Triplicity: The Terror Project Vol. 1 by Stacey Longo / Tony Tremblay / Rob Smales ~ 2016


Go ahead, pick a story - any story
You'll be glad you did



Authors: Stacey Longo / Tony Tremblay / Rob Smales
Publisher: Books & Boos Press
Publication: November 23, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-0-9979329-1-1
Language: English
Cover art and interior images: Ana Lucia
Cover photo: R. Smales
Author photographers: Friends of the horror world we all love



"This book was provided by Tony Tremblay in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."



5 Stars




Brando and Bad Choices

Stacey Longo
As you pull your covers tighter around you to immerse yourself into three stories for a weekend warmth, Triplicity: The Terror Project opens with "Brando and Bad Choices"  -  an excellent view into Hell, and I'll tell you folks, hope sure does burn quite well there.

Here's a story of self-reflection ~

Stacey Longo describes a vision into a rude awakening for Stella Pendergrass.  A snobbish self-centered aunt to her nephews and a Miss Know-it-all to her sister.

Her sister Robin, asks for her to babysit for a while but Stella has other plans, so she scares the hell out of her nephews about the area where the kids want to go and play - of a kid who had died there (true story).  Hmph.

Well, Stella leaves, makes a few bad choices, and ends up in the afterlife where this place read like it could be the waiting room (not actually purgatory, nor Hell, nor anywhere else really, but the waiting room) a place where you must face some of your personal decisions you had made in the past before you go ... where?

She realizes that Gary Tucker, the one and the same she used to scare her nephews, was standing in front of her as real as can be.  But, you died Gary!??  Holy Shit!

No, you died Stella.  "What was the last thing you remember before waking up today?"  Gary asks.

Another Holy Shit!  Stella realizes.  But wait, is this heaven or hell?

Gary tells her to make a wish and whatever happens next should pretty much tell her.

One fabulous time with Marlon Brando.  Mr. Sex Icon himself.

The events Stella goes through are quite interesting to say the least - but what is really interesting is the could've/would've/should've's.  Make a wish here and maybe, just maybe, the details will count.  Ergo the saying - watch what you wish for -

Stella Pendergrass embarks on a journey of self-reflection and maybe a hope for some redemption here and there?  Maybe throw out some of her justifications on a few things?

Hell of a good read folks.  Hell of a good read.


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Steel


Tony Tremblay
Left me in a state of wonder, (another look at Hell, thank you Stacey) as I dove into Steel by Tony Tremblay.

When you add a bit of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy the blood in your body keeps pumping, wanting the suspense - so personally, I kept turning pages.

Imagine a world, an apocalyptic world filled only with a seeming handful of teens.

Here they scrounge for food and shelter from acid rain and are among some pretty cool sci-fi monsters that are immune to the rain - Bashers and spidlers who are scrounging around themselves.  And they just don't stop.

I rooted for the main character, Steel, and her katana, she has the moxie to be envied and a sex drive? that needs to be tamed.  This young lady takes control in this post-apocalyptic world of this band of teenagers, some quite younger and vies to stay strong.  Yet she does make a few bad choices from anger building inside her and the guilt that led her to a very grave situation.  Uh, 'situation' is putting it mildly.

The characters in this read had unique names tailored to each and Tony explains why.  Each had their gruesome deaths depicted and this is a visually good read.  Rock and Steel's relationship to each other was the fuel that kept me.  Had to see where their story went.  Folks, you'll love where it goes.

Tony Tremblay takes you from introducing the characters all dressed in the attire for your mind's vision and you travel with them in their endeavors to their own Armageddon ending in only a few pages.  Yep, he's got a flair for the short story ~ checkout my interview & review of his debut collection of nightmares ~ The Seeds of Nightmares  ~

The ending to this short tale, Steel, is twisted as Tony's mind.  I loved it.  Here you will be rooting for your own favorite character - good or bad, hell it's your choice.  Mine - what the hell is the bottom of this hell?  As Tony wraps these pages up to its ending, you'll see what else pops up that keeps going.

You'll put a smirk on your face and shake your head slowly a couple times.  Great read.


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The Christmas Spirit

Rob Smales
Loved how this tale opened up with this need to write, not warn her recipients, Sandra and Chloe of the email they were about to read, with full apologies.

In the email:

Beth's story begins before her twin sons, Mark and Jeff, 1st Christmas.  Beth and her husband Randy were scrapping by just like the lot of us, and since it was Christmas time, Beth decided to make handmade decorations.

Then the next morning, things turned into a complete mystery.  On her desk, next to the simply-made star she made for the top of the Christmas tree sat a beautiful intricate ornament that spelled out Noel.

She's thinking yesterday Randy himself had stated he couldn't possibly do such fine work.  Ahh, he's razzin' her.  Nope.

It just so happens they are convinced that someone is breaking into their house while they’re sleeping and visits the twins’ room - it appears.

Can anyone say, terror?

The ending to this - no wait a second folks ... let me let Mr. Smales throw in some of that Christmas Spirit this story needs to end this tale in Triplicity: The Terror Project


You'll love it  ~  One of these loves I have - each of these tales had their own tone and each voice weaved to a perfect weekend read





Triplicity: The Terror Project

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Folks, Triplicity: The Terror Project is no longer in print


  •  Amazon ~ Kindle $ 3.99 ~ Paperback $12.99 ~ USD
  •  Barnes & Noble ~ Paperback $12.99 ~ USD


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About the authors:


Stacey Longo


Connect with Stacey Longo






Stacey Longo was born and raised in Glastonbury, Connecticut.  After graduating from Penn State, she moved to Block Island, Rhode Island, where she established her writing career as a popular weekly humor columnist for the local newspaper.

