Latest from Penna Book Reviews

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  Review | The Correspondent: by Virgina Lewis
  by Andy Newhall
  October 23, 2025
  I cautiously approach any declaration of having recently read the best book in years. However, that’s exactly what I’m prepared to do with this review of Virginia Lewis’ “The Correspondent”. I’ll freely note the particular affinities I have for this type of novel aren’t for everyone. However, it is a truly touching work of theContinue reading “Review | The Correspondent: by Virgina Lewis”
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  Review | Valley of Shadows : by Rudy Ruiz
  by Audrey Newhall
  February 6, 2023
  This tale of Soltario Cisneros weaves the history of Chihuahua, Mexico, near the big bend of the Rio Grande River, and Apache – Mexican spiritual beliefs into a read that is haunting yet compelling. Ghosts, both literal and metaphorical, in a desolate place, circa 1870-1883, transport this story to a spiritual realm. Well developed characters,Continue reading “Review | Valley of Shadows : by Rudy Ruiz”
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  Review | Kingdom of the Blind : by Louise Penny
  by Audrey Newhall
  February 3, 2023
  For Penny fans, this read will be a welcome return to Three Pines, an inviting Quebeec village, and to its inhabitants. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, six months into his suspension from the Surete du Quebec, finds himself involved in two separate criminal investigations. The first story line begins as a Three Pines local mystery. Gamache,Continue reading “Review | Kingdom of the Blind : by Louise Penny”
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  Review | MACBETH : by Jo Nesbo
  by Audrey Newhall
  January 28, 2023
  If you are a frequent browser of thrift bookstores, you will understand the excitement felt when dislodging Jo Nesbo’s MACBETH from the shelf. Two literary favorites in one package – the treasure of a day’s hunt. There was a great deal yet to discover in this 500 page crrime thriller. In addition to finding theContinue reading “Review | MACBETH : by Jo Nesbo”
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  Book Review | The Last Resort: by Michael Kaufman
  by Andy Newhall
  January 28, 2023
  I have just put down The Last Resort, and it has been a great start to my 2023 reading list. This latest novel from author Michael Kaufman taps into some highly compelling, near-future, speculative fiction concepts, and I’m a fan. A Near-Future Detective and Climate Crisis Collide This is a detective story set about 10-12Continue reading “Book Review | The Last Resort: by Michael Kaufman”
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  Review | The Boys From Biloxi : by John Grisham
  by Audrey Newhall
  January 18, 2023
  When I think of Biloxi, I envision Gulf Coast beaches, seafood restaurants, shrimp boats, reports of hurricane destruction, however, this novel draws the reader into a much darker side of the region. Grisham relates the experiences that shape and mold two families, of Croatian descent, the Rudys and the Malcos, through eight decades, from 1912Continue reading “Review | The Boys From Biloxi : by John Grisham”
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  Book Review | Cold Sweat, By: Katelyn Peterson
  by Andy Newhall
  November 16, 2022
  I just wrapped up Katelyn Peterson’s Cold Sweat, and despite Romance not being a favorite genre, found it engaging. I think this was for two main reasons; first, the work is equally a crime mystery, as well as a romance, second, it is a short novel with snappy pacing. If you’re seeking a light readContinue reading “Book Review | Cold Sweat, By: Katelyn Peterson”
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  Review | Running at Hialeah : by Don Marinelli
  by Audrey Newhall
  October 10, 2022
  Out of the gate this story springs into action. There is no initial fifty page set up of characters and setting. Bernie Buccellato spontaneously develops as a complex main player from the start. There is plenty to wonder about before his race for redemption is over and his father’s death bed request of having hisContinue reading “Review | Running at Hialeah : by Don Marinelli”
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  Review: Deadly Odds 5.0 | by: Allen Wyler
  by Andy Newhall
  September 19, 2022
  I picked up Deadly Odds 5.0, the latest in author Allen Wyler’s series of techno-thrillers, all bearing the same title, appended with the number in the series. The books are able to stand-alone without having read the previous novels in the series, which is a smart theme I’m discovering amongst the small-scale published writers. ThisContinue reading “Review: Deadly Odds 5.0 | by: Allen Wyler”