Justice for the Cardinal (Tudor Saga #3), by David Field

Eight stars

David Field continues his new Tudor series, perfect for fans of this time in history. The focus turns to Thomas Cromwell, the endearing close advisor of King Henry VIII. With Anne Boleyn on the throne, there is talk that she might be losing her lustre. With only a female heir to her name, Henry is getting tired of waiting and there are whispers about Anne’s past infidelities that could ruin Henry’s future. Cromwell does what he knows best, spreads loose facts mixed with rumours to create an insurmountable case against Anne. Cromwell also learns some disturbing news about the line of secession before the current Henry’s father, which could, if it comes out publicly, could cause series issues for the Tudor line. He holds onto it as Anne is executed by the maritally fickle King, whose eyes turn to another woman. During Jane Seymour’s brief time on the throne, Henry got his male heir, but lost a wife in the process. Cromwell turned to finding the next great wife for Henry, all the while holding onto this major bit of news that could make heads—literally—roll. When a foreign princess, Anna of Kleve, arrives to wed Henry, there is a serious breach and panic ensues. Henry must save face and denies having ever wanted this German woman as his wife. Surely the portrait sent did not depict the woman Henry thought he loved. Someone must be to blame and Cromwell seems the easiest target. David Field does well with this piece, dazzling those who like historical fiction with his attention to detail. Recommended to those who have been following the series, as well as readers who love the Tudor era.

I am so happy to see that David Field continuing with this series, which mixes some of the well-known parts of history with lesser published bits. Field injects a wonderful narrative and balances it with the development of a key character of the era, this time Thomas Cromwell. The man who served as Henry VIII’s right hand man on some issues proved to have the most difficult of positions. Trying to keep the King happy and the Court running well proves to be problematic, with so many balls up in the air. Cromwell feels the pressure from all sides but continues to do his best to keep everything working well. However, there comes a time when something must give and Cromwell may become the victim of his own attempt to keep a crazed man satisfied. Others make a mark in this tale that helps push forward the Tudor narrative. Some great characters from history are peppered throughout this story and Field develops them effectively to keep the story on point. A great piece with a mix of different length chapters to keep the reader intrigued and ready to learn a little more. Field has done well with the past novels in this and other historical series. New fans are in for a treat, when they discover how well he presents the issues here. A little deeper than some of his other writing, but well worth the invested effort.

Kudos, Mr. Field, for a great link from the past book. Field has so much to share and does it effectively in a concise manner.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Gambler’s Jury, by Victor Methos

Eight stars

In another of his stunning legal thrillers, Victor Methos ekes out a unique approach to the law with a case that will keep the reader curious throughout. Dani Rollins is a brash lawyer whose clients may be sitting as criminal defendants, but are never certain to face jail time. She fights the good—and dirty—fight each day, though sometimes cannot distinguish which side she wants to join when it comes to fraternizing with those who pay her salary. When Teddy Thorne and his family enter her office, Rollins is baffled. Thorne is seventeen and has an intellectual impairment, though is being charged with dealing over 8 kgs of cocaine. Oblivious to all of this, Thorne wants only to share his love of movies and early-morning cartoons. When Rollins agrees to take the case, she is baffled as to why the judge would automatically agree to negate juvenile court. As the case progresses, it soon appears obvious that something odd is taking place, as Thorne is abandoned by his family and the court seems ready to fast-track a trial and conviction. Balancing a shaky home life, Rollins soon realises that this case might be too much for her, as she is fighting against a well-built brick wall. With nothing to lose, save a night in jail for contempt, Dani Rollins is prepared to find out what ulterior motives are being used and how Teddy Thorne is being railroaded for someone else’s benefit. A well-paced piece that Methos uses to open the eyes of the reader at every turn. Recommended for those who love a good legal thriller, as well as readers who enjoy Victor Methos and his writing.

I stumbled onto Victor Methos a while back and find that I can never get enough of his books. Filled not only with great writing but poignant cases, Methos shows that his work as a lawyer is not lost. The themes that emerge are ones that the reader can enjoy or hate depending on their mood. Dani Rollins is a wonderful protagonist, as she takes no prisoners and is always on the defensive. Gritty and determined, Rollins is always looking for the loophole that will keep her client safe, even if that means sacrificing her own freedom from a judge’s contempt citation. She balances work with a home life that sees her trying to process a pending divorce, but never gives up on either. Her courtroom magic might be diluted by a corrupt legal system, but she forges onwards as best she can. Other characters create a wonderful addition to the storyline and they help to highlight the legal pitfalls of the system. There is much to say on the topic and Methos has chosen well with his cast of characters. The story is one some may call far-fetched and completely fabricated, but Methos assures readers in the author’s note that it is founded in reality. With a strong narrative and wonderful plots, Methos explores the law and all its faults. Sure to captivate many, Methos is one author not to dismiss when looking for superior legal thrillers.

Kudos, Mr. Methos, for another great legal piece. I am addicted to all you have to share.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Titanic Secret, by James Becker

Eight stars

James Becker is back with another story of espionage shrouded in a memorable time in history. After a man is gunned down in Berlin, mere feet from the British Embassy, questions remain. These questions climb all the way to the top of the Secret Service Bureau (SSB), the elite spy agency in Britain in 1912. There are whispers of an American alliance with German to overtake the British. Armed with this news, the SSB call on one of their premier agents, Alex Tremayne, to take on the massive task of killing three German agents before they can reach New York City. Plans are drafted to put Tremayne on-board the new transatlantic liner,Titanic, where he will be tasked with eliminating the Germans and disposing of them before anyone knows of their deaths. Tremayne and his female companion take on the roles of the Maitlands. Keen to complete the mission, Alex locates his targets and seeks to reconnoiter before striking. However, his elusive tactics are caught by the Germans, who begin their own plan to stop Tremayne however they can. As the higher-ups in London await news, they have sent a submarine to monitor the mission, perhaps ensuring nothing goes wrong. With the Titanic inching across the Atlantic, Tremayne is running out of time, but soon discovers that there are many other problems that require his attention. However, no one could have predicted what came next, aboard the unsinkable Titanic, as history takes over the narrative and turns the tale on its head. Well developed and on point, Becker shows why he is the master of his art. Recommended to those who enjoy stories layered in actual history, as well as readers who find pleasure in all things related to espionage.

I have read many of James Becker’s novels over the years and find his mix of history with thrills is like few others. In a piece that take the reader back to the early part of the 20th century, Becker keenly develops a story that puts Alex Tremayne in the driver’s seat. Tremayne is a man wanted by many, who has mastered his job. He is gritty and little derails him, though there is surely a weakness to his having no family. He is happy to serve King and Country, though he is surely one who is not ready to pack it up and admit defeat. Tremayne does well to blend into his surroundings, but uses code breaking skills to stand out from the others. There is a handful of other characters who seek to flavour the narrative effectively. A mix of backgrounds and positions within the story help Becker to effectively tell the tale he seeks to shape. While there are surely a few characters based on those from history, Becker shapes them effectively in his own image. The story remained strong and kept my attention throughout, particularly because I have a great interest in all things Titanic. With a narrative that builds with each passing chapter, the reader will not be disappointed. Short chapters keep the story moving and forces the reader to read “just a little more” before putting the book down. I was able to finish in a sing;e day, which surely speaks to Becker’s style of writing. Opening the reader’s mind to ‘what if’ at one point, James Becker is one storyteller not to be forgotten in a supersaturated genre.

Kudos, Mr. Becker, for another wonderful story. I always enjoy your pieces and cannot wait to see what else you have in store for the reader.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Lake of Learning (Cassiopeia Vitt #3), by Steve Berry and M.J. Rose

Eight stars

Steve Berry and M.J. Rose return with another novella in which Cassiopeia Vitt is able to take centre stage. Exploring some of the older aspects of European based religions, the reader will learn much and be dazzled by the intricate detail. While excavating for her ongoing castle project, Cassiopeia Vitt and her team uncover an old book whose contents make it not only rare, but extremely valuable. When she is visited by an interested party, Cassiopeia gets a bad feeling about Roland Beláncourt, who insists that he needs this book. While Cassiopeia is able to dismiss him, Beláncourt persists, telling her all about the history of Catharism, something about which Vitt is familiar. It would seem this book not only speaks of the Cathars, but also speaks of an ancient relic and location that could be key to enlightened discoveries. As Vitt seeks some outside assistance to find this ‘Lake of Learning’, she continues to encounter trouble from Beláncourt, who will stop at nothing to ensure he gets his hands on the book. Vitt does not have Cotton Malone to help her, but she will need to find some way of staying ahead of the the trouble that awaits her. Berry and Rose have come up with an interesting tale here, mixing history with a female protagonist. Recommended to those who have long enjoyed Berry’s work (which includes Cassiopeia) and likely readers who are familiar with Rose’s style of writing.

I have long been a fan of Steve Berry’s writing, which has included minor roles for Cassiopeia Vitt. When I noticed that Berry had teamed up with M.J. Rose, I was interested to see how they would elevate this most interesting character without losing some of the intriguing history that is woven throughout each tale. This novella touches on an era that I suspect Rose uses regularly, which meshes well with some of what we know about Cassiopeia. This female protagonist does well guiding the story along. While she is away from the love of her life—Cotton Malone—she does well to keep the reader interested in her medieval building project, which spills into talk of the Cathars. She is by no means a damsel, but also does not seek conflict where she can help it. There are a few other characters whose presence add depth to the story, including the gritty Roland Beláncourt, whose determination helps fuel some clashes surrounding the possession of the book. The story gathers momentum in the early chapters and never loses its speed. I am happy to see an ongoing ability to mix history with action in yet another piece by these two authors. I can only hope that they continues an annual tradition of working together to develop some wonderful stories.

