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Night Sounds Beth Anderson
Murder Online Beth Anderson
Cyberskin Paul Collins
Cyberflame Flame

Listen to the Shadows

Joan Hall Hovey

Nowhere To Hide

Joan Hall Hovey
Crystals N.D. Hansen-Hill
Grave Images N.D. Hansen-Hill
Trees N.D. Hansen-Hill

Unorthodox Proposal

Martine Jardin
Whispers in the Mist Sharleen Johnson

Castle Reiner

Gay Toltl Kinman

Screams from Spirit Lake

Barbara Lakey

Spirit of the Straight Edge

Barbara Lakey

A Small Journal of Heroin Addiction

Robin Marchesi

Play It Again Sam

Maryann Miller

A Need To Know

Dan Murr

We Never Said Goodbye

Dan Murr

A Gift For Roo

Ariana Overton

A Glass Darkly

Ariana Overton
Glass House Ariana Overton
Tapestry Ariana Overton
The Devil Is In The Details Ariana Overton
Trapdoor Ariana Overton
Lion of Scythia Max Overton
Sleeper, Awake Dr. Bob Rich
Soul of the Vampire Minda Samiels
Impressions Michael Sander
Prophecy:  The Awakening A.M. Scott
Prophecy:  Threads Of Doubt A.M. Scott
Blind Ambitions A.L. Sirois
Blood Relations A.L. Sirois
The Beginnings of Forever A.L. Sirois

 

 

Murder Online:    Beth Anderson

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Mystery
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0068-8
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0167-6
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0040-8
Release date: October 2000
Cost: Not yet released

Claire Jenson's world comes to a screeching halt when she finds out that her youngest daughter has been murdered. On top of this, she stumbles upon a CD sent in care of her elder daughter. On this CD, Claire's youngest child details a bizarre world of cybersex that leaves her appalled. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Marty Slade of the Chicago Police Department is trying to work this investigation, and his job would be a lot easier if Claire would stop trying to bait the killer over the computer, using her dead daughter's online identity.
 
A marvellously provocative tale that only gets better with each page as Ms. Anderson guides her readers down a fiendishly twisted path into the deviant realm of cybersex. Pure excitement, this compelling mystery is a perfect blend of electrifying suspense, gritty realism and richly imagined prose that will satisfy the most discriminating mystery fans.
 
...........Melissa Bradley, Assistant Editor, Rendezvous Magazine

 

Night Sounds:   Beth Anderson

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Mystery
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0097-1
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0196-X
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0254-0
Release date: January 2001
Cost: Not yet released

5 Stars *****

It has all been said before; but I am not a reviewer who basks in cliché’s. However, Night Sounds, by Beth Anderson, is a monumental mystery that deserves at least one...from the very first page Anderson has you hooked!

From the very first scene at Ravinia, Beth reveals her tenacity to pen a highly evocative melody of suspense, an orchestration of literary prowess, a tinkling of humor, and a rhythmic beat of clues, bad guys, best friends, suspects, corrupt cops, and those ‘you think you know whodunit dead-ends’.

We, the reader, are formally introduced to Joe Barbarello and Zoey Bauer, a Jazz keyboard musician and a temperamental millionairess; destined to come together it seems, with a symphony of attitude and lust.

Along the way, Joe’s character reveals his passions lie not only with jazz and Zoey, but also in his tenacity to fight for his life--his future--the respect of his mother--his fellow musicians and his new-found love. His honor knows no bounds, with the hardest battle of all, to prove Zoey’s and his own innocence.

Underneath the layer of intrigue and suspense is an entertaining portraiture of the Jazz band, ‘Night Sounds’, to which Joe is the keyboard artist, and their struggle to make it up the rung of musician success.

Anderson has pulled out all stops with this thrilling composition. She is to be highly credited for her in-depth research: in both dramatic characterization and the literary framework of a great mystery, not to mention the sub-plot of the music industry and with her own very special brand of humour. All of which blend together, like the perfect tune, to make a highly entertaining read that will stay on the reader’s shelf as a classic to be read again, and again.

J.B. Scott September 2000

 

Cyberskin:   Paul Collins

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Teen Science Fiction
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0093-9
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0192-7
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0250-8
Release date: January 2001
Cost: Not yet released

"Paul Collins has successfully created an apocalyptic action-packed nightmare, escalating some of our worst present day fears into the not so distant future." Nita Kambouris, Australian Book Review.

"Cyberskin is strangely compelling and enjoyable contemporary science fiction, built around an off-kilter view of a world we may already inhabit." Michael Shuttleworth, The Sunday Age.

"… Paul Collins deserves the title of ‘Father of Contemporary Australian Genre Fiction … Cyberskin has a wicked satirical setting … it’s a blazingly-paced techno-noir adventure." Robert Jan, Zero G, 3RRR.

Cyberflame:   Flame

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Erotic-Humour
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0351-2
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0551-5
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0451-9
Release date: October 2000
Cost: Not yet released

BJ Black, Australian daytime sports magazine managing director and secret night-time author, is being pressured by her agent to produce more erotic scenes in her manuscripts.  Since BJ is separated from her husband and somewhat soured on men, her sex life has been a total wasteland for about two years.  In preparation for the type of writing being requested by her agent, she begins to read everything she can find on erotic scenes, and then, as research, logs onto an adult chat line.  There she sees line after line, page after page of dialogue written in real time by real people, but using dialogue she would never, up to this point, have dreamed of herself. 

