The Prophet by Ethan Cross
Published by: The Story Plant
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
ISBN-10: 1611880459
ISBN-13: 978-1611880458
Pages: 400
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis:
OLD ENEMIES…
Francis Ackerman Jr. is one of America’s most prolific serial killers. Having kept a low profile for the past year, he is ready to return to work – and he’s more brutal, cunning, and dangerous than ever.

NEW THREATS…
Scarred from their past battles, Special Agent Marcus Williams cannot shake Ackerman from his mind. But now Marcus must focus on catching the Anarchist, a new killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive.

HIDDEN TERRORS…
Marcus knows the Anarchist will strike again soon. And Ackerman is still free. But worse than this is a mysterious figure, unknown to the authorities, who controls the actions of the Anarchist and many like him. He is the Prophet – and his plans are more terrible than even his own disciples can imagine.

With attacks coming from every side, Marcus faces a race against time to save the lives of a group of innocent people chosen as sacrifices in the Prophet’s final dark ritual.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
WOW! Chilling and fast paced!! A couple of caveats. This is the 2nd in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. The author did an amazing job of inserting information from the previous novel, The Shepherd, where needed with no interruption of the story. This author is now on my “authors to read” list, this book was that good!! I would also like to give credit to the publisher, The Story Plant. For the past three (3) years, I have been reading and reviewing books from The Story Plant’s catalogue and have put every author under this imprint, on the same list.

The book, The Prophet, pulls you in within the first few pages. The reader gets introduced to the cast of characters, all believable but unsure of how they are connected. This story has so many twists and turns that the pages just kept turning. The settings vivid. The author’s writing style is extraordinary at how he weaves and interweaves the plot and characters together. The story tense and intense.
A white knuckle read!! About 3/4 into the book, the author ramps up the suspense to warp speed pulling everything together. I found myself wishing I could read faster to keep up with the heart pounding thrill ride. I could not put this book down until I read the very last word. The ending, a huge cliff hanger, which I hope means there will be a subsequent novel. I highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a thrilling, accelerating plot with a surprising intricate puzzle to try and piece together, you will not be disappointed. An electrifying read!!!!

(2012 Challenges: JFF, Serial Killers, FreeReads, Where Are You, A-Z, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo
Published by: Inferno Publishing Company
Publication Date: April 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 0985030208
ISBN-13: 978-0985030209
Pages: 438
Review Copy from: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (from author):
A string of brutal murders has bodies piling up in Brooklyn, and Detective Frankie Donovan knows what is going on. Clues left at the crime scenes point to someone from the old neighborhood, and that isn’t good.

Frankie has taken two oaths in his life–the one he took to uphold the law when he became a cop, and the one he took with his two best friends when they were eight years old and inseparable. Those relationships have forced Frankie to make many tough decisions, but now he faces the toughest one of his life; he has five murders to solve and one of those two friends is responsible. If Frankie lets him go, he breaks the oath he took as a cop and risks losing his job. But if he tries to bring him in, he breaks the oath he kept for twenty-five years–and risks losing his life.

In the neighborhood where Frankie Donovan grew up, you never broke an oath.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I hope you will indulge me as I feel that I need to add a caveat to this review. Prior to three (3) years ago I was an avid reader and consumer. Since that time I have added a few more titles, such as blogger, reviewer and tour coordinator. Since finding this book blogging community, I have had the opportunity to read and review many titles that I wouldn’t have read, due to other bloggers’ reviews, review requests, and through my new venture, Partners In Crime Tours. When I first started reviewing, because I valued and relied on other bloggers’ thoughts as a meter to read a certain book or not, I have always, no matter who, how and/or where a certain book was obtained from, written a review based on my honest opinion for those that relied on my POV. And as I have stated in many of my reviews, I am always a bit skeptical when I first pick up a book knowing that it is a debut novel. With all that being said, I will now give you my honest impression of Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo, a debut author and book that, starting today, is kicking off his virtual tour with Partners In Crime Tours.

An author once told me, that a reader should be hooked by a book, within the first 15 pages. This book pulled me in within the first few paragraphs and never gave me the chance to get away. I had to keep turning the pages. The story alternates between the past and the present day with two (2) of the main protagonists’ narratives. The writing flowed and was descriptive. The characters came alive. The plot believable. The suspense and action non stop. This novel had all the elements whereas I was able to create vivid imagery as if I was watching a movie in my mind, engrossing to the point that time got away from me, compelling and thrilling to the point I had a hard time putting it down. It is a debut novel that was written as if it was penned by a seasoned author. A writer, that can make the reader question, why at times you would root for the “bad guy”.

