Doom with a View-Victoria Laurie

Doom with a View

Victoria Laurie

Obsidian, Sep 2009, $6.99

ISBN: 9780451227799

Psychic Abby Cooper and private investigator Candice share an office where they meet their clients.  They are a formidable team who has made a positive impression on FBI Special Agent In Charge Bill Gaston.  He asks them to come to DC to work on a task force with other agents headed by politically connected Brice Harrington, who opposes Abby on the team because he believes psychics are con artists.

To prove his point to the others, Brice constructs a biased test, but to his shock, Abby passes rather easily; finding a murder-suicide in the house next door to where one of the tests were held.  They earn their place on the task force searching for three missing college students whose only connection seems to be each one has a parent in a political office.  They later learn that they all attended with their parents the same conference two years ago.  Abby leans from looking at pictures of the missing students that two are dead and the other is dying.  Abby’s personal crew of spirit guides escort her and Candice in directions that yield clues as to whom is behind the deadly abductions.  When a fourth student is kidnapped, Abby, Candice and Brice team up as the latter is now a firm believer.

Victoria Laurie has written a new spellbinding psychic eye whodunit made refreshed by the heroine, used to non-believers in general, on a team made up of non-believing veteran law enforcement skeptics with only her partner knowing what she can do.  She changes their mocking opinions when her predictions prove true.  The audience will admire the courageous Abby as she diligently works hard at trying to understand what her crew are telling her.  At times the story line is amusing especially when Abby constantly trumps Brice who is a believer in the by the SOP investigation until she converts him, but neither lose perspective that the surviving kid(s) comes first.

Harriet Klausner

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Abyss-Troy Denning

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Abyss

Troy Denning

Del Rey, Aug 18 2009, $27.00

ISBN: 9780345509185

Tensions are rising to a dangerous feverish pitch on the planet Coruscant where the seat of power of the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi Temple are located.  Increasingly at an epidemic rate Jedi Knights are falling prey to a strange illness that lead them into believing people they have known for years are actually doppelgangers.  The Galactic Alliance Chief of State Natasi Daala wants the Jedi Order subservient to her government and Princess Leia and her husband Han Solo try to thwart her ambition.

Still seeking the cause of Jacen Solo’s downfall into the dark side of the force, Luke Skywalker and his son Ben head to Maw Cluster, a mysterious dangerous sector where the Force is very potent.  They come upon a space station populated by the dead and the dying.  The strongest of the living the Mind Walkers show the father and son team how to leave their bodies and travel to an orb strong with the Force to fond some of the answers they seek..  They know Jacen was in this sector and visited that orb before he became Darth Cadeouss, dictator of the Imperial Empire who killed millions in the civil war.  The Skywalkers also fight a lost tribe of Sith who want them dead as a step towards regaining what they feel is their right to rule the galaxy.

The third novel (see OMEN and OUTCAST) in this nine book Star Wars saga is an exciting tale as the story line moves forward on both major plots.  The Maw segue is the more fascinating of the two as the worlds and people inside this sector  provide a fresh element to the Luke Skywalker legend with readers wondering if he and his son will fall into an abyss that will lead them to the dark side of the Force.  The Solo-Leia entry is also enjoyable though somewhat similar to past tales; as the pair and their daughter battle the ambitious ruler.  Fans will relish the strong latest entry in the Fate of the Jedi.

Harriet Klausner

Branwen’s Garden-Brad Parnell

Branwen’s Garden

Brad Parnell

BlackWyrm, Jul 2009, $11.95

www.blackwyrn.com

ISBN: 9780982006764

Fifteen year old Robert has accepted that he has none of the Good Samaritan genes of his older brothers and sister.  When his sister Margaret asks Robert to come over, he only agrees to hear her good deeds or dad reconciliation lectures because he has a crush on her roommate.  Mags gives him a package containing family history dating back to the seventeenth century to Samuel More, who abruptly vanished.  He knows this is a clever ploy to get her younger brother to reconcile with their dad, but Robert also understands his father tried to buy his affection since the split a few years ago with his mom who gave her son her love with no strings.

