Wonderful Children's Book About Alzheimer's by Susan McCormick

Granny Can’t Remember Me

By Susan McCormick
Illustrated by Timur Deberdeev

When Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affects members of a family, so much about it can be difficult for adults to understand, and accept. Imagine how confusing it can feel to the young children in those families? Now there’s a book by Susan McCormick for young children aged three to eight that helps when they discover that Granny Can’t Remember Me.

The book tackles this topic in a soothing, fun, and helpful way and in a language that engages children. It’s very clever that the story is told by the character of Joey who is a six-year-old boy. His voice sounds so true to this age range, giving readers someone they can relate to. Joey is very matter of fact about his visits with his granny, and he finds joy in the things that she does remember. In some of his descriptions of their visits there is a wonderful injection of humor which is very clever in that he pokes fun at the situation, not the people. He doesn’t dwell on what Granny can’t remember, but accepts her happily as she is. In the end Joey relates the wonderful surprise to the reader about how he definitely knows that although Granny Can’t Remember Me, “But Granny loves me. And I love Granny.”

The text of this book is readable by the older children in this age group who have started to read. But that doesn’t diminish also encouragement to read this book to the children out loud. It’s an engaging, short story that provides an opportunity to surface some questions and discussion about their specific situation that children would like to voice and talk about, but may not feel prompted to otherwise. The illustrations throughout the book are delightful, warm, and page turning.

The author, Susan McCormick is a doctor who lives in Seattle. She graduated from Smith College and George Washington University Medical School. She is married and has two boys. She also learned a lot about families living with Alzheimer’s when it occurred in her family. The multi-talented illustrator, Timur Deberdeev lives in Uzbekistan.

And for more information, please check susanmccormickbooks.com.

Solemn Graves History With Mystery

Solemn Graves

A Billy Boyle World War II Mystery
By James R. Benn

Solemn Graves is the newest of the outstanding Billy Boyle World War II mystery series, set within the Allied High Command in Europe. The focus on the characters’ stories is surrounded with a brilliantly researched, historic time and place. It’s illustrated against a background of military protocol, weapons and culture. The action scenes are vivid and exciting, and skillfully written to convey the essence of this action even to readers who haven’t felt anything like World War II.

This time US Army detective Billy Boyle is called to investigate a mysterious murder in a Normandy farmhouse, threatening Allied operations just a month after D-Day. The investigation is top secret to protect the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, which are also known as the Ghost Army. The activities of the Ghost Army are meant to cause the enemy to think they’re facing larger formations than they really are. That misdirection is meant to change the enemy’s actions and decisions based on misleading information, almost like red herrings are meant to mislead mystery readers. In this book you get two for one fiction, a mystery and a history.

Thoughtful writing describes the investigative drive pulsing through Billy Boyle. Reading through this acclaimed series from its first book, this character learns and grows into his responsibilities. As he now comes into this Normandy murder scene, he positions himself. “I stood back, studying the scene, trying not to draw conclusions and let the room talk to me. It was one of the things my dad had taught me, or tried to, back in Boston. He was a homicide detective, and as soon as I got my badge as a rookie cop, he dragged me along to watch and study him at work . . . so here I was, carrying on the family business in Normandy, wearing khaki, instead of home in Boston, wearing blue.” Stakes are as high as ever this time, unmasking the murderer while safeguarding the secret of the Ghost Army is critical, if that secret is discovered it could turn the tide of war decisively against the Allies.

Author James Benn turned to writing full time in 2011, after over thirty-five years employed in the Library and Information Technology fields. With that background, it’s no wonder that his research is so thorough and interesting. He’s a graduate of the University of Connecticut, receiving his MLS degree from Southern Connecticut State University. When speaking about his Billy Boyle series he emphasizes that it “has brought me an immense amount of joy. I’ve gotten to meet people in person and online from all over the country (and the rest of the world) and hear their reactions, feedback, and most importantly, their own stories.”

And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to – Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with James R. Benn

Racing To Read Run Dog Run

Run Dog Run

By Kathleen Kaska

Kate Carraway is devastated when a poacher shooting incident causes her eviction from Africa and her beloved elephant research project. She ends up traveling to a friend’s ranch in Texas. Kate and her husband look forward to a restful visit with their friends to revitalize and make future plans. But planning is put on hold when a mystery surfaces surrounding a prominent neighbor rancher. Kate is drawn into investigating possible racing greyhound abuse, and finds murder added to the stakes after she finds a body. Danger pushes the animals to Run Dog Run by Kathleen Kaska, while the sleuth Kate Caraway also races to find the killer, before she becomes the next victim.

