Denville Library 50 Book Challenge

Scorched Earth by David L. Robbins.

2008-05-12T15:09:00.001-07:00

Robbins is one of our better contemporary writers. SCORCHED EARTH is a wide-ranging legal thriller. It incorporates traditions and remnants of the "old south" in a rural Virginia setting.

Robbins builds interesting characters and brilliant descriptions of New Hope, Virginia and a blazing summer.

One tragedy after another brings out festering prejudice and rage. Good Hope is rocked by the death of a mixed-blood baby, cover-ups of crimes, arson, and the death of the sherrif's young daughter.

Nat Deeds , a troubled lawyer, is involved in the legal battles and also his own marital problems. Robbins skillfully concludes SCORCHED EARTH and it rains.

Good read!

Ernie Aiello

Chicago Confidential by Max Allan Collins

2008-05-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Collins has written another historical novel of the first rank. This effort moves from L.A. to Chicago, Heller's home base, and makes side trips to Washington, D.C. and Mexico.

All the action plays out in the 1950's. As in other Nathan Heller novels, real people join some interesting fictional characters. Among the real are: Senators Estes Kefauver and Joe McCarthy, Drew Pearson, Lee Mortimer, Jayne Mansfield, Sam Giancana, Frank Sinatra, and the Fiscetti Brothers.

The Kefauver Comm. is sitting in Chicago and some interesting testimony is recorded and some is protected by the Fifth Amendment. Chicago in the '50's was violent and corrupt.

This is another satisfying effort by M. A. Collins.

Ernie Aiello

What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller

2008-05-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

An intense story with stunning characterizations. A page turner with an edge!

Kate Schwartz

Monday Night Jihad by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

2008-05-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

MONDAY NIGHT JIHAD is a first novel for both its authors. Many will recognize Jason Elam as the fifteen year place kicker for the Denver Broncos.

This first rate spy thriller also includes some interesting intrigue of pro-sports. Riley Covington, a star linebacker, has finished his Air Force obligation. His tour of duty in Afghaninstan starts the novel.

Riley is forced to confront the "Cause", a Middle Eastern terror group. The tale includes an actual bombing of a professional stadium, and the planned attack on Disneyland on the day of the "big game."

Readers will enjoy the action from Afghanistan, to the U.S., to Italy, and finally back to the U.S.

Of course this sets the stage for a sequel due in 2009.

Ernie Aiello

The Ghost War by Alex Berenson

2008-04-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

THE GHOST WAR is Berenson's second novel. It is a sequel to his first hit novel, THE FAITHFUL SPY, winner of the 2007 Edgar Award.

CIA agent, John Wells, returns in THE GHOST WAR. The action is exciting and fast paced from D.C. to Afghanistan, to Korea, to China and finally back to the D. C. metro area. Wells and lady friend, Exley, both work for the CIA, and are a "team" once again in THE GHOST WAR.

Action begins in the Yellow Sea and moves to Afghanistan. Chinese General Li Ping's (Chief of the PLA) negotiations with Iran results in near war between China and the U.S. Wells is sent to China to find out what is up and all hell breaks loose.

At home a "side bar" story of a mole inside the CIA complicates things and this outstanding adventure comes to a very satisfying conclusion, setting the stage for #3 in the John Wells saga.

Ernie Aiello

The Disagreement by Nick Taylor

2008-04-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Nick Taylor's first novel is a "hum-dinger". THE DISAGREEMENT is a historical novel of the Civil War.

The novel has no descriptions or fighting, but plenty of the aftermath of battles. John Alan Muro, the narrator, is a medical student at the University of Virginia (1861-1865).

Muro and classmates are pressed into service at the Charlottesville General Hospital, where "Dr." Muro saves the life of a northern officer. Muro also meets Miss Lorrie Wigfal, who becomes Mrs. Muro.

The end of the war finds Muro planning to flee his life in Virginia to join the saved Union officer's medical practice.

The epilogue is outstanding and a great ending to a wonder first novel.

Ernie Aiello

Angel in Black by Max Allan Collins

2008-04-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

M. A. Collins is one of our best writers of historical fiction. ANGEL IN BLACK (2001) is his treatment of "The Black Dahlia" Hollywood Murder Case (1947).

Nathan Heller (private eye) helps to discover the body of Elizabeth Short. Heller is on a honeymoon/business trip and is thrown into this horrific murder.

Once again Collins includes real people in his novel - this time he includes: Orson Welles, Rita Hayworth, Dezi & Lucy, Eliot Ness, Mickey Cohen, Henry Fonda and many other show biz celebrities.

Heller and friends spend much time and effort "solving" this murder. The 11th "case" for Heller is well written and the reader can "taste" the post WW2 life of Hollywood.

