The Machinist by Erik Robert Nelson

Essie Gray just wanted to be a thief. And she was damned good at it.Issington is a city under a century-long siege from the air. A curfew and blackout have driven many citizens underground  for business and pleasure. Automatons originally designed for war patrol the dark streets of the city at night, now used as a means of keeping the uneasy domestic peace.

When a job goes horribly wrong, Essie finds herself on the wrong side of both the criminals she once thought allies and the law. Now Essie faces a difficult task: to find out what she stole, and who hired her.

That may be wa more daunting task than she realizes. With the criminals, the constabulary, and a major corporation leveraging power against her, the chance of success appears thin. But then she might find allies in unexpected places....


  This was one of those book I was glad having read. Mr. Nelson crafted a world that hope will never be. A worl ravaged by war. People have passed the age of technology and now live in the era of the machine. Where electricity is a thing of the past and everything is built with cogs, springs and steam. Where "blackout" is actually the only way to live and the light of a single candle can mean the distruction of a whole city block and the death of many.

  It is a smarty mystery story, filled with suspense and dark humor. Essie, the main character is likeable and entertaining. The friends she has helping her get out of the mess she's in, add there own charm to the tale and the backdrop adds flare and flavor to it all.

Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews

 
Annajane Hudgens truly believes she is over her ex-husband, Mason Bayless. They’ve been divorced for four years, she’s engaged to a new, terrific guy, and she’s ready to leave the small town where she and Mason had so much history. She is so over Mason that she has absolutely no problem attending his wedding to the beautiful, intelligent, delightful Celia. But when fate intervenes and the wedding is called to a halt as the bride is literally walking down the aisle, Annajane begins to realize that maybe she’s been given a second chance. Maybe everything happens for a reason. And maybe, just maybe, she wants Mason back. But there are secrets afoot in this small southern town. On the peaceful surface of Hideaway Lake, Annajane discovers that the past is never really gone. Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future.
This was the first novel of MKA that I've read and it was a perfect weekend read. It was fun and easy going and exactaly what This Reader needed after a hard week at work.
  Mrs. Andrews tale of second chances and do overs was delightful and charming. Annajane, the main character is both smart and likeable. Celia is the bitch we all love to hate. and Pokey is the best friend we all had at sometime in our life and if lucky still do.
  You take these three women add romance, small town gossip, adorable kids, a little intrigue and a huge family secret and you'll end up with Spring Fever.

Talion by Mary Maddox

Two victims. One sociopath. Lots of terror.
Serial killer Rad Sanders has big plans for his teenage victims:

Lu will watch as he kills Lisa and be offered a choice – become his slave or share the fate of her friend. Then Rad will get so deep inside her that she will no longer know where he ends and the pathetic remnants of herself begin.

But Lu has a little surprise for Rad . . .

When I read the summary of this book, I found myself fascinated by a story that mixes suspense with a bit of the supernatural. So of course I had to read it. And I have no regrets what so ever.
  Mary Maddox captures the readers intrest with fast pace dialogue and a keen eye for detail and a scenery so beautiful one can easily forget that the most beautiful of places can sometime hide the ugliest of monsters.I felt both disgusted and captivated by Sanders. The author did an effective job of showinghow muchof a monster Sanders actually is and how he had come to be a serial killer. Both Lisa and Lu interesting in their own way. One spirited and the other abused.
  Although the story may be about two teen girls make no mistake this is an adult book. And one I recommend to all.

A Soul To Steal by Rob Blackwell

 


 This Reader enjoyed this read til the end and I loved every minute of it.

  Could this book be considered a horror story? Or a mystery? YES!!! This story may read like a mystery but don't be fooled, read it only if you're not afraid of the dark. If the things that go bump in the night don't make your heart race and your imagination go wild.

  It's a story that mixes one of american horror literature classic's with a whole modern twist. If Mr. Blackwell's intention was to remind us that there are darker things in this world the mere serial killers, then he has succeeded very well.

  Rob Blackwell blend of "whodunit" with classic horror is one every reader of both generes will love. He keeps you guessing who the killer might be 'til the end. And at the same time keeps the reader at the edge of your seat wondering about the Headless Horseman.

