Chanticleer Book Reviews

Author: W. Kendall

PASSAGE HOME to MEUSE by Gail Noble-Sanderson – Historical Romance, Post-WWII, Literary

It’s 1923 and character Marie Durant Chagall is now 27 years old as she tells about her life-altering events in The Passage Home to Meuse, thanks to author Gayle Noble-Sanderson. This is the second historical novel in the Meuse Trilogy. The world around Marie is still reeling from the devastation of World War I. She and the other characters in the book are learning how to continue living, and perhaps more importantly, wishing to find joy once again in life.

Marie is at home in France, seeking peace within, as well as for those around her. She looks for ways to help others who are in need, and her nursing skills come in handy to help this farming community. Nearby she’s found a sense of belonging with the Sisters at the Chapel, and her friendships continue with Henri and others.

Under pressure of a persistent letter campaign from her father and her sister Solange, Marie consents to take a voyage from France to New York to visit them, not realizing she’ll discover a secret that awaits her there. Sailing on the incredibly luxurious SS Paris is an exciting trip filled with unexpected experiences, interesting people, and new friends. The author takes the time to engage the reader in the beauty of this voyage. Upon arrival in New York, the contrast of post-war Europe and America is striking, skillfully portrayed, and thought-provoking. After a visit filled with surprises, the journey home propels Marie into grand plans for her future, but will she be able to turn those into reality?

The author’s extensive research of this historical period permeates every page. Additional notes from her research at the end of the book present fascinating insights into the period. The writing in the novel is charming, and the expansive descriptions of both settings and events ignite the reader’s imagination. All the characters jump off the pages with their hopes and dreams, and even their fears bringing great dimension to their personalities.

Author Gail Noble-Sanderson is a speech-language pathologist who has published many educational programs for children with special needs. Fortunately for historical fiction readers, she decided to turn her attention to this genre.

The Passage Home to Meuse is an epic journey back to the post-war world of the 1920’s. Wistfully Marie wonders, “What might have been, what would have been had the war not torn us all apart, rupturing the very soul of our lives?” Somehow she and those around her must find meaning in life again. Every aspect of human nature and the desire to rebuild is explored in this novel, including rebuilding family, whether blood or chosen. Ultimately, Noble-Sanderson explores whether love can indeed conquer all.

Gail Noble-Sanderson won 1st Place in the 2017 CHATELAINE Awards for The Passage Home to Meuse.

September 13, 2018
MONEY JANE: The Hunt for a Legendary Magic Thief, Book 2 of How to Set the World on Fire Series by T.K. Riggins – Fantasy, Sword & Stone, Middle-Grade

Money Jane won First Place in the 2018 CIBAs OZMA Awards for Fantasy Novels. Congratulations!

Living in a fantastical world filled with magic and mythical creatures, Kase Garrick is studying at The Academy. His main course of study focuses on becoming a great warrior. As he grows close to his friend Lenia, he’s influenced by what is dear to her. Lenia is working hard at becoming a well-respected and powerful wizard.

But that isn’t the problem. The troubles begin when Lenia’s magical black trident is stolen. It’s a bold and surprising attack by a hooded figure who has the mysterious resemblance and mystical presence of a legendary criminal, a cloaked thief who lived long before their time. Could this be that daring, and feared Money Jane? Welcome to the second book in T. K. Riggins series, How to Set the World on Fire, Money Jane: The Hunt for a Legendary Magic Thief.

Kase’s skills have grown by leaps and bounds as part of this group of fierce combatants in training. Their battle cry resonates as they shout in unison, “Dragoon!” Yet, this adventure will truly test Kase’s fortitude and commitment to what’s right. When Lenia is devastated by the theft of the trident, which is the focus of her wizardry, Kase devotedly fights by her side. He sets out to track down this devious thief and return what was taken from her.

Will Kase be able to match wits with this ancient culprit, and how will he confront him? On his mission, Kase plunges into a magical world that’s full of new people and many surprises – some beautiful and some dangerous. In the midst of all this, Kase and his friends are further challenged in the annual Academy competition. Others at the Academy are plotting to beat Kase’s team at solving the difficult and complex scenarios that require excellent execution of skills from the three interwoven studies: Warrior, Wizard, and Scholar.

