Politics and Murder – The Eyes Die Last by Teri Riggs Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 31, 2014 by fundinmental

I love murder, mystery and suspense, so when I saw Teri Riggs’ novel, The Eyes Die Last, I knew it was a book that was right up my alley.

All I have to do now is dodge all the hookers and johns. lol

The Eyes Die Last by Teri Riggs

MY REVIEW

The title made me think murder and then I saw the cover. Awesome. Yeah, it’s murder all right, but so much more than that.

A serial killer is on the loose in Las Vegas. I have spent many vacations in Vegas and love when a novel takes me there. I can walk the streets with the killer or the cop.

Let’s not forget the politician. All of a sudden, I’m thinking there may be some romance in someone’s future.

Prostitutes are the killers target. Will the investigation be done differently because they are “disposable” people? Not with Kennedy O’Brien on the job. Her and her partner, Wilder “Wild Thing” James will stop at nothing to find the killer. A crime is a crime and they do not discriminate between those with money and those without.

I love the characters and connected to them quickly. The dialogue between Kennedy and Nick Campenelli, one of her prime suspects, is sharp and filled with sexual innuendo. I like that.

When Kennedy becomes the killer’s target, who will be the hero that saves her?

The book and story is predictable and I felt the “love” story happened very quickly and I’m not sure if a character like Kennedy would let someone in so fast. But, life has a funny way of working the wiles of sexual attraction and making us unable to forget that certain person, even after just meeting them once.

The Eyes Die Last is a murder mystery that has all the elements for a great read – a serial killer, suspense, of course the mystery and some romance to top it off. I enjoyed the ride and will be adding more of Terri’s work to my reading list.

I received this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.

4 Stars – Would Highly Recommend To Others

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BLURB

The Las Vegas Mayoral race is heating up, and the incumbent doesn’t have a prayer. Wealthy real estate speculator Nick Campenelli, who wants to legalize prostitution in Clark County, and former pastor Louis St. Louis, running on a ‘clean-up-Vegas-by-getting-rid-of-the-whores’ platform, are the front runners.

They’re also front runners on the suspect list for a string of murders. Kennedy O’Brien, four-year detective with cop blood running in her veins, and her partner Wilder “Wild Thing” James, a veteran, are determined to find the man who’s murdering prostitutes who work the wrong side of the street, and they don’t care how important or politically active he is.

The killer is a man with a mission. He stalks the women before he kills them, leaving a “BEFORE” photo on their bodies, and sending an “AFTER” shot to the local news hound. Ed Hershey, an aging newscaster with just the right amount of grey in his hair, is determined to turn this story into a network gig, and his interference, along with the LVTVS legal team, are making Kennedy and Wilder look bad. Campenelli’s good looks and charm, and St. Louis’ vitriolic hatred of prostitutes are muddying the waters too, and now the killer seems to have taken a liking to Kennedy.

So the big question remains. Can she get him before he gets her?

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EXCERPT

THE CALM MIDNIGHT SKY DID LITTLE TO LESSEN THE BRUTAL AND UNRELENTING LAS VEGAS HEAT THAT ENGULFED HIM AS HE STOOD WATCHING FROM THE SHADOWS. Sweat, mixed with anticipation and fear, made his cotton dress shirt stick to his back. Adrenaline pulsed through him, blurring the flashing neon lights in his peripheral vision into distorted, iridescent streaks of color dancing across the sidewalks. He rubbed his clammy palms together as he watched a woman step from a Mercedes onto the littered curb.

With a quick tug on the rough denim, she straightened her tight, micro-mini skirt and, placing a hand on each side of her jewel-trimmed halter top, jiggled her size double-D’s into position. Smiling, she tucked a wad of bills into her tiny purse and waved as the dark sedan sped away.

His heart pounded an erratic rhythm in double-time against his chest wall and small beads of perspiration dotted his forehead. He wiped his moist hands on his pants and approached her, head down, shoulders hunched.

“How much for twenty minutes?” He tipped his head in the direction of the alley. “Over there, standing up.”

