Local author's series aimed at young readers

It’s tough to keep secrets, particularly if you’re a kid.

Onondaga author Kristina Garcia captures some of these challenges in a series of four colorful new paperback books recently published at $6.99 each by s 2 Moon Press.

These are the first entries of her “Country Secret’s Series” aimed at beginning readers in grades 1-3. Garcia, a member of Lansing’s Skaaldic Society Writers Group, is currently working on installment number 14.

Each chapter book focuses on a child who has unusual experiences while visiting the home of their grandparents in the country.

“Gracie’s Day with Daisy” offers insights into the life of 8 year old Gracie, whose parents won’t allow her to have a dog. The family makes a trip to the grandparents’ house, who have taken in a stray dog. Gracie names the Basset Hound “Dottie”, but real surprises take place when the dog escapes under a fence.

Reluctant reader Vicky is the star of “Vicky Reads With Izzy”. She returns with her parents to Dad’s boyhood home. In the basement of the house, Vicky makes an unusual discovery that is likely to change her life forever.

“Jimmy Swims With the Fishes” showcases young Jimmy, an adept swimmer, who goes on an intriguing adventure in a nearby pond. Although adults may have unexpected anticipations because of the captivating title, they are likely to enjoy the underwater antics.

“Kyle Plays With the Crickets” introduces a young boy who likes skateboarding; his mother wants him to practice playing his violin. Kyle takes part in an amazing concert that he’ll never forget - and secrets most grown-ups wouldn’t believe.

Garcia handles unusual situations and magical twists deftly, without long-winded descriptions that a child wouldn’t care about anyway.

Her carefully crafted chapter books are designed to fascinate young readers, making the world of reading more attractive while giving them an often-needed sense of accomplishment.

These chapter books are ideal for libraries or home-schoolers; they offer entertaining escapism and don’t have to be read in any particular order.

The author, who lives out in the country with her husband Jim and two dogs, is in the final stages of editing her first full length novel for children, “Clear Glass Optical.”

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed books regularly since 1987. This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on June 12, 2011.

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Murder takes authorities all over the U.P.

Steve Hamilton will be signing books on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

at Schuler Books and Music, 1982 West Grand River, Meridian Mall, Okemos.

“Misery Bay,” by two-time Edgar Award winning author Steve Hamilton, (Minotaur, $24.99) marks the long-awaited return of Alex McKnight, a reluctant private investigator in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

It’s been almost five years since the last McKnight book, “A Stolen Season”; Hamilton, a 1983 graduate of University of Michigan, hasn’t lost his touch. Scheduled for release on Tuesday, this is another great book by one of America’s best crime novelists.

The eighth entry in his popular series opens with an intriguing meeting between McKnight and his nemesis in earlier books, Roy Maven, the Chief of Police at Sault Ste. Marie MI.

Maven has tracked McKnight down at his friendly local bar/ restaurant and asks him for help – the last thing that the former Detroit cop would ever expect.

Dan Razniewski (or Raz), Maven’s old partner when he was with the Michigan State Police, is struggling to understand why his college student son committed suicide a few months earlier.

His son’s body was discovered hanging by a rope on a tree in an icy cold area overlooking Lake Superior at Misery Bay. With no note, there’s little to go on; Raz, now a retired U.S. Marshall, hires McKnight to look into the death.

McKnight goes to Marquette to investigate, with mixed results; soon another murder complicates matters significantly. Maven joins McKnight in an unusual and unexpected partnership as the body count rises.

Leon Prudell, McKnight’s former partner, offers valuable assistance, even though he’s now working at a movie theater. When the FBI is called in, the plot becomes more complex; territorial disputes abound as egos clash.

There are many scenes involving travel on the narrow roads, through the small towns of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The bleak wintry atmosphere is described so well, you can almost feel the icy wind.

This excellent police procedural features strong characters and provides an exceptional roller coaster ride of plot twists.

While it helps to follow the entire McKnight series, beginning with his Edgar Award winning “A Cold Day in Paradise”, it’s not essential. Hamilton, whose latest novel ”The Lock Artist” won an Edgar Award earlier this year, is hard at work on another McKnight book.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime novels and noir thrillers regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on Sunday, June 5 2011.

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Credibility Issues Discredit Thrillers

If you’re trying to save money but are still hooked on new books, here’s a pair you can easily avoid – or wait until they come out in paperback.

While both titles have many suspenseful moments and deal with sibling relations, each suffers from credibility problems.

“Come and Find Me” by Hallie Ephron (William Morrow, $24.99) is the latest release by the author of “Never Tell a Lie”. She’s also produced “Writing and Selling your Mystery Novel”, so I had high hopes. Wrong!

Her latest writing effort focuses on Diana Highsmith, a former computer hacker who is now, ironically, specializing in computer security.

