tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46318041410655549492024-02-12T06:36:30.353-08:00SONS OF SPADESpotlighting the fictional P.I.jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.comBlogger856125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-66540248362786816092021-10-04T05:29:00.004-07:002021-10-04T05:29:27.621-07:00Strait Over Tackle (Flip-Flop Detective/Sam Strait) by Colin Conway<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaiPd7g54mjoTx56hD9zRaDOcm5-k4qc7Vaojo2hDQkOByN-VtPB3RsWsQ4HBLjFTpOsLunftfo7TykfcGs7qRvOfup8V-JY9773jsl1Cj9G_72Effmp0cJRR9EgzEhRLaNxb5NVqSU4/s500/51LZCDmOzJL.SX316.SY480._SL500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaiPd7g54mjoTx56hD9zRaDOcm5-k4qc7Vaojo2hDQkOByN-VtPB3RsWsQ4HBLjFTpOsLunftfo7TykfcGs7qRvOfup8V-JY9773jsl1Cj9G_72Effmp0cJRR9EgzEhRLaNxb5NVqSU4/s320/51LZCDmOzJL.SX316.SY480._SL500_.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><br />You might know the author of the 509 Crime Stories and the co-author of the Charlie-316 series already. This is his PI style series.<p></p><p>Former deputy Sam Strait has been snowbirding and comes back home to discover a dead body in his home. He decides to investigate himself and ends up getting involved with a tough female bodybuilder, several thugs and more.</p><p>Sam is a fun character. He might be an ex-cop, he's not the tough guy you might expect. His fighting prowess puts him pretty much into cozy territory. He's also really more of an amateur sleuth than an unlicensed PI type. His rules of living are amusing, one of which is to never go where he cannot wear flip-flops, hence the title of the series.</p><p>The story has some nice pacing. Not too fast, not to slow. It feels like an entertaining stroll hand in hand with Sam. There seem to be a few somewhat open plot points in here, but overall a nice story.</p><p>Will be back for more.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-32164147493903442342021-08-27T01:09:00.004-07:002021-08-27T01:09:18.770-07:00White Lines (John Tyler) by Tom Fowler<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqGno6LPb1x9HqoftfvLI9IwvNvtmP7YyLd_ILy4ATOffc1GXFD5d4siuusJsAo0B5Iq4lz-Ah2oKNFNbTY2zb-HYf-XKmf-0-eQvpH5sOg5QAyB1_F1IXs-4CAfBH8bAPtpNWOeafOU/s400/9781953603364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqGno6LPb1x9HqoftfvLI9IwvNvtmP7YyLd_ILy4ATOffc1GXFD5d4siuusJsAo0B5Iq4lz-Ah2oKNFNbTY2zb-HYf-XKmf-0-eQvpH5sOg5QAyB1_F1IXs-4CAfBH8bAPtpNWOeafOU/s320/9781953603364.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /> Former Spec Ops veteran John Tyler is working as a mechanic. When a woman brings in her Porsche but never returns to it he starts to investigate. Soon he is clashing with a drug cartel who decide to get him out of the way. Together with his old Army buddy and hacker/PI C.T. Ferguson (of Tom Fowler's other series) he takes the fight to the bad guys. There's also a subplot where his ex-wife is trying to scam him and his daughter. <p></p><p>The John Tyler series is different from the C.T. Ferguson books in the way these are action thrillers, not detective stories. Mr. Fowler is really good at writing fast-paced action and he shows that off here as well. The dead bodies pile up, things go boom and gunfire rattles. It can become a bit repetitive at times though and reminded me a lot of the first book in this series.</p><p>Nice book for folks who think the Jack Reacher books can get too slow. I do hope the next one has a bit more beat to it's bones, story-wise.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-9581856260434345892021-08-11T07:33:00.003-07:002021-08-11T07:33:31.278-07:00Hallmarks Of The Job / Aloha Boys: A P.I. Tales Double Feature (Stanley Melvin / Morriss Ronald Boyett) by Frank Zafiro / Michael Bracken<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifczpKuTTb2ysuNmZ5emohozDJPp2gaJy6kpYtjig_f44KWq8ys4ZKif8AjzWq9P4nCPSg41vKCesC3YugSDHBdaCaqPlpaTXdH_Xvb4HqYkG9kJqQeHpilRQmZbYFksPR7GzQ9dnrkvk/s500/51cy4r7yVPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifczpKuTTb2ysuNmZ5emohozDJPp2gaJy6kpYtjig_f44KWq8ys4ZKif8AjzWq9P4nCPSg41vKCesC3YugSDHBdaCaqPlpaTXdH_Xvb4HqYkG9kJqQeHpilRQmZbYFksPR7GzQ9dnrkvk/s320/51cy4r7yVPL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />I saw love this idea of combining two PI novellas in one book. I loved the first one and the second one turned out to be pretty awesome as well.<p></p><p>In Frank Zafiro's Hallmarks of the Job,we meet PI Stanley Melvin. He's no superheroic or tough Spenser. But when he gets involved in a routine case his neigbor points out the case is full of hardboiled detective novel tropes. He will need to toughen up a bit! It is a pretty quirky and fun story. I really could identify with Stanley and the plot was really inventive.</p><p>In Michael Bracken's Aloha Boys, we read about Private investigator Morris Ronald “Moe Ron” Boyette who lives above a tattoo place. A homeless woman hires him to find her missing half-brother. He gets involved with some dirty secrets of a University. Bracken's prose is effective as always. The plot is neatly tied up and there is not an unnecessary word. Bracken's huge experience in short stories pays off in this longer format.</p><p><br /></p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-9557002696364778272021-05-20T04:48:00.002-07:002021-05-20T04:48:30.714-07:00First Shot (Grant Fletcher) by John Ryder<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht800pqUoqHN699U2OKw2YHb3gQQpzOOvjWC6zDsyAg4XIQbUHXnZLZoOOuKvLZYw7x1wbYb22QgEHfHJsaABDnfLGJoGKKHw1zxSeTrDCghPkDNtMOa4T9kCLRfHK-g3rjcJY-9h0V54/s300/520976143775527957047112471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht800pqUoqHN699U2OKw2YHb3gQQpzOOvjWC6zDsyAg4XIQbUHXnZLZoOOuKvLZYw7x1wbYb22QgEHfHJsaABDnfLGJoGKKHw1zxSeTrDCghPkDNtMOa4T9kCLRfHK-g3rjcJY-9h0V54/s0/520976143775527957047112471.jpg" /></a></div><br /> It is pretty obvious Lee Child's Jack Reacher was a big influence on this one. Ex-military loner with good detective skills shows up in a small town to deal justice. I guess that is starting to become a genre of it's own. So, this might be seen as a Son of Reacher instead of Son of Spade.<p></p><p>Anyway, the story is about the mentioned military loner called Grant Fletcher. He is enlisted by an old army mate to investigate the disappearance of his daughter. He encounters some unfriendly citizens as well as a smart and attractive FBI agent.</p><p>Fletcher as a character isn't that unique at a first glance. However, he has an interesting traumatic backstory which both adds extra spice to the story as well as the character. The fact he's a father adds something to his character as well.</p><p>The FBI agent, Zoey Quadrado, is a pretty well-rounded and strong female protagonist. It looks like she will be a series regular. That could be interesting and take away Fletcher out of standard Reacher territory.</p><p>There's a lot of action scenes in here, which seem to be taken right out of an action movie. These, together with the story behind Fletcher's trauma are definitely the strongest points of the story. The main investigation was a bit thin and could have used some surprises.</p><p>I like the setup at the end where we get a hint at how Fletcher and Quadrado will get into new trouble.</p><p>All in all, not a bad new series for those who can't get enough of Reacher and want just a little extra spice to the formula.