Off The Shelf: Cain’s Blood by Geoffrey Girard and a Giveaway

Today’s book I’m taking off the shelf to talk to you about has a chilling ‘real-life, what if’ feel to it. CAIN’S BLOOD by Geoffrey Girard was released this week by Simon & Schuster.

Thanks to Mariah and the good folks at Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, I have two copies of this thriller to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for details.

CAIN’S BLOOD is a terrifying debut novel about the evil in each of us: when clones of infamous serial killers escape from a secret government facility, it’s up to a former Army Ranger to stop them…with the help of a teenage killer clone.
 
More than a serial killer novel, Girard’s CAIN’S BLOOD is about the evil that runs in all of our veins, melding completely plausible science with terrifying horror that preys on our darkest fears of manipulation, secrecy, and murder. 

Developing new bio-weapons, the US Department of Defense has secretly cloned the world's most notorious murderers, to study their DNA and isolate the genetic of evil. The program contains dozens of young men who have no clue of their evil heritage -- including John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, and the Son of Sam. Enacting a twisted game of nature vs. nurture, the scientists raise some of the clones with loving families and others in abusive circumstances to match their genetic forefathers. 

When the most dangerous boys are set free by their creator, escaping with three canisters of a mysterious chemical weapon that could destroy an entire city,  it’s up to a former Army Ranger to stop them…with the help of a teenage killer clone.

A man with demons of his own, former black ops soldier Shawn Castillo is hot on their trail. But Shawn didn't count on the quiet young boy he finds hiding in an abandoned house; a boy who has just learned he is the clone of Jeffrey Dahmer. As Jeffrey and Castillo race across the country as unlikely allies on the trail of the rampaging teens' increasing violence, Castillo must protect the boy who is the embodiment of his biggest fears and who may also be his last hope. 

Influenced by real serial killers Albert Fish, Dennis Rader, Ted Bundy, Henry Lee Lucas, David Berkowitz, and the deadliest of them all Jeffrey Dahmer, CAIN’S BLOOD is a disturbing and fascinating read that you won’t be able to put down until the very end.

Simon and Schuster will publish two Girard novels in 2013: CAIN'S BLOOD, a techno thriller, and PROJECT CAIN, a spin-off novel for teen/YA readers.  

Here’s some early praise for CAIN’S BLOOD:

    “I'm betting the name Michael Crichton will come up quite a bit as people talk about Geoffrey Girard's deeply-twisted debut, CAIN'S BLOOD. And with good reason: Girard appears to have some of Crichton's DNA in his system--along with the always-advantageous ‘Thomas Harris mutation’ thrown in for good measure. Girard knows how to tell a story; he knows how to bring in the necessary science; and he knows how to spill some blood. It all adds up to an awful lot of (very dark) fun for the reader.” — Scott Smith, author of THE RUINS

    “Here's a book that truly deserves to be called horrifying. Does near-future science really hold such appalling terrors for all of us? I swear, this book kept creeping me out long after I finished reading it!" — R.L. Stine

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 Geoffrey Girard is an award-winning fiction author whose works have appeared in several best-selling anthologies and magazines, including Writers of the Future (a 2003 winner), Prime Codex, Aoife's Kiss, The Willows, Murky Depths, Apex Horror & Science Fiction Digest, and the Stoker-nominated Dark Faith anthology.

His first book, Tales of the Jersey Devil, thirteen original tales based on American folklore, was published by Middle Atlantic Press in 2005, followed by Tales of the Atlantic Pirates (2006) and Tales of the Eastern Indians (2007).

Born in Germany and shaped in New Jersey, Girard currently lives in Ohio and is the English Department Chair at a famed private boys' high school (his students are the inspiration behind the novel). Prior to teaching, he worked as an advertising copywriter, web developer and marketing manager. He has a BA in English literature from Washington College and an MA in creative writing from Miami University. He has presented seminars and workshops on creative writing at colleges, elementary schools, bookstores and various writers' conventions/events.

For more on Girard and his writing, visit his website and connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: To enter this giveaway, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Cain‘s Blood.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win one of two copies of CAIN’S BLOOD is 8 p.m. (EDT) on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have you ever thought about what would have happened if two or more of these ruthless murderers had collaborated during their killing sprees?

Off The Shelf: Sniper Elite by Scott McEwen

As many of us are getting ready to celebrate our independents with the Fourth of July holiday, it seemed like the perfect time to feature SNIPER ELITE: One Way Trip by Scott McEwen.

From the coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestselling AMERICAN SNIPER, this thriller -inspired by true events - follows on of America’s most lethal snipers as he leads the rescue of a downed special ops pilot.

McEwen turns his sights on fiction with this nonstop-action thriller, SNIPER ELITE: One-Way Trip (Touchstone Hardcover, Simon & Schuster, June 4, $26.99. ISBN: 978-1476-7460-50), a novel inspired by actual Black Ops missions. It offers a gripping narrative, while forcing readers to question how our government handles these kinds of situations. This work is even more timely and thought-provoking in light of the Pentagon’s recent decision to allow women to now serve in frontline combat roles.

