Book Review- David Morrell- Scavenger

David Morrell- Scavenger (Vanguard Press 2007) 4.25 Stars

When Frank Balenger wakes up after being drugged, he finds that the woman he loves is now missing and both of them seem to be trapped inside some sick game. The Game Master is pulling the strings, giving them instructions on what to do. They can choose to follow instructions and search for a 100-year-old time capsule, or disobey, but the consequences of disobedience are deadly.

The introduction to this book made me wish that I had read the previous instalment in this series, as I kind of felt like I was missing something. I picked up the gist of it quickly and it did not take long to get into this book. It draws your attention in and makes it difficult to put the book down. I enjoyed how the plot was intense and fast-paced. It weaves a web of clues that takes the characters on a trip of horror, through some psychopath’s idea of a game. I did think that the characters were a little weak, as if the author was relying on the fact that you have read the previous book. The setting made up for this though as it included some very interesting areas to explore. It was an interesting idea for a novel and I would recommend reading it, but would also recommend reading Creepers first, as this book will make more sense; I will be looking for it.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Ridley Pearson- Steel Trapp: The Challenge

Ridley Pearson- Steel Trapp: The Challenge (Disney Editions 2008) 4 Stars

When Steven Steel Trapp gets to go to the National Science Challenge, he does not expect to be running from both the law and criminals. After trying to do a good thing by running a briefcase back to the owner, he now finds himself trapped in something he cannot stop. He has snuck a look inside the briefcase and is shocked by what he has seen. A new found friend, Kaileigh Augustine, assists him in trying to solve this case, before time runs out.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had a good introduction that draws the reader in and makes them want to read more. The characters were interesting and I do not think that young readers will have any trouble connecting with them. Although not likely to happen, the situations were realistic in nature. It was a fast-paced, action-packed book, with a great plot. One think that I did think was very realistic was the fact that Kaileigh was able to get away from her “nanny” and remain undiscovered, I am pretty sure that she would have had trouble travelling on her own and not attract attention at that young of an age. Overall though it was a pretty solid read for young adults, and I would have no problem recommending it.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- JJ Ritonya- Sunset

JJ Ritonya- Sunset (Createspace 2009) 2.75 Stars

When the majority of the world’s population dies suddenly, three different survivors in three separate locations must struggle to survive in the new world. Two days after the mysterious deaths the bodies suddenly disappear and are replaced by zombies, who come out to play after sunset. Living has just become more unlikely, but zombies aren’t their only threat.

I must say that I had no idea that this was a zombie book before reading this, the author’s description of the book does not tell the potential reader this. As a reader it would be nice to know this before going into the book. I do think that the whole zombie thing is way overdone in movies, so reading a book about it doesn’t really excite me. That being said it wasn’t a horrible book, not a book I would have chosen to read, but better than I would have expected a zombie book to be. I did not really get drawn into this book at any point, mostly because, I thought that it was a little hard to follow four different people in different locations, it was distracting. I also found it odd that two of the characters we were following were written as “I”; I would have preferred if one person was “I” and the rest by name, correcting this perspective issue would be an asset in the upcoming sequel. I wasn’t overly impressed with this novel, but if you like zombies or are looking for a Halloween read, I would recommend reading this novel.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Augusten Burroughs- A Wolf at the Table

Augusten Burroughs- A Wolf at the Table (St. Martin’s Press 2008) 3.75 Stars

I will let the author describe his book. With "A Wolf at the Table," Augusten Burroughs makes a quantum leap into untapped emotional terrain: the radical pendulum swing between love and hate, the unspeakably terrifying relationship between father and son. Told with scorching honesty and penetrating insight, it is a story for anyone who has ever longed for unconditional love from a parent. Though harrowing and brutal, "A Wolf at the Table" will ultimately leave you buoyed with the profound joy of simply being alive. It's a memoir of stunning psychological cruelty and the redemptive power of hope.

