Book Review for 'Last Tango In Jacksonville' by William Rue

Last Tango In Jacksonville was written by William Rue and was published by CreatSpace in 2010.

Paul Sommers' wife Cordie has walked out on him and their children to be with a man she met while in rehab. Now Paul has decided that a trip to Jacksonville, Florida to visit his wife's oldest and dearest friend is his next step. Laura Chambliss is beautiful, divorced and ready for action, and Paul has obsessed over her for the last 15 years. After arriving in Jacksonville, Paul finds himself unexpectedly embarking on a wildly dangerous but erotic journey in which he and Laura explore the deepest and most sensual desires imaginable.

But when Paul's wife finds out about the affair, things begin to fall apart and Paul begins to loose touch with reality.

First, let me say that this story is definitely rated 'R', with very explicit sexual situations. That being said, it was also humorous and heartbreaking at the same time. The emotional side of the story was well written and intriguing. The comparisons of Paul's relationships with his wife and with his lover are wonderful. I loved the story and it was easy to follow the action.

Last Tango In Jacksonville is a great read and should be on every one's reading list. Just remember that it is very sexually explicit, but a great story of love, lust and tragedy. I am giving Last Tango In Jacksonville a 4 spider rating. Please check out this interesting read.

T Lane

Book Review for Beth Hoffman's Saving CeeCee Honeycutt

New York Times Best Seller, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt was written by Beth Hoffman and published by Pamela Doorman Books/Viking in 2010. It is available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com/

Twelve year old Cecilia Honeycutt isn't your average little girl. Due to her father's job and his absence, CeeCee has spent the better part of the last few years caring for her mother. Camille Honeycutt is young, vibrant and the newly crowned Vidalia Onion Queen. The problem is, Camille Honeycutt isn't a beauty queen anymore but a mother with a seriously deteriorating mental condition. As Camille's mental health continues to unravel, CeeCee is forced to take care of her mother alone. When Camille is tragically knocked right out of her red pageant shoes and killed by a Happy Cow Ice Cream truck, CeeCee's father decides that the child would be better off with her aging and eccentric Aunt Tootie from Savannah, Georgia.

What CeeCee discovers in the deep south are lessons and friendships she might never have known without the tragic circumstances of her life.

A wonderfully warm tale with a thick southern drawl, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt made me laugh and sometimes even cry. Insanity, racism and even child neglect pull at the fringes of Hoffman's novel but somehow she finds a way to make Saving CeeCee Honeycutt different by focusing on the things we don't expect...good times, good friends & happy endings.

I read Beth Hoffman's book in the dead of winter but could somehow still smell the Magnolia blossoms and feel the thick, humid heat in the air as I turned the pages of this wonderful southern charmer. I am giving Saving CeeCee Honeycutt a 4-spider rating and recommending it to anyone looking for a different, lighter spin on the southern novel. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is a real gem and sweeter than molasses.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'The Price of Life' by Greg McCarthy

The Price of Life was written by Greg McCarthy and published by Otherworld Publications, LLC, in July, 2010. You may purchase it from http://www.amazon.com/.

Jennifer Haller is an eight year old with a brain tumor that is killing her. But her mother Julie, finds that the insurance company is refusing to pay for Jennifer's surgery. Shortly after Jennifer's diagnosis, her father, Marine Captain Ed Haller loses his leg to a road-side bomb in Iraq and is sent home to rehabilitate while his daughter fights the cancer that inevitably kills her.

The Hallers turn to attorney Grant Mercer, whom they hire to sue the attending neurologist and find some justice for their daughter. But they soon learn that the government has put a cap on the amount of money that can be awarded. Unconcerned with the money, but wanting to honor their daughter, the Hallers proceed.

Then Mercer puts together the deaths of a lobbyist, a state senator and an insurance executive with the kidnapping of Jennifer's doctor, and discovers how far some will go when other options fail.

