Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress

Published Little, Brown and Company
ISBN 978-0-316-03304-6
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a ARC HC was sent to, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (from Publisher): Georgia Bottoms is known in her small community of Six Points, Alabama, as a beautiful, well-to-do, and devoutly Baptist Southern belle.
  Nobody realizes that the family fortune has long since disappeared, and a determinedly single woman like Georgia needs an alternative, and discreet, means of income. In Georgia’s case it is six well-heeled lovers-one for each day of the week, with Mondays off-none of whom knows about the others.
  But when the married preacher who has been coming to call (Saturdays) decides to confess their affair in front of the whole congregation, Georgia must take drastic measures to stop him. In GEORGIA BOTTOMS, Mark Childress proves once again his unmistakable skill for combining the hilarious and the absurd to reveal the inner workings of the rebellious human heart.
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Loved it!! The reader first gets to meet the character as she is preparing for the annual “high society” luncheon in a small town in Alabama, that she hosts every year except no one is showing up. It happens to be 9/11 and she can’t understand how that could interfere in her luncheon and now the huge problem it has created, what does she do with all this food? At times I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the main character, Miss Georgia Bottoms, who, at times, would come across as a “ditz” and other times “sly as a fox”. The dysfunctional family dynamics between her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, her alcoholic brother and her illegitimate son that no one knows about but shows up on her door step with a very big surprise is hysterical. I could not put the book down to see what trouble she would find herself in next and more importantly, how would she get herself out of it. A fun read!!!!

SO CLOSE THE HAND OF DEATH by J.T. Ellison

Published by Harlequin Mira Books
ISBN 9780778329435
I received an ARC-EBook Bound galley Edition from NetGalley, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from NetGalley): TALENT BORROWS. GENIUS STEALS. EVIL DELEGATES.
  It’s a hideous echo of a violent past. Across America, murders are being committed with all the twisted hallmarks of the Boston Strangler, the Zodiac Killer and Son of Sam. The media frenzy explodes and Nashville homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson knows instantly that The Pretender is back…and he’s got helpers.
  As The Pretender’s disciples perpetrate their sick homages—stretching police and the FBI dangerously thin—Taylor tries desperately to prepare for their inevitable showdown. And she must do it alone. To be close to her is to be in mortal danger, and she won’t risk losing anyone she loves. But the isolation, the self-doubt and the rising body count are taking their toll—she’s beside herself and ready to snap.
  The brilliant psychopath who both adores and despises her is drawing close. Close enough to touch…
  My Thoughts and Opinion: After reading the synopsis, my thinking was this was a good match for me, and even more so with the main character being a female. Knowing that I was not completely focused, and it is only fair to give the author and her work my undivided attention, I reread from the beginning of the book three times. However, on the third time and reading 140 pages, I felt that I wasn’t completely pulled into the storyline. There were hints of the premise, but nothing solid that made me want to really run back and pick up the book. Also there was a lot of interaction between the main character and her SO, that appeared to be important to the plot but was fluffed over. There were other scenes, and this is my opinion only, that were a far stretch from reality. I am putting this book in the DNF pile but am not saying that someday it may be moved back to my tbr pile.

SO CLOSE THE HAND OF DEATH by J.T. Ellison

Published by Harlequin Mira Books
ISBN 9780778329435
I received an ARC-EBook Bound galley Edition from NetGalley, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (borrowed from NetGalley): TALENT BORROWS. GENIUS STEALS. EVIL DELEGATES.
  It’s a hideous echo of a violent past. Across America, murders are being committed with all the twisted hallmarks of the Boston Strangler, the Zodiac Killer and Son of Sam. The media frenzy explodes and Nashville homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson knows instantly that The Pretender is back…and he’s got helpers.
  As The Pretender’s disciples perpetrate their sick homages—stretching police and the FBI dangerously thin—Taylor tries desperately to prepare for their inevitable showdown. And she must do it alone. To be close to her is to be in mortal danger, and she won’t risk losing anyone she loves. But the isolation, the self-doubt and the rising body count are taking their toll—she’s beside herself and ready to snap.
  The brilliant psychopath who both adores and despises her is drawing close. Close enough to touch…
  My Thoughts and Opinion: After reading the synopsis, my thinking was this was a good match for me, and even more so with the main character being a female. Knowing that I was not completely focused, and it is only fair to give the author and her work my undivided attention, I reread from the beginning of the book three times. However, on the third time and reading 140 pages, I felt that I wasn’t completely pulled into the storyline. There were hints of the premise, but nothing solid that made me want to really run back and pick up the book. Also there was a lot of interaction between the main character and her SO, that appeared to be important to the plot but was fluffed over. There were other scenes, and this is my opinion only, that were a far stretch from reality. I am putting this book in the DNF pile but am not saying that someday it may be moved back to my tbr pile.

