
The Censor's Hand is a magnificent debut
The Censor's Hand
Book One of the Thrice~Crossed Swords Trilogy
by A.M. Steiner
Ptolemy
Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date 14 May 2017 Review A M Steiner has a great future as a writer. The Censor’s Hand is a captivating fantasy with a unique worldview and an unusual and uncanny take on magic. The masters of magic do so by going to strange and unusual extremes. There is not one way to do magic. It is highly individualized. It is also highly profitable and previously open only

Ocean of Secrets, Volume 1 unexceptional but shows promise
Ocean of Secrets, V.1 Manga
by Sophie-chan
Diamond Book Distributors
Tokyopop
Comics & Graphic Novels , Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date 16 May 2017 Review Ocean of Secrets, Sophie-chan’s manga debut, is delightful. As it is only the first volume, it introduces the premise but doesn’t go deep into the story. There are three floating kingdoms where magic is an Integral part of life. A decade ago, a queen was murdered and her daughter lost. Since that time, Moria and Al have

9 Tales of Raffalon - Accompany a bold thief on his misadventures
9 Tales of Raffalon
by Matthew Hughes
Matthew Hughes
Mystery & Thrillers , Sci Fi & Fantasy
Pub Date 01 May 2017 Review Raffalon is a thief of extraordinary skill and equally extraordinary bad luck. But Raffalon’s misfortunes are the reader’s gain as they accompany him on his adventures and misadventures, as he talks himself into and out of trouble. Matthew Hughes combines action and humor as skillfully as Raffalon picks a lock. He also doesn't allow his work to be too

Death by Vanilla Latte
Death by Vanilla Latte By Alex Erickson Kensington Books Kensington Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 30 May 2017 Review Krissy Hancock’s father is a famous mystery author. Her bookstore cafe is named for him, but she is the last to know about his surprise visit. James Hancock’s visit to Pine Hills is a major event, bringing out both amateur authors and fans in droves. Unfortunately for Krissy, it also means the presence of his slimy agent, and to make matters even worse, her f

Tangible Spirits
Tangible Spirits by Becki Willis Becki Willis General Fiction (Adult) , Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 02 May 2017 Review Tangible Spirits is a light paranormal cozy that is a pleasure to read. It isn’t one of the standard witches/shifters/psychic (which can be very good in their own right) mysteries. Instead the mystery is set in a small tourist town that is reportedly haunted. The paranormal component is important but not overwhelming. Gera Stapleton is a no nonsense repor

The Beekeeper
The Beekeeper
by Stewart Giles
Joffe Books
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 22 May 2017 Review The Beekeeper is a solid British police procedural that will readily appeal to fans of Midsommer Murders and the like. DC Harriet Taylor transferred to Polgarrow from Edinburgh after the death of her husband. The sleepy Cornish village has little crime, and until now a handful of burglaries have been the extent of Taylor’s experience. Alice Green is an elderly beekeeper, happily l


Memorable but not meaningful graphic novel explores the essence of music
Instrumental Dave Chisolm Diamond Books Comics and Graphic Pub Date 30 May 2017 Review Why do you create? What is the purpose for art, for music? What would you give to be noticed, remembered? Tom is a man who is a good trumpet player, but not a great one. He is dissatisfied with playing with his friends, angry and more than a little self-centered. One day an old man gives him a black trumpet. With it, Tom is able to play music that captivates and inspires, but it also

Readers will have fun with The Clock Strikes Nun
The Clock Strikes Nun By Alice Loweecey Henery Press Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 30 May 2017 Review The Clock Strikes Nun is a wonderful mystery. Guilia Driscoll is a breath of fresh air. Whether she is channeling her inner nun or one of her other useful personas, Giulia has an integrity that shines through. It's easy to see why the clients of Driscoll Investigations readily place their trust in her. Giulia isn't superwoman, but she is supremely capable. Along with her

Julie Mulhern has a bold take on the 1970s
WATCHING THE DETECTIVES The Country Club Murders by Julie Mulhern Henery Press Humor, Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 23 May 2017 Review Julie Mulhern skillfully brings the 1970s to life, capturing its vibrant color, changing attitudes and modern fashions. Ellison Russell is at once both a product of her Country Club background and a modern woman celebrating her newfound independence. She challenges the norms embodied by her mother (who thinks cocktail parties, charity work, h

Meet the Indy of the Supernatural World
Owl and the Electric Samurai By Kristi Charish Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books Pocket Star Sci Fi & Fantasy Pub Date 08 May 2017 Review Owl and the Electric Samurai is a refreshing departure from the standard urban fantasy fare. Owl isn't a dime a dozen Mary Jane who suddenly has immense powers and a horde of hot paranormals chasing after her. Well she does have paranormals chasing after her mainly because they either want to kill her or want her to find/steal something fo