This is certainly a story where you can tell the good guys from the bad guys, but it is also one that highlights the friction between the soldiers on the ground, the intelligence officers at home, and the political figures running the show. 

In SNIPER ELITE the President of the United States can’t decide how to respond to a classified video showing the Taliban’s brutal treatment of their captive – a female helicopter pilot of the Army’s elite Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Afraid that a botched rescue will further destabilize foreign policy and end his presidency, the Commander-in-Chief falters. But when the special ops community learns that one of their own is being tortured and will certainly be killed, no executive order will stop them from attempting a rescue mission. 

In direct defiance of the President’s orders, Navy SEAL sniper Gil Shannon launches an audacious mission with the support of elite soldiers and an enigmatic government figure to infiltrate the tribal faction holding the captured pilot. 

A pulse-pounding battle ensues, pitching the entire force of the Taliban against the fearless and heroic American sniper on a self-declared “one way trip” to either bring back the pilot or die with her. Filled with intense action and real-life combat scenes, SNIPER ELITE will pin you to the edge of your seat until the very last sentence. 

This fast-paced, action-packed thriller with incredibly realistic and blistering battles introduces a new American hero, Gil Shannon, whose iron will and expertise with the .308 Remington Modular sniper rifle will spell the difference between freedom and an ignoble death for America’s female POW.

SNIPER ELITE: One-Way Trip is now in development as a motion picture by Scott Free productions. Scott Free productions are the force behind Unstoppable starring Chris Pine and Denzel Washington; The A Team starring Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper. Scott Free Television also produces the Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated hit TV show The Good Wife.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott McEwen is a trial attorney in San Diego, California, and has taught at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Oregon State University and thereafter studied and worked extensively in London.
Scott works with and provides support for several military charitable organizations, including the Navy SEAL Team Foundation.  

For more information on SNIPER ELITE. visit:
www.sniperelitebooks.com and www.simonandschuster.com 
 
Here’s what others are saying about SNIPER ELITE:

    “Sniper Elite is a gripping, fast paced adventure. Packed with action, it takes the reader into the shadow world of real military operations. A great read – don’t miss it!”  - Dan Hampton, New York Times bestselling author of Viper Pilot and The Mercenary.
    “Finally a military novel that pays attention to detail, and tells a great story, rarely do the two go together. Sniper Elite gets it right. Lace up your boots tight because you’re about to move out, and learn what it’s like to be a SEAL sniper.” - Brandon Webb, Former Navy SEAL, Editor of SOFREP.com and the New York Times bestselling author of The Red Circle and Benghazi: The Definitive Report

Thanks for stopping by today. Have you checked out SNIPER ELITE yet? Do you enjoy books that bring today’s headlines into their stories?

God of Mischief by George Rowe

This is one book that was much more than I had expected.

This is a very frank and candid look at life as an undercover informant in one of the nation’s most notorious motorcycle gangs. Author George Rowe tells it as he remembers it. He doesn’t romanticize his role in the gang’s activities or his part in bringing the gang down in March of 2006.

If you don’t care to read foul language or straight forward talk, then be warned this story contains both. But it is presented in a manner fitting the story.

Rowe was no angel to begin with. He grew up in a hard life becoming a drug dealer and convicted felon. But there was still good in him as he attempted to clean up his act. The major turning point, however, came when members of the Vagos outlaw motorcycle gang brutally beat up a friend of his. Days later that friend went ‘missing’ and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

Rowe wanted revenge and his hometown out from under the gang that terrorized it. For the first time in history a private citizen, Rowe, volunteered to work undercover. He would bring the gang down from the inside. For 3 years Rowe was known as ‘Big George’ walking the walk, talking the talk of the Vagos. He even became involved with an addict named Jenna without telling her who he really was. In fact, as he helped bring the brotherhood down around them, she was pregnant with his child.

Gods of Mischief gives a raw look at the lifestyle Rowe lived. As a reader, the story is a roller coaster ride of emotions. The story flows smoothly leading readers on the highs and lows of the double life. A number of black and white photographs are also included throughout the book. They depict numerous members of the Vagos.

Once all was said and done, some things changed and others remained the same. In the end, it’s sad to know Rowe is the one who really lost the most in his attempt to make life better for others. He remains in the U.S. Witness Security Program as the ones he helped put in jail have vowed to find him.

Gods of Mischief is a gritty memoir. It’s hard hitting with a powerful punch. It’ll give you a new appreciation for the unsung undercover heroes helping to rid our country of drugs, violence and the like.

This is a gripping story that you won’t be able to put down once you turn that first page.

God of Mischief, My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe, Touchstone Hardcover/Simon & Schuster, @2013, ISBN: 978-1451667349, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy reading books based on true events?