Her eyes widened, bright purple eye shadow sparkling in the light of a passing car. “Standing up? You like it a little dirty, do you?”

He eyed the creamy breasts overflowing from her halter top. “Don’t we all?”

The woman shrugged, and for a few seconds he could see the boredom in her gaze. She looked down at the sidewalk and back up at him. Then she smiled.

“You’re in charge, boss. Twenty minutes, fifty dollars. Cash up front and I have a strict policy about condoms. I only use my own. A girl’s gotta protect the merchandise.”

He closed his eyes, savoring the moment that would propel him into greatness. When he opened them again, he could tell by the look on her face she thought he was mulling over the price. He’d go along with it. “Fifty dollars up front?”

“Take it or leave it. Hooking this side of the county line is illegal, you know. I’m taking a risk.” She ran her hands slowly over her double-D’s and wiggled her ass. Her voice purred, “As you can see, I’m not a blue-light special.”

He looked down one side of the street, and then the other. He studied the alley for a moment, and then looked her over again, slowly.

“I’m worth every penny.”

Did the whore actually think he’d find that sexy? “Yes, love. I can see how much you’re worth.”

“Well then make up your mind.”

He pulled a fifty from his pants pocket and handed her the cash. “Of course I’ll pay you what you deserve.” Pushing past her, he walked into the dark alley, rolling up the long sleeves of his once neatly pressed dress shirt.

“Thanks, sugar.” She folded and then tucked the cash into her purse.

He looked over his shoulder at her. “So how about you get that sweet, fifty dollar ass of yours over here?”

She followed willingly and when they stopped, stood face to face with him. The stink of cheap perfume smacked him in the face and his stomach muscles tightened. His voice roughened.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teri Riggs was destined to be a writer. As a small girl she didn’t read bedtime stories, she made up her own. Who needed Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs when there were so many great tales bouncing around in her head? When she grew up and became a mother to three little girls, she continued the tradition of making up bedtime stories. On the occasions she chose to tell conventional fairytales, Teri usually gave them a bit of tweaking here and there or added a new ending. Her girls loved it.

After her daughters had the nerve to actually grow up and leave home, Teri discovered she had a passion for writing and jumped right in. It came as no surprise she chose to write mysteries and happily-ever-after’s since that’s the genres she loves to read.

Teri lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, one of her daughters and two dogs that seem to think they rule the world. And some days Teri thinks maybe they do.

Teri still frequently tells herself stories as she falls asleep. The only difference now is she wakes up the next morning and turns her bedtime stories into books.

Amazon / Facebook / Twitter: @TeriLRiggs / Goodreads

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Click on the cover below to get your Amazon copy of The Eyes Die Last by Teri Riggs.

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GIVEAWAY

One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

Share some comment love with Teri Riggs. What did you think of the cover, the excerpt, or just say hi.

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found by clicking on the image below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Teaser Tuesday #19 – Remains of Innocence by J A Jance

Posted on July 29, 2014 by fundinmental

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page.

•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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REMAINS OF INNOCENCE by J A Jance

I have read numerous books by J A Jance, so when I found the opportunity to read and review Remains of Innocence, I jumped at it.

I will be reviewing this on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, so be sure and check back.

MY TEASE

(page 120 of ARC paperback)

“You don’t think Junior is responsible for what happened to the cat, do you?” Jamie asked.

“No, I don’t,” Joanna said, “and I’m beginning to think he didn’t kill himself either, accidentally or otherwise.” She paused and then asked, “What kind o people start their journey to the dark side by torturing animals?”

“Serial killers,” Jamie answered at once.

SYNOPSIS

Sheriff Joanna Brady must solve two perplexing cases that may be tied together in New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance’s thrilling tale of suspense that brings to life Arizona’s Cochise County and the desert Southwest in all its beauty and mystery.

An old woman, a hoarder, is dying of emphysema in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In cleaning out her house, her daughter, Liza Machett, discovers a fortune in hundred dollar bills hidden in the tall stacks of books and magazines that crowd every corner.

