All the Hidden Pieces by Jillian Thomadsen | A Book Review

It's halfway of May already. It's summer here in the Philippines and it's scorching hot. We haven't been to the beach yet. My summer did have a good start. I went to Korea last April and it was spring there but it felt like it was still winter. The air was still freezing cold. I had a blast though. I had a lot of first experiences in South Korea which I will treasure for the rest of my life. I felt so alive and it's been quite a while since I've felt like that. 

So, this book is a suspense-thriller. At first glance, you may think that it's a bit of drama. I thought so. The title seems to suggest that some secrets are about to be uncovered. Major drama, right? Well, not too far out. This book is really a revelation. There's family drama, I give you that. Yes, secrets are about to be revealed and more.

I know I've said in my previous posts that I am a mystery, suspense, thriller fan. It's my favorite genre. The guessing game and the excitement keeps me glued to the stories. And being such a big fan, I have become familiar with some of the things that come with thriller stories. I then start to formulate my own theories as to how the rest of the story will unfold or who the killer is or what the big mystery is about. Unfortunately, in this book, my experience and great affinity with mysteries wasn't very helpful. This is a very riveting story and a few suspects were thrown in but were actually too far from what really is going on. And that's the best part. I love that a story could throw me out of my wits and keep me wondering. And at the end of it all, I was flabbergasted because it was totally different. It's a satisfaction every reader loves, to be thrown out of the loop, yet the ending is way way much better for it. I crave that kind of high. This story delivered it all with much gusto and much more.

Nothing could have prepared me for this story. The blurb may have been a bit longer than usual but there's more to it. You would think that it has summarized the story in all its essence but you are very very wrong. There's more and much more. I love it! That's why it's good to read blurbs to at least know what you're walking into. But it's much more satisfying, like ice-cold water after a parching walk under the sun, to read each page and find out that there's a great deal more to know. It's an adventure in itself going through each page and be more confused and horrified that all your theories had to be scrapped. It's a great satisfaction to realize that the author is a master and has played you cruelly in her hands. Cruel because you can never figure it out for yourself. 

I had the time of my life reading this book. I never put it down. I had to finish it if I wanted to maintain my sanity. I need to find all the hidden pieces and where each character fits into the story. The ending was so far out of my thoughts that it was a relief and really satisfying to finally know. Ah, what a great adventure it is having to accompany Detective Hobbs and be as astounded as she is when the truth finally hit her. It was wow! 

I can't say enough how I have enjoyed this story and how I was confused and bewildered by the turn of events. I was actually happy to be confused and be out of my wits figuring it out. It's one of the best things about this book. You will never know. So, I gave this 5/5 puzzle pieces. Everything just fits perfectly.

There was something about accepting an apology so many years after the fact that made it insufferable. It was like the nominal payment of a library fee many years after the book had been destroyed in a horrible fire - long after the fine was written off.

- Jillian Thomadsen, All the Hidden Pieces - 

Thank you again, Jillian Thomadsen for the review copy. I'm looking forward to your next stories that would make me confused yet satisfied at the end.

Starr Gone (Starr Fall #3) by Kim Briggs | A Book Review

This is the third part of the series and it is far from over. More revelations have sufficed which is a surprise both to Starr and her friends. It seemed like the General have more pawns in the game. Now, what would Starr do? What would her friends do?

I am not yet sure how I feel about all the things that happened in this installment. There were some good things and some parts which I am not too happy. I did suspect that some of Starr's old friends may make a comeback because their disappearances were very suspicious. True enough, they're back. In as much as I may have suspected it but then I was still surprised when they showed their faces. It turned out, they were not really her friends. In fact, they were so jealous of her. Yes, those fake friends are very common in real life too. But don't worry, Starr has a solid set of very loyal friends who will scour the ends of the earth to find and rescue her. They will never abandon Starr.

