Review: Deadly Night

Deadly Night (The Flynn Brothers Trilogy - Book 1) by Heather Graham

Publication Date: October 2008
Publisher: Mira
Format: E-book, 400 pp
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Paranormal influences
ISBN-13: 9781426821127
ISBN: 1426821123

(E-book from the Library)

Synopsis (Courtesy of Barnes & Noble):

Adian Flynn, a private investigator and eldest of the Flynn brothers scoffs at the haunted-house rumors - especially since Kendall Montgomery, a tarot card reader who has been living in the mansion, is the one to tell him the tale of a woman in white. But when he finds a human bone on the grounds and another by the river, Adian delves into the dark history of the plantation.

Forced together to uncover the truth, Aidan and Kendall realize that a serial killer whose victims seem to vanish into thin air has long been at work...and that their own fates are about to be sealed forever unless they believe in the unbelievable.

Thoughts:

This is a book that I checked out from the library to read for pleasure and to read for the 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge. I was looking for something with a bit of spookiness since it was close to Halloween, when I found Deadly Night by Heather Graham, a great mystery with some ghosts thrown in for good measure, LOL!

Deadly Night is set in post Katrina, New Orleans, where it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to see voodoo dolls, tarot card readers and a few bones lying around. The story centers around the three Flynn brothers who have recently inherited an old plantation house from a relative they didn't know they had. Aidan, the oldest brother is former military, former FBI and a very hard-nosed man, who lost his wife a few years ago.

When Aidan finds two human bones in two different locations the local officials give him the brush off, saying that they are still finding stuff like that all over the place due to Katrina. But, Aidan has a feeling there's a lot more to it than that. Kendall Montgomery had been taking care of the Flynn brothers aunt before her death and had stayed at the plantation with her for some time. When she tells Aidan the creepy story of two cousins who ended up killing each other over a woman, and the woman is said to still haunt the plantation, he certainly isn't convinced. Between Aidan and Kendall they soon realize that there is a serial killer on the lose and he is somehow tied to the plantation and Kendall.

I really liked this book. It had a very good creep factor. Not only were the ghosts a scary part of the equation but the killer makes the hair on your neck stand up when you read about him. I have to admit when sitting up late at night reading this book, it gave me the heebie jeebies LOL... I loved the background story of the Flynn's from long ago, and Fiona, the lady in white. It was really interesting to see how Heather Graham was able to bring the elements from the past to the forefront in the future.

I also liked the vibe from Kendall's shop and the bar that all the locals frequented. In Kendall's shop you had the feeling that even though she said she didn't believe in all the hocus pocus stuff, that down deep she really did. I liked her two friends who worked with her in the shop too. One a local guitar player, with a penchant for women and the other a bald headed tarot reader with a lot of personality. The Hideaway was a gathering place for just about everyone in the story, and I liked the atmosphere that Graham gave the place, with the local band and a few ghosts hanging around for good measure.

I recommend this one to anyone looking for a good spooky read as well as to readers who love a good mystery.

Deadly Night is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag.




New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham has written more than a hundred novels, many of which have been featured by the Doubleday Book Club and The Literary Guild. An avid scuba diver, ballroom dancer and mother of five, she still enjoys her south Florida home, but loves to travel as well.

Review: Valeria's Cross

Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales

Publication Date: September 2010
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Format: Paperback, 383 pp
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN-13: 9781426702150
ISBN: 1426702159

(Received as a gift from one of the authors)

Synopsis (Courtesy of Barnes & Noble):

In the 3rd century, pampered Roman princess Valeria falls in love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion. She sends him off to battle, where he suffers under the schemes of a notorious pagan general with an ambition for power and a lust for Valeria. In a scene based on true events, the evil Galerius kills Mauritius and his entire legion for their Christian faith. And in a shocking turn of events, the grieving Valeria is forced to become Galerius' wife against her will. Never has a marriage been set up for such failure. Valeria loathes her new husband, but he seems to undergo a change of heart, adopting a child for her and giving her power and authority, and even love. She struggles with the commitment she knows she must keep, and the love she knows she will never find again.

Thoughts:

When I first heard about this book I was excited to get it because I am a big fan of one of the authors, Kathi Macias. I had reviewed two books from Kathi's Extreme Devotion series earlier in the year and was awaiting the third for review in the next couple of months. I perchance made a comment on a blog and mentioned how much I loved Kathi's writing and couldn't wait to read, Valeria's Cross. Kathi saw the comment and sent a copy shortly after that.

