Murder Books

This was an excellent book! The mystery was very well done and not too obvious. The descriptions of the ship were also outstanding.

This book is one of the best Murder, She Wrote books in the collection of 17. It is a definate page turner! Very hard to put this book down. Jessica Fletcher is at it again, when on a speaking event on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic, murder strikes. One of the best parts of the books is that the murderer is on the ship, and cannot escape Jessica! There are so many twists and turns, just when you think you have solved the case, Jessica, with a new friend she meets on the ship, prove you wrong. I definately reccomend this book to any Murder, She Wrote fan!

I sent this book via Amazon to arrive at the hotel prior to us boarding QE2, what fun I thought !!! for my wife.

We've read the book both onboard and again later, we both agree the story is real fine but what we really liked was the detailed ship descriptions - if we were not onboard we would wish we were.

A fine book backed up by its correct backdrop descriptions.

Jessica Fletcher is, in one word, endearing. "Murder on the QE2" is brilliant. Donald Bain knows what readers want. His Murder She Wrote novels are all page-turners. Thanks, Mr. Bain, for keeping us mystery lovers interested.

Jessica Fletcher the world renowned mystery writer is invited to be part of a group of celebrity lecturers during a Trans-Atlantic crossing of the QE2. Her fellow celebrities include an elderly fitness freak who climbs mountains, an erratic Italian chef, a very odd woman who does a TV show about plants and an obnoxious actress. Also on board are a lovable little lady from North Carolina who won a mystery solving contest and the wealthy owner of a major TV network. Jessica immediately hits it off with Mary Ward, the little lady from Carolina and as they take a morning walk together on one of the decks, Mary notices a foot sticking out of a lifeboat. It turns out that the foot in question is attached to the dead naked body of one of the celebrity guests. With Mary acting as her Watson, Jessica starts to snoop and while on the trail of the killer (s) these dainty detectives make several astonishing discoveries.

The characters in this book are an excellent collection of personalities and they make the story all the more interesting. The story itself flows wonderfully along and draws the reader in as it goes, and knowing that the killer (s) is/are trapped on board with Jessica and Mary just adds to the suspense. This is in fact one of, if not the best plot I have yet to come upon in this series. Unlike some of the other books featuring Mrs. Fletcher, the clues are for the most part provided for the reader and if you pay close attention you can figure out "who done it" before Jessica tells you. Like Truman Capote in the film "Murder by Death" I just hate it when the reader isn't given all of the clues that the sleuth has until the very end.

Another very appealing aspect of this book is the setting. The QE2 is obviously a legendary ocean liner with a storied past and all of that history and atmosphere just oozes out of every page. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra even puts in an appearance, just to add to the nostalgic setting. Best of all however is Jessica herself, for this is the Jessica Fletcher we have come to love on the TV series. In some of the other books Jessica does not come across very well but is testy, easily offended and has a very closed mind. This book brings back Jessica as she was meant to be and the way she should be.

This is indeed a page-turner with the plot taking all sorts of twists and turns and with several red herrings being thrown in for good measure. There is also champagne and caviar but the red herrings are far more interesting and tasty. Of course you have to be careful what you eat on this voyage because the sea is rough and there also might just be a little poison hiding somewhere in the food.

This really is a great beach book. Even more so if the beach you're on is an island beach, as the island setting rings so authentic. Obviously, the author has island experience. The writing is clear and concise, and the multi-layered plot will keep you guessing throughout, even if you think you know who did it. You may well be right. I was, for a change, but that knowledge didn't deter me from finishing the book to find out the `why' if not the `who'. The characterizations will keep you reading, regardless.

John Jarad is a fifth-generation Nantucket Islander, and at 30, has become a lieutenant on the local police force. He's the youngest of six kids, or so the 24-year-old Sarah thinks when they meet. She's an artist who came to the island to work over the summer, but stayed once she and John decided to marry. She's readily accepted into his large and sprawling family, as well as the close-knit village.

When John's great-uncle Ethan dies suddenly while talking to Sarah, an eighteen-year old mystery comes to light--the disappearance of John's youngest sibling, Danny, the seventh of Jenny and Jack's family. Even at the age of seven, Danny had been accustomed to going off by himself, so he wasn't immediately missed by anyone. But even after the entire town turned out to search for him, only his beloved bicycle was ever found. No trace of Danny, ever.

It was a major shock to everyone to discover that Uncle Ethan, who had become a recluse, had somehow acquired a sixty-plus acre chunk of land, including the `Lost Forest'. Of equal shock value was the fact that John was named the sole heir to the parcel of land that was appraised at 18 million dollars.

John and Sarah have just discovered that she is pregnant, so they decide to sell the land to a local boy-made-good developer and keep a piece for themselves on which to build their dream home. The rest of the money will be divided among the large family. But then, Danny reappears, and the whole island gets turned upside down.

Soon, there are several new murders for John and his force to solve. Island lore plays a large part in the story, but it's the characters that will keep you reading.

