Book Review: Missing Era: The Emergence by A. O. Khalil

Missing Era: The Emergence 

by A. O. Khalil 

Kindle Edition
File Size: 3360 KB
Print Length: 259 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: A. O. Khalil (May 19, 2015)
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★   

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, A. O. Khalil. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

My thoughts:

While the apocalyptic plot is engaging, some things just bother me. First, the characters. There are just too many of them and it's difficult to go on reading when all I do is trying to remember who's who. Kept on flipping back the pages to check who they are and their connection to the main character, Jay. Then there's the unusual reaction of the characters to the invasion of the unknown creatures coming from the sinkholes. They tend to over analyze things, plan with a step-by-step procedure on what to do in every situation. I mean for me, in real life, everything would be spontaneous. I wouldn't have time to plan in front of those trying to kill me. So with this, I soon lost interest in reading further (DNF).

There are others who enjoyed reading the story, click here for positive reviews.

About the book:

They were just sinkholes, harmless sinkholes that were spreading like wildfire across the country. Then the disappearances started. A few people here and there then the entire army, gone in one night. Jay and Jule quickly find themselves thrown in the middle of a dangerous situation that only gets worse when something else comes that takes everyone by bloody surprise. 

As they make ready to leave to gather with the rest of the family, something comes out of the sinkholes and begins attacking and killing everyone in sight. Before they know it they are in the middle of a war with an unknown enemy and an unknown agenda. 

Will Jay and Jule survive their encounter or will they find themselves twenty-six feet under at the bottom of a sinkhole? 

About the author:

A. O. Khalil was born in the late summer of 1985 in Yemen. By the age of 16 he attended St Andrew's College Cambridge in England. After completing his studies he left Cambridge for Bath University, where he earned his degree in Sociology.

In 2010 he moved with his wife to Slovakia and decided to set up their own business. It was then he started writing whenever he had free time. By May 2015 his first book, Missing Era: The Emergence, is published for Amazon Kindle.

When not writing or working he enjoys fine dining, cooking and going to the movies with his wife, daughter, family and friends.

You can always find him on: www.missingera.com

Book Review: Mind Over Murder (A Jake Roberts Novel Book 2) by Cary Allen Stone

Mind Over Murder 

(A Jake Roberts Novel Book 2)

by Cary Allen Stone

Series: A Jake Roberts Novel
Paperback: 346 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 31, 2014)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 503 KB
Print Length: 348 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: B00I6M51AI
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Cary Allen Stone. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I have been trying to write this review for weeks now but I just can't seem to find the right words to describe exactly how I felt reading this book. Plot-wise, just like the first book, Mind Over Murder was a good mystery-thriller too. Jared Hamilton's story had me biting my nails. I liked how the author weave his story, there's a right amount of action and suspense. Oh well, while I found the book enthralling, I want to be honest here. I was soooo disappointed with the characters death. Sorry, a little spoiler there but it bothered me so much that I stopped reading for a week. It might not bother other readers (5-star reviews here) but it surely bothered me that I'm taking out one star for this second installment. 


About the book:

Detective Jake Roberts and FBI profiler Mika Scott return in the murder mystery Mind Over Murder––the long awaited sequel to After the Evil. Both await the arrival of the flight that brings the infamous serial killer Lori Powers back to the U.S. to face charges escorted by Interpol agents. 

Jared Hamilton is a genius, has earned multiple PhDs, and is twenty-five years old. His father Richard Hamilton is of one of the wealthiest men in the world. His mother Contessa was once an international supermodel. Jared has turned down offers by captains of industry, presidents of Ivy League universities, and Wall Street bankers. What Jared wants most is to be a criminal. He is already a world-class hacker and has committed a variety of felonies. Now he wants to experience the feel of blood on his hands. Jared wants to be a serial killer like Lori Powers and he wants Lori to be his consort. He devises a heinous plot to get Jake to bring Lori to him. When Jake discovers that he is Jarod’s next victim he puts together a plan, albeit illegal, to stop him. 

This is not your run-of-the-mill serial killer story. “Mind Over Murder” is the perfect serial killer read!

About the author:

Cary Allen Stone is a brilliant writer of psychological thrillers and murder mysteries. He writes with a keen eye for detail-the graphic violence is chillingly realistic. He delivers a taut, darkly introspective, cunning and well-executed plot by leaning towards the fallible side of his characters. He understands the criminal mind avoiding the stereotypes that dominate crime thrillers. There is a good balance of chemistry and conflict, good and evil that fans will find enthralling. His characters become embedded in our psyches and the pace of his unraveling of his thriller is a ride not easily forgotten. Cary Allen Stone is an important name to watch. This is one superb crime writer!--Grady Harp Top 100 ReviewerVine Voice 2014

In addition, he had a non-speaking character role in an AAA Club advertisement and has done voice-over radio commercials. He is currently working on his next Jake Roberts novel. He is a member of the Phoenix Writer's Club, the Arizona Authors Association and The Desert Sleuths, Author Social Media Support Group, International Thriller Writers.

Book Review: After The Evil by Cary Allen Stone

After The Evil 

Jake Roberts Series - Book 1

by Cary Allen Stone

Hardcover: 284 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 7, 2007)

Paperback: 338 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; Revised edition (February 3, 2014)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 759 KB
Print Length: 339 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Cary Allen Stone. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Lori Powers kills prominent and abusive men to overcome the pain of losing her daughter to a suicide she caused. As she works as a flight attendant, it is so easy for her to murder her target and disappear without a trace. 

When Lori has killed about four men, the police started to worry. The crime scene is always clean and no one could get a clue where to begin the investigation. So they sent Jake Roberts, the best detective in town to solve the complicated murders, and it became even more complicated once  the detective met and fell in love with the killer.

After the Evil is a very good suspense book. Although the killer was revealed too soon, the story is still exciting. The mysteries of murders kept my eyes glued to the pages of the book. I admit, it was a bit of a struggle for me to read on as I find the story dark for moms like me. After experiencing trauma during my two pregnancies, I now couldn't handle children's death or suicide. But I finished reading this so it was an accomplishment for me.

If you are looking for a great suspense/mystery story, you might want to pick up this book. I assure you, your money is well spent on this one!

About the book:

Detective Jake Roberts and FBI profiler Mika Scott are in hot pursuit of the “Who’s Your Daddy” serial killer that preys on dominating and controlling men. During the investigation, Jake falls in love with flight attendant Lori Powers. Lori can’t silence the voices and her daughter Emily cries out from the grave. Pandemonium breaks out when Jake realizes Lori is the killer.

About the author:

Cary Allen Stone is a brilliant writer of psychological thrillers and murder mysteries. He writes with a keen eye for detail-the graphic violence is chillingly realistic. He delivers a taut, darkly introspective, cunning and well-executed plot by leaning towards the fallible side of his characters. He understands the criminal mind avoiding the stereotypes that dominate crime thrillers. There is a good balance of chemistry and conflict, good and evil that fans will find enthralling. His characters become embedded in our psyches and the pace of his unraveling of his thriller is a ride not easily forgotten. Cary Allen Stone is an important name to watch. This is one superb crime writer!--Grady Harp Top 100 ReviewerVine Voice 2014

In addition, he had a non-speaking character role in an AAA Club advertisement and has done voice-over radio commercials. He is currently working on his next Jake Roberts novel. He is a member of the Phoenix Writer's Club, the Arizona Authors Association and The Desert Sleuths, Author Social Media Support Group, International Thriller Writers.

Book Review: Legend of the Chupacabra by Micheal Hebler

Legend of the Chupacabra
Chupacabra Series - Book 3
by Michael Hebler

Paperback, 372 pages
Expected publication: July 29th 2014 by Night After Night Publications, LLC
Goodreads Link


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★   

My thoughts:

This was again a pretty good horror story I'd enjoyed reading. The story started with how a Chupacabra is made. Yes, it was made through a ritual performed by the Indians to avenge the death of one of their tribesmen. 