Tracing the money’s origins will take Liza on a journey that will end in Cochise County, where Sheriff Joanna Brady is embroiled in a personal mystery of her own. A man she considers a family friend is found dead at the bottom of a hole in a limestone cavern near Bisbee. And now there is the mystery of Liza and the money. Are the two disparate cases connected? It’s up to Joanna to find out.

Click on the cover below to get your Amazon copy of Remains of Innocence by J A Jance.

What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Friday 56 # 18 – A Serial Killer Ghost – Tortured Souls by Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Posted on July 25, 2014 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find any sentence, or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

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TORTURED SOULS by Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Tortured Souls by Kimber Leigh Wheaton is Book I of The Orion Circle.

The cover and title are nice, but that was not what hooked me.

The tag line told me ghosts, but – man, oh man – this is so much more.

A SERIAL KILLER GHOST!

As if that isn’t bad enough, the killer likes children.

(56% on Kindle)

I awaken with a start, grasping at the hazy tendrils of a dream. It was about the murdered children. That much I know, and yet I can’t seem to remember anything else. Just fog and trees, some candles….A hand smooths my hair away from my face and I realize I’m not in my bed. As the memories come rushing back, I recognize the plush brown sofa beneath me, which means – the pillow beneath my head must be Logan!

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SYNOPSIS

Sometimes Rest in Peace isn’t an option.

Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it’s ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.

When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie’s longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.

But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he’s never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.

Kacie can’t ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.

Click on the cover below to get your Amazon copy Tortured Souls by Kimber Leigh Wheaton.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look below or on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Friday 56 #17 – Serial Killer runs AMOK – The Eyes Die Last by Teri Riggs

Posted on July 18, 2014 by fundinmental

The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find any sentence, or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

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THE EYES DIE LAST by Teri Riggs

I love murder, mystery and suspense, so when I saw Teri Riggs’ novel, The Eyes Die Last, I knew it was a book that was right up my alley. All I have to do now is dodge all the hookers and johns. lol

Be sure and stay tuned for my review on July 31, 2014.

(56% on Kindle)

Nick got a beer out of the bar fridge and sat down on his couch. His muscles were still knotted after seeing the news clip of his altercation with Ms. Mixer and the biased interview Hershey had given. It’s bad enough to be called a murderer on live television, but in an odd way, the idea of the slimy news anchor conferring with Detective O’Brien about the case was more unsettling. He’d never been jealous a day in his life. Was he now? Is this how jealousy felt? What did he have to b jealous about?

The way Ed told the story, he and the detective had spent an entire evening discussing the murders. An evening trying to pin the murders on Nick and doing who knows what else. Was there a relationship between the two of them? Surely the detective wouldn’t be interested in someone like Ed. Would she? Why in the hell would Nick care if she was? He had bigger issued to deal with for now. Like spending some time remembering how to relax.

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SYNOPSIS

So the big question remains. Can she get him before he gets her?

Click on the cover below to get your Amazon copy of The Eyes Die Last by Teri Riggs.

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What are you reading?

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look below or on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Freebie Alert – Thriller – Diva by Susan Fleet

Posted on July 7, 2014 by fundinmental

Susan Fleet does her research, and if you visit her Website, you will see that she keeps up with a lot of news, past and current, that deals with the depravities of the criminal world.

You can find my 5 Star Review HERE.

Diva by Susan Fleet is FREE from July 7 – July 11, 2014, but you don’t want to wait. Get your copy now.

Diva (Frank Renzi, #2)

Belinda Scully, a solo flutist and soon to be famous, he thought. Today he would send her a message.

Renzi was just finishing up, when she walked into the precinct. Her escort insisted someone tried to run her over. Belinda shrugged it off, playing the Diva. Renzi knew neither of them was telling the whole truth, but before he could question them further, the phone rang. He was called away.

Belinda would repeat, over and over, “never give in to fear. Act successful and you will be successful. Believe in yourself and you cannot fail.” She behaved like a Diva to protect herself.

It was the thirteenth anniversary of her brother’s death. And it was the day before Friday the 13th. She avoided everything thirteen, but sometimes things are out of our control.

