Book Review of 'The Skull Ring' by Scott Nicholson

The Skull Ring was written by Scott Nicholson and published by Haunted Computer Books in 2010. You may purchase it from www.amazon.com and you can learn more about Scott by visiting his website at www.hauntedcomputer.com
Julia has lived a tormented life. She can’t remember the things that happened to her as a child, and it is those very things she must find out in order to live a normal life. For as long as she can remember she has been followed by ‘Creeps. But, are they real or merely a figment of her paranoid imagination? Julia leaves the city and opts for a smaller town and a new doctor to help her get to the truth. But, as Julia will soon find out, getting closer to the truth always comes with a price.
Scott Nicholson has woven a most unusual tale that twists and turns and shocks you with its fiery ending. A psychological roller coaster ride, The Skull Ring will keep you guessing until the very last page has been turned. With a voice reminiscent of Koontz, Scott Nicholson’s writing style is sure to please lovers of paranormal thrills and chills.

I am giving The Skull Ring a 4 spider rating and recommending it to all lovers of deep, dark and winding psychological/paranormal thrillers.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'Decayed Etchings' by Brandon Ford

Decayed Etchings was written by Brandon Ford and published by Black Bed Sheets Books in 2011. You may purchase it at www.amazon.com
In this collection of 18 stories you'll be amused, shocked and satisfyingly haunted by tales of the dark, gory and sinister side of life.
Brandon Ford endeavors to push the envelope and go beyond some of the common accepted boundaries in a few of his tales and in doing so he tears down the wall that would normally hold a lot of other writers back.
For instance, one of my favorite stories in this compilation was Band Of Gold where a wayward husband involves himself with a hooker and in the process, loses something of value to his marriage, in a place where he realizes he probably shouldn't have gone to in the first place. It was a gross but amusing tale that had me chuckling because I could see this happening in real life.
Another one of my favorites was My Sacred Slumber. This story resonated with me as being very dark and disturbing and one that many may find hard to get through. The horror and courage must have swelled within the author when he wrote this one, but the mechanics of his writing are superb.
The only thing that held this book back from being a 5 spider rating was the "chopped off" endings of a few too many of Brandon Ford's stories. I thought some of the tales could have been developed further and gone farther than they did but this seems to be all part of the authors style and it certainly doesn't take away from my appetite to want to read more from Mr. Ford. I would equate my experience with some of his work as having a bowl of ice cream taken away from me when there's still a few more delicious spoonfuls left in the bottom of the bowl. It was very good but I wanted more from that bowl, and from that story.
My other "top picks" in Decayed Etchings were Trippity Doo-Da, Cat Call, Bookends, Camera Shy and Famous Last Words.
I’m giving Decayed Etchings a 4 spider rating.
T.Riddell

Book Review of 'Fallen Angel' by Major Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky

Fallen Angel was written by Major Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky and was published by B&H Books in May, 2011. Fallen Angel can be purchased at www.amazon.com. You can learn more about these authors by visiting their web sites at http://www.jeffstrucker.com/ and http://www.altongansky.com/
Angel-12 is a state-of-the-art American satellite. It has been ambushed by China and falls from space, landing in Siberia. Angel-12 contains an advanced nuclear fuel and cannot be allowed to fall into enemy hands. Major Eric Moyer and his elite Special-Ops unit have been brought in to retrieve the satellite. Three countries are on the hunt for Angel-12, but only one will find it in time.
Fallen Angel is an action-packed, pulse-pounding, thrill ride that starts on page one and never lets go until the very end. From the opening lines of the book, I was completely emerged in the story and hurled along with the characters on their difficult journey.
This is not a tale for the weak at heat, but it is, sadly, a glimpse at what could and often does happen to our service men and women when captured behind enemy lines. The military jargon used in the book tossed me right back into my Navy days, but is used in a way that laymen will totally understand.
The characters are deeply layered and you quickly find yourself rooting for them and willing them through to the end. There are some emotionally disturbing issues that are dealt with in the book, but they are necessary to give the plot its realism. I am in love with the depth of the writing style and the authors’ ability to transition from one scene to another with such ease. Brilliantly crafted…I am officially a fan of these two writers. Suspense, world super-powers and even some humor tossed in along the way, Fallen Angel is one book I will definitely read again.
A 5 spider rating doesn’t do justice to this book. Pick this one up today…you will NOT be disappointed.
CK Webb

