Book Review: Day

Day is written with sections including Morning, Afternoon and Evening. Each one is on the date April 5^th. It is the same day, but not the same year. Morning is in 2019, Afternoon is in 2020 and Evening is 2021.

Each segment of the book has the characters evolving in their lives. Morning introduces the characters, blatantly showing all of their flaws. The pains and sorrows of lost chances as well as fleeting time seems first and foremost during the afternoon. Evening brings hope that even though life was nothing like the characters thought it would be, things are seemingly going to work out to each of their satisfactions. The growth of the characters, both children and adults, are much happier than they have been in the past. Throughout the book they are evolving to feel comfortable in where their life choices are taking them, instead of questioning what others may think.

This literary fiction was not a cheerful romp. Dealing with life choices, the characters often seem uncomfortable in their own skin. It makes the reader contemplate the outcome well before Evening arrives. Perhaps that is the intention of the author, whose writing will captivate the readers, wondering how the lives of the characters will turn out.

Day is an interesting book, but in no means a happy go lucky read. That isn’t a bad thing, but part way though the story, I would have liked to have a glimmer of hope for the characters, especially the children. Most likely it is closer to real life than most works of fiction, but as a reader, it made me sad to see how unhappy the characters were in their lives.

This is the first book I’ve read by the Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham. His accolades include the author of many novels, both fiction and nonfiction. His work has been published in The New Yorker and The Best American Stories. His accolades include wining the PEN/
Faulkner Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Currently living in New York City, he is a senior lecturer at Yale University

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2024 Laura Hartman

Book Review: The Turnbull Murders

The Turnbull Murders

A Historic Homes Mystery

By R. J. Koreto

Renovations are difficult in the best circumstances, but architect Wren Fontaine thrives by personalizing each home she restores. So, when movie star Nicky Tallon hires her to turn the famous Turnbull House back into the mansion it once was, she was very excited but a bit apprehensive. The historic home is situated on a private island in New York Harbor. Wren knew she could bring the home back to life after years of neglect, but dealing with the entourage of movie star Nicky Tallon’s is a problem.

While Wren begins working on the house, there is an entire film crew working in and about the home and the island. Not to mention temperamental actors and two women that both seem to be very close to Nicky. It is hard to determine the relationships, could he be dating both Saffron (who is very needy and young) and Thalia who seems much more worldly that Saffron.

Out of her element with the movie cast and crew, Wren buckles down to what she is comfortable with, bringing the broken-down house back into a home that will become a showplace. At least Wren’s girlfriend Hadley is there for moral support as well as working as the chef for all of the crew and actors.  

But there is a mystery brewing on the island. It seems the original owner of the island, Captain Turnbull mysteriously left the island and never returned. Did he find happiness someplace along his sea travels or was his disappearance something more sinister? Digging into the history might be more than everyone bargained for…who will die before the home and film are finished?

The Turnbull Murders is full of architecture, intrigue and skullduggery. The characters are interesting and more than once I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns in the plot. The author kept me guessing until the final pages. And the ending was very satisfying with every loose end tied up. This historical fiction is not to be missed, I loved it.

This is the first book I have read by R. J. Koreto. He has led a life as interesting as his characters. He has been a website manager, a textbook editor, a novelist and my personal favorite occupation, he was a merchant seaman. He has published short stories in some of my favorite magazines, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the Wren Fontaine Historic Homes Mysteries, as well as his other books.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2024 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Roulette – Fast Paced Thriller

Roulette

By Thomas Locke and Jyoti Guptara

Something is happening to the rave party goers, and it isn’t good. Nurse Carol Steen as well as her husband, Sheriff Dewey Steen have seen evidence that there is some kind of drug that has bizarre side effects that can be lethal, code name Roulette. Medical resident Stacy Swann has also seen the symptoms, but her cool, detached façade seems to have put up a barrier.

As things escalate, former special agent Eric Bannon is called into the case. He has to see what is going on firsthand and plans to infiltrate the next rave. Portraying himself as a guy with his girl looking for a high. He just needs a “date” to complete his covert identity. Dr. Stacy Swann steps up, insisting she can handle herself. But when things go awry, Bannon is forced to pull out all the stops to control the situation, even then, the night has taken a dark turn that may cost someone their life.

The mystery of the drug makers of Roulette, the drug turning people into monstrous beings, must be solved to save as many people as possible. Sadly, those that have already been injected with Roulette may never be the same. Like any illicit drug, side effects are intentionally not disclosed.

