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Monday, May 7, 2012

The Tangled Web : My review


 The Tangled Web: J.P. Lane

One decision would change the course of more than just the lives of those on this boat. When followed by vessel known as a Cigarette the passengers being followed allowed one man to board on the pretence of wanting some ice. Just what happens in a flash would change the course of events and five lives would be taken but why? One man Logan Armstrong knows the answer but has not revealed why so many had to die at his hand. Back on shore he meets with another man who has information that would further clarify more situations.

The niece of the Minister of France is summoned to her home for a special reason. Asked to deliver a package to London to an unknown recipient Lauren Armstrong has to decide whether to assist her aunt in this mission. Thinking about it she reflects that it has to do with the government but a quick and rash decision cannot be made.


Mike Graham and Logan Armstrong are friends and Mike has some information that is secret and can only be revealed to Logan. Just how all of these webs and threads fit together will only be learned when I continue my review of The Tangled Web which captures the reader’s interest and snares you right into tightly woven web that the author has creatively weaved from the first page. As we get to know Logan and reporter Lauren Anderson the web gets more tangled as each one hopes that the other will reveal information needed to find out what happened to the passengers on the McGuire boat and who is behind the drugs and corruption in the government. One detective would pay the ultimate price as his cover is blown when he realized that cocaine was being transshipped through the port and where and who was involved would revert back to someone close to Logan. Could someone have infiltrated the Criminal Investigation Department and just how far up does it go? How can we link this to the package that Lauren is supposed to deliver for her aunt? When all is said and done will the web get longer or remain so tangled is will never unravel? Lauren invited to meet Logan’s sister and brother-in-law in order to cover their party just might find out more than she bargained for. Next, we meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Frank Sterling the Minister of National Security and Defense. As Lauren relates all of the players are present at this party but just what part do they all play in this web of deceit and lies has yet to be unraveled or revealed.  Mike Graham and Virginia Matthews have a definite history one that she cannot seem to forget. A master at manipulating situations as she managed to get both Lauren and Logan to remain overnight after her huge gala and more of the pieces would start fitting together we hope but just how wait and see as Gordon was sort of blindsided by her when finding out he had house guests.

As Lauren questioned the portrait in the guest room where she spent the night, Logan flashes back to his time at Bishop’s College and the reasons for his expulsion. One parent floored and upset, and the other hoping he will change his ways. Success is what Logan is all about so just maybe he might have learned something. Next, an important player is introduced as we meet the Prime Minister himself Erick Freeman whose morning is destroyed when made aware of a serious situation and decisions involving his three ministers would have to be made. Just what part does he play in all of this and why is his government unable to control all of the crime and murders taking place in his country. Threats were being issued all over to many top officials including the Prime Minister and the head of Criminal Investigations. Slaughters, murders, cover-ups and many lives lost because procedures were not followed, greed got in the way and one Caribbean country became riddled with crime you could barely see through the dense fog and fires that often lit up the sky. C.I.D Chief Inspector Robert Palmer knew that it was by a stroke of luck he had come upon the evidence needed that someone in the government was corrupt and cost his detective his life and he needed to watch more than just his back. Author J.P. Lane has set the stage with her expert craftsmanship and intricate where many players who think they are strong will learn at the hand of others they are not. Some fall prey to the wiles of women while others fall prey to the brilliance of this author who weaves a dangerous plot for each one of them hoping that the maze will allow them a solid path of escape. But, just who comes out alive and who won’t remains to be seen. Who will bring down some powerful government officials and how will they do it? Who is the man that is working with those involved and how will they pull it off in order to bring some respectability back into the country and hopefully rid them of all the drug trafficking. Just who can be trusted? What about the Prime Minister and just what was Lauren’s aunt really into?

The plot really gets more intricate as many other players are brought into it and the reader begins to wonder just who can really be trusted and who was behind the murders of five innocent people that let to more than just their deaths. A seaplane, cigarette boats, Fisherman’s Key and a powerful drug cartel able to buy off some really powerful people added to the suspense is a conversation Lauren over heard that sent her reeling from her aunt’s house. Yet, an invitation from Logan would change it all for both him and Lauren. Would the police end the search for the killers by finding out who is really behind the murders? Would they be able to stop what both sides have planned? Detective Doran is on the case and is trying to sort out what really happened that day that caused five innocent people to be killed at the marina.

