Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Chanticleer 5 Star Book Review

THE ESMERALDA GOODBYE by Corey Lynn Fayman – Mystery, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural

In The Esmeralda Goodbye, Corey Lynn Fayman crafts a suspenseful crime story about a patrolman who becomes entangled in a criminal saga with stakes as high as his life.

The duty of investigating a suicide threat made by well-known author Raymond Chandler falls to Jake Stirling, one of the newest members of the San Diego Police Department. With a deft maneuver, Jake prevents Chandler from ending his life when he visits his apartment. This success fills Jake with excitement to make a name for himself in his new career as a police officer.

Months later, he’s called to investigate the theft of a diamond necklace from the Del Charro Hotel. Jake first questions a hopeful lead: J. Edgar, the FBI Director, who just so happened to be there during the raid. But though Jake plans to simply file a report so that detectives can be assigned to the case, he’s taken aback when the director encourages him to give up the case and concentrate his time elsewhere, such as assisting the decent, law-abiding citizens in the neighborhood. As he mulls over the director’s idea, a well-known name from the Creeper case— which had ruined his father, a police officer before his death— reappears.

Jake becomes engrossed in speculations about a piece of interest he took from Chandler’s house a few months earlier.

Moreover, he encounters a formidable investigative officer who is secretly working with a web of cartels. Jake’s life takes a drastic turn after a buddy passes away, and he quickly discovers that his independent demeanor has given his bosses cause for concern. Bearing down on him all the while, the Creeper case has turned its destructive attention from father to son.

Fayman has crafted a page-turner filled with drama, intrigue, and thrilling action that readers will find difficult to put down.

Starting with an unlikely sequence of events, the first chapters reveal unexpected motivations from unlikely individuals. A steady and regulated pace during the uncovering of the mystery keeps readers steeped in curiosity and ever-changing theories, with skillful distribution of clues. New information gradually comes to light through the interactions of real, multifaceted individuals, and a high degree of tension stretches from beginning to end.

“The Esmeralda Goodbye” is a masterpiece with excellent character development. Its remarkable tale and charming hero revel in the excess of 1950s Southern California atmospheres.

March 13, 2024
YOU CAN’T FOOL A MERMAID by Judy Keeslar Santamaria – Magical Realism, Family Saga, Self Discovery

You Can’t Fool a Mermaid by Judy Keeslar Santamaria is a glorious dance of well-intentioned ghosts. In the words of Violet, a twenty-one-year-old pianist, it’s “bewitching as hell.”

Santamaria opens with a tiny mermaid bodysurfing through the gutters of Seattle. College student and pianist Violet Bacon chalks up “gutter-mini-mermaid” to her wildly imaginative mind, but when she stumbles upon a magical theater-turned-piano-rescue with a retinue of shopkeeping cats, the separation between imagination and reality no longer seems as important as discovering her true self.

Violet has been living a lie: keeping up the pretense that she’s dating a woman to make her father angry. She reluctantly goes along with what other people want and pretends she doesn’t desperately need a cat. As she practices a complex Stravinsky concerto, her abiding love for music is all that sustains her.

But Hector Kouris, the proprietor of the theater-turned-rescue, reintroduces Violet to her childhood piano, Bossy.

The piano seems to speak to her through phantom notes in the days that follow. Santamaria deftly folds a menagerie of other companions into Violet’s life, living and inanimate: a friendly pigeon guide, a blue cat from the ocean, a mysterious and otherworldly busker who knows more than he should, and a patchwork-quilt tote bag that collects treasures leading to hidden truths.

With the help of this host of confidantes, Violet learns about not only her deceptive father, but the history of all those she loves. (Those who enjoyed Santamaria’s debut novel will be delighted to learn that the character Morgen from Jetty Cat Palace Café returns as Violet’s mentor.)

Motif after motif enters the story, first in ripples, then in rivers, until oceans of symbols haunt Violet’s life in a wild storm that sings, “to thine own self be true.” Santamaria’s expert handling of magical realism will leave you wondering what is real as she convinces you to just “go with the flow but be mindful.”

Santamaria guides readers to connect with the ghosts of their past just as Violet does, for people sometimes need to go backward before they can move forward.

