Showing posts with label suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suspense. Show all posts

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Lights, Camera, Murder - Nikki Haverstock, Author



Blended Pomegranate Margarites
(One of Melissa's favorite drinks)

1/4 cup pomegranate juice, store bought is fine, plus seeds for garnish
1/3 cup Tequila Blanco (about 4 ounces)
1/8 cup Triple Sec (about 1-ounce)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 ounces)
12 ounces ice cubes
Blend and serve!

Lights, Camera, Murder - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of :  Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish

"Everyone in my family has their life together, and I'm a total mess.  Mom's this well-respected writer, and Dad built up a super-successful business.  They are all set even if they do nothing else in life.  My older sister ran this huge resort and now is building the resort out there."  I hooked a thumb toward the window and the construction site visible.  "It will be a success because everything she does is amazing.  My brother, the middle child, is an entertainment lawyer back east, and his business is taking off.  He has these amazing clients.  One of them wrote the book that last summer space movie was based on.  And then there's me."

This is Melissa McBallister's description of her life.  Her whole family is a success, that is except her.  Then comes her chance to change that.  She's been cast to play in the new reality TV show Sexy Socialites of Fishcreek Falls which was being filmed in her own town.  She would be one of five that would meet for events and discuss themselves and their lives.

The filming started out rough on the very first day.  One of the other ladies, Heather, took an immediate dislike to Melissa.  Seems that her friend Stacey was scheduled for the part and Melissa took the part away from her.  So when there is a murder that takes place just before a filming, Heather decides to blame Melissa.

This book started out just a little slow for me but when it picked up speed it really took off.  I had decided about half way through that I knew who the real killer was but I have to admit that I was wrong.  I stayed entertained not only with Melissa and the other girls but also with the dog Bubbles.  It seems that Bubbles got its name through a natural bodily act that he can't seem to control.

If you want a fun, fast read murder mystery with a touch of humor, I highly recommend this book to you.  I enjoyed it and want to read more by this author.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Deadly Gambler - An Alexander Steele Murder Mystery - Lawrence Johnson, Sr.



Squash with onion and Tomatoes
(Click on the link and watch the video of this dish)

Peel and slice 3 medium squash 
Place in shallow baking pan lined with foil
Add 3 to 4 cherry tomatoes
Add 1/2 onion thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Drizzle 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil 
Seal foil, add a couple of small holes to help vent the steam
Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees


The Deadly Gambler - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish


What the hell's going on here?"  Steel stumbled to the window and tried opening it but it was shut tight.  In fact none of the windows would budge.  By now the room was engulfed with the strange, intoxicating, sweet, fruity smell.  At the window there was a more familiar odor, glue.  Someone had super glued all the windows shut.  The murder had finally made his move to take Steele out.  As he stumbled toward the bedroom door he tripped on the brown, oriental carpet and fell to his knees.  Steele began coughing and wheezing.  The air closer to the floor was a bit more breathable.  Steel crawled back to where he had left his gun.  The time it took to cross the room seemed like hours but had only taken a few minutes.  Expecting the culprit to come in and finish the job any minute Steele reached up and grabbed his Glock  He crawled to the door and giggled the handle.  The door had been locked from the outside with a skeleton key.  Steele cursed under his breath as he struggled to stand.  It wouldn't be long before the gas would completely overtake him.  Steele was close to passing out.

Alex Steele, P.I. has been investigating the murder of a millionaire's wife and the pool boy.  Their murder is quite a suspense.  They were found inside the pool house with the doors locked from the inside.  There was no evidence showing how anyone could have gotten inside.  And then there was their actual deaths.  No gunshot nor knife wounds and it appeared that neither victim had been beaten to death.

At present his suspects consist of the chef, the gardener, the maid, the butler, the sister-in-law and, of course, the millionaire himself.  So with his list of possibilities and lack of evidence, how will he ever solve the mystery of who killed the rich wife and her pool boy lover?  Especially now that someone has him locked in a room with vapors that can only leave another body.

I've read all of the Alex Steele novels and each one takes me on a journey of murder, suspense and scratching my head for clues.  But in the end, Steele always shows me that he is a much better detective than I am.  Hoping to see more of him in the very near future!

Thursday, January 12, 2017

And Then He Was Gone - Joan Hall Hovey, Author



Quick Veggie chili
(A Joan Hall Hovey Special)

Chopped half onion
Can tomatoes
Can tomato soup
1 Can white beans
1 Can kidney beans
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen)
1 teaspoon chili powder

Simmer for half an hour or less and serve.  Place a cake tray under the pot to keep chili from sticking.

