Burnout (A Jessie Black Legal Thriller) by Larry A Winter

Winters' main character is Jessie Black, a very capable lawyer with the District Attorney's Office in Philadelphia.

After successfully prosecuting a murderer rapist, the case returns when she firstly has to defend the criminal’s defence lawyer and then re-prosecute the killer in a new trial.

This book is a legal thriller at its best with twist and turns in the plot. The impressions you will have of the characters will also change. Don’t take anything for granted in this story.

I thought I had it sorted, thought I’d guessed the way the story was heading. Even with my extensive notes on how the characters linked to each other gave me no clue to the ending.

All the characters are believable and Jessie herself is very likable and capable. A series of stories based on her could attract a popular following with readers of this genre.

Winters' style is clearly descriptive and emotive but not unnecessarily wordy. The only warning I would give is that is does include some coarse language.

 

My rating 4*

Lost in Transplantation by Eldona Edwards

It is rare that you find a book that gives you more than the joy of reading or, in the case of non-fiction, increased knowledge about a subject.  Eldona Edwards’ (Ellie) book, ‘Lost in Transportation’ is one of those rare books.

Her story in itself amazing but it is also through her deviations from the main story line into other moments in her life that gave me more food for thought.

After meeting a brave, young fellow student with kidney disease, and recalling Ghandi’s famous words “Be the change you want to see in the world”, Ellie offers one of her own kidneys to the young woman. Her offer is appreciated but declined. 

This does not stop Ellie from pursuing her amazing decision to become a living organ donor. With a supportive circle of friends and family this story is her journey not only to accomplish her mission but to also become an active advocate for living organ donation.

This biography is sensitive and poignant. At times it is also amusing and thought provoking.

I can’t recommend this book too highly. It will make you cry and make you laugh for it is not only her, sometimes frustrating, journey but the way she openly shares other intimate feelings and thoughts; her joy of being a massage therapist, going through menopause, relationships with family and friends and her wonderful outlook on life generally.

My rating 5*