Tourniquet by Richard D. Monson

This book was written like a journal.  It details the last days of Israel and ties that with the USA’s border issues with Mexico.

A one sentence description of this book is difficult.    A far seeing future president strives to alleviate the border issues with Mexico with a pro-active program.   He establishes a tourniquet just south of the USA/Mexican border.  This tourniquet is designed to stop the flow of people, drugs and misery.   It is an ambitious program that can only be funded by reducing foreign aid across the globe.  

It ties to Israel due to a Mexican terrorist for hire and his role in the Middle East.   It ties together much better than it sounds.   Monson writes in an interesting manner.  I liked the book but found it a choppy kind of read.   It doesn’t flow but it maintains your interest. 

For an look at an innovative approach to the immigration issue and the potential for increased violence in the Middle East, this is a very interesting read. 

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Richard D. Monson

Web site:  http://monsonartfarm.com/art-and-design_269.html

The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay

Charlie Madigan is a female protagonist that takes no prisoners. In a world that deals with off world beings who have inspired a great deal of human mythology, Charlie thought she was normal. In he first book of this series she discovers that normalcy may not be attainable. In this book she and her partner, Hank, deal with an egocentric off world being with delusions of grandeur.
Charlie is a single mother for all intents and purposes. Emma her daughter and Bryn her sister are her points of vulnerability. She has a love/professional relationship with Hank. Charlie worries whether her attraction to her partner is a result of succumbing to his abilities as a siren and extraordinarily handsome or due to him being a genuinely good guy. Charlie’s self expectations are well beyond reason, she cuts herself no slack. I enjoyed the complexity of her feelings which Gay clearly showed. Most endearing is her loyalty and love for family and those close to her. Least appealing is her unwillingness to let her self reliance slack and get help from those who want to help her.

The off world influence on human mythology and history is an intriquing aspect to the series. I recommend that you read The Better Part of Darkness which is the first book in the series. I have linked to my review of that book. They can be read out of order but I think you will enjoy both books more if you read them in order.


I love butt kicking female protagonists and Charlie kicks butts with as much gusto as Jennifer Estep’s Gin.  I'm thinking a new genre BKFP (butt kicking female protagonists) may be in order.  

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Kelly Gay

Web Site: http://www.kellygay.com/

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

Retirement is difficult for Gin Blanco. Running the Pork Pit is enjoyable and cooking is wonderful but a lack of action is creating some boredom. The intrusion of an immature giant and a cowboy dwarf miner provides the impetus to reengage her assassin skills but this time for free.

Gin is a likeable rogue. (rougette?) Her tenacity is awe inspiring. She kicks butt with the best of them. Her unrequited love for Donavan Caine is a bit confusing. Owen Greyson seems like a better fit and has far fewer emotional hang-ups.

Finn, Sophia and Jo-Jo are loyal friends. I enjoy stories that highlight things like altruism, loyalty and honor. Gin as a character would reject all those attributes but exhibits them all. There is plenty of action and intrigue to the story. The end leads gracefully into the next book in the series, Venom.   This book was a good follow up to the first Elemental Assassin book, The Spiders Bite.


I love butt kicking female protagonists and Gin kicks butts with gusto.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Jennifer Estep

Web Site: http://www.jenniferestep.com/