Lynnwood

Thomas Brown

June 2013

ISBN-13: 978-1907230387

ISBN-10: 1907230386

This atmospheric chiller is perceptibily meancing from the first sentence.  Set in the idyllic village of Lynnwood, set on the edge of the New Forest in England, the truth of the village’s heritage is glimpsed through the eyes of villager, Freya.  She discovers the charred remains of a pig on a morning walk with her dog, and this stirs a hunger in her.  Freya has been a vegetarian for years, ever since her husband, inexplicably and suddenly left her; and this renewed hunger for meat is disturbing.   

The villagers are a superstitious lot, friendly to the tourists that come to visit, but always glad to see them leave.  However, there have been disappearances of visitors and villagers alike over the years; put down to being either lost in the Forest, or the victim of the legendary Bauchan, the hungry spirits of the local brook and Forest since the fourteenth century.  These skeletal creatures can be seen only from the corner of the eye slipping between the trees of Forest.  But that’s what they are; a local legend; a story told to children to keep them safe from falling into the waters of Bauchan Brook.  Or are they?   As Midwinter draws nigh, it is said that the hunger of the Bauchan intensifies, and the villagers can do naught but lock their doors tight against the night, peeking through drawn curtains with fear filled eyes.

Freya is friends with the vicar; Joan Andrews, a seventy-one year old, steady woman who whispers of a dark recurring dream she has each night.   Of a fly faced woman that draws ever nearer, one step closer with each dream.  Freya convinces her to confront her night-time fears by visiting the clearing in the Forest where the dream occurs.  Together they go to the Forest, but the vicar never returns.  Bereft by the loss of Ms. Andrews, Freya seeks solace with her best friend, Catherine, the local vintner, both drinking large quantities of wine to drown their loneliness and growing sense of dread.  Then, one day, Freya goes to Catherine’s house to find her gone.

Freya, in clearing our the old Vicarage, comes across diaries of those who came before, and learns of the history of Lynnwood.   That its first years were filled with starvation; a hunger so deep and desperate that some committed unspeakable acts.  And that the hunger remains to this day. 

This gripping gothic novella drew me in and kept me turning the pages until the horrific revelations of the last pages.   This debut novella is a fast read, good for both young adults and adults that enjoy horror that is more edgy than gory. 

Struck

Jennifer Bosworth

MacMillan Children’s

Publishing Group

ISBN 13: 978-0374372835

$17.99
2012

After a devastating earthquake, downtown L.A. is left in ruins, with the exception of one untouched tower. Downtown becomes a focal point for a traveling party that moves to a different building every night; the partiers drawn by an irresistible force. Homeless gangs roam the streets; the beaches have become tent cities and two groups vie for power over the lives and souls of those fortunate, or cursed enough, to be left alive.

Teen Mia is a lightning rod; literally. She has been struck not once or twice, but many times. But rather than fearing lightning; Mia craves the energy that could kill her one day. To prevent future strikes, her mother, brother Parker and Mia have moved to L.A. because lightning rarely strikes there. However, she still covers her body completely before going out to avoid both the lightning she attracts, and to conceal the vivid lighting scars that cover her body.

Mia’s mother is battling mental illness caused by the devastation of the quake, and Mia and Parker must buy her meds on the black market. This sends them out to the beach, and a confrontation with Prophet’s people.
The two warring groups are convinced that Mia is connected to the freak electrical storm that caused the earthquake; and the two groups; one led by a school teacher, and the other, a cult lead by the charismatic but creepy Prophet, try to get her to join them. The Prophet’s massive tent city covers the beach; and his followers, dressed in angelic white, are everywhere. Then there is the mysterious Jeremy, who has promised to protect her. Can she believe him? But just as she begins to trust Jeremy, and her feelings blossom into love; she learns that he is Prophet’s adopted son; sent to “trick” her into joining his cult. Worse yet, the Prophet has convinced Mia’s mother to marry him on the night when he plans to use Mia to call the lightning; and begin the Apocalypse. And if Mia doesn’t do as Prophet wishes; her mother will be killed. As night falls, Mia must decide who to sacrifice; and whether to risk unleashing the full extent of her powers to save those she loves, a power that could destroy her, and ignite the Apocalypse.