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-74936876850526863592021-03-11T03:48:00.000-08:002021-03-11T03:48:01.431-08:00Romeo's Rules (Mike Romeo) by James Scott Bell<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksKU0PWJqqmZ4s_4jaqmcJkd6Wskdu6Iz41b3-n83-fX1csCAS0z6P0X1WliJngwuMIrSgBC3CEkgNfb2ALDKp2bDdRtLdnps1HfmG2H_vpMnJvY-9DXOmgXvz649UQLEy0xxF9KRekQ/s500/51%252Bbjfm81pL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksKU0PWJqqmZ4s_4jaqmcJkd6Wskdu6Iz41b3-n83-fX1csCAS0z6P0X1WliJngwuMIrSgBC3CEkgNfb2ALDKp2bDdRtLdnps1HfmG2H_vpMnJvY-9DXOmgXvz649UQLEy0xxF9KRekQ/s320/51%252Bbjfm81pL.jpg" /></a></div><br /> Ex-cage fighter Mike Romeo helps out a woman with missing kids after rescuing her from an exploding church. He ends up getting caught and tortured. Luckily, after some time with a PI and fighting in cages he has the skills to strike back. And there's that ex-Mossad sidekick to help him out.<p></p><p>Lots of the story is a pretty straightforward hardboiled thriller. Some fights, some investigations, some twists. Mike is a wisecracking tough guy like Spenser or Elvis Cole. However, he is even more intellectual than Spenser is. As a kid, he read a lot of books and he still continues to do so. The result is that Mike gets in some pretty nice oneliners and deep thoughts. That makes him pretty unique, but also, to some readers annoying. I really liked it though. There's also his dark past that is slowly uncovered that makes Mike an interesting character.</p><p>As a writer of several writing instruction books it is no surprise Mr. Bell keeps the story moving, the dialogue fast and natural and the descriptions brief enough not to bore. All in all, good writing, enjoyable character. I will be back for more.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-6338068654499916902021-02-22T07:44:00.001-08:002021-02-22T07:44:14.978-08:00Serenity Stalked (Shelby Alexander) by Craig A. Hart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB-Z5rDk6LNDr_Isuz7_7KbFOzRA4IjkIcqtAYP4lh9wUTQXyLxZxQ2V3-YUQ1UC-53Zr7opFtrUu4eK5eQviF8usNFOjJcMbX2O9pqjS-SLRlNI5JQJKt5MrZfYvFmqG2bcgN46bE-c/s500/51pKSKuJSSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB-Z5rDk6LNDr_Isuz7_7KbFOzRA4IjkIcqtAYP4lh9wUTQXyLxZxQ2V3-YUQ1UC-53Zr7opFtrUu4eK5eQviF8usNFOjJcMbX2O9pqjS-SLRlNI5JQJKt5MrZfYvFmqG2bcgN46bE-c/s320/51pKSKuJSSL.jpg" /></a></div><br />Shelby Alexander, retired boxer and fixer gets involved in a serial killer case when his lady love is endangered. When the killer tries to set him up for a murder he has to face the local law, who are not a fan of him after he took down some local criminals the hard way.<div>I liked how Shelby had his doubts about his younger girlfriend. Shelby himself is a good, aging tough guy in the Eastwood manner.<br /><div>The writing is pretty tight and readable. The pacing is good, the dialogue attractive. The plot, however, is a bit thin. </div><div>I am not a fan of scenes written from the POV of a serial killer and this book has a lot of chapters of those. That's the stuff of those thrillers featuring profilers, not a good PI novel. Not that the POV was badly written, it does create the effect the writer has probably been looking for, making him a crazy and scary individual.</div><div>A nice, quick read. Nothing more, nothing less.</div></div>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-59856058786963757822021-02-18T11:25:00.002-08:002021-02-18T11:26:28.513-08:00Q & A with Alexandra Amor<p><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHjVEhyehI3dHKnAv-45AEvpKWxMBJp8hBlij4Gy1aKjZ3kGTROHXhGVzgwqxY8vNV7ZDFbKMQUnCbVOtc22Sw3s7oPY3JI4PWPhd4VzrjA7l980Tzrsd9kNds-7m7AmKjYJpwTSFrsU/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHjVEhyehI3dHKnAv-45AEvpKWxMBJp8hBlij4Gy1aKjZ3kGTROHXhGVzgwqxY8vNV7ZDFbKMQUnCbVOtc22Sw3s7oPY3JI4PWPhd4VzrjA7l980Tzrsd9kNds-7m7AmKjYJpwTSFrsU/" width="320" /></a></b>I had the pleasure to ask Alexandra Amor, author of the Freddie Lark series and podcaster some questions about her work and PI fiction in general.</i></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q:What makes Freddie Lark different from other hardboiled characters?</b></p><p>Well, first she’s a woman, which is somewhat unusual in the hardboiled genre, though not as much as it used to be. Second, she’s accidentally falling into solving mysteries. She’s not an ex-cop, doesn’t have a PI license, and defines herself as an artist, not a detective. She leads with compassion and kindness rather than with a tough attitude. And she doesn’t even own pepper spray, let alone a gun.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: How did you come up with the character?</b></p><p>It’s sometimes difficult to describe the process of how a character emerges but I’ll try. I wanted to write about Vancouver, where I’d lived for 30 years, and I wanted the books to be contemporary. I’d been writing a historical mystery series, so writing about the present-day was a change. Freddie just gradually evolved as I began to think about writing mysteries set in that city. I knew I wanted her to be mature (she’s 40) and independent (no kids or spouse). As I began to write the prequel novella that starts the series, I got to know her. She’s observant and kind, she has a sassy mouth, and she’s surrounded by a rag-tag bunch of friends who would do anything for her (and vice versa).</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: What are your thoughts on eBooks?</b></p><p>Love ebooks! I personally read on my iPad on one of the ebook apps. Lately I only seem to buy books in print if they’re not available in ebook. I love that I can travel and take 50 books with me if I want to without having to lug 50 paperbacks around. And I also believe that every reader has the right to choose the format that works for them best; audiobook, ebook, or paperback. I also love it that ebooks are more affordable for readers.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: What's next for you and your characters?</b></p><p>I’m working on the next Freddie Lark book, called Lark Goes Back. Freddie is embroiled in a financial fraud case that may or may not involve her sister. I also write a short mystery story every month for my patrons on Patreon. So far in 2021 those stories have all been set in Freddie Lark’s world, though they don’t always have her as the main character, as the books do. Some of the short mysteries feature her sister or mother or friend and tenant, Ellie.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: What do you do when you're not writing?</b></p><p>I live in a tiny fishing village on an island off the British Columbia coast and we are very close to nature here. So I love walking on the beaches and trails around town. I also read a lot (of course). I have plans to learn to play the ukulele.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: How do you promote your work?</b></p><p>I promote my work any way I can. I run Amazon ads on that platform. I host a weekly podcast for mystery readers where I interview other mystery authors and have them read to us from their books. I have two free novellas available on my website and when readers sign up for those I keep in touch with them via a monthly newsletter. The first novel in the Freddie Lark series (Lark Underground) is free in ebook format at all the online retailers, so I run promotions about that a few times a year. I submit my books to Kobo promotions regularly. Next on my list is learning about BookBub ads.</p><p><br /></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><br />Q: What other genres besides crime do you like?