KN Magazine: Reviews

6/17/15 6/17/15

"Cat Out of Hell" by Lynne Truss / Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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Cat Out of Hell by Lynne Truss
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

“It was the grandest of grand tours. We saw art. We saw architecture. We read books, and learned languages. All this time, the Captain was teaching me to talk, to read, to reason, to memorize.” – Roger, the tabby cat.

Now, you may think to yourself that these are the words of an intelligent, well traveled, and empathetic individual. And, it’s true, only in this case the individual has four limbs and a tail. Yes, my dear readers, this is the story of a talking cat named Roger. A tabby with the voice of Vincent Price, is one of three voices narrating a tale of mystery, murder, and satanic dealings.

If you enjoyed novels by Lynne Truss before, then be prepared for her newest work, an assemblage of voice recordings, emails, and unreliable narration as well as telepathic emails (referred to as e-miaow’s). The setting for these exchanges occur between the Shingle Cottage, where our first narrator, Alec Charlesworth, prepares the reader for a tale of absurdity, and the town of Harville where our second narrator William “Wiggy” Caton-Pines resides. Both are distinguished librarians in the community, yet are the clowns of the story.

Instead, it is Roger (our third narrator) who remains two steps ahead of the game, utilizing every moment to finish telling his story before either the great Cat Master –a human by the name of Prideaux – or Captain, the immortal tabby cat, commits murder.

Raised by Captain, Roger learns how to become an immortal with nine lives and the ability to speak. However, after Captain’s “psychotic possessiveness” leads to the deaths of four humans, Roger realizes how dangerous the game truly is. After being separated for the extent of two World Wars, these relentless felines are finally reunited and freed from servitude via the murder of the Cat Master, a deed done by Roger’s own paws.

Unfortunately, there is no way to describe certain sections of the book without giving away the surprise ending. Suffice it to say, that this comedic mystery story, told through three characters, with unexplainable circumstances, demons, talking cats, and a talking dog named Winston, awaits readers. I urge you to take the road to hell and back.

Briana Goodchild is on the verge of becoming a bibliophile and is currently a student of English Literature and Drama. Like any book reader she enjoys a strong cup of tea and an enticing story to match.

(If you have a book you would like featured, send an ARC for consideration. The Killer Nashville Book Reviews are coordinated by Clay Stafford with the irreplaceable assistance of Meaghan Hill, Maria Giordano, Will Chessor, and credited guest reviewers. For more writer resources, visit us at www.KillerNashville.com and www.KillerNashvilleMagazine.com)

*Killer Nashville is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you purchase a book from the links on this page, Amazon will give Killer Nashville a small percentage of the total sale. Killer Nashville receives zero compensation (other than sometimes the book to review) from publishers who have been selected for the Book of the Day.

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6/16/15 6/16/15

"Camille" by Pierre Lemaitre / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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Camille by Pierre Lemaitre
Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Pierre Lemaitre chilled us with Irene. He terrified us with Alex. Now, he comes back with the final act in his thrilling trilogy.

Camillefocuses on our star detective, the Commandant Camille. The novel opens with a robbery of a jewelry store, a robbery that Anne Forestier accidentally walks in on. She is beaten, battered, and shot thrice. Somehow, she survives the gory ordeal, though the criminals even track her to the hospital, where Commandant Camille is now waiting. In a back-and-forth game of chess over Anne’s life, Camille is desperate to find the criminals, not just for justice, but for total vengeance.

Lemaitre’s style is superbly thrilling. The book is broken down minute-by-minute as a literary version of the TV series 24. On top of that, each gritty detail brings the narrative to life. As readers enter into the minds of the criminals, we see the psychological horror that Lemaitre weaves: horror lurks all around, and who can you trust in such a setting? Camille might have to abuse the badge more than a little…

If you like fast-paced crime fiction, this book is definitely for you. Each twist of the plot hits you like a jarring jolt to the heart, and each hit of the hammer pushes that nail in until the very end, when the nail finally goes out the other side. The ending will leave you craving more, but thankfully, Lemaitre gives us time to catch our breath! This tale of vengeance and romance and some of the sickest criminals around will have your heart pounding.

Jonathan W. Thurston is a literary studies graduate student. Aside from his studies, he owns a small publishing house called Thurston Howl Publications and serves as its editor-in-chief. He has written several books on his own and always enjoys reading a good horror novel. When he's not busy with grad school or his business, he is often found reading a good book with hot tea in one hand and his dog Temerita curled up at his feet (she often thinks she is a cat, you see).

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6/9/15 6/9/15

"False Tongues" by Kate Charles / Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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False Tongues by Kate Charles
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Callie Anson is a believer in the “big three” of religion: faith, hope, and charity. She also happens to be a reverend with a past that has recently come back to haunt her in the form of her ignorant ex, Adam Masters. But Callie is not the only one with demons in this novel of love, betrayal, and lies.

This fourth installment of the “Callie Anson Mysteries” will exceed all of the readers’ expectations. If you thought the previous adventures were good, wait until you read “False Tongues”!

We begin meeting Callie and her friends Deacon Val Carver, Priest Nicky Lamb, and Priest Tamsin Howells. From there, readers will experience the story through multiple points of view – nine in fact – that are intricately woven; each piece revealing an important clue as to who murdered Sebastian Frost.