Mr. McCarthy has been a practicing attorney for 24 years and has seen both sides of medical malpractice cases in Texas. He has nailed this legal/medical thriller and made it very hard to put down. The characters are true-to-life and made me sympathetic for their anger and sadness. The Price of Life is so spot-on for our day and time, that I am giving it a 4 spider rating.

Anyone who loves a legal/medical thriller will want to read this one. Great first novel by this up-and-comer.

T Lane

Book Review for 'Nail Your Novel' by Roz Morris

Nail Your Novel was written by Roz Morris and is available for purchase at www.dirtywhitecandy.com/ or www.amazon.com/
Here at WebbWeaver, we don't normally review non-fiction or self-help books, but when Roz asked us to review her book Nail Your Novel, we couldn't resist. We are constantly being bombarded with questions from aspiring authors about the writing process and how to stick with it. This book answers all those questions and more.

Roz Morris is a professional writer with over 12 titles to her name as well as many others she has ghost-written for some big name authors, so her insight and advise is invaluable. Roz lays out a simple format, explaining everything you would like to know from start to finish when it comes to writing a novel. Nail Your Novel is a step-by-step, in depth look into characterization, plot development, first drafts and even book synopsis. Everything that can help you get an agent or help you sell that book.

Nail Your Novel also touches on the difficulties and obstacles that occur during the writing process and that, often times, hinder an author from completing their novel or cause them to simply abandon the manuscript altogether.

I am giving Nail Your Novel a 5-spider rating and recommending it not only to aspiring writers, but to seasoned authors as well. Anyone looking to start out in the writing profession or looking to get back on track in an established career will find a priceless tool in Nail Your Novel.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Tales From Gundarland' by Hank Quense

Tales From Gundarland was written by Hank Quense and published by CreateSpace in June, 2010. It can be purchase at www.amazon.com and you can read more about Hank at www.hankquense.com

Tales From Gundarland is a compilation of six short stories and two novellas filled with a host of interesting and memorable characters. Each story is entertaining and will easily hold your interest. The book has a wonderful introduction that gives you facts about the population and diversity of the people of Gundarland and each story tells a tale that will entertain and keep you laughing.

Mr. Quense's style of writing grabs and holds your attention and moves you along through the entire book. Each story has a different theme but they all are very interesting and enjoyable.

I am giving Tales From Gundarland a 4 spider rating and recommending that you check out this great little book. It has something for all ages.

T Lane

Book Review of 'Cataclysm Children' by Paul Nemeth

Cataclysm Children was written by Paul Nemeth and published by StoneGarden.net Publishing in November of 2009. You may purchase the book at www.amazon.com and you can find out more about Mr. Nemeth at www.paul-nemeth.com

Ian Andrews, otherwise known as 'Fury', was a founding member of the 'Brotherhood of the Wolf' back in 1990, when he and a group of young, angry youth formed the satanic cult. The cult was the only family these kids knew, but after a string of violent incidents, the cult's leader is jailed and the group, quieted. Ian moves on with his life and leaves the area to find a better life for himself.

But in 2003, Ian returns home for a friend's funeral, only to discovers that his young nephew is being dragged into the same cult. A few angry men are leading a group of young boys in a reign of hatred and terror and Ian must struggle to save his nephew before it's too late.

Mr. Nemeth has given a voice to the youth of our country who need guidance and direction, but who have been largely forgotten in our society. Cataclysm Children is the story of what happens to these forgotten children and what can take place when they are left to make their own way. It should be read by every busy parent whose child has outgrown the innocents of youth. This book will open the eyes of adults who read it and hopefully will hit home in our society.

I am giving Cataclysm Children a four spider rating and hoping that every parent will take the time to read this frightening but enlightening book.

