Category: News/Misc. Page 199 of 229

Let There Be Linda Excerpt: Donald the Dentist

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On June 28, 2016

In Book Tour, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Quotations

Donald the Dentist

It was Wednesday noon. Donald the Dentist only worked a half-day (one to five), which was a good thing because he had been up all night doing cocaine in his office after Detective Shuler had handed over the garbage bag holding his dead dog. He couldn’t bear going to bed and listening to Carol cry herself to sleep.

He had finally dozed off somewhere around six and was awakened by the sound of music—literally; The Sound of Music was blasting in the living room—Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and all the various Von Trapps singing “So Long, Farewell” as they slipped into the night and across the border.

He rubbed his index finger through the white dust on the mirror on the coffee table, ran the finger across his gums, got out of the armchair, picked up the garbage bag that held Chachi’s carcass, and walked out of his office. He went down the hall, intending to grab a shovel from the garage so he could dig a hole in the backyard behind the trees beyond the pool and bury the bag, but he arrived at the large living room just in time to see his wife kick the chair away from her feet—the chair she was standing on, so she could hang herself with the rope she had looped over the rafters that spanned the room beneath the twenty-foot, tongue-in-groove, cathedral ceiling painted Dr. Seuss red.

Let There Be Linda Excerpt: Meet Jenny Stone

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On June 28, 2016

In Book Tour, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Quotations

Meet Jenny Stone

“I’m Danny Miller,” he said, taking the chair next to her, “President of Miller Talent Agency.” There was a bamboo reception desk, a wicker loveseat, the two chairs, the big mirror, and a fan that made a dying animal noise. There was no receptionist.

She was sitting, but Danny thought she might be five foot five or so. She had straight-as-string brown hair that was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Her skin was smooth and clear and white, as if she never went out into the Southern California sunshine. She wore zero makeup. No gloss, no eye shadow, no blush. She wore thick black glasses. She was thin, he thought, but he couldn’t really tell what was happening under her blousy blue shirt and gray Catholic-school skirt. She wore knee socks and sensible shoes. She had brown eyes that made him think of coffee. She was younger than him, late twenties. She wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. She was unadorned in every regard. It was as if she were trying not to be here—or anywhere—trying to be unnoticed by any and all. There was no guessing what kind of talent she thought she had.

“I’m Jenny Stone,” she said in soft voice void of confidence, a voice that in and of itself was trying to be unnoticed. “What do you do, Jenny Stone?” Danny said, putting his hand out.

She shook his hand and said, “I bring dead people back to life.”

Saturday Miscellany – 6/25/16

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On June 25, 2016

In Books, News/Misc.

Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

    This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:

  • The Pursuit by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg — The 5th installment in the Fox and O’Hare series. It’s one of the most entertaining series going, and I can’t imagine that this is anything but good.
  • Play Nice by Michael Guillebeau — how do you not want to read something described as “an Elmore Leonard-style Nancy Drew story”?
  • Waypoint Kangaroo by Curtis C. Chen — a thriller with SF elements and a sense of humor. Sounds Perfect.
  • New Pompeii by Daniel Godfrey — killer concept.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and thanks to bensbitterblog and Karen for the feedback — I really appreciate that.

Saturday Miscellany – 6/18/16

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On June 18, 2016

In Books, News/Misc.

Only a few odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

    This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:

  • The Ghost Rebellion by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris — Yay! The 5th Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novel is here. I enjoyed this one, I think you will, too. (I posted about it last week)
  • The Last Adventure of Constance Verity by A. Lee Martinez — Martinez is writing a series, which is enough to get me interested. Add in the hero who’s been saving the world for about 30 years, and just wants to be normal, and I’m beyond interested.
  • Shadowed by Karen E. Olson — so, Nicole Jones’ attempt to lie low on Block Island failed. What do you want to bet her Canadian location works out better? Yeah, me neither.
  • Stiletto by Daniel O’Malley — This is sitting on my TBR shelf (literally), and it’s driving me crazy that I can’t fit it in for a couple of weeks.
  • Man On A Rock by Grant Sutherland — Fahrenheit Press’ first novella looks like the kind of thriller summers are designed for. (you know, if summers were designed for people who read)
  • Escapology by Ren Warom — looks like a classic cyberpunk novel, just brand spankin’ new.
  • Mechanical Failure by Joe Zieja — SF with action and humor. I’m reading comparisons to Scalzi and Adams. Even without those, this looks fun.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and welcome to Alois Larc and greatestcatpics for following the blog this week.

In Medias Res: The Asset by Shane Kuhn

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On June 16, 2016

In Authors, Currently Reading, Fiction, In Medias Res, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Rick Riordan, Shane Kuhn

as the title implies, I’m in the middle of this book, so this is not a review, just some thoughts mid-way through.

