Sleep No More - Guy Hale - The Shakespeare Murders Book 4

Sleep No More

Shakespeare Murders Book 4

Guy Hale

Bullington Press

ISBN 9781068363382

eISBN 9781068363399

ASIN B0FZJVTSB5

I picked up the first volume in this series for a few reasons. First over the last several years I have become a big fan of mystery books coming out of England, Ireland and Scotland. I have read most volumes from the likes of J.D. Kirk, Alex Smith, K.T. Galloway, and J.E. Mayhew and am always willing to give another author a try. Second my kids and I are huge fans of Shakespeare and we attend the Stratford Festival in Ontario often and typically go to all the Bards plays each year. Third I have been reading some other Shakespeare based fiction lately like Ted Neill’s Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series and the Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing. Volume one was highlighted in a Kindle blast of books on sale I might be interested in. I loved that first volume and almost started the second offering as soon as I finished that first one. The first three were great reads and this one took it to the next level. About the author on his site we are informed:

“Guy Hale was born in Worcestershire, England. His first job was as a Professional Golfer. He also played Rugby and raced motorcycles until his mid-twenties. When this failed to kill him he started writing plays, mostly two handers which he performed in pubs and assorted venues with his mate, Andy.”

This was an excellent story I am now planning on reading everything in print from Guy Hale. My friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I love I try and read everything they have in print. But I am getting ahead of myself, back to the volume at hand.

The description of this volume is:

“Act The Way To Dusty Death

Sir Morris Oxford lies critically wounded in Stratford Hospital. Oliver Lawrence, whose cunning plan put him there, thought his revenge was complete but it takes a lot to kill a King

Boundless ambition collides headlong with the cold fury of revenge as we enter the final scene of this tragedy. There can be no hiding place for those that harbour secrets. As Toby Marlowe and Fred Williams try desperately to catch their killer, a huge storm surges into Stratford and drowns all hope of a happy resolution.

On the dark streets of Stratford, something wicked this way comes!”

This story is set in the 1970s Stratford-upon-Avon and is a police procedural. This story features elements mainly from Macbeth. Felix has doubts, regrets and fears his days are numbered. He creates a sort of insurance policy, locking his journal away in case something happens to him. Oliver is pushing the limits even he begins to suspect he goes too far. Sir Morris initially survives the stabbing during the live production of Julius Caesar. So he comes up with a new plan and a hot diversion because of the police protection. Oliver remains at large, executing his plans. And seeing his revenge through to the bitter end. Detectives Toby Marlowe and Fred Williams are willing to do almost anything to catch him, including working with the press, and trusting Whomper yet again.

I will say pay close attention to the chapter titles some are terribly clever. The characters in this series are excellent, and they just keep getting better. The plot surprising and fresh, though this one is much darker. And the book leaves you The reader surprised. The ending can be interpreted a few ways. And I cannot but wonder if we have yet to see the last of Oliver and his dastardly deeds? This is an excellent read I can easily recommend it and the whole series! 

Books by Guy Hale

Comeback Trail Series:

1. Killing Me Softly (2022)

2. Blood on the Tracks (2022)

3. All The World's A Stage (2023)

…

Shakespeare Murders Series:

1. The Croaking Raven (2024)

2. All Our Yesterdays (2025)

3. Put Out the Light (2025)

4. Sleep No More (2025)

…

Other Posts Related to Shakespeare:

A Weekend of Three’s A Trip to Stratford

Romeo & Juliet - Oxford School Shakespeare 

MacBeth - Oxford School Shakespeare 

King Lear - Oxford School Shakespeare 

Cymbeline - The Pelican Shakespeare

Twelfth Night - The Pelican Shakespeare

Macbeth - Pelican Shakespeare 

As You Like It - Pelican Shakespeare 

The Winter's Tale - Pelican Shakespeare

The Tempest - Pelican Shakespeare 

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Pelican Shakespeare 

Othello - Pelican Shakespeare 

The Sonnets - Pelican Classics Edition 

The Dark Lady and Pandora: Two Plays - Jessica B. Hill 

…

Reviews of Stratford Shakespeare Productions:

The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019 

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

Macbeth - 2025  

As You Like It - 2025 

The Winter's Tale - 2025 

The Tempest - 2026  

Something Rotten – 2026 - Bottoms Up! 

