MWSA Review Done

Trust No One by Glenn Dyer

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MWSA Review

Trust No One by Glenn Dyer is a well-researched and written WW2 historical novel that entertains, informs, and intrigues readers. It’s the 4th book in the Conor Thorn espionage series inspired by true events.

The story, locations, and historical period evoke images of “Casablanca.” It’s missing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre, but Trust No One doesn’t lack heroes or villains. We get cameos or at least shout-outs of Eisenhower, Churchill, Admiral Jean Darlan, Klaus Barbie—the Butcher of Lyon—Charles DeGaulle, Ian Fleming, professional spies, a courageous brothel owner, an evil priest, and multiple others—real and imagined. A good use of dialogue keeps the story moving.

The action alternates between Algiers and Lyon, with forays into Marseilles, London, Gibraltar, and Tunisia. The locations provide a mysterious backdrop of dark alleys, smokey cafés, and foggy airfields, where nothing is as it appears.

All the significant and influential WW2 organizations play a role in the political puzzle and multiple storylines: the Allies, the Axis Powers, the French Resistance, the Gestapo and SS, MI6, SOE, OSS, Vichy France, the Abwehr, and…the Catholic Church. We get double-dealing, thrilling escapes, and violence. All the boxes are checked.

About halfway through, I felt overwhelmed by the multiple plot lines, so I jumped to the author’s notes and acknowledgments, which helped me connect the dots. At 107,000 words, the narrative may test readers’ patience and challenge their ability to fit all the pieces of the puzzle. But those willing to stick with Trust No One to the end will be rewarded with a memorable and thrilling reading experience.

Review by James Elsener (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Loyalists meant to rid their country of a double-dealing collaborator. Instead, they created a threat that could destroy Allied unity.

Algiers. Winter 1942. Conor Thorn is devastated. He’s been fired from the OSS. His wife, Emily, has been fired from MI6. They allowed their morals to bend certain truths concerning the outcome of their last mission. Forever dedicated to defeating Axis powers, these skilled operatives jump at the chance to secretly help General Eisenhower deal with a political time bomb threatening Allied harmony and to redeem their honorable standing. To recover a rumored archive holding the truth about an assassination plot, they must travel deep into perilous Axis territory.

In the crosshairs of those determined to keep the information out of Allied hands, Conor and Emily fall victim to a violent assault. Though the resulting injuries leave him severely concussed and confused, Conor refuses to stand down while his beloved ventures deeper into danger.

Can Conor and Emily piece together a political puzzle in time to keep Allied unity from fracturing?

Trust No One is the high intensity, gritty fourth book in the Conor Thorn WWII espionage series inspired by true events. If you like heart-pounding action and white-knuckled tension, then you’ll love Glenn Dyer’s thrill ride through history.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 402

Word Count: 107,710

Phoboudenopanophobia by Dan Wetmore

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MWSA Review

Dan Wetmore has no intention of making things easy for the readers of his book of poetry, inexplicably (until page 36) named Phoboudenopanophobia. He warns that he intends to “play with words and make origami of thoughts and musings.” He might have attached a flashing light or wailing siren to this warning. Be prepared for often fruitless internet searches and dictionary lookups as you make your way through this book.

In other words, reading Wetmore's work is a demanding process. You'll often catch glimpses of meaning and understand his intent. But just as frequently, even after several read-throughs, you might find yourself accepting that Wetmore has invited you to continue pondering his words rather than providing a readily decipherable Rosetta Stone for each poem.

There’s nothing airy or easy about this book. Wetmore employs words as tools to grapple with many serious subjects, including Alzheimer’s, death, drowning, perception, claustrophobia, torture, and more. If you’re looking for a feel-good book of poetry, Phoboudenopanophobia isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re game for a challenging mental workout, you might want to give this one a try.

Review by John Cathcart (April 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

Penning a previous book, My Mother’s Gentle Unbecoming, about her descent into dementia, got me contemplating a similar fate, so I wrote this volume as an extended last letter to my family, sort of an “epitaph in absentia”; hoped insurance against having last feelings go unexpressed, in the event the body outlives the being. An exploration of the emotional toll taken on the leaving and the left behind, the title is a braid of the three fears which predominate: fear of having nothing (Oudenophobia); fear—at a point when all is unknown (and the unknown is easily alarming)—of everything (Panophobia); and, as the product of those two, a fear of being reduced to a constant state of dread, i.e., fear itself (Phobophobia).

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 75

Word Count: 8,000

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light by Wanda W. Jerome and Jasmine Tritten

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MWSA Review

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light is a delightful surprise of art with every turn of the page. Wanda Jerome’s poetry complements Jasmine Tritten’s kaleidoscope of sunrises over the breathtaking New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains.