</b><p></p><p>I love the memoir genre. And when I’m not reading mysteries or memoirs I’m reading books about writing, or ones about running an author business.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: In the last century we've seen new waves of PI writers, first influenced by Hammett, then Chandler, Macdonald, Parker, later Lehane. Who do you think will influence the coming generation?</b></p><p>I’m terrible at predicting the future, but what I would love to see is increasing diversity in the mystery genre; that is, books by those authors we haven’t heard from yet or have barely heard from. Indigenous authors, books by trans and other LGBTQ authors. Books for readers who have not yet seen themselves represented in literature and art. All the authors you mentioned above are white men. Won’t it be great when those writers who are influencing the coming generations of writers are as diverse as the real world is?</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q: Why do you write in this genre?</b></p><p>Even when I try to write something that isn’t a mystery, it always ends up with a mystery in the plot. So I think this is just who I am; a mystery author. I love it. I love that solving crime is a metaphor for making sense out of the mysteries in our lives. And I love that one of the things I get to do with my life is make up stories that hopefully entertain readers.</p><p><br /></p><p><i>For those of you wanting to know more about this author, check out:</i></p><p><i>Website: <a href="https://alexandraamor.com">https://alexandraamor.com</a></i></p><p><i>2 Free novellas: <a href="https://alexandraamor.com/library/">https://alexandraamor.com/library/</a></i></p><p><i>Podcast: <a href="http://itsamysterypodcast.com">http://itsamysterypodcast.com</a></i></p><p><i>Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/alexandraamor">https://www.patreon.com/alexandraamor</a></i></p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-16033348166682783792021-01-26T13:45:00.001-08:002021-01-26T13:45:21.144-08:00Below The Line (Mike Millek) by Steven Jankowski<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov92KGKytBcDKL0rFcN8a-8Zj2qw5zRrCBF1B9lNwjqX4UNCCeK5NuM5QJIbquiM2abANXq3_kPKzOv8rWDEr1MTO6O3K8fcwJk7JC66tgVeB7Q70i_JNyC66bbXW76JlHnHIynnukrM/s464/cover-jankowski-below-line-300x464px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov92KGKytBcDKL0rFcN8a-8Zj2qw5zRrCBF1B9lNwjqX4UNCCeK5NuM5QJIbquiM2abANXq3_kPKzOv8rWDEr1MTO6O3K8fcwJk7JC66tgVeB7Q70i_JNyC66bbXW76JlHnHIynnukrM/s320/cover-jankowski-below-line-300x464px.jpg" /></a></div>As many of our favorite hardboiled characters do, Mike Millek has a boat. He's also a limo driver for the stars in Hollywood. When one of his client, a music producer, ends up dead he also ends up with a lot of cash in his hands. He decides to keep it, which gets him into all sorts of trouble. <p></p><p>Not so much a PI story as a noirish tale this one is full of people who only think about money and sex. Millek is a nice enough guy, but has some characters flaws when it comes to his morals. Of course Hollywood is a great place to be the background for this kind of tale. The fact the author has inside knowledge of Hollywood and owned a boat himself brings some authenticity to the book, which I enjoyed.</p><p>There seemed to be a bit too much of ''tell instead of show'' in some places and it took quite some pages to get the story started. A bit too much time was spend talking about Millek's background in my opinion. Still, there is some atmosphere to the story and enough action and double crossing to make it a good read.</p><p><br /></p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-47992465751571401792021-01-12T00:39:00.001-08:002021-01-12T00:39:04.688-08:00Blood On Canvas (C.T. Ferguson) by Tom Fowler<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyN3Tgi0ZUmDv5tDmv2L3uxG2da_TBq65Xb4t1eYKt5sfIxFZC8w3aPm3NEwWoir6Gj6cDboqqPJx0ETV-5xwHndeQdLdX0kq2OCOjSkv7iyj-QO9iPk-EGtXW-Wo8SanaAKhcBD2AstE/s1200/BOC_cover_final-small.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyN3Tgi0ZUmDv5tDmv2L3uxG2da_TBq65Xb4t1eYKt5sfIxFZC8w3aPm3NEwWoir6Gj6cDboqqPJx0ETV-5xwHndeQdLdX0kq2OCOjSkv7iyj-QO9iPk-EGtXW-Wo8SanaAKhcBD2AstE/s320/BOC_cover_final-small.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> The C.T. Ferguson series always reads like you are watching a TV show and this one does more then ever. <p></p><p>In this one Ferguson tries to find a stolen painting that is exceptionally bad. Why would anyone steal that is one of the biggest mysteries.. What follows is a fast-paced story with Ferguson taking on some drugrunners ending in an action-packed finale.</p><p>I love the concept where Ferguson works for his clients without pay, but gets paid after closing the case by his rich parents. This concept, and the pacing of the series always keeps me coming back.</p><p>This one might go a bit overboard for me in the NCIS-routine though. Just a bit too much Feds showing up, almost too much action and too much computer wizardry. It just became more of a thriller than the kind of PI mystery I love. I should say though, that the computer stuff is believable (Fowler works in IT) and not the Sci-Fi stuff you see in the Magnum reboot and the NCIS shows. Also, I will admit Tom Fowler writes great action scenes. What I like about how he does that is that he uses minimal description of the fights which really makes you ''see'' the action in your mind without slowing down the scene. There's some nice ass-kicking in this one.</p><p>You can pick up this novella as part of this bundle: https://books2read.com/deadsilent/</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-59448871321013809472021-01-07T07:24:00.004-08:002021-01-07T07:24:27.322-08:00Favorite Sons of 2020<p> In 2020 I read more horror and biographies than PI fiction. Still, I read enough to have some favorites. So, as every year, here they are.</p><p>BEST PI NOVEL: Rolling Thunder (Hammerhead Jed Ounstead) by A.J. Devlin</p><p>BEST NEW PI: Arch Dixon (in One Mississippi) by Steve Ulfelder</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpyWm7CFMMldlW67F6YSadaMZvAK39Y0JToiuC5Ys_S_OrFZr3WvupE5Mfan5texywGDn22UofFb3YLFbxKIiN6I0Z2UDQdq4vJArKyGA2qSu7l1gaIi0FtbiUFSY985D15S4KcPwZHY/s499/51qna5qsRhL._SX311_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpyWm7CFMMldlW67F6YSadaMZvAK39Y0JToiuC5Ys_S_OrFZr3WvupE5Mfan5texywGDn22UofFb3YLFbxKIiN6I0Z2UDQdq4vJArKyGA2qSu7l1gaIi0FtbiUFSY985D15S4KcPwZHY/s320/51qna5qsRhL._SX311_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-9777221172926206212021-01-06T04:43:00.001-08:002021-01-06T04:43:09.005-08:00PI Tales Double Feature: Crimson Smile (Rick Malone) by Michael Pool & The Path of Jackals (Fennec Suleiman) by Hunter Eden<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE6ncwLoqYwJQtsocvhC5p78BItj8jLzoaCvLqL-Wa-CAok07IBxxW-aQ4yDPlHrt03w4aAD4OPFe8NsXnksCiyvnEWiK0ApMByy1evc3DNazX4Vh4sy8t4qyFLdITmwtGt5Nb_F4KL0/s1724/DOUBLE-HEADER-COVER-FRONT-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="1140" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE6ncwLoqYwJQtsocvhC5p78BItj8jLzoaCvLqL-Wa-CAok07IBxxW-aQ4yDPlHrt03w4aAD4OPFe8NsXnksCiyvnEWiK0ApMByy1evc3DNazX4Vh4sy8t4qyFLdITmwtGt5Nb_F4KL0/s320/DOUBLE-HEADER-COVER-FRONT-FINAL.jpg" /></a></div><br /> I am a sucker for novellas, having written quite a few myself. I think it is a great idea to combine two novellas in one book. This way you have the page count and price tag to help the book get noticed on Amazon and still can tell strong, shorter stories. What I like about the novella format is you can get right to the story, keep the action going without boring the reader. <p></p><p>The first tale is a Rick Malone one by Michael Pool. The fact Michael is a real-life PI gives the story a nice authentic feeling. Malone is hired to prove a wealthy woman killed her husband in self-defense. What follows is an interesting tale with a nice surprise ending. Although Malone's character isn't very unique, the plot and investigation was pretty enjoyable.