Upon returning to Connecticut, she turned her pen to horror.   Her short stories have appeared in over 20 magazines and anthologies. She is the author of Secret Things: Twelve Tales to Terrify and Ordinary Boy, among others.


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Tony Tremblay




Tony Tremblay is the writer of numerous short stories that have been published in various horror anthologies, horror magazines, and webzines under his pen name, T T Zuma.

Tremblay has also worked as a reviewer of horror fiction for Cemetery Dance Magazine and Horror World.

In addition to his print work, Tremblay is the host of The Taco Society Presents, a cable T. V. show on G-TV based out of Goffstown, NH ( it can be viewed on YouTube ) that features discussions on horror as well as guest interviews with horror authors.

He lives in New Hampshire with his wife Paula.


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Rob Smales
Connect with Rob Smales




Lifelong reader, recently turned writer, my friends were surprised when I turned to writing horror.  They remember me reading a lot of Sci-Fi while growing up.  And I did.  But there was an awful lot of Fantasy, Crime, Mystery and, yes, Horror in the mix.

Though I do have a few non-horror stories in my head and fighting to get out (I started this ride writing a series of Sci-Fi shorts to read to my son at night), most of what I write about comes from the darker side of life.  And unlife.  I'm going to just keep sprinkling material onto the mulch pile in my mind and see what comes up.


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Reviewed by No comments:

Conviction by Kimberly Shursen ~ 2016


Whatever you believe with conviction becomes your reality, whether or not it is true or false.
 —Brian Tracy




Author: Kimberly Shursen
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Publication: August 15, 2016
Pages: 337
ebook
ASIN: B01GLM3KVG
Language: English
Jacket design:
Author photographer:A friend who likes the quiet attention



"This book was provided by Kimberly Shursen in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."



5 Stars



Kimberly Shursen

Kimberly Shursen took a controversial topic and voiced herself beautifully as she penned of the Parrish family from Justyce, Georgia.

As I have read her outstanding trilogy Lottery, I now have indulged in another great read, listen folks, Kimberly has a flair when describing a topic that is right here under all our noses.

Her writing will tell you a story that we all have at least heard of, but, of course, all with fictional characters  -  and her characters?  oh they read so real  -  so no worries.  Your alongside for the ride for sure.

A lot of people have an issue with mixed bloods  -  let Ms. Shursen tell you a story:

Ms. Shursen introduces Dr. Vince Monahan, a pediatric surgeon in Northside Hospital was raised in the Church of Truth and believes he was chosen to carry out the Holy Writ's Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not enter into covenant with those of a different nation."

Zeb Parrish - a seventy-two-year-old African American - reflects on his family history after losing his only child, Chelsea, to suicide.

Zeb says his goodbye's to the closed casket and now - this old man with a forgetful mind and arthritic knees is deeply concerned for the care of his granddaughter, Lillie.  He sets out to find the man who broke his daughter's heart.

All the while, in the background of everyday living for ten years, the Atlanta police have been searching for a perpetrator who has been abducting biracial girls between the ages of six and eight, then, returning them 3 days later apparently unharmed and close to their family.

The children cannot remember what happened in those days and cannot describe their abductor.

Now, Zeb and his home that was built by his great-great-grandfather with a dilapidated shed sat on 25 acres of what once was a thriving peach orchard where an early frost took it one year was numb.  He was real numb.  But, one determined man set out on a mission.

He found Lillie's father alright - the repeat offender T.J. Bennett, a white guy locked up in Holsten State Prison.  Zeb goes to have a visit and after a few visits he understands what Chelsea had seen in him.  So, he takes a risk/chance and invites T.J. to his home after his release.  But is adamant of not telling T.J. Lillie is his daughter.  Not yet.  Zeb wants to know and feel in his bones that T.J. is worthy of Lillie and has the capacity to hold such responsibilities.

Tells T.J. he needs help fixing up his place, keeping T.J. understanding the reason for the return of favor T.J. meets Maddy.  They have eyes for each other and Kimberly their relationship I loved.  Thanks for making these two a couple of great characters.

Lillie gets into a cast from a fall and when Dr. Monahan looks into Lillie Parrish's round, apple green eyes in the emergency room of Northside Hospital, he knows she will be is the next child he will cleanse, giving yet another innocent child of God the gift of salvation.  And so he finds the one that was sent to him to assist  -  Olivia.  This s.o.b. I'm telling ya.

When Lillie goes missing, oh hell this book gets good   -  T.J. faces a decision; with all the bull that is spinning around in his head, should he run and forget the past he started or risk going back to prison to find the innocent child who loves him unconditionally?  Well time is running out on Lillie before she'll lose something she'll never have back.

Ms. Shursen took the characters and weaved them intricately together.  All the characters in Conviction are tied to each other in such a cool way.  Zeb, T.J., girlfriend Maddy, and longtime family friend Ronnie, to name a few, even a four legged little one is running around in the mix.

Zeb, throughout the story is such a level-headed guy, I just love him. 

Conviction will captivate your feelings for all who are involved in finding Lillie.  The characters that pop up during the read are weaved nicely and so nicely in fact your gonna be pissed or surprised at, well, I'll leave it at that, your gonna be....  I was both. They are very familial with each other, dialog timed excellently throughout the story.  After you get that feeling of their connection here is where you fall victim and are connected to the read till the end.

Oh this book is good.  Grabbed me from the get and the pace of the story is great.  Moved right along and your busy wishing and hoping.  It reads as an audible for me ( my voice of course ) easy comfortable read your gonna enjoy.  It is deep with morals, values, social mores, and principles of today's society for sure.

The moral of this story one could say -  Justyce was served.

Kimberly Shursen is one author to follow.  She has a flair that delivers and after the read? you'll say a few things to yourself  guaranteed.


Would I have to tell you I would recommend ?  I do, I do recommend to follow  Ms. Shursen and her story-telling flair.  Resoundingly.  Thanks Kimberly for another great read, Thank You!





Conviction photo story

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Here's where you can get your fingers on Conviction:
  •  Amazon ~ Kindle $ 4.99 ~ Paperback $15.99 ~ USD



About the author  ~

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 Visit Kimberly Shursen

Facebook    Twitter   Goodreads

http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/






"The absolutely best part of being a writer is meeting interesting people I would never have met if they had not taken a chance on a new writer and picked up my book. I will always and forever be grateful."  ~  Kimberly Shursen


Reviews  for

~    Kimberly Shursen   ~
 
Itsy Bitsy Spider

Hush

Lottery

Caleb's Lot

 Conviction


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Reviewed by No comments:

Who Killed Little Johnny Gill? by Kathryn McMaster ~ 2016


 He's just eight years old.  He's your son.  You wave goodbye to him one morning as he disappears into the swirling fog.  And then he is gone.
Forever.






Author: Kathryn McMaster
Publisher: Drama Llama Press; 1 edition (February 9, 2016)
Publication: February 9, 2016
Pages: 250
ebook
ASIN: B01BMXMZHE
Language: English
Jacket design: Hayley Faye
Author photographer: A friend who enjoys quite recognition



"This book was provided by Kathryn McMaster in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."



4 Stars



Kathryn McMaster
Since what I felt was Kathryn McMaster setting off to tell me about a heinous crime ~ a gruesome mutilation of a young boy where the pompous arrogant bastard or ... ? got away with the perfect murder ~ personally, I believe Kathryn pulled it off.

The setting, 1888, I had myself mentally prepared for the archaic language of the times and I would like to say thanks Kathryn for making this read 'readable' for today's times.

In the back of my mind I was really intrigued with the thought of reading a true mystery;  I was reading some other material not related to mystery and once I started Kathryn McMaster's book, the first few chapters had me in intrigue.  Now since I'm finished ~ did I set myself up?

Personally, I was looking for intrigue throughout and suspense in a true-life mystery.

This story is about such a horrendous crime with the utmost heart-breaking ending, all around agreed here, because hell, we're all human.  The read was slow for me since it was a bit dry.  Seemed it was like going through documents and transcripts and in a way, felt like someone was telling me the news.  Ms. McMaster reported to me of Johnny Gill's extremely short life in novel form.  No suspense and intrigue, no page-tuner-nerve-endings going off, no I have to finish this chapter.

Her whole point was telling us there is an unsolved murder out there; a perfect unsolved murder is still in the filing cabinets.

William Barrett - the murderer ... ? .  This presumptuous ass could very well have been the one.  And that was not the demeanor I had of him as Kathryn introduced us.  Ms. McMaster is excellent portraying Barrett as nothing more than the milkman doing his rounds.  I felt good character description from introduction then throughout the story.  But  ~  all the focus?   No others.

Now, I believe - and it is because of her writing - she is adept in getting her heart and her curiosity about true crime around the beginning of the twentieth century out and down on pages, but, I needed captivation.

Where was all the focus on suspects?  Building questions elsewhere and building that suspense so the Reader can say Mmm to themselves other than the focus on one under the microscope.  Folks, I do keep in mind researching this murder from so long ago you only have X amount of viable reliable resources, right?  Okay one under the scope, yet, where's the anticipation?  Where was the writing that wanted me to turn the page to 'find out' more.

Tom Gill, Johnny's dad, was a character I felt close to for some reason I cannot pin.  Couldn't start to imagine what he went through as he went to see what they had found was in fact his boy, his Johnny.  Hell, back in that day I wonder why he didn't kill the SOB?  Man, my heart goes to mom, Mary Ann.

After Johnny was so brutally murdered, for me, the story turned into a dusty page turner.  I had a hard time getting back to it as I went about life.  She did depict the times for me nicely and visually the times where there in my head.  There are scenes where you just might shed a tear, scenes where you could agree with Chief Constable James Withers and then of course the adverse, or, make your own conclusion folks. 

What I did enjoy about it was the awareness of Johnny Gill's story.  Brings to question, how many others are there through times past?  Not counting any other alleged victims from William Barrett.

This book was received quite well, yet, I have my issues.  But that's me.  I would read Kathryn's work again because this read was not bad, it was and is good enough to inquire of her next read.  Some debut's are 'knocked-it-out-of-the-park' and some are not, though, this ball is still in and it's live.



Would I recommend?   ~ you into true-crime? ~  sure thing


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Here's where you can get your fingers on Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?:
  •  Amazon ~ Kindle $ .99 ~ Paperback $9.99 ~ Audible, Unabridged $1.99 ~ USD



About the author ~


Kathryn McMaster is an historical crime fiction author of true and unsolved murders occurring during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.  She crafts stories around unsolved murders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras highlighting poor policing practices with a rudimentary knowledge of Forensic Science that allowed the guilty to walk free, and the innocent to hang.

Her debut novel covers the shocking murder and mutilation of an eight-year old boy in Bradford, England, titled  "Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?" was well received and swiftly became a best seller in the free Kindle books for British Historical Fiction.  The murder was so heinous that it was thought, at one stage, to have been the work of Jack the Ripper.  Her next novel, which is in the pipeline, is a maritime triple murder mystery which is set to be released in June, 2016.

Having lived in 5 different countries during her fifty-something years, namely South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates, she is now retired and finally has time to write her crime fiction novels from her 200 year old stone farmhouse in Tuscany, Italy.

She owns 8 hectares in the beautiful Casentino Valley and raises a small flock of sheep and goats.  Having named most of her sheep she finds it difficult to eat any, including an extremely obstreperous and rambunctious ram called, 'Sylvester'.   However, that sentiment could change at any time!

Kathryn graduated from the University of Natal, Durban in 1980 with a double degree in English Literature and Psychology.  The following year she completed her teaching diploma, and later completed a TESOL diploma through Trinity College, London to teach English to adults as a second language.  For the majority of her working life she worked in Education, both in the classroom, and in management.

Kathryn’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and a partial Masters of Forensic Science (Investigation) which she draws on to analyze each crime in the Afterword.

She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’.


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Connect with Kathryn McMaster


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Reviewed by No comments:

The Seeds Of Nightmares by Tony Tremblay ~ 2016


The Seeds Of Nightmares did not bring the reader into the story,
it brought the story into reality for the reader.




Author: Tony Tremblay
Publisher: Crossroad Press; Macabre Ink First Digital edition (January 9, 2016)
Publication: January 9th, 2016
Pages: 155
ebook
ASIN: B01AEC7FUQ
Language: English
Jacket design: David Dodd
Author photographer: Chris White


"This book was provided by Tony Tremblay in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."


5 Stars



Tony Tremblay
Hope you all dream in color.  What a beautiful ride.  If you are of the unfortunate, The Seeds Of Nightmares will color them for you ~ just as you will feel that excitement you get when you open a brand new box of crayons and smell that ever so familiar smell.

You know folks, sometimes you got to listen to your gut and this collection of nightmares sated that silent sound I heard.

Tony Tremblay's pen told of a debut short-story collection of 13 nightmares that fall hard under the delusional oppression you would not want to have fill your night. Or maybe you do.

I've voiced myself before  - my dreams and nightmares are 'little movies that play through the night' and this collection Tony has, I was glad I had my Good-N-Plenty on hand.  I sure as hell enjoyed these features.

First off, thanks for the individual introductions to your stories Tony.  Your notes prefacing each nightmare are very cool for the Reader to know a little history of where in the world that story came from.  You all have heard - Where in the world does that author get his/her idea's?  Tony thankfully answers.

I have not read Mr. Tremblay's work before and I was amazed at how captivated I was in each tale.  He pulled me in comfortably and then scared the shit out of me.  Quick and silent ... then the damn scream that you hope someone hears. Thanks man, I really needed that.

Each tale was tailored so individually different from one another it is difficult to pick a favorite.  I prefer to mention a favorite character in my reviews, this case - favorite tale, and with a humble concede, cannot.  So, to ratify this for myself, I look and listen to the author's voice.  Seriously folks, I want to listen to this voice again.  If Tony's conveyance to my frights was as quick and silent and ever so neighborly in The Seeds Of Nightmares, I do wonder of his even darker side.

Tony, you are amazing at introducing the characters and the situation their in, their saga, their story; you bring their existence to life and that's the kicker folks - their real.  These characters are actual breathing nightmares with a smell you cannot get rid of for a day or two.  These characters were written as if you had met them somewhere and boy I love that in a read.  Tony, you have a gift to make pages breathe the way they do.  You really do.

I felt their motives were described and detailed so well in short-story form, a reader would understand completely the situation on hand. Or in hand on some occasions during the read.  Grin.

As for the themes and your tone and an over-all, as an everyday reader Tony, this book is probably making a new genre - Gotta-read.  No, I'm serious here.  You don't write to the reader, you talk to them. You scare.  The Seeds Of Nightmares did not bring the reader into the story, it brought the story into reality for the reader.

I'm not going to make a list of all the nightmares and comment on each and there is a variety of themes to choose from, but, here's a few that stuck with me: 

The Strange Saga of Mattie Dyer  -  would love to see this in a mini-series starting on a Sunday night. You won't see the ending coming folks.

"Chiyoung and Dongsun's Song"  -  twisted romance folk tale 

The Soldier's Wife  -  what a twist in this ghost story

Something New  -  captivating.  period. 

The Pawnshop  -  I related to for some strange reason; it reminded me of this recurring nightmare I have although it has nothing to do with the theme. Scratch my ass, scratch my head - crazy.  The way Tony wrote that feeling you get, when your hands are tied, but, but, you just have to wait for the outcome and you hope to God it's not a negative one. 

The Black Dress  -  redemption twice?


Tony Tremblay's writing forced me into trance like states as I read, because hell! I was in the midst of it all.  Loved it.  Loved it.  Loved it.  What an excellent read!

This short review did not render enough praise I feel, but, rest assured -  The Seeds Of Nightmares will not sit for long on your to-read list.  Tony Tremblay will captivate you ever so peacefully then ... well, there are no words when he activates your silent scream.

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I would like to give a shout-out to award-winning John McIlveen for introducing me to Tony Tremblay  ~  Thank you, that was a great ride




I most recommend this read.




Here's where you can get your fingers on The Seeds Of Nightmares:
  •  Amazon ~ Hardback $22.99 ~ Kindle $3.99 ~ Paperback $12.99 ~ USD
  •  Barnes & Noble ~ Hardback $22.99 ~ NOOK $3.99 ~ Paperback $12.99 ~  USD



About the author ~

Tony Tremblay
Tony Tremblay is the writer of numerous short stories that have been published in various horror anthologies, horror magazines, and webzines under his pen name, T T Zuma.

Tremblay has also worked as a reviewer of horror fiction for Cemetery Dance Magazine and Horror World.

