Falling Immortality ~ Robert Downs

Disclosure: I received a copy of this directly from the author.

This detective & mystery selection is about a retired police officer's continued devotion to solving crimes as a private investigator. Casey Holden is a narcissistic P.I. who weaves sex into just about every part of his life. Which is unfortunate, because he'd probably get the case solved a lot faster and with fewer mishaps and missed clues if chasing tail wasn't such a high priority.

I found the constant inclusion of innuendos, the protagonist's extreme sense of entitlement and the treatment of his friends to get old fast. It distracted from what I had initially thought would be a really great mystery. While the banter is quite witty and at times funny, the need to include some form of sex into every scene was a bit of a turn off. I also began to wonder how this sort of thing could be sustained in future installments. The ending was a bit of a letdown, I had hoped for a really interesting twist, but it turned out to be a bit more predictable than I'd hoped.

Having said all of this, I would give the next book a try in the hopes of more character development, actual investigative work and fewer rolls in the hay.

Publisher:Rainbow Books
Publication Date: August 2011
Format: e-book version of the Paperback

One Moment, One Morning ~ Sarah Rayner

Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the Goodreads First Reads program.

A portion from the back cover: A masterfully written novel about the healing power of friendship, this is the story of three women whose lives become inextricably linked after a life-changing event during their morning commute to London.

When this book was listed on Goodreads First Reads giveways I dismissed it. While I don't mind reading chick-lit and contemporary literature, I tend to only select them for long distance travel or when highly recommended by someone who knows my tastes. However, after a long day of packing books, I decided to really read the descriptions of the books on offer, and One Moment, One Morning sounded nothing like what I expected it to be. In fact, I found the concept so intriguing that it was the first book that I found myself hoping that I would be one the chosen winners. Fortunately, I was one of the selected to give it a go.

Ms. Rayner crafted such a beautifully written story of women struggling with identity, self-worth, guilt and perceived failures who are able to find comfort with friends and camaraderie among strangers. The death of one man serves to force three women into finding strength and inner-peace, while continuing to cope with the everyday. I make this sound a pleasant ride; it is not. The are moments of great discomfort as the reader is caught in the emotions portrayed. Not many books make me cry, but this one did, and not just the once. These are not super-human women who carry on as though nothing happens.

Forever intertwined, these three women must continue to cope with their families and friends despite how they feel. Hung-over, depressed or suffering the deepest of grief, they tackle the days as best they can regardless of the obstacle course of tears, hysteria or frustrations.

If you're looking for a book that feels personal, with people who have mortal and friends who go about their day in a relatively structured, yet eventful way, this could very be one for you. If you're looking for high-speed chases, sexy immortal beings or a guilty butler, you won't find it in this book, but I still suggest you hold in your hands before completely dismissing it. The characters may not be super-human, but the book is quite powerful.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: 20 December 2011
Format: Paperback

Nordic Fairies ~ Saga Berg

Disclosure: I received a copy of this novella from the author.

The well written short work sets the tone and pace for a series about a "young" fairy couple (Svala and Viggo) who must endure a seemingly endless separation to ensure that good prevails over evil in our modern world. The story sets a firm foundation for the series. I really enjoyed the relationships between Svala and the other characters, and the author's acute ability to trace a teen's (and some adults') means of coping with tension by grabbing all the courage they can muster to build a facade of over-confidence only to end up horrified, embarrassed and humiliated by an unforeseeable catastrophe. We've all been there.

I really have no complaints or negative criticisms about the content, story, characters etc., considering it is a novella; but wonder why not give the story its head and let it become a full length novel? I was left wanting more; some of that I'm sure will be answered in future installments - as it should, but I was really left wondering about 'the training' - training for what? how are they meant to use it? Perhaps, giving away one simple example would tamp the frustration. Also, a little more about Svala and Viggo's lives, including the forbidden relationship prior to meeting their mentors. Also, I was given the impression that 'honesty' would factor strongly in the story, but nothing seems to have tested that...so far.

Okay, maybe that is a bit of a criticism, but it's basically meant to prevail on the author's sense of liberation - I'm not satisfied with just a bowl of ice-cream, I want the whole tub.

Publisher:Author
Publication Date: 2012
Format: ebook

The Kings' Mistresses: The Liberated Lives of Marie Mancini, Princess Colonna, and Her Sister Hortense, Duchess Mazarin ~ Elizabeth C. Goldsmith

Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the Goodreads First Reads program.

I was not familiar with the story of Cardinal Mazarin's nieces, therefore I came at this with the little knowledge that I knew of the times, which was more or less related to the Musketeers. Not precisely filled with loads of talk about women.

Goldsmith begins by providing a detailed view of the political landscape, particularly in France as well as establishing the links between the Court and the girls/women in their early lives. Once Marie and Hortense become separated through arranged marriages, I found the time lines a bit confusing. The approach is much as Tolkien in the Two Towers and beyond, each sister's story told in alternating chapters. As a result, there is a bit of repetition not to mention, multiple uses of some quotes. I felt that this constant need to catch up was a bit distracting.

However, I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in women and the ways in which they were expected to comport themselves, which is quite different than the men of the period; the madness of men when their wives fail to conform, or 17th century media.

Be prepared to, as I expect is the author's intent, to desire throttling the men AND women of the period. With men in want of controlling their wives, of women whose opinion of the sisters' escapades did nothing to but fuel the rumours of impropriety, I found it quite amazing that Marie and Hortense could plot such extravagant escapes without distraction.

This book would be a welcome addition to 17th Century France, women's rights bookshelves.

Publisher: PublicAffairs
Publication Date: 3 April 2012
Format: ARC of Hardcover

Sunburnt ~ M.D. Keating

Disclosure: I received a copy of this from the Goodreads First Reads program.

I was a bit surprised to see the story written in screenplay format, which I expect might be tricky for someone to read if they are unfamiliar with the style. On the other hand, for those used to reading screenplays, I think the size and book format might be easier to read when first pitched.

As a book reader; I find the format a bit distracting because one side of my brain is trying to process the project as a book, while the other half is attempting to visualize it. Having said that, I think many key elements for a really great story exist in the text, but it seems to lack some development, which as a script might be taken care of through visual keys. M

Much as others have noted, the end sort of gets away from the story. I'm still not sure why the media cared about the protagonist once the scandal was over and the rest of it just blazed through. I felt that a reminder of Murphy's career mid-way might have strengthened the story, as well if there had been more dialogue about the issues concerning his best friend.

Despite all that there are some notable strong points: most of the mob scenes are what one would expect, the relationship between the Murphy boys and their mother I thought was well worked, and I rather enjoyed the humour.

All in all, I think it needs a bit more development/filling out but does have the bones. Also, perhaps a change of format or a caveat that it is not a standard book.

Publisher: Author
Publication Date: January 2012
Format: Paperback