Gnarly's Back! Award-Winning Author, Lauren Carr, Presents Best in Murder - A Mac Faraday Mystery Book 15!

“Does Gnarly ever really get over anything?” “He doesn’t get over things.” Mac glanced back at the dog staring at them. “He gets even.”

"I guess it should not be surprising that I didn’t know Robin Spencer had passed. I must confess I don’t read mysteries. I prefer real literature. Important books, you understand.”

Julian Blackwood’s face turned beet red with fury as he watched all hope of yet another grand prize slip through his fingers. It was plain for all to see that there was no hope of any ribbons or trophies based on this fiasco.

Mac muttered under his breath, “I’m sending Gnarly in here next time. He works cheaper.”

“This is a witch hunt,” he said. “You’re threatened by me. You’ve been threatened by me since the day they put you in that chair. I’ve given twenty-three years to this department—” “And you spent the last of them leaking confidential information and trying to engineer my removal,” David cut in, voice level. “The evidence doesn’t care about your years.”

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The celebration lunch had barely gotten underway when chaos erupted in the lobby. Diners’ heads swiveled toward the glass doors as a cacophony of barking, snarling, and frantic cursing suddenly filled the air. Wondering if the commotion involved their own dogs, several guests half-rose from their tables. Archie’s emerald eyes widened. “That sounds like Gnarly.” 

“Of course it’s Gnarly,” Mac said, already balling up his napkin and tossing it onto the table. The entire group stood and hurried out of the dining room. They found Jeff Ingles in the lobby, covering his face with both hands in utter despair. When he spotted Mac, he pointed a trembling finger toward the grand staircase. “That—” Jeff sputtered, “—dog!” Mac suspected he wanted to use another word to describe Gnarly but opted not to use it in front of the hotel’s guests—the majority of whom were dog owners. The barking grew louder as the source returned down the main staircase. It also grew from a monotone bark to quadra-sound as three dogs joined the chorus and parade. With Gnarly in the lead, a Chow and a Siberian husky ran down the stairs. The Pomeranian who had sounded the alarm brought up the rear. At the bottom of the staircase, Gnarly made a sharp turn to the right and through the business wing of the hotel. The other dogs followed. No one had the nerve or ability to stop them. 

“Pippin!” Mac recognized the voice of the dog owners they had met two nights before. Donna and Brandon, who owned Fergus, the Irish Wolfhound, and Pippin, the Pomeranian. “How did she get out of our room?” Donna asked. “Housekeeping must have accidentally let her out when cleaning,” Brandon said. “But we put up the sign to not clean the room.” 

“Do you see what Gnarly’s doing, Mac?” Jeff shouted. “He is forming a gang!” “I think they’re called a dog pack,” Hector said. “Whatever they’re called, we need to round them up,” Mac said. Leaving Hope at the table with Kourtney and Amelia Rose, Mac, Dusty, David, and Hector ran through the business wing of the hotel. Hector called members of his security team to cut off the growing dog pack at the end of the corridor. Archie, Donna, Brandon, and a growing number of curious guests followed. They burst through the swinging doors into the storage area just in time to see a man frantically pushing a laundry cart toward a white van backed up to the loading dock. The dog pack was closing in fast. 

“Hit the gas!” the man yelled, diving into the back of the van with the cart. The driver floored it. The van peeled away with its rear doors flapping open. Gnarly didn’t hesitate. He launched himself from the edge of the loading dock and sailed gracefully into the back of the fleeing van. The Siberian Husky was right behind him. The van swerved wildly. Screams erupted from inside as the driver’s door flew open and he tumbled out with the Husky latched onto his arm. The van finally came to a halt when it slammed into the side of a Spencer Inn mini-bus. Not wanting to be left out, Pippin and the Chow leaped off the dock and raced over to join the fray in the back of the van.

“We are so going to be sued,” Jeff moaned, his brow drenched in sweat. “I don’t think so,” Mac said, following David, Dusty, and Hector toward the wrecked van. “Why would that man be stealing our linen cart?” “Even if he was stealing it, Gnarly didn’t have to use physical force to stop him.” “I don’t understand what has gotten into Pippin,” Donna apologized to everyone who would listen. Mac arrived at the back of the van in time to see Hector and Dusty examining the man in the back and the driver. Both were covered with multiple dog bites. David and Mac climbed into the back where Gnarly and Pippin were sniffing the overturned linen cart. Whatever had started the chaos had definitely to do with the linen cart the culprits were trying to steal. David pulled back a sheet to reveal a dog head with wiry gray hair wearing a jeweled collar. “Fergus!” Brandon shouted the moment he saw his dog. The big Irish Wolfhound lay unmoving on the ground, and for one terrible second Brandon’s face drained of color. 

Then shock snapped into pure, protective rage. “What did you do to my dog?” he roared, already charging toward the man who had tried to smuggle Fergus out of the hotel. “That’s my dog! He’s part of our family!” Mac stepped in and caught him around the chest, holding him back as Brandon strained against his arms, trying to reach both the dog napper and the still form of the wolfhound. It was only when Mac was certain that Brandon was not going to assault the dognappers that he released him to go to Fergus. 

He wrapped his arms around the great dog. Relief crossed his face when he felt his chest move. “He’s breathing,” he told his wife. Donna uttered a sigh of relief. With the two men subdued and demanding medical attention and lawyers, Dusty turned his attention to the Irish Wolfhound. He checked his breathing and examined his eyes. “He’s been drugged,” he told Brandon. “We’ll get him to a vet. He’ll be fine.” “We have veterinarians here with the convention,” Hector took out his radio to put in a call. “I’ll get one of them here ASAP.” 

Jeff pointed at the driver. “He was the delivery person who brought in the gift basket for a guest. I thought Gnarly was trying to steal it.” He jerked his chin at his accomplice. “And I saw you get on the elevator with our bellhop when he took the basket upstairs to the room.” “The oldest trick in the book,” Hector said. “He followed the gift basket that he sent to his target. Once he found out what room Fergus’s owners were staying in, he convinced housekeeping that it was his room and she let him in. That was when Pippin escaped.” “And went to get Gnarly to help.” Archie gave the German shepherd a congratulatory pat on the head. “And the other two?” Mac tossed his head at the Chow and Siberian Husky, whose owners were trying to round them up. “Back up,” Hector said with a laugh.

 “Why try to steal Fergus?” Brandon asked while stroking his unconscious dog’s head. “We’re not rich. Fergus doesn’t exactly have a stellar bloodline.” Mac fingered the rhinestone collar still strapped around the huge dog’s neck. “What’s this collar made out of?” Brandon shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. Rhinestone? My wife picked it up from Amazon online. She thought it would make Fergus look classy.” Mac glanced over his shoulder at Archie. “Could someone mistake this collar for platinum and diamonds?” “Maybe,” Archie said with a shrug of her shoulders. 

