Afterparty Blog Tour

Over the long weekend I spent a great deal of time reconnecting with a book in preparation for my review tomorrow. I'm so excited about participating in the Afterparty Blog Tour which kicks off today with Karen over at {for what it's worth}

I'll post links to the reviews here, as they go live, but you can follow the whole tour very easily too by looking up the #AfterpartyBlogTour on Twitter.

April 21 - Review by Karen at {for what it's worth} (also includes an excerpt of Afterparty)
April 22 - Check back tomorrow to read my review.

Platform 21 by T.R. Patrick (Book 1 in the Beyond the Veil Series)

Published using CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Platform 21 is one of those books that I simultaneously love, and dread, A dread that comes from not knowing what to put in a synopsis without giving much away, which I'm told I am usually fairly adept at. When a book is this complex though, it can be difficult and so I'm going to avoid reinventing the wheel. To that end, I opted (a rarity for me) to simply share the media release synopsis and follow that with my own personal thoughts and opinions, as well as the book tour information and a contest!

Luke’s life is about to take a dangerous turn. But first he has to die. 

In the year 2052, high school sophomore Luke Gibson considers himself an average teenager in a world on the brink of monumental change. Joining his parents and sister, Laura, at the first World Energy Initiative Conference, he is among thousands gathered in a Denver arena to celebrate free renewable energy when a massive earthquake strikes killing everyone in the stadium. The last thing Luke sees before his death is a girl reaching out to him—a stranger whose face he remembers from his dreams. 

The end, however, is not the end. Suddenly, inexplicably, Luke is back home in Ohio and everything is different. His sister is gone, the victim in an unsolved homicide years before. Angela, his mysterious dream girl, is here also, and the only person besides Luke who recalls the previous reality. And now their determination to uncover the truth about Laura’s murder and their transformed world is making them targets—forced to flee for their lives from a nameless shadow organization and a government seeking vengeance for an unthinkable act of terror—as they stand on the threshold of a dark conspiracy that threatens all humankind. 

Where do I begin? In Platform 21, the author T.R. Patrick holds nothing back. From the very beginning I couldn't help but feel enthused at the scene set before me and I'll admit, I enjoyed the idyllic picture playing out. It takes no time for that serenity to be ripped away and at that point, dear reader, it is really obvious that the literary journey you are about to make, is nothing less than a fast-paced and alternatively mind-spinning and mind-blowing experience that you just cannot put down.

I have to admit that one of the least pleasant things about reading so much, and I'm sure any avid reader will agree, it's hard to stop the mind making leaps and trying to predict where the story is taking us. This is one of those wonderful books that simply doesn't allow that to happen. I was too caught up in the plot, in the character developments (complicated by the alternate realities), and yes, even reeling as the thrills and mysteries unfolded.

Some of you will remember that when I was fairly new to blogging about my love of books, I fell in love with a novel by Vincent M. Wales that is titled One Nation Under God. The huge appeal of that for me, is that the book could just as easily be real as it is fiction. Not today precisely but in the very near future and Platform 21 held a lot of that same appeal for me. Corruption in the governments, the distracting whispers speaking of the Illuminati and conspiracies that resonate with me, a person who avidly avoids the news, so I can only imagine how much it's going to strike home with readers who are more 'in-touch' with the world as a whole.

For me personally, the biggest appeal of this novel was easily the character development. In many books it's easy to differentiate between the good, and the evil, but not so much in Platform 21. It's as messy, confusing, and at times soul-shattering as the real world, except of course you can close the book for a while (unless you're me!) and maybe even pull a Joey and place it in the freezer for a while...

I guess what it essentially comes down to is whether I would recommend this book or not, and my answer is a resounding yes! I personally can't wait for book 2 in this Beyond the Veil series and I'm fairly sure that once you read it, you'll agree. It's a hard book to place in a genre since it seems riddled with science, fantasy, thrills, horror, current events, and it even has a sprinkling of zombies though I'll be quick to tell you that they don't play a huge part. In book 1 at least.

Now all I can do is wait patiently for the sequel.

In the meantime, check out the book tour link below and see what my fellow bloggers and bookworms had to say about this title, links to check out the author, and if you're feeling lucky, there are still some hours left to get in your entries for the Giveaway!

Find T.R. Patrick on:

Website: http://authortrpatrick.com/
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

If you'd like to see what other bookworms think of this title, please check out the blog tour information at Worldwind Virtual Book Tours (who I'd like to thank for having me along for the ride!) by clicking the image below.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Intangibles by Monte Dutton

Published by Neverland Publishing Company.

I really had no idea what to expect when opening The Intangibles and starting my journey with the characters enclosed. Set in 1968, it's a period of time rife with conflict after the recent death of President John  F. Kennedy, and the beginnings of integration of black and white citizens of the United States. The book primarily focuses on the town of Fairmont in South Carolina and the climbing tensions surrounding the closure of Mossy Springs High School and the introduction of the black students to the formerly all white Fairmont High.

While there are some citizens who are meeting the challenge with a great deal of compassion and consideration, there are also those who feel that the deep south shouldn't be enabling such change, and they make it known, whether through the appearances of the Klu Klux Klan, or more covertly through positions of authority. Though it seems like a heavy read at first glance, it was far from it. Sure, it deals with some of the issues of the time, many of which are still prevalent in the current decade. Drugs, underage drinking, and a great deal of social development as these young adults try to find their way in life, but it could be written about any school in almost any era and as such, it enables the reader to connect on multiple levels and really empathize with each and every character, however despicable they may be.

I noticed from the beginning that football was going to be the major star in this book, even over the racial battles that ensue. The thing that surprised me most about that, is that I have no interest in sport at all yet the book kept my attention regardless and I found myself saddened on turning the last page. I'm not sure I'd recognized just how much I had bonded with the characters until that moment.Another thing I liked about this book a great deal too, is that there is no main character in the book but rather a strong and varied cast that are given an equal amount of the limelight in which to succeed or fail. They'll definitely steal a bit of your heart and as some of the characters are developed through the novel, you'll find yourself shifting a lot with regard to your favourites.  Strong language, and sexual content is sprinkled throughout the book but in such a way that it only serves to increase the authentic feel of the novel. It's set in a turbulent time, and deals with the most senior young adults in a school during their time of experimentation and Monte Dutton shares the story with skill, and an unapologetic style that I couldn't help but respect.

The main appeal for me? The racial integration certainly brought a great deal to mind. I wasn't born until 1974 and so I have no knowledge about that era at all. It's not something that was ever brought up much. Certainly not in my family, and in school in the UK we were always focused on other periods of history like the Elizabethans or Tudors. I forget often that the society we see today, with interracial marriage and kids, wasn't always so visible. Of course, there are still battles, and a great deal of racism but I'd like to believe it's becoming more of an exception than a rule (yes, I'm an Optimist). I guess where I am going with this, is that the book doesn't share a story that ends when you turn the last page. It's a book that alters your life, or at least your perception of it. Those are my favourite kind.

I'll also add that I truly appreciated and enjoy the various dynamics between the characters, but most especially the complexity in relationships between fathers (or father figures) and adolescent sons. It's a richly rewarding read and I know I'll be revisiting this title at some point, and I may have to check out other titles by Monte Dutton too.

If you'd like to see what other bookworms think of this title, please check out the blog tour information at Worldwind Virtual Book Tours (who I'd like to thank for having me along for the ride!) by clicking the image below. I know I'm going to be looking to see what others liked best!

Hidden by Catherine McKenzie

Published by HarperCollinsCanada

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” 
― Thomas Campbell

I love books, and what I truly love about the whole reading experience is when a book grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until the last page. This, for me, is one of those books. They say when people are dealing with difficult situations, it speaks volumes about character, and in the prologue we are introduced to Jeff Manning who is facing one of the most difficult days of his life. I couldn't help but react with admiration and empathy and by the end of the prologue, I was already reeling from the possibility of never being able to know this man more.

When Jeff Manning's life is cut short, so unexpectedly, it really takes a toll on his family and friends, and none so much as his wife Claire, and their son Seth. As the days continue though, it's pretty clear to Claire that the presence of Tish - one of Jeff's co-workers - is something more than it seems. If you had suspicions, wouldn't you want to know?  Trying to hold things together, for Seth, and for herself is difficult, and with the constant questions in her mind, along with the resurfacing of Jeff's estranged brother Tim.. it's almost more than she can bear.

The book is narrated by multiple characters, which is something I almost always enjoy. Claire of course is one of them, Tish the co-worker is another, and the character I loved hearing from most was Jeff himself. Although it's bittersweet knowing he's already dead and that can never be undone, it's still a joy to be able to know more of him, through his own eyes.

I found this to be a warmly written, highly emotional read that really delivers. I've liked many of Catherine McKenzie's books but I think this has to be my favourite so far. I love her writing style and it's not many who can create a high level of suspense within such a few short pages, and fuel that suspense throughout the entire novel without it breaking. My heart was in my mouth so often and it's definitely, for me at least, one of those books that even as you read, you catch your mind racing in every direction trying to piece together the information and answer questions that you can't shake.

I couldn't put this book down, both times. It went everywhere with me (yes, I was even that crazy person sitting outside the store in the minivan, in -10c temperatures, reading away because I couldn't bear to put the book down long enough to join my husband in the store).  The author skillfully draws out the story as well as leading the reader on an emotional roller-coaster which brought tears more than a few times. It's a highly charged, intelligent read that brings so much to mind regarding grief, and unresolved issues, but also with regard to ethics. I've tried to share as much as I can without sharing much of the book itself as I firmly believe that you'll find it much more rewarding to be able to read the book yourself. I'd like to think you'll enjoy it as much as I do.  For me, Hidden is now a favourite that will be re-read often. While it's been days since I last read it, Claire, Tish, and Jeff, are very much still on my mind.  I love characters that haunt.

I reviewed this title as part of a Holiday Blog Tour, for which you'll find the info below. Thank you to everyone who organized it, for having me along for the ride! Do take time to go and see what my fellow tour bloggers had to say and I'm sure many will agree, that this is a title that would make a great gift that will not disappoint. Also, when you get this title and read it, do drop me a comment and let me know what you think of it too! I love hearing from fellow bookworms,

Author's website - http://catherinemckenzie.com/

The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement by Nick Saul & Andrea Curtis

Published by Random of House Canada Limited

When we think of food banks, often the images and thoughts that come to mind are negative in nature and the Stop food bank was really no different. When Nick Saul came on board in 1998, The Stop was a little urban food bank. Like other food banks the food they could hand out depended on what stores and companies were willing to provide. Often these companies donate mislabelled items, items close to their date of expiration, or 'fresh' foods that were often wilted, slimy and just generally not items that people would choose to eat. Heck, even the description of some of these items was enough to trigger waves of nausea. It's little wonder in these circumstances that those people using the food bank would find the experience to be humiliating and would only use it out of sheer desperation. Staff and volunteers were often as discouraged and depressed as those seeking help. Things needed to change but where to start?

Simple but challenging policy changes were put into place. Staff and volunteers had previously been trusted to use their own judgement on what a family needed and that worked just fine for the most part. With the new rules in place that left no room for personal judgement or exceptions, it's understandable that in the early days there was a great deal of friction, frustration, and in some cases even hostility. Over time though things started to run more smoothly and many new ideas were introduced with a result that is nothing less than phenomenal.

As the books states inside the cover (I could never put it as well as this):

The Stop has undergone a radical reinvention. Participation has overcome embarrassment, and the isolation of poverty has been replaced with a vibrant community that uses food to build hope and skills, and to reach out to those who need a meal, a hand, and a voice. What was once a simple food bank is now a thriving, internationally respected Community Food Centre with gardens, kitchens, a greenhouse, farmers' markets and a mission to revolutionize our food system.  

It began as a food bank.
It turned into a movement. 

Two simple statements that immediately captured my attention when opening the book and glancing at the blurb inside the cover. On reading the rest of the blurb, I was filled with a sense of excitement and couldn't help but dive into the pages. Just a couple of chapters in and I was hooked and I knew with absolute certainty that I would not be able to put this book down. I also knew that I needed a trip to Staples because I had run out of my little post-it flags that I use to mark the various parts of the book that I want to refer back to.  In truth, I ran out some time ago but nothing really inspired me to need more, until now.

I have to tell you, I'm glad I picked up more than one packet because this book is majorly flag-worthy. (I can't use highlighters. Just the thought of marking a book makes me cringe.)

The Stop is a highly addictive and wonderfully informative read. I haven't ever given much thought to food banks though we have donated at times. What I love about this book though, is that while it is essentially about the transformation of an urban food bank, it's also so much more. The author delves into food related issues not just here in Canada, but globally. Information regarding farming in rural India for example, was shocking to me, while information regarding Brazil and the programs they have in place was highly inspirational. In fact, I'd love to see similar governmental mandates in place here. The whole book is just filled with 'wow' and 'a-ha!' moments that really force you to stop and think. There are two that leap out at me still as I write this. One in which Saul shares his realization that:

The most serious barrier to real change is the philosophical divide between those people who see food as a pure commodity, something simply to be bought and sold, and those like The Stop and many others who view food as imbued with cultural, social, health and environmental significance.

 When reading The Stop, the quote above totally captures one of the ways that this book changed my life. I just saw food as something to purchase for the most part. Food was just something to prepare, even from scratch I didn't really think past going to the supermarket and buying the ingredients. That has completely changed and while some of my food related habits may stay the same right now out of necessity, long-term I really see a different reality for my husband and myself, including growing some of our own foods.

Another important issue that is touched upon, is the impact of food on our health. Yet another 'a-ha' moment is when it is stated:

Shouldn't we be taking into consideration the cost to our health care system and the impact on the environment of industrial processed food? I think that big food companies are privatizing profit and socializing cost -- reaping the monetary rewards of cheap, processed, fuel-intensive food and passing the cost of the health and environmental fallout on to the public purse.

That was the quote that really stopped me in my tracks. Yes I've always known that processed foods are a huge factor in certain health issues such as diabetes for instance, or any health issue at all that is complicated by obesity. That was the quote that caused me to really start asking myself some tough questions like how much longer was I prepared to keep lining the pockets of these large companies while impacting my health in a negative way?

The book has a wonderful balance. While a great deal of the content focuses on what is wrong with the system, along with the possible solutions, there is also a wealth of inspirational content including a certain paragraph that describes The Stop having their first-ever-storyteller-in-residence. I love that he's not only sharing stories, but collecting the stories that are told to him, including Yoruba folktales from Africa, and stories from El Salvador, the Philippines, China, Jamaica, Mexico, Canada, Pakistan, and more. (Hint to the folks at The Stop, and the Publisher - I'd *love* to read a collection of the stories. Hearing about Zunde raMambo really whet my appetite!)

As lengthy as this review is, it doesn't even begin to cover the experience of reading The Stop. It's a title that will remain on my bookcase for many years to come, and will be referenced often. There was only one thing that I disliked about this book and that's the number of titles I now have to add to 'Mount To-Be-Read' because they were mentioned in this book and piqued my interest. (If you check the image above again, of the post-it flags, the pink flags are all the book titles I want to read, including 'Good Food for All - a cookbook of recipes from The Stop's kitchens).

You can find out more about The Stop at http://www.thestop.org and don't forget to check out the following bloggers that are also participating in the blog tour this week:

March 25 - Lost in a Great Book
March 26 - You're here.
March 27 - Pickle Me This
March 28 - That Tall Girl Loves Books
March 29 - Serendipitous Reader

The Stop Blog Tour

I'm going to be taking part in the Blog Tour for The Stop: How the Fight for Good Food Transformed a Community and Inspired a Movement by Nick Saul and Andrea Curtis. I'm really excited about this title and I am looking forward to posting my thoughts tomorrow. Meanwhile, check out a wonderful Q&A post over at Lost In a Great Book where the tour launched today!

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow Blog Tour - The fun continues...

Welcome back! As part of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow blog tour, the wonderful folks over at HarperCollinsCanada provided a choice of extra ways to participate in the tour, in addition to the traditional book reviews. Yesterday tour followers were treated to a wonderful Q & A with the author and if you haven't checked it out, be sure to do that soon by visiting The Savvy Reader blog and following the links which will be updated daily as each post is published.  Earlier today I shared my thoughts on this book that in my belief is sure to become a bestseller. 

With that taken care of, that leads me to my second post and the subject of my top 5 picks for literature set in the 1950s.  I'm sure I don't have to explain in detail how difficult it is for any bibliophile to recommend a limited number of books - in fact I'm fairly confident that even as you were reading the previous comment, you were doing a great impression of a bobblehead. Even without that limit, there is a second issue that comes to mind. The lists. You've seen them. No matter whether it's on a blog, a social network, or dedicated book sites, you will find the lists that often repeat the same tried and tested favourites. I have no issue with that, but I also don't want to be repetitive.

On that note, I decided not to do that. Instead, I opted to do a little research on books that are set in the 1950s that in most cases, have been released in the last year or so (in no particular order). 

• Driving the Birds (Jabonkah Sackey's Story) by Russell Traughber.
  
  An important book that I believe should be read by everyone. It's a book that opens the readers eyes to the often barbaric practices that are still occurring to this day. I'm always hesitant when speaking about this because I am well aware that in every culture we do things that don't always seem right to those from another country, or culture but in this case, I don't believe these practices have a place in the world today. It's my hope that authors such as Russell Traughber and the courageous Jabonkah Sackey continue spreading the word, and that we continue to support their goal. You can find my review of this book here.


• The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski.

If you haven't already, you can read my review to discover why this book is such a favourite of mine. It was actually fairly easy to forget that this novel was partly set in the 50s until certain scenes provided a stark reminder of the racial issues prevalent in that era. A fabulous novel published by Harper Collins Canada

• Stony River by Tricia Dower.

This book is set in Stony River, New Jersey, 1955. Stony River is a small town, you've seen many like it with children playing out in the open, without fear but in one summer, with one girl dead and another missing, all that is set to change. The back of the novel describes Stony River as 'An engrossing novel about growing up, finding your voice and forgiving your family'.You can read my review here. I'm grateful for the recommendation from the crew over at Penguin Canada for this one. 

• A Grain of Wheat by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o.

This book is set during the state of emergency in Kenya's struggle for independence (1952-1959). It's the first book I have read by this Kenyan author though he has quite the number of published works. I'm still working my through this gripping novel which is part of the Penguin Classics line of titles. I'll be posting a review of it in the near future.

• The Jeeptown Sock Hop by John Harrigan.

Often I get requests from independent publicists and authors themselves who are seeking reviewers for their newly released books. That is how The Jeeptown Sock Hop found it's way to me. As a survivor, I was interested from the start as I know the novel deals with the subject of sexual abuse towards children and I try to promote as many books on this, and other issues via my blog.The back of the book promises that 'it plays your heart strings until you can't take anymore and the characters are so well developed they become part of your soul'. It looks to be a powerful read. Once again, the review will be posted in a week or so.

