Breeni Books

Guest Review: 'Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes' by Fred Glueckstein

2008-07-14T20:23:00.003-05:00

Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes
By Fred Glueckstein
ISBN-10: 0595709362
ISBN-13: 978-0595709366
Hardcover, 176 pages
April 29, 2008
iUniverse, Inc.
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

There’s something about the loyalty that certain baseball teams and players inspire in their fans. Allegiances to teams are formed early on sandlots and local playgrounds. Favorite players’ stats seem like the most important data in the world. (I have to admit that I totally understand this mentality. I personally can recite Tom Glavine’s career stats and highlights, but I can barely remember my cell phone number.) These loyal fans stick by their chosen players through injuries, bad seasons, and even retirement. There is always something special about the first player you admire in that way. For author Fred Glueckstein, Mickey Mantle was that particular player.

Glueckstein’s new book, Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes, is clearly a labor of love. In the preface, he recounts his memories of watching games in Yankee Stadium. Glueckstein sounds almost poetic in his description of the ballpark with its “manicured green outfields, perfectly raked brown dirt infield, black scoreboard, famous white façade…The air was filled with the aroma of freshly cut grass, hotdogs…” He speaks with the love of a true baseball fan. The story focuses on Mickey Mantle’s rookie season. It wasn’t Mantle’s best season, but it is an interesting story. It also marks the start of a great career. This is where the legend of Mickey Mantle begins- long before the championships, the injuries, and the drinking.

This is a great book for a true baseball fan. The target audience is young adults, but the story will appeal to older readers as well. I never felt like this was written for a young audience. In fact, the heavy use of statistics will probably be more important to older fans. Glueckstein does a great job of working the important statistics into the story. Incorporating so many stats into the book is a risky move. He could easily alienate casual fans with such detailed accounts of individual games. However, Glueckstein deftly includes these details with the skill of an experienced sportswriter. He frequently includes explanations of various baseball terms that should make it easy to follow the action for all types of fans.

The story of Mantle’s rookie season is one of many ups and downs. It was far from his best season, but it received a lot of media attention. Glueckstein makes excellent use of numerous quotations from players, coaches, and Mantle to capture the details of the story. He has even included notes from Mantle to his future wife, Merlyn, to explain his feelings during the tumultuous season.

Glueckstein has also devoted a portion of the book to Mantle’s relationship with his father. The descriptions of their relationship are touching. Mutt Mantle helped shape Mickey into the legendary player of his later seasons. He was actually the one who encouraged Mickey’s switch-hitting. There is an interesting depiction of the father and son practicing until darkness fell over their sleepy Oklahoma town. These moments make the end of the book bittersweet. They also add a touch of humanity to a larger than life superstar.

Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes is written with the wide-eyed wonder of a devoted fan. Fred Glueckstein has not lost his early admiration for Mickey Mantle, and this devotion shines throughout the book. This is a book for true fans of the game. It may be a bit too detail-oriented for some readers, but it will be appreciated by those who pledged a similar allegiance to Mickey Mantle and other who just love the game.

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Henry Potty at Front Street Reviews and Giveaway!

2008-07-14T20:13:00.002-05:00

Check out my review of Henry Potty and the Deathly Paper Shortage at Front Street Reviews. Yep, it's a Harry Potter parody and a really funny one at that!

Actually, it's the sequel to Henry Potty and the Pet Rock, which I reviewed ages ago for another site. And now that I have a copy of both books, I'm passing them on to you!

Keep in mind The Deathly Paper Shortage is an advanced reader copy, so the cover is just a plain orange background without all the illustrations the final copies have. But both copies are autographed by Valerie Estelle Frankel, the author.

You know the drill! Leave me a comment by Sunday, July 27, 2008. I'll pick a winner the following Monday.

Open to US residents and internationals with m-bags. Your comment must have a method of contact in the body or a blog link where I can find you if you win. Anonymous entries will be automatically disqualified.

Good luck!

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Happy Belated Anniversary Eco-Libris!

2008-07-14T13:36:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite companies, Eco-Libris, just celebrated its one-year anniversary at the beginning of July! Isn't that great?

Eco-Libris is a way to balance out all that paper that goes into printing the books we adore so much. You can visit the site and balance out a minimum of five books for $5.00.

What happens to your money? It's used to facilitate the planting of trees in areas of the world where resources are being depleted. A tree is planted for each book you choose to balance. And you'll receive a sticker for each book indicating it's been balanced.

During the past year, they've managed to balance out over 50,000 books with over 65,000 trees. Amazing!

It's a great way to be eco-friendly and promote goodwill while enjoying your favorite vice: reading.

And yes, every giveaway book that I send out via Breeni Books is being balanced through Eco-Libris. Winners can rest assured that I've already set the wheels in motion for those new trees by the time your prize arrives.

So join me, will you? Every tree counts.

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Monday Giveaway Winner

2008-07-14T00:00:00.004-05:00

The winner of A Geisha's Journey is

Samskara, who said

This looks like an amazing book and would love the chance to read it. Thanks for the great giveaway!

Congratulations! Check your inbox for my email.

Don't forget to enter the two brand new giveaways I just posted!

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Giveaways!!!

2008-07-13T23:44:00.003-05:00

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things (after some drastic life changes), so to kick things off, I've got two new giveaways for you!

Remember my review of Checkmate by Jean Hackensmith? Well, now it's up for grabs!

And I never got contact information from the winner of Killrod by Bill Ison, so that one is also up for grabs again!

Both of these books are autographed and make great reads!

If you'd like to win one or both, just leave me a comment, letting me know which one(s) you are interested in.

Your comment must include a method of contact in the body or a blog link. Anonymous entries are automatically disqualified.

Open to US residents or internationals with M-Bags ;).

Post your comment by Sunday, July 27, 2008. As usual, I'll pick the winners the following Monday.

Good luck!

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Guest Review: 'The Wentworths' by Katie Arnoldi

2008-07-08T13:43:00.003-05:00

The Wentworths
By Katie Arnoldi
ISBN-10: 1585679992
ISBN-13: 978-1585679997
Hardcover, 256 pages
March 13, 2008
Overlook Hardcover
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Every family has its quirks, but the Wentworths seem to have cornered the market on dysfunction. The title family in Katie Arnoldi’s new novel, The Wentworths, has just about every possible problem covered. There are children who never grew up, a controlling mother, an alcoholic father, an insane son, and an abusive womanizer. Other problems in the Wentworth family include adultery, boredom, kleptomania, drug use, and kinky sex. It’s quite a mix for such a short book.

The novel begins with an interesting family tableau at the local police station. Norman, the youngest son, has been arrested in the bushes with another man. (By the way, Norman is dressed as a woman. In fact, he looks very much like his mother at this moment.) The Wentworths are a wealthy California family. They simply cannot have news of this incident leak to the media. Eldest son Conrad pulls some legal strings and makes the problem disappear. Alas, Conrad cannot make his own problems disappear. His relationship with daycare owner Angela Simms has its own twrrible twists and turns. Their combative relationship culminates in an interesting climax that effects the whole family.

The other family members have their own problems. Middle child Becky has an addiction to prescription drugs and serious issues with her husband, Paul. He can be quickly classified as milquetoast. Their children, Monica and Joey, have other problems. Monica hates her mother and has additional anger issues. Joey is a kleptomaniac. He has been stealing for years. The family’s therapy sessions provide some humorous moments.

The Wentworths provide the outward appearance of a happy, well-adjusted family. In reality they are the exact opposite. Arnoldi reveals their problems through shifts in narration. Every character, including the family maid, Rosa, narrates at least one chapter. The most clear-eyed views of the Wentworths come from Rosa and Norman’s crazy babble. The constant shifts in narration create a multifaceted novel. Each shift provides a different inshight into the characters. The shifts in narration are also accompanied by witty chapter titles. This adds a bit of humor to the book.

The Wentworths is a very funny novel. Most of the humor comes from the situations and irony. One of the funniest parts of the novel involves Judith’s obsessive search for a set of tongs. After they disappear from a family dinner, she searches relentlessly for them. Meanwhile, her family is falling apart. However, the search for the tongs is of the utmost importance.

This is a fun book, but it is not for the faint of heart. Arnoldi does not shy away from depicting her characters’ problems in great detail. This works, but considered yourself warned if you are at all squeamish. The Wentworths is an entertaining read, and it will probably make you feel much better about your own family.

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Monday Giveaway Winner

2008-07-07T20:31:00.002-05:00

The winner of the autographed hardcover copy of Wash and Die by Barbara Colley is

Kimberly, who said

I definitely would like to read this - I'm already on the edge of my seat wondering what happened to Joyce and why is Charlotte being stalked, why so much interest in the house?

Congratulations! Check your inbox for my email.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for that beautiful hardcover copy of A Geisha's Journey!

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Guest Review: 'Sin in the Second City' by Karen Abbott

2008-07-07T19:43:00.004-05:00

Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul
By Karen Abbott
ISBN-10: 0812975995
ISBN-13: 978-0812975994
Paperback, 400 pages
June 10, 2008
Random House Trade Paperbacks
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Karen Abbott’s Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America’s Soul is a sizzling combination of history, sex, and politics. The setting is Chicago’s Levee district at the turn of the twentieth century. The Levee was Chicago’s infamous vice district. It offered all types of illicit pleasures, including gambling, drugs, and prostitution. Sin in the Second City focuses on the Everleigh Club, a world-famous brothel.

The story starts with a bang- literally. Abbott opens her account of the Everleigh Club with the mysterious shooting of Marshall Field, Jr. in 1905. Field claimed that he accidentally shot himself at his Prairie Avenue mansion. However, rumors persisted that he had actually been shot at the Everleigh Club. As the rumors swirled around them, Minna and Ada Everleigh offered no explanation. They knew that they ran the most successful and respected brothel in Chicago. Their discretion was one of the distinguishing features of their “resort,” and they certainly were not going to compromise their reputation by answering local gossip.

Abbott paints an interesting picture of the Levee at the turn of the century. It was a separate district- a place in which the strict rules of Victorian morality did not apply. Abbott describes in great detail the seedy establishments that lined the Levee’s streets. Most were low-class dives and brothels that posed numerous dangers. In contrast, the Everleigh Club offered a different experience. Its Pullman Buffet offered gourmet foods for both clients and harlots. The Everleigh girls were also the envy of the other girls on the Levee. They were healthy, well-fed, and schooled in the literature of Balzac. The Everleighs carefully screened both their girls and their clients. The Everleighs’ formula worked; they were millionaires in a short time. Their club also had a world-famous reputation.

The Everleigh Club was a symbol of opulence in Chicago. Ada and Minna Everleigh were politically and professionally connected to Chicago’s most powerful men. They drew the envy of other madams on the Levee. More importantly, the Everleigh Club became a symbol in the Purity movement. This movement was designed to stamp out vice. The glamorous Everleigh Club became a target for organizers. Interestingly, the Everleighs did not engage in white slavery like so many other madams on the Levee. Their girls were there by choice. However, the ministers of the Purity Movement either did not know or care about that detail. Closing the club became a mission for the movement.

Abbott portrays the movement on both sides. She takes a journalistic approach to the battle. She also uncovers the real people on each side of the battle. Both the harlots and the zealots are portrayed as individuals. This approach works very well. It maintains the unbiased approach that Abbott establishes at the beginning of the book. This also allows her to explore the amazing cast of characters that passed through the Everleigh Club. The mix of clients and other visitors includes boxers, royalty, politicians, business leaders, and authors.

Sin in the Second City reads like a novel despite its weighty subject matter. The Everleigh sisters are described with exquisite details that make it easy to envision their lives. Clearly, Karen Abbott has done an incredible amount of research. The result is an exciting and fascinating glimpse into the glittering world of the Everleigh Club and the seedy side of the Levee.

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Review: 'Sound Health, Sound Wealth' by Luanne Oakes, Ph. D.

2008-07-03T23:56:00.009-05:00

Sound Health, Sound Wealth: The Biology of Hope and Manifestation
By Luanne Oakes, Ph. D.
ISBN-10: 1424323916
ISBN-13: 978-1424323913
Hardcover, 260 pages
April 15, 2007
Nightingale Conant Corporation
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

If you haven't burned out on the potential of the Law of Attraction yet, put your dogeared copy of The Secret aside and pick up Luanne Oakes' Sound Health, Sound Wealth. Oakes' guide for manifesting abundance provides easy exercises for focusing intention and welcoming prosperity. Based on the premise that we create our own reality through thoughts, whether they be positive or negative, Sound Health steers those thoughts in the right direction.

It begins with an explanation of the law, examples of the law in action, and a little glimpse into quantum physics. Oakes puts a great deal of effort into convincing the reader of the authenticity of the law. There are quite a few anecdotes of people putting the law into action and reaping the benefits. The problem is the people involved are not identified by anything other than their first names, which doesn't lend much credibility to the stories.

I tried to do a little Googling to put my own mind at ease, using the story of George and Helen, married creators of a popular daytime drama. According to Oakes, the couple moved to Hollywood with little more than a handful of dreams and brought a television show to fruition. I couldn't find anything about a show created by a George or Helen. I'm not saying they don't exist. However, the remaining stories are even more vague and unidentifiable, and as a natural skeptic, I'd like to see some evidence to corroborate these fantastic experiences.

The one thing that sets the book apart from the hordes of Law of Attraction books already in circulation is the focus on physical health and nutrition. While readers may shy away from the idea that a person can survive on light alone, Oakes provides some important information regarding nutrition and avoiding toxins.

The book is accompanied by a frequency treatment CD for relaxation and meditation, described as a "cutting-edge sound-frequency CD." This is definitely an added bonus. I welcome any tool for relaxation. It doesn't sound very different from your average nature sounds CD, but if it does the job, you're one step ahead. Meditate into some of Oakes' journaling exercises, such as an "inner inventory," to properly focus intention.

Overall, Sound Health, Sound Wealth is a very positive book with a pain-free guide for incorporating the Law of Attraction into daily life. If you're looking for guidance or a little push in the right direction, it can come in handy. Let Oakes assist you in identifying some major roadblocks to ultimate happiness.

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Mail Bag

2008-06-30T21:46:00.003-05:00

I received the most pleasant surprise today. A postcard from author Ron Sanders, thanking me for my review, arrived in the mail.

If you haven't already read my review of Carnival, what are you waiting for? It's up at Front Street Reviews right now.

Carnival was a bit of a struggle for me for several reasons.

First, both the front and back covers are quite provocative. Because of this, I was hesitant to bring it to work with me to read on breaks, so it took me quite a bit longer than usual to get through it. Eventually I gave in because I felt it had languished on my nightstand too long, and of course, it inspired some interesting conversations with my coworkers. In fact, I'll bet your eyes have strayed from my words several times already to peer at the enormous knockers in the cover image. Am I right? They're practically hypnotic!

When I finally chugged through the book, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I only just now found the book categorized under "humor" at Lulu.com, which is fascinating because I felt like humor was one of the qualities it lacked. It seemed to be more of a serious philosophical venture to me. Sanders' characters are misfits, sure, but they face some pretty weighty challenges that most wouldn't take lightly.

Despite my off-the-mark interpretation, Sanders' postcard was a simple "thank you." There was no attempt to explain his intentions or correct my reasoning. And that makes Ron Sanders one of my new favorite authors. The fact that he has the ability to sit back and let the reader take what they will from his words, form their own conclusions, and enjoy the book based on their unique perspective says volumes about his character. I love literature that is intellectually stimulating, and I love authors that can detach themselves from their "babies" and allow the work to be so.

Add Ron Sanders to your reading list.

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Monday Giveaway Winner

2008-06-30T21:35:00.002-05:00

The winner of the Super-Detective giveaway is

Tammy from Three Different Directions!

Congratulations! Check your inbox for my email.

Don't forget to enter to win an autographed copy of Wash and Die and a copy of A Geisha's Journey!

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Review and Giveaway: 'A Geisha's Journey' by Komomo

2008-06-23T18:52:00.005-05:00

A Geisha's Journey: My Life as a Kyoto Apprentice
By Komomo
ISBN-10: 4770030673
ISBN-13: 978-4770030672
Hardcover, 144 pages
May 1, 2008
Kodansha International
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

A Geisha's Journey: My Life as a Kyoto Apprentice is a photographic memoir offering a rare glimpse into the training of a geisha. This fabulous hardcover book focuses on the tale of one particular teenage girl, from her entrance into the hanamachi as a maiko through the completion of her training and her official transition to a geiko. The progression from a young girl filled with uncertainty and trepidation to a mature, disciplined young woman radiates from the full color photographs.

Komono's story is that of a girl searching for her roots. She was born in Mexico and later moved to China, but her Japanese heritage continued to call to her. It is this passion for history and cultural pride that led Komono back to Japan to begin her five-year training. An inspired physicist turned photographer, Naoyuki Ogino, chose to follow her journey. The collection of photographs, along with a series of interviews with Komono, became A Geisha's Journey.

Komono's respect for her Japanese heritage is evident as she explains that even Japanese locals have lost connection with the oldest traditions their culture was founded on. She delights in communicating with customers who are familiar with the meaning and significance behind different dances and practices.

This is an intriguing portrait of one of Japan's oldest traditions, and as usual, the ornate and elaborate detail found in the country's dress and architecture makes for a captivating experience. Some of the two-page layouts are absolutely breathtaking. It is most interesting how a girl disconnected with her country managed to return and become a part of a historical practice that's quickly disappearing. A Geisha's Journey is an important historical marker.

Want to read this?

Leave me a comment by Sunday, July 13, 2008.

I'll pick a winner the following Monday.

Your comment must include a method of contact in the body.

Open to US residents.

Good luck!

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Guest Review: 'The Mills of God' by Justin R. Smith

2008-06-22T22:09:00.003-05:00

The Mills of God
By Justin R. Smith
ISBN-10: 097443549X
ISBN-13: 978-0974435497
Hardcover, 288 pages
August 31, 2006
Silver Leaf Books
Reviewed by Barbara McDuffie

Constance Fairchild is the daughter of often absent and always emotionally remote parents. She has spoken with her grandfather, E. Rupert Fairchild III, but has never met him in person. She is also the sole heir to an unbelievably vast fortune he has amassed through sometimes unscrupulous means. Rupert Fairchild has a reputation as a ruthless businessman with a “take no prisoners” attitude.

Two days after her fourteenth birthday, Constance is told that her parents were killed in an automobile accident. Later that same day she is introduced to Joyce Mantell, who was her father’s personal legal advisor. Ms. Mantell informs Connie that her grandfather has decided that she should be sent to an exclusive boarding school in Switzerland and she is hustled onto a plane directly following her parents funeral. Her roommate at the Academy is Monika von Sachsen-Coburg who becomes Connie’s first real friend.

Monika promptly “renames” her new friend Stanzi and introduces her to the world of teenage girls, including shopping malls and boys. But Constance is not an average fourteen year old. She enjoys classical music, studies the great Philosophers and writes poetry. She teaches herself advanced mathematics, cryptography, and computer technology simply by studying basic information on the subjects. Connie believes she is able to learn these skills so easily due to knowledge carried over from a former life. With Monika’s help, she sets out to prove she is a reincarnation of a man named Richard Steele.

Shortly after the death of Connie’s parents, her grandfather also dies and leaves her the family fortune. Joyce Mantell becomes her legal guardian until Constance turns eighteen.

Then several of her friends die under mysterious circumstances and Connie believes Mantell is responsible. She begins to investigate and realizes she will also become one of Mantell’s victims if she is not able to prove her suspicions.

Justin Smith has written a thriller that moves between two time periods and eventually weaves them together. There were a few minor things that bothered me as I read this book. It seemed to move a little slowly through the first half, but this was probably necessary to lay down the groundwork for the intricate storyline. Also, I found it hard to accept the level of naiveté demonstrated by Constance. There are so many avenues of information open to everyone today and even though she was sheltered, she didn’t live entirely in a vacuum. But overall I enjoyed The Mills of God and I give Smith much credit for devising an original idea for a novel. It was interesting to see the ancient concept of reincarnation involved in a modern high-tech plot.

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Guest Review: 'Lovehampton' by Sherri Rifkin

2008-06-18T22:16:00.003-05:00

Lovehampton
By Sherri Rifkin
ISBN-10: 0312380216
ISBN-13: 978-0312380212
Hardcover, 320 pages
May 13, 2008
St. Martin's Griffin
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Sherri Rifkin’s Lovehampton has all of the requirements for a great beach read: a fun romance, a fairly simple plot, and a great setting. It is not an enlightening novel; it is simply meant to entertain. Lovehampton meets its goal very well. It is a breezy read that goes quickly, just like the summer.

The plot is easy to follow. Tori Miller, a thirty-something TV promo producer, decides to change her life. After a sudden breakup, she spiraled down into a deep depression. After an intervention by her friends and the “Transformation Trio” (think Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), the new and improved “Miller” joins a Hamptons summer share house. While Tori preferred to live a quiet life, Miller joins the Hamptons party scene. She enjoys her newfound popularity until her romantic life begins to get complicated. Then Miller has to decide which personality she prefers. The ending is not exactly shocking, but it is enjoyable. This is one of those books where the journey is much more important than the destination.

Rifkin has populated her Miller’s share house with an interesting cast of characters. There’s the requisite Alpha Female, a jet setting fashionista, a mysterious Brit, a charming and somewhat normal attorney, an absentee socialite, a Blackberry-addicted guy, and a chatterbox. All of these personalities collide during the course of the summer. Rifkin has taken what could have been stereotypical characters and added layers to their personalities. Each character has a unique story. For example, Andrew (the lawyer) displays an outward charm to everyone, but few people ever get really close to him. I won’t spoil his story here, but he has an interesting past that shapes his current life.

Rifkin offers an insider’s view of life in the Hamptons. As a real-life former TV marketing executive, she definitely knows her subject. The dialogue feels realistic, and the scenes at Tori’s workplace are well-crafted. Rifkin paints a glittering picture of summer in the Hamptons. It is a dazzling spectacle and yet very typical. The same familial spats occur in the summer house just like in another other home. The social stakes are simply higher.

The action moves fast throughout the novel. Each chapter opens with a calendar depicting the passage of the summer. This is a nice visual touch, and it makes it easier to keep track of the time. Rifkin has also listed all of the “Hamptons Unwritten Rules” throughout the book. Each rule accompanies some action related to it. It’s sort of like a “Hamptons for Dummies” guide.

Lovehampton is a fabulous beach read. The writing is sharp and funny. Toss this one in your beach bag, grab a mojito, and enjoy.

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A giveaway to say thanks...

2008-06-18T21:56:00.003-05:00

I want to take a moment to thank Cynthia and Barbara for helping me keep things going with guest reviews while I attend to other things. Their reviews keep the blog fresh with varied perspectives on the plethora of books that flow through.

I also want to thank all my readers for continuing to make Breeni Books a happening place, despite my sporadic posting as of late. It's really encouraging to see how many hits and subscribers the blog receives, even during periods without reviews. I'm touched by the feedback I get.

And so, without further ado, I'd like to offer my autographed copy of Wash and Die by Barbara Colley as a "thank you" giveaway.

You may remember my previous reviews of Colley's Rachel's War and Scrub-a-Dub Dead. Rachel's War broke me of my Harlequin aversion. After reading such an amazingly well-written book, published by what I perceived to be a cheesy romance distributor, my romance snubbing ended. I've since found many romances that I've enjoyed.

Scrub-a-Dub Dead is part of one of the most entertaining mystery series out there. Charlotte LaRue will clean her way into any reader's heart. Wash and Die is the seventh release in the series, and I had the opportunity to review it for Front Street Reviews.

Pop on over to Front Street Reviews and check out my review of Wash and Die.

Then, leave me a comment by Sunday, July 6, 2008 to let me know that you'd like to read it.

I'll pick a winner the following Monday.

Your comment must include a method of contact in the body, whether it be an email address or site/blog link.

This giveaway is open to US residents.

Good luck! And thanks for reading!

If you like what you read, subscribe to my feed!

Guest Review and Giveaway: 'Super Detective' by Robert Leslie Bellem

2008-06-12T10:22:00.005-05:00

Super-Detective: Two Complete Novels
By Robert Leslie Bellem, John Wooley, John McMahan
ISBN-10: 0978683692
ISBN-13: 978-0978683696
Paperback, 176 pages
March 10, 2008
Off-Trail Publications
Reviewed by Barbara McDuffie

Super-Detective is a flip book containing two novels about the adventures of pulp hero Jim Anthony. The original Super-Detective stories were introduced in 1940 as monthly pulp fiction novels. They were written by various authors, sometimes in collaboration.

Anthony was created as a super sleuth with extra-ordinary physical and mental powers and enormous wealth. He is a scientist and an inventor who has the money necessary to produce his creations. He has incredible hearing, night vision, and super strength. Anthony’s Legion is a far-flung organization of citizen vigilantes who come to Jim Anthony’s aid whenever needed. Anthony lives in Penthouse A which is located at the top of, what else, the Waldorf-Anthony Hotel in New York City. He also has a sanctuary located in the Catskill Mountains where he maintains a secret underground laboratory. In a nod to his Native American mother and grandfather, he calls it the Teepee. His father was an Irish adventurer who amassed the great fortune Anthony uses to finance his private war against the enemies of the United States.

The first novel in the book is Legion of Robots, written by John Grange. The protagonist is Rado Ruric, who was introduced in an earlier Jim Anthony story. Ruric escapes from prison and immediately hatches a nefarious plot to overthrow the world. His plan involves a sea serpent and, as the title implies, an army of robots. The characters travel to Central America, the American Southwest, and various places in between.

The second novel, also written by John Grange, is Murder’s Migrants, which takes place almost entirely in New York City. Jim Anthony has been redesigned into a more typical hard-boiled pulp detective. The only character from his earlier incarnation is side kick Tom Gentry, who has also been redesigned to mesh with Anthony’s new persona.

Super-Detective is a truly fun book to read. It manages to do what pulp fiction seems designed to do: allow adult readers to return to the comic-book type escapism we enjoyed as children.

Want to read this?

Leave me a comment by Sunday, June 29, 2008.

I'll pick a winner the following Monday.

Your comment MUST include a method of contact (email address, blog url) in the body, or your entry will be disqualified.

Open to US residents.

Good luck!

If you like what you read, subscribe to my feed!

Monday Winners (on Tuesday!)

2008-06-03T17:19:00.004-05:00

Sorry I'm behind this week!

The winner of The Gatherer by Jerry Bayne is Jaimie of Bell Literary Reflections!

The winner of Desert Medicine by Judy Alexander is J. Kaye Oldner of J. Kaye's Book Blog!

Congratulations! Check your inboxes for an email from me!

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Guest Review: 'Genocide' by Dr. James Edward Carlson

2008-06-03T17:08:00.003-05:00

Genocide: How Your Doctor's Dietary Ignorance Will Kill You
By Dr. James Edward Carlson, B. S., D. O., M. B. A., J. D.
ISBN-10: 1419685821
ISBN-13: 978-1419685828
Paperback, 304 pages
March 7, 2008
BookSurge Publishing
Reviewed by Barbara McDuffie

The title of this book refers to the way in which, according to the author’s contention, the medical profession is unwittingly killing us through false information. Dr. Carlson presents convincing scientific data to prove his accusations. Although “accusations” may be the wrong word to use; since he explains that the medical community has been brainwashed into believing the dietary guidelines it prescribes.

Dr. Carlson contends that carbohydrates are killing us and that the fat and cholesterol we consume is not harmful. He writes that he has witnessed his dietary plan work in his own clinical practice for thousands of patients. He knew through personal experience that low fat, low cholesterol diets did not work. But it was difficult for him to accept that what he was taught in medical school was incorrect.

High protein diets have become so popular that I wondered what would make this book different from the others I read extolling their merits. I soon found out. In Genocide Dr. Carlson discusses the chemistry that takes place in the human body when fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates are consumed. He explains the processes in layman’s terms that are easy to understand and he manages to make it interesting. Genocide offers compelling reasons to try a low carb, more fat, more cholesterol, and more protein diet.

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Review: 'Checkmate' by Jean Hackensmith

2008-05-29T21:44:00.004-05:00

Thanks for bearing with me today, folks. I was having a little computer trouble and it took some effort to get this review posted.

Checkmate
By Jean Hackensmith
Paperback, 350 pages
May 1, 2008
Port Town Publishing
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

Jean Hackensmith's Checkmate is a fast-paced thriller from a seasoned author. When Caryn Deaver's ex-husband is released from prison after serving out a sentence for attempted murder, his first instinct is to hunt down and terrorize the person who put him behind bars. That person happens to be Caryn. Seventeen years after he brutalized Caryn and tried to burn down their home around them, Caryn and her children have moved on and made new lives for themselves. But Dan is intent on exacting revenge, and his police training allows him to avoid capture. He's managed to stalk her everywhere she goes: from home to the school she teaches second grade at.

His favorite method of intimidation is sending "gifts" with notes, and each note indicates he is one step closer to killing Caryn and those she loves. Caryn's fire chief boyfriend, Zach, is doing everything in his power to protect her, but will they be able to help the authorities locate Dan before his final move?

Checkmate is the type of book that jumps straight to the point, progressing with little filler and lots of action. The characters are well-developed and strong. It is a nail-biter that is difficult to put down until the action is over. The antagonist is evident from page one, but tracking him down is the key to the plot. He could be lurking on every page, and he's dangerous.

Despite the fact that it's really a great novel, I am going to nitpick a little. I could have done without the romance. It seemed forced, like the common idea is that sex scenes are a requirement of any good book (though none in Checkmate are very graphic). I think the reader is clear on the fact that Caryn and Zach are in a relationship and care for each other. There is no need to close so many chapters on the couple in bed together. But that seems to be a common theme with so many novels, it's almost expected and easily overlooked.

Checkmate is Book One in the Brian Koski "Stalker" series, so I'm sure there are many more creepy thrillers to come. This is a great new series to get hooked on.

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Stay tuned for Checkmate!

2008-05-29T08:27:00.002-05:00

Stay tuned for my review of Checkmate by Jean Hackensmith, to be posted later today!

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Guest Review and Giveaway: 'The Gatherer' by Jerry Bayne

2008-05-21T20:11:00.003-05:00

The Gatherer
By Jerry Bayne
ISBN-10: 1419687360
ISBN-13: 978-1419687365
Paperback, 344 pages
January 23, 2008
BookSurge
Reviewed by Barbara McDuffie

The Gatherer begins with the horrendous murder of a Harvard cancer researcher. Robert Sacks is found with a crushed larynx and vertebrae, severed spinal cord, massive tissue damage from a bite, and his head almost torn from his body. The forensics department is unable to identify any animal whose bite matches the marks left on the victim. Detective Sergeant Mike Sams is assigned the case. He contacts the victim’s department head, scientist Dr. Cary Blake, for information about Dr. Sacks’ research. As the case unfolds they find commonalities involving Mike’s homicide case and Cary’s extracurricular work with the New York archdiocese.

Mike’s colleague, Tony Ortez, puts out a query to Interpol and finds that a priest was murdered under similar circumstances in Rome. As more murders occur the investigation expands to include an archeological dig in Italy and the Roman Catholic Church. Eventually the investigators come to the realization that they are dealing with something supernatural.

Jerry Bayne’s first thriller is an entertaining and enjoyable read. The characters are likable and well defined. But I found it hard to accept how quickly the supernatural theory for the murders was accepted by the Boston police officers. The transition from tracking down a flesh and blood murderer to exorcising a demon happened too easily. I would not recommend The Gatherer to anyone looking for a bone-chilling “don’t-turn-out-the-lights” novel.

Want to read this?

Leave me a comment by Sunday, June 1, 2008.

I'll pick a winner the following Monday.

Open to US residents. Your comment must include contact information in the body.

Good luck!

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Review and Giveaway: 'Desert Medicine' by Judy Alexander

2008-05-20T15:10:00.007-05:00

I'm posting super fast because I hear a thunderstorm a'comin' and I just know my Internet is going to go caput along with the power when it hits.

So run on over to Front Street Reviews, check out my review of Desert Medicine by Judy Alexander, and see if it's something you'd like to read. (Don't forget to check out the giveaways going on at Front Street right now!)

If you want to read it, I'm putting up my autographed copy for giveaway, so mosey on back over here and post a comment to let me know.

Same rules as usual: open to US residents, leave a contact method in the body of your comment.

Deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2008. I'll pick a winner the following Monday.

Good luck!

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Contests and Giveaways

2008-05-19T21:35:00.001-05:00

Another chance to win An Embarrassment of Riches by Gerald Hansen at Ashley's Booktopia. Good luck!

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Contests & Giveaways

2008-05-19T08:39:00.003-05:00

New giveaway at Front Street Reviews

Win a copy of An Embarrassment of Riches by Gerald Hansen!

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Guest Review: 'The Rhyme Killers' by Judy Gooden and Naomi Helterbran

2008-05-19T08:21:00.004-05:00

The Rhyme Killers
By Judy Gooden and Naomi Helterbran
ISBN-10: 1432708007
ISBN-13: 978-1432708009
Paperback, 292 pages
July 26, 2007
Outskirts Press
Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Judy Gooden and Naomi Helterbran’s first novel, The Rhyme Killers, is a strong debut effort. It offers interesting characters and a compelling plot. There are a few freshman flaws in the novel. In a couple of places, more character development would have been nice. The identity of the killer was also fairly easy to deduce for alert readers. However, these are simply minor flaws in a very enjoyable book.

The novel starts with a bang as the killer and his accomplice abduct their latest victim. The scene quickly shifts to the investigation of her murder. The victim, a young nurse named Nan Jorgenson, was brutally murdered and dumped in an abandoned warehouse. She is the latest in a string of homicides by the infamous Pied Piper. The killer’s trademark consists of a rhyming note left with a child’s ring. The note with Jorgenson’s body says, “Tom, Tom the piper’s son, learned to kill when he was young.” All of the rhyming notes with the bodies contain the signature of the Pied Piper. Detective Katie Knight is leading the investigation of the Pied Piper killings in Philadelphia. She faces a number of obstacles including a rookie partner and a prejudiced Chief of Detectives. Her new role as the squad leader also causes some tension with her colleagues. The story unfolds quickly as the team works to stop the serial killer before he strikes again. Det. Knight fits the profile of the Pied Piper’s victims. This detail leads to an exciting climax.

Gooden and Helterbran have created interesting characters for The Rhyme Killers. Det. Katie Knight is a strong but flawed woman. Her personal demons constantly haunt her. She has a tragic past that seems to cast a dark cloud over most of her life. Det. Knight is definitely a fighter. Her no-nonsense attitude actually makes her more likeable and realistic. This character could easily be a stereotypical tough female cop, but Gooden and Helterbran have given her more depth. Strong supporting characters such as her gay neighbor and her godfather offer further character development and touches of humor.

The killer and his accomplice are also compelling characters. Parker Shade and his sidekick, Rollo Daggett, are both a creepy and fascinating team. Gooden and Helterbran offer solid character development through numerous flashbacks. The pattern of behavior for the team is established through the flashbacks. The reader sees where the team began killing and why. None of the characters seem stereotypical.

The one place where I would have liked more character development was in the character of Det. Knight’s partner, Avis Rent. The authors reveal very little about his background. He and Det. Knight seem to make a good team, but the character development seems very one-sided. There is a lot of potential for his character. Hopefully, the authors will address this in the sequel that is due later this year.

I was impressed with the clever wordplay throughout the novel regarding the killer’s notes. I’m sure it wasn’t easy to keep developing creepy, twisted rhymes for all of the victims. Yet, Gooden and Helterbran never falter in this detail of the novel. They have even included a number of twisted rhymes in Daggett’s dialogue. The sheer volume is impressive.

The Rhyme Killers is a fast-paced, well-crafted mystery. The vivid descriptions and strong character development combine a compelling plot to form a strong debut novel. Judy Gooden and Naomi Helterbran show a great deal of promise in the mystery genre.

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