Jeff Klima’s “L.A. Rotten” Twists the Crime Mystery Genre; Review & Giveaway

Jeff Klima’s “L.A. Rotten” Twists the Crime Mystery Genre; Review & Giveaway

Janet is back with us today with a review for Jeff Klima’s L.A. Rotten. You can learn more about Janet on our About Us page. Keep reading for a fabulous giveaway at the end!

I have always been a big fan of crime mysteries. I suppose for me, it satisfies that deep need for order and fairness in the world, along with a morbid curiosity for crime scenes and the incredibly detached mind that marks a psychopath. By nature, I am a peaceful person, so virtually delving into the horrific — but not scary — world of crime scenes is a bit of a trip for me. I’m a big fan of Dexter, a guy who harnesses his psychopathic serial killer curse to rid the world of other serial killers, but only the ones who target innocent people.

Book Showcase & Giveaway: The Last Witness by Jerry Amernic

Book Showcase & Giveaway: The Last Witness by Jerry Amernic

The year is 2039, and Jack Fisher is the last living survivor of the Holocaust. Set in a world that is abysmally complacent about events of the last century, Jack is a 100-year-old man whose worst memories took place before he was 5. His story hearkens back to the Jewish ghetto of his birth and to Auschwitz where, as a little boy, he had to fend for himself to survive after losing his family. Jack becomes the central figure in a missing-person investigation when his granddaughter suddenly disappears. While assisting police, he finds himself in danger and must reach into the darkest corners of his memory to come out alive.

Memorial Day Charity Drive by Military Veteran Authors

Memorial Day Charity Drive by Military Veteran Authors

Memorial Day is this Monday and it’s a day to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. It’s also a great opportunity to say Thank You to the men and women who have served, or are currently serving, our country and their families who support them!

There is a group of authors who have pledged part or all of their royalties this week to Veteran charity organizations through Memorial Day. The authors participating are also veterans, so this is a way for bookish people to support veterans who give back to other veterans. A win for all!

Recipe: Huacatay Dip with Aji Amarillo

Recipe: Huacatay Dip with Aji Amarillo

I’m going a little off topic today, but, to bring this back around to books, you would be your book club’s hero if you showed up to the next meeting with this dip.

Last year, my husband and I went to Tanta, a Peruvian restaurant here in Chicago and they served us a wonderful dip with fresh plantain chips. We asked the chef for the ingredients and then set out to recreate the recipe at home. This recipe uses two of our favorite Peruvian ingredients – Huacatay and Aji Amarillo.

Review & Giveaway: On a Night Like This by Barbara Freethy

Review & Giveaway: On a Night Like This by Barbara Freethy

On a Night Like This is book one in a new series from Barbara Freethy. The first books in new series not only have to deliver on the promised romance, but also introduce us to characters we’ll want to get to know better in later books. On a Night Like This delivers on both counts.

I enjoyed that this book was based on a story line that could happen in real life and included a mystery or two that will, hopefully, play out over the course of the series.

Review + Giveaway: Harm’s Reach by Alex Barclay

Review + Giveaway: Harm’s Reach by Alex Barclay

FBI Agent Ren Bryce finds herself entangled in two seemingly unrelated mysteries. But the past has a way of echoing down the years and finding its way into the present.

When Special Agent Ren Bryce discovers the body of a young woman in an abandoned car, solving the case becomes personal. But the more she uncovers about the victim’s last movements, the more questions are raised.