The Trust--Another Winner by Ronald H. Balson Out Today!

Ronald H. Balson won me as a fan with my reading of his books, Once We Were Brothers, Karolina's Twins, and now with The Trust.

Balson writes drama that is real, gritty, and provocative in its coverage of past or present world events affecting us all. This time we visit Northern Ireland, still dealing with "The Troubles" as it was called...

St. Michael's, a Five-Hundred-Year-Old Gothic church, sat perched on a hill beside a river named Six Mile Water. The car park was nearly full when I arrived and the moment I pulled in I saw Jane. She was standing alongside her car in a black jersey dress, having a smoke. When she saw me she flipped her cigarette, walked quickly over and threw her arms around me.

"So glad you're here, Liam." She slipped her hand in the crook of my elbows and led me toward the church. "Everyone will be so pleased to see you."

"Maybe not everyone."

"Anyone who's not will have to answer to Janie," she said forrcefully.

We walked into the vestibule where the congregants had quietly gathered around my uncle's casket waiting to follow him into the nave. My aunt Deirdre, a black veil covering her head, held her hand firmly on the casket. She would hold on as long as she could to the man she'd loved for so many years.

My arrival turned a few heads and some acknowledged me with a nod. We still off to the right, next to my uncle Robert, Janie's father. Normally, he was the jovial Taggart, with cherry cheeks, a generous paunch and a beer in his fist. Today he had dark circles under his eyes. He warmly shook my hand. "Welcome back, Liam. It's good to see you."

"Good to see you as well," I answered. "I just wish it weren't under these circumstances."

"As do we all."

I leaned my head sideways and whispered to Janie, "How did he die, Janie? What did you mean we'd talk about it?"

"He was killed, Liam. Murdered in cold blood."

~~~

Liam Taggart lived in the United States and worked as a private investigator. It was natural to assume that the phone ringing might be for a job--but he never would have guessed that it would be both bad news and a job! His cousin, Janie, was calling from Ireland about the death of their uncle. Fergis Taggart had died the night before... Fergis and Liam had been estranged for years and Liam's first reaction was not to go to the funeral. After all, Fergus had told him to leave his home on the day they had last talked...

But Janie had surprised him during the call when she said "The family needs you. Uncle Fergus needs you." Liam's puzzlement started at that very moment... How could Uncle Fergus even know if he was there or not? And he wasn't really sure that many of the rest of the family would want him there, especially after they had found out about him... After all, some would call him a traitor...

It was at the family gathering at Doogan's, that the division of family feelings began to come out...But Janie held to her promise and quickly stepped in by introducing Liam and explaining that she had been the one to call him and insisted he come. She then pointed out that Liam was a private investigator and that the family would be fools not to use his expertise to discover who had killed Fergus... Things settled down until the reading of the Will...

Liam had been named the sole Trustee of Fergus' property until such time as the person who had murdered Fergus had been discovered and prosecuted... The characters and readers both were flabbergasted! What the victim had done was essentially state that he knew somebody planned to murder him...and he'd made sure his estate was held until everything was cleared up... The police really were being put on the spot, as was the members of the family who might have thought they would inherit, especially Fergus' children...

Essentially, placing Liam as head of the Trust with full control, brought everybody's feelings about Liam back to the front. But Fergus had so arranged it that Liam would probably be forced to take the role, whether he wanted to or not...

A legal thriller like those that often come about when a large amount of money is at stake through  family inheritance (and, even, when it is a small amount, sometimes death brings out the worst in greedy people) is surely one of the options to pursue. But so was somebody coming back to seek revenge based upon actions by the Taggart Family during The Troubles!

What actually happens is that, while Liam is in the middle of things, he spends more time learning about the family and what has happened between and among them. One strange thing was that his beloved aunt who had cared for him when Liam had lived with Fergus early in his life, had never been officially married. She was possibly going to lose the right to stay in her home!  

The family drama is engaging, familiar, yet embarrassing, as fighting begins even before the family members leave the lawyer's office for the reading of the will! While the potential historical perspective chosen by most family members as the likely answer to the death of their Uncle was certainly intriguing given what had occurred those many years ago. but really seemed unlikely... But then, more relatives began to be murdered. Fear of which old family could be after them caused both the police and family to begin remembering who they had killed...and who might still seek revenge for those deaths they had caused...

And part of that investigation naturally took place at the local pubs, where Liam, even there was remembered for another reason... I thoroughly enjoyed his being asked to sing an old Irish song from the time of The Troubles.  

Just then the band finished a number and Janie grabbed my hand and pulled me up to the stage. "C'mon, Liam. I've heard that you sing a mean 'Roddy McCorley.' Get up there!"

I hesitated, "No, no Janey. Don't do this to me," But she was forceful "Who told you that? It was Deidre, wasn't it? Janie!"

The bartender ran up with a short of whiskey and handed it to me. "The stage is yours, Liam. We're waitin'." The fiddle player nodded to his companions who picked up their instruments. "Roddy McCorley, gents."

I hadn't done this in years. I downed the shot, looked at Janie and said, "I'll get you for this." She laughed and was joined by others in the bar who smiled and prodded me on. I took a deep breath, grabbed the mic, and started slowly.

"O-oh, we the fleet-foot host of men who come with faces wan..."

My weak beginning to the anthem brought police smiles and nods from the gathering at Conway's, but in for a dime, in for a dollar and I plowed ahead.

"From farmstead and from Fisher's cot, along the banks of Ban..."

Thank God for the band behind me setting the beat. The crowd started clapping and keeping time with their feet. I got a little louder. And a little bolder.

"They come with gengeance in their eyes, too late, too late are they,

For young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today."

I started to hand the mic back to the guitar player, but the banjo picked up the tempo, a man ran out with another shot, and comeone shouted, "You can't quit now. On to the second verse. You're doing splendidly."

I shrugged, downed the shot and continued to embarass myself. While I sang and looked out over the crowd, most of whom had come here, to their local watering hold, to nurse a pint and enjoy a peaceful evening of music and neighborhood camaraderie, it occurred to me that these were my people, my Irish roots, my DNA. For the men and women, especially the older ones, the words to the traditional tunes came to their lips as natural as breathing. And when I got to the third line of the third verse, "For Antrim town, For Antrim town, he led them to the fray." many stood and belted the line boldly, raising their beer glasses in salute...