Stabbed, tongue split, and left in the middle of Paddington Green, Frost’s death is a reflection of an exhausting war: living with religious pressures and being gay. Parallel to this struggle is the love triangle of Callie Anson, her ex Adam Masters, and her Italian fiancé Mark “Marco” Lambardi. Marco is the partner of Irish Detective Inspector Neville Stewart, both of whom work on the Frost case. In between are the stories of Miranda Frost (Sebastian’s mother), Lilith Noone (reporter from the Daily Globe), and Margaret Phillips (Principal of Archbishop Temple House).

At first glance, none of the stories appear to be connected in any way, they all seem like separate entities that have been placed together for no apparent reason. But then, as the plot thickens and readers fall deeper into the trappings of the characters’ complex lives, we begin to realize that the novel has been set up from the beginning to slowly reveal the connections that each character has to each other; and although some never meet, they nevertheless are linked via another character.

Such a technique can be seen with Josh Bradley, for even though he and Callie do not meet he is arrested by Stewart and Lambardi, the latter being the lover of Callie, and therefore the two become connected. Josh, a gay teenager and classmate of Sebastian Frost, falls victim to a cyber bully gang on Facebook – a gang which Sebastian was part of. He inevitably becomes tied up in the murder, but was he the one who executed the tragic deed?

Intense, secretive, and chock full of modern day complications, “False Tongues” is a well-thought-out novel. Written by the past Chairman of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Barbara Pym society, this novel in no way falls short of the readers’ expectations. Regardless of being a fourth installment, anyone can pick up this story and follow along – you won’t be able to put it down!

Briana Goodchild is on the verge of becoming a bibliophile. Like any book reader she enjoys a strong cup of tea and an enticing story to match. Occasionally, when diving into the page-turning mystery genre, more caffeine is required.

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6/4/15 6/4/15

"Shadow Ritual" by Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne / Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

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Shadow Ritual by Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

In Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne’s international bestseller “Shadow Ritual”, the past leaks into the future as two murderers leave the Parisian government and an ancient society reeling.

Levelheaded Inspector Antione Marcas must begrudgingly team up with Special Agent Jade Zewinski—a hard-hitting, quick-tempered woman with a wit to match her physical stamina—to solve a crime that links together thousands of years of history and elitist societies that jockey for domination. But with Marcas’ intimate knowledge of Freemasonry as their best asset and Jade’s intense hatred for this brotherhood, the two must overcome their differences in order to track down the murderer of a young archivist.

As Marcas and Jade trace the crime’s origins back through time, the two face Neo-Nazis, a ruthless assassin, and a legendary quest whose prize has been sought after—and killed for—since medieval times.

Fast-paced and chilling “Shadow Ritual” is an electrifying narrative that combines a historical thriller with modern speed and humor. Giacometti and Ravenne seamlessly weave together different cultures and character perspectives. The result is a fuller reading experience that crosses borders—from Rome to Paris to Jerusalem. Translated by Anne Trager “Shadow Ritual” retains its wonderful and distinct storytelling in its transition into English.

Marcas and Jade are both wonderfully intelligent characters, and the villains of the story are particularly striking in their inventive cruelty and elitist agenda. Almost reminiscent of an “Indiana Jones” film with the invocation of WWII and its striking, chilling ending, “Shadow Ritual” will take readers on an adventurous ride.

With the strong duo created in Marcas and Jade along with the story’s intricate, historical plot, “Shadow Ritual” gives crime fiction an original flair. I would recommend this novel to readers who are interested in World War II fiction, modern thrillers, and elements of the occult. I would warn potential readers, however, that the storyline can become a little dark and mildly graphic in its violence. The entire novel is, however, an excellently fun and vivid read, and I can’t wait to see the rest of the series.

Alycia Gilbert is an aspiring writer. Gilbert enjoys penning short stories and poems, and is currently writing her first novel. She acts as editor-in-chief of a university's two literary journals, and loves to help other student writers through editing and strengthening their talents.

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6/3/15 6/3/15

"The Dragon of Handale" by Cassandra Clark / Reviewed by Kimn Hinkson

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The "Hangman Blind" is Book One of The Abbess of Meaux Murder Mysteries Series.

The Dragon of Handale by Cassandra Clark
Reviewed by Kimn Hinkson

Cassandra Clark contributes to the medieval-fantasy genre a fast-paced and mystery-laced fifth installment in her series. “The Dragon of Handale” features the fair and feministic Abbess Hildegard, a relinquished nun who risks her life and limb to cast torchlight on the dark affairs of man and beast. Presenting a world where men are bested against one another by suspicion and brutality, Abbess Hildegard hails from a land in the 14th century, where history and fiction collide in an overlapping dimension.

Clark’s dauntless and out-casted heroine endures the glares and clutches of arch-villainous nuns and assailants in her quest to find her place among the clergy order once again. However, Hildegard faces danger when a young man is discovered slashed from head to groin by a creature more than human. Could a dragon have killed the young man?

In her quest to learn about the murdered man and a hidden secret tower, Hildegard undertakes the mystery of the dragon in a search for truth.

Cassandra Clark’s “The Dragon of Handale” is a test of female endurance. Vying for control over her own wits, the Abbess fights to maintain her authority during her climactic confrontation with death and dominating confinement.

Revolutionary!

Kimn Hinkson is like most over-caffeinated, introverted bibliophiles: indifferent to most other items on the planet.

