Crisp writing!! Varied story lines from heavy duty to lighter fare and a drop-dead gorgeous Richard Chamberlain
925216
Crisp, articulate writing (NOT something you get nowadays), varied story lines..from heavy duty to lighter fare and a drop-dead gorgeous Richard Chamberlain, to boot!!  Raymond Masey plays the lead physician as I've never seen him before--he's humorous when he needs to be, biting and sarcastic when the role needs it and entirely believable as the head honcho for all the residents--he was brilliantly chosen. HOPEFULLY, they'll release this entire series--some extras would help as as for this is a completely bare offering of season 1.
1367603
Having read many of this talented author's earlier works, my expectations were very high for this latest novel.  My expectations were exceeded.
Lee Thomas's displays in "Butcher's Road" why his writing is at a different level than your run-of-the mill author.  Using beautiful prose reminiscent of early Anne Rice, mixing in the pacing of Ray Garton, adding a quirky creativity a la Clive Barker, and then stirring it all together with his own unique sensibilities, style, and insights, he produces a book that is likely to win many awards.
Rather than rehash the story line, which other reviewers have done effectively, I will focus on what makes this not only a well-crafted, intelligent work, but also one that's just plain old fun to read.
There is something for everyone in "Butcher's Road".  If the author was a tailor, this would be a splendid coat-of-many-colors. There is great attention to detail in world building as Mr Thomas lays the groundwork, even the chapter titles are meaningful and at times foreboding.
This is a period peace (1930's era), with gangsters, hit men, a surprise romantic relationship, and paranormal elements (a secret society and artifacts with mystical qualities). The story is action packed with realistic, well-defined supporting characters.  There aren't any "slow" parts.
The main character, Butch Cardinal is sympathetic but flawed, prone to violence, pragmatic, honest, and determined.  He is mentally tough but vulnerable and is ultimately a person of great integrity who is largely misunderstood.
The only slight criticism I have is that at the end of "Butcher's Road", I still didn't have a firm grasp of exactly who Butch Cardinal was, what motivated him, and what would likely become of him.  That said, maybe this was intentional since not fully understanding a character is somehow more satisfying and interesting than having absolute certainty.
"Always leave 'em wanting more" as the saying goes, and with this work, Lee Thomas has absolutely guaranteed that I will continue to do just that.
4974755
1) A deceptively quiet book that does more than tell a love story. Historical detail is succinct and well placed, and there is an overall tone of sweetness, despite the setting. In particular, I enjoyed Merrow's handling of George and Matthew's sexuality, and the equitable friendship that developed between them before they gave into mutual attraction.

2) Although a re-writing of an existing story, well done, wonderful characters, excellent writing.

3) Loved the historical details - very grounded and very well done.

4) I like historical novels, and the description of post Great War Britain is pitch-perfect, absolutely convincing to this Yankee.  It is a bit (too) reminiscent of contemporaneous "love-that- dare-not-speak-its-name" novels of the period, up to and including a suicide, so it doesn't feel as sharply original as other Merrow stories.  Still, a fine read.
1438058
1) Susanna Gregory 2013 Death In St James's Park
This is the 8th book in the Thomas Chaloner series that takes place in the 1600s London. She also writes the Matthew Bartholomew series in medieval Cambridge (I adore the series for the titles alone, e.g. A Plague on both your Houses). Interestingly she was a Leeds police officer before changing careers to become an environmental consultant with field work in polar regions (seals, whales, walruses). As an academic she also taught comparative anatomy and biological anthropology. She has a vivid eye for detail and a strong research bent, which makes for great (but perhaps dense) historical mysteries.  Aka Elizabeth Cruwys (Cambridge academic) and aka Simon Beaufort (Author).

Thomas Chaloner is "spy to Earl of Clarendon or intelligencer to The Lord Chancellor" (and given the title of gentleman usher as his disguise). It is 1665 and an explosion at the General Letter Office (PO!) leads to an enquiry.  Thomas is something of an inept spy and leads a rather dreary existence, but then Gregory accurately portrays the harsh realities of everyday life. He's already sent off to Russia on his next assignment at the end of this book.  Most of her characters are real people doing their "jobs" which makes for fascinating reading. You'll be glad of central heating.
4 stars for excellent historical drama.
Read on to CJ Sansom Shardlake series.
Noted similarities to Cadfael, by Ellis Peters/Ellis Pargeter
I prefer the Mistress of the Art of Death series (Diana Norman, Ariana Franklin) and wait for it!!!! Norman's daughter has continued the series!
2750248
Marc Richard is a captivating author!  As a mother of a young child, I do not get to read nearly as much as I would like, however his creative writing draws you in!!  I could not put his masterpieces down - late at night, on breaks at work - I just wanted to stay lost in the magnificent writing and plot!  Highly recommend!!
4090810
Beautiful writing, literary references.

