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New JFK Book packs a wallop

3/3/2013

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A FINE AND DANGEROUS SEASON by Keith Raffel                                       
Kindle, E-book Original 2012 

For someone like me who followed the Kennedys and the Cold War on TV, this book packs a wallop—Jack Kennedy as I never knew him; Castro, Krushchev, Kennedy's advisors, Jackie and Bobby as I remember them.

Is Keith Raffel’s A FINE AND DANGEROUS SEASON a best seller? If not, it should be. Will it be a movie? If not, it should be. Usually I like a book for its characters and setting, with plot coming in third, but this book has all three jostling for equal time.

Nate Michaels and Jack Kennedy were best friends at Stanford University in 1940. The friendship foundered after a betrayal and Nate has nursed a grudge all the years since. Yet when Jack, now President of the United States, calls and asks for his help, Nate goes to Washington. His presence has been specifically requested by Maxim Volkov, another old friend from Stanford, now a top KGB agent. With Soviet missiles at the ready in Cuba and American military on alert, Kennedy wants to try back channel diplomacy to avoid a nuclear war.

Nate has a chip on his shoulder the size of a suitcase. This is the scene where he walks into the Oval Office:
(Quote)
*For the first time in twenty-two years, I was looking at Jack Kennedy in person. He was returning my stare, leaning forward on his rocker. His face itself had filled out—no, more than filled out, it had puffed up. The blue-gray smudges under his eyes contrasted with the orangey tan of the rest of his face.
*I heard the door click shut behind me.
*“Long time, Nate.You look good.”
*He held out his hand from the rocker, and I took it without thinking. His grasp was firm, keen, undulled. I'd read that the custom of shaking hands arose to show that you held no weapon and that you came in friendship. I flexed my fingers and let my hand drop.
*“My father used to say the three ages of man were young, middle-aged, and you look good,” I said.
*He laughed. “Wise man, your dad.”
(End Quote)

Nate is a high-tech entrepreneur living a quiet life in Palo Alto, California. Kennedy wants someone he can trust, a counterpoint to yes-men and experts with their own agendas. Nate quickly learns that in Washington, it’s not where you stand that counts, it’s where you sit. He sits behind Kennedy, an objective set of eyes and ears at crisis meetings.

Raffel's book is in three parts. Parts 1 and 3 are set during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962); Part 2 goes back to 1940, with Nate and Jack Kennedy both at Stanford University in California. They make an unlikely pair of buddies. Nate is "a red diaper baby" whose father was counsel for the longshoremen's union. Jack is the celebrity son of an ambassador and an author (WHY ENGLAND SLEPT).

Nate says: “I liked Kennedy; I couldn't help it. Here we sat. a Russian Jew and an Irish Catholic, one a wealthy apostle of social Darwinism, the other a socialist always short of money, both blessed and cursed with famous fathers. Still both of us were whiling away time in Palo Alto going to classes, kindred spirits just waiting for the gathering storm to break.”

The talk on campus is of football, whether Roosevelt will win reelection and whether the U.S. should stand with England against Hitler. We learn what soured the friendship. Part 2 leads into the World War II years.

The real Jack Kennedy’s service in the U.S. Navy is well known; the fictional Nate Michaels pilots a B-17 bomber in the Army Air Corps. His flashbacks are shocking. There was nothing romantic or glamorous about those bomb runs; they were a stinking, terrifying mess.

Part 3 takes us back to 1962, with Nate and Maxim passing messages between Jack Kennedy and Nikita Krushchev. Generals on both sides are chomping on their cigars, eager to fight. Out to sabotage negotiations are agents of GRU (Soviet military intelligence). Kennedy is determined to give Krushchev some wiggle room, a chance to save face while removing his missiles from Cuba.

As a bomber pilot, Nate expected to die every time he went on a misson. He considered himself lucky every time he got back to base in one piece. Now he’s in a Cold War, with GRU agents shooting at him, and his luck holds. The ending is upbeat, with a neat little surprise.