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6/2/15 6/2/15

"Sherlock Holmes, The Missing Years: Japan" by Vasudev Murthy / Reviewed by Ashlyn Duke

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"Sherlock Holmes, The Missing Years: Japan" by Vasudev Murthy
Reviewed by Ashlyn Duke

Sherlock Holmes has done it again, with the help of Dr. Watson of course. “Sherlock Holmes, The Missing Years: Japan”, written by Vasudev Murthy, takes place after Sherlock Holmes’ tragic fall from Reichenbach Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the Alps. The great sleuth is presumed gone forever.

Watson continues on taking up a quiet country life with his wife, and keeping Holmes' memory alive until two years later, much to his surprise, he receives a letter from Japan with familiar handwriting requesting Watson's help and a violin. It’s none other than his old partner.

After making sure he is equipped for the journey, Watson boards the North Star sailing to and stopping at many ports along the way. When a passenger by the name of Mr. Hashimoto dies onboard during the night, everyone is viewed a suspect, but they have no other choice but to continue the journey. Who could be next? With a mysterious note written in Japanese calligraphy presumed to be a warning, no one is safe.

Murthy gives everyone reason to love Holmes and his faithful best friend. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I could not put the book down.

Murthy keeps you on your toes throughout the whole book as the Missing Years Series begins. Full of dangerous plots, conspiracies, and a history lesson or two that could only belong to a Sherlock Holmes story; the mystery of the chase and few good laughs in this book will leave you wishing you could get your hands on more.

Ashlyn Duke is a traveler, not a tourist. She likes to read, draw, and look beyond what's right in front of her.

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5/21/15 5/21/15

"Foxglove Summer" by Ben Aaronovitch / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

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Ben Aaronovitch Credit: Sabrina Aaronovitch

"Foxglove Summer" by Ben Aaronovitch
Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

This fast-paced novel is the fifth in Ben Aaronovitch’s popular Peter Grant series and its thrilling plot is just as intriguing. In “Foxglove Summer”, wizard apprentice Peter Grant races against supernatural forces and the pressure of his boss to find a cold-blooded killer.

Peter, a young wizard who tends to be in the wrong place at the right time, is sent from his bustling London home to rural Herefordshire to investigate the disappearance of two missing girls. Upon his arrival, he tracks down an estranged and ancient wizard to ensure that supernatural forces are not at work.

Though Grant cannot find substantial proof that’s he’s found the murderer, there is definitely something unusual happening, and it’s clear that the person in charge doesn’t want Peter there at all! Peter, in his usual way, is unable to turn away from an unsolved crime, and decides to stick around to see how this mystery unfolds.

From the noise of London to the picturesque town that is Herefordshire, this novel is as suspenseful as it is charming. Brimming with romance, intrigue, and action, this book is hard to put down. As more unusual circumstances crop up, Peter recognizes that figuring out the connection between these events will lead him to the criminal.

Will Peter be able to combine his supernatural powers and his detective instinct to save these girls? Or will he be too late to stop the killer from striking again? Read “Foxglove Summer” to find out!

Kate Proffitt is a creative writing major, who loves to read and write! Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors is her favorite band, Christina Rossetti is her favorite poet, and she drinks a lot more Diet Coke than she should. She also enjoys travelling and has spent some time in Europe! Kate is currently working on her first unpublished novel!

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5/19/15 5/19/15

"Business or Blood" by Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso / Reviewed by M. K. Sealy

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"Business or Blood" by Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso
Reviewed by M. K. Sealy

Open the non-fiction novel “Business or Blood” by the accomplished authors Peter Edwards and Antonio Nicaso to any page and you will be met not only with intelligent, entertaining, and accurate style, but you will also find the intriguing true story of what the authors call “Mafia Boss Vito Rizzuto’s Last War”.

Though this novel focuses on Vito Rizzuto, one of history’s most influential and powerful Canadian Mafia bosses, the story is transcontinental and international, as Rizzuto’s influence in illegitimate and illegal pastimes cross Canadian borders and into the world at large.

In addition to excellent and engaging prose, “Business or Blood” offers readers a chronology that spans 186 years, the timeline providing more than a glance at the life of a single man as it delves into the history of the gang in 1828 and culminates in the death of gang leader Ducarme Joseph in 2014.

Along with the chronology, Edwards and Nicaso include a map of Rizzuto’s turf and an index for the inquisitive researcher. These additions, along with the excellent organization of the novel, create an atmosphere of intrigue making “Business or Blood” impossible to put down.

Successful crime writers, Edwards and Nicaso have teamed up to produce a powerful, bone-chilling account of the North American crime world and Vito Rizzuto’s participation in it. Unlike many nonfiction works that are dry and more of a junkyard for facts, “Business or Blood” reads like a mystery novel with the punch of true crime.

M.K. Sealy earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in literature from a Nashville university. She is a copyeditor for a Nashville-based publication, but also writes poetry, fiction, and is currently attempting a screenplay, all while working to obtain a Master of Education.

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5/13/15 5/13/15

"Whisper Hollow" by Chris Cander / Reviewed by Maria Giordano

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"Whisper Hollow" by Chris Cander
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

Chris Cander’s “Whisper Hollow” is the kind of story that gets passed through generations and retold by older family members near the end of their lives as they unburden themselves from the past.

A multi-generational yarn that intertwines the lives of three women and their families from the early 1900s to the late 1960s, “Whisper Hollow” is, on the one hand, a cautionary tale about what happens when we keep our true selves hidden, and homage to the pioneer spirit needed to carve out an intentionally-lived life.

