985. "The Man in Milan" by Vito Racanelli – 5 Stars

The Man in Milan by Vito Racanelli – 5 Stars

Publisher: N/A

ISBN: 9781951709112

Very good plot and story. I really enjoyed Rossi and Turner, partner NYPD detectives, whose conversations were not only intelligent, but witty. They were a perfect team and both totally committed to resolving not only their initial mystery of discovering the murderer of an Italian man, but also an answer to the real downing of an Italian passenger plane crash, known as the Ustica Massacre, that killed 81 people that the first murder led them to pursue. This novel was enjoyable and captivating throughout. The author did not disguise the events too much and continually led you to question certain suspects involved in the investigations. I knew immediately that this would end the way it did confirming any doubts that a series is obviously in the making. T this was excellent standalone novel and a great tease for follow-on. I certainly will be waiting for the next episode with Rossi and Turner pitted against the mischievous elites in Italy. Although the next assignment has already been decided, one can almost expect this unsolved items from this novel will come up again.

 

Reviewer: Rich

984. "Plunder" by Keith Wilson – 5 Stars

Plunder by Keith Wilson – 5 Stars

Publisher: Books Go Social

ISBN: 9781951188047

We both enjoyed this uncomplicated, but intriguing, educational, adventurous, and totally entertaining novel. Brett, A CDC doctor gets involved with a virus in Guatemala that migrates elsewhere in an unknown way. He commits himself (I heard the Indiana Jones theme song in my mind continuously) to determining the type of virus, it’s origin, how it spread, and where it spread. He is relentless to the point that he ignores CDC limitations and guidelines given the immediate resolution required. His actions include break-ins, crimes against the Guatemalan government who were fighting the rebels wanting to takeover, armed involvement and alleged murder, assaulting Monks, etc. at the least. And, when there is a beautiful damsel in distress involved, it’s much easier to do. Did I mention the absolutely wonderful and heroic stray dog he takes in called Tequila? His exploits mainly happen in Guatemala, New Mexico, and Chicago where the villain, Scar, is out to kill Kari, the damsel in distress. Who is backing Scar? Who is funding the underlining revolt? How is the Guatemalan government involved? Read and find out yourself why everyone is out to get Kari? You’ll enjoy the adventure and gain a lot of education re viruses and vaccines which are factual and very appropriate during this 2020 COVID-19 virus event.   

 

Reviewer: Rich & Nancy

983. Fidelity: Reassign Lots AND Response is TERRIBLE

How many times have I wanted to Reassign (couldn't remember name of this action) Lots sold before the stock settlement date expired? Thus, I am documenting how since it isn't obvious when it should be.

Go to WEBSITE, NOT Active Trader Pro (which I use almost exclusively). Now go to Closed Positions. At one time the reassignment of lots was on the bottom of the page (coudn't see it then either). Now, on the closed positions screen, select the appropriate account, then select from drop down screen for that account "Reassign Lots". Simple after that. Select the lot for the closed positioned stock and change which one sold.

---------------
Fidelity customer service has degrade astronomically since their automated phone syste was installed about 2 years ago. Before that system I could get someone (a real person) in less than 5 minutes max, usually instantaneously. Now I wait over 20 minutes minimum! The service is always excellent once I get a person. But, the phone system keeps nagging for more details to get to someone and then transfers you to the wrong contact only to get retransferred to someone who can handle the situation! I am at the point where this service, which was the reason I picked Fidelity and stayed with Fidelity, had led to me looking for another broker. I am astonished that for over 2 years I have filed complaints about the phone system and response time and NOTHING is being done other than to make it still more worse! Do NOT go with Fidelity if you are  person that requires customer support OFTEN. I use it only when absolutely necessary, which is quite infrequently, and it still irks me. Compare it to the technical support you get today where each person needs to ask you to start from the beginning and when transferred to real tech person, your call starts anew again and gets dropped only to have to call again. The comparison is only to let you know the degree of frustration. Again, Fidelity people are superb once you get the right one on the line.

982. Can no longer associate a PROGRAM to file type

Windows 10 changed the way to associate a program to file type as a default. It now goes through SETTINGS and APPS, even if you try to use Control Panel as it could be done before. It ONLY allows you to choose an APP or to got to MSFT Store to find an APP. The option to use a specific program on your PC is GONE!

But, there is always a way:

Click a file with the type you want to set and do an OPEN WITH (**). Then select "Choose another App". Keep going until you get to File Explorer to select by selecting "More Apps", then "Look for another app on this PC". When you get to File Explorer just select the program you desire, probably xxx.exe in some folder (try the Programs File).

** If you choose to set this as a default for this type, you need to check the box on initial dialog to indicate so. 

981. "Robert B. Parker’s Fool’s Paradise" by Mike Lupica – 5 Stars

Robert B. Parker’s Fool’s Paradise by Mike Lupica – 5 Stars

Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam

ISBN: 9780525542087

Mike Lupica is the third author to continue the Jesse Stone series since the death of Robert B. Parker. Like those before him, he has written a novel with the same wonderful characters and intelligent interesting mysteries.

As in all of the series, the dialogue between members of the police force and citizens of Paradise is witty and often teasing. That is a large part of what makes the books fun to read. We learn more about Molly Crane, Jesse’s chief deputy, friend and confidant. We follow Jesse’s love life and struggles with personal issues. There are two tangled and intriguing mysteries, reminders of past crimes and meetings with citizens of Paradise.

Fool’s Paradise follows Robert Parker’s legacy of stories that are entertaining to read, filled with great characters and plots. I’ll continue to read his series as long as talented authors keep writing them.

Reviewer: Nancy

980. "The Last Secret of the Ark" by James Becker – 4 Stars

The Last Secret of the Ark by James Becker – 4 Stars

Publisher: Canelo

ISBN: 9781788639040 

 

James Becker did an amazing amount of research for this novel. Actually, sometimes events and settings were over-explained. I often put the book down and read something lighter for a time. I am glad I returned to the story. Despite being plodding at times, it did have enough action to keep it interesting.

I learned some history. It is always good to be a little smarter when I finish a book. I loved the ending. I certainly had not expected it.

The topics of other books by this author are interesting. I plan to read some of them and get even smarter while being entertained.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

979. Yahoo Killing Kindle email support + ERROR

Recently, Yahoo sent out email telling users that their sign-in will be changing in October 20 and will be more secure. With that, they have notified users that old sign-in method after October 20 will no longer work. See below.
--------------------
We love that you love using your Yahoo Mail. And we want to make sure you always have the best experience. That’s why we’re reaching out today.

We’ve noticed that you’re using non-Yahoo applications (such as third-party email, calendar, or contact applications) that may use a less secure sign-in method. To protect you and your data, Yahoo will no longer support the current sign-in functionality in your application starting on October 20, 2020. This means that you will need to take one of the steps below to continue using Yahoo Mail without interruption.

But don’t worry, you have options. Find an option that works best for you below:

Option 1: We recommend that you access your email using our free Yahoo Mail app for iOS and Android or simply go to mail.yahoo.com to access Yahoo Mail on the web.

Option 2: Keep your current, non-Yahoo app, BUT follow a few steps to get it to sync with our secure sign-in method. The steps vary across different email applications, but in most cases, you will have to remove your Yahoo account from the app and then add it back again to update the sign-in security. Use the links below to follow the specific steps for your current application:

• iOS Mail
• Gmail
• Samsung Mail
• Others

Option 3: You can generate a one-time, unique password that will allow you to sign in to your account using your non-Yahoo email application. Once created, this password will continue to allow your app to securely sync your Yahoo email unless you sign out (or are signed out) from your app. You can find instructions on how to do this here.

If you want more details on these changes, please visit our help page. If you’ve already taken action, we’d like to think you haven’t read this far, but if you have . . . we sure appreciate the diligence!

Thanks for rocking that Yahoo Mail address!

Yours in your inbox,
The Yahoo Team 
-----------------------------------
Fine and dandy until you try to set up email using the Amazon email app on a Kindle. The procedures will not work and finally Yahoo in its HELP revealed that Kindle Amazon native email support will be discontinued. The only choice on Kindle is to get Yahoo email app from the store OR go to website for Yahoo and into mail that way.  So much for consolidating all email addresses into one app!

Well, this isn't the problem that now occurred. I did successfully on Thunderbird under Windows  delete my old account and add the Yahoo email back. But, somehow, TWO Yahoo email accounts then existed next time I brought up Thunderbird You would think a simple removal of one would fix the problem. WRONG. Instead, you now get an error that a "User Account by that Name Already Exists  ..." and this error does not allow removal or editing of ANY email addressed via the Tools-> Account Settings. Instead, I went to home page for Thunderbird and right-clicked one of the Yahoo Accounts. Then on resulting page I went to Account Actions and did remove. Did the same for other Yahoo email. Now added it back to establish new sign-in interface sync. That not only cleaned up the error for Yahoo, but did so for all other email accounts without having to do anything else. Go figure. NOW, I hope all is well!                                                             

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