Book Review of 'Prophecy of the Guardian' by JW Baccaro

Prophecy of the Guardian: Guardian of the Seventh Realm Part 1 by JW Baccaro was published by Whiskey Creek Press in 2010 and may be purchased from the publisher at http://bit.ly/o5hvzA
Darhun Luthais is one of the last Nasharin warriors left and along with a few companions; they set out on a journey to find the Wizard Crystals of the Elements before they fall into the wrong hands of the evil Abbadon and destroy the earth. Darhun must avoid many temptations and learn to accept his calling to be the Guardian while battling many races, monsters, the ruthless and sinister Cullach and his own temptations.
This novel was a very good fantasy read. The characters were very likable and the storyline was very easy to understand and easy to follow along. It contained so much action I found I was never bored and the tale is fast-paced and intriguing. This book would be great for any young or old reader. JW Braccaro has taken on a big challenge writing this series and I can’t wait for the second installment. I’m giving this book a 5 spider rating and I will say this book will keep you entranced and turning pages!!
T Lane

Book Review of 'The Secret of Lies' by Barbara Forte Abate

The Secret of Lies was written by Barbara Forte Abate and published by Dog Ear Publishing, LLC, in April of 2010. You may purchase it at www.amazon.com and you may find out more about Ms. Abate on her site at http://www.barbaraforteabate.com
Stephanie spent the summers of her youth at her Aunt and Uncle’s beach house on Long Island. It was here that she met her friend Jake and learned sign language as a way to communicate with him. Over several summers, as she grew into her teenage years, she and her sister became close to Jake. Stephanie, Stevie for short, especially. Stevie’s sister, Eleanor, had different boyfriends all the time, just like any typical teenager. The last summer they spent there, Stevie became especially close with Jake, while Eleanor seemed to forget the boys altogether. The summer seemed to be going really well, especially for Stevie, when something happened.
Stevie, now an adult with a husband, can’t forget what happened that summer. She can’t forget the friend she had in Jake. And she can’t help, but think what might have been. In a bid to find herself and to get closure on what happened, she leaves in the middle of the night, bound for that beach house, and her past.
Barbara Forte Abate tells a story that you cannot forget. This book is a wonderful tale of nostalgia. Expertly written, the story comes alive and I really enjoyed this book. This makes a great read for those summer days when you need a great book and a cold drink on a warm beach. I definitely recommend this one! 4 spiders for The Secret of Lies.
SB Price

Book Review of 'Deeper Than Midnight' by Lara Adrian

Deeper Than Midnight was written by Lara Adrian and published June 28, 2011 by Dell. It is available for purchase at http://www.amazon.com/ You can learn more about Lara and her Midnight Breed series by visiting her website at http://www.laraadrian.com/

Hunter was once one of Dragos' most diabolical assassins, but fled to find something more; something better. He found what he was searching for within the ranks of The Order, an elite group of Breed males who keep balance in the vampire world and are bent on eliminating Dragos and his blood thirsty minions.

Hunter longs for the day when he will make Dragos pay for the atrocities he has inflicted on him as well as the human and vampire worlds. Corrine Bishop was rescued by The Order, after being imprisoned and tortured by the sinister Drago. Corrine is beautiful and broken and Hunter soon falls for her, but will she take much more than he is willing to give, will she take his heart?

FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY Hunter's story! Deeper Than Midnight is a hot little number, loaded with action, sexy vamps and a war that has been waging for years. I have loved all of the Breed Series books, but I must confess to having a special place in my heart for Dante from Kiss of Crimson. Move over Dante and make room for Hunter! Lara has stepped up her game and set the stage beautifully for the next books and inevitably, the battle of the ages. Can we give a 6-spider rating just this once?

I am giving Deeper Than Midnight a 5 spider rating and begging fans of the genre to pick this one up. Super sexy, suspense laced, erotic yumminess fill these pages.