Being a former history major I was interested to see how the authors would tell the story of one of the greatest persecutions of the Christian faith ever recorded. The story is told through the eyes of Valeria, the daughter of Diocletian, Emperor of the Roman Empire. Diocletian is thought to have orchestrated a great persecution of Christian's in the 3rd century.

Valeria who has become a Christian herself, falls in love with Mauritius a soldier and is devastated when he along with the rest of his legion are killed because they refuse to participate in sacrificing to pagan Gods. Valeria's father then decides to give Valeria in marriage to the very man who killed her love, Galerius a ruthless general. Galerius will stop at nothing to win Valeria's love even giving her child to adopt. Despite Valeria's feelings she begins to see Galerius differently and comes to love him. She knows she must honor her commitment to him and God gives her the ability to do that.

There are so many things that I liked about this book. It is Historical and Christian fiction mixed into one great novel. Not only do we see the persecution of Christian's and how they stood up for what they believed even to the point of martyrdom, but we also see one woman's struggle in her own Christian life to hold true to her faith. Valeria's strength and grace reminded me of how I hope that could have acted under the same circumstances. This was a marriage that was fated to fail. How could she have a loving marriage with the man who killed her first love? With a man who could choose to kill her if she shared her faith with him?

This book drove home the point to me that every day is a battle. It's not just on the battle fields that people face temptations and troubles. It reminded me that I may not understand how God is working in my life, I just have to have faith that he is, and that he doesn't make mistakes. It also reiterated to me the need to pray for those people in my life who don't know Christ, from family members to my neighbors. This book was uplifting and reminded me of the importance of showing God's love in my life. It's a book that will keep you thinking long after you put it down. Not only is it interesting from a historical aspect, but it's a book that will make you feel something. If I always think that if an author can make feel they have really accomplished something, whatever the emotion.

Valaria's cross is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!




Susan Wales is the author of several books including Standing on the Promises, Social Graces, The Pleasure of Your Company, Faith in God and Generals, and The Replacement, which she co-wrote with Robin Shope. Susan is married to Hollywood producer Ken Wales. They live in Pacific Palisades, California.

Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 30 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, where the two of them spend their free time riding their Harley.

Simply Marvelous Monday (42)

Shelia at, One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, gets all the credit for this one...

On Simply Marvelous Monday's here at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know... What are you reading?

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

Take One Candle, Light a Room by Susan Straight (My Review)
Nightshade by Andrea R. Cremer (My Review)
Don't Look Back (Women of Justice series - Book 2) by Lynette Eason (My Review)
The Princeling (The Moreland Dynasty series - Book 3) by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (My Review)
The Passionate Brood by Margaret Campbell Barnes (My review)
Dismissed with Prejudice by Fletcher Cockrell (My review)
Losing Charlotte by Heather Clay (My review)
6 Rainier Drive (Cedar Cove series - Book 6) by Debbie Macomber (Review Coming Soon)
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs (Review Coming Soon)

Favorites of the week: Nightshade was probably my favorite of the week, closely followed by The Princeling, because I love The Moreland Dynasty and I also really liked The Passionate Brood, who doesn't love a good Robin Hood story.

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

Valaria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales (Christian Fiction)
Heart of Stone (Irish Angels series - Book 1) by Jill Landis (Christian Fiction)
The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan (Christian Fiction)
A Bloody Field in Shrewsbury by Edith Pargeter (Historical Fiction)
Emily's Chance (The Callahans of Texas series - Book 2) by Sharon Gillenwater (Christian Fiction)
Petra: City of Stone by T.L. Higley (Christian Fiction)
Secrets of a Scandalous Bride by Sophie Nash (Historical Romance)

Current E-book: Desperate Duchesses (Desperate Duchesses series - Book 1) by Eloisa James
Current Audio Book: 7th Heaven (The Women's Murder Club series - Book 7) by James Patterson

UP NEXT:

The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund (For review from LibraryThing Early Reviews)

Act Like We're In Love by Christi Barth (For review from the author)

Bound by Trust by Lila Munro (For review from the author)

Little Shepherd by Cheryl Malindrinos (For review from the author)

