Book Review: The Traherns, Collection #1 by Nancy Radke

The Traherns, Collection #1 of Western Historical Novellas is an amazing series of books by Nancy Radke at the historical time when everyone was traveling by wagon train to the West for free land and gold. I'm speechless. There are no words to adequately describe how awesome these books are. Each is a stand-alone novella, but they are woven together. I recommend reading them in order. It is easy with this set, books #1-7. They're based on The Trahern family, their family and friends. I really enjoyed these people and cheered for them during the happy and sad times. Thankfully, Nancy has continued this series, and currently the books at numbered up to #12.

Nancy Radke is a genius. I'm humbled to read such great writing -- it seems so few and far between these days. To say I highly recommend these books is a travesty. If you read anything today, tomorrow, this month, this year, it must be this collection of books. You'll be better for it. 

P.S. There is no foul language and no sex scenes. Just brilliant story-telling.

Book Review: Zero-Degree Murder by M. L. Rowland

In my search for the missing search & rescue book of my past, The Librarian recommended "Zero-Degree Murder" by M. L. Rowland. It is about a search & rescue team, but it is more of a survival book.

The book focuses on Gracie Kinkaid, a member of the Timber Creek Search & Rescue although there is an important ensemble of others characters, including Rob Christian, a British movie star, and her unit commander Ralph Hunter. They are thrown together when Rob and his group of hikers become lost on Mount San Raphael in California, and Gracie is sent to bring them in. 

Rob's group includes a serial killer who wants to eliminate everyone in the hiking group when one of the hikers recognizes him. Gracie discovers Rob Christian and must keep him alive from the freezing temperatures and snow as well as the killer. (I'm trying really hard to avoid spoilers).

I enjoyed the book. The author is a former search & rescue volunteer herself, so she does an excellent job of writing about that portion of the book. The only disappointment I had was the "romance" aspect. I thought it was ridiculous and that the author must be a man. "No woman would write that scenario." I was surprised to learn M. L. Rowland is female. Huh.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

I'm upset.

Okay, I'm upset. I'm really upset. It's time to bring out the big guns. I warned everybody -- push me enough and I'll have to bring in The Librarian! My sister Debbie.

I'm trying to find a book(s) about a search & rescue female character. I'm pretty sure there's a series of books. But, I digress. I can only remember part of a book. She's out with the police searching in the woods for an escaped convict. They find the guy, however he grabs her dog and kills him. She gets so mad that she puts five bullets into him, and kills him. (You go, girl!!) Anyway, I'm going insane trying to find this book.

It is not The Search by Nora Roberts.
It is not The Search by Iris Johansen.

I have no idea if there's romance in the story. I just remember this scene in the woods. For some reason, I'm hooked on fictional search & rescue books right now. (At least, re-reading the ones I've already read but forgotten).

I'm sorry I had to do, but sooner or later you just have to turn to The Librarian. Please, please, Debbie.....find this book!!

Book Review: "Richard Sherlock in The Case of the Not-So-Fair Trader" by Jim Stevens

This is an awesome book. I highly recommend reading "Richard Sherlock in The Case of the Not-So-Far Trader" by Jim Stevens.

Oh my goodness - finally a book with an excellent plot, characters, and ending without vulgarity or sex scenes. Just a straightforward murder mystery.

Former homicide detective turned insurance investigator, Richard Sherlock is a divorced dad, trying to earn a living, take care of his daughters, and discover who killed the commodities trader. There's plenty of suspects to choose from -- ex-wives, kids, employees, fellow traders. Nobody likes Alvin Augustus and everybody wanted him dead. But whodunit? Sherlock solves the murder and saves the day! And, it's great reading along the way. So don't miss this book!! It's worth the money.

P.S. It's the first book in a series. I can't wait to read the next.

P.S.S. I want Alvin's rock garden. It sounds so cool.

Book: Creatures of Appetite by Todd Travis

Creatures of Appetite by Todd Travis is a fantastic book for lovers for murder mysteries, cop thrillers, serial killers, and a touch of horror. This book is wicked cool. I cannot believe this is Todd Travis's first book. Where have you been all my life? There are not enough words to express how much I recommend this book. Note: Like a lot of cop thrillers, the cops use a lot of blue language (profanity). Please do not let that discourage from reading Creatures of Appetite. Once I started, I kept reading until I finished it. That doesn't happy very often with me. I finished reading the book with a *Gasp!* and begging Todd Travis for more! You just cannot miss this book. Bravo, Todd! Bravo!