In the last poem, Jerome’s words accompany the promise of daybreak over the mountains captured by Tritten. “The sun breaks free. Shine on, rays of life! No longer do I have to search for Thee. I am here, a willing target for your love.”

This inspirational and lovely book brings a peace of mind and a piece of art to brighten your day. I breezed through it and then again. Thank you, ladies, for this unique gift.

Review by Nancy Panko (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Heartfelt poems channeled through spiritual inspiration and personal messages of love and light accompany photographs of enchanting New Mexico's beautiful sunrises over the Sandia Mountains. Included are glimpses into the natural environment of New Mexico – the flora and fauna – that make it a special destination for nature lover and spiritual seekers.


This collaboration came about magically through a shared appreciation of their experiences during morning meditations. Weaving a tapestry of poems and photographs, the authors hope to lift the spirits of souls in need of love, light and joy.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Artistic—Pictorial/Coffee Table

Number of Pages: 108

Word Count: 3,260

The Tall Poppy Syndrome - The Joy of Cutting Others Down by Douglas Garland

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MWSA Review

The Tall Poppy Syndrome is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive look at the phenomenon many people call "schadenfreude." The author has provided exhaustive background research dating back thousands of years and illustrating well-known events and historical characters to illustrate how others have cut them down at the peak of their success. HIs examples range from esteemed political and military leaders, to civil rights icons, entertainers, and a few well-known scoundrels. I found the example of the Hatfield-McCoy feud particularly interesting, and readers with interests in almost any era from the past several millennia will likely find something to pique their interest.

Review by Frank Biggio (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) is a metaphor describing seeing a field of poppies and cutting down the tall ones so that all are equal. This traditional definition applies to someone who is of distinction and is cut down by an envious person. This syndrome is not well known in America. A hypothesis was our individualism prevented it. The author found examples in most parts of the world in all periods. After his world review, the author concluded that TPS was prevalent in America but unrecognized. 

The author dissects TPS into cutters and cuttees. He describes the vices found in cutters who cut people down. He also describes vices in tall poppies which justified their being cut down. By doing this the viewer can determine who is the guilty person. It also allows self-reflection and self-awareness of the reader. 

The author also divides TPS into peer-to-peer and public. Peer-to-peer TPS involves one's tribe and is driven by envy. It includes families, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. These people are common folk and need not be tall. Public TPS involves true tall poppies and are justifiably cut down for their egregious behavior.  

The book is a world history lesson viewed through the TPS lens. Readers will understand the bad behavior, both of cutter and cuttee, which drives TPS. With the new behavioral understanding, the reader improves his self-awareness through reflection.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Reference

Number of Pages: 318

Word Count: 100,000

http://douggarland.com

Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War by Juan Manuel Pérez

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MWSA Review

Juan Manuel Perez shows us why he was selected as Poet Laureate for Corpus Christi in his book Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War. In this collection of fifty poems, author Perez writes a memoir-in-verse remembering his deployment to the war. As a medic, he saw the horrors of war firsthand. He didn't need to go looking for them; they were brought to him. From a transport plane that nearly crashes on top of his tent to routine combat, the memories of those injured and dying souls still haunt him. In addition to the violence of war, the sadness and separation from family affected him and the others around him. This book is a very good read. It had me hooked from the first poem.

Review by Bob Doerr (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War by Juan Manuel Pérez (“Doc”) is a fifty-sonnet, autobiographical recollection of memories and thoughts about serving in the First Gulf War in 1990 to 1991, otherwise known as Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm/Desert Calm, as a Navy Corpsman in a Marine Corps Battalion while earning the title of “DEVIL DOC.” It is also about life after that, especially thoughts coming back to haunt the now veteran severely during the isolating time of the COVID-19 pandemic in conjunction with the Thirty-Year Anniversary of that same war, causing spikes in his PTSD and recurring nightmares. The author’s hope for this book is to let others continue to see that they are not alone in the silent suffering that goes with serving our country, especially in war or in any other event that may lead to PTSD. He hopes they can see that by continuing to talk or write about it, that it can become an integral part of the healing process, even if we can’t get the events out of our minds. This fast-paced, easy-to-read memoir-in-verse is in fact a first-person, oral account of one of America’s last global conflicts of the 20th century. This book will prove to be a great addition to your reading selections whether you are a poetry lover or a student of history. This book will surely become a supplemental college reading text in the study of the human cost of America’s involvement in modern day global conflicts.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 77

Word Count: 7,724


One at a Time by Allen Wittenborn

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MWSA Review

One at a Time by Allen Wittenborn will be an enjoyable read for anybody looking to have a sense of the human element in some memorable events from history. It's written in a nice, succinct way so that readers can jump to any specific chapter that suits their reading mood at the time. 

