This is the third book in a series, but having not read the
previous two I didn’t feel that I missed anything vital; the book stands on its
own. There are some references to previous events and they explain the relationships
between some of the characters. The book is set in 1980’s America and Canada
especially Montreal. It also fits with the style of the book which reads like an
old fashioned crime novel (I use old fashioned in a positive sense, as in
familiar and wholesome.) There are some good plot twists and turns and the
private detective duo of Damien (Dick) and Millie are likable and gutsy. Wouldn’t
mind reading the previous books for an escape to a different era. A little disappointed
that the Labrador in the tittle didn’t feature in the crime, but that didn’t
take away from an enjoyable book.
Writing the books was the easy part....now the struggle to let the world know they're there....
Saturday, 16 June 2018
THE CHOCOLATE LABRADOODLE CAPER: A Damien Dickens Mystery (Damien Dickens Mysteries Book 3) by Phyllis Entis
I think this book falls under the genre Cozy mysteries. A crime novel without swearing sex or graphic violence. The sort of books Ms Marple fans would enjoy. I didn't mind it, it was well written and had some good plot twist. Just a little too comfortable for me. But if you like cozy mysteries, go and give this a try.
Click on the picture to take you to Amazon.
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
King's Ransom by Tabitha Ormiston-Smith
I've reviewed quite a few of this authors books. Her Aussi sense of humour appeals to me a lot. And like in this case; she is always willing to send me a free copy for a fair and honest review.
My favourite genre is historical fiction, so I was pleased that Tabitha had something in the genre. Even though the book was well researched the dialogue and the characters seemed more modern than the 1190's. The book is firmly in spoof territory. I gave it 4 stars.


My favourite genre is historical fiction, so I was pleased that Tabitha had something in the genre. Even though the book was well researched the dialogue and the characters seemed more modern than the 1190's. The book is firmly in spoof territory. I gave it 4 stars.
I’ve read a few of Tabitha Ormiston-Smiths books and short
stories. Most of them have been contemporary comedies, but this one intrigued
me as it is set in the middle ages. I like that she often uses a cat or dog as
one of the characters and, like in this book, they add a lot of humour. Here it
comes in the shape of a great big Deerhound named Pansy, a dog that his owner
John (King Richard the Lionheart’s brother.) is convinced is a she, even though it is clear that she has bits that say otherwise. The
story is very loosely based on the story of Richard and the time when England
was struggling with the costs of funding his crusade and ransom. It also weaves
in the legend of Robin and maid Marianne and makes some unusual (and somewhat
scandalous) assumptions. Tabitha has taken a motley crew (or merry band) of
familiar characters and rearranged them to her own unique blend of comedy. If
you are a fan of Monty Pythons Holy Grail and more concerned with comedy than
historical fact, this will appeal to you.
Friday, 18 May 2018
Upside Down in a Laura Ingalls Town by Leslie Tall Manning
This was rather a fun read and I have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars. I wasn't a big fan of the cover, but don't let the embroidery fool you, this is contemporary YA fiction.
Click the picture to take you to Amazon.
This book surprised me, from the cover I could not have guessed
it would be a modern YA fiction. This book certainly has a bit more grit than
the usual YA books. Brooke is a modern heroine that has to deal with adversity
(the death of her mother) and everyday teenage dilemmas. Her way of dealing
with grief is to party, drink and smoke pot. She is a normal teenager that is
on the cusp of going off the rails. Her father’s rather novel solution; to drag
them all on a reality TV show, I found really refreshing and original as a
story line. The writer’s immaculate research into 1860’s America showed through
as Brooke had to dress, cook and take care of personal hygiene with only 1860’s
means. Hilarious but also brutal as an attempt at shaving legs goes pear-shaped.
A stark reminder that we do live a comfortable and privileged life now. (Especially
women, my god what would we do without our monthly sanitary products!)
The message of the book is firmly in YA territory; live a
clean and simple life, value your nearest and dearest and don’t throw yourself
at the first boy that shows an interest. I liked this book a lot and would
recommend this to YA and adult readers alike. Enough plot twist and turns to
keep me interested.
Friday, 27 April 2018
Unlikely Soldiers Book One (Civvy to Squaddie): (A coming of age novel about life, love and friendship) by Deb McEwan
You know by now that if a book is free I read just about anything. Drawing the line at erotica and gory horror. I read a lot of YA, it isn't my favourite genre but if it has a good story line I don't mind. This one grabbed me as it is set in 1970's Britain. The title is somewhat misleading as it made perfect sense to me that Guy would join the army, Michelle maybe more unlikely but not that much. Anyway, I enjoyed the read and gave it four stars.
Click on the picture to take you to Amazon. Currently still free.

Click on the picture to take you to Amazon. Currently still free.
Two youngsters with some problems in their personal lives
decide to join the army. I liked the fact that this book is set in late
seventies Britain and the Armies role in Northern Ireland and the thread of the
IRA form an important backdrop. It adds tension to the decisions these
youngsters are taking. I also liked that the story is told from Guy’s
perspective and also from the perspective of a girl; Michelle also known as
Mouse. The writing was YA and it would suit a younger person, but not too young
as the book deals with issues like being gay in the military, rape, domestic
assault and sex. It does steer clear of anything too graphic and I only counted
one mild swearword. The romance is rather sweet and I was rooting all the way for
Michelle and Guy to get together. There is a follow up and I would like to find
out what happens to our young heroes. The title left me a bit confused though
as both Guy and Michelle are not that unusual for joining the army, just
ordinary kids hoping to get away from home and making something of their lives.
Wednesday, 18 April 2018
Never Going to Happen: Who watches the watchers? by Anders Teller
This book is currently still free on Amazon.co.uk but might be too if you are in a different region. I liked it but had some criticisms too, but as it is a freebie give it a go if you like a very contemporary political thriller. Four stars. Click on the picture to take you to Amazon.


I liked the premise of this book. A political thriller set
against the backdrop of the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. Kudos to Mr
Teller for getting a well written book out so quickly, I only spotted a few
typos. The character of Tom Antony was intriguing, suffering from amnesia after
a car crash; he is trying to piece his life back together. The article he was
writing before the crash is leading him back into a dangerous conspiracy. This
plot I liked, but there were a few other subplots that for me slowed the story
down. His partner Jan, his previous work, a new romance all linked into the
main plot. It read like real life, which isn’t always that interesting. We were
also a lot in Tom’s head where he kept summing up all the things he found out
and what it meant. I did like the character of Emily and she brought some fun
to the book. Good dialogue between Tom and her. Worth a read if you are into
current affairs and like a political thriller. Best read soon while there is
still some uncertainty about Brexit.
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