There are some explicit scenes that contain graphic descriptions of violence and strong language, however, and this is my opinion only, that it made the story more realistic. I would not recommend it to those who find those factors offensive. But as an overall mafia-like, calculating, suspenseful, dynamic and dramatic story, it was a knock out entertaining reading experience by a debut author. A debut writer that I am sure you will be hearing more about. If you enjoyed The Godfather and Goodfellas, you will definitely want to read Murder Takes Time. It was tense and intense!! I am looking forward to the next book in this series!!

Leaves by Michael Baron
Published by The Story Plant
Publication Date: Sept. 12, 2012
ISBN-10: 0984190546
ISBN-13: 978-0984190546
Pages: 352
Review Copy from: The Story Plant
Edition: ARC Kindle TPB
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (borrowed from Amazon):
Welcome to Oldham, CT, a small town rich in Colonial heritage while being utterly contemporary. Situated along the Connecticut River Valley, Oldham bursts with color every fall, as the leaves on its trees evolve into an unmatched palette of scarlet, orange, purple, yellow, and bronze. For more than three decades, the Gold family has been a central part of Oldham in the fall, its Sugar Maple Inn a destination for “leaf-peepers” from all over the country, and its annual Halloween party a stirring way to punctuate the town’s most active month.

But this year, more than just the leaves are changing. With the death of their parents, the Gold siblings, Maria, Maxwell, Deborah, Corrina, and Tyler, have decided to sell the Sugar Maple Inn, and this year’s Halloween party will be the last. As October begins, the Golds contend with the finality that faces them, and the implications it has for a family that has always been so close. For some, it means embracing new challenges and new love. For others, it means taking on unimagined roles. And for others, it means considering the inconceivable. Complicating it all is a series of “hauntings” that touch each of the Gold siblings, a series of benign interventions that will remain a mystery until October draws to a close.

Filled with romance, tension, and unforgettable family drama, Leaves is the first in a series of novels about a world and a family that readers will want to make their own.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
Michael Baron has been compared to Nicholas Sparks, but since I have not read any of Mr. Sparks books I can’t compare, but what I do know is that when I first went public with my blog, Mr. Baron’s publisher contacted me to read the author’s book Crossing The Bridge and I instantly became a fan. However, I did recommended his books to another book blogger, Ann from  Ann’s Reading Corner who has read Mr. Sparks’ novels and she stated “personally I like Michael’s novel much better than Sparks novels” (you can see her review  here). Crossing The Bridge was a short read but written with such tenderness and emotion that it was hard to believe a male author had penned it. Since then I have read every book written by him and we have both grown. His books became full length novels, books that I would anxiously wait for and I am coming up on my 3rd blogiversary. His répertoire of books that I have read are The Journey Home, Anything, Spinning, When You Went Away, and A Winter Discovery. And now Leaves.

Leaves takes place over a period of less than a month’s time. Four siblings have decided that it is time to sell their parents Inn that they have helped with, even as children, since their parents have passed away. Their parents hosted a yearly event and would open the Inn’s door to the small and quaint town of Oldham with a big Halloween party. And this year will be bittersweet as it will be the last day before the new buyers take ownership the next day. In the days before the party, the reader is introduced to the siblings and also a look into their family dynamics.

Mr. Baron has the gift and ability to sweep you away from reality into the story like the winds of autumn sweeps the last leaves off the trees. The characters are so life like that they become one’s own family. The story felt like a real life event, whereas you are looking forward to see what happens as he counts down the days to the Halloween party but then on the other hand, you know that the story will end but don’t want it to be over. His manner of writing flows and is so realistic that it transports the reader right into the middle of the plot. This is the first time that I have read a book that every one of the senses was a vivid experience. Mr. Baron, has shared his music on Spotify to listen to and hear as you are reading, the details of Deborah’s cooking made my mouth water and could imagine the smells in the kitchen, I could create the imagery of seeing the settings, I was able to feel the emotions and tender touches of the characters. And as the days kept getting crossed off the calendar and getting close to the end, I didn’t know whether to read faster to see what happened or read slower so that I could savor this book and not have it end. The ending bittersweet, which I did not see coming (sorry but I will not include a spoiler). The ending is too special to even hint at what happens.

Knowing the style of Mr. Baron’s work, when I read the following from the prologue, I knew that this book, like his others, would tug at my heart strings, take me away and that I would have a difficult time putting it down.

For this October, certain threads would fray and certain binds would loosen. Unspoken words woud be uttered at last while things that needed to be said would be withheld. Tradition would be honored and the past would be rejected. One heart would beat for another’s for the first time, while one heart would stop beating forever. And a message would be delivered that was essential to all who heard it.

