Title: The Neighbors
Authors: Ania Ahlborn
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Date Published: November 27, 2012
Purchase Book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
About the Book:
Everything—his childhood, his education, and the girl
of his dreams—to look after his alcoholic mother. But enough is enough,
and now he’s determined to get out and live his life. That means
trading the home he grew up in for a rented room in the house of an old
childhood friend— both of which are in sorry shape.
The only thing worse than Drew’s squalid new digs and sullen new
roommate is the envy he feels for the house next door: a picture-perfect
suburban domicile straight out of Norman Rockwell, with a couple of
happy householders to match. But the better acquainted he gets with his
new neighbors—especially the sweet and sexy Harlow Ward—the more he
suspects unspeakable darkness beyond the white picket fence.
About the Author:
Born in Ciechanów, Poland, Ania Ahlborn is also the author of the supernatural thriller Seed,
and is currently working on her third novel. She earned a bachelor’s
degree in English from the University of New Mexico, enjoys gourmet
cooking, baking, drawing, traveling, movies, and exploring the darkest
depths of the human (and sometimes inhuman) condition. She lives in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her husband and two dogs.
Connect with the Author:
http://www.aniaahlborn.com/
Facebook.
Twitter.
My Thoughts:
What a great psychological thriller. It was full of characters who were twisted, disturbed and they kept me engaged and interested. The main character Harlow was unpredictable showing up when you never expected it and the other characters complimented her personality well. This is one of the best books that I have read this year and I definitely will read her next book The Shuddering due out early 2013. A great read and highly recommended.
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
Showing posts with label murder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label murder. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
INTERVIEW OF ROY SEGAL AUTHOR OF THE DEVIL'S DREAM
I Would like to welcome Roy Segal to Books R Us. Roy is the author of The Devil's Dream. Thanks for stopping by.
Interview
What was your inspiration for writing “The Devil’s Dream?”
Do you ever have writer’s block?
I find when I am writing well there is a sense of action and movement, and drama. When I get stuck I think that maybe I am just bored because I haven’t created enough suspense in my story. I then try to think what twists will draw the reader in by creating more suspense. There is an element of creativity to writing, but also an element of logic. I want my novels to make sense. Whatever kind of universe is created in the story, it should have consistent rules so that the readers always know what to expect. In “Superman” for example, we know that he can’t be hurt by bullets from a gun, but that Kryptonite will weaken him and make him lose all his power. Thus, the reader knows that if the bad guy has Kryptonite Superman is in trouble. Whatever world is created in a novel, it should have consistent rules, even if there is magic or supernatural elements.
What advice would you give a writer starting out?
I would tell new writers to find the story that is burning inside them that wants to come out. If a writer is inspired the reader will feel the energy and commitment the writer had when he wrote the story. If the story is simply invented by a gimmick, however showy, the writing will suffer. I think this is the key to good writing.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Caroline Cash, the police officer, who is not sure if her boyfriend is a good guy or a villain. She has the courage to offer her love completely, which many people can’t do.
Where can we buy your book?
It is available on Amazon.com for kindle and smashwords.com for kindle and ePub and nook and other formats.
AUTHOR BIO
I am a private math tutor in New York City. I help high school and college students pass their math courses, and I also tutor the SAT. I have been writing fiction for nine years, and I have taken a dozen writing workshops at The New School and studied with Fran Gordon. I write mystery and mainstream fiction. I have recently attended the Book Expo America writing conference, and also the Philadelphia Writer’s Conference.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF VOICES OF THE DEAD
I want to welcome Peter Leonard to Books R Us. Peter is touring the blogosphere with his suspense novel Voices of the Dead . Thanks for stopping by.
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/17/12.
PAGES: 320
Synopsis:
The year is 1971. The place is Detroit. Harry Levin, a scrap metal dealer and Holocaust survivor, has just learned that his daughter was killed in
Brimming with action and dark humor, Voices of the Dead, firmly positions Peter Leonard as a writer ever suspense fan needs to read.
Read an Excerpt:
Hess found out the woman lived on P Street in Georgetown, not far from the consulate. He told the ambassador he was having dinner with potential clients, and wanted to drive himself. It was unorthodox, but plausible. He had been issued one of the embassy’s Mercedes sedans. He stopped at a bookstore and bought a map of the area, and located P Street. He drove there and saw the Goldman residence, a federal-style brick townhouse.