A Midsummer's Night Dream - 2026 

Othello - 2026  

...

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016

Macbeth - 2015

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Hamlet

Othello 

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream 

Much Ado About Nothing 

…

Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing:

Hostile Takeover: A Macbeth Remix -  Rex MacDuff 

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt 

…

Guy Hale's Shakespeare Murders Series:

1. The Croaking Raven  

2. All Our Yesterdays 

3. Put Out the Light  

4. Sleep No More 

…

Saturday, Sunday, Monday Stratford Festival 2026 A Review

Saturday, Sunday, Monday

2026

Stratford Festival

Director Antoni Cimolino

Set Designer Douglas Paraschuk

Costume Designer Francesca Callow

Lighting Designer Michael Walton

Composer Wayne Kelso

Sound Designer Ranil Sonnadara

Dramaturge Donato Santeramo

Fight Director Anita Nittoly

Executive Producer David Auster

Casting Director Ari Weinberg

Creative Planning Director Jason Miller

This review will be a little different. First we will have a micro review from my 15 year old daughter, and then my normal review format will follow. So her in her own words, my daughter’s review:

“HELLO AGAIN! I am back for another Stratford review (It’s the youngest daughter again, Z.E McEvoy). Recently, my dad brother and I went and saw Saturday, Sunday, Monday at the Stratford Festival and I have two main words for it. You will be BLOWN AWAY if you have the chance to pick up tickets. This show is a dramatic comedy packed full of funny one liners to implicated “issues” which carry out throughout the entire show. But, the show didn’t start when the lights went out this time and that stage lights up, no. This show starts right when you enter the building, the amazing team at Stratford has turned the upper lounge room into an entire city with interactive parts. You even can purchase tickets to get the ragu in which they make live on stage during the show to feel even more into the story and as if you are at that Sunday lunch with the entire family. From captivating acting and character work, to amazing service and environment I highly recommend taking any chance you have to watch this incredible live performance.”

The description on the websites is:

“Passion, pride and pasta 

In this comic masterpiece, a lively Neapolitan household is thrown into turmoil when a simmering marital rift between the family matriarch and her withdrawn husband comes to a boil. As emotions flare and generations clash, laughter and love guide the family toward reconciliation and a deeper understanding of one another.”

The synopsis in the playbill states:

“Saturday, Sunday, Monday unfolds inside a boisterous Neapolitan household, where long-simmering tensions rise to a boil over a single weekend. Patriarch Peppino, feeling unappreciated and misunderstood, suspects his wife, Donna Rosa, of infidelity. In turn, Donna Rosa feels neglected and unloved. Their marital strain fuels a chain of miscommunication that ripples through the extended family and neighbouring friends, each of whom adds their own quirks, grievances and comedic chaos. Across a weekend filled with arguments, humorous interruptions and heartfelt revelations, the household becomes a battleground of clashing personalities and long-buried frustrations. By Monday, the uproar subsides, honesty breaks through and Peppino and Donna Rosa begin to confront the truths that might finally allow them to heal.”

All three of us loved the production. 

The full cast is:

The Family

Rosa Priore - Rose Napoli

Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore (Her Husband) - Graham Abbey

Antonio Piscopo (Her Father) - Rod Beattie

Roberto Priore (Her Eldest Child) - Jakob Ehman

Rocco Priore (Her Second Child) - Emilio Vieira

Giulianella Priore(Her Youngest Child) - Katarina Fiallos

Raffaele Priore (Peppino’s Brother) - Geraint Wyn Davies

Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore (Peppino’s Sister) - Seana Mckenna

