Double Blind by Brandilyn Collins

I hope you are ready for another dose of “Seatbelt Suspense®”!  Lisa is 29, suffered several miscarriages, lost her husband and suffered a violent attack. Although she is a person of faith, her depression has become overwhelming. She has tried to rely on God, but she feels her only hope is to be the subject of a new medical experiment which will implant a chip in her brain. What starts out as a quick fix turns out to be her worst nightmare.

This was an interesting plot as the character works through matters of faith while longing for a way to rid her of that crushing depression.  With today’s technology I thought the story was believable, and I could understand the character’s desire to enter into the trial.  The author does not disappoint as she brings her trademark nail-biting suspense to this story. There are some twists in the story that were interesting and surprising.

I confess that I was a little annoyed by the character’s complaints about her mother which I thought were rather superficial criticisms. But in spite of that, I enjoyed the mother/daughter relationship and how they worked through their problems.  It was a very important part of the story.

I have read several of Brandilyn Collins books and although I wouldn't say this was my favorite, it certainly is an interesting read that I would definitely recommend .

Link to purchase Double Blind on Amazon.com

I received a review copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review.  I provide a link to Amazon.com to purchase the book, but it is only as a courtesy and I receive no compensation if purchased.

Political Suicide by Michael Palmer

If you have read Oath of Office by Michael Palmer, you will recognize Dr. Lou Welcome as the main character in his new book, Political Suicide. The author has drifted away from his medical mysteries and into the political thriller genre. Even if you haven’t read Oath of Office, Political Suicide is absolutely a stand-alone read.

    

Lou’s work with doctors recovering form drug or alcohol abuse once again leads him to precarious circumstances in his attempts to help one of his patients. When Dr. Gary McHugh is about to get arrested for the murder of a congressman, he calls Lou for help. Dr. McHugh declares his innocence, but admits he was in an alcohol blackout.  What starts out as a murder mystery quickly turns into much more with an intricate thriller plot with a military angle. 

Lou’s family is again an important part of the story, and his daughter Emily is back in this story. When the doctor finds himself in dangerous circumstances, his mind always goes to thoughts of Emily. Those thoughts give him the strength to endure and survive.  His best friend, Cap, is back again and takes an important role in the story.  There are also several new characters that I suspect we will see again in another upcoming book.

There is plenty of action as the story explores rogue military actions, questionable medical research, and twists and turns along the way that were totally unexpected. This is another great book by Michael Palmer and I recommend it for anyone who likes a fast-paced thriller with interesting and strong characters..

Pansy at the Palace A Beverly Hills Mystery by Cynthia Bardes and illustrations by Kim Weissenborn

Link to purchase Pansy at the Palace

Pansy is a shelter dog.  All the other dogs get new homes, but Pansy is always left behind until one day a little girl with curly brown hair named Avery took her home.  This little poodle can’t believe her new home, The Palace Hotel in Beverly Hills and when jewelry mysteriously disappears, Pansy helps solve the mystery.  This delightful story is told from Pansy’s own point of view.

This is a wonderful book in so many ways.  Pansy at the Palace will appeal to a wide age range, from non-readers to early school age.  The pages are thick, sturdy tear-resistant pages which are perfect for younger children, and the story is intricate enough to interest early school aged children. My two-year old granddaughter loved it.  I appreciated that the story was about shelter pets and the adoption of Pansy. 

The pen & ink and watercolor illustrations by Kim Weissenborn are outstanding. This is a large hard cover book at about 12 ¼” long and 9 ¼” wide.   The detailed illustrations fill the page beautifully and the colors are bright and appealing.

I highly recommend this book and I think it would make a perfect gift book.

I received a review copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review.  I provide a link to Amazon.com to purchase the book, but it is only as a courtesy and I receive no compensation if purchased.