Book Review: "Spectrum" by Alan Jacobson

New York City: home to world-renowned museums, theater, restaurants, iconic sports franchises. Central Park. Wall Street. And an infamous serial killer who’s terrorized the Big Apple for decades.

The year is 1995 and the NYPD has just graduated a promising new patrol officer named Karen Vail. The rookie’s first day on the job is anything but easy when she finds herself at the crime scene of a young woman murdered in an unusual manner. Vail is unsure of what she’s looking at or what it means—but it’s a case that will weigh on her mind for nearly twenty years.

As the years pass, Vail’s career takes unexpected twists and turns—as does the case that’s come to be known as Hades. Now a skilled FBI profiler, will Vail be in a better position to catch the killer? Or will Hades prove to be Karen Vail’s hell on earth?

The character who has captivated readers worldwide—and who won the praise of literary giants Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Nelson DeMille—returns in a story that captures the experiences that shaped the revered profiler and made her the top cop she is today.m - from NetGalley.com

I received a free ebook copy from the publisher (Open Road Media) through NetGalley.com in exchange for a review.

I had previously read a few of the Karen Vail novels from Jacobson, and enjoyed them, so when I saw this one available, I immediately requested it. Needless to say, Jacobson did not disappoint. Learning a bit about Vail's earlier days and reasons why she reacts to certain things, was a nice insight to the character I had not seen before, and it made for a good read.

The plot twists and jumps in time kept my interest in reading more of the story, though at times I felt a bit stalled. Characters were a bit less detailed as what I recall in the other novels I read, but that could be my memory, not an actual detail. The Autism issue addressed in the story was a nice surprise, and the description of the spectrum was good. I admit I sort of felt like the author had jumped on the Autism bandwagon, but understand that with it being more in public awareness, how does one NOT include it sooner or later.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and would recommend to friends/family.

Book REview: "The Cold Commands" by Richard Morgan

Ringil Eskiath, scarred wielder of the kiriath-forged broadsword Ravensfriend, is a man on the run from his past and the family who have disowned him, from the slave trade magnates of Trelayne who want him dead, and apparently from the dark gods themselves, who are taking an interest but making no more sense than they ever have. Outlawed and exiled from his ancestral home in the north, Ringil has only one place left to turn Yhelteth, city heart of the southern Empire, where perhaps he can seek asylum with the kiriath half-breed Archeth Indamaninarmal, former war comrade and now high-up advisor to the Emperor Jhiral Khimran II. But Archeth Indamaninarmal has problems of her own to contend with, as does her house guest, bodyguard and one time steppe nomad Egar the Dragonbane. And far from gaining the respite he is seeks, Ringil will instead find himself implicated in fresh schemes and doubtful allegiances no safer than those he has left behind. Old enemies are stirring, the old order is rotted through and crumbling, and though no-one yet knows it, the city of Yhelteth is about to explode. - from Goodreads.com

This is the second book in the A Land Fit For Heroes saga, following the first book, THE STEEL REMAINS, and continues the story of three main characters: Ringil, Egar the Dragonbane, and Archeth.

In short, this second book kept me up at night, and sent me napping on the weekend. There was just enough action to keep my attention piqued, but seemed to drag at places, though I know the information had to be presented. Having jumped into the third book, THE DARK DEFILES, I can say that much of the slow parts are much needed. Morgan does an awesome job bringing together a medieval land, toss in some magical beings, mythological-type gods, and some semi-post-apocalyptic world settings/knowledge, and you have one hell of a put-together tale.

Book Review: "Mr. Mercedes" by Stephen King

In a mega-stakes, high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands. In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the perp; and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy. Brady Hartfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady's next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.

In the gloomy pre-dawn hours of a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of unemployed hopefuls are lined up for a job fair. Without warning, a merciless driver plows through the crowd in a roaring Mercedes. Eight people are killed; 15 are wounded. The killer escapes into the early-spring fog never to be seen from again. Until now...

Detective Bill Hodges is a battle-hardened and streetwise crime fighter originally assigned to the Mercedes killings. Now retired, Hodges has lost his way in boredom and depression craving the thrills of taking down the region’s most notorious criminals. When a disturbing letter from the Mercedes Killer arrives at his door, Hodges soon finds himself uncontrollably drawn into a cat-n-mouse pursuit with stakes beyond comprehension.

