Book Reviews
CRIME DENIED, A BUCK TAYLOR NOVEL BY CHUCK MORGAN
Crime Denied, A Buck Taylor Novel by Chuck Morgan
Winner . . . 2020 Pacific Book Awards Best Mystery
2020 Chanticleer International Book Awards: 1st Place Blue Ribbon, CLUE Book Awards for Suspense, Thriller Fiction
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Alicia Hawkins is a pretty young woman with purple streaked blond hair tucked up under a straw cowboy hat, tight jeans, and a snap-front Western shirt. When we meet her, she's just come back to Aspen, but she is not just a harmless beautiful girl sitting in the bar. No, she is a vicious predator waiting for the next prey. Alicia is determined to fulfill a promise she made to her dying grandfather. Her disguise is perfect, and on her way to Colorado, she left several bodies in her wake, keeping a task force of federal agents at work, slicing up seven women in Florida and Colorado and one in Mississippi. But then, she’s been always a step ahead of the task force. Now, she is preparing for something big. Can Colorado Bureau of Investigation agent Buck Taylor and his team stop her? The clock is ticking!
Crime Denied is the fifth book in the Buck Taylor series by Chuck Morgan, a compelling thriller that follows a dangerous serial killer. A cunningly plotted and gorgeously written entry in a compelling series, Crime Denied explores the psyche of a serial killer and the perversity of human nature while taking readers on an exhilarating investigation. Chuck Morgan has the knack for creating characters that are realistic and genuinely flawed, scenes that are focused, and a conflict that builds up quickly and that escalates into a crisis point. Crime Denied is a page-turner for fans of sleuth and murder fiction.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Crime Denied is a work of fiction in the crime and adventure genres penned by author Chuck Morgan as part of the Buck Taylor series of novels. Written for adults due to scenes that contain sexual situations, the use of explicit language and some moderate violence, this new adventure sees Buck hot on the trail of a dangerous and unexpected villain, Alicia Hawkins. Alicia is not the average serial killer, and her motivations must be slowly unpicked by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in order to understand her deadly plan. Buck has to do all this and in time to save his own nearest and dearest before they too become part of Alicia’s deadly games.
Author Chuck Morgan has crafted an excellent hero in Buck Taylor, whose relatability is grounded in realistic dialogue and a close narration which helps us to empathize with him but also admire his mind and his skillset. Morgan’s prose flows well from chapter to chapter, and it has a great sense of pacing for those moments of tension that build the web of connections surrounding Alicia and her deadly deeds. It’s really progressive to see a female serial killer portrayed with such intelligent writing and depth of character, and the cat and mouse chase dynamic is thrown off nicely by the switching of genders. What results is a really enjoyable thriller and crime mystery novel, and overall Crime Denied is certain to please fans of both hard-boiled detective tales and action/adventure crime novels.
COMING SOON
HORRIBLE NATURAL DISASTER, OR MAN-MADE CATASTROPHE?
The picturesque Glenwood Canyon in Colorado has been a source of awe and inspiration for tourists and locals alike. But now, it has become a scene of chaos and destruction. The highway through the canyon, known for its engineering marvel, has been obliterated by a massive landslide, causing the Colorado River to be blocked. As the disaster unfolds, one question lingers in everyone's mind - was this a natural disaster or a man-made catastrophe?
Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Buck Taylor is determined to find the answer. But when a geologist is found murdered and another's wife meets a brutal death, Buck realizes that there may be more to this case than meets the eye. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies involving a wealthy local family with a rich history. And as the body count rises, it becomes clear that someone is willing to do anything to keep the truth hidden.
Just when Buck thinks he's getting closer to the truth, an eco-terrorist group claims responsibility for the landslide, throwing the case in a whole new direction. With the harsh Colorado winter fast approaching, Buck and his team race against time to unravel the mystery before it's too late. But little do they know; the end of the road may bring about a disaster that hits closer to home.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084ZCZKXY/
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”It’s really progressive to see a female serial killer portrayed with such intelligent writing and depth of character, and the cat and mouse chase dynamic is thrown off nicely by the switching of genders.” Reader’s Favorites review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”CRIME DENIED is a great story with many original plot points and plenty of suspense.” Amazon Reader review
CRIME EXPOSED, A BUCK TAYLOR NOVEL BY CHUCK MORGAN
CRIME EXPOSED, A BUCK TAYLOR NOVEL
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Crime Exposed: A Buck Taylor Novel by Chuck Morgan is the fourth entry in a riveting crime series. Buck Taylor is pulled into investigating the disappearance of a missing journalist, a case that eventually leads to murder and child pornography. The narrative starts in a very curious way, a powerful opening that piqued my sense of curiosity. We get a clear glimpse of the protagonist in the first line of the narration: “Jim McBride knew his wife was pissed... The sound of slamming doors that bombarded his ears indicated that whoever she was mad at would receive her full wrath. He was glad it wasn't him.” This strong opening already gives readers a hint of what to expect, and they are keen on discovering who Barb will turn out to be. But she disappears just after the first chapter and in a tragic kind of way that establishes the suspense and the irony that drives the narrative.
Chuck Morgan has a unique gift for plot, one that makes Crime Exposed: A Buck Taylor Novel a hard-to-put-down book. From the start, readers know what happens to Barb, but they become curious as they follow the investigation, wondering if the characters will find out what happened to her. The descriptions are filled with clarity and they offer readers great images. The prose is elegant and it captures both the emotional and psychological elements of the novel clearly while offering vivid descriptions of scenes and characters. This is a fast-paced thriller with memorable characters and a criminal investigation that is so real readers will believe it could happen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Crime Exposed is a work of exciting criminal fiction penned by author Chuck Morgan and is the fourth novel featuring Agent Buck Taylor and his investigative team. Following the events of Crime Unsolved, we find Buck ready for a new challenge despite all that he’s been through thus far. When a journalist goes missing, Buck and the team begin a series of questions, interviews and following clues which will lead them to a much bigger scandal at work. Not only is a brutal murder evidenced, but far darker and depraved practices are going on that need to be exposed and stopped as soon as possible.
Written for adults due to its language, violence, and themes of child abuse, this is a compelling and thrilling work of crime fiction which can easily be read as a stand-alone if you’re not caught up on the current series. The dialogue is suitably gritty for the context, and author Chuck Morgan has a gift for conveying so much personality from his characters just by the way that they speak. Buck Taylor presents initially as a classic hero, capable and strong-minded, but we see his weaknesses unveiled as the case challenges him, and how he relies on the bonds between his teammates to get through it. There’s also plenty of danger, revelation, and suspense to keep the action fresh, with well-placed plot moments throughout the tale. Overall, Crime Exposed marks an excellent addition to a well written series and is a highly recommended crime novel.
Crime Unsolved, A Buck Taylor Novel by Chuck Morgan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
"A forest fire sweeps through Colorado's Rio Blanco county along the White River, and while the flames ravage the pristine wilderness, the ugliness of greed, murder, and revenge are exposed in the exciting suspense novel, Crime Unsolved (A Buck Taylor Novel) by Chuck Morgan.
A fishing lodge, constructed despite a controversial land swap between the Forest Service and a wealthy developer, is ground zero for an out-of-control wildfire. An environmentalist group is claiming responsibility for the blaze, and the governor feels the need to call in CBI investigator Buck Taylor.
With a murder victim found among the ruins of the lodge and as murder isn't their usual mode of operation, Buck isn't convinced the environmentalists are the culprits. Working together with the local authorities, Buck combs through the remains of the lodge, looking for clues to the cause of the fire. The more evidence they uncover, the more it points to other suspects who have more pressing motives. Their leads indicate other fires recently started in the area may be related.
When an item discovered at one of those sites reveals there are more to the fires than environmentalists gone wild, the investigation takes a turn. A scheme which endangers the community and the environment is taking place, and someone is willing to kill to keep it hidden.
Professionally written in the style of a best-selling crime novelist, such as Tom Clancy, Crime Unsolved (A Buck Taylor Novel) by Chuck Morgan is a spell-binding suspense novel with an environmental flair. Intriguing subplots of fraud, survivalist paranoia, and murder weave their way through the fabric of the plot, creating a dynamic story. This is an action-filled, stimulating tale which contains fascinating details that are relevant in our present climate. The heroic efforts of those who confront the destructive forces of raging forest fires are beautifully portrayed, along with alarming environmental issues, such as chemical dumping. The chemical dumping factor is frighteningly eye-opening and increased the intensity of the story line.
I was captivated by the subjects presented within the text, and even though it was an exciting fiction story, I felt I came away from the book more knowledgeable than I was before I picked it up. I love it when that happens! Fire, environmental issues, murder, and arson are the keynotes for this thrilling novel, and if any of these topics interest you, then you will want to read this book!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite
"Crime Unsolved: A Buck Taylor Novel by Chuck Morgan is a crime novel set in Colorado. CBI Agent Buck Taylor, who recently lost his wife to breast cancer, is eased back into work with an important assignment. He needs to find those responsible for an arson attack on a multi-million dollar fishing lodge development.
While Buck is attempting to solve one crime, he uncovers others including a scheme to dispose of illegal chemical waste, murder and a prescription drug ring. The plot thickens when Buck's brother-inlaw, Hardy, becomes implicated. Buck and his team work hard to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a dramatic conclusion, Buck ends up fighting a wildfire that threatens a local town.
Chuck Morgan writes a gritty crime drama with a solid main protagonist in Buck Taylor, a character I warmed to immediately. Buck has great depth and was the perfect leading man. He was aided and abetted by a number of powerful and interesting women characters including a close colleague, a casual love interest and a feisty daughter who works as a firefighter. His daughter, coincidentally, was part of a hotshot team that fought the wildfire that threatened the town.
The crimes themselves were complex and provided a satisfying plot line that I felt one could really become immersed in. I loved the spiky relationship between the volatile Hardy (Buck's brother-in-law) and the calm and measured Buck. Crime Unsolved has all the ingredients of a good crime novel and was a pleasure to read. I look forward to exploring more in this series of books."
COMING SOON
CRIME UNRAVELED, A BUCK TAYLOR NOVEL
HORRIBLE NATURAL DISASTER, OR MAN-MADE CATASTROPHE?
The picturesque Glenwood Canyon in Colorado has been a source of awe and inspiration for tourists and locals alike. But now, it has become a scene of chaos and destruction.
In the heart of picturesque Glenwood Canyon, the Colorado River flows peacefully through the towering cliffs. But when a massive landslide blocks the river and destroys the highway, chaos erupts, and the once tranquil canyon becomes a scene of destruction. As the community struggles to make sense of the disaster, one question lingers - was this a natural occurrence or a man-made disaster?
For Colorado Bureau of Investigation Agent Buck Taylor, the answer is crucial. But as he delves into the investigation, he uncovers a string of murders and a wealthy family with a dark history. With each new lead, Buck realizes there may be more to this case than meets the eye. But as the body count rises, it becomes clear that someone will do anything to keep the truth hidden.
Just when Buck thinks he's getting closer to the truth, a radical eco-terrorist group claims responsibility for the landslide, throwing the case into chaos. With the harsh Colorado winter quickly approaching, Buck and his team race against time to unravel the mystery before it's too late. But little do they know, the end of the road may bring about a disaster that hits closer to home.
Living at the Edge of the World - Winter
Loved it! 😍
Join two twins on an unusual journey of discovery in this lithe and lively read set in the Shetland Islands.
Living at the edge of the world is… “different,” as two twelve year-old siblings find out in this heartwarming story of adventure, courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
When Tabitha and her brother Timothy arrive on the remote Shetland Islands of Scotland while their parents go on a world cruise, the twelve year-old twins aren’t exactly turning cartwheels. The prospect of spending the winter with a great uncle they’ve never met isn’t exactly spinning their fins, either.
Tabitha is out of sorts because the island’s remote location means limited WIFI. It’s a place where hashtags, TikSnap and social media aren’t really a thing. But Timothy is delighted to uncover the island’s natural secrets. When they start school on the island, the twins soon realize they are not the only newcomers.
This a well-written, sturdy story with solid writing and an engaging plot. You can almost feel the chill wind and taste the Atlantic sea spray. The action skims along briskly as readers join twins Tabitha and Timothy for explorations into the history, culture, customs, and language of Shetland. Readers are also introduced to the local dialect as well as the history of Shetland and Scotland dating back to the 15th century. Tucked into the story are fascinating tidbits about the island’s customs, culture, terrain, food, festivals, flora and fauna. Much more.
Perhaps the best part of this lithe and supple read is watching Tabitha grow. She slowly sheds her self-absorbed, prima donna persona like a wizened old snakeskin and becomes a more nature and sensitive person. Whereas prior to her arrival on the island Tabitha was all about herself and her TikSnap account, she slowly learns to broaden her horizons, especially after meeting another new kid at school, Omar. When Tabitha's videos of life on the remote island start gaining traction on social media, Tabitha uses her camera to foil…. Oh, wait. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out what happens next.
Maps of the island drawn by both Tabitha and Timothy are included. So is a glossary of Useful Shetland Vocabulary so you don’t get lost.
This is a lively story that will appeal to its target audience of children ages nine to twelve. Cheers enoo!
REVIEWED BY Kristine L.
The Dragon Sanctuary
This book is a total blast with its dragon tales, wizard shenanigans, witchy wonders, and brave knights. The stories are short and perfect for those quick reads before bedtime. There's a dash of moral wisdom at the end of each one. Highly recommend for all the parent storytellers out there! 5stars