This blog tour, in addition to providing me with an excellent book, a new favourite author, and the challenge regarding books set in the 50s, has really encouraged me to pay attention to the era represented in many of my current and past reads. I could be found at times checking out the titles in the study, seeking out firm favourites and then muttering very impolite words under my breath when I found those titles didn't fit in with this decade and thus prevented me from raving about them. I'm sure I'll find an excuse to do that sometime soon though.

If you'd like to take part in the giveaway and win your very own copy of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow just drop me an e-mail with the the answer to the following question. The first correct answer gets the book. You must reside in Canada or the US to enter (You'll find the answer here)

Which colourful and evocative city is The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow set in?

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, and once again a huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for inviting me to participate in this fun blog tour. I'll be following the remaining bloggers through to the conclusion of the tour on March 1, and I encourage each of you to do the same. Once again you can find the information over at The Savvy Reader blog.

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Welcome! Today is the second day of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow blog tour which I have been excited about from the first moment I was sent an invitation to participate. I have to give my thanks to the wonderful folks over at HarperCollinsCanada for introducing me to a book that was such a pleasure to read. The tour started off wonderfully yesterday with Jaclyn of Literary Treats. You can learn more about the stops on this tour by visiting The Savvy Reader blog which will be updated daily with quotes from every blogger and links to each post. I invite you to join me in following this tour through to its conclusion on Friday. I'm sure it's going to be a fun and entertaining experience. I am especially excited about the secondary posts that will be made, though I know that it will undoubtedly mean adding more books to my 'to read' list.  

I'm going to be making two posts today. The first is where I will share my thoughts about the book and the second, more challenging post, will be my top 5 picks of books set in the 1950s. I'm simply terrible when it comes to trying to select a few favourites but I'll try my best and you can see the results at around 1pm EST.

Now for the moment I've been both eagerly anticipating and dreading, my review.. 

Published by HarperCollinsCanada

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow has lingered with me since I first read it a few weeks ago. Any mother will tell you that when her baby entered the world, the most beautiful sound in the world is their first cry as they announce their arrival to the human race. However, there is always an exception to every rule and Bonaventure Arrow is exactly that. All around him are bewildered by his lack of a voice and that isn't the only thing that they don't understand. Bonaventure has a secret, a few of them in fact.

He has an amazing gift in the form of superhuman hearing. In his world he can hear flowers growing, and even colours have a unique sound that only he can experience. It's the everyday objects such as written letters, pencils and more that really drive home just how special he is. A jar of sand holds the sounds of water, rocks and seaweed from where it used to live, a stub of chalk offered up the sounds of tiny creatures building seashells out of lime. These items and others were soon collected in a box along with many more of Bonaventure's favourite sounds. At least those he can keep. It's impossible to capture the clouds and the joyful noise of possibility that they provided. The only person who really understands his unique qualities is his deceased father, William Arrow, who was murdered before the birth of his son. Often it is only the relationship with his father that allows Bonaventure to remain so kind, gentle, and confident in a house where his mother and grandmother are not only grieving the loss of their beloved William, but are also fighting their personal demons, weighed down with guilt.

This is one of those books that you just know is going to be on numerous bestseller lists. The plot is brilliant and unique, truly unforgettable. The writing style is extraordinary and a joy to read. I know my regular followers are probably aware that sometimes a book will become a favourite for me, just because it has such eloquent and beautiful language that inspires the reader to read certain passages aloud. This book has that effect on me but on a far greater level than I've experienced before.

In addition, the characters are complex, and fascinating. I felt I had bonded with the characters from remarkably early in the novel and usually for me that happens towards the end of a novel when I've absorbed a great deal of detail. It speaks volumes about the writing skills of Rita Leganski that the detail was blended beautifully into this well-crafted tale.

