The Underworld - Sorensen, Jessica

The Underworld is book two in the Fallen Star series. It's only 99 cents. I'm reading these in order. Book two is another cliff hanger. If you're old enough to remember the TV show Lost in Space (1965-1968), you'll know what I mean by cliff hanger.

Gemma needs to rescue her mother from the underworld. She's getting better with her foreseer abilities, so she should be able to get into the underworld, but will she be able to get out? Another page turner. Highly recommended.

The Fallen Star - Sorensen, Jessica

The Fallen Star is the first book in the Fallen Star series. It's still free for the kindle. The other books in the series are only 99 cents. Just a warning, there is a major cliff hanger at the end of this book. You will want to read the second one if you enjoyed the first. I did.

Gemma Lucas is a high school student in the little town of Afton Wyoming. What makes Gemma unique is that until recently she had no feelings at all. She described herself as an emotionless zombie. Then her emotions started to wake up. Gemma is in for some big surprises. She's about to discover that her emotions weren't the only things waiting to wake up. There is lots of action in this book and more than a fair share of teenage angst. The ending is abrupt and leaves the reader aching to find out what happens next. Young adult, but a good read overall. Highly recommended.

Right Ascension - Derrico, David

Right Ascension is hard science fiction. Space ships and aliens abound. This book is still free so get it while you can.

The year is 3040. Humans are dominant in the galaxy and expect to stay that way. Admiral Daniel Atgard commands the Apocalypse, a new breed of ship with some interesting state-of-the-art gadgets. When humans are attacked by an unknown alien species it's up to Atgard to save his ship, his crew, and the entire human race. This story was hard to put down. Highly recommended.

Deadly Offerings - Grace, Alexa

Deadly Offerings is a murder mystery that's still free for the Kindle. Not the best book I've read, but for free it's not bad. In some ways it's more of a bodice ripper than a murder mystery, but you can skip over those parts when you're my age :)

Anne Mason is going through a messy divorce. She sells her share in a software company and her house to get out of her marriage. Michael Brandt is her husband's attorney. He regretted taking the case before he even saw Anne. Once he did the sparks started to fly. Anne is kidnapped and Michael is there when she escapes. The trouble is her kidnapper keeps coming, and he's leaving Anne some presents that she doesn't want. Except for all the sex scenes the book is pretty good, but the ending is not very satisfying. Recommended with those caveats.

A Hidden Fire - Hunter, Elizabeth

A Hidden Fire is the first book in the Elemental Mysteries series. This book is still free. Grab it at that price while you can. This book reminds me of Anne Rice in a way. It introduces an interesting new twist on vampires.

Dr. Giovanni Vecchio is a book dealer specializing in very old books. He has a cat named Doyle and a butler named Caspar. He's also a vampire. Beatrice De Novo is a senior who works in the Special Collections reading room at the Houston University library. Beatrice and Giovanni become friends when their paths cross in the reading room. Little do they know the twists of fate that will draw them together and change both of their lives. This is an amazing story. I couldn't put it down. Very highly recommended.

Teleport This - Daniels, Christopher M.

Teleport This is fun science fiction. This book is still free for the kindle. Think of a cross between Stainless Steel Rat and Hitchhiker's Guide, only the earth isn't destroyed.

Simon Jensen and Gilbert Wilson are theoretical physicists. They stumble onto a secret of the universe — energy signals going faster than light connecting to points all over our galaxy and to others. Once Simon decoded the signals, he and Gilbert discovered that the ICC (Initial Contact Center) had provided them with the instructions for a teleportation portal. Being the curious sort, as most scientists are, they built it. The rest is a wild ride through the universe. Very highly recommended.

Murder on The Mind - Bartlett, L.L.

Murder on The Mind is a murder mystery with a twist. This book is still free in Kindle format from Amazon.