Belinda was returning home from a successful performance concert in London. She watched as the SUV followed her, keeping pace with her. Suddenly, it veered and slammed into the back of her Infiniti.

Frank had told her to call if anything happened. But what could she tell him?

Two accidents and now the letters were getting angry and threatening. Following Renzi’s suggestion, she hired a body guard.

“I know all your secrets Belinda. What would your fans think if they knew?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Fleet Music & Mayhem is my game. Started my trumpet career in my teens, got into the mayhem later. My print journalist father taught me how to play pool in the police station. Maybe that’s how I discovered my dark side.

After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers.

I survived Katrina, but moved back to Boston in 2010. On my website I post profiles of women musicians and just began a blog, DARK DEEDS, about serial killers, stalkers and domestic homicides. Please come visit!!

You can stalk Susan at the links below:

Website / Goodreads / You Tube / Amazon Author Page

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Click on the covers below to get your Amazon copy of a Susan Fleet novel.

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5 Star Review – Dark Deeds by Susan Fleet

5 Star Review – Is Winning the Lottery a Curse or a Blessing – Jackpot by Susan Fleet

5 Star Review – Diva by Susan Fleet plus a Free Thriller

5 Star Review – Absolution by Susan Fleet

5 Star Review – Dragon Lady Step Aside For Natalie

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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A killer new novel – Vengeance is Mine by Harry James Krebs

Posted on May 27, 2014 by fundinmental

The title of Vengeance is Mine by Harry James Krebs spoke to me. I love the cover too.

The synopsis tells me that Vengeance is a gruesome thriller that falls into my favorite genre. I love psychopathic serial killers and the creepier they are the better.

Harry James Krebs has an interesting bio, so be sure and check it out, then enter the giveaway.

Synopsis

Driven by a traumatic, violent event in his teenage years, Benjamin Tucker, bestselling true crime author, is obsessed with helping authorities solve savage crimes near his home turf of Holly Springs, North Carolina. When a series of decapitated female victims is found in neighboring communities, he is helplessly drawn in to the investigation to help bring the killer to justice. But in a bizarre twist of events, the psychopathic murderer becomes fascinated with Tucker and stalks him, presenting him with unimaginable, grotesque gifts. The hunt for the killer turns personal and Tucker isn’t sure if he’s become the killer’s idol or his next victim.

Vengeance is Mine, a gripping thriller with a healthy dose of droll humor, is a tale of sadistic revenge guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After receiving his BA in applied physics from Aurora University in Illinois, Harry spent thirty-seven years with United States Department of Energy Contractors as a senior mechanical engineer. He designed, built, maintained, and operated large experimental detectors for high-energy physics experiments at national laboratories such as the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the Superconducting Super Collider, and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University.

Krebs always wanted to write mystery novels, but his engineering career left him little time to write until now. His first novel, Fractured Persona, is based on a recurring dream where he would wake up in someone else’s body and life.

The author and his wife currently live in Raleigh, North Carolina with their Chihuahua, Lucille.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos

1 Winner will receive Autographed Print Copies of Fractured Persona and Vengeance is Mine + $20.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Giveaway open Internationally / 13+ to Enter

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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To get your copy of Vengeance is Mine or to learn more about Harry James Krebs, click on the cover below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

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Review & Guest Post-Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason

Posted on August 13, 2013 by fundinmental

I saw the cover for Shadow of Perception (Core Trilogy, Book II_ by Kristine Mason and knew I had to participate in the tour. I was also lucky enough to get Shadow of Danger to review, another knock out cover and book you don’t want to miss. To see my 5 STAR Review, go HERE. Even though this is a trilogy, each book stands alone. But once you read one, you will want to read them all.

I have packed a lot into this post and I hope you will take the time to scroll through it all. I have included the blurb, an excerpt from the Bad Guy’s POV, a guest post from Kristine about her favorite character, my Review and a Giveaway. Plus a special little surprise at the end of the post for your musical enjoyment!