Hess went to a restaurant and had dinner and a couple drinks. At ten o’clock he drove back, parked around the corner on 32nd Street between two other vehicles so the license plate was not visible to anyone driving by. He walked to the Goldmans’, stood next to a tree in front of the three-story townhouse. There were lights on the first floor. He walked to the front door and rang the buzzer. He could hear footsteps and voices inside. A light over the door went on. Hess stood in the open so whoever it was would see he was well dressed. The door opened, a man standing there, assumed he was Dr. Mitchell Goldman, dark hair, big nose, mid-forties, top of the shirt unbuttoned, exposing a gold chain and a five-pointed star.
Hess smiled. “My car is on the fritz. May I use your phone to call a tow truck?”
Dr. Goldman stared at him with concern. “I am staying just down the street at the consulate,” Hess said, smiling. Now the door opened and he stepped into the elegant foyer, chandelier overhead, marble floor.
“Mitch, who is it?” a woman said from a big open room to his right.
Dr. Goldman looked in her direction. “Guy’s having car trouble, wants to use the phone.”
“It’s ten o’clock at night.”
“He’ll just be a minute,” the dentist said.
Hess could see the woman sitting on a couch, watching television.
“The phone’s in here.” The dentist started to move.
Hess drew the Luger from the pocket of his suit jacket,and aimed it at Goldman.
The dentist put his hands up. “Whoa. Easy.”
“Who is in the house?”
“Just the two of us.”
“Are you expecting anyone?” He shook his head.
“Tell her to come in here,” Hess said.
“What do you want? You want money?” He took his wallet out and handed it to him. “There’s eight hundred dollars in there.”
“Call her,” Hess said. “Hon, come here, will you?”
“I’m watching ‘All in the Family.’ Can you wait till the commercial?”
Hess could hear people laughing on the television.
“Just for a minute,” the dentist said.
Hess saw her stand up and step around a low table in front of the couch, moving across the room, still looking back at the television. She turned her head as she entered the foyer and saw him holding the gun. Her hair looked darker in the dim light but he had only seen her briefly that day.
“Oh-my-god,” she said, hands going up to her face.
“We’re reasonable people,” the dentist said. “Tell us what you want.”
Hess went to a restaurant and had dinner and a couple drinks. At ten o’clock he drove back, parked around the corner on 32nd Street between two other vehicles so the license plate was not visible to anyone driving by. He walked to the Goldmans’, stood next to a tree in front of the three-story townhouse. There were lights on the first floor. He walked to the front door and rang the buzzer. He could hear footsteps and voices inside. A light over the door went on. Hess stood in the open so whoever it was would see he was well dressed. The door opened, a man standing there, assumed he was Dr. Mitchell Goldman, dark hair, big nose, mid-forties, top of the shirt unbuttoned, exposing a gold chain and a five-pointed star.
Hess smiled. “My car is on the fritz. May I use your phone to call a tow truck?”
Dr. Goldman stared at him with concern. “I am staying just down the street at the consulate,” Hess said, smiling. Now the door opened and he stepped into the elegant foyer, chandelier overhead, marble floor.
“Mitch, who is it?” a woman said from a big open room to his right.
Dr. Goldman looked in her direction. “Guy’s having car trouble, wants to use the phone.”
“It’s ten o’clock at night.”
“He’ll just be a minute,” the dentist said.
Hess could see the woman sitting on a couch, watching television.
“The phone’s in here.” The dentist started to move.
Hess drew the Luger from the pocket of his suit jacket,and aimed it at Goldman.
The dentist put his hands up. “Whoa. Easy.”
“Who is in the house?”
“Just the two of us.”
“Are you expecting anyone?” He shook his head.
“Tell her to come in here,” Hess said.
“What do you want? You want money?” He took his wallet out and handed it to him. “There’s eight hundred dollars in there.”
“Call her,” Hess said. “Hon, come here, will you?”
“I’m watching ‘All in the Family.’ Can you wait till the commercial?”
Hess could hear people laughing on the television.
“Just for a minute,” the dentist said.
Hess saw her stand up and step around a low table in front of the couch, moving across the room, still looking back at the television. She turned her head as she entered the foyer and saw him holding the gun. Her hair looked darker in the dim light but he had only seen her briefly that day.
“Oh-my-god,” she said, hands going up to her face.
