"Pyres" by Derek Nikitas

Sometimes you begin a new book and you know right away that it's going to be a wonderful read.
Such is the case with "Pyres" by Derek Nikitas.
The novel depicts the interrelated stories of Luc "Lucia" just turning 16 when she persuades her father to take her to the mall. She steals two CD's and asks her father to leave immediately before the security forces in the mall can catch her. However in the parking lot, her father is killed in a bungled robbery attempt.
Tanya is the pregnant girlfriend of Mason, a gang wannabe who seeks to impress his meth selling friends by killing Luc's father.
Greta Hurd, a homicide detective who has a relationship problem with her own grown daughter but is assigned the case involving Luc's father and when Luc's mother attempts suicide because of her grief, Greta feels a motherly or big sister need to solve the murder and make Luc's life somewhat more livable.
Pyres is a short story writer who streamlines his scenes with such intensity and purity that the reader is captivated.
The novel was nominated for an Edgar Award for Best First Novel by an American writer.

"Chasing Darkenss"

How would you feel if you were a PI and you were able to clear a man from a murder charge and find out that you were wrong and two more people were murdered by the person you helped set free?\
Thus, the premise of "Chasing Darkness" the wonderful book by Robert Crais.
Elvis Cole is back at work and he's visited by two detectives who have just found a man who had been accused of murder but Cole found evidence that allowed the man, Lionel Byrd, to go free. Now Byrd is found as an apparent suicide with a photograph album showing other women that have been murdered, apparently by Byrd.
Something doesn't sit right and the police are hindering his investigation. Cole continues his pursuit of the truth, and uncovers more twists that make this novel a great read.
It will keep your attention and your enjoyment as you see one of the literary masters in the mystery field at his best.

Movie review "The Visitor"

The movie "The Visitor" is recently released to DVD and what a dandy of a story.
The plot centers around Richard Jenkins who is a teacher in CT and has been teaching the same thing for years and is bored.
He has to go to New York to present a paper and meets two young illegals.
They establish an unusual relationship and the Jenkins sees the young man playing the drum. They form a friendship and Richards' life becomes meaningful.
The immigrant is arrested and possible deportation is an issue. The steps Richard takes to help the couple and the boy's mother are enough to touch your heart.
Well Worth the effort. 31/2 stars.

Agent fest

How would you follow up with an agent who asked for the first 50 pages of your manuscript and after you sent it, doesn't get back to you?
Wow it's been over two months. Even sending emails to see if it has been received haven't been answered.
I guess I have to assume that they don't have an interest at this group. Too bad. They should put themselves into the writers shoes and see how it feels.

CrimeBake

Just sent in the forms for CrimeBake and look forward to going again this year.