At the center of Violet’s journey through family history lay a mysterious tragedy that occurred at the theater years ago. Violet learns secret after secret in a heart-wrenching crescendo until she finally discovers the spirit at the heart of this beautiful patchwork story. Readers will come away understanding that no one can escape their ancestry, but the way people respond determines whether the past is a prison cell or a key.

As part of Violet’s journey, Santamaria invites readers to explore many cultures and communities. Her handling of neurodivergence and disability is especially thoughtful.

This book is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys cats, magical realism, a dash of romance, music, and characters who bravely face intergenerational trauma. It doesn’t allow any character to be singularly villainized, for all live in the shadow of their ancestors. If you were raised to doubt yourself but have since learned that you can’t fool your inner mermaid, this book might haunt you long after you finish reading it.

March 11, 2024
THE GHOST In The GARDEN by Alisse Lee Goldenberg – Mystery, Young Adult, Paranormal

In Alisse Goldberg’s engaging young adult mystery, The Ghost in the Garden, a curious 11-year-old must face the challenges of moving to a new city, losing old friends, making new ones, and encountering historic specters in her new home.

Sophie Madison seems none too happy about her recent move from the bustling city of Calgary, Ablerta to the smaller, quieter landscape of Stratford, Ontario. But upon arrival with her parents, she begins noticing the charm of the place, appearing like a step back in time. Their new house in particular catches her interest, with its tall turret topped by stained glass window panes where Sophie’s bedroom will be. In addition, the wild beauty of the backyard garden draws her in.

Soon, a mysterious blonde-headed girl named Tabitha appears in the garden.

As she gets to know Tabitha and faces abnormal happenings with her closet door, Sophie’s left on edge, with nightmares riddling her sleeping hours.

But with the help of her parents, some newfound friends, and Tabitha’s haunting journal from the attic of Sophie’s closet, Sophie comes to terms with the spirits of the past and gains a positive outlook for her future.

Author Goldenberg’s story is artfully centered around giving new people and places a chance.

With clear familiarity and care, Goldenberg and illustrator Hannah Al-shaer paint a beautiful and detailed backdrop of Stratford, a place one could easily grow to love. From the artsy vibe of murals in an area laced with parks, shops, and restaurants, to a fairy gate in the center of town, the place oozes picturesque charm.

An engaging cast of characters fills this colorful place, from Sophie’s loving and concerned parents to a friendly but quirky vegetarian lady who happens to be the Mom of Sophie’s new friend, Fitz. These two pre-teens enjoy an easy camaraderie, as Fitz introduces Sophie to the area, and the two join forces to investigate the strange happenings in Sophie’s room. A hip, young teacher with an interest in the town’s paranormal history compliments the mysterious storyline.

Conversation throughout the narrative is realistic and genuine, and text messages between Sophie and Fitz lend a modern-day flair.

Here the haunting theme of apparitions and spirits continues in present-day terms when Sophie appears to be “ghost” texted by her best friend back in Calgary. Perhaps an indication that friendships may not always withstand the miles.

Goldenberg weaves a stirring plot with enough questions and scares to keep readers invested, but not cowering.

Shredded doorframes, decapitated teddy bears, and dark entities with clawing hands likened to a “zombie, hag monster”, offer up just the right amount of chills and thrills.

For audiences both young and old who enjoy a ghostly mystery featuring relatable issues about settling into a new place, dealing with new people, and discovering things that go bump in the night, The Ghost in the Garden proves a venturous and entertaining literary move.

March 8, 2024
THINGS UNSEEN: The Isaak Collection by David T. Isaak – Murder Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Mysticism

After the murder of his sister, Dr. Walker Claybourne journeys to the Yucca Valley to wrap up Claire’s affairs– including the investigation, in David T. Isaak’s mystery novel, Things Unseen.

As a geology professor at the University of California in San Diego, a leading authority on volcanic landforms of the Southwest, Walker lives a life as solid and routine as the very rocks he studies. He has his tenure, his condo, and his quiet existence. On sabbatical to write a textbook, Walker plans on staying in Claire’s rented house just long enough to pack her things. However, he isn’t there long before guilt sets in as he realizes how little he knew his only sister.