  So read it only if you dare.

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross

  
Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined...
So I read this little novella, in a blink of an eye at that and all I can say is I WANT MORE!  It turns out that this is just a prequel to  an upcoming or more like already out series. A little something to tease the reader and get them hooked on the series and let me tell you it worked.
  I loved this whole old but advance time in which the story takes place, the Steampunk era. A time where the car is still new, only the rich have indoor plumbing and yet they have robots or "automatons" for servants.
  And I loved Finley. A young woman with two sides both aware of the other and different from each other as night is to day. You have the young, proper english servant wanting nothing more then not to cause any trouble. And then you have the darker, stronger don't mess with me or mine or you'll be sorry side.      
  I want to get to know more about Finley and her strange powers. Who is her father? What is going on with those bank robbing automatons and so much more.    
  This Reader will most assuredly read Ms. Cross Steampunk series and if it's as good as this novella then we shall all be talking about it soon.

The Witch Thief by Lori Devoti

  Joarr Enge never believed in the powers of the chalice he was tasked to guard—but he sure as hell wasn't going to let the captivating witch who'd robbed him escape. Now, a century after her betrayal, Joarr commandeered Amma's body and blocked her magic. She would spend every moment by his side until the chalice could be found.
Amma had risked everything to uncover the secrets in her past—even the rage of her powerful and mysterious dragon lover. But as Joarr's passionate fire tempted her to dream of a future with him, could their magic unite two separate worlds for the most precious thing of all…their son?
Just when I thought I was done with the fantasy romance, Lori Devoti lures me back in.  Her tale of a witch that steals something more valuable then she realizes and her dragon (yes DRAGON) lover that will stop at nothing to get it back. Was exactly what the docter ordered. This book was simply fantastic!!!  
  I loved how both characters were strong headed and willfull. Each doing what they had to to get what they wanted. Neither one could dominate the other but find perfect balance to make their love unique.  
  Thou a fantasy by far (dragon lover heelloo!!!) Devoti has the ability to make the whole thing seem real. From realm portals to earth dance clubs run by dwarfs. From posh hotel rooms to a dragons lair, the reader can easiliy believe that these place can actually be real.
  This Reader enjoyed every second of this book. I hope to read more of this author soon.

Bride of the Night by Heather Graham

She's the vampire that could destroy a nation.

At least, that's what Pinkerton detective Finn Dunne thinks of Tara Fox. Capturing her aboard a ship sneaking its way northward, he's convinced she's been sent to take out President Lincoln. While she's certainly the most attractive assassin he's ever faced, that won't keep him from his duty.

Tara has always been caught between worlds. As a vampire born and raised in Key West, she has many friends among the humans. Many friends that are now fighting and dying in the raging Civil War.

When her strange dreams began, she thought of them as abstract visions. But she now knows that she must travel to Washington, D.C., and protect the president at all costs. Finn still won't trust her, despite what he's seen. And if Tara has to go through him—or bring reinforcements—to save Lincoln, she will do whatever it takes, even if it costs her her heart.

 Aahh!!! Not such a fan of this book. I've read a few of Heather Graham books to say I'm not a fan of this one.
   The book was a little boring and unlike many of her other books, way too discriptive for my taste.  The writing was so discriptive that you knew what was about to happen before it did. Not something you want when it's suppose to be a beat the clock story.
  This Reader wanted the distrust between the Pinkerton and the half-vampire to be over with so the could realize they loved each other but the boring story line kept me from cheering them on.
  I don't say this often but I was glad to get to the end of the story. Sadly This Reader does notrecommend this book, especially if you're a Heather Graham.

Call of the Herald by Brain Rathbone

Echoes of the ancients' power are distant memories, tattered and faded by the passage of eons, but that is about to change. A new dawn has arrived. Latent abilities, harbored in mankind's deepest fibers, wait to be unleashed. Ancient evils awaken, and old fears ignite the fires of war. In times such as these, ordinary people have the power to save the world . . . or destroy it.
 A very good read. Although I found that I had to be in certain mood to be able to get into the story. It took me a little longer then most to finish reading. Though by the end I was happy I gave this book a chance.
  The story line may not be all that original. Think of Lord of the Rings. But like those great epic novels, the characters are fantastic. The landscape both beautiful and haunting. And like all quest filled with danger at every turn. And you find yourself rooting for Catrin and her friends to succeed on their quest. The action was a little down keyed but not lacking. The combination of religion and myth are equal, so one doesn't feel overwhelemed with either subject. It's an adventure novel with just enough suspence to keep readers of almost any age enjoying the story and glad that they gave it chance.
     If This Reader had to score this book I would give it a 4 out of 5. I will be reading the second book real soon.

Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Atticus O'Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn't care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they're badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II. 

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor's rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.
 This second book in the Iron Druid Chronicles was an equally good read. The book begins 3 weeks after the frist one finishes, so the reader doesn't feel like they've missed out on much and the author doesn't have to write a whole wasted chapter trying to catch us up on Atticus's life.

  Like the frist book in this series Hexed is filld with wit,action, htumor and myth that will keep the reader interested in completing the story. And those characters that make the story what it is are back as well. From his lovable dogand best friend Oberon right down to nice old widow Mrs. MacDonagh. Not to mention a few new bad guys that want to take over Tempe.

  So again my friends if you're into modern fiction with a touch of old myth this is the series to
read.This Reader certainly has no complaints. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.
 This book was positively a good read. Its mix of ancient northern myth with new world chaos was great. I only put the book down when I had no choice.
    Kevin Hearne did a bang up job of keeping the plot witty, fun and intriguing. The characters where both familiar and unique, from the lawyer vampire to the body snatching witch. And Atticus O'Sullivan won't be a character you'll soon forget or want to for that matter.
    This is the first of the Iron Druid Chronicles and This Reader will most certainly be reading the next book of this series.  So if you're a fan of myth and legends this book will not disappoint.

Fools Rush In (Weddings by Bella, Book 1) by Janice Thompson

An Italian beauty meets a charming Texan in this delightful new romantic comedy.

This Reader enjoyed this book from cover to cover. It excited me, uplifted me and at very chapter made me smile.
   Okay like most hot blooded woman that read romance novels, the last thing you're looking for is a christian romance. Now before anyone gets upset...yes I know christian believe and on a daily basis enconter romance in their lives. What I mean is that when I pick up a romance novel I'm use to the-pin-them-to-the-wall-and-do-with-me-what-you-want romance not the we-must-wait-til-we're-married-cause-we're-christians romance.
    So This Reader is very happy to state that there may just have to be more christian romances on my bookshelf. This book was funny, romantic and had christian beliefs without making you feel that you would be smiteted at any moment for not being a practicing christian. At times This Reader laughed so hard that I got strange stares from strangers. The story had it's moment where you might have said enough with the "woe is me" but like all true romances love does conquer all.  And it did what all good romance book should...make you want to go and fall in love all over again.

Heart of Evil by Heather Graham

Emerging from the bayou like an apparition, Donegal Plantation is known for its unsurpassed dining, captivating atmosphere, haunting legends…and now a corpse swinging from the marble angel that marks its cemetery's most majestic vault. A corpse discovered in nearly the same situation as that of Marshall Donegal, the patriarch killed in a skirmish just before the Civil War.

Desperate for help traditional criminologists could never provide, plantation heiress Ashley Donegal turns to an elite team of paranormal investigators who blend hard forensics with rare—often inexplicable—intuition. Among the "Krewe of Hunters" is an old ï ¬ ‚ ame, Jake Mallory, a gifted musician with talent stretching far beyond the realm of the physical, and a few dark ghosts of his own.
The evil the team unveils has the power to shake the plantation to its very core. Jake and Ashley are forced to risk everything to unravel secrets that will not stay buried—even in death.…

First let This Reader state that I felt a little at a lost with this book. Thou this might be the 1st of The Krewe of Hunters series, some of these characters come from an all other different series. So not having read the Harrison series I felt like I really didn't get to know these characters.

That being said...I did like the book. I enjoyed what some might call a history lesson (I happen to like history) in the first few chapters of the book but it gives a sense of cause for the storyline.  The author has a way of luring you into the story and the scenery that makes you feel as if you were an invisible witness to what was happening.

What happens when you mix a little romance, add a few ghosts and throw in a few dead bodies? you have all the makings of a good read. This Reader is looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Whispers in the Shadows by Alan James Keogh

Whispers in the Shadows is a collection of short stories from the blog AlanJamesKeogh.wordpress.com
It enables readers to download and read the stories at their leisure and on the go.

This eBook contains twenty short stories,

Including:
They Live, what are the mysterious holes that have begun to appear in a mans calf, why does he forget them when he looks away and just what is causing them?

A Night of Wonder and Enchantment, A show has rolled into town, one which contains acts you will never forget, that is, if you are able to leave.

The Fabled One Hundred, in a futuristic world, criminals can fight for their freedom. The only requirement is that they win one hundred battles to the death. as one man comes close he reflects on the reasons he has been imprisoned, his decision to fight and his plans once he is free, but the final fight will not be as easy as he expects.

Thank you for downloading Whispers in the Shadows and please feel free to leave a review once you’ve finished. Leaving a review will help me refine future work and better tailor the short stories to the tastes of my readers.

This collection of short stories left me feeling a little denied of enjoyment. Unfortunately a lot of the stories were way too short. Also there were times when I was a little confused as to an event I was reading was happening, had happened or was still to happen. The author had some very good and original ideas that would've been fun to read if the story would have more depth to it. And at times the stories were actually a bit creepy but before you could really immerse yourself in the story it was done.  This Reader is sad to say that i'm not sure if I'll read the second volume since this one let me down

Back of Beyond by C.J. Box

Cody Hoyt, while a brilliant cop, is an alcoholic struggling with two months of sobriety when his mentor and AA sponsor Hank Winters is found burned to death in a remote mountain cabin. At first it looks like the suicide of a man who’s fallen off the wagon, but Cody knows Hank better than that. Sober for fourteen years, Hank took pride in his hard-won sobriety and never hesitated to drop whatever he was doing to talk Cody off a ledge. When Cody takes a closer look at the scene of his friend’s death, it becomes apparent that foul play is at hand. After years of bad behavior with his department, he’s in no position to be investigating a homicide, but this man was a friend and Cody’s determined to find his killer.

When clues found at the scene link the murderer to an outfitter leading tourists on a multi-day wilderness horseback trip into the remote corners of Yellowstone National Park—a pack trip that includes his son Justin—Cody is desperate to get on their trail and stop the killer before the group heads into the wild. Among the tourists is fourteen-year-old Gracie Sullivan, an awkward but intelligent loner who begins to suspect that someone in their party is dangerous.

In a fatal cat and mouse game, where it becomes apparent the murderer is somehow aware of Cody’s every move, Cody treks into the wilderness to stop a killer hell bent on ruining the only thing in his life he cares about.


I found this book to be entertaining to such a degree, that I almost ruined dinner trying to get to the end.


C.J. Box created a mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader going late into the night. And with a conclusion that doesn't let you down.  The characters in this story were full of spirit and like the rest of us carried their fair share of baggage which to This Reader made the story that much more fun to read.

Murder-Oke! And Other Spooky Cape May Tales by Terry O'Brien

There are many strange stories contained here. A deranged serial killer is preying on karaoke singers and throwing Cape May’s mayor into a panic. A spooky dinner theater’s elevator takes people to destinations unknown. An actor watches as everyone around him is brutally, and mistakenly, murdered by a psycho who only wants to kill him. A drunken elf unwittingly kidnaps three kids from their home on Christmas Eve and sets off chaos at SantaCorp. These compelling Cape May stories really will make you laugh and cry.


This book based on an actual town in NJ had me both intrigued and laughing. I recommend this book to anyone in search of humor and unforgettable characters that'll stay with you even after the story is done.