Blog Archives - GRANT LEISHMAN

the eyes of love by j.e. smythe

29/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Ruth is closing in on forty, still single and basically can’t figure out why. She’s always had the picture of the perfect man for her, in her head but where exactly is he? A few times in her relationships to date she’d thought she was with “the one” but then something happened and they drifted apart and eventually broke up. All she wants is to find that one special man who wants and needs her as much as she wants and needs him. Her only consolation in her constant introspection is the beautiful saxophone playing that seems to call to her on her back porch, from the mysterious new neighbor who recently moved in across the road. The Eyes of Love by J.E. Smythe sees Ruth, with a push or two from her two best friends, embark on a journey of discovery as she contacts all her previous boyfriends, many of whom she hasn’t seen for years, to try and ascertain from them, what exactly went wrong with their relationship and why she wasn’t “the one” for him? It is a journey sure to be ripe with self-discovery but also a fair share of pain and hurt at the revelations she discovers. Ruth is on a journey to find the one who was meant for her but what she discovers is she’s not everything she thought herself to be.

The Eyes of Love by J.E. Smythe has an interesting premise that will resonate with many readers – what do our ex-partners truly think about us and why did they break up with us? It was always going to be a journey fraught with pain and an element of self-doubt and angst but I felt the author did an excellent job of presenting Ruth, the main character, as anything but the neurotic woman she could have so easily become, without a firm author’s hand. I particularly liked her two friends, who couldn’t be more polar opposites; one happily married with two children and the other still a party girl thoroughly enjoying the single life. Their interplay with Ruth and with each other was definitely a highlight of the story for me. Although the ultimate outcome of the journey was probably way too obvious to an outside reader, that didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the journey and the recognition that many of the feelings and confusion over past relationships that Ruth felt, have been felt by all of us at one time or another. If you love romance and if you like your female leads with intelligence but also with a simplistic naivete of life, then this book will be right up your alley. I’m not the author’s target market audience by any stretch of the imagination but I can still say this story was an enjoyable read.

You can find The Eyes of Love, along with the rest of j.E. Smythe's portfolio, here on her Amazon page.

hubris falls by matthew s. hiley

28/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

It’s the end of College and five friends have graduated, albeit only just but before they head out into the “real world” and their futures, there is time for one last “hurrah!”, one last road trip. They pack their gear and head for a five-day rafting trip down the Rio Grande, on the Mexican Border. In Hubris Falls by Matthew S. Hiley, we tag along with this unlikely bunch of friends who are linked mainly by one thing – their love of alcohol and weed. What was supposed to be a final salute to their youth quickly turns into a deep introspection of their lives, their beliefs and their prejudices. Brian and Jimmy have been close friends since High School. The two friends, unlikely as they are; Jimmy is black, a Democrat, and fervently believes in the redemptive power of faith despite the tragedy that has already struck his young life but he still holds strong beliefs on white dominance and suppression. Brian (Legs), on the other hand, is a child of white privilege, a Republican and simply cannot believe that any loving God would allow such tragedy as exists in the world today. Throw a redneck bigot into the conversation, in Williams’ and you have a ready-made mixture of dark humour, satire and ultimately tragedy. This will be one final hurrah that none of the participants will ever forget.

Hubris Falls is first and foremost a tragic comedy. The pathos and beauty that are exposed by author Matthew S. Hiley within the same narrative and often within the same sentence is a testament to this writer’s ability and talent, to be able to dig deep and mine into the heart of a reader’s emotions. I was entranced by the story and by the amazing relationships between the characters, especially Jimmy and Brian. Their friendship had been built over a number of years based on trust and understanding of each other’s situations and yet, there were still always questions over how much Brian truly understand of Jimmy’s life and difficulties and vice versa. No matter how hard it has been to deal with the tragedies in his life, Jimmy has kept his faith and his positive outlook on life and people, in general. The author uses the trip to confront many of the untold truths and fears of these five men (and many of us) as they embark on life after college. The humour, given the seriousness of the topics and events on the raft, is a wonderful panacea to the grim reality of their discussions. Good humour in fiction is very hard to produce and Hiley has done a superb job in lightening the topic with his sarcastic and farcical humour. I found myself laughing out loud as I read, a rare occurrence for me. For that alone, this book lifts itself out of the mire of “coming of age” stories. The characterisations of the fearless five were true to live and I’m sure will resound with many people. An excellent book, a fantastic read and one I can highly recommend.

