sherry fundin

Underneath on Aug. 19, 2012

Not only don't you know what people are thinking or feeling, they don't know what's going through your mind. I have thought before, as I was looking in someone's eyes not really listening to what they are saying, I wonder what they would think if they could read my mind right now. As he wandered the city, one minute happy, the next so pissed off he wanted to kick someone's ass, he came upon a car with an expensive coat in it. When he broke the window to steal the coat, he saw it was a cheap knockoff. He was so pissed, he beat the hell out of the car. Was he insane? Some kind of anger issue? When he began seeing Abigail, his thoughts and emotions were confusing, he was puzzled about what it all meant. It had just been the past few years where he admitted that he faked his thoughts and feelings to manipulate others, he had always been that way. He felt like the cyborg in Terminator 2 with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Fake being human. He could relate to the cyborg when John Connor tries to teach it to smile. It was different with Abigail. He knew he'd have to "fix it" but didn't know what he meant by that. When he talks about Burnside firing the taser, it made me laugh. Wouldn't you just love to do that to some people? At first I thought the rating on this book would be a two. But as I got 3/4 of the way through, it got me thinking more. I've had those times when for no reason at all I got ticked off over something minor and wanted to throw something of hit someone. Have you? If it wasn't for civility, I'm not sure how much we would let loose, let the anger flow out to reach whoever or whatever was handy at the time. When he talks about people's behavior online, it's obvious that the sense of anonymity people feel will cause them to act in a way they wouldn't do if face to face. Who knows how far we would go if given free rein. The last 1/4 really started to lure me in and the last 10% had me racing through the words, not able to read fast enough to find what would happen next. I was desperate for Abigail to run - run for her life. My breath quickened. I almost felt her terror. When he wrote "should men have their cocks surgically removed at birth, and only given back when they were old enough to use them sensibly...at around the age of eight five or so" I laughed out loud. The excerpts from his website, at the end of the book, had me cracking up. Caught me totally by surprise, but don't be looking before you arrive at the end of the story. With all that being said, the book was definitely worth the read. If you find it slow in the beginning, like I did, just hang in there because it does get better and has a good ending.

The Medium on Sep. 19, 2012

The séance had turned almost comical. Celia and I were having a séance for Mrs. Wiggam. Her husband appeared, as angry and unforgiving as his wife. She wanted to know where the fortune was hidden. I knew he was lying when he said there was no fortune and so did she. Mr. Wiggam was in the Waiting Area and I knew he couldn’t move on, until he lost all his anger. Even in death he was still afraid of his wife. While I tried to get him to return to the Waiting Area, something sinister came through. Others saw it. Mrs. Wiggam convinced them they were seeing things. I hoped they believed her. Otherwise, it could be bad for our reputation. Celia had bought an amulet from an old crone of a peddler. She had been used to release the spirit. We arrived at our front door, only to be met by Jacob Beaufort, a ghost. He told us he was assigned to us by the Administrators. They controlled the Waiting Area and Otherworld, making things run smoothly in the ghostly realm. He said we had brought forth a shape-shifting demon. The amulet had been cursed, thus allowing the demon through. I told Jacob it was me to cover for Celia, but he said the demon was linked to whoever wore the amulet. He would have to banish it. Jacob seemed more real, more solid than the usual ghosts I saw. I felt drawn to him. He said there were few like him. We were off to visit George Culvert, a demonologist. Jacob told me they had both went to Eton, but he neglected to tell me they had never met. I reached for the door knocker and noticed it was shaped like a paw. When I told him I was interested in shape-shifting demons, he said he had a book that would have explained what I needed to know, but it had been stolen a week ago. He told me the shape-shifter could steal a ghost’s soul, make it cease to exist anywhere, be nothing. Mrs Culver entered the library. She was mean tempered, until I told her I knew Jacob. She said he died under mysterious circumstance. I found out Jacob was nobility. He had told me he died at 18, just a few months ago. All George could tell me about Jacob was he simply vanished. Nothing of him was ever found. When I tried to question George’s maid, Maree Finch, about the book, she turned violent, coming at me with a knife. Jacob pushed me out of the way. I knew she stole the book for someone, but she had run away before I could ask her anything more. Jacob popped into my bedroom. He said it wasn’t proper at all. So why was he here? He told me there had been a death. It was the second one. He thought the deaths were connected, because the house the footman had worked at was burgled after the murder. To keep him here, I asked if my mother was in the Waiting Room. He said no, but Aunt Catherine Sloane was. I had so many questions about how I came to be, so I called out to her and she appeared. She was an evil, mean-spirited woman. She was right when she said I didn’t want to hear anything she had to say. As far as I knew I was the only legitimate medium in the world. So it fell on my shoulders to help Jacob get rid of the shape-shifter before it could kill anyone else. 3 STARS – Would Recommend To Others I loved the clouds and reflection in the water on the cover. It created a sense of tension. The woman takes you into a time in the past. The title is what really captured me, because I thought it would lead to the paranormal, and it did. There were no surprises in the book. It was well written and the story was told in an almost fun and light manner. There were times where I had to laugh, like when she wondered if, even though he was a ghost, his man parts worked the same. lol The characters were easy to relate to. I wished for Emily and Jacob to get together. But, how can a human hook up with a ghost? Is there a reason for him to be different from other ghosts that Emily could see? I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

