Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author

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• Rated 4 stars

“4/5 Jackson Cranks up the Heat!

Lisa Jackson’s romantic suspense ‘Whispers’, is the kind of book I most enjoy taking on a holiday. It is filled with suspense, an easy read, hard to put down but if I have to, I can get back into it easily. Jackson knows how to write the perfect ‘getaway’ novel. She is in my personal top 10, of female authors I read.

As the letter in the beginning of the novel states, ‘Whispers’ is a reprint of an earlier 1996 edition that has been revised and includes “new twists and turns”. I believe I read the earlier version as I’ve read almost all of Jackson’s books, but since I’m an avid reader I don’t recall for sure. All I do know is that when I want a good read, I pick one of Lisa Jackson’s suspenseful novels.

‘Whispers’ is the story of three Holland sisters, one of whom may be responsible for murdering Harley Taggert, their father’s rival’s son. Claire Holland returns to her family lake house after sixteen years and struggles to keep a secret that has haunted her. Kane Moran, journalist-turned-writer from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’--or lake—has also returned. With one purpose in mind. To write the book by getting to the truth and exposing the murderer of Harley Taggert.

In a modern day Romeo and Juliet-like plot, Kane and Claire may come from opposite sides of the bank, but their attraction is raw, appealing and undeniable. In fact, all the characters are developed expertly, the pacing is taut and the revelations make sense. That is what makes a great suspense novel. If you’re looking for a solid read with crisp characters and dialogue, check out ‘Whispers’. You won’t be disappointed. Kudos, Lisa!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“5/5 A Suave, Sophisticated Mystery with a Bond-ish Hero

In The Short Forever by Stuart Woods, retired homicide detective-turned-PI Stone Barrington--a cross between James Bond and Spenser--is sent on what might be a 'wild goose chase'. His assignment: to find his mysterious new client's missing niece who is somewhere in London.

Stone leaves the US and the niece, Erica Burroughs, is found rather quickly. But then the plot thickens. She has no uncle. Stone is stumped. He soon finds himself embroiled in a puzzling case, where most of the pieces don't add up. Just who is his client John Bartholomew? And what does he want with Erica and her drug-smuggling boyfriend Lance Cabot?

Erica introduces the dashing detective to her sister Monica, and things heat up. And the appearance of two former lovers unsettles Stone, especially when old flame Sarah Buckminster hosts a weekend get-together with her fiance James and invites Erica, Monica, Lance and Stone. But fun and games turns swiftly into tragedy as a boating accident claims a life. Then more bodies turn up and Stone is thrown headfirst into an international dilemma.

Best Selling author Stuart Woods delves deep into his characters, giving them plausible backgrounds and emotions. He creates means, motive and opportunity for each suspect and gives you just the right mix of action, suspense and romance. This page-turner contains every element that makes an excellent suspense and Woods drives home the twists at every possible corner.

If you're looking for a good read, with interesting, quirky and multi-faceted characters and tons of fast-paced action, pick up a copy of The Short Forever. Kudos, Mr. Woods!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“5/5 Great story! Loved the flashbacks sequences!

Art Tirrell’s The Secret Ever Keeps is a modern Cinderella story, with a rum-running, sunken treasure twist. On the shores of Lake Ontario, Laurel Kingsford discovers that there is more to her family’s past. There is a secret that has laid buried, one that is yearning to be revealed.

While searching for a treasure buried far beneath the sea, she uncovers a conspiracy, a passionate new love, a jealous and formidable rival, more family than she wants, and riches beyond her dreams. But of course, something—or someone—wants to spoil her plans at happiness and they will go to any length to take her breath away—permanently.

The Secret Ever Keeps is a tantalizing read. Fast-paced, sexy and sensationally plotted, it will keep you guessing and cheering on the heroine until the explosive and satisfying ending.

I have given this novel 5 stars because it deserves it! The story is awesome and it is believable and well-researched. Great work! I look forward to Art’s next novel.

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.


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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“4/5 The Ruins is Bone Chilling!

Author Scott Smith, whom we haven’t heard much of since his smash hit A Simple Plan, has managed to thrill us once again with a novel that gave me chills long into the night. As two couples go off into the wild forests of Mexico, to find their new friend Matthias’s missing brother, they embark on a journey that tests their friendships, loyalty and survival skills. What they encounter is ‘otherworldly’ in nature, a force that is rooted in evil and lurks just beneath the surface. Their vacation becomes the holiday to hell.

Since I read many novels while traveling, I will say this much: I’d never read this book while actually in Mexico. I don’t think I’d leave my hotel room! The Ruins will make any traveler to Mexico think twice before setting off into the forest.

Smith combines the right mix of interesting characters with an action-packed plot that is creepy and menacing--a book to be read with the lights on. If you enjoyed A Simple Plan, Scott’s novel about a group of friends who find money in a downed plane, you’ll find The Ruins even better. This was my favorite!

I highly recommend The Ruins, especially if you enjoy a good thrilling ride, lots of page-turning suspense and enough twists to keep you guessing. Read The Ruins--it is truly bone chilling!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“5/5 Non-Fiction

The Persona Principle Personifies Success

Authors Derek Armstrong and Kam Wai Yu have penned a brilliant ‘must-have’ book that will change the way business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals do business. Expertly researched with numerous examples and stories, this incisive book is an easy read.

The Persona Principle: How to Succeed in Business with Image-Marketing shows you how to create and build a customized visible image, one that will be remembered. It succinctly puts into words the theories that I have been practicing the past few years—and then some! “The biggest obstacle to your success is invisibility,” the authors say. Armstrong and Yu teach practical solutions that, if followed, ensures your visibility. What I liked most is that, unlike other marketing books, this one actually shows you how to do it in a smart, savvy and inexpensive way.

This book is not just for business owners, but also for anyone who wants to create a better, bigger, stronger, more successful image. The imaging techniques taught are a smorgasbord of valuable tips that will provoke you to identify what is hindering your success in your business and make changes accordingly. I was also impressed with the simple language used, instead of the technical and confusing jargon that is commonplace in most books of this type. You will understand this book!

As an avid fan of such visionary masters or marketing gurus like Stephen R. Covey, Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, T. Harv Eker, Napoleon Hill and Og Mandino, I highly recommend that every business owner, professional or author like myself read this book. Derek Armstrong and Kam Wai Yu’s book The Persona Principle: How to Succeed in Business with Image-Marketing belongs on a shelf next to any of these authors’ works. If this book doesn’t change your business for the better, I don’t know what will. It's one of the BEST marketing books I've ever read!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Non-Fiction Review

5/5 A Poignant and Compelling Story!

What would you do if you were suspected by the police of the rape and murder of a young woman? Whom would you turn to if you were convicted of a crime based on circumstantial evidence and shoddy legal tactics? Whoever believes we are all innocent until proven guilty hasn’t truly been put to the test.

John Grisham’s newest legal masterpiece hits home--and hits hard. Temporarily forgoing his status as a legal thriller novelist, he delves into a non-fiction tale that could be almost anyone’s story. Ron Williamson had to rely on officials of a system that was corrupt and desperate, and he paid a terrible price. Twenty years of his life. Haunting, chilling and foreboding, The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town gives us a glimpse into the life of a man hounded by police, found guilty because of fraudulent testimony from convicts and sentenced to death row.

Williamson isn’t the only man wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Over the years, many cases have been appealed, and with new DNA testing and other evidentiary sciences in place, both Canada and the US have released convicted felons with little more than a “we’re sorry”. Grisham, a former criminal defense attorney, reveals a world of political power and policing agencies that show very little remorse for getting it wrong. It’s hard to imagine that even now there are people waiting on death row or in prisons who are innocent of the crimes of which they have been convicted. Powerful and emotional, this is one book I couldn’t put down!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“4/5 Grisham Packs a Punch!

Political scandals, judicial controversies and an extortion plan that will make three disgraced former judges very rich and powerful men make up this fast-paced thriller.

The Brethren have waited for just the right time--the right moment. And that moment has come. While the country is distracted by a presidential election with its own ulterior motives, the three judges have targeted their next victim.

I found this novel to be very entertaining and pure Grisham at his best. His characters are multi-dimensional, human and evil, and exploit the adage of "how far are you willing to go to get what you want?'

Still, my favorites remain The Client and The Pelican Brief.

Overall, John Grisham packs a punch and hits his target every time. Kudos!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.

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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“4/5 An Intriguing, Complex Plot with an Unexpected Twist!

Michael Connelly’s novel The Black Ice features veteran LAPD detective Harry Bosch. This time Harry is investigating the death of “one of their own”.

Cal Moore, a narcotic’s officer that Harry knew vaguely, is found in a motel bathroom with his head practically blown off by a shotgun and a suicide note in his pocket that read ‘I found out who I was’. When Harry is given the duty of notifying next of kin, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Moore’s wife, Sylvia, and the attraction builds slowly, albeit perhaps a bit too predictably.

As Harry investigates an unidentified ‘Juan Doe’ who seems to have a connection to Moore, one of Moore’s partners gives him a file that Moore had been working on. It was a case involving ‘black ice’, a deadly rock narcotic that had hit the streets.

A series of murders in Hollywood and Mexico lead Harry to a Mexican drug lord Zorrillo, known to his compatriots as El Papa—the pope. Zorrillo is a man shrouded in mystery and death.

From beginning to end, The Black Ice is full of action and suspense. The only thing lacking is perhaps a bit more warmth and emotion from Harry, who has lived the single life far too long. I’d like to see him have a real and deep relationship, instead of always the carefree bachelor kind.

Regardless, it’s still a great book by a great author. Fast-paced, technical in crime scene investigation and believable. This book kept me reading and wanting more.

But it is the final three chapters that give you an unexpected twist and a final, explosive confrontation leads to death. The plot weaves through intricate subplots, with the familiar touch of a protagonist that is multi-dimensional in character. Harry Bosch has grown immensely in Connelly’s last few novels. Looking forward to his next case.

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“4/5 The Birth House by Ami McKay

Poignant and Compelling!

Congratulations, Ami, on a fabulous first novel.

A young girl, Dora Rare, moves in with an elderly small town midwife or 'traiteur' who claims that Dora will take over her birthing business. Marie Babineau trains the young girl in the ways that only tradition can teach.

The story takes place over a number of years, seeing the main character married, giving birth to her own children and raising someone else's child. Dora is caught between the old ways and new, modern birthing practices. The story evolves slowly, deeply and emotionally.

As a fellow Canadian author, it is uplifting to see Canadian fiction so well accepted. I too write about Canadian locales, but haven't yet made it to the east coast in my books yet. Having lived in New Brunswick and traveled to Nova Scotia, I think McKay has painted a quaint and realistic picture of how life was (and maybe still is to some extent), with characters that live and breathe. Canadian fiction is alive and well, thanks to authors like Ami McKay!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to delve into the emotions and lives of small town Nova Scotia. But warning...bring Kleenex!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“5/5 The Artist’s Way - An Inspiring Tool You Shouldn't Be Without!

After reading and re-reading The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron, I was completely inspired to reactivate my passion for writing fiction. For years, after trying to get a novel published, I wrote business related material, yet secretly yearned to return to what I loved most--writing fiction.

In the late 90's I studied the original book, and enjoyed the various tasks that helped to open and expand my creativity. And then in 2003, my life goal came true and I published my first novel. I owe this in part to the lessons and motivational teachings found within the pages of The Artist's Way.

And now, there is an actual workbook that makes everything that much easier to record. This workbook has everything you need to unleash your 'inner artist'--and that means any kind of creativity, whether painting, sculpting, drafting, writing, etc. Many of the activities are short and easy; some you’ll find more challenging. But that is the point!

I highly recommend this book for anyone who may have lost their muse, or for anyone who wants to kick it into overdrive! Excellent tool and long overdue!

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
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Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling suspense author wrote this review Sunday, June 24 2007. ( reply | permalink )