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Gery B. (ChezGery) - Reviews

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11/22/63
11/22/63
Author: Stephen King
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 284
Review Date: 9/29/2016


An almost believable story or one that we would like to see happen if only... that's the question this story brings up, a what if and what consequences such a step back in time could alter the then future.A trek back to Derry Maine and finding the young kids who grew up in 'IT', clown and all.You'll turn pages as like a wind strips leaves from a fall tree.King's writing is mesmerizing and flows like a white water river.


52 Pick-Up
52 Pick-Up
Author: Elmore Leonard
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 17
Review Date: 9/6/2011


I mean, what can I say that hasn't been said by some of the greatest writers of our generation. For starts; Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Lawrence Block and in this short list my favorite author John D. MacDonald, " Leonard can really write . . . He's astonishingly Great." The dialogue of Leonard has yet to be emulated, and for me his story plot and interactive characters are real. Just like we would meet and have in talk back situation. But maybe we wouldn't want to b in the conversation ? Anyway Harry Mitchel is in a mid-life crisis and jumped over the edge with an affair. But his past in a porn movie comes into play with some hoods who think Harry is an easy mark and a payoff for silence. They have their rules for the game but so does Harry, and Harry only plays games by his own rules. Fast paced with a dialogue that crackles.


The Apartment
The Apartment
Author: S. L. Grey
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 11
Review Date: 10/20/2018


At some time in your life you may experience a bone-chilling encounter that is so horrible it will change your life forever. And when you later look upon someone you will say..."I'm sorry it had to be you."
The Apartment is gripping, creepy as all hell, and the dread will linger for days afterward,It's dark and deeply disturbing. trust me - it's not for kids!So if you have the courage open the door and meet husband and wife, Mark and Steph, an encounter you will never forget. Gery


Ask the Parrot (Platinum Mystery Series)
Ask the Parrot (Platinum Mystery Series)
Author: Richard Stark
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 1/7/2018


'Ask The Parrot' by Richard Stark ( D.E.Westlake ) has Parker on the run from capture in the backwoods of Massachusetts. He's barely ahead of police dogs when he breaks through the trees and brush to confront an old codger with a gun. The old man,Lindahl, thinks about the situation and whisks Parker back to his ramshackle home.Parker is soon let into what is behind this old man's thoughts in giving Parker refuge. He's bitter and full of revenge from a past where he was dishonored and thrown aside after being a whistle-blower on political wrong doing. He wants revenge and Parker can help make it happen. Alone with only a silent Parrot he vents his reasons and plans to make those who castigated him pay. It's a wild scheme and there's enough money in it to raise Parker's interest.The chase for Parker isn't over though and with the locals brought in to make a search party for hunting the fugitive, trouble lurks within the community and Parker becomes a target, once again, and faces a win or loose outcome. Another well written darker side by Westlake's pseudonym, Richard Stark.


Bad News (Dortmunder, Bk 10)
Bad News (Dortmunder, Bk 10)
Author: Donald E. Westlake
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 29
Review Date: 1/27/2017


Another caper for John Dormunder and Dortmunder 'digs' this one,'literally'. Dortmunder is a robber, skilled in his craft at finding things and re-selling to a fence. But robbing a grave and switching bodies? Not his idea for making a heist,but there's money in it for just a night out even though he hates manual labor. However, this caper goes beyond the grave in a hilarious misstep after another. And as it gets worse you will laugh from page after page. A true master of comedic/crime, Donald E. Westlake is superb
as a master in making crime funny - at least for John Dortmunder and Westlake fans..


The Bat (Harry Hole, Bk 1)
The Bat (Harry Hole, Bk 1)
Author: Jo Nesbo, Don Bartlett (Translator)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 99
Review Date: 12/3/2017


"The Bat", Harry Hole is with the Oslo Crime Squad and is sent to Sydney to assist in an investigation of a young Norwegian girl who is found strangled. He befriends a lead detective and together they expose this case as one of many, possibly a serial killer with little to no leads. Both of them soon follow a few tips that take them across the country as time is running out for Harry's investigation.As persistence begins to pay off it soon becomes apparent to Harry that no one is safe including those investigating the crime. A tightly written story with twists and turns that sends you in one direction only to take another twist and turn. A great lead off book to a fantastic series - Gery

Note: Jo Nesbo with the O slant is pronounced as
'Nesburr' as Hole is pronounced 'Hoo - Leey' as it is in Norwegian


The Bazaar of Bad Dreams: Stories
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams: Stories
Author: Stephen King
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 10
Review Date: 7/2/2018


Stephen King's short stories are a small door where you
enter into his mind of horror/suspense. And he introduces each story with a little more information about the story and how he discovered it in his daily routine. This collection never lets you down and each story is a prompt to turn the page, and sometimes hesitantly but always satisfying. He's the master of his craft and he always brings you along, Constant Reader. You should enjoy this collection in 'Bazaar of Bad Dreams' and thirsty for more to come - Gery


The Black Lizard Anthology of Crime Fiction
The Black Lizard Anthology of Crime Fiction
Author: Edward Gorman (Editor)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 13
Review Date: 1/31/2018


Black Lizard is the foremost publisher in crime/suspense publishing, and this anthology of twenty former and present writers of this genre represents the masters of this American voice. Some call it "black novel" It's often satirical and maddening, always compelling and fascinating.I found that to be so in this collection of stories. An excerpt from "Death AND THE DANCING SHADOWS":

I put my key in the lock and twisted it, "I found her."
"Well, my God, Markham," he said, gripping my arm, "is she all right?"
"She's not hurt. At least not physically." I couldn't find the words to tell him. He was staring at me imploringly. I shrugged and said, "Hell, come on in."
He followed me in and stood there as I sat down wearily behind the grey metal desk. I said, "You won't like it."
"Tell me anyway." author James M. Reasoner. Gery


Blood Money and Other Stories
Blood Money and Other Stories
Author: Elmore Leonard
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 4/7/2016


Leonard is in top form in his westerns with unique plotting and descriptive settings that puts you right in the scene. Dialogue is crisp and as close to the 'way-it-was'. Leonard is the Grand Master in his westerns as well as his novels of Detroit or Miami among others.
A nice selection of shorts that are very entertaining.


Bones (Irene Kelly, Bk 7)
Bones (Irene Kelly, Bk 7)
Author: Jan Burke
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 106
Review Date: 9/21/2011


Jan Burke's novel " Bones" will keep you turning the pages with a lethal game of the hunter and the hunted . . .Chilling and Unforgettable ! A journey into the heart of darkness . . . Vivid and Gripping !
GB


Cape Fear M/TV
Cape Fear M/TV
Author: John D. MacDonald
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  ?
Review Date: 9/20/2012


John D. MacDonald hits the bell in this twisted story of insane vengeance by a man ( Max Cady ) who spent 14-years behind bars for rape and forged a plot to destroy the life of a man and his family,especially his teenage daughter,because the man witnessed his savage rape of young girl in Australia. Max will show no mercy in what he intends to do to Sam Bowden's daughter. Sam and his wife soon find out that the police are not there for them to serve and protect. A family's nightmare begins to unfold with Max enjoying his relentless stalking unimpeded. A terrific suspense novel that is terrify and frightening.


The Chicago Way (Michael Kelly, Bk 1)
The Chicago Way (Michael Kelly, Bk 1)
Author: Michael Harvey
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 39
Review Date: 8/31/2011


I'm a long time devoted fan of Raymond Chandler and Michael Harvey's " The Chicago Way " is a long overdue echo of that great writer. The book is filled with twists and turns. Private-eye Kelly excepts a request from his former partner who turns up dead . . . Kelly enlists several colleagues to help solve an eight-year old rape and battery cold case. It's the windy city and Kelly finds out how quickly the wind can shift - even with friends.This book will be a page turner with an ending that will take you by surprise. Fast and snappy prose reminiscent of those great private-eye thrillers of long ago.


The Chill (Lew Archer, Bk 11)
The Chill (Lew Archer, Bk 11)
Author: Ross Macdonald
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 5/16/2016


Ros Macdonald hands PI Lew Archer a case that goes from finding a missing bride into 'kaleidoscopic' mystery of deceit,and a murder that goes back a decade yet is prominently obscure in the present- a mind bender for Archer and the reader. Enough twists and turns in this novel to keep you guessing along with Archer - This book along with many others is why Ross Macdonald is mystery writers of America Grand Master.


Close Case (Samantha Kincaid, Bk 3)
Close Case (Samantha Kincaid, Bk 3)
Author: Alafair Burke
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 47
Review Date: 1/29/2012


Alafair Burke's "Close Case" is as 'inside' of the system of law enforcement as it is of a tightly bonded family with one exception. The police are one side of the family and the prosecution,Attorney General and the Deputy District Attorneys are relatives.
Close Case is about a murder to close for comfort, and an investigation too close to home and a case too close to call. Burke delivers with inside details from a two point perspective. The police and their family ties to one another that doesn't allow questions concerning their tactics. In other words, they are extremely protective of one another even if some deputy district attorney feels like their case has been compromised by them. A good defense attorney can use this chink in the armor to their advantage. And Samantha Kincade, DDA is in a no win situation - lose the case and lose the respect of those providing her with evidence, no matter how it was obtained.
The book cuts to the chase and digs deep into loyalty,conscious and integrity. A real good read and by far the best of the Samantha Kincaid trilogy.
Burke shines with this story, a real star rising above the horizon !


The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Gamache, Bk 3)
The Cruelest Month (Chief Inspector Gamache, Bk 3)
Author: Louise Penny
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 53
Review Date: 6/11/2016


Louise Penny once again raises the bar in literary mystery with this baffling case for Insp.Gamache.Was the death at a seance in the old Hadley house in Three Pines caused from freight by those who haunt this house or was it murder? And if it was murder who did it and why? The results have many suspects if it was actually murder but why? A great read again !


The Dark Half
The Dark Half
Author: Stephen King
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 4.8/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 5/4/2017


King is the master of suspense/horror and in the Dark Half he takes you into one man's dark side. George Stark is the pseudonym of the writer Thad Beaumont. Under this alias he becomes a best seller novelist and in the height of success he kills of his alter ego to pursue fame under his own name,Thad Beaumont. However, George Stark has a vast number of followers who love the violent crime novels. But even after a mock burial of the highly successful author and the tombstone epitaph "Not a Very Nice Guy" has a deeper meaning as Thad soon realizes. The dreams come, then the nightmares and then the vicious, savage onslaught of homicidal acts to those who where close to the former George Stark unfold with a strong connection and even suspicion that points to Thad Beaumont. Thad Beaumont may have once believed that George Stark was running out of things to say, but he's going to find out just how wrong he is...


Dave Miller's Homebrewing Guide : Everything You Need to Know to Make Great-Tasting Beer
Review Date: 7/4/2015


An easy to follow Guide that does the job with start to finish instructions and brew info that's easy to follow. A thorough step-by-step procedure that is easy to understand and perfect your own special brew. Miller shines the light on home brewing in a make-sense order as it takes you through the procedures from start to finish. Once you finish this guide book you are at the beginning of a whole new future to advance your own personal journey in the exciting field of home-crafted micro-brewing that not only brings self-satisfaction but will give you bragging rights amongst you circle of brew-drafters - Cheers !


The Devil's Star (Harry Hole, Bk 5)
The Devil's Star (Harry Hole, Bk 5)
Author: Jo Nesbo, Don Bartlett (Translator)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 50
Review Date: 12/25/2017


Jo Nesburr is now in the forefront in crime/suspense with his Harry Hole series as was Raymond Chandler with his Phillip Marlow series.Both of these detectives 'walk the mean streets'.For Marlow, he has his bottle of Rye whisky and pipe. Hole has his bottle of Jim Beam and a crumpled pack of Camels. Both are good at what they do, they are the best of the best detectives of their generation despite their inner demons.
In 'The Devils Star',Harry, reluctly teams up with a department detective he has clashed with in the past. Harry see's more in an apparent murder than the lack of evidence suggests. And after a second murder it becomes apparent the police have a serial killer on the loose in Oslo, Norway. Harry links the red diamond and severed finger as a possible clue or maybe a code left behind by the killer. Then another murder occurs, Harry's instincts sre taken seriously by the crime team. But as suddenly as the unit follows his advice the case stalls and doubts about Harry's theory appear to be a dead end. Harry sticks with his conclusions but they too lead him no closer in solving the crime. Some tips confuse his investigation and soon he's wondering if one of the teams members is a rogue cop. Here's where the plot excelerates with so many twist and turns you'll need to make sure your seat belt is tight and the safety bar has clicked in because the story kicks into hyperspeed. In my opinion, it's the best work in fiction writting of a serial killer. It's a brilliant plot that will keep the light on and your finger turning the pages.Gery


Doctor Sleep (Shining, Bk 2)
Doctor Sleep (Shining, Bk 2)
Author: Stephen King
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 28
Review Date: 1/15/2018


King takes you back to the past of 'The Shinning' and then your suddenly in the present with a survivor of the Overlook Hotel, Dan Torance who is now a man with too many problems. Aside from being an alcoholic and drifter he still has his memories and vision called the 'Shinning'. Drifting into a small community in New Hampshire nearly broken in spirit and money he visits a park called Tinytown and meets the man who is the caretaker of the park with a special miniature train.This first meet and eventual friendship opens a new door and possibly a new turn in Dan's life as he joins the local AA community. He finds work at a local nursing home where his precognition or shinning has led to him being dubbed 'Doctor Sleep' as he comforts those who are dying. As his power to foresee begins to fade he makes mental contact with twelve-year-old Abra Stone. A new world opens for the both of them bur like the old world it too has a dark and evil menace.A tribe of otherworldly seekers who sustain their gang known as 'The True Knot' on what they call 'steam'. It only comes from a select few in the multitude of millions. But it's life sustaining for these wonders. And Abra Stone's steam is beyond whomever they have encountered before. Now Dan and Abra will both have to join together to save their own lives if that's even possible. The clinking climb, the ups and downs,twists and turns of this rollercoster ride doesn't return where it started for either Dan Torence or Abra Stone or you, Constant Reader of Stephen King - Gery


Don't Ask (Dortmunder, Bk 8)
Don't Ask (Dortmunder, Bk 8)
Author: Donald E. Westlake
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 7/7/2017


When you hear the phrase 'fighting over a bone' an image of two dogs come to mind. Yet this time it's two nations fighting but why? And for a bone? Yet this isn't any ordinary bone but an 800-year - old femur. It's the bone from a saint and the beholder of this bone will gain recognition to become a member to the United Nations. When John Dortmunder is approached to 'help' in retrieving this sacred relic for one of these feuding nations he's not interested until this honorable crook and his gang see it could be worthwhile when the price for their services makes all the difference. What they hadn't expected though is what it would cost them; druggings, muggings, imprisonments and torture.A fun filled caper (for the reader) with plenty of Westlake puns and chuckles along the way in this comedic/crime story that has made Westlake the master of this genre and the Dortmunder series the best of the best. Gery


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