You should enjoy reading The Nature of the Grave, although if you're a stickler for this sort of thing, the many typos may irritate you a bit. Just ignore them and don't let them discourage you from reading this otherwise very enjoyable book. The author advises that there will soon be another book in the series, "The Witch of Wauwinet". I'll be sure to watch for it.

Martha Reed's quirky characters and sense of place make "Nature of the Grave" come alive. Fast-paced but careful plotting kept me reading through all 388 pages at one sitting. It's been a long time since a book has so captivated me! Can't wait for Reed's next novel!

I read this book in two days at the beach. I could not put it down. Dreamt about the characters...it was simply a GREAT story. I want to learn more about Sarah and John and the crazy closeness of this small town. I can't wait for the next book. Martha left room for the characters to continue on an interesting journey. When you buy this book, be prepared to want to read it in one sitting. It grips you as you enter the lives of this real life, old line, Nantucket family!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Martha Reed's - the Nature of the Grave. The manner in which Martha writes creates a captivating, vivid story that pulls the reader right into the plot. Enticing characters carry the reader from page to page. The book is beautifully written - a true treasure. Can't wait for the next one!

The Nature of the Grave is chock full of colorful characters, twists and turns. Ms. Reed's descriptions of Nantucket make you feel like you're right there with Sarah and John on the island. If you're looking for a mystery that focuses on the story and its characters, not gore, this one is for you. Bring it to the beach!

I couldn't put this book down, it hooked me from the Prologue, and engaged me to the end, luring me with the twists and surprises, and moving me wonderfully with the writing - sometimes causing me to pause and then turn back the pages to see how she had carried me, the reader, from there to here. Breath-taking in parts, like when riding in an airplane and the plane is losing altitude.

The Price of Silence has gotten very good reviews as a page-turning, intriguing, very creative psychological thriller. New reviews emerged with the publishing of the paper back in June 2008. At the same time the Italian translation, Il prezzo del silenzio, was released in Italy, to great acclaim. The author as you might guess from her name, Camilla Trinchieri, is Italian American. Her father was Italian. She spent years working in Italy, and is fluent in Italian. Covered by multiple radio interviews, newspapers and magazines stories, the launch of the Italian book has received a lot of attention. For more information about the author visit www.camillatrinchieri.com, and keep an eye out for her next book!

A mystery set in New York City, the main characters, a family of three, all present their own perception of events as the story unfolds. The novel jumps from the present to the past and from various locales with such fluidity of motion that you hardly notice. The main characters are all focused around the murder of a young Chinese girl, An-ling Huang. Things are not as they seem as the story begins in a New York court room, where the mother and wife of the story, Emma, is one trial for her murder. This is certainly not your traditional "mystery," as the victim is made known immediately at the start of the story. What is gripping about this novel is how the story retraces the actions of the main characters, who all too easily begin to realize the price of each of their silences.

The novel, written first in English (and also translated into Italian), is masterfully written -- the story compelling and identifiable. You will marvel at how adept Trinchieri is at shifting the points of view of the story between the characters (each chapter or even subsections of a chapter are told from the point of view of different characters) as well as the temporal setting and physical locations within the novel. What is unique about this work is how the story bucks the trend of the traditional linear "beginning to end" who-dunnit. Trinchieri is no slave to tradition and manipulates time and place to heighten the drama as events unfold, which, I might add, builds and then finally climaxes as all is revealed.

Another interesting aspect of this work is how the victim is introduced to the reader. She is not simply a corpse, but an active player in the story -- seen different by each of the major and minor characters. Not only does it add depth and intrigue to the work, it also forces the reader to decide for him/herself which persona of the victim is the most accurate. This only leaves the reader wanting more!

I highly recommend this edgy and creative work. You won't be disappointed!

In Manhattan Emma Perotti teaches English as a second language. Five years ago, Chinese immigrant An-ling Huang signed up to attend Emma's ESL class. Emma felt the frightened young girl's loneliness and overall defenselessness. Emma suffers from guilt from an incident involving the death of her other child as an infant. She has hidden her culpability from her husband Tom for years. she brings An-ling into her family.

Whereas An-ling thrives on her teacher's motherly attention; Tom is irate and resents the intruder; An-ling perceives his loathing Emma while Tom's teenage son Josh forges his own special relationship with her. However, when An-Ling is found suffocated to death, Emma is arrested. During her trial secrets the Perotti conceal from one another and that of the deceased Chinese woman surface.

This is an exciting family drama as guilty secrets lead to an implosion. The story line is fast paced from the moment Emma feels that helping the vulnerable An-ling will give her some solace from what she accidentally did years earlier to her little girl. Although the climax feels too easy, readers will appreciate this look at relationships when lies are key elements of the foundation.

Harriet Klausner

I am recommending this book to everyone. It is not only wonderfully conceived and written, it is so different from the ordinary mystery. Combining original characters, psychological insight, and a page-turning plot, it cannot be put down. What's coming up next?

