DEAD OF WYNTER by Spencer Seidel

Published by Publishing Works, Inc.,
ISBN-13: 978-1-935557-69-2
At the request of Meryl L. Moss Media, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from marketing): There is the Maine of summer — warm, picturesque, filled with vacationing families — and then there is the Maine of winter, where the cold creeps into your bones and refuses to leave. Alice Wynter Dunn thought she’d never have to go back to her hometown of Redding, Maine, where secrets are buried under a thick layer of ice and the chill emanates from people’s hearts.
  A phone call in the middle of the night. Alice’s infamous father, Edward “Papa” Wynter, is dead from a gunshot wound. Leaving her distant husband in their New Jersey McMansion, Alice races back to Redding. What at first seems like a simple case of burying her past along with her cruel, alcoholic father turns into a double mystery. Papa Wynter wasn’t a victim of suicide as originally thought — it was murder, and Alice’s abused twin brother, Chris, is missing.
  Memories begin to crack the surface as apparitions from the past appear. The winter when Chris ran wild with his bad-seed cousin, cruising from petty crimes to irreversible tragedy, is revealed. Could this be the catalyst that drove Chris to become a hard-core alcoholic like their father? And did their cousin Ray, a junior sociopath in the making, really die in a snowmobile accident?
  Supervising Lieutenant Detective Don Lambert has his suspicions. Chris and Papa were last seen arguing in their favorite townie bar the night of the murder — and they were fighting about Ray; the same Ray who tortures Alice’s memories. Things grow more complicated when the murder weapon is found and her mother, Jackie Ruth, is brought in for questioning. What is she hiding? What dark secret from Alice’s past is about to be exposed?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: The author of this debut thriller is one to put on your radar. The story takes place between the present time when Alice Wynter Dunn returns to her hometown, which she has tried to erase and rewrite her history, and 1984, the year that changed the Wynter family’s lives. A year full of deep, dark secrets that has plagued them for years in varied ways. Alice, by escaping the area, her father and twin brother, by escaping with alcohol. But secrets that come back to haunt and kill them. The author was able to, with his writing style, portray the absolute evil in some of the characters in the book, but also let the reader feel the frightening emotions that other characters were feeling. A disturbing, chilling, yet intriguing read which was hard to put down, with a shocking conclusion.

DEAD OF WYNTER by Spencer Seidel

Published by Publishing Works, Inc.,
ISBN-13: 978-1-935557-69-2
At the request of Meryl L. Moss Media, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from marketing): There is the Maine of summer — warm, picturesque, filled with vacationing families — and then there is the Maine of winter, where the cold creeps into your bones and refuses to leave. Alice Wynter Dunn thought she’d never have to go back to her hometown of Redding, Maine, where secrets are buried under a thick layer of ice and the chill emanates from people’s hearts.
  A phone call in the middle of the night. Alice’s infamous father, Edward “Papa” Wynter, is dead from a gunshot wound. Leaving her distant husband in their New Jersey McMansion, Alice races back to Redding. What at first seems like a simple case of burying her past along with her cruel, alcoholic father turns into a double mystery. Papa Wynter wasn’t a victim of suicide as originally thought — it was murder, and Alice’s abused twin brother, Chris, is missing.
  Memories begin to crack the surface as apparitions from the past appear. The winter when Chris ran wild with his bad-seed cousin, cruising from petty crimes to irreversible tragedy, is revealed. Could this be the catalyst that drove Chris to become a hard-core alcoholic like their father? And did their cousin Ray, a junior sociopath in the making, really die in a snowmobile accident?
  Supervising Lieutenant Detective Don Lambert has his suspicions. Chris and Papa were last seen arguing in their favorite townie bar the night of the murder — and they were fighting about Ray; the same Ray who tortures Alice’s memories. Things grow more complicated when the murder weapon is found and her mother, Jackie Ruth, is brought in for questioning. What is she hiding? What dark secret from Alice’s past is about to be exposed?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: The author of this debut thriller is one to put on your radar. The story takes place between the present time when Alice Wynter Dunn returns to her hometown, which she has tried to erase and rewrite her history, and 1984, the year that changed the Wynter family’s lives. A year full of deep, dark secrets that has plagued them for years in varied ways. Alice, by escaping the area, her father and twin brother, by escaping with alcohol. But secrets that come back to haunt and kill them. The author was able to, with his writing style, portray the absolute evil in some of the characters in the book, but also let the reader feel the frightening emotions that other characters were feeling. A disturbing, chilling, yet intriguing read which was hard to put down, with a shocking conclusion.

