intriguing glimpse into the pathos of our two protagonists, Martin Wade and Valerie Jacks, told through their viewpoints in alternating chapters.
Penned by Shamus and Black Orchid Award-winning writer Libby Cudmore, these characters were initially introduced in short story format through Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine.
Martin Wade, aka Basil Wise, was the infamous frontman for the briefly popular punk band, The French Letters. They unceremoniously crashed and burned after their fourth album, Bullets For Breakfast, flopped amidst the turmoil of jealousy, addiction, and interpersonal stress. Ron Carlock, guitarist, and Victor Van Owen, drummer, followed their own destructive paths, while pianist Basil Wise snuck out like a fugitive in the night to attempt sobriety in the small upstate New York city of Perrine. He has successfully remained sober for decades, attending frequent meetings and running a small private investigator agency. His clients are usually “small potatoes” and low-profile cases, but nonetheless, he stays busy ferreting out cheating husbands or finding lost jewelry. He is still haunted by the sudden disappearance of his beloved fiancée, Cecelia, who vanished without a trace.
Valerie Jacks is on the run. In the middle of the night, she flees Memphis, afraid she may have seriously hurt or killed her live-in friend and lover, Katy. She also flees to Perrine, which she describes as halfway between annihilation and redemption. This is the city where she and her brother Deacon were raised by Aunt Gina after their parents died. She now resides in a small apartment with a foldout couch, a tiny kitchenette, and a small bathroom—enough space for a girl and her laptop. She tends bar at Aunt Gina’s establishment and writes insightful articles for an online music zine. She does a deep dive interview with Martin and discovers his uniqueness and underlying frailty. Understanding his ongoing recovery process, she chooses to shelve her probing piece and maintain his privacy. Later, she finds herself accepting a position as Martin’s assistant to maintain their contact and possibly foster her own growth and self-actualization. The dynamics are set in motion for their developing partnership, interdependence, and respect.
A new client, Janice Archwood, is buzzed into the agency office. She requests Martin’s help in dealing with a pestering deadbeat dad. Martin swears he knows her from somewhere. This drug-addict dad abandoned her and her mother decades ago. He has reconnected with her and is begging and pressuring her to move back with him. Her mother died from ovarian cancer two years ago. Janice is currently studying violin at Raines College and is the first chair at the local orchestra. She asks Martin to call her father and insist that he back off. (This is the “White Knight” part of his job.) Upon calling the number, Martin soon realizes that her father is none other than Ron Carlock, and she is his daughter, the image of her mother. Fast forward: Janice (“Janie”) turns up dead, awash on the shore of the local river. Initially, it is ruled as drowning by accident. However, multiple extenuating circumstances bring up the consideration of suicide or murder.
Valerie becomes obsessed with the possibility of murder, and her initial attempt at investigating gradually draws Martin into the investigation. Martin struggles to maintain his sobriety as he’s drawn into the web of investigating Ron Carlock. They quickly learn that Janie led a second, hidden life as a lead in a Goth band. Her usual get-up included black leathers, a Mohawk haircut, and black electrical tape covering her nipples. There are multiple possible suspects: a jilted boyfriend, a potential stalker, jealous associates, an angry photographer, and even a “deadbeat dad.”
Libby Cudmore proves to be an amazing storyteller as she weaves together a colorful ensemble cast of flawed characters in a twisty, complex narrative that slowly unravels a wide path of deceit and treachery as the intrigue and tension mount. There is a continuous relevant playlist of songs and artists that set the appropriate mood and tone of the ongoing mystery. The novel explores the destructive and far-reaching effects of addiction, jealousy, and deceit through meaningful and poignant dialogue that propel the mystery to a startling denouement. As the author points out, “Junkies will always break your heart.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Datura Books for supplying an Advance Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully, there will be further glimpses into the partnership between Martin and Valerie. .... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com .......more
The Spy Who Vanished by Alma Katsu Pub Date: Jul 18 2024 Review by Lou J, Media/Journalist Last updated on Aug 26 2024 THE SPY WHO VANISHED by Alma Katsu PubThe Spy Who Vanished by Alma Katsu Pub Date: Jul 18 2024 Review by Lou J, Media/Journalist Last updated on Aug 26 2024 THE SPY WHO VANISHED by Alma Katsu Published: July 18 2024 by AMAZON ORIGINAL Audio Narrated by: Daniel Hemming Length: 3 hours, 8 minutes
Alma Katsu returns with another immersive espionage novel dropped into the relevant historical setting, of Putin’s ongoing war with Ukraine. An ongoing cat and mouse game involving the shadowy world of spies pitting the CIA with the Russian intelligence service (FSB). The bait is Russia’s most famous and decorated spy, Yuri Kozlov, their answer to “James Bond,” with decades of assassinations and successful infiltrations. Is his defection to the C.I.A. legitimate or is he attempting to become a double agent? Katsu expertly weaves together three tales: The Vanishing Man, On Enemy Ground, and Shaken, Not Stirred, into a compelling story of secrets, deception, and testing ones inner worth and loyalty. Past and present musings intertwine to question Yuri’s interpretation of not only his present mission, but the significance of his past actions. In the span of these three stories, Katsu expertly weaves together an extensive character study of multiple characters who as a baseline are deceitful and secretive. Katsu successfully ratchets up suspense and intrigue, that culminates in a surprising and believable denouement. The Audio version with Daniel Hemming was a treat to experience, as his marvelous voice inflections of multiple characters, brought the story to life in the “theatre of my mind.” Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original for supplying an advance audio version in exchange for an honest review....more
Book Review The Best Lies David Ellis reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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When love for family and an undying need to seek justice collBook Review The Best Lies David Ellis reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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When love for family and an undying need to seek justice collide with vice, murder, and corporate theft, an immersive and propulsive page-turner arises to captivate until the last page is turned. Multiple award-winning writer David Ellis spins another unforgettable tale, equal to his other prestigious novels and certainly rivaling his Edgar Award-winning debut novel.