You can find Hubris Falls by Matthew S. Hiley, here on his Amazon page:

seventh flag: a novel by sid balman Jr.

26/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Seventh Flag: A Novel by Sid Balman Jr. tells us of the intertwining stories of two very different families on the prairies of West Texas. The author traces the journeys of three generations of a Syrian and American family to the small town of Dell City in West Texas. In the aftermath of 9/11 and the “war on terrorism” we see how the radicalization of both Muslims and Christians has led to a rupturing of American society and the splintering of long-term relationships and friendships, all across the country. The history of Zarkan family can be traced right back to the 1850’s when Ali Zarkan’s grandfather first arrived in America as part of a doomed experiment to introduce camels to the United States cavalry. When Jack Laws, an Irish/American immigrant decided he needed to stake a place for himself after World War II, he chose the remote area of West Texas, to farm. The Zarkan and Laws’ family bond was cemented following a bloody knife fight in a Mexican bar just across the border from Dell City. What follows is a tale of love, friendship, brotherhood and betrayal as these two immigrant families try to withstand the bigotry, religious intolerance and hatred that sweeps across America at the start of the new millennium. Their mutual love for football, their country, their Lone-Star State, and ultimately each other, will have to survive some extreme tests.

Seventh Flag: A Novel carries a deep message of tolerance and love in a world that is severely wounded by its very antithesis. However, Author Sid Balman Jr. pulls no punches in describing the turmoil that exists in both of the two families as they try to balance their love for each other against the rising tide of hatred against Muslims and indeed, immigrants of any colour. This story is a reminder that ultimately all Americans are either immigrants themselves or descended from immigrants. Despite the powerful, overarching moral concepts of the novel, the author has managed to deliver an exciting, action-packed story of courage, selflessness and duty, that impresses. The writing style is extremely readable and this is one of those books that I had trouble putting down, always wanting to know what would happen next. The core of the book, revolves around the relationships of the children and grandchildren of Ali Zarkan and Jack Laws. The characters were strong and believable, especially with the pressures being put on them from all quarters. I particularly appreciated that the author chose to show the dangers of both sides of extremism, within both families. To me, what made this book stand out was core belief that “we are all Americans”, together in this battle against extremism, racial bigotry and hate, in whatever form it may take. I put this book down, at the end, with a feeling of satisfaction and completion and that’s possibly the highest compliment I can pay the author. I highly recommend this read.

You can find, Seventh Flag: A Novel, by Sid Balman Jr. here, on his Amazon page:

the devil and dayna dalton (book 9) A bulwark anthology by brit lunden

26/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Devil and Dayna Dalton (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology is a short, novella from the pen of author Brit Lunden. Dayna Dalton is known as what we might colloquially call, “trailer trash”. She grew up in Bulwark, Georgia and like her mother had gained an unfair (in her case) reputation as the town slut. From an early age, Dayna had designs on the gorgeous Clay Finnes but all through High School, Clay seemed impervious to her charms, placing her fairly and squarely in the “friend zone” or the “sister zone”. Unable to achieve her ambitions of a life with Clay, Dayna managed to escape the incestuous small-town atmosphere of Bulwark and attend Georgetown University, on a full scholarship, where she studied journalism. Just as Dayna’s career was beginning to take off, she loyally returned to Bulwark to take care of her mother who suffered a cancer scare. Now a reporter on the local Bulwark newspaper, she is still drawn to Clay Finnes, now the town’s sheriff but also now married, with a child. Realising she can never have Clay she runs through a coterie of men, never quite finding the love and care she craves, until… strange things begin to happen in Bulwark.

As a reader, I’m not a big fan of novellas, as I like the characters to develop and grow over the length of as novel, however, for The Devil and Dayna Dalton (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology, I’m prepared to make an exception. Author Brit Lunden has given us a complex character in Dayna Dalton who, having run the gamut of the worst in relationships is ready, willing and able to give herself utterly and totally to the man who steals her heart… and what a man he was! The paranormal feel to the novella coupled with the author’s vivid and breathtaking description of the people and the environment of Bulwark was a true bonus to this story. The story flows and yes, I was a little annoyed when it ended so quickly but rather than dwell on that, I’d just say Lunden has given me a thirst and desire to read more of her work and indeed more about this fascinating female lead she has created. I loved the way she so accurately portrayed the dynamic between the public and private persona of Dayna Dalton. Written off, virtually from the day she was born, Dayna has the spirit and the intelligence to rise above people’s perceptions of who she is and most importantly, not care what people think of her. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read and one I can highly recommend, especially if you love strong, female, leads, as I do and the paranormal touch doesn’t hurt at all.

