Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol

Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol by Thomas Kuhn

Reviewed by Teri Takle

Nate lives a reasonably everyday life for a 10-year-old boy. Along with his parents, little brother, big sister, and grandmother, life survives with little excitement. The school exists, but Nate’s standard is to get by doing as little work as possible and to tolerate his admiring little brother.   Nothing exciting has ever happened to Nate until he met Tommy Rocket.  Purchase Here.

Tommy Rocket is your typical 10-year-old boy, except he only has one human friend. Life with a wheelchair can be confining, but Tommy has adjusted well by creating his social group with A.I. robots that he invented with his father’s help. Normal? For his one human friend, Nate Turner, this relationship can be challenging as Tommy really does not understand what it takes to be a friend.   Tommy doesn’t usually use the telephone to call Nate. How would you react to a robotic helicopter tapping at your window with a coded message? Yes, you have to use a decoder ring to decrypt the message. Have you ever been treated as an obedient robot?  That is how Nate feels when he plays with Tommy.

Learning how to relate to others is not Tommy’s strong point, but his robots are fascinating. Tommy’s basement is his playroom which isn’t your typical playroom.  Functioning robots are everywhere.  Each one has their own purpose which Tommy created.  These are Tommy’s true friends, his Goober Patrol.  Also, his creations are extraordinary.  Sentient, meaning they can think for themselves, best describes them.  Due to a special chip Tommy’s dad created, called a Prometheus Chip, each robot has some degree of freewill.    Now you can begin to see what intrigues Nate with this unusual friendship. Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is a wonderfully engaging adventure for boys aged 8-12. I strongly feel that most children would thoroughly enjoy this book either to read by themselves or as read out loud to them.  The adventures are fun, and yes, even dangerous.   As for characterization, the reader knows Nate and Tommy well.   You can easily visualize each boy as well as the various robots. The illustrations are perfectly matched and enhance the story line. Moral character and doing the right thing is woven within the storyline.   This often-overlooked development is expertly exhibited as problematic for the characters which is realistic. The illustrations perfectly match the text. These are needed to show that Nate is black and Tommy is white. Nate comes from a blue-collar family and Tommy from white. Tommy’s family is well-educated, Nate’s is not. Through all these differences the friendship grows through Nate’s compassion, patience and morality. My only complaint was the reference to Marlin Perkins who passed away in 1986.

Do kids today have any idea who this renowned zoologist is?    I would suggest to the author to rewrite that section and either use Steve Irwin, who is still well-known although deceased, or the Kratt Brothers.    The challenges of Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol are vocabulary and the length of the novel. Vocabulary might be difficult for the younger readers, but the story is so engaging that readers are likely to want to know any unfamiliar word. The book length can be overwhelming to some readers, but this author expertly engages the reader with this captivating tale on the first page. Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is difficult to separate yourself from the book from the beginning. Warning: This book is addictive. I adored this novel, and even though I am far from being a 10-year-old boy, I have purchased and am currently reading the author’s other book.

V Life Cover

V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1) by Honey Parker

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

In “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1)” by Honey Parker, a young Jewish woman discovers empathy and a method to put an end to her long-standing pain, self-loathing, and wrath after gaining insight into the adversary’s mind, whom she has always wanted to murder.  Purchase Here.

Sugar Bernstein, a vampire and a former creative director for advertising, has made the decision to live alone, away from friends and family. This follows the death of her lover, Curtis, whose memory now remains deeply etched in her mind. She has no desire to socialize with anyone and prefers to travel the world in a luxury camper van.

Throughout her travels, she meets and gets acquainted with a vampire couple. She now has individuals who are like her and whom she does not need to hide anything from. As she engages with them, she learns and develops inner superhuman abilities that she never dreamed she had. This may be precisely what she needs to get revenge on an adversary who appears to have no trouble penetrating her thoughts and dreams. She quickly learns, though, that she underestimated the intensity of her opponent’s bloodlust when two shadowy creatures abruptly appear to kill her, both brandishing sharp swords and long, emerald-green coats.

This is a terrific vampire thriller that will not disappoint, with a plot that effortlessly balances comedy and dread. A major plot point is the protagonist’s love life, grief period, self-discovery, and desire for revenge. The protagonist experiences several mental episodes, each of which heightens the suspense and mood of the story. Through time, she changes from a young woman who has been beaten to an unlikely heroine who triumphs over a binding enchantment and a terrible hate-fueled conspiracy. One of the many poignant scenes is where the antagonist informs her of a secret regarding her deceased boyfriend. Many readers will be caught between two extremes at this crucial juncture.