Attilio (Her Son) - Josue Laboucane

Maria Carolina (Wife To Roberto) - Celia Aloma 

Federico Serretta (Engaged To Giulianella) - Maher Sinno 

The Neighbours

Luigi Ianniello (The Accountant) - Gordon S. Miller

Elena Ianniello (His Wife) - Michelle Giroux

The Visitors

Virginia (The Maid) - Jenna-Lee Hyde

Michele (Her Brother) - Liam Tobin

Catiello (The Tailor) - David Collins

Cefercola (The Doctor) - Michael Wamara

Understudies

Giulianella Priore - Ashley Dingwell

Attilio, Raffaele Priore - Paul Dunn

Rosa Priore - Michelle Giroux

Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore - Jenna-Lee Hyde

Luigi Ianiello, Catiello - Matthew Kabwe

Antonio Piscopo - John Kirkpatrick

Elena Ianniello - Allison Lynch

Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore - Jamie Mac

Rocco Priore, Michele - Landon Nesbitt

Maria Carolina, Virginia - Marissa Orjalo

Roberto Priore - Liam Tobin

Federico Serretta, Cefercola - Dakota Jamal Wellman

When we go and see the play in person we have an almost an hour drive home, and usually spend the time discussing the performance. But this time we went across the street and sat on a patio and ate, listened to live music and discussed the play. I could barely get a word in as they both loved the production so much. One of the things we talk about is our favourite performers. It was a very heated discussion this time. We each pick our top 5. Our picks are:

My top ranking for the performers would be:

Graham Abbey as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore

Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore

Geraint Wyn Davies as Raffaele Priore 

Liam Tobin as Michele  the maid's brother

Rose Napoli as Rosa Priore

My son's (18) top picks are:

Geraint Wyn Davies as Raffaele Priore 

Rose Napoli as Rosa Priore

Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore

Rod Beattie as Antonio Piscopo 

Graham Abbey as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore

My daughters (15) were:

Katarina Fiallos as Giulianella Priore

Rod Beattie as Antonio Piscopo

Rose Napoli as Rosa Priore

Seana Mckenna as Aunt Amelia “Meme” Priore 

Graham Abbey as Giuseppe “Peppino” Priore

This play is an intriguing piece. And caused some family calendar confusion as we went on a Friday to see Saturday, Sunday, Monday. You come into the theatre and as mentioned above the upper lobby is set up as an Italian street. When you enter the auditorium the set is on full display and a pot is simmering on the stove. You can smell the aroma of the Ragu, and as ingredients are added throughout the first act only cause the enticing smell to amplify it. They offer servings of the Ragu and bread during the second intermission for sale. It is excellent. They also have a series of Italian styled beverages both with and without alcohol to enhance the experience. The play was written by Eduardo de Filippo and this is a new English version by Donato Santeramo and Antoni Cimolino. Cimolino, who is in his final year as artistic director had time to write this new version and it is masterfully done. 

So this becomes an entire immersive experience, sight, sound, and fury. The play focuses around a large extended family, and the prep for the normal social Sunday meal. Things do not go well at the meal and tensions that have been building boil over. Monday we find out if there can be resolution, or of things will go on as they had been, or if some mistakes once made cannot be undone. 

This is an excellent production, and if you have the opportunity to go this season It is absolutely worth it!

Note: Photos by David Hou/Stratford Festival or our own.

Reviews of Other Stratford Productions:

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

The Miser – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Frankenstein Revived – 2023

Grand Magic – 2023

A Wrinkle in Time – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Something Rotten – 2024

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

Macbeth - 2025 

As You Like It - 2025 

The Winter's Tale - 2025 

Annie - 2025 

Anne of Green Gables - 2025 

Goblin Oedipus -  2025 

The Tempest - 2026  

Something Rotten – 2026 

A Midsummer's Night Dream - 2026 

Othello - 2026 

Saturday, Sunday, Monday - 2026 

... 

Other posts by Z.E. McEvoy:

I Want ...  A Poem

Staplers A Poem

At The Risk of Feeling Dumb 

Hurry Up! A Poem

Bottoms Up Everyone! Something Rotten Stratford Festival 2026 A Review

Saturday, Sunday, Monday tratford Festival 2026 A Review  

...

The Last Latitude - Cole Winters

The Last Latitude

Cole Winters

ISBN 9781066799879

ISBN 9781066799855

eISBN 9781066799848

ASIN B0H9CCHC79

I was intrigued by this title from the first time I saw the cover. Everywhere I turned on social media it was popping up. And each time I saw it there was a desire to read it. Over the last decade I have averaged about a book a day. I read across a wide range of genres. This is one of the better debut novels I have read. In my top 10 debut novels for certain. And likely top 5 over the last few years. 

