Book Reviews

Have you ever read a suspense novel that starts with the ending? It both heightens and frustrates the intensity of the entire reading experience. Such it was for me with Ten Times Have the Liles Blown by Mary Erickson. Ms. Erickson has quite a knack for creating intriguing, believable characters and putting them in intricate and dangerous situations. The story made no apologies upfront for giving away the ending, but it then went on to lead me down a winding, no-obvious-end-in-sight path. I became so involved in the characters, especially the "bad guy," that I just couldn't believe he was the bad guy.

The strength of this book is in the well plotted storyline and, as mentioned, the very developed characters. You personally know each of these people - Lori, the small town teacher, a spinster by choice, to some degree, but mostly due to circumstance . . . the heavy responsibility of a sickly mother; Charlotte, the mother, a bitter old woman using her power over Lori as her only enjoyment in life; Larry, the local police official, sweet on Lori but too shy and proper to follow up; and Blake . . . well, you'll need to read the book to find out about Blake, Lori's Knight in Shining Armor, as well as her Hell On Earth. There are other characters, a town full, but these are the the stars of the show.

The story revolves around a small town in Colorado, viable family oil leases, and greed and wanting - traditional greed for wealth and societal standing, and wanting - for acceptance, hope, and, ultimately for love. Blake wanted it all.

Ms. Erickson has crafted a complex, introspective, and strongly researched tale, and she handled it in a unique way, very brave for a first novel. I look forward to many more stories from this talented author.

Melora is the typical, conservative librarian. She is a spinster, taking care of her ailing, unappreciative mother. Life had been moving along for her uneventfully for years. The only exciting thing her town ever experienced was a murder fifteen years ago. But all of that changed when Blake Johnson came back to town with a plan and more charm than principles. He sets out to win the heart of a very inexperienced Melora. Readers will be challenged at every turn to figure out where the story will go. Does Blake have love or monetary gain in his heart? Does he have anything to do with the murder so long ago?

I highly recommend this book. It is well written with very strong characters that will either warm your heart or send a chill down your spine. This book contains all of the components of a blockbuster novel; romance, murder, greed, and suspense. What more could readers ask for? I found this story to be very entertaining due to the author's creativity and apparent ease in weaving an exceptional tale. Great job Ms Erickson!
(Reviewed for Intriging Authors and Their Books website)

Set in a small town of simple character, the reader will not suspect the sophisticated developments, which unwind as a big city contriver returns to his native city. This cunning man of ploy seeks only to gain from the na�ve simplicity of the woman he sets out to entrap in a snare of romance and love.

The talent of Mary Erickson in her ability to develop, hold at bay, and entwine the threads of plot are remarkable and impressive. This is one schematic of suspense that will keep you astonished to the very last page.

Reviewed by Stephanie S. Sawyer, author