Robert B. Parker’s Hot Property A Spenser Novel By Mike Lupica Putnam c/o Penguin Random House www.penguinrandomhouse.com 9780593716137 $30.00 HC / $6.99 Kindle
The fifty second Spenser novel “Hot Property” is a fast-paced addition, to the long running series. An attorney friend, is gunned down by someone, for whatever reason. Luckily she was not killed but severely wounded, ending up in a nearby hospital. Spenser and Hawk take it personally, as well as others in law enforcement, who combine their resources to bring the person responsible, to justice. Mike Lupica has been a perfect choice to continue the Spenser arcs keeping the writing with strong characters, snappy dialogue, and fast pacing to keep readers turning pages to the very end. “Hot Property” is guaranteed enjoyment, for the millions of Spenser fans.
Robert B. Parker’s Buried Secrets A Jesse Stone Noel By Christopher Farnsworth Putnam c/o Penguin Random House www.penguinrandomhouse.com 9780593944761 $30.00 HC / $14.99 Kindle
Jesse Stone, has always been a cut above other characters of mystery fiction, because he is not perfect, but a man with many flaws he deals with. Now, the fourth writer Christopher Farnsworth to take over the helm of Stone stories, shows he was a good choice to continue the long running series with “Buried Secrets.” Stone and his Paradise department, must deal with the death of a man whose dark and sinister past, are now being investigated as there were pictures of dead people, that need to be explained why he has them and an amount of money that Stone and others of Paradise, argue what to do with the funds. Jesse also has to deal with a new hire who just does not get how to conduct himself when dealing with the public, as well as how to conduct himself on the job. Essential, to a good novel, is conflict and, “Buried Secrets” has plenty, to move the work along to the final page to please, any fan of Jesse Stone.
How We Disappear Tara Lynn Masih Press 53 www.Press53.com 9781950413454 $17.95 pbk /No Kindle
Writing short fiction requires different techniques from novels. Master of the printed word, Tara Lynn Masih with her collection, “How We Disappear” guides readers along a roller coaster ride with thirteen tales of page turning craftmanship. Two prime examples are “Salt” a woman finds a farm has animals with unique talents and “How Do You Thank A River.” A man named Bose, is on a special cattle drive in the Dakotas that reveals so much about him and why he is there. The collected yarns in “How We Disappear” highlight the talents of Tara Lynn Masih to captivate readers.
Jules Penny & the Rooster
Daniel Pinkwater
Tachyon Publications
https://tachyonpublications.com
9781616964320, $9.95 pbk , $5.99 Kindle
“Jules Penny & the Rooster” is a beautifully written fantasy novel for everyone to enjoy for it readability from the first page on. Jules McSultz has for a long time wanted a dog, despite her parents reluctance, to allow her one. Through a series of strange circumstances she finally has her wish fulfilled. Surprisingly this one has magical powers that become obvious, as the story unfolds. Together they encounter a rooster and situations that propel the work along with fast pacing, strong writing, charming characters, and conflicts that make “Jules Penny & the Rooster” a charming read for all of us to enjoy turning the pages to the very end. If you are like me “Jules, Penny & the Rooster” also propels readers to find other Daniel Pinkwater works to relish in the future.
Santa Mouse Finds A Furry Friend
Michael Brown Author
Robert McPhillip’s Illustrator
Little Simon
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
978-1665960892, $18.99 HC / $10.99 Kindle
“Santa Mouse Finds A Furry Friend” is sheer entertainment for all year round, not just Christmas season, regardless the subject matter. It is Christmas Eve and Santa is on his mission to deliver to all the children in the world gifts. Hard working he has only a certain number of hours to complete the objective. Joining him in his travels, is Santa Mouse, who takes something Santa told him, to heart, to get Santa to take a small diversion, to complete a task. It takes very little time to complete. Still on track they complete their undertaking in record time. “Santa Mouse Finds A Furry Friend” is a positive lesson for everyone to realize and introduce into their own lives.
Ratnip Lost and Found in the City
Cam Higgins Author
Allison Steinfeld Illustrator
Little Simon
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665963459, $7.99 pbk / $7.99 Kindle
“Ratnip Lost and Found in the City,” is the first of a series of books, about the character Ratnip a rat, that are entertaining for adults and kids alike. Ratnip lives in a big city, where he is always on the prowl for different kinds of foods, his favorite, good pizza, hot or cold, and other elements to obtain. He acquires an item; determined to return somehow, to its human owner. “Ratnip Lost and Found in the City” moves along, with solid storytelling magic and ideal artwork that add to the satisfaction of the story.
Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True
Cam Higgins Author
Allison Steinfeld Illustrator
Little Simon
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665963480, $7.99 pbk / $7.99 Kindle
“Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True” the second of the series is a fast paced story that races along with interesting characters and numerous conflicts to be resolved by the end of the story. This time Ratnip and his siblings are on a quest to find his favorite food of pizza leftovers wherever they can find it. Obsessed with their hunt, they accept substitutions, of ingredients to fill the pangs of their search. “Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True” is tasty entertainment satisfaction.
Bitsy Bat, Team Star
Kaz Windness Author A Paula Wisemen Book
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665962599, $19.99 HC / $10.99 Kindle
“Bitsy Bat, Team Star” brings back Bitsy Bat for another charming story to appreciate. Bitsy is always concerned with being different from others she knows. She learns of a completion she enters to win but she has a dilemma to help a friend or continue to battle for first place. “Bitsy Bat Team Star” has several underlying messages to kids and adults to lead better lives.
Mermaids Are The Worst
Alex Willan Author
Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665962599, $19.99 HC / $10.99 Kindle
The Worst series has a brilliant new story in “Mermaids Are The Worst!” A goblin decides to take a vacation. He settles on the beach to soak up the rays of the sun and a dip in the waters of the ocean. Unfortunately he is joined by others who deter his enjoyment of just hanging out. To get away from them he plans ways to float on the waters where he encounters others including mermaids. “Mermaids Are The Worst” will have readers laughing out loud as they read the unfolding story.
Peanuts It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
Charles M. Schulz Author
Vicki Scott Illustrator
Simon Spotlight
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781481461597, $14.99 HC / $2.99 Kindle
Peanuts books are always fun reading and “Peanuts It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” is a wonderful addition. Its Easter and the gang is getting ready for the holiday with planned egg hunts and lots of other activities. They are also waiting for the Easter beagle to deliver his bundle of special items. “Peanuts It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” is a beautiful artistic collector’s edition of the classic Peanuts story for all ages to enjoy.
Peanuts Letters to Snoopy
Charles M. Schulz Author
Tina Galio Author
Scott Jeraids Illustrator
Simon Spotlight
An Imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665965866, $11.99 HC / No Kindle
“Peanuts Letters to Snoopy” is a new addition to the long list of Peanuts titles that is another fun excursion into the world of Charlie Brown and his friends. Snoopy and Woodstock escape from their normal routine to go visit Snoop’s brother Spike. From different locations they write letters to Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus, Sally, and others of their group. Snoopy and Woodstock find ways along their trip to see if they have responses from all they have sent correspondence to. Happily they see there are documents waiting for them throughout their trip, Filled with beautiful artwork “Peanuts Letters to Snoopy” is fun fare for all ages to love these characters even more that before.
Gary Roen Senior Reviewer
- Gary Roen
- Gary Roen
- Gary Roen
- Gary Roen