Jeff Resnick is an out-of-work insurance investigator. He's just getting ready to start a new job when he's mugged and suffers some serious brain damage. His half-brother Dr. Richard Alpert comes to the rescue, even though Jeff and Richard have little in common and not much history. Richard brings Jeff back to Buffalo to live and the brothers get embroiled in a local murder. The twist is that Jeff's brain damage seems to have made him psychic. I liked this novel. The author does a good job of keeping the reader guessing. Highly recommended.

Peace Warrior - Hawk, Steven L.

Peace Warrior is the first novel in the Peace Warrior trilogy. This book is still free. Download it while you can. It's nice to read some science fiction for a change. That's about all I read in the 70's. This novel will stand on it's own, but I already put the other books in the series on my wish list.

Grant Justice is a sergeant first class when he's killed in the middle of the 21st century. When he's revived 600 years later he's expected to save the world from an alien invasion. That's because while he was dead the human race forgot how to fight. Now Grant is supposed to remind them. There's plenty of action, a little romance, and the Minith are an alien race you love to hate. Very highly recommended.

A Cutthroat Business - Bennett, Jenna

A Cutthroat Business is a Savannah Martin mystery. This book is still free and well worth reading. It's a nice murder mystery with some memorable characters. I really enjoyed it. Turns out real estate is a cut throat business.

Savannah Martin is a southern belle who's trying to break into real estate. Rafe Collier is a southern bad boy who's interested in a house. Savannah takes a call from Rafe, when the realtor who was supposed to show him a house doesn't show up. Anxious for her first sale, Savannah agrees to show the house. When Savannah gets there she and Rafe find the original realtor's body in the house with her throat cut. There are plenty of twists and turns in this book, and it has enough sexual tension for two or three novels. There's nothing that teens couldn't read though. It's very well done. Highly recommended.

Mew is for Murder - Simon, Clea

Mew is for Murder is a Theda Krakow Mystery. It's still free. If you like cats, murder mysteries, or both get it now.

Theda Krakow is a free lance writer trying to focus on the music scene in Boston, but she'll write about anything that pays the bills. She's just starting out, after quitting a staff writing job, and has hit a rough patch. Her boyfriend moved away and her cat had to be put to sleep. When she runs across what she suspects may be a cat hoarder, her writer's instincts kick in. What she doesn't realize is she's about to be embroiled in a murder mystery with cats galore. Cats, music, and murder. Highly recommended.

Last Romanov - Mossanen, Dora Levy

Last Romanov is a historical novel. It's fiction, but a fascinating look at how Russia started down the road to socialism. It was free when I downloaded it. It's $7.39 now for the Kindle and Nook.

Darya Borodino was orphaned as a young girl. She's taken in by the Romanov family and becomes the central figure in this book. This novel is slow at times, but you have to keep reading. Even though history is fixed in our universe, you have to follow this narrative to the end. Love, magic, betrayal, and death in large doses. Highly recommended.

The Old Buzzard Had It Coming - Casey, Donis

The Old Buzzard Had It Coming is a book that takes place in 1912. It's a murder mystery that keeps you guessing right to the end. It's still free and book you don't want to miss.

Alafair Tucker is an Oklahoma farm wife with nine kids and a loving husband. Her neighbor isn't so lucky. When the neighbor's husband is found in a melting snow drift Alafair is there to help. When Alafair finds out her daughter Phoebe and the neighbor's son John Lee are sweet on each other, and John Lee is the suspected murderer, it gets real complicated. Alafair is bound and determined to find the real killer. This is a great story. Great for kids and adults. Very highly recommended.

P.S. There are some recipes at the end of the book that you can gain weight just reading :)

Final Vector - Leverone , Allan

Final Vector is a murder mystery with a terrorist twist. It was free when I downloaded it. The book is now $2.99 for the kindle.

Nick Jensen is an air traffic controller managing flights into Boston's Logan airport. Terrorists are plotting to shoot down the president's plane and Nick will make sacrifices he never imagined to try and stop them. I could not put this one down. Very highly recommended.