</p><p>The second tale features a very original PI. Not only is the story situated in Egypt, but the protagonist, Fennec Suleiman is one of a kind. He's got some kind of brain damage that causes him to see the form of Anubis. This Egyptian mythological character gives him advice during his investigation of a missing young American girl. The story isn't for the faint of heart and veers a bit into horror territory sometimes. Not surprising as the author, Hunter Eden, has been writing in that genre a lot. It gives a nice dark look at our current Youtuber-culture in a chilling and exciting story. This should win a Shamus Award!</p><p>Great, fast-paced reads. Looking forward to more in this format.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-14813290512206735192020-12-28T11:17:00.002-08:002020-12-28T11:17:11.490-08:00Don't Shoot The Drummer (Lou Crasher) by Jonathan Brown<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkfj35DLKavn5Mh7FfUr2dKmyYpfKcfIA2uniHY71Xw7n73y5UfJx2NA9Y9V66SLG9WDkM9ZW-yE2jEQQ8nffMpRoz8W1E2dNp-2Gihyphenhypheneo4sJFPEC795EITIAsyiBwOQVkB0GBgdoCn0/s665/cover-brown-dont-shoot-drummer-front.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkfj35DLKavn5Mh7FfUr2dKmyYpfKcfIA2uniHY71Xw7n73y5UfJx2NA9Y9V66SLG9WDkM9ZW-yE2jEQQ8nffMpRoz8W1E2dNp-2Gihyphenhypheneo4sJFPEC795EITIAsyiBwOQVkB0GBgdoCn0/s320/cover-brown-dont-shoot-drummer-front.webp" /></a></div><br /> Lou Crasher, the drummer/PI is back in action. When a gang of criminals robs houses that are ''tented off'' for fumigation he is hired by the mother of a security guard that was killed by the gang to track them down.<p></p><p>The criminals turn out to be an interesting bunch and we have some chapters from their P.O.V. Lou is always a cool character, the drumming angle is nice and he can be a pretty tough guy.</p><p>Unfortunately there is no mystery and the plot didn't really grab me as much as the first novel in this series. I will be reading the next one in the series to hang out with Lou again but hope the plot will be more interesting.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-91522767930893131822020-11-23T04:45:00.002-08:002020-11-23T04:45:33.302-08:00The Mechanic (John Tyler) by Tom Fowler<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmvulfWoCPc8Wqc2Iqw7O7M_TBj5Jc8sOYbC-P7f-POfmcZiZKENdq3JwijyWFf46NVVSCxMjz5S4TzOC9MtoS4YLbI7quGDAfo3qANnx8Rw3zRceg-XHfh8l-afHvmVBQzFUb58QBY8/s500/51zlVYdfiPL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmvulfWoCPc8Wqc2Iqw7O7M_TBj5Jc8sOYbC-P7f-POfmcZiZKENdq3JwijyWFf46NVVSCxMjz5S4TzOC9MtoS4YLbI7quGDAfo3qANnx8Rw3zRceg-XHfh8l-afHvmVBQzFUb58QBY8/s320/51zlVYdfiPL.jpg" /></a></div><br />Having enjoyed Tom Fowler's C.T. Ferguson books for some time now I was excited to read the first full-length John Tyler novel. Somewhat of a departure from the PI novels that the Ferguson series consists of I did enjoy it. This is more of a straight action thriller kind of book in the Lee Child/Jack Reacher vein.<p></p><p>John Tyler is a single dad. He retired from the army some years ago. Recovering from PTSD, he now works as a mechanic. When his former commander, who has a big bone to pick with Tyler gets out of jail and threatens Tyler's loved ones he has to pick up arms once again.</p><p>While the plot is rather thin and John is perhaps a bit less original a character than C.T. Ferguson the pacing is enjoyably fast. What Fowler excels in, is describing really cool action scenes. He hands you just the correct amount of detail so you can see the action in your hand without slowing down too much.</p><p>And though the plot is a bit thin, it does set up the stage for the series quite nicely. I am interested in finding out how Tyler gets involved in a new adventure in the second book. I do hope the plot will be a bit more interesting.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-77116746513100204332020-09-24T05:26:00.003-07:002020-09-24T05:26:24.492-07:00Blood Sisters (Shea Stevens) by Dharma Kelleher<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTnEoDj1UCresCL9czdKMX3PyuUre-CkM7nZaAqIONACKoiV4i_1p4cc1rBVRmwxGMJGmVGTxxhmDknnJoFLjqJ8X4AS_JiW7_COb85Ha7iX1oSjdYv0SvZ7J8rBBcw-s4Mo41viUnN0/s500/41njguE7iGL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTnEoDj1UCresCL9czdKMX3PyuUre-CkM7nZaAqIONACKoiV4i_1p4cc1rBVRmwxGMJGmVGTxxhmDknnJoFLjqJ8X4AS_JiW7_COb85Ha7iX1oSjdYv0SvZ7J8rBBcw-s4Mo41viUnN0/s320/41njguE7iGL.jpg" /></a></div><br />A woman is on the run from her powerful husband, asking former confidential informer Shea and her Athena Sisterhood Motorcycle Club for help. That causes quite some trouble, just like the rival biker gang that the Athena Sisterhood helped put in prison getting back on the streets. And then there's the matter of Shea's adopted child who is feeling ill.<p></p><p>What follows is a gritty, action-packed story with my favorite lesbian protagonist. I love how Shea is both tough and vulnerable. The feelings she has for a female cop are so well described. The love she feels for her stepdaughter are so genuine. Shea is such a kind and loving woman as well as a tough biker/warrior. The combination works. Not your standard PI character and infused with a huge dose of rock 'n' roll attitude her adventures are a delight to read.</p><p>I loved the first two entries in the series. This one is even better.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-62710729764258916332020-09-03T03:48:00.004-07:002020-09-03T03:48:44.349-07:00Free Fiction: The Albino Assassin (A Lenny Parker serial) by Jochem Vandersteen<p><i> Lenny Parker, PI / roadie / metalhead is back in a new serial. He’s my slightly more humorous version of the PI. He doesn’t exactly know what he’s doing and sure as hell isn’t the martial arts master my Noah Milano is.</i></p><p><i>For the other parts of this story click <a href="http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Albino%20Assassin">here.</a></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">TWO</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Casey updated Lenny about her new
love, Jenna while they were in his Dodge Ram. They were heading for Jenna’s
place. Jenna, last name Collins, had a job at a local sex shop. Turns out Casey
met her there, shopping for a strap-on. Lenny had stopped feeling shocked about
Casey’s openness about her sex life. The conversation had turned to if Casey
had someone to use it on and before you knew it they were at the back of the
shop doing the nasty. Eat that, Penthouse Forum. They discovered they had more
to offer each other than just pure lust, like the same crude sense of humor and
a <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fondness of riot grrl bands and
medieval poetry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Did she ever mention something to
you about not liking San Diego, or her work?” Lenny asked Casey.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“No. She loved her job. She just
liked meeting all the freaks and embarrassing the housewives who shopped there.
