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Author, Margaret LeNois demonstrates excellent story-telling capabilities in her 272-page fiction novel, Cremator’s Revenge.

The title was perfect choice for the book. Here we have a very disturbed serial killer working as a cremator at the very graveyard where his beloved grandmother lay. Obsessed with her death, a twisted kind of religion, a benevolent hate for destitute people and being a loner, took a toll on him. It seemed, for a while at least, that refuge could be found in tending his beautiful gardens out in the Florida sunshine.

The author is brutally realistic and shows a true understanding of people in less privileged situations and the life circumstances that brought them there. We are shown how street people, or “streeters”, survive the elements, avoid dangers and locate food. The huge benefits that the meals, clothes, showers and comfort that volunteers provide is a gift that cannot be measured for those who have no access to these things. The “streeters” creation of tight and protective substitute families, aid against the prejudice within society. And those that aim for greener pastures face huge challenges.

The heart-thumping pace is kept steady with the author’s skilled use of fear, righteous wrath and revenge – emotions that today’s society can relate to and on some level, even cheer. A tense romance triangle between a feisty reporter, a frustrated cop and a destitute military veteran really spices things up. There were sections of such chilling horror that I shivered, but couldn’t break away from reading just one more page.

I absolutely loved reading this psychological thriller and highly recommend it to readers who like a book that is hard to set down.

ISBN#: 0976773201
Author: Margaret M. LeNois
Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

The Jerusalem Cycle: The Gathering of Heroes, Villains & Oracles, is a political thriller of a novel based on the problems that currently affect the ancient city of Jerusalem today. André John Haddad writes about the present turmoil in Jerusalem and what might happen if the city isn’t saved from itself.

Haddad’s new novel is the story of Hedrick Zimmer, who at 88 years of age is closing in on the end of his life – but before the chapters close, he wants to help save his beloved Jerusalem from the dire future it faces if predicted events aren’t prevented from happening.

Zimmer, together with the son of an old associate and a woman who could have made him forget his vows to the church, begin a mission consisting of clandestine operations designed to deter cataclysmic events that could lead to the downfall and certain destruction of Jerusalem.

Louise Margoe Destrey helps Zimmer recognize “hot-zones” of violence, such as the Congo, Brazil, Colombia and the Middle East. Destrey is head of a Boston consulting firm that puts together a group of professionals who are adept at predicting the future – and together they will present Zimmer with the stunning results of what they’ve discovered.

Zimmer realizes that the predictions from Destrey’s group are real threats and wonders if any type of political influence, money, diplomacy or even military intervention can prevent them from happening and destroying Jerusalem.

The plan that Zimmer devises is unique and just might work if he can quell the mindset of millions before the clock runs out and it’s too late. The Jerusalem Cycle will keep readers frantically turning pages to find out if history can be changed and those in power can come to an understanding that will save Jerusalem.

As a cleric, André John Haddad was always interested in Jerusalem from a historical point of view and its “central role in the world’s existence.” Recent past events in the Middle East makes Jerusalem’s future even more perilous and Haddad realizes that unless a medium is found that can change mindsets, Jerusalem’s future could be disastrous.

What will be said about Jerusalem in the future? No one really knows, but the fabled city and how it has affected the history of the human race is significant and incredibly interesting. Jerusalem lies in a region filled with turmoil and strife and is at a crossroads of its future.

André John Haddad has told a very believable tale in The Jerusalem Cycle: The Gathering of Heroes, Villains & Oracles, weaving past history and predictions of the future into a thriller that will make you think – and also be on the lookout for more works from Haddad.

Would you desire to peer inside the mind and thoughts of a godly woman? Interested in reading a fictional story of how godly women react to the various events of their lives?

The Salt Garden by Cindy Martinusen is adventure into the minds of three women from the small town of Harper’s Bay and the providential events centering around the discovery of the journal of a shipwreck survivor.