A thoughtful beautifully told taut psychological novel with each of the characters drawing the reader into their innermost thoughts and secrets. All building up to a exciting ending. A must read - you'll definitely enjoy this book. Kathy F. New York City

Much like the other readers, I could not put this book down. From beginning to end it had my utmost undivided attention. Diane's story was so moving and intense. I couldn't get it out of my mind for weeks. An amazing story of an amazing woman and her power to overcome what some may consider impossible. This book is a great inspiration for those who doubt the power of forgiveness or feel that they can never forgive. This book will truly inspire you.

Diane Nichols' scathingly honest portrayal of betrayal and forgiveness is a cautionary tale. When good people do bad things, how do we react? How do we get past the pain and get on with our lives? Though Diane's story is very personal, the life lessons in the book are for everyone.

This is a courageously written memoir that bares a woman's soul, an entrancing read that is difficult to put down. Diane Nichols writes this book for any of us who have faced the unforseen, who have longed to speak the unspeakable, who have ached to say what we want to keep hidden in the very depths of our being. By putting into words her deepest thoughts and feelings, she lends courage to the reader, to carry on when life seems unbearable, to live, as she herself says, "a life of redemption and forgiveness." This tale is a deeply personal story with universal themes that can redeem us all from the prisons of our own judgements and doubts. Thank you, Diane!

It is a true story. Diane writes with a style that captures your imagination. After my husband read it, he kept referring to is as "the movie". I understand. One can picture the characters, even understand them. Because Diane described the players in an honest and compassionate way, it's easy to imagine forgiving any of their weaknesses. One benefit of describing people that way is that one can identify with each of the characters. We all have our "addictions", our sins, our struggles. Even if we have overcome them sooner, so as not to get caught, we can know just what it feels like to be in this story. In understanding all of the actors in this play, I have learned that others have emotional pain, too, not just me. Diane is the author that should write biographies, and not waste too much time on fiction.

I couldnt put this book down till I got to the end. It is a life changing story of hope and forgiveness. By never giving up, you can heal and you can bring a family back together again after what seemed would be impossible, at one time.

I've been reading Ms. Grabien's novels since The Weaver and the Factory Maid. Her characters are always fully developed and nuanced and their feelings and motivations always make the story more interesting. Rock and Roll Never Forgets is no exception. The combination of strength and vulnerability in Bree is part of what makes the story so interesting. I know that JP Kinkaid is the main character, but she seems to drive the story.

I also really liked the descriptions of backstage and the real workings of a megaband. I've only experienced it from the other side of the stage, so it was fun to know what those people you glimpse in the wings are doing.

I read this book in one sitting. It was a quick read, but not fluffy. Kept me guessing until the end. Highly recommend it!

Do you love rock 'n' roll? Do you play air guitar with your favorite tunes? Do you love a good mystery? This is the book for you. Great musicians never waste a note; Deborah Grabien never wastes a word. Even if you didn't answer "yes" to all the questions above, if you love fine writing, this is a book for you.

I spent several years in and around the California rock 'n' roll scene of the late '60s/early '70s, and none of the backstage detail rings false or hollow. The characters don't either; they have their talents and their flaws, their virtues and their vices. It's said that it's never too late to have a happy childhood; it's never too late to grow up, either, and that process is one of several things that make this book a good bit more than a sex, drugs & rock 'n' roll potboiler.

The only way Ms Grabien disappoints me is that she doesn't write as fast as I can read, and so I spend a good deal of time in unrequited lit-lust. A new book from her presents me with a dilemma -- read it one or two gulps, like a kid with a bucket of ice cream and no witnesses, or take one chapter at a time, like someone who's been given a small box of exquisite chocolate truffles? Either way, it's over too soon, and the pining for the next begins.

Ms. Grabien writes a book with a pounding rhythm without overshadowing the nuances of a delicate and intimate relationship. And that's before the mystery even shows up! It could easily stand on its own as a rock and roll love story, but why stop there if you have the talent to weave a gripping mystery with compelling characters in and around that?

And that's just what Ms. Grabien does, with her typically lyrical turn of phrase. Check [...] for a link to her video and a taste of the style, and check the top of the amazon page for links to inside the book to get a taste of the writing.

The review space offers a choice between written and video, and in this case there is both. This mystery had me guessing at every turn. Grabien's first series (The Haunted Ballad Series) dealt with the past and its affect on today. This series is today, in every way. Hot rock, hot people and a hot plot. The video is at deborahgrabien.com and at youtube. Play it in best quality and loud! Like Rock 'n Roll!!

This book is a great read, and there is more to come!

Rock and Roll Never Forgets may market itself as a murder mystery, but really this is a book about love and care and coping. The murder investigation provides the impetus for the revelation of the histories of some deeply developed characters, for the telling of a love story that opens in medias res, and bringing it to pleasing resolution. That said, with the murder investigation as the driving force, the story whips along, never getting bogged down in details - the reader is constantly enticed to turn the page. Grabien nails her settings - she not only knows what it is to be in the scene, she knows to what it is to live in the now, and with the disease of which she writes. It gives the book a literary timelessness. Grabien has crafted that rarest of gems, a murder mystery that you will want to reread even after you know who the murderer is.