MIDNIGHT CALLER by Leslie Tentler

  Synopsis (borrowed from NetGalley): Late-night radio-show psychologist Rain Sommers is used to the crazies who call in to rage from the back alleys of the French Quarter and the shadows of the bayou. But one caller’s chilling obsession with her and her long-ago murdered mother—an iconic singer beloved among the city’s Goth community—has even the jaded Rain running scared as a sadistic serial killer known as the Vampire prowls New Orleans.
  FBI agent Trevor Rivette is convinced her midnight caller and the killer are one and the same. As it becomes disturbingly clear that the Vampire has a sick bloodlust only Rain can satisfy, she allows Trevor to get closer and closer. But he soon discovers that his secretive past and troubled present are intertwined—and that he may die trying to keep Rain’s fate out of a madman’s control.
  My Thoughts and Opinions: This book has a little of everything ranging from suspense, romance, past childhood trauma, family bonds, a serial killer on the loose, psychological terror and even vampire voodoo. Which, and this is my opinion only, is why I am not a fan of the newest genre rage of paranormal. For me, and again my opinion, it took away the believability factor of the story and how I couldn’t relate to that portion of the plot. I also thought that some scenes and/or chapters lacked substance and were improbable. The suspense sustained me, the main characters with their past traumas and how it affected them in the present were plausible.

MIDNIGHT CALLER by Leslie Tentler

  Synopsis (borrowed from NetGalley): Late-night radio-show psychologist Rain Sommers is used to the crazies who call in to rage from the back alleys of the French Quarter and the shadows of the bayou. But one caller’s chilling obsession with her and her long-ago murdered mother—an iconic singer beloved among the city’s Goth community—has even the jaded Rain running scared as a sadistic serial killer known as the Vampire prowls New Orleans.
  FBI agent Trevor Rivette is convinced her midnight caller and the killer are one and the same. As it becomes disturbingly clear that the Vampire has a sick bloodlust only Rain can satisfy, she allows Trevor to get closer and closer. But he soon discovers that his secretive past and troubled present are intertwined—and that he may die trying to keep Rain’s fate out of a madman’s control.
  My Thoughts and Opinions: This book has a little of everything ranging from suspense, romance, past childhood trauma, family bonds, a serial killer on the loose, psychological terror and even vampire voodoo. Which, and this is my opinion only, is why I am not a fan of the newest genre rage of paranormal. For me, and again my opinion, it took away the believability factor of the story and how I couldn’t relate to that portion of the plot. I also thought that some scenes and/or chapters lacked substance and were improbable. The suspense sustained me, the main characters with their past traumas and how it affected them in the present were plausible.

Once again, Megan from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists has given me the honor to introduce you to a new author that they are working with.  And I have to tell you, I started reading the book the other night and by the first few pages, I was hooked!!  So I am excited, not only to have the pleasure of  hosting this Guest Author, but Phenix & Phenix has generously offered for 2 of my lucky international visitors the chance to win his book.  My review is posted below.  So please help me welcome, Mr. Joseph Hayes!!!

    Joe currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Amy, Sean and Erin.
Visit his website at:  http://www.joseph-hayes.com/

    Unbeknownst to Danny, he didn’t cause the accident. His best friend and aspiring politician, Blair Van Howe, was driving Danny’s car that night because Danny had drunk himself into oblivion. Knowing that Danny was prone to alcohol-induced memory blackouts, and panicked at the prospect of seeing his promising political career explode in scandal, Blair made it appear that the accident was Danny’s fault and fled the scene. While Danny struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, Blair’s political career takes on a meteoric trajectory, as he rises from Chicago’s South Side to become a beloved and fabulously successful figure on the national stage. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, Blair must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret.
    When No One is Watching is both a page-turning thriller and a poignant tale of a man’s search for meaning and redemption in the face of cruel and overwhelming personal hardship. It explores the impact of guilt on the human mind and heart, and searches for inspiration and heroism in unexpected places. Among other thought-provoking questions, author Joseph Hayes asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9843879-4-6
ISBN-10: 0-9843879-4-3
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret. Author Joseph combines page-turning suspense with a poignant tale of inspiration and redemption as he asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Wow!! Where do I start without including any spoilers? This book pulled me in as fast as the Porsche was going the night of the accident. A page turning, suspenseful book full of real life characters, some you instantly feel for, cry with, despise, empathize with, some you want to hate but can’t, and those that you cheer on. A can’t put down book that at times has you holding your breath. This would be a great pick for a book club selection as it includes some very profound discussion questions. Full of lies, secrets, integrity, forgiveness, love, and friendship. Outstanding!!