Raffel knows the Washington scene first hand. After graduating from Harvard Law School he served as counsel to the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The book’s title comes from a quote by Thomas Merton, Anglo-American Catholic writer, mystic and social activist: "October is a fine and dangerous season in America."

This book was free on Kindle Feb. 20, 2013. There's an excerpt on Raffel's web site at www.keithraffel.com.

Pat Browning

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Fasten Your Seatbelt ... this one is a jolt

3/3/2013

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DESERT WIND by Betty Webb
Poisoned Pen Press, Hardcover and Paperback, 2012
E-books, Kindle and Nook, 2012
Blackstone Audio, Audible Audio and MP3CD 2012
Book #7 in Lena Jones Series 

Fasten your seat belt. DESERT WIND gets off to a leisurely start, with some back story, some scene setting and character introduction. When it finally kicks in, you may feel a jolt.

This is a Lena Jones series mystery but the story really belongs to a cowboy named Gabe. He’s a young Korean vet when we meet him in Chapter One. The year is 1954; the place is Snow Canyon, Utah. Gabe is a wrangler on the movie set where his hero, John Wayne, is filming “The Conqueror.”

Snow Canyon is 90 miles downwind from an earlier nuclear test site in Nevada and the red dust blowing in a hot wind gets to everyone. People are beginning to cough. Twenty-five years will pass before we catch up again with Gabe, leading to a chapter that moves me to tears. Gabe’s story is the heart of this book.

In the present day, PI Lena Jones and her partner Jimmy get involved in a murder in Walapai Flats. Their business, Desert Investigations, is in Old Town Scottsdale, at the edge of Arizona’s Salt River Pima/Maricopa Indian Reservation. Walapai Flats is a complicated six-hour drive from Scottsdale, but Jimmy’s adoptive brother, Ted, is being held as a material witness in a murder investigation. Lena follows Jimmy to the touristy little town a few miles from the Grand Canyon.

The murdered man was a PR flack for the Black Basin Uranium Mine. The opening has been delayed thanks to a vocal opposition group, but the promise of jobs means others are willing to ignore earlier devastation wrought by a uranium mine on Navajo lands. To help prove Ted’s innocence Lena questions everyone who might shed light on an alleged argument that led to the murder. She runs into a conspiracy of silence in a town where everyone knows everyone else and many are related. Her persistence makes her a target.

There’s almost too much going on in this book. In nightmares Lena relives her childhood rape and other brutalities, and I found those episodes distracting. For me, the story is about responsibility for wholesale death caused by nuclear testing and unsafe mining practices. In the case of mining, the villains are motivated solely by greed.

The desert setting is described beautifully, and the book is full of memorable secondary characters. One of my favorites is Monty, a no-nonsense farrier. Lena’s assessment of Monty: “Angels don’t always wear wings; sometimes they wear leather aprons.” Another favorite is Olivia, an investigative reporter from New York, who puts Lena in the right place at the right time. For a grace note, there’s the ghost of John Wayne, the Duke himself, back in the saddle where he belongs.

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Book #1 in Posadas County Mysteries

3/3/2013

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HEARTSHOT by Steven F. Havill
St. Martin's Press, Hardcover 1991
Poisoned Pen Press, Paperback 2007
Poisoned Pen Press, E-book 2012
Book #1 in the Posadas County Mysteries series
Free for Kindle download

Steven F. Havill’s Bill Gastner mysteries are among my favorite procedurals -- just straightforward stories told in easy-reading narrative style. Havill’s writing is elegant. He never strays from his storyline, told from one viewpoint. He never uses two words when one will do but gives a full picture of the setting and characters. His dialogue is real, with profanity when called for.

 HEARTSHOT, first in the series, introduces Gastner and Estelle Reyes. I have followed them through several other books but had never read this one.