Ewing's mystery is very easy to read - chapters are short enough to fit into even the busiest schedule. However, by two-thirds of the way through, the story is so intirguing and moving so quickly that it is very difficult to put the book down. How soon can I get the next Marlow O'Kelley mystery?

IT ONLY TOOK ME A DAY TO READ THIS BOOK, WHY? I COULD'NT PUT IT DOWN. I JUST HAD TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS ON THE NEXT PAGE AND IN THE NEXT CHAPTER. AS I AM FROM THE HOUSTON AREA IT WAS NICE TO BE ABLE TO PUT LOCATIONS WITH THE STORY. WAY TO GO BARBARA, WHEN'S MARLOW COMING BACK?

Ewing, Barbara. Till Murder Do Us Part. Philadelphia, PA. Xlibris, 2001. 268 pp. Galley. HB- ISBN 0-7388-9968-2. PB- ISBN 0-7388-9969-0

Intrigue At NASA

With a sure sense of place, Barbara Ewing immediately immerses the reader in interesting details of Johnson Space Center. The plot revolves around Marlow O'Kelley, a structural engineer, who has been married only six months when her beloved Pete, an astronaut, is killed in a motorcycle accident. Or was it an accident?

Pete's boss, Harry, reveals to Marlow his suspicions that Pete could have been murdered. The next day Harry is murdered.

When bodies with connections to the space center begin to turn up on picnic tables and in training pools. Everyone offers Marlow a different perception of Pete and to her utter confusion, Marlow feels her trust in Pete slipping away.

Subplots and red herrings abound as the reader tries to untangle the cast of characters that seem bent on leading everyone astray. While Marlowe analyzes three murders, the reader goes along for the ride.

Rich in sensory detail from the fishy, salty air of the bays to the tangy gumbo - even the spicy politics of the Clear Lake area, the settings give the reader the illusion of being there.

Fast-paced Till Murder Do Us Part teases our brain and pulls us into the mystery, revealing no answers until the end.

It definitely was a page turner and Ewing is as good if not better than Sue Grafton. Looking forward to more Marlow O'Kelley mysteries.

Through the cool inner sanctum of the Johnson Space Center and the steamy summer streets of Houston -- on a bumper-car ride of a plot we go! Think you know that person you married? Maybe...
not.

Two new names I hope to see more of at the scene of the crime: Barbara Ewing and Marlow O'Kelley.

The law enforcement community should not let politics block a new invetigation of the case.The evidence is there and the families of the victims should have some closure.More importantly, the other killers involved must be brought to justice!

This book was so compelling I have thought about it for many years. I read it when it first came out in first printing. Have been looking for it for years,and have been unsuccessful. Now I will order it and read it again. This is the ultimate truth is stranger than fiction read. The powerful distracting the populace with horror we can not escape for the purpose of leading astray from a the truth send shivers down your spine.

Having lived in California during the decade of the sixties I recall that the Haight Ashbury scene turned very vicious around 1969. Where people would share their homes, beds, food, wine (and dope if you were so inclined) freely in '67 and '68; by '69 a real evil, rip off, vicious, criminal type element drove people away from that scene, or into isolated seclusion, in droves. It culminated graphically in the Rolling Stones concert at Altamont in 1969. The street thieves, cults, criminals basically took over as if the flower people were lambs for the slaughter. This book, while often having a "nailing jelly to a wall" feeling, puts the whole change into perspective with the elements of Manson, the entertainment industry, mafia, cults, devil worshippers, pedophiles and upper class perverts as a driving force. The author mentions the London scene, Marianne Faithful, Kenneth Anger and the Stones in passing. For many years I've wondered about the reports that Brian Jones had been intentionally drowned in his pool by a rough element in July of 1969. (The kind of rough element the author cites as surrounding Mama Cass.) Marianne Faithful attempted suicide soon after Brian's death. Anita, (Brian's lover and later Keith's wife) was involved with the occult and some years later a teenage lover killed himself in her bed. Many music celebrities were into the occult (from Satanic to S&M to Nazi symbols and themes) from the late 60's through the 70's. It reminded me that Brian Jones was invited to the Monterey festival in '67 by John Phillips and may have known or met many of the same people in California and London that were into the occult fringe the author describes. It also occurred to me that the perfect theme song for this book and the scenes it describes is "Sympathy for the Devil" written by the Rolling Stones in 1968 (".... Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste....") In addition to all of the intermeshed tentacles of this Godless underground of killers and perverts, it is really scary that the author's words and photos reminds us that Berkowitz and alot of the other criminals involved looked like regular people, had 9 to 5 day jobs as trades people, doctors, lawyers, policemen, etc. I guess you never know who is sitting next to you on the subway or who is knocking at your door. If Maury Terry writes another one, I'll buy it. I hope he puts an index on the next one.

