The Quiet Death of Thomas Quaid by Craig Russell

The Quiet Death of Thomas Quaid by Craig Russell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set in 1950’s Glasgow this is a very atmospheric and funny novel with a great detective story. Tommy Quaid dies whilst undertaking a task for his friend Lennox, who as a private detective was already suspicious of the client, certain his death is not the tragic accident that the police think. Digging further into “Quiet Tommy’s” death he starts to uncover connections that leads him into trouble and using his network in the police and the criminal underworld he is determined to track down the killer. One of the attractive elements of Craig Russell’s writing style is his unique way he builds a very vivid picture of fifties Glasgow. Not only is it entertaining it is also educational with details of immigration and accents that created Glasgow’s special culture. Add all this to the excellent storyline and the exciting action involved in tracking the killer and you get an superb novel.

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Black Hills by Jennifer Schneider & Franklin Schneider

Black Hills by Jennifer Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Normally you find the detective in detective stories are generally “good” people and often ex-public servants police or military. Alice Riley bucks the trend, a drug user, a liar and cheat she is not the norm but does have a morality streak for good. Originally a journalist Alice is asked by a friend to investigate the arrest of her husband geologist working in the oil and gas fracking fields around Whitehurst in South Dakota. Very quickly Alice finds this place totally unlike home in New York, with prostitution and drug and alcohol use the norm for almost all who live there. This novel is packed with violence, sex, greed and corruption that always makes a good crime story. The style is very easy to read and does not contain that annoying extra text used to pad out some books. All in all, this is a very entertaining and fast moving read and would recommend it without hesitation.

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Serpents in the City by HN Wake

Serpents in the City by H.N. Wake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CIA agent Mac Ambrose is back in the U.S. and is asked by her friend to investigate a sex scandal video blackmail on a sitting Senator. Still trying to normalise into life back home Mac starts to uncover that things are not what they seem. On the surface a large media organisation appears to be involved in the blackmail. As Mac is operating without authority she draws attention from her bosses who want to know more, complicating her investigation. She teams up with her old tech support and his girlfriend adding a humorous element to a very dangerous task. This book feeds off the politics that runs the US government, full of conspiracy, double dealing and cross agency mistrust. The author has written another very good story in this series, full of intrigue and complex scenarios. Not planned by the author, but the whole story could sit nicely unnoticed into the current Presidential campaign – scary.

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A Red Dotted Line by Simon Gervais

A Red Dotted Line by Simon Gervais
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

IMSI is a counterterrorism unit privately sponsored and only answerable to the President, as you would expect it is staffed by ex-government or military hired for their expertise, to protect American financial interests overseas. An event at Grand Central Station in New York brings the team into action and they start to chase terrorists around the world. The Sheik is the terrorist mastermind who could be responsible. Known to the team, their aim is to take him down having escaped justice last time. The task is complicated by the intelligence that the old Russian biological warfare department from the cold war has resurfaced. The plot is following on from a previous novel but stands well on its own, a quick pace and thrilling action makes it a very easy read. Simon Gervais is a new author to me and I am very impressed with his style and know I will reading his work again.


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Bullet in the Blue Sky by Bill Larkin

Bullet in the Blue Sky by Bill Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Terrorism is a very big issue currently along with global warming and other environmental problems, this novel expertly ties it all together in a fast paced thriller with all the usual elements of corruption, greed, revenge and so on. A massive earthquake hits Los Angeles and small team of police detectives are tasked to find another detective Gavin Shaw. This seems straight forward however the team have to ignore their instincts and not stop on the way to help others caught in the devastation. The author paints a realistic but scary picture of pain and suffering which is only superseded by the violence of the gangs trying to exercise their authority. The story continues to reveal some very interesting twists and surprises ending with a very exciting conclusion. This is an extremely easy read and entertaining from start to finish. I read this on holiday on a sunbed, I thoroughly recommend it.

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Underground Airlines by Ben H Winters

Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When I read the synopsis of this book I was excited by what to me was a totally new idea, however sometimes ideas are not executed too well. Admittedly slavery is a very difficult subject unless you are dealing with historical facts, but writing on slavery in an alternate future is not so easy. It is obviously very difficult to imagine slavery still legal in the the U.S. surviving all the changes over the years since the civil war. Putting all that aside the story is more akin to escaping POWs during World War 11. The central character in the story reflecting the determination of Steve McQueens role in the Great Escape. Doing everything necessary and not giving up. Victor takes this approach in his pursuit of escaped slaves “runners” for the US Marshall service but only to further his own freedom. Finally he gets the chance to be really free and not bound in any way, but at what cost?