“We’re reasonable people,” the dentist said. “Tell us what you want.”
About the Author:
Peter Leonard’s debut novel, QUIVER, was published to international acclaim in 2008 (“A spectacular debut...you will be holding your breath until the final page.”– The New York Sun). It was followed by TRUST ME in 2009 (“TRUST ME is fast, sly and full of twists.” – Carl Hiaasen, New York Times bestselling author). The Story Plant will publish Leonard’s newest novel, ALL HE SAW WAS THE GIRL, in the spring of 2012.
My Thoughts:
I have to admit that I am not a fan of espionage thrillers but this book was fantastic. I was drawn in from the first page and finished the story rather quickly. There was action, suspense, humor and a cast of characters that made the book interesting. Throughout the book there are times when we find ourselves in Nazi Germany with scenes that were very realistic and well researched. The Main character, Harry, was a child during those horrific times and escapes death. When his daughter was killed by a diplomat, he travels to Munich to track the killer down. The killer looks familiar to him and he finally figures out who he is. All of the supporting characters interacted well. I especially liked Cordell who was Harry's sidekick. He was funny, charming and added energy to the story. If you like suspense and historical novels this is the book for you.
Disclaimer: I was given a free book by the author and Partners in Crime Tours for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
REVIEW AND BLOG TOUR OF GODS AND FATHERS BY J. LEPORE (GIVEAWAY)
I want to welcome James LePore to Books R us. James is the author of numerous suspense novels and is touring the blogosphere with his newest novel Gods and Fathers being released today. Thanks for stopping by.
Book Details:
Title: Gods and Fathers
Publisher: The Story Plant.
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes & Noble.
About the Book:
Nationally bestselling author James LePore has established a reputation as a writer whose vividly drawn characters and morally complex plots have kept readers up to all hours turning pages. His new novel promises more sleepless nights and more nonstop thrills.
Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend.
Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.
GODS AND FATHERS is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges.
About the Author:
James
LePore is an attorney who has practiced law for more than two decades,
and an accomplished photographer. He is the author of three previous
novels, A WORLD I NEVER MADE, BLOOD OF MY BROTHER, and SONS AND PRINCES,
as well as the story collection, ANYONE CAN DIE. He lives in
Westchester County, NY with his wife, artist Karen Chandler. Please visit the author's site www.jamesleporefiction.com
Read an Excerpt:
My Thoughts:
CONTEST(USA ONLY)
Thanks to the author I am able to give away a signed copy of one of the author's earlier books called A World I Never Made.
Contest ends on 2/16/12 @11:59pm EST. See rafflecopter for rules.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Publication Date: February 7, 2012
Purchase: Amazon|Barnes & Noble.
Nationally bestselling author James LePore has established a reputation as a writer whose vividly drawn characters and morally complex plots have kept readers up to all hours turning pages. His new novel promises more sleepless nights and more nonstop thrills.
Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend.
Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.
GODS AND FATHERS is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges.
About the Author:

Read an Excerpt:
“Why can’t you stay at your mother’s when they’re away?”
“I told you, Basil’s worried about security.”
Though this statement was challengeable on several levels, Matt let it pass. The marriage six years ago of Debra DeMarco, nee Rusillo, and Basil al-Hassan, a rich and handsome Syrian businessman, had marked the beginning of the end of Matt’s long and tortured fight for a place in his son’s heart. Armed with the ultimate weapon—-her new husband’s money—-Debra had made quick work of destroying the last vestiges of Matt’s hopes. A penthouse on Park Avenue, a beach house in Easthampton, a flat in Paris, a “cottage” in Bermuda, clothes and cars virtually on demand, Matt had no way of competing with all this, and no way of expressing his anger—-until tonight.
“What about Mina?” Matt asked.
“What about her?”
“Why aren’t you seeing her?”
“She’s studying.”
“Studying?”
“Yes, studying. You keep repeating what I say. She’s a student. Students study.”
This statement was delivered dismissively, not sarcastically. You’re stupid, Dad. I’m tired of you. Why am I bothering with you? are what Matt heard, and it occurred to him, with a clarity that shocked him after all these muddled and painful years of effort and rejection, effort and rejection, ad nauseum, that he could not hurt Michael, that his own son was indifferent to him, and this was a blow, and strangely a release.