I read this book several years ago and it chilled me to the bone, I can remember the things taking place in my hometown of Minot ND. Reading this book was frightening to me as I read and knew many of the people involved in this case. Maury Terry is right -- Berkowitz did not act alone. A must read for anyone interested in FACT not fiction.

Everybody knows that David Berkowitz is the Son of Sam and he is held responsible for the senseless murders and shootings in the summer of 1977. The author does an excellent job in bringing about the era as well as explaining the circumstances regarding all the victims. Apart from this book, I barely read the Son of Sam case since it didn't interest me as much as others. The author also tries to tie Son of Sam murders with a bizarre murder case at Stanford chapel in Palo Alto, California in 1974 involving a young wife from North Dakota whose husband was a student at the famed university. The book is a heavy read and there is a lot of information to sort out but the author does write clearly and well regarding the possible connections between satanic cults and the murders and deaths of so many others as well. I am one for conspiracies anyway so I am beginning to believe Maury Terry's argument that there is more than meets the eye.

BLOOD EVIDENCE is the second book in Mel Odom's NCIS Series. Once again, we follow the investigative team under the leadership of Commander Will Coburn. When their current case is linked to the death of a Marine captain's daughter who was murdered 17-years-ago, they follow their leads all the way to Washington D.C.

BLOOD EVIDENCE allows us a closer look at some of the members that make of Will's team, seeing both the personal and professional struggles that these strategic players deal with.

A great thriller with twist and turns that keep you turning page after page. Again, not a romance book by far, but a great read for those of you who like suspense.

I checked out Paid in Blood, the first NCIS book by Mel Odom, and really enjoyed it. So I stuck it out for part 2.

Plot:
Will Coburn and team intervene on a girl's kidnapping. This leads to the discovery of a whole lot of drugs and a 17 year-old corpse of a Marine with the charm of a teenaged girl who was kidnapped and murdered about the same time. As the team digs deeper, they learn that the two mysteries (the girl's murder had never been completely closed) may in fact be intertwined.
Also, Nita is feeling overwhelmed with being a mother and a wife. She longs for the simplicity of life before marriage and tugs away from her husband, Joe, and her daughter, Celia.

Good:
Again, excellent mystery! I am impressed with how Mel Odom is able to take a particular incident (a teenaged girl's kidnapping) and have it lead to the real mystery (the 17 year-old corpse of a Marine). You certainly won't be board, trekking through North Carolina in pursuit of Bryce Ketchem or digging through the archives on Haskins or seeing through the eyes of Congressman Ben Swanson.
Also, the characters are diverse and real. You can feel Will's pain at his divorce and Nita's longing to get out of her trapped marriage (more in a bit). Shel, Remy, Maggie, Estrella...they are all people, not just names thrown in just because. They all serve a purpose--and if they aren't needed at a particular time, Mel Odom doesn't feel like he has to bring them up constantly (something many authors should take a hint from).
When I first started writing this just a little past the half-way point, I had some serious issues with Nita's marital problems. First, in this time, Joe was far too perfect. He really doesn't come off as a character, merely as a litmus test to show how bad Nita was being. Nita is full of rage; Joe is perfect, understanding, continually loving, always forgiving and wanting to work things out. However, I had to highly amend this review after I finally finished the book. He starts getting peeved at how Nita is being so selfish and even says so when she asks him not to let Celia, her daughter, call her. He is not afraid to be blunt and tells her to leave them alone. This change from perfect being to human being was great.
Lastly, Nita's reuniting with her mother was absolutely awesome. I won't spill the details, but the whole exchange was an ultimate climax for Nita and a turning point as well.