“Are you saying that collar isn’t real?” the dognapper who had been in the back of the van asked. “It’s real cubic zirconia,” Donna said. “I bought it on Prime Day on Amazon for forty dollars. Thirty-five percent off.” The driver’s eyes bulged. “We went through all this for a forty dollar dog collar!” He lunged for his partner in crime, only for David to hold him back. “I want a lawyer!” “I knew this was going to happen.” Jeff mopped his brow with his soggy handkerchief. “The Spencer Inn has completely gone to the dogs.” 

~~~~~~

These dogs, all being champions, meant they were highly trained and were on leashes—released from the confines of the carriers after long trips. There were large dogs on leashes. Tiny dogs in bags. When a dog would try to move near another canine to make friends, their owners or handlers would jerk on their leash to pull them back to attention.

Among them all, there was one lone non-champion—a German shepherd sitting up tall in a leather wing-backed chair with a sign designating it as reserved for Spencer’s mayor, under the portrait of Robin Spencer, stroking Diablo, a fictional German Shepherd who had starred in her novels. Gnarly regarded the wall-to-wall dogs and owners with a puzzled expression on his face. Possibly he was wondering if he was to shepherd these dogs or not.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/

King Charles—the giant, moody Irish wolfhound

Runaway or dognapped?

No, I haven't attended a dog show, but I have attended one cat show, where a cousin by marriage was one of the judges... I've included the video of the dog show, simply to get you into an understanding of what happens if you've never attended one... The lineup might interest you as you can see the variety of dogs that are representing their individual breeds... In theory, they are the best of the best... with the ultimate Best of the Show...

All he wanted was to be loved. But they didn’t see that. All they saw was an investment.”

Me, I prefer Gnarly for my best of the best... He has been with fans of the Mac Faraday Mystery Series from the very beginning... In my mind, he can't be beaten... In fact, Gnarly has been elected Mayor--now that's what I call finding the right candidate to vote for!

 My Baby Has Four Paws

Best in Murder is one of the best of Carr's best! If that is possible... Let's just say that no matter which of her books you come across, you can be sure, as a mystery fan, you will never be disappointed... Carr has combined family into this ongoing series so that no matter how interesting the mystery, there is also a wonderful underlying connection of family love predominantly controlling the narrative. From the very first book, that family increases in size until we have an entire empire you might say of families continuously fighting criminals and overpowering them into submission... At this time in our nation, I found it a comforting assurance that good will indeed overcome any attempts to harm...

“Sometimes the dogs know best.”

There are many subplots in this book, so be prepared. Lots of characters, so fortunately Carr is one of the few writers who lists her characters in advance with a short intro of each--both ongoing and new characters for this book only... You may need it for this book especially... I did...

His hands shook. “I didn’t kill her!” Eddy’s eyes darted wildly into the gathering dark. “They did!” “Who?” Mac asked, calmly flanking left. “The government! Agents from the Pentagon! ...and they found out. It must’ve been some kind of weapon. Didn’t you see the news? Lydia Voss was on Mountain News 7 talking about it—said it was some top-secret government thing.

Just to illustrate, Mac Faraday's half brother has been appointed acting chief for another county, so there will be two different police units and staff, each with individuals who have personal agendas...

His chest was pressed tight against her back; she could feel his heart hammering through her shirt, fast and irregular. The knife was not a threat. It was already there—cold, flat steel kissing the soft skin of her throat hard enough that she felt the edge bite.

The Dog show is scheduled to be at the resort owned by Mac Faraday, which he received in an inheritance from his biological mother who he'd never known until she had died... He also inherited Gnarly and his mother's assistant who became Mac's wife... I found it quite interesting that a dog show would actually take place at a resort; I don't know why except, as a facilities analyst, I couldn't figure out how all that would occur could actually be accommodated there.  And, in fact, you will discover from the manager of the resort that he felt even more concerned than me...as he found himself being physically attacked in one way or another... Drama at this location added a perspective that was made for a disaster--and it indeed happened, to the delight of readers...

David sat back in the chair. The relief was still there, quiet and solid beneath his ribs. He had made the right call under pressure. Someone else had turned it into a killing. And now the investigation would start from the truth instead of a lie.

Then you have the rich animal owners who are seeking awards for the newsworthiness of owning such a valuable animal... Versus the actual internal feelings of the dogs--one in particular--who is not in the least interested in being a show dog... He runs away often and the last place he hid proves to be just what he wanted to have--somebody who would love him just for himself and not because of his long line of well-bred animals...

Please, God, she prayed without realizing she was doing it. I’ll do anything. Just send someone. Please. She burst out of the tree line onto the narrow mountain road just as the sun cleared the ridge. A black-and-gold Spencer Police cruiser sat angled across the lane. “Help!” she screamed. Her legs gave out, and she dropped to her knees on the asphalt. “Help me!”

And, of course, murder is involved...other criminals are connected in one way or another which leads to more death.... As is the case with Carr's books, however, there is little discussion of the deaths, rather the clues needed to find whodunit... Carr's ability to merge criminal acts as a lesser role while spotlighting the methods by which cases are solved is unique in a way I'm not quite able to put in words... I just know it is clever, unique--with a spotlight always on the good guys as the center of attention as they perform their important roles as law officers...

“You’re not going back,” he said again, quieter this time but with absolute finality. “Gnarly’s going to stay with you. We’re going to keep you safe. And you’re going to help us finish this.” Gopher stared at him, searching his face for any sign that the promise might break. When she didn’t find one, something in her shoulders finally loosened. Her hand rested on the big dog’s head like an anchor.

Carr brings in AI, a headliner at this time, as an important prototype for animals is being tested... While at the same time, she hones in on the rich people who look to dogs, not as family members, but merely additions to their own award winning abilities of owning "high-priced" dogs which brings headlines for owners, including awards which they can use to support their importance and ability to "own" the best...

The truth was already moving. He only had to outlast the lie.

In other words, a book written, perhaps, based upon today's life in the United States and in the headlines as negative influences on our lives... Could it be that writers are all writing about what is happening as they learn that their "creations" are being scraped into AI for the benefit of Tech billionaires, without any recognition or compensation to the actual writers who have "produced" what is now being stolen and used? I'm still trying to understand how that is justified as legal... While we are forced to ensure our work includes documentation of whether we use copyrighted material... "Do as I say, not as I do..." type of thinking?

Vance slid the card across the desk with two fingers. “Joe thought I ought to know I have a snake problem in your building.” David looked at the card, then back up. “I know...He's not working alone...

“Joe also said we can stop spending county resources chasing that prototype collar of his. Claimed it’s no longer a concern.” David’s eyebrows rose. “That technology is worth millions. Did he say why it’s suddenly not a concern?” “He did not. And I didn’t press him. I’ve known enough men like Joe Denton to understand they only explain themselves when it suits them.” Vance tapped the business card lightly. “This, however, is different. Soliciting a commissioner to help remove a sitting acting sheriff is grounds for termination. I can make that happen before the end of the week if you want it.” David was quiet for a moment. Outside the tall window, the courthouse lawn was green and peaceful, the kind of view that made people forget how much quiet work went into keeping a county steady. “I want him,” David said finally. “But I want him clean. If we move too early, he takes half a dozen others with him into the dark, and we never prove how deep the rot goes.

No blood. No fibers consistent with a struggle or a body being transported. No biological material of any kind in the cargo area.” Mac raised an eyebrow. “Clark Kirby confessed to carrying Natalie Hagman—with a fractured skull and bleeding—in the back of this van. And the lab found nothing?”  “Not a drop,” Dusty confirmed, turning a page. “They went over every inch.” Mac opened the driver’s door and leaned in, examining the console and the GPS unit. Various user profiles popped up for music stations under different names: classic rock, hip hop, a couple of news stations—one conservative, one liberal—and even a religious talk station.

I found it very interesting that the book included a review of one of the men who was killed had been listening to the above material... So I took advantage of that to explore what that was all about, for my own thoughts about the book as written. So, readers may choose to participate in this additional subplot, or bypass... All in all, though, I was fascinated by this book for many reasons and thoroughly enjoyed Carr's latest, which seemed to spotlight all that is going on in today's world... Seriously, many writers are creating villains with similar characteristics of present politicians... 

But that was all in addition to the ongoing family drama that routinely is pulled in to fighting crime via the Mac Faraday Mystery Series... I love the entire series... This one is even more fun! It takes a look at the connection with animals in our daily lives, especially for children or those who have been damaged by humans in some way... Kudos to the author for all that she gives to us in every single one of her books! If you haven't read Carr,  this is a perfect one to start with, given the number of animals involved...

As always, for Lauren, I'll always highly recommend!

GABixlerReviews

Lauralyn Keller Presents The Doctor's Convenient Marriage: Second Chances of the High Country - Book 3

...dance in the rain?” “Why not?” She pushed away and began twirling again. “It’s fun. We need some fun in our lives, don’t we?”

Father’s eyes sparked, and his face became dangerously calm. “Careful.” As if his threats ever deterred her. “Or what? You’ll block me from becoming a physician? It seems you’ve already decided on that.” She planted her palms on his desk, leaning forward with a sneer. “You can’t cow me the way you do your clients. Unlike them, I see you for who you are. A calculating, manipulative man who cares nothing for others, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.” She straightened, burning rage pulsing through her. “You won’t win. I’ll find a way to fulfill my dream. Count on it.” Pushing back his chair, her father rose slowly, gaze locked on hers. “I’ve had enough of your rebellion. You had your time in medical school. That part of your life is now over. No doctor in Boston will take you on. I’ve made sure of that.” A surge of heat exploded in Tori’s stomach. She slammed a hand on his desk. “How dare you!” “I dare more.” Father’s lips curved in a cruel smile. “As of now, you’re cut off from family funds...

Harrison’s gaze went back to the church doors. The organ swelled into the wedding march made popular by England’s Queen Victoria when her granddaughter married a few decades ago. His lips twisted with the irony. How appropriate as he prepared to marry his own Victoria. She’d probably spear him with words if he dared call her his to her face. Smothering a smile, he waited for his bride to appear. Then she did, on her father’s arm, and Harrison lost the ability to breathe properly.

Tori stuffed the questions down. She had a job to do, as did he. Ever since Mr. Tolson spread word that she’d fixed him up right—and that the rumors about her were wrong—people seemed more inclined to trust her. She’d only heard a couple protests about her gender over the last week. Things were finally looking up. Now if she could just sleep through the night. Thunder boomed in the distance, making her jump. She stared out the apartment window and watched rain pour down in sheets. It looked cool and refreshing. The early-August heat vanished with the storm. An impulse seized her. Tori bit her lip. The longer she watched the rain, the more she wanted to be in it, let it wash away her cares and worries. Why not? She crept down the stairs to the infirmary. Harrison sat at their desk, working on a list of necessary supplies. She slipped out the back door without alerting him to her presence. Rain pounded her skin, soaking her hair and clothes in a matter of seconds. She laughed, spreading her arms wide and twirling in the cool torrent of water. When she stopped, she closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sky, letting rain pour in rivulets down her cheeks.