She wasn’t thinking about leaving. I know what you’re suggesting, Len. But she
didn’t just leave on her own accord. There’s something wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Okay, okay. But most often when an
adult disappears she usually turns up after a few weeks, drunk, broke or in
love with someone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“This is not one of those causes,
okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Sure.” Lenny pointed ahead. “This her
place?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Great. Let me park and we’ll have
a look over there.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny parked the Dodge next to a
battered Volvo. Together with Casey he walked over to the apartment complex. It
had three stories, white balconies and walls painted red to mask the fact the
building was pretty old.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“You don’t have a key, right?”
Lenny asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“If I had a key I would have gone
over to have a look myself, don’t you think? No, I need your fancy PI
lockpicking skills.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m actually not very good at
that. I’m not Magnum, you know?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“You can always put some of your weight
against the door.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Hey! Stop picking on me about my
weight!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Pick locks, not on Lennies,” Casey
chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A young woman with pink shorts and
a black tank top moved past them on rollerblades, over to the apartment’s main
door. A blonde ponytail stuck out from her white cap.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Quick, let’s move in behind her,”
Lenny said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Casey wiggled her eyebrows. “Not a punishment.”
Lenny shook his head in despair. Casey was so much worse than even most men he
knew.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Walking as fast as they could
without looking suspicious they moved to the door. Just before the young woman
could close it, Lenny put a foot against it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The woman looked behind her,
missing the sound of a closing door. “Oh, hi. Didn’t see you there.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“No worries,” Lenny said. “Nice weather
for some rollerblading, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The woman smiled. “Absolutely. I
haven’t seen you before here, are you new?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Casey put an arm around Lenny and
kissed his cheek. “Yeah, we just moved into our little love nest here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny was caught a bit unaware by Casey’s
act but had to admit it didn’t feel bad to get a kiss from his beautiful friend.
“Yeah. We’ve got a friend living here as well. Jenna Collins, you know her?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Jenna? Good looking girl? Lots of
tattoos?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“That’s her,” Casey said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Yeah, I’ve run into her every now
and then. She usually tries to get me in bed when she does. Some people have
been complaining about the loud music she plays.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“That sounds like her as well,”
Casey agreed. Lenny wondered if it bothered her that her girlfriend tried to
pick up women in the apartment building.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The young woman took off her rollerblades,
quite a balancing act. Lenny was a gentlemen and offered her a hand as she did.
“Haven’t seen her in days, though. Maybe she’s on holiday or something? You
know about that?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“No, haven’t heard about that,”
Casey said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Well, I’m going to take a shower. Sweating
my ass off. Nice to mee you folks,” the woman said. “I’m Tiffany.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Nice to meet you too,” Lenny
agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“For sure,” Casey said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">They watched Tiffany go up the stairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“And what a nice sweaty ass it is,”
Casey said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I guess you have no reason to be
mad at Jenna for trying to pick her up,” Lenny told his friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“She probably just wanted to arrange
a trio.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Right, probably. Well, that was
the first door. Now let’s head over to the second.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The two metalheads went up the stairs
to the third floor where Jenna’s apartment was.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-81069745183210786332020-08-28T01:53:00.001-07:002020-08-28T01:53:25.816-07:00The Desecration of All Saints (August McKenzie) by Alan Lee<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-LakW2FMJ6-sEroA1xDIaJFpQ6DH5LVAp1o4XtaPr1aPCoQ_Jr6kbNvHbcShCDwSB2uBO68l7Hofh6sGEAv23hI21mTG7dlc64uYrT4B57QSIrMLbEG3Wo9FraDqBjB9GUr1Adk6Yz0/s500/51FrKUlQSoL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-LakW2FMJ6-sEroA1xDIaJFpQ6DH5LVAp1o4XtaPr1aPCoQ_Jr6kbNvHbcShCDwSB2uBO68l7Hofh6sGEAv23hI21mTG7dlc64uYrT4B57QSIrMLbEG3Wo9FraDqBjB9GUr1Adk6Yz0/s0/51FrKUlQSoL.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I started reading this one I wasn't sure I was going to like it. I'd already read the first in this series which I'd enjoyed but couldn't remember the "voice'' being so influenced by Crais and Parker. You know, the whole witty, self-depreciating one. As the story progresses the voice becomes more its own though.<p></p><p>What is left is a fairly solid detective story where PI Mackenzie August is hired to prove a clergyman is not the gay sex fiend he is being accused of being. During his investigation August has to switch sides and gets involved with a kidnap case. There is a nice deeper layer about the nature of evil and the position of religion and the church in modern day society.</p><p>Some things that made the read extra enjoyable were the talks August has with his adopted baby Kix and with his sidekick, US Marshal Manny. As an interesting subplot we have August's relationship with his big love Ronnie.</p><p>Billed as a standalone somewhat outside the series (taking place between the first two novels I understand) this is a nice pretty quick read. Alan Lee won me over to check out more in this series.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-7289245270043526112020-08-18T01:28:00.001-07:002020-08-18T01:28:18.507-07:00The Wanted (Elvis Cole) by Robert Crais<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v2uJubuN8_L5qfdlKhXexLeuUUNzeAQfLc78wgZ5Ly_xt1KFZiBQoFungUMWGRJO8cb_DQmdzn7QUKiM5i1heuyn2TjHWDliCyWO0rdV7cnL-OdOuvMO8zgrC-_ZIMnqN4SjturN2z4/s475/32336273._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v2uJubuN8_L5qfdlKhXexLeuUUNzeAQfLc78wgZ5Ly_xt1KFZiBQoFungUMWGRJO8cb_DQmdzn7QUKiM5i1heuyn2TjHWDliCyWO0rdV7cnL-OdOuvMO8zgrC-_ZIMnqN4SjturN2z4/s0/32336273._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div>Of course Elvis Cole and Joe Pike rule. They may be updated versions of Spenser and Hawk but I think they are fun characters/ This particular novel isn't the best one in the series though.<p></p><p>Elvis is hired by the mother of a teenage kid who seems to have some way too expensive stuff. It is sort of like my own <a href="http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/2013/04/free-fiction-girl-gone-wild-part-1.html">2013 story featuring Lenny Parker</a>, but besides the concept it is a very different story. </p><p>Anyway, the kid turns out to be in a new life of petty crime but has gotten his hands on something two thugs are after. Cole enlists the aid of his sidekick Joe Pike of course and sets out to find the kid (and his girlfriend) before the bad guys find them.</p><p>The bad guys are pretty interesting. They start out as basic everyday thugs but get a backstory which makes them less standard evil. </p><p>There's some fun banter between Cole and a hacker kid. Besides that there is some emotional scenes concerning Cole's old love Lucy and her kid, Ben.</p><p>Crais knows how to write a fast-paced story and I like how he is economical in his prose. The story itself is a bit thin for the number of pages it is. I would have fit it in a novella. </p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-63066236710611274232020-08-14T13:02:00.003-07:002020-09-03T03:47:11.518-07:00Free Fiction: The Albino Assassin (A Lenny Parker serial) by Jochem Vandersteen<p> <i style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny
Parker, PI / roadie / metalhead is back in a new serial. He’s my slightly more
humorous version of the PI. He doesn’t exactly know what he’s doing and sure as
hell isn’t the martial arts master my Noah Milano is.</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">For more
Lenny Parker stories look <a href="http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/search/label/Lenny%20Parker" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">ONE</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny heard the bullet dig into one
of the wooden crates in front of him. He’d taken cover behind a stack of those
crates a few minutes ago. The warehouse was full of them. He knew they wouldn’t
be much of a cover though and one of the bullets might dig through the wood and
into his flesh. He didn’t really know what to do besides taking cover though.