A straight arrow, Mia is a tough, determined heroine; but one who is plagued with doubts. Buffeted by those who want her powers, she must rely on her instincts to make the right choices to survive, and save the world. Fast paced, compelling and electric; this can’t put down novel offers a gripping view of an apocalyptic future.

The Keening by A. LaFaye

The Keening

A. LaFaye

Milkweed Editions

ISBN-10: 1571316922

ISBN 13: 978-1-57131-692-9

Pages: 224
2010

Lyza Layton was born into an artistic but eccentric family that lives in the small Maine coastal town, Kingsley Cove. Her father, Pater, (Evan) carves beautifully; her mother, Mayra, plays cello but Lyza herself has only workman-like skills. At fourteen, both herself and her father contracted influenza during the epidemic that raged during 1918. Both survived, but many did not. Lyza comments how common the funeral marches became that year, “When the marches became as regular as the tide that winter, I stayed inside”.

The relationship between her parents is touching; her Mater understands that her husband is totally consumed by his work, to the point that he will not take care of himself. She plays her cello on the cliff to draw him out and remind him to eat. She is a tender mother to Lyza, reminding her to study for her examinations; her ticket away from Kingsley Cove.

Pater has a talent, a talent to see and hear the dead. Because of this, he carves small mementoes he puts in the ocean to help send them to the other side, and writes mysterious letters he posts without a return address to take care of their unfinished business.

But his peculiarity has endangered him, and there are those in the town, and even in the Bradley’s, his former wife’s family, that want him returned to the work farm; which is an asylum, a place where those with feeble wits were put to work. And it was there that Lyza’s mother met Pater, who was carving into the work table. She recognized his talent, and she married him, bringing him out to her house in Kingsley Cove.

Now Lyza, full of grief and longing for her mother, must confront the ugliness of her family, and find a way to protect both her father and herself. When her father tells her he is waiting for Mayra to return, Lyza knows she must get help.

She undertakes an almost Herculean task for one so young, courageously rowing across stormy seas to locate the one person that might be able to help them; and encountering those that have passed on herself. And in doing so, she discovers her own path, one that walks on both sides of the veil that separates the living from the dead.

This is an atmospheric thriller about the bonds of family and friendship, and the lengths that a daughter will go to to protect her father and her heritage. The writing is so subtle, it wasn't until the end of the book that I realized that Lzya was communicating with ghosts. An excellent read for both young adults and their parents.

Focus on Science Fiction: Veracity by Laura Bynum

Pocket Books

ISBN 10:  1439123341

ISBN 13:  978-1439123348

$25.00

January 2010

This dystopian novel echoes George Orwell's 1984; set in the near future, where the government, The Confederation of the Willing, has isolated what used to be the United States, locking it into a virtual police state. The Confederation is ruled by a small group of men determined to stay in power, no matter what the human cost.  They came to power after "The Pandemic", a virulent disease that killed one third of the population.  Most of the remaining people are controlled by implants in their necks called "slates" that monitor every word they speak; and which viciously shocks them if they utter a forbidden or "red listed" word.  Each night, new words are added to the red list and announced to the populace.  If a painful shock is not enough, further damage control is meted out by the brutal Blue Coats, thugs who use excessively violent methods to punish or even kill offenders. Dedicated government worker Harper Adams has become a new sentient monitor, because she is able to read people's emotions.  However, she has a conscience, and after her daughter is taken from her, and her name, Veracity, red listed, Harper has increasing doubts about what it is she really does.  Just as her position becomes more and more important to the government, she is recruited by the Resistance. 

The Resistance, composed of those who have disappeared by removing their slates (a great risk as this often proves fatal), or those born to the original resistance members, has grown over the years.  Members live underground to avoid detection and are comprised of some of the most brilliant academic and scientific minds.  Inspired by the cryptic "Book of Noah", they have honed in on what needs to be done to bring down the government.  But to do this, they need someone special, and when Harper Adams defects to their cause, they've found that person.

