Latasha Hall

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“Journey Straight to Hell and Back

Detective Marmaduke comes upon the most horrendous murder scene that he has witnessed in several years on the Homicide squad. His captain agrees with the FBI to hire in a consultant who has a PH. D in Criminal Psychology as dead bodies are showing up in...”

“Journey Straight to Hell and Back

Detective Marmaduke comes upon the most horrendous murder scene that he has witnessed in several years on the Homicide squad. His captain agrees with the FBI to hire in a consultant who has a PH. D in Criminal Psychology as dead bodies are showing up in religious places. He along with Detective Marmaduke seek to find the person behind the heinous crimes. The consultant, Thelonious Zones, has issues of his own as he found his mother murdered.

Good old fashioned detective work and unethical procedures get the job done. However, the twists and turns to get there had me sitting on the edge of my seat plotting along with the storyline trying to figure out who did it. Great murder mystery. As good as it gets. E. W. Sullivan’s “Sheaves of Zion” is a five-star book from beginning to end.

Reviewed by: Marilyn”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“Gator’s Blood

“Little Green” by Walter Mosley is the 12th installment in the Easy Rawlins Mysteries. This was the first time I ever read a Walter Mosley novel, so in the beginning of this novel I soon discovered that there must have been quite a cliffhanger from the previous novel,...”

“Gator’s Blood

“Little Green” by Walter Mosley is the 12th installment in the Easy Rawlins Mysteries. This was the first time I ever read a Walter Mosley novel, so in the beginning of this novel I soon discovered that there must have been quite a cliffhanger from the previous novel, “Blonde Faith.” Nevertheless, I was able to understand what had happened in the previous novel - that Easy was left for dead after running his car off of a cliff.

Easy is soon found fighting for his life and is in a coma for quite some time. When Easy awakens he finds himself surrounded by family and friends. Although in a lot of pain, he realizes that his life was spared. The questions he asks himself are: why and for what reason? Mouse, his best friend and dangerous sidekick, makes a request of Easy to look into the disappearance of a young black man, Evander ‘Little Green’ Noon. Easy cannot understand what is so important that Mouse would come to him to look into the disappearance, but soon realizes that Mouse has secrets of his own and that Evander’s mother cannot stand Mouse for some inexplicable reason. The question is why? Rising from his bed shortly after coming out of the coma Easy searches the streets of the last known place that Evander was seen, downtown in L.A. where the hippies reside. Easy is about to discover that not only is he searching for Evander but others are too. Why? Will he find him before the ones out to harm him do?

“Little Green” by Walter Mosley is a very good read. I cannot believe that I have never read anything of his prior to this. After reading the 12th installment in this series I plan to go back and read the series from the very beginning. I have questions about some of his family and other characters. I would like to see how they came to be part of Rawlins’ adopted family. The overall story is interesting because it is a mystery that is set during 1967. Mr. Mosley does a great job in his descriptive narrative of what the streets looked like and the characters during this time frame. It is a very good story and I look forward to picking up more books by Mr. Mosley in the near future.

Reviewed by: Leona”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“What's in Your Past?

This is the story of Tranerious McClintock (Mr. Baseball) and Angelica Negrete, a couple planning a very expensive wedding. With this comes a lot of problems because Angie has a secret and no one seems to be able to figure out what's really going on. All anyone...”

“What's in Your Past?

This is the story of Tranerious McClintock (Mr. Baseball) and Angelica Negrete, a couple planning a very expensive wedding. With this comes a lot of problems because Angie has a secret and no one seems to be able to figure out what's really going on. All anyone knows is she has a problem with "a friend" by the name of Santanya, and when you meet up with her, she ain't no joke! Come along for the ride of your life but put your seat belts on; you will need them. It was an exciting read with lots of twists, turns, questions and ultimately at the end, the answers come forth!

Sexcee Jackson’s “The Devil You Know” really did grab me from the first chapter and left me wanting more as I never saw most of it playing out the way it did. Talk about weaving a web. Yes, the author definitely did. I love the way the author delved into Angie's past as well as Tran's and there were secrets kept until the end, murder, violence, fighting and ultimately a climax to the story that will leave you saying "what?" I felt like I was watching a movie and didn't want to miss anything.