His cases usually didn’t often require carrying a gun, so he had nothing to
shoot back with. The assassin taking shots at him was a professional. As tall
as she was dangerous. So odds were he was going to die right there, in a warehouse
in San Diego by a 9mm fired by a sexy albino assassin. He couldn’t believe how he’d
ended up here….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">*<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Casey was the drummer in Lenny’s thrash/death
band The Necromantic Poets. The day she asked for his help as a private investigator
she wore her hair blue. It might be pink the next day and he wasn’t sure but
thought it had been purple a week ago. They were having a drink in their favorite
metal bar, The San Diego Batcave. He was on his second Corona, she was drinking
vodka. There was some Lamb Of God coming from the speakers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m still sorry the original
drummer left the band. Chris was awesome,” Casey said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I was never a big fan of their
sound. Although I like what Morton does solo,” Lenny shared.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Too soft for me,” Casey said. “Lenny,
buddy… I didn’t just ask you over here for just a drink today. I kind of need
your professional services.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny held up his Corona. “I
already was suspicious you paid for my beer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“You calling me cheap?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m not calling you anything. Just
showing my professional investigation skills.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Yeah, I’ll need those. I need you
to find a missing person for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“That’s part of my gig, sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’ve been dating this really hot
chick, Jenna, for a few weeks now. We were supposed to go to a Dollyrots show
two days ago but she never showed up. Doesn’t answer my phone, doesn’t open the
door…”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I don’t want to bruise your fragile
ego, but couldn’t it be possible she’s just not into you anymore?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Fuck you, Lenny. Only fucking
thing fragile about me is my clit. I’ve never ever been dumped after I went
down on a girl anyways. Chicks don’t leave me, I leave them. That’s just not an
option, dude.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny shook his head. “Shit, I wish
I had your confidence. I wouldn’t have to spend my night Netflixing and
chilling with just my right hand then.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Aww, fer chrissake… I won’t be
able to burn that image out of my head now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Drink some more of that vodka,
that might help. But what, you want to hire me to track her down?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Exactly.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“That’s 400 a day plus expenses.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Casey almost choked on her drink. “Four-what?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m a professional investigator,
remember.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Fuck you once again, you fat slob!
You’ve worked for <i>Black Sabbath</i> records, bottles of Blackened whiskey
and Amazon discount codes. What are you charging me full price for?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I remember having to pay full price
for that time I visited that <i>Ravenscroft</i> show where you were asked to
fill in on drums for.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I wasn’t allowed to put anyone on
the guest list, dude. I was just a hired gun. Come on, how many times have I
helped you out with your cases for free? You owe me some.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny sighed. He had to admit she’d
been helpful a couple of times. And although she could give him shit every now
and then she was probably one of his best friends. “All right. Quit your
whining. You just hired a private eye. It will cost you a buck a day.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Sixty cents.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny rolled his eyes. “Sheesh,
fine… And another Corona. I think they’re going to play some <i>Vader</i> next.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-3639356601834827372020-08-10T06:58:00.002-07:002020-08-10T06:58:46.982-07:00Chasing Shadows (Drew Patrick) by Jason Richards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhm2OqStrFKNKYpHYm8UahZeKVo8F3L4LpKxXariFovXwtPA6atrcg8e1IU4kNlTS2RooWJ-OWAXwV4oS1C4odbe_dIJeo9BCpfSDpJzEwlKb426-nai2qc0QozgYT567vz5wPgtjEbgs/s2048/Chasing-Shadows-Cover-Feb-2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhm2OqStrFKNKYpHYm8UahZeKVo8F3L4LpKxXariFovXwtPA6atrcg8e1IU4kNlTS2RooWJ-OWAXwV4oS1C4odbe_dIJeo9BCpfSDpJzEwlKb426-nai2qc0QozgYT567vz5wPgtjEbgs/s640/Chasing-Shadows-Cover-Feb-2020.jpg" /></a></div> Faithful readers of my blog know I don't mind a book with a lot of the standard tropes. After all, the tropes are what make the PI genre great. This one might have done well to add something new to the mix though.<p></p><p>Ex-FBI agent Drew Patrick is hired to find out if indeed a woman's daughter is being led down the wrong path by a young man. It turns out she is right which has him up against some thugs. There's a sidekick in the Joe Pike / Hawk mode who shows up all of a sudden. The story and the thugs reminded me of The Wanted by Robert Crais which I will soon review. The writing style is very much in the Robert B. Parker / Robert Crais style as well. Perhaps a bit too much.</p><p>It sounds interesting Patrick's girlfriend is a PI herself but she just shows up as a Susan clone to Patrick's Spenser.</p><p>I'm afraid this one just didn't do it for me. The writing was fast-paced enough to finish, but the action, plot, mystery or characters didn't stand out.</p>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-80191882756658874282020-07-21T05:07:00.001-07:002020-07-21T05:07:53.805-07:00Ballast Point Breakdown (Rolly Waters) by Corey Lynn Fayman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjro9LmUugcF7IBD6nRoNThk_BwonkDUWYDBfh1sYWRyJUJDAzbetb7ratsnjQRC-eJds8LFvE2CJOghwDJtBdXFgni73bPQjugXJpaZQxaXcWGsVfaJsA5KzGBK48WF5Fa76URQfSsWic/s1600/41OMihQdn4L._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjro9LmUugcF7IBD6nRoNThk_BwonkDUWYDBfh1sYWRyJUJDAzbetb7ratsnjQRC-eJds8LFvE2CJOghwDJtBdXFgni73bPQjugXJpaZQxaXcWGsVfaJsA5KzGBK48WF5Fa76URQfSsWic/s320/41OMihQdn4L._SX331_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
In this fourth novel in the Rolly Waters series the guitar-playing private detective gets pulled into a strange case involving dolphins when a woman crawls from a boat on fire and screams about the return of Arion. The investigation touches some weird and interesting areas like dolphins used for warfare, a very dysfunctional family and the involvement of a punk rocker and animal-rights organzations.<br />
There are so many things pulled into the story that it can get a bit confusing sometimes. I have to applaud the author though for making this a tale very different plotwise from most PI stories. The characters are very original. I especially enjoyed Rolly's dad who gets some very funny lines.<br />
And of course, I love PI's who are involved in the music biz like my own<a href="http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/search/label/Lenny%20Parker" target="_blank"> Lenny Parker</a>.jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-66698137506559998942020-07-09T10:05:00.000-07:002020-07-09T10:05:10.457-07:00Free Fiction: Doggone Part Nine (A Lenny Parker serial) by Jochem Vandersteen<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US"></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Lenny Parker, PI / roadie / metalhead is back in a new serial, blending a bit of comedy with a hardboiled detective story, one feet into metal culture. This time he is hired to track down a missing dog. Read the other parts <a href="http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/search/label/Doggone" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">TEN</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The cops had shown up pretty
