My Buy Essay

Posts Tagged ‘fiction’

Jill 9 has a story line based around a psychologically disturbed female serial killer

The only lead the detectives have is the one thing all the victims have in common – all of the victims share the name, or sudunoume, of “Jill Walker”.

Young new weather-woman, Jill Wallokowski shines on camera stunning the television station staff and her audience. Unfortunately, she is stalked, attacked and targeted for death by some twisted members of her audience.

FBI agent Ian… is obsessed with the “Jill” serial killer and harbors a deep guilt and anger over the killings he could not prevent in the past &ndash especially the last one. Now, the “Jill Killer” has targeted the new weather-woman and Ian is driven in more ways than one to protect her. Their attraction for each other may just drive them both mad, but Ian knows he cannot become too close because he won’t be able to fully protect her.

This fiction novel could be classified as an action-suspense thriller. Involving a stalker, sexual deviant and serial killer, a serious team of FBI agents led by Ian Hamlin and the incomporable Jill Wallokowski.

Be prepared; this 300-page book contains some swearing and erotic scenes between the steamy pair. In closing, I would like to mention that I was moved by the author’s heart-felt dedication for Jill 9 to the men and women in the law enforcement fields who strive to keep every one of us safe.

ISBN#: 0-9767732-9-5

Author: J.D. Tynan

Publisher: Better Be Write Publishing

Published: 2006

King Bartholomew and the Jester’s Riddle by Pina Mastromonaco is a wonderful, fun book with a humor level perfect for children aged four to eight. Entertaining riddles entice readers to try to guess the answer while enjoying the tale.

Childlike King Bartholomew is obsessed with toys and solving riddles. The chubby, balding King learns to balance play and work time so that he can take responsible care of his land and citizens, yet still enjoy a playful life. The moral-of-the-story is not laid on thick &ndash it is lightly applied so it will be easily accepted by young children. Teachers, librarians and caretakers will enjoy reading this pleasant book to children who like to play rather than accomplish chores or school assignments.

The illustrator, David Martin, is extremely accomplished and very gifted. Each page is filled with incredible detail that reveals more the longer one gazes at them. Many illustrations some form of nature included from the fantastically sculpted bushes, an array of birds and a maze of hedges with a big ‘B’ in the center (B &ndash for King Bartholomew). Richly colored clothes and hilarious costumes for the jester and the King’s servants prove to add an interesting twist to this fun-loving book.”

ISBN#: 0974430714

Author: Pina Mastromonaco

Illustrations: David Martin

Publisher: Merry Lane Press

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art Adventure is a 40-page children’s book written by the accomplished and award-winning illustrator Pamela Key. Her intent in writing this book is clear in this passage from the book:

“If a kid does any kind of art at least three hours a day, three days a week, for a year he or she is four times more likely to win an award for writing or be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to be elected to class office or win an award for school attendance.”

There is no doubt that this is an excellent book and could easily be one of the best I have seen. The art is amazing – especially the backgrounds, which are full of colorful textures and blends. Another noticeable feature was the bright, almost realistic eyes of Pamela’s characters.

Monroe, a curious little boy filled with questions, has a conversation with his artistically inclined mother about the many various forms of art. Everything from writing, music, pottery and painting are covered in their discussion. A lovable egomaniac cat is Monroe’s best friend and he appears on each scene with cunning comments. Fun activity sheets (four in total) mentally stimulate children and help develop the ability to focus on details.

The way the book is illustrated and written allows for plenty of dialogue between the reader and children. They can seek out images together and discuss what is happening. Also every-other page has a small box with extra historical facts. Such as: science-fiction author Jules Verne writing about air and water travel 100 years before it was possible; and the adventure of Dolly Madison who risked her life to safe important national treasures.

Kitty Fantastic in Manroe’s Art is a fun and stimulating book for learning historical lessons and as an introduction to art &ndash and as such, the book would be ideal for groups of children at schools, libraries and even daycare centers. Children are not the only people that can be enlightened by this book – my husband and myself were both educated about “surrealism” and more. I was also particularly partial to the author making sure it is understood that each person has their own art and express thoughts and emotions through it in their own unique way.

I heartily recommend this book!

ISBN#: 0-9771971-1-5

Authored and Illustrated by: Pamela Key

Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

The first thing that stood out for me about Michael Putegnat’s novel, Laguna, was the author’s excellent writing skills. He has the ability to create a vision in the readers mind and employs a clever use of humor. Attractive hooks at the ending of most chapters kept me unable to resist reading at least the first paragraph or two of the next one.

Laguna opens with Octavio Paredes, the missing fisherman, and his wife Anajita. This interesting inter-racial marriage gives glimpses of underlying racism in their families. From there we are introduced to Jason, a sergeant at a police station, and his brother Jack, who is depressed and out-of-work. The hands of fate drag these two brothers into the case of the missing fisherman. Intriguing threads lead back to Jack’s old job and his only refuge is his sailboat. However the unexpected romance with Angela brings a ray of relief to Jack’s battered life.

Sweet Angela, the green-eyed daughter of Sophia Poole, is more than she seems. She gets that from her mother. Sophia, no ordinary elderly lady, holds an emotional secret.

John Mange, his wife and two sons are facing financial loss on a grand scale. But nothing small in this family has been done in more than four generations. Greed runs deep in John’s genes and like his forefathers, he stoops to unspeakable levels to get what he desires most.

Enter Fester Stubb, a former IRS tax fraud specialist is employed by John Mange. John doesn’t yet know it, but he has just made his biggest mistake.

As you can probably tell by the list of characters, the back cover statement accurately describes the setting for Laguna as a place where “power and greed are the new religion and love is an accident”.

This book invokes political scams and rich men’s schemes, harbored loves and dedications that control women’s lives – and my favorite of all themes &ndash the love and desire to protect the environment. I love the good verses evil scenario set out from the start. Here we have greed working against vengeance with the backdrop of romance and the need to do what is right. I was stunned to discover this is this author’s very first book. It is of excellent quality with writing skills I have seldom seen.

The characters are made to appear so real. No one in particular is a “hero”, yet they all play a heroic part in some way &ndash each without knowledge of what any of the others were doing. It was a great example of what each of us can do by playing an active role.

In his real life, author Michael Putegnat is familiar with the political arenas and enjoys sailing. He also comes from a long line of Texans; his family has lived in the state for 5 generations or so. Because of this, his book comes alive for the reader with seemingly little effort on his part.

This has to be one of the best detective novels I have read in some time &ndash right up there with Lawrence Sanders! P.J. Lawton is far from new to the world of writing and he displays excellent story-writing skills in Lethal Option. He shares much of the same history as his main character, giving the detective more depth than could be achieved otherwise.

I think I would classify this book as a ‘thriller-mystery’. The reader is taken on a roller-coaster ride from one seemingly unconnected crime into another. The main character is a Private Investigator who has a loyal heart and honestly tries to make wrongs right whenever he can. Along with his military history and police experiences, the PI was aware of and listened to his sixth sense, which allowed him to detect when things were not quite right &ndash a lethal combination. In his private life his heart is beginning to awaken after many years of slumber and he is faced with a decision that he is not sure he is ready to make. Eventually the PI encounters something so great that it changes his destiny, and possibly his character, forever.

I sincerely enjoyed reading and reviewing this book. Honestly, I could not put it down and I have already begun a second read &ndash this time for pleasure. I will be found pacing the floors until I can get my hands on book #2 to see what happens next! I give this book the highest rating possible and recommend it highly to readers who love a book that makes you think.”

ISBN#:1413779301

Publisher: Publish America

Author: P.J. Lawton

The Little Mornings, by C M Albrecht is a murder mystery with 262 absolutely absorbing pages. We have three main characters here &ndash the grandfather, an alcoholic of questionable character, a slightly off balance woman (Angie) and an impressionable young man (Darcy) who becomes mixed up in a whirlwind of events. Murder, thievery and lies keep the unsteady relationship between Darcy and Angie on edge. Keeping a secret is no easy task, especially when someone else pops into the scene with inside knowledge to the truth. Darcy, unable to control the events, becomes another person entirely from the one we knew in the first few pages of the book.

Perhaps because I am a writer, and this book has to do with the publishing industry, I am partial to the theme. Grandfather’s description of a writer’s methods to reach their creative dreams had me laughing out loud &ndash because it was so true. As were the frustrated, aspiring writers and the over worked publishers. I felt the book was very realistic in this regard.

I loved the first few paragraphs &ndash they really pulled me in. I kept hearing Humphry Bogart’s voice in my head narrating the story as I read along. I sat on the edge of an uncomfortable plastic chair 2 days ago and opened the first page to begin reviewing The Little Mornings. I meant to take only a ten-minute break from my day to enjoy the sunshine. The next thing I knew, my leg and butt-cheek were both completely numb and lifeless… and I was on page 50! So be warned, readers, this book may very well take you out of commission for a few days. I could not wait to get back to it every minute I had to spare!

ISBN#: 1894942434

Author: C M Albrecht

Publisher: Zumaya Publications.

Award winning author John Roynesdal, is a retired English teacher who has written for more than 15 years and produced 3 books for his Phillip Michael Carnegie Mystery series. Throughout the series, John focuses on issues that prevail on mankind: greed, prejudice, poverty, dysfunctional families and the conflict between traditional and modern societies. Living in Darkness, a 265-page mystery novel, is the third book in this series.

