|
Note: Minor changes have been made to the
reviews to correct typographical errors.
Review of Treasure of the Amazon
published and copyrighted by Romance
Danmark
by
Harriet Klausner
In Elliot, Virginia her wheelchair bound father, a history
professor at Virginia College, worries about the Brazilian branch of the
family that moved from the United States during the American Civil War
after allegedly stealing money to bankroll their journey. He wants to
insure that the Brazilian matriarch the Madrinha Sara is okay as he has
not heard from her in quite awhile. He asks his daughter,
learning-disabilities schoolteacher Marisa, to head to South America to
learn what happened and to collect the treasure promised by the
matriarch.
In Brasilia, Marisa struggles to find a pilot willing to fly her into
the remote Mato Grosso region. Reluctantly Scott Dunbar agrees to take
Marisa though he warns her that the people in the area shoot first
rather than ask why you are there. He assumes her relatives are either
dead or assimilated. As they journey together to discover what happened
to her kin and to find the treasure, Scott and Marisa fall in love, but
he is a risk-taker while she is a homebody, or is she after this jungle
trek?
The lead couple relationship and the Brazilian setting will remind
readers of Romancing the Stone. Romantic suspense fans will especially
appreciate the descriptive locales; first in Brasilia and then in Mato
Grosso that makes for a superb somewhat exotic and dangerous background
rarely seen in thrillers. The historical perspective that ties Brazil to
the American Civil War adds authenticity as it is based on a true
migration. Readers will enjoy this fine amateur sleuth Brazilian
romance.
Review of Treasure of the Amazon
published and copyrighted by Romance
Reviews Today
by Amy Cunningham
Brazil – Present Day
Having quit her teaching job to become a newspaper journalist, Marisa
Elliott steadfastly ignores the reasoning behind it; the suicide of one
of her students is better left not remembered. Most think the
change of pace will be enough to give her some peace, but Marisa feels
she must prove something to her college professor father. Despite
her love for him, she’s always felt that she must prove herself,
usually coming up short. Going to Brazil to find a distant Elliott
relation would go a long way in making her dad proud. Over the
past many years, Mr. Elliott had been in contact with Sara, possibly the
matriarch of the family who fled the United States and settled in the
dark jungles of the Amazon. Finding the treasure that Sara had
claimed is there would not only make her father proud, but would relieve
the Elliotts of their shame in Virginia. The treasure chest is
thought to hold the money one of their ancestors had stolen from a
Virginian bank after the Civil War.
Upon her arrival in Brazil, Marisa has no idea how to go about finding
her way through the jungle. Finding a pilot willing to take her to
the jungle would be a start, and Marisa does just that. When she
first meets Scott Dunbar, she immediately thinks “adventurer” and
“flyboy,” not someone she would normally trust with her life. Scott hides something from her, and she’s not too sure she can
trust him with the real reason she’s here. Posing as a
journalist who is writing a piece on her family back in Virginia and
their ancestors here in Brazil—not too far from the real truth—Marisa hires Scott to be a tour guide of sorts. As a bush pilot,
Scott has many ins that would go a long way in making this adventure a
bit easier. He seems to know the area well, speaks the language,
and is known in many of the villages throughout the jungle. He’s
also very easy on the eyes and causes a skip in her heart with his
sensuality and magnetism. The jungle may be dangerous enough, but
Scott really could cause her a lot of harm in the emotions department.
As the two head off for dangers unknown, Marisa knows that this journey
will change her life. But she doesn’t anticipate falling in love
not only with a country, but with Scott as well. Will Marisa and
Scott get out of the jungle with their heads intact in time to explore
the attraction that is growing between them in leaps and bounds?
Personally, I’m not a fan of jungle adventure romances, but
surprisingly, TREASURE OF THE AMAZON caught me hook, line and sinker, it
was a quick read from beginning to end. Mostly plot-driven, Marisa
and Scott’s dangerous journey intrigues and doesn’t slow down
as they encounter many threats along the way. As they traverse through
the beautiful but deadly jungle they learn to trust one another, but
their own instincts as well. One thing I found a bit hard to
swallow was how presumptive Marisa could be in regards to Scott.
