tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58332497028388402792024-02-08T20:41:38.353+10:00Diana HockleyCrime with a dash of romanceDianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-10943666124878229342015-03-25T17:02:00.001+10:002015-03-25T17:02:58.145+10:00OPERATION NEUROSURGEON Bk 1 by Barbara Ebel, M.D<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 STARS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The traditional husband cheating on wife in this book has a
different twist. Many times books have shown the debacle from the wife's point
of view, but this author has managed to find a new angle on the scenario. The
story starts fairly slowly and I wasn't sure for quite awhile whether this was
to be a "family" story, a cozy mystery or morph into a medical murder
mystery. Just as I was becoming a restless reader, everything changed! The plot
thickened - from the husband's point of view... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Danny is a neurosurgeon and should be smarter than he
proves to be, but from here on in, the intrigue deepens...and deepens.
Following a family tragedy, Danny is distracted by a pair of eyes staring over
the top of a mask in the operating theatre. "Oh what a tangled web we
weave when we practice to deceive!" Our mums and aunts knew what they were
talking about. As Danny struggles with his rapidly changing circumstances, the
family's reactions to his predicament show just how much they care about the
twit! It is a measure of the author's skill that I felt a little compassion for
Danny although I was surprised that he apparently felt no real sorrow or even
much guilt for what he'd done to his wife. There was considerable satisfaction
in my mind when things went down hill for him! I liked the resilient Sara
immensely, but was too engrossed in the twit's problems to worry about her,
because she was/is a survivor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I started reading this book late yesterday afternoon and when
I woke up at 3.30am and couldn't go back to sleep, continued to the end. Having
had a life-saving operation in 2013, I was fascinated by the descriptions of
operations and theatre procedure. I was also amused to see that the author
cleverly inserted herself into the action at one stage :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Having been highly entertained by this story, I've already
started the next one which appears to take up a few weeks after the ending of
Bk 1. Will report in again after I've sampled what I am sure will be the delights
of Danny's mad life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-76619423534691415462015-03-25T17:00:00.002+10:002015-03-25T17:00:46.999+10:00ZELLWOOD: A Dog Story by Rebecca Stroud<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333330154419px; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">5 STARS</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The
information accompanying this story was quite clear that this is a short story,
so those who lambasted the author because this was not a full length book were
not paying attention to what they were buying.<br />
<br />
A simple story of love and loss, it is beautifully written and brought tears to
my eyes. Animals know when their beloved companion dies and anyone who says
they don't have souls - for me - is an idiot. Everyone knows that they go to
the Rainbow Bridge where they are safe, loved and young again.<br />
<br />
Great little story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-73003409389604545562015-03-25T16:58:00.003+10:002015-03-25T16:58:54.124+10:00BEETHOVEN'S WIFE by Gev Sweeney<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 STARS</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Any book with the word "Beethoven" in the title
will attract me. Classical music is my passion - I produce and present a weekly
classical radio program - so of course I had to read this novella and was
highly impressed with Sweeney's use of language to paint a vivid portrait of
not only the characters, but of the lives they lived at that time.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The beauty of the face on the cover is a measure
of the writing within. Exquisitely presented, this is the story of a woman -
perhaps his "immortal beloved" - with whom Beethoven was believed to
be deeply in love and to whom he wrote many letters. Although Beethoven fell in
love a number of times throughout his life, he was never successful in his
pursuits. In spite of his recognised genius, he was considered too lower class
for the women to whom he aspired. Beset by illness and court battles over the
custody of his nephew, the setting for this novella was the latter part of his
life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Life for women, particularly in the lower
classes, in the composer's time was frequently one of slavery. Adela, reduced
to relative poverty by her drunken, abusive father's lifestyle, is trapped in
the home with him and his predatory assistant. Deprived of her piano and no
longer able to enjoy the comforts of the lifestyle to which she was born, her
only escape is into the secrets of her mind.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Beethoven, deaf and ailing in health, arrives at
an inn to be the subject of an early photograph which necessitates him sitting
still for many hours while the image burns into the photographic plate. As
crowds gather to leer at the famous composer, Adela and Beethoven get to know
each other a circumstance which eventuates in their meeting at a later date.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Sweeney uses a passage in the book to
brilliantly sum up the worship of celebrity, painting a picture of society
which is re-enacted wherever fans gather to gawk at the famous: " The very
notion that he was there made grown men beat each other to the ground and
trample each other in an attempt to see him. And the very notion that he was
there made grown men forget there's nothing to be gained by seeing somebody who
is a stranger to you, who has no place in your life, who has no interest in you
and wouldn't care if you never existed. There was nothing to be gained except
an opportunity for gross humiliation."(quote from the book).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">This summary is familiar to us all, being
enacted almost nightly on the television and particularly when theatrical and
musical awards are being handed out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I enjoyed not only the whimsical yet believable
account of what may have transpired between Beethoven and a young woman, but
also the analysis of the great composer's music.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Highly recommended.</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-57800745885993850582015-03-25T16:57:00.001+10:002015-03-25T16:57:25.126+10:00LANE'S END by Australian author, Jill Paterson<div class="MsoNormal">
5 STARS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Loved
this traditional murder mystery! Beautifully written, the characters are a
delight, each person's life unfolding without fanfare. Fitzjohn's bossy sister
and her intimidated niece to Betts, his sergeant who has a "thing"
for Sophie, Grieg, Fitzjohn's nemesis and his belligerent neighbour all play
their parts with conviction.<br />
<br />
What I particularly liked about this book was the setting - Sydney, where I
lived for many years - the solid policing and quiet style of the lead character
and the lack of erotica - a welcome change!<br />
<br />
I shall be reading more of this author's work.</span>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-17127026845391433422015-03-25T16:55:00.003+10:002015-03-25T16:55:41.950+10:00COLD GRANITE by Stuart Macbride<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5 STARS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I purchased this book on the recommendation of a member of a forum to