Jessie's story started out slooow for me, I didn't like her work in a saloon but with the dramatic reunion of the characters from book one, it became a page turner.  I loved how the story played out for Suzanne and Jessie. Age aside, I thought of them as mother and daughter. Once the chupacabra showed up and killed again, they couldn't believe it. When Jessie learned this is a new creature, she no longer feared it, she was now pissed, extremely angry with the Injun (Indian) who created the new monster. 

This book didn't disappoint and I wish it could be turned into a movie! This is a must read horror book! 

About the book:

Inside a small village within the Great Plains of Montana, a ritual initiated in blood will be performed. This ceremony has been executed only once before and will mark a rite of honor and justice. Commonly, the Assiniboine are a harmonious people with strong pride and passions, but turn to the spirits for vengeance when wronged. The tribe’s chief will summon the Great Spirit on behalf of his people, for no earthly man can make evil suffer like a greater evil.

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon, six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure and the futility of their sacrifices when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they've encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Curse of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Curse of the Chupacabra

Author: Michael Hebler
Paperback: 308 pages
Publisher: Michael Hebler (September 10, 2013)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 1622 KB
Print Length: 196 pages
Publisher: Night After Night Publications, LLC (September 4, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Yay, the author did a wonderful follow-up on the Night of the Chupacabra! After the first book, I've been wondering about what happened with Drake, Suzanne, Jessie, Danny and Norman. Book #1 had a sad ending, especially for Drake. I was truly sad for the father who lost his family and when he finally found his missing daughter, he 'died'. 

Book #2 immediately starts right after the ending of book #1. Even after Drake became something evil, like Jessie, I felt fear when he's around and at the same time happy to have him again. Suzanne met some new people, I initially found them boring, though James and Evelyn became completely interesting characters just past half of the story. It went wild past the third quarter! I couldn't stop reading, it's like I was addicted to the chupacabra *LOL*. This is definitely worth 5-stars! I want more! 

About the book:

They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

~ PAPERBACK ~

~ KINDLE EDITION ~

Book Review: Night of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Night of the Chupacabra
Chupacabra Series Book One

Author: Michael Hebler
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Night After Publications (October 17, 2012)
Amazon Link



Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Michael Hebler. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I thought the story is great and I was hooked from the very first until the last page of the book. I  first heard stories of the Chupacabra from my grandmother and this brought back childhood memories. Night of the Chupacabra is a western horror novel that tells the story of one family wanting to start a new life in a new place. While in one of their travels, they encountered a chupacabra and only one man survived, Drake.

Drake, the main character of the story, is very much likeable. One would instantly love this character, a strong and tough guy on the outside but softy on the inside. His love and dedication to his family including his dear brother, Gavin, is what I remember the most.

The pacing of the story moves forward smoothly. Considering I was out attending parties the week I'm reading this, I never had a problem remembering the story and the  characters. The story flows just right and the tension stays with me every time I pick up the book. As for the dialogue, usually I despise books written in strange language or dialect, or anything written not in plain English. I am still wondering why despite the author's use of "western dialogue",  it didn't affect the level of my enjoyment of the story. Maybe he was just really good in weaving the whole story that I was never bothered by the strange dialogue. I loved the twists, especially the revelation on the legend of the first chupacabra, that I believe wouldn't bore readers. All in all, loved the book one and I look forward to reading more from the author, Michael Hebler.

About the book:

Post Civil War. Families move west to begin rich new lives, only some never make it. There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account. 

Night of the Chupacabra is one man’s journey to reunite with his missing family, while the lethal creature that separated them, the mysterious and ravenous chupacabra, is never far behind. Night of the Chupacabra is not only a gruesome regale of carnage, but a unique combination of science fiction bloodshed with a more poignant tale of lost love set against a Western backdrop. Night of the Chupacabra is an unflinching look at the impossible choices made for family, while knowing the consequences will ultimately lead to a fate worse than death.

About the author:

In addition to being an author and a Southern California native, Michael Hebler also has a career in film publicity.