At this point, I'm not sure who's using who when it comes to the people after Starr. Between her family and the General's group, each party seems to have their own agenda and Starr is in the middle of it. Talk about the proverbial "between a rock and a hard place." It's definitely where Starr is. But I'm guessing, Starr is just waiting for the best opportunity also to make her move. I know she will come up with something. Also, her friends are not just lying around helpless. They are planning her rescue also. So, it's a wait and see for the next book. Hopefully, the General's evil plans will finally be exposed and he would be punished for all his crimes and Starr would finally be able to stop running for her life and be a carefree teenager again.

With regard to the part where I was not too happy, well, there was a part that annoyed me. Of course, with the way the story has turned, not all of them are really in Starr's favor and it's a bit frustrating because I thought everything is going good for them. Also, some of the villains are really annoying and I can't wait to see if some of them will change their loyalties. It seemed like, some are not too happy where they are and may just be the key that Starr needs to get out of her current prison. We'll see. 

All in all, it's a surprising turn of events. I did not totally picture it but as I said, I did have an inkling that something like this may turn out. But then again, it was still a shock. Hopefully, good things are going to happen in the next book. So far, I have no idea or any theory as to how Starr and her friends are going to outsmart the General but I know they will come up with something. I hope it's going to be as surprising as what happened here. Something that would be totally unexpected.

I give this book 3/5 guns. 

I'm a china doll to be placed in a vacumm-sealed glass case on the very top of the tallest shelf to collect dust and grow fragile from lack of use.

- Kim Briggs, Starr Gone - 

Thank you again, Kim Briggs for the review copy.

Need to Know by Karen Cleveland | A Book Review

Having vented out my frustrations on the last review is making me feel a little okay. Not really better but at least not wanting to just sleep into oblivion. My cure for all that ails, whether emotional, mental, or physical, is sleep. I'd sleep all my disappointments away and wake up into the next millennium or not wake up at all. Like Sleeping Beauty only without Prince Charming to awake me from my healing slumber.

I got this book from Netgalley. This is a very gripping story, yet very annoying also. The ending was a bit frustrating for me. Ah, I wanted to smack Vivian in the head to stop doubting her instincts. To trust her woman's intuition. But to think about it, it wasn't that easy for her also granting the situation and all the circumstances and the things she would have to lose. This story presents a very complicated dilemma of following your heart for love of country or for the love of your family. It's a choice between either breaking her heart and family or committing treason. Which would you choose?

I haven't read Karen Cleveland before and I totally enjoyed this thriller. The pacing is just right and the mix of characters is just perfect to mislead you who's who. Being an avid fan of thrillers, mysteries and spy novels, in a way, I had an inkling of what the story is going to be. When Vivian discovered that one of the Russian sleeper agents was someone she knew, I had an idea then who it was and I was right. Then after that, you will start to get lost in the story. Lost, not because you will be confused by the next events but rather you'd be so entrenched and involved in the story. I became Vivian's ally and the only other person who knows her secret and the moral dilemma she's battling with. I too was dumbstruck what to do. It was unbelievable that she was able to avoid detection. I knew that someone else had to be in it also inside the agency. There has to be a mole or a sleeper agent who has gotten inside its walls. 

Wow! Definitely the Russian got one point in this story. The conspiracy was well-planned and was laid out even before Vivian came into the picture. It was so well-planned that Vivian was actually targeted and how her career progressed was also part of the whole scheme. Incredible! I hate the guy. I can't say which guy is it because that will then unravel everything and would just spoil the story. But the guy that's very close to Vivian wasn't anything he was claiming to be. I am not even sure if he really loves Vivian. It was all part of the mission and Vivian helplessly feel into it. What she had to go through wasn't worth it just to protect that person she thought had her and their families best interest at heart. No. It was Mother Russia right from the start. 

I give the book 4.5/5 passports. This is like "How to be a Russian Sleeper agent in the US." With the author being a seasoned CIA analyst, she had made the story so believable and so engaging. My heart goes out to Vivian and I wanted to be her ally and help her see through all the deception and lies that was fed and being fed to her. It's like having a friend who's in an abusive relationship and you wanted to help that friend but the friend is bent on helping the other party rather than herself. She's being manipulated and you can't help but stand and watch because you've been told to stay out of it. This story is delicious yet leaves a bitter taste in you mouth because of the ending. It was another revelation in itself on top of all the lies and deception. What else is there? I think this story needs a sequel because I wanted to know who else is on the conspiracy. Who else was lied to and manipulated? Who else was used as scapegoat and how deep does this go? This story makes you think which do you value more--duty and love for your country or your love for you family? Both are the same it's love. But which love is greater that makes you want to defy everything else?