~~~~~~

It was the time when high society and white men ruled homes, businesses, and even their families like an owner of slaves was known to do... Victoria, as our main character, had already seen her older sister escape from their home and had moved west, out of easy reach of her parents. But Victoria, a redhead that had obtained the fiery nature of her ancestors had watched as her sister left. But her goals were more lofty then just escape... She wanted to become a doctor. A woman who knew she would be alone in the professional field of doctors which was, of course, all white men who had become doctors as an accepted field for sons of high society rich families who were those who felt they were superior in their lives, especially about keeping women in their place...

Perhaps this is a tired, older than history story who we've known about forever it seems. But, Lauralyn Keller zapped the history lesson when she created her characters of the new generation living or moving into higher society... And some of them watched what was happening, and decided that was not what was wanted to have happen in their lives!

Victoria was quick to move from the name of a Queen, to go by Tori, at least to her friends... She of course, would have had the aggravation of men also studying medicine creating the atmosphere most women have experienced working in an environment where men and women work together. No matter what period in history, that type of man will be there...

And, of course, the "unique" method by which marriages were made in High Society continued... As soon as Victoria was a graduate--and got that out of her system--she was inundated with her parents working to match her to another rich family who would, of course, merge businesses in order to become richer and richer...  Well, of course, an also normal event happened, one of the "suitors" was assured that he would be in the top running for her hand, and since she was a beautiful woman, he naturally was willing... Not to wait... Of course, sharing what had happened was kept to herself, but she vowed that she would never marry such a man!

But at the same time, her father had also made it clear to all doctors in the rich part of town that they would NOT allow her to take the required residency in any of their offices! Or else face her father's wrath...

Funny to learn that, like today, we are fully aware that not all men dream of power and money... And Victoria had found a small clinic where she met a doctor who was happy to have her assistance. They had worked together for quite some time. Enough for Harrison to realize just how skilled Victoria was in presenting her medical knowledge to help his patients... They had become somewhat friendly as co-workers are prone to do, while they realized that a professional environment had been established and expected at all times...