 I received a free digital copy of this book from Crime Classics in return for an honest review. I won't give a plot synopsis because you can read the blurb, but rather here is what I enjoyed...or not.

This was my first Michael Innes Inspector Appleby book. I was a little confused at the beginning with his use of a narrator and the structure of the language. However, it didn't take me long to get into Innes' rhythm, and then I really enjoyed the writing, which touched on subjects such as family, ancestry, past-present, and mortality, among other topics. The  dialog sharpened up as the book proceded.  I loved when his subtle humor caught me off-guard; I think so many crime novels, not just of this period, are missing that touch of humor that make it seem more realistic. I enjoyed the use of literary references, especially with two of the characters being writers. The cast of characters fleshed out via  description and dialog, so that actions, as well as potential motives for the crime were appropriate. The occasional word or latin phrase I had to look up was also a bonus for me. The choice of Ferryman, who is Belrive Priory's owner's nephew and an author, was the perfect choice for narrator.  It's always a bonus when I really like a character in a book, and I genuinely liked Ferryman and Appleby.
The setting of Belrive Priory echoed the theme of past vs present-very well done. Great resolution! I never saw it coming, and I even thought for a bit that I may have an unreliable narrator. Four stars, and I'd add another half star if i could. And I will most definitely be reading more Michael Innes.
2135197
I read the first volume of this series, Silent in the Grave, and was charmed by author Raybourne's characters--all of them, from the nutty, aristocratic March family to that tortured, deadly and delicious hunk, Nicolas Brisbane. I don't usually read mass fiction, being a literary fiction type, but when I'm desperate for something to read, I will occasionally hit the bookshelves of my local mega-pharmacy and buy national bestsellers.

Most of them pan out nowhere near as good as the glowing reviews on their covers, but Deanna Raybourn's work is excellent. Her first book was way better than the typical first book, and way better than most books by famous thriller writers that are recognized in every household.

I was so charmed by her first book that I bought this one before it was released. I started reading the instant it arrived and kept on until I was finished. Now I'm panting for volume III of the series. Like the first book of the series, this is a solid, very well written historical/thriller/romance that deserves millions of readers. And attention from writers--this is a good example of solid writing technique, plotting, characterization. The details are delightful.

I'm not going to talk about content, since I think that harms the read for others, but I will say that the relationship between Raybourne's hero and heroine reminds me of the spicy, teasing and intriguing relationship between John Steed and Emma Peel in the 1960s cult hit, The Avengers. Except that this one's amped up for today's market. As in The Avengers, the underlying question is always, "Will they, or won't they?"

Totally recommended. A great read.
1790566
Well written family saga loaded with old and new talent!
1144412
As an aspiring young writer, years and years ago, I cut my teeth on Noir Mystery Fiction. I had day-(and sometimes night) dreams of those hardboiled characters created by the greats of the genre: Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade and Raymond Chandler's Phillip Marlow, and my personal favorite, whom I consider the poet of Noir Mystery, Ross Macdonald.  His Lew Archer character was at once larger and smaller than life, with potential for leaps of courage, seemingly right in the midst of being tugged back by his personal demons.  Macdonald served a delicious literary meal for the young writer.

Happily, I have discovered someone who admirably carries forward the tradition of Noir Mystery.  Her name is Renee Pawlish.  I had recently read and reviewed her very fine novel "Nephilim: Genesis of Evil", and I admit I was quite tentative when I picked up what was, I believe, her latest book, "This Doesn't Happen in the Movies". Even before I opened the cover (or the activity that's the Ebook equivalent), I felt myself thinking--I don't know--like Noir Mystery might be more effectively written by--well, let's just say when you explore the history of the genre you find a significant absence of female authors.  Okay, in my prejudice, I probably felt the female mystery writer would write best scrunched down in her armchair in--what would you call it?--a "cozy" situation. Hmmm.

