Thursday, October 5, 2017

Onyx Webb: Book 10: Episodes 29, 30, 31 & 32

From the Publisher: Haven't Gotten Entangled Yet? Please Start with Book One.

Book Ten is the end of the Onyx Webb saga with the final pieces of the web sewn together.

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

In Book Ten:
-The Mulvaneys deal with aftermath of the Solstice Eclipse Ball.
-Stan Lee and Spider Boy finally meet.
-Readers finally learn the fate of Onyx Webb.


My Review: Holy cow! What can I say about Book 10 that I haven't eluded to in the previous books? It's awesome! It's given me everything I love in a book: love story, suspense, a villain, murder, mystery, ghosts, all rolled into one perfect series! What a journey we've been on with all these characters, and now it's over! Reading that last sentence was hard, but worth it! I really tried to take my time reading this one...well, truth is I finished it in record time. I'm such a sucker for endings!

This was such a fast-paced (to me at least) book because there was a lot of ground to cover. And with it being the final book, Fenton and Waltz did just that. They wrapped it all up so the reader could have closure on all matters. I'm not going to give anything away regarding the stories because I want you to experience it without my take. But I will say I think you'll be pleased. :)

I'm really going to miss this series and all the tangled webs that went along with it. Onyx, thank you for existing in the minds of two very talented authors who brought you to life, and death, so well. And for all the other wonderfully thought-out characters as well that complemented this series in the most perfect way. I'll miss it, but do have my fingers crossed for a sequel of some sort?!

If you haven't read the books leading up to this, get to it!! You're missing out on so much.

Until next time, Onyx-lovers.

Click here to purchase on Amazon.




Friday, May 26, 2017

Onyx Webb: Book Nine: Episodes 25, 26, 27 & 28

From the Publisher: Haven't Gotten Entangled Yet? Please Start with Book One.

Book Nine is the most cataclysmic book in the series yet and what we have been building to for so long. The web is almost entirely formed now. But questions remain: what happens to everyone now that it is?

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

In Book Nine:
The Mulvaney's host the Solstice Eclipse Ball for the Restoring Savannah Foundation and Gerylyn's prediction comes to pass.
Stan Lee gets his revenge and Juniper battles a dark evil at the mansion.
Onyx Webb spends her days at the lighthouse alone again without Noah Ashley but Noah may have other plans.

My Review: Holy Smokes!!!! Mostly the book is about the Solstice and the events leading up to it, and the events after as well. There's so much that goes on in this one book it almost makes your head spin, and you might want to reread it just to make sure you got it all! I know I am! :) Or maybe that's just an excuse since I love this series so much.

Koda is busy getting things all squared away and perfect before the guests arrive, but there is one guest, or should I say "staff member" that he doesn't know will be there. And she wants to keep it that way if at all possible. But fate has other plans.

Declan finally comes clean, in a way, with Koda about his sickness and they have a special moment. But the night's events will have a way of leaving you with your jaw hanging open.

We don't really see Onyx much in this book, and that's okay! But when we do visit her we see that she's having to deal with an unwelcome visitor at night. But don't worry about Onyx, she's tough and I'm more scared for who shows up uninvited because they clearly don't know what they're walking in to. But, the last time we see Onyx in this book, it's totally worth it! It's a cliffhanger and leaves us turning the page, or swiping left for us iPad users, in hopes of more of the story. Richard and Andrea know what they're doing. Come on Book 10!

As for Mika. Mika, Mika, Mika. Let me just say I was glad.

Stan Lee suits up one more time as the Southern Gentleman to MC the Mulvaney's Restoring Savannah Foundation event. He does a stellar job getting the crowds attention, and his dialogue seems to go over well with everyone. The night is going wonderfully, he even got a hot date, even though she only used him to get in to the party. Does that sound like anyone we know...and hate? Hmmmm..... Well, as I said, all seems to be going well until Kara shows up. When she hops on the scene all reasoning (what little Stan Lee actually has) goes away. Let's just say Stan doesn't get what's coming to him (yet), but Newt has figured out who the Leg Collector is and he and Maggie are on the way! But will they get there in time?