Like knowing the bad news is better than knowing nothing at all.

- Karen Cleveland, Need to Know - 

Thank again, Karen Cleveland and Netgalley for the copy.

The Ace of Clubs (Red Dog Conspirarcy #3) by Patricia Loofborrow | A Book Review

I got this ARC from the author. I had the first book of this series in my TBR but I haven't read it. I decided to read this first and then go back to it. Honestly, I have no idea what the series is about. Somehow, my thought was this was some kind of story about families and rivalries. I have read a series which also have playing cards on the title and I thought this book would have the same theme or type of characters. True enough, my first impression was correct. This is about rivalries, families, and power.

As I said, I went on blind on this one. I would like to be surprised and I was surprised. I found this book very intriguing. It has its mystery, thrill and a host of various characters that will make you dizzy. The main character, Jacq, a very smart woman is one I really liked. I imagine her to be like Kare Warne, the first ever woman detective/spy. A woman in a world dominated by men, money and power. A world where wealthy families rule the land. She is a very strong character that I found myself rooting for. I want her to succeed and punished those guilty of crimes and treachery committed against Jacq and her friends.

Unexpectedly, I got riveted into this story. The plot and the dynamics of the characters was very intriguing and I just can't help myself wanting to know more. I expected to be confused and lost, knowing I started with the third book instead of the first. But I wasn't. This third installment contained enough information to keep me abreast of the story. It had supplied enough background data to make me understand how the story ended up in this current narrative. It seemed like I did not miss the first two books at all. 

I had a theory as to the true identity of Jacq. I think her father may be the guy in the mask not really Peedro. Hmmmm...As to the perpetrator of the bombings and killings, I am not sure yet. I think I have to read book two.

I give this 4/5 ace of clubs cards. I found myself intrigued and willing to participate in this conspiracy. I wanted as much to be part of the story. I wanted to help Jacq unravel all the secrets and the connections. I can't wait for the next book and I felt bad because I did not have the second installment of this story. I just can't afford to miss it. Thank you, Miss Loofborrow, for the ARC. This is truly an engrossing work.

I think they love you as best as they can, you Daddy especially. But sometimes other things make it so they don't know how to love you very well.

- Patricia Loofborrow, The Ace of Clubs - 

The Virgin of the Wind Rose: A Christopher Columbus Mystery-Thriller by Glen Craney | A Book Review

Paperback: 406 pages
Ebook (Kindle/Kobo/Nook/iBooks/Smashwords)
Publisher: Brigid's Fire Press 
ISBN-10: 0981648428
ISBN-13: 978-0981648422
Ingram/Baker&Taylor

Amazon |Goodreads 

While investigating the murder of an American missionary in Ethiopia, rookie State Department lawyer Jaqueline Quartermane stumbles upon a Latin palindrome embedded with a cryptographic time bomb. Separated by half a millennium, two global conspiracies dovetail in this dual-period thriller to expose the world's most explosive secret: The real mission and identity of Christopher Columbus.

Recent editorial praise for this Books & Benches 2017 Scéal BOYTA Finalist: 

Bella Wright of Best Thrillers: "An impeccably researched, high-velocity historical thriller.... If you love Steve Berry, Dan Brown or Umberto Eco, you may have a new author favorite in Glen Craney."  

Quarterdeck magazine: "An exciting journey across time, with more twists and turns than a strawberry Twizzler. Craney has produced a page-turning adventure, with crisp, clean and measured prose... The research behind the stories is massive, lending credence to the cast of characters and authenticity to the historic periods. This is a highly recommended historical thriller." 

Rosie Amber Reviews: "It grips you in its teeth and whirls you through history."

Sweet Mystery Books: "Move over, Dan Brown, you've got competition."

