Required Reading

Life is complicated enough without getting into hotwater with federal agencies so: TAKE NOTE Many things I review I got at no charge in exchange for an honest review. Consider this as informing you that ALL things I review may have been gotten at no charge. Realistically about 60% but in order to keep things above board just assume that I got the stuff free. I do not collect information on my readers. If cookies or other tracking stuff is used on my blogs it is due to BLOGGER not ME. Apparently the European Union's new rules state I need to inform you if cookies are being use. If they are it isn't byu me, consider yourself INFORMED.
Words like, “sponsored,” “promotion,” “paid ad” or even just “ad” are clear ways to disclose that you’re being paid to share information and links so BE AWARE that some of what I write can be described as an AD by the government. BTW I will NEVER say a product is great, super or even acceptable if it isn't, whether I got it free or NOT!

Books I have authored.

Many times I receive books for FREE to give them an honest review. I do not get paid to give a good or bad review. Spotlights are promotional and should be regarded as advertising for the book spotlighted. Regardless of where or how I got a book, my review will be as honest as I can make it.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Snowzilla by Janet Lawler



Illustrated by Amanda Haley
This is a really cute book about a little girl who wants to build the biggest snowman in the world.  The entire family pitches in to build the giant snowman.   Family interaction is nicely illustrated by the way both little brother and mom and dad all work toward Cami Lou’s goal of a giant snow man.  The loose, rhyming verse makes the story easy to read to a small child.  

The snowman turns out beautifully and has many who enjoy it.  Sadly,  as a depressing reflection of our litigious society, lawsuits and petitions to get rid of Snowzilla are filed.   A judge decides against Snowzilla.   Cami Lou is gratified by the reaction of her snowman’s supporters and things turn out ok. 

I recommend the book.   

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Janet Lawler </a>
Web site: http://www.janetlawler.com/


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

A Super Stocking Stuffer Deadly Straits by Bob McDermott


Deadly Straits - A Great Stocking Stuffer at $1.49

I really enjoy Bob’s work and Deadly Straits was terrific!  Jump on this for a great and inexpensive holiday gift.

From Bob: for the next 7 days, Deadly Straits will be available on Kindle and Nook for only $1.49.
So why am I telling you, a previous reader of Deadly Straits? First, because I hope you'll help me spread the word about the sale, either by forwarding this email, or on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  And secondly, because at $1.49, Deadly Straits would make a great stocking stuffer.

So how do you give an ebook as a stocking stuffer? Actually, it's pretty easy.

On Amazon
1. Go to the Deadly Straits page at http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Straits-ebook/dp/B0057AMO2A

2. Click on "Give as Gift" in the upper right hand corner.

3. When the next screen appears, send the gift to your own email.

4. You will get an email with a redemption code and instructions for claiming the book. Just print this email out, fold it, and put it in the recipient's stocking.

(Note to Amazon UK users. I'm sorry but the 'gift' function doesn't seem to be there on Amazon UK.)

On Nook

1. Go to the Deadly Straits page at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-straits-re-mcdermott/1103871471?ean=2940012871121

2. Click on "Buy as Gift" just to the right of the orange "Buy Now" bar near the bottom center of the screen.

3. Follow the on screen prompts, and when the screen appears asking you where to send the gift, send it to your own email.

4. You will get an email with a redemption code and instructions for claiming the book. Just print this email out, fold it, and put it in the recipient's stocking.

(Full Disclosure - I've used the Amazon process before and it works well. I have no personal experience with the B&N gift process.)
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Carved in Memory Free eBook By Ethan Jones



  


Carved in Memory
Free on December 17-21


A Christmas Gift from author
Ethan Jones!


Friday, December 14, 2012

Without Sin by David McCabe



This is a tale of forbidden love, illegal immigration, drug trafficking and pedophilia.   This book pulls back the tattered cover of indifference to reveal the suffering of illegal immigrants.  

The book read like the diary of a Border Patrol Agent, Garrett Harrison.   Garrett, a Seal in his prior career, ends up guarding our Southern Border.  He develops a Romeo and Juliette relationship that develops into a full blown obsession.  His buddies and he see the depraved behavior of the coyotes (illegal immigrant guides) and drug traffickers.  

The author leads you to believe that his novel is based on observations of actual events.  A big part of the theme of the book is the irresistible lure of a better life in the “north”. This desire for a better life drives the poor of those south of our border to take dramatic risks to cross the border.   There are a lot of sociological implications to this book.  One of the problems in addressing the issue of prostitution among migrant workers is the differing mores of other cultures.   The book alternates by reminiscing by Garrett to the actual action of events.   The despicable behavior of many of the characters and even the questionable behavior by some of the protagonists did not make this an easy read.  I recommend reading the author’s afterword as well to get an idea of his motivation. 

I recommend this book. 

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > David McCabe </a>

Web Site: http://www.dsmccabe.com/docendo_discimus/Books.html


 


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Monday, December 10, 2012

Tripoli’s Target by Ethan Jones

 
This is the second book in the Justin Hall series.   Justin is a  Canadian Intelligence Service agent.   This action laden adventure details his involvement in Middle East terrorist activities with his partner Carrie O’Connor.

Justin is a volatile character and reacts to many situation emotionally.   Carrie, his partner, leavens his behavior with a little common sense.   The plot can be pulled right off of the CNN news wire.   Powerful Arabs trying to grab more oil wealth with out regard to who owns it or how many must die to wrest control is the plot summary.   Revenge also plays a part in the intricacies of the plot.

Ethan Jones has a future in the world of thrillers.  This book was an entertaining read.

I recommend it.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Ethan Jones </a>



This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Targets of Deception by Jeffrey S. Stephens




Jordon Sandor formerly of the CIA (see Target of Opportunity) finds himself facing a rogue agent who has gone to the dark side.   Traiman, once a mentor, is now a deadly enemy working closely with Islamic terrorists.


Sandor, covered by either Teflon or Kevlar, seems to avoid personal mayhem at all turns.   Seems like everyone wants a shot at Sandor and his sarcastic witticism earn him few friends.

I didn’t find Sandor as likeable in this book but that may be due to his cynicism level being through the roof.   He loses a lot of colleagues in his travels. 

I felt there was a little more philosophic bent to this book than the last.  Patriotism is contrasted against the profit motive and self interest.  Stephens clearly points out the need to look at the benefits for all as opposed to self interest.  This in no way detracts from the action.

I recommend it.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Jeffrey S. Stephens </a>

Web Site: http://jeffreystephens.com/
 


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

FREE R.J. McDonnell's eBook Rock & Rip-Off


R.J. McDonnell's


 Rock & Roll Rip-Off, named 2010 Mystery/Thriller of the Year by Premier Book Awards, is free 12/4/12 through 12/6/12 on Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Rip-Off-My...

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Freak by Jennifer Hillier


 
I had trouble getting into Jennifer Hillier’s first book, Creep.  However once I got past the first twenty five pages I couldn’t put it down.   I didn’t have to wait for that many pages this time. This book has the same cast and characters just a short time down the road from Creep.   A psychopath renews the torment of former victims making the book more than a bit frightening.  

The exhibition of sociopathic manipulative skills is the most frightening aspect of this book.  My personal experience in graduate courses dealing with aberrant social behavior plus case work with career criminals first introduced me to the astounding manipulative skills of the sociopath.   This book characterizes those skills quite well.  

One wonders how victims of violent crime ever regain the equilibrium lost to horrific experiences.   Abby Maddox’s amoral behavior is almost hard to believe.  

Ms. Hillier leaves the door open for future books. 

This was a disturbing but captivating book. 

I highly recommend the book. 

Body of work of Jennifer Hillier 

Web site: http://www.jenniferhillier.ca/


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Accomplice by Charles Robbins




The seedy side of politics is featured in this book. Hmm, one wonders if there is any side that isn’t seedy.  This book provides an inside look at how a campaign for President is orchestrated.   As quoted by Tom Daschle (former Senate majority leader) on the book cover, “A deft, spot-on novel that captures the underbelly where ambition and love collide with loyalty and conscience.”

Henry Hatten is well portrayed as an idealistic politico who finds his basic ethics imperiled by his work.   As the communication director for an ambitious Senator, Hatten soon discovers that things aren’t always what they seem.  

I couldn’t decide if the Senator running for President was supposed to be any particular ambitious driven presidential aspirant.  Cynically and sadly, they all seem to have major feet of clay.

This book was hard to read on some levels as it smacks far too much of reality.  The characters were not named but have many features found in well known national “characters”. 

I recommend the book.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Charles Robbins </a>

Web site:  http://www.chasrobbins.com/the_accomplice_110134.htm



This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

The Thirty Three Days of Christmas eBook GiveAway


The Thirty Three Days of Christmas eBook GiveAway 


Starting the day after Thanksgiving there are thirty three days until Christmas.  Each day I will give away three Kindle eBook for a total of ninety nine in thirty three days.  To win a copy all that is needed is to request a copy by email at wbentrim@hotmail.com or to comment on one of my blogs or website and mention the Big33 and which book you would like.  The daily winner will be chosen by time stamp as to who requested first.  If there are simultaneous time stamps, the winners will be chosen by a random number generator.   If you do win a copy if you would be so kind as to review the book on Amazon I would be appreciative.   Winners will be announced weekly.


The books are in .mobi or pdf, please note which format works for you.  
The  books I currently have on Kindle are:
Ø      The Christmas Knot
Ø      A Quirky Christmas
Ø      The Wicked Good Stepmother
Ø      Hardy Belch And The Bully
Ø      A Big Scare Turns Out Tiny
Ø      Short or Tall Doesn't Matter At All: Dealing With Bullies
Ø      Mommy's Black Eye
  
See details on books at www.bentrim.info

If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.




This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn


Once again get ready to sit on the edge of your chair as Mitch Rapp tackles some home grown adversaries.   The terrorist theme is explored again with the addition of political infighting.
  
This book poses the question of whether our long held philosophies of justice are applicable to the world of the jihadist.   In addition to providing an excellent action adventure thriller, Vince Flynn makes you (gasp) think!

Former wars where the participants, at least, paid lip service to the Geneva Conventions allowed the participants some semblance of honor.   Today’s war on terror stretches the abilities of those fighting it to their limits.

Flynn explores rationales on both sides of the legal rights of both citizens and non-citizens.  The contrast and comparison provide some of the action.  

Once again, Mitch Rapp wields the mighty sword of retribution!

I highly recommend this book and all the other Flynn books I have read.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > Vince Flynn</a>


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

An Echo Through the Snow by Andrea Thalasinos


  
Give this book a chance to grab you and you will not regret it.   I read a lot of scifi, fantasy and action thrillers.  I like getting hooked on the first page.   This book had to tantalize me for about 50 pages before I got hooked.   I like dogs but I’m not real fond of snow.  This has both.   More importantly it is a story of self discovery which is what captivated me.   In a former life, my time spent as a school counselor, makes me prone to lauding self discovery.   

In this book a young woman finds herself with the help of stalwart friends, family and perhaps most tellingly the love for and of her dogs.  

Ms. Thalasinos does an excellent job building her characters.  Your emotions must ride the tidal surge of Rosalie’s self loathing and budding self confidence.   You find yourself reaching out a helping hand frustrated with your inability to impact the situation. 

I don’t consider myself a dog person.   I have had several dogs and they were part of the family. (Sometimes they seemed like the more sensible part but I digress.)  This book puts into perspective the love that can move bidirectionally from dog to person.

This is an emotional read and a scathing criticism of how indigenous tribes suffered under supposedly civilized authority.   The book points out how important spirituality is to a culture.   Ms. Thalasino makes a lot of points and makes them quite nicely.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Andrea Thalasinos </a>

Web Site: http://andreathalasinos.com/




This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

The Moon Pool by P.T. Deutermann




Keep in mind, I see myself writing recommendations rather than reviews.   I can save you some time, I recommend the book.   Deutermann and this book once again, kept me up late reading.   Cam Richter who we met in Cat Dancers  and Spider Mountain is back.    Cam, Frick and Frack once again face myriad dangers, the FBI, Home Land Security, delusional hackers, psychotic ex-military and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

I have all four books in this series and will be enlightening my readers with my reactions, sweaty palms and all.   I reviewed Cat Dancers  and then Spider Mountain on this blog a few weeks ago, this book is every bit as good.   I have to feel that Deutermann is a dog person; he writes of Cam’s sidekicks with respect and love but also is able to be pragmatic about them.   Cam’s love for his canine companions is once again aptly demonstrated. 

Deutermann portrays his protagonists with nearly bottomless loyalty and unbelievable persistence, often to their determent.  Cam’s fellow ex-cops demonstrate the astounding depths of friendship  .

Cam and other characters express dismay over the state of the American psychic and derision for many of the agencies tasked to keep us safe.   Deutermann is very even handed in his characters’ criticisms.   This book, as the others in the series, is a nail biting action adventure.

I highly recommend it.


Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > P.T. Deutermann </a>

Web Site: http://www.ptdeutermann.com/
 
This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Collared by L. A. Kornetsky





 
This book is a study of human nature as much as a mystery.  Two distinctly different personalities discover they mesh in inexplicable ways as they attempt to carry out a seemingly innocent business transaction.

Ms. Kornetsky portrays a very strong female protagonist as well as an equally strong male protagonist.   I like the fact that Ms. Kornetsky can portray a strong female without having the need to demean her male counterpart.   As much as I like strong female protagonists, I have seen where some authors feel that if the woman is strong the man must be a buffoon or patented stupid.   Sadly too many people still have difficulty with equality that men and women can operate together as equals.  Some how that just shouldn’t be a revelation. 

Ginny and Teddy complement each other’s skill sets quite nicely.   Together they make a formidable investigative team even though they both stoutly swear they are not investigators.   The become embroiled in a missing person issue that morphs into a far more complex situation.

Ms. Kornetsky has included animal companions for her protagonists.  I’m not sure if they were a before or after thought.   They compliment the book but certainly are not integral to the plot or the action, except for one small scene.  The animals communicate with each other and accept ownership of “their” humans but their input in the story seems pretty basically peripheral.  It seems like Georgie, the Sharpei, and Miss Penny, the cat,  were inserted in cameo type roles just to have animals in the book.   I personally have always enjoyed anthropomorphism so I didn’t have any issues with the pets.  I’m just not sure they were needed.

The book is more about the relationship between Ginny and Teddy than it is between them and the rest of the world.   Some books are mysteries that have relationship overtones while  I see this book as a relationship book with a mystery overtone.  

I enjoyed the book and it infers sequels will be coming.   I look forward to reading them as well.

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" > L. A. Kornetsky </a>

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/L-A-Kornetsky/458067250891357           


This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Move Foward, The Voters Are Watching!



WE ARE WATCHING!

I’m still in my pjs as I write this.   You seldom see me writing about politics or religion but frustration can motivate changes in behavior.   I’m annoyed and cranky!   The election is really not even over and already some &%$#@)(&**  politicians are stating there will be no compromise.  Frankly the Presidential election was moot.   Unless our do nothing Congress can start to compromise and cooperate, nothing will change. 

We are not red and blue, we are all red-white and blue.  Any idiot knows if we run a sack race, we tie two legs together and run in the same direction.  Apparently our Congressional leaders missed the memo, both runners have to go in the same direction or they go in circles and get no where.  

It is up to us, the voters, to get cranky and let our representatives know that doing nothing is not acceptable.  If we can’t break these bozos to the harness then we need a new team.   It doesn’t matter if you like the results of the election, we are all in the same boat and we must get Congress to start pulling the oars in the same direction.  

Bi-partisan should be a compliment not a curse word!


If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.