Review: Animal Behaviorist Shares Comedy of Her Work!

The Chimp Who Loved Me

And Other Slightly Naughty Tales Of a life with Animals


By Annie Greer and Tim Vandehey


Warning: Book Contains Mature Language


Thinking that this book would be a fun break from my normal drama selections, I was somewhat disappointed when I first chose what I assumed would be my favorite—The Crazy Cat Lady. True to the title, it was indeed about a “crazy lady” rather than some story about my favorite animals—cats...

But, I went on to the title story and was happily entertained, and I am sure that without saying a word, you know essentially what happened between Annie and the Chimp! Fortunately, she was able to distract him...shall we say...talking him down?

However, chimp assault is very real! What I was surprised to see was the underlying story of how dangerous many of these animals are! So if you have ever thought about taking a wild animal into your home, this is a must read for you! Me, I have enough trouble with my house cats! Although the beauty of our larger feline animals is tremendous and exciting to watch—from afar...

For those who love cats, I recommend “Panther Bait” Now might be the time to point out that Annie and her husband are professional animal caretakers—the former is an animal chiropractioner, healer and behaviorist; the latter a vet. Now the author is quite direct about the differences between their responsibilities. But when necessary, it is both of them that take off running to capture and treat the animal.

This book is, simply, a diary of what animal caretakers have gotten into—the ones that are funny to think about after the fact, while not necessarily while it are happening! Tim Vandehey is a ghostwriter and first had to hear the stories, not believing them as they were told! It’s a shame he didn’t have a camera going and travel with them as they were “on the job.” Maybe next time, Tim!

Here’s a few facts I found interesting:

Tiger babies don’t go to the bathroom on their own (neither do house cats) and the mother has to help take care of that. Absent mother? You guessed it--somebody has to help! But Annie didn't have the tongue for it!

Bear cubs need lots of mothering; in the wild they are with their mother for 2 years. And they want food—NOW!

If you tickle Mr. Piggy behind the ear, he will flop over his 250-pound body for more!

If your hamster is missing, check your liquor...and be prepared. A hammered hamster is vicious!

And then there was the flying squirrel that a visitor tried to steal by shoving him down his pants...

There is more fun than wisdom in this book...but who cares? If somebody you know loves animals, his makes a nice gift in my opinion. And if they are considering exotic animal acquisition...please, get this book and let them find out the realities of it all!

And, if you just want to laugh from Annie’s favorite animal tales, you enjoy The Chimp Who Loved Me...and will be giving 20% of the sales to the ASPCA as well! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Book Received from Ghostwriter
Tim Vandehey

Published by Diva Publishing and Broadcasting
800 Miami Springs Drive
Longwood, Florida 32779

BRH note: Both authors are on Facebook...I will be checking to see how to purchase this book, or contact them directly if interested...

The Case of the Great Granny:

Bradley Daggers Investigates


Thomas Emmon Pisano



I had started to read this book quite some time ago, but had put it aside until time permitted my full attention to reading and reviewing The Case of the Great Granny by Thomas Emmon Pisano. Unfortunately, starting again, I still couldn’t get past the writing and the lack of editing and proofreading. In my opinion, even if an individual decides to self-publish, that individual has full responsibility for producing a book that is basically comparable to all the millions that are sold--to be as error free as possible.

The basic storyline had potential—a grandmother is killed and she has a slew of potential killers that Bradley Daggers must investigate and narrow down. The intriguing part was that two different poisons had been used although not fatal and the actual killer was the third who successfully strangled her. For a whodunit, this was bound to be interesting...

Or not...

It wasn’t that there were too many villains to choose from—more, it was that Bradley would jump from individual to individual, with little background and for this reader it was too much and too little—I couldn’t get sufficient information to actually work along with the investigator, rather what we had to do was work hard to keep those who were under investigation straight.

Greed, revenge and theft were all tied together, overlapping, while at the same time, when the granddaughter who was to inherit and the police tried to find the supposed inheritance, it was all gone. This idea was also intriguing, but failed to follow through in an interesting, exciting fashion.

Then there was the fact that the granddaughter was obviously anxious to get her hands on the money, was giving everybody, including city officials a hard time, and then without any lead-in, Bradley and she meet and have sex and are in love...???

While the book appears to be a police procedural, there is insufficient depth to the novel. Think of yourself as a fan of television programs and gaining just enough knowledge to know the process, but little else. On television, we see that actual investigative acts. In books, it needs to be written for readers.

Now, supposedly, Bradley hates his job, but his boss keeps calling him back and he is constantly promoted—I liked that point of view also and could have really been explored in some interesting ways, other than just throwing it in once in awhile

Perhaps for those who enjoy being entertained by books, they will find this book to their taste. For me, and many others, we expect so much more from the written version—we want content, background research and actually seeing the case coming together based upon the investigation.

Unfortunately, the writing style reflects the lack of experience of the author. His conceptual thinking and ideas do have potential but help to bring those ideas into focus with a solid story that pulls the reader into the story rather than trying to follow what’s happening, is needed in my opinion

Sorry, folks, it just didn’t work for me...

G. A. Bixler

Review: First in Gus LeGarde Series A Winner!

Double Forte'
A Gus LeGarde Mystery



By Aaron Paul Lazar


When you get to do a marathon of books, it’s logical to start at the beginning of a series. Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first Sam Moore Mystery, I next turned to Double Forte' which is the first in the Gus LeGarde series. I must confess that the title and the subsequent role that music plays in this series gave it some extra points for me.

In fact, Gus LeGarde is a college professor of music, so plan to find this beautiful addition to Lazar's books... We may not be able to hear the notes, but we can see how the music affects him and his family’s life, especially when Gus’ grandson cries, “I called and called, Opa, but you didn’t come. I call you and Mummy, dubbew fortay—he sobbed.” (p. 170)

Gus’ grandson knew that he should cry loudly when he couldn’t find anybody, based upon his ongoing lessons of music terminology...to me, that is soooo cool!

Anyway...to the story... Gus has his daughter, son-in-law and Johnny living with him along with a special character, Siegfried, who is Gus’ brother-in-law and friend. Gus’ wife had died five years ago, although he still had strong loving feelings, missing her.

Gus and Siegfried were out skiing when they discovered a dog that had been caught in a trap. Both rushed to help her. Freddie, Gus’ daughter, was a vet, so Gus went to a nearby house to call her in advance to meet them at her clinic. While getting a very poor reception from the occupant, he was allowed to use the phone, but he also thought he heard and perhaps saw a child...

After getting the dog taken care of, Gus began to think and wonder about what he had possibly seen. It bothered him so much that he began to investigate and ultimately found a child that was held captive. Taking her when he left, he opened the gates to the anger of a mad man, her father, who had, they found, taken the child from her mother.

It was because of the child that Gus formally met Camille. Camille was Gus’ secretary’s daughter, who, playing matchmaker, was very anxious to have the two meet. But both had a background that had left much pain and despair and had not been helpful in that activity.

Still Gus, for the first time since his wife had died, realized that he was attracted to Camille...and then felt the guilt engulf him later...

Camille was a caseworker for children who needed an immediate safe home, so she was asked to take the rescued child; however, Sadie had latched on to Gus as her savior so he was called upon to spend time with her—and thus the relationship to Camille began to be closer.

The father was causing major problems, threatening Gus and his family. Camille was also in need of protection as she was unable to find a foster home and was keeping Sadie herself.

In the meantime, Freddie’s husband’s business partner was missing and then later found dead. And news was coming in that Sadie’s mother had apparently been murdered. Was there just one man out there killing whoever got in his way?

The great thing about Lazar's books is his storytelling and writing ability. He has created characters that you immediately want to know more--making the series ready for followers--and he spends time allowing you to see them at home, at work and within the family and within themselves! When Gus is still mourning his wife after five years, you know that if he is now looking toward Camille, it is going to be a delightful romantic story, especially when he learns of the abuse of Camille's first husband--and her secret!

No doubts in my mind...Double Forte' is great and the series is bound to get better! Especially, since I've already read the next book, which will be coming soon!

Book Recerived Via
Facebook's Reviewers Roundup


G. A. Bixler

Sam Moore Found His Green Marble While Rototilling...

...And Gus LeGarde was always creating some wonderful meal directly out of the garden...





Looks like Aaron Paul Lazar writes about
what he knows!

Review: Children's Book Sure to Engage While Learning About Beach!

Image via Wikipedia

The Adventures of
Isaiah James
Beach Boy



Written by Sabrina K. Carpenter

Illustrated by Doreen Freeman



If you’d like to introduce your child to water, swimming and the beach environment, I highly recommend Beach Boy. A major point of favor, in my opinion is that the illustrations are realistic—from the cover picture featuring dolphins and a young boy holding on to the fin of one of them to the last page showing Beach Boy and his parents going home after a wonderful day at the beach!

I also appreciate the fact that the author indicates that the stories are and will be based on the life of her son, Isaiah, who is teaching his Mom that each day is an adventure!

The colors of each page jump at readers and will certainly attract, while there are little fishes, shells and plant life from the ocean to complement the overall story.

What would you say if your child woke up one morning and asked, “...what is our adventure today?” Now Isaiah might have been told earlier that the day was going to be special—or maybe not! Maybe it’s best to be prepared for an “adventure” to happen!

And Isaiah’s parents were ready—they told him to bring his pail and shovel, because they were going to somewhere that was very warm and sandy. While Dad and Mom pulled together food, a beach umbrella and chairs, Isaiah James was thinking about what he had been told to take and he guessed!
They were going to the beach! Beach Boy couldn’t wait—it was one of his favorite places. He already knew about building sand castles and he planned on building a big, amazing one that day.

And besides that, his parents pointed out all of the beach balls that were already there and asked him to count them, just for a little fun learning...

Now Isaiah probably had some help to build his castle, but then after it was built, seagulls and crabs caught his attention—and then there came the dolphins to play!

What an adventure!

This is a fun learning book that is first in a series by Sabrina K. Carpenter. She hopes to “blend learning, imagination and brilliant illustrations for young children.” And what better way to encourage the love of reading which is her goal. Her first is an excellent presentation that supports her goal to show how to make every day an adventure. You know, the author is a cancer survivor and never thought she would have Isaiah—it certainly shows that a every day is indeed precious and her inspiration is justified and real!

Wholeheartedly recommended—maybe even as an extra holiday adventure in the stocking!



Book Received Via
Bostick Communications

G. A. Bixler

Related articles

• Book Review: The Adventures of Isaiah James, Beach Boy by Sabrina K. Carpenter (blogcritics.org)

Books in Print by Aaron Paul Lazar...Reviews Coming on LeGarde Series!

Double Forté


Double Forte' is a chilling mystery set in the verdant landscape of Upstate New York's Genesee Valley. Packed with memorable characters, hair-raising chase scenes, and touching family moments, it's a solid page-turner.

Desolate over his wife's suicide four years earlier, small-town college professor Gus LeGarde faces bewildering emotions when he falls for Camille, the vivacious, dark-eyed daughter of his secretary. Yet troubling events in her past cause her to rebuff Gus's affections. Romance glimmers, however, as both become embroiled in an adventure when Gus discovers a mute child shackled to a bedpost in a secluded cabin.

The mystery turns deadly when the child's kidnapper escapes on a snowmobile that tumbles into the deep Letchworth Gorge. The villain's fate is questioned when Gus's little grandson disappears and threats arrive against Camille. And where is the business partner of Gus's philandering son-in-law? Does a murderer lurk in the dark, wintry woods?














Upstaged

In Upstaged, the second book in the LeGarde Mystery Series, Gus LeGarde is in for another wild ride as he faces a disturbed stage mother, a deviant predator, and a twisted saboteur who lurks backstage, terrorizing the drama club with deadly, psychotic games.

Who's playing bizarre pranks on Gus's fiancée, Camille? Gus suspects handsome Brazilian student, Armand, whose behavior is laced with sexual improprieties. His suspicion shifts as a jealous stage-mother goes berserk when her daughter isn't cast in the lead role. As the attacks escalate, even the school superintendent is questioned when it's learned that his shadowy past is sealed in an official file.

The action turns lethal as opening night approaches. A sniper fires shots. Camille's home is ransacked and her beloved dog is missing. The star performer takes a bone-shattering fall when the stage railing mysteriously falls apart. Was the set rigged? Will Gus prevent the villain from upstaging the show?














Tremolo: cry of the loon


Summer, 1964: Beatlemania hits the States, and the world mourns the loss of JFK. For eleven-year-old Gus LeGarde, the powerful events that rocked the nation serve as a backdrop for the most challenging summer of his life.

After Gus and his best friends capsize their boat at his grandparents’ lakeside camp, they witness a drunk chasing a girl through the foggy Maine woods. She’s scared. She’s hurt. And she disappears.

The camp is thrown into turmoil as the frantic search for Sharon begins. Reports of stolen relics arise, including a church bell cast by Paul Revere. When Gus and his friends stumble on a scepter that may be part of the spoils, they become targets for the evil lurking around the lake. Will they find Sharon before the villain does? And how can Gus–armed only with a big heart, a motorboat, and a nosy beagle–survive the menacing attacks on his life?














Mazurka

When Siegfried receives a puzzling invitation to visit an ailing relative in Germany on the eve of Gus and Camille’s wedding, their honeymoon plans change. Siegfried – Gus’s socially challenged brother-in-law – can’t travel alone, so they gather the gentle giant under their wings and fly to Paris.

After luscious hours in the city of lights, a twist of fate propels them into a deadly web of neo-Nazis. A bloody brawl on the Champs Élysées thrusts Siegfried and Gus into the news, where a flawed report casts Siegfried as the Nazi leader’s murderer, sealing his death warrant.

While Siegfried recovers in a Parisian hospital, Nazi terrorists stalk Gus and Camille. Hunted and left for dead in the underground Parisian Catacombs among millions of Frenchmen’s bones, they barely escape. Siegfried is moved to safety at his aunt’s in Denkendorf, where he learns a shocking family secret about Chopin’s steamy past.

The calm is soon shattered, when the threesome is plunged into a cat-and-mouse game where the stakes are lethal and the future of Europe hangs in the balance.



Firesong (coming in 2011)

Moore Mysteries (AKA Green Marble Mysteries)

Healey's Cave -
Book One in the Green Marble Mystery series


Sam Moore's little brother vanished fifty years ago. No body. No answers. What Sam has is a boatload of guilt, since he failed to accompany Billy on his final, fateful bike ride.

While digging in his garden, Sam discovers a green marble with a startling secret—it whisks him back to his childhood, connecting him to Billy. Thrust back and forth through time, Sam struggles to unlock the secret of his brother’s fate.

When the FBI investigates remains found nearby, Sam learns of a serial killer with a grisly fifty-year record. Sam’s certain it’s Billy’s killer. But what’s worse, his grandson fits the profile of the murdered boys. Will the killer return to Sam’s town to claim his final kill? Can Sam untangle the truth in time to save him?