What's Happening at Book Readers Heaven - Cover Reveal for Walter Jack Savage's Latest Novel, the Volchev Files... and Thoughts About Today's Actions by Russia

For the last few weeks, I've been reading and proofreading the latest novel by author-artist Walter Jack Savage. I met Jack online about 15 years ago and have shared a close friendship online from one side of the United States to the other... You'll find Jack on Facebook in particular where a large cultural membership shares about books, art, music and more! Ironically, or perhaps by design by Jack, his latest novel takes us back into the 1970s when the cold war with The Soviet Union was ending, while at the same time a continuation of Russia's desire for domination continued to fester...

Cover Reveal - Work by Artist W. Jack Savage

Book Title - The Volchev File by W. Jack Savage

wjacksavage.com

While I was reading, I could not help but think about one of my supernatural experiences - A God Incident for me... 

I remember a work friend asked me to go with her to listen to missionaries that had gone into Russian territory. For whatever reason, I knew that I had to go--and that there was something that would happen... To that end, I invited a closer friend to my home after that inspiring tale of responding to the needs of those in the Soviet Union, both Russia, the Ukraine and other areas...

Reading the story of Igor Volchev who had been imprisoned by the Russians, for various reasons--even having the reasons changed and Volchev moved from prison to prison without any notice or control over what was happening to him, my memory was stirred. I don't remember the prisoner's name--it could have been Igor... 

I do remember that my name was Sonya and she was the soulmate of the Russian prisoner. That night when I came home, I asked my friend to just stay with me--that I felt I should not be alone but didn't know what was going to happen...

Soon, I was taken over by God's Holy Spirit, I listened to myself as I spoke in tongues, knowing that I was ministering to my love, my husband, as he fought grave illness... He died that night; I had been sent as like an angel to be with him in his final earthly pain-filled moments... My close friend shared with me what had happened as a witness. In Jack's book, he talked about a meningitis breakout that had spread through the camp where Igor was held for a long time, but Igor had not contracted the deadly highly-contagious disease, thankfully, since he was soon moved to a different camp... The unknown Russian soldier I visited that night had died, perhaps by a disease--perhaps from the cold and lack of food... just like those who are in prison, many times without a reason, except that the government official demands it...

I'll be sharing more of an overview of Jack's new novel soon...

In the meantime, it is difficult not to consider the headlines of today's world, as Russia has invaded  Ukraine... We see a country that is controlled by a dictator moving on a sovereign country, where men, women and even older children are taking up arms to fight for retention of their democracy 

While in America...

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/trump-praises-putins-genius-gop-fissures-grow-ukraine-crisis-rcna17259

So, while Grandmothers and children stand to support their military in fighting against the Russian dictator Putin, we can find those in America--Trump and his followers of White Nationalist and more-- repeating the lies that Putin is using to act aggressively against the Ukraine...

Tell me, any of you who are willing to speak out... Why do republicans speak for a dictator and carry his word, albeit incorrectly! Note that Greene condemns democrats for communist acts...while she supports Putin who is indeed...a communist! Please get the script clarified if you're going to lie and support terrorists! But isn't that the case...Disinformation is what they call it...Speak lies on any subject, no matter what and some will believe...unfortunately!

I may not be physically able to fight...but I will fight with Words to speak for retaining a democracy that is now being attacked here in the United States by republicans acting on behalf of a former president that still claims The Big Lie and refuses to acknowledge that the majority of Americans support and wish to continue having a democratic government! Which just happens to be led by Joe Biden, The Duly Elected and Certified on January 6th, 2020, president of The Unites States of America!

Let us Raise Words to Fight Against the lies being spewed across the World! 

Amazing Grace was written by a former slave trader John Newton...Once sailing a ship full of slaves from Africa his ship was hit by a fierce storm... Newton feared for his life and got down on his knees and begged the good Lord to spare his life...He promised the Lord that if he would only spare his life he would change his ways a stop trading slaves.. The storm calmed down and Newton wrote the song Amazing Grace, full of sorrow and love and hope that he would be forgiving of his sins.

I had never heard the story of how Amazing Grace had been written, so I thought that might be true for some of you! Just Think! a man who was bringing humans to be sold as slaves to America and met Jesus and His Truth! May we recognize that lies, including the Big Lie is hurting humanity across the world as those who want only power and riches are working to take the democracy that so many have fought to keep for all of those living in America and across the world. Use Your Words to Speak Against Those Who Cause Dissension and Chaos Rather than Peace and Love!