I just finished reading this last night. I was glued to the story. Oh, how I missed reading stories just like this. This is a mix of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, Bernard Cornwell and Steve Berry. Yes, all the above are into the same genre and I love all of their books. Bernard Cornwell may be the least read because I have not found a lot of his books in the second hand bookstore. I have only read one book of Cornwell and I am already a believer. I was so elated that Mr. Craney asked me to review this book. This has been the most amazing adventure I have been, so far this year. I have travelled to Portugal, Spain, Canada, Africa and the Middle East. Suddenly, I had this thought of visiting the Lalibela churches in Ethiopia because of this book. Another one for the bucket list.

As the title suggests, this is a Christopher Columbus mystery-thriller but it took quite a while for the story to come to that. I was not disappointed though, because the first chapter alone had me hooked. There was no way I was going to let go of this book until I finished it. Although, I did not finish this in one sitting because that is a bit hard to pull off unless you forgo eating, chores and other things. I was looking forward to getting to the part when the Christopher Columbus connection of the story would be finally revealed. I did not mind the waiting because each chapter is just filled with its own adventure. It's hard to describe the feeling but it was so familiar to me. The feeling of reading a book of Clive Cussler or Dan Brown is exactly the same feeling I got when I was reading this book. The same intensity, mystery, and thrill. I just love this feeling. I was high. This is my kind of drug.

The chapters would take you to the present then back to the past. The time when Portugal and Spain's strong rivalry for discovering lands and spices was the big thing. It was the only thing. These two countries were the supreme powers then. It was what all people thought of. It was exhilarating reading about characters that I have known only in history books and in here, it seemed like they have become flesh and blood and I was being shown to walk in their footsteps. It was even more a different experience for me because this is my first time to read of Portugal. It was always Spain. This book proved that Portugal was indeed a formidable foe for Spain and even more so because the Portuguese simply would not be outsmarted. They were just so cunning. I actually felt elated having learned that Spain was led to believe that they got the upper hand when they were conned. They let a Portuguese right into their den, even given him resources to help bring their plans to usher in their ruin. Yes, I think I am on Team Portugal. The Spaniards colonized my country for 333 years, so I had it for them. 

I know a lot of books has been written about the holy relics and this one is no exception. This book not only talked about the ark of the covenant or the holy grail, but also the coming of the new messiah. The subject is not new but the style of writing and how the writer takes you to places and makes your heart beat like drums is just so unbelievable. How come I never heard of Glen Craney before? I must have lived under a rock. I love historical thrillers and mysteries so this is right on my alley but I have never come upon any of the author's works. Hmmmm...I thought I was so good in finding new authors under this genre but I was wrong. Thank the book gods, Craney found me. I am so thankful. I would have missed a few years of my life if he hasn't.

I usually read three books by an author before I add him to my favorites list but I think Mr. Craney is an exception. He is my favorite already. Just like Bernard Cornwell, I only read one book and I had been turned. Note to self: hunt for Glen Craney's books starts now! And of course, add him to my favorite authors' list.

Need I say more? There is no question. This book definitely deserves all the thirteen stars in the constellation of Virgo. I have undoubtedly found another star. Thank you so much Glen Craney! I have never felt so honored and lucky that this book landed in my lap. I believe this book is not the end of Jaq Quartermaine. I feel that the engravings in her headstone hinted of that. How will Jaq rise from the dead? That is altogether another adventure I can't wait to be part of. The talk of constellations and stars was dizzying but I was also mystified. And most of all, the author made it appear like sailing is the most amazing and fulfilling thing in the world. Ah, I can't wait to command my own caravel and prove that the world is indeed round and not flat.

There are two types of men in general. Believers, who avoid the unknown for fear of destroying their precious beliefs, and Knowers, who risk all to test their doubts.

- Glen Craney, The Virgin of the Wind Rose -  

Glen Craney holds graduate degrees from Indiana University School of Law and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He practiced trial law before joining the Washington, D.C. press corps to cover national politics and the Iran-contra trial for Congressional Quarterly magazine. The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences awarded him the Nicholl Fellowship prize for best new screenwriting, and he is a three-time finalist for Foreword Reviews Book-of-the-Year Award. His debut historical novel, The Fire and the Light, was honored as Best New Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards. His books have taken readers to Occitania during the Albigensian Crusade, to the Scotland of Robert Bruce, to Portugal during the Age of Discovery, to the trenches of France during World War I, and to the American Hoovervilles of the Great Depression.