The only thing that took away from this novel was the poor editing. There were many errors - grammatical, spelling, punctuation issues, and misuse of words. This really did become a distraction, but I pressed through to the end. I have to take that into consideration therefore downgrade my rating. This could have been a 5-star novel, but with editing issues, the author missed the mark.

I am highly anticipating a sequel.

Reviewed by: Lisa M.”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“Righting My Wrongs

WHEN A MAN’S FED UP picks right up where KISMET 2- SOMETHINGS YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND ended. Savannah has to make a decision to love, honor, and ride with Dre or be on her way.

Dre, despite knowing who Savannah truly is, is intoxicated by Savannah’s...”

“Righting My Wrongs

WHEN A MAN’S FED UP picks right up where KISMET 2- SOMETHINGS YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND ended. Savannah has to make a decision to love, honor, and ride with Dre or be on her way.

Dre, despite knowing who Savannah truly is, is intoxicated by Savannah’s devotion to him. His reward to her is him. What he didn’t count on was his wicked mother-in-law throwing a monkey wrench in their destiny.

Unforeseen circumstances send Dre and Savannah back to the south. Their love is continually tested and Dre finds himself doubting what they share is legitimate. When Savannah is faced with facts, she realizes that she’s caused more harm than good in mostly all of her relationships, friends and/or family, and tries turning over a new leaf. Can they finally live happily ever after?

WHEN A MAN’S FED UP is the third installment in the series. As a reader, you want to know that the authors you’re reading are nurturing their skills. Confident that Pittman knows how to delve out the drama, I wanted her story to keep me page flipping. I finally feel as if the real Dre and Savannah appeared. Dre’s voice was louder and readers were able to see both of their insecurities. Initially I worried about what part 3 would reveal, but I really enjoyed it. So much so that I started and finished the book in one day.

I’ve mentioned the editing in each of my reviews. While I can see the changes, there are still notable issues with editing. One prime example - the title on the book cover. The apostrophe is missing from mans. There are missing words, wrong tenses, and missing punctuation. However, the story was strong enough that the reader was not distracted. Though I really enjoyed this story, I felt the ending was hurried. The epilogue left a lot to the imagination. Looking forward to what Pittman has next for readers.


Reviewed by: Crystal
3.5 stars”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“There Is Always a Way To Turn Your Life Around If You Want Out of the Game!

“From a Thug 2 a Man II” again picks up with the life of Qu’Ron Smith. He has gone through a whole lot in his short lifetime only to end up going through a lot more. Qu’Ron has decided it’s time to get out of...”

“There Is Always a Way To Turn Your Life Around If You Want Out of the Game!

“From a Thug 2 a Man II” again picks up with the life of Qu’Ron Smith. He has gone through a whole lot in his short lifetime only to end up going through a lot more. Qu’Ron has decided it’s time to get out of the drug, murder and money game and really become a man.

I must admit when I started reading this novel, I was thrown off by all of the slang used. Once I got past that, I really started to settle into the story. It's true; the streets hold only death and destruction and you will definitely have to pay for the choices you make in this life.

I felt when reading the novel that parts of the story were missing meaning. So much was happening so fast and it seemed like time was not clearly represented. I understand if the author noted every year of Qu'Ron’s journey that the book would've been many more chapters. It seemed to me that he grew up overnight and the years of incarceration flew by and pieces were missing as a result.

I think the author, C-Note, represented the street game well in the novel, and I really did enjoy it. “From a Thug 2 a Man II” could have received a higher rating, but what I couldn't get past were all the grammatical errors in the book. Editing is one of the most important tools that every author should utilize. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark. After finding so many mistakes it really became a hindrance. I, however, am anticipating the 3rd book in the series.

Reviewed by: Lisa M.
3.5 stars”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“The Syndicate

Seventeen-year-old John ‘Dre’ Dodson has just graduated from high school. His grandmother raised him because his father is doing life in prison. She is extremely proud that Dre never fell victim to the streets like a lot of other young men. She told Dre that any of the...”

“The Syndicate

Seventeen-year-old John ‘Dre’ Dodson has just graduated from high school. His grandmother raised him because his father is doing life in prison. She is extremely proud that Dre never fell victim to the streets like a lot of other young men. She told Dre that any of the automobile factories would be proud to hire him, or if he chose to go to college, she would find the money for him to go. Either way she would support him 100% whatever his decision was.

Unfortunately, Dre decided on an entirely different path than his grandmother wanted to see for her grandson. Dre wanted to make quick money with power and prestige. When Dre meets Destiny, a beautiful older woman, she knows who Dre is. He is John Jr., the son of the man that brought her up in the game. When she sets eyes on him, she is determined to make him hers. She opens doors for Dre to claim the streets. When Destiny finds out that Dre has been keeping time with another young lady and has feelings for her, Destiny’s emotions make her do the unthinkable. Will Dre get out the game before it is too late? Will Destiny get her revenge or will it backfire on her? And who will be left standing?

“Baller Dreams” by Tasha Macklin is your typical street-lit story. Young man has the world at his fingers but instead decides to take the illegal route and gets caught up with the money and fame. Along with the drugs, flashy cars, sex and money, it makes for an unoriginal storyline. Some parts of the story made me literally shake my head. The story also lacked the depth and description how Dre started in the game and established his crew to claim the streets.

“Baller Dreams” is just an okay read.

Reviewed by: LeonaR”

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• Rated 3 stars

“This story is an eye opener about mental institutions sad story but very informative.”

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Pretty Thick Chick rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

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OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“Idleness

Trinelle and her sister are as different as night and day. She didn't really fit in anywhere. She was tall and lanky. The people she called friends just sat back and made fun of her. How much could a girl take?

“A Serpent's Whisper” was a quick read that hit close to...”

“Idleness

Trinelle and her sister are as different as night and day. She didn't really fit in anywhere. She was tall and lanky. The people she called friends just sat back and made fun of her. How much could a girl take?

“A Serpent's Whisper” was a quick read that hit close to home. I was able to relate to Trinelle Thomas. I was the opposite - short and chunky. I stayed to myself. Things drastically changed in high school. Oh, how I could relate to Trinelle.

I highly recommend to those who are in abusive situations or to someone who is or has contemplated suicide. Thomas shares some emotional episodes. Her experiences could help someone to understand the love of God. She includes resources to help those who may need help.

Reviewed by: Jas”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“Lemons into Lemonade

Bernard is the youngest of three. His parents once worked at IBM that afforded them to live in a decent neighborhood in Durham, NC. A few bad choices brought about some drastic changes. How will these changes affect the children?

When I first received the...”

“Lemons into Lemonade

Bernard is the youngest of three. His parents once worked at IBM that afforded them to live in a decent neighborhood in Durham, NC. A few bad choices brought about some drastic changes. How will these changes affect the children?

When I first received the book, the title and cover made me a little suspicious. Once I got a few chapters under my belt, the title became catchy and the cover obvious. Bernard L. Dillard shares his experiences, good and bad. He does an excellent job of illustrating how to move forward and not become a victim to your circumstances. I recommend "Lemonade" because it shows how determination, forgiveness, prayer and faith can carry you a long way. Bernard L. Dillard took the lemons he was given and made lemonade.

Reviewed by: Jas”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“Teetering on the Balance

Cherise Holder has an idyllic life that changes in the blink of an eye. She is now desperately trying to mask her heartache with alcohol. When she hits bottom, her friend Pinky is offering her a life raft if she’s willing to attend AA meetings. Despite the...”

“Teetering on the Balance

Cherise Holder has an idyllic life that changes in the blink of an eye. She is now desperately trying to mask her heartache with alcohol. When she hits bottom, her friend Pinky is offering her a life raft if she’s willing to attend AA meetings. Despite the anonymity, Cherise befriends Stuart, Greyson and Araceli, who are also battling demons from their past. They reveal their reasons for attending AA and a kinship is born.

When an opportunity to help avenge a wrong presents itself, Cherise finds herself hooked. Pinky tries to warn her to steer clear, but with her new friends on board Cherise finds herself addicted to revenge. Will this be the sobering factor in their lives?

REVENGE, INC. by Keleigh Crigler Hadley is riveting. The story is layered with interesting characters, past pains, and truths. Enjoyable is the fact that Hadley allows you to know each character, understand their lives and provides a resolution at the conclusion. There are issues with editing, mainly in the form of tense, too many words and missing words. This does not distract the reader, but it was enough to warrant a mention.

This is definitely a recommended read and I’m looking forward to reading more from Hadley in the future.

Reviewed by: Crystal
4.5”

OOSA Online Book Club reviewed a book.

“Vampires & Zombies

“Forbidden Feast” by Joelle Sterling is the third and final book in the ‘Eternal Dead’ series. In the previous book, “The Dark Hunger,” the town of Frombleton had been taken over by a government and law enforcement of vampires. It was mandatory for humans to come to...”

“Vampires & Zombies

“Forbidden Feast” by Joelle Sterling is the third and final book in the ‘Eternal Dead’ series. In the previous book, “The Dark Hunger,” the town of Frombleton had been taken over by a government and law enforcement of vampires. It was mandatory for humans to come to offer up their blood at certain times for the feedings for the vampires. There were zombielike beings running around biting people and they soon turned into zombies…that is if they are not eaten alive first.

Holland Manning is back in Frombleton and going back to public school after the awful fiasco that happened at the Stoneham Academy. Rumors are going around school about vampires. With her discovery of being a Witch of the First order, she knows that she has powers that may be able to stop them. The question is how?

Even the mayor is getting strange calls from the citizens of Frombleton. Unfortunately, he just thinks everyone has gone bat sh*t crazy. He is soon about to find out for himself how true these rumors are. The head vampire wants the ownership of one of the town’s historical mansions to live in and run his vampire regime. The tricky part is for the mayor to agree to sign over the mansion.

Jonas has decided to stay in Frombleton, not so much because of his love for Holland but because he feels responsible for the zombielike things he, in essence, spawned by the first person he bit, who in turn bit someone else and so on. Jonas figures that if he can get the cries of the zombielike beings out of his head and try to help them survive without actually eating humans then that’s what he is going to do. Jonas is soon about to realize that there are too many of them and they are quickly multiplying and spreading out to surrounding towns. Will he be able to stop this epidemic before everyone is turned or eaten alive?

“Forbidden Feast” had a lot of bloodshed and action throughout the novel. Some parts like the zombielike beings and the biting reminded me a lot of Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due’s ‘Devil’s Wake’ series, although just a different sort of zombie. Regardless, this does not necessarily impact my rating. Just noting the similarities. The thing that impacted my rating from a 4 instead of a 5 star is because the story just ended a little too smoothly with the vampires and the zombies. Other than that it was a pretty good read.

Reviewed by: LeonaR”

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“It was slow in the beginning but picked up and for sure there will be another book in the series..”

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“Shakespearean

HUSTLIN' DIVAS left readers on life support wondering which characters would be returning and who would be buried. In GANGSTA DIVAS, Diamond drops readers right in the thick of things and as you try to ease off the gas, you collide with action, drama and...”

“Shakespearean

HUSTLIN' DIVAS left readers on life support wondering which characters would be returning and who would be buried. In GANGSTA DIVAS, Diamond drops readers right in the thick of things and as you try to ease off the gas, you collide with action, drama and suspense.

Alice, sister to Momma Peaches, has been silenced by demons that led to addictions. Alice has a laundry list of people that she's harboring a ton of hate towards. Now that she's free, she's decided that it's time for them to feel her wrath. Will this be a happy homecoming?

Shariffa, the former Queen of the Gangster Disciples, has a serious vendetta with her once beloved family. Seeing that the FBI are on a manhunt for Python and LeShelle is incapacitated, she sees this as a chance to allow the Crip Nation to step up. With the Vice Lords also feuding within their ranks as well as the GDs, she decides that it's best to cripple both while declaring Memphis Crips property. Is she prepared to fight to the bitter end?

Qiana, a Flower with the VLs, struck a deal with LeShelle, Queen of the GDs in the name of love. Though at risk, Qiana is ready to prove that she's a big girl in this game. Will she be able to handle the repercussions?

GANGSTA DIVAS is the third book in this series. As with the others, there are tears, bloodshed, bullets, fears and love. Just when you think you know, the plot thickens. I'm so looking forward to the next installment. I love the way this entire series builds and intersects. I also LOVE that this is a series based on women in an urban setting and not just as secondary characters. Diamond truly has a gift as she's been able to weave death, drugs, street wars and love into a story with readers vying to read.

4.5 editing issues”