Poison Pen by Sheila Lowe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.