You can find the Devil and Dayna Dalton, here on Brit Lunden's Amazon page:

your last breath by doug lafuze and carole parkes

23/9/2019

Your Last Breath co-authored by Carole Parkes and Doug Lafuze takes the reader on a wild ride through the warped mind of a serial killer. American Raymond Lang was a "wannabe" author writing his first novel about a serial killer. Raymond's big problem was although he could picture the serial killer's acts and plot motivations he was struggling to get them down on paper. What he discovered was that performing the acts themselves was what was needed to break the writer's block he was experiencing. With police on his tail in America and an FBI agent with a personal stake in one of his murders, Raymond decides the time has come to leave the States. With a suitcase full of money, courtesy of his Grandfather's inheritance, Raymond relocates to London where he plans to finish the book and become a successful author. The same problem he faced in America resurfaces in London, as he finds the only way he can write is to keep killing and keep creating his plot in reality.
When Raymond's latest victim turns out to be a lovely woman who is also related to a private detective, things begin to close in on the ever elusive Raymond. Throw in a cheating and vicious British politician who gets caught up in the action and you have all the makings of a fascinating criminal chase story and suspenseful drama.
As an author of co-written books myself, I fully understand the difficulties inherent in such an enterprise. The two authors here have combined magnificently to create a suspenseful story but also a sweet tale of family and romantic love. The juxtaposition of the murderous viciousness of Raymond Lang and the loving, morally sound, and determined private detective Alex, probably shouldn't work but it absolutely does and it is Alex's side of the story that softens the absolute horror and harshness of Raymond Lang's heinous crimes and actually makes the story readable. The idea of using two different voices for the main characters was also an inspired choice. Initially I thought it wouldn't work well but I was wrong. Having the villain Raymond Lang write in the first person drew the reader into believing they were participating alongside Lang in his violent killing spree, whereas having the other characters written in third person allowed us to take a breather from being inside that evil man's head.
I loved the fact that the authors deliberately chose to leave a wide opening for a sequel to the story and I, for one, really hope they follow up with that. Your Last Breath, as a read, was indeed a "breath" of fresh air for this jaded reader and one I can highly recommend to all and sundry. This is a cleverly written book, well edited and one that rollicks along, at times, like a train out of control. Kudos to the two authors.

You can find Your Last Breath, here on Carole Parkes' Amazon page:

the kalis experiments: tides book one by r.a. fisher

22/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Kalis Experiments: Tides Book One by R.A. Fisher is the beginning of a fantasy adventure in a world created by the author. Syrina, is a Kalis. Kalis’ are special creatures that are trained almost since birth to be faster, deadlier and more magical than the general population of the Author’s world. Like all of the Kalis, Syrina is at the beck and call of her master, one of the fifteen high merchants who run everything in their world and have done so, with the Kalis’ help for over a thousand years. She is often used for doing her master’s “dirty work” and keeping miscreants in line. Kalis are the stuff of legends and nobody has ever seen one and lived to tell the tale. When her master sends her on a new mission, she begins to realise that something is different and that there is some secret out there relating to their history that she is about to discover. After visiting the distant city of Fom in search of answers, she discovers a secret machine from antiquity which may be capable of destroying the world, all over again, as had happened before in the “Time of Ashes”. Will Syrina be able to unravel all the mysteries before it is too late?

