On July 17, after a lengthy trial and some six weeks of deliberation, Panama’s former president Ricardo Martinelli was found guilty of laundering public funds while in office. He faces a fine of $19.2 million and over a decade in prison. The prosecution charged that in 2010, a year into his five-year presidential term, Martinelli […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/09/18/the-specialist-panama-corruption/
Holly Gibney is one of my favorite Stephen King’s character. She first appeared in the Bill Hodges trilogy as Bill Hodges partner, and in The Outsider and its novella, If It Bleeds as a private detective. Grab a cuppa and see why I recommend you listen to Holly.
Holly
by Stephen King
Narrator: Justine Lupe
Length: 15 hours and 24 minutes
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Stephen King’s Holly marks the triumphant return of beloved King character Holly Gibney. Readers have witnessed Holly’s gradual transformation from a shy (but also brave and ethical) recluse in Mr. Mercedes to Bill Hodges’s partner in Finders Keepers to a full-fledged, smart, and occasionally tough private detective in The Outsider. In King’s new novel, Holly is on her own, and up against a pair of unimaginably depraved and brilliantly disguised adversaries.
When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her (very complicated) mother has just died. And Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.
Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semi-retired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lined home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless.
Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.
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When Penny Dahl calls Finders Keepers desperate to find her missing daughter, Holly almost doesn’t take the case. Her partner Peter out with Covid, but something in Penny’s voice has Holly accepting the case. The tale that unfolds leads to unthinkable horrors. Once again, King pulled me into a dark story that held me captive.
Narrator Justine Lupe brought a voice to Holly and others. She captured the tone and this creeptastic tale came to life. King is an autobuy for me. In the beginning I bought the hardcovers, but once I heard one of his stories, audio became my preferred format.
Married octogenarians, Professors Rodney and Emily Harris, seem to live a respectable life. They are active in the community, but not even their neighbors are aware of activities taking place in their basement. What we discover will shock you.
Holly was a clever. Working with very little clues it leads to more missing persons. King touches on some relevant topics, including societies’ race, to remain youthful. Holly really has to dig in on this case and she slowly pieces things together. A hunch leads her to the Harris home, but will she survive? You’ll need to listen to discover for yourself.
While Holly Gibney has appeared in the Bill Hodges series and The Outsider, along with the anthology If It Bleeds, this book, Holly can be read as a standalone. If you are like me, you’ve read all of his works and I can assure you this is the perfect fall listen.
Amazon | Audible
Holly by Stephen King delivered a dark, engaging tales Holly Gibney takes on a missing persons case. #audiobook #NewRelease #JustineLupe
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Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1973, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co., accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 50 books and has become one of the world’s most successful writers. Stephen lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.
Justine Lupe-Schomp is an American actress. She is known for her roles on Mr. Mercedes, Succession, Cristela, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Lupe grew up in Denver, Colorado. She is a 2007 graduate of Denver School of the Arts theater program and 2011 graduate of the Juilliard School in New York City. Her grandmother, Kay Schomp, has a theater named after her at the Denver School of the Arts. Her father, John Lupe, is an exhibition specialist at the Denver Art Museum.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/09/holly-by-stephen-king.html
Tutti the raccoon wakes up one morning to a surprising sight: his beloved green leaves have turned yellow! In his frustration, Tutti begins to run and shout at the leaves, hoping they’ll change back to green. It’s at this moment that an elf appears on the scene. This elf becomes Tutti’s unexpected guide, helping him understand that what he’s experiencing is frustration – a feeling everyone encounters when things don’t go as planned. As Tutti’s frustration intensifies, it transforms into anger and sadness, leading to tears. The elf, ever supportive, sits beside Tutti and reassures him that all these emotions are perfectly normal. However, the elf emphasizes the importance of not resorting to hitting or shouting, as those behaviors aren’t acceptable. Tutti, with the elf’s guidance, begins to recall why that particular spot in the forest holds a special place in his heart, and gradually, happiness returns.
Author Anastasia Goldak has crafted an ideal narrative for young readers, teaching them that it’s okay to experience anger and sadness, but how one manages these emotions matters most. Tutti’s behavior reflects that of a toddler, making it relatable for parents and their little ones. While the presence of an elf might seem unexpected, it’s worth noting that the elf proves instrumental in helping Tutti navigate his emotional journey. The book boasts beautiful illustrations that immerse readers in Tutti’s world. This story has the potential to be a valuable addition to classroom settings, especially for kindergarteners who are also learning to process their emotions.
