Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon by Larry Millett

Genre: Fiction

Pages: Hard Cover

Publisher: VIKING

Reviewer: The Jag

JAGS: 7

Holmes comes to America in this revamp classic of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved literary detective duo in; Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon by Larry Millett. An American, working for a Minnesota Railroad tycoon, arrives at 221 B Baker St, pleading for the infamous detective to follow him to the colonies and solve a case that could save thousands of lives.

Holmes is reluctant at first, citing numerous on going experiments, but quickly changes his mind as the American explains the puzzling case of a mad arsonist on the loose in the pine forests of Minnesota. Not only is the local commerce of the town of Hinckley at risk, but also all the unsuspecting citizens who inhabit the logging town. Little do they suspect, they are caught in the middle of a twisted plot of revenge that even the likes of Sherlock Holmes will have difficulty solving.

Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon is a fun read for all Holmes fans. Larry Millett is spot on in his Sherlockology as Dr. Watson, as he takes the detectives into the American wilderness of the Mid-West. Puzzling at times, no pun intended, the camaraderie between Holmes and Watson is lacking, and the subtle clinical approach of Dr. Watson that Conan Doyle used is absence. All in all, a great Sherlock Holmes read.

Founders by James Wesley Rawles

Founders by James Wesley Rawles

Genre: Fiction

Pages: Paper

Publisher: Pocket Books

Reviewer: Virginia Armstrong

JAGS: 3

With America’s financial collapse, the entire infrastructure and the American way of life is fast becoming a distant memory. Founders is a fictional reality that threatens to be real in today’s day and age. No longer can anything be taken for granted, as store shelves lay bare and most businesses are closing their doors.  Forget doctors, forget petroleum, if you can find any luxury, will it cost you. Gasoline is now $25 dollars a gallon.

As the government disappears, a false government run by the U.N. takes over, out for power and control of the people.  No one is safe from there evil ways and deceptive practices as they try to take over one city at a time.

In come the Christian soldiers, scattered across America, ready and willing to fight for the life that they had known. Most have been preparing for this apocalyptic catastrophe for some time, others winging it with the knowledge and skills that they have.  Together, they are able to take down the bad guys with hopes of restoring America to its previous ways.

Founders is you typical Christian apocalyptic thriller, where only the faithful can overcome the obstacles faced in this type of situation.  The book skipped from different characters, locations and timelines that it made it truly difficult to keep the timing straight.  The men portrayed were kindly Christians who suddenly were able to pick up a gun and shoot to kill without batting an eye or an ounce of remorse.  The story lacked credibility due to the fact it never mentions the government nor politicians and the role that they play.  It appears as if they just vanish before the story even starts.  More than anything, the story reads as a how-to on how to prepare for an event of this type.  I would probably pass this one up. 

 

 

Where have all the leaders gone? By Lee Iacocca/Catherine Whitney

“Where have all the leaders gone?” should be a must read before the all citizens of the United States head to the election booth in the coming year.  A candid look at the current state of our nation from one of America’s revolutionary CEO’s of the auto industry, Lee Iacocca draws from years of experience spanning many living Presidents. Lee Iacocca touches on subjects ranging from The Patriot Act, Democracy in the Middle East and the declining manufacturing in the US.

Originally dated before the 2008 election, the points made in this book are still valid today and should be addressed in the coming 2012 GOP primary and eventually the Presidential race. Iacocca delivers a simple and interesting approach at getting America back to work and on top as the world’s leading producer.  

“Where have all the leaders gone?” reminds us the limitless potential of the American spirit and how its own greatness will help right the course for the working class to reconnect with the American Dream.  The questions Lee Iacocca purposes offer simple ways to question our leaders about the decisions they are making and if it is what is right by the American people.

8 JAGS