Dead Politician Society - Spano, Robin

Dead Politician Society is a Clare Vengel novel. I thought the title was particularly appropriate, given almost everyone is tired of politicians right now. This book was a Free Friday nook book. It's now $8.10. I can lend it to someone if they let me know. You don't need a nook. Just the nook app on your device.

Clare Vengel is a rookie cop. When they need an undercover officer to play a college student Clare is tagged. She's hoping this assignment will get her out of uniform, but she's going to have to catch the murderer to prove her worth. How many bodies will pile up before she can find the killer? Highly recommended.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble - Mallory, H.P.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is the story of a reluctant witch. This book is the first in the Jolie Wilkins series. It was free when I downloaded it and it's still free. It's a bargain.

Jolie Wilkins runs a little shop where she sells candles and crystals, and does tarot readings. When a ghost drops in on Jolie, it's a sign her life is going to change in a big way. Jolie has talents she didn't know existed. She's about to become the pivotal figure in a supernatural war. I really enjoyed this book. Suspense and humor in equal measures. Highly recommended.

The Apostle: The Life of Paul - Pollock, John

The Apostle: The Life of Paul is a biography. A lot of research went into this book. It's interesting to see Paul from a more human perspective. This book was free when I downloaded it. It's $2.51 as I'm typing this.

I liked the parts of this book that dealt with Paul's life and travels. There are maps in the book, but the kindle doesn't lend itself to maps. I recommend using the maps from the LDS website. They're very clear, and were a real help visualizing the routes taken on Paul's journeys and the general area in which he lived.

I thought there were more quotes than needed in the book. There were times that the quotes overshadowed the events taking place. Other than that I really enjoyed the book and I highly recommend it.

Red-Headed Stepchild - Wells, Jaye

Red-Headed Stepchild was 99 cents when I downloaded it, and it still is. That's a great deal. If you like this genre, this is a good book. It's the first in a series. A good start.

Sabina Kane is an assassin. She's a half vampire/half mage, who's parents died while she was a baby. Sabina has to deal with her vampire grandmother's iron rule and the stigma that comes of being a half-breed. Trouble is brewing and Sabina is going to be right in the middle of it. Will it be a full out war and will she survive? Plenty of action and a good dose of humor. Highly recommended.

The Speed of Winter - Allen, B. Morris

The Speed of Winter is part of the Four Seasons series. This book was free when I downloaded it and still is. It's shorter than a novel but not quite a short story. This book is hard science fiction, but some sections are not suitable for kids.

Elyse is born in space to a pair of lonely crew members who have been left alone to tend their arkship. The rest of the crew are stored in cold sleep. Elyse is resented by some and cherished by others. The state of their target planet and Elyse's interactions with her older shipmates make a very compelling story. I think the book seemed so short because it was over too soon. Highly recommended.

Surviving the Fog - Morris, Stan

Surviving the Fog was free when I downloaded it and it still is. This novel would be a bargain even if they charged. This is a young adult book, but it's a very compelling read, even for old people like me.

What if the whole world disappeared into a fog while you were at summer camp? Mike is the first to realize the seriousness of the situation. The other campers are slower to understand, but soon all of the young people at AAP camp are fighting for survival in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Beating mother nature is going to be tough for these kids, but other people trapped by the fog might be the most dangerous obstacles to their survival. Highly recommended.

The Hounding - De Helen, Sandra

The Hounding was free when I downloaded it. It's $2.99 now. Not exactly Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, but the author tries to be.

Shirley Combs is a financial planner and a private detective. She considers herself a modern day Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Mary Watson is Shirley's sidekick and partner in detecting. They're hot on the trail of a murderer who's weapon of choice is dogs. I enjoyed this book, but the writing style was annoying at times. I recommend the book if you like female sleuths, but it's not my cup of tea.

