Reviews by Marilyn

Poison Pen by Sheila Lowe

2009-07-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sheila Lowe, forensic handwriting expert in her real life, wrote Poison Pen about Claudia Rose, a handwriting expert. I had the privilege of meeting and spending quite a bit of time with Sheila at the Public Safety Writer Association's conference this past June. Because she was so interesting, I bought the book and I'm glad I did.

Lindsey, a friend of Claudia's is found dead in a hot tub in what is presumed to be a suicide. Claudia starts poking around when evidence points to too many people who wanted Lindsey dead.

Claudia teams up with a police detective to find out the truth--and yes, of course romance follows--but not without a lot of danger as they discover the unsavory secrets of some important people.

I definitely enjoyed Sheila's debut mystery and look forward to the next one in the series, Dead Write, which is due out next week.

Marilyn

STILL LIFE by Joy Fielding

2009-07-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Called simply a novel, I had no idea what to expect when I began reading. When I finished, I came to the conclusion Still Life should be called a Novel of Suspense. It’s been a long while since I read a novel where I could hardly wait to read the next page.

Ms. Fielding has done a magnificent job of describing what it must be like to be in a coma. The main character, Casey, finds herself in a coma and for most of the book she is fighting her way out of it. Like we’ve often heard, Casey can hear what’s being said to her. Most of her visitors don’t think that’s possible and reveal some dreadful secrets.

Frankly, I was spell-bound by this book. Ms Fielding wove a web of intrigue filled with surprises and characters who weren’t what they appeared to be. Loved it!

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

Anteater of Death by Betty Webb

2009-07-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Anteater of Death by Betty Webb.

This is a big departure from Betty’s more intense Lena Jones mysteries, as her heroine, Teddy Bentley, a zoo keeper, scampers about talking to the animals in the zoo while trying to solve one murder, then two.

Teddy is a fascinating character who is far more comfortable with the animals she tends then the people she has to deal with on a daily basis, including her mother. Living on a decrepit house boat, she is still recovering from her divorce–though there is bit of romance in the air as the local sheriff tries to rekindle their high school love.

The pregnant anteater plays a big part in the story as do many of the other animals in the zoo.

Though much different from Betty’s usual tales, her writing expertise is very much evident as the plot deepens and twists this way and that.

The Anteater of Death is extremely enjoyable. Do try it.

Marilyn

For All Your Little Princesses

2009-06-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Sheila Walsh’s, God’s Little Princess Devotional Bible, is for young girls who are beginning readers, or for parents to read to their daughters, and will get them started in the wonderful habit of daily devotions.

This devotional Bible has delightful drawings as well as short Bible stories written in an easily understandable format as well as modern day illustrations to help the young girl make good decisions about everyday problems she might face.

This would make a great gift for any young girl, from the ages of four to eight and perhaps a bit older depending upon her maturity level.

My copy is going to a six-year-old great-granddaughter who is just beginning to read.

Marilyn Meredith

An Intimate Daily Devotional

2009-06-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Jesus Calling is a unique book of devotionals in that it is written as though by Jesus directly to the reader. If found this approach refreshing and extremely spiritually uplifting.

Each message is Biblical sound, based on a passage attributed to Jesus.

Beginning each day with one of these devotions should arm the reader for whatever comes.

The day I wrote this review, the devotional was titled, "I Want You to be All Mine" and was based on this: "Seek My Face with a teachable spirit. Come into My Presence with thanksgiving, desiring to be transformed." The accompanying Bible verses were Matthew 28:18 and Psalm 100:4.

Jesus Calling is recommended to anyone wanting a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Marilyn Meredith
Author of the Deputy Crabtree mystery series: Kindred Spirits

Christianity in Crises

2009-05-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Christianity in Crisis, 21st Century, by Hank Hanegraaff focuses heavily on the so called "prosperity preachers."

Being familiar with most of those Hanegraaff examines in this scholarly book, I've watched and observed on TV at one time or another. In the beginning, some of these preachers were dynamic and actually focused on the Bible--but something happened as they gained popularity. They seemed to spin into a downward spiral.

