We are the disgrace of nations because we can’t stop killing our children—along, of course, with their teachers, relatives, and innocent bystanders. We don’t even seem to want to stop doing it, not effectively, at any rate. We say we should, but we don’t. We just can’t. We are worse than the drunk who says […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/04/the-court-kills/
Deadly Shores, written by Kerry Buchanan, is the third entry in the Harvey & Birch Irish Crime Thrillers audio series. A tipoff regarding the boatyard in Bangor on Boxing Day soon has the detectives dealing with murder. A suspenseful tale with plenty of twists.
Deadly Shores
by Kerry Buchanan
Series: Harvey and Birch #3
Narrator: Esther Wane
Length: 9 hours and 20 minutes
Genres: Crime Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
TWO SHIPS IN THE NIGHT.
ANOTHER DEAD BODY.
NO SAFE HARBOUR.The tip-off comes just as the Christmas roast is being served. Smugglers coming into a boatyard in Bangor.
Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch are sent in to investigate. It means being pulled away from pulling crackers, but in truth they’re both a bit relieved. Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining them lately — and this case could be big.
The illicit cargo is long gone by the time Asha and Aaron arrive, but local man Phil Johnston is caught on the boatyard’s CCTV. The same Phil Johnston who’s broken into and planted a brick of cocaine in the boatyard manager’s house.
But before anyone can declare it case closed, the driver who delivered the boat is found murdered in his hotel room.
Harvey and Birch have found themselves caught in a deadly storm. Will they sink or swim?
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-04-04T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “Deadly Shores, written by Kerry Buchanan, is the third entry in the Harvey & Birch Irish Crime Thrillers audio series. A tipoff regarding the boatyard in Bangor on Boxing Day soon has the detecti”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/deadly-shores-by-kerry-buchanan.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Deadly Shores”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kerry Buchanan”,
“sameAs”: “Https://www.kerrybuchanan.com” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
Narrated by Esther Wane, Deadly Shores proved to be another intense case for Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch. After their last case shook the department, Chief Superintendent Yvonne Patterson has been sidelining the duo and separating them. But the holidays have them once again paired off to inspect a boatyard for possible smuggling and the case soon blows into something bigger when the deliver driver is found murdered.
Set in Belfast, Buchanan pulled me in from the banter between the detectives to the interesting clues and suspects they encounter. The case was intense, with plenty of twists, suspects, and coverups. I enjoyed how these two detectives work together. Despite being three books in, I can’t say I know either beyond the job, but that is often the case in procedural novels.
The case is well done with turns that kept me listening into the wee hours. They’ll have to deal with human trafficking, police corruption, and drug trafficking before it’s all over.
Told from multiple points of view, including those of suspects, Buchanan pulls the listener in and Ester Wane’s narration from accents to tone enhances the overall story. The tale lends itself to the audio format and I am hoping we get more. There are only three books in the series at present.
My only complaint rests with the audio production itself. Swallows and breaths were not edited out. It was a shame. As the narrator herself was superb.
Amazon* | Audible
Kerry Buchanan is a retired veterinary surgeon who lives with her family and a menagerie of animals on a farm in County Down. There are inspiring views of hills and lakes from every window. Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books.
Esther Wane is a British actor and voice-over artist. After a career in finance Esther fulfilled a childhood dream of going to drama school in London, and her life as an actor began at age forty. She has a lifelong passion for literature and can often be found browsing bookshops at any spare moment. She owes her career in audiobooks to her impression of Joanna Lumley and has since narrated books in many genres, including memoir, politics, romantic fiction, and children’s literature. She enjoys taking her listeners on a journey in time and space and bringing the characters on the page to life in their imagination. She lives with her family and collection of books in Hertfordshire, just outside London, where she has built a professional voice studio in the bottom of her garden.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/deadly-shores-by-kerry-buchanan.html
Attending a play or musical is a riveting experience, but the journey leading up to that momentous occasion often goes unnoticed. The creative process, ranging from writing to auditions, rehearsals to set building, costume design to stage preparation, and more, is crucial in setting the stage for opening night. Camelot, a well-known musical, tells the tale of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere, who, like any other production, went through a series of growing pains. However, what sets Camelot apart is the fictional novel that delves into the events that might have taken place leading up to their debut.
Susan Dormady Eisenberg’s One More Seat at the Round Table is a charming account of the hypothetical development of the musical Camelot. Set in 1960, the novel follows the aspirations of a young woman named Jane Conroy, who dreams of working in theater, and Bryce Christmas, a budding actor in the show and Jane’s love interest. Jane’s job as an assistant to Brock Remsen, the production director for Camelot, thrusts her into a world of glamourous parties and famous names, which she sometimes finds overwhelming. The author’s extensive research and imaginative liberties are evident in her writing, and she provides readers with a delightful exploration of musical theater and history. It is quite likely that Eisenberg has hands-on experience in the theater industry, as her depiction of the nuances of stage productions and the relationships between the crew and actors is spot on.
One More Seat at the Round Table is a captivating historical fiction story about what could have been. While romance and relationships take center stage in the novel, suspending our disbelief that these events may not have unfolded precisely as described is essential. Nonetheless, it is a delightful read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good love story, musical theater, and history.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/04/one-more-seat-at-the-round-table/
At the core of Jim van de Erve’s A Lie Called The Present lies a captivating and unique take on a familiar story, that of aging parents and partners. The author deftly takes us on a journey through the lives of the Jackson family, where the matriarch Yvonne is facing the challenges of dementia. Her struggles have a profound impact on the lives of her adult children, Catherine, Jackie, Ray, and Bret, as well as her husband, Harry. Through the power of verse, Erve explores the intense human emotions of sadness, frustration, uncertainty, and nostalgia that this family experiences.
As readers, we are left wondering whether this family can find the light at the end of the tunnel and achieve the freedom and futures they seek. To discover the answer, one must delve into the captivating world of A Lie Called The Present. Erve’s work is a testament to his passion for writing and storytelling, and I commend him for his evident dedication to this work. He leaves no stone unturned in exploring the often-ugly aspects of having an aging parent that many people shy away from discussing. The feelings of sadness, bitterness, and the yearning for a brighter future despite one’s love for a family member are all authentically portrayed. I am always impressed by a story that confronts life’s unpretty aspects without sugarcoating them. Such works are a vital part of literature because they make readers feel seen and heard. This is one such work, exploring the complexities of the human condition with honesty and empathy.
A Lie Called The Present is a thought-provoking story told in verse. Readers will be transported into this family’s life and experience all the turmoil that goes with the aging stage of life. Erve’s work is a true testament to the power of literature to explore the nuances of the human experience.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0BWRX7FWC
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/04/a-lie-called-the-present/
In A Path to Excellence: The Blueprint to Achieving Your Greatest Potential, author Tony Jeton Selimi explores the steps one can take to become the best version of themselves. Selimi offers guidance on cultivating excellence in every aspect of life and overcoming obstacles with determination and grace. The book begins by introducing the concept of excellence, discussing goal achievement strategies, and providing insight into the author’s inspiring story. As a minority, Selimi never allowed his identity or limited resources to hold him back, and the advice he shares is relevant to anyone seeking to transform their life.
Each chapter in this book is crucial to the reader’s journey. In the second chapter, Selimi writes about the requirements for reaching greater heights, inspiring readers to aim high and persevere. Next, the author addresses the topic of giving up, carefully listing reasons why people abandon their goals and offering solutions to overcome despair. The inclusion of exercises at the end of each discussion allows readers to reflect on their own experiences and growth.
Chapter three delves into the octagon of excellence, analyzing the eight cycles of life: transition, regeneration, focus, rebirth, balance, service, unity, and infinity. Selimi emphasizes the importance of practicing these eight principles and how they can positively impact one’s life. The author covers various topics throughout the book, such as mental confusion, facing challenges, confronting issues, and achieving goals. Selimi’s remarkable writing technique ensures readers can quickly grasp the concepts discussed, using accessible language to convey his ideas.
Upon completing the book, readers will be equipped with invaluable information to help them excel in various aspects of their lives. This book’s clear language and timeless lessons make for a standout read. In addition, the book’s organized structure and the breakdown of each topic contribute to its effectiveness.
A Path to Excellence: The Blueprint to Achieving Your Greatest Potential goes beyond the standard self-help genre, providing readers with insights into themselves, their surroundings, and the steps needed to climb the ladder of success and excellence.
Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0BG4LYXZB
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/04/a-path-to-excellence/
Aimee C Trafton’s The Misfit Crew is a poignant narrative that follows the life of Bay, a young teenager who struggles with anxiety and feels like an outsider. The story takes a somber turn when Bay loses her mother suddenly and is uprooted from her life by her father, who moves her and her autistic brother to a new place. Despite feeling lost, Bay discovers solace in her newfound friends, who also face similar challenges, and she finally finds a sense of belonging. However, her anxiety spirals out of control when she begins to develop feelings for one of her friends.
Trafton’s use of relatable dialogue and narrative techniques humanizes the characters, enabling readers to connect with them on a personal level. In addition, the story touches on sensitive themes like mental health, grief, and loss, making it a valuable tool for young readers who may be experiencing similar challenges. By doing this, Trafton has successfully created a relatable storyline that readers can easily comprehend and apply to their own lives.
Trafton has done an excellent job of utilizing a multi-timeline structure to create an overarching plot that is engaging and thought-provoking. Additionally, using messages to Bay’s mother offers an intimate glimpse into the protagonist’s innermost thoughts and feelings. The overall writing and story are well-crafted, and the book’s short length allows this story to be read in a short period.
The Misfit Crew is a captivating young adult novel dealing with topics that teens often encounter. This short novel offers a strong foundation for future installments to expand on the characters and plot. Trafton’s work is engaging and provides valuable lessons to readers facing similar challenges.
Pages: 71 | ASIN : B0BWZ2NJX7
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/04/the-misfit-crew/
Author Noureddine Hifad’s Wagers of Fate: the 108 Stars intricately weaves together mythology inspired by the Classical Novels of the Ming Dynasty. The author creates a fictional world by blending the Soliris and Vargassian Dynasties. Under the rule of the Vargassian Dynasty, the Empire of the Golden Sun experienced a period of great prosperity and peace. However, the turbulence begins when King Darryl Vargassian meets a tragic fate. The heir, Hector, is not yet of age, and rash decisions without proper counsel lead to rebellions and opposition throughout the kingdom. As many nobles vie for power, Lord Casper seizes control of the kingdom by creating a false rebellion scenario, making him a hero to the people but quickly revealing his true intentions when Hector manages to escape. The story unfolds as preparations are made for Hector’s upcoming battle.
Hifad’s writing style is clear and concise, making it easy to read and present events in an entertaining manner. There are detailed descriptions of day-to-day activities and locations, while the passage of time and certain war scenes are summarized. This allows the reader to gain a good perspective of the characters’ lives but not be overwhelmed with battle scenes. The focus is indeed on the characters’ story, not the fighting. The storyline has multiple twists and turns, and the characters are complex and intriguing, revealing their layers as the story progresses. It is a harrowing journey highlighting Prince Hector’s determination to regain his rightful place and free his people from tyranny.
Wagers of Fate: the 108 Stars is a gripping young adult fantasy novel. It will appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced historical fiction with action and adventure. Overall, Wagers of Fate is a thrilling read with a unique climactic twist that will keep readers engaged from the opening pages to the exciting end.
Pages: 269 | ASIN : B078TNJ77N
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/04/wagers-of-fate-the-108-stars/