Northwest Angle

Author: William Kent Krueger
ISBN: 978-1439153956
Publisher: Atria
Pre-Order Now: Northwest Angle
Source: Publisher for review

I've decided to try something a little different this time around.  Don't worry, if you don't like change I am still going to post my review in the "normal" format.  However, when reviewing a title I ask myself a series of questions, though not all books receive the same questions.  I simply answer until I have enough information and start to write my review.  This time around, I decided to write a "review interview" in an effort to mix things up a little.  Let me know what you think!

What's the book about? (Synopsis)

With his family caught in the crosshairs of a group of brutal killers, detective Cork O’Connor must solve the murder of a young girl in the latest installment of William Kent Krueger’s unforgettable New York Times bestselling series.

During a houseboat vacation on the remote Lake of the Woods, a violent gale sweeps through unexpectedly, stranding Cork and his daughter, Jenny, on a devastated island where the wind has ushered in a force far darker and more deadly than any storm.
 
Amid the wreckage, Cork and Jenny discover an old trapper’s cabin where they find the body of a teenage girl. She wasn’t killed by the storm, however; she’d been bound and tortured before she died. Whimpering sounds coming from outside the cabin lead them to a tangle of branches toppled by the vicious winds. Underneath the debris, they find a baby boy, hungry and dehydrated, but still very much alive. Powerful forces intent on securing the child pursue them to the isolated Northwest Angle, where it’s impossible to tell who among the residents is in league with the devil. Cork understands that to save his family he must solve the puzzle of this mysterious child whom death follows like a shadow.

What did you like about the book?
It was a well written and thought out book.  It painted a nice picture of where it was enabling me to feel like I was actually there.  I love feeling connected to a book.

What didn’t you like about the book?
I did not like some of the characters names.  This is my first novel by Krueger and when I read the names "Mal and Cork" I had a difficult time picturing them.  Mal is simply not a name.  I was having a hard time associating it with a person.  Cork is better but not by far.  Malcolm would have worked.  Cork just makes me think of wine.

Did you like the characters?  Why or Why not?  Are there specific characters that stood out to you? Were they relatable?  Did they fit their personality?  Were they well developed?  What would you change about them if anything?
Yes, I did like the characters for the most part.  Each character had enough of a back story written to enable me to understand their background and personality.  The author lets you know what kind of jobs they have held and where they are going in life.  I liked how the people were setup it made them feel real, like people you may already know.

Was the story believable for its genre?
Yes, it could be a true story.

Did it flow well?  Explain.
For the most part it had a great flow.  However, there were a few times, when you are in an action scene, that the flow just stopped and then went into a flash back moment or a sub character story.  This left you to wonder if the scene would pick up again or not.

What kind of writing style did the author use?  (Example:  Told by main character, told by multiple characters, told by narrator.)
This novel was told by each character.  I generally like the use of this format, however, the author didn't use names above the chapters to let the reader know who was speaking.  It took a bit for me to know who was talking or realize that the characters had changed. 

Would you recommend?  Why or Why not?
Yes, It had a good story that was easy to read.  It was also easy to relate to one or more of the characters.  The novel kept me hooked from the start.  I enjoyed it.

Would you read more from the author?
Yes I would.  I have already researched his back list titles and plan to read them

Did the setting fit the book?
Yes, the name of the book was where it was located.  It was also described and executed well within the setting.

Would you consider re-reading it?
 Yes

Did it catch and keep your attention?
Yes, it did.  I would pick up and read it even if I just had 10 minutes

Did you figure out the mystery or were you kept on edge?
It was a lighter mystery, so no, I was not on the edge of my seat but it did keep me wondering.

Intensity level? (1. Beginner  3. Medium  5. Out of control)
2

Overall opinion?
I liked the book and felt myself excited to keep the story going until it ended. It was well written, interesting, had great characters, names aside, and kept my attention.

Pillow Rating?

I hope you enjoyed this Review Interview!  Let me know what you think!!  Dont' worry, the original formatting will be posted as well.  Until then check out the video for this book!  Hope you enjoy it! 

 Pre-order your copy via the link at the top of the post!

Direct link to Northwest Angle Book Trailer

Summer in the South

Author: Cathy Holton

ISBN: 978-0-345-50601-6

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Purchase Link: Summer in the South

Source: Author for Review

About the Book:

After her mother’s death, Ava quits her job as a writer to spend the summer in Woodburn, TN with her college friend Will and his two Great Aunts.  Her hosts offer Ava the chance to relax on their idyllic estate while she works on her first novel.  Ava quickly discovers Woodburn is anything but quiet.  As ancient feuds and modern day rivalries emerge, Ava finds herself caught between competing cousins, impressed by family history and enamored with a house of treasure.  When she stumbles upon a dark side of the family history Ava puts her novel aside in search of the truth. As everything comes together, Ava finds herself tangled in a tragic history of a mysterious family who’s not unlike her own.  Ridden with secrets, mystery and intrigue this story has a little of everything for whoever chooses to read it.