—–

The Asset
The Asset

by Shane Kuhn

This is not the Shane Kuhn you know. Well, sort of. This is a standalone thriller about Airport/Airplane Security, Terrorism, and the USA’s efforts to keep the friendly skies, well, friendly. It’s not as fun and funny as The Intern’s Handbook or Hostile Takeover (or whatever they’re called in your part of the world). BUT it is just as well-written and suspenseful — and a little easier to believe, actually.

There are hints, suggestions, indicators, and other things pointing to an immanent terrorist attack on the U.S., and not enough people are taking the situation seriously. At least, least that’s the point of view of Kennedy, the security expert and protagonist, who is taking it very seriously. Taking place over 64 days (not a spoiler, that’s literally the 2nd line — although, there could be some action that takes place after that). Will Kennedy be in time to stop it? How will he? this is a pulse-pounder, a nail-biter, a “oh, crud — do I really have to go to work tomorrow? Do I actually need to sleep before then?” kind of book.

I think I’d prefer it to be harder to believe than the other two books, come to think of it.

I’m almost at the mid-way point of the ARC (with thanks to Simon & Schuster and Shane Kuhn) and I’m telling you now, you want to pre-order this, get on your library’s wait-list, or whatever (legal) thing you do to get your hands on a book. It comes out on July 12, you want to be ready for it.

Audiobooks and Other Programming Notes

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On June 16, 2016

In Audiobook, News/Misc.

Two days without a post about a book, which is pretty annoying — I’ve been working on a couple, but somehow I haven’t finished any since Tuesday. Sorry!

So my new job involves a lot of — I want to say mindless work, but that’s not true. Le’s just say that there’s a lot of work where you’re isolated and could use something to occupy part of your mind. So I’ve been listening to more audiobooks than normal. Many of which are books I’ve read before, so they’re sort of part of the Reread Project. But I’m working in a few new books, too. I need to get better a simply regurgitating what I’ve said before about these re-reads, I realize.

Let me just say, I’m really disappointed in the tastes of whoever it is in my library that borrows audiobooks. Based on the selection, there’s high demand for lousy books.

Come to think of it, looking at the shelves, that’s true of paper books, too — it’s just more obvious in the small sample size of audiobooks.

Anyway, when it comes to audiobooks, it’s impossible to just keep things to the writing itself, performance comes in to play, too. So I have to talk that some (and I’ve listened to a couple lately that have hurt the books, and a couple that have helped the books, one or two that made no difference). I want to keep the focus on writing, story, character — but part of the audiobook experience is the narrator(s). I may end up lumping a few write-ups into one post instead of several individual. Also, I’m going to try to keep the audiobook talk to Fridays (no reason, just wanted to pick a day).

So, that’s what’s going on with me — a little writer’s block, a whole bunch of good books, a new type of book showing up regularly, and me falling more and more behind on posts.

What are you reading lately?

A Nifty Surprise from Pocket Books!

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On June 14, 2016

In News/Misc., Science Fiction

When I got home from work today, a package containing this letter was waiting for me:

For those who can’t make it out, it reads:
Dear Reader,

You are receiving this package because you have recently been identified as a “superfan” of Kim Harrison! Enclosed here are two paperback copies of The Drafter, one for you and one for a friend. Please read, enjoy and share your thoughts with friends and family.

The next novel in the Peri Reed Chronicles, The Operator, goes on sale this November. Upon publication, we will happily send you a copy of The Operator to read, review, and share with friends.
Thank you for your continued enthusiasm for Kim Harrison’s work! Happy Reading!

With best wishes,

Now, this is coolest surprise I’ve received in quite a while. I’ve already got a copy of The Drafter, so I guess I have two for friends. I’ll figure out how I’m going to give these away soon (feel free to leave suggestions in the Comments below). As far as sharing my thoughts on it? I’ve done a bit of that already (here, here, and a little bit here)– but in essence, it’s the best thing I’ve read by Harrison, ever. And as a newly official Kim Harrison Superfan, when I say it’s the best, that means something 🙂 (or maybe, as a superfan, I’m too biased to pay attention to, but let’s ignore that possibility)

And getting a copy of The Operator? Suh-weet!

Here’s my question, though: How the grawlix did they get my address?!?!

Saturday Miscellany – 6/11/16

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On June 11, 2016

In Books, News/Misc.

Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:

    This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:

  • Infomocracy by Malka Older — post-cyberpunk, political-technological thriller.
  • The Bookman by Lavie Tidhar — Angry Robot republished this Victorian adventure that I always meant to get around to. Good reminder.

Lastly, I’d like to thanks to a href=”https://thereadingdesk.wordpress.com/” target=”_blank”>Vijayalakshmi Harish for all the encouragement this week, check out her pretty nifty blog, too.

(source unknown)

Saturday Miscellany – 6/4/16

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On June 4, 2016

In Books, News/Misc.

Odds ‘n ends over the week about books and reading that caught my eye. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them (especially if you read BookRiot a lot), but just in case:

    This Week’s New Releases I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:

  • The Cupid Reconciliation by Michael R. Underwood — The bestest
    Genrenaut     story yet. I hope you all are reading this series (or at least buying them).
  • We’re All Damaged by Matthew Norman — Norman’s follow-up to Domestic Violets is a strong candidate for my year-end list. Probably a stronger candidate if I ever get around to reading it. Still, it looks nice on my TBR shelf.
  • The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction by Neil Gaiman — do I really need to say more than just the author’s name?
  • Death by Cliché by Bob Defendi — “Death by Cliché is a heartwarming tale of catastrophic brain damage. Share it with someone you love. Or like. Or anyone at all. Buy the book.” The Big Idea about it.

Lastly, I’d like to say hi and thanks to Sidney (in case you’re reading this) for the very nice and helpful email this week.

A Change of Heart by Mark Benjamin

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On June 3, 2016

In Fiction, News/Misc., Urban Fantasy

A Change of HeartA Change of Heart

by Mark Benjamin
Series: The Royal Blood Chronicles, #1

Kindle Edition, 426 pg.
Mark Benjamin, 2016

Read: May 26 – 31, 2016

When I listen to/read interviews with authors, I hear frequent mentions of “Trunk Novels” (writers of other formats have similar labels for their scripts or whatever), the novels they wrote at the beginning of their careers that they don’t try to submit to agents/publishers, but use to learn their craft. Then they put them in a trunk (or a disused folder on their hard drive), and move on. In the age of digital publishing, there are (I fear) a lot of what would otherwise be Trunk Novels up for sale at various places online. I think ten years ago, A Change of Heart would probably have been that kind of learning experience for Mark Benjamin, instead, it went up for sale last weekend.

Don’t get me wrong — it’s not a bad book. Sure not a good book, either.

A Royal vampire is about to die, but he knows (based on a prophetic vision) that he will sire the most powerful vampire in history. Which means he’d better get to siring, and quick. Thankfully, a bullied bookworm stumbles upon him at just this point, and just before dawn, Gabriel Harper is turned into a vampire.

What follows for Gabe is a lot like the best part of the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie, he stops wearing glasses, becomes muscular and coordinated, confident enough to take on bullies and talk to girls. Sure, he has a craving for raw meat — but you can’t get everything you want, right?

Gabe and his friends are out celebrating their graduation a couple of months later and are almost attacked by some vampires. This attack (and Gabe’s probable successful defense of his pals) is prevented by a group of paramilitary men. These are members of the Silver Legion — a group dedicated to hunting down vampires (see The Initiative from Buffy season 4). Because Gabe & co saw them, they are drafted into the Legion. Basically. It’s not really that well justified, honestly.

The Legionnaires are supposedly a well-oiled machine, but basically are on the verge of falling apart — petty rivalries, glory-hounds, secret initiatives and politics are about to tear everything apart. How supernaturally strong creatures haven’t destroyed them yet is just a sign that they’re not trying that hard. The Vampire Courts are just as rife with internal weaknesses and schemes, which probably explains why the Legion still has a chance.

Benjamin did pull off a late surprise — I’d sussed it out before he revealed it, but not long before. I’ve got to give him that (which sounds more begrudging than I intended). On the whole, the intertwining plots just make everything unnecessarily convoluted — he was going for complex, but missed. The last two chapters were clearly intended to spur readers on to the sequel, but I’m not sure they set the bait quite right — the last chapter in particular was more obscure than mysterious.

Weak plot elements can be forgiven and/or overlooked if you’re given characters you can care about. And there just aren’t that many of them here. There are a few characters I like, but just a bit — the way that Benjamin writes these people make it hard to like, empathize with, or care about.

There was a lot of talk about senility, occasionally involving people a decade or two away from it. Along the same lines, you’ve got a lot of college students (on the verge of graduation, no less) acting like high schoolers. For that matter, the back-biting, scheming, and jealousy displayed by both members of the Legionnaires and Vampires seems fit for Beverly Hills, 90210. Don’t get me started on discussions of virginity — I cannot believe adults carrying on that way.

I didn’t intend on writing a negative post here — I liked bits of it, and I’ve read worse things this year — mostly, I didn’t mind it and am pretty lukewarm about it. Benjamin was trying, he set his sights on the sky and tried to hit it. Sadly he didn’t.

In short, there are worse ways to spend some time than with this book — and underneath a lot of mis-directed ambition, there’s the makings of a good book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for this post — sorry about that Mr. Benjamin.

—–

2 1/2 Stars

Page 199 of 229

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