OMAR By Craig O. Thompson

Craig O. Thompson has magnificently written a story based on historical fact overflowing with suspense and intrigue. It is apparent after reading “Omar” why the author is the International Benjamin Franklin award-winner of the Silver Award for Best New Voice - Fiction.

Worldwide terrorism with a magnitude of deadly consequences was set into motion in 1995 aboard the remains of RMS Titanic. Dr. Cary Parker an oceanographer and specialist at the Smithsonian Institute is called upon to challenge the terrorists and beat them at their own game. A terrorist organization is after a priceless treasure called The Great Omar buried amongst the ruins of the Titanic. The FBI and CIA join forces to rescue this priceless treasure before the terrorists get their hands on it. What follows is a complex and indescribable journey filled with suspense and drama that held me firmly in its grasp.

Dr. Cary Parker is a character that has vowed to protect the sanctity of the Titanic wreckage and wrestles with his involvement in this operation. He is a devoted family man and a trusted, loyal and well respected friend and colleague.  He is a remarkable character that is very realistic and I could relate to him on a human level.

Jennifer Nakamura a decorated FBI agent is assigned to the project to aid Dr. Parker. She is an extremely confident, strong, loyal and well placed character that plays an essential part in this story.  The remaining cast of characters are extremely well thought-out and presented in a way that is truly believable and frightening.

This story places the spotlight on world politics and the sacrifice of a person’s personal values all in the name of greed. The dialogue in this book is intelligently written and very thought provoking. The wealth of information provided by the author is interesting, informative and definitely kept me wanting to read more.

It is absolutely apparent that a great deal of knowledge, research and time went into the writing of this book. I learned a great deal reading this book and at the same time was totally taken in with the story and the characters. Especially poignant to me were the recollections and facts about the Titanic.

“Omar” is truly a journey of suspense, intrigue and mystery that is a MUST READ for all readers. I highly recommend it for the extraordinary and descriptive writing, excellent characters and circumstances and a tremendous story-line that delivers a wealth of knowledge and held me hostage throughout.

The Facepainter Murders By Virginia Winters

Dr. Anne McPhail returns to Culver’s Mills, Vermont for a much needed vacation. While out for a walk she stumbles upon the naked body of a dead man and finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.

 At a local art exhibit two pieces of art supposedly shipped to another art show are missing and being an amateur genealogist Anne is pulled into the investigation to trace the genealogy of the Trevelyan family. She works with her friend and police detective Adam Davidson to determine the connection between the missing art and the man found dead.

I found this book to be very engaging and packed full of suspense and drama. The writing has a successful and tantalizing flow and characters that are both engaging and contribute a genuine feel for the story. It is fast-paced with surprises and drama that kept me engrossed in the story and kept me guessing till the end.

Anne is a wonderful character who is fearless and determined yet has vulnerabilities of her own. The other characters are defined in a way that lend to the suspense and drama of the story.

 The small town of Culver’s Mill is the backdrop for this story and the descriptive writing of the town and its people contribute to the atmosphere and pulled me into the story.

This is an engaging read that I recommend to all readers for its seamless delivery and non-stop suspense and drama.

Pilate's Key By J. Alexander Greenwood

After a near death encounter in Nebraska John Pilate is temporarily re-locating to Key West Florida to write a book about his experience. He is a man who seems to find himself involved in circumstances beyond his control. In Key West he becomes inadvertently entangled in the death of a stranger and becomes immersed in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

This story is excellently crafted and written with a cast of characters that lend to the successful progression of the story. John Pilate is a character that has definite flaws but is endearing at the same time. Some of the decisions he makes are questionable however his overall compassion and sense of goodness shine thru. His inner voice “Simon” is a clever and humorous addition to the story which I really enjoyed.

The character known as “Taters” contributed much humor and calmness to the story as Pilate befriends and ultimately involves him in his exploits. The other characters in the book are well presented and lend an interesting and substantial element throughout the story.

The descriptive writing of the streets and happenings in Key West Florida was impressive and totally brought that tropical feel along with the history of Key West to the surface. The research put into this book is evident and definitely brings a sense of believability and charm to the story.

The mystery/suspense is well thought out and presented in a way that kept me focused and interested.  The story flowed seamlessly with twists and turns in every direction keeping me totally engaged.

I recommend this book for all readers who want to be entertained and held captive until the mystery is solved.