Awards:

AMPAS Nicholl Fellowship Winner

indieBRAG Medallion Honoree

Chaucer Award Double Finalist

Nautilus Silver Award Winner

IPPY Silver Award Winner

NIEA Award Winner for Best New Fiction

Eric Hoffer Finalist/Honorable Mention Winner  

Three-time Foreword Reviews Book-of-the-Year Finalist

Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist

Map of the Dead by Murray Bailey | A Book Review

I received this book from Librarything. I read this in June and yes, it took me quite a while to write a review. Like all book blogger and reviewers, I am suffering from a chronic difficulty in catching up with my TBR and getting reviews written. Yes, this is the  major dilemma of every book blogger.

This is my first time to read a book by this author. What prompted me to review the book was the title. It just simply means a call for adventure and discovering the mysteries of the long-forgotten dead. A map would most definitely lead to something big, like a treasure, an unlikely find, an elusive and powerful artifact or anything else that would surely tickle anyone's sense of mystery and adventure. This was exactly what the book elicited from me when I came upon its title.

True enough, this was an adventure and a foray into uncovering the mystery of Isis. I have read a few books about Egypt, its enigmatic pharaohs and their own mythology but I am still not as familiar with it as with the Greek and Roman mythologies. Egypt is a land of a rich culture and astonishing stories. For me, Egypt is an exotic land ripe with mysteries and adventures. So, this story being set and about an Egyptian pharaoh or royalty was surely a treat. This was done with a story within a story. 

I felt like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft in this story following the main character Alex from one location in Egypt to the next. Running from his pursuers, staying alive while trying to figure out how to outwit them. I did enjoy reading this book. Its claim that Judaism may have been based on the ancient Egyptian religion is very fascinating. I also enjoyed the part about Yanhamu. I think I could just read his story and this would be all good for me. I agree with one of the reviews that Yani's story was the best part of this book. Totally! 

I give this book 4/5 Egyptian ankh. I am looking forward to reading more stories from the same author. I did not give this story a perfect rating even though it is apparent that I liked this story because, I can't seem to recall easily what the story was about. I had to read the synopsis again to refresh my memory. That being said, I know my memory is far from what it was (perks of aging), I still think the best stories often stay with the reader, even after a time. They leave a permanent mark. Being unable to recall the story from the top of my head is where I think the story failed me. It is in no way any indication of the author's talent. As I have said, the author did his job and I can very well remember that I did have a good time reading this but the specifics were a bit lost to me now. And that accounts for the one point less in my rating. 

The way the ripples spread made him think of events and consequences: something small, spreading outward and wider, becoming something else, becoming something bigger.

- Murray Bailey, Map of the Dead -  

Thanks again Librarything.com for the copy.

Starr Lost (Starr Fall #2) by Kim Briggs | A Book Review

This is the second book of the Starr Fall series. The author was so generous that she gave me a copy of this book to review. Thank you again, Kim Briggs. I am also honored to be a part of your exclusive team of bloggers and reviewers - Kim's Rising Starrs.

The story picked up right where Starr Fall left off. The story focused more on Starr and Christian's developing relationship. How they crossed the line between two strangers in high school to people who trust each other with their lives. Christian is now heavily invested on Starr. Starr also is now so attached to Christian. This story also talked about Starr, Christian and their friends' plan to try to bring down the Organization. They wanted it to pay for all the crimes it has committed, especially for taking the young lives of Starr's two best friends.

A lot of revelations were in this book. Feelings, family secrets and other things. The ending was also very shocking and it left me thinking, how in hell did that happen? Definitely, the series is promising to be more suspenseful and I can't wait to read the next book. With that being said, I think I liked the first book than this one but the host of revelations had me wanting for more. The best part of this book was the ending. It was such an "OMG" moment.

One other thing I liked about this book was getting to know more of Starr friends--Di and Frank. These two put life into this story. Their personalities helped made the story less of a monotone. I am looking forward to still having these two in the next book. I am looking forward to their wisecrack comments and conversations.

I give this book 3/5  blueberry muffins. I am rooting for Starr and her friends to put a face  and name on the man behind the Organization and to expose them to the world for all the bad things they have done. This actually reminds me of the TV series Nikita. Nikita (Starr would have been like Nikita if she had accepted the Organization's offer) was trained by Division to become an agent. Division is similar to the Organization. It recruits and trains mostly orphans, addicts, and runaways to become agents for this super secret government organization. Division takes care of highly classified operations within the US and around the world. Later in the series, the head of Division turned rogue and started doing assassination assignments by whoever is willing to pay the price. I am hoping that the Organization is not a government sanctioned secret operation because it would a Herculean feat for Starr and friends to bring it down.

I envy these carefree people living their busy lives, with places to go and money to spend.

- Kim Briggs, Starr Lost - 

Serenity (Shelby Alexander #1) by Craig A. Hart | A Book Review

Serenity

Shelby Alexander #1

by: Craig A. Hart

Publication date: October 14th 2016

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime

Do You Love Thrillers? The New Shelby Alexander Thriller Series Is Here! Don't Forget To Breathe... A woman dies in his arms...a drug dealer offers him $10,000...a gunman is determined to kill him. And then everything goes to hell.
 
Shelby Alexander is an aging ex-boxer and retired fixer, whose activities often flirted with the wrong side of the law. Looking for a little peace and a slower pace of life, he moved to Serenity, the small Michigan town where he grew up. But trouble follows men like Shelby, and he finds himself embroiled in an underworld of drugs and violence that may prove to be his undoing. The first book in the new Shelby Alexander Thriller Series, Serenity is an action-packed read with a lovingly rendered cast, witty dialogue, and a main character who doesn't know when to quit.

I got this  from the  author. He  was  featured in  one of the  newsletters that  I signed  up for. The newsletter said to just email Mr. Hart if I was interested to review his book. And I did and here I am reviewing it. This review just took a while  to come out  because I  only got the  chance to read the book last month.

This is  the first of a series. And of course, my first to read a book by this author. Shelby Alexander  is  obviously  the  main  character in  this story. He is a  retired boxer. This is how, by some unfortunate event, a  dead   body  was  found on  his  yard  to  be  precise, got   him  started  on  being a  private  detective.  Serenity  is the name  of the town  which to me is a contradiction. It is in no way serene. First a dead body, then a  turf  war between  two  drug-dealing cartels. What's serene in that?

I think  I stumbled on a gem. Craig A. Hart is a good find. I was fortunate that I listened to my instincts to sign up to review this book because this was such a suspenseful read. I felt sorry for Shelby being a greenhorn in private investigation and be  constantly  shot  at. He only just started and it seemed like people  are out  to  terminate  him.  Not a  good omen for a starting PI, right?  Not to mention, he did not on his own volition  decide to be a PI.  He was approached to dig and ask around to find the killer of the dead boy and how it ended up on his property. What's more, he  is now  in close  contact  with  very   shady  characters. The  very same  people who  trusted  him  to   find  the   people   responsible  for  the  death of their sister. Yes, the  dead body in his yard was the sister of the major drug-dealing family  in  Serenity. With  the  danger  he  is  in  becoming  more real  and  deadlier, Shelby  used  the  resources available to him, like his girl friend who works at a bar and a friend who is not from Serenity.

 In the end, it turned out a lot of interests are playing this deadly game. Selfish, very deadly and high stakes are involved and Shelby has to outwit the unknown and faceless enemy to stay alive and save those that are caught in the crossfire.

I give this 4/5 one-cup coffee makers. Though, this was kind of melancholy and dark, I enjoyed reading this book. Mr. Hart is shaping up to be one really good mystery writer. And my favorite author's list has a  lot of  space  for more   mystery  writers  since it's  my favorite  genre. I am  looking  forward to read Serenity Avenged. Another book of  the same   author and also part  of this series. What  other deadly situations will Mr. Alexander get entangled in?   
 