After a short but arduous training, she is given the task of finding the precise location of the main redactor, the machine which controls and monitors the slates so it can be disarmed by another member of the resistance.  This has to be done before the Resistance has any hope of succeeding in their war against the government.  But there are hundreds of redactors, and if Harper chooses the wrong one, the game will be up and thousands of people will die.  But that's not all, there's a traitor in their midst, just waiting for the right moment to betray them, and that moment is fast approaching.

This gripping Orwellian novel is full of fear, mistrust and brutality, but also with love, hope and humanity that shows us a brave new world indeed.  You'll want to stay up all night to finish this book.  A terrific debut effort from Laura Bynum.

A Bad Day for Sorry by Sophie Littlefield

Minotaur Books

May 2010

ISBN 10:  0312643233

ISBN 13:  978-0312643232

This terrific debut mystery features spunky, 50 year old Stella Hardestry.  She's tough and ornery, likes her Jack Daniels straight up, but has a heart of gold. 

A former abused wife, she killed her husband using the business end of a wrench in self defense, and has since made it her mission to help abused wives and girlfriends by "encouraging" their men to walk the line by delivering an "ass whuppin".  If they don't walk that line, Stella will come back to make sure that they stay "whupped", and the grapevine says you never want to have Stella visit you twice.

Owner of a sewing shop by day, Stella learns of cases by word of mouth, and then takes the law into her own hands, dispensing vigilante justice on abusive boyfirends and husbands by night.  But she has her work cut out for her when she takes on the case of Chrissy Shaw.  Chrissy's degenerate husband, Roy Dean Shaw, kidnapped her two year old child from a previous relationship, Tucker.  These days Roy Dean's running with a very rough crowd, one with ties to the Kansas City Mafia. 

Initially nothing but a puddle of tears, Chrissy develops a backbone to help Stella find Tucker.  But while they're out investigating, they have to keep a low profile of they'll catch the attention of hunky sheriff "Goat" Jones, who makes Stella feel all squirmy inside, and not just because she's breaking the law.

When the two gals find that Tucker was taken to be the child of a mob kingpin's wife, they face down vicious junkyard dogs and rifle toting guards before they track down his whereabouts to a large house on a lake.  They start a fire as a diversion, and then all hell breaks loose and no one is left standing when the smoke clears.

Stella is a uniquely fresh, compelling and courageous character that has taken her share of hard knocks but still comes up swinging.  With lots of action, and characters that remind you so someone you know, this smart and fun read is a great start to a new series; and will have you rooting for the brassy, sassy Stella.

Nonna's Book of Mysteries by Mary Osborne

ISBN: 978-1-936181-162

$14.95

Lake Street Press

June 2010

A magical book about a resolute and courageous girl determined to follow her dreams despite the many obstacles in her path. 14 year old Emilia Serafini lives in Renaissance Florence. She dreams of becoming a painter, but there are no opportunities for this; only the expectation of being a dutiful daughter and wife.

A book of wisdom has been given to her by her mother, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy; a book passed down from her Nonna, Santina, her thrice great grandmother. She often turns to the book for guidance when she is troubled and seeks direction. One of the passages from the Manual that informs her actions is: “Achieving the desires of the heart and mastering of the physical world by persistent efforts are the noblest of endeavors”, which encourages her not to give up on her dreams.

She finds an apprenticeship with a newly arrived artist from Byzantium, the kindly but aged Makarios, and learns to paint in the Byzantine style. As an artist, Emilia is very talented, and her work gains notice. She begins to correspond with Giacomo, a fellow artist apprenticed to another master, who has sent him to work in Pisa.

She meets Franco Villani one day while reading the Manual at Makarios’ bottega. He is a wealthy man who desires only to get into the court of Cosimo Medici, and will do whatever he has to do to attain this goal. Villani realizes that her book would be quite valuable to Medici, and endeavors to get it however he can, even if it means courting Emilia to do so. But Emilia is an intelligent and perceptive girl, and, although flattered by Villani’s attentions, is suspicious. Villani becomes jealous when he discovers a newly returned Giacomo visiting Emilia at Markarios’ bottega.