Michael's current focus is on a series of dark thriller novels based on the legendary 'el Chupacabra' with Book One, "Night of the Chupacabra", releasing on October 17, 2012. In June 2011, Michael published a short-story prologue to the Chupacabra Series, "Hunt for the Chupacabra", available for free download. Michael is also the author of the children's picture book classic, "The Night After Christmas", available in both ebook and print formats.

Michael enjoys running a blog in his spare time, "My Little Obsessions", where he rambles about all the things he loves, which tends to be a distraction from his work.

Author website: http://www.michaelhebler.com
My Little Obsessions: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com/

Free Kindle Download: Like A Suicide by John J. Archer

Like A Suicide
Free Kindle Download 
December 1-3, 2012

Author: John J. Archer
File Size: 410 KB (Kindle Edition)
Print Length: 269 pages
Publisher: Nazarite Limited Publishing (September 29, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English

Synopsis:

"Like A Suicide" is a psychological thriller/suspense about 'Wraith' who is a serial killer. He believes proper order can only be brought about in the world via chaos. Most of his kills make sense in that way. It just happens that this time someone has the nerve to bring chaos into his world by stealing money from him.  

After tracking down the perpetrator James and confronting him Wraith concludes that he is either a genius or an idiot after the man denies knowing anything about the stolen money in a convincing manner.

Wraith concludes James must die but decides to take his time and find out if this is the guy that might provide the challenging kill he has been looking for all along. He has to do all this with Detective Sweeney, the local superstar detective hot on his trail.

As he gets ready to go for the kill Wraith can sense that something is wrong. It's just that this time this kill seems 'Like A Suicide', which makes it much more difficult than previous kills.

Free Kindle Download HERE

ARC Book Review: The Trajectory of Dreams by Nicole Wolverton

The Trajectory of Dreams

Author: Nicole Wolverton
Publisher: Bitingduck Press 
Release Date: March 1, 2013

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from Nicole Wolverton. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:


The Trajectory of Dreams focuses on Lela White, a hard working woman whose main goal in life is to protect all the astronauts while in space. She believes by studying the sleep patterns of astronauts, she is helping NASA to achieve a successful program for all their space missions. When Zory Korchagin, a Russian cosmonaut, sees Lela for the first time, he immediately falls in love with her. Something his grandmother has predicted before going to the U.S. for NASA's space program. I loved Zory. He is nice and very sweet. Oh I love Russian men. I thought Russian men are sexy and very nice to look at. And the accent! Hmm yummy! The author also wrote about Russian beliefs, superstitions and traditions which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.   

The Trajectory of Dreams is not your typical psychological thriller book. Lela, the main character is suffering from a mental disorder but she looks normal to the people around her. The plot and Lela's character is definitely intriguing, I was hooked from the beginning until the end of the story. I find it interesting to see how a person with mental illness is able to fool "normal" people and even cover up her crimes. 

You can never stop once you start reading. You really have to pay attention or else, you'd be confused as the book has an extremely complicated storyline. Reaching the last 50+ pages, everything is revealed with too many shocking twists, found myself re-reading some parts of the book as I missed something important in the story. 

Definitely a 5-star for me. Readers and bloggers, you shouldn't miss this one.  


About the book: 

For Lela White, a Houston sleep lab technician, sleep doesn’t come easy—there’s a price to be paid for a poor night’s sleep, and she’s the judge, jury, and executioner.

Everyone around Lela considers her a private woman with a passion for her lab work. But nighttime reveals her for what she is: a woman on a critical secret mission. Lela lives in the grip of a mental disorder that compels her to break into astronauts’ homes to ensure they can sleep well and believes that by doing so, she keeps the revitalized U.S. space program safe from fatal accidents. What began at the age of ten when her mother confessed to blowing up the space shuttle has evolved into Lela’s life’s work. She dreads the day when an astronaut doesn’t pass her testing, but she’s prepared to kill for the greater good.

When Zory Korchagin, a Russian cosmonaut on loan to the U.S. shuttle program, finds himself drawn to Lela, he puts her carefully-constructed world at risk of an explosion as surely as he does his own upcoming launch. As Lela’s universe 
unravels, no one is safe.

About the author:

Nicole Wolverton is a freelance writer and novelist living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her debut novel, The Trajectory of Dreams, will be available in March 2013 from Bitingduck Press.

Book Review: Like A Suicide by John J. Archer

Like A Suicide


Author: John J. Archer
File Size: 410 KB (Kindle Edition)
Print Length: 269 pages
Publisher: Nazarite Limited Publishing (September 29, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
Amazon Link


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from John J. Archer. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

Like A Suicide started out slow. Describing the killer's profile is not much of a story for me. I thought it was overly done for my taste. I was also bothered by the goriness and violence of the scenes depicted in the story so I had to stop reading from time to time.

The third or fourth time I picked up this book, I thought I had it all figured out. Well, I was wrong. The twists in the story surely enticed me to continue reading. Every chapter read is giving me doubts on who the real killer is. The last part of the book made sense. Now I understand why the author had to write much on the killer's life as it is - well, needed to grasp the whole psycho thing. The only problem I had in this book was the investigator handling the case. I believe Detective Sweeny failed to cover everything and that one thing (sorry - spoiler!) is very important to solving this case. So I'm not buying that part with Detective Sweeny.

Overall, the author is definitely skillful at wielding a great psychological thriller story.  It was beautifully written, even found myself doing a lot of research after reading this book. I look forward to reading more from this author, John J. Archer.

Note: The review might seem vague to you my dear readers because each time I try to write something about the story, it always ends up with spoilers so I had to re-write everything and make a "general" review.

About the book

"Like A Suicide" is a psychological thriller/suspense about 'Wraith' who is a serial killer. He believes proper order can only be brought about in the world via chaos. Most of his kills make sense in that way. It just happens that this time someone has the nerve to bring chaos into his world by stealing money from him. 

After tracking down the perpetrator James and confronting him Wraith concludes that he is either a genius or an idiot after the man denies knowing anything about the stolen money in a convincing manner. 

Wraith concludes James must die but decides to take his time and find out if this is the guy that might provide the challenging kill he has been looking for all along. He has to do all this with Detective Sweeney, the local superstar detective hot on his trail.

As he gets ready to go for the kill Wraith can sense that something is wrong. It's just that this time this kill seems 'Like A Suicide', which makes it much more difficult than previous kills.

Thursday Trailer: Walking Dead Season 3

Walking Dead

Season 3

Official Website

Picture and videos from Screenrant

Book Review: Crime Fiction for the Beginners by Gervase Shorter

Crime Fiction For The Beginners


Author: Gervase Shorter
Paperback: 342 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 28, 2012)
Amazon Link


Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Gervase Shorter. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ 

My thoughts:

This review is not for the entire book as I have only read the first 100+ pages. I tried reading this a number of times but I really could not get into the story. I thought the investigation to Larry Barlow's murder is too complex so the title is not right for me. I mean, if it is a crime fiction for the beginners, the story should be simple right? The story has too many characters and a lot of different situations are presented. I know they wouldn't be in the book for nothing but frankly, it was kind of a turn-off for me to read further. I had a hard time understanding how all the stories of the side characters and events are related in the murder. 

The book didn't work for me. To read positive reviews for this book, click here.

About the book:

The story revolves around the investigation by attractive, blonde Detective Inspector Harriet Ware of the Met into the murder of Larry Barlow, a publisher found strangled in a Whitechapel alleyway but as the investigation proceeds the plot opens out to include the would-be authors whose work he arrogantly refused to publish and the books they are currently writing. The would be authors include Maud Jackson, who is writing romantic Regency fiction about how the aristocratic Lady Cynthia Cavendish-Harcourt foils the matrimonial intrigues of Jocelyne Bracegirdle, a nouveau riche rival, Hector Treadgold who is writing a science fiction epic in which the last survivors from Earth are making their way through space to the planet they mean to colonise, fighting off reptilian robots from the Ozkon empire en route and Juliet Transom who writes about her heroine Lohana's adventures and mystical experiences in former and future lives. A fourth author, Gregory Scofield, is rewriting a cold war thriller he wrote in the 80s.