“Well, your friends are assholes, and you are too, Michael. You’re an arrogant, shallow asshole. Where you came from, I don’t know. But not from me.”
“That could be. Maybe Mom had an affair–like you did--and I’m not your son. Do I care? No, I don’t. Can I go upstairs now? I’ll leave in the morning.”
In the kitchen, Matt poured himself another scotch. He took the pizza out of the refrigerator and sat down to eat it, surprised to find that he actually had an appetite. Until tonight, despite the bad cards he had drawn, he had never stopped trying to break through to his son. It’s over, he said to himself, over and done. He’s not your son. He’s Debra’s son, Basil’s son. You lost him a long time ago.
He finished the pizza and was wrapping the garbage to take out in the morning when the doorbell rang. Looking out the kitchen window he saw that it was snowing heavily. Those idiots, he thought, they’re probably stuck someplace. No choice but to let them in. But when he swung open the front door, it wasn’t Adnan and Ali, but his friends Jack McCann and Clarke Goode, homicide detectives who he had worked with for many years, standing facing him. He could see their unmarked car at the curb, and behind it, blocking his driveway, a Pound Ridge patrol car, its engine running and headlights on, two uniformed officers in the front seat. McCann, a florid Irishman whose blue eyes were usually lit by some inner secret joke, looked grim; and Goode, a gnarled black man who never failed to greet Matt with a big smile, was not smiling. Far from it.
“Come in. What’s up?” Matt said. Then, nodding toward the street where the patrol car sat: “What’s with the uniforms?”
The two detectives stepped into the foyer.
“Take your coats off,” Matt said. He could see they were dressed for work, sport jackets and ties on under their trench coats.
“Matt...,” McCann said.
“Talk, Jack,” Matt said. “Is somebody dead?”
“Is Michael home?” Goode asked. He had not taken off his coat, and neither had McCann.
“That’s his car out there,” Matt said. “You know that.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s upstairs.”
Matt looked from McCann to Goode, then back to McCann; looked in the eyes of each, and did not like what he saw. “What about Michael?” he asked.
“We’re here to arrest him,” McCann replied.
“For what?” Drugs, Matt thought, good, let the kid get a taste of the pain he’s always inflicting on others. Him and his two Arab suppliers.
“For murder, Matt,” Goode said.
“I told you, Basil’s worried about security.”
Though this statement was challengeable on several levels, Matt let it pass. The marriage six years ago of Debra DeMarco, nee Rusillo, and Basil al-Hassan, a rich and handsome Syrian businessman, had marked the beginning of the end of Matt’s long and tortured fight for a place in his son’s heart. Armed with the ultimate weapon—-her new husband’s money—-Debra had made quick work of destroying the last vestiges of Matt’s hopes. A penthouse on Park Avenue, a beach house in Easthampton, a flat in Paris, a “cottage” in Bermuda, clothes and cars virtually on demand, Matt had no way of competing with all this, and no way of expressing his anger—-until tonight.
“What about Mina?” Matt asked.
“What about her?”
“Why aren’t you seeing her?”
“She’s studying.”
“Studying?”
“Yes, studying. You keep repeating what I say. She’s a student. Students study.”
This statement was delivered dismissively, not sarcastically. You’re stupid, Dad. I’m tired of you. Why am I bothering with you? are what Matt heard, and it occurred to him, with a clarity that shocked him after all these muddled and painful years of effort and rejection, effort and rejection, ad nauseum, that he could not hurt Michael, that his own son was indifferent to him, and this was a blow, and strangely a release.
“Well, your friends are assholes, and you are too, Michael. You’re an arrogant, shallow asshole. Where you came from, I don’t know. But not from me.”
“That could be. Maybe Mom had an affair–like you did--and I’m not your son. Do I care? No, I don’t. Can I go upstairs now? I’ll leave in the morning.”
In the kitchen, Matt poured himself another scotch. He took the pizza out of the refrigerator and sat down to eat it, surprised to find that he actually had an appetite. Until tonight, despite the bad cards he had drawn, he had never stopped trying to break through to his son. It’s over, he said to himself, over and done. He’s not your son. He’s Debra’s son, Basil’s son. You lost him a long time ago.