Mr. Baron’s, Leaves, is a poignant, compelling, moving, passionate, feel good read. Once the last word is read and the book closed, the characters live on in one’s heart and mind. An absolutely recommended read!!

DISCLAIMER
I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me,
in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive
are ever sold…they are kept by me,
or given to family and/or friends.

(2012 Challenges:  FreeReads, Where Are You, A-Z, 1st In A Series, 52 in 52, Outdo, 100+)

Synopsis:
When Jake Patrick took a summer internship at his estranged father’s corporation, he anticipated some much-needed extra cash and a couple of free meals from his guilty dad. He would have never guessed that he’d find himself in the center of an international scandal involving a U.S. senator that was rife with conspiracy, back-room politics, and murder. Or that his own life would hang in the balance. Or that he’d find help – and much more than that – from a collection of memorable characters operating on all sides of law. Jake’s summer has turned into the most eventful one of his life. Now he just needs to survive it.

From the sweatshops of Saipan to the most powerful offices in Washington, SWEAT rockets through a story of crime and consequences with lightning pacing, a twisting plot, an unforgettable cast of characters, and wry humor. It is another nonstop thriller from one of the most exciting new voices in suspense fiction.

My Thoughts and Opinion:
I was first introduced to Mark Gilleo when I read his debut novel, Love Thy Neighbor, back in March. You can read my review here. I was blown away with that novel on so many levels because it was not high on my list for plots, being in the espionage genre, having 400+ pages, which I read in a matter of a few days because I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and a debut novel that read as if it was written by a seasoned author.

Now comes his 2nd novel, which I couldn’t wait to read but honestly was a bit skeptical because the bar was set so high. Could it be as good or better? Would it compare? The answer is a resounding Yes!! There are so many facets of his writing style that appeal to me. The dialogue between characters are so realistic and fluid that I have the feeling that I am eavesdropping on a conversation. The action is non stop from the first page to the last word. The characters three dimensional and animated. The “espionage” is not so detailed and deep, that I have to figure out the inner workings of a department where it would get boorish. The settings vivid. The story lines are fiction imitating reality or reality could be possible with imitating fiction.The plot was a page turner and heart pounding.

Sweat takes place over a 5 week time span traveling from Seattle, WA to Saipan and ending in Washington, D.C.. with a premise ripped from the headlines. A multi cat and mouse chase at the speed of a run away train. Sweat has it all and more, unethical politicians, kidnapping, murder, greed, bribery, assassination attempts, deceit, greed, truth, police procedural investigations, betrayals, forced labor, stake outs, organized crime, friendships, love relationships and an ending that will leave the reader wanting a sequel. Another amazing, white knuckle read!! Mark Gilleo is both talented and gifted when it comes to page turning story telling. A master!! Bravo!! A book not to be passed by!! Extraordinary!!!

(2012 Challenges: JFF, FreeReads, Where Are You, Merely Mystery, I Want More, 52 in 52, Outdo Yourself, 100+)

Synopsis:
Looking for the perfect complement to a juicy ribeye steak, grilled kabobs or even some desserts? Look no further than Cabernet Sauvignon, the “red of all reds” worldwide. Sommelier Sara Fasolino guides you with practical tips for buying and enjoying Cabernet Sauvignon, whether you’re spending $7 or $75.Cabernet Sauvignon for Beginners will shed light on the characteristics of this versatile wine, what contributes to its wide range of flavors, and the best foods to match with it.

My Thoughts and Opinion: (one spoiler alert)
I admit I am far from being a wine connoisseur but do enjoy a glass of wine on occasion. My preference is usually a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, so when I received the request to review this book, I was intrigued to learn about the fine art of wine tasting.

Even though it is a very short read, being only 22 pages, it was fully packed with information and answered a lot of the questions I have always wondered about. For example, when at a restaurant and the server hands one a cork of a newly opened bottle of wine, what is it that you are looking for? I was quite surprised by the answer. And because now I knew the reason, I asked others to see what they thought the reason was, and most answered incorrectly and was surprised when I informed them as to the why. This will be the only “spoiler” that I divulge, since there are many interesting facts in this guide. When handed the cork of a bottle of Cabernet, one is inspecting to see if the cork is moist. If it isn’t, it means that the bottled was not placed in the proper position and/or the seal had been broken.

Within these 22 pages is the history, the different type of grapes used, how to read the label which holds much information, the different types of barrels used to make the wine and the different ones that add to the flavor, what foods are best with this type of wine, how to store wine bottles and even choosing a certain type of glass to serve it in because this can also alter the taste. Quite interesting !!

There are more books by this author for other types of wine, such as, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Malbec. With the holidays just around the corner, this would make for a nice gift for those who enjoy a glass of wine!