Bad:
If the first one gave you the heebie-jeebies at the forensics, don't expect this one to be better. In fact, it may be worse. Several people die rather violent deaths. One man receives a glancing blow to the head. A dead man is found in the lake. A woman's injuries from a hit-and-run accident are brought up. Mention is made to what happens when someone is shot point blank in the base of the head (and this is rather disgusting, in my opinion). These rather graphic descriptions made me cringe and almost gag as I was reading.
Other things that bugged me:
1. Will's children bug me. First, Wren, Will's seven-year-old daughter, knows way too much about baseball. I don't care if she watches it on television. There is no way that someone that young knows maneuvers and call outs as well as she does in the book. It's cute, but unrealistic. Second, Steven falls into the stereotypical teen category. I wish for once that people could write teens not as moody, rude beings but as actual humans with feelings and concerns (especially in favor of parents). I mean, Will was constantly surprised that Steven seemed to care about him. Duh! What teen doesn't!
2. Mel Odom's editor should be fired. He missed or glossed over several huge mistakes. "Maggie" is referred to when it should have been "Nita" (page 80). It is unclear whether the "husband" Laura is talking about is her ex-husband, Ben, or someone else (i.e. Chloe's dad or whichever husband she is currently married to) (page 160). He has Nita telling a cowboy "Merry Christmas" then mention something about Spring (May or June, I believe) while I think there is another reference to March (or at least snow)! What time of the year is it? Just decide and keep to it! My last beef is a major one: Will is talking with Haskins' widow and says, "You mentioned Mason" (Page 415). First off, I poured over the entire previous exchange. "Mason" wasn't mentioned once between Will and Cindy (widow). Mel Odom probably made a change and his dumb editor never saw the gap. It was very confusing and ruined the whole effect that the scene was trying to play on.
3. The whole David Horton almost-affair thing went from understandable to weird. I was okay with it until his wife approaches Nita. First off, this guy is an absolute jerk. Mrs. Horton should have left him in the dust years ago--kids and all. Second, this husband is fooling around--and he doesn't even bother to hide the fact he's fooling around by telling Mrs. Horton about Nita? "Honey, I was trying to cheat on you and this lady decided not to and hurt me. Wah!" Please. And then to make matters even weirder, Mrs. Horton goes to the same church Joe does. Please cue "It's a Small World". Lastly, this whole thing explodes into NCIS--but how? Does David run to his superior officers and say, "You got to punish Nita because she wouldn't sleep with me and I tried to make her and she hit me?" Does Mrs. Horton call Nita's boss, Larkin, and say, "You got to watch out for that ME of yours--she steals husbands"? I wish Mel Odom had left the whole stupid thing to be only between Joe and Nita. The incident (and her wanting to leave) could still have impacted NCIS without the whole "It's a Small World" thing playing in the background.
4. Practically everyone in the book is described as being fit for their age with the exception of the creepy politician, Ben Swanson. What's up with that? Not like I don't expect Will, Shel, Remy, and Maggie to be fit, but why must the lawyer, Wardell, Estrella, Nita, Joe, and practically every other character be described in this way? Take a look on the street, and you will notice far more people that are not fit than are.

Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
Alluded to or non-existent. A woman is almost raped. Other times, sexual situations are alluded to (Congressman Ben Swanson has had extramarital affairs, Chloe's dad is not mentioned to have ever been married to Laura Ivers, etc.). Violence is pretty extreme (as mentioned in the beginning of "Bad") and ranges from shoot-outs (typical fare) to attempted rapes to hand or gun fights or hit-and-runs. If you are even the slightest bit squeamish, do not read this.

Overall:
When I first started writing this, the bad was outweighing the good. The editing was bad and Nita's home situation got in the way. After finishing the entire thing, I was very impressed. I loved the mystery and was moved to almost-tears during the Nita and her mother scenes (and I am not a crying person!). The plot was a little confusing (but is mostly explained in the end), the editor should have been fired, Nita's home life was a little overdramatic in the beginning, and the descriptions of autopsies and injuries was disgusting, but this was a fun way to spend the time. What makes this better than many other action stories is that this has character--real people doing real things. A good follow up.

This is the second book in Mel Odom's series on the Naval Criminal Investigative Services. The head of the team, Will Coburn, is separated from his wife, and he is trying to spend more time with his children. But he is called away to rescue a teenage girl who has been kidnapped. In the course of the rescue, they stumble on the corpse of a Marine who has been missing for 17 years. Inside the pants cuff of this Marine, they find a charm from a girl who had been murdered 17 years ago, supposedly by a serial killer. How did the charm get there? Is there a connection to the serial killer? The investigation leads the team into twists and turns in the plot that made this story a page turner that I could not put down.

The medical examiner on the team, Nita Tomlinson, has become an expert in forensics, but she finds the roles of wife and mom to be stifling. She grew up without a father and with a promiscuous mother who drank too much and often abandoned her, and Nita has no feel for how to act as a wife and mom. She feels compelled to visit her mother, with whom she has not talked in fourteen years. Though hurt feelings remain and the relationship is strained, Nita and her mother move one step closer to understanding one another.

The pacing of this novel is excellent, and the characters are so real they come to life. I also enjoyed the many details about how the criminal investigation and forensics jobs are conducted. This is the work of a master story-teller who seems to get better with each novel.

I enjoy the NCIS Novels by Mel Odom. His characters are human...forgiven but not perfect...at least as long as they're on this earth.

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) Commander Will Coburn lost his marriage due to the demands of his job. Now, he hopes he won't become estranged from his teenage children as well, but his job puts a huge responsibility on him. He must first lead his team to track down an apparent kidnap victim--a teenage girl with problems of her own. While investigating the kidnapping, though, Will and his NCIS team finds evidence of another crime--a long-ago murder of a marine. Since the marine was still in the service when he was killed, this is definitely NCIS business.

The more Will pushes the investigation, the more layers he peels back. But there's political pressure for him to back off, especially when the Will turns up evidence that a long-solved crime might not have been solved after all. The victim's step-father is now a congressman who's very much in a position to make life miserable for Will and the entire NCIS. Meanwhile, one of Will's most important team members, pathologist Nita Tomlinson, is desperately trying to protect herself from pain--in the worst way possible.

Will has his faith to turn to, but Nita long before rejected faith. In fact, it's her inability to live up to the trust her husband puts in her that frustrates Nita most.

