Mad as Hell - Do You Want to Know a Secret?

written by Paul Casselle
first published on Amazon 

One thing about Paul Casselle, he really knows how to tell a story and keep the reader involved. This thriller is no different. Many thrillers are based on either actual cases, old cold cases, murder and/or conspiracies and as such contain strong or offensive language, so reader be prepared.

This is the second book I've read by Paul Casselle and it is full of conspiracy theories, particularly those that are well-known, thrills, murder, characters representing CIA, MI6, and other groups, especially BIG money. But what draws me in the most is the feeling that I am watching a play! This is in no way meant to belittle the book, but an enhancement to the spell it casts. An interesting thing for me to think, but it definitely gets me involved in the story. I find myself engrossed with what is happening as though I am there. Somewhat as in the first book, characters appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. Once again the matter of who is with which group, who is dead (or "deleted"), who is alive to play their parts in these conspiracies is fascinating but constantly changing. Just when you think you've "got it" it slips away again.

The book is not just another thriller, it has a life of its own. Reading it not only grabbed me quickly, but it presents with a sense of humour at times. I really enjoyed this book, the second in the "Bedfellows" series. If you've read and enjoyed the first, you are sure to enjoy this one.

Alive After Friday by Rod Hoisington

Reviewed from print book

Blockbuster beginning to this latest of the adventures of Sandy Reid. Blocked in by an SUV and a truck, her little Miata convertible doesn't have a chance, nor does Sandy. She realizes too late that this isn't just a traffic jam. She is being abducted, blindfolded and ducktaped across her mouth. Meanwhile, her law partner and boyfriend Chip, are waiting for her to celebrate winning a very large lawsuit, $400,000 in fact, half of which is coming to Sandy. On the other hand, the abductors want to relieve her of all of that money.

Taken to the swamps of Florida, kneeling in muck still unable to see or speak, with a gun against the back of her head, Sandy is just waiting for the final moment. But it isn't her that will be killed if she doesn't get them the money, it is Chip and it is within two days. Rod Hoisington certainly knows how to get the reader's attention.

On her release from her captors it's off and running for Sandy as she frantically tries to round up the money with her law partner, co-recipient of the award, while at the same time trying to solve who "Dick and Jane", who take great care to not be seen, are. Of course, Sandy is one tough cookie, and she is determined to solve the crimes of abduction and extortion, but finds herself blocked in every direction. But getting the money and placing it in almost plain view is not the best plan in her mind, and soon it is clear it was the worst possible plan. Because there is now a dead body and the money is gone.

Warned off from investigating as usual, of course she will not leave it up to the law! This is too important, if "Dick and Jane" didn't get the money, Chip has only hours to live. Where first there seem to be no leads, soon she racks up too many in her panic. With her lawyer partner and friend Martin trying to keep her safe, he has his hands mighty full.

Rod Hoisington knows how to keep us on the edge of our seats. A unexpected and sudden loss, some hilarious confusion, dead bodies, and a little help from the police, all are packaged into a bundle of too many strings, but with her cop friends, Martin her professional partner, almost diametrically different in character, and her own out-of-the-box methods, one finally pulls the right string. Great surprise ending! Are there changes in store? I couldn't put the book down, and it's not often that I will read a book at one go. Intriguing 5th installment of the Sandy Reid series, one of the best.