Crystal Night (The Prometheus Saga)

Crystal Night (The Prometheus Saga) by Charles A. Cornell

A short story set in the time of World War II and Nazi Germany.

A twist of alien science fiction.  Who would think a bartender could be an alien?  Johann is a probe sent here to observe the human species. The secrets some try to hide.

Well written and intense about a brutal time in history, especially for a short story.  You will feel as if you are back in time in Germany.

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Bloody Mary (A Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels Mystery)

Bloody Mary by J. A. Konrath

This is the second in the Jack Daniels mystery series.

Who would think a murder mystery thriller could have humor?  This author does.  Mixing a female cop “Jack”, her partner Herb and a serial killer.  Even though you learn who the killer is before the end, it isn’t about who did it.

Witty and loaded with a cast of characters to keep you turning pages.  Be aware there are some gory descriptions as well, as this is a murder mystery thriller.  Jack’s personal and professional life are quite the read.

On Amazon.com

Lost Lake

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

While Sarah Addison Allen is one of my favorite authors, this one was a little disappointing, but not for any specific reason.  

Kate is in a fog.  Her daughter, who has a personality all her own, is being raised by her grandmother.  Feeling the need to get a grip on her life, Kate decides to take her daughter and travel to a place from her past.  Kate’s great aunt is selling a camp that has been a part of the town for generations.  The townspeople are sad about the pending sale, but understand an elderly woman cannot run a camp by herself.

While her touch of magic is always mixed into her stories with a great cast of characters, it just didn’t seem to be of Sarah’s usual greatness.  It is still a good read with so much to keep your interest turning pages.  The prequel “Waking Kate” is not a necessary read, but it is enjoyable.

On Amazon.com

Lunch with Miss Hepburn: The Last Interview

Lunch with Miss Hepburn: The Last Interview by Simon Worrall

Katherine Hepburn was a truly unique personality.  In her interview, she spoke candidly about Hollywood, New England, Spencer Tracy and other parts of her life.  For her interview, she did not treat Simon with any special airs, she was just herself.

While it is a short book, it was an interesting read.  It would have been nice to read more and some new information.

On Amazon.com

The Secret Affair (Jennifer Morgan #1) - Special Preview: The First Six Chapters

The Secret Affair (Jennifer Morgan #1) - Special Preview: The First Six Chapters by E. Jones

Jennifer and Amber are best friends, and own a struggling advertising agency.

On the way to a new presentation, Jennifer stopped to get their usual coffee.  While waiting in line a handsome gentleman enters to pick up a called in order.  When he is not happy and wants the order redone, the customers waiting in line are not happy.  Jennifer decides to speak her mind.  Only to discover later that same gentleman is who they are having a meeting with to try to win his advertisement.

Typical presentation jitters and nerves do not go over well with Jennifer.  But the head of Blackwood Advertising wants to have dinner with Jennifer to go over the presentation.  A panic attack tells Jennifer not to go, so she calls Amber, who goes instead.

While recovering, her neighbor James comes over to check in on her.  One thing leads to another and they decide to go to dinner together, something Jennifer is very happy with.

These first six chapters leave you wanting to read more.  Do Jennifer and Amber get the ad job?  What happens with Jennifer and James?  What happens with Amber and William?  Only the balance of the book will tell.

On Amazon.com

Shot of Tequila

Shot of Tequila by J. A. Konrath

Sometime you choose a book from the way the cover looks, sometimes it’s the title.  In this case, the title caught my attention.  In addition, the mystery genre added to it.

Mobsters, crime bosses, loan sharks-the type of people you don’t double cross.  Tequila worked for them, collecting monies due.  Super Bowl is always a big pay day.  Who would dare to rob the boss of the biggest take of the year?  The butterfly tattoo on Tequila’s hand would make one think it’s Tequila, but he was somewhere else, or was he?

Detective Jacqueline Daniels, or Jack for short, has caught the case of a robbery gone wrong.  Quite a few dead bodies add to the case.  Work with Jack to determine who did what and why.  Is it Tequila or not?

Quite the cast of characters and a bit on the descriptive side when it comes to the detail in the violence, but overall a very good read.  This is part of the “Jack Daniels” series.

On Amazon.com

Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat

Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat by Leyla Atke

A little stray black cat, all alone.  A caring, thoughtful person willing to take it in and care for it.  But it’s difficult to keep an outdoor cat inside.

Charm was determined to go outside, but would always return.  One day Charm did not return and Leyla was a bit concerned.  After a few days, the concern increased.  Without giving away the ending, Leyla tells a story for both children and adults alike.

A quick read, easy for children to sit through, but insightful for adults as well.

On Amazon.com