Burt WeissbourdRecensioni

I liked this interesting story about what happens when someone messes with the environment of Yellowstone Park. I received this book for free and I voluntarily chose to review this. I've given it a 4.5* rating. This is not for the under 18 readers. There is a lot of violence in this from people we should be able to trust. There was many twists and turns in this apparent tell it all from people within the Park System. It's a scary thought if this could happen in today's timing. Published in 2014, it gives me the chills just thinking if something like this would happen. Not a good book to read right before bed. It will make you think about our world around us.½

In Inside Passage, book one of A Corey Logan Trilogy, author Burt Weissbourd takes the reader behind the scenes of a riveting thriller as single mom Corey Logan engages in a dangerous cat-n-mouse game with a ruthless and powerful man from her past, who is determined to permanently silence her.

Inside Passage is a riveting thriller that easily draws the reader in from the start. The author provides the reader with a fascinating, multi-layered, and richly detailed story set in panoramic Seattle and the Pacific Northwest Inside Passage. This exciting story takes the reader on an exhilarating roller coaster ride as Corey engages in a very dangerous cat-n-mouse game with Nick Season, a very powerful and ruthless man from her past, who is determined to stop at nothing to silence Corey permanently before she shares his dark secret from the past, and ruins his chance of being elected State Attorney General. When Corey comes face-to-face with Nick's attempt to silence her through his henchmen, Corey and her fifteen year old son Billy run for their lives sailing up the Pacific Northwest Inside Passage, but she didn't realize that her psychiatrist Dr. Abe Stein has other plans, he is determined to help Corey overcome her past and rebuild her relationship with her son.

There is enough drama, secrets, deception, tension, humor, and surprising twists and turns that definitely will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seat, and guessing how this story will turn out. I loved the drama and budding relationship that Corey and Abe shared, it was a great way of interweaving the tension and drama of teaming up together to confront Corey's past, with a touch of unexpected romance added into the mix.

Inside Passage is a well-written, fast paced story that left me interested in finding out what Corey's next adventure will be in Teaser, the second book in the trilogy.

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In Danger In Plain Sight, book one of A Callie James Thriller Series, author Burt Weissbourd takes the reader behind the scenes of a riveting thriller as Seattle restauranteur Callie James reluctantly gets pulled into a dangerous cat-n-mouse game with ruthless money launderers.

Callie James is the successful owner of Le Cochon Bronze, a French restaurant in Seattle. After fourteen years, Callie's ex-husband, Daniel Odile-Brand, a French investigative reporter, unexpectedly shows up at her restaurant needing a safe place to stay, after his leads on an explosive money laundering story has put his life in danger. Callie refuses to help Daniel until he is run down outside her restaurant, and she reluctantly gets drawn into keeping him safe, unknowingly putting herself and their thirteen-year-old son Lew in danger as well. With unknown assassins on the hunt for Daniel, Cassie is forced to seek the help from her ex-bartender / ex-smuggler, Terry "Cash" Logan and his associates, Doc and Andre. Can Cassie and Cash stop the assassins and help Daniel with his story, even though the danger is in plain sight?

Danger In Plain Sight is a riveting thriller that easily draws the reader in from the start. The author provides the reader with a fascinating, multi-layered, and richly detailed story set in panoramic Seattle. This exciting story takes the reader on an exhilarating roller coaster ride as Callie and Cash engage in a very dangerous cat-n-mouse game with a very cautious and ruthless couple of money launderers, who are determined to stop at nothing to silence Daniel, and everyone and everything that gets in the way of their illegal business. There is enough drama, secrets, deception, tension, humor, and surprising twists and turns that definitely will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seat, and guessing how this story will turn out. I loved the drama and sarcastic humor that Callie and Cash shared, it was a great way of interweaving the tension and drama of teaming up together with a touch of unexpected romance added into the mix.

Danger In Plain Sight is a well-written, fast paced story that left me interested in finding out what Callie's next adventure will be in the continuation of the series.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/06/danger-in-plain-sight-by-burt...

4.5 stars
Corey, Abe, Billy, and Jesse are back. Corey is still intense and razor sharp but she’s no longer balanced on the hairy edge. She’s found her niche, searching for missing teens and standing up for them once found.
Abe still doesn’t realize he’s started a fire in the trash can with his pipe ashes but notices every detail and nuance of the people around him.
Billy is settling into his new school, Olympic Academy, and is a teen any one would proudly call their own.
Jesse…well, Jesse is Jesse. A bit of her history is revealed that explains a lot. I don’t really like her but admit she comes through in a pinch. Her assistance carries a high price tag though…
One of my favorite aspects of the Corey Logan series is the characters. Corey, Abe, and even Billy when it comes down to it, are true to themselves. They neither need nor want approval and are unapologetic. Really love that about them. They’re characters I’d want as friends, even though Corey can be on the scary side sometimes.
TEASER takes place almost two years after Inside Passage. It can be read as a stand-alone but I seriously recommend you read Inside Passage. Your understanding and appreciation of Corey, Abe, Billy, and Jesse will be deeper. Their relationships are complex and there’s a lot of water under those bridges.

Billy’s friends, Aaron and Maisie, are privileged teens whose parents actively encourage them to “explore and experiment” within the confines of “safe sex, designated drivers, and checking in”.
This excerpt, Corey and Abe discussing Corey’s worries about Billy’s school Olympic Academy and the difference between herself and the majority of the parents highlights perfectly the contrast between the above parenting style and Corey’s. Personally, I fall with Corey.
“Sorry. Bear with me. I’m starting to get this. What I think is that at Olympic, they hand down all these ideas about how to be, they tell these kids what they should feel, then they leave them to work it out on their own. I mean they made Billy sign a contract about being a good person, told him ‘bisexuality was an option,’ but no one notices when he’s lonely or low. It scares me. There’s no safety net. No regular, reliable, grounded conversation. The grown-ups come on so righteous, so certain of where these kids need to go, what they need to be, and then they don’t even see it when a kid feels bad.”
Abe was looking at the fire. “What’s worse, “ he turned, “I’m afraid the kids know that.”
“Yeah, they do. He’s my son, Abe. No one in my family has ever gone to college. His grandmother raised me o a fishing boat…”
“How old were you when she died?”
“Seventeen. Same as Billy. And don’t start that psycho mumbo jumbo with me.”
“Right.”
“Toby asked Billy to volunteer at a shelter in a church on Broadway. He said it would look good on his college applications. When he was locked out of foster care, Billy used to sleep at that shelter. When I explained that to Toby he said, ‘Not to worry. The take away from Billy’s time in foster care and Juvie is that it will help his story for an Ivy.’ His words—no kidding.” She took Abe’s hand. “Billy won’t tell his friends we go duck hunting. And he eats tofu burgers. I didn’t know what tofu was until he started at that school.”
“Your son is just like you.”
“You think so?”
“Forget what he eats. Watch how he thinks, how he handles hard things—in every important way, he’s his mother’s son.”

Aaron’s dad, Toby, is the dean of Olympic Academy. Aaron realizes and understands exactly the point Corey is making to Abe…..
Aaron walked west, preoccupied. Mostly, he was thinking about lying. What was a real lie? Was it a lie when you said one thing and did something else? His dad did that all the time without even knowing it.
There was another thing. His dad was smart, he knew that. But how could such a smart guy understand something so well at a distance, the miss that same thing right in front of his own nose? Like when his dad gave these lectures about all the subtle ways we exclude people because of racial differences. He really saw how that worked. And he was right. But he didn’t even notice it when everyone treated Josey Tompkins like shit--no one would talk to her or eat lunch with her—because she was new and fat. Or when Henry Lewis didn’t get invited to class parties because he was geeky and liked country music. Stuff like that happened at school all the time, and no one ever said anything. Maybe it didn’t seem important enough. It was important to Josey and Henry though.
Maisie’s manipulation of Amber and Verlaine, her mother and step-dad…..
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, “ Abe replied. He loosened his tie. Maisie was in charge here, insidiously, and it was part of her problem. Someone in her family would have to stand up to her, then ride out that storm. He could help with that. He couldn’t make them do it though.
And a few minutes later….
Abe looked up at Verlaine. His own face was drawn. “It is your decision. But I’m asking you to please reconsider.”
Verlaine put a hand on Abe’s shoulder, basking in Maisie’s approval. “I think it’s better for our family to wait.
“No, it’s not.” They had to hear this. “I’m not sure what these young people are involved with. But I’m sure that you’re being manipulated. And although you may think you’re showing Maisie how much you love her, in fact, you’re only confirming that you’re easily deceived—“

When Aaron and Maisie become involved with the street wise Star and begin exploring sex and drugs, within the confines laid out of course, the situation turns deadly.

For me TEASER was a difficult read. Parenting styles, from the horrific to ‘let them grow like weeds’ are at the heart of TEASER. Some monsters are born while others are created. There’s a lot of ugly truth here and it’s not made palatable with humor, it’s just laid out there in black and white. TEASER made my heart hurt. But thankfully all that ugliness is balanced by the beauty of hope and inspiration.
TEASER is dark, frightening, and suspenseful (especially as a parent) but there’s light at the end…
I highly recommend TEASER.
I’m sincerely anticipating the third in the Corey Logan trilogy while being greatly disappointed there will be only three.
Reviewed for Miss Ivy’s Book Nook, Manic Readers, and Novels Alive TV

Corey Logan won my affection after reading Inside Passage and I still remain her champion in Teaser.

Corey’s strength, intuition, and hardened past serves her, yet her softness and vulnerability combine to create one worthy protagonist. Corey demonstrates, capabilities and courage again in Teaser. Her dedication to rescue two teens in danger without thought to her own risk reveals her authenticity. Her compassion, altruistic heart and her rugged shell merge to form a formidable force. Abe, his quirky ways, intelligence and unrelenting support of Corey endears him to the reader. Their coupling is verified through their understanding and respect of each other. Where there is one, the other follows, ready to support and face anything together. Two highly intelligent characters besting the bad guy.

The narrative resembles a spider web, many threads form a powerful storyline with one psychotic deranged character at its apex. ‘Teaser’ is loathsome and lethal, you will turn each page fretting unsavory and heinous deeds this undesirable character commits. The plot gains momentum creating a true nail biter until the very end. Clever twists and turns leave the reader in wonderment of how all will play out. A powerful and intricate plot dealing with the sensitive topic of sexual abuse.

Weissbourd’s stellar writing, memorable characters – especially of Corey Logan and an extremely well crafted narrative never disappoint. A plot addressing sexual abuse along with manipulation, secrecy, communication, deception and parenting issues, deliver quite a notable story ably presented.

Teaser is the sequel to Inside Passage, however, it is fine as a standalone. I do recommend reading Inside Passage only adding to your reading enjoyment in both content and authorship.

*I have received this book in exchange for an honest review*

Burt Weissbort creates a unique mystery novel as the reader journeys through Yellowstone Park in search of answers. Animals have begun to look and act strangely . But so do just about every character in this novel as events come to a head. The story is fast paced and slow, unorganized then laser focused. It is able to create this dynamic through its standalone characters that all get thrown into the boiling pot.

Plot
The daily happenings of Yellowstone National Park are in danger as the elk begin to grow adult sized antler too early and bears develop birth defects. But, this is no average story about seasonal hormonal changes. No - something unspeakable is happening. Actually, several awful things are happening in the forest and to the people in the town. Now Rachel and Rainey have been thrown right into the mix.

I really cannot give away much more. After about the halfway point, the story picks up the real events at the park. A lot of back stories and motives are covered in the ending. I am fine with this but perhaps it would have been a good opportunity to expand the book past almost 300 pages... But, I can see where some may find that too much was happening… that the story was no longer logical or realistic.

Landscaping
Yellowstone Park is the amazing backdrop to the story. At every turn, the reader is mesmerized by the park, the animals, or the other beautiful scenery of Montana. We get to see grizzlies, elk, eagles, cliff faces, raging fires, and even geysers. A few pictures exist within the story as well - considering the beautiful scenery, it actually would have been nice to see more photography. Being an outdoorsy type, I loved that all of this action was set in a national forest, which has its own protocols and goals separate from the county. It brings an additional dynamic to the story.

Characterization
The excellent characterization brings this novel to life. As I mentioned, each character has his or her own story and motivations. Weissbort takes us into their heads without bogging us down in too many details. I found that some of the characters' purposes were not clear until the end, which was a nice surprise. I don't want to get into each character as describing them and their development might give away the ending.

Another great trick of the author's characterization is that it's hard to tell who the bad guys are, just as in real life. You think you know the enemy until the ugly truth is pushed into your face.

The "Ehhh...." Moments
The romance. I generally do not prefer romance in most of my novels. While I will admit that this was done in good taste, I found it to be a little unnecessary. The initial background development it provides for Rainey and Rachel was good but the following events generally did not build the story or characters. We can easily see, without the happen-upons of coitus and bitchy back-and-forth, that Rainey is motivated by Jen and that Rachel has understandably fallen in love with Rainey again.

This next moment is not a personal issue of mine but it could be for others: violence. Some violence and gory details are contained within this story. It isn't much but fair warning if your stomach turns too easily.