Immediately thinking him a playboy bush pilot, she automatically
categorizes him as a man with no direction or stability. Scott
doesn’t make any attempts to correct that notion, but instead becomes
increasingly discouraged with her opinions about him. Good things
come to those who wait, and Marisa and Scott both find this out as they
get to know each other. This reader would’ve been more worried
about crocodiles and anacondas, but hey, the story isn’t about me. It’s definitely Marisa’s turn to shine.
Crikey, TREASURE OF THE AMAZON is a page-turner that I highly
recommend. Don’t get caught up in preconceived notions of
reptiles and monkeys; they only happen on The Crocodile Hunter…<g>.
Review of Treasure of the Amazon
published and copyrighted by Coffee
Time Romance
by Alegria
Marisa Elliot has allowed her ailing father to talk her
into a desperate trip to the Brazilian jungle in search of the fortune
with which Confederate ancestors had fled at the start of the Civil War.
Normally she does not do places with bugs, snakes, and no facilities.
She takes Scott Dunbar for the down-at-the-heels pilot he appears to be,
but finds looks can be deceiving. He seems reluctant to assist her
quest, but finally consents.
Scott sees Marisa is clearly a babe in the woods with
no idea what she is about to get herself into. Her prim ways and the
questionable nature of parts of her tale reveal how unfit she is to deal
with the turbulent local politics, the myriad dangers of the jungle, and
the hardships of her proposed trek. However, he cannot help but find her
attractive for all her naivety, a woman with definite possibilities.
In this comedic adventure, reminiscent of Romancing the
Stone and the Indiana Jones tales, Marisa and Scott make perfect foils.
Scott is a model hero; a combination of rough-edged macho and urbane man
of the world. Marisa is plucky and brave, steeling herself to cope with
hardships beyond her wildest imagining, while dreaming of riches to
come, and soon also of love.
Treasure of the Amazon is a great escape novel,
allowing the reader to immerse themselves in a madcap adventure ranging
from tense to hilarious. As this is the latest of the author’s
offerings, I will definitely be checking her backlist. She handles both
adventure and romance with a deft touch and makes the far-fetched feel
believable. I found the book to be just plain, pure fun.
Review of Treasure of the Amazon
published and copyrighted by BookPleasures.com
by Amy Huffman Cloer
Pinkie Paranya’s novel
Treasure of the Amazon seemed
like the perfect book to take to the beach. Beach reads need to have an easy style, a fluid yet streamlined plot, interesting characters, and an
element of fantasy. A beach
read should not be complex, overly thought-provoking, pessimistic or in
any way cause the reader to evaluate her life. Treasure of the Amazon was,
indeed, a beach reading treasure.
The plot moved along nicely with the main character
already en route to Brazil to find a pilot to whisk her off to find her
ancestor’s treasure. Of course, the idea that an engaged albeit
disillusioned schoolteacher would actually think this an easy task is
humorous in and of itself. I, as a teacher, can certainly understand the
overwhelming desire to escape. A
romp through the Amazon with a hunky millionaire pilot could lure any
overworked, underpaid teacher from her classroom. The back summary mentioned that
the book was “sensually erotic,” which made me fear a
Fabio-on-the-cover story filled with heaving bosoms, but I was
pleasantly surprised to find that Paranya did not rely on gratuitous sex
scenes to further the plot.
I was actually engaged as Marisa sought her family
matriarch Sara’s legacy in the detached Amazon tribal communities. Her involvement with Scott
peaked and ebbed throughout the novel, but ended with the expected
outcome—the promise of happily ever after. While this can sometimes seem
contrived, it works in this novel. Without spoiling the ending, suffice it to say that I was pleased
with the way the treasure-seeking portion of the plot worked out.
Marisa is a person that I can almost believe exists. She is strong-willed but has an
element of fear and even treachery that makes her more than a
robotically strong heroine. I
particularly enjoyed her reserve plan of using Scott as a mere piece of
journalism in the event the treasure does not pan out. Her instant
jealousy of the beautiful Elaine also rings true. The added elements of
Marisa’s apathy toward her fiancé, her need for her father’s love
and her career disillusionment add believability to her character and a
nice departure from the stock females in most beach reads.
Scott was a bit more difficult for me. A handsome millionaire is
believable enough, rare, but believable. His immediate motivation to hide his wealth and occupation is
explained as by once-bitten status with a previous journalist. It almost makes me wonder how
many beautiful female journalists find their way to Scott’s remote
airstrip in Brazil? That
aside, his intense love for Brazil and disdain for the United States is
underdeveloped but perhaps not as central to the story.
The setting provides the requisite element of fantasy. The exotic Amazon location is
described vividly, but the best descriptions are of the small villages
in the rainforest. The
people come alive as do their surroundings.
While not a complex literary masterpiece ala Jane
Austen (and nobody can read that at the beach), the
Treasure of the Amazon is a must
for your beach bag this summer.
Review of Herr Schnoodle
& McBee
published and copyrighted by Midwest Book Review
by Christy Tillery French
Private Investigator Alexander McBee’s heroes are TV’s
Magnum, Mannix and Barnaby Jones. McBee fancies himself a loner, but
that comes to an end one evening when he rescues a dog from drowning.
McBee takes the mutt home to clean him up and a partnership is born.
Herr Schnoodle, as McBee names the dog, has a propensity to solve
crimes, and within a short time, McBee’s business is booming. Before he
knows it, this loner is helping the down and out while trying to figure
out why Apple Sally, a homeless woman suffering from amnesia, can’t
remember her past. But once she does, McBee’s intent on saving her from
the person who wants to kill her.
McBee is an engaging man who shuns germs and is afraid of commitment,
and whose perception of himself changes over the course of the book.
Herr Schnoodle is absolutely lovable and rounds out this cozy mystery to
perfection. The partnership between the two makes this a fun read, with
winning characters and a compelling storyline.
Review of Treasure of the Amazon
published and copyrighted by Southwest Blend
Pinkie Paranya is one of those versatile writers
that can master any style of writing. Known for her Women of the North
Series including Raven Woman and Tiana, Gift of the Moon,
she has written novels, magazine articles, and poems.
Treasure
of the Amazon is a romantic mystery set in the Amazon jungle, and true
to her style of writing, you feel like you are truly in the jungle.
Several twists and turns in the story keep you reading, and following
the heroine efforts to reach her goal while caught in the midst of an
unexpected love affair.
A
handsome pilot, a treasure, the dangers and beauty of the jungle, and a
love triangle—what more can you ask for in a romantic novel? I highly
recommend all of Pinkie’s books. They are always fascinating, quick
moving and exciting. I for one, look forward to the completion of the
Women of the Northland series.
Review of Herr Schnoodle
& McBee
published and copyrighted by Mystery
Scene Magazine
by Jackie Houchin
P.K. Paranya’s delightful, quirky detective, Alexander
McBee, is a cross between Inspector Clouseau and Adrian Monk. An admitted
loner, happy with his own company, and getting his training from
watching re-runs of old detective shows on TV, McBee’s life changes one
afternoon when he rescues a half-drowned mop of a mutt and takes him
home. Herr Schnoodle, as he affectionately dubs the dog because of his
Schnauzer-Poodle heritage, seems to have a nose for solving crime, and
soon McBee’s flagging PI career takes off.
One day in Central Park, Herr Schnoodle and McBee meet a
mysterious and feisty bag lady, named Apple Sally. The Schnoodle adores
her immediately, but it takes McBee a while to overcome his germ phobias
and see the frightened girl beneath the rags. As their friendship grows
he resolves to discover the past she can’t remember, but it’s not until
a rash of bag ladies are murdered (all looking uncannily like Apple
Sally) that his curiosity turns to action.
With help (and sometimes hindrance) from a beautiful and
sexy gossip reporter who attaches herself to McBee in hopes of scooping
a big story, the terrible truth emerges. Can McBee and the Schnoodle
save Apple Sally before it’s too late?
Paranya’s charming cozy mystery is funny, sweet,
suspenseful and satisfying. Her comic scenes and imaginative similes
will tickle your funny bone, and her eccentric, defective detective and
his ugly-mutt partner will keep you entertained to the very end.
Review of One... Two... Buckle
My Shoe
published and copyrighted by
Midwest Book Review
by Christy Tillery French
Since the death of her daughter, Katharine Macklin has suffered from agoraphobia.
Although Sergeant Richard Slater doesn’t believe in ESP, Katharine’s psychic abilities helped to find her
daughter’s body and now Slater needs her help. A serial killer is on the loose, murdering young girls and leaving their
untouched bodies wrapped in plastic, missing one shoe. Although Katharine is initially reluctant to help, she is pulled
into the investigation when a small child named Bernie appears on her computer and shows her the shrine the killer
erected with the missing shoes of the dead children.
