Short Story Monday: “Turning Leo” by Clark Howard

by Carol5 Comments
Leo Pilsen is in the Outfit, Chicago's mob, but he has been friends with Danny Manley, a lieutenant with the Chicago PD since childhood. When Pilsen's 18 year old daughter is arrested, Manley sees an opportunity. As Pilsen's friend, he promises to do all he can to help the fmaily. As a cop, he sees this as a perfect opportunity to take down some mobsters, including Grank Carpenter, one of the six commissioners who governs the Outfit. "Turning Leo" by Clark Howard tells how Manley takes one girl's mistake and uses it to turn Leo's life upside down, forcing him to become an informant. Manley and all his cohorts get accolades and promotions; Leo and his family have to start over with new identities in a new city. I liked the intricacies involved in presenting the case in a way that makes Leo think he has not option, but I couldn't have done without the few glimpses into Manley's social life....
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Another Monday

by Carol17 Comments
I received one book in the mail this week, a signed hardback that I won at Books, Thoughts, and a Few Adventures. Thanks, Patty! A World I Never Made by James LePore Pat Nolan, an American man, is summoned to Paris to claim the body of his estranged daughter Megan, who has committed suicide. The body, however, is not Megan's and it becomes instantly clear to Pat that Megan staged this, that she is in serious trouble, and that she is calling to him for help. This sends Pat on an odyssey that stretches across France and into the Czech Republic and that makes him the target of both the French police and a band of international terrorists. Joining Pat on his search is Catherine Laurence, a beautiful but tormented Paris detective who sees in Pat something she never thought she'd find--genuine passion and desperate need. As they look for Megan, they come...
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Review: Muppet Snow White by Jesse Blaze Snider

by Carol4 Comments
(Suggested Reading Level: Grades 4 and up) Last time I reviewed a Muppet book, I forgot to mention a few things on my list of belongings. I have six glasses with picture from The Great Muppet Caper that McDonalds was giving away back in the 80s, a bunch of Sesame Street beanie babies, a couple Pez dispensers, and a fabric Kermit book we got when Amber was a baby. Oh, and a Kermit the Frog puppet. I think that's it. I adore the Muppet remakes of classic stories. This time it's Snow White, and I do think that Miss Piggy is perfect as the evil stepmother. Of course the story has a few Muppet twists and I just flat out enjoyed it. It's light-hearted and funny. I read it with Amber - yes, comic books are really tough to read aloud, but that's life. It's worth it when the story's good. You may think you know the Snow White story, but not the...
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Flash Fiction: Another Arrow, Another Dead

by Carol10 Comments
I'm not a fiction writer, as much as I wish I was.  However, Dottie at Tink's Place has a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge that I'm giving a shot this week. Thanks to Blodeuedd for bringing my attention to it. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take. But when you read mine, remember it's the first piece of fiction I've written in years. Another Arrow, Another Dead 359 words Carra contemplated the battle still raging in the valley below, just visible through the mist. She nocked an arrow and chose her target. He was one of the few invaders still mounted. Even from her height, she realized that he was a leader, directing his forces as much as possible in the chaos. She aimed deliberately, released the arrow, and held her position until she saw the man fall to the...
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Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

by Carol10 Comments
I've been searching for signs of Spring this week, but it hasn't really sprung here yet. And it's been a cold, rainy week, which hasn't helped either. This forsythia at the edge of our yard isn't in bloom yet, but I do adore forsythias. The bright yellow when everything else is still dull just makes me smile, especially the ones that are allowed to grow more or less wild with branches shooting off in all directions, a riot of flowers....
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