And Then He Was Gone - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

His hands still on the rope, then dropped away as he stared with shock and terror, mouth agape, at the water.  As if the table had suddenly transformed into a deep reservoir, water gushed from it, spilling onto the floor, flooding it, then spiking up suddenly as if alive, like thrusting fingers, reaching for him.  He gasped and lost his footing, tumbling off the ladder and bringing it down on top of him.  Laying on his back on the floor, his terror-filled eyes were riveted on the horror unfolding before him.  Even as he managed to get back up on his feet, his eyes never once left the visage that Julie thought had to be the results of some sort of conjoined hysteria, since they were both witnessing it...As he backed away from what her rational mind insisted had to be some trick of the imagination, long skeletal fingers shot out of the water and clamped around his wrist.  Beneath his screams, she heard the sirens in the distance, but that did not quite register, perhaps only existed in some other realm, some alternate universe, for Julie was aware of nothing except what was happening here and now...  Adam was here.

Julie's husband Adam went missing on July 14th, her birthday.  He was supposed to take her out to dinner but he never showed.  She drove around town looking for him and even submitted a missing person's report with the police department.  Six months later they were still questing and accusing her of murdering her husband and doing something with his body.

Many years earlier a boy named David was found in the lake after someone tried to drown him.  He didn't die but ended up in a coma for what was the better part of his life.  After all those years he has finally awaken to a life with no memory.

So, what does a missing husband and a boy that has been in a coma for 19 years have in common?  As I read the story of both I saw a very twisted mind that reeked pure terror on both families.  It held me in suspense to see what this sick mind would do next.  I have to say that I had a hard time putting this book down.


Thursday, January 5, 2017

Deadly Games - Bobby Nash, Author



SIMPLE DOUBLE-LAYER FUDGE

This is one Bobby Nash's Mom made when he was a kid and he still makes from time to time. Perfect for parties and game night.

The ingredients:
2 pkg. (4 oz. each) Semi-Sweet Chocolate (or your flavor of choice), broken into pieces
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk, divided
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 pkg. (4 oz. each) White Chocolate (6 oz.) (or your flavor of choice), broken into pieces

Here’s how you make it:
Microwave semi-sweet chocolate and 3/4 cup milk in medium microwaveable bowl on high for 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
Add vanilla and mix well.
Spread onto bottom of a pan. I use spray so it doesn’t stick. Some use foil.

Microwave white chocolate and remaining milk in medium microwaveable bowl on high for 1-1/2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
Spread over semi-sweet chocolate layer. 
Refrigerate 2 hours.


Once hardened, cut and serve.

Deadly Games - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of:  Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

John Bartlett - An Atlanta Police Officer
Benjamin West - A photojournalist
Vivian Morehouse - Ex-Wife of Darrin Morehouse
Laura Sellars - Criminal Attorney
Nathan Hughes - Judge
Michael Coombes - District Attorney
Francis Chalmers - Prison Warden
Philip Jason Hall - Probate Attorney

"Lock this place down," he ordered the guards.  No calls in or out without my written permission.  I want this cell searched top to bottom then sanitized.  Cover all the basis, but do it with as few people as possible.  The less who know about this the better we'll be able to contain the fallout."

This was Warden Chalmers' reaction after the body of Darrin Morehouse was found hanging in his cell.  It appeared to be suicide, all the way down his note and 8 letters he left behind.  So what do the 8 people above have in common?  Well, 7 of them are listed in the dead man's will.  Each one had a hand in his conviction with the exception of Philip Hall who would be the one to carry out his will.

Why would a criminal like Morehouse want to list those who put him away in his will.  Will he 'award' them with money gained by his criminal activities?  Or has he found a way to punish them after his death, maybe with some dirt he dug up on them.  John Bartlett and Benjamin West seemed to know him best and they didn't believe he was up to anything good.  They knew he LOVED to play games and this could only be one he dreamed up to torture all of them.

I've read a lot of books and this one really got my attention.  Author Bobby Nash took me all the way to the end, throwing tiny bones along the way but nothing that would lead me to guess the ending of this book.  Now I can't wait to read the next chapter in this series.

Monday, December 19, 2016

The Edge of the Cemetery - Margaret Millmore, Author



The best salmon:

Serves 4 (large salmon steak or 4 - 6 ounce steaks)
450 temp for 15 minutes, allow 5 minutes to rest after removal from oven
2 tblsp. olive oil
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
salt/pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp lemon juice

The Edge of the Cemetery - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of:  Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

"The true prophecy states 'that the cambion, shall merge forever with his father and become one, upon which my ever faithful servant shall live once again'.  There is only one way to interpret this part of the prophecy... The demon will converge with the body and discard the body's mind and soul for the devil to deal with at his leisure."