The War of the Worlds - Wells, H. G.

The War of the Worlds was published in 1898. There have been multiple movies and TV series based on this book, but none that stay true to the original novel. If you like science fiction this is a book you should read. It's free.

It's interesting to note that when this book was published, the British were so egotistical that London and its immediate area were the sole target of an invasion from another world. Not the whole planet, but just what the author cited as "the greatest city in the world."

The protagonist of this story is an educated man and a writer in speculative philosophy. His first person account starts with him observing the launch of the Martian attack from an observatory, although at the time no one knows what it is they're seeing. When the Martians land, the narrator's his house is within walking distance. From beginning to end the story holds your attention, although the language take some getting used to. It's interesting to read some of the earliest, and most famous, science fiction written. Highly recommended.

Entitled - Deford, Frank

Entitled is one of the best novels I've read this year, and I've already read a few. If you like a good story, and enjoy baseball, this book is a must read. It was free when I downloaded it, but it's $1.99 now for the Kindle.

Howie Traveler barely made it to the big league as a player. He was one of the almost good enoughs. But as a manager he's got his chance. His second year is not going well, and then he spots his star player in a compromising position.

Jay Alcazar is a true natural. He's the big star on Howie's team. He's been so good so long that he feels entitled. The questions is, entitled to what? Maybe he's gone too far this time.

The back stories that give the reader insight into Howie and Jay are what's fascinating about this book. Not too many books can make you laugh out loud and then cry for joy, but this one does. Very highly recommended.

Sharky's Machine - Diehl, William

Sharky's Machine was free to Amazon prime members when I downloaded it. It's $4.99 for everyone else. Diehl is an author I'll be exploring more. How did I miss this one when it was first published in 1978?

This book starts during World War II and finishes in the 70's. Some plans take a long time to unfold. Sharky and his fellow Atlanta vice cops are going to do their best to keep a plan that was hatched decades ago from completing. Staying alive is keeping Sharky busy. Now I'm going to find the movie from 1981, starring Burt Reynolds, that was based on this story. It won't be as good as the book, but it should be fun. Very highly recommended.

Lie Like a Woman - Jones, April Campbell

Lie Like a Woman is a Bree and Richard Matthews Mystery. This book was free when I downloaded it. It's $3.99 now on Amazon.

Richard Matthews is a P.I. living and working in San Diego. His wife Bree is a novelist who writes detective mysteries. Together they make a great team. The story starts with Richard taking on what seems to be a simple cheating spouse case. Of course the client and the spouse are both men, and the case turns out to be anything but simple. Suicide, kidnapping, arson, murder, and in-laws coming to visit all combine to make Richard and Bree's lives very interesting. The real problem is keeping themselves alive. Very highly recommended.

Alien Wind from the Stars - Molfetas, Dimitrios

Alien Wind from the Stars was free when I downloaded it. It's $2.99 now. I can't believe I read the whole thing. I almost gave up a few times, but just had to see how it ended. I wasted my time.

There is one type of book I really can't stand. That's a book where the characters spend more time thinking to themselves than interacting with other characters or their environment. Introspection has its place, but it should be a small one.

It took a long time to figure out why this book would be considered science fiction. Then the flying saucer showed up and the science fiction part became obvious. Yes, a flying saucer. The story continued to drag along like a grade school dance recital — some brief moments of interesting and long periods of why-am-I-here. The book was so slow I even got caught up in counting the misspelled or completely wrong words. Don't waste your time. Not recommended.

The Treasure of the Incas - Henty, G. A.

The Treasure of the Incas was first published in 1903. It takes a while to get used to the older version of English, but this is the kind of book I wish we'd had to read in literature instead of Scarlet Letter and David Copperfield. There are sea adventures, wild indians, jaguars and pumas, and all kinds of adventures. Of course this book is free.