At first I was not sure about whether or not I would like this book, it being a memoir and all, but I actually found myself enjoying it. The introduction grabs your attention, and then you cut back in time, only to come to that introduction at a later time. I liked the way that he did this. It was interesting and sad to see how his father tormented him mentally and neglected him. The psychological damage from this kind of childhood can only be detrimental, and we see this throughout the book. I kind of connected with his at certain points of this book, as he craved for the love of a parent. In my case it would not be about my father, but about my mother. At first I rated it a four, but lowered when I figured I was rating it higher for personal reasons. I would recommend this only to those who do not mind reading books about abuse. It certainly is a tough read.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Peter David- Starfleet Academy: Survival

Peter David- Starfleet Academy: Survival (Minstrel Books 1993) 3 Stars

When the colony on Dantar is wiped out, the cadets and young Klingons are left stranded. Worf must try to lead this young group in their quest or survival. They are fighting among themselves, but quickly discover that they may not be the only ones on the planet. The only way they are going to survive is to come together and work towards getting off the planet.

This book was just an average book. At no point was it gripping, yet it wasn’t boring either. I did enjoy seeing the group come together though, and how they had to work as a team to solve the crisis before them. I also enjoyed a couple of the twists thrown in, they were unexpected. It did have a level of predictability though. The introduction wasn’t really gripping and could have used some more work, and the ending was a little disappointing. Overall though it was not a bad book; if you enjoy Star Trek you will like this book.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Suzanne Collins- Catching Fire

Suzanne Collins- Catching Fire (Scholastic 2009) 4 Stars

After winning the Hunger Games with her teammate Peeta, she returns home to what should be a better life, but things are not as she had hoped. Her best friend Gale no longer wants anything to do with her and Peeta feels the same. With rumours flying around about rebellion among the districts, Peeta and Katniss realize that they have caused it. Now they are on the Capitol’s Victory Tour and they must convince the Districts that they are still very much in love, or their will be terrible consequences.

Continuing on with the Hunger Games series, it was interesting to see what life has in store got Katniss next. Getting off to a slow start it was still interesting to see life in the District. It was great to see rebellion talk happening as I am sure that that is exactly what would happen. I was captivated by how much change started to take place when the President felt threatened and how much it caused Katniss to fight to keep things from exploding. The latter half of the book was great, very intense and attention-grabbing. It also had a great ending that leaves you wanting to read more, which will be continued in the next book in the series, which I cannot wait to read.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Linwood Barclay- Too Close to Home

Linwood Barclay- Too Close to Home (Bantam Books 2009) 3.5 Stars

The family next door to the Cutter family is brutally murdered one night in the quiet town of Promise Falls, where the most action comes from the misfit mayor. Now the Cutter family is wondering if they are going to be next. Coming to surface are deep secrets everyone had hoped would stay hidden in the past and things are just a little too close to home.

This novel is not as good as the first novel I read by Barclay, but was decent. I did find that it did not really grab your attention until the last half of the book, but then the last half draws you in and won’t let you go. It had some great twists to it some I saw coming, but the big one I certainly had no idea it was going to happen. I also did not see it ending the way it did. I did enjoy the characters; they fit into their roles wonderfully and were all deep enough for whatever position they were in. I especially liked the humorous mayor. I do wish that it had had a more interesting start, but that being said it was not a boring start. Barclay seems to have knack for twists and for ending well. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a good thriller.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Lee Child- One Shot

Lee Child- One Shot (Dell Books 2009) 4.25 Stars

When a sniper takes out five people outside a DMV building, an ex-military man is quickly arrested and the evidence against him is staggering. Now the man is asking for Reacher. Unable to locate Reacher they are shocked when he suddenly shows up. Opposite of Reacher’s intentions, he is quickly learning that this airtight case may be unwinding, and another man may actually be in control of everything that has been happening. Teamed with a young female defence attorney, he must uncover the truth and remain alive in the process.

This action-packed novel is certainly a must read. The plot was intense and full of unexpected surprises. The characters in this novel fit their roles completely and all had an amazing depth to them. Most importantly though, is the fact that Jack Reacher once again kicks butt and butts heads with villains. It was a little weird not seeing the main character, Jack Reacher, until 50 pages into the book. I understand why he did it this way, but would have preferred it if he had a found a way to introduce the main character sooner. Overall though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good thriller.

For more of my reviews check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnappinghttp://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Debbi Mack- Identity Crisis

Debbi Mack- Identity Crisis (Lulu 2009) 3.5 Stars

Attorney Sam McRae is now looking into the disappearance of one of her clients, who had been the victim of a domestic abuse. Melanie Hayes is being looked for by the Mob, which is putting Sam in a tough spot. Her life in danger she must find Melanie before the Mob. In order to locate Melanie she must become allies with a private investigator who is on the opposing side of her case. She finds herself doing things she never imagined, including breaking and entering into a strip club.

This is a debut novel by Debbi Mack and was sent to me for reviewing. I did enjoy this book. The main character was interesting and well-crafted, making her easy to follow in the story. The plot was good and made for an easy, but good read. I did find that it had a bit too much fluff in it, especially for such a short book. By fluff I mean that we were sometimes given more information than we needed, and it did slow things down. That being said though, it was still a pretty fast-moving book, with a good flow to it. I also found that the villains in the book were great, love the whole mob thing. It did have several good twists, not unpredictable, but decent enough. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good mystery.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Harlan Coben- Play Dead

Harlan Coben- Play Dead (Signet Books 2010) 3.5 Stars

While on their secret honeymoon in Australia, supermodel Laura Ayars discovers that her husband, Celtics superstar David Baskin, has gone missing. He went for a swim and was never seen again. Laura Ayars will not take suicide as an answer, but no one seems willing to help her find the truth behind her husband’s disappearance. Her quest will bring up secrets from thirty years ago that someone will do anything to make sure stays a secret.

I was looking forward to this novel, especially since it is actually his first novel. That being said, I did not enjoy it as much as his other novels. A good book, just not as good as I am used to with him. The actual plot was very good, but I did feel that it could have been executed a little better. It was suspenseful though, you would think you knew who it was, but then you would second guess yourself. I found myself doing this constantly. The characters were excellently done; I was very impressed by them. I am not completely sold that someone would have done it this way, but it did make for an interesting novel. I would recommend this book to Coben fans. This should probably not be the first Coben book you read however.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Michael Connelly- Chasing the Dime

Michael Connelly- Chasing the Dime (Warner Books 2002) 3.5 Stars

When Henry Pierce moves into a new apartment and gets his phone hooked up, he has no idea just what he is getting himself into. Phone calls keep coming in for Lilly, a young woman who had the number before him. He tries to focus on his job, involving a scientific breakthrough worth millions, but cannot stop thinking about the phone calls. He now finds himself searching for a woman who is in trouble, a woman he doesn’t even know. Where it will take him, he cannot possibly have ever guessed…

I found that this book took me a while to get into, which is rare for Connelly books. Knowing Connelly, I knew that it had to pick up at some point, which was about halfway through the book. When it did pick up, it was an exciting thrill-ride. The characters were interesting, though we only really got to know one of the characters. I would have liked to have known a little more about the other characters in the book. I liked how Connelly ties in the Doll Maker Case from the Harry Bosch series; it gave the book more depth. The ending was intense and I never saw it coming, and it is not very often that I can say that about a book. It was interesting to see the work that Henry does in this book and how it ties into the book as a whole, although at times it did slow things down more than I liked. I would recommend this book to Connelly fans.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com.

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Max Allan Collins- CSI: Body of Evidence

Max Allan Collins- CSI: Body of Evidence (Pocket Star Books 2003) 3 Stars

Nick and Catherine are investigating a child pornography picture which turned up at an office building. Now they must trust the computer experts to come up with a list of suspects based on finding out which computer was used to print the picture. Meanwhile Grissom, Sidle, and Brown are investigating the kidnapping-murder of a high profile secretary of the Mayor. They are forced to work hard in order to keep the case from exploding into the media frenzy.

This book was only okay for me. I found that if they had focused on one case, instead of the team splitting up and taking two cases, I know he needed to follow the TV show, but it was distracting. I also found it a little annoying that the characters would picture what MAY have happened (again TV show style), as it is pure conjecture and slows things down. They also tend to handle things that do not fall under the CSI job title. Case-breaking details just happen to come to the characters a little too easily and they really had very little setbacks. Overall though the plot was good and the book had good solid writing from a very skilled author. I understand that Collins has his hands tied in following the TV show, but I think he could have veered away from it a little to make a more interesting book.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/