With his parents both dead and his only other sibling teaching at Cambridge, Walker realizes how very alone he is, and he decides to investigate Claire’s murder.

His initial stop with the detective covering the case leaves him more confused than enlightened, so Walker turns to Claire’s friends, a strange group of both mystics and intellectuals. He quickly begins to see the complex woman his little sister was– counselor, reformer, and spiritual pilgrim. As the mystery deepens, the questions yield a plethora of suspects, while Walker faces multiple attacks on himself. He gradually begins to questions his own beliefs and long-standing intellectualism the more he learns about Claire.

This novel offers a fresh and complex take on the journey of self-realization.

In the beginning, Walker is a well-established skeptic and intellectual. His entire existence is built upon scientific observation and proof, the kind one can see and touch. He absolutely refuses to believe in the psychic visions of Claire’s friend Mandy or the Wiccan glamour spell entrancing him to another friend, Melanie.

Where Claire is passionate, seeing the power in the beautiful and often deadly landscape surrounding her, Walker is coldly calculating, analyzing those measurable traits easily explained by his many years of study and research. He admits that his life has been about endurance, a “doggedness” that has gotten him both his tenure and his lack of true friends.

However, Walker knows this stubbornness is exactly what he needs to keep him on the scent of Claire’s killer.

The more Detective Bolles pushes against his investigation, the more resolve Walker has to understand Claire and make up for all the years he’d wasted. He often wonders if his newfound obsession with knowing Claire’s mind and inner circle is healthy, or just a way of assuaging his guilt with the thrill of achievement in finding her killer.

However, this very uncertainty is, in itself, personal growth for Walker. As a goal-oriented man, he is always clear in his expectations and desires, but by investigating his fierce, loyal sister, he steps out of his “normal,” and likens the experience to his brain splitting and evolving.

Along the way, Claire’s friends and eventually Claire’s presence– whether in his mind or as a true spirit– convince him not to ignore the things for which he has no real explanation.

Walker begins to think that his years in academia have just been a way to hide rather than face life head-on as Claire always did, and he begins to truly notice the little details he sees every day. While Walker isn’t sure what the correct life path is, he no longer believes it’s simple. The path to truth, just like the mystery of Claire’s death, is a winding mixture of factual and spiritual, but one full of strong friendships and deep devotion.

March 6, 2024
RECONFIGUREMENT™ by E. Alan Fleischauer – Money Management, Retirement Planning, Career Planning

A guide to achieving financial freedom in retirement, E. Alan Fleischauer’s bestseller Reconfigurement™ reveals a roadmap guided by the Mantra, “Navigate, Customize, and Thrive.”

Advances in medicine, nutrition, and longevity planning now offer unparalleled possibilities to live longer, higher-quality lives. However, looming over this rosy image is a genuine concern: the financial ramifications of a longer retirement term. More alarming is that a sizable portion of the American populace is not harnessing their 401(k) retirement plans.

In light of this scenario, can traditional investment programs with fraying safety nets, such as pensions, remain viable? Reconfigurement combines the emotional fulfillment of making retirement dreams a reality with practical guidance that rejects the notion of a set retirement age of 65. This work’s personal tales and sound financial guidance entice readers away from the constraints of traditional retirement approaches.

Author Fleischauer integrates the needs of financial, professional, and retirement life to create a path for long-term stability and success.

Reconfigurement opens with an eye-opening examination of the unpleasant reality of money and its importance in our lives. It focuses on why budgeting is crucial in a society where success relies so heavily on personal finance. Practical advice and experiences follow to demonstrate the viability of preserving the capacity to earn.

After addressing the financial side, Reconfigurement moves on to the career aspect with a series of tests to assist readers in discovering what career would fit them best.

Continuing the journey, the book explains financial stability pillars that can help strengthen assets and ensure a fruitful retirement. It guides readers through the complexities of insurance, social security systems, and investment opportunities. Next follows the link between safeguarding one’s financial future through insurance and planning for retirement with a chapter on investment options.

The foundation of life, healthcare, takes center stage as Reconfigurement untangles the web of Medicare and Medicaid to safeguard one’s well-being across the years.