Well, thank you, Renee! "This Doesn't Happen in the Movies" turned me on my ear and in one fell swoop I've become a Renee Pawlish fan. When I sadly came to the end of her novel, I clicked on the website she provided and, lo and behold, the second in the Reed Ferguson series, "Reel Estate Rip-off" was waiting for me. I bought it ... and here I am urging one and all to latch onto either or both of these extraordinary mysteries.

I know I will be anxiously waiting for the third Reed Ferguson mystery.

I think a larger audience awaits Renee Pawlish!
4535503
Several years ago, a friend recommended the Richard Sharpe stories by Bernard Cornwell. I had been reading Patrick OBrians Aubrey-Maturin stories, and my friend thought I would like the Sharpe stories, which also were set in the era of the Napoleonic Wars. I didn't take him upon the recommendation then, but when I finally did, I realized how right hed been.

Bernard Cornwell is a terrific storyteller, and Richard Sharpe is a terrific character. A rogue, but as Cornwell puts it in Sharpes Story, hes our rogue. In this booklet, Sharpe describes the genesis of the character and the series that bears his name. He also explains why the books were written in the order they were, and how the successful BBC series influenced the stories. Im reading the Sharpe stories in the order of the events they describe, not in the order of their publication, and Id recommend others to do the same.

Sharpes Story also includes Cakes and Ale as an appendix. This is a short memoir Cornwell wrote describing the circumstances of his birth, his adoption by highly religious parents, and his eventual rejection of that family and their religion, together with his reunion with his birth family. As a Christian minister, I have to admit a bit of disappointment at Cornwells conversion to atheism and frivolity, as he puts it. Nonetheless, I appreciate Cornwells outstanding talents as a writer and plan to continue reading the Sharpe stories, and perhaps Cornwells other books. They are outstanding examples of how historical fiction should be written.
561264
This collection of 3 short stories comes from the same author of the fantasy novel "Sacred King". I found the author's writing style to be improving and her gradual shift from fantasy scenarios (the first tale is still a ghost story) to more realistic descriptions of some details of Richard III's real life episodes as recorded in the historical documents made me enjoy the reading more. I found the short story on Anne and Richard in Scarborough after their little son's death particularly touching, probably just a few steps away from similar chapters I read in "Sunne in Splendour" by Sharon Kay Penman and above all "Some touch of pity" by Rhoda Edwards.

I am looking forward to reading the next 2 collections of short stories on my kindle and especially her announced "real-to-life" novel "I, Richard Plantagenet, which I understand should be published by late summer/autumn this year
1111636
I love this story.  We are introduced to Nic and Nigel and their illustrious family when a missing husband leads to murder, deceit, betrayal and a downright enjoyable mystery that left me hungry for more fun times with the Martinis. This past-paced and action-packed drama immediately pulled me in and quickly became a page turner as I couldn't put it down, especially as this light drama plays homage to the Thin Man series.  I loved the way the mystery was set-up where the other players in the well-written drama were suspects and every clue pointed to one or the other, and when I thought I had it narrowed down, the author change direction and I did not even see that one coming when the killers identity was revealed. Brilliant touch! Boasting a terrific cast of characters that includes the marvelous Skippy and with engaging and witty repartee, this was a great read and I look forward to the next book in this wonderfully entertaining series
4438310
This book was an inside personal look of a gifted actor!  Richard Chamberlain is a wonderful actor and stole my heart in The Thorn Birds.  It was a great read!
448039
I received an early sampling of the stories from WoF 32. They were great!

Images Across a Shattered Sea - an intriguing back and fourth of causality as the present attempts to spy upon the future. A thinking piece that keeps a good pace.

Jack of Souls - a straight forward fantasy piece about a cursed card shark. It is a satisfying take on underdog good vs evil.

The Broad Sky Was Mine; And the Road - a beautifully written sci-fi action piece, like if Shakespeare wrote Transformers. I dug this one particularly.

Squalor and Sympathy - I only got a taste of this one, but what I got was nice writing and the promise of an industrial revolution fantasy story.