Wyatt, bless his heart, is on death row and has been moved to a room where he will spend his last night on Earth. Quinn just so happens to be sitting with the Governor of Georgia at the party in Charleston, and will do his best to convince the Governor that Wyatt is innocent. But will that mean he has to come clean about Juniper being a ghost? Maybe. Maybe not. Again, the way the night unfolds will just leave you stunned in some ways.

In fact, this whole book is nothing like any of the others, at least to me. There was a lot of revealing, some deaths of main characters (some we love, some we don't), and it really moved the story in a direction I didn't expect.

It's just brilliant!

Book 10 is set to arrive on the scene soon, I hope. I'm itching to see how this all comes together and how it will end. But at the same time I will miss this series so much. I've become so invested in these characters that I want it to continue on in some fashion. Maybe there will be a sequel to Onyx??

But I do hope it's a happy ending for Koda and Robyn. As well as Wyatt. And most of all Onyx.

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                                        *****5

Sunday, February 19, 2017

Onyx Webb, Book 8: Episodes 22, 23 & 24

From the Publisher: Haven't Gotten Entangled Yet? Please Start with Book One.
The timelines - the web - is more tightened than ever. Although the connections are clear, suspense reigns as always.

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of your favorite tv series (think: supernatural soap opera like American Horror Story) each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

In Book Eight:
Onyx and Alistar's grandson Noah grow close as they create a "life" together with exciting new projects.
The Mulvaney mansion is crawling with ghosts as a big event looms.
Stan Lee continue to make mistakes without consequences, for now.

My Review: Whoa! Actually, I'm going to go ahead and upgrade that to a triple whoa!!! Please tell me you have started reading this absolutely entangling series. If you haven't, STOP HERE and start with Book One. You do NOT want to have the lead up to this book ruined for you.

As I've said in my other recent reviews of Onyx, I do not want to give away any of the book because at this point I feel you really need to feel the emotions and experience the "whaaaa?!" moments for yourself. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. But what I can tell you, even though it's very little (don't hate me) is that we see Stan slipping further from his put-together self and start making little mistakes here and there. I totally had my fingers crossed he'd be offed in this book...but not before taking care of Mika. Too much? I'm horrible. It's truly the work of good authors when the reader absolutely cannot stand a character. Or in this case, I actually have a couple I'd like Stan to get rid of before he passes on to the eternity that awaits him. Hopefully...

Again, too much?

Delcan is getting worse. I hate that because his story has been so interesting to see unfold. The Onyx and Noah situation is getting very interesting! I can't wait to see how that is going to play out. We didn't see much of Robyn in this book. But, there's another book for her and Koda to reconnect! Speaking of reconnecting, there is a big party at the Mulvaney mansion that's sure to bring some pretty scary guests to the mix!

As always, there is oh, so much more I could add but I truly don't want to spoil it! I cannot wait for Book Nine!! Fingers crossed we won't have to wait too much longer.    

To purchase on Amazon, click here.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Onyx Webb: Book Seven, Episodes 19-20-21

From the Publisher: More questions get answered in Book Seven and the timelines are narrowing much closer.

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of your favorite tv series (think: supernatural soap opera like American Horror Story) each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

My Review: Oh my gosh! If you're up to speed on the first 6 books, then why have you not read this one yet?? Seriously, it just keeps getting better and better...and better!

In book 7 we see even more of the story slowly unfold before us, and finally see how Onyx's mother was killed. Very interesting! Speaking of Onyx, her lighthouse is still in jeopardy of being taken away when a certain someone comes along and might have a solution to pay the back taxes on it. Juniper makes an appearance to someone special, while Mika is business as usual, ruining lives. I'm sorry, but she's just rotten. Stan Lee is wicked and I so wish he'd get caught! But at the same time I kind of want to see what, or rather who, he gets next. ;)

There's so much going on that I might have to go back and read it again just to make sure I got it all! But the story keeps progressing in ghostly fashion, and it's awesome. Fenton and Waltz are so talented and have come up with a story that just keeps you guessing, and literally anxious about what the next paragraph will reveal. AWESOME is the only word that I have to describe it. ;) Way to go, guys!!

To get entangled in this newest installment, click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                     *****5 Stars!

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

My Best Friend's Brother: Year of Luke

WHO WILL GET THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER?

- CONTENT WARNING Recommended for ages 16+ due to bawdy humor, non-graphic sexual content and some strong language. -

Ridiculous curfews, arguments, and retaining her sanity are all things Adonia worries about when her father visits for the holidays. She also needs to hide the fact that she and Luke live together; and plans not to spill the beans about her upcoming wedding until the very last minute—or risk her dad ruining it! Will Adonia pull it off, or will someone slip up and let the cat out of the bag?

Luke soon realizes that he’s got bigger problems than Adonia’s dad—HIS dad! When Apollo Pawlak’s “holiday cheer” ends with him on Santa’s naughty list, all of Prince George is in an uproar. If Adonia's father did not approve of Luke before now ... Luke knows this is about to get ugly.

And while stranger things have happened, they’re probably not much stranger than Nikki’s handsome new prospect. Nikki will use every opportunity to get back at Andre for his odd relationship with his coworker, Amanda, and this new guy is fair game! Will Amanda get in the way of Nikki patching things up with Andre, or will Nikki’s mysterious new friend beat her to it?

Can Luke and Adonia survive their visiting relatives? And who will get their happily ever after? Find out in this fifth and final book of My Best Friend’s Brother.

Click here to order off Amazon! And if you haven't read the series yet, then this is a perfect time because Book 1 is FREE on Kindle! Click here to get started.

Also check out Chrissy's blog MyBestFriendsBrother.com! And coming soon: Spirit Guide

Friday, May 6, 2016

Onyx Webb: Book 5: Episodes 13, 14 & 15

From the Publisher: Readers of the series will see the web tighten in this book, the past and present are slowly starting to catch up to each other and shocking connections continue to be made.
Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of your favorite tv series (think: supernatural soap opera like American Horror Story) each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

     ***IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CAUGHT UP THEN DO NOT READ THIS YET!***

My Review: Oh, my! Time is passing and getting closer to present day in Book 5. So much is happening, and the web is getting tighter...such a great phrase! ;)

We pick up with Koda's accident, and we see Mika get nastier and nastier. She also has been hiding something, and it seems she needs to use a five-fingered discount to keep up the life she's so used to. But at who's cost? She's the devil with woman parts! Ugh, I cannot stand her. But, I can't wait to see her get what's coming to her. And I hope it's a doozy!

Stan Lee has been given a means to get around, and it's not his wheelchair. This gives him a bit of new found freedom and let's him explore new ways of possibly getting close to Bruce and Delcan...but will it pay off? It just might, in the end. He's also getting more confident in the fact that he hasn't been caught yet, and meets one reporter who inadvertently puts him in his place, saying that one day the killer will mess up. Well, he does mess up but he cleans up his mess, so to speak. Stan Lee's a head case for someone, that's for sure! I can't wait to see what happens to him, either.

Delcan is really starting to feel more human to me in this book, as well as Bruce. We also see how Bruce met his wife, Nisa, Koda's mother. With Koda in the hospital the two men have to deal with the emotions of seeing their son and grandson laying there, not sure when, or even if he'll wake up. But, all the while Delcan is looking out for his family. With Tank gone he needs to replace the security for his family, and there's just one person that he can think of that's been there for him.

We see Onyx a few years down the road still holding on to her lighthouse. It's getting hard for her to keep up the means to pay for it, and Bruce Mulvaney has just the person to take it out from under her...not that he wants a beautiful old lighthouse. Nope. He just wants the oceanfront property it is sitting on. I mean, what a great investment that would return money, right?! We also get to see a reunion of Onyx and Sister Katherine! Katherine comes clean about some things, and Onyx does as well. But when Katherine confesses to Onyx that God gave her a message to do his dirty work here on earth, things get a little awkward. Katherine knows there's one person who's been haunting her dreams, and she has got to get out there and find him and take care of that loose-end. So Katherine ends up leaving, and as we see, it would have been in her best interest to have stayed put! If only characters could hear you when you tell them something... ;)

The web tangles even more in this book and as with the others, leaves you hanging and wanting to know what happens next! I love how Fenton and Waltz give us a sneak peek into the next book. It's just enough to whet your appetite, but at the same time makes you crave the rest!! I cannot wait for Book 6! And the sooner it's out, the better. :))) These authors have done such an amazing job not only with the characters, but in how they tell the story that makes us readers appreciative for the anticipation of what's waiting on the next page...and the next book.

Click here to get Book 5 on Amazon!

                                                                            *****5 Stars

Friday, April 15, 2016

Jack Be Dead: Revelation (Volume 1)

From the Publisher: Book 1 of the Jack Be Dead series London—Today— “Jacks” are being killed across the city by a female serial killer with an almost supernatural ability to stay hidden. When Jack Tate, an emotionally bleak Detective Sergeant, is called in to investigate the brutal killings, he teams with Mae, an intellectual wannabe-detective, and Albert, Mae’s pack-rat psychic father, to unravel the killer’s taunting clues, until the devastating truths behind the killings force Jack into a dark revelation that is centuries old and bathed in blood. Karma is a bitch, and then you die—if you’re lucky.

My Review: If you have any kind of dark side then Jack the Ripper has surely been on your radar at one point or another. I know he has mine. It's pretty fascinating to try and get in the mind of such a horrific serial killer and wonder what he was thinking to lead him to do such awful acts. Why did he slice up the body? Why did he mutilate? Why...?

In Jack Be Dead, Brooks and Lyons have captured the essence of the original Jack and channeled him into a more modern day Jack, with one detective on the hunt for him before he can strike again. That detective is Detective Sergeant Jack Tate. He's a bit of a mystery himself, with a past that hasn't quite come to full light in this book but hopefully will in the next two in this series. He's on the hunt for what he believes is a man, but his "partner", Mae, is convinced it's a woman they are seeking. The two may see differently on the sex of their killer, but one thing is for sure: whoever is behind this is as skilled as a surgeon and knows their way around with a blade.

If you have an itch for mystery, then this is one great book. I was hooked from the first page, and cannot wait for the second one to come out. Brooks and Lyons have done a great job with recreating Jack-type murders and giving the reader the feel of the hunt.

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                                             *****5 Stars


Monday, February 22, 2016

Onyx Webb: Book Four Episodes 10-11-12

From the PublisherBest-Selling Authors Fenton & Waltz Welcome You to the World of Onyx Webb. This is Book Four. (Episodes 10, 11, and 12)

A multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more.

The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times. The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of a supernatural soap opera, each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

My Review: Oh my gosh!! I have loved the first three books, and book four is no different! As the description says above, it's like a soap opera where all the stories intertwine in some way. It is amazing how Fenton and Waltz do it, but they do!

In this series we get deeper in to each story, seeing how Onyx tries to keep a grasp at some form of "life" and being reunited with someone she loves dearly. Koda is determined to figure out the mystery behind Juniper Cole's murder so he goes in search of the two men that might lead him to a crack in the case...

We see more in to Delcan Mulvaney's past, and quite possibly get more clues as to what his future might hold, and Robyn gets more visitors that might, or might not be friendly.

There is just so much going on in this book that I don't want to give any of the good stuff away! Let's face it, if you haven't read the first three books then you definitely do NOT want to, or need to start with this one. So get on the Onyx bandwagon obsession (because you might be the only one not on it yet) and grab the first three books, then come back and get this one!

The best thing about all of the books is that they grab you and there is never a moment that is irrelevant. It seems like every sentence is a clue to either the future, or the past. So while you read, pay close attention. There are clues everywhere! ;)

If you can't tell, I absolutely love this series and will be sad when it's over...but I think there is one or two more to go! Hopefully...

Click here to get book four on Amazon!

                                                                    *****5 Stars!! 

Friday, January 8, 2016

Bad Day in a Banana Hammock (A Zach and Zora Mystery Book 1)

From the Publisher: Zach wakes up with no memory, no phone, and no clothes except his stripper g-string. And oh yeah! There’s that pesky naked dead guy in bed next to him. Problem is Zach's not gay. Or a murderer. At least, he doesn't think so. Only one person can help him, his sister, Zora. Of course Zora's got problems of her own—she has three kids at home and is eight month's pregnant with the fourth. So she’s a bit cranky. But that’s not going to stop her from helping her brother. With kids in tow, the siblings set how to find the true killer, clear Zach's name, and reassure Zach he's not gay.

My Review: This was a really great short read! It had all the things I liked in a mystery/comedy: Humor, wit, good characters, and, of course, a good mystery! :)

The book opens on our main character, Zach (a male dancer), who has just woken up in an unfamiliar place, next to a man. But the kicker is, as Zach very soon finds out, the man is dead! So what does he do? He vomits. I think I'd probably do the same if I was ever in that situation. HA! Upon his not-so-great discovery, he also soon realizes that he has nothing on but his g-string! He frantically looks around for his clothes only to find they are gone! About this time he hears police sirens and makes a very hasty decision, he runs for it, all the while worried not so much about the body and that he is more than likely the #1 suspect, but the fact that if news gets out that he was in bed with a man, he'll be thought of as gay! Heavens, he can't have that!! Not in his line of work. ;)

All this is the start of crazy day that includes Zach's sister, Zora, an ex-security guard for a large company. She's very pregnant and used to her brother getting into trouble, but murder?! This ensues a very relatable (to us moms, anyway) situation with bringing kids along on something that you're trying to keep low-key. I found myself cracking up at some of the scenes.

I don't want to give much more away, simply because it's not that long of a book and you'll just have to read it to see all the crazy lengths Zora and Zach will go to prove his innocence. But you won't see it coming as to who is behind all of it. At least I didn't.

The only thing I didn't like about it was Zach came across as dumb, which I guess is stereotypical of a male dancer? But I would have liked it if he was written as having a little more sense. Like a very sexy male dancer with not only a big "banana" but also brains to go along with it. ;)) Having said that, I still very much enjoyed the book!

So grab a copy of Bad Day in a Banana Hammock and be prepared to laugh! Plus, this is the first book in the series, so I can't wait for the next one to come out.

                                                   **** 4 Stars! I Really Liked This Book!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Corruption of Power

                                  **Book Promo**

From the Publisher: Independent troubleshooter, Alex Leksin, is recruited by Prime Minister Saidov when the plan to reduce Russia’s reliance on an ever more hostile Europe is put at risk. Hell bent on expansion, President Karpev’s strategy is first to shift the markets for his country’s vast energy resources to the East and Saidov has been charged with overseeing a planned pipeline for Russia’s oil through Turkmenistan and Afghanistan to access these markets. Failure could mean catastrophe, spreading the conflict raging in the Middle East to Russia’s own borders.

Fearful that the pipeline deal might be tilting off course, Leksin has only twelve days to report back before Karpev is due to sign the pipeline contract with the Turkmen President in Ashgabat.

His investigation begins in Moscow at the conglomerate responsible for planning and funding the pipeline. Once the province of larger-than-life oligarch, Lev Usenko, the group is now run by his daughter, Vika, the woman Leksin was once to marry. Trickier still is the prospect of dealing with her embittered brother, Max.

Against a background of political corruption, state-sponsored terrorism and increased Taliban insurgency, Leksin moves on to Turkmenistan, one of the world's most sinister countries, right at the heart of Central Asia. Initially his enquiries reveal nothing to cause alarm. Other factors, though, suggest otherwise: wherever Leksin goes, someone tries to kill him; people in a position to help him are assassinated; and information turns out to be misinformation.

And when at last he discovers the truth, he finds himself unsure of whom he can trust as the stakes get frighteningly higher. 

Now, to whet your appetite, here is an excerpt from the book: 

Inured by hard experience as Anna Politska (the investigative reporter at Novy Novoski) was, she'd wept when the shock news of the mass murder of children and teachers at School No 86 in Pechatniki had broken two days earlier. She'd covered many atrocities, but the day when a massacre of innocents no longer moved her, she'd give up. As a journalist, she had a part to play. Blinking back the tears, she'd assimilated the scene. The banner hastily erected across the front of the school had registered with her immediately. Islamic Democratic Freedom Movement, it had read. Subsequently she'd listened intently as an FSB spokesman confirmed the IDFM's responsibility.

The IDFM was a Chechen group, and as a journalist during the Chechnya war, Politska had established links with its leader. The group were certainly no saints, but the mass murder of children was not their style either. Something smelt wrong. Using her contacts, Politska had succeeded yesterday in talking to the group's leader, who'd vehemently denied any involvement with the school bombing. It's all a set-up, he'd told her, and she believed him.

Her next move had been to arrange a meeting with her FSB informant. A reliable source - at a price - in the past, on this occasion he'd refused point-blank to discuss the subject.

"You're walking on quicksand, Anya," he'd warned. "Let this one drop."

"I can't, you know better than that," she'd replied. She'd experienced more than her fair share of threats and intimidation over the years - beatings, poisoning, electric shocks, days of confinement in a pit, even a mock execution. But these were the occupational hazards of investigative journalism in Karpev's Russia, and if you weren't prepared to risk them, then you needed to change your job.

When she'd got back to the office, though, she'd felt despondent. All she had was the denial of the IDFM's leader, but on its own this meant nothing. No one would believe him without independent evidence supporting his claim, yet she was running out of leads. Then, this morning, everything had changed.

When she'd arrived in the office, she'd found an email sent to her anonymously overnight. Nothing in the body of the text, just an attachment and a heading 'Look at the date'. Opening the attachment, she'd found a draft press release on FSB-headed paper describing the terrorist attack on the school. As she'd started to read through, she'd felt her professional instincts take hold.

The press release summarised an incident at School No 86 in Pechatniki. It detailed how terrorists had taken over the building during school hours, rigged it with explosives and held children and teachers captive. But in this version there was no actual explosion, no death toll, and the terrorists had escaped. Politska scrolled up and down the text, confused. Suddenly her eyes fixed on the top line - the draft press release was dated the day before the actual incident occurred.

She swiveled in her chair to stare out of the window as the implications fell into place. The school bombing, as she'd suspected from the outset, was no straightforward terrorist incident. Now she had solid evidence that the FSB had themselves been responsible. The appalling consequences might not have been their intended outcome, but they had always been a possibility. As her father used to say, if you play with fire, there's always a chance you'll get burned.

Of course, she acknowledged, this was not the first time the FSB had stage-managed terrorist incidents. All the evidence pointed to the apartment bombings in 1999 being perpetrated by the FSB in order to legitimise the subsequent invasion of Chechnya and the assumption of power by one of its own. Almost simultaneously, an unexploded bomb had been found and defused in Ryazan, and subsequent police investigations identified the three men responsible as FSB agents. Even these were not isolated examples: it was now clear that the FSB were complicit in bomb explosions in the marketplace in the southern Russian city of Astrakhan in 2001, at the bus stops in Voronezh in 2004 and on the Moscow-Grozny train in 2005. And, as Politska herself knew well, during the Chechnya conflicts, the FSB organised numerous kidnappings of journalists and foreign NGO workers, pretending to be Chechen terrorists, in order to build up international support for the Russian invasion.

Nonetheless the mass murder of children . . . well, that was in another league altogether. She'd got President Karpev now.

George Eccles, writing as G W Eccles, graduated from the London School of Economics with a law degree and subsequently became a partner in one of the major international financial advisory firms.

In 1994, George left London to move to Russia and Central Asia during the tumultuous period that followed the breakup of the Soviet Union. His work involved extensive travel throughout Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan - often to places with restricted access to foreigners. During his time there, he advised a number of real-life oligarchs how best to take advantage of the opportunities that became available as regulation crumbled and government became increasingly corrupt. Against this background, while his novels are fiction, many of the anecdotes and scenes are inspired by actual events.

His first thriller: The Oligarch, was awarded a Silver Medal both at the Global E-book Awards 2013 and at the Independent Publishers Book Awards 2013, as well as being selected as IPPY Book of the Day.

George is married and now lives with his wife in a hilltop village not far from Cannes in the South of France.

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