Harry and Bertie Prendergast are brothers. Harry must become rich before his girl friend's father will agree to let the pair marry. Harry and Bertie set off for South America to find the treasure of the Incas. The adventures never stop. The dialog seems stiff, but that's the way they talked back them. This book is not for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Highly recommended.

Raven Strike - DeFelice, Jim and Brown, Dale

Raven Strike is part of the Dreamland series. This book was free when I downloaded it and it still is. Get it while you can. It's a great story. You don't have to read the rest of the series to enjoy this book.

The CIA lost a project. The problem is it's a project that isn't supposed to exist. The ramifications of this loss reach all the way from the Sudan to Washington D.C., and in ways the people scrambling to recover the project can't even imagine. Dale Brown at his best. If you love a good military action thriller this is a must read. Very highly recommended.

'Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy - Langtry, Leslie

'Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy was free when I downloaded it, and it still is as of today. I love this book. Try to imagine a murder mystery where the murderers are the good guys. This novel is part of the Greatest Hits mystery series.

Virginia (Gin) Bombay is a widow and a single mother with a daughter in kindergarten. She's also a professional hit woman who's very good at her job. She's very close to her immediate family, who are also assassins. What she lacks is a love life. Being a single Mom is obstacle enough, but try explaining your job to prospective suitors. Then the family business goes into crisis mode and Gin is expected to solve it. How much will she give up for family? It could be her life. A fantastic book. A laugh a minute and enough suspense for any murder mystery. Very highly recommended.

Hellfire - Goodhouse, Karla K

Hellfire was free when I downloaded it. It's currently $2.99. If you like military novels give this one a try.

Martina Redrick is an astronaut and an Air Force fighter pilot. Rachel Ansetti is an astronaut and a Navy fighter pilot. They never imagined they would be attacked in space while on a shuttle mission, and later team up to fly the nation's most top secret planes on a mission to save the country. This book has lots of great action. It screams to be a movie. Martina and Rachel make John McClane from Diehard look like a cub scout. My only complaint is the fight scenes are written like the author was scripting a screen play. There is such a thing as too much detail. Highly recommended.

Watched - Hogan, Cindy M

Watched is book one in the Watched Series. When I downloaded it the book was free. This is a teen level story, but with some serious violence. It may not be for all teens.

Christy is almost 16 and won a scholarship that has her on a trip to Washington D.C. She's trying to change her image while on this trip and doing a good job until she and her group of new friends see something that they shouldn't have. Something that has them all in danger, and being watched by good guys and bad guys. If the bad guys have their way Christy won't be going home from this trip. Recommended.

A fair warning. This book will be great for some. There is just way too much teenage angst for me. If Christy had been less introspective the book would have flowed better, and I wouldn't have been skimming paragraphs at a time to get back to the real story.

Midnight Sun - Fredrick, MJ

Midnight Sun was free when I downloaded it. It's $2.99 now. This book is a mix of high seas piracy and romance. It's not for children.

Brylie Winston is a chef. Because of one mistake she's now the chef on an Antarctic cruise ship, the Ice Queen, instead of a fancy restaurant in New York. Marcus Devlin is an olympic snow boarder and general bad boy. He also happens to belong to the Devlin family who owns the cruise line Brylie works for. The chemistry between these two characters is really heating up when pirates take over the Ice Queen. Brylie and Marcus are now fighting for their lives, and the lives of the passengers and crew. Highly recommended.

Prince of Wolves - Loftis, Quinn

Prince of Wolves is the first book in the Grey Wolves series. It's free for the kindle. You could almost overdose on teen estrogen reading this one, but it was a fun book.

Jacque Pierce is 17 and ready to start her senior year of high school in two weeks. When a foreign exchange student moves in across the street Jacque is expected to scope him out for her girl friends. Fane Lupei is a 17 year old foreign exchange student from Romania. He's also a werewolf, and according to Jacque's girl friends a major hottie. What neither Jacque or Fane realize is that they're destined to be bonded mates for life. That is if the local werewolves don't change their destiny. A great teen read. Granddaughters are you listening? Highly recommended.