Presented in 1st person narrative, reading this book is like sitting along with these women and watching their lives unfold before you. Memories of the past, thoughts of the present, and the ever changing plans for the future are all found in this novel.

There is Sophia…
The reclusive novelist and prayer warrior with the adventurous thoughts that fill notebook after notebook of fictional stories that may never be published. Reading of her thoughts and recounting the memories of her life reminding me of the character Wendy in the novel Peter Pan. Sophia is defined in this novel with this comment “Contemplation has been my companion.”

There is Jospehine…
The romantic, enduring, steadfast wife of the shipbuilder. A shipwreck survivor, it is Josephine’s journal Sophia discovers during a ocean side walk. Her papers, donated after her death to the local historical society, spark media interest to seek more answers to what really happened the night the ‘Josephine’ sank. Reading from her journal thoughts sparks devotion, strength and empathy. Josephine is defined in this novel with this comment “I would have followed him anywhere”.

There is Claire…
The young news reporter that suffers a comical string of providential events that prevent her from leaving the small town and pursuing her politically correct ambitions and goals. Accepting of these events and starting over after coming home, Claire finds that she is not as reluctant to stay as she once was. Her faith develops in this story as she begins again at home, finding a reunited family, a genuine friend and a love interest through it all. Claire is defined in this novel with the comment “I didn’t want to be here”.

I truly enjoyed Cindy Martinusen’s writing style. Beautiful landscape descriptions, authentic dialogue, and true struggles make this a novel well worth the time spent.

Award-winning author Will Hutchison has written a detailed fictional account of the battles of the Crimean War of the mid-nineteenth century. This is the story of preparation and training in the early military career of Captain Ian Carlyle.

Young Ian is compelled to fulfill his destiny to become a company commander in the Scots Fusilier Guards to lead men into battle and to have them “follow him to glory.” His story includes a coming-of-age theme, a romantic interest, and the ultimate opportunity — to lead men into battle.

Faced with the brutality of the Russians and the shortages and chaos of the men in the trenches, Ian comes to terms with the truth about courage, duty, and the price of glory in human suffering including the cost of lives lost.

Hutchison has done extensive research on the troop movements, artillery placements, and tactical strategy used in the battles of Alma, Inkerman, Balaklava, and Sevastopol. He has included detailed diagrams of these battles, as well as maps of the Turkey and Crimea area in 1854.

Hutchison is an entertaining storyteller. He imparts historical information with amazing dexterity, and is a powerful motivator. By example, Ian Carlyle inspires the reader to follow their dream, to fulfill their destiny, and to face their circumstances with new courage and confidence.

In addition to Ian Carlyle’s character, Hutchison shows an amazing insight into human nature as he carefully develops individual personalities for a cast of dozens of major and minor characters introduced throughout the novel “Follow Me to Glory.”

Hutchison’s writing is passionate, riveting, and full of action and conflict, with stimulating dialog, a powerful plot and meticulous research.

Infinity Publishing (2006)

ISBN 9780741435606

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07)

Reader Views is talking today with J.D. Tynan, author of mystery/suspense novel “Jill 9.” J.D. is speaking with Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views.

Juanita: Hi J. D., thanks for talking with us today. Please give your readers an idea of the storyline of “Jill 9.”

J.D.:Jill 9 is a suspenseful story of a weathergirl who has been targeted by a serial killer from afar. There is a bit of a love triangle also, keeping the reader very much on the edge of their seats, wondering why these men have come into her life at the same time.

Juanita: What inspired you to write “Jill 9″?

J.D.:I had started off writing women’s fiction and a little romance, but wanted to try my hand at a good mystery. To see if I could create diversions to keep the reader guessing around every turn of the page.

Juanita: Who are the main characters and what motivates them in this story?

J.D.: Jill is a weathergirl who has spent her life in pursuit of her career. In the back of her mind, she’s always thought about a boy she saw on a Connecticut beach many years before. She lives with her roommate, Anita who is a kick in the pants and the best friend a girl can have. Ian is the FBI agent who has been assigned to the Jill murders in CT. He’s divorced, incredibly bitter and a workaholic with no time for a life. His motivation is to stop a killer before they strike again, knowing full well what it feels like to let someone down, Ian is obsessed with never getting to personal ever again.