~~~

And there is the key to why Balson's books continue to be so popular, so real. This author takes us into the lives of characters, no matter where they are, and we feel like we become part of the lives of those characters, constantly considering how each one has been affected by the events happening in their lives...right now... as they face a future without loved ones that have been purposefully taken away from them. For in the midst, secrets always come out, supposedly hidden for a reason... I cried with Liam as he learned his father had been murdered... so many years ago... at that time, possibly, just because he was Catholic...

If you haven't read any of Balson's books, this is an intriguing book to begin! This and his other books I've read are highly recommended!


GABixlerReviews

Ronald H. Balson is an attorney practicing with the firm of Stone, Pogrund and Korey in Chicago. The demands of his trial practice have taken him into courts across the United States and into international venues. An adjunct professor of business law at the University of Chicago for twenty-five years, Ron has also lectured on trial advocacy in federal trial bar courses. 

During the early 2000s Ron spent time in Warsaw and southern Poland in connection with a complex telecommunications lawsuit. While in Poland Ron was profoundly moved by the scars and memorials of World War II, which inspired him to write Once We Were Brothers, his first novel. Extensive travels to Israel and the Middle East provided the inspiration for Saving Sophie, his second novel. While on his Once We Were Brothers book tour, Ron met Fay Waldman, a survivor of multiple Nazi prison camps. Her remarkable story inspired and provided the backdrop for Ron's third novel, Karolina's Twins. The Trust is Ron's fourth.

Golden Dawn by Thomas M. Kostigen Takes Us Directly into Headlines!