The Mind Readers - Brighton, Lori

The Mind Readers is the first in a series. This book is free. Would being able to read minds be a gift or a curse?

Cameron Winters thinks she's a freak. That's because she can read minds. Everyone but her Grandmother's mind that is. Her Grandmother can also read minds and shield her own. Cameron has to avoid any situation that could give away her secret, but when she reads the mind of a killer she has to act. This leads to discovering that she's not a freak. There are others out there like her. But are they friends or enemies? She's determined to find out. Highly recommended.

UnEnchanted - Hahn, Chanda

UnEnchanted is the first book in the Unfortunate Fairy Tale series. This book is free. It was a nice twist on the supernatural.

Mina Grime is a teenager who always seems to be unlucky. She's struggling to fit in and having a tough time of it. Then Mina saves a boys life and things turn around. But did she save his life? Mina discovers her last name is really Grimm, not Grime, and that she has a curse to deal with or die trying. For a younger audience. My granddaughters will probably like this one. Highly recommended.

A Touch of Ice - Charles, L. J.

A Touch of Ice is the first book in the Everly Gray Adventure series. When I downloaded the book it was free. It's now $3.99 for the Kindle. The second in the series isn't available for the Kindle yet. I just might buy it if it ever is. The first book was hard to put down.

Everly Gray is a Life Coach. It lets her use her unique talent without having people think she's a freak. Everly has ESP fingers. When she touches people or things she can see their past, and sometimes their future. Everly avoids people for the most part, but Mitchel Hunt is a photographer Everly runs into on the beach. When she touches Mitch she sees murder. Everly is now in for more adventure than she ever dreamed of. The problem is she may not live through it. Very highly recommended.

Horses Of The Sun - Owens, Leanne

Horses Of The Sun is the first novel in the Outback Riders series. A great book for teens and younger kids. It takes place in the outback of Australia. This book is free for Amazon prime members and $2.99 for everyone else.

Amy King has been banished to the outback. Her Mom and step-dad are going to be on an archeological dig for a year. Amy's been sent to stay with her only family, her aunt and uncle and three cousins at Sunhaven Downs, a cattle station in the outback of Australia. The outback can be quite an adventure. Amy is determined not to enjoy it, and she spreads her misery to her cousins at every opportunity. The big obstacle is horses. Amy claims to hate them. How long can she sustain that claim? Plenty of adventure and some great surprises. Be aware there is some tragedy, so younger kids may want to talk about parts of the book after they read it. Very highly recommended.

Open Season - Mayor, Archer

Open Season is a Joe Gunther Mystery, and a good mystery it is. It's free for the Amazon kindle, a real bargain.

Joe Gunther is a lieutenant in the Brattleboro Vermont police department. Joe's big problem is that people are getting killed in a town where murder used to be a rare event. A mysterious ski masked man seems to be behind all the mayhem, but what's his motive? Joe's job is to find out, and stay alive while doing it. Very highly recommended.

Occultation and Other Stories - Barron, Laird

Occultation and Other Stories was a Free Friday nook book. I was so tired of slogging through this book that I quit in the middle. It was worth every penny I paid for it. Did I mention it was free?

This is an anthology. I made it through Forest, Occultation, The Lagerstätte, and Mysterium Tremendum. That was more than enough for me. The author is clearly in love with his own words. Many many many of his words. A Reader's Digest condensed version of this book would probably fit on a greeting card. What's worse, for horror stories these weren't scary, just tedious. Not recommended.

Buck Fever - Rehder, Ben

Buck Fever is a Blanco County Mystery. It's 50% humor, 50% mystery, and all good. It's also free for Amazon prime members.

