John Steinbreder

This was an interesting twist to the thriller genre. The serial killer in question is already in custody and in prison having been found guilty for what are being called “The Widower Murders”. The designation comes about because the ring finger and wedding rings from each of the female victims has been removed.

The wife in question, rather than go through the sadness and humiliation of the trial, ran away with their infant son and has been in hiding for the last five or six years. As the story opens, she is working as a teachers assistant at a school. She receives a mysterious phone call threatening the life of her son.

As the story unfolds, the wife has 100 hours to bring the ring fingers and the rings to the voice on the phone or her son will be killed. Each hour she receives a photo of her son laying on a bed, his mouth taped with a C-4 laden collar tied around his neck.

She has to basically backtrack her movements returning to places she hid out in order to receive help from people she has trusted in the past. Many of those who help are at risk and additionally, there are enough shady characters she has had to rely on that the reader is never 100% certain that those she trusts are really there to help or hinder. This adds a level of intrigue to the story that keeps the reader off balance.

It's a chase and a race against the clock. Others are pulled into the story including an FBI agent who was disgraced after the wife ran away and did not testify. His son is abducted by the same mysterious stranger and also has a C-4 collar on his neck with the threat of death imposed in order to solicit the FBI's help in retrieving the fingers. Why do they want the fingers and rings?

Ha! That, you will have to read the book to find out. Suffice to say, the reason is surprising as is the outcome of the book. I love a story that you can't get the ending until its the end and this is one of those. This is truly, a very good thriller. While I can't say I felt any one way or another for any of the characters, I did enjoy the thrill of the chase. Well worth a read.… (meer)

From Turnberry to Tasmania is an nice read that would entertain anyone who is interested in great places to play golf around the golf, and how is it like to travel to play golf round the globe. John Steinbreder shares his anecdotes and details in such a way that he reflects his background as a journal and magazine writer. There is always a new detail to learn from each place that the author visits in his traveling.

The only thing that I feel would be a great addition to the book are pictures of the golf courses and places. Even though Steinbreder describes them in a rich manner, pictures would greatly complement this book.

I obtained a copy of this book through the Early Reviewers program from LibraryThing, and I would like to thank Taylor Trade Publishing for providing the book. The cover and design of the book is gorgeous, and after finishing reading, it would look great on any good shelf.… (meer)

REVIEW: FROM TURNBERRY TO TASMANIA
Adventures of a Traveling Golfer

The subtitle of this enjoyable book truly says it all. Accomplished and award-winning sportswriter John Steinbreder has written not merely a golf book, nor merely a travel book, but has achieved an entertaining compilation and travelogue of golf adventures that will delight both golfers and travelers.

Steinbreder puts the reader smack into the middle of each of his golf journeys: from the history and culture of the geographic location of each course, to the lunches, to the post-round dinners, delectably described in detail, to the accompanying tours of the countryside or city. His use of sensory and concrete details encourage the reader to feel as if he or she is along for the ride. Historical, sociological, and economic backgrounds come to life through Steinbreder's humorous and insightful interactions with his playing partners and those he meets along the way.

For golfers who'd like to know where they should play their next round, Steinbreder has done all the research – course architects, tips to make the birdies, course ambiance, restaurants and menus, activities to pursue when not on the course, and even shopping suggestions for gifts. One would wish that the organization of the chapters was a bit more logical; as it is, the reader flips from the venerable Old Course in Scotland to Ireland, to England, back to Scotland, to Portugal, then to Prestwick, and so forth. The reader can forgive this, however, in light of the excellent writing and broadened horizons Steinbreder provides.

At the end of the book, he gives the reader an invaluable "Lists" chapter, among which are "Top Five Old World Courses," "Top Five New World Courses," "Top Five 19th Holes,", and "Top Five Post-Round Fun." All in all, the reader can't wait to finish the book, call the airlines, and begin booking some tee times all over the world, a tribute to Steinbreder's engaging writing style and thorough research. Both travelers and golfers will enjoy this book – tee it up!… (meer)