Although the narrative is told through multiple points of view, the main protagonist, Leo Balanoff, a crusading attorney, provides the main framework that is the centerpoint of this compelling narrative. Interspersed flashbacks provide the necessary backstory and motivations that propel the multiple plotlines and dilemmas to converge in dramatic fashion.
What initially is inexplicable will eventually explode into a nuanced revelation. Leo has just had his license to practice law reinstated. It was suspended when he impersonated an FBI agent to prompt the truth from a silent source, which would be the linchpin in freeing Eric Putnam from wrongful incarceration. At seventeen, Eric was railroaded into jail for a murder he had no part in.
The action starts with Leo hearing thundering footsteps coming up the fire escape of his apartment. Either he is going to be killed or arrested. Sleazeball Cyrus Balik has been murdered, found with a knife sticking out of the side of his neck. Cyrus is known for his trifecta of gangs, girls, and drugs. His main sport is human trafficking, luring runaway girls into drugs and prostitution. His sideline is drug dealing and murder. Unfortunately, Leo’s DNA and blood are found on Cyrus’s shirtsleeve, and his fingerprints are recovered from the knife handle. Leo vehemently denies the killing, although the motivation is obvious to all. Leo’s client, Bonnie Tressler, was scheduled to testify against Cyrus. Somehow, her body was recovered from a ditch with signs of an overdose. How convenient! The FBI will attempt to coerce Leo into a sting that entraps Cyrus’s boss.
Ellis provides a large cast of complex, multidimensional characters with multiple backstories and motivations that collide in seemingly incomprehensible dilemmas. Leo has a beloved brother, Trace, living now as a fugitive in Mexico. Both were raised by a “mother” who actually bought them to assuage her feelings of guilt over the loss of her natural children. Incidentally, she was an ex-cop (another story of its own). Leo’s path will also cross again with the beautiful and intelligent Andi Piotrowski. They lived and thrived together for years until she left. Also an ex-cop, Andi now works at the much more lucrative job of head of security at QCI (Quigley Crowe International). QCI was on the verge of releasing the formula for a major scientific breakthrough that would revolutionize the treatment of cancer. “Project Nano” utilized nanoparticles that would deliver the drugs to the tumor. They had discovered a liquid to coat the particles that would defeat the body’s immune system and allow for more efficient attachment to the red blood cells, resulting in a 50 percent more efficient attack on the cancer. Naturally, they were fearful of corporate espionage, especially by the Chinese spy agency, MSS.
Ellis proves to be a masterful storyteller as he weaves the multiple intricate plotlines to an ultimate collision course. He incrementally ratchets up the tension and intrigue until the puzzle pieces come crashing together in an exhilarating denouement. This action-packed narrative is full of secrets and deceptions that force the reader to turn each page faster.
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review ... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com........more
An extremely deep dive treatise on not only Meg Gardiner's new thriller: ShadowHeart ... but also insightful discussion into the twisted minds of seri An extremely deep dive treatise on not only Meg Gardiner's new thriller: ShadowHeart ... but also insightful discussion into the twisted minds of serial killers. This short little book is worth the price of admission for all aficionados of crime fiction. ...more
**spoiler alert** A Death in Cornwall Daniel Silva reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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Legendary spy Gabriel Allon may have retired fr**spoiler alert** A Death in Cornwall Daniel Silva reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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Legendary spy Gabriel Allon may have retired from the Israeli Intelligence network, but even as an art restorer, he continues to get enmeshed in international intrigue, greed, and murder in this standalone globetrotting tale that expertly melds fact with fiction. Allon agrees to attend the celebratory unveiling of a recently retrieved stolen self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh at London’s Courtauld Gallery.
There, he is approached by a friend from his uncomfortable past: Detective Sergeant Timothy Peel, whom Gabriel befriended as a young boy in Cornwall while coping with the aftermath of a brutal firebombing of his vehicle in Vienna, which resulted in the death of his young son and permanent psychological scarring of his wife. Peel enlists Allon’s aid in investigating the mysterious murder of Charlotte Blake, a prominent Professor of Art History at the University of Oxford. Her brutal murder is being attributed to a serial killer known as “The Chopper,” who kills with a single blow to the back of the head with a hatchet. However, Peel has noted a number of inconsistencies in details unknown to the general public. Clues in her papers suggest an alternative reason for her death.
Gabriel soon uncovers data indicating that Charlotte was searching for provenance information regarding a Nazi-looted Picasso painting worth more than a million. The painting in question is “Untitled Portrait of a Woman in the Surrealistic Style, Oil on Canvas, 1937.” Its ownership dated back to its acquisition by Jewish businessman Bernard Levy, an art lover. Unfortunately, he was swept up by the French police on July 16, 1942, during the notorious Paris Roundup, deported to Auschwitz in 1944, and gassed immediately upon arrival—facing the same fate as more than six million other innocent Jews. The French police arrested more than thirteen thousand on that single day in July, going door to door, doing their master’s bidding. Only Bernard’s daughter survived and later gave birth to a son, Emanuel, who eventually completed his medical training at the Sorbonne.
Soon after Charlotte Blake’s murder, Dr. Emanuel reportedly fell to his death in Montmartre, France. Coincidence? Who will benefit if this sought-after painting remains hidden?