We meet Bill Gastner as Undersheriff of Posadas County, New Mexico. A Korean War vet and a lawman for 20 years, he’s 60-something and overweight, a workaholic who lives on cigarettes and coffee, a heart attack waiting to happen. Reyes is the juvenile officer, new on the job but thorough, efficient and low-key. Originally from Mexico, she graduated first in her class at the Police Academy in Santa Fe

The story opens with a Fourth of July parade, later followed by a horrific car crash killing five teenagers. Gastner and Reyes are on the scene within minutes. A stash of cocaine is found in the wreckage. Who had enough money to buy so much cocaine and who is selling it? It could be anyone. Posadas is close to the Mexican border. Residents cross back and forth between Mexico and Posadas with minimal hassle.

The new sheriff is a political animal who considers Gastner an antique but handy for ferreting out a drug dealer. The sheriff brings in a young, freshly-minted patrolman from Gallup to pose as Gastner’s ne’er-do-well grandson and work undercover at the high school.

There’s a lot of hand-wringing in Posadas but not much else, if you don’t count the vigilante tendencies of some residents. In a conversation with Gastner, a retired doctor makes this observation:

 (Quote)
 “We know fast cars can kill, and we know they especially kill the young. And yet we allowed five youngsters to pack themselves in that vehicle...with alcohol included. We don't require much training for a driver's license. We allow parties...We gamble that the ones who are killed--and we know they will be, every year--we gamble that they aren't our own....Humans are strange creatures. It takes a catastrophe of royal proportions to drill through the average person's complacency.”
 (End Quote)

Relieving the tension periodically are flashes of humor. Officer Baker is described as calling his pregnant wife 20 times a day to check on her condition. Gastner muses: “Todd Baker was one of those officers whose voice on the radio always sounded like a recording. He would have said, ‘I don't like cabbage,’ in the same tone as ‘The world is ending.’ Only his pregnant wife could get him excited.”

That “catastrophe of royal proportions” comes about, tying the little community of Posadas in knots. Gastner’s unraveling of the knots leads to a white-knuckle ending.

Special Note: Book #10 in the series -- RED, GREEN OR MURDER -- is one of the books I donated in hardcover to the local library in memory of my brother-in-law. Currently it’s a free e-book on Kindle.

Review by Pat Browning
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Review of Deadly Stakes by J.A. Jance

3/1/2013

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Genre:  Suspense
Title:    Deadly Stakes                       
Author:  J.A. Jance
Rating: 10  of 10      
Publisher:  A Touchstone Book by Simon and Schuster
Copyright:  February 1, 2013             
ISBN:  978-1-4516-2868-5    
Series:  Ali Reynolds
Publisher URL: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Reviewed by © 2013 Vivian Zabel

Review:

            I opened the newest J. A. Jance Ali Reynolds novel, ready to crawl between the covers and become part of the story.  As usual with any of her works, Deadly Stakes, the eighth in the series, grabbed my attention and kept me awake late, late into the night because I could not put the book down. Ali and her family and friends keep me company with each Jance work.

            Jance brings back characters from Left for Dead and weaves them into a new mystery. Lynn Martinson, once the dupe of a cyber-sociopath, has “discovered” a new and happier life, she thinks. However, once her new boyfriend’s ex-wife is discovered murdered, the couple become embroiled as suspects.

            Lynn’s mother comes to Ali for help, and Ali works to find the solution so the innocents couple can be freed. Along the way she discovers A.J. Sanders, who actually first discovered the body when he tries to retrieve a mysterious box left him by his estranged father. Another body found in the same location ties A.J. and Lynn closer together than realized.

            The touches of romance and family life make the novel more believable than expected. The final scenes with B. and Ali make me want to shout, “Finally!”       

            Well, done, J.A. You continue to outdo yourself with each manuscript you pen.

            I recommend Deadly Stakes for anyone who enjoys good suspense and intrigue. J.A. Jance is at her best, as I say after every Jance novel.

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August 02nd, 2012

8/2/2012

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Author: Steven James

Publisher:Revell

Copyright:2010

ISBN:Trade paperback: 978-0-8007330-2-5

Rating:10

Review: I became interested in Steven James when I heard he would be the keynote speaker at the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc) conference in May 2012. I researched his books and discovered a skillful storyteller. I read his books the local library has and wanted more.

      The Bishop came out two years ago, but I only purchased my own copy recently, a copy I had the author sign in May, 2012. I thought I’d read the novel over a period of several days – didn’t happen. Once I began, I couldn’t lay the book down. I spent a sleepless night evolved in a tale of heinous crimes and killings, with touches of humor and love.

      Steven James uses elements of chess, coffee, serial killers, and family to craft heart-pounding stories. His main character Patrick Bowers, an FBI agent who is drawn into high profile serial killer cases because of his controversial geospatial investigative techniques, believes “motive” has no place in investigations.

      James weaves a string of brutal murders with a dangerous foe from Bowers’ past mixed with the biological father of Bowers’ stepdaughter trying to gain custody of his daughter. All the threads cross and double cross each other, dragging the reader deeper into Bowers’ complicated professional and personal lives.

      Chimpanzees kill a Congressman’s daughter, a beastly, brutal murder because of human involvement. Other unusual and nasty killings come to light. Patrick Bowers discovers all are tied together, the work of the same killers. A chess game evolves with the murders always one step ahead.

      The characters from The Bishop could step from its pages. Even though James switches from the first person narrative in places to third person from the perspectives of Tessa, Bowers’ stepdaughter, or of the murderers, or of other characters, the novel comes together as a believable, attention-grabbing whole.

      I enjoyed the novel, as I’ve enjoyed other novels by Steven James. Next on my “want to read list” is his novel The Queen.

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Absinthe of Malice review by Donna Le

2/9/2010

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Title:  Absinthe of Malice

Author:  Pat Browning

Publisher:  Krill Press

Genre:  Mystery

Copyright:  2001, 2008

ISBN:  978-0-9821443-1-2

            One night of investigative journalism has deadly consequences for long-time friend and colleague of Penny Mackenzie, Maxie Harper.  Finding skeletal remains hinting of an old crime, Maxie is hoping for the big story that will be her ticket out of small town, Pearl, California.  But someone has other plans for Maxie—and Penny is left to solve both old and new crimes.

            Already reeling from Maxie’s death, Penny’s emotions are put on tilt when an old flame arrives in town and tensions at home escalate because of her sleuthing activities.  Penny surges ahead connecting old wrongs to new crimes.  Someone fears discovery and Penny puts herself and her family at risk.

            Browning’s characters are well-developed and the plot moves right along which makes this an entertaining read.  Browning does a great job spotlighting life in a small town and her characters are very believable.  Can’t wait for the next Penny Mackenzie mystery.

Donna Le

 
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Absinthe of Malice reviewed by Vivian Zabel

1/22/2009

2 Comments

 

Title: Absinthe of Malice
Author: Pat Browning
Publisher: Krill Press 
Genre: mystery 

Copyright: 2001, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-9821443-1-2

       I opened Absinthe of Malice to read while I waited, something to fill otherwise wasted time. What I discovered was a plot and characters that grabbed me and pulled me into the story. I couldn't sleep until the book was finished.

       Pat Browning’s craft, to weave a believable and realistic mystery, with crime, hatred, love, and hope all mixed together, would interest most readers. I’m picky about what I read, and I often find myself editing rather than enjoying. However, this book gave me very few opportunities to reach for my mental red pencil. Penny MacKennzie, a reluctant detective and heroine, decided to find the truth about her friend’s death. Even if she did stumble into a couple of messy situations that would stop my heart, she survived with everything but pride in tact.

       The secrets of a small town, and the power struggles often found, created the backdrop for a grave with bones on the edge of a cotton field, the deaths of two women, and the shifting of money and land. What effect did the history of three men have on the present and future of their descendants? The answer is twisted among the romance and love stories of two generations.

       Absinthe of Malice is fast paced, racing the reader from one scene to another, between the normal activities of life to the creepy darkness of late night explorations, from a touching scene between older lovers to the meeting and rekindling of an old love. After all, a good mystery needs a touch of romance, and that of this book isn’t graphic, but just tantalizing enough to be “just right” for the imagination of the reader to add details.

      I enjoyed the book and recommend it, even though a couple of spots aren’t as smooth as the rest. The few, very few, glitches aren’t noticeable through a first reading.

Copies can be ordered through any bookstore, online at http://amazon.com or http://bn.com , or as a Kindle e-book at http://kindlebooks.com .

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Review of Angeline Jellybean

1/10/2009

1 Comment

 

Review by Vivian Zabel

Angeline Jellybean
ISBN: 978-0-9797513-8-7
Published by 4RV Publishing 
Author: Crystalee Calderwood 
Artist: Stephen Macquignon 
Children's picture book, soft back, 8.5 x 8.5 inches, 24 pages
For ages: 2 years up for listening; reading - grades 1 - 3

Angeline liked jellybeans. No, she loved jellybeans. She wanted them for snacks, for meals, for treats. Her favorite gifts were -- yep, jellybeans. Green jellybeans for Easter, yellow jellybeans for Halloween, red jellybeans for Christmas, and multi-colors of jellybeans for her birthday.

As most people discover, too much of a good thing often has not good results. Angeline learned a colorful lesson and decided to listen to Mom after all.

Crystalee Calderwood wrote an enchanting story of a young girl who wanted what she wanted. The moral or lesson isn't one that "preaches" at children, but it is woven into the plot in a way that children will find interesting.

Stephen Macquignon added vivid illustrations, which brought Angeline to life. His images with Crstalee's story bind together to create an book that is enjoyable and fun.

Angeline Jelly Bean can be bought or ordered through any bookstore, from Amazon.com, or from the 4RV Publishing Bookstore.

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Angeline Jellybean

11/15/2008

4 Comments

 


Review by Sara Young
“She couldn’t resist eating the whole bag. She ate until she turned red, orange and green.”

ANGELINE JELLYBEAN [available soon from 4RV Publishing] is a delightful children’s book. Crystalee Calderwood’s words and Stephen Macquignon’s art brilliantly compliment each other and bring Angeline off the page. Bold colors weave throughout the story, knitting common threads together.

Angeline only wants to eat jellybeans. Green, orange, yellow, red; she’s not choosy. Everywhere she turns, she’s urged to pick other colorful things that are healthy for her. “Blah!” In addition to addressing colors, food and nutrition, this book is bound to greatly expand young vocabularies. How many words in the English language rhyme with “jellybean”, anyway?

Fun to read, captivating to look at, this ought to be a hit for the old-enough-to-focus to proud-to-sound-it-out crowds.

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Vivian Gilbert Zabel’s MIDNIGHT HOURS

11/15/2008

1 Comment

 

 Review by Sara Young

Who is really behind the anonymous screen name we contact so frequently, sometimes connect with so well? Vivian Gilbert Zabel presents one chilling scenario in her mystery/suspense novel, MIDNIGHT HOURS. [Available from 4RV Publishing, © 2008 ISBN 9780979751332]

Wheelchair-bound homicide detective Martin Rogers finds himself right in the middle of an investigation. It’s looking more and more like his new on-line companion, Midnight, is linked to a string of dead men. They have something besides Midnight in common, too: They were all disabled. Now Martin and his dedicated team of friends and colleagues must track Midnight down before Martin winds up at the end of that list. Along the way, Midnight takes Martin, Assistant District Attorney Lisa Harris, detectives Kyle Stone and Frank Thomas on a wild chase of dead-end leads and dizzying turns.

Though Midnight commits multiple murders, the atrocity is handled delicately. Two of the characters share a love interest. Sexual tension occurs, but they do not wander beyond chaste kissing. Some mild profanity is used within the confines of character context, but it is sporadic. The absence of graphic violence, gore, sexual content, strong adult language or overtones makes this easy read suitable for anyone between the ages of ten and one hundred who likes to think around the corners of the mystery genre.

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    Pen & Keyboard Writers

    The writing group meets monthly to discuss writing and critiquing each other's work, or critiquing by email.

    To improve writing skills, the members will read the same book each month and post a review in this blog.

    Each member may also review a book liked, or disliked, and post the review here.

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