Juanita: Are any of the characters in “Jill 9″ based on anyone you know?

J.D.: I used a little bit of a couple different men I knew in Connecticut many years ago to create Elias. Sort of a spoiled, arrogant man who gets everything he ever wants. Anita might be a few of my friends all mixed together, but generally, everyone is a creation of my imagination.

Juanita: Did you have to do any research in preparation for writing “Jill 9″?

J.D.: Just a little bit of FBI research, like where the branches are in different US cities. I made up most of the locations in Vancouver, WA, although the story takes place in a city in which I live in. I just tweaked the scenery a bit to keep it fictional. Other than that, I just kept things general and didn’t go into too much detail about crime fighting and all that.

Juanita: Tell us about the theme of love that runs through your story and the love triangle predicament Jill Walker finds herself in?

J.D.:Jill has a long time thing for a boy she saw on the beach years ago. Her friend Anita finally convinces Jill to give up on the mystery boy and start dating ‘real’ men. So, Jill accepts a date with a handsome man she meets. When Ian Hamlin shows up, Jill is already involved with Elias and yet, seeing the boy (Ian) from her past again, has her heart torn in two. It’s a very steamy, exciting love triangle and I can’t say anything more than that without giving secrets away.

Juanita: What do the main characters have to teach your readers?

J.D.:Forgiveness is a huge one. Forgiving yourself and others. I guess following your heart would be another. But I think the huge one is that…Fashion magazines cannot be a deciding factor in who you love…LOL!

Juanita: The book takes place in the Pacific Northwest. What is your connection with this area and how did you decide for this to be the setting of “Jill 9″?

J.D.: I was born in Portland, lived in Bend, Oregon and then 6 years ago, I moved to Vancouver, where the novel takes place. I love the Pac Northwest. It’s a beautiful place to live and I like writing about my surroundings. It helps me stay connected to my characters.

Juanita: Your book has the possibility of a wide range of readers. Who would enjoy reading “Jill 9″?

J.D.: I think fans of both romance and mysteries will like Jill 9. There is a bit of swearing and some steamy love scenes, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s a quick read and very entertaining. I think it’s got something for every reader.

Juanita: What motivates you to write and what about the process do you most enjoy?

J.D.: I get motivated by the voices in my head. Sometimes it’s as if I have a soap opera going on in my head and people are talking and laughing and sometimes arguing. It’s quite distracting, but when I get a chance to sit down and get it all out, I feel at peace. I guess what I love most about the process is just being able to create an entirely different world and I get to say what goes on in that little private world. It’s rather fun!

Juanita: Do you have any other books in the works?

J.D.: Yes, I am constantly editing and rewriting the other 8 manuscripts that I have completely, but right now, I am slowly working on the sequel to Charlie Ford Meets Secret Agent Man, a novel that will be out next January through A Better Be Write Publisher.

Juanita: What has been your experience with self publishing and getting “Jill 9″ out there the public?

J.D.: Jill 9 is not self published. It’s published through a very small company called A Better Be Write. It’s difficult to get the word out just because I have a limited budget and I work two jobs. I think publishing has changed dramatically and now authors are expected to do much of our own publicizing, which can be a downer sometimes when I realize just how many books there are out there. It’s a humbling experience to walk into a bookstore.

Juanita: How can readers find out more about you and your endeavors?

J.D.: They can visit for more information. Also, for all the publishers information. We are small, but we are holding our own and getting our names into the publishing world.

Juanita: Thanks for talking with us today J.D. We look forward to seeing many more books from you in the future. Do you have any last thoughts for your readers?

J.D.: I’d like to say that reading fiction should be fun and I’m trying to do is bring a little entertainment to my readers. Happy reading!