In The Kalis Experiments: Tides Book One, fans of epic fantasy will find new worlds, new creatures and new technologies to excite and entertain them. I did, however, find author R.A. Fisher’s world building to be a little underwhelming, especially for what is clearly the beginning of a new, epic fantasy series. It takes some time to actually come to grips with the characters and where they fit into this world that that author has created. The idea of the Kalis and her unique skills was interesting and I always like a good, strong, female lead, which Syrina certainly was. Also intriguing, was the idea that these fifteen high merchants, who generally lurk in the shadows, in their disguises, were, in fact, just ordinary people who reverted to their normal personas during the day. This, of course, led to some interesting considerations as to who Syrina’s master might actually be. There was plenty of action and lots of interesting characters. I felt there were enough interesting questions, situations and preponderances that arose during the first book to give plenty of fodder and ammunition for further books in the series. If I was to make one recommendation to the author, should he/she be considering book two in this series, it would be a map of the world created and a bit more in-depth narrative on the political and social structure of the various locales. For example, more information about the church and its power over the populace would have been useful. All in all, though, a good, solid fantasy read here.

You can find The Kalis Experiments: Tides Book One, here on R.A. Fisher's Amazon page:

auschwitz syndrome: A holocaust novel based on a true story (women and the holocaust book 3) by ellie midwood

20/9/2019

As a long-time fan of the genre (WWII - Historical Fiction) and a real fanboy of author Ellie Midwood, I'm always excited to hear when she has a new book in the marketplace, being first in line to grab it. Her latest story revolves around a survivor of the terrible Auschwitz-Birkenhau death camp in Poland.
Helena, a Jew, was transported to Auschwitz, from her home in Czechoslovakia after voluntarily surrendering to the German occupation forces, believing she was being sent to work in a factory to assist the German war effort. On arrival at Auschwitz, she was immediately to be sent to the gas chamber and murdered, along with her entire transport. A chance encounter with Rottenfuhrer Wolff, would see her, instead, chosen to sing a birthday song to one of the guards in Auschwitz - Franz Dahler.
So taken by her singing and her beauty was Franz, he immediately ordered she be removed from the liquidation list and instead assigned to work in his section - the famous "Kanada" where the dead people's belongings (clothes, jewellery, money etc) were sorted and re-purposed for use by the German Reich.
The story switches back and forth between the Denazification Trial of Franz Dahler, in 1947, where he is accompanied by his "wife", the former inmate, Helena, from Auschwitz - to Helena's and Franz's actual time spent in Auschwitz and later Birkenhau. Overseeing the trial, from the sidelines is an American Psychiatrist, Dr Hoffman who is fascinated by the whole tale of the Dahlers' love affair and romance. How is it possible for an inmate of such a horrific place as a concentration camp to fall in love with the SS Guard appointed to oversee them? To Hoffman, it simply doesn't make any sense and he is sure there is something at play here, as yet undiscovered by modern psychiatry.
As with all of Midwood's novels, this story (based entirely on true events), despite it being set against such a hateful and depressing backdrop is all about love, survival and the indomitable human spirit. I felt Midwood captured perfectly what must have been the mindset of so many young, idealistic SS Nazis. Raised to believe that their superiors could NEVER be wrong, many of them must have looked at what they were doing to, principally the Jews, and wondered... even known, that it was wrong... and yet, it was their orders and orders were never wrong, even if they didn't understand them.
As always, Midwood's research is impeccable and her descriptive prose takes us right inside the horror and the evil that was Auschwitz-Birkenhau. While it is true that the "Kanada" was, as they put it, "a right kosher detail" and the girls there were well treated in comparison to the regular inmates, Midwood doesn't pull any punches in her descriptions of the conditions faced by Helena and even the regular inmates. Her descriptions of the systematic murder of an entire race are compelling, absolutely realistic and incredibly hard to read. But, like all her work there is an overwhelming sense of the dignity of humanity and the power of love, even among such unspeakable tragedy.
In my mind, Midwood is a superstar of this genre and Auschwitz Syndrome is just indicative of her immense talent at parading in front of our unsuspecting noses - "that which we must NEVER forget". I can't recommend this read highly enough. It is thought-provoking and mind-blowing and not something I'll forget in a short time.

