Book Review- James Patterson- You’ve Been Warned

James Patterson & Howard Roughan- You’ve Been Warned (Vision 2008) 2.5 Stars

In You’ve Been Warned, Kristin Burns is working a nanny, even though she really wants to be a professional photographer. She seems like she is about to get the man of her dreams for keeps and she has found children whom she loves. Life begins to get odd for her though, and she must figure out just what is going on before life catches up with her.

Once again I find myself disappointed in a co-authored book by Patterson. Why do I bother reading his co-authored books you ask? Well because I already had the books and I refuse to give the book up without first giving it a chance. It started off really good. I loved the first four or five chapters, which as you Patterson readers know is not all that many pages. You’ve Been Warned is well-written, but it lacks so much. The characters I felt no connection to and could not ever feel like I knew them at all. The plot was fairly weak as well, in my opinion Patterson could have done a much better job, I know he has the skills to do so. The dialogue was strong and that was pretty much what it had going for it, but a book cannot be saved by good dialogue.

The book has a dark, odd storyline that is an acquired taste, which is why I will only recommend You’ve Been Warned to those who wish to read about the odd, dark, and bizarre. Patterson lovers may not be impressed. If you wish to start reading Patterson DO NOT start with this one.

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

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Creepy Bug

Okay this bug is totally disgusting, creepy, and so cool. I have no idea what it is, can anyone help me? It got into our house and we trapped it between the screen and the window.

Book Review- Major Charles Gilson- Raja Dick

Major Charles Gilson- Raja Dick (Oxford University Press 1934) 3.25 Stars

Jonathan Wade is searching for his Uncle Dick whom he has not heard from in quite a while. Quickly he discovers that there is a treasure involved and the hunt is on. Treasure hunting is never as easy as it sounds though, as there are tribes of Muruts, a tribe that would rather kill you than look at you, who are sitting right where they need to go.
Raja Dick was an enjoyable read, a little shorter than I would have liked, but still enjoyable. The plot was not overly complicated, but the book was very quick-paced. I would have liked to see more focus put on character development, as there was very little opportunity to get to know the people in the book. Basically the major thing that this book had going for it was the fact that it was an easy, fun read for young people who want to read.
I would recommend this novel to middle readers/young adults who wish to read a fast-paced and fun book. If you like Indiana Jones you are sure to 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
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Lynne Reid Banks- The Return of the Indian

Lynne Reid Banks- The Return of the Indian (Weekly Reader Books 1986) 3 Stars

This novel is one of those childhood classics that are better when you are a child. Little Bear returns to the scene when Omri decides to tell him that he won a writing contest featuring none other than Little Bear! Things don’t go so well though when Little Bear comes out with a bullet in his back.
The Return of the Indian was not quite as good as its prequel. The plot was decent and dialogue strong, but I just felt that there was something missing. Maybe it would help if I was not expecting it to be as good as the first book. The characters could have been stronger as I still felt that I did not get to know them all that well.
I recommend this novel to middle readers who love to read about historical things, or just like cowboys and Indians…er..um…Native Americans.

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Erica Abeel- Conscience Point

Erica Abeel- Conscience Point (Unbridled Books 2009) 3.5 Stars

Conscience Point is the first Romance book I have ever read. Erica Abeel, the author, sent requested that I review her book and I agreed, willing to give any genre a try. In this novel Madelaine Shaye, or Maddy, has everything going for her, a great career in music and the arts, a loving daughter, and a steamy relationship. Life suddenly comes screeching to a halt though, as one by one things start falling apart. Now Maddy must try to piece her life back together and find the strength within to carry on.
I have to admit that I did not particularly enjoy this novel, but that is not what I rate books on. I rate books on quality of writing, and whether or not people who read the genre in question will like it. Erica has a great writing skill and has a well-written novel here. She has created great pictures of the places within this novel and the characters are very well-crafted. I loved the cover of Conscience Point as it was different from most book covers; as a result it draws the eye to the front cover. Even the dialogue is strongly-crafted and the bantering between characters will be enjoyable for romance lovers. One thing that I did find a little bit lacking however, was the plot. I would have liked to see more development on Maddy’s relationship with her daughter.
I would recommend Conscience Point to people who enjoy romance and gothic novels.

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/

Review- Bill Manville- Writing to Get Published Student Handbook

Bill Manville- Writing to Get Published Student Handbook (http://www.writers.com/manville.html) 4.5 Stars

I would like to Bill Manville for sending me this handbook, it was a very informative read. This handbook gives aspiring writers the information that they will need in order to stand a chance at getting published. It explains all the important little details from showing and not telling, to what publishers are looking for. On his website Manville holds a teaching course for writers, which is what the handbook is supposed to go along with, although you can read the handbook and not take the course.
I would encourage writers to at least glance through this handbook as it does have some helpful hints and pointers. I enjoyed reading it, as an author every little thing helps. The writing market is tough and we authors need to take every bit of advice we can get!

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping
http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Book Review- Mary Higgins Clark- Where Are You Now?

Mary Higgins Clark- Where Are You Now? (Simon & Schuster 2008) 3 Stars

This was my second attempt at reading Clark’s books. I have to say that I am not overly impressed by her, but I know many people would disagree with me! Charles Mackenzie has disappeared and his sister, Carolyn is determined to find her brother. She receives a message asking her not to look for him, signed by none other than her brother. More and more it begins to look like finding him may not be such a good idea, but she will not be deterred.
This novel sounded so promising, but the more I read, the more I wished I wasn’t. The plot dragged on and was really slow. The dialogue and characters are what saved it from getting a worse rating. Maybe it would have been better if I hadn’t had such high hopes for it.
I am afraid that I have to disagree with many of Clark’s fans and say that not only do I not recommend this novel, but I do not recommend her as an author!

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
www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html