Sunday, December 29, 2013

Steam City Pirates by Jim Musgrave

This book being outside my usual genre which is Mystery, with sub categories of British mysteries and historical mysteries I was not sure how to review this book. As I started reading I thought it a little odd. I have only read one other Steampunk book. But the more I read it the more I enjoyed the book. The book had humans, mazikeens,rabbi's,robots, little people and all sorts of steam powered vehicles. I felt it had a good storyline and wonderfully created characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all readers of all genres. Thanks to Net Galley.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Artifact by Gigi Pandian

This is the first book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunter Series. Jaya receives a package from her ex boyfriend , it contains a ruby bracelet, she also received news that Rupert died in an accident the same day as the postmark on the package. Jaya grows curious and goes to London with her friend Lane to investigate. They discover that there is a dig in Scotland and there might be more treasure, strange occurrences happen while at the dig site. You must read this book and you will never guess who the bad guy is. Great storyline and wonderful characters. Thanks to Net Galley and Henery Press for allowing me to read this.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Fire on the Water by P.J. Parker

This is a book about Rachael who is researching Mary Shelley author of Frankenstein, in order to write Mary's autobiography. Rachael was researching the time Mary spent in Montreux,Switzerland during the summer of 1816. Some very strange happenings began to go on during Marys time, but also paralleled the time Rachael was doing her research. Rachael had Mary's trunk where she kept her letters and notes for the book. During this time Rachael met Jack fell in love and then lost him in a motorcycle accident. As Rachael progresses through the letters it is almost as though she was back in Mary's time. This was a book that I could not put down, I enjoyed the back and forth between 1816 and present time. Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me access to this wonderful book.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Wall Street West by Christina Guarneri

This was about a man who worked as an associate at Goldman Sachs when the twin towers fell and after witnessing this he quit his job to join the military. He served in Iraq and saw things that no one should ever see. he had alot of trouble readjusting to his life when he came home. He had a meeting with Mayor Jackson , who told him he thought he should run for Congress, saying he would not win but would set him up for the next election. He loses but later runs for councilman and wins. He then runs for mayor. This storyline tells of the journey of one man who wants to do the right things for the people. Thanks to Net Galley.

Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian

This is a story about Jaya Jones a Professor of History in San Francisco who becomes involved in a murder and a treasure hunt, Her friends Tamarind a librarian, Sanjay a magician and Lane her ex boyfriend help her try to interpret a treasure map to recover the Heart of India. The investigation becomes dangerous and leads Jaya to India and back to San Francisco, The storyline goes from present day back to 1905 and 1906, I ;love a book like this and the characters are fun,intelligent and a tight knit loving group. I can't wait to read Artifact the first in this series. Thanks to Net Galley and Henery Press for introducing me to this wonderful author.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Godfathers of London by M.C. Dutton

Det Sargent Jaswinder Sigh of the London Metro Police nicknamed Jazz is thought to have a black cloud hanging over his head . because his partners seem to get killed or hurt. After spending time to get over yet another partners death he comes back to work witrh a new partner Ash Kumar. The officers take bets on how long he will last. Jazz seems to have a little vengeful streak about him. Jass and Ash are embroiled in a murder case involving many deaths and murders, Ash gets into trouble and Jazz helps solve them and walks a fine line between good and bad. This was a wonderful book with a great storyline and the characters are like criminals and good guys. Thanks to Net Galley and Troubador Publishing.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Shadows of the Pomagranite Tree by Tariq Ali

This was a story of one family's fight to keep their religion and not have to convert to become Christians. They wanted the right to practice their Muslim religion. Umar the father is very rich and will not convert nor will his two daughters or his two sons, they want to be able to practice freely and openly and not fear death. The older son leaves to form an army to fight the Jihad. This book told a story about how one religion wants to be the only religion and would try to accomplish it anyway they could. The author had a great storyline and wonderfully realistic characters. I plan on reading more of this author soon.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Archie Meets Nero Wolfe by Robert Goldsborough

A young man named Archie Goodwin from Chilicothe, Ohio goes to New York and gets a job working security on the piers and he shoots two men who are trying to steal from a docked ship, they shot first but his boss still fire him. Del Bascom as a private detective. They work a few small jobs, but then they get a call Nero Wolfe to help work on a kidnapping. After the case is over Nero Wolfe asks Archie to work for him as his assistant thus is the beginning of Archie and Nero Wolfe. I love Nero Wolfe and Archie , I watched the shows on television and now own the whole series on DVD. I am so glad Mr. Goldsborough kept it so close to the Rex Stout storylines and characters, this is a must read for all Nero Wolfe fans. Thanks to Net Galley and Mysterious Press.

The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler by William L Shirer

Adolf Hitler was a dangerous megalomaniac, from the time of his youth he was violent and argumentative with his father.His book Mein Kampf was a blue print of what was to happen but no one took notice. As the years past he took massive amounts of medication for his nervous tensions that eventually led to his downfall and death. This author has heard speeches made by Hitler's and more info from secret documents that were found. I enjoyed reading about more of Hitler's life.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Naked One More by Elizabeth Peters

Jacqueline Kirby is a writer who is chosen to write a sequel to a book by Kathleen Darcy who disappeared seven years earlier. But as she was researching and interviewing Kathleen's family and friends she got it into her head that Kathleen was not really dead,so Jacqueline begins then turns into a sleuth rather than an author. As she investigates the same accidents that happened to Kathleen begin to happen to her. Jacqueline is a likable ,little eccentric and slightly rude but persistent. If you want to know more please read this wonderfully written book with great characters and a fine storyline. Thanks again to Net Gally and Grand Central Publishing.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Free Books

Go to http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/ to win a e-book of Big Numbers by Jack Getze do it fast so you don't miss out

Cold Mourning by Brenda Chapman

This is a story about two Native American girls put into foster care,they are kidnapped by a man and unspeakable things were done to them. They are separated, but promise to find each other some day. Kala Stonechild eventually becomes a police detective in Ottawa on their special team. Kala and Sargent Rouleau are called to investigate the murder of Tom Underwood, throughout the investigation you learn of Tom's very dysfunctional family,friends and business partner, there are more murders and attempted murders for them to solve before the investigation is taken away from them by the Major Crimes unit. Kala finds her cousin Rosie but she disappears again. This was a well written storyline and the characters were great and they were very much like real people. I recommend this to all those who love the mystery genre and those who don't usually read mysteries this might change your mind Thanks to Net Galley and Dundurn..

Friday, September 27, 2013

Thy Kindom Fall by Austin Dragon

This was a well written book with okay characters. I usually do not read science fiction, but this book caught my eye. The year is 2089 and a man who has much power, Lucifer is his name was murdered and Logan a former skin runner who turned into a star reporter investigates and finds a huge mix of politics,intrigue and religion which is drawn out over 75 years.Even though he was an evil man Lucifer did not deserve to be murdered, there was a lot of history in this book. The society was supposed to have banished hatred and segregation, but not for all those in high places who used it it to their advantage. Although this is not my normal genre I do recommend it to all those who would like to glance at the future. Thank you Net Galley and IBPA.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Lockwood & Co.--The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

This was a story set in England but not the England we know. It was a country that was filled with ghosts, changers and all things paranormal when the sun sets. There were groups of companies that were hired to rid the hauntings. One particular company was Lockwood & Company consisting of Anthony Lockwood the owner,George Cubbins and Lucy Carlyl both assistants to Anthony. they were all children. They manage to screw up some jobs, such as, they burned down a clients house, They then preceded to try to solve a mystery about someone who had died in the house, but because of the fire could not get any decent jobs. Finally a Mr, Fairfax hired them to go to his mansion to find what was causing the hauntings. If you want to find out what happens you must read this book. Great storyline and well thought out characters. Thanks to Net Galley and Disney Hyperion.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Night Train to Memphis by Elizabeth Peters

Elizabeth Peters spins a fantastic yarn through Egypt on a boat and on land.Along on this journey is Dr. Vicky Bliss an official of the National Museum in Munich, her boss Director Doctor Schmidt and Sir John who was Vicky's boyfriend but he is now married. Vicky is convinced to go undercover on a cruise yo Egypt to prevent and identify a thief. Once convinced on the boat Vicky see's Sir John and his bride, bit Vicky is John's ex love and knows he is a bit of a thief. It seems all things go awry and there is mass confusion when the ship sails. The storyline consists of humor,terrorism,theft,some fun and some romance. My favorite character is Schmidt he was very endearing and smarter than people thought. I plan to read more of the Vicky Bliss books. Bravo Ms Peters Thanks to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing

Monday, September 9, 2013

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Sunday, September 1, 2013

Murder in Mumbai by Krishnader Calamur

This being the first mystery book this author has written it was a good read. This story takes place in Mumbai,India it is both beautiful and slum-like. Police inspector Vijay Gaikwad must solver the murder of an American businesswoman, while also trying to solve burglaries of rich and high class people. Jounalist Jay Ganesh is helping him in order to get first dibs at the story. The storyline was quite descriptive and well written and I also enjoyed the characters. Please take the time to read this book. Thanks to Net Galley and Dutton Guilt Edge Mysteries.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Brandenburg By Glenn Meade

