"Daniel's Den" Book Review

Michelle's Review of "Daniel's Den": With today's economy, it isn't difficult to imagine an investment scheme complete with government involvement. And it isn't hard to envision the desperation of a criminal who wants to cover his tracks. In "Daniel's Den" author Brandt Dodson had the foresight to craft a plot that seems more like non-fiction in light of everything happening recently in the news. Successful stock analyst Daniel Borden's career is on an upward track until a co-worker's crime snags him in a web of deception. Ironically, proving his innocence is going to mean running.

The book begins with two separate stories, that of Daniel Borden, and that of bed and breakfast operator Laura Traynor. Dodson does an excellent job of keeping the reader in suspense for a good amount of time until the two cross paths. It's a well-crafted mystery with just the right amount of thrill. Readers should be cautioned that it isn't exactly a cozy mystery--it has it's share of dead bodies. Yet, it's tastefully done without gore and bloody violence.

Want to know more about the author? Here's a word from the publicist. "Brandt Dodson comes from a long line of police officers, spanning several generations, and was employed by the FBI before leaving to pursue his education at Indiana Central University (now the University of Indianapolis). A former United States Naval Reserve officer, Dodson is a board Certified Podiatrist. It was during a creative writing coarse in college that a professor said, 'You're a good writer. With a little effort and work, you could be a very good writer.' Dodson has published five novels, currently resides in southwestern Indiana with his wife and two sons, and is at work on his next book. Learn more at www.brandtdodson.com."

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Private Investigators, Writers, and Scrapbookers

What do P.I.'s, writers and scrapbookers all have in common? They are the main characters in my recent reading. I picked up three debut novels this month to expand my horizons a bit. We all have favorite writer's don't we? But it's fun to read some new authors sometimes!

Private Investigator
In "Original Sin", author Brandt Dodson makes his debut with a story that has enough mystery and murder to keep male readers intrigued, and enough description and romance to hold the attention of female readers. In the book, former FBI agent and current P.I. Colton Parker is hired to investigate a murder. It looks like a classic open and shut case, until Parker discovers what local police have overlooked.


Dodson's latest book, "Daniel's Den" arrives on the market this month and I'll be posting a review as soon as I'm finished reading it. A former FBI employee and US Naval Reserve officer, Dodson is now a board certified podiatrist.

Writer
Another debut novel caught my attention this month. In "Ezekiel's Shadow," David Ryan Long has a gift for weaving a mystery. I couldn't put the book down until I knew how the story of writer Ian Merchant turned out. Plagued by writer's block and a struggle with his faith, Merchant suddenly begins receiving threatening notes, but the creepiest part is that the stalker comes right to Merchant's home to deliver the messages. What could be scarier than having your own sanctuary feel like a prison? I'll certainly be looking for other novels by Long.



Scrapbooker
Rebeca Seitz makers her living as a publicist who promotes other writers, but she's also a writer herself. In Seitz's first book, "Prints Charming" she blends a bit of personal experience into her main character Jane who is a publicist and event planner. Jane is also an avid scrapbook enthusiast. In fact, most of the book centers around Jane's scrapbook sessions with three friends who she calls "The Sisters". Mutually helping one another through life's ups and downs, these sisters help Jane as she tries to sort of the remnants of a failed marriage and the desire to move on with her life. For fun, Seitz includes some scrapbook ideas and page layouts at the back of the book along with a group reading guide for the book. A lighthearted read that will delight the "chick flick" fan with some "chick lit."