The specter of long-term care looms as the book addresses its issues and how to plan around them. Next comes guidance on securing a legacy for one’s posterity, focusing on wills, trusts, and the complexities of their legal and tax implications. This path to financial freedom finally carries into uncharted territory: education savings, budgeting skills, and charitable donations.

Reconfigurement delivers an in-depth account of the different aspects involved in preparing for and managing life transitions, both those hotly discussed and those concealed.

Case studies, practical counsel, and real-life examples serve to close the gap between theory and implementation. Also, the author concedes that the financial material may tire readers, so he endeavors to balance it with humor, anecdotes, and interactive components in a conversational tone.

Rather than aiming for ‘one-size-fits-all’, this book’s advice remains flexible for each reader’s unique situation.

Readers are encouraged to make decisions consistent with their goals, circumstances, and preferences. It is worth noting that Reconfigurement primarily targets the American audience in reflecting American financial standards and systems. However, its overarching financial planning concepts, emphasizing individual customization, assure its global applicability.

Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer won Grand Prize in the 2022 CIBA Harvey Chute Awards for Business & Finance Non-Fiction.

March 4, 2024
THE OTHER MURDER by Kevin G. Chapman – Murder Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Police Procedural

In The Other Murder by Kevin G. Chapman, two ambitious journalists find themselves at the knife’s edge as they seek to uncover the entire truth of a gruesome double homicide.

“An error does not become truth because of multiplied propaganda, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it.” –Mahatma Gandhi

Hannah, a journalist with the American Cable News network, is pulled away from a date by her editor to cover the breaking news of a shooting in Washington Square Park. The victim is Angelica Monroe, a White girl from Westchester County and a sophomore at NYU. She was shot at a close range, as shown by the dark hole above her left eye.

The murder becomes much more mysterious and complicated when Paulo, a reporter for a small community newspaper, makes a connection between Angelica’s murder and the shooting of a Latino teen, Javier Estrada, on the other side of the park on the same night.

Two detectives, Mariana and Dru, investigate the crimes and also connect Javier to the Monroe crime scene. A bag containing his Air Jordans was found near Angelica’s body. The investigators believe that Monroe may have had a dangerous item in her possession and that she may have involved herself in a highly unlikely vice, which brought her into the park and put her in harm’s way. By this time, Hannah and her network had built up Angelica as the tragic innocent victim of urban crime. When Paulo and Hannah team up, the true facts deviate farther and farther from the original narrative.

In this thrilling novel, the hunt for truth is challenged at every turn by confusion, desperation, and near-death experiences. The ‘system’ becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable, as stern directives are issued from the top, to which the investigators and the journalists are expected to adhere – even if it restricts their search. This obfuscation frustrates the investigators and prompts deep reflection in readers, as it mirrors the growing real-world indifference to truth, the cynical espousing of lies, and the fake news that popular newsrooms today have boldly proclaimed.

These themes of truth in the face of powerful deception become immense and haunting through the story of The Other Murder.

Readers will be struck by the inhumane and high-tension crime scene in the first chapter, as well as the accelerated pace at which Paulo and Hannah swing into action. The plot is chilling but heroic and boils down to one simple conclusion: Facts cannot be hidden forever, regardless of the backlash or denial against them.

Chapman has crafted a must-read novel through a proficient mixture of police procedural, thriller, and mystery. The Other Murder is undoubtedly a tale that will draw a reader in from the first page to the last. Chapman’s characters are a beautiful blend of various personalities, with their natural reactions to distress and pressure giving life and a satisfying richness to this tale.

March 1, 2024
LIGHTEN The LOAD: Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 2 by David Fitz-Gerald – Historical Fiction, Oregon Trail, Mystery

Once on a grand adventure to a new life with her husband and young family, Dorcas suddenly finds herself the sole shepherd for her children into the unknown, in David Fitz-Gerald’s historical fiction novel, Lighten the Load.

Owner of a fully loaded wagon, in a train of travelers on the truly wild western trail, Dorcas must give every decision her full attention. She faces immediate life-altering choices, some threatening her own safety and others putting her children at terrible risk. The expedition rolls forward over a mystery yet to be solved and an underlying paranormal mystique.