Review by Frank Biggio (April 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

This baker's dozen of short reads explores the lives of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, locations, and time periods. They include true cases and imaginary ones. Some of the protagonists do well, others not so well. You'll find stories that are one hundred-percent factual, some purely imaginary, others a bit of each--creative nonfiction. Some end ambiguously or have no end at all. The stories are not listed in any particular order. They are not listed chronologically. There is no topic that binds them together, none of them is connected to another. The only common theme, it is hoped, is a potpourri of enjoyable stories.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Other—Anthology/Collection

Number of Pages: 207

Word Count: 57,000



The Expendable by John Lewis Floyd

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MWSA Review

The Expendable is the World War Two story of Navy Corpsman Charles Beckner, who was serving in the Philippine Islands when the war with Japan broke out. It was written by Beckner’s son-in-law, John Lewis Floyd, a retired Air Force medical doctor. The book is a work of creative nonfiction, which uses fictional literary styles and techniques to tell a story while adhering strictly to the facts. Using this style makes for an easy and even flowing read.

Beckner left a small Midwestern town well before the war started for the U.S. Using base libraries and engaging with educated commissioned officers, he soon developed a wide vocabulary, expanded his general knowledge, and followed the war in Europe and Japan’s war on China. As the woefully undermanned, ill-equipped, poorly supplied, and under-trained U.S. forces in the Philippine Islands prepared for war, Beckner took it upon himself to increase his training and preparedness, including becoming a qualified gunner on the legendary M2 .50-caliber machine gun. His initiative served him well.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked in Dec. 1941, it soon became clear to those serving in the Philippines that they would not be reinforced or resupplied and could only fight on to delay Japan’s war plans as long as possible. As bases and facilities were destroyed, Beckner wisely tried to take charge of his own fate, to the extent possible, which led him on an odyssey where he witnessed almost all of the historical milestones of the doomed Philippine campaign.

The author’s medical expertise gives great insight into Beckner’s combat medical episodes. The creative nonfiction format works very well with this story and draws in other legendary true-life characters of that place and time. Overall, this is a very satisfying read.

Review by Terry Lloyd (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The Expendable is a captivating, true story from the opening months of WWII in the Pacific. As smoke billows skyward from Pearl Harbor, Japan throws its full military might against the outnumbered and under-equipped Filipino forces. Hart sends his U.S. Asiatic Fleet south, to the safety of Allied waters. When the remnants of PBY Patrol Wing 10 depart with the fleet, Charles Beckner, corpsman for Squadron 102, is left behind with no apparent avenue for escape. Under relentless pressure from General Homma's troops and air forces, the American-Filipino troops retreat to the tip of the Bataan Peninsula. Sick with malaria and dysentery and nearly out of food and ammunition, surrender is imminent for those who survive. Charles wrangles a transfer to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 as machine gunner and corpsman on PT-34. After two months of engaging enemy forces along the Bataan coast, Squadron 3 is tasked with a critical, covert mission, evacuating General MacArthur, that once more leaves Charles stranded, this time on the southern Philippine island of Cebu. As the Japanese noose tightens, Charles joins other sailors and soldiers preparing for guerrilla resistance from the interior mountains of Mindanao Island. His plans are interrupted by one more mission, one that will unexpectedly reunite him with crewmen of his old seaplane squadron. With advancing Japanese troops only minutes away, the decision is to take the only remaining chance to escape, risking death rather than surrender.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Creative Nonfiction

Number of Pages: 505

Word Count: 150,000


Laugh Rinse Repeat by Terry Hans RDH

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MWSA Review

Laugh Rinse Repeat is a delightful set of short (“bite-sized”) stories by Terry Hans of tales told to her by patients who were sitting in the dentist’s chair or that happened to her during her 45-year career as a registered dental hygienist. The stories reflect her caring nature. For example, she deals kindly and creatively with those more than a little frightened of coming to the dentist and those who are upset for some non-dental reason. She even tells stories on herself.

The book has 75 stories divided into 4 parts which reflect her movement from Buffalo to Rochester to Tennessee. However, it is a work of fiction. The author states in her disclaimer that she changed not only names but also characteristics, places, and times, and she embellished some and/or combined stores “to provide a greater impact.” The section on the author describes how she honed her writing skills successfully: she has been published multiple times in Chicken Soup for the Soul collections and has contributed stories and poems to the award-winning anthology 9/11-That Beautiful Broken Day. Laugh Rinse Repeat is her first novel.

Review by Nancy Kauffman (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

During a forty-five year career, dental hygienist, Terry Hans has treated thousands of patients. The one thing they have in common is they’re all a little scared, so they babble, often revealing stories about themselves they would never tell otherwise. Some stories are bizarre, some funny, most are heartwarming, but rest assured, they are all true!

In this compilation, Terry Hans—called by her friends and patients “the Dental Erma Bombeck”—shares her favorites. You won’t even need an appointment to have a hilarious time reading Laugh, Rinse, Repeat.”