Thank you Mr. Hart for this  worthwhile read.  Looking  forward  to reading  more of  your books, whether in this same genre or not.

There was a hunger inside humanity, a craving for conflict. It was how it pulled itself out of the ooze and rose to rule the planet. It was biology.

- Craig A. Hart, Serenity -

 

Help the Poor Struggler (Richard Jury #6) by Martha Grimes | A Book Review

It's been years since I last read a Martha Grimes book. As far as I can remember, the last I read was The Five Bells and Bladebone (Richard Jury #9). I can't exactly remember the first story of the author that I read. As I scanned through the titles of her books, only The Five Bells and Bladebone was familiar. It may seem that I have only read two of her books but I felt like I had been reading her works a lot more than that. As far as I can remember, I may have met the the author through an issue of The Reader's Digest Condensed Books. I have enjoyed her books so much that she had been on my favorite authors list.

As I noticed, Martha Grimes has a penchant for naming her books uniquely. For this book for example, I kept asking when will she reveal why she called this Help the Poor Struggler. I was so curious why and fortunately, it was explained almost on the last of the story. I was actually surprised where the title came from but it did make a lot of sense and in fact summarized the whole plot. I think one of the reasons why I got drawn to her was because of her very intriguing titles. And her writing is very suspenseful and riveting that you will keep wanting to read her books. Finding her books in a second-hand bookstore is like a discovering a treasure. I made sure that I hold on to the copy very tightly so no one could take it.

I didn't realize that most of the author's books or almost all are part of the Richard Jury series. I didn't event realize it's a series. It only dawned on me now. Richard Jury is a Scotland Yard detective and is the main character in this story. In here, Jury is asked to help solve a series of murders of three kids. 

As the story progressed, I started to have my list of suspects and started eliminating them as soon as it was proven wrong. When all of the names on my list have been eliminated but one, I started having doubts if my hunch was correct. I was unsure until the true murderer was revealed. I was astonished because my hunch was correct but I had my doubts. The author's writing was just so unexpected and things were so uncertain until they slowly unraveled. It seemed that things could go any way possible. Anything can happen. I was really riveted to how Jury tried to leave no stone unturned. In the end, his instincts and keen attention to details paid off. He caught the killer and removed suspicion on the person who was purported to be doing all the killings. 

This was a superbly done story and the suspense and uncertainty was almost too hard to take. This was pure good old-school detective work at its best. I give the book 5/5 mugs of beer. This book just reminded me of why I came to love suspense, mystery and thrillers. 

I seem to not find any marked page or highlighted lines in my paperback of this book. So, Instead of the usual quote from the book, let me just give you an observation or trivia. It seemed that this book happen have a lot of covers. Per Wikipedia, a movie (in behalf of Austrian and German broadcasters) has also been made based on this story and two other stories by the same author such as The Man with a Load of Mischief and The Deer Leap.  

Trafficked (A Mex Anderson Novel) by Peg Brantley | ARC | A Book Review

This book is about human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking of minors. And the setting is not in some third-world country but in the land of milk and honey-the US.

The hero of this story is Mex Anderson. A private investigator who was tasked to find three girls. Jayla is fifteen. A smart kid from a poor family. Her mom can't survive without a man. Alexis is seventeen. A daughter of a rich businessman and a drunk mother who can't even take care of herself. Olivia is twelve. A middle child who is hungry for attention. These three will tell their horrendous experiences under their horrible captors. Mex, along with his smart girlfriend Cade and his friend, Darius, who is a writer with a lot of useful connections, will find these girls and get them home.

This story implied that this is not Mex, Cade and Darius first rodeo. They have done this assignment before but the difference is it was not human trafficking. Saving girls from sex trafficking is a total different playing field which they found is very dangerous and very rampant. These three people will come to deal with a totally different specie of human evil. Good thing they are a lot smarter.

Oh, what horrors this book has divulged. No one is safe from human trafficking. Boy or girl, white or black, rich or poor. And you can't trust anyone. These three girls trusted the wrong people which led them to a nightmare they never even imagined. What saved them was their belief that even if their bodies and will were broken but their souls are still intact. Their souls belong only to them. They refuse to surrender everything to their captors and those that violate them. 

Books like these are what everyone should be reading. I think teens and those unsuspecting kids who are most likely the target should read this book so they will be aware. So they won't fall prey to those people who are likely to take advantage of their innocence and trust. Parents should read this too. This is a very educational story. It is not a bedtime story but I guess we are all better aware than sorry. It is indeed a difficult and scary time that we live in. We can't even trust some of those we call friends just like what happened to one of the characters in this story. 

I give this book 5/5 stars. This is a very brave undertaking.  Taking on stories of this subject is dangerous. You have to balance both fiction and reality to make the story believable and credible. Putting in the news article excerpts added in the weight of truth and stab of reality to the whole thing. Reading this did not feel like reading fiction at all, it was like listening to a painstaking recounting of a very traumatic experience. I was like praying each time that Mex will find these girls before they totally give up and lost it. 

Congratulations Miss Peg Brantley. A very well-written and scary tale but is a good doze of very hard facts. I hope this story will serve as an eye-opener to those who are still unaware of these unforgiving and indiscriminate traffickers. That parents and kids will always be very vigilant and aware of their surroundings and of the people around them. That those who were unfortunate victims of these soulless traffickers and pimps will have more strength and hope that whatever happened to them was not their fault and they should not blame themselves. They were victims and these devils deserved to be hanged over and over again for the nightmares and evils they have done. They are unforgivable.

I feel like that every day. It's like I work toward this one life and then a gust of wind comes along and pushes me towards another one, scraping off a part of me every time.

- Peg Brantley, Trafficked - 

Release Date: May 23, 2017

Starr Fall (Star Fall #1) by Kim Briggs | A Book Review

I also got this book a few months back and in some way, it has slipped my mind and never gotten to read it until this month. I am sluggishly catching up on my mounting TBR, like a turtle's pace but I'm getting there.

I did not read the blurb for this story. The author is familiar but I have never read any of her works. When I found on Instagram that she is giving away copies for this book, I hastily downloaded the free copy from Amazon. I was scared they will run out before I got my hands on one. The unfortunate thing is, I did not read it right away, nevertheless, here it is. So, back to the blurb. I thought that this story had a paranormal hint to it, like mermaids probably, because of the cover that was taken underwater. Hahaha. Shame on me. My impression was wrong and way too far. The best thing was that I understood the reason for the cover now and the relevance of the title.

Notice the spelling of Starr. Two r's. It's not a typo. That's the name of the main character and she is a good swimmer. The story is the first installment of a series. When you reach the end of this book, it is obvious that a lot is still bound to happen. More revelations and more problems to overcome for our young heroine. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. I am saying a bit because it was not unexpected and it was not so abrupt also that will leave you screaming and hanging. It was just teasing enough to make sure you will follow and read the next book.

This started out fun and giddy until Starr took a test for a summer fellowship and then her life turned to shambles. And that's where the story got so interesting. I really paid a lot of attention from this part onward. It's not that I was not paying attention to the story, I was just getting more involved when I reached this part. If on the earlier part I was just calm and collected, on this portion I was on full alert and ready for anything to happen. And true to its promise, the author delivered. 

This is far from the other sweet and cute YA romance stories I have read. This story is filled with suspense and anticipation. I am looking forward to the next revelations and discoveries Starr will uncover. I also feel that Christian is not all that he seems. I think he still has secrets that Starr has yet to know. Ah, this is an absolutely endearing and enticing start to a series. I am looking forward to the next installments.

I give this book 5/5 swimming goggles. Just like what Dory says, keep swimming. Keep swimming and keep fighting Starr. I am rooting for you. I know you will eventually unearth and uncover the people behind the organization after you. You are smart and young. I think they will underestimate you because of your youth and that will prove to be an advantage on your part. See you on the next story Starr.

Thank you, Kim Briggs for the copy.

Is there any time more special than childhood? No worries, no pain. Then out of nowhere something happens, and bam! You life changes forever. The end of innocence.

 - Kim Briggs, Starr Fall -