Edward Branley at a book signing

Edward Branley at a book signing reviewed The Ninjas Blade by Natalie Naudus

Natalie Naudus, Tori Eldridge: The Ninjas Blade (AudiobookFormat, 2020, Blackstone Pub)

Review of 'The Ninja\x92s Blade' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

tough themes, wonderful character

Lily Wong captivated me in Tori Eldridge's first book featuring her. This second outing contains tough themes, but Lily is up for the challenge. Lily Wong is no paladin--she makes mistakes and suffers the consequences. Still, her heart is big and her body tough, and her dad and her Sensei keep her on track.

Edward Branley at a book signing reviewed The Ninja Daughter by Tori Eldridge

Tori Eldridge: The Ninja Daughter (AudiobookFormat, 2020, Blackstone Publishing)

Review of 'The Ninja Daughter' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Entertaining!

Action and a fast-pace. The way Lily manages the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles keeps the reader engaged. Her family is fantastic, and I look forward to reading more.

Edward Branley at a book signing reviewed Rather Be the Devil by Ian Rankin

Rather Be the Devil is the 21st instalment in the Inspector Rebus series of crime …

Review of 'Rather Be the Devil' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Since Rebus no longer has a warrant card, this is a different kind of procedural. He's cynical, irascible, and Siobahn Clarke wants to smack him. Fun read.

Edward Branley at a book signing reviewed P.G.T. Beauregard by T. Harry Williams (Southern biography series)

T. Harry Williams: P.G.T. Beauregard (1995, Louisiana State University Press)

Review of 'P.G.T. Beauregard' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This is relevant to my research on New Orleans in 1861. Williams does an excellent job painting a portrait of Beauregard. He doesn't rely on or appeal to the "Lost Cause" mythos in doing so.

Edward Branley at a book signing reviewed Hammond by Eric W. Johnson

Eric W. Johnson, Catherine H. Tijerino: Hammond (Paperback, 2016, Arcadia Publishing)

Review of 'Hammond' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

great small-town profile

good history of the town that is the first stop for the "City of New Orleans"passenger train, after it leaves New Orleans.

Edward Branley at a book signing rated Learn Calligraphy: 4 stars

Margaret Shepherd: Learn Calligraphy (Paperback, 2001, Broadway)

Learn Calligraphy by Margaret Shepherd

Edward Branley at a book signing rated Talking to the dead: 4 stars

Harry Bingham: Talking to the dead (2012, Orion)

Talking to the dead by Harry Bingham

For rookie detective constable Fiona Griffiths, her first major investigation promises to be a tough initiation into Cardiff's dark underbelly. …

Edward Branley at a book signing rated The Cinder Spires: 5 stars

Jim Butcher: The Cinder Spires (Paperback, 2016, Roc)

The Cinder Spires by Jim Butcher

Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their …

Edward Branley at a book signing reviewed The Pullman Porters and West Oakland (CA) (Images of America) by Thomas Tramble

Thomas Tramble, Wilma Tramble: The Pullman Porters and West Oakland (CA) (Images of America) (Paperback, 2007, Arcadia Publishing, Arcadia Pub.)

Review of 'The Pullman Porters and West Oakland (CA) (Images of America)' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I've got an idea for a story involving a Pullman Porter in the 1930s or 1940s. When I get a bit of inspiration, I usually turn to Arcadia's "Images of America" books to visualize it properly. Having written five IoA books, I feel good about that. :)

The Pullman Porters and West Oakland was exactly what I needed to get a start. Great background and wonderful photos.