Set in the coal-mining town of Verra, West Virginia, Cander’s novel begins with the story of Alta Krol and Myrthen Bergmann, two young girls who grow up fast, in part because of the times, but also because of tragedy that befalls them. Nature serves as the backdrop, flowing constant like a gentle creek.

Alta’s mother has died and being the only female in a male dominated home, Alta slips into the caretaker role as a young girl which forever binds her to her duties despite desires to venture beyond the town. Myrthen loses her twin sister in a tragic accident at a young age, an event from which she never recovers, and becomes the touchstone for religious obsession.

For years, Alta and Myrthen and the men in their lives seek to satisfy their humanity until a mysterious coal-mining accident connects them through the death of their loved ones and the purgatory aftermath of surviving. Life becomes a slow and painful burn for Alta and Mythen in very different ways until the catalyst for change comes in the form of a child born to Lidia Pollock, a young woman raised in Verra with deep wounds of her own.

Lidia’s son, Gabriel, it turns out is no ordinary toddler. He has what the town’s people believe are supernatural abilities. What he knows about the past, present, and future will drive some to the brink of insanity and others towards redemption.

Although fiction, “Whisper Hollow” has a true-story feel as Cander paints the somewhat dreary picture of a town and its inhabitants and their physical and mental sacrifices as they service the coalmine. And, without indictment, she also shows the disparate roles of men and women and their labors to survive.

“Whisper Hollow” will both haunt and inspire with nature serving as its handmaiden.

Maria Giordano is above all a mom. In her spare time, she reads, writes, and tries to stay current. When she gets there, she’ll let you know.

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5/7/15 5/7/15

"The Burning Gates" by Parker Bilal / Reviewed by Ashlyn Duke

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“The Burning Gates” by Parker Bilal
Reviewed by Ashlyn Duke

After being forced to flee Cairo and struggling to make ends meet, former Sudanese police inspector, Makana, continues his story in Parker Bilal’s “The Burning Gates”, the fourth book in the Makana Investigation series.

Set in September 2004, “The Burning Gates” picks up with Makana working in the Middle East. A wealthy client, Aram Kasabian, asks Makana to track down a famous painting that went missing during the US invasion of Baghdad, Iraq. There are rumors that the painting has reappeared and thought to be in possession of an Iraqi colonel; however, the price on the Iraqi war criminal’s head makes the search a little difficult for Makana since the colonel is currently on the run from the Americans.

Nothing is as it seems. People are dying and Makana is too caught up in the storm to leave the case behind. Much like sand slipping from his fingers, Makana is losing his grasp on time and he must act quickly to solve the case before it’s too late.

Parker Bilal sets up a wonderfully written novel that will capture the heart of any thrill-seeker. Bilal, also, gives his reader a peek into the corrupted side of Cairo’s art scene, which holds a huge impact on the plot.

After reading this fast-paced and constantly-changing crime thriller, it will have you wondering, “Who do you believe?”

Ashlyn Duke is a traveler, not a tourist. She likes to read, draw, and look beyond what’s right in front of her.

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5/6/15 5/6/15

"After the Ruin" by Harriet Goodchild / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

"After the Ruin" by Harriet Goodchild / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

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Harriet Goodchild

Never has such a folk fantasy been told before Harriet Goodchild.

"After the Ruin" is her newest novel with a whole new cast of characters! Immediately, she takes us into the fray of a new realm, with the major countries being Ohmorah, the Later Lands, and Lyikene. Goodchild’s beautifully breathtaking world is reminiscent of the lush countryside of Scotland, but don’t let the serenity of the setting fool you: danger lurks in every corner.

Meet Assiolo, the young bard with the troubled past (our Byronic hero). Meet Marwy Ninek, the equally mysterious yet blunt listener. Meet Te-Meriku, the king, once a lonesome and pitiable beggar. Finally, meet Averla, the woman who seeks to play everyone’s hearts in her web of ambition and bring all into ruin.

With a cast of unique characters and a lyrical setting, Goodchild manages to integrate two unlikely genres: folklore and fantasy. Her blend allows for a deeper cultural involvement than the average fantasy epic. Furthermore, her writing reads like the songs she inserts at the beginning of each chapter. This poetic quality reminds readers that, despite its geographic similarities to our own world at times, it is so enchantingly unique.

We have our trickster. We have our hero. We have our princess. We have our broken king. Listen to the song, to all the songs, and let yourself become entranced by the lulling spell Harriet Goodchild weaves for her readers. However, be warned: fire, as warm and comforting as it can be, also has the ability to burn and sear.

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5/5/15 5/5/15

"Icefall" by Gillian Philip / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

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"Icefall" by Gillian Philip / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

Fear. It’s wrapping around the house on the cliff as thickly as the mist coming off of the river below it. For Seth Macgregor, fear is the ticking clock signifying that his time is almost up because his soul is almost gone.

For the other members of Seth’s complex clan, fear is something they’ve grown accustomed to and accepted as a part of everyday life. The clan is in a period of waiting, but not for long, because the fiercely malicious Kate NicNiven is determined once and for all to gain their souls and take the throne.

In "Icefall" the fourth and final installment in Gillian Philip’s enthralling series Rebel Angels, things are getting pretty complicated. Trapped on the other side of the veil, Seth’s clan is in a period of waiting. Homesick, worried, and unaccustomed to life in the 21st century, tensions are high within the family. As unexpected allies are formed, other friends are gone for good, and Kate’s determination to be in control regardless of the cost threatens to tear Seth’s family apart.

This book takes place on both sides of the veil and paints a picture of a world so real I find myself thinking I am a character in this magical plot. As new relationships form and old ones are laid to rest, you will find yourself unable to put the book down.

From mystical creatures in the sea to sword fights to the power of true love, “Icefall” is a story that will grab you from the first page. Readers will mourn the loss of beloved characters and celebrate with the introduction of new ones.

As with any great book, and more so with an exceptional series, the novel left me with mixed emotions. I was at peace with the clan’s happiness, mourned for the loss of my favorite character, overjoyed for the bright, villain- free, future, but overall the only regret I had in reading this book is that I couldn’t have stayed in it longer.

Philips concludes this series beautifully and leaves the reader feeling that, for all of the unexpected changes that have happened in this series, the one constant amidst the chaos is the undeniable proof that a family’s love and undying devotion will ultimately win every battle.

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4/30/15 4/30/15

"Edge of Dark" by Brenda Cooper / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

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"Edge of Dark" by Brenda Cooper / Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

From the author of “The Creative Fire” and “The Diamond Deep” comes a new epic science fiction work that will leave you craving the sequel.

Brenda Cooper returns with a tale of grand proportions. Three unlikely protagonists must team up to struggle with and understand a banished race of semi-AI beings who want back into the solar system.

Charlie Windar is the Han Solo and Dr. Grant of the novel, being a lover of nature and his own pet predator. He is also the best pilot in the galaxy. Gradually, he finds himself pulled into a mix of politics and action, carrying Nona Hall. Nona becomes the heir to a grand sum of money and is chosen to help revolutionize the policies of her new kingdom and face the issue of the incoming invasion. Things certainly don’t seem much better when her best friend Chrystal wakes up now as a robot.

What Cooper excels in is her amazing capacity for creating a vivid setting. It is a rarely seen talent in science fiction to envision a world so fully and then communicate that same completeness to readers. Whether it is the groaning depths of the barbarous jungles or the silent caverns of a metallic spaceship, Cooper paints perfectly a picture for all her readers.

Through these marvelous settings, Cooper also manages to throw in social critique. If we achieve artificial intelligence, what are the ethical complications we are likely to see? What struggle would we see evolving in politics? And the big question: with a society of such artificially intelligent beings, what actually makes us human?

If you are a fan of science fiction or even just a good story, this book is the one for you. Take a deep breath yourself, and then decide who out of these intricate characters has the moral right to draw another: man, beast, or machine. Breathe out.

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4/28/15 4/28/15

"Falling in Love" by Donna Leon / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

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"Falling In Love" by Donna Leon / Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

A dozen bouquets of yellow roses. A world-renowned opera singer. An overly obsessive fan. What could go wrong?

In Donna Leon’s thrilling novel “Falling in Love”, the real 19th Century action occurs behind the curtain. As the twenty-fourth novel in the previously acclaimed Commissario Guido Brunetti series, readers will not be disappointed. Whether you’ve solved cases with Brunetti from the start or are a first time guest, this book will hold you spellbound with your heart racing in overwhelming intensity.

As the finest Venetian opera singer, Flavia Petrelli is used to fans fawning over her voice and giving her presents, but lately her fans have been acting particularly…extreme with their gifts. One fan, in particular, has gone a little overboard, attending every performance and showering Flavia with yellow roses.

There are roses everywhere, so much so that Petrelli begins to dread their appearance. They’re on the stage, in her dressing room, left in the lobby theatre. Always roses. Always yellow. Always unsettling.

The thick smell of roses hangs heavily in the air and turns Flavia’s stomach with fear. When the singer comes home one night to find dozens of yellow roses strewn across her apartment, she decides it’s time to enlist the help of Venice’s beloved Commissario Guido Brunetti, if only to be reassured that she is overreacting.

While the detective attempts to locate the exuberant admirer, Flavia continues to perform, making sure the show goes on no matter what. In taking the time to greet every fan to being trapped in a constant state of paranoia upon leaving her apartment, Flavia expresses her emotions through her powerful voice.

When the curtains come to a close at the conclusion of Tosca at La Fenice opera house, the roaring applause of the standing crowd is the furthest thing from lead soprano Flavia’s mind. She compliments another aspiring opera singer, who days earlier was tossed down a flight of stone steps, which caused Commissario Brunetti – and Flavia – to begin to take the case more seriously.

This giver of roses is no ordinary fan, but someone who has his/her sights on Flavia, and anyone who stands in the way. As Flavia’s stalker grows more obsessive, Brunetti begins to fear for the opera star’s life. He is determined to solve this case before it’s too late, but the longer it takes to find the stalker, the more aggressive the fan becomes.

From the glittering lights of the stage to the murky alleys of Venice, this book overflows with anticipation, along with the rich beauty and history of Venetian life that exemplifies the extraordinary power of music.

This book will grab you from the first page, keep you on the edge of your seat, and leave you breathless while yearning for more, as if you’ve just witnessed a spectacularly powerful performance at the opera.

