Steven Erikson, best known for the fantasy series The Malazan Book of the Fallen, has also written a number of novellas set in the Malazan world like The Fiends of Nightmare (2016). Necromancers Bauchelain and Korbal Broach were minor characters in Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, only appearing in Memories of Ice. But fans loved the dark humor of the necromancers and Erikson responded by writing novellas about them for the past 20 years.

“Aye, sir, sly as a fox you are, that’s for sure.”

“I am not sure, Mister Reese, if I like the comparison. Foxes are often the prey of frenzied packs of dogs let loose by the inbred classes, after all. I do not see myself as the object of such sport.” (p. 85)

That’s snippet of conversation between Bauchelain and Emancipor Reese who is the necromancers’ aging manservant. He frequently uses drugs and alcohol to numb his mind to the bizarre acts he witnessed working for the deadly duo. 

In this 100 page novella, the story takes place in the dismal kingdom of Farooq. The King has been murdered and on the throne now sits Bauchalain, with Korbal Broach acting as the Grand Bishop, terrorizing the peasants. Since becoming a self-professed tyrant monarch, Bauchalain has emptied the Treasury. All actors and musicians have been arrested for their crimes against humanity. To distract the populous from the rampant corruption and increasing violence, Bauchalain declares war against the border state of Nightmaria, land of solitary lizard-people.

Bauchalain summons demons and the chaos is complete.

I have to be in the mood for these dark fantasy comedies with their wild action and headless corpses running amok. But, when I am in the mood for dark magic and dark deeds, these Bauchelian and Korbel Broach novellas are Guilty Pleasure. GRADE: B

Bauchelain and Korbal Broach series:
   1. Blood Follows (2002)
   2. The Healthy Dead (2004)
   3. The Lees of Laughter’s End (2007)
   Bauchelain and Korbal Broach (2007)
   4. Crack’d Pot Trail (2009)
   5. The Wurms of Blearmouth (2012)
   6. The Fiends of Nightmaria (2021)
   Upon A Dark of Evil Overlords (2021)

The pluses of Atlas: Jennifer Lopez–a brilliant data analyst) takes on a rogue Artificial Intelligence who wants to cleanse the Earth of humans. The action sequences fill the screen with explosions and excitement–AIs are hard to put down.

The minuses of Atlas: the rogue AI leaves Earth and heads to the Andromeda galaxy. Why so far away? Earth sends J. Lo, a bunch of military rangers in battlebots, and some snarky AIs of their own to fight the rogue AI. It doesn’t not go well for the earthlings.

J. Lo presents a compelling presence as an expert on AI and a Cassandra who warns the military about the destruction they face. She’s also a great fighter in her battlebot. But the movie bogs down as J. Lo and her AI (named “Smith”) have some heart-to-heart conversations.

If you’re in the mood for some vivid action sequences and battles on an alien planet in a galaxy far, far away, check out Atlas. GRADE: B-

“Doctor Strange: Dimension War is based on the original comics by Stan “The Man” Lee, “Sturdy” Steve Ditto and “Rascally ” Roy Thomas, as featured in Strange Tales #110-111 and #114-146, and Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2.“

I actually read those old Doctor Strange comic books back in the early 1960s (but not the Amazing Spider-Man Annual #2). The story of Stephen Strange, gifted but egotistical surgeon, losing his abilities and turning to the magical and mystical Ancient One for answers resonated with the pre-teen me back then.

Now, James Lovegrove (whose Sherlock Holmes pastiche series I’ve enjoyed here, here, here, here, here, and here) brings the adventures of Doctor Strange from the comic books to a full-length novel.  Baron Mordo, Nightmare, and Dormammu–Doctor Strange’s most deadly adversaries–constantly plot to defeat the defender of humanity with the arcane magic threats that powerful entities seek to deploy.

If you’re a Doctor Strange fan, you’ll enjoy Lovegrove’s retelling of these classic comic book stories. If you’re a casual fan, there’s enough magic and excitement in this book to keep the pages turning quickly! GRADE: B+

Nine years ago, Mad Max: Fury Road set high standard for the pure action Summer Movie and won six Oscars for its incredible look and sound (you can read my review here). Now, after being delayed by the Pandemic, the prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road showed up at my local AMC Theater and I watched it.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a curious movie. The star, Anya Taylor-Joy, who plays a younger version of Fuuriosa in this film, doesn’t show up until after the first hour. Alyla Browne plays the 10-year-old Furiosa who is kidnapped from her village and “adopted” by Dementus (Chris Hemsworth, aka Thor). I like how Mark Kennedy of the Assoicated Press characterized Hemsworth’s role: “Hemsworth wears fingerless gloves, a codpiece, leather pants, a sleeveless leather vest and flowing hair, like he was a member of Motley Crue circa 1983.”

