The Hexed & Cut and Thrust

I’ve been busy listening to audios, so I have two more interesting books to share with you today.

THE HEXED by Heather Graham

Author Heather Graham gives some insight into the Salem witch trials as she blends the past and present into a spine-tingling thriller in THE HEXED.

Narrator Luke Daniels does a superb job giving each character their own unique voice. His varied pace and inflection matches the tension in the story enhancing it.

Devin Lyle has moved back to the Salem area living in the cabin she inherited from her great-aunt Mina, who the locals sometimes called the ‘witch in the woods.’ Devin just wants peace and quiet to write her children’s books. But a strange sound one night leads her into the nearby woods where she finds a dead woman and her life changes forever.

Craig ‘Rocky’ Rockwell never got over finding a classmate dead in the woods when they were in high school. He went on to become a cop and has recently joined the Krewe of Hunters, a team of paranormal investigators working under the FBI.

The body Devin found is so similar to Rocky’s friend that he knows they’re connected even though it’s been over 10 years between the murders. As Rocky interviews Devin, he feels a connection and can even see her great-aunt Mina (something Devin has just learned she can do too). As the investigation continues, Rocky and Devin discover all their friends are possible suspects in the murders. After a third woman is found, Rocky fears Devin’s ancestry could cause her to be the next victim.

Combining the history of Salem with an intriguing storyline, Graham will have you believing in ghosts, witches and forever love. The characters are well-developed and likable. They story flows at a steady pace with twists, turns and a few red herrings (as well as a raven) along the way.

Graham’s eye for detail and vivid descriptions of the area places the reader/listener in the middle of Salem and its rich history. She incorporates romance, friendship, and moments of laugh-out-loud humor for a tantalizing story that will hold you spellbound until the end.

While THE HEXED is the 13th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series, it is a standalone story. Returning fans will be reunited with several members from previous adventures, but new readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark searching for missing clues.

Graham’s infusion of romance and humor with the paranormal keeps the story from being too dark while still stirring the flames of suspense and murder.

The Hexed by Heather Graham, The Krewe of Hunters Book #13, Performed by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1469221830, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 35 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

CUT AND THRUST by Stuart Woods

My love of audio books began many years ago listening on a cassette player to a story by author Stuart Woods where the protagonist was named Ed Eagle.

Ed, who has several books in his own series, is among the main players in CUT AND THRUST by Stuart Woods, the 30th installment in his Stone Barrington series. This time around Woods puts Barrington and Eagle in a story with the protagonists from yet another of his series featuring Will and Katherine Lee.

Narrator Tony Roberts does his usual wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He masters the cadence for all the characters from Stone to gruff Dino to the various female voices. His mannerisms enhance the story.

While Woods’ writing has mellowed a bit since that first audio I listened to, it’s always fun catching up with his characters – especially Stone Barrington.

In CUT AND THRUST the story focuses on Stone’s helping Kate Lee in her bid for the Democratic presidential nominee. A side story deals with Ed Eagle and the problems he continues to have concerning an ex-wife who is a bit over the edge. There’s not a lot of action or drama, but an unexpected and interesting twist at the end dealing with Ed’s ex.

For fans of Stone Barrington, Will and Katherine Lee, Ed Eagle and Stuart Woods, CUT AND THRUST is an entertaining addition you shouldn’t miss.

Cut and Thrust by Stuart Woods, Stone Barrington Novel Book #30, Performed by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1611762822, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: Approximately 7 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

(NOTE: The first audio I listened to was SANTA FE RULES.)

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What do you have lined up to read or listen to? Doesn't the cover of THE HEXED just draw you in?

*Authors Carolyn Wolfe and Christopher Cloud were slated to be here today, but were unable to. Hopefully we can reschedule their visit at a later date.

**This post contains affiliate links.

Collateral Damage & Seeking Short Stories

Welcome to Thoughts. Today’s post is two-fold. First, I have a review of the latest Stuart Woods’ novel to share. Second, author Margot Kinberg is seeking assistance from authors and readers for a wonderful crime fiction project she is undertaking in memory of fellow blogger Maxine Clarke, who passed away in December 2012.

Collateral Damage by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington is back and teamed with his friend and sometimes lover Holly Barker, assistant director of the CIA.

An explosion at the U.S. Embassy in London finds Stone and Holly on the trial of a terrorist out for revenge. The terroristic attacks move to New York and the threats escalate. The closer they get to finding the terrorist, the closer they come to being the next target.

Narrator Tony Roberts does an excellent job bringing the characters to life. His vocalization gives distinct voices to Stone, Holly, Dino, and the others. I can’t image Stone sounding any other way.