In this school of magic world where balance exists between the strength of a warrior, the intellectual prowess of a scholar, and the passionate magic of a wizard, Riggins creates vulnerable, but eager characters who are learning that “we do our best when we work together.” Dragoon!

How to Set the World on Fire, book one of the self-titled series, won Grand Prize in the OZMA Awards for Fantasy in the 2017 Chanticleer International Book Awards Competition.

August 5, 2018
AS the RIBBONS FALL by Kara Wolfe – Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

Sam had been a curious, resourceful child growing up in a family torn apart by a contentious past. At a very young age, he’d discovered a fascination with killing. Now almost an adult, he’s anxious to find his little sister who he’s sure is living somewhere with their mother. The mother who had abandoned him. Although he was young when they were separated, Sam remembers his sister well, including the cute green ribbons she always wore in her hair. Now author Kara Wolfe shows readers what Sam really thinks in As the Ribbons Fall.

Until he can find the original object of his desire to kill, Sam tries to satisfy his murderous hunger by stalking and attacking substitutes. These girls are carefully chosen for their look and demeanor as he eerily watches them. The third book in the Savannah series, As the Ribbons Fall, draws to a conclusion the mystery of the Dark-Eyed One, exposing horrors of Sam’s secret past. Is it the past that drives his murderous rage? Or as Sam says, was this desire to kill something that he was born with, an innate part of his being?

The fate of Senior Detective Jordan Kinsey and medical examiner Jena Greene of the Savannah Police Department is darkly in question when they are caught off guard and captured by Sam. Now Detectives Vance and Michael are leading the police team to find their colleagues, and to stop this serial killer once and for all.

The chilling portrait of this killer’s thoughts as the author brings you along to one of his murders saturates the pages with terror and horror. The dimensions of desperation in both the killer and the victim are tangible, making this is terrific writing that takes the reader on a step by step journey to the coldest and darkest purgatory of human nature.

At the same time, the author brilliantly contrasts this evil with dynamic writing about the resourcefulness, intelligence, and tools used by the heroes fighting against the killer.

A passionate and talented author, Kara Wolfe excels at the art of suspense as she offers an unforgettable glimpse into the mind of a serial killer.

As the Ribbons Fall made the Shortlist for the 2017 CLUE Awards!

July 20, 2018
DEATH by DISPUTATION: A Francis Bacon Mystery by Anna Castle – Historical Mystery, Suspense/Thriller, Literary

Bartholomew Leeds interrupts the young men’s studies at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University in 1587 when he is found hanging from a roof beam. Is it suicide or murder? He sent warnings to His Lordship about the rising Puritan rebel underground. Were his communications intercepted somehow? Thomas Clarady, a spy in their midst assigned to investigate the Puritans, must now ponder and debate this Death by Disputation by author Anna Castle. Fascinating suspects abound at the college, and beyond its borders.

Philosopher, statesman, orator, and spymaster Francis Bacon is anxious to determine and jail the instigator, the suspected head of the Puritan rebels, as well as track any connection to “Barty” Leeds untimely demise. He’s impatient for resolution and demands daily, written updates from Tom Clarady, his recruited spy. Posing as a student, Tom methodically follows clues while chased by three enamored women, dogged by well-meaning friends, diligently turning in his homework, and risking his own life more than once. Tom is enthusiastically determined to catch a killer, and to solve the mystery, as he plunges into this grand adventure. But this mystery has ominous layers, uncovering one leads to a more dangerous set of clues.

As Tom follows leads, he finds that the victim had interesting curricular and extracurricular activities, any of which could make him a target. Tom takes his undercover duties to heart as he masks himself as a student who is swayed by Puritan ways and infiltrates the local group. He decides “in order to stop them he has to become one of them.” But will they discover his de facto assignment? He becomes such an ardent follower that the apparent changes in his personality and lifestyle concern his friends and even his spymaster. Tom treads carefully, but has he gotten in over his head? As he examines clues and analyzes suspects, the reader participates in working out theories and ultimately guessing a villain.

The delightful dimension to this mystery is the fascinating characters the author showcases. Along with the smart spy who sleuths along a tightrope between warring factions, the highlight is the fictionalized historical figure of Christopher Marlowe, a treasured rogue. Marlowe’s loyalties are continuously in question, but his wry humor and dramatic actions hit their marks. The three romantic women also particularly surprise with their hidden skills, knowledge and vibrant personalities. References to the historical period setting naturally weave into the plot and dialog, and enhance rather than detract from the pacing of this thrilling spy tale.