On a typical day of ghost and demon eradication, George Sinclair worked with Billy Wilkinson.  The two made a perfect team due to the strength of their powers, which were virtually equal and stronger than most Ghost Killers.  This combined strength is going to come in handy as they deal with a demon from the past and his human as they work together to fulfill the prophecy of him converging into the boy's body and opening the sealed vault that contains demons that were imprisoned within its walls releasing them to do the work of the devil.

The Edge of the Cemetery is Book 2 of the Ghost Killer series.  Author Margaret Millmore has a way of writing that not only keeps the pages turning but also feeds me surprises around every corner.  About half way through the book I KNEW what was going to happen near the end.  Wrong.  The events that took place had never entered my mind!  This is the art of a truly good writer.

If you want a good ghostly mystery, don't miss this book, but I'll give you a little advice before reading.  Go back and read Book 1 What Haunts Me.  Both books stand alone but they also connect and will allow you to personally know the characters a bit better.  I've now read both and I highly recommend them.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Diamonds in the Dumpster - Morgan St. James & Phyllice Bradner, Authors



Baked Alaska
(
exercise your culinary skills)

Total Time: 6 hr 29 min
Prep: 45 min
Inactive: 5 hr 40 min
Cook: 4 min
Yield:12 servings

Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Cake:
Vegetable oil, for brushing
1 pint raspberry, passion fruit or other sorbet, softened
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
1 quart chocolate ice cream, softened
1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs (about 17 crushed wafers)
1 loaf pound cake
For the Meringue:
1 cup egg whites (about 6 large), at room temperature
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 cup sugar


Directions
Make the ice cream cake: Brush a 3-quart metal bowl with vegetable oil; line with plastic wrap.
Fill the bowl with scoops of the sorbet, vanilla ice cream and half of the chocolate ice cream, alternating small and large scoops to create a mosaic of colors and shapes.
Place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the ice cream; press down to close the gaps between scoops and even out the surface.
Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle the ice cream with the wafer crumbs and re-cover with the plastic wrap, pressing gently. Freeze until set, about 30 minutes.
Remove the wrap and spread the remaining chocolate ice cream in an even layer on top of the crumbs.
Cut the pound cake into 1/2-inch-thick slices; completely cover the ice cream with the slices, trimming as needed (you'll use about two-thirds of the cake). Cover with fresh plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
Make the meringue: Whip the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until foamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugar on high speed until the whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks.
Remove the top layer of plastic wrap, then invert the cake onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. (If necessary, let the cake stand overturned until it slips out.) Remove the rest of the plastic wrap and cover the ice cream completely with the meringue, making the dome-shaped top slightly thicker than the sides.
Form swirly peaks in the meringue using the back of a spoon. Freeze for at least 3 more hours.
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees.
Bake the cake until the meringue peaks are golden, about 4 minutes, or brown the meringue with a blowtorch.
Let the cake soften at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Freeze any leftovers.



Diamonds in the Dumpster - Review by Martha A Cheves: Stir Laugh Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish

Like two undercover agents, the duo began to inch around the corner keeping Waldo behind them.  Just before the full turn, Flossie signaled Sterling to stop.  He looked at her with a quizzical expression and raised his eyebrows as if to say "What's going on?"  She pushed him back so they were both out of sight, then whispered.  "It was him - the angry man.  He was backing out of Jade's cabin like a thief, looking to both sides to see if anyone was watching.  He's up to no good, Sterling.  I can feel it in my bones."

The 'oldsters' Flossie and Sterling Silver have been treated with a cruise by Flossie's son-in-law who just happens to be the ship's captain.  The cruise will, in part, be made up of old and new magicians which fits them perfectly since they too are magicians - on the old side.  Sterling has his eye on a turban that is being worn by one of the performers, and believe it or not, ends up with it, in a shady way.  What follows is far from what he nor Flossie ever expected.

Goldie and Godiva are twins.  Goldie is married to Red Pepper, the cruise captain.  She owns Silver Spoon Antique Shoppe in Juneau.  Godiva married a VERY wealthy man who was a real obnoxious person.  Fortunately for her he passed away leaving her VERY wealthy.  She has an advice column called Godiva's Ask G.O.D.  Both women are like night and day.  One homey and one who enjoys her money and the men that can come with it.  But put these two together, add Flossie and Sterling and you have pure excitement with humor added in, especially when a little murder is thrown into the pot, and money, and jewels, and magic, and humor, must I go on.