Parker’s writing style combines elements of horror and slow-burn romance to chilling effect, putting a unique spin on vampires in the process. Many of the scenes have a humorous tone, and the language-melding prose along with the vivid world-building accomplishes much. Vibrant descriptions draw you in right away and tease you with what is ahead. There’s so much in “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, read 1)” that feels fresh. If you are searching for a book that will captivate you and leave a lasting impression, this is the right place to be.

Bittersweet Fruit

Bittersweet Fruit by William LeRoy

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

At its core, Bittersweet Fruit satirically explores themes of morality, the consequences of past actions, and the search for truth. Leroy delves into the gray areas of right and wrong, portraying characters who are neither wholly good nor entirely evil. This moral complexity adds richness to the narrative, making it more than just a straightforward mystery. The novel follows Maximo Morgan, a seasoned private investigator hired to investigate the suspicious death of a wealthy orchard owner.  He finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. The case quickly escalates, revealing connections to organized crime, corrupt officials, and personal vendettas.  Purchase Here.

Leroy depicts Maximo as a flawed yet highly perceptive detective whose personal demons add depth to his character. His interactions with other characters—ranging from a hard-nosed police detective to a grieving family member—are nuanced and believable. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each with their own distinct motivations and backstories that enrich the narrative.

Leroy’s descriptions of the setting—a small Oklahoma Dust Bowl town with dark undercurrents—are vivid and atmospheric, immersing the reader in the story’s world. The small-town setting, with its secrets and undercurrents, enhances the story’s tension and intrigue. The mystery is well-constructed, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The Grapes of Wrath tie-in is an entertaining narrative device for the avid reader.

While the plot is generally well-crafted, a few twists might be anticipated by seasoned mystery readers. There are moments where the story’s pace slows down, particularly in the middle sections. Some readers might find these parts less engaging compared to the more action-packed sequences.

Bittersweet Fruit: A Maximo Morgan Mystery is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of the genre. William Leroy has created a memorable detective in Maximo Morgan and a story that combines intrigue, emotion, and moral complexity. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel is a strong addition to his mystery genre and promises more exciting adventures for Maximo Morgan in future installments. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a strong sense of place and moral ambiguity. Leroy’s ability to weave a complex narrative with engaging characters makes Bittersweet Fruit a noteworthy read.

Pigs in Paradise

Pigs in Paradise: A Fairy Story Most Absurd by Roger Maxson

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

Roger Maxson’s Pigs in Paradise: A Fairy Story Most Absurd is a satirical novel that delves into the complex interplay between religion and politics in America. Drawing inspiration from George  Orwell’s Animal Farm, Maxson crafts a narrative that is both absurd and thought-provoking, tackling serious themes with a blend of humor and literary critique.  Purchase Here.

The story is set in a world where animals are anthropomorphized, engaging in behaviors and dialogues that mirror human societal and political interactions. The protagonist, Mel, navigates through a series of events involving various animals, each representing different facets of society and religious sects. The narrative is divided into two books, encompassing a range of episodes that highlight the absurdity and contradictions in religious and political practices. Maxson’s novel is an unabashed critique of American evangelicalism and the influence of religion on politics. Through the use of animal characters, he explores themes such as freedom of expression, the nature of belief, and the often hypocritical stance of religious leaders. The author does not shy away from controversial topics, aiming to provoke thought and discussion among his readers.

The use of satire is central to the book’s appeal. Maxson employs a witty and sometimes biting tone to expose the irrationalities and abuses within religious institutions. The dialogue between characters often serves as a vehicle for the author’s philosophical musings, questioning the very
foundation of organized religion and its role in shaping societal norms.

The characters in Pigs in Paradise are richly drawn, each symbolizing different aspects of society. Mel, the protagonist, represents the everyman, caught in the tumultuous currents of political and religious ideologies. Other notable characters include:

● Boris, a charismatic leader (a boar) whose actions reflect the manipulative tendencies of political figures.

● Ezekiel and Dave, ravens who provide a cynical commentary on the events unfolding around them.

● Julius, a parrot whose artistic talents and subsequent recognition serve as a metaphor for the struggle for individuality in a conformist society.

Maxson’s writing is both engaging and intellectually stimulating. His prose is marked by sharp wit and a keen eye for detail. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and compelling story. The dialogues are particularly noteworthy, often laced with irony and dark humor that underscore the book’s satirical nature.

Roger Maxson’s Pigs in Paradise is an exceptional piece of satirical literature that not only entertains but also provides deep insights into the complexities of religious and political life. It stands as a testament to the power of satire in addressing and critiquing societal issues.

For those interested in exploring the intricate world of Pigs in Paradise, the book promises a journey filled with laughter, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the absurdities that pervade our world

Three for theMoney

Three for the Money by William LeRoy

Reviewed by Douglas R Cobb

I’ve read and reviewed other Maximo (Max) Morgan Mysteries by William LeRoy before and so far, it has been a very entertaining series.  LeRoy’s most current satirical and humor-filled book in the series, Three for the Money, is no exception. I found the three tales that make up LeRoy’s latest endeavor an excellent blend of the Mystery and Humor genres. LeRoy’s writing kept me flipping and reading the pages because I enjoyed the tales so much. I didn’t want the book to end! Purchase Here.

Just what is it, specifically, that I enjoyed about the three Maximo Morgan Mysteries compiled in Three for the Money? I’ll begin from the beginning of the book. Max, who idolizes fictional detectives such as Mike Hammer, Sherlock Holmes, and the “Fat Man,” Brad Runyon, is back. Morgan, who is corpulent, himself, is once again joined by with his jotter of cases, his Watson, so to speak, an overweight adolescent boy referred to as “the kid.”

Max has taken the kid under his wing and tutelage. The stalwart detective wanna be incorporates the kid in the first story, “Academentia Confidential,” as an undercover agent at the teen’s high school to investigate the spread of gender politics there, among other issues. Author William LeRoy revels in poking fun of topics that are often controversial, like in this very first tale. That is one of the qualities that I like about stories like this first one and the other two tales.

The second short story in Three for the Money is “Babe in the Woods.” It’s shortly before Valentine’s Day in 2024, and Max Morgan gets hired to find a man his long-lost love. Max and several other of the characters find themselves plagued by a series of misunderstandings and misconceptions about motives for all sorts of different things, mainly involving love.  Some people, it turns out, are sometimes better off being long-lost loves rather than loves that are still alive and in witness protection programs.

The final tale in Three for the Money is called “Clean Up On Aisle Five.” It is yet another one involving misunderstandings and misconceptions, though not of the romantic variety. In this gem, office politics and a feud between the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (or SBI) and the F.B.I. take center stage. The kid aids in an undercover investigation organized by the S.B.I. and there could even be murderrrrrr afoot.

Tales like this last one in and the other story collections and novels that William LeRoy has written involving numerous examples of these two elements, which have been the fodder of both comedies and tragedies since at least the time of Shakespeare, have caused this jaded reviewer to become a big fan of this author’s writing. Check out Three for the Money and if you, like me, enjoy reading mysteries combined with a large helping of humor and satire, you’ll become a fan of LeRoy’s writing, also!

 

 

Tracks

Tracks: A Curious Tale of Who’s Her Daddy? by Simon Plaster

Reviewed by Dianne Woodman

Who is Henrietta Hebert’s biological father? An answer to the question is a conundrum that could be illuminated when Henrietta’s mother finds DNA evidence that supposedly belongs to the mystery man, and this is the impetus behind Tracks: A Curious Tale of Who’s Her Daddy? Henrietta’s mother hires a private detective, Max Morgan, to find out the truth. Max is not only an admirer of hard-boiled detective tv shows and crime novels but also an avid listener to The Fat Man, a popular detective drama radio program in the 1940s and early 1950s. In American history, the show lasted for six seasons. Max fashions himself after the detective in the title role. A marvelous beginning to an entertaining story with a number of complications arising as the detective becomes more embroiled in the speculative paternity case. More than one man is a suspect for possibly fathering Henrietta, and melodrama surrounds each man. Purchase Here.

Simon Plaster pulls readers into this delightful story from the first page and keeps their interest right up until the final page. It takes place over a time period of five days in Henryetta, Oklahoma. A good balance of noteworthy, pivotal, and lighthearted moments lends additional meaning to momentous subject matters, such as political treachery and subterfuge, differing views and aspects involving paternity, and ethical issues in both sperm donation and DNA testing. All of these topics are woven together with amazing skill revealing a seamless story from beginning to end. Plaster also beautifully shows how extenuating circumstances and individuals’ subsequent reactions to them can impact a person’s life in positive and/or negative ways.

Plaster’s skillful use of amusing and imaginative metaphors and eclectic dialogue provides readers with wonderful visuals of scenes and characters. Each of the characters is imbued with a unique voice that suits their roles and makes their distinct personalities stand out to readers. The characters act from believable motivations, and each one’s actions are pertinent to not only moving the plot forward but also to the final outcome of the story. Plaster’s stylistically complex writing techniques along with witty and clever wordplay adds to the overall enjoyable reading experience. Readers will appreciate and enjoy the fictional excerpts of Fat Man episodes that wonderfully tie into the storyline. The musical interludes scattered throughout the book are not only fitting but also humorous in the scenes in which they appear. Plaster has written a great twist ending that surprises readers and totally fits in with this intriguing story that will stick in readers’ minds long after they have finished reading it.

The Chancer

The Chancer by Fiona Graham

Book Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Fiona Graham’s debut novel, The Chancer, is a seemingly fun and easy read. However, there is a lot simmering under the surface. The story explores the fragile relationship between living an authentic life and fully abandoning oneself to a dream.  Purchase Here.

Somewhere on a crisp green field in Ireland, Donnie McNamara daydreams about joining the starry Hollywood sky. Despite having few opportunities to explore and hone his acting skills, he is determined to make it. However, his aspirations of becoming a famous actor are ridiculed by family and friends.

Just as Donnie’s hope starts dwindling, an unexpected gift from a dear friend and mentor lights the way. Tired of being a disappointment to his parents, who would have liked their son to follow his farming heritage, Donnie books a ticket to Los Angeles. His chosen path is windy and filled with countless obstacles, many of which are laid by Donnie himself, perhaps as an unconscious act of self-sabotage; or just simple recklessness.

Once in Los Angeles, Donnie’s path becomes intertwined with Abe Nelson, a fallen Hollywood star who gracelessly crashed from stardom. While an unlikely duo, the two seem to complete each other and become better versions of themselves.

Donnie’s quirkiness leaves many perplexed, but it awakens a lost sense of authenticity in a select few. His erratic behavior and uninvited honesty lead to rejection both in his professional and personal life. At the same time, Donnie lives a duplicitous existence that looms over his daydream and fragile happiness.

Fiona Graham constructs an intriguing plot that draws the reader into Donnie’s frantic fight to reach what might just as well be a mirage. On a backdrop of humor, she paints a neon bright picture of the ugly side of beautiful. While fame and popularity have a magnetic allure, these could be inherently dangerous. Falling from a great height can shatter one’s will to live. So, is it even worth trying to climb to the top?

I would encourage anyone to take a chance on Fiona Graham’s debut novel, The Chancer, to find out Donnie’s answer. This fictional story will likely ring true to many, as readers may easily spot a glimpse of themselves in the recklessly foolish dreamer.

 

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Deadly Droppings/Humble Pie by William LeRoy

Deadly Droppings

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

Dispensing to mystery-thirsty minds, a winning combination of adventure, mystery, Pigeon racing, and private investigation,  is William Leroy’s Deadly Droppings, a work that faithfully adds to his series of Maximo Morgan Mystery books. Also, delightfully, there is an included, unique perk to this book, as the book offers a two-for-one read, while the other side of the book features another Maximo Morgan mystery, titled Humble Pie.  Purchase Here.

Albeit, this narrative,  presents a deeply entangled story that piques the interest on many levels, things start out simply. First, we meet Maximo Morgan, a robust character, both physically and mentally. He’s in his office so to speak which is his desk in a Mr. Quickies copy shop where he works as a notary public servicing Quickie shop customers in exchange for desk space which is where he also provides another service, private investigations, selling his investigative talents to the interested public at large.

Moreover, Maximo is not alone.   He has company, Bill Crowe, a former co-worker from the United States postal service where the two worked together at one time. As they talk and trade stories, the tone of their conversation changes as Bill expresses that he has a problem.  His pride and joy, Homer Crowe is missing and he needs Maximo Morgan to be on the case, especially because his price is right.

Meanwhile, Maximo along with his teenage sidekick, (a young admirer who wants to be a private investigator), begins to sort things out and works on the investigation. However, as the investigation proceeds, Maximo, realizes something is not quite right as clues begin to point towards quite a different situation. An earnest Maximo believed he was looking for a friend’s missing teenage son but as he sorts through evidence he soon comes to realize that things are not as they seem. Max is really looking for something of a different nature and not a possible teenage runaway. As time ticks and a competitor rears his “ugly” head, Maximo has to make moves to get to the heart of the mystery of the disappearing Homer.

Altogether, I was delighted in reading, Deadly Droppings.  This colorful, intelligent, and twisted detective fiction was not only a creative romp through the “hard-boiled detective” genre but it was also creatively twisted and even edifying in its content. In particular, the aspect concerning the multi-faceted, world of pigeon racing, especially the history and use of pigeons in general, I found not only intensely engaging but also refreshing as this is a topic not often visited in mystery books. I enjoyed the journey into the world of private detectives and learning their standards of investigation, the sorting of evidence, the process of eliminating suspects, the vibrant characterizations, detective vernacular as well the quick dips, into other well-known, hard-boiled detective stories. This is definitely a great addition to any mystery lovers’ library especially those into uniquely formatted, collectible books and I definitely do recommend it.  As a matter of fact, this would make a great TV/cable mystery series.

 

Humble Pie

Reviewed by Rahul Gaur

Humble Pie by William Leroy is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, mental illness, and the pursuit of success. Divided into twenty-one chapters, the book takes readers on a journey through the lives of Maximo Morgan, Mimi Everheart, Mamie Motley, and her son Algernon.  Purchase Here.

LeRoy’s writing style is engaging and accessible, with vivid descriptions of food that are sure to make readers’ mouths water. From the opening chapter, it’s clear that he has a talent for creating realistic and relatable characters, as well as a knack for pacing and plot development. The plot is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout. LeRoy deftly weaves together themes of family, love, loss, and redemption in a way that feels both authentic and uplifting.

One of the book’s strengths is its focus on character development. Maximo is struggling to make ends meet and has no cases to work on, while Mamie Motley and her son Algernon, who has returned home with the dream of opening a restaurant despite his diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Mimi Everheart, a wealthy woman who believes herself to be of noble birth and holds a grudge against Camilla. The novel provides insight into the characters’ thoughts and struggles, with each character facing unique challenges and aspirations. The author’s writing style is descriptive and engaging, drawing the reader into the characters’ lives and making them feel invested in their stories.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Humble Pie” is the way LeRoy explores the theme of mental illness. The portrayal of Algie’s verbal self-stimulations (The person speaks very loudly and frequently says things that are not appropriate.) They often repeat words and phrases that they learned as a child, especially from nursery rhymes, which they still remember very well) are so real that they give goosebumps.

What sets Humble Pie apart as an enjoyable read is the variety of its characters and their individual experiences. The book also touches on important social issues such as autism, privilege, and mental illness and does so in a way that is both sensitive and thought-provoking.

Greezers

GREEZERS: A Tale of Establishment’s Decline and Fall by Simon Plaster

Reviewed by Dianne Woodman

Henrietta, a former newspaper reporter, answers a want ad and is given the opportunity to play amateur sleuth when she is hired by erstwhile lawyer Leroy “Lero” O’Rourke to help in his surveillance case involving the prominent DeGrasso family. What starts out as a simple case turns complicated when Henrietta and Lero find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes competition. The race is on as to who might take over the reins of the family owned lube business when the ninety-five-year old family matriarch, Nanette DeGrasso, gives up her position of leadership either due to retirement or death. There are two main contenders for assuming control of the Oklahoma City based company. Charles DeGrasso, Nanette’s son, considers himself not only ready to undertake the role of Chief Executive Officer but also firmly believes that he has been the rightful heir apparent for decades. However, Joe DeGrasso, Nanette’s nephew, is of the opinion that he is a better choice as the successor, and he has already launched a business venture that could impact the company’s bottom line if customers embrace it. With the venture off to a disappointing start, will sales revenue increase? What risks, both personally and professionally, are the two competitors willing to take in order to achieve their dreams of running the family business? As Henrietta and Lero get pulled deeper into the intense family rivalry, how much will the stumbling blocks they encounter hinder their efforts to bring the case to a satisfying conclusion? Purchase Here.

Anyone who has read a story penned by Simon Plaster will recognize his unique writing style and how each of his exceptional stories is imbued with its own unmistakable personality. In Greezers: A Tale of Establishment’s Decline and Fall, the focus is on the effect greed and a sense of entitlement have on people to obtain what they desire and how far legally and ethically they will go to make it happen. Plaster does an excellent job of showing the discord caused by external and internal pressures, in both serious and humorous ways, which occurs between individuals faced with life changing events. The skillful use of literary devices and sensory language help readers connect with the characters and the world they inhabit. All of the characters are true to real life, and each one has their own distinct personality type. Also, readers get an inside look into the behavioral reactions of the characters to the situations in which they find themselves.

Plaster has once again written an intriguing and captivating story involving human interest topics that pull readers in from the beginning and hold their attention until the last page. Readers will appreciate the “Grease Monkey Business” bulletins that tie in wonderfully with the story and keep readers apprised of the public’s view of the DeGrasso family members and their owned and operated business. One of the many engrossing scenes, which reference works of literature, movies, and noteworthy individuals and are pertinent to the storyline, is one in particular where Plaster compares the romantic and competitive relationships between some family members in the novel to the roles people played in a medieval work of literature. The scattering of musical interludes harmonizes with the story in a befitting manner. Greezers is a terrific addition to Plaster’s collection of works.

Reprise

Reprise: A Memorious Tale of Things Present by Simon Plaster

Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb

Reprise, by Simon Plaster, continues his series of humorous and satirical novels about Henrietta Hebert, who has gone from being an investigative reporter to now being a Private Eye. She figures that being an investigative reporter is not that much different, in that she digs up the dirt on the people she writes about, just like detectives discover all sorts of secrets about whoever they are investigating, and she might as well get the credit for solving a crime or mystery that some inept detective would claim. otherwise. Purchase Here.

The trouble is that, at the start of Reprise, Henrietta is not getting any bites. That is, not until one day, a fateful knocking at her door and buzzing at her doorbell launches her new career. When Henrietta answers the door, she sees a woman standing there who introduces herself as Dr. Gloria Stern, and she explains that she has been searching for Wynona Sue Lehough, namely, Henrietta’s mother. Though Dr. Stern admits that the last time she saw Henrietta’s mother was three years ago, because she is “downsizing her practice,” she suddenly is concerned about Wynona Sue’s whereabouts and wants Henrietta, listed on old paperwork as Wynona’ Sue’s “next of kin,” to find the so-called missing woman, who has been without her meds for a period of years by then. Unbeknownst to Dr. Stern, right at that very moment, Henrietta’s mother is trying to reach her via her daughter’s “eye-phone.”

Dr. Stern has some rather potentially serious news to tell Henrietta. Based on her knowledge of Wynona Sue’s somewhat flighty and unstable mental state, Dr. Stern says that she believes Wynona Sue likely is responsible for having killed her husband, Henrietta’s step-father, Professor Alexander Lehough. As it’s also been reported that Wynona Sue fired a gun into the floorboards of her house, when her husband of five years plus was underneath the house tending to some of his insect “pets,” that idea is not, in theory, beyond the realm of possibility.

As with the other novels featuring Henrietta Hebert in Simon Plaster’s ongoing series, much of the fun and humor of Reprise comes from the intertwining complicated plots, romantic, or imagined romantic, entanglements, and numerous recurring characters within its pages. Another of the many fun aspects about Simon Plaster’s novels is that he incorporates song lyrics into his plots, with quotes from the songs relevant to the story interspersed throughout.

Reprise follows suit, the very title of it being a musical term for, as the author puts it,: “a partial or abbreviated repetition or reiteration of material with added ornamentation to decorate a line of harmony: sometimes including contrapuntal compositions called fugues, in which short melodies or phrases are introduced by one part and successively taken up by others in interweaving parts such as common in doo-wop songs.”

Besides quoting from songs such as John Cougar Mellancamp’s “Jack and Diane,” and Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere,” the author utilizes a radio announcer who repeats the words “Remember when….” followed by his introducing an oldie but goodie like “Duke of Earl.” The theme of repetition for helping to recall memories is one that Plaster uses in the plot of Reprise, as well, bringing into the mix of the present-day plotline several memorable characters from past novels in the series. The book is divided up into five distinct sections, or “Fugues.” These Fugues aid in conveying the repetition theme, and also serve to catch up any readers who might not be familiar with the past books in the series.

Don’t worry, there is plenty of action and romantic entanglements in the present-day plotline of Reprise to satisfy anyone who enjoys reading light-hearted satirical novels. If you are already a fan of the Henrietta Hebert series by Simon Plaster or a newbie to it, you’re sure to get an immense kick out of reading Reprise. I highly recommend you check it out, today, and the other novels in this hugely entertaining series!