Roulette is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you up late at night reading just one more chapter. As Bannon teams up with Sheriff Steen and his wife to find the manufacturers and put them behind bars, things take a turn that is unsuspected and most likely lethal. 

This fast-paced plot kept me up late at night, reading just one more chapter until I finished the book. The characters are interesting and the situation they find themselves in often goes from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Readers will appreciate the solid plot and well written characters. The suspense is palpable with each chapter to the end pages and I loved it.

Thomas Locke is an award-winning author, has sold over seven million copies of his novels worldwide and was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014. His accolades include four Christy Awards and has been published in twenty languages.

Jyoti Guptara became a bestselling author at the age of 17, after dropping out of school at the age of 15. He is the author of a business biography, three fantasy novels and the award-winning novel Roulette. Schweizer Illustriete magazine and the County of Los Angeles have awarded him for his philanthropy, literary achievement and inspiration for other young people.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Zeus: Water Rescue: Dogs with a Purpose

By W. Bruce Cameron

Zeus is a happy Labrador puppy, playing with his litter mates and his human family keeps him busy all day. Until one by one his litter mates were taken by people to their forever homes. Only Zeus and Troy were left. Finally, Marco Ricci, a paramedic and member of the Oahu Search and Rescue team, came looking for a puppy to train to be a rescue dog. Marco took both dogs home to see if one or both were able to be trained in search and rescue. He planned to sell the dog he trained at auction later in the year. So along with Marco and his dog Bear, training began. Sadly, Troy was not meant to be a rescue dog, but Zeus excelled in his training.

Not only was Zeus a happy and smart puppy, he immediately fell in love with Marco’s teenage son, Kimo, who adored Zeus from the moment they met. Marco agrees to allow Kimo to help train Zeus. But sadly, Kimo has to give up Zeus when his training finished because the sale of Zeus would bring in much needed cash for the family.

Everyday Kimo and Zeus become closer. The boy and his dog work well together, but Marco keeps reminding his son that Zeus is going to be sold at auction. Despite this cautionary reminder, the teen and puppy become inseparable. Kimo decides to sabotage Zeus’ training, but his plan backfires. Grudgingly, he realizes becoming a water rescue dog is Zeus’ destiny. Kimo is determined to train his dog and make him the best he can be.

I was in love with Zeus from the first pages. He is definitely the star of this book and doesn’t let his readers down. It is a love story that is full of action with a satisfying end. Classified as a young adult book, adults, especially dog lovers, will enjoy it immensely. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in his series.

W. Bruce Cameron was named Columnist of the Year by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists in 2011. His A Dog’s Purpose Series is New York Times best-selling list as well as his book, 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: On The Rails

The Adventures of Boxcar Bertie

By Rosemary and Larry Mild

Times are tough for everyone in the United States in 1936. Bertie Patchet is no exception. She recently graduated earning her teaching certificate and is excited to have a possible job as soon as the next school year starts. She has contacted the school in her hometown and was thrilled to find out that possibly a teacher would be needed in September. Her homecoming was tainted by the fact that her mother is an alcoholic and her stepfather attempts to sexually assault her the day she arrives.

Bertie realizes she has to get away from the unhealthy environment she has come home to. Without much cash or a plan other than arriving back to her hometown to begin work in the fall, she must face the reality of her position. Where will she go and what can she do? Wandering aimlessly, she comes upon the railroad tracks. Slipping near an open boxcar, she realizes this may be her ticket out of her situation.

Riding the rails is not easy, especially for a woman. She realizes this and for her safety she tucks her hair up under a cap and becomes Bert. So begins her adventure and danger on the rails. She soon learns that it is difficult to be safe, warm or fed. There are many roadblocks and surprisingly many new friends and adventures to be lived while riding the rails. But Bertie always has the plan in the back of her mind to return to her home town in the fall and fulfill her dreams of becoming a teacher.

I loved this book. The characters are interesting and realistic. The idea of riding the rails as stowaways is not romanticized. Life is hard for the characters, bringing the ring of truth to their struggles that many before have made. Conversely, there are good times and generous people they meet along their journey easing their load with the acts of kindness.