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Other—Humor

Number of Pages: 272

Word Count: 53,803


Into The Storm by Darcy Guyant

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MWSA Review

Whether you’re a young reader seeking an exciting new adventure or a concerned parent looking for an inspiring story, Into the Storm delivers the tale of an exhilarating Coast Guard helicopter rescue through stormy skies and over rough seas. Darcy Guyant, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 25 years of military service, draws on his firsthand experiences to add just the right amount of authenticity to this story of Dolph, a Coast Guard HH-65 "Dolphin" rescue helicopter; his skilled pilot, Gwen; and the rescue crew.

Through Dolph and Gwen’s daring escapade, readers learn about important themes, such as courage, trust, and teamwork. The illustrations are exceptionally vivid and colorful, not only enhancing the storytelling but also sparking the imaginations of young readers. This book is a delightful blend of creativity, imagination, and authenticity that will transport children to the daring world of the U.S. Coast Guard. Into the Storm has it all: captivating imagery, an engaging storyline, great characters, and important themes.

Review by Bob Ritchie (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

A severe storm quickly develops, catching three fishermen off guard in the open ocean. They are in danger of sinking and need help, fast! Who will come to their rescue?

Dolph, a Coast Guard HH-65 “Dolphin” rescue helicopter and his pilot, Gwen, quickly respond to save the three men in distress. But the mission is not easy. Courage, team work, and trusting the team to do their jobs are essential.

In order to reach the sinking boat as quickly as possible, they must fly directly into the storm, which makes both Dolph and Gwen very nervous. They must trust each other, work as a team, and demonstrate courage to save the men who are in danger of drowning.

Dolph, Gwen, the Rescue Swimmer (Sam), and the Flight Mechanic (Mike) work together to accomplish the mission, even while facing additional unexpected challenges.

This story is based on an actual rescue mission performed by the author, Darcy Guyant, a retired U.S. Coast Guard HH65 Dolphin helicopter pilot.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 40

Word Count: 1118


Welcome Home Melanie Mae by Tiffany Rebar

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MWSA Review

Tiffany Rebar has penned a delightful children’s tale of dreams and magic in her new book Welcome Home Melanie Mae.

When a real-life giraffe comes looking for a new home, she finds it in the love and laughter of two creative young girls. Their week-long adventures include an animal parade, a photoshoot, a dress-up party, and a jungle safari—something unique and delightful for each day. The book’s illustrations grab young readers’ attention with enchanting artwork (and even include a hidden object contest and giraffe fact sheet for further exploration). These small artistic touches leave plenty to be explored by young minds.

Rebar’s style of prose is both lyrical and appropriate for the age of young readers. Her characters are emotionally uplifting, almost jumping off the page begging you to join in the fun. This story is a must-read for anyone who loves laughter and the fun-filled world of children’s imagination. The lucky giraffe, Melanie Mae, has indeed found a forever home.

Review by Sandi Cathcart (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Melanie Mae's beautiful smile and loving character will delight children as they read about her adventures in a new home. Melanie Mae encourages learning as she goes through the days of the week with her new family. With the amazing imagination of two girls, who happily welcomed her into their family, Melanie Mae can do anything. Their days are filled with fun and excitement as they do photo shoots, dance, dress-up, go on a safari, and much more. Melanie Mae is happy to find a place where she can be the unique, silly giraffe that she truly is. She finally found a place where she belongs.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 28

Word Count: 210

The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson

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MWSA Review

The Fine Art of Camouflage by Lauren Kay Johnson captured my attention from the first chapter. “My boobs hurt. My body armor was designed for men and, for obvious reasons, didn’t fit perfectly.” This is the beginning of a book that is hard to put down.

Lauren Johnson serves her country for the first time as a member of a military family at the age of seven when her Army Reserve nurse mother deploys during Desert Storm. For this child, it is traumatic. It is heart-wrenching. Lauren hates having her mother gone, but ten years later, wanting to emulate her mother, she enlists in ROTC and is eventually deployed to Afghanistan.

As an information officer, young Lieutenant Johnson acts as a liaison between the U.S. Army and the Afghan people to help promote a sense of nationalism among the Afghan people, supporting the mission of “connecting people to their government.” She deals in sound bites, base tours, presentations, media lectures, and newspaper articles. Halfway through her tour, Lauren finds herself losing her optimism and questioning whether the effort in the war-torn country is going to change anything. One day, she realizes there is no ideal plan due to cultural differences, bureaucratic red tape, and politics on both sides.

As a reader, I felt I was with Lauren Johnson on this journey. I felt her disillusionment growing in the effort to do her job of painting a positive picture. I felt the changes she experienced in a war zone, wondering when she would be the next victim of a random IED. Author Lauren Johnson’s writing is stirring and evocative.

