Jackson Coppley's Blog, page 2
May 29, 2025
Fractured Verdict by L.T. Ryan
May 23, 2025
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
May 8, 2025
Thriller Books You Can't Put Down
April 22, 2025
Eleven Numbers by Lee Child
April 17, 2025
Sunrise on the Reaping
February 24, 2025
The Forest of Lost Souls by Dean Koontz
The Forest of Lost Souls centers on a young woman named Vida. Raised by her late great-uncle in the forests of a fictional Kettleton County, Vida makes her living, like her great-uncle before her, finding gemstones. She has a knack for it showing a bit of mysticism one would expect in a Dean Koontz novel.
However, you must wait a chapter or two to find all of that out. The first chapter is about an albino she-wolf, elegantly described by Koontz, but leaving the reader mystified what’s the book is about.
Then the story at last plays out. Vida’s lover, José Nochelobo, a local hero and environmentalist, dies under suspicious circumstances. As Vida delves into the truth behind José’s death, she confronts powerful men, including Terrence Boschvark, a ruthless psychopath involved in land development, and Deputy Sheriff Nash Deacon, who becomes a formidable adversary. Vida must use her connection to nature and her resourcefulness to protect herself and the land she loves from those who seek to exploit it. She faces these threats one after the other and with each played out as a separate story.
It's been some time since I read Dean Koontz, and I don’t remember his writing being as lyrical as in this novel. Opinions on whether it signifies an improvement vary. Critics often praise Koontz for his lyrical prose, meticulous word choice, and ability to blend suspense with philosophical depth. However, some argue that his style can feel overly polished or repetitive, relying on familiar tricks that longtime readers may find predictable.
I have read Koontz himself has expressed a commitment to developing as a writer, emphasizing the importance of stretching creatively and refining his craft through extensive revision. While The Forest of Lost Souls likely reflects these efforts, its reception depends on individual preferences for his signature style. Fans seeking fresh narrative risks may appreciate the novel’s depth, while others might find it consistent with his established approach rather than a significant leap forward.
If there were a Koontz wackiness meter, The Forest of Lost Souls would be low on the scale, leaving a sound believability to the story.
Recommended.
January 6, 2025
“The Ark Files” by Luke Richardson
I discovered “The Ark Files” by accident. I was reviewing Amazon Ad customer selections for my novel, “The Code Hunters,” and found many readers also enjoyed “The Ark Files.” I had to read it, or more correctly, I listened to the audio version read by Claudia Campbell.
The plot centers around a secret manuscript that could potentially change the world. This novel is based on real archaeological finds, with some names slightly altered to blend fact and fiction.
The story follows Eden Black, a professional treasure hunter who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous mystery after her father’s death. As she investigates, she discovers that his death wasn’t an accident, but part of a pattern of deaths connected to an archaeological dig from twenty years ago.
The novel blends elements of archaeology, action, and suspense. My novels are dialog driven. Richardson’s are description driven, and I tip my hat to Richardson for his brilliant depiction of action scenes.
He shares my emphasis on settings in his stories. His travels allow him to envision exciting scenes, such as chase sequences in markets or action on rooftops in various locations around the world.
So, I agree with readers. If you like “The Code Hunters,” read “The Ark Files.”
BTW: “The Ark Files” is the first in a series of Eden Black adventures.
December 27, 2024
"The Chimes" by Charles Dickents
"The Chimes" echoes A Christmas Carol with ghosts visiting a man who an attitude adjustment.
"The Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells that Rang an Old Year Out and a New Year In" is a novella by Charles Dickens, published in 1844 as part of his series of Christmas books. The story revolves around Toby "Trotty" Veck, a poor elderly ticket-porter living in Victorian London.
The story begins on New Year's Eve when Trotty's daughter Meg announces her engagement to Richard. Their joy is short-lived after an encounter with Alderman Cute and other elites who discourage the marriage, claiming the poor are inherently wicked and undeserving of happiness.
Influenced by these negative views and a newspaper article about a destitute woman's suicide, Trotty begins to lose faith in the goodness of his social class. That night, he hears the church bells (the Chimes) calling him. Upon climbing the bell tower, he encounters the spirits of the bells and their goblin attendants.
The spirits reveal that Trotty has died from his climb and show him visions of a bleak future:
- Meg marries Richard, who descends into alcoholism and dies, leaving her widowed with a child.
- Their friends Will and Lilian face hardships, with Will repeatedly imprisoned and Lilian turning to prostitution.
- Meg, destitute and hopeless, contemplates suicide with her child.
These visions are meant to teach Trotty that mankind is not inherently wicked but strives for better when not crushed by circumstances.
Trotty awakens on New Year's Day, realizing it was all a dream. He finds Meg and Richard happily preparing for their wedding, with friends gathering to celebrate. The story ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of trust, hope, and belief in the goodness of humanity.
December 20, 2024
Top Quality Thrillers for Free
I am happy to announce my participation in a great give-away for the season.
December 4, 2024
Camino Ghosts by John Grisham
"Camino Ghosts" is the third installment in John Grisham's Camino Island series, following "Camino Island" and "Camino Winds." The novel intertwines elements of legal drama, historical fiction, and mystery, set against the backdrop of a small island community.
I listened to the audio version of the novel, which had the additional treat of having Whoopi Goldberg performing the narration.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with author Mercer Mann returning to Camino Island for her wedding to Thomas, with the bookseller Bruce Cable officiating the ceremony. Seeking inspiration for her next novel, Mercer learns from Bruce about Dark Isle—a deserted barrier island off the Florida coast, steeped in history and rumored to be cursed. The island was once home to a community of runaway slaves, and its last surviving descendant, Lovely Jackson, claims ownership despite lacking formal title deeds. As developers eye Dark Isle for a massive resort, Mercer and Bruce become involved in a legal battle to preserve the island's heritage and support Lovely's claim.
The beginning of the book is especially compelling in describing the slave trade. Lovely Jackson’s ancestor Nalla was among the survivors of a slave ship that wrecked near the island in the 18th century. After the ship sank, she and other survivors made their way to Dark Isle, where they formed a small colony. Nalla's legacy is central to the novel, as she is believed to have placed a curse on the island to protect it from outsiders.
We may all know the story of the slaves’ harsh voyage across the Atlantic. It has been told many times. But, “Camino Ghosts” tells Nalla’s story from the time her village was raided and she was taken captive. That is a story less told.
The courtroom scenes provide the legal drama Grisham is known for, while the rich historical context offers a fresh perspective within the genre. However, there is more detail on the court maneuverings than this listener cared for. Grisham seemed not to resist calling on his lawyering roots.
However, "Camino Ghosts" is a compelling addition to the series, blending mystery, history, and legal intrigue in a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
