Caged Minds by David Pyle

Five people, all trapped in a five-star hotel doing the bidding of an anonymous host. Threats of blackmail, physical harm to family and promises of success keep these five participating in a deadly game. The five are key figures in the journalism world; different levels but nonetheless, important in their own right.  Toss in some secret agencies, a hostile take-over by men in ski masks and suits and you have the beginning of one roller coaster thriller ride.  Not everyone gets to leave alive!

Trust does not come easy but the ticking clock helps to build some bonds while exposing others.  There is more going on than meets the eye!

A cleverly crafted thriller, David Pyle, takes his readers deep into the underbelly of terrorism, greed and secrecy.  Nothing is left to chance, each step a character takes is choreographed with precision, each word has a meaning … Pyle has woven an engrossing book that prevents the reader from putting it down.  A long but exciting read.  There is not a dull moment – if there’s no action going on, then there is intrigue that begs full disclosure.

The characters are well developed and from the first moment you don’t know who to trust but Pyle leads you to the truth.  The characters are perfectly constructed fitting expertly into the story.  Each step of the storyline and character involvement is thorough and intensely intriguing.

A must read for all lovers of thrillers and mysteries. I found this book very well written and interesting. Pyle has so much promise and I hope he continues to write!

Pyle has a true knack for laying the groundwork for long, detailed and intense thrillers. 

WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star rating for suspense and uniqueness.   

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Bartholomew Buggins: A Zombie with Different Cravings by Crystal Marcos

Bartholomew Buggins: A Zombie with Different Cravings is a delightful children’s book that will leave your children wanting more!  Bartholomew is a zombie; a young, fun and quiet zombie who demonstrates the skills and focused attention that parents encourage in their children.  He studies, he plays, he’s quiet, friendly and non-threatening.

The prose is smooth, easy to follow, rhymes cleverly – not forced.  The rhythm of the rhyming flows easily.  Crystal Marcos has laid the story out in a clever manner, making the story relatable and genuine.  Given today’s interest in zombies and the walking dead, Ms. Marcos has created a character that small children (and their parents) will love and never fear!  It also teaches them good behavior (no rowdiness or bad manners), being studious, everyone is different and being kind.  All attributes we want to see in our children.

In a team effort, Marie Marcos has illustrated the story of Bartholomew Buggins with cute and attractive artwork with hidden “eggs” throughout the story.  Marie’s artwork brings the story to life making the team work of both Crystal and Marie Marcos a brilliant collaboration accomplishment.
Over the weekend, I read the story of Bartholomew Buggins to two of my small grandchildren – a granddaughter who is two and her brother who is four.  They sat and listened to the story and looked at the artwork – combining the vivid imagery with smooth rhyme and they were bewitched!  They kept touching the pages fascinated with the artwork.  The children kept returning to the book, wanting to hear and see it again and again.

This book is a piece of magic!  Any book that can take two overly active children and hold their attention for any period of time is impressive.  I personally found the rhyme charming and fun.  The artwork was also stunning.  The combination of the two created an outstanding piece of reading and visual pleasure.

WordsAPlenty gives this book a well-deserved five-star rating for its combined effectiveness as well as its whimsical verse and amazing artwork.

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Between Life and Death by David Pyle

James Earl Williams has a fresh start finally.  Having lived through the gangs of New Jersey protecting his younger brother best he could, he met his legal problems head on and now he is finally free to go to college and begin his adult life.  Somehow, his new beginning is not at all what he envisioned.  He meets Jolie – a beautiful young woman who is just as attracted to him as he is to her. 

All could be good with the world still … but then there’s the persistent click click click sound… the grave robberies … the evil being lurking in his dreams … an old woman … and epic battle!

James doesn’t know which way to turn and finds himself fighting not only for his life but for his very soul and the souls of his loved ones – both past and present.  It will take him and his entire family to face this evil; some will live, some will die and some … will be between life and death! 

David Pyle has created a southern world filled with familial ties, supernatural beings, action, mystery, voodoo and even the walking dead!  Between Life and Death has something for everyone.

Pyle very smoothly walks us through a complex story with lots of people who are integral to the story.   Each character plays a pivotal role in the upcoming deadly battle of wills and good vs evil.  Although there is soul searching and transformations of a couple of key characters, the story flow is slow and natural.  No character is extraneous or useless, but rather each one enhances the transformation of James or another main character leading them into the final battle. 

Character development was solid. Each character was strongly developed leaving no doubt about where their loyalty lay. The reader could not help but grow to know and love some characters and despise others. Pyle executes vivid imagery in character and plot development.  This is not a story to be read at night, alone or during a storm.  Pyle strikes fear in the reader that goes deeper than the physical world – he takes fear to much deeper levels striking at one’s core beliefs.

Epic in length, this is a solid read that resonates with the reader long after it is over.   There were several plot twists and character discoveries that shock the reader.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I could not put it down.  I look forward to reading more by David Pyle. 

WorldsAPlenty gives this book, Between Life and Death, a five-star rating for its story line and ingenious blending of several genres into one story.

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Autism Belongs: School Daze Book 3 by Dr. Sharon Mitchell

Autism Belongs deals with several different issues – denial, cultural traditions, autism and violence.  Tomas has lost his job because Manny has been violent with his mother again; now jobless Maria and Tomas must face more difficulties each day.  On one of Manny’s good days they walk downtown and stop at a bakery where life for them changes.  There they discover they are not alone.  They find encouragement and a supportive system that understands and knows how to help them. 

Diagnosing Manny with autism is confusing and devastating but now Tomas and Maria and Manny have a lifeline – they have knowledge and people to help them through the process of learning and teaching Manny.  But first, they must cross other concerns before they all work together – cultural traditions that stand in their way as well as fear.  Ben, Mel, Kyle, Ellie and others carefully guide Tomas and Maris through the frightening parts helping Manny to become interactive and an active member of life.

Dr. Sharon Mitchell clearly understands what parents, family and friends go through when living with and working with children diagnosed as autistic.  She carefully weaves a fictional story around the harsh facts of autism, providing answers, guidance and a lifeline to those who face this disorder every day. 

Well written, Mitchell recognizes the importance of showing characters with the same fears, lack of experience/knowledge and feelings of denial.  Furthermore, she shows us the darker side of the disorder in this installment.  She promotes, successfully in my opinion, the need for more education and support for children and their families who suffer with Autism. 

Mitchell carefully develops each character and interaction with care and attention.  One cannot help but feel the emotional tug of Tomas, Manny and Maria.  Not to mention seeing the growth of Kyle and Ben from book one.  Amazing book! 

WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star review for Mitchell’s ability to weave fact and fiction together in an educational and thought provoking book series.  This book is highly recommended for everyone, all ages.  The layers within this book is awe-inspiring.

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Autism Goes to School – Book One of the School Daze Series by Dr. Sharon Mitchell

WordsAPlenty received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Autism Goes to School – Book One of the School Daze Series is an easy to read book that follows the trials and tribulations of Ben and Kyle.  A new and single father, Ben is given sole custody of his son and is learning how to care for his son Kyle, a young child with autism.  A quiet workaholic CPA, Ben has to rearrange his work schedule, his home, his entire life to provide the care and attention Kyle needs. 

Entering into school was a shock for Ben, seeing the teacher responding to her students and the dangerous furniture.  Through the patience of the teacher and Ben’s growing love of Kyle, they both find the right tools, help and commitment to raise Kyle in an atmosphere that promotes his growth.

Dr. Sharon Mitchell lays out, in a fictional story line, different issues and styles for dealing with autism spectrum disorder.  Dr. Mitchell presents several different scenarios that those with autism face and their caregivers (parents, family, friends, teachers) as well.  Further she offers different tips and tools for coping.  Her attention to feelings and being “alone” in situations such as this is insightful and supportive.  The fears that parents and the children face with this disorder can be overwhelming, love and tenderness along with patience and changing one’s perspective is important.  Having never met anyone with autism before, I feel this book series has offered me a number of insights that will prove useful. 

This is the first in a series of books addressing the issues surrounding autism and it is an easy read, no medical or professional terminology; it is clearly well written and in a clear and concise style.  Dr. Mitchell builds each character giving them depth and a personality that the readers cannot help but love and feel passionately about as they each find their way through their struggles.

This is an excellent book in a series about autism and one I look forward to reading more.  Dr. Mitchell is a B.R.A.G. Medallion winner as well as a Gold Winner in the Realistic Human Relations Fiction Book category of the Human Relations Indie Book Awards.

It is obvious that Dr. Mitchell is well versed in the subject matter and has much to share with her readers.  WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star rating for its creative writing style and sharing of valuable information.

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