Ernie Aiello

Three Shirt Deal by Stephen J. Cannell

2008-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

THREE THIRD DEAL is the latest of Cannell's Shane Scully novels. Scully is once again involved in a torrid paced life as an LAPD Homicide detective. Scully's wife, also his boss, is recovering from a brain injury and their wedded bliss is suffering. Now he must deal with a confused murder case which an Internal Affairs detective has "dumped" on him. Scully believes a frame-up is involved.

THREE SHIRT DEAL ranges up and down the state of California, involving a violent Hispanic gang, millionaire power brokers, and the leading candidate for L.A. mayor. The exciting conclusion is very satisfying, and sets the stage for the next Shane Scullly episode.

Ernie Aiello

Damned in Paradise by Max Allan Collins

2008-04-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

DAMNED IN PARADISE is Collins's eight novel in his Nathan Heller Series. Heller, a Chicago detective, has been involved in many famous crimes of the 20th Century. Collins is known for weaving together fact and fiction.

DAMNED IN PARADISE is based on the famous ALA Moana Case and the Massie murder trial (1931-1932). Despite its extensive basis in history, this is a work of fiction. Most of the characters are real, including: Clarence Darrow, Isabel Bell, Chang Apana, (The Real Charlie Chan), Clarence "Buster" Crabb, Mayor Jimmy Walker, and many others.

This is an interesting story of life in the U.S. during the early '30s. Americans on the mainland in "Paradise" still suffer the crash and depression.

The ALA Moana "Rape" Case and the Massie murder trial make for exciting reading. Collins is a very fine writer and the effort is worthy of your attention.

Ernie Aiello

The Coldest Winter by David Halberstam

2008-04-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

THE COLDEST WINTER was Halberstam's twenty-first and final book. He died in (2007) an auto accident while on his way to an inverview for his planned book on pro football.

Readers looking for a complete account of the Korean War should look elsewhere. THE COLDEST WINTER is not just about Korea. It is an exhaustive story of the international and domestic scene from the end of WWII to the Eisenhower Administration. Halberstam uses over 600 pages to outline the Korean "War", but more importantly, outline the people and events of the Truman Administration and a very "rough" analysis of Doublas Macarthur.

Younger readers will find his world somewhat confusing - but quite interesting. The portions of the book dealing with the fighting in Korea (1950-1953) are detailed, but are overwhelmed by his descriptions of The Cold War, the "loss" of China, and China's entry into Korea in late 1951.

THE COLDEST WINTER evolved from interviews Halberstam conducted during the Viet Nam Conflict. Some might feel it set the stage for U.S. involvement in Viet Nam during the Kennedy and Johnson years. The long book is NOT light reading. I enjoyed it immensely and was reminded of my graduation from Muhlenberg and then my entry into the U.S. Army in August of 1954.

Ernie Aiello

Blood and Thunder by Max Allan Collins

2008-04-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

M. A. Collins did it again with BLOOD AND THUNDER, the eighth Nathan Heller novel. Collins combines factual events with a fine novel.

BLOOD AND THUNDER takes private eye Heller into the realm of Huey Long, the Kingfish. Heller is hired by Long as one of his bodyguards. The action begins (1935) in N. Y. City and moves to Hannibull, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and finally to Louisiana. Long has been threatened with assassination several times.

In fact, Long is assassinated in the Louisiana State Capital Building. Heller returns to Chicago but is soon sent back to Louisiana to serve as a neutral third party to determine if Long's death was accidental or not. Heller's investigation for the Chicago office of the Mutual Life Insurance Co. is the second half of the novel.

One again fans of Collins' books will enjoy reading about historical figures in the context of a good novel.

Ernie Aiello

The Archivist's Story by Travis Holland

2008-04-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Travis Holland's first novel, though short, is recommended to readers interested in the events in the Soviet Union during 1939. THE ARCHIVIST'S STORY is just that, a compelling tale of a young archivist working in the basement of the infamious Lubyanka Prison in Moscow. Pavel Dubrov, the archivist, is a tragic figure. He has been dismissed from a teaching position, his wife had died in a train accident, and his mother is suffering from blackouts.

Holland is sharp in describing the horrible conditions in Stalinist Russia. The NKVD (Secret Police) runs roughshod over any and all persons suspected of "disloyalty". We read about the Nazi-Soviet non-agression pact and the horrors of life under Stalin. The novel paints a bleak picture of the Soviet Union in 1939.

Ernie Aiello

You've Been Warned by James Patterson & Howard Roughan

2008-04-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Patterson and Roughan have produced a fast paced novel of psychological suspense. You've Been Warned is unlike most of Patterson's books. Fans of Patterson will be disappointed, in my opinion. This is too "Psychological".

This is a spralling novel which takes place in New York City and its environs. Kristin Burns is an aspiring photographer but is employed as a full-time nanny to the very wealthy Turnbull family in Manhattan. Kristin has problems: an on-going affair with Mr. Turnbull; some dark events from the past; and constant problems with her landlord. She is a very good photographer and loves her "kids". Her affair dominates her existence and continuing flashbacks come close to destroying her.

The novel's conclusion is weak, but may be a set-up for a sequel.

Majic Man by Max Allan Collins

2008-04-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Majic Man is the eleventh book in the Nathan Heller series. M.A. Collins is well known for his historical fiction in which he includes real people from the relevant period. This exciting and interesting effort covers the period 1947 to 1949.

Heller is called to Washington and is hired by James Forrestal, retiring Secretary of Defense. Heller is also employed by muckraker, Drew Person. Working for both men, Heller must deal with Cold War paranoia and rumors of UFO landings in New Mexico.

In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Forrestal, President Truman, Teddy Kollek, and members of Truman's cabinet are part of this novel. The second half of Majic Man moves to Roswell, N.M., where Heller becomes involved with UFO sightings. This is another very good effort by M.A. Collins.

Betrayal by John Lescroart

2008-03-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

Lescroart is one of the "top" writers of "lawyer" thrillers. BETRAYAL is a humdinger characterized by the contemporary scene in northern California, as well as, the American involvement in Iraq. Two thirds of the novel deals with a national guard deployment during year one in Iraq.
Evan Scholler is the commander of a platoon which is assigned as security to one of the "big" contractors in Iraq. Ron Nolan (ex-Navy Seal) is a high ranking member of Allstrong Security. An incident in Baghdad seriously wounds Scholler and Nolan's involvement gets him reassigned to work for Allstrong in San Francisco.
The "incident", Scholler's serious wounds, and a clash over the affections for Tara lead to greater violence. Nolan is murdered and Scholler is convicted and imprisoned for life.
At this point, the "old" hands from Lescroat's earlier novels take over and this excellent tale ends with an interesting twist!
This is a must read for those interested in the contemporary scene!

Midnight Rambler by James Swain

2008-03-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

MIDNIGHT RAMBLER is a fast moving thriller about a serial killer. Swain has produced an exciting novel which takes the reader back and forth through Central and Southern Florida.

Jack Carpenter is the down and out ex-cop who lost his job and his family putting the killer, Simon Skell, in prison. Carpenter is haunted by the past victims of Skel. He feels he must discover what happened to the seven missing bodies. He wants to regain his family but cannot do so until the "case" is solved.

The action moves from Fort Laderdale to Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. In the process we are faced with abductions of adults and children. Finally we read about a gang of preditors looking for victims to satisfy their hunger. A lot of violence and derring-do is well developed by Swain.

Ernie Aiello

The Millian Dollar Wound by Max Allan Collins

2008-03-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

THE MILLION DOLLAR WOUND is the final part of the Nathan Heller Trilogy. This volume describes Heller's life as a private detective (1930's) Marino (1940's) and return to civilian life after service on Guadalcanal

The following precedes the prologue: "Although the historical events in this novel are portrayed more or less accurately, ..., fact, speculation, and fiction are freely mixed here; historical personages exist side by side with composite characters and wholly fictional ones, ..."

This novel includes Barney Ross, Frank Nitti, Sally Rand, Robert Montgomery, Westbrook Pegler, Eliot Ness, and many more. Wartime Chicago is still filled with extortion, prostitution, corruption, murder, and gambling. All of which touch the A-1 Dectective Agency, Nathan Heller, President.

Ernie Aiello

The Shooters by W.E.B. Griffin

2008-02-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

W.E.B. Griffin's latest presidential agent novel, The Shooters, does not disappoint Griffin readers.

Delta Force Officer, Charlie Castillo, and his "group" are at it again! This is all part of the continuing saga of the U.N.'s Oil-for-Food debacle.

The president of the United States has ordered Castillo and "group" to rescue a kidnapped D.E.A. officer. The intricate plan involves DELTA Force members and law enforcement elements from Chicago, Argentina, and Uruguay. And so the novel's action moves from the U.S. to Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.

The Shooters is very exciting and fans of Griffin will anticipate Book V, of the Presidential Agent Series.

Ernie Aiello

The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry

2008-02-29T07:45:00.000-08:00

Steve Berry continues to produce best sellers that delight his readers. His latest: The Venetian Betrayal , is as exciting as his five previous thrillers.

The Venetian Betrayal starts in Babylon in 323B.C., and concludes in the present. Alexander the Great's death, the creation of the Central Asian Federation, and the research and development of biological weapons, as well as, a miraculous serum all contribute to a fast paced adventure. Characters from previous Berry books and new characters are involved in much daring-do! Many are dedicated to searching for the last resting place of Alexander or anti-agents for terrible diseases.

The story is brutally action packed. Berry keeps his reader's attention for nearly five hundred pages. The climax is exciting and sets the stage for number seven from Berry!

Ernie Aiello

The Betrayal Game by David L. Robbins

2008-02-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

Robbins enjoys blending history and fiction in writing his novels. The Assassins Gallery took us back to the 1940's during W. W. II and the fourth term of F.D.R. The Betrayal Game takes us back to 1961 and the Kennedy-Castro drama. Once again blending history and fiction, Robbins re-introduces Prof. Mikhal Lammeck. Lammeck was a key character in earlier Robbins novels.

In the Spring of 1961, Lemmeck arrives in Havana to research a new book on assassinations. Lemmeck finds himself involved in CIA, KGB, Mafia, and Cuban Undergrand plans for assassinations.

The Betrayal Gang is wonderfully written. The reader "visits" Havana and all of Cuba in the early days of revolution. Lemmeck describes the beauty of the Cuban food and climate. The story takes us into the continuing efforts for assassination and invasion.

An author's note explains the situation in the months leading to the Bay of Pigs. Robbins says the majority of the novel is thinly "fictionalized facts." He has added two sections of annotations - the first to be read along with the novel. The second is to be read after the completion.

I highly recommend this and all of Robbins's work.

Ernie Aiello

The Accident Man by Tom Cain

2008-02-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Tom Cain, a pseudonym for a British investigative journalist, has written a slick thriller. The Accident Man, Samuel Carver, will arrange a death for the right price.

During the novel, Carver is hired by the "consortium" for two jobs. The second job in Paris is the basis for the novel. On August 31, 1997, the Princess of Wales is killed in an auto accident. The reader discovers that Carver was involved in that accident. His job was to eliminate an Islamic terrorist operating in Paris. His info is that the terrorist has plans for a terrorist act in England.

After the accident, Carver is involved in fast-paced violence throughout Europe. This is a spell-binding story - very brutal events. We are left with the question, "Does this change the death of Diana from accident to murder?"

Ernie Aiello

666: the Number of the Beast by various authors

2008-02-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

The title promises a treatment of the biblical beast in Revelation but that's not the case. This is a collection of 18 horror stories: 6 dealing with evil, 6 with darkness, and 6 with beasts. The stories are authored by 18 consummate storytellers including Christopher Pike, Melissa de la Cruz, Amerlia Atwater-Rhodes, Chet Williamson and more. Some of the tales are more satisfying than others. But reading examples of the genre from different points of view was a treat. My favorite ( and I think the scariest!) was LITTLE SACRIFICE, by Joyce Carol Oates.

D. Sebastian

Angel Isle by Peter Dickinson

2008-02-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Dickinson's first book in this series, THE ROPEMAKER, was a Printz honor award title. ANGEL ISLE is the sequel, which takes place 20 generations after THE ROPEMAKER.
Three reluctant heroes are on a quest to find the last magician who is the only one who can save the kingdom. This sounds like a run-of-the-mill fantasy novel plot but Dickinson takes it to wonderful and unexpected places. He creates a world that will draw you in until the very last page - where you will not want to leave!

D. Sebastian

The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

2008-02-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

Koontz is one of the best novelists of our time. His latest is up there with his best.

THE DARKEST EVENING OF THE YEAR is a love story, a murder mystery, and finally a "supernatural" tale as have been most of Koontz's most recent efforts. Golden Retrievers play immense roles as do a multitude of interesting characters. Koontz and wife, Genda, are lovers of Goldens.

This highly readable novel takes us from Conneticut to California. Amy Redwin and finance, Brian MccCartny, are the key players in this wonderful story that ties them and their complicated pasts beyond the average.

Amy is a dedicated leader of a South California Organization to rescue abandoned and endangered Golden Retrievers. We read about the "mystical" bond of Goldens to their masters. Add to this some really "kooky", bad people and an autistic child and you have another Koontz best seller.

I have to admit, I am a great fan of D. K.

Ernie Aiello

Eye of the Beholder by David Ellis

2008-02-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER is Ellis's fifth thriller. Ellis is a Chicago lawyer and counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.

This is a "scarey", rambling, multiple murder mystery. It is contemporary with flashbacks to 1989. Paul Riley, a successful comporate attorney, is the chief character.

In 1989, Riley was the First Assit. County Prosecutor and successfully prosecuted Terry Burgos, a serial killer. Burgos used the lyrics of a grusomely violent song to murder six young women.

Now fifteen years later, a series of grusome murders appear to be emulating the second verse of the '89 song. Is this a "copycat" serial killer?

Questions arise and Riley questions his role as prosecutor in '89. Layer upon layer of contradictions appear to be an effort by people to keep the past buried.

This is the second Ellis Book which I have read. He is a compelling author.

Ernie Aiello