John Grisham is a master storyteller and one of America’s best-loved authors. Born in Arkansas, Grisham’s journey from practicing lawyer to bestselling author is as compelling as the stories he writes. With over 300 million books sold and several of his works adapted into major motion pictures, Grisham has captivated readers with his intricate legal dramas and unforgettable characters. His deep knowledge of the law and his gift for suspense have made his books perennial bestsellers.
SYNOPSIS
“The Innocent Man” by John Grisham is a riveting true-crime masterpiece that unravels the harrowing tale of Ron Williamson, an all-American dreamer turned tragic figure in a small Oklahoma town. This book dives deep into the flaws of the American justice system, illuminating how easily an innocent life can be destroyed by wrongful conviction.
In “The Innocent Man,” we journey through the tumultuous life of Ron Williamson, a former minor league baseball star whose promising career was derailed by mental illness and personal demons. In 1982, the quiet town of Ada, Oklahoma, was rocked by the brutal murder of Debra Sue Carter, a young waitress. The town’s desperation for justice led to Ron Williamson and his friend Dennis Fritz being accused of the crime. Despite a glaring lack of physical evidence and an array of questionable tactics used by law enforcement, both men were convicted
Grisham paints a vivid picture of the flawed investigation and the series of injustices that followed. We see Ron’s life spiral as he battles schizophrenia, all while enduring the horrors of death row. Grisham highlights the shaky testimonies, coerced confessions, and overlooked exculpatory evidence that sealed Ron’s fate. The narrative intensifies as the reader learns about the tireless efforts of Ron’s family and the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and legal advocacy.
The book takes readers inside the courtroom and behind prison walls, revealing the emotional and psychological toll on Ron. Grisham’s powerful prose and detailed account of Ron’s eventual exoneration in 1999, after 11 years on death row, underscores the fragility of the judicial process. It’s a testament to human resilience and the unyielding quest and fierce determination for the justice.
CONCLUSION
“The Innocent Man” is more than just a chronicle of a grave miscarriage of justice; it is a poignant call to reform. John Grisham shines a light on the systemic failures that can lead to tragic errors and emphasizes the importance of vigilance and advocacy in the pursuit of true justice. This compelling narrative is a stark reminder of the real human cost of wrongful convictions and serves as an urgent plea for reform in the legal system.
The Innocent Man marks a departure from John Grisham’s usual legal thrillers. Stepping into the realm of true crime with a journalist’s eye for detail, Grisham turns legal intricacies into an engaging narrative; that talent is on full display here. He masterfully humanizes Williamson, introducing him as a victim of incredible injustice and a man battling personal demons. However, The Innocent Man is not without its weaknesses. Grisham’s transition from fiction to non-fiction is difficult—at times, constrained as it is by procedural details and legal jargon. As a result of these necessary evils, the prose did become formal, resulting in a more strictly formed narrative. I did not find that this impeded my enjoyment of the work, but a few may prefer his creative writing over his real-crime retelling.
Despite these critiques, “The Innocent Man” remains a powerful and important read. It appeals to those interested in true crime, legal dramas, and stories of justice and redemption. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about the integrity of the legal system and the profound impact it can have on individual lives. This book will resonate deeply with readers who value truth, fairness, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Grisham’s meticulous research and gripping narrative style make this book not just a read, but an experience.
Mustafa Marwan worked as a humanitarian in multiple high-conflict zones. He is a lecturer, trainer, consultant, and now a writer. In 2013, the Mosaic Leadership program chose him as a Youth Leader.
Mustafa received a Bachelor’s degree from Misr University for Science and Technology in 2007. He obtained his Master of Nanotechnology, Nanoscience & Technology from Nile University in 2012. From the University of Sheffield in 2013, Mustafa received a Master of Public Health (MPH) (Management & Leadership). In 2021, he completed the Leading Strategic Projects Programme, Management at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Mustafa’s work experience includes being an Assistant Manager at Al Amir Pharmacies, A Business Analyst at Ameco Tech Corporation, working with the British Council, A Research assistant at Nile University, a Research and Policy Analyst at University of Sheffield, Humanitarian Projects Manager at Emergency and Relief Agency, Arab Medical Union, Lecturer and Programme Leader, Health and Social Care Management at ABI College, and International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC.
SYNOPSIS
Adam Elraey, A.K.A. Luke Archer, is a disillusioned British doctor of Egyptian descent. Having suffered multiple personal traumas in his life, Luke is looking for a fresh start. He joined a non-governmental organization (NGO), Group d’Aide International (GAI), which provides medical care in high-conflict zones and winds up in Yemen during intense fighting.
Adam lost both of his parents when he was seven years old. He was then adopted by an English couple that had converted to Islam. They renamed him Luke Archer. Luke had a terrible motorcycle accident when he was eighteen, which left him with a traumatic brain injury that, if left untreated, would cause him seizures. Then, he lost both of his adoptive parents. Luke quickly became dependent on opioids to control his headaches and to cope with life.
Luke trained and became a surgeon. Unfortunately, he had an episode and passed out in the operating room as he was trying to save a patient that another doctor had accidentally nicked an artery. Even though the other doctor was drunk at the time, Luke was the one fired due to his opioid use.
Without a job or prospects, Luke wound up in some nefarious dealings with Irish mobsters. After barely escaping with his life, Luke joined Group d’Aide International as a surgeon. He landed in Yemen during a civil war.
This is where the story picks up. Luke and his fellow humanitarians are caught between the rebels, the government forces, and the mercenaries all fighting over the city. They quickly become intimately involved in the politics and the fighting. They are just trying to stay alive amidst all the carnage.
CONCLUSION
“Guns and Almond Milk” is an entertaining read. Mustafa Marwan does an excellent job of creating realistic battleground scenes. The characters are well-developed with lots of idiosyncrasies. The plot is interesting and exciting. There are many layers to the backstories of each character that keep the reader constantly wondering what will happen next.
The main character’s “James Bond” persona is the book’s only downside. Luke is an excellent character with a lot of personal demons and flaws. However, I find it difficult to believe that he can outsmart the mob, kick the shit out of some rebels, and shoot a gun like “John Wick.” Luke is complicated, haunted, a little psycho, and conflicted. He is just trying to find his place in the world, and the world is blowing up around him.
Mustafa Marwan obviously has an extensive background in humanitarian aid in high-conflict zones. His expertise is easily identifiable in the main storyline. He creates an accurate and compelling scene of a war-torn city under siege. The battle scenes with the graphic aftermath of the damage war creates, are spot-on.
I recommend this book for a good read. It is interesting, entertaining, and exciting. The reader will have to have a suspension of disbelief only a little around Luke, but otherwise, it is terrific.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank Mustafa Marwan and Interlink Books for allowing me to review “Guns and Almond Milk.“
#1 Horror Fiction*/#3 Psychological Thrillers*/#3Horror Literature* Horror Suspense / Horror Fiction / Mystery Thriller/Suspense/Contemporary Thriller/Horror Literature & Fiction/Crime Fiction /Tales of the Macabre/ Scary Fiction / Mystery Chiller/ High Tension Drama/ Gory Horror / Horror Aesthetic/ Anthropophagy *Audible Books & Originals as of December 6, 2023.
Language
English
ASIN#
B0BSRFPQXV
EVERYONE THOUGHT THEY WERE A SWEET OLD COUPLE UNTIL THE BODIES BEGAN TURNING UP IN THE BACKYARD. “Killer old folks, I thought. That’s my story.” King, S “Holly.” pp. 449-450. New York: Scribner, 2023.
AUTHOR
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine, on September 21, 1947. He is a prolific American author renowned for his significant contributions to the horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy genres.
His writing career began in the 1970s with the publication of his first novel, “Carrie,” which set the stage for a series of bestsellers.
Stephen King is often hailed as the “King of Fright” and the “Master of Dread,” and has captivated horror fans for decades with his deep dive into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
King’s unique storytelling style, characterized by its immersive narratives, deeply layered character development, and keen insight into the human condition, has earned him a revered place in modern literature. He’s penned over 60 novels and nearly 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted into feature films, television series, and miniseries. His works often explore themes of good versus evil, the supernatural, and the mundane aspects of life in small-town America turned sinister.
Stephen King’s impact on literature and popular culture is undeniable, with numerous awards and accolades, including the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation. His ability to tap into universal fears and desires continues to captivate readers worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a master storyteller.
Stephen King’s legacy as the “King of Fright” is evident in “Holly.” He continues to push the boundaries of horror and suspense, proving once again why he remains a towering figure in the realm of scary fiction, mystery thrillers, chillers, the supernatural, and dark genres.
SYNOPSIS
Stephen King’s “Holly”begins with a missing girl, an anxious mother, and a telephone call to a grieving Holly Gibney of Finders Keepers. What follows is a mystery arguably deeper and darker than anything Holly and Finders Keepershave ever faced.
