Review of The Mortecarni by Kelly Evans

Set in the 14^th century, with the Black Plague savaging Europe, Maurice, a Christian monk turned healer becomes part of a secret society put together by Pope Clement and King Edward of England. The Knights of the Garter sole goal is to hunt down and eliminate an ancient evil called the Mortecarni, infected individuals who are undead and crave only human flesh.

Ms. Evans clearly has done a magnificent job of recreating medieval Europe. You can almost smell the wood smoke and hear the cries of superstitious mobs as they hunt those presumed to be witches. The research into herbs and heal methods of the period points to a master story teller that brings history alive. Although the main villain is the undead, Ms Evans shared the actual horrors of this dark and deadly time in history of early Europe.

This is the Pillars of the Earth meets the Walking Dead in a beautifully written tale of the horror in a time of pestilence and evil. I am truly anxious to visit with Brother Maurice in his next adventure.

Review of The King of Lies by John Hart

Mr. Hart delivers again!

This is the ultimate who dun-it! A dead, hateful father; despised by multiple people for a variety of legitimate reasons. His son is the most obvious culprit with the most to gain, but only want to escape the life that he has been forced in. Who is the killer and what will they do to ensure they are successful?

With multiple suspects, this story will have to you questioning the ending right until the last gunshot. Hart does not disappoint. One hell of a ride!

Queen of Tricksters by Carrie Summers

Miss Summers Strikes Again!

The third installment of the Chronicles of a Cutpurse has Myrrh hunting for a cure for her mentor Hawk, who has been Oath Bound, is under the influence of the Death Cloak. All those around Myrrh are marked to die by this dark force. When she returns to origin, the childhood home castle of Glint, she finds a pretender sitting on the throne, his alliance protected by oath bound vassals who act with no mind of their own.

Returning with the pretender to Ostgard and her collection of thieves, Myrrh must find a way to release Hawk while protecting all those under her care.

This exciting chapter in Myrrh’s journey will keep the reader glued to the pages and will set the stage for further adventures. Looking forward to the next adventure.

Review of Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton

Having read most of Crichton’s books, I was a little disappointed in this latest release. Although the story of early dinosaur hunters during the Indian Wars of the mid-west should have been tense and exciting, I found it lacked just that. It follows the bitter rivalry between two scientists as they both try to outdo the other. These are historical figures. The story read like a text book or journal for most of the story with very little tension and flair that a fictional account usually incorporates to keep the reader glued to the pages.

I think the Crichton family should leave his unfinished works lie rather than throw them out into the market without his steady hand to add the magic that he is famous for. I personally will not be looking for anymore “New” titles from a master author that I once loved. These titles do not enhance the man’s legacy.

Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced by R. J. Garcia

 Fast paced mystery that will leave you breathless!

Tommy and his sister are sent away to live with their uncle. As they try to settle into their new home, Tommy learns of an old mystery that connects him. In a small town that holds a lot of secrets, Tommy and his friends search for more clues. Nothing is as it seems and as the story barrels forward like a runaway train there is no way you can put this story aside. If Tommy doesn’t figure out the mystery, he may be its next victim.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will watch for Ms Garcia’s next title.

I was given an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.