And then something happened in both of the lives of Harrison, the lead doctor in the clinic... and Victoria, the doctor who was helping him with no salary... Harrison had learned of a major inheritance from an aunt which would allow him to fulfill his dream of building a hospital out west where it was most needed.... Victoria's father had given her a deadline--get married or get out with no financial support...

Of course, Victoria's situation was the most dire... And so one day, she proposed a business proposal to Harrison. She would become his wife... If he agreed to settle in Harmony Springs, where her sister and family had settled...

~~~~~~

BTW, I'm sorry that I couldn't find suitable music selections from the 1800s, but it's the sentiment that I wanted to share for this delightful family drama... As you might realize, Tori had grown so withdrawn that she didn't really trust anybody, including Harrison. After all, she had only known him as a co-worker. What would he be like as a husband? Would he think he owned her like her father and suitors had portrayed throughout her life? Especially, when her mother seemed to not have any love for her own daughters... What was this strange thing called being "husband and wife?"

I so enjoyed the time spent in Harmony Springs. Tori was now near her sister. She felt more secure; she would continue to address her marriage as a business arrangement--a marriage of convenience... 

Until Harrison realized that he cared enough and decided to court his wife, after getting suggestions from the man who had won Tori's sister's hand in a loving marriage... In fact, her sister also initiated some girl talk with her younger sister about just how wonderful it could be...

So they slowly began getting to know each other--in separate bedrooms...

It was Tori who once again was challenged by the men who refused to have a female doctor help them... While at the same time, the women who were bearing children, it seemed, as a routine event, said they would feel more comfortable with a woman to help them through those months, often of severe pain during those early years...

I was impressed also with how Keller chose to bring faith into the book. At that time, of course, it was assumed that everybody believed in God. Religion was merely a constant part of one's life... No questions or concerns of confusion. Each individual, when appropriately involved, merely started talking to God about a given situation... One of which was a major disaster in Harrison's life... When the criminals learned that there was large sums of money in the local bank... And even some of those men were following a greedy leader who happened to be an older brother...

Scary scenes of child birth in those early years, confusion and fear in agreeing to marry another individual with whom no personal relationship existed... and more to keep your attention... But, the most excitingly sweet and funny parts were when a man and a woman were courting each other, after they'd legally married the other 'til death do they part... Romance lovers? Enjoy! History buffs of American history-made for you... Family small-time drama with wonderful characters... You'll find it all in Lauralyn Keller's The Doctor's Convenient Marriage! And sit back and enjoy...

GABixlerReviews

Such sharp turns of circumstances in a short time had Harrison’s feet rooted to the ground. The mix of emotions he’d experienced in the last week were more than he’d felt over his entire life. From utter fear to despair to hope…and now joy.

“I don’t know if I want to offer forgiveness,” she muttered. “They don’t deserve it.” “Mercy is undeserved grace.” “You sound like a preacher.”

“I take things one day at a time. That’s all we can do. Each day, I give the children what I can. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like enough. But I love them with all my heart. I do my best and leave the rest in God’s hands.”

Copyright use under owner permission: Exceptions will be made for brief quotations used in critical reviews or articles promoting this work.

James Houston Turner Presents Book 5, Into the Eye (The Talanov Thriller Series) Fan-tas-tic!!!

 

Mutebi marched over to where Zawadi and the two children were seated around John, who was lying in the dirt. Singing softly, Zawadi was cradling John’s head in her lap. Blood from John’s face had created patches of red in the dirt. Opening his eyes, John did not look at Mutebi glaring down at them. He looked instead at the bracelet Zawadi wore on her ankle. Shawni Juma had given it to her during the first meal they had eaten together. He smiled at the memory of the stew Zawadi had made with cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, and millet. Mutebi’s voice broke his reverie like a thunderbolt. “What do I do with you, John Okoro?” he bellowed. “Do I keep you, or do I kill you?”

He had never been a prayer kind-of guy, but right now he prayed God would allow him to put a bullet in Mutebi’s head. I’m guessing that’s not exactly an appropriate prayer, he thought with a glance upward. And after a quick squirt of water into his mouth, he put away the water bottle and began trotting again.

“How do I know I can trust you?” “Now, that’s funny, coming from a traitor."

Alex refuses to get on the helicopter? This is a no-win situation for me, but this isn’t about me. It’s about Larisa, Alex, Shawni Juma, and stopping some of the most depraved and evil men on the planet. So I mean it when I say we have no choice but to let her do this.” “Then our prayers go with you, Bill. They would have, anyway, but this time, you’re going to need them like you’ve never needed them before.

“Don’t, just . . . don’t, okay? I know you have to phrase things a certain way, but I don’t like hearing how little he matters in the scheme of things.” “You wanted me to be honest, so this is me being honest. It’s not how I feel personally, but it’s reality.”

“He said refugee camps were proof the world was overpopulated, and that his vaccines would eliminate what he called the world’s most useless inhabitants.” “He actually said that?” “In those exact words. He was referring to refugees when he said it, but I wondered who’s next on his list. The poor? The old? The sick? Everyone in Ohio? What I don’t understand is how all of this fits with him wanting to destroy America.

While Talanov was in Africa, physically hurt and running for his life, the love of his life was waiting in her bedroom to be married to another man... Talanov had sent her away, believing that he loved her enough to give her up so that she was not forced to be involved in his career choice where, she, too, would be in danger. He knew he could never go through that again, thinking of the moment his first wife was shot and he'd held her as she died...

This then, was to be the 5th book by one of my personal favorite authors. I found it much more compelling a read... This book may indeed include the normal thrilling scenes readers can expect but, this was so much more! Revelatory! Up-to-Date, Exciting, Unorthodox, and, most surprising, Within a family-like setting... A group of strangers who, in fighting for one cause--justice--had banded, and bonded, to become a loving group of people who would do anything and everything for those they loved--AND--for those in need, no matter where they are, or were...

“O God of all creation, Bless this our land and nation. Justice be our shield and defender, May we dwell in unity, peace, and liberty.” “You quote our national anthem.” “The English rendition is nowhere as poetic as it is in Swahili,” Wilcox responded. “Plus, what have we always said, you and I, since our very first meeting?” “That in spite of political whims, we will always stand together.” “Yes., and what was true then is just as true now.” Lesanu embraced Wilcox as his brother, and the two men smiled and shook hands.

Take for instance Talanov's boss... There is no doubt as we read that he considers Talanov as he would love his own son... Though both are strong-willed, they regret it later and come back together in forgiveness. Wilcox and Talanov were now working together. Kilo Tactical response team, otherwise known as KTAC, which had been created in a classified department within Directorate K of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or the NGA. Included on the team was another trusted friend, former KGB colonel, Aleksandr Talanov, whom Wilcox had recruited away from the Soviets back in the 80s.

This became very important when a helicopter was landing in the midst of that wedding that was going to be held later in the day... You see, that boss, Bill, had also been asked to walk Larisa down the aisle at her wedding... But, he had gotten a real shock when he'd gone to talk with her preparatory to that event... She was having second thoughts. And, of course, Bill had brought back memories of her love of Talanov...As they talked, the gardens were being destroyed, tables were being turned over and the helicopter had landed and they were looking for the head of KTAC... Just know, these are "the good guys..." Bill had heard the 'copter and knew it would be for him... He stood up and immediately Larisa thought of Talanov and jumped up as well... "I'm going too..." And, of course, Bill knew that couldn't happen... Larisa began to show her own "stuff" as she lifted up the long bottom of her white gown, and started running out of the bedroom and on to the helicopter, passing the family members, guests, and only stopping to whisper regrets and ran on to have the men in the copter lift her up, thinking she was going... Well, Bill tried, but ultimately, Larisa was on her way to help ensure Talanov was safe! Readers get involved as they watch Larisa tackle any man who is trying to once again tell her what "she" should do... And she wasn't having any of it! I was loving this... Here's my hero, finally meeting a woman who was not afraid of a hero loved by many for saving their lives... Larisa was looking for much more... You'll enjoy this romantic story plot within the family drama like no other you will hear about...

Take for instance, that Talanov is now a father of 3 children (adopted)--the oldest in her 20s and a super expert on all things computers... Talanov didn't have a choice. Bill didn't have a choice... It was now a time when using guns was no longer the most effective way to fight long-distance... And when you're heading into Africa, you'll not know what deadly bit of equipment will be flying toward you!  Indeed, Bill had his own computer specialist, also with prolific skills, including using computer equipment, in planning out or obtaining what was needed for any respective crisis they were being called into... Readers will learn more about these two skilled women than from either Bill or other leaders of government... They were the experts that, if they know what they are doing, any leader will ensure he has available and in full support for responsibilities to actually come together for a win...

You know, folks, I was also surprised and gratified that Turner had moved forward to introduce, again from our daily headlines, what can happen when computers are moved into an aggressive mode... Specifically, it is only by the brilliance of the creators that those machines can actually perform to do exactly what needs to be done. AI will never, in my opinion, reach that level of independence. But, as shown with the rich villain leader, much damage can occur when the goal is destruction for greed and power...

This gives a public perception of him being a philanthropist because it looks as if he’s donating millions of dollars to charitable causes. For instance, his Endowment for the Arts and Sciences, which is a 501(c) non-profit organization, routes money to another of his 501s, his Foundation, which receives government grants for the support of humanitarian needs around the world, which in turn pays kickbacks to politicians who grant him government aid. His foundation then gives shipping contracts to OBLO Global Holdings, which is his shipping company, which supposedly transports aid to worldwide crisis areas. OBLO then donates massive amounts of money to the Endowment for the Arts and Sciences, and round and round it goes. That’s an over-simplification, but it illustrates how he doesn’t really give money to anyone, but merely circulates it among his NGOs. In the process, he pays himself and his political cronies huge sums of money. It also allows him to sink his hooks into every politician who votes to give his NGOs American aid money in exchange for kickbacks. If they try and jump ship, he ends their careers. Or their lives.” “So he’s in this for the money?” “To a degree, yes, but his primary motive is to make America the seat of global communist power. A prerequisite, as you might guess, is replacing America’s constitutional government with a communist form of government. This is why individual freedoms are under such attack, especially the first and second amendments. Stand out in your standing up, and you’ll get killed.” “I hear you there.” “Which begs the question: why risk your life doing this? There are safer ways to help.” “To be honest, I thought a research lab was where I belonged,” answered Shawni. “I loved the work and I knew I would be helping people. Then I came to Africa and I just . . . fell in love. Then I learned what Mutebi was doing and knew I had to put boots on the ground and do something. If they end up killing me, so be it.”

