A few more bits of this n thats.... Vicki's new book, Renovations, Cows, Turnips, My Liquid Brekkies and other such things.

Author Vicki Tyley is a long-time blogfriend and, as you've seen on my sidebar, I'm a great fan of her gripping mystery and suspense stories. She's just released another book Fatal Liaison which is an absolute ripper.

Even though I'm not a writer, I can still imagine the sometimes long, hair-pulling hours that authors must put in to create a story. I appreciate that, and get a kick out of sharing the news of when I've had a good read.  I love to add my 2 cents' worth in my own particular style of review,  so here goes:

The lives of two strangers, Greg Jenkins and Megan Brighton, become inextricably entangled when they each sign up for a dinner dating agency. Greg's reason for joining has nothing to do with looking for love.  His recently divorced sister Sam has disappeared and Greg is convinced that Dinner for Twelve, or at least one of its clients, may be responsible.  Neither is Megan looking for love....

Vicki has unleashed another compelling story, chock-a-block full of just the right mix of ingredients that we've come to expect from her stylish hand. 

A simmering mystery that erupts into highly charged emotions combining with dramatic and sometimes confronting encounters, all cleverly  woven with an intriguing psychological twist. 

Vicki's editing is seamless. Her words flow with an ease that is pure delight to read.  

Her main characters, Greg and Megan,  have heart and warmth.  I was nail-bitingly, lip-chewingly, carried along not wanting to leave their sides all throughout their harrowing journey. 

My Rating:  Forget the "X" Factor... There's now the "Tyley" Factor

*****

Our Renovations

We've decided to finish the renovations that we started some
5 years' ago.  Had a few years' break in between.
Here's MD making a start on getting the wallpaper off.
We gave ourselves a weekend break... oh, and Monday as well.
We're off shopping today and tomorrow.... um ;-)

We're taking a tea break from the renovations here.
It's a tough job all right .... but someones got to do it!!

Here is our regular King Parrot visitor to our verandah.
He's so friendly and gentle.

He sometimes allows a female to join him on the rail, but really prefers to have us to himself.
We had to stop feeding him there because he would jump on to the cane chair and
look into the lounge at us, requesting food.  If we didn't come out straight away, he'd
start chewing on the chair!
He's quite used to the fact now, that he doesn't get food from us at the verandah
anymore, but still likes to drop in to say hello.

*****

Cows and turnips

Snapped this on our way through to check on Mumma Swan at Lakes Entrance.
The cows were happily chomping on the turnips but ran like scaredy cats when I
walked over to photograph them.

*****

My liquid brekkies

I mentioned my liquid brekkies last year in a post.  I still occasionally have them.
I vary the ingredients quite a bit.  This one has a raw egg, sesame seeds, crushed linseeds,  soy milk,
banana, honey and a good few shakes of cinnamon. 

Oh Yum.... truly!

*****

We loved this one ... it must be such a hard day at 'The Office'

*****

A beautiful sight

Finally, I shall end with the rainbow we saw on our way back from Lakes.
Just lovely!  I have always admired Linda's (Life on a Colorado Farm) rainbows and now I've been able to capture my own!

*****

Thank you for rolling down the page with me (ha ha, that sounds a bit weird.... but you know what I mean). 

I think I'll have a little break from posting  (EXCEPT of course, for a Mumma Swan Update)  while I catch up on my visits to everyones' blogs and read the posts I've missed. There are so many delightful blogspots to visit, I don't seem to get around to as many,  as much as I'd like to.   So that's what I shall be doing for the next little while. 

Froggie has been making a few noises, so perhaps he may hop in a bit later on ;-)  

Cheerio for now and keep well and safe everyone!

My Virtual Bookshelf ~ Vicki Tyley

Thin Blood  (Vicki Tyley) A stockbroker's wife disappears. Blood on his hands and an adulterous affair with the missing woman's younger sister sees him charged with murder. 

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Believable characters who each contributed to the storyline. A descriptive style that gets straight to the point without superfluous words. The description of Melbourne is spot on! An exciting build to a surprising end. Can't wait to get my teeth into another of Vicki's Books. My Rating: Get the housework done first next time, because I couldn't put this down until finished! 

(Now released as an audio book)

Brittle Shadows (Vicki Tyley) When Tanya Clark is confronted with her fiance's naked corpse hanging from a wardrobe rail, her life is torn apart.

I was enthralled. An absolutely great read. Vicki's characters are so real, with human failings that we can all relate to. In addition to her delicious and exciting mystery writing, is the added element of a nice touch of romance. Another triumph! My Rating: Knocked my socks off - it's soooo readable. 

Sleight Malice  (Vicki Tyley) One cold Melbourne winter's night a suburban bungalow goes up in flames. A badly charred body is discovered in the flames. 

Vicki’s story telling skills are such that I instantly feel I know her main characters very well. No turning back to the first few chapters to check on details. In this story, Desley is a loyal, trusting soul who is confronted with confounding deceptions, and reacts in a very human way. She has a quirky side too … who would’ve thought of preparing a Vegemite snack the way she does! Desley is surrounded by a gamut of strong characters all with their own agenda and seemingly plausible reasons for their actions. A well thought out, entertaining story. I also appreciate the research Vicki's stories contain, in addition to the excellent editing. After reading this story, Thin Blood and Brittle Shadows, I will have no need to check out a preview of your future books... I know I’m assured of a quality read, thank you Vicki for that luxury. My Rating: Couldn't press 'next page' button quick enough!! 

My Virtual Bookshelf ~ Cherri Galbiati

Tracking Perception (Cherri Galbiati) - A Becky McAllen Mystery Novel. A bloody murder at the Piper Mansion. The only witness - Tasha a German Shepherd dog. 

This is such a fun read. A darkly murderous and exciting novel!  Becky is a full-on, very likeable character - someone who, in real life, I'd love as a friend. She speaks her mind, at any cost. Just can't help sticking her nose where it's told not to go and gets herself into terribly embarrassing situations - totally of her own making! As always, with Cherri's stories, the extra element of her love of dogs is woven throughout. This adds a rich layer of interest and I'm astounded at the skills and intuition of Search and Rescue dogs coupled with the patience and dedication of their owners. Downright enjoyable. My Rating: Hunker down with a block of chocolate and prepare to be entertained. 

Impact for Murder (Cherri Galbiati) A murderer commits his deed under the cloak of deafening hurricane winds. He thought no one would hear a thing.

Oh boy, this story just reached out and pulled me right in to the town of Hollow and its collection of colourful, entertaining and evil characters, who make up its community. 

Cherri carries her readers in a sensitive and respectful way through the devastation of a hurricane, and wove a story with many layers of emotions.

Wow! The things that happen when you least expect them.... the humour, the mystery, the seething. Ah! right through to the very end, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I'm thrilled to have found another Author with a distinctive style. My Rating: Had to lock the doors - this is a killer! 

My Virtual Library ~ Carla Krae

Becoming Seven Year One (Carla Krae) Short Story. First in a series of three. 

Della thought she was a normal sixteen-year-old, until the night she met a vampire behind a drugstore and discovered a deadly power. Now The Order wants to recruit her, but who are they, and where does this power come from?

My Rating: "I read these before giving them to my granddaughters... got totally hooked. They're not your usual dark vampire stories.  My teenage granddaughters loved them too. In fact, wanted more, as do I. Give them a try they don't disappoint!"  

My Virtual Bookshelf ~ Chris Slusser, Joan Francis, Matt Williams, Sheila Mary Taylor

Fugue by Chris Slusser - A woman with no identity or name keeps waking up during bizarre and often violent experiences, sometimes murder.

A thrilling read - it kept me guessing right to the end. Each character's individuality shone through in this fast-paced action fantasy.  It was the sort of story that I couldn't imagine what the ending would be... it didn't disappoint. Well written with good editing.
I'd thoroughly recommend this book. My Rating: Oh Mumma... this is a teddybear-hugger - it scared me! ~ Susan, 25th July 2011

Old Poison (Joan Francis) - A Diana Hunter, Private Investigator, Thriller. When environmentalist, Evelyn Lilac is murdered, Diana begins a dangerous journey from California to New Mexico and finally to the Costa Rican rainforest.

A top story. Exciting adventure and mystery - totally devoid of any slow bits. Very cleverly thought out with characters whose personalities shine through. Narrative transports the reader to exotic locations. My Rating: Cook up a casserole in advance ... no putting this book down 'til finished!

Death's Memory (Matt Williams) Panic strikes as a man wakes and finds a dead body - and no answers. Has he been framed?

A short story from Smashwords - a great little mystery that kept me guessing.  Well paced, well written, well everything :)  I'm hoping Matt will write more in this genre. My Rating: Turn off the telly - this is much better!

Pinpoint (Sheila Mary Taylor) A lawyer, a murderer and a policeman - caught in a tangled web of love, loss, terror and intrigue. 

A high calibre mystery/thriller and it drew me into an emotional journey of intrigue. My Rating:  "Don't let the cover turn you off - it's a read I'd highly recommend".