Radiant Angel

by Nelson DeMille

            The seventh book in DeMille’s John Corey series is a breath of fresh air after last year’s, in my opinion, flop, The Panther. Being a longtime fan of both the author and the Corey series, I was afraid the series had run its course. I can happily report that the real John Corey is back and in fine form in Radiant Angel.

            In Angel, Corey has been relegated to a dead end and boring job with the Diplomatic Surveillance Corps keeping track of Russian diplomats. It’s a job with little responsibility other than to follow the diplomat he’s assigned to, and report in. Nothing heroic or taxing here. Right. John Corey has never simply followed orders, nor has he ever been accused of being trusting. When Corey’s instincts tell him that attending a simple weekend party is not all his assigned diplomat is doing, he throws the rule book out the window and proceeds according to John’s Rules. What follows is a roller coaster ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seat, and up til the wee hours of the morning.

            Buy this book and settle in for the kind of great thriller that fans of DeMille have come to expect. John Corey is back! 

Darkness the Color of Snow

by Thomas Cobb

            How can an entire life unravel in a split second? Is it possible for a single moment in time to cast out a ripple effect that grows from a tiny shimmer to a tidal wave that crashes and destroys everything in its path? Could it have been stopped, contained? Was there ever any choice?

            At the heart of Cobb’s book is young rookie police office Ronnie Forbert and one fateful night that changed his life forever. A routine traffic stop leaves Forbert’s old friend Matt Leferiere dead. Was it an accident, or did Ronnie kill his old friend? The Chief of Police stands by Ronnie, while the dead boy’s parents accuse Ronnie of deliberately killing their son. As the investigation proceeds, the local media uncovers a witness who swears that Officer Forbert killed Leferiere. Did a witness actually see this, or is this a misguided attempt to grab five minutes of fame? What really happened that night? When a political firestorm erupts, it becomes clear that the truth may no longer matter, and that justice is just a word.

            Cobb does a masterful job of delving into small town politics where everyone knows everyone, slights are never forgotten, and grudges die hard. What makes this novel shine is the author’s ability to bring the town and its people alive. These are not mere characters on a page. They become people the reader likes, loathes, understands and ultimately wants to see redeemed.

This is a book to read slowly and savor. Buy this book and prepare to be immersed in Cobb’s small town of Lydell, New York.

Scheduled for publication August 18^th, 2015

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Last Bus to Wisdom              

by Ivan Doig

            

           This delightful novel is narrated by twelve year old Donal Cameron who relates his summer adventures when he is shipped off to Wisconsin after his grandmother becomes ill. Donal’s grandmother needs an operation and has no choice but to send Donal on the ‘dog bus’ (Greyhound) to stay with her sister in Wisconsin. Having lived his entire young life in Montana, Donal is ill prepared for city life, or for his Aunt Kate. As he tries to ‘get on Aunt Kate’s good side’ Donal quickly realizes that she has no good side. Donal’s only ally is his Uncle Herman, a man cowed by Aunt Kate, who retreats to his backyard greenhouse whenever possible. When things come to a head, Aunt Kate decides to ship Donal back to Montana, and the fate of an orphanage. As Donal boards the dog bus, he is shocked to find Uncle Herman has joined him, and together, the two are running away. What follows is hilarious, heart breaking, and a wonderful story of what family is all about.

            Unlike many novels narrated by a young child, this novel doesn’t try to give Donal adult wisdom. In fact, he is very much a young boy on the cusp of figuring out who he is. Uncle Herman is a delight. His perspective on life is at times hysterical and his love for Donal is real.

            A great read, Last Bus to Wisdom is filled with characters you will love, route for, and loath. It is a rollicking good ride on the dog bus.

            Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.