Gabriel sets up an elaborate sting to retrieve the looted Picasso. This effort enlists the aid of several beloved characters from past novel exploits: Anna Rolfe, the world-renowned violinist, mega-wealthy and charismatic, as well as a past lover; Ingrid Johansen, the beautiful professional thief and elusive Danish collaborator from previous capers. He returns to the beautiful island of Corsica, once again enlisting the aid and advice of the notorious Don Anton Orsati. And he does battle with Don Casabianca’s obstreperous goat. The assassin turned British operative Christopher Keller reprises his role with panache. Along the tortuous path to discovery, Gabriel uncovers a plot to wreak chaos in the Conservative government of Britain and bring down the current prime minister.
Daniel Silva proves to be a masterful storyteller as he weaves together multiple intricate plot lines, using his evocative prose to ratchet up the tension and intrigue in this masterful page-turner of power and greed. He combines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and greed, intersecting with international politics, enhanced by multi-layered character development. Interwoven in the drama is the significant modern-day problem of using art as a means to launder money for the uber-rich and avoid taxation. Their luxuries are purchased behind the cloak of offshore shell companies.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Publishing for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully, this is not the last complex tale in the life of Gabriel Allon. ..... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com .........more
Multiple award-winning author Joseph Kanon dazzles with another gritty noir Shanghai Joseph Kanon reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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Multiple award-winning author Joseph Kanon dazzles with another gritty noir tale, blending historical fiction with an intriguing crime thriller. The setting is 1939 Shanghai, a tumultuous city wracked with crime, squalor, and political upheaval. Yet it is probably the only refuge for European Jews fleeing the Nazi horde. It requires no entry visa and welcomes all comers to cope with the warring factions. The world is on the precipice of World War II—the Japanese occupy China, with a puppet government in Nanking, while Chiang Kai-shek nominally runs the government in exile. The Shanghai Municipal Police constantly war with the local crime bosses as vice and violence pervade the streets. All the while, the Communists desperately try to insinuate themselves into the political machinations. After the sudden violence and awakening call of Kristallnacht (1938), the European Jews clearly see their imminent demise. Daniel Lohr, our main protagonist, is a journalist who has a nominal presence in a Communist cell embedded in Berlin and has recently been exposed. Being half-Jewish, he feels the noose tightening as his Jewish father is rounded up and executed at Sachsenhausen. Having a gentile mother is certainly not helpful under the Nazi race laws. He barely escapes the clutches of the Gestapo when he receives a first-class ticket aboard the Lloyd Company ocean liner headed for Shanghai, provided by his estranged Uncle Nathan. Aboard ship, he will meet others who will become intricately woven into his future dilemmas in Shanghai. He becomes embroiled in a shipboard romance with Leah Auerbach, who is traveling with her elderly mother. He’ll dine with Florence Burke, a seemingly flighty rich matron who will be instrumental in sustaining the Jewish community of Shanghai. And, most importantly, the self-important and slimy Colonel Yamada, the liaison of the Japanese Military Police, better known as the Kempeitai (the equivalent of the Nazi Gestapo). Immediate shipboard tension and gamesmanship arise with the stakes being the attention of lovely Leah. All will enter this city of squalor, glamour, and crime without a passport, ten marks, and one suitcase of clothes. How they will survive and prosper will depend on navigating many moral choices and dilemmas. Daniel will be met warmly by his estranged uncle, who runs a casino, nightclub, and brothel. He will have his morality severely tested as he faces the reality of what must be done to survive in this tumultuous situation. To survive, his uncle is in bed with several of the most powerful crime bosses, each with varying agendas. It’s necessary to walk a tightrope to coexist with the puppet government, the local police, and now the Kempeitai, all wanting a handout, vernacularly referred to as “the squeeze.” Daniel reluctantly becomes his uncle’s valued assistant, rising in prominence and becoming known and respected amongst the various factions in the criminal underworld. He will become ensnared in the maze of politics and crime. Things are further complicated when he sees that Leah has chosen her way to survive by becoming Yamada’s mistress. Daniel cannot tolerate the smirking Yamada. Kanon is masterful in weaving multiple plot lines, along with precise and intriguing dialogue, to ramp up the mystery and intrigue into a page-turning, exhilarating denouement. The reader will develop a distinct relationship with the motivations of these multi-layered characters. This will prove to be a foreshadowing of the events to come in this horrendous time in history. The chaos of the time is a palpable character in this riveting tale. Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. After enjoying this marvelous multidimensional tale, the reader will want to delve into Kanon’s masterful oeuvre of fiction. ..... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com .......more
Book Review The Blind Devotion of Imogene David Putnam reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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From the genius of David Putnam, who masterf Book Review The Blind Devotion of Imogene David Putnam reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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From the genius of David Putnam, who masterfully penned the eleven-book Bruno Johnson series, comes a radically different and entertaining comedic noir crime mystery. Subtitled The Misadventures of Imogene Taylor #1, this is the first in a series featuring the quirky seventy-five-year-old Imogene. She’s in her second year of parole after serving ten years in prison for the “murder” of her husband, Wayne. She awoke from a fitful sleep to hear and perceive a shadowy intruder entering her bedroom and instinctively reached for her gun, discharging her weapon. Unfortunately, it was Wayne, sheepishly trying to sneak home from a night of debauchery. The court deemed this murder, rather than the more appropriate manslaughter. During her prison time, she vented her anger by sending threatening letters to the POTUS, doing extensive research on the law, and penning a novel, Peekaboo POTUS, revealing her tongue-in-cheek plans to assassinate the president. She even submitted this book to multiple publishers. To satisfy