Review:

Summer in the South is a quick and intriguing read.  This novel has a little something for everyone.  Part romance, part mystery, a hint of paranormal, humor and a load of intrigue make this book a versatile piece of fiction.  I really think almost any reader would enjoy this title.

The characters are a well developed group.  Each of them has a distinct personality that makes them unique, yet they all interact with each other in a smooth and welcoming manner.  It’s as if they belong together.  I found myself enjoying Will’s aunts.  They remind me of some of my own family and made me chuckle with their antics.

I also enjoyed Cathy’s writing style.  The story is told through a narrator who makes you feel as if Ava is telling the story herself.  I enjoyed this perspective because it gave me both an outsider’s look as well as an insider’s look.  Ava’s thoughts and feeling are well displayed yet I was able to see a bigger picture, outside the view Ava has on her world.  The novel also uses great descriptive narrative without being overwhelming.  It gives a clear picture of what’s taking place while also letting the reader’s imagination take hold.

This novel has some quiet moments where not much happens in the plot but instead gives the reader insight and understanding to its characters and surroundings.  Overall, this book has a little of everything to offer a fiction reader. With an intriguing story, colorful characters, engaging writing and a few laughs along the way, you can expect a well rounded novel.  Throw a little romance in and you have yourself a wonderful beach read!  I would recommend it.

Giveaway:

Settling: Book Two of the Solid Series & Giveaway



Guest Post by Shelly Workinger, Author of the Solid Series

The leading lady of the “Solid” series – Clio – is certainly not just like me. But when she says, “I was definitely not going to be one of those weird girls who won’t eat in front of guys. The guy thinks you’re freaky while you sit there all hungry and crabby – totally a lose-lose,” she is voicing my exact thoughts.

Just because girls and food have had such a love-hate relationship for, well, ever, doesn’t make it any less ridiculous. Even as I write this post, my husband is telling me how he vividly remembers taking a girl on a date that wouldn’t even order anything; just watched him eat. Seriously. Well, it’s about time someone stood up and said Calorie is a far lesser evil than Crazy.

That’s why it was a given when I started fleshing out my “Solid” heroine that she would eat. Real food. Without obsessing over it. Hey, now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I can establish the opposite standard for my bad guys – that they don’t eat! That may or may not be a spoiler for my future books – you’ve been warned!

Anyway, my “FoodFic” campaign is about more than just saving girls from thinking that food is their archenemy; it’s also about giving food some of its dignity back! The vilifying of food is false, mean, and just plain wrong, since we all know that the aroma of a favorite meal can resurrect an apocalyptic day. Food is a hero! Okay, that may be going a little too far.  But food is integral to our lives – chocolate-dipped strawberries for romantic interludes; birthday cake and ice cream to celebrate life; casseroles to offer solace at funerals – and it deserves a place in our fiction!

The meals Clio dives into in “Solid” and “Settling” include fried chicken with mashed potatoes and snappy green beans, and a picnic of roast beef po’ boys with blue chips and Tabasco-laced guacamole. Sometimes I make myself hungry just writing the scenes, and I hope to whet your appetite for both good reads and good eats!

Mini-Review

I LOVE this series.  It's a step outside of my normal reading but both novels are intriguing and well written, they have captivated me from start to finish!  Settling is the second book of this series and picks up right where Solid left off.  Instead of leaving the campus, Clio and her friends decide they want to stay and continue their course of self -discovery.  They are all quite unique and not ready to give up the freedom and likeness they have with each other that they don't have outside the military campus.  However, not everyone on campus wants the same thing.  Some will stop at nothing and will kill, if that's what it takes to get rid of everyone.  This novel is every bit as good as its predecessor.  I really enjoyed it!  Shelley has a great writing style that hooks your interest and leaves you wanting more!  Beware, the third book is not yet out, you will want more!   Stay Tuned for my full review to come soon.  Read my review of Solid HERE.

To Enter the Giveaway:
Follow this blog by GFC or Subscription
+1 for sharing on Twitter or Facebook
+1 for following @cozyreadersnook
+1 if you 'like' my facebook page and leave me a note
 saying you entered this contest on my page wall.

Leave a comment on THIS post!  You must follow or subscribe to enter.  Tell me which and then tell me +1 for each that you do and leave a total!