SB Price

Short Story Review for 'HAWK' by Cynthia Hepner

HAWK was written by Cynthia Hepner. It is one of many of her stories that are available through Cynthia's site at www.cynthiahapner.com/ or http://www.smashwords.com/

Hawk is a Native American who also happens to be the leading defense attorney in the state of Washington. But what sets Hawk apart from other lawyers, isn't his heritage or his bank account but rather his uncanny ability to see the truth in his clients. Hawk will never take a case if he isn't 100% certain that the person is innocent. When Hawk is approached by Cassie White Eagle about her missing younger brother, Hawk quickly dismisses the woman. Cassie's persistence soon pays off and Hawk agrees to look into the disappearance. After having his investigator research the case, they find that the boy was arrested and never seen again. The jail says they don't have the boy but an insider says different. What they find is a cover up by, not only the local authorities but some big players in politics. Time is running out for Jason White Eagle and Hawk must sift through an ever thickening web of lies and deceit in order to get to the truth and stop the clock that is ticking for the missing boy.

Hawk is a well written and cleanly put together story with likable characters. It is listed as a short story but could easily launch a fantastic series of novellas, with Hawk as the central character. I am giving HAWK a 4-spider rating and recommending it to lovers of legal suspense. Cynthia Hepner has stumbled across something special with this one and I can't wait to see where she will go next.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Secret Agenda' by Jerry Banks

Secret Agenda was written by Jerry Banks and published by SterlingHouse Publisher, Inc. in 2009. It can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/. You can read all about Jerry on his site at http://www.jerrybanksbooks.com/

Attorney Barry O'Shea is drawn into a legal battle when the cult, known as the Ngawangeesh and their leader, Shabdrung, initiate a take-over of Sherman County. The people of the county are not too keen on the idea of the cult trying to subdivide their county and O'Shea sets out to find a way to stop the cult in their tracks.
The cult leader, Shabdrung, and his inner circle have managed to pay off a few people and blackmail a few more, in order to further their plan to get a foothold in the US, but Barry has a plan to prevent the takeover and run the cult out of the county.

Jerry Banks lays down a solid foundation of suspense in this first book in the Barry O'Shea series. Bank's experience in trial law, makes him a prime candidate to write this intriguing tale and bring forth the imaginative characters in it. This novel made me wonder just how easy it would be for this very scenario to actually happen in our complacent society. What would you be willing to do to keep subversives from taking over you county, state or country?

Barry O'Shea will do what is legally necessary to win back the rights of American citizens.

I'm giving Secret Agenda a 4-spider rating. If you ever wondered about what it would be like to lose control of your country, you need to read this book.

DJ Weaver

Introduction And Review of Discovery ID Hardcover Mysteries

Discovery ID proudly presents their newest series, Hardcover Mysteries, Monday nights at 9/8 central on cable channel Investigation Discovery. You can also follow Discovery ID on Twitter (@DiscoveryID) for an opportunity to see your favorite author tweet about the episodes they are featured in.

Hardcover Mysteries is a comprehensive look inside the real life crimes that became the basis for fiction novels by some of America's greatest mystery/crime writers.

In this week's episode of Hardcover Mysteries, New York Times Best Selling author Sandra Brown tackles a grisly murder in the quaint Texas town of Tyler. What initially appeared to be a random homicide quickly became a nightmare for not only the friends of the victim but for the entire town itself. Soon, Tyler, TX, would find itself being terrorized by a racist gang of vigilantes and the inspiration for the novel, The Witness written by Sandra Brown.

Investigation Discovery has added a brand new chapter to television on Monday nights with their gripping glimpses into the true life crimes that feed our greatest fiction novels. Hardcover Mysteries has taken an old concept and made it fresh and appealing to all lovers of the true crime and mystery/crime fiction genres. Hardcover Mysteries will surely open the flood gates to a new batch of true crime TV watchers while they bring mystery & crime novels to new and old fans alike.

I am giving Hardcover Mysteries a 5-spider rating and setting aside Mondays for my new obsession. From the front pages of the headlines to the pages of a book, Hardcover Mysteries will keep you guessing until the very end.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Blood of the Moon' by Richard Gazala

Blood of the Moon was written by Richard Gazala and published by iUniverse, Inc. in 2009. It is available for purchase from http://www.amazon.com/. You can read more about Richard at http://www.richardgazala.com/

Apollo astronaut, Michael Rivers brought something back from the moon in 1972. Now, in 2016, his son David, a second-generation oilman who now runs a multinational oil company, is plunged into a maelstrom of mystery and murder.