This is a story that could mimic the events of today. It is a very fast and enjoyable read, the book was a good historical conspiracy thriller. It had a good storyline and I loved the characters. This is my second Glenn Meade book and there will be many more. Thanks to Net Galley and Howard Books.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

The Chateau by Irene Taylor

This book was one I could'nt put down. The storyline was wonderful. It was a story about the Sinclair family and all the tragedies and ups and downs of their lives. After an accident that kills her father, Catherine goes through a depression but finally pulls herself together and acquires a fine career and home life. But then years later another tragedy occurs and when the truth comes out the media is at the family again. I loved the the wonderful storyline and each well developed character. If you have not read this book yet please go and get it, it has a heart wrenching end that never could be guessed. Thanks to Net Galley and Troubador Publishing LTD.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Giveaway

Please go to Socrates Books Review for their great giveaway. Hurry up so you do not miss out.

Monday, July 29, 2013

The Mandrake Assignment by Trevor Gibbons

This was a spy thriller that's storyline was gripping. There is intrigue,tragedy,revenge and betrayal. John Hunter was an officer in British Secret Intelligence, who no longer participates in outside operations, he is desk bound until a scary nuclear threat was uncovered and his wife was murdered. He then embarks on a fact finding investigation that will give him the truth about his wife's death and also a mission that went wrong fifteen years prior. The storyline was wonderful and the characters were well-developed and believable. Thanks to Net Galley and Troubador Publishing,

Blackstone and the Endgame by Sally Spencer

The date is 1916 and Inspector Sam Blackstone is called into his superior's office. Superintendent Brigham gives Sam an assignment that does not feel right to Sam or Archie Patterson his sergeant. As Sam suspected he was set up. he was arrested and jailed but he was broken out on his way to court. He wandered the streets until he was being beaten by thugs and a old friend from Russia, Max. He then went to Russia to recuperate and wait for Max to try to help him.Meanwhile, back in London Archie was arrested for breaking Sam out while waiting to tun himself in he tries to clear Sams name,during this time strange things begin to happen. If you like historical Victorian mysteries set in Britain please read this book. Ms Spence developed quite a fine storyline and some wonderful characters. I can not wait to read more of Sam Blackstone. Thanks to Net Galley and Severn House Publishers.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Oscar Wilde ans the Murders at Reading Gaol

This book is a mystery/biography combined. It tells of Oscar Wilde's time spent in Reading Gaol. It tells of his two different lives, the life he lived in prison with it horrors and his privileged life he lead before being caught doing unheard of and illegal things. I had not heard of the series before this book but I now intend to read the whole series. Thank to Edelweiss and the publisher for helping me become acquainted with this series.

The Psalter by Galen Watson

This was a historical/religious fiction. The author made this a duel storyline with political and religious aspects from the time of the appearance of the Psalter to modern day. Some of the characters could have been developed more but with his research and great mind it ended up being a wonderful book. If you like religious/political books and have an open mind please read this book.

Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell

This is the fictional story of Thomas De Quincey, his memoir of Confessions of an English Opium Eater. This is a story full of suspense. One of his essays had to do with the Ratcliffe Highway Murders which happened forty years before. But his essay makes him a suspect with Scotland Yard of current murders. He often struggles with his addiction to opium as he works with his daughter Emily and two Scotland Yard detectives. The characters are very muck like normal people and portrayed as the people of Victorian London during 1854. If you love historical fiction then you must add this book to your reading list right now!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Giveaway

Go on over to Socrates' Book Reviews and checkout the review and giveaway of  Murder of the Cats Meow By Denise Swanson.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Treachery in Bordeaux- by Noel Balen

Benjamin Cooker is one of France's most famous winemaker, he also has doubts about his notes as he writes them about his wine in the Medoc region.He also interviews and hires an assistant Virgile.
His friend and neighbor calls for his help when it is discovered his wine casks have been contaminated. Benjamin has his assistant Virgile take samples to his lab. As the story progresses Benjamin  looks for and finds old items connected to wines and purchases them. He also speaks to a medieval professor and learns some helpful things.
Anyone who enjoys wine and mystery I would recommend this book to and anyone who wants a short enjoyable book this would be the one.
Thanks Net Galley and Le French books.

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Grey Ghost Murders

This book was filled with a storyline that was well thought out and written in a way that it could have been a true story. I loved the characters, they were extremely well developed. The story was full of illness, mystery, fly making for fishing and murder. It told a story about people who were ill and the ones who took advantage of them. If you are looking for a good read this is it.
Thanks Net Galley and Penguin Group.