Otherwise By Jennifer B. White

Delilah Gray is standing in the pouring rain on Hermit Meddler’s Way in the town of Green Lake in front of the dilapidated cottage where she grew up with her Grandmother ‘Meema’ having no idea how she got there. Her Grandmother, Aurora Meddlar a compulsive hoarder, is now deceased and Delilah’s memories of her life in the garbage infested cottage come rushing back. She has resolved to clear out all the wreckage and make the cottage livable. This decision will lead her down a road filled with anxiety, disappointment, awareness and                                                          ultimate gratification.


 From the first page I was pulled into this book and did not come up for air until the final page. I found this book to be captivating and extremely well written. The main character Delilah is extremely complex, fragile and vulnerable which left me feeling a sense of compassion and fondness for her. The supporting characters are intricate and painted with such clarity they blend into the story line effortlessly.


 This story is flawlessly written as it moves forward incorporating the human world with the supernatural. The perception of extreme hoarding so vividly described by the author were complex and thought-provoking showing the effects of this disease from all perspectives. The emotions of love, loss, grief, mystery and friendship are woven together beautifully as this story transports you through Delilah’s journey.


 This book is a departure from the genre of books I usually read which is the reason it both surprised and delighted me. I highly recommend this book, it delves into the fragility of human emotions and portrays a supernatural element that will hold you captive.

Loony Bin By Richard Leverone

5 Star Review 


Matt Kenney has been at work at Chen’s for twenty minutes when Leo walks in and shoots him in the head. Matt wakes up in the hospital and although his mind is functioning normally he is totally immobile in what the Doctors have called the locked-in syndrome. He is transferred to Slater State Hospital where he remains fully cognizant of everything and everyone around him but unable to communicate in any way. Matt is administered a mysterious medication called AU-811 and unbeknownst to him is enrolled in the clinical trial of this substance.

Loony Bin is written from the point of view of the main character Matt. The author, Richard Leverone, made me painfully aware of the frustrations, desperation and horror of a patient locked up within himself with no means to connect with the world outside of his body.

Each supporting character in this story I found to be extremely well developed and held a specific importance to the story as they were introduced. This book is intelligently written and provided me with a window into the world of State run long-term medical facilities and the astronomical challenges that they face.

A glimpse into the Pharmaceutical business and the unorthodox steps that are taken to get FDA approval and funding for new drugs is conveyed in this book in such a way that will make you question the morality and legality of the process.

The story in itself will immediately grab you and thrust you into the drama, suspense and distress of its main character and keep you in utter disbelief as you continue with Matt on his inconceivable journey.

I highly recommend this intelligently written and consuming book. I found myself contemplating this story and its ramifications long after I had finished reading.

Death Of A Serpent By Susan Russo Anderson

Sicily 1866, Serafina Floria midwife, mother of seven and a widow mourning the recent death of her husband from the cholera outbreak and the death of her beloved mother. Even though Serafina is in the midst of her own grief and turmoil she agrees to investigate the murders of three prostitutes working for her oldest and dearest friend Rosa, owner of the brothel.

This is a time in Italy where the Mafia was the law of the land and corruption was the norm. We meet the colorful and complex characters as Serafina interviews all the girls residing in the brothel along with all the hired help. The rich descriptions and narrative of the characters brings them to life as an image is formed in your mind’s eye. The historical references to Italy in the 1800’s succeed in painting the backdrop for this story.

The plot is complex and woven in such a fashion that the suspense keeps building. The clues to solving the mystery are subtle and intense. As Serafina comes closer to the truth she will find herself, her children and Rosa in danger. The fear and trepidation is palpable as the story progresses and comes to its culmination.

I found the underlying story of Serafina and her relationships with her children, especially her oldest daughter, to be very endearing and thoughtful. I felt that aside from the suspense and mystery of this story you find a strong, determined woman whose loyalty and love of family are the real heart of this book.

I recommend this book to all readers who love mystery/suspense and drama that will propel you forward into another world and hold you spellbound until the end.