Robert translates the documents and with his friend Cam head to a nearby Natural Bridge where Cam holds the “key” that opens a portal that Robert crosses over into the land of Gwerinatha.  He almost immediately is attacked by a six legged “log” whom he gives the sneaker to.  Robert meets Louie the talking wolf, who takes him to his pack.  As Robert learns about this strange world, he also finds out that Sam vanished on this side too.  However, Robert’s goal of going home is interrupted when he discovers the local human heroine Branwen is missing.  With the help of Branwen’s family and friends, Robert goes on a trek to rescue her.

The first Legend of Gwerinatha is a terrific entertaining middle school coming of age fantasy starring a young man learning about responsibility once he meets Louie and learns of BRANWEN’S GARDEN.  The slacker lead protagonist is well aware of his so called short comings back home, but is okay with it.  That changes when he becomes a heroic champion trying to find his ancestor and Branwen as a stranger in a strange land in which only the teen girls seem normal to him.  Fans will enjoy his escapdes and look forward to Cam’s trek into Gwerinatha.

Harriet Klausner

The Night Counter-Alia Yunis

The Night Counter

Alia Yunis

Shaye Areheart (Crown), Jul 14 2009, $24.00

ISBN: 9780307453624

Lebanese immigrant Fatima Abdullah is dying, but shows no interest in a reconciliation with her estranged husband Ibraham or for that matter with her children sprawled all over the country as she prefers to ignore their issues.  She has no desire to see any of her ten offspring; their children except Amir or even her pregnant great-granddaughter; they did not want to hear her prattle about her 1001 Arabian Nights countdown.

Instead she stays with her gay grandson Amir, who welcomes her insanity in Los Angeles as an actor who knows his town is filled with crazies so his attitude is why not one more with his blood.  For the last 992 nights ever since Scheherazade visited her demanding she tells her stories, Fatima has complied.  When her tales end, Scheherazade insists so does her life; as happens with everyone.  With nine to go, the octogenarian expects to be dead next week even as Ibraham wants to be there for her; as does the FBI who believe the Abdullah family are a sleeper terrorist cell because of Amir’s name and his association with a former lover under federal surveillance due to his former lover Amir being under federal surveillance.

This is a terrific tale that keeps the audience wondering whether Fatima suffers from dementia or is a clever modern day fantasy.  Fatima obviously owns the fast-paced novel as she begins her final countdown to what she expects is her death.  Her family especially heartbroken Amir, whose lover dumped him during the countdown, provide solid support as all of them except her host assumes she is certifiable; whereas her host thinks she is an eccentric lovable kook.  Sherazade plays a key role, but like the Memorex commercial one will ponder is she real or imagined as does the circular logical FBI finding perceived terrorists under any Arab sounding rock.  Alia Yunis provides a powerful modern day family thriller with the twist of the FBI “interrogates” Sherazade.

Harriet Klausner

Mr. Allbones’ Ferrets-Fiona Farrell

Mr. Allbones’ Ferrets

Fiona Farrell

St. Martin’s, Aug 4 2009

ISBN: 9780312383077

In the late nineteenth century in England, ferret whisperer and breeder Walter Allbones meets naturalist and rare bird collector Mr. Pitford and his lovely granddaughter Eugenia when his pets poach rabbits to bring to him from the nearby estate owned by the scientist.  They sort of catch him in the act.  He agrees to provide Mr. Pitford with ferrets to be shipped to New Zealand to control the out of control rabbit infestation.

Walter is attracted to Eugenia and as much to the money he can make selling his ferrets.  The pair chaperoned by grandpa begins an international trek to sell his ferrets.  As their journey continues Walter believes he loves Eugenia, but fears her reaction would end their friendship. He does not understanding she begins to reciprocate his feelings in spite of his emitting the stinky odor of ferret sweat to her olfactory sense.