For author Anna Castle, writing fiction combines her lifelong love of stories and learning. She chose the Elizabethan period for her Francis Bacon series, seeing it as one of the most colorful periods of all times and places. Retired from one of the world’s great research libraries, the University of Texas at Austin, the author enjoys the extensive research she does for the series and the details of the historical period that she shares with her readers.

There’s no debate – Anna Castle brings to life a page-turning thrill of a mystery where “there are hazards other than jail or bodily harm” in Death by Disputation.

Death by Disputation is the 1st Place Winner in the 2015 Chanticleer International Book Awards in Chaucer, the Early Historical Fiction category.

May 14, 2018
MURDER BESIDE the SALISH SEA by Jennifer Mueller – Mystery, Thriller, World War II, Pacific Northwest

Brock Harker, World War II fighter pilot returns home to the Pacific Northwest on leave. He’s searching for a little peace once he finds his half Japanese wife who vanished while he was away. What he finds is Murder Beside The Salish Sea by author Jennifer Mueller, who artfully pulls Brock into an intriguing plot that hides the darkest of secrets.

Working as a pilot for the Flying Tigers in China, Brock earned the distinguished Order of the Cloud and Banner from the Chinese. After Pearl Harbor, he joins the Air Corps as a bomber pilot. Brock would say that flying was the one good thing his dad taught him, and he’d learned it so well he swore he could dogfight when he was ten years old. He should have been dead many times during these World War II years, but what has him frightened most is Amy’s disappearance. Half Japanese/American women have to watch themselves now. His heart broke when her letters stopped, and the letters he sent went unanswered. Now he’s determined to find her or find out what happened to her.

The search begins at his father’s home, the only family he has left. They parted years ago on the worst of terms, in large part because of his racist father’s hatred for Brock’s beloved Amy. Now, will his father greet Brock after all these years, or throw him away again? Brock reacquaints himself with his hometown of Bellingham, friends and other people he had known before, and meets military personnel on the nearby base. Several of these people become suspects in the ensuing murders. Brock is also accused by the police in his father’s murder. Brock applies wartime tactics and a little help from his friends to track and capture the murderer. Only then are devastating secrets revealed that may be unbearable for this war hero.

This thrilling, historical mystery that’s steeped in sweet romance tugs at a sense of adventure. The story travels across plot twists like an army jeep driving the diverse, Pacific Northwest landscape, from the Cascade Mountains to sandy beaches, and along the Straits to the Ocean. Hang on because just when the reader thinks the plot ahead is recognizable, there’s another curve and the view completely changes.

With Murder Beside The Salish Sea, Jennifer Mueller brings to life an important time in history, while weaving in poignant, personal drama. As Brock’s beloved wife Amy once said to him, “We endure what we cannot change.”

April 26, 2018
HOT SCHEMING MESS: MADISON CRUZ, Book 1 by Lucy Carol – Cozy Mystery, Female Sleuth, Humorous Mystery

Madison Cruz wants a breakthrough acting job, money in her purse, and fun with the sexy guys vying for her attention. Instead, she delivers singing telegrams for a living. Then her grandfather gives her mysterious evidence that must be kept sealed and hidden, he disappears, and now, spies are watching her every move. In other words, Madison’s life is a hot scheming mess!

Estranged from her FBI mother, Madison feels her family ties are confusing. Recent attempts by mother and daughter to bond often result in awkwardly hilarious scenes. Also, when her beloved grandfather disappears and Madison begins investigating, her creative problem-solving skills are downright laugh-out-loud funny. As luck would have it, she’s up against some organized bad boys. Fortunately, she’s got some willing and loyal friends she can count on as things begin to heat up. Among those friends is one particularly appealing hot interest nicknamed ExBoy with his dangerously handsome looks. He and Madison become entangled in the mystery and much, much more. But he’s not the only guy interested in knowing Madison better.

Spenser, Madison’s best girlfriend, repeatedly advises her to use more caution – a piece of advice that never lasts for long. The two gals have a relationship where they not only have good times together sharing jokes and stories, they also look out for each other in this wild, Los Angeles life.

