Category: Book Reviews

The Burning Wire – Jeffrey Deaver

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burning wireThe Burning Wire (Lincoln Rhyme, #9) 
by Jeffery Deaver (Goodreads Author)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 20, 2018  

 

This book was a disappointment in comparison to the couple other Jeffrey Deaver/Lincoln Rhyme stories I’ve read. I found the pace a bit slow most of the time and some of the repetition had me flipping pages just to get on with it.
The author puts an interesting new spin on terrorism, but draws out the double ending way too long.
Personally, I expected more from a “bestseller.”

Churchill’s Secret Agent – Max Ciampoli

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churchillChurchill’s Secret Agent: A Novel Based on a True Story 
by Max Ciampoli, Linda Ciampoli

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 12, 2018

 

Oh, sorry, I was sleeping. This is easily the most boring spy book I’ve ever tried to read. I say ‘tried’ because I gave up after 150 pages. I assumed the missions would get more exciting as the agent gained more experience, but it is not the case.
This book should be called, Churchill’s French Chef. The protagonist shares more about his daily meals than he does the dangers or intricacies of his missions. I guess that should be expected since he went on to become a chef after the war.
Not to take away from the important work that Max Ciampoli may have done during the war, I was totally disappointed in his book.

The Whistler – John Grisham

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whistlerThe Whistler 
by John Grisham (Goodreads Author)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 09, 2018  

 

This book was a great read and a nice surprise, from John Grisham. No usual courtroom drama, just a steady pace of crime investigation by an unknown agency who investigates corrupt or crooked judges. The story is full of suspense, with some good action and strong characters who are portrayed as real people. The plot revolves around a criminal enterprise and skimming operation at an Indian casino. I recommend this book to any crime fiction or thriller fan.

Stick – Elmore Leonard

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Stick

Stick 
by Elmore Leonard

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Jan 05, 2018  · 

 

I’ve seen more movies made from Elmore Leonard’s books than I’ve read his novels. I think Stick is the second or third novel. It’s a bit of a slow starter, but builds a good momentum, gathering your interest along the way. The story is kind of a rags to riches tale of a simple, but smart guy who tries to get back on his feet after a stint in federal penitentiary.
Stick also became a movie, starring Burt Reynolds. If I recall correctly it was a bit slow too, but a likable flick.

Swan Peak – James Lee Burke

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Swan peakSwan Peak (Dave Robicheaux, #17) 
by James Lee Burke

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Dec 24, 2017  
Dave Robicheaux is one of my favorite characters, perhaps because I can relate to him so easily. James Lee Burke is master of metaphors and he can offer descriptions of the sky like no other. His story-telling is enjoyable and almost philosophical at times.
In this book Burke’s first hand knowledge of the pristine scenery in Northern Montana shines above his usual inside look at Louisiana bayou country. Robicheaux’s sidekick Clete Purcel is also a colorful and easily likable character.
The only reason I didn’t give this book a fifth star is that it wasn’t as exciting as other Burke novels I’ve read.

Peppered Justice

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pepperPeppered Justice (Cambodia Trilogy Book 2) 
by Mark Bibby Jackson, Joe Slater (Illustrator), Kate Burbidge (Editor), Jonny Edbroke (Photographer)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Nov 24, 2017  

 

I took too long to read this book, and forgot a few details along the way so maybe I would have enjoyed it more in other circumstances. It is a good book and the setting is familiar to me, having visited that part of Cambodia.
What I did take from the plot is that politics and policing travel hand in hand, no matter what country you’re in. I liked that the protagonist was no hero, but and honest cop who believed in getting the job done.
The story itself is a descent who-done-it, with enough clues and misdirection to keep you guessing until the end.

The Clinic

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ClinicThe Clinic (Alex Delaware, #11) 
by Jonathan Kellerman, John Rubinstein (Narrator)

 

Edmond Gagnon‘s review

Sep 18, 2017

 

Big yawn!
I really tried to finish this book just to see who did it, but three quarters of the way through I didn’t care any more and gave up. I’ve read previous works by Kellerman and love his characters, but for a murder mystery novel, this one made want to fluff my pillow instead of turning the page.
There was way too much fluff…useless descriptions of everyone, hypothesizing between characters, and painfully dull dialog.
If you’re looking for a good read to help you sleep, The Clinic is for you.

More Reviews for Finding Hope

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High Res4 & 5 Star Reviews from Goodreads and Kobo:

My favorite book thus far by Ed. I intended on reading just a few chapters today but his writing kept me so captivated and wanting more, I finished the book in hours. Looking forward to the next novel by this wonderful story-teller.    Dawn S.

 Captivating story based on the circumstances which unfortunately continue to occur on the infamous Highway of Tears in Northern British Columbia. While reading this book, I found myself re-processing the events well after I had put the book down, and then I couldn’t wait to get back into it! Compassion for the victims, as well as trying to analyze the thoughts of an isolated bushman, topped off with a touch of romance, Finding Hope will not disappoint.  Brenda B

This novel is based on the abused and murdered women in British Columbia. Precisely route #16. It held my interest, trying to figure out one of the killers—which I was able to do early on. It’s a Norm Strom book by Edmond Gagnon. Norm is a retired police officer who gets caught up in the search for one young woman who disappears. He helps the RCMP to find her and to solve some of the murders. It’s a hard book in some parts as the language is crude and some violence graphic. If you’re into crime and resolve you will enjoy this book of fiction based on fact.  Jackie R

The book was a good read, fast, and kept my interest going. The characters were just enough to identify with each one. A human story of all the girls that were lost and never found. The main characters were serious and funny. The writer wrote about highlights along the highways that made you feel like you were right there. The ending was suspenseful and kept me wondering. Edward G

See Early Acclaim for Finding Hope

 

The Two Bill’s – Part 2

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IMG_3510-002

This story appears in my first book, A Casual Traveler

 The Way Back 

            Usually, going somewhere is more fun than coming back. Whenever I plan a trip I try to take that into account. I don’t know how everyone else feels, but I hate covering the same ground twice. I’d much rather make a loop and go out of my way, than drive down the same road more than once. Unless something is worth seeing again, from a different perspective.

            Cathryn and I had a great ride getting to Vancouver, but I knew I had my work cut out for me, trying to find an eventful and scenic way back home. The whole idea of the trip was to cover new ground, since both of us had been out west before. Seattle came to mind. Although I’d been there twice, I never had time to see more than a few token attractions on the waterfront.

Continue reading “The Two Bill’s – Part 2” →