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4/23/15 4/23/15

"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul Zimmer / Review and Interview by Clay Stafford

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove” or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul Zimmer
Review and Interview by Clay Stafford

The town of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, sounds like a beautiful place, a place I’d like to visit. Nestled within the southwestern precipitous hills and attenuated valleys of the Driftless, they’ve got biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping. And they have author Paul Zimmer, a resident of over 25 years, a man with a pleasant face that inspires you to just sit down and talk with. So, with the help of one of my favorite publishers on the planet, Marty Shepherd of The Permanent Press, I did.

Paul wrote a wonderful book, “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove”, with the town as its namesake. Paul’s story – totally fictional – centers upon two seniors, Cyril and Louise, who live in a senior citizens’ home in this town of fewer than 600 residents. The two characters could not be more different – as the characters themselves could be not be more different from their author – yet what happens between them and what Paul does with them is, in many ways, magical as only life can be.

Cyril in particular loves to hear about other people’s lives, but has never truly lived himself. Isn’t life like that for many people? They know something, but they’ve never lived it? They know of an artist maybe – a poet – but have never read any of her poems? They are, in essence and experience, voyeurs of life. Louise, on the other hand, is one who proverbially sucks the marrow from every bone. What I like about both of these characters – and it is a character piece as much as it is a mystery or thriller – is their feistiness, even in the face of death. For a mystery, you could not expect two more unlikely and frail heroes. Yet, they are. And they are portrayed realistically and sensitively.

There are some really funny lines in the book, through the bittersweet perspective of Cyril. I have to admit, Paul’s comparing Caligula, Hitler, and Dick Cheney in the same breath made me laugh. Though we might not always agree, I love Cyril’s take on things, but the reader almost has to be well-read to sometimes find Cyril’s hidden jokes, which I think is a tribute to Paul. A few lines I didn’t get the punch until several lines later when my subconscious hit me. I’m sure many more were simply lost on my experience. Cyril also says things sometimes as only an older person would.

Clay – Paul, the gentleman in the story, Cyril, became personal for me. He knows a little bit about numerous people and remembers them with computer-like skill. He never was an academic character, but – as he says – he is a “collector of lives” by reading blurbs in old Encyclopedias, something I did – and still do. Was this you? Is that where you got the idea for Cyril’s obsession.

Paul – “No. Actually I have never been a big encyclopedia addict. I just made Cyril up as a character, and he is not like me at all. I made up Louise and Balaclava, too. One day they all started talking to each other and the novel started sailing.”

Clay – And sail, it does. In many ways, they’ve talked a lifetime. Like a Grandma Moses of Literature, you’ve waited many years to publish this novel. It’s your first novel, though you’ve had a long career in publishing. Why did it take so long?

Paul – “Well, I guess I was practicing all that time – now that I look back on it. I must have started half-a-dozen novel manuscripts over the years and they all shipwrecked. But this one sailed right along. I made up the characters and they just started talking.”

Clay – In addition to this first novel, you have a prestigious past as a poet. How hard was it to step away from the prose in “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove” and leave it, rather than search for just the right word or sentence cadence as poetry might require? Or did you search?

Paul – “Oh, there is a lot of poetry in Mysteries. I never stop being a poet, so I guess some of the techniques I've used over the years went into this prose effort. I am damned glad for it!”

Clay – Well, it’s no surprise to me that the language of the book sang as it did. Looking back at your life, you’ve received eight Pushcart Awards, an Award for Literature from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, the Open Book Award by the American Society of Journalists and Authors. You’ve served as writer-in-residence at more than a dozen universities, and twice you’ve been awarded Writing Fellowships by the National Endowment for the Arts. You’ve directed university presses in Georgia, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. Your papers are held at Kent State. And – I love this part – given all these accolades, you flunked out of college. Huh, what? To what do you attribute your own incredible character arc?

Paul – “My wife and I got married in our early twenties, but held off having children for about five years. I used to write on my lunch hours and early in the morning before my family got up. I just kept trucking along, working at everything as hard as I could. My kids are in their fifties now and wonderful. My wife and I have been married close to 55 years. I've been a lucky guy. But I worked hard. Is this a ‘character arc’? Maybe so. I was never a good student.”

Clay – How did you end up in Wisconsin? This is not the stereotype of where we think writers might reside.

Paul – “Wisconsin is a good place for a writer, I think. We live on a farm two miles in, on a dirt road and are surrounded by woods and fields. Our view into the valley is one of the most beautiful west of the Mississippi in my estimation. We see deer, fox, wild turkeys, bobcats, owls, a variety of birds. Everyday. We hear no traffic sounds. I retired about 25 years ago, so now I have all the time I want to write. Not too bad, eh?”

Clay – No, sir, certainly not bad at all. In fact, it makes me want to rent your guest room. At some point, we would love for you to find your way to Killer Nashville. You would be an incredible inspiration. Can we look for you sometime, maybe this year in our 10th year?

Paul – “Well, you never know. I taught for a semester at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville a few years ago. But I doubt, at the age of 80, if I'll do much more teaching.”

As I muse on this and my conversations with Paul, I’m not so sure about that. Like Cyril, I think Paul Zimmer still has a few surprises up his sleeve making us realize it is not too late to truly live, to make a life for yourself. Nor to become a writer. Nor to teach yet one more eager mind. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Paul walking down the halls of the Omni this Halloween with his wife like his characters Cyril and Louise do in Paris. If he does, we will all be the better. In poetry or prose, Paul himself truly is “a collector of lives” despite the comparison he wishes to avoid with Cyril. And I love to listen to the cadence of his voice.