I've read all of this series and can't get enough.  This is a series that I hope lives and continues as long as I'm able to read.  The authors are creative and the names they give their characters are the best!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Just Add Salt - Jinx Schwartz, Author



Since Hetta is always boating in places without stores now, I thought I'd share her:
Emergen-Sea Ice Cream Recipe

1 Gallon sized Ziploc
1 Qt. sized Ziploc
Salt

Cream or canned milk to fill Qt zip to 3/4 full
OR if feeling ambitious, make french custard mix

ADD: Vanilla to taste

           Sugar to taste
           Flavoring: Chocolate syrup is great!
Seal qt. bag and place inside gallon bag.
JUST ADD SALT and Ice
Seal gallon bag.

Shake, shake, shake your booty until frozen.
This also acts as an on-board aerobic activity.
Eat.

Repeat.


Can also serve a slushy Margarita maker with lime juice, salt, sugar, and tequila. Not recommended when underway.


Just Add Salt - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

Nothing like a new project or romantic rejection to get my lazy self motivated.  So, fired by an emotionally charged combination of excitement and choler, I compiled an extortionate list of demands for my new client... The Trob had given me the basic of the project, so I still was a little scarce on details... Tanuki wanted me to do some major snoopery before they spent too much time and money on this project.  Or so they said.  My experience was that Japan Incorporated rarely takes the environment too seriouskly, especially the ecosystems of others.

Hetta Coffey along with her friend Jan and their boyfriends Jenks and Lars, had been planning a trip to Mexico on Hetta's boat for some time, so when she finds out that Jenks and Lars are both on a job in Kuwait that will keep them there for some time she decides to take the job offered by Tanuki and go to Mexico without them.  She and Jan combined can manage her boat, which is also her full-time home, but Jan insists they hire a captain and so starts the search for a captain that isn't afraid to tread into those waters during hurricane season.

This book is full of adventure as well as humor.  I couldn't help but laugh out loud when Lonesome the male whale started 'courting' the boat.  Author Jinx Schwartz has given the characters of Hetta and Jan a real sense of humor as well as adventure that keeps you reading to see what they will get into next and how they will get out of it.  Can't wait to read Book 3 in this series.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Alter Ego - Tory Allyn, Author



CREAM CHEESE SWIRL BROWNIES
(A Tory Allyn Speciality)

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min.
MAKES: 12 servings

Ingredients
3 large eggs, divided use
6 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Separate two eggs, putting each white in a separate bowl (discard yolks or save for another use); set aside. In a small bowl, beat butter and 3/4 cup sugar until crumbly. Beat in the whole egg, one egg white and vanilla until well combined. Combine flour and cocoa; gradually add to egg mixture until blended. Pour into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray; set aside.
In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Beat in the second egg white. Drop by rounded tablespoons over the batter; cut through batter with a knife to swirl.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until set and edges pull away from sides of pan. Cool on a wire rack.



Alter Ego - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of:  Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

"In layman's terms, I said that the three victims were injected in the carotid artery.  I showed it to you in the morgue.  It caused a chemokinesis, which is the accelerated locomotion of cells due to the response of chemical stimuli.  Basically, the cells in the body went berserk.  They reacted against the foreign agent in a dramatic way, thus causing a cytomorphosis.  It's an extreme metamorphosing of the body."

"So what you're saying is that the chemical compounds caused our guys to turn into she-males?"

"What I'm saying is once the chemical compounds were introduced into their bodies they initiated a metamorphosing affect, causing a male to female alteration, thus the appearance of both characteristics.  Somewhere, in the process of morphing they died, not systematically bearing the exchange."

After being sent to Rockfort, Virginia, FBI Agent Jack Stanwick finds himself having to deal with the third victim that had been found dead under some truly strange circumstances.  It seems that all three men were in the process of changing into women prior to their deaths.  Things get worse when reporter Simone Wellington publishes an article that the Governor of Virginia's son is missing and there may be a connection.  Someone is feeding her information that must be stopped.

This has to be one of the most unusual books I've ever read... yes that's good.  I've read MANY books but Author Tory Allyn writes in a fashion that I've never had the pleasure of enjoying before.  The book was very interesting and took me on a ride but what Allyn does that is so different are the 'conversations' that are carried on with the different characters.  Normally you will find the characters stating what they want to say and the writer goes on to the next scene.  Not Allyn.  His conversations are exactly that.  They talk to each other just as you and I would.  It gives each character a true personality and a little history as to why they are the way they are.  I loved it!!!  And the story too.  I also loved that it closed with another story in the works which I'm looking forward to reading.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

A Ton of Gold

A Special Pumpkin Dessert
(A James R. Callan Specialty)

Line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with wax paper. then coat the wax paper with a thin coat of Pam.

In your mixer, combine
2  15 ounce cans of pumpkin
12 ounces of evaporated milk
1 cup of sugar

Beat in
3 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Pour this into the baking pan.  Sprinkle an

18 ounce yellow cake mix over the top of the pumpkin mix in the baking pan.  
Drizzle
1 cup of melted butter over the cake mix.
Top this off with
1  ⅟₂  cups of chopped pecans.

Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack.  After cool, invert onto a serving platter, and carefully remove the wax paper.

In a mixing bowl, beat -
a softened  8 ounce package of cream cheese
1 ⅟₂  cups of confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
until smooth.  Fold in
12 ounces of frozen whipped topping (thaw first).  
Carefully frost the dessert.
Store in the refrigerator.

This serves  about 16 people.  

A Ton of Gold - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of:  Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

The men were struggling with the wagon, its large wheels barely moving.  "Come on, Cookie.  Let's give 'em a hand."  The cook, well over two hundred fifty pounds, and Rip added their muscle to the task.  Now, with all eight men straining, the wagon wheels turned a bit faster.  It reached the point where the ground began to slope toward the cliff and the wagon began to move on its own, slowly picking up speed.  The men gave a last push, then straightened up to watch the wagon tumble off the cliff.  It splashed into the water sending a ripple all the way across the narrow lake.  In only seconds, the wagon and its heavy cargo (a ton of gold) sank out of sight.  

This took place in 1834.  Was it the truth or just a folklore?

Crystal Moore works for IRS - Intelligent Retrieval Systems.  The program she designed will allow the state police to enter descriptions of vehicles, partial plate numbers and even makes and colors to narrow down the possible identification of a vehicle they may be searching for.  Her seventy-six year old grandmother lives in Wooden Nickle, Texas in a house she and Crystal's grandfather built in the middle of 50 acres.  So, when she gets a call telling her that her 'Nana' had been in an accident she left Dallas and went straight to her aid.  Her Nana wasn't hurt badly but told Crystal that this was the 2nd attempt on her life.  Of course Crystal had doubts, that is until the 3rd attempt occurred and a body was found.  Why would anyone want to harm a little old lady that never hurt anyone?

The Author, James R. Callan, has written a book that I simply loved!  I actually read the full book in 3 nights, staying up a bit late just to read 'a little more.'  He ties the events from 1834, the attempts on Nana's life, the retrieval program and some of its employees into a story that had me wanting more.  A Ton of Gold - Crystal Moore Suspense is book one.  I'm now looking forward to book two which is now out and titled A Silver Medallion.  Can't wait!  If you like a good light-heart mystery with a touch of humor, don't miss this series.  I'm glad I didn't.

Monday, October 10, 2016

The Tourist Killer - F. C. (Chip) Etier, Author



Home Made Ice Cream
(My recipe is for home made ice cream and includes my mother's "secret" ingredient, whipped cream. 'Chip')


Ingredients (makes 2 quarts)
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash nutmeg
2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions
Combine ingredients (except for the whipping cream) into a boiler and warm on stove top.
Pour into 2-quart churn container.
Whip 2 cups heavy cream (DO NOT use non-dairy whipped topping). 
Fold in whipped cream. 
Add paddles and start cranking!


The Tourist Killer - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of:  Stir, Laugh Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish

Only the best.  How many times had the assigner used that term in their numerous but brief conversations? She worked hard not to stand out in a crowd.  Hell, I'm a grandmother who could make a longshoreman blush, she would say of herself. Her efforts to blend in were assisted by her genes.  At five-five, medium build, light brown hair, brown eyes and a preference for conservative attire, she could disappear in a crowd in the blink of an eye. After thirty years and all of her previous assignments, it was hard to surprise her, yet her next mark was a true surprise.

Claudia Barry is a hired hit 'woman.'  It's something she has been doing for most of her life, starting with the person who was responsible for the death of her father.  Do these 'kills' bother her?  Not really.  After researching each kill, she has always found that the target actually deserves to be taken out of society.  She sees herself as a Paladin or possibly even a modern day Joan of Arc.


The Tourist Killer took me by surprise.  The more I read the more I actually understood what is really going on in the world today, especially in the area of politics.  With every group of people introduced I couldn't help but think 'super pac.'  They are the people that truly dictate what goes on in all fields of our lives.  They control everything from the people we elect, to the medical research fields, the insurance and banking industries, and even the sports we watch. This book The Tourist Killer put this into a prospective I've never considered.  It was an eye opener.  But that wasn't all.  It was also a page turner full of suspense as Claudia prepares for her next hit and you can bet I’ll be waiting to read the book that follows – The Presidents Club.  So, if you too enjoy a book full of surprises and suspense, you don’t miss this one.