Kudos, Mr. Berry and Madam Rose, for an interesting piece that kept me curious throughout. This is a collaboration that is growing on me.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Napoleon’s Hemorrhoids: And Other Small Events That Changed History, by Phil Mason

Seven stars

Phil Mason introduces readers to some interesting tales in this collection of ‘what ifs’ and ‘did you know’ trivia in history. As the title of the book suggests, some things are quite random, but there is seemingly a great deal of curiosity surrounding these feats, accidents, and anomalies in history. Mason organises his book into some larger themes and proceeds to offer up facts—sometimes in a few sentences and at other times a page or two—that will both baffle and intrigue the reader. How things might have been different had Hitler stayed longer during a speech he delivered, or Napoleon been in better health the day of the Battle of Waterloo. Exploring sports, history, and business as well, Mason provides a seemingly endless set of examples of how the world might have changed on a whim. I am a great fan of alternate history, though I usually like longer tales or more meat to the explanations. While I suppose Mason wants to allow the reader to ponder on their own, it may have been fun to see some speculative narration when Mason presented some of the anecdotes in this piece. Full of eyebrow-raising stories, Mason lets the reader see how one small change in history could have completely changed the path taken and altered things significantly. With a number of substantive chapters, the reader can use what they learn here at their next dinner party or on a road trip to fill dead air. A fun read, though I won’t go do far as to offer a formal recommendation.

Kudos, Mr. Mason, for this interesting collection. I can see this is something you enjoyed preparing quite a bit.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Girl in White, by John Nicholl

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to John Nicholl and Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always a fan John Nicholl, I was pleased to get my hands on his latest work, which pushes the reader well outside their comfort zone. His work mixes the sharpness of a police procedural with some psychological elements that add not only a degree of evil but a heart-stopping element to an already wonderful piece of writing. Harry Gilmore is distraught after the recent end to his relationship and finds himself at the local pub to drown his sorrows. Little does he expect to be the target of a beautiful woman, but that is precisely what happens. While things seem to be going well, there is a motive here, preying on his vulnerability. Harry is drugged and carted off, taken as part of a recruitment for a local religious community. It would seem this was all pre-ordained as part of the order from one ‘Master’, who has his following beg for worthiness as they wear white robes and follow his every lead. When Harry does not answer any calls for over a week, his mother approaches the West Wales Police, where Detective Inspector Laura Keyes agrees to speak with her. With little to go on, DI Keyes agrees to keep an eye open, but there is little when it comes to any leads surrounding Harry Gilmore. After some interviews and CCTV footage, there may be something, as Harry is seen being taken, but that is not enough to give the authorities the needed information to pursue his disappearance. After a plea to the public, DI Keyes receives a disturbing visit from the sister of one of the religious group adherents, who discusses the cult-like nature of the group and the hierarchy that bears some semblance to a Jonestown or something Manson might have led in decades past. Armed with a warrant, DI Keyes and her team storm the property, with little success. However, this intrusion may be the catalyst to a series of events the Master demands and his followers follow. Retrieving Harry Gilmore may only be the beginning, in a tale that has deep-seeded psychological disturbances. Nicholl does well to pull the reader in with a social commentary on religious communities and their hierarchies. Recommended to those who enjoy a quick read that packs a punch, as well as the reader well-versed in all things John Nicholl.

There is never a lack of action when it comes to John Nicholl and his work. He has laid the groundwork for many wonderful stories that mix disturbing psychological happenings with a police presence that tries to stay one step ahead. His usual goal is to pull the reader into the middle of a powerful story that has deeply criminal elements, with no character safe from harm. DI Laura Keyes takes the reins of control as the somewhat protagonist of the story. Those familiar with Nicholl’s work will know that Keyes has some large shoes to fill, though she does well. Her grit and determination standout throughout the piece, particularly as she faces some of the more problematic aspects of the criminal element. Pushed well outside her comfort zone, Keyes must catch a killer who is surrounded by underlings willing to do whatever is asked of them. Some of the other characters within this story portray the wonders of mind control and religious adherence. Whether Nicholl is seeking to comment on the herd mentality of religious communities or the power of persuasion, he does well to depict both through these secondary characters who are on a mission throughout to ensure Master is pleased. The story is strong and well constructed, flowing with ease as the reader loses themselves in the narrative. Nicholl’s style of writing leads the reader to be able to push through the book in a short time period, gasping as they finish and wanting even more. Many of his past books have left me highly disturbed by the content, though gore is not usually a central element. Nicholl has many wonderful ideas from his past professions and uses them well. Not a book to be missed by those who enjoy a little awkwardness in their reading.

Kudos, Mr. Nicholl, on another successful book. While not my favourite of your pieces, this novel does pack a punch and makes me eager to see what else is to come.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Evangeline, by D.W. Buffa

Eight stars

D.W. Buffa presents this intriguing standalone legal drama, leaving the reader to serve as thirteenth jury member. The Evangeline is a massive cruising sailboat, destined to make a major journey on its inaugural trip from Nice and around the African continent. However, while out at sea, something went terribly wrong and the few survivors turned up off the Brazilian coast forty days later. Among the six survivors is a body, obviously killed and feasted upon by the others. Captain Vincent Marlowe, one of the six who lived, is brought up on murder charges. Marlowe’s defence is that he had to authorise the killing of one to save the others. In a novel told almost exclusively in the courtroom, Buffa presents the case of the Evangeline and how Marlowe played a role in keeping those who were able to flee the boat’s sinking from perishing themselves. Could Marlowe have done anything else and still kept the survivors alive? What of the boat’s owner, who decided at the last minute not to take the voyage? Was the boat seaworthy? Buffa explores these questions and more in this scintillating story that will leave the reader wondering where they find themselves while the trial progresses and eventually awaiting the jury’s verdict. Recommended to those who love a great courtroom drama that has more twists than simple answers, as well as the reader who is a fan of Buffa’s other work.

I did some binge reading of D.W. Buffa not long ago, but held onto this one for a time. I picked it up during a flight home and could not put it down. How a case of murder on the seas could pull me in so readily surprised me, but Buffa’s style is one that tends to do that with ease. With a large cast of characters and some wonderful developments throughout, I could not help but feel as though I were in the front row of the jury box, weighing all the evidence. Marlowe comes across as less than remorseful, though he is calm in his presentation that there were no options other than to turn on one survivor. As the story moves along, new plot twists arrive with the various witnesses who testify, turning what would seem a fairly straightforward case on its head. The narrative moved along with ease and I was energized to see how things would turn out from the outset. Buffa knows how to lure an audience in and uses his legal experience to weave a tale like no other. This is one novel that does not sink, though I wish it had ascended onto my radar sooner!

Kudos, Mr. Buffa, for another wonderful novel. I cannot wait to see what else of yours I have yet to discover.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West, by David McCullough

Eight stars

David McCullough is back with another of his interesting tomes on American history, this time turning to some of the early settlers. In this piece, McCullough explores those who ventured outside the original thirteen states to explore the newly opened and vast territories of the Midwest. Armed with the passion to explore, these men sought to develop a way of life not seen on these lands before, encountering much in the wilderness, from well-established Indian settlements to countless animals who had made the future states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin their home. Led by the decorated Revolutionary War General Rufus Putnam, these men did all in their power to expand the land and population control by those in the American Government. McCullough explores the ideas of a handful of men, through their letters, diaries, and other documents that would shed light on the plight of the settlers and their encounters with things unknown. As the tome continues, McCullough mixes history with political drama, showing that the exploration included some controversy, particularly among those who did not want to create too democratic a region that was still on shaky legs. Slavery and limited suffrage became themes, both in the tome and history, that wove their way into the story, all a part of the larger story that created modern crises. McCullough effectively examines the thoughts and sentiments of these curious men, fuelled by a desire to open the uncharted lands and expound the virtues of American ideals as America sought to leave infancy and enter a more mature and stable way of life. Wonderful for those who enjoy learning about some of the lesser-documented pieces of American history and recommended for readers who have long found David McCullough to be easy to comprehend.

I always enjoy finding myself in the middle of a David McCullough piece, particularly because I am sure to learn something and never be resting on my haunches. McCullough has a way of telling a story that pulls the reader into the middle of the action, surrounding them with key documents and arguments from the time. While I am sure history books speak generally of the settling of the Northwest Territory, McCullough seeks to fill some of the many gaps with his own research and first-hand documents that enrich the reading experience. From diary entries about the daily/weekly findings to the letters home that describe things of a more passionate nature, McCullough personalises the lives of these men. In addition, McCullough puts much of the exploration into historical perspective, while life in the big cities became a political and social battle. Politics was surely all about how to acquire land and settle it, but also to create territorial governments and legislatures to better run things on a local level. With large chapters full of information, McCullough gives the reader a chance to be part of the action without getting too bogged down in minutiae. One can only hope that others will take this rubric and run with it in their own depiction of history, while McCullough finds more areas worthy of exploration, sure to entertain those who love his writing.

Kudos, Mr. McCullough, for a fabulous addition to your collection. I am eager to see what you have next and will tell others who much I enjoyed this piece.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Inn, by James Patterson and Candice Fox

Eight stars

Powerhouse duo James Patterson and Candice Fox return with a standalone novel that offers some insight into how the world works away from a formal police setting. With some great narrative development and a cast of unique characters, Patterson and Fox show that they are a team far above others. After being summarily fired from the Boston PD, Bill Robinson works with his wife to create a new life in the rural community of Gloucester. Opening up a bed and breakfast, the Robinsons think they have it made. However, after the passing of Siobain, Bill is left to run things at The Inn all on his own. While the cop is out of Boston, Robinson is the curious type and stumbles upon a string of deaths that are all attributed to a tiny yellow pill, later revealed to be potent fentanyl. Robinson follows the path of distribution to a sly dealer by the name of Mitchell Cline, who is happy to pepper the bucolic community with addiction and line his pockets. When Robinson makes a play to stop all of this, he engages the services of the local sheriff, who also happens to be one of his residents. As the pressure mounts, more locals find themselves working with Robinson on a way to remove Cline, plotting their response from inside The Inn. Cline will not go down easily and has a large crew ready to follow his every command. Barricaded inside The Inn, Robinson must work with his makeshift team to decide how to handle the situation, knowing full well that it may end tragically before the night is out. Patterson and Fox show their strength in this story that pulls on issues from today in this dazzling one off novel. Recommended for those who like a police procedural with a different flavouring, as well as the reader who has long enjoyed the Patterson-Fox writing style.