John Marlin is the game warden in Blanco County Texas. Deer season is about to start and there's something going on that gives new meaning to the term Buck Fever. Between the deer, corrupt politicians, bumbling wannabe bad guys, and the real bad guys, John and his best friend Phil Colby have their hands full. This novel is a real hoot. Highly recommended.

A Discovery of Witches - Harkness, Deborah

A Discovery of Witches is yet another take on supernatural creatures. In this book's world there are humans, and supernaturals. The only supernaturals introduced so far are witches, demons, and vampires, but this is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy, so who knows what's in store.

Diana Bishop has her PHD in the history of science. She's studying old books on alchemy in the Oxford library when she discovers a volume that's enchanted. Diana knows this because she's a witch. Granted, Diana is witch who does her best to repress her ability, but a witch she is.

Matthew Clairmont is a professor of biochemistry at Oxford. He's very interested in the enchanted manuscript that Diana discovers. That's because Matthew is also a 1,500 year old vampire. That's where the fun begins.

This is a great book. The characters and settings are interesting, and the action keeps you turning pages long after you should have gone to bed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy. Very highly recommended.

The Lion, the Lamb, the Hunted - Kaufman, Andrew E.

The Lion, the Lamb, the Hunted is a great thriller. You never know what direction the next plot twist will take. This is another free book for Amazon prime members. It's $2.99 for everyone else, and well worth it.

Patrick Bannister came home to Black Lake Georgia to bury his mother. That was something he'd been looking forward to for a long time. What he discovers, going through things from his and his mother's past, begins a mystery that will change his life forever. The question is, will he survive the change? Patrick discovers that the evil that was buried with his mother was just a shadow of what's out there waiting for him. Very highly recommended.

Terrene: the hidden valley - Liu, Eric

Terrene: the hidden valley is an amazing book and it's free. This is science fiction that doesn't have space ships and aliens, but once you get started you won't miss them. My only reservation is that the author either drank the cool-aid when it comes to global warming, or he makes that assumption in this book. Regardless it's a great read.

Flora is a student. She doesn't aspire to be an institute scholar, but Flora has some questions for the next scholar she meets. Jane is a scientist. She wants to save the world and isn't going to let anything stop her. Flora and Jane are partners in an amazing effort to save the planet. The question is, will they be in time? This is a fantastic story. I can't believe it's free. Very highly recommended.

Spying in High Heels - Halliday, Gemma

Spying in High Heels is the first novel in the High Heels Mysteries series. It's free and a very fun read. Since I can't imagine purposely living someplace like L.A. or wearing designer anything, this is a fantasy novel for me, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Did I mention it's free?

Maddie Springer is a kiddie shoe designer living in L.A. When her boyfriend Richard disappears, Maddie resorts to spying on his office, his family, and the police to find him. Especially since she is "late" and Richard could be a father. If she could just get up the courage to pee on that stick she'd know for sure. Then it turns out Richard is wanted for murder and the real murderer may have their sights on Maddie. Throw in Maddie's Mom's wedding, a police detective who gives Maddie hot flashes, and a best friend who never met a man she didn't want to...well anyway. Hilarious situations and a great bunch of characters make this book a pleasure to read. Very highly recommended.

The Turtle Boy - Burke, Kealan Patrick

The Turtle Boy is the first book in the The Timmy Quinn Series. This book is free. The others in the series are reasonably priced. If you like a good scary story this is for you. This is a great introduction to Burke's brand of horror. This isn't a full sized novel, but you'll wish it was.

Timmy Quinn is eleven and school is out for the summer. Like most eleven year old boys, Timmy and his friend Pete are bored, until they had over to Myer's pond. After that boring is no longer an option. When Timmy discovers he can step behind "the curtain" his life changes forever. I look forward to reading more in this series. King and Koontz have nothing on Burke. Very highly recommended.

Vengeance - Taylor, J.E.