which I belong. I was not disappointed!<br />
<br />
The character of Logan McRae is realistic and encourages the reader's sympathy
for his problems. He has just returned to work after a stabbing attack by a
murderer a year previously, and now Logan has to put up with more assaults on
his stomach in the course of duty. WPC Jackie Watson, assigned to look after
Logan, is a delightful character who excites his interest. Together they
endeavour to hunt down the perpetrator of the murders of children before the
media - and the hierarchy of the Aberdeen police - fricassee them.<br />
<br />
The twists and turns in this novel are classic Scottish policing, well
researched and delightfully - if one could call a series of brutal murders and
parade of unsavoury characters so - portrayed. The reality of police work, far
from being constantly dramatic, is shown as one of slogging through reams of
administrative information, door knocking and endless knockbacks.<br />
<br />
The opening chapter is grim, alerting the reader to the terrifying prospect of
a psychotic killer on the rampage. This does not disappoint, but on the way,
McRae and Watson encounter felons of varying degrees. False arrests are rife
and the pressure to solve the crime builds inexorably. An unlike ally appears
in the form of a flashy, rough reporter who has an informer consistently
supplying him with information. Desperate to find out who is revealing secrets,
McRae forms an uneasy alliance with Miller. The denouement, when it comes, is
obvious upon reflection by the reader.<br />
<br />
A brilliant read and highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-56688280235481035432015-03-25T16:53:00.000+10:002015-03-25T16:53:04.341+10:00PERFECTION by J.L. Campbell<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">5 STARS</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This story is classic J.L. Campbell, Jamaica's foremost
romance writer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Natasha, young and gorgeous is in a relationship with the
unreliable Malik. Time and again, she breaks up with him because of his
cheating, but she is lured back into his net. Then she meets Karim, Malik’s
cousin. Gorgeous, kind, sexy...perfection! Or so she thinks. The old saying, if
it’s too good to be true then it probably is springs to mind. Karim’s hiding a
secret which would show former irresponsibility and how his life has changed.
Natasha, who is fed up with flaky twits, is disappointed in Karim, but then
another secret and a betrayal comes to light!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A terrific and cute story, well written with natural
dialogue, this novel is well worth its cost. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am
looking forward to the next in the Sister series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well done indeed! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-40093335183740121192015-03-25T16:51:00.003+10:002015-03-25T17:07:47.085+10:00CONFESSIONS OF A HIT MAN by Richard Godwin<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">5 STARS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Economy of
word is the essence of this highly exciting novel! I enjoyed the "Just the
facts, Mam" style reminiscent of the old style cop shows, but modern in
application.<br />
<br />
The hero, Jack, is a complex character who saves a member of the Mafia from an
assault and then takes on a job for the Family - just the once, he thinks - but
even though he is a sophisticated ex-Marine, he is sucked into a vortex of
death unable to find a way out. However, it's a job - no more than cleaning
scum off the human pond - and this is shown through the type of people Jack is
sent to exterminate. Scoundrels, sadists, murderers of the bodies and of the
souls of their victims. There's more to Jack than being a hitman however, and
although the reader is not privy to his private thoughts as such, his view of
the scum shows a great deal about him. Jack, in fact, needs to be sure that the
subject of each hit is unworthy of life.<br />
<br />
Seemingly. Jack is unable to love, but just as he is thinking about getting out
of the "business" he meets Lauren, herself a victim of the abuse of
one of his hits. How Jack saves her and sets up a future for them is intriguing
and well written.<br />
<br />
This is not the end of Jack and Lauren - far from it - and I am waiting
impatiently for the next in the series.<br />
<br />
Very well done indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-81564813391133124782015-03-25T16:50:00.003+10:002015-03-25T17:12:11.099+10:00BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU HEAR by Paul Pilkington<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3 STARS</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">This
novel turned out to be a novella, which in itself was okay, but left me feeling
unsatisfied. The plot had the makings of what I had expected to be a real
thriller, but unfortunately the author did not take advantage of the excellent
premise.<br />
<br />
George- racked by post-natal depression overhears her husband - whom she has
given a terrible time over the months after their daughter's birth - saying
that he was taking them all on a weekend away and that would be the end of it
all. Of course, George doesn't ask him about this, but goes along with the
weekend away in a cottage on a cliff edge.<br />
<br />
This novel could have been full length and had wonderful twists and turns, with
a breath-taking climax at the end, but the finish of this was very lame. I
would loved to have given this more than three stars - and the cover is superb
- but because of the brevity and ending, I feel three is as much as it earned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-51553562028020589732015-03-25T16:49:00.003+10:002015-03-25T16:49:26.351+10:00DRAGON'S MOON by Rebecca Stroud<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5 Stars</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well written and fast-paced, the story involves the murders
of a pedophile ring at the very top, the US President being the leader. As the
members of the ring are killed - or commit suicide - the arrogance of James
Drake doesn’t allow for him to feel concern for anyone’s safety, including his
own. An abuser since a teenager, his preying on his younger brother, Jon, is a
precursor of what is to come. Jon, now a billionaire businessman, has never
recovered from his brother’s victimisation or the deliberate running over of
his only friend in life, his white German Shepherd. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Is Jon now taking his revenge or is there another Drake
victim out there? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Needless to say, no spoilers here! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Short, sharp and to the point, this long "short"
story never lets go, as events pile up with breathtaking speed. From the
gruesome opening pages to the end, Stroud treats the reader to a thriller which
is out of the box. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well done indeed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-12826425050120181142015-03-25T16:45:00.002+10:002015-03-25T16:45:31.036+10:00L.A. SNIPER by Steve Gannon<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">5 STARS</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Steve Gannon's books are always good value. I have
read the previous Dan Kane novels - all of them - and enjoyed them. This one
was no exception.<br />
<br />
Gannon manages to make the characters jump out of the page and as this is
written in the first person from Kane's perspective, it was doubly satisfying.