Slater is frantic to find the killer yet Katharine holds close to her heart a promise Bernie
extracted from her which reveals the motive behind the killer’s actions. As the investigation continues, she
connects with the killer’s mind and tries desperately to figure out who the next victim is. Once the killer senses
Katharine, he threatens her life and that of Slater’s small daughter Michelle. Despite warnings, Slater’s ex-wife
doesn’t believe their daughter is in danger and Slater is torn between protecting his child and another the killer has
targeted as the next victim. Although Katharine fears for her life, she cannot allow the killer to act again and begins
a frenzied race to find and stop him before he can add another shoe to his collection.
Paranya provides an electrifying thriller here, allowing readers a peek into the mind of a serial
killer and his twisted yet surprisingly comprehensible reasoning for murder. Nicely developed characters, plenty of
psychological suspense, and a shocking twist at the end will leave readers thinking about this book for a good while.
Review of One... Two... Buckle
My Shoe
published and copyrighted by
Bowling Green Daily News
by Kathy Thomason
Richard Slater is a cynical, former homicide detective just putting in time with
robbery until he can retire when he is called back to the homicide division to help investigate a
series of bizarre killings of young girls.
Each victim is about 5 years old, neatly wrapped in plastic, killed by carbon monoxide poisoning and
left where the body will be found quickly. Slater had investigated a hit and run accident a few years
ago with the help of the victim’s mother, who saw her daughter’s body in a vision and now Katherine is
having visions of the murders but refuses to talk to anyone but Slater. Both are reluctant to get
involved but feel an obligation to the victims families to help them stop the killer. The police are
stumped, he gets in and out, leaves no evidence behind and with the victims not being molested,
seemingly has no motive for the purely random killings. But when Slater’s daughter, Michelle, becomes
a target, it becomes a race against time to stop the killer before he gets to Michelle. Complicating
matters is Katherine’s visions include a young boy named Bernie, who is obviously scared and being
coerced into helping the killer and Katherine is trying to help Slater as much as she can and protect
Bernie at the same time.
Slater and Katherine are the perfect examples of two lost souls slowly finding their way out of their
own personal hells and finding each other at the same time while dealing with one of the most bizarre
murder cases anyone can remember. Bernie is one of the most complex characters you will ever read
about and Paranya’s knowledge of psychology is obvious in this deeply disturbing psychological
thriller with an ending so surprising it will take your breath away. You will not want to put this one
down until you have read every word and then you will go back and read it again because you won’t be
able to sleep anyway. Definitely one of the best thrillers of the year.
|
|
A Review of Raven
Woman
published and copyrighted by Southwest Blend
by Nancy J. Reid
In the course of
wearing the many hats that Lisa and I wear as publishers, editors,
“marketeers” for the Southwest Blend Magazine as well as our
clientele, we get to meet a variety of incredibly interesting and
talented people. One of these is Pinkie Paranya, author of
“Raven
Woman”.
We met Pinkie at
the River Daze Street Fair and Art Festival in Yuma, Arizona. It was
definitely one of those
“chance” meetings that was meant to
be. Pinkie is one of the most unassuming people one could ever meet. A
small package just loaded with creativity, compassion and energy that
travels. She mentioned her latest book,
“Raven Women”, one of
12 novels to her credit, and as a lover of historic novels, I
immediately wanted to read it.
My favorite
historic novelists are Wilbur Smith, (a South African author, and master
at telling a tale while being true to the history of that beautiful
country), and James Michener....anyone who loves historic novels will
know who that is. Pinkie is a great combination of the two; master story
teller and true to the research that goes into the birth of such a
novel. This makes
“Raven Woman” not only an exciting read, but
a tribute to the Inuit nation.
“Raven
Woman” is a novel, part of a trilogy, Women of the Northland, about
the life of Eskimo womanhood. Pinkie lived in Alaska for five years and
concentrated her research talents for two years towards this project.
Her love and respect of the Eskimo people shines through, even when
tackling some of the most ancient and—to those of us from Western
culture—bizarre or disturbing customs. This is not an easy task. She
is open enough to come to terms with customs of other peoples and able
to present them is a fashion that is not derisive but informative—not judgmental—but accepting.
Umiak, the main
character of the novel, is a young Inuit girl who is forced through
disaster to live among a tribe not her own; one that views her with fear
and suspicion. She calls upon the innate strength of womanhood, her own
powers as a shaman, and the power of one of the most revered Intuit
“spirits” the Raven, to survive and fulfill her pre-ordained
destiny. To find out what that destiny is, I strongly encourage you to
read the book. It is exciting, fascinating, one of those books you can’t
put down until you’re done—and then are sorry the read is over. I
personally can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy. It is no wonder
Pinkie is a finalist in the 2002 ForeWord Magazine.
Pinkie lives in
Arizona and has written 12 novels, over 50 poems, is a Master Gardener,
mentor for fellow writers, known for animal rescue, an artist and much
more.
Review of Tiana, Gift of the Moon
published and copyrighted by Reel
Talk Movies Reviews
She Oughta Be in Pictures
by Betty Jo Tucker
As a film critic, I always read a novel with one
question in the back of my mind—would it make a good movie? Tiana,
Gift of the Moon, Pinkie Paranya’s second book in the Women
of the Northland Series, passes this test with flying colors. An
intelligent, courageous heroine searching for her lost daughter in the
Northern Canada and Alaska of 600 A.D. is every bit as compelling as today’s Lara
Croft: Tomb Raider or Halle Berry’s Catwoman.
And, from the depth of description about what life must have been
like in Tiana’s time, it’s clear the visuals would be even
more exciting than in many contemporary films.
For example, how’s this
for a great movie scene? On page 184, Paranya writes, “The giant
grizzly lowered his head and in a blink of an eyelid he rammed into her
(Tiana), hitting her hard with his body, his roar deafening, close to
her ear. Too close for the lance, she dropped it and held her hands up
over her head to keep her scalp from being torn off. He swiped with his
paw, the black claws looking like large black stones and time stood
still as the claws descended on her shoulder. She didn’t feel the
pain, the shock of the impact was too great. She fell to her knees and
grabbed at the bird bolo, instinctively flinging it around the bear’s
back legs.”
Chosen to be Raven Woman, the latest in a line of
strong and mystical female leaders, Tiana heeds her spiritual visions as
she confronts wild animals like the huge bear above, challenges shamans, falls
in love, saves lives and forms a new family. Through skillful character
development, Paranya evokes the reader’s empathy and admiration for
this incredible young woman. In addition to relating an extraordinary
adventure, the highly talented author makes it easy for us to care about
what happens to Tiana and the people she loves.
I don’t believe I’ve ever experienced a more
heightened sense of place while reading a novel like this. Paranya,
whose Raven Woman won ForeWard Magazine’s Award for
Best Historical Fiction Book of the Year, uses vivid language to
paint breathtaking pictures of a fascinating world that, though it
existed long ago, can still inspire us with the universal themes of bravery,
determination, compassion and hope.
Review of Tiana, Gift of the Moon
published and copyrighted by Southwest Blend Magazine
This is the second novel in the Women of the Northland
series by this talented storyteller. Pinkie weaves her tale of Inuit
customs and lifestyle with characters of strength and determination. Her
heroine, Tiana, accepts the challenges set before her with faith in her
ancestry and the abilities and powers inherited from them.
Tiana learns that her confidence builds through the
discipline of being true to herself as she faces the trials of being a
women
“Shaman” in a male dominated society.
Pinkie’s ability to pull you into the story and keep you
reading is truly amazing. As much as I want to find out what happens in
the end, I am always sad to get to the end of one of her books. There is
a thought provoking message in each chapter, as you watch the main
character grow—and you feel part of her every experience. There is an
underlying respect for those who have gone before us—and the lessons
we can learn from them.
Review of Treasure of the Amazon
published and copyrighted by We
Write
Romance.Com
by VH
“...painted a vivid picture of jungle
life...”
In Treasure of the Amazon, Marisa Elliot and her father
live in a small town in Virginia. For years they have been corresponding
with a distant relative, Sara, from Brazil. Some of the early settlers
from Virginia left just before the war between the states to settle in a
new land and begin a new life. In the last letter they receive from
Sara, Sara mentions some trouble and sends her will, leaving everything
to Marisa and her father.
Worried, Marisa leaves for Brazil to see if she can
help Sara. When she arrives in the Capitol City of Brasilia, she seeks
out a mysterious and handsome pilot to take her into the jungle. Scott
Dunbar is quite taken by Marisa’s beauty, but he doesn’t want to
become involved with anyone since his first marriage failed.
As they travel to different villages seeking her
relatives, she falls in love with him. Yet he is everything she fears in
a man. When they find Sara’s village, the head of the group warns her to
leave because of the danger, but Marisa has come too far to give up now
and is determined to find out what has happened to Sara and the
treasure. Will she find the treasure and what will it be? Can she find
her lost relative? Will she and Scott overcome the obstacles in their
way and find love and happiness together?
Treasure of the Amazon painted a vivid picture of
jungle life. The plot was interesting and held my attention through the
entire book. The love story was sweet and slow, and I kept wanting to
find out what would happen next. This was a book I really enjoyed
reading.
Review of Herr
Schnoodle &
McBee
published and copyrighted by Romance
Danmark
by
Harriet Klausner
In New York, fortyish Alexander McBee changes vocations
from accounting to private investigative work based on a correspondence
course, Magnum reruns, and the DNA of his father and grandfather, former
cops. He literally picks up a new partner when the lone sleuth finds an
injured ugly canine that is a horrendous mixing of a schnauzer and a
poodle, who he calls Herr Schnoodle.
With Schnoodle at his side they recover a missing Persian cat, stolen
grocery carts, and solve the case of a missing person. However, McBee
admits to himself that Schnoodle is the brains of the operation as the
dog solves the case though it seems to outsiders that McBee accomplishes
the feat. They meet homeless Apple Sally and both are intrigued by her.
As McBee’s rep grows, reporter Darcy takes a personal interest in him
even as he finds himself needing to know more about Apple Sally. Before
Schnoodle, McBee had no friends; now he has plenty, but first he and his
partner want to make things right for Apple Sally.
This is a lighthearted private investigator tale with a serious subplot
involving Apple Sally. WC Field’s theory of not performing with
animals or children as they will steal the scene comes through as
Schnoodle constantly stars. McBee is a fine person just coming out of
his shell thanks to his partner and Apple Sally. Fans will appreciate
this humorous detective tale summed up by McBee when he reflects how
Herr Schnoodle is the brains of the operation.
Review of Herr
Schnoodle &
McBee
published and copyrighted by BookPleasures.Com
by Manuela
Pop
An amusing story of a
private investigator and his dog
Alexander McBee is a New York private investigator who
doesn’t have much flair or luck in solving his cases. One day, Herr
Schnoodle, a very unattractive dog, appears by the pier next to McBee
who was quietly contemplating on his unhappy life. Alexander rescues the
dog and brings him home. Herr Schnoodle proves to be a gifted dog who
finds the missing evidence in McBee’s cases. With his help, the
investigator gains confidence and becomes successful at catching the
offenders.
The story takes a romantic
twist when Darcy, a charming reporter, is sent by her boss to spy on
McBee. Darcy’s determination to get a story to publish, leads her to
find important information on the investigator’s friend Apple Sally, a
bag lady on the run with a dangerous history. With the help of the
reporter, Alexander unravels the mystery behind Sally’s past.
Throughout this time, McBee also finds himself attracted to both women
and in the end he goes for the one he deeply cares for.
P.K. Paranya is an
established author, who writes very well: Her novel ‘Herr Schnoodle
& McBee’ is an intelligent and humorous story. Moreover, the
author portrays the main characters in the most creative way: a bag lady
suffering with amnesia, a gifted ugly dog solving mystery cases, a
grumpy private investigator with many phobias and an attractive
reporter, willing to risk it all for a good story. Overall, the plot is
captivating and the reader will find himself trying to solve the puzzles
along with McBee and his Schnoodle.
I enjoyed reading this
novel to a great extent. I thought it has wit and all the ingredients
necessary to make a wonderful and entertaining detective tale. This book
is with no doubt a fantastic read!
Review of Herr
Schnoodle &
McBee
published and copyrighted by Armchair
Interviews
by Christine Edlund
All Alexander
McBee (Mac) wants more than anything is to be the private investigator
he’s always dreamed of. Following in the steps of famous gumshoes like
Magnum P.I. and James Rockford, Mac sets out to prove his father proud
and create a thriving business. The only problem: Mac hasn’t any
prestigious clientele to boast about, just the run-of-the-mill stakeouts
involving cheating spouses. McBee is getting tired of the same old
thing. He wants to expand his practice, at least to earn some more dough
so he can eat something better than microwave dinners.
Then one day, Mac’s luck changes when he finds a scrappy dog underneath the docks in
the city. Having a tremendous fear of germs, he doesn’t know what to do
with the half-schnauzer, half-poodle mix who looks like its been left
for dead. Crabby, yet kind-hearted, McBee brings the dog home to nurse
it back to health...just for one night.
Yet, Mac finds he
rather likes having the dog around and aptly names him Herr Schnoodle.
As the book states “life was definitely changing for Alexander
McBee.”
The precious pooch
begins helping McBee find cases that bring the unique pair food,
friends, and money to their humble abode. The new dynamic P.I.s soon
make friends with a local bag lady named Apple Sally, a plant-loving
senior named Isaac Steinmetz, and a lovely gossip columnist named Darcy
Rasmussen whose tailing his trail for her newspaper, the Union Globe.
But, there’s more to his new friends than meets the eye.
While hilarity
ensues, Mac and Herr Schnoodle begin solving easy and tougher cases
throughout the neighborhood. Due to Herr Schnoodle’s deftness at solving
crimes, Mac finds he is a tremendous asset and fears someone will
discover him...for better or worse.
Herr Schnoodle
& McBee is a great mystery story with lovable and intriguing
characters. P.K. Paranya has created a fun story with laugh-out-loud
dialogue that keeps the reader turning the pages. The books features a
distinctive cast of major and minor characters that makes the book
totally worth reading.
Armchair Interviews says: Hope there will there be more Herr Schnoodle
and McBee stories to come in the future.
Review of One... Two... Buckle
My Shoe
published and copyrighted by Armchair
Interviews
by Brenda A. Snodgrass
A maniacal predator drops out of nowhere, a
killing machine—a parent’s worst nightmare that comes true.
Detective Sergeant Richard Slater is assigned to head up the
investigation into the murders of several five-year-old little
girls, all blond with light-colored complexions. The killer does
not molest the girls or torture them and he always places their
little bodies (wrapped in plastic) in an obvious place to ensure
they are found quickly. He kills them with carbon monoxide. And,
the killer always keeps one of their shoes.
Police have been known to use psychics when they
keep coming up empty-handed. Katherine Macklin, a reluctant
physic, is called in to help. After losing her husband to an
industrial accident and her daughter to murder, Kate has become
agoraphobic (the fear of going outside). She never wanted this
supposed “gift,” and it makes her unable to sleep for nights at a
time. Her gift manifests itself on her computer screen, when she
is tired or bored. She does not have the ability to touch personal
belongings and get a reading that way.
A working relationship between Det. Slater and
Katherine develops into a kind of occasional dating-type thing.
Emotionally involved, both are driven to exhaustive lengths to
find their murderer. They don’t seem to be making any headway, and
the bodies continue to pile up.
Quoted on page 170, “Slater looked at the map on
the wall. He’d memorized the whereabouts of each of the tack
heads. He’d memorized where the children were picked up and where
each had been dropped. Where was that creepy bastard? What was the
killer doing this very minute? He felt his hands twitch every time
he thought of the monster. He wanted to wrap his hands around a
neck so bad. Maybe it was wrong to have confided to Kate. Hell, it
was her word against his if it ever came down to that.”
P.K. Paranya tells a really good story.
Review of Herr Schnoodle &
McBee
published and copyrighted by Mystery Lovers Corner
by Dawn Dowdle
Alexander McBee has become a private investigator. He has trained by watching
re-runs of Magnum P.I., Rockford Files, and other old detective series on the television. He
comes upon a strange dog who becomes his partner. Herr Schnoodle is not the most attractive mix
of schnauzer and poodle, but he knows how to investigate.
They begin to get more cases as they are able to solve them quickly. They meet Apple Sally, a
local street woman. McBee is intrigued by her, but he can’t figure out why. Then there’s the
beautiful Darcy, the gossip reporter out to scoop McBee’s cases.
Soon McBee realizes there is more to Apple Sally than meets the eye. Can he uncover her past
without alienating her or letting Darcy break the story before he’s ready? Can he keep
investigating his cases without letting on about Herr Schnoodle’s part, especially to Darcy?
McBee is definitely a quirky character, but that’s what makes him interesting. I really enjoyed
this first book in this series. I look forward to reading many more. The setting and other
characters is well written and I feel as if I’ve been there and met everyone. I highly recommend
this book.
|