1 copy is available for a resident of the US or Canada thanks to Shelley!
Contest ends July 15th at 11:59pm. 
If you don't win the author is running a special promotion for the month of July with this title!
Check out her twitter, facebook or website for more information!

thesolidseries.com
facebook.com/solidseries
twitter.com/SWorkinger
bookfare.blogspot.com

FM for Murder

Author: Patricia Rockwell
ISBN: 978-0984479542
Publisher: Cozy Cat Press
Purchase Link: FM For Murder
Source: Author for Review on a Cozy Reader's Corner
Contributing Reviewer: Angie Holtz

Synopsis

Who shot the disk jockey while he was on air? No one saw the killer, but many heard the murder on the radio. Local police are mystified and ask Psychology professor and acoustics expert Pamela Barnes to assist them in investigating the crime. Can she determine who shot the deejay just by listening to the radio station's audio recording of the killing? And how does this crime connect to the impending death of a wealthy carpet manufacturer hundreds of miles away? And the driven behavior of his conscientious son who hides a very important secret? Unknown to Pamela, another thread of this strange mystery is about to unravel. Will she be able to solve it before another victim is claimed? In FM FOR MURDER, the second in Patricia Rockwell's acoustic mystery series, we follow feisty amateur sleuth Pamela Barnes who doesn't let academic duties prevent her from fighting crime. And Pamela fights crime with the tools she knows best-sound waves.

Review

As you read in the interview with Patricia Rockwell, she has 2 plot lines in this story. One follows Daniel Bridgewater, son of Charles Bridgewater – carpet tycoon. The other plot line follows our amateur detective, Patricia Rockwell and her family (husband Rocky, daughter Angela). So late Saturday night, or early Sunday, The Black Vulture (aka Ted Ballard) was murdered on air during his alternative music show. Patricia is asked in to help solve the case because of her background in acoustics. I like that she asks everyone around her to help and tell her what they hear and think, including her students. Her husband Rocky is less than impressed, because he doesn’t want her working in mystery.

The timeline jumps back and forth with each plot line. Daniel’s story starts earlier in the week on Monday. Patricia’s story starts on Sunday morning after the murder. At first I was distracted by the back and forth, but there is such a smooth flow that you easily catch on and it makes for an enjoyable ride.

There wasn’t an over amount of detail given to the setting, which I personally like. You get enough to follow the story without getting stuck in it. Mostly you are either on campus or in Patricia’s home or with Daniel at the office or at Amy’s workplace. This allows the story to move smoothly.

The pace was fairly fast and smooth. I really enjoyed the twists throw in. Half way through the book I thought I had it all figured out, but I was so wrong. Then I was proven wrong again! It was great! If you don’t win the free book, go get a copy. If you enjoy mysteries you will enjoy this book.

The only complaint I have in the story is the use of proper English in the dialogue. I find that distracting because I would read something that say Patricia says to someone else and all I can think is “no one talks like that…” I would suggest relaxing the writing style just where people are talking, make it more like real time conversations.

I am going to give this book 3 ½ stars. The dialogue really put me off, but overall the story was really good.
___________

-- Angie Holtz is a contributing reviewer of A Cozy Reader's Corner. In addition to reviewing titles here she also has her own blog! Visit Angie at http://lilacwolfandstuff.blogspot.com/.

Enter the GIVEAWAY!!  Click Here: FM For Murder Giveaway (ends 5/5)

3.5 out of 5 



Storms & Secrets

Ann Summerville ISBN: 9781453657744
Publisher: Create Space
Website: http://www.annsummerville.com/
http://cozyintexas.blogspot.com/
Purchase: Storms & Secrets
Source: Author Review Request

Synopsis:
In search of her husband, Heather reluctantly travels from London to his Texas home town where she is vocal about her dislike of snakes, spiders, and cowboys. She vows to spend no more than two weeks away from her city apartment but finds a slew of secrets swirling like a Texas tornado. While her husband keeps his emotional distance, and she tries to maintain her British reserve, Heather is nevertheless intrigued by the friendliness of Fort Worth locals. Despite developing friendships, Heather struggles to find out what illness her mother-in-law is suffering from, how a neighbor fits into her husband's past and why a vagrant sits across the street each day staring at the house. One by one, Heather uncovers the mysteries surrounding her husband's family. Can her marriage be saved, and will her new Texas friends entice Heather to share their love for the Lone Star State?

Review:
I was pleasantly surprised with Storms & Secrets. It is one of the titles that has allured me to the Indie world of publishing. Ms. Summerville captured me from the moment I started reading her novel. Who knew one neighborhood could have so many secrets?

Writing Style – Ms. Summerville has an easy to follow, enchanting style. I was immediately drawn to the story and able to follow it effortlessly. Her writing kept me hooked even though the story was fairly predictable.

