Brian L. PorterBesprekingen

Puerile

1888, while Whitechapel is reeling under The Ripper killings ,another serial killer roams London. Detective Inspector Albert Norris and Sgt. Hillman, are given this case.
For me just an okay telling of the mystery, more a 2.5 rating.

In 1999 Liverpool a body is unearthed in the docklands area. Tests show that the body has been buried for about thirty years. D.I. Andy Ross and his team start their difficult case. The second part of the story starts in 1961 with the group Brendan Kane and the Planets and their search for fame and fortune
Overall I enjoyed the story though at times the dialogue felt stilted

Detective Inspector Sean Connor and his team get involved when it looks like the Richmond area has a serial killer. None of the victims seem to be connected to each other, so no motive. How will they be able to catch the killer.
An enjoyable mystery though I still found the dialogue stilted,

When the cargo liner Alexandra Rose arrives near the port of Liverpool, one of the passengers is discovered dead. Unfortunately for D.I. Ross and his team the case is not a straightforward one.
A bit overlong in the telling, with stilted dialogue, but overall enjoyable enough

I wouldn't particularly describe this book as gripping, thrilling, and certainly not a mystery in any way. It's a story about a right-wing Hitler fanatic who creates emotionless soldiers to... you know what, I read this entire book and I'm still not entirely sure what her original goal would have been if things don't go wrong?

She also says shit like "they feel no falsely directed pity for the poor or the oppressed, as the bleeding-heart liberals of the world have us all do" and "they will be devoid of the stupid sentimentality that pervades the minds of the woolly-headed liberals that want to shape our modern society", because that's the kind of person she is. Her creations, on the other hand, say shit like "hmmm, love, that stupid concept keeps cropping up in our studies of human behaviour and throughout the history of literature", because that's the kind of "people" they are. (Oh, and of course in the end she's judged mentally ill.)

The thing is: this book is written entirely in a chronological order, with no time jumps. The murders that are described in the blurb don't happen until 85% in, and by that point there is absolutely no mystery at all, because we've already read everything that happened. Also, I had to read about the childhood and upbringing of the detective who eventually solves the case even though he's not relevant to the story until 85% in?

Honestly, the woman behind this mess was so overexaggerated that I couldn't take her seriously, but fine, okay. This could have been an interesting mystery if they started with the murders and revelead everything else gradually in flashbacks/as the investigation goes on. But this way it was just... not entertaining at all, and again, with absolutely no amount of mystery.

There is a cliffhanger/twist at the end, but by that point I found even that weak because I don't see where it could go other than the guy dying in a year or something.

I was going back and forth between 1 and 2 stars, especially that I've only ever rated around two books 1 star, but you know what, this one deserves it.

A Mersey Killing is an example of a good story being let down by very poor editing. Run-on sentences, a man who forgot he'd taken his pants off so he took them off again, countless times when "then" was used instead of "than," and other errors were distractions that took away from a mystery set in a location and time period that I found very interesting.

The characters all seemed to be Good or Bad with no middle ground, although I did like the main characters of Andy Ross and Izzie Drake. I'd deduced the identity of the killer very early on, but what kept me reading was-- as I've said before-- the time period and the Liverpool setting, as well as a cold case from the same period involving a missing woman. The missing woman was the most interesting part of the mystery.

Since there are no guarantees that the editing has improved in the next books, I'll be giving the rest of this series a miss. I just don't have the patience to deal with keeping score on editing errors. It's a shame.½

Behind Closed Doors – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat and Think With Your Taste Buds - Desserts

“ ‘Men have met their maker as a result of the greed and avarice of those who would turn the people of this fair city into denizens of the underground world. Be warned that their deaths will be avenged.’ It’s true that a number of workers were killed in accidents, mostly cave-in, during the excavations of the original, and some of the newer tunnels. This could be valid threats from someone with revenge in mind against the company, perhaps a friend or relative of one of the dead men. ‘God will not allow this fiendish contraption, this infernal machine of the devil to prosper. We will bring about its ruination and force the Metropolitan Railway to cease its operations forthwith, in the name of The Almighty.’”

These are excerpts from letters written to the owners, demanding that the operation of the Metropolitan Railway be stopped. They were brought to the attention of Inspector Albert (Bert) Norris and his sergeant Dylan Hillman as they are being told by their Superintendent about a murder that has taken place in the underground railway owned by The Metropolitan Railway Company. The murder takes place on the same night that Jack the Ripper made one of his own famous Whitechapel kills. Could they be related? Bert’s superior says no. He is being told, from those high up, that this is an entirely separate act that must be handled as quietly as possible to prevent bad publicity from damaging the railway company. But as other murders occur, again on the same days of the Ripper murders, it becomes quite difficult to keep these events quiet.

Author Brian L. Porter has always kept me in the dark with the endings of his books, but in Behind Closed Doors, I had him. I determined who the murderer was and had the courts ready to slip the noose around their neck by the middle of the book. Well…he did it to me again. I wasn’t totally wrong but I was nowhere near the real truth that would convict the real murder. I’m afraid my case would have been thrown out of the courts. So, the master of deception has tricked me again.

As always, Porter’s characters are believable and so real. His descriptions of the scenes place you in the middle of the action. One thing I can say with enthusiasm is this, ‘Watch out Sherlock and Watson…Norris and Hillman are on the case.’ And boy are they good!

Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Glastonbury – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

“King Arthur did exist, Mr. Cutler. I’m convinced of it, and this document will help to prove it to you. I can’t reveal to you where it came from or how it came into my possession, but a lot of people have died over the years to protect it and the information it holds. I’m a wealthy man as you already know, and the money itself is not of great importance to me. I thought that you would appreciate a large cash injection into your business. You are building a very good reputation in your field, Mr. Cutler. Imagine how high your stock would rise among your potential clients if you could put on your company brochure that you were instrumental in leading the team that finally revealed the burial place not of King Author himself, but of his great sword, Excalibur!”

Joe Cutler, owner of Strata Surveys, has just been propositioned by millionaire Malcolm Capshaw to search the land near Glastonbury in search of the burial place of the famous sword Excalibur. Everyone who has ever heard of or read about King Arthur knows he as well as his sword are a figment of his creator’s imagination. But…the document shown to Joe by Capshaw is not only convincing but the fact that someone like Capshaw would believe in the fable makes it an offer he can’t turn down. Now he has to convince his team, Sally and Winston that not only is the money good but they really have nothing to lose.

So, the team sets up camp at a quaint little guest house called the Rowan Tree located just outside of Glastonbury. Capshaw has alerted Joe that he will be sending Walter Graves, a known historian to meet and work with them in their recovery. But is Graves exactly who he is supposed to be? When Joe gets a quick glimpse of a pistol under Graves’ jacket, he’s no longer sure who he is dealing with. And more confusion comes when their Ground Penetrating Radar picks up something the size of a casket buried beneath the ground’s surface. As the discovery is uncovered and the lid opened to expose the body of a man, Graves’ explanation of it being a body buried hundreds of years before is discredited by Winston noticing that the body was wearing a Timex watch.

So, who is Graves? Who is Malcolm Capshaw? And what do the notorious Maitland brothers have to do with the search? They are noted for their dealings with organized crime but how do they fit into play? These and many other questions combine to make a really twisted tail of mystery, history, murder and suspense.

As usual, Author Brian L. Porter has kept me in the dark until the very last 10 pages of his book Glastonbury. And as usual, I was totally surprised with his ending. My words to you Mr. Porter are this…you have created a great new character, actually several, so please keep their stories coming!


Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Requiem for the Ripper – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

‘Forbes jumped, nerves getting the better of him, and in an instant the fear had returned. As a bolt of brilliant lightning rent the sky and lit up the room through the sturdy windows of my home, William Forbes shrank still further into himself. I watched, fascinated, as the well-built solicitor, a man whose entire life should have been built around logic, order, and the law, and who I’d have imagined to be one of the least likely to panic at the forces and sounds of nature, backed away from the window, until, his eyes once ore displayed the fear of one hunted by terror unknown, his back came to rest against the wall beside the fireplace. His body shook and his mouth opened in fear. His lips moved, but not a sound came from them. Though he remained in the room with me, I felt as though William Forbes were no longer with me, but had retreated to some dark place, locked away in his own private world of fear and dread.'

David Hemswell, a criminal psychologist and William Forbes, solicitor to the serial killer Jack Reid, have now been admitted into the world of Jack the Ripper. Forbes seeks the help of David to dispel the spirits that are threatening his own being. According to Forbes, David came recommended as the person to help. Question is, who recommended him and can he really help? After meeting Forbes, David decides to ask for the help of his old and dear friend Kate Gooddard who is a paranormal investigator. By combining their own knowledge and forces, the two hope to save Forbes from what he believes to be the spirit of Jack the Ripper.