Heart with Joy by Steve Cushman (For review from the author)

City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell (For review from Henry Holt)

Fated by S.G. Browne (For review from Berkley NAL)

When No One is Watching by Joseph Hayes (For review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

Devotions for the God Girl by Hayley DiMarco (For review from Revell)

Review: Losing Charlotte

Losing Charlotte by Heather Clay

Publication Date: March 2010
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday
Format: Hardcover, 272 pp
ISBN-13: 9780375415388
ISBN: 0375415386

(Received for review from Knopf Doubleday)

Synopsis (Courtesy of Barnes & Noble):

Raised on their parents' Kentucky horse farm, Charlotte and Knox Bolling grow up steeped in the cycles of breeding, foaling, weaning, and preparation for sale that the Thoroughbreds around them undergo each year. As sisters, they are as tightly connected within that vast and beautiful landscape as their opposing natures-and the subtly shifting allegiances within their close family-allow.

When Charlotte leaves Four Corners Farm, marries Bruce, and moves to Manhattan's West Village, the sisters' feelings for each other remain as intense and contradictory as ever, despite the distance between them. But nothing will solder their lives more fatefully than Charlotte's pregnancy and day on which she delivers twin boys, then dies of complications following their birth.

Together, Knox and Bruce - sister- and brother-in-law in name, but strangers in every other respect - take up the work of caring for Charlotte's two motherless boys. In their mourning, and in the joy and desolation that flood in as their love for the children deepens, Bruce and Knox confront the ways in which their bonds to Charlotte have shaped them and struggle to define the tentative bond they are forming with each other as they navigate their exhausting, emotional daily rounds. A gripping, powerfully affecting debut novel from a stunning new writer.

Thoughts:

There were parts of this book that I liked and parts that I didn't. I liked the premise of the book. Two sisters, very different, one goes of to New York and gets married, the other stays on the farm. They both lead very different lives and don't spend very much time together since they have opposing views on just about everything in life.

When Charlotte dies during childbirth, her husband Bruce is beside himself for what to do. It's time for her sister Knox to step in help him care for his twin boys. Both Bruce and Knox had very different relationships with Charlotte, their bonds created in very different way. As they begin to have feelings for each other they have to decide if what they feel is right or not?

My problem with it stemmed from the characters themselves. I really wanted to like Bruce and I did to a point. I liked the idea that he stepped up and took his responsibilities seriously. He started caring for the boys and didn't distance himself emotionally. But his character was kind of flat. He didn't have a lot of pizazz. Even when he's falling for Knox, he just didn't seem that excited about it. Knox is interesting, well not exactly. She seems like she'd be interesting. Seems like I should like her, because shes doing something so noble, taking care of her sisters kids. But, I didn't. She just didn't do it for me. She was bland and kind of catty and not too fun.

The one character I did like was mostly talked about as an after thought, seen in flash backs and really wasn't a part of the story, Charlotte. She really seemed like someone I would have liked. I was kind of disappointed that we didn't get to learn more about her. Don't get me wrong, the book was pretty good. I did finish it and I liked it, but it just wasn't what I was expecting. I just figured it would be a lot more romantic than it turned out to be.

The book is well written. It's a quick read. It's kind on the sad side, but it gets better as you read it. But don't expect a whirl wind romance. The book ends in a very open ended kind of way. There may be a sequel perhaps. Not too sure with this one. This is one you might want to check out from the library before you make a decision on whether you want it in your permanent collection. I think it was a good first effort for Heather Clay and I expect we will see better things as her career takes off.

Losing Charlotte is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 3 out of 5 apples from my book bag!




Heather Clay is a graduate of Middlebury College and Columbia University's School of the Arts. She has published short fiction in The New Yorker's debut fiction issue and written for Parenting magazine. She lives in New York City with her husband and their two daughters. This is her first novel.