The Prime Minister is assassinated and chaos breaks out. Just who decided to take him out you won’t believe. Erick Freeman was not exactly the epitome of what a minister should be nor did he have the ethics one needed for the job. The murder being investigated and two ministers resigned. Logan concerned about Lauren and end game about to be played when a definite twist the plot occurs as the web just might entangle a bit but the ending will leave room for much more. What happens between Logan and Lauren when certain realities come to light? Just who is behind the murders and what will happen to those involved? Where will the killer strike next and just when will the drug cartel be taken down? The answers to these questions will only be answered when you read this fast paced definitely well written book with more surprises than you will expect and an ending that leads the reader to hope that Logan, Lauren and the entire cast of characters might be back for more. Loyalties are tested and friendships are frayed as the truths come out and the police try to close in on a killer. But, will they? Author J.P. Lane keeps the reader on edge from page one until you read the last page and find out the dramatic ending. But, is this over? Only the author knows the answer to that. The Tangled Web: One book that deserves FIVE MORE TANGLES TO KEEP THE PLOT GOING!

Fran Lewis: reviewer






Thursday, May 3, 2012

Management Culture


It is great to be able to finish each other’s sentences or even ignore the ten pounds your spouse might have gained but when your sex life becomes lifeless then you need to ref if up and really find out what you can do as the author’s say to get the MIND BLOWING SEX. Imagine the answers and the help are right here in this great book. Keep turning the pages but make sure you read every word. When you’re done you just might turn down the lights, send the kids to a friend’s house or your parents and get under those silk sheets and use this special guide to ignite more than just your sex drive you inner you too. Beginning with what happens outside the bedroom and the factors that hinder your relationship. Anger, emotions, fear, money problems and daily life in general can all play a part on what happens in that room that should be use for more than just snoring and sleeping. Couples that have sex after an argument sometimes have great sex. But couples that stay together in a bad relationship for the great sex should realize that sex is not a permanent fix for staying in an abusive or bad relationship at least not forever. 

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Annie Mouse: Meets a New Friend

Annie Mouse: Meets a New Friend

Annie Mouse Meets a New Friend


The Adventures of Annie Mouse: Annie Mouse Meets a New Friend

Author: Anne M. Slanina


Since this is a special book that teaches friendship I decided to create a unique and special review just for young readers and Annie:


Dear Annie:

Being a true friend requires work. Understanding that not everyone is the same and embracing our differences is a special gift that I noticed you definitely have. School is out and I know that you are looking forward to summer vacation. None of your school friends live close by so you must have been excited when a new family moved in down the path near your home. Molly the Mole seems nice. She loves to play with you and you have accepted the fact that she is blind. But, when school starts Molly is afraid to attend Mouse Field Elementary School. She even tells you that she is afraid that the other kids won’t accept her. Not only is she blind but also she would be the only Mole in the school. Just how would the other mice act when they meet her?

Friendships are tested in many ways. Just what will you do if your friends are mean to her? How do you choose between Molly’s friendship or will you stick with Gina and Mindy? Let’s find out a little more about what happens when they all meet before you decide.

The first day of school will be a definite test for you and your true character. Meeting Mindy and Gina on the playground and at lunch you learn just how mean they can be. They do not want to eat lunch with your new friend and they won’t let her sit at the same table with them. They do not want to include her in any games on the playground. What are you going to do? The next day you do something that really disappointed me too. Poor Annie: How would you solve this problem? That is why I am so glad you turned to me for guidance and help. Listen to your heart and decide how you would feel if you were Molly. “Would real friends make you choose?” Think long and hard before making up your mind. What are you going to do when Gina and Mindy are mean to Molly again? What are you going to do at lunch? What can you learn from Molly? What will happen at the end is up to you!

You have to decide for yourself, Annie. What is the true mark of a real friend? Would a real friend hurt your feelings just to be popular and accepted by the in crowd? Would a real friend stand aside while others hurt you? Find out what Annie does and if she digs deep in her heart and listens to my advice and answers the questions put forth before making her final choice and deciding whether she wants Mindy and Gina as friends or Molly.