To find Auschwitz Syndrome, or indeed any of this author's incredible novels, visit Ellie Midwood's Amazon page:

a convenient fiction (parish orphans of devon book 3) by mimi matthews

20/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon Book 3) takes us back to the genteel, class-ridden society of mid-1800 England, the early Victorian years, where ladies were ladies, gentlemen were gentlemen and cads were damn bounders. Author Mimi Matthews brings us a romance of manners that takes us inside the genteel world of the wealthy landowners and all those who may aspire to be one. Alex Archer had a terrible start to life, as an abandoned orphan in a Devon orphanage, where he and his three best friends (brothers-in-arms) were there for each other against the cruelty and mistreatment of the orphanage manager. When Alex betrays his friends and runs away, at thirteen, he begins a life-long search for money, power, and most importantly position and land. His gambling prowess allows him to strike a deal with the drunken, wastrel son of an English Vicar who, to extinguish his debts to Alex will introduce him to his childhood friend and wealthy heiress, Henrietta. Alex will woo and marry Henrietta and finally have the place and position he has been seeking for some twenty years. Alex, however, does not plan on meeting another one of Henrietta’s childhood friends, Laura Hayes, who is down on her luck, let alone fall in love with the poor woman.

This was a fantastically easy read. I am an enormous fan of historical fiction anyway, but author Mimi Matthew’s accurate and telling portrayal of life for women and men of some privilege, in the early Victorian age was wonderful and compelling. A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon Book 3) is beautifully written and flows incredibly well. I found some of the scenes, especially the depiction of bathing at Margate to be hilarious and couldn’t help marveling at how on earth the participants of the time managed to actually get some enjoyment from the escapade. The romance and obvious electric connection between Alex and Laura was the centerpiece of this novel and I loved how their motivations changed over time and the almost shock when they realized their “marriage of convenience” was, in fact, so much more. Although I suspect I’m far from the author’s target audience, I really believe this type of story appeals to everyone. I think the highest compliment I can pay any author, especially one who has written a series is to say that her work has inspired me to read more of the series. This is a wonderfully, relaxing read of a gentler time and I can highly recommend it, to all.

You can find A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans Book 3) here, along with the rest of her extensive portfolio, here, on Mimi Matthews' Amazon Page:

heart of steel (based on a true story) by kevin d. miller

16/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story by Kevin Miller takes us back in time to rural Ohio in 1920 – to the Puchalski Farm just out of Southington, Ohio. Family patriarch George Puchalski, a Polish immigrant, has made a success of his “American Dream” as a respected businessman and farmer in the rural district. George, however, has his demons, with a wandering eye, a violent temper, and an alcoholic disposition, which are expressed with rage and violence against, his wife, and children. After one particularly violent episode in which his wife and daughter, Sophie are both viciously beaten, the family is in turmoil. When George is murdered in his bed, one night and his wife arrested for complicity in his murder, the five siblings suddenly find themselves as orphans. It falls on twelve-year-old Stanley William Puchalski to step up and become a “little man”, in order to protect his siblings from the abuses that are inherent in Orphanages of the time. We follow Stanley’s rights of passage into adulthood, as Stanley William Puchalski transforms himself into Stanley William Miller, as the five children seek to put their violent pasts behind them, forever.

Author Kevin Miller has taken a gamble in writing about such a hidden and violent past from his ancestors. This is never an easy task, as it is difficult to be objective when dealing with family histories, with so many sensitivities to be aware of. In Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story, Miller handles the difficult teenage years of his grandfather with clear pride, but also tempered with an understanding that this young man, forced to grow up so early, was also stalked by demons, similar to his father. He was able to give the character a wonderful balance between his clearly big heart and his burgeoning wild side. I particularly loved the determination and courage Stanley showed in taking responsibility for his four siblings at such a tender age. The author’s pride in his grandfather’s courage shines through this book like a beacon, as does the love between his grandfather and grandmother. This story is one, first and foremost, of love – a mother’s love for her children that would drive her to commit and unspeakable act and the love of five siblings for each other and ultimately both of their parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the overarching them of forgiveness that ran through the narrative. This is a fantastically easy book to read and one I would highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and family drama, or simply anyone who loves a good tale, especially with a basis in fact.

You can find Heart of Steel, here, on Kevin D. Miller's Amazon page:

it is all right now: inspired child by riki ella

14/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

It Is All Right Now: Inspired Child by Riki Ella is a beautiful, little children’s book aimed squarely at the K-Grade3 age-group. Riki is a happy, young, girl but things begin to percolate in her mind as she imagines what it might be like to have all those things that she so desperately desires. Riki wants to change her eye-colour, to ditch her glasses and for people to like her and the way she looks. She also wants to be a Princess, who people look to for guidance, protection, and love. Materially she wants to have her own horse as well as a lioness to sit at the end of her bed and protect her from everything bad. Riki quickly discovers that focusing on what she doesn’t have is counter-productive and quickly her mood changes from happy to forlorn. It takes her mother, quietly explaining the realities of how powerful our subconscious is, at setting our moods, to allow Riki to fully understand the power of thought and perception.

