Operation Africa

 

Operation Afrika. The Destroyers WWII Thriller Series Book One. Published, Copyright Sapere Books. Written by Charles Whiting.

This is the tale of a special group of British raiders led by Mark Crooke, a maverick/idealist born in 1911 and educated at Sandhurst with many changes leading to Lt. Col. 1941 after losing an eye and gaining a Victoria Cross Medal for his participation in an unsuccessful raid to remove the Nazi General Rommel. A year later, Court-martialed for insubordination and demoted to 2nd Lt. and returned to Egypt to head-up a group of misfits variously including a London Cockney, a Texas drifter who fought against Pancho Villa and in the Spanish War, former members of various Foreign Legions, a German escapee from Dachau and a Muslim, many with earned Military Medals, but most importantly, all had no future beyond their present assignment because all were recipients of military designated misdemeanors including murder.  They were a collection similar to one publicized and popular American Cinema that brought forward a move, originally believed to be initiated by Winston Churchill – an offer “deletion of Military records if surviving participation successfully in ‘lost cause’ action against the enemy. Their assignment now was to stop the movement of the Nazis straight across Africa to the Suez Canal and into Egypt, an action that would greatly affect Great Britain’s Empire.

Discussion: a well-written, high-octane Thriller replete with characters who constantly generate empathic understanding. This is a tale that devotees will find difficulty in laying down for even a few moments. It also presents most fascinating material with respect to the huge desert arena in which the action occurs.

5* highly recommended for the devotee plus interesting associated material

Rise of the Tiger

Rise of the Tiger a modern air combat novel published, copyright and written by Mike Solyom.

The story is set largely in the eastern Malaysian peninsula ending with the city of Singapore as the Caliphate’s assembled mighty army descends to capture and control the city and eventually entire world. Still worse is his anticipated employment of a potent nerve attacking chemical to effect this ultimate control beginning with Singapore. The only true source of defense against the oncoming monster is the presence of semi-modern military aircraft, and these provide an almost non-existent threat once Lt. Col. Alexander Kui of the Royal Malaysian AF is shot down and captured. At this point, the reader is introduced to American Fighter Pilots Lee Chennard and Danny Hilton, who are assigned to a covert CIA unit where pilots who have made blunders against important controlling individuals in Washington. Lee’s offense was by reporting a clandestine act detrimental to the U.S. by a senior advisor to the President. Other new assignees were because of similar activities. Anyway, it’s a manner of chastisement until the lesson had been learned and they could return to active duty. The trouble with the unit was that they had no planes to fly. That is until Lee Chennard went to work. This material gradually is revealed and a fascinatingly conceived plot with numerous turns and twists begins to be delivered and appears to be on its way to providing the initiation of another series of thrillers now directed toward revelation of the many complicated and spectacular events associated with modern air combat.

Discussion: The author, as a twenty plus Air Force Pilot followed by other stints of government programming for flyers, perhaps has set forth a tale which is a little slow beginning, and retains considerable redundancy and repetition, but appears again to have provided the basis for another fascinatingly enjoyable series.

4* But highly recommended.

Catching Currents

Catching Currents: A Frontier Historic Colorado Story ISBN: 9798607893484 Mountain Track Publishing copyright and written by Kari August.

The reader is given to understand that this is a fictional account of a true story by this popular author demonstrating the significance of differences between the cultural restrictions with respect to women’s’ activity in the western part of the developing United States and those rigidly imposed in the east. The story begins in1897 following the lives of Sally and her brother Will when they are transposed from Boston and its long existent strict codes for ‘proper’ conduct among women especially within certain classes of society. The changes are set in motion through contact with Caroline, raised on a Colorado ranch with her brothers Teddie and part American Indian Bear whose home is a large ranch supplying specifically bred horses to requests from widely scattered sources. But more than a tale of these mores of the time it is about the numerous changes within the period and a literal smorgasbord of inter-association of nationalities and levels of station in life ranging from English ‘cockney’ to those of extreme wealth such a Stanley Steamer, inventor of the automobile similarly titled and those of high position such as President Teddy Roosevelt. And of course, a series of interesting love stories.

Discussion; The tale takes place largely in Estes Park, Colorado and includes facts and features of history, lengthy discussions of politics, attitudes in general, women’s rights, elevation of important features of nature and establishment of laws for their protection, as well as development of numerous inventions of the period often presented in amusing format. This is a most charming read with characters that beseech empathy. This is a story that at times extends further than required, but still is recommended reading and perhaps most specifically, because it provides an interesting picture of a period of history from several individual aspects.

 

5* Fact based Historical novel, Recommended.

Ruby Roy and Murder in the Falls

    Ruby Roy and Murder in the Falls, ISBM: 9798985878219 copyright and written by Rima Ray.

This book initiates a series by the author that follows the activities of the unusually mixed heritage protagonist as she discovers the murdered body of the dean of the Business College at which she has reached close-to-tenured status. The student body appears to be from many parts of the world, as are much of the faculty at the young school with a number of original faculty in responsible positions at the school situated in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Ruby, as discoverer of the murdered man, becomes involved with the police and eventually proves to be a very tenacious sleuth.

Discussion/conclusion: generally considered, the author has set forth a most intriguing murder mystery with a surprisingly difficult to discern murderer. The story is much delayed in beginning and becomes ‘bogged-down’ in several places in her story because of indulging in her flights of fantasy and need to present many of the episodes in detail. Granted, these are the activities of the well-developed presentation of such a ‘scatter-brained’ individual and do provide much of the humorous content the author has stated she wished to present. They also more thoroughly define the character, as portrayed. Thus, any fault suggested well may be attributed to this reviewer’s dislike of being provided with often lengthy interruptions in the plot’s flow, and the author appears to successfully have accomplished her mission.

4* 5-1* for as suggested ‘over-presentation’ of details of imaginative occurrences

 

A Death at the Potawatomi Club

A Death at the Potawatomi Club published by Durance, copyright and written by Stephen Timbers.

The author has written a suspense mystery that deals with the complicated subject of investment and banking houses and their inner interactivities including suggested selective locations in the Cayman Islands. The story centers on Charlie Bailey, who has ‘grown-up’ as part of the prestigious ‘upper crust’ of Chicago. Now owner and CEO of one of the most prestigious of these investment organizations, he has a large group of friends and acquaintances, and a new possible replacement for his beloved wife who died a couple of years previously in an auto accident. Also included are the police and a number of criminals, the latter both hired and business associates.

Discussion: The story is well-paced with significant periods of action as well as provision of fascinating material on the interactivity within the various trading houses and banks by their lawyers and other employees as well as independent brokers and traders. Added and interwoven is a running description of the detailed activity of the police, and their helpful relationship with the FBI, SEC and associated institutions when there are business irregularities, as well obviously,  as when a murder is to be investigated. Unfortunately, there were a number of proofing errors that were slightly annoying and the ultimate culprit was not particularly difficult to discern but generally speaking, the author has provided a most interesting, as well as highly entertaining, book.

4*  5*-1 as described in the discussion.

Teddy Lancaster and the Eye of Naroshi

 Teddy Lancaster and the Eye of Naroshi ISBN: 9798985573503 assumed published, copyright and written by Johnny Rapp.

Teddy Lancaster, is a young somewhat withdrawn boy progressing through the usual coming-of-age experiences. He lives with his mother, a healthcare worker employed at a near-by facility having just lost Teddy’s father whom they both miss greatly. Teddy also is a dreamer whose nightly series takes him on trips where he visits and actually lives in a waking state (during the time he is supposed to be sleeping) inside the kingdom of Egaria which is magically enchanted with an ancient protection spell. He also becomes enrolled as a student in Zarmore, the local school where he will be taught how to make his own world a better place along with various magical activities. During one of these dream sessions he befriends one of a colony of Goblins that includes farmers and this state of coexistence has been in effect for thousands of years. Teddy, under pressure of capture by the Goblins whom he believes he had insulted, steals one particular farmer’s greatest possession, a horse – Naroshi – to escape.  (This Goblin-Farmer group lives in a border city next to where Teddy lives when at home. It is a place that is half dream world and half real world. It is called Slaybethor.)

Actually he wasn’t in danger, but the ‘friend’ was having fun with him after he found him too near the area’s Castle. However, the old man does not take the theft lightly and has a magic staff with which he can blow things apart and when Teddy stole his horse, he went on a rampage looking for it and wrecked large portions of the surrounding village. From this beginning activity, the story continues, expanding as it proceeds.

Discussion: The author has set forth an interestingly plotted fantasy with its usual collection of goblins and animals cleverly assuming human roles. All are well characterized allowing an interest and even empathy to develop, and although fundamentally a story directed to the tean and pre-teen reader, no doubt well written enough to have appeal for the fantasy reader, similarly to others of note, at more advanced ages.

5* Teen/pre-teen; also probably advanced level fantasy devotees

Tokyo Express

Tokyo Express USS Bull Shark Naval Thriller Series, Book 4 assumed published copyright and written by Scott W. Cook.

This 4th book in the seemingly popular suspense thriller series by this author again follows the activities of the brilliantly aggressive Captain Art Turner of the somewhat unusually designed USS Bull Shark submarine as it operates in the Pacific Ocean from August 15, 1942 through August 24th, 1942 and sometime beyond through an Epilogue. Most of the main action described takes place in the waters surrounding Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Gavutu, Tanambogo and especially those of New Georgia where the Sealark Channel, popularly called “The Slot” provided a straight supply line from the Japanese Holdings at Rabaul and Bougainville. Once the U.S. had established their base on Guadalcanal and completed Henderson Airfield, their air superiority gave them control of this area during the day. This provides the base for this fact based novel.

To overcome the problem of supplying Japanese troops in these areas, Admiral Yamamoto developed a plan of running the fast destroyers down the slot at night when air power did not operate with any degree of success and destroyers were specially equipped to fight submarine attacks if attempted. The Americans immediately named it the Tokyo Express. Along with these naval engagements, Several Marine-Japanese hand to hand engagements are included with men serving on the subs as well as with the Marines included. A couple of naval battles – Solomon Islands, Savage Islands and individual Carrier-Enemy Aircraft engagements also are included.

Discussion: The author’s knowledge of his subject appears to be quite extensive as his description of pertinent minutia with respect to submarine working parts, movement, maneuverability and the results of attacks described, as well as the effects of bombs received by surface craft. His descriptions of hand-to-hand combat as well as other land battle scenes and their aftermath also are graphically set forth and thus, just as horrifying to the uninitiated as those of the results of a ship’s receipt of bombs from the air as described. The author’s understanding of the psychological aspects, pertinent perhaps more particularly to submarine warfare, appear to be quite accurate, as well. This is the second of the series I have read, and highly recommend as a WW II thriller.

5* Highly recommended war thriller.

 

A Hitite and a Shaman

     A Hititite and a Shaman at Queen Nefretari’s Service by Naveen Sridhr.

This fundamentally is a historical tale of royal intrigue during the era of Ramses II long reign with his beloved wife Nefretari. It is replete with the usual deceit, distrust, betrayal, deception and treachery among the kings and other heads of state, many branches of the same family. It also is a story whose history the author has stated he has attempted to follow as closely as possible.  Fortunately for the reader he also has included a list of the characters and a glossary of terms. The plot follows the flight of a deposed Hitite King and his son to Rameses country, the possibility of the new king demanding his return for prosecution and the maneuvers in which Rameses, and more especially his Queen Nefretari, engaged the situation to obtain a peaceful conclusion to the affair.

Discussion: The author has provided a most interesting discussion with respect to how adroitly a Shaman and Nefretari managed to acquire a peaceful settlement for a burgeoning problem and the lasting effects its use by Rameses had for the good of his people. In general, a lesson is set forth with respect to the value of peace versus war and much is learned about both of these monarchs. The only disappointing feature of this book from this reviewer’s perspective, is the redundancy and repetition employed to describe Nefretari’s, the Shaman and each provider’s viewpoint of the subject under discussion. Granted, the discussions are pertinent. However judicial editing could have reduced this material substantially to provide a more enjoyable read.

4* 5* material; -1* for reasons noted.

Big Stone Gap & Beyond

Big Stone Gap & Beyond: A Novel assumed published, copyright and written by John M. Vermillion.

The narration is provided by someone who has lived a millennium and fortunately the book’s opening contains a list and short explanation of the individual’s interrelationship to the large number of characters included in the story. Basically it is about the coal industry and those involved, largely from the minors’ level. It is split into three tales, the last following the life of Felix Forthright Fox a person of far advanced intellect who is bored with traditional school work, does not do well and is resentful with having to complete tasks he does not like. His forte is facing a problem, recognizing the core and developing an answer that will work. As an adult he progresses rapidly into a power within the coal industry, and as he grows older and matures, moves into other areas of endeavor compatible with this growth and change.

Discussion: This is the first of this author’s books this reviewer has read. He appears to be very well received, is a West Point Graduate with appropriate service and additionally has obtained three Master’s degrees. His characters are interesting, generate empathy, and the story’s pace is good. One particularly interesting feature is his ability to blend the story teller’s thoughts/beliefs into the thought patterns he provides through the characters. Thus, a most interesting and enjoyable read that supplies more usually unknown facts about a subject of particular importance at this particular time in history.

5* Interesting & enjoyable; particularly important at this time in history.

The Uquiet Genius

The UNQUIET GENIUS ISBN: 9780999117378 TMR Press, LLC by Glenn Dyer.

In this Conor Thorn (Book 3) the author again has provided his readers with a rapidly moving thriller taking place in the European theatre during WWII. This time it is as a result of Mussolini, and the Vatican wanting to retain a brilliant nuclear scientist, while the Germans, Russians and Americans’ all wish to convince him of the need they have for him to join them in their final movement toward building an atomic missile. The scientist also is an ordained man-of-the church who had successfully faked his demise and for four years successfully hidden in a monastery high in the Italian mountains. Deciding what he has done to his family was an unbearable action, he writes them a letter. A copy lands in ‘unfriendly hands’ and the secret is divulged, thus creating the involvement of the groups mentioned.

Discussion: The author has set forth an action-packed suspense/thriller/romance complete with Nazi cruelty as well as displays of betrayal, deceit, treachery and deception involving quite a large cast of characters who are sufficiently under-developed to result in fundamentally a plot-based tale. Enough empathy is developed among enough characters, however, to provide interest for those who enjoy other than plot –based stories. A particularly interesting note from this reader’s perspective is the inclusion of thought relative to the horrific results from atomic fission – a subject beginning to be addressed more frequently in the scientific community as time passes and circumstances change, but not previously noted so prominently in fiction.

5* Largely plot-based suspense/thriller/romance with interesting aside.