Review by Nancy Panko (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Lauren Kay Johnson is just seven when she first experiences a sacrifice of war as her mother, a nurse in the Army Reserves, deploys in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. A decade later, in the wake of 9/11, Lauren signs her own military contract and deploys to a small Afghan province with a non-combat nation-building team. Through her role as the team's information operations officer-the filter between the U.S. military and the Afghan and international publics-and through interviews and letters from her mother's service, Lauren investigates the role of information in war and in interpersonal relationships, often wrestling with the truth in stories we read and hear from the media and official sources, and in those stories we tell ourselves and our families.


A powerful generational coming-of-age narrative against the backdrop of war, The Fine Art of Camouflage reveals the impact from a child's perspective of watching her mother leave and return home to a hero's welcome to that of a young idealist volunteering to deploy to Afghanistan who, war-worn, eventually questions her place in the war, the military, and her family history-and their place within her.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 270

Word Count: 88000

Rescued by Andy L. Vistrand

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MWSA Review

Rescued by Andy L. Vistrand is a story of “man meets dog” when they both are down and out for the count. A perfect pairing results in the rescuing of souls, but who exactly rescued whom?

Anyone who has owned a dog knows that the unconditional love from a pet can soothe away the doldrums of a bad day. However, for a former combat veteran, a loyal pet can make the difference between choosing life versus death. Science can prove the physiological benefits of owning and caring for a pet. But science can’t measure the bond of love between a pet and its owner.

Rescued describes thirteen years and two days of companionship and unconditional love. It’s is a love story, and you can’t help but love Dozer—almost as much as Andy did. Rest in peace, Dozer.

Review by Nancy Panko (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

"Rescued" is a personal memoir about how a stray dog rescued me from darkness and how I rescued him from homelessness. The book discusses the benefits that a dog adds to human lives. The book also discusses scientific evidence that support the benefits of a therapy dog and how they add value to combat veterans returning from overseas combat deployments.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 85

Word Count: 14,440

A Dangerous Season: A Sheriff Matt Callahan Mystery by Russell Fee

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MWSA Review

A Dangerous Season by Russell Fee is an interesting mystery set during winter on Nicolet Island, Michigan. This book is the third in the Sheriff Matt Callahan series and has all the twists and turns of a good who-dun-it. Author Fee throws a lot at his protagonist in the form of a missing girl, several murders, poisoned lake water, and a civic protest regarding his own competence as sheriff. Add in organized crime and Indian evil spirits, and one can see why Sheriff Callahan may want to throw in the towel.  Fortunately, Callahan finds an ally in the nearby Indian reservation's chief of police. Together they try to get to the truth. However, that truth is as slippery as the ice that surrounds them. This book is an easy read full of characters that you will like and bad ones that you will not like. I recommend it.

Review by Bob Doerr (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

A Dangerous Season, the third Sheriff Matt Callahan mystery novel, depicts life on Callahan's iced-in island during a brutal winter. Callahan, who originally sought peace on Nicolet Island after a fatal acid attack on his fiancée, one that left him both physically and emotionally disfigured, now discovers a lone young girl hiding in the island wilderness. She is unable to speak but agile at surviving on her own in the desperate cold. In the quest to discover the girl's identity, Callahan teams with the Ojibwe tribal police and is drawn to a place where myth and reality merge deep in the Northwoods' most dangerous season and where a haunting malevolence threatens both his island and Indian country. Callahan and his two young deputies, together with an Ojibwe detective, work to uncover the source of the threat that endangers those they are sworn to protect.

Besides the mystery of the girl and what brought her to Nicolet Island, this winter begets other dangerous conundrums: contaminated lake fish, an island murder, and a dead body in the woods. As Callahan's experienced young deputy, Amanda, and her neophyte partner, Nick, work with Callahan to solve the island's crimes, they face the additional challenge of piggybacking a professional relationship on one that began as deeply personal. Callahan faces his own relationship challenges when he and Julie, his romantic partner, disagree over the eventual placement of the found girl.

Knitting A Dangerous Season together is the indelible sense of place the Northwoods convey. In contrast to the bustling tourist environment of earlier Callahan novels, winter imbues Nicolet Island with both icy danger and lyrical beauty-a fitting environment for a teeth-chattering thriller.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 307

Word Count: 60,000

The Shield Before Me by Jamison Whiteman

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MWSA Review

“What was done was done,” asserts the central character in Chapter Twenty-three of Jamison Whiteman’s The Shield Before Us; and most of us have said or thought the same thing at some time. But “Was it?” asks this novel provocatively, taking readers on a journey into a world of science fiction that involves time travel and the potential of changing history.