Oh! And A Shout Out! to Linda S. Prather - I think I have now completed all of her books, during those times when I got away from all of the above... Her diversity of writing across genres is one of the best I've seen and I loved every single one of her books...more on them later!

God Bless,

Glenda

Dishonorable Death, Second in Trilogy, by Linda Prather, For Pure Enjoyment, is My Favorite!

 

Something evil this way comes. 

I shuddered, trembling hands splashing coffee onto my bare legs. Since becoming a detective with the Chicago Police Department, I’d acquired a certain sixth sense, an atmospheric shift that caused my stomach to clench when something bad was about to spring from the shadows. That clench had become a painful knot, and I shrugged it off to nerves and emotions. 

Today also marked the sixth-month anniversary of my twin brother’s murder, and I mentally willed the phone not to ring again. I needed the downtime to submerge myself in self-pity and guilt. The pain was there, still raw and festering. Most of the time, I could shake it off. I didn’t want to shake off the guilt. Since Kyle’s death, I’d fed it daily and pushed myself to the limits of human endurance to solve every murder that crossed my path—especially those with drug connections. Dave had accused me of charging at the enemy with no thought of safety, and he and Greg were beginning to worry that I had a death wish, which, of course, was utter bullshit. 

I raised my cup for a birthday toast. “Happy birthday, Kyle. Maybe if I wasn’t such an anal jerk, I could have saved you, and we’d be celebrating today together.”

~~~

I've always been especially interested in both the cultural and spiritual component of Native Americans, having read many fiction and non-fiction books, especially, recently, of those by Manny Monolin Moreno, an Elder. I've been intrigued how their spiritual lives included the natural world around them, as well as their ancestors. Later, evolution occurred as some became involved in life of missionary Christians who came to tell them about Jesus. But I had never heard of any of the ritualistic acts that were included in this book. Kudos to Prather for her excellent research and knowledge sufficient to merge into an exceptionally complex series of murders. Warning: these were necessarily graphic, but not so much so that they could just be seen as clues to consider how and why the deaths happened. Good over evil is always what I'm looking for in such books!

Dave came to stand beside me as I took the envelope, 

lifted the flap, and pulled out the single sheet of paper.

 A body a day keeps the demons away. 

It’s time to dance with the devil, Kacy.

~~~

"Most of us have a good and evil side.

Things happen, and sometimes

we just can’t control the evil.”

Retrieving my cell phone, I located the pictures I’d taken of the rock formation and Sicily’s body. “The rock formation appears to be a Native American dream catcher. We’re hoping you can give us some insight on what it means.” I watched closely as he studied the pictures.

Redwine shook his head and passed the phone back to me. “That is not a true dream catcher.” He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a small tear-shaped object. “This is a dream catcher, and each part has a different meaning.

“For reasons we can’t share at the moment, sir, I’m afraid time is not something we have a lot of. If it’s not a dream catcher, what is it? And why do you think our killer used it?” 

“The dream catcher was sometimes referred to as a medicine wheel. Medicine wheels were constructed from stones like the one in your picture. The outer circle represents the circle of life. The spokes are placed in the four directions, which have different meanings to different people. To know why your killer used it would involve looking into the history of both the dream catcher and the medicine wheel. 

Clearly, your killer knows some of the history, as it is believed the dream catcher came from the Ojibwa Chippewa tribe.” 

Dave fidgeted in his seat, pulled out his cell phone, and loaded up the last picture he’d taken. “What about this demon thing? I didn’t think Native Americans believed in demons.” 

“All cultures have their mythical demons, Detective Capello.” Redwine glanced at the picture then sighed. “The most common demon associated with the Ojibwa’s and the Great Lakes Region would be the Baykok. Were there any wounds on the body?”

I shook my head. “None visible, but we’re waiting on the ME’s report.” 

“The Baykok would often paralyze or kill its prey, then devour the liver of its victim, or in some instances, cut an opening in the chest and remove a piece of stomach without disturbing the victim.” 

“Jesus,” Dave blurted out. “Did it eat that too?” 

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that question. What can you tell me about the victim? Baykoks only preyed upon warriors...”

~~~

By the second book, Greg Stevens has been promoted to a detective and placed under the tutelage of Team Leader, Kacy, and David. Greg was a quick learner but most of the time he used his computer expertise to gather all data that might be used or complement what is already known. Much of their work is done at a local restaurant, Arlene's, where they get a back table and can go over in private what they've all learned. 

Good thing they were all friends, I thought...I'd early in my career learned not to expect luncheon meetings to be conducive to getting things done. I learned not to get a salad--it takes too long to eat and keeps you chewing... A grilled cheese sandwich seemed to be perfect...But this group chowed down, talking with their mouths full, arguing and laughing, enjoying the fun of working with a good, close team. For me, that choice by the writer, created an image of comradery and a full dose of philia love that grows with mutual respect and sincere feelings of concern for each other. Good thing, too! Because one or the other was targeted within the three books, thankfully to be saved by their partners. 

As the most vocal, and the most aggressive, Kacy, a badass female who has no problems interacting with men, women, criminals, lawyers, and other cops... Of course, several grow to hate her...one in particular in this novel reminded me of many people who I see as two-faced. They smile and agree with you and charm you, letting you think they admire you... Then they cheat and lie about you behind your back.  Thing is, though, Kacy saw through him immediately--kinda like I did with our former president...LOL

Seriously, a cross-mix of Christian and Native American rituals caused the team to get confusing signals. I found I was losing any ability to figure out what was happening, along with the police, as I am usually able to do. When an FBI profiler came in to help, it confirmed and clarified Kacy's conclusions... And she knew who and how to find who was murdering many people in different ways. Kacy finally decided she was going to confront the man... She wore a cross and took holy water with her... I was wishing this scene was expanded a lot more, but time was moving fast and Kacy had gotten the reaction she needed to confirm she was right. 

The ending was both surprising, yet if you read carefully, completely understandable...and satisfying... I learned maybe more than I wanted to learn about ritualistic deaths within religious beliefs. Still, the symbols used, such as white feathers, added to the complexity and depth of the plot. Many Kudos to Linda Prather, with this and the entire Death Trilogy. I recommend you read all three... The buildup from the first novel to last is dramatic and should not be missed, in my opinion!

Linda Prather Brings New Trilogy Seeking Justice...or...Revenge by Female Lead Character!

Dave’s voice was soft, and I think he knew too. Five minutes passed, and I swallowed hard and hit the play button. “Ninety-nine shovels of dirt in the grave… ninety-nine shovels of dirt…”

All she had to do was hear the tune of the song...the words didn't matter even after so long... The tune and what my captor sang, changing the words to tell...his...story... At first, she almost always had a panic attack...after all, he had sung it as he was burying her alive... Still when they were called out for the latest murder scene, it seemed like it was all happening again... 

Kacy buried her feelings as much as possible, but Dave, her long-time partner, knew exactly what was going on...and she knew he would be there, especially, for this latest tragedy against a woman... She could tell herself that, but in time she realized that she had to deal with it for herself. But when her twin brother was murdered, her response went straight to her heart, her love, and the need for...revenge...

“Jesus, Kacy, it’ll be a bugger identifying this one.” Under normal circumstances, my partner, Dave Capello, would have had a point. The body had washed up from the icy depths of the Chicago River near the fork of Eleanor and Loomis, and the call had come in minutes before quitting time. Dave had wanted to ignore it. For once, I wished I’d listened to him.

A blowtorch had been used on the face, and all the fingers were missing. The angles of the arms and legs told me bones had been broken. I didn’t need the ME to tell me the identity. Nor did I need to see the small skull tattoo above his left ankle to verify it. 

Kyle and I had never shared the twin bond in life, but as I stared down at his tortured and mutilated body, I realized a part of me was missing. I’d never considered it a vital part—until now.

Police officers, firemen, and two other detectives from Cook County had responded to the call. Dave and I weren’t needed, and I had a lot to do before the commander took me off the case.

“Let’s go, Dave.” 

“What do you mean? We just got here.” 

I strode toward the Ford sedan parked at the edge of the street, with Dave huffing to keep up. 

"We’re off the case. The victim’s name is Kyle Lang. He’s my twin brother.” 

“Jesus.” Dave said that a lot, and at times, I wondered if it was a habit or a prayer for insight on bad cases. 

Perhaps he simply found it preferable to the trash that often came out of my mouth. Solving this case wouldn’t take a lot of insight. Kyle had been working with Chicago’s drug dealers, thieves, and murderers for over ten years. We’d both known since the day I graduated from the academy that one day, he would wind up on my beat, and I would have to arrest him, shoot him, or bury him. I took comfort from the fact it was the latter. Arresting him would have been hard and shooting him even harder.

~~~

Wow! This first book is awesome! Although I haven't had the chance to read all of Prather's books...yet... I stopped reading another great series to read this latest from one of my favorite authors. When I was into this book, I realized that the main characters, Kacy Lang, was a woman that I hoped to see in a lengthy series... In fact, I almost didn't start writing this review because I had really fallen in love with the next book in the series and didn't want to stop reading until I finished! That book, which I'll be telling you about soon has two main themes about which I have a somewhat avid interest--Christianity and the Native American culture.

Many women may have realized that many writers are creating some really bad-ass women who, although sometimes for revenge, but more so, to provide justice, are often out there doing the work of law officers or, when they've had problems with formal law actions, have gone out on their own... My first love for such a female came from J. D. Robb and the Death Series. So the title Prather shared reminded me of that body of fictional intrigue. I have to say, though, Prather has, perhaps, created a character that exceeds the Robb series,  since I haven't kept up with the Robb series. But, no matter how many writers I find, I never tired of reading about women fighting for justice, wherever and whatever it may be! Even more so in today's world! I may be against violence...but not if it is against criminals...

Sure, according to a few poor reviews on Amazon, it may seem unbelievable...if you have no idea how women are treated by the men of this world... Or maybe, if you do not realize that fiction is an escape into what the reader "wants" to have happen in real life. Yes, we know that justice often doesn't come through the efforts of law officers and the courts. 

In Sins of Edom, the latest novel written by Carl Brookins, he adds a set of professional retired investigators who are asked to help with the investigation of a double murder. In that book, the police were willing to work with them, especially since it was the church officers who requested it. There is an entire cozy amateur investigator world that many, many people, including myself love! So what if they aren't realistic...who cares that an individual who owns a bake shop is out there solving cases... Well, some would disagree and claim it is unrealistic... Again, imagination is such a powerful weapon, especially for women... 

We Want Justice... And if it is personal, as often it is...we are wanting revenge for the loss of a loved one... To me, this happens daily on the news as Black people are murdered on the streets by cops, and children are killed in schools and social event arenas, because of the proliferation and lack of control of guns! Find me one mother who, in lieu of the loss of a child, does not want that murderer...dead! So we seek out those types of books, no matter it couldn't happen in real life... We rejoice in seeing what is possible, even in somebody's imagination...

Seems fair, given that some men think nothing about going to war or even anywhere they want, purely because they like guns and want to kill... Statistically, I think America has more murders...than any other country...that are done outside of the military! I wish I could say that was unbelievable...

I want to talk about the two main characters... What I have seen from reading many different authors, almost all of them are uniquely drawn and presented for the strong emotions of love or hate... Kacy Lane was adopted. This first book doesn't go into much, except that she has no real family connection. Apparently the couple that adopted the twins did it to appear...normal, with a home life and children. Adopting children not wanted, for whatever reason, such as political, is heinous. It should not surprise most readers that she was barely involved with her parents. 

Her brother, he'd become estranged because of his connections with the criminal element--drugs and more... Kacy doesn't control her speech...I've never liked to hear women curse...but today's entertainment world thinks nothing about it. So, I overlook it, especially when the woman is in a male-dominated position and she's viewed not as a woman but as an officer...

But Kacy found that Kyle had many secrets that he had not even attempted to share with his twin...until it was too late... Readers learn about him as Kacy recognizes him as a murdered man for which she will need to be removed from the investigation... But she knows... She will be working the case! And she will not stop until she has revenge...and...justice!

Not many officers would want to have Kacy as a partner, but David, a long-time police officer chose her to become his partner. You'll immediately notice that they are completely in tune with each other. Often this happens between business partners who work closely together, protecting and supporting them. Each has learned the other's problem points and sometimes chips those issues to the point of frustration...but later...thankfulness... 