Diana’s still recovering from the death of Daniel, her lover and business partner, fifteen months earlier, in a Swiss mountain-climbing accident. She is suffering from a severe anxiety disorder and doesn’t want to leave her house.

When her sister Ashley mysteriously disappears, Diana tries to find her, nervously leaving her intense world of cyberspace to face outside reality.

While plot twists abound, astute crime novel fans should easily be able to predict at least one major piece of the puzzle.

Ephron’s odd suspense tale does reach a satisfying conclusion, but the main surprise is how long Diana takes to figure out what’s really going on.

“Devious” by Lisa Jackson (Kensington, $25) slowly builds tension as it develops an overly complicated plot.

Set in New Orleans, Jackson’s thriller is the latest starring police detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya. They’re called in to investigate the brutal death of a young nun, Sister Camille, inside St. Marguerite’s cathedral.

Montoya’s due for a shock - in the first of too many co-incidences - he dated Camille in high school. She’s the sister of Valerie Houston, a conflicted former cop who’s returned to New Orleans to help run a bed and breakfast location.

There are only a few possible suspects, but more questions arise when it’s discovered that the murdered nun was pregnant. Valerie gets assistance from Slade, her soon-to- be ex-husband; another nun is murdered and the action intensifies.

Jackson’s dark tale has carefully crafted touches of romance but also offers insights into a nasty killer’s motivation. Credibility is stretched beyond a breaking point as more facts emerge. Although it’s highly atmospheric, this novel would work better if an editor had lopped off about 100 pages.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing’s Curious Book Shop, has reviewed crime novels and noir thrillers regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on May 22, 2011.

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PROMINENT SURGEON RECALLS HIS JOURNEY -- WITH A STOP AT MSU

"In Stitches" by Anthony Youn with Alan Eisenstock (Gallery Books, $25) is a funny memoir from one of the country's best-known plastic surgeons.

This isn't a gossipy book about who got the latest nip-and-tuck procedure or what actress had too much work done - instead it's a fascinating look at what forces shaped the career of a prominent expert.

It focuses on the challenges faced by Anthony Youn, a Korean-American who grew up in the small town of Greenville, near Grand Rapids.

His strict father, an OB-GYN specialist, had high hopes for Youn and his brother, but as a nerd with Coke-bottle glasses, Anthony had difficulties adjusting. Having a protruding jaw that required surgery didn't make his life any easier.

After high school, Youn attended Kalamazoo College, then went to Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. A major part of Youn's book is devoted to his eye-opening experiences on and off campus.

Youn and his roommates party heartily and diligently seek romantic conquests, but also study a lot. They're trying to figure out what their specialty should be in the field of medicine.

Deciding that he didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps was an easy choice.

Youn's challenges multiply - further studies take him to Grand Rapids and Springfield, Ill.

His experiences as a medical intern showcase many inside details of hospital procedures that patients don't really think about. He also explores burnout and overworking issues.

"In Stitches" is a fast-paced, mesmerizing autobiography that's laced with dark humor and memorable scenes, including his discovery that a woman he's dating works as a carnival fire-eater.

It's fun to follow Youn's growth from a geeky nerd to a well-respected member of society. There are many classic confrontations between Youn and his hard-working, well-meaning, highly concerned parents.

The prominent board-certified plastic surgeon has offices in Troy. He has received national exposure as a frequent television guest on the Rachael Ray Show and the CBS Early Show, among others.

Visit his website at http://www.celebcosmeticsurgery.com/.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, 

has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on May 1, 2011.

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BODY TURNS UP IN FORCLOSURE CASE

"The Fifth Witness" by best-selling author Michael Connelly (Little Brown, $27.99) is another masterpiece by one of America's best crime fiction novelists.

Torn from today's headlines, it's the latest in his popular series starring Mickey Haller, a hard-working Los Angeles attorney.

Haller has fallen on hard times - his specialty, criminal defense has been generating little business. Now he's found a new legal angle, representing people with foreclosure problems.

His most prominent client, Lisa Trammel, has been arrested for the murder of Mitchell Bondurant. He was the bank officer directing foreclosing procedures against her.

Bondurant's body has been discovered next to his car in a parking garage. Trammel, who had led protests against the bank, is the prime suspect.

After she's arrested for the murder, Haller agrees to represent her in the trial, which promises to get considerable media attention.

Haller, who's known as "The Lincoln Lawyer," because he's been operating out of the trunk of his car, finally decides to get an office.

He gathers his minimal staff and proceeds to investigate the case. He's up against Andrea Freeman, a diligent, experienced prosecuting attorney, who uses a variety of sometimes-questionable legal methods.

But Haller's no slouch when is comes to sleazy attorney tactics - he gets help from many sources as he tries to prove Trammel's innocence.

Haller uncovers a variety of possible suspects in the banker's death, even though the police have had tunnel vision, only focusing on Trammel as a suspect.

Quirky characters abound, including many members of Haller's staff; unexpected violence occurs when Haller is beaten by two thugs and ends up hospitalized.