Dr. Murray Edgeton, scarred by insensitive treatment growing up in small-town West Texas, hates the church he was forced to attend, making him a devoted anti-theist. As a brilliant physicist, he later leads a team of world class scientists to a breakthrough anticipated by Einstein’s theories of relativity that inspires a scheme by which he can debunk Christian teaching.

Utilizing “wormholes” in space and time, Edgeton inserts a team into the moment of Christ’s crucifixion, anticipating that they will find that Jesus was just an ordinary, itinerant preacher of his age, not the actual son of God. With his agents’ return to the present—without the evidence they thought they’d find—he seeks other ways to undermine the Christian church and its influence. But romance enters his world when he meets a young woman who changes his mind about religion. While not immediately converted to her beliefs, he finds himself more sympathetic to the principles she explains—and demonstrates. What should he do now?

The conflict between science and faith continues to drive the story through twists and turns (like the “Portals” of the “Space-Time Continuum”) to a complex conclusion. Alternating scenes in present-day California with events in first-century Palestine, the novel tracks world-renowned thinkers battling to determine the future. At the same time, the book asks us to consider if, given modern technology, travel in time isn’t already close in the real world. Music, one of his characters explains, takes us to other countries and times. Another reminds us that modern cuisine connects ingredients, styles, and tastes from many cultures and periods. That the scientists working on the Einstein Project come from around the world underscores how information moves at light speed in a digital universe. The characters, all well established in their professional careers, seem able to drop what they’re doing, and fly across the country to a distant location after a phone call. Finally, the fact that early disciples were able to spread their teachings across the globe asks us how contemporary social media—Facebook, TikTok, Instagram—now affect the thoughts and behaviors of millions with amazing speed.

As characters with hidden motives pursue different ends, their friends and colleagues do not know that some are from other times and places. Receiving mental and physical shocks, other characters lose their grasp of the time and place they inhabit. Unable to predict the novel’s plot, readers are bounced from possibility to possibility until they reach the end and a strong message about religious persecution in the twenty-first century.

Review by Michael Lund (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

In The Shield Before Me, the sequel to The Quietude of Calvary, we once again find Dr. Murray Edgeton; the most brilliant physicist in at least three generations who has unlocked the secrets of time-travel; accessing the Space-Time Continuum in an attempt to alter events from the past. His goal: prevent the spread of Christianity and its role in World history. To accomplish this, he plans to send a team back to First Century Jerusalem and eliminate the Apostles and the early Christian Evangelists. Navy SEALs Declan O'Sullivan and Toma Bodagh who had previously traveled back in time to witness the crucifixion of Jesus, discover Murray’s plan and return to the First Century to stop it. The Shield Before Me flows seamlessly from the research laboratories of the present day to Jerusalem and the Nineveh Plain of the First Century and then continues to the Great Fire of Nero’s Rome as Declan and Toma fight to protect the first Christian communities and the Evangelists as they spread the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Number of Pages: 364

Word Count: 126,717


Route 66 Déjà Vu by Michael Lund

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MWSA Review

Route 66 Déjà Vu by Michael Lund is a story of life and change in America during a unique period in American History. The story is tangentially tied to the most famous American highway in recent history, the fabled Route 66. In this story, the old Route 66 is used as a backdrop to a man’s discovery that his early perceptions of life were wrong, and that the life that he had thought he had enjoyed was different and more complex than he had realized.

The author places most of the action in the novel in Fairfield, Missouri, a town that sits along a segment of the Missouri portion of Route 66. The main character of the story, Curtis, is tasked with helping to arrange his 50th high school class reunion. The story follows Curtis as he works with the reunion committee to rewrite the High School Annual and bring it up to date after 50 years. As a side project, Curtis wants to restage a weekly Bridge game that he held most weekends with some of his classmates. In addition, Curtis tries to encourage his classmates to donate to a new scholarship fund. In the course of the story, Curtis makes visits to Route 66 and some of its iconic cafes, motels, and tourist attractions. The real story here appears to be Curtis’s travails in trying to bring about a perfect 50th Class Reunion for his high school when many of his classmates have different points of view and experiences than he does after graduation.

The author, through Curtis, touches on several important issues, like race relations, misogyny, and service in the military, in the course of his attempts to convince other classmates to support his ideas for the reunion. Who knew that arranging a 50th reunion could be quite such an adventure?

Review by Larry Sharrar (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Route 66 Déjà Vu explores the confirmations and revisions of individual and collective history for a generation that grew up in the '50s and '60s in a small town on The Mother Road. The occasions are a 50th high school class reunion and the 100th birthday of one classmate's mother, the matriarch of her family and a representative of the Greatest Generation. The stories of the class's male and female Vietnam veterans are integrated into the longer narrative and present a distinctive perspective on the American Dream.

Michael Lund’s five-volume novel series chronicles an American family during times of peace and war from 1915 to 2015.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 239

Word Count: 64,469


Secrets at Deep Lake by Nancy Wakeley

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MWSA Review Travel blogger and local North Carolina botanical garden owner Kate Tyler is one of a set of triplets born to an unwed teenage mother, Jenny Howard, who gave them up for adoption as babies. Kate and her sister, Becky, were adopted by Clarence and Maggie Tyler. Their brother Billie was adopted by Calvin and Mimi Zink.

Kate is in her thirties at the time of this story. Her sister had already died in an accident soon after purchasing Howards’ Walk, an estate owned by the parents of their birth mother, Jenny. Tending to the property Kate inherited from Becky, Kate found birth certificates in a trunk. They revealed she was one of a set of triplets. She did not think her sister knew about their brother Billie, and his existence was a surprise to her, also. What struck her like a hard blow was the blank line on the birth certificates where their father’s name should have been. It smacked of “I do not want you.”

As she brings the brother she never knew into her life, Kate realizes he has some developmental and physical problems. On very good terms with Billie’s adoptive mother Mimi, Kate, her boyfriend Ben, and Billie build a warm and loving relationship together. When Kate is informed Billie may need a kidney transplant, she is determined to learn more about her biological parents, who may need to consider being a donor in the future, should Billie need a new kidney.

The “I do not want you” theme runs through Nancy Wakeley’s Secrets at Deep Lake as Kate tries to unravel the mystery of who her birth father is, if he is alive, and if he wants any relationship with her and Billie. Her research takes her to upstate New York. Under the guise of writing her travel blog, she locates the wealthy Wingate Family and attends the annual wine festival at their popular vineyard, curious as to what relationship she may have to them, if any.

As revelations emerge and secrets are exposed about the Wingate family as well as her birth mother, Kate must confront her fear of being rejected again. With Ben supporting her throughout her journey of discovery, Kate slowly emerges as a more tolerant person who understands the decisions made when she was only an infant. Will she find the closure she so desperately needs not only for Billie, but also for herself?

Secrets at Deep Lake will resonate with anyone who has yearned to find a birth parent, as well as the reader who enjoys a good mystery.

Review by Pat Walkow (March 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

When Kate Tyler learns that her brother may need a kidney transplant, she has no choice but to unravel the mystery of her biological parents' health history. Given only her birth mother's name to start her search, she begins untangling the threads of her past despite her own desire to leave it all alone. Undeterred by the risk of a second betrayal, she follows the leads to the Wingate family, a well-off presence in the New York State wine scene.

Using her travel blog as a cover, Kate inserts herself into the Wingate family's wine festival, hoping to quietly confirm her suspicions of her father's identity. But as the Wingates close ranks to protect their own, painful secrets come to light with devastating consequences. Only the truth can lead these broken families to forgiveness and healing.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 258

Word Count: 76,000


Finding Waypoints by Terese Schlachter and Colonel Gregory Gadson (ret.)

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MWSA Review

Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose is a highly impactful book introducing readers to an amazing man who not only survives catastrophic injuries, but excels in his recovery, due to his resilient nature. From the gridiron to combat and back, Colonel Greg Gadson demonstrates the power of belief and reliance on teammates and family in this inspirational story.

The prologue sets the stage well for how the story will be told. Pentagon Channel then-reporter Terese Schlachter meets Gadson while covering a story at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He literally “tumbles” into her life. Her excellent research and first-hand observations make the reader feel as if he or she is there in many of the scenes. She is also a gifted writer and storyteller whose closeness to her co-author Gadson and his family shines through in her words.

All the characters come to life, and the emotions range from hopelessness to humor to unconditional love. This book should be required reading for the military’s reading lists as an example of believing in what one can do and following personal waypoints to create and achieve success.

Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

In military jargon, the word “waypoints” refers to guideposts on a map used to direct soldiers in or out of a location like a rendezvous point. For Colonel Greg Gadson—a battalion commander and former West Point football player— who lost both legs as a result of an IED attack in Iraq in 2007, these waypoints were to change drastically, and inform his future life through his long, painful recovery and emergence as a spiritual guide and assistant coach to the NY Giants during their own trials of fire in the 2007 season that took them from last place to a Super Bowl championship in 2008. Soon after, Gadson also starred in a major motion picture (“Battleship”) and since then has become a motivational speaker for thousands of individuals, both civilian and military, and leader for veterans’ programs and outdoor experiential healing expeditions. This honest and deeply personal story of transformation from battlefield leader to speaker and life coach, will inspire readers to consider their own waypoints towards their own life’s betterment and the lives of those around them.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 341

Word Count: 96,000


My Navy! by Lieutenant Hans G. Fett

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MWSA Review

The title of this memoir rightly includes an exclamation point. The author delivers this very personal account of his 23-year career in the U.S. Navy with passion and, yes, joy.

Son of immigrants, the author chose the Navy as an avenue out of an unfavorable home situation and never looked back. Hans Fett married his high school sweetheart and reported to his first duty station on the same day. The following years would see him advancing through the enlisted ranks and literally seeing the world in uniform. Through hard work and determination, he earned his officer’s commission and ultimately joined the Navy’s elite flight demonstration Team, the world-famous Blue Angels.

My Navy! is more than just an account of one man’s experiences in uniform. The author tells his story in a positive and enthusiastic style. His love for the service comes through consistently, regardless of his duty assignments or personal setbacks. He often pauses to provide informative details about the ships and systems he encounters and does not pass up the opportunity to conduct a mini travelogue about the countries where he is stationed.

Lieutenant Hans G. Fett’s parting words say it best: “The Navy was there for me when I needed it. I did my part for my Navy, and my Navy stood by me.”

My Navy! should be required reading for every new Navy recruit, right alongside The Bluejacket’s Manual. Navy recruiters ought to have it on their desks as a tool for filling their quotas.

Review by Peter Young (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

My Navy! is a rare and fascinating insider’s look at the Navy’s world-famous flight demonstration squadron, the “Blue Angels,” written by former team member Lieutenant Hans “Boba” Fett, United States Navy, retired.

Follow the author’s journey to the “Blue Angels,” starting as a 17-year-old Seaman Recruit who ascended the top rung of the enlisted ladder as a Master Chef Petty Officer, earned two degrees, a commission as an Ensign, literally sailed the seven seas aboard five ships to over 30 countries, and took part in three hostilities, including the Vietnam War, and the seminal event in the War Against Terror: the Iran Hostage Crisis.

Written in an easy-to-read style, and filled with interesting facts about Navy ships, aircraft, weapons systems, ports of call, and events of historical military significance. Learn about shipboard life, aircraft carrier flight operations, skills required and dangers associated with becoming a naval aviator, and other fascinating topics.

An informative adventure and travelogue. Contains a glossary of naval terminology, and numerous official and personal color photographs. Designed to appeal to a wide readership. A must-read for fans of the Blue Angels.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 204

Word Count: 50,651


The Million Dollar Club by Marlené Carter

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MWSA Review

Someone is killing off the millionaires. Author Marlene Carter brings us an intriguing mystery in her book The Million Dollar Club. From page one, Carter guides the reader into her protagonist's hunt to identify the person behind a series of murders. At first, they seem unrelated, but the connection to the murders of three separate members of the Million Dollar Club provides a definite link.

Carter's protagonist, an investigative reporter and blogger, becomes obsessed with tracking down those responsible. Despite warnings from the police, her family, and her friends to back off, she aggressively digs deeper. As a result, friends and family members get attacked, and someone tries to kill her. Refusing to be deterred, even when a link to the Russian mob is established, Carter's protagonist keeps pursuing her target.

This is an easy-to-read mystery that most fans of the genre should enjoy.

Review by Bob Doerr (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The Million Dollar Club is a mystery/suspense novel that takes place in Seattle Washington. Men of an elite private club are being murdered one by one. The killer has an insatiable thirst for justice and believes death is the only solution. Detective Cian Molloy along with Amara, a pesky blogger and magazine investigative journalist are trying to learn why and who is behind the killing. The story takes the reader through twists and turns until the killer or killers are revealed and why. The killer garners a massive following on social media which only hampers the investigation. Tick Tock...time is running out as the body count continues to rise.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 408

Word Count: 124,911


The List: A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 4 by John R Schembra

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MWSA Review

The List by John Schembra is a mystery set in San Francisco that begins when a naked corpse is found in the 19th-century tunnel system beneath the city. Detective Vince Torelli is on the case and soon begins to receive cryptic notes from the killer, taunting the detective to catch him and promising that there will be more bodies.

The serial killer, John Bruber, is a complex character. Bullied unmercifully in grade school, he vows to murder each person who took part in his mental and physical torture. Buber fancies himself to be of higher intelligence than Detective Torelli and the police in general, because he manages to elude the police after every murder, leaving no evidence behind. As the cops determine Bruber’s motive, the killer becomes more anxious and slips up. Vince Torelli must stop John Bruber from killing again, and all the law enforcement resources are called into play.

The cat and mouse game had me on the edge of my seat, and I had a difficult time putting the book down. I appreciate a good crime mystery written by a cop. As a reader, I enjoy getting a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes investigations. The List did not disappoint.

Review by Nancy Panko (April (2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

A recently mutilated, naked corpse is found in an early 19th century tunnel under San Francisco. With no forensic evidence, solving the crime seems nearly impossible

After San Francisco Homicide Inspector Vince Torelli begins investigating, notes from the killer, addressed to him,start showing up. Vince realizes this murder may be the first of several, leading him on a deadly, multi-state investigation.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 233

Word Count: 59,000