Author Stuart Woods has developed Stone Barrington into an intrigue protagonist over the years. He doubles the fun when he adds his protagonist from another series, Holly Barker, to the mix. The two protagonists make a fun couple to follow with a mix of romance, suspense, and excitement.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE begins a bit slow, but steady. There are references to a prior story, but enough background is given so new readers/listeners aren’t lost. As the story continues, the excitement and adrenaline begins to build. By the end Woods has readers holding their breath waiting to see who will be standing when the dust settles after the last explosion. 

A good addition to the Stone Barrington and Holly Barker collection.

Author Stuart Woods’ website is www.stuartwoods.com
  
Collateral Damage by Stuart Woods, A Stone Barrington Novel (#25), Read by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1611761405, Unabridged, 6 Discs, Listening Time: 7 Hours

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

Confessions of a Mystery Novelist...header

Margot, who blogs at Confessions of a Mystery Novelist…, is putting together a crime fiction short story anthology. She is doing this in tribute to the late Maxine Clarke, an avid reader and strong supporter of crime fiction and crime writers. 

Maxine had encouraged Margot to have your protagonist, Joel Williams, solve the murder of a publisher, editor or reviewer. In keeping with this idea, Margot plans to have the short story collection focus on the world of writing, publishing and editing.

Margot noted that “any proceeds from this collection will be donated to the Princess Alice Hospice, which was so supportive of Maxine and her family during her last days and weeks.”

Here’s what Margot is seeking from fellow authors: 

    If you’re an author, please consider contributing a story for this collection. Maxine supported us all, so let’s return the favour. Here are a few things I have in mind to help you decide whether you’d like to be a part of this:
     1. The stories will all focus on crime in the world of editing, publishing, writing and/or reviewing. Feel free to explore that theme in your own way. Stories about fiction writing, non-fiction writing, research or academic writing are all fair game.
    2. Please, no stories with excessive gore or violence against children or animals.
    3. I’m hoping that the anthology would be ready by the end of this year for e-publication. So if you’re interested I’d ask that you’d be prepared to contribute your story by the first week of August.
    4. If you already have a story that hasn’t been published elsewhere, feel free to contribute that. 
 
If you are a reader and would like to participate, Margot suggests the following: 

    Not an author but still think this project is a good idea? Thanks :-)  Please help me spread the word about it and let potential contributors know about the project. We all have connections, and I’d appreciate your using yours. You can talk to authors you know, spread the word on your blog and other social network sites and, well, you know the drill.
  
Anyone having questions about this project can contact Margot by email at margotkinberg(at)gmail(dot)com. Also be sure to check out her wonderful blog, Confessions of a Mystery Novelist..., for additional information on this project and the lovely Maxine, whose passing leaves a vast void in the crime fiction world.

On a personal note…if you don’t already follow Margot’s blog, I would highly recommend it. Her posts are both insightful and entertaining. She provides unique looks at the world of crime fiction. She presents thought-provoking posts that will have you considering new possibilities for days. 

Thanks so much for joining me today. I hope I’ve caught your interest with the latest Stone Barrington novel. In addition, I hope you’ll drop by Margot’s and participate in her enduring tribute to Maxine.

BTW, author P.J. Parrish was scheduled to visit with us today but was unable to do so. Hopefully we’ll be able to reschedule the visit for a later date.

Saturday Shuffle Of Reviews

The weathermen in my area of the world are calling for a sunny, but cool and windy day - perfect for relaxing with a good book. But then, to me any day is a good day to read.

I’d like to share a variety of reviews with y’all. As usual, I’m featuring various genres. Hope you find something that sparks your interest.

A FEELING IN MY BONES by Gervase Shorter

Jake and Sally met at college and fell in love. The Forresters had a happy life of sorts living in England. Sally worked as a book editor and Jake served as a ‘consultant’ working out problems between companies.

Jake takes a job from a recluse billionaire named Kroger. While abroad on an assignment, Jake disappears. Sally’s not sure where he is, possible Africa. A month later Jake surfaces in a mental clinic in Miami, FL. He’s suffered a nervous breakdown.

Events from there drastically change the couple’s lives forever. Kroger has died and just before he did, changed his will leaving everything to Jake and Sally. While they should be enjoying the good life, Jake has changed. He is no longer the warm and loving man Sally married. The more she checks, the more she discovers she should have left things alone.

This is an intriguing thriller that starts with Sally knowing too much. The reader is then drawn in to find out what it is she knows and why it’s so terrifying and life-threatening.

Author Gervase Shorter has a way of painting beautiful settings with his words. While there are several side stories, they serve to give more depth to the characters and their actions.

There are twists and turns throughout to keep you guessing until the end. This is a fast-pace read that will be hard to put down once you begin.