When her book goes missing soon after her engagement to Villani, Emilia’s qualms increase. Villani leaves Florence for several months due to a business trip, but has his manservant Tomasso spy on her. While Villani is away, she innocently spends time with Giacomo, and their friendship deepens. Giacomo confronts Tomasso about following her, but is badly injured by a runaway horse the next day. Due to this attack and the suspicious loss of the book, Emilia breaks off her engagement with Villani when he returns, and soon thereafter is also almost ridden down by a man on horseback. Even though she only glimpses the man, she recognizes Villani. Things look bleak for Emilia, she is no longer engaged, and now is threatened by a powerful man. How will she be able to rectify the wrong done her? Will she ever be able to get the Manual for the Alchemy of Science back?

Emilia is an engaging character, resourceful, wise beyond her years and committed to achieving her “impossible” dream. Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an absorbing and enjoyable read about the determination it takes to realize one’s dreams, the results of our choices, and the alchemical wisdom from a cherished book that helps a young girl follow her heart. This wonderful historical fiction book would be great for both young adults and adults interested in art, mystery and the magnificence of Florence during the Renaissance. This writer very much looks forward to Ms. Osborne’s next book, Alchemy’s Daughter.

Thereby Hangs a Tale by Spencer Quinn

Published by Atria Books

ISBN 10:  1416585850

ISBN 13:  978-1416585855

January 2010

309 pages

Canine Private Investigator Chet of the Little Detective Agency and his owner Bernie Little get involved in the dog eat dog world of dog shows in this humorous mystery.

Chet is the smart, loyal but goofy 100 pound mixed breed mutt we were first introduced to in Dog On It. Told totally from Chet’s very doggie point of view (“Bacon smells find me, every time!”); Chet is on the job, head up, eyes front, and alert.

Chet is the better investigator of the duo, despite his not being able to focus on long conversations, understand  odd figures of speech such as "crocodile tears", or the fact he’s easily distracted. It’s absolutely hilarious when he describes how a wind suddenly comes up, only to discover that it’s him wagging his tail! However, Chet, with his sensitive nose, is able to find clues that puny nosed Bernie would otherwise miss. And that nose does come in handy.

Hired to protect a pampered show dog named Princess; one of the favorites to win at the Great Western Dog Show, by Angelina Borghese, they are almost immediately fired after Chet enthusiastically steals a treat meant for Princess. However, mere minutes after they leave, their now former clients, Angelina and Princess, are kidnapped.  Hired by Angelina’s husband, Count Borghese, Bernie and Chet try to find them. A call from Bernie’s girlfriend, reporter Suzie, takes them to the ghost town of Clausen Wells, where Bernie and Chet are both knocked out.

Bernie is gone when Chet wakes, and he goes in search of him. But instead he finds a very frightened Princess, and they travel across the desert until they are taken in by two hippies. The hippies sell Chet to a large man, but he escapes, jumping a barbed wire fence into a restricted area. Found in a military target range, he is reunited with Bernie, (who was knocked out in a case of mistaken identity).

But now Suzie is missing as well, and Bernie is frantic. He interviews the owner of the other contender in the dog show, the trainer, the ex-trainer, but gets nowhere until they catch up to the RV with the two hippies, and Chet identifies them. Then Thurman, the man Chet was sold to, shows up. Assisted by some jaw action by Chet, Bernie arrests them all and finds Princess in the RV.

Bernie and Chet are out searching for clues in the desert one night, when Chet, following the scent of dog biscuits, starts digging a hole and unearths Suzie’s yellow Beetle with a dead Angelina Borghese in it.  But where is Suzie?

Together Chet and Bernie have to unravel a twisted plot between a corrupt sheriff, a resentful dog trainer and a poor but greedy member of the gentry before Suzie is killed. This fast paced, fun mystery will win over animal and dog lovers alike!  A great summer read.