What Kills Me on Oct. 08, 2012

Her description in her bio is appropriate: "Well written by Wynne Channing." I was walking back to Sofia`s from the bakery and saw a man in the square. He seemed to be eying me, but I was late and hurried on. Somehow I got lost and when I turned around, he was there. I explained what happened, described Sofia's street and he took me there. I joked along the way, but he didn't seem to get it. I do have a sarcastic wit. To repay him, I told him I would buy him a gelato and we agreed to meet at the pizzeria later. His name was Paolo. I had come to Italy to go to the university and study art. I was living with my host, Sofia, and because I was so late, she instituted a 9:00 pm curfew and I was to meet Paolo at 9:15. Now what? I came up with the idea to leave a message for him at the pizzeria and meet him there at 3:30 Monday afternoon. That night, as I lay in bed, I heard my name. I went to the window, looked out and Paolo was there. He talked me into climbing out the window and trespassing into the church. We stood by the collection box and he whispered in my ear, "I'm going to kill you." He turned toward the altar and I ran into the office. I saw a door, so I ran through it and down the stairs. The room was lit by candles that ringed a hole in the floor. Paolo kept backing me toward the hole, until someone yelled stop. I lost my balance and fell into the hole. It was so dark and I felt I was drowning. How I climbed out, I don't know. Uther explained, I was in his quarters in the church. He was the guardian of the sanctum. His niece, Lettie came into the room and asked me if I felt different. Why would I feel different? When I told Uther I had to go home, he said I couldn't ever go home. He went on to explain that when I fell into the well, I had died. He said they were dead too. It was true. I had no pulse, no heartbeat. We were vampires. When I saw myself in the mirror, my eyes were lit up as if on fire. Uther and Lettie told me I was a miracle. Never before had someone become a vampire without drinking someone's blood. The well I fell into was full of vampire blood. I didn't think it could get any worse, until the General came. He called me an abomination and was taking me to the Empress. I had been thrown in the back of the truck, alone. I felt no pain and as I licked my lips I tasted blood. Soon I was cleaning blood from my body, lapping it up like a cat. We arrived at the castle. I was chained and had a bag thrown over my head. I was made to kneel. When the bag was removed I saw hundreds of men and women surrounding me. Paolo was brought in. The Empress called him Transporter. She condemned us both to death. I didn't know where we were, but I tried to find a way to escape. As the sun moved around the room, I saw Paolo burn and turn to dust. Why didn't I burn in the sun like Paolo? I amazed myself by climbing out of the tower. As I looked around, I saw nothing but rocks and water. When I dove and began swimming, I realized I didn't need to breathe. Apparently there were some benefits to being a vampire. I woke up and found I had washed up on shore, so I began walking. As I walked, I talked to myself. It was something I did all the time. I was startled when someone answered me. I thought I was alone. He introduced himself as Noel and said he could remove my chains. He took me home and introduced me to the boys, Lucas and Jerome. I didn't want to, but felt I had to tell them my story. They said they made weapons for the Aramatta, the Monarchy's guards. They told me the guards would come here, looking for me. Noel said they would take care of me and meant it. We prepared to leave, but had waited too long. They beheaded Jerome in seconds. Noel fought hard but was outnumbered. I saw the jar of fuel by the sink, rolled it across the floor and threw the lantern. I grabbed Lucas and ran out the door, as the cabin went up in flames. We decided to hide for the day, then go to see Uther. He had to tell us what was going on, why they wanted me so bad. When we arrived at the church, Lettie told us Uther had gone to Romania to consult the Sacriva, the vampire scripture. It had foretold of her arrival. She proceeded to tell them about the Ancients, and the prediction. There were seven Ancients with super strength and great powers. They could walk in the sun, read your mind and predict the future. When two Ancients fought and one was killed, any vampires created by the Ancients died, the entire blood line. The Monarchy imprisoned the ancients, dug a well and put all their blood in the well. It was called the Crucivium. The prophesy became the Sacriva. It says, when the natural world is threatened by the vampire empire, a human girl will be born, a vampire by unholy means. She will restore order. The Monarchy is afraid of me. They will hunt me down and kill me. I told Lucas to leave, but he put his hand out and I took it. 4 STARS - WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND The cover is gorgeous and the title led me to learn more about the book. When the General fought with Lucas, it made me picture Twilight, when Edward fought to save Bella in the church. I could picture them both, flying through the air and bouncing off the walls. Wynne Channing created Axelia with a sense of humor and a sarcastic wit. She would need it. The trials and tribulations she goes through to save her and Lucas, create a strong character. I was running and climbing with her, as I rooted for her and hoped she'd get what she needs and wants. The story was unique and creative. Very different from the vampire novels I have read. It captured me from the beginning and I eagerly ate it up. The action was non-stop, keeping me reading to find out what would happen next. I loved the ending and it left me wanting more, but you will have to read the book to find out for yourself. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