The world has gone mad as nations and people fight over the remaining, limited oil reserves on earth, and David Rivers, with the help of Secret Service Special Agent Melina Nwar, must uncover the secret that will flip the balance of play and change the world forever. What was it that former astronaut Michael Rivers brought back from the moon so many years ago, and who are the mysterious Hostmen of Newcastle.

David must find the answers to these questions in order to set things right.

Richard Gazala has written a novel that sees into the future and gives the reader a glimpse of things to come. His characters are appealing and relevant and his story line is crisp and fresh. Blood of the Moon is a spot-on prediction of our world in the not too distant future and of what could happen if we continue to use up our natural resources at the present alarming rate. It is scary and will make you think about how we will be living in years to come, if things do not change.

I am giving Blood of the Moon a 4-spider rating. This book is a chilling look into man's future on earth and I recommend it to anyone who is not afraid to look.

DJ Weaver

Book Review for 'The Faithful' by Jonathan Weyer

The Faithful was written by Jonathan Weyer and published by Brio Press. It will be available for purchase at www.amazon.com/
Aidan Schaeffer, an assistant pastor, has lost many things in the last year. First he loses his parents to an arson fire, then his fiance' Amanda to another pastor and finally his own faith. But when Aidan learns of the unexplained murder of his ex-fiance', he is immediately hurled into a deadly fight of spirituality, reality and the supernatural. Aidan is being haunted by whispers and footsteps of unknown origin that seem to be following his every move.

As the police investigate him for the murder of Amanda, Aidan finds solace and support in Jennifer Brown, the detective investigating the murder. Jennifer helps him discover the true evil that is happening around them.

A ritual to control the souls of the unrighteous dead through magic finds Aidan and Jennifer in a struggle with good and evil. Only Aidan can uncover the identities of the murderers, while finding a way to rediscover his lost faith and give himself over to loving once more.

I found The Faithful to be a book like no other. It had a religious background but it also held deep roots in the supernatural. The Faithful is a genre completely all its own...Christian Horror. The Faithful kept me on the edge of my seat and always guessing what was going to happen next. It was a scary-good story and one that I hope Mr. Weyer chooses to continue.

I am giving The Faithful a 5 spider rating and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a great horror.

CE Knight

CE Knight is an avid reader who attends South Lamar High School and plays football for the South Lamar Stallions. He is the 16 year old son of WebbWeaver reviewer T. Lane.

I was completely blown away by The Faithful. Jonathan Weyer has plunged a knife deep into the horror genre and pulled out a most unique concept. This is my first Christian Horror and because of Mr. Weyer, it will not be my last. The Faithful lays down a storyline and protagonist that I would follow for many more installments. CE Knight may be our youngest reviewer but he hit the nail on the head with his 5 spider rating. A must read for anyone looking for a gripping new take on the horror genre.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Mind Walker' by Roy McConnell

Mind Walker was written by Roy McConnell and published by iUniverse in September, 2009.
Tara Ostermann is a privileged young woman who is born into a very influential Canadian family. On her 21st birthday, her father has chosen to reveal that power which makes Tara an Ostermann. She shares this power with the male ancestors in her family, with the exception of one other female, making Tara only the second woman in the Ostermann line to hold the power and she may well become the most powerful of all.

But Tara rejects the life her father is forcing on her and makes a decision to leave. Little does she know that her body guard and ex-CIA officer, Chris Landry will follow her on a journey that will lead them all over the western hemisphere, while Tara's unique abilities will help them on their quest.

This book was an absolute page turner, with suspense, intrigue, sex, love and covert military ops. at every turn. All the action kept me on the edge but the detail didn't overwhelm me. I really enjoyed Mr. McConnell's style of writing as it keeps the reader involved and interested throughout the entire book. I highly recommend this fast-paced satisfying read. Mind Walker gets 5 spiders from me.