Characters – This novel is full of colorful & quite unique characters. They perfectly fit within their setting and are believable as well as likable, at least most of them are.

Storyline – The storyline is interesting to say the least. There are many secrets and mysterious events taking place throughout the novel. No one seems to be in a hurry to help Heather, the main character, uncover the truth surround her husband and his family. I must admit I figured it all out far before the main character did. It was a fairly predictable read. I spent most of my time confirming my suspicions and waiting for Heather to figure them out for herself.  No one offered any information to Heather about the secrets being kept from her. Though they did watch out for her, mum was definitely the word, since they knew far more than they let her know. It reminded me of the phrase “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” though for this story its Fort Worth and in particular the small neighborhood where Heather’s husband Travis grew up.

Interest Level – though predictable this title was interesting and caught my attention. It was worth my time spent reading it.

Pace – The pace of this novel was steady. I didn’t set it down often. The author guides the reader easily. It had a good pace and a good length.

Overall, I would suggest this book, especially if you like cozy mysteries. It was an enjoyable read and unique in its own way. Ms. Summerville is a gifted writer.

Pennywise

Author: Jill Brock
ISBN: 978-1419659362
Book Surge Publishing


Combine Nancy Drew and a modern day pissed off suburban house wife and you will get our first beloved character in this hilarious novel! Maggie Swift, who resembles a full grown Tinker Bell, wakes up one morning and within hours of a “normal “day her husband goes missing, draining their accounts. Maggie, who thinks her husband, is having an affair, enlist the help of her best friend, our second beloved character in this novel, Odessa Wilkes. Odessa is a fiery African American woman who has recently encountered “The god of divine crap” and isn’t taking it well. In one day Odessa looses her six-figure income job, is dumped by her boyfriend of two years, and is in a subway fire. The inevitable meltdown occurs, because let’s face it, who wouldn’t have one, and Odessa is left to make desserts at her families restaurant under her overbearing sisters watch. After Maggie enlist Odessa’s help the two set off on a wild hunt for Maggie’s husband. It is a search that is hilarious and will keep the reader entertained for hours. Once you start the hunt you will not stop until he is found.

Pennywise, is one of the most hilarious novels I have read in a long time. I actually laughed on the first page! The author tells the story from Odessa’s point of view, though without Maggie’s situation you would loose the story. Odessa’s voice and attitude/perspective is very funny. The pair gets themselves into many situations that will make the reader chuckle. The novel is full of vibrant, colorful characters. Without any one of them you would feel something was missing. Each character plays a key role in the story regardless of its size.

One of the joys of reading for me is finding a new fresh author. I found one by reading Pennywise. After finishing this book I researched the authors’ other works and I will be reading the sequel to this novel. The novel was full of solid content, entertaining story, developed characters and humor to make me laugh repeatedly. The novel is mystery, suspense, and humorous fiction with has some spicy love scenes. It tells the tale of two best friends, one who will stop at nothing to find her husband, and the other who learns about family, overcoming heartache, taking chances, love and loyalty. It is a wonderfully delightful read and I highly suggest it.

*Reviewed for reviewthebook*

Let's Play Ball

Political scandal wrapped up in a nations past time, Let’s Play Ball is an intriguing story of sisterhood; friendship and scandal that will make you doubt every relationship. Miranda and Jessica are ambitious, successful sisters that have grown up loving baseball. Miranda, who is married, has an important government job with homeland security, a nice home and a prominent lawyer husband. Her sister Jessica is outspoken, unconventional and a sports writer, who has built her career based on her instincts and investigative journalism. She owns her own publication “Let’s Play Ball”. Her first renowned article was about her soon to be husband Manny Chavez. Manny is a baseball star that traveled to Cuba to retrieve his abducted son and bring him home. When Jessica invites her family to join her in the luxury suite to watch Manny’s championship game, no one is prepared for the events about to transpire.

Manny is abducted after the game and held hostage in Cuba. Jessie trusts no one. While struggling with her own marriage and issues, corporate greed and international politics throw Miranda into a world unlike any she has ever known. The book highlights the sisters relationship along with their ambitions in the midst of international conflict, immigration issues and a nations past time. Let’s Play ball will keep you wondering who can be trusted and will justice prevail?

I enjoyed this book; however I felt parts of it were a little slow, especially in the middle. It was easy to be wrapped up in the book wile major events were taking place. It wasn’t as easy to keep interested during the moments of speculation, where the characters were trying to figure out what exactly had happened, along with who let it happen, with nothing but gut and speculation. I feel this book is very similar to what takes place in most of today’s political scenes. The author did a great job with the story and its “likeness” to real life. I would classify this book as political fiction and recommend it to anyone who likes politics and sports. If you’re not into politics, the book is still a good read; you will just enjoy it differently.