her parole conditions, she works for slave wages at Dentco, a store that offers discount prices for dented canned goods, damaged dry goods, and out-of-date pharmacy products. Her clientele are the poor and destitute. She sits behind the counter on her stool, endlessly chain-smoking Marlboros. She frequently finds herself doing internal soliloquies in times of stress and indecision, mirroring the advice of Ange (her best friend in lock-up). Whenever the President travels through a nearby area, she must accept a lunch date from Eugene, a Secret Service agent assigned to her case. After all, her prison letters placed her on a list of “crazies” assigned a “threat assessment.” Additionally, she is frequently harassed by Nancy Do-Right, the “Black Witch” of a parole officer, who continually pesters her at work and assures her of the probability of returning to prison. To make matters worse, she is subjected to a “shake-down” by low-level thug Sam Giancana, aka “The Cigar,” for weekly protection money. All of the other businesses in the strip mall are also accosted, including the Cherry Liquor Store and even Madame Woo’s: The Lotus Massage and Tea Parlor. Then Imogene’s best friend and next-door neighbor, Suz, experiences a crisis when her father dies. He was a terrible hoarder and left a garage full of boxes of junk. Suzanne pleads for Imogene’s help. At the very bottom of the humongous pile, they find a mysterious large box. To their surprise, they reluctantly open it to find a “long-dead” woman. Suz immediately assumes this was her mother, who reportedly “abandoned” the family long ago. Imogene convinces her to bury the box in her backyard, under “Mr. Majestic,” the large avocado tree. All is well until Thelma, Suz’s mother, suddenly arrives after seeing her husband’s obituary notice. As you can imagine, a comedy of errors ensues. David Putnam proves to be a wonderful storyteller as he skillfully weaves multiple plotlines together, featuring a cast of colorful and quirky multi-layered characters. Tension and intrigue are ratcheted up as the cast of characters inexorably collides with unexpected twists. Utilizing pitch-perfect dialogue, this mélange of mystery, humor, and a series of misadventures evolves into a page-turner with an exhilarating denouement. Themes of redemption, love, friendship, and the ramifications of secrets are explored. Thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books for providing an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully, Imogene’s misadventures will continue to unfold with the same degree of entertainment .....Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com.........more
Book Review The Hermit Next Door Kevin Hearne reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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An otherworldly mystery novella with a distinct elemeBook Review The Hermit Next Door Kevin Hearne reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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An otherworldly mystery novella with a distinct element of the fantastic, as you would expect from the author of the highly acclaimed Iron Druid Chronicles series. Winnie Mae Chisholm is overcome with grief after her husband Benny’s accidental death. With her insurance settlement, she buys a house in rural Oregon, seeking serenity and a drastic change in lifestyle. She yearns for peace, tranquility, and clean air, away from pollution and noise. Mae desires a place on a river where she can see the stars at night without a haze and hear birds chirping instead of traffic noise and overhead airplanes. She drags her teenage son, Pax, virtually kicking and screaming from his everyday comforts in Tennessee. Their new home is in a small gated community of ten homes, with her backyard ending at the shore of the slow-moving Willamette River. The realtor assures her of the community’s quiet nature. The neighbor on one side is a retired couple, there only seasonally, while the other neighbor is a “famous” recluse not seen in years. He routinely gives large sums to local charities but never leaves his house, having everything delivered. He doesn’t even own a car and apparently lives off the royalties from patents of “some type of energy generation system.” Pax is in a fight before noon on his first day! He has never been in a fight in his whole life. He informs Mae that several boys mocked his accent, called him a “racist redneck,” and suggested his mother was probably his sister. He forlornly retires to the backyard. Shortly afterward, he thanks his mom for choosing this wonderful place, stating matter-of-factly that he has met their neighbor and he is the “coolest person on this planet.” Mae is astounded! Pax explains that the neighbor is a hermit for a reason: “he’s really different.” They’re going to hang out tomorrow! Kevin Hearne proves to be a masterful storyteller as he weaves a fantastical, world-building narrative with colorful characters, not all of this world. With fun and charm, he comments on humanity’s treatment of differences. How will Winnie Mae and Pax come to the rescue of this mysterious neighbor? And what will be the limits of their endeavors to hide his secrets and motivations? Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. I gobbled up this gem in one sitting and look forward to Hearne’s next offering. 4 Star Rating... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com ......more
Book Review Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies Catherine Mack reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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The ultimate beach read has ar Book Review Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies Catherine Mack reviewed by Lou Jacobs
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The ultimate beach read has arrived with this zany, cozy mystery romp. Lovers of Knives Out, Only Murders In the Building, and the Finlay Donovan book series will gobble this beauty up like dessert. Catherine Mack has concocted a pitch-perfect romp set in the picturesque Amalfi Coast of Italy, filled with a cast of colorful, imperfect characters, delicious food, and a touch of romance.
Her heroine, Eleanor Dash, is a mystery writer on a promotional book tour with a group of people with extremely diverse backgrounds and motivations. Supposedly, she is working on details and settings for her next book in her wildly successful series. It happens to be the tenth anniversary of her first bestseller, When in Rome, a somewhat fictionalized account of her own adventure in Italy, when she met and had a whirlwind romance with the dashing but equally smarmy private eye, Connor Smith. She got involved in solving a series of bank robberies that brought down an Italian crime family. In her book, she kept Connor’s name as her love interest. This was a gigantic mistake. He then began extorting her for 10% of her profits from that book. The book was so successful that her fans clamored for “more Connor,” which ended up costing her 20% of the next eight books.