He finished the pizza and was wrapping the garbage to take out in the morning when the doorbell rang. Looking out the kitchen window he saw that it was snowing heavily. Those idiots, he thought, they’re probably stuck someplace. No choice but to let them in. But when he swung open the front door, it wasn’t Adnan and Ali, but his friends Jack McCann and Clarke Goode, homicide detectives who he had worked with for many years, standing facing him. He could see their unmarked car at the curb, and behind it, blocking his driveway, a Pound Ridge patrol car, its engine running and headlights on, two uniformed officers in the front seat. McCann, a florid Irishman whose blue eyes were usually lit by some inner secret joke, looked grim; and Goode, a gnarled black man who never failed to greet Matt with a big smile, was not smiling. Far from it.
“Come in. What’s up?” Matt said. Then, nodding toward the street where the patrol car sat: “What’s with the uniforms?”
The two detectives stepped into the foyer.
“Take your coats off,” Matt said. He could see they were dressed for work, sport jackets and ties on under their trench coats.
“Matt...,” McCann said.
“Talk, Jack,” Matt said. “Is somebody dead?”
“Is Michael home?” Goode asked. He had not taken off his coat, and neither had McCann.
“That’s his car out there,” Matt said. “You know that.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s upstairs.”
Matt looked from McCann to Goode, then back to McCann; looked in the eyes of each, and did not like what he saw. “What about Michael?” he asked.
“We’re here to arrest him,” McCann replied.
“For what?” Drugs, Matt thought, good, let the kid get a taste of the pain he’s always inflicting on others. Him and his two Arab suppliers.
“For murder, Matt,” Goode said.
My Thoughts:
I have always been a fan of suspense novels and Mr LePore's novel is full
of twists and turns that kept me engaged and interested. Matt is an
interesting character who has quite a temper but takes care of his
family. There were times that I was a little confused by the switch of
characters but I was able to follow the storyline. All of the
characters complemented each other and added to the story. The ending
was a surprise and the epilogue tied up the story well. the book was
well written and I recommend it to everyone who likes a good mystery
loaded with suspense.
CONTEST(USA ONLY)
Thanks to the author I am able to give away a signed copy of one of the author's earlier books called A World I Never Made.
Contest ends on 2/16/12 @11:59pm EST. See rafflecopter for rules.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLAIMER:
Every eBook received for review on the tours for Partners In Crime are given
in exchange for an honest review. The eBooks are sole property
(copyrighted) of the author and should not be sold, distributed to, or
exchanged among other people not part of the tours, nor should they be
listed on file sharing sites
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
REVIEW OF THE SEER BY MARTHA HARRIS
Author: Martha Harris
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co.
Publication Date: October 28, 2011
About the Book:
Bobbi Wheeler is a psychiatrist who uses her psychic abilities to help her patients deal with depression and grief. This ability to know her patients' history and inner thoughts through a simple "touch" is the reason behind her successful therapy sessions with satisfied clients.
Bobbi doesn't always view her abilities as a gift, but a curse, because not all of her dreams are pleasant. She saw her grandfather's death in a dream when she was young child and tried to prevent it but couldn't. This started her feelings of helplessness whenever she dreams about dangers involving people she encountered and touched by chance.
While she may know the ways in dealing with emotional pain, she is also somehow battling with her own frailties and inner turmoil, making her long for the ocean and the pleasant things about it to give her peace. It is in one of these trips that she meets Lance Wolfe, a nonbeliever in psychics and a widower who blames himself for the death of his wife in a car accident. His guilt somehow hinders him from loving another woman again. Nonetheless, Bobbi opens his heart once more, but not completely. He seems to have the gift, as it is with him that Bobbi learns she can communicate using thoughts alone and go through someone else's psychic's mind.
In one of her visits to Lance's house in Belford, Bobbi feels like she's been inside a man who gave her the most horrifying nightmare ever. This man who for a time she mistook as one of her patients, Tobias Emerson murders a couple in her dreams. This man has the ability to control minds and although she is able to go inside the dream and prevent him from doing the crime, the man prevails over her and goes ahead with the carnage. After the police get involved, the man has only one thing on his mind killing her.
My Thoughts:
When I started reading the book, I found it hard to get into but I was glad that I decided to continue reading. There were twists and turns that kept me engaged and an ending that will surprise you. The main character, Bobbi, was likeable and very interesting. Bobbi has visions or nightmares that were vivid, descriptive and frightening. Bobbi has a special ability to see a person's inner most thoughts through touch. She sees a new client, Tobias, and feels nothing when she touches him and she realizes that he is very different. There is tension between her love interest, Lance, and their relationship grows as the story unfolds. If you like mystery,romance and the supernatural then you will enjoy the book.
My Thoughts:
When I started reading the book, I found it hard to get into but I was glad that I decided to continue reading. There were twists and turns that kept me engaged and an ending that will surprise you. The main character, Bobbi, was likeable and very interesting. Bobbi has visions or nightmares that were vivid, descriptive and frightening. Bobbi has a special ability to see a person's inner most thoughts through touch. She sees a new client, Tobias, and feels nothing when she touches him and she realizes that he is very different. There is tension between her love interest, Lance, and their relationship grows as the story unfolds. If you like mystery,romance and the supernatural then you will enjoy the book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW OF FLESH & BONES BY PAUL LEVINE.
I want to welcome Paul Levine to Books R Us. Paul is the author the the Jake Lassiter Series and is touring the blogosphere with his book, Flesh & Bones
About the Book:
"I was sitting at the end of the bar sipping single-malt Scotch when I spotted the tall blond woman with the large green eyes and the small gray gun.” The next thing Jake Lassiter knows, the woman pumps three bullets into the man on the next barstool.
And Jake, the linebacker-turned-lawyer, has a new client.
She’s stunning model Chrissy Bernhardt, and the dead man is her wealthy father. The defense?
About the author:

The author of 14 novels, Paul Levine won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and has been nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, and James Thurber prizes. His critically acclaimed and bestselling “Jake Lassiter” novels have been published in 21 countries. The first of the series, “To Speak for the Dead
My Thoughts:
I have always enjoyed mystery novels and Flesh & Bones was a great book. This is the first book that I have read by the author and will not be the last. The book grabbed me from the first page. As I read on I was captivated by how the author combined, mystery, romance, humor and a group of characters that worked well together keeping the storyline interesting and flowing. There were twists and turns throughout the book that kept me guessing and entertained. If you like psychological thrillers then this is the book for you. I wish the book did not have to end so quickly and I wanted more. I guess I have to wait till the next book in the series comes out in the Fall.
Author's Website.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
Monday, July 25, 2011
GUEST POST BY PAUL LEVINE AUTHOR OF FLESH & BONES.
I want to welcome Paul Levine to Books R Us. Paul is the author the the Jake Lassiter Series and is touring the blogosphere with his book, Flesh & Bones
“PART CON MAN, PART PRIEST” – JAKE LASSITER REVEALS WHO HE IS.
By Paul Levine
“They don’t call us sharks for our ability to swim.”
I’ll let Jake answer that question, but first I wanted you to know that the international bestseller “Flesh & Bones” is now an e-book priced for a short time at $0.99, with all proceeds going to Hershey Children’s Hospital for cancer treatment.
Now back to Jake: “A good lawyer is part con man, part priest—promising riches, threatening hell. The rainmakers are the best paid and have coined a remarkably candid phrase: We eat what we kill.”
The linebacker-turned-lawyer is a brew and burger guy in a paté and Chardonnay world. Noting the sign over the judge’s bench -- “We who labor here seek only the truth…” -- he adds his own footnote: “Subject to the truth being concealed by lying witnesses, distorted by sleazy lawyers, and excluded by inept judges.”
In “Flesh & Bones,” Jake’s client, model Chrissy Bernhardt, is accused of killing her father, claiming she had been raped by him as a child. Jake seethes at hearing this. Anger is not usually helpful in making important decisions, but with Jake, his fury helps form his legal strategy:
“The male animal. At the low end of the evolutionary scale, he lords his physical superiority over women, beating and raping. At the very bottom, this horned beast is the father who would rape his own child. For a moment, I felt like killing Harry Bernhardt myself. Which made me think...if I get the jury to feel the same way, maybe I can win this case.”
Complicating the murder trial, Jake falls for his client, while at the same time doubting her truthfulness. All of which creates an ethical dilemma:
“My ethical rules are simple. I won't lie to the court or let a client do it. But I've never been in this position before. How far would I go for a woman who mattered? Is there anything I wouldn't do to win?”