While I enjoy both authors on their own, as well as their series work with Harry Blue, I was not sure if I could take a standalone as seriously. While things took a little while to warm up for me, I did become invested before too long and found myself readily turning pages to see what would happen next. Bill Robinson is as jaded as they come, having been forced on his turf early for actions his partner started. Saddled with this and the loss of his wife soon thereafter, there is no doubt that Robinson is seeking something to set himself straight. While the story reads like a police procedural, there are elements of a vigilante leader seeking revenge and wanting to protect his town. The banter and planning work well, but there are certainly some aspects that are quite cliché for me, yet the story still works. Others who grace the pages of this book work their own magic and the story comes to life with ease, flavoured by the backstories and unique approaches the authors inject into those who work with (and against) Robinson. The story had some predicable elements, but I could see this working well on the big screen. Drama increases throughout and there is no let down as the pages turn with ease. The traditional short chapters force the reader to commit to large portions in a sitting and begs for more action with ease new chapter heading. While not their best collaborative work, I cannot fault this duo, who have never failed to impress me.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, for another interesting collaborative effort. I am eager to see if you will return to some Harry Blue soon, or if you have more you want the world to reader before then.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Deadly Divide (Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak #5), by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Nine stars

Having binged all novels (and a short story) in the series to date, I can assert that Ausma Zehanat Khan seeks not only to tell a story to the reader, but to impact them with her powerful narrative and poignant topics. While the issues likely occur all over the world, Khan debunks the ‘Canada is a peaceful place of love and harmony’ with these novels, using her knowledge of Islam and through the genre of police procedurals. After a shooting at a mosque in a small Quebec town, Community Policing sends Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty to be part of the team to investigate. While the local priest was discovered with one of the guns in his hands, it was a paramedic of African descent who was seen fleeing soon thereafter and speaking in Arabic that garners the most attention. All this, while the Premier of Quebec is trying to balance new legislation that neutralises outward religious symbolism and practice with keeping everyone safe. While Khattak and Getty seek to work as part of the team, there are blogs and a call-in radio show that are fanning the flames about assimilation and vilification of all things Islamic. The community is torn, though the fires of xenophobia burn hot and no one is yet ready to douse them. While Khattak and the rest if the investigators seek to work on leads, they face a local white supremacist group that hides their views behind wanting to keep Quebec ‘pur laine’ or as traditional as possible. Getty sees that these sentiments may have leaked into the police force, compromising the investigation at its highest level. Meanwhile, Khattak receives some news that shakes him to the core, placing his spot in the investigation and personal safety at risk. Might this small community be a microcosm of the larger sentiment about the Muslim community in Canada? Could Khattak’s future with Community Policing be coming to an end? And what of his decision to settle down with a woman he only recently admitting to loving? Khan does not stop in her chilling tale and forces the reader out of their comfort zone as they explore the propagation of hate in Canada and the sparks that lit the fire. Highly recommended for fans of the series, as well as the reader who is prepared to invest the time and emotional effort it takes to understand all the issues on offer.

Khan seems keen to work outside the box and deliver a set of powerful novels that tell more than a simple police case with a killer on the loose. She wants the reader to see the deeper level of Islamic beliefs and the generalised treatment received in Canada and on the world stage. This novel really punches Canada in the stomach, deflating the ‘love everyone’ mentality that the country seems to have. With xenophobia on full display in other parts of the continent, Khan places the microscope on Canada and shows all the pitfalls that have emerged, particularly with the recent legislation in Quebec, shielded behind ‘Quebec values’. Esa Khattak returns to be both the face of the law and Muslim-Canadians, which proves to be the most difficult of all in this novel. Torn between trying to find the mass shooter and yet not compromise his personal or religious views becomes the struggle he cannot overcome. While sifting through the ashes of what’s happened, he is constantly a target of ridicule and generalisations. This only hurts his ability to do his job and causes insurmountable grief at the worst times. His need to decide about the future of his place within Community Policing is key and Khan uses this subplot as a real punch to series fans who have come to adore him. Rachel Getty is still on a steep learning curve when it comes to the job, though she knows all too well what it is like to be targeted. Bigotry and sexism are rampant in law enforcement agencies, something that cannot be stopped with a memo or two. That being said, Rachel has also become highly protective of her boss, Khattak, and seeks to shield him from the onslaught, whenever possible. Getty can no longer rely on her wit and intuition, but must challenge those who are outrightly fanning the flames, even if it costs her a position at Community Policing. This struggle is real and could lead to some major changes within the organisation. Khan uses a great cross-section of characters, each of whom plays an integral role in the larger narrative. The complexity of this story demands something out of the usual collection, though Khan handles it masterfully. The reader is taken on a wonderful ride throughout and can see first hand just how problematic things can become. From hate group members to those within the police, there is an inherent bias or racism that cannot be erased or hidden. The series reader will know that the stories take on a life of their own, with a narrative full of twists as the plot thickens. There is much to be gleaned from the story, with facts and sentiments woven into the fabric of the piece, which allows the attentive reader a more impactful story. Khan will not sugarcoat and rarely lets the reader sit back and ‘enjoy’ the progress of the case. She has a message and it is one worth hearing, even if it tells of something we do not want to admit.

Kudos, Madam Khan, for putting this topic out there. It needs to be discussed and the current situation in Canada is turning your work of fiction into something of a reality with each passing day!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Mercy (Brigham Theodore #2), by Victor Methos

Eight stars

I am still riding the high of discovering Victor Methos and am happy I returned to read his two legal thrillers set in Salt Lake City. This second book packs as much punch as the debut, while pulling on the heart strings of those readers who wish to be pulled in. Brigham Theodore has set himself up for success, still fairly new to the legal profession. After the untimely death of his previous boss, Theodore has set-up with two colleagues to run their own firm. His reputation for being a passionate criminal defence attorney has earned him some decent work, including the case of Ted Montgomery, who is accused of murdering his terminally ill wife. Theodore must use all his powers of reasoning to understand how to approach this case, as Ted does not deny filling his wife with morphine, but states that it was at her wish, when the doctors could not help her end the excruciating pain. Up against a District Attorney still out for blood, Theodore will have to act fast and use all he knows to help shape the case in his favour. While trying to juggle that, a major event at the firm almost knocks him off his track and forces some real introspection about the law and how conniving it can be. When some evidence comes to light, Ted does not want it used, but it might be the only way to keep the jury from convicting him. Brigham Theodore may be new to the profession, but he has a lifetime of experience as it relates to saving one’s skin. Another great piece by Victor Methos, which pulls the reader into story from the opening pages. Recommended for those who love a good legal thriller, as well as the reader who enjoys something they could complete in a single sitting.

Methos continues to work well with various legal topics, bringing his experience as a lawyer into his characters and plot lines. Brigham Theodore is again at the helm and entertains the reader as he educates them on what he has learned. He may be somewhat ‘wet behind the ears’, but is also determined to fight for what is right, earning him quite the reputation in the Utah legal community. In this novel, his morals and judgement is tested at every turn, though he refuses to be swayed by the pressure of his legal superiors. Theodore struggles with his personal life, though he is trying to piece all the moving parts together effectively. There are a number of of other characters who make am impact and help move the story along efficiently. Gritty prosecutors seek to box Theodore into a corner while the numerous clients who come to the office have their own interesting legal issues that require immediate answers. A strong narrative is matched with a case no green lawyer has any chance of winning, which comes to deliver a wonderful story that does not let-up at all. Methos knows how to craft a great novel and uses the courtroom effectively to tell the story and its pitfalls. I am happy that I came back to try some more Victor Methos and hope others find the time to read his work.

Kudos, Mr. Methos, another great piece. I’ll have to come back again soon to see what else you have up your sleeve.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Neon Lawyer (Brigham Theodore #1), by Victor Methos

Eight stars

I was intrigued when I discovered Victor Methos last month and vowed that I would come back to try some more of his work. Stumbling upon a short legal thriller, I thought that this would be the perfect addition to my vacation reading list. Brigham Theodore has just passed the Utah Bar and the ink on his certification is still drying as he seeks employment. While many of the firms in Salt Lake City snub him, he finds one willing to take a chance on him. Handed a murder trial in his first week, Theodore is in full panic mode, but can only hope that what he’s read about criminal procedure will be enough. A young woman is accused of gunning down the man who is set to have raped and murdered her six year-old daughter. With five witnesses, Theodore will have a hard time arguing her innocence, but is ready to do whatever he can. Arguing diminished capacity, Theodore enters the courtroom as green as they come and stumbles through the trial agains a man set to be the next District Attorney. While Theodore may be new to the profession, he is not completely inept and pulls out some interesting legal arguments to intrigue the jury. It will take more than a few unique legal tricks to keep Theodore’s client from facing the death penalty, but his willing to do what he can to help a woman full of guilt and agony at the loss of the only thing she holds dear. Methos is strong with his delivery and keeps the reader guessing as the story progresses. Recommended for the reader who enjoys a good legal thriller, as well as those who enjoy something compact for easy reading.

It was a Goodreads banner that led me to Victor Methos and I am happy to say that this second novel was as impactful as the first. Methos works well with the subject matter and compresses it into a story that could be read in a single day. Brigham Theodore has much to offer in this piece, though his wet behind the ears nature can something offer a stumbling block to a legal blockbuster. Theodore is still unsure how to handle himself and the cases at hand, but he is determined to find answers and stumbles into the arms of a woman who can guide him through the maze that is criminal law. Without being too optimistic, Theodore can only hope that the law he studied is applicable in the courtroom, though he is faced with a prosecutor who is out for blood. In this mid-length novel, there are a great deal of other characters who make am impact and help move the story along. From the accused who is trying to process what she may have done, to the prosecutor who has more to worry about than this simple case, and even a fellow member of the firm who uses his naïveté to her advantage, Methos offers much on which the write can build a better understanding for the story and the law. With a strong narrative that does not stop throughout and a plot that pits the hapless lawyer against the legal system, Methos knows how to craft a great novel. In a piece whose central focus is the courtroom, the story turns on the smallest thing. I am happy that I came back to try some more Victor Methos. With a second novel in the series, I am ready to leap right in.

