PALMER LAKE by Thomas C. McCollum III

Genre-Murder Mystery
Harback

This is a bit of a murder mystery, vision of what the future could hold and a make you think book all in one.

The story begins with the suspicious suicide of Palmer Lake’s most influential citizen. Many believe he killed himself just to be cryogenically frozen and possibly reanimated in the future. Others like his wife believe it was a murder. Whatever it was the end result was the same this man died and was frozen per his wishes.

If William Chase was truly killed then the killer may be in for some surprise. It seems cryogenics have gone much further than anyone imagined. Sometime in the near future they just may be able to revive William Chase. Thus leaving him to tell whether he killed himself or someone else did it for him.

There are many that wanted William dead and many that loved him, thus the mystery. I personally found this book intriguing and imaginative. The idea that someone could be frozen cryogenically and then brought back to identify their killer is ingenious. It gives you a whole new look on cryogenic possibilities as well as being entertained in the process. I also found this book made me think on many ethical questions should this ever be possible. I would definitely read more from this author.

ANGLOMERIKA by Zane Smith

Genre:Literary Thriller (Alternate history)
E-book

This is one book that I started fully expecting to not like. I though Oh this is a political thriller it’s not my normal genre. I also agreed to take this book because I don’t like turning authors down without at least trying to review the book. Well, I was more than pleasantly surprised. I found not only did I like this book I loved it. I found it very thought provoking and even highly possible.

This book begins when the Republican party splits and becomes two separate parties. The new party has named itself, The New American Party, it is so much to the right that they consider the Republicans to be liberals. This is indicative of the nations views, which are shifting towards a facist nation.

This book follows Sam O’Hara through his life. Sam is laid off and set up to become an assassin. Between his lay off and his training many things happen, he is framed for murder for one. In addition to Sam’s story we see how America changes from being called The United States Of American to Anglomerika. Not only that but once The New American Party comes into control of the US, they also change their name to Anglomerika. In addition they change the nations flag to one more resembling a Nazi flag.

Through Sam’s life and newspaper reports and excerpts you get a very chilling look at what life in America could become in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this book

SHADOW IMAGE by JAYE ROYCRAFT

Vampire-Romance
Trade Paperback

This is the third vampire book by Jaye Roycraft that I have had the privilege of reviewing. She is quickly becoming another one of my favorite vampire authors. Imagine my distress when I found out the book had been put in the wrong book pile and I hadn’t had the chance to read it much sooner. However, I must say the story was worth the wait.

Shelby Court moves to Shadow Bay to escape city life and crime. Shelby is the new Sheriff of Shadow Bay and is expecting it to be a quiet job. Totally unlike the city she left. Shelby has demons she must deal with, or is that escape from? She is hoping that in Shadow Bay she can do just that.

Only there is a little obstacle put in Shelby’s way, people are beginning to turn up dead. Thus the slow quiet job begins turning more and more into life in the city. Shelby meets Ricard De Chaux and new county medical examiner at the scene of one of the murders. She and he seem to hit it off nicely from the beginning. Little does she know this man is much more than he appears.

Ricard De Chaux is the notorious le docteur la mort and one time enforcer for the vampire community. He too is a vampire that has moved to Shadow Bay to oversee the vampires in the area. He also knows that it is a vampire committing the murders, but of course he can’t tell Shelby that. She wouldn’t believe him for one and he’d have to kill her to protect his own kind for another. It seems for some reason Ricard cannot fathom, his killing Shelby is a very unappealing thought. Could the vampire who hates humans be falling for one? That is a question not only he but some of the vampires in the area are wondering.

Some of the other vampires decide to take the situation into their own hands, thus putting Shelby in danger. This leaves many questions needing to be answered. Like will Shelby find out about the vampires? What will she do if she does find out about them? Will they kill her? What will Ricard do about his growing feelings for Shelby?

If you like the first two books from this author, you will enjoy this one also.

WATCHERS: THE COMING OF THE KING by WILLIAM MEIKLE
BLACK DEATH BOOKS
2003

Vampire-Horror

This is a vampire book unlike all others. This is the first of a series of three. This is definitely not your typical Dracula book. It is a whole new world with a whole new look. This is what history could have been like if vampires had been a prevalent society on earth. When reading this book you get the impression this is something that really could have happened in an alternate past.

The book begins in London 1649 with the beheading of the previous ruler. This is an execution that can only happen at night since this same person is also a vampire. The revealing of which is what has led to this execution. The man was so confident in his hold over the country that when he was exposed he never saw the revolt coming. He found out too late once the people found out he was a vampire they had him put in chains and put to death.

Many years after the vampire leader’s death nothing has returned to normal. There is the rumor that a young vampire leader is yet to come. The world has locked themselves behind walls that are constantly patrolled by guards. All in fear of a young vampire that has yet to come and some believe never will. Now many years after the beheading many believe there is no danger, many have slacked off in their duties. They have no inkling of what is yet to come.

Many things change when a stranger shows up at Milecastle with his daughter. While many don’t trust him, he is given a place to stay. The news he brings with him is grim. It seems the day many thought would never come, but have watched for is here. The young vampire king is on his way to reclaim his throne and lands.

From there I will not go further, except to say this is a definite must for all vampire book readers and collectors like myself. I look forward to delivering the review of the second book closer to release date and am dying to read the third in the trilogy.