Conclusion
I read a review which stated that this book is intriguing, but incredulous. Understandably, this reviewer has a point because the real events start looking like an episode of 24. However, I disagree. The ending may feel rushed and maybe impossible, but the point of view determines the pace. We are seeing everything through the characters' eyes - and they do feel rushed. Their lives and the things/ people they care about are in danger. So why would they not feel as if their worlds were tumbling after them? Weissbort did a fantastic job defining his characters, plot, and landscape. I was completely submerged in this story and would recommend it to anyone.

This lovely novel is set in Yellowstone National Park.

Rachel Stanley is a bear biologist who finds a body of a man who had been conducting experiments in the park. The body looked like the man was killed and partially eaten by a bear. There are also other disturbing things such as animals being born with deformities.

Rainey is a former PI who meets Jen Donahue when Rainey was fishing in the park. Jen is a Chicago cop on leave. She's being harassed by her husband and there is a battle for child custody.

There are a number of courageous characters and a large number of people out to get whatever they can. There is an evil sheriff who wants to go into business selling illegal elk horns to a Chinese businessman. There is also a crazed poacher and a black-ops agent doing experiments.

It's a battle of good vs. evil and the characters are tremendous. Don't miss this wonderful book.

I enjoyed the story, the courage of the characters and the setting.
I was sad to see the story end.

I received this book in return for my honest review.

A new author for me. I would certainly look for other books by him. I wasn't sure at the beginning where it was leading. However, it really got me involved. I know it was a novel, but it seemed so possible that It really kept me on edge. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out until the very end.

In Velvet is a story about events happening in Yellowstone Park, Rachel is a bear biologist who is seeing horrific changes in the animals in a part of the park. Mutations such as bear cubs with no ears, elk having huge antlers and they are getting the velvet on them in the wrong season and a bear, Woolly Bugger, that she has been tracking for 13 years, is digging a den for hibernation in the wrong season. There is research being done on thermophiles in the hotsprings that may be contributing to the strange animal behaviors.What can be happening? Rachel is determined to find out what is going wrong. With the help of Rainy, a friend and previous lover, she goes up against a corrupt sheriff, a dangerously demented poacher and other government officials.

This is a fast paced, character driven novel that could actually happen, greed and corruption abounds amongst some of the characters. Rachel comes across as a tough woman but she is also very vulnerable, Rainey is a man who has seen his share of troubles but the two of them make for a dynamic couple. There is a lot of scientific jargon but that does not detract from the story. A great thriller for the person who enjoys a story who's characters are tough and gritty, no sugar coated people in this book! I enjoyed it immensely.

Bear biologist Rachel teams up with former private detective and ex-boyfriend Rainey along with Jen, a former Chicago cop and visitor to Yellowstone for complicated reasons of her own. The three are thrown into a complex plot involving secret government research, an out-of-control black ops manager, local politics, a corrupt sheriff and forest ranger, and a crazy poacher – plus a murder or two along the way. Meanwhile more and more strange behavior is occurring among the wildlife in Yellowstone.

There is a large cast of quirky characters, each with their own agenda. The story rapidly shifts between multiple points of view. While initially making it a little challenging to follow, this added a layer of complexity and provided insight into the minds and motivation each character.

I especially liked having strong, no-nonsense female characters with bold personalities. The fictional, secret scientific research in Yellowstone’s hot springs was, at times, believable and at others like the actions of a rogue scientist rather than a calculated, if not incredulous, government plot. Set in 1995, before cell phones and instant communication and rescue, there is a heightened sense of danger and suspense in the remote areas of the wilderness.

Set in the vivid northwest landscape within the beauty of Yellowstone Park, In Velvet combines nature and science into a suspenseful thriller with non-stop action, an engaging mystery, and a hint of romance.½

Good vs evil. Nature vs exploitation. Who will win?

This vivid, multi-layered, multiple mystery narrative continuously weaves and winds throughout with lots of action, science and a hint of romance. To a point, a suspension of disbelief does assist with parts, but the story is easy to read and flows well.

Characters are authentic, caring, and intriguing.

Overall, a thrilling read.

Outstanding book! I actually received an advanced copy of this book and was a bit hesitant as I had never heard of the author before. Within 10 pages I was hooked and it stayed extremely strong throughout. I haven't rated many books a full 5 stars in my list, but I really feel this one deserves all five. The pace of the story was excellent. Characters were well developed and believable. I will be on the lookout for more books by Mr. Weissbourd.