I liked the pacing, the quality of the writing and in-depth depiction of all
the characters. The description of the technical aspects of a snipers
'work" are terrifying and it is a grim reminder that these killers do
exist and practice their trade too many times in many countries.<br />
<br />
I'm giving no spoilers - I just want to recommend this book most highly to
anyone who might be thinking of buying it. You not be disappointed!</span>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-54834429773560285562015-03-25T16:43:00.001+10:002015-03-25T17:03:46.807+10:00BROKEN by Ann Simko<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 STARS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I particularly like books where the author lives close to the edge! By
that, I mean the author shows the reader who the perpetrator is and then
manages to engage the reader right through to the end. Traditional plots, where
the reader is not privy to the killer's identity, abound and are always good,
but the former method of presenting a story is riding a fine line between
losing tension and keeping the suspense up.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">
<br />
Ann Simko does this in spades!<br />
<br />
Those who have read the first three Coyote Moon books will be familiar with the
Thomas brothers, Dakota and Montana, but just in case, I won't do any spoilers.
In Broken, Montana is forced out of his comfort zone by an infected appendix
and this is where the fun starts! Determined to get back to the camp in which
his Grandfather keeps the family safe, Montana is stymied by a snow storm, so
is forced to stay in the house of the surgeon who operated on him who just
happens to be young and beautiful. Unbeknownst to either of them, someone who
is seriously mentally ill, is determined to bring down all those responsible -
he thinks - for his wife's death a year previously. How Montana and those close
to him<br />
<br />
This is a well-written and exciting book, straightforward, with enough
back-story to, with any luck, bring on a fifth in the series!<br />
<br />
Highly recommended!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-51431168244207197282015-03-25T16:42:00.004+10:002015-03-25T17:04:14.091+10:00DEAD SECRET by Richard Milton<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5 STARS <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Firstly, I have to say that the paranormal is not my genre
and I was invited to review this book. I did so with some scepticism, but
despite a slow start, I became fascinated by the plot which Richard Milton
rolled out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tony Gabrieli, a hard-nosed journalist, receives a mysterious
summons from a solicitor - this is a British book - upon the death of his
mother. Unbeknownst to Tony, his mother was involved with a mysterious group
called The Chadwick Foundation. Astonished to discover that his mother was far
more than the suburban housewife she purported to be, he receives a file of
papers and a box in which is something equally amazing. So, Tony is introduced
to the science of physiognomy and the dangerous, deadly sexual ritual which
could get him killed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Using clever back story, the plot starts at the French
Revolution and follows on to the Second World War, as Milton lures the reader
into the paranormal underworld, where governments play with lives and highly
connected men and women buy and sell unthinkable objects for priceless sums.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After Tony meets the fascinating Eve and is introduced into
her circle, he – and the reader – finally begins to understand just what he is
facing. The disgraced scientist, Cesar Casimir, leads Tony into a deadly maze
where he is forced to use his hitherto unacknowledged precognitive skills to
stay alive...is Eve his lover or his killer? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The book begins energetically, but it took awhile for me to
work out what was going on. At first reading it appeared that Tony Gabrieli was
an ordinary journalist chasing a story, but as the story progressed, I became
aware of a strong sense of foreboding. As I got to know the main character, I
began to have grave concern for his safety – a mark of the talent of Milton –
and was soon swept into the by-plays and dangerous secrets with which the
characters are engaged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I would have liked to have known more about Gabrieli’s mother
– how she became a trustee of the Chadwick Foundation – but this was only part
I felt could have been explained further. I didn’t particularly like the
character of Eve, though I suspect that she was supposed to have this effect on
the reader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thoroughly enjoyed this well written and intricate story and
thought the ending was the only way it could have happened. No spoilers here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-20713034533532469092015-03-25T16:41:00.004+10:002015-03-25T17:04:42.993+10:00SERENDIPITY HOUSE by Joyce DeBacco<div class="MsoNormal">
4 STARS</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">Firstly, the cover set the scene and the novel went on from
there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;">
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I liked the beginning where Sylvie takes off and
keeps driving, realising that to go ahead with the wedding would be the worst
mistake of her life, but I wanted to hear more from the family about what
happened when she didn't turn up! However, there is a mystery in this book
which explains much - no spoilers!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The characters are intriguing and the heroine
one in whom I could invest concern. I wanted to slap the hero out a few times
for his - typically male - ideas about how to conduct a relationship. Having
had a "difficult" relationship with my mother which was not unlike