quickly. They arrested all of the spectators who hadn’t fled away yet. Among them
was Cliff. It was satisfying to see him get led away in handcuffs. Among the dogs
in the cages in the building was Ozzy. Obviously Cliff had dognapped it to sell
to Luis and his men. An animal protection unit showed up to take care of them
and managed to catch the loose dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The cop who seemed to be in charge,
a forty-something black man with glasses and a big moustache told Lenny, “Even
though you called this one in we will need to cuff you as well until we’ve sorted
this all out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I understand,” Lenny said. “I’m
just glad you guys are here. I hope these animals get back to their owners or a
good home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Yeah. I have to admit I wouldn’t mind
throwing these assholes in the ring with these dogs so they can do some justice
of their own,” the cop said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Casey walked in, flanked by a young
cop. She was wearing handcuffs. He told the black cop, “This lady was in a car
outside and got kind of aggressive when I prohibited her from going inside.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I just wanted to make sure my
friend is okay,” Casey said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Calling me a pig wasn’t the best
way to achieve that,” the young cop said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Excuse my dear friend,” Lenny
pleaded. “She can get a bit worked up sometimes but means well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Yeah. Uncuff us. We’re not the bad
guys here. We just blew the lid off a whole dognapping ring and illegal dog
fighting organization. We’re heroes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“We’ll work that out at the station,”
the black cop decided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">After the paperwork was done Casey
and Lenny were allowed to go home again. No charges were pressed against Casey
after she suggested the papers would be interested in hearing how she was
arrested after freeing helpless animals from captivity. The cops didn’t need
the bad press from animal rights organizations and she got off with just a slap
on the wrist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">They visited Janson a day later, together
with Janice. It was so good to see Ozzy reunited with the old man. The dog didn’t
leave Janson’s side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I want to say I’m very grateful
for your help. All of you. I really appreciate your help too, Janice. Please
come over for coffee more often,” Janson said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’d love to. And you should come
over for diner sometime.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Janson handed a crate to Lenny. “Here’s
the Black Sabbath albums I promised you. A very small price for the danger you
put yourself in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m not sure I can really take
this,” Lenny said. “Honestly, I think it was just my civic duty to do what I did.
I can’t stand animals getting hurt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Please, my hearing isn’t getting
any better and I’m getting older. I’d rather leave them to you than my kids who
never visit me. Take them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny took the crate and looked
inside. It was looking inside a treasure chest, but instead of gold doubloons
it was filled with vinyl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">THE END<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-73338038754719053402020-06-30T10:35:00.001-07:002020-06-30T10:35:18.932-07:00Rolling Thunder (Hammerhead Jed Ounstead) by A.J. Devlin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityKvOepoDjBIYhk9fyUYhs1AxNxz2XxSc0yNdGXO5X8oq1zf8gw7AW0A80nT0kvKYJ09mzJZO0n9mw-WCu5DYwb2A0j4MHHnlfcyx55djJYuLth9YXcuG7CRqoWFZZrtc2SMR_k4yp0A/s1600/52031762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityKvOepoDjBIYhk9fyUYhs1AxNxz2XxSc0yNdGXO5X8oq1zf8gw7AW0A80nT0kvKYJ09mzJZO0n9mw-WCu5DYwb2A0j4MHHnlfcyx55djJYuLth9YXcuG7CRqoWFZZrtc2SMR_k4yp0A/s320/52031762.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I just loved the first outing of Jed Ounstead. The wrestling setting and the light sense of humour were awesome. Things get better with this one. The comedy is amped up a bit more and the setting is not only wrestling but also the very interesting roller derby world.<br />
Ex-wrestler Jed Ounstead (now a PI in his dad's firm) is asked by his old friend Stormy Daze to find her roller derby coach who's gone missing some time ago. Investigating he ends up in an S & M club, clashing with a shady rich guy who has his own TV show and more colorful characters than you see on any wrestling show. And then there's those two women he loves but cannot decide on.<br />
There's so many laughs, funny situations and oneliners that I chuckled every page. Don't get me wrong, stuff can get pretty dark as well. And while Jed can be a laidback guy he can get very dark, brooding and gritty as well.<br />
I just love Jed's archetype psycho sidekick Declan! Not only is he a deadly fighter his lines are so incredibly crude and funny... Yeah, this one has everything I love about the genre. Action, laughs, attractive women, mystery.<br />
This one proves the first novel (Cobra Clutch) was not a one hit wonder. Can't wait for the third book.jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-3506658520209204402020-06-12T02:29:00.001-07:002020-06-12T02:29:40.861-07:00OUT NOW: the first Lenny Parker collection!Who likes the Lenny Parker story at my blog? Well, good news! I collected the first four serials in one nifty collection available here.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are a regular reader of this blog I'd appreciate you picking it up and spreading the word,<br />
<br />
Pick up the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B1RFSTT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=crime+and+riffs&qid=1591954081&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ8O2yayUtFFy5T3IURT9hWPjThUhhDoY4XWpZUvFDwScfp2rBU4T01L9s6nbmt85_6k-tq_8ToNXe0Gp6CRM66yeUzrqefyk1Dlyx5DUOCyZFPsWLF6b25HwQAlZBa69QIEEiY581Wk/s1600/parkercoversmaller.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZ8O2yayUtFFy5T3IURT9hWPjThUhhDoY4XWpZUvFDwScfp2rBU4T01L9s6nbmt85_6k-tq_8ToNXe0Gp6CRM66yeUzrqefyk1Dlyx5DUOCyZFPsWLF6b25HwQAlZBa69QIEEiY581Wk/s320/parkercoversmaller.png" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-496863456727865642020-06-11T03:08:00.002-07:002020-06-11T03:08:48.717-07:00Q & A with John Ryder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0uQU1anVSq1BngNFcPri6dNy7gHvylYEP3HNCkbARJZxGuB5G0JKEfkrv54nfgKg1cnj-oG3CusDzymRXftvFgO_J1GtAHfvhBNRSL6qMtG__oLguLSRMQLTsXtACgNwgscTZR-1cdc/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0uQU1anVSq1BngNFcPri6dNy7gHvylYEP3HNCkbARJZxGuB5G0JKEfkrv54nfgKg1cnj-oG3CusDzymRXftvFgO_J1GtAHfvhBNRSL6qMtG__oLguLSRMQLTsXtACgNwgscTZR-1cdc/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>John Ryder is the pen name of a British crimewriter who just came out with the first book in an exciting new series of thrillers starring tough guy loner Grant Fletcher. Of course I wanted to know more...</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What makes Grant Fletcher different from other hardboiled characters? </b><br />
This is a really good (hard to answer) question as Fletcher has many of the traits found in so many hardboiled characters. He’s comfortable operating alone, ready with his fists when necessary, brave, cynical, and dogged by past events that won’t give him inner peace.<br />
I think his USP has to be that he’s not one of the love-em-and-leave-em characters. His wife died years ago and he still loves her, and to this end he’s never once looked at another woman.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: How did you come up with the character? </b><br />