This story, the first book in the Madison Cruz Mystery series, is an entertaining whirlwind that will keep readers breathless with plot twists and turns, and roaring with laughter. The funny situations the characters find themselves in are so imaginative, and their innovative solutions will delight and thrill cozy mystery fans. Best of all, at the core of this fun story is a very well plotted, intricate mystery to solve, about cleverly fleshed-out characters who will tug at your heart.

Author Lucy Carol is an entertainer and a storyteller. Her background is in the performing arts as an actress, voiceover artist, choreographer, and even a singing telegram performer. She married the love of her life, enjoys martinis, flowers, dancing, a good lipstick, cake, and of course fun and fast-paced mysteries. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, and has three books in this series, with the next one out soon.

Madison Cruz demonstrates that a sharp mind, a sense of humor, and a full purse can work wonders. Never be caught without them.

March 19, 2018
SONG MAGICK: A SONGMAKER NOVEL by Elisabeth Hamill – Science Fiction/Fantasy, Y/A, Sword & Sorcery

Exiled from her beloved home and her family, seventeen-year-old bard, Telyn Songmaker, starts a journey of mystical proportions that will test all that her spirit and strength can endure. Ultimately, she will become the only hope for the return of magick to the realm, if she can fulfill the hidden legend through her Song Magick–it’s a novel of adventure and love by Elisabeth Hamill.

The stakes are high; this is not rabbit-out-of-a-hat magic. Magick spells will harness energies that change people and their environment. Using her songs to spin magick, Telyn learns from experience the brutal consequences that accidental spells can bring.

When she meets up with a group of the King’s dedicated Tauron, guardians of the enchanted woods, they band together in a desperate quest to restore love and enchantment to the realm. The future depends on changes that only magick can deliver. But has Telyn honed her skills to achieve the required magick of the legendary seed-voice? Is this young bard really the legend that the realm has been waiting for?

When the mysterious Mithrais, Westwarden of the Tauron, is drawn to Telyn’s campsite by her beautiful harp playing, there are more sparks in the air than just from the campfire. When Mithrais takes his leave and returns to his vigilant guard watch within the woods, Telyn is attacked by three assassins. She fights valiantly, yet one of the swordsmen holds her down and another raises his weapon to slice off her hand.

Hamill weaves her lyrical language as a master musician, and the effect is magic, bringing her readers on a soulful quest, through a budding romance, and witness cherished friendships in the midst of impossible dangers. Suspense artfully builds along the journey, the fast-paced hand-to-hand combat scenes thrill, and the description of the final challenge is breathtaking.

Fans will be pleased to learn that Song Magick is the first book in the Songmaker two-book series. Truthsong is the second and well-worth the read. Hamill also writes adult science fiction and fantasy.

Heroic Science-Fiction/Fantasy at its lyrical best as the fate of the realm rests on one young bard’s ability to bring back the mystical, magical music of long ago. Even though Telyn Songmaker is young and powerful, can she muster the strength and courage to reclaim the Song Magick of Legend and vanquish evil from the realm?

December 18, 2017
TWISTED THREADS by Kaylin McFarren – Thriller/Suspense, Steamy Romance, Action/Adventure

Interested in a holiday cruise? Surround yourself with luxury, romance, secrets and multiple murders while traveling through the Caribbean with author Kaylin McFarren in her new sexy, action-packed book, Twisted Threads. There is only one assignment for a Japanese crime lord’s favorite assassin: take out a dastardly couple in less than ten days. But can Akira Hamada complete her mission without losing her head and heart during her most steamy and complicated hit thus far?

It isn’t part of the assignment to fall in love with someone close to murder suspects, Sara and Paul Lyons, but then Akira has never been bound by rules. Devon returns Akira’s feelings with all his being. However, there are notorious secrets between them, and now this surging romance is putting his life at risk as well. With no avenue for escape, multiple disappearances and murders increase the onboard tension. And that’s not all. Descriptions of the steamy scenes behind closed doors are beyond intense, with exhilarating adult situations and language.

So, will Akira successfully hit her assigned targets? Will she find out who is murdering cruise guests before becoming the secret assassin’s next victim? If Devon and Akira survive this murder mystery and the truth is revealed, will their hot romance flounder? There is only one way to answer these questions, and we are confident readers will be delighted in picking up Twisted Threads and finding out for themselves.