Sylvie's with hers, I could understand the ongoing angst involved. Waiting for
Sylvie to finally "turn the worm" as it were, was excruciating.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The only disappointment with this book was that
none of the characters had an animal and I think a resident cat in a cosy,
country town B & B is mandatory! :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">A very pleasant and - to a certain extent - laid
back read.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-77773473695929350942015-01-20T21:39:00.002+10:002015-03-25T17:05:52.221+10:00LOST THE TITLE FOR THIS ONE. WILL SEARCH MY REVIEWS FOR IT!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;">Quite
frankly, I wonder just how many serial killers are wandering around over there
in America! Thankfully not too many when my husband and I were there two years
ago and certainly not in Boston, a charming city which we thoroughly enjoyed
and which is featured in this novel!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Cameron,
a nurse, has managed to get over being unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend
three years previously and is finally finding her romantic feet again. She has
the help of two flatmates - the unsociable Greg and the outgoing Karl. Now she
is ready to move into a new apartment, and more than ready to start a new
romance, which she does. However, fate has other things in store.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">This a
fast-paced plot which has more twists and turns than a cobra - but gory! It
seems a serial killer who is devoted this craft is at work, and the final goal
is, of course, Cameron.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I
liked the character of Cameron, even though she does some really stupid things
- as the heroine are wont to do in these situations - and over all I liked the
book. I felt for the main male heroes - yes there are two, the detective and
the Assistant District Attorney - but did pick the perpetrator about halfway
through. This is did not impinge on my enjoyment of the whole.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I must
say I do try to avoid books with serial killers in them now as the theme has
been done to death with CSI and NCIS and all the usual suspects on TV, but this
book was pretty good.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Good
work!</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-61054445723772923862015-01-18T17:10:00.003+10:002015-01-18T17:10:57.784+10:00TAKE NO MORE by Seb Kirby. 5 STARS FOR SURE!<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Seb Kirby's Take No More is what I like to think of as the
"traditional" thriller which, as he himself has said, pits the
ordinary man against great odds and thereby proves that person is certainly not
<i>ordinary.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The plot works around stolen art works and the possibility of
many being hidden under layers of other works – either by the original artists
or by people hoping to hide them. Collectors would pay millions for well known
ones but of course if they can get away with murdering instead, that is faster
and cheaper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The story starts dramatically with James coming home after a
day’s work to find Julia, an art restorer, dying inside the front door.
Horrified, he calls the police and of course finds himself the chief suspect.
Except for a copy of Julia’s downloaded files, he had no clue as to what she
had done or with whom she’d associated in order to be murdered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">His brother, Miles, an investigative journalist and his
partner Sergio, have unwittingly poked a crocodile with a stick – Alfieri and
Alessa’s corrupt business dealings may well get them all killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The main character of James Blake, a likable man, is
straightforward. We do not know many of his innermost thoughts which do not
concern the job in hand, that of solving the mystery into which he has been
plunged by the death of his wife. Obtaining information, keeping alive and in
the meantime, revenge, are his only goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As in all good traditional thrillers, there are myriad twist
and turns, some of them delightful, others heartbreaking. The dialogue is
natural and flowing, the plot well laid out and easy to follow. Some authors –
in my opinion – make their plot so intricate that the average reader,
especially me, is lost in a maze of over-cleverness. The pacing is fast but slows to allow the
reader to catch her breath and then soldier on. One of the surprises in this
novel, is that the author has actually managed to make me sorry for one of the
murderers. That is a feat worth mentioning!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-18292991381633253522015-01-17T17:42:00.000+10:002015-01-17T17:42:08.310+10:00HOW TO BECOME A WRITER!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I'm a fine one to tell other people how to write - I'm still learning and will be until the day I cark it - which at my age mightn't be too far away :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">However, here are some tips for someone who might like to have a go and why not? As "they" say, you'll never know until you try!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Firstly, read read read! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Most authors write what they enjoy reading, so I would suggest that initially you focus on crime, romance, historical - whatever your "bag" is. After you have decided what you want to write, then you have to learn to write it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">While you're reading observe how the author
phrases imagery, how dialogue is dealt with. Decide what you like about
the book you are reading - does it feel good and would you write in that style?