She begins having private chats with a man who calls himself Bighands, who tells her his real name is Casey.  He discovers she's a writer, tells her he's a sportswriter, and they begin swapping files back and forth as he helps her with some of her book scenes that are not related to the erotic aspect of her work-in-progress.  Soon their friendship ripens into mild innuendo, then half-joking sexual bantering back and forth, and finally turns into a torrid cyber-sex affair.  Because this affair is so hot and wild, they make secret arrangements to meet in Chicago, hoping that their online phantom passion will become reality.

He picks her up at the airport in a limo, where they consummate this torrid passion on the way to a restaurant.  Once there, BJ answers a business call on her cell phone, and Casey discovers to his dismay that she's not only a writer, she's also the person to whom he reports with his sports magazine column.  At the same time, he learns that BJ is taking over running the Chicago office, where he works, while she continues to oversee the Australian office.

Cyberflame is very well written and has a definite storyline which flows nicely from scene to scene.  In fact, the way their relationship grows points out the very real phenomena that two people might possibly find happiness together, even though they met online and conducted the first part of their relationship in this way, almost backward from a normal romance.  Then again, you definitely need to understand, this is not a romance novel by any stretch of the imagination.  This is raw, wildly erotic sex, and doesn't pretend or even try to be anything else.  This book is hot, hot, hot, and you almost need asbestos gloves in order to turn the pages.  One erotic fantasy after another falls naturally into the story as you race ahead to see what BJ and Casey are going to do next—and what's going to happen to them as a couple.

I highly recommend this book if you're looking for sometimes funny, sometimes dead serious erotica.  If you are, this book should most definitely be on the top of your reading list.  

Beth Anderson, Author © 2000

Listen to the Shadows:  Joan Hall Hovey

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com

"A chilling story …Grabs your attention with the first sentence and never lets go…" 

Defelah Morgan, Scribes World Reviewers Choice Award

 

Nowhere To Hide:  Joan Hall Hovey

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  Suspense
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0072-6
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0171-4
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0033-5
Release date: 
Cost: Not yet released

Very highly recommended!


Wow! NOWHERE TO HIDE by Joan Hall Hovey held this reviewer riveted from the prologue to the hair-raising conclusion. A mesmerizing walk with evil, NOWHERE TO HIDE moves with grace, introducing motive, characters, and background information in a smooth fluid narrative seldom matched.


Willing to break all the rules, Ellen is ruthlessly determined to find her sister's murderer. Bonded by their survival of alcoholic and abusive parents, Ellen was remarkably close to her kid sister Gail. When their parents died in a car crash, Ellen had become like a mother to Gail. So when Gail's body is found, raped, beaten and strangled, Ellen will sacrifice her career and very life to find her sister's killer.


Evil is watching, even as it watched many years ago from its hidden place. Power courses in his veins when he takes a life, and he's thrilled to have an opponent as interesting as Ellen. Using her position as a psychologist, Ellen persuades a news station to give her a live interview. Breaking all the rules, Ellen challenges the murder to come after her, "Why don't you come after me? I'll be waiting for you."


Unable to resist, the evil serial killer takes the bait, leaving the following note on her windshield: "YOU'RE IT."

Hovey writes with a crispness that quickly becomes addictive, sweeping the reader into an engrossing narrative. With the subtle voice of a master, she reveals the weaknesses and strengths of her characters, making the reader a part of the suspense, and also making the reader care very much about the outcome. This reviewer heartily recommends NOWHERE TO HIDE.

Published by iUniverse.com
An Authors Guild Backinprint.com Edition
Cindy Penn Senior Editor/Web Wizard Word Weaving: essential elements for all text weavers...

 

Crystals:   N.D. Hansen-Hill

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  Fantasy
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0056-4
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0156-0
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0034-3
Release date: June 2000
Cost: Not yet released

This is the sequel to Trees and a continuation of the story of Peter, Trevor, Mari, Katy Thyme and Dr. Mader. After the rescue of Mari and Katy from the Institute for Humanistic Quality Control, Katy is trying to recover from the trauma of her injuries at the hands of Dr. Garret Mader. Peter's friends and fellow rescuers are relaxing and trying to learn all they can about the human world before they have to return to their own realms.

During their escapades at a Carnival, which results in Katy almost drowning, Lily is entrapped by a sylybin and Peter has died trying to save her. The only hope for Peter is to take him to Thyme's dimension and treat him with the healing crystals. Trev, Thyme and the others go in search of the crystals needed to save Peter. They have to steal the crystals from the Valners and then convince one of the Valner healers to save Peter with the crystal. Meanwhile, Dr. Mader has mutated into a slimy beast bent on nothing but revenge against our heroes for his defeat at their hands. Mader is no longer human in any sense of the word and causes the deaths of many before Peter, Katy, Mari, Trev and Thyme and his friends and family can figure out a way to rid the world of this mutant spawn.

The vivid descriptions of other dimensions, the presence of other life forms and the friendships formed between this group are truly enjoyable. This story will make you laugh and gasp but in the end you'll be left with a soft glow. A truly enjoyable read.
Shari Brennan, Review Coordinator: reviews@simegen.com  sbrennan@astound.net

Grave Images:   N.D. Hansen-Hill

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Fantasy
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0061-0
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0161-7
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0030-0
Release date: May 2000
Cost: Not yet released

5 stars

Steve King better look out!  N.D. Hansen-Hill just may take a bite out of your tush!  Clever stuff!  Intelligent!  Scary!

Scientist type Jarron Marshall discovers Jack Halloran trashing his place while in search of something.  What, Jarron doesn't know.  Really peeved at seeing his favorite papers trashed, he attacks Halloran and, for his troubles, ends up with brain damage and the ability to see and hear people that aren't there.  Shades of the Sixth Sense movie with Bruce Willis?  Yea, yea, but ever so much more and ever so much more terrifying!

The science here is clear and the characters are fresh and new despite an occasional resemblance to something out of the X-Files as well as that, um, Bruce Willis film.  I actually dropped my Rocketbook at one point in my reading and at another, cried like a baby.  This is good stuff and begs to be adapted for film.

Grave Images rivals the best of Stephen King and may even do him one better.

By: Leanne Arndt

Trees:   N.D. Hansen-Hill

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: 
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0086-6
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0185-4
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0031-9
Release date: June 2000
Cost: Not yet released

5 stars

Yowza!

At first I thought this was going to be one of those dark fantasy books that end up being horror and I was getting mighty ticked off to boot.  I even thought that N.D. was going to do a dirty with one of the characters...an act that would have had me quitting the book.  I am happy to say that I was wrong.  This book is delightful!  Reading it was like eating marshmallow squares.  A major happiness!  Even "the Shimmer" would think so!

The science is very real leading me to believe that Hansen-Hill is major league educated.  The plot leads scientist Peter and loved ones, including dog Morty, on a journey into the fantastic.  This is what makes for a good escape from the everyday as you  trip off with these folks into the light fantastic.

A bit like the X-Files or Outer Limits. maybe even the Twilight Zone.  Peter investigates these unusual trees on his new property and, as a result, finds himself and those around him becoming a tidge bit different from what they were before.  Men in black types do their darndest to get a hold of the gang and do the old dissect and run.

You have to read this. Honest!  This book does not smell!  At least not in the way one worth less stars could.

By: Leanne Arndt

Unorthodox Proposal:  Martine Jardin

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  Romance
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0103-X
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0202-8
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0260-5
Release date: 
Cost: Not yet released

Martine Jardin, author of "Shadowed Love" has struck her pen again, in this fast-paced, romance-adventure, "Unorthodox Proposal."

We are introduced to flight attendant Marina Dubois, who during a flight from Johannesburg to Vancouver, Canada, is proposed to by a passenger, a complete stranger. Feeling a little down on the love stakes, with her broken engagement, she believes it nothing but a cruel joke. But is it?

Victor Jamieson, the proposer, is a non-fiction writer, with a dilemma. His editor has requested that he incorporate romance and adventure within his fictional pages. Desperate as to how to achieve this end, he figures a proposal of marriage, a legitimate arrangement, is the only way? But is it?

When Marina scoffs at his proposal, he leaves one of his books on the seat with an invitation to dinner written inside the cover. Marina takes the book home but what she was not prepared for, was the impact the author would have on her world. She meets Victor for dinner, and seals her own future, when she suggests he hire a secretary. Of course, to Victor, Marina is perfect for the position. Weary of her ex fiancé’s harassment, Marina accepts his proposal. Accompanying him to Africa as his secretary, her goal to start a new life. But does she achieve this seemingly innocent objective, or does she discover herself and her soul mate?

Jardin ensures that we are presented with a rich canvass of culture, colourful geographical imagery, African customs, romance, adventure and a dash of humour. As we follow Victor and Marina on their journey to Africa, we discover not only the elements to these realistic three-dimensional characters, but also are plunged into a plot with suspense, intrigue and danger. A book guaranteed to keep you entertained from start to finish, Jardin ensures that no stone is left unturned, no outcome predicted, and restores your faith in the term "soul mate".

Review By J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor – © September 2000

 

Castle Reiner:  Gay Toltl Kinman

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  
POD ISBN: 0-7433-
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-
Release date: 
Cost: Not yet released

Screams from Spirit Lake:  Barbara Lakey

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com

0-7433-0092-0 [POD]
0-7433-0191-9 [PDF]
0-7433-0049-1 [ReB]
 

Ms. Lakey is a gifted storyteller.
 
Toss about all of the adjectives and superlatives you want, the bottom line is Ms. Lakey is good at her craft. Very good.
 
It's not easy to write a compelling psychological suspense thriller that brings a renewed excitement to the genre.  It's not easy to write a psychological thriller in the first place. It's tougher still to write a series. After all, the whole idea of a series is that there are characters left alive from one book to write about in the next book, and the next. However, if you know there is another book in the series, then how much suspense can there be? Plenty, if Ms. Lakey is writing the book...and the series!
 
SCREAMS FROM SPIRIT LAKE is as chilling and haunting as SPIRIT OF THE STRAIGHT-EDGE, the first book in the series. I strongly suggest reading the books in their proper sequence. Not only will you become better acquainted with the various characters, you won't dilute the exquisite tension created in the original story. Let the words on the page captivate you as they draw you into Elsie's world. Is she an avenging goddess or a poor, demented soul...the victim and product of an unforgiving modern society?
 
Fans of psychological thrillers will eagerly devour each of the books in this series. I think fans of true crime will find the books fascinating and riveting as well.  There is a brutal edge to the books that may make some readers uneasy yet the sex and violence is never gratuitous. Once you start reading, it will be nearly impossible to put the book aside, until you have
finished the very last page. Ms. Lakey has a way with words that will make men squirm and women want to shout, "Yes!"
 
 
Reviewed by Cherie Jung  Copyright © 2000 Over My Dead Body! All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Over My Dead Body! is prohibited. OMDB! and OMDB! logos are trademarks of Over My Dead Body!


Spirit of the Straight Edge:  Barbara Lakey

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com

In today's violent world where pedophiles, rapists, and murderers abound; seeming to be the majority rather than the minority they used to be in our society, this story is, not just true and life-like, but something of a wake-up call to us all. There was a time when the average person felt confident that society, law enforcement and the courts would protect and serve as they claim they should. Honest, hardworking people could feel safe in their beds at night. Today, sadly, the very laws and enforcement people out there risking their lives for us have, more often than not, their hands tied and they, like us, feel the same helplessness, fear and loss of personal power as we do.

As I started reading, Spirit of the Straight Edge had my head spinning. The riveting and utter brilliance of the story, the well developed characters, the imaginative narration and setting of scene or the sense of 'real time, real place', are all part of what Barbara Lakey has achieved.

Graphic violence? Yes. Graphic language? Yes. Graphic sex? Yes. Necessary? Yes. In this book, real monsters exist, as we all know they do, in our midst. I, for one, felt deeply satisfied at the justice meted out to them, as so often is not the case in real life, and heartily wish that more of our number had to courage to fight back the way this woman did.

Barbara Lakey not only understands personal pain and horror, she understands how to produce a story that calls to all of us to understand as well. I read the book nonstop and liked it very much. Well done Barbara!

REVIEW BY ARIANA OVERTON

A Small Journal of Heroin Addiction:   Robin Marchesi

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Non-Fiction-Autobiographical
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0052-1
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0152-8
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0021-1
Release date: 
Cost: Not yet released

Dreamland Deception:  Dan McGregor

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  

Worlds Apart:  Chuck McKenzie

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  

 

Play It Again Sam:  Maryann Miller

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: 

REB ISBN: 0-7433-0214-1

POD ISBN: 0-7433-0115-3

PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0272-9

Maryann Miller’s "Play It Again Sam" is a tribute to those forced to rediscover romance the second time around. Right from the start, Miller weaves her words into a ‘real-life’ drama when Samantha, the heroine, is shocked to discover her husband wants a divorce. Samantha, pushing forty up the hill, is neither prepared, nor aware, that her husband was unhappy in their 25-year marriage.

Miller sweeps us up into an intoxicating read, carrying us through the turmoil such an announcement would cause, to not only Samantha but also her two children. Margaret, Sam’s long term friend, in a no-nonsense manner, provides the ‘life of a single’ roadmap, encouraging Sam to go back to college to pursue the art degree she put on hold to raise a family. At a party hosted by her friend, Sam soon finds she has a job with an advertising firm. Sam, in her new role as receptionist, meets Frank Reynolds, hero take-two, who invites her to take that first step into new love.

This is a poignant story of human frailties, emotions, turmoil, confusion and the sometimes, inescapable fear of the unknown. Samantha is encouraged to turn-off the familiar road of ‘what use to be’ and forge a new path of ‘what could be.’

Miller develops her characters well in this enjoyable story, giving them qualities that we would all relate to. A sensitive portrayal of romance, not of the sweet first time love, but a realistic viewpoint of life and love, and the curve ball it can throw.

© Review by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer – October 2000

 

Maya:  Nirmala Moorthy

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:  

 

A Need To Know:    Dan Murr

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Military Suspense
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0094-7
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0193-5
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0251-6
Release date: January 2001
Cost: Not yet released

It's peacetime in the United States.  A retired civilian goes out into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to fish alone for a couple of hours before the rest of the family descends for a Fourth of July weekend celebration. Only seconds before he's killed by gunfire, he radios to the Coast Guard that he's spotted two submarines within the three-mile limit of our shores.

The story that follows is a spy thriller of the highest order, one sure to give Tom Clancy some hot competition.  We're led step by step, by this mega-talented author, through the ensuing War Department investigation, which goes all the way up to the President of the United States. The War Department, working on developing and building our Stealth bombers, suspects the two subs are there on a spy mission, and believes that the Soviets think Stealth bombers are being tested at Eglin Air Force Base near Panama City at
night. They realize the dead fisherman was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  But this one dead man could easily be the start of World War lll.

What sets this story apart from so many other spy thrillers is the humanity instilled within its pages.  We have three very real personal stories running concurrently throughout the book, thereby offering warmth in contrast to the stark reality of a nation facing a horrendous nuclear war and trying to avoid it, but still ready, at a moment's notice, to defend The United States of America and its way of life.

We have Dean White, the Naval Officer who visits Madge Scott on behalf of the Navy, when her husband is killed on his boat.  After a short time, the growing love between them develops and progresses throughout the investigation.  We have Manfred Voss, a Soviet espionage agent who is fearful of many things and wants out-although he still feels honor-and-duty-bound to carry any information he can find about the Stealth back to his superior officers-and we have the Soviet woman with whom he is involved, Petra Varnoff.  We also have Sherman Stanford, a Naval Officer caught up in this crucial investigation, which threatens his own life, and also the new woman in his life, flight attendant Cheryl Arnold.  All three of these stories are perfectly interwoven throughout this investigation into the real reasons behind one civilian's death, and the excitement of the chase as the United States tries to zoom in on the two Soviet submarines, on of which fired the shots that killed him while they were spying on the USA.

Seldom has it been my privilege to read a book by a new author with so much genuine talent.  Mr. Murr, a former sportswriter, has previously published an anthology called We Never Said Goodbye.  This is his first full length novel, a brilliantly crafted beginning of a fantastic new career for him.  I could barely put it down until I'd finished reading it.  

I highly recommend A Need to Know, by author Dan Murr, who has written this fabulously exciting story. 

Beth Anderson, Author

We Never Said Goodbye (And Other Stories):    Dan Murr

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre:
POD ISBN: 
PDF ISBN: 
ReB ISBN: 
Release date: January 2001
Cost: Not yet released

Story One – We Never Said Goodbye

As reviewer, I could not help but wonder whether Michael, the subject of ‘We Never Said Goodbye’ is not indeed the author himself. So rich in heart-felt emotion, ‘put you right there’ narrative, is this, the first story within Murr’s Anthology. In his unique style of voice, Murr potently captures in 14 poignant pages, a child’s growth into manhood. We follow the character, Michael, on this life-altering journey -- first as a young child dealing with peer group pressure in a small town, religion, pranks, and death. Then, as the years seem to flow like fine sand through a narrowed hourglass, Michael comes face to face with war, friendship, respect…finally reaching that one point in time – that all encompassing moment where, the hourglass is turned over, shifting the sands of past, over sands of present, to finally pour with renewed force, over sands of future.

Story Two – The Fitz is Down

Mother Nature can be an all-empowering force, if allowed to unleash her fury upon unsuspecting waterways. In his unique, ‘reporter factual style’, Murr depicts what has happened to majestic vessels, as they travelled across the Great Lakes. These lakes, in the past, have been depicted as calm, tranquil, a recreational wonderland, readily available to provide effective navigational commerce. However, like a liquid chameleon scorned, the Great Lakes, turns the tide, unleashing her other self, one of atmospheric violence, a cold, wet tomb of death. Like a horror news story, with page after page of tragic headlines, this author shows the bravery of sailors and their captains’ as they struggle to remove themselves from her trap. The fear which struck man, woman and child existing on those coastal areas in this killer storm’s path, and the insurmountable questions left for those survivors of how it could have possibly occurred.

September 2000 Ó  - 

A Gift For Roo

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Children's Picture Book
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0050-5
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0150-1
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0025-4
Release date: March 2001
Cost: Not yet released

 

A Glass Darkly:    Ariana Overton

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Paranormal Action/Adventure
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0051-3
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0151-X
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0023-8
Release date: 2000
Cost: Not yet released

'A Glass Darkly' is the second in the trilogy penned by the very talented author Ariana Overton. An incredible amount of research and study has gone into creating this literary masterpiece where truth seeps indiscernibly into exciting fiction.

As a reviewer and avid reader it is hard to discern what was most favorable in this entertaining read. It could be the endearing characters whom from 'Glass House', I call my friends. Or perhaps it's the passion of anger I felt through Overton's incredible talent to pen the new menacing characters designated to create havoc and mayhem to those fighting for good - on this, their most dangerous quest yet.

Ariana Overton sends us to a dead volcano next to Glass Lake in northern California. Andromeda Jones, after much thought, agrees to go on this most dangerous of missions. Her decision she hopes will lead to the discovery of her missing sister, Samantha. Her hesitation derives from her not wanting to wake up a ghost in the closet of her hearts past - namely the enigmatic Morgan Steele. Steele an eccentric millionaire has his own mission. Is this mission for good? Or is that goal obscured with the lust for power?

Hidden from the world, deep within dark caves, lurk a band of brilliant scientists and engineers with a mission to build a machine aptly named 'the Voice of God' or Vox Dei. Little did these scientists know waiting in the wings was the very powerful force of evil? Not until the Voice of God was ready did they make their presence known? The line between good and evil become blurred and the reader is left hoping against hope that the positive force overrules the cloying dark of evil. But does it?

All I can say is that with volcanic tension, brilliant visual phrases, fast paced action, suspense, human nature, mystery, love and a giant serving of hope - on my part, kept me reading from beginning to end.

Ó July 2000 - J.B. Scott

Glass House:    Ariana Overton

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Paranormal Action Adventure
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0060-2
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0160-9
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0017-3
Release date: July 2000
Cost: Not yet released

'Glass House' is the first of a trilogy to paint on a rich canvass a culture where undeniable fact and creative fiction form a work of art that will keep the reader wondering long after the last page is turned.

From the very first paragraph, Ariana Overton envelops us all in a highly visual and belletristic cocoon to a rich land full of legend and beauty. We meet scientist James Hay and reporter Samantha Louis whom together with their friends, struggle to discern the truth where only mystification has previously lurked.

This remarkable author ensures the reader is transported on a fast pace literary vehicle to a Southern Land where Aboriginal culture, spiritual beliefs, scientific evidence and mystery is categorized to ensure you are left gripping the metaphoric steering wheel until the very end.

If you enjoy an intense quest where truth and tale blend into one… where characters are rich, warm and endearing then, 'Glass House' is definitely a purchase guaranteed to be thoroughly enjoyed, and of course prestigiously left on your collective shelf to be read again and again.

Ó July 2000 - J.B. Scott

 

Tapestry

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Time Travel Thriller
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0079-3
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0179-X
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0035-1
Release Date: August 2000
Cost: Not yet released

 

The Devil Is In The Details:    Ariana Overton

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Mystery
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0087-4
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0206-0
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0026-2
Release date: October 2000
Cost: Not yet released

If your book collection is in need of a thriller that grabs you by the neck, sends you hurtling through suspense and danger, and then doesn’t let go until the very last page, then ‘Devil Is In The Details’, is the story for you.

Ariana Overton in her distinctive style of visual wizardry and depth of research weaves the reader into a sickening world where the joy of the holiday season will never be the same again. The title, ‘The Devil Is In The Details’, is aptly named for on every page, in each paragraph and hidden within the crevices of each sentence, there is a clue, offering the reader the opportunity to guess the "who done it" of the millennium.

With characters all uniquely identifiable, sickeningly human, and frighteningly relate-able, there is none more so than Jake Daniels, FBI agent, who is still reeling from his wife’s death in another serial murder some twelve months hence.

What could be worse for an Agent and his band of detectives, then knowing when next the killer will strike? The anxiety escalates from Chapter 1, Christmas Day, building in the form of distinct details, implicit imagery, psychological panache and torpedoing tension on the lead up to a New Year’s Eve that will rival any traditional count down.

Overton takes us into the mind of this killer, so cruel and vindictive, a shiver is sure to crawl and snake up your spine when the killer’s exploits are revealed. Definitely recommended to be read with the lights on and the doors locked.

Ó July 2000 - J.B. Scott

Trapdoor

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Mystery
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0085-8
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0184-6
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0037-8
Release Date:  February 2001
Cost: Not yet released

Lion of Scythia:   Max Overton

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Mainstream-Historical
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0096-3
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0195-1
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0253-2
Release date: 2000
Cost: Not yet released

Max Overton's first literary work: "Lion of Scythia" encompasses all of the reader's senses with his evocative author's voice. It is a credit to Max Overton in that this is his first fictional work. From the very first paragraph, you are cast into this drama 'Lion of Scythia '. Your ears hear the clang of the sword. Your nose is assaulted, burning with the stench of blood spilt in battle. Your tongue savors the taste of victory of those mighty warriors atop fierce horses. Your heart pounds with pride and honor for those courageous men at war-their touch of hope, their nausea of fear...so graphical, it is more a cinematic experience then a quiet read before the fire.

Overton introduces us, in this first of a trilogy, to four unique and very well researched characters: Nikometros, Tomyra, Spargises, and Areipithes. Four distinct people, with their own psyche, their own mission, who, when placed together in the framework of this historical mainstream literature, sweep us through into a tidal wave of pride, power, courage, history, honor, hate, rituals and love.

Nikometros, a brave young warrior, so different to the Scythian people: adorned with bronze helmet, round shield-decorated with a lion's head emblem, body clad in leather, and an arm bracelet from the Great Goddess, which saves his life more than once.

The Virgin Priestess, Tomyra, a raven-haired beauty who has seen a vision from the Great Goddess of the 'Golden King'. However, the imagery is clouded, the message unclear, yet, she knows their destiny is somehow intertwined.

Spargises, father of Tomyra, and Areipithes-the great Chieftain of the Scythian people. His passion to lead extinguished with his wife's death. Yet the 'Golden Warrior', as they travel to the Mother Sea, sees qualities in Niko' that he wish existed in his own son.

Aeripithes, the son, keen to overthrow his father, a man he believes weak and no longer capable of leading the Scythian people in battle, reacts harshly to the threat Nikometros brings, a barbarian, a man not worthy of the people.

Overton guarantees to draw you in from the start, and deals with the impact of the 'Great King' on each of these main characters. It's a fast paced tale, which puts you in the front row seat: fighting the war, falling in love, filling with hate, aspiring with vengeance, and determined to encourage the people to exist in a land with more peace than war.

I recommend this story to any reader whose taste lies more with the cinematic experience of characters intensely diverse in layers of psyche and cloaked in reality. A reader who enjoys a plot that is fast paced, driven by the people, the place, and the history will not regret buying this one. And, if you want a novel where every page is turned without a breath taken,
remembered long after the last word is read, then you should look no further than Max Overton's 'Lion of Scythia'.

Review by J.B. Scott 

Whispers in the Mist:   Sharleen Johnson

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Romantic Thriller
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0088-2
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0187-0
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0032-7
Release date: 
Cost: Not yet released


Stars: 5

Lawyer Leesa Tallwood quickly becomes disappointed with her new job as she is treated like a window dressing rather than an associate. So far her lecherous boss mainly enjoys showing her off at parties. She was hired to handle the estate of Emma Hargrove who recently passed away. Although her estate is very wealthy, Emma lived in a mobile home very sparsely. Leesa's boss, Christopher Knight wants this estate settled quickly, especially since most of the funds will go to the Knight family. However, Fox Lightholder changes the Knight's plans.

Fox is a very good lawyer who is also incredibly handsome. That fact does not escape Leesa either. However, Fox is representing a convicted criminal who is contesting the Hargrove will. At first Leesa sees Fox as the enemy but when evidence starts to implicate the Knights, Leesa and Fox join forces. Together they must find the truth and survive life-threatening situations. Along the way the sexual tension between the two builds with wonderful, sensual results.

Sharleen Johnson's novel successfully builds a plot filled with mystery and intrigue. You will find yourself holding your breath while Leesa and Fox unravel the threads of the Hargrove mystery. An underlying story is Leesa's struggle with her heritage as an American Indian. Fox also has an American Indian heritage but is proud of it. However, Leesa has experienced discrimination as a woman and an American Indian so she is reluctant to share her background. It was a pleasure to see Leesa exploring her feelings about her heritage. "Whispers In The Mist" is a must read with strong characters and a plot that will keep you turning pages.

Reviewed By Shari Brennan for Midnight Scribe Reviews

Sleeper, Awake:    Dr. Bob Rich

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Science Fiction
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0077-7
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0176-5
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0041-6
Release date: October 2000
Cost: Not yet released

This was the first Science Fiction book I have ever read, and I wasn't disappointed!  It intrigued me how Dr. Rich introduced the characters, and the way the world changed without confusing me.  To create an entire world of change, a world left only to the limits of your imagination is exciting, to say the least.  Dr. Rich did a fantastic job!

Flora Fielding, an actress from our times was diagnosed with breast cancer, so she goes into a deep freeze, hoping to be awakened when there is a cure for her disease.  While she is asleep, the world has changed dramatically.  Now, over a thousand years after our time, the population is forbidden to surpass one million people.  The laws and the ways have changed immensely.  She learns the way of the new world, only to discover she was awakened for one reason only.  I would like to say, but I hate to spoil the story for prospective readers.

Dr. Rich did a wonderful job crafting this new world, the characters and the story line, and even what caused the world to change.  Each character, though with different beliefs, tug at your heartstrings.  I look forward to reading more works by him.

Reviewed 24 August 2000 by Louise Klement

Soul of the Vampire:   Minda Samiels

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Horror
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0095-5
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0194-3
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0252-4
Release date: December 2000
Cost: Not yet released

First time author Minda Samiels brings us the story of Michael De Charney, a vampire, a soul in torment, despite his now souless existence. His Brother Claude will destroy their entire family in his greed, and will chase Michael's through the ages, seeking vengeance for the loveless existence he irrationally blames on his brother. Minda Samiels weaves love and romance into a tale of intrigue and evil in SOUL OF THE VAMPIRE. Michael's De Charney's memories of the past, his family and lost love, soon have the reader empathizing and rooting for the vampire, as he battles evil in an attempt to redeem his own lost soul.

Michael walks the city at night; his prey, those who would prey on the innocent. He slacks his unholy hunger by drinking the blood of these criminals. Breaking their arms to hide the marks of his teeth he leaves them alive, but seeking redemption in fear of the haunting, evil pictures he instills in their minds. 

Then he meets Elaina, a forensic pathologist working with her ex-husband, Detective Rick Mathews to find the vigilante they have named the Avenger. She struggles with the clues in the strange case that lead her to suspect the new love in her life, Michael De Charney. 

SOUL OF A VAMPIRE is a gripping tale, though I found myself wanting a little more detail regarding some of the issues Michael & Elaina must deal with, I truly enjoyed reading this book. Minda Samiels does an excellent job in her first book of providing the reader with a few hours of escape into the world of her imagination.

Reviewed by Charlene Austin © September 2000

Impressions:   Michael Sander

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Anthology of Poetry
POD ISBN 0-7433-0109-9

PDF ISBN 0-7433-0266-4

ReB ISBN 0-7433-0208-7

5 Stars *****

Michael Sander, new author for Clocktower Books, has chosen a very apt title for this rich volume of poetry, "Impressions." Although there are more than fifty poems from which to choose, very quickly the reader discovers this young man has a definite art in the penning of his spirit.

Unlike other Anthologies of Poetry, Impressions takes us on a journey of not only love, but of self-discovery; spirituality on all realms, the constant drive to re-evaluate aspects of our life, and the impact of those within that life.

It is hard to define whether his beautiful prose is some how meant solely for you the reader, or whether he is just speaking from one of wise counsel.

As you read each stanza, it is like your eyes are closed and you are transported on a visual stream of emotions, sensitivity, and passion. Sander envelopes you in his velvety visions—feeling his heart, mind and soul as you float along the path to which he still claims he is searching. Yet, in this very heart-felt process of expression, you emerge knowing yourself a little better too.

Impressions is an Anthology of Poetry which will be referred to constantly, as each day brings new joy, and a need to ensure that we are always focused on where we’re meant to be in the spiritual scheme of things.

A very beautiful, prophetic volume, of heart-felt prose and for the discerning lover of poetry, a definite inclusion on the top shelf of your favorite collection.

Copyright ã September 2000 – J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor, Review Coordinator

Prophecy: The Awakening:   A.M. Scott

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: New Age Fantasy
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0074-2
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0173-0
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0036-X
Release date: September 2000
Cost: Not yet released

The existence of Dark and Light, Good and Evil, pulses around us all, and for true well being, on all Planes, these energies must be balanced.

A.M. Scott, in her first literary work "Prophecy: The Awakening" addresses a frightening reality in the form of a question…what happens if this scale is shifted…leaning closer to the Dark then the Light?

Prophecy: The Awakening, the first of a trilogy, is a rich tapestry of mystical and mortal elements, addressing an event that started over a millennium ago. Great, powerful Gods: Odin, Danu, Morrigan, convened, and put into place a mystical force that would fight the war of all wars, that of life in all its forms. These Gods granted immortality and powers to seven souls, naming them warriors and protectors of the spiritual planes. To protect the Mortal Plane, they initiate the first of the Awakenings, that of Kryla, The Gate. She has been chosen to join with an adult mortal host, Andrea. Her role is not only in learning about her role but also in finding those other Mortals who will help in this most important mission.

Like a colorful astral journey, A.M. Scott floats us through the mind of mortals, spirituals, and the dark-side we all know exists. It is a pilgrimage in self-discovery, of finding those others that will make the Group Whole, and maybe, just maybe, be strong enough to fight the war of all wars, that of good against evil.

If you want a fantasy that is realistic to the extreme, wealthy in visualism, abundant in New Age principles then Prophecy: The Awakening is a must read that more than fulfils the most discernible of Fantasy tastes, and will ensure that the next two in this series are sought after, to answer the question

 

Prophecy: Threads of Doubt:   A.M. Scott

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: New Age Fantasy
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0091-2
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0190-0
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0048-3
Release date: January 2001
Cost: Not yet released

Kryla and her mortal host, Andrea, in this, the second of the Prophecy trilogy, are watching the clock, nervously realizing that time is soon going to run out. They have found some but not all of those Warriors required to form the Group Whole. Each page sees them closer to that goal, but the journey is slow, plagued with evil at every turn. As they search for the unknown, both are plunged into a life filled with danger, hatred, and doubt.

Andrea, now one of the oldest members of the group, fights not only evil, but herself, given the role of leader, one that she is not at all comfortable with. But Kryla, and the other mystiques, show her that she is indeed required to gather the Group and keep them together.

Like the first, A.M. Scott depicts a New Age realm, of Astral Travel, and the computer age. As the title so aptly depicts, each day, as they get closer to the ultimate fight, Evil is pushing, pressing, weaving, black threads of doubt, dogging their heals at every turn. The only barricade, we soon learn, against this Evil is to remain united and focused on what must be done.

Book two, "Threads of Doubt," will plunge you back into the lives of Andrea and Kryla, and introduce some wonderful new characters, that make up the Group Whole. A shiver will run down your spine, as Scott illustrates nightmares so dark that you will wish to never fall asleep again, yet you can’t stop reading, after all we are all involved now, Scott has ensured that we are. And, like any life altering, unanswered question hovering in our consciousness, we must.

Blind Ambitions:   A.L. Sirois

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Science Fiction
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0054-8
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0054-4
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0014-9
Release date: May 2000
Cost: Not yet released

"BLIND AMBITIONS is, above all, a well-told story. Mr. Sirois successfully blends high adventure, humor and romance with the hard science fiction elements, creating a cast of well-rounded characters and a wondrous, believeable (sic) alien world that I, for one, would like to visit.

"This book is a sequel [the first book, BLOOD RELATIONS, concerns the first 350 hours of the mission], but it's not obvious. I never had the uncomfortable feeling that I'd missed something, as I have had with many other Book IIs in the past. Highly recommended, and here's hoping that the next book will be along soon."

Catherine Witmer http://www.justviews.com/    Tracy Eastgate

Blood Relations:   A.L. Sirois

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Science Fiction
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0054-8
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0054-4
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0014-9
Release date: May 2000
Cost: Not yet released

After a more than two-year voyage with its crew in lowdown, the Implementation sabreship Haltija arrives at its destination, Kendrick's World. A former colony, the planet is about to be claimed by Earth.

Not a simple task, as Captain-father Neil B soon discovers. And the politics surrounding the mission represent only a portion of his problems.

During slowdown, a listening device has apparently been planted in the quarters of one of the crew members, the telepath Maryara Dunbahr. Since the workings of the sabre's systems are so delicate, this amounts to sabotage, and could spell disaster for all on board.

Who would have done such a thing, and why?

Describing the plot of BLOOD RELATIONS further would be a disservice to both reader and author. Having first read the book's sequel, BLIND AMBITIONS, I was already familiar with some of the characters and the situation when I started reading. A unique way of looking at linked stories--not a problem for me, but not necessarily an ideal method for
all!

Mr. Sirois has crafted another winning effort here. This book has everything going for it--an interesting premise, an absorbing story, a set of intriguing characters, and none of the emotional distance one sometimes associates with science fiction. I'd heartily recommend BLOOD RELATIONS
[and its sequel] to anyone with a taste for something beyond the ordinary.


--Catherine Witmer, Reader's Weekly

The Beginnings of Forever:   A.L. Sirois

Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
http://www.clocktowerfiction.com
Genre: Science Fiction
POD ISBN: 0-7433-0080-7
PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0180-3
ReB ISBN: 0-7433-0004-1
Release date: 
Cost: Not yet released

Tom Easton of the November issue of the "The Reference Library" writes:

"The Internet is roaring full steam into the future, and it's hauling the publishing industry with it. Electronic rights are more and more something to fight over in contract negotiations, and many writers are finding electronic publishers instead of traditional paper publishers. Many of those writers are not worth much attention -- a web site can be no more than a high-tech version of a mimeograph machine in the back bedroom -- but some are. In fact some are among the biggest names you can imagine. Even Stephen King tried his hand at it last spring, with Riding the Bullet. And here's A.L. Sirois, who has appeared in the major magazines but is more familiar to habitues of the small press. His collection, The Beginnings of Forever, delivers a quite readable dozen helpings from a deftly wry imagination."

Copyright © 2000 J.B. Scott
All Rights Reserved