978. "The Nemesis Factor" by Inaki Martin Velasco – 5 Stars

The Nemesis Factor by Inaki Martin Velasco – 5 Stars

Publisher: Books Go Social

ISBN: 9798648601369

Excellent novel that is well presented and delivers increasing interest and intrigue the longer you read. It was impossible to put this book down. It starts out with a tale of a loving family’s yacht exploding. The last few paragraphs of the Prologue then let you wonder whether this was just a dream of some American who was on drugs.

Suspense continues with main characters Adrian and Laura returning from a movie shoot and flying off a cliff onto the shoreline of an inescapable island vacated by two very mysterious South Americans who rescue them. Flavio and Paul keep them alive and provide give them a rustic “vacation” for many weeks before their mysterious associates arrive to evacuate them. Drugging Adrian and Laura before the evacuation leaves them with no knowledge of where they are once again deserted and by whom or why.

Meanwhile another tale is spinning with an Interpol agent Denis and his research expert Sylvie who begin investigating the hanging of an ex-Bosnian army individual now minus all his extremities. He discovers several other suspicious murders in his investigation, all eventually tied together by some common thread which he continually pursues from Europe to Harvard University until he is told the case is abruptly closed by his superiors for reasons that are classified. He relentlessly ignores the orders to cease and begins to connect some of the other characters and learns … well, you’ll just have to read this to find out.

What I can tell you is that we are informed that Justice is beyond the formal laws and order we normally follow. The author also suggest that this entire book is just an introduction of the new Justice and that the characters will continue their ventures to further define what is right. I am on board and want to continue reading more and more of any series written. I am a believer now that myths really guide Justice more than any written laws and also drive the appropriate order to enforce it.      

Reviewer: Rich

977. "The Ruthless" by David Putnam – 5 Stars

The Ruthless by David Putnam  –  5 Stars

Publisher: Oceanview

ISBN: 9781608094066 

The Ruthless is another gritty story in the Bruno Johnson series that is set in the dark and dangerous streets of Los Angeles, the ones the tourists never visit. Having read all of the books in this series, I enjoyed learning more about Bruno’s earlier life. I loved Junior Mint, a big, intelligent and loyal dog. He is loyal and friendly but hates bad guys and lets them know it.  That describes Bruno as well, so Junior is the perfect companion. As always, the events are tense and authentic. After reading the author’s notes at the conclusion and learning about the author’s experiences in law enforcement, it is obvious David Putnam knows the world he writes about. Bruno’s life has been tragic in many ways, but he stays true to his quest to help those who can least help themselves and does his best to set the world right. He doesn’t always get it correct and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but he keeps fighting. Each book has been an adventure, a raw and powerful look into a scary all too real world.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

976. "Every Last Fear" by Alex Finlay – 5 Stars

Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay – 5 Stars

Publisher: Minotaur Books

ISBN: 9781250268822

A family suspiciously killed by a gas leak in Mexico? A son previously convicted and jailed for murder? And now, the other remaining son, Matt, must put the pieces together to gain back sanity and respect for his family. As you begin reading this, remember that the background conviction of Danny for murder that gets told via side text, is really a key and to the crimes in this tale. Sure, the is a family is instantly wiped out right off, but is it tied to Danny’s conviction? The story is like a crescendo in music – interest and suspense continually increases until the end. I was a bit thrown off by the intermittent notes on Danny’s case, but finally realized it was the key that when investigated, unwound and reconstructed set the fireworks for an explosive ending that revealed the guilty players. Thanks you Netgalley and Minotaur for allowing me to review this fine book by Alex Finlay.

 

Reviewer: Rich

975. "Missing Persons" by Michael Brandman – 5 Stars

Missing Persons by Michael Brandman  – 5 Stars

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

ISBN: 9781464214523

Missing Persons was fun to read. It has an interesting intelligent plot with small town politics, a family of evangelical con artists, some murders and a bit of romance. The characters are unique. The dialogue between them is witty, often sarcastic and irreverent. This is the first of the series. I am anxious to spend more time with Sheriff Buddy Steel Jr. and the residents of Freedom. They are quite an entertaining bunch.

Reviewer: Nancy

974."Their Silent Graves" by Carla Kovach – 5 Stars

Their Silent Graves by Carla Kovach – 5 Stars

Publisher: Bookouture

ISBN: 9781838888657

I was browsing the list of books available from NetGalley and the colorful cover of Their Silent Graves caught my attention. Amazon flagged it in the categories of police procedural and serial killer, but it is so much more than an ordinary offering in those groups. The plot is clever, complex and unique. It reminds one that our actions have lasting effects on others. The pace is steady. I didn’t rush through or skim any part. I enjoyed each word as I tried to figure out who the killer was and how events would come together at the conclusion. I was not disappointed. The ending was a surprise and was tragically believable. I will definitely read other books by Carla Kovach.

  

Reviewer: Nancy

973. CANDYOPEN threat in AxCrypt V1.7 Resolved

A while ago I reported an AxCrypt and MSFT Defender issue (see Post 966) where Defender detected a LOW  UNWANTED program threat running on my system. It indicated that the potential virus code called CANDYOPEN in the WIN32 folder was the violation and that AxCRYPT code had the infection. Here are is an explanation of resolution to this issue:

The issue started occurring in June 2020 after a Defender update. The CANDYOPEN check finally reported potential WIN32\CANDYOPEN threat in several of files of AxCrypt version 1.7. Thanks to the AxCrypt Community Support board, I was told to use the latest Legacy code which has eliminated the threat (see The AxCrypt Post Here ). In that I reported that "I tried all of these: 1.7.3180.0 (currently using), 1.7.2893.0 Beta MSI, 1.7.1878.0 Beta MSI" and still had the problem. I was told yet another and newest update legacy version(1.x) AxCrypt-1.7.3233.0-Setup.zip should be installed. The instructions were to delete any previous versions and reinstall using above zip-file. I did so and continued to have Defender threat error reported. As it turned out, if the INSTALL SETUP file for 1.7.2893.0 Beta MSI level code is left on the machine after the running version is removed from the system, IT is detected in that SETUP file which is NOT deleted when removal is done. You MUST do a manual delete of the previous SETUP files in addition to removing the running code.

So, when when the running code is removed, the old 2893-level SETUP is deleted PERMANENTLY (i.e., delete from ReCycle Bin too), and 3233-level is installed, the issue will be resolved.

Now, what do you do with all the left over error messages every day still in Defender? To CLEAR the MSFT Defender Protection History simply delete the files in folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\History\Service. I saw a tip to delete the folder itself, but it is protected by MSFT and can’t be deleted. Instead, delete all the files in the folder  above. Windows will allow deletion of all but one file, some logging file, and after doing so it will be clean again. However, you WILL lose any other errors reported. Some other posts note that the errors errors are kept for 30 days, then deleted automatically. You have that option. I have found however that I could not go to Defender's "Virus and threat protection" to do a SCAN. Instead, it went to the screen where all the errors were reported. I only had one other error (CCleaner detected with LOW threat same as this AxCrypt error) and decided to wipe them all out.

Btw, the CCleaner support team is working with MSFT re that issue and can be searched on Internet. Don't know the final plan of resolution, but CCleaner note it is NOT an issue and most likely a fake positive.

I should also note that MalwareBytes will also detect the AxCrypt unwanted program issue as does several other Antivirus programs. So, the detection is new in June 2020. I should also note that I am using the 64-Bit version of AxCrypt code and Win32, I believe, had no place in that as far as running code; I don't even think I have a WIN32 folder! Yet, the CANDYOPEN culprit evidentially was in the SETUP file as described.

972. Lost File Sharing on my network

Wow! For years I have been using file sharing across my network allowing me to share files between my wife's PC and mine. Today it ended! I received 0x80070035 when trying to access the file on her system that I have been for years. I saw many interesting articles about this error code, but only one did the trick. It had me (on her system, where the target file resides) look at the properties of her C: drive which showed NOT SHARED. A simple tab selection (Advanced Sharing) allowed me to check the FOLDERS item to share her C: drive. I originally had only the specific file selected before, but decided I might as well get access to her whole drive, which was really my other PC anyway. It worked immediately. I suppose I could have looked at the specific folder that was previously shared to see if it lost its sharing, but did not. I'm satisfied that sharing c: works. Now, what caused the problem? Who knows? No time to mess with this since it works.

971. "The Dying Light" by Joy Ellis - 2 Stars

The Dying Light by Joy Ellis - 2 Stars

Publisher: Joffe Books

ISBN: 9781789314717

This book was slow and unexciting. It focused on Will and Kate who bought an old house on the English fen. There was page after page about Kate’s mental health issues. She obsessed about the history of the house, had dramatic mood swings and deteriorated physically. Will, the long-suffering husband, endlessly worried about her and tried to get her help. I kept reading, hoping for something exciting and original but that never happened. There were other characters and some mysteries to be solved but even those tied into Kate’s emotional issues and Will’s dilemma. This is the first book I have read by this author. It did not encourage me to read others.

    

Reviewer: Nancy

970. "No Deadly Medicine" by Trudey Martin -- 4 Stars

No Deadly Medicine by Trudey Martin -- 4 Stars

Publisher: Books Go Social

ISBN: 9781702721646

I read a lot of mysteries and am always searching for something with an unusual plot. The description of the story of an elderly gentleman who drops his notebook and the woman who attempts to return it caught my attention. I was not disappointed.

Verity’s husband died recently. She is grieving and trying to decide what to do with her life when she finds herself in the center of more danger and action than she could ever have dreamed possible. She solves encrypted notes, fights bad guys, and saves the day.  I enjoyed the adventure.

  

Reviewer: Nancy

969. "The Ultra Betrayal by Glenn Dyer – 5 Stars

The Ultra Betrayal by Glenn Dyer – 5 Stars
Publisher: TMR Press
ISBN: 9780999117347

I started with this book 2 in the author’s series and found it excellent. I never needed any other background from book 1, but am now interested enough in the Torch project to read Book 1 and the short story the author makes available to you when you sign up for his newsletter.

This book takes agents Conor and Emily on a mission to locate and apprehend both the missing British cryptologist working on the Ultra encryption breaking project with Alan Turing and the documents he plans to hand off to the Germans in WW II. First Emily pursues Gunnar Lind, the cryptologist, but gets nabbed by the Germans. So, Connor has the secondary job to find and rescue her. Behind the document trade deal is Gunnar’s wife’s father Benjamin Anderson, owner of a ball bearing factory – ball bearings were in premium demand by all military parties. His motive was money. So, various elements are in play with the Germans not only wanting the documents and cryptologist, but also a better deal for the bearings. Who devised the plan to steal the documents? Who all were involved? Those along with all the exciting action involving spy vs. spy is supplemented by the inner betrayal plans of Himmel against Hitler. The history itself is well worth the read. Thank you Netgally.com for allowing me to read this book and present my honest opinions.


Reviewer: Rich

968. Replace CCleaner if you are tired of it's nagging

This article --> https://www.howtogeek.com/361112/heres-what-you-should-use-instead-of-ccleaner/ tells you how to use Windows 10 functions to clear space, manage STARTUP programs, and manage files without having to deal with CCleaner. I grew tired of the constant nag popups to buy the upgrade and other things. I have summarized the key functions I used below and the Windows 10 replacements: 1. Clear temporary storage to free up space: Start->Settings->System->Storage-> "Free up Space Now" [Personalized settings for Websites will be left alone] 2. Manage STARTUP Programs: Start->Settings->APPS->->Startup OR Bring up Task Manager (Ctrl-Shift-Esc together) and select STARTUP Tab. 3. Browser Cookies [personalized information per website]: Can be managed at browser shutdown by slecting so within browser settings. You can also use the PRIVATE browser mode so no tracking is done for you your sensisitve websites. Read the article to learn about pros and cons. 4. Encryption is allowed in Windows 10 at a hard disk level. You can define a key so nobody can ever get to you hard disk, installed or not. See article for options to set up encryption.

967. "Spiteful Bones" by Jeri Westerson – 3 Stars

Spiteful Bones by Jeri Westerson  – 3 Stars

Publisher: Severn House

ISBN: 9781448304592  

There is another missing relic and another strange murder. This is the third book I have read in the series and it is very similar to the other two. It begins interestingly, when hidden in a wall, bones are found clutching a relic that has been missing for twenty years.   The story slows as interviews with people who might know the identity of the body are conducted and romantic entanglements evolve, especially those between Nigellus and his gay transvestite “wife”. The action picks up near the end when, with a stretch of believably, the killer in revealed.

 Reviewer: Nancy

966. Explorer.exe failed to load application texts. Immediate exit. Axcrypt Involved

After installer 6/2020 MSFT Feature Update, I started to get Defender messages indicating threats. I removed a Trojan successfully and everything ran afterwards. But, I then received a LOW threat re AxcryptMessages.DLL stating Win32/CandyOpen threat. I told Defender to remove the threat, but then started getting tons of show stopping errors giving error: "Explorer.exe failed to load application texts. Immediate exit." This came up at many points, eg.:

-- Couldn't start File Explore most of the time

-- Couldn't right click to get context menu anytime

-- starting Everything application

-- Cutting/pasting files from Kindle to PC

These are not all the points of error by far.

Research of this error on the web led to no constructive answers or suggestions that resulted in a lot of data and none of which were simple to fix. The one that probably was closest to resolving the issue was to download the free ShellExView application which lists all extensions and allows you to disable the culprit. I had a total of 255 extensions listed and the 35 or so with current date had nothing to do with the problem. So I did NOT use ShellExView to resolve my issue.

Instead I looked at the Threat Defender removed for me: AxcryptMessages.DLL Win32/CandyOpen. This was signaled as a LOW threat. I Allowed Defender to remove it -- and it did by deleting the .DLL from my system completely, i.e., no recovery. I found that Axcrypt was involved by trying to access it to Decrypt a file -- YES, using Explorer to first list the files (I had explorer up on screen some how-- clicking File Explorer ICON sometimes allowed it to come up. Guess I should give the steps:

-- I used ShellExView to disable to two Axcrypt entries from 2017

-- This allowed me to get Explorer up and do the Right-click context screen.

-- But now, AcCrypt commands to Encrypt/Decrypt were no longer present

-- I tried clicking on an encrypted file (one of 1000s) and it failed. Now I panicked.

-- I Still had the Axcrypt installed and checked the version, found the install file I used back in 2016

-- Executed the install file and instead of installing requested REPAIR. It worked and Axcrypt back in service and all problems resolved

I assume I'll again get the threat from Defender and will then address it again. Need to read about CandyOpen and associated .DLL file. Could be valid. But, for no I am back to normal.

Note: There is another Axcrypt post re Version 2 which I will not use and reasons why. You can find it by searching for "Axcypt" at the top of this blog

965. "Interviewing the Dead" by David Field -- 4 Stars

Interviewing the Dead by David Field -- 4 Stars

Publisher: Sapere Books

ISBN: 9781913518707 

Interviewing the Dead is an intelligent and entertaining historical mystery. It is well researched with interesting characters that have differing views of science and religion.

1892 was a time when con men promoted spiritualism, science was evolving, and women were struggling for a place in professional positions. The descriptions of the tricks of mentalists reminded me of observations by Sherlock Holmes. There are visions of ghosts and fears of returning dead among Londoners, but I didn’t find it a “keep you up at night” scary story.  It was because the fad of spiritualism and belief of communicating with the dead was in fashion at the time. The note to the reader at the end about historical details of the book was interesting. I enjoyed this novel for the mystery and vivid descriptions of the people and setting in 1892 London.

Reviewer: Nancy

964. "The Deepest Grave" by Jeri Westerson – 4 Stars

The Deepest Grave by Jeri Westerson – 4 Stars

Publisher: Severn House

ISBN: 9781780109725

 I was offered a pre-published copy of a new Crispin Quest series book and decided to get this earlier one from the library to read first so I could learn about the characters and pick up background information. What I found from The Deepest Grave was that it was not necessary to read the previous books in the series.

 This book was well written with a rather simple mystery plot where detective, or “tracker” within, Crispin Quest takes on two different murder investigations: one began with someone or something digging up corpses and robbing a church and the other began with a 7-year old confessing to killing a neighbor. The stories take various twists throughout and capture your attention and interest in the solving of the murders. I would consider this a mystery with both a unique story and unique characters that provided a satisfying read.

 What I was not too excited about was the endings of the murder investigations. Like some of the TV shows that are limited to an hour, this book abruptly concludes with the killers of both murders freely confessing and telling exactly how they planned and did the killings. To get to the conclusions, Crispin guesses at possibilities and investigates each one in order rather than collecting all the facts and then pursuing the most likely suspect. He investigated a suspect on a feeling or hunch rather than on multiple facts. Regardless of his approach which differs from what I would believe is a normal way to investigate, he does finally “bump” into the killers who immediately spill their guts, which is not very realistic.

 If you want an entertaining novel that is cozy and requires little thinking, but is enjoying, then The Deepest Grave, and probably the whole series, is a recommended read. I’ll be reading the author’s new novel now that I know what style I can expect. Hopefully, it will be a bit more thought provoking than this one.

Reviewer: Rich

963. "End Game" by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

End Game by David Baldacci – 5 Stars

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 9781455586639

Characters Will Robie and Jessica Reel never disappoint, providing nonstop action throughout. The plot revolves around their missing director Blue Man who is vital to the Agency. Their mission is to find him off in the remote town of Grand, Colorado surrounded by retired Atlas silos bought and being renovated into secure, survivalist condos. Throw in a few suspicious radical group residents, aka white supremist, skinheads, and the Doctor King Apostles, and the result is hundreds of angry killers Robie and Reel must fight off in their pursuit. Who kidnapped Blue Man and why is the question throughout. As the body counts mount for the various groups, so do they for the good guys and specifically more who those who might have information about helpless hooded passengers stuffed in a van. Killing is their specialty and life, but their detective work supplements their talents. You’ll find this book it hard to put down. There is no need to read the previous books in the series – this stands alone just fine. The beginning introduces you to Robie and Reel and their skills via short action-packed separate missions unrelated to the main plot. After that, they again team up despite some controversies from a previous joint mission. This adds to the tasks they face and results in … well, I’ll let you find out.

 Reviewer: Rich

000. Blogger Help

A new version and look for Blogger came in 1Q 2020. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to get back to original design and impossible to change new blog to include "Design" on the top to get to the Blog owner's options for changing things. INSTEAD: Until something else changes, I goto Blogspot.com I automatically come up to new screen for customizing my blog. I assume if I ever signoff, I will get an options to sign in from that page. To date however it automatically knows me and signs me in.

THEME: First thing to set up is the Theme you will use. Blogger allows you to select one you like. Each presents its format and colors that I think you can further customize. After selecting a Theme, I had to discover on my own how to get to Design mode like before (See above).

FEATURED POST: I was stuck here! I already had a featured pose from original format, but now had no way to change it or modify it. Here is what I discovered: 

1. Bring  up Blogspot.com

2. Select Theme from left sidebar

3. Select Customize for the Theme

4. Select Gadgets (I already had the Featured Post gadget from before), thus didn't need to add it on next screen

5. "Show Featured Post" is checked for me. So, unchecking it will remove it from the top of my posts. However, once you uncheck, you have to SAVE and that isn't shown on screen until you maximize your window, SAVE is the File ICON on bottom right. Otherwise, to customize Featured Post, select Configure, then uncheck and save.

ADD Contact Form: Y9ou may add a gadget called ADD CONTACT FORM to your sidebar.The order of each gadget in your sidebar can be changed by simply using the mouse to move it where you want. BUT, don't forget to SAVE again (Maximize window and FILOE ICON in bottom right).

962. "Those Who Hunger: An Amish Vampire Thriller" by Owen Banner -- 5 Stars

Those Who Hunger: An Amish Vampire Thriller by Owen Banner  -- 5 Stars

Publisher: Owen Banner

ISBN:  9781589470346

Those Who Hunger is a unique variation of the vampire legend. These vampires are not like Bram Stoker’s Dracula. They do thirst for blood, but an attack is more than a bite on the neck. Vampires, the Amish, the FBI and a bunch of nasty bikers make up an interesting mix that works together to form a great plot. The characters are well constructed and believable. Haddie, an Amish teen, is the central character. I felt her struggle to control her bloody urges while staying true to her religion and family. This is a fairly long book that held my interest throughout. It was fun to read a horror novel that was different from the rest.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

961. "The House that Fell from the Sky" by Patrick Delaney -- 4 Stars

The House that Fell from the Sky by Patrick Delaney -- 4 Stars

Publisher: Oblivion Publishing

ISBN: 9780578660790

The House that Fell from the Sky is difficult to review, but I thank Netgalley and the publisher for making it available to me for an honest opinion.

 I enjoyed the story and loved the imagination put into it. The “House” is really much more than a house. I don’t understand the title at all, nor its characters suggesting it is a house. It appears as a physical, but paranormal, structure covering city blocks and at least seven stories high. Plus, the powers of the “House” go beyond just the physical structure alone and affect anybody close to it. The descriptions of the horror within it are vivid leaving little more to imagine; they are outright, unbelievably frightening. The four main characters (Scarlett, Tommy, Jackson, and Hannah), each with mental flaws or inhibitors that prevent them from moving on in life successfully fit the story well for each has a major disadvantage in facing the horror of the “House” that demands they work together  to do so. A fifth character Vincent, a magician from the past who has an unknown, until the end, connection to them helps coordinate the teamwork and direction through the house.

 I enjoy horror and began liking the detailed descriptions of the rooms within. However, the repetitive detail for each and every room became annoyingly tiresome to wade through. Hey, I get it. The place is scary, but I really didn’t care after the first four times to know what every crook and cranny looked like. Likewise, the “monsters” or occupants or spirits or whatever descripting are necessary, but later when still more ghouls were introduced, the same descriptions again with minor variances became boring. It was like going through a haunted house at a fair where every so many feet a figure pops out that isn’t much different – it’s the popping out that is scary. Yet, I must emphasize that the initial descriptions were shockingly memorable and provided a clear visual of the horror.

 It took 15% to get to any horror. Until then, the four main characters and a few others were the story and that wasn’t well done. Much too much dialogue between the characters and little cohesive foundation. It took me a while to realize that Todd was Chief Briggs and he was Jackson’s father. Plus, Hannah was sort of a “left-town” person with very little description of who she was and details of why. I feel character building should have been done more effectively. This brings me to the “BEFORE” chapters which to me were no more than the author realizing that the initial character introductions were already too long, but the content in those chapters still needed to be told. They were of no real value and became page fillers. So, my summary of character building is that it was overloaded with chit-chat between young adults that acted like teens and from the dialogues I was being asked to form my own opinions instead of the author presenting meaningful meat and potatoes.

 Despite struggling through the things that annoyed me, I couldn’t put this book down. The constant horror, twists and turns, and need to continue were gripping. Eventually, the entire picture became clear and the end came, not entirely as expected. However, it was presented effectively and was memorable.

 I find that there were many 5-Star parts of this novel, but just enough 3-Star annoyances to make this an overall 4-Star performance. I look forward to improvements in this author’s future books to solidly define him as a great horror writer.

Reviewer: Rich

960. Homecoming, Prime Video Review -- 5 Stars

Homecoming is a show that requires several episodes in order to begin to learn how things fit together. Each episode leaves many questions and unexplained character relationships. For the inquisitive and analytic minded viewers who know they will be rewarded for their time and patience, Homecoming is wonderful. With that said, I must recommend that this is not the show for the The Big Bang Theory crowd who can’t even decide on when to react without canned laughter to tell them. Think of each season of Homecoming as an entire novel where there are constant twists and turns throughout and always intrigue and unknowns from chapter to chapter. If your mind can’t focus like that, try reading more. But, do understand that this is how life occurs and one cannot expect a reward like a piece of biscuit given to a dog each time he learns to sit. People were supposed give brains to perform analysis of events, some events so diverse it may take time to collect all the facts to formulate even close conjectures of truth. So be the events and action in Homecoming as it progressives throughout its episodes. I commend the producers and writers for such an excellent program that exercise the viewers’ imagination and continued thought; something our younger generations duly lack and later generations tend to forget. I can’t get enough of this show. In addition to what I already stated, I find the characters very unique and well defined, once you put the pieces together. The complete picture is like a jigsaw puzzle being put together. Individual puzzle sections start to be connected and those images start to shed light on how the final picture will appear. Homecoming is extremely creative and cleverly presented. Unfortunately, as you will read, there are many viewers who can not focus on the big picture and give up – just as in life. Well, pooh on them. Each episode is short enough for an evening or afternoon of relaxation and mind stimulation experience. Thanks for such a great show. I certainly belong to the 5 Stars folks.