BUY LINKS

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

BLURB

What happens when negligent plastic surgeons receive a taste of their own medicine…?

Chicago investigative reporter, Eden Risk, receives an unmarked envelope containing a postcard ordering her to watch the enclosed DVD…or someone else dies. No Police. After Eden watches the DVD, a gruesome, horrifying surgery, she turns to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, for help. Only she hadn’t expected that help to come with a catch. Her former lover, Hudson Patterson, has been assigned to the case.

Hudson would rather have another CORE agent handle the investigation. Two years ago, he’d screwed things up with Eden…bad. And as more DVDs arrive, Eden and Hudson find themselves not only knee-deep in a twisted investigation, but forced to deal with their past, and the love they’d tried to deny.

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EXCERPT

Bad Guy’s POV

The alarm on his watch beeped, reminding him what he’d already known. His patient would be waking soon, and by the low moan from the other room, he would have to act fast before the bastard regained full consciousness. Sure, he’d strapped the man down, but he didn’t want to miss the look on the shithead’s face when his eyes fluttered open, only to discover he’d just woken up in hell.

As he was about to exit the office, though, shame suddenly clouded his judgment. What he’d spent seven long years preparing for went beyond immoral and had his conscience battling with his anger and need for revenge. Sweat coated his skin and trickled down his back. His heart quickened and his head grew dizzy with the onslaught of a panic attack. Until he glanced at the letter he had framed and hung on the wall. The final contact he would ever have from his beloved daughter. While he’d memorized Eliza’s words, each bold and bubbly stroke of her script, he honed in on one line in particular for encouragement.

Make them listen, Daddy.

Another moan, this time even louder, filtered into the office. His head cleared, his heart slowed to normal, and an eerie calm settled over him.

“They’ll do more than listen, baby,” he whispered, rage suddenly sweeping away any thoughts of immorality or ethics or principles. Screw those things. Screw those quacks who had destroyed his daughter’s life.

Without hesitation he left the office and entered the main section of the thirty-by-fifty steel garage. He hadn’t needed the entire space and had chosen to fulfill his plans in the west corner of the building, where the lighting was best and the bathroom and utility sink were closest. Things would become messy after all.

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Kristine Mason – My favorite character…

I love flawed characters. I’m not talking about a random scar that makes the sexy, badass hero sexier. I’m talking about the flaws that run deeper than the physical. Give me characters that have internal issues. Maybe they have a learning disability they’re hiding, or they’re struggling with anxiety, fear, trust or rejection. Or maybe a character’s arrogance and how they treat others is their flaw. Regardless, I want these characters to be motivated. I want to be able to get inside their heads and understand why they act the way they do.

I have four kids (11, 10, 7 and 2). Between my family and career, I’m extremely busy. When I have the time to sit down and read I want to be engaged by the characters. I want to fall in love with the hero, be the heroine and, if there is a bad guy, be afraid.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good had come from writing it. I realized my passion, and had found a career that I love.

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

STALKING LINKS

FACE BOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE

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MY REVIEW of Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason

“There’s no such thing as perfect, only perception.”

“Look at me Daddy.”

He was watching as the images crawled across the screen. Eliza in her cheerleading uniform. Eliza being crowned homecoming queen. Eliza on her first modeling assignment. Eliza DEAD. The note she left said, “Make them listen, Daddy.”

Well, they will listen now he thought, as he dropped off the first DVD to Eden Risk.

Eden is an investigative reporter and he knew she would make it right.

Eden knew she needed help. She contacted CORE,a private criminal investigation agency. Ian and Hudson were watching the DVD.The horror that was taking place was too obscene to comprehend. The violence and mutilation the victim suffered was one of the worst they had seen. When the torture stopped, the doctor looked into the camera.

“Eden, take care of yourself….While I’ve been watching you, someone else has been, too.”

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

The covers and tag lines for The Core Trilogy are so intriguing, I was hooked as soon as I laid eyes on them. I didn’t need anything else to make me want to pick up the books and read them as soon as I could get my hands on them.

