Mama Cried by Talia Haven ~ 2015

POWERFUL



Author: Talia Haven
Publisher: Sheehan and Haven; 1st edition
Publication date: January 9th 2015

ebook
Pages: 12
ASIN: B00S2RKNFU
Jacket design: Sytiva Sheehan

  
5 Stars


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



This story took me by surprise - seeing it was only 12 pages my first thought it could be an very long prelude to a novel. Well the message within those 12 pages is a novel in and of itself.

Jenny a young girl is playing in a playground on the swing set with her friends Christa and Jamal and their dogs. They all have two dogs each. When suddenly Azula the guardian shows up and tells Jenny to tell her friends goodbye.

Azula, Jenny and her two puppies - Morgan and Wilson continue to walk and come upon a heavy steel door. Set inside grey-painted cinderblock, on either side of the cinderblock is a black nothingness.

"Do you remember why Mama cried?" Azul asks and Jenny replies with a "No". She tells Jenny that today is the day that she has to make a big decision and there is no right or wrong answer & as soon as they walk through that door Morgan and Wilson will grow up and become hounds but they will still be hers.

Theodore James Moore III can see Azula, Jenny and her two dogs - no one else can. Azula tells  the hateful looking man "Today is your judgment day, and Jenny gets to decide your fate."

The writing is very dark and mysterious in a deep dreadful approach. Mama Cried is a stand-alone story that has a huge message from a child's POV. As you read you hope there is back-story coming so you would understand what horrible nightmare this little girl went through.

As you read this story you can't scan your finger quick enough over a Kindle or NOOK nor a page in fear of tearing not only the dog-ear off but the page itself. Talia Haven has a way with words to pack such a blow to your emotions.

After finding out why Mama cried, Jenny stirs the reader's heart, mind and soul leaving you wanting more details. Yet I believe this is exactly what Talia Haven had in mind as she wrote. This story will leave a vivid memory in your thoughts for some time to come.

Talia's theme, mood and tone takes care of the setting as a horror movie would. Her characters did not have to be explained with bio and the such - there was no need. This story has an air of mystification that grabs you and has a magnetic allurement that will not let you go until you find out why Mama Cried.

You'll be relieved when you know Mad Kitty is there.



This powerful very short stand-alone story is highly recommended.


Deborah DeVore had found my blog on The IndieView


Here is where you can get your fingers on Mama Cried:
  • Amazon  ~   Kindle edition $0.99 USD

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Dead Serious Day by Paulette D. Morrissey ~ 2015

 
Ellen Cooper makes one rash decision, and suddenly her life is turned upside down. She’s suspected of murder and kidnapping all in the same day.




Author: Paulette D. Morrissey
Publisher: Tulip Square Books
Publication date: February 2nd 2015

ebook
Pages: 185
ASIN: B00T57OZ82
Jacket design: Paulette D. Morrissey 
Original photo taken by High Contrast on Wikimedia Commons


 "This book was provided by Paulette D. Morrissey in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."



5 Stars





Paulette D. Morrissey

This mystery novel had me engrossed from the beginning, Dead Serious Day: A Zachary Marchand Mystery (Zachary Marchand Mysteries Book 1) is a great debut from a very talented author. Paulette's writing was well thought out and seriously, had me turning pages. The twists and turns throughout the story had satisfying outcomes so the reader would be entranced in the story-line.

Had me from the beginning:

Thirty-four year old Ellen Cooper made a very ill-considered decision on the biggest morning of her career; turns out that decision gave her an insight into complete madness.



Her ever loveable house-husband Gary was not a morning person. Ellen had a job opportunity that would set their finances in great standings and being late was not an option. With two young adorable children - Katie and Bridget - to get ready for day care and her herself to do last minute touch-ups, Gary needed to get up and help.



One problem - Gary was dead.



Justifying Gary would want her to get that bid even though she should have called the authorities, she left to drop the kids off at their day care and then nail that bid. She'll come home and act as if she had just found him.

Coming home from her job bid on the Fullerton project, which was granted to her, reality struck home. The audacious decision she had made to go to work instead of dealing with a legal problem became a double nightmare for Ellen. And then some.

Jackie Sievers, a neighbor of about ten years, came strolling over when Ellen came home with her "Hi Hon! ..."! in her sing-song of a voice to do their afternoon chat and wanting to borrow that daring red dress.

Both women soon found that not only Ellen's dead husband not there in their bed but Lou, Jackie's husband, was in his stead - dead also.

After spending 8 years on the police force in Milwaukee Zachary Marchand turned private investigator sits Ellen down and tries to decipher her mess. Timing was all off from what Ellen explained to him and then after some humbled insight on Ellen's part she decided to come clean with Zach.

