Señor Ramon

Señor Ramon by Eliza Jane Clancey

Published by Spinetinglers Publishing

ISBN  978-1906755-11-9

I was lucky enough to win this book in an online competition run by the publishers, so was unsure if it would be to my taste.  I need not have worried as it turned out to be a ripping good yarn!

The story begins in a more genteel age than the present, as Lucy and her widowed mother try to survive in straightened circumstances following the death of her father.  They have to move house, sell furniture, and generally tighten their belts in order to make ends meet.  Lucy's Uncle Tom finances a trip to Paris as a treat for the three of them and whilst there, they meet a Mrs Radcliffe, an English lady who is on holiday from her home in Argentina.  They exchange addresses and do not expect to hear from her again but upon their return a letter awaits them.  Mrs Radcliffe suggests that mother and daughter travel to Argentina to visit her and Lucy could be a tutor for her daughter during that time.  The idea appeals to Lucy's mother and she starts to plan her daughter's future in Argentina, where she is sure a position as governess can be obtained with a well off local family.

They set sail for Buenos Aires, a journey which would take two weeks to complete, and during the voyage Lucy strikes up a friendship with one of the stewards and they promise to write to each other.  An advert is placed in the local newspaper looking for a suitable job for Lucy and shortly they are contacted by a lawyer acting on behalf of a widower with two young children, who runs an estate near Merida.  A visit to the estate for a meeting between the interested parties is arranged, and the adventure continues.

Señor Ramon, his mother and his daughters all play a big part in deciding whether Lucy secures the position, and the twists and turns of the story keep the reader guessing as to the eventual outcome.  An intriguing book, very well written and very entertaining.

Master Self-Publishing

Master Self-Publishing by Owen O. Daniels

Published by The Small Business Zone, Inc

ISBN  978-0-982-90363-6

As a writer, who is hoping to one day write something worth publishing, this book will be an invaluable tool in assisting me to reach that goal.  This comprehensive guide to self-publishing, which any budding author should own, charts the process in plain English and easy to follow chapters.  The logical sequence of the information simplifies the task of the reader, and helps to clear up any questions or doubts that they may have about whether or not to self-publish.

After a brief summary of the subject, we get down to the nitty-gritty of what is involved.  Fact or fiction, size, colour or black & white;  these are just a few of the questions you will need to ask yourself.  Then you will need a timeline from writing your book to publishing it, which could run to a year, which may be off-putting for many authors.  Then you will need to obtain an ISBN number, which any book must have if you want to sell it through bookstores or online sites.  Copyrighting is another item on the list to be considered.

The decision about how to print your book is next, and there are a surprising amount of options to choose from.  They range from cheap and cheerful single book prints to complete packages costing thousands of dollars.  This is another point at which second thoughts may emerge, but don't be put off by the figures as there are so many possibilities that there will be an affordable choice out there for you.    Another option could be to publish e-books, an idea which is becoming more popular by the day.  Book reviewing, distribution, libraries, bookstores, advertising, etc. all need to be examined and investigated.  The appendix section of the book collates further helpful information to complement the chapters, and an index draws the book to a close.

This book is packed full of useful and helpful facts, and I will be keeping my copy close at hand.  The subtitle of 'The Little Red Book' will have Chairman Mao turning in his grave.  I am sure his communist doctrine would have thought publishing your own book was a form of self-exaltation to be frowned upon!

Dickie Bird - My Autobiography

Dickie Bird My Autobiography

Published by Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN  0-340-68457-7

Cricket has been my favourite sport for as long as I can remember, and Dickie Bird was an umpire who brought an occasionally dull game to life.  His antics on the pitch, plus his many personal mannerisms, all served to brighten many an overcast and chilly spring or autumn day.  He changed the accepted face of cricket umpiring with his innovative techniques, and his white cap made him stand out wherever he might be.

Born in Barnsley, he played cricket locally and then for Yorkshire, and he finished his playing career at Leicestershire, before becoming an umpire.  He is a proud Yorkshireman and never tires of praising his native county, unless he disagrees about the matter in hand.  Occasionally, controversy has engulfed him, but he has always dealt with problems in a bold and forthright manner. 

A devoutly religious man, his faith has seen him through many trials and tribulations, and has been the mainstay of his personal and professional life.  Early on, it became clear to him that his dedication to the sport of cricket would not allow him to get married and have a family, a decision he has occasionally regretted in later years.

Dickie spent many winters coaching in South Africa, helping the youngsters improve their skills, but this had to stop when the Gleneagles Agreement came into force, and all sporting ties with South Africa were forbidden.  In later years he was able to return and see the changes that had been brought about by the ending of apartheid.  

Umpiring test matches and one-day finals were his forte, always one to shine on the big stage.  The biggest stage of all was the first World Cup final in 1975, and Dickie was fortunate to officiate in that and the next two finals in 1979 and 1983.  The chapter detailing these three games brought back wonderful memories for me as I was lucky enough to be a spectator at all three matches, and what wonderful games of cricket they were and some tricky decisions had to be made by the umpires at all of these games.

A book for cricket lovers but also for anyone who wants to read a story of one man's dedication to his sport and to his chosen profession.

Cut, Paste, Kill

Cut, Paste, Kill by Marshall Karp

Published by Minotaur Books

ISBN 978-0-312-37822-6

I originally chose this novel because of the scrapbooking reference in the synopsis on the book jacket, but once I began reading the book itself, it was evident that this was not a nice little book about crafting.  Far from it.

This murder mystery is the fourth in the series whose main characters are Lomax & Biggs, two police detectives on the Hollywood beat.  The story opens with a game of 'choose the victim', played by two cats chasing their numbered ping pong balls, and the winning number is...

There is a serial killer on the loose and the victims are being chosen at random by two cats.  The victims come from wide and varied backgrounds with no apparent connection, but all are killed in the same manner.  Lomax & Biggs are kept busy trying to solve these crimes, and more than one red herring is thrown into their path in order to shield the real killer.  There are many twists and turns throughout the story leading up to a thrilling finale.

An excellent book and I look forward to the next adventure featuring Lomax & Biggs.

ELENA

ELENA by R E Shrubb

Published by Author House

ISBN 978-1-4520-9306-2

The story of the life and times of Elena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, was one I was not familiar with, until I read this book.  The author has presented this epic tale with great attention to detail, and produced a very entertaining and informative read in the process.

From the early pages, where Elena is a young girl finding her way in life, to the closing pages, where her son is ruling the Roman Empire, the reader is treated to a well crafted, meticulously researched novel.

Elena meets her future husband when they are both very young.   They become firm friends, and remain so throughout the rest of their lives.  The massive changes which take place within the Roman Empire during these times are explained in an interesting way, with not a trace of a boring history lesson in sight.  The cast list of characters is helpfully noted at the beginning.  The occasional peek to check on who's who may be required as the book incorporates many momentous happenings and the players involved therein.

History book, or ripping yarn, or both?  Whichever was intended by the author, the result is an enjoyable book about a fascinating historical figure, written in a clear and concise manner.  The attention to detail, the changes in typeface to distinguish between narrative, dialogue and letters, assists the reader and adds to the reading pleasure.  Highly recommended for all ages.