Mr. Bear on Feb. 04, 2013

I loved it!!!!! A feel good shape-shifting novel that can be read in ten minutes or less, awesome. The cover is sweet and cuddly and so is the story. Take a moment to pick up a copy and let it warm your heart on a chilly winter day.

When The Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead on Jan. 28, 2016

Everything about When the Sea Shall Give Up Her Dead by Tim W Jackson said read me. I love the oceans and seas and the critters that live there. As I swam with the shark, marveling at the deep blue color of the sea, I too felt the desire to live, to experience more. Life hands us disappointments, but these will pass, leaving more of life’s wonders for us to experience. My only complaint, I wanted more. What’s next, Tim?

Sea-Witch on Sep. 07, 2016

Anyone that knows me, knows I love anything to do with our oceans, seas, lakes…water of any kind…and mermaids, so when I saw Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, I had to have it. The cover had me hooked and the more I read, the more I became involved with Nessa’s life. The fantasy elements were woven into the human elements so well, I was able to get lost in the pages and become a part of Nessa’s world. The surrounding characters all played an important part and she will learn what it’s like to work as a unit, a team, where sacrifice will be done in the name of love. She matures and develops at a believable pace. Supernatural and paranormal creatures are high on my reading list and Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch by J E Hunter did not let me down. I have read numerous mermaid stories, but not many about a sea witch and some of the other magical creatures J E brought to life. I am eager to keep on reading about their world and I think you will be too. I received a copy of Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch from J E Hunter in return for an honest review. To see my full review visit fundinmental