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The Rare Earth Exchange by Bernard Besson

The Rare Earth Exchange by Bernard Besson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have always enjoyed the publications of Le French Book and this is no exception. Following a terrorist cyber-attack on an aircraft at Orly airport in Paris and the subsequent death of a former French president, the private investigation / intelligence company Fermatown is hired by the French Government to find out who is responsible. This is the second novel for the Fermatown team, it revolves around the very lucrative market trading of rare earth elements used in high tech industries, and the corruption which has spawned from it. Obviously knowing what I like to read, the author has developed a very good detective story, cleverly combining it with a plausible political conspiracy. Although the plot is complex, the style is easy to follow and captivating. Another very good story and translation from Le French Book.

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Environmentally Friendly by Elias Zanbaka

Environmentally Friendly by Elias Zanbaka
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very short story, great concept but I feel let down by the overly descriptive writing style. Had it been a standard length novel I could not have finished it. I rated it at three stars because the author has been very brave to tackle a taboo subject - mental health. A person is running amok with a flame thrower and a chainsaw but LAPD officer Schafer is determined to get this "maniac" under control. Chasing him down an alley we begin to wonder why he has not been taken down.

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Cascadia by H W "Buzz" Bernard

Cascadia by H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first disaster fiction novel for sometime and I am very glad I chose this one. This is a fast paced story of disaster and interlaced human stories. Rob Elwood a geologist who gets a vivid nightmare of disaster hitting his home town and wider area with earthquake and tsunami. Who will believe him and how can he make a difference. A little patience is required early on in the book while you are briefed about the science. The author makes this bearable by expertly mixing it up with the other threads in the story. This not just a disaster, it also has its fair share of thrills, suspense and twists. If you take this on holiday make sure you take other books as well, you finish this very quickly.

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Orbs III - Redemption by Ncholas Sansbury Smith

Redemption by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book three and the story is as good as ever, Sansbury Smith keeps his options open on the ending with no real clues as to the Earths future demise or not. This suspense is enhanced by the great action of the biome and submarine teams just trying to survive. I have found this trilogy such a great read, all three books have had a five-star rating. This might be Sci Fi at its best but it does draw on the regular traits of humanity and illustrates how people will endure great hardship and danger as they want to live and not just submit. I now have to decide if I want to read the prequels, I guess I will at some time. If you are not a Sci Fi fan this may not be the read for you but I believe it is worth the risk.

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The Hunted Assassin by Paul B Kohler

The Hunted Assassin by Paul B. Kohler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the very start the title comes into play and the hunt has begun. Martin Wheeler a former operative of the security organisation GSA, is running a coffee shop on a space station but finds his past from ten years ago is catching him up, but this time he is the target. Moving at a fast pace the author delivers several great action sequences as Martin defies the attempts on his life. This is combined with a description of life on a space station in the future to make his escape from danger all the more exciting. Not content with just trying to murder the author introduces some serious twists to the story with Martin’s estranged daughter being brutally abducted. This is very cleverly worked in with the normal everyday problems we see today on present Earth – greed, corruption, drugs and violence. In all this is a very exciting look at life in the future and tells us that even although many space stations and a city on the moon can be built no one has been able solve these very old society issues.

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Chill the Bones by Sten Ostberg

Chill the Bones by Sten Ostberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This kidnapping story is packed with suspense and twists and for a novella that is a great achievement. A baby is stolen from home while her father looked on with a webcam and immediately he is subject to demands or the baby was under threat. The story develops very quickly leaving you in no doubt that the kidnapper is seriously deranged. The author cleverly drops a few clues on the way but never enough for you to work out the ending or even what happens next. These short stories are a great break from novels that are paced much slower.

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Orbs II Stranded by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Stranded by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in this marvellous series. The biome team are still trying survive the onslaught from the Organics and discover there are many more survivors than they thought. The only problem is the survivors are being herded into what can only be called a human farm, a food warehouse for the aliens. Sansbury Smith does a very good job in maintaining the momentum of the first book by giving the team some hope. Hopes are dashed a little by the appearance of another type of alien which is more fearsome than all the others. The story is building up very nicely for the concluding part three. How will the team fair, can they survive and fight back before the planet is totally destroyed by the draining of the oceans. I have my copy of book three ready.

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Three Minutes to Midnight by A J Tata

Three Minutes to Midnight by A.J. Tata
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fracking good story. Stealing natural gas when you have none seems like a good idea for a get rich quick scheme, however this one has a few twists that make it more that just tale of natural resource exploitation. Jake Mahegan a special service veteran is tasked to find a military geologist who has gone missing after returning from a tour in Afghanistan. With her husbands murder things take a turn for the worse, Mahegan has to start digging for clues and get the action underway. This book explores some of the terrifying scenarios that could just be plausible in today's global uncertainty. So it is good to know this just fiction but very exciting and scary fiction.