I bought the full edition and am looking forward to the rest. All in all quality writing across styles and subjects from up and coming writers. Enjoy.
2247214
Initially I was disappointed to learn that Poppy Z. Brite, one of my all-time favorite writers, had decided to leave her gothic fantasy world of New Orlean's far behind in exchange for a toned down look at life from the point of view of the regular folks inhabiting New Orleans (mostly gay, hard-working cooks). I really enjoyed those dark, graphically violent books ~ especially Exquisite Corpse (hmmm, what does that say about me?!). But once I began this book I found myself enjoying her new style which is much less "purple" in its prose and contains a heavy does of unexpected wit and very little of the supernatural (it's still there in a few stories but much less the focus).
The stories contained within this book concentrate more on the people (none of whom are vampires) and the local color of New Orleans and they're all very interesting and slightly "odd" in their own way.
I even enjoyed "Nothing of Him That Doth Fade" which appears to be disliked by many readers. Yeah, it's bleak and horribly sad but that's the point. It paints a realistic portrait of a lovely love affair gone painfully bad. Love is like that sometimes. "Pansu" is a favorite of mine. It's bizarre and an oh-so-very-funny take on possession and exorcism. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories featuring coroner Dr. Brite (the last, about a child, was tough for me to read at times but worth the effort in the end) and I'm anxiously awaiting Poppy's next novel "Liquor" (many of the stories here feature characters from that upcoming novel). The only story that left me cold was the one set in the Matrix universe "System Freeze". I'm not a super huge fan of the Matrix and I'm sure that explains my lack of enthusiasm for this story. It was just an "eh" read for me ~ the details have already flown completely out of my head. "Burn Baby Burn" set in the "Hellboy" universe worked much better for me.
Make sure you're not hungry before starting the stories because most contain delectable descriptions of New Orleans cuisine.
2553141
It would not take much of a stretch to classify this work as Mediterranean Noir Fiction.  Deep, dark, violent, sexual overtones and situations, brutality...yet and all, the writing almost drifts into poetic at times...most certainly well written prose.  Can violence be beautiful?  That question must be answered by the reader and no other.

As I read this I was reminded of a recent movie I watched, "Last Man Standing" with Bruce Willis.  The era was the same as was the geographical location and the violence most certainly was present.  That being said though...in reference to the violence; hey, that was the heart of the story and had to be for the story to exist.

This is the story of a young boy who is forced from his home on a ranch in West Texas, ends up in the big city and is well...a gangster; a hard, hard man.  Yet and all, you find yourself pulling for him and actually sympathetic to his actions...for the most part.

I like books whose plot takes place during the depression era.  Those were horrible times and the country was going through turmoil not seen since the civil war and would not again until the beginning of the Viet Nam era.  Dirty, nitty-gritty and to be frank, rather depressing for the most part but all good fodder for the teller of stories.

The primary protagonist in this story is the product of a brief meeting between Rodolfa Fierro, a henchman and chief executioner for Pancho Villa, and a local prostitute.  From these two, our `hero' received not only Fierro's tendency for violence in the extreme (he was an absolute cold blooded killer), but he also received a touch of humanity from his mother...a pretty hard woman in her own right.

The story is well written.  It is a crime story and is violent at times.  There is sexual activity taking place quite often but not gratuitously...it was well done; both the killing and the sex...if that makes sense.

I was impressed with this author's skill as a writer and his skill as a story teller and will be reading more of his work.  I am torn between giving this one four or five stars.  I did not care much for the violence but as I said...that was the story, so I will go with the five stars.

This was a library find.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
4477996
Diane Chamberlain is a new author for me and I'm thrilled to have found her work! A Stolen Marriage is a well written historical fiction/romance novel that is heavy on the history and light on the romance which is exactly how I like these books.

Set during the 1940s, the story begins in the northeast but, due to a twist of fate, our heroine soon finds herself pregnant, married to the wrong man and on her way to his family home in the deep DEEP southern US. The war is raging overseas and at home there is a polio outbreak. Even with their hands full, these southern families have time for causing trouble based on their racial, religious and ethnic prejudices which leads to the climatic conclusion of this story.

Chamberlain devotes a lot of research to the era and the tension and bigotry expressed is spot on - for that that time period and today in the southern US. I appreciate her character development and flawless prose. There were times that I felt there was a bit of melodrama but overall the book was terrific. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy this genre.