Mr. Mercedes is Stephen’s first “hard-boiled detective tale.” It will transport you into a vibrant and dangerous world filled with gritty characters living on the bleeding edge of reason. Be prepared... - from Goodreads.com

Months ago, I got a little thrill knowing Stephen King was coming out with another book. Even after its release, I still hadn't even read the synopsis of what the story was going to be about, I just got the book and jumped into it as soon as I had a chance. It was like jumping headfirst into the shallow end of the pool, hitting your head, and surfacing all confused. I know King has done some other 'hard-boiled detective' type stories (loved THE COLORADO KID) but it generally is not the type of story I like, and not what I was expecting from King. Yes, I know. I should have read the synopsis.

That being said, I must admit at the time of my reading, that I just was not in the mood for this type of story, and because I was expecting something different, I had to put the book down after reading only about a third of it. Someday I may take it back up and try again, but for now it shall sit there until my reading interest changes (again).

Book Review: "Broken Shield" by J. D. Rhoades

Chief Deputy Tim Buckthorn takes center stage in this scorching sequel to the bestselling BREAKING COVER.

Buckthorn and his beloved hometown of Pine Lake thought they'd seen the last of FBI agent Tony Wolf. But when evidence of a kidnapping literally falls from the sky, Wolf returns to assist in the search for an abducted young girl. Buckthorn, Wolf, and brilliant FBI prodigy Leila Dushane race against the clock to piece the clues together.

When the evil they find follows Buckthorn home, vengeance begets vengeance, and Pine Lake is once again torn apart by the hatred of violent and lawless men. By the explosive finish, Tim Buckthorn, a sworn officer of the law, will have crossed every line he ever knew to protect the people and the place he loves. - from Goodreads.com

If I remember correctly, I got this from Amazon for free at some point, and it has just taken me awhile to get to it. When it comes to books in a series, or containing a sequence using the same character, I always like to read previous stories, but in case, I was needing a book pretty fast, and this one felt right at the time. Not having read the first book, this one seemed to start off just fine, but the further I got into the book, I realized I had gotten more than what I bargained for.

The writing style was pretty easy to follow, and much of the story was easy to figure out what was going to happen next. There didn't seem to be character development for anyone. No 'fleshing out' character backgrounds, and to me, it made them feel like cardboard cutouts. Dialogue was at a minimum, and I just felt like the reader was to make assumptions based on stereotypes. 

I made it just over half way through this book before quitting on it. The abducted girl was safe, and I knew the remaining half of the book would be the supercop and his female FBI/sex partner would chase down the big, bad boss that caused all the hoopla in the beginning. Yeah, and I got tired of the fake sexual tension and wordplay.

Book Review: "Fortress Frontier" by Myke Cole

The Great Reawakening did not come quietly. Across the country and in every nation, people began to develop terrifying powers—summoning storms, raising the dead, and setting everything they touch ablaze. Overnight the rules changed…but not for everyone.

Colonel Alan Bookbinder is an army bureaucrat whose worst war wound is a paper-cut. But after he develops magical powers, he is torn from everything he knows and thrown onto the front-lines.

Drafted into the Supernatural Operations Corps in a new and dangerous world, Bookbinder finds himself in command of Forward Operating Base Frontier—cut off, surrounded by monsters, and on the brink of being overrun.

Now, he must find the will to lead the people of FOB Frontier out of hell, even if the one hope of salvation lies in teaming up with the man whose own magical powers put the base in such grave danger in the first place—Oscar Britton, public enemy number one... - from Goodreads.com

This is the second novel in the Shadow Ops series by Cole, and again, I am amazed at his writing. Like the first book followed Oscar Britton as he became 'Latent', this story tells the story of Alan Bookbinder, as he becomes 'Latent' and also continues the main story that is happening, including Britton, the FOB, etc. It almost sounds like there is too much going on, but the details are clearly explained, and the story just keeps you hooked, wondering what is going to happen next.

Even though I am not one much for heavy military reading, Cole is able to make the reader feel like they are "in the know" with military lingo and routine. What one feels he may have left out, it just isn't needed in the story. Great continuation on the story from the first novel, introducing a new major character, yet keeping the time line constant. Though there are small contacts with previous characters, there is not much additional detail about them, which leaves me to think that Cole did this on purpose to keep the reader focused on the new characters here. In a sense, that he will expand in more detail in a future book (s).

I greatly enjoyed this read, as much as I did the first one. At this time I know there is a third book out, and I will be reading it soon.

"Any Other Name" by Craig Johnson

Sheriff Walt Longmire is sinking into a high-plains winter discontent when his former boss, Lucian Connally, asks him to take on a mercy case outside his jurisdiction. Detective Gerald Holman of neighboring Campbell County is dead, and Lucian wants to know what drove his old friend, a by-the-book lawman with a wife and daughter, to take his own life. With the clock ticking on the birth of Walt’s first grandchild in Philadelphia, he enlists the help of undersheriff Vic Moretti, Henry Standing Bear, and Gillette policeman Corbin Dougherty and, looking for answers, reopens Holman’s last case.