Based on the principles of the Law of Attraction and the idea that “thoughts are things” and we become what we think; It Is All Right Now: Inspired Child is a sweet, touching, story of a little girl’s dissatisfaction with her life and how changing her mindset can suddenly make “It All Right Now”. Author and illustrator Riki Ella has done a marvelous job of bringing her own childhood and childhood insecurities, to life, in this lovely, little tale. I particularly enjoyed the note at the end which assured the reader that little Riki, one day became big Riki and achieved almost all of the desires she had wished for as a little girl. The illustrations are wonderfully done and walk a perfect line between the amateur and professional illustrator. The book’s design is superb and the colours will definitely attract the intended reader’s eyes. As a proponent of the Law of Attraction, myself, this book serves as the perfect way to introduce such important concepts to our young ones at an age when they are being bombarded, often unknowingly, with negative forces, comments, and thoughts about themselves. You are never too young to realise just how powerful your thoughts and feelings are, at changing your reality. I can highly recommend this for the age-appropriate audience.

You can find It Is All Right Here: Inspired Child by Riki Ella, here on her Amazon Page:

skids by jeremy houghton

10/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Skids is the colloquial term used to describe Street Kids; such a problem in many major cities around the world and certainly one in the major gaming capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. In Skids, by Jeremy Houghton, the author takes us inside the mean life that is reality for the thousands of runaways and street kids in America. James was just six years old when his father began farming him out to people for payment and sexual abuse. By the time he was ten, James had decided to run and became just one of the many street kids trying to survive in the Las Vega underworld. Now, about to turn eighteen, James has not only survived but he has gathered a small group of similar kids around him, living together in an abandoned shopfront, as “family”. Life is tough for these children; forced into prostitution just to survive but they have each other and more importantly the have each other’s backs. James and his quasi-family are as happy, together, as any group in that situation could ever hope to be but that doesn’t stop James dreaming of a life that doesn’t require scrabbling, on the verges of society, to survive. James’ dreams of he, Harmony and the other three kids, just leading a “normal” life – that’s not too much to ask for, is it? Breaking out will not be easy though, as all five of them have an innate suspicion of adults who proffer assistance – they’ve all been burned by such people in the past.

In the past two weeks I’ve read two books that have touched me and moved me profoundly; Skids by Jeremy Houghton is one of those books. There is nothing pretty or pleasant about the disgusting trials and tribulations these innocent children have been put through and at times, Skids is a difficult read for that very reason. The author has, however, tempered the horror and sheer abomination of what was happening to the children with the loving and beautiful relationships built up between James and his four companions. I loved the humility that the author imbued in James’ character. Yes, he was the titular leader of the group by virtue, mainly, of his age but his lack of confidence in himself and in his abilities gave such a vulnerable and appealing edge to him that he shone through the story. This was one of those rare reads that I just didn’t want to end. As I got close to what was clearly the finale of the story, I was slowing down my reading just to keep these characters alive. The author’s unflinching and courageous effort to tell this story of innocence destroyed, in full, without pulling any punches, is to be greatly admired. I can truly rank Skids as one of the best books I’ve read this year. To be able to take such a subject and make it appealing and enjoyable, as a read, is a testament to this author’s abilities and I look for much more from him in the future.

You can find, Skids, by Jeremy Houghton, here, on Amazon:

black beans and venom: carol sabala mystery #7 by vinnie hansen

7/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Black Beans and Venom: A Carol Sabala Mystery by Vinnie Hansen takes us to the exotic island of Cuba, out of bounds for U.S. tourists, but private detective Carol Sabala wasn’t about to let something as minor as a technical illegality get in the way of a lucrative case, which she was well aware her agency badly needed. Wealthy socialite, Lucille has retained Carol’s agency to find her estranged daughter, Megan, who dying of cancer and ravaged by chemotherapy and radiation, had apparently turned to exotic and unknown possible treatments, only obtainable on the island of Cuba and involving the use of scorpion venom, endemic to the native Cuban scorpion. Megan’s worries, however, are not just her metastasizing cancer, she is also on the run from her psychopathic ex-boyfriend who she is both terrified of and still deeply attracted to. When Carol arrives in Cuba she is shocked by the backwardness of the country and must fight both her lack of language and the local’s indifference to her quest. This book is a standalone read, despite it clearly being part of a series relating to the main character, Carol Sabala.