Zoroastrian Fire Temple
"It took every bit of concentration Shea could muster to follow
what Gaspar and Neda were saying. He had been in such a
physical rush the last twenty-four hours, exercising his mental
faculties proved difficult. "Talib is Muslim," Shea said, trying
to follow. "What does he care about a Zoroastrian story and
dates?"
"Neda again interjected to make it clear to Shea. "Zoroastrian
priests were highly respected by Muslim imams. They were
called the original 'people of the book.' Many take this to mean
the book of prayer. It actually translates better to the 'bearers
of record.' In other words, the people  who held the book of time.
And these priests were especially helpful to one, Imam Abu
Dawud. He is the imam who wrote the hadiths, or stories, about
the Mahdi's coming and the Apocalypse. It is his texts that the
Muslims look to and interpret from"...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrians_in_Iran

Golden Dawn

By Thomas M.  Kostigen


There have been a number of writers offering books about religions, secret documents or artifacts, and end-time news, but none of them have been as satisfactory for me as Golden Dawn by Thomas M. Kostigen. Why? Because he has confronted the major divisive religious issues that have dominated the world for many years.

Even if a book is fiction, it nevertheless can provide important information and a better understanding of what is happening in today's world. The video below, for instance, is an exclusive, yet approved report on "the belief" that the time of the Mahdi is near.

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2011/march/iranian-regime-video-says-mahdi-is-near-/

For many, the actions by fanatics has caused much concern...I found Golden Dawn to be not only an exciting thriller but an informative possible alternative historical statement of what could indeed happen. After all, many of the past actions have been based upon what people believe whether true or not...

I was not earlier aware of the Mahdi, were you? And yet, a large population of the world has a similar, but totally different viewpoint, of what those end times may mean.

I applaud Kostigen for having the courage to propose a fictional account of what could be even now happening. His story places the Iranian President as the assumed Mahdi by a prominent member of that community. But, as there have been in the past, it could be just another fanatic! The only thing is that there are several points within the stated prophecy that have not yet occurred.

One of those is that a major event will involve fire...

What better way than to use a nuclear bomb to make that happen!

And that's how Irish Journalist Michael Shea became involved! He had been tracking his uncle for years because of his involvement in IRA bombing. So when he sees his uncle meeting with not only the Iranian President but a Chechen rebel, in an unusual place, he easily realizes exactly what could be their plan!

But as Michael tries to get closer, he is seen, his driver and friend killed when his car is blown up. Michael has no choice but to go on the run!

Coincidentally, at the same time, a young woman, who has been held captive for probable death has succeeded in finally opening the door of her jail! Only to be blocked by Michael as he takes advantage of the one open door which will hopefully lead to his being able to escape. Neda Ghazali is not happy to have her own escape stopped and demands to go with Michael. He knows he has many more options alone, but has no choice. And as they travel together, of course, we have to get a little romance started...

But, more importantly, Neda believes that the creation of the bomb is only one part to a larger plan that she has much more information on than Michael!

Neda is a member of the ancient sect of Zoroastrians--the Golden Dawn...

Two parallel story plots run concurrently--tracking down the creators of a bomb, as well as those who plan to use it to take over the world! Add romance! How much more exciting can it get?! And believe me, this page-turner doesn't stop and includes international actions beyond belief! I've already claimed this for my person "book of the year" even if the year isn't finished! If you miss it, you just may see references to many of the details in future headlines! Wow! I have to name it a must-read for thriller lovers! Enjoy and learn at the same time!


GABixlerReviews

Thank You Dylan Morrison for Sharing Your Story...

Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
"Fully convinced that I was safe from the clutches
of the visiting American fundamentalists, I wasn't
prepared for what lay around the next spiritual
corner.
"The following afternoon, as I closed the front door
of our home preparing to jump into my car, I
suddenly stopped. "What on earth was that?" I asked
myself.
"'That' had been a gentle but firm Voice from
somewhere within the confines of my head.
"This was its crystal clear message: 'If you love Zan
you will go with her to the meeting on
Thursday evening."
"Bizarre.
"As I drove into Ballybrigg's town centre, I couldn't
shake off this hauntingly invasive command. It
kept rattling around the reluctant caverns of my
puzzled mind. I recognized the Voice though.
There was no doubt about it. I'd heard it many times
in the past. It was Holy Breath, more popularly
known in religious circles as Holy Spirit, the
Spirit of Yeshua, the Anointed One. About the only
thing I knew for certain in my confused state was
my deep unquestionable love for Zan, so that was it
settled..."

The Prodigal Prophet

By Dylan Morrison


In today's world, a marvelous thing is possible! Dylan Morrison, author of The Prodigal Prophet can have his books placed right into our hands! Now this was important to me, even more than those that I've read from authors from other countries--because Dylan's story was for me... It just may be for your too. If something in these thoughts I'm sharing means just a little to you...then I recommend that you get his book immediately! Dylan brought His love into my life--the important kind--the Jesus kind...

If you have been disgruntled, disgusted, or agonizing over the pain and violence in today's world. Dylan will speak to you. If you have been disappointed by work, by the church, or by the political world, then Dylan has something to share with you. For me, there was quite a lot; for you it might just be one thing. But maybe that one thing has been preventing you from moving forward in your life...  The Prodigal Prophet is an autobiography to some extent; but I think because of where he lived, or the time in which he lived  his early years, there is much that may parallel your own.

You see, this is about Dylan's spiritual life. And he lived in Ireland during all that happened based upon religion! Dylan had met Jesus at an early age and had become very involved... He is still involved today, but in a very different way! I am thankful for his sharing what he went through to get where he is right now.

It was in the 1950s in conservative Northern Ireland where he was born... He was a Protestant. One of those who had won over the Catholics. Readers will share his early life within a family who sold fruit and vegetables to local markets. It was a small book given to him that helped him find God's Spirit.

During the years, he became more and more involved. And during the 60s and 70s, he was introduced to the Jesus people and various other denominations. He was actively within a specific group's administration...And then he wasn't... Was it really possible that his leader had become worried and jealous about Dylan's role? He had been his mentor and Dylan found it difficult to understand. This short paragraph is merely an overview, but years are covered as Dylan is searching for all that was available to him...

One of the issues that came to him was that the church was just as hierarchical as other organizations, including a search for power...and money...

He fell in love with Zan and married, soon to have a child Ben who had died. His cry to God had not helped to save him. As with all churches, organizations, et.al., there are always good people as well as those who look toward other gods for happiness. There were many there to help them through this tragedy.

Dylan had been given the gift of prophecy, but soon found that not everybody was willing to have him share to their congregations.

While surrounding Dylan's life, the book provides an excellent chronology and overview of the various movements that have captured the attention within Christian faiths, such as the Charismatic movement and others that I had not heard of. Many came from America but then were led by those living wherever Dylan and his family were located at any given time. At one point they had moved to California and other locations on the west coast, but then returned home.

And then Dylan was receiving not only messages for others but was dreaming and learning about what he was supposed to do as well. For one thing, God was taking over: "Unknown to me, though, Divine Providence was about to intervene in our faltering pilgrimage..."

I don't often read other reviews until after I've posted mine, but I did just now...and the majority of reviewers said that much of what Dylan has written is close to their own truths...  Doesn't that, in itself, speak to you? We are those that still believe...but have questioned the validity of teachings and structures of organized religion.

Have you heard the Voice? Maybe a long time ago? Or maybe not at all? But you think there has to be more? You are disillusioned with today's world. No promises, of course, for Dylan's book is not from a televangelist or major religious leader. All Dylan is doing is sharing his life's story with you...

Oh, I could add that He told him to...

YOU will know whether this book is for you...Hear that whisper?


GABixlerReviews

Dylan Morrison is an Irish spiritual author and out of the box Yeshua thinker, now resident in the beautiful English cathedral city of Lincoln.

A mathematics high school teacher in a previous incarnation he became an author after a two totally unexpected mystical experiences gate crashed his humdrum life in June 2004.

Dylan writes from a stream of consciousness, particularly for those damaged by or curious about the psycho-spiritual religious world.

His aim is to remove the religious packaging from around the historical Nazarene prophet, Yeshua, inviting his readers into a practical experience of Yeshua's spirituality.

Dylan's first book 'The Prodigal Prophet', a 'Wizard of Oz' meets Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress', details his roller coaster journey in search of the Divine in the often whacky but deeply tragic world of Irish evangelical religion.

Dylan's wife Zan is glad that he writes - it gives her a few hours each day to enjoy the peace and quiet that such a literary endeavour requires.

Dylan's second book 'Way Beyond The Blue', a 21st century take on the mystical search for meaning is soon to be published.