Before his mysterious death, Detective Holman was elbow-deep in a cold case involving three local women who’d gone missing with nothing to connect the disappearances—or so it seemed. The detective’s family and the Campbell County sheriff’s office beg Walt to drop the case. An open-and-shut suicide they say. But there’s a blood trail too hot to ignore, and it’s leading Walt in circles: from a casino in Deadwood, to a mysterious lodge in the snowy Black Hills of South Dakota, to a band of international hit men, to a shady strip club, and back again to the Campbell County sheriff’s office. Digging deeper, Walt will uncover a secret so dark it threatens to claim other lives before the sheriff can serve justice—Wyoming style. - from Amazon.com

This is book ten in the Walt Longmire series, that I fell in love with due to the television show (which is now in season three).  

This story brings Walt in helping out his friend, and former sheriff, Lucian Connally, on a case in a nearby county. Being tenacious as Walt is, he is swept up into the cause of a suicide of an officer, and his family, as he searches for the reason a "solid" officer would kill himself in such a mysterious way (for that officer). Also going on is Walt's daughter Cady, who is in Philidelphia, and is having a baby that she is demanding Walt be there for the birth of. Nothing like some pressure to get the case solved.

Brief appearances by Vic Morelli and Henry Standing-Bear help fill in part of the story, but most of it seems to be Walt following the trail as it leads into the lives and happenstances of three missing women. 

I enjoyed the previous novels quite a bit, but felt a bit let-down on this one. It read more like a possible script for a tv show, than the writing style Johnson showed in his other Longmire stories. Still a decent read, but felt it was a bit more forced to have some more internal struggle in Walt, though he has always been a pitbull when on a case, and always sought true justice for a crime. I hope there will be more stories of Longmire, as I would like to see more develop between him and Vic, and more on Henry.

"Shadow Ops: Control Point" by Myke Cole

Army Officer. Fugitive. Sorcerer.

Across the country and in every nation, people are waking up with magical talents. Untrained and panicked, they summon storms, raise the dead, and set everything they touch ablaze.
Army officer Oscar Britton sees the worst of it. A lieutenant attached to the military's Supernatural Operations Corps, his mission is to bring order to a world gone mad. Then he abruptly manifests a rare and prohibited magical power, transforming him overnight from government agent to public enemy number one.

The SOC knows how to handle this kind of situation: hunt him down--and take him out. Driven into an underground shadow world, Britton is about to learn that magic has changed all the rules he's ever known, and that his life isn't the only thing he's fighting for. - from Amazon.com

This book was a bit of a surprise to me. I had originally picked it up mainly because I saw the author 'hung out' with several authors I had read and enjoyed, on social media. I figured he must write similar stories. I was a bit wrong, but in a totally good way!

This is the first of at least three books by Cole, that tell a story about an alternate Earth. One where we are in a modern day setting, that has had a connection to an alternate dimension that contains "magic". Somehow this magic shows up as abilities in humans to control different things such as elementals (fire, water, air, etc), manipulate the dead, create portals, etc. In an attempt to control people with these 'Latent" powers, the U.S. creates a special army, called the SOC, to enforce laws made regarding the use of magic, etc. I don't want to spend much time breaking that all done.

In book one, we find Oscar Britton, who is in the Army with no magical skill, on a joint mission with the SOC to take down a couple teens that had manifested powers and were on a rampage. Immediately following the take-down, Britton shows a latency for creating portals, a rare form of magic in humans. Portals that open into this alternate shadow world. The SOC apprehend a Britton, while he is trying to flee.

Unknown to the regular world, the SOC have created a Forward Operating Base in this shadow world, where they train those new to this magic, and basically indoctrinate them into the SOC. The story follows Britton as he goes here, his personal battles about what is right/wrong not only with what he believes, but what the SOC is doing, and also follows his building of relationships with others at the FOB, and the indignant peoples, which are described as similar to goblins in look. 

Near the end of the book, the action comes to a head as Britton "escapes" the SOC FOB in the shadow world.

I don't want to share too much of the story, as you will enjoy the writing as I did. I am not into military-type fantasy novels as a rule, but this one just grabbed me up and took me for a ride. The writing was more simplistic and able to be understood (in regards to military terms/meanings/operations/rank) that I actually felt it was pretty much description in the story. Characters seemed to be well-built, though a bit predictable in how they would react, just not as to how. More military than fantasy? Nope! definitely a good mix of both.