Friday, March 22, 2024

My Thoughts- Lines of Deception written by Steve Anderson

ABOUT THE BOOK

West Germany, 1949. Former actor Max Kaspar suffered greatly in the Second World War. Now he owns a nightclub in Munich—and occasionally lends a hand to the newly formed CIA. Meanwhile, his brother Harry has ventured beyond the Iron Curtain to rescue an American scientist. When Harry is also taken captive, Max resolves to locate his brother at all costs. The last thing he expects is for Harry to go rogue.

Max’s treacherous quest takes him to Vienna and Prague to Soviet East Germany and Communist Poland. Along the way, dangerous operators from Harry’s past join the pursuit: his former lover Katarina, who’s working for the Israelis, and former Nazi Hartmut Dietz, now an agent of East German intelligence. But can anyone be trusted? Even the American scientist Stanley Samaras may not be the hero Harry had believed him to be.

Book Details:

Genre: Espionage, Historical Thriller, Cold War Thriller
Published by: Open Road Media
Publication Date: March 2024
Number of Pages: 200
ISBN: 9781504086134 (ISBN10: 1504086139)
Series: Kaspar Brothers (#4)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Open Road Media

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Anderson is the author of numerous novels, mostly historical thrillers about gutsy underdogs. In an earlier life he earned an MA in history and was a Fulbright Fellow in Germany. Day jobs have included busy waiter, Associated Press rookie, and language instructor. He’s also written historical nonfiction and translated bestselling German novels. A hopeless soccer addict, he lives in his hometown of Portland, Oregon with his wife René.

Catch Up With Steve Anderson:
www.StephenFAnderson.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @SteveAnderson
Instagram - @steveawriter
Twitter/X - @SteveAwriter
Facebook - @SteveAndersonAuthor

Check out his Substack Newsletter: @steveawriter

My Thoughts

Lines of Deception is written by Steve Anderson. This is book four in the Kaspar brother series. I’ve not read the other stories but I did not have any issue following along. This is also my first exposure to this author and it will not be my last. I loved his style. I also loved how his words grabbed me in as soon as you start reading and don’t let you go.

We’re in West Germany in the year 1949. Max Kaspar is a former actor. He now owns a night club in Munich. His brother, Harry has gone behind the Iron Curtain and soon finds himself kidnapped. Max wants to find him. Max travels to Vienna, Prague, Soviet Est Germany and Communist Poland. I really liked how readers had to put all the pieces together and try and figure out where Harry was.

Once he’s discovered can we trust what he says? Max also helps out the newly formed CIA. There was so much going on with this time period that the author had done a wonderful job in showcasing what the Cold War looked like.

I really appreciate the authors careful research to bring the story to life. I love the notes in the back of the book. This is definitely a fast pace thriller that will grab your attention as soon as you start reading. I’m definitely going to go back and read the other books in the series

Thank you to the author, publisher and Partners in Crime tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Steve Anderson. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

The giveaway is for: 1 print book giveaway to a US resident

Enter at:

https://kingsumo.com/g/4cigza/lines-of-deception-by-steve-anderson-print-us/

Tour Participants:

03/18 Book Talk with Fran Lewis Radio Interview
03/18 Review @ Just Reviews
03/19 Review @ Country Mamas With Kids
03/20 Showcase @ Books, Ramblings, and Tea
03/21 Interview @ Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense
03/22 Review @ Because I said so
03/23 Review @ Bound 4 Escape
03/25 Review @ Novels Alive
03/26 Showcase @ 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS
03/27 Showcase @ Silvers Reviews
03/28 Review @ bookwormbecky1969
03/31 Guest post @ The Book Divas Reads
04/01 Showcase @ Celticladys Reviews
04/07 Review @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
04/08 Review @ The AR Critique
04/10 Review @ Why Not? Because I Said So Book Reviews
04/11 Review @ Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
04/12 Showcase @ Teatime and Books
06/28 Mysteries to Die For: Toe Tags Podcast

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

My Thoughts - The Spy Across The Water by James Naughtie

The Spy Across the Water (The Will Flemyng Thrillers)

ABOUT THE BOOK

From one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across the Water is the third instalment in James Naughtie's brilliant spy series, woven around three brothers bound together through espionage.

We live with our history, but it can kill us.

Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will Flemyng, spy-turned-ambassador, is drawn into twin mysteries that threaten everything he holds dear.

From Washington, he's pitched back into the Troubles in Northern Ireland and an explosive secret hidden deep in the most dangerous but fulfilling friendship he has ever known.

And while he confronts shadowy adversaries in American streets, and looks for solace at home in the Scottish Highlands, he discovers that his government's most precious Cold War agent is in mortal danger and needs his help to survive.

In an electric story of courage and betrayal, Flemyng learns the truth: that his life has left him a man with many friends, but still alone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Naughtie, special correspondent for BBC News, is one of the country's best-known broadcasters. He presented Today on Radio 4 for 21 years, and has reported for the BBC from around the world for more than three decades. Alongside his journalism he has wide cultural interests, and has written and produced many documentaries on music and books, and presented concerts from across Europe for radio and television. On Radio 4, he has hosted every edition of Bookclub since it began in 1998.

MY THOUGHTS

The Spy Across The Water is written by James Naughtie. This is book two in the Will Flemying Thriller series. I have not read any of the books - but I did not have any issues following along. This is a thrilling policital thriller espionage story. The book drew me in within the first few pages.

Flemyng is now the British Ambassador in Washington. He still has intelligence links. He finds out that his brother, Abel, has been found shot dead. He realizes that he has no idea what his brother has been involved in.

He finds himself brought back in time to Ireland where there were double agents. Did these past dealings catch up with him?

The book is well written. There are a lot of characters to keep up with. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachels Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

My Thoughts - Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264 Written by Sands Hetherington Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

About the Book

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

Ages 7+ | 156 Pages

Publisher: Dune Buggy Press | ISBN-13: 9780984741762

Publisher’s Book Summary: The iguanas are back to their stinky shenanigans. They’ve fitted out the flying school bus for real mischief and are marauding all over the Borough. They’ve really got it in for John and Crosley, who must sniff out their evildoings before it’s too late! Will they succeed? Join the Night Buddies in their racing blimp for this exciting new adventure!

PURCHASE LINK

About the Author

Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books, credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley, until eventually it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together.

Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina and hangs out with his longtime friend Ann and their Saint Bernards Dudley and Maggie. He likes visiting ancient Mediterranean sites in Turkey and Italy, and most of all Greece. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.nightbuddiesadventures.com/

https://twitter.com/Night_Buddies

https://www.pinterest.com/nightbuddies2/

https://www.facebook.com/NightBuddies

https://www.instagram.com/nightbuddiesadventure/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nightbuddiesbookseries%20

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Natalie Leininger, illustrator of the 4th title in the Night Buddies series, grew up in New Jersey and has been drawing ever since she was young. She now lives in Nebraska and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying the fine arts. She is in her third year at the university, primarily practicing oil painting, but spends time outside of the classroom working on a variety of projects. She has always enjoyed being with children, which made illustrating and working on Night Buddies such an enjoyable project!

Natalie strives to capture our world in bloom. Whether it be through the literal sense of a blooming flower or the simple act of sketching a character’s smile spreading across their face, her art is a place for all to engage in their own way.

My Thoughts

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264 is written by and Sands Hetherington and is illustrated by Natalie Leininger. This book is geared toward readers 9-11. I read this book with my 10 and 12 year old sons and we all enjoyed it.

Our main character is John, and his best friend friend Crosley, a bright red crocodile. When John has trouble sleeping, Crosley appears and they go on an adventure together. In this story, they found out about the iguana gangs plan to ruin the Pineapple Cheesecake Factory. They also want to cause chaos and vandalize the city. Crowley and John are on the case with their super cool gadgets.

My sons and I really enjoyed this fun cast of characters. I liked that Crosley took John on adventures to help him go to sleep. The book is well written and kept all of our attention. It was a great story to read at night before bed.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Children's Book Review for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 4, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The Momma Spot

Book Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 7, 2024