Explaining that she found her husband Gary dead this morning and with her job bid so important she felt Gary would have wanted her to do what she did. How her next door neighbor Lou ended up in her bed dead also and her husband missing was a complete mystery.

Jackie of course thought of affairs. Burning mad, she left for her house.

To make matters worse, a few hours later Ellen learns that her two children have gone missing from their day care.
Being suspected of a double homicide and kidnapping in the span of a day would set anyone into shock. Especially when you know you are innocent.

Paulette's plot is well thought out and she had created suspense in a tirelessly way for the reader. Such a way that you can't put the book down. The twists and turns keeps you wanting to read and hoping for justice. Even her sub-plot with Rudy.

Ms. Morrissey moved coherently through time as Zach delved into everyone's past. The pace of the novel is not quickened to interrupt any "self-thoughts" as you try to figure the whodunnit. Nicely done Paulette.

Her characters are very believable, and I really don't want to sound so cliche, nevertheless her characters had shown true human emotion. Especially the parts where Ellen grieves for her missing family. On the back porch where she sat and let the tears flow, her children's bedroom, the realization when reality was hitting home, Zach was there and needed that human contact. 
Even the anger you read of the antagonist. Paulette wrote in a very "human connection way".

Dialogue was positioned for each character vividly so you could hear the difference in each person without exception. Their interior-dialogue was on point, you would expect them to think the way they were. As I had mentioned - polished author.

Paulette Morrissey explained the story's location, weather, town's scenery, history - all in a very balanced tone and overall mood for a great mystery. Yes, this debut is a great start for her series.

Thought of Michael Connelly and LAPD Detective Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch when I first started reading but glad that Zach and Harry are two different guys. Zachary is a character all on his own with his unruly hair.
I would recommend this read for all mystery lover's and if your not one - you will become one.


Ms. Morrissey had found my blog on The Book Blogger List 


Here's where you can get your fingers on Dead Serious Day:
  • Amazon  ~  Kindle edition $2.99  Paperback $10.99 - USD
  • Barnes&Noble  ~  Paperback $10.99 - USD

Dead Serious Day is Paulette Morrissey's first full length mystery novel and she is working on the sequel in the Zachary Marchand Mystery series. The second book is called "Not My Life" and is due out in late spring 2015.


Enjoy my interview with Paulette D. Morrissey

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The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins ~ 2015


Every day the same, until today




Author: Paula Hawkins
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date: January 13, 2015
Hardcover
Pages: 336
ISBN-13: 9781594633669
Author photographer: (AP) Matt Dunham


What a 5 Star read ~



Paula Hawkins
This debut psychological thriller should start a new category  -  Not-To-Be-Missed.  It will forever change the way you look at other people's lives and the way you imagine them, even if for just a moment while you wait.

This psychologically twisting debut by Paula Hawkins has Rachel Watson, the main character, who is depressed and laments the death of her marriage and also an unemployed alcoholic taking the daily commute from Ashbury to Eustin Station all in a guise to feign employment to her flatmate.

She takes the commute and the ride passes her old neighborhood where she once lived with her ex-husband Tom, where he lives now with his new wife Anna and their child.  You read of the anguish she goes through as she watches them on their terrace when the train stops at the scheduled junction every commute.

A few houses down she sees another couple, whom in her mind, names Jason and Jess and fantasizes of their life.  Jason who travels the world as a doctor and her in the fashion industry.  Living the idyllic life.

Then Rachel sees something that blows that idyllic life out of her imagination she has built for them. Could it be that Jess is having an affair?  Who is that man that she sees kissing?

Then Jess goes missing.

Ironically the same Saturday night Rachel is in a blackout.  The night she got drunk and stumbled down to her old street to (stalk) see Tom.  Rachel has made a history of phoning and dropping off notes to Tom after the divorce - even being distraught of not being able to conceive with Tom, she even wandered into his home with Anna and walked out with their baby in her arms.

With Megan (Jess) missing she offers suggestions to the police based on what she thinks she has seen from the train.  The prime suspect Scott (Jason) is under a lot of stress and she makes her way to his home and eventually to his bed.  She even makes appointments with Megan’s therapist all in an effort to try to help find Megan.

With Rachel's drinking and going into blackouts she has a hard time telling reality and fiction.  Rachel becomes a suspect, even to herself.  Although the police don't hold her, not even on her word.

Megan we find out has her own problems and secrets and then there's Anna - is she really little Miss Perfect?  There's Scott, the bereaved husband; Tom, the ex; Megan's therapist who claims he doesn't believe in hypnotism.  Many characters are all in play in this thriller.