Review: Dismissed With Prejudice

Dismissed With Prejudice by Fletcher Cockrell

Publication Date: August 2009
Publisher: Publish America
Format: Paperback, 336 pp
ISBN-13: 9781448919000
ISBN: 1448919002

(Received for review from Phenix & Phenix Publicity)

Synopsis (Courtesy of Barnes & Noble):


Dismissed with Prejudice is a legal drama that deals with the dark side of a powerful university, major college sports and state government. At the urging of a wealthy businessman and booster with mafia ties, an assistant coach is fired under false pretenses. Landon Duhon, a small town lawyer, reads about it in the paper and becomes suspicious. It's the third assistant in the last seven years fired by the same multi-million-dollar head coach, a schmoozer and philanderer. Duhon sends his colleague to investigate and slowly uncovers layer upon layer of fraud, corruption and backroom deals. The assistant's career is over regardless of the outcome, but he decides to sue for wrongful termination, setting in motion a legal battle that escalates into threats, violence and murder. The novel is a classic "little guy goes against the system" story with insight into the bureaucracy, legal environment, and corrupting influence of money in the university and political arena.

Thoughts:

This was an interesting book. The subject of corruption within a big name university sounded like something I wanted to read. Since we have a huge university just down the road with a huge sports program (University of Kentucky/Wildcat Basketball). Fletcher Cockrell has taken this theme to the limit with this book. Not only does big money play a part but even mafia ties within the system. I liked how the author was able to show how the things that happen behind the scenes are what fuels the games on the court. It's about way more than bragging rights with big time sports programs.

Lawyer, Landon Duhon see's a pattern. When he reads about an assistant coach, Chris Frazier who has been fired, he starts to put the pieces together. This same head-coach, Coach Tom Boyd has fired three other assistants in the last several years. Is he just hard to get along with or is there a lot more to it? He sends in an investigator to get the low-down on what's really going on. He has no idea that he will spark a lawsuit that will end up leading to murder. The assistant agrees to testify even though he knows his career is over and in doing so, he makes the powers that be, shake in their boots.

The characters in this one are definitely sleazy and easy to dislike. Tom Boyd is so full of himself that it's easy to see how he would fire someone just keep the NCAA from picking up on the little problems within the organization. It was amazing to me how the author was able to tie in the mafia and the state government as players in this game of corruption. This is a great read for people who are fans of university sports and readers who love a good thriller. Legal drama's are not usually my favorites, but this one really held my interest and I wanted to see justice done. I have always thought that money can make people do some crazy things, but I don't think we really realize how far some people will let it go.

Dismissed with Prejudice is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 3 out of 5 apples. It was a good book, but not really my cup of tea. That's not to say that others won't find it a great thriller. I was interested just not blown away.




Fletcher F. Cockrell, is a trial attorney practicing in Houston, Texas where he has successfully litigated numerous cases to jury verdicts. Mr. Cockrell was a collegiate basketball coach for 15 years prior to receiving his jurisprudence doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. He also represents professional athletes in contract negotiations. He is currently residing in Woodlands, Texas.

On My Wish List (6)

This is a new meme that I've started participating in. On My Wishlist is hosted by Book Chick City. The idea is to spotlight books we have on our wishlists. Books we really want to read but haven't had the chance to buy yet. They can be old books, new releases, a series you've just discovered, or any kind of book. A Mr. Linky is provided so that we can keep up with each others choices each week.

I generally choose three books a week, but this week I wanted to spotlight a series that I have found, that I'm excited about reading. So far there are 4 books in this great series by Lorna Barrett. It's called the Booktown series. Since I'm such a great book lover this cozy mystery book series is right up my alley. In case you are unfamiliar with "cozy" books. They are mysteries that usually appeal to women who grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon. The protagonist is usually someone who isn't a private investigator, but a regular person who does some amateur sleuthing on the side.

The Booktown Mystery series - Book 1: Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

Stoneham, New Hampshire was a dying town until the community leaders invited booksellers to open shop. Now it's streets are lined with bookstores...and paved with murder.

When she moved to Stoneham, city slicker Tricia Miles met nothing but friendly faces. And when she opened her mystery bookstore, she met friendly competition. But when she finds Doris Gleason dead in her own cookbook store, killed by a carving knife, the atmosphere seems more cutthroat than cordial. Someone wanted to get their hands on the rare cookbook that Doris had just purchased-and the locals think that someone is Tricia. To clear her name, Tricia will have to take a page out of one of her own mysteries-and hunt down someone who isn't killing by the book...

The Booktown Mystery series - Book 2: Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett

What do a stone book and a stabbed cake have to do with Zoe Carter's death?

Once a struggling town, Stoneham, New Hampshire is now enjoying a renaissance--thanks to booksellers like Tricia Miles, proprietor of Haven't Got a Clue. It's a great place to find a good mystery to read--or to solve...