Author Mel Odom delivers a high-quality thriller. Although we can guess the identity of the criminal at the heart of Will's troubles fairly quickly, Odom delivers plenty of twists and turns as Will searches for the evidence that will let him go after even the most powerful. Odom's experience in criminal investigations shows through clearly, allowing him to involve us as readers in the case--without ever sounding like he's giving us lectures.

BLOOD EVIDENCE is published by Tyndale, a religious publisher, and faith is an important element in the story. Odom walks the balance carefully, however, making the story enjoyable as a pure thriller for those who may not be as firmly rooted in faith as Tyndale's normal audience. Resolution of the Nita subplot does, however, sometimes get a bit heavy on the faith side. I appreciated, however, that Odom was careful to let us know that the powerful congressman was a member of the conservative party--evil lies in men, not in particular institutions.

When my husband came back from his barber with a book that his barber wrote I was skeptical but I thought that I would give it a try. With in minutes I was deeply engrossed and have spent every free minute over the past 4 days reading it (it is not that long...I just don't have many free minutes) :) I have not yet met Robert Vidal but the entire time I read the book I thought to myself that I can't wait to walk into his shop and shake his hand. To be so open and honest, to be able to speak about his crimes so honestly...and to admit to his failure as a father and a husband could not have been easy....I admire his bravery and his dedication to getting his story out to hopefully help other addicts and criminals. I would highly recommend this book to anyone but especially those who love books about organized crime.

First let me say that I know this man. This book was hard to put down. His biography will shed the light on how getting involved with the wrong people, who seek earning quick money, is a lifestyle which will destroy others and will destroy yourself. This book is a good read for inner city kids who will be misguided by the pollution and thirst for quick money, drugs, cars, and loose lifestyle. If you ever have an opportunity to meet Robert I can assure you that he would agree-"What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and looses his soul." Now out of prison Robert had the vision to use his God given talets to be a business person; he has testifed to me that even after opening several succesful establishements he has had his ups and downs. Money cannot buy you happiness. Only by looking to God for direction will we truly find peace. "Trust in The Lord in all the ways, and lean not on to thy own understading. In all the ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths." Robert's life story is a worthwhile read.

It's not every day that you meet someone as blessed as Robert Vidal. When you read this book, you will, like me, consider yourself lucky to have taken the time to do so, lucky to have met Robert through the pages of his thrilling autobiography.

As you begin the book you are introduced to a young, likeable man growing up with not much more than the love of his family and the drive to be successful. However, as Robert soon learns, the drive to be successful does not always guarantee success. And when he finds himself down on his luck with a family to provide for, the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself. This is the turning point in his life. Although Robert knew that this newfound "opportunity" was not exactly the right path in the eyes of the law and, more importantly the Lord, it provides him with the wealth he had always dreamed of. As he proceeds along this sinister path he gets further and further away from his normal life and deeper into a life of crime, drugs, guns and death with no way to turn back.

Very well written in Robert's own words, which in my opinion is the most endearing quality, this book pulls you in from the beginning and doesn't let go. I found myself staying up late a few nights just because I wanted to see what was going to happen! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who would like to read an inspirational real life story of a man who is truly blessed to be alive today.

Through the eyes of someone who has only known Robert, a kind and generous man, for six months, it is almost inconceivable that he was once a hardened criminal, a larger-than-life character who seemed infinitely lucky and mentally and physically unbreakable. However it was when he finally realized that life was actually much larger than him when all that changed. In his bio, Robert takes us on a journey that is no different from those of Tony Montana (Scarface), Nicky Santoro (Casino), and Henry Hill (Goodfellas). He draws you into the book with his coloquial language and honesty and keeps your eyes locked on the pages by recounting stories that exhilarate, move, and terrify you all at once. The recounting of his experience as the Drug Kingpin of Newark draws up many emotions in the reader because Robert's personal reality, for the few hours that you read this book, becomes your reality. And as you are entrhalled by his tales of violence and drugs, you are impassioned by his conversion. "Bloodcaine" is truly an inspiration to all types of people because, although on many different levels, we all can relate to Robert because we are all sinners. This book has a combination of genres - self-help, religion, action, drama, and crime, and subsequently will appeal to many readers.

As a young man, Robert took the easy road to what turned out to be a life of self indugence, lust, power, greed, money and eventual brutality.

His rehabilitation is a testament to his belief in God and his strength and will to get back on the right road, the hard road.

He's made his peace with God, family, friends and former enemies and his good virtues and love have been rewarded with a second chance.

This book is a must read for those that have been and could be tempted into a destructive lifestyle and the friends and loved ones of those who find themselves trapped in the same circumstances.

