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Tuesday Book Review: “Pretty Blue Death”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

pretty blue death dan blair

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Pretty Blue Death

by Dan Blair

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478788393

Synopsis*:

A twisted psychopath targets a group of friends. A page-turning thriller from page one! Mark and Daly Ford are living the good life in the San Fernando Valley of southern California. Busy building their security company, they are shocked when a long-time friend drowns unexpectedly in his pool, shaking their world. With no foul play or reason for the drowning indicated, they, along with their neighborhood poker group, are baffled. Just as the alarm of losing a good friend begins to subside, another friend from their group dies of a massive heart attack while working at a food bank.

Both deaths appear to be innocent enough, but Daly’s instincts from her years with the L.A.P.D.’s Behavioral Analysis Unit cause her to question if the deaths could be linked. But what is the common thread explaining the murders, if that’s what they are? Mark and Daly thrust themselves into investigating if their friends’ deaths could be more than coincidence … and perhaps a deadly vendetta being carried out against their close-knit group. Worse yet, could the person behind these deaths be someone from within their group of friends?

Mark and Daly plunge headlong into solving the mystery, joining forces with an eccentric scientist friend from their poker group with strong analytical skills. As bodies continue to pile up, they’re joined by a police detective from Scotland Yard, Sean McClarey, on loan to Santa Monica PD. Still mourning the loss of his wife during childbirth, Sergeant McClarey throws himself into the case, bringing his respectful yet penetrating style to his interrogations. Will this band of friends be able to unravel the twisted intentions driving the serial killings in time? How many of their friends may die while they’re piecing the puzzle together? Will Mark and Daly be next on the killer’s list? Enjoy the twists and turns of this non-stop thriller leading to a surprising climax, punctuated by a psychopath’s obsessions

* courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review

“Pretty Blue Death” by Dan Blair is one of the most unique suspense thrillers I have read in a while. The characters are so down to earth one can imagine playing poker with them and socializing on a daily basis.

Mark and Daly Ford run their own security company, while some of their friends hold work in the food conglomerate business, a hospital and in real estate. All are successful in what they do and are devoted to their families.

The mystery begins when their friend Tommy is found dead in his pool, discovered by his wife, Pat. Given that Tommy was an avid swimmer and swam on a daily basis, this stumps them all. After Tommy’s funeral, another friend suddenly dies, with no clues as to why. The big question is, is someone targeting this group or is it just a coincidence?

As Mark and Daly investigate the possibility of foul play, Sergeant Sean McClary, on loan from Scotland Yard, gets the feeling all is not what it seems. As more members of the close knit group die, readers get snippets of dialogue from a couple of women characters that have anger and revenge on their mind. The ending however, regardless of your sleuthing skills, will shock you.

The characters are well-developed; the plot is well thought out and researched. This read will keep you guessing as to motive, and who did it, and just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist puts you on an entirely different trail. I thought the method of killing was unique and how the perpetrator accomplishes it was brilliant.

The author provides a fast-paced, engrossing read that challenges you to the end. He provides a detailed knowledge of personal interaction and perfect revenge even if it is only in their minds. I found myself looking up specific plants mentioned in the plot and how they are used and possible potential hazards to a person. If you like books that put you in the action, have a great plot and keeps you searching for clues, “Pretty Blue Death” by Dan Blair is the book for you.

– reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views

Other Reviews

Intriguing plot and personal relationships make this a good book to read. The mystery keeps you interested in the plot while the characters personal and inter personal relationships keep you reading to know more about them. I am pleasantly surprised when the author surprises me with a characters humorous personal faux pax or interpersonal revelation.

– Amazon reviewer Frank Gruber

Just finished this book and I have to say it was a great read! The characters are well thought out, the plot twists were exciting and unexpected each time. I couldn’t put it down! I would highly recommend it to anyone and hope Dan is underway with book #2!

– Amazon reviewer Sally

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Tuesday Book Review: “Sunaru”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

sunaru larry lueder

Sunaru

by Larry Lueder

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432713553

Synopsis*:

Manators, horrex, bull-bears and …

In all the universe, only humankind stuggles to settle into distant planets on faraway galaxies. Sunaru is one such life supporting planet and this is one in a series of stories of such life struggles.

* courtesy of Amazon.com

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The author has taken us into the future, with space travel made easy, new planets discovered and the dangers of setting up a new civilization. One cannot take on the expedition if they do not meet the requirements, one of which is that you are an ex-con and willing to fight. Also on board are frozen embryos, clones and a mix of people from other planets.

The discovery of Sunaru is one of excitement and danger- no civilized person has been here before. What they didn’t realize is that they are not alone- Manators, horrex and bull-bears are in hiding waiting for them. In an instant they will appear and one of the explorers will disappear.

Through the author’s excited voice and description, the readers are able to imagine that this one-day may be where we live. It is filled with drama, daring escapes and creatures you couldn’t even imagine. Mr. Lueder brings in new concepts of families, medicine, weaponry and survival that none of us might even imagine.

I must say that science fiction isn’t something I read a lot of; however, while reading “Sunaru” by Lawrence Leuder I felt that the author was giving us a preview of what’s to come. This is the first in a series for the author; the ending of the book leaves you wanting more.

– reviewed on Reader Views

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Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “The Secret of Bald Rock Island”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

secret of bald rock island charles salter

readers' favorite book award winner

The Secret of Bald Rock Island

by Charles A. Salter

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478770848

Synopsis*:

Can Kelcie solve the island’s TWO mysteries in time?

Ten-year-old Kelcie Oglethorpe’s fisherman father disappeared at sea years ago. Since then, Kelcie has befriended Bald Rock Island’s beloved Mr. Bartleby, a kindly man devoted to the village and its children. He often warns of a mysterious creature he once saw on the island’s bald dome which towers a hundred feet above the sea, yet is hollow inside and connected to sea life by underground channels. Kelcie decides to help Mr. Bartleby solve the island’s two enduring mysteries-what happened to her father, and what the sea creature might be. She learns that Mr. Bartleby was her father’s lifelong best friend. During that terrible storm off the coast of Maine, Mr. Bartleby risked his own life to do everything possible to save Kelcie’s dad, but no sign was ever found.

Kelcie criss-crosses the island in search of clues and thinks she knows where she can find the ultimate answers. She resolves to explore the forbidden area of the island, and as she puts the final pieces of the puzzle together, a new storm arises. Can she solve the mysteries and return to safety before the new storm claims her as the previous one did her father? And what will she do when she finally confronts the mysterious creature face to face?

* courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review

The Secret of Bald Rock Island (Kare Kids Adventure #1) by Charles A. Salter is an exciting children’s adventure about a young girl determined to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. Ten-year-old Kelcie Oglethorpe has always been curious and ready for adventure. Mr. Bartelby, the town’s well-known and much-loved writer, is always willing to tell the children a story. When Mr. Bartelby tells the children of a mysterious creature that inhabits Bald Rock, Kelcie decides that it is time to solve the peculiar puzzle concerning her father’s disappearance and discover if Mr. Bartelby’s extraordinary story holds truth. Doing some research, Kelcie finds little to help her solve her dad’s disappearance until she reads an article written by Mr. Bartelby. As things start to come together in Kelcie’s head, she realizes what she must do. Only, she has been warned that it could be too dangerous. Can Kelcie solve the mystery of the strange creature and find her father? Will her determination prove to be deadly?

The Secret of Bald Rock Island (Kare Kids Adventure #1) by Charles A. Salter is a children’s mystery story taking place on a small Maine island. I enjoyed reading this story and, although it is short, it is well thought out. The characters are entertaining, and the storyline isn’t overly complicated. With a good portion of the inhabitants being of Scottish descent, this book is also educational. I believe that this book is perfect for the child just beginning to read chapter books as it isn’t too long, and contains easily understood concepts. It is a well-rounded mystery with intriguing characters and a fascinating monster. Being the first story in a series, it will be interesting to see what other mysteries happen on Bald Rock Island in the next story. I would recommend this book to children aged eight to ten.

– reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers’ Favorite

Other Reviews

The Secret of Bald Rock Island by Charles A. Salter begins with a lilting mystery that begs to be read aloud by children around a camp-fire while the sun goes down. The voice is clear and pleasingly individual, with turns of phrase that perfectly fit the telling of monsters, dangers and more. But the story has a dark side too, as a little girl mourns her father, lost at sea.

The language in this children’s book is simple but beautifully descriptive. The mystery is haunting and sadly plausible. And the determined little protagonist is sweetly honest and true. It’s nice to read a new story for children where foolish choices are resolved by the wise, and not all the wisdom comes from guardian adults. Bald Rock Island is a story that inspires bravery, common sense, and a pleasing recognition of human emotion. It’s a fun tale, a captivating read, and a good story to share with a middle-grade reader.

Disclosure: The author was interviewed on my blog and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to read his book.

– Amazon reviewer Sheila Deeth

What a fun read. This book is short but it reads like a full length novel. I found both Kelcie and Mr. Bartleby enjoyable characters. They were kindred souls. After hearing Mr. Bartleby’s story of the monster of Bald Rock Island, I like Kelcie was very intrigued to solve the mystery of what happened to her father and just what type of monster did Mr. Bartleby see that day. I am so glad that Kelcie did not let her age stop her from taking charge and solving the mysterious disappearance of her father. Plus, she did meet the monster and if I had come face to face with it like she did I would have screamed too. Yet she showed compassion as well. I would say that Mr. Salter accomplished his goals with this book by teaching children to be caring and fearless. I thought that the book was well written and easy to follow along so that my nephews or other young readers could read this book by themselves with no struggles. I want to read the second book in this series. A great series for children.

– Amazon reviewer Cheryl

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Tuesday Book Review: “Guardians”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

guardians brad anderson

readers' favorite book award finalist

Guardians

by Brad Anderson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432793357

Synopsis*:

Peace Has Existed Between Humans and Vampires for Centuries …

But Everything Comes to an End.

For hundreds of years, Los Guardianes de la Paz – the Guardians of Peace – have enforced an uneasy truce between humans and vampires. When vampires kill two Mexicans on the Rio Grande, everything changes. The vampires must now find a new place to live – and a reliable, clean food supply. Meanwhile, former DEA agent Robert Mackie is on a simple – but dangerous – mission: ferret out the turncoat who had blown his cover as a dedicated employee of a notorious East Coast drug lord.

Through a twist of fate, however, his quest for justice ends up putting his niece and nephew in grave danger. Suddenly, the children are thrown into the mix of an enormous vampire family in the higher reaches of the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas. One of the children there, 13-year-old Greg Pike, is about to find himself the star attraction in the vampires’ version of a fox hunt – unless he can escape first. Now Carlos Santiago, the eldest of the Guardians, must find the help he needs to put an end to the violence and set things right with the world again. But nothing is as it seems, and death lurks around every corner. Combining elements of the thriller, mystery, and the occult, Guardians is a fast-paced and thoughtful look at a collision of cultures both human and otherwise.

* courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review

I chose to review this book because the story sounded so interesting. In fact, this book is so gripping that I couldn’t put it down. The story jumps out and grabs the reader from the word “Go.” The book begins innocuously enough, with several story threads seemingly unrelated. But wait … gradually those threads intertwine to create a tightly-paced, thrilling chase to the death. Brad Anderson has a practical approach to the paranormal, making his vampires utterly believable and thereby creating a solid, credible plot. He mixes up genres to create a fascinating blend of thriller, mystery, and paranormal. The plot is fascinating, and unlike anything I’ve ever read. Although adults take the spotlight every now and again, it is the character of young Greg Pike that rises above the others. The author isn’t afraid to delve into the grittier realities of life when dealing with his characters’ situations and dilemmas. I found the ending unresolved, but there are definite hints at more to come in this genre. If you are looking for something to keep you riveted, read this book. Highly recommended.

– reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers’ Favorite

Other Reviews

At last a book where people are really intelligent and not just sheeples! This is a great story of humans against vampires and for once the people actually have a chance. I love the reluctant hero, Robert Mackie. He is just minding his own business as an undercover agent and his cover gets blown and he gets catapulted into the world of run a muck vampires that just happen to snatch his niece and nephew. He enlists the aid of Carlos Santiago to help him recover them. While they are hunting for the children, the children are giving the vampires a run for their money! This is a great tale of mystery and adventure. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a book they just can’t put down!

– Amazon reviewer Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo

This is one of those books that once you start reading, you hope you have nothing else planned for your day! The mysterious plot line keeps you entertained as the activities of the characters become more and more entwined all the way through the storyline. I never thought I would really care to read a “Vampire” book, however I am ready to read and enjoy Guardians II!

– Amazon reviewer Lorrie Kloss

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Tuesday Book Review: “When A Woman Is In Love With God”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

When A Woman Is In Love With God danielle wilson

When A Woman Is In Love With God

by Darnelle Wilson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478778691

Synopsis*:

When a woman loves God, she tries to please Him and do His will through daily studies of the Bible. When times are difficult, she stands on His Word and promises. Her love for Him gives her the strength to weather the storms of life. She has a safe place in the Word of God. When a woman loves God, her position in Him is anointed and appointed by God. She is bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. She is neither proud nor envious in her position, and pleases God as she walks in humility. God has placed her in a position to love others, even her enemies. He has given her everything she needs.

Are YOU a woman who loves God?

In times of trials and tribulations, when even friends and relatives have turned on you, your love for Him will sustain you. This inspirational book will encourage you to give God your unconditional love so that He will love you right into His Kingdom. Dr. Wilson share her studies on When a woman loves God she pursues to please God and His will through daily studies in the Bible. When times are difficult she stands on His word and promises. Her love for Him gives her the strength to weather the storms of life. When troubles come His love causes her to pursue and not retreat in difficult times. His love has her to remember in the Word of God we’ve got a hiding place. When a woman loves God her position in Him is anointed and appointed by God. She realizes she is bought with a price the precious blood of Jesus Christ. She is neither proud nor envious in her position. She pleases God as she walks in humility with God. God has placed her in position to love others even her enemies. Competition is not a thing for her, because she knows God has given her everything she needs.

* courtesy of Amazon.com

This is a well written book for all genders to read. I recommend this book to the world to read.

– Amazon reviewer Shirley

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Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

* courtesy of Amazon.com

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Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

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Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

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Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

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Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

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