No Apology Book Reviews - authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers

Interview with Kitty Zeldis (Not Our Kind)

October 6, 2018September 8, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Not Our Kind by Kitty Zeldis brings to life post World War II in New York City. 1947 was an enlightening year for two women and a child, brought together after a traffic accident. Eleanor, a young Jewish teacher and a WASPy married woman, Patricia, find an unexpected connection, after Eleanor is hired to home school Patricia’s daughter Margeaux, who sees herself as a polio cripple. This story delves into class issues, differences of …

Interview with Kathryn Sermak (Miss D & Me)

October 6, 2018September 1, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Miss D & Me: Life with The Invincible Bette Davis by Kathryn Sermak is a tale of two women. The relationship morphed from that of employer-employee to mentor/protégé to mother/daughter ending up as the best of friends. Bette Davis is regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history. She had more than 100 films to her credit along with television and Broadway roles. There are many firsts including being the first actor, …

Interview with Laura Griffin (Desperate Girls)

October 6, 2018August 25, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin is a captivating novel, combining a suspenseful murder mystery, police procedural, with a touch of romance. She has the unique ability to write compelling plots that highlight caring and realistic characters. Former prosecutor Brynn Holloran has turned to the dark side, becoming a defense attorney. Everyone knows she is a superstar in the courtroom, although a failure in her personal life. She now must contend with a vicious murderer, …

Interview with Marta Perry (Shattered Silence)

October 6, 2018August 18, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Shattered Silence by Marta Perry flawlessly intertwines a mystery with contemporary themes, while giving a sprinkling of the Amish culture. She illuminates the differences between the Amish community and the larger urban society. The plot begins with new divorcee Rachel Hartline attempting to touch base with her ex-husband, Paul, to discuss putting their home up for sale. After catching him trying to download some sensitive company information things go very awry for her. First, …

Interview with B. J. Daniels (Hard Rustler)

October 6, 2018August 12, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Hard Rustler by bestselling author B. J. Daniels brings to life the Montana countryside in her latest novel. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and mystery. The plot is a modern-day version of past Westerns. The story begins with a city gal, Annabelle (Annie) Clementine, traveling back to her home town of Whitehorse Montana. After high school, she decided to escape the monotony to become a famous model, leaving her love interest behind. Now, …

Interview with CeeCee Purnell (from Karen White’s Dreams of Falling)

October 10, 2018August 4, 2018

Find an interview with the author HERE. Elise Cooper: For those who do not know CeeCee Purnell she is a reflection of her times, growing up during the 1950s and 1960s in the South. Her life is a plateau, with many ups and downs. Growing up and living in Georgetown, South Carolina, she raises her late friend’s daughter, Ivy, and her daughter, Larkin. CeeCee is grateful that Larkin has returned home after nine self-exiled years to help locate her missing …

Interview with Linda Castillo (A Gathering of Secrets)

October 10, 2018July 28, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo is a powerful story. From the very first page, when a young Amish woman commits suicide, the plot takes on a dark and gripping tone, a very thought-provoking novel. Bur readers should not be surprised considering Castillo books are always insightful and riveting. The story begins with Amish teenager Emma Miller hanging herself and then fast forwards six months where Painter Mills police chief Kate Buckholder is …

Interview with Iris and Roy Johansen (Double Blind)

October 10, 2018July 22, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Double Blind by Iris and Roy Johansen is a heart stopping story. This series has a very original premise and this novel, in particular, has a killer that is unique. Blind from birth, the main character, Kendra Michaels, regained her sight at the age of twenty. Now she is able to use her extensively distinct senses and acute analytical skills to help the FBI thwart bad guys. This case literally came to her after …

Doppelganger

October 7, 2018July 19, 2018

I was hanging out with my brother and sister-in-law tonight and watched the reality gold mining show Gold Rush with them. My brain short-circuited when I saw this guy: I was like, Is…is that Adam Driver? No, it’s 24-year-old millionaire Parker Schnabel. But they could be twins, right? Schnabel might be a bit leaner, but the bone structure, the nose, the hair, even the ears are similar. Every time he was on screen, all I could think was: holy fucking …

Interview with Amy Meyerson (The Bookshop of Yesterdays)

October 10, 2018July 15, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson is part mystery and part drama involving family dynamics. It is a shout out to those who love books and bookstores since the main mystery is centered around both, and comes about with riddles from book quotes. Clues to the scavengers’ hunt are found in the classics of the past, The Tempest, Jane Eyre, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Frankenstein, Fear of Flying, Persuasion, The Grapes of Wrath, …