This book points out the many problem areas in these "ministries" including and most importantly, the way the Bible is misinterpreted to "prove" the erroneous points each of these preachers have used. Hanegraaff definitely shows how dangerous this kind of preaching is, and how it can lead believers astray.

What I liked best is the way Hanegraaff ties things up in the last section called "Back to Basics."

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

The Rivers Run Dry by Sibella Giorello

2009-04-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

The Rivers Run Dry is published by Thomas Nelson. I have to say right off that this mystery was great--and frankly, I was a bit surprised. I expected it to be tame--and this was not at all.

The heroine, Raleigh Harmon, is an FBI agent specializing in Forensic Geology. (I never realized there was such a thing.) In this story, Raleigh's expertise is displayed in many ways, all important to revealing clues to what has happened to a missing woman.

The book is peppered with the unusual: poker games, a clairvoyant, a casino and an addicted gambler, lots of FBI involvement in the wonderfully described environment of Seattle and its surrounding mountains. There is plenty of action and thrills, along with surprising twists.

What there isn't is bad language, gratuitous sex or violence, and I didn't miss any of it.

This is a real page turner and I recommend it highly.

Oscar Wilde and a Death of No Importance

2009-04-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading this quite remarkable and unusual mystery by Gyles Brandreth. I believe this will be the first in a series about Oscar Wilde as an amateur detective.

The setting, the characters, and the time period are written extremely well. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the characters which is interesting, because the story reminds me a lot of the Sherlock Holmes tales.

Definitely Recommended.

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley

2009-04-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Starvation Lake is the story of a young man who has returned home to a job as a reporter for a small newspaper in an equally small town.

His life and the lives of his friends and family has centered around ice hockey from childhood on. The disappearance of the hockey coach in snowmobile accident years ago once again becomes big news when the snowmobile is discovered.

Along with the snowmobile, one secret after another is uncovered--secrets that will change the town of Starvation Lake forever.

The characters are wonderful in the book. For me there were far too many descriptions of hockey matches, but I'm not a sports fan of any kind, and I realize the interaction of the players and the coach were vital to the plot.

All in all, this was a good read, though possibly more appealing to the male reader.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Knowing, the Movie

2009-03-28T04:28:00.000-07:00

Though many reviewers and movie goers are labeling Knowing, starring Nicolas Cage, science fiction, I think they are dead wrong.

The hero is a widower raising a young son alone. He's also a scientist. His scientific views on life and death have alienated him from his father who is a preacher. Clue #1.

When a time capsule is dug up, one of the letters from a student of long ago is retrieved by the hero's son and contains a series of numbers. When the hero starts to figure out the message--things begin to happen--and more clues are revealed. One of these clues is a reference to Ezekiel. This is a big time clue as Ezekiel is the book in the Bible with all sorts of prophecy including how the world will end. It also has descriptions of angels in it--not the commercial image of angels.

I really can't say anymore without spoiling the movie. But if you watch with those two things in mind, you'll find more clues and realize this is really a religious movie, a fiction movie, but it has religious and spiritual subtle attributes.

Hubby and I loved the movie, it's exciting, it makes you think, and if you pay attention, you realize there are some extremely interesting clues.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Faith and Pop Culture, A Review

2009-03-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Faith and Pop Culture

Christianity Today Study Series

A study created for small groups, Faith and Pop Culture, is definitely a meaningful subjects.

In today’s world are senses are bombarded with pop culture images and messages–most certainly not of a redeeming quality. This study will help those discussing each of the topics decide what kind of movies, television, sports and video games should a Christian expose him or herself to, as well as family members.

The discussion topics include movies, literature, finding God in sports, what or whether we should watch TV, family friendly movies, violence in entertainment, Christians’ influence on the entertainment industry, and entertainment and our faith.

Thoughtful provoking questions are presented throughout along with Bible verses to help those participating focus on the Christian solution s to the questions.

Written in an easy to understand style, this study should be welcome for all Christians wondering how to cope with the onslaught of modern culture.

Marilyn Meredith author of the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, including No Sanctuary.