A Drop Of The Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block

ISBN-13: 9780316127332
At the request of Mulholland Books, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Grandmaster Lawrence Block brings his greatest character, Matthew Scudder, back into action in his most personal case.
  Matthew Scudder is finally on the straight and narrow when he runs into “High-Low” Jack Ellery, a childhood friend from the Bronx. In Scudder, Jack sees the moral man he might have become. In Jack, Scudder sees the hard-won sobriety he hopes to achieve.
  Then Ellery, following to the letter the dictates of Alcoholics Anonymous’ infamous twelve steps, is shot down while attempting to atone for past sins, and Scudder is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to upset his path toward recovery—and get him killed in the process.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I initially read the synopsis of this book, I felt that it was definitely a match for me, being in the genre of suspense, which is my favorite preference of books to read. It was also the first book that I had read by this author and also not realizing that this novel was one of many in a series. Before stating my thoughts and opinion, I would like to add a caveat. I did do some research on different sites such as B&N and GR to read other reviews and the majority were very good. I say this because not every book is the same for every reader. And the following is my opinion, and my opinion only. I read 50+ pages and had to put this book aside. I felt that it was an effort to continue to read. To me, it was very dry reading, whereas nothing truly “grabbed” me. I am not sure if it could be that I never read any of the books in the series or any other books by this author. Unfortunately, this book went into the DNF pile.

A Drop Of The Hard Stuff by Lawrence Block

ISBN-13: 9780316127332
At the request of Mulholland Books, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
  Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Grandmaster Lawrence Block brings his greatest character, Matthew Scudder, back into action in his most personal case.
  Matthew Scudder is finally on the straight and narrow when he runs into “High-Low” Jack Ellery, a childhood friend from the Bronx. In Scudder, Jack sees the moral man he might have become. In Jack, Scudder sees the hard-won sobriety he hopes to achieve.
  Then Ellery, following to the letter the dictates of Alcoholics Anonymous’ infamous twelve steps, is shot down while attempting to atone for past sins, and Scudder is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens to upset his path toward recovery—and get him killed in the process.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: When I initially read the synopsis of this book, I felt that it was definitely a match for me, being in the genre of suspense, which is my favorite preference of books to read. It was also the first book that I had read by this author and also not realizing that this novel was one of many in a series. Before stating my thoughts and opinion, I would like to add a caveat. I did do some research on different sites such as B&N and GR to read other reviews and the majority were very good. I say this because not every book is the same for every reader. And the following is my opinion, and my opinion only. I read 50+ pages and had to put this book aside. I felt that it was an effort to continue to read. To me, it was very dry reading, whereas nothing truly “grabbed” me. I am not sure if it could be that I never read any of the books in the series or any other books by this author. Unfortunately, this book went into the DNF pile.

THE MIDWIFE’S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain

Published by MIRA Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-7783-2986-2
At the request of Meryl L. Moss Media, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from back of book): Dear Anna,
  What I have to tell you is difficult to write, but I know it will be far more difficult for you to hear, and I’m so sorry…
  The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind their close friend Noelle’s suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle—her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her friends and family—described a woman who embraced life.
  Yet there was so much they didn’t know.
  With the discovery of the letter and its heartbreaking secret, Noelle’s friends begin to uncover the truth about this complex woman who touched each of their lives—and the life of a desperate stranger—with love and betrayal, compassion and deceit.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I became a fan of this author after reading her novel, The Lies We Told, which I rated a 5/5. Because of such a high rating, I quite honestly was a bit leery if this book would be as good. Ms. Chamberlain did not disappoint. Another phenomenal read. The author with her creative writing style brings the characters to life and transports the reader into the story line. I truly felt the ambivalence of emotions that the characters were dealing with. The chapters alternate between the past and present of the characters’ lives. An engrossing read where secrets and lies can alter so many innocent lives ( vague due to not wanting to include spoilers). A page turning, must read book!! This story will stay with you long after you finish the last page. I will be anxiously awaiting and look forward to her next novel. I highly recommend!!

THE MIDWIFE’S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain

Published by MIRA Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-7783-2986-2
At the request of Meryl L. Moss Media, an ARC TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from back of book): Dear Anna,
  What I have to tell you is difficult to write, but I know it will be far more difficult for you to hear, and I’m so sorry…
  The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind their close friend Noelle’s suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle—her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her friends and family—described a woman who embraced life.
  Yet there was so much they didn’t know.
  With the discovery of the letter and its heartbreaking secret, Noelle’s friends begin to uncover the truth about this complex woman who touched each of their lives—and the life of a desperate stranger—with love and betrayal, compassion and deceit.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: I became a fan of this author after reading her novel, The Lies We Told, which I rated a 5/5. Because of such a high rating, I quite honestly was a bit leery if this book would be as good. Ms. Chamberlain did not disappoint. Another phenomenal read. The author with her creative writing style brings the characters to life and transports the reader into the story line. I truly felt the ambivalence of emotions that the characters were dealing with. The chapters alternate between the past and present of the characters’ lives. An engrossing read where secrets and lies can alter so many innocent lives ( vague due to not wanting to include spoilers). A page turning, must read book!! This story will stay with you long after you finish the last page. I will be anxiously awaiting and look forward to her next novel. I highly recommend!!

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I became a huge fan of this author when I read his first book Moonlight Falls back in May. Since that time, I have read his subsequent novels, The Remains, The Innocent and Godchild, and all have been exceptional. Before leaving to go on vacation, Mr. Zandri honored me by entrusting me to read and review a galley of his latest novel that will be out today.

CONCRETE PEARL by Vincent Zandri

  Synopsis: Ava “Spike” Harrison might be a beautiful, classically schooled woman, but the single, 38 year old construction business owner is also plenty ballsy. Her late father taught her long ago how to handle the rough boys in an industry that’s almost entirely filled with hard-boiled men on the make. But now, with “the business dad built” from the ground up failing due to an unusual series of job-site injuries and just plain bad luck, Spike has no choice but to take on one last project she believes can pull the fledgling commercial firm from the depths of almost certain bankruptcy and family shame: The Renovation of Albany PS 20.
  Problem is, Spike had no choice but to take the job on the cheap or, what’s known in the industry as, “at cost.” To make matters worse, she’s not only hired an asbestos removal contractor who, unbeknownst to her, low-balled his price, but she’s advanced him $10Gs from her own dwindling cash account as a “good faith” incentive to beat the project deadline.
  Now, when that same asbestos contractor goes missing and it’s discovered by OSHA officials that he’s cheated on the project exposing more than 300 students to deadly asbestos fibers for months, the ever responsible Spike takes matters into her own callused hands and goes in search of him. What she discovers along the way however, is a path paved with deception, greed, murder, and eventually, her own ultimate demise.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Another hole in one!!! Zandri, once again, proves that he is a master story teller. With this book, he lures you onto a Tower of Terror ride and buckles you in before you have the ability to get off. Brilliant!!! This is what I call a “transport” book, whereas I was so engrossed in the plot that I was unaware of my surroundings. Because of his superb writing style, both the characters and settings, I was able to create vivid visualizations in my mind. Gifted!! Ava “Spike” Harrison, the main character, was charismatic who fought on principals but also had to deal with emotions of loss (vague due to not wanting to include spoilers). Throughout the book she “wondered how a headstrong girl like me” would get into different situations, which made her a likeable character that had this reader rooting for her and hoping that there will be sequels. A nonstop read of twists and turns until the very last word!!!! And just when you think you are nearing the end of the ride, Mr Zandri catapults the reader to the top of the tower at break neck speed. Not wanting to include spoilers, all I could picture in my mind when this happened, was a theater full of people and everyone at the same time sits back in their seats and gasps, which is exactly what I did when I read it!! Zandri delivers another page turning, can’t put down novel!!!!! Fantastic!!!!

“Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 Internationally Bestselling Kindle E-Book author of THE REMAINS, THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD and MOONLIGHT FALLS. CONCRETE PEARL is his fifth thriller. A freelance photojournalist and foreign correspondent, he divides his time between New York and Florence, Italy.
For more information, please visit his website.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I became a huge fan of this author when I read his first book Moonlight Falls back in May. Since that time, I have read his subsequent novels, The Remains, The Innocent and Godchild, and all have been exceptional. Before leaving to go on vacation, Mr. Zandri honored me by entrusting me to read and review a galley of his latest novel that will be out today.

CONCRETE PEARL by Vincent Zandri

  Synopsis: Ava “Spike” Harrison might be a beautiful, classically schooled woman, but the single, 38 year old construction business owner is also plenty ballsy. Her late father taught her long ago how to handle the rough boys in an industry that’s almost entirely filled with hard-boiled men on the make. But now, with “the business dad built” from the ground up failing due to an unusual series of job-site injuries and just plain bad luck, Spike has no choice but to take on one last project she believes can pull the fledgling commercial firm from the depths of almost certain bankruptcy and family shame: The Renovation of Albany PS 20.
  Problem is, Spike had no choice but to take the job on the cheap or, what’s known in the industry as, “at cost.” To make matters worse, she’s not only hired an asbestos removal contractor who, unbeknownst to her, low-balled his price, but she’s advanced him $10Gs from her own dwindling cash account as a “good faith” incentive to beat the project deadline.
  Now, when that same asbestos contractor goes missing and it’s discovered by OSHA officials that he’s cheated on the project exposing more than 300 students to deadly asbestos fibers for months, the ever responsible Spike takes matters into her own callused hands and goes in search of him. What she discovers along the way however, is a path paved with deception, greed, murder, and eventually, her own ultimate demise.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Another hole in one!!! Zandri, once again, proves that he is a master story teller. With this book, he lures you onto a Tower of Terror ride and buckles you in before you have the ability to get off. Brilliant!!! This is what I call a “transport” book, whereas I was so engrossed in the plot that I was unaware of my surroundings. Because of his superb writing style, both the characters and settings, I was able to create vivid visualizations in my mind. Gifted!! Ava “Spike” Harrison, the main character, was charismatic who fought on principals but also had to deal with emotions of loss (vague due to not wanting to include spoilers). Throughout the book she “wondered how a headstrong girl like me” would get into different situations, which made her a likeable character that had this reader rooting for her and hoping that there will be sequels. A nonstop read of twists and turns until the very last word!!!! And just when you think you are nearing the end of the ride, Mr Zandri catapults the reader to the top of the tower at break neck speed. Not wanting to include spoilers, all I could picture in my mind when this happened, was a theater full of people and everyone at the same time sits back in their seats and gasps, which is exactly what I did when I read it!! Zandri delivers another page turning, can’t put down novel!!!!! Fantastic!!!!

“Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 Internationally Bestselling Kindle E-Book author of THE REMAINS, THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD and MOONLIGHT FALLS. CONCRETE PEARL is his fifth thriller. A freelance photojournalist and foreign correspondent, he divides his time between New York and Florence, Italy.
For more information, please visit his website.