A Study in Red, Legacy of the Ripper and now Requiem for the Ripper have been three books that held my attention through every page. Each book has its own distinctive ending, or should I say continuation but only a writer such as Brian L. Porter can give the whole story an ending such as the one in Requiem for the Ripper. I promise you, the ending will shock you as it did me. Great writing!

Available in paperback and e-book
2010
Double Dragon Press
214 Pages
ISBN# 978-1-55404-763-5

Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat

The Festival – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

‘As they passed a sign that read ‘Bardley Magna,’ they were stunned to find themselves entering what Claire thought could probably be the prettiest village she’d ever seen. The road they were on was obviously the main thoroughfare through the village, and was lined on both sides by beautiful, well aged trees of varying species. The grass verges from which the trees grew were pristine, well tended and mowed, not a weed in sight, and there wasn’t the faintest sign of any litter to be seen. The houses, which sat back from the road, were all different, and all looked as if they’d been designed by an architect. They, too, were pristine, with beautifully maintained gardens, most with gravel driveways, superb exterior paintwork. Not a satellite dish in sight, though strangely, there wasn’t a soul to be seen, not in the gardens, on the street, anywhere at all in fact.’

While on their way to Dalby Edge, Simon and Claire became lost, at least they were until they took a turn in the road and came across Bardley Magna. Bardley Magna was the most perfect village either had ever seen. But where were the people? Even the church was locked up and deserted. And then Claire spots ‘The New Dam’ pub.

I don’t know how Brian Porter does it. He always amazes me with his imagination and ability to create a story out of just about any circumstance. The Festival is an entertaining, short story that won’t let you put it down until you’ve read to the end.

Moongypsy Press Production

April, 2010

16 pages

‘It took Hilary less than five minutes to drive the half mile to her home. During those minutes she reflected on the state of her latest patient. That David Bradley was ill she was in no doubt about. That it was influenza she was reasonably sure about, though she had a terrible feeling that she might be witnessing the manifestation of a new strain of the killer bug. Influenza had been responsible for millions of deaths throughout the history of mankind and the “flu virus had developed an uncanny means of mutating from time to time, developing new and more powerful biological weapons in its global war against the human race. Hilary knew that if this was indeed a new strain that had found its way to Olney, then she would need help from outside.’

This was Doctor Hilary Newton’s diagnosis after attending her first patient as the new resident doctor in Olney St. Mary. And much to her distress, her fears were increased when a second patient turns up with the same symptoms. Hilary decides it’s time to send both patients to the nearest hospital for further evaluation.

The patients were sent to Ashford General Hospital where Doctor Paul Trent, a specialist in respiratory diseases, would examine them and hopefully find something to relieve their stress as well as prevent others from becoming infected with what appeared to be a new strain of the ‘flu. But fears increase for both doctors when one patient dies on his way to the hospital.
After his examination of the surviving patient, Doctor Trent has an idea as to what they are dealing with. This theory is confirmed by the department head Doctor Malcolm Davidson. The village of Olney St. Mary has just become involved in a very serious epidemic of the “plague.”

Brian L. Porter has again brought to light the possibilities of an incident that could occur and may have already occurred without the general population knowing. How far will a government go to keep something this serious contained? How far will they go to keep it quiet? And what will they do if it turns out that the original source may have come from within the government itself? Pestilence is another eye-opener that will really make you start wondering about these questions and the possible answers.

Double Dragon Press
2010
ISBN 978-1-55404-723-9
267 pages

Dracula Doesn’t Live Here Anymore – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

“Look at me Dexter, look at my eyes.” He did as she asked, and for the first time, he noticed the redness. Her eyes were like two ruby red pools and they were growing deeper with every passing second. She moved closer to him, took his hand in hers for the first time, and he was aware instantly of an energy, a sort of electricity flowing between them.

Brian L. Porter has done it again and I have to admit that he really messed with my mind in his short story Dracula Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. The two main characters, Dexter and Christina are both investigative reporters, attempting to uncover the truth regarding the deaths of five people in Dracula country. All victims have been completely drained of their blood. Vampires? A “Crazy” at large? I think you will be as surprised as I was when you discover the answer to that question.

Eternal Press
2007
31 Pages
ISBN 978-1-926640-25-9

Purple Death - Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat

'Sam tried to move his legs and instead fell in a crumpled heap on his office floor. He felt more than just 'ill' now. Fear gripped Sam while the sweat on his brow began to run down into his eyes. He felt a constriction in his chest, as if someone had suddenly placed an iron barrel ring around him and was tightening it by the second. The life was rapidly being crushed out of his body, but with nothing and no one there to offer help. Sam Gabriel had never felt so frightened and alone.'