As the murder investigation proceeds, Harriet interviews Larry's partners, wife, lawyer, mistress and wife's uncle and tries to guess what crucial information they are hiding. She reviews the autopsy and scene of the crime reports but they provide few clues. Then there is Larry's file of threats and hate letters. Were some of them written by disgruntled would-be authors or by someone else? Meanwhile, her assistant Jim Rose searches for the Chinese restaurant where Larry had dinner shortly before he was murdered. But, in this world of would-be writers, all is very far from being what it seems …

About the author:

Born in England, Gervase spent his military service hunting terrorists through the forests of Mount Kenya. After studying medieval history at Oxford he caught the Transiberian train to Vladivostok on his way to Japan, where he lived for four years. He travelled back to Europe overland and then spent three years in Lisbon, moving in 1973 to Rio de Janeiro where he now divides his time between an apartment overlooking the lagoon and a farm 3,000 feet up in the mountains where he grows bananas, avocados, persimmon and pecan nuts. He is married with four adult children.

Book Review: Out of Shadow by J.S. Winn

Out of Shadow

Kindle Edition

Author: J.S. Winn

File Size: 354 KB

Print Length: 238 pages

Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Amazon Link

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, J.S. Winn. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

Becca was raped and her husband was murdered. When the police conducted the investigation, somehow she became the suspect because in the police report, there was no forced entry in any of the doors and windows of the house. And as for the rape, the hospital ran a DNA test and turned out the samples only matched to his husband's DNA. Now, after the investigation, even Becca doubts herself as she once had developed some kind of a mental illness years ago.

Becca is having nightmares almost on a daily basis so she hires a psychologist, Sara, to help her recover. The story is told in alternating POV's, Becca and Sara. 

It's hard to tell if I enjoyed reading this book. Okay - this is a good suspense book. It was a very fast read, the story is gripping, something that you won't stop reading until you read the last pages of the book. The problem lies in me. I easily guessed the bad guy here, like I over-analyzed things. Bad, bad idea! I knew it was him right after he said something to Becca. I also knew about the thing with Adrian and Sara. So it didn't surprise me at all. I can't tell much as I think anything I say could be a spoiler and it's really not good to have an idea about the story. 

I've read other online reviews and I agree with them that this is a must read book. Even if I knew what was gonna happen just by reading more than a quarter of the story, I'm still giving this book a 4-star rating for the writing style and the connection of the twists in the story.

About the book:

Out of the Shadow tells the story of two women drawn together in the present to uncover a crime from the past

Having survived a rape and her husband's murder, all Becca Rosen wants to do is move on with her life, but how can she when she's being stalked by a psychopath with an attitude---and an agenda. The police are no help because they're convinced, with her history of mental illness, Becca has faked the rape to get away with murder. On top of that, Becca has begun to have flashbacks and nightmares of childhood abuse, possibly at the hands of the rapist. Not knowing where to turn, and feeling like she might go crazy again, Becca hires Psychologist, Sarah Abrams, to help her unearth who's behind the crimes of the past...and the present.

Three men come into Becca's life around the same time. While each of these men has his charms, Becca can't be certain whether any one of them is the real killer. Or could it be someone else? Together Becca and Sarah start on a course of hypnotherapy to discover the abuser's identity. Will their work reveal the real killer before it's too late, or will Becca once again fall prey to this demented criminal?

About the author:

J S Winn earned a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD from the University of Metaphysical Sciences. For over 25 years she practiced psychotherapy. Her previous mystery novel set in the American Southwest, Kiva Fire, garnered much critical praise. She has had a play produced by the Actor’s Alliance Festival in San Diego, and her poetry has been anthologized by the San Diego Writer’s Workshop in For the Love of Writing. Her play “Gotcha!” was selected for a reading at the Village Arts Theater in Carlsbad, California in May 2012.

She presently lives by the beach in San Diego County, California.

For more information about Out of the Shadow, please visit http://www.jswinn.com or contact the author at author@jswinn.com