Book Review: Blood in the Water by Jack Flynn.

 

Nothing happens in the Boston Harbor without Cormac O’Connell knowing about it. But when a psychopath soldier of the notorious gang, MS-13, is captured. Elements of the gang move towards his terrain to help with the rescue operation and they are willing to kill everyone in the way.

Cormac must team up with Homeland Security agent, Kit Steel, as he risks losing his own empire to stop the rescue. Everyone can expect to lose if they are unable to stop the impending conflict. Who will be the last person standing?

Very exciting. I will definitely be on the watch for other books from this author.

Iron Lake (Cork O’Connor #1) by William Kent Krueger

 

This the second book in a row by new authors to me that deal with Indigenous people and issues. And both were excellent.

As can be assumed by the title, the story follows Cork O’Connor, a former Sheriff who begins to investigate the death of a tough Judge and the disappearance of a young native child. While the current sheriff is ready to write the Judge’s death as a suicide, Cork thinks otherwise. With too many questions and fewer answers, Cork knows he’s making progress when strangers threaten him.

This is a fast moving tale of betrayal, mistrust, and corruption. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will definitely looking for others in this series.

Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

This is a new author for me, and I was pulled in right away. Virgil Wounded Horse helps those who are unable to find justice when the police refuse to help them. He hires himself out as a vigilante who beats rapists, thieves and other lowlife on the Rosebud Reservation. When he is approached by a Council member to deal out some justice to a former bully who is selling heroin on the reserve, he wants nothing to do with it, until his nephew overdoses and almost dies of bad dope. Now he’s looking for revenge.

This is a dark crime story with the backdrop of the hardship of life on the reserve. Written by Indigenous author, it rings true throughout the tale. I will definitely be watching for future stories. 

Delores Claiborne by Stephen King

 This is a confession of events. Two people are dead; Delores’ employer and her husband. One she freely admits to committing the other she denies. This is her story.

The story is good and held my attention, but not what you expect from Stephen King.

Peking by Anthony Grey

This is the story of the rise of Communist China. It begins in the 1930s and chronicles the Long March across China by the fledging Communist Army as they attempted to escape the National Army. The story also portrays the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s, where thousands of people were killed for defying Chairman Mao Zedong and his class struggle. Finally, it describes the power struggle that followed the death of Mao.

The story is highly researched. It is extremely brutal, but is true to the suffering of both sides of the conflict. This is an enormous book, but it needed to be to bring the full story to light. It is a magnificent story that brings to light the struggles of the Chinese people over fifty years.

 

Wyvern of Wessex by Millie Thom - Sons of Kings #3

 The third installment of the Sons of Kings brings King Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia together as the Danes press their assaults against the Saxon forces. Success is mixed with tragedy as both sides maneuver for the killing strike.

I would love to see this story continue in a long-running series, as I just can’t get enough of this epic struggle. The characters are brought to vivid life, even though the events took place hundreds of years ago. Millie Thom is an accomplished author and I will definitely be on the lookout for her next story. Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow best beware; they have some stiff competition. 

Pit of Vipers by Millie Thom - Sons of Kings Book #2

 The struggles of both Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue as the Danes push to conquer England. More and more warships of the Danes arrive with fresh troops to pressure the divided provinces, and only Wessex stands a chance to stand firm.

The pages fly while reading this exciting account of England’s fight for survival. The attention to detail and the research is clear throughout the story is both enlightening and entertaining. Eager to jump into the third book in the trilogy.