After reading Shadow of Danger, the first book in the CORE “Shadow” Trilogy, my expectations are high. There are multiple storylines and Kristine kept the suspense at a very high level.

The violence and torture is very graphic. I was amazed at Kristine’s ability to describe the brutality so vividly. Maybe she should be a profiler. She sure got into the mind of this serial killer.

Eden – a confident and ambitious investigative reporter for , with dark secrets. She had a need to control everything in her life. Obsessive-Compulsive. Stubborn. Sexy. Her pets, Fabio the cat and Brutal the rat dog, are unique and show that under her hard exterior there is a heart.

Hudson – a Marine and a CIA operative, doing Black Ops work. Looked like a kickass biker dude. An air of danger surrounds him. Hmmm, I like that. He could be a GB- Golden Boy- or a DB – Douche Bag.

I am a dog lover and find it adds another element to the story. It makes the characters seem more human and easier to relate to. Kristine did a fantastic job of integrating the animals into the story and giving me some chuckles.

The relationships between the characters smack of reality. They fail to communicate, which causes all sorts of problems and I think we can all relate to that.

QUOTES

“……a front for some eighties big hair band.” “..that explains all those hot groupies folowing me around and throwing their g-strings at me.

“I’ve only seen cats that size at the zoo or in the jungle. What the hell is it? Besides big and ugly.”

“Don’t talk like that, putting her hand over the cats ears.” “He’s sensitive.”

“So sorry if I hurt your widdle feewings.” Then she flipped him the bird.

“Hell is exactly where you are…….Welcome.”

“Slow down, Speed Racer.” I laughed out loud. I remember watching the show all the time.

“..what’s wrong?” “I’ve never owned a week whacker.” “What would you weed whack anyway? The dead plants in your apartment?”

“God this is something out of Hellraiser.”

I love it when an author can integrate humor into such a dark and violent story.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Shadow of Vengeance, Book III of the CORE “Shadow” Trilogy is coming soon.

You will have to read the book to find out why I included The Pina Colada Song.

To pick up Kristine Mason’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar at Home and let’s talk.

Review of Absolution by Susan Fleet

Posted on May 13, 2013 by fundinmental

This book will grab you from the first page and not let you go. Feelings of frustration, disgust, and anger will leave you panting for more. I kept wanting to yell, don’t open the door.

He was watching Dawn from his car, thinking of how she teased him. She was a sinner, not very bright, and she would be his fourth Absolution in New Orleans. He knew the police and FBI were after him but he felt God was watching over him .

The citizens were up in arms, wanting action. Racial tensions were high and they had just arrested a black man for being near the murder scene. Rona knew they were trying to pin it on a black guy, so she told Renzi about Kitty, her informant. She took Renzi to talk to her. Kitty claimed to be a psychic. He arranged for her to do an identikit, but before he left, she told him she thought the guy was a priest. He had made a sign, as if absolving her of her sins.

When Rona published the story stating a witness had escaped the Tongue Killer and described him as white and a priest, all hell broke loose and Renzi was in the middle of it. What would that mean for the witness?

Father Sean was very upset about Lynette. All the victims had been Catholic and he had told his housekeeper, Aurora, about seeing her talking to a young priest at the mall. When Father Sean approached him to talk to him, he had been very rude. She thought he should go to the police, but he had secrets of his own. The police and FBI would begin to question him, and his secrets would come out.

Father Sean Daily was doodling with the killers sketch while thinking of what would happen if he was exposed. Suddenly it dawned on him, it looked like………

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I guess I must be a pretty sick person, because I love to read about serial killers. I feel they must be some of the most depraved animals, that are considered to be part of the human race. Murder and death are fascinating to me.

I feel the media tends to inflame the killers, by giving them the attention they crave. Giving them names – Son of Sam, BTK, Green Mile Killer, just to name a few. I think the media will go to any lengths to increase their bottom line. The reporter will lie and make things up to break a story, win a Pulitzer.That is only one of the evils involved. There are plenty more to go around.

Politics. What can I say about politics? High profile cases are used to climb the ladder of advancement. Some can only be promoted to the level of their incompetence. It is seen everywhere and in every walk of life.

This book includes all of the above. It will piss you off, as you read about Norris. And the media naming the serial killer – Tongue Killer. Susan seems to hit on a lot of the problems going on today in her books. I like that it makes it more real and stirs my emotions, sometimes to a fever pitch.

The Killer – he studied serial killers and liked that he had a name, because so many of them did. Of course, he thought he was smarter than the press, police and FBI. He had a mission. He had to expose the evil women. His goal for them was Absolution.

Norris is the biggest dick. Arrogant, know it all. A man I love to hate. He is disrespectful, bigoted, racist, and the boss. He will climb the ladder, by stepping on you. If you don’t get pissed off when you read about him, then you must be a better person than I.

Renzi and Norris are constantly butting heads. Renzi has to bite his tongue and watch Norris take the credit for his work. On top of that, his father is a judge and his expectations for Renzi are high.

Kenyon Miller, his partner, “Didn’t your daddy tell you never to pick fights with guys bigger than you?” Renzi, “Hell, no. When a damsel’s in distress, my father expects me to slay the dragon, no matter how big it is.”

What can I say about New Orleans? They don’t call it The Big Easy for nothing. You can tell that Susan loves the town and her years spent there. She also manages to work her love of Jazz into her stories. I have spent many a day – and night – in New Orleans and there is no other place like it.

Shotgun house – can shoot through the front door and out the back without hitting a wall. I had never heard of that, until I moved down south. I actually lived in a shotgun house, but it had been remodeled and a wall built to block the bullet. lol

I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After gigging on trumpet in the Boston area for many years (while teaching at Brown University and Berklee College of Music), I moved to New Orleans, which became the setting for my crime thrillers.

You can stalk Susan at the links below:

Website

Goodreads

You Tube

To purchase any of Susan Fleet’s books, simply click on the cover below.

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos Susan Fleet is offering for the Giveaway, 2 (two) ebooks for your reading pleasure. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

Susan has a love of New Orleans. Have you ever been there and what was your favorite thing about your visit?

WINNERS – Stephanie and Ari.

Happy Reading. Thanks to all who stopped by to comment and enter the Giveaway.

Susan is offering Natalie’s Revenge for FREE this week. Go HERE to see how to get your copy.

To see my 5 STAR Review of Natalie’s Revenge, go HERE..

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Rattleman by George D. Shuman

Posted on February 28, 2013 by fundinmental

I posted this during a tour a while back, but since then, a book trailer has come out. I also, forgot to add it to my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. So, take a look, check out the book and if you like, pick up a copy for yourself at the end of the post.

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Add to goodreads

.Rattleman

George D Shuman

From George D. Shuman who served twenty years with the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington DC, and whose international bestseller, ’18 Seconds’, is currently in production as a major Hollywood motion picture.

Better still, ‘Rattleman’ is George D. Shuman’s most gripping crime thriller yet.

The Rattleman knows every crevice, every creek, every cave, every ravine, every inch of his remote hunting grounds in the Appalachian Mountains.

He is a determined serial killer, always waiting for his next victim to cross his path.

When Park Ranger Jane Cameron literally stumbles across the remains of two of his victims, she discovers that she too has been caught in his trap.

And when the ‘Rattleman’s prey is at his mercy, she’s dead.

MY REVIEW OF RATTLEMAN BY GEORGE SHUMAN

Kirsten, a state police corporal and senior forensic technician, arrived to examine the woman’s head. It was all that was found on the edge of the icy river. It looked like it had been cut clean, but it could have been the ice that cut it. It was sent off to the lab to find out more.

As Marty sat at the General Store, talking with Hattie, he recalled another woman had disappeared not that far from here. He put in a request for the report. When it arrived, he found, she too, had five ear hole piercings. Were there more similarities?

Jane Cameron knew she wasn’t supposed to go off on her own, but it was too late to seek help and make it back by tonight. The girl was missing and a night could make a difference. What she found in the cave, made her realize she could be next. The next sound she hears tells her it is already too late.

One of their own was down and Marty would stop at nothing to find the killer.

Over a 15 year period, on Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, too many women were coming up missing. It now involved Georgia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. What was happening to them? Was there a serial killer loose? The newspapers thought so and the Atlanta Constitution named him the Mountain State Butcher.

DEA agent Judy Wells had been given her first real case since coming back to work, after loosing her baby to SIDs and her husband walking out on her. She was meeting an informant in the Latora Crime family. It was one of the biggest cases in the city and she was anxious about her part in the investigation.

Judy had come back from a living hell, but was still having trouble. When she failed her qualification at the piston range, she had real cause for worry. The next time she was scheduled to qualify, she pretended to have the flu, but she could only put it off for so long. If she couldn’t shoot, she would lose her job, and her job was all she had left.

Jimmy Latora, Sr had died and his son had taken over, but he had no respect from the ranks. The informant was a Lieutenant in the Latora crime family. Carlisle, Jimmy’s son, had pissed him off, so he turned rat.

When the plane that was carrying the contraband crashed, Judy was sent to check it out.

Would it end up being the best thing that ever happened to her, or would it be her final downfall?

4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

“God thinks I’m a cat. He likes to dangle things in front of me and then snatch them out of my reach.” I just had to put that in my review, because it made me bust out laughing when I read it.

The cover is awesome and creates an aura of mystery. The title, Rattleman, is very appropriate, and you will find out why when you read the book.

I love murder mysteries and find serial killers especially fascinating.

It is suspenseful and very well written, but something kept me from rating it higher. It lacked the WOW factor for me. It could have been longer and developed more of the story, gone deeper into details. I still loved the book and am happy to have it in my Kindle collection.

Marty seemed like a great guy, but living in the sticks is not for everyone. His fiance left him for someone else and moved to the big city. He liked his job and did it well.

Judy Wells was a tragic figure. If something in her life could go wrong, it would. Her husband had left her for someone else, shortly after their baby died from SIDS. She just couldn’t seem to get over it. When it affected her job, it put her life as a police woman in jeopardy. She would lose her job if she couldn’t pass her shooting qualifications.

The Rattleman was a psychotic killer that had no remorse and no intention of stopping. His victims were chosen because of them being in the wrong place, at the wrong time. He could travel freely, because no one missed him when he wasn’t there and he knew the woods like the back of his hand. There was only one way to stop him, and that was by catching or killing him.

I enjoyed the book, and would definitely pick up another one written by George D. Shuman.

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About George D. Shuman George Shuman is the international bestsellingauthor of the Sherry Moore series about a blind woman who can see 18 seconds from a dead person’s life, using her innate ability to track down their killers.

George’s first four Sherry Moore books are published by Simon & Schuster. ‘!8 Seconds’ is currently in production for a major Hollywood motion picture.

‘Rattleman’ is the first of George’s books to be published by Taylor Street. It too will be a major Hollywood motion picture.

Website

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and Photos George D. Shuman is offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook to a lucky commenter. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What do you think about vigilantes? Would you want revenge if a family member were murdered?

CLOSED. THE WINNER IS ” LAURA THOMAS”.

Giveaway will end 3/4/2013.

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Britains Worst Serial Killer Revealed (indiatimes.com)
Brands for serial killers (brandsandfilms.com)
Russian Police Arrest Serial Killer Known As A Psychic And ‘Wizard’ (disinfo.com)
Criminologist: Teenage Twins are Serial Killers (fox40.com)

Freebie in Celebration of Mardi Gras

Posted on February 12, 2013 by fundinmental

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a free New Orleans mystery! Absolution will be free on February 11, 12,13, 14. A serial killer preys on young women in New Orleans.
Best Mystery/Suspense/Thriller of 2009

Absolution (Frank Renzi, #1)

ABSOLUTION

SUSAN FLEET

A Big Easy heatwave, religious controversy, racial tensions and a twisted killer on the loose. An NOPD detective teams up with an African-American woman journalist to catch a creepy killer.e Premier Book Awards.