I don't mean copy or plagarise of course, just think about how </span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">you</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"> would
write the same book. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">You need to join a writer's workshop group, this is a
fantastic way to try your writing out, perhaps with short stories first, and
receive critique from your peers. You will also get the opportunity to give
your own critique of their writing. This is a fabulous way to learn how to
write and decide which genre you want to try. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"> A good way to learn is to
start writing drabbles - 100 word complete stories - and then droubles - 200
word complete stories. These are invaluable for practice in tightening up
manuscripts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">One of the common problems with which I wrestled and still do, is passive vs active writing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Passive: E.g. The dog was chasing the rabbit as fast as he could. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Active: The dog chased the rabbit at full speed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Watch your "that" and "which" - a common fault of mine is getting them mixed up - and for goodness sake do NOT use "You done good" and drop your "ly" at the end of the words when they're called for!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">So - go to it and good luck :)</span></div>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-4404497381240307602015-01-16T15:13:00.003+10:002015-03-25T17:07:30.510+10:00BEING SLACK ON TWITTER!!!I've just had the fright of my life! My friend, Andrea, rang to tell me that somehow some terrible pornographic images had come up on my FB page!!<br />
<br />
If anyone is the recipient of these, please delete them and accept my sincere apology. I would never even LOOK at images like these. much less post them up for all the world to see.<br />
<br />
I do not know how some things happen in cyberspace. It is possible that I retweeted a message by mistake, which was linked to other images. That is the only reason I can give for this to happen.<br />
<br />
I have discovered that I did Follow (by mistake) a young women who dabbles pornography and of course, when she tweeted to her followers - well, you guessed it! It wasn't her fault - it was my own for not being more careful and savvy.<br />
<br />
Please forgive!<br />
<br />
<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-46093185063361607932015-01-11T21:12:00.001+10:002015-03-25T17:11:41.501+10:00YOU DONE GOOD- MODERN TERMINOLOGYOh dear, I cringe every time I read "You done good" or "I done good" in contemporary fiction. Is this the way people speak?<br />
<br />
Yes, I think it is because I have heard it over and over. It's all very well for the pundits to say that language changes over time, but this is ridiculous! Bad grammar, bad spelling - yes, I am guilty of that too - but never in a million years would I say to someone - "You done good!" For those who don't know what I am talking about it's - "You've done WELL!" or as I have heard lately, the dropping of the "ly" as in "He did perfect."<br />
<br />
I'll be back to finish this blog as soon as I find out whether Roger Federer or Milos Raonic wins the Brisbane International Tennis!<br />
<br />
Okay, so The Fed won and it's now Wednesday night and the commentators are working on Rafa Nadal and a young Aussie kid, Omar someone playing the new Fast tennis. The opinionated young man who is explaining a point has just used a term I hate - "to the get go"! "Get go"????? What about "from the start"? Perhaps that is not "baseball worn back to front" hip speak!!<br />
<br />
Another woman on TV - who should know better - said tonight, "It works more effective!" I can't remember what she was talking about but the tendency to cut the "ly" off words is expanding rapidly as I have mentioned earlier on this blog.<br />
<br />
I have never been able to come to terms with starting a sentence with "and" or "but," however this has become commonplace in modern fiction. Having done quite a bit of Beta Reading, I have discovered that this is endemic among young women devoted to chicklit. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR. The worst of it is I find myself doing it too :( Occasionally. Rarely.<br />
<br />
Coupled with this deplorable habit, is another - the idea that if the book is written in short sentences it will be more exciting!! Hellooooooooooooo? I was always taught that short sentences raise the tension and that this method should be kept for that. Imagine reading a book where every sentence consists of no more than around six words!!<br />
<br />
The final whine I have today is the use of dashes as punctuation! There is a strong tendency among many to use a dash instead of a comma and the penchant for using brackets to enclose what should be normal script, is horrendous!<br />
<br />
What is left of my mind, "boggles."<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-37481731891625316342015-01-11T21:09:00.000+10:002015-01-11T21:09:08.373+10:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin: 6.9pt 0in 3.45pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><a href="http://dianahockley.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14624339-imagery-in-contemporary-fiction"><span style="color: #673e98; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #673e98; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">IMAGERY IN CONTEMPORARY FICTION</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I read a lot – my husband will attest to that – and just lately it has
dawned on me what is lacking in many contemporary novels. Imagery!! Sights,
sounds and smells, the intricate details which set time and place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am not sure why this is so, but yesterday, while reading a novel, I
couldn’t get a sense of where the characters were or even that there was a
change of speakers! I knew they were in a house, but what sort of house? Were
there pictures on the walls? Was it old fashioned or modern?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Unfortunately, this is all too common in the latest paperback or
e-books, as is jumping from scene to scene with nothing to indicate why or
where. Many writers seem content to let their characters talk, go
shopping, have sex and occasionally go to work. Fine, you say? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Certainly, but where is the detail I would expect to find in a
well-written story? What are they seeing, hearing and smelling? Is the scent of
flowers drifting in from the garden? Is there anything cooking on the stove? Is
there cat hair on the cushions? Where is the attention to detail which
makes a mundane novel into a great one?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A novel I read recently detailed a list of what the heroine bought
and lots of sex, but this was a murder mystery as well! The shopping and sex
took up three quarters of the plot leaving the murder to be crammed into the
last quarter. The build up lacked tension, and the minutiae of the killer’s
motive was so mysterious as to be non-existent! All the reader got were his
thoughts: “She is mine, mine, mine!” As far as I was concerned, he could have
her, because I didn’t care enough to worry about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Let us take a look at a couple of examples:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Let’s go and have
some dinner,'” she said. They walked into the restaurant and ordered fish to
go. Back at the house they ate and washed up and went to the bedroom. “<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Then followed some very detailed sex. How riveting is that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Okay, how about:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“Let’s go out to
dinner,” she said, smiling. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">He turned away from
the city lights shining through the huge lounge room window. “Where do you
want to go?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“There’s a new fish
cafe just down the street with low lighting and soft jazz.” Her hand poised