Paul J. Zimmer has written 12 books of poetry, including Family Reunion (1983), which won an Arts and Letters Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is also one of the founders of the Pitt Poetry series. Zimmer has received various awards and honors for his poetry and prose. His first novel “The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove” released in March was received with high praise.

Clay Stafford is an author, filmmaker, and publisher (www.ClayStafford.com) in addition to being the founder of Killer Nashville and publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine. In addition to selling over 1.5 million copies of his own books, Stafford’s latest projects are the documentary “One of the Miracles” and writing the music CD “XO” with Kathryn Dance / Lincoln Rhymes author Jeffery Deaver. He is currently writing a film script based on Peter Straub’s “Pork Pie Hat” for American Blackguard Entertainment.

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4/16/15 4/16/15

"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. Belsky / Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase “The Kennedy Connection” or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. Belsky
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

A run-down, demoted journalist by the name of Gil Malloy meets New York literary agent, Nikki Reynolds, his former agent, at a restaurant on Park Avenue South. Ms. Reynolds offers a proposal to Gil to write a book about the untold story of the Kennedy assassination based on a manuscript offered up by a surprising source. Who is this mystery author? None other than the illegitimate son of Lee Harvey Oswald, the very same Mr. Oswald who was accused of shooting President Kennedy on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas.

Accused yes, but was he truly guilty of the crime? Lee Harvey Oswald, Jr. is convinced there is evidence that would prove otherwise. Evidence of which he intends to publish in his ambiguous, yet to be decided story called “The Kennedy Connection”. What Malloy does not realize, while eating his overpriced burger in Manhattan, is that he will discover a connection between the jaded author and a mysterious New York serial killer, leaving behind Kennedy half-dollars at the murder scenes.

As the story begins to spiral into a monstrous hurricane of conspiracy, lies, and bodies, the reader begins to breathe and think like Malloy. We become the journalist’s shadow, following him through all the twists and turns of the corporate New York City news world. There’s no way to predict the end that challenges the integrity and sanity of our flawed protagonist.

This is where author Belsky’s expertise is recognized and his wit and journalism experience radiate from each page. With what appears to be the first in a series of mystery novels, “The Kennedy Connection” begs to be finished from the first page to the last. Be prepared to stay at home all day with this book in hand!

Briana Goodchild is on the verge of becoming a bibliophile. Like any book reader, she enjoys a strong cup of tea and an enticing story to match. Occasionally, when diving into the Mystery Genre, caffeine is required: some stories are just too good to be interrupted by sleep.

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4/14/15 4/14/15

"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla Royal / Reviewed by Krista Jenkins

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase “Satan's Lullaby” or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla Royal
Reviewed by Krista Jenkins

Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas are back in “Satan's Lullaby”, the eleventh installment in Priscilla Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series. Combining religious and secular aspects, “Satan’s Lullaby” appeals to both a religious or non-religious readers as Royal delivers a satisfying historical mystery.

Much like the darkness creeping into late summer days, dark times await those at the Tyndal Priory in the autumn of 1278. The Tyndal Priory in Norfolk is turned upside-down when a clerk, who happens to be a close confidant of Father Etienne, is found murdered. Before Father Etienne wrongly accuses any more Sisters or Brothers of murder, Prioress Eleanor, Crowner Ralf, and Brother Thomas must find this unholy perpetrator fast!

Royal perfectly interweaves history and murder in “Satan’s Lullaby”. Although this book is the eleventh in Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series, reading the preceding books is not necessary to understand “Satan’s Lullaby”. But, if this book is any indicator of the quality of the series, I recommend reading the entire series!

I recommend this book for anyone who loves a good solid mystery novel, or history buffs looking for some medieval “Whodunit” action.

Krista Jenkins is a self-diagnosed eclecticist. Growing up in Atlanta sparked her interest for R&B and noisy lifestyles, but after moving to Nashville she fell in love with country music and the atmosphere in a quiet coffee shop. She loves books and will read anything from graphic novels to classic literature.

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4/9/15 4/9/15

"The Forgetting Place" by John Burley / Reviewed by Maria Giordano

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

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"The Forgetting Place" by John Burley
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

There will be no forgetting "The Forgetting Place", the second novel by author and ER physician John Burley. Haunting and relentless, this psychological thriller takes what is familiar, turns it upside down to defy reality, all while weaving a gripping tale of intrigue.

"The Forgetting Place" tells the story of Dr. Lise Shields, a psychiatrist at a correctional facility, who has unexpectedly been assigned a patient with no documentation, no history. What she discovers about this patient will set off a chain of events that will force the doctor to do what she believes is necessary to protect her patient as well as her own life.

Two FBI agents say they will help, but are nowhere to be found when Shields’ needs them most, and then her patient goes missing. Shields will use every ounce of ingenuity to save herself, uncover a terrorist plot, and escape what appears to be a slew of undercover agents after her.

But all is not what it seems. And, the doctor, in the end, must face a reality that is far too painful to bear.

Burley expertly draws on his medical background to expose how the depths of mental anguish will push the mind beyond the limits of reality. What the characters experience makes sense, and somehow through this tale there is a deeper understanding of how as humans we bear grief in extraordinary ways.

Maria Giordano requires at least two cups of coffee a day. The mother of two sassy teens, she also requires wine.

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4/7/15 4/7/15

"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. Harris / Reviewed by Cole Meador

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase “Who Buries the Dead” or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

CS Harris
Credit: Samantha Lufti-Proctor

"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. Harris
Reviewed by Cole Meador

The noble and dashing Sebastian St. Cyr is back and ready for harrowing, edge-of-your-seat action in this brand new novel by acclaimed author C.S. Harris! A wonderful hybrid of Gothic mystery and modern thriller, this is the kind of book that will make you glance over your shoulder at night, even though it isn’t 1813 anymore. Hunker down under a blanket and prepare yourself for some secrets.

Following ex-soldier turned nobleman/detective Sebastian St. Cyr, the plot winds its way through early 19th century England, creeping down fog-filled back alleys, dark hallways, and grand, extravagant mansions. On the hunt for a mysterious killer who has a penchant for decapitated heads, Sebastian runs afoul of many memorable characters as he works alongside his strong, beautiful, and quick-witted wife, Hero. What seems like a gruesome murder soon reveals itself to be an act that has ties close to Sebastian’s own family. Make sure to block out several hours of your time because this novel will be glued to your hands!

This chilling and wonderfully crafted book kept me turning pages late into the night, burning the candlewick, (yes, I still use candles), down to the very end. Harris obviously spent a lot of her time researching to craft a believable and absolutely lovely piece of work. Built for anyone who loves their mysteries with a touch of realistic history and plenty of stomach-turning twists, “Who Buries the Dead: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery” is a surefire contender for my favorite thriller of the year.

Cole Meador is a full-time student pursuing a B.A. in Creative Writing. When he isn’t writing poems or short stories, he spends his time frequenting Nashville coffee shops, planning his next road trip, and attending any and all concerts he can. Cole aspires to work in the music industry, while continuing to pursue his passionate love for the written word.

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4/2/15 4/2/15

"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana Kirby / Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Purchase “The Perfect Game” or read other reviews through Killer Nashville’s affiliate, Amazon.com*

"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana Kirby
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

In Leslie Dana Kirby’s debut novel, The Perfect Game, Lauren Rose, a young doctor, finds herself caught up in the emotional aftermath of her older sister’s murder. Immediately cast as a suspect in death, Lauren finds herself defending her reputation not only to the police, but to the quick-to-judge media who feeds off the fame of her sister Liz’s widowed husband—star pitcher Jake Wakefield.

But there’s a snag in Lauren’s reputation: she thinks she might be falling for Jake, bonding with him in their mutual grief and love of baseball. Lauren must navigate the suspicions against her, her feelings for Jake, and eventually the highly publicized trial against Liz’s murderer in order to be at peace with her sister’s death.

Through The Perfect Game, Kirby explores the pressures of a high-publicity trial, and makes the ordeal more relatable for readers through Lauren’s grounded, quieter lifestyle compared to the lavish wealth and fame of the Wakefields.

Kirby hits her stride in the trial portion of the novel, with strong courtroom dialogue and an exciting pace that will leave readers anxiously waiting for the jury’s verdict. The twists leading up to the media-circus and the trial will have readers frustrated and delighted with the characters Kirby creates. From the intelligent, compassionate Lauren, to the sharp-tongued and sassy lawyer Candace Keene (my personal favorite), the characters of The Perfect Game invest readers in the drive behind the novel: justice, secrecy, and the theatre-like aspect of the courtroom.

The major characters feel organic, and their relationships evolve naturally over the length of the novel. Kirby’s writing is quickly paced, and finishes with one last twist that’s both satisfying and unexpected. I would recommend this book to readers looking for a mystery that follows a high-profile case with romance and baseball fans.

Alycia Gilbert studies English and French at a local university with an emphasis in both literature and writing majors, which thankfully excuses the large amount of time she spends reading. An aspiring writer, Gilbert enjoys penning short stories and poems, and she is currently expanding a short story in an attempt at writing a full novel. She acts as editor-in-chief of her university's two literary journals, and loves to help other student writers through editing and strengthening the products of their talents.

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KN Magazine: Reviews

Killer Nashville Book of the Day

Cat Out of Hell by Lynne TrussReviewed by Briana Goodchild

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"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. HarrisReviewed by Cole Meador

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"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana KirbyReviewed by Alycia Gilbert

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Cat Out of Hell by Lynne Truss
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Camille by Pierre Lemaitre
Reviewed by Jonathan Thurston

False Tongues by Kate Charles
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

Shadow Ritual by Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert

The Dragon of Handale by Cassandra Clark
Reviewed by Kimn Hinkson

"Sherlock Holmes, The Missing Years: Japan" by Vasudev Murthy
Reviewed by Ashlyn Duke

"Foxglove Summer" by Ben Aaronovitch
Reviewed by Kate Proffitt

"Business or Blood" by Peter Edwards & Antonio Nicaso
Reviewed by M. K. Sealy

"Whisper Hollow" by Chris Cander
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

“The Burning Gates” by Parker Bilal
Reviewed by Ashlyn Duke

"The Mysteries of Soldiers Grove" by Paul Zimmer
Review and Interview by Clay Stafford

"The Kennedy Connection" by R.G. Belsky
Reviewed by Briana Goodchild

"Satan’s Lullaby" by Priscilla Royal
Reviewed by Krista Jenkins

"The Forgetting Place" by John Burley
Reviewed by Maria Giordano

"Who Buries the Dead" by C.S. Harris
Reviewed by Cole Meador

"The Perfect Game" by Leslie Dana Kirby
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert