Book Info
• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Lulu.com (July 26, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 1435732499
• ISBN-13: 978-1435732490
Synopsis
Small town Canadian wife and mother, Valerie McCormick, witnesses the murder of two FBI agents in Seattle, identifies the killer as the head of a drug cartel, and ends up redefining herself to discover an inner strength she never knew she possessed. For when the FBI fails her, it's up to Valerie to reclaim her shattered life.
The Ratings
More detailed information about the ratings can be found by clicking here.
J. Kaye’s Thoughts
When an author contacts me to review a self-published book, I cringe. The reason is I’ve had many come my way and I’d say about ninety-eight percent were beyond bad. I’m not talking about typos here. Stuff like that doesn’t bother me.
Most self-published books I’ve experienced lack in the important areas like the plot or the characters. The last one, I hated the main character, who was a professor at a university. I’ve known a few professors, and this author’s character didn’t fit the role. So when I speak positively of a self-published book, like I am about to do with this one, please don’t take it lightly.
The beginning of the book jumps into action when Canadian Valerie McCormick witnesses the murder of two FBI agents while on vacation in Seattle.
The FBI has been trying to track down this evasive Miquel DeOlmos. Witnesses end up dead when they try to testify against this Latin drug lord. Valerie agrees to help, but she has no idea what's in store and ends up in a witness protection program only to find out it’s not enough. When her children's safety is at risk, she takes matters into her own hands by hunting down DeOlmos herself.
My only complaint was I didn’t completely believe all of the FBI procedures. Keep in mind, I’m not expert and all of it might be true. As a reader, I wasn’t convinced.
Although the story was about the FBI and witness protection, it had a CSI Miami feel to it. I loved the story. The characters were crystal clear with depth. Once I got started, I had trouble putting the book down.
Joylene Nowell Butler is an author to put on your watch list. Her books are packed with non-stop suspense and I look forward to reading more.
To Learn More
Stay tune for an interview with this author, to be posted next week. Until then, you can read chapter one of this book by clicking here.
The Raffle
My copy will be passed on to a viewer who comments below. If you are new to the raffles, more guidelines can be found in the right sidebar or you can just click here. This raffle will be held October 11th.
Enter your name twice by blogging about this. If you blog about this contest, be sure to do two things:
1 - When you blog about this post, include a link to this post on your blog.
2 - Leave a comment (URL) to the post where you commented.
Enter your name a third time by coming back tomorrow and commenting on the Q & A with the author, Joylene Nowell Butler.
21 comments:
Sounds like a good story J. Kaye. I agree with you on the self-published front- I've discovered quite a few stinkers that way. Glad you enjoyed this one though!
Hi J. Kaye! I'm interested in winning this book. I have posted about it on my sidebar. Thanks for the opportunity!
Ladytink_534 ~ Bulter's book wasn't like that. I loved her book, a total page turner for me.
I think the writing was a bit choppy at the beginning. I didn't feel I should have pointed that part out in the review since I find this in books published by both large and small presses.
Joy ~ I love have you've posted giveaways in the sidebar! How cool!!
No need to enter me, but what a nice surprise. I'm so happy to read your positive review of this self-published book and can't wait to read an interview with the author.
Now I'm gonna have to check out Joy's sidebar :)
Great review, J.Kaye!! No need to enter me, of course, but was dying to read your review. I love to be able to compare notes on a book that I have also read, lol. I will also be anxious to read your interview. Joylene is the greatest and I hope I don't have to wait too long to read more by her!!
It's refreshing to read this about a POD book. There are definitely some gems out there, you just have to weed through the duds.
this does sound like an interesting read. great review as always.
I know what you mean about some self-published books.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
I it sounds like a good book. One I would enjoy reading. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey@dishmail.net
This book sounds good! I love suspense and stories about the FBI. I like giving new authors a chance. You can find some good books that way.
I need a good murder/suspense to read. I would love to win this.
I've read a few good reviews on this one. Glad you enjoyed it.
Definitely sounds interesting!
Forgot my email address.
mittens0831 AT aol DOT com
Carol M.
This book sounds good! I love suspense and stories about the FBI. I like giving new authors a chance. You can find some good books that way.
Carol M ~ Thanks for adding the extra information.
Yeah! I'm so glad this was a good one. I hoped from the spotlight description that you would enjoy it. I've now added it to my tbr list! Thanks!
Sort of an FYI, Joylene emailed me and said that she has signed on with a publisher...isn't that cool!?! She is no longer self-published and we should see more books from her in the future. I can't wait!!
Sounds like a good book. Glad to see Joylene has found a publisher so that there will be more to come!
Sounds great. I would love a chance to win. Thanks!
This sounds like such a good book please enter me
please enter me
gypsywitch36@yahoo.com
I have read many good reviews on this book! Please enter me in your drawing.
Thank you
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
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