Haller's ex-wife Maggie doesn't have quite a prominent spot as she did in "The Reversal." Los Angeles policeman Harry Bosch makes only a minimal appearance.

The first book in the series, "The Lincoln Lawyer," was recently released as a highly praised movie starring Matthew McConaughey as Haller. "The Fifth Witness" is also a prime candidate for film adaptation.

This compelling page-turner is a great, gripping legal thriller that's ideal for Connelly fans. Readers who enjoy John Grisham type courtroom scenes, with sneaky scheming and verbal battles, will not be disappointed.

Connelly's next book, "The Drop," showcasing Harry Bosch, is scheduled for release in October.

 

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, 

has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on April 24, 2011.

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FOLLOW WILD ADVENTURES OF "FUZZBUTT"

Animals are the focus of attention of two releases; one is designed for children while the other is a bit more thought provoking.

"Fuzzbutt" by Morrice author Brenda Roy (R & B Publishing, $11.95) is a slim, self-published, attractively designed children's book. It showcases a small, partially wild kitty who grows up to be an 18-pound watchcat.

Full of great, clear photos by her husband Rohn, this colorful book covers the long life and misadventures of  young kitten that was left on the porch of an old country farmhouse.

Brenda tries to tame the suspicious kitty but it's a slow process. Once Brenda gains the feline's trust and the animal comes inside, she faces more challenges. A trip to a local veterinarian is particularly memorable, as the nervous cat is still very wary about other humans.

Fuzzbutt grows up and protects the farm property, even keeping a coyote away. The last part of the book delves into the cat's aging process and his companionship/training of other cats that Brenda's family have adopted.

It's uncommon to have a children's book with so many different photos that follow a cat's life. While younger children will get a giggle because of the book's distinctive title, this is ideal for cat lovers of any age.

Brenda, an elementary school teacher, also has written a children's book "Night Noise," which came out last year. More information is available from the author at http://www.fuzzbutt.biz/.

"Beso the Donkey: Poems by Richard Jarrette" (Michigan State University Press, $14.95) is an intriguing collection of poetry that's a bit more complex than it seems.

Although it's less than 90 pages long, it includes over 70 thought-provoking poems, providing refreshing reading for those who like to contemplate.

Jarrette, a California psychotherapist, offers a variety of laid-back insights into the life of a donkey - and life in general, viewed from different perspectives.

The poet doesn't go in for long, boring detailed verse; the reader won't have to dig deep for meaning. There's lots of strong, simple imagery; a useful acknowledgement section explores many of Jarrette's literary and Zen influences.

While this may be one of the largest collections of donkey related verse ever published, it's deceptively good. It's best savored, like fine wine, a little bit at a time.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, 

has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on April 17, 2011.

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MURDER VICTIM'S ACQUAINTANCES TRY TO FIND HER KILLER

"Mystery" by award-winning author Jonathan Kellerman is a satisfying but not spectacular crime novel.

It's the 26th entry in his long-running series starring Los Angeles psychologist Alex Delaware and hard-working Detective Milo Sturgis.

It begins easily enough, with Delaware and his wife Robin enjoying dinner at a restaurant in a fancy old hotel that's about to be closed permanently.

They notice a beautiful, stylish, well-dressed young woman at another table, apparently anxiously awaiting someone.

A few days later, Sturgis contacts Delaware about an odd case - a body that has been dumped on the outskirts of the city. The victim turns out to be the woman from the restaurant, although there's no ID and the corpse was found miles away from the hotel.

Delaware and Sturgis work to put together clues, first trying to figure out who she was and how she got there.

The police assume that there are two killers, since the woman died from simultaneous wounds from two different caliber weapons. They get a tip that leads to information about the homicide victim. She called herself "Mystery" on a website devoted to pairing up beautiful women with older, rich men.

It gets darker and sleazier from there, as Delaware and Sturgis uncover dark secrets of the exceptionally wealthy.

They're also seeking information about a missing bodyguard who has ties to the victim.

Kellerman throws in another sub-plot involving a dying madam and the counseling of her young, worried son. The woman, who ran a successful call girl operation for many years, provides valuable, useful insights into the case.

There are a variety of intriguing suspects; another body is discovered that is related to the case. Stakeouts are necessary when a pair of possible suspects emerge.

The solution to the complicated case requires significant research by Delaware; the final confrontation is long-winded and shows him making many assumptions.

The frenzied atmosphere of life in Los Angeles is well utilized by Kellerman. His brisk dialog, sometimes similar to Ed McBain, is likely to hook many readers.

Longtime Kellerman fans won't really be disappointed with this release; newcomers can easily follow the action without grabbing earlier books in this popular series.

Ray Walsh, owner of East Lansing's Curious Book Shop, 

has reviewed crime novels and Michigan books regularly since 1987.

This review was originally published by the Lansing State Journal on April 10, 2011.

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