REVIEWS FROM MICHELE A. REED

Michele Bazan Reed's story "Cash Rewards" appears in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER'S SOUL.
It was originally published in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WRITER'S SOUL, in 2000.
Through an editorial glitch, you'll need to look for Michelle, not Michele, and Bazan,
her maiden name, in honor of her father.

SEMPER FIDELIS          
A Novel of the Roman Empire
RUTH DOWNIE          
Bloomsbury   January, 2013

Gaius Petreius Ruso is a medicus, a medical officer in the Roman army. When he travels back to Britannia with his wife, the barbarian midwife Tilla, he hopes he has left the job of investigator behind him.

But while inspecting the hospital at the 20th Legion as they prepare for a visit from the Emperor Hadrian, he finds that he cannot escape his fate to investigate mysterious deaths.

The local British recruits feel there is a curse upon them - some of their number have died in mysterious circumstances and others have gone missing. Was a mysterious drowning truly only a tragic accident, and was the soldier who leaped from the roof really a suicide?

When medical records surrounding the deaths go missing, Ruso's suspicions are aroused. With the help of his able and curious wife, he reluctantly resumes the role of investigator to prevent further misfortune and insure the success of the imperial visit.

Downie's Roman Britain is full of authentic details and her characters are multi-dimensional, believable people. The New York Times bestselling author has turned out another satisfying, historical page-turner for her legions of fans. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

                                                                                            - Michele A. Reed

A COLD AND LONELY PLACE         
SARA J. HENRY         
Crown Publishing   February, 2013

The town of Saranac Lake in New York State's Adirondack Mountains is preparing for the biggest festival of the year - the Winter Carnival. Crews are out on the lake cutting blocks for the Ice Palace when work grinds to an abrupt halt. There, frozen into the ice, is the body of a young man.

Freelance journalist Troy Chance is snapping photos for the local paper and rushes forward to capture images of the moment. She is shocked to recognize Tobin Winslow, who once dated her roommate, Jessamyn.

Tobin was a ski bum and a fixture around local bars, but like many people in the remote town, he had a secret. Tobin was the son of a wealthy family who went missing many years ago. Under assignment to do an in-depth series of features on Tobin's life, Troy befriends his sister, Jessica, and learns all she can about his background.

As she plumbs the secrets of Tobin's and Jessamyn's histories, Troy finds she and her roommate both come under suspicion. Then, when mysterious happenings hint that someone is trying to thwart her efforts, Troy becomes even more determined to solve the mystery of Tobin's death - was it a tragic accident, suicide or something more sinister?

Fans of Henry's critically acclaimed first book, LEARNING TO SWIM, will welcome another encounter with quirky sleuth Troy, her best friend Baker, Ottawa cop Jameson, and Phillipe and his son, Paul, who hold a special place in her heart.

Henry is herself a former sports reporter and now freelance writer in the Adirondack town of Lake Placid, and it's obvious she knows and loves the area. Those who love the North Country and atmospheric mysteries set in remote places will give a warm welcome to A COLD AND LONELY PLACE. 

                                                                                                - Michele A. Reed