Dave is clearly a Christian... And it is not because of saying "Jesus" every time he wonders what Kacy is getting into now... The dialogues show it, but more, the way he treats those with whom he interacts, easily shows how good a man he is... Only one negative comment...I'll admit from personal experience, I don't think the author should have had so many different characters in the books call Dave, "Chubby." To me, this is demeaning if used by so many characters...even if the eating locations of the people are a major part where the team interacts. Too much of a good thing...for sensitive me...who has had weight issues all my life...Oh well...

On the other hand, between partners, Dave jabs Kacy quite often with issues she is sensitive about...like not having a husband, no sex...and more... I've had those too...but funny, since I never had a real drive for marriage, those never bothered me...

I woke to the aroma of fresh coffee, opened one eye, and glanced at the bedside clock. Twelve thirty. Groaning, I rolled my legs off the bed, sat up, and cradled my head in my right hand. How the hell do people who drink do it? I had a massive lack-of-sleep hangover, and my head was pounding. I’d barely made it to bed and kicked off my shoes before passing out. 

I groaned again as Dave’s voice carried from the kitchen, singing a nineties rap song. I hate rap. What the hell is he saying anyway? Ego tripping? 

Dave was wearing my pink apron, swiveling his substantial backside, and flipping pancakes when I dragged myself to the kitchen.

His voice rose to a high pitch as he sang off-key. “I’m the life of da party.” 

“For God’s sake, Dave, shut up.” I walked to the counter for a much-needed dose of caffeine. 

“You’re waking the dead.”

He turned, a huge smile crossing the chubby features. “Good morning, beautiful. Breakfast is almost ready.”

Greg Stevens comes in as an officer that is supporting the team who is doing the investigation... We'll watch how he learns from the professional detectives and, soon, is ready to join their team, which he does in the next book. And if you notice, Greg and Kacy are doing some eye contact, even from the beginning... 

The plot twists and intrigue were enough to totally envelope me and keep my attention. It's complex, meaning I'm wagering you won't guess who the killer is...but, like I've often said...that's when I enjoy a suspenseful thriller, or mystery, most of all! 

Dishonorable Death coming next! 

Enjoy!

ATTENTION: Alert: Watch for news on a new bi-partisan bill announced today to provide significant support to upgrading police agencies across the nation! Work to publicize and seek support for this bill. This evolved, partially, out of two police officers in Pennsylvania being killed on a domestic violence call.  Violence is increasing in America...due in part of incitement of violence over the last five years... Stop the Steal of our country by domestic terrorists of all kinds!

Linda Prather's Latest Novel, Would You Die For Her? Extraordinary Surprise Climax!

Desperate to block out the screams in the distance, I covered my ears and closed my eyes. “Please, God, please make him stop.” 

I’d never believed in prayer, but the screams stopped, or at least I couldn’t hear them anymore. 

“See what happens when you make me angry, Dakota?” I hadn’t heard him come in. I kept my eyes closed as I huddled in the far corner of the cage. 

A key clicked in the lock. His footsteps approached. “Look at me!” He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at his blood-soaked clothes. 

“She suffered your pain.” He squeezed harder. 

“Say, ‘Thank you, Christian.’” 

Another part of my soul died as her blood dripped from my chin. “Thank you, Christian.”

~~~

“I’d like a minute alone with them.”

Though I’d expected the answer to be no, Wagner nodded. “I’ll wait out here. Let me know if you need anything.” 

I entered the familiar room. Look at it as a detective. That was easier said than done. My gaze fell on the music box I’d played with as a little girl while Mrs. Dickson cleaned.

I walked to the dresser and lifted the lid. The small ballerina sprang to life, pivoting and twisting to the sounds of “Waltz of the Butterfly.” Closing the lid, I focused on the walls. 

Bethany had spent some time in the room after killing them. She’d written Broken on every wall three times. I moved closer to study the writing. I needed to ask if the photographer had taken pictures of it. 

Tears filled my eyes when I forced myself to look at the sheet-covered bodies on the four-poster bed. Blood had dripped from the mattress, forming a pool on the floor. She had to stab them more than once. I closed my eyes, looking for the strength to pull back the sheet.

“Dakota Renae Dale, don’t you dare!”

~~~

How do you write a review for a book that, literally, left you in shock? You immediately ask, was that the only way for the author to end the book? Yet, no matter what I explored in my mind, no other ending would suffice. This book does not have a happy ending...yet...it does! That's what makes it so sensational. Readers might have been looking for such an ending, but not really expecting it to actually happen... 

The ending itself was extraordinary...and satisfying... No, I'm not saying two different things. I am merely allowing my own feelings to flow into this review of the latest novel by one of my favorite authors, Linda Prather. As I think back to her very first book which I read and reviewed, I cannot but be proud of how much she has advanced in the ranks of important authors. Her plotting is fascinating and delightfully twisting, yet her continuity allows the reader to sink into being mesmerized by her amazing villain. Words cannot be found to express just how much I came to hate this man! Psychologically dismaying as readers learn more and more, pages turning,  sympathy and anger merging as each action makes you cringe. Yet, wonder how in the world...and when...is this freak going to die?!

Even the love story was unique with both individuals having been affected by the villain and yet, slowly finding themselves drawn toward the other, even as both fought their feelings... The sacrifice of both involved makes a powerful impact on readers that surpasses that of Love Story as it told of death within a relationship!

I find I don't want to go into the story per se. The book, for me, is character driven and brought together in such a unique way, as they become victims of a horrible psychopath. Anything covered by a review could hint at what will be happening in an ongoing story that is fascinating, disgusting, horrible, and intriguing. I would not have wanted to miss this book, nor will I not remember it because of the plot. It is, for me, one of the best psychological suspense thrillers that I've read in years... Prather has surpassed anything else I've read from her and promises to just keep getting better and better as she has reached consistent great writing with a creative genius that surpasses many...

Read this Book!

GABixlerReviews

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda S. Prather, was born in Kentucky in 1955. She currently live in Lexington, Kentucky with my fiancé, Coby W. Fuson. She has two wonderful sons, Charles and Steven.

I have always loved reading and writing. And although perhaps not a great literary work, I loved and was inspired by Old Yeller. The characters in that book were real to me. When I started writing, it was my greatest desire to write characters that readers could love and hate, laugh and cry with.
Knowledge was another love. I wanted to learn about everything. I studied metaphysics; delving into touch healing, dream analysis, meditation, and hypnosis. I received my associate's degree in metaphysics in 1992 and continued from there to become a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I spent several years studying the effects of hypnosis on cancer and pain. I taught meditation, dream analysis and self-hypnosis through Eastern Kentucky University's Special Programs for four years. The power of the mind has always fascinated me. I've recently become a paranormal investigator, and love old houses that go bump in the night.

The Gifts and coming soon Sacred Secrets are a combination of my love of mystery, metaphysics and the paranormal.

Linda Prather's Newest Already Noted as Outstanding In Genre!

Cody though Rosetta was like Garcia on the

TV program, Criminal Minds...

Catherine smiled again as she remembered

her first meeting with Rosetta. The woman

had breezed into the office amidst the 

chaotic three-ring circus of crossed-legged,

om-chanting applicants. She'd taken one

brief glance around the room and, puffing

herself up to her full five-foot-one-inch 

height, ordered everyone out. Catherine's

mouth had fallen open as Rosetta plopped

the oversized satchel on the desk and

announced in the voice of an angel,

"I'm Rosetta Tosallina, twenty-four years old.

I have a degree in business management,

and we can discuss salary as soon as I've

assessed your potential to afford me."

Not waiting for Catherine to speak, the

green-eyed, redheaded spitfire had continued,

"No reading my mind, and no comments

about my weight. Hop to it, girl; we can't make

money if you sit around staring at me all day."

Rosetta had smiled then, her plump face

devoid of makeup, yet beautiful. Her eyes

twinkled with humor that Catherine had

since learned to appreciate and love. "Oh,

and close your mouth. You're going to start

catching flies."

Bet you can't... FIND ME:

  

Catherine Mans' Suspense

By Linda Prather

Linda Prather has certainly surpassed her first writing activity! Her first novel, The Gifts, was wonderful, but readers will definitely notice a major improvement in her expertise, both in writing, and in story development. This writer is just beginning her career, but take a look at her credentials below... She's not only writing in her field, but constantly upgrading her skills... 

Isn't the cover beautifully chilling? And I was pleased to note that the book was rated outstanding in genre by Red Adept Select...Couldn't agree more! In fact, although I loved her first book, I have to say this one was much more thrilling and exciting for me...and I'm sure for other readers...I think it was the two lead female characters and their interaction that most caught my attention...

The Prologue is provocative...it is a memory ... that still haunts her today. Why was her mother being told about a dog? The words kept coming back to her: “You can’t cure a mad dog, Aggie; you can only put it down.”

But then, Catherine Mans often heard voices in her head. This time, it was a little boy that everybody, including his parents, thought was dead. But where was his body if he was, and what had happened to him? The search party was about to give up, but Catherine still heard his words, “Please don’t leave me here.” Cody, who was head of the homicide department, told Catherine that he was going to stop the search and she acknowledged him but indicated she would be staying, that she felt he was near.

And then, as if guided, she started walking toward the edge of the cliff! If Cody hadn’t stopped her, he felt she would have walked off!  But as they talked, Cody carefully moved toward the edge and looked over. Timmy was there! Although Catherine began to feel better, the scar on her chest continued to burn. For, even now after he had been found, she heard “Find me” and laughter... Needing to go home, she left Cody to ensure Timmy also got home.

Catherine had been helping the police for over six years now and Cody and she had become friends—and perhaps something more. It was thanks to Cody that she had worked her first case there and was able to establish a larger business opportunity. She was fortunate—not everybody was willing to accept that a psychic could be useful in both solving crimes, but also with other business and personal issues.

In fact, she had been able to open an office and hire Rosetta—A character who adds greatly in providing both humor and love to the book. Interestingly, Cody claimed she was like “Garcia” from Criminal Minds, only better. LOL But she had hooked me when she came for her interview and immediately dismissed all the other applicants because the position was closed! And before long, it was, as Catherine was quickly won over with Rosetta’s personality as well as expertise... The addition of Rosetta to the book added greatly in ensuring readers began to care for the individual characters and, in particular, Catherine, who by nature is quiet and withdrawn, although Cody wishes that was not so...

But now, Cody had to face reality as he received a visit from the FBI who was looking for her... And is surprised and confused when they tell him that Catherine Mans did not exist prior to her moving there. And, further, that she was a person of interest in a multiple murder case! Cody wanted to call her in immediately, but the FBI was in charge—with Cody being required to report directly to Agent Brian Wilkes. Worse, he was to be staying with Cody as his “cousin” until they knew more about Catherine...

And then he was shown the murder scenes of 8 bodies—each body had been stabbed 21 times. They had not yet been able to verify what the “21” could mean, other than the possibility that there would be 21 victims in total. But they had determined that all of them had a present or past connection to Sweetport, Indiana. Cody again requested that they bring in Catherine and the Agent refused...

And then Catherine had a vision—of her mother...

She immediately left for their home...in Sweetport, Indiana. But it was too late... And when she saw Cody there later, she blamed him for not telling her sooner. Because as soon as the Agent showed her the pictures, she psychically knew what the serial killer’s message was—and it was for her!

If you like mystery and suspense added with the paranormal, you should read Linda Prather! The thing I most like about Prather’s writing is that she affirmatively writes about being psychic and allows her character to scornfully respond when her skills are questioned. In my opinion, this makes for a more believable and exciting character as she forcefully shares her skills and takes the lead in working through the case...

But in this latest one, with her family now gone, she was going to solve and find the killer herself! And to do that, she had to go back—back into her childhood to her home place, but not to the house where her parents lived, no, to a small shed behind it... And there she found the first clue...

Scary good is this one! The author has given strong passion and more to her main character, Catherine Mans—I, for one, can’t wait to see her in the future! Hurry, Linda!

GABixlerReviews

About Linda Prather:

Born in Kentucky in 1955, I currently live in Lexington, Kentucky with my fiancé, Coby W. Fuson. I have two wonderful sons, Charles and Steven.

I have always loved reading and writing. And although perhaps not a great literary work, I loved and was inspired by Old Yeller. The characters in that book were real to me. When I started writing, my greatest desire was to write characters that readers could love and hate, laugh and cry with.

Knowledge was another love. I wanted to learn about everything. I studied metaphysics, delving into touch healing, dream analysis, meditation, and hypnosis. I received my associate’s degree in metaphysics in 1992 and continued from there to become a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I spent several years studying the effects of hypnosis on cancer and pain. I taught meditation, dream analysis, and self-hypnosis through Eastern Kentucky University’s Special Programs for four years. The power of the mind has always fascinated me. I’ve recently become a paranormal investigator, and love old houses that go bump in the night.

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Linda Prather's Debut Novel Surpassed by Latest!

Note that this review was done in 2006 when I was co-owner of a review site. Apparently I forget to post this further at that time.  So I grabbed it as presented then. When I started to write my review for her latest, I was driven until I finally found it! LOL This book is now an ebook so am providing that cover...

The Gifts:
A Jacody Ives Mystery
By Linda S. Prather
Echelon Press
ISBN 1-59080-462-7
279 Pages


Linda S. Prather gives us a wonderful first novel! I am constantly amazed at the quality of books being submitted for reviews by new authors. I wholeheartedly recommend The Gifts: A Jacody Ives Mystery to lovers of mystery and suspense.

Prather is interested in and has studied metaphysics, delved into touch healing, dream analysis, meditation, psychic phenomena and hypnosis with a degree in metaphysics. She is now a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. With this background, she provided two benefits in her book. One is that she talks about “gifts” as part of daily conversation. This makes her writing much more fluid and knowledgeable and thus more enjoyable to the reader. 

Second, she brings characters into play with little emphasis on these gifts. The story is suspenseful and action-packed, and some of her characters just happen to use their gifts to help solve crimes. Little emphasis or mystique is applied. I found this, perhaps, more intriguing than those authors who are bringing together these individuals into special “groups” who then can apply their special gifts to resolving crimes that nobody else can. It isn’t that I don’t like these others, because I do. I just found Prather’s approach a little more sophisticated and perceptive.

Jacody Ives is a master at uncovering secrets. So is the man who wrote under that name, Gavin McAllister. One of the secrets that had been uncovered was that Gavin had been a twin at birth, but they had been separated and adopted by two different families. The first twist is that Corrine, his sister, had met her adopted brother and had fallen in love with Gavin’s brother. As happens nowadays, Gavin’s sister was going to marry his brother. But, before that could happen, Corrine (Cory) was murdered. And, so, this time finding out the secrets of the murder was personal…and became even more so! Gavin discovered that he would have to use all of the skills and gifts that he had given to Jacody Ives in order to work through the madness he would encounter.

Gavin’s brother, Rob, was completely broken by Cory’s torture and murder but in the midst of this turmoil, Cory “appears” to Gavin and sends him, not only on the trail of her murderer, but to save the life of a young girl. Torn between the two, Rob’s partner and close friend to both of the boys, Carl Jackson, promises to be there for Rob. Gavin goes to where he had been sent by Cory’s ghost: Glade Springs, West Virginia.

“The Mother’s Day Killer” had entered many lives. He had once had a lover and in her law enforcement position, she had helped to put him in jail for a long time. But because of her involvement, she and her daughter were moved into the witness protection program. They now lived in Glade Springs, West Virginia.

Ghosts, dreams, and visions have become part of every day for a number of people. Why? Because murders are occurring. They repeat the horrendous actions of the Mother’s Day Killer…and now he’s letting them know that “every day” is Mother’s Day! What has happened? Has the killer been released from prison? Did they convict the wrong man? And why is everything happening in Glade Springs? Could a ghost really lead the way to solving these crimes? One thing is certain, she’s there to help protect the little girl, but even ghosts need help!

You got it! This mystery keeps the pages turning! In the back of your mind, you are trying to figure out whether it’s the pastor, the deputy—just who is the killer and how will he be stopped?
During all the danger, Gavin finds he is attracted to the Sheriff, Sarah, and also that her daughter has won his heart. He comes to believe that this little girl is the one Cory sent him to save. If he’s going to be able to do it, he’s going to have to become a real-life Jacody Ives! Prather’s characters become real to you—even the ghost! Her story is well developed and sufficiently complex to keep you wondering all the way to the end. The ending has both happy and sad results, but what better way than to have characters who are true to life. I’m hoping that Prather brings Jacody back to us in the future. I’ll be looking for her next book, and her next book and the one after that…hey, buy The Gifts! You’ll love it!




G. A. Bixler
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