~~~~~~

Frankly, I was somewhat stunned when I read this--by the way, I've taken out most names of the bad guys. In such a complex book, there is no way, brief excerpts can lead you anywhere significant for potential TMI. Thereafter, I wasn't surprised about who the criminals included on their payroll... The thing about this kind of book, actions described are almost predictable, as if they are being used directly from today's headlines... if you're reading the right headlines, that is...

“Waiting is not doing nothing. It’s the deliberate act of choosing the right time to strike. So waiting is what we do. Can I count on you for that?” Shawni did not reply. “I need to hear you say it.” “I hate you right now, but, yes.” Talanov smiled because he understood Shawni’s frustration over the Okoros being treated like cattle. And not just the Okoros, but everyone in the cage. 

“Boys with guns getting drunk.” “That doesn’t sound good.” “It’s not, but maybe they’ll keep drinking and pass out.”

“My God, they’ve got Stinger missiles,” whispered Talanov while Mutebi’s men cheered. “Brought by that white guy in the hat. Do you know who he is?” “A mercenary from South Africa...” answered Shawni. “When I first got here, I noticed him in the camps with an older white guy.” “What did the older guy look like?” “Seventies . . . stocky, gray hair and jowls.” “With a big scar on his chin?” “Yeah, but . . . how did you know?” “That man was...

Bill Wilcox had been asked to head up a rescue somewhere in Africa (to be determined). Immediately Wilcox took control and confronted the government representatives about the fact that the first rescue had failed due to sabotage from within the team. He demanded and got permission for his own team to be vetted and ultimately approved by Bill and Talanov, if they could find him alive... In other words, they had no idea exactly what kind of team support was needed, whether they found anybody still alive, or whether this team, somehow would also be sabotaged. But Bill had gone through this for many years... Four individuals were chosen for interview by Bill. Let's just say that if sabotage was tried, immediate action would be taken...

• Readers will enjoy getting to know the team members, especially one black woman who started singing Redneck Woman until one of the men tried to stop her... Let's just say, for purposes of this post,,, she...won... Ultimately the final team were working on their own, because this book has many different major crimes needing attention...

• Loss of freedom and humane living
• Starvation and loss of life of average citizens of various African locations
• Human Trafficking mostly of women and children, Death through Sexual Attacks, including gang rapes
• Safety of the Victims, how and where they were being taken,
• Gun smuggling and Internal criminals killing innocent citizens,
• Provision of high power weapons for greater destruction
• Control of all criminal actions by the rich and power structure,
• Intimidation and threats against family members of officials/team members,
• Control of businesses by intimidation and threats,
• And a specific hit list of those working against criminality.
• Finally, attempting the rescue of a researcher and Talanov, if still alive, who was seen falling out of the first helicopter that had been destroyed. The researcher had gained significant information which could be used to legally take action. Could the team find, retain, and actually achieve ownership and retention into a safe location?
• Any other atrocity that is now taking place of inciting wars, threatening genocide, control by power rather than providing AID

If you think I have merely listed all that I've personally witnessed in our country at this time, you would be wrong...These issues are all addressed in one way or another in this fantastic look at reality by a man who, first, started traveling in Russia to smuggle bibles into that country and met the true-life Russian who chose, for himself, to not act to support what was happening by this dictator or that authoritarian, or this King, or that common thief and oppressor who uses violence because that's a choice...

Talanov had been trained to have no feelings about death. It was only when he learned about being free, in a democracy, that he began to not only feel personal freedom, but learned the pain that, seemingly everywhere, had those who had no emotional concerns about how others were treated... I admired Talanov as a hero in earlier books. In this book I found a man who I could trust, not as a hero, but as an individual who believes in justice--for all... A Perfect Man of the People!

So, of course, Turner keeps our hearts beating fast until the very end and I don't dare talk about any of that... So how to close, because of course I know what is to happen (Yay!) So, I will just point out that one of my favorite authors continues to up his game, and I believe this is already up for a movie? Of course I have no idea where his movies are shown... LOL not in my neck of the woods... Do enjoy this masterpiece of writing!

GABixlerReviews

Philllipa Nefri Clark Presents The Cottage at Whisper Lake - Temple River - Caring for Elderly Spotlight!

 When Dad told us we were moving, I made him promise we could bring everything of Mum’s as well. Nothing was to be thrown or given away. I’d carefully packed Mum’s clothes and shoes and locked diaries and photographs into especially sturdy boxes. And made a nest in the middle of Mum’s softest jumper for the jewellery box. I do love the small box with its lavender pattern with gold metal around the edges and when it is opened, a darling little ballerina lifts up and slowly spins in a perpetual pirouette as music plays. As long as I wind it up first with the key on the back, the dancer always dances. 

One day, maybe, I could be a dancer. 

Why wouldn’t a person care about the wellbeing of their neighbour? Mind you, her father never had. He rarely had a nice word to say about anyone unless it was to the face of a guest. But she couldn’t blame one man for her narrow view of the world. She worked with men a lot and some of them were decent blokes. Some of them.

‘See. It is a lake. A magic lake which makes people laugh,’ he says. ‘And when we sit in our magic lake we can whisper secrets to each other. Whimsical whispering water. With fish.’

This is such a lovely story... Even though the way it was written, readers will also experience the sadness that comes from the story. The story begins in the past where a family has just experienced the death of the mother. It saddens them all... But, the father decides to relocate to another town where his soon can attend a special school for detailed medical help. Charlie is looking forward to attending school. His sister, not so much. Mainly she doesn['t want to leave the place where her mother is buried--and she won't be able to visit like she has been doing.

Rebecca--Becky--is a good student, but she has taken on most of the duties needed to keep the home running. There is a constant discussion which sometimes includes her Dad's sister, about her needing to also attend a special school for girls, which her aunt happens to run. Rebecca was opposed to leaving her father and brother... Readers are privy to the day that everything changes. It was the end of an era of family happiness that had just begun as Charlie was growing stronger at his new school...

Readers travel over 60 years ago where we meet an entirely new family. One that has been separated due to trouble that developed fairly early in their marriage. We meet Sadie who has become a journalist who became a specialist in creating documentaries. She has developed a good reputation and has been kept busy in production of one after the other. So much so that she hasn't been home for years.

Her father has died so that Pam, her mother was now the only family connection and had been left after her father's death to run the family Inn. However, when Sadie got there, she immediately noticed that there was a change not only in the condition of the Inn but in the physical health of her mother. Readers can't help but become emotionally involved as these two women struggle to develop a new relationship that was based on their own connection as opposed to having their father being a wedge between them.

It's a sad story that will evolve as Sadie is there to not only see her mother, but to deal with the family will, the future, and what will happen in the future. Sadie finds herself stuck dealing with the past--a time when, when young, she and her father were very close and he was very supportive of her becoming what Sadie wanted to do in the future. But at some point, she remembered two men from a local church had come to speak to her father. And suddenly her father pulled away from the daughter he had spent so much time and support to her when she was younger.

Although Pam had loved her husband, she also had to adapt to the change that came over her husband... But Sadie soon realized that Pam was a stronger women than she had thought and, together, they worked to plan where they both would be in their future. With a little bit of help from her mother, Sadie also met Dan, a local building contractor, with whom she'd been talking about doing work in the Inn itself. Of course, Sadie and Dan were "destined" to be attracted to each other, even though Sadie was a lot harder to convince of being able to trust Dan...

I’m a big believer in the shrine of a trillion stars in the midnight sky.’ Good grief, if you don’t stop saying everything right and looking so darned gorgeous I am going to fall for you. Stop it.

But it wasn't until Sadie had become to explore the area and came across the home of somebody that put her on alert, that she and Dan got to know each other... Sadie had taken a walk and came upon a small cabin, where a black cat came happily to greet her, and quickly heading into the house... Sadie noticed that the door was open and, worried, she step in and immediately noticed a purse opened on a nearby table... Soon, the entire town was alerted. Rebecca a woman in her 70s had previously gone off by herself and had needed help to return home. Pam hooked Sadie up with Dan who was a friend who had helped before and had become friends with Rebecca...

It was Dan and Sadie who found Rebecca and got her home, but it was Sadie who took more of an interest--Many of the documentaries Sadie had made were dealing with homelessness and aging... But that first day, Rebecca had asked Sadie to help her find them and Sadie had said she would try, but, later, Rebecca didn't remember that request... But Sadie did and kept on trying to discover who or what she was looking for...

But there were many times available for picnics, or exploring Dan's home which he'd built himself... And, of course, Sadie was excited to see they had similar tastes in the home environment...

Folks, I chose to close out this review with a surprise which related to how the ending will surprise you in a delightful way... Sadie is working on a documentary of a new facility in this lake area...and it's bound to have lots of exciting music to celebrate... So enjoy!

May music and happiness end each day as you spend time with all those who care for each other and work together to service and support all God's Children! And, I highly recommend you don't miss this book!

GABixlerReviews

B. F. Randall Presents Three Gates to Hell: Hell's detours can lead to heavenly destinations!

I put on a serious expression. “Amazing, isn’t it, how creative we’ve become in devising such lethal tools.

“Good morning.” Alan smiled. “An excellent job was done this morning by three of our officers. Officers Bob Richards, Alford Jackson, and Gary Alison. They observed and arrested three professional burglars making a rooftop entrance to the Safeway Store on Alhambra.” He pointed at me. “Good job.” Several officers turned and gave me a thumbs-up. “Those arrested were Willy Johnson, his wife, Carol Johnson, and Curtis Mitcham. The Johnsons are three-time losers who got hooked up with Mitcham because Carol worked at the Safeway Store and knew the layout. She and her old man aren’t going anywhere. They don’t have the connections or resources to bail out.” The lieutenant put a booking photo up on the screen. I recognized one of the people as the fellow who had a bladder problem earlier today. “Mitcham, on the other hand, is a different story. He’s part of the Savages motorcycle club and is being looked at as the primary suspect in the assassination of two rival gang members in Phoenix. Intelligence Division says he’s a big moneymaker and enforcer for the club.” “Good to have him off the street,” one of the officers said. “That’s the problem.” Miller frowned. “He’s being discharged right now.” A collective groan resonated through the room. “His attorney was at the gate before his booking was done with a release order from a federal court judge. Seems he’s working with the Feds on some interstate thing. I called Phoenix PD to see if they could put a hold on him for their case, but they don’t have enough yet.” “Any time line on when Phoenix may go to warrant?” I asked. “No, Bob, but they assured me that they would notify me personally.” After a long pause he said, “There’s something else. While he was in lockup, he was going off about taking care of the one who brought the cops down on him. He was making all kinds of threats.” “Threats are a norm in lockup, LT. If he feels froggy, let him jump. Then maybe we can put him away for good.” “This guy is dangerous. Don’t underestimate him, or those he hangs with. Truth is, I have no problem with him facing up to any one of you, but his threats weren’t aimed at you. When they were taking him away at the scene, he saw the old lady who owns Dee’s store standing out front and one of our police cars at the back corner. He thinks she called us.” Turning to Sargent Alan, “I want extra patrols around the clock on that little store. I’ve called Concord PD about keeping an eye on her house.” Tapping the screen for emphasis, Miller said, “Don’t forget that face. You’re dismissed.” On the way home I made a slight detour to stop by Dee’s old store. Pulling my canary yellow, 1972 Dodge Charger R/T up to the gas pump, I could almost hear every one of the 440 cubic inches say, “I’m thirsty.” This chunk of metal eats and drinks more than all three of my sons put together. “Sweet ride, Officer,” came a voice from the garage. “When are you going to let me tweak it up a bit?” John Steller, Dee’s eldest son, walked over and reached for the pump lever. He was a good man and a good mechanic, and if I really needed work done, he would be the one to do it. “Not now, John, but I’ll keep ya in mind.” “I assume you don’t put anything but High Test in this buggy.” “You got it. Last month I was choking on thirty-nine cents a gallon, but this recent spike to fifty-five cents is killing me. If I didn’t know better, I’d think there was a hole in the tank.” He held the pump nozzle in the air like a handgun. “There is, it’s called a four-barrel carburetor. I hear it could be as much as seventy-five cents by this time next year.” With a big smile he pointed the nozzle at his mother’s Pinto. “You might want to trade this guzzler in for something else.” “Don’t tempt me, John. Listen, I was out here early this morning, over at the Safeway Store. We arrested a couple bad guys, and well, this area hasn’t built up that much yet so be careful out here, okay?” “Sure will. That will be $7.70.” Handing him the cash, I got behind the wheel and started the engine. Leaning into the open driver’s window, John looked me in the eye. “Is there something you’re not telling me, Officer?” “Those are some really bad guys we took down this morning. They’re making all kinds of threats to anyone and everyone, including those around here. Just be careful and call us if you see anything that concerns you. Okay?” “You bet. Thanks.” Stepping back, John smiled and gave me a salute. I slowly rolled out onto the hot pavement of the Alhambra and could see John in my rearview mirror watching me. I had to make an impression. Dropping it into low, I punched it. The roar was sweet as all three hundred and seventy horses under the hood pushed me back into the seat like a rocket. The rear of the car got squirrely, as a high-pitched shriek resonated off the tires, and a thick cloud of rubber filled the air. Within seconds I was doing sixty and searching the rearview and side mirrors for any sign of red and blue flashing lights appearing through the thick smoke. 

Pleased with the results, I slowed down and settled in for the ride home. Approaching the house, I turned the corner and parked at the curb just out of sight. In the front yard were three little ragamuffins, each just a few inches taller than the other. Striking across the lawn, they had a clear objective in mind. In the center of the yard was a large pile of autumn leaves I had taken an hour to rake up, but it was about to be scattered like snowflakes. With shouts and squeals they dove into the leafy mountain, redistributing fall’s foliage in every direction. It was worth the work, I thought as I pulled into the driveway. The first head to pop up through the leaves was Joseph, named after his grandfather. From the moment he was born, the two were inseparable. “Little Joe” is my oldest. He has a heart as big as his mother’s. Even at the age of seven he was always looking out for his brothers. The next head to come up for air was my second boy, Stefan. His mother would sing him to sleep every night, “Climb upon my knee, Sonny Boy, though you’re only three, Sonny Boy, you’ve no way of knowing, there’s no way of showing, what you mean to me, Sonny Boy.” The name stuck. Sonny is our artist. He draws on everything. One head didn’t make a showing, my youngest Casey, or Critter as we call him. When his mother washes his clothes, she doesn’t reach in and turn out the pockets to empty them of rocks, marbles, and the like. With Critter’s britches, she drops them on the floor and stomps on them a few times. Because of several unique finds, Casey had earned the handle “Critter.” Standing at the front door, like a centurion at the gate, was the feared fixer of fabric, the daring defender of dinner, the controlling Commander in Chief of the Republic of Richards. In her hand glistening in the noonday sun, was her weapon of choice. Slowly she raised it toward the helpless children and, with a Cheshire-cat smile, looked at me as if to dare me to make a move. “Watch out!” I shouted just as she opened fire. A long stream of water shot from the nozzle as the boys began to squeal with laughter. Breaking into a dead run, I zig-zagged across the lawn, scooping up Little Joe and Sonny in my arms, holding them in front of me as a shield. I felt a tug and found Critter clinging to my pant leg. Squirming and giggling I moved toward the adversary as she took aim and drenched us unmercifully. Putting them down I shouted, “Let’s get her.” With eyes as wide as her smile, Rosie dropped the hose, turned, and ran back into the house. Just before the boys reached the door, I leaped over three steps, spun around, and stretched out my arms, stopping their attack on the porch. “Hold it guys. We can’t go inside all wet. I’ll get some towels, and after we’re dry, we’ll go get mom.” Returning with the towels, I stopped dead in the hallway. Stepping back, I turned to the bedroom and said in a loud whisper, “Baby, get out here, quick.” Stepping into the hall she looked to the open front door, and there stood three naked little troopers, with their clothes in a pile at their feet. It took everything we had to keep from laughing. “Well, go give them a towel before the neighbors call the cops.” 

My life was on track. I had a beautiful wife, three great kids, and a job I loved. We just moved into our first home, and the future was looking bright. Watching little bundles of energy fidget and fuss as their mom wiped faces and ruffled hair, I wondered what I had done to deserve all this. A decade earlier I was cutting a firebase for the 101st Airborne in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. I spent my first week in Camp Alpha, Saigon, waiting to be assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division where I would man a 106 recoilless rifle, a direct fire cannon mounted on a jeep. After three days I explored the camp and found three pieces of heavy engineering equipment: two International Harvester TD-24 bulldozers and a field stripped John Deere road grader. Climbing onto one of the dozers, I sat back in the seat, put my feet up on the hood, and took a nap in the warm afternoon sun. I don’t know how long I slept, but I was jarred awake by Master Sergeant Buck Bennett. “Wake up, Private! Where the hell do you think you are?” Rolling my legs off the hood, I missed the floor plate and dropped onto the tracks. From there it was a gymnast’s nightmare, as I landed face down at Bennett’s feet. I lifted my head slowly and looked into eyes that had seen things I didn’t want to imagine. “On your feet, Private,” he barked. I jumped to my feet and stood as ridged as I could, although I was shaking like a leaf on the inside. “This is not your home, boy. This is a war zone, and that’s not your cradle; it’s military equipment. Do you understand me, Private.” “Yes, Master Sergeant.” “You operate that dozer?” “No, Master Sergeant. I’m eleven-bravo. Infantry. Waiting for orders to the 1st Cavalry.” “Okay.” He looked down at my nametag. “Stay put, Richards. I’ll be right back.” He turned toward the command tent, then looking over his shoulder, “Don’t go to sleep again, boy. The next voice you hear may be Charlie’s.” I waited for over an hour and was tempted to just go back to my bunk when Bennett appeared from a row of tents with another soldier. 

“Richards, this is Specialist Kippell. Just call him Kip. He will be showing you how to use that dozer. You have three, maybe four days. Use them well. You’re now twelve-bravo, Combat Engineer. Stay alive, boy.” And with that he turned and disappeared out of my life forever. I went from Infantryman to Engineer in less than an hour. Later I learned that the two guys I bunked with, and who would have been part of my crew manning the 106 recoilless, were hit just two weeks after joining the 1st Cavalry. Only one survived. He sustained serious injuries and was sent home. 

Why them and not me? Would I ever really know the answer to this question that would interrupt countless nights of sleep? A tear ran down my cheek as I watched three naked little dudes hug their mom and scamper off down the hall to their rooms. What had I done to deserve a life like this? Why me?

A tiny God Incident occurred when I read the pages above... Why Me? was not listed as a song by the author, but my mind immediately thought of it. As I finished the book, and began to write this morning, I realized that the song is actually the plot of the book. You see, Bob Richards, our main character, has spent quite a bit of time asking "Why?" and before the book closes, he's actually asking "Why?" and saying "No!" Only to return to the words, "Why me, Lord, What have I ever done...?"

Bob Williams is a cop. A good cop. Well-respected by both his fellow officers as well as those individuals to whom he's connected on the job... The only two words needed to describe him is that he is both empathic and sympathetic. A combination that is often missing in officers of the law, it seems, especially these days...

This book is dedicated to:

To those who must stand blameless in the throes of adversity, who are the first we call, and the last we thank. To the men and women who, each day, face what most will never experience in a lifetime and are the first to run toward what the rest of us will run from. Thank you!

The first chapter provides a hint, but it really didn't sink in to me until much later... You will learn there, that Bob Harris, is also a prison chaplain... But by the next chapter, readers are brought into a crime scene and somehow that first chapter doesn't really make an impression...

You see, Bob has not yet gone through the Three Gates to Hell...

Bob and his partner was a group who were assigned to the time slots where most of the criminal actions took place. A major effort to break into a store had occurred but had been stopped by the police officers on duty. Arrests were made, but one of those involved had been released as he was already working with the FBI on a case. This man was one of the cruelest of the cruel and even as he was set free, he was already looking to revenge... A series of events took place, people were hurt... And, one of their own, a police officer had been murdered. Mitcham was the killer and he led a motorcycle gang, called the Savages.

The story moves from Bob being on the job to those times when he is with his family... or with other personal relationships... But at some point, Bob had been targeted, necessitating that his family relocate from their home...

And then one day he met Mitcham with the FBI at an elevator, and he looked at Bob and asked about his family...Bob was furious, knowing that this man had many opportunities to go after his family! On that day, a man saw him and came over, placing a hand on his shoulder, asking if he was alright... He was the Chaplain at San Quentin!

He handed me a business card. “I’m sitting right over there if you want to talk. You can also call me any time you want to. Bless you, son, and thank you for all you do. I know it’s hard to be a police officer in times like these, but I suppose that is true about any time.” He walked back to the bench along the window, and I read his card, “Howard Hays, Senior Chaplain, California Penal System.” I decided to go to the range and spend the afternoon annihilating paper bad guys with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. When I was through, I went home to a world absent of guns, chaos, and crime, but full of little boys’ laughter and love. Joe, my father-in-law, once read to me a Bible verse when I was angry and depressed about what I had seen on the streets: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” Good advice.

~~~~

Well, one thing Bob knew, he was NOT chaplain material! There was no way that he could ever consider going into that prison to actually talk to--to meet with--those men he had worked so hard to get placed there!  He didn't recall what he'd done with that name card, but months went by and he got a call from somebody, wanting to talk to him about completing his application. Once Bob understood what she was asking, he kinda flipped and said he had never applied! Even though he remembered getting the card. But, folks, sometime later the Chaplain called him--again... Explaining that he had learned that he wasn't interested, but that considerable time had been used to do references, especially since he was a police officer... Bob could feel himself growing angry...

But, finally, agreed to meet to learn more about the program... Instead... He was caught after entering the first gate to hell...

I'll be quick to tell you that none of what occurred after Bob first was touched by the chaplain was anything like I might have expected to happen. This is an extraordinary story that must be read to understand exactly what happened thereafter... 

“A Coincidence Is God at Work Incognito.”

With Rule There Is Order—

With Order There Is Peace.

“Bobby, this wasn’t an accident. I have the best doctors in the world, but all they do is put parts together. It’s God who gives life to the tissues and brings about healing. There is no way you and I could have planned to run into each other like this. Only someone bigger than us, with a plan in mind, could have orchestrated today’s meeting,” Hillbilly said.

“Sir, I have been sent to inform you that condemned inmate Curtis Mitcham has requested you to be his spiritual advisor and that Warden Kilpatrick has approved his request and yours to speak with him before his execution.” 

I know I say this often, but, really, I hope you'll consider this a must-read!

GABixlerReviews