Here, we have a serial killer at large. Detective Carnegie and his coworkers Paul and Nick are out to solve the case. Clues point to many possibilities and keep the team working hard. Is it the work of a homophobe? Or a case of mad revenge? Or pointless youth rage? Juliana, their insightful and caring friend has often aided in cases in the past &ndash and this one is no different. Inspired by the work of another man, Juliana is attempting to open a safe house for runaway gay children but she is obstructed by zealous religious leaders.

The boss, “Fats”, wants to see the serial killer case closed and it seems that it should be &ndash but Detective Carnegie feels something is not quite right. He continues the investigation without consent and stumbles on some clues that change everything.

This book promotes freedom and a willingness to live and let live regarding sexuality. Good points were made about prohibition making various sexual urges into something secretive and devious. I felt that John did a wonderful job depicting the stresses of the homosexual. Readers are shown the stigma that is placed on them as soon as they are known as “gay”. The reaction of employers and family was interesting and the prejudice homosexuals endure was enlightening. The story line definitely brings awareness to the hateful and disgusting crime of gay-bashing.

ISBN#: 1411626702

Author: John A. Roynesdal

Publisher: Lulu Press

Action, thriller and humor &ndash this book has it all! Men of Extreme Action by Joseph Kochanoff is one of the better books I have reviewed this year, despite its obvious need of editing. Based in the action movie making industry, Joseph incorporates murder, excellent fight scenes and sabotage.

The two main characters are action movie stars that have difficult personal issues keeping them from doing their best. Wolfe Neilson is an aging man who is losing the battle both in his career and with alcohol. Steele Taylor is an older egomaniac who has become ruthlessly rude and demanding. These two actors are forced to make one last stab at reviving their dying careers (and personalities) by making an action movie together. Neither is used to sharing the ‘lime light’ and the antagonism between these two ancient enemies is quite entertaining. Steele and Wolfe are constantly trading insulting wisecracks that had me guffawing aloud &ndash yet in the end they will depend on each other to live through another day.

Colorful characters such as Mr. Pang, the torture-trainer who forces Wolfe and Steele to cooperate, and Tina, the agent who mediates many antagonistic situations, brighten the story line. The rival -the most popular action movie star of the day – Blaze Vansome, is easy to hate.

Steele and Wolfe are soon living as if inside one of their movies. Who can they trust? Where do they go for help? How does one fight a well-connected crime organization on their own?

In their desperate efforts to solve the mystery of who is trying to sabotage their movie, Wolfe and Steele stumble into one hilarious situation into another. Their banter keeps the mood light and the action is so fast paced you will not want to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book.”

ISBN#: 1413735398

Author: Joseph Kochanoff

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

Bright colored sheets just inside the sturdy book cover certainly set the mood for this excellent book geared for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

The main character is a young boy who is desperately fretting over the class reaction to his strange family. He dreads the day the children in his classroom are due to present their portrayals of their families. Much to his delight, he realizes his family is not so strange after all. Parents and teachers will certainly find the yoga-loving dad with orange polka-dotted socks is sure to get the giggles rolling. The impressive illustrations hold attention to the page.

As youth, we are often fascinated by other family’s doors and what lays beyond them. When we discover that all the quirks and differences reside in everyone’s family, it makes it easier to accept our families and our place in them. This is a valuable life skill that would certainly help to ground little people at this age.

Educators and caretakers may find this book useful in social and family studies.

Children are encouraged to personalize the book on the first page and create a list of their family and their personality traits on the last page &ndash thus making this book more interactive.”

ISBN#: 0974430722

Author: Kristin Joy Humes

Illustrations: Loel Barr

Publisher: Merry Lane Press

Moon Child by Simone Maroney is a larger sized adventure, fantasy novel with 55 chapters. The story line involves complex relationships between six main characters, which are delicately balanced leaving room for intrigue.

Hanna, the chief character, was selected from birth by the Goddess, given special training and endowed with ‘gifts’ the elders call the ‘Memories’. As Hanna goes through many travelling adventures, she becomes respected and known as the ‘One’ a ‘Reader’ and a ‘Healer’.

Her father, a priest and a shaman in the village tries to protect her while making Hanna learn to stand on her own. Manon, a dear friend and fellow ‘Healer’, helps Hanna find a position in the same village that tried to kill her. Raer, her childhood friend, whose brain was inadvertently injured during play, becomes a valuable aid to Hanna and her adopted village. Janna, Hanna’s archenemy, keeps people at attention with her evil and treacherous behavior. A little romance is thrown in with Jio, also known as ‘Maih’, who is actually Janna’s brother.

So much is going on in the book that readers may find themselves stopping to retrace a few pages. I enjoyed reading this novel and found that it reminded me a little of Clan of the Cave Bear &ndash because of the tribal differences, traveling and ‘gifts’ the chief character endures. Sometimes being selected by the Gods brings a tumultuous life!

ISBN#: 1933157046

Author: Simone Maroney

Publisher: Draumr Publishing