SB Price

Book Review for 'Taken By Midnight' by Lara Adrian

Taken By Midnight was written by Lara Adrian and published September 28, 2010 by Dell. It is available for purchase at www.amazon.com/ You can visit Lara's website at www.laraadrian.com/

Jenna Darrow has been savagely and brutally attacked by an Ancient, a deadly alien breed of vampire. When Jenna awakens in the compound that belongs to The Order, a group of warrior vampires who protect other vampires and humans alike, she remembers the choice given to her by the Ancient...Die now or live. As all the Breed Warriors struggle to understand why Jenna was left alive, they discover that the ancient has left behind a 'gift' inside of Jenna that cannot be explained. As Jenna begins to evolve and change she finds that her only solace and peace are found in Brock, the Breed Warrior who has been assigned to protect her. While the Warriors continue to track down Dragos, a deadly foe who wages war against the breed and all of humanity, Jenna is quickly evolving into something that none of the Breed have ever seen.

I have not read a book in the Midnight Breed Series since Midnight Rising, but I am reminded now why I love these books so much. Lara Adrian has created a new spin on vampires and their origin. She has not only made them HOT but also strong, sensitive and very desirable at the same time. The Dermaglyphs that signify the Midnight Breed Warrior add a fiery touch to Adrian's delicious descriptions of the warriors. Taken By Midnight had me from start to finish, leaving me plagued with a whole slew of questions and counting the days until the next book is released. I am giving Taken By Midnight a 4-spider rating and recommending it to anyone who loves a sizzling hot, action packed vampire tale unlike any other. Lara Adrian's vampires do not sparkle and trust me when I say...You will be so glad they don't!

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Flank Hawk' by Terry W. Ervin, II

Flank Hawk was written by Terry W. Ervin, II and published by Gryphonwood Press in July, 2009. It may be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/.

Krish is a farm boy who joins with cousins and friends against an Evil that is trying to take over their land, the only home he has ever known. The Necromancer King has resurrected Nazi war technologies almost three thousand years after the fall of civilization as we know it. This technology presents great challenges for Krish and his new friends and allies in this war of mythical proportions. Krish quickly becomes a mercenary fighter and proves his worth as a determined warrior as he defends the Prince and King he has pledged allegiance to.

This story is filled with fantastic creatures from all manner of fictional lore and then brings them all into one riveting tale of bravery and coming of age, testing the reader's imagination. Mr. Ervin involves the reader in Krish's tale and makes them earnestly want him to succeed. The story is unique and never boring. Twists and turns throughout the book kept me entertained and wondering what was coming next. I am giving Flank Hawk a 3 spider rating and hoping that Mr. Ervin decides to extend Krish's tale.

SB Price

Book Review of 'VICTIM SIX' by Gregg Olsen

Victim Six was written by Gregg Olsen and published in 2010 by Pinnacle. It is available for purchase at www.amazon.com/
Kendall Stark is an investigator working in Port Orchard, Washington for the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office. The case of a missing women, a local brush picker, has been dropped into Kendall's lap. The case seems suspicious to Kendall but to her partner, Josh Anderson, it looks like just another case of a young girl going back home. The two soon find that the real truth behind Celesta Delgado's disappearance is more disturbing than they could ever have imagined.
As more missing women turn up brutally tortured and murdered, Kendall Stark is determined to stop the madman, now dubbed 'The Kitsap Cutter' by local news entities. The killer himself is feeding information to a local reporter who uses it to get the story and make a name for herself. But, what she is hiding may just be the key to unlock the identity of the killer and save the lives of the women in Kitsap County.
I could not put this one down. The killer's methodology and thinking was as sadistic and twisted as they come and yet, completely entrancing. Victim Six is NOT for the faint of heart and will surely have its readers glancing nervously over one shoulder. Gregg Olsen twists the reader's insides and makes one draw ones feet into the fetal position as his explosive ending hits head on. One of the very best thrillers I have read this year and the reason I am giving Victim Six a 5-spider rating. Gregg Olsen's books are addictive and to use a quote from his killer...'Nobody can read just one'!
CK Webb

Book Review of 'Ashes To Water' by Irene Ziegler

Ashes To Water was written by Irene Ziegler and published in June 2010 by Five Star Publishing. It can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/.

