The Best Camp Counselor in the World - Mike Ronny

Long time camp counselor, Eddie Fleming is returning to the quaint Little Lobster Campsite for his two week stint. He loves it there, that's why he's been going back since he was 17.

It's familiar, it's by the sea, it's home. The only problem is that his long time girlfriend, Janie, can't quite understand it arguing and questioning why he has to work at the site.

Familiarizing himself with the cots, the less than refined bathroom and saying hello to the campsite owner Mr. Locke, Eddie meets his fellow counselors, hippie and happy Ken and the blond bombshell, Erika. He's excited until he runs in to his Nemesis - King Morrissey - a bully from his past who's kid is now attending camp. In a concerted effort, Eddie avoids King Jr while bringing out the best of his group of Little Lobsters.

When Erika makes a suggestion and he finally comes face to face with his archenemy, will Eddie leave Janie for the blonde bombshell? And will King make good on his promise of making the 'Best Camp Counselor in the World' suffer?

A short, funny and slightly poignant story which gets the mind thinking just a little bit. Eddie is a likable enough character - a bit of a drifter with no definite job directions - whilst Ken adds the humor and Erika the glamour. The children are sweet; the author could have added some sort of drama - like a fight breaking out - but he keeps the interaction on an even keel. Ultimately, Eddie's return to camp was different this season seeing him learn a few life lessons.

Very quick to read with good characterization  Ronny conveys a vivid picture of the lazy hazy days of a late 80s summer camp. It's not deep and meaningful, but there are things to think about. An entertaining read especially if you have half an hour to spare. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for 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. 

John Doe: A Rizzoli & Isles Mystery - Tess Gerritsen

Dr. Maura Isles is bored. Attending a charity function, the evening takes an almost romantic turn when she engages with a handsome man in a tuxedo. It seems that the bubbles from the champagne is not the only thing taking effect.

Sunday morning and Dr. Isles awakes on her sofa - still fully dressed in the evening silk gown she wore the previous night; but she can't remember getting there. She feels dizzy and has a headache. As she scrambles around making sure she hasn't been robbed, a knock at the door stills her.

Det. Jane Rizzoli has arrived - she's been calling Maura for the last hour and received no answer. It was Sunday, why call her? Why else a dead body has been found in a park. And the last person that may have seen him alive is Maura.

As Rizzoli investigates, evidence points to her friend Dr. Isles, being not only a victim but a possible suspect. Can Jane clear her name? How is Maura involved and will she be able to clear all doubt despite some of Boston's finest enjoying the 'Queen of the Dead' having a peg or two taken down.

Even as a short story, Gerritsen still manages to weave a fairly complex and engrossing plot. The characters are well known by all fans and even those who have just happened upon this book will find a set of likable police and evil villains.

Rizzoli and Isles are two dynamic literary women and it's a shame that the TV series doesn't reflect this a bit more. However, it's great to catch up with the true Jane and Maura. A highly recommended read!

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.