CK Webb

Book Review of 'No Good Like It Is' by McKendree R. Long, III

No Good Like It Is was written by McKendree R. Long, III and published by CreateSpace in April, 2010. It is available for purchase at www.amazon.com and you may read more about Mr. Long at http://www.mckendreelong.com
This Civil War saga is a story of friendship before, during and after the bloody fighting of the War Between the States. Thomas ‘Dobey’ Walls and his friend Jimmy Melton are both in the US Army and are stationed in the western frontier. They fight with the famed 8th cavalry unit of Terry’s Texas Rangers and then after the war is over, they travel home to find out the fate of Dobey’s family, who run an isolated trading post in Texas. This book tells of their friendship, war exploits, the terrible fighting and mostly about their journey home and what they must endure to get there.
Mr. Long’s extensive research and knowledge help to bring this story to life and make it easy to visualize everything about this era in American history. The book is written in two parts which makes it easier to understand and helps to set the timeline of the story. Many characters enter the tale as it progresses and make the telling more realistic. Mr. Long’s writing is descriptive and exciting, keeping the action going till the end.
I am giving No Good Like It Is a 4 spider rating and recommending it to anyone who loves reading about the Civil War or the early West. An interesting and thought-provoking read.
DJ Weaver

Book Review of 'Fatal Destiny' by David DeLee

Fatal Destiny was written by David DeLee and published by Dark Road Publishing in 2011. You may purchase it at www.amazon.com

Bounty hunter and former cop, Grace deHaviland is on the hunt for a white collar crime bail jumper--looking for an easy, better than good, pay day. What she finds is a man that is tied up in a history of much worse ruthless crimes than she bargained for. Her best friend and police officer Susie Jensen is caught up in the violence of Grace's case and lands in the hospital fighting for her life. Soon Grace is faced with decisions that will challenge her professionalism--and her personal relationships with everyone around her could come to a screeching halt. She's forced to look at her bail jumper, and the man who put her best friend in the hospital, in a different light.
David DeLee's background in the criminal justice field (Masters Degree) and his experience as a private investigator gave him the tools he needed to create the taut and dangerous, true to life world of crime and intrigue that Grace deHaviland and Susie Jensen find themselves living in. To make that type of world and the characters who are a part of it come vibrantly and excitingly alive takes the skill, imagination and dedication of a very good writer. Mr. DeLee has proven that he can compete with the best of them in the crime thriller genre.
Fatal Destiny will challenge the best of the armchair crime fighters. You'll be put into the heads of a cop and a bounty hunter. And just when you are sure you would know what to do in responding to a crime--a gut wrenching twist in circumstances will cause you to rethink your approach. At the end of Fatal Destiny you might gain a new respect and understanding of all the characters that make up the world of crime--the good and the bad.
Fatal Destiny is just one story in the Grace deHaviland series, but it certainly won't be the last of David DeLee's books that I will read.
I give it a 5 spider rating.
T Riddell

Book Review for 'Be Careful What You Wish For' by Sibel Hodge

Be Careful What You Wish For was written by Sibel Hodge and published through CreateSpace in 2011. It is available from Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. You can read more about Sibel and her writing on her blog at http://www.sibelhodge.com
Amber Fox, ex-cop, now works for her once-fiancé, Brad as an insurance investigator. Brad asks her to check out what begins as a ‘something doesn't feel right moment’ he has while watching a pay-per-view boxing match. The insured is the current title holder, Levi, who is fighting his old friend Ricky. When someone comes up to the ring yelling at Levi during the sixth round of the match, Levi is knocked out and Amber is thrown into a whirl-wind investigation that ends up being deeper than she ever thought. With the help of Brad and the members of their investigations team, Amber begins to find answers.
What started as a world-title boxing scandal quickly turns into a bank safety box robbery and murder. Who was the mysterious man and what was he yelling to Levi? Is Levi being blackmailed and if so, by whom and for what reason? The answers don't come easy as the questions keep piling up and Amber finds herself in a deadly situation.
This is the second book in the Amber Fox series. Sibel Hodge has a way of writing that really makes the characters come to life as Amber struggles to get to the bottom of the case and her love life. What really made this story different was the fact that it is written as Amber is telling the story personally to you. She is sarcastic, quirky, funny and sexy all wrapped into one bundle of energy. This was an easy read and kept me interested throughout.
I give Be Careful What You Wish For, 5 spiders and recommend to fans who enjoy a fast paced, sometimes funny, crime filled story. I look forward to reading The Fashion Police, the first Amber Fox book and hope Ms. Hodge keeps this series coming because she has a new fan!
J Goehl