Once again, Megan from Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists has given me the honor to introduce you to a new author that they are working with.  And I have to tell you, I started reading the book the other night and by the first few pages, I was hooked!!  So I am excited, not only to have the pleasure of  hosting this Guest Author, but Phenix & Phenix has generously offered for 2 of my lucky international visitors the chance to win his book.  My review is posted below.  So please help me welcome, Mr. Joseph Hayes!!!

    Joe currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Amy, Sean and Erin.
Visit his website at:  http://www.joseph-hayes.com/

    Unbeknownst to Danny, he didn’t cause the accident. His best friend and aspiring politician, Blair Van Howe, was driving Danny’s car that night because Danny had drunk himself into oblivion. Knowing that Danny was prone to alcohol-induced memory blackouts, and panicked at the prospect of seeing his promising political career explode in scandal, Blair made it appear that the accident was Danny’s fault and fled the scene. While Danny struggles to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, Blair’s political career takes on a meteoric trajectory, as he rises from Chicago’s South Side to become a beloved and fabulously successful figure on the national stage. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, Blair must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret.
    When No One is Watching is both a page-turning thriller and a poignant tale of a man’s search for meaning and redemption in the face of cruel and overwhelming personal hardship. It explores the impact of guilt on the human mind and heart, and searches for inspiration and heroism in unexpected places. Among other thought-provoking questions, author Joseph Hayes asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

Published by Synergy Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-9843879-4-6
ISBN-10: 0-9843879-4-3
At the request of Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists, a TPB was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.
  Synopsis (back of book): On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret. Author Joseph combines page-turning suspense with a poignant tale of inspiration and redemption as he asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?
  My Thoughts and Opinion: Wow!! Where do I start without including any spoilers? This book pulled me in as fast as the Porsche was going the night of the accident. A page turning, suspenseful book full of real life characters, some you instantly feel for, cry with, despise, empathize with, some you want to hate but can’t, and those that you cheer on. A can’t put down book that at times has you holding your breath. This would be a great pick for a book club selection as it includes some very profound discussion questions. Full of lies, secrets, integrity, forgiveness, love, and friendship. Outstanding!!

You are in for a treat!!  You may have seen that I have had this book in my “Currently Reading” and then “Just Finished Reading” boxes on my sidebar, but no review.  Well, there was a reason.  I had to wait, very anxiously, to share my review with all of you until the book’s debut and today is that day!!!  So if you like thrillers….run….you won’t be disappointed!!!

GODCHILD by Vincent Zandri

  Snyopsis (borrowed from Amazon):  He wanted justice, truth, revenge…whichever came first.
   Prison-warden-turned-P.I. Jack “Keeper” Marconi understands the criminal mind. And he knows what it takes to break a man. His own life came apart the day a black Buick broadsided his car–and his wife died horrifically in the seat beside him.
  Years later, on the eve of his second marriage, Marconi catches a split-second glimpse of the driver who killed his wife. Suddenly hurtled back into the past, he is determined to take one last shot at hunting him down. That is, until he is offered a job he can’t refuse: to bust a beautiful woman out of a hellish Mexican prison. Now Keeper’s chase through Mexico follows a trail of bodies and lies back home: to the truth about a woman on the run, to a man sitting behind the wheel of a black Buick, and to a story that someone will kill to bury….
  My Thoughts and Opinion:  If you have followed my blog since May of 2010, when I was first introduced to this author, Mr. Vincent Zandri and I read his novel Moonlight Falls, this review will not come as a surprise. I was hooked and became even more so with his subsequent novels, The Remains and The Innocent and even his digital short, Pathological, and this latest book, Godchild, didn’t disappoint. This is a sequel to The Innocent, picking up with former Warden (Keeper) Jack Marconi but is a story that can stand on it’s own. The story starts off slow like a train departing an Albany station and picks up speed nonstop across country at warp speed to Mexico with a short lay over to break into a Mexican jail to rescue an American female writer who is incarcerated and then back to Albany. The story line takes place over a 2 week period. But does someone really want her rescued? Why is it that someone wants Keeper Marconi to be the one to rescue her? Where, why and how does the drug cartels have anything to do with rescuing Renata Barnes? And what does all this have to do with the accident that tragically killed Keeper’s wife, a case that he has never solved?

Godchild is a pure Noir thriller, not to be read if you are alone, especially at night unless your doors are bolted, the windows locked and the drapes closed. Zandri is a genius story teller, alternating chapters between characters, whereas you have to keep reading to find out where he left you off with his cliff hanging chapters. Bone chilling!! Frightening!! By far his scariest!! Hitchcock and Stephen King combined. Brilliant!!! I can’t wait to see what’s next. He just keeps getting better!!!!