Exit 22 on Dec. 20, 2017

I had my introduction to The Black Swamp mysteries by P M Terrell through Vicki’s Key and I knew it would not be my last. These are my kind of stories, filled with murder, mystery, intrigue and dastardly villains…oh, and a little lovin’ never hurts. 🙂 Chris and Brenda’s meeting…was it Karma? Assumptions early in the story took me down the wrong road and it didn’t take long before P M Terrell sent me on a different track. The cops are on their trail, but Alex has it all wrong. He’s like a dog with a bone, so he won’t stop looking for them. Everywhere they turn, someone want to put them in jail…or worse, wants them dead. I still haven’t figured out exactly what kind of trouble Brenda’s in and Christopher is along for a very bad ride. He’s as political strategist in DC. He has lots of important connections to muckety mucks. Can he save her? Will he? Is romance in the air? He knows it’s was all wrong, but it didn’t matter. We can’t choose who we love. HE had never failed on his hits, but Brenda was proving elusive. I cracked up when I found out HE knits little bitty baby booties. What a fun and contradictory character. Computers, Google Earth, can be the life and death of a person. Information is available at your fingertips. It can work against you, as well as for you. Kept me guessing about the mystery. Is Brenda good or bad? How about Nate? How much is true? Exit 22 has all the things I love in romantic suspense. Unlikely couples drawn into a mystery. Devious villains wanting to shut them up. Assassins. Oil and all its corrupting influence. Greed. And danger. Danger.. Danger. A Note From The Author at the end of the book, really got my fires burning. You’ll need to read to decide, but it makes me furious to know the tax loopholes allowed, along with the corruption of government, shell corps, offshore accounts, US corporations not paying income taxes, social security taxes, medicare taxes, deregulation, less oversight. Beware middle class if you think it will get better… I voluntarily read a free copy of Exit 22 by P M Terrell.

Secrets of a Dangerous Woman on Jan. 23, 2018

I am happy to be back with Vicki and Dylan in another exciting and dangerous adventure. I look forward to playing with the fishes and dodging bullets. Due to Laurel’s death, the house and fish business…and the cover up…have become Vicki’s responsibility, but first, she needs to get through the wake. The fish business is her cover. She’s really a remote viewer working for the CIA. Her job in this adventure, locate Brenda Carnegie, who is involved in an oil scam and some members of Congress are too. As she runs, they chase. My question right now…where is Dylan? He broke Vicki’s heart. Will he return? Oh, come on, we all know he’s on his way back right now. LOL I am not going to tell you why he is absent, you will need to read the story to find out for yourself. Since he’s been gone, she has asked her boss and pseudo father, Sam, to help her locate her lost siblings. I can see this coming together and I foresee many issues that will have to be explained. It does make me wonder if we have a rogue element in the CIA and if there is more danger than I initially thought. I feel the clock is ticking and Vicki isn’t the only one running out of time. And romance…it is hot and heavy, but I have a feeling there will be a bump in the road that might turn into a crater she will fall into. The plot is becoming more and more complicated, the pace is picking up as my need to know how this will end reaches an almost frantic level, gotta know, reading faster and faster, and I do so want a happy ever after ending…but how can that happen? Lies, betrayal, corruption and greed. Action ratcheting up to a nail biting level as they fight for their lives. And then… Assignment over…On to the next one. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Secrets of a Dangerous Woman by P M Terrell.