Annie Bartlett, along with her ill sister Leigh, have returned home to bury their murdered father. Annie must confront her old life and come to grips with her father's tangled past. While attempting to sort out her father's affairs, Annie has 'visits' from her deceased mother which further obstruct her from her task. She also finds herself investigating the murder of her father in order to help a woman she has never met, but who everyone believes, committed his murder.

Most people think that Annie and her sister, should just move on, but at the same time, Annie stumbles into the middle of a strange plot not of her making, and uncovers an unknown threat to the small town. Annie must solve her father's murder, while helping her sister and finding a way to have peace, renewed hope and healing in her life.

I found Ashes To Water to be a very interesting thriller that kept me guessing throughout the entire book. There was a lot of action and a few plot twists but Irene Ziegler linked them all together in the end and left me shocked and wanting more. I love a good thriller and this book held my attention all the way through. I'm giving Ashes To Water a 4-spider rating.

I love to read whenever possible and this is my first review for WebbWeaver. I enjoyed Ashes To Water so much and I would recommend this book to anyone.

T. Lane

Book Review of 'Wired Kingdom' by Rick Chesler

Wired Kingdom was published in May, 2010 by Variance Publishing and can be purchased at www.amazon.com

FBI Agent Tara Shores is trying to make a name for herself in the boy's club that is the FBI. But when she is passed over on a big assignment for a seemingly unimportant one, it actually turns out to be a 'whale' of a case. A whale, wired with a web cam made with stolen defense technology, has 'witnessed' a gruesome murder at sea and has broadcast it all over the World Wide Web. Agent Shores is brought in to find out whether this broadcast is all a scam set up by the owners of the website, or an actual murder. The case takes some twists and turns that put Agent Shores in the national eye, as well as in danger, while multiple players in this game make her job more difficult with every turn.

Author and Marine Biologist Rick Chesler, has no problem keeping the reader entertained throughout the book, with his mix of biology, environmentalism, mystery and cop-drama, and Wired Kingdom makes for a very unique and enjoyable read. The fact that the book was easy to understand by someone not at all versed in science and biology, was a big plus. There was plenty of detail in the descriptions so the reader completely understands what is happening, without bringing the story down. This book kept my attention the whole way through and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It is a completely new genre for me, and I was happy for the experience. I'm giving Wired Kingdom, 4 spiders and would recommend it to anyone. Thanks for the great read, Mr. Chesler.

SB Price

Novella Review for 'Down The Drain' by Daniel Pyle

Down The Drain was written by Daniel Pyle and is available for purchase in e-format from www.bloodbrotherspublishing.com/ & www.amazon.com/

Bruce is a hard working man with one woman to keep him company since his wife left... his faithful cat, Selina. After an exhausting day at work, Bruce comes home to discover his beloved cat missing. After days of searching Bruce decides that poor Selina must have went off somewhere and died. He is completely alone now...or is he?

There is something living in Bruce's bathtub drain but by the time he figures it out, it just might be too late. This story was an all out riot. Down The Drain has the perfect balance of humor and horror and will have you checking the drain every time you step into the shower. I am giving Down The Drain a 4-spider rating and I recommend it to anyone who has ever wonder just what is down that tiny hole in the tub. You may want to read this one with the lights on, but if you read Down The Drain while you are in the bathroom, do yourself a favor and leave the door open...just in case you need to make a quick exit.

CK Webb

Book Review for 'Sam And The Dragon' by Eric B. Thomasma

Sam and the Dragon was written by Eric B. Thomasma with illustrations by Lanin Thomasma. It is available for purchase in e-book format from http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.smashwords.com/

Sam is a young boy who doesn't believe in a couple of things...bitter, cold winters and dragons. So when the rest of his village heads south in the fall, Sam stays behind to show everyone that winter does not exist.

Sam is quickly proven wrong and on the verge of freezing when he meets Freness, a tiny dragon who makes Sam, an instantly warmer believer. I absolutely adored this children's book and read it aloud with my 8 year old son. He smiled throughout the story and proudly proclaimed, 'Sam and the Dragon gets a 100'. (He doesn't like spiders) I am giving Sam and the Dragon a 5-spider rating and recommending it to children of all ages. With beautiful illustrations and a delightful story Sam and the Dragon is sure to become a favorite in your home. Fire up the furnace and snuggle up with this cozy little book.
CK Webb

Movie Review of THE LAST EXORCISM - Rated PG-13

The Last Exorcism is rated PG-13 and was released nationwide in theatres on August 27, 2010. It was written by Huck Botko & Andrew Garland and directed by Daniel Stamm. The Last Exorcism stars Patrick Fabian, Ashley Bell and Louise Herthram.

Cotton Marcus, played by Fabian, was raised in the church by a 'fire and brimstone' preacher. At a very early age, Cotton began to follow in his father's footsteps and preach the gospel. At the tender age of ten, Cotton performed his first exorcism. Years later with a wife and son, Cotton has spent his life developing elaborate hoaxes and effects to keep the money rolling in for him and his family. Having lost his faith many years ago, Cotton has decided to end his career as a phony by bringing in a documentary crew and sharing all the insider tricks to performing exorcisms so that people believe, and then shell out the cash. When he and his camera crew show up at the home of Louis Sweetzer, a man who says he is suffering from cattle loss and unexplainable deaths of his farm animals; what they find is much more than any of them have bargained for.

The Last Exorcism is filmed in a documentary style much like The Blair Witch Project and will appeal to fans of this brand of movie. I laughed hysterically throughout the entire first half of the movie as Cotton Marcus takes the film crew through the tricks of the trade.

The characters in The Last Exorcism were wonderfully placed together and draw the viewer in with the realness and intensity of their lives. Patrick Fabian was fantastic as the money hungry, unbelieving but sympathetic preacher, Cotton Marcus. Ashley Bell's performance as the possessed Nell Sweetzer is shocking when you consider that no special effects were used for her part...NONE!

The movie did begin to slip about halfway through and was not at all what I would consider a 'scary' movie. I am quite sure that many will be disappointed with the film's ending as well.

I am giving The Last Exorcism a 3-spider rating and urging you to skip the big buck's you'll pay at the theatre and just wait it out until The Last Exorcism hits the video stores.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Arson' by Estevan Vega

Arson by Estevan Vega was published by Tate Publishing in 2009. It is available for purchase at www.amazon.com

Arson Gable has a gift...or a curse. He can create fire. But he didn't want it and he can't turn it off. He has no family except for his grandmother who he both loves and hates. He is isolated and awkward and alone.

Until he meets Emery; the girl in the mask. Arson feels more normal around her than with anyone else. But his secret could turn her away as well and Arson must learn to live with his abilities and face his demons in order to keep her.

Arson is also a story about growing up, but not in the normal sense. It is about growing up with a terrible ability that could reach out and touch someone at any time, and not in a good way. It is a story about a boy who really wants to be normal and have a real life, but who must instead learn to keep his distance and control his power. It is also the story of a strange girl in a mask who will be the only saving grace in a young man's life, that has until now been full of disappointments and realizations.

Estevan Vega has written a study in how two strange people come together under strange circumstances, to try and have normal lives even though they are both out of the ordinary. Both have strange pasts and unhappy lives but together, they strive for normalcy and happiness.

Vega has written a monster with a heart and gives us a clear picture of a broken, young man trying to fit into a normal world.

I am giving Arson a 4-spider rating. It is a wonderful, powerful story that should not be missed.

DJ Weaver

Book Review for THE DARK PROVINCE: SON OF DUPRIN by William H. Johnson

The Dark Province: Son Of Duprin was written by William H. Johnson and published in 2010 by IUniverse. It is available for purchase at http://www.darkprovince.com/ .