Paula Hawkins structure of her novel is beautifully done with alternating POV from Rachel, Megan, and Anna.  The scenes are timed with edge-of-your-seat page-turning effect, though, the chapters all merge together for a crescendo that I feel some readers might see coming.  The antagonist is there.   The ending is completely satisfying, all those loose-ends are tied up.

Once you start reading this novel it is hard to put down.  It does have a slow start but it builds tension.  There are issues with alcoholism, domestic abuse and many grim issues that are well known in today's society.

I most recommend folks; it should belong in your personal library.

And  -  maybe you should nod in respect when you see a magpie all on its own.  Great debut.


One for Sorrow

One for sorrow,
 Two for joy,
 Three for a girl,
 Four for a boy,
 Five for silver,
 Six for gold,
 Seven for a secret,
 Never to be told.
 Eight for a wish,
 Nine for a kiss,
 Ten for a bird,
 You must not miss.

A common modern version - Of course there are considerable variations in the lyrics used here. 
One for Sorrow is a traditional children's nursery rhyme about magpies.   According to an old superstition, the number of magpies one sees determines if one will have bad luck or not.


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The Girl On The Train ~ How the daily commute inspired a bestseller




The Girl on the Train with author Paula Hawkins

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Folks, here is a link to Paula's Notes & Highlights on Goodreads



Here's where you can get your finger's on The Girl On The Train:
  • Amazon  ~  Kindle edition $6.49  Hardcover $16.17 - USD

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The Dearly Departed Dating Service by Rae Renzi ~ 2015


Joy had it all: a promising medical career, a handsome and kind fiancé, a bright future. Until it all came crashing down in one shattering moment.



Author: Rae Renzi
Publisher: Grey Gecko Press 
Published: February 14th 2015
ebook
Pages: 241
ASIN: B00RM9XRL6
Language: English



"This book was provided by Grey Gecko Press in exchange for my honest review alongside my proffered thank-you for asking."



4 Stars



Rae Renzi
An entertaining read for the weekend reader. The story was a bit amusing with lighthearted comedy and I didn't think the story was going anywhere right at first, but, it did. The story had a problem in the beginning and then moved on solving that problem with a slight mystery air to it. It exceeded my preconceived notion.

The tale opened up with Joy Abercrombie, on her first day observing in the OR, watches an all self-absorbed surgeon stepping in as a replacement for Dr. Thompson, come in with the air of a god. Ego-mania radiated from him as one observer whispered to Joy "Ego swamp here."

As he started barking orders, Joy watched the patient being wheeled in and stepped closer to view over a nurses shoulder. Her world stopped. The patient was her boyfriend Craig, where earlier in the day he promised her that he would be home when she got there.

The story continues when after Craig's death, she realizes she can see his spirit and can actually talk with him. Now she understands she can communicate with the Departed and starts to have what I felt was a facetious relationship with them. The story took on more of a humorous role.

 Two years later, she needs to save her family's home from being foreclosed and with the amounting bills she has accumulated from medical school she needs to do something. She's working in the mortuary's Restorative Art room and the pay, well, it's just not there. She gets an idea from Mr. Fredrick Botts, Funeral Director of Tranquility Park Funeral Home, whom loves to brainstorm ideas on how to advertise business and has a weak grasp on reality.

Knowing from the serious side of the badinage gossip of the Departed, everyone (on both sides) has loved ones who are bereaved. And the only way to move on with life is to find another - hence - The Dearly Departed Dating Service.

Rae Renzi's writing is smooth and at times predictable, yet, it is enjoyable. The relationships within the story are quite convincing given the scenario. Though her relationship with Mr. Ego Surgeon was too predictable, you knew the relationship was definitely going places but I didn't care for the "timed" meetings and surprises. And I did not like Mr. Ego's offering to solve Joy's financial problem.

Her theme touched on some medical ethics and hypothesis of the hereafter and I enjoyed Renzi's questioning of them. Could make quite the controversy.

She made her characters very believable in their surroundings in their own weird way. One could possibly imagine on what to do and what to say when you could be in the "in-between". Her characters made the book.

 Her overall story-telling is great.The main character, Joy, had the same problem she was trying to fix for the Departed. The ending stopped to suddenly for me, but, I tell you folks it is a good read. I would recommend it for a cozy weekend read.



The Dearly Departed Dating Service



Here's where you can get your fingers on The Dearly Departed Dating Service:
  • Amazon  ~  Kindle edition $2.99  Hardcover $18.99 - USD

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