Rosemary and Larry Mild are the dynamic duo of writing. I have read several of their books, enjoying each and every one. It would be hard for me to choose a favorite of theirs, but Boxcar Bertie is vying for first place in my head. Each of these amazing authors have published solo books as well as together.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist, Maryglenn M. Warnock and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: My Father the Panda Killer

By Jamie Jo Hoang

Jane, a first generation American, works hard to learn everything she can, and be the top of her class all the while working at her father’s store and caring for her younger brother, Paul. Her mother left the family without a trace when Paul was an infant, so Jane, as a young teen grew up fast. Vietnamese traditions are followed to the letter in the household. Sadly, this includes regular beatings from Jane’s father. If she did anything her father disliked or didn’t do exactly what he wanted her to do when he wanted her to do it, she was beaten. Soon Jane will be in college, but worries endlessly that Paul will soon be the victim of her father’s foul moods and beatings while she is gone.

Phuc, father of Jane and Paul, is a hard drinking, controlling man. As a child refuge, he made the long and tortuous trip in more than one boat to what he hoped was freedom. His family was still in Vietnam, so he was on his own to find his way in the world. Life for him was more than often painful both physically and mentally. Food was in short supply and fights would erupt at any time resulting in maiming and often death among the passengers.

The small family holds tight to each other throughout the long hard days of work, school and the day-to-day chores that have to be done at both home and the store. When Phuc tells his children they are all going to Vietnam to see his family, the children are shocked. When they arrive, they are greeted with kindness and love. This reunion also ignites the flame in Phuc’s heart to spend more time with his family, allowing Jane and Paul to not only learn about their ancestry, but also embrace it.

This tale of family, love and loss is tempered by the long, difficult road they have traveled. The chapters alternate between Jan and Phuc, reading about their lives first person. This enables each character to have their own voice, making the narrative much more powerful and contrasting the lives of each of the characters.

Written by the daughter of Vietnamese parents, author Jamie Jo Hoang brings the ring of truth about so many immigrants to her fiction. This is the first book I have read from Ms. Hoang, but I will seek out her adult novel, Blue Sun, Yellow Sky. I highly recommend My Father the Panda Killer to young adults as well as adults.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Hot Pot Murders

Thanksgiving dinner takes on a different tone when the celebrants are part of the Asian restaurant business community. More of a meeting of minds, the attendees are not enjoying a traditional turkey dinner. The menu includes a traditional hot pot luncheon and a meeting of the Asian American Restaurant Owners Association, or AAROA. When a deadly accident occurs during the hot pot feast, it soon becomes clear that it was murder.

Yale and her visiting cousin Celine, who happens to be a social influencer, decide to add a bit sleuthing to their food stall business. They need to make sure Ai Ho, a family friend, and Yale’s father are cleared after becoming the prime suspects of the crime. Unfortunately, Celine’s parents arrive from Hong Kong in time for the fallout from the murder. Because Yale’s father is a suspect, they quickly want to swoop in to acquire his share of the family restaurant. This helps spur on the two cousins to find the real murderer.

The Hot Pot Murders is an interesting foray into the workings of family restaurants and a deeper dive into Asian Americans. The plot is solid, revealing the killer in the final chapters. The characters are fully developed and likable (and others hate worthy). But, it made me rather crazy that the main character, Yale, only has a land line, and does not have a cell phone. It may be the character’s quirkiness, but it absolutely is unrealistic. I don’t know anyone under the age of 90 (yes, my 90-year-old aunt texts and calls via cell phone) who doesn’t have a cell phone. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer J. Chow. I recommend it to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.

Jennifer J. Chow is currently serving as Vice President on the national board of Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of the Crime Writers of Color and Mystery Writers of America. Mimi Lee Gets A Clue, the first book in her Sassy Cat series, was selected as an Overdrive Recommended Read, a PopSugar Best Summer Beach Read and one of BuzzFeed’s Top 5 books by AAPI authors.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Hiss Me Deadly (A Cat in the Stacks Mystery #15)

By Miranda James

When an Oscar nominated singer/songwriter Wil Threadgill decides to return to his tiny home town to share his craft and knowledge with the music students at the college. Everyone is excited. Except of course, the one person that has enough pent-up anger to kill him.

His arrival has everyone in a dither, with the exception of Charlie and his partner in amateur sleuthing Diesel, his Main Coon cat. Charlie barely remembers Wil, who had a band with a group of locals before he fled to California seemingly overnight. The other band members were left trying to keep things together, but couldn’t make it without Wil.