I'd find it difficult to choose a favourite character in this novel. I find myself enthralled by Bonaventure and his inexplicable, almost magical gift as well as his inspirational nature that embodies all that is good in humanity. I also find myself fascinated by Trinidad Prefontaine and her experiences in an era that was still rife with racial inequality, as well as the superstition and fear that surrounds Hoodoo (African-American folk magic). I have to admit that I felt a great deal of emotion for each and every character in this book and not always in a good way. A prime example is the maternal grandmother who inspired only dark and negative feelings in me that mostly stemmed from her awful treatment of Bonaventure. It's certainly an emotionally charged read and though I've read it twice already, I know that I'll be revisiting this book often.

I said at the start of this review, that I had eagerly anticipated and dreaded this review and that still holds true. I always read my reviews a few times before finally publishing them. In some cases that is helpful and then in cases like this, it's really more of a hindrance.

I could write this review a dozen times over, and it would never come close to capturing the magic and beauty of this exceptionally flawless debut novel. It has created a yearning in me, for silence and solitude in the hope that even if just for a second we could experience the world through Bonaventure's eyes. Anyone who has ever met me will tell you that the idea of me, and silence, is a miracle in itself. In finishing, all I can say is you need this book.

Don't forget to pop back here later today and check out my top 5 post, as well as details of a book giveaway for one lucky reader!

The Poisoned Pawn by Peggy Blair

Published by Penguin Group Canada

Some of you will already be familiar with Cuban Inspector Ricardo Ramirez from his debut appearance in The Beggar's Opera. If you missed that title, don't worry as one lucky reader will win a copy of The Poisoned Pawn as well as a copy of The Beggar's Opera so you can read them both! 

Inspector Ramirez has quite the challenge in this novel. When a priest is found in possession of pornography featuring Cuban children, Ramirez is sent to Canada in order to bring the priest back home where he'll face the consequences of his actions. To further complicate issues while he is in Ottawa trying to navigate the legal and political minefield that will allow him to take custody of the priest, women back home in Havana have begun to drop dead from what is believed to be some form of toxin. When it's further revealed that two of the victims were tourists, Ramirez needs to act fast before a travel advisory is issued, and Cuban tourism grinds to a halt. 

It's not often that I find myself drawn to books of the murder mystery type but when I was asked if I would like to participate in The Poisoned Pawn blog tour, I knew I couldn't or shouldn't say no. I was highly curious to see if the second instalment of this series lived up to my expectations and I was definitely not disappointed. Once again Peggy Blair provides a strong cast of characters, along with a brilliantly executed plot that certainly lacked the transparency that can occur with some mystery and thriller novels. I can't comment on the detail and/or accuracy of the Cuban setting, having never been there, but Ottawa was captured perfectly. I always get a little more enjoyment out of a book when it speaks of places that are familiar to me. One of the strongest impressions this book has left with me, is that the writing has a wonderfully fluid style that makes it impossible to avoid being caught up in this fast-paced adventure. So much so that I picked up the novel this afternoon knowing I could get an hour or so of reading time and then found myself at the end of the book, realizing it had been close to 5 hours and the light is fading fast.  

It's all of these things combined that makes The Poisoned Pawn a novel that you should check out. Even if, like me, murder mysteries are not something that usually appeal, you might just be surprised. If you'd like to see more reviews of this title, you can check out the links below and find out what the other blog tour participants think of this title too.

• Feb 25 - The Literary Word (You are here!)
• Feb 26 - Curled Up with a Good Book and a Cup of Tea
• Feb 28 - Just a Lil Lost
• Mar 04 - A Bookworm's World
• Mar 05 - Serendipitous Readings
• Mar 06 - Literary Treats
• Mar 07 - Thrifty Momma's Brainfood

If you'd like to try and win a copy of each of the Inspector Ramirez titles, it's your lucky day thanks to the wonderful folks over at Penguin Canada.

All you have to do is check out Peggy's website (listed below) and then let me know via e-mail what is so special about the martini shaker that is featured there. This contest is open to Canadians only.

Author's website: http://www.peggyblair.com/.