From the prologue, Mirella Patzer creates the atmosphere of 10th century Italy, with all the tension and emotion of childbirth. In the opening chapters we begin to understand the drama of life in those times. Death, marriage and family loyalty are themes that play a large part in this story.
Duke Amoro Dragone the handsome hero, is told that his father's dying wish is for the feud between the house of Dragone and the house of Monterossa, to end. His father wishes for Amoro to marry Morena Monterossa the only daughter of the family who own Bloodstone Castle. That the two families have been feuding for three generations does not deter Amoro in his quest to win Morena's love.
There is of course a fly in the ointment, or the story would be short and sweet. Before his death, Morena's father promised her hand to Ernesto of Savona. Morena knows of this betrothal and would honour her father's wishes. While reluctant to accept the advances of Amoro, Morena finds herself charmed and confused by his attention.
Should she follow her heart, or follow her father's wishes? Is Ernesto's claim valid? Or is he only after the treasure that legend says is buried beneath Bloodstone Castle.
With two father's murdered both Amoro and Morena are intent on finding their killers. Amid a tempestuous romance, betrayal, murder, rape and torture, Mirella Patzer weaves a tale filled with intrigue, passion and power. Her characters search their souls for an answer to the predicament they find themselves in. Despite devotion, love and ultimate sacrifice will Destiny bring them together or will Ernesto's original betrothal keep them apart? Bloodstone Castle explores the depth of passions and how they dictate behaviour. Passion, love and lust all play a part as this tale unfolds.
I would recommend Bloodstone Castle for anyone looking for a romantic trip back in time. Amoro's loyalty binds him to his father's dying wish, but he remains thoroughly heroic. Morena matures from a virtuous maid to a passionate woman who discovers her own mind and is not afraid to express her opinions. The villain is devious and dastardly enough to satisfy any reader.

An avid romance reader, I love a good historical. Kingdom of Dreams & Once and Always (Judith McNaught), With One Look (Jennifer Horsman), and Love's Tender Fury (Jennifer Wilde) are some of my favorites. Mirella Patzer's Bloodstone Castle is right up there with these.

Pamela S Thibodeaux, Author
"Inspirational with an Edge!"

Bloodstone Castle by Mirella Patzer
Medieval Italy is a setting I am unfamiliar with but this didn't stop me from enjoying this well written and researched book. Ms Patzer obviously has a love of, and special knowledge of Italy in those times, because it shows up in her writing. Her descriptions of the clothing and surrounds of the period weave a rich tapestry that draws you into the story and keeps you enthralled.
Amoro is a gallant hero, Morena a brave and beautiful heroine. The dungeon scenes were particularly gripping, so realistic I could almost hear the vermin scurrying across the stone floors, feel the damp seeping into my bones.
Ernesto, the villian was brought to life in all his evil madness.
This story has everything the reader of an historical romance craves, love, beauty, hidden treasure, castles, evil and betrayal. If you don't read this powerful and emotive story, you will have missed something special.
Margaret Tanner
Published author
http://www.margarettanner.com/

Review by Rosemary Morris author of Tangled Hearts



With her dying breath Morena's mother names her new-born baby and bestows on her the bloodstone handed down from generation after generation from mother to daughter.

Years later, Amoro faces the death of his father, Duke Dragone, who was ambushed and murdered on his return to Genoa. But he did not die before he made known his wish to end the ancient feud with the Monterossa family. Amoro's father wanted Amoro to bring the feud to an end through the marriage of his son to Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere. Thus the wrong his ancestor did to the Dragones when he dishonoured his betrothal to a daughter of the house of Monterossa would be righted.

Although the match is sanctioned by the king, the new duke, who wants to marry for love, is horrified by the prospect of marrying the enemy's daughter. Apart from this he dreads hurting his mistress, Laria, but his love for his father compels him to obey. When he tells Laria, she is furious and declares she will fight to keep him. Despite this, Amoro swears to marry Morena on his father's tomb. Amoro is not a man to break a sacred oath.

Amoro rides to Portovenere to claim Morena and remembers the legend of a Roman casket buried beneath his bride-to-be's home, Bloodstone Castle.

After Amoro arrives it is impossible to meet the lady who refuses to see him in spite of the sumptuous gifts he sends her daily. Amoro is accustomed to his every command being obeyed and Morena, the betrothed of Ernesto of Savona, a man twenty years her senior is used to having her own way. Morena has no reason to repudiate Ernesto and accept Amoro's hand in marriage and it is unlikely hat Ernesto would agree to renounce his claim to Morena's hand.

As the saying goes, "where there's a will there's a way". Amoro finds a secret way into Bloodstone Castle during the absence of Morena's father.

From the moment Amoro and Moreno meet the air sizzles but Morena is determined to remain true to Ernesto, about whom she knows little, and is too spirited to be coerced into wedding Amoro. To win Morena as his wife Amoro must undergo many ordeals and help Morena to triumph over adversity.

While I read Bloodstone Castle in which every page burns with the affairs of tempestuous Morena and honourable Amoro, I really wanted them to fall in love and live happily ever after.

I loved Mirella's first book and was looking forwards to reading her second novel. And she didn't disappoint me as her second novel is just as great as her first. Set in Italy aminst the harsh times of a family fued with murder, betrayal and love that seems to survive it all. The opening scene is one of the most touching scene I ever have read and the story that unfolds from that drama is just as gripping... a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps you reading till the end. I am already looking forwards to Mirella's third novel as I want more of this!