When Charlie is asked to escort Wil and help him while he is in town, he reluctantly agrees. Little did he know that someone would attempt murdering Wil and accidently kill one of his former band members. But was it really an attempted murder or just an accident? Tempers flair as several other attempts to hurt or kill the other band members that came with Wil. The police are baffled, but remain vigilant. Charlie and Diesel are on the trail. Having solved murders before, they just could not stand by as attempts to harm Wil and his band were ramping up.

This is the fifteenth book starring Charlie and Diesel as a crimefighting duo. It is the first one I have read, but I now have the previous 14 on my to be read list. The interesting characters and engaging plot make this cozy mystery a fast and fun read. I highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys cozy mysteries. It is very well written and keeps readers guessing until the last pages.

Miranda James is one of the pseudonyms for prolific writer Dean James. He has led an interestingly diverse life. He grew up on a farm, and then went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees as well as an M. S. in library science. His first book, By a Woman’s Hand, won an Agatha Award for Best Mystery Non-Fiction. He writes under several pen names, most notably Jimmie Ruth Evans and Honor Hartman.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Murder for Liar

By Verlin Darrow

Psychotherapist Tom Dashiel has a new patient, George Arundel, who appears to be more than strange. From the first time he entered Dashiel’s office, Arundel wanted to be in charge of the conversation and situation. When this strange new patient drops the bombshell that he believes one of his friends is an angel, Dashiel is intrigued, yet apprehensive.

As the weeks progress, Arundel divulges more secrets, some of them so bizarre Dashiel thinks he is joking. But when he meets some of Arundel’s friends, they seem perfectly normal, yet collaborate Arundel’s stories about angels and the demons that are stalking him. Could he really be in danger because of the strange things that seem to be happening to him since his association with Arundel? And are these manifestations of an unstable mind or is Arundel playing him for a fool? When things heat up, even the unbelievable starts to become real.

Each one of the characters seem normal, but are they? Occasionally they seem to be different. Arundel attributes it to the angels manipulating them. But could it be something much more sinister? Evidently so, the bodies are piling up.

Darrow deliciously pulls in readers with this twisted tale, then gratifies us by cleaning up all of the loose ends. The ending is so surprising, I never saw it coming. Kudos to Darrow for having created such an interestingly different book. I loved it.

This is the first book I have read by Darrow. I will seek out the others he has written. They are Blood and Wisdom, Coattail Carma and Prodigy Quest. He has lead an interesting life per his bio. It heralds an awesome resume including a country-western singer/songwriter, a professional volleyball player and was an assistant guru. I highly recommend Murder for Liar; it was an awesome literary ride.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Maryglenn M. Warnock and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman

Book Review: Bad, Bad Seymore Brown – Fabulous Book!!

By Susan Isaacs

In the early 1990`s, Seymore Brown and his wife Kim, met their demise when their house was burnt to the ground. The only survivor is their young daughter, April. Even though Brown was a bad guy, law enforcement worked day and night to find the killer or killers to no avail. One of these cops, former Detective Daniel Schottland, is the father of former FBI agent Corie Geller. Since covid raised its ugly head, Corie’s parents moved into the house with her family.

When someone tries to kill April, she immediately tries to get in touch with the man she trusted, now Ex Detective Schottland. Because the case has haunted him, he still has the original case files. Soon he is knee deep in the cold case. He pulls Corie into the unofficial investigation when she expresses interest.  

Corie has been toying with the idea of getting her private PI license, and this case finally pushes her to follow through. Corie joins forces with her father to find the person or persons that are trying to kill the daughter of the long dead hardened criminal who was the money launderer for the Russian mob. Is it revenge or is there information that April has or knows that someone is willing to kill to find out?

This fast-paced book is deliciously full of twists and turns. The characters are interesting and fully developed. Both the good guys and bad guys aren’t all good, nor are they all bad – maybe with the exception of the mobsters. ­

I loved Isaacs’ style of writing that is full of depth, yet easy to read. The fast-paced plot kept me reading “just one more chapter” late into the night. I highly recommend Bad, Bad Seymour Brown.

Ms. Isaacs is an award-winning novelist, with a long list of accomplishments that have led her to interview and report about some very influential people of the world as well as being a positive influence on children with her long list of children’s books. She has written fourteen novels, including the first book in this series, It Takes One to Know One. It is on my list to read sooner, rather than later. Honestly, I am putting all of her books on my “to be read list”. She is destined to be on my list of favorite authors.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from publicist and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2023 Laura Hartman