The description of this volume states:

“His mother died mapping a place the world agreed to forget. Then he found twelve pixels that should not be there.

For six years, Leo Vasquez has watched the same twelve pixels flicker on a satellite map of Antarctica. Nobody can explain them. No agency will admit they are there. And they sit a short flight from the station where his mother, a cartographer who spent fifteen years charting the continent, died with her last discovery unspoken.

Now he has finally reached McMurdo. And the flicker is not noise, and it is not error. The pattern under the ice has held for exactly as long as his mother has been dead.

What the pattern guards is older than every story we tell about ourselves, and the machinery built to keep it buried has had six decades of practice.

With five others thrown together by chance, and a truth his mother died protecting, Leo has one chance to reach the last latitude before the men who erase things reach him.

For readers of Blake Crouch and Dan Brown: a propulsive conspiracy thriller built on real history, real places, and one impossible discovery at the bottom of the world.”

The subtitle and tag line of the book is:

“An Antarctic Conspiracy Thriller

Some places are buried for a reason”

But they appear in opposite order on cover or title page. Both speak well to the volume. I am always intrigued by books with chapter titles, and always read them first if the volume has them. The chapters in the volume are:

Prologue

1. Glitch

2. The List

3. Armenia

4. Perfect Record

5. The Wall

6. Norwegian Wood

7. Katabatic

8. Blue Dark

9. Five Names

10. Byrd

11. Watchers

12. Uphill Water

13. Threshold

14. The Hot Sauce Rule

15. Zora

16. Forty-Seven Stars

17. Breach

18. The List

19. Forty-Eight Hours

20. The Last Reading

21. Acknowledged

22. Borrowed Altitude

Epilogue: Gerald

Early in the volume we are provided this information:

“The cabin wasn’t really a cabin. It was the cargo hold of a military transport with seats bolted in as an afterthought, and it smelled of cold metal and jet fuel and air breathed too many times by people pretending not to be nervous. Twenty–odd passengers, most of them old hands: scientists, contractors, a knot of matching fleece with a science–foundation logo. And five brand new ones, the youngest on the manifest, thrown together by the accident of the same flight south. Leo had read the manifest twice, because it was there to be read: two research grants –  undergraduates who’d out–applied nine hundred and eighty–nine others – a training placement, a support contract, and one line the paperwork called a diplomatic exchange. The manifest said six. The fleece–knot held five. The sixth, wherever she was, was not advertising. Six countries between them once you counted her, though nobody had yet. And every one of them had spent the last six months clearing the same fourteen–page medical packet – bloodwork, dental clearance, a trace of the heart, a psychologist’s careful questions – that the programme made you survive before it would let you anywhere near a place this eager to kill you.”

The youths are:

Leo Vasquez - satellite-imagery researcher from New Mexico.

Maya Chen‑Okafor - grew up at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

Darius Osei - chemistry trainee from London.

Priya Nair - research assistant from Chennai.

Callum Reed - Australian participant, athletic and outspoken.

Ingrid Solberg - Norwegian exchange attaché.

And we slowly learn more and more about them as the story proceeds. Yet within a short time they become a team and though there are some conflicts, a bit of bullying, and even maybe some betrayal, they find they are a team and come together when it matters. This line appeared in the story more than once. 

“Learn the difference between impossible and inconvenient, Darius. Most of what people call the first is the second wearing a bigger coat.”

And variations on it a few other times. It is an important phrase in the book, and I believe life. When reading it the first time I shared it with my wife, the second time I encountered it I shared it with my youngest child. This phrase is really sticking with me and I have added it to my ‘quotes’ collection.

This is a story about loss, about longing, and about seeing what others do not. It is a quest for truth, even if most of the world wants that truth hidden. And it is a story that will really stay with the reader. I could hardly put this volume down. I read it in 4 sittings over 2 days, and stayed up way, way, way too late on a work night reading. 

This is an excellent story! The characters are very well written. The pace is great. And to be honest it leaves you desperate for more. So I can only home this is the first of a long series. 