Author Gervase Shorter’s website is www.gervaseshorter.com

A Feeling In My Bones by Gervase Shorter, Amazon, @2011, ASIN: B005UNJDFA, Kindle, 414 KB, 252 Pages 

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

 

D.C. DEAD by Stuart Woods

For his latest mystery, author Stuart Woods brings the main characters from three of his series* together for a search for a killer.

CIA Agent Holly Barker contacts Stone Barrington and NYPD Detective Dino Bacchetti on behalf of President Will Lee. A sensitive case needs their discretion and expertise.

Lee will soon be leaving the White House and he and his wife, the CIA Director, want to know for sure if a former member of their cabinet killed his wife and then himself. The investigation leads Stone and Dino through the exclusive world of Washington politics, power and privilege. They soon learn they are treading on the scandalous side where secrets are great motivation for murder.

Meanwhile, a secondary un-related story is going on in the background involving the CIA and Holly.

It was interesting having all these main characters together in one story. The plot, while not action-packed, was intriguing as the layers were peeled away. There was some foul language, but not over used.

As always, Tony Roberts did a wonderful job narrating the story. I can’t image Stone or Dino without hearing Roberts’ interruption. His style and mannerisms add depth to the characters and brings the story to life.

No matter what Stone and Dino are up to, you know murder, mystery, intrigue, and a good stiff drink will be involved. If you’re a Barrington fan, this is another one to add to your collection.

This is a stand alone book even though it involves characters from other stories. *Stone and Dino are from the Stone Barrington series, Holly from the Holly Barker series, and Will from the Will Lee series.

Looking forward to these characters’ next adventure either as a group or individual series.

Author Stuart Woods’ website is www.stuartwoods.com

D.C. Dead by Stuart Woods, A Stone Barrington Novel, Read by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611760439, Unabridged, 6 Disc, Listening Time 7 Hours, 30 Minutes 

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

 

THE COUGAR’S PREY by Larry D. Sweazy

It’s early 1875 and Texas Ranger Josiah Wolfe has gone undercover to investigate cattle thefts and raids that have ranchers upset in Corpus Christie.

Even though he was cleared of any wrong doing concerning the death of a fellow Ranger, the town isn’t willing to be as forgiving of Wolfe. So Captain Leaunder McNelly sends Wolfe to Corpus Christie possessing as hide trader Zeb Teter.

The more Wolfe investigates, the more he finds all may not be as it seems. The reasons for his assignment may run deeper than he suspects.

Author Larry D. Sweazy does a wonderful job placing the reader in the territory as he vividly describes the area. He masterfully blends historical events and people with his own characters for a plausible chain of events.

THE COUGAR’S PREY is an intriguing tale of western lore, murder, mystery and deception. It’s a fast-pace read that will lasso readers in and hold them till the end.

Author Larry D. Sweazy’s website is www.larrydsweazy.com

The Cougar’s Prey by Larry D. Sweazy, A Josiah Wolfe Texas Ranger Novel, Berkley, @ 2011, ISBN: 978-0425243947, Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by BreakThrough Promotions (http://www.breakthroughpromotions.net/) in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Have you read any of these books? Do you enjoy mixing your reading up a bit? Thanks so much for stopping by.

 

SON OF STONE by Stuart Woods

The first audio book I listened to was on cassette tape that I had checked out from my local library. Listening to that book as I work in my roses that summer two things happened. I fell in love with audio books for their convenience and I became a huge fan of anything written by author Stuart Woods.

Since then I have particularly enjoyed his Stone Barrington series. With high expectations I recently began listening to his soon-to-be released (Sept. 20) SON OF STONE. This is the 21st installment in the series, but is a stand alone book.

The main jest of the plot is Stone finally marries the love of his life (Arrington Carter Calder). He bonds with the son (Peter) he just recently learned he had. Something tragic happens, but then life goes on.

As the story unfolds you know something terrible is going to happen, it just takes it almost till the end of the book before it does. The killer was no surprise, how he is stopped was.

Actor Tony Roberts once again does a wonderful job as narrator for this series. Roberts take on the dialect and accents brings the characters to life with vivid personalities.

While I would recommend this book, I wouldn’t recommend it to someone new to the Stone Barrington series. SON OF STONE doesn’t have the usual action-packed adventure that I’ve come to expect of Stone. 

New readers should start with an earlier installment. Fall in love with Stone, Dino and the other characters before reading this one. Returning fans can enjoy this slower, more laid back version of Stone. This story brings a lot of background together and give readers a look at a different side of Stone.

I enjoyed listening to SON OF STONE and eagerly await what is next for Stone and this captivating series.

Author Stuart Woods’ website is www.stuartwoods.com

Son of Stone by Stuart Woods, A Stone Barrington Novel, Read by Tony Roberts, Penguin Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-61176-016-3, 7 Discs, Listening Time: 8½  Hours

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

* The first audio book was SANTA FE RULES.