The Pendulum Files on March 02, 2018

The beginning of The Pendulum Files by P M Terrell slapped me awake! Dylan’s Song was soooo good, I just had to jump right into The Pendulum Files by P M Terrell and it began with a sense of foreboding and danger that more than met my expectations. Reeled me in, hook, line and sinker. Each book can stand alone, with recurring characters and occasionally a new one added. They have become my family and I don’t want you to miss anything, so I do recommend beginning at the beginning. I believe, once you start, you won’t want to stop. I love P M Terrell’s ability to layer plots, with multiple storylines running throughout. The story will take us back to WWII and the lost riches of the Germans. A premonition… Oops, they missed that one and I wonder what will bite them in the ass because of it. OH NO! We take a terrible twist and Vicki becomes a primary target. Brenda may be a second tier character, but I love her. She is a badass, take no prisoner type of gal, tough as nails. She will not stand still and let HIM take her out. She has her issues, has crossed the line and back again, but no one can accuse her of sitting idly by and letting life happen to her. She would fight on her own terms. She brought Christopher to life. She is wild, passionate, unpredictable, and there is nothing he won’t do for her. In Chris’ apartment…Gabucci…Brenda…the balcony…the fall…OMG! I fought along with Christopher…I was terrified for Brenda…OMG…I don’t believe it. P M, what are you doing to them. The author is not afraid to put her characters through the ringer, and make me wonder who will be left standing in the end. The pendulum haunts Vicki. She is the only one to hear it. What does it mean? Dylan has some of the craziest, funniest, ridiculous superstitions and insists, “It’s true.” I smile and shake my head at each and every one. Now, that’s some great writing P. The political machinations read as if they are current events and, of course, there is misconduct, conspiracy, maybe even treason. Even though the bombing of the ships mystery is solved, the story is far from over. What this family will face in the next dangerous adventure I can only guess, and I am eager to find out. Sooo, I eagerly being reading Cloak and Mirrors. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Pendulum Files by P M Terrell.

The Verona Exchange: A Rainee Allen Mystery on Sep. 20, 2018

The Verona Exchange is the second book in a Rainee Allen mystery series.The Golden Peacock, Book I took place in London. The Verona Exchange takes place in Italy and in Book III, Prague will be our destination. The book opens with Rainee working on her mystery novel and she receives a call from her long lost son, Joshua. She had given him up for adoption twenty three years ago and he would like to meet her. She agrees without blinking an eye and it’s off to Italy. I know something bad is coming and I feel a sense of impending danger, menace, apprehension, wondering when and who. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be alone and in trouble in a foreign country. It would be hard to communicate if you don’t speak the language. How long would it be before you are missed? How much damage could you suffer before anyone is even looking for you? Tick tock, the clock is ticking and time is running out. The betrayal runs deeper than Rainee and Joshua could imagine, but I saw it coming. Something about the way Lauren Grossman and Bernard Jaroslow wrote that I could see that writing on the wall. Rainee has great instincts and it’s a good thing she follows them. Joshua shows his maturity and bravery, when the time comes…though there is one part where he could have used some urgency instead of….well, you will have to read the book to find out. There are plenty of bad guys and plenty of good guys. Sometimes your enemy can be your friend and ally. There is plenty of action while running through Italy, being the pursued and the pursuer, just depends on the moment. I debated on my rating, between a 3 or a 4. The Verona Exchange was too predictable and I like to be tested. The danger had a sense of urgency, and, yeah, there was some violence, but I love it wicked evil, unable to stop reading. I enjoyed the book, but it didn’t take me to another place. It could be because I just finished reading a couple mind blowing books and I was on the road. Even as I write this review I’m debating and I usually know pretty quickly into the book. Okay, a 4 it is. NOW, if you choose to read it, I would love to know what you think. This brother and sister duo did a collaboration, Lauren B Grossman writing Rainee’s POV and Bernard Jaroslow writing Joshua’s POV, all while sharing their work to smooth over any rough patches. An interview at the end of the book shares their thoughts on the collaboration. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Verona Exchange by Lauren B Grossman and Bernard Jaroslow.

Pigeon Blood on June 29, 2019

Homeless in Detroit, Blair witnesses a murder. A couple of my favorite things…takes place in a location I am familiar with, seeing I am a Michigander, and dead bodies. Even though Dr Blair Vaughn’s memories are faulty due to alcoholism, he launches his own investigation into Cynthia’s murder because he feels the police are not doing enough. I love a flawed hero. He has those who knew him when who try to help him through tough times. Can he find his way back? Will his investigation into the murder be his redemption? He learns what’s valuable in life through an alcoholic haze and I loved being there for his journey. This is the first book in the Detective Rein Connery series and I see good things coming in future books. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Pigeon Blood by B A Braxton.

The Earthdead on Oct. 19, 2019

The Earthdead by Mark James Wooding was a quick and dirty read. LOL Rebecca woke up with something heavy on her chest and a bad taste in her mouth. The Community of Men are on the hunt for Rebecca. The town knew the rumors of Earthdead rising from the ground to feast on humans. The Earthdead is a different take on the Undead and looking at the cover I was fooled. I thought it was a children’s book, I didn’t foresee the gruesomeness, but the deaths are not the ususal bloody or gory for zombies….maybe when she seeks her revenge Rebecca will do worse. For it’s originality, fun and entertainment value I give it a three. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Earthdead by Mark James Wooding.

Baby Talk: The Womb Has Ears - Book 1 on Nov. 17, 2022

There is no way I would pass on Baby Talk by Mike Wells, just by looking at the cover. It made me think of Rosemary’s Baby, and, as I got to reading, it made me think of The Omen. Baby Talk is Book I of a trilogy and a quick read. Mike Wells managed to pack a lot into Baby Talk. Suitably creepy and I felt bad for Neal Becker. Even though it is not such an original story, I still enjoyed (?) my time with the characters and want to see where Mike Wells takes the story. See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

Baby Talk: Every Parent's Horror Story - Books 1 & 2 on Dec. 07, 2022

Book I There is no way I would pass on Baby Talk by Mike Wells, just by looking at the cover. It made me think of Rosemary’s Baby, and, as I got to reading, it made me think of The Omen. Baby Talk is Book I of a trilogy and a quick read. Mike Wells managed to pack a lot into Baby Talk. Suitably creepy and I felt bad for Neal Becker. Even though it is not such an original story, I still enjoyed (?) my time with the characters and want to see where Mike Wells takes the story. Book II We are back with Neal and Baby Natasha in this terrifying fight…to the death? She’s a baby. She can talk. She knows Neal didn’t want her…and she’s very angry! Baby Talk by Mike Wells makes me wonder what would happen if Rosemary and Chuckie had a baby. Or Rosemary and Damien, from the Omen. If that doesn’t give you a glimpse into Neal’s life of horror, I don’t know what will. (evil laugh). I can visualize Baby Natasha…showering under the kitchen sprayer. How in the heck did she get up there? I can see her stalking Neal with a butcher knife. I can see her gathering the broken glass in the kitchen, creating a safe zone for herself…or so she thinks. Sometimes I laughed at Baby Natasha’s antics. Sometimes I had goosebumps crawling up my spine. But, at no time did my attention waver at what was to come next. I am sooo happy that I have Baby Talk, Book III by Mike Wells sitting on my eReader…waiting…I cannot imagine how Mike will finish it up and I can hardly wait to see. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Baby Talk, Book II by Mike Wells.

Baby Talk, Book 3 - The Exorcism on Dec. 14, 2022

We open with Neal at the Central State Psychiatric Hospital in Midgeville, Georgia. General Sherman’s troops had camped there during the Civil War, and it has been all downhill since. He is housed with a couple hundred other criminally insane patients, BUT… Neal knows exactly what’s going on around him, though they think he is catatonic. He is silently plotting and planning his escape. He must find Natasha and stop her. The courts had given the baby to Susan, a nurse who had saved baby Natasha from her criminally insane father. Her mother had left her in a car with the motor running, and it didn’t end well for her either. Susan is in for a rude awakening… I thought it was ‘funny’ that Dunwoody, Georgia was mentioned. I lived there for a short time. Neal recruits Father Meginnis to perform an exorcism, and this is where the book took a twist I didn’t see coming…and I LOVE IT! I had to laugh. The Baby Talk series by Mike Wells never let me go once I started reading it. Thank goodness, or should I say Mike, because I had all three books. The first is free and I highly recommend dipping your shoes into the fire. The Baby Talk series had me thinking of Damien in the Omen, Rosemary’s Baby, Chuckie… brace yourself for the an adventure in Hell on earth. And, if Mike wanted to, the series could continue. Is Natasha still talking to you Mike? Whispering in your ear? See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

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