This is an interesting amusing historical tale with a wonderful romantic subplot that enhances Fiona Farrell’s satirical homage to Darwin as mustelids and ferrets play matchmakers, but not the way readers would expect.  The story line is whimsical with solid characters having differing personalities.  Fans who relish something different and do not demonize evolution will enjoy this irreverent look at relationships, human and otherwise, that both highly respect in awe and cheekily mock also in awe Darwin.

Harriet Klausner

Devil In My Bed-Celeste Bradley

Devil In My Bed

Celeste Bradley

St. Martin’s, Aug 4 2009, $7.99

ISBN: 9780312943080

In 1812 Aidan de Quincy and Widow Madeleine Chandler shared a passionate affair that abruptly ended in an  ugly manner leaving him angry and birrer.  In 1815 when he arrives at the Brown’s Club for Distinguished Gentlemen he is accosted by a small child who says she is three years old and named Melody.  She explains to Aidan, his friend Jack and Sir Colin Lambert that she seeks her unknown father who is one of them; her mother is apparently Madeleine though the child implies she is a foundling.

Aidan goes off to confront Madeleine, who still loves him.  She dumped him because she feared the scandal her past would cost her noble beloved.  He is soon rescuing her and demanding the truth as he sees it in her eyes the wanting, but she still lies about her being Melody’s mother.

This is a terrific Regency madcap romance with a great opening that sets in motion a comedy of errors filled with whimsy, money, and love.  The lead couple is a delightful pairing while little Melody steals the hearts of the three men, Madeleine and readers form the onset.  Fans will look forward to the next rogue Sir Colin’s saga after appreciating this enjoyable screwball historical romantic comedy.

Harriet Klausner

The Second Betrayal-Cheyenne McCray

The Second Betrayal

Cheyenne McCray

St. Martin’s, Aug 4 2009, $7.99

ISBN: 9780312943080

NSA’s Recovery Enforcement Division operative Lexi Steele lusts after her partner Nick Donovan, but knows the mission comes before her raging libido.  Someone is running an international traffic ring out of New York by enticing girls to come to the Big Apple as models only to sell them as sex slaves.  Lexi goes undercover pretending to be a madam interested in buying merchandise.

Lexi also believes Nick is concealing something from her though they are lovers when not on a case.  He also fears their relationship will end if she learns the truth about what he hides from her from his Special Forces day; but in a quandary because telling the truth will end their relationship even sooner.  However, he agrees with her assessment first there is a notorious trafficker that needs to be stopped.

After they broke the rules of teaming with THE FIRST SIN, Lexi and Nick are back to break the rules again as operatives in RED’s Human Trafficking and Sex Crimes Division.   The case comes first though she has issues with her lover.  Fans will enjoy their escapades as this time the Hudson is the focus of dirty water in Cheyenne McCray’s gritty look at trafficking.  IAW the author’s afterward quoting the State Department: “up to two million people are trafficked worldwide every year, with an estimated 15000 to 18000 in the U.S.”

Harriet Klausner

Faces-Martina Cole

Faces

Martina Cole

Grand Central, Jul 21 2009, $24.99

ISBN: 9780446179973

In London, several mob thugs arrive at the Cadogen home to collect the patriarch’s gambling debt.  Dan knew he could not pay so he fled leaving his wife and three children to face the wrath of the mobsters.  Almost fourteen year old Danny “Big Dan” Cadogen shows no fear as he faces down the gangsters wanting blood money from his vanished drunken dad.  One of the crooks Louie Stein, impressed by the teen’s fortitude and size, mentors him in the life of a criminal.