Vengeance is about an FBI undercover agent. Two words sum up my feelings about this book -- I'm sorry. I'm sorry I bought it, even though it was free. I'm sorry I started it. I'm sorry I finished it. I won't be sorry for recommending it because I don't recommend it.

I had to stop and let some time pass before I wrote this review and I still may regret what I say here. This is a twisted, needlessly violent, disturbing novel. No spoiler intended, since I hope nobody else reads this, but there is nothing even remotely resembling a happy ending here. I only read the whole thing because I thought surely the author would have some kind of hook at the end to make me feel better about this book. Nope. Not recommended.

Bloody Little Secrets - Kirkpatrick, Karly

Bloody Little Secrets is a teenage vampire novel with an interesting twist. Another great free book for the kindle.

Vicky Hernandez wakes up to find herself in a coffin. She manages to break out of the coffin and discovers that she's a vampire. Now Vicky needs to figure out how she became a vampire and what to do with the rest of her life, or death. If the other pesky vampires would leave her alone it would be simpler. This story takes place in the western suburbs of Chicago. If you've ever lived there, and I have, it's interesting to read about places you've seen and ice cream delights you've tasted. Did you know a vampire can eat a kitchen sink? I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.

Black Light of Day - McIntyre, Jason

Black Light of Day is a collection of short stories. One word can describe these stories — dark. Not bad dark. Just dark. It's not a long collection, but it's only $1.99.

I've already reviewed Dark That Day, After All as a separate short story when it was free. Alas it's no longer available separately. This collection has some real gems. I particularly enjoyed Remembering Train Car Six. I'd like to see that be the basis for a full length novel. All these stories are worth reading. Highly recommended.

The Walk - Goldberg, Lee

The Walk is the literary equivalent of a disaster movie, an excellent disaster movie. This book is free for amazon prime members, but is well worth the $3.99 it costs everyone else.

Marty Slack is TV network executive. He starts out as someone you don't really like. By the end of the book, only the most jaded reader isn't pulling for Marty. The big one hits California while Marty is at a remote location in downtown Los Angeles. Once he's out from under his car, his one goal is to get home to his wife. It's a long and interesting walk. Marty learns a lot about himself along the way, and doesn't like some of what he learns. A real page turner. Very highly recommended.

Call To The Heart - Camden, David

Call To The Heart is Christian fiction. I've found that one end of the Christian fiction genre range contains books that simply avoid the use of sex, drugs, and other contemporary devices used to attract readers. The other end of the genre range includes books where good and evil, faith and God, and the devil play prominent roles. Call to the Heart is toward the later end of the range. If you don't usually read Christian fiction, don't let that put you off. This is a book that I had a hard time putting down.

This novel is about a group of Christian friends on a road trip to seek healing. Robert, Scott, Mars, Miranda, and Becca couldn't predict the opportunities and surprises they'll encounter along the way. This trip helps them all understand more about themselves and their faith. This road trip is an adventure that will change all their lives forever. This book provided plenty of suspense to keep me reading past my bedtime at night. Highly recommended.

I think it's interesting that most people who read a lot of fiction, and I do, can suspend disbelief to enjoy books about vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies. The same people will turn their noses up at Christian fiction. When I finish a novel by Armstrong, Meyer, or Harris I don't believe in witches, vampires, or shape shifters. Christian fiction often includes angels and demons, and they frequently have powers that put other supernatural creates to shame. You can enjoy a good Christian fiction story without embracing Christianity. Give it a try. It can be very rewarding.

The Dead Man - Goldman, Joel

The Dead Man is another Jack Davis thriller. An excellent book. It will help if you read Shakedown first, but it's not required. Shakedown is 99 cents and The Dead Man is free to Amazon Prime members.

Jack Davis is an ex-FBI agent. He was forced to retire because he shakes due to a neurological disorder. He still does some pretty good work in this murder mystery. He's got a whole lot going on in his life right now, including clearing his name with the FBI, but catching a killer is at the top of his list. Very highly recommended.