Holly Gibney, the beloved character first introduced to us in the “Bill Hodges Trilogy,” is back, and the shadow of her previous investigation in “If It Bleeds” has inevitably followed her. She has come a long way since her first appearance in “Mr. Mercedes.” She is now a mature fifty-five-year-old investigator. Even though her quirks have diminished, she has maintained her unwavering focus and determination. Still, despite all these changes, she is haunted by her childhood experiences. She isn’t “Jibba-Jabba-Gibbering-Gibney” any longer, but she still feels the burn and the bullying of it all these years later.
As the narrative unfolds, Stephen King addresses real-world fears and the prophetic zeitgeist that was the global outbreak, the spread of disease, and the societal impact of those recent events. He uses his horror aesthetic to highlight the real-life horrors of murders, homicides, slayings, kidnappings, and abductions, reflecting the unease and terror of a world in crisis. Politicians, mad with power, have plunged the globe into an open prison. The mask mandate has split public opinion, and the pandemic of the Novel Virus (COVID-19) is overhyped to a medically naive population.
We catch up to Holly during the unfolding of a life-changing event. Deaths in the family have a considerable impact, and never more so than when the relationship is contentious; never was this truer than the dysfunctional interpersonal relationship that Holly and her mother shared. The event significantly affects Holly’s personal life in multiple aspects. She continues to surprise as she devolves from “Miss Perfect” and acquires a couple of compulsions that plague her throughout the story. The emotional turmoil from “The Life of Chuck” from the novella “If It Bleeds” has left its mark on her character and psyche. Gone is the burgeoning confidence of the previous incarnation of Holly; she is now a more seasoned and cannier lass. As Holly struggles to come to terms with her loss, she receives multiple phone calls from a grieving mother pleading with her to look into the disappearance of her daughter, Bonnie Rae Dahl, and as Sherlock Holmes would say, “the game is afoot.”
The game is as challenging and arduous as any she and Finders Keepers had previously encountered. Holly has the help of Jerome and Barbara Robinson in this scary, film noir-style cannibal-themed mystery come thriller. Together, they collaborate to hunt down those responsible for the disappearances and engage in psychological contests with their adversaries, one of whom is “ball-to-the-wall psychotic.”
The story is set against the backdrop of a small town harboring dark secrets. The story unfolds in the basement, where Professors Rodney and Emily Harris commit chilling and harrowing acts on their unfortunate victims, a catalog of horrors that begins with their abduction, physical neglect, and psychological abuse and ends with them consumed as a tasty snack. Holly Gibney is hot on their scent, setting the stage for a high-tension drama that keeps readers on edge.
Holly must use her superior deductive reasoning to investigate and create a rigorous hypothesis extrapolated from the scant seemingly unrelated clues gained from interviews and observations. As the story advances, King drops the breadcrumbs, and Holly and the cohort follow them to their inevitable conclusion, or so it would seem. In an unforeseen turn of events, she again finds herself in an impossible quandary with no way out and little time remaining. Holly is isolated and confined; her life is in the balance, and her location and situation are unknown.
Does Holly Gibney go quiet into that dark night, or does she somehow use that remarkable, unique, and fantastic mind that we witnessed in “End of Watch” to find a way to survive?
CONCLUSION
“Holly,” showcases King’s mastery in blending mystery and suspense. He delves deeper into her complex character, unraveling her struggles and encounters with the uncanny. The story, set in King’s quintessential small-town American backdrop, weaves a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending King’s signature horror elements with a profound exploration of human resilience and courage.
“Holly” is a standalone sequel to King’s acclaimed “Bill Hodges Trilogy” (“Mr. Mercedes,”“Finders Keepers,” and “End of Watch”), spotlighting Holly Gibney, a character who has resonated deeply with readers. In this gripping narrative, King explores society through the lens of dark genres. He addresses contemporary issues like vaccine hesitancy, climate change, and the horrors of a health crisis akin to the SARS virus. He paints a vivid picture of a world grappling with a pandemic virus, the challenges of vaccinations, immunization, and the skepticism surrounding them.
The novel delves into harrowing themes of abductions, brutal slayings, sexual harassment, sexual assault, molestation, and rape. It presents a chilling exploration of the never-ending human capacity for evil. Amidst the backdrop of these horrors, the narrative also weaves in elements of cannibalism, adding an even darker and sinister layer of primal fear to the story.
“Holly” has received some friction from fans upon its release. I must admit that I am a fangirl of “Hollyberry” since King revealed her as a character in “Mr. Mercedes.” I was incredibly excited to hear Stephen King planned to write her into another publication.
It was a surprise to discover that Holly lied about significant aspects of her life, including her education and work history. She also concealed from Bill Hodges her mental breakdown and her time at the Treatment Center arising from a sexual assault. A sexual violation that was carried out by Frank Junior, the son of her earlier employer, who was the owner of Mitchell Fine Homes and Estates. The assault has a profound and long-term effect on Holly, and she carries the wound of it across the combined anthology.
I was sad to read of Holly’s family bereavement when her mother died after contracting an acute illness, an event that opens early in the book. Then, after a brief reacquaintance with Holly, the indoctrination began: the mask-wearing, hand washing, and vaccinations accompanied by divisive and hateful comments directed towards those who, during the ‘pandemic’ considered their bodily autonomy as sacred and not up for discussion, as is their right. The overt and politically biased undertones became ubiquitous and an epidemic of their very own. There were no less than approximately eighty-two references to “COVID-19,” or some variation thereof throughout the book, and the prevalence of psychological conditioning seemed to overwhelm the central theme. It quickly began to feel like it was less a novel and more of an exercise in brainwashing.
I’m going to be blunt here: In the first instance, I was hugely disappointed—my reaction after only a few chapters was to abandon reading any further. I put the book down, and I walked away – dejected.
I did, however, go back and read the entire book. I felt compelled to do so out of some unnatural loyalty to a favorite character, and I’m glad I did. The political rhetoric continued, as did the constant unrelenting references I mentioned previously. However, witnessing Holly’s character development and evolution is worth the price of admission alone. Her “Asperger’s like tics.” (Finders Keepers, p. 210) may have lessened, but her savant-like qualities, childish innocence, and unique multi-dimensional personality, combined with her soft and gentle disposition, contrasted with her old-school pragmatism, is a symphony all its own.
Stephen King feels very strongly regarding his beliefs and opinions, as is his right. However, a fine line exists between enthusiasm and self-destructive rhetoric-infused storylines that drive away loyal readers. When the politics and the rhetoric eclipse the narrative, the story is no longer relevant, and its message is clouded, or worse – it’s occluded. He anticipated the pushback. In the book and audio version, he shared his reasoning for including his political and societal opinions. His argument is both emotional and sincere. He clearly has a genuine concern for the greater good and enjoys a platform from which to share his sentiments widely, but the politics still distract from the central theme.
King’s “Holly” is not just a horror novel; it is a mystery suspense and a mystery chiller that delves into the realms of high tension and drama. His narrative construction weaves a complex tapestry of characters, each with their own personalities and secrets, adding tiers of surprise and depth to the story. King further cements his legacy as a master storyteller, expertly layering narratives and intertwining the macabre with the magic of a true novelist.
This book will appeal to horror fans who appreciate dark, grim, and gruesome themes.
If my review doesn’t win you over, please consider reading the perfect introduction to the Holly Gibney character in the “Bill Hodges Trilogy,” which consists of:
If you are a Holly fan, I still recommend you read Stephen King’s “Holly” with the previous disclosure for your consideration; after all, forewarned is forearmed.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. All that said, I’m still a Hollyberry fangirl- strike that- replace with Holly Gibney fangirl. Sorry, Hol!
History Humor, Supernaturalism, Internet Social Media Humor
Pages / Runtime
304 / 6 hours and 45 minutes / 473 KB
Language
English
ISBN /ASIN
Book 978-1524872106 Kindle B09TVHJLLC Audiobook B09VYDGBWQ
AUTHORS
Taken from the A Haunted Road Atlas
SYNOPSIS
A Haunted Road Atlas is written and performed by Christine Schiefer and her co-author Em Schultz. There is one word that sums up this insanity; cleverly wrapped up in either the written work or the unabridged audiobook, and that word is – fun. Schiefer and Schultz have created a powerful diversion from everyday irrelevant concerns with their fantabulous journey across the entire Continental United States!
Now back to the review. The book is subdivided into individual geographic locations. The reader joins the trip mentally with Christine and Em, visiting haunted hotels, paranormal tours and strange and weird places. That’s not all; oh no! A Haunted Road Atlas also covers: notorious criminals, murders, mayhem, massacres, and con-men. All these are accompanied by fun facts and opinions. I both read and listened to their productions, and I highly recommend the audiobook version. The narrative is rapid delivered and the staccato humor just blew my socks off.
CONCLUSION
Imagine for a moment the most unhinged but fun person that you know or can imagine. Now add in a touch of Zac Bagin’s of Ghost Adventures fame. Sprinkle in some spooky places with two uproarious, loud and gregarious story tellers, and you have a simple idea of just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
It confounds me just how they managed to cram so much humor into this book. If you enjoy alternative humor, delivered by consummate entertainers look no further.
I sincerely hope that they manage to get to visit Alaska and Hawaii just so that there will be another magical creation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Christine Schiefer & Em Schultz, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review A Haunted Road Atlas: Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales.
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A Hunted Road Atlas by Christine Schiefer and Em Schultz
Be it the times of Pax Romanaus or Pax Britainica always have your trusty and reliable cartographic entertainment on your person, because you never know when you’ll need the London A-Z.
Norman 2 is the sequel to Norman: The Doll That Needed to Be Locked Away. An ominous comment from the store owner peaked Lancaster’s interest, and he bought the doll and took it…
The crew, alerted to an emergency transmission, reluctantly answers the call and discovers horrors, mysteries, phantoms, and challenges beyond their imagination. Claire Kovalik must conquer her conflicted self, the crew, and the company…
We Thought We Knew You is a book written by the prolific true crime writer and investigative journalist, M. William Phelps.
Mary Yoder is dead at sixty.
It is July of 2015 and Mrs M. Yoder, a previously healthy married woman with one son, has just collapsed and died in great pain and discomfort. An autopsy reveals the terrible truth that Mary has been murdered.
Means, motive and opportunity are key indicators used by police to determine the suspicion of an individual suspected in the involvement of a crime. It was no different in the case of the murder of Mrs, Yoder. The family and those closest to her were the first to come under scrutiny. Her long time husband Bill, her son Adam, and his former girl-friend Kaitlyn (Katie) Conley formed the triad of characters under investigation. Quickly, the focus falls upon one of the three suspects.
The suspects are:
Kaitlyn Conley is an attractive, vivacious, and popular woman and the former girlfriend of Mary Yoder’s son. Following an acrimonious split, Katie continues to work at the Yoder’s family owned chiropractor’s office. Kaitlyn had suffered from a contentious relationship with Adam from which she continued to harbored unrequited rage. She has a history of rage combined with instability when it came to dealing with rejection in relationships.
Adam Yoder is a conscientious and hard working young man who in the time running up to Mary Yoder’s death had some verbal disagreements with his mother. These disagreements placed him in the purview of the investigation.
Then there was Bob Yoder, Mary’s long suffering husband. Could he have murdered his wife in such a brutal and heinous way?
Could it all be so simple? Could there be another more motivated killer on the loose? Or does this murder boil down to someone motivated by a combination of lust, control, and selfish greed?
In court, the Defense appears to be winning the case. With conflicting motives and the nimble mindedness of the Defense Team, they outmaneuver the Prosecution.
Then a Cyber Crime Forensic Expert comes to the aid of the prosecution council. A man who sifts through the hidden evidence and constructs an irrefutable truth based in cold, hard facts from meta-data. The true motive is revealed. Through a jigsaw like puzzle, the jury of their peers must decide who is to blame beyond any reasonable doubt.
So who did it in the end? The quickest and easiest way to discover the culprit, is to listen to it for yourself.
Happily, you can read We Thought We knew You for free on Kindle Unlimited. See link at the bottom of the page.
NARRATOR
We Thought We Knew You, was narrated by Danny Campbell.
I am sorry to say that I am not a fan of Campbell’s narration of this work. I found his flat diction, devoid of any intonation or fluidity to be below average. This combined with this his labored breathing was profoundly disquieting. His diction became a considerable distraction from the well formed prose of Phelps. The lack of vocal range, timpani, or any color created an uninspiring transition between characters. His lack of vocal range and labored breathing definitely had a negative impact upon my enjoyment of the audiobook.
CONCLUSION
We Thought We Knew You by M. William Phelps is not the best of his work. There were a number of times where I found some repetition. The tendency to transcend between one time and another proved to be a little disorientating. Despite that, I enjoyed Phelps unraveling of the conundrum that is: We Thought We Knew You.
One of the reasons that Phelps is a successful writer is he sincerely cares about the victims of the crimes he reports. His success cannot simply be attributed to his excellent skills in writing or his investigative methods. There is a palpable sense of anger and frustration that his subjects have been callously killed. This is borne out by the consistent pattern of his writing style in that he always has the victim as the fulcrum of the story. He consistently regales us with the minutiae of the victims daily lives and their hopes, dreams and vulnerabilities. He paints them in flesh and blood terms as they once were through the written word. This to me, this is what make M. William Phelps work stand out. In the world of true crime, he stands alone and unique in his defense of those who can no longer defend themselves.