Is he defending an innocent woman or a guilty one? Is there such a thing as true justice? Rather than answer those questions – and spoil the book! – I’ll leave you with Jake’s final thoughts:
" We seek justice in the courthouse, just as we seek holiness in a house of worship. Justice is an ideal, a vague concept we strive for but can barely define. Justice is the North Star, the burning bush, the holy virgin. It cannot be bought, sold, or mass produced. It is intangible and invisible, but if you are to spend your life in its pursuit, it is best to believe it exists, and that you can attain it."
“Flesh & Bones” and all the Jake Lassiter novels are available on Kindle
, Nook, and Smashwords. More information please visit Paul Levine’s Website.
__________________________________________________________________
About the Author-
The author of 14 novels, Paul Levine won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and has been nominated for the Edgar, Macavity , International Thriller and James Thurber prizes. His critically acclaimed and bestselling "Jake Lassiter" novels have been published in 21 countries. The first of the series, "To Speak for the Dead
," was named one of the top ten thrillers of the year by the Los Angeles Times. A former trial lawyer, he wrote more than 20 episodes for the series "JAG" and co-created "First Monday," Staring James Garner and Joe Mantegna. His next novel "Lassiter," will be published in the Fall of 2011 by Bantam.



Monday, June 13, 2011
REVIEW OF STILETTOS AND SCOUNDRELS BY L. TURNER
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I want to welcome Laina Turner to Books R Us. She is the author of numerous non-fiction titles and Stilettos & Scoundrels
is her first fiction novel. Thanks for stopping by.
Presley Thurman, a sassy, thirty-something red-head, was looking to reinvent herself. She didn't allow the fact she was recently fired to bother her - she was ready to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. Presley is a lover of shopping and Starbucks, and even though she sometimes had bad taste in men, she always had great taste in clothes. Not looking back on corporate America, Presley decided to follow her dream. With her feisty nature and a spirit to not "sweat the small stuff," she was ready to tackle any challenge (even if she had no idea how she would pay the bills). When her friend Trevor offered her a job with his online magazine to interview public figures, she jumped at the chance. However, the new job turned into something unexpected when the U.S. Senator she was slated to write about was murdered - in her home town! Presley was excited - she hadn't seen so much buzz since the spring sample sale at Saks. She was ready for this adventure, even if it didn't seem to fit neatly into her life. She couldn't pass up the opportunity to be in the middle of the buzz. Presley was determined (not to mention curious) to find the killer and write her story. After all, she couldn't afford her shoe habit without a job and she was certainly not one to shy away from danger. The only thing standing in her way was an old high school fling, Cooper Sands, head of the Senator's security. He was not actually standing in her way, but because of his good looks, he was the biggest distraction and one she was having the hardest time overcoming. Cooper felt it was too dangerous for Presley to look for a killer and tried to distract her with reliving the past; which Presley found more dangerous than any killer. While she attempted to resist Cooper's good looks and charm, Presley was able to discover the Senator's wife, Helen, had been having an affair... with her best friend's boyfriend! Did Helen kill the Senator? Or was it the Senator's love of gambling that got him killed? And what was Cooper's secret tie to the mob boss Garrison Palazzo? Presley was betting her favorite pair of Manolo's she will find the killer... but will time run out!
My Thoughts-
The plot was interesting and fast moving. The story was written in Presley's point of view and there were times in the book that confused me because I was unsure of what character was speaking/thinking at the time. Because of that, I did not get to know the other characters very well. There was a lot of mystery and romance throughout the book that kept me engaged and when I though I knew who the killer was, there was new twist introduced in the storyline. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, mystery and looking for a summer read.
Author's Thoughts-
Author's Twitter
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
I want to welcome Laina Turner to Books R Us. She is the author of numerous non-fiction titles and Stilettos & Scoundrels
My Thoughts-
The plot was interesting and fast moving. The story was written in Presley's point of view and there were times in the book that confused me because I was unsure of what character was speaking/thinking at the time. Because of that, I did not get to know the other characters very well. There was a lot of mystery and romance throughout the book that kept me engaged and when I though I knew who the killer was, there was new twist introduced in the storyline. I recommend this book to anyone who likes romance, mystery and looking for a summer read.
Author's Thoughts-
"Stilettos & Scoundrels is my first foray into fiction writing. As a avid reader all my life I always wanted to write but never had the confidence. When I finally decided to pursue my dream of being a author I didn't know I was in for such a fun time. Oh sure it's been hard and as I write the sequel to Stilettos, I think of how better I am at writing now. But it has been so satisfying to have accomplished a dream."
