Thoughts.com

Chris Holmes
Durban House Publishing
ISBN:  1930754221
Thriller
www.amazon.com
www.chrisholmesmd.com

Terrorist develop a new airborne strain of antrhax.  Six of the terrorist are unknowingly infected with the anthrax and placed on seperate flights to the US.  The symptoms mimic the common cold.  The terrorists' coughs and sneezes spread the virus to thsoe trapped in the plane with him.

Dr. Gil Martin is a down-on-his-luck ER physician. He’s divorced and drowning his problems in a bottle. His ex-wife, Tara, works with the CDC and still owns his heart. A patient comes into the ER with what appears to be an URI, but he turns out to be infected with a new strain of anthrax. Gil sobers up and gets his head on straight. He turns to Tara for assistance. The search for the source of the anthrax and the effort to inform the public leads to danger for Gil. He and Tara begin to work out their differences, but is it too late?
Dr. Chris Holmes brings his expertise to his first novel Mosquito Tapes. Holmes deftly creates a convincing plot. His use of medical terminology lends to the believability of this work of art. Holmes’ characters are interesting. The combination of mystery and romance are perfect. The romance adds depth to the lead characters, Gil and Tara. However, Holmes never lets romance over power the mystery. Holmes is a talented author, and I look forward to reading more of his work.

A plot filled with intrigue, mystery. and romance. Move over Dr. Quincy, there is a never Forensic Pathologist in town….Dr. Jack Youngblood.

Dr. Jack Youngblood had long been fascinated by the dead; which is handy, since he is a forensic pathologist. His fascination earned him the nickname the Ghoul. He’s been married twice. The first ended in divorce; his second wife died of leukemia. He now finds himself falling in love with co-worker Jill Hanraty. When Jack finds a John Doe on his table with a bullet hole in his forehead, he is determined to answer the questions: who, what, when, where, how, and by whom. The case was like a jigsaw puzzle. It leads him to Biologistics, a mosquito, and more questions. Who in his office was leaking information? Could he and Jill work together and still have a relationship? What did mosquitoes have to do with two dead men? What was really going on at Biologistics? The search for the answers to these questions could be very dangerous.

Chris Holmes put his medical training to use in his latest book Mosquito Tapes. He offers readers a plot filled with intrigue, mystery, and romance. Dr. Jac k Youngblood is an interesting character. Holmes brings this character to life, allowing readers a peak into what makes him tick. While there is more than a hint at romance, Holmes never lets that get in the way of the purpose of the plot…mystery and intrigue. The plot of this mystery demonstrates the possibility of a terrorist plot.

Could Dr. Jack Youngblood be the next Kate Scarpetta? I see the possibility. I’ve long been fascinated with Forensic Pathology. I’ve read every Kate Scarpetta mystery. I’m actually reminded of the Jack Klugman series Quincy. I’ve eagerly tuned into the CSI series. Grisham, move over there is a new Forensic Pathologist in town. Jack Youngblood will become a favorite. I hope Chris Holmes plans a series of books with this character as lead. I can see Jack and Jill’s romance slowly developing while they work together to solve mysteries.

Elizabeth Mahlou grew up in an abusive home. She tells of her mother stabbing her brother with a knife in the buttocks, and her father throwing a pitchfork and stabbing him with it. Taking an airplane ride had a whole new meaning in this family. The abuse was physical, emotional, and sexual. “The wounds were in the heart and mind and covered parts of the body.” Like most bullies, their mother blamed them for the pain she inflicted.

Did Mahlou’s mother have PMDD? Possibly, however, medicine was not available at that time. Elizabeth knew that she had a problem with rage. She took it out in different ways. She did not beat her children. She believes that rage can be inherited. Perhaps it can, or perhaps it is a learned trait.

I can hardly blame her for the sermon the young Elizabeth unleashed on the congregation of her church. She must have seen them as evil to sit by and allow the abuse to continue. She saw them as hypocrites. Mahlou turned her back on God, because she thought he had turned his back on her.

Mahlou continues to share bits and pieces of her adult life, including her stint in the army. She speaks of her handicapped children. Mahlou fought for equality for her children. Time after time, things happened that many would call coincidences. Eventually, Elizabeth Mahlou came to know them as blessings from God.

One of the most astute statements in this book is “There is a clear difference between an easy life and a good life.” Elizabeth’s life has not been, easy but her adult years have been good.

Blest Atheist is an unusual book. Elizabeth Mahlou has led an unusual life. It is easy to see how intelligent she is. 2/3 or more of this book is spent discussing her childhood. I hope that putting all of that terrible time on paper gives her closure. Many would never be able to forgive such abuse. As Elizabeth has discovered, with God all things are possible. I wish her well and all of God’s blessings.

Have Your Been Royally Screwed?
Myron Z. Bernstein
Kambs Publishing
9780982206904
5
Debra
How to Get What You Deserve by Making People and Companies Deliver on Their Promises, Products, Goods and Services…
Have Your Been Royally Screwed? May sound like a comical title but this is a very serious topic. Most of us can answer this question with a resounding YES! Myron Z. Bernstein is a consumer advocate. Did he plan to be one…I am not sure but I don’t think so. I think he became an advocate out of necessity. Everyone needs to be an advocate. Despite the term Customer Service, few companies care about you. Their goal is to make money even if they means cheating you. Bernstein exposes the abuses and the schemes behind warranties, insurance, contractors, rebates, and a number of other consumer “services.”
The reader will be shaking their head yes while reading some of the examples in this book. Myron is sharing situations most readers have faced. The difference between most consumers and Myron is –HE FIGHTS BACK—and he WINS. I admire Bernstein’s tenacity. Have Your Been Royally Screwed? Is filled with wisdom and expertise. The next time I deal with a customer service representative I will be armed with Bernstein’s strategies and techniques.
Bernstein writes in a interesting, easy to read and understand style. I felt as though I was sitting across the table, sharing a cup of tea with a good friend as he shared his vast knowledge with me. Don’t be victim to customer service again, purchase you copy at Amazon.

How To Train A Rock
Paul Steven Stone
5 stars
9781442117211
Debra
Paul Steven Stone is a talented author. In his latest book, How To Train A Rock, he shares his insight and perspectives on a variety of topics. For approximately twenty-five years, he wrote a syndicated column, “A Stone’s Throw.” In his own words, the column was quirky. How To Train A Rock is a compilation of those columns. Most of the entries will leave you smiling and contemplating wisdom within the article; a few will leave you with tears.
Pet Peeves discusses allowing pets to leave droppings on other’s lawns. Stone discreetly points out the rudeness without personal attacks. My favorite entry was 1-800-Stomes-Throw, where he addresses the annoying trend toward automated answering services. I become so frustrated with the list of Press 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. What button do I push to talk to a real person? The Song Bird and Me is a look at happiness, with profound wisdom. “There is a part of me that wants to hold onto the things that bring me happiness; to them in my hand so they won’t fly away. However, there is also a part of me that knows you have to free all songbirds and let them fly away—if fly away they must.” His ode to little girls will touch the hearts of fathers. “Little girl there’s no need to rush into the future. There’s no one there who can’t wait a little longer.”
The reader will find deep thoughts, a unique way to look at life, and profound wisdom. How To Train a Rock is a book you want to savor. Do not rush! Read one or two a day and ponder the author’s true meaning behind each column.