Lately, she has been devoting great energy and thought to how to kill Connor—in her next book. Accompanying her are a cadre of “fan readers” who have won the trip as a promotional prize, her sister Harper Dash, who is her valued assistant (whose own literary dreams were “dashed” by her sister’s success), Allison Smith, the ex-wife of Connor (whose existence she was unaware of when in Rome), Oliver Frost (her boyfriend at the time of the Rome tryst), several other mystery novelists (one who apparently keeps stealing her plot lines), and several other guests of dubious purposes and motivations. The romance with Oliver is rekindled but put on hold. Connor announces that someone is trying to kill him—glory be—and asks for Eleanor’s help. Bodies start dropping around them. It becomes unclear if Connor or Eleanor is the actual target. Who is stalking them and why is unclear… clues and red herrings abound.
Catherine Mack proves to be a marvelous storyteller as she weaves multiple plotlines and motivations into a zany narrative with escalating intrigue and suspense. Intermittently, she utilizes a second-person soliloquy to impart possible clues and red herrings to the “reader” (or audio listener). She pauses the story to discuss it with the reader. Eleanor continually drops in morsels to consider in her thought process of solving the murder. In the book, they are presented as “footnotes,” but in the audio version, they are presented more effectively in a linear fashion as the mystery unfolds. The excellent narration is provided by Elizabeth Evans, who expertly captures the personality, tone, wit, and snakiness of Eleanor Dash.
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing an advance audio version in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully, we will follow Eleanor Dash on her further vacation adventures. ... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com .......more
SHADOWHEART: AN UNSUB NOVEL by: Meg Gardiner Publication: June 18, 2024. By: Blackstone Publishing Audo Version: 11 hours, 3 minutes Narrated by: Hilary SHADOWHEART: AN UNSUB NOVEL by: Meg Gardiner Publication: June 18, 2024. By: Blackstone Publishing Audo Version: 11 hours, 3 minutes Narrated by: Hilary Huber
This is the 4th novel in the UNSUB series, but can be appreciated and gobbled-up as a standalone. FBI Special Agent Caitlin Henrix reprises her role in this high octane thriller involving two serial killers. In small town Spring River, Tennessee, Deputy Marius Hayes pulls over a suspicious weaving vehicle driven by Efrem Judy Goode. He shockingly notes a woman’s corpse in the backseat. After the arrest, he searches Goode’s motel room, only to find three duct taped corpses in his room. Efrem insists he has nothing to do with these four bodies, however readily admits to a long string of thirteen other murders across the United States. Regardless of his denial, he is convicted of the four new murders and is imprisoned. While imprisoned the murders continue. Women’s bodies crop up in North Carolina and in New York City. The bodies and their placement directly resemble the kills ascribed to Goode. Along with the new kills are the presence of graffiti …. a drawing of a “broken heart.” The possibility of a copycat killer, results in FBI profiler Caitlin Hendrix being drawn into the investigation. Her first action is to interview Goode in prison, to hopefully glean relevant information. Caitlin is also approached by an adopted teen, Finch Winter, who’s convinced that her birth mother was murdered by Goode. As the bodies pile up, the urgency to uncover the motivation and connection of “The Ghost” to Goode becomes more paramount. Meg Gardiner proves to be a masterful storyteller as she weaves together the multiple converging plot lines. Littered with twists, turns and red herrings the intrigue and suspense mercilessly escalates into an exhilarating denouement. This wonderful thriller is narrated by Hilary Huber, who provides distinct voices for multiple characters with inflections supporting the building fear, suspicion and tension. A virtual masterpiece in the theatre of my mind. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing an Advance Audio version in exchange for an honest review. I honestly cannot wait for the continuation of this marvelous series. ...more
THE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley Published: May, 7, 2024 by Avid Reader Press Page Count: 352
An admirable debut novel that transcends the time-tTHE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley Published: May, 7, 2024 by Avid Reader Press Page Count: 352
An admirable debut novel that transcends the time-travel trope, while evolving into a spy thriller laced with inevitable romance. The British government stumbles upon an open “time door” and decides to study time travel practicality, safety, and possible benefits. They manage to “extract” a cadre of people who were doomed to die … either by war, natural disasters or epidemics. They all arrive in a discombobulated state. … acclimation to the present won’t be easy. They are assigned “bridges” to assist in their integration into present day life. These “expats” will need help in the simplest things, such as: how to dress, speak and behave. Many of modern day devices we take for granted may astound them. The main narrator, is an unnamed female of mixed-race … British father and a Cambodian mother who fled from the horrendous “killing fields” of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. She attained this top-secret job as a “bridge” after extensive interviews regarding her suitability. Her charge will be Lt. Graham Gore, a real-life Victorian naval officer and polar explorer. Extracted from sure death in the frozen tundra of the Canadian Arctic, while his men all perished with their ship trapped in the polar ice, and a dwindling food supply. Kaliane Bradley proves to be a marvelous storyteller as she weaves together multiple plot lines that demonstrates the wonder of love and friendship developing to aid in the acclimation. The relationship between Gore and his “bridge” gradually evolves, in spite of their initial reluctance . An element of spy thriller will arise as there is an attempt to murder them. Their banter is a source of inspiration and wonder. This a tale of time, tenderness and forgiveness. Explored are the themes of evolving feminism and racism. Thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review....more
“Gobblicious” is the perfect word to describe this compelling novel. This book masterfully blends a riveting courtroom legal battle with an irresistib“Gobblicious” is the perfect word to describe this compelling novel. This book masterfully blends a riveting courtroom legal battle with an irresistible mystery-thriller.
James Patterson teams up for his second collaboration with the accomplished Nancy Allen. She brings not only her own thrilling novels to the table but also her legal expertise as a former assistant attorney general and prosecutor, adding authenticity to this whirlwind tale. Patterson’s own talents for characterization and plotting shine throughout this suspenseful story.
Stafford Lee Penney, a local Biloxi hero, relishes engaging with his constituents. Revered as a criminal defense attorney who has never lost a case, he staunchly believes in the Fifth Amendment’s right to due process for everyone, regardless of personal feelings about the client. He finds himself embroiled in a highly explosive and controversial case, defending Dr. Daniel Caro, who is accused of murdering his lover, Aurora Gates. Despite the circumstantial evidence, the prosecuting district attorney, Henry Gordon-Jones—whose niece is the victim—presents damning evidence, including photos and expert testimony suggesting that Aurora’s body shows signs of strangulation and a gunshot wound, alongside other brutal injuries. Penney’s cross-examination highlights his client’s humanity and service to the community, even suggesting the possibility of another suspect. After a tumultuous trial, the verdict of “Not Guilty” leads to courtroom chaos, including an assault on Penney by the victim’s father, Benjamin Gates.
The plot thickens when Penney receives a phone call about the murder of his estranged wife, Carrie, found in their bed next to a man whose face has been gruesomely disfigured. Next to the bed, the authorities discover Benjamin Gates, dead from an apparent suicide. Overwhelmed with grief, Penney’s life spirals into alcoholism. The situation worsens when Dr. Caro’s wife is also found murdered, making Penney a prime suspect. He decides to defend himself, supported by his long-time friends Mason Burnett, a successful trial lawyer, and Jenny Glaser, a private investigator.
The authors excel at storytelling, weaving multiple plot lines, twists, and unexpected events into a suspenseful tale full of menace and intrigue. This unpredictable narrative culminates in an explosive finale, deftly addressing themes of racism, corruption, and the complex ramifications of both friendship and love. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for supplying an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review. Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com........more
THE GATHERING by C.J. TUDOR Published: 4/09/2024 by Random House Publishing Group / Ballantine Books Page Count: 352
The ultimate Vampyr book written asTHE GATHERING by C.J. TUDOR Published: 4/09/2024 by Random House Publishing Group / Ballantine Books Page Count: 352
The ultimate Vampyr book written as if it was obvious that they are a reality and not just lore. Jump on board and be educated on the inaccuracies of multiple myths attributed to our beloved Vampyrs. This gem would stand alone as a thrilling police procedural, but transcends this limit by melding with a supernatural element. The Vampyr’s physiology, medically speaking, involves a minimal heartbeat… so they are not actually dead. They are not immortal, but age slowly over the course of a hundred years. They cannot turn to mist or fly away like bats. They can certainly see themselves in a mirror, and do not need an invitation to enter your house. It’s certainly hogwash that they’re invincible, although they can recover from injuries that would kill a human. And, as we all know ….. a stab to their heart or decapitation works nicely. Doctor Barbara Atkins, both a doctor of forensic vampyr anthropology and a homicide detective is summoned to the remote, small town of Deadhart, Alaska …. Population 673 “Living” as the sign states. She is charged with the investigation of the murder of fifteen year-old Marcus Anderson. She is well aware that there will only be five hours of daylight per day in this freezing tundra. (Please note that Vampyrs can function in the light, but try to spend most of their daylight hours in the shade …. they are not going to self-immolate.). Her charge is to uncover the perpetrator of this heinous act … whether vampyr or psychopath. A Vampyr killing would result in a sanctioned “cull” … in which the entire colony would be slaughtered , including men, women, and children. ( yes children …. some child- like Vampyrs are the result of individuals being “turned” as a child, but actually most are the progeny of adult vampyrs ). Remember, the Vampyr Protective Act was signed into law in 1983 … with the hope of providing protection for the preservation of their societies. However, the townspeople made it quite clear that swift justice needs to happen … and that meant a “cull.” Marcus was last seen by his parents at dinnertime. He was meeting his friends, Stephen Garrett and Jacob Bell in a hunter’s cabin deep in the woods .. “to fool around.” He never made it home. Barbara studied the crime scene photos, showing a skinny, lanky youth with blonde hair, lying spread-eagled on a dirty wooden floor… clad only in jeans and a sweatshirt. HIs throat was a mess of mangled skin and gristle, with only a moderate amount of blood around his face and top of sweatshirt. Barbara thought it should be everywhere … it was either removed or ingested. He was reported to be wearing a jacket, which was never recovered. Vampyrs do not take souvenirs or trophies ! If there is any hope of solving this mystery, she will need to enlist the aid of former sheriff, Jenson Tucker. A virtual recluse, living alone in the woods, who barely survived investigating a similar murder twenty-five years ago. Many dark secrets and corruption will be uncovered as the present investigation evolves. C. J. Tudor proves to be a masterful storyteller , as she weaves multiple plot lines into an intriguing and foreboding melange. The suspense escalates relentlessly into a page turner. Plot twists and red herrings mount up with abandon. She uses her unique world-building to juxtapose prejudice against vampyrs which mirrors present day issues of race, sexuality, political affiliation, and even present day immigration issues. The narrative will explode into an unexpected denouement. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully this is not the last we’ve seen of Doctor/ Detective Barbara Atkins. Her character was wonderfully developed into a multi-dimensional character, worthy of an ongoing series. Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com ........more
Book Review A Forgotten Kill Isabella Maldonado reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
“Criminal Minds,” a show that captivated audiences Book Review A Forgotten Kill Isabella Maldonado reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
“Criminal Minds,” a show that captivated audiences for 15 seasons, concluded with its 324th episode on February 19, 2020, leaving a dedicated fanbase craving more. Isabella Maldonado steps in to satisfy this hunger with her thrilling narrative. Delving deep into the psyche of a cunning and twisted serial killer, she presents a story that’s bound to enthrall.
This narrative is the second installment in the Special Agent Daniela Vega series, which continues to exceed expectations. Maldonado’s novel, while part of a series, stands strong on its own, offering readers a comprehensive backstory. With over two decades of law enforcement experience, Maldonado infuses this gripping tale with authenticity, exploring the dark interplay between Daniela and a malevolent predator known as “Connor.” The story skillfully reveals Connor’s backstory and motivations alongside his gruesome acts.
Daniela Vega’s journey begins with a traumatic discovery at seventeen when she finds her mother in a shocking scene, leading to her mother’s commitment to a psychiatric facility. Daniela’s subsequent path into the military and then the FBI is marked by her exceptional skills and determination. After a decade, with her mother showing signs of lucidity, Daniela is drawn back into the unresolved mystery of her father’s death.
Now on administrative leave, Daniela seizes the opportunity to investigate her father’s case with the help of NYPD Detective Mark Flint and Detective Chapmen. Despite Chapmen’s reluctance to reopen the case, Daniela’s expertise in pattern recognition propels her into the heart of a serial killer investigation, uncovering a trail of victims linked by disturbing patterns and a lack of forensic evidence.
Isabella Maldonado crafts a complex, riveting narrative with precise, gritty prose that builds suspense and tension to an unputdownable climax. The story takes readers on a tumultuous journey, filled with clues, suspects, and misleading trails, challenging them to solve the mystery alongside the protagonist.
Maldonado’s insightful and engaging storytelling, enriched by her extensive experience in law enforcement, makes for an enthralling addition to the crime fiction genre. This novel not only offers a thrilling experience but also leaves readers eagerly anticipating more adventures with FBI Special Agent Daniela Vega. Special thanks to Isabella Maldonado, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. ..... Published at MysteryAndSuspense Magazine.com ........more
Granite Harbor Peter Nichols reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Peter Nichols, novelist and journalist, hones his skills with a dark Granite Harbor Peter Nichols reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Peter Nichols, novelist and journalist, hones his skills with a dark and grisly mystery-thriller. The “big bad wolf” serial killer preys upon the small town of Granite Harbor, a previously sleepy and quaint town in coastal Maine. His ritualistic murders shock the sensibilities of this backwater community.
The scene is set in the twilight of evening, with three obvious boyhood friends casually skateboarding through the serene streets of Granite Harbor. One of the boys, Shane, veers off, homeward bound. Unfortunately, there is an unseen driver of a pickup truck that follows him. The reader is treated to a taste of the driver’s inner demons as multiple psychic visions invade his mind. Shane is later found desecrated on the grounds of the Living History Settlement, a local resurrected archaeological site where a few of the townspeople work as historic re-enactors.
He is found strung up in a door-like frame with a single surgical slit down the center of his body. The crime scene investigators will find no other clues as evidence, other than the sudden emergence of a toad from the wound. Although told through many points of view of the colorful cast of community characters, the main focus is Alex Brangwen. He is a failed novelist with two successful books to his credit and a failure to launch his third. He is an ex-pat from Manchester, England, whisked away to Maine by his then-pregnant wife, Morgana.
Ultimately, his marriage fails, and he finds himself a single parent struggling to accept a failed career as a novelist. After taking a job in the local police department, he is soon made the town’s sole detective. The Chief has every confidence in him; after all, “a writer is similar to a detective.” This is Alex’s first murder case, and the town looks to him for immediate resolution.
His daughter Sophie was one of Shane’s closest friends, along with Jared and Ethan. When Jared goes missing and is found murdered in the same gruesome manner, the town is thrown into a hysterical frenzy. Along the way, we will learn of the anxieties and secrets of many of the town’s locals. The reader is privy to the unnamed killer’s viewpoint, background, and motivations through multiple intervening chapters. Prepare to be creeped out by these weird circumstances.
Nichols weaves together multiple viewpoints with escalating intrigue and suspense. His narrative is dark, grisly, and cinematic. Infused in the plot are themes: the struggles of teen parenting; dealing with failed careers; second chances; and struggles of everyday life.
I personally found myself alternating between my Kindle and the audio version, narrated by Peter Ganim. An accomplished actor in both classic and contemporary forms, Ganim has a rich baritone voice that he can frequently modulate to lend itself to various characters in an extremely engaging fashion. This story will appeal to aficionados of both detective and serial killer novels. To me, this was pleasantly reminiscent of the HBO series Mare of Easttown.
Thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for supplying an Uncorrected Proof and Advance Audio version of this wonderful novel, in exchange for an honest review... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com ........more
GALWAY CONFIDENTIAL by Ken Bruen Published: 3/5/2024 by Mysterious Press Page Count: 264
And yet again … another riveting Bruen gem featuring ex Gard ofGALWAY CONFIDENTIAL by Ken Bruen Published: 3/5/2024 by Mysterious Press Page Count: 264
And yet again … another riveting Bruen gem featuring ex Gard officer and present day private eye, Jack Taylor. This is the seventeenth glorious installment in this amazing and enduring series. Although this can be enjoyed as a stand alone … readers will want to explore the entire Jack Taylor series. I was late to the party in discovering the enjoyable pathos of Jack Taylor. I not only went back to read the previous tales but also binge watched the Netflix television series. No on can read these stories without visualizing the amazing Scottish actor, Iain Glen as Jack Taylor ( this was before his stint as Sir Jorah Mormant on the Game of Thrones.) Jack awakens from an prolonged coma to be engulfed in the raging COVID pandemic. He scours the internet in an attempt to catch-up with life. He is visited daily by “Rafferty”. … the pod-caster of “Galway Confidential” , who probably saved his life, the day he was knifed on the bridge. Soon after released from the hospital he is approached by a former nun, Sheila Winston. She pleads for his involvement. Two nuns have been viciously bludgeoned by a mysterious man wielding a hammer. The Garda investigation has gone nowhere. Meanwhile sadistic juvenile delinquents are setting fire to homeless drunks. Jack is beseeched to investigate for the benefit of the homeless community. To investigate both cases, Jack is forced to go undercover as an alky …. not too difficult, already being addicted to Jamieson Irish Whiskey. Jack is an extremely flawed protagonist … a violent lush, who cannot control his sarcastic ballsy behavior. One of Jack’s many mottos: the law was for courts, justice was in the alley. Ken Bruen with his magical skill as a storyteller unleashes a complex and twisted narrative that escalates into an unexpected and explosive denouement as he weaves the two cases together. Along the way he astounds with his gritty dark Irish humor and almost poetic prose. Violence abounds but is not gratuitous … and sets the stage for what is imminent. Thanks for NetGalley and Mysterious Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully the saga of Jack Taylor will continue....more
Another tour de force from one of today’s most iconic writers. Add a headline
Clete James Lee Burke reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Another tour de force from one of today’s most iconic writers. Burke returns to his marvelous Dave Robicheaux series, but this time the main character is Dave’s quirky and beloved partner, Clete Purcel. Both grew up together in New Orleans’ Iberia Parish and went off to Vietnam, experiencing horrors that have left images permanently ingrained in their minds, never to be removed. Clete served two tours in Vietnam and was highly decorated with three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and the Navy Cross, but left with a permanent scar in his heart. Both he and Dave have devoted their lives to aiding the disenfranchised, weak, and emotionally scarred. Clete has carried in his wallet for over two decades a photo he tore out of a magazine. It hauntingly shows a Jewish woman walking to the showers of Auschwitz with her three children following. He feels we can never purge the earth of those responsible and their present-day heirs. Burke weaves another epic and tantalizingly complex tale set in Louisiana’s Iberia Parish in the late 1990s. Clete has just returned home after retrieving his beloved Eldorado Cadillac from Eddy Durbin’s Car Wash. He awakens in the early morning to a racket in his courtyard. Three low-life thugs are tearing apart his car in search of what he suspects are drugs. Did Eddy or his useless brother Andy stash some type of contraband? He ambles downstairs in his bathrobe and pink bunny slippers to confront the situation. One of the idiots actually has a t-shirt that states: “Six Million Was Not Enough.” This alone infuriates Clete. He takes all of them on in a cinematic fight scene, which unfortunately renders him unconscious after a blow to the head with a tire iron. The image of the heavily tattooed man with the crowbar is firmly ingrained in his mind. He quickly learns that the anti-Semitic tattooed man is Baylor Hemmings, a rising star in the New Rising militia group. Burke weaves into his tale a cast of flawed and colorful characters right out of Dante’s Inferno, each more odious and conflicted than the one before. Meanwhile, Clete is approached by the beautiful and mysterious Clara Bow, who wants to hire him to investigate her estranged husband’s shady dealings—not their shared involvement in a major Ponzi scheme, but his possible involvement in drug smuggling. On the street is a new drug laced with a deadly substance that could annihilate civilization. In typical Burke fashion, Clete is intermittently visited by the visage of Joan of Arc, who offers encouragement, advice, and appropriate warnings. She also apparently saves Clete’s life by offing an attacker with a long-range sniper rifle. James Lee Burke continues to use his usual mesmerizing characters and twisted plot developments in the lush, florid setting of Louisiana. He paints a captivating tale of white slavery, corruption, women and class dominance, and the ever-present escalating drug industry. He provides thought-provoking statements that are relevant now as then. Even with his marvelous and evocative run-on sentences, the mood and imagery of the tale emerge with escalating suspense and tension. Sometimes it’s necessary to study past evils in hopes of dispelling them in the present and future. Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof for my review in exchange for an honest review. Hopefully, Burke is not finished penning these marvelous tales. .... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com ......more
GREATEST HITS by Harlan Ellison Published: March 26,2024 by Union Square & Co Page Count: 496
The title says it all. Collected into one volume are handGREATEST HITS by Harlan Ellison Published: March 26,2024 by Union Square & Co Page Count: 496
The title says it all. Collected into one volume are hand-picked short story gems over the course of Harlan Ellison’s prolific career. If not Award Winners ( like Hugo, Nebula, Bram Stoker) they have been nominated for these awards. Presented by an insightful foreword by Neil Gaiman, these hand picked stories are culled from his prestigious output by his friend and executor of his estate, the wonderful writer, J Michael Straczynski. Horror writer, Casandra Khaw provides a wonderful introduction. This collection is an excellent starting point for new readers, as well as old fans, who want to revel once again in his amazing oeuvre. There are no stinkers here … all are great to amazing. The following few are some of my personal favorites: “I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream” (1966) …. An amazing prediction and discussion of current thoughts and disputes regarding artificial intelligence “Mefisto In Onyx” (1993) … a mind reader applies his skill to a mass murderer” “Jeffty Is Five” (1977) …. He never grows old and has the ability to access on his radio current episodes of programs cancelled a long time ago “Paladin of the Last Hour” (19896) …. the story source of a great episode of The Twilight Zone “Repent Harlequin, Said TheTicktockman” (1966) …. In a dystopian world “wasting time” is a capital offense
Ellison was a prolific writer of speculative fiction, who carefully chose his words … often to express his opinions regarding both social and political issues. He frequently veered into many controversial and current issues; censorship, misogyny, racism, corporate greed, exploitation of artists, and even political corruption. His words were sometimes whimsical, but always vibrant and thought provoking. This is an excellent primer to explore his genius. Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. Harlan is sorely missed for his many insightful stories....more
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