I am here if you need me. Close your eyes and pray and ask for me to come;
Your own Guardian Angel

Author and educator Anne M. Slanina asks the reader to define meaning of a true friend. Questions such are where do you place are loyalties is a great discussion question. She brings out the fact that some kids do not accept others that are different and can be really mean. Many lesson area learned in this book. This is a great book to teach kindness, understanding, friendship and love to students. It is great that the author shows the reader how Molly can use her other senses to see the world. The illustrations help tell the story and young readers can look at the pictures and create the story in their minds. They are colorful, cure and bring Annie and her friends to life for everyone. Character Education is important and so many lessons can be taught using this book. Adults just might learn something too. Annie: It is all up to you to decide what is right.

You friend: Fran Lewis: reviewer, educator and fan of Annie the Mouse.

FIVE GOLDEN GUARDIAN ANGELS

Monday, April 30, 2012

Gone to Ground: My review



Title: Gone to Ground
Author:  Brandilyn Collins
ISBN: 9781433671630
Publisher: B&H Books

Cherrie Mae is an about to find out some shocking and disturbing news about the Mayor of a small town. While cleaning the Mayor’s study she finds a file containing some graphic pictures that will send chills down her spine and fear in the hearts of anyone living in Amaryllis a small town in Mississippi. Written from the point of view of three specific characters, each telling her own version of what they think happened to six women brutally murdered and stuffed inside their own closet after the killer was done with them, this is one story that will haunt you for quite some time. Two white women and one black housekeeper will tell the story in their own way in their own distinct dialect. One serial killer is going around killing women and each of these women thinks she knows whom the murderer might be. One thinks its her own husband, another her brother and the third a prominent man. Just who this diabolical killer is remains to be seen. But, first we need to read further and unfold some basic facts.
 Deena is a hairdresser and presents her own take on the events as her brother arrives at her home covered in blood. Angered easily and not extremely bright, she fears he just have killed victim number 6 Erika Hollinger.  Tully is married to Michael who had an affair with Erika and the events described in her own words might lead the reader to think he is the guilty party. Finally, just what did Cherrie Mae find in the Mayor’s house that might point the finger at him? Five women stabbed to death with a knife in their neck and stuffed in their bedroom closets. A definite MO of this killer as the sixth if found. Then the author goes back to Cherrie Mae who has to decide what she is going to do next. All three women having some item of memento of that night when Erika as killed. Cherrie touched her ring; Tully two cotton swabs stained in blood and Deena a uniform. Who was the ghost that guarded the cemetery and greeted the mourners? Gone to Ground seen above the stones. Eerie and bone chilling to say the least.

One relentless reporter named Trent Williams will do anything to find out what really happened in this town Gone To Ground and turned upside down. Writing the article, getting the Pulitzer for it and questioning the three women he hoped to get something to not only help the police but for his paper too.

The women get together and learn from each other that all three men have a motive to have murdered this last victim. Together they try to figure out who the real killer is. Imagine that this killer lives among the people in this small town and is one of their friends hiding in very plain sight. Cherrie Mae’s children want her to come live with them. Tully is stuck in a definite rut with Mike and Deena could run away from it all with Trent. Throughout the novel the author shares Trent’s upfront and up close thoughts about the murders, the history of the town, the cemetery’s resident ghost and the people who live there including the Chief of Police. Arresting Deena’s brother on circumstantial evidence insights her and draws action from not only Deena to defend Stevie but Trent too. But, why won’t they ask for help from the State Police? What are they hiding or afraid of?

When all of the pieces come into place Cherrie, Deena and Tully are going together and discuss the case and what they all know. Gathered together they shared information that would send a chain of events in motion to hopefully catch a killer. One woman will do everything to defend her brother while another is afraid of the wrath and abuse of her husband and one woman named Cherrie will not give up until the right person is caught. Remember the Amaryllis is a flower, which is poisonous almost like what goes on in this town. The end result you won’t figure out and who the killer was well that is quite interesting. The Mayor is confronted by Cherrie Mae his wife thinks she betrayed them and the whole town finds out the unbelievable truth about a killer that was hiding right in plain sight. Gone to Ground is a mystery thriller that will not only keep you guessing until the last page is turned but will let you know what happens when on author creates three tough women who won’t stop until justice is served. This is a must read.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer