Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Book Reviews

Here's my take on the books I've read on Kindle so far:

Perfect Crime by Jack Erickson *****5 Stars
Aug. 2012
Title: Great short story!
First, let me say I don’t know Jack Erickson, I’m not related to him, nor have I been asked to give him a good review. He earned the five stars I gave him. His short story was tight and well written. Typos, grammatical errors—where? Normally, I don’t miss bad grammar and typos, so if there were any, I was too busy enjoying the story to notice. It takes a good writer to capture your imagination, and Jack Erickson did it for me. His style is unique and kept me glued to the storyline. Not only that, but at the end I was treated to a preview of two other short stories I can’t wait to read. There’s so much trash out there, it was really refreshing to read something worthy of five stars. Way to go, Jack! I’ll be back for more.

She’s Gotta Be Mine by Jennifer Skully

Title: Delightful Aug. 2012 ****4 Stars
I gave this book 4 stars because some of it was too unbelievable even for fiction. A woman who lusts after a serial killer, tries to help her husband find his high school sweetheart, and talks about how good she looks but doesn't feel it? That's poo. But it was so well written and kept me so interested, I had to give the author credit for that. The sex scenes were more than I care to read about, but even those were well written. I can't put my finger on it, but there was something about this book that makes me want to read more of Jennifer Skully's works. I would've given it 5 stars if the main character had been chasing after a mechanic or a doctor, anyone other than a serial killer, and if she had been helping her husband find a long lost friend, not an old girlfriend... but then we would've missed the animosity between said girlfriend and Roberta (Bobbie). Ah, Roberta (Bobbie), that was a little confusing. Still, the book is a good read. I won't be a spoiler, so I'll just say the ending was a (good) surprise. Kudos, Jennifer Skully!

Mile Marker 148 By Jess Butcher *****5 stars
Title: Loved it! 
I didn't read the previous review (spoiler alert) before I downloaded the book, and was glad I hadn't. When I realized the book was told through the eyes of a dog, I was impressed. I can tell you that now, since I see it's already been revealed that a dog was telling the tale. At the beginning when I read the part about "noisily licking my testicles" I went, Whoa...what? I had to continue. I'd never read anything like this. What a terrific concept. A dog telling about his experiences at Mile Marker 148. It was well-written, fun, and entertaining! Five stars for this short story. Thanks Jess Butcher!

Already Home by Vicky Lewis Thompson (Sons of Chance) ****4 Stars
Title: A good, short story. 
After reading the reviews on this short story, I had to read it because of all the complaints about it being rushed, etc. Of course it was rushed, it's a short story! People, start checking the page count! Then you'll know what you're getting. Already Home was a good read. Short and sweet---A tale about two people (Hutch and Trina) who have been hot for each other for some time, and when they get a chance to reunite, the sparks fly. The characters are likable and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to end. I wasn't disappointed. One star? No way. I've read full-length books that weren't as good as this short story. It was well-written with proper grammar, and I didn't find one typo. Give the author a break. It was a short story, for Pete's sake! Entertaining! Four stars!

Midnight Sun by M.J. Fredrick May 2012 **** 4 stars
Title: My first MJ Fredrick book.   
I spent Mother's day reading this book because I just couldn't put it down. I could've done without the intense sex scenes, but otherwise, I loved the book. Her writing reminds me of Sandra Brown. Will be looking forward to reading another one of MJ Fredrick's books.

Land of the Noonday Sun by Carmen DeSousa Aug. 2012
Title: Land of the Noonday Sun *****5 Stars
Land of the Noonday Sun is not the type of book I normally read, but I decided to give it a try after meeting the author on Twitter. And, I’m glad I did. It was a well-written, lovely Christian based/romance/suspense novel with interesting characters and a storyline that comes to a feel-good, dramatic conclusion. Good for you, Carmen DeSousa! Five stars!
NOTE: I failed to mention in my review on Kindle this is a YA book. If you don't like young adult novels this book isn't for you. 

4 comments:

Carmen DeSousa said...

Thank you for the lovely review, Ann. I have to ask about the YA, though. Hmmm...funny how different people see things. As you mentioned my main characters are Christian--not all of them obviously...since they want to kill someone. LOL! But...it's strange how I tried to write a PG13 book and some readers say "wow" awfully sensual for "Christian" characters... Um...I’m a Christian; I have sex. That's how my kids came about. I think. Anyway, it still amazes me that "Christians" can read a novel such as "Hunger Games" with all of the violence, but sensual writing is a no-no. Seems backward, doesn't it? At least to me it does. I think I got off track...I am a writer, so my brain fires off at a hundred miles an hour. But the YA...do you think with the sensual honeymoon scenes, I could market this as a YA. And the characters ages of 25 and 28? I wouldn't mind. I just thought I’d receive a lashing. I have, although, commented that I believe it is appropriate for ages sixteen and up. Thank you again for your feedback. It's always nice when you can get real opinions from someone you can talk with...always want to get better. :)

Ann Mullen said...

Thank you Carmen for taking the time to leave a comment and for sharing your thoughts. When I say YA, I was thinking along the line of ages 16-25. And, to me, sensual love scenes are far better than graphic ones, unless you're writing erotica—which I prefer not to read. Give me a good old fashioned love story anytime. As far as receiving a lashing... ha... you can't satisfy everyone. I just read a marvelous short story that was beat to death by some readers. What does that tell you? Good luck and keep on writing! Ann

Karen Elizabeth Brown said...

I'm saying hello and I enjoyed the reviews. Finding good books to read can be daunting when there are eight million to chose from.
I am a new writer and still learning, so I don't need poor examples to clutter up my head.

Ann Mullen said...

Hello Karen Elizabeth. Thank you so much for your comment. New to writing, huh? If I may ever be of help to you, don't hesitate to email me at aftonridge@aol.com. I don't know what type of books you like to read, but if murder mystery/romance is your choice, be sure to check out my Jesse Watson mystery series on my web site www.aftonridge.com.