I found Black Beans and Venom to be a fairly straightforward, sleuthing novel, with only the exotic location of Cuba lifting it above the genre in which it stands. The main characteristic that makes Black Beans and Venom: A Carol Sabala Mystery stand out from its competition is the feisty, lead, character in Carol Sabala. The idea of a female private detective, in what is essentially a man’s world, is not a new one for novelists but, for me, it did lend the narrative a distinctive freshness that it may otherwise have been lacking. Author Vinnie Hansen does weave the legend of Ernest Hemingway and his life in Cuba, into the story well, which was a plus for me, as a reader. A few neat little twists and turns in the story does add well to the overall plot of the novel. The sheer evilness and psychopathy of Megan’s ex-boyfriend Eric was a highlight for me but I felt there was more room for backstory of Eric and what made him tick. He was the star, for me, of the story and that possibly wasn’t the author’s original intention. That being said, this is a very readable and relatively gentle sleuthing mystery, that fans of the genre can well enjoy.

You can find Black Beans and Venom, along with the rest of Vinnie Hansen's extensive portfolio, here on Amazon.

the legend of deputy jim: the last enemy series prequel by dan e. hendrickson

4/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Legend of Deputy Jim: The Last Enemy Series Prequel by Dan E. Hendrickson takes us back in time to 1974, in small town Wyoming, Sheridan to be exact where a young, recently married and father of one, Jim Edwards is about to embark on his chosen career, as a Sherriff’s Deputy in the small town. Wyoming and other states in the region were prey to roving, violent, criminal biker gangs in the early 70’s, hell-bent on destruction and the establishment of drug-making and smuggling operations from both Mexico and for the infamous Medellin Cartel from Colombia. It is into this volatile world that the father of the “Hero of Cozumel”, Jacob Edwards, walks. Little was known of Jim’s two years with the Sheridan Sherriff’s Department and Tommy Williams, the ex-Navy Seal member who led Jim on their rescue of his son Jacob and his family, from captivity in Central America, decides it is time for him to discover Jim’s shrouded past and to tell the world that this now 70-something-year-old, was once just as much a hero as his much celebrated son. Jim’s new job with the Sherriff’s Department starts with a confrontation and physical beating of one of the biker gang’s most feared Lieutenant’s, an ex-special forces operative who goes by the moniker of Grinder. It’s personal now for Grinder as he and the gang plan to murder Jim, rape his wife, Linda, and then kill her and his son. One thing the gang needs to learn is; you don’t threaten Jim Edwards’ family and walk away scot-free.

If you haven’t read any of the Last Enemy Series, by Dan E. Hendrickson (I have read all three), it really doesn’t matter when it comes to enjoying this action-packed journey into a time so many of us remember, the 70’s. In The Legend of Deputy Jim, Hendrickson does an excellent job at dropping into the narrative important little bits of information to allow any reader, who hasn’t read the trilogy, context to allow them to make sense of the story. Bikie gangs, their violence and the fear they instilled in communities all over the U.S. just by their mere appearance, is the stuff of legends and this story is one that will resonate with many who lived through that period. I’ve read all four of Hendrikson’s books now and have watched the author develop and grow as a writer. This story is well-written and flows beautifully. The action is non-stop and makes it very difficult for the reader to want to put the book down. The character of Jim was well drawn and although clearly a brave and heroic figure, we are also privy to the weaknesses he carries that will ultimately lead him to abandon what had all the promises of being a stellar career in law enforcement. I particularly enjoyed the sweet synchronicities between the stories of Jim and his son, Jacob, which I won’t reveal any of, to keep the plot intact but needless to say, they tied this prequel, together with the Last Enemy Trilogy, beautifully. This is a fantastic read from an author who has much to offer in this action genre. I genuinely look forward to his next offer with excitement.

The Legend of Deputy Jim is so hot it's not yet available on Amazon, as I write this review, however, you can check out Dan E. Hendrickson's Last Enemy Series, here, on Amazon.

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