I’ve read a lot of books featuring similar characters by authors such as Lee Child, Matt Hilton, Zoe Sharp and many others so I knew the basics that had to be included in a character who features in crime action thrillers. What I wanted to do when building Fletcher was imbue him with enough commonalities to make him familiar, yet also to have enough differences to make him stand out in a crowded field. Fletcher’s back story came from events that happened in the Sam Carver series by Tom Cain. The series ended on a bombshell with a hugely emotional thread that had me wondering about its psychological impact for years afterwards. I’ve been lucky enough to befriend Tom and receive permission to appropriate the event he never tied up. I did of course put my own spin on things and I consider what I have done to be a homage to a fantastic piece of writing rather than a continuation of his character’s story.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What are your thoughts on eBooks? </b><br />
I like them for their convenience as commuters approaching the end of a book don’t have to lug their next read along for the journey home and holidaymakers can take a supply of books that don’t require a separate suitace. When it comes to my own reading I’m probably a 70 / 30 split in favour of paper or hardbacks, but that’s largely because I’m fortunate enough to have books sent to me. I also think that ebooks offer fantastic value for money as where else could you get many hours of entertainment for 99p or even £1.99?<br />
<br />
<b> Q: What's next for you and your characters? </b><br />
Things are looking busy for myself, Fletcher and Quadrado. Book 2 is written and the copy edits have been sent back so there’s only the proofing stages to go through. The title and blurb are still to be finalised, but book 2 sees Quadrado calling on Fletcher to investigate the murder of her lifelong friend. Naturally for one of my stories, the killing has only just begun.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What do you do when you're not writing? </b><br />
All the usual boring stuff. Read, watch TV, support my local football team, socialise with friends and family and plan murders.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: How do you promote your work? </b><br />
I’m lucky to have a fantastic publicist who does most of the heavy lifting. There are blog tours, social media posts, engaging with readers and writers. Occasionally I’ll run some ads to support what my publisher is doing, but mostly it’s about social media engagement.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtm6EXkqwBRD3buWeue79XrSZecxlZC95u-Avh01bZUB70V1hpgnk7zZaUR-bPl7mucSBtlkfwONB9yW6IE2Ko3mh2fsW-fFz9412cgOS58UdZN3YxC3nkqDAfO8V92haW_z2l9S1I58/s1600/51DA2ritA7L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtm6EXkqwBRD3buWeue79XrSZecxlZC95u-Avh01bZUB70V1hpgnk7zZaUR-bPl7mucSBtlkfwONB9yW6IE2Ko3mh2fsW-fFz9412cgOS58UdZN3YxC3nkqDAfO8V92haW_z2l9S1I58/s320/51DA2ritA7L.jpg" width="208" /></a><br />
<b>Q: What other genres besides crime do you like? </b><br />
I tend to be firmly stuck in the crime camp, but I read across almost all of its sub-genreswith the exception of cosy. I tend to mix things up with police procedurals, crime action thrillers, conspiracy thrillers, lost artefact stories and PI fiction to name but a few styles of the crime novels I read.<br />
<br />
<b> Q: In the last century we've seen new waves of PI writers, first influenced by Hammett, then Chandler, Macdonald, Parker, later Lehane. Who do you think will influence the coming generation? </b><br />
This is another toughie to answer as I’d be very wary of burdening another writer with expectation, but some authors who write PI style fiction I read are Matt Hilton, LJ Morris and Rob Sinclair.<br />
<br />
<b> Q: Why do you write in this genre? </b><br />
Because I get to read the story I want to read is the simple answer, but on a deeper level I think it’s because I love the puzzle element. While it’s always easier to set a puzzle than solve one, I take great enjoyment in seeding in clues and red herrings to misdirect readers while also worrying that I’m either being too obtuse or too obvious. Another great thing about writing crime stories is that I can explore themes and topics that interest me or that I feel ought to be brought to a wider audience.jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4631804141065554949.post-7422120554657927282020-06-09T07:19:00.001-07:002020-06-09T07:19:32.484-07:00Free Fiction: Doggone Part Nine (A Lenny Parker serial) by Jochem Vandersteen<i>Lenny Parker, PI / roadie / metalhead is back in a new serial, blending a bit of comedy with a hardboiled detective story, one feet into metal culture. This time he is hired to track down a missing dog. Read the other parts <a href="http://sonsofspade.blogspot.com/search/label/Doggone" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">NINE</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny’s stomach turned when the two
dogs started to fight. He just couldn’t bear watching it. Even the sounds
sickened him. He averted his gaze, not even caring that would cause suspicion.
He looked right in the eyes of Cliff. What was he doing there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Cliff now noticed Lenny as well. “Parker?
What the hell are you doing here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“That’s what I was wondering about
you,” Lenny said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Cliff stood, pointing an accusing
finger at Lenny and shouted, “This dude’s a private investigator!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Shit,” was all Lenny could think
of to say. The muscular guys who had been at the door had heard Cliff shouting
and walked into his direction. That would be trouble. Lenny decided to take a
run for it. There were two ways to run. One way would take him directly in the
arms of the bouncers. The other way would lead him to the ring. He liked
vicious dogs better than vicious men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">His weight didn’t make him the best
climber, but the guys who were behind him motivated him enough to climb the gate
and get inside the ring. The spectators were shouting at him to get out. The two
dogs noticed him and growled at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“Easy, easy…” Lenny told the dogs,
showing his empty hands. “I don’t mean you any harm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The dogs were on him before he knew
it, knocking him over. One of the dogs started to tear at his pants, the other
one was going for his throat. He figured the one at his throat should be his
highest priority so he tried to arm it away. With all the strength gained from
carrying around amplifiers, monitors and all sorts of other gear he pushed the dog
away from him. He kicked at the other dog, feeling so damned sorry for having
to hurt it. He managed to get the two animals away from him for a second
though. He ran for the gate. There was a bolt that unlocked it. He used it. The
dogs saw their way to freedom opened and decided that to be more interesting than
his meaty ass. The ran into the crowd who started to panic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny took out his cell phone and
called 911. Before he could say anything he felt something cold against his
neck. He glanced down and saw it was a stiletto knife. The voice of Luis
sounded behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">“What the fuck do you think you’re
doing asshole? Drop the phone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Lenny complied. The phone hitting
the floor with a dull thud. “Take it easy, Luis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Luis grabbed Lenny by the hair, turning
him around to face him. The knife stayed at Lenny’s neck. He hated it when
someone pulled his hair. He kicked Luis in the nuts. Luis let go of the hair
and the knife was lowered as he sank down on his knees. Getting a steel-toed boot
in the ball sack will do that to you. Lenny put his boot in Luis’ face and kicked
the knife out of his hands. He picked it up and threw it away. He then picked
up his phone and finished the 911 call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<i></i>jvdsteenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00069224888423271045noreply@blogger.com0