Although Hemsworth lacks the powers of Thor in this film, he’s a badass with hundreds of motorcycle psychos willing to commit mayhem at his command. The best part of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga are the incredible battles. The worst parts of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga are merciless torture scenes and cruelty of the post-apocalyptic world. Not a lot of dialogue in this movie, I doubt if Anya Taylor-Joy says 100 words. But, if you’re looking for an action movie with breath-taking stunts, give Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga a look. GRADE: B

MAD MAX MOVIE SERIES:

FILM RELEASE DATE DIRECTOR SCREENWRITERS STORY BY PRODUCED BY

Mad Max	April 12, 1979	George Miller	James McCausland and George Miller	George Miller and Byron Kennedy	Byron Kennedy	Released
Mad Max 2	December 24, 1981		Terry Hayes, George Miller and Brian Hannant
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome	July 10, 1985	George Miller and George Ogilvie	Terry Hayes and George Miller		George Miller
Mad Max: Fury Road	May 15, 2015	George Miller	George Miller, Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris		Doug Mitchell, George Miller and PJ Voeten
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Kidnapped is a historical fiction adventure novel by  Robert Louis Stevenson. It was marketed as a boys’ novel to the same audience as Treasure Island attracted. Kidnapped was serialized in the magazine Young Folks from May to July 1886. The hardcover novel was published later in 1886. It was acclaimed by Henry James as Robert Louis Stevenson’s best novel.

Narrated by 17-year-old David Balfour, the young lad is plunged into penniless peril on Page One! Balfour’s parents have recently died and he is given a letter by a family friend, a minister of Essendean named Mr. Campbell, to be delivered to his family’s ancestral estate, the House of Shaws in Cramond. Balfour hopes that the letter will allow him to obtain financial assistance from his only living relative – his uncle Ebenezer, a man he has never met.

Tricked by this wicked uncle who has stolen his inheritance, young David Balfour is then kidnapped and bound for danger in America. That plan blows up when the the ship, The Covenant, David Balfour is on runs into trouble. Fog-bound near the Hebrides, the ship strikes a small boat. All of the small boat’s crew are killed except one man, Alan Breck Stewart, who is brought on board and offers Captain Hoseason a large sum of money to drop him off on the mainland. Belfour later overhears the crew plotting to kill Stewart instead.

Belfour and Stewart barricade themselves in the roundhouse, where Stewart kills a murderous helmsman and Belfour wounds the Captain. Stewart then kills five more men and intimidates the remaining crew into surrender. The Covenant tries to negotiate a difficult channel without a proper chart or pilot and is soon driven aground on the notorious Torran Rocks. Belfour and Stewart are separated in the crash, with Belfour being washed ashore on the isle of Erraid, near Mull, while Stewart and the surviving crew row to safety on that same island.

Belfour and Stewart meet up and a strange and difficult friendship is results with Stewart committing to helping Belfour to gain his legitimate inheritance. Stewart, however, also seeks vengeance.

If you’re in the mood for High Adventure in the classic mode, give Kidnapped a try! GRADE: A

.

After listening to the Senior Prom CDs last week, I listened to this double CD set of 1960s music. It contains another head shaking mix of songs. I could do without Trini Lopez’s “If I Had a Hammer” and Andy Williams’ “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Including the “James Bond Theme” by The John Barry Orchestra is a surprise.

Then there are the songs I haven’t heard in 50 years or so like “Itchycoo Park” by The Small Faces and Marmalade’s version of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”.

On the plus side, there are plenty of classic songs from the 1960s by The Drifters, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Simon & Garfunkel, Van Morrison, The Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers, Mary Wells, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Shirelles, and The Temptations. Do you remember these songs? Any favorites here? GRADE: B+

TRACK LIST:

DISC ONE:
Simon & Garfunkel–Mrs. Robinson3:37

Van Morrison–Brown Eyed Girl3:03

The Monkees–Daydream Believer2:53

The Four Seasons–Sherry2:30

The Foundations–Build Me Up Buttercup2:54

The Beach Boys–Good Vibrations3:36

The Surfaris–Wipeout2:36

Tom Jones–It’s Not Unusual1:59

Dusty Springfield–Son Of A Preacher Man2:24

The Turtles–Happy Together2:53

The Zombies–Summertime2:17

The Overlanders–Michelle2:21

Herman’s Hermits–No Milk Today2:57

The Spencer Davis Group–Keep On Running2:42

Booker T. & The MGs*–Green Onions1:32

The Kingsmen–Louie Louie2:44

Trini Lopez–If I Had A Hammer3:00

Chris Montez–Let’s Dance2:48

Marmalade*–Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da2:58

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap–Young Girl3:02

The McCoys–Hang On Sloopy2:40

Mamas & The Papas*–California Dreamin’2:32

The Chiffons–He’s So Fine1:53

The Everly Brothers*–Cathy’s Clown2:26

Dion (3)–The Wanderer2:41

The Animals–Don’t Let Be Misunderstood2:26

The Easybeats–Friday On My Mind2:41

Shocking Blue–Venus2:28

The Small Faces*–Itchycoo Park2:44

The John Barry Orchestra*–James Bond Theme1:58

DISC TWO:

The Archies–Sugar, Sugar2:48

Diana Ross & The Supremes*–Baby Love2:33

Mary Wells–My Guy2:46

Little Eva–The Loco-Motion2:24

The Isley Brothers–Twist And Shout2:32

The Kinks–Sunny Afternoon3:33

Johnny Tillotson–Poetry In Motion2:21

The Shirelles–Dedicated To The One I Love2:04

Gerry & The Pacemakers–How Do You Do It?1:54

The Love Affair–Everlasting Love3:00

Sonny & Cher–I Got You Babe3:13

Dionne Warwick–Do You Know The Way To San Jose?2:54

Andy Williams–Can’t Take My Eyes Off You3:10

Sandie Shaw–Puppet On A String2:20

Helen Shapiro–Walking Back To Happiness2:27

The Searchers–Sweets For My Sweet2:26

The Cascades (2)–Rhythm Of The Rain3:00

The Drifters–Under The Boardwalk2:40

The Young Rascals–Groovin’2:23

Otis Redding–(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay2:37

Marvin Gaye–I Heard It Through The Grapevine3:03

The Temptations–My Girl2:55

Arthur Conley–Sweet Soul Music2:17

Jackie Wilson–Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher And Higher2:51

Aretha Franklin–Think2:15

Wilson Pickett–In The Midnight Hour2:33

Sam & Dave–Soul Man2:37

Ben E. King–Stand By Me2:47

Percy Sledge–When A Man Loves A Woman2:50

Louis Armstrong–What A Wonderful World

“All royalties from sales of this book will go to help support two charitable groups, Casting for Recovery, which helps women cancer survivors heal body and soul through fly-fishing, and Project Healing Waters, which offers the same service for our returning veterans.”

I have ZERO interest in fishing, but I enjoyed several of the stories in this anthology. My favorite story was “Blue on Black” by Michael Connelly. Connelly’s legendary character, Bosch, is investigating a suspect in a string of murders. Bosch consults Rachel Walling who gives him a possible line of inquiry as to where the suspect might be hiding the bodies. I also liked Brian M. Wipud’s “Granite Hat” where a man in financial crisis tries to hire a retired hit-man to kill him (so his family will get the insurance money). The conclusion stayed with me for days. And T. Jefferson Parker’s “Luck” follows the fate of a man who is unlucky in love who competes with a man with phenomenal luck. Another memorable story!

If you like to fish, you’ll enjoy Hook, Line & Sinister: Mysteries to Reel You In (2010) since fishing is involved in all 16 stories. Even if you’re not a fishing enthusiast (like me) you’ll find a nice selection of mysteries to delight you. GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

PREFACE– vii

River tears / Ridley Pearson — 1

Cutthroat / Mark T. Sullivan — 39

Blue on black / Michael Connelly — 65

Unsnaggable / John Lescroart — 76

Darmstadt / Andrew Winer — 97

Cherchez la femme / Dana Stabenow — 119

Sandy brook / Don Winslow — 134

The nymph / Melodie Johnson Howe — 147

Tight lines / James W. Hall — 155

Every day is a good day on the river / C. J. Box — 177

Death by honey hole / Victoria Houston — 192

The blood-dimmed tide / Will Beall — 214

Dead drift / Spring Warren — 245

Granite hat / Brian M. Wiprud — 264

Mr. Brody’s trout / William G. Tapply — 276

Luck / T. Jefferson Parker — 300

CONTRIBUTORS — 321

“Literature professor Harriet “Harry” Wild (Jane Seymour) is adjusting to retirement when she’s mugged. While recovering at the home of her son (Kevin Ryan), a detective in the Dublin police, Harry gleans a clue for his current case. But when she’s rebuffed, Harry decides to solve the crime herself. Recruiting an unlikely young sidekick (Rohan Nedd), she finds a new path as a private investigator.” That’s the description of Harry Wild provided by BBC America.

The Third Season of Harry Wild opens with the lead singer, Jamie, of popular British Boy band, Hot Boy 4, plunging to his death from the roof a building where the group was going to perform. Harry Wild, her granddaughter, and her sidekick Fergus witness the incident. Later, the granddaughter pleads with Harry to take on the case and prove that Jamie was murdered.

Harry uncovers key evidence that suggests the murderer was technically savvy. Also, Jamie died with a piece of paper in his pocket with a line from a Yeats poem. There are also lines from Keats and Shakespeare sprinkled throughout the episode showing that Harry knows her literature. Harry Wild is nothing special, but I found it mildly entertaining with a couple of surprises thrown into the mix. Are you a Jan Seymour fan? GRADE: B

Trump’s destructive Agenda for a second Presidential term includes “payback” for his enemies and a gutting of the Department of Justice. Kiss aid to Ukraine goodbye. Trump will be Putin’s puppet in foreign policy. Millions of words attacking Biden and the Democrats show up online each day from Russian hackers to influence the Election in Trump’s favor.

Trump’s domestic policy includes detention camps and mass deportations of migrants, as well as pregnancy monitoring to enforce abortion bans. A national total ban on abortions is on the table.

Trump also warns of a crackdown on the “enemy from within” if he wins, and failed to rule out political violence if he does not.

The TIME interview reveals all of Trump’s plans to gut Democracy and to rule America as a dictator. Trump holds nothing back and I believe he’s going to launch his plans on Day One. Biden is behind in key swing states like Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Things look dire. What do you think?