Sorry Secrets Posted by Drac , Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:17 PM, in Labels: book, fiction, Leadstart

Title: Sorry Secrets

Author: Aditya S. Pendyala 

Publisher: Leadstart Publishing 

Genre: Fiction 

Sorry Secrets by Aditya S. Pendyala is a collection of 11 short stories and 4 poems. Where most of the collections focus on a single theme or outline, this book tries to capture a wide stream of imagination. 

Each story is uniquely different and appealing at its own pace. From relationships to crime, thriller to sci-fi, drama to mystery, no genre has left untouched; thus providing something for every kind of reader. The story flow of Blood, Grey Shades, Cliff Hanger and Disearthed needs a special mention. Along with Dead and Here, Sorry Secrets and Musicalee Speaking which makes it a good page-turner. Although there is nothing completely new or bizarre concept in any story which leaves you surprised, the writing keeps you spell bounded. I don’t consider myself as one with a sense of poetry, hence I won’t comment on the poems this book includes. Except, I enjoyed them and they are cherish-able keepsake after a roller-coaster ride of stories. 

Usually I am a bit reluctant to read debut Indian authors as they use a lot of Hindi slangs in their writing, which I consider as an insult of the language. But thankfully, this book is free from any such flaws. In fact giving the author’s command over the stories and expertise on words, it is hard to consider Sorry Secrets a debut. It is highly recommended for new readers and wannabe writers. But as they say real talent of a writer unleashes after he writes a complete novel, I am really looking forward to read a full-fledged novel from the author. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mystery Time Posted by Drac , Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 2:17 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: Mystery Time

Author: Janet Hannah

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Fiction

Mystery time by Janet Hannah is the third novel in Alex Kertész Mystery series. In this installment, the two scientists, Alex Kertész from Israel and Hildegard Kraus from Germany will have to solve two mysteries; of a murder and a missing watch. 

Alex and Hildegard are attending a convention on Molecular Biology at Prague, where an American scientist, Dr. Green gets killed on the stage. Being heard his last words, Alex and Hildegard, starts to take a dig on this mystery killer. Was Dr. Green a victim of local criminals or his colleague’s grudge? Or some other mystery is concealed beneath the surface?  Through the investigation Hildegard recalls that her pocket watch, which she loaned to Dr. Green, is missing. Did the killer took it? And what mystery does a simple looking, old pocket watch holds? The protagonists struggle to find the answer of these questions in Mystery Time. 

Author is really good with the depiction of scenarios and that’s the highlight of this book. The lead characters are captivating with their depth of understanding; though their scientific backgrounds are hardly accentuated.  The romantic anxiety Alex and Hildegard share is also stirring and sparks a bond with reader. Unfortunately the grasp the characters possess does not reflect in the story. Unlike a thriller is supposed to be, Mystery Time is a slow-paced, tranquil and unruffled read. The later part of the story, pocket watch with power of vision, is not explored up to the expectations. Overall, the characters look very promising and I hope every next book in the series will be better than the previous one. 

Rating: 3/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”