To Celebrate her bookstores anniversary, Tricia Miles hosts a book signing for bestselling author Zoe Carter. But the event takes a terrible turn when the author is found dead in the washroom. Before long, both police and reporters are demanding the real story. So far the author's obnoxious assistant/niece is the only suspect. And with a sheriff who provides more obstacles than answers, Tricia will have to take matters into her own hands--and read between the lines to solve this mystery...

The Booktown Mystery series - Book 3: Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett

Tricia Miles, owner of Haven't Got a Clue mystery bookstore, is still settling into Stoneham, New Hampshire, the kind of town where everybody knows your name-and where everyone's quick to lend a hand, even when murder is afoot...

The kinder folks of Stoneham might call Pammy Fredericks a free spirit. The less kind, a freeloading thief. Tricia has put up-and put up with-her uninvited college roommate for weeks. In return, Pammy, has stolen $100, among other things. But the day she's kicked out, Pammy's found dead in a dumpster, leaving loads of questions unanswered. Like what she was foraging for? Did her killer want it to? To piece the case together, Tricia will have to dive in head-first...

The Booktown Mystery series - Book 4: Chapter & Hearse by Lorna Barrett

According to the gossip around Stoneham, New Hampshire, Tricia Miles cannot put down a real murder mystery. After all, the owner of the mystery bookstore, Haven't Got a Clue, has been spending more time solving whodunits than reading them...

Tricia's sister, Angelica, considers herself to be the next celebrity chef. To celebrate her first cookbook, Angelica hosts a launch party, but sadly the only guest is an oversize cutout of herself. Worse than the lack of fans is a nearby gas explosion that injures her boyfriend, Bob Kelly, the head of the Chamber of Commerce.

Tricia's never been a fan of Bob, but when she reads that Bob is being tight-lipped about the "accident" and how it killed the owner of the town's history bookstore, it's time to take action. As the incriminating details emerge, Tricia gets wrapped up in a murder that proves to be as spine-tingling as the books that line her shelves...

Review: The Passionate Brood

The Passionate Brood: A Novel of Richard the Lionheart and the Man Who Became Robin Hood by Margaret Campbell Barnes

Publication Date: October 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Format: Paperback, 368 pp
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN-13: 9781402242052
ISBN: 1402242050

(Received for review from Sourcebooks)

Synopsis (Amazon):

A spirited retelling of King Richard the Lionheart and the Third Crusade

"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists." - Chicago Tribune

In this compelling novel of love, loyalty, and lost chances, Margaret Campbell Barnes gives readers a new perspective on Richard the Lionheart's triumphs and tragedies. Drawing on folklore, Barnes explores what might have happened if King Richard's foster brother were none other than Robin Hood, a legendary figure more vibrant than most in authentic history. Thick as thieves as Richard builds a kingdom and marshals a crusade, driven to win back the Holy Land, beset by the guilt of casting out his childhood friend, and shouldering the burden of being the lionhearted leader of the Plantagenents.

Thoughts:

This book has everything a good piece of historical fiction relies on: betrayal, deceit, war, women, loyalty, love, passion, lost causes and tragedy. Throw in one of the most legendary characters in English history, Robin Hood and you have one great novel! Margret Campbell Barnes gives readers a unique and different approach to the stories of Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood. She is adept at describing the political intrigue of the time and weaves historical facts into to her story with precision.

This what if story places Robin Hood as Richard the Lionheart's foster brother. Growing up as brothers and friends Richard and Robin have very different paths to lead, one a prince, the other a peasant. One to be a king the other an outlaw.

The characters are very well developed and the story is so well written that the reader has no problem believing that Robin Hood could have been Richard's foster brother and friend. The book is very readable. It has a fast pace and the language is easier to read than most historical fiction. It has an almost lyrical feel in some places. The author has taken a story that has been retold many times and made it seem fresh and appealing to a new generation.

I really enjoyed this one, because I have always been a fan of Robin Hood legends and stories. I recently watched Russell Crowe's version of Robin Hood and felt it was very different from previous movies about the legends surrounding Robin Hood and I got the same feeling from this book. It felt new and refreshing a different spin on an old story. This is a re-issue of a previous title and Margret Campbell Barnes is no longer with us, this story lives on. I really enjoyed it and I think you will too.

The Passionate Brood is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!