Monthly recap: May 2021

 

 

I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

What I've read:

I've discovered a few new authors this month.  By far my favourite book this month was: Sticks and Stone (seriously, go read this series, but it needs to be read in order.)

What I would like to read in June:

Currently Reading:

This is a good one and fans of Jody Hedlund can expect another great story.

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

Did I buy any new books?

Yes, off course:

Did I read everything I wanted too?

No, I again carried these two over and hopefully I can read one of them this month:

How was your month?

Top Ten Tuesday: Freebie week: Top Ten authors on my auto-buy list

  

 Join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun! Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This week we get to choose any topic.

Here is some of my all time favourite authors.  Whenever they publish a new book, I will just buy the book without even really looking at the summary or fellow readers' review:

Please keep writing, because I will keep on buying!

1.  Lynette Eason

I love her suspense, she always keeps me guessing and I gladly give up sleep to finish her stories - also see post Author Discovery: Lynette Eason for more:

2.  Terri Blackstock

I Love her suspense.  The If I run series is one of the best I've ever read.

3.  Ronie Kendig

Maybe, someday, I will forgive her for killing a favourite character...maybe I won't get over that but I will keep on reading her military suspense.  Also see Author discovery: Ronie Kendig

4.  Susan May Warren

Hopefully, one day, I would have been caught up with her backlist.  I love her suspense and how her characters' struggles is so relatable.  Also see Author discovery: Susan May Warren

5.  Colleen Coble

This author was my introduction to Christian Suspense and she lead me to so many more great authors.  I will always buy her books.

6.  Irene Hannon

I love her suspense.  She had some of the creepiest baddies yet.

7.  Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury was one of the first Christian fiction authors I discovered.  I never knew these books existed before I discovered her.  The Baxters is one of my favourite fictional families.

8.  Francine Rivers

I love her work.  Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece is some of my favourites.

9.  Karen Witemeyer

I love her characters, the humour and the suspense.  Also see: Author discovery: Karen Witemeyer

10.  Dani Pettrey

I'm so glad I discovered her early in her career.

Review: Sticks and Stone

Sticks and Stone by David James Warren
My rating: 💛💛💛💛💛

This is a lifetime I haven't lived, and although the pieces are starting to form, I'm going to need a lot more coffee.

Just when I think the authors can’t turn Rembrandt’s life more upside down, they throw in a major TWIST!

I loved this. It was thrilling, suspenseful and I gave up sleep to finish it. At when I closed the last pages I wanted to cry, because the teaser for book 4 is just mean and now I have to wait!

Really, it's not that hard to change history when you know the time and place history is going to happen.

I love the inner battle in Rembrandt to not change the past but also not accept things as is. He is a hero at heart and it is so difficult for him to stand back and let events play out. I love Eve. She is just the perfect partner for Rem and she had me holding my breath a few times. I wish I could see more of John Booker and the role he played in Rem’s life.

I'm not trying to be a hero. I just wanted to be a good guy for a change.

I’m loving this series and if you like thrilling suspense, go read this series. You need to read it in order though.

Maybe the only way I don't completely screw anything up in the future is to...well, listen to my regrets today.

Looking forward to the next book, but also scared for what else poor Rem will have to endure. Come on August 1st!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

Review of previous previous books in the series:

1. Cast the first stone

2. No unturned stone

About the book:

When Rembrandt goes back to stop the untimely death of his partner, he finds himself wrapped up in the disappearance of two missing children in the middle of an epic Minneapolis blizzard. But, can he save the children in time--and if he does, will he also be able to save his partner?

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing as DAVID JAMES WARREN.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

Meet David James Warren

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

With over 1.5 million books sold, critically acclaimed USA Today best selling novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

Review: Revenge

Revenge by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 💛💛💛

After book one, a lot of readers felt that Andi's addiction to pain killers was probably not completely dealt with. This novella goes into depth about Andi's struggle with pain killers and realising she actually have an issue.

Then there is a human trafficking ring also after her which added to a lot of action and suspense.

*I've read this on Kindle Unlimited.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

Murder becomes a case of mistaken identity at a remote drug rehab. An old threat resurfaces, and Andi Hollister finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer.

About the author:

Winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in Suspense, Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi

with her rescue kitty, Suzy, and loves to write suspense with a twist of romance. Her Logan Point series is available at all on-line retailers and major bookstores. In September 2017, JUSTICE BURIED, the second book in the Memphis Cold Case Novels will release.

Her workshops on writing include online courses with American Christian Fiction Writers, workshops at the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, ACFW Minnesota NICE and Memphis ACFW. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.

I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/

Review: Every Deadly Kiss

Every Deadly Kiss by Steven James
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Steven James has a way of introducing the most creepiest and evil serial killers/culprits in a way that I actually sometimes can say, intrigues me vs disgust. Enough detail to show the creepy but not enough to have nightmares.

The plot had me captivating and Steven James is one author who keeps surprising me when he reveals his hand. I had no idea who was the partner and when the partner was introduced, with flashbacks, I was totally left blindsided and want to see what happens next NOW!

Steve James is one of the few authors who can have a few different plots which he brilliantly brings together at the end.

I loved seeing more of Pat and Christie and again, really loving Tessa - suggest a unique, different but real teenager. And loving Ralph!

“I have a feeling that if I Googled ‘excessive force’ your picture would come up.”

Blake is a great nemesis for Pat and I’m looking forward to see what happens next. He almost reminds me of Reddington in the Blacklist (for those who watches that series), also with his trusted companion. A baddie with a moral code.

If you love thrillers, you should give the Patrick Bowers series a try!

No, there’s nothing certain about love. It centers you by unbalancing you.

View all my reviews

Review of Book 1

About the book:

FBI special agent Patrick Bowers grapples with a baffling series of murders in Detroit—and discovers a terror plot with roots that stretch back centuries.
 
Called in by an ex-girlfriend to consult on a case, Patrick encounters the work of a killer who displays a stunning degree of ruthlessness. Bowers is shocked to find that the slayings are linked not just to his own history with a known terrorist, but to his former lover as well—and that her secret past might hold the key to stopping the crime spree. As layers of intrigue peel away, the city is pushed ever closer to a seemingly unstoppable bioweapon attack.
 
Unnerving and laced with breathtaking suspense, Every Deadly Kiss is a surprising and complex thriller that will keep readers obsessed to the final page.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to

gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base.

His latest novel, SYNAPSE, a near-future thriller, was a finalist for an International Book Award in the sci-fi category.

Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book EVERY WICKED MAN one of their “Best Books of 2018,” says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game,” and RT Book Reviews promises that “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Steven deftly weaves intense stories of psychological suspense with deep philosophical insights. As critically-acclaimed novelist Ann Tatlock put it, “Steven James gives us a captivating look at the fine line between good and evil in the human heart.”

Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, he has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades and has spoken more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe.

Steven’s groundbreaking books on the art of fiction writing, STORY TRUMPS STRUCTURE and TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL, have both won Storytelling World Awards. Widely recognized for his story-crafting expertise, he teaches regularly as a Master Class instructor at ThrillerFest, North America’s premier training event for suspense writers. He also hosts the biweekly podcast, The Story Blender.

When Steven isn't writing or speaking, you'll find him trail running, rock climbing, or drinking dark roast coffee near his home in East Tennessee.

Review: Together Forever

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

I really liked this second book in this series more than the first, but I think it is also because it involved more of the orphan train and orphans. There was a steady build in the story and connection to the characters and towards the end, just when you though there would be a happily ever after, major plot twist which made me not want to stop reading (or listening).

Marianne had a lot of character growth in this book. Though I did disagree a bit about how she and Drew handled a certain situation at the end, Marianne developed into a character who unselfishly loved and made sacrificial decisions, not always to her benefit, but definitely for the benefit of the other parties involved.

Drew was a great male lead - his way with the orphans made me love him. He had a lot to learn, especially that you can’t take blame on yourself which is not yours to take - even though he might have felt responsible. He had his faults, especially the way he tried to manipulate a happy ever after ending, but he had a lot of good qualities which made him a lovable lead.

The Orphans stole my heart and I loved the facts the author provided in this fictional story, especially to show that, though the idea of the orphan train was good, again the children were not always better off due to others taking advantage of their situation.

Reynold - oh I so hope that he will also find his happy ever after.

The audiobook was entertaining and well delivered.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction.

Looking forward to the third and final book in this series.


View all my reviews

Review of An Awakened Heart - this is free on Kindle

Review: With You Always

About the book:

Will the mistakes of their past cost them a chance at love?

Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she'll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden.

As the two team up, placing orphans in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever. 

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Review: No Ocean Too Wide

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Though I’ve read a novella by this author, this is my first novel and what a great introduction. I loved Laura and Katie and this story was an eye opener - especially that human trafficking existed then already (they just called it something different).

The author drew me in from the start with the way she told the story and I wanted to cry along with the characters about their losses, search for their siblings and trying to see the silver lining though their was still so much questions.

There was a scene at the end where I literally fast tracked the audiobook so that I can see how it ends and I actually spoke allowed to the characters, “come on Laura, follow that dog!!!” - something I don’t do too often.

The narrator delivered a captivating telling of the story and I would highly recommend this to fans of audiobooks and historical fiction.

I’m very glad that I can read more about this family soon!

View all my reviews

About the book:

Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans–but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans’ home before Laura is notified about her family’s unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”.

About the author:

Bestselling Author Carrie Turansky writes inspirational historical and contemporary novels and novellas set

in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "A touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written" . . . "My new favorite author!" Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook and Instagram.

Review: All this Time

All this Time by Melissa Tagg
My rating: 💛💛💛

“Maybe not, but what you want matters. What you care about matters. Not just to the people who love you, but to God.

Ever since Raegan and Bear’s goodbye in the second book of the series, I was eagerly anticipating their story. Though I did like it, I probably had too high expectations. I don’t know, there was just some things missing for me wrt their relationship development, though there was a lot of swoon-worthy scenes as well.

Bear’s back story was a lot more interesting and mysterious for me than Raegan and I enjoyed the mystery and suspense around his brother’s disappearance. I do feel how his plot developed was realistic - I adored his niece and nephew and loved how he became part of their lives.

Raegan also had a lot to deal with. I enjoyed her interactions with her brothers and one scene with her father was very adorable.

He’ll seek you out. As often as it takes. Not so that He can rip off your mask . . . but so that you can learn to see Him and love Him and trust Him, enough that eventually you’ll choose to take off your own mask.”

Though I will miss the Walkers, I hope to see them in future Maple valley stories (which I hope will be never ending) - there was a lot of characters in the Walker series who deserves their own happy ending.

One of my favourite book families.

*I’ve read this on kindle unlimited.*

Previous reviews of books in this series:

0.5 Three Little Words

1 From the Start

2 Like never before

3 Keep Holding On

View all my reviews

About the book:

Bear McKinley’s past refuses to let go.

Ten years ago, Bear gave up everything—his freedom and his reputation—for his mess of a family. But after years of distance and too many attempts at starting over, he finally has a new life doing noble work in Brazil . . . until his past catches up to him once again. Suddenly he finds himself back in Maple Valley, charged with the care of his missing brother’s children, convinced he’s out of second chances to make his life count. And yet, with every day that passes, these kids, this quirky town and the woman he never stopped missing help patch the holes in his heart. Maybe this is the fresh start he’s been longing for all along. But as his newfound hope grows, so does the mystery surrounding his brother’s activities—and when the threat reaches into the lives of those he loves, it’s clear he can’t run away this time.

Fear holds Raegan’s future captive.

Raegan Walker is fine. She’s happy working a slew of part-time jobs, still living in her childhood bedroom and rarely venturing from her hometown. At least, that’s what she tells everyone . . . and herself. But she can’t help wondering what might’ve happened if she hadn’t abandoned her art so many years ago—and if Bear McKinley had never left. When Bear returns and she’s commissioned for a painting that just might revive her artistic ambition all in one week, it’s time to finally reach for more than fine. But doing so means facing the fears that have held her back all this time, including admitting the secret she’s kept from Bear and her family. With her dream and her heart on the line, how much will Raegan have to risk to finally chase her happy ending?

About the author:

Melissa Tagg is the Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances, including the Maple Valley series, the Walker Family series, the Where Love Begins series, and the Enchanted Christmas Collection. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.

Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.

Weekend Wrap-up: May 30th

 

I'm joining Christian Bookshelf Reviews in this weekly weekend wrap-up idea which I first saw on her blog.

See which books I've read this week, currently reading and planning to read.

Books I've finished this week:

I finished a few good books this week.

Currently reading

Come back to me is quite interesting.

Next up:

I have a new release and a book I've owned for years planned next:

What are you reading this week?

Review: Justice Buried

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley
My rating: 💛💛💛

I enjoyed this Cold case novel and flew through the pages when I had time to pick up my paperback to read (with two boys this time is limited). Why then only 3 stars? Though there was suspense and it did build and the suspense at the end was handled very well, there was a lot which was predictable.

I was also not a fan of how the romance was concluded - major rushed romance and there was a few things mentioned in the novel which I'm not a fan off as a Christian.

I did like Brad and Kelsey individually and also how they overcome their own personal struggles. I would have liked to see more of book 1's characters, though we briefly saw Andi again, but enjoyed Rachel as a new sub character and hope to see more of her as well.

Looking forward to the next Cold Case.

View all my reviews

Review of book 1

About the book:

In an effort to get her security consulting business off the ground, Kelsey Allen has been spending a lot of time up in the air, rappelling down buildings and climbing through windows to show business owners their vulnerabilities to thieves. When she is hired to pose as a conservator at the Pink Palace Museum in order to test their security weaknesses after some artifacts go missing, she's ecstatic. But when her investigative focus turns from theft to murder, Kelsey knows she's out of her league--and possibly in the cross hairs. When blast-from-the-past Detective Brad Hollister is called in to investigate, Kelsey may find that he's the biggest security threat yet . . . to her heart.

Crackling with romantic tension and laced with intrigue, this suspenseful story from award-winning author Patricia Bradley will keep readers guessing--and looking over their shoulders.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

Winner of an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in Suspense, Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi

with her rescue kitty, Suzy, and loves to write suspense with a twist of romance. Her Logan Point series is available at all on-line retailers and major bookstores. In September 2017, JUSTICE BURIED, the second book in the Memphis Cold Case Novels will release.

Her workshops on writing include online courses with American Christian Fiction Writers, workshops at the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, ACFW Minnesota NICE and Memphis ACFW. When she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.

I love connecting with readers on my blog every Tuesday where I have a Mystery Question for them to solve: www.patriciabradleyauthor.com/blog
Twitter: @ptbradley1
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/patriciabradleyauthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptbradley/

Book Spotlight Fridays! Every deadly Kiss and Come back to Me

 

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.

I'm sharing two books again this week:

Every deadly kiss

About the book:

FBI special agent Patrick Bowers grapples with a baffling series of murders in Detroit—and discovers a terror plot with roots that stretch back centuries.
 
Called in by an ex-girlfriend to consult on a case, Patrick encounters the work of a killer who displays a stunning degree of ruthlessness. Bowers is shocked to find that the slayings are linked not just to his own history with a known terrorist, but to his former lover as well—and that her secret past might hold the key to stopping the crime spree. As layers of intrigue peel away, the city is pushed ever closer to a seemingly unstoppable bioweapon attack.
 
Unnerving and laced with breathtaking suspense, Every Deadly Kiss is a surprising and complex thriller that will keep readers obsessed to the final page.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

He watched her stir the Manhattan he'd just mixed for her. 

Friday 56

Regarding the case, there was a lot to process.

My thoughts so far

Steven James was only a recent discovery last year, but I enjoy his thrillers and how he brings everything together.

*************************************************************

Come back to me

About the book:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Your father is in a coma.

Friday 56

If he was nothing more than a vision, then why did he seem so real?

My thoughts so far

I just started this last night, but so far enjoying it.

*************************************************************

Review: The Paris Betrayal

The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal
My rating: 💛💛💛

Rating 3,5 stars.

This story of spies and possible bio-weapons was interesting, at some times suspenseful and also intriguing. A few of the big plot twists I guessed before it was revealed.

One of my favourite scenes was between Ben and Dylan closer to the end. I enjoyed the banter between the characters and Ben's dry sense of humour. Action scenes was also written well.

This is a new to me author and I want to read more of his work because of his symbolism to the Bible in this novel and I would like to see if his other works are similar.

Now, if you don’t know your Bible stories, this will just be a good story. But what grabbed me at the end, was realizing who the Director and Jupiter represented and how Ben was created based on Job from the Bible. I was glad when this was confirmed in the author’s note at the end.

I do prefer my suspense/thrillers a bit more fast paced and nail-biting, and some of the jargon did go over my head a bit. However, a lot of readers rated this high and part of my lower rating might be that this is the third book this month I've read about a probable bio-weapon.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed. A sniper attack. An ambush. A call for help that brings French SWAT forces down on his head. Ben is out. This is a severance - reserved for incompetents and traitors.

Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must travel across Europe to find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team. More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company's plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him - and he struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory within his own body.

Award-winning author James R. Hannibal ratchets up the tension on every page of this suspenseful new thriller.

Amazon link to buy

About the author:

James R. Hannibal is the author of the award-winning Section 13 Mystery/fantasy series from Simon and Schuster Young Readers and the Thriller Award nominated Nick Baron series from Berkley Books. As a former stealth bomber pilot and drone pilot James is no stranger to action or secrets. He has been shot at, locked up by a surface to air missile system, and aided the capture of High Value Targets.