In addition to his print work, Tremblay is the host of The Taco Society Presents, a cable T. V. show on G-TV based out of Goffstown, NH ( it can be viewed on YouTube ) that features discussions on horror as well as guest interviews with horror authors.

He lives in New Hampshire with his wife Paula.

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Connect with Tony on



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Reviewed by No comments:

Death by Diploma (Chalkboard Outlines) (Volume 1) by Kelley Kaye ~ 2016



Emma Lovett learns more than she ever wanted to know about the reasons people kill.





Author: Kelley Kaye
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC  (February 23, 2016)
Publication: February 23, 2016
Pages: 235
ebook
ASIN: B01BLUB9CK
Language: English
Jacket design: Streetlight Graphics
Author photographer: Just a friend who enjoys quite credit and to whom we give thanks


"This book was provided by Kelley Kaye in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."


4 Stars


Kelley Kaye
What a crazy Cozy Mystery!

Loved it.  This cozy novel is perfect for the inquisitive teen who might enjoy seeing/reading what you learn in English/Writing class.

Ms. Kaye's delightful satirical prose is spot on, folks.

Emma Lovett, this strong willed young lady leaves her gallivanting husband for Pinewood, Colorado and a refreshing new start.

A new start all right, a chapter in this young lady's life in her pursuit of a rewarding career in sharing her knowledge to these sprouting high schoolers in Literature at Thomas Jefferson High became a crash course on amateur sleuthing.

Me? I would have left the matter to the cops (no matter their flaws) but, oh no, not Emma. This zany story is great -

Emma's second day into her career as a teacher, as a teacher Hannah! she imagines telling her childhood friend, was a doosie.  Sporting an accidentally self-inflicted black eye, she gets to work early and discovers Melvin McManus, the school's janitor -  a man so deeply in love with his lady - murdered.

He turns out as my favorite character.

Leslie Parker, head of the English department and a woman who could quote Shakespeare on a dime in any particular moment, explains to Emma the history of Pinewood's finest.  In particular, a detective by the name of Carl Niome (he's in charge by the way folks lol).  What a hoot he is as a character.  His sidekick Costello teams up nicely for him as a partner, but, at any rate, Emma and Leslie become the amateur sleuthing heroines for this tale.

As they construct a clear concise plausible reasoning series of steps - including imagining any other factors that might flaw it - they persevere and deliver justice from Melvin to the Reader in a fun read.  Emma and Leslie are a great duo.

Their suspects range from all the obvious ones to ones you might not even think of, like, the lady Melvin is so in love with?  What?  No?  Wait.  Emma's new love?

What about Leslie's mysterious beau?  Well, there are others: the librarian Edward Dixon, the football coach, the social studies teacher, dear Reader the list goes on ~

As they cross off their suspect list, I imagined these two had to have read up on Nancy Drew.  Will they find the killer before the killer finds them?

A real no page-turner as we meet the characters, though, it picks up and becomes cozy once the murder is committed and the sleuthing begins.  The plot twists develop well and are coherently smooth that adds the backstory to the book, which needs kudos mentioning.

Ms. Kaye attempts to convey Emma’s southern accent by using “ah'm” for I'm and “ah”for I.  The first few mentions of this pronunciation were fine, for me since this read is told from Emma's POV, it became a bit redundant and distracting as the pages turned, reader's will disseminate the use naturally as they enjoy the read.  I would have had the use 'peppered' throughout the chapters.

The mystery element stayed true and the ending is wrapped up nicely with an air of satisfying continuance, which is needed knowing this is the beginning for Emma and her future endeavors.  A new start in Pinewood, Colorado?,  Oh a resounding yes!  As I read, there was an air as if I were in English class in an enjoyable way.

Question: The internal story of an old love lost to never be rekindled - will that go any where in the series?


Great characters, great mystery, great weekend read.  Thank you Kelley.


I recommend; with one of your favorite drinks and a comfy spot - you will have a fun read.




Death by Diploma trailer

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Here's where you can get your fingers on Death by Diploma:

  •  Amazon ~ Paperback $11.99 ~ Kindle $5.99 USD



About the author ~


Kelley Kay(e) Bowles



Kelley Kaye taught High School English and Drama for twenty years, but her love for storytelling dates back to creating captions for her high school yearbook. Maybe back to the tales she created around her Barbie and Ken—whatever the case, the love’s been around for a long time.

Kelley is married to this amazing man who cooks for her, and they have two funny and wonderful sons. She lives in Southern California.






 

  Give Kelley a shout ~

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Caleb's Lot: Lottery Series Book 3: The Final Chapter by Kimberly Shursen ~ 2015


Caleb O'Toole's legacy
What a rockin' ending to this trilogy




Author: Kimberly Shursen
Publication: December 11, 2015
Pages: 324
ebook
ASIN: B019A1ZRC0
Language: English
Jacket design: Kimberly Shursen
Author photographer: her son Anthony Damrow


"This book was provided by Kimberly Shursen in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."


5 Stars


Kimberly Shursen
No doubt about it, this extraordinary trilogy should belong in your library.  Kimberly Shursen brings to you through her crafted pen, a superb point with her character Caleb O'Toole and his wrath that lives inside him.  Even after death.

Starting her series with Lottery, if I would have ever met that SOB on the street, I'd probably would have helped Detective Maria Alvaraz from the San Francisco Police Department put him away.  She on the other hand would go for the death penalty.

Remembering how he staged his own death and got away with those murders living under a fictitious name, just to come back and reek havoc once again in Son of Caleb; Lottery Book 2, I thought he might have been growing a conscience.

I welcome you to Caleb's Lot: Lottery Book 3: The Final Chapter

Kimberly Shursen tells you when you are brought into this world, you have and had no say in the  matter in which you arrived.  It's not on you man,  -  it's not on ya.  Your hereditary line and all the tendrils that come along to your attachment is who you are my friend.  And if you need a hand, there are, especially now-a-days, all kinds of help.

Her characters played you a tale into the madness of Caleb O'Toole and his legacy of continuing this unwanted disease for everyone around.  Your heart will break at times and hell, at times you might even being rooting for the bad guy.

Opens up beautifully for me once I read Caleb has cancer. A few pages later, Sam and Teddy are being best friends protecting Ahna, and Zoe Saviano is living comfortably in Altermatt, Switzerland with her cool 2mil.  She hadn't legally changed her last name, yet, Bastien sounded appropriate to go along with her story.  So she could leave the past in the past.  Life has treated her pretty nicely other than her distant wonder 'how life should've/could've been' with her dream guy.

All in all, you try to kick back and enjoy what you have around you. And she did exactly that for the past 20 years.  Beautiful scenery all around, gorgeous place to stay, good food to eat listening to your talented son so good on the piano, he could be the next Liberace.  She has it all.

Then here we go mom, gotta cut the apron strings and see what kind of job you did here.  Your son a YouTube sensation and all, agent Barry comes a knockin' .

Here Kimberly takes you into the heart of the trilogy where the sane run unknowingly with the insane. Family trust and love abundant throughout yet danger within arms reach.  Eerie if you come to think about it.  Caleb O'Toole has a beautiful relationship with his children, Sammy, Ahna and their half-sister Cassie over the years and I haven't heard much about Jack. Much about Jack later. Hell by now, you've read of a murder.

This YouTube sensation hits the States and the crowd goes wild. Caleb and his kids meet Rayne Bastien for their first time.  Caleb with his wealth and suave manages his way into Rayne's life.  Well, well, well - Sam and Teddy get a bad vibe. And the pages turn ~

As in an analogy, in this novel Kimberly expertly weaves a family reunion together in the most surprising way no has ever dreamed of in all of any imagination.  At a family outing, you might see some new faces and some that seem familiar and those that look like, 'Yeah, I can see my uncle Jack in ya.'  With many a family reunion there is always a bit of chaos siblings and relations do and at this particular family reunion your hoping everyone comes out alive.  This Lottery series rocked.

Through Chicago's nightlife to snow blizzards in Colorado to San Francisco to good 'ole hot and humid Florida all the way from Switzerland, Kimberly Shursen describes the scenes nicely and Rayne is having a great time jamming at these concerts Barry is putting on.  Even falling in love.  Oh boy, look out mom.

During that snow blizzard Rayne gets hurt and is now in a coma.  Caleb's there with money or ... what ever, all tabs paid.  Sam's thinking why you paying so much attention on Rayne Bastien?  Sam is his father through and through and believe me you, God be with anyone who might get in his way.  He and Teddy are on agenda's that have been proven in the past they work time and time again, so, he will win his father's love back.

Zoe flies in. Tries to be invisible to Caleb. Then the inevitable, and their interactions are superb Ms. Shursen. Great expressions and dialog when they first meet.  Or when they meet again I should say.  Throughout the rest of the read their characters were just as you would expect from running into old flames.  I loved how their love story continued, then not, then,

This trilogy is filled with unexpected turns practically in every chapter.  All these chapters run very coherently book by book and constitute a great story with an ending that never ends?  The plot blooms right along with the characters.  Great plausible scenes filled with eager antici...pation.  This is a great read.  All three books folks.

I took away that there might have been an understanding from the innocent if there was an opportunity to help, they would have lovingly given it.  Right from the start of this series you'll want to get to this third and final... or...?

There is plenty of madness committing these heinous acts of murder and deceiving everyone involved, all according to plan and sometimes you need to add a little lib to your mix. Right Sam?  Sam finds out as plans come together, at times you'll hear more voices wanting to put their two-cents in and go with another plan.  Well his plan continues.

Caleb's Lot is filled with falling in love, some never stopped loving, some getting mad and upset, making up ;) just to be let down again, murder, mourning for a loved one, anxieties, tensions, satisfied revenge.  Every character, including the minor characters are engaging to the other characters as well as the reader.  All the while, murders are taking place and that cancer ridden Caleb can't do a damn thing to stop it and finally get everything under control.  Hell.

So close. He was so close to putting a smile on what I felt was a 'pardon me for what I have done'.  Personally, he couldn't have ever done it.  Not without getting help and paying your dues my friend.  Your cancer problem Caleb? Ambiguous I am.  Yet, let's get you better so you can pay your debt to society.

The story climaxes as Sam and his buddies are about to end the insanity once and for all, the twist is, Sam thinks the insanity for everyone will stop.  You could feel Caleb being drained to next to nothing as he watched the bloody scene unfold.  Even though that SOB Caleb brought out his empathy and his heartbreak remorse in this book, glad to read Jack Weber did not voice himself loud enough for Caleb to do any real listening.

Then, how ironic that lucky SOB's story ends the way it does, knowing as you feel the softness envelope your eyes you see your legacy will be living on in ever so loving arms.  Jack did say, "Karma bites."  Ahh, Evilicious.

Ms. Shursen's tale shows the madness of this disease and it is frightening to say the least.  Thinking what if - happened in your home?  Through the crafted pen I mentioned earlier, Kimberly Shursen describes the madness behind Schizophrenia and the brutal scars it leaves.

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Here's where you can get your fingers on Caleb's Lot: Lottery Book 3: The Final Chapter:
  •  Amazon ~ Kindle $4.99 ~ Paperback $15.99 USD 

Caleb’s Lot: The Final Chapter in the series includes Lottery, Book I, and Son of Caleb, Book 2


About the author ~


Kimberly Shursen
Thriller/mystery writer, Kimberly Shursen, began making up stories in grade school. Growing up in a small town in Iowa with a population of 2,000, imagination not only became her entertainment, but a passion.

After graduating from a private college with a BA in education, Shursen began writing a musical. Five years later she presented the music, book, and lyrics to private investors. The play premiered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and later opened in Sweden.

Eden, Shursen's second full-blown musical was also produced by investors, catching rave reviews.

Knowing her passion had always been to be an author, Ms. Shursen left her position as a marketing director to pursue a full-time career in writing. She has yet to regret the decision.

Shursen's debut novel, political thriller ITSY BITSY SPIDER, was voted one of the top two thrillers of 2013. Legal thriller HUSH was published in January of 2014 and a top pick for Underground Book Reviews.

Kimberly Shursen's psychological thriller series follows the lives of a family caught in the web of a malevolent mental illness that spans over four decades and two generations. LOTTERY, SON OF CALEB, CALEB'S LOT, are available  ~  Amazon


 

Visit Kimberly Shursen







"The absolutely best part of being a writer is meeting interesting people I would never have met if they had not taken a chance on a new writer and picked up my book. I will always and forever be grateful."  ~  Kimberly Shursen



Reviews  for

~    Kimberly Shursen   ~
 
Itsy Bitsy Spider

Hush

Lottery

Caleb's Lot

 Conviction


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When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth by Jamie Lee Curtis ~ 1993


~  Here's a little girl's simple, childlike celebration of herself as she looks back on her childhood from the lofty height of four and a half years  ~


Author: Jamie Lee Curtis
Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (September 30, 1993)
Publication: September 30, 1993
First Board Book edition: 1999
Pages: 32
Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0060210788
ISBN-13: 978-0060210786
Language: English
Illustrator: Laura Cornell
Author photographer: Laurel Chaney


This book was loaned to me from The Henderson Memorial Public Library for use in my Lady Jessica's classroom project.



3 Stars



Annie, Jamie, Thomas
Last Sunday at our library, as I was waiting for my co-volunteer to help with getting Issue 2 noticed in our community, Lori who'd checked my loans out days previous asked if I had liked the memoir.

"Memoir?" "What memoir Lor? I don't read memoirs."

She smiled and said, "You know Jeff, the little memoir." My memory clicked, ah yes the memoir ~

To my audience:
No, I am not delving in children book reviews.  Thought I'd put my two cents in on this book for Lori.

Right off the bat, the title kills me. So cute. An encouraging read for youngster's looking at where you have been and where you are now.

Since I don't review children books, for me,  the sentencing I thought was for children a bit younger than four. The story itself was a bit choppy, but, fun and engaging. The theme of compare and contrast was abundant and enjoyed how the little sister was depicted on each page as whom Annie once was as a child. Good story for self-confidence and accomplishment.

The illustrations were clever in showing 'big-girl-things' next to 'little-girl-things'. As the story unfolds, it shows Annie telling us things she used to do when she was a baby with her baby sister doing just that. The pages reflected pride with brushing her own hair and brushing her own teeth to realizing she was a handful when she was younger to being helpful now since she's bigger.

Accomplishing some things all on your own now, looking at kindergarten shouldn't be all that frightening.  Right?  -  WHAT!!
Well, kindergarten does have its own issues. Thinking of the night before and the first day.

Start them early
Well, lemme tell ya Lori, this little 32 page book of reflections I do have a couple of issues I will mention. My blog does not constitute any reason(s) for conflicts of interest - yet ...

No car seat for a four year old? Mmm. Yep, got an issue.

Ms. Curtis brings up (twice) your sex. She establishes the difference between boys and girls in the beginning of her story. Though, I guess that wasn't enough when you're four and you have to wear a bathing suit to the pool. Completely understandable. For me, it was her banging my head against a wall making sure I knew there is a difference between boys and girls.

Redundancy is a must when it comes to children books. A vehicle of learning, say, brushing your teeth, sharing, or even saying thank you. With this story, the sexual orientation redundancy I felt was not needed.

And c'mon! Reviewers, your issues with Captain Crunch and Cheeto's? - Ms. Curtis did not in any way say those are the dietary means for a child. If you had read that page, you will notice there are also wholesome foods she mentions. Made me think you never snacked on Cheeto's when you were a child yourself? Please.


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Recommendation? Yes. An encouraging book to read to your child.


Here's where you can get your fingers on When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth:
  •  Amazon ~ Hardcover $15.91 ~ Paperback $6.97 ~ Audible $1.95 ~ Board book $7.99 USD


About the author ~

Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis is the author of eight best-selling children's books that address core childhood subjects and life lessons in a playful, accessible way. Jamie finds the inspiration for her writing all around her - in the experiences of her children, her godchildren, her friends - and of course in her own life.

Her first book, When I Was Little, was sparked by her then-four-year-old daughter's boast that she was no longer "little." Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, a celebration of adoption and the start of a new family, was inspired by the adoption of her own children. And as an author, of course Jamie loves big words and knows that words have power.Her latest book, Big Words for Little People, gives young children the knowledge and power of their own "big words."
Laura Cornell


All of Jamie's best-selling picture books are illustrated by Laura Cornell: Big Words for Little People; Is There Really A Human Race?; It's Hard To Be Five: Learning How To Work My Control Panel; I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off A Little Self Esteem; Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery; Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day; Tell Me Again About The Night I Was Born; and When I Was Little: A Four-Year-Old's Memoir of Her Youth.

Jamie is also well known as a film actress, with starring roles in such acclaimed films as Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Freaky Friday, True Lies, Trading Places and A Fish Called Wanda. Jamie is the mother of Annie and Thomas and is married to actor/director Christopher Guest. They live in California.


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A Killer Season: Betting in Vegas Can Be Murder. by Paul Sekulich ~ 2014



Anyone wanna double-down & say this ain't a killer read?
Or do you have your own MacGuffin?




Author: Paul Sekulich
Publication: July 10, 2014
Pages: 338
ebook
ASIN: B00LPWD4D2
Language: English
Jacket design: Paul Sekulich
Author photographer: His wife Joyce


"This book was provided by Paul Sekulich in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."



5 Stars



Paul Sekulich
As Marine Sargent Collin Nolan and his fellow comrade Eddie Menning were being air-lifted out of harm's way in Nam, Eddie asks what Collin was doing after the war. Coll tells him he wants to be the biggest money winner in Vegas betting on - baseball.

Eddie mentions his uncle Bartel Vandermeer.

Bartel runs a restaurant and the legit business Vandermeer Diamond Brokers of Manhattan. And imports a few high-end cars here and there.

At twenty-three Coll finds himself in NY as anyone else would coming back from the Vietnam War decorated out the ass (hell, the Navy could've used him as an anchor) feeling love and respect only from close friends and family. As for the rest of the hoi polloi, they weren't interested in hearing sob stories of the war. No job and future looking bleak, Coll decides to give Vandermeer a try.

Coll and Eddie worked for almost two years for Vandermeer. Eddie was right, Bartell paid his help well. Coll drove the high-end cars to their customers and Eddie worked the diamond side. Coll would sock some money away and when the time was right to head west to Vegas he'd have enough to last him.

Getting out west was a bitch.

Being one of those true-blue up-standing all-American contributing members of society  yadda yadda yadda - hell, being a moral human-being he had to get into the Witness Protection program because he had to set things straight. All he wanted to do was get out of the war and get a respectable job for a few bucks and then head to Vegas and ... take 'em.

Eddie, well, Eddie might be all right.

Off Collin goes to save his own skin for a moment. Goes in as Robert "Bob" Smith to Montana and do some quite living. Maybe some fishing?

The Big Sky country was not quite like the blinking lights of Vegas, yet, he was breathing and still, he was holding on to that dream of taking Vegas - Ha! at baseball.

After some bad guys go to prison from the NY episodes, Paul brings in a Native-American by the name of Amachee.  Here I was trying to figure out the significance. He plays (according to his character) well with the setting of Montana, yet, I wonder if the 'luck' that it itself plays in this novel has bearing.

Well, hell, he'll need it arriving in Vegas thirteen years later from the witness protection game he was playing with the government. Taking with him the necklace Amachee gave.

Meets Jim Creeger and his wife Dina. Jim is an ex-cop and his lovely wife works at a bank as a Teller who is also a person that believes her friend Connie Hannigan would be a match for lonely 'ole Coll. These guys all become great characters and the chemistry radiates between them. Dinners, laughs, a few kisses, ahh....

As time moves on and Coll places his bets across the casino's of Vegas, some of the bad guys get paroled.

Big Al Marko, Two Ton Teddy and Kyler Rotermund who also worked for Vandermeer were introduced as major characters a few pages ago and their presence in this tale are colorful to so say the least, are out and about again.

Hell breaks out in Vegas - get outta Dodge. Collin makes last minute arrangements, some with conditions and leaves knowing he's got some money to look forward to and off to meet the girl. Doesn't the good guy always get the girl in the end?

Arriving in  Zurich, Switzerland he checks on his money. What money?! He asks the teller who withdrew it and she simply tells him, 'Why, you did sir.'
The account needed a picture as well as number identification for any transactions. After printing out the picture the Teller mentions that passport photos aren't all that flattering. Lo and behold his dear friend Jim Creeger.

After exiting the bank dumbfounded, what does his eye see?! His dear friend Jim and Kyler Rotermund sitting in a cafe right across the street!  Oh, how the story ends ...

There's a few more chapters from here on out with action from a man set on a mission ~ you'll love how it all comes together. And who and with who. The ending was satisfying as it was a Grand Slam, field included. Amachee was satisfied too, I could tell from his smile as he read that card. Amen.


Highly recommended folks. Dynamite read.

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Here's where you can get your fingers on A Killer Season: Betting in Vegas Can Be Murder.

  •  Amazon ~ Kindle $4.99 ~ Paperback $14.95 USD 

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About the author  ~





Connect with Paul Sekulich







Paul Sekulich is a thoroughly traveled writer who has lived in New York, Detroit, Chicago; Stuart and Palm Beach, Florida; Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles and Hollywood, California. He holds a B.A. degree in Theatre from the University of Maryland and Masters of Fine Arts credits from Towson University and the University of Southern California.
He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, The American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (now SAG-AFTRA) and the Actors Equity Association. As a former adjunct professor of theatre he has directed numerous college productions and has taught acting, directing, and screenwriting.
In Hollywood, he worked as a script doctor and contributor for two, prime time television sitcoms.

He has completed his first three thriller novels, The Omega Formula, and A Killer Season. His third book, another Detective Frank Dugan thriller, Resort Isle, is complete and available now. In the spring of 2017, he plans to debut Murder Comes to Paradise, another in the Frank Dugan detective series.
He has written, acted in, produced and directed films, commercials and stage productions since he was eighteen and has won awards for his work. He owned and operated The Limestone Dinner Theatre for several years and now teaches college seminars on novel writing, self-publishing, and scriptwriting for television and the movies.
Paul lives with his wife Joyce in Maryland.

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Reviews for

~  Paul Sekulich  ~ 


A Killer Season: Betting in Vegas Can Be Murder.



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