Calvin Gooding and his twin sister Mari, have spent their lives sharing a very special bond and love for one another. Raised in the strictly religious Duprin, the twins have never been far from each other, in their lives or beliefs. When Mari is stricken with a deadly terminal illness, Calvin refuses to accept the fate of his beloved sister choosing instead, to travel to the forbidden Dark Province to seek the blessing and healing of the king.

Summoned by the sorceress Tjetta, Calvin must go against everything he has ever believed, risking family, shame and eternal damnation by his Goddess, in order to save Mari. What Calvin discovers is that the cannibals and heathens he believed he would find on his travel through Th Dark Province, are but men and women with strong religious beliefs of their own. Can Calvin put aside his learned prejudices and inhibitions in order to save the sister he loves so dearly, or will he be be swept away by the sins of this great nation?

The Dark Province: Son Of Duprin is a wonderfully written first novel. William H. Johnson enthralls the reader with a great and noble quest while dealing with the moral dilemmas that this young man must face. There is something for everyone in The Dark Province, sorceresses, dragons, kings and queens and even a few scenes loaded with some intense sexuality. I am giving The Dark Province a 4-spider rating and recommending it to any reader who enjoys a page turning, shocking and enlightening read.

And just as William H. Johnson's lead character Calvin states... "I will not offer the slightest notion of an apology for a single breath of life I lived and breathed in The Dark Province".

CK Webb

Book Review for 'Two Chilling Stories And A Dream' by Alan Yager

Two Chilling Stories And A Dream was written by Alan Yager and published in 2009 by Xlibris. It is available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com/ .

Citizen 100010011-0, The Hill's Dairy Float Boy and The Eerie Leery Nora Olturian are the titles of the short stories you will find within the pages of this creepy & quirky little book. Each story takes on you on a completely different journey and tickles your imagination with the turning of each page. From a future, where the government controls everything, to the nutty neighbor we should all watch out for, Two Chilling Stories And A Dream has a little something for every short story lover.

The book pulls you along until the last page and leaves you wanting more, more, more. Two Chilling Stories And A Dream was a bit short for my taste at only 66 pages but it did give a wonderful glimpse into the mind and style of the writer. I will definitely be following this author's career and be eager for his next short story installment. I am giving Two Chilling Stories And A Dream a 4-spider rating and recommending it to everyone who loves the pull and allure that goes along with a wonderful book of short stories.

CK Webb

Book Review for 'CAIN'S VERSION' by Frank Durham

CAIN'S VERSION was written by Frank Durham and published by Iroquois Press. It is available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com/ & http://www.turnerpublishing.com/ .

Lindy Caton is recently divorced and calls Acheron, Louisiana home, when she stumbles upon a group of older women living in a run-down homestead. Lindy gets to know the women over time and becomes entranced with the stories the women tell of their pasts and of a far away life; stories that bare a remarkable resemblance to tales plucked straight from the Bible. As Lindy notices the strangeness of the women, their speech and their mannerisms, she also takes note of their uncanny way with a mentally and physically challenged young boy whom had before seemed, unreachable. With the arrival of Cain, comes the realization that the women's biblical tales are in fact, snippets of their actual lives. Cain has travelled to the ends of the earth seeking out the things that only his mother can provide...Forgiveness and absolution.

CAIN'S VERSION is a 2008 'ForeWord Book Of The Year' finalist for literary fiction as well as the winner of the 2009 Bronze 'IPPY' award in literary fiction. A book for the dedicated reader, CAIN'S VERSION is sure to draw you in from its beginning and hold you tight in its grasp until the last moving page. I am giving CAIN'S VERSION a 4-spider rating and urging you to take a chance on this masterfully crafted, post-Eden novel. It is truly unlike anything I have ever read.

Though Frank Durham passed away soon after publishing his only novel CAIN'S VERSION, he left us with a tale that could easily be called, for generations to come, a 'classic'. We have a unique and wonderful opportunity to read the literary legacy left behind by this author...let us not waste it.

CK Webb