From the Belly of the Dragon

I read the first line: "I hope this knucklehead doesn't get himself killed before we move in." Well with a first line like that what mystry/suspense lover wouldn't keep reading? Not me. I kept reading and found this a page turner. Wished I hadn't lost it in my TBR (to be read) pile for so long. This book is proof you don't have to use a bunch of bad language to write a good thriller. I gotta take more writing lessons from this guy.

"From the Belly of the Beast" is a excellent novel. It involves a team of police officers investigating a case. The case is a missing student and it leads to a compound in Florida where a pop psychologist has set up a campus. I do not want to say more details, as it might spoil a great read. The characters are realistic, the steeings believable, and the action is well done. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of those books that I wish hadn't been lost in my stack. It was edge-of-your-seat fabulous! I love stories about people sucked into cults and the great lengths that have to occur to pull people out. That Dr. Simmons was a real nut case, but the author did a terrific job putting you in his head so you could see how twisted he was in the way he saw himself and the world. I loved it! Also, the close bond between the detectives and their camaraderie was endearing. I enjoyed reading about how they'd put their careers and even their very lives on the line to help a friend whose daughter was trapped in a cult. The father--for obvious reasons--was driven to get Ruby out before it was too late. This story was fast paced and very, very interesting. The plot was well done and the scenery so vivid I felt like I was part of the group. Scary. Also, the spiritual warfare and truths that were brought into the light within the context of this story were compelling. Not preachy at all. And the way the people who were angry with God came to realize that they needed His help to succeed was done in a very convincing manner and did not feel contrived. I love fiction with such a realistic feel to it. Plus, this author used a variety of points of view, but it was done so seamlessly that I'm impressed with his technique. It wasn't at all obvious that there were multiple points of view. Every one of them seemed necessary to move the story along. Well done! Also, one unique aspect of this riveting novel was the close relations and interdependency between people from different ethnic backgrounds. Byron and Ruby were so close in their relationship that I forgot he was white. In fact, I had to look back and double check because he was so easily accepted into the family once he helped Ruby. But that also made sense because Ruby mentioned growing up in all white schools most of her life, so it wouldn't seem like a big deal to her. At any rate, I was enthralled with this story and the romance between Ruby and Byron as well. I hope they get married someday. Maybe in the next book (if there is one?) Highly recommended!

Well, we open up the 2nd installment from Mark Myheir with great anticipation! This was impressive, and coming from a cop's perspective, it was very real. Lots of good action, lots of chills, and it just gets crazy at times. Mark basically takes charge, what we normally call taking the bull by the horns. But this time maybe, just maybe, he's taking the DRAGON by the horns! In "Rolling Thunder" we were introduced to John Russell. Well, we'll see more of Russell, and a lot more of his partner, Tim Porter this time. He's big, he's bad, he's mean, he's mad! I like Tim a lot, because he's like me. You don't be messin' with his baby! Which is exactly what Dr. Walter Simmons has done. Who is this so-called "Great doctor" anyway? He doesn't seem so harmless. He'll even show you around his facility, maybe even give you a CD or 2 to show you why he's the greatest. As you may have guessed, he isn't the greatest. Tim Porter picks up on that pretty quickly. This is his daughter that's being messed with. The question is, how do you get her? It seems like she might not want out. So, consider this a team effort. Remember that God is in control. Might I add that this was a darn good read! With first hand experience as a cop, Mark Mynheir really pumped up the pace, and the fury! So what's my advice? Enter this dragon's belly yourself, and see if you need some antacid afterwards. Great stuff!