Mystery | Chanticleer Book Reviews

An Editorial Review of “Dark Seed” by Lawrence Verigin

2020-02-20T14:06:49-08:00By P Beason|

This thriller’s premise of international corporations controlling the food supply and sacrificing human health for the sake of profits is so plausible that it is horrifying. Readers will find themselves rapidly turning the pages to see what happens next in this disturbing “OMG this could really happen” novel. A strong debut novel by Lawrence Verigin that adeptly tackles the pertinent and socially relevant topic of GMO’s with tight writing and fast-paced action.

An Editorial Review of “Double or Nothing” by Meg Mims

2016-12-17T12:15:42-08:00By T. Mitchell|

The mystery is set during the rough and tumble California mining days of 1869. Meg Mims vividly brings these times to life with her accurate historical research and her clear and striking imagery of bustling towns, dangerous quicksilver mines, and rugged landscapes. An entertaining Western mystery read with just the right amount of romance.

An Editorial Review of “Ephemeral Palaces” by Nancy Foshee

2014-10-01T15:01:54-07:00By kbrown|

Shakespearean charades and surprises ensue when one of the Chicago’s most prominent and most eligible young heiresses, Alexandra Schaffer, beguiles an up-and-coming young architect, Logan McConnell. Foshee adds elements of mystery and suspense, with a dash of ominous threats to this cozy romantic story that takes place in the shadows of Chicago World's Fair during the Gilded Age. An engaging historical novel that was well-researched and a pleasure for this reviewer to have read.

Editorial Review of “Legend of the Wyakin” by David G. Rasmussen

2016-12-17T12:15:42-08:00By S. J. Stanton|

As chapter one begins, Rasmussen takes us back to June 1865 when the Gold Rush was in full swing, as Captain Phillip La Mar, in the wheelhouse of his stern-wheel riverboat, Jupiter, enters the day's events in the logbook. His major concern is that three crewmen have cholera—the deadly scourge of the riverboats that ply the Missouri River, carrying freight and passengers destined for Fort Benton (Montana) and the goldfields beyond.

An Editorial Review of “Fathers House” by C. Edward Baldwin

2016-12-17T12:15:44-08:00By D Beaumier|

The twists and turns of Fathers House will satisfy readers who find non-obvious connections connecting devilishly amusing. Juxtaposition of the bribery, murders, and power plays against Baldwin’s subliminal questioning of free will and what really drives all of our lives is not highlighted in an initial reading, but in the undercurrent subtext. This is yet another example of how Baldwin’s story engages the reader in unexpected ways. Often times the grotesque scenes of the novel are juxtaposed with people simply living life, dealing with paperwork, or stuck on a stagnate case they don’t understand.

An Editorial Review of “Fatal Induction” by Bernadette Pajer

2014-03-28T18:37:50-07:00By A. Libey|

"Fatal Induction" is a captivating, classic mystery featuring Professor Bradshaw that takes place in the time of Tesla and Edison in the burgeoning city of Seattle. Pajer's vivid writing takes readers to this exciting time that is in the crossroads of scientific investigation and innovation, when automobiles and horse drawn carts compete for the same streets, and the United States reels with political unrest and social upheaval. Readers will warm to the curmudgeonly and reserved professor who has a heart of gold and a penchant for investigation.

An Editorial Review of “Unbroke Horses” by D. B. Jackson

2014-03-27T17:25:33-07:00By Chanticleer|

It is a powerful, un-blinking telling of the hard-fought war between the bravery of one who refuses to give up against the cunning cruelty of a malevolent trio of ruthless men. D. B. Jackson’s "Unbroke Horses" has carefully chiseled characters and is written with unflinching clarity in short, powerful chapters dominated by taut dialogue and hard hitting action. If you’re a Cormac McCarthy fan who appreciates western literary thrillers, this masterfully written novel is a must-read.

An Editorial Review of “Petroplague” by Amy Rogers

2016-12-17T12:15:44-08:00By Kirk Smith|

Cars, trucks, and planes grind to a halt as an oil-eating bacteria (similar to the one used to clean up the Exxon Valdez disaster) consumes fuel, while free hydrogen gas causes explosions and fires around the city of L.A. Amy Rogers, M.D. Ph.D. grounds her science-based thriller in fact until the last possible second when she expertly blends "what if" with "what is" making "Petroplague" a page-turning thriller.

An Editorial Review of “The Blue Virgin” by M. K. Graff

2016-12-17T12:15:44-08:00By S. J. Stanton|

Graff’s sophisticated writing interweaves eccentric characters, visually rich locales, epigraphs, and well-crafted dialog that together create a delightfully clever and intriguing mystery. “The Blue Virgin” by Marni Graff is a First Place Category winner for British Cozy Mysteries in the Mystery & Mayhem Awards for Cozy Mysteries 2013.

An Editorial Review of “Rules of Lying” by Stephie Smith

2014-06-28T11:15:52-07:00By Chanticleer|

Readers who enjoy fun and randy mysteries about being caught in the bumbling world of love will greatly enjoy Stephie Smith's "Rules of Lying." Jane Dough is a charmer. I was surprised with the ending and am looking forward to reading more about Jane’s adventures and her new lease on love. A laugh-out-loud story that will keep you entertained to the very end.