Kudos, Mr. Methos, another great piece. I have enjoyed both pieces greatly and will read the second book in this series eagerly to see how it fares.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Jack of Spades (Hunt for Reacher #8), by Diane Capri

Eight stars

In her latest instalment of the Hunt for Reacher series, Diane Capri takes readers close to the elusive man’s family, or so we are led to believe. FBI Special Agent Kim Otto continues to track down Jack Reacher, following some leads up to a small town in New Hampshire. It’s here that she believes she can make some headway, as it appears to be a town full of Reachers. No one admits to knowing Jack Reacher or being a part of his immediate family, but Otto is not giving up. She’s honed her investigation on Reacher’s nephew, who is headed out to California to get some answers from the uncle no one seems to know. While he travels there, a Canadian couple who was intricately involved in a recent Jack Reacher sighting in Laconia, New Hampshire now holds onto a duffle bag that could bring them much trouble. With the rightful owners ready to shed blood in order to get what they feel belongs to them, Otto will have to keep an eye out for trouble while also looking for the man who has continually been one step ahead of her. With a new partner and her old one offering nuggets of wisdom, Kim Otto will have to work quickly or face another dead-end situation. A great addition to the Hunt for Reacher series, permitting Capri to build on some of the most intense Reacher work that Lee Child wrote not long ago. Recommended for series fans, as well as the reader who enjoys a quick read that packs quite the punch.

I have long loved anything Reacher, so when I stumbled upon this series, I am eager to see how it would all tie in. While Capri loosely hints at the benefits of reader the associated Lee Child work alongside her own, I enjoy going at it alone and doing by best to make sense of everything. Capri offers some wonderful characters and delves deeper into some of the cases that appear in Jack Reacher novels. Kim Otto has grown tremendously in this piece, coming into her own and finding ways to run the investigation effectively, even when she’s paired up with a new partner. Others do well in their participation of the story, sometimes adding to the initial introduction they received from Lee Child, while others make their mark for the first time. The story moves quickly and leaves little time for pandering around, as there is much to accomplish in short order. Capri has honed her skills and shows that she is not only in-tune with her close friend, Lee Child, but is able to complement his work and provide a deeper look into some of the central characters who may offer valuable insight into finding Jack Reacher!

Kudos, Madam Capri, for another wonderful addition to the series. I am eager to see if Otto will ever catch Reacher, or if this is a game of cat and mouse destined never to end.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Dangerous Crossing (Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak #4), by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Nine stars

Returning to her full-length novels, Ausma Zehanat Khan takes the reader into another of the crises facing the Muslim population today, with a Canadian flavouring in this police procedural. Two bodies turn up on a Greek island, one a French INTERPOL agent and the other a Syrian refugee. A Canadian NGO has been processing Syrians for relocation in North America and its founder has gone missing. After a rocky time for the Community Policing Section, Inspectors Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty are back on their feet. Khattak is approached by his close friend, Nathan Clare, that it was his sister, Audrey, who has been heading up Woman 2 Woman and is nowhere to be found. A series of emails between Nathan and his sister provides some assistance in trying to put the situation into context, though it is not enough. Khattak remains highly professional, knowing that he is still being eyed for any misstep. However, the Canadian Prime Minister is also trying to make a difference in his image as it relates to the refugee crisis and has given Khattak free rein to work. Khattak and Getty work angles in and around Toronto, where they learn more about the NGO, but it will not be enough. They travel to the Greek island, where there is much more to learn about the influx of refugees from Syria and surrounding countries. Khattak learns of the European distaste for these ‘migrants’ and must come to understand how a world of haves can refuse help to those who are fleeing nothing. There is also the iron fist of the Syrian government, happy to slay anyone trying to escape the country. Khattak and Getty will have to work hard, not only to understand the Syrian crisis, but to locate Audrey Clare and determine who committed the murders that started this entire investigation. There are more secrets, layered inside bureaucracy and deceptions meant to keep the truth from seeing the light of day. A brilliant piece that packs a punch, allowing Khan to portray a powerful message that will not let the reader ignore the issue at hand. Recommended to those who have loved the series to date, as well as readers who enjoy something deeper that allows them to learn a little while being entertained with great storytelling.

Khan has yet to let up with her full-length novels, keen on addressing some of the major issues facing the more vulnerable portions of the Muslim world. With the current refugee crisis in Syria, the novel seeks to focus much of its attention on the plight of those fleeing horrible conditions while also trying to settle in a new homeland that is both helpful and accepting. Esa Khattak again becomes the voice of reason when it comes to the treatment of Muslims, offering his perspective and insights into the acceptance that Canada has for those in need. He must balance this with the knowledge that his own job is on the line, forcing him to make choices that are not only prudent, but can easily be explained up the chain of command. There is, again, some backstory that relates to his own family, which is embedded into the larger narrative and allows the reader to better understand him, if only for a time. Rachel Getty has her own role to play in the story, torn between trying to see things from a perspective not her own while wrestling with emotions as they relate to a man who is not even formally in her romantic sphere. Series readers will have seen hints throughout but it is all coming to a head, forcing Getty to decide which path to take. There are countless others who find themselves a part of this book. Each character brings something to the narrative and helps to shape the messaging that Khan wishes to portray. I have come to see that she uses her characters with a real intention and does not drop a subplot or individual into the narrative for no reason. It is the attentive reader who can extract the needed information and add it to the story being told. This enrichment makes the reader all the more aware of what is going on and helps to push along the intended message. While the Syrian situation has been going on for a while, it was only after reading this book that I had a better understanding of how things have been going. Refugees come from all parts of the world, but it is more than just opening the border as a compassionate nation. There are politics around refugees and migrants that surpass safety of those in need. These decisions are surely quite difficult and somewhat precarious, forcing politicians to think of a number of interests before making a decision. Khan definitely knows how to fuel the fire with this book (and her others), making it a wonderful choice for a reading group not hesitant to have clashing opinions.

Kudos, Madam Khan, for making me think. I need that when reading, even as I sit here on vacation.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Ice Cold Heart (Monkeewrench #10), by P.J. Tracy

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, P.J. Tracy, and Crooked Lane for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

In the latest instalment of the Monkeewrench series, P.J. Tracy shows an ability to lure readers in from the start and hold their attention throughout. During a severe cold snap in Minneapolis. Homicide detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth find themselves seeking anything to spice up their work lives. When a woman, reported missing by her husband, turns up dead, things take an interesting turn. The body was obviously tortured, its head wrapped in tape and some investigating proves she was killed meeting someone off a BDSM site. Magozzi and Rolseth are sure they have a twisted individual on their hands, though there is little to offer a concrete list of suspects. Meanwhile, the Monkeewrench crew have been contracted to work on a cryptocurrency scam that has siphoned millions of dollars (both actual and digital) from individuals. Baffled as to how to track down this specific criminal, the group look to unique approaches and find a few leads that end up blurring lines with the MPD murder investigation. How these two cases, as well as an ICE hunt for a former Baltic war criminal, meld together is only the beginning. While the mercury dips lower outside, the case has the ability to heat things up quite effectively. There is little hope for calm while the killer lurks somewhere and waits to strike again. A well-plotted tenth novel in the series that will have those who have followed along throughout wanting more, as well as the reader who enjoys a fast-paced police procedurals set outside the typical American locale.

My attention was turned to this series last summer when I binged the entire collection. I was hooked from the outset and devoured many of the books along the way, learning much about the characters while being highly entertained. Tracy shows a strong ability to writer effectively, yet does not lose her reader with too many facts. One could make the argument that Leo Magozzi is a protagonist in this piece, but I felt strongly that there was a general equality to the characters and therefore, no one stole the limelight. Working a variety of cases in unique fashions, the Homicide team of the MPD and the Monkeewrench crew balanced the story out effectively. There was surely some character development, which will help series fans get more out of the story, but it was peppered throughout the narrative, rather than embedded in a single section. With short chapters, Tracy pulls the reader into the middle of the case and forces them to read ‘just a little more’ before agreeing to stop, albeit reluctantly. The plot was decent and varied nicely, bringing different cases together nicely in unexpected ways. I was pleased to see that things are going well for Tracy, whose mom-daughter team faced a tragic loss a few years ago. The quality is strong and I am happy to see things are still coming together. This is a series worth the attention of the reader who wants something light and easy to digest.

Kudos, Madam Tracy, for another great piece. You know how to tap into the best parts of mystery/criminal writing and I am always pleased to see when you have something new to offer your fans.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Death in Sarajevo (Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak #3.5), by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Eight stars

With three successful novels in the series, Ausma Zehanat Khan takes her Canadian police procedural on a slightly different path with this short story. As the piece opens, some of the fallout from past cases has made its way up to the Parliament of Canada, with an inquiry into the actions undertaken by Inspector Esa Khattak. In what appears to be an attempted whitewashing by the committee chair, Khattak is forced to deflect the blame and ensure it is clear that the Ministry of Justice authorised his actions. Supported by his partner, Rachel Getty, Khattak seeks not to be the sacrificial lamb in an attempt to erase Community Policing from its perch within the larger police family. After a stunning revelation, Khattak is free to leave and sets his sights on Sarajevo, where a long-ago friend seeks his help. Amira Sarac was said to have died during the war in Bosnia, but there are some loose ends that lead some to believe that she may have worked with the Bluebird Brigade—comprised of female soldiers—for longer than first thought. Peeling back what little is known about Sarac’s final mission, Khattak is able to locate not only her final resting place, but also some interesting tidbits about her past. While nothing will bring Amira Sarac back to those who love her, there’s a chance that her memory will live on for many years. An interesting short story that will surely be of interest to those who have followed the series to date, though there are few major revelations to be found here. Recommended to those who enjoy the Khattak-Getty novels, as well as the reader who likes a quick read to fill a gap.

While Khan has used her three previous novels to tackle major issues with Canada’s acceptance of the Muslim community, this piece is a break from that intensity. Khan offers up the first portion to tie off some threads that have been dangling for a while, including how Khattak will do when faced with some of the revelations related to his actions. While that alone could have made for a great short story, adding the Sarajevo subplot not only lengthened the piece, but gave it some heartfelt depth. Khattak remains his usual self, determined to tell the truth and not allow anyone to derail what he knows to be true. His passion for others shines through, even when some would see him vilified for his actions. Rachel Getty takes a backseat, but it is apparent that her passion to see Khattak receive the accolades he deserves surely strengthens the relationship she has with her superior. The reader is also permitted another small glimpse into her personal life, when her father makes an appearance at the hearings. The story flew by and proved to be as entertaining as it was compact. While I would recommend reading the series from the beginning, this one could be tried as a standalone to get a handle on the writing, characters, and the larger themes that Khan wishes to put forward in her books. I am eager to get back to the novels, to see what else Khattak and Getty come across as they try to help those in need within Canada’s minority community.

Kudos, Madam Khan, for another great piece. I needed this short story to help me reset my mind, but am ready to dive right in to see what else you have in store for series fans.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Among the Ruins (Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak #3), by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Nine stars

My ongoing exploration of the Canadian police procedural series by Ausma Zehanat Khan took an interesting turn with this novel. Building off some of the series momentum and likely some ideas Khan wanted to put into action, the story shifts away from Canada and into a more complex world where democracy is anything but presumed. After being cleared of any wrongdoing during a recent inquiry, Esa Khattak is taking leave from the Community Policing Unit, if only to reset himself. His choice is to venture into Iran and explore some of its beauty and his cultural roots. While playing tourist, Khattak is approached by a Canadian official, asking that he take some time to explore the death of Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Zehra Sobhani. Known for her controversial films about the authoritarian regime in Iran, Sobhani was killed inside one of the country’s most notorious prisons. Khattak begins trying to piece together the narrative without tipping his hand and letting the regime know what he is trying to accomplish. Khattak has inquisitive questions that will garner needed answers, especially for the family back home, but it also leaves him on the radar of some in positions of power with Iran, where one false move could cost more than a visa suspension. Liaising with his partner, Rachel Getty, back in Canada, Khattak begins to understand a little more about Sobhani and her political views. It becomes apparent that Sobhani has quite the interest in the time when Iran accepted the Shah, whose attempts at democratic renewal fell flat when power intoxicated him. However, the push towards democracy in Iran has returned with the Green Birds, though the regime is eager to repress anything that might lessen its power. The rationale for Sobhani’s murder may be less obvious than first expected, though it will take all that Khattak and Getty can handle to reveal truths buried or ignored in a country where the rules change on a daily basis. Stunning in its delivery, Khan does not disappoint with this third novel in the series, touching on issues that reverberate as much today as when it was written. Recommended for series fans and those readers who are eager to explore authoritarian regimes and their attempts to suppress democratic transparency.

This series has grown on me in short order, touching not only on Canadian police work, but the less understood side of the Islamic world. Khan has chosen to take a look at political expression and suppression inside an authoritarian regime, where dissidents are treated worse that any other criminal. With subplots that touch on a number of key points, Khan forces the reader to think outside the box as they devour this novel. Esa Khattak’s arrival in Iran adds an interesting flavour to the story not seen before now. While Khattak seeks to return to some of his cultural roots, he is thrust into the middle of an active investigation. Still reeling from some of the treatment he faced within the Canadian policing community, Khattak cannot help but notice he is needed, even halfway around the world. His exploration of Zehra Sobhani‘s life and how she agitated her country of birth proves to be of great interest and provides a wonderful contrast with the expectations many readers would expect. Rachel Getty spends most of her time in Canada, exploring the local roots to Sobhani’s larger narrative. She is able to grow by exploring these central tenets and comes to have a better understanding of Islam and its political nuances, particularly when compared to Canada. There are a slew of other characters, including those within Iran’s Revolutionary regime, all of whom illustrate the wonders of these contrasting ways of life. With a subplot focussed on the torture of political prisoners, the story takes on a much darker perspective and provides some interesting approaches to policing in foreign countries. With a narrative that flows well and takes the reader on many interesting journeys, Khan shows just how adept she is at telling a story. Her views are substantiated with ‘pulled from the headlines’ moments and a great deal of history, some of which is explained to the curious reader. While Iran faces many issues in present geo-political realms, there was a time that it had strong democratic views and worked quite effectively on the world scene. Strongly reactionary to suppression, the people of Iran have seen much change over the years and Khan is keen to illustrate this, while making it clear that democracy has never been entirely silenced. Another must-read for those who want to explore other sides of the Islamic world with a Canadian twist.

Kudos, Madam Khan, for another great story. I was pulled in from the opening pages and could not stop reading. I love that I can be entertained and educated in equal measure with such ease.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Sixth Wicked Child (4MK Thriller #3), by J.D. Barker

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, J.D. Barker, and Hampton Creek Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

As the riveting 4MK trilogy comes to an end, J.D. Barker offers the most explosive novel to date. Chilling in its delivery and full of unexpected twists, fans of the series should brace themselves as all the pieces finally come together. As the 4MK cases continues to gain momentum, the obvious suspect remains Anson Bishop, who turns himself in to the authorities. However, there are more victims that keep emerging, a single message binding them all together in his sick and twisted web. While this would seem to be a slam-dunk case, the fact that the bodies appear almost simultaneously on opposite sides of the country is an issue, denoting that this could not be the work of a single man. While minds stir about this, a hospital becomes the scene of a lockdown, as a virus makes its way through the air and chooses even more victims to add to the horror. While trying to shed some light on the entire situation, Chicago PD and FBI investigators listen to Bishop tell a complex story from his past, one that could reveal more about the real killer than first suspected. All comes to light in a set of diary entries, which could prove to be the best piece of evidence on offer. If he is to be believed, Bishop can finger a rogue cop as the real killer and the one with the greatest motive to shut the investigation down. Trouble is, everything is marred in a fog and what is on paper seems too outrageous to accept. Truths will be revealed and a killer’s identity shall be unmasked, but it may be too much for some to accept as they attempt to wrap their minds around what’s gone undetected and how many other lives have been cut short. A troubling novel, though one that fits right into the series and allows Barker to show just how sadistic things can get with a serial killer, given the opportunity. Recommended to series fans and those who want out of their comfort zone.

The concept for this series caught my attention when it was released and I knew I would have to find the time to add this to my ever-growing list of books to read. From the outset, the story pulled me in and kept me wanting to know more, especially since the serial killer stood out as being highly unique in their actions and the thrill of the chase. Returning as a quasi-protagonist again, Sam Porter offers the reader some insight into his personality and desire to get this killer off the streets. While there is no time for backstory, the reader does learn some interesting aspects about his life as well as how he is seen by his colleagues. Porter has little time for banter, wanting to get to the root of the matter, but fearful of tripping up and costing the investigation its best lead. He will have to remain level-headed and stay the course, or risk it all. Anson Bishop remains the other character to share the spotlight, though Barker seems to want to share the glory all around. Depicted as the mastermind killer, Bishop has a lot to say and won’t let himself face all the blame without opening up one more can of worms. What he reveals is both troubling and shocking, proof that may turn the case on its head, should anyone want to listen. In a story packed with interesting characters, Barker leaves no stone unturned in an attempt to flesh-out the truth, chilling the reader as the plunge deeper. The story remained strong throughout, climbing in its intensity through short chapters that tease just enough to keep the reader wanting to know more. I love this technique, as I find myself devouring things without being able to stop, promising myself and those around me that “one more chapter” will do. Matched with that, use of a diary to tell a captivating backstory leaves nothing to the imagination. In. trilogy set over six days, any reader wishing to binge the series can do so and feel the full impact of the story, allowing Barker to take over control and leave the reader at his mercy. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and the series, which brings together some great writing, strong narrative guidance, and a plot that has more twists than it does answers. Not to be missed, for those who have the stomach for the adventure.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, on another great book. I have loved everything of yours to date and cannot wait to discover more.A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Blackened Heart (Six Tudor Queens #1.5), by Alison Weir

Eight stars

Alison Weir has set about on a new venture, a series about the six wives of Henry VIII. Weir has chosen to add further depth to the series by intersperse the novels with short stories that bridge them better together. This piece introduces the reader to Margery Orwell, an energetic young girl who was sent to work for Sir John and Lady Peche. There, Margery learns how to serve and act as a lady while honing her skills about being around those of importance. While in the employ of the Peches, she finds herself interacting with young men: dancing, carrying on, and finally in a tryst that sees her with child. After Sir Peche helps her with the predicament, Margery is sent to court with a recommendation to serve Queen Katherine. There, Margery discovers that the Tudor Court is like nothing she has ever seen, especially with the philandering Henry VIII roaming around. When Katherine learns that the King wishes to annul their marriage, she refuses to accept it, which also goes for her retinue of ladies-in-waiting. Margery stands by her Queen, even as Katherine is banished to a rural dwelling. Staying with Katherine through it all, Margery makes a shocking discovery one day in the market. As she returns to spend time with Katherine, Margery is able to stand tall, knowing that she has made the right choice when it comes to the politics of Tudor marriages, even if many at Court refuse to admit the same. Another wonderful short story by Alison Weir that depicts some of the lesser-known characters in the larger Tudor saga. Recommended for those who love all things Tudor, especially fans of Alison Weir’s detailed historical fiction work.

I have long had a passion for the writing style Alison Weir uses, especially as she pens pieces about the Tudors. While many may know of these six wives Henry VIII took, there are those characters who stood in the shadows, while still being highly important. Margery Otwell was one, with a passion to learn balanced with the inevitable curiosity of teenage womanhood. Even as Margery finds herself in a bind, she refuses to give up and is able to ascend to the Tudor Court and in a position to serve Queen Katherine. Many of the others who find themselves on the pages of this short story influence the narrative and add flavour to an already strong piece. The curious reader will find much of interest within this story, weaving together interesting bits of Tudor history, though Weir remains coy about just how much is fact over fiction. With an easy to comprehend storytelling ability, Alison Weir is a delightful author for those seeking to wade into all things Tudor. This series has begun with a strong foundation and is sure to remain riveting, based on the many other books I have read that bear the author’s name. Bring on the queens (and more of these short stories that link them)!

Kudos, Madam Weir, for another wonderful story that connects two of the strongest wives of Henry VIII. I can only imagine there is a great deal more to come with future publications.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Language of Secrets (Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak #2), by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Nine stars

Continuing with Ausma Zehanat Khan’s Canadian police procedural series, I remain enthralled with the themes and topics that come to the forefront in a single novel. It has forced me to take a harder look at myself as what is soon becoming the ‘invisible minority’ in my country of birth, while also requiring that I step back and explore some of the general sentiments that pieces of mass fiction I have read make regularly. Not only does Khan pack a punch with her story, but she challenges the reader to pay attention to how we might ‘Keep Canada Great’, while our geographic neighbours are dragged into the proverbial political cave and clubbed over the head with xenophobia and scare tactics. Canada’s Community Policing Section remains an integral part of keeping the peace in the country, overseen by INSET, the premier security team. After the fallout of a recent high-profile case, Esa Khattak’s leadership sits on shaky ground, but he is sent to investigate another case with significant implications. INSET has been watching a terror cell within a Toronto mosque and has gone so far as to plant an informant, Moshin Dar, in hopes of cracking a New Year’s Day attack that seems to be gaining momentum. When Dar is shot in the wilderness while out with a number of cell members, many wonder if his cover has been blown. Khattak has a hard time with this, as Dar was a long-time friend of his. Sure that the publicity to which he has been subjected will make the investigation more difficult, Khattak takes the ‘policing’ role and investigates the crime, while he sends his partner, Rachel Getty, in to investigate as a wayward young woman seeking direction. As Khattak seeks to make headway on the investigation, he must face his past and some of the tangled roots of his own family tree. With some loose information that Dar was able to leak to his handlers, Khattak is a little closer to determining what is being planned in the coming weeks. But, there are those who remain leery of this Muslim police officer who appears to be siding with the established enemy. Meanwhile, Getty is trying to piece together the life Dar had within the cell and the mosque as well, but faces much judgment and her queries rub some the wrong way. There is little time, forcing both Khattak and Getty to up the pressure, worried that one misstep could cost countless lives, including their own. Another powerful novel that explores many issues about the view many (Canadians) have of the Islamic religion and generalizations about their beliefs and supports. Khan is both subtle and forthright in her criticism of the country she once called home, though one can imagine that her views do not stop at any geographic border. Highly recommended for those who loved Khan’s series debut, as well as the reader who enjoys the exploration of the religious and political clashes between Western democracies and the larger Muslim community.

Finding this series can entirely be attributed to a morning scan of Goodreads. Thereafter, I had to locate Ausma Zehanat Khan’s work without delay. After a debut that left me stunned, I had to keep reading to determine how things would progress with Khan’s unique perspective. She has chosen to take a look at Canadian multiculturalism and peels back the neutral nature the country has received. Khan mixes the narrative up with some frank discussion of the Muslim population and how they are viewed from the outside, as well as within the larger community. Here, Khan pushes a terror cell theme and explores it from a variety of perspectives, all of which enrich the reader’s experience. Khan again uses her two protagonists—Khattak and Getty—who come from completely different backgrounds, but connect well on a number of levels. Esa Khattak’s active practice of Islam helps him to empathize well in this novel, though his connection to the victim poses numerous hurdles. Khan also injects the plight of a community who feels he has turned against them, and a family that is anything but easy to handle. The reader learns a little more about Khattak’s backstory and his wife who has died, though there is much that is left undiscovered up to this point. As the story progresses, Khattak must face a number of roadblocks in order to get to the truth, both of the case and his own life. Rachel Getty’s perspective on things is quite intriguing and might be more in line with much of what the young Canadian feels today. Khan has done a wonderful job to instil some of the preconceptions made in living the life of a Caucasian in Toronto, but also allows for a view of a young person challenging themselves and all they hold dear. Using Getty in a ‘plant’ role within the mosque was a great way for Khan to bridge the divide, as well as provide the reader with some non-judgmental insights into the blinders many wear. Getty struggles at times, but is always trying to make connections, fully aware that her own personal life with a brother who was ‘off the grid’ for a long time matches some of the isolation that others within the cell felt before ‘finding their niche’. There are a handful of other characters who add great layers to the story, particularly the Islamic sentiment in a Judeo-Christian country that espouses openness and multiculturalism. Canada finds itself in an odd spot, with the Americans breathing down their proverbial neck. The narrative was amazing and challenged me throughout, forcing me to stop allowing my notions to cloud my reading experience. I was drawn to the story from the opening pages and accepted Khan’s perspective not to vilify the Islamic elements, which also not painting them as angelic. There were many twists and turns throughout, but the themes of the story were not lost on me. I could easily see what Khan was trying to do and accept the perspective she offered. While many may say they ‘know enough’, I would challenge the curious reader to try going into the experience with as open a mind and clean a slate as possible. It will provide a language of understanding, rather than secrets ill-advised perspectives that are shaped by xenophobia that is constructed on fear-mongering.

Kudos, Madam Khan, for such a riveting tale to open this series. I cannot wait to see what themes return and which new perspectives you have to offer in the second novel.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Puppet Show (Washington Poe #1), by M.W. Craven

Nine stars

Seeking a high-impact thriller, I was told to explore M.W. Craven’s new series, involving a rogue police detective with a penchant for finding the truth in all crimes. I am pleased that I did, for this series debut left me astounded and wanting to learn a little more about DS Washington Poe. The burning of a number of bodies would have been enough to alert the National Crime Agency (NCA) to a problem, but when one victim had the name of former Detective Inspector Washington Poe etched into the torso, the higher-ups knew they’d have to seek some assistance. Poe, on suspension for a major gaffe, is hesitant to assist, though his help with this serial killer is essential. Reinstated with a number of limitations, including a demotion to Detective Sergeant, Poe is put on the case and makes his way back up to Cumbria, where he cut his teeth on police work. Not only has the killer—dubbed Immolation Man—set fire to his male victims, but he has also castrated them and left them to burn in stone circles. Utilising a socially inept analyst, Poe and the rest of the team travel to the region and try tracing any connection between the victims. It is slow going, but certain clues point to events decades in the past. Might the Immolation Man have been plotting for all this time, seeking certain men who are pillars of the community? As Poe pushes, he irks many of those in the chain of command, earning him repeated scoldings, though he is more focussed on the case than any social niceties. When a connection does emerge, it opens a new and equally sadistic narrative that could turn the case on its head. How does Washington Poe play into all of this and will the killer strike again, before the authorities can intercept him and stop the burnings? Craven stuns readers with this compact thriller that refuses to slow down until the final page turn. Recommended for those who enjoy a detailed thriller and readers who need more than light and airy when reading a police procedural.

While I had not read anything by M.W. Craven before, I will certainly change that in the coming months. Craven not only presents a wonderful story, but puts the reader in the middle of things, enveloping them in the darker sides of procedurals and making the narrative seem all the more detailed. Washington Poe is by no means a lighthearted character, though his grit and determination is offset by a desire to be sociable. He knows what needs doing and, at times and can extract all the information he needs by currying favour with those around him, though he is not against ignoring direct orders when it suits him. Poe may not have a significant backstory outside of work, but his dedication to the job and compassion for victims and their families is noted throughout the book. Craven does add an interesting explanation about the source of Poe’s name, which the attentive reader will discover. The other members of the National Crime Agency prove able to complement Poe and contrast nicely with all he does. The various personalities work well to keep the reader involved, without feeling that all work in unison in crime fighting. I can only hope at least a few characters return for Craven’s sequel in this series, as I do want to learn more about them and how they function as a ragtag group. The story was stellar, with strong plot lines and well-established characters to keep the reader interested. Layering criminal acts and retribution throughout the novel allows the reader to see a slow release of information that keeps the story from going stale at any point. I lost myself in the detail and found in all-encompassing at times, which left me wanting more. Thankfully, there is another novel in the series to keep me company, as I want nothing more than to dive right in and see what else Washington Poe has in store for the reader.

Kudos, Mr. Craven, for this strong debut. I will be rushing to get my hands on the second book and eagerly awaiting the third, due in 2020.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Nothing Ventured (William Warwick #1), by Jeffrey Archer

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jeffrey Archer, and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Having loved Jeffrey Archer’s Clifton Chronicles, I was pleased to see this new series that will have my fellow fans just as excited. Those who remember Harry Clifton and his prodigious career as a writer will remember the William Warwick novels that were the author’s bread and butter. Archer has decided to shed some light on these, writing a series of novels about the man who climbed the ranks of the police service. In this series debut, William has decided not to follow in his father’s footsteps and refuses to read law. Instead, he chooses the path of art history before enrolling in the police academy. After passing his entrance exams, Warwick is sent to the beat, where he garners some much needed experience under the tutelage of a seasoned copper. When given the chance to write the detective’s exam, he soars through the experience and is soon assigned to Art and Antiquities, using his attention to detail and past academic experiences. Warwick has much to learn, but is also tossed out to juggle a number of cases, all of which take him in different directions and has him meeting book forgers, currency schemers, and even traffickers in stolen artwork. While not entirely won over by his son’s choices, Sir Julian Warwick QC can see the benefits to Warwick’s choices and works with him on a side project. It would seem the woman who has caught young DC William Warwick’s eye has a secret she has tried to keep her herself. However, as Warwick grows fonder of Beth Rainsford, he cannot fight the urge to unravel yet another mystery. A brilliant launching pad to what I hope will be a sensational series, Archer does not disappoint readers with this piece. Highly recommended to those who love Lord Archer’s writing style, as well as readers who like a light and fast-paced police procedural series with artistic flavourings.

In my long reading career, I can say that I have long loved every opportunity that I have had to curl up with a Jeffrey Archer novel. His ability to keep the story simple and yet enthralling is second to none, while also developing strong characters and a plot that keeps the reader wanting more. As I mentioned above, this is an interesting project, one in which Archer almost assumes the role of Harry Clifton in crafting these stories that appeared throughout the Clifton Chronicles. William Warwick serves as a wonderful protagonist whose early rise as an officer of the law is documented here. From his passion for police work on the beat through to his intuition and ability to find clues where others fail, Warwick is both in tune with his surroundings and a character worthy of the reader’s attention. The novel portrays both his personal and professional sides, injecting the needed passion in each to develop a well-rounded individual who enriches the larger story. There are many threads left dangling, which Archer will hopefully tie-off or add to in the subsequent novels of the series. Others enrich the story and the plot lines, complementing Warwick where possible, but also developing sub-plots that could emerge in future novels. The story was strong and introduced the reader to this most formidable character. While some may worry that there is a need to know the Clifton Chronicles to read this piece, the Warwick novels are independent of the previous series, though I am sure devout fans of Clifton will see tie-ins when Harry mentioned the novels throughout his time as a protagonist in Archer’s earlier work. A mix of short and longer chapters, as well as Archer’s use of themes from past novels—art, policing, court proceedings—allow this series debut to be one that is sure to garner much discussion and anticipation between novels. I, for one, cannot wait to see how William Warwick will rise through the ranks to the pinnacle of his career.

Kudos, Lord Archer, for this great start. As you mentioned in the author’s note, I can only hope you will survive the entire journey as you dazzle your countless fans.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Unquiet Dead (Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak #1), by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Nine stars

In this series debut by Ausma Zehanat Khan, the reader faces some of the most traumatic storytelling imaginable of a set of recent historical events, offset by a Canadian police procedural that does not wane at any point. Khan writes with a passion and develops a powerful piece that is as much about Canadian society as many other locations around the world. One part of the Toronto Police Service is the Community Relations branch, responsible for working with and solving crimes within the city’s numerous minority groups. Its elite team is Pakistani-born Esa Khattak and city local Rachel Getty. Khattak, well-versed in policing, has experience dealing with the minority community, which is enriched by being a practicing Muslim. He is able to educate Getty, while also allowing her to flourish on her own, as she has grown up in Toronto and see it change over the years. Word comes that Khattak and Getty are to attend the home of Christopher Drayton, who is said to have fallen off a cliff outside his home. An apparent suicide, neither Khattak nor Getty can surmise what brings them here, particularly since Drayton is no minority and the fall seems quite straightforward. Adding to the mystery, there are a number of letters in Drayton’s safe, which have been handed over by his somewhat flighty fiancée. Each piece of correspondence is quite abrasive and the writer seems keen to express violent tendencies, forcing Khattak and Getty to wonder if there is more to the life of Drayton than meets the eye. Further investigating leads to some troubling leads, as well as a handful of potential suspects, each with their own views on Drayton. While Khattak and Getty both face personal adversity throughout the novel, they come to realise that the victim may have a life known to few and a past full of deception. Getting to the heart of the matter, Khattak cannot help but challenge his superiors to better understand why this case was tossed in his lap. It is only then that the full impact of things is realized and the case spirals to new and nefarious levels, while echoing at the highest levels of the Canadian Government. A brilliant series debut, which allows me to see why it received the accolades it did. Highly recommended to the reader who can handle heart-wrenching topics enveloped in a police investigation, as well as those who love procedural novels with a Canadian flavouring.

It was a morning scan of Goodreads that brought Ausma Zehanat Khan to my attention and left me scrambling to get my hands on this series. This debut opens with an interesting spin and the focus of crime in Toronto left me wondering if it would be another ‘all praise Canada’s self-proclaimed best city’ or something I could recommend to others. Khan takes Canadian multiculturalism and mixes it with the subjugation of minorities in such a way that the reader cannot help but want to learn more. The two protagonists come from completely different backgrounds, but mesh together so well. Esa Khattak is a Muslim who has a great deal of police experience and had witnessed minority disenfranchisement first hand. His desire to set things right is only part of his impetus for being on the Community Relations team, though he is happy to educate his much younger partner about the ways of the world for those not so well-off. He struggles with his faith, his personal beliefs, and his need for facts throughout this novel, though is far from rigid in his views on all subjects. Rachel Getty’s life has been anything but easy, though it differs greatly from that of her partner. Getty has seen much in her young life, particularly with an abusive father who tried to pigeonhole her in a certain way and a brother who’s gone missing after finding solace in drugs. Getty seeks to learn from Khattak but also brings her own perspective to events, such that she can be teacher as well as pupil. She tries to come to her assigned tasks with an open mind in a city (and country) that remains fixated on the Anglo-Saxon way of living. There are a handful of other characters whose depiction adds layers to the story that I cannot put properly into words. I will hold back, so as not to spoil some of the narrative that weaves its way through the well-established chapters, but the reader should pay particular attention to those who do not seek the limelight and listen to the story they have to tell. The narrative was amazing and I was drawn to the story from the opening pages. Twists and turns throughout, as well as detailed descriptions of events that many could not even fathom fill the pages of this book. Some will run away and call ‘not for me, too violent’, though it is something that cannot be hidden and no reader should ostrich themselves. The uncomfortable is the only way that Khan can truly tell the tale of of the unquiet dead. Those who listen are better off for it, in my humble, Canadian opinion.

Kudos, Madam Khan, for such a riveting tale to open this series. I cannot wait to see what themes return and which new perspectives you have to offer in the second novel.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Landfall, by Thomas Mallon

Nine stars

The subject matter of Thomas Mallon’s most recent novel is both captivating and poignant, much like the others I have read over the years. Using a political era as a backdrop, Mallon injects his own fictional story to pull the entire time period together. During the 1978 congressional campaign of a young George Bush, teenagers Allison O’Connor and Ross Weatherall meet at the candidate’s “Bush Bash”, which ends up as an indelible mark on the family and helps to sink the young man’s campaign. Fast-forward to January 2005, it is now President Bush, who is about to deliver his second inaugural address. Full of hope for a newly democratized Iraq, Bush delivers a speech that he hopes will bring the country together and show that America remains a leader in democratic development. Bush’s coterie of senior officials include a Defence Secretary—Rumsfeld—who floods the air with memos and his twist on events. and a newly shuffled Secretary of State—Rice— with innovative ideas to ensure Iraq and much of the rest of America’s interests are not drowned out by protestors. Though, nothing can top the apathetic vice-president—Cheney—who seems to be there, but not. The Bush Administration is working on all they can, spinning and shaping how America and the world will judge them in the years to come. Allison O’Connor returns to the narrative with a place within the National Security Agency (NSA) on Rumsfeld’s recommendation and uses her military background to help shape the future of a democratic Iraq that is months away from a referendum on its new constitution and eventual parliamentary elections. Ross Weatherall reappears after being appointed to sit on the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, which has him quite busy, both in Washington and down in Louisiana. During a chance encounter, O’Connor and Weatherall remember that time they spent together and forge a new connection. During a trip to New Orleans, both come to terms with their relationship as weather off the coast is bringing Hurricane Katrina towards land. Separated and panicking, both O’Connor and Weatherall do all they can to survive, knowing that their roles in the Bush Administration will change drastically, as will the connection they share. With reaction to Katrina slower than might have been hoped, Bush and his closest advisors seek to distract with news about Iraq and how they can spread democracy around the world. Full of narratives that give the reader the feeling of actual events, Mallon paints an interesting picture of situations during this compacted time using a number of highly recognisable figures. Recommended to those who love recent historical fiction, as well as the reader who likes politics in all its machinations.

I have enjoyed a few novels by Thomas Mallon, all of which bring the story to life and resurrect some interesting historical happenings. He is able to breathe life into events like no other, offering a smooth connection with events and the fictional narrative he wishes to add. While Allison O’Connor and Ross Weatherall remain the recurring protagonists on the fictional side of the coin, there are many who play a central role throughout this piece, too many to list here. Mallon develops all his characters together effectively and tells stories not only with their words, but the actions and interactions they have with one another. In a story whose title led me to believe this would be about the Bush Administration foibles in New Orleans, the story is more about the democratic containment of Iraq and how America made landfall in this newly ‘released’ country and how setting about morals and political systems were seen by some as political liberation and others as neo-colonialism. Mallon does a brilliant job of blurring fact and fiction, taking liberties throughout by using characters and situations that suit his needs. The narrative flows so smoothly and the vignettes are wonderfully chosen to prove a larger point, while not entirely vilifying anyone. The underlying plot involving O’Connor and Weatherall is not lost on the reader, though it is a thread that is intertwined with so many others that it does not stick out. With a mix of chapter lengths, the reader will surely lose themselves and want to devour the book, even if they know the gist of the historical pathways being explored.

Kudos, Mr. Mallon, for another brilliant piece. I cannot wait to read more of your work, which always keeps me on the edge of my seat.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Ghost Fire (Courtney #17), by Wilbur Smith and Tom Harper

Seven stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Wilbur Smith, Tom Harper, and Bonnier Zaffre USA for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Having long been a fan of the Courtney series, I was pleased to see Wilbur Smith back with the seventeenth instalment. Working alongside Tom Harper, they trim back the family tree—or at least seek different branches—with another of the flashback novels that explores an earlier group of the popular family. Set in mid-18th century India, Theo and Connie Courtney have grown up as British subjects in the East India Company. When fighting breaks out, a proxy theatre of the Thirty Years War, Theo and Connie are left to fend for themselves after their parents perish. After Theo and Connie have a falling out, the former joins the fight to quell the local uprising, while Connie finds herself captured and detained. Theo’s friendships on the battlefield to keep Calcutta from falling lead him to make a promise to one of his comrades. When the dust settles and presuming that Connie is among the dead, Theo sails for the Thirteen Colonies, where he delivers news of a man’s death. With nowhere else to go, Theo connects with the locals and begins a new round of trials and tribulations. Meanwhile, Connie is well and saved from her Indian prison by a soldier who wishes to take her to France. However, her keen eye and attention to detail works well for Connie, who sets foot on French soil with a story of being a widow. She injects herself into French society as best she can, while Theo is across the world, also brushing shoulders with the French, though for completely different reasons. As Courtneys, they have gumption and while they may not admit it, there is a fire within them to survive, no matter what is put before them. In a tale of blood, fighting, and perseverance, Smith and Harper use this interesting flashback novel to bring their point home In this series that has seen much ebb and flow throughout its development, this one remains relatively strong. Fans of the series may enjoy this one, though it is sometimes hard to become enthralled with an era that differs greatly from the original series.

I have long enjoyed the work of Wilbur Smith, though this is the only series of his I have read (save, the intertwined Ballantynes). His attention to detail and wonderful characters are second to none and they fly off the page, enticing the reader to learn more about them, no matter the time period covered. In this piece, Smith and Harper develop both separate and intertwined narratives for the two protagonists. Theo Courtney is full of the energy of his ancestors and descendants, wanting to fight for what he feels is right. His split from his sister is partially pig-headedness and partially passion clouded in anger. As the narrative progresses, the reader can see how Theo uses all that is before him to make the most of the experience, though he is prone to finding trouble. By contrast, Connie seems happy to let life lead the way, though she is by no means a helpless damsel. Her independence is muted by the time, though she remains cunning and finds ways to get what she wants, through both her mind and with her own looks. Many of the other characters offer interesting perspectives throughout the novel, complementing the protagonists throughout. While this era is not one that I enjoy in this series, I must applaud Smith and Harper for keeping things interesting and on point. I struggled at times with the narrative, though was able to pick-up on the poignant parts that kept the narrative moving forward. Rich with history and told in numerous locales, the story rises above some of the other books in the series to keep the reader curious until the final pages.

Kudos, Messrs. Smith and Harper, for a decent addition to the series. It may be that the era is not of interest to me, but I can surely see a great deal of potential within the pages of this novel.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Hallows, by Victor Methos

Eight stars

New authors always arouse such intrigue for me, particularly when they write well in a genre I enjoy. Victor Methos is one such author and this legal thriller was not only captivating, but it flowed well and kept me attune to the story until the final page turn. Living the high life in Miami, Tatum Graham has it all, including a long list of clients seeking a criminal defence attorney who is ready to do whatever it takes to win. While Graham has that gumption, something seems to be eating away at him, so much so that he flees the area after a win and never looks back. His destination? The small Utah community he called home as a child, which has been collecting dust for close to two decades. When he pulls into town, much is the same, but there are some significant differences, including the woman he was dating before he left in the dead of night. With the town rocked by its first murder in a decade, Graham is convinced to lend a hand and serves as a consulting prosecutor for the fledgling county attorney’s office, who are left trying to build a murder case against two young men, one of whom is connected with more money than can be reflected on a balance sheet. Working with a few young attorneys, Graham does all he can to bring justice for the 17 year-old victim, whose personal life is anything but pristine. Still, all victims deserve a voice, even if the evidence against the suspects is flimsy. Working with less than ideal circumstances and under pressure, Graham must develop a case and have it heard in this small town, where all eyes are watching him, literally. Methos does a wonderful job to paint a captivating picture of the case at hand, as well as central characters who resonate with the reader. Recommended to those who like swift legal thrillers, as well as the reader who enjoys something that wastes little time during the reading experience.

It was a banner on Goodreads that led me to find this book, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed, Methos works well within the confines of the writing experience to bring a story to the reader that is unlikely to be soon forgotten. The Tatum Graham character has all the workings of a strong protagonist, where the glitz and glamour are humbled when he returns to his hometown. Graham has the aura around him to present a strong case and uses those skills for ‘good’, rather than to defend those who have the money to purchase certain perspectives. Throughout, Graham refers to a book he is writing about trial work, something that offers tidbits of insight into legal maneuvers within the courtroom. With a personal connection to the town, one can expect Graham to show his hand and emotional side, which is anything but superficial. With ghosts from his past returning on a daily basis, Graham must face it all, head-on. Other characters show great development, as they shape the story and complement Tatum Graham, particularly those who are still in town and react to his return. Methos uses these relationships to contrast the intensity of the legal story found within the novel and one can only hope that other novels work the same way. There is a great revelation about life as well as the legal side of the story through all these individuals coming together. The story was well-crafted and showed insight throughout, with some central legal arguments as well as loopholes used to develop strong narratives. Victor Methos knows his stuff and presents it well, using characters to deliver on a strong set of arguments that the reader cannot help but want to understand. With a small-town courtroom setting, the story turns on the smallest thing and the outcome is anything but a foregone conclusion. I am eager to see what else Methos has written and how this story fits into the larger picture.

Kudos, Mr. Methos, for a wonderful debut for me. I want to try more of your work and can only hope that there is a commonality in the quality of all your work!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Chestnut Man, by Søren Sveistrup

Nine stars

Scandinavian police procedurals are surely some of my favourite foreign books, as they bring the story to life and do not lose impact when translated into English. Søren Sveistrup does a masterful job at bringing this eerie story to life and leaving just enough out there for the reader to feel a definite chill up the spine. When the body of a woman is discovered outside her home, the Copenhagen Police send their Major Case Team out to investigate. Naia Thulin takes point and has been assigned to work with Mark Hess, a liaison officer who is biding his time before returning to Europol. When Thulin and Hess survey the scene, it is as grizzly as they could imagine, with the woman brutally murdered and her severed hand missing. Not only that, her young son was inside and came upon the body before the authorities were called. A small chestnut man—sold at many roadside kiosks around Denmark—is found at the scene, though it is hard to determine if there is any significance. As Thulin works with a less than enthralled partner, another body appears, this time with both hands removed. Hess seeks to shed some light on the investigation and notices a second chestnut man at the scene. Hess posits about whether the victims are mutilated for a particular reason, deducing that the killer may have more than just a sadistic need to bring about pain. After forensic testing, new evidence on an old case comes to light, one in which the daughter of the Minister of Social Affairs plays a central role. A year ago, young Kristine Hartung went missing and was never found. A man full of perverse tendencies admitted to kidnapping and dismembering her body before scattering the parts all over rural Denmark. However, both chestnut men from the recent crime scenes have Hartung’s fingerprints on them. Could it be that Kristine Hartung is still alive, perhaps being held captive by this sadistic killer? As the bodies pile up, Thulin and Hess are no closer to finding the killer, but may have a lead on how the victims are being chosen. While young children sing of a chestnut man in their primary classrooms, another Chestnut Man lurks out of view, ready to strike and commit horrible crimes for reasons not yet clear. Sveistrup does an amazing job in this drawn-out piece that will keep readers up late into the night to find answers and wonder what lurks in the dark. Highly recommended to those who love psychological thrillers and the reader with an enjoyment for well-crafted Scandinavian thrillers.

It is such a pleasure to discover new authors that sweep you off your feet from their debuts. I have come across a few these past months and cannot speak enough about the wonders of those who have the knack to write with such confidence. Sveistrup does so well in pacing out his thriller with wonderful characters and a plot that cannot be matched. Naia Thulin is an interesting member of Copenhagen’s Major Crime Team, though she is wrestling with many issues in her personal life. A single mother with a less than committed boyfriend, she uses her work to replace much of the loss she has seen. Thulin is dedicated to her job and has a passion for finding the clues that will bring a killer to justice, but cannot help showing her vulnerabilities when she least expects it. The reader can enjoy much of her personality, which evolves with the book, though her grit and determination makes it hard not to like her on some level. Other characters find themselves complementing Thulin, as well as making the most of their place within the larger narrative. The variety of characters boasts numerous sub-plots that the reader must follow to better understand the overall narrative and successfully determine where the killer can be found. With a powerful narrative that is not diluted in translation, Sveistrup pulls the reader in during the opening pages and will not let go throughout the entire piece. Mixing short chapters that tease with longer and move developed ones, Sveistrup takes no prisoners as he sets about to present one of the most chilling novels I have read in a long while. I can only hope there are more to come.

Kudos, Mr. Sveistrup, for making the transition from television to book writing. I can only hope others will find this book as stunning and create a buzz.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Sing, Unburied, Sing, by Jesmyn Ward

Six stars

When presented with this work by Jesmyn Ward, I was not sure what to expect. A reading challenge if ever there was one, which requires the reader to leave their preconceived notions and happy thoughts at the door. The story depicts a black family’s struggle in rural Mississippi over a period of time. There are three main stories here, the first, a living teenage boy—Jojo—who is trying to make sense of his life and how he will grow into a man. He lacks a true father figure, though is grandfather does the best he can. Jojo is mixed-race, forcing him to be scorned by all for his lack of fitting in. Add to that, his white father is incarcerated and his paternal grandfather will have nothing to do with him. Jojo’s mother, Leonie, is a drug-addled mother who is not present, but trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. She is still quite selfish, but must put on a brave face to ensure her children see the best of her. When Leonie packs her children up to take them to the prison, she hopes and prays that Jojo’s father is ready to face the reality of what awaits him. It is here that the reader learns of the third perspective of the story, a long-ago dead teenager’s ghost tells of Mississippi in the past, where people of colour had even fewer rights than today. Together, the story tells of a bleak outlook and one that can only get better with much change in a world that has forgotten the whispered voices. Sobering in its concept, but not what I expected or really felt connecting to me as a reader. Let those who love literature and its associated award-winning authors flock to this one. I’ll let them laud and praise it for the reader still on the fence.

It is always a gamble to read a new author and even more of one when presented with them in a reading challenge. I am always up for something new and interesting, though I cannot admit that I always follow the current of reviewer sentiments. In this piece, I was left feeling as though I wanted more Jesmyn Ward does well and has touched on a number of key issues with present and past America, showing that the country is far from the greatness its current leader espouses. However, the novel, presented through the eyes of three characters, failed to resonate with me. There is a thorough and multi-faceted view of life through the eyes of Jojo, offering his teenage struggles and how rural Mississippi is not an easy place to come of age, but this is interestingly contrasted with the life that Richie lived, another of the narrators, who faced lynchings and other horrible acts in a past full of trouble. Ward pushes a third perspective, Leonie, upon the reader, to show the middle ground of a woman who struggled as a child and found herself on the wrong path in a life full of poor choices and dead-end opportunities. The ideas were great and at times I enjoyed the delivery, but I could not connect with much of anything within the narrative. Surely, some will love it and praise Ward as being worthy of more accolades. For me, I am happy to hand over the shovel and ask that someone bury this experience so as to stop the caterwauling.

Kudos, Madam Ward, for your attempt. You did not win me over, but I hope others see the glimmer of magic I did not.

This book fulfils the August 2019 requirements of Mind the Bookshelf Gap.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons