The Outer Rims (Kindle Series: Chapters 3 -7) - Clint Morey

The story of Marshal Matthew Wallace continues to intensify as he uncovers sinister motives behind the deaths of the Ananke people read review on episodes 1 and 2

On the other side Dr. Barkman is growing more and more frustrated with the new marshal. How long can he keep his secret from the 'justice for all' law keeper? With the sometimes inept deputy to the marshal showing that he may not fill Matthew's boots if he were to become the new chief of police, he must do something to stop the ambitious man from knowing too much.

As the two men prepare to battle, Matthew finds himself defending more and more the Ananke people - the very same ones/family who murdered his parents all those years ago.

When his wife who recovered from cancer is suddenly dying from a heart problem, Matthew faces a new challenge. Can he turn the other cheek to save his wife, to save his family?

A great book in which it being serialized has built the anticipation at the end of each episode. The characters met in the beginning don't lose their vibrancy and the dialogue is consistent throughout each chapter. The premise of the plot is a really good one - a doctor who carries out lifesaving operations but at the risk of another species. Is it still right to continue? Morey's series would have worked just as well as an 'in one go' novel, but the episodic way of treating it makes for an exciting discovery into the new world of Altair.

Even if you're not a 'sci-fi' fan, as I'm certainly not, guaranteed this book is still worth looking into. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not not required to give a positive critique. 

The Outer Rims, Episodes 1 & 2 (A Kindle Series) - Clint Morey

The child of missionaries, Matthew Wallace is no stranger to new worlds across the universe. However, his view of new civilizations is somewhat marred when he witnesses the killing of his parents at the hand of the Ananke tribe.

From that tender age of six, he lives with families in the Marshal's Service. So naturally he becomes a Marshal. But, he hasn't forgotten that fateful day. Matt's anger at the Ananke people has grown into pure hatred. Unfortunately, his vow not to return to the 'Healing Planet' is pushed aside when his wife is stricken with cancer. Making the long journey back to where he lost his parents is difficult for Matt but the want to cure his wife is greater.

Upholding the Marshal law of punishment and justice for everyone regardless of money, human or not has made Matt's reputation precede him. When he arrives on Altair, the doctor in charge of the medical unit which carries out the life-saving treatment, and the senior deputy marshal meet him. However, the senior deputy feels slighted that he wasn't made marshal and shows his dislike of Matt. Taking it in his stride, Matt shows him and the other marshal's whose in charge. Whilst his wife receives the much needed treatment, his daughter goes exploring, closely followed by the family robot called Roy and Matt makes it known how he expects the marshal service to be run.

Unbeknownst to the new marshal of Altair, there are things taking place that have a sinister air about them. Will Matt find out what they are? Are the cures the doctor offers truly legitimate and what are the Ananke people plotting?

From the unassuming opening pages that quickly turns to a horrific incident, Morey's science-fiction series is compelling from the get go. The main character may well have a troubled past but his strength comes from his parents, whether he realizes it or not. The plot has been well thought out and having it in 'bite size' portions builds anticipation of what will happen next. The few characters met thus far are subtly vibrant, even the robot Roy has a great personality. Only two episodes in and it's already a great read.

To my great surprise I really like this story. I am not a fan of the sci-fi genre as I struggle with new worlds and phrases etc. However, Morey's style/use of words is nothing 'out there'. There are some unusual terms like 'Anake' but nothing that makes me think 'what is he talking about?' The strength and likability lies in the plot and the main character. It seems that this may be a story of a man seeking revenge but it's so much more than that and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the episodes.

I received a complimentary copy of this series from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

When I Fall in Love - Clint Morey

Amy Prescott climbs out of her bedroom window in the middle of the night itching to get to a concert. She's going with her football hunk boyfriend, Joel. She loves him but he has yet to say those three magical words to her.

As she's about to make her final escape, she's caught by her father. But before any reprimand can be fully made, out steps Marilyn, her mother. Grandad Robbie has had a stroke. With such devastating news, the concert is  forgotten (almost begrudgingly by Amy) and they make their way to Montana.

On their arrival they meet Aunt Susan, her mom's sister. Always competitive especially as she wants her daughter to do better than Amy. There's Uncle Charley, - a failure when it comes to marriage and then Bob. He's the ever helpful next door neighbor whose a cellist like Amy. The last time they met, over five years ago, she didn't think much of him and she still doesn't. But he's always around helping her grandparents especially as her grandma is suffering from Alzheimer's.

All seemingly with their own agenda Marilyn, Susan and Charley discuss what to do. With their Dad needing to rehabilitate after his stroke, he can no longer look after their Mom. But Robbie makes it very clear to them - he has always looked after his wife and he will continue to do so. Leaving them to argue, Amy is more concerned with why Joel won't say 'I love you' when she laid bare her heart and said it to him - somehow 'that's nice' isn't quite the same thing. Through the familial arguments and Amy's torment over whether Joel loves her she learns of how her grandparents met and how their love has endured the test of time. Being in Montana brings into question a few things.

It would be easy to assume that a YA short story would labor teenage angst  But it is so far removed from it. Morey has painted a funny and poignant story with a graceful merging of a modern love story and one from the past. Amy is a beautiful and intelligent teenager on the cusp of attending Harvard but the ranches of Montana have more to offer than she believed. Bob, a likable teenager is hardworking and loyal. Both qualities that reflect her grandfather. Although her parents, aunt and uncle are in the background, the author weaves their discontentment throughout adding a big dose of reality to the overall picture  They no longer see the love their parents share - just the cost of the medical bills. Does Amy follow her parents dream and head off to Harvard or will she remain to look after much adored grandparents?

What a great story. Hooked from the beginning, I was surprised at where this tale went. The author has created a believable family and his expressions and language used are spot on. There were some perfectly timed funny moments and this glimpse into the Burns/Prescott family left me crying at the end. Morey has managed to weave the past and the present together sending a key lesson - true love lasts a lifetime. A highly recommended read for young adults and adults alike.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Jaidee : Out of the Ashes ( A Lyons Investigation Mystery) - Clint Morey

Las Vegas - where anything can and will happen. Especially if bored a businessman is looking for a bit fun away from home. And for the suspecting wives, Josh Lyons, P.I. is the man for the job.

Together with his tech guy Caleb and business manager Ruth, they carry out surveillance on those cheating husbands. But, what should have been an easy, caught-on-camera job turns into a lot more when the the hooker that turns up to massage the philanderer is a child barely in her teens.

Taking care of her pimp, Josh believes he is rescuing the young Karen (not Thai) girl from a degrading life. But Jaidee is brainwashed; she sees her pimp, Jackson, as family. Putting her into a home for abused children, the private investigator wonders how she got embroiled in the sordid world of prostitution. But Jaidee is a fighter, she won't back down from helping the two girls she considers to also be family. As Lyons Investigations head down the unsavory road of child sex trafficking, who will they come up against? Is someone on the police being paid to look the other way? Could the mob be involved and how will they take down the head honcho of this particular operation?

From the very beginning, you will be hooked. Morey has written a complex and harrowing story that has moments of tenderness and humor. Josh Lyons could have been written as a disgruntled PI but the author has created a kind, caring and hard working family man who's faith is a little shaky but who knows right from wrong. The motley crew that is his team add a level of banter that eases some of the tension and the author has tastefully treated a distressing subject. The other side to the 'lucrative' business is depicted so you know who the bad guys are - almost. In dealings with this seedy underground world who can you trust?

Hooked from the start, I actually stopped reading another novel to finish this one. Morey has created a tense, dramatic story on the streets of Las Vegas few (are lucky not to) see. The characters are well defined, with excellent personalities. Although I found Jaidee a little annoying (testament of a good writer when he can create such emotions) I had to remind myself she's a victim of circumstance. She's defensive, yet still innocent and at times funny. At its core, it's a book about what defines a family - be it the mob or a group of unrelated people working for an investigative business, families stick together through thick or thin. With intense moments, twist after twist and a surprising ending, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Lyons mystery and can't wait to read more in the series. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Killing Strangers (A Short Story) - Clint Morey

Dr. Lester is a good psychiatrist - his patients leave happy and confident. But one patient, Linda Wall, a make-up artist for a TV studio walks into work and plunges a knitting needle deep into a guest before suffocating herself.

Detective Lt. Risutto investigates the clear cut murder/suicide. But wants to know why she did it. His Captain says not to bother, but Risutto can't let it go. Linda has killed a man she doesn't know - so why murder him? Plus she's not the only one to murder someone they don't know.

A fast paced, well written short, Morey's story is suspenseful with a delightful twist. It's barely descriptive but that's to be expected. However, Morey still manages to create intriguing characters - the detective that knows something is wrong, the helpful psychiatrist - how is he involved in these murders? He's supposed to be treating these people isn't he?

I thoroughly enjoyed Morey's book and it's well worth picking up if you have a half hour to spare. A recommended read.