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Orbs by Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Orbs by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am sucker for this type of book, fast pace, full of action, good storyline, not too predictable and finally Sci Fi. It is 2055 and top scientists are tasked to test a new habitat for Mars settlement located in the old Cheyenne mountain military base. The question is why the urgency, are more solar storms expected or is it something else. Sophie Winston and her team are sealed in the biome complex for 6 months but something is not quite right.... After reading the book I read some other reviews written and cannot understand the attitude of some reviewers giving only one star, being rude/offensive and not even in some cases completing two chapters. This book is pure entertainment, easy to read and has a clean writing style. The follow on installments are on my list to read. I would recommend this series to any Sci Fi fan who wants to be entertained. Congratulations to the author thoroughly deserves my five star rating.

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Shadowed by Karen E Olson

Shadowed: A Thriller by Karen E. Olson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a hacker it seems you have to have a heavy dose of paranoia. Nicole, Tina or what ever her name might be at the time always appears to be in hiding and constantly looking over her shoulder, when one day it seems justified. This is her story of running from the past. It is not an ideal book for insecure hackers as I am sure it will build your own paranoia of being found out. The writing is not to my liking but the storyline is good, just not thrilling. It has a moderate pace and does not indulge in useless extra text, which is a blessing. Overall it is a competent book but needs some excitement and thrills.

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The Punishments by JB Winsor

The Punishments by JB Winsor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have got it into my head that this book forecasts a future that mirrors what might happen if Donald Trump gets into power. Sound scary? well this is a scary book. Following on from the 9/11 are a few more terrorist generated disasters which sets the United States on a right wing Christian path. With a government department combining and already taking control major federal organisations big brother is on the way. Can Senator Thatcher and his friends stop the final step to introduce biblical law. It sounds far fetched but when you consider what IS are doing right now it is not so wild as to be a plausible future. It is a lesson that we should all remember everything should be exercised in moderation and in balance.

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Fatal Pursuit by Martin Walker

Fatal Pursuit by Martin Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just wish you could read a book without any stress or reflections of life today. This book gave me this, whilst still a murder mystery it was a pleasure to read, very gentle and compelling. Bruno the rural French policeman is well known in his community and it struck me that he is living in a French Midsomer. Murders all the time, but no one thinks it is strange that such a small place has a murder rate to compete with big U.S. Cities. The plot is very good with some twists and overall it is well written. I have not read any of the previous stories, but if they are this good I will be reading one or two when I need some easy relaxed entertainment.

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Mission Hill by Pamela Wechsler

Mission Hill by Pamela Wechsler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Murder mystery involving an ex-boyfriend of Abby Endicot a prosecutor for Boston homicide unit. Abbey is tasked to prosecute the murderer with whom she has had a previous case but no conviction. The involvement of gangs, drugs, corruption etc makes this a very entertaining read. I would like to say it is exciting but it is not quite there, the intrigue and twists in the story help to offset that. The author is trying to make a case for women and their determination, in this case Abbey in pursuit of justice at nearly any cost. The cost could even be the alienation of her wealthy family and boyfriend.

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Serpentine by Peter Parkin & Alison Darby

Serpentine by Peter Parkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who would think a story about a roller coaster could be so involved in government conspiracy. This is a fantastic thriller that starts with a thrilling ride on a roller coaster doomed to failure and the tragic death of passengers. The ride's designer Nathan Morrell is certain his creation was not at fault and is determined to find out why he and his company is being made into scapegoats. It is always a certainty that when the NSA is involved things will get nasty and the authors make good capital on this producing a riveting ride, almost as thrilling as being on the Black Mamba ride itself. The whole package is made even better by the easy to read style that flows smoothly and keeps you entertained throughout.

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Triggerfish by Dietrich Kalteis

Triggerfish: A Crime Novel by Dietrich Kalteis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Triggerfish is a boat owned by an ex cop Rene Beckman, renting it out for fishing days is how he is spending his retirement, however on one trip with a girlfriend he stubbles upon a drug gang smuggling high value narcotics. This of course means they are immediate targets because of what they have seen. The story is a good one however I personally found some of the writing difficult to read as the author used a lot of descriptive narrative that was not essential to the plot - "Shoes scraped on the pavement, a handwritten sign by Market Seafood said they had wild sockeye, just in" That aside it has plenty of action and thrills and entertains throughout. The author needs to concentrate on entertaining without the flowery text which for me would make this a much better book.

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Casimir Bridge by Darren Bayer

Casimir Bridge by Darren Beyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SciFi and politics, what could be better? If you add in the realism of NASA backed information it is much better. Darren Bayer has taken around five years to produce this first instalment but for me the wait was worth it. He has combined his extensive knowledge of space related things to a very good storyline to produce an entertaining and exciting novel. Mandi is a journalist who uncovers some evidence of a dark plot to take over the interests of one of the world largest corporations AIC and their revolutionary technology. This technology has allowed interstellar travel and the discovery of new worlds including Eridani where AIC are now head-quartered. The book gathers pace all the time and has very exciting final chapters but most of all it is a very believable view of the future

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The Boys of the Dixie Pig by Stacy Childs

The Boys of the Dixie Pig by Stacy Childs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just another day in the life of a gun runner, well not quite. This is a very good action thriller involving drugs, gambling, fraud, murder, friendship as well as gun running, so plenty of scope. Mack Barton has a reunion with his old school pals whilst trying to escape the clutches of a gang boss who wants Mack's gambling debt repaid. Mack is brought up to date with what his friends have done in their lives, in particular Ace Strain who has developed a new type of cryogenic process. Is it only just cryogenics? This is the question that author uses to develop the book into a fantastic story, which is very exciting and entertaining. The writing is easy to read with no unnecessary padding only a lot of action is crammed in.

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The Passenger by Lisa Lutz

The Passenger by Lisa Lutz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Identity theft is all very relevant today with the Internet and electronic surveillance and Tanya Dubois is about to find out how difficult it is to do. Her husband dies falling down stairs but rather than stick around and just explain what happens she goes on the run, but why. The book was okay but it struggled to keep my interest about half way through, as there did not seem to be any new development that gave any clues to her reason to run. The main events throughout the book is her change of identity. Some of her background is delivered by the reading of backdated emails which I personally disliked, preferring discovery through events on her journey. Although having problems with retaining interest, the writing style is easy to read and does not indulge in flowery time wasters. This was not so much a thriller but more of a hard luck story and therefore the title is very apt as the Tanya does little to change her own luck and just goes with the flow.

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The Last Girl by Joe Hart

The Last Girl by Joe Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not exactly, Zoey is not the last girl but could be. Very slow off the mark, not happening for the first part of the book except describing the daily routine that is Zoey's life. It is only when she begins to question things does it start to come alive. The world is sent into disarray by a mystery virus/bacteria that affects women's ability to produce female babies. Zoey is a "guest" of a government establishment trying to find a solution to this problem and slowly she wonders if she is being mislead about the world outside. The author had a good storyline and failed to get it started quickly enough otherwise I would have rated it higher than three stars. Just be patient it does get going.

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Rough Justice by Brad Smith

Rough Justice by Brad Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All of those who watch daily news will be familiar the Jimmy Saville scandal where a celebrity uses his position to get away multiple sexual crimes. This book mirrors this but based in small town America. The Mayor is tried for four rapes and gets off however he did not reckon for the resolve of Kate one of his victims. This is a very serious subject and highlights how easy it is for people in trusted positions to ignore the law for their own devices believing they are untouchable. Woven into the story is the rehabilitation of Kate's father Carl who has been just released from jail and starts work with his ex-wife's sister. This is a great story with very real issues explored.

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Pegasus Down by Philip S Donlay

Pegasus Down by Philip S. Donlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Action packed fast paced thriller, exactly what I wanted after picking a poor book for my last read. As my first book from the Donovan Nash series proves they are stand alone and don't require any long history lesson to get started. Nash's wife is working for the U.S. Government when her plane is shot down over Eastern Europe. As Nash organises how to rescue her she discovers a sinister plot that could see an extinction event. The race is on to stop this happening and return to their family. The book is very easy reading and keeps your attention throughout. It is very much in the style of James Bond which could easily be made into a big action and effects packed movie. I will get another from the series in reserve for when I make another poor choice.

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Timon and the Spacetime Engineers by Sabine K Atkins

Timon and The Spacetime Engineers by Sabine K. Atkins
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Sorry could not finish this book read about 20% and decided it was not living up to the synopsis. I perhaps wrongly was expecting a storyline something similar to the Stargate TV series but this was totally different. I also felt that writing was a bit disjointed with events just happening but with no prior or proper explanation e.g. " He pulled his underwear out of his brother's mouth" you have to assume a glove with special power removed the underwear and placed it in his mouth as is by magic. This is not my kind of SciFi, brought up on Star Trek I expect a much more plausible storyline. It is also possible this book is targeted at a younger reader and not an adult SciFi fan.

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Final Approach by John J Nance

Final Approach by John J. Nance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you like a good mystery and the Discovery channel then this is right up your street. People life's are thrown into total disarray by an aviation disaster at Kansas City airport when two aircraft collide on the taxiway. Charged with finding out the cause of the crash Joe Wallingford Inspector in Charge from National Transport Safety Board struggles with the politics surrounding his every move. It is not as if trying to decide whether sabotage, weather, design , interference or human error is hard enough, the politics start to interfere with the investigation. The author has written a very exciting mystery cleverly using the investigation process as his backbone to the book. First published in 1992 I am very glad we are getting another chance to read it, but now with everyday things like Airbus, mobile phones and proper airport security in their infancy.

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Deceits of Borneo by HN Wake

Deceits of Borneo by H.N. Wake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set fifteen years earlier than the first Mac Ambrose novel, Mac is under cover with an international bank. A CIA field agent has gone missing so Mac is assigned to find him. Initial investigations show the search for Josh is crossing with her job with the bank as a risk investigator. It appears there is significant evidence that the bank maybe getting drawn into supporting illegal logging activities and Josh could be involved. This is a great story and explores how big business and countries are involved in global climate change for good and bad. I like the way the author ties Mac into these everyday issues raising very important questions that affect us all. This novel is stand alone, in that you don't need to read the first for it to make sense. It is also very easy reading with no unnecessary filler material. I am looking forward to the next Mac Ambrose story.

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The Newsmakers by Lis Wehl

The Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is always unfortunate when the title gives away the plot in a thriller, none the less this story is well worth the read. I thought there maybe more to it but no the title was correct and within a few chapters you are confident of the probable outcome. Erica Sparks is a new discovery and rising star in a cable news network based in New York who suspects news events are not exactly what they seem. As a born journalist she cannot leave it alone, she follows her instincts and investigates, drawing herself into danger. The story does provide an insight / viewpoint as to how money can corrupt and how the corrupted will do virtually anything to promote themselves.

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Uncontrolled Spin by Jerry Summers

Uncontrolled Spin: The Power and Danger of Spin by Jerry Summers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The synopsis appeared to offer more thrills and mystery than what actually materialised. Starting out as the story of a fashion business getting the opportunity to expand it continues as this for half the book. The writing style is easy reading so I was not unduly concerned however I was still waiting for something to happen, a plot to unfold, something. The story as interesting as it was, is missing a serious plot and some mystery requiring you to guess the next step or play, but no it is very straight forward with little or no work for the reader. It is more like the first few episodes of a TV soap opera. This seems harsh but when you expect a lot more it is very disappointing.

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The Survivor by Kyle Mills

The Survivor by Kyle Mills
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I started this book I actually wondered if I could finish it. The first fifty or so pages were just a jumble of words before it started to clear and the storyline emerged. From then on it gripped me and entertained me to the end. Mitch Rapp is a top CIA operative tasked with routing out secret files compiled with intent of destroying the agency. It is soon clear the Pakistan intelligence service is competing to get hold of these files. The whole book is a scary view of what the agencies designed to protect Joe Public get up to. Alongside is an even more scary view of American politics and the power hungry politicians. Overall the action is very entertaining in the same vain as Bond with some world domination desires also thrown in. Worth a read but be patient with the start.

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Gold in the Coffins by Dominic Certo

Gold in the Coffins by Dominic Certo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always know when I have enjoyed a book when I go out of my way to make extra time available to read. This book was a prime example soaking up all my spare time on two rest days delaying household chores. Donnie DeAngelo a Vietnam veteran who makes good with a successful restaurant and coffee business. Seduced by easy funding for expansion he is signed up with a large Wall Street investment firm to go public. Sounds great, however problems start to arise and his business is in jeopardy as well as support for his fellow vets and dependants. How can a group of ex marines fight the power of the city, to restore their pride, honour and finances. This is story of greed over honour that keeps you riveted to the end. It also reminds me of the old adage " if it looks to good to be true, then it is"

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Wither by Amy Miles

Wither by Amy Miles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of recent zombie TV series like The Walking Dead and Z Nation so it was great to find a new twist on the zombie theme. Amy Miles has conjured up a devastating virus which is converting people who just wither away and end up as moaners. The moaners are not your regular zombie as they are not vicious or flesh eaters but none the less is it very difficult to survive this apocalyptic disaster as you don't know who is infected and who has a bad cold. Combined with the drastic measures survivors are taking in order to stay alive makes for a very exciting read. Avery the lead character and her groups struggle to survive is the straight forward plot but this however does not diminish the excitement. The author is about to release a second book called Resurrect, looks to also be a winner for zombie fans.

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