There is only one assignment for Mitsui-san’s favorite assassin, but can Akira complete the mission without losing her head and heart? Get on-board for Kaylin McFarren’s most steamy and complicated assassination suspense thriller so far!

December 4, 2017
The BODY NEXT DOOR by Gay Yellen – Cozy Mystery, Female Sleuth, Romantic Thriller

Samantha’s lost practically everyone important in her life, her self-made career now lay in ruins, the romantic dream man she’d found had suddenly disappeared, and then, of course, there’s also The Body Next Door.

As Samantha Newman ponders the steps to put her life back on track, murder and intrigue come knocking close to home. Now she’ll need to follow her instincts and gather clues, like a child tracks a summer ice cream truck, and lick this mystery.

As the girl next door to the body, Samantha’s intelligence, generosity, and engaging humor combine to delight all amateur sleuths reading along. First, she wants to help calm and soothe others living in the condominium. That leads to some interesting clues and suspects begin to surface. But with the police investigation in full swing, will Samantha and her mystery man/love interest be able to coax their relationship into full bloom? That’s a lot to handle when your life is in tatters.

Readers will fall for Yellen’s wonderfully light, conversational writing and fall for Samantha as she tells the story. Of course, she doesn’t always come to the right conclusions, but she’s a very honest spirit who always reaches out to do the right thing. Wherever Samantha goes, she goes with all her heart. While you can certainly dive right in with this second book in the Samantha Newman series, the recommendation is to start at the beginning with The Body Business because you won’t want to miss any of Samantha’s exciting adventures, and romantic entanglements.

Yellen creates dynamic and interesting characters, a skill, no doubt she honed as she gained her start as an actress in theater and film. Later she moved behind the camera as Assistant to the Director of Production at the American Film Institute. Her writing background comes as a former magazine editor and national journalism award winner, now an award-winning novelist. The best news is that she’s currently working on the third book in this series.

A cozy mystery with exceptional heart. A satisfying read to curl up with this Fall.

November 27, 2017
ARCHIDAMUS by Janet K. Shawgo – Mystery & Suspense, Crime Thriller, Paranormal

One of the NSA’s most talented agents, Zaveen “Zack” Keens, reads the agency’s unofficial notes about a soldier turned ruthless mercenary, murderer, and now her deadly adversary – Archidamus, the man she’d injured and almost stopped. Zack must learn everything she can and hone all her abilities in order to save her kidnapped fiancé and defeat the formidable murderer.

In another city, a man reflects on his first violent encounter with Agent Zack and recognizes that underestimating her is a grave mistake. As his finger follows the jagged cut on his face, he vows to kill her. Archidamus never forgets.

This suspenseful thriller introduces characters with paranormal skills that complement their survival and spy training. Knowing the agents’ capabilities, the reader begins with a confident feeling, like when you bet on a sure thing at the race track, but then you find out that your horse had an unreported injury and suddenly, what you thought was a sure bet, leaves you with growing concerns. Likewise, the reader learns that these skills come with side effects and that this killer is always several steps ahead of the NSA. And Archidamus has secrets of his own.

Zack can read minds even from a long distance, which took some getting used to for her new partner Lane Brigham, who reveals that he has some surprising mental abilities of his own. Just as these two agents get comfortable with their skills, Zach’s fiance’, Eric, is kidnapped by none other than Archidamus. They follow the trail through several states in the U.S. and across the Atlantic to Ireland and Austria. A ransom message arrives but is it already too late?

Let the reader beware, Shawgo’s writing builds a creeping suspense that will keep one engaged in the chase and through the murderer’s evasive steps. The knowledge of weaponry, some of it unique for a thriller, along with skillfully plotted strategy serve this thriller well.

Author Janet Shawgo has written four award-winning historical and romantic novels. Archidamus is her debut thriller. As with her other books, she’s created memorable characters in dynamic situations. Before putting pen to paper as an author, Shawgo served as a healthcare worker for thirty-two years, twenty of those as a travel nurse. Her past informs her writing in the way her characters emote concern and empathy throughout the story.

Archidamus is a paranormal, suspenseful thriller that also tells a story of the strength of loving bonds with friends and family. Love is the glue that holds a strong defense in place. Is it enough, though, when pitted against the face of evil in a twisted man who never forgives and never forgets?

September 20, 2017