This would be a great read for those who love thrillers, action, drama, or just great reads.

Spenser A Mysterious Profile - Robert B. Parker - Mysterious Profiles Series

Spencer: A Mysterious Profile 

Mysterious Profiles

Robert B. Parker

Mysterious Press

Open Road

eISBN 9781504074513

ASIN B09V2DD35W

This is an interesting piece. I have read one other in the Mysterious Profiles series, and have picked up a few. This specific volume was originally published in 2007, reprinted in 2009, and this edition in 2022. Originally it was published by The Mysterious Bookshop now by Mysterious Press a division of Open Road Media. I can admit I have been a long time spencer fan. My Father loved the TV show and I have fond memories of watching the series as a youth. I even enjoyed the updated Mark Wahlberg Spencer Confidential movie and had hoped they would release more. In my youth I read a lot of Robert B. Parker books. A roommate and I bought them read, traded and swapped at the used book store. That was a few years before I started keeping a list of everything I read, or started writing reviews. Recently I started watching the Jesse Stone movies and decided to look into the books. It led down a rabbit hole. I believe Parker published 71 works during his lifetime. A few of his series have been continued by others, both before he passed and since his passing. There appears to be about half as many books as he wrote in his series now written by others. And there are at least 25 volumes in the Mysterious Profiles series.

But back to the volume at hand. The description of this states:

“The Boston PI agrees to an interview in this entertaining blend of short story and biographical profile by the legendary mystery author.

 

Spenser and his psychologist girlfriend, Susan, are relaxing in a courtyard on a lovely June afternoon. But accompanying them is Susan’s friend Amy, and she’s got a a book examining the men in risky professions—cops, firemen, special forces soldiers . . . and PIs. Requesting some help in her research, she peppers Spenser with questions. This short work by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Spenser series follows the stories he tells in his inimitable style, on topics ranging from his childhood to his personal relationships to, most intriguingly, what gets him up every morning to take on the bad guys once again.”

We are informed it was previously published in In Pursuit of Spencer. About the author we are informed:

“Robert Brown Parker was born in 1932 in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he met Joan, his future wife, when they were children. They began dating while both attended Colby College and were married in 1956. They have two sons, David and Daniel.

Parker received his doctorate from Boston University in 1971 with a thesis on the private eyes of Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Ross Macdonald. Today, Parker is generally regarded as next in succession after these three literary icons, and as the great writer of the hard-boiled private-detective novel. He has written, on average, two books a year for more than three decades. In addition to his Spenser series, which served as the basis for the popular television series Spenser: For Hire in the 1980s, he has written several books about characters Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall, two with Philip Marlowe as the protagonist, and such standalone novels as All Our Yesterdays, Wilderness, and Double Play. His fourth novel, Promised Land, won an Edgar Award as best novel of 1977. Parker was named Grand Master Award in 2002 by the Mystery Writers of America.”

Having read many of the Spencer novels and watched a lot of the TV show. And I have always loved the character and the character of Hawk. Hawk does not make an appearance in this one, but reference is made to him and their friendship many times. The piece is an interview by a professor working on a book pitch. Spencer is being interviewed, but Susan is there and it ends up being an interview of them both and their relationship. Amy Trent is doing the interview. Spencer is his witty, charming and irreverent self. Maybe even a little more so. But the discussion is entertaining and provides so insight into the characters and their relationship.

While researching this review I discovered that Spencer was a lapsed Catholic. Based on what I had read of his works, I had just assumed he was a Catholic with some concerns. I even read that spencer’s morality and philosophy was mirroring Parker’s. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published.  So between the Mysterious Profiles and the Parker books I have a lot I just added to my ‘to be read’ pile! 

I am glad I picked this up as my first foray back into the works of Parker after about 30 years. It was quick, light, witty, and leaves you wanting more. A good little volume, great for fans of Spencer or Parker. I really enjoyed it.

Mysterious Profiles Series:

Lincoln Rhyme: by Jeffery Deaver 

Elvis Cole and Joe Pike: by Robert Crais 

Jack Taylor: by Ken Bruen 

Jack Reacher: by Lee Child  

Charlie Parker: by John Connolly  

Hieronymus Bosch: by Michael Connelly  

Dismas Hardy: by John Lescroart  

Bob Lee Swagger: by Stephen Hunter  

Alex Delaware: by Jonathan Kellerman  

Tess Monaghan: by Laura Lippman  

Charlie Resnick: by John Harvey  

Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus: by Faye Kellerman  

Inspector Morse: by Colin Dexter  

Charlotte and Thomas Pitt: by Anne Perry  

John Rebus: by Ian Rankin  

Lou Boldt: by Ridley Pearson  

Mallory: by Carol O'Connell  

Aloysius X. L. Pendergast: by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child  

Spenser: by Robert B. Parker  

Ian Rutledge: by Charles Todd  

Maisie Dobbs: by Jacqueline Winspear  

Jane Whitefield: by Thomas Perry  

Precious Ramotswe: by Alexander McCall Smith  

Amos Walker: by Loren D. Estleman  

The Lincoln Lawyer: by Michael Connelly  

...

Books by Robert B. Parker:

Spenser Series:

1. The Godwulf Manuscript (1973)

2. God Save the Child (1974)

3. Mortal Stakes (1975)

4. Promised Land (1976)

5. The Judas Goat (1978)

6. Looking for Rachel Wallace (1980)

7. Early Autumn (1980)

8. A Savage Place (1981)

9. Ceremony (1982)

10. The Widening Gyre (1983)

11. Valediction (1984)

12. A Catskill Eagle (1985)

13. Taming a Sea-Horse (1986)

14. Pale Kings and Princes (1987)

15. Crimson Joy (1988)

16. Playmates (1989)

17. Stardust (1990)

18. Pastime (1991)

19. Double Deuce (1991)

20. Paper Doll (1993)

21. Walking Shadow (1994)

22. Thin Air (1995)

23. Chance (1996)

24. Small Vices (1997)

25. Sudden Mischief (1998)

26. Hush Money (1999)

27. Hugger Mugger (2000)

28. Potshot (2001)

29. Widow's Walk (2002)

30. Back Story (2003)

31. Bad Business (2004)

32. Cold Service (2005)

33. School Days (2005)

34. Hundred-Dollar Baby (2006) aka Dream Girl

35. Now and Then (2007)

36. Rough Weather (2008)

36.5. Chasing the Bear (2009)

37. The Professional (2009)

38. Painted Ladies (2010)

39. Sixkill (2011)

42. Silent Night (2013) (with Helen Brann)

Spenser: A Mysterious Profile (2022)

…

Jesse Stone Series:

1. Night Passage (1997)

2. Trouble in Paradise (1998)

3. Death In Paradise (2001)

4. Stone Cold (2003)

5. Sea Change (2005)

6. High Profile (2007)

7. Stranger in Paradise (2008)

8. Night and Day (2009)

9. Split Image (2010)

…

Sunny Randall Series:

1. Family Honor (1999)

2. Perish Twice (2000)

3. Shrink Rap (2002)

4. Melancholy Baby (2004)

5. Blue Screen (2006)

6. Spare Change (2007)

…

Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch Series:

1. Appaloosa (2005)

2. Resolution (2008)

3. Brimstone (2009)

4. Blue-Eyed Devil (2010)

…

Philip Marlowe Series:

Poodle Springs (1989)

Perchance to Dream (1991)

…

Novels:

Wilderness (1979)

Love and Glory (1983)

All Our Yesterdays (1994)

Gunman's Rhapsody (2001)

Double Play (2004)

Edenville Owls (2007)

The Boxer and the Spy (2008)

Surrogate (1982)

...

My First Saint Nicholas Book - Amanda Lauer and Julia Seal

My First Saint Nicholas Book

Amanda Lauer  

Julia Seal

Paraclete Press

ISBN 9788893480375

ASIN B0GKW3ML1M

With the reading of this volume it marks the eighth stand-alone work I have read by Amanda Lauer. I have read her contributions to anthologies numerous times. I have yet to read anything by here that was not excellent. But this is quite different than everything else I have read about her. All her other works are you teens, young adults and adults. I believe this is her second foray into Children’s books and her first board book.

The description on the back of this book states:

“Saint Nicholas spent his life secretly giving gifts to the poor and those in need. 