On this dangerous venture west, Dorcas is called upon often to help and comfort her fellow travelers. As she and her family face escalating dangers and devastating catastrophes, can she learn to Lighten the Load and accept help when she desperately needs it?

Dorcas and her children struggle to adjust to all they’ve faced since they left home.

This future was certainly her husband’s dream, but did she really share it? Dorcas and her family begin this episode of their lives where there is no sign of civilization other than the people of the wagon train where they’ve hitched their hopes. And as her oxen struggle to pull forward their heavy wagon, Dorcas debates if Oregon is still the best future for them. With all the deaths so far on the trail, will any of them even reach Oregon?

The leader of their caravan has concerns too, and offers a controversial solution. Dorcas is called to the campfire to meet a man willing to marry her. Though she embraces the romance, of her own choosing, her heart and thoughts weigh heavy on her. She takes responsibility for her children and the tragic circumstances of those around her: her new friend’s difficult pregnancy; those who are grieving; and others who are discouraged from pursuing their dreams. And always that push, rolling forward deeper into new territory.

The difficulties on the trail contrast with majestic views of the great outdoors, as well as the camaraderie, sacrifice, and friendship of those around Dorcas, and the vision of what could be.

There are surprises around every corner. A lingering mystery casts a shadow over the notorious lothario, Armand Bartholamieux. Clues begin to surface, and Dorcas seeks answers. All the while, she cares for her children, trying to teach them lessons of self-reliance. But her daughter Rose continues to be drawn towards a supernatural force. Dorcas worries and debates how to best help her daughter, until Rose disappears. And lurking in the shadows are the mysterious Viper and his brothers.

Hitch your team up for a memorable journey into the 1850 American West. Award-winning author David Fitz-Gerald skillfully guides readers through vivid descriptions of a setting filled with ever-changing extremes.

Lighten the Load will introduce you to fascinating characters who relentlessly continue their life’s journey toward destiny. Dorcas must learn how to move forward after all she’s faced, and if she can, she just might find Oregon, a bright future, and even blooming love.

February 21, 2024
DAUGHTER Of HADES by Mack Little – Historical Fiction, Caribbean Piracy, Slavery

Mack Little’s historical fiction novel Daughter of Hades explores the lives of slaves during the age of pirates.

Little’s research shines in her thoughtful presentation of the Caribbean islands, the escaped slaves who found freedom amongst them, the lives of buccaneers and maroons, and their daring and dangerous exploits.

On the first page, Little introduces us to Geraldine, or “Dinny”, running for her life from her owner, Owen Craig, who has just raped her.

Dinny’s father had arranged for her to be removed from the plantation before Craig molested her, but he’d miscalculated Craig’s lust. Dinny is rescued by her twin brother, Jimmie, and Leixiang, and taken to the Hades, a pirate ship captained by the buccaneer Duff.

Lei is drawn to Dinny, and when he finds out Craig raped her, he tells Duff against Dinny’s wishes. Duff organizes a retaliatory raid.

Their revenge sets in motion a series of events that Duff and Company must overcome, namely the wrath of the Craig family.

Little exposes the harsh cruelty and treatment of slaves during the 17^th century, revealing a life in the Caribbean that was sometimes beautiful for the Maroons, but was also fraught with danger and the constant fear of being recaptured and punished to near death.

Expertly building this world, Little fills it with characters that readers will love and hate, especially as they root for Dinny, Lei, and Duff.

Dinny’s future looks bleak, and she gains knowledge of Owen Craig’s father that shrivels her heart against the Admiral and his housekeeper Jane.

With the whole island aware of Admiral Craig’s deviant ways, and Jane’s assistance in finding him young boys to satisfy his lust, the clock is ticking before the island erupts in violence. Little’s plot twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats as she slowly reveals the resolution to Craig’s revenge.

Author Little’s research into the history of buccaneers and the lives they led– right down to the democratic approach some captains took in including their crew in the decision-making process– creates a rich setting for this tale. Her skill in developing such a varied cast of characters will delight readers, and the love story that ties the novel together will draw readers in until the very last page.

Daughter of Hades will provide hours of entertainment and satisfy history buffs and romance readers alike. Little enthralls us with Dinny’s compassion, courage, determination, and strength, as this intelligent woman pursues a life of conviction and honesty.