over the stereo, mouth watering as the thought of hot, crispy chips and grilled
trout with lime filtered through her mind. Her stomach growled and she hoped he
hadn’t heard.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">“We’ll get something
in.” He moved quickly across the room and took her in his arms, “I don’t want
to share you, even with the waiter in a restaurant.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Suddenly, all thought
of dinner was forgotten...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Not sure why he was gazing at the city lights instead of attending to
her, but for the purposes of example – we know that she is hungry, wants to go
out and eat but he has one thing on his mind (so what’s new?) and is quite
happy to let her starve for the moment. She shouldn’t get too involved with
him! This is a spur of the moment, made up scenario and a bit rough, but you
get the picture?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The first example, exactly from the book - I don’t want to identify it-
gives the reader nothing in ambience, but when you get to the sex there is far
too much information, trust me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Another scene with a couple walking, taken from The Naked Room:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">‘The leaves on the
trees beside the drive rustled in a gentle night breeze. Stars blazed in the
Milky Way giving dim natural light, augmented by the torch. An owl hooted
nearby. By mutual consent, we didn’t speak. The only sound was our footsteps
and Benji’s nails clicking on the tarmac as he panted along in front. My back
cringed as though in the sights of a sniper’s rifle. Somewhere, someone was
watching us, probably through night glasses.’<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And from another piece in the first example, also with a couple walking:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">‘They walked down the
road to the river and along the path. Why didn’t he talk, she wondered, but
didn’t want to upset him. When they got to the end of the path they turned
back, got in the car and drove back to the house.’<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Uh? What house, where was the river? Were there ducks on the river,
people rowing, fishing, what sort of day was it? Were there barbeques in a park
nearby, sending the enticing aroma of sausages or steak through the air? Were
there children screaming and chasing each other through the grass? Did they
pass anyone on the way there or back? Why didn’t she want to upset him? Sadly,
the paragraphs before and after only indicate that he is angry about something,
she doesn’t know what and is afraid to ask. Some relationship!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So much more could have been added with a few lines of imagery to set
the scene and make the reader care about the couple. Later in the plot, we find
out that his father has died and she thinks, in time honoured fashion, that he
is angry with her, but he won’t tell her what is wrong so and she won’t ask...blah
blah... but by this time, I didn’t give a darn what they did. Is this
minimalist style of writing the latest fashion? Is life moving so fast now that
people don’t want to be slowed down by such things as imagery?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lee Childs’ superb minimalist writing of Reacher’s travels and Spartan
way of life seem to lose nothing in the ambiance. Kenneth Graham in Wind in the
Willows is filled with sights sounds and smells along the river bank and in the
wild, wild wood. Which of these famous novelists is right? And why do we enjoy
their work so much?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Lee Child’s is a natural story teller. He has perfected a character who
I suspect we all would like to be or to know – seemingly free and untamed,
going where he likes with few worldly goods to slow him down. Women like sexy
Jack’s love and leave ‘em style; men envy his resilience and irresistibility to
women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reading Wind in the Willows wafts the reader into a dreamlike state, as
though he or she is actually living in the painting, where Rattie rows on
the river and Mole, a fussy, solitary little animal, is coaxed into an
adventure with Badger and Toad. One can smell the damp undergrowth, the scent
of wildflowers in spring and feel the ever present danger of predators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Kenneth Graham depicts an innocence which is reflected in the
sights, sounds and smells of the river bank and the wild wood. This is a place
where many would like to get away from the stresses of our lives and for a time
escape into the imagery which he so cleverly weaves throughout the tale. Graham
draws the reader so deeply into the story, that the incongruity of a rat, a
mole, a badger and a toad travelling together becomes perfectly feasible. Thus
the power of imagery!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 224); margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So to sum up that which is obvious and about which I have waffled,
sights, sounds and smells whether sparsely or lavishly presented, are necessary
for the successful novel and contemporary writers would do well to remember
this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-57889705350266368912015-01-02T13:31:00.002+10:002015-01-02T13:31:26.292+10:00HAPPY AND SAFE 2015<br />
So here we are in 2015 - and good riddance to 2014. The last couple of weeks were too awful to contemplate - a siege by a Muslim extremist who should have been in gaol where he belonged and a woman goes and murders eight children. I do not know how to cope with these things, especially the latter. The sad fact is that there will be more of the same incidents down the track.<br />
<br />
Heat and humidity seem to be the "go" this summer. I am so sorry for all the animals whose idiot owners can't be bothered or who are too stupid to realise that their pets need protection and caring. Wish I could stand the owners out in the sun for hours or lock them in cars and leave them in the car park. I can't get over the number of farmers who don't think animals need shade. Well, duh - stupid me. Why would the cows and horses be hiding the trees on a hot day? Of course it couldn't possibly be that they want shade!<br />
<br />
I volunteer for the Animal Welfare League op shop in Boonah. Monday morning we open again and let's hope lots of people come and buy things! On Tuesday Andrew and I are taking our two grandchildren, Ally and Ben, to see Paddington the movie and then bringing them back out to our home for a two day visit. Looking forward to spending time with them, and then we'll probably spend Friday resting up :)<br />
<br />
This year I have to write A DARK AND LONELY PLACE, the next in the Susan Prescott series. When I first started with THE NAKED ROOM, I had no idea that there would be three more books to come - THE CELIBATE MOUSE and AFTER ARIEL. So far N/Room has 33 five star reviews, C/Mouse has 28, and A/Ariel has 7. Let's hope the new one exceeds all! However, I have my doubts.<br />
<br />
It is said by many gurus in the field that the nature of book sales is changing yet again. Apparently it will be harder to sell books this year than last, and I must admit I found it hard then! I think everyone who is going to read the first two books has done so and there are no more reviews in the offing. I do wish I could get more for A/Ariel but you never know ! Things could change yet. With 4 MILLION books on Amazon, the hardest part is making one author's work stand out!<br />
<br />
Well, that's all for today. I have to take the nanny nap which is holding the old bones together!<br />
<br />
Next blog - the art of writing the drouble and the drabble! What are they? Wait and see...<br />
<br />
Bye for now.<br />
<br />
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<br />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-41111844036670147992015-01-02T11:55:00.003+10:002015-03-25T17:08:19.393+10:00THE PRODIGIOUS SAVANT by JJ White<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;">5 STARS</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I have read books where the premise is somewhat the same - a person is
in an accident or gets injured and attains powers hitherto denied them.
However, JJ White's plot takes this premise a lot further.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Gavin is injured in an explosion which kills two
other people, the one who caused it and an innocent bystander. For thirty days
Gavin is in a coma but he awakens to a different world, one of colour and fame.
Having been set for the future as a sportsman, he is bemused to find that his
talents now lie in mathematical equations, art, classical music and chess! Life
is looking up, especially for his ambitious father who sees financial
possibilities in his son's changes. As Gavin's life deteriorates, the reader
soon becomes aware that someone has been paid to put an end to him and all he
holds dear. The reason behind the attempts on Gavin's life become apparent
toward the twist at the end when a master manipulator reveals himself.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Sometimes readers and certainly people who fancy
themselves as art critics, try to put their own spin on the writer or artist's
motivations. In this case, it would seem to me that the author asks the reader
to examine whether fame and fortune is all it's cracked up to be and is it what
we really want? Could we handle the responsibility that comes with fame and
fortune?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">The ending leaves the option to continue the
story - but does not leave the reader up in the air.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">With the exception of Gavin, the characters do
not come across as sympathetic, and nor should they. Sharon, who comes into
contact with Gavin's dark side, can be forgiven for not wanting to repeat the
experience. Gavin's increasing paranoia and decreasing control over his own
destiny are and cleverly drawn. The writing flows articulately.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I agreed to review this book - I do not know the
author and have never read anything by him previously - but I will definitely
read another of his works if given the opportunity.</span></span><b><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">http://tinyurl.com/lao42mj $3.79 on Amazon.</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-91456996956437206752014-11-22T10:25:00.000+10:002014-11-22T10:43:25.004+10:00Review: ECLIPSE LAKE by Mae Clair<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22483412-eclipse-lake" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Eclipse Lake" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402926146m/22483412.jpg" /></a><br />
ECLIPSE LAKE by MAE CLAIR<br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1089301014">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Firstly, I chose to read this book on the Masquerade Crew list because the cover is so elegant and peaceful! However, I was amazed and delighted by the plot - nothing like the cover. The author's skill ensures that this story is a "cut above" the norm, being well written and presented.<br />
<br />
Dane, a widower, returns with his adopted son, Jesse, to his home town to make peace with his older brother, Jonah. Although he is now successful and confident, his past comes back to haunt him. Troubled as a teenager, the town is determined to remember him as a thief and trouble-maker who has done jail time. <br />
<br />
His brother has nurtured his bitter hatred for Dane, firstly because his younger brother didn't come home to help with his mother's illness or to attend her funeral. Secondly, although Jonah had already broken up with his girlfriend, Brenda, he is harbouring resentment because she zeroed in on Dane later. The disappearance of Brenda has never been solved, and her father, the town Sheriff, is convinced Dane is responsible. His hatred and bitterness burning him up, he is prepared to catch Dane and Jesse for anything he can find, not the least for the murder of his daughter.<br />
<br />
Ellie Sullivan, a nature photographer who is working in the area, is caught up in the struggle between the brothers, and uncertain whether she can or should commit to her feelings to Dane, or move on, as has been her habit.<br />
<br />
Long held secrets come to light shortly after Dane and Jesse arrive. Jesse, anxious to prove his father's worth, brings the past to a surprising conclusion. I didn't see the solution coming - something which delighted me!<br />
<br />
An aspect of this novel that I particularly liked was the depth of the characters. Dane, Jesse, Ellie and Jonah are people in whom one can invest concern. The setting is well shown. Small rural communities in Australia as just as "hidebound" and have as long memories as those of Eclipse Lake. Scandal moved as fast and grudges abounded every bit as realistically as those in my part of the world. <br />
<br />
The love story is believable and - thank goodness - the author has not filled the story with endless erotic scenes between the characters. Far too many modern novels are erotica linked with a plot, rather than the other way around. This romance is perfect and a charming part of the whole.<br />
<br />
Very highly recommended, an unusual mystery and well worth a reader's time and money<br />
<br />
Available from <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Eclipse-Lake-Mae-Clair-ebook/dp/B00L78GM60/" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4379744-diana-hockley">View all my reviews</a>
Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-38554121258638948492014-04-07T06:33:00.000+10:002014-04-07T08:12:25.927+10:00Review: SLIME INCORPORATED by Adam Graham<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21429948-slime-incorporated" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Slime Incorporated" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1394823417m/21429948.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21429948-slime-incorporated">Slime Incorporated</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2940207.Adam_Graham">Adam Graham</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/902371542">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Isn't it exciting to find a book which is unique in an overcrowded genre?<br />
<br />
Such is Slime Incorporated.<br />
<br />
From the opening pages, this novel exudes energy and colour, not the least of it the generous array of the main character, Cole. A flamboyant young man who almost "thinks in colour," Cole is, nevertheless, a person of integrity and honour. This comes through clearly as he negotiates what is a very murky plot, involving betrayal of not only a fine political candidate - yes there is such an animal - but also vulnerable, innocent women.<br />
<br />
Cole Ustick works for Newton's PI agency, a boss who shuns messy divorce and domestic cases, and concentrates on corporate, insurance and employee background checks. However, this time, the boss has been dealt a different hand and Newton is hired to discover who framed Ignacio Hernandez, the candidate in the Idaho state election, for sexual assault. Things go downhill from there...<br />
<br />
No spoilers, so I will concentrate on the characters. Surprisingly, this plot has religious overtones but that said, this aspect does not slow down the plot or give the characters too much "sweetness."<br />
<br />
Cole Ustick - most unusual name, but it suits him - carries a private pain which is hidden under an exotic exterior - love his long hair! He reminds me of the Australian Rainbow Lorikeets abounding in our backyard - but the author has cleverly endowed him with compassion and intelligence without making him ridiculous - a rare feat. I was delighted by Cole's love of classical music and skill as a pianist.<br />
<br />
A most enjoyable read and I hope Graham brings out more "Cole" stories.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4379744-diana-hockley">View all my reviews</a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-74991442654023022932014-04-05T07:00:00.000+10:002014-04-07T08:15:30.331+10:00Review: HOLD STILL by Lisa Regan<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20551550-hold-still" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Hold Still" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1389754418m/20551550.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20551550-hold-still">Hold Still</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6443334.Lisa_Regan">Lisa Regan</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/902373405">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Jocelyn Rush is a character in whom I am happy to invest concern. Not too over-the-top tough, she is engaging, emphatic and compassionate.This book is a winner in every way. Well written, the plot grabbed and wafted me to the finish line without dropping a moment of interest along the way.<br />
<br />
Yes, I did pick the bad bloke early in the piece, but this in no way spoiled this excellent story for me. The romance was realistic and touching. Regan brought all her characters to life, investing them with both good and bad qualities, even most of the evil doers.<br />
<br />
Now I am hoping that this author is, right, now typing her fingers to the bone with a new book featuring Jocelyn and Anita chasing the crooks from their private investigation business!<br />
<br />
ZOE’S MUSTER by Barbara Hannay 26th March.<br />
<br />
Zoe's Muster has elements of the traditional - girl looking for her "real" father - but the way Barbara Hannay has written this story makes those elements take on a new perspective.<br />
<br />
Zoe takes off to the north of Queensland to join a cattle muster as the camp cook, after she discovers purely by chance that the father she has always known is not her biological one. This is a surprise to her mother as well, and Claire, beset by marriage problems, begs Zoe not to tell anyone why she is at the station working. Obviously, this causes a few problems for Zoe.<br />
<br />
I loved that this book was set in Brisbane, as I lived there for many years and now live on an hour and a half away in the country.<br />
<br />
The character of Zoe was excellent portrayed and, to my relief, was not "over the top" bull-headed - or "feisty" as authors like to call young women who are badly behaved. Zoe is everyone's daughter, a pleasant character, capable of being hurt without lashing out like a madwoman. She is humble without being servile, takes instruction from anyone who knows what they're talking about and is generally a credit to her creator.<br />
<br />
I have known quite a few Mac's in my life - being brought up on a rural property myself - and he is better looking and sexier than any I came across - but then he has to be, he's the main male protagonist.<br />
<br />
The supporting cast are excellently presented and had the effect of me wanting to read more by this author. I like Australian fiction - it has to be authentic and not "Americanised" as some are - and this novel is well worth anyone's time to read.<br />
<br />
Good work :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4379744-diana-hockley">View all my reviews</a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5833249702838840279.post-21259356669467937952014-04-01T07:00:00.000+10:002014-04-07T08:17:02.113+10:00Review: ZOE'S MUSTER by Barbara Hannay<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13664944-zoe-s-muster" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Zoe's Muster" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1342199624m/13664944.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13664944-zoe-s-muster">Zoe's Muster</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/266517.Barbara_Hannay">Barbara Hannay</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/898654492">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
Zoe's Muster has elements of the traditional, "girl looking for her "real" father" but the way Barbara Hannay has written this story makes those elements take on a new perspective.<br />
<br />
Zoe takes off to the north of Queensland to join a cattle muster as the camp cook, after she discovers purely by chance that the father she has always known is not her biological one. This is a surprise to her mother as well, and Claire, beset by marriage problems, begs Zoe not to tell anyone why she is at the station working. Obviously, this causes a few problems for Zoe.<br />
<br />
I loved that this book was set in Brisbane, as I lived there for many years and now live on an hour and a half away in the country.<br />
<br />
The character of Zoe was excellent portrayed and, to my relief, was not "over the top" bull-headed - or "feisty" as authors like to call young women who are badly behaved. Zoe is everyone's daughter, a pleasant character, capable of being hurt without lashing out like a madwoman. She is humble without being servile, takes instruction from anyone who knows what they're talking about and is generally a credit to her creator.<br />
<br />
I have known quite a few Mac's in my life - being brought up on a rural property myself - and he is better looking and sexier than any I came across - but then he has to be, he's the main male protagonist.<br />
<br />
The supporting cast are excellently presented and had the effect of me wanting to read more by this author. I like Australian fiction - it has to be authentic and not "Americanised" as some are - and this novel is well worth anyone's time to read.<br />
<br />
Good work :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4379744-diana-hockley">View all my reviews</a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11390499617020256180noreply@blogger.com0