Sam Gabriel will become just one of several to die a gruesome death by poisoning. The poison 'aconite' is being administered by what Detective Inspector Shawn Connor has decided is a serial killer. D.I. Connor, who heads up a team of investigators, is baffled as to how the poison is being induced. This question is finally answered after the third victim is killed. Now Connor must determine if there is a connection between the victims and follow what few clues he has to determine who will be next.

DI Connor has determined that a woman is involved but doesn't feel that she's alone. Due to the timing of the deaths and the locations of the victims, there has to be more than one person involved.

Connor and his team finally come up with a clue which seems to connect most of the victims. The clue pertains to events that happened over 30 years earlier with most of those involved being deceased. To Conner, it appears that with each clue that surfaces, another victim turns up poisoned. He seems to hit nothing but dead ends.

I've read all but 2 books written by Brian Porter and I have to say that if you've never read his writings, you're losing out. Purple Death has taken me on a road with many curves, most of them sharp. Porter grabs your attention in the beginning of the book with his Welcome message and your reading experience goes up from there. He has got to be one of the best mystery writers I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

Moongypsy Press
January, 2010
327 Pages
ISBN #9781449954154

Murder, Mayhem and Mexico is a 36 page collection of three short tales that each feels satisfyingly longer than its page-count. If you’re looking for feisty heroines, evocative history and mystery, or just a delightful scent of sea-breeze and sand, it’s a great place to go.

The author brings a wonderful sense of place to these tales; it’s clear he loves the land and revels in its culture. The characters are very real and engage the reader completely, visible, audible, alive… And, surprisingly to me, the three stories, so completely separate, mesh together like vacation excursions giving a satisfying completeness to the whole.

You know when you’ve made that order on Amazon and it’s nearly $25? You’ve almost got free shipping, if only… But this time I had two books in mind that each cost less than $4. I should have saved one till next time I suppose, but patience kept me from purchasing them all through last year, so I just ordered both.

Dracula doesn’t live here anymore is a fun evening’s read. The cover picture makes me think of teenagers, but the story’s more grown-up. Freelance reporter Dexter is on his way to Romania, investigating the hyped-up “vampire murders” that have been occurring there. His contact, Christina, introduces him to amazing scenery, fascinating history, and delightful tiny village inns in forgotten villages. She has other delights to offer too as Dexter begins to fall for her.

Can a wounded young man find love again? Is there any hope for transcontinental relationships? And do vampires exist? Dead bodies and live theories abound, and surprises, and a sweetly-born love. All that, in a 31-page novella with an absolutely perfect ending. If only Brian Porter’s full-length novels were in paperback…

'Does violent death have a name? Can evil truly be born into the world, evil so deep that it is bred into the genetic make-up of an individual? Until I came to this place and met the man who made me begin to suspect that such an evil could exist, I'd have been as dismissive as most of my profession at the prospect of such a possibility... Dr. Ruth Truman, Psychiatrist.'

Porter's book A Study in Red tells about the Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper. As the story goes, Robert Cavendish, who was a psychiatrist in modern day, received the journal from his father, who received it from his father, who received it from his father. The original Cavendish was also a psychiatrist who had a patient he found to be no other than the famous Jack the Ripper. Thus began the story of A Study in Red - The Secret Journal of Jack the Ripper.

After Robert Cavendish's death the journal was passed on to his nephew Jack Reid.
Upon receiving his "legacy" Jack's life becomes twisted in what will be known by modern day London as the "The Brighton Ripper Case." Murders are taking place following the same pattern as those of the original Jack the Ripper.

Wright and Holland have worked the case from the first murder. With the help of Alice Nickels, who is a "Ripperologist," a plan is set to capture the modern day Ripper hopefully before he strikes again. This plan ends with the capture, trial and institutionalization of Jack Reid. But did he really commit these gruesome murders? If so, did he do it alone? He insists that there were others that actually set him up and committed the murders. He even admitted to having received the journal and to the effect reading it had upon him. The police believe the journal never existed but was instead a fixation of his distorted imagination. So after Jack's removal from society and the murders ceasing, it appears that the police really have found and caught their man. But what happened to the journal and legacy? Will the present owner, whoever it might be, pick up where Jack supposedly left off? Read Legacy of the Ripper and find out for yourself. I think you will be as surprised as I was.

A different and unique twist to the Ripper theories.