Daughter of Hades by Mack Little won Grand Prize in the 2022 CIBA Chaucer Awards for Early Historical Fiction.

February 16, 2024
COLIN And The LEGEND Of The WEEPING WILLOW by Anna Casamento Arrigo – Children’s Picture Books, Native American Legends

In Colin and the Legend of the Weeping Willow by Anna Casamento-Arrigo, curious Colin learns a Native American legend about the Weeping Willow from one of his favorite people, his grandmother.

Across the years, people have shared their cultural legends and tales. Often these stories are told to explain phenomena in the natural world, and are passed down by elders through oral traditions.

In this story, Colin visits his grandparents to join in fun activities like baking cupcakes and playing catch. During the cupcake making, he shares with his grandma that he has been learning about Native American legends, and she takes the opportunity to tell him another Native story.

As Colin and Grandma sit under a willow, she shares the story of how the willow came to be called “weeping”.

She introduces Colin to some heritage, practices, and values of the tribe whose story she borrowed, while telling him about the variety of Native Tribes that were here before the explorers came.

The beautiful illustrations of Gabriel Parame show how Colin imagines his grandmother’s story, including a fun tie-in to the legend that Colin and his grandma get to experience at the end.

Colin and the Legend of the Weeping Willow is a perfect story for a grandmother– or grandfather– to read to a child and continue the tradition of sharing legends throughout the generations.

February 12, 2024
ITALIANS In The PACIFIC NORTHWEST by Tessa Floreano – American History, Immigrant History, Pacific Northwest History

Tessa Floreano’s Italians in the Pacific Northwest is an inviting pictorial narrative featuring both ordinary and extraordinary individuals of Italian heritage who helped to create and develop Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Concentrating on the decades from 1880 to 1950, Floreano begins by referencing the earliest Italian explorers of the Pacific Northwest Territory, then quickly moves to the efforts of those who sought a better life through hard work and new opportunities on American shores.

Floreano’s research shows through the fascinating details of this book.

She includes stories, photographs, and memorabilia to highlight both the struggles and triumphs of these pioneering Italian Americans. From the backbreaking labor of building the road and rail infrastructure that connected this new land, to working in the coal mines, logging and milling the giant cedars, farming the soil, fishing the waters, and becoming savvy entrepreneurs, these people proved a hearty, steadfast bunch.

Floreano investigated the formation of fraternal organizations and social groups that helped with assimilation, housing, health, and employment concerns. She emphasizes the vital role of the established Italian churches in the Northwest communities, recognizes the importance of military service, and notes the Italians’ contributions to the fields of sports, music, and entertainment.

A volume of black & white photos is complemented by well-detailed narrative captions.

Here, images depict the likes of immigrants arriving in the US along with passports that had to declare their literacy and early records of naturalization. With the popularity of the Church, there are snapshots of weddings, communions, Parish School students, altar boys, clergy, and church buildings that help showcase their religious faith.

During wartime, unfortunately, Italian citizens 14 and over were considered enemy aliens and treated as such. Men often volunteered for service in order to prove their loyalty to their adopted homeland.

Whether considered captives or allies, POW identification cards were issued to over 50,000 Italians captured in North Africa in WWII. One 1940s photo portrays Italian prisoners of war “well-suited and booted,” though they still had to maintain their own lodgings.

Audiences are further entwined with little-known facts that brought recognition to this Northwest Territory.

Early immigrants farmed a sustaining vegetable, later to be known as the Walla Walla sweet onion. Corno’s Food Market, part of Portland’s “Produce Row”, was popularized in a scene from Burt Reynold’s 1989 film “Breaking In.” Famed father of nuclear science, Enrico Fermi, spent time in Hanford, WA developing the atomic bomb.

With her Italian heritage, Floreano’s work is undoubtedly a labor of love. For those interested in a reveal of the history and people that helped develop this part of the country, this book should prove an enjoyable read. In particular, for those of Italian descent, “Italians in the Pacific Northwest” lives up to the motto the author ascribes to these feisty and determined immigrants, “Per aspera ad astra” – through hardship to the stars. A truly informative tribute.

February 2, 2024