With this delightful board book, share with your little one the true story of one of the world’s most beloved saints!”

The online description states:

“This colorful and whimsical rhyming board book for infants and toddlers will become a family tradition as little ones look and listen to the story of St. Nicholas, one of the most-celebrated saints in history.

Saint Nicholas was a young man who grew up in a wealthy home but spent his life secretly giving gifts to the poor and those in need. This season, celebrate Saint Nicholas' Feast Day (Dec. 6) and share the true meaning of Christmas while snuggling up with little ones and imagining the joy of helping others by giving gifts to loved ones near and far.

This brightly illustrated, sturdy board book about the faith-based origin of St. Nicholas is the perfect way to introduce young children to one of the most celebrated saints in history and to gently convey the real story behind the modern-day Santa Claus.

My First Saint Nicholas Book:

• Is perfect for readers 0-3 who are curious about the origin of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus
• Celebrates the holiday season and teaches little ones about the joy of giving to others and helping those in need
• Includes vibrant and joyful images with eye-catching items for toddlers to identify throughout the story
• Is a faith-based look at the Christmas holiday and giving or receiving gifts

With charming illustrations and an uplifting story, My First Saint Nicholas Book is a great gift for new baby, first Christmas, and curious toddlers. The perfect size for a stocking stuffer, this delightful board book will become a keepsake and favorite family read during the Advent and Christmas season.”

This is a small volume, but sometimes great things come in small packages. Especially when Saint Nicholas is involved! This volume would have been a favourite when my children were younger, and maybe one day it will be a favourite with grandchildren. I loved the pieces of the story pulled for this board books, and the illustrations are excellent. Some pages are full two pages spread illustrations, some are left and right split and one is even a top-bottom split. They all work very well. I really appreciated the illustration of Nicholas as a Bishop in prayer. And the challenge at the end to readers will be something the whole family can embrace. 

This is an excellent little board book. It could easily become a family favourite, and unlike some, one the reader would not get tired of reading over and over again. It will have staying family with the young and young at heat.

A fantastic volume to give for the holiday season!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Amanda Lauer:

Anything But Groovy

Dubbie: The Double-Headed Eagle

My First Saint Nicholas Book 

A Very Chapel Falls Christmas

…

Heaven Intended Series:

A World Such as Heaven Intended

A Life Such as Heaven Intended

A Love Such as Heaven Intended

A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended

A Faith Such as Heaven Intended

A Hero Such as Heaven Intended

…

Royal & Ancient Series:

Royal & Ancient

Lent Royal and Ancient

...

Contributed to:

Treasures: Visible & Invisible

The Best is Yet to Come by Lorene Hanley Duquin

Living Virtuously by Erin Harrison

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

…

Jumping Jack - Diane Capri - Hunt for Reacher Book 25

Jumping Jack

Hunt For Reacher Book 21 (25)

Diane Capri
August Books

eISBN 9781968549954

ASIN B0G2T6FVPJ

This story has really amped up the action, but in a very different way. It is the most intense in the series yet. But I will get to that. It is another great read in the Hunt for Jack Reacher Series. A few years ago I have read all of the Jack Reacher stories and all of the Hunt for Jack Reacher stories as well that were available at the time. Since then I have been reading them as they release. The Child brothers are releasing 1 book a year and Capri is releasing two. I am also now reading one of the other approved spin off series, the Reacher Experiment. This will be the 72nd Reacher story I have read. It is a good read. A couple of volumes ago felt like more of a stretch. This one really hits the mark. The next in this series have already been announced. But I am currently behind by one.

First, I read the 29 Jack Reacher Novels and short stories by Lee Child, and now Lee and Andrew Child. And then I read all the books in this series. This is the fourth shorter work in this series, according to the author, and the twenty-fifth story featuring Otto. The story starts Jake Reacher calling Carlos Gaspar to ash for a favour. A few hours later, and both are involved with major gun fights across the Miami area.

Normally Otto has Gaspar in the wings helping out as much as he can. This time Otto and Jake are the main characters. Otto is engaged by phone a few times but always brief. She pulls some strings to help out. But the main story is Gaspar, Jake and Valerie. As Valerie tries to gather evidence against her father and confront him.

