ASSORTED TRADE REVIEWS

After The Fall

"A tragedy can destroy your spirit, and when you face multiple, it can seem beyond repair. "After the Fall" is a novel following Jeff Talbot, as he tries to face life with a comatose wife and his daughter's accidental death. With his son drifting away from him, Talbot yearns for the surreal days of his once beautiful life, and when all is lost, he doesn't know what's left. But the strangest things may allow him to find his way through. "After the Fall" is a strong pick for general fiction collections and for those looking for novels surrounding the pain of loss." — Midwest Book Review

“The reader will find this book interesting not only because it is well-written, but also because it offers life lessons on how to pick yourself back up, and shoulder through grief, anger and despair after suffering tragedies that could happen to anyone.  Everyone is capable of finding his/her way back and there is no set way of doing this; Jeff’s “therapy” happens to be a "crazy bird." Public and academic libraries looking to add an entertaining, general fiction book to their collections would make a great start with this book.” — Tennessee Library Association

It's A Young, Young World

". . .It's A Young, Young World by Glenn Meganck is the story of an aging American senator and his compatriots who are mysteriously drawn by a scientist's dying words about the secret of eternal youth and the ability to live forever. Struggling to keep up in a youthful world, retiring Senator Chauncy and his 20-something bride pursue an opportunity to recapture the power and excitement of youth in this fast-paced, wryly told, deftly written adventure laced with a very special insight into today's youth-centric culture. Highly recommended." — Midwest Book Review 

“Exceptional!!!!!” — Today's Books, a Public News Service

Todd Jones Comic Thriller Series

"J.R. Ripley joins the growing list of Florida crime writers (Carl Hiaasen, Laurence Shames, Tim Dorsey) who mix capers with comedy. This lightweight romp stars unscrupulous real-estate salesman Todd Jones, whose wheelings and dealings have landed him a hot Ft. Lauderdale condo and an even hotter girlfriend but who seems to have run out of luck…Readers will fall hard for this lovable loser as he struggles to stay alive while keeping his girlfriend from finding out what he is doing and his mom’s pet pig from eating his stuff. Further adventures would be most welcome.” — Booklist

Five Minutes: A Comic Thriller is a darkly funny, rip-roaring novel about a fast-talking realtor who is quite possibly the world's worst judge of character.Hunted down by drug dealers, irate customers, a betrayed girlfriend and the husband of a married woman he had an affair with, he has five minutes to live at the opening of the story - perhaps more if he can persuade the angry husband not to point the gun at his head…A wildly frantic novel about a ne'er do well whose bad deeds have caught up with him, and his wacky struggle to stay just one step ahead of the trigger. Suspenseful to the very last word.” — Midwest Book Review

"Lots of great characters, a homicide detective, a Greek investor who Todd sold 4 building lots which are underwater, a wealthy gun dealer who lives across the road from the submerged building lots with a surfer son who is a recreational drug user, who is always getting Todd in trouble, Todd’s mother who burned down her condo and moves in with Todd and almost burns down his condo, and a potbellied pig. The gun dealer of course doesn’t want the lots to be developed. All kinds of bad stuff happens to Todd, he tries to have Dr. Doug killed, he continues his affair with the Docs wife, loses his girlfriend and a bunch of other stuff. But in the end everything seems to work out. Except the last sentence in the book is extremely clever. The book is only 245 pages and is a quick read. I liked it.”  — Just Plum Crazy

“As Oliver Hardy used to say "well...here's another nice mess you've gotten me into." As a former RE guy myself, luckily, I have never encountered such an obvious set up, but Todd had his thinking mind disconnected when the knockout babe started talking big money. From there it rolls downhill quickly and actually picks up considerable speed at the ending. That all this conniving takes place in South Florida is no surprise...But makes it easier to digest. The love for money is the root of all evil and the roots go very deep in this story. Great characters brought to life by great and humorous writing (as usual) in any JR Ripley story. I loved Todd's mom...what a hoot....and the addition of Mr. Squeals was icing on the cake. Another triumph!” — Eddie D Amazon Vine Voice

George And The Angels

“Glenn Meganck's George And The Angels is an outstanding novel about George Richard's terribly mundane, tedious, and seemingly aimless existence. A truly timeless and well crafted story of one man's decision to create his own fate in life and pursue even the most disillusioned dreams, George And The Angels is very strongly recommended and entertaining reading.”  — Midwest Book Review

“A very good read.” — Janwillem Van de Wetering, bestselling novelist.

"George and the Angels is intriguing, funny, and plays with notions of reality in ways that bend your mind. It's both a romp and a quest through a world that may or may not be real, with a quirky protagonist who may or may not be crazy. So pull up a chair and get lost for an afternoon!” —T.J. MacGregor, 2003 Edgar-Award winner, author of Total Silence

I’ll finish with two novels that actually defy description in many ways because they just aren’t the usual kind of stories one encounters...George and the Angels, by Glenn Meganck, is the story of a man who hears angels. An initially grey and colorless life is traced in this story where the main character is committed to an asylum, believed to have suffered a nervous breakdown, and after being released hears them yet again, only to embark on a journey filled with inexplicable events and dangers. If the metaphysical interests you, this story will too. —Bookviews 

Gendarme Trenet Series

“When St. Barts's aged Lothario Remy Deval is murdered on the eve of the annual World Marbles on Sand competition, likable Gendarme Charles Trenet-whose own love life is foundering-investigates, learning that his neighbors take marbles seriously. This second in the "Gendarme Trenet" series (after Murder in St. Barts) provides nice, light entertainment. Ripley divides his time between Belgium and Florida.” — Library Journal

“Ripley demonstrates his talent and versatility with this second adventure featuring gendarme Charles Trenet. Although they couldn’t be more different than his wacky Tony Kozol series, the Trenet novels also reflect Ripley’s first-rate character development and ample descriptive powers… A pleasant, touching story featuring a hero who is a “gentle man” in both senses of the word.” —Booklist

Pet Chef Mystery Series

"Pet chef Kitty serves "killer" meals to the pampered canines of upscale  L.A. residents: braised lamb, steak and egg burrito, salmon and cheese omelette, etc. Unfortunately, a drugged up ex‑rock star eats his pet's meal by mistake and dies of poisoning. Kitty, aghast and under suspicion by the police, works to clear her name with help from best friend  Velma. Light‑weight prose, a humorous approach, and idiosyncratic LA characters transform this series start into a real treat."  — Library Journal 

"Nope. The subtitle "A Gourmet Pet Chef Mystery" is not a misprint. Kitty Karlyle is exactly that. She rushes all over town providing such specially cooked delicacies as Benny Had a Little Lamb, Mister Cookie's Jack and Dill and The Doggie and the Hare for the pampered pets of the very rich. (Recipes included, by the way.) Her charges range from dogs and cats to cockatiels, but Kitty rises to all occasions and makes a living from this weird enterprise-believable only in the context of Los Angeles.  But someone puts poison in one of her recipes and, worse yet, the food looks so tasty that recording star Rich Evan samples it-with fatal results. So who's to blame? Why Kitty, of course, at least according to the police. With the help of Velma Humphries, a one-time fellow student at cooking school, Kitty sets out to find the real killer, and handsome Detective Jack Young seems eager to assist. Dishing up Death is a rollicking tale meant to be fun to read ‑ and  it  succeeds. Celine has a wry sense of humor which peeks through every so often in this romp through Los Angeles' more expensive neighborhoods."  — I Love A Mystery 

"One young, naive gourmet pet chef. Several hungry pampered pets. One fading  rock star (dead). Many red herrings. One attractive detective. One murderer on the loose. Mix all ingredients together and you have an entertaining first mystery novel..."   Skokie Public Library 

"From delectable dishes to long-buried secrets and quirky celebrities, this story has all the ingredients that make up a great read." Cats and Kittens Magazine 

"An enjoyable, light-hearted mystery." Tucson-Pima Public Library, a Staff Pick

“At the start of Celine’s enjoyable second Kitty Karlyle pet chef mystery (after 2005’s Dishing Up Death), a nervous Kitty can hardly believe that she’s in a Los Angeles film studio about to do a run-through for the pilot of a new CuisineTV show called The Pampered Pet, which she’s hosting. On the kitchen set, Kitty prepares Pooch Pot Pie, which is eagerly consumed by a Dalmatian she picks from the audience of people and their pets. After the show, Kitty signs a few autographs and goes in search of the show’s producer, Gretchen Corbett, for feedback on her performance. Kitty finds Gretchen lying dead on her office floor with one of Kitty’s knives in her back. Fearful of becoming a suspect, Kitty decides to investigate on her own. Likable characters, an engaging plot, and plenty of L.A. local color bolster a cozy sure to appeal to all dog lovers.”  — Publisher's Weekly

“The second in Celine’s Pet Chef series follows Kitty filming the first episode of The Pampered Pet, her CuisineTV series…The mystery unravels in agreeable fashion, and Celine adds a jaunty, madcap note to the proceedings with a touch of magic. Recipes for pet food from Kitty’s business add an unusual note to this light and fun addition to the pet mystery genre.”   Booklist

“Pet chef Kitty Carlyle has gotten famous serving her home made goodies to the pets of L.A.’s rich and famous. So famous that she’s been approached by Cuisine TV about her own TV show called The Pampered Pet. TV celebrity wasn’t the career Kitty was aiming for, but it can’t hurt her business so she agrees. But during the pilot episode, the producer is found stabbed to death – with Kitty’s own knife. She becomes suspect number one, the only way to prove her innocence is to track down the killer herself, and hope she doesn’t end up the next victim. A must read for pet lovers.” R. Smith, Librarian

“A perfect blend of fun and mystery. Kitty Karlyle is a culinary school graduate who has carved out a career as a private pet chef when she is picked to star in a new television series about cooking for pets. She is filming her very first episode when she stumbles over the body of the show's producer who has been stabbed to death with one of Kitty's knives. The police come to investigate and along with them comes her detective/fiancé Jack who is accompanied by his new boss, the very blond and gorgeous Lt. Elin. When Elin seems to be accusing Kitty of the crime and Jack seems slow to defend her, Kitty and her sidekick Fran decide that they will solve the case on their own. Their adventures are a lot of fun and I hope to see more of Kitty in the future.”  — Natasha Rose, Bookseller

If dogs and cats could read, their holiday gift for two-legged friends would be Celine’s third romp featuring L.A. pet food TV chef Kitty Karlyle (after Lights, Camera, Murder!). Kitty and her sidekick, makeup artist Fran Earhart, find only trouble when Kitty’s annoying producer, Steve Barnhard, insists on shooting an episode of her show, The Pampered Pet, at the New-Age/New-Pet weekend being held at Little Switzerland Resort and Spa, “nestled in the southern California hills somewhere.” When Kitty finds the body of wealthy creep Victor Cornwall, it’s cherchez les chiens as well as cherchez la femme. Meanwhile, Kitty’s black Lab, Fred, and rescued tuxedo cat, Barney, go from blissful runs and rubdowns to super chow, including Kitty’s popular liver and oatmeal treats. Despite too many cartoonish characters, such as stuffy pet shrink George Newhart and egomaniacal chef Henri Moutarde, Celine amuses and then scares in a tense description of Kitty’s mountainside encounter with the killer." — Publisher's Weekly

Kitty Karlyle takes her friend Fran and a television crew to the posh Little Switzerland Resort and Spa for Pets in this installment of the TV Pet Chef series. But there is nothing relaxing about this trip after another guest is found strangled in his room. Victor Cornwall loved to show off his championship pet ring but did not treat his dogs well. He also had many enemies due to failed investment schemes. Fran is a suspect in his murder as her parents lost a lot of money through Cornwall’s schemes. When Cornwall’s wife, Eliza, is poisoned, and Kitty is pushed down a ravine, Kitty begins to press hard for answers in the face of a desperate killer. Surprises and secrets flavor the crime scenes in between the unusual details of filming a pet cooking television show. Pet mysteries continue to be popular, and this fun addition to the subgenre should find an eager audience. Pair Celine’s series with Linda O. Johnston’s Barkery & Biscuits novels, also starring a pet chef." — Booklist

“Pets, a mystery, and a spa resort, what's not to love!” — Netgalley Reviewer

”This is a purrfect cozy mystery for pet lovers!” — Netgalley Reviewer 

”This is a fun, colorful series that will delight any cozy mystery fan…If you enjoy a fast paced cozy filled with laughter and pets, then this is the right book for you.” — Netgalley Reviewer 

“The mystery is well-paced, with plenty of humor and quirky fun. With gourmet pet chefs and doggie psychologists in the mix, how can you not have a zany, good time?” Netgalley Reviewer

Bird Lover's Mystery Series

Abuzz with a flock of feather brained puns, this cozy mystery has a wide cast of characters…I liked the characters and hope we get to interact with them in further adventures." — Laura's Interests

For the start of a new cozy mystery series, I have to say this was a great book to begin with. Unlike other cozy mysteries, this one immediately plunges into the mystery…I actually enjoyed the world building within this book. It’s clear this small town is full of drama and scandal, as even Amy’s best friend has a dirty secret to hide. There are quirky and crazy characters to enjoy, but the one I enjoyed the most was the Pester, aka Amy’s tenant Esther. The old woman is constantly pointing the finger at Amy as the killer and is the bane in Amy’s behind every step of the way. Even though I would have wanted to kick her out, were she my tenant, she does eventually worm her way into your heart… well sort of…I would highly suggest this book for any cozy mystery lover. Hopefully you’ll be adding it to your reading list and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did." — The Writer's Inkwell

It's a compelling mystery, full of twists and turns, with an intriguing storyline and interesting characters…The characters in this story are well-developed, believable and engaging. Some of them are warm and lovable, others bizarre and nosy, the typical inhabitants of a small town. The plot is very well developed, there is a lot of suspense and adventure, to solve the case Amy will be in many absurd situations, dangerous but also comic. I really loved the descriptions of Ruby Lake, it was a pleasant trip into charming South. This is a wonderful story that is very well written with a great pace. Great debut for this new series, I look forward to reading the next adventure of Amy. Must-read for those who love cozy mystery and birds." Libri Amori Miei

This book quickly grabbed my attention right off…Amy was a great main character and her ease of sliding into investigating the crimes was enjoyable. As any sleuth she did find herself in trouble and many predicaments, but I liked how all of this was woven into the story. Overall this was a great book and I’m excited to read the next installment!!" A Date with a Book

“I was entertained every single page while reading this book…A ripping good read!” — Back Porchervations

"A very well written cozy mystery. It had a good plot, the pace was just right and the characters were well developed and engaging. I look forward to more of this series!" — Tea and Tales

Maggie Miller Mysteries Series

“This fun, farcical first in a new cozy series from Ripley (Gunfight in Gatlinburg) introduces 39-year-old Maggie Miller, who has moved from Phoenix to Table Rock, Ariz., where her mother, sister, and two nephews already live. When people ask her whether she’s married, recently divorced Maggie says her husband is dead because “he was dead to me.” Maggie is preparing to open Maggie’s Beignet Café, but inside a packing box, she finds the body of her landlord, Rick Wilbur. When Det. Mark Highsmith, who has “yummy brown eyes, sort of the color of brown M&Ms,” learns that the murder weapon was a rolling pin, he takes Maggie in for questioning. Meanwhile, obstacles keep getting in the way of her grand opening—the police investigation, a bounced check, a fire, and a visit from her ex-husband. Recipes and tips add seasoning to Ripley’s appealing mix of quirky characters and slapstick humor.” — Publishers Weekly

“Ripley is the well-reviewed author of eight other mysteries. Humor is a significant aspect of his appeal, and, in Maggie, he has created a quirky, vulnerable protagonist with a wicked wit. Those who like their mysteries relatively nonviolent and delivered with a smile will thoroughly enjoy this little gem.” — American Library Assoc. Booklist Magazine

“This is book one in a fun new cozy series set in unconventional Table Rock, where people believe in aliens and a less mainstream life style. Expect some crazy relations, a cat, plenty of suspects, a hot detective, recipes and all the trappings of a good cozy mystery. Told in her own words, Maggie makes for a lively protagonist as she races around looking for clues and the culprit, while dodging attempts on her life and well-meaning relations and trying to open her café. If you enjoy this type of detective story this is a good one, being pacy, amusing without being too crazy and never losing sight of what a good mystery is all about, i.e. detecting. I would definitely read another, so I hope this is the first of many.” — Rachel A Hyde – Myshelf.com 

“I loved this book! Maggie Miller is laugh out loud funny. After her divorce she moves to the new age town of Table Rock, Arizona to open a beignet shop. She is setting up shop the day before her opening but when she goes to open a carton that should be holding the chairs for her shop she finds the dead body of her landlord instead, along with her missing rolling pin, now covered with blood. In addition to a handsome detective we meet a bunch of interesting characters including her attorney/organic farmer brother in law Andy and a former Olympic figure skater who, with his partner Clive, runs The Hitching Post -a bridal store next door. I loved meeting Maggie and hope there will be many future adventures to follow along with her. I highly recommend this book.” — Natasha Rose, Bookseller

“All thrillers are not serious. In fact, there are some very funny thriller novels published that not only supply a good dose of suspense, but laughs as well. J.R. Ripley's Buried in Beignets is a good example. This novel tells the story of Maggie Miller, who, after being newly divorced, decides to use her life savings and loans from family to open a Beignet shop in a small Arizona town…As the novel progresses, readers are introduced to some fairly bizarre characters, neighboring shop owners, family members, and law enforcement personnel. The novel is mostly tongue-in-cheek, so readers will be laughing throughout, even though Maggie, et. al. are in danger much of the time…Maggie is likeable and has a very strange family, so many readers will be able to relate to her. The novel does have a surprise ending; there are several suspects, each with a viable motive to get rid of the landlord, and while Maggie looks at all of the suspects, she is obviously not a professional detective, so she misses a lot and jumps to conclusions as to who-done-it…the book is a fun read, has good recipes (at least one is good – the other is for a tree-hugger type casserole that this reader isn't about to try), helpful hints, and plenty of laughs. Readers who want a change from heavy thriller novels will welcome this quick and easy read.” — Karen Hancock (Reviewer)

Maggie Miller, the narrator of Ripley’s appealing sequel to 2015’s Buried in Beignets, is up to her flour-caked elbows in batter and angst in Table Rock, Ariz., where she’s trying to establish her café, which features the famous fried French pastry. One day, Maggie agrees to give a lift to her friend Clive Rothschild, who owns the Hitching Post, the wedding store next door, with his husband, Johnny Wolfe. Unfortunately, Maggie and Clive wind up finding the body of 27-year-old Lisa Willoughby under 700 pounds of wedding cake. Lisa had some history with Clive and Johnny, and Clive becomes suspect number one. The good-hearted Maggie joins a long list of plucky female protagonists who start new businesses—and sometimes new romances—but still are unable to say no to their know-it-all mothers. That creates complications, of course, since Maggie manages to get into plenty of trouble on her own. Every step leads to a misunderstanding or worse as Maggie strives to track down the real killer in this clever, amusing cozy." — Publishers Weekly

Tony Kozol Mysteries Series

In the genre of Sam Spade, Columbo, and hosts of other "pulp" stories, J.R. Ripley is so true to form in Stiff in the Freezer that one can almost hear the Bronx accent narrating the story. Dames, diners, and a stiff. . .a wonderful brew for murder and mayhem. . .    Written in a totally off-the-cuff, bare bones fashion. . . Ripley has a cutting sense of humor." — Midwest Book Review 

"The story is lighthearted, sexy, funny and entertaining. Well-plotted, it rises to an amazing finale. The characters are well-drawn, interesting and believable." — The Tribune 

"Stiff In The Freezer is a mix of mystery, murder and mayhem." — The Chattooga Press 

"Light, quick reading, Stiff In The Freezer, by J.R. Ripley is a thriller laced with a good dose of humor. . .Ripley's dialogue and bumbling characters smack of Damon Runyon's style...it's perfect for an afternoon at the beach." — The Island Reporter

"... Readers will enjoy Ripley's sharp dialogue, which keeps the novel speeding along at a pleasant clip." — Publishers Weekly

Wacky characters, liquid prose, frequent humor, and a decidedly light plot place this in the fun, breeze-to-read category. Readers who enjoyed Sharon McCrumb's Bimbos of the Death Sun will also get a kick out of this." — Library Journal

As always, with J.R. Ripley's work, this book is fun to read. Maybe it's because he always seems to write with a sort of tongue-in-cheek attitude. ... He has that touch of the bizarre, the outre, the silly, yet there seems to be some common sense behind it. It's always entertaining reading... You'll enjoy this book." — The Tribune

Musician Tony Kozol is not thrilled about the idea of traveling to Sedona, Ariz., to play guitar at a New Age convention. He'd rather be at home in Ocean Palm, South Florida, where weirdos don't worry about their auras. The Crystal Magic of the Skulls Conference just does not sound like Tony's cup of tea, but an old friend asked, so he's on the way. When his pal ends up crushed by his piano lid, the amateur detective has something more interesting than chakras to keep him busy. You get the idea Ripley has had a few good laughs at Sedona's expense, and he provides more than a few wicked shots here. Skulls of Sedona is quick and light-hearted and likely to give you a pretty good vibe." — The Miami Herald

J.R. Ripley continues to delight with offbeat and provocative settings for this follow up to the benchmark Stiff in the Freezer.  And true to form, Ripley comes up with a mixture of innovation, some wry commentary of the fads of the day, and just plain old amateur sleuthing in a grab bag of fun and excitement." — Midwest Book Review

"...action-packed plot. Recommended." — Library Journal 

"Mystery fans will enjoy the clever plot, loopy characters, and sardonic humor. Music fans will find themselves tappin' a toe and swiggin' a longneck to the musical atmosphere of the Austin music scene that Ripley. . . so carefully recreates. Fans of Greg Kihn's recent musical mysteries will find a kindred soul in Ripley." — Booklist 

"Tony is thrilled to sub for the suspiciously less-than-thrilled injured guitarist of a popular country band in J.R. Ripley's (Skulls of Sedona) Lost in Austin: A Tony Kozol Mystery.  The guitarist vehemently wants Tony gone, and when other band members are murdered, series star Tony finds he's risking life and limb in this Country Western romp." — Publisher's Weekly

". . .very highly recommended. . ." — Midwest Book Review

“. . .At times it is almost tongue in cheek. . .there are enough loony characters around to balance it off. . .The action moves right along, dialogue spurts from the mouths of as eccentric a group as you could wish for. . .I just drifted along with the tide and the ending was a satisfactory surprise.” — I Love a Mystery Newsletter

"Here's a new author. . .and new series character all rolled up into one pleasant reading experience.  Ripley's principal concern is presenting a good mystery, and he succeeds."  — Mystery News

"An entertaining. . .outing, and Tony and Rock remain an engagingly laid-back sleuthing duo." — Booklist

In The Body from Ipanema: A Tony Kozol Mystery, fourth in J.R. Ripley's (Lost in Austin) series, sleuthing guitarist Tony accompanies a Latin pop star at Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval.  Tony and his bassist pal Rock are seduced by Brazil's bathing beauties, music and nightlife, but not so much that they won't try to nail a rich and powerful man for murdering a young woman." — Publisher's Weekly 

". . .An exciting, tangled web of criss-crossing motivations and cold-blooded murder. . .a whirlwind chain of events to lure Tony in ever deeper into a dark and wild urban maze of deadly human motives, in this gripping mystery. Also very highly recommended are the earlier novels in the Tony Kozol mystery series: Stiff in The Freezer, Skulls Of Sedona and Lost In Austin." — Midwest Book Review

The Body from Ipanema...is an exciting, modern-day novel filled with sex, murder and plenty of local color. . .What follows is love, mugging, murder and mystery in an exciting story to read that will definitely hold the reader's attention. These are not exactly my type of stories, but I've enjoyed every one of Ripley's that I've read. His writing is interesting, witty and fast-paced. His hero is likable, easy to relate to. If you don't especially like what you're reading, have patience. In just a few pages the plot will have completely turned. In this book you will be fooled to the last page....” — Oklahoma Tribune 

“You may have heard that Rio de Janeiro at Carnaval time is the place to be. Tony Kozol, guitarist, thinks so until shortly after he and his partner, Rock Bottom, arrive on the scene with pop singer Luis Angel — all expenses paid. At first, Kozol thinks he’s found his way into paradise when he meets the girl of his dreams. Bottom is far more concerned with a broader sampling of the city’s offerings. But their idyllic existence is short-lived, as things begin to go badly wrong. Luis, as it turns out, is no angel. And the Brazilians in his employ as go-fers and bodyguards are not much better. The two Americans soon find themselves knee deep in mayhem, with Kozol mugged and robbed. While there are many stray bodies strewn along the way, it’s the killing of a beautiful girl that sets the pair off to find the killer. While the plot is confused and confusing, this may simply reflect the city’s realities, and Ripley combines a fast pace with graphic descriptions of Rio’s sights, sounds and smells. The Body From Ipanema reads like a TV thriller in an exotic setting.” — I Love a Mystery

"Taken separately, the elements that make up this seventh Tony Kozol novel might sound downright goofy. Country musician Kozol and his pal Rock Bottom are hired to play at "Kewpiecon," a Kewpie doll convention in Branson, Missouri. While there, they befriend--and defend--real-life country singer Jim Stafford, who stands accused of murdering rapper B.A.D. Spike. Spike, who was opening a controversial theater in Branson, has plenty of enemies--but Stafford is found standing over the body. When Kewpie merchandise is stolen and a conventioneer is murdered, new suspects emerge. From descriptions of the bizarre antics of the Kewpie conventioneers to the quirky characterization of Stafford (who older country fans will remember for his hit "Spiders and Snakes"), Ripley spins a truly funny yarn that will have readers laughing out loud. An offbeat hit that will appeal especially to country music fans." — Booklist 

"JR. Ripley's Bum Rap In Branson is an exciting mystery novel featuring Tony Kozol and Rock Bottom, who is drawn into a bizarre recurrence of Kewpie dolls and murders, their interconnection unknown. The latest entry in a genuinely thrilling series, Bum Rap In Branson complicates Tony's desire to just get by, have fun, and earn a few bucks playing the guitar by saddling him with a murder accusation - he has to clear his name fast to avoid singing in jail! A viciously delightful read for mystery/suspense enthusiasts!" — Midwest Book Review

"Tony Kozol, once a lawyer, is now a hand-to-mouth guitarist accompanying his bass-playing BFF Rock Bottom in the Cherokee Mountain Railroad Bluegrass Band. If the never-ending name of the group isn’t annoying enough, there’s always the venom-tongued bandleader Wilford “Sharpie” Bodine. This week’s gig is the annual convention of Single Action Gun Enthusiasts (SAGE) in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Well, it ain’t the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, but it ain’t bad, at least until Tony finds one of SAGE’s directors floating in an aquarium. Which makes Tony a suspect. And, then, Rock’s a suspect, too. And Tony’s old girlfriend, Nina, shows up. She’s making nice, but Rock develops a crush on her. Uh-oh. Stay loyal to your BFF or have a roll in the hay with his old girlfriend? Then a female director dies from a swat with a cast-iron pan, and Nina finds the body. Tony’s had better weeks, and he’d better put his amateur sleuthing skills to work or he, Rock, or Nina is going down for the killings. The sixth Kozol novel is an absurdist mix of humor and mayhem. Readers who don’t mind a little silly with their murder will thoroughly enjoy this lightweight, lighthearted caper, which delights in poking fun at conventioneers even as it kills them off." — Booklist

"This new Tony Kozol mystery takes place in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the town that gives directions by numbering street lights. It makes me remember Maverick or Mayberry, USA, with Aunt Martha's Fudge shop tossed in for good measure. Tony, playing bass, and his buddy Rock have a gig with Wilford Bodine's Cherokee Mountain Blue Grass Band at the Single Action Gun Enthusiasts Convention known as SAGEC. It is a costume convention where all members have taken a name from the old west. The first event takes place by the snack bar, in front of a larger than life aquarium, holding a dead Dusty who was sporting a bullet hole (referred to as swimming with the fishes). Nina Lasher, Tony's true love, looks like the murderer not only of Dusty, but of Amy Goodnight -- done in with an iron skillet near her chuck wagon. Tony knows she did not do the dastardly deeds. He is hoping it is Louie Spumoni, AKA Lonesome Louie. Time for Tony to reel in another murderer. Ripley is known for his wacky humor and characters with lots of local color. Lots of puns and chuckles in this one." — I Love a Mystery Newsletter

"When murder is loose, no one can relax. 'Gunfight in Gatlinburg' is an old western flavored mystery from J. R. Ripley, following Tony Kozol, and his brushes with love, murder, and a taste for single action guns. In the search to get down to the bottom of this, Kozol will learn much about himself and what's really important. 'Gunfight in Gatlinburg' keeps the gunslinging fun coming, much recommended." — Midwest Book Review

"The setting in the Gatlinburg area was letter-perfect, down to the traffic light numbering. It is worth the reader’s time to read this light-hearted mystery if only for its nostalgic atmosphere with a bit of mystery – I can smell the candy and the pancakes now! Recommended for public libraries." — Sandra Clariday, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Tennessee Library Association

Tony Kozol Series”
Gendarme Trenet Series”
Other Mysteries”
Debut novelist Lucas joins the growing list of Florida crime writers (Carl Hiaasen, Laurence Shames, Tim Dorsey) who mix capers with comedy. This lightweight romp stars unscrupulous real-estate salesman Todd Jones, whose wheelings and dealings have landed him a hot Ft. Lauderdale condo and an even hotter girlfriend but who seems to have run out of luck. The story opens with Todd being threatened at gunpoint by his best friend, Dr. Doug Freeman, who is miffed that Todd slept with his wife, Caroline. When Doug is killed in a boating accident, and Caroline is found dead soon after, things don’t look good for Todd. To make matters worse, he has sold a bum property to a mobster and unwittingly involved himself in a drug deal with a surfer dude. Then his mother comes to visit. Readers will fall hard for this lovable loser as he struggles to stay alive while keeping his girlfriend from finding out what he is doing and his mom’s pet pig from eating his stuff. Further adventures would be most welcome." - Booklist “...a darkly funny, rip-roaring novel about a fast-talking realtor...wildly frantic...wacky...suspenseful to the very last word.”- Midwest Book Review ” - Five Minutes
General Fiction”
“Glenn Meganck's George And The Angels is an outstanding novel about George Richard's terribly mundane, tedious, and seemingly aimless existence. As George progressively becomes disappointed in his life, the gray surrounding him becomes evermore appropriate, and the calling of what seems to be angels brings him briefly to his wife's decision to commit him to a hospital. Readers follow the voices of angels as they beckon him irresistibly to a small boat in the middle of an ocean, which soon becomes his greatest challenge. A truly timeless and well crafted story of one man's decision to create his own fate in life and pursue even the most disillusioned dreams, George And The Angels is very strongly recommended and entertaining reading.”- Midwest Book Review  “A very good read.” - Janwillem Van de Wetering, bestselling novelist.  "George and the Angels is intriguing, funny, and plays with notions of reality in ways that bend your mind. It's both a romp and a quest through a world that may or may not be real, with a quirky protagonist who may or may not be crazy. So pull up a chair and get lost for an afternoon!” - T.J. MacGregor, 2003 Edgar-Award winner, author of Total Silence  "I’ll finish with two novels that actually defy description in many ways because they just aren’t the usual kind of stories one encounters...George and the Angels, by Glenn Meganck, is the story of a man who hears angels. An initially grey and colorless life is traced in this story where the main character is committed to an asylum, believed to have suffered a nervous breakdown, and after being released hears them yet again, only to embark on a journey filled with inexplicable events and dangers. If the metaphysical interests you, this story will too." - Bookviews” - George and the Angels
. . .It's A Young, Young World by Glenn Meganck is the story of an aging American senator and his compatriots who are mysteriously drawn by a scientist's dying words about the secret of eternal youth and the ability to live forever. Struggling to keep up in a youthful world, retiring Senator Chauncy and his 20-something bride pursue an opportunity to recapture the power and excitement of youth in this fast-paced, wryly told, deftly written adventure laced with a very special insight into today's youth-centric culture. Highly recommended." - Midwest Book Review  "Exceptional!!!!!"- Today's Books, a Public News Service // <![CDATA[ (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); // ]]> ” - It's a Young, Young World

Join the Friends List!

Join the Friends List!