Author's Twitter
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
Monday, May 23, 2011
REVIEW OF MURDER IS A FAMILY BUSINESS BY H. HAVEN
Join Heather Haven, author of the humorous mystery, Murder is a Family Business
(MuseItUp Publishing, January 2011) as she virtually tours the blogosphere in May on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!
Completing the family is Lee’s Never-Had-A-Bad-Hair-Day aristocratic mother, Lila; computer genius brother, Richard; beloved uncle “Tio;” and her energetic orange and white cat, Tugger. When this group is not solving murders, they run Discretionary Inquiries, a successful Silicon Valley agency that normally deals with the theft of computer software. The love, humor and camaraderie shared within this family are what set this series apart from others.
My Thoughts-
When I first saw the cover with the cute orange kitten, I did not know what to expect. As I started reading the book, I was drawn into the plot and I had to keep reading. The author combined mystery, suspense and family into a great detective novel. There were twists and turns throughout the book that made the plot interesting and fresh. The members of the family complemented the storyline and I really liked Lee and her little kitten Tugger. I look forward to following the Alvarez family in the next book of the series, A Wedding to Die For
available now.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book for my honest review and I was not compensated for my review.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY OF MPIRE: IN SEARCH OF THE LOST BY T.L. JAMES (INT)
I would like to welcome T.L. James to Books R Us. She is virtually touring the blogosphere with NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™
After fourteen years of separation from his family, Mallory is summoned to return back home to join The Family Business. Poised for success, Mallory is focused on turning around the ailing business, not realizing that taking his assigned reigns will put him in a position of unrelenting power which he is unaware he even has. His world crashes as he reunites with his brothers and becomes Death, the forth horseman of the Apocalypse.
With every complication popping up in his life, the biggest one by far is in the form of an old love from the past coming back to reclaim the spot in Mallory’s heart.
About the Author-
TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, James cultivated an interest in biblical studies and research. Little did James know, but her love for research would become an integral thread in her writing style.
After many sleepless nights, James began writing her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side. She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research, biblical studies and literary classics (i.e., Chaucer, Shakespeare and Mythology). The MPire Trilogy was born.
In 2008, TL James revived PHE Ink, a Writing Solutions Firm, after discovering a number of gaps in the publishing industry. James works with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. PHE Ink, also, assists entrepreneurs with transforming their business dreams into defined objectives and business plans.
After many sleepless nights, James began writing her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side. She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research, biblical studies and literary classics (i.e., Chaucer, Shakespeare and Mythology). The MPire Trilogy was born.
In 2008, TL James revived PHE Ink, a Writing Solutions Firm, after discovering a number of gaps in the publishing industry. James works with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. PHE Ink, also, assists entrepreneurs with transforming their business dreams into defined objectives and business plans.
My thoughts-
I have never read a book like this one before. All of the characters in the Haulm family were unique and each had a hidden agenda that is revealed throughout the book. I have not read the precursor of the book, The Chronicles of the Haulm Boys
and I wish I had. I had some difficulty figuring out who the brothers unique qualities were until the middle of the book. Then it all fell into place and the book came alive. The relationship between Mallory and Matthew was sweet as well as troubled. Mallory was a sexy, wealthy and intriguing individual who has to make a choice between life and death. He has to live up to his destiny of being the Forth Horseman (Death) and continue the family legacy. Throughout the book, there were supernatural beings and images surrounding Michael that kept me thinking. Who were these spirits and why are they after Michael? I guess you have to read the book to find out the answers. The author's descriptions of the supernatural was fantastic and the ending was unpredictable. I did not want the book to end and I wanted more. I look forward to reading the all of the books in the series. I have to warn you that this book is only suitable for the adult reader due to the erotic and sometimes violent scenes in the novel.
Contest- International
Thanks to the author, I am able to give away ONE copy of the book.
EBook copy only- Worldwide
Print- USA only (You may Choose the Ebook version if you prefer)
EBook copy only- Worldwide
Print- USA only (You may Choose the Ebook version if you prefer)
Main Entry- LEAVE ALL ENTRIES IN ONE COMMENT.
Leave your name, email and where you live.
Extra Entries-
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Contest ends May 1st at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be picked by Random.org. The winner will be sent an email and has 48hrs to respond or another winner will be announced.
GOOD LUCK!
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review.
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