Vivid, passionate writing draws you into this action packed puzzler. The plot immediately tugs at the heart when Kate’s goddaughter asks for her help solving a mystery about possible racing greyhound dog abuse. It’s the determination to protect these beautiful animals that cannot defend themselves against this killer that drives the suspense. Unfortunately for these characters “good judgment was often lost in a moment of passion.” It’s these moments that can result in either tragic mistake or heartfelt sacrifice. And after scratching the surface of this case, Kate finds there’s even bigger issues buried below.

This killer is ruthless, but is pitted against a skilled sleuth. Character Kate Carraway best describes the key to the chase. “She was used to seeing the kill in a killer’s eyes as with the predators on the African plains. It was impossible to hide. Her binoculars would be focused on the eyes of the big cats – lions and cheetahs motionless in the grass, leopards crouched in trees. Their prey would see it too – an instinctual fear would shoot through the air like a bolt of electricity. It was survival in its most raw form. Prey who misread the signals did not survive . . . . A killer could lie, deceive, and even charm victims, but could never hide that look in the eyes.”

Best known for her Kate Caraway Animal-Rights Mystery Series, Kathleen Kaska is also author of the Sydney Lockhart series which are wonderful, historical mysteries; each of these is set in a different, incredible, grand hotel. Kathleen Kaska has also published trivia books on today’s favorite mystery writers, teaches workshops, and is a contributing writer to multiple magazines. Her Alfred Hitchcock and Sherlock Holmes trivia books were finalists for the 2013 EPIC award in nonfiction. She’s also marketing director for Cave Art Press. Her 5-Minute Writings Tips blog posts are published in book form - Do You Have a Catharsis Handy: Five-Minute Writing Tips? When not writing, Kathleen spends much of her time traveling the country’s back roads and byways; bird-watching; and looking for new locales for her mysteries.

And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to – Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Kathleen Kaska

Forgotten Rage Jumps Off The Page

Forgotten Rage

By Melodie Hernandez

Here’s a thought provoking thriller about how people react to the events and influences in their lives, even years later. It shows how the impact of incidents on people can vary depending on their age and circumstances. As people carry on, and try to forget elements of their past, author Melodie Hernandez analyzes in her exciting thriller the terrifying ways that Forgotten Rage can surface. This dynamic, fictional story about hunting a serial killer in Seattle highlights the stories of the victims, along with presenting a chilling view into the thoughts and motivations of the villain.

Luz Santos is a Seattle Police Department Detective assigned to a homicide case. She soon determines that this killer is actively and fearlessly determined to continue on a murderous spree. The clock is fast ticking between brutal murders, and the Detective is pressed to catch this killer before more people are murdered. But the number of victims continues to rise, and there are ominous signs that the killer’s targets are getting closer to Luz herself, and people she cares about most. The media is keeping the investigation in the headlines, and the Mayor’s office is especially concerned, making resolution of this case a priority.

One of the suspects presents an intriguing controversy for the young Detective. Luz determines his innocence, but despite her own internal resistance, she can’t stop herself from falling in love with him. Can she truly see him clearly, or is her judgment clouded? Luz also has her own personal history, which seeps to the surface at times and influences her actions and decisions. Her coworkers, supervisor, and family help, and sometimes complicate her work on the case. In this fast paced mystery, the action never lags.

Author Melodie Hernandez has created a tenacious, smart, and driven police detective. In fact all her characters make fascinating reading. Most insightful are the scenes written from the killer’s point of view, giving a glimpse into the thoughts and motivations of a serial killer. These scenes are compelling and stunning reading.  You’ll find clues in the story, and create theories along with the police so you can try to solve the case yourself.

This is the first book in the Forgotten series by author Melodie Hernandez. She began writing at a young age and has written two novels, a few short stories, and is a published poet. She’s an avid reader and writes mostly crime fiction. Remember to get your copy of Forgotten Rage.

Solar Reboot Sparks A Sci Fi Adventure

Solar Reboot

By Matthew D. Hunt

Alex Robinson, Park Ranger, has spent his adult life preparing for the unexpected. But the unexpected can hit at most inconvenient times. After traveling across the country from Seattle to New York City with his pre-teen daughter to her out-of-state swim meet, he hears on the radio – “scientists at NASA are now reporting that the solar flare is much larger than they had anticipated . . .” and then the largest solar flare in history hits. And so this Science Fiction adventure begins.

Stuck on the other side of the country from his wife Cameron, with planes falling from the skies, electricity grid nonexistent and the population’s palpable fear, Alex must find a way to reunite the family in Seattle. And so his dangerous journey across the country begins, amidst his own fears whether he has what it takes if confronted and if necessary to lie, or to steal, or even to kill in order to keep his daughter safe in this changed world. As the story unfolds, they are faced with unpredictable crisis situations that will test them both.

In the meantime, conditions are not any better in the Seattle area. Cameron decides to retreat to the family rustic cabin that was built within a mountain community. There she will face the uncertainties of nature, and the sometimes dark side of human nature. There is a mystery uncovered that demands to be solved, and no one has a clue what they’ve let themselves in for.

There are no guarantees of safety or survival in this dramatically charged new world. It’s a thought provoking book asking questions about trust, loyalty, family, and what is truly important to a life. At the same time, humor is infused throughout for a fun read filled with a very intriguing assortment of characters.

Solar Reboot is Matthew D. Hunt’s debut novel. Matthew D. Hunt is proof that it's never too late to follow your dreams. As he reached middle age, he was inspired by film icons Richard Hatch and Tony Todd to rework his entire life and pursue a career as an independent film producer/writer where he rapidly became known for his unique ability to guide the creative process. Now with numerous projects under his belt such as "5th Passenger", "Junkie", and "Nobility" to name a few, he’s also made his novel debut with Solar Reboot.

This book has won a bronze IPPY award for Science Fiction, Gold Medal Winner of the 2018 Global Ebook award, and most recently is a finalist in the 2018 Washington State Book Awards.

And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Matthew D. Hunt

Death by Opera, Author Erica Miner

Death by Opera

By Erica Miner

Opera is filled with passion, and what better setting for secrecy and murder. What could possibly go wrong behind the curtain, in those dark corners, hidden hallways, stairwells, scenery and props when larger than life egos fuel rivalries? The machinations of Death by Opera are skillfully conducted in a masterful story authored by Erica Miner. Memorable characters vividly come to life on this novel stage and engage the reader in a puzzling mystery to solve.

This is the second book in a captivating series. Having survived her entanglement in a murder plot at the Metropolitan Opera, violinist Julia Kogan finds herself once more in operatic turmoil at the Santa Fe Opera. Against the breathtaking backdrop of mystical New Mexico and the elegant contemporary outdoor Santa Fe Opera Theatre, chaos ensues, as murderous activities plague the performers on stage and off.

The reader is mesmerized by the chance idea that life imitates art imitates life. If all the world’s a stage, and we merely players, then how will this macabre overture turn the story, through its acts and arias? And how does it all end? This mystery is a fascinating glimpse into a world that few have the privilege to be a part of, and then it includes the intrigue of a life and death mystery to solve. And there is a fun dynamic to the book, including the operatic quotes starting each chapter.

This author’s many years as a violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and her enchanting imagination combine to indulge the reader in a vibrant show that’s rich in history and chills. Erica Minor retired from the Met and moved to the West Coast where she studied screenwriting and won awards in several competitions including with the Writer’s Digest. Her first novel in this series, Murder in the Pit is also a celebrated mystery.

Your idea of opera may be a staged drama set to music; a story told of a guy who gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings. If so, you’ll want to join these characters backstage in Death by Opera to see for yourself how a murderer is discovered, and if that murderer can be stopped in time, before the fat lady sings.

Living in a Foreign Language

Living in a Foreign Language

By Michael Tucker

                Indulge in the full sensory story of American ex-Pats who impulsively buy a rustico, a cottage home in Northern Italy, and literally move into la bella vita. In this full bodied memoir, the author vividly shares the warmth, fun, humor, romance and the spirited aspects of this joyful, life adventure, especially the amazing meals. These meals are daily opportunities to treat the taste buds, as well as appreciate the fine art behind the cooking, and linger over the loving company of friends and family. After years living the fast paced lifestyles of New York and California, wedded actors Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry decided that “spring was about change, and so were we.” And so they began Living in a Foreign Language.

                It’s true that they could not speak Italian when they decided to move there, but as they began to learn the language, they also learned that people communicate in many ways. It’s refreshing to read how their forays into daily, Italian life show the bright and positive parts of human nature. And the cooking, have I mentioned the cooking! This author is an epic epicure. His tenderly detailed descriptions of collaborative meal preparations, along with the lingering scenes savoring the results of their labors, matched with the chosen wines virtually delight all the senses.

                The heartfelt picture the author paints of this beautiful country and people creates an insatiable longing for all they discovered, and an aspiration to take time to sculpt aspects of this bravissimo life into wherever you call home. This memoir is above all a love story. A love for the vitality of life, for bold changes that bring exciting results, and a love between two people that overflows to everyone around them. “To have the partner of a lifetime – for a lifetime – is rare stuff. We’d be fools not to indulge it to the limit. What extraordinary freedom it is not to care about up or down, rich or poor, East Coast, West Coast, as long as we’re in the taxi together.”

                Michael Tucker’s writing is delightful, conversational, beautifully descriptive, and almost lyrical as it wanders through Italian countryside and cities with great humor and affection. He makes the effort to really bring to life the people, situations and scenes for his readers’ enjoyment. A veteran stage, film, and television actor, perhaps best known for his role on the long-running television series L.A. Law, this is his second book. As you read, you’ll wish it never ends. He’s found another calling as an author. Bravo!