The description of this volume is:

“Jake Reacher’s ex-girlfriend fell into a world she was never meant to touch. Now she’s being hunted by teams with orders to kill her.

Today.

When Jake can’t reach his Uncle Jack, he needs FBI Special Agent Kim Otto.

Otto pulls every lever she can reach to save Valerie’s life while her former partner, Carlos Gaspar, hits the ground running in Miami. She drives the investigation from the moment Jake makes contact.

Every secret they pry open triggers lethal force and Otto recognizes the fingerprints on this black ops pattern. She suspects who’s wielding the real power here, and Jack Reacher is never far from the consequences.

Jake arrives as the war hits full speed, and together they fight to keep Valerie alive.

Gaspar, Otto, and Jake have one last chance to stop the killers.

If they fail, Valerie dies before sunrise.”

As one of the shorter works in the series there is no source book for this one. And as such it does feel like a bit of a side story. That being said things happen that build out ties allegiances, and Gaspar looking at things very differently. Reacher makes 2 quick appearances, one in public, and one where he steps in and helps and we find out about it. 

The cast of characters in this story is:

Kim Otto

Carlos Gaspar

Jake Reacher

Valerie Nash

Lloyd Nash

and

Jack Reacher

This story has some great surprises and twists. It is an intense story with an interesting plot and excellent characters. This story is faster paced and with more action than any of the others in the series. This one really is a short intense hit. So brew a coffee, sit down and enjoy.

It is another great story in an excellent series. It is shorter than many of the offerings. These books always leave you desperate for the next instalment in the series. Capri has again done a great job in leading us on the hunt for Jack Reacher. And with each offering we get to know Otto better. But this time it is Jake and Gaspar we get a spotlight on. This story was well done. I can easily recommend this book and series.

Note: there are two numbering systems for this series. Good Reads numbers the novels continuously with the shorter stories earlier in the series being x.5. Diane Just numbers them 1-??. So this book is number 25 for total stories and number 21 for novels.

Books by Diane Capri:
Hunt for Reacher Series:
1.0 Don’t Know Jack
1.1 Jack in a Box
1.2 Jack and Kill
2.0 Get Back Jack
2.5 Jack in the Green
3.0 Jack and Joe
4.0 Deep Cover Jack
5.0 Jack the Reaper
6.0 Black Jack
7.0 Ten Two Jack
8.0 Jack of Spades
9.0 Prepper Jack
10.0 Full Metal Jack

11.0 Jack Frost

12.0 Jack of Hearts

13.0 Straight Jack

14.0 Jack Knife

15.0 Lone Star Jack

16.0 Bulletproof Jack

17.0 Bet on Jack

18.0 Jack on a Wire

19.0 Tracking Jack

20.0 Jack Rabbit 

21.0 Jumping Jack

22.0 Shadow Jack

23.0 No Way Jack

…

Justice Series:
1.0 Due Justice
2.0 Twisted Justice
3.0 Secret Justice
4.0 Wasted Justice
5.0 Raw Justice
5.5 Mistaken Justice
6.0 Cold Justice
6.1 False Justice
6.2 Fair Justice
6.3 True Justice
7.0 Hunt for Justice
8.0 Night Justice
…

Jess Kimball Series:
0.5 Fatal Enemy
1.0 Fatal Distraction
2.0 Fatal Demand
3.0 Fatal Error
4.0 Fatal Fall
4.5 Fatal Edge
5.0 Fatal Game
6.0 Fatal Bond
6.5 Fatal Past
7.0 Fatal Dawn
…

Heir Hunter Series:
1.0 Blood Trials
2.0 Trace Evidence
…

Jordan Fox Mysteries:
False Truth Part One
False Truth Part Two
False Truth Part Three
False Truth Part Four
False Truth Part Five
False Truth Part Six
False Truth Part Seven
False Truth Part Eight
False Truth Part Nine
False Truth Part Ten
False Truth Part Eleven
…

The Park Hotel Mysteries Series:
1.0 Reservation with Death
2.0 Early Check Out
3.0 Room with a Clue
4.0 Late Arrival
…

Other Books:
Angel of Music
…