Review: VICIOUS CIRCLE by Linda Robertson

Vicious Circle
By Linda Robertson
ISBN-10: 1439154287
ISBN-13: 978-1439154281
Paperback, 384 pages
June 30, 2009
Juno Books
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

"Being a witch doesn't pay the bills..." Don't I know it. And it's as a Wiccan that I most enjoyed Linda Robertson's debut novel Vicious Circle. Robertson makes it easy to relate to her heroine Persephone Alcmedi, a traditional witch with a soft spot for waerewolves. While she's offering a safe place for waerewolves to kennel during the full moon, she's also taking on the responsibility of housing her feisty grandmother who has recently gotten ejected from a nursing home.

Tragically, a friend who used to kennel at Persephone's home is murdered. This leaves Lorrie's orphaned daughter, Beverley, of great concern to Seph, considering Lorrie was a single parent and her daughter is now in the care of Vivian Diamond, an esteemed but apathetic high priestess with the child rearing skills of Miss Hannigan. Of even more concern is the fact that Vivian apparently knows who killed Lorrie, and she insists on hiring Seph to avenge the waerewolf's death. In Robertson's world, waerewolves are treated as a sort of subspecies, and such a murder would brushed under the rug by authorities. Vivian knows that Persephone has broken the Witches' Rede for Lorrie in the past, and she wouldn't hesitate to use that information against her.

An even larger problem looms, however. The accused murderer, Goliath Kline, also happens to be a vampire with a nasty reputation. He does not take kindly to Persephone's investigation into his affairs and, as a result, another waere friend nearly loses her life. Persephone is desperately trying to save her friend while keeping herself alive in the midst of a vampire's ire.

Yes, it does has a bit of a Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood feel to it, but what doesn't these days? It would be easy to envision Goliath as Eric Northman or Vivian as Maryann Forrester, amongst plenty of other parallels. However, I was most intrigued by Persephone's internal conflict over how loosely she interprets the Witches' Rede. And her bad boy musician love interest is a far cry from Bill Compton. In fact, Johnny presents yet another conflict for Seph in that she's hesitant to let herself fall in love with someone so far removed from her idea of a respectable boyfriend. All told, Robertson combines an interesting mix of ritual and lore, contemporary affairs and mystery.

Guest Review: BABY SHARK'S JUGGLERS AT THE BORDER by Robert Fate

Baby Shark's Jugglers at the Border

by Robert Fate

ISBN-10: 0979996058

ISBN-13: 978-0979996054

Paperback, 280 pages

Capital Crime Press

September 1, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

After a few entries in a series, authors often run the risk of getting a bit lazy. Character development becomes sparse, or the prose becomes clichéd. Robert Fate skillfully sidesteps such a problem in the latest entry in the Baby Shark series, Jugglers at the Border. This is the fourth installment in the series starring former pool shark turned detective Kristin Van Dijk, and it is just as strong as the previous novels.

Jugglers at the Border is a fun, fast-paced read. It starts with Kristen being tied up in a remote cabin. When a mysterious gunman kills her captors, she seizes the opportunity for an escape. She ends up killing the gunman when she becomes a target for him. With all of the excitement in the first few chapters, the reader is likely to believe that this case will be focus of the story. However, this is just an introduction.

The main case in Jugglers at the Border involves the murder of the estranged wife of Kristin’s partner, Otis. There is an interesting back story about Otis’s ex, Dixie. She was a stripper known as “The Dallas Firecracker.” Their marriage was a stormy one, and it cost Otis his career with the police department. Although they had been separated for years, Otis still cared about Dixie, and he agrees to work with the police on the case.

The case is a complex mix of twists and turns. Dixie’s murder is immediately linked to a recent bank robbery in which a police officer was killed. Kristin and Otis have to figure out exactly how she was involved in the plot. The investigation pairs Kristin and Otis with a by-the-book cop named Carl Lynch. At first, their investigative styles clash, but they develop a mutual respect over time. The investigation reveals a dark side to Dixie’s life and another mystery. The team discovers a safety deposit box key taped underneath her coffee table, but they can’t figure out where the box is stored. This represents a key element of the bigger mystery of Dixie’s role in the bank robberies. All of the mysteries converge in an exciting climax that ties everything together.

Robert Fate does a great job with the pacing of this novel. The suspense remains steady throughout the book. There are no slow sections; everything keeps moving toward the climax. Fate creates suspense in a number of ways. He focuses much of his energy on the plot; it is jam-packed with action. The reader doesn’t really have time to recover from one event before something else happens. It makes for a fast, exciting read experience.
Fate uses his characteristic retro style language. Everything about this novel looks and sounds like a hard-boiled detective novel of the mid-twentieth century. Only the modern copyright date reminds the reader that this book was written in 2009. The dialogue is snappy, and Fate uses a staccato rhythm throughout the book. The overall effect is surprisingly smooth.

Fate also does a bit more character development than usual in Jugglers at the Border. This time, he reveals more of Otis’s past and shows some of his emotions. For the most part, Otis has seemed like a tough former cop. In this book, his feelings regarding Dixie reveal a gentle side that hasn’t been evident in previous novels. Fate also reveals some confusion for Kristin in her relationship with her boyfriend, Lee. Their relationship has developed into something more serious than they had expected. Consequently, Kristin doesn’t know what she wants to do with the relationship and her life.

My biggest complaint about this novel is its title. I just don’t think the title suits the novel very well. It looks like Fate is trying too hard to be clever with the title. It’s too long, and doesn’t fit the action as well as some of the other entries in the series.

Overall, Jugglers at the Border is a fun thriller. The pacing is good, and the characters are likeable. Most importantly, it has a terrific plot that keeps the reader guessing. It feels like an old detective novel, but hopefully there will be more entries in the Baby Shark series.

Guest Review: THE GLENN MILLER CONSPIRACY by Hunton Downs

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy

by Hunton Downs

ISBN-10: 0977913163

ISBN-13: 978-0977913169

Paperback, 267 pages

Creative Book Publishers International

April 15, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

Conspiracy theories are always interesting to me. There’s just something intriguing about how some people don’t believe anything that they hear about a certain event, while other accept the story at face value. Until I picked up Hunton Downs new book, The Glenn Miller Conspiracy, I had absolutely no idea that there were conspiracy theories regarding Glenn Miller. In fact, I really didn’t know very much about Glenn Miller beyond his music. If you’re looking for an in-depth biography of Miller, this is not the book for you. I found myself looking up various details of Miller’s life. However, if you’ve always wondered about his death, you’ll enjoy The Glenn Miller Conspiracy.

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy was interesting, but also a bit disappointing. For one thing, I was expecting more information about Miller’s life in this book. Downs focuses much of his energy in tearing down the myths surrounding his death. While it does make sense to tear down the myths, I would have preferred to have more details about why Miller was regarded as such a hero. Another flaw was the time spent recounting how Downs uncovered the truth. At times, he spends too much time explaining how he got to one small detail. There is also a lack of balance in the way Downs covers the conspiracy. He doesn’t explain the public story of Miller’s death at first. That story surfaces after he has begun his attack on the military’s version of events.

Despite its flaws, this is an interesting book. Hunton Downs is a good storyteller, and he even makes some of the less interesting aspects of his research sound intriguing. Downs also reveals some really interesting details about Miller. For example, I had no idea that Glenn Miller was involved in a series of wartime recordings designed to encourage the Germans to surrender. He recorded numerous messages to the Germans. This actually led to his being marked for death by the Nazis. In fact, these recordings may have ultimately led to his death.

For those who don’t know, the public story of Miller’s death claims that he was lost in a plane crash over the English Channel. Conspiracy theorists have never believed the military’s account. Hunton Downs and several other researchers have spent years trying to find the truth about Miller’s death. Apparently, Miller was on “a secret mission for Ike” when he died. Downs gradually reveals that Miller was a key part of the failed Operation Eclipse. When Downs focuses on the details of Operation Eclipse, he provides some of the most interesting stories in the book.

One thing that is never quite clear is exactly what happened to Miller. Downs does manage to prove that Miller was found outside a Paris brothel after the time in which he supposedly disappeared into the English Channel. It appears that he was kidnapped and tortured for information. Otto Skorzeny’s plan to use Miller to get to Eisenhower ultimately failed, but it did cost Miller his life. Miller died from injuries soon after he was discovered by US servicemen in Paris. In the years that followed, the military stood by their original statement that Miller’s disappeared over the English Channel.

The Glenn Miller Conspiracy is an interesting, but somewhat disappointing book. Hunton Downs devotes so much time to describing his search for the truth that the reader is deprived of that “Eureka!” moment when all the pieces fall into place. The story itself is interesting, but it drifts along too much. Conspiracy theorists will not be disappointed, but diehard Glenn Miller fans may want to read another account of his life.

Guest Review: SIZE 2 FOR LIFE by Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulsen

Size 2 for Life

by Ashley Marriott and Marc L. Paulson

ISBN-10: 098210474X

ISBN-13: 978-0982104743

Paperback, 222 pages

Stance Publications

January 16, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

When I first saw the title, Size 2 for Life, I was dubious. It sounds like another fad diet book, and the market is already crowded with such books. Although the title didn’t impress me, the content of the book did. Size 2 for Life is the work of Ashley Marriott and Dr. Marc L. Paulsen. Both authors are experts in the fitness field, and their lifetime commitment to fitness shows throughout the book.

Despite its title, Size 2 for Life actually focuses on healthy eating and exercise habits. The “size 2” mentioned in the title refers to a frame-adjusted size that ranges from 2 to a 6 depending on frame size. (Their method of determing frame size seems oddly simplistic, but it does make sense.) The authors start by breaking down many of the weight loss myths. They also attack many of the popular celebrity diets. I found some of the celebrity diets downright scary. The authors do a good job of attacking the so-called “supercharged” weight loss plans and shifting the focus to healthy eating.

Size 2 for Life has a helpful chapter of “do’s and don’ts.” This chapter puts a lot of good information in one place. The authors follow up with a more detailed guide to their weight loss plan. The language is positive and motivating. From there, they provide detailed examples for the exercise and diet components of the program. The program is broken into smaller segments, so it never seems overwhelming.

The exercise program is well written. This is the section where Marriott’s expertise really shows. The exercise portion features step by step photos for each of the resistance training exercises. This would be very helpful to exercise newbies. The exercise portion also includes numerous options for the aerobic component of the program as well as detailed instructions for stretching. The photos and detailed instructions make the exercise part of the program seem approachable and unintimidating.

There is an interesting 21 day program included in the plan. This is designed to build healthy habits. My biggest complaint about the program is how extreme it sounds. It seems like it would be very hard for a lot of people to follow. The exercise portion requires a rather large time commitment even for beginners. This seems like a huge leap for an overweight person who may not get much exercise on a regular basis. I think it would be very easy for someone to fall of the wagon and abandon the plan quickly. I realize that the 21 day program should build new habits, but I wonder how many people can actually stick with such an intense program for the full 3 weeks. I would prefer to see the recipes written a little better for the 21 day program. It might make the program more enticing.

Size 2 for Life presents practical exercise and nutrition information in an easy to use format. Overall, it is a sharp, informative book on weight loss. It has a few flaws, but it’s worth a look if you are interested in taking charge of your health.

Guest Review: MIRANDA'S BIG MISTAKE by Jill Mansell

Miranda's Big Mistake

by Jill Mansell

ISBN-10: 140221832X

ISBN-1: 978-1402218323

Paperback, 496 pages

Sourcebooks

June 1, 2009

Reviewed by Cynthia Murphy

I loved Jill Mansell’s recent American release, An Offer You Can’t Refuse. So I was very excited about reviewing her latest novel, Miranda’s Big Mistake, but I was also a bit apprehensive. What if it wasn’t as funny as her previous work? What if it turned out to be a total dud? It turns out I didn’t need to worry a bit. Miranda’s Big Mistake is absolutely hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book.

Miranda’s Big Mistake tells the story of Miranda, a junior hairstylist at a trendy salon in London. She lives with a colorful elderly woman named Florence and helps her out around the house. Miranda also helps a homeless man near the salon. She shares her food with him everyday. This behavior reveals key elements of Miranda’s character. She is very kind (almost to a fault) and perhaps a bit naïve. This actually adds to Miranda’s charm. When Florence gives Miranda tickets to a charity party, Miranda meets Greg. He seems like nice guy, but he is hiding a dark secret. He has just left his pregnant wife, Chloe. She happens to work for Florence’s son, Bruce. Miranda has no clue about Greg’s situation. She falls in love with him and even becomes engaged to him. Meanwhile, Florence learns about Chloe’s situation and invites her to move in with her and Miranda. Chloe and Miranda quickly become friends. When Chloe realizes that Miranda’s boyfriend is her ex, they concoct a hilarious plan for revenge. Miranda and Chloe both move on without Greg in their lives. Both women eventually find their own happy ending, but their paths are filled with funny missteps along the way.

There is an interesting subplot involving Miranda and the homeless man near the salon. Sharing her food with him becomes a part of her daily routine. Miranda does begin to have vague suspicions about him, but she continues to help him. Her encounter with him in a park is absolutely priceless. I won’t ruin the surprise because it is definitely worth it. The relationship between Miranda and “Hungry and Homeless” forms a nice part of the book. He turns out to be very different from what Miranda expected.

Jill Mansell seems to have a knack for creating outrageous yet believable characters. Miranda is a colorful young woman, both literally and figuratively. Her penchant for unusual hair colors makes her stand out in any crowd, and her attitude toward life shows a slightly different perspective. Her landlady, Florence, also believes in living a colorful life. She has had three husbands. When the love of her life dropped dead on the steps of a Monte Carlo casino, she gave up on marriage and pursued a life of fun. The only thing that slows Florence down is her debilitating arthritis. In many ways, she and Miranda are kindred spirits. Miranda’s boss, Fenn Lomax, is equally entertaining. He is a handsome, heterosexual hairdresser to the stars. At the start of the novel, Fenn is a shallow playboy. As the story progresses, he matures and falls for an unlikely mate. All of these characters are quirky creatures, but they are very believable.

Some of the situations in Miranda’s Big Mistake seem extreme, but Mansell crafts the scenes with such skill that the reader willingly accepts the absurdity. My only real complaint about the novel is that some of the characters seem to conveniently disappear at times. I would have liked to see Florence’s relationship with Tom develop over time. It seems like the relationship develops suddenly. This is primarily due to her absence from several chapters. However, devoting much more time to Florence’s adventures would have made for a much longer book.

Miranda’s Big Mistake would be fabulous beach reading. It is laugh out loud funny, and it’s nearly impossible to not root for Miranda. Her hilarious actions are sometimes outrageous, but always enjoyable. The supporting characters are equally charming. It is also filled with sharp one-liners. I was sad to see this one end, even though I did like the ending. Jill Mansell has written another winner. She is rapidly becoming one of my favorite chick lit authors.