Fiction Review

Ghost Of A Chance
by Eric Wilder
ISBN-10: 141375936X
review by Heather Froeschl

Buck McDivit digs dirt for a living. He's a P.I. who stumbles across the fact that he has an Aunt in Deception, Texas. Deception isn't just the name of the town; it's the feel of it. Things are not what they seem to the tourists and when you stay a few days longer than most, like Buck does, you're likely to uncover some very ugly truths.

Buck discovers his aunt just a little too late and comes to town to learn that she has died. The island, in the middle of Caddo Lake, where Aunt Emma's lodge and marina are, is about to be foreclosed upon and since her death is ruled a suicide her life insurance is not valid. Pearl, Aunt Emma's housekeeper and friend, and her husband Raymond, do not believe she would drown herself though, and what's even more suspicious is the fact that Emma's lawyer claims there was no will. This leaves the couple without the inheritance of the marina, and what's more, the deed to their own house and property on the island has disappeared from the records of the courthouse. Buck has a lot of digging to do if he's to find out what exactly is going on in Deception, and find a way to save the island.

What he digs up is a whole lot of trouble. Deception, Texas is run by the powers of a number of white-power, Klan bigots who seem to have denied the knowledge that the civil war is long over. What they've gotten away with, and what they plan to do is enough to turn your stomach even while remembering that this is a work of fiction. Will Buck be able to get to the truth before it is too late? What can he do once he finds it? And what does all of this have to do with the visiting spirit of a young girl on the island? Things are not what they seem, at all.

Eric Wilder is a gifted storyteller. I was drawn into the book from the first page and the plot led me through every chapter, turning pages to discover what would happen next. Everyone enjoys a good family secret revealing story and this one offers such with the twist of a ghost, despicable villains, down-home traditions, a bit of romance, mystery, and the exciting adventures of a stubborn P.I. I highly recommend this book as a ripping good read.

Paranormal Fiction Review

A Wizard by Any Other Name
by Debora ElizaBeth Hil
ISBN-10: 1929374399
Review by Heather Froeschl

Direct descendant to Merlin himself, Mallecyne St. Merline, a ninth level sorceress, is partnered with a "null" on an investigation. The most promising high school student sorcerers are being abducted into another dimension, their power usurped by Tynedale, Mallecyne's former teacher and lover. Mallecyne's partner isn't just a null though; he has the rare ability of being impervious to magic. This makes him the perfect partner for her as they battle to save the world from Tynedale's plans.

Through the portals that Tynedale had created Mallecyne and her partners explore our own world, full of its prejudices and religious idiosyncrasies. They attempt to rescue those who have been captured but inadvertently bring a number of "other worlders" over as well. This allows for an examination and comparison of the two dimensionsàone, which embraces magic, and one that cowers to its religious beliefs. Looking at the world this way is an interesting study of society. This deep difference in cultures adds so very much to the story that one will be caught up in the discussion and intrigued by the plot.

Will the students be able to return to the world they know? Will Tynedale find a way to take over the world, in both dimensions? Will Mallecyne and her partner discover how well they work together in other ways? What will happen to the beautiful girl from the Dark Ages? Get caught up in the magical tale of "A Wizard by Any Other Name" and you will discover the answers while enjoying a time tripping adventure full of thoughtful insight, lust, and life lessons.

I adored this book and highly recommend it. Readers will find that they will be swept up in the spell of a talented author. What better result from a read can you get?