At fifteen, Big Dan kills a hooker with his fists and not long afterward kills someone who ratted on the mob.  Over the years with his best childhood friend brainy Michael Miles at his side, Big Dan becomes the most frightening gangster in the city.  He is the Face as even his wife Mary, sister of Michael, fears him.  Now a notorious legend, Big Dan knows wannabes will try to knock him off his pedestal, but he welcomes all challengers wanting to die at his hands.

Though extremely well written and engaging, FACES is not an easy to read character study due to the lead protagonist consistent use of his fists and other weapons even on the innocent.  The interesting story line focuses on Danny whose life of crime is based on either killing or beating the sh*t out of the other guy or gal to retain their respect; he brings home his terrorist philosophy to his family too.  Fans will enjoy this gloomy look at a despicable kingpin who the audience will hope gets his butt handed to him while wondering why he was not assassinated by a sniper with a semi.

Harriet Klausner

Even Money-Dick Francis and Felix Francis

Even Money

Dick Francis and Felix Francis

Putnam, Aug 2009, $26.95

ISBN: 9780399155918

The first day of the Royal Ascot horse races gala was like any other opening at the prestigious event and Ted Talbot, his co-worker Luca, and their assistant Betsy are taking book from the punters.  Out of the crowd comes an elderly man demanding to speak with Ted.  He insists that he is Peter James Talbot, Ted’s father.  This is a shocker as Ted was raised by his paternal grandparents who claimed his parents died in a car crash.

Peter informs his still stunned son that he has two half-sisters living in Australia, but before they can get into a car, two thugs demand the older Talbot hand over the money.  During the subsequent brawl, James is injured and rushed to the hospital where he dies.  Ted goes to his dad’s hotel room and finds proof that his father was involved in an illegal activity.  The thugs still demand their loot and the code used on chips that are imprinted and then inserted into the horses.  Ted’s life is in jeopardy but he also wants justice for his father and the insurance these punks will not go after him or his loved ones in the future.  He ignores the cops because the lead police officer investigating his father’s death assumes he is guilty of something.

Dick and Felix Francis once again affirm that a father-son writing team can provide quality mysteries.  Readers are caught up in British horse racing (a trademark of father) and the shenanigans that occur away from the track including some instigated by Ted.  Still he receives plenty of empathy as criminals are coming after him as the likely recipient of his father’s legacy, he has a mentally ill wife institutionalized, and a co-worker wanting to be his partner in the family business.  With plenty of thrills, chills, and spills EVEN MONEY is a sure bet.

Harriet Klausner

Vicious Circle-Linda Robertson

Vicious Circle

Linda Robertson

Juno (Pocket), Jul 2009, $7.99

ISBN: 9781439154281

Persephone “Seph” Alcmedi is a witch, but pays her bills with other paranormal practices like reading tarot cards and writing a newspaper column.  Seph also breaks the rules of witch-hood and the city ordinance by running a kennel in her basement to keep werewolves out of trouble during the full moon.  Everyone knows the Were and witches are like an oilman and a tree hugger.

Seph is outraged when her grandma is kicked to the curb by her nursing home management.  She puts that on hold when a vampire kills her were-friend Lorrie Kordell.  She is offered a hell of a lot cash to bring the bloody killer to justice.  However, the predator Goliath Kline is too dangerous for a mere witch to restrain so she turns to Johnny the lead singer of techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, who has more than a crush on her; a feeling she reciprocates though she hides it  from the biker using grandma as her heart guard.

This is an amusing lighthearted chick lit urban fantasy that stars a female David witch struggling with her bills, grandma, and Johnny battling Goliath the invincible cruel vampire; Vegas would never allow betting on this one.  The story line is breezy from the onset as a frustrated Persephone wishes her kennel guests would keep the Krispy Kreme boxes off her lawn before the neighbors howl about her garbage and never slows down.  Fans will appreciate this jocular tale in which the plot is never quite serious as the kennel master witch turns amateur sleuth leading to a showdown with a vampire who will enjoy drinking bewitching blood.

Harriet Klausner