Luther: The Calling by Neil Cross

When books and television cross paths, I’m always amazed at how for some the characters and storyline remain very similar, while others are almost unrecognizable. 

I understand there are times that some changes have to be made and that for action to play out on the screen, it must be done differently. It’s when characters are completely different (physically and emotionally), or they are left out or the setting is different that I have problems with it. It’s as if the concept is the only remaining factor from the book used in the show.

There is one show, however, where the author used the characteristics of the actor playing his lead character when he decided to write a prequel to the show. I must admit having not watched any of the show, I’m unfamiliar with the character. However, with this spotlight on the new novel I’m intrigued to watch now.

For crime drama fans of the acclaimed BBC America series LUTHER, there is now a brilliant standalone novel and prequel to the show. Written by the show’s creator and sole writer Neil Cross, LUTHER: THE CALLING is a dark and gritty thriller.

With this novel, readers who are meeting Detective Chief Inspector John Luther for the first time will be shocked and enthralled. For fans of the award-winning show, Cross lets them see how it all began with the case that pushed Luther over the edge.

Here’s a brief description of LUTHER: He’s a murder detective with an extraordinary case-clearance rate. He’s obsessive, instinctive, and intense. Nobody who ever stood at his side has a bad word to say about him. And yet there are rumors that Luther is bad—not corrupt, not on the take, but tormented. After years of chasing the most depraved criminals in London’s gritty underworld, he seethes with a hidden fury that at times he can barely control. Sometimes it sends him to the brink of madness, making him do things any other detective wouldn’t and shouldn’t do.

LUTHER: THE CALLING, the first in a new series of novels featuring DCI John Luther, takes us into Luther’s past and into his mind. It is the story of the serial killer case that tore his personal and professional relationships apart and propelled him over the precipice—beyond fury, beyond vengeance, all the way to the other side of the law. Is Luther a force for good or a man hell-bent on self-destruction? 

Cross has a way of pulling readers in with the first paragraph and transfixing them as his compelling protagonist Luther gets under their skin. He’s a likeable character, well-developed with strength and determination, but vulnerable.

In LUTHER: THE CALLING, a husband and wife have been brutally murdered in their home. The scene is horrible in itself, but to make matters worse, the wife was 8 ½ months pregnant at the time of her death. The killer took the unborn child. Now Luther is on a mission to find the baby and stop the killer no matter the cost.

The story moves at a steady pace with adrenaline-driven segments. There are twists and turns that will have you holding your breath. While Luther is a law enforcement officer, he may not always follow the law to the letter. A part of you can’t help but cheer when he steps over that fine line.

This is an action-packed thriller you won’t be able to put down.

Award-winning writer Neil Cross’ website is http://www.neil-cross.com/

Luther: The Calling by Neil Cross, Touchstone/Simon & Schuster, @2012, ISBN: 9781451673098, Hardcover, 336 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

HOT, SHOT AND BOTHERED by Nora McFarland

This book appealed to me for many reasons and I wasn’t disappointed by any of them. Here are just a few examples why I enjoyed it so.

First, it’s a cozy murder mystery. It tackles murder and mayhem, but is sprinkled with humor and just enough zany mishaps to be believable and fun. It’s suspenseful while taking readers on a fast-pace ride filled with likeable characters.

Second, the protagonist is a journalist. Well, actually Lilly Hawkins is a shooter - a nickname for a TV news photographer. Her dedication to her profession plays a role in the story and gives a lot of insight into who Lilly is. Author Nora McFarland relates the pulse-pounding adrenaline rush one feels when on a breaking news story.

Another reason HOT, SHOT, AND BOTHERED caught my eye is because author Nora McFarland lives in my home state, Georgia.

In the book, Lilly has been assigned to cover a deadly wildfire bearing down on the town of Elizabeth Lake. Capturing the images of the massive evacuation and approaching inferno are demanding and keep Lilly on the move.

When a reckless party girl is discovered drown amidst the wildfire, Lilly doesn’t give it much attention at first glance. Then she learns the woman is someone she knew as an environmentalist, not a wild child, 13 years earlier. Lilly can’t accept her friend’s death as accidental and begins to search for answers. Can Lilly find the answers she’s looking for before the fire - or the murderer - ends her latest assignment?

HOT, SHOT, AND BOTHERED is the second installment in the Lilly Hawkins trilogy, but is a stand alone book. The book also includes a reading group discussion guide. The first book in the series is A BAD DAY’S WORK and the third book is scheduled for release the summer of 2012.

Lilly Hawkins is a delightful, funny, and engaging character you will adore. She deals with work, family and her love life with zeal and zest. Can’t wait for Lilly’s next assignment.

Author Nora McFarland’s website is www.noramcfarland.com and for more information on the book, visit Simon & Schuster.

Hot, Shot, And Bothered by Nora McFarland, A Lilly Hawkins Mystery, Touchstone Books/Simon And Schuster, @2011, ISBN: 9781439155561, Paperback, 304 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.