KN Magazine: Reviews
Blonde Ice by R.G. Belsky / Reviewed by Jonathan Nash
BLONDE ICE
By R. G. Belsky
Publisher
$16.00
ISBN 978-1501129780
Published 10/18/16
Want to read it? Buy it here!
Book of the Day
Review by Jonathan Nash
A recent string of murders has New York City on edge in R.G. Belsky’s latest Gil Malloy novel, Blonde Ice.
Malloy, an ace reporter for the New York Daily News, has the scoop on a series of peculiar murders. However, the more he investigates it appears that the murderer has the scoop on him.
Belsky allows the reader to unravel the case through the eyes of Malloy, whose life becomes hectic after an unexpected visit from Veronica Issacs. While her appearance resurrects nightmares from Malloy’s past, it proves to serve that he has much bigger problems ahead.
Malloy soon finds himself on the frontline of a serial killer investigation. He is forced to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of journalism while juggling his personal life, job opportunities, and, ultimately, his safety.
The novel is a suspenseful read from start to finish. The reader gets to pull back the layers of the investigation with Malloy, and the twists and turns of each chapter leave the reader wanting to bite in. Belsky delicately toys with the reader's psyche as they try to solve the murders alongside Gil.
Belsky’s attention to detail throughout the novel is much like a journalist painting their story. Each detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time, plays a part in the suspenseful reveal. Much like watching a movie again to see what you might have missed, Blonde Ice leaves the reader wide-eyed and eager to start back from the beginning.
Reading Blonde Ice through the first-person perspective of Gil Malloy provides everything a reader can ask for. Malloy’s witty humor and sarcasm pairs perfectly with the seriousness of the murder investigations. The reader is also given a window to see past his snarky, outward persona and into his flawed and doubt-filled conscious. His doubt and internal dialogue make the reader question the mystery as much as the character does.
As the investigation unfolds, the reader is pulled closer and closer to the edge of their seat. Each character's prerogative and motives fall into question, and anyone can have a hidden dark side. As Malloy notes, “you never know what demons are inside people.”
Blonde Ice is an exhilarating read and is on sale now. Put yourself in Malloy’s shoes and witness how the story unravels. One way or another, Gil Malloy is sure to end up on the front page.
Jonathan Nash was the former Special Projects Coordinator for American Blackguard, Inc. He graduated from Tusculum College in May of 2014 with a degree in Journalism and Professional Writing. He has previously served as a Copy Editor for the Citizen Tribune newspaper in Morristown, TN. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, playing music, and writing.
Disruption by Chuck Barrett / Reviewed by Clay Snellgrove
Killer Nashville Book of the Day
Look for DISRUPTION from Switchback Press on Killer Nashville's affiliate, Amazon.com*
Available now!
DISRUPTION by Chuck Barrett
Reviewed by Clay Snellgrove
Disruption is the fourth installment in author Chuck Barrett’s action-packed Jake Pendleton series. Pendleton, a Navy Intelligence Officer turned covert operative, is tracking a super-hacker known only as Boris. Only after Boris manages to barely avoid capture does Pendleton and his team discover the hacker is aiding an international terrorist in his plan to throw the world’s digital landscape into chaos. This chaos, known throughout the cyber community as disruption, will leave the world’s strongest countries crippled if put into motion, unable to see or defend against incoming attacks. A reset button will be pushed on existing global power structures.
Fans of the Pendleton Series will be unable to put down this newest addition to the franchise. Early in the narrative, tension rises between Jake and his trusted partner, his girlfriend goes missing after a targeted bombing, and the stress of constantly battling enemies of the state is taking a toll. Jake hints at retirement if he can manage to finish the current mission alive.
Barrett does not just pander to his long time readers. He shows his chops by quickly fleshing out his cast of characters so that readers new to his hero can easily invest in the journey. Barrett is masterful at building suspense and developing political intrigue. The writer pens this fantastic plot, which includes top-level hacking and a missing passenger jet, in such a way that readers can’t help but fear such that calamity and conspiracy might easily be the world’s reality in the near future. Readers will surely hope that similar off-the-books, clandestine operatives are on our own president’s speed dial (or perhaps just the speed dial of the head of the CIA).
While Disruption is a page-turner, the story takes readers on a tour of Europe as Pendelton and his partner Francesca follow clues in search of a missing computer wizard that can stall the terrorist’s plans. Without letting up on the throttle, Barrett allows readers to drink in interesting European locals where the bullets and blood continue to litter the landscape.
As his body of work grows, author Chuck Barrett continues to make his case that he belongs at the same table with the masters of the political thriller. Readers can only hope that this is not the end for Jake Pendleton, but if it is, they can be sure Barrett will continue to provide wild, heart-pounding entertainment with new heroes on into the future.
Clay Snellgrove is the author of The Ball Player. He’s a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. A former professional baseball player. Clay holds an MFA in creative writing from Converse College.
Dead Girl Walking by Christopher Brookmyre / Reviewed by M.K. Sealy
Killer Nashville Book of the Day
Dead Girl Walking by Christopher Brookmyre / Reviewed by M.K. Sealy
Purchase Dead Girl Walking
With plots likened to those of director and writer Quentin Tarantino, Scottish author Christopher Brookmyre delivers a complex, engaging mystery masterpiece with his newest novel Dead Girl Walking.
Somewhat reminiscent of Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Dead Girl Walking is chock full of suspense and nail-biting tension. In Dead Girl Walking
Dead Girl Walking opens with Heike, a musician with the world at her feet, who vanishes. And, for journalist Jack Parlabane, who has lost his career and marriage, finding Heike is the last opportunity to regain what little scrap of dignity he has left. But to unravel the complicated web surrounding Heike’s disappearance, Parlabane must begin by breaking down the secrets shared by Heike and her band, Savage Earth Heart.
But uncovering the band’s secrets may be more difficult than expected, regardless of the public’s crazed obsession of the band and the much-touted relationship between Heike and new band member Monica. Things are never as they seem and it turns out that Monica’s feelings toward Heike are less than favorable. As Parlabane uncovers the jealousy and anger behind the public façade, finding Heike becomes even more important.
Dead Girl Walking is superbly written, the suspense building from page one and culminating in an excellent dénouement that leaves readers with the undeniable aftertaste of a satisfying read.
Aside from the general intrigue and thrills, Brookmyre’s in-depth exploration of the alternative music scene is brought to life through both plot and form. Dead Girl Walking is an intense, wild ride, and one that I would highly suggest for readers of mysteries and thrillers.
M.K. Sealy earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in literature from a Nashville university. She is a copyeditor for a Nashville-based publication, but also writes poetry, fiction, and is currently attempting a screenplay, all while working to obtain a Master of Education.
(If you have a book you would like featured, send an ARC for consideration. The Killer Nashville Book Reviews are coordinated by Clay Stafford with the irreplaceable assistance of Clay Janeway, Maria Giordano, Will Chessor, and credited guest reviewers. For more writer resources, visit us at www.KillerNashville.com and www.KillerNashvilleMagazine.com)
*Killer Nashville is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you purchase a book from the links on this page, Amazon will give Killer Nashville a small percentage of the total sale. Killer Nashville receives zero compensation (other than sometimes the book to review) from publishers who have been selected for the Book of the Day.
[hr color="dark-gray" width="100%" border_width="2px" ]
Want to review books for the Killer Nashville family?
With over 24,000 visits monthly to the Killer Nashville website, over 300,000 reached through social media, and a potential outreach of over 22 million per press release, Killer Nashville provides another way for you to reach more people with your message. Send a query to books@killernashville.com or call us at 615-599-4032. We’d love to hear from you.
[hr color="dark-gray" width="100%" border_width="2px" ]
Submit Your Writing to KN Magazine
Want to have your writing included in Killer Nashville Magazine?
Fill out our submission form and upload your writing here: