1152. "An Evil Heart" by Linda Castillo -- 5 Stars

 

An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo -- 5 Stars

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press Minotaur Books

ISBN: 9781250781086

 

While on a country road riding his bicycle to work, a young Amish man is brutally murdered. Neighbors describe him as friendly, cheerful and helpful. Kate Burkholder, chief of police, uncovers his true nature and dark past.

I am fascinated by the portrait of life in the Amish community and how the people there stay true to their traditions in the current world of increasing technology. Descriptions are skillfully and respectfully woven into the story while adding to and never slowing the pace of the plot.

This is one of my favorites in the series. Kate and her staff are like a family working well together. Her personal romantic relationship evolves with each book. The setting paints a picture of rural farming country. The story is complex and believable. I have absolutely enjoyed every part of the books in the Kate Burkholder series. 

 

Reviewer: Nancy

1151. "Fairy Tale" by Stephen King -- 5 Stars

 

Welcome Back Stephen King! Finally, Stephen has returned to creative stories without politics!

Like many other of his earlier novels, Stephen jumps worlds and mixes fantasy and myth with horror and suspense. His main character is Carlie Reade, a 17-year-old in his world, who becomes visioned as the Prince who comes back to rescue the world of Empis from the evil Flight Killer. You’ll experience every imaginative vision of the evilness in Empis and the brightness of a fairy tale that you just hope will end like most. Large rabbits, monarchs, and bats, monsters from fairy tale lore, talking animals, kingdoms headed by a cricket Snab, and destruction and atrocities committed by Flight Killer’s army of misfits.

Meet Hana, the giant that guards the wheel that removes years from your age when turned, Red Molley, her huge daughter, who is the ultimate warrior that Prince Charlie fights, Radar, Charlie’s dog and the reason why he must go to Empis in order to save him from dying, Gogmagog, the evil ruler of all gods, who awaits the kissing of the two moons to release it and its havoc upon the world. You’ll witness the physical tragedies forced on the world’s residents and the gray disease that is killing them, as well as, the strength of those, despite the handicaps,  to survive and and fight to return its rightly queen to the throne. Throughout, Stephen highlights many, many fairy tales we are familiar relating them to his particular story.

Overall, a very captivating story,

Does everyone live happily ever after?