Friday, September 30, 2016

Death on the Delaware - Lawrence Johnson, Sr., Author



Bison Burgers
(One of Alex's Favorite Dishes)

1 lb      Bison meat (ground)
¼ lb     Beef (ground)
1          Egg (med to large)
1 tbsp   Garlic powder
1 tbsp  Onion powder
1 tsp    Pepper
1 cups  Vegetable or Canola oil


Combine all ingredients except oil in a large bowl.  Mix thoroughly. Form into burgers.  Preheat oil in medium to large frying pan.  Cook Bison burgers over medium heat until brown about 6 -8 minutes per side.


Tip #1
Covering pan during last few minutes will trap heat and steam that will help cook the center of the burgers.

Tip #2
Do not poke or jab burgers with shape objects.  This will cause the juices to run and dry out your meat.

Tip #3
Using Canola oil in place of vegetable oil will help lower your cholesterol.

Add salt if desired. 



Death on the Delaware - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of: Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds: and A Book and A Dish

At 6:00 a.m. she downed her gray knitted cap and headed outdoors to take her poodle Gladys for her daily walk alongside the Delaware River.  The gray-haired retiree had no idea that she would soon feel another chill, one that she would never forget.  As she walked along the frozen dirt path, Gladys began to bark.  Mrs. Ferguson looked in the same direction as the little black dog.  Dawn was breaking.  It was difficult to see.  She squinted as she peered toward the water.  Gladys tugged on her leash causing her master to leave the path and tread closer to the river.

Mrs. Ferguson caught a glimpse of something floating in the murky water.  An old rotten log she thought.  The elderly woman's curiosity had gotten the better of her.  She inched closer to get a better look.  Seconds later Mrs. Ferguson screamed so loud she could have woke up the dead.  Well, almost.

The body Mrs. Ferguson found turned out to be a a congressman.  A womanizing congressman.  So with this being said, the list of possible murderers was rather long.  As Alex Steele begins his list of suspects, he finds that he must include his girlfriend's sister Naomi.

Normally when I read a book I bookmark many pages in search of one that will serve as my opening as well as help me remember the characters and plot.  I had a hard time doing that with Death on the Delaware.  I found myself forgetting to bookmark because I was too busy turning to the next page.  I simply didn't have time for notes.  I just wanted to keep reading.

This is a short story book and I have a feeling you too will start at the beginning and not put it down until you reach the end.  A very enjoyable read.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

The Angel Solution - John Stipa, Author




San Francisco Scramble
(A John Stipa Specialty)

4 eggs
1 cup leafy spinach
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheese
2 sausage patties, cut into pieces 

Sauté mushrooms in olive oil, add in sausage until brown. Add spinach.
Crack eggs in bowl, add a splash of milk and pinch of onion salt (or seasoning of your choice) - stir.
Add egg mix to skillet. Sprinkle cheese all over and serve.


The Angel Solution - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; and A Book and A Dish

"What's wrong?" Tammy said.
"I'm not sure."
"Yes, you are, you just won't admit it.  Just like you won't admit these people aren't who we thought.  They're here under false pretenses." 

Trek stared back, silent, until the mask of guilt slid over his face.
"You have to make this right," Tammy said.  "If you won't, I will."
"I don't know how."
"I'll help you.  For one, stop referring to them as subjects.  Dianna, Marcus and Hayden are people, flesh and bone, not test tubes and chemicals.  They need our help.  And another, they're not 'exhibiting interesting behavioral patterns'.  They're reacting best they can to what we did to them, so take some responsibility for that."
"It's too late."

Tammy braced him by the shoulder.  "It's never too late to do what's right."

So, who are Dianna, Marcus and Hayden?  All three are offspring from three very bright men.  Three scientists who believed they could help people make the right decisions in life as well as cure the health problems invading the people of the world.  They believed in themselves so much, that is until a mysterious accident destroyed everything they worked so hard to achieve.

Tek and Tammy, with the funding from a wealthy industrialist, have picked up where the 3 scientists left off.  The subjects are under Tek and Tammy’s total control, both physically and mentally, with memories and situations being implanted into their brains - for a while that is. Then things start to change.  Dianna begins to suspect her surrounds and some of her own memories come to life with the unknowing help of her friend from the past, Renee. This ignites a harrowing series of events which has Tek and Tammy suspecting that they themselves are being played. 

This book has more twists and turns than any I think I've ever read.  As soon as I think I've figured out what is going on and who is behind it, the author throws a wrench into my theory.  And that means I can't go to bed until I see what will happen next.  Yes, I spent several nights of reading up into the wee hours - and it was worth it.  I really enjoyed this book.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Love is the Bridge - Denise Weeks, Author



Roasted Sesame and Honey Chex® Mix

3 cups Chex cereal (any variety)
3 cups checkerboard-shaped pretzels http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/roasted-sesame-and-honey-chex-mix/~/media/Images/Shared/RecipeParts/Savings/SavingsIndicator.ashx
3 cups sesame sticks http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/roasted-sesame-and-honey-chex-mix/~/media/Images/Shared/RecipeParts/Savings/SavingsIndicator.ashx
1 cup mixed nuts http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/roasted-sesame-and-honey-chex-mix/~/media/Images/Shared/RecipeParts/Savings/SavingsIndicator.ashx
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup honey http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/roasted-sesame-and-honey-chex-mix/~/media/Images/Shared/RecipeParts/Savings/SavingsIndicator.ashx
2 tablespoons sesame seed, toasted, if desired http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/roasted-sesame-and-honey-chex-mix/~/media/Images/Shared/RecipeParts/Savings/SavingsIndicator.ashx

In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels, sesame sticks and nuts.
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in honey and sesame seed. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until mixture just begins to brown. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container. 


Love is the Bridge - Rview by Martha A. Cheves, Author of:  Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

The phone rang redly, sucking all the air out of the room.  For a moment, Paige felt paralyzed.  Then her hand went determinedly towards the sound.  She grabbed the phone off the coffee table and flipped it open.  She couldn't live in fear of answering her own phone.  Without even checking the caller ID, she brought it to her ear.  "Hello?"  The metallic voice.  But now its edges had softened, and it was more than a mellow yellow butter with an aluminum aftertaste--like a canned soda that'd been in the sun too long.  "--the apparition cannot form, not yet.  Ectoplasm cannot cross the barrier between the worlds.  To show itself takes protoplasmic energy, more than it can gather now.  But soon.  THA DEITE ENA PHANTASMA."

Paige has been receiving strange phone calls for some time now, both at her work as well as her personal phone.  The messages are always strange and sometimes seem to be encrypted.  But she isn't the only one receiving strange messages.  It seems her friends are receiving them from her even though she hasn't sent messages to any of them.

Alan owns a jingles company.  He met Paige when she did as commercial jingle for him.  He was attracted to her as when he received a distress text from her he knew he had to check it out.  When confronted with the text, Paige insists she didn't send it and since Alan is some sort of a computer nerd she ends up feeling that he is her phone stalker.  Even so that won't explain how the sound systems finds a way to take on its own voice and talks to Paige and Alan.  Sounds to me like a ghost from the past.  But what would make a ghost want torture them.

As I read Love is the Bridge I, like Paige, blamed Alan for everything that was going on in her life.  He had written a program that apparently was thinking for itself, which allowed it to connect to any computer source it wants, including bank accounts.  Was I right or was I wrong?  You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself.  I'll only tell you that the story fed my theory almost to the end.


Sunday, July 3, 2016

Murder in Mount Dora - De Miller, Author


Recipe for Gooseberry Pie

Make your own crust –
·         2 cups all-purpose flour
·         3/4 teaspoon salt
·         1/2 egg, beaten
·         1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
·         3/4 cup Crisco
·         1/2 tablespoon vinegar
·         1/4 cup water
Blend flour, sugar and salt.
Cut in Crisco to pea sized pieces.
Mix together egg, water and vinegar.
Add to flour.
Mix until moistened and a soft dough forms.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before rolling.

Make the filling –
·         1 cup sugar
·         3 tablespoons corn starch
·         1/8 teaspoon salt
·         2 cans Oregon Fruit Gooseberries (unless you grow your own)
·         1 tablespoon butter
Mix sugar cornstarch and salt. Add the syrup from the gooseberries and cook over medium heat until thickened in a small sauce pan. Add the gooseberries and butter away from heat, then pour into crust. Seal with crust on top.

First bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then lower to 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.






Murder in Mount Dora - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

Trent Cooper, 20-year newspaper vet for the Kansas City Star has retired.  He and his photographer Horatio Cook are moving to Mount Dora, Florida.  Trent has great dreams of finally having time to write his first novel.  He finds the perfect house and discovers the perfect spot for writing in a little cafe called Stairway to Heavenly Goodies.  And that is where he's busy writing his novel when Horatio interrupts him with news that there was a body found by fishermen, in the lake.

About 75 years earlier Meyer Lansky opened up a casino in the little town of Eustis, Florida.  His right arm man Bobby Skinny Boy Aieli is the one he goes to when someone gets out of hand and things need to be 'handled'.  But with the problem that Lansky finds himself faced with in connection with one of his employees, he decided this was one he would take care of this himself. And the best place for him to handle this is out in the middle of the lake.

Then comes Meredith Archibald.  She saw the news of the bones being found and believes it to be her grandfather.  Meredith was adopted when both her parents were killed when she was only 3 months old.  She has searched for her real family for some time and after meeting with an aunt in New York she knows this has to be him.  So, after scraping up all the money she has in the world she takes a trip to Mount Dora and meets with Trent in hopes of hiring him to help her prove the identity of the man in the lake.

This book has to be one of the most attention holding books I've read.  It flips from the early 1900's to 2007. I've never enjoyed reading books during the 1900's but this book I couldn't put down.  It's full of mob history along with a story that kept me involved.  The more I read, the more I wondered if this author might have known a lot of this history 'first hand' or knew someone who did.  I recommend this one to anyone who loves a really great story, and a little history along the way.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

He's Married - Maggie Tideswell, Author



Beef Bourguignon 

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
3 hr 45 min

Ingredients

Marinade:
5 cloves garlic, smashed
3 fresh bay leaves
2 carrots, peeled and halved
2 ribs celery, halved
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
One 750-ml bottle red wine, such as Burgundy
4 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch chunks
Stew:
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces slab bacon, cut into lardons
1 pound cremini or white button mushrooms, quartered
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 large onion, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 to 4 cups beef stock
3 fresh bay leaves
1 bundle fresh thyme
1 pound red bliss potatoes, quartered
1/2 bunch fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
Crusty bread, for serving

Directions

For the marinade: Combine the garlic, bay leaves, carrots, celery, onions and wine in a large bowl or container. Add the beef; cover and let sit in the refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight. (This is a really important step: it makes a huge flavor difference.)

For the stew: Remove the beef from the marinade. Strain the veggies and bay leaves from the marinade and discard. Reserve 2 cups of the marinade.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat a large, wide pan or Dutch oven with olive oil and bring to medium-high heat. Sprinkle the beef with salt and toss with the flour; do not flour the beef until you're ready to brown it. Add the flour-coated beef to the hot pan, but be sure to not crowd the pan; you will need to work in four batches. Brown the meat well on all sides, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the pan to a baking sheet.

After the first two batches, deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup of the reserved marinade, scraping up any browned bits. Drain the liquid into a small bowl. Add more olive oil to the pan to coat and cook the remaining two batches of meat. Add the meat to the baking sheet. Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup marinade, scraping up any browned bits.

Add the bacon and cook until it gets brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms, carrots, celery, garlic and onions, and season with salt. Cook until the mixture starts to soften and becomes very aromatic, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1 cup marinade and deglaze the pan, stirring up any browned bits, 1 minute. Add the beef. Stir to combine and cook until the wine has reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add enough of the beef stock to just cover the surface of the beef. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme bundle. Cover the pan, bring the liquid to a boil and put in the oven.

Cook the beef for 2 hours. During the last hour of cooking time, add the potatoes. Cover the pan with the lid and put the stew back in the oven to cook for an additional hour.

Remove the pot from the oven and skim off any excess grease from the surface of the stew. Garnish with the chives and serve with crusty bread to sop up all the sauce.



He's Married - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat; Think With Your Taste Buds; A Book and A Dish

Her stomach knotted painfully and her fingers automatically found the black stone around her neck. Black, to match her shoes.  Dane saw the movement and touched the stone with his index finger. “Is this a superstition?” He grinned and winked at her. “It won’t save you, you know, once I get you alone.”  Between his chuckle and the cold stone against her sternum, her situation couldn’t be worse.
She hadn’t thought much beyond the wedding ceremony and reception, and then only in terms
of the honeymoon Dane had been so secretive about. Her going-away dress had topped the list,
and then she’d worried about what to pack if she didn’t even know where they were going.
The wedding night and sex for the first time hadn’t come into it.  She had better think about it now, because this was it, it was about to become a reality.  They had never been alone together, not really. In the frenzy of wedding arrangements, there had always been people around with the potential of interruption. This was the first time they were truly alone.

Eloise and Dane are married.  They love each other, at least Eloise thinks they do.  But how.  They have only known each other a few weeks.  It was almost a meet, date a few times and tie the knot.  And now it's their wedding night.  They are headed to the Honeymoon Suite and Eloise knows what that means.  But that simply can't happen!  See, Eloise has a secret that only she and her doctor know about.  There is no way Dane will still love and want her after he finds out!  

Then Eloise returns to the place of her wedding in the Hottentots Holland Mountains.  It looked the same but not quite as Gothic as the rainy night of the wedding a week earlier.  That is until she runs into Hugh Fleming and when he suggested that he knew she would be back she felt a bit of uncomfortable fear which will only increase as the horrors of the lodge begin to take place.

This is an erotic book but also a horror mystery.  It keeps you on edge until you discover where the events from the past are coming from and when you determine if they are actually repeating themselves or if its all in Eloise's head.  A really interesting book.

 
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