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves is an invaluable children’s book for young readers and parents, fostering a healthy approach to expressing emotions. I recommend this picture book to parents and teachers alike, as it offers numerous valuable lessons, and I eagerly anticipate more additions to this collection.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 1955733015
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/18/tutti-and-the-terrible-yellow-leaves/
When Eira turns five years old, she discovers a magical medallion hidden inside a vase she accidentally shatters in Eira’s Book of Magic by Camellia White. Excitedly, she shares her find with her Uncle Frost, also known as Nicholas. Upon closer inspection of the exquisite medallion, they are captivated by its intricate design. Interestingly, during this moment, Eira’s mother, Amy, learns that she and her three sisters possess unique powers, each tied to the changing of the seasons. With time, their seasonal magic evolves into an everyday ability, allowing them to wield their powers year-round. As years pass, the four sisters realize their powers are waning, passing on to the next generation of girls in their family, each predestined with their own seasonal magic. Eira, alongside her sisters Aster, Daisy, and Rosie, now share these extraordinary abilities. But how will the next generation of females cope with their newfound powers?
Right from the beginning, this story drew me in. I could feel the anticipation building as I immersed myself in the lives of Amy and her sisters, witnessing the incredible ways they harnessed their magical abilities. With each turn of the page, the narrative skillfully layered upon itself, setting the stage for the next generation’s eventual inheritance of these mystical powers. I admired how Amy and her sisters utilized their powers for the greater good of humanity. When Eira, Aster, Daisy, and Rosie inherited their abilities, I held onto hope that they would exercise them responsibly, following in the footsteps of their mothers and aunts.
The storyline is fantastic, with scenes that practically leap off the page, weaving a captivating tale. I found my heart racing as Amy and her sisters faced various challenges that demanded their magical intervention. Likewise, I eagerly anticipated how the next generation of females in the family would handle the situations presented to them. I was not disappointed, as they assumed their powers with the utmost respect and responsibility, mirroring the example set by their predecessors. Camellia White delivered an excellent execution of this transition. While the story boasts a multitude of characters, each plays an integral role in advancing the narrative. I never felt overwhelmed or confused, as the author adeptly incorporated each character into the storyline, enhancing it with their unique contributions. This contrasted with stories that can sometimes become tangled when featuring a large cast.
Camellia White’s storytelling prowess and ability to create a believable and immersive world make this book delightful and engaging. If you’re looking for a story that will entertain and inspire, I recommend Eira’s Book of Magic. Prepare to be enchanted and captivated from start to finish.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0C6BFKFJ4
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/18/eiras-book-of-magic/
How Do You Haiku? A Step-by-Step Guide with Templates helps readers understand the form of Haiku and teaches them how to write their own beautiful poetry. What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a book I wanted to read as a child. I’ve always loved playing with words. I had many excellent teachers along the way but ten-year-old me would have loved to have had access to a book that taught me simple ways to understand and write Haiku while encouraging me as a shy child. I would have loved to have a book that told me my words were worthwhile and my poetry was worth sharing. This book is part technique, part pep-talk, and part wordplay with a whole lot of templates and Haiku crafts.
What draws you to the Haiku style of poetry? Is there one poet who stirred your love for this style of writing?
Haiku makes me happy! It isn’t a long, arduous poetry form, so I can write it on the fly or while I quietly observe the world through my window. I love that one can express so much with so few words. Writing and reading about little winking moments in nature and time significantly impact my well-being.
Of course, I admire the masters’ Haiku, but I also love Haiku written by current poets and fellow children’s book authors, such as the poets who contributed to this book, Kate Coombs, Raven Howell, and Amy Losak, among others. I also love reading Haiku written by children. Kids come up with amazing poems with unusual and entertaining wordplay!
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Many kids (and adults) feel they can’t write poems or that their poems are not “good enough.” I wanted to give my readers ample opportunity to see that writing a poem can be easy and fun! My goal was to explain Haiku in a way that gets kids excited about it and gives them the confidence to try something new and be proud of their work.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next book?
How Do You Haiku? is a stand-alone book, but another Haiku book is available for my littlest readers (Preschool & up). Peek-A-Boo Haiku (Little Simon) features Haiku about hidden woodland animals, plus flaps that reveal those animals! It’s never too early to introduce kids to poetry!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/18/haiku-makes-me-happy/
From the mind of John Grover comes a mystery adventure like no other.
Ever since he was a young boy, Cord Lockwood had been fascinated by sightings of Bigfoot. He hoped one day to see the big guy himself…until the night he did. Now, years later, Cord cannot get the encounter out of his head.
Cord and a young protégé with similar experiences embark on a journey packed with action and suspense, mystery and adventure, including an all-star cast of frightening cryptids like the Chupacabra and even the Loch Ness Monster! When Cord stumbles on a secret no human was meant to see, he finds his life in danger and the lives of anyone else who crosses his path.
If there’s one thing he’s learned in all of his adventures—never go into the woods alone!
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/18/slipping-through-the-lockwood-cryptid-chronicles-book-1/
The Age of Heroes follows iconic Bronze Age civilizations that face extraterrestrial threats, mysterious deities, and formidable organisms, blurring the lines between history and science fiction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
For a long time, I’ve been fascinated by the catastrophe that befell the brilliant Mediterranean Bronze Age civilization at the beginning of the 12th Century BCE. The rich, interconnected, multi-faceted world had ceased to exist in a few decades. The cities had been razed and burned, the crops destroyed, and the people dispersed.
The cause of the Catastrophe is still subject to a fierce debate among scientists. We might never know the truth.
This provides a perfect setting for studying the Bronze Age civilizations while adding fictional and fantastic elements. I took the liberty to imagine a certain “what if” scenario, an alien expedition amid the struggle for supremacy between the human kingdoms.
I hope this story will motivate the readers to learn more about this fascinating time and discover historical facts about the Bronze Age collapse.
The Soarers, portrayed as deities observing humanity, present a unique take on ancient gods. How did you conceive this alien race and their intricate relationship with human emotions?
Having aliens posing as deities is not a novel concept. I tried to imagine what it might be like when technologically advanced humans, exploring space, encounter an alien civilization not unlike the Bronze Age Mediterranean culture. Would we try to elevate them to our level, or would we succumb to the most primitive instincts of our nature? The contradiction of a technologically advanced species, with a superior intellect and driven by logical argument, yet subject to the basest desires and emotions, is a riddle I’m very curious about. Will we ever be able to transcend our animal nature? Do we really need to strive to do it, or does it give us, humans, a unique advantage?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First of all, this is a book about humanity, the aforementioned contradiction between reason and emotions, the neverending pursuit of ephemeral goals, imposed by poorly understood desires, and the drive for domination and conflict. Are we doomed to continue this mad race? Or is there a different path, the path of reason and advancement?
Second, I wanted to immerse the readers into the atmosphere of the Bronze Age Mediterranean and introduce this rich, sophisticated, and still poorly understood world to them. The history of these ancient civilizations is full of enigmas and quests that far surpass any fantasy stories we can come up with. My intention was to lift the veil and hope it would raise the readers’ interest in this epoch long gone.
Third, in one of the subplots, I wanted to explore how artificial intelligence, born into the world of biological species and adopted by them as one of their own, would adjust, interact, and grow. How would this new entity behave and what decisions would it make? Would we then call it human if it becomes an integral, inseparable part of human society?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the sequel to my first book, a hard science fiction mystery, “Out of Time.” The working title of the new book is “The Illusion of Time,” and it explores the nature of the human consciousness and its link with the Universe within a setting of the dying world of the early 22nd Century. As in all of my stories, there are lots of complex characters, sub-plots, twists, and epic battles. I am planning to release it in mid-2024. I hope you will read and enjoy it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon | BookBub
The great human empires of the Bronze Age are locked in everlasting confrontation, with control of the Mediterranean as the coveted prize. Echelaos, prince of Pylos, prepares to wage war against treacherous Trojans to restore his honor and return his bride-to-be, Helen of Hatti. Ninurta-apal-Ekur, king of Assyria, follows the gods to conquer the neighboring tribes, while in Egypt, Khay, a grave robber, awakens the ancient evil.
Meanwhile, the commander of an alien expedition that has arrived to study Earth faces a difficult decision about whether or not to interfere in these terrestrial matters. The expedition members reveal polar opinions, threatening to shape the future of humanity according to their own vision.
Suddenly, all beings must proceed with extreme caution. Because alliances are fragile, betrayals are common, the great collapse has begun, and the new age is nigh.
An unforgettable story of war, love, glory, and duty